Hidden Angels: Wildfire Lake Book One

by Victoria Wyngate

  CHAPTER SIX

  He stood outside the roll up doors of Smitty’s garage smoking a cigarette. He hadn’t had one since he had been up to his elbows in a Ford Focus all morning replacing a valve

  He wasn’t able to concentrate on his work having already dropped three of his tools through the engine compartment. He thought that the cigarette break might help.

  “Hey!” he heard Gerald shout from inside, “Have you finished that Focus?”

  “No,” he replied, “I’m taking a break.”

  “You can take a break when you’re finished,” said Gerald. “I promised the owner we’d have it done later today. We’ve already had it for two days,” he continued.

  “Alright, alright,” he said, stomping out the cigarette, “I’m coming.” Going over to the bay containing the Focus, he resumed his work.

  He reached for a wrench only to realize it was on the floor under the car. Kneeling beside the car, he retrieved all of the tools. He went back to work on the valve.

  ******

  Trish was returning from her lunch break when her check engine light came on. Great, she thought, this car is becoming a money pit. She had just gotten it out of the shop for a transmission problem. Before that it was the air conditioning.

  She parked and entered the mall. She went straight to Janelle. She was showing a customer the newest shade of Gencombe blush. Not wanting to interrupt, she waited until the customer had made her selection.

  “I need to take a little longer lunch today,” she said to Janelle.

  “Is there a problem?” asked Janelle.

  Trish said, “My car is acting up again. I wish I could afford a new one. I’m planning on dropping it off at Smitty’s during lunch.”

  “It’s probably gonna put us in a bind, but I’ll ask Michelle if she can cover for you. Are you going to need a ride back?” asked Janelle.

  “I don’t think so,” replied Trish, “If they don’t offer a loaner I’ll just get a rental. But thanks anyway.”

  “Just get back as soon as you can,” said Janelle, assisting a customer that had stepped up to the counter.

  Trish was giving a make-over to a woman preparing for her daughter’s wedding. After helping the woman make her final selections, she led her to the register to complete the purchase.

  Trish receives an hourly rate from Beautique, but they also earn commission bonuses. This woman had just made a major purchase. She could use the extra money right now to help pay for the car repairs.

  She looked at the clock above the counter, only 11:15 a.m. Now is as good a time as any, she thought. Get out a little earlier and ahead of the lunch crowd. She found Janelle directing a customer to a selection of nail polishes.

  “If it’s not a problem, I’m going to go ahead and take my car to the garage,” she told Janelle.

  “It’s covered. Just be back ASAP,” replied Janelle. Trish turned around, heading toward the door.

  Trish pulled into the parking lot of Smitty’s and went to the reception area. Gerald Smith was standing behind the counter.

  “Can I help you Miss?” he asked.

  Trish replied, “My check engine light came on this morning. I was wondering if you might be able to take a look and tell me what might be the problem. But can you give me a call with an estimate before you start the work?”

  “You’re probably going to have to leave it with us at the moment. All my mechanics are in the middle of repairs on other cars,” he said.

  “I kinda thought you’d say that. Will you be able to get to it this afternoon?” she asked.

  “Shouldn’t be a problem.” Gerald said. “We have a rental counter at the other end of the shop.” Trish thanked him and went to find the rental desk. She stepped up to the counter and addressed the attendant.

  “I was hoping I could just get a loaner,” she said.

  “We don’t offer loaners, but I’ll give you a decent rate on the rental,” he replied. “Just fill out these forms. I’ll get you the keys.” He handed her the paperwork and went into the office behind the counter.

  She completed the forms and handed them back to him when he returned with the keys.

  “It’s the green Taurus out front,” he said, glancing at the paperwork.

  “Thanks,” she said as she went to find the car.

  He looked down at the paperwork. This is perfect, he thought. Right here I have her name and address. Hell, I’ve even got her phone number. He went into the office, made a copy of the rental contract and put it in his shirt pocket.

  ******

  Trish returned to work and was re-stocking the store room when her cell phone rang.

  “May I speak to Patricia Langley?” the caller asked.

  “Speaking,” Trish replied.

  “My name is Jared. I’m calling from Smitty’s Garage. Just letting you know, you have a bad oxygen sensor. The estimate for the repair is $95.50 including labor. You wanted us to call you before we started the work,” he said.

  “Yes, I did. I guess you can go ahead with the repair,” said Trish.

  At 4:30 p.m. Jared called back.“Your car is ready,” he said, when Trish got on the line. “But we close at 6:30 p.m.,” he said.

  “Thank you” Trish replied, “I’ll be there before 6:00 p.m.”

  Trish finished her shift and headed to Smitty’s. This car is costing me a fortune, she thought, as she pulled into the parking lot. She then went to the rental counter and turned in the keys. She then went to the service desk, paid for the repairs and headed home.

  Patting the steering wheel, she asked aloud. “No more problems, please?”

  ******

  He sat in his car, watching the address the beautiful blonde had provided. Nice place, he thought. Quiet neighborhood and seemed rather peaceful. His thoughts were interrupted by a car pulling into the complex.

