Run, River, Run

by C. F. Francis

  What it did accomplish, however, was pass the time—to the extent that she was surprised when they started to descend. Her pulse kicked-up a notch as the wheels hit the runway and the pilot throttled back. Her heart pounded remembering the last time she’d seen the Engleharts. She was a frightened, yet determined, fourteen-year-old. She wasn’t fourteen anymore, but she was still determined. She’d be damned if she let them frighten her. They were the ones behind bars. Still, facing evil a second time had not been on her bingo card.

  Kevin deboarded the plane first, turning back to offer his steady hand to River as she made her way down the steps. Troy was waiting for them. She’d almost forgotten how striking the man was even with his facial injuries. The man was dressed warmer for the cool North Carolina spring, but the heavier clothes didn’t hide the strong build beneath.

  “Did you have a good flight? I know it can be hard spending time with this guy,” Troy laughed.

  “I could get used to flying in one of these,” she said, indicating the small jet. And, boy, wasn’t that the truth. She’d be spoiled getting on a commercial airline from this point forward. She raised up on her toes and placed a kiss on Troy’s cheek. “That’s from Shayne. She dropped us off this morning.”

  “We talked after she did.”

  “I feel bad keeping you up here.”

  “It’s what we do. Hopefully, we can be of some help.”

  “I’m going to find a way of making this up to you all,” she asserted as the three made their way to the cargo area at the rear of the plane. Kevin and Troy unloaded her boxes and their luggage.

  “We’re doing this as a favor.”

  Troy was smiling as he chastised her, so she didn’t take offense to the statement, but she was determined to find a way to repay them for their assistance. They’d gone above and beyond on her behalf. Right now, though, she needed to focus her attention elsewhere.

  River had opted for the back seat of the large SUV Troy had rented. The closer they got to the prison, the more frequently Kevin glanced over his shoulder at her. His lips were drawn tight. His eyes questioning. Concern was written clearly across his brow. She wanted to tell him not to worry. This was her load to bear, but he wouldn’t have listened. While guilt gnawed at her conscience for the burden he’d taken up, she was glad he was with her today.

  They’d been forced to take a longer route to the prison due to an accident which had shut down part of I-40. Still, the ride was relatively short. Troy explained the prison protocol to River. Kevin reminded her to stay by Troy’s side—as if that warning was necessary.

  “Have you considered what you’re going to say to him?”

  River was surprised it had taken this long for him to ask. “No. I’m going to let Troy do the talking. I’m more interested in his reaction to me. Zeke doesn’t know I’m the second visitor, does he?” she asked, turning to Troy.

  “No. He knows I’m an investigator, but not the details of our visit. I assume he agreed because they don’t get many visitors.”

  “Why are you meeting with the son? Who made that decision?” Kevin asked. “I assume the Engleharts didn’t flip a coin.”

  “The warden made the decision. We were lucky to get permission to see any of them.”

  “He’d be in his thirties now,” River mused.

  “I think it would be better for you if you were meeting with the mother,” Kevin argued.

  “Stop worrying.” River reached through opening between the seats and took his hand.

  “We didn’t get a choice,” Troy repeated. “Besides, Zeke will be behind plexiglass and a guard will be nearby. Meeting the son could play to our advantage. It wouldn’t be the first time a man bragged about his exploits to an attractive woman.”

  Kevin scowled at Troy over the last remark. Troy didn’t notice or didn’t care. She settled back into her seat and studied the massive complex as they approached the prison. The huge institutional tan and brown buildings were surrounded by fencing topped with barb and razor wire. It was ominous and depressing. The vision wasn’t one that would leave her anytime soon.

  “I’ll follow your lead,” she said to Troy, turning away from the window. “If there’s anything you want me to steer clear of, say so now.”

  “Let me give him a shot before you speak up. If you don’t want to talk to him at all, that’s okay, too.”

  They pulled up to the guard’s station used by visitors. Troy opened his window and pulled out his identification. While the guard checked the visitor’s log, he looked over his shoulder at River. “If Zeke recognizes you, we may have to change tactics and use that to our advantage. Think you can handle that?”

