by Joyce
"But what do we do now?” Steve paced the room. “No matter what I do, I'm guilty. I can't prove any of this."
"We're still on the same road.” Rae refused to allow them to panic. “We have to get out of here. We can't take a chance that the police will trace the cab driver's route out here sooner than I expect. We have to get a car and we have to find Bryce before Sharin can bring her back safely to the arms of her waiting mother."
Steve's lips twisted angrily. “She's been so smart. But there has to be a way to trace it back to her."
"There must be. Can you get the addresses of those two pieces of property?"
"I'll write them down."
"Get your stuff together.” Rae picked up her jacket. “We won't find it sitting here."
"Where are we going to get a car?” He got up and began to disconnect the Palm Pilot.
Rae grinned. “The FBI teaches its agents how to survive in a hostile environment."
"You're going to steal one?"
"Don't worry. You can always pay the owner back."
Chapter Sixteen
It was easy to find a car that wasn't locked. Steve watched while Rae opened the car door on the light blue Chevy they found in the back parking lot at the motel. She used a screwdriver to pry open the panel on the steering wheel. It took her only a few seconds to get the car started.
"No wonder cars are so easy to steal.” Steve got in the passenger's side.
Rae put the car in drive and left the parking lot. “Maybe you could make your next fortune changing that."
"Not me. I don't ever want to do anything again that makes a lot of money."
"Bad things happen to poor people too, you know."
"I know. I just don't want to think about what Solutions has done to my family."
Rae shrugged. “It's not the money or the company. Sharin was motivated to do what she did. I've seen children kidnapped from families who couldn't afford their next month's rent."
"I still don't see how we're going to prove that Sharin is responsible for everything. She's trying to take over the company. So did the Nurvins. That's not illegal. If Mary and Duke both swear that I'm responsible for the kidnapping, I'm still in the same boat."
"That's true. We'll have to find Bryce first and deal with proving you innocent later. She's never done this before. Sharin's bound to make a mistake somewhere, Steve. It happens to the smartest people. No one's perfect. There's some detail out there that she didn't consider."
"I don't care about that anyway. I'll be happy if we can bring Bryce home safely right now. They must not plan to hurt her. They've gone to so much trouble to set me up to look guilty with her."
"I'd like to say that's true but there's no way to understand all the thought processes that are going on right now. There are too many people involved. I don't believe Sharin means to hurt Bryce. I think she's accomplished what she wanted with that ploy. There's no reason not to bring Bryce home. But Duke is another story. There's no way for him to know that he won't take the fall for this. He has to be worried about it."
Steve agreed. “We have to find them."
They bought a good map at the restaurant where they ate breakfast. They decided to go to the closest place first. Rae and Steve got on the Interstate and followed it to the cutoff that marked Society Hill.
Society Hill was a small town of only about ten businesses. A comfortable line of big white matron houses graced Main Street. They were closed and shuttered against the winter. Their red camellias struggled to survive the harsh cold.
Rae consulted the map while Steve drove. She found the state road that was marked on the first deed. It was about ten miles outside of town. The property was heavily forested with a lake on the front. There was no drive or any sign that there was ever a house of any kind on the land. The dark orange clay was wet with rain and sparkling with frost.
"Nowhere for them to go here,” Steve lamented, parking in front of the empty property.
"They might not go to either site. Just because Sharin bought the land doesn't mean she'll use more than one piece. She was desperate to get them out of Atlanta. They could be holed up anywhere by now."
"I can't believe I let them know each time before we set out to find Bryce. It was the perfect setup. I fed them information and they tortured Bryce.” His mouth was tight and his eyes were grim. “I can't believe Sharin would do this to her own child."
"Desperate problems require desperate answers,” Rae answered. “Let's get out of here."
"How desperate could she be? With all the money and property David left her, Sharin never had to worry about anything in her life."
"Obviously, it wasn't about money or property. What time were they supposed to turn Bryce over to Sharin today?"
"I don't know. They were supposed to call back."
"Let's get back on the highway.” She tried to formulate a plan. “You call Al. He might still be in the clear to let you know what's going on. He managed to throw Lynn off pretty cleverly."
"You should've stolen a car with a full tank of gas.” Steve tapped the gas gauge. “We can fill up at that station we passed before we go on."
Steve pumped gas while Rae went into the station to pay with their remaining cash. By now, it was a good guess that both the FBI and the police would be looking for Steve. It was also a good bet that they knew she was with him. Either one of them using their credit cards could be traced.
The man behind the counter was watching a corner TV with his arms folded across his chest.
"Ex-CEO and founder of Solutions, Steve Williams, is still being sought for questioning by police and FBI agents about the death of his brother, David Williams, and the kidnapping of his niece, Bryce Williams. He's still believed to be in Georgia and should be considered armed and dangerous."
They flashed a picture of Steve on the screen. Rae was glad Steve didn't come in with her. She was surprised that Lynn didn't put her face up there with his. It would make sense.
