by Jack Dey
"It has been nearly two weeks since Gracie disappeared."
Juliana began to sob, triggering a flood of tears from Des. Struggling, he felt Dan's arm around his shoulder, while Dan whispered something.
"No, I need to get this out," he replied, tears streaming down his face and dropping helplessly onto the floor at his feet. He collected his emotions and tried once again.
"This has been the most difficult time of our lives. Through the love this little church has shown us, we have been able to weakly, but feebly, stand, leaning on your strength and the faith you have demonstrated. We know we haven't deserved a beautiful daughter like Gracie…" Des broke again, sobbing and trying to speak at the same time.
Dan placed his arm around his shoulder and encouraged him. Des regained his composure and glanced around the faces again. People were openly crying along with him, while Juliana had her head in her lap and was sobbing convulsively, surrounded by a group of women, crying and speaking encouragement into her wounded heart.
"I would just like to thank you for caring, for without your care, we probably would not have been able to make it through the last two-awful-weeks."
Des collapsed into Dan's arms and broke. He was in a safe place, and the man of God spoke life into his wounded heart. The men of the church gathered around Dan and Des, laid their hands on Des, praying and offering him up to the breaking heart of the Father. The atmosphere was charged with the power of the Holy Spirit, silently working in the lives of the distraught couple, while the prayers for Gracie hadn't ceased since Dan became involved with the Freemans, two weeks prior.
Wherever she was, Father was there with her.
*~*~*~*
The police investigation team, looking into Gracie's disappearance, were well acquainted with Dan’s daily enquiries and having someone with direct access and supporting the grieving parents made gathering evidence in a traumatic case, a lot easier on all concerned. Officers could go about their business, using Dan as an intermediary, while insulating themselves from too much emotional engagement should things go horribly wrong.
The police forensic team had searched through Gracie's computer files and after breaking the password, had found a photograph of a young, dark haired man. The photograph was broadcast over Interpol, but returned nothing but dead ends. The face was then televised around the nation and on every known social network, but still… nothing. It was later discovered that Gracie had been on live chat and the police were tracing the transcript, trying to gain a clue as to who she had talked to.
In a meeting with a criminal profiler, Dan was allowed to ask questions on behalf of Des and Juliana, insulating the grieving couple from unintended stress, while cautiously and sensitively delivering important information on their daughter. Dan swallowed back a nervous lump as he tried to chase away images of Melissa from his mind, while the police profiler drew a typical snapshot.
"The face could possibly be a fictitious photograph, put together on Photoshop, to entice a young girl into a situation she wouldn't usually find herself in, while the culprit goes undetected. The internet is a haunt for scum like this. You just don't know who kids are in contact with through these chat rooms."
Dan nodded and tried not to let the rising disdain display on his face, and with the absence of any more leads, the profiler closed the meeting. As Dan was preparing to leave, a concerned police sergeant approached him and asked how the Freemans were doing.
"I hope we find something soon," Dan replied, thankful for the sergeant’s interest.
Dan was just about to walk away, when a thought crossed his mind.
"The newspapers are blaming Gracie's disappearance on this Magician character. Is there any credence in their accusations?"
The sergeant shifted on the spot, carefully considering Dan’s question, then placed his hand on his hip, grasping the holster of his service revolver.
"We’re not ruling anything out at the moment, Dan. Gracie certainly disappeared without trace, but having said that, Gracie's disappearance would be a new strategy. There is evidence to suggest that there is more than one person of interest, in this case, while the Magician usually acts alone and if this is a new strategy, we are in for a new game. These psychopathic criminals can do some interesting things if they aren't getting a big enough buzz."
Dan nodded and gently placed his hand on the sergeant’s shoulder. "Thanks for your time," he said, then turned to leave.
*~*~*~*
The door to Dan's office was open as usual. He sat at his desk, attending to some matters of business. When he suddenly looked up, a head popped into his doorway.
