DOWN COLDER: A Hallie James Mystery (The Hallie James Mysteries Book 3)

by DK Herman

  "Get in your car," the voice said.

  I obeyed. "Now what?"

  "Drive to the supermarket," the voice said. "Put the phone on speaker and lay it in your lap."

  "Ok," I said, starting the car. I pulled out and drove the seven blocks to the supermarket. "I'm here."

  "Park in the last row, but leave your engine running."

  I did as I was told. Sweat ran down my face and between my breasts, but I didn't dare turn on the air for fear I'd miss instructions. I parked and put my window down. How far were the kidnappers involving me? And why me? Was this some kind of distraction?

  I soon found out how involved I would be when Gail Kubicki's car pulled up.

  As she handed me a blue backpack, tears ran down her face. "I was told to give this to you. Please, get Lexi back," she said and went back to her car.

  "Get moving!" The voice demanded.

  "Where to?"

  "Take the highway, east towards Fairton," the voice said.

  Again, I obeyed and drove up Route 11.

  "Pull in at the car wash," the voice said.

  I still couldn't tell if the person was young or old, or a man or a woman. Voice changers are cheap online. This one probably cost less than a hundred bucks, but it was doing the job. "I'm at the car wash," I reported.

  "Drive around back to the vacuum units." The voice sounded more relaxed than I felt.

  "I'm there."

  "Park next to the gray pickup."

  A mid 1990's, pickup was the only vehicle behind the car wash. It needed washed badly. But with all the rust it had accumulated, it looked like a fender would fall off if somebody tried. I parked next to it, expecting to be told to toss the money into the truck bed.

  "Turn off your car, take the money and this phone, and get in the truck."

  I didn't like this at all, but I obeyed.

  The interior of the truck boasted a torn bench seat and fishing gear scattered everywhere. I climbed into the driver's seat with the backpack next to me and placed the phone in my lap. "I'm in the truck."

  "Pull down the sun visor."

  I did, and a set of keys fell into my lap.

  "Now drive," the voice said. "Go in same direction up the highway."

  The truck started easily, and judging by the way it quickly accelerated on the highway, the engine was better cared for than the rest of it.

  Two miles later, I looked longingly at the turn to my home. I was terrified, but a five-year old's life was at stake. "Where am I going?"

  "You're not there yet." I heard a muffling sound through the phone. Then I heard breathing, but they were quiet for the next two miles.

  "Turn on Gamble Road," the voice said.

  Gamble Road runs between the highway and River Drive. There are a few older houses set back from the road. But mostly, the road wound through a wooded hollow. It was a good place for a drop. They could easily retrieve the money as soon as I rounded a curve in the road.

  "You're almost there," the voice said.

  How did they know where I am? Is there a tracker on the truck? Maybe I'd underestimated them. They seemed more organized than I'd thought.

  I came to the end of Gamble Road. My choices were left and follow River Drive towards Fairton, or right and follow it back to Herville. "Which way?"

  "Turn right," the voice said.

  Back towards Herville it is. I drove carefully, slowing to allow a car to pass. I didn't want anyone behind me when I was told to toss the backpack. With so many tall weeds and scrub brush along the river, it too would be another excellent drop point.

  "Slow down or you'll miss the next turn."

  There were no more turns for about a mile and a half. There was nothing but overgrown driveways of fishing cabins before the edge of Herville.

  "On the left is a dirt track. It's straight across from the mailbox."

  I saw a rusty mailbox that was falling off its post. "I don't see the dirt track."

  "It's there, right across from the mailbox. Just turn the damned truck!"

  As instructed, I turned and the truck drove through the undergrowth and came out onto a narrow dirt path that led to the river. "I'm on the path to the river." I didn't see any other vehicles ahead of me, but I would be trapped if any came up from the rear.

  "Park close to the water," the voice said.

  I drove to within feet of the river's edge and turned off the truck's engine. "OK, I'm here." I was beginning to get some serious butterflies in my stomach.

  "See the boat tied to a tree?"

