by Leona Fox
“What are these for?” Andy asked.
“Oh, it speaks,” Ellen said, slamming the book shut. “I thought these would get your attention.”
“Why have you brought them here?”
“Andy, I love you but I really don't like the way you are now. You're being selfish and you're letting your own past prevent you from helping Scott. I know you don't want to hear that and you'd prefer to lose yourself in this mystery but we don't have that luxury. Time is ticking and there are people out there who are losing faith because we still haven't found Scott. They need you. We all do.”
“I'm not the hero they think I am,” he said, “I'll only let them down. It's better if I work here alone, and just work through this. These letters are the key. They're what's going to save Scott.”
“Even if that's the case then let other people help. Your judgment is clouded here and I'm calling you out on it. People need to see you. Andrea is freaking out; Kelly is doing her best to help organize the search but without you people don't believe it's possible. You've done so much for this town and we need you to do one more thing. Obviously there's a personal connection to this case but instead of you hiding away trying to figure it out by yourself you should be using every resource at your disposal. This town, we're a community. I know it's not always easy, and sometimes people here can get caught up in being annoyed, but ultimately we're all in this together. You have a whole town out there that is ready to help you and you're just sitting in here by yourself, taking it all on yourself. You don't have to do this.”
Andy's eyes flickered and Ellen could tell she was beginning to get through to him, so she decided to press her advantage.
“I brought these books here because you hate them. They represent a path you didn't take, a path you managed to avoid. But I'm telling you that right now you're more like that character than you are yourself. If you want to wallow in self-pity and become that character then go right ahead, but you'll be losing everything you've worked for ever since you came to East Pender, and is it really worth it? You managed to get what some people never do, a second chance. You either can steel yourself and work with us to find this guy and save Scott before it's too late, or you can lose yourself in these pages. You can prove your brother right, and you can undo everything you've achieved here.”
Ellen's impassioned plea drained her. Scampy wasn't used to seeing her raise her voice or speak with such fervor, and he whimpered by her feet. She continued to stare at Andy, knowing that if this didn't work then probably nothing would. Her cheeks were flushed and her hair had become unkempt. Brunette wisps were now being brushed back into place. Andy sat up straight and rubbed his hands over the covers of the books. Some he opened and ran his hands along the soft surface of the paper, and a rueful smile came over his face.
“I used to hate looking at these. I had to go to parties and signings where there would be piles of them and everyone was always so proud. They all praised my brother for writing such realistic characters and gritty plots. Not once did they ever praise me for actually living the life he was writing about. I always found that to be a strange thing...the only attention I ever got was from that case. I handled so many, solved so many. I was a good detective but nobody cared.
Then suddenly I was everywhere. I was in the news. People saw me out in the street and at first they cheered me on. Guess they figured it was easy to catch a criminal but that guy...he was smarter than the rest. They built me up to be this hero, all of them did, even Louise. I don't think she ever truly understood what it was like to have the responsibility. It's not just a job. It's impossible to leave work at the office. I just wanted to live up to that so badly. I wanted everyone to see what I really did and save that kid but...I couldn't.
The moment when it mattered most, I failed and, you know something? The only person I could talk to about it was my brother. Then he goes and uses our conversations to write these books, which got him millions of dollars and a movie deal. And what it did it get me? All the good work I did was forgotten and ignored. I became the one who failed. Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had stayed in the city. Maybe I would have turned into this guy,” he said, gesturing to the books, “but I came here instead. A new start, a new lease on life. And it was so different. Nobody knew my past. Nobody except me, but that was worse in a way, almost like it didn't matter. But I didn't deserve to forget about Sami. Sure, I got a new life but his was taken away. And no matter what happens I'll never be able to forgive myself for that.”
He looked at Ellen with liquid eyes and inhaled deeply before he pressed his hands against the side of the desk, pushed his chair out, and stood up.
“But you're right. I've spent so much time trying not to be that character that I can't throw it away now.”
He looked at one of the books, the one in which the character based on him committed suicide and a haunted look came over his face. He tilted his head to one side and pursed his lips, then strode out of the door with purpose. Ellen smiled as she had finally seen a glimpse of the real Andy coming through. The fact that he was back somehow seemed to swing things in their favor. She started to believe again.
When Andy arrived at the base of operations everyone was pleased to see him, and a little surprised.
“I'm glad you made it,” May said.
Andy nodded, still wearing a grave expression. This was not the time for happiness or relief. That only would come when they found Scott alive and well. There was a constant battle in his mind, and the darkness was always there, nagging him with doubts and fears. It took all his willpower to resist them, but the fact that he wanted to resist them was a victory in and of itself. He was there to do a job and the fact that Ellen was beside him reminded him he was not alone, as did the teeming mass of people who were around him. The chatter was loud, yet people still were trying, even though there had been no sign of Scott as of yet. Kelly gave him and Ellen a quick update. He nodded as he looked at the map of the forest and people rallied around him. He cleared his throat.
