Hidden Angels: Wildfire Lake Book One

by Victoria Wyngate

  He called the forensic artist and arranged a meeting at the precinct. It was vital to get all of the information while it was still fresh.

  Trish gave the artist all the information she could remember. Watching while he worked on the sketch. Looking at the drawing she said, “Almost, but the scar was a bit longer and more ragged along the lower edge.” He made the corrections and let her see the sketch again.

  “That’s him!” exclaimed Trish.

  “Good.” David said to the artist, “Print that for me, please. I’ll issue the look out.” David turned to Trish and said, “Unfortunately, we’re not done here yet. We still have a lot more questions.”

  He picked up the phone and called Gary. He answered on the third ring.

  “Hello?” said Gary sleepily.

  “I’m sorry, Gary,” said David, “I know it’s late, but there’s been a break in these disappearance cases. We now have an eyewitness. You’re not going to believe this, but it’s Trish! He tried to take her, but she got away. I need you to meet me at the precinct as soon as possible.”

  “WHAT!” Gary shouted into the receiver. “Is she okay? Never mind that. I’ll be there in less than 20 minutes. You can fill me in then.”

  CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

  Travis cursed as he ran back into the woods. Oh, what I wouldn’t give for a flashlight right about now, he thought. The branches scratched, the limbs gouged into him as he ran blindly through the trees. His eyes were still stinging from the pepper spray.

  Stumbling and tripping over roots and downed limbs. He was beginning to think he was lost when suddenly the cabin came into view. Running inside the small structure, he turned on the lights as he went.

  He had feared there wouldn’t be enough Chloroform to keep her out long. Unfortunately, that fear had been confirmed.

  Now, it’s possible that this one woman could spoil everything. He couldn’t let that happen, not now. He ran to the kitchen sink and washed his face. Needing to assess the damage to his nose he went into the bathroom.

  What he saw in the bathroom mirror shocked him. His nose had a large gash on the left side and it looked crooked. It was probably broken and needing to be reset. Unfortunately for him he didn’t have the luxury of time for anything like that.

  He grabbed a suitcase and started stuffing clothes inside. After changing his shirt,he grabbed another bag. He filled it with what little food he had in the kitchen.

  He also grabbed his baseball cap and a pair of sunglasses.

  Right now, though, he needed to get as far away from here and as soon as possible. His picture could be all over the news as soon as the next broadcast.

  He threw his things in the car and headed south. He had relatives in North Carolina. Maybe he could pay them a visit. They hadn’t seen him in a while. They had no idea what he had been up to lately. Good place to lay low. He started the engine and headed toward his grandfather’s farm.

  The drive time would give him a chance to come up with an alternate plan. And right now he needed one.

  It took him almost half an hour to reach the interstate. He looked down at the gas gauge. Only a quarter of a tank. Hopefully that would get him far enough away before the news story broke. Another half hour later he was pulling into a service station. Time to get gas and a cup of coffee.

  He would have to drive through the night. He had to distance himself from Virginia.

  ******

  Gary arrived at the precinct letting himself in through the side employee entrance. He found David with Trish in the interrogation room.

  He walked into the room and sat his coffee cup on the table. Then he said, “Would someone please tell me what the hell is going on?”

  “Hold that thought,” said David as he switched on a portable recorder.

  “Now we can begin this interview. My name is David Moore. I am here with Patricia Langley and Investigator Gary Parsons. We are interviewing Ms. Langley in reference to her abduction from the Sky View Mall parking lot. Ms. Langley can you tell us in your own words what happened?” asked David.

  Trish said, “He came up behind me in the lot after my shift. He put something over my nose and mouth. It smelled weird and I struggled. Everything went dark.

  The next thing I remember was lying in the back of a moving car. I pretended to be asleep, but I peeked at him through my eyelashes.

  I think I’ve seen him somewhere before, but where is still a little fuzzy. I was terrified. Then I remembered the pepper spray that David had given me. I wrapped my hand around it and waited for my chance.

  It came when he stopped and opened the door at my feet.” She inhaled deeply, then exhaled.

  She paused, for a minute, before she continued.

  “When he opened the door I knew he was going to pull me out of the car. When he reached in, I kicked him hard in the crotch and face. When he went down I sprayed him. I jumped out of the car. I think the door might have hit his head. His nose was bleeding pretty badly when he went down.”

  “Do you remember anything about the drive?” asked Gary.

  “We drove a long way on asphalt then turned right onto a gravel or dirt road. The drive was shorter on that road than the first. When I got out of the car we were deep in the woods.

  I thought I saw a reflection of the moon on some water through the trees as I was running. I think it was Wildfire Lake, but I’m not sure. And there’s something else,” Trish paused for a moment before she continued.

  “When I tripped and fell in the woods I saw something sticking out of the ground right in front of me.”

  “What was it?” asked David.

  “I’m not sure,” said Trish, “But I think it was a human bone.”

