The Wedding Gift

by Judy Kentrus

  “Wait! Are you telling me there is a way out of this room?” Cindi cautioned herself not to jump to any conclusions.

  “How the hell do you think we’ve been able to go the bathroom? Our bladders are like runny faucets with the washers worn out,” Muriel said.

  Maybe things weren’t as bleak as they appeared, Cindi determined, as a ray of hope flickered in her brain. “Okay, let me try to get a picture of where we are. Do you remember the name of the state game lands?”

  “No, but we are close to Falling Waters State Park.”

  “That gives me some idea where we are. You mentioned I woke up after lunch. Did they prepare something or bring in fast food?”

  “They gave us commercial packages of cold cuts and cheese, a loaf of bread, and some paper plates.” Sadie stuck her nose up at their ill-mannered jailers. “Those louts didn’t even remember napkins.”

  Muriel fluffed her drooping curls with her fingers. The Marilyn Monroe look didn’t appear to be holding. “I woke up on our way here and saw a sign through the back window—Normalville, if that will help.”

  “Yes! This is just a rough estimate, but the town is about ten miles from here. How many rooms are in the cabin?”

  “This one and a combination living room and kitchen area,” Bertie said. “There’s an electric stove, but no refrigerator or television. They brought gallon jugs of water and put three in here for us so we can wash up and have something to drink.”

  Muriel dealt the cards to play solitaire. “That old wooden chest next to the door is filled with all kinds of stuff. I found a big pot, tin of tea bags, sugar packets from McDonald’s, and a package of cups. We heated water and made tea. There are lanterns with emergency candles if the power goes out, matches and a couple of flashlights, duct tape, and nylon tent rope. Someone tossed in a few quilted jackets. They are better than nothing if it gets too cold in here.”

  “Those inept buffoons couldn’t even start a fire,” Bertie said. “Shoved wads of newspaper in the wood stove and used a cigarette lighter. Dufus burned his fingers when to I told him he was doing it wrong, and told me to close my trap. The room started to fill up with smoke because they didn’t open the damn flue. We could only open two of the four windows to let the smoke out. The others are painted shut.” Bertie tapped her chest with her thumb. “I used my Girl Scout skills and got the fire going.” She nodded toward the pile of wood near the stove. “That’s enough for a couple of days. If they had to chop wood, they’d probably cut off their tallywackers.”

  “This is the way I see things,” Cindi said. “Our keepers only come in here to deliver food, so we’re basically on our own. We have a way to come and go they don’t know about. One of them has to go for food and the other stays behind.”

  “You are one smart girl.” Muriel slammed her hand on the table. “We divide and conquer. While one is gone, we take care of the other. He’d be no match against four women.”

  “I’m going outside to have a look around and visit the outhouse,” Cindi said. “We need a distraction. Whose turn is it to bang on the door and annoy the guards?”

  “Mine.” Sadie got up from her seat and moved to the woodpile to grab a good-size log. “I won’t start until you leave. Be careful, and watch out for the bears.”

  “Thanks a lot.” Cindi grabbed a gray plaid quilted shirt jacket from the storage chest. It had the smell of a very expensive man’s aftershave. The water closet was slightly smaller than a powder room, with just a toilet. She hesitated before opening the door to the outside, listening for any sign of movement. Could you really hear bears? Cindi shuddered.

  Bertie told her where to find the hidden button that opened the door. She stepped outside into the cool afternoon air. Unease that she could be discovered at any moment made her heart beat faster. She flattened her body against the cold wood siding, but just listened and surveyed the area. From the position of the sun in the blue sky, it was early afternoon. A slight breeze caused a scattering of dried leaves to dance over the winter frozen grass that surrounded the one-story cabin. Beyond, the entire area was enclosed in a thick forest. She really wanted to check out the front of the house to see what kind of vehicle they were driving, but didn’t want to push her luck.

  A slate-lined path led to the small outhouse. The dull brown siding had withered over time, and the metal roof had rusted from neglect. She was just about to open the door when a copper-green sundial on an iron stanchion caught her eye. According to the shadow dial, it was approximately three thirty.

