Free Equilibrium by Imogen Rose

EMT, investigators, even FBI agents–arrived all at once.
    At the newly-crowded scene, Sally began to explain: “We, that’s my partner and I, found him here about fifteen minutes ago. We’re fairly certain that he’s one of the missing children from the Darley case. It looks like Dr. Fox’s kid, I can’t remember the name,” she said, embarrassed that her mind was suddenly blanking on the name.
    “Kellan,” one of the investigators nodded.
    “Yes, Kellan,” Sally confirmed. “He’s breathing and his pulse seems strong. I haven’t moved him,” she said reassuringly.
    “Good,” said one of the EMT’s. “We’ll check him over now and transport him to the closest hospital.”
    “Just a moment,” said the senior-looking detective on the scene. “I just want to get some pictures taken before you move him.”
    “Well, hurry”, said the EMT impatiently while beckoning his colleagues to give the detectives a moment.
    Sally watched on as a circus of activity occurred around Kellan and breathed in relief when he was finally placed on a gurney and lifted into the ambulance.
    Buck reappeared at Sally’s side. “I heard the sirens. I couldn’t see much in the woods. No obvious signs of anything, but I could’ve easily missed something, it’s so dark. I need to go back and keep looking. I assume the boy is on his way to the hospital?”
     “Yes, those agents there want to talk to us.”
    “Agents? They were fast.”
    “Yes, just as well, I’m relieved. Let’s go over and see what we can do to help,” Sally said, as she started walking toward them.
    “Detectives Mason and Pinsky, you were first at the scene?” the tall, female agent inquired, looking at Sally for confirmation.
    “Yes. I noticed something strange on the roadside and had Detective Pinsky stop the car so we could have a look.”
    “Did either of you touch anything?”
    “Well, I felt for the boy’s pulse to confirm he was alive,” Sally offered nervously, wondering why she was so in awe of the FBI agent.
     “That’s not what I meant,” the agent said. “I mean, did you touch anything around the area. Did you venture into the woods? Find anything else?”
    Buck nodded and said, “I went into the woods to have a look. Didn’t see anything out of the ordinary, but it’s dark so I couldn’t make out much. I didn’t touch anything.”
    “Good,” the agent nodded, satisfied. “We’ll take it from here. Could you both drive back to the Darley mansion and fetch Dr. Fox? Bring him to the hospital. Just tell him that his son has been found and that you have come to escort him to the hospital. Leave all the details out, but let the Darleys know that their children are still missing. Tell them that we’ll update them as soon as we have any news.”
    “Sure. Anything else?”
    “No, that’s it for now. Remember, no details.”
    ~
    Olivia rushed to the door as soon as she heard the knock, opening it to two detectives she vaguely recognized from earlier in the evening.
    “Dr. Darley, I’m Detective Mason and this is Detective Pinsky,” Sally said, as she looked into the weary and worried eyes of Olivia. “We were here earlier helping out.”
    “Yes, I remember,” Olivia nodded. Her heart was pounding. “Please come in. Do you have any news?”
    “We do, but could we ask Dr. Fox to join us?”
    “I’m right here,” Larry said, emerging from behind Olivia with Rupert. “What’s going on?”
    “We believe we’ve found Kellan.”
    “You believe?” stammered Larry, looking like he would collapse.
    “We believe it’s Kellan from the pictures you provided. He’s unconscious, but his pulse and breathing are strong. He’s been taken to the hospital and we’re here to accompany you to him.”
    “What about Ella, Arizona and Harry?” Olivia whispered. “Did you find them too? Are they okay?”
    Sally looked at Dr. Darley uncomfortably. “Only Kellan has been found so far. We’re hoping he can tell us more. Let’s