What Lies Beyond the Fence

by L C Hayden

  He could do with a nice, warm cup of coffee just about now.

  Chapter 69

  Detective Rory Duncan let out a sigh of relief. She had just received the warrant she had requested from the judge. Now she was free to search the cabin belonging to Everett Henderson. If, as she had been informed, Ellen Biebesheimer had indeed been kidnapped and was being held captive in Henderson’s cabin, Duncan had all of the necessary paperwork lined up.

  Detective Duncan was about to check in with her backup unit when a man stepped in front of her desk. He looked at her, as though studying her. The frown she wore caused deep crease lines to form in her forehead and around the eyes, making her look older than her thirty three years. She looked like she hadn’t slept in a month. “Detective Duncan, I presume,” the stranger said. “I’m Mike Hoover.” He offered her his hand.

  Mike Hoover? Hoover? Oh, yeah, the Dallas detective. Duncan accepted Mike’s hand. “You’re also a detective? In Dallas?”

  Mike nodded.

  “And you’re also related to Ellen . . . Ellen . . .” Duncan looked down at the paperwork to confirm the pronunciation of Ellen’s last name.

  “Biebesheimer,” Mike said. “Ellen Biebesheimer.”

  “Yes, that’s correct. Thank you for the pronunciation. Not a very common name, is it?”

  “Not at all.” Mike rung his hands.

  “I appreciate you coming all the way over here from Texas, but as a fellow officer, I’m sure you’ll understand. You’re emotionally involved in this case. I can’t allow you to interfere. You’re welcome to stay here. If you give me your cell number, I promise I’ll call you with any new developments.”

  “I understand the rules and I appreciate them. I want you to know that I’m not one to break the rules. But I sincerely think I may be of help. First thing you’ll probably do is demand to speak to Ellen to verify that she’s still . . .” A large lump formed in Mike’s throat. He cleared his voice. “. . . alive and well. When you do that, she’ll send you some messages which will help you catch Everett Henderson. Without someone being there to recognize those hints, they’ll only sound like empty words to you.”

  Duncan set down the papers she was holding, looked at Mike, and held him at bay. After a brief pause, she said, “Here are the rules: you will stand behind the lines. You will not speak. You will not even move. You will do absolutely nothing without permission. Is that understood?”

  “Yes, ma’am.”

  Duncan smiled and in a softer voice asked, “You want to ride with me?”

  Mike’s air fled his lungs in harsh gasps. He nodded.

  “Let’s go, then.”

  Chapter 70

  Everett watched the van pull away. The house was wired, all except for the front door. He turned to face his two faithful servants, Nate Middleton and Sheridan Wright. They sat at the table, each with a sandwich and a bag of chips. Heck of a last meal, but under the circumstances, there was nothing he could do about it.

  “I want Ellen tied to that chair.” Everett pointed to the unoccupied dining room chair. “I want her right here.” He walked over to the place where the chair would be, which was basically almost directly in front of the door. “This way, when Bronson walks in, the first thing he’ll see is her.”

  Nate set his sandwich down and stood up.

  “Not so fast,” Everett said.

  Nate sat back down.

  “One of you will leave right now and good luck. The other one will stay and be my spokesman. I can’t guarantee your safety, but if things go my way, you will be okay. You two decide who stays and who goes. I want an answer in less than a minute.”

  Nate and Sheridan stared at each other. Nate said, “I will stay.”

  Everett nodded. “Wise decision.” He looked at Sheridan. “Leave now.”

  Sheridan dropped his unfinished sandwich on the plate, stood up, and headed toward the door.

  “Wait,” Everett said.

  Sheridan did a one hundred and eighty degree turn and faced his former boss.

  Everett retrieved the car keys from his pocket and tossed them at Sheridan. “You might need these.”

  Sheridan smiled and caught the keys. “Thanks.” He walked out.

  Everett stood at the open door, watching Sheridan. As soon as he reached the car, Everett took out the .357 Magnum he had in his pocket, aimed, and fired. “No one walks out on me,” he said.