"There is still no word about if the FBI has been able to locate Bryce Williams. Her mother and the wife of Solutions’ co-founder, David Williams, has instigated a take-over bid to get her husband's company back. This comes after a strange week of announcements from Steve Williams that ended with his being sought for her husband's murder."
A picture of Sharin appearing cool and in control appeared on the television. “I just want to find my daughter and take back my husband's legacy."
"Imagine a man like that with everything,” the attendant said to her. “What else did he want?"
Rae smiled, shook her head, and hurried from the store. Steve was on the phone with Al when she got back. He finished speaking with the other man then put the cell phone away.
"Al says the kidnappers haven't called again. I guess Sharin didn't need the ruse anymore."
"Or she was afraid to make any other move with the FBI sitting on the house and the phone lines."
"So, where does that leave Bryce?"
"Not home in her own bed yet.” Rae didn't want to tell Steve everything she picked up in her dream. Like the tone of Duke's last conversation with Mary. She could feel his desperation and fear. The incident had to be resolved quickly. The strain that the FBI and police were putting on the case might prove too much. Sharin had a timetable and if it wasn't observed, Bryce could suffer.
Steve put his hands in his pockets, the cold wind reddening his cheeks. “Al said he had more information that might help us."
"What is it?"
"Duke and Mary were married seven years ago and came to Atlanta from Detroit. He's worked as a security guard for most of his life. He was in the military for four years, stationed last at Fort Meade, Maryland."
Rae felt a small zing go up and down her spine. A buzz of awareness started in her head. “When was he there?"
Steve shook his head. “About ten years ago. Why?"
"I'm not sure. Go on."
"That's about it. Jeff says Duke called in to see what was going on this morning. He sa
id he was still looking for Bryce."
Rae sat up straighter. “Did Sharin talk to him?"
"No."
"Then everything must be prearranged. Sharin knows where she's going to find Bryce."
Steve rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “She's going to want media attention."
"Exactly."
"Any ideas?"
"Only one. But it's risky."
"At this point? What choice do we have?"
"None.” She touched his face with a gentle hand. Flashes of pleasure raced from her fingertips to her brain. A man was walking towards her. He was bathed in golden light from the setting sun. He held out his hand to her. But she couldn't see his face.
He took her hand in his and kissed her fingers. “Did you feel that?"
"I'm beginning to think we're feeling all of this together.” She took a deep breath. “You said you trust me."
"I trust you. I have to. I wouldn't be here without you."
Rae took the cell phone from him. She put in a call directly to Lynn's office. It was forwarded to Lynn's location. “Rae?"
"Hi Lynn."
"You know you can't help him, right? You're only making this bad for yourself."
"You know how you said I was better at guessing than the average person?"
Lynn's voice was tense. “Except that you've been out of it, Rae, and you're personally involved and—"
"And we both know that I can get Steve Williams out of the country without you catching us."
"What do you want from me, Rae? A pat on the back? This is stupid!"
"I want a favor. Then Steve will turn himself in to you.” Steve shifted uncomfortably. Rae ignored him.
"You already owe me one,” Lynn reminded her.
"If you bring Bryce Williams home safely and solve David William's murder, you'll owe me more."
Lynn exhaled. “Tell me what the favor is and we'll talk about it."
"Sharin Williams is guilty of both crimes. She's prearranged the pick up with the couple that kidnapped Bryce. Set up a fake pick up for me. Somewhere up north of the city. Tell her that the kidnappers contacted you and set a time and place to give Bryce back."
"What will that accomplish?"
"Do it and we'll see. That's all the time I have, Lynn. If nothing happens, Steve will turn himself in to you."
"Rae—"
Rae pushed the off button and handed the phone back to Steve. “They won't be able to trace the call but let's get out of here anyway."
"We're about an hour from Jefferson and the next piece of land,” Steve told her. “Should we go on?"
"I'm sorry. It was the only way."
"It doesn't matter. You put yourself in jeopardy by being here with me."
They got back in the car but something was bothering Rae. It was more than the present situation. “Did you know about those jackets when you brought them to me at the hospital?"
Steve pulled the car back on the highway. “What about them? One was Bryce's. I had Sandy buy one like it to test you. What's bothering you?"
"The first kidnapping. Denise Little. She had a jacket just like those. It was all I could do to touch it."
"What does that have to do with Bryce?” He didn't look away from the crowded road.
"At the time, I thought you did it on purpose to throw me off. That you knew somehow. Now I think it was a sign."
"A sign?"
"Lessie believes in them. I don't. But that jacket still bothers me."
"Denise? That was the little girl you found in the swamp."
"Yes."
He tightened his grasp on the steering wheel. “So you think Bryce might be—?"
"Not yet. I can still feel her close to me. Bryce is alive."
Steve put his foot down harder on the accelerator and didn't answer.
* * * *
They reached Jefferson, Georgia but couldn't find the acreage described in the tax document. Steve stopped at a small café for lunch and directions. They ate in silence. Both of them were lost in their own black thoughts.
Rae took out her credit card when the meal was over. “It won't matter anymore if we don't find her here."
"Might as well use mine then.” Steve took out his wallet.
