Umbrella

22|Deadman

Michael couldn't bare to look up at Marissa. She explained how because of Michael taking Lauren away from her, Lincoln started an angry rampage. 

"W-why did you take her from me?" Marissa asked, her tears glistened when the sun shun on them. 
"You kept her from me for four years Marissa. I was making up for lost time" 
"I wouldn't do that for no reason. Maybe all of this is payback for what you did to me"

Michael breathed, making eye contact for the first time since the conversation. The look in Marissa's face made it clear she wanted an explanation. 

Then suddenly, almost like a bullet leaves a gun, a thought appeared in Michael's head. 

"It's them. It has to be them." 

Marissa looked at him puzzled. "who?"

Michael stared up at her, 

"Lincoln"

--

Lincoln came to the apartment late in the afternoon that day. Michael and Marissa sat around with a plan already in mind to get the truth out of him. As soon as they heard the keys jingling, they began.

"Hello" Lincoln said as soon as he stepped foot inside. 

The entire room was dark, the only light was provided through the glass sliding door and the tiny window in the kitchen. Michael sat on the couch with a glass of whiskey in hand. Marissa was nowhere in sight. 

"Where's my daughter?" Michael slurred. "I know you have her" 

Lincoln laughed. "Why would I have your daughter?" He asked hanging the keys on the wall. 

Michael smirked. 

"It all makes sense now" He said getting up from the couch. "I come back to find my wife and I end up finding my child too. You couldn't stand that I had both of them" 

Lincoln stared at him. 

"You see me as a threat Lincoln, and to be honest I would too." 

Lincoln laughed loudly.

"Cut the crap Michael, why would I have your daughter?" Lincoln rose an eyebrow. "Pretty unfair that you're placing the blame on me."

Michael stared at him.

"Wheres my daughter?" He repeated.

"If anything, you could have her for all I know in an effort to keep Marissa"

Michael shook his head. "You're fucking crazy, if I find out you were involved in any way with this, you're a dead man Lincoln" 

Meanwhile, Marissa stood watching the scene unfold hidden from view. There was nothing that sparked even the tiniest memory. Whenever this happened, Marissa loses hope of ever remembering what happened that night which she knows would delay how fast they find her daughter. 

"Get the fuck out of my house" Lincoln yelled. "And don't fucking come back" 

Michael gave one last glance at Marissa before leaving the apartment and slamming the door behind him. 

Lincoln cracked a small smile at the victory. 

But that victory would not last much longer. 

--

Instead of driving home, Michael decided to drive over to his mother's home. Upon arrival, the house was completely empty. No cars were parked outside and there was no staff in the mansion. 

Michael huffed and relaxed back on the couch, turning the television on. He served himself ice on the rocks taking a few sips before passing out. 

He was exhausted. It's been months since he last saw his daughter and he's been laying awake at night trying to piece together what could of possibly happen. Nothing made sense to him. 

For starters, how does the perpetrator know where he lived? His current apartment was temporary and only moved to find Marissa. He has not been the topic of discussion on celebrity gossip sites since he arrived. 

Secondly, how would they have access to his daughter? Whoever kidnapped Lauren would of had to know exactly where she was and where she would be going. 

The thoughts continue spiraling in his head and he could not get them to stop. 

Suddenly, a tiny voice called out his name jerking him awake. 

"Lauren?"