  Chapter 71

  The fact that a passenger plane flew overhead in a circular pattern because the three moose that had chosen the airport to be their home refused to move from the runway failed to amuse Bronson. Under normal circumstances he might have found that humorous, but not today.

  He pulled open his shirt in spite of the cool breeze and shoved his left hand into his pant pocket. His other hand carried a small suitcase filled with the bare necessities he thought he’d need. There goes nothin’. He had no idea if Senator Eileen Garland had come through for him, and he wasn’t about to bother her again.

  A sheen of sweat covered his brow and upper lip. He swept his hand across his face, hoping to wipe away the sweat. He spotted two policemen, but they barely glanced his way. Bronson let out the breath he hadn’t realized he held. He turned away from the policemen.

  The smell of coffee distracted him. His stomach demanded to be fed. A warm cup of coffee drowned in milk and mixed with three spoons full of sugar sounded just perfect. But Carol wouldn’t approve of all that sugar and besides, what if he missed a flight just because he was getting a cup of coffee? He walked past the coffee stand and headed directly into the Alaskan Air VIP Room where he had told Carol to overnight him his passport.

  Bronson approached the man wearing an Alaskan Air jacket. “I’m Harry Bronson. Do you by any chance have a package for me?”

  “Yes, sir, I do. Arrived about an hour ago.” He reached behind the counter and held onto the five by seven brown envelope that had Bronson’s name. “Do you have an I.D.?”

  Bronson showed him his Texas driver’s license.

  The attendant stared at the license. “Texas, eh? We’re bigger than you.”

  Bronson managed to offer him a smile. “Haven’t you heard our phrase? Don’t mess with Texas—or Texans, for that matter.” He reached for the envelope, thanked him, and walked away.

  Just as expected, he found his passport inside the envelope and also a note from Carol. “Be safe, but hurry and bring our sister back to us. Don’t blame yourself. I love you.”

  I love you, too. More than you’ll ever know.

  Bronson kissed the note, carefully folded it, and tucked it in his wallet. With his passport in hand, he headed for the ticket line. Here I go. Askin’ that all goes well. He looked toward the ceiling as though he could really see heaven. Thank you.

  Bronson approached the air attendant behind the counter. “I need to get to Morro Bay as soon as possible. Any flight will do. Do you have anything available?”

  The attendant looked up from her computer to stare at Bronson. “Are you Harry Bronson?”

  Shiiit! Bronson nodded.

  “Those two policemen have been waiting for you.” She signaled the policemen and pointed at Bronson.

  Bronson looked toward the direction the attendant had indicated. The two policemen headed his way.

  Shiiit!

  Chapter 72

  A wave of sorrow washed through Nate as he looked down at the body that had once been his good friend, Sheridan Wright. “What do you want me to do with it?” It, not him. Nate couldn’t acknowledge the fact that this body had once been his constant companion.

  “Leave it,” Everett answered. “I want the police to know that I mean business. I’m capable of killing. In his death, Sheridan is still serving me. He would be happy to know that. So don’t make the mistake of being sad for him.” He turned and headed back toward the cabin. Nate followed him.

  “Bring Ellen and tie her just like I told you to,” Everett said once they were inside.

  Nate gr
abbed one of the dining room chairs and placed it in the same spot Everett had shown him. He looked around the room, his eyes searching everywhere.

  “There’s lots of rope in the guest closet.”

  Nate nodded, opened the closet door, and took out the heavy rope. He set it by the chair and headed toward the bedroom where Ellen was being held prisoner.

  * * *

  Soon as Nate walked into the room Ellen knew this was it. A tremble that started in her neck spread throughout her body. Still, she forced herself to keep from whimpering. She straightened up and held her head high.

  Nate lowered his gaze, unable to meet hers. “I’m sorry,” he whispered.

  Good, he might be an ally. Maybe she could overpower him. There had to be something somewhere she could use. She looked around the room and gasped when she saw a man, one she hadn’t seen before, standing at the doorway, holding a gun pointed at her.

  “Hello, Ellen,” he said. “My name is Everett Henderson. Are you ready to die?”

  Deadly fear pierced Ellen’s chest like a cold blade entering, then twisting.

  She had to think. Think!

  Nate freed her from her chains, but as long as Everett stood with the gun pointing at her, there wasn’t much she could do—but she could try. She kicked Nate, causing him to fall. She bolted toward Everett, hoping to rush him. Maybe he wouldn’t pull that trigger.

  Nate wobbled a bit but managed to stand up. He rushed toward her and grabbed her from behind. “Don’t shoot!” he told Everett. “I’ve got her.”

  Together Everett and Nate dragged her to the living room. Everett pushed her down, forcing her to sit. He grabbed a chunk of her hair and pulled it hard enough so that her face looked up at him. “Listen, bitch. I can rough you up right now, and it’ll be strictly my pleasure. Or we can do this the easy way. You sit still while Nate ties you up.” He raised his hand and slapped her hard, her cheek immediately turning a bright red. “Your choice.”

  Ellen struggled through a sea of pain to remain still.

  Nate grabbed the rope and got to work. He tightened each knot hard so that if she decided to struggle once again, she couldn’t make it come loose. Yet, at the same time, he allowed a bit of slack on the rope so that it wouldn’t cut too much into her skin. “Is it okay?” he whispered. “Too tight?”

  Waves of pain attacked her as she tried to answer. “It’s . . . okay.” She scolded herself. She should have told him it was too tight. He would have loosened it. Now it was too late.

  Nate stood up and studied each knot, making sure it couldn’t be undone without it being a hassle. When he finished, he went to the kitchen where he found Everett fixing himself a sandwich.

  “I tied her so well that there’s no way she’ll be able to get loose—and if anybody tries to free her, he’ll have a hell of a time. I am an ex-Navy man, you know.”

  Everett looked at him. “I didn’t know that, but I guess that explains the good knots.”

  Nate nodded and reached for his unfinished sandwich and took a bite.

  Everett poured himself some soda, grabbed his sandwich and his drink, and sat down at the dining table. He signaled for Nate to join him. “While we eat, I’ll explain the rest of my plan.”

  Chapter 73

  Hundreds of different scenarios ran through Bronson’s mind as he watched the two policemen approach. Might as well make the best of it. He picked up his suitcase and headed their way. “Mornin’,” he said even though it was closer to noon.

  “You’re Harry Bronson.” A statement, not a question.

  “That’s me.”

  “We’re Officers Holt—” He pointed to himself. “—and Johnson.” He indicated his partner.

  Bronson shook hands with them.

  “We have a message for you from our mayor.”

  How did he get involved in this? “The mayor?” Bronson asked.

  Officer Johnson nodded. “He wants you to know that he’s not one bit happy about what I’m going to tell you. As far as he’s concerned you have no business leaving our state until that fiasco close to Fairbanks is cleared.”

  “Please tell him that I feel the same, but circumstances beyond my control mandate otherwise.”

  “Those circumstances—whatever they may be—are the reason he sent us.”

  Bronson had no idea where this was leading. He set his suitcase down and crossed his arms. “Go on.”

  “The mayor was told that you need to leave the state and get to California as soon as possible.”

  “That sums my dilemma.”

  Holt took a step forward. “Not a dilemma anymore.” He pointed past the window. “Do you see that small private jet?”

  Bronson nodded.

  “The pilot is waiting for you to board. You’re all set to go.”

  Hot diggity dog! Prayers answered. Thank you, God. Bronson grabbed his suitcase. “Please thank the mayor for me.”

  As he ran out the airport and toward the jet, Bronson heard Holt say, “I wonder how he managed that. He must have one heck of a connection.”

  Indeed!

  As Bronson boarded the plane, he made a mental note to thank the senator along with anyone else who pulled some strings.

  At long last, Bronson was on his way. He prayed he wouldn’t be too late.

  Chapter 74

  They had been on the road for no more than fifteen minutes, but for Mike, that seemed like an eternity. He bit his lip. He was so close to Ellen, and yet she was so far from him.

  “Relax, will you? The cabin is just beyond this hill,” Duncan told him. “When we get there, remember, stay back. Don’t make me regret that I agreed to bring you.”

  “I remember,” Mike mumbled. He sat in the front seat of the lead car. Beside him, Duncan drove. The third passenger in the car was Detective Something or the Other. Naturally, they had been introduced, but at this point, Mike couldn’t remember the detective’s name.

  Mike glanced at the side mirror. He saw the three squad cars that followed them, and he spotted the SWAT Unit behind them. All cars had their bar lights on, but not the sirens.

  Duncan reached for the mike and ordered, “Kill the lights. We’re almost there.”

  Mike stared at her. Such a powerful voice coming from such a little woman.

  One by one the lights turned off.

  “How do we plan to do this?” the detective in the backseat asked.

  Duncan’s grasp on the steering wheel tightened. “Here’s what I’m thinking. At the top of the hill just beyond the cabin’s view, backup waits. We drive up, pretending to be lost. You and I knock on the door, talk to whoever answers.”

  Mike nodded. “But all of the time, we’re actually snooping.”

  “You’re obviously not listening.” Duncan’s voice came out gruff sounding. “I specifically said Southerland, and I will do the snooping. You will remain in the car.”

  Mike folded his arms and looked out the window. At least now he knew Duncan’s partner’s name.

  Several minutes later, Duncan pulled over and everyone behind her did the same. Duncan stepped out and waited until all had gathered around her. Once they had, Duncan said, “This is where you spread out. Unit One, I want you behind the cabin. Units Two and Three, cover each of the sides of the house. SWAT Team and the rest of you, be on the ready.

  “Southerland and I will drive up and get the scoop. No one moves in until I give the clear. I want this to be a complete surprise. Is that understood?” She waited for confirmations from the gathering group. “Any last minute questions?”

  If anyone had any questions, no one asked.

  “In that case, let’s scatter,” Duncan said.

  Southerland, Mike, and Duncan climbed back into the car. Duncan waited a few minutes for everyone to get into position before starting the car. For Mike those minutes dragged and stretched into hours.

  After what seemed to be an eternity to Mike, Duncan hit the steering wheel with her open palm. “Let’s do this.”

 
Chapter 75

  Everett and Nate stood at the edge of the top of the hill. They had a clear view of the police snaking their way up toward them. “Give them about ten minutes and they’ll be here,” Everett said.

  Then, much to their amusement, they watched as the procession stopped. Car doors opened and the officers gathered to listen to instructions before moving on to their designated spots. Only one car, the one leading them, continued toward the cabin. “Whatever they plan to do, we’re about to foil their plans.” Everett’s smile spread from ear to ear. He tapped Nate on the shoulder. “Come on. Let’s get on with our own plans.”

  Everett grabbed Sheridan’s legs and dragged him a few feet away from the parked truck. “They can’t miss seeing him. In fact, that’s the first thing they’ll notice.”

  Nate stood still, staring down at his friend.

  “Come on,” Everett said. “We only have a few minutes to prepare.” They headed back to the cabin.

  Once inside, Nate went straight to the refrigerator. He grabbed a beer, opened it, and took a long swing.

  “Nice touch,” Everett said.

  Nate raised the bottle as in a salute. He picked up one of the dining room chairs, a walkie talkie, his beer and took them with him. He eyed Ellen one last time. He gave her a thin smile.

  Ellen’s arms had been tied to the chair’s handles, but her hands were free. She clenched and unclenched them, her eyes begging him to help her.

  Nate looked away. “Here we go.”

  Everett echoed his servant’s phrase. “Here we go.”

  Chapter 76

  Nate stepped out, carefully closing the door behind him. He set the chair in the exact same place where Everett had told him to, ten feet away from the cabin’s main door. He walked to the largest pine tree planted along the road that led to the cabin. Behind it, he set down the walkie talkie.