“Please, if you’d all take a seat, we can begin,” she said.
A shuffling of chairs, and opening of brief cases, then all eyes focused in her direction. Gomez’s vision coursed over those at the table, settling on the stenographer to her left and nodded to her.
“Gentlemen, Ana, sorry we’re running late, but thank you all for attending. I know this meeting is unprecedented... but then so are the circumstances. Ana is going to record the minutes and you’ll all receive copies. As head of MUPU, I can tell you that our role will be to collate the information necessary to ensure that any law enforcement agency searching the various databases, they will have access to enable them to identify with the missing persons. All the relevant details will also be posted on our web site for the public to access, and the national database for those with security clearance. I have to say though that the governor has been informed and he says that what we put out for public consumption needs to be sensitive to both the victims’ families, and to avoid panic in the population.”
Shaw wasn’t surprised by that revelation; not with nineteen, eighteen-year-old girls, all going missing on the same day. Scenarios of newspaper headlines and television news reports had already formed in his mind. Gomez swayed an open palm in the direction of agent Summers.
“FBI agent Summers is in overall charge of the cases and he will coordinate all the various agencies efforts.”
Summers stood and cleared his throat.
“Thank you, Rachael. If you are not all aware, we have reports of nineteen missing young women, all of a similar age. We have three clusters in California. One group is located in the Beverly Hills district with five missing. There are seven reports from Sacramento, and seven from West of Fresno. Based on preliminary findings, there is sufficient information to believe that ten of them could have been kidnapped, though we haven’t received word from any kidnapper, nor do we have any witnesses to any of the events.”
Summers opened a buff file and passed out papers to all present. Shaw wondered if the two additional kidnappings included any of his victims. He read the notes on the paper.
Chief of police. Los Angeles - Fresno - Sacramento.
Designate uniformed officers and highway patrol for enquiries.
Distribute photographs of missing persons & clothing type worn.
Door to door enquires.
CCTV from all relevant places and times.
All information to designated detective.
All media enquires directed to the FBI
FBI agents.
Meetings with families.
Photographs, fingerprints, DNA samples. Description of clothing. (Copies to MUPU)
Social media, phone records. Court orders if not forthcoming.
Details of extra curricula activities. Emphasis on patterns of connections between victims.
Check records of known cults.
All forensics to be carried out by the FBI.
Detectives. Los Angeles – Fresno – Sacramento.
Collate all local information from enquires.
School records. Interview teachers for known connections.
Evaluate CCTV footage. (Include vehicles en-route.)
Follow up leads and report to FBI, with daily summary.
All media enquires directed to the FBI.
Shaw looked down the list and stopped at the instruction that material had to be sent to FBI forensics.
“Agent Summers, we’ve found Lucie Turner’s dog with its throat ripped out and our forensic team has the body.”
“Okay, have them contact our forensics’ team after the meeting.”
“Is that one on your list as a possible kidnap?” Shaw asked.
Summers scrolled his finger down a list of names.
“No, we only have two from your list, Gail Harvey and Carol Buckshaw, so that makes it a possible eleven out of the nineteen. Listen, if I can carry on, each detective from the three areas is going to give us a rundown of the ones in their area. So please, let’s keep things ordered. First, I’ll elaborate on the list in front of you all.”
Shaw scoffed inwardly, but he knew Summers was right. The sooner the meeting was over, the sooner he could get to Amy’s party, so the less interruption the better.
With detective Granger from Sacramento finishing off the last of his missing persons’ reports, Shaw looked at his wristwatch. It was already 3:00 p.m., and he knew if the traffic was bad on the Hollywood Freeway, he could be late for Amy’s party. The tone of a cell phone buzzing caught Shaw’s attention. All exchanged glances.
“Sorry about that, text message,” said the Homeland Security guy.
He walked out of the room. Detective Granger finished his report, then agent Summers called an end to the meeting. Over the sound of scraping chairs, Summers’ cell phone vibrated on the table and he took the call.
Shaw noticed Summers’ cheeks flush.
