Innocence Taken

by Janet Durbin

  * * * *

  The deer stood in the trees ahead, grazing on some bits of grass. The hunter had followed it for the last few miles, careful not to alert it of his presence.. It felt good to be away from the office. It felt good to be out in fresh air. The last time Mark had gone hunting was about this time last year. His wife nagged him to take the boys but he needed to be alone. Besides, his boys were more interested in video games and their computers, than they were about roughing it in the woods with their dear old dad. If he had brought them, the entire vacation would have been a waste.

  He crept quietly up the trail, making sure to place his feet on nothing to draw attention to him. He saw the buck, a twelve pointer, just ahead. He raised his gun. He took aim. He shifted forward slightly. A noise sounded beneath his foot. The buck's head rose abruptly. It looked in his direction. It bolted for the cover of the trees. He swore. Looking down, the hunter saw a rock. It had moved when he leaned forward, causing a twig partway under it to snap.. Mark picked it up and hefted it into the trees. A dull thud echoed back to him. It sounded weird. Since the buck was long gone, he decided to investigate.

  He worked his way closer to the cliff wall. As he drew near, a stench hit his nose. It smelled sickly sweet. It smelled like when the trash was not taken to the curb and the meat inside rotted. He pulled his shirt over his nose to reduce the intensity. Something lay at the base of a large boulder. It was partially covered with leaves. Mark could not tell what it was. He inched forward. The stench increased. It caused his stomach to roll, to toss a bit of acid up into the back of his throat. He swallowed hard, feeling the burning that remained. He almost turned back, but curiosity had him now. He had to see what it was.

  He leaned over and brushed some of the leaves out of the way. He fell back, away from what lay underneath. He turned around and threw up. When he finished, he leaned a shoulder against a tree. He glanced over at the body.

  The girl lay sprawled at an awkward angle. Her outstretched arms were tied together. Her belly and part of a leg were gone, eaten by wildlife. Part of her face was chewed and one breast was missing. Blonde hair lay tangled around her head. He could tell she was young. The hunter was glad his boys were not with him. This was something they did not need to see. He wished he hadn't. Working his way back to his truck, he got in and picked up his cell phone. He had purposely left it in the vehicle so no one could bother him. He was glad he brought it now. He dialed 911.

  Within an hour, the area surrounding the body was a hive of activity. The hunter was questioned and his name and phone number written down before he was allowed to leave. Mark got into his truck. He drove down the dirt trail to the main road, 250, which passed through the Monongahela National Forest.

  A short time later, he was home hugging his kids tight. Later that night, he made frantic passionate love to his wife. Afterwards, she looked at him questioningly. It had been a long time since he had shown her this much affection. Usually his job got in the way and made him grumpy. He only pulled her against him. They held each other all night.

  Mark never went hunting again. The events of what happened in the woods never were discussed. The wife did not pry. She was happy. They were a family once more.. That was enough.

  * * * *

  The man parked in the farthest spot from the building, just in case the woman in the trunk started making noises. He walked to the library and entered the air-conditioned lobby. He smiled. Computers sat off to the right. Students doing research, or whatever they were doing, occupied several stations. The man didn't care. He was only interested in what he came for. He moved toward one that was unoccupied.

  He pulled the chair under him and brought the mouse closer. He focused on the screen. He clicked on the spot for the internet. The screen came alive. Typing in the name of a search site, he waited for it to come up. When it did, he clicked on the tab for searching names. The curser blinked. It waited for him to type. He hesitated. He could not remember her last name. He sat back, thinking.

  He knew her first name was Nature. He remembered it because it was an appropriate name for The One. The last name ... that was something he needed to ponder on. He thought about the men in the gas station. He thought about their conversation. He thought about how they had defiled her with their talk. He smoldered with anger but kept it hidden. He remembered how he wanted to teach the guy in the suit a lesson. He remembered the mouth moving and how he wanted to shut it permanently. As he pictured this, He watched the lips.

