by R. D. Hunter
“Who paid his bond?” I asked.
Michael shrugged. “Some anonymous person ponied up the money. All in cash.
No paper trail.”
And that was that. There was nothing else for it. Michael walked us out to our vehicle, his head on a swivel the entire time and his hand resting lightly on his firearm.
He followed us home and made us wait outside until he went through and checked every room. Finally given the all clear, he warned us again about leaving the house and told us to lock the doors behind him.
“If you hear or see anything, don’t hesitate. Call us and we’ll have someone here in five minutes,” he said.
“A lot can happen in five minutes,” I pointed out after he left.
“Which is why we have to stall him if he shows his ugly face,” Jenny said, coming out of her bedroom and racking a round into a shotgun that was bigger than me.
“You want the twelve gauge or the sixteen gauge?”
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I stared at her. “You’re kidding, right?” I’d never fired a gun in my life. The possibility of me doing it in a life or death situation and doing it correctly were nil. Even if I were an experienced marksman, my bandaged hands would prevent me from pulling the trigger.
“Oh, right,” Jenny said. She went into the kitchen and came back out with the largest knife we owned. “At least carry this around with you.”
I fumbled with it before holding it at arm’s length. “Great. You think if I take his head I’ll take his power?” I said dryly.
“There can be only one.”
We spent the rest of the day hanging around the house and being lazy. I tried studying for my finals, but the words kept running together until I eventually gave up.
I made the mistake of telling Jenny about my midnight meeting with King last night. She threatened to castrate him and have his balls dipped in gold for putting me in danger, but relented when I told him how he’d felt about it.
“Probably has gold balls anyhow,” she grumbled. “Frickin’ rich people.”
There was a heavy storm rolling in from the south, so we made an early dinner of cubed steak, steamed vegetables and apple pie. Well, Jenny did most of the making and I stood by with my gimped hands and offered moral support. We’d just finished eating when the storm hit.
I’d always enjoyed listening to thunderstorms. Something about the rain and wind being outside while I was safe and dry inside made me feel secure and cozy. Since I’d had so little sleep the night before, I turned in early and snuggled down into my heavy blankets.
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Despite how tired I was, sleep was elusive. I tossed and turned. My hands itched to high heaven, but scratching only made ribbons of pain shoot up my fingers. It took a while for me to realize I was suffering from a guilty conscience.
Once again, the faces of all those people at Sunny Pines kept running through my head. They needed my help. Even the great Sebastian King had been counting on it. But I’d refused. For the first time in my life, I’d run away with my tail between my legs.
I felt ashamed. Finally, though, even my guilt wasn’t enough to keep me from dropping off into a troubled slumber.
The phone woke me up some time later. It drug me kicking and screaming into wakefulness and I fumbled with it a few times before managing to get it up to my ear.
“Hello?” I said.
“Ava, this is Nancy.” I recognized the voice at once. I also recognized the fear in it.
“What’s wrong?” I asked immediately.
“It’s Ruby. She’s gone missing.”
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Chapter Twelve
The storm was still in full swing when we left for Sunny Pines. Jenny insisted on coming along and driving me in her big SUV, for which I was grateful. While my friend’s driving was only moderately more dangerous than a coiled cobra, the wind came in such powerful gusts that I wasn’t sure my little Honda could have made it.
We don’t get many powerful storms, (gulley washers, we call them) here in the foothills. The mountains to the west provide a natural barrier. But when a system comes up from the south, as this one did, Mother Nature uses the opportunity to reaffirm her role as our masters and we mere playthings.
Rain came down in thick sheets, making the windshield wipers all but useless. I could feel Jenny’s tension as she gritted her teeth and gripped the steering wheel so tight I could hear her knuckles pop. But she never offered to turn back. Not once. I loved her for that, as it would have left me walking.
Sunny Pines was awash in flashing blue and red lights from the numerous emergency vehicles parked out front. Police, fire department, rescue squad; every
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emergency service was there. We parked as close as we could and dashed into the main lobby.
For once, it wasn’t empty. A temporary command post seemed to have been set up. Wires stretched the length of the room. Tables had been pulled in from the dayroom and several laptops, maps and radio bases had already been set up. A few dozen emergency workers milled around as the ones in charged stood together, speaking in low voices.
The general vibe I got wasn’t one of urgency. In fact, it was the exact opposite. I got the distinct impression they were delaying things as long as possible. It was then I realized they were trying to give the storm a chance to let up.
The thought filled me with outrage. Ruby was out in this. All I could picture was the sweet woman who had visited me in the hospital, confused, cold and hurt. And her only hope rested with the same people who didn’t want to get out and get wet.
That’s when I figured things out. They thought she was already dead. No sense hurrying to rescue a corpse. I began to shake all over and my wounded hands clenched into fists. The pain made tears spring to my eyes, but I didn’t care. This was a disgrace.
Jenny must have seen the rage and hurt come over my face because she put one hand on my shoulder and said, “Easy girl.” It didn’t help, but it brought me back to my senses enough to know that going postal wasn’t the way to get the party rolling.
