“Since you’re here, can you show me again where you saw the figure when you were running?”
“Yeah, sure, let me get my boots on.”
He hurries into his house and is out minutes later. He leads me down the trail towards the pond, but before we get that far we turn off to our right and travel a little ways off the path. I look at the ground and see Judson’s footprints and mine.
“It was right around this tree,” Judson states and I look up. “You can see the trail, but in the dusk of morning or the late evening it’s almost impossible to distinguish anything specific.”
“Is this the only place you’ve seen the figure?”
“Yes. I’ve looked all around the woods. I’ve never found a single footprint. I thought I was imagining things.”
“When Shayla was taken a couple of years ago, the compound he was on had a series of tunnels and caves. He’d dug them out for hiding and moving about undetected. I wouldn’t put it past him to have put some around here. He’s probably been watching Shayla and me for some time.”
“That seems like a lot of trouble for someone to go through.”
“Well, that’s Mathis. He wants to ruin me like he says I ruined him.”
Jud stands back and watches as I begin pulling on tree stumps, branches, and kicking around the leaves, anything I find that looks a little suspicious, but in the end I find nothing. Disappointed, we head back and I leave Jud to head back to my house. Tom is walking across the yard when I pull into my driveway.
“Hey, Tom.”
“There you are. I was wondering if you’d be back today. I have a few guys coming this way later this afternoon; thought we could use a few extra hands.”
“Always, thanks. I was just about to check in with Riley, come on in.”
We enter the house and head up to my office, which is basically our command central. Riley is the only one in the office at the moment, because Jon is taking Linc and Smith to Alabama, and Paul is with Shayla at the hospital.
“Riley,” I greet as I take my seat at my desk.
He has several monitors in front of him that display the area around my home and a few from the inside common areas of the Thorn’s house. I can see Hannah and Gail playing in the living room, as well as the men we’ve placed at the back and front of the each of our houses. It may be overkill, but who knows who Mathis has on his side.
“Morning, where’d you take off to so early?” I tell him about going to Judson’s. After I’m finished, he looks contemplative and then states, “I’ll do another scan of the area with infrared and see if anything comes up, but unless he’s made it out of steel or is actually there, I don’t think we’ll see anything. I can tweak a few settings to see if I can enhance it.”
“That would be great. We need to make sure our security plan is rock solid. I don’t want him slipping by like he’s already done,” I explain.
Tom jumps into our conversation. “My men arrived yesterday, so as far as covering our two houses inside and out, I think we’re set. Once the guys get back from Alabama, we should be covered at the hospital and school.”
“True, but I want my mom, brothers, and sister covered as well. I’m not risking anyone this time. I won’t lose another family member to him.”
“I have a few more people I can call,” Tom offers.
Riley taps away at the computer nodding his head, and then says, “Howard is going to come up. His girlfriend might be a big help as far as Shayla or your sister is concerned. She’d blend in a little easier than a six foot beast of a man.”
“How would she help? Is she trained?”
Riley snorts. “She’s like a ninja or something. She has beat both Jon and Paul at the same time. She even took down Smith and that dude is a brick house!”
“Is she in the service?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “Nope, she’s a nurse. So, I think she could do awesome at covering Shay.”
“That would be perfect. You think she’d give up her job to come here?”
“Yeah, she’s been talking about joining our security firm for a while now. She likes being a nurse, but told Howard she wants more action.”
“Check with them. If it’s do-able, then that would be great.”
“Will do. I think we have a pretty good team built here. We’ll catch this guy.”
“I agree, and once Marsh wraps up the Lyon case, he’ll be here to help. I think we should be safe. Plus, Mathis seems to be moving away from this area. I doubt he’s given up, but I think we’re fine for now.” At least I hope we are, I add to myself.
Chapter Twenty-Two
Judson
Another two weeks come and go, and I’m no closer to getting my daughter back than I was before. When I had talked to my attorney, Roger, after Grant’s death, he said my chances of getting Josie back, and soon, were really good. This was a kidnapping and as such, they should be able to get her back to me before the week was out, but no such luck. I knew it couldn’t be as easy as it sounded after I spoke with the social worker. She seemed to be very uninterested in helping me at all.
They still haven’t resolved the case against Lyon either, but Ryan said they are very close to convicting him on racketeering charges. It’s probably not enough, but at least he’ll be off the streets. The man who murdered my best friend was found dead last week. The police thought it was an organization cleanup, them attempting to cover their tracks. I’m not really sure how I feel about that. On one hand, I’m glad that the guy is dead, but on the other, I would have preferred he was arrested and served time for his crime. Death seems like the easy way out. As far as the Oak Grove Police Department is concerned, the case is solved. It’s up to the FBI now to seal the deal.
I pick up Laney’s sweater, which has fallen from the chair. I hold the soft garment just thinking about how much she’s come to mean to me. She really has been a godsend. I don’t know why she bothers with me. I’ve caused her nothing but stress. Stress is the last thing she needs right now, with everything that’s been going on with Ryan and Shayla. Laney told me about Mathis a long time ago, but apparently, his showing up this last time has Shayla so shaken up that she doesn’t seem herself anymore. Laney’s worried she’s pulling away like she did back when she was pregnant with Dylan. Unfortunately, Ryan hasn’t been able to locate Mathis and it’s causing everyone involved to be on edge.
