“Okay,” Ronald said, and Wesley hung up the phone.
“I’ll get her,” Myrna said, through her tears. “Remember, you promised. Wait in the living room.”
“It’s not right,” Ronald said. “That monster held her captive for five years. The daughter I knew is no longer alive. And she had every right to do what she did to get free.”
“I agree,” Wesley said, “and so will everyone else when they know the truth. You said you wanted to put the past behind you. How can you do that unless you legally put an end to this nightmare? Otherwise, you and your family will always be looking over your shoulder, wondering if the cop’s flashing light is coming for you.”
Myrna came down the hall with Edith on her arm. Wesley was taken aback at the sight of the young woman. A patchwork of cuts and bruises covered her arms and legs. Whatever physical ordeal she had endured, it was the unseen scars that worried Wesley the most. It was obvious that her youth had been stripped away. It showed in her sunken cheeks, her frail arms, and way-too-thin body. Even her hair lacked luster. More telling than anything were her eyes. The light had gone out of them. They were pools of emptiness.
Wesley gently put his arms around her and hugged her. “I’m here to help you,” he said softly. “I’ve been looking for you for a long time.” He escorted her to the sofa, and everyone took a seat. “I promised your father no harm would come to you, and I intend to do everything I can to keep that promise.”
In a voice almost childlike she said, “But you don’t know what I did.”
“I believe I do, but I need to hear it from you. Will you tell me what happened?”
Edith nodded.
“I’d also like your permission to record your story. Is that okay?”
“I suppose,” she said.
“Give me a minute. Before you say anything, I want my partner to be present.”
Edith scooted back onto the sofa, as if seeking an escape. Her eyes resembled those of a frightened animal. “I don’t want to see anyone else.”
“He’s been looking for you, too. And he’s going to help me protect you. You can trust Charlie.”
Wesley stuck his arm out the front door and motioned for Charlie to join them.
Chapter 19
Charlie nodded to Ronald and Myrna and took a seat across from Edith. “You can’t imagine how happy I am to see you. I have to admit, I had my doubts about your survival, but Wesley never gave up hope.”
Edith stared at Wesley. He thought he saw a glimmer of trust in her eyes. After taking a couple of deep breaths, she told her story.
“The guy who kidnapped me used to go to my high school, but he dropped out and later worked there as a janitor. I never paid much attention to him, except I knew his name was Dale. The night he kidnapped me, I was at a football game and had gone to the concession stand. He came up to me and said he had found a yearbook that had my mother’s name in it. He thought I might want to have it. I told him I would, and he pointed to his truck which was parked nearby. He said it was on the front seat, so I followed him. When he opened the passenger door, he turned and covered my face with a rag. That was the last thing I remembered, until I woke up in a cabin.”
“I found your purse near the highway. It had blood on it. I was afraid the worst had happened to you.”
“That’s probably what he wanted you to think. When I regained consciousness, I discovered a cut on my arm.”
“Were you always at the same cabin?” Wesley asked. “Did you ever see or hear other people? Did he ever leave you alone for any length of time?”
“At first we moved from cabin to cabin, but then he found one really secluded. I lost track of time and don’t know how long we were at any place. I do know he scared other hunters away, even shooting them. After a while, no one ventured close. I wanted to escape every day, but he threatened to kill my parents if I did. When he left me alone, he would put a metal collar around my ankle, giving me just enough chain to reach the water jug and the slop jar. He also gave me something that made me sleepy.”
“We found the cabin and saw the chain.”
She cringed. “At night, he would tie one of my hands to the headboard and a foot to the bedpost with a rope made of hemp. He didn’t want me too constricted so that he could have his way with me.” She dropped her face into her hands and moaned.
Wesley put his arm around her shoulders. “It’s okay.”
“I often heard gunfire, but no one ever came close. If they had, I don’t think I would have made a sound. He was so evil, I didn’t doubt for a moment that he would kill my parents.”
