Although the night began with tension due to the sheriff's unexpected arrival, it soon relaxed. My dad, Andrew, wanted to learn everything about my mom and my life—especially details about the schools I went to, the sports I played, where we lived, and why she chose Sleighton as our last name. He bombarded me with so many questions that I didn't know where to begin. The main question he was eager to ask was whether she had ever married. He didn't come right out and ask me, but he hinted around about it.
"My mom was a single mother who devoted her entire life to raising me and keeping me safe. She went on a few dates, but there was never anyone serious," I said, thinking of her and how loving she was to me. "She always mentioned she was in love once, and I was the result of it, but that is all she would say on the matter. I was never into sports; I was too clumsy. I often tripped over my own feet. Mom was afraid I would break my neck," I laughed. "We mostly lived in an apartment; she was afraid to settle down too much. She believed it would be easier to move if we didn't own much. About our last name, I never thought to ask; I thought it was her family name until now," I explained.
"Honestly, had I known you two were out there somewhere, I would have moved mountains to find you both. I loved her and you so much," Andy says as tears roll down his cheeks. "I begged my father to look into the disappearance, but he said no, he had better things to worry about than some useless family. He didn't even care when I told him she was pregnant with my daughter. He just told me I dodged a bullet. I hated him so much for his words. He was no longer my father in my eyes, and I left home the minute I graduated high school." I was worried about Sharon's reaction to his confession. Glancing in her direction, she seemed unfazed by his confession and comforted him by rubbing his arm. I was glad; my intention was never to make her feel uncomfortable. She had been so lovely and welcoming to me, even before we knew for sure that Andy was my dad. She must have noticed me looking at her, because she gave me a warm smile.
"I know all about your momma because Andy talked about her a lot," Sharon says. "I'm not upset about how he feels about her or you because I know he loves me as well. In fact, I would love to get to know you better, too."
Her words made me tear up. I knew they were genuine because of her facial expressions and mannerisms. I hoped to get to know her better, too; my mom would want me to.
"Every time I asked mom about you or her family, she would get upset and say we didn't have any family, it was just us," I say. Zeke grabs my hand and links our fingers together for support as I work through my emotions. "After asking, she would get upset and cry herself to sleep at night. I eventually stopped asking. Her tears broke my heart, and I didn't want to be the cause of them."
"I'm sorry you both went through that," Andy replied, "but I thought she'd met the same fate as her family. After I lost both of you, I never wanted to have kids again. The desire to settle down also left me until I met Sharon. My biggest fear is going through the heartbreak of losing my child again."
"Do you know what happened to the rest of the family, my grandparents, uncles, and aunt?"
"The only one I have seen since the disappearance was your uncle Donovan. When he saw me, he tried his best to avoid me and act like he didn't know who I was. Which was crap, because of how he reacted when he saw me, suggested otherwise." His words made me hopeful. If Uncle Donovan was still alive, then perhaps the rest of the family was too.
"Did you get to have a conversation with him?" I wanted to know desperately.
"Yes, I did, actually," he says. "It took a long time for him to admit who he was. He seemed scared of me, which was weird. I even asked about your mom and you, but he had tears in his eyes at the mention of your names."
"Did he feel the same as Mom about finding the rest of the family was dangerous?"
"He never mentioned anything. All I know is that after the family went missing, everyone around town was sure they were murdered and possibly buried in the woods behind the house," he answered.
"Well, we know for sure Mom and Donovan got out okay back then, but what about the other four?" I muttered the words more to myself than anyone else. Andy must have heard me.
"No one knows. After that night, the family was never seen again," he says softly. "I cried every night for weeks over the loss of you, my unborn daughter at the time, and your mom." He reached out, grabbing my other hand. It was weird for me to realize I had an actual father. Hopefully, he meant what he said about staying in my life and having an actual relationship.
"I'm going to figure out what happened one way or another," I said, squeezing Andy's hand in reassurance.
"Just be careful because one thing I know about my father, your grandfather, is that he will do anything to keep his name clean," Andy stated firmly. I was well aware of the sheriff's attitude and had already gotten that impression. Zeke, who had been quiet most of the evening, chimed in on the conversation.
"Don't worry, Mr. Dawson. We will take every precaution for safety," He says and smiles down at me. Andy looked at him with a serious look.
"I'm entrusting my daughter's safety to you. Protect her with your life and call me if my father causes any more problems. I'll deal with him." Zeke nodded in agreement to his words. We talked for a bit longer and went through some of the pictures I had from when I was growing up. Before they left, Andy had one request for us.
