Page 26 of Her Final Hours
“Address what?”
“Well, usually those closest to an abduction victim have PTSD, survivors’ guilt, grief. Even if they never witnessed it.”
Noah lifted his eyes, his brow creasing. “I work in homicide, doctor. Putting away assholes that do these kinds of things. That’s my therapy.”
Nodding with understanding, Athena replied, “Maybe at some point, you can come out to my farm. I can show you what we do.”
Noah rose from his seat, a glimmer of gratitude in his eyes. “Thanks. Maybe I’ll take you up on that. For the time being, I have a therapist,” he said, realizing what she was alluding to was that he needed treatment as much as any victim.
She smiled back. “And how is that going?”
“Maybe we’ll leave that conversation for another time.” Noah redirected their dialogue back to the girl. “If you don’t mind, I want to talk to her. I won’t interrogate her, but the doctor said familiar stimuli might trigger a memory. If she knew Payton or….” He trailed off, acknowledging the seeming absurdity that Payton was even alive now. She’d gone missing over twenty-five years ago. The statistics regarding abduction cases were grim, with only a tiny fraction of victims found alive.
Athena nodded in agreement. “Sure, but I would like to be there, just in case.” She exited her chair and led him down the hospital hallway towards the room. As they approached, Noah’s gaze shifted to a dividing window, allowing a glimpse insidethe room where the girl was awake and conversing with a stranger. Sensing his curiosity, Athena explained. “One of my assistants is working with her at the moment. The sooner we can bring her to our farm for therapy, the sooner we can have answers.”
Understanding the need for support, Noah nodded appreciatively. Athena opened the door, ushering him inside. The room was small and brightly lit, creating a welcoming atmosphere. Even though she was considered between fourteen and seventeen, they were unsure of her mental state, so they moved her bed into one of the rooms for younger children. Soft toys and colorful artwork were on the shelves, creating a safe, child-friendly space. In the center of the room, a small table was set up with drawing materials and puzzles.
The girl, who looked no older than his daughter, sat in a chair, her eyes flickering with curiosity and apprehension. Her delicate features and tousled chestnut hair framed a face that bore the weight of an unknown past. She was still clothed in hospital garb, allowing him to see the many of the names of the missing.
“This is Detective Sutherland,” Athena said, introducing him, her voice gentle as she gestured toward Noah. “He would like to talk to you.”
The girl looked up at him, eyes full of curiosity and caution. She shifted in her seat, unsure of what to expect. Noah approached with a reassuring smile, his demeanor gentle yet focused. Athena and her assistant stood off to his right, observing, ready to step in.
“Hello there,” he said in a soft voice. “I’m Noah. I work for the police. I’m trying to find answers, I’m hoping you can help.” He took a seat across from her, maintaining his distance. Noah continued, his voice full of empathy. “I can see you’ve been through a lot. I’m not here to interrogate you. I want tounderstand. Those marks on your body,” he said, pointing to them. “Did you do that or someone else?”
There was no answer, but she touched one before her eyes widened briefly, a flicker of recognition crossing her face. She glanced at Athena, seeking reassurance. Athena nodded subtly, her presence providing a sense of comfort.
No answer was given.
“Okay. Listen, one of those is the name of a girl I once knew. Payton Scott. You ever heard of her?”
She shook her head.
Noah continued, trying to be careful yet simultaneously aware that she was the freshest lead the county had since Payton’s disappearance.
“The marks around your wrists and ankles. Do you remember who did that?”
Again, he was left waiting for an answer.
“Do you recall where you were before here?”
Her eyes roamed as if trying to access the deep recesses of her mind but she came back with nothing. “Were you with any of these girls? Did you see any of them? Can you remember anything?”
The girl remained silent momentarily, her gaze fixed on a distant point. Then, her voice, quiet and fragile, broke the silence. “You said your name is Noah?”
“That’s right. Noah Sutherland.”
“I… I think I know that name. It feels… familiar, but I don’t… can’t remember why… I can’t remember anything,” she said, her head dipping.
He thought he had her for a second, then Noah’s heart sank. He maintained his composure. “It’s okay. Take your time. If anything comes to you, no matter how small or unusual it may seem, please let us know.”
Athena stepped forward, her presence a comforting anchor. “Remember, there’s no rush,” she added, her voice gentle. “We’re here to support you.”
The girl nodded slowly, her gaze shifting between Noah and Athena. Though the path to unlocking her memories seemed uncertain and challenging, a glimmer of hope lingered in the room. If she did remember his name, did that mean Payton was still alive? If she were, she would be in her early forties.
Noah touched his chest. “Noah Sutherland. How do you know me?”
“I don’t. I…” She lowered her head and whimpered.