Laney said one of the big things that is making Shayla so anxious is all the people around them constantly watching their every move. I can sympathize with her on that. Laney also has her own guard, which annoys her, but gives me some amount of peace with the whole thing. I wish there was something I could do to help them. They’ve done so much for me. Shayla really pushed for Ryan to be more involved with locating my daughter. She had been in the system and couldn’t stand the thought of Josie ending up like her. I don’t know what I could possibly do to make things better for them, but I would do anything they asked of me. I jump, startled out of my thoughts when the phone rings.
The caller ID flashes my attorney’s number. “Hello?”
“Mr. Hardenbergh, I have some excellent news for you.”
My heart starts to beat wildly in my chest. “What is it?”
“All your documentation has been authenticated and was approved by the judge presiding over the case. The foster parents have asked for a transition period of three weeks, the judge feels it’s not necessary, but has left the decision up to you.”
“When can I see her?”
“Today if you want and you can bring her home too. I’ve already submitted the proper paperwork, so all you need to do is check in with the social worker and sign a few forms.”
“What kind of forms?”
“They're standard forms, Mr. Hardenbergh.” He says calmly. “It’s just to state that you don’t hold the state accountable for any wrong doing and that your daughter is in good health.”
“Oh, okay,” I reply.
“Just say the word and I’ll arrange t
he meeting.”
“Today would be perfect. I only live about an hour from there.”
“I’ll call you back as soon as I have it set up. Congratulations, Mr. Hardenbergh.”
“Thank you,” I reply before hanging up.
I call Laney, hoping she’s able to answer, but she doesn’t. Instead, I receive a text telling me that she’ll call me in ten minutes. It’s the longest ten minutes of my life, but she squeals with excitement for me and offers to come home right away. I tell her to stay at school until I hear back from Roger, but promise to call her as soon as I do. I get myself busy, fixing things around the house. There’s really not a lot of stuff, but it’s enough to keep me busy for the couple of hours it takes for Roger to call me back. I hurry to answer the phone and end up dropping it twice before I’m able to finally answer it.
“Hello?”
“Judson?”
“Yes, it’s me, sorry.”
Roger chuckles. “No worries. I have a meeting set up for you at four at the Social Services Department. The foster parents are adamant that you give them the adjustment period, but I informed the worker that it wasn’t mandatory for you to do so and that if they were going to press the issue, I’d have a court order drawn up.”
I sigh and rub my temple. “What is best for her?” I ask, unsure what to do about this.
“In my experience, which is limited, mind you, the victims of kidnapping always want to return home as soon as possible. I don’t think she will be any different. The only issues is, was she too young to remember you? I was able to get confirmation from the worker that Josie has been in therapy since she arrived in the foster family’s care, which is good. She did say there are some issues and that Josie has said repeatedly that she does not want to be adopted. That’s the true reason for all the delays.”
“Can it be up to Josie? I mean, I know I’m the dad and I want her home, believe me, but can I leave it up to her?”
I hate that my daughter has had to go through this. I’d do anything to erase this time of her life. That I couldn’t have been there for her. What would our lives have looked like if I had been? Would I have become the town drunk? I doubt it.
“Sure, she’s nine,” Roger states, drawing me out of my thoughts. “I’d let her decide what she’s comfortable with.”
“Does she know?”
“No, they haven’t told her yet. The worker thought it was best to wait. She didn’t want to give her false hope.”
I snort. “They don’t think I’ll show up?”
“Exactly. This worker is pretty jaded, which happens a lot to people who work in the system, but it’s not up to her now. This is your ballgame, Judson. I’ll tell her you’ll be there and if anything at all happens that you aren’t comfortable with. You call me and I’ll fly down.”
“Thanks, I’m sure it’ll be fine though. Thank you again for all your help on this.”
“Anytime, I’m glad you’re getting your little girl back.”
We say our goodbyes and as soon as the call ends, I can’t help but break down in tears. My baby is coming home! My heart feels as if it’s about to explode. I need her in my life so much right now. A phantom piece of me that I thought would be gone forever is now on the horizon. I can’t wait any longer to hold her in my arms.
“Jud? Oh my God, baby. Please tell me these are happy tears?” I can’t speak, I just wrap my arms around Laney and pull her to me tightly. “Jud, please say something.”
I stutter a breath and whisper. “She’s coming home.”
“Really?” I nod into her shoulder. She squeezes me tighter and starts to laugh. I join her. I pull back with a happy smile on my face, as she kisses away my tears. “When can we get her?”
“At four. Why are you home early?”
“It’s Friday, I only worked half a day. It’s a teacher work day.”
“Right. I forgot about that. Well, the timing couldn't be any better. Will you come with me?”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I need you there.”
“Then I’m there,” she replies with a warm smile. “Do I have enough time to change?”
“Yeah, I need to as well.”
