Rosemary Run Box Set

by Kelly Utt

  “I’ll call Jake,” Holden added. “He can get some volunteers down there to help. Should they gather at the crisis center?”

  “Yes. That’s good,” Luke said. “Please do. Neil and James are already on their way. Tell Jake to look for them when he gets there. And yes, at the crisis center. It’s a block south of the hospital.”

  “Tell them to be careful on the roads,” Phoebe said. “It’s slick out there. The last thing we need is someone else in harm’s way.”

  “Will do,” Holden said, then stepped out of the room to make the call.

  “You should be proud of yourselves right now,” Luke said to Phoebe and Wilder. “That newscast made all the difference.”

  “Did you see Margaret on the other station?” Wilder asked.

  “I did,” Luke confirmed. “And I’m not concerned with that just yet. We don’t suspect any foul play in Tim’s death. Like I said earlier, Margaret is grieving. I’m sorry you folks are getting the brunt of her anger. But let’s focus on finding Eve.”

  “Right,” Wilder agreed. “I had planned to talk to you about offering a reward for information on her whereabouts, but it looks like there’s no need.”

  “Yeah, I’d wait,” Luke confirmed. “It may not be necessary.”

  As they talked, Minerva burst through the door of Luke’s office, her long hair trailing behind her and bouncing like she was in a shampoo commercial.

  “I’ve got something!” she said.

  Phoebe jumped up and hugged Minerva, who had added leggings, boots, and a coat to her siren outfit. “I got something, too!” Phoebe exclaimed, then quickly introduced Wilder.

  “What is it?” Luke asked, picking up a pen, ready to take notes.

  “I was driving, and it just washed over me. I had stopped to eat before heading back to home, but then the snow started falling. Anyway, I saw Eve alive. And I sensed a large body of water nearby. I think it was the bay.”

  Phoebe nearly jumped up and down upon hearing this additional confirmation. “Go on,” she said.

  “I saw her very cold, out in this weather. I think she’s in danger of freezing. And she’s still a danger to herself. She isn’t in her right mind.”

  Wilder exhaled loudly.

  “I know,” Minerva continued. “It’s scary. I’m sorry to spring this on you. I imagine it’s hard to absorb. But I saw her in my mind’s eye, huddling underneath a long row of tall trees all planted in an even, straight line. There were boats in the distance. A marina.”

  Luke picked up the phone receiver on his desk and began dialing. “Yes, this is Detective Luke Hemming,” he said when the person on the other end answered. “We have reason to believe our missing person is near the Sweet Balm Marina. Focus the search there, looking carefully underneath the row of tall trees on the property. I’m on my way. Oh… And get in touch with Saul Milton. Tell him to meet us there instead of at the station.”

  28

  Luke tore out of the parking lot, blaring the lights and sirens on his unmarked police vehicle. Snow fell hard through the air, and was beginning to stick to the ground. Holden followed, driving his own SUV as his parents and Minerva rode along. They had all practically ran out of the building.

  Holden had received nothing more than a hasty introduction to Minerva and instructions to update Jake.

  “Someone want to tell me what’s going on?” Holden asked after he sent a quick text to Jake. He didn’t usually text while driving, but decided this situation warranted taking the risk. “Did another lead come in?”

  Phoebe explained, telling Holden she and Minerva had connected that afternoon, as well as about her dream where Tim appeared again. Then Minerva filled in from her perspective, including the information she had received about Eve being near the marina.

  “Luke apparently knew exactly the place Minerva described,” Phoebe said. “He made a phone call to focus the search there, and we’re on our way.”

  “Wow,” Holden said. “I’m impressed, Mom. You and Minerva should work together again sometime.”

  Wilder nodded, the pain in his chest increasing. He didn’t have the energy to say much. He didn’t want anyone to know he was hurting. He figured it was due to the additional stress. He willed the pain to go away, telling himself he’d get it checked out as soon as Eve was safe and sound.

