“No one is charging you with anything right now, Lexi. We do have to bring you in for formal questioning.” Ace’s voice softened. “We saw the surveillance video. You were at Bill’s Best Burgers with Anna an hour and a half after she disappeared. There’s no denying that.”
Lexi sank against the wall with a sob. “Why is this happening? That is not possible. I wasn’t there that day. I had a peanut butter sandwich at home for lunch.” She buried her face in her hands. “I don’t care what the surveillance camera supposedly shows. I wasn’t there.”
“Mrs. Yates, I don’t know what kind of game you are playing, but you’re not fooling anyone.” Sheriff Dawson’s voice was thick with reproach. “Do you really think the entire town of Gator Bayou is suddenly out to get you? Why on earth would these people lie about you? What possible connection could Bill’s Best Burgers have with Lil’ Gators Daycare fifteen miles away? Do you really think the two businesses came up with this elaborate plot to nail you?” He shoved his hand through his graying hair. “Ma’am, it just doesn’t make any sense. If you’re covering up some kind of accident, then you need to stop wasting our time and just tell the truth. Where is Anna?”
“I don’t know.” Her soft whisper was nearly drowned out by the sound of an engine pulling into the circle drive outside. “I just don’t know.”
Ace pulled back the drape and frowned.
A dark green truck with yellow lettering reading Gator Bayou Hardware Store sat parked in the drive. An elderly man wearing overalls reached into the bed of the truck and pulled out a box, then started toward the house.
Ace shook his head. Now what? He flung open the front door and stepped outside. “Can I help you?”
The man started at the gruffness in Ace’s voice, then offered a tentative grin. “I have a delivery for Lexi. Is she home?”
Ace eyed the man suspiciously for a moment. “What kind of delivery?” Sheriff Dawson might have tried and convicted Lexi, but Ace learned a long time ago sometimes things weren’t as they seemed. If Lexi really wasn’t guilty as she claimed, then the real perp was still out there. The lack of a ransom demand left one of two possibilities. Either the kidnapper who took Anna was a pedophile, or else the reason for the kidnapping was personal, which meant Lexi might be the next target. Either way, it didn’t look good.
A delivered package was always a red flag in any crime situation. Could be a bomb. Anthrax. Or any number of potentially deadly devices. One could never be too careful.
“Wallpaper border.”
“Set the package down over there.” Ace pointed to an oak tree a few feet from the house.
“Over there?” The man puzzled. “But–”
“Yep. Under the tree.” Ace pulled out his badge and flashed it to the man. “FBI. We're in the middle of an investigation. No packages are to be delivered or opened without proper evaluation first.”
The man’s eyes widened. “I see. Well, I can open the package for you. I packed it myself so I know it’s safe.”
Ace hesitated, then shook his head. “No. I have to check it first.” Ace’s loafers tapped down the steps as he made his way to his SUV. He pulled out a handheld explosives detector and walked carefully toward the man holding the box. Chances were it really did contain wallpaper border and if the delivery guy were willing to open it, then it should be safe enough, but he wasn’t about to take any chances.
Ace turned the device on and scanned the box. No alarming beeps. He heaved a sigh. Thank goodness. But powder residue wouldn’t be detected by the machine.
“You can open the box now.” Ace took a few steps back and held his breath.
The man carefully pulled back the packing tape and opened the lid. He reached in and pulled out the sealed package of wall border and held it up for Ace’s inspection. Nothing. No white powder. No other devices. Looked like the box was clear. “Okay. Bring it in.”
Thank you, Lord. No problems. A simple delivery of wall border. Although he was thankful the package was clear, a part of him had hoped there had been some kind of threat. Anything to indicate someone other than Lexi was involved in Anna’s disappearance. Unfortunately, all the evidence still pointed to the little girl’s mother.
Lexi managed a small smile when the man stepped inside the foyer with the wall border. “James, I’m so sorry. I completely forgot to come by and pick up my order. There’s been so much going on, it just slipped my mind. But you didn’t have to bring it all the way out here. That’s way too much trouble.”