  He watched as Trish parked her car and went inside. Starting the car, he pulled slowly out of the complex. Not quite yet, he thought, but soon enough.

  ******

  Trish threw the keys on the table beside the door. Long and tiring day, she thought. She picked up her phone and called her friend, Shelly Young.

  She hadn’t talked to Shelly in months and had been thinking about her lately. She was anxious to catch up on things. Trish and Shelly went to high school together and had been practically inseparable.

  Since graduation, they had gone their separate ways. Shelly to college, Trish entering the work force. Shelly answered on the second ring. “Hello?” she said.

  “Hey girl, it’s Trish.” Trish responded, “I have Saturday off this weekend. That hasn’t happened in a long time. I was wondering if you might want to get together and have lunch. I haven’t heard from you in a while and we need to get caught up.”

  “Sounds like fun.” Shelly said, “1:00 p.m. at O’Malley’s?”

  “That’s fine,” said Trish, “See you then.” Trish poured herself a glass of wine and sat down in a wing back chair in the living room.

  ******

  Shelly and Trish had met during their sophomore year of high school. Trish had been struggling with algebra and it was recommended that she hire a tutor.

  Shelly was in the student mentoring/tutoring program and came highly recommended. Trish had called her and they have been best friends ever since.

  Shelly looked so much like Trish that they were often called ‘the Bobbsey twins’. There was only one difference between the two. Shelly has blue eyes, Trish’s eyes are green.

  They could have and did at least once pass for sisters.

  Shelly put the phone down on the kitchen counter. She and Trish had only spoken twice since she’d left Mill Valley. It would be a joy to catch up with her.

  She wondered if everything was all right. Running her fingers through her long blonde hair, she let out a sigh.

  “Maybe I’m just being paranoid,” she said aloud, walking back into the living room.

  She had been sitting on the couch grading pap
ers and watching a re-run of the Andy Griffith Show. Since graduating from college she had been employed at Mill Valley High School as a history teacher. She was happy walking the halls where she once attended classes herself.

  It would be best to get out of this town, even for a little while. Right now though she immersed herself in the task at hand.

  Shelly finished grading the papers and started preparing her lesson plan for the morning. She looked up as a news brief got her attention. She turned up the volume.

  “Police are still seeking information regarding the disappearance of Peggy Callaway,” the announcer said, “Ms. Callaway disappeared two days ago from the Larabee Dental Clinic. If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective David Moore with the Charlottesburg Police Department. For full details tune in at eleven.” Shelly turned down the volume.

  Why hadn’t Trish mentioned this? I’ll have to ask her about it when I see her, she thought.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  He loved this time of the day. The light was peeking through the trees as the sun was setting. She runs at the same time every evening. His car was parked along her usual running route.

  He stood in the shadows of the trees. He had a Chloroform soaked rag in his pocket. Now he just needed her.

  I just hope she doesn’t bring that mutt with her this time, he thought.

  ******

  Samantha Thompson was lacing up her running shoes. She loved to run and had participated in several local 10K’s and the Peachtree Road Race in Atlanta.

  She was working up to running in Boston, but she didn’t feel that she was quite ready for that one yet. At twenty-four she still had plenty of time to train.

  “Amber,” she called out to her roommate, “I’m heading out for my run.”

  “Can you take Harvey with you?” Amber asked. “He likes to run and hasn’t been out in a while.”

  “No Problem,” replied Samantha, “I could use the company.” She stopped by a table near the door. Grabbing a hair tie she pulled her long blonde hair into a ponytail.

  She had her portable radio attached by Velcro to her bicep. The pink ear buds hanging loosely at her shoulders.

  “Come here, Harvey,” called Samantha, grabbing the leash. The little Welsh Corgi scampered around the corner wagging his tail excitedly.

  Samantha clipped the leash onto Harvey’s collar, calling out to Amber. “We’ll be back in a little while.”

  As she stepped out onto the front stoop, she placed the ear buds into her ears and turned up the volume.

  She turned left at the sidewalk and started running. The little dog was running beside her, but his short legs couldn’t match her stride.

  “Harvey, you gotta keep up.” Samantha said, “You’re lagging.” The dog just looked up and grunted. They were getting close to his hiding spot.

  He let her pass and stepped out from the shadows. She never heard him.

  He quietly ran up behind her and placed the Chloroformed rag over her nose and mouth.

  She didn’t have time to scream and she struggled against him briefly before she went limp.

  As she collapsed her hand released its hold on Harvey’s leash. The dog yelped, bolted and ran in the direction of home. Oh well, he thought. He didn’t want the damn dog anyway.

  He placed her limp form into the back seat of his car and looked around. No one was outside. Good, no obvious witnesses.

  He got into the car and headed toward the lake. He had to quench his need and it had to be tonight.

  ******

  Amber came out of her bedroom when she thought she heard something.

  “Sam?” she called, “Is that you?” When she reached the living room she realized the noise was coming from the front door. There was scratching and a soft whine. She opened the door.

  Harvey, leash in tow, ran through the door to cower under the coffee table. He was visibly shaking. Amber went out onto the stoop and looked both ways. No sign of Samantha.

