Abduction

by Wanda Dyson

  “It’s an old logging road,” Vince explained. “It’s on the map. It goes deeper into the woods and then up into the mountains.”

  JJ knew his temper was reaching the boiling point. He clenched his fists. “Do you really think he’s stupid enough to leave us a trail?”

  “We can stand here and argue about it or we can follow his trail and see where it takes us.” Donnie tossed the anklet at Fleming, demonstrating his own form of disgust.

  JJ climbed into the back seat of the sedan, his temper still simmering just below the boiling point. “Where’s that map?”

  Donnie tossed it to him. Fleming drove, not saying a word.

  JJ spread the map out on his lap and looked at it. His finger followed the logging trail as it wound its way up the mountain. Zoe, I swear, if we can get you out alive, I will never yell at you again.

  He stared at the map. Come on. Come on. There had to be something. Anything. God, if You’re real, I could really use Your help right about now. Show me where she is and I’ll never deny You again.

  Desperation clung to his mind. Fear held on to his heart. Dread slid up his spine.

  #

  Zoe held her breath as he came back into the room with a rope in one hand and a glistening knife in the other. How long had he been gone? Twenty minutes? Thirty?

  After cutting the ropes around her hands and feet, he pulled her up off the cot. “We’re going for a walk.”

  “What about my mom?”

  “Someone will find her eventually.”

  Zoe stopped. He pushed. She stumbled. “You can’t just leave her here.”

  “Well, I could take her with us and let her watch you die. Do you want her to watch, Zoe? Is that it? Or are you afraid of dying alone?”

  “You’re sick.”

  “I’ve been called worse. But you’re wrong. I’m just very clever.”

  “It isn’t cleverness that drives you to kill innocent children.”

  “No. That’s hunger. You people don’t understand. You think life and death are something special. Something to be grieved over and coveted like precious jewels. You build monuments to a pile of bones. You spend fortunes to engrave names in marble and granite. Why? To ease your troubled little minds that you weren’t as nice to them while they were alive as you should have been? And you call me sick? You hide behind elaborate funerals and line the pockets of greedy funeral homes and florists, and for what?”

  He shook his head as if pitying her. “Death is death. People live, people die—so what. Hearts stop and they’re gone.”

  “People who die leave behind people who loved them!”

  “Loved them!” He spat the words with distaste. “Don’t give me that mindless garbage! A father loves his children, but he has no problem leaving them when a pretty woman crosses his path. So much for love when lust comes calling.”

  “What about the mothers you leave grieving for their children?”

  “Mothers?” His eyes narrowed with a violent hatred, and she could only wonder what his own mother had done to him to make him hate them so much. “Don’t talk to me about those feckless creatures.”

  Denise Shefford moaned and Zoe started to move toward her. He yanked her back. “Oh, no, you don’t.”

  “Mom!”

  Her mom moved her head a fraction of an inch and moaned softly again.

  He pulled Zoe out of the room and slammed the door shut.

  #

  JJ stared at the map. Something nagged at him. He squinted, staring harder at the area all around the logging road. And there! Son of a swamp rat! The guy had led them in circles!

  He shoved the map over the seat at Donnie. “Look. Right there. That’s where we found Gina.” He pointed and then dragged his finger across the squiggly lines. “And that’s where we found Lisa Brandt. And this is where we are now.”

  Donnie’s eyes darted from one point to another. He looked up at JJ and then at the map. “Do you think it could have been that simple?”

  “Yes.”

  “So do I.” He looked over at Fleming. “Turn around.”

  Fleming shot him a look. “Are you nuts?”

  “No. This is another rabbit trail. Up ahead, we’re going to find that he cut off the road and went through the woods. By the time we follow it all the way around, it may be too late. Turn around.”

  Fleming shrugged and grabbed the radio. “Everyone stop and turn around. Go back out the way we came.”

  #

  Cliff Maren pulled his fishing rod and tackle box out of the bed of his pickup and slammed the tailgate. Carrying them, along with a small folding stool and a thermos, he made his way down the bank to the river.

