whither Willow?

by Peter Ponzo

  Cail Vinney was in love with her, she was certain.

 

  CHAPTER 34

  to Dune Road

  When the buzzer sounded, Bryan was sleeping on the sofa. He jumped up, looked about and noticed that it was morning. He had been sleeping for some time. How long? The buzzer sounded again and he stumbled to the hall and pressed the button. Someone was at the front door.

  "Yes? Who is it?"

  "Bill Hendricks. Can I talk to you for a minute?"

  Bryan unlocked the door to the apartment building before he realized who he was letting in. Hendricks was the officer he had spoken to in the hospital when that nurse died - was killed - by Liz. Hendricks had said that the police department would wait - must wait - to see if Liz came out of the coma before they could proceed with the investigation. He had also said that the nurse, a certain Barbara Finney, was now suspected of old man Brubacher's murder at Moss Hill Nursing Home.

  And it was also Hendricks who had warned Colby about the Brubacher witch. How had Hendricks managed to get through to Colby after he had tried to explain the situation, without much success? After all, Bryan was a teacher. Not only that, he taught mathematics. That required careful and logical phrasing, a delicate choice of words, subtle and concise terminology. Yet he had little success in warning Michael Colby of the danger to his wife ... then the phone call from Hendricks, just a minute or less and it had done the trick.

  Bryan was waiting at the door when Bill Hendricks came out of the elevator. Hendricks was dressed in a sweater and jeans.

  "Doesn't look like an official visit," said Bryan.

  "I'm off duty but I thought I should talk to you - if you don't mind?"

  "No, not at all. Come on in and have a coffee - instant."

  They sat at the kitchen table. Bryan was about to open the conversation, talking of the weather, when Hendricks began:

  "You told me about Sam Jaffre - that you had seen him. Remember?"

  "Yes, we did see him. Liz and I. Then I saw him again."

  "Dune Road, that's what you said, isn't it? You said Sam was living on Dune Road."

  "Yes, with Cassandra Brubacher."

  "Well, I've been out to Dune Road. There's a house with a big willow tree. You said that the tree kills - something like that. Didn't you say that?"

  "Yeah - but not that willow tree. It was the one that used to be right here, on this site, before this apartment was built."

  "Before they put up Laurentian Tower?"

  "Laurentian ...? Oh, sorry, I meant Willow Towers. There was a willow tree there, before that apartment was built. But the willow on Dune Road, that's evil too. Took off my finger. See?"

  Bryan held up his hand, still wrapped in white gauze. "You don't believe me do you? I mean, it's pretty weird and I wouldn't expect you to -"

  "No, I believe everything you said." Hendricks had been leaning forward in his chair; now he leaned back. "I must admit that when you first told me - at the hospital - I thought you were crazy. Then I went through Sam's files. He was on to something and kept a record of all his investigations, mysterious deaths around the county and the kidnapping of babies - "

  "You mean ... uh, Sam associated the missing babies with the mysterious deaths?" Bryan was sitting upright, staring at Hendricks. "He said - I think he said that there was no connection. That the baby kidnappings were ... were ..."

  "The work of a gang of hoodlums," suggested Hendricks. "Yes, that's the current thinking at the station. A gang whose religion required the acquisition of babies, unborn babies."

  "And do you know who these hoodlums are?"

  Hendricks sipped his coffee, answering slowly. "No ... unfortunately. There have been reports, by citizens, of groups of people meeting during the night, here and there, all over the county. We've investigated some - just office parties or birthday parties or -"

  "Can I ask you a question?" interrupted Bryan.

  "Sure."

  "How do you kidnap a baby - an unborn baby?"

  "Sometimes it was a midwife - sometimes a nurse - sometimes the expectant mother was found in a coma and no longer pregnant." Hendricks gazed down at his hands, realizing that the Laker woman was in this category. "It seems like there were lots of people involved in this. You mentioned the Friends of the Willow and I guess that's who it was. I didn't know the name of the gang, not until now. These Friends must have included nurses and doctors."

  "And policemen," added Bryan.

  "Yes, like Sam Jaffre ... and that's why I'm here." Bill Hendricks took a last gulp of instant coffee. "This isn't real coffee," he said peering into the mug.

