Beyond the Cabin

by Dana Ridenour

  Don looked around to make sure he hadn’t left anyone out.

  “You have your boat assignment for transport to and from the island. Let’s not leave anyone on the island, so do a head count now and before you leave the island. The vessel you ride over on is your transportation home. Thank you again for your assistance in the matter. Be safe. Let’s get this done.”

  Zach introduced Lexie to Al Jordan, the Evidence Response Team Leader. Zach had previously briefed Al on Lexie’s condition, so he knew she wasn’t a worker bee. The eight person ERT consisted of both FBI agents and support personnel. The team boarded the civilian tourism ship that ERT rented for the day.

  “Permission to come aboard, Captain?” Lexie said.

  Captain Rod smiled.

  “Permission granted.”

  She approached the captain and shook his hand.

  “I’m Lexie.”

  “Hi, Lexie. I’m Captain Rod.”

  Captain Rod nodded toward the seat next to the captain’s chair.

  “Have a seat.”

  “Thanks. How weird of a day is this for you?”

  “I’ve been offered some odd charter boat opportunities over the years, but this is the craziest.”

  After the boats were loaded and a final head count taken, the convoy of marine vessels of all shapes and sizes proceeded to the island. The tourism boat with the ERT assumed its position in the rear. Since Captain Rod was a civilian, he was to remain a safe distance from the island until it was cleared of any possible inhabitants. He would also have a police officer stay with him on the boat to ensure his safety.

  ***

  Lexie watched the FBI SWAT team disembark from the boat in a quick and efficient manner. SWAT disappeared into the tree line as the next boat landed and the Sheriff’s Office deputies quickly filed off their boat and followed SWAT. One by one, each boat unloaded until only Lexie and ERT remained.

  Lexie listened to the police radio. She knew it would take the team some time to trudge the half mile stretch to the cabin. The ERT leader doled out the equipment and assigned the younger, stronger personnel to carry the larger pieces of equipment. Most of the large, sturdy, plastic boxes had wheels, but unfortunately, the wheels would be of little benefit on the rough terrain.

  While awaiting the all clear from SWAT, a young deputy sheriff approached Lexie.

  “You’re the agent who was taken hostage, right?”

  Lexie nodded.

  “Oh, I’m sorry. I’m Randy,” he said, extending his hand. “Randy Peyton.”

  “Hi, Randy, I’m Lexie Montgomery.

  Lexie shook Randy’s hand.

  “Unfortunately, you’re correct. How could you tell?”

  “It wasn’t a stretch. You look like you’ve been through hell and back. No offense.”

  Lexie reached up and touched her still bandaged head.

  “The bandage gave it away, didn’t it?”

  “That was it.”

  “So, who’d you piss off to get babysitting duty?” she asked.

  Randy laughed.

  “I’m recovering from a knee injury. Healthy enough to stand guard, but not healthy enough to traipse through the woods on uneven terrain.”

  Although smaller in stature, there was no doubt that Randy was in excellent condition.

  “So, you got stuck with boat security.”

  “Yep. But I don’t mind. Any day out of the office is a good day.”

  “I have to agree with you there.”

  “Are you okay? That’s a pretty impressive bandage on your head.”

  “I have a head full of stitches and a cracked rib. Not feeling too chipper. But I’ll be fine.”

  “Take it easy today. Don’t over extend yourself.”

  “I’m along for consultation only. I won’t be doing any heavy lifting, that’s for sure.”

  “How long have you been an FBI agent?”

  “Eight years. How long have you been on the job?”

  “I worked for the city police for three years before I got on with the Sheriff’s Office. Been with the SO for six years.”

  “How do you like the SO?”

  “It’s a great job. I love going to work.”

  “Not many people can say those words.”

  “I know. I’m extremely blessed. What about you? Do you like being an FBI agent?”

  “It has its good days and bad days. Most days I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Others,” she said, pointing to her bandaged head, “I could definitely do without.”

  “How did you end up out here?”