  The drive to the bay took less than half an hour. Wilder dozed along the way.

  When they pulled into the parking lot at Sweet Balm Marina, Neil and James were there to greet them. A slew of uniformed officers were combing the woods near the waterfront, along with even more people in plainclothes who were apparently volunteers.

  The energy of action filled the air. It was a hopeful energy. But also a cautious one.

  Temperatures were below freezing. Eve had been in the elements for a while now. Unless she had somehow found shelter, she’d be facing frostbite. Or worse. Not to mention, if she was suicidal, the cold, deep bay was a looming hazard.

  Before Luke and Holden had even parked their vehicles, Jake’s Jeep pulled in behind them, followed by a string of volunteer vehicles filled to the brim with people who wanted to help. Everyone shuffled out eagerly, ready to get down to business. No one spoke as they powered on flashlights, zipped up coats, and tucked their ears into warm hats.

  Neil came rushing over to quickly greet the Blackburns and update his partner, nodding his thanks to Minerva. “We have all hands on deck here, folks. If she’s out there, we’ll find her.”

  “Is the K9 unit here yet?” Luke asked.

  Phoebe bristled at the idea. “You’re sending a dog to search for our daughter?” she asked as she stepped out into the cold.

  “Yes,” Neil confirmed. “Two K9 units are en route. They’ll be here any minute. That’s a good thing, Phoebe, I promise.”

  “Aren’t the dogs for… you know?”

  “Cadavers?” Minerva asked, stepping out from the back door behind Phoebe. She didn’t have nearly the filter the Blackburns were used to.

  Phoebe winced at the word. “Yes...”

  Neil walked over, facing Phoebe and placing both hands on her shoulders. “Look,” he said gently. “The situation is volatile. I won’t pretend it isn’t. And this could go either way. I hope we find Eve alive. But we’re here to find her, no matter what her condition. If you like, you can wait in a car with the heat on. That way, you can be near the action without having to be right in the middle of it. There’s no shame in that. This is your child, after all. I’d probably wait in the car if it were one of mine.”

  Phoebe looked at Wilder, who seemed distant. “I don’t know,” she said.

  “Mom, I think that’s a good idea,” Holden affirmed, zipping his own jacket and pulling gloves over his big hands. “How about you and Dad stay here, at least for a little while? We’ll let you know the minute we find something.”

  “I’ll stay with you,” Minerva offered.

  “Wilder, hon?” Phoebe asked, turning to her husband who was still seated in the back seat of Holden’s SUV. “Should we wait here?”

  Wilder nodded, breathing deeply to hide his discomfort.

  “Okay,” Phoebe agreed. “Get us the minute you find anything. Promise?”

  “I promise,” Neil said. “Now, stay warm.”

  Phoebe and Minerva got back into the SUV with Wilder while the others headed towards the action. The K9 units pulled into the parking lot, dogs and handlers bounding out of their cars to the rescue at top speed.

  Phoebe thought it remarkable how some people run towards a disaster with unmitigated courage. She wondered what the world would do without those people. She was proud of her sons for being those people.

  As she peered out the window, she saw Ty arrive, then get out and follow the others towards the trees, joining his older brothers. Marcus trotted closely behind.

  Before long, Phoebe began to see other people she knew arriving, too, their warm breath visible in the cold air, their faces sincere and eager to help.


  Pamela was there. So was Robert, the grief counselor. But it wasn’t just police department personnel. Lorelei arrived to join the search with Holden. Mona was there with some other neighbors. As was Victoria. And Elaine. People were coming from all over Rosemary Run to help. Phoebe recognized people she knew from stores and restaurants around town.

  Jake had done a beautiful job of rallying the community. And no one mentioned Margaret or the accusations she had volleyed during her news interview. Apparently, the Rosemary Run community saw that for what it was: a devastated mother grieving the loss of her only son, and experiencing anger. They didn’t think any less of Eve. Or any of the Blackburns. They understood.

