The Swiss Escape

Bait

Alex

It doesn’t feel right to sleep in my bed without Kamryn. We only started living together six months ago, but everything feels off without her next to me. Most of this evening, after they left, a few officers helped me blackout the windows without curtains or blinds. Now, if Johnathon or his friends try to look in from the windows, they won’t be able to see anything.

Rolling over, I look at Kamryn spot in our bed. The house feels empty without her and Kayla. There are still guards outside the home. Tomorrow the plan is for them to watch me as I go to pick up Mittens. Then I will take her for a walk and hope to get Johnathon and his friends to approach me. When they come out of hiding, the police will arrest them. Kamryn and Kayla can come home, and we never have to worry about Johnathon again. I try to fall asleep, knowing tomorrow will require me to be as alert as possible.

The next morning the officers give me a wire to record any interaction between Johnathon and his friends. They also hand me a tracker in case they lose sight of me. After putting everything on, I leave to go pick up Mittens.

Getting to the vet clinic, I don’t see anything suspicious. I talk to the vet about Mittens, “Everything appears to be fine. I was worried about her eye. I’m not sure what happened, but her left eye was swollen shut, but it doesn’t appear to be any damage.”

Mittens is happy to see me. She jumps on me when she sees me. Remembering what I told Kamryn yesterday, I take a picture of Mittens for Kayla. Kamryn and I have texted a lot this morning. She gave Kayla the books. I enjoyed seeing the smile on Kayla’s face when she opened the box.

After getting Mittens, I take her home and prepare to go on a walk with her. We walk to the park Kamryn and Kayla usually take her to, and I left her off the lead. Mittens run around the park, sniffing and wagging her tail. She changes suddenly. I can tell she’s looking for Kayla. Mittens looks back at me confused, I know she isn’t used to going on a walk without Kayla. Maybe I should’ve sent Kamryn and Kayla away with Mittens. She misses them.

It doesn’t take long before Mittens is ready to go home. We walk back home, and nothing seems out of place. I’m a little disappointed that Johnathon didn’t try anything. Until the police catch him, I can’t let Kamryn and Kayla come home.

Walking into the front door, Mittens goes directly to Kayla’s room. She comes out of the room, looking confused. I know she doesn’t understand where they are.

The rest of the day continues without any problems. Johnathon isn’t going to do anything today. Hopefully, he will do something tomorrow.

I fall asleep fast. There are two officers in front of the house and two at the back. If he tries anything, they will catch him.

Over the next few days, there is still no sign of Johnathon or his friends. I’m beginning to wonder if he is still in the country. My biggest fear is that he knows Kamryn and Kayla left the country, and he went after them.

It’s two days before Christmas, and I go over to see Baldrick and Mila. They are both back home after their run-in with Johnathon and his friends. I don’t want to ask too many questions, but I also want to know how he got to them.

Mila answers the door and smiles at me. “Alex, it’s so good to see you. Please come inside.”

I walk in, and they ask me to sit down. Mila offers me something to drink, and I gladly accept it. “I don’t want to bring up the bad memory, but I was wondering how Johnathon got both of you.”

Baldrick looks down; I can tell he feels guilt over it. “Mila and I were out shopping. These three guys were asking questions in English. That’s when we noticed the picture, they were holding was Kamryn and Kayla. Mila and I left to call the police. Well, I guess one of them knew what we were doing. They followed us to our home.” He pauses for a moment, “Two of them were huge, both tall and stocky. Something hit the back of my head, and I don’t remember anything after that. I woke up in the hospital later, and the doctor told me what happened.”

“It was similar to me. Someone knocked on the door, but when I answered, no one was there. I turned around, and someone held something over my mouth and nose. Then I woke up in the hospital.”

I feel bad that both Mila and Baldrick got hurt. “I am sorry you both got caught up in this. It wasn’t something we thought would happen.”

“It’s okay, Alex. We are both fine. I feel relieved their plan didn’t work and that Kamryn and Kayla are both safe.” Mila gives me a reassuring smile.

Baldrick begins speaking next. “Have the authorities caught them yet?”

“No, they have disappeared again. Kamryn and Kayla are both safe with my parents in Sweden. I had hoped that if I pretended to be bait, they would try something, but they haven’t.” I let out a sigh. “It feels odd not having Kamryn or Kayla home. The house is quiet and empty. I didn’t realize how accustomed to their company I’ve become.”

“I knew you and Kamryn were perfect for each other. Though I am surprised, you let them go to your parents. I take it things are better with them?” Mila asked, looking curious.

“Yes and no. I don’t know if I believe my parents, but they do seem to be trying. My mother likes Kamryn. I am not sure how often they talk. They also sent Kayla a gift from when they went to France. When I confronted my parents about how they treated me, their excuse was because I didn’t bond with my mother. I didn’t make her feels as wanted as Fritz did, so she held resentment towards me.”

Mila looked at me with sad eyes. “You probably just need her differently, and she didn’t understand that. She wasn’t a good mother to you because you didn’t give her affection the way Fritz did is no excuse.”

It’s too bad, Mila and Baldrick never had children. They would’ve been great parents. “Fritz and Lana tried to scam them a couple of months ago. They sent a ransom note, making it seem like Kamryn’s ex-husband was behind it and that he wanted money. When they found out the truth, it was almost as if they weren’t surprised. My parents told me they were sorry about everything and wanted some roll in my life.” I let out a sigh, “It almost feels as if they want me in their life, so they don’t look bad. Fritz would do everything they said, but now that he and Lana got kicked out of their house, none of their kids are around. It will make them look bad to show up at family functions with no family. I feel it’s the only reason they are trying to make amends with me.”

Mila nods, “It’s possible, but they still are trying to make amends. Even if their intentions aren’t pure, you have an opportunity for them to get to know you and see the error of their mistakes.” Mila takes a moment before she asks, “What are you and Kamryn’s plans for the future?” I give her a puzzled look. “Have you talked about children?”

“Yes and no. We discussed the topic six months ago. Kamryn said she was open to having another child but wants to iron out our relationship first. The other issue is that I am not a parent to Kayla. There could be an issue if she sees me parenting another child.”

“What do you mean Kayla doesn’t see you as a parent? I have spoken with her teacher, and that little girl believes you are her father. Sometimes she’s even confused as to why she calls you Alex and not Papa.” Mila’s words bring a smile to my face.

“She asked Kamryn about it a few days ago. Kayla wanted to know if I am her father. I didn’t know what to do in that situation. I would gladly be Kayla’s dad. There wouldn’t even be a moment of hesitation if she asked. My only hold up is her resenting me later when she discovers I am not her father. What if she hates me and feels as though her mother and I lied to her?”

Mila looks at me curiously. “Why would she be upset? You could just explain to her that in your eyes, you are her father. She might be angry for a short time, but I am sure she will understand why you did what you did.”

After another hour of talking, I head back home. When I arrive, there are no officers outside. Maybe they’re all inside. They have a key to go in and out of the house. Walking in, I find three officers on the living room floor. Johnathon must be here. I go to head back out of the house when I’m struck by something. Then everything goes dark.