by Nora LeDuc
He propped her up in a torn upholstered chair beside the bed. Her blonde hair tangled in her face. Her wrists and ankles remained bound. Tears of panic glimmered in her baby blues as he approached.
“Following the rules brings peace. Now, lie down.” He pointed to the bed.
Her breath came in pants, but she didn’t budge.
He hid a smile. This was the best part of the challenge, before desperation and despair strangled her spirit. He ran a hand down her cheek until he cupped her jaw and squeezed. She let out a sob of pain, but the hate shone through her eyes again.
“Disobedience is a sin.” He leaned over her. “Go, Ali.”
She shook her head.
Teaching young women their place in the world was his vocation. He scooped up the dog-training collars from the floor and brushed his fingertips over the leather. He’d blended two together for twice the strength. “I bought you a present. Pretty, isn’t it?”
She stared at him.
He wrapped it around her neck, tightening it slowly until her face reddened and began to turn purple. Gagging noises came from behind her taped mouth.
“A little tight?” He loosened the collar and ripped off the tape.
She heaved in gulps of air.
“There, go to the bed.”
She remained in the chair, filling her lungs. He snapped his fingers and then slipped his hand into his pocket and pushed the buttons on the remotes.
Her eyes rolled upward and her body stiffened. Young people were so resistant to change.
After the shocks ended, he ran his finger over her bare arm. “Go to the bed, Ali, or—”
She rose and wobbled for a second and then regained her balance. She shuffled to the mattress and lay down.
“Good girl.” He began to disrobe. Adrenaline pumped through him.
If only Lucy were here. His day would be perfect. Soon, she would be.
Chapter 28
After she was sick, Lucy recovered in the truck with Target. Liam had hovered over her, but she’d insisted she’d be fine. Only time would ease the shock. Liam’s voice drifted to her as he reported their location and the discovery of Ali’s cell to the police.
Don’t let Matt psych you out. Right. She climbed out of the pickup and walked to Liam.
“I can take you home as soon as the police arrive.”
“I’ll talk to them. They’ll want my phone. I don’t usually keep them long or Matt finds me.”
“I wonder if he knows where we are.” She gazed off into the woods. Was he hiding nearby? Observing, planning, hoping to snare her?
“Hastings is going to be a dead man if I find out where he is.” His jaw jutted out in anger, and he glanced around them.
She rubbed her chilled arms. “I wish we could look farther, but we might ruin evidence.” Maybe Ali’s body was lying on the ground like discarded trash. Her blonde hair frozen to the earth. Her eyes now open in horror, reflecting the last few moments of life, being tortured by Matt.
“She’s not out there, Luce.”
“You’re right. Matt takes his time when he kills. He…” Lucy’s voice caught in her throat. She swallowed the knot. “At least we know he went this way.”
“Or wanted us to think he took this route. He might have reversed direction after tossing the cell. If the abduction was planned, then Matt scoped out where to ditch Ali’s belongings, especially one with a GPS.”
“Liam, what if the person following you today was Matt? Maybe he heard about the search and wanted to see where you looked for her. That’s why he sent the picture. To send us on a dead-end search and find out if we were close to him.”
“I have another theory on our shadow. Most of the time, my tail focused on me alone. I bet that Sullivan assigned someone the job.”
A Barley town cruiser drove past them, halted, and backed up.
“The troops have arrived.” Liam went to speak to the two officers as they climbed out to join them.
“Miss Watson, are you okay?”
Approaching her was Officer Gary, who had escorted her to Chief Sullivan’s office her first day back in town.
“I’m fine, Officer.” As fine as was possible. “Is your chief coming?”
“He is,” the officer said. “I received a call from the chief to secure the area until he arrives.”
The other patrol officer was looking at the pink cell phone that Liam held in his gloved palm.
“Liam and I found a cell phone on the snowmobile trail and think it may belong to Ali Smith. We yelled her name, but she didn’t answer. She might be hurt out in the woods.” Hopefully, she’s alive, Lucy mentally added.
“The chief will be here in a few minutes. Is that your truck, sir?” Officer Gary turned to Liam as he and the other officer returned to Lucy.
“It is,” Liam answered.
“Please wait in your vehicle for the chief. Miss Watson, I’ll need you to do the same. I’ll bag the phone.”
Liam handed over the cell. “Here comes your chief.” He pointed to the dark SUV pulling in front of the cruiser.
The young officer marched over to Sullivan. Lucy sidled up to Liam.
“You doing okay?” He studied her face.
Sullivan and his two officers held a private conversation and threw glances at them.
Liam tilted his head toward her. “From the looks he’s sending us, you’re my co-conspirator.”
“They might blame me for bringing Matt to Barley and for Ali’s kidnapping.” She ignored the queasy feeling. Be strong for Ali.
Liam put his arm around her. “Remember. Don’t guilt yourself over a psycho.”
“That’s what a therapist or a boyfriend would say.”
He stepped closer and covered her hand with his. She hesitated for a moment and then threaded her fingers through his, holding on tight while they waited to tell Sullivan their story.
Chapter 29
March 28
True to her prediction, Sullivan had confiscated her phone to examine Ali’s picture, but Liam stopped at the Maple Leaf on their way to home to the Moose, and she bought another one.
Now, she texted the new number and an abbreviated version of recent events to Teagan. She’d planned to join the searchers today, but after a conversation with Liam, she volunteered to waitress for Sadie’s sister, who wanted to look for Ali.
When Liam left for the search center, she emailed Ali’s poster to the Barley area business owners. They promised to post Ali’s photos and information on their windows. Before Lucy powered off, she glanced at the social media sites where Ali’s classmates had put up her picture and had asked people to look for her.
Near the opening hour for the Moose, she wound down the stairs into the dining room.
Soon, Lucy found herself without customers and nothing to do. She took a seat on the stool and stared at the phone’s screen. Please ring. Call me, Liam. Announce Ali Smith is safe and on her way home. Tell me the police captured Matt.
Images of Ryan bleeding and dying, or a crying and frightened Ali, rotated through her mind. She forced the mental pictures to vanish. Her thoughts turned to Liam.
The memory of his fingertips skimming across her skin and the intensity in his eyes when they were alone gave her shivers.
“Oh, I told Gage I’d give this to you.” Hank’s voice snapped Lucy out of her reverie.
Standing behind the bar, Hank dug in his pocket and presented her with a business-size envelope. “Would you like a cup of tea?”
“All set, Hank.” She picked up the envelope with her name scrawled across the front. “When did Gage give it to you?”
“He left it this morning when I flipped on the welcome sign. I’m sure it’s safe to open. Gage wouldn’t give you an embarrassing present, but I’ll go in the kitchen and you can check it out in private.”
“That’s okay, Hank. He probably bought me a card for the time I called 911 about the fire at his place. I wish he hadn’t felt obligated. Anybody would have done the s
ame.” She ripped the flap and pulled out a ticket for the Concord Coach Bus. A Post-it note stuck to the gift read: Ticket is good for your trip home. Thanks. Gage.
“It’s nothing scary, is it?”
“He paid for my bus trip home.” Sometimes she forgot another world existed outside of Barley. Well, except when she counted how many days were left of her work leave. “That was generous of him.” She stuffed the ticket in her pocket.
“Guess the cops believe the fire in Gage’s trash was set, but they don’t have a lead on a suspect. Maybe it’s that guy who’s following you.”
“Matt Hastings.”
“Right. You don’t expect men like that in Barley. Are you still leaving town?”
“I am.”
He wet his lips and asked, “You okay, Lucy? Liam told us you got another threat. I’m real sorry about that.”
“Thanks. I’m fine, but the Moose is too quiet. It’s the middle of the afternoon. I should be hunting for Ali, not sitting around.”