  "How 'bout a Coke? That ain't real coffee either."

  Hendricks grinned and put down his mug.

  "Sam had a locker in the station. It was locked and only Sam had the key. Of course the Chief could open it, but some of us felt that Sam might show up some day and there were plenty of lockers to go around so we just left it locked."

  "Do you think there's something important in the locker, is that it?" asked Bryan.

  "No, not at all. Just his uniform. But last night when I came on duty - my locker is right beside Sam's - we were good friends - anyway, last night his locker was open."

  "And what was in it?"

  "Nothing. Absolutely nothing."

  "Anything wrong with that? If you didn't think it contained anything important - just his uniform - then is there any great loss?"

  "Look. Sam had the key. The locker is open and the uniform is gone. That means that Sam opened the locker and took the uniform."

  Bill Hendricks was trying to imply something. Bryan scratched his chin. As a mathematician he should be able to deduce some important result from the evidence presented. Think, logically. He didn't have a chance to reach any conclusion because Hendricks continued.

  "Bryan ... can I call you Bryan?"

  "Yup, that's my name."

  "Bryan, did you know that Michael Colby's wife is having twins - soon?" Before Bryan had a chance to respond, Bill continued. "And did you know that Colby has insisted on a round-the-clock police guard? Well, actually, it was my idea. I told him that his wife might very well be the next victim of a certain Cassandra Brubacher who, I suspect, has arranged for the kidnapping of babies many times in the past ... your wife being the most recent."

  Bryan frowned. So that's what Hendricks had said that day he had phoned Colby. How come Hendricks could get Colby to understand the danger when he hadn't been able to? Did it make a difference if the warning came from a police officer? Maybe.

  Hendricks continued. "Now imagine this: Sam Jaffre shows up at the clinic, dressed in a regulation uniform, then he -"

  "I've got it!" shouted Bryan. "Sam's a member of the Friends. He pretends to be protecting Colby's wife, as a police officer, on duty, and then he steals the baby ... uh, he brings someone to the room who will steal the baby - the babies, a nurse or something."

  Bryan smiled, then frowned. "Wait a minute. Why don't you just warn all the guards that Sam might try that? After all, Sam's not even on the force these days, is he?"

  "No, he's not ... and I've already mentioned the possibility of Sam showing up in uniform. The Chief thinks I'm crazy - just like I thought you were crazy. But he did agree to tell the guys standing guard - they're to look out for Sam Jaffre. But I have another idea and it involves you."

  Bryan choked on his last gulp of coffee.

  "Wait a minute. I'm not on the force. I'm just a math prof. What do I know?"

  "Hear me out. I said I've been to Dune Road. I looked in all the windows and nobody was home. I even let myself into the house - I'm telling you this in confidence. The place is weird. Dark as sin with all the heavy drapes, boxes of wicker stuff in the basement, the damn willow tree banging on the wall. Anyway, I found some clothing that could be Sam's, I'm sure it's his, and I found woman's clothing, probably Cassandra Brubacher. I'm now convinced that Sam actually lives there. We
want to be ready when Sam shows up at the clinic so we watch the house and you wait for him to leave - "

  "Hold on! Then I wait for him? What do you mean I?"

  "You're not teaching this term. I checked. I have to be on duty, every day. I can't keep my eye on the house at all times and hold down this job too. We have to do it together, you and me."

  "You mean 24 hours a day? For how long? It could be weeks before - "

  "Mrs. Colby is having her twins tomorrow morning. That means Sam will move tonight."

  "And you? Where will you be?"

  "Like I said, I'm on duty. I have a long day today but, by a stroke of luck, I've been assigned to the clinic tonight. All you have to do is give me a call the minute you see Sam leaving the house on Dune Road. Don't try to stop him and don't let him see you. Just stop at the nearest phone booth and call the clinic, ask for me. I'll be there by 6 o'clock this evening. If you phone before that, call the station. They'll get in touch with me. I'll be ready for Sam Jaffre when he gets there, don't you worry about that."

  Bryan began to breath heavily. He was hoping to avoid the house on Dune Road. Now he was going back again. He rubbed his stump lightly. But Hendricks was right. Knowing in advance when Sam was on his way would give Hendricks an advantage and he might need that advantage. He could call other officers and they could all be waiting for Sam. Sam was a pretty big guy.