  "Yeah." Please don't say get into the boat. I like boats, but this tiny wooden dinghy wasn't in the best shape. And the river was up and running fast from yesterday's rain. Somebody had taken a brush and painted 'Love Boat' on the boat's side. A motor was attached to the back and was now pulled forward out of the water.

  "Take the money and the phone, and get in the boat. Don't forget to untie it."

  I drug the backpack off the truck seat and carried it to the boat. I tossed the backpack in and waited for the dinghy to sink. It didn't, so I untied it and climbed in. I put the phone to my ear. "I'm in the boat." The current had already started the boat drifting downstream.

  "Put the engine in the water and start it. You may have to use the choke, it's a red button."

  I pulled on the rope three times, and each time the engine sputtered and died. I opened the choke and pulled again, and the engine roared to life.

  "Head towards the island."

  The Susquehanna is full of small islands. I'd never been on one, but I've seen shacks spring up on them from time to time. They usually got wiped out the next time the river level rose.

  It took me a few minutes to get the hang of steering. But then I discovered that all I had to do was point the motor's handle in the direction I wanted to go. And I was on my way to an island in the middle of the Susquehanna with a backpack full of money!

  Under different circumstances, the boat ride would be fun. By the puddle of water on the wooden floor, I'd guess the dinghy leaked, but it didn't seem to be growing larger. I stopped worrying when I saw I was close to the island.

  "I'm almost there," I yelled into the phone.

  "Pull up by the big rock." The voice was almost drowned out by the engine.

  I aimed for the biggest rock I saw and pulled as close to it as I could. Letting go of the throttle, I listened for my my next instruction. At the same time, I looked for any sign of movement on the island.

  "Throw the backpack behind the rock."

  Gingerly, I stood and quickly threw the backpack. Because the current was still carrying the boat downstream, I missed. The bag of money landed beside the rock.

  "Damn it," I said and picked up the phone. "I'm sorry. The current moved the boat. The bag landed next to the rock."

  "Good enough," the voice said. "Now, I want you to return to shore. But throw the phone into the water first. And I better hear the plop."

  "OK, but what about Lexi?"

  "After I make sure you didn't cheat me, I'll tell Delilah where the girl is." Now, throw the phone in the drink and get back to shore. Go!"

  I threw the phone into the water and took ahold of the engine throttle. I began steering back to the river bank where the gray truck was parked. Halfway there, the engine stuttered and died. I pulled on the rope to start it again with no results. Pulling out the choke didn't help this time.

  I smelled gas, but I had a bad feeling. I lifted the gas can attached to the engine. It was empty.

  "Shit and double shit!" I screamed as the boat drifted through a cloud of bugs. I soon closed my mouth as a few of them bounced off my tonsils. I spat and looked around the boat. A small red cooler sat by the middle seat. I opened it and found beer and condoms.

  "What else would be in The Love Boat?" I screamed onto the water. How about some freaking gas!"

  OK, it was time to calm down and think. The boat was floating, and I was in no immediate danger. I'd watch the shore for someone and yell for
help. Or maybe there would be boaters or fishermen out on the river. It's a beautiful day. But a hotter than hell beautiful day.

  I heard an engine drone behind me. I'd already drifted around a bend in the river and could no longer see the island. It was probably the kidnappers picking up the money. No help there.

  The little boat had drifted into the middle of the river where the current was the fastest. I watched the riverbank for familiar landmarks. The public boat launch should be around the next bend. I might find help there.

  I was hot and sweating. Maybe I could scoop up some water to dump on me and cool off a little. Looking down into the swiftly flowing brown water, I saw a snake swim in front of the boat. No way. I kept watch to make sure the reptile didn't join me in the boat. I've held a friend's pet ball python. His name was Monty. But I was still afraid of snakes that I've never been introduced to.

  The boat launch came into sight. And someone was there! I saw a police car. It was Ben and Andy! How did they find me?

  Ben had a black box in hs hands. The tracking tag in my pocket! I'd forgotten about it

  "Hey, I'm here," I yelled while waving my arms.

  They waved back, but I couldn't hear what they said.