“I didn’t mind, Lexi. I know you’re dealing with a lot right now. I wanted to come by anyway and offer my help. If there is anything I can do, please let me know. My wife and I are praying for you and for Anna’s safe return. I know she’ll love her new room when…” James floundered for a moment, embarrassment coloring his features. Then finished without much conviction, “When she comes home.”
“Thank you.”
James reached into his pocket. “You left this at the store when we ordered the rest of your wall border. Bertha found it on her register.” He handed her a credit card. “I planned to call you and let you know we had your card, but after hearing about Anna on the news that evening, it slipped my mind. I apologize and hope it didn’t cause you an inconvenience.”
“No. Thank you, James. I didn’t even realize it was missing.” Lexi took the card and tucked into her jean pocket. “I haven’t been too many places since Anna disappeared, so I really didn’t need it.”
“You ordered the wall border the same day Anna disappeared?” Something clicked in the back of Ace’s mind.
“Well, yes. I came home and started working on the room, then I realized that I didn’t have enough of the border so I went back to the store to get some more, but they were out of the one I needed, so I had to order it. Bertha assured me it would be in the next day. I didn’t think Anna would really notice a bit of missing border.” Lexi bit her lip. “I figured she’d be so excited about her new bed that she’d never even realize it.”
“Who is Bertha?”
“My wife.” James interjected. “She runs the store most days while I’m out delivering or consulting on home projects.”
Ace turned to Lexi. “What time did you go to the store?”
Lexi knitted her brow. “Um … I’m not sure. Probably around three or four.”
“Here.” James reached into the box and pulled out the invoice. “The time of the order should be on there. It’s all computerized, so as soon as we placed the order it should have logged it for the invoice.”
Ace opened the folded paper and scanned the page. His heart galloped. The order went through at 3:46 the day Anna disappeared. There was absolutely no way Lexi could have been fifteen minutes south of Gator Bayou at Bill’s Best Burgers at 3:33 and made it back to the hardware store to order wall border by the time on the invoice. Not to mention she’d have had to dispose of Anna somewhere along the way between the two destinations.
A tingle of excitement fluttered through him. There was a chance Lexi was indeed innocent. He wasn’t quite sure why that should matter so much to him, but it did.
Ace arched an eyebrow at James. “You’re sure it was Lexi who placed the order for the wall border and not someone else who did it for her?”
The older man sputtered. “Well, now I wasn’t there, but I’m pretty sure Bertha said it was Lexi who came in the store to place the order. I don’t have a surveillance camera, but my wife wouldn’t lie.” James set his jaw. “She’s a fine Christian woman. One of the pillars of the Faith Community Church. She wouldn’t lie.”
Ace nodded. “I’m sure she is. We’ll have to talk to her, of course.” Then he turned to Sheriff Dawson. “Looks like we have a problem. Lexi couldn’t have been two places at once. If Bertha confirms James’ story and we can match the signature on the credit card order, then that means Anna’s abductor is still on the loose.” The implication that Sheriff Dawson had jumped to conclusions – possibly the wrong conclusions – hung in the air.
Sheriff Dawson paled. “But … then … why was Lexi on the surveillance video at Bill’s Best Burgers? You saw the video. She had Anna with her.”
He had seen it. But, unlike Sheriff Dawson, he hadn’t been one hundred percent positive it was Lexi on the clip. Yes, it had looked like Lexi, but something about the video didn’t feel right. “I don’t have an answer for that.”
“Do you think someone tampered with the time stamp? And if so, then why? What could they possibly have to gain?”
Ace shoved his hand through his hair. “I don’t know. All I do know is there is one frightened little girl out there somewhere and she’s depending on us to bring her home safely.” Ace gave Sheriff Dawson a pointed look. “I don’t plan to let her down. Do you?”
Sheriff Dawson shook his head. “Of course not. If there is a chance this little girl is still alive somewhere, then, of course, we must find her.”
