Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  “I have been fucking hard all evening thinking about you.” He said grinding his erection against her wet center. He tore at her clothes until she was naked and writhing on the blankets beneath him.

  “I am not going to be gentle.” Cade said raking a hand down her skin causing electricity to shoot through her body, straight to her wet core.

  “I’m ok with that.” Ellie said on a whisper.

  Chapter 23

  Cade looked down at the love as his life as the light from the fireplace glowed on her lovely tan silky skin. Her eyes danced with desire and if he didn’t slow down, he would take her hard and fast and still want more. He needed more tonight, he wanted her to have more. He leaned down and kissed her soft lips and felt her arch up into him. He took her hands and held them above her head, reached under the blankets and grabbed the handcuffs he had been saving for just such an occasion. He watched her face to see if she was going to say no but she nodded at him instead, writhing beneath him and panting. He clipped cuffs together and around the foot of the solid chair just above her. She was stretched out and wiggling and she looked amazing. He began by kissing her cheeks, her forehead, her neck, and her collarbone.

  “Cade.” She said on whispered breath. He moved to each breast and loved on each one slowly and seductively. He had her panting and moaning and it was hard as hell not to slide between her legs and take what he wanted but he needed to love her and show her love, not just take what he wanted and not pleasure her.

  He moved lower kissing down her flat belly and to the top of her womanhood. He heard her gasp and felt her arch as he reached what he had been aching for all night. He used his tongue to tease and caress and he could feel her building up.

  “Cade Oh my god, Yes!!!” She cried, her words echoing through the house and urging him to continue to please her. She arched up into his mouth as her legs started shaking. She screamed out over and over as her pleasure erupted. He moved up to watch her face, running his hand softly up and down her body. Finally, her body relaxed, her breathing started to come back to normal and her eyes that had been slammed shut started to open. When they did, he saw desire and contentment in them and he felt happy that he could make her feel that way.

  “Better?” he asked. She smiled and nodded.

  “Much, but I would be better if you were inside me.” She said with a small blush on her face. As many times as they had done this, she still was shy about her desires. It was very enduring.

  “Yes, ma’am. As you wish.” He moved between her legs and slid himself deep inside. He reached up and unlocked the handcuffs. She immediately gasped and grabbed his arms. He started slow but he couldn’t hold back any longer. He moved in her faster, harder, deeper until he didn’t feel he could last. He felt her clinch and his desire over took him. A few harder thrusts had him spilling himself deep inside her as he continued to pump.

  “I love you Ellie. My parents love you too.” Cade said kissing her softly and remaining inside her.

  “I love them too. I’ve never really had a family.” She said. He saw tears in her eyes.

  “Don’t cry. You have me now and I’m not going anywhere.” He said. She pulled him down to her and they continued to please each other the rest of the night.

  The next morning after a morning shower that left them both satiated, they had their coffee and a bagel and headed off to the Sheriff’s office.

  “Cade, what were you and your father talking about before dinner last night?” Ellie asked. He had wanted to share with her last night but they had both been caught up in their passion and then had fallen sound asleep.

  “I wanted him to know I was looking into the Beartree case and some of the other past cases. He told me that Hank was a good man and he didn’t think there was any way he would be involved but his son had been a little shit back in the day. He works out at the query for Bruce Beemer.” Cade said looking at Ellie to see if she would pick up the connection. She did. Her eyes widen.

  “Mrs. Beemer’s husband? Interesting. Are we going to go talk to him today?” Ellie asked. He smiled at her.

  “I knew you would pick up on that. We have a lot to add to the board today. I want to check on Megan, look at that thumb drive and see if any of the lab results are back. We have the warrant to exhume your grandmother and I would like to talk to our two assholes who attacked you yesterday. If we can get them to confess to kidnapping you when you were 16, we can build on that. I think somehow all of that is connected and someone doesn’t want you around to figure it out. After that, I most definitely think we should talk to Blain.” Cade said as they drove into town. Last night had been the most amazing night of his life and he never wanted to be without Ellie. It wasn’t just the sex, even though it was the hottest he had ever had in his life, it was more than that. Making coffee together and having breakfast, even showering together made everything so much better and he could see how much of life he was missing without a woman in his life. Not just any woman, Ellie Ridley.