  Suddenly, it came to him. Kranderson. Her last name was Kranderson. Nature Kranderson. The words flowed like they belonged in heaven. His fingers flowed across the keyboard in the same manner. He looked at the screen. His hand hovered above the enter button. His heart raced. He held his breath in anticipation. He hit it.

  The screen changed. Some squares raced across the monitor. It was searching multiple data banks for the name. It stopped. One name was on the screen. It was hers. He guided the arrow onto it and watched as it turned into a hand. He clicked the mouse.

  The information on the screen made his heart soar. He now had her full information. He now knew how to find The One, the one to complete him, the one who would end his hunting forever. He exited the program and stood. He left the building, keeping his pace casual. He did not want to draw unnecessary attention to himself. The woman was still quiet when he returned to the car.. He wondered if she was dead. He would stop later to see. Right now, he had to get on the road. He had to go a long way. He had to go north. He had to go to Montana.

  * * * *

  Nature relaxed into her seat. An arm hung out the open window, the fingers waving in the wind caused by the moving vehicle. Her other hand was across the seat. It held onto one belonging to Web. The kidnapped girls were temporarily forgotten. It felt good to be going home. She missed her bed. She missed the calming quiet.. She missed Sandy.

  Web glanced her way. “Whatcha thinking about over there?"

  "Home. I miss Sandy."

  "I never thought I'd say this, but I miss my job. It's quiet. No mass murderers, no girls missing, only little squabbles between people over fence lines, dogs crapping in yards and stupid shit like that..” He caressed her hand.

  She no longer wore gloves around him. She felt his emotions as they ebbed through her. She smiled. He meant what he said about his job. It was nice to hear. Moreover, he truly loved her, but had yet to say so. To her that was okay, she had yet to say so too.

  The mention of mass murderers brought the girls to the forethought of her mind. She shivered. She was glad to be away from so much pain, even if only for a little while. It would be wonderful to finally rest in a place she trusted, with people she cared for around her.

  The hand in hers froze. She looked at Web. His eyes were focused on the side mirror. She glanced out hers. She groaned. Behind them was a police car. The lights on top were on. A short blast from the siren informed them to pull over. Web looked at her. He squeezed her hand. She squeezed his in return.

  "Maybe it's nothing,” she said, hope in her eyes.

  "Maybe."

  Web pulled the camper to the side of the highway. They were about three and a half hours beyond Savannah. They were close to Atlanta. The police car pulled in behind them. The door opened and a trooper got out. He made his way to the driver door. He peeked inside before coming into full view of the occupants.

  "Mrs. Kranderson? Mrs. Nature Kranderson?"

  Nature leaned forward in her seat. “That's me. What can I do for you officer?"

  "Please step out of the vehicle and come with me."

  "What's going on?"

  "Please ... just do as I ask."

  "Can you at least answer her question?” Web said.

  "All questions will be answered when we get to our destination. Please come with me."

  The officer moved around the camper and opened her door. She glanced at Web nervously before getting out.

  "What do you want me to do?” he asked the officer when the door
was closed.

  "Stay behind me."

  "You bet I will,” he muttered as he watched Nature and the cop get into the car.

  It pulled out onto I-75 with the lights still on and slowed to allow Westerly to catch up. The motor in the camper was good, but not as good as the one in the cruiser. The lights flicked off when he fell in behind it. Nature turned around and waved. He could barely make her out through the darkened windows. He waved back. He followed the car for just over an hour before the turn signal came on. They were exiting into Atlanta.

  The cruiser turned right. Web turned. It went several blocks before turning left. He saw a square sign with a white H surrounded by a blue background. He wondered what was going on. They were heading for a hospital. The cruiser turned again. Web followed onto a street appropriate for the state. It was called Peachtree. When they stopped at another intersection, he could see the building. It was older but well maintained. It looked to be a small hospital, maybe 150 beds. Web was intrigued now. He wondered how Nature was holding out. She hated riding in police cars.