Lexi’s voice trembled. “Then you think she might still be alive. That you might really bring her home?”
Ace reached for Lexi’s hand and gave it a hard squeeze. Time was running short, and so far no one had come forward with a ransom note. In all honesty the situation was grim at best, but there was one factor not to be overlooked. “I told you. Never give up hope. Remember, even in our bleakest hour, God is still in control.”
Lexi bit her lip, then nodded. “I suppose He is.”
Ace turned to James. “Is Bertha at the store now?”
“Yes. She’ll be there until six. I’ll give her a ring to let her know you’re coming.” James fished inside his pocket for his cell phone.
“Good. We’re on the way.” Ace offered Lexi an encouraging smile. “Hang in there. We are going to do our level best to find your baby and bring her home, but it wouldn’t hurt to pray about it either. God is always there to listen.”
Surprise flickered across her features before Lexi muttered a not quite convincing, “I will.” A beat, then, “Are you still going to take me in for questioning?”
Ace glanced at Sheriff Dawson who for once had the decency to look contrite. Then he gave Lexi’s hand one more squeeze. “Not right now. We’ll hold off on that and see how this lead pans out.” Reluctantly, he let go of her hand and headed toward the front door. Pausing in the doorway, he added, “You do realize you can’t leave town right now, don’t you? You’re still considered a person of interest.”
“I’m not a flight risk if that’s what you mean.” Lexi jutted out her chin. “I’m not going anywhere until I find Anna.”
“Good.” Ace followed Sheriff Dawson out the door. He hadn’t really thought she would try to leave, but as a professional he followed protocol to a “T.” And protocol called for informing the suspect she wasn’t allowed to leave town.
CHAPTER SIX
Lexi waited until Ace and Sheriff Dawson left before heading to the lanai. She peeked into the den where the other CARD agent sat monitoring data and manning the phones in case a ransom call came in.
No one seemed to need her at the moment, so she slipped past the den and pushed open the glass French doors leading to the small patio on the side of her house.
Deputy Owens stood by the rail, his gaze focused on the thicket of woods near her house.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t realize anyone was out here.” Lexi turned to leave.
“I was just going back inside myself. It’s all yours.” Deputy Owens gestured toward the patio as he moved to brush past her. He stopped and looked at her.” Lexi started at the obvious disdain in his eyes.
Super. Another law enforcement officer sure she was guilty of something.
Deputy Owens softly whispered, “I wouldn’t wander off by myself if I were you. We wouldn’t want another kidnapping on our hands. Or worse. Like a homicide.”
Lexi shivered as he went back inside. The deputy’s warning seemed almost like a veiled threat.
Lexi gave herself a mental shake. Get it together, girl. You’re starting to fall apart. It was a legitimate concern. Not a threat.
Lexi settled into the cushions of the chaise lounge, reclined and listened to the afternoon serenade of Grey Kingbirds chirping in the distance as the late afternoon sun beamed through the live oaks lining the edge of her yard.
She needed a few minutes alone to regroup. The events from the past few days were catching up with her and exhaustion had started to set in. Sleeping at night proved impossible, but a few minutes of peace and quiet in the lounger might recharge her system. Just a few minutes to give her body time to unwind and her mind time to focus on the facts. Maybe then she would remember something – anything – that might shed some light on why Anna was missing and who could have possibly taken her.
It wouldn’t hurt to pray about it either.
Ace’s words tumbled through her mind. Lexi swallowed hard. No. It wouldn’t. Except she’d drifted away from God and she hadn’t really prayed in almost three years. Not since Carl’s death. So why should she expect Him to listen to her now? Why should He?
Still, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a try, would it?
Lexi closed her eyes. God, I know it has been a while, and you probably can’t even hear me anymore, but if you are still listening, I really need you right now. Please help us find Anna. Show me what I need to do to bring my baby home. I don’t know where she is and we are running out of time.
