Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  “Or they could have just been having tea. Why would they poison her?” Agent Hardy asked. Cade stopped and put his hands on the back of his chair, then looked at Hardy.

  “What is your angle on the trafficking thing?” Cade asked. Hardy pulled out his notebook.

  “From what I can tell, all the girls that have been identified by Dr. Martin and the assistant ME all filtered through here and were residents of the Rainbow House homeless shelter. We had to get a warrant to subpoena the files from the shelter and Mrs. Beemer was not very happy about it. Her and her minion that sits at the front desk gave us a pretty hard time but she had no choice in the end.” Hardy stated. Cade blew out in frustration.

  “Ellie added her as a suspect on a hunch. It would be easy for her to track girls who were the right age and arrange for them to be trafficked.” Cade stated. But was she a criminal or just a sour old lady who lost her daughter and was responsible for raising a granddaughter? Cade wasn’t sure and he wished Ellie was here to help with the profiling. He was so worried about her. She had been through so much in her life and he didn’t know if she would be able to handle anymore. The phone rang and Cade picked up the receiver.

  “This is the Sheriff. What? Thank you Chief.” Cade said and hung up.

  “That was the fire chief. They found an accelerant at my parent’s house. It was arson.” Cade stated then had a terrible thought.

  “Someone has been trying to get to Ellie for days, since the first incident she’s been with me every time, except today. What if they purposely split us up to get to her?” Cade asked the group. Megan shook her head.

  “How would they have known she wouldn’t have gone with you?” Megan asked. Cade thought about it.

  “Someone was watching the sheriff’s department. We left separately and someone followed her to see her mom in Green Bay.” Cade stated, picking up the phone and hitting the button for his temporary Chief Deputy.

  “Eric, get me the video feed for yesterday at about 2pm for the front of the Sheriff’s department and go across the street to the library and ask for their feed that points to the surrounding area of the street. I want to see if anyone was following Dr. Ridley. She was driving my car.” Cade stated to his Chief. Cade hung and grabbed his marker. He wrote Mrs. Kramer and Mrs. Dingle on the white board under suspects. A few minutes later, his Chief Deputy walked in with a look of anger on his face towards Agent Hardy.

  “Something wrong?” Agent Hardy asked suspiciously. Deputy Walters pointed at the computer.

  “I sent the video to your email Sheriff; you will see for yourself.” Deputy Walters said, crossing his arms. Cade clicked on the email. The video came on and a few cars passed in front of the Sheriff’s department. Cade watched he and Ellie walk out the front door, kiss and walk opposite directions. Ellie got in Cade’s car and drove away, a few seconds later, a car pulled out to follow her and Deputy Walters froze the screen and pointed at the figure in the driver’s side window.

  “Agent Brody? What the fuck?” Cade stated looking towards Hardy. Hardy had gone pale and a muscle ticked at the side of his cheek.

  “I can’t believe he would be involved in anything to do with hurting Dr. Ridley. I know he wasn’t happy with her putting him down and you calling him off but I can’t believe he would resort to running her off the road and kidnapping. Give me a few minutes to call my ASAC.” Hardy stated, taking out his phone and stepping out of the room. Cade looked at Megan.

  “What do you think doc?” Cade asked. She smiled at him.

  “You really want my opinion. I mean I’m a doctor not a detective.” She stated. Cade thought that was some sort of Star Trek reference but he couldn’t be sure.

  “Go for it, I need all the help I can get.” Cade stated. She stood, hobbled over to the white board and studied it.

  “There is more than one person involved here but one leader. What if, what if one person had information on several people?” She stated turning around to look at Cade. Cade nodded.

  “Keep going.” Cade said starting to pick up her meaning.

  “If one person knew a lot about a few people, bad stuff like, incriminating stuff and used that to form this trafficking ring. You help me, I keep you out of jail or trouble or whatever type of secret might be out there. That’s a lot of control.” Megan stated. Cade nodded.

  “What if certain people are in certain positions in town because they are able to help control the trafficking. Mrs. Kramer knew all the kids at school as does Mrs. Dingle. Mrs. Beemer has access to all the people coming through the shelter just as Pastor Ridley knows all the young ladies coming through the church and coming to town in crisis. How many people are we talking though?” Cade asked. This plot just got deeper and deeper and who knew how many people were involved. Agent Hardy walked back in looking troubled.

  “So apparently Brody lied about having to go back to Madison and isn’t returning our ASAC’s calls or mine. I don’t understand how he could be involved but we are tracking his position. He’s smart enough to get rid of his phone because we can track it but we also have trackers in our government vehicles. We should get a hit any minute. I can’t believe this; we have been partners for years. He was pretty upset about his wife and I knew he needed to step away but I trusted him to do his job.” Hardy stated with frustration. Cade put his hand on his shoulder.

  “I’m sorry man, I know it’s hard. Hopefully he has a good explanation and we find Ellie in one piece.” Cade stated. He stood and put on his coat. The snow was coming down and the roads were getting bad.

  I need to go have a chat with Mrs. Kramer. Megan, I don’t want you going back to your apartment. I have a spare room if you want it until we figure this shit out.” Megan smiled.

  “I need to go home. They don’t want me Cade. They got what they wanted and you need help to find Ellie. I will be more helpful If I can keep working on identifying the victims.” She stated standing and limping towards the door. Cade didn’t like sending her out by herself.

  “Fine, at least allow me to post a deputy outside your apartment.” He stated, pleading her with his eyes. She smiled at him.

  “Fine, as long as it’s that hot cop who was guarding me at the hospital.” She stated with a wink “Go find your girl Cade.” She stated as she followed him out the door.

  Chapter 30

  Ellie’s muscles were stiff and she had to go to the bathroom. She hadn’t heard any movement for hours and she didn’t know if she could hold it much longer. She tried to think about what Cade must be thinking. He must be incredibly worried. She heard a noise in the hallway and someone at her door. Darius walked in and stopped at the end of the so-called bed she was tied to.

  “You have an appointment but first you need to clean yourself up.” He leaned over and untied the binds that were holding her hands and feet. If she had any strength in her body, she would have tried to escape but the fact that he was releasing her and not killing her made her feel better. Perhaps she could talk her way out of whatever was going on.

  “I need to use the restroom.” She stated. He watched her impassively.

  “You will have that chance.” He grabbed her by the arm and pushed her towards the door. “If you try to run or pull anything, I will shoot you.” He stated. Ellie felt something cold and hard touch her head and fear sliced through her.

  “You are going to kill me anyway, what difference does it make if I’m clean.” Ellie said, trying to sound brave. He huffed.

  “I would just as soon fuck you, but the boss has other plans for you and I have my orders.” He said angrily.

  “Still taking orders? Did you take orders from Blain when you raped Leslie Cooper?” Ellie asked. She felt Darius shove her up against the wall and grind himself against her. The gun he held was at her temple and his hot breath smelled of onion and beer.

  “How do you know about that you fucking bitch? Your brother was a pussy, you know that? He didn’t have the balls to teach that girl a lesson. She deserved it, prancing ar
ound the school in those tight outfits and wearing that perfume. If she didn’t want it, she shouldn’t have been so fucking loose.” Darius snarled at her. He thrust against her and she felt his erection through his pants. “I will do the same thing to you if you don’t shut the fuck up. I don’t give a shit.” He said, licking her neck. She shivered but continued to taunt him.

  “How did you know how to find me?” She asked. He pulled her off the wall and shoved her forward.

  “Stop asking questions and get in the fucking bathroom. Shower and put on the clothes that are in there for you. If you aren’t out in 5 minutes, I’ll come in, take what I want. He slammed the door in her face and she heard a snick indicating she was locked inside. What the hell? Ellie looked around and there was a toilet, sink and small shower. She looked in the mirror at herself and there was a nice sized cut running across her forehead. That was going to leave a scar. There was a towel, wash cloth and something that looked like a skirt and camisole shirt laid out. A knock sounded from the other side.

