Un-Sweet Dreams (BookStrand Publishing Romance)

by Shawn Wall

  “What do you mean?” His eyes narrowed.

  “I know the guy. He plays football. I never liked him, and I just couldn’t put my finger on it.”

  “You know him!” Seth couldn’t comprehend what Tray was saying.

  “I recognized him from the police sketch. You probably don’t know the guy. His name is Paul Scroggins. He has met Suzanne before.”

  “Wait, he knows her?”

  “It was mine and Suzanne’s first date. You were there, Seth the party at the river. I remember it because he was looking at her. Of course even you have to be used to other guys checking her out. You can’t have a girlfriend like her and expect anything else, but it was the way he watched her. It was unsettling. I think he has always been a pervert, I mean everybody joked about it. I don’t think anyone really thought it was true. He always bragged about how many women he had.”

  Seth cringed at the thought of that monster even looking at her.

  “He didn’t know she would be there. I don’t think she was a planned target, just in the wrong place at the wrong time. I’m just afraid of what he will do to her. If we find him, and he has laid one finger on her, I won’t be able to stop myself. I will kill him with my bare hands.” Seth was trembling.

  “I want to get him, too, but if we find him, we have to let the police do their job. We don’t want to endanger Suzanne. We will just take each dirt road one at a time and search each cabin one by one. Besides, I don’t know any easier way to do this. At least we know he drives a red Firebird. I would recognize that car anywhere.” Tray was being more level-headed than he was.

  “I’m pretty sure he didn’t realize I saw him. If he had, he would’ve just taken off and not chanced taking her. I know the police think this gives us an edge, and I believe we will find him, but…” Seth’s throat choked up.

  He just couldn’t speak what he was thinking. Tray knew it was more than he could have handled at the moment. Seth stared out the window, praying that God would protect her and let them find her, before… He couldn’t even pray the words. It was just too horrible to imagine. What would he do if he lost her? How would he go on? Leaning his head back on the seat, he closed his eyes, trying to ward off the pain now beginning to pulse at his temples. Shoving all those impossible thoughts aside, his stomach still tightened, and another fresh wave of nausea was upon him. He had often thought guys were weak, putting all their hopes and dreams into one girl, henpecked for sure. Now he knew different.

  They were on the first gravel road, and Tray slowed the truck so they wouldn’t miss any driveway.

  “I think we should park on the road. If we do find him, driving right up would just tip him off.”

  “I agree.”

  There were two driveways in sight. They started with the closest, putting their walkie-talkies on silent and setting out on foot. The first driveway wasn’t long, and at the end was a wood-framed house. The place looked abandoned. There were no cars in sight, and the house was empty. The second lane was a quarter mile up the road, and it was longer with a much nicer home sitting at the end. It was empty too and obviously a summer place with two boats covered under a carport. They walked back to the truck and drove until the road ended at the water’s edge.

  “How many roads are there?” Seth shifted, unable to stop from tapping his right foot on the floorboard.

  “There are at least ten.”

  He turned on the volume of his walkie-talkie. There was no sign of her yet. Now, police searching areas with other houses, yet no resident had seen anything suspicious. It was like the old saying, searching for a needle in a haystack. He knew they only had close to twenty-four hours. Recently, it had been released in the newspapers that the killer only kept his victims alive for that long. Of course, Seth’s fear was what the monster would do to her within that time frame.

  To be away from her was like torture, like someone cutting him wide open leaving a gaping empty whole that only she could fill. He knew that without her, his life would never be the same. She had become far more than a college crush or a girlfriend. He wanted her forever.

  He had told the officer she was merely his girlfriend, but she was so much more. She wasn’t a girl. She was a woman. His woman and he never wanted to touch another. He never wanted to make love to another person. He only wanted Suzanne. And, at this moment, he knew he wanted her to be his wife, the mother of his children, and he couldn’t imagine a future without her in it. She was his only reason for being, like the very air he breathed. He must find her.

