Turn Back Time Read online

  Nick sat at the kitchen table and called him back.

  Alex answered halfway through the first ring. “Finally!”

  “What’s the big break?”

  “Luke and Macy recognize the other two missing people from the Meriwether.”

  “They do?” Nick asked. “What’s the connection?”

  “You’re not going to believe this.”

  Nick sat taller. “Try me.”

  “They were both part of that cult from when Macy was kidnapped.”

  Nick let the news settle. “They’re sure?”

  “They even know their names—well, the names they went by in the cult.”

  “Are the cult leaders trying to rebuild what they had before?”

  “Maybe, but Lottie wouldn’t have left without a word, much less gone willingly with the cult. And what about Luke and Macy? They don’t know anything about it.”

  Nick glanced at the time. “Meet me at the station. I might have to leave in the middle of questioning, but someone else can take over for me. I’ll be there in ten.”

  “Thanks, Nick.”

  “Don’t thank me yet. Let’s get to the bottom of this.” He ended the call, texted Anderson, and grabbed his keys.

  Questions

  Alex sat next to Macy in the interrogation room while Nick and two other cops questioned her and Luke about the cult and the two missing people from the apartments. Macy hadn’t stopped shaking since she saw their pictures. She was pale and kept stumbling over her words. Both he and Luke held her clammy hands.

  Alex glanced at the camera recording their every word and movement. That certainly couldn’t help her nerves. At least she wouldn’t have to keep repeating the story since they’d have it recorded. Hopefully.

  The captain kept glancing at the clock. It was supposed to be his day off, and he was picking up his kids from the airport soon. Yet here he was. If Alex didn’t know any better, he might think the captain never had any time off. Nick pushed his chair back. “I’m really sorry, but I have to go. Just keep talking with these officers. I’ll go over the video, and let you know if I have any additional questions.”

  Macy nodded but didn’t say anything. Luke thanked him and shook his hand. Alex nodded at him, and then the captain left.

  Lieutenant Anderson slid his finger around an iPad. “Let me make sure I understand everything so far.” He glanced at Luke. “You and your mom joined the cult willingly when you were ten?”

  “Yeah.” He looked deep in thought for a moment. “I was almost eleven, but my tenth birthday was the last one I celebrated until we got out. It was right after my dad died, and we were about to wind up on the streets. One of the leaders met my mom while I was in school. He promised they’d keep us off the streets, clothed, and fed. They told her I’d always be cared for. She couldn’t say no to that.”

  “And you never felt that anything was wrong? They didn’t mistreat you?”

  Macy’s hand squeezed Alex’s so tightly that it reminded him of Zoey on the day Ariana had been born. He patted his sister’s hand and tried to give her a reassuring look. She looked like she’d burst into tears at any moment.

  Luke cleared his throat. “Mom warned me they had a different lifestyle from what I was used to, but that we’d both grow to like it because they would take care of us, and we’d never have to be homeless.”

  “And you compare the lifestyle to the Amish?”

  “What does this have to do with anything?” Macy blurted out. “How is talking about this going to find Lottie?”

  Anderson gave her a sympathetic glance. “I know this is hard, but if they’re trying to rebuild the cult, we need to know everything. Who knows what tiny, seemingly insignificant detail can lead us to them? It could be something you tell us today that leads us to your mother-in-law.”

  Macy took a deep breath. “Sorry.”

  “Don’t be. If you need to step outside for some air, feel free.”

  “Really?”

  “Of course.” Anderson turned back to Luke. “Tell me more about the leaders. You say that Rory from the Meriwether was one of them?”

  Luke nodded. “Isaac. He was the son of Jonah’s right-hand man. We didn’t hear from him much, but if someone stepped out of line, he was quick to put them in their place.”

  Macy turned to Alex. “Will you go into the hall with me?”

  He squeezed her hand. “Yeah.”

  They walked around the table and out into the hall. Macy leaned against the wall and took several deep breaths. “I never thought I’d have to think about the community again.”

