Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  “Cade NO!!!” She yelled, pulling on his arm and stepping in front of him. “Stop, he isn’t worth it. Please.” Ellie stated. Cade looked down at Hank who was holding his nose as blood spurted out. Shit.

  “Come on Hank, get up.” Cade stated hauling his former Chief Deputy to his feet. He swayed but then leaned against the restaurant wall. Cade dialed one of his deputies and then waited until they arrived.

  “Take his sorry ass home and make sure he isn’t on his back. I don’t want the bastard to choke to death although it’s what he deserves.” Cade stated angrily. The deputy loaded Hank in his car and drove away. He shook his hand which hurt like hell. He finally looked at Ellie who was smirking at him.

  “What? I was fighting for your honor.” He stated looking at his now bruised knuckles. She shook her head.

  “I never asked you to and you knew he had been drinking. Why did you let him goad you like that? He could press charges and I don’t want you to go to jail.” She stated with concern. He grinned at her and moved towards her. She grabbed his hand and kissed his sore knuckles.

  “First off, Hank won’t remember a damn thing in the morning and second, I’m the sheriff. Do you think they will really put me in jail?” He said teasingly. She poked him in the ribs.

  “You aren’t above the law mister.” She stated putting her arm around his waist as he led her to his SUV.

  “No, but right now we are short-handed and a little squabble between the sheriff and his chief deputy is small compared to bodies buried in the woods and two victims brained with bricks.” Cade stated opening the door for her. He watched her pale. “Sorry, poor choice of words.” He stated smiling at her. They drove the short distance to the high school and once there, they went to the Principals office.

  “I spent way too much time in this office.” Cade stated as they approached the front desk. Ellie rolled her eyes and shook her head.

  “You did not, you were the perfect student. Athlete, hot and smart.” Ellie stated. “I was the one in here all the time talking to the guidance counselor. They wanted to “Fix” me all the time.” Ellie said using air quotes while saying fix. An older woman in her 60’s sat behind the desk and was on the phone.

  “It’s not my fault your son missed the bus, so I would appreciate you not yelling at me. Next time tell him to be outside before the bus arrives. No, we don’t have another bus. It’s his responsibility to get there on time, not the bus driver to turn around and get him on the way back. You can tell my superintendent all you want but it doesn’t change the fact that your son missed school. Fine, do what you have to do ma’am. I retire in 6 months so I’m still getting my pension whether your son is at school or not. Oh no you have a great day.” She hung up and muttered a curse word under her breath then looked up with a blush after realizing that Cade and Ellie were in front of her.

  “I am so sorry you had to hear that. Parents these days. How can I help you? Are you here for your child?” She asked. Ellie blushed and Cade smiled and showed his badge.

  “Mrs. Dingle, it’s me Cade and this is Elinora Ridley, Doctor Nora Ridley now.” Cade stated pointing at Ellie. The woman narrowed her eyes and pushed up her bifocals. She was wearing a smart pink pant suit and her once vibrant red hair was now peppered with gray. She was wearing bright red nail polish and she had several large rings adorning her fingers.

  “CADE MASTERSON oh my goodness. You have really turned into a good-looking young man. I have a daughter that would be perfect for you. I forgot you were the Sheriff; oh, you are working that awful case with those bodies they found in the woods aren’t you. Just terrible.” She rambled. Then she looked to Ellie who didn’t look offended but amused.

  “Oh, and Elinore. You, you are a beautiful young lady. I was so sorry to hear about your grandmother. She and I played cards together and had tea several times a week until she started getting sick. Are you still having those you know…visions?” She whispered and looked around as though she was worried someone would hear her. Ellie rolled her eyes but leaned in.

  “Yes, you wouldn’t believe what they have been telling me about this town lately.” Ellie stated winking at the old woman. Ellie was playing her. The woman paled and pulled back, moving closer to Cade and away from Ellie. Cade smirked at her and then turned back to the woman.