  They searched three more roads. Two of the cabins did have inhabitants, but both were older couples on fishing trips, and neither had seen a car fitting the description. Tray said the next road was off the beaten path. So they turned from the main highway onto a paved road, and Tray drove over five miles to another gravel road.

  “There is only one cabin from my memory on this one, and it’s almost at the very end,” Tray explained.

  As they drove slowly, a radio bulletin announced Suzanne’s kidnapping, listing her description. Maybe someone had spotted her, saw him with her. The walkie-talkie revealed still no word, no sign of her anywhere. Now, more volunteers were combing the woods and around the landings, looking for any sign. Tray stopped a half-mile before the end of the road. If they were too close, the truck lights could be spotted. He hadn’t even realized how much time had passed. It was almost morning, and the sun had not quite peered over the horizon. Time was passing too quickly. This will not be her final sunrise, nor her end.

  As they walked down the gravel road, it became very muddy. The wet, sloshing snow mixed with red clay revealed deep rutted tire tracks. Someone had driven down this road during the snow last night. There was a faint light, and a car was in the yard, but it not distinguishable from this distance.

  “We need to approach through those woods. We can’t just walk up the road with no cover,” Seth said.

  They decided to separate. The ground was covered with branches and thick brush. The forest was full of tall pine trees and honeysuckle so thick they certainly would not be spotted. When they reached the forest’s edge, Seth could not believe his eyes. There was a small log cabin with a lamp shining through the front window, and a red Firebird parked close to the door.

  “Do you see what I am seeing?” Tray asked.

  “Is it his car?”

  “Yes, I’m certain of it. His car has a dent in the right back bumper just like this one.”

  He was glad he had found his cell. The walkie-talkie would not get a signal this far out. He quickly dialed the police station.

  “This is Seth Griffin. I need to be patched to Detective Brown immediately.”

  “Hold, please,” the operator said. Then, there was a long pause of silence.

  “Seth, this is Detective Brown.”

  “We think we’ve found him.”

  “Where are you?”

  “County Road 43. The cabin is the only one on the road, a dead end. We’re certain it’s his car, and the tracks on the road are fresh.”

  “Seth, you are on the opposite side of the lake. It will take us about thirty minutes to get there. We will park at a distance and come up through the woods. Keep your walkie-talkie on so we can locate you. Do not approach that house. Do you hear me? If there is any activity or he leaves, you call me immediately.”

  “Okay.” He hesitantly agreed.

  The adrenaline was definitely pumping through his veins. His heart was racing, and his breathing so rapid he thought he might hyperventilate.

  “We can only wait,” Tray said with a worried look.

  Seth could see the look on Tray’s face, guessing Tray probably thought he’d have to restrain him. Almost trembling on the brink, he leaned against the closest tree and slumped to the ground. She was less than seventy-five feet away from him. Who knew what that sick, sadistic monster was doing to her right now? It would take all the strength he had in the world to sit there. Tray stared at him like he was keeping guard. There we
re no noises at all, and the sun was rising higher now. The forest was peaceful and beautiful with the snow covering the branches. There was no hint of any horrific events that might be taking place in the tiny cabin in the near clearing. Thirty minutes was an eternity, and if he heard her scream, he wouldn’t be able to restrain himself. Now, his heart was racing faster, pumping so hard he could hear the thumping in his ears. He knew he had to calm down. He must keep his cool and keep a level head.

  He closed his eyes, and he could only see her face. It wasn’t his sweet memory. The terror took his breath. His throat was tight, and his heart was about to explode. It was a vision of the rapist moving toward her. The bastard was climbing on top of her, and she was begging him to stop. Was he imagining his second worst fear? Of course his first was her death. His visions were usually only of strangers, and these visions gave little warning before the event. He knew he had to act fast. He had to save her.

  “Tray, we must go in. We can’t wait on the police. Trust me.”

  “What is it? I didn’t hear anything.”

  “I’m going in. Stay here if you want.” Panic had struck Seth, gripping him in a full body shake. No man alive could stop him.

