Looking for Lainey

by Kristen Middleton

  “So, do you think Carissa is going to go to the cops with this?” he asked, trying to remain calm.

  “I don’t know. Hell, who cares if she does? It’s obviously bullshit; nobody is going to believe you’d be in on something like that. Anyway, I have to go. Beth seems to think that Gloria and I are having an affair.”

  He snorted. “Did the psychic tell her this, too?”

  “No. apparently, the hotel manager told her that we’d shared a room together.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “You did?”

  “Yeah, but not for that reason. I was just trying to save money,” he replied defensively. “The hotel room was four-hundred a night and there were two beds in my room.”

  “So, you two didn’t fool around?”

  He let out a weary sigh and lowered his voice. “Things may have happened. But, it didn’t mean anything. It was a definitely a one-time deal.”

  His little brother’s mishap was nothing compared to what he’d been going through that evening. “You’re going to have to fire her.”

  “Nah. We both agreed that it shouldn’t have ever happened. Gloria felt guilty about it, too. It will be fine.”

  “You telling Beth the truth?”

  “She has nothing to worry about,” he said firmly. “That’s the truth and that’s what I told her.”

  He had heard this before. His brother was relatively a good man but he had a weakness. Women. That’s why none of his relationships lasted. He couldn’t stay monogamous for too long, which was why it had surprised him that Mike had gotten engaged.

  “Beth’s dad just arrived. I’ve gotta go.”

  “Well, thanks for the heads-up,” said Mitch.

  “No problem.”

  Mitch hung up and quickly returned to the task of fitting the two dead bodies into the trunk. Afterward, he walked back over to the porch and kicked some snow over the bloodstains. Realizing that he had to do better than that, he pulled a large, empty planter over the remaining evidence and then headed back to the car, his mind reeling on what to do about the kids. He knew that he couldn’t let them go and killing the children seemed like a waste, so he made a decision - he would sell the little shits himself. Kurt had mentioned how and where to find buyers. Ones that would pay top dollar if the merchandise was worth it. The problem was that they wouldn’t make a deal with a stranger. Only someone trustworthy, like Yury, who he knew went by the name ‘Cobra’ in the dark web. Cobra had a reputation and a large clientele of pervs. At least that’s what Kurt had told him.

  Mitch glanced back over at Yury’s rental car and an idea began to take shape. One that could solve a lot of problems.

  If Cobra’s clients thought they were dealing with Cobra, they’d strike a deal.

  He walked back over to the trunk and opened it. Mitch grabbed the laptop, along with the man’s ID, and locked it back up. He knew that in time, someone would find the dead bodies, but, if he played his cards right, they wouldn’t ever connect him.

  “Where are we going?” Sammy asked as they drove away from the farmhouse.

  Mitch knew that it was risky, but he had no other choice than to bring them back to his place until he could figure out what to do from there. As for the psychic, he knew that there wasn’t anything she could do. Even if she went to the police, all they’d do was question him. And, if he needed an alibi. He’d find one.

  “Don’t worry about it,” he said, scowling at the boy in the rearview mirror.

  Sammy sank farther into the seat and looked away.

  Chapter 40

  Carissa

  “YOU REALLY THINK Mike’s brother is involved, huh?” Dustin asked as he started the engine.

  “Yes.”

  Dustin nodded toward the clock. “I know it’s late but… the clock is ticking for Lainey. Should we head out to Stillwater and check him out?”

  “I think it’s a good idea,” she replied.

  “I’ll call Jeremy again. Hopefully he isn’t asleep yet.”

  She nodded and stared out into the darkness as Dustin made the call. As close as they were to finding Lainey, Carissa felt like they still had a long way to go.

  MITCH LIVED IN a newly built two-story home right off of the St. Croix River. It was surrounded by trees and very private, which most of the other homes were in that particular area.

  As they drove up the snow covered driveway, Dustin whistled. “This place must have cost a bundle, especially with it being right on the river.”

  “Crime pays well,” she said dryly.

  “That and I’m sure he makes a lot with the art gallery,” replied Dustin.

  They’d learned that Mitch also owned the fifty acres of land that surrounded his home, which he’d purchased two years ago, along with a couple of other vacant lots further north.

  “He must be sleeping,” Dustin said, as they stared at the dark house.