  “Nora, works for the FBI now as a profiler and she is here helping us with the case. We were wondering if you had any information about a former student teacher by the name of Leslie Cooper.” Cade said leaning on the desk. Mrs. Dingle seemed flustered by the mention of the name momentarily but pulled herself together quickly.

  “Oh I…I don’t remember anyone by that name. How long ago was that?” She asked. She started moving papers around on her desk like she was looking for some way to get away from their conversation. Ellie stepped up.

  “She would have had red hair, 23 years old, possibly had a child?” Ellie stated. Cade looked to Ellie and then the woman who glared at Ellie.

  “I already said I don’t remember her. I have 6 months to retirement and I just want to go in peace.” She stated playing with her clip-on earrings. Cade felt some unease.

  “You were here in 1996, right?” Cade asked. The woman started to stand but Cade stopped her with his hand. “Mrs. Dingle, she’s a murder victim and we are just trying to find out what happened to her.” Cade stated. Ellie moved beside him and he saw the woman flinch.

  “I know you know who she is Edith. I can see it in your eyes and feel it in your energy. I don’t detect any malice from you but we need to know. Her mother would like some peace of mind so she can put her daughter to rest.” Ellie lied. Cade smiled inwardly. Ellie was getting this interviewing part down pretty well. It seemed to work because Mrs. Dingle seemed to become deflated.

  “Ok yes I knew her. She, she had a baby with a student. Deplorable person having a relationship with a child. Then she left town and everyone was happy. A child molester that’s what she was, despicable.” Mrs. Dingle stated with venom. Cade looked at Ellie. She must have been having the same thought. Ellie leaned on the counter.

  “Who was the student?” Ellie asked. The woman looked uncomfortable at the question. Then she leaned in like she was telling a big secret.

  “Several students. She wasn’t even sure who the father was and then went ahead and had the baby just to flaunt it around town. Then she abandoned her baby and left it for her poor mother to raise. Beautiful girl but what a tragic way for her to grow up.” Mrs. Dingle stated looking sad. “Mrs. Beemer is a saint for taking in that girl and trying to run that shelter.” She said. “Look, I don’t know anything else other than what I told you.” She said trying to back away. Cade put a hand up.

  “Thank you, you have been very helpful. One more question. What other staff members were here during that time?” Cade asked. He took out his notebook and started taking notes. Mrs. Dingle looked from Ellie to Cade then sighed.

  “Mr. Devlin who is the groundskeeper, Mrs. Arnes who is the Librarian and Mrs. Kramer the chemistry teacher but she’s retired and runs the Bed and Breakfast in town.” She stated as Cade and Ellie both looked at each other.

  “Do you remember my sister Mrs. Dingle? Allison?” Ellie asked. Cade wondered where her questioning was going but she had done well so far so he was going to let her go with it. Mrs. Dingle stared at Ellie for a few moments.

  “I remember your brother and your sister. Both great kids but your sister got involved with that Indian boy and he corrupted her. It’s his fault she disappeared.” Mrs. Dingle said sadly. “Your brother if I remember had an infatuation with Leslie for a while, but he left town right after high school. They never did find your sister. I hope one day you can find some peace with that. She sure was your father’s pride and joy.” Mrs. Dingle said, trying to make Ellie feel bad on purpose. Ellie didn’t even flinch.

  “That she was, we couldn’t all be sweet innocent Allison.” Ellie stated sarcastically but Mrs. Dingle didn’t get it and nodded her head. “Do
you know of any staff members my sister was particularly close with?” Ellie asked. Mrs. Dingle crinkled her forehead.

  “Mrs. Arnes and Mrs. Kramer.” Mrs. Dingle stated. Cade looked at Ellie and realized she had just put two puzzle pieces together. Leslie Cooper had been here at the same time as two of the teachers that her sister had befriended. A coincidence perhaps but in his line of work, those usually ended in leads and possible suspects. He wrote it in his book and they left the office.

  “What do you think?” Cade asked. Ellie was quite next to him and he stopped to look at her. “Are you ok.” He asked. She finally looked at him.