  “I’ll sure as hell try. We came here for answers. I don’t want to leave without getting them.”

  Parking in a space near the visitor center, both Troy and Kevin checked their watches. “How long?” Kevin asked.

  “We have him for forty-five minutes, but it will be his call if he wants to use all the time allotted. Assuming he does, add in the time it will take to get through security. I’d say at least an hour. Maybe a bit more.”

  Troy jumped out and helped River down from her seat. “Don’t worry,” he said to Kevin. “I’ve got her.”

  “I’ve got myself,” River corrected him. She looked over her shoulder to assure Kevin, but his seat was empty. Suddenly, Troy bobbed to the side and Kevin was standing in front of her. His lips touched hers. Not hungry—but hurting. Rising to the balls of her feet, she returned the kiss. She stroked his cheek, hoping to brush away his fear for her safety. “I’ll be fine,” she whispered, cupping his jaw. “I promise. Nothing is going to happen to me in there.”

  29

  Troy tossed the keys to Kevin then rushed her toward the building. River shivered as they made their way across the parking lot. She could see her breath. They cast no shadows as the sky was gloomy and dark. She felt the chilled air through her clothes. It wasn’t cold enough to snow but damned it if didn’t feel like it. How quickly she’d forgotten what early spring was like in the mountains. Occasionally, there would be warm, sunny days, but mostly it was damp and cold this time of year.

  Once they were inside, they were forced to go through several layers of security checkpoints. At each stop, she had to swallow the rising anxiety. She wasn’t going to let Zeke Englehart see her sweat.

  Finally, they were led into a visitation area. The tan walls and closely cropped brown carpeting matched the dreary colors on the exterior of the buildings. River counted a dozen cubicles for visitors to meet with prisoners. Partitions extended from the wall giving each cubicle some semblance of privacy. A small counter stretched beneath the plexiglass that divided the visitors from the prisoners. A telephone handset hung on each partition wall. The set-up was duplicated on the prisoners’ side. The place was cold and unwelcoming.

  With the exception of the guard who stood near the door, Troy and River were alone. The two of them had been told that they’d have the room to themselves. Englehart was not a popular prisoner and, therefore, the prison did their best to keep him isolated as to not cause trouble. Other inmates scheduled to meet with family were being directed to different visitation areas. Troy pulled a chair from the next cubicle over and indicated for River to take a seat. Then they waited.

  River almost didn’t recognize Zeke when he was led into the room. He’d grown up, and bulked up, from the scrawny young man she’d seen at the trial. While his physical appearance had changed, the madness and evil reflected in his eyes remained.

  Taking the seat across from them, he barely spared Troy a glance before zeroing in on River. There was no recognition in his appraisal of her. It was more sexual than anything else.

  Troy tapped on the glass, returning Zeke’s attention to him. He indicated the phone and they both picked up the communication device. Troy held the handset loosely to his right ear so River could lean in and pick up the other end of the conversation.

  “Who do I owe for this visit? I haven�
�t seen such a mighty fine piece of meat since I arrived here.”

  Troy’s grip on the phone tightened, if his white knuckles were any indication. She patted his thigh, knowing Englehart wouldn’t see the signal she was giving him. She could handle the insults.

  Troy introduced himself as a private investigator but avoided introducing River. He’d given her a small note pad and pen when they’d entered the building. She pulled it out of her back pocket, giving Englehart the impression she was the note-taker.

  “We need some information,” Troy started. “What can you tell us about Reverend Roxbury?”

  “This is about Roxbury? What I say to my minister is confidential.” Zeke turned his head slightly to look at Troy. He narrowed his gaze, clearly annoyed that his attention had been taken away from River.

  “While I’ve no doubt your conversations would be interesting to hear about, I’m not looking to invade your spiritual privacy. I’m asking how you met him.”

  “Why should I tell you? Why do you want to know?”

  “He’s come up in one of our investigations. It seems strange that a relatively new and unknown minister would be serving your religious needs. I understand you’ve had several offers from other preachers to do the same.”