"Des...! Come in."
"Sorry to bother you, Dan," he apologised in a whisper.
"Nonsense, come in."
Dan offered Des a chair, then closed the door behind him.
"I am just carrying so much guilt over Gracie's disappearance. If I had been more active in her life and not left everything to Juliana… I feel Juliana despises me too; she won't even let me come near her. I feel she blames me for everything; my spiritual life is in pieces; the God I thought I knew is absent; and I feel like my prayers are hitting the ceiling and bouncing back."
Dan waited for Des to unload and very carefully spoke. "Des, when a father is not active in his family's lives, the God given order goes out the window. A woman is not supposed to be the head of the family and was never meant to be. Her role is different than ours. A woman is designed to be wooed, fought for and then protected. They respond to the male being the leader, so long as it is done in a gentle way. If a woman does not respect her husband and has to take the lead, the issues you described will eventually come to the forefront. The man cannot abdicate his role."
Des appeared crestfallen at Dan's speech.
"A young woman needs the affirmation of her father, to tell her she is beautiful, worth fighting for and to demonstrate to her how a young man should treat her. If that is missing…"
"She will get love, whatever way she can," Des completed his sentence in a monotone.
"Yes. Unfortunately, I learned my lesson too late for Melissa. But I struggled to win my wife and now, the hierarchy in my family is restored. God is first, then me and then Linda and she respects me for my stand. Out of that, a beautiful love grew."
Des sat, with his head hanging.
"However, it is never too late to win your wife and family over, and take charge as the man and leader, but I warn you, it takes courage to attempt such a thing in the face of this situation," Dan added. "If you want to be the man I feel Father is trying to build, I will stand with you."
Dan placed his hand on Des's shoulder. "Des?"
"Yes."
"You can blame Father for Gracie's disappearance and lose the fight, be angry for the time you don't have; or you can be thankful for the time you did have with her and for the good things you instilled in her. You did do good things for her, even if you can't see them now. The battle, to win your family back and rebuild your lives, starts in your head. Lose the fight there and everything else won't matter. You have to abandon all thoughts of yourself and serve your family in their suffering. Your example will give them strength and show them they can trust Father. Even in this, He is in control. This is the first battle you MUST win," Dan confided.
The thoughts had given Des a lot to think about. Dan prayed and Des felt a spark of strength and determination seep into his heart.
He had to win back his family.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 24
Dulcet's room began to look like a crime investigator's office. He had put together dossiers on the known victims of the Magician and was working on two other local women who had met with foul play. Samantha Young's story was still very much a mystery and there was a lot that didn't fit the known traits of the Magician, although she had definitely seen a man fitting his description, smiling at her from his car.
The evidence pointed towards someone hiding in Sam's car just before the attack a
nd that's where it all fell apart. The footprints on the dirt road running away from the attack, suggested they had exited the scene in a big hurry. Sam was found unconscious at the front of the vehicle, while her story of looking under the bonnet held up with where she was found. No footprints were located near her.
The situation could only be described as bizarre and as Sam had no recollection of the actual attack, the possibility of any further investigation ran into a brick wall. But Dulcet did manage to scratch some of the material from the burn mark on Sam's car, with her permission, and sent it to an industrial chemist friend in Sydney for identification. It may or may not open up a new lead. Dulcet felt uneasy with Sam’s predicament, convincing her to keep in contact and made arrangements to meet with her for coffee at least once a week. If nothing else, it would give him an opportunity to keep an eye on her and her safety.
He put aside Sam's file and picked up the clippings he had taken from local newspapers. Gracie Freeman's disappearance fitted the Magician's profile, in as much as she had disappeared without a trace. The paper reported that the police suspected at least two people were involved in Gracie's case. That's where the profile diverted from the Magician. He worked alone. The Magician's car was seen in all other instances, with the Magician always smiling at the victim just before he struck. In Gracie's case, he was not seen.
