by Robin Mahle
“Where’s he going to go?” Jake asked.
“He’s going to have to stay off the grid. It’s possible he’ll look for a friend, possibly a relative. Although we have been speaking to his relatives, as of yet, they’ve offered little in the way of any useful information. I know the police are speaking with other known associates and former prison mates. I’ll be informed of anything that would be of interest. In addition, Detective Mason should be getting a call from the ME.” He looked at Scott, unsure if this information should be conveyed, but decided not to hold back. “We’re trying to establish a timeline from the day the girl was kidnapped until…”
“Until he killed her,” Scott added.
“Yes. I’m afraid so. It’ll give us an idea of his M.O.”
“How soon before we know?” Jake asked.
“Could be as soon as the morning. But I promise you, as soon as I know, you’ll know.” Nick paused for a moment. “I should go. I thought you should hear this from me and, frankly, I’m not sure the others are willing to keep you as up to speed as I am. I think you deserve to know anything and everything relating to the investigation.”
“We appreciate that, Nick. Really. As hard as it is,” Jake shook his head, “at least we aren’t being left in the dark to wonder.” He stood up from the side chair.
Nick placed his bag over his shoulder. “I’m sure you’re all exhausted. Thank you for dinner, Rachel. I haven’t had a home-cooked meal in a very long time.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek. “Scott. Any time you have a question, I don’t want to overstep my bounds, but if it’s all right with your folks, you can call me.” He handed Scott a business card. “That’s my personal cell phone.”
“I’ll walk you to the door.” Jake made his way to the foyer.
As the two approached the front door, Jake pulled it open. Nick stepped outside where the night had turned black as it could be. No stars in the sky and a moon that remained hidden from the view of this home.
“Nick?”
He turned around. “Yeah?”
“This timeline, this pattern you’re looking for. Based on what you know right now, how long does my boy have?”
Nick inhaled a breath of the moist night air that was strong with the scent of churned-earth. “I won’t know for sure until the ME confirms it.”
“Nick, please.”
“Two days, maybe three.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “Good night, Jake.”
NINE
A knock sounded on Kate’s door. She noted the late hour and grew concerned that perhaps Nick had had a rough time over at the Talbot’s place and was coming over for some support. But then, she remembered he stopped doing that sort of thing a while ago. In hindsight, she kind of missed it.
She raised from the sofa and made her way to answer it. Glancing into the peephole, she reared back in surprise and unlocked the door. Her lips pulled into a broad smile as the door opened, revealing the unexpected guest. “Well, what are you doing here?”
“I figured you were probably having a tough week and I thought I’d surprise you.” Mike leaned in to kiss her. “You don’t mind, do you?”
“Are you kidding? Come in.” She stepped aside, closing the door behind him. Kate noticed the bag over his shoulder. “How long will you be gracing me with your presence?”
Mike lowered his bag on the floor. “I don’t know, a couple days. That is, if you don’t mind. Things are kind of slow back home and I have a lot of vacation days I haven’t taken.”
The timing wasn’t great, but then, it rarely was. And while she’d mentioned to him at the beginning of the week that a visit would be a challenge, she was glad to see him now and glad he ignored her.
“Don’t mind at all.” Kate made her way into the kitchen. “Can I get you a drink? Are you hungry?”
“I’ll take a drink. I ate before I got on the plane.” He followed her to the kitchen. “How’s things going with the investigation?”
Kate opened a bottle of Canadian Whiskey and poured two fingers’ worth in each glass. Some occasions called for wine, but when she was in the middle of the storm, the hard stuff filled the bill. “I feel like the closer we get, the farther away he is.” She handed him a glass and the two made their way back toward the sofa. “He’s heading east, at least, he was two days ago. The boy was still alive then, but God knows if he is now. There’s a BOLO out in three states and an Amber Alert. They’ve had one lead on the hotline, but no luck. Nick thinks he dumped the truck for something else.”