“I know many of you have wondered about my absence during the past day or so. I had some things to take care of. I'm going to be honest with you. This case has many similarities to one I worked on back in the city. I got caught up in the parallels and the memories of how that one went but I assure you my focus is entirely on this one, on getting Scott back. I've met the kid. He helped us on another case. He was excitable and curious but, above all, he was brave. He embodies the spirit of this town, and somewhere out there that brave little boy is waiting for us to rescue him.
I know we're all tired and we've all done more than anyone could have asked but I think we all know that we'd want people to stick around if it was our son, or daughter, or anyone we cared about. Not all of us were born here but East Pender is in our hearts, and we're all one family. Somebody has taken one of our own and we will not let that stand. We will find Scott and we will bring his kidnapper to justice.”
Although he had not intended it to be a speech when he first had started talking, the crowd erupted in a cheer as he rallied them and renewed their vigor. Indeed, seeing them respond in such a manner refreshed his soul as well and he felt a stirring within his gut. People drifted away, ready to resume the search. Andrea came up to Andy.
“My son always looked up to you, you know. I'm sure that wherever he is he has faith you'll find him, and I know you won't let him down,” she said.
“I'll do everything I can to make sure he's safe,” Andy replied.
The two of them walked over to Ellen and Kelly, who were poring over a map. There were pins sticking into the map and wide, shaded areas where people had searched. They had managed to cover a lot of terrain in a short amount of time yet there was more still to go.
“We've narrowed it down to a few areas we think are likely. Here, here, and here,” Kelly said, pointing to three distinct areas on the map.
“It's not definite and right now we still are working mainly on hunches, but we don't really have anything el
se to go on. We do know there are some structures around here, places where someone could hide a child. But the thing is, even if we do get there and find the right place, we have no idea how many people there are. There could be an army.”
“No,” Andy said, “it's just one person. I'm certain of that. This is good work; we'll start with these three places. At least then even if we don't find Scott there we can rule them out. Keep everyone looking in all directions, spreading out just in case these locations are a waste of time. I'll get some officers and gear up.”
“I'm coming with you,” Andrea said.
Andy glanced at Ellen, then looked back at the mother.
“Andrea, I get why you want to come but this is dangerous. It's not easy being in these situations,” Ellen said.
“No, she can come,” Andy said, completely going against protocol. “If we do find Scott he's going to want to see his mom. They've been kept apart long enough.”
Andrea gave him an appreciative look. Andy, Andrea, Ellen, Scampy, and a few armed officers moved into the woods to search the various locations. The first two proved fruitless and it pained the others to see the look of disappointment on Andrea's face. However, Ellen thought, it was better to find nothing rather than Scott's dead body.
The third location was an old abandoned woodshed. They crept quietly through the forest. Andy pulled out his gun, as he had done at the two locations before, and directed his officers to the flanks. Leaves quietly were crushed under the weight of their feet as they approached the woodshed. It was a squat building made of metal panels, which had a layer of rust upon them. The windows were dusty and nothing could be seen through them. They made their way to the door. Andy reached out for the handle and pulled it open. The hinges sang as it allowed entrance to a dark inner room. There seemed to be nobody in there. Carefully, tentatively, Andy and the others made their way in, announcing they were the police, but there was no response. A small bed was in the corner of the room, and there were cans of food, but other than that the place had been cleared out.
“Sir,” one of the officers called.
Scampy soon joined them, scratching at the door. Andy pulled back the dead bolt and opened it. As their eyes adjusted to the dim light Scampy was the first to respond. Andrea was the second. The dog and the mother ran toward Scott, who had been gagged and left tied to the pillar. His eyes lolled in his head and he looked gaunt. Andy and the others checked the rest of the room while Andrea hugged her son, struggling with the thick rope that had been used to bind him. Andy pulled out a penknife and cut through the sinews of the rope, and Scott's arms fell around his mother. Andrea showered him with kisses and hugged him so tightly Ellen was afraid the weak boy was going to be broken in two.
“A happy ending,” Ellen whispered quietly to Andy.
“Not yet. There's no sign of anyone else here,” he said, and peered into the dark corners, afraid that this was a trap.
As soon as Scott was given a chance to breathe and set down on the ground again he pointed to his chest. A note had been pinned to his top. Andy furrowed his brow and looked with curiosity at it, ripping it off of Scott. His eyes scanned the letter, which was typed again, just like all the others.
'Although you found the boy you never will find me. I will slip away unnoticed and you, Mr. Policeman, will have another unsolved case. Another mistake. You think you have won because you found the boy? No, no, quite the contrary, you have lost because I can do this whenever I want. I have outsmarted you at every turn and you do not even have the faintest idea who I am. I could be anyone you meet on the street. I could be the person you bump into when you turn a corner. I am like a whisper in the wind and you never shall know me. All you will know is I am out there, still living, still thriving, and the memory of me will haunt you like a specter. Never forget.'
Andy swallowed hard as he folded the letter and placed it in his pocket. The other officers helped Andrea with Scott and they all walked back to the base of operations. The mother and child were relieved to have been reunited, and everyone cheered when they appeared, yet Andy knew it wasn't over.