“Yes, he was that evil,” Wesley said.
“The last few months, Dale grew tired of me, said he wanted more excitement. I really thought he was going to kill me. Then one night he said he had found just the person to satisfy his itch—a waitress. He bragged that it would be easy to kidnap her. And he did.
“He brought her to the cabin, but she turned out to be his worst nightmare. She fought like a wildcat, and no matter how much he beat her, she wouldn’t stop screaming. Finally, he’d had enough. He picked up his rifle and hit her over the head with the butt of the gun. She was still moaning when he threw her over his shoulder and carried her out.
“He left me tied with binder’s twine to the bedpost. I tried to get loose but couldn’t. When he came back, he bragged about killing her, said he made sure there wouldn’t be any part of her left for anyone to find. But he couldn’t get her out of his mind. The demons must have gotten into his head. He started talking nonsense and drank almost a fifth of liquor. After he had drained the bottle, he cursed and threw it against the wall. It shattered and the bottom part rolled near the bed.
“Dale stood swaying, in a drunken stupor, and staring into space. I thought he was going to fall, but instead, he turned and staggered out the door. ‘I gotta pee,’ he growled.
“I was sure when he came back he was going to kill me, too. I had to escape. I rolled onto my side and reached for the broken bottle, but it was just out of reach. Grabbing the top sheet, I flung it over the sharp edges and pulled the weapon to me. The glass was sharp, and I was able to cut through the twine.
“I crept to the door, still holding the jagged bottle in my hand. It was the only weapon I had. I spotted Dale about thirty feet away with his back to me. All I wanted was to get away.
“I eased down the steps and started around the cabin. That’s when he spotted me. I ran, but he grabbed the back of my gown before I had traveled five feet. ‘Where the hell do you think you’re going?’ he shouted, his hot breath breathing down my neck.
“It was now or never. I spun around and rammed the sharp edges into his neck. Blood spewed everywhere—in my face, in my hair. I couldn’t see anything. When I finally cleared my eyes, he had dropped to his knees in front of me. His eyes were opened wide. All he could do was clutch the gaping hole in his throat. I don’t think I’ll ever forget that gurgling sound.
“I stood frozen in place while my brain screamed, ‘run.’ But somehow my fear was overcome by reason. I had killed someone. Maybe if I hid the body, no one would ever find him. Why would anyone suspect I had anything to do with his death? After all these years, everyone must think I’m dead. I dragged his body to the side of the cabin and buried him the best I could.
“All night I stumbled through the woods, trying to find my way out, praying to get to a highway or some recognizable landmark. Every time a briar grabbed my arms or legs, I panicked, thinking he had returned and caught me. I was so lost, if you asked me to find the cabin again, I couldn’t. God must have led me out of the woods. It was just before dawn when I found the highway and made my way home.” She looked at Wesley with forlorn eyes. “I heard you tell my parents that you had a witness. How could that be? I was the only one there.”
“That will have to keep for another time. But I promise, I’ll tell you.”
“What will they do to me?”
“The sheriff has decided not to press cha
rges, but we want the District Attorney to back our decision. The DA will want to talk to you and hear your account of what happened.” Wesley held up the tape recorder. “After he hears this, I’m sure he’ll be in agreement. I’m to call the sheriff as soon as we leave for headquarters.
“That monster stole your life, held you hostage for five years, and you watched him kill a woman. It was only a matter of time before he killed you. What you did was justified. You, my dear, were a victim in all of this. It’s time it comes to an end.”
“Will Mother and Dad come with me?”
“Of course, you can ride with them. I’m not arresting you. You did what you had to do to survive”
“Give me a minute to freshen up.”
While Wesley and Charlie waited on Edith, Wesley called Chief Smith. “We’re leaving here in a few minutes with Edith. It’s time you notify the District Attorney.”
“Already have,” Chief Smith said. “He’s here now.”
