Jack walked toward the pond. When he looked back, he could barely see the Impala.
“Where are we going?” Replacement asked.
“Fishing.”
A well-worn dirt path curved around the pond. The water was free of ice and it was perfectly still. The old trees sheltered it from the wind. Jack couldn’t help it; he got excited at the thought. He hadn’t been fishing since he was in high school.
As they rounded a corner, they saw the rocks Dennis had told them about.
“Gee, wonder why the boys liked fishing here?” Replacement rolled her eyes.
The two rocks did look like large breasts rising out of the water and resting against the shore.
Replacement took Jack’s outstretched hand as he helped her onto the rocks. It only took him a few minutes to set up the rod and bait the hook. The line swished as he cast it out toward the center of the pond.
Jack sighed. “They said a diver searched the pond, but he came up empty.”
“Wouldn’t it be like looking for a needle in a haystack?” Replacement’s shoulders popped up and down.
“You need to search in a grid. Slowly. They have metal detectors now that are much better, too.”
“The police said kids would hang out here.” Replacement peered into the water.
“It was a school day. I can’t think it would be a party. They didn’t find any sign of a recent one, either.”
“He came out to meet Patty. The cops never figured that out?”
“They thought he was just fishing.” Jack jiggled the rod. “His mother said he’d come out here alone to fish and they went with that. Patty never came forward so…what else would they think?”
“Look how clear the water is.” Replacement tossed a rock out, and it landed with a big splash.
“That sorta drives the fish away.” Jack raised an eyebrow, but he looked over the edge, too. The water was so clear he could see the steep slope the ground took right at the end of the rock before darkness covered the depths.
“How deep is it?” Replacement tossed another rock in front of her. They watched the flat rock twist and turn as it sank out of sight.
“Deep.” Jack smiled. “Hold on.” He started to reel in his line.
“Are we done?” Replacement smiled hopefully.
“No. I want to get rid of the bobber and bottom fish. It’s deep. Look how still the water is. It’s perfect for catfish.”
Replacement picked up another rock. Jack cleared his throat. With a frown, she tossed it into the woods. She exhaled and asked, “Can I go walking?”
“You want a turn?” He held out the rod. He might as well have held out the can of worms from the face she made.
“No thanks.” She backed up, turned, and hopped off the rock. “I’ll follow this trail.” She pointed to a path that ran straight up a little hill.
“Suit yourself.” Jack cast out the line again and watched it disappear. He kept his finger loose on the line, feeling it as it continued to slide out. Finally, the line stopped.
He was meeting her. She lured him here.
He looked back to see Replacement standing at the top of the hill. She waved and then continued out of sight. Jack brushed back his hair and made a face. His head still pounded.
Put yourself in his shoes. Your mother is at work. It is late in the afternoon. You have school the next day. You don’t ask any of your friends to go, too? Do you just jump in your car…?
Jack’s rod twitched in his hands. He gave a firm, quick tug to set the hook, and the rod bent over. He smiled as he reeled in. It was sluggish. He stopped and looked at the end of the rod. It was now curving toward the water. He waited. The rod didn’t move.
Dang. I must have caught a log.
He reeled it in slowly, and the line suddenly went crazy. The gears on the cheap reel slipped and the line started going back out.
The tension is wrong! I forgot to set it.
Jack tried to adjust the tension as he struggled with the fish on the end of the line. He moved forward and looked down. From the depths, he could see a massive catfish trying to escape back into the darkness. A crack in the rod caused him to lower the tip and reel faster.
“Yes,” he cheered as he dragged the hulking fish onto the rock. It was an enormous, fat catfish. It flopped on the rock and twisted. Jack quickly grabbed the cold, slimy fish and marveled at its size. It had been awhile, but he was sure it was the largest fish he’d ever caught. After a bit of twisting, he managed to free his prize from the hook and gently tossed it back into the water. With three powerful flicks of its tail, it disappeared back into the blackness.
Jack shivered as he washed his hands in the water, and then he froze, not because of the cold, but because of his reflection. As the ripples faded and the water calmed, he stared at himself. He realized his father must have done the same thing in the exact same place.
Don’t…
Jack looked back for Replacement, but she was nowhere to be seen. Leaving the rod, he jumped down from the rocks and jogged up the path after her. At the crest of the hill, he came up short. A beautiful field spread out before him. The grass looked like waves frozen in time. In the middle of the field was a large oak tree. Jack laughed. Replacement climbed around in its branches. He ran through the field and called out to her.
“Hey, kid!”
“Jack, this is the best climbing tree ever.”
As he grabbed a low, thick branch, he couldn’t argue. It was easy to pull himself up. Replacement looked down as she sat on a branch above him.
“It’s a romantic spot.” She pointed to the trunk, and Jack noticed the places all over it where the bark had been removed. “You should see some of these. CR loves KD or Billy loves Wendy forever and ever. It’s cute.”
“Must be a local tradition.”
“I found one that may be something.”
“May be something?” Jack hoisted himself higher to get a better look.
“DJ + PC.” She pointed to a large heart that at one time had three arrows in it, but two of the ends were broken off.
