“Listen, I’m not lying. I needed to be sure he was keeping her. We agreed if he couldn’t handle her I’d take Polly back and he’d let me know over this next week, I was keeping it a surprise for Amy. Thinking about it, Amy wouldn’t know, because I kept Polly in the back yard. The guy took her Thursday Morning. Why don’t you just ask him? His number is on my cell under the name of Jamie.”
“Don’t worry, I will.”
“Good, because then you’ll find out that I’m telling the truth.”
Ted developed a smirk and held up his hands, showing Shaw his palms.
“Okay, you’ve got me, guilty as charged. Amy slept at my home on Thursday evening.”
Shaw felt anger welling inside and rose from his chair. The urge was there to hit out. Instead, he grabbed the buff file and stormed to the door.
“You think this is a game? Lock him back up in his cell. We’ll carry this on later,” Shaw said.
Shaw took a seat at his desk in the office, drumming his fingers on the surface, when Jim and Frank entered.
“He still thinks it’s all a joke and you’re teaching him a lesson just because he’s slept with Amy. He said if you don’t get to the punch line soon, he’ll sue your pants off, Amy’s dad or not,” said Jim. “Where do we stand legally?”
“He’ll know it’s not a joke when the FBI arrests him. Then he’ll have more on his mind than suing me. As for the legality, Frank read him his Miranda rights when he picked him up for resisting arrest, so we can hold him for twenty-four hours. If it wasn’t for us being able to hand him over to the FBI, we’d have to drop Frank’s trumped up charges and let him go, or Frank could be in trouble. Telling him we can use what he says voluntary in the course of helping with enquires is a way around Miranda if needs be, but it’s not as good as a recorded statement.”
Frank sat down in front of Shaw. He stroked his chin stubble and then tapped his lips with his finger.
“Spit it out,” said Shaw.”
“It’s his word against mine, so I don’t give a damn about the legality if it helps to find Amy. But is that what’s this is all about, venting your anger because he’s made a fool of Amy? Or, is there some purpose to it all for me sticking my neck outside the law?” Frank said.
Shaw realized that when he’d asked them not to accept excuses and to bring him in that it was said in anger and with some force. He needed to shoulder some of the responsibility for Frank’s improvisation.
“To be honest, I wasn’t expecting you to smash his taillight, but it’s my fault, because I said not to take any excuses. One thing’s for sure, you can’t ever do anything like that again.”
“Good thing I turned off my Car-Cam and didn’t write a ticket,” Frank said and laughed. “So it never happened.”
“Okay, but to answer your question, it’s both anger and purpose. Look at what we’ve found and where it could lead us. He was outside the hospital just after the attempt of Johno’s life. He was the last to talk to Amy and he knew she was on the bus heading to Mary’s. We already know about Johno’s accident, but until we speak to him, we don’t know what took place. Now consider that if what happened to Johno at the ravine wasn’t an accident, we would need a motive. That same motive we could apply to what happened today with Johno at the hospital. It could be something to do with a drug debt, or say computer fraud. Bearing in mind that Ted was alone that night at the Lake. He could have followed Johno and pushed him over the ravine and hightailed it back, thinking he was dead. Then, we have Amy. She could have guessed what Ted is up to with them being close. Hell, for all I know he could have told her all. He could be say trafficking drugs, or running an internet fraud. He’s older than the rest of them. He doesn’t work at a day job and he visits LA regularly. And to top it off, he uses an alias.” Shaw looked up at the ceiling. “Hell, he could have seen Amy as a loose end and kidnapped her, or worse—”
He brought his fists crashing down on the desk.
“Whoa, don’t go there,” said Frank
“Don’t go there? I’ll put a bullet through his skull if he’s harmed Amy. He’d better hope for his sake that’s not how it played out and she does turn up at some shopping mall.”
“So what now?” Jim asked.
