“No way. You don’t have any evidence Wind Dancer was involved in this.”
“Really? From what the kid’s parents told me, the little boy took to him right off. Then your friend is walking about camp and tells you the kid is gone, and, oh yeah, he finds him. A little convenient, don’t you think? Especially since trained professionals were out there trying to find him.”
Jacque leaned in to invade her personal space, causing her to step to the side. “Seems to me your search and rescue squad could use a little refresher training. Didn’t take much to have them scurry into camp. And they left one behind. Good thing my friend over there didn’t give up, or we might be planning a funeral. Wait. Make that two funerals.”
“I don’t like your tone or your insinuation, Marquette,” she snapped.
“It’s Detective Marquette, in case you forgot,” he said, pulling out his cell phone. He punched in some numbers and let a sarcastic, thin smile spread across his mouth as he walked away toward his friends. The chief followed him with quick stomps of irritation. “Agent Farrentino, please. Tell him it’s Detective Marquette from Chicago P.D.”
“What the hell do you think you’re doing?” demanded Perez.
Wind Dancer’s bottom lip jutted out before he spoke. “He is using his phone machine to call Agent Farrentino. You should get one of those since you have trouble keeping track of the people who work with you. It comes in handy for Jacque.” His tone was so matter-of-fact that she leveled a bewildered gaze at each of the strange friends before her.
“Agent Farrentino.” Jacque didn’t realize how cheerful his voice sounded as he moved away from the chief and his two friends. He kept a watchful eye on the other three and tried to listen and talk at the same time.
“Unbelievable,” the chief moaned throwing up her hands. “He’s calling the FBI over my head.”
“No. He calls the phone. FBI man would not hear Jacque if he talks over your head.”
Cleo gave a muffled laugh and laid a hand on his forearm before rising on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek.
“I say things wrong again.” He smiled down at her.
“Yes. But it is okay. The chief here means Jacque is doing things without asking her permission.”
“And this makes her angry,” he decided. He chuckled then nodded at Cleo.
“I’m right here, ya know,” Perez spat out like venom as her hands went to her hips.
“I am not blind, Chief Perez. I can see you,” Wind Dancer added.
“I don’t appreciate being made fun of, Mr. Wind Dancer.”
“I don’t blame you,” he said. “Who does this to you? I will talk to them.”
This time Cleo couldn’t help but laugh out loud and then covered her mouth to hide too much of a jovial attitude in such a trying time.
“It is good to hear you laugh, Cleopatra. I have missed you. I will keep you safe now.” He nodded at Perez. “And you, too, Chief Perez. In my village we always protect the women and children.”
“Oh brother.” She rolled her eyes.
Wind Dancer opened his mouth to comment, but Cleo rubbed his arm and shook her head no before turning her attention to the chief.
“Wind Dancer can help in the search for Abby. I really think if you’d stop being so suspicious of him and let him do what he does best, then we could bring this to a speedy conclusion. He told me you suspect him of being involved with the boy’s disappearance. Did the child show any fear of Joseph when you found him?”
“No. But that doesn’t mean—”
“What it means is that the boy trusted Joseph and wasn’t afraid. I’m a doctor. I’ve seen a lot of traumatized kids in the ER. It’s pretty easy to spot when an adult is the abuser. Was the child injured?”
“No,” she sighed. “Exactly the opposite. It was obvious the two of them had a good relationship. We got the report that Tonya said an Indian attacked her.”
“In a terrifying situation, it’s easy to get the facts and information mixed up. From what I understand, the woman, Tonya, was badly hurt. The slightest suggestion can become her reality. Let’s wait and see what happens. Right now, all I care about is that Abby is returned to her family.”
“I don’t understand how Wind Dancer can help or you as far as that goes. You need to be checked out at the hospital in town.”
