The Registry

by Shannon Stoker

  “Reporting soon I hope? You’re looking a little old.”

  “Next month, trying to travel a bit more.”

  “You’ll love it, best four years of your life,” the agent responded. Andrew was growing tired of that advice.

  He still needed a backup plan in case they didn’t pass. Andrew looked around the cab. There were no weapons. He would have to knock Scott out with his elbow. Taking out the agent would be another issue. Andrew decided he could just run him over. Andrew had his plan of attack set up in his mind. He would wait until the last minute to swing into action.

  “Is anyone else traveling with you?” the agent asked.

  Andrew’s heart raced. It was over; Mia and Whitney wouldn’t know how to respond, and it was obvious they were girls. He was preparing to make his move when Scott spoke.

  “Just me and Andrew. Trust me, I’m hauling manure. I think if anyone tried to ride back there, they would die from the stink,” Scott added, flashing a smile.

  Andrew was shocked Scott hadn’t turned them in. He was probably too dumb to remember his other passengers or didn’t want to waste time. Either way Andrew prayed the agent didn’t get suspicious.

  The agent did not look amused. But he didn’t look particularly interested either. He pulled out a flyer and passed it over to them. Andrew recognized the girl in the photo. It was Mia. Her hair was slicked back and her face looked plain and defeated. He thought she looked natural and beautiful, with a sweet sadness in her eyes. His heart raced a little. He was sure it was from the fear of getting caught and not the sight of her.

  “Have either of you seen this girl?”

  “If I saw a face like that, I’d remember,” Scott said, handing the picture back. “That’s a looker. What happened to her? She get kidnapped?”

  “They’re being real hush-hush about it. I’m just supposed to ask and search your truck if I think you’re hiding something,” the agent said. He moved his eyes up and down Scott before breaking into a grin. “You guys seem trustworthy, though. Moving manure you say? The girl’s not my problem, no thanks. Go ahead, you can drive on through.”

  Andrew felt every muscle in his body start to relax as the truck switched gears and rolled past the blockade.

  “Sorry about not mentioning your buddies in the back; I just don’t like the idea of some agent sniffing through my stuff. We’d have been stuck there for hours,” Scott said.

  “No worries,” Andrew said casually, hiding any hint of gratitude.

  “That agent wasn’t too clever, you know?”

  “What do you mean? We don’t have anything to hide,” Andrew said, his body once again thrumming with tension.

  “Oh, I didn’t mean about us. His not searching the truck was understandable,” Scott said. “Just thought his comment about the girl not being his problem was a little weird.” Scott paused to spit in a can. “You see, his job is paid for by the Registry, and that photo was a Registry shot. The Midwest Area makes money to pay his salary from their homegrown girls. That girl who’s missing is definitely his problem, especially if she gets out of the Midwest.”

  “I never heard that before,” Andrew replied. But he was starting to think Scott suspected something.

  “Life on the road teaches you things. I know some people who do bounty hunting. Not me, though. The work isn’t steady enough; there aren’t many abducted girls worth much money these days and RAG agents are quick to find them. But I’ve met some guys who make a little extra on the side,” Scott said.

  “Have you ever heard of a girl just running away on her own?” Andrew was thinking of Mia’s threat.

  “Heck no! They always pin it on some guy. Why would a girl run? Some people think it’s a conspiracy. They like to set an example, you know, the beating and punishment the accused abductor gets. Not me, though. I just don’t think a woman is smart enough to run on her own.”

  Shaking his head, Andrew thought about Mia’s belief that Mexico was only a few hours away from the Midwest Area. She was certainly sheltered. He let out a big yawn.

  “You look like you’re on the brink of death, boy. Close those eyes and get some rest. I’ll wake you when I get as far south as I’m going,” Scott told him.

  Andrew knew he should stay awake and make sure Scott wasn’t putting the pieces of the puzzle together. But he told himself Scott was just speaking hypothetically and if he was going to turn them in, he would have done it at the roadblock. Besides, even if Andrew had wanted to stay awake, it was impossible. The second his eyelids closed, he drifted into immediate sleep.