  “Hopefully after this, you won’t.” Alex stood next to her and leaned his head against the wall. “I hate that thinking about it tears you apart.”

  She turned to him, tears shining in her eyes. “Thanks. I hate it, too. I’m home, I’m safe—you’d think I could just put it behind me.”

  “I don’t know if I could. You’re one of the strongest people I know, Mace. I hope you know that.”

  A tear ran down her face and she turned away.

  “What can we do to help you get through this meeting?” Alex asked. “I can grab you some stale coffee. I hear that works wonders.”

  Macy cracked a smile.

  “Stay right here.” Alex headed to the table where they kept coffee and filled two foam cups and added some sugar cubes and cream. It wasn’t a mint mocha, but hopefully it would help at least a little.

  When he turned down the hallway and saw her, Macy wiped at her eyes furiously. His heart broke for his sister. If he could find anyone who’d hurt her, he would give them some of their own medicine.

  Alex handed her one of the cups and noticed the skin around her eyes was splotchy, like she’d been crying especially hard.

  “Thanks.”

  “I wish I could take it all away. I really do.”

  She shrugged and sipped the drink. “Maybe talking about it will help find Lottie. Then it’ll all be worth it.”

  “But will you be okay?” He sipped his coffee. It was horribly bitter, despite the cream and sugar.

  Macy stood taller. “If we find her, yes, I will be. We should get back in there.”

  Alex opened the door to the interrogation room and held it for Macy. They walked in together and took their seats.

  Luke was speaking. “…at school, Teacher Rebekah taught us the basics—reading, writing, and math. Other than that, everything had to do with the community. I had a lot to catch up on in order to graduate high school. Jonah didn’t want us discussing, much less learning, about the world.”

  Anderson nodded at Alex and Macy as they took their seats. Luke held Macy’s hand. Anderson turned his attention back to Luke. “Knowing everything you do, what do you think they’re doing now? Are they rebuilding now that many of them have finished their sentences? Are they abducting former members? In your opinion, of course.”

  Luke glanced at the pictures of Rory and Kinsley on the table. “It wouldn’t surprise me if they’re rebuilding everything. Nor would it shock me to learn they’re taking people by force.”

  Anderson tapped his tablet’s screen and turned to Macy. “What about you? What do you think?”

  Flashbacks

  Macy stared at the lieutenant. “R-repeat the question, please.”

  He nodded. “In your opinion, what do you think the cult is doing?”

  The interrogation room disappeared, and Macy found herself in a dark room. No, it wasn’t entirely dark. There was a light flicker coming from the candle in her hand. It reflected in the mirrors around her. The whole room was covered in mirrors. Each one reflected the tiny fire, shaking in her grasp. She looked up at one of the mirrors and saw her face—herself at fifteen, wearing all white.

  She was locked in the room. They were punishing her for something. She’d wanted to beg to be released but had been too scared. Fighting them would only make things worse for her. That much she knew.

  “Macy? Are you okay?”

  Her
brother’s voice brought her back to the present. Macy shook her head and took a deep breath.

  “What do you think the cult is up to?” Anderson repeated.

  “They’ll want to rebuild. And they’ll be furious they were stopped all those years ago. They’ll be more careful this time.”

  “Careful?” asked the other policeman. “What do you mean?”

  A lump formed in her throat. “They’ll make sure nobody gets away.”

  “Do you think your mother-in-law went willingly? Like she did the first time?”

  Macy blinked back tears. She felt small—like the scared, terrorized fifteen-year-old she’d been. “N-no. Lottie changed her last name to stay hidden from them. She l-lives on her own, and she likes her independence. There’s no reason for her to want to go back.”

  Anderson slid his finger furiously around his tablet’s screen and then looked back at her. “Is there anything about Rory or Kinsley that you haven’t mentioned yet? Rory was one of the leaders, so he probably left on his own. What about Kinsley?”