There was no answering voice booming from the sky. No messenger angel suddenly appearing at her side. No physical evidence whatsoever letting her know God had even heard her plea, but for the first time in years Lexi felt peace wrap around her like a warm blanket. It gave her a tiny sliver of hope, which she held on to with all her might as her body gave in to sheer exhaustion.
* * *
The flames stretched high inside the small bedroom, snuffing out any trace of oxygen as the little girl’s blood-curdling screams pierced the air. Lexi choked back a sob and felt her way across the floor, crawling on her hands and knees. The heat so intense, she could feel her skin singeing beneath the onslaught of the fire. She dragged in a breath, struggling to find even a minute trace of oxygen. Her lungs felt as if they were going to burst, but she pressed on. She ignored the pain and the stench of burning flesh and reached for the little girl in the crib. Her fingertips touched the child’s soft upper arms. Lexi groped through the black smoke to get a better hold so she could pull the child to safety. She couldn’t seem to grasp her.
Help me! Somebody help me!
Boom! The room exploded into a fiery furnace knocking Lexi back against a wall. The little girl slipped from her fingers and disappeared into a veil of orange flames and black smoke as sirens wailed in the distance. Lexi struggled to stay awake. She was suddenly so sleepy. She tried to reach for the child again, but her body wouldn’t function. She couldn’t move her arms and legs.
Within seconds the child’s screams faded into sobs before turning deathly silent.
Suddenly, hands lifted Lexi into the air and carried her from the burning building. Lexi tried to struggle free. She had to save the little girl, but everything was so fuzzy. She couldn’t even form a sentence.
The firemen laid her on the cold, wet ground outside while hushed soothing voices tried to calm her. Lexi fought to sit up. The hands gently pushed her back down.
“Shh … It’s okay. You’re going to be alright,” a soft voice murmured beside her. “Help is on the way. Stay with us.”
Lexi tried to tell them about the little girl, but her voice wouldn’t work. She’d inhaled too much smoke and no words would come out, only muted grunts. Then everything turned dark. She could feel the inky blackness seeping into her brain.
As the darkness closed in, she heard someone say, “It doesn’t look good. The little girl might not make it.”
No! No! Help her! Do something!
* * *
“Lexi. Lexi, wake up.” Someone was shaking her. Lexi blinked as worried brown eyes came into view. “Mom?”
“It’s okay, hon. You were
moaning in your sleep.” Victoria, leaning over the chaise lounge, patted her daughter’s hand. “You must have dozed off. I would have let you sleep – Lord knows you certainly need it – but, you were moaning so, it worried me.”
Lexi sat up and stifled a yawn. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep.”
“Hon, don’t apologize. You need to rest.” Victoria sat down on the edge of the lounger. “You were having that dream again, weren’t you?”
Lexi nodded. “I haven’t had it in months, but when I do it’s almost always the same. I’m in a burning building and can’t get out until someone rescues me. This time I think it was Anna in the fire too and I couldn’t save her. You don’t think it means anything do you? Like I might not be able to save my baby, after all?” Her voice caught on the last sentence.
Victoria shifted uncomfortably. “I’m sure it was triggered by stress, hon. It doesn’t mean a thing.”
“I don’t understand why I keep having this nightmare.” Lexi shook her head. “I’ve had it all my life. Even when I was little. I remember waking up screaming for you or Dad on so many nights.”
“Kids have nightmares. It’s not unheard of.”
“The same one over and over again? There must be a reason.”
Something flickered in Victoria’s eyes, then it was gone. “It’s just a nightmare, Lexi. Some people dream of tornados or monsters or even falling. You dream of fires. I wouldn’t put much stock into it.”
“I suppose.” Lexi shrugged. “Maybe it’s just my pyrophobia manifesting itself in my dreams. Gives me the heebie jeebies though.”
“Everyone is afraid of something. It’s nothing to worry about.”
“Mom? What are you afraid of?”
Victoria hesitated a moment, then patted Lexi on the knee. “Losing you and losing Anna.”
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