  River scribbled on her pad, only occasionally glancing up.

  “Ma heard about him. She liked what he had to say. He’s come to see us a few times. What’s it to you?”

  “Has he helped?”

  “In what way? He ain’t gonna get us out of here.”

  Had they expected him to? How odd, but River had to remember they were all a bit crazy. Correction, they were mad as hatters, in her opinion.

  “Spiritually,” Troy clarified. River had no idea where this was going.

  “What the hell is this? Some sort of a reference check on the reverend?”

  “In a sense. He may have been involved in some trouble with a friend of ours. You’re an interesting member of his rather small following. It’s possible you could give us some knowledge or insight.”

  Englehart quieted. He obviously recognized a fishing expedition. They might all be crazy, but crazy didn’t mean stupid.

  “Who’s your delicious friend?” Zeke asked, his cold eyes drifting over River. “We weren’t properly introduced.” The man was all but drooling. From the salacious looks she was getting; he could care less about her name. It was only a means to change the subject and focus his attention on her.

  “River Chandler.”

  River blinked. Had the sudden announcement surprised Englehart as much as it had her? She was certain they’d eventually get around to her identity, but Troy dropped the bomb without warning. Shooting a glance in Troy’s direction, she noted he was studying Englehart intently. River didn’t have any trouble gauging the monster’s reaction. An unholy excitement rose from within him. She saw it in his eyes. The look sent shivers through her.

  “Hot damn.” The wicked excitement had Zeke surging to his feet, leaning closer to the plexiglass. She couldn’t miss the ridge that formed in the loose-fitting prison pants. The guard shoved him back down into his chair. Troy had noticed the reaction, as well. Quickly acting as a shield, he’d shifted his weight so his torso temporarily blocked her view of Zeke.

  Once he was reseated, he continued his litany. “You sure turned out mighty fine,” Zeke said, licking his lips. “Wait until Ma and Pa learn you’re all grown up and pretty as a shiny penny.”

  “All grown up and thriving unlike you.”

  “What are you doing here? What happened to bring you here after all this time?” The words snapped out like a curse. Then just as quickly, his persona changed. “Did you miss me?” He puckered his lips and threw air kisses in her direction. She reminded herself that the man was certifiable. His actions made her skin crawl, but she managed to keep her expression blank. This Zeke wanted a rise out of her. He wasn’t going to get it.

  “We’re wasting our time with him, you know?” She looked at Troy. “He’s still a moron.”

  “Fuck you.”

  “You wish.” This time she gave Englehart a wry grin.

  She saw the light the moment it blinked on behind the madness in his eyes. “Somebody’s after the one that got away. That’s why you’re here.” His gaze drifted over her, mentally stripping her of her clothing. “You wouldn’t get away from me now. Imagine the fun we’d have before I sliced and diced you.” One of his hands disappeared beneath the counter. His arm continued to move as he stroked himself. She glanced at the guard. Either he didn’t see Zeke’s attempt at self-gratification or didn’t care.

  “Enough!” Troy cut him off, slamming his fist against the counter. “What do you know about the threats to Ms. Chandler?”

  “I’m done talking to you, asshole,” he said to Troy. “I will talk to this luscious lady or I’ll tell the guard to take me back to my cell.”

  Troy pressed the receiver against his bulky thigh and leaned over to whisper to River.

  “Can you do this? Can you keep the bastard talking—see if he slips up?” he asked.

  She took a deep breath. “I’ll do my best.”

  “What the hell are you two whispering to each other? You getting a piece of her ass?” Englehart yelled into his end of the phone.

  River yanked the phone from Troy’s hand. “What’s it to you? Aren’t you getting enough in here? Oh, wait. It’s your ass they’re getting a piece of, isn’t it?” She slung his words back at him.

  “Bitch.”

  “Is that what they call you? A mama’s boy must be easy pickings.” They hadn’t gotten anywhere with civil conversation except to confirm he was still an evil, crazy, son-of-a-bitch. Perhaps pissing him off would do the trick. Apparently, she’d hit a target. If looks really could kill, she’d be dead on the floor.