  He grabbed the largest tree branch from the ground he could find and walked to the forest’s edge. It wasn’t much of a weapon, but in haste to begin searching, they hadn’t thought about getting a gun or knife. Knowing the morning light would reveal his presence once past the trees, he quickly ran and hid behind the car. Tray followed him without saying a word.

  “We need to see if there is a back door,” Tray suggested.

  “That’s a good idea.”

  “Stay here. I’ll sneak around and check. I’ll be right back.”

  Tray ran to the side of the cabin out of his sight. Now, they were only twenty feet from the door, and from here, he could hear noises. It sounded like a stereo or television. At least the place had electricity so maybe she had at least stayed warm. Of course that was trivial at this point. Tray was back within one minute.

  “There’s a back door. What do you want to do?”

  “You knock on the front door. Say you ran out of gas. He knows you from the team. I doubt he would be suspicious of you. It could give me time to go through the back and get Suzanne.”

  “I’m going to cut back through the woods and walk up from the road a ways. It will seem more believable.”

  “I knew you weren’t just a dumb jock.” Seth gave him a light punch in the upper arm.

  He looked toward the cabin. No sign of anyone stirring. He darted behind the left wall, holding his breath the entire time. Breathe, Seth, breathe. Tray was already in the woods. There were no windows on this side of the structure. It would be safe enough to wait here. Within a minute, Tray was walking up the muddy road. As Tray reached the end of the car, Seth darted to the back, keeping his head low, listening for Tray’s knock.

  There were two voices, but none were distinguishable, and footsteps headed to the front of the cabin. This was his chance. He slowly turned the knob, peering inside. The first room was a kitchen. A table to the right was filled with empty beer cans and what appeared to be drug paraphernalia. Now, he could hear Tray’s voice, and the guy recognized him for sure. Tray was beginning his story. This wouldn’t hold long. He had to work fast. She definitely wasn’t in the living room. The cabin was small, so she could only be in a bedroom. He crept as quietly as possible down the only hall to the left. There were three doors, and the first opened to a bathroom. He slowly turned the knob of the second, which was an empty bedroom. She must be in the last. Oh God, please let her still be alive. Just as a ray of light shown from the last door, he slowly pushed it open. To his shock, he found a young, scantily clad brunette. Suzanne was nowhere in sight. Fire ignited within him, and he saw red. He quickly ran to the living room, grabbing the culprit from behind, and wrestling him to the floor. Tray stood in shock with his eyes as wide as saucers.

  “Tell me where she is, you bastard!” Seth growled.

  “What are you talking about?” Seth could see the fear in the monster’s eyes.

  “He doesn’t have her. Think about what you are doing! Don’t kill him!” Tray yelled.

  “Kill me? What did I do?” the guy whimpered.

  What a coward.

  The girl ran into the living room, covering herself with a sheet.

  “What is going on?” she said.

  “Kimberly, is that you?” Tray asked her.

  “Yes, what in the hell is going on?”

  Tray turned to Seth, placing a hand on his shoulder.

  “Seth, she isn’t here. I don’t know what is going on. Just stop, man. Let’s try and figure this out.”

  Seth slowly released his grip, letting the guy scramble to a chair. Kimberly quickly ran to his rescue, embracing him.

  “Paul, we do have some questions for you,” Tray said.

  “I have some for you. What in the hell are you doing breaking into my cabin?” the coward asked.

  Seth lunged toward Paul, and Tray quickly grabbed him and pulled him off.

  “Paul, have you watched television or turned on the radio within the last twelve hours?” Tray asked.

  “No, we’ve been a little preoccupied.” Paul grinned at Kimberly.

  “The campus rapist has struck again, and you fit the description,” Tray explained.

  “That isn’t possible,” Paul said.

  “How long have you been up here?” Tray asked.

  Kimberly rested a hand on Paul’s shoulder. “We came up just after it began snowing. Paul couldn’t possibly have done this. He hasn’t left my side the entire night. Even yesterday, we were at my parents’ house in town. Surely you know my parents wouldn’t lie for him. They’re not really happy we’re dating.”