  Before Lexie could answer, she heard the ALL CLEAR announcement on the radio.

  “Looks like we’re in business,” Lexie said.

  “Guess so.”

  “Hey Randy, do you happen to know anyone in the medical examiner’s office?”

  “Yeah. The ME and I do CrossFit together. Why?”

  “There was a body pulled from Winyah Bay yesterday.”

  “Yeah. I saw it on the news.”

  “Could you find out if the body has been identified yet? I have a friend who’s missing. He’s loosely connected with this investigation and I’m worried about him.”

  Randy’s eyes widened.

  “And you think he might be the body recovered?”

  “God, I hope not, but I’m scared. He hasn’t shown up for work in two days and he’s not answering his cell.”

  “I’ll work on it while you’re on the island.”

  “Thanks. I really appreciate it.”

  Captain Rod pulled the tour boat up to the island. Randy helped him lower a walkway to allow passengers to disembark. The ERT members filed off in single file, each carrying a load of equipment. Lexie fell in behind the team leader and took up the rear position. Before entering the woods, she turned and gave a wave to Captain Rod and Randy.

  “Good luck,” Captain Rod yelled.

  The trudge to the cabin seemed much farther than a half mile. Lexie stumbled over tree roots and other hidden obstacles. Each time she stumbled, her ribs gave her a wakeup call. Her ankle throbbed as she plodded forward. Memories of her escape flashed in her mind. The sounds and smells triggered emotions, causing her heart to race. She used the bottom of her t-shirt to wipe the sweat from her eyes.

  “You doing okay back there?” the team leader yelled.

  “I’m surviving.”

  ERT leader Al Jordan stopped and turned to check on Lexie.

  “Let me know if you need to slow down a bit. I can send the team on ahead and wait with you. They don’t need me to get started.”

  “I’m okay. Thanks.”

  Al turned and they tromped on. When the group reached the clearing at the cabin, Lexie, drenched in sweat, sat down on a fallen tree.

  “You sure you’re all right?” Al whispered in her ear.

  “Peachy.”

  “Stay here and rest. I’ll come to you if we have questions.”

  Knowing that the ERT leader conducts a walk-through of the crime scene prior to the commencement of a search, Lexie grabbed Al by the arm before he could walk away.

  “I’ll do the initial walk through with you, then I’ll sit and rest.”

  Al nodded and helped Lexie get up. She winced but proceeded to the cabin.

  SWAT formed a perimeter to secure the area. Al removed all personnel from the cabin to allow the photographer to take entry photographs of the entire cabin and surrounding area. The SAC didn’t relish being told he would need to wait outside until after the initial walk-through, but reluctantly he joined the rest of the search personnel who waited outside the cabin. Don, being the case agent, was allowed on the walk-through.

  “You guys ready?” Al asked Lexie and Don.

  Both nodded.

  The three entered the small cabin. When the smell of sweat and stale beer invaded Lexie’s nose, her stomach seized. She forced the bile in her throat back down. It was apparent that an effort had been made to clean up the cabin. There were no longer pieces of
her cellphone on the table and the ropes that bound her during her captivity were missing. Blood smears on the wall and the floor remained as a gruesome reminder of what occurred.

  Lexie’s eyes watered and the room started to spin.

  You’re okay. Breathe, she thought.

  Don and Al were talking, but Lexie couldn’t comprehend their words.

  “Lexie. Lexie, are you all right?” Don asked.

  Lexie flinched when Don tried to put his arm around her.

  “You’re okay,” he said. Don lightly touched her and guided her over to the rickety wooden chair. “Sit.”

  Lexie obeyed. She tried to lean forward to put her elbows on her knees, but her cracked rib wouldn’t allow it. She drew a deep, shuddering breath.

  Al kneeled in front of Lexie so she could see him. He placed his hands on her knees.

  “Lexie, you’re safe. Take as long as you need. We’re in no hurry.”