  “I don’t think he’s home,” she replied. “There weren’t any tire tracks leading to the garage and nobody has shoveled yet.”

  “Good point,” he said.

  She sighed.

  “What should we do? Wait around until he gets back and try talking to him?”

  They’d already discussed how they’d handle the conversation. Dustin would explain that he was working with Beth’s father and wanted to interview everyone who knew Lainey. Of course, it would seem strange for them to be there at such a late hour. But, every minute counted and there was no other way around it, which couldn’t be argued. They also knew that there was always the chance that Mike would call his brother and tell him about the crazy psychic who was accusing him of kidnapping.

  “Yeah, we should wait, at least for a while. In the meantime, I’m going to get out and walk around the place. See if I can pick something up.”

  “Okay,” he said, shutting off the engine.

  Carissa got out and began walking toward the house. Although it was dark, there were yard lights that lit up the property, making it easier to see. When she reached the backyard, she saw that it sloped down to the river, where there was a small boathouse and a dock.

  “He has a home security installed so be careful,” Dustin said, startling her.

  She turned and nodded toward the house. “It looks like he has blinds in every window, too, so we couldn’t see much inside anyway.”

  “Do you think Lainey might be in there somewhere?” Dustin asked, studying the place.

  “No. I don’t think so,” she replied. “But, I feel like we could find some answers here. I also sense… danger.”

  “I do, too,” he said. “Although, I’m sure it’s because we’re sneaking around someone’s house in the middle of the night. That’s always dangerous.’

  She smiled. “True.”

  “Hell, we don’t even know if he’s returning tonight,” he said, stuffing his hands into his pockets. “We could be wasting our time here. Maybe we should just return in the morning?”

  Carissa sighed. She could see that he was exhausted and it had been a long day. Plus, he was right. For all they knew Mitch was out and about, abducting more children.

  “Let’s just wait around until twelve-thirty and leave if he doesn’t show.”

  He nodded.

  “We’re coming back tomorrow, though,” she said, brushing the windblown hair out of her face. “He’s in on it. I just know it.”

  AT TWELVE-THIRTY, THEY gave up and drove back to the restaurant, where Carissa had left her SUV several hours earlier.

  “You sure you don’t want to crash at my place?” Dustin asked with a devilish grin. “I’ll even sleep on the sofa.”

  “You forget who you’re talking to,” she replied, smiling back. “I can read your mind.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe I want you to,” he said, leaning closer. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed you.”

  “I’ve missed you too,” she replied softly.

  “Then come home with me.”

  “You know I can’t. As much as I’d like to,
I need to stay focused on this case and keep my mind clear.”

  He sighed. “I know. When this is over, though, no excuses.”

  “No excuses.”

  He nodded toward her vehicle, which was covered in snow. “Would you like help with that?”

  “Nah. I’ll be fine.”

  “Okay. Call me as soon as you get home. So I know you made it safely.”

  “I will.”

  He pulled her to him and they kissed each other goodbye.

  “Drive safely,” she said, getting out of the truck.

  “You, too.”

  Carissa walked over to her SUV. She got inside and turned on her windshield wipers while Dustin patiently waiting for her. Waving, she drove out of the parking lot and headed home.

  Chapter 41

  Mitch

  WHEN MITCH PULLED into his driveway, he noticed a fresh set of tire-tracks in the snow and his stomach tightened. Someone had been at his place and very recently.

  The psychic?

  It seemed logical, especially after the conversation he’d just had with Mike. Seething at the idea, he tapped his fingers on the steering wheel. He wasn’t sure but knew that she had to be dealt with. And soon.

  Turning the house alarm off on his phone app, he pulled into the garage and quickly shut the door.

  Mitch looked back at the children. “Out,” he ordered.

  They silently obeyed.

  Mitch brought Lainey and Sammy into the house and checked their feet. Relieved that neither child had gotten frostbite, he gave them each a pair of dry wool socks.

  “Are you going to sell us?” Sammy asked nervously as he pulled the oversized socks over his feet.

  Mitch had been thinking things over on the way back to his place and had decided that telling them the truth wouldn’t help the situation. They’d try to escape again and he didn’t have time to go chasing them around again. Plus, he had neighbors up the road and the last thing he needed was to draw their attention. “Sell you? Nah. In fact, if you listen to me and don’t pull any funny business, I was thinking that I might bring you back to your parents,” he lied.

