Page 64 of Absolution

I run my hands down my pants, drying them. My eyes flit around the room as I try to find the words I need so much. Finally, my gut rolls, and before I lose my nerve, I blurt it out.

“I need help getting my files so I can look into my past. It’s time I either face who I am and what happened or put it behind me for good. Will you help me?” I swallow hard after my word vomit, hoping like hell he’ll do it.

He leans forward, clasping his hands as he lays them on top of the table. “I can give you what I have here, and then I’ll make some calls this afternoon.”

“I’m planning on asking Jackson for everything they have too.”

“Do you have a place to set up and work through what you find?” Crawford stands, walking over to the counter and grabbing his cell.

I grimace, realizing I have a lot of work to do. “No, I didn’t think I’d get this far.”

“I’ll call our event coordinator and have some tables set up in the garage. Will that work?” Kathryn reaches for a pen and notepad, making notes as we talk.

I’m speechless as my head bounces from one to the other. “I-I mean, yes. Thank you.”

“What are you hoping to find?” Crawford’s brows knit.

My heart hammers against my chest as I realize I only have one answer. “Why.”

“Call Jackson, let him know I’m calling General Rodriguez and ask him to back me on this.” Crawford begins to dial energetically. Again, for the second time in as many days, I’m filled with hope. Today, I’m also grateful.

“Thank you, both. I’m grateful.”

We spend the morning working by phone to arrange the pick up or drop off of every file my name is linked too. Surprisingly enough, people are happy to help. My only hope is that I can find something which will lead me to the answers I need, whether I regain my memory or not.

My phone vibrates across the table, making me scramble to catch it before it falls from the top. I quickly juggle it, as the screen lights up again. With the swipe of my finger, I answer.

“Hey, Jackson.”

“Hatch, how are you? Hold on a second, please tell me you haven’t lost her child.” I can only imagine Jackson sniggering as he asks.

I cut my eyes at my parents, just within earshot of my responses. “No, I have not. We’re kinda… seeing each other.”

“Excuse me? I couldn’t hear you.”

I fidget, twisting away from prying eyes and listening ears. “We might be dating.”

“What does that mean, son? Either you are, or you’re not. Do you know the difference? Maybe we should call Mark or better yet, Quinn to come give you some pointers.” Jackson chuckles.

“This shit from a man called Muff. I hit’em and eat’em, no one will ever say I am one.”

Jackson falls silent, and I’ll admit, I’m scared. “That’s one, you little shit. The next one will come out of your ass.”

“Alright, truce! I don’t need to go to war with you, I have Mark and Quinn to grapple with, and that’s enough.”

He laughs with me. “What’s going on, Hatch?”

“I’m wondering if you’d let me see the documents you have on me?”

“Are you looking for something in particular?” His voice is low, and I can already hear his wheels turning.

“Right now? No. I am hoping to discover something or at least unearth some kind of clue that will help me.” I scratch my head in frustration.

There’s typing in the background. “I’ve asked Lee to have them sent down, let me know if I can help fill in any blanks or you have questions.”

“I appreciate this, Cole. It would be nice to get my dreams out into the open and learn something about them.”

“As long as you understand, you might hit a dead end. We couldn’t connect anything or anyone directly, there’s no end or beginning.”