  “Allison just happens to be friends with two of the same teachers that were here when Leslie Cooper was a student teacher. I think we just got our first clue, what do you think sheriff?” Ellie smiled. Cade smiled back.

  “You are pretty good at this interviewing thing. I’m sorry she was so mean to you.” Cade said continuing on across the campus. Ellie shrugged.

  “I’m used to it. It’s how everyone treated me in school. I was the freaky pastor’s kid who got her ass beat on a daily basis but they couldn’t beat the visions out of me.” She snorted. Cade knew that Mrs. Dingles words had been hurtful. He stopped her before they entered the grounds keepers building.

  “Hey, it still wasn’t nice and I’m sorry.” He stated leaning in and placing a light kiss on her lips. She licked her lips and it made him want to take her up against the wall. He wanted this day to be over so he could take her home, make her dinner and have his way with her for hours tonight. He watched her emotions play across her face and then turned and led her into the building.

  “Mr. Devlin? Are you in here?” Cade called out. A man wiping sheers came walking out of one of the offices.

  “Can I help you?” He asked. He was in his late 50’s early 60s and looked like he had seen better days. He had scrapes on his knuckles and a gash over his head. He saw Ellie looking and he shook his head. “Those damn blackberries bite” He said laughing. “What can I do for you?” He asked again.

  “Mr. Devlin, we wanted to ask you a few questions about a student teacher that was here in 1996 named Leslie Cooper. According to a few people, she had a thing for the younger kids and even had a baby by one. Do you remember her?” Cade asked. The grounds keeper turned and walked back into his office and Cade and Ellie followed him.

  “I don’t know. I don’t pay much attention to all that stuff. I just do the yard and take care of the athletic fields. All that drama is for women.” He stated looking pointedly at Ellie. She shook her head.

  “I agree sir. If you remember, I was the one hiding in your utility shed most of the time trying to get away from all the bullshit.” Ellie stated. Mr. Devlin moved forward to get a better look at Ellie.

  “Elinore Ridley, yeah I remember you now. You have grown up a lot.” He said eyeing her up and down. Cade stepped in between making Mr. Devlin lose eye contact with Ellie’s body.

  “Sir, we just wondered if you knew anything about her disappearance?” Cade stated still trying to get him to stop looking around him at Ellie.

  “I know she got pregnant. She was a pretty little thing and the young boys; well you know how they are Cade. You were young once; I remember you too. I found her with different ones several times in my sheds. It wasn’t my place to turn her in. The boys were just having a little fun. Nothing wrong with having the hots for an older woman. I kicked them out a couple of times when It looked like they were getting rough with her.” He stated continuing to clean his lawn sheers.

  “Several, you mean she was with more than one at a time?” Ellie asked. Mr. Devlin looked like he wasn’t going to answer her but he nodded.

  “Yeah a group of them boys had her in the shed. When I opened the door, a couple of them were holding her down and they were taking turns, if you know what I mean.” He stated nudging Cade and winking. Cade felt his blood start to boil.

  “They were raping her?” Cade said with disgust. “And you didn’t think it was prudent to turn them in?” He said moving closer to Mr. Devlin who moved backwards.

  “Look, I needed my job and I didn’t want to go snitching on good boys over some slut that couldn’t keep her legs shut. It’s her fault she got herself in that situation.” He said looking at both Ellie and Cade like he really believed what he was saying.

  “Mr. Devlin do you know who the boys were?” She asked. Cade didn’t know how she was staying calm when all he wanted to do was bash in Mr. Devlin’s face.

  “I only knew one because he looked at me when I opened the door. The others were turned away and one was doing his business. I only saw his ass if you know what I mean.” He said, winking at Cade again. Cade had had enough.

  “Mr. Devlin. I want to know the name of the boy who was in that shed. They sexually assaulted that girl, one of them got her pregnant and then she was murdered shortly after giving birth. I want to bring these assholes to justice, not applaud them for what they did.” Cade stated, fuming and feeling like he wanted to throttle Mr. Devlin. He blinked, screwed up his face and then pointed at Cade.