  “Really?” said Sammy, looking surprised.

  “Yeah. The truth is, I didn’t know they were going to try and sell you kids,” he continued.

  “Why did you kidnap us then?” Sammy asked, his eyes narrowing.

  As annoying as the boy was, Mitch was impressed with his courage. Especially after everything that he’d witnessed. Instead of clamming up in fear, Sammy was demanding answers from a killer.

  “They were framing me and I had no choice,” he replied.

  “For what?” he asked.

  “Something that you’re better off not knowing. They’re gone now, though, and no longer a threat, which means that I can do whatever I want with you two. I can even bring you home.” He stared at both of them hard. “But, only if you do what I say.”

  Sammy relaxed a little. “Okay.”

  Lainey, on the other hand, looked at him suspiciously. “Why did you kill Tara?”

  “She was one of them,” Mitch said.

  “No, she wasn’t,” Lainey replied, her eyes filling with tears. “She helped us escape and… you shot her.”

  “We all make mistakes,” he mumbled, tired of the questions, the whining, and the crying. “I guess I did too by kidnapping you.”

  Sammy and Lainey stared at him, obviously still not sure what to think.

  “Seriously, kid, I’m sorry I shot your friend. If it makes you feel better, I didn’t kill her. I’m sure the cops will be showing up any minute and they’ll rescue her.”

  “Can’t you call an ambulance for her?” Lainey asked quickly.

  He forced a smile to his face. “Sure. Why not? But only if you promise to get some sleep. Okay?”

  Lainey nodded.

  Mitch sighed in relief.

  “Can’t you just bring us home now?” Sammy asked.

  Mitch’s eye twitched.

  Give them an inch and they ask for a mile.

  He seriously needed a drink.

  “It’s in the middle of the night and your parents are sleeping. Behave and you’ll see them tomorrow. Understand?” he said.

  They both nodded.

  “Good,” he replied. “Now, let’s go.”

  Mitch brought them downstairs, to the large wine cellar which was still a work-in-progress. It was the only place in the house without windows and it also had a door, one that didn’t lock, but he planned on changing that promptly.

  “We have to sleep in here?” Sammy said when Mitch turned on the light.

  He looked around the bare, cedar-lined room. As far as he was concerned, it was better than the ratty, old farmhouse they’d been staying in. And it smelled of fresh wood instead of the dank, musty scent that permeated through the old house.

  “Come on now. It could be much worse. I do have an air mattress you both can share,” he replied. “I’m going to bring you some warm milk to drink as well. It will help you sleep.”

  “Warm milk?” repeated Sammy, grimacing. “I don’t even like cold milk.”

  “You’ll like this. I promise you. Stay here and sit down. I’ll be back,” Mitch said before heading back upstairs.

  When he reached the kitchen, Mitch took some milk out of the refrigerator and poured a little into each mug. He followed it up with a small pad of butter and some sugar, like his mother used to when he and Mike were kids. Then, he put the mugs into the microwave. As they warmed up, he went to the master bathroom and grabbed a bottle of Nyquil, something he knew would help the kids sleep. Once everything was ready, he went back downstairs and offered each of the children a mug.

  “I tried making it warm and not too hot,” he said, watching as they stared down into their mugs curiously. “By the way, I want each of you to take some of this.” He pulled out the bottle of Nyquil from his jacket pocket.

  “I’m not sick,” Sammy said, looking confused.

  “Maybe not, but it will help you sleep,” Mitch said, pouring a capful of it. He handed it to the boy. “I know it doesn’t taste the greatest, so drink it down quickly and chase it with the warm milk.”

  Sammy frowned.

  “Do it,” Mitch said sternly.

  Licking his lips, the boy forced the liquid down his throat and shuddered.

  “Drink some of the milk, now,” he said to him, taking back the cap.

  Sammy brought the mug to his lips and took a sip. “Yuck,” he mumbled.

  Ignoring him, Mitch poured another capful of Nyquil and handed it to Lainey. She drank it down and also made a face.

  He took the cap from her and then went in search of the air mattress. Once everything was set up, he made each of them use the bathroom.

  “I should warn you, I have an alarm on the house and booby-traps hidden all around the yard. The kind that will blow your face right off of your skull,” he lