Fighting Instincts

Chapter Eleven - A Cover Story

I knew this story well. We had adapted it to ensure we covered any questionable details. Things typical families wouldn't have to hide. Why would there be wolf fur in the basement. What's with the cage? The padlock was broken why was that? Some things I was going to brush over. A quick I don't remember much would take care a quite a few things. For the sake of my sanity and for the safety of the pack I would rely on this. I did enjoy a good book so I told myself I was simply a character playing a role of innocent victim.

Derek and Xena had told me to never make eye contact. Now a hard task. I would also make sure never to speak too loudly, hesitate a lot, make sure I fidgeted and most importantly seem a little out of it. Repeat myself if needed. I was reassured I could do this. I was doing it to keep humans safe.

“I was cleaning the kennel in the basement because we had rescued a wolf. Mother's project. I heard something, a thump, or crash. I don't remember. Just a noise. Out of place."

"What happened next?"

"I was downstairs and three guys came down. I... I don't remember what happened. I ... I got upstairs. Daddy said run."

"You spoke with your father before you escaped?" this seemed to intrigue the police.

I shook my head. "No, no, he said run when we were training. I practice with him. I remember all his lesson. He said when there's danger run away. Find safety. I just ran. I did like I was told. Don't stop until you're safe." I added a little finger shaking, as if repremending myself, copying something my father and mother both did when I was being told no.

"What happened next, Miss Luneburg?"

"I didn't stop until my legs gave out.” I made sure to pause when things should be considered hard to think or talk about. I ensured I spoke to my hands. I leaned into Xena or Walker the more I spoke for comfort from who the police thought were my family.

“How do you know Mr. Walker, Miss Luneburg?”

His first name was Walker, but I didn't correct them.

“Mom and Dad had said he was family,” I said carefully. “They spoke about where he lived. I know how to find my way in the woods. I taught myself to read plants.”

“You found directions with plants?” the first officer said. She was marking the statement down.

Different plants can attach to a tree but will only prefer a specific side, or under the roots of a certain tree. I wasn't about to go into details only for them to be lost on the officers. The sun helps too. I made my way west. If you go west till the brook and then aim a little more North," I repeated, like I had over and over, pretending I was speaking it like a mantra. West till you reach the brook, then a touch North. West till..."

“You ate something to keep you going tho," breaking the 'trance' and I looked up.

“Roots, very good for you this time of year. Lots of edibles in the forest if you know where to look," I said with a nod, a little enthusiasm added. I needed them to see me as a bit unstable. I was traumatized, and I was, but not because of the woods. No, my trauma I would have to open up and examine later, once I had a handle on everything else. For now

“Do you mind if we collect some samples off you. The twigs and dirt to be exact. Anything under your finger nails, and a DNA sample for elimination at the crime scene?"

I looked at the back of my hands, flipped my hands over and started at them again. Do you pity me now? I pondered but continued to examine my hands like it was my first time noticing the dirt on them. I nodded slowly and waited for officers to don on gloves and pull out bags. “Won't take more than a minute,” the officer confirmed. “Thank you for your cooperation.”

It was the moment of truth, I need to act innocent. I had to pretend I didn't know anything at all. “My mom and dad didn't answer the phone.” I had purposely used Walker's cell to call my parent's home, I cried the entire time, knowing no one would be there to answer had broken my heart. It added additonal belief to my story. Plus the tear streaked face could be assumed to be from fear and days in the forest. “They must be so afraid and worried."

Both officers looked paralyzed. Clearly this was a turn they didn't expect. Each glanced at me, I noted from my peripheral, then at each other and the first officer shifted his weight. He had to be the lead investigating officer. So he would have to be the one to break the news to the already traumatized girl.

“Miss Luneburg,” he cleared his throat when his voice didn't seem strong enough to continued. “I apologize. I didn't... I assumed you knew.”

I glanced up and frown with a slight tilt of my head but never stared either officer in their eyes.

“Perhaps I can take it from here,” Walker said.

The officers were all too overjoyed at the offer. There was instant felief in the statue-like stances. “Yes, it would likely be better from family.” The first man was nodding with the idea, like it was his own.

“What happened?” I asked, adding a touch of hysteria to my voice.

Walker waved a hand. The officers turned to Derek and began to question him, asking to see the area I was found and security footage. They scribbled notes hurriedly and glanced as me here and there as Walker pretend to be whispering about what had happened to my parents. I remained still, shaking my head, not wanting to hear the news. In reality Walker praised me for a job well done. He said things would be over soon. Then he leaned in to give me a comforting hug. I didn't have to pretend to cry. My heart was too full with the reopened wounds of my reality. I was without a family once more. An orphan. Xena soon leaned in behind me, sandwiching me in warmth. I don't remember falling asleep.