  The little house was surprisingly clean and odor free, but the wood seat was ice cold, so she went about her business quickly. Before opening the door, she listened, just to make sure the coast was clear. She wasn’t ready to go back to the house, and needed some alone time. A dirt path in the rear of the outhouse led to a cluster of pine trees, and she sought refuge in their enveloping branches. The tears she’d been holding back ran down her cheeks in a stormy torrent of misery. “Cindi Pearl, what were you thinking? Preston must be out of his mind with worry and doesn’t have a clue where I am or how to find me.” Once again, she’d given him heartache and grief. Her parents, friends, everyone she loved, must be frantic with worry. When would she learn not to do something without thinking how it would affect those she loved? She also had the responsibility of saving three sweet elderly ladies. She wiped her nose with her sleeve and looked up to the sky. “God, please send Preston a sign to let him know that I’m okay. Someway, somehow, I will get these ladies and me home, safe and sound. I’m marrying the man I love on Saturday.”

  She went to move out of the cover of the trees, but caught the scent of cigarette smoke. Her heartbeat quickened and she retreated into the shadows a little more. All she could see were their jeans and what appeared to be biker boots. They stopped beside the outhouse and she listened closely to their conversation.

  “This is a shitty job. Leland said nothing about taking care of four women. Those old bitches are driving me nuts. The one that’s a Marilyn Monroe wannabe asked if I had a gun. When I told her no, she said too bad, because she was hoping I’d shoot myself in the foot. And to not leave us a vehicle!”

  “He said his aunt is a kleptomaniac and loves to steal cars. Leland’s coming back tonight with food and our bikes. Wants to talk to the blond broad. Needs to say goodbye or some shit like that. Then he and Mommy dearest are leaving the country.”

  “Where are they going?”

  “His yacht is docked in Antigua and then they plan to disappear.”

  “His mother is one coldhearted bitch. She’s just as dirty as her husband, and should be sharing a prison cell. Leland doesn’t know she’s paying us fifty big ones to get rid of the blond and the aunt tomorrow. When I asked Mrs. Leland if her son knows she’s changed the plans, she went off on a tangent, claiming she’s always been the one in charge and he’ll do as she says. She doesn’t care about the five million because she’s got plenty of money stashed away. She wants revenge on the accountant responsible for sending her husband to prison.”

  “What are we going to do with the other two?”

  “I’m for dumping those crazy females on the side of the road.”

  “Good idea. Let’s get back inside before they try to burn the place down. I noticed a ranger fire station a mile down the road, and I’m sure they can see the smoke from the wood stoves, so they know someone is here.”

  Cindi waited until they disappeared around the front of the building before making her way back inside. So dear, sweet Momma was once again planning to get rid of Cindi. Bullshit! This time she’d be one step ahead of her.

  “What took you so long?” Sadie asked.

  Cindi rushed to the wood stove and warmed her backside. “Ah, that feels good.” She sighed. “We need to talk, but first I need something hot to drink.”

  They sat around the table with cups of tea. “Blockhead and Dufus came outside for a smoke and they talked about Leland’s plans. They’re not good. I’m beyond scared. I�
��m furious! They didn’t say how, but tomorrow, Bertie and I will be entering the pearly gates, and you two are going to be left on the side of the road.”

  “I’ll kick their respective asses!” Muriel fisted both hands. “I may be eighty-one years old, but I’m not going down without a fight.”

  “Count me in!”

  Bertie hadn’t said a word, and Cindi took her hand. “Are you okay?”

  “No, I’m not. Realty is, my family wants my money more than me. I’ve always thought the idea a joke, but it has become frighteningly real, and I’ve brought you into my mess.”

  “You told me money isn’t everything and I agree,” Cindi said. “The misfits are the losers because they never took the time to discover how wonderful you are and reap the benefits of your warm, loving heart. I consider myself very lucky to be your adoptive granddaughter and friend, as do Sadie and Muriel. You are one of the Lemon Sisters, and I plan to marry the man I love on Saturday. Can I count on you to help get us out of this mess and disappoint your misfit relatives?”