  "Okay, I'll go," groaned Bryan. "When do you want me to leave?"

  "Now."

  Bryan opened his mouth to complain but thought better of it. He closed his mouth, shrugged his shoulders and got up from the table.

  "Thanks for coming by, I guess," he said.

  Hendricks put his hands on Bryan's shoulder then turned to leave. He turned back at the door. "Don't let anyone see you. Hide down the road, behind a tree or bush or something. Keep your car out of sight too. You'll have plenty of time to get to your car and to a phone. Good luck."

  After he left, Bryan waited for several minutes, breathing heavily, his heart pounding, his stump throbbing. He looked at his watch: 10 a.m. He got up and shaved and left for Dune Road.

  ***

  Bryan waited until late in the afternoon, but Sam didn't come out of the house. He sat behind the tree just up the road. His car was pulled onto a sideroad and he could see the house from where he sat. He had forgotten to bring anything to eat and he was starved, and thirsty. He wondered what would happen if he knocked on the door and asked the witch for a drink of water. Would she recognize him? He couldn't take that chance. What if he drove to the nearest store and bought some peanuts. He could be there and back in less than ten minutes. Would Sam leave by then? He couldn't take that chance.

  He was getting a sore. He twisted his neck and peeked out from behind the tree every minute or so and his neck was getting stiff. He just looked to see if the car was still in the driveway. If Sam were to leave then surely he'd take the old rusty Ford parked there. There was no sign of life around the house. The only movement was that damned willow tree which was swishing back and forth even though there wasn't any wind.

  By 5:30 Bryan though he should phone Hendricks even though Sam hadn't come out of the house. What if he didn't come out at all? Maybe the witch would take the twins by some other means. Why was Hendricks so sure that Sam would show up? There could be some other explanation for the open locker and the missing uniform. Bryan was getting tired. If he fell asleep - and that was a distinct possibility - then he'd miss them both.

  Both? Cassandra and Sam? Had Hendricks thought of that? Maybe Sam wouldn't come alone. The witch could put a spell on Hendricks and then where would he be?

  Bryan peeked again around the tree. It sure looked like there was nobody there. What about that? Maybe there was nobody there! Maybe they had gone even before he showed up! Had Hendricks thought of that?

  Well, he'd just have to wait. If he fell asleep or if they had already gone or ...

  A rusty Ford drove by.

  Bryan jumped to his feet, ran to his car, fussed with the key ring, pulled out the one marked in red and started the engine, his hands tight on the steering wheel.

 

  Room 47

  It was after 6 o'clock. Cail Vinney was finished for the day and was about to leave when Michael Colby's black Cadillac pulled up to the front door of the clinic. Cail thought about leaving by the side entrance to avoid meeting Michael, but instead straightened his tie and waited.

  "Hello Michael," he said as Colby pushed open the glass doors.

  "Hi Cail. How's Marg?"

  "Everything goes smoothly. You'll be a father of twins by 10 tomorrow morning."

  "Are the police on duty?"

  "Yes, but I don't really see the need -"

  "Leave that to me Cail. You just see that my wife gets all that personal care that I've been advertising for this place. Now, I'd like to see her. Where is she?"

  "Follow me, I'll take you to her room. First time here, Michael?"

  Cail smiled as Colby followed him. He knew that it was Colby's first time and thought he should rub it in.

  "Yeah. Busy. Meetings."

  Colby sure didn't waste words. Talked in half-sentences.

  "Marg's fine, just fine. I think she misses your not visiting. But I can understand - meetings come first."

  Colby grunted. When they reached Marg's room, Colby stopped.

  "Where's the cop? There's supposed to be a cop here at all times! Where the hell is the bloody cop?"

  "Probably gone for a coffee. There's a lounge at the end of the hall and -"

  "I don't give a damn about no lounge! The cop is supposed to stay right by the door!" Colby pulled the door open and rushed in. The officer inside seemed surprised and stood at attention.

  "You on duty here?" growled Colby.

  "Yes sir."

  "You're supposed to stay outside in the hall. I'd like to see my wife, alone. Beat it."

  The officer walked out the door without a word and Colby grunted. "What was he doin' here anyway?"