  Suddenly, the boat stopped with a deafening crack. It had hit something and water rushed into the boat. It was sinking.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  "Love boat, my ass!" I screamed as the boat disappeared into the water. "This thing should've been named the freaking Titanic!' I tried to swim towards the bank, but the strong current kept pulling me downstream.

  Something touched my leg, and I screamed, thinking about the snake I'd seen upriver. Damn it, I needed to stay calm, or I'd end up another floater being pulled from the Susquehanna.

  That thought reminded me of Gram's dream, and I fought down another wave of panic.

  "Stop it and calm down. The thing that touched your leg was just a fish," I told myself. I wanted to play in water today. Well, here I am. There might not be a beach, but there aren't any sharks either.

  Letting the current carry me along, I concentrated on keeping my head above water. Ben and Andy had to have seen the dinghy sink. They'd do something to get me out of the water. It seemed like I'd been swimming for an hour. My arms and legs were so tired, but I forced myself to keep swimming.

  I smelled a horrible stench and saw a gigantic, dead carp floating a few feet away from me. I gagged and tried to swim away from the rotting fish when I heard a boat engine coming down the river. I turned my body in the water and saw a white and gold fiberglass boat speeding towards me.

  The boat slowed as it approached. It glided next to me, and two sets of strong arms pulled me from the water.

  I looked up at Andy and Ben and smiled gratefully. "Thanks guys." I laid down on the bottom of the boat and panted, trying to catch my breath. "The kidnappers had me take the backpack of money to an island." I pointed upriver.

  "You're alright?" Andy asked.

  I nodded. "I'll be fine."

  "Roy," Andy said to the man driving the boat. "Can you take us upriver a ways?"

  "Sure thing, Andy," Roy answered. He appeared to be of retirement age with steel gray hair and a pleasant smile. He sat behind the steering wheel and pushed the throttle forward.

  I sat up and looked around. "Now this is a boat," I said with a smile.

  Ben helped me into a seat next to him. After I was seated, Roy opened the throttle. I watched bugs splat against the windshield as we sped along.

  "Watch out for whatever I hit," I said to Roy. "It sunk the boat I was in."

  "Andy told me," he said. "I'll bet it was rhino rock. That rock has been taking out boats and propellers for years. When the river's low, kids like to wade out and spray paint it. Don't worry, I know where it is. I've fished this part of the river all my life."

  "I'm glad you were around to save me. Thank you." I smiled at Roy.

  "You're welcome. I'm glad I was on the river," Roy said. "I was moving downriver to a better spot and saw Andy waving from the bank."

  Ben put an arm around me, and I hugged him tight.

  "Don't scare me like that, OK?" Ben said. "When I saw you in the river, all I could think of was Gram's dream."

  I nodded and snuggled closer to him.

  "Which island, Hallie?" Andy asked.

  I sat up straight and looked ahead of us. "That first one with the big rock on the left side. He had me toss the backpack by the rock."

  "Did you see him?" Ben asked.

  "No, he gave me instructions through the cell phone. The cheap one that appeared in my office," I looked around the water by the island. "He said he'd tell Delilah where Lexi is after he counts the money. Then he made me throw the phone in the water."

  Roy anchored the boat near the rock, and Andy and Ben got out to look around the island.

  Finally, they came back to the boat. "The backpack is gone," Ben said as he climbed in.

  Andy got back in the boat too. "There's footprints around the rock that lead around to the other side of the island."

  "I'll drive around it," Roy said.

  Slowly, Roy took us around the little island. There was no sign of anybody.

  "Where did you get into the boat?" Andy asked.

  I pointed at the riverbank. "Upriver about a quarter mile on the left-hand side."

  Roy steered the boat to the spot where Love Boat had been tied to a tree. The old gray truck was still parked there.

  "That's the truck he had me drive here from the car wash. The car wash is where he had me leave my Denali." I crossed my fingers hoping my car is still there.

  "That's Spunk Kriner's truck," Roy said. "He lives up the road a couple miles."

  Andy called Mike Krause and asked him to have somebody go over the truck for evidence. " Yeah, we found her," he said. "She went swimming, but she's ok." Andy smiled when I stuck my tongue out at him.

