by Karen Ward
I want you to run a check on all of the security cameras to make sure they are all working properly. Notify Jacob Murray and have them run a check on their cameras also. I think you should run a check on all of the fire suppressant systems too. I think he will try to create a distraction if he manages to get inside. From what Pinky tells me, Bixby wants to kill all of us so bring everyone together at the main house to stay until this threat is neutralized. Barry, let the Brentwood’s know about the latest threat and warn Eric to stay near the house. Goose is calling Evelyn to bring the kids to the main house and of course, I’ll call Skye and Damian. We should be at the ranch later tonight. Are there any other suggestions?”
******
The Drake Security team arrives back at the ranch just before midnight. Once again Pinky finds a voice message from Richard Dean. “Mr. Williams, Richard Dean here. I wanted to let you know the truck Bixby stole was located late this afternoon in the mall parking lot in Kalispell, Montana. We are watching it. I’ll let you know when I know something else.”
After the team listens to the message Pinky asks, “Well, what do you think? Is he back in the Kalispell area or is he hiding somewhere around here?”
Scoot replies, “It sounds like he might have been hurt by that shotgun blast to the back window and he is returning to the compound to heal. I don’t think we should let our guard down though.”
Bear says, “I’ll make a trip to Kalispell and see if I can pick up any information from my contacts around the area. Maybe somebody saw or heard something. I have his mug shot from when he was arrested, I’ll show it around and see if anyone has seen him.”
Goose offers, “I’ll fly you up in the morning. We can make a pass over that compound and see if we can see anything.”
Scoot says, “That sounds good then. Just don’t stay gone too long. If he is around we’re going to need you here. Everyone get some shut eye, tomorrow may be a long day. I’ll let Barry know the latest before I turn in.”
******
James Bixby groans in misery as he turns over in the bed. Those women damn near killed him last night digging that buckshot out of his back. If he hadn’t been so out of it on the whiskey he probably would have killed them. He halfway believes they intentionally made it as painful for him as they possibly could. At least he should start getting better now thanks to the antibiotics furnished by that dentist in Sandpoint. It really does pay to have friends in high places.
Just before noon the cabin door slams against the wall as Fred Davis, head of this militia group storms inside and hollers, “Bixby, get your lazy ass out of that bed! I’m taking you back to Kalispell. The FBI just left here. They were looking for you. They said you murdered a guard and a nurse down in Missoula and then stole a pickup. He said that’s how you got hurt. We don’t want those bastards hanging around here so I’m kicking you out, now!”
Bixby whines, “Aw Fred, don’t be hasty. I’m so weak I can barely stand up. I need to rest a few days. If you take me back now I’m sure to get caught. Give me a break, please?”
Davis replies, “I don’t care if you have to crawl on your belly through the snow, you are not staying here. Go find someplace else to recuperate. We don’t need or want your kind of trouble around here.” The sounds of a helicopter flying low overhead vibrates through the cabin. “Damn, you brought those mercenaries down on our heads too. Get up, now!”
Bixby crawls out of the bed and puts his clothes and boots on. Then he slips his coat on and follows Davis out of the cabin. A black rage is flowing through his veins but doesn’t say a word. These wimpy bastards are going to pay for kicking him out. He’ll make sure of it!
******
Flying low over the compound Bear is examining the area through binoculars. He says, “Look, that’s Bixby coming out of that cabin, the one on the end and getting into that red pickup. Back off and let’s see where they are headed.”
Goose says, “It looks like the visit from the FBI this morning made those guys think twice about letting the slime ball hang around. I’ll radio law enforcement and have him picked up wherever they leave him.”
They watch from above as Bixby is dropped off at the mall in Kalispell. The state police immediately converge on the area and after a short uneventful chase they load him up into the patrol car and haul him to jail.
Goose says, “We need to refuel, then will you be ready to head back to Wyoming?”