“PC—do you think that’s Patty Cole?” Replacement asked.
Jack shook his head. “It could also be Penelope Cruz. You ready?”
“Did you catch anything?” She started down.
“Yeah.” Jack smiled smugly. “A giant catfish.”
“Sure…where is it?”
“I put it back.”
“You put it back in the pond? Then why did you try to catch it?”
“That’s the point. I just like trying to catch them. It’s the hunt. Race you.”
Jack jogged for the hill. Replacement was in shape, but he’d never seen her run. She blazed past him. Jack quickly changed into a sprint; she was pulling ahead. Startled by her speed, he pushed himself to go faster, but she was already going over the crest of the hill. She was small, but her little legs were a blur as he watched her race to the rock.
“Ha, blew you away.” She danced on top of the rock and held her arms over her head. “I thought cops were supposed to be able to run?”
“No.” Jack gasped as he tried to catch his breath. “That’s why we have guns and cars.”
She stuck her tongue out. Jack dumped the rest of the bait into the water and picked up the rod.
“Where to now?” She skipped a rock across the pond.
“I need to talk to his mother.” Jack started to walk back.
“Are you sure?”
“Yeah. I need to know how he got here.”
“How? Didn’t he drive?” she asked.
“No. He didn’t have a car. His house was over six miles away.”
“Maybe he rode his bike?”
Jack shook his head. “No bike was found here. Police report said his bike was still at his house. I figure a kid walks a mile in fifteen to twenty minutes if he’s walking fast. I don’t see him walking out here that late in the afternoon. He’d take the bike.”
“None of his friends said they talked to
him.”
“We need to talk to his mother.” He paused. “Tomorrow.”
“And tonight?”
“Let’s get something to eat at the inn.” Jack smiled.
“That’s great. Uh…at the inn? I could…”
“Or we can get delivery. Whatever you want.” He grinned. He knew she loved delivery. “Can you hold the rod and tackle box?”
“Sure.” Replacement looked perplexed. “If we eat at the inn, I just want to go back and change—”
“Stop for a second.” Jack walked backward. “Just hold up right there.” A grin slowly spread across his face as he continued to back up. “Race you to the car.”
He turned and bolted.
“Cheater,” Replacement cursed as she sprinted after him.
Jack didn’t look behind him as he flew ahead. He hoped the pole and tackle box would be enough to ensure his win, and he was right. As he reached the woodchip path, he was surprised to hear Replacement so close behind. When the Impala came into view, he skidded to a stop.
“You can’t let me win now, you—” Replacement slammed to a stop beside him.
Her eyes followed Jack’s to the car. The Impala still sat in the parking lot, but it leaned at an odd angle. Jack moved in front of Replacement and scanned the area. Besides them, the area was deserted.
As he walked closer to the car, he could see that all four of the tires had been slashed.
Jack smiled.
Steak And Cheese, Baby!
The tow truck took over an hour to get to the pond. It was another two hours before the new tires were on and they could leave. When they finally returned to the inn, it was getting dark. As they headed up the walkway, Replacement turned to look back at the car and then exhaled. “I thought you’d be beyond crazy mad about your car, but I have to give it to you, you totally didn’t flip out.”
Jack kept walking but smirked. “I guess that was sort of a compliment?”
“Yeah. I mean…you love that car. You’ve been super short-fused, so what gives?”
Jack stopped and looked back for a second. “Someone came out to the pond to go after me. That means I’m rattling someone’s cage.”
“Do you smell that?” Replacement moaned as the odor of a roast drifted out from the inn.
They walked through the front door and Jack stopped, but Replacement kept walking a few steps. Kristine Foster stood at the desk and stared at Jack. She pressed her lips tightly together but the corners briefly twitched up.
“Head up to the room, kid,” Jack whispered to Replacement. “Order whatever you want to eat.”
Replacement walked back over to Jack and glared at Kristine.
“Are you okay?” Replacement asked Jack, not taking her eyes off Kristine.
“I’m fine. Go order something to eat.”
Replacement frowned and held her ground.
Kristine took a step toward them. “Jack. Can I speak to her for a second?”
Jack’s mouth fell open.
Why does she want to talk to Replacement?
Before he could think of a response, Replacement marched forward. She was much shorter than Kristine, and the taller woman leaned down as she whispered to her. A few moments later, Replacement turned around and her eyes were wide. Her expression now matched Kristine’s, and Jack was left staring at her, puzzled.
Replacement walked back to Jack and swallowed. “I think you should go talk to her.”
Kristine gestured to the back room. “Can we talk in here?”
“Are you sure you want to?” Jack didn’t move.
“I’m sorry. I…I’d like to explain. There’s something else I need to talk with you about.”
If this chick goes psycho again…
Jack looked down at Replacement, but she only nodded at him again. Her eyes were rounded, and her smile was as open to interpretation as Mona Lisa’s. He exhaled and followed Kristine into the same room they’d been in before, but he paused in the doorway. A tray with four teacups and assorted cookies sat on the table.
“Please sit down.” Kristine motioned to the couch.