Wesley and Charlie backed onto the street and waited for the Nelson family to pull out and head toward town. When they arrived at the Sheriff’s Department, Chief Smith was waiting near the door. Before Wesley could escort Edith inside, two reporters descended shouting questions while cameras flashed. “I can’t believe news about you being found has leaked already,” Wesley said, and hurried her into the building.
An officer stopped the reporters from entering. “This is official police business,” he said. “You’ll be given a statement as soon as we have something to report.”
Over the din of the disgruntled news media, the chief greeted Edith. “How do you do, Miss Nelson? I’m so glad to see you. If you’ll come with me, the District Attorney wants to talk with you in private. He’s just down this hall. The rest of you can wait in my office.”
Wesley frowned at that, but the chief shook his head.
As soon as the chief returned, Wesley hit him with questions. “Surely, he’s not going to charge her, not after all she’s been through. There’s not a person in Palmetto who would convict her.”
“I wouldn’t think so. I’m sure the DA will make the right decision. He might be a while, so I suggest you all try to relax. You’ll find coffee and cold drinks in the kitchen.”
An hour later, the DA returned to the chief’s office with Edith. “Mr. and Mrs. Nelson, I’m Salvadore Amato, the District Attorney. I’m happy that your daughter has returned to you. I can’t imagine the misery and sadness her five-year absence caused you, not to mention the terrible ordeal she had to endure.
“Your daughter is a courageous young woman, and I want to do whatever I can to help her overcome this injustice. I wholeheartedly agree with the sheriff’s decision not to bring charges. Take her home. Pick up the pieces of your life.”
Edith gave the DA a hug, and her parents expressed their gratitude. “Thank you, too, Sheriff. I can’t believe it’s finally over.”
Chief Smith gave her a smile. “I only did what was right.”
Salvadore directed his attention to the chief. “I’m sure the press will be hounding the Nelsons, wanting interviews and pictures. Make sure you protect their privacy.”
“I’ve already made arrangements for that. I’ve assigned an officer to their house until things settle down. Tomorrow, I’ll issue a press release. That should help quell their thirst.”
The rain had stopped, and the sun had broken through the clouds when Wesley escorted the Nelson family to their car. “Everything’s going to be okay,” he told Edith. “It’s just going to take time...lots of time.”
“Thanks again for everything,” she said.
“I don’t want to intrude, but I have a favor to ask. There’s a very special lady I’d like for you to meet. Would you mind if I came by for a few minutes tomorrow?”
“After all you’ve done for me? Of course, I don’t mind,” she said.
The Nelsons drove away behind a police car, and the crowd outside the station thinned.
“You’re talking about Susan, aren’t you?” Charlie asked.
“She did play a significant part in solving this case, and even though Edith will never know the truth behind her role, I think the two should meet.”
“Works for me,” Charlie said.
Wesley pulled his phone from his pocket and called Susan. “It’s over.”
“I know. I heard it on the radio. Edith’s alive and with her parents, and no charges will be brought against her.”
“Damn, press!”
“Oh, but that’s such good news. I know you must be thrilled. I’m so happy for you.”
“I want you to meet her.”
“I’d like that.”
“Charlie and I will swing by the boutique about ten in the morning, and you can follow us.”
“I’ll be ready. By the way, I’d like to bring her a little something, but I don’t know her size.”
“Think A. K. without the big boobs. That should do it.”
Susan laughed.
“Well, I’m going to spend the rest of my day clearing my desk. It’s time I put away the Burkett and Nelson files for good. Then I think I’ll go home and tie one on.”
“Have one for me. See you in the morning”
When Susan made her usual stop to pick up sausage biscuits at Tilly’s Diner the next morning, the place was abuzz with talk about Edith’s return. From Tilly’s to the boutique, everywhere people were congregated, the air seemed to crackle with the news. The boutique was no exception, her employees were equally excited.