“I probably have a broken wrist. Hurts, but the paramedic gave me some over-the-counter pain meds. I’m already feeling better. The rest is just scrapes, and I’ll probably be sore in the morning from taking a few falls. Besides, the ambulance is taking that poor kid who died in the truck. You’ll not have anyone here until they finish up. I know how these things work, Chief Perez. If the girl, or anyone else, needs medical attention, I’m your best bet.”
“No. You’re going to the hospital to get yourself squared away or at least make sure you’re all right.”
“Then let me ride along with the ambulance so Jacque and Wind Dancer can help out.”
Jacque joined them as he shoved his phone in his pocket. Wind Dancer followed close behind. “The FBI is waiting for your call, Chief Perez, but honestly they’re probably going to come anyway.”
“Why is that?”
“They have several other missing persons with this same MO. Lucky for us, Special Agent Farrentino is in Pueblo, Colorado on a similar missing person’s case. He’ll be here later tonight.”
Perez bristled. “You shouldn’t have done that. We don’t want outsiders coming in and running the show with their big-city ways and their high-and-mighty attitude.”
“Afraid you’ll learn something, Chief Perez?” he snapped. “Because right now, there are too many unanswered questions. If there is a connection, then Farrentino will find it.”
“I find it odd that not long ago, you didn’t seem to have anything but contempt for the FBI.”
He offered a contemptuous smile with gritted teeth showing before speaking. “Well, you know how those pretty boys at the FBI are—like to hog the show and the recognition.”
“Then why did you call them?” she hissed.
“Because he knows what he’s doing, and I can trust him.”
Cleo chimed in. “Jacque is right. He gets things done. His work on the terrorism attack in Chicago got him a promotion.” She nudged Jacque who frowned down at her praise. “Of course, my superhero here did all the hard work. Right, Wind Dancer?” She encouraged the Pawnee with one of her smiles.
“What she said.” he nodded. “Special Agent good man.”
“Whatever,” she sighed and walked toward the ambulance driver waving her over.
“Jacque, we need to take Cleo to hospital. She is hurt.” Wind Dancer gently lifted the hurt arm, careful not to touch the wrist, but she winced anyway.
“No, I’m—”
“Let’s go. Doesn’t appear the chief is going to give on this. But, Cleo, we are dropping you off and coming back. I’ll see that your car is towed to town and that the rental company comes to get it.”
“That dead kid came from Kewa Korner where I spent last night. Not sure how he ended up here unless my 911 call actually went through. I think the number is on the side of the truck. Maybe someone spotted the vehicles and called the garage?”
“No idea. I’ll find out, but right now you’re going to the ER. You’re white as a ghost. I’ll come back, but I really need Wind Dancer with me. If that kid isn’t found soon, we’re going in without their permission.”
When the ambulance pulled out onto the road, Perez joined them. Jacque informed her of their plans, and she didn’t object to them returning after getting Cleo checked out.
“By then, we should have this wrapped up. The girl can’t be far.”
Wind Dancer focused on the park entrance. “Girl is crying. You should hurry.”
Chapter 21
She fought, scratched, and kicked whoever held her from behind. With so much twisting, he removed the hand from her mouth. In that split second, Abby tried to scream, but because she was
so winded, it sounded more like a croak as she whirled around to face her attacker. The sight of the giant of a man with a disfigured face frightened her enough that she stumbled backward, tripping over forest debris. She fell, hitting her head against something hard. The last thing she remembered was a large shadowy figure bending over her then slipping hands beneath her body.
~ ~ ~ ~
“I don’t want to leave you here alone,” Wind Dancer said, eyeing the ER waiting room. “You might need me.”
Jacque rolled his eyes and pretended to gag into his empty coffee cup. “You two make me sick. I swear I’m going to get tooth decay with all this sweet, syrupy, lovey-dovey crap. Let’s go. She’ll be fine. Can’t you see the place is full of people who take care of the sick people. Besides, Cleo is a doctor. She’ll probably be telling them what to do before they figure it out for themselves.”