“That would make sense. I’m sure he’s seen the Amber Alert and it would’ve given away his vehicle information.” Mike sat down next to Kate. “I’m sorry. I hope they find that boy soon.” He took a drink. “Any news of cause of death on the girl?”
“We should know something tomorrow.” Kate placed her hand on his knee. “I don’t want to think about this any more tonight. Tell me how you’re doing.” A thin, weary smile appeared.
“Pretty quiet, which I can’t say is a bad thing.”
Mike was different from her in that respect. And while she understood the feeling, her preference was to be in the thick of things. That was when she was at the top of her game. Nick appreciated that about her. She suspected Mike did as well, but perhaps hadn’t been as keen on getting to know that part of her. Kate took risks, sometimes unnecessary, and Mike had seen that first-hand, but the structure of their current relationship made it such that he didn’t see that side of her on a daily basis.
“Are you sure it’s okay that I’m here? I know this case has got you hopping. I hope I’m not intruding.”
Kate raised her hand to his cheek. “I’m glad you’re here, Mike. I would tell you otherwise.” She kissed his lips, which felt cool from the drink and were sweet like the whiskey in it. This man before her now cared deeply about her and she about him. There would come a time when decisions would need to be made, but Kate wanted to live in this moment and not think about the rest of it. Mike’s embrace was warm and inviting. His thick arms wrapped around her, cocooning her small frame. Although not as susceptible to feelings of passion as she once was, Kate nevertheless felt a yearning to be with him. Heated desire seemed unattainable to her now, but there was no denying her feelings for Mike were real.
He removed the glass from her hand and placed it on the coffee table. With a telling gaze, he stood, taking her hand and lifting her from the sofa. They stood toe to toe, inches from one another’s lips. And with an urgency that often accompanied a new and long-distance relationship, he raised her in his arms so that her toes only skimmed the floor. A gentle sway followed as they stepped out into the corridor. He pressed her against the wall, letting the weight of his body fall upon hers just enough that she felt his passion that remained strong for her.
A smile formed on her lips as Kate pulled gently away from the kiss. “I’m so glad you’re here.”
“Me too.”
» » »
The rusty green 1965 Chevy pick-up turned into the parking lot of the Serene Park Motel and crawled to a stop in front of the office in the spot marked “Manager.” Kenny Fulton yanked his keys out of the ignition and stepped out of the truck. His treasured black snakeskin boots pressed into the soft blacktop that had been heated by the blazing sun even though it was only ten a.m. He looked up into the bright sky, eyes squinting. “God damn heat!”
A generally unpleasant young man, Kenny often had a difficult time finding the good in anything, even the sunny day because it was too hot for this time of year. He pushed the truck door shut with a resounding boom and walked toward the office entrance.
Peering inside the glass door, he noted his assistant manager doing nothing but reading some damn magazine. Kenny walked inside. “Morning.” His firm tone confirmed his displeasure.
“Oh hey, Kenny.” Rickey was the night manager. A younger and rounder man who could easily take on the likes of his daytime counterpart, yet was still somehow always intimidated by him. Perhaps it was because Kenny’s
parents owned the motel. Perhaps it was just Rickey’s personality. He didn’t seem keen on confrontation. “Is it that time already?”
“Sure is. I see you’ve been busy.” Kenny walked to the coffee maker and poured himself a cup, but when he took a sip, he nearly spat it out. “What the hell? How old’s this coffee?” He turned to Rickey. “Damn it, Rickey, you’re supposed to keep a fresh pot at all times for the guests.”
“Geez, I’m sorry, Kenny. You’re right. I’ll make one now before I head out.” Rickey emerged from behind the counter toward Kenny. “We’ve got eight vacant right now. Everyone who was supposed to check out today already has, so that should make it easier for you.” He dumped the remaining coffee into the trash.