Chapter 28
SITTING at his desk, Shaw dropped his head in his hands. His thoughts were jumbled as he searched for Jim’s answer as to what they should do next. The notion that Amy could be in the hands of abductors, vied with the idea that she could be sat in a coffee bar somewhere, reading a magazine. He knew that his last image of her didn’t make sense. Amy was too responsible. She had to have got off of the bus for them to have found her phone. It was a ten-minute walk to Mary’s house. Losing her phone was a good enough reason for her not to phone Mary. There again, Amy would have phoned Mary from a public phone, even if she had got back on the bus when it returned for her to look for her phone. There was time for her to have walked to Mary’s house, explained the problem, and then returned to wait for the bus. Not phoning Mary only made sense to him if she had a change of heart about going to Mary’s, and say another bus had come along. Maybe it wasn’t a bus, but someone she knew? Someone like Ted who knew where she would be. That thought stuck in his mind as if it were branded there.
The office phone rang. He looked at Frank and pointed to the phone. Frank picked up the handset and put it to his ear.
“He’s busy,” Frank said. “Who is it calling?” Frank held out the handset to Shaw. “Logan’s on the line, LA homicide.”
He grabbed the handset.
“Any news?”
“Yeah, are you sat down?”
Shaw went numb. An ice-cold shiver passed through his body.
“What’s happened?”
“It’s not a homicide. So take some comfort from that.”
“What is it? Has she been in an accident?”
His entire being shook with anticipation of the answer, and dreaded the worst.
“There’s good reason to think she’s been kidnapped.”
“What!” He pushed his back into his chair. “Kidnapped, by who, why?”
“Look, we can’t say for certain, but there’s enough circumstantial to alert the FBI.”
“Oh, no, shit, no. Why my Amy?”
“Look, here’s what we have. We’re having to make assumptions.”
He desperately tried to push thoughts to one side that Amy could be trussed up somewhere, desperately calling out for him. Shaw pounded his temple with the ball of his palm as he listened.
“We think there’s a connection to the attempt on her friend’s life at the hospital, especially after talking to the bus driver.”
“What did he see?”
“He remembers her getting off the bus, from her photo the officer showed him. Said he watched her in his nearside mirror as he drove off, and she walked over to an ambulance parked before the stop.
“Why look in his nearside?”
“Don’t take this wrong. I know she’s your daughter, but she’s a stunner. I’ve seen the photo.”
“Yeah, yeah. Get to it. What else?”
“I had a detective scour where they found the phone, and he found an empty syringe. He went straight down to forensics and explained Amy’s connection to you. John, jumped straight onto the tests. Just a minute, I have the detectives report here. We thought she could have been taking heroin as a possibility.”
He agonized over the syringe, wondering if it had held heroin. As devastating as that prospect would be, he would rather have that picture, and her wondering off in a stupor, instead of her being a kidnap victim.
“Here we are. He tested the residue. It’s a strong tranquilizer that causes a temporary paralysis effect. Can’t pronounce the name, but he said it would be strong enough to put a horse to sleep.”
“Yeah, but how do you know it was used on Amy.”
“Come on, you know how it works. There’s no such thing as coincidence until proven otherwise. The stolen ambulance. A
my’s friend. The result of the tests.”
“Yeah, yeah, I know.” Shaw sighed, choked at how events were unfolding.
“John says he’s taken a swab from the needle to see if he can come up with a DNA sample, but it will take time. Anyway, the FBI is taking it seriously enough to contact all air chopper support in California and to have them look for the ambulance. We have the roof number of the one stolen.”
He fought his emotions. This was no time to lose control. He realized that he needed to find an inner strength, to be able to help to get Amy back. It was time for Detective Brett Shaw to surface and not the alcoholic masquerading as a small town sheriff. He was half-way there already with the drinking. Now he just needed to push the boundary.
“What makes you think they’ll want to ransom her?”
“Come on, think about it. If they wanted her dead, they’d have done a drive-by.”
“Kidnapping just doesn’t make sense. How are we going to get a sample of her DNA when she isn’t here?”
“Forgot already? We’ll have to get a partial parental sample from you. Have a look at her hairbrush and see if there are any hairs with roots.”