  “I don’t hear the water running. You have 3 minutes.” Darius said to her on the other side of the door. She sighed, use the bathroom, turned on the water, stripped and stepped into the shower. As scared as she was, the water felt amazing and she wished she had more time to enjoy it. She finished, dried off and dressed putting her bra and underwear back on. She didn’t give a damn if it wasn’t part of the outfit, she wasn’t going to go prancing around wherever she was without undergarments. She knocked on the door and she heard a snick again and Darius stood on the other side of the door with a sneer.

  “That isn’t part of the outfit.” He stated. He moved to touch her bra and she pushed him back.

  “Don’t touch me.” She said backing up against the wall. He pushed her against the wall and started to reach under the skirt when a voice came from the hall.

  “Get your hands off of her, she isn’t yours to touch.” The familiar male voices stated. Brody.

  “What the hell Brody, what are you doing?” She asked with fear. He looked her up and down.

  “You are a tough woman to get a hold of especially with your boyfriend hovering. If you had just been nicer, we could have handle this in a much different way.” He stated, pulling her away from Darius’s clutches. She watched him turn to the man.

  “Get the fuck out of here. Go back to the state park where you belong.” Brody stated. Darius glared at Brody.

  “You don’t fucking tell me what to do. You aren’t the boss.” Darius said with venom. Brody pulled his weapon and pointed it at Darius’s head.

  “Walk away. I’m an FBI agent. All I have to do is say the word and you will be arrested for kidnapping and assault.” Brody stated. Darius paled. He flicked a glance at Ellie and then back to Brody. Shoving Brody off of him, he turned and walked back down the hallway. Ellie watched Brody return his weapon to its holder.

  “Sorry about that.” He stated handing her a jacket. She felt confused.

  “What is going on, what are you doing here?” She asked. He led her down a hallway and back into the room that she had been held captive in.

  “I’ve been involved with this group of traffickers for over a year. It’s not what you think but you have to play along or we are both dead. I’m not going to tell you anything but I will do my best to keep you safe. Right now, my partner and probably your boyfriend think I’m some rogue FBI agent who has gone off the reservation and is involved in the wrong thing but we had to keep it on the DL. Just follow my lead, act like you hate my guts just like before and things will go the way I planned it.” Brody stated. Ellie couldn’t believe it.

  “So, you aren’t involved. You are just trying to stop them? Who is it?” Ellie asked. Brody shook his head.

  “I haven’t met the boss but tonight is supposed to be this big event and since I tracked you, I get to present you. I will meet all the players. This was my test to see if I was legit. Don’t blow this for me because I have worked too hard to screw it up.” Brody stated. “Take your bra and underwear off.” He said. She started to shake.

  “But you said…” Ellie started to say.

  “You have to look like I…you know.” He took a deep breath. “Like I had my way with you, roughed you up.” Brody stated. Ellie shook her head.

  “But you aren’t really going to…” She stopped herself when she saw him shake his head.

  “No, but I do need to leave some marks, its’ part of the game. You already have bruises so that should be enough but…” Without any warning, he slapped her hard across the mouth drawing blood. She fell to the floor holding her lip. She looked up at him with a scowl.

  “What the hell.” She said, spitting blood.

  “Sorry.” He stated looking uncomfortable. “It has to look real and I didn’t think you would really let me punch you. Use that anger and the look you have right now when we meet people. Stay here, I’ll be back for you. Lose the underwear and bra.” He said walking out the door. She pulled herself up and sat on the edge of the bed. Brody was a good guy but working for a trafficking ring. Where was Cade. She hoped he was on the up and up because she was afraid, she was about to walk into a lion’s den.

  Chapter 31

  Cade walked into the CabInn and was instantly greeted by Mrs. Kramer.

  “Cade, how are you tonight? How is that girl of yours.” She stated winking. Cade handed her a warrant.

  “She’s great. I’m sorry but that is a warrant to search the property and that includes your apartment.” Cade stated as professional as he could. He watched her flinch and did her best to hide her eye change but he had caught it and felt her energy change before she masked it.