“What! The same pattern in almost every state? No way. What the hell is going on?” He called out to those in the room. “Please all take a seat again.”
The door opened, and in breezed Homeland Security.
“Sorry about this, change of plan. I’m taking control of the cases. I’ll have to ask you all to stay a while longer.” He walked over to Ana. “You can stop recording the minutes and leave,” he said. “We only need two copies, one for me and one for agent Summers, then wipe your machine clean.”
Shaw turned to Summers.
“What’s happening?”
“The national database has thrown out a report of the same pattern of missing eighteen-year-old girls in almost every state.”
Shaw’s mouth gaped. Homeland Security stabbed Summers a look, then tapped his lips with his index finger. By the expression on his face, he didn’t look too happy at Summers’ revelation. Homeland Security glanced around the table. Shaw could see that no one seemed to have taken any notice of what had been said.
“I need a word with you two in the corridor,” HS said. Shaw followed them out to the corridor. “I want no more talk of the national database report... understood?”
“Understood,” Summers said, and inspected his highly polished shoes.
“Can you tell us what’s behind it all?” Shaw asked.
“No I can’t. I asked you a question. Is it understood?”
“Understood,” Shaw replied.
“Nothing changes in your investigation. Only concern yourself with those cases you’ve been allocated. Talk to no one, not your family, friends, or colleagues about a local or a national pattern. Our agency will deal with the media and arrange gag notices. Nothing I have to say in the meeting will be different to what I have just said, so you can go now.”
Shaw looked at his watch. It was 3:20 p.m.
“I’ll just grab my file then and I’ll be on my way.”
Shaw walked back into the room, picked up his file and hurried out of the meeting. His mind was all over the place as he walked back to the headquarters parking lot. His indignation at Homeland Security’s attitude subsided. Shaw climbed into his car and drove off. He wondered just what he meant by dealing with the media and for how long. In missing persons’ cases, media appeals for information usually brought good leads. Burying one or two cases was doable with gag notices in the interests of national security. Even considering that there were twenty-five thousand live cases in LA alone, he still thought that nineteen on the same day would be almost impossible to stifle. The families would be sure to demand coverage. But this wasn’t just nineteen cases. It was goodness knows how many missing eighteen-year-old girls throughout America. Homeland Security had not said it, but he imagined they would set up a national agency committee. Second-guessing who was behind it burned his gray matter. He pulled off the Hollywood Freeway and headed toward his home.
The dash clock displayed 4:45 p.m. as he turned into his cul-de-sac, forty-five minutes late. A shiver passed through his body. He slammed hard on the brake pedal. Paramedics were walking down his pathway toward
their vehicle. The distinct coroner’s white van with a blue stripe was parked in his drive. His neighbors were outside with children, some crying, milling around his front yard. Shaw yanked at the door handle, and hurried out of the car. He charged through the neighbors and on through his front door. Mary sat on the sofa, consoling a grief stricken Amy. His gaze met Amy’s tearful eyes. She pulled away from Mary’s grasp, and jumping at her dad, she wrapped her arms and legs around his body. He held her tight.
“There now,” he said, as she sobbed. He stroked her hair. Shaw looked over at Mary, his mind searching for answers, but not daring to ask the questions.
Mary rushed over and put her arms around them both.
“I’m so sorry, Brett.”
Chapter 4
6 years later to the day. Breakers Pass sheriff’s office. North of Los Angeles.
SHERIFF Shaw chewed on his Biro top, staring blankly at the framed photograph of his late wife and his daughter. It sat proudly, center stage on his desk. A memory of happier times. He sighed, then with a flourish, he signed off ‘With love, Dad xxxx’ on his daughter’s birthday card. Shaw placed the card in its envelope. Opening his desk draw, he pulled out an old tin box, removed the lid, and placed the card with five other unopened cards from years past. The bittersweet taste of the plastic lingered, just as his thoughts did on events of that day back in 2008. That day, he had handed in his badge, albeit over the telephone. That day, he was late for his daughter’s birthday, and his wife’s last breath. Forty-five minutes earlier that day and he might have managed to say his goodbyes, before the aneurism took her life.