  “I need to check in on my friend in Seattle. I want to know where Terrance is and what he has been up to. I agree with you that there is a connection in this town, I just want to make sure that he isn’t going to add anything to the problems we are already having.” Ellie stated, taking a sip of her coffee.

  Cade had already done that; he just hadn’t told her. When Ellie had fallen asleep last night, he hadn’t been able to sleep so he had gotten up and done some checking.

  “I couldn’t sleep last night, someone kept exposing their tantalizing breast and it just kept making me want to take you over and over. Instead of being a savage beast, I thought I would let you sleep.” He said winking at her. She wiggled in her seat and he knew that it had affected her.

  “So, what did you find out?” Ellie said, clearly trying to change the subject. He smiled at her and then turned back to the road.

  “He’s safe and sound still in Seattle. Apparently, they caught him trying to enter a massage establishment which goes against his restraining order but his probation officer is giving him another chance. Something about the benefit of the doubt.” Cade stated. He saw Ellie sit up.

  “Another chance, he was forbidden from going anywhere near a massage therapist but yet here he is, going against the restraining order. Model citizen my ass.” Ellie stated crossing her arms in a pout. She was so damn sexy.

  “Well, other than that, he has been checking in with probation, showing up for work on time and not bothering any females as far as the Seattle PD is concerned.” Cade stated. Ellie watched him.

  “Thank you. You didn’t have to do that but I appreciate it.” She said smiling at him.

  “I still want to call my friend. She may know more since she is FBI and staying at my house.” Ellie said, then looked at him quickly as though she had just given away a big secret. Cade narrowed his eyes at her.

  “What do you mean she is staying at your house.” Cade asked. Ellie swallowed, took a sip of her coffee and turned away. “Ellie.” He said, a little louder then he meant. She jumped and looked at him. He closed his eyes and the opened them again.

  “I’m sorry but you didn’t say anything. What are you up to?” He asked. She acted like she wasn’t going to say anything but then resolve was in her eyes.

  “Fine, I arranged for my FBI friend to stay at my house. Terrance will think I am staying there still and eventually he will try something. I just know it.” Ellie stated.

  “Is that why you can’t go home yet?” Cade asked. Ellie watched him.

  “It was the reason why but now…” She said not finishing her sentence.

  “Now what?” Cade wanted to know where she was at with their relationship.

  “Now, it’s complicated and I’m working on this case so I can’t just go back until that’s done.” She said, not saying anything about their relationship. He felt his heart pounding in his chest.

  “What about us?” He said, trying not to sound like an ass but feeling hurt at the same time.

&
nbsp; “You…we…we are the complication. A few weeks ago, I would have said I’m going back to Seattle no matter what but now, I…” She said. They had arrived in the parking lot of the Sheriff’s department and had no more time to talk.

  “Can we talk about this later?” She asked. He watched her lean in, place a hand on his face and kiss him softly on the lips.

  “I love you Cade, I don’t take that lightly. But we have other things that we need to worry about right now and logistics of where either of us will be living is not really important, is it?” She said still leaning close to him with her lips just inches away from his, desire filling her eyes. He shook his head.

  “I suppose not, I just know I can’t breathe when I think about you leaving.” He said, knowing he sounded pathetic. She smiled at him.

  “I won’t leave without telling you and if I decide to stay, nothing will ever make me leave.” She said caressing his face and kissing him again. A knock sounded on the window and both of them sprung apart.

  Agent Hardy and Agent Brody stood outside Cade’s car waiting for them. Hardy was smiling, Brody was not. Cade and Ellie got out of the car and Ellie came around to stand next to him.