  When he got to his favorite fishing spot, he set everything down and popped open his stool. He sat, poured himself a cup of coffee, and opened his tackle box. He fingered through his favorite lures and settled on the one he wanted.

  Attaching lures was a delicate art. He took his time, taking pleasure in every step of the process. His fishing rod was state-of-the-art, a birthday gift from his wife, who knew he’d been coveting it. It felt like an extension of his own arm as he swung back and then let the line fly out over the water.

  He picked up his coffee and took a sip. He was a patient man and didn’t mind studying the trees, the bushes, the birds, and the river itself. He knew this piece of land almost better than he knew his own backyard.

  As his steady gaze drifted, following a squirrel, he noticed a strange blue object on the ground near the base of a tree. Something wasn’t right.

  He set down his coffee, carefully propped his rod against the stool, and walked over to see what it was. Stooping down, he reached for it. A suit coat.

  With a furrowed brow, he stood up. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed something else. All the color drained from his face.

  A hand, pale blue and lifeless, was sticking up out of the water.

  #

  He pushed Zoe again, this time up the narrow wooden staircase. When she saw the double doors above her, she realized she was in a storm cellar. They went through the doors and emerged in a small clearing at the edge of the woods. She saw a small cabin not far away.

  It looked deserted. Of course it was. He wasn’t stupid enough to bring them to a place where anyone could hear her scream.

  With a shove, he flipped the wooden doors closed. One slammed shut, but the other jammed on its rusty hinges. He shoved at it. Cursed.

  The sound of distant car engines broke into the quiet. He grabbed some loose brush and tried to cover the opening. Then he pushed her forward again, this time toward the woods. “Where are we going?”

  “For a walk. Move!”

  Zoe felt her heart racing. Her mouth was dry. This was it. No cavalry. No second chance. No fairy tale hero in a white hat to ride to her rescue. Death had never been more real to Zoe than at this moment. She was going to die. He was going to strangle her, just as he had all those little girls, and then he was going to toss her in a grave and walk away.

  Oh, God, please don’t let this happen. I don’t want to die. And help my mom. God, where are You?

  #

  The caravan of law enforcement vehicles drove back the way they’d come. One by one, the cars passed the cabin and headed back toward the main road.

  As Fleming drove, JJ glanced out the window—then whipped his head and stared. “Stop!”

  Before the car came to a full stop, JJ flung open the door and leaped out.

  The cellar door! It had been closed. Now one door was open. He had been there the whole time. Right under their noses and they’d walked right past him.

  Son of a swamp rat.

  “What is it, JJ?”

  He pointed at the cellar door. “That wasn’t open when we drove away.”

  “How did we miss this?” Fleming snarled.

  “It was covered with branches and vines.” Donnie picked up a vine and tossed it aside in disgust. “Blended right in.”

  Fleming called everyone
back to the cabin. JJ took his gun out of the holster. Donnie followed suit. The two men quickly entered the cellar.

  “She’s been here,” JJ said as he picked up a trace of her perfume in the musty air.

  Donnie pointed to an empty cot. “I think he’s taken her out of here.”

  JJ nodded and then jerked his head in the direction of a closed door. Donnie nodded. It would be just like the guy to be hiding right under their noses. This time, they weren’t going to overlook anything.

  JJ turned the knob slowly and then shoved the door open. Donnie jumped through, gun drawn. Denise Shefford stared at him with wide eyes, her face white with fear.

  “Mrs. Shefford?”

  Donnie knelt down and pulled the duct tape carefully off her mouth. “You okay?”

  She nodded, swallowing hard. “Zoe. He took her.”

  “Where?”

  She shook her head.

  “How long?” JJ asked.

  She tried to shrug, looking despondent. “I don’t know. Five minutes. Maybe longer.”

  JJ stood up. “I’ll send someone down here to take care of you. I’m going after Zoe.”

  “I’m right behind you.”