The temptation was there to pull out his bottle of JD, hidden in his filing cabinet, but he knew he had to fight his addiction. His fingers trembled. The cure would have to wait until bedtime, when he could drink himself to oblivion to erase the pain and ease the shakes. For now, he would have to share his loss with the families of the young women who disappeared on that day. His telephone rang and he answered to a familiar screeching voice and he frowned.
“Sheriff Shaw, Mrs. Fisher here. I’m at the vets and she’s closed.”
His shoulders sagged. He heard a car pull up outside. Swiveling his chair, he watched Amy climb out of Ted Carter’s SUV. His Golden Retriever, Gyp, woke instantly from his slumber and jumped up, landing with his paws on the windowsill, his tail wagging.
“Sheriff Shaw, Mrs. Fisher here, are you listening?”
Shaw sighed. From what she had said, at least he wouldn’t have to drag the ladder out of the garage to rescue Mrs. Fisher’s cat, a weekly occurrence.
“Sorry, yes, I’m listening. I’m sure she’ll be back soon. Maybe she’s been called out on an emergency.”
“Well, it’s most inconsiderate. I have an appointment at nine a.m.”
“Doesn’t she have an assistant yet?”
“No, I keep telling her she needs one, but she says money is tight.”
Shaw could empathize with the vet’s sentiment. No matter how much he argued with the town council, the budget wasn’t there for an office secretary and it kept him shackled to his desk most days. The door to his office opened. Gyp bounded across the office and greeted Amy. She fussed over the dog, then walked over to the desk.
“Sorry, there’s nothing I can do, try calling back at the vets later,” Shaw said.
“Who is it?” Amy asked.
Shaw covered the mouthpiece.
“Old Mrs. Fletcher.”
Amy wrinkled her nose.
“Well, I just think she should phone her customers if she has other business,” said Mrs. Fletcher
“Maybe you can suggest that to her when she arrives.”
Shaw heard a grunt and the line cut. He shook his head and replaced the handset.
“What’s her problem this time?” Amy asked.
“The vet hasn’t opened up and she has an appointment with her cat, Montague.”
“Look on the bright side, at least you won’t be climbing ladders,” she said, and then laughed.
“You can laugh. Anyway, how did your sleepover at Louise’s house go?”
Amy’s cheeks flamed, and she shuffled on her seat.
“I... I passed the vets earlier and her bedroom curtains were closed. Maybe she’s overslept. Anyway, got to rush, I’m going camping over the weekend with the gang.”
Her avoidance of his question didn’t go unnoticed, nor the fact that Ted Carter had driven her home and was waiting outside. He found it hard to remember she wasn’t a little girl anymore. Perhaps she detected a look of hurt that he felt, he couldn’t be sure, but Amy walked around the desk, threw her arms around him and kissed his cheek.
“Are you sure you’ll be okay on your own?” she asked. “I’ll be taking Gyp with me.”
He knew what she meant, but they never talked about it, just as she never talked about her not wanting to celebrate her birthday again.
“I’ll be fine, you enjoy yourself, sweetheart.”
She released her hold, then walked out of the office with Gyp in tow. He heard them running up the stairway to their apartment. The pull of the JD beckoned, but a more powerful urge rolled over him. He took the opportunity of Amy collecting her camping gear to head outside to Ted Carter’s SUV.
“Mr. Shaw.”
“Ted. Where is it you’re going camping?”
“Breakers Lake area, sir.”
“I take it you have your own tent?”
“Yes, sir. I’ll be collecting it on the way past my cabin.”
“I don’t have to remind you that that’s my daughter you’re dating?”
“No, sir.”
“Good. Just think on, you’ll have me to answer to if... you know... anything should happen.”
Shaw rested his hand on his pistol handle and sent Ted a stare.
“I’ll make sure she comes to no harm, sir. I promise.”
Shaw wasn’t happy that she was running with someone three years her senior, but he hoped that he got the message.
