by L C Hayden
That meant he had been flown over here. Yet he hadn’t seen an airplane, much less an airport. Where was it? “Of course it is.” Bronson looked out toward the forest that surrounded the compound. Somewhere out there was a runway, maybe a city. “You know, I don’t mind bein’ a bit late to dinner. There are several things I need from the Elders. I’ll go visit with them, and you go on to dinner. I’ll see you there.” Bronson turned, heading toward the Elders’ office.
Aubrey crossed her arms and waited until Bronson opened the door. He waved goodbye and Aubrey waved back. Seeing that she wasn’t going anywhere, he let himself in.
Swanson looked up from his paper work. “Bronson, did you bring me good news? Are you here to tell me you found Roger?”
“Unfortunately not. I thought maybe I can watch your surveillance tapes. I might be able to get a feelin’ for what he was doin’ before he disappeared.”
“That would be great if only we had any surveillance tapes.”
Aubrey had told him as much. Still, he had to check. “What about some topographical maps and any of those that show the location of all buildings? Surely, you have those.”
“Of course. I’ll get them for you.” Swanson moved the ladder to his left, climbed to almost the top, reached for a set of rolled papers, climbed down, and handed them to Bronson. “Excuse the dust. Nobody has asked for these in decades.”
“No problem.” Bronson blew the dust away and carefully unrolled the maps which detailed the location of each building. As expected, each building was crammed close together to the adjacent building, thus utilizing every bit of space available. The only exception was an almost square building, located next to the fence on the right side of the back wall. Bronson pointed to it. “What’s this?”
Swanson looked over Bronson’s shoulder. “Our generator. We don’t want the kids playing there. They may get hurt or blow it up. That’s why we placed it as far away as possible.”
That made sense. Bronson turned his attention to the topographical map. It failed to show any roads leading to or from the compound. He made a mental note to ask Swanson at a later time. At this point, until he knew what was going on, he’d keep all opinions and questions to himself.
He focused on the second map, the one that showed the location of each building. He memorized the buildings on the right-hand side of the map. He closed his eyes and mentally recited their locations. He then focused on the middle section and finally the left hand side. Feeling satisfied that he knew the location and layout of each building, he once again focused on the topographical map. The place had been built on top of a mountain. Interesting. As he bent down to analyze the topography, he said, “I wanted to talk to Norma.”
Swanson shook his head. “Wish I had realized that she would join Roger wherever he is.”
Bronson looked up and met his gaze.
Swanson shrugged. “What can I say? It’s a small community. I probably found out about it shortly after you did.”
“You’ve got two teens missin’. Don’t you think it’s time to call the police?”
“It’s not that simple. As you’ve noticed, we’re out in the boonies. There’s no police force here. You’re it.”
“You told me that two of your Elders are out gettin’ supplies.”
“That’s true.”
“They can bring the police or sheriff or whoever has authority.”
“That, Mr. Bronson, is precisely what we want to avoid. I have all the confidence in the world that you will find them and get that book back to me.”
“Sounds like the book is more important than findin’ Roger and Norma.”
“At this point, I’m so furious with Roger—” Swanson bit his tongue. “You’re right, of course. Finding them is more important. But that book, it tells our entire history. There’s no duplicate. I’m a history buff, and the history of this place will die if we don’t find that book.”
Bronson nodded and returned his attention to the maps. “So far, I haven’t found a place where they could hide. Thank you for your maps.” Bronson headed out and bumped straight into Aubrey.
“Ready for dinner?” She smiled at him.
Bronson smiled back and nodded even though he was more ready for a good cup of coffee than he was for dinner.
Soon as he walked into the dining area, he scanned the place. He chose to sit with his back against the wall closest to the kitchen. This way he had a perfect view of most everyone. As he enjoyed the rich, warm cup of coffee and gulped down the delicious baked chicken meal and mashed potatoes, it bothered him that no one seemed to be concerned about the two missing youths.
He pushed his mixed vegetables aside, then thought of Carol and decided to eat them. She would be proud of him. How he missed her.
Aubrey poked him in his arm. “You’re in another world.”
Bronson ate the last of his chicken and pushed his plate away. “You’re very observant. I was just thinkin’ about my wife.”
“You’ll see her soon.”
“Maybe even tonight.”
“Huh?”
“I’ll dream about her.”
“Oh, I like that.”
Bronson stood. “See you in the mornin’. I’m goin’ to try to get a good night’s rest.”
Soon as he reached his room, he looked through his suitcase. He knew he wouldn’t find his weapons or his phone, but if he was lucky . . .
He took out his socks and turned them upside down. The extra bullets he had hidden there rolled out. He pocketed them and wondered what good they’d be without his weapon. Still, it was better than nothing.
Outside, the sun still shined and Bronson wondered if he’d be able to sleep. He drew the black blinds tight, turned off the oil lamp, and whispered, “Goodnight, Sweetheart. I love you.” Best thing he could do for her was to find the teens so he could get back to his normal life.
He only hoped he wouldn’t find bodies instead of two runaways.
Chapter 12
Shortly after breakfast, Bronson returned to his room. He wanted to walk the perimeter of the compound and made mental notes as to what he would need to take with him.
A knock on the door interrupted his thoughts. “What are we going to do today?” Aubrey let herself in.
Bronson stepped aside. “I’m goin’ to walk the perimeter of the compound.”
“What good would that do?” Aubrey asked. “There’s possibly no way anyone could get past the electrified fence.”
“You’re probably right, but as a detective, I have to eliminate all possibilities before I consider anythin’ new. This will be a strenuous walk so you don’t have to come with me. If I find anythin’, which I doubt I will, I will let the Elders know.”
Aubrey bit her lip as though considering her options. Slowly, she nodded. “Good enough. Actually, I could use the rest from all of this excitement. I’m not used to this. Before I leave you, is there anything you need?”
“I can use a backpack and a couple of plastic bags.”
Aubrey’s eyebrows furrowed. “Plastic bags? Whatever for?”
“In case I find anythin’.”
Aubrey scrunched her face. “Like what?” She shrugged. “Oh, never mind. Is there anything else you want me to get you?”
“The backpack should be able to hold several bottles of water and maybe a hand rake, and gloves.”
Aubrey nodded. “Back in less than five minutes.”
She delivered the items to Bronson’s room four minutes later. “Thanks,” he said and breathed a sigh of relief as he watched Aubrey walk away. He liked her, but unless it was with his ex-partner, Mike Hoover, he’d rather work alone.
Bronson began at the gate and decided to head in a clockwise direction, walking along the fence. For a second, Bronson’s eyes strayed past the gate. It opened to the woods with no visible road leading to the compound. How did they get their supplies if no road existed? How did they come and go? Why were there no visible tire tracks?
Bronson adjust
ed his backpack while studying the other side of the fence. He didn’t want to be obvious in case he was being watched. Better stick to the original plan. First, find Roger and Norma, then get his questions answered. He continued to walk the perimeter. Several yards later, he stopped, bent down, and studied the dirt along the fence. A few minutes later, he dismissed the area as offering nothing unusual. He stood up and resumed his journey.
He stopped five more times before he decided to take a break. He gulped down a bottle of water and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He looked at the fence that seemed to stretch for miles in front of him.
Two more times he stopped at what seemed to be suspicious areas. Each time they turned out to be nothing. Five minutes later, he reached the building that housed the generator. Just as Swanson had told him, its door was bolted. He pulled on the lock, but it didn’t give. No way Roger and Norma would be hiding there. Still, Bronson made a mental note to ask Swanson to open the door.
Up ahead, about three, maybe four yards away, something caught his eye. Loose dirt. All of the other dirt along the fence was packed and hard. Yet in this one particular area located at the back of the compound, facing the forest, the dirt told an interesting story.
Bronson bent down and when he brushed the dirt and the debris to the side, he found a thick, almost two feet square flat cardboard reinforced with twigs. He picked it up to reveal a large hole. His gaze traveled to the other side of the compound. He spotted an equally large hole which Roger, or whoever, hadn’t bothered to conceal. Bronson was willing to bet the two were connected by a crudely dug crawl space.
But even though the hole on the other side was wide open, Roger had done a good job concealing it. Looking at it, anyone would assume it was an animal’s den. If any of the Elders had seen the hole, that’s what they would have assumed.
Bronson straightened up. No way two teens could survive that rough terrain, especially if, as Master Swanson had said, wild animals roamed the area. They must have been aware of that. They must also have known that they could have easily walked out the front gate after making their wishes known. Instead, they chose to escape and steal a historical book.
A book. Who would steal something like that? It made no sense. What had prompted them to do that? What was he missing?
Chapter 13
“That’s ludicrous!” Master Swanson shouted.
The two other Elders, Everett Henderson and Charlie Yee, had also gathered at the spot where the crawl space had been dug.
Everett shook his head. “Why would they do that?”
“I assure you I don’t know,” Bronson said. “But I aim to find out.”
“You plan to go out there?” Swanson pointed at the wilderness behind the community. “I’d advice against that. It’s so . . . so . . . dangerous.”
“Two kids are out there, alone and helpless. It seems to me I don’t have much choice, do I?”
Swanson placed his hand on Bronson’s shoulder, as though stopping him from going. “I doubt they’re still alive. They don’t have any wilderness training. Do you?”
“I was a Boy Scout and at the police academy we were required to take survival classes. Part of that dealt with wooded area survival. Don’t remember much, but maybe some of those lessons will surface.”
Swanson exhaled. “You’re one stubborn man who won’t take ‘No’ for an answer. I bet you your bosses loved you.” He shook his head and frowned. “Tell me, how can I help? The least I can do is send a couple of men with you.”
“I appreciate that, but they would probably slow me down, and besides, that’s more people to worry about.”
“You’re probably right.” He paused and worked his lips. “If you don’t want any men, then surely you’ll want some supplies. What can I get you?”
Bronson considered his options. “A small skillet and a wooden spoon would be nice.”
Swanson’s forehead wrinkled.
“The noise would scare a bear or other predators away.”
“Ah, I see.” He wiped the smile off his face. “What else?”