  Cail just shook his head and was about to sit on the bed, but decided to stand. Marg seemed to be sleeping. Colby looked at her for a minute then said, "Well, no use waking her up. Tell her I was here will you?"

  Cail nodded and they both left. Outside the room, Colby pulled himself to his maximum height and looked down at the tall officer that he had found in the room. "What's your name?" he growled.

  The officer answered mechanically. "Jaffre. Sergeant Sam Jaffre."

  ***

  "Hello, this is Bryan Laker. Could I speak to Constable Hendricks please? He's expecting my call."

  Bryan phoned the police station even though it was already after 6 o'clock. When he had called the clinic they said Hendricks hadn't arrived yet. The conversation with the officer at the clinic had been strange. Bryan had asked if Hendricks was on duty. The officer had said simply, "No." Then Bryan had asked if Hendricks' whereabouts was known. The officer had said, "No." Then Bryan had asked if Hendricks was expected tonight. Same response. The voice had sounded familiar, but then everybody who spoke in one-word-sentences sounded the same.

  So Bryan called the police station.

  "Sorry. Constable Hendricks is on duty this evening. He's not here at the station."

  "On duty? Where?"

  "We don't give out that information. If you'd like to leave your phone number I can contact him and he can get back to you."

  "I'm phoning from a phone booth. I think I know where he is. Thanks."

  Then Bryan hung up and drove faster than he had ever driven, to Colby Clinic. Surely Hendricks was at the clinic. If not, then the officer on duty must be warned of Sam Jaffre's imminent arrival - if it weren't too late.

  Bryan had already decided to park right in front of the clinic. The parking lot was too far away and this was an emergency - a matter of life or death. When he got to the clinic there was a long black Cadillac parked at the front door. Michael Colb
y. Bryan was delighted. He could tell Colby and let him handle it. After all, it was Colby's wife.

  He pulled up in front of the Cadillac and parked.

  "Get that goddam car outta my way! Don't you know there's no parking here?"

  It was Colby. Bryan ran to Colby's car and spluttered, "Mr. Colby! Your wife is in danger! We've got to go in, right away!"

  "What are you talking about? I just came from her room. There's a cop stationed right in front of her door."

  "Well ... uh, was it Constable Hendricks?"

  "Hendricks? No. Some guy named Jaffey - something like that."

  "Oh my God! That's him! It's too late! Hurry!"

  Bryan ran through to the glass doors of the clinic, pushed them wide and rushed to the desk. Colby muttered to himself then followed him in. When Colby got inside, Bryan shouted, "Room 47! Come on! Hurry!" Colby was caught up in the urgency and started to run. He wasn't the youngest man any more and running wasn't his thing, but he ran anyway.

  He saw Bryan enter room 47 and paused just outside the door, panting. Where was that bastard who was supposed to be on guard? Bloody cops, couldn't trust any of them. Then he heard the cries from inside the door and barged in.

  The first thing he saw was an officer with Marg in his arms. Then he saw a nurse standing beside the officer, a bloody big needle in her hand. Then he saw two bodies on the floor. One of them was the guy he followed into the clinic, Baker or something. The other was - a doctor maybe, lying on the floor. Marg was crying and the nurse was about to poke her with that goddam needle. Then Colby saw red.

  He roared and charged into the room and knocked the nurse across the room with a sweep of his clenched hand. Jaffre dropped Marg on the bed and turned to face Colby just as Colby placed his fist halfway through Jaffre's nose. Blood spurted from Jaffre's nose, clearly broken. Before he could recover Colby had punched him in the stomach and he doubled up, holding his belly and groaning. Then Colby brought his knee up into Jaffre's face and he fell back on the bed and slid onto the floor, his face red with blood. Colby kicked him in the head.

  Sam Jaffre was unconscious. So was the nurse lying across the room. Marg was crying, holding her face in her hands. Bryan groaned and climbed to his feet. Cail Vinney remained on the floor, shaking his head.

  "Jesus," muttered Bryan. "And I thought I needed Hendricks. Mr. Colby, you pack a mean punch."

  Michael Colby shook his hand. It hurt. Then he rose to his full height which he felt was at least ten feet and gazed down at Jaffre.