“What are you two talking about?” Amy asked, as she opened the back door of the SUV and threw in her tent and backpack. Gyp jumped on the back seat and Amy closed the door.
“Just saying, black bears are around this time of year, so don’t leave food scattered about. Have you got your cell phone?”
“Don’t worry, Dad, yes, I have my cell phone and it’s fully charged. There are six of us and Gyp. We all know to be careful. Besides, Ted has his rifle.”
He followed her around to the passenger door and opened it for her. Amy gave him a cuddle.
“I’ll be fine, Dad. It’s you I worry about.”
“Don’t worry about me, I’m sure I’ll find plenty to keep me occupied.”
Amy climbed onto the passenger seat and he closed the door for her. Shaw tapped the roof of the car and stood back. She blew him a kiss as they set off. His eyes moistened as they drove away. He stood watching them until the SUV was out of sight. Shaw walked back to the office entrance, where he stopped. He slapped his thigh.
“Damn, Ted doesn’t live in that direction.”
He wished Cath’s sister were around as he entered his office. He wondered if maybe should give Mary a call for advice. Ted was Amy’s first serious boyfriend, and he was finding it hard to let go. Ted had lied to him about the tent. More to the point, Amy had lied to him about the sleepover. Maybe they were white lies to save everyone’s embarrassment, but a lie was a lie in his mind. Passing the filing cabinet, he felt the pull of the JD. A voice crackling over the radio distracted his urge.
“Fox One to, Blue Leader.”
Shaw pressed the microphone button and replied.
“Blue Leader, go ahead.”
“I’ve got a mutilated stag over at Claymore, at the intersection with Pine Ridge. I need help getting it moved. It’s partially blocking the road. My winch isn’t working.”
“Okay, I’ll get Fox Two to give you a hand.”
“I heard that, Brett, I’m on my way,” said Fox Two.
<
br /> Shaw sighed.
“Fox Two, call signs only.”
“Sorry, Bre... Blue Leader.”
“Fox One, Any sign of a vehicle hitting the stag?”
“No debris that I can see. It looks like critters have been chewing on its neck, Fox One, over.”
“Okay, report back when it’s clear, Blue Leader, out.”
Shaw accessed his unpaid fines ledger on the computer and pulled up a report for the overdue accounts. He clicked on ‘Print Warrants’ and then poured a strong black coffee from the jug. The radio crackled.
“Fox One to, Fox Two. Cancel that request. Someone passing has stopped to help. Said they could use the road kill, over.”
“Got it, Jim, check that, out.”
Shaw grabbed the microphone.
“Fox Two, use call signs. How many times do I have to say? Make your way back to the office. I’ll have some warrants for you.”
“Sure, boss. I mean, Blue Leader. Frank, out.”
Shaw shook his head, then sipped his coffee. He held out a hand. The tremors had subsided, the caffeine acting as a substitute for the lack of alcohol in his veins. Frank, his deputy, was new on the job. If it wasn’t for his tracking skills and knowledge of the mountain trails, he’d let him go. There again, he thought that potential deputies from the townsfolk weren’t exactly knocking on his door for a badge. He picked up the warrants from the tray, walked over and sat at his desk. Spreading the warrants over the surface, he picked at them and placed them in route order. With nothing else to do, but to wait for Frank, he pushed his chair back and rested his boots on the desk.
He realized the boredom and his solitary existence was getting to him. He knew it wouldn’t be long before he would be free of his promise. The promise he had made to himself and to Cath at her graveside, never to be late for Amy ever again. Amy was growing up, the image of her mom. She was no longer his little girl. Strong willed like Cath, with a mind of her own. Worse, she was never around, just like he was never around when she was a child. It hurt. He couldn’t prevent her seeing Ted even if he wanted to stop her. He’d lose her, he was sure. But then he was losing anyway in the fall when she started at university. What then? It was a question he kept asking, but one he couldn’t answer.
The Killers Amongst Us: Chimera Dawn Chronicles Page 3