Within twenty minutes, we’re on the road. We’re leaving about two hours before our appointment so we have plenty of time to get there. I don’t want any excuses for being late. We end up pulling into the parking lot of the Social Services Department forty-five minutes before our appointment. I shut off the engine and blow out a breath as I stare at the building.
“Are you okay?” Laney asks, touching my hand.
“Yes. Nervous. What if she wants to stay with them? Do I let her? I mean, I want her home more than anything, but she’s been with them for a long time. Is it right to take her away from the parents she’s had for almost four years?”
“Was it right to take her from the parents she knew for five years?” she counters.
I let out a disconcerting sigh as I grab the stuffed bunny I’d found when I first went to the cabin after the fire. It holds so many memories for me. She may not even remember it, but I gave it to her years ago. I never thought I’d have the opportunity to put it into her little hands again, but now I do, and I won’t let another moment pass me by; pass us by.
“I know it’s not exactly the same, but Judson, she’s your daughter. You did nothing to deserve this. She needs you and you need her,” she squeezes my hand for emphasis.
I nod my head, but say nothing. My head is swirling with thoughts and feelings I can’t adequately explain. In my heart, I know that Laney is right. That it wasn’t my fault. But I’m still tortured with the idea that she was alive all this time and I wasn’t around to protect her. I feel Laney squeeze my hand again, which causes me to look at her.
“Let’s go get your daughter.”
My heart constricts, but I nod as I open the car door. We make our way into the building and give our name to the receptionist before heading to the waiting area. It feels like an eternity, but finally about fifteen minutes later a woman with long black hair comes to the door and calls my name. I stand, holding Laney’s hand tightly, as we make our way to her.
“I’m Stephanie, come on back.”
She holds the door open for us, then we follow her down the hall and turn left into a room that resembles a small living room. There are comfortable looking couches and a television in the corner. A bookcase with several board games to the right and another bookcase with books for all different age levels.
“We can talk in here for a moment.”
Laney and I enter, and sit together on the couch while the worker takes a seat on the chair across from us. I would be lying if I said I was okay at the moment, because I’m not. I breathe in deeply, trying to steady my racing heart. Laney smiles up at me and it’s just the reassurance I need to settle down.
“I just got a call from the family and they’re on their way over here. Josie doesn’t know why she’s coming here, as they didn’t tell her about you, but it’s not a complete surprise for her to come here. Her therapy sessions are in this building and they stop by to see me on occasions when I’m here and free.”
There’s a long awkward pause. “Why wouldn’t they tell her? Were they so sure I wouldn’t show up?”
She shrugs her shoulders and shifts her legs. “I think they were sort of hoping you wouldn’t.”
“I don’t know what to say to that other than she’s my daughter, not theirs.” The statement comes out harsher than I had intended.
“You don’t have to justify anything to me. I can’t imagine believing my child was dead only to find out years later she was alive and in the process of being adopted by another family.” She leans forward slightly in the chair, entwining her fingers together. “The best thing I can tell you to do, Mr. Hardenbergh, is to listen to your daughter. Follow her lead on this.”
I nod my head. “I just want her happy.”
“She’s a very sweet little girl.” Stephanie leans back and s
tands before heading for the door. “The foster parents have asked to meet you first, but it’s your call.”
I shake my head. “I don’t mean this to be rude and I know they mean well, but I just want to see Josie. Will they tell her I’m here before she comes in?”
“Honestly, I don’t think they will. I think they feel like if she doesn't remember you that it means she shouldn’t stay with you.” I frown at that thought as Stephanie continues talking. “This mirror is a two way. I’m required to watch. Would you mind if they do as well?”
“Watch away,” I say lamely.
I figure that if she does remember me and has a good reaction to seeing me then maybe it’ll ease their minds. I know they’ll be suffering. They’re losing a child today. I’d never wish that on anyone. I hate that I’ll be doing to them what was done to me, but at least they know she’ll be safe. That’s a luxury I didn’t have. About five minutes later, the door opens and Stephanie comes in with Josie. She looks exactly like I remember her, but yet so different as well. She’s so grown up now.
“Josie, you have a couple of visitors. This is Laney and Judson. Can you say hello?”
Josie stares at Laney for a few moments, then looks up at me, then back to Laney, then back to me. You can tell she’s a little confused, but there is recognition there. Her little face scrunches in confusion as she tries to understand what’s happening.
“Daddy?”
I kneel down to her level. “Hey, baby.”
I hold my arms open to her, bunny still in hand, and she runs into my chest, sobbing. I hold her to me tightly, shedding my own tears. I can’t believe I’m actually holding my little girl again. The hole in my chest, the one that ached for her has vanished completely. I can barely breathe as I hold her tight enough to make up for all the times I wasn’t there.
“I missed you so much.” My voice comes out unsteady. “I love you, Josie. Oh, God, I love you so much.”
She pulls back from me and puts her small hands on either side of my face, feeling the texture of my beard. “You’re not a ghost?”
“No, baby. I’m real. It’s me.”
Penance (Oak Grove Suspense Book 2) Page 25