  Emotion welling up in Phoebe’s throat, she got out of the SUV to take part. The others gave her courage.

  “I have to go,” Phoebe said to Minerva and Wilder.

  “I’ll go with you,” Minerva chirped. “Should we wake your husband?”

  Phoebe glanced at Wilder, his head slumped forward onto his chest. “No, if he’s asleep, we should let him rest,” she said. “He kept watch while I took a nap this afternoon. We’ve both been exhausted by all of this. It’s my turn. I’ll update him when we return.”

  “Okay,” Minerva said, stepping out and bundling up.

  The ladies— becoming fast friends— joined the group, collective body heat warming them all on this cold, snowy night.

  Phoebe soon met Saul and Nell, hugging their necks and thanking them for watching over her precious Eve like they had.

  When that conversation was finished, Phoebe was surprised and delighted to see a caravan full of dozens of Brambleberry Fields employees parking and getting out of their vehicles. They had even brought Freckles, the farm dog, along to do his part.

  “Oh, you dear ones,” Phoebe said as she greeted them, tears flowing. She leaned down to let Freckles lick the side of her face and scratch him behind the ear.

  “We had to close because of the weather,” one of Jake’s assistants said. “The road over the mountain is shut down. We figured it was more important to be here, anyway. With you. Our family.”

  Phoebe felt the love surrounding her. She had the best life. The best people. She scolded herself for having wallowed in despair earlier. She never should have complained about having a daughter with a mental illness. The truth was, she’d never trade Eve in a million years. And the challenges surrounding Eve’s illness could be handled with the support of a loving community.

  In a flash, Phoebe knew that Eve was going to be found alive that night. Any minute, in fact. She couldn’t explain how, but she knew her daughter would be okay. They’d get her back on her medication. Elaine would see Eve in therapy more often, perhaps recommending time in an inpatient facility. The Blackburn family would help Eve grieve Tim’s death. They’d find a way to make up with Margaret. Everything would be okay.

  Minerva grabbed Phoebe’s hand, giving it a squeeze. “It’s happening. She’s here. And she’s alright,” Minerva whispered in Phoebe’s ear. “Do you feel it?”

  Phoebe nodded her understanding. “I do.” She smiled, happiness and relief filling her entire being.

  “Any minute now,” Minerva said, echoing Phoebe’s thoughts, a matching smile on her face.

  Back at Holden’s SUV, Wilder was losing consciousness.

  His chest tightened as the pain became nearly unbearable. It felt like an elephant was sitting squarely on top of him. His breath was short. He couldn’t quite get a full breath, no matter how hard he tried.

  He knew exactly what was happening. He had asked for this.

  Wilder grabbed his phone clumsily out of his pocket to call someone. Anyone. But his hands were shaky and he dropped the device. It slid under the driver’s seat, out of reach.

  He tried to lean forward and position himself to reach beneath the seat, but his body wouldn’t cooperate. He got as close as he could to the floor, but couldn’t wedge his arm far enough underneath. He wasn’t sure there was any way to reach from this position, even under normal circumstances.

  He knew he’d have to step out of the vehicle and enter through the driver’s seat if there was any hope of retrieving the phone. And he knew he couldn’t do it.

  Not now.

  Not ever.

  Wilder hadn’t told a soul, but that morning while everyone was busy planning the day, he had gone into Tim and Eve’s bedroom, then locked the door and talked to God.

  He didn’t consider himself a religious man, and he didn’t claim to know much about how matters of life and death worked, but he believed in some kind of higher power. Determined to give Eve the best chance at survival and to give Phoebe the best chance at getting her child back, he had decided to appeal directly to that higher power and beg for his daughter’s life.

  Wilder had dropped to his knees beside the pair of windows, looking out and up to the heavens. He touched his thumbs to his index and middle fingers, like he did sometimes during meditation. Then he tilted his head back, closed his eyes, and pleaded his case out loud. The others had been too busy discussing the search to hear him.

