Lainey shuddered, wondering who ‘they’ were. “They do?”
“Yeah. Oh, and rule number four is that if you fail to follow the first three rules, they’ll kill you.”
Lainey’s eyes widened in shock. “Kill me?”
“Yeah, but, you’re new, so they’ll probably allow you a couple of strikes,” continued the girl. “Still, if I were you, I wouldn’t push it.”
Dina’s cell phone began to ring. She pulled it out of her pocket and walked out of the room.
Tara lowered her voice. “Oh, and be careful with Dina. If you get on her good side, you’ll do okay. Get on her bad side, and you’ll be hatin’ life. I mean it.”
“Who is she? Your sister?”
Tara’s lips curled under. “God, no. She’s the caretaker, I guess you could say,” Tara replied, biting the side of her nail and staring at the doorway.
“Can we leave here?” she asked Tara.
She sighed. “No. I wish.”
Lainey’s eyes filled with tears. It sounded like Tara was a prisoner, too. “So, we can never go home?”
Before Tara could answer, Dina re-entered the room, still on the phone. She was talking rapidly to the person on the other end and looked frustrated.
“Not the kind of home you’re used to,” Tara replied grimly.
Dina hung up the phone and spoke sharply to Tara
Nodding, the teenager looked at Lainey. “She wants you to eat and if you behave, she said that you can watch cartoons later. They have a bunch of Disney DVDs. Okay?”
“How can you understand what she’s saying?”
“I’ve been with them for a long time,” she said in a hollow voice, her eyes taking on a haunted look. “Anyway,” She looked at Lainey again. “I can’t understand everything. Only some things.”
Dina spoke again in a softer tone.
“What did she say?” Lainey asked, noticing a frown spread across Tara’s face.
“Another kid will be arriving soon,” Tara told her.
Lainey tried asking more questions but Dina interrupted, and ordered Tara out of the room.
“Eat,” Dina ordered, pointing at the plate of food.
Although she wasn’t hungry, Lainey picked up the cold grilled cheese sandwich and took a bite. The woman watched her chew, and then waited for her to eat more of it. Lainey took another bite, too afraid to anger Dina after the way she’d attacked Tara.
“Now, drink,” Dina said, waving her hand at the tray.
Lainey picked up the glass of milk and took a sip. She noticed that it tasted funny. She told Dina, but the woman didn’t seem to understand or care.
“Again,” said Dina.
Lainey did, forcing the liquid down her throat. Although she didn’t want to drink anymore of it, Dina’s temper scared her more than the horrible taste.
Satisfied, Dina left the room, locking the door behind her.
Alone again, she set down the sandwich and walked over to the window. She lifted the shade and was surprised to see that it was daylight.
Looking around, Lainey thought that she might be on a farm. Down below her window, was an old metal swing set and a picnic table, where a man sat, smoking a cigarette and staring down at his phone. On the other side of the yard was an old red barn and a rusty tractor, overrun with weeds. Beyond that she saw nothing but grassy fields and tall trees.
Yawning, Lainey’s eyelids grew heavy. She walked back over to the bed and crawled under the covers.
I want my Mommy, she thought, wishing she was in her mother’s comforting arms. A few seconds later, she was sleeping and dreaming about Beth.
Chapter 6
Saturday 3:30 p.m.
Kurt
THE TWO MEN SAT quietly in a gray van, one of them playing a game on his phone, the other absently flicked his Zippo lighter on and off. They were parked in front of the Cray Plaza and waiting for two females to walk out of the building. One of them, the older sister, was supposed to be in her early twenties. The other, their target, was around twelve.
“Are you sure your informant gave you the correct building?” mumbled Yury in a thick, Russian accent.
“Yeah,” replied Kurt, looking up from his cell phone. “I know it’s the right one. “Hawk saw them walk into the movie theater. It should be over soon.”
Grunting, Yury shoved the lighter into his leather jacket. “I’m getting tired of waiting. Are you sure that this one is even worth the trouble?”