  “Sam,” she called, “This isn’t funny. You can come out now. You’ve had your fun.” No response.

  She walked out to the sidewalk. Sam was not in sight in either direction.

  Something’s wrong, she thought. Sam would never let Harvey run loose by himself. She didn’t panic right away. Maybe Harvey had just gotten away from her.

  Two hours later Sam still hadn’t returned home. Amber picked up the phone and called the police.

  Gary Parsons stuck his head around the corner. “Hey, David looks like we might have another one,” he said, “I just received a call from a resident of the Willow Brook apartments. Seems her roommate, Samantha, went for a run, but never made it back.”

  David looked up from his files and asked, “Who reported it?” Gary looked at the note in his hand.

  “Name’s Amber Reid. Mind if I tag along?”

  “Just don’t get in the way.” David answered, grabbing his coat and heading for the door. “Do try to keep up, though.”

  “Right behind you,” replied Gary.

  They arrived at apartment 115 of Willow Brook and knocked on the door. Amber opened the door, but only slightly, looking at them suspiciously.

  “Ms. Reid, I’m Detective Moore and this is Detective Parsons,” he said, as both displayed their badges.

  “We’re here to ask you a few questions about Samantha. May we come in?” he asked.

  “Yes, of course,” she replied. She stepped aside and allowed them to enter the apartment, motioning them to the sofa. “Please, have a seat.”

  “Thank you.” David said as he sat. Gary chose an arm chair opposite him. Amber took her seat beside David.

  “When was the last time you saw your roommate?” David asked, taking out his notebook.

  “Sam left the apartment at dusk to go on her run. It’s something she does every night,” she said.

  “Can you give me a description of Samantha and the clothes she was wearing?” David asked.

  “Sam is about 5’7” and weighs 135 pounds. She has long blonde hair and green eyes. She was wearing light blue Jogging pants and a dark blue t-shirt. Her running shoes were white with blue trim. She had a grey portable radio with a Velcro strap and pink earbuds.” Amber said. “I asked her to take Harvey, my dog, with her and she did. Harvey returned alone.”

  “Ms. Reid,” David said, “Does Samantha take the same route every time she runs or does it vary?”

  Amber thought for a minute before answering, “I’m pretty sure she takes the same route. But, she has been trying to increase the length of her runs. She’s been in training, wanting to run in the marathons.”

  “Does she have any distinguishing marks like tattoos, scars or piercings?” asked David.

  “No,” answered Amber, “Not that I’m aware of at least.”

  “Do you have a current picture of Samantha?” he asked. She went over to a small table and picked up a small frame. She removed the photo and handed it to David.

  “This was taken last month,” she said.

  “Thank you,” said David, placing the photo in his shirt pocket.

  “You said Samantha takes the same route, do you know the route?” David asked.

  “She turns left on the sidewalk then goes for about six blocks to Washington Avenue. She usually turns right on Washington and runs up to Sycamore Lane. She turns right on Sycamore and runs until she gets to Maple Street where she turns right again. That brings her back to Willow Brook Way.” Amber said.

  “Is there another route she may have taken?” he asked.

  “Not that I know of. That’s her usual route,” she answered. David turned to Gary.

  “Can you call central and get a cruiser out here to canvas that route? See if they spot anything?” he asked.

  “Sure thing,” said Gary, stepping outside to place the call.

  David turned back to Amber, “Is there anything else, that you think might help us find her?” he asked.

  “I’m afraid not,” she said, shaking
her head, “Sorry.”

  “Well, if you think of anything give me a call,” he said, handing her his business card.

  “I will, thanks,” she said, taking the card. They both stood. Amber walked him to the door. He walked out onto the stoop and she closed the door behind him.

  “Anything?” he asked Gary. “They had a unit in the area,” he replied, “They will be making several passes.”

  “We have two missing women and absolutely no idea what might have happened to them,” said David.

  If they had to knock on every door and talk to every resident along the route then they would. Somebody had to have seen or heard something.

  They walked down to the sidewalk and started down Samantha’s running route.

  “Gary,” said David, “I’ll take the houses on this side of the street. You take the other. If there’s no one home we can leave business a card asking them to call.”

  “I guess we’d better get started. We have a lot of houses to cover,” said Gary, heading to the crosswalk.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  He risked a quick glance into the back seat. The blonde was still a sleeping beauty. Not many cars in sight as he headed to the cabin. He turned off the asphalt and onto the dirt road. It was rather bumpy.

  The jar shook her, but she didn’t stir. Good, he thought. I can’t have her waking up, not just yet.

  He followed the road to the cabin and parked under the large oak tree. Getting out of the car, he lifted and carried her inside. He had the Chloroform rag in his pocket, just in case.

  Placing her on the bed, he quickly removed her clothes. Oh, what an exquisite sight, he thought. “Patience,” he said aloud.

  She stirred at the sound of his voice. He removed the cloth and held it over her nose and mouth. After a few moments she settled back into unconsciousness. That was too close, he thought.

  He tied her, spread eagle, to the posts of the bed. They’re easier to control when they’re asleep, he thought. He went into the kitchen and fixed himself something to eat. He could not remember the last time he had eaten.