by Morris, T M
“Get—off—of—me--you—fool,” she gasped.
“Ya ain’t gonna try anythin’ else stupid are ya?” He asked pressing his chest harder against her back for emphasis.
“No, I guess I won’t.” She muttered. “Get off!” She felt his immense weight lift. Lucy gulped for air.
She rolled over and climbed to her feet. She couldn’t believe what she saw when she looked down. She wailed, “My dress! You got mud all over it!”
“Don’t make any difference to me. As far as I’m concerned, ya ain’t married. Ya ain’t never gonna marry anybody but me.” Melvin growled. He threw her over his shoulder and carried her toward the house.
“You are insane, Mel, if you think I’m going to marry you. You can’t go around using caveman tactics! You have just kidnapped another man’s wife! How can I make this any clearer to you?” Lucy screamed at him while beating him on the back. He set her down and without a word he pushed her up the front steps and through the front door and on into the kitchen. He shoved her onto a chair.
“Ya ain’t no man’s bride Lucy, but mine.” Mel’s voice was icy cold, warning her. She needed to find another argument in this debate for her freedom. She refused to believe she would never see her husband again. She stubbornly choked back tears of frustration. She wasn’t going to cry. She’d figure another way to escape before Melvin removed her to the mountains.
Lucy could hear Sydney and Melvin having another heated argument in the living room. Her brain registered the argument was whether or not to tie her up. Anger and frustration with the whole situation boiled over within her. She heard her own voice yelling. “Oh, for crying out loud! Can’t you two agree on anything?”
Sydney reeled around to glare at her through the doorway. “You should shut up before I decide to gag you too. You don’t have any idea when to shut up do you? You’re as stupid as this big stupid hillbilly.”
“I ain’t stupid, Sydney.” Melvin bellowed. “I’m getting outta here. Now. Lucy get yerself ready to go. We’re going home. Are ya a’gonna come or not, Sydney?”
Sydney glared at him. “You can’t leave yet. The police will be combing the area. They’ve probably already got an alert out on the radio and television. We have to stay here and keep her quiet until it’s safe to move her out of town.”
“I’m not waiting.” Melvin muttered his voice sullen as he paced around the narrow foyer. “I gotta get my bride home.”
Lucy didn’t want to leave Nashville. She knew her best chances for being found would be in town. “Then by all means, let’s get going so we can get your bride back home. Where is she, anyway?”
“Yer trying to make me mad Lucy, ain’t you? It ain’t a’gonna work. Anyway,” he paused to run his hands through his thinning strawberry blond hair. “Anyway, Sydney is right—we should lay low. I don’t fancy tryin’ to get through a roadblock.”
Lucy sighed with relief. They were staying in Nashville for a little while longer.
Chaos reigned at the James’ house. Police were everywhere asking everyone questions. A paramedic was examining Devon, who had regained consciousness a few minutes after the unknown assailant had sped away with Lucy. “Get away from me!” He roared in anger and frustration.
The description of the assailant was a young man in his mid-to-late twenties, about six feet tall, muscular, about two-hundred-twenty to two-hundred-thirty pounds with sparse strawberry blond hair. Claire and Eli, who were the only two to get a good look at the man, were talking with a sketch artist.
Detectives were milling around. The FBI had been notified and an all points bulletin broadcast on every radio and television station in the south.
Devon lost his breakfast in the bushes. Jonathan walked up behind him. “We will find her son.”
Devon was not consoled. “Is Lancaster behind this? Does anyone know if he’s the one who had been sending Luce the roses?”
“Roses? Lucy’s been getting roses from another man and you were fine with it?” Jonathan was incredulous.
“Yes and no. I was beside myself with jealousy every time a box would arrive.” Devon muttered. “And there was never a card.”
Jonathan motioned to an officer. He spoke with the officer who nodded and walked away. “He’s going to go find out about Lancaster. I’ll find someone who can ask you more questions about these mysterious roses.”
Devon spat and went to sit on the front step. His head was throbbing beyond anything he had ever suffered through. The pain in his heart, however, overwhelmed the pain in his head. He felt something cold on the back of his neck.
