“This is all we need, Martians. I’m heading out to the pines to help Steve.”
Deb lay still trying to figure out where she was. She didn’t remember being placed in the car or being brought to wherever she was now. She could tell there was tape on her mouth and her hands and ankles were tied, but she didn’t remember that either. Maybe she had been drugged. The last thing she remembered was Colleen coming in her house. Colleen. Where was she? Deb listened, she couldn’t imagine where she was being held. She was alone. She was on a floor, she could feel the wood. It must be a cabin or an old house. It smelled musty. Deb felt dust on the floor. Trying to loosen her ties only hurt her wrists. She needed to escape. Who brought her here? Brian? Oh no, what about Brian? Did they know he was in the house? Her mind raced with fear. Tears began to flow. The weight of her tears pulled the fabric down a bit. She could see a slit above the blindfold. It was enough to let her know she was in the Logan cabin. That could only mean one thing—Daniel. Her fear turned to terror.
The sheriff’s cruiser pulled up behind Steve’s Jeep. He could hear Steve’s voice shouting for Deb and Colleen as he got out of the car. Deb’s car was sitting about ten feet from the Jeep. All four doors were open as was the trunk. Steve had already searched the car. The sheriff called out to Steve and he came running out of the pines toward the sheriff.
“Any news?” asked a winded Steve.
“No, Mrs. Graysbe thinks its Martians. Dennis has no idea what went on this morning. I sent him home in case someone calls.”
“This is crazy. I can’t find any sign of a struggle either in the car or anywhere around it. Whoever was in this car walked away willingly. What’s going on?”
The sheriff shook his head. “I’m out of ideas.”
The radio crackled and the sheriff could hear Greta’s voice.
“Sheriff, someone brought Colleen Crawley into the E.R. They said she stumbled out of a cornfield off Tangledbranch.”
“On my way. Call Dennis, let him know.”
Steve overheard the conversation. “Go, I’ll take care of things here.”
The sheriff turned on his lights and sirens. It was something he seldom did in the small town. He flew down Prairie Road toward the hospital.
Deb heard the siren and her heart skipped a beat. As the siren faded so did Deb’s hope of being found. She lay back trying to find a comfortable position. She knew she’d be there for a while. Tears filled her eyes again. Why didn’t Steve think to look for her there? Was Brian safe? She tried to scream, but felt her skin pull against the tape. Rubbing the blindfold on the floorboards, she was able to move it down a bit more. She could see the inside of the cabin clearly. If she could get up on her feet, she could get to the door.
Daniel said, “We should get out of here for a while. The town is going crazy. Let’s go somewhere and party.”
“Great, I want to eat more food,” Garret grunted.
“Let me make sure Deb sleeps for a while.” Daniel flew into the cabin.
Deb felt cold surround her and blackness overtake her. Daniel, in her body, jumped over to one of the bunk beds and lay down. He then left her body and joined Garret outside.
The sheriff hit the brake and parked close to the E.R. entrance. He rushed in moments before Dennis Crowley.
“My wife, Colleen Crowley, was brought in. I need to see her.”
The nurse asked him to wait. He sat with Sheriff Richardson.
Dennis asked, “What was she doing in a cornfield in the middle of nowhere? I don’t understand any of this. Where is Deb? I thought they were together.”
“I don’t have any answers. Steve and some volunteers are searching the cornfield for Deb, but I haven’t heard a word.”
A nurse came out to get Mr. Crowley; the sheriff said he’d wait. He took the time to call the office and ask Greta if there was any news. “It’s been quiet, too quiet, sheriff. Everyone is looking for Deb now that they heard Colleen was in a cornfield. If I hear anything, you’ll be the first to know.”
While Greta explained things to the sheriff, Dennis listened to the doctor explain that Colleen was semi-alert, but not making much sense. “Don’t let it concern you, we ran a tox screen to see if she’s been drugged. She seems to be alright physically. Sit with her and let her know she’s safe. She’s confused.”