  “Oh yeah, Rogers, Hank Rodgers kid, Blain.” He snapped and pointed. Cade felt his stomach clench. Hank Rogers son had been a party to sexual assault. Ellie spoke beside him.

  “He was friends with my brother.” Ellie stated on a whisper. Cade looked at her and then had the same thought. Her brother might have known Leslie Cooper.

  Chapter 18

  Ellie felt sick to her stomach. A lot of the evidence was starting to point towards her family. Her visions about her father having sex and killing Leslie, the fact that her brother was at school when Leslie was there and was best friends with one of the boys seen sexually assaulting her, and her sister also was friendly with at least two of the teachers still working at the school. There had to be another explanation but she knew how the system worked. Once they got their teeth into certain suspects, it was hard trying to look at anyone else. Her father she could understand. She had always had an odd sense off fear when it came to him. Not just the normal fear of a father but real fear but her brother? She had only been 7 when Alex had left but what she remembered of him she loved. He had always played dolls with her and took time to help her learn to ride her bike. He was the father figure that she had needed but one day he was just gone. No good byes, no hugs, just no Alex. She felt Cade tug on her hand.

  “Hey, are you ok? Look I know it looks bad for your family but we will figure this out.” He said smiling at her. She smiled back. He had known what she had been thinking. She could feel their connection growing stronger and the idea didn’t scare her as much as it had when she had first arrived. It was comfortable and effortless and she didn’t feel like her mind was going insane when she was with him. He was like the ocean, waves lapping at her mind calmly, soothing her thoughts and feelings. Finally, she answered.

  “When I’m with you, I’m not scared. You make me feel safe and I don’t think about the voices or visions. Just you.” She stated. They pulled up outside her father’s house and he turned to her and took her face in his hand.

  “I feel the same way. After this, we are going home and I am going to cook us some dinner so we can relax. You have had a long hard day. Two extreme visions in one day, I think you need a break.” He said sweetly. She nodded and then turned to look out the passenger window. She took a deep breath. This was her childhood home. A place where she should have had fond memories of growing up with family and friends. Instead, she only had fear and anger and the need to leave as soon as possible. The night her father had kicked her out had been the best night of her life, considering she had almost been kidnapped and shot at. Cade was suddenly opening the door and leaning down in front of her.

  “Hey”. He said kissing her softly. “Let’s go. I got you Ellie.” He stated with a hard look. “I won’t let anything happen to you. I was a child last time, this time I’m a man and the Sheriff and he won’t ever put his hands on you again, you hear me.” Cade stated wi
th conviction. She nodded and he helped her out. She took a deep breath and moved forward with Cade holding her hand. Cade knocked on the door and she felt silly that she couldn’t just walk right in. He knocked again, no answer. Her father’s car was in the driveway and a small panic moved into her chest. She moved forward and tried the handle and the door pushed open. Cade pushed her back behind him and drew his service weapon.

  “Stay here.” He whispered. She nodded and watched him move forward into the house. On instinct, Ellie moved around to the side of the house and noticed the light was on in the shed in the back yard. Cade had told her to stay outside, he didn’t say anything about looking around the yard. She moved quietly around the house towards shed and just as she was about to open the door, it flew open and her father came out knocking her to the ground. He slammed the door shut, locked the door and turned around with a look of rage on his face.

  “Elinora, what the hell are you doing here?” He said looming over her. Fear snaked through her as he stood above her with his fists clenched, sleeves rolled up and the same look he’d had on his face every time she had been sent to the shed for a punishment. She couldn’t move, couldn’t breathe. She heard footsteps and she threw her arms above her head and curled up in a ball.

  “Daddy no. Please.” She screamed.

  “STEP BACK SIR!!” She heard Cade say with authority. She felt hands on her and she stiffened at first but then a calming took over. It was Cade. “It’s ok baby. I got you. No one is ever going to hurt you again. I promise. Come on honey.” Cade said softly. She felt herself relax and moved her hands to see Cade knelt down beside her with a gun trained on her father and his other hand on her shoulder. Ellie sat up and Cade helped her stand.