  “I thought you said they liked me,” Paul said.

  “I didn’t want to hurt your feelings,” she admitted.

  “Wait a minute. I saw you. I know it was you. In the courtyard, there was plenty of light, and your face will be burned in my brain for eternity. I don’t know how it’s possible, but it was you,” Seth said.

  “Oh, my God, this just can’t be.” Paul looked at Kimberly, shocked, his mouth wide open.

  “It has to be him.” Kimberly was just as shocked.

  Paul shook his head, and placed a hand on his forehead. “I have a twin brother. We’re not identical, but we favor each other quite a bit. Same build, hair, eyes. He has been troubled in the past, but I just can’t believe this. My father has covered up some antics for sure, even once a date rape. I had always thought the girl was lying. She had been a little trampy, so the case was thrown out with my father’s influence. That poor girl was telling the truth.”

  “We can get into the psycho babble later. Do you know where he is?” Seth spoke through clenched teeth.

  “Not for sure. Who was the latest victim?” Paul asked.

  “My girlfriend. Her name is Suzanne Foster.”

  “Tray, isn’t that the hot blonde you used to date?” Paul asked.

  “Hey, you watch your mouth!” Seth was in his face again.

  “Yes, Paul. The girl I used to date,” Tray answered.

  Seth could hear the detective from the walkie-talkie. The police were approaching the cabin. Seth spoke, alerting them to the false alarm.

  Seth pointed toward the kitchen table. “You had better try and think about where your brother might be. I’m sure the police will have a few questions for you. I’m also pretty sure they might find your stash if they look hard enough.”

  “I want to help. I don’t condone my brother’s actions. He is obviously sick. So, you think he may have her somewhere around the lake?” Paul asked.

  “Yes, all the girls were dumped here. It’s the most logical place.” Seth took pursed-lipped breaths, trying to stay calm.

  “This is the only cabin my father owns on the lake.” Paul tilted his head and hesitated a moment before placing a hand on his chin. “But there is on
e other possibility. There is a plantation house. Our mother had been renovating it last summer. She wants it to be on the historical register. The electricity is probably still on. He could be there. It’s way off the road and very secluded. It’s not on the lake, but it’s only about fifteen minutes out toward Highway 82.”

  “Do you mean the old Baker Plantation?” Tray asked.

  “Yeah, that’s it.”

  Detective Brown was at the door, and he gave Seth a stern look. Immediately, he questioned Paul and Kimberly even further than they had. Seth hadn’t stopped to think about his vision. At least they had another lead, and it was more than they had all night. The police didn’t arrest Paul, but he and Kimberly were transported to the station for more questioning. Quickly, Detective Brown began reorganizing the search.

  “Seth, you are going to stay behind this time, even if I have to arrest you.” The detective’s eyes narrowed, and his tone was harsh.

  “Please, Detective.” Seth had lost all his dignity, begging the man.

  The tears began to sting his eyes, and for the first moment all night, he allowed himself to truly feel his emotions. Letting go, his distress and anguish filled him. I failed her. He couldn’t stop the tears from leaking down to his jaw line, not when her life was on the edge of a razor. What he saw must have touched him, because Detective Brown’s jaw relaxed, and his voice was less stern.

  “Fine, but you will ride with me. I don’t want you out of my sight.”

  Tray and Seth walked to the detective’s car. He gave Tray a glare and shook his head.

  “Both of you just get in the back,” the detective said.

  The car was halfway down the drive in seconds. Detective Brown was immediately on the radio giving coordinates and instructions. No one was to approach the house, and everyone was to meet at a rendezvous point for more instructions. They were back on pavement in minutes and headed away from the lake about fifteen minutes, just as Paul had said.

  “We’re all going on foot from here. I’d try to make you two stay here, but I can’t spare an officer to baby-sit you. You follow my instructions exactly. When I say to stay back, you do so, or I’ll make good on that promise of an arrest.” The detective’s eyes narrowed again as he glanced at both of them.