THE MOMENT
Rachel faltered. After triple-checking the address, she almost broke down in tears on the sidewalk. Her desperation meant she had to call in a favor she hoped she never had to use. She didn't she'd done a favor for the mob until a couple of days after the fact. He slipped her a card that read: "Bloody Don" and told her to cash it in whenever she needed something. It wasn't until she saw him on the news that she knew who the "Bloody Don" was.
When her Ex kidnapped their son, she had no other choice; the police were no help. He smiled and assured her it was the easiest thing in the world to fix. Then, he sent her somewhere else. Now that she stood in front of the two-story, red-brick Chinese restaurant she realized she was given the run around. Rachel was tempted to go back to the police and try again; but, she'd been distracted all day. She was only just now realizing how hungry she was. Her son wasn't in immediate danger from his father, and she knew how an empty stomach could lead to mistakes. Plus, a small part of her still hoped that help might be found inside.
Rachel opened the door and walked in; she felt a strange sense of relief as the cool air washed over her. It'd been a hot summer afternoon outside and entering the restaurant was a reprieve in and of itself. She was approached by a friendly teenager with dark hair, a red blazer, and a nametag that read: DeLorean.
"Welcome to Donna Chang's," she smiled as she gestured at the red and gold restaurant around them. There were several families and couples spread out among the tables and still plenty of open spaces available. "If you're here to eat, sit anywhere you like," she said.
"Th-thank you...," Rachel hesitated for a moment as she considered the teen's words. What else could she possibly be at a restaurant for? She had to be there to eat. Or, maybe 'mob business' was a valid option? She studied DeLorean for a moment, then nodded gratefully. Even if the Bloody Don sent her there to actually get help, she doubted a teenager would know anything about it.
She made her way to a booth for two in a dim corner of the restaurant with DeLorean close behind. Once she sat, the teen handed her a menu and said she'd give her some time to think about what she wanted.
"I want my baby boy back...," Rachel sighed to herself as the teen disappeared into the kitchen. Instead of looking at the menu, she began to wonder if she could somehow turn in the Bloody Don to get help from the police. It served him right for lying to her about helping. But, she knew it probably wouldn't work. She guessed the police were so incompetent because they were already working with the mob. She wondered whether a bounty hunter or a private investigator would be more useful. They were likely to take more time and the less her son spent with her ex, the better. The boy already idolized his dad because he didn't know what kind of man he actually was. She knew he was turning her son against her already.
"So, what'll it be?" Rachel was startled from her thoughts when DeLorean appeared next to the table.
"Oh, I'm ..sorry.. I haven't looked at it yet...," Rachel hung her head and tried to focus on the menu.
"Are you okay?" DeLorean asked. "Sorry, I'm not rushing you... but, I gave you about eight minutes. Are you sure you don't need help with something?" she asked.
"I'm fine, I'm fine...," Rachel nodded. "Uhh, I'll take this," she tapped a random picture on the menu.
"Okay," DeLorean nodded and walked away again to leave Rachel with her thoughts. This time, Rachel managed to stay alert as she waited for the food. She was still a mess of worry; but, at least she was ready and waiting when DeLorean returned with her meal. But, she did find it odd that the teen also delivered the plate with a broad grin.
"Is your name Rachel?" DeLorean asked as she set the dish in front of her.
"Yes..? How did you know?" Rachel asked. DeLorean giggled and shook her head.
"If I understood correctly, that's not important right now. The more relevant question is; do you have a picture of your son?"
"I... what?" Rachel was surprised, but she wasn't going to miss her chance. She shook her head to clear her mind of doubts and immediately pulled his picture up on her phone. "YES!" she said. DeLorean looked at the phone, then nodded.
"Okay," she replied as she wiggled her fingers at the air. A tall black portal opened next to her. "Uhhh.. what happens to the kidnapper?" she asked.
"Nothing...," Rachel shook her head. As much as she hated him, she didn't want to think of him ever again, especially not with guilt. "..nothing bad... I just wish he wouldn't bother us anymore...," she said.
"No sweat," DeLorean smiled at her and stepped through the portal and it closed behind her. Rachel was completely lost for five minutes. She didn't know what was happening; but, she trusted that whatever it was, it was happening in her favor. Finally, another black hole opened next to the table and her 8-year-old son emerged holding DeLorean's hand and sobbing.
"MOMMY!!!" he ran into her arms and buried his face in her side. She hugged him tight as she struggled to process the reality of the situation. Had it really happened that easily? Did the Blood Don know about DeLorean?
"Ohhh my baby! What happened?" She asked as she met DeLorean's eyes. The teen smiled and held up a clear glass card.
"That jerk traded his son away for one of these," she replied as she laid it on the table for Rachel. "It's called a node. You can use it to visit alternate Earths and some other neat functions," she said. "Once I showed him how it worked he had to have it."
"Well, enjoy your meal; let me know if you want to order anything for your son," DeLorean smiled and waved as she turned to leave.
"Wait!" Rachel spoke up. "How did you know my name?"
"Oh yeah," DeLorean nodded. "The Blood Don called. He wanted to know if you'd shown up yet; he was very concerned about making sure his favor was repaid."