  Web turned into the parking lot behind the cop. The car pulled into a spot marked for police. He didn't have that luxury. He had to go to the farthest corner before he found a spot. He opened the door and noticed a pair of gloves on the dash. He grabbed them. Nature would need them, especially here. He grimaced at the thought of her touching anything here.

  He hurried back to the cruiser. Nature and the officer were waiting for him. Her arms were crossed in front of her. She gave him a look of gratitude when he handed her the gloves.

  "I knew you'd need these."

  She gave his hand a squeeze before inserting them inside the soft leather. “Thanks."

  The trio started for the entrance. The nametag on the cop's shirt read North. He led the way.

  "Have you found out anything?” Web asked.

  "No. He was quiet during the entire ride. It was creepy.."

  "Hey North, what's going on?"

  The officer glanced back. “Please, just follow me. You'll understand soon enough."

  The automatic doors slid open before them. They entered the air-conditioned lobby filled with seating for those waiting to register for tests. An older woman with a pink jacket sat at the information desk. She glanced up from her paper and smiled. When the trio walked past without stopping, she turned in her chair and watched them go. By the time they reached the elevators, she had returned her attention to the paper.

  They rode up to the third floor. When the doors opened, the hall beyond glowed bright. Officer North stepped out first. He guided the other two toward the nurse's station. Another officer sat at the desk. He stood when they approached.

  "Everything okay?” North asked.

  "Nothing out of the ordinary. No visitors. All new staff checked out."

  "Good.” He continued past the station. “This way please."

  Nature followed the officer down the hall, Web right behind her. She felt a tingling in the air. It scared her. She hated hospitals. She avoided them with a passion. Too much death occurred in them. They were worse than any mode of public transportation. She kept her arms crossed in front. Even though she had the gloves on, she did not want to touch anything as she walked to their destination.

  "You'll be all right. I'll see to that."

  Web whispered encouragement after he watched her shoulders bunch. He knew she was frightened. He wanted to enfold her in his arms and protect her, but this was not the place. He needed to be professional here. She relaxed but only a tiny bit.

  As they made their way down the hall, they noticed yet another officer sitting in front of a room. No other rooms around it were occupied. Both glanced at each other. Questions ran through their minds. It showed in their eyes, but they expressed none aloud. They knew the answers would come as soon as they walked through that door.

  North stopped in front of the door. After a brief exchange with the officer guarding it, he said, “This way please.” He rapped on the wood and opened it for the pair following.

  They walked into a dimly lit room. The officer inside rose to his feet. Another man in a suit moved away from the bed. He met Nature at the door. He did not extend a hand in greeting, even though he saw she had gloves on. He was aware of the woman's special abilities.

  "Mrs. Kranderson, It's a pleasure to finally meet you."

  She nodded her head in return. Her attention was drawn to the occupant of the bed. Darkness shrouded the person in it.. The closed drapes for the windows blocked the brightness from outside, and any prying eyes.

  "Detective Franklin.” The man extended a hand to Web.

  "Web Westerly, sheriff of Garfield County, Montana.” He shook the outstretched hand.

  "Montana huh, long way from home. Glad to have you working with us."

  "If you call not knowing a damn thing about what's going on working with you, then, I guess I'm doing a great job.” The sarcasm in his voice was thick.

  Franklin arched an eyebrow at North. “You haven't told them anything?"

  "I thought it best to discuss it here. No outside sources overhearing that way."

  "Good thinking.” Returning his attention to the newcomers, he continued. “I'm sorry about the secrecy. Had to keep a tight lid on this one. Don't want the press getting involved and ruining any chance we have. That's why we used this smaller hospital instead of one of the bigger ones.