  “I don’t know.” Macy gasped for air. “She was just a little kid. I saw her around but never talked to her. And who knows how she feels about the community now? I’d think she’d barely remember it at this point.”

  He turned to Luke. “Is that what you think, too?”

  Luke pursed his lips and took a deep breath. “Her mom was extremely dedicated to the community—all the adults were. Jonah saved them all from bad life experiences. It made him easily revered.”

  “So, we need to look into her parents. See if they know anything—or if they’ve gone missing as well.”

  “Like my mom, her mom wasn’t married, either.”

  “Were there a lot of single parent families?” Anderson asked.

  Luke glanced over at Macy and squeezed her hand. “Most came in that way, but a lot were given spouses within the community.”

  “Your mom was never married in there?”

  “Briefly.”

  “Meaning?”

  Luke shrugged. “He was kicked out of the community, and we never talked about him after that.”

  Anderson made some notes and turned to Macy. “What about you? What were your circumstances?”

  A chill ran through Macy. “Chester, he made me pretend to be his daughter.”

  “He was some kind of leader?”

  Macy shuddered just thinking about it. “He was Jonah’s highest prophet.”

  Anderson arched a brow. “The man who kidnapped and tortured you?”

  “And killed people,” Macy whispered. She closed her eyes, not wanting to think about her abductor anymore. Luke kissed her cheek.

  “Right,” said the other policeman. “He’s never getting out of prison because of his charges.”

  A small amount of relief washed through her. Chester had been convicted for a great many crimes and had been sent to prison without the possibility of parole. It was the one thing that helped her to actually sleep at night.

  Anderson pressed his palms on the table. “We’re done asking about the cult, unless you have anything else to add.”

  Macy shook her head.

  “I don’t,” Luke said.

  Anderson nodded toward the other policeman, who pulled out a large manila envelope. “We have some pictures we’d like you to look at. If you recognize any of the people, let us know.”

  Macy’s stomach lurched. She didn’t know what they were about to see, but she was sure it would give her nightmares.

  The two cops spread out a dozen photos in front of them. Luke leaned over first. Macy’s heart raced but she forced herself to take a peek. At first glance, she didn’t recognize anyone. But then one of the pictures caught her attention. The man was about her dad’s age, and though he wore his hair long and was clean-shaven, she knew who he was upon studying his eyes.

  “I know her.” Luke pointed to the picture nearest him. “She was Teacher Rebekah’s assistant for a while—before she took over the younger kids’ class.”

  “And him.” Macy grabbed the photograph she’d recognized. “He was one of the farmers.”

  In a matter of minutes, between the two of them, Luke and Macy had identified each of the people.

  “Are they missing, too?” Alex asked.

  Anderson nodded. “We’ve had a rash of homeless people disappearing.” He exchanged a glance with the other officer. “And there are high numbers of homeless and low-income people disappearing in other parts of the state, too.”

  “And in parts of Idaho and Oregon,” added the other officer.

  Macy’s stomach twisted in tight knots. “Chester’s staying locked up, isn’t he?”

  “He’s in a maximum security prison. There’s no way he’s getting out.”

  The lump in Macy’s throat grew twice in size. She squeezed Luke’s hand. “What if we’re next?”

  He shook his head. “We won’t be. I won’t let them take us.”

  Her mouth went dry. She wished she could believe him. When Jonah wanted something, he got it. If he wanted to take the two of them, he would find a way.

  Luke kissed her forehead. “We’ll be on the lookout. Now we have the advantage—we know they’re probably going to start scoping us out soon.”

  Macy’s blood ran cold as she thought back to the night before. She’d been sure someone was following her. Why hadn’t they taken her? They weren’t ready yet? Did they worry about witnesses in the neighborhood?

  “Are you okay?” Luke rested his hand on her shoulder.

  She nodded. “We’ll just have to be really careful.”