“Jacque, you are such a softy,” Cleo cooed sarcastically before patting Wind Dancer on the cheek. “I’ll be fine. That girl needs you. Hopefully, they’ve found her. It’s getting late. It’ll be dark soon. Please. Go. Maybe since Agent Farrentino has to come through here, you can have him stop by to get me.” The desk attendant called Cleo’s name. “See. Safer than safe. Go.”
Wind Dancer hugged her tenderly, as if she’d break, and walked her to the doors swinging open to receive her. “I love you.” He kissed her on the mouth, making her smile.
Jacque joined them and made unflattering kissing noises. “I’d say get a room, but then I’d have to explain it to this guy.”
Wind Dancer grinned. “That I understand, buddy.”
“Figures.”
Cleo watched them pass into the fading light of day before she followed the male nurse into the examining area.
As with all things in an emergency room, it takes longer than you think. The sun had begun to set by the time she’d been released. The wrist had a clean break and should heal nicely with a few restrictions for a while. With a promise of a follow-up with her own doctor in Chicago, Cleo decided to go outside for fresh air. After taking Tylenol for pain, she shoved a prescription into her jeans pocket. Since her purse was still in her rental car, there was no use trying to fill the pain medication that most likely would put her to sleep.
The hospital café had closed late afternoon, but she spotted the same convenience store chain less than a block away, she’d used earlier in the day. Remembering the gift card in her pocket, she dug it out and smiled. At least there was one good thing that happened today. With no phone, wallet, or money, other than the gift card, she left a message inside the ER in case Agent Farrentino appeared.
The few stores that lined the street had closed and, other than cars coming and going at the convenience store, the town appeared to have gone to sleep for the day. A number of people stood in line to pay for their gas, an older couple licked ice cream on the outdoor patio, and the smell of pizza lured Cleo to buy the largest piece of pepperoni they served. She grabbed a bottle of water and plenty of napkins before paying and moving outside to the patio surrounded by blooming yucca plants. A cool breeze almost made her ignore the rising soreness in her leg, and especially her knee where she’d taken a hard fall. The broken wrist throbbed by the time she’d gobbled down her pizza. When the streetlights flickered, she realized that half a block to walk back to the hospital might as well have been a mile.
By the time she made it to the sliding doors, the pain nearly brought tears to her eyes. The realization of what had happened to her and even how lucky she was came crashing in like a tsunami. With head down, she staggered in, anxious to find a seat in a now-crowded waiting room. She collided with another visitor.
Cleo sidestepped away and realized it was Mansi Garcia from the Whispering Pines Inn. Confusion took over at seeing him.
“Mr. Garcia. I’m. I’m.” She rubbed her head then laid a hand on her wrist. “Sorry. Guess I’m a little addled.
He took her elbow. “Please. Sit down. You don’t look so good. Let me help you.”
“Thank you. I guess I’m a mess.” Letting him usher her to a chair with all the comfort of stadium seating, Cleo lowered herself to sit awkwardly. Now her hip ached. “Been one of those days.” She tried her best to smile as he pulled another chair up in front of her. “Why are you here?”
“My cook—”
“The tall guy who was poking around my car?”
“Yes. He never came back. I had to have my desk clerk help out, since so many were coming in the next couple of days due to the solar eclipse. Then she got word her daughter was in labor and having problems. She needed a ride, so here I am.”
“What about the inn? Don’t you need to be there?”
“Fortunately, I’d hired extra people and called them in early. They were happy to get the work. And as luck would have it, my new cook was ready to get busy. There’s a hospitality intern that assured me he was ready to take over. I had no choice.”
“Oh,” she sighed. “I hope everything will be okay with the daughter.” The doctor part of her kicked in, and she wanted to know if she could help, make a difference, or learn from the experience.
“But why are you here? I thought you were meeting friends today.”
She kept the story short and sweet but realized when he paled that Mansi probably knew both of the victims today. The community was small and most likely consisted largely of generations of people who seldom ventured far beyond the mountains and parks that surrounded this part of New Mexico.
“My car broke down is why I ran into Abby and Tinker. I should go help out if I can.”