*~*~*~*
Dulcet steeled himself at the sound of the phone ringing, then it clicked and a man answered. If Blair ever got wind that Dulcet was using Blair's contacts to satisfy his natural curiosity and conduct his own personal investigations on a madman… he could see Blair's face turning crimson red in his mind's eye.
"Hello, is anybody there?"
Dulcet stammered, as he cleared the thoughts of Blair from his mind. "C..Captain Reed, this is Private Edwin Dulcet, Swanbourne Barracks."
"Yes, Dulcet," Moose said, recognising him.
"I was just wondering, sir, if you could give me the heads up on a line of investigation."
"I already told Blair that there was no more action on Brandon."
"Yes, sir, I am sure he appreciates that, but I was wondering about another young woman, a Gracie Freeman."
"Gracie Freeman? The kid who went missing a couple of weeks ago? What does Blair want with her?" Moose sounded suspicious.
"Well, she was a kind of friend of mine," Dulcet prevaricated.
"Oh! I am sorry. I am not handling her case. You could try this number; a Senior Detective David Ryan. Tell him Moose put you onto him. He may be able to help."
"Thank you, Captain Reed." Dulcet hung up the phone, blew out his breath and flopped on the bottom bunk.
Blair would have his guts for garters, if he found out.
*~*~*~*
The small desk light was the only indication of life in the darkened laboratory. A white haired figure stood silently and vigilantly, examining the plate under the powerful electron microscope, making sure there was no mistake. The long twists of DNA indicated a double helix, while the pent up suspense, reflected in the crimson face of the figure, unwound in a disappointed sigh. The frustration was mounting, as another specimen returned negative. Three chances and one gone.
If their contact had been able to pinpoint the exact specimen, he would have been able to get a better picture sooner, and the success of his mission would have been assured. He turned to a thick file on his desk, scratched 'negative' across the cover and placed the file in a drawer and locked it. Two other files, similar in size, awaited his scrutiny, but they would have to bring him more samples before he could carry on.
The figure turned to leave the sterile environment, the fatigue showing on the old man's features and as he reached the door, he turned around and glanced back at his work. This would be the room where the greatest discovery of all was about to be made. Man's knowledge, intellect and glory was about to take control of his own destiny, once and for all. A sense of excitement passed over him. He would be esteemed among the chosen, assuring him a place. He flicked the light off and locked the door behind himself.
*~*~*~*
Ziegler stared at the featureless phone on his desk as its distinctive tone demanded a response. This could only be trouble, he thought. The phone was a direct link to the twelve, scattered all over the world.
He picked up the receiver and announced, "Evat One."
The caller responded with, "Com Evat One," the code that identified the caller and cleared his security pass.
An angry voice berated Ziegler. "Are you mad?! Collecting samples in such a manner is endangering the whole operation and placing, at risk, the backup plan as well, should the seed fail!"
"How do you suggest we collect the samples then?" Ziegler responded sarcastically. "Just walk out and pick them?!"
"You are supposed to be the representative. Use some of your brains, instead of your technology."
The phone went dead in Ziegler's hand.
Com Evat One had dumped their vitriol and frustration into Ziegler's lap and Ziegler was not happy.
"Thank you for your kind words," Ziegler responded sarcastically to the receiver, as he threw it back into its cradle.
*~*~*~*
"Senior Detective David Ryan!" Ryan barked into the phone.
Ryan’s abrupt, no-nonsense baritone intonation threw Dulcet off his rehearsed speech and the stammer in his voice was a not a good start.
"A..arr, this is Private Edwin Dulcet from Swanbourne Barracks, Special Air Services Regiment."
"Yes, Dulcet," Ryan replied gruffly.
"Captain Moose Reed put me onto you, in the hope you may be able to help with a case we are involved with."
"What case?" Ryan's direct approach did nothing to belay Dulcet’s discomfort.
"The attack on Samantha Young."