“Yeah, sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”
“Understandable.”
“I’ll see what I can find and come down tomorrow. I’ll be staying at Mary’s”
“No, I need you to stay there. The FBI is at Mary’s now, setting up wiretaps. They’re on their way to see you now. Maybe two or three hours and they’ll be there. They can see to getting the samples to us for DNA tests. Have you questioned her friends yet?”
“No, it’s next on the list.”
“You could start with someone called Ted.”
“Why?”
Pins and needles surged through his body at the mention of his prisoner’s name.
“Because he was the last to have a conversation with her around the time she was on the bus. I tried the number we took off her cell phone, but the line’s dead”
Shaw lifted the box lid holding his prisoner’s belongings. The small amount of charge he’d put in the battery to his cell phone must have run out, because it was dead. He knew if he told Logan right away that he had him in custody, he’d have the FBI interview Ted. If the FBI agents recognized him from his wanted photo as Stewart Harvey, then that would be him gone, along with anything he may know about Amy going missing.
“Ted’s Amy’s boyfriend. I’ll make enquiries and get back to you.”
“Brett, I know this isn’t easy, but hang on in there and keep busy to keep your mind on other things. We’re going to do everything we can at this end.”
“I know. Let me know if there are any developments.”
Shaw closed the call. Jim and Frank both had shock written all over their faces.
“Sorry,” said Jim.
“Me too,” said Frank.
Shaw knew that Logan was right. It was time to get busy. No amount of words of sorrow, or despondency was going to get Amy back. The clock was ticking before the FBI would be arriving on his doorstep.
“Thanks, but no time for feeling sorry, we’ve got work to do.”
He picked out Ted’s cell phone from the box and connected the charger. He scrolled through the contact menu until he found Jamie’s name. He opened the number and scribbled it down. Shaw passed the note to Frank.
“That’s the car wreck guy’s number. Phone it and see if Ted’s telling the truth. Then phone Tanya and Oliver and have them to come here. You can interview them and see what you can find out. Get them to give you other names of Amy and Ted’s friends and contact them to come into the office. Get a hold of the of the Globe motel manager in LA. Find out all the details of Ted’s stay, and see if he knows of any meetings with visitors. Lastly, I’ll leave Ted’s phone on charge, but don’t answer any calls. I want you to make a list of all incoming and outgoing call numbers and all his contacts. Then turn the phone off and take out the memory chip. I’ll get back here as soon as I can.”
“Where are you going?” Jim asked.
“I’m going to Ted’s cabin.” He rummaged in Ted’s personal effects and pulled out his house keys, together with the key on the chain.
“Don’t you need a search warrant?” Jim asked.
“Yeah, that’s your Job. I don’t have time.”
“I ain’t never had to write out a request for a search warrant. What do I do?”
“Judge Parker’s your Uncle, right.”
“Well, yeah.”
“Right then, put on the family act. Tell him about his alias, and that he’s suspected of kidnapping Amy. Give him the details and ask him to help you write it out ’cause you don’t want to look stupid in front of me. Oh, and ask him to include his vehicle and phone.”
“What if he says no?”
“I’d phone your mom and ask her to put pressure on him, all sisterly, brotherly. Whatever. I’m going in anyway. Phone me on my cell phone either way. Now come on, let’s get busy, no time to waste.”
“What’s this,” said Frank, and picking up Gyp’s trophy rag from the desk.
“It’s just a rag that Gyp brought home.”
Gyp jumped up at Frank, barking.
“The preppers wear these when they’re out hunting. It’s burnt at the edges,” said Frank. Maybe he picked it up when we saw him rummaging near the vets.”
“Whatever, just leave it there,” he said, and headed out to his car.
He opened the door to his car and Gyp ran through his legs, diving on his seat and into the back. Shaw climbed onto his seat and turned the key in the ignition. Shaw hooked his arm over his seat and reversed. He turned and glanced in his rearview. Gyp was sat bolt upright and their eyes met.
“So I guess you want to know what we’re going to find, boy. Fifteen minutes and we’ll both know.”