  A constant tick tick tick woke Andrew. It took a moment for his confusion to pass and for him to remember where he was. The truck was parked and the sound was coming from the cooling engine. Scott was nowhere in sight. Andrew rubbed his eyes before opening the door and climbing out of the cabin. His initial guess was correct. They were parked at a rest area. The little building that housed bathrooms and some vending machines was a dead giveaway. Andrew strolled toward the building, hoping to use this opportunity to relieve himself.

  He wondered how long he had been out for. The sky was dark and brewing with a summer storm, making it impossible to tell. He knew it couldn’t have been long. They were still surrounded by cornfields on all sides.

  Andrew entered the restroom. He was surprised Scott wasn’t in there. He had assumed that was why they’d stopped. Andrew wasn’t too worried. This place wasn’t big enough for Scott to wander off too far. He splashed some cold water onto his face and went back outside.

  Making his way toward the truck, Andrew noticed the cargo door was propped open a little. Adrenaline filled his body as he thought about the possibilities of the current situation. His mind was overrun with the urge to protect Mia. He prayed the girls hadn’t thought it was a good idea to stretch their legs and hoped Scott hadn’t thought it was a good time to get a better look at his other passengers.

  Andrew had just reached the back of the truck and started to pull the door open when out of the corner of his eye he noticed a quick flannel flash. He raised his arms to defend himself but he was too late. The last thing Andrew saw was the bat coming down on his shoulders. He crumpled to the ground as everything went black.

  Chapter 18

  Cleanliness and hygiene should always be a priority for a female. It is next to impossible for a dirty girl to land a husband. She should keep herself as pure as possible to ensure a happy life.

  —The Registry Guide for Girls

  Mia woke with a start. She thought she had heard a grunt of pain, but she was too out of it to know for sure. Her eyes adjusted to the dark cargo space and she could see Whitney sitting up. A slit of light shone through the back door.

  “Where—” Mia started to ask before she was shushed by Whitney.

  “Stay quiet, something’s not right.”

  The sliver turned into an outbreak of gray light. Both girls had to shield their eyes. A large figure stepped into the truck. The light behind him made it impossible to tell who he was. Mia sat straight up and put her hand over her eyes, fearing the worst.

  “Andrew?” Whitney asked with a shiver in her voice.

  The outline moved closer toward them, his footsteps echoing with each stride. He was five feet from the girls when he squatted down to their eye level. Mia recognized the face of the truck driver who had picked them up. She relaxed a little, thankful it wasn’t a RAG agent.

  “Sorry, just me, name’s Scott. Andrew’s knocked out at the moment. Boy, was he tired.”

  Their driver flashed a grin. Mia could see the stains on his teeth even in the poor light. She wished he would go back to the cab and leave them alone.

  “Why are we stopped?” Mia cleared her throat, trying to make herself sound more like a man.

  “I was trying to figure out what I should do and over the last several hours I decided. Might not be the world’s best idea, but I think it’ll meet everyone’s goals,” Scott said, grinning.

  “Is dropping us off he
re the plan?” Mia already knew the answer.

  “Lady, you are the plan. I hope you were able to rest well?” The smile never left Scott’s face.

  “I’m no lady.” Mia dropped her voice several octaves and started to stand. She looked for a way to get around him.

  “Shut it. There’s no way out of here, so sit or else I’ll make you.” Scott left his squatting position and towered over Mia. She lowered her body back down to the floor, knowing she couldn’t take him out.

  “You see, it’s my lucky day. You two are a present. I thought something was off when I first saw you, but I didn’t put it together till we crossed through that roadblock. I bet you’re worth a lot of money, with a large finder’s fee.” He signaled to Mia. “They showed me your picture, when your hair was long. I knew it was you right away. I thought I’d better not turn you in, though. I can’t get mixed up in your scheme, getting labeled as an abductor myself.”

  It was clear Scott was proud of himself. Mia wasn’t about to give up.

  “I have no clue what you are talking about,” Mia said, her voice shaking.