  Bertie used her lacy handkerchief to wipe her happy tears. “What do we need to do?”

  “According to our keepers, Thomas will be bringing dinner and wants to talk to me. I say we take them all out tonight.”

  “Do you have a plan?” Muriel asked.

  “You had the right idea earlier. Divide and conquer.” Cindi turned to Bertie. “We need to create a lot of smoke.”

  “You mean burn down the house?”

  “No, we’re not going to burn down your love nest, but we need to make it appear that way. Hopefully there will be a person in the fire station lookout. While I’m in the other room talking to Leland, you will create a diversion by yelling fire, and the two guys will come running in to find out what is going on.”

  “We can yell fire to get them in here, but we’re going to have to do something to take them out. Then we’ll open the windows and I’ll shut the flue,” Bertie said. “We can escape through the water closet.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Cindi looked pointedly at the ladies. “I need to hear from each of you that you agree. If you have any concerns or don’t want to do this, tell me now. I’d never forgive myself if anything happened to you.”

  “Girl, you actually think I want to stay here? I need to get back to so I can harass Willie, and I’m running out of wool. I’m in.”

  “All I can say is that this is the most fun I’ve had in years. I also need to change the color of my hair to Patty Paige blond. After all, we are singers.”

  “I echo Muriel,” Bertie said. “This is the most fun I’ve had since I ran around this room playing deer hunt with Mr. Abbott. Let’s take those suckers down!”

  “I figured you were in, but I needed to hear your answers. After you finish your tea, I want you to stand up and watch me. You’re about to learn a new defensive maneuver called SING.”

  Chapter 14

  Preston was in hell. There was no other word to describe what he’d been through the past eighteen hours. The pills he’d taken for his tension headache weren’t working. He glanced at the time at the bottom of his computer. Three in the afternoon. He’d also become oblivious to the passage of time with only one thought in mind. Cindi was missing. Emptiness echoed throughout his body.

  A little after one a.m., they returned to the Adams Security building and established Lincoln’s office as their base of operations. They’d barely had time to set up the phones when the guards called through with the arrival of Jennie and his parents, soon followed by Cindi’s mother and father. Preston was totally out of his element trying to deal with two weeping mothers and angry, worried fathers. Jennie took pity on him and called down to the cafeteria that was open twenty-four-seven, since Adams security never shuts down and had them deliver tea and coffee, hoping it would help calm them down. Once the tears had stopped, Lincoln and Preston presented their plan to get Cindi back. Kevin and Joyce Sullivan would start the gossip ball rolling in the Stevensville area, and Bennett and Maryann Reynolds would handle the phones Lincoln’s technicians had set up on his conference table.

  Jessie had made all notifications and the car was being photographed and dusted for prints, just in case the kidnappers had touched the vehicle. She also suggested they contact Nate Haines. Everyone agreed to go along with Jessie’s unconventional hunt, but Nate could conduct a behind-the-scenes search for Thomas Leland’s location. Nate argued against their archaic methods, declaring they wouldn’t work, and gave them forty-eight hours. Then the FBI would take over.

  Preston removed his glasses and scrubbed his face with his hands. He couldn’t remember the last time he slept. That morning, his mother had insisted he stop to get something to eat. He’d been ready to protest, but the grief and concern on her pretty face was his undoing. He’d cleaned up in the showers at the gym, grabbed a change of clothes from his locker, and took more pain pills.

  Hour after hour his frustration mounted. None of the search programs he’d created netted real estate in this county. He’d widened the search to neighboring areas. Leland and his firm were rich in real estate, but nothing that couldn’t be reached through modern technology. He sensed he was no longer alone, and he looked up to see Samantha standing in his doorway. “You are a sight for sore eyes.”

  “I’ll take that as a compliment, since you look like shit.”

  “Thanks, I needed that. Are you going to just stand there? I did take a shower this morning.”

  “How are you holding up?”