Claire smiled with sad compassion. “Ice will reduce the swelling. Here’s some Tylenol, too.”
“Thanks.” He swallowed them down without any water.
“Can I sit down?” Claire asked.
Devon shrugged. “It’s a free country.”
“Lucy will be found, Dev.” She declared with certainty once she was sitting beside him. Devon wasn’t certain who she was trying to convince, herself or him.
“I just found the love of my life and someone has stolen her from me, Claire.” His voice cracked. He gulped for air. He hid his face in his hands to hide his agony so Claire had to strain to hear what he said next, “What will I do without my wife and my baby?”
Claire’s eyes overflowed. She didn’t say anything—there was nothing she could to think of to say to ease his suffering. All she could think to do was hold him.
Lucy sat in the middle of Sydney’s bed bound hand and foot trying her best to spit out the wad of wash cloth Sydney had stuffed into her mouth after Melvin left the room. She wasn’t hungry, she was ravenous. She missed her wedding luncheon and judging from the darkness outside the window Lucy knew it was well past dinner time. She was beginning to wonder if Melvin and Sydney had forgotten about her when the door opened. Melvin walked in carrying a tray. “I reckon yer getting’ hungry ain’t ya sweet-heart?”
She nodded.
“I brought you some pizza. I picked off all the mushrooms ‘cause I know how much you hate ‘em. And there’s some sweet tea, too. Do you want me to feed ya or would ya rather feed yerself?”
“Mm,” Lucy’s mouth worked around the wash cloth.
Melvin frowned. “Sydney went on and gagged you anyway, did she?”
Lucy nodded and Melvin pulled out the cloth. “Thanks, and I would prefer to feed myself, Mel. But first, could I use the bathroom—I promise I won’t jump out the window again.”
It was several ponderous moments before he answered. “Okay, but you’ll have to leave the door open some.” Melvin scratched his temple. Lucy noticed he was blushing and he wouldn’t look at her as he started to untie her. “I’m sorry we got to do it like this Lucy, but we can’t take any more chances. We’re on the news and everythin’. I never imagined—all I wanted was to take my girl back home where she belongs.”
Lucy sighed. “What is it going to take for me to convince you I’m not yours? I’m in love with Devon—I married him this morning for heaven sake!”
“It don’t matter to me, Lucy. You’re gonna be my bride before the week is out. I have been waitin’ fer ya fer ten years, I know you’ve been waiting fer me. Ya said so when we was dating. Ya said you were gonna wait fer yer weddin’ night.”
Lucy closed the door half-way without answering Melvin. She had said she would wait and it had been easy until she met Devon.
An idea sparked in Lucy’s mind when she walked back into the bedroom. “Mel? I’m honored that you would wait for me, but you shouldn’t have. You should have found someone else—I did.”
“What are you saying Lucy?” Melvin asked as he motioned for her to sit down.
“What I’m saying is…” She hesitated for a moment. In for a pinch, in for a pound, she plunged on. “Devon and I are already lovers. Not only are we lovers, I’m carrying his child. I’m pregnant.”
Melvin stared at her for a moment as his face went from pink to crimson to purple. “Yer lying!” he yelled.
�
�No, I’m not. You can ask Sydney. She was there the other night when everyone found out.” Lucy said trying to keep her voice as bland as she could manage. She took a bite of the pizza.
Melvin’s face blanched. He bellowed, “Sydney!”
Sydney walked into the room with angry impatience she asked, “What?”
“Is it true?” Melvin yelled.
“I don’t know—is what true?”
Melvin gritted his teeth. “Is it true? Is my Lucy carrying yer man’s baby?”
Sydney’s expression darkened. “Unfortunately it is. I told you she’s a slut.”
Melvin didn’t say another word. He strode out of the bedroom slamming the door. Before either woman could bat an eyelash they heard Melvin roar and slam his fist through the kitchen wall.
“You’re going to pay for that Lucy. You have so much to pay for.” Sydney said letting icicles form on her words.
