by Joe Field
“You know I will.”
Chapter 8
Bismarck, North Dakota
The Patterson Hotel in downtown Bismarck had been a hotspot in North Dakota since it was first built in the early nineteen-hundreds. The ten-story building was notorious during prohibition for serving alcohol, hosting illegal gambling, and housing prostitutes. Several presidents had stayed there, including Theodore Roosevelt and John F. Kennedy. Some even circulated rumors that JFK snuck girls into his Patterson hotel room via a secret underground tunnel from the train station across the street. Its main lobby now served as the Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar, a local gathering place for politicians and lobbyists.
The night after the blizzard, Governor Simmons called the owner of Peacock Alley and asked him to prepare the Langer Room. Simmons said he had an important meeting that he didn’t want to take at his home, and he insisted on using the restaurant’s private back room. Simmons went straight there and stopped to smirk up at the picture of William Langer, one of North Dakota’s most colorful politicians who served as both the seventeenth and twenty-first governor of the state.
Trent Wheeler, a private investigator who had retired from the North Dakota Highway Patrol after thirty years of service, was already waiting for him. He knew every square inch of the state and had dirt on everyone from Simmons all the way down to the newest state capitol intern. He wore his hair cut short and neat and remained clean-shaven, as if he would be ready to report for the state patrol academy tomorrow. Wheeler’s steely blue eyes had the power to stop a criminal in his tracks, and they locked on Simmons as he approached to shake his hand.
“Governor Simmons, it’s nice to see you again.” Wheeler gave his signature vice-grip handshake.
“Good to see you, too, Trent. Easy on the hand.” Simmons shook his crushed hand out as he forced a smile.
“Why the rush to meet? I had to take my truck with the attached snow plow just to cut a path here tonight.”
You’ll meet when I ask you to meet. Simmons smiled and sat down across from Wheeler. “Yeah, thanks for coming on such short notice. Let’s eat and have a drink and then we can talk business.”
Wheeler eyed the door. “With all due respect, I’d rather just talk and get out of here so we aren’t seen together. Why didn’t you just have me come to your house?”
Simmons sat back and took a cigar and lighter out of his pocket. “You mind?”
He shook his head.
The cigar end was already cut, and Simmons lit it and took the first few puffs to get it going. Then he set it on an ashtray and looked up at Wheeler. “You know how it is, security has been a little tighter at the house as of late, and all of my guests are being checked into an official public record document. Those intrepid Democrats insisted on the policy last year. The media caught on, and now I have to submit all of my guests to the capitol.” Simmons shook his head. “As if those donkeys don’t have anything better to worry about.”
“Let’s just cut to the chase. What do you need from me?”
“I assume you’ve heard about the kidnapping of Senator Hanson’s granddaughter last weekend up in Williston.”
“Yes, of course. Who hasn’t?”
“Right, so I have a job for you. I want you to go offer your services to Senator Hanson. Tell him you want to help find Gabby.”
Wheeler eyed Simmons up and down. “Why would you pay for that? I thought you couldn’t stand the guy.”
What is with this guy’s eyes? Simmons picked up his cigar and took a long pull from it. “You’re right, I can’t stand him or his granddaughter. Between us, I’m glad she is gone. But the problem is, Hanson is out of his mind right now. I think he may lose his cool and do something irrational.”
“You mean he’ll talk about the bribes and the protected lands?”
“Come on man, keep it down.” Simmons tapped ashes off his cigar. “But yes. I don’t want all of us going down over this guy.”
“Why don’t you just send Thompson up to talk to him, set him straight.”
Simmons put his cigar down. “That’s the problem—I did. Thompson went and talked to him and Hanson is worse now than I thought. He is a loose cannon.”
Wheeler leaned forward in his chair. “So, you want me to keep tabs on him. See who he talks to, and make sure he doesn’t share anything sensitive about your arrangement?”