Jack Lowry was, unfortunately, the first person to spy us as we came in. He sauntered over with some blonde, twenty something year old with high heels and even higher legs. It must have been his secretary. She had on nametag that said LILLIAN. He kept his face carefully neutral, but I could tell from the vibe rolling off him that he was
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tense as a spring and none too happy to see me.
“Miss Foster,” he said, “I’m glad you’re feeling better, but might I ask what you’re doing here at this late hour? As you can see, we have a crisis on our hands and have no time to properly supervise you.”
The blonde trailing him snickered and I felt Jenny’s hackles raise. “I’m here to assist in the search,” I said.
“Out of the question. No Sunny Pines employee will be directly involved in the search until morning. We are here to provide logistical support; coffee and sandwiches and so forth to the other emergency personnel. Our mandate does not allow us to go traipsing about in the wilderness during a thunderstorm to search for a resident.”
“It doesn’t allow you to lose one either, but you handled that all right.” It wasn’t the most diplomatic thing to say, and I saw his eyebrows shoot up in surprise. I was glad for it. “Look,” I said wearily, “I’m not a Sunny Pines employee, which means your mandate doesn’t apply to me. So if something happens, like I get struck by lightning or something, your hands are clean. Right?”
I saw him consider this option. It felt weird to watch someone so casually think about your own death like it was a math problem, but that was the kind of person I was dealing with. Scum.
Lowry nodded after a few moment. “Do as you like.” He turned and left, but the blonde lingered for a few more seconds.
“Word of advice, Sweetheart,” she said in a syrupy sweet tone. “Don’t go around rocking
the boat. You’ll find yourself overboard.”
“Sweetheart?” Jenny said after she’d left. “Did she call us sweetheart?”
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“Pretty sure she was just talking to me. I don’t even think they knew you were with me.”
“Oh, I’m gonna get her. I’m gonna see that bitch out on her ass for that one.”
I wasn’t listening. I’d spotted a familiar face in the corner, head buried in his hands and an untouched cup of coffee close at hand. Although the posture was one of utter misery, I barely got a glimmer of emotion off him. Locked down, as always.
“Hi, Gary,” I said, coming over to sit down beside him. His head snapped up in surprise and I saw his bloodshot eyes grow wide in surprise.
“Ava! Jesus, what are you doing here?”
“Nancy called. Told me what was going on. What happened?”
He went back to staring at the floor. “It’s my fault. She came for her physical therapy appointment, but left early, saying she didn’t feel right. I offered to take her back to her room, but she laughed and said if I wanted to come to her room I better bring flowers and some wine.” He smiled, but there was no amusement in it. Just fond affection. It faded just as quickly. “It wasn’t until they did the midnight count that they discovered her missing. She just got up and wandered out, probably through a fire exit or something. The damn alarms haven’t worked for months. If only I had said something, anything, to one of the nurses, maybe they could have done something. Maybe this would’ve never happened.”
I put my bandaged hand on his arm. My pain meds were wearing off fast the simple touch stung slightly. “This wasn’t your fault,” I said. “There was no way you could have known she was confused. I’m sure if you did, you would’ve done something.
You’re a good guy, Gary.”
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“What if she dies?” he asked. His voice cracked. “What if she dies and it’s my fault?”
“She won’t,” I said firmly. “See all these guys? They’re going to find her. We’re going to help them. And she’ll be back in the rec room before you know it, pinching your butt and laughing about it.”
“Uhh, Girly-friend, you might want to rethink that ’helping them’ bit,” Jenny said.
“Someone might have something to say about that.”
I looked just in time to see Michael stalk over to us. He took one look at my hand resting on Gary’s arm and narrowed his eyes so they could shoot beams of concentrated jealousy at me.
“What do you think you’re doing here?” he asked pointedly. His frustration felt like little spears digging into my skin. I ignored them.
“I’m joining the search.”
“Like hell you are! You just got out of the hospital today. You’re in no shape to go out in this kind of weather. End of discussion.”
I jumped to my feet. The sudden movement made my head swim but I held it together and glared at him so hard my eyes hurt. He didn’t back down, but I felt some of the frustration in him vanish.
“No, it most certainly isn’t the end of discussion,” I said. My anger was hot but my tone was cold. “Ruby is a kind, loving woman who deserves to be searched for by someone who actually thinks she is alive and breathing. Not dead in a ditch, somewhere.
I’m going out on that search and if you want to stop me you better break out the handcuffs.”
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The air between us was thick with strife and I felt hot beads of sweat break out on my forehead. There was no way I was backing down though, and Michael saw that. After a few seconds, he threw up hands up in surrender.
“Fine! But you stick close to me and do what I tell you.”
I shook my head. “No deal.”
“Excuse me?”
“I can find Ruby. At least, I think I can. But I need you to stick close to me and follow my lead. Not the other way around.” There it was. I was putting myself out there like I’d never done before. I only hoped I could deliver.