  “Good Morning Gentlemen. Nice to see you made it back from Green Bay. I look forward to hearing what you found out down there.” She stated, trying to be professional. Brody glared at her.

  “It seems like while we were off working on this case, you were busy spreading your legs. I mean I guess I get it since he is the sheriff. Benefits of the job I suppose, eh Sheriff.” He said venomously. Cade stepped between Brody and Ellie and was right up in the agent’s face.

  “You talk like that again about her and I won’t have a problem using your face as a punching bag. What we do on our free time is none of your damn business.” Cade stated with a growl. The agent didn’t back down.

  “Sheriff, I’m sure my ASAC will be interested to know that you are fucking the help.” Brody said snidely. Cade couldn’t stop himself. His fist connected with Brody’s nose and he heard Ellie scream behind him.

  “Cade no, stop!!!” Ellie said pulling his arm back as he was about to punch Brody again. Agent Hardy had his body between Cade and his partner.

  “Inside now. You deserved it talking about her that way. What the fuck is wrong with you? Sorry Doctor Ridley, Sheriff.” Hardy said angrily as he shoved his partner towards the sheriff’s department holding his nose as blood poured out.

  “Asshole.” Cade said shaking his hand that hurt like hell. He could already feel it swelling. He turned to see Ellie with her arms crossed and looking pissed.

  “Seriously?” She said. He watched her shake her head and then grab his hand. “It’s probably broken, you big idiot.” She mumbled, kissing his hand and fretting over it. He tried to pull his hand back but she kept it in her hands. “You need ice and probably an x-ray.” She stated. He pulled her into his arms when he realized she was crying.

  “Hey my girl.” He said rubbing her back. He pulled back and tears were streaming down her face.

  “I have never had anyone fight over me before.” She said. “I don’t want to leave you Cade, ever.” She cried burying her face in his chest. His heart swelled with pride and happiness.

  “I love you Ellie, I don’t want you to feel pressured to stay, I know you are a city girl now, but maybe you still have a little bit of Northwoods left in you.” He said kissing her forehead. She pulled back and looked up at him.

  “I just might. Well, we might as well go in and face the fire. Everyone and their mother will know we are together by now so what are we going to do about it.” Ellie stated sounding resound to their relationship.

  “I’ll handle it. I swear if Brody says one thing, I’m going to need a lawyer.” He said pulling her hand and leading her to the front.

  Once inside, he let go of her hand. It was time to be professional and not put her in a position to have to defend herself. They got a few odd looks, a few of his deputies nodded their approval and the rest acted like they knew nothing even though the deputies where probably the biggest gossips in town. They moved into the conference room where everyone was starting to gather for the morning meeting. Cade called it to order and they went over the weekend arrests, upcoming bond hearings and the inmate report for the weekend.

  “So, before we start talking about the case, I want everyone to know, that I am seeing Dr. Ridley. We have known each other since high school, we became reacquainted when she returned to town before she started on the case and If I hear one thing about her or anyone says anything to her, stand by to hear from me. Are we clear?” Cade stated, looking around the room at the rest of the group. No one said a word. Brody scowled at him and held his nose as Hardy smirked at him and crossed his arms.

  “You won’t hear anything from us, will he Brody?” Hardy said shaking his head. Brody shook his head and kept quiet.

  “So, as most of you know, the Medical Examiner Dr. Martin was shot on Saturday at the Medical Examiner’s office. With the help of the police department, we will provide a guard at her door for the remainder of the time she is in the hospital and a 24/7 post at her apartment when she is allowed to go home. Someone also broke into her apartment and took a shot at Dr. Ridley in order to obtain this.” Cade stated, holding up a thumb drive. Agent Hardy moved forward and took the thumb drive out of Cade’s hand.

  “Hmm. Seems like the beautiful doctor has created enemies. What do you think will be on this thumb drive Sheriff?” Agent Hardy asked. Cade took it back and placed it on the table.