  While the men talked, Nature ventured closer to the bed. She saw a slight form under the covers. The face was turned away from her, shrouded. When she was at the foot, she could make out the features of a girl in the darkness. Her heart raced. She felt her stomach roll. She did not want to go any closer, but knew she had to. The room went silent, all discussions stopped. They were watching her. She wasn't aware. She was focused on the person in the bed.

  She inched her way forward. She grabbed the side rail to steady herself. When she reached the head, she took in a deep breath and held it, releasing it slowly. She steeled herself for what came next. Cupping the girls chin with her gloved hand, she turned the face toward her. She gasped. The face was one she never thought she'd see again, not alive at least. It was a face from a dream. More like a nightmare than a dream. She let go. She stumbled away from the bed. She whispered one word.

  "Patricia."

  Chapter Twelve

  It was the girl from Texas. The one taken from the beach. The one the man had tricked into getting inside his van. Somehow she had survived, had gotten away.

  Nature looked at the detective. “How?"

  "Not here. Let's go out."

  Nature peered at the girl again. There had been no response when her face was touched. No movement of her arms, nothing that a person aware of their surroundings would do. She turned away and followed the men into the hallway.

  When they were out of the room she asked, “What happened to her? How did she get away?"

  The detective waved his hand for silence. The hallway had too many hospital staff in it going about their business of caring for the patients. They eyed the trio with keen interest, trying to find out what was going on inside the room. Only a handful was allowed to enter the room, and they were not talking. Mostly due to the fact that if they did, they would lose their job and be arrested on the spot. Because of the lack of tangible information, there was enough gossip flying around to satisfy the best of the busybody society members. He did not need to fuel the talk with anything that was discussed by the trio. He led them into an empty room located next to the occupied one, where the hospital staff could not overhear. He shut the door.

  "What do you know of this girl?"

  "Only that her name is Patricia and that she disappeared from Florida.. She was taken by a man driving a brown van."

  "What can you tell me about this man?"

  "Nothing. He stays shrouded. I can't see him.” Her shoulder fell.

  Web moved closer, his presence a comfort. She smiled at him.

  "We have the van."

 
; Nature and Web jerked their heads toward the man speaking. They stared at him as if he had just threatened to strip naked and run down the hall. Both started talking at the same time.

  "How did you..."

  "What about..."

  Web held up a hand, silencing Nature. “Is that where the girl was found?"

  "It was. That van was full of things,” Franklin hesitated. He shuddered. “Things used to torture that girl. I have two daughters. The oldest is only ten.” He stopped, unable to continue, the pictures going through his head unnerving.

  "Is that why she doesn't respond?” Nature asked.

  "That's what the doctors say. They say she escaped the cruelty by disappearing into a safe world. A world where the man who took her doesn't exist. Now we have to find a way to let her know she can come back.” He looked at Nature, “I don't suppose you can do that?"

  "I'm sorry. I can only see what happened by touching something."

  "Damn, I was hoping she would come around with your help and identify her attacker.” Franklin brightened. “Maybe you can see the guy who did this. Maybe by touching the girl, she can be a better conduit, allowing you to see a better picture. Are you willing to try?"

  It was Natures turn to shudder. She folded her arms across her chest, rubbing her upper arms as if she was trying to warm them. She looked at the detective. She looked at Web. She wanted to say no, to run out of the room, to not have to endure the feeling of the man as it went through her every fiber, but knew deep inside, she couldn't. She had to see if she could help Patricia ... and any other girl for that matter, by catching the killer. With a voice edged with dread, she said, “I'll try."

  The three of them moved back to the girl's room. Franklin told the officer outside to allow no one in under any circumstances. He told the officer in the room to take a coffee break. When only the three remained, he turned to Nature.

  "Anything you find out will be useful. Anything."

  She nodded at the detective, then moved to the side of the bed. Web placed a chair next to it. He had already lowered the side rail. He stood back a pace, refusing to move too far away. She gave him a slight smile of thanks before sitting down.