This is a work of fiction. Unless otherwise indicated, all the names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents in this story are either the product of the author's imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
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The little girl was sitting on the office floor, holding her stuffed animal close to her chest. Tears were streaming down her face and it was clear she had no idea what was going on. Officer Michael Danbury sat on the edge of the doctor's desk, nervously fidgeting with one of those executive ball clickers. He hated this. The doctor was in the examination room next door, evaluating the girl's mother. She would be here soon to do the same to the girl. In fact, she had made it abundantly clear to Danbury that he not, under any circumstance, let the girl out of his sight.
"I know you're scared," the officer said, "I'd be scared too. But it's going to be alright. No one is going to hurt you, I promise."
"I just want my mommy," the little girl cried softly.
Michael knelt down in front of her and tried to be as comforting as he could.
"Your mom is in the other room with the doctor. You'll see her soon, I promise. Now, while we wait, why don't you tell me who this little guy is?"
"His name is Blueberry," the girl replied.
"Is he a dog?"
"No, he's a wuzzelin."
"Of course he is!" the officer said with a warm smile, "Just look at his ears. Those are the ears of a wuzzelin if I ever saw one."
The girl laughed a little, "You've never seen a wuzzelin!"
The door to the office opened suddenly and the doctor entered the room. She was a rather tall figure, with long, black hair and piercing green eyes. There was also something vaguely dangerous about her. It was sort of like being in a room with a hungry, beautiful lioness.
"There she is," the doctor said, "It's good to finally meet you Aimee. I'm Dr. Elryse Tyron. I have been asked by the police to help you and your mother."
"Where is my mommy?"
"She's safe, just in the other room," The doctor came and sat on a small chair beside the young girl. "Aimee, you do know that your mother is not well, don't you?"
Aimee squeezed Blueberry even tighter.
"I'm going to be taking care of her for a while," the doctor continued, brushing a stray lock of Aimee's hair from her face. "But right now, I'm more worried about you. Can you tell me how old you are?"
"Twelve."
"So, you were born in 2004?"
"I guess so."
Dr. Tyron opened the manila folder she had on her lap.
"Are you certain of this?"
The doctor flipped through the folder. "You see, there is no record of you anywhere. No school records, no medical records. Nothing. Not even a birth certificate. All we have is the police report from last night, when they found you and your mother."
"I want my mommy," the girl said.
Dr. Tyron peered at the girl over her glasses and said: "Visne meam vaginam lambere?"
"What was that?" the police officer asked.
The girl said nothing and looked as confused as the officer.
"Damn it," Dr. Tyron said as she jumped up and walked to her desk. "Clever, clever girl...Tell me Aimee, do you remember having a sister?"
"No."
"Do you remember anyone who lived with you and your moother at all?"
"My aunt Tiffany, we stayed with her every now and then."
A faint smile drifted across the doctor's lips.
"I think we are finished for tonight. Officer Danbury, I know a family that will let Aimee stay with them while I treat her mother. Would you kindly take her to this address?"
Michael shook his head, "I am sorry doctor, I have orders to bring the girl to CHiPS after your examination. And besides, it sounds like the girl has family. I'm sure we can find this Aunt Tiffany."
Dr. Tyron locked her eye onto the officer. There it was again, that irrational fear that he was in the presence of an apex predator. Without breaking her alluring gaze, Dr. Tyron called out: "David, I need you!"
The office door opened almost immediately.
"Yes, doctor?" the nurse asked.
"Can you take Aimee here to see her mother. I need to speak with Officer Danbury...privately."
"Of course, doctor," David said, "Let's go see your mother, sweetheart."
Aimee quickly jumped up and took David's outstretched hand. As she walked out, the little girl looked back at Dr. Tyron and Officer Danbury. Neither one spoke as the doctor reached out and touched the officer's chest. David closed the door shut before Aimee could see anything else.
Aimee's mother had been heavily sedated and, though she was awake, she had trouble staying focused on anything. She hugged Aimee close and told her how much she loved her.