Kenny’s annoyance with him was reaching new levels as he watched the man fumble and continue to make a larger mess than was necessary. He could feel his blood pressure rise and decided to leave well enough alone and get to work. “What about the cleaning schedule?”
“Marguerite’s making the rounds now. I think she’s in 265 at the moment.” Rickey wiped his hands on his jeans. “Okay, you’re all set. I’ll be taking off now.” He began to walk back behind the counter toward the small office.
“Don’t forget to punch out,” Kenny said as he logged into the computer.
Rickey reappeared with pursed lips. “That’s what I was doing.” He fumbled with his keys and made his way toward the exit. “I’ll see you later.”
Finally, Kenny was alone, which was how he preferred it. His parents made him manager about a year ago when it seemed they realized he was never going to get out of their house. Now he was forced to pay rent, although it wasn’t much. At twenty-eight, Kenny didn’t have much ambition. He always figured someday his folks would turn the whole place over to him and then he’d make some real changes. He’d make this place what it once was—a destination. Now it was just another run-down motel where cash-strapped travelers pulled in for the night. The pool needed to be re-plastered, the rooms were in disrepair. But for $49.99, you could lay your head down for the night, so long as the springs in the beds didn’t keep you up.
Kenny perused the lobby. “Oh, to dream.” He picked up the two-way radio and clipped it onto his belt. It was time to make the rounds.
The rooms that were unoccupied were the first to check. He had to make sure they were properly cleaned, nothing missing or damaged. It was the responsibility of the manager to schedule repairs and things of that nature. Kenny might not have been ambitious, but he always stayed on top of his duties.
He walked along the ground floor, under the shade of the second floor walkway. Room 134 was empty and so he used his master key to open it up. They hadn’t even gone to the credit-card-style locks, which would be first on Kenny’s list of improvements. Nothing out of the ordinary inside. Everything seemed to be in its place. The bed was made, although not precisely to his liking, about which he would have a discussion with Marguerite. But all else was as it was supposed to be and Kenny moved on.
Around the corner, toward the elevator, was one of the ice machines. The clunky sound it was making made Kenny take pause. He stood in front of it, hands at his hips, and studied the appliance. Pressing his hands against the front of it, he noted it was cold, which was a good thing. He leaned down toward the dispenser, looked inside as best he could. No blockage. That was good too. Still, the machine made a strange sound.
Kenny moved closer and spread his arms wide to place his hands on either side. He began to feel around, nothing. Moving to the right of it, he was about to pull it out to examine the backside and that was when he saw it. He leaned back and stared at it. A note; a sticky note, to be precise. Kenny lifted the note. It was from the motel. A note pad that they kept in each room for the guests.
“I’m Colton Talbot. I’ve been kidnapped by Lyle Stroud. Call 911.”
Kenny read the note again as though he’d misread it the first time. “Holy shit.” He’d heard the name before on the news, just a day or two ago, he couldn’t be sure. “Holy shit. The kid was here.” He quickly made his way back to the office, but not before reaching for the radio. “Marguerite? Marguerite, please come to the office ASAP.”
Kenny started to race back, his boots striking the concrete and his keys rattling on his belt-loop. He looked around as though under surveillance. The kid was there and no one called the cops. How could this have happened? He began to think that Rickey was to blame. That he hadn’t noticed a kidnapper checked in with his victim in tow.
The front office was just ahead. The radio chimed in. It was Marguerite. “I’ll be right there. Just need to lock up 265.”
He didn’t respond. Instead, he pushed his way inside the office and jogged to the counter to check on the computer. He knew the kid’s name. He’d seen the Amber Alert. But what was the name of the kidnapper? Even if he knew that, chances were the man wouldn’t have used his real name to check in. “Damn it.” There was no way to know when the boy had left the note. Kenny was going to have to call the police.
Marguerite arrived. “What’s going on? Is everything okay? Were we robbed?” She stepped up to the counter and waited for her boss’ reply.