Bear says, “If you don’t mind, can we make a pass over my cabin? I want to make sure everything is all right. It’s got all of those new hidden security cameras in the cabin and around the surrounding area that we can monitor from the ranch but I still like to see it myself from time to time. What do you think?”
“It sounds fine to me.” answers Goose.
After refueling and then making a pass over Bear’s remote mountain cabin and finding nothing amiss they head back to Wyoming.
CHAPTER 9
I am so nervous I am shaking like a leaf and butterflies are flitting around in my stomach. I am pacing around and around my hospital room. Today is the day the plastic surgeon is going to remove the bandages from my face revealing to me for the first time the results of the plastic surgery to remove my horrible scar.
I was surprised at how heavily my face was bandaged after the surgery ten days ago and I hope that is not an indication of how extensive my scars will be. I know my face will look better, but will it look normal? The doctor has assured me that he can fix anything I’m not happy with, but I am so scared.
A light knock sounds at the hospital room door and the plastic surgeon strides into the room smiling and says, “Jasmine, are you ready to see the results?”
Visibly shaking I reply, “I think so. I am so nervous!”
Laughing he says, “That’s understandable, but I promise, you are going to like what you see.” I sit down on the side of the bed and he slowly removes the heavy bandages and carefully checks the surgical site for any signs of infection. Obviously pleased with his work, he smiles and says, “All right, Beautiful, go check out the results. Remember, it will look even better as the redness and swelling fade.”
I rise off the bed and shakily walk toward the mirror hanging over the sink in my room. My heart is pounding and I close my eyes as I take the last few steps. When I finally muster my courage and open my eyes, a look of sheer joy slides across my face as I see the results of my surgery. I look just like I did at twenty! The drooping of my eye is gone and the skin is smooth with only a tiny line of scar showing. It is still red of course and has a little bit swelling, but wow, it is gorgeous!
I turn and throw my arms around the surgeon’s neck, kiss his weathered cheek, and cry, “Oh, thank you, thank you, thank you. I never dreamed I could look just like I did before!” I turn back toward the mirror with tears sliding down my cheeks as I tenderly touch the beautiful face that once again belongs to me.
******
A few days after Bixby’s last arrest in Montana, Pinky’s cell phone rings and his heart fills with trepidation when he recognizes Richard Dean’s number on the caller ID, “Pinky.”
“Mr. Williams, it is Richard Dean. I really hate to have to tell you this, but Bixby escaped again. They were transferring him from Kalispell to Missoula to await trial and he escaped. He killed the deputy that was transporting him so they are guessing about what happened but he evidently got out of his handcuffs, tricked the deputy into stopping the car and opening the door. A struggle ensued and the deputy was choked then shot with his own weapon.”
“Damn! Where did all of this happen?” asks Pinky.
“Actually, it happened just a few miles south of Kalispell. He disappeared into the woods around the area. They are searching but who knows. All we really know is he is still somewhat weak from that shotgun blast and his previous injury.”
“All right, thanks for letting me know,” replies Pinky shaking his head in disbelief.
Pinky is walking back into the Drake Security office to tell t
he others the latest news when he hears Bear, “Damn! Someone broke into my cabin! The security company just called me. Pinky, come show me how to check these security cameras!”
As he is walking over to the computer, Pinky tells the guys about Bixby’s latest escape. He sits down at the computer and brings up the surveillance cameras at Bear’s cabin in Montana. The other members of the Drake Security team are gathered around watching and they are all surprised when James Bixby’s face appears on the screen. He is lying on the sofa covered with a blanket, sound asleep.
Scoot says, “Well, how about that, talking about luck. Now we can watch his every move and he doesn’t have a clue. Bear, do you object to letting him stay at the cabin for a few days?”
Bear answers, “No, I guess not. I’ll need to let the security company know and my friend Rick. He sometimes stops by to check on things and I wouldn’t want him to walk into an ambush.”
Pinky says, “It sounds like a good idea to me. Law enforcement sure isn’t having any luck keeping up with him.”
