Jaden Baker by Courtney Kirchoff Page A

do? There was no way to communicate, and what would he say if there was? Jaden was helpless.
    Finally the door opened. Jaden concentrated on its sound, trying to hear how it operated, as if that would somehow help him escape, but he could only hear the clanking. He stood and watched Dalton enter, taking three steps inside. There was a second door behind the first. Before the door to his room would open, the other had to be closed and locked. Double security.
    “Hello, Jaden,” Dalton said, smiling.
    Jaden kept his mouth closed and watched Dalton carefully. Dalton kept his hands in his pockets. One gripped the remote control, no doubt. Dalton was tall and slender. His dark trousers were pleatedironed. Underneath the white coat was a white collared shirt with a red and gray striped tie. Dalton did not have a watch, though a white tan line around his left wrist suggested he did.
    “I thought we could talk,” Dalton continued. “If you’re ready.”
    Jaden had questions. Derek and Jenny were his first concern. Were they still alive, or victims of collateral damage?
    “Where are the Kauffmans?” he asked.
    Dalton nodded. “They’re fine. They’re home in Napa, happy as can be.”
    Jaden frowned. “What do you mean?”
    Dalton smiled in false sadness. “They got some happy news. They were chosen for a baby.”
    “What?” he mumbled, his lips numb.
    Dalton sat on the bed’s edge, crossed his leg on his knee, and held his skinny ankle. “They’ve been on a list for a long time, but like so many hopeful and qualified parents, they were glossed over. They got a call shortly after you ran away with the good news. They’ll be adopting a baby in a few months.”
    No, that wasn’t right. “I didn’t run away, you took me,” Jaden said, his voice quivering. He felt pressure and heat behind his eyes, but stifled his emotion.
    “Well, yes,” Dalton said, “that’s how you saw it. But the police report says you ran away. Your backpack was missing from the house along with some clothes and food. Since there were no signs of forced entry, and because you have a long history of running, the police concluded you packed and left.”
    Jaden found himself shaking his head and staring at the floor. “But I didn’t.”
    “You already ran away from them once. Why not do it again? Foster children can be so unpredictable and rash,” Dalton said as Jaden stared at him. “They won’t look for you.”
    Jaden broke his gaze, turned his back to Dalton, and cried quietly.
    “They always wanted a baby. You were a last resort. I think they liked you, but they’d only known you a week. They hadn’t even formally adopted you yet,” Dalton added. “It would be best for you to move on and not think about them. They’re probably not thinking about you. Last I heard they bought a crib and paint for a nursery.”
    Dalton knew exactly where to aim. His words left Jaden winded. They were more paralyzing than anything Dalton had done thus far. Jaden had liked the Kauffmans and their home, only now did he realize just how much. He wiped his eyes and faced Dalton again.
    “My parents,” Jaden started, “my real parents. They’ll look for me,” Jaden said, hoping.
    Dalton smiled with pity. “I almost wish that were true. You know it isn’t. I’m not afraid of anyone finding you here. Your life will be easier if you accept this is where you live, and no one is looking for you.”
    Easier? Heat rose to Jaden’s face and his temper flared. “Easier?”
    “Yes,” Dalton said. “If you do what I say, it will be much easier. The longer you fight, the harder and more painful it will be.”
    “What are you going to do to me?” Jaden asked, his voice cracking. “Why am I here?”
    Dalton was quiet for a moment. “Don’t you know?”
    Jaden shook his head.
    “You have a gift.” Dalton paced the length of the room. “You know that.”
    “No,” Jaden said. “I’m a nobody.”
    “Well, if I were a religious man I’d say