“Are we expecting company?”
“I didn’t know if your friend would be joining us.”
“That still leaves a cup.”
“It’s for a friend of mine.” Kristine held up a hand.
Jack noticed it shaking. He stepped into the room and shut the door.
“I…I want to apologize for my behavior the other night.” She slightly bowed her head. “I don’t normally behave that way around men, but there was…something about you.”
Jack stood up straighter.
“When you kissed me, and I looked into your eyes…” She inhaled deeply and her lip quivered. “I couldn’t understand how it could be.”
Jack shook his head and shrugged.
Great. I’m not following, and she’s going to start crying.
“Your eyes are the same as…my old boyfriend’s.” She rubbed her trembling hands together. “Steven Ritter.”
Jack sat down.
“I thought I was losing my mind. When I first saw you, I thought you resembled him, and I was being foolish. It was so long ago, but when you held me, I knew. I’ll never forget his eyes, and yours are the same. Steven didn’t have any kids. I didn’t know what to do. I’ve always been close with Mrs. Ritter, so…”
“The other cup. Is she here?” Jack was on his feet.
Kristine held up her hand.
“She is. I didn’t say anything about…us.”
“Us? There is no us. You dated Steven?”
She nodded. “We dated all through high school. I was actually a grade above him. I went to college and…I thought…I called it off.” She wrung her hands. “I came back, of course, when I found out he was…” She wiped her eyes. “How?”
Jack shifted uncomfortably. “How?”
“You?”
“Do you mean who?”
“I’m sorry. Yes. Who? Who’s your mother?”
Jack cracked his neck. From the reactions he was getting around town, he didn’t want to see the look on her face when he said her name.
“Patricia Cole.”
The look on Kristine’s face was not what Jack expected. There was no disgust or haughtiness; it was a look of understanding.
“Patty.” She closed her eyes.
“Aren’t you going to say something about her? Everyone else in this town has.”
“No. Who am I to judge? I know Patty had it rough. It’s just that…that’s how Steven was. He had a soft spot for the hard-luck cases.”
Tears now rolled down her face. Jack moved over and she held up a hand.
“Don’t. If I start, I won’t stop.”
She quickly rose and marched over to the far door. She paused for a moment, straightened her dress and wiped her eyes. She turned back to Jack.
“Please don’t say anything about…”
Jack shook his head.
A brief smile crossed her face, and she opened the door. A moment later, Mrs. Ritter slowly walked into the room. Jack moved to the center of the room, and the old woman trembled as she approached. Her blue eyes stared at Jack; she smiled as she held up two hands and walked forward until she gently cradled his face.
“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you in the store—” Jack began, but the old woman clutched him to her and wept.
Jack lost it. The two of them shuffled over to sit on the couch, crying. Kristine quietly left the room.
The old woman held his hands.
“What’s your name?” She sniffled and then straightened herself in a very dignified manner.
“Jack Stratton.”
“Who…who’s your mother?”
Slowly, Jack told her the whole story. He told her about Patty and his life until he was seven. Jack decided to include it all, so he told her about being left at the bus station, Aunt Haddie’s, and his adopted parents. The summation of his life took less than an hour, but he could see that the old woman fo
ught to hold back tears.
“Why? I don’t understand why she didn’t tell me…” Her voice trailed off.
“She was pretty messed up. I don’t know why she kept me so long.”
She pulled Jack close. “I’d never have let you go.”
Jack held the old woman while she cried some more. He held out a tissue as she sat up again.
“From your reaction in the store, I don’t think you came here to find me.”
Jack shook his head. “But I’m very glad I did.”
She smiled. “Why did you come?”
Jack felt himself grow cold.
Why am I here? To stop the nightmares? That’s a pansy reason. And it’s not true. Not now. Now it’s different.
“I’m here to find my father’s killer.”
His eyes met the old woman’s, and she angled her head slightly as she pursed her lips.
“Vengeance is not for you.” Her words were clear and she leaned forward as she spoke.
“It’s for the Lord. My Aunt Haddie said that when I went after the man who killed my foster sister.”
“She sounds like a wise woman.” Mrs. Ritter smiled.
“I need to do this. I’m going to do this.”
“How can I help?” She squeezed his hand.
“I’ve read the police report. I need to know how Steven got to the pond that night.”
One gray eyebrow slightly rose. Jack assumed she noticed his omission, but it wasn’t the right time to tell her he knew why Steven was at the pond. That was way more than what the cops had learned.
“I don’t know.” She looked down at her hands. “Your father…” She cleared her throat. “Excuse me. I was at work, and your father was home. We only had one car. When I got home, his bike was still there, but he wasn’t. I assumed a friend had picked him up.”
“Who would that have been?”
“Steven didn’t have many friends. It’s not that he wasn’t popular, but he was…careful whom he befriended. I can only think he’d have gotten a ride with Dennis, Terry, or Trent. The four were nearly inseparable.”
“None of them said anything?”
“Dennis and Trent said they talked to him at school, but not after.”
“What about Terry? How did you feel about him?”
JACK KNIFED Page 12