Scoot says, “I’ll notify the FBI that we have him under video surveillance and that we will notify them if he leaves the cabin.”
******
James Bixby is giddy. He can’t believe his good luck. A fully furnished cabin in the middle of nowhere with electricity and running water as well as a fully stocked pantry is more than he could have hoped for. He’ll just lay low here for a few weeks, regain his strength, and then he’ll find a way to get back to business. Those mercenaries can wait a few more weeks to die. He wants to make sure he is in top form before he starts out again.
******
Pinky has been calling Jasmine’s psychiatrist every day for updates on her progress. After six weeks of intense therapy, the doctor has requested a joint counseling session with both Jasmine and Pinky.
As he walks into the hospital Pinky’s heart is pounding with both excitement and nervousness. This will be the first time in six weeks he has seen Jasmine. He knows she had her plastic surgery and he hopes she is pleased with the results. Otherwise, he really doesn’t know what to expect from this visit.
The minute he walks into the psychiatrist’s office Pinky sees Jasmine standing at the window, her back to the room. Nodding at the doctor, Pinky walks to the window and places his hand on Jasmine’s shoulder and says, “Jasmine?”
I let the sound of his voice flow over me warming me and when I feel his hand on my shoulder I take a quick moment to savor his touch before stiffening.
“Keith, I want to thank you for coming today.”
Confused by her reluctance to face him, Pinky glances over at the doctor who is standing beside his desk observing the exchange between the two. The doctor nods his encouragement. Then Pinky says, “Jasmine, look at me please.” He gently turns me toward him and lifts my face to his. Seeing my beautiful face restored by the plastic surgery, a huge grin slides across his face. He lifts his hand and gently traces the pale scar barely visible and whispers, “Oh, Jasmine, you are so beautiful! I am really happy for you.” Then he places a tender kiss on my lips.
Smiling I nervously say, “It does look good doesn’t it? I never expected to get such wonderful results. The surgeon is a miracle worker.”
The doctor interrupts, “If you are ready, let’s get started.” He indicates the two chairs in front of his desk. “Keith, Jasmine wanted you to be here today so she can tell you the whole story about her time with James Bixby in her own words, at least as much as she currently remembers. I feel she may still have some of the more traumatic events blocked. She wants to know where she stands with you after you know all of the details of what happened to her and what she has done so she can begin to make plans for her future.” Pinky nods in understanding, apprehension churning in his stomach. The doctor continues, “Are you ready Jasmine?”
I look down at my hands that are clenched so tightly together in my lap the knuckles are white then begin to tell my story starting with the day James Bixby kidnapped me from the swamp in Louisiana. I explain how he knocked me unconscious, tied me to the bed, and brutally raped me, then how he tied me up and tossed me in the back of his truck and took me to the compound in Idaho. I tell him how he would tie me to the frame of the truck at night, stuffing the dirty handkerchief in my mouth then raping me repeatedly. I explain how he managed to get me all the way to Idaho without my escaping.
I tell him how Bixby liked his sex rough and how he demanded that I continually fight him as he raped me and how he would beat me or physically hurt me in other ways when I hesitated. I describe the cruel way he would painfully twist my nipples or violently penetrate me with metal rods or other objects. I tell him about how he teased me with that big ugly knife threatening to cut off my breasts and how he would put guns to my head threatening my life when I displeased him. I explain what happened the night he sliced my face open.
I give explicit details about the perverted and disgusting sexual acts he forced me to perform on him and the other men at the various compounds where we lived. I tell him the details about the orgies that James so enjoyed with two or more of the men at a time. I explain how one man would hold me in place as another would rape me anally and even about the times I was forced to give one man head as another raped me from behind while others watched. And finally, I told him about the homosexual acts he forced me to perform with one of the women at the Flathead Lake compound in front of all of the men and teenage boys before the two were gang raped. As I am talking tears are streaming down my face and I am shaking violently. When I stop talking, the doctor says, “Jasmine, explain to Keith how all of these things made you feel.”