  Samantha was one of the few people he could be honest with. She’d seen him at his best and worst, like now. “I’m not.”

  “That’s what I thought. Close your eyes and I will give you a surprise.”

  “Unless you’re going to tell me my future wife is hiding behind you, I don’t want it.”

  “No, it’s not Cindi, but you’ll want this.”

  Preston relented and closed his eyes. When a soft, wiggly body kissed him on the cheek, he opened his eyes. Donut had his back legs on the desk, and his front paws were propped on Preston’s shoulder. It was the scent that brought a watery film to Preston’s tired eyes. He picked up the little pygmy goat and brushed the fur with his nose. “He smells like Cindi’s shower gel.”

  “I was so busy working on your wedding cake I suddenly realized I hadn’t seen the animals since this morning. When it’s nice outside, they run around in the paddock and I can watch them through the kitchen window. I went to the barn and Cherry Cheesecake was hanging out in a stall with the ducks, but no Donut. The men delivered the trees this morning and are setting up the decorations in the barn, so I asked if anyone saw Donut. One of the men thought he saw him going upstairs to the apartment. Donut was curled up on a bath towel Cindi must have used. Animals are very instinctive. I brought him to make you feel closer to Cindi.”

  Preston nuzzled Donut’s fur to breathe in Cindi’s scent. It did make him feel a little better. “You’re pretty confident there is going to be a wedding.”

  Samantha sat on the edge of the desk. The little goat made himself comfortable in Preston’s arm and went to sleep. “I can’t believe you said that. Of course there is going to be a wedding. When have you ever known Lincoln to give up on a case? He’s still got an open file on the guy who tried to kill his wife when she was a cop in New York.”

  “It’s not that simple. I’ve reviewed every piece of real estate owned by Thom, his mother, his father, the partners in the Ponzi scheme, his business partner’s personal holdings. No one enjoys communing with Mother Nature in a remote area. I’ve about given up.”

  “Well that’s a fine kick-in-the-ass attitude,” Samantha said. “I just came from Lincoln’s office, and no one has given up. With everyone talking on the phone, it reminds me of a telethon. The entire town is on the hunt. Jennie is at police headquarters taking calls from total strangers who want to help look for Cindi. Your parents and future in-laws needed a break and just went downstairs for something to eat. Sallie Mae, Northrup,
and Suzie Q’s husband are manning the phones that are ringing off the hook. She wanted to help, but is working on the flowers for the wedding. They are following through with every goddamn lead. Nate called me asking my take on the case when they suspected Leland of jury tampering. I asked what they are doing to track Leland’s whereabouts. The FBI went to his office and spoke to the partners. No one has heard from Leland in a few days. His cell has been disconnected. They went to his mother’s home, and the housekeeper said Mrs. Leland left for an extended vacation with her son and she had no way of contacting her. There is no activity on their credit cards. These two are in the wind.”

  “So much for modern technology,” Preston said. “I’ve hit the same brick wall.” He lowered his head to the fur on Donut’s back.

  “We’ve all been so worried about Cindi that no one has talked about Muriel, Sadie, and Bertie. They must be frightened too. I felt so sorry for Mrs. Abbott the other night. Her cold, heartless relatives are waiting for her to die so they can get her money and property. Leland reminds me of a vulture.”

  Preston’s head popped up. “What did you say?”

  “I said a lot. Muriel, Sadie. I feel sorry for Mrs. Abbott. Leland is a vulture.”

  “Ah, excuse me.”

  They both looked up to see a tall, slender man standing in the doorway. He appeared slightly nervous, and twisted the black leather gloves in his hands. Preston recognized him from the party. “Bill, right? Florence’s husband.” He passed Donut to Samantha before coming around from behind his desk.

  “The guards downstairs told me to come right up when I told them I had information that might help you find Cindi,” Bill said. “I’ve been so busy establishing my new office I barely have time to talk to my wife. Flo stopped by this afternoon after my last appointment and told me about Cindi and how you were looking for information about Leland and any property he might own in this area.”