  “Oh, whatever for? I have nothing to hide here Sheriff. I run a legitimate business, nothing shady or sordid.” Mrs. Kramer stated, turning red and fanning her face.

  “I’m not accusing you of anything Mrs. Kramer but, we have enough evidence that supports the warrant. You don’t want to go against that do you? I know you have a business to run and I don’t want to intrude on your guests.” Cade stated, trying to play to her business sense.

  “I don’t want to go against the judge’s order. Look at whatever you need to Cade.” Mrs. Kramer stated. Cade turned to his two deputies and nodded. He had already instructed them on what to look for so they disbursed into the establishment. Cade turned around.

  “Mrs. Kramer, where you ever in Dr. Ridley’s room for any reason?” Cade asked? Mrs. Kramer nodded.

  “Of course, I do all the housekeeping, why?” She asked, starting to rearrange items in the lobby and avoiding eye contact.

  “Well, when we found the blood writing on her walls, you told us Chief Deputy Rogers had gone up to talk to her and then you heard another person come in and then leave. Did you go up to her room after that?” Cade asked. Mrs. Kramer stopped what she was doing and looked at Cade.

  “I…I don’t remember. It’s possible I went up and made the bed, exchanged the towels and such.” She said defensively.

  “Was there blood on her walls then? If you went up after Chief Deputy Rogers left, you were the last person in her room before it was trashed and blood writing all over the walls.” Cade said, trying to remain calm. He watched Mrs. Kramer swallow hard and her eyes widen.

  “I…oh…I’m an old woman. I can’t afford to go to jail.” She wailed. Cade took her arm and led her to the back kitchen and helped her sit in a kitchen chair at the table.

  “Tell me what happened.” Cade said in calm voice that he didn’t feel.

  “I…” She started and then sniffled. He handed her a tissue from the box that was sitting on the kitchen counter.

  “Nice and slow.” Cade said, pulling out his investigation notebook.

  “I worked at the school for 25 years. No matter how hard I tried I could never make enough money for my real dream to own a bed and breakfast. I got tired of the kids and their parents. The last person I tried to help was Allison Ridley. She came to me begging to help her get away from her father. Sh
e wanted to run off with Annawon Beartree. I…I arranged to help her leave town and then when it came time for them to leave, she never showed up. I got a call saying that they knew what I had done and if I wanted to get a retirement from teaching, I would keep my mouth shut and do as I was told. I agreed and a few days later, twenty thousand dollars was in my bank account. I put in my resignation and bought this place.” She was twisting the Kleenex in her hands and tears streaked down her face.

  “So, what really happened to Allison, who did you make arrangements with?” Cade asked. Mrs. Kramer shook her head.

  “I don’t know who took her or where she went or if she is even still alive but I’m sure she was trafficked.” She said on a whisper. “My friend Kathrine that runs the shelter told me she could help. They help families who are in abusive situations, she was the one who made all the arrangements.” Mrs. Kramer said on a sob.

  “Did you put the blood on Ellie’s walls?” Cade asked? The woman’s head shot up.

  “No, I wouldn’t hurt that girl. I loved her grandmother; she might have been a little odd but I wouldn’t hurt anyone. I…I did go in the room though. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing so I moved forward, placed my hand on the wall to look closer to see if it was blood. I should have called you right away but I don’t want to lose my business. I have nothing, no kids, no husband, my bed and breakfast is all I have.” She sobbed. Cade closed his book.

  “Mrs. Kramer you let an innocent man go to prison for something he didn’t do. You kept silent about a crime in your establishment, you could possibly have been involved in trafficking an innocent girl, should I continue?” Cade asked pulling out his handcuffs. Mrs. Kramer’s eyes widened.

  “You aren’t seriously taking me to jail? Cade Masterson I was your teacher.” She stated, trying to scold him. He pulled her up, turned her around and cuffed her.

  “Ellie is missing, her sister has been missing for 14 years, right now, you are my only suspect. Until find her and I know what’s going on, you aren’t going anywhere.” He stated as he started leading her towards the front of the bed and breakfast.