Colleen was lying on the E.R. gurney, pale and shaky. She turned to look at Dennis, her eyes filled with fear. “Honey, help me please. I think I’m going crazy.”
“He hugged her and took her hand. “No, you’re not. Something happened this morning you don’t remember. You and Deb drove somewhere and Deb is still missing. It’ll come back to you.”
“No, you don’t understand. I never saw Deb. I made a cup of coffee and set it on the kitchen table. The next thing I remember is feeling very drunk in the middle of a cornfield. I walked toward the sound of the highway, but I kept falling. Finally I made it to the edge of the field and someone picked me up and brought me here.”
Dennis thought back to when he went home to wait. There was a full cup of coffee on the table. Her story was true, but what happened after she placed the coffee on the table? “Do you remember anything else like going to Deb’s” Colleen shook her head.
Tears spilled from her eyes, “I heard a nurse say Deb is missing. She’s my friend. Where is she? What happened to us?”
Dennis shook his head and held her close.
Garret and Daniel were gone when Deb woke up. She was confused as to how she got up onto the cot. She turned her head to the thin mat and pushed the blindfold down as far as she could. It was dark out, but the moon was full. She forced herself to get up and jumped to the door. It was unlocked and she was able to get it open. The fresh night air filled her lungs and she coughed out the stale air she had been breathing. She hopped onto the porch. She faced three steps leading to the grass. She took a deep breath, said a prayer, thought of Steve and Brian, and jumped to the first step. She wobbled and nearly toppled over, but caught her balance. Summoning her courage, she jumped to the second step and third. One last jump brought her to the grass. She knew she could hop across the grass, but the road to the park was downhill and rough. It was full of deep ruts which is why the cabin was accessible only by driving a 4 wheel drive vehicle. How was she going to make it down with her feet bound?
The sheriff interviewed Colleen. She didn’t remember more than she did before and she was fairly awake. She swore she never saw Deb that morning.
“How can Brian say he saw me drive Deb’s car with her in the trunk? I never did it. What happened to both of us? Help me please.” She grabbed Dennis’ arm as sobs racked her body.
The doctor hurried in concerned that her blood pressure and heart rate were increasing, “I can’t give her anything to calm her since we don’t know what might be in her system. If the women were kidnapped they may have been drugged and don’t have any memory of it. We checked her body for needle marks and didn’t find any, but that doesn’t mean someone couldn’t have knocked her out with a drug she was forced to inhale. There are drugs that block memory. We may never know.”
“Then what do we do?”
“Try to keep her calm, wait for the tests to come back, and hope they find Deb soon.”
Deb stood at the edge of the grass. Her legs shook. The moonlight offered her enough light to see the big ruts, but she knew there were many smaller ones she could trip over. If she fell and couldn’t use her arms, she could break her neck, but she had to get out of there before Daniel knew she was free.
Lena came tearing down the stairs yelling for her mom at the same time. “Mom, Mom, I know where Deb is.”
“What? Where?”
“I fell asleep and dreamt of the portal. I saw Deb clearly, she’s tied up and she was on the porch of the Logan cabin.”
Sam grabbed his keys. Annamarie was already out the door carrying a big flashlight. Sam yelled back to Lena, “Call the sheriff’s station. She may need medical help and Steve.”
Deb could hear her friend, but she could only mumble through the tape on her mouth. Tears filled her eyes again as she saw the light from the flashlight bouncing up the road. She knew the light was in the hands of her best friend.
Annamarie nearly fell and dropped the light as Deb came into view. She saw Deb on her knees bound and gagged on the side of the road. Sam ran past Annamarie and got to Deb first.
“Don’t worry, you’re safe. Steve and Brian are safe. I’m going to pull the tape from your mouth, it may hurt a little.” Deb didn’t move or make a sound until the tape was removed.
Annamarie was at her side holding her as Sam untied the ropes. Deb cried and told Annamarie what happened. “What about Colleen? I saw her this morning just before I remember being in the trunk.”