Kenny looked at her with wide eyes. “You hear of that kid who was kidnapped? That Amber Alert for Colton Talbot?”
“No—no I don’t think so. Why?”
“He was here.”
“What? When?”
“That’s what I’m trying to find out. I was looking at the ice machine on the ground floor by the elevator. I found this.” He placed the note on top of the counter.
Marguerite picked it up. “Oh my God. Have you called the police?”
“Not yet. I was trying to find out when he would’ve been here.” He looked back at his computer screen. “But I don’t have a name. Do you know what’s going to happen if we let a kidnapper stay here? We’ll be on the God damn six o’clock news!”
“Kenny, you have to call the police now!”
He pounded his fists on the desk. “I know that, damn it!” Kenny was scared. Scared he’d be blamed for this, scared for the kid whose written words haunted him. And scared of what it might do to the motel’s reputation; one that he had hoped to improve. “Okay, okay. I’ll call now.” He picked up the desk phone and dialed 911.
» » »
Nick’s landline buzzed with a call from the receptionist. “SSA Scarborough, I have a Deputy Lewis on the line for you.”
His brow furrowed at the unexpected, unknown caller. “Okay, put it through, please.” Nick placed his hand on the receiver. “This is SSA Scarborough.”
“This is Deputy Sheriff Lewis with the Stafford County Sheriff’s Department. I’m calling regarding the missing person’s case involving Colton Talbot.”
Nick sat up straight. His heart pounded from fear that they’d found his body. “Yes. We’re working on that investigation, deputy. Do you have some information?”
“I do, actually. We received a 911 call from the manager at the Serene Park Motel about five miles outside of town. Apparently, the manager found a note left by the victim, Colton Talbot.”
“What did it say?”
“Just gave his name and that he was kidnapped by Lyle Stroud.”
Nick’s heart skipped and it took a moment for him to absorb the news. “Just a note, that’s it?”
“I’m afraid so. We’re heading out to the scene now to gather as much information as we can. That’s the reason for my call. Since this is your deal, I thought you should know.”
“Thank you. Yes, my team and I will be there as soon as possible. Can I get a number where I can reach you?” Nick began to write down the number. “Thank you. We’ll see you soon.”
He immediately made his way to see Dwight and leaned into his open doorway. “Got a call from Stafford County. Some hotel manager found a note from Colton Talbot.”
“I’m ready when you are.” Dwight grabbed his keys.
They walked into the bullpen as Kate was returning from the
breakroom with a bottle of water in hand. She spotted their approach. “What’s going on?”
“We’re heading down to Stafford. Someone found a note written by Colton. Sheriff’s already heading there.”
This might give them another clue as to which direction they were headed, provided a date could be gleaned from the manager. The hope was that it was after the previous location, which it seemed would make sense, considering this place was east of the other motel.
“All right.” She reached for her bag and they headed to the parking garage. “When did this happen?”
“Apparently, the manager found the note a few hours ago, but he has no idea when it was written,” Nick replied.
“Let’s just hope that it was yesterday.”
TEN
The hotel was just ahead. A white rectangular sign with a silhouette of mountains behind the words “Serene Park” and a red flashing “Vacancy” sign stood in solitude against the blue sky. Kate’s first impression was that it appeared to be a seedy motel in some B-horror movie. But that thought had to be discarded because in those movies, everyone died.
Several police cars were already in the parking lot and sheriff’s officers were milling around, seemingly unsure of the end-goal. They knew that Stroud had been there and so expected to find prints and the like, but what next? That answer, it seemed, would need to be provided by Kate and her team.
“Looks like the party’s already started.” Nick shoved the gear stick in park and cut the engine. “Let’s go talk to the man in charge.” He stepped out of the vehicle and peered into the window of the front office.
Inside, Kate noticed a very nervous man with sweat stains growing beneath each arm. “That must be the manager” she said to Dwight.