  Scott ignored her and continued.

  “I spent the last couple hours thinking about what I could do with you, going over every situation in my head. My admiral told me to always have an idea! I thought about taking you for myself. You’ve been gone awhile and we could live in hiding together. You’d give me some pretty children.” He reached out toward Mia, hoping to run his hand down her face, but she pulled away. “But then, I’d always be scared you would try to run and that’s no way to live. Don’t be scared, I can’t hurt you. I wouldn’t get any money if I turned you in damaged. Hell, I’d get thrown in jail for violating something as pretty as you.”

  He cracked his jaw and turned his gaze toward Whitney. He reached his hands out and tried to grab between her legs; she fell back and screamed before he made contact.

  “Thank you. I had a feeling you were a girl, too. Based on that scream I know for sure now. And I bet you have nobody looking for you. I could have some fun with you and not get into a bit of trouble.”

  “Touch her and I’ll kill you.” Mia could feel the fire growing in her eyes as she moved to block Whitney.

  “That’s sweet, sisterly love. But, ladies, I think I’m in control here. I am going to have some fun with your friend, then turn you in and get some reward money.”

  “Andrew!” Mia started screaming at the top of her lungs. She was out of options.

  Scott just laughed at her.

  “You can’t wake him ’cause he’s almost dead. I left him lying under the truck. I’ll kill him in a little bit, act like I was saving you from him, your abductor. But I gotta make sure the time of death syncs up. See, if I killed him now, how would I explain the time gap? Plus, I always enjoy a good rough-and-tumble.”

  Scott grabbed Whitney by the forearm and yanked her toward him. Mia lunged forward, trying to protect her friend, but was met with Scott’s other hand. He pushed her against the wall.

  “Stay,” Scott said with a grin.

  He turned and began dragging Whitney out toward the doors of the truck. She reached out for Mia, but Mia was too stunned to react. They were almost out the door when Mia started running toward them. All of a sudden, Scott dropped Whitney’s arm and stumbled out of the truck, falling to the ground. Mia hurried to the edge and wrapped her arms around Whitney.

  She held Whitney as she peered out the door, watching the scene play out on the ground below. Andrew was raising what looked like a bat and swinging it down with full force. Each blow created a sick crushing sound. Andrew was talking to himself with intensity.

  “You think you’re going to kill me?”

  Blood was flying onto Andrew’s clothes and the back of the truck with each swing of the bat. He looked wild. Whitney cried and looked away, but Mia couldn’t take her eyes off Andrew. With each smack of the bat, he grew more intense. After a few minutes, it was difficult to tell if Scott had ever had a face. Mia couldn’t take any more and screamed for Andrew to stop.

  Dazed, he looked up and saw the girls. It was clear they were the farthest thing from his mind. His breathing was rapid.

  It dawned on Mia that this killing wasn’t a protective measure. It was revenge for Scott’s assault on Andrew. However, no matter the rationale, Mia was grateful. She let go of Whitney and climbed out of the truck. She glanced at what was left of Scott. There was no possible way he was alive. Andrew’s breathing began to slow down to a normal pace. He tossed the bat on the ground and started to walk toward the small building. He looked insane as the blood dripped down his face.

  Mia stood speechless. She noticed the weapon wasn’t a baseball bat but a tree branch. It made the killing seem even more ruthless somehow. She looked at the body and knew it couldn’t be left here like this. She wasn’t sure whether it was safer to hide Scott in the corn or put him back in the truck. Either way, sitting here wasn’t going to do much.

  “Whitney, grab some fertilizer bags and empty them. We’re going to need to move this,” Mia said, still not taking her eyes off the corpse.

  Chapter 19

  Technology leads to an oversimplified life. Postservice it is important that you use only government-approved devices.

  —The Boy’s Guide to Service

  Again, let me offer my condolences. We will have your wife home before the day is over.” Leonard, the senior regional agent, was apologizing again. “And as for Agent Jeffries’s conduct toward you earlier, he meant no disrespect.”