“Exactly. Go tell him you’ll help out with Gabby, and be there lock-in-step with him at his house or wherever he goes. Tell him you’ll help on a pro bono basis.”
“I’m not that close to him; he probably wouldn’t think it’s genuine.”
“Okay, fine. Tell him you’ll work for free until Gabby is safely returned. At that point you can ask for him to pay your fee. I assume a distressed grandparent would go for that.”
Wheeler grinned. “It’s worked for me before.”
“See. All right, that’s perfect.” Simmons impulsively flashed a thumbs up. “Try to shield the media as best you can, and if anyone gets close, let me know and we can deal with them.”
“Sure.”
Simmons eyed Wheeler. “The usual amount?”
Wheeler stared him down in response. “Yeah, plus a bonus if I keep Hanson in check until this thing all blows over.”
Not one to back down, Simmons pointed his cigar at Wheeler. “That can be arranged—but remember, your ass is on the line here, too. You know about our little ponzi scheme, so your incentive should be as great as ours to get this guy.”
Wheeler smiled. “The biggest difference is I have so much dirt on you and Thompson, that you can’t touch me. Plus, I covered my tracks better than you both. Just pay me for my services, and we’ll all be fine.”
“All right, deal, tough guy.” Simmons raised a hand in mock defense. “Just keep Hanson in check.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”
“Are you sure you don’t want to stay for a drink?”
Wheeler stood up and motioned for Simmons to stay seated. “Have a good night, governor. I’ll be in touch.”
Chapter 9
The Louisiana Bayou
Gabby was getting restless as she lay on the uncomfortable couch, her leg shackled to a table. The drugs were finally wearing off. She had no idea what day it was, or how long it had been since she was first taken. Even the events of that night were foggy. One thing she knew for sure was that she hadn’t been raped or physically abused—she would have felt that in her body. She was thankful for that, but she wondered if he had touched her or even kissed her while she was out. She shuddered.
“I know what you’re thinking,” said Nash. “But don’t worry, no one has touched you, except when I moved you to a new location.”
Jeez, can this guy read my mind? Gabby thought.
She suddenly recalled Nash hitting Bulldog across the head and burying him in front of her. She clenched her hands at the thought of it, and out of the corner of her eye she could see him staring at her. A candle on the table in front of him silhouetted his body upon the wall.
“Did you really kill your partner with a pickaxe?” Gabby asked.
Nash slowly crossed his arms and looked away from her. “He was a nobody, a Louisiana redneck just looking to make a few bucks and raise some hell up in North Dakota. The world is a better place without him.”
And it would be a better place without you. Gabby turned completely away from Nash.
“Want to help me make a list?” asked Nash. “I am trying to come up with seven things that describe North Dakota. Want to join in?”
Gabby lay silent, refusing to acknowledge him.
“Okay, suit yourself. This is what I have so far.”
NORTH DAKOTA:
1. Monotonous Slave Labor
2. Frozen Tundra
3. Country Folk
4. Pillaged Land (The oil brought me cash and you)
5. Lonesome Territory (That is until I thankfully found you)
6.
7.
“Since those first five words are a little negative, would you object if I use your first and last name for number six and seven?”
Gabby had had enough. She needed some answers, and she needed them now.
“Why did you take me?”
Nash was silent for a moment. “Well,” he finally said, “that’s a difficult question to answer.”
“No, it’s not.”
Nash paused again, then looked up at Gabby. “I first saw your picture in the newspaper, and I was immediately struck by how beautiful you were. I had never seen anyone like you, and quite frankly, you were the type of woman I always dreamed of being with. Then I heard you give an interview to a local news network. You were so well spoken, and I could tell you were raised well. I was absolutely smitten.”
Unbelievable. This guy had a crush on me?
“Why didn’t you just approach me and ask me out for coffee like a normal person?” Gabby looked in the direction of Nash to gauge his reaction.
“I, well . . .” he stuttered.