Chapter 9
Soon after everything had calmed down May declared she was leaving. She gave Andy some parting words, and also thanked Ellen as well.
“You'll take good care of him,” she said.
She also spoke with Scott and Andrea and gave them her card, in case they ever needed to talk. This trauma was a serious thing and it may not go away as easily as they would like. But, all in all, the town was in good spirits and a party was held in Scott's honor, to celebrate his return. He was fed well and ate so much he soon was burping. Everybody laughed, but it was good to see Andrea smile again. Andy brooded in the corner, though. The words of the letter stayed with him, but he promised Ellen he wasn't going to lose himself again.
In the aftermath the town returned to normal. There were no other kidnappings and the good cheer of the summer returned. Ellen and Kelly went back to planning the wedding.
“I really don't want to spend any more time on this than I have to. I want to get married now. Life is too short and Matthew and I have wasted too much time already. Let's just throw something together and get on with it,” Kelly declared.
Ellen wasn't sure you simply could throw together a wedding but she was only the maid of honor and had to acquiesce to the bride's wishes. They went shopping for dresses and made arrangements to host the reception at The Chrome café. The wedding was to be held in the park, as long as the beautiful weather held out. The closer the day came; the more nervous Kelly became.
“Do you think I'm doing the right thing? Maybe we don't need to be married after all. What if marriage changes me? You hear that all the time, like people become different after they're married even though it's only a little ceremony.”
Ellen repeatedly had to take Kelly's hands and reassure her that she was making the right decision. “You've thought about this too much already. Just let it happen. You both feel strongly for each other and you're going on this journey together. That's the most important thing, that you're together,” and Kelly calmed down a little.
When she slipped into bed, Ellen chuckled to herself.
“How is the blushing bride-to-be?” Andy asked.
“Oh, she's fine, just last minute jitters. It's quite amusing, actually, seeing her so on edge when we all know they're going to work out fine.”
“I can't believe you'd be taking delight in your friend's nerves,” Andy teased.
“We all have to get our kicks somewhere,” she joked back.
Then her tone turned serious. “It'll be nice to have a ceremony, though, after everything that's happened. It'll be like a new beginning.”
“You're assuming the last chapter has ended,” Andy replied, looking at her with a raised eyebrow. Ellen pushed herself up.
“You don't think it has?”
Andy closed the book he had been reading and placed his hands in his lap. “We still don't know who that guy was or how he knew to target me. It's like he just disappeared into thin air and if he can do that then who knows what else he can do? He still could be in town for all we know, waiting for another moment to strike.”
“Or he ran away because we scared him off. He must have known we were searching for Scott and that we'd find him eventually. That last letter was just to try keeping you off-kilter. No one else has gone missing and there haven't been any letters. Maybe it's better just to strike a line under it and move on with life.”
She kissed him on the cheek and pulled the covers over her as she drifted off into a sweet slumber, her happy mind filled with thoughts about the wedding day. Andy, however, was unable to rest so easily. He was not consumed with the past any longer, but he was worried that a dangerous person was out there. He didn't feel comfortable in letting his guard down.
But as the week passed, still nothing happened and Ellen was so excited about the wedding that it rubbed off on him. She modeled her dress for him and spoke of how beautiful
Kelly looked in hers. On the night before the wedding Ellen stayed around Kelly's to have one last night where it was just the two of them. They reflected on their friendship and all the things they had been through together.
“Listen,” Ellen said after a few glasses of wine.
Her words were slightly slurred, “I know I said marriage won't change much and you'll be fine and I truly believe you will but now you are not just one person you are two. I know that sometimes helping me with these cases is dangerous and I don't want to risk making Matthew unhappy. So I will understand if you do not want to help me with them any longer.”
“Ellen, do not even think about that. I love working on cases with you, even if this one was more serious than I would have liked. That poor mother, I can't imagine what she must have gone through. I invited her to the wedding, you know, and Scott, of course.”
“Really? I thought you wanted to keep it a small affair with just some close friends?”
“Well,” Kelly sighed, re-arranging her dress, “that was the plan but Andy's speech really got under my skin and I was thinking about it a lot. We are a community here and I guess that sometimes I forget that because I get lost in my own little creative world, but I do like being a part of this town. Being around everyone while we were searching for Scott showed me how we all can come together and be there for each other. I'd like to see that continue and I'd love it if we all could become part of each other’s lives. So tomorrow I'm going to welcome as many people as possible.”
While Andy was on his own he ruminated about his own past and future, and was glad Ellen had stood by his side. The last time he had been in a long-term relationship it had been with the wrong woman. He had been wary of entering into another one in case he made the same mistake, but this time he knew he had chosen well, or perhaps it was that she chose him. Despite everything that happened, and his misgivings about the kidnapper still being at large, he was looking forward to Kelly's wedding. It was sure to be a joyous occasion and it would allow him to forget about his duty for a little while.