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  Travis drove for another hour barely noticing the passing cars or road signs. Absentmindedly he touched the scar on his face. How much did she really see? Or worse… could she identify him? No time to bother with that right now.

  He was tired and needed a place to rest. He would get off the interstate at the next exit and find a room there.

  Maybe sleep for a few hours.

  ******

  David took Trish’s statement, the audio recording from the interview and her clothing into his office. He completed the paperwork needed to submit the items into evidence.

  Once that was done he dropped them into an evidence locker. Returning to the interview room he said, “Sorry about that, but I had to get the evidence dropped. I need to preserve the proper chain of custody.”

  “Trish, do you have somewhere you could go for a few days? Somewhere that you’d be safe?” asked David.

  “I have a friend over in Springvale. I could give her a call. I’m sure she wouldn’t mind putting up with me for a few days,” she said.

  “Good,” said David, “Gary and I have a few loose ends we need to tie up. We’ll step out and take care of that. Give you some time to make the arrangements.” They left the room.

  Trish placed the call.

  ******

  Shelly was awakened by the blare of an old auto horn. It took her a minute before she realized that it was her phone.

  Why did I ever set that as my ring tone? she thought. She answered on the third ring.

  “Hello?” she said cautiously.

  “Shelly, it’s Trish. I know it’s late, but I need a huge favor. Is there any way you might consider putting me up for a few days?” she asked.

  Shelly sat bolt upright. The tone of her voice reached a higher octave as she asked, “What’s going on? Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine, but I can’t talk about it over the phone. I promise I’ll explain everything later,” said Trish.

  “I just need to know your answer. Otherwise, I need to make more calls,” she continued.

  “Did you ever think my answer would be anything other than ‘of course’,” she said, “Pack a bag. I’ll have everything ready when you get here.”

  “Thank you so much Shelly. I owe you one,” said Trish.r />
  “You don’t owe me anything,” said Shelly, “Well except maybe that promised explanation.”

  “We’ll talk when I get there. I promise,” said Trish, hanging up the phone.

  David and Gary came back into the room a few minutes later. Trish was the first to speak, “My friend said I could stay with her,” she said.

  “Perfect!” said David. “Gary, would you mind taking Trish home?” David asked, “She’ll need to get a few of her things for the trip. I still have to write the report and get the information out to the news media.”

  “No problem,” said Gary, “But what about her car?” He faced Trish and asked, “Trish where is it?”

  Trish replied, “It’s still in the lot at Sky View. Unfortunately, I don’t have the keys. They’re either in my purse, which is still in his car, or I lost them in the woods.”

  “We could have it towed to our impound lot with your permission of course. That way if the crime scene guys need to process it, it’ll be available. Is it locked?” David asked.

  She nodded. “I always lock it when I get to work. I didn’t have a chance to unlock it before he grabbed me,” she answered.

  “That’s okay,” said David, “But they may have to break a window to gain access.”

  “That’s what insurance is for,” said Trish with a grin.

  “Ready to go?” asked Gary.

  “As ready as I’ll ever be,” replied Trish.

  “One more thing,” said David, “Make sure you call me when you get there. I want to know that you made it safely.”

  “Sure thing,” said Trish as they got up and headed to Gary’s car.

  No sooner than they were out the door David started making calls. The first was to the towing company.

  He needed to get her car to the secure lot as soon as possible. It might contain crucial evidence that would need to be preserved.

  He called in the crime scene tech to process Trish’s clothes and shoes. There was blood on her shoes and most of it was probably his.

  His DNA, may, or may not be in the system. There was only one way to find out.

  The next call was to a neighboring agency that had reported a woman missing. He needed to get that woman’s medical information, including dental records. He also called the canine unit. He was hoping they would be available to take a quick tour around Wildfire Lake.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Travis was having one of his nightmares again. He tossed and turned in his sleep.

  He was mowing the grass in the back yard. One of his usual chores, only this particular time was different. He hit a high spot in the yard. The mower threw a rock toward the house, shattering a window.

  His father had been drinking again and heavily. Cecil had just entered the living room as the rock whizzed past his head. Travis immediately killed the engine of the mower, but it was already too late.

  He heard his father shout from inside the house. A minute later Cecil stormed into the back yard.

  Travis tried to explain that it was an accident, but Cecil wasn’t listening.

  “You stupid idiot!” he shouted at his son. “Do you have any idea how much it’s gonna cost to replace that winda?” slurred Cecil. He drew back his hand and struck Travis, hard.

  The force of Cecil’s blow knocked Travis flat on his back. His hand went to his face and came back bloody. Cecil was wearing a new ring. It had cut a big gash into Travis’ cheek.

  “But Daddy, as I was trying to tell you… it was an accident. I didn’t mean to,” he said through his tears. Cecil looked down at his hand.

  “Now look, what else, you went and done. You got blood on my new ring!” screamed Cecil, striking him with his other hand.

  Travis woke from his dream in a sweat. He immediately reached up to touch the scar on his cheek.