“Someone has to work, and searching through snow and mud isn’t a lot of fun.”
She put her chin in her hand. “I know, except when I agreed to waitress today, I planned to be busy.”
“Yeah, give me a bar full of customers any day. When I have downtime, I start thinking about my daughter.”
“How old is she?” Lucy straightened.
“She’s three. If she disappeared, I’d lose my mind. I worry the ex will go off somewhere and hide her, but my lawyer says we should settle soon. I’m keeping the faith.”
“Good plan. Hey, how about you pretend to make a drink, and I’ll take your picture for the new website?”
“Who else are you putting on the site?”
“I want the Moose crew and regulars. When Liam gets back from the search, I’ll snap a few of both of you.”
“The searchers won’t finish up for another couple of hours.” Hank grabbed a bottle and pretended to pour whiskey into a glass. “We need a real customer.”
The swish of the door closing and movement near the front drew Hank and Lucy’s attention.
“I’ll check who’s here.” He started forward when Father Francis appeared in the empty dining room.
“Hank, your customer has arrived.” She slid off the stool to work out the cramp in her neck and face the newcomer.
The priest smiled at her as he crossed the floor. “Lucy, you’re the person I wanted to see. Hank, are you expecting someone in particular?”
“He’s looking for friendly customers,” she said.
Hank returned to his spot behind the counter. “Father, are you ready for your picture?”
“Excuse me?”
“I’m taking pictures for the Mad Moose website,” Lucy injected. “If you don’t mind sitting at the bar, I’ll take a photo of you with Hank. Everyone else is at the search for Ali.”
“The poor girl, her parents are frantic. I spent the morning with them at their house.”
A shiver passed through Lucy.
“The press has surrounded their home, but I’m here now. If you need a stand-in customer, I volunteer.”
Lucy cleared her throat. “Hank, why don’t you get Father a cup of tea to serve him?”
The bartender spun on his heel and disappeared into the kitchen.
“Would you rather sit at a table?” Lucy asked the priest.
“I’ll live dangerously and grab a bar stool. My morning has been filled with grief. A little change is welcome.”
When Hank returned, Lucy took a few shots of the men and then slid onto the seat next to the good father.
Hank’s phone rang, and he glanced at the screen. “I need to take this call.”
“Is it from Liam?” Lucy asked as he moved away from them.
He shook his head.
“Lucy.” Father Francis’s low voice drew her attention. “I’ve been hearing a lot of talk from the parishioners. I don’t like to repeat gossip, but I’m worried about your safety at the Moose.”
“What sort of things are people saying?”
He leaned closer. “Several members of the congregation reported the police will arrest Liam. I fear you’ll be dragged into a mess since you’re living in Liam’s home.”
“Liam? The police have other suspects.” She recalled Sullivan’s words: A witness reported them arguing near the Mad Moose bar and believed they would come to blows. Your brother died later that night.’
She flashed to Liam explaining, “Your brother was falling behind in his bills. He wanted me to help out, cover for him.”
Then she fast-forwarded to Liam’s eyes shining with pride as he looked up at the Mad Moose sign. For the first time, the possibility of Liam being charged with murder seemed real.
“There’s more, I’m afraid.” The priest eased away from her. “Ali’s parents hired an expensive investigator. Trust in the Barley police force is diminishing, although the Smiths believe the kidnaper has been identified.”
She gripped the edge of the bar as he continued.
“An arrest in your brother’s case will bolster law enforcement’s credibility and restore faith in the department.”
“They have to find the person who killed Ryan, not just anyone.” She fisted her hand on the counter.
Father Francis’s eyes darkened with concern. “Ryan is gone. You don’t need to stay in Barley. Whatever still needs to be done can be accomplished through the Internet or by phone. If you want advice, a real estate lawyer belongs to our parish.”
His words blurred together. One fact was clear. Liam was in trouble.
Hank strode toward them, clenching his phone in his hand. Father Francis straightened on his stool.