Gabby felt a glimmer of hope for the first time. This guy doesn’t want to hurt me, she realized. He wants me to love him.
“It’s not like you are a terrible-looking guy, and you look like you are my age. Why not just ask me on a date?”
Nash squirmed in his chair.
“Well, I wanted to. I really did, but I read in the newspaper all the negative things you were saying about us roughnecks. Then I went to one of your city council meetings, and sat in the back to listen and see you in person. You were talking about trying to clean up some of the man camps including the one I was in.” Nash’s voice was shaky.
Gabby looked Nash directly in his eyes. “So, instead you decided to kidnap me, kill your partner, and drag me out to the middle of a swamp? Did you really think that was going to win me over?”
“Listen, Gab—”
“Don’t you dare call me that; we are not on a first-name basis.”
Nash hung his head and slumped down in his chair. No one spoke. After several minutes, he slowly stood and lumbered toward the door to the outside. Pulling it open, he stopped in the doorframe. He looked back at Gabby.
“You will be free,” he said. “But I’m afraid I can’t let you go right now.” He walked outside and closed the door behind him.
Gabby turned away from the door and smiled to herself. I’m not going to die.
Chapter 10
Williston, North Dakota
The fallout from the blizzard had finally passed; cars zipped along the interstates again, the only sign of the recent storm were the snowdrifts lining the sides of the road and the patches of ice and frost on the roads’ surfaces. Soojin didn’t have much luck getting answers about Gabby’s disappearance in Bismarck or Dickinson, so she made her way up to Williston.
Cooper was in the Fletcher home’s entryway updating Fletcher on what he had discovered at the man camp. When Cooper saw Soojin pull up into the driveway, he shook Fletcher’s hand and said goodbye. She picked him up in her green Subaru Forester crossover rental car. Their next stop was the Hanson residence.
“Nice ride.” Cooper hopped in the passenger seat and closed the door. “All-wheel drive, right?”
“Yeah, I was going to just pick up an economy-sized car, but I figured the extra size and traction would be good in this weather.” Soojin backed out of the driveway and pulled out onto the highway.
“Good idea. So, why do you think Senator Hanson wants to speak with me?” Cooper asked.
“When I called him on the phone yesterday he asked that both of us come see him. Then he just mentioned he also wanted to speak with you about a private matter,” said Soojin. “That was all he said, so I have no idea.”
“I’m curious about it.” Cooper looked out the window as they passed the oil drills that lined the highway. “Hopefully it’s good news about Gabby.”
“I think we could all use a bit of that today.”
Cooper took a bag of licorice out of his jacket pocket and held it up for Soojin.
“You’re still eating that crap?”
“You bet. I brought ten bags of it with me for this trip alone. It’s an acquired taste, I’ll admit, but it’s so good once you acquire it.”
Soojin rolled her eyes.
“Hey, do you know what I just realized?” asked Cooper.
“What’s that?”
“You’re going to miss your Taekwondo tournament this weekend back in Minneapolis.”
“Yeah, I know.” Soojin slowed down the car as she encountered a stalled line of semi-trucks. “They’ll be more tournaments; my time is better served looking for Gabby. Plus, I wouldn’t be able to focus while she is still missing.”
Cooper looked over at Soojin and marveled at the fact that his new wife was a fourth degree black belt in Taekwondo.
“How many more years before you become a fifth degree?”
“Should be about two years as long as I keep after it.”
“Your mother would be really proud; I know she is looking down from heaven and smiling at you and your accomplishments.”
“Now’s not the time to get sentimental, Cooper—we have a mission to accomplish.” Soojin shot Cooper one of her killer stares. Like she was sizing up an opponent before a match.
“Okay, okay.” Cooper put his hands up in defense. “Well, I’m proud of you, too, and don’t you forget it. Say, is Governor Knutson cool with you taking all this time off? I know you missed a lot work while we were on our honeymoon.”