Shaking with shame and disgust, I whisper, “I feel humiliated, violated, dirty, used, disgusting, unworthy. I don’t see how you can possibly love me after all the things I’ve done.”
I look up at Keith and see the tears running down his face and the sorrow in his eyes. My heart clenches in fear of what he might say.
Keith’s heart is pounding heavily, shattering at the pain he hears in Jasmine’s voice. His stomach is churning and he is having difficulty maintaining the contents. He sees the fear and shame in her eyes. Taking several deep calming breaths and brushing the tears off his face, Keith gently clasps my hand in his shaking one, kneels at my feet and gazes lovingly into my eyes, clouded by tears. Placing a tender kiss on my palm he says, “Jasmine, I love all of you, the essence of your spirit, your soul. It doesn’t matter to me what you look like or what you did or even how you felt when that animal made you do those things. You, the real you, the extremely strong woman that allowed you to survive in those horrific conditions for fifteen long years, the fierce fighting spirit that would not give up even when hopelessness consumed you, the tender soul that helped Melanie and no telling how many others, the one that lives in your heart, that is the Jasmine I love now, have always loved, and will continue to love forever.”
I throw my arms around his neck with tears streaming down my face and whisper, “Oh Keith, I love you too.” He pulls me close and holds me while I sob. After a few minutes I ask, “Are you sure Keith? It really doesn’t matter to you that I did those horrible, disgusting things?”
Smiling lovingly Keith replies, “It really doesn’t matter. All that matters to me is that you are here now, in my arms, and that you love me.”
******
When Keith walks out of the hospital to get in the helicopter a smile is curving his lips and his heart is soaring with happiness. Jasmine achieved a major breakthrough today. For her to be able to relate to him all of those horrible things are an indication that she is finally coming to terms with them. She is on her way back to him. The doctor assures him that Jasmine will be ready to come home in about two weeks. He gets furious when he lets himself dwell on the horrible perverted things Bixby made her do so he has decided that he is not going to think about them. The man is an animal. He is going to concentrate on Jasmine’s recovery and her love for him.
Just as he is getting ready to
fire up the helicopter his cell phone rings and he answers, “Pinky.”
“Hey, Pinky, Bixby left the cabin a little while ago. Someone in a blue truck picked him up. We don’t know yet if he is leaving the area or just going into town but I wanted to keep you in the loop. We called the FBI and they are trying to locate them. Are you headed back?” asks Scoot.
“I am just about to head back now. I should be back at the ranch around dark. You should be able to get me on the radio if anything else develops before then,” answers Pinky.
“So, how did the session go? Is everything all right?” asks Scoot.
Smiling Pinky answers, “Yeah, everything is great. The doctor thinks Jasmine should be ready to leave here in about two weeks. I want to take her to Louisiana for a few days if you don’t mind.”
“Let’s wait until we see what’s going to happen with Bixby. If everything is quiet, a few days away should be fine. See you tonight,” replies Scoot.
******
James Bixby is going stir crazy. He is thankful he found this cabin to lay low in for the past five weeks but he is ready to hit the road again. He contacted his old friend Smitty from Louisiana and he is coming to pick him up. He found a throw away cell phone in one of the drawers in the bedroom and was thrilled when it still worked.
The first thing he and Smitty are going to do is take out those bastards at the compound near Sandpoint that kicked him out in his time of need. Then he is going back to Louisiana where he can call in some favors and get some money and weapons together before he heads back to Wyoming to take care of business. He wants to be well armed and ready for anything, maybe even pick up some dynamite or a few hand grenades. He has it all planned out in his mind, exactly how he is going to kill them all, those guys at the Sandpoint compound and those mercenaries, and when he finds Jasmine, how he is going to make her pay for deserting him. Yep, he is ready to get started.