  Parched

  Lottie moaned and opened her eyes. Her mouth and throat felt like the desert. She’d managed to sleep, curled against a wall, but it had been restless and it didn’t feel like she’d slept long. Her stomach growled. She felt light-headed and dizzy, and a headache throbbed. The people in front of her appeared in doubles.

  The leaders were trying to break her. Make her susceptible to whatever they had planned for her. She needed more than the two tiny cups of water she’d received the night before.

  She took a deep breath and forced herself to sit up. No matter how hard it would be, she needed to stay mentally tough. It was her only chance. After a few slow, deep breaths her double-vision went away.

  Lottie focused on the others, trying to push her bodily needs out of her mind. There were about a dozen others, and everyone stayed to themselves—alone like her. Some sat, but most lay on the ground. That was probably exactly what the leaders wanted.

  Something tickled her nose. Lottie sneezed loudly, the force going all the way down to her empty stomach. Several others glanced her way. She made eye contact with one.

  Sydney. Her eyes widened, and she clung to Lottie’s gaze, unmoving. Then she turned around and faced the wall.

  Lottie sighed. She looked around for Sydney’s children but didn’t see any kids. When had they nabbed her? Had they left her kids at home, or were they holding children separately? That might be the case, given they were putting the adults on trial.

  She forced herself to her feet, using the wall to balance. Her dizziness made it hard to walk. She stumbled but made it across the room.

  “Sydney.”

  The younger woman didn’t move.

  “Sydney,” Lottie repeated.

  She spun around. “I go by Dinah here. Are you trying to get me in trouble?”

  “Of course not.”

  Sydney glanced around. “You know the rules.”

  Lottie lowered her voice. “Did they get your kids, too?”

  Her eyes narrowed, but Sydney didn’t answer.

  “Are they here?”

  “We’re not supposed to talk.” Sydney’s brows came together.

  “When are they going to feed us?”

  “Never, if you keep this up.”

  Lottie frowned.

  Click.

  Lottie and everyone else snapped their attention in that direction.

  �
�Go back to where you were.” Sydney turned her back on Lottie.

  Click.

  Lottie shook her head, but went back to where she’d slept. She leaned against the wall and slid to sitting. Who knew what would happen? A new prisoner? Some food or water, maybe? Lottie’s heart raced at the thought. What she wouldn’t give for another small glass of water and especially just a piece of bread. And that was exactly the point—she would be more willing to go along with whatever they had planned if she was desperate for something to eat.

  She held her breath as the last three locks clicked. It felt like forever before the door opened, but in reality, it was probably only a few seconds.

  The smell of food—soup?—hit her like a ton of bricks. Lottie pressed her palms on the ground to keep herself steady. She shook, eager for some nutrition. Her head wobbled back and forth as dizziness reclaimed her.

  A man came in followed by several women and another man who closed the door and locked it from the inside with a key. The women carried trays with small bowls.

  Lottie’s mouth watered. Would she finally get sustenance? Or would they continue to deny her? She continued shaking but tried to remain steady. The last thing she wanted was to give them any reason to deny her food.

  All the other prisoners kept their gazes averted to the floor, so Lottie glanced down. She had to show them she was fitting back in. That she would do whatever it would take for food. Then once she had a little energy, she would look for a way out.

  She took slow, labored breaths as she watched them from the corner of her eye. The women came over to the captives and handed each one of them a small bowl. Lottie felt like she might pass out.

  Hold on. She pressed her palms harder against the packed-dirt floor.

  The women made their way around the room, stopping in front of everyone until finally only Lottie was left.

  Were they going to skip her?

  Tears stung at her eyes, but she refused to give into them. Even if they refused to feed her, they would never see it get to her.

  The two men whispered. The three women milled about. One bowl remained on a single tray. It took all of Lottie’s effort not to stare at it. She watched it from the periphery of her vision. The smell of the soup made her mouth water, which at least was something. She didn’t feel so parched. Her stomach felt like it would growl, but it didn’t. Perhaps it was too much effort.