"Moose is handling that," Ryan replied offhandedly, wanting to get on with his work.
"Yes, I know, but I am looking into a possible connection between Sam Young and Gracie Freeman."
Dulcet had Ryan's full attention now.
"Can we meet? I would rather discuss my thoughts face to face," Dulcet petitioned. "After 5 pm would suit me."
Ryan’s silence disturbed Dulcet and he thought Ryan was going to refuse. But after a few more intimidating moments, he conceded.
"Okay. There is a coffee shop down the road from Police Central: Sygh's, I think it's called. Be there at 5.30 pm sharp."
"Thank you, Detective Ryan."
Dulcet swallowed and nervously placed the phone down.
There was no turning back now.
*~*~*~*
Chapter 25
Linda walked up to the front door of the two storey house and knocked loudly. She was greeted with a welcoming smile by Lisa Tomlin, a woman in her late forties. Lisa had been in the church ever since Dan had taken over as pastor and was a strong prayer warrior. She could be relied upon in tough situations that required copious amounts of love and wisdom.
Like this one.
The two women exchanged hugs.
"How is she?" Linda asked, closing the front door behind herself.
"Suffering," was Lisa's no-nonsense summation of the current circumstances. “She is in Gracie's room," Lisa answered Linda's question before she asked it.
Linda made her way into Gracie's room and found Juliana lying on top of Gracie's bed, with her head in her pillow. Linda quietly walked over to the bed and sat next to Juliana's gently shuddering body and rubbed her back. Juliana's tear stained face glanced up at Linda and with a look of surprise, took Linda into a hug.
"How are you doing, precious lady?" Linda asked quietly, still rubbing her back.
"I don't feel too precious, Linda. I feel like God is punishing me, for not looking after Gracie properly." Juliana burst into tears again, sobbing hard and trying to speak at the same time.
"Shhh, shhh," Linda coaxed, holding the broken woman and letting her cry herself out.
When Juliana had stopped crying and could speak again, Li
nda asked, "How is Des doing?"
"DES?!" Juliana spat.
The force of her words shocked them both and there was a long silence, before Juliana spoke again.
"Gracie was the best thing that came out of this facade of a marriage. I married Des for his money and have regretted it ever since. He is a parasite of a man and I wake up each day regretting my foolishness. I would have been happy if he had died, instead of Gracie. There… now you know! You can despise me now, as much as I despise myself."
She began to cry again, while Linda held onto Juliana and let the tears flow. When she quieted again, Linda whispered, "I don't despise you, Juliana. In fact, I have been in your shoes."
Juliana pulled out of Linda's arms and peered directly at her, surprise and shock written all over her face, while her eyes asked a thousand questions.
"You?! But your relationship with Dan is so strong. I haven't seen a more loving relationship."
"It wasn't always like that, Juliana. It took a lot of work, on both our parts and our determined Father, to bring us through," Linda whispered her response. "I see so much of Dan and me in your circumstances and we made it. But it took determination and a willingness to bow to Father and to forget our own needs and concentrate on serving the other person. It wasn't easy, but Father made a strong bond between Dan and I. Eventually, duty turned into respect, and then respect into deep love; a beautiful, unselfish love, that Father demonstrated for us at the cross."
"I don't know whether I can ever love Des," Juliana whispered. "He makes my skin crawl when he comes near me."
"When you put that ring on your finger," Linda pointed to Juliana's left hand, "you made a promise to Des, and to Father, to love and obey your husband and allow him to be the head of the house. Father takes the wedding vows very seriously. It's a covenant. He likens marriage to His love and relationship with the church. Marriage is His idea. Our place, as wives, is to be second in command and a helpmeet, not the boss. When we overstep our place and try to be the leader in the relationship, everything spirals out of the God given order and the male becomes subservient. Right from when we are little girls, we dream of being pursued and captivated by our prince. Father puts that desire in our hearts, because that is how He designed us. To be loved, cherished and protected."