  Al had the soft comforting voice of a father. While on his knees, Al removed his backpack and unzipped the front compartment. He pulled out a bottle of water, opened it, and handed it to Lexie.

  “Take a sip. It’ll make you feel better.”

  Lexie took a sip of water. It wasn’t cold, but the wetness relieved her thirst.

  “Thank you.”

  Al patted Lexie’s knee.

  “Drink some more.”

  “I’m fine. It was a … I don’t know … a … ”

  “A shock,” Al said.

  Lexie nodded.

  “Is that your blood on the wall over there?” Al asked as he nodded toward the wall.

  Lexie nodded again.

  “The blood on the floor over there,” Lexie said, pointing, “is Otis Ray’s blood. That’s where I hit him with the hammer. If you find the hammer, his blood will be on it as well. The cigarette butts will have Otis Ray’s DNA on them.”

  “That’s helpful. Thank you. Lexie, I need to ask you a difficult question. I’m sorry to put you through this again, but you understand the need for evidence collection. Were you … ” Al took a deep breath. “Were you sexually assaulted?”

  Lexie shook her head.

  “He tried, but that’s when I escaped. It didn’t get that far.”

  “I know these questions are difficult, but they are important. Did he ejaculate anywhere in the cabin?”

  “No. Not in front of me anyway.”

  “Is there a bathroom in here?”

  “No bathroom. There’s an outhouse out back.”

  “I think I’ve seen enough in here,” Al said. “We can go whenever you’re ready.”

  Lexie struggled to her feet.

  “I’m ready.”

  Al walked Lexie back over to the fallen tree.

  “You rest. I’ll be back soon.”

  Lexie watched as the ERT went into search mode. The skilled team members worked in unison. Everyone on the team pulled their weight and the operation looked effortless. Team members emerged from their different areas of responsibility carrying bags of evidence. Everything from aluminum beer cans to cigarette butts was collected.

  Don walked over and sat down next to Lexie.

  “How’re you feeling?”

  “Better. Thank you.”

  “Good. We’re getting close to finishing up here. I’ll have someone walk you back to the boat in a few minutes. Give you a little bit of a head start so you can take your time.”

  Don’s radio sounded. Lexie recognized the SWAT commander’s voice calling for Don.

  “Go ahead, Commander.”

  The radio squelched, then the commander’s voice answered back.

  “We found a sunken boat. It fits the description of the one in the Ops Plan.”

  “What’s your location?”

  Don made some notes as the commander gave him the latitude and longitude for the boat location.

  “I’ll bring a couple ERT members and be there ASAP.”

  “10-4.”

  “A case agent’s work is never done,” Lexie said.

  Forgetting about Lexie’s escort, Don left, leaving her alone on the log.

  ***

  Lexie gave herself a half hour head start on the ERT. Worried she might need assistance, Al assigned a team member to accompany her to the boat. The return trip was no easier. Lexie’s spirits lifted when she spied Captain Rod’s tour boat. Rod and Randy were drinking colas and shooting the breeze.

  Randy saw Lexie struggling to make her way back to the boat. He quickly hopped off the boat and came to offer assistance.

  “Let me help you with that,” he said to the ERT member carrying two black plastic cases.

  “Thanks,” he said graciously, handing over one of the cases.

  “You look awful,” Randy said to Lexie.

  “Not as bad as I feel.”

  Randy stowed the case, then fished out a cold bottle of water from the cooler. Lexie reclaimed her original seat next to the captain. She had her right leg stretched out on the bench seat to help with her swollen ankle.

  “Drink this,” he said, offering Lexie the bottle.

  “Thanks.”

  She opened it and took a long swig.

  “The rest of the team should be along shortly.”

  Lexie dug through her backpack and pulled out a prescription bottle of painkillers. She washed two down with the cold water.

  “How did the search go?” Randy asked.

  “It seemed to go well. ERT collected a ton of evidence. I hope it all fits on the boat.”

  Lexie took another drink of her water.

  “Did you hear anything from the medical examiner?”