“Oh, yeah. She’s got the look. You know, blonde hair, blue eyes, innocent and sweet. Just how they like ‘em. She’s a money-maker. You’ll see.”
Yury sighed. “We shall see. We wait ten more minutes and if they don’t show, we leave and try the mall.”
“Whatever you say,” he replied.
It was Yury’s quarterly visit, making sure that everything was running smoothly in the ‘operation’. He didn’t seem to understand that pulling kids off of the streets wasn’t as easy as it was in Grozny. You needed to have patience, which was something Yury lacked. Fortunately, Kurt had it and more. He had employees willing to go the extra mile when it came to acquiring the children. Whether it was causing a distraction, befriending them on social media, or even cozying up to the parents, Kurt’s group wasn’t afraid to do whatever was needed. Especially, when they were paid so well for bringing him top-notch merchandise.
Kurt tilted his head to the right and then to the left, cracking his neck. It helped him relax. But only just a bit. Yury always put him on edge. He was from Grozny and not someone you wanted to piss off. Built like a wrestler, with an unpredictable temper, Yury was one intimidating son-of-a-bitch. Sometimes just the littlest things set him off, too. Kurt had once watched the Russian kill a guy with his bare hands for making a joke about his mother. Another time, he killed a prostitute’s Pomeranian’s when it wouldn’t stop barking at him. He was a cold-hearted prick, but the bastard had made Kurt and the others very rich. So, if Yury wanted to kill dogs or choke-out a few smart-asses, he’d get out of his way.
“We had a lot of bids on that last auction,” Yury said, breaking the silence. “So, I’ve been thinking, we should increase supply to meet the demands of our customers.”
He was talking about their private auction on the dark web. The products his organization sold were highly sought after, but illegal as shit. They ranged from snuff films, to stolen luxury cars, to women and children. Kurt’s unit was responsible for acquiring model-quality American kids and were paid handsomely for it.
“We’re already doing two auctions a week,” said Kurt, the wheels in his head already spinning on how they could manage taking on more kids. They would need to start looking farther out.
Yury frowned. “Is this going to be a problem? If so, I will find someone else.”
Kurt knew what that meant: do what was asked or he, and his team, would lose more than just their jobs.
He forced a smile onto his face. “Hell. No problem at all. How many are we talking?”
“Two per auction. Instead of one.”
Kurt relaxed.
That wasn’t so bad.
They already had the newest kid tucked away at the farmhouse and another beauty on the way. Unlike some of the other trafficking organizations, they took their time and did things the right way. They didn’t keep a stable which, in his opinion, was dangerous. It was asking for trouble. So, they focused on the quality of their merchandise instead of quantity. And so far… it was paying off. “So, we’re talking two this coming Friday?”
“Yes,” said Yury, staring at a young, curvy woman walking by with her dog.
Still, Kurt had to wonder why the sudden change. In the past, Yury had said that selling more than one kid in an auction was allowing the buyers to relax. The customers knew if they were outbid on one child, they’d still have another to fall back on. But, if there was limited inventory available, the buyers went into a purchasing frenzy. They were like rabid dogs trying to get the very last morsel of food before anyon
e else could get to it.
“I thought you said you’d be losing money if you auctioned more than one a night?” Kurt asked.
“We’re doing one girl. One boy. Two different customers,” he replied, looking at Kurt as if he was a moron.
“Ah.” That made sense. But, that meant they’d need to get their hands on a boy by Friday. One that would please their elite bidders, who expected only the finest quality of merchandise.
Kurt sent a text to Hawk and then started the engine.
“We’re leaving?” Yury asked, surprised. “What about the girl?”
“We’re short on boys,” Kurt said, pulling away from the curb. Besides, he hadn’t liked the idea of taking the girl right off the street and killing the older sister, who was pregnant. He wasn’t a complete monster.
“So, we go to the mall and search for one?”
“No. Too risky at this time of day. Besides, we need quality merchandise and don’t want to grab just anyone.”
Yury sighed. “So, what do you propose?”
Kurt lit a cigarette. “I sent Hawk a message. He’ll find us someone.”
“Good. Let’s go and eat at that pizza joint on Seventh Street. Hunting always makes me hungry,” Yury said.
“It closed down.”
Yury swore. “Figures. Okay, let’s get those little White Castle cheeseburgers. I like them.”
“You sure you want to do that?” Kurt asked, remembering the last time Yury was in town. He’d spent most of the time in the bathroom after eating almost twenty of the greasy burgers.
“White Castles are good for the plumbing,” he replied with a smirk. “You should eat some yourself. You look a little uptight.”
Kurt didn’t reply. Until Yury went back to Grozny, it would take more than a few sliders to make him relax.
Chapter 7
Beth
DETECTIVE SAMUELS AND Dubov showed up at Beth’s house in the afternoon with more questions and a search warrant.
“I don’t understand,” Tom said. “Why would you need to search this place? She wasn’t taken here.”
“It’s just standard procedure,” Samuels said. “Nothing to get excited about. Also, we recommend that you both take polygraph tests.”
“Why?” Beth asked, surprised and angry. “You honestly don’t believe that I had anything to do with this, do you?”
“Believe me, nobody is accusing you of anything. But, the sad truth is that in situations like this, the media isn’t always your friend. In fact, if they suspect any kind of foul play, on your part, they’ll use it to their advantage to create a more interesting story,” he replied.
“He’s right. The media is heartless,” said Dubov. “By taking a polygraph test, you’re showing that you have nothing to hide and are willing to prove your innocence to the world.”
“But, they have the kidnapper on video,” argued Tom. “We shouldn’t have to show anyone anything.”
“Because the kidnapper wore a disguise everyone, aside from Beth, will be looked upon as a potential suspect,” said Samuels.
“You’re kidding?” said Tom angrily. “Even me?”
“Unfortunately, yes. But, if it makes you feel better, we don’t think you’re involved Mr. Brown,” Dubov replied.
“Thanks,” he said dryly. Tom crossed his arms over his chest. “I’m not taking a damn polygraph, though. It’s bullshit and I shouldn’t have to prove my innocence to anyone. I mean, what reason would I have to kidnap my own daughter? It’s not like I’m forbidden to see her, or anything.”
“Unfortunately, there are people out there willing to do anything for money,” Samuels said. “The media knows it. The public knows it. Do yourself a favor and take the polygraph test, Mr. Brown.”
Beth could tell that Tom wanted to punch Samuels in the face and she couldn’t exactly blame him. She understood his frustrations at being considered a suspect, but she also didn’t want to make things any harder than they already were. And God forbid, she certainly didn’t want anyone accusing him of being involved. “Just take one,” Beth said wearily. “I will, too.”
Tom looked at her. “No, Beth. I’ve heard stories about innocent people failing polygraphs. Look at that one guy who was falsely accused of killing his wife when it was found later that the BTK killer actually did it. That guy failed the test. Then there was the Green River Killer who passed the damn thing and we all know he was a murderer. I refuse to take something that is fallible.”
Dubov and Samuels glanced at each other.
“Look, anyone who believes that I kidnapped my own daughter can go to hell,” said Tom. “I shouldn’t have to defend myself. Especially since the kidnapper was caught on camera. Obviously, that piece of shit wasn’t me.”
“Maybe not, but there is one interesting detail about that video that is a little perplexing,” Samuels said, scratching his chin.
Beth’s eyes widened. “What do you mean?”
“Lainey was very comfortable around the man who took her. Not only did she let him get close enough to put something over her nose, but your daughter actually smiled at her abductor,” he replied.
STILL, NOBODY HAD any answers and Tom held firm in his decision to not take the polygraph test.
“That’s fine,” said Samuels. “And your choice. Don’t say we didn’t warn you, however.”
Tom shrugged. “I doubt I have anything to worry about. Plus, I’m not hiding anything. If someone has a question, I’ll be happy to answer it truthfully.”
“And we appreciate that,” said Samuels.
“For the record, Mr. Brown,” said Dubov, “where were you last night at approximately 8:50 pm, when your daughter went missing?”