Susan thought she would be the first to arrive, but Melanie, Sheila, and Debbie were waiting at the door. Like everyone else, they were giddy over Edith’s return. Knowing Wesley had worked for years on Edith’s case made it even more special.
Susan suggested the girls pull together a few things for Edith. After five years with no contact from the outside world, the girl would be in need of everything.
“What size should we consider?” Melanie asked.
“Think A. K.’s height but even thinner.”
While the employees busied themselves selecting a variety of items, Susan took the time to call Kara.
“Good morning, Kara. I imagine you’re heard the news by now.”
“Indeed I have. All this time, and he found her alive. Wesley was right about that, and if I must say so, I helped with a clue. The letter ‘N,’ which I assume stood for Nelson, kept coming up in every reading.”
“Yes, your reading was right.” Susan didn’t mention her vision, how she was led to the cabin and saw a figure crouching over a grave. And because Wesley never stopped pursuing that mystery person, he finally found Edith. “Are you free this afternoon about four o’clock?”
“Sure. What’s up?”
“Wesley and Charlie are going to stop by the boutique. We thought we’d toast the good news, and I thought you might want to join us.”
“I’d like that very much. Thank you.”
“Great, I’ll see you later.”
“How about this blue silk sheath, or is it too expensive?” Debbie asked Susan.
“I think it’ll do just fine.”
At nine o’clock, Wesley pulled into the parking lot at headquarters. He was surprised not to see reporters at the door.
Charlie sat at his desk with his hands behind his head. He rocked back in his chair. “What’s next, partner.”
“Nothing I hope, at least for a while. Don’t you think we’re due a breather?”
There was a definite change in the office. That feeling of an invisible yoke that seemed to weigh on everyone was gone. There were no disgruntled conversations or cursing. In fact, everyone seemed to be in a good mood.
“Good morning, Wesley,” Chief Smith said. “I just want to say to you and Charlie, that you two did a super job.”
Wesley had to pinch himself to make sure he wasn’t dreaming. “Thanks, Chief. What happened to the reporters? I thought they’d be all over the place.”
“I beat them to the punch. I gave the
m an official report this morning.” He handed Wesley a sheet of paper.
The release read as follows:
Edith Nelson was kidnapped by Dale Burkett and held captive for five years. A few nights ago, she managed to escape. There was a struggle, and during that altercation, Mr. Burkett was killed. This office has considered the circumstances, consulted with the District Attorney, and has decided not to file charges. Miss Nelson’s life was threatened, and her actions were justified.
“Nice,” Wesley said.
“So, what’s on your agenda today?” the chief asked.
“Not much. Charlie and I want to tie up a few loose ends. Then, we’ll wait to see if we get another call.”
Wesley cocked his head toward the door, and Charlie got the message. They crawled into the Crown Victoria and headed for the Bawdy Boutique. On the way, he called Susan.
“We’re almost at your place,” he said. “Meet us out front.”
Susan was in her SUV by the time they arrived. Wesley made a circle in the parking lot and led the way to the Nelson’s house. The deputy on duty waved them onto the driveway. Wesley helped Susan out of her vehicle.
“What do you have there?” he asked.
“A little something for Edith.”
“Need help?” Charlie asked.
“Thanks, but I can manage.”
Mrs. Nelson met them at the front door. She smiled at Wesley and Charlie and greeted Susan. “I’m Myrna. Come in, dear.”
Ronald Nelson was seated in the living room and nodded at the group. “Sure is nice to wake up with my little one here.”
“I can imagine,” Wesley said, “but she’s not so little anymore.”
Edith came down the hall to meet them. The minute she saw Susan, she froze. “You’re her. The one I saw that night. You really were there.” She turned to Wesley. “You didn’t lie about a witness, did you?”
Susan couldn’t believe what she had heard. “You saw me?”
Edith leaned close and whispered, “And...an Indian. I, uh, I thought I was delusional.”
Mellow Yellow, Dead Red Page 21
