Page 71 of Twice Missing
"Or human trafficking occurs," Noah said.
29
The RRH Massena Hospital came into view. The five-story brick building stood out against the winter sky, its windows reflecting the weak sunlight. Snow blanketed the ground around the hospital, pristine and untouched in some areas, while plowed into dirty piles in the parking lots and along the sidewalks.
Noah guided the car into the visitor parking lot, the tires crunching over the salt and sand mixture spread to combat the ice. As they stepped out of the vehicle, the cold air hit them like a physical force, their breath immediately visible in small, steaming clouds.
The hospital's main entrance was a flurry of activity, with people coming and going despite the early hour. Ambulances were parked nearby, their drivers huddled together, sipping coffee and exchanging stories between calls.
Noah and McKenzie made their way towards the entrance, their shoes leaving fresh tracks in the thin layerof snow that had fallen since the lot was last plowed. The automatic doors slid open with a whoosh of warm air, enveloping them as they stepped inside.
The lobby was warm and inviting compared to the winter wonderland outside. Bright fluorescent lights illuminated the space, and the smell of disinfectant hung in the air. A mix of patients, visitors, and staff moved about, their voices creating a low hum of background noise.
Noah and McKenzie approached the information desk, where a middle-aged nurse with graying hair and kind eyes greeted them.
"Can I help you gentlemen?" she asked, her voice warm but professional.
Noah flashed his badge. "We're here to see Jessica Moon. Could you tell us which room she's in?"
The nurse tapped at her computer for a moment before responding. "She's on the third floor, room 312. Take the elevator to your right and follow the signs."
They thanked her and made their way to the elevator. As they ascended, Noah could feel the tension building in his shoulders. He hoped Jessica would be able to provide some crucial information that could help tie together the loose ends of their investigation.
The elevator doors opened with a soft ding, revealing a long, sterile hallway. The smell of disinfectant was even stronger here, mingling with the underlying scent of illness and medication. They followed the signs to room 312, their footsteps echoing in the quiet corridor.
Noah knocked softly on the door before entering. The room was small but private, with a single bed positionednear the window. Pale sunlight filtered through the blinds, casting long shadows across the linoleum floor. A TV mounted on the wall opposite the bed played silently, its images flickering without sound.
Jessica Moon lay in the bed, her small frame almost lost among the white sheets. An IV drip stood beside her, its steady beeping a constant reminder of her fragile state. Her face was a canvas of bruises, her eyes sunken and tired.
"Jessica," Noah said gently. "Noah Sutherland from State Police. We spoke earlier today."
Jessica's eyes flickered with recognition. "I remember," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I was hoping we could talk," Noah continued, taking a step closer to the bed.
Before he could ask any questions, a figure appeared in the doorway. Jacob Moon stood there, holding a drink, his face a mask of suspicion and anger.
"Why are you all here?" he demanded, his voice sharp.
Jessica answered before Noah could. "They have questions."
Jacob's eyes narrowed. "I already told you. The guy you are looking for is Marcus Rivers. He started the fire in my home. He put her in here."
Noah tried to keep his voice calm and neutral. "According to him, that isn't the case."
"Him or Oates?" Jacob asked, brushing past them to hand the drink to Jessica.
"Would it matter?" Noah countered.
Jacob's laugh was bitter. "I guess not. Both are liars.Both have their motives for keeping Kayla's disappearance a secret. But you wouldn't care about that. No one in law enforcement does."
Noah glanced at McKenzie, sensing the growing tension in the room. "Maybe that has been your experience before, but I'd like to think that we are different."
"Different? In what way? You work for the government."
"They are government jobs, but we don't usually get called into reservation matters," Noah explained.
"And that changes anything?" Jacob scoffed. "No, to hell with you all. Leave us alone."