  “You don’t want to know what I’d do to you if I get my hands on you.” His eyes were steely black. His left hand fisted while his right held the phone so tight, she thought the receiver might snap.

  “But that’s not going to happen, is it? You’re in here for the rest of your rotten, scum-sucking life. It doesn’t mean you didn’t find someone to complete the job you were incapable of finishing. A fourteen-year-old girl brought you down. I’ll do it again, if necessary.”

  “You can’t touch me in here.” He was defiant.

  “Your life can be made worse,” Troy warned him.

  “Go to hell,” Englehart sneered.

  “Why won’t you talk about the Reverend? Is he involved?” River asked.

  “What I discuss with my minister is off limits.”

  “Here we go again,” River gave him an exaggerated eye roll and shook her head. Both actions intended to piss Zeke off. “He’s not a priest. He’s not sworn to any oath of confidentiality. Maybe we’ll just see what he has to say about you.”

  “You think he’ll talk? Ha! He’s a rabbit.”

  River leaned closer to the divider. “Who’s he afraid of? It can’t be you.”

  Englehart’s mouth snapped shut. Interesting. She caught Troy’s nod of the head and kept going.

  “Do you have any privileges in here? You’d best enjoy them while you can.” River was shooting blind on the last remark. She knew nothing of prisons or privileges inmates receive—just what she saw in the movies. Still, it felt like a good parting shot.

  “Are we done?” she asked Troy.

  He nodded, taking the phone from her to hang it up. Just before the click, Englehart yelled into his end of the line. “You won’t get anything out of that limp dick.”

  The minute the pair exited the building, Kevin was out of the vehicle and halfway across the parking lot. He took off his windbreaker and threw it over River’s shoulders. It was getting late and the temperature was dropping.

  “How are you doing?”

  “Fine.” She tucked the jacket around her.

  “How’d it go?” The short, snappy response told him different.

  Troy grinned. “Metaphorica
lly speaking, she packs a hell of a punch.”

  “We didn’t get anything out of him,” River grumbled. “A slow strip tease would have worked better.”

  “What?” Kevin asked over Troy’s laughter. “And what’s so damn funny?”

  Kevin helped River into the rear seat, then jumped in after her. “Does someone want to explain what happened?” he asked as soon as Troy slipped into the driver’s seat. Even with all his deployments, Kevin swore the last hour had been the longest of his life.

  “He wouldn’t tell us anything,” River said.

  Kevin pulled her close. She was shaking. “We need some heat back here,” he snapped at Troy as soon as the engine was engaged. He suspected it wasn’t just the cold that was affecting River. “You two spent a long time with someone who wouldn’t talk.”

  “He didn’t confess to anything, but River pushed him into saying plenty,” Troy responded.

  “Why don’t you start at the beginning,” Kevin suggested, as they pulled out on to the highway.

  By the time they were done relating the visit, Kevin swore if the bastard ever got out of prison, he’d wring his neck for the things he’d said to River.

  “Your lady has balls of steel,” Troy grinned at them in the rearview mirror. “Zeke didn’t hide his interest in her, so she played him like a fiddle. He confirmed what we already suspected. In spite of being housed separately, the family seems to communicate freely. Then there’s Roxbury. Englehart could have given us something useless about the guy—something innocuous. Instead, he kept repeating the same mantra—which just happens to be the exact same thing the reverend told Colt. It’s like they’re reading from a script they weren’t allowed to deviate from. I’ve got to wonder, who gave them that script?”

  “Where does that leave us?” Kevin asked.

  “Reverend Limp Dick,” Troy chuckled. “See if you can raise Colt.”

  30

  They met up with Colt at the resort. The four of them took a corner booth in the lounge. This wasn’t River’s first visit to The Carolina Inn. She occasionally met her aunt here for dinner, but they hadn’t spent any time in the bar area. It was off-season so the place was virtually empty. Most of the guests were in the dining room this time of night. The soft clinking of silverware told her the number of diners were also slim.