“Just like I told you last night, I was at home. Alone,” he replied icily. “Eating leftover pizza and watching an episode of Game of Thrones.”
“Can you prove it?” Dubov asked.
Tom grunted. “Probably not.”
“You live in an apartment complex, correct?” she said.
“Yes,” he replied.
“Did you happen to pass anyone in the hallway or in the parking lot after Beth called you?” Samuels asked.
“No. Not that I recall. I was pretty shaken though. I mean, who knows?” he said, getting agitated again. “Look, do I need to get a lawyer?”
“Actually, it wouldn’t be a bad idea. Just in case,” said Dubov.
“Oh my God. Tom had nothing to do with this,” Beth said angrily. “Your questions are highly insulting and a waste of time. Why aren’t you out there, looking for Lainey, instead of harassing him?”
“I’m sorry,” Dubov said firmly. “But, our first priority is finding your daughter. Just like we said earlier, it’s our job to check every angle and turn over every rock before we can rule out who is a suspect and who isn’t. Feelings may get hurt in the process, but that’s the way the cookie crumbles. We believe that Lainey may have known the person. Is it like her to smile at strangers or allow them to get so close?”
“She might. I mean, maybe he said something funny or had a friendly face,” said Tom wearily.
“Lainey is actually a very shy child,” said Beth, frowning. “Especially around other adults. She might smile at a stranger, but even I have to admit that it is kind of strange how she didn’t back away when he approached her the way he did. I wish I knew what had been going on in her mind.”
“We all do,” Tom mumbled.
“Why don’t you give us a list of everyone Lainey knows, including teachers, friends, other parents, or anyone new who may have come in contact with her in the last few weeks,” said Dubov.
“Okay,” said Beth, walking over to the kitchen counter. She pulled out a notebook and a pen from one of the drawers and sat down at the kitchen table. As she began to write, the doorbell rang.
“I’ll get it,” Tom said, racing out of the kitchen.
Beth and the two detectives followed him into the living room. He opened the front door and standing on the porch were
Beth’s father and stepmother.
“Hello, Tom,” said William, a fit man with broad shoulders, cropped gray hair and weathered skin. Standing next to him was Helen, a thin, attractive woman with bright blue eyes and perfectly coifed white hair.
“Hello, William. Helen. Come on in,” Tom replied, moving out of the way.
William walked past him, to Beth. His eyes filled with tears. “Bethy,” he choked, pulling her into his arms.
“Hi, Daddy,” she said, blinking back her own tears. He hadn’t called her Bethy in so long. “I’m so glad you’re both here.”
“Me, too,” he said, hugging her tightly.
Beth closed her eyes, grateful for their arrival. Her father always made her feel safe and somehow, having him there made her feel as if everything was going to be okay.
Helen walked over and joined in the hug. “Has there been any more news?” she asked, her own voice full of emotion as the three pulled apart.
“Unfortunately, no,” Tom said, shoving his hands into his pockets. “Unless, there is something the police are holding back on.”
“No, Mr. Brown,” said Samuels with a cool smile. “You know as much as we do.”
Beth introduced Detective Samuels and Dubov to her father and Helen.
“What can we do to help?” William asked. “Form a search party? Make posters? Just tell us and we’ll do it.”
“Posters would be good,” Samuels replied as something caught his attention outside. He stepped closer to the large window that faced the street. “Looks like we have company.”
Beth and the others looked outside. Three different news vans had pulled up to the house while the neighbors gawked in surprise.
“Good. We need to get Lainey’s picture on television so the public can help find her,” said William, watching as reporters and camera crews piled out of the vehicles.
“Yes,” agreed Samuels. “Which is why we should also discuss what you should talk about on camera.”
AN HOUR LATER, Tom and Beth stood in front of the reporters and gave their speech, which was mainly directed toward the kidnappers. They talked about Lainey and how much she meant to them while begging for her safe return. When they were finished with their statements, the reporters began asking questions and that’s when Detective Samuels stepped in. He gave a few more details of the case to the press and then the Browns were ushered back into the house.
Looking for Lainey Page 3