“Bad news?” she asked, relieved to get the attention off the current discussion.
“The ex is playing hardball, but my lawyer keeps claiming he’ll iron out a deal.”
“Looks like we’re missing a few customers.” Dressed in a leather jacket, work boots, and jeans, Liam entered from the rear hall.
The sight of him set off the tingling in the pit of Lucy’s stomach. “Is the search done? Did you find Ali?”
“No, we had a great turnout, but we’ve covered less than a couple of miles. We’re out of drinks and power bars. The Maple Leaf offered us a food donation, so I drove back to pick up their contribution.” He dropped his gaze to the priest. “Good to see you, Father Francis.”
“Liam.” The priest stood. “I’m afraid I must leave. Sorry we don’t get much chance to talk. Remember, I’m next door if I can be of service.”
“Thanks, Father. If you’ll excuse me, I’m going to grab the bottled water from the third floor to load into the truck.”
“I’ll come with you.” Lucy jumped off her stool. “Father, I’ll let you know when I upload your picture to the website.”
She caught up to Liam in the hallway. “Father Francis told me the police plan to arrest you for Ryan’s murder.”
“What?” He raised a brow at her. “Does Sullivan confide in him?”
“I’m not sure if it’s fact or gossip, but whatever, you should call a lawyer, a good one.”
“As opposed to a bad lawyer?”
“Don’t joke. This is serious.”
“Luce, I appreciate your concern. The cops are watching me. My shadow in the car was back today.”
“Did you get a look at the driver?”
“No. C’mon, let’s get the water.”
They worked in silence, grabbing and carrying the cardboard boxes from the third floor to the pickup. Once the cartons were loaded, Liam started unscrewing his rear taillight. “Whoever is following me is a little too lucky. No matter where I go, he finds me.” He examined the wires and replaced the cover. “I might have to ask Gage to put the truck on the lift.” He crawled under the body. His clothes scraped against the dirt. “C’mon, where’s the GPS?” he muttered.
Lucy held her breath. Let it be our imagination, a coincidence.
Next, he searched the grill and ca
me up empty again. He ran a hand through his hair and scanned his vehicle.
“Maybe it was the local news team hoping to score a headline,” she suggested. “Ryan’s death was on TV and got them big ratings. They’re hoping you’ll lead them to a scoop.” A worse thought hit her. The media must have heard the police were arresting Liam. They wanted to be at the scene of a breaking story when he was taken into custody.
“You should drive the food over to the searchers, Liam.”
“Not until I’m done. I’m finding that sucker.” His mouth thinned to a slash of determination. He climbed up onto the hood and then balanced on the windshield.
“Be careful.” She closed her eyes. Don’t fall. Don’t find anything.
At the thud of him landing on his feet next to her, she looked at him.
He opened his fist and held up the black coin-like device in his palm. “Jackpot.”
Chapter 30
The searchers would never find Ali Smith. Matt grinned as he putted past them in the pickup. The idea sent adrenaline pumping through him. He wanted to taunt the crowd in the meadow. “You’re so cold, icicles are growing out of your nose.”
He scanned the group under the canopy standing near the roadside check in and out. A middle-aged man with short hair and city clothes staffed the tent area.
Matt recognized him: FBI. The locals had called in the big guys. At least now he might have a challenge.
Lucy wasn’t there. Disappointment speared him. Was she out in the woods hunting for the missing girl?
He hit the gas pedal and drove past the command center. His time with Ali had been rewarding. Her defiance had turned to terror. Delicious. He replayed it over and over in his mind. Even now, his blood was flowing, his anticipation and need for her growing. He planned a surprise for today. A little rewiring, and he had a new toy that would give her a twice-as-shocking good time.
Soon, he’d have to find a place for her body. Maybe he’d leave her in the middle of a field and let the searchers think they’d gotten one up on him. He imagined the volunteers buzzing around her lifeless, rotting form like flies.
