Sweet Baby

The grays, why is it every time someone gets abducted or visited it's the gray ones? No reptilians, no three legged or four legged freak of space, it's the gray nerds of the cosmos. Now Alien was an 'alien'! "Get to the choppa! "Billy!! C'mon!" ....loud bangs on the door interrupted the thought process. Michael turned and laid propped up on his hand listening to make sure it was HIS door he heard being hit. Not the best loft apartment but it was cheap and big enough considering the space and location within the city. Something he needed just starting out, even had a small nook overlooking 2nd Ave and Noble. Again another two loud bangs,

"Mr Royles!?...open up please".

He looks at his phone, 7:53a.m.,

"One minute!"

Taking a deep breath as he touched the worn hardwood floor with bare feet feeling the coldness of the early morning send a quick shock through his lower legs. Making his way to the door he could hear muffled words from at least two people and even though he couldn't make out the words they didn't seem positive. The metal trimmed door creaks open to a middle aged woman and younger man staring at him with what seemed to be anger and sadness.

"Where is she?"

Taking a moment to make sure he heard correctly he replied,

"I'm sorry?".

"Where...is....she" the woman said again.

"Who are you looking for? I'm the only one who lives here I think you have the wrong apartment."

She stepped forward with the young man holding onto her hand, "Mariah, where is she you piece of..."

"Ma'am I'm sorry but the only Mariah I know is my daughter but I haven't seen her in weeks, her mother and I are at a, disagreement you could say".

"Yes! asshole where is she!?"

He looked through her more than anything thinking back to when WAS the last time he had physically seen his daughter.

"Ok lady I don't know what to tell you but whoever you are I haven't seen her in weeks".

He slammed the door which was followed by angry fists beating on the door rapidly with shouts of profanity from the unknown woman standing outside. As he walked away all he could do is try his best to think of who the lady could be and how in the hell she even knew were he lived. The only idea he had was maybe it was Monique's mother or even aunt, judging by her possible age and familiar facial features. Either way he didn't owe her anything more than what he told her in the doorway.

As he poured himself a glass of orange juice his phone vibrated and a quick chirp to signal a text pierced the now dimly light kitchen with the rainy mornings sunrays peeking through bluish gray clouds. "CALL ME" the text read. He slowly started to text back but stopped mid way through the sentence when he just decided to go ahead and call.

"Hey, what's up?. What do you mean she hasn't been home you have her all to yourself remember you don't let me..."

He pulled the phone away from his ear letting the high soft voice on the other end finish what they were yelling about.

"I'll call the school and go see what her teacher says".

Quickly ending the call he looks around for his shoes and shirt, which were mostly scattered on the futon and rocking chair across the room by the bookcase along the bare brick east wall of the loft. As he picked the most recently washed shirt off the arm of the futon another knock on the door echoed to his ears. Rushing back to the door he was now greeted by two police officers relaxed yet sprite in their delivery.

"Mr. Royles?"

"Yes ma'am".

"I'm Officer Smithson and this is Officer Beaux we're here to talk about your daughter Mariah".

"Yea I haven't seen her in weeks I was just about to call the school to see when she was last there sin.."

" And why would you call the school first?"

"Officer the only other place she goes is school if she's not home, even though home may not be the best place for her the STATE says otherwise, I mean since they obviously know best".

"Sir have you heard from your ex wife lately?" Beaux interrupted stepping forward into the door frame visibly frustrated already.

"No sir, her sister text me a few minutes ago which I'm surprised she is even awake before noon" he said with a puff of air to mask the small sarcastic laugh he tried to hold back.

Both Monique and her sister were known for their lack of sobriety in any fashion but just as well known for their last name. Daddy was a man of importance in the area with substantial amounts of family money flowing through town. Of course, thanks to smart and ruthless great grandparents dealing with other small town companies they acquired over many years of negotiations, agreements and as well as fear. Michael didn't know all of the family, just Monique and her sister along with a few friends, leaches more like it, but no more than that. Most are just forgotten names and vague faces. Three tumultuous years leading up to the divorce was an evil twin compared to the first three, not perfect but great in every aspect he could hope for. Time had come and gone and all that's left is a non existent relationship with Monique yet a beautiful girl he called his own but could hardly get to be with after the split. She is the only shinning light in his now world void of light. Officer Smithson took out her card and handed it to him,

"If you DO hear from her or know of anyone who has give me a call please, a detective might be by later today, or tomorrow. Either way be available."

"Yes ma'am, I'll be here" he stated with a slight shake of his head.

"Oh..." Smithson stopped mid turn away from the door, "Monique is at Mary Of Bethlehem....if you care." she stared at him looking for a reaction.

"What now, OD? Hung over?" he asked looking vaguely at her card.

"Don't know details, just know she was admitted late last night, some bruises and scratches...they pumped her stomach, she's on fluids. Might be nice to go at least visit". Smithson turned away and headed down the hallway with Beaux close behind. "Won't hurt Mr. Royles!" she finished with as she turned the corner toward the elevator.

He glared toward the end of the hall, as if to will no one else come down it toward his door again. Slowly closing the door he locked both deadbolts and paused for a few seconds. The thought of breakfast crossed his mind, he made his way into the kitchen, slid the TV remote from the counter and turned on the flat screen hanging on the wall adjacent of the futon. The local news station was on from watching the high school sports highlights last night. Mid-report of a little girl gone missing, his little girl, the only girl he cared for anymore. The same glare he gave the hallway he now threw at the screen, more determination than anger he turned the TV off and placed the remote back on the polished concrete counter top. Staring at the painted faux marble design he thought, of everything and nothing at the same time. Just there, standing both hands propping him up as he just, thought.

"Daddy..."

He looked up toward the second smaller bedroom, it's door slightly open, he smiled, "Hey sweet baby".