  “Calm down, you’ll give yourself a heart attack.” Grant smiled into the rearview mirror and gave Agent Jeffries, who was cradling his arm in a sling, a wink, much to the agent’s chagrin. Grant tapped the dashboard as Leonard drove. “Remember, boys, I am in charge, and I doubt we’ll find her tonight. She’s already been gone for almost forty-eight hours. The longer she’s gone, the harder she’ll be to find.”

  “Sir, you have our full team at your disposal for anything you need. We are confident she couldn’t have gone far,” replied Leonard.

  The SUV slowed to a stop along the interstate. The four men piled out of the car. Jeffries and the other low-level agent did not look happy about taking orders from Grant. Grant didn’t really want their help anyway. He was happy to do this on his own. He just wanted their resources, and he didn’t mind showing off his skill set.

  Leonard was an older man, tall and thin with no hair. He was also used to giving orders, not taking them.

  “The car was found abandoned about twenty-five feet into the crops,” said Leonard as he signaled for the group to start walking.

  Giddy, Grant rubbed his hands together as he made his way through the corn. Part of him hoped she had gotten farther away and would make the hunt more difficult. The tracks in the crops led straight to the car. Grant circled the vehicle.

  “You think she drove it in here by accident?” one of the agents asked.

  Grant didn’t bother to respond. He kept circling the car, looking in through the windows, at the ground, and at the crushed cornstalks.

  “My my, a worthy adversary. I must say I am surprised,” Grant said.

  “So she ran the car off the road. Since she didn’t know how to drive, I can’t believe she kept it on the road long,” Jeffries said.

  “I’m satisfied,” Grant said as he started walking back toward their vehicle. The three agents followed close in tow.

  “Don’t you want to look a little more? You didn’t even go into the car,” Jeffries said, not impressed with Grant at all.

  “I saw everything I need to see,” replied Grant curtly.

  “I’m going to call in and have a forensic team sent down here; maybe they can tell us something.” Leonard reached for his phone.

  “You would waste your department’s money,” Grant said. “But suit yourself.”

  “Well, why don’t you just tell us what you figured out?” Jeffries asked. He did little to hide the smugness in his tone.

  Gra
nt was happy to accept his invitation. He stopped in the midst of the corn and turned toward his audience. All three of them were uncomfortable in their black suits, the standard RAG uniform, but Grant was dressed sensibly. He had opted for a lime-green polo with navy blue shorts, casual yet cool. He enjoyed making them sweat, but not nearly as much as he enjoyed showing off.

  “One person was in this car when it was dropped. The door that was open in the field was the driver’s-side door. Since we know there are two girls traveling together, the car was a dump. The gas gauge was on empty. But those girls were smart enough to try to hide it. We know they were heading south, and this car was deserted a long time ago. Even if she were walking, she would have made it past our radius by now, so I’d stop the roadblocks.”

  “Sir, it is policy not to release a picture to the public until an abductor has been identified. We can’t put it out there that she just ran away. It’s not worth the backlash of other girls thinking they could run. So, without the roadblocks there’s no way to get the word out,” Leonard said.

  “Tell me something, are you married?” Grant asked. “Or at the least, do you know anything about women?”

  All three agents stared at Grant, confused.

  “Two little girls who have just ventured into the big, bad world are not going to leave each other’s side. At least not at this point in the game. So, why would one of them get out of the car while the other drove into the corn?”

  “Maybe one was scared of the bugs and muck in the fields,” Jeffries said.

  “More scared than she would be sitting on the side of a highway alone?” Grant asked.

  Nobody responded.

  “Gentlemen, I think these young ladies have some help. I think they both waited on the road while someone junked the car for them.”

  “You got all this from some bent cornstalk by one of the doors?” Jeffries said. “I’m just not buying it.”

  “That and the fact that the seat was slid all the way back.” Grant did a jogging backward motion, trying to make light of the other’s stupidity. “Neither of those girls would have been able to reach the pedals. Furthermore, the car’s owner, Mr. Morrissey, is not tall enough to have the seat set that far back. Someone taller set it that way.”