  "I wish we could find the phone," I said.

  "If you threw it in this water, it's gone," Roy said.

  "Why didn't you wait for me?" Ben said.

  "He told me to leave the office and not say anything to anybody." I shrugged. "I was afraid they would hurt Lexi."

  "I had a bad feeling when I got to the garage, and my truck wasn't ready," Ben said. "The guy there insisted he didn't call me. Then I got back to the office and found your note. I was losing it and called Andy. Thank God you had that tracker tag in your pocket."

  "Thank you for remembering I had it in my pocket." I smiled again, but I felt filthy and smelled like river mud.

  "Roy, you can take us back to the public launch," Andy said.

  Roy made the boat speed along, and we were soon there. I climbed out and was grateful to be on dry land again.

  "We'll take a ride up to the car wash," Andy said.

  Ben offered to let me sit in the front of the cop car. But I was wet and dirty, so I sat in the back on a large evidence bag.

  I sighed in relief when we found my car where I'd left it. It was my second new car in six months. The last one I liked until I found a dead guy in it. This one I loved.

  Using the evidence bag, I sat in the passenger seat of my car, and Ben drove me home. I showered and changed into fresh clothes before drying my hair and applying a little makeup. Damn it, I wanted to feel normal. I wanted Lexi home with her mom, and I wanted to go on vacation with my friend.

  I told Gram that I'd fallen into the river when I went for a boat ride. But I assured her I'd been no danger because Ben and Andy were there to pull me out. Not really a lie, but it wasn't the whole truth either. I don't like to lie to my grandmother, but I hate worrying her even more.

  "What do you think of Gram's dream?" I asked Ben on our way back to town.

  "I think she loves you, and she may have had a little psychic episode," he said. "Or it was a coincidence. She didn't see water in her dream."

  I nodded and tucked it away in my mind to ponder another day.

  "I want to stop at Jane's first."
I said. "Maybe she's heard something."

  But when we got there, she looked to us for news.

  "I hoped you had her," Jane said. Her disappointment showed on her face. "You gave them the money, didn't you?"

  "Yes," I said. "I followed all the instructions and left the backpack where I was told."

  "Did they say anything about Lexi?" Jane chewed on her lower lip.

  "They're going to contact you after they count the money." I put an arm around her shoulders. "This waiting is the hard part. Just keep watching for some kind of message from them. They could even use the newspaper."

  "Or a rock through my window," Jane said wryly.

  "You're here," Gail said, coming down the stairs with Bob. "Where's Lexi?"

  I explained again, but Gail took the news that she'd have to wait even worse than Jane.

  "This is ridiculous," Gail snapped. "Why did you give them all that money without getting Lexi back?"

  "Because they have Lexi, they're holding all the cards," I explained patiently. "Im sorry. This is how it's done."

  Gail turned to her husband and he embraced her tenderly. "She'll be home soon," Bob said. "Why don't I make you girls some lunch."

  Ben and I excused ourselves and left. We walked slowly to my car.

  "Lunch sounds good," Ben said with a grin. "How about you?"

  I laughed. "Swimming always makes me hungry."

  "What are you in the mood for?"

  I thought for a moment. "Anything except fish!" The memory of the dead carp would keep he away from seafood for a long time.

  "How about a nice oily sub?" Ben took my hand.

  "An Italian from Gina's sounds great." I leaned into him for a kiss.

  After we ate, we stopped in at the police station. I was curious if they found anything in the gray truck, or if the FBI surveillance teams saw any suspicious movement of the suspects.

  I found Andy and Mike in Chief Woods' office.

  "You don't look any worse for wear," The Chief said fondly. "I'm glad you had that tracker on you."

  "Me too," I said. "What's the word on the gray truck and the dinghy that sunk." Somebody owned that boat and motor that now lay on the bottom of the river.

  "The truck was stolen last night from Spunk Kriner's backyard," Chief Woods said. "They took a chance you didn't get stopped. He reported it stolen before midnight, and the truck is well known in town."