  “I did. Dr. Bernard said that the young man still hasn’t been identified. They ran his fingerprints, but he wasn’t in the system.”

  “Which means he’s never been arrested.”

  “He’s performing the autopsy this afternoon, so he should have a cause of death.”

  “Do you think he would send you a photograph of the victim?”

  “I’m one step ahead of you.”

  “So, you have a photo of the victim?”

  “I do. I promised Dr. Bernard that the photo was strictly for identification purposes and that I would delete the photo after I showed it to you. Are you ready to see it?”

  Lexie took a deep breath.

  “I’m scared.”

  “I can imagine.”

  “What if it’s him?”

  “Then I’ll let Dr. Bernard know so he can work on notifying the family.”

  “No matter what happens, thank you for helping me.”

  “Of course. Let me know when you’re ready.”

  “I’m ready.”

  Randy pulled up the photo on his phone and handed it to Lexie. She took her time examining the photograph. The young man’s skin was an eerie shade of gray. He didn’t look like her Logan, but Lexie knew that the person lying on the gurney, the person void of life, was in fact, Logan.

  “No. No. No. No. No.”

  Randy caught the phone before it slipped from Lexie’s hands. He put his arm around her and she buried her face in his shoulder.

  “I’m so sorry, Lexie. Are you sure it’s him?”

  Tears streamed down Lexie’s face. She nodded. Then cleared her throat.

  “Yes. I’m sure,” her voice cracked. “His name is Logan Burkhart.”

  29

  Lexie sat in the bathtub, carefully washing the parts of her that weren’t full of stitches. The water turned a rusty color from the dirt, sweat, and grime that covered from her body. The search warrant had taken a lot out her, both physically and mentally.

  She pulled her knees to her chest, rested her forehead on her knees, and sobbed.

  How can Logan be dead?

  She heard Captain Meade’s voice in her head. Do you love him?

  “I didn’t have time to find out if I loved him,” Lexie muttered.

  Lexie’s body shook as she struggled to catch her breath between sobs. She lost track of how long she
soaked and sobbed in the tub. The skin on her fingers had shriveled and the water temperature cooled.

  As Lexie dried off, she peered in the mirror. The old and haggard person who looked back at her had cuts, scrapes, and bruises covering her face and body. Her sunken eyes were surrounded by deep, dark circles: the result of both bruising and lack of sleep.

  She put on her pajamas, hobbled to the kitchen, and poured herself a glass of white wine. She drank the first glass quickly and poured herself a second glass.

  Maybe if I go to bed drunk, the nightmares will stay away.

  Lexie carried her second glass to the bedroom, found her phone, and dialed Captain Meade’s number. She burst into tears when she heard the captain’s voice.

  “Logan is dead, Captain.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I’m sorry. I’ll be right over.”

  “No need for that. I’ll be okay. I just needed to hear a friendly voice.”

  “I wish there was something that I could do.”

  Lexie took a gulp of her wine.

  “It’s all my fault. He’s dead because of me.”

  “You don’t know that for sure.”

  “You’re trying to make me feel better, but we both know it’s my fault. You know the weird part, I knew he was dead. As soon as I saw the news story on TV. Somehow, I felt that he was … I don’t know … gone from my life.”

  “You had a connection to him.”

  “But we hadn’t known each other that long.”

  “Length of time don’t matter none. Look how long you and I’ve known each other. Friendship comes in all different forms. If you’re lucky, there’ll be a few people in life that you’ll make a connection with, and that connection will last a lifetime. I don’t know why, it just happens.”

  “Logan and I didn’t have a lifetime.”

  “I know, hon. I know.”

  “It hurts, Captain. It hurts so bad. I’m not sure that I can take this pain.”

  “Grief is a powerful emotion, but you’re strong. In fact, you’re one of the strongest people I know. Every day will get a little easier.”

  “I hope you’re right.”

  “I am. Trust me. I’ll be here to help you with the hard days. You sure you don’t need me to come over for a spell?”