"Let me help you upgrade the security in the house by installing cameras and better hardware on the doors and windows. It would make this old man's heart feel easier." We agreed and walked them outside. Before he got in his car, he wrapped his arms tightly around me. His embrace was warm and comforting.
He whispered in my ear, "Now that I've found you, I'm not letting you go, kiddo. Hopefully, you will feel comfortable enough to call me dad one day. I love you as much now as when I found out your mom was pregnant with you." Tears well up in my eyes. I finally had the father figure I had always yearned for. However, dealing with my grandfather, Andy's father, would not be easy.
After Andy and Sharon left, Zeke went through the upstairs, checking the windows, making sure they were locked. I started on the ones downstairs. As I came to the one by the front door, I saw someone looking back at me. Screaming, I jumped away from the window, falling on the floor from fright. Staring back at me was Ted, the neighbor from across the street. His beady eyes were looking me up and down. Had been watching me through the window. How long had he been there? We didn't see him when we were outside with Andy and his wife. Better yet, why is he looking in my window?
"Zeke, get down here quick. Zeke!" I was yelling at the top of my lungs. Ted didn't stick around to see what would happen. I saw his shadowy figure running across the road back to his house. He didn't even bother to hide his identity; he was really making me scared. I could hear Zeke running down the stairs.
"Rocky, what's wrong? What happened?" He asked, concern lacing his voice.
"Ted was just in that window staring at me," I told him as I pointed out which one he was looking through.
"Where is he now. I'm going to kill him." He started to head towards the door, anger evident in his movements.
"He already took off across the street," I say shakily.
"Are you okay?" Zeke asks me as he turns back around and heads towards me.
"No, I'm freaked out. That scared the daylights out of me."
"Call the sheriff's office and report him." His voice left no room for argument. He wasn't going to let this slide. We called, and thankfully, only a deputy came out; the sheriff went home early.
The following week went by quickly without any sign of the sheriff. However, we spent more time with Andy and Sharon. We shared the story about the incident with the neighbor across the street. Andy advised me to keep a safe distance from him, as he hadn't liked him since high school. Andy described him as strange back then, and he never felt at ease around him, fearing he might hurt my mom. For his peace of mind, Andy had Zeke help install the security system with cameras we had discussed previously. Sharon and I made dinner while they worked together.
Since the incident with Ted, we haven't seen him, which felt unusual. Usually, he would be on his porch watching the house, but now he was avoiding us. I was actually glad about that. I tried not to overthink it, knowing it would only increase my paranoia.
Andy called me every night to talk about our lives. His voice was soothing and gave me a sense of comfort knowing that I had someone other than Zeke and his family to care for me. Meanwhile, Zeke was spending his days setting up his construction branch, while I worked on my blog and conducted research into the family's disappearance. I needed to know who the key players in the mystery were. Ted and the sheriff were two people on my list of suspects; I wasn't sure who else to look into.
Andy gave me my uncle's phone number, and I planned to call him, hoping he could shed some light on what happened. Picking up my phone, I dialed his number.
"Hello," said a deep rumbling voice.
"Uh, yes, Hi, is this Donovan St. James?" Apparently, that was the last name he was going by.
"Who's asking?" he replied defensively.
"I'm his niece, Roxanne. My mother was Amber." Was my quick response.
"Excuse me, what did you say?" he choked out.
"I know this sounds strange, but I'm pretty sure you're my uncle. I bought the family home in Sugar Creek. Could we meet to talk sometime, please?" I pleaded.
"Um, I -i-i-i-I think you have the wrong number." He started to hang up before I said.
"My father, Andy, told me he ran into you and you were my mom's brother. Please don't hang up." I was desperate to keep him on the line.
"Okay, I'll meet you, but not at that house or in that town. Can you come to Vandolia? It's about an hour and a half away from you." I had no problem with his request as long as I got to meet him.
"Yes, I can. Just tell me when and where," I stated. I heard him sigh before he started talking again.
"Saturday, around noon, at a café near my house. I'll send you the address to the number you called from." He hung up quickly after saying the words. I know he must be skeptical, but I was excited to meet my mom's older brother, my uncle. Maybe he could tell me stories of when she was younger and about the other members of our family.
As soon as Zeke got home, I told him the news, but unfortunately, he couldn't go with me that day. He was helping his father with purchasing items for the new location. He suggested I take Andy with me, but not to go alone. He was right, I wouldn't make that mistake again. Going alone was too dangerous.