“A light blanket or two, in case I find the kids. Some canned food and bottled water. Some matches, a poncho, a flashlight with extra batteries, at least twenty feet of sturdy rope, and a roll of duct tape.”
“Duct tape?” Yee asked. “Whatever for?”
“Like everyone else, I use it to fix everythin’. It comes in handy. You should try it.”
Yee’s eyebrows rose. “I’ve heard that before. Reckon I’ll try it.”
“No problem getting those supplies to you,” Swanson said. “Is there anything else?”
“Yes, I want my knife, my gun, and my phone back.”
Swanson looked away. “The phone would be wasted space, although it’s yours if you want it. But let me warn you: there’s no connection here. As far as your weapons are concerned, I’ll discuss it with Charlie and Everett—” He pointed to the two Elders. “We’ll see if we can come to an agreement.”
“You’ve got to be kiddin’. You don’t plan to send me out there with no gun or knife. That would be suicide. You yourself told me how dangerous the area is out there.”
“Of course. Silly of me. It’s just that we’re so anti-weapons. We’re a peaceful, loving community. Guns scare us. But yes, let’s go now and get you your weapons.” He turned to the other Elders. “You agree, don’t you? These are strenuous circumstances. I feel Mr. Bronson needs his weapons.”
“I agree,” Everett said.
“Same here,” Yee added.
“Good. While Bronson and I go retrieve them, Everett, get hold of Aubrey and have her gather the items Bronson requested.”
Everett nodded and left.
Swanson turned to Bronson. “Follow me.” He led Bronson to his office. Behind his desk was a wall safe. “Never had a real use for this,” he said, as he dialed the combination. “But now, since you’ve been here, this is the second time I’ve had to use it. Once to deposit your weapons, and now to retrieve them.”
The lock clicked and Swanson opened the safe.
The empty safe.
Chapter 14
Swanson staggered back and lost his balance. Had Bronson not caught him and straightened him out, he would have fallen. Not that Swanson noticed. He continued to stare wide-eyed at the empty safe.
“Who, besides you, has the combination number?” Bronson gazed around the office, looking for anything that looked unusual.
“Th . . . that’s j-just it. No one. Only me.”
“Not the other Elders?”
Swanson shook his head. “No, no one. I just told you. Only me. My dad ran this place before me and my grandpa before that. He’s the one who had the safe installed—just in case, he said. None of us had ever needed it.”
Bronson recorded the information in the spiral notebook he retrieved from his shirt pocket. “Where did the safe come from?”
Swanson squinted, as though he didn’t understand the question. “What?”
“I’m thinkin’, if someone here installed that safe, that someone could know the combination.”
“Oh, yeah. Good thinking. But no, that theory won’t work. Grandpa ordered it from Sears—those were the days before Amazon.” He laughed at his own weak joke, but when he noticed that Bronson offered him no more than a half smile, he continued, “Grandpa himself opened the package and kept the combination to himself. When Grandpa realized he was close to death, he gave the combination to Dad, who in turn gave it to me when I first started overseeing this place.”
“I noticed that no one here bothers to lock their doors. Could you have left the combination open, thinkin’ it was safe to do so?”
Swanson’s eyes widened. “No! Never. Especially with the gun there. We’re a community that has no need for such ugly things—no offense.” He offered Bronson the same half smile Bronson had recently flashed.
“None taken.”
Swanson rubbed his temple. “I made sure I locked it. I doubled checked. I wanted to
keep that evil thing locked away like it should be.”
“Silly question, but does anyone else here own any kind of weapon?”
“No, of course not. That’s strictly prohibited. Everyone understands and agrees.”
“So askin’ to borrow a gun is beyond reason.”
“Pretty much so.”
“How about a knife?”
Swanson shrugged. “We have no weapons.”
Bronson pointed to his left. “The kitchen is only two buildings down. When I was there, I remember seeing some pretty mean looking carving knifes.”
Swanson’s jaw dropped. “Yes, of course. I never thought of them as possible weapons. I’ll have Aubrey get you the biggest, most ferocious looking one.”
“If it has a sheath the better, but that’s not a necessity as most kitchen knives don’t come with one.”
“I’ll pass on your message.”
A kitchen knife would be better than nothing, but Bronson preferred to have a gun. “Is it possible that someone smuggled a gun in?”
“I suppose that could happen. But we live in such close proximity that there’s no place to stash the gun. Someone would soon discover it.”
“What you’re sayin’ then is that the gun is no longer here in the compound—huh, excuse me, the community. It’s out there in the wilderness with the kids.”
“I suspect that to be the case.”
“Since Roger had vanished long before I got here, and since Norma has recently gone missin’, you think Norma came in here, opened the safe, took the gun, and went to join her boyfriend?”
“I’m no detective, but do you have another explanation?”
“None that I can think of, but I do have a question. How did she get hold of the combination number?”
“No idea, but that thought fills me with fear.”
Chapter 15
Although Swanson had offered to give Bronson a buggy ride to the back of the compound, Bronson had refused. He wanted to follow Roger’s and possibly Norma’s footsteps as much as possible. That meant using the tunnel.