  JJ grabbed Matt as he climbed out of one of the cars. “Mrs. Shefford is in the cellar. Get an ambulance. And take her some water.”

  “On it.”

  JJ started frantically searching for footprints, scraps of clothing—anything that would tell him which direction he’d taken Zoe.

  Donnie emerged from the cellar a moment later. JJ waved him over to the edge of the woods. “Do these look fresh to you?”

  Donnie knelt down. “Hard to tell with the tracks, but this broken branch is recent.” He stood and drew his weapon. “Hold on one second.”

  Donnie jogged over to Fleming, and JJ saw him talking, pointing toward JJ; Fleming nodded. Then Donnie ran back over. “They’ll be right behind us. Fleming’s going to set up a sweep. Let’s go.”

  JJ led the way, following tracks, broken branches, and bent grass as best he could. They traveled deeper into the woods. Three minutes stretched to five. JJ could feel the sands of Zoe’s hourglass running out. Suddenly Donnie reached out and grabbed his arm, stopping him in mid-stride.

  Then JJ heard it.

  Voices.

  One male. One female.

  Zoe!

  He started to move forward, but Donnie shook his head. He pointed to the left and indicated that he’d swing to the right. JJ acknowledged the instruction and then moved quietly to the left.

  #

  “Don’t do this,” Zoe pleaded as he untied her wrists.

  “Are you going to beg now? Oh, good. I love it when they beg. Makes me feel all warm and fuzzy.” The dry tone in his voice was dispassionate as he wrapped the rope around her neck.

  He tightened the rope and she went up on her toes to ease the pressure. “Don’t,” she gasped.

  “Oh, but I have to. We mustn’t leave Amy out here alone. You do want to be with her, don’t you?”

  “She’s. . .not. . .here,” Zoe whispered roughly, trying to breathe and talk at the same time. It was difficult. It was almost impossible. She felt her head begin to spin.

  “Oh, but she is. Don’t you recognize this place?” He pointed to the far end of the field, barely visible to her. “Way over there is where you found Gina. And here, right here, is where Amy is.”

  Amy. She’d been so close. Her precious psychic gift. It was to bring Amy home. Amy had been right here while Zoe hadn’t been able to pick up a single trace of her. What good had the gift been after all? It had brought nothing but heartache and misery to all it touched.

  Zoe felt the tears slip through her lids and run down her cheeks.

  “Aw, now, don’t cry. Amy can’t see your tears, and,” his voice grew harsh, “I really don’t care.”

  She clawed at the rope, but it was too tight. There were no more words now. Spots danced before her eyes, and she grew lightheaded. There was a roaring in her ears, and she could no longer hear anything he was saying to her.

  This was it.

  She was dying.

  There was no more air.

  No more life.

  Okay, God. Take me, then, but save my mom. Somehow, save my mom.

  The spots in front of her eyes faded as blackness settled over her. She knew her hands had dropped, too heavy now for her to hold up. The weight bore down on her and she felt herself sinking. . . sinking. . .deeper into the inky black. . . .

  #

  JJ couldn’t get a clear shot. His heart was in his throat as he watched the man tighten the rope and then watched Zoe’s struggles cease. He raced forward and nearly screamed aloud when her knees went out from under her.

  A shot cracked through the silence, and the man whipped around. Donnie had missed, but the man had turned, giving JJ all he needed. Now JJ had him. He stopped, lifted his weapon, and pulled the trigger.

  The gun jumped in his hand.

  The man jerked as the shot hit him in the back.

  JJ fired again, hitting him in the thigh.

  The man spun, releasing Zoe. She dropped to the ground. And then everything seemed to move in slow motion. The man staggered and turned toward JJ. The rope in his hands slowly slid through his fingers and fell silently across Zoe’s arm.

  JJ’s eyes widened as he continued to approach cautiously.

  It couldn’t be!

  The man went to his knees, still staring at JJ. A smile began to curl up on his face. “You. . .weren’t as dumb. . .as you looked.”

  “Why? My God, man, why?”