  That was the only time Cecil had ever left a mark during one of his rages. The wound had needed stitches, but Cecil refused to take him anywhere for treatment.

  All he had said was, “It’ll serve as a reminder for you to never do it again!”

  And to this day he never had. I’ve had enough of this trip down memory lane or should I say nightmare lane, he thought. Now, he was on a tighter schedule.

  Thanks to what’s her name, oh yeah, Trish. A woman who in his eyes had quickly turned from his angel, to a bitch.

  ******

  Gary pulled into Trish’s complex, stopping in front of her building.

  “Thanks for the lift,” she said as she opened the door.

  “Not so fast!” said Gary, as he got out.

  “I can do this by myself!” she said.

  “I’m just following my instructions,” he said.

  “What are you talking about?” she asked.

  “David told me to make sure you arrived at your apartment and then your friend’s house safely. That’s exactly what I intend to do. I’ve never let him down. I don’t intend to start now,” he said.

  “Okay, okay,” she said, “But I’m glad, now, that I hid a spare key,” she said as she started toward the apartment.

  “Wait!” Gary shouted.

  “What?” asked Trish as she turned, looking puzzled.

  “Just tell me where the spare key is. I’ll get it,” he said.

  “It’s under the big planter to the right of the door,” she said, “Why?”

  “I need to make sure he’s not waiting for you inside. After all, he has your keys and knows where you live,” said Gary.

  “Sorry,” said Trish, “I hadn’t thought of that.”

  “I’ll walk you back to the car. Lock yourself inside. I’ll clear the apartment. Once I’ve determined that it’s safe, I’ll come back for you. Now, please, go!” he said, pointing toward the car.

  Once she was safely back inside the car he got the key and entered the apartment. Trish watched the street. Other than the swaying of the tree branches, nothing else moved.

  A few minutes later Gary appeared in the doorway. She unlocked the door and got out of the car.

  “All clear!” he said, approaching the car. They went inside to get her things.

  ******

  Trish placed the luggage she had just packed by the front door and reached for the phone. Before she could even hit a key Gary picked up the luggage and started out the door.

  “Where are you going with those? I haven’t even called for the taxi yet,” she said.

  “But Ma’am, your taxi is already here,” said Gary.

  “What are you talking about? You’ve already done too much for me. I couldn’t ask you to do that,” she said.

  “You didn’t,” said Gary, “How else am I going to make sure that you get to your friend’s house safely? I’m taking you there myself. Besides, as I said before, I’m following my instructions,” said Gary.

  “And I know exactly where those instructions came from,” said Trish sarcastically.

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  When they pulled into Shelly’s driveway, she must have been watching from the window. She didn’t even let them get out of the car before she came running down the driveway. She helped Gary with the luggage as Trish got a few things out of the back seat.

  Gary walked her to the door and up the steps. “Well,” he said, “My work here is done. I’ll let you ladies get caught up. Don’t forget to call David,” he said, turning to leave.

  “Not so fast mister!” admonished Trish, “Get back here!” He turned back toward the porch and saw her walking towards him with her arms outstretched.

  “You and David have done so much for me. How can I ever repay you two?” she said, wrapping her arms around his neck and giving him a squeeze.

  “Just help us catch this guy,” said Gary, returning the hug.

  “Deal,” said Trish, “I’ll do what I can.”

  “Oh!” he said, “I know you want to explain what happened, but just don’t tell her too many of the details. After all, it’s still an active investigation.”

  ******

 
; The tow truck driver carefully attached the chains to the undercarriage of Trish’s car. The Detectives had told him to be extra cautious with the car because it’s part of an active investigation. He looked around as he flipped the lever that pulled the car onto the flatbed. There seem to be no apparent signs of a struggle.

  Oh well, he thought, that’s why they get paid the big bucks. Better get this baby to impound before it gets any later.

  ******

  The sun had been up for well over an hour as Travis crossed the North Carolina state line. In another forty five minutes he would be at his grandfather’s farm in Cedar Bluff.

  He switched on the radio. No breaking news, just music. He relaxed, but just a little.

  ******

  Shelly helped Trish carry her things to the guest room. They went to the living room and sat down on the sofa.

  “So?” said Shelly, “Spill already! I have been worried to death since your call. What happened?”

  “You heard Gary,” she said, “I can’t tell you too much, but I can tell you one thing. You know those women that have disappeared?” asked Trish.

  “Yeah… I saw it on the news,” said Shelly, “I’ve been scared something was gonna happen to you ever since I heard those reports.”

  “Well…. I guess you had a right to be concerned as I was almost one of them,” said Trish hesitantly.

  “WHAT!” screamed Shelly.

  “Easy!” said Trish, “I’m okay! I can’t tell you much. I may be the only one who has seen this guy and be able to identify him.”

  “Somehow that doesn’t make me feel any better,” said Shelly.

  “Oh, I almost forgot. I promised David I’d call. I lost my phone. Can I borrow yours?” asked Trish,