“She’s okay and in the hospital which is where you’re going.” Sam picked her up in his arms and they began to walk down the logging road. Annamarie shone the light right in front of Sam’s feet. Halfway down they saw more lights and heard Steve’s voice.
“I’m here,” Deb called back. In a minute they were in each other’s arms.
Steve looked at Sam. “How did you know?”
“Lena had a dream. Daniel did it all. I don’t know how they’re going to explain this. He and Garret must have possessed Deb and Colleen’s bodies and they won’t remember. The town will panic.”
“I’m sending Deb and Brian somewhere safe until this is over.”
Deb said, “No, I won’t leave you.”
“Do it for Brian.”
“Okay,” Deb’s sobs returned. “Where is Brian?”
“He’s at my house with Lena. He’s safe. Pick somewhere Brian would love to go and I’ll send you. You both need to be safe.”
The siren they heard in the distance became louder and pulled into the parking lot just as the four friends made it to the bottom of the hill. The sheriff was close behind. The attendants took Deb to the E.R. in the ambulance with Steve close behind.
“Alright,” said Sheriff Richardson. “What happened?”
“We don’t know,” replied Sam. “Lena thought the cabin was a good place to hide someone so we came to look. We found Deb outside trying to get down the logging road. She says she doesn’t remember anything.”
The sheriff threw up his hands and sighed, “Of course not, it would make my job too easy if she remembered anything. Are you going to the E.R.?”
“No,” said Annamarie. “Steve is with Deb. Brian is at our house, we’re going to tell him his mom is okay.” They hurried to their car leaving a befuddled sheriff standing in the dark.
The doctor gave Steve the same report he gave Dennis. Deb was fine; they’d wait for the tox screen.
Deb whispered to Steve, “They won’t find anything. It was Daniel, wasn’t it?
“I think so.”
“That explains why I saw Colleen, then I was in the trunk, then on the floor of the cabin, and then on the cot. I was awake and then I don’t remember being moved. If he possessed my body, he could do it with anyone’s. How are you going to stay safe, Steve?”
Theo walked in Deb’s room.
“Mr. Schneider, is everything okay with Brian?”
“Yes, Deb. Annamarie is bringing him to see you shortly. I came to see Steve.”
“What can I do for you, sir?”
“I have something for you.” Theo handed Steve the silver medallion Josef had given him. “Don’t ask me how, but this will keep you safe from Daniel and Garret. It was given to me for protection. I can get another. You need this now. Annamarie said Deb and Brian are leaving town. That will help them, but not you. This will protect you.” Theo shook Steve’s hand and walked to the door. He turned and said, “Put it in your pocket and keep it with you at all times.”
Brian bounded into the room, “Mom, are you okay. Mom, I was so worried.” He hugged his mom until she said, “Enough, I can’t breathe.” They all laughed.
Annamarie stood in the doorway watching the happy scene. Deb said, “Could I talk to Annamarie alone for a minute?”
“Sure,” said Steve, “I’ll get Brian a soda. C’mon, son.”
Annamarie pulled a chair next to Deb’s bed, “What’s up?”
“Your dad gave Steve a medallion that he said would keep him safe. Isn’t there something Brian and I can do to keep us safe? I’m terrified to leave Steve alone.”
Annamarie nodded, “I think we can work it out, but I need to call my mom first.”
She quickly called Paula, “Mom, I’m here in the E.R. with Deb. She’ll be fine, but dad was here. He gave his medallion to Steve to keep him safe. Yes, I know. Please keep him in the house until he dreams and Josef gives him another. Thanks. Oh, good. I’m glad he’s home safe. Love you. I’ll call later.” Annamarie sighed as she hung up the phone and sat back down.
“Is everything okay?” Deb asked.
“Yes, I was worried about my dad. He gave all his protection to Steve. I’m glad he’s home. He’s safe there and mom will make sure he stays put until he gets another medallion.”
“So everyone is safe except for Brian and me. I still don’t want to leave Steve. What can we do?”