“You could use a little rest. There’s a motel down the street and a B&B on the edge of town. Always a good option. Let me take you there.”
“Mansi, do you think Alo, I think that is your cook’s name, did something to my car?”
He shook his head. “Alo, is weird and hardheaded, but not a mean bone in his body. I’ve known him his whole life. I wouldn’t think so.”
“Does he live close by?”
“He used to live with me. Took him in as a foster child when he was ten. My wife had died, and we both needed each other. I homeschooled him because before he came to me, he’d been bullied. He loves the outdoors and disappears there sometimes for days.”
Cleo wondered if he knew Abby and Tinker. Maybe they bullied or made fun of him in the past. “How did he become disfigured, if I might ask?”
“In a fire. Playing with his grandpa’s lighter. Just four years old. Lost everything. The grandpa was outside doing chores when the house went up in flames. The parents and sister made it out, but Alo was in bad shape by the time the firemen reached him. The medical bills and an already unstable home drove them apart. The sister went into foster care just like Alo. She eventually was adopted by another family. But nobody wanted Alo. Too ugly. Got the reputation for being spooky.”
“How amazing you took him in and gave him a home.”
“It wasn’t easy. We’ve been good company for each other. I lose my temper at times and fuss, but I’m only trying to keep him out of trouble. He’s almost thirty now.” He smiled. “Doesn’t like for me to be telling him what to do. That Abby girl took up for him once when that worthless Tinker kid harassed him so many times. Called him a stupid giant. I told him to just walk away. But one time Tinker threw a rock at him. Clobbered him good. Fell. If Abby hadn’t been there, I’m not sure what Alo would have done. She fussed at Tinker and said she’d call the police.”
“Then what happened?”
“He just laughed and shoved her out of the way.” He sighed. “Alo told me later she helped him up and walked a little way with him. Not ashamed at all to be seen with him. She’s a good girl. He didn’t go in public places after that. Even at the inn, Alo didn’t want people to see him.”
“You said Tinker called him a giant. Is he?”
Mansi shrugged. “Guess so. Not sure. He has Marfan Syndrome. Just adds another layer of being different and easy targets for bullies.”
A soft bed and clean sheets sounded pretty good right now. Maybe she should go to that B&B for the night. Surely, Agent Farrentino would arrive soon.
“So, what do you say? Call it a day?”
“Very tempting, but I’m supposed to wait for an FBI agent to pick me up and take me out to the park. I promised my friends I’d stay put.”
Mansi gave her a smile revealing several crooked teeth before he laid a cold hand on her good arm.
“I could take you.”
Chapter 22
Chief Perez hadn’t been able to reach the repair shop where Tinker worked to notify the owner of the untimely death of his tow truck driver. She finally reached his home, only to get his answering machine.
As a last try, she called the Kewa Korner convenience store in the middle of town. They agreed to go down and let Floyd know. It was common for them to be working and not hear the phone considering how loud they played their country music.
Tinker lived with an alcoholic dad who worked for the highway department. No telling where he might be. She’d sent an officer to find him. Strange no one tried to figure out where the kid had disappeared to. Don’t they have to call in their location when they stop for a job? But then again, the owner, Floyd Miller, probably hadn’t even noticed. His employees were notorious for being late or unreliable.
When she spotted the Chicago detective and his unusual sidekick parking their car, uncertainty welled up inside her. Things had gone from bad to worse ever since those two arrived in the area. Although she implied Wind Dancer was a suspect, the evidence said otherwise.
She wanted the mess to be his fault, but that didn’t explain the death of the first girl lying in the morgue. Didn’t explain how Abby went missing, either, considering both of the men were with her at the time.
The doctor certainly wasn’t big enough to drag off a teenager without help. After all, the woman was a victim, too. That kid Tinker, dumb as a rock, had a reputation for being a bully, so maybe he received a little payback. He was a long way from his little wide place in the road.
Dark Side of Noon (Wind Dancer Book 2) Page 13