Lucy shrugged and took another bite of pizza while she watched Sydney wheel around and slam out of the room yelling at Melvin. What difference did it make to her now? For all she knew the cold pizza she was eating was going to be her last meal.
Devon paced around the living room like a tiger while the rest of the family sat in silence watching him. “Has anyone been able to do anything to find Lucy? It’s been almost twelve hours.” He bellowed.
“It will take time, Mr. James. All we have to go on is a description of the kidnapper and a partial license plate. There hasn’t been a call for ransom.” One of the many nameless detectives milling around the house replied from across the room.
A young officer walked in and whispered into the detective’s ear. He nodded, “Let me know how it turns out.”
“What? What is it?” Devon asked.
“Nothing concerning your case Mr. James, sorry,” replied the detective.
“Argh!” Devon roared.
Sylvia gave Jonathan a telling look. Jonathan nodded, as he stood he said, “Let’s go for a walk around the yard, son.”
Devon shook his head. “No, I want to be here when the phone rings.”
“I insist, Devon.” Jonathan dropped his arm across Devon’s shoulders and led him outside. Once outside he continued, “They couldn’t have gone too far. They’ll be found.”
“But where did they go? Dad, we have to find her soon. Before…before…it’s too late.” Devon inhaled several deep breaths while staring up at the waning moon. The temperature had dropped more than twenty degrees once the sun had set. Dear God, please keep her safe until we can find her.
“We’d better get back inside, Devon, before we freeze. Besides, maybe they have learned something by now.” John said trying to sound hopeful, he put his arm around Devon’s shoulder and squeezed.
Devon allowed his father to lead him back into the house. Devon was detached from the situation but aware of two officers talking with Claire, trying to help her recall more of the license plate number. Claire sighed. “All I remember was that it was a Boone County plate; MX…something, something. I’m sorry.”
Devon spun around to face the trio his face reflecting avid interest. “Did you say Boone County?”
Claire’s eyebrows rose. “Yeah, why?”
“Lucy is from Boone County.” Devon replied.
“If Lucy is from Boone County and her abductor is from Boone County, she must know him.” Claire bounced on her toes with excited understanding.
“Come on, Claire, we need to get to my house. Luce has a box of photo albums and year books. Maybe we can identify our guy that way.” Devon yelled, sprinting for the front door.
“I’m right behind you, Dev.” Claire called, reaching for her coat.
“Wait! Wait for me,” called the officer.
“Come on, Lucy, hon. We gotta go.” Melvin nudged her awake.
“I’m not going anywhere with you, Mel,” she muttered.
“Come on, honey. We ought to be able to make good time now.” Melvin cajoled.
“Oh please.” Sydney sounded disgusted. She grabbed Lucy’s hand and pulled. “Enough of the nauseating sweet stuff, Hillbilly, you’re making me sick. Lucy, get up now. We’re leaving.”
“All right. I’m coming. Where are we going anyway?” Lucy sat up. She groaned.
“Let’s go.” Sydney pulled on Lucy’s hand again.
“I’m going to be sick.” Lucy ran to the bathroom.
“Great. Just what we need,” Sydney complained, “We better bring a box of zipper bags.”
Melvin turned his puzzled gaze from the bathroom’s door to Sydney and asked, “What for?”
“You’re such an idiot!” Sydney bellowed, throwing up her hands she stormed from the room.
“That’s him! Melvin Talbert. Lucy went to the Junior Prom with him? What was she thinking?” Claire exclaimed. The officer who had rode along with Devon and Claire was on the phone before Claire could shake her head in dismay at Lucy’s junior prom photo. Claire looked up from the high school annual she was looking through. “Do you think he’s taking her back there?”
“Let’s hope so.” Devon felt a very minor sense of relief. They were able to uncover the identity of the kidnapper. “Now what?”
“As much as I think it’s a huge error in judgment we will take your car, Mel. I will not have my upholstery ruined by Lucy’s morning sickness. I should be having the morning sickness—not her. But let’s switch the license plates with mine. At least it won’t be as conspicuous—I hope.” Sydney tossed her overnight case in the trunk of the ancient Ford Fairmont. “I hope this heap of junk doesn’t dieenroute.”