  “I think Dr. Martin I.D’d at least one of the victims out at County K. Both bodies were taken from the morgue and have disappeared. The bullet from her apartment and the bullet they pulled out of her back are identical. Now we just have to find the gun.” Cade stated. He turned around and wrote on the information on the board.

  “Next is suspects, as of right now Pastor Thomas Ridley is at the top of the list.” Cade said feeling the group turn to look at Ellie. He watched Ellie pale and even though the others probably hadn’t noticed, her body tensed. He knew her well enough to know even the slightest change in her energy.

  “He’s a suspect because both my sister and I were abducted the night my sister disappeared. I escaped however my sister did not. Recent information has revealed that my father may have been attempting to trade us for trafficking.” Ellie stated. The room fell silent. Deputy Howard leaned forward on the table.

  “Annawon Beartree was found guilty of your sister’s murder. Why bring it all back up now?” he asked with no malice. Cade saw Ellie’s eyes flick his way. She was telling him to go ahead.

  “We know from our interview with Beartree that Allison Ridley was in a relationship with Beartree and they were to meet on the night she disappeared. When she didn’t show up, Beartree went home. There would have been DNA in both kid’s rooms as he admitted that they were having sex. I feel comfortable opening up a new investigation into the missing girl.” The other deputies and the FBI agents shook their head with the new information. Agent Hardy stood and stepped forward.

  “We found that all the girls somehow came through Badger Falls.” He said. He picked up a remote control and flicked on the smart board. A smiling 14-year-old girl with braces stared at all of them. Cade felt unease. She was so young.

  “This is Amber Braden. She went to the store for her mother just down the road from their house in Green Bay. They had been having issues with her, kicked out of school a few times for behavior, ran away a few times but always came back. Her mother discovered that her credit card was missing and reported it to the police. The last time it was used was at a Kwik Trip in Badger Falls. That was in 2005. It’s the same with most of the girls. Most of the families were relieved that their daughters hadn’t come home. A few were dealing drugs and had been in and out of juvenile detention.” Hardy said with a hard look on his face. Cade had been thinking the same thing.

  “Just because they had trouble controlling their child, they we
re happy they were gone? What kind of parent is thrilled that their child is missing?” Cade said. He heard Ellie huff.

  “The kind of parent like Pastor Ridley who would gladly be rid of his kid instead of work hard at being a parent.” Ellie said looking pale. Cade tried to express his feelings toward her as he watched her. She nodded that she understood he wasn’t trying to be mean.

  “The other thing we found is that many of them came from homes full of domestic violence.” Stated Brody, who had finally stopped sulking and had decided to join the group. Cade looked at him oddly.

  “Domestic violence, I wonder if any of them stayed at the shelter?” Cade stated looking to Ellie who had obviously had the same thought. “Give me the list of names you have, let’s cross reference them with the bodies at the morgue and any that may have stayed at Rainbow house. We will have to subpoena them. They are very tight lipped over there about their clients.” Cade said as he wrote all the information on the board and turned back around.

  “Dr. Ridley, do you want to talk to them about what we found out at the school?” Cade asked. Ellie smiled and stood.

  “Sure, so our Medical Examiner identified the oldest body. Leslie Cooper, 23 from Badger Falls. She is the daughter of Mrs. Kathy Beemer who just happens to be the owner of Rainbow House. She had been a student teacher when she came up missing so we talked to the school and it turns out, she had been pretty promiscuous with several of the younger boys in the school. Apparently, she was sexually assaulted by several students and so the parentage of the baby she had is unknown. We do have one suspect and this event is based off the word of the grounds keeper.” Ellie stated. A deputy at the back snorted.

  “You mean old man Devlin? That guy has been there forever. He liked looking at all the young girls up there, liked to try and lure them into his work shop and claim he was helping them out. Several girls reported him touching them but nothing ever happened. He got arrested several years ago on an assault charge of a girl up there but it was dropped very quickly and the girl and her family left town.” Deputy Barns stated. Cade knew that Deputy Barnes was one of Chief Deputy Rogers posse.