“I’m not sure if there is anything similar to the medallion to keep you safe, but my house is safe. You and Brian are moving into the north wing. It’s furnished with everything a family could use. Steve can access it through an outside entrance. It’ll be like your own home only closer to me and Lena. Daniel and Garret cannot enter the house and if Brian wants to go outside, Lena will go with him. Lena is able to protect anyone from them. I know it all sounds crazy, but we’ll have lots of time to catch up on details. When you are ready to leave here, we’ll get everything you need from home. Lena will help Brian. You’ll be safe.”
“Then I want to go home now. You and I both know it was Daniel, not any drug. Nothing will show up in the tox screen.” Deb pulled the IV from her arm and removed the blood pressure cup. The warning beeps sounded and two nurses came running in. “I’m going home and you can’t stop me.”
Steve and Brian walked in the room, “What are you doing up?”
“We’re moving into the wing at Annamarie’s. It’s safe there. I’m not safe here. They can’t keep me. I have rights and we all know there are no drugs in my system.”
The nurses rushed off to find the doctor, Deb dressed, and Steve shook his head.
The doctor walked in and before he could say a word, Deb said, “I’m leaving now. I feel fine. Please get my paperwork ready.”
Steve looked at the doctor and shrugged.
The doctor agreed and Sam and Annamarie followed Steve, Deb, and Brian to their house. In less than thirty minutes they were packed and on their way to Annamarie’s.
Chapter Eleven
Paula’s face was red and her hands were balled into fists as she walked around her living room. She glared at Theo, “Unless you dream tonight and get another medallion, you’re not going to work tomorrow. As a matter of fact, you’re not going out of this house. Daniel possessed you once. I won’t let it happen again.”
Theo walked up and hugged her as he ran his fingers through her hair. “I have some vacation time coming. If I need to take a few days I will. I won’t leave without a medallion to keep me safe. I love you.” He kissed her and she sighed and kissed him back. He knew how to get to his wife even after all the years they shared together.
Lena asked Brian if he brought his race car track. “Of course, Mom said there would be room to place the track.” Lena laughed when she thought of the fun they would have with it.
“Go get it, we’ll run it down the hall from the wing through the main house. It’ll be great.”
Annamarie and Deb watched as their children set up the long track. “This w
ill take his mind off the events of today,” Deb said.
“Lena will make sure he’s safe and happy. They get along well and she misses Michael. Brian’s like a second brother.”
It was nearly three in the morning when Daniel and Garret’s spirits returned to the cabin. Garret said, “It’s a good thing all the alcohol we drank doesn’t affect our spirits. We can enjoy it, possess another body and drink even more. This might be better than life.” Garret laughed.
“Damn, she’s gone.” Daniel yelled.
“What, how? You tied her up tight.”
“The ropes are outside. Someone found her and helped her. I’ll bet it was Annamarie. She’ll pay for all of this. Next time we’ll make sure our plan works better. We’ll do something that scares the entire town.”
“What are you thinking?”
“I’m not sure yet, but we have time.” Daniel’s laughter scared the animals again. The woods grew quiet and Daniel’s mind filled with diabolical thoughts.
Theo found himself walking through the pines toward the firelight. He saw Magdalena and Josef waiting for him. “Sit,” Magdalena offered and Theo sat next to her.
“It was a brave thing you did when you gave your medallion to Steve,” said Josef. “Fortunately, Daniel was not close enough to you to notice you were vulnerable or you might have been in trouble. Here’s another medallion. Keep it for yourself this time. We will make sure everyone is protected.”
“Thank you,” Theo said. He shook Josef’s hand and sunk deeper into his slumber.
The sheriff showed up at the hospital first thing in the morning. He asked about the lab results on Deb and Colleen’s blood. The doctor said, “So far, the tests are negative. I’m sending the blood to the county lab for further testing. Colleen and Deb showed no ill effects and both are home. I’ll let you know anything else as soon as I hear.” The sheriff nodded and headed back to the station.
Lena (Gypsy Spirits Book 3) Page 9