Chapter 29
IT was hot. Too hot for comfort.
“Damn,” Shaw said, and slapped the steering wheel.
The AC had stopped working in his car. Gyp panted hard in his ear, resting his paws on the top of both front seats. Banging the control panel with his fist had no effect. He pressed the controls to wind down the windows. A welcome blast of air cooled him down, but the heat of the day was still overpowering. He took of his Stetson, dropped it onto the passenger seat, and wiped the beads of sweat from his brow. As he drove on, he saw the row of mailboxes that marked his turning. He eased off on the accelerator, braked, then turned left onto the gravel track to his destination. Amy haunted his thoughts, and now his body reacted with the anticipation of what he may find. His gut bloated as if wanting to explode. He pulled up and parked just before the entrance to Ted’s cabin. An old guy was struggling to fire up his lawn mower, pulling hard on the cord. The old man was leaning over and holding his back as Shaw climbed out of his seat. He strolled over to him.
“Howdy, Sheriff. I was just about to call 911 for some help with this damn thing,” he said, and bellowed out a laugh. “Only joshing ya. What can I help ya with?”
“I’m looking for a cabin rented by someone called Jamie. He runs a car wreck yard in LA.”
“Hell, they comes and goes all the time. Can’t say as I know him.”
“What about Ted Carter and his dog.”
The old guy clutched at his stomach and stooped. Unsteady on his feet, he held onto the mower handle.
“Jesus, damned bacon’s not sitting well.” He straightened up and took a deep breath. “Thank God, it’s passed. Ted, yeah, I seen him all right, but not since Sunday. He keeps himself to his self. As for his damn dog, can’t say I’ve heard it barking these past few days. Sick of the damn thing escaping. Scares the hell outta the wife it does.”
Shaw reached down and grasped the handle to the mower cord. He rested his boot on the blade cover and pulled hard on the chord. The engine roared to life.
“Thanks, Sheriff.”
“No problem, have a nice day. Mind if I leave my car here?”
“Sure, no problem. Ain’t no
one around here’ll mess with your car. Least not while I’m here,” the old man said in a raised voice over the throaty rumble of the engine.
Shaw walked over to his car. His intention was to open the back door for Gyp to join him. It would be as hot as a furnace inside, even with the windows open. There was no need. Gyp scrambled through the open window and onto the gravel track. Shaw crunched on over the gravel and up the slope to Ted’s cabin. The hardware store van was parked out front of the cabin. Mike sat on the porch steps, tossing shards of gravel at nothing of any note. He scrambled to his feet.
“You seen Ted on your travels? Only I’m done waiting,” Mike said
“He’s been delayed. He’ll catch you later. Have you set the security?”
“No point until he knows how it all works,” said Mike. “That’s me gone.”
Mike jumped in his van. His wheels span on the gravel as he turned. Music blurted through his open window. Shaw approached the front door. He offered the key to the lock, but his hand trembled. He knew that it wasn’t a lack of alcohol. Shaw realized it was an attack of apprehension. His chest tightened. He didn’t know what to expect. All he hoped was that he’d find something to help him to locate Amy. He took a lungful of air, steadied himself, and placed the key in the lock. As he turned the handle, Gyp jumped up, hitting the door with his front paws and it opened. Shaw followed him inside and into the living room. Gyp charged around the room, his tail wagging, and with his nose sweeping the floor. Shaw wondered if Amy’s scent could have lingered. He walked on through to the locked door in corridor. His mind raced as he fished out the key on the neck chain from his pocket. He imagined the locked room containing anything from a stash of cocaine, to a bank of computers for cloning credit cards. He placed the key in the lock and grasped the handle. The door was stiff on its hinges and creaked open.
His eyes popped. The room was empty, save for an old desk with steel legs, and a single drawer. He scratched the hairs on his head. There was nothing on the walls and no carpet. Just closed blinds at the window. He walked over to the desk and opened the drawer, but it was empty.
The Killers Amongst Us: Chimera Dawn Chronicles Page 19