He stared at me like I was crazy. Truth be told, I felt that way. I didn’t know if I could find Ruby. I’d never used my empathy like a radar, but I was going to give it my best shot. I just hoped and prayed that his one time, my abilities would be a blessing and not the curse they’d been my whole life.
“What makes you think you can find her?” Michael asked.
“I just do. I know the way she thinks.”
“After knowing her for two days?”
“That’s two days longer than any of your guys have known her,” I shot back.
It wasn’t much of a point, but enough to throw the game in my favor. He knew it too.
“Fine,” he said through gritted teeth. “I’ll be right behind you. Just promise me you’ll be careful.”
I gave him my most charming smile, hoping to dispel some of the bad air between us. “With you watching my back, what could go wrong?”
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“Uh, don’t you mean us, Girly?” Jenny put in. “I’m coming along too. Don’t forget, there’s a certain wife-beating bastard out there gunning for you. I’m not leaving you alone for a second while he’s around.”
“I don’t think he’ll try anything in this storm,” I said. “Especially not with every badge and gun in the county within a one mile radius.” I tried to sound reassuring, like I knew what I was talking about. But I’d been wrong before.
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Chapter Thirteen
Finally, the guys in charge couldn’t delay any longer. The storm showed no sign of letting up, and after a few instructions and safety tips, they handed out areas to search.
I noticed mine and Jenny’s name were conspicuously absent from the roster. Michael must have had a word with them and told them we’d be free styling it.
We collected flashlights and reflective poncho’s from a tub in the corner and followed everyone outside. Despite the water proof gear we wore, we were instantly soaked as the violent wind pushed the rain through every exposed crevice. Once the other searchers had dispersed, Michael came up to me.
“Okay, which way?” he asked.
“Give me a second.” I closed my eyes and took a few deep breaths. I didn’t know if they would help or not, but that’s what they did in the movies anytime they tried to tap into some latent power or ability.
I didn’t feel the force. No great epiphany’s or revelations came my way. In fact, I felt pretty darned stupid.
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I opened my eyes. “Anything?” Jenny asked in a low voice.
I shook my head in frustration. “Nothing.”
“Take a couple deep breaths.”
“Tried that. Still nothing.”
“You picked a hell of a time for your mojo to go on the fritz. You think it’s the storm?”
No, it wasn’t the storm. It was the thought of having to use my empathic senses on demand. That I’d never tried anything like it before. That the consequence for failure might be someone’s life. Someone who was good and kind and didn’t deserve to be out in this kind of weather.
As my anxiety rose I felt my empathic senses slipping further into the background. They didn’t go away. They never went away. But they were further removed in the face of my own mounting tension, and I was no closer to finding Ruby.
No, I could do this. It was easy. I’d been doing this my entire life. It would be nothing to call for it now.
An almost dizzying wave of confidence filled me from somewhere outside. It was strong and alien, yet at the same time warm and comforting. Part of me knew this wasn’t normal. This was focused completely on me. But I didn’t care. I had what I needed to find Ruby now, and that was all that mattered.
I calmed my mind. I wasn’t sure exactly where my empathy was located. Was it the head or the heart? Did it run on will or passion? I had no idea. But I used my little understanding of my ability to quiet my inner self and listen with what I cal
led my empathic ear.
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The storm receded into the distance. The roar in my ears quieted until there was almost silence around me. Slowly, I became aware of the things around me in a way that sight or hearing could never compete with.
I felt the other searchers fanning out around us. Most of them were wet and miserable. A few were pissed that they had to be out in this because some old lady didn’t have the sense to stay indoors during a monsoon. I ignored these and focused on what else I could feel.
I wasn’t sure what I was searching for, but knew I’d found it when I felt a sharp stab of fear come from directly behind Sunny Pines. It was the kind of fear an animal might feel in the grip of a predator. Cold, hard panic. It could only belong to one person; Ruby.
“This way,” I said, leading the way around the side of the rest home. We came to the back and I had to stop and check again with my empathic ear.
Yes, she’d definitely come this way. I’d never been back here, but now we found ourselves in a neglected courtyard with rusty old benches, and even a sort of garden that hadn’t seen any tending in a couple of years.
“Where are we going?” Michael asked.
“To find Ruby,” I said.
“How do you know she went this way?”
“Hush-up, Law Dog,” Jenny said. “Let the woman work.” I could have hugged her then, but kept my senses open.
There. Leading out beyond the courtyard and into a thick jumble of overgrowth.
“Follow me,” I said. Jenny followed without question, but I felt Michael’s
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growing reluctance.
I couldn’t blame him. If I’d been anyone else, he wouldn’t be following me at all.
We trudged through the sludge, then fought our way through the thick barrier of plants and trees. Once we were through, a dense forest stretched before us. It was dryer under here, as the heavy canopy up top shielded us from some of the rain. Even the wind was muted in here, although we still had to raise our voices to make ourselves heard.