  He told God that he was an old man who had lived a wonderful life by any standard, and that he could not have asked for more. He’d enjoyed many years with the best wife on the planet, the two of them a perfect pairing. He’d lived long enough to know his children and to see them grow into productive adults, and he’d even made it long enough to meet his grandchildren. He thanked God for every single day of his life.

  Wilder said he was ready to go if he had to, and he asked to trade his own life for Eve’s. He asked that she be found safe, and that through therapy and with the love of her family, she eventually be made whole again.

  He had said these things with the full intention of his spirit. He meant them wholeheartedly.

  He had hoped his plea would be heard.

  As Wilder Blackburn quietly slipped away from this life, rescue crews found Eve. She was out of sorts and confused, shivering while huddling against a tree near the marina, just like Minerva had said.

  Eve was taken to the hospital by ambulance, Phoebe and Holden riding along with her while Jake, Ty, and Marcus followed closely behind. They rejoiced. They celebrated. Phoebe vowed not to leave her daughter’s side.

  Only later did they learn that their beloved Wilder had gone. He had left Phoebe a note explaining his plea. She read it while sitting on Eve’s couch, with one arm around their daughter.

  While Phoebe didn’t consider herself religious and didn’t claim to know how matters of life and death worked, she said a prayer of thanks to her beloved husband. If he’d had anything at all to do with Eve being found, she was grateful.

  The Blackburns would move forward, taking the good with the bad and holding close the knowledge that life was messy. It was scary. And it was terribly unfair sometimes.

  But it was also breathtakingly beautiful.

  THE END.

  BONUS CONTENT -

  Extended Epilogue

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  Her Darkest Hour - Extended Epilogue

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  Prologue

  Penelope Cline had always known she wasn’t good at telling lies. Or, for that matter, keeping secrets. Her friends knew it, too, which is why they rarely asked her to keep anything in confidence.

  As a kid, Penelope had held her breath every time she tried to tell a fib. It was comical, really. Her parents could gauge the truthfulness of their daughter’s statement
s by watching her breath for a minute or two. When she was lying, Penelope would purse her lips and inhale big gulps, as if she was sipping air through a straw. Then she’d exhale in loud, dramatic bursts once she couldn’t hold it in anymore.

  Like Pinocchio, whose nose grew when he wasn’t truthful, Penelope’s body told everyone around her when something wasn’t right.

  One time, at nine-years-old, Penelope had entered a bank to deposit some allowance into her savings account, but had made a carefully calculated withdrawal instead. Her mother had waited in the car, initially oblivious to her daughter’s plan.

  “Is your mom or dad with you today?” Bernice Tenpenny, the stern old lady behind the counter, had asked.

  Bernice had probably been amused to see the withdrawal slip filled out in the amount of eighty-seven dollars. Not a round or even number, like one would expect. And in a child’s handwriting, no less.

  “My mom is outside waiting in the car,” Penelope had replied, twirling a strand of long brown hair around one finger.

  “Does she know you’re making a withdrawal?”

  “Yes, ma’am,” Penelope had answered, sipping air.

  Bernice had looked at her skeptically, so Penelope expounded. “My baby brother is sleeping in his car seat and Mom didn’t want to wake him. She told me to go ahead by myself and explain what I was here to do.”

  Penelope had been precocious for nine. And smart as a whip. She’d had her reasons for the withdrawal from her savings account. But she was still a child, after all. She hadn’t yet developed the judgment of an adult.

  There had been a few moments of silence as Bernice sized the girl up and considered whether to honor her withdrawal request. Every second had been excruciating for Penelope as she stood, cautiously waiting. She had nearly cracked under the pressure, but instead she had focused on how funny it was that a bank teller had the last name Tenpenny. She could easily read and pronounce the moniker that was printed neatly on the woman’s name tag. She wondered if Bernice had chosen her job at the bank because of her name.