  “It is. . .as the scorpion. . .told the frog. . .my nature.”

  And with a heaved sigh, Ted Matthews collapsed at JJ’s feet.

  chapter 33

  Saturday, April 29

  Tripp knelt down beside the body as Vivian started to zip the body bag closed. “Any identification?”

  Vivian handed him the black leather purse. Water still dripped from it. He reached inside and pulled out the wallet.

  Looking from the picture on the wallet to the body stiff in death, he frowned. “You know how many people have been searching for you, Miss Bubeck?”

  But Maryanne Bubeck was in no condition to answer him. Or anyone else ever again.

  #

  JJ knelt down and cradled Zoe’s upper body in his arms. Her head lolled lifelessly against him. She was deathly pale, contrasting sharply with the violent red burn around her throat.

  “Don’t you dare go and die on me, Zoe Shefford. I need you around to annoy me.”

  Donnie skidded to a halt next to them. He knelt down and placed two fingers on her neck. “She’s alive, but her pulse is weak.” He keyed his mic. “I need an ambulance, and I need it now! No, wait. Get a medivac chopper in here.”

  JJ aimlessly brushed Zoe’s hair from her face as he looked at the man who had nearly killed her. Ted Matthews. How in the world had he missed that?

  He reached up with his free hand and wiped sweat from his face. It was one big case after all. Harris had been right for all the wrong reasons. And JJ had been wrong.

  He’d been wrong. And it could cost Zoe Shefford her life.

  Matt jogged across the field. Fleming followed, trying without success to keep up.

  Donnie reached over and checked Ted Matthews’ pulse. “He’s alive. Nice shooting there, partner.” Donnie slowly stood up.

  Matt came to a stop. “JJ? You okay?”

  “Ted Matthews,” he whispered, then raised his eyes to look at Matt. “It was Ted Matthews.”

  “The infant baby kidnapping?” Fleming asked, huffing and puffing from running.

  JJ nodded. “The baby’s father. It was all a smoke screen. Part of the game. To keep me guessing and running in the wrong direction.”

  Donnie placed his hand on JJ’s shoulder. “He fooled us all. You’re not to blame for any of this.”

  “We were too late.”

  Matt knelt, resting on his haunches, one hand on
the ground to keep his balance as he caught JJ’s eyes and held them. “We weren’t too late, JJ. Zoe is alive. She’s going to be fine. Everyone’s going to be fine.”

  “Except for Gina and Lisa and. . .”

  Matt shook his head, his face dark with emotion. “Don’t go there, JJ. We can’t afford to. We stopped the monster from touching another child. We did our job.”

  #

  Carlton Lyle Livingston. Former Vietnam Veteran. Fifty-five years old. Former resident of the V.A. Hospital in Richmond, Virginia. Carlton had walked away one day and for four years lived as a homeless drunk, wandering from city to city, trying to outrun his demons.

  Instead of outrunning them, he’d fallen victim to one.

  Justus shook his head in pity. “Sorry, pal. What did he do? Promise you a bottle? Some easy cash if you went with him?”

  Vivian signed off on the chart and set it down. “The only family we could find was a sister in Youngstown, Ohio. She’s going to come for the body and take it back for burial.”

  “Shame.”

  “Yes, it is.”

  Justus slowly covered the face with a sheet. “Well, that mystery is solved. Now they just have to find out who killed him and why.”

  “In the meantime, we just had another body come in. Looks like a drowning.”

  #

  She wanted to lift her face to the warm light and bask in it. It was the most amazingly wonderful thing she’d ever felt in her life. Electrifying. Comforting. Loving. All-encompassing. Pure.

  Her heart seemed to beat in rhythm to it—as if it pulsed with a life force that was connected to her. Part of her.

  Love.

  It was love. The most unbelievable love she’d ever sensed in her life. It overwhelmed anything she’d ever felt or known. It swelled and moved in and around and through her.

  She wanted to embrace it but didn’t know how. And suddenly it responded to her desire and swelled within her. It continued to grow, increase, and enlarge.