Melvin straightened the license plate in his hand. “Old’ Bess here will run forever, I can make sure of it. I own my own shop back home.”
“Good for you.” Sydney sneered. “Let’s get moving. You finish switching the plates and I’ll get Lucy.”
“Okay. I’ll feel better once we get home.”
“What are you going to do about her bastard, Mel? Are you just going to pretend it doesn’t exist?”
“My baby ain’t gonna be a bastard, Sydney. Me and Lucy are gonna be married by the end of the week. I’m gonna do right by my Lucy.” Melvin growled, stepping closer to Sydney, getting so close as to press his nose to hers and wrap his fingers around her throat.
Sydney eased back and quirked an eyebrow. “Whoa. Okay. I’ll get Lucy.” She stepped gingerly around Melvin and went into the house. A moment later she pushed Lucy through the door, her hands bound. “Let’s get going.”
As Sydney pushed her toward Melvin’s car Lucy looked around the garage. On the other side of Melvin’s old car was an older white sedan with a mashed-up front bumper. She gasped. “You? You were the one who rammed my car the night before Thanksgiving? Were you the one who tried to force Devon and me off the road, too?”
Sydney snorted. “I should have pushed you into the river instead of just ramming you a couple of times. Then this would all have been over weeks ago.”
Melvin glared at Sydney. “You tried to hurt Lucy?”
“What difference does it make now, Melvin?” Lucy’s voice was shrill. “She didn’t drown me and you are hauling me back home against my will. What difference does it make now?”
“Get in the car, both of you.” Sydney snarled.
“We’ve got a possible lead.” Jonathan announced when Devon led the trio into the James’ family room.
“What would that be?” Devon asked slumping into an easy chair.
“An anonymous woman called the police not long after the news aired at ten o’clock. She claims she saw a woman dressed in white jump out of her neighbor’s window and run around the corner of the house where she was tackled by a big blond man. He carried her back into the house. The lady says she’s not seen anyone leaving the house since; except the pizza delivery boy.” Jonathan handed Devon a cup of coffee.
“What’s been done since then?” Devon asked his voice reflected the excitement and the weariness he felt.
“The woman gave the address to the
house and the police have set up surveillance while they try to get a search warrant. The curious thing is the house is not five minutes from here.” John replied.
“Where is it?” Devon asked getting to his feet. “I’m going to go over there and get Lucy.”
Jonathan pushed him back into his seat. “Sit down and rest a while. You can’t go over there and burst into a stranger’s house. That’s home invasion and as your legal counsel and as your father I can’t allow you to go over there. Besides, they may be armed. Let the police take care of it.”
“I can’t sit here and wait, Dad. I have to do something. What is the address?” Devon bellowed.
The officer who had accompanied Devon and Claire earlier read the address off a piece of paper by the telephone. Claire gasped, “You’re not serious? That’s Sydney’s house.”
“How did Lucy and this Melvin Talbert guy end up at Sydney’s house? I want to know what’s going on.” Devon fumed. He slammed his coffee cup down the nearest side table splashing some onto a magazine.
“Sydney was livid when she found out about you and Lucy. She said you would pay for dumping her. How she and Melvin know each other is quite beyond me.” Claire sat across from Devon and rubbed her temples.
“Sydney’s house?” Jonathan asked bewildered. “This is getting more and more confusing by the moment.”
“I didn’t dump Sydney. We didn’t even have a relationship outside of her head. She’s crazy. She has to be. But how did she and Melvin get together?” Devon muttered as he stared into an empty cup he didn’t remember draining.
Jonathan turned to Devon from his pacing. “Who is this Melvin person?”
Claire answered. “Melvin Talbert. He dated Lucy in high school. They went to the Junior Prom together. He has to be the big blond guy the informant lady saw tackling the woman in white. He looks like the man who knocked Devon in the head and raced off with Lucy.”
“They better get a warrant soon, before I go over there and break down Sydney’s door.
“Keep calm, son, and have some more coffee.” Jonathan ordered without expecting to be obeyed.