"Not quite.” She put her hand on his to stop him from getting his wallet. “My name isn't instantly recognizable yet. Don't worry, I'll charge it to your account."
A small black and white television was playing on the counter. The waitress hushed the cook and the few patrons in the diner for a special announcement.
"An FBI spokeswoman has told us that she has been in contact with Bryce Williams’ kidnappers and that the young heiress has been released. Police and FBI officials, along with city and county personnel, are scouring the woods north of Atlanta at this moment, hoping to find the girl alive and unharmed. They ask that everyone else stay away and respect the police barricades along old Highway 27."
"That poor little girl.” The waitress empathized with her customer while she poured coffee. “What a terrible thing!"
Rae smiled and shook her head. “Lynn did it!"
Steve was surprised, too. “She must trust you a lot."
"We've known each other a long time. Let's see if the waitress knows where this place on the map is."
"That's the old Homewood place,” the waitress told them when Rae asked her. “No one lives out there anymore. The old couple died and didn't have any family to leave it to. Somebody said a millionaire from Atlanta bought it."
"That must be it.” Rae agreed with a smile. “How far to the old Homewood place?"
"About two miles straight out that way. It's kind of overgrown now but the trees are huge. I think the drive is clear. The house still looks pretty much the same but I suppose you wouldn't want to live there. Rats and stuff, you know."
"Thanks."
The waitress studied Steve's features. “You know, you look familiar."
"He gets that a lot.” Rae urged him out of the door.
"No wonder!” The woman grinned. “He looks just like the weatherman on Channel 7!"
Steve was relieved and Rae smiled at the waitress. “About the old Homewood Place?"
"I never went in there until the Jaycees had a haunted house there last Halloween. What a great house! It's a shame no one wants it."
Rae paid their bill. “I'm here to take a look at it for the owner."
"Is he really a millionaire?"
"Yes. He's very wealthy. Computers."
"Oh! Must be nice!” She waved at Rae and smiled warmly.
Rae waved back and walked outside. Steve fell in beside her. Downtown Jefferson was fairly busy with lunchtime traffic. The sidewalks were decorated for the Harvest Festival that weekend. The stores were sprucing up, painting, and washing the windows.
"So you look like the weatherman from Channel 7."
Steve laughed. “It could be worse."
Following the waitress’ instructions, they followed the main street until it ran out of town. Rae drove slowly past the big white house set back from the road but she didn't stop. “I think that's it."
She turned around at the next road and went back. There was a side road that ran past the house and land. The waitress was right about the huge old trees that guarded the house. The big round pillars in the front were cracked and dirty white. The windows looked as though they were all still intact. She didn't try to stop at the house. Instead, she followed the road back beyond a field of dead corn stalks waiting to be cut down.
"Look!” Steve alerted her. “Someone's there now!"
Rae saw the blue security van and her heart jumped. “This looks like the place to me."
There was smoke coming from the chimney in the back. It was possible that fireplaces were the only way to heat the house. No matter how well they were trying to hide, Mary and Duke wouldn't want to freeze.
"It's Duke's security vehicle,” Steve warned her. “Mary isn't there alone."
Rae assembled her thoughts and
came up with a plan. “There's no way to know. Let's park the car. The corn stalks will hide it. We'll sneak up to the house. With any luck, we might be able to get in through a window or the basement, find Bryce, and get out again."
It was a daring plan. She wasn't really sure they could do it. The alternative was Bryce being moved to another location or worse. Once Duke heard the report that Bryce had been released, he was bound to think he was double-crossed. When Sharin would hear the report, she'd think Duke contacted Lynn. The fur was going to fly. “I'm sure this is where I saw Bryce last night."
Steve took a deep breath. “Okay. Let's do it."
Rae stopped him for a moment. “Don't be surprised if she's scared of you, Steve. She's heard them talking. She might believe you had something to do with this."
"I know. Let's just get her out of there."
They crept through the corn to the back of the property. They hid behind a storage shed that was slowly crumbling to the ground. From there they could see some movement in the house. Rae held her breath as the back door opened and someone came out. Duke, in jeans and flannel shirt, minus his security guard uniform. Mary gave him something. He got in the van and left.
"Maybe they need groceries,” Rae whispered with pure joy. With just one of them there, it would be easier. “We can get past Mary."
"She might have a gun,” Steve reminded her. “And we don't know where they're keeping Bryce."
Rae agreed. Too many investigations ended with one of the innocent being killed or maimed. But she was determined that, one way or another, Bryce was coming out of that old house with her! “We have a gun, too. But let's try not to use it. Let's stick to the plan for now. If we can get her out without confrontation, let's do it."
After the blue van left the drive, they didn't waste any time. Steve handed her the gun and picked up a piece of oak limb that had fallen to the ground. Rae took the safety off but left the gun in her pocket.
Carefully, they slipped up to the house. Rae could see into the kitchen through the dirty windows. She didn't see Mary or Bryce. She was sure the girl was being kept in a small room with a fireplace that was next to the kitchen. There were three chimneys, four including the one in the kitchen. Any of them could be the room she saw in her dream.