“He told me to take as much time as I need. He knows of Senator Hanson and his reputation, and he was supportive of my trip out here.”
“That’s good.”
“We’re here,” said Soojin. She turned the car into the Hanson driveway and parked it in front of the garage. A black Dodge Charger was parked in the driveway as well.
“I wonder who else is here.” Cooper put one more piece of licorice in his mouth before he closed up the bag and put it in his pocket.
“Guess we’ll find out.”
Just as Soojin raised her hand to knock on the front door, Senator Mark Hanson opened it.
“Hello, Soojin! It’s been too long.” Soojin gave Mark a big hug. “And this must be your husband, Cooper. Please come on in.” Cooper shook Mark’s hand.
“It’s been far too long, Senator Hanson,” said Soojin. “I remember that last trip I had out here with Gabby during one of our university’s winter breaks. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you and Mrs. Hanson.”
“Then you’ll remember you have to call me Mark, and my wife, Sydney. None of this formal nonsense.”
“It’s a pleasure meeting you,” said Cooper. “I’m so sorry to hear about Gabby. I hope we can find her soon.”
“Me too, young man. We might have some more help. Come into the living room—I want you to meet someone.”
As they entered the living room, a man stood up from the couch and turned to greet them.
“This here is Trent Wheeler. He’s a private investigator and he knows this state better than any flickertail that roams the land. With his help we may just be able to get Gabby back.”
Wheeler shook hands with Cooper and Soojin, his vice-grip taking Cooper by surprise.
“Nice to meet you both,” said Wheeler. “How do you two know Gabby?”
“I was her roommate in college,” said Soojin. “She was one of my bridesmaids at our wedding. I’m glad you are here to help get her back.”
“I’ll certainly do everything in my power to find her.”
“Soojin works for Minnesota’s governor, and Cooper is a reporter for Minnesota Public Radio,” said Mark. “So, they have some good connections across the border in case you find something there.”
“Good to know,” said Wheeler. “What did you say your last name was?”
“Smith. Cooper Smith.”
“Thanks, I may just call on you. Here’s my card.” Wheeler handed a business card to Cooper.
Cooper took it and
looked it over.
Trent Wheeler
Private Eye
Retired North Dakota State Trooper
“Thanks,” said Cooper. He fished out his own card and handed it over to Wheeler. “Feel free to call me anytime—that’s my cell phone on the card.”
“Perfect, I’ll do that.”
“Okay, Trent,” said Mark. “I don’t want to keep you here any longer. Please let me know if you find anything at all about Gabby. Call me day or night.”
Wheeler went to shake Mark’s hand, but Mark pulled back. “I think one handshake from you is enough,” he chuckled.
Wheeler smiled. “I’ll talk to you soon.”
Mark walked Wheeler out toward the front door, and Cooper and Soojin looked at each other.
“A private eye?” Cooper whispered. “What do you think of that?”
“Well, if it gives us a better shot at finding Gabby, I’m all for it,” said Soojin.
The front door slammed shut and Mark came back to the living room.
“Where’s Sydney? How is her health?” asked Soojin.
“She is resting in the bedroom,” said Mark. “She isn’t doing too well right now; please keep her in your prayers.”
Soojin placed her hand over her mouth. “I’m so sorry to hear that.”
“We will certainly keep your whole family in our prayers,” said Cooper.
“That would be great,” said Mark. “Please, have a seat. Can I get you guys some tea or coffee?”
“No, I’m okay,” said Soojin.
“I’m fine,” said Cooper. “You have a lovely home—nice and cozy.”
“Thank you,” said Mark. “We sure are proud of it.”
An intercom system buzzed behind Mark. He reached for it and turned up the volume.
“Do you need anything, honey?” asked Mark.
Sydney spoke softly. “Are the Smiths here?”
Mark pushed the button on the intercom to respond. “Yes, they just arrived.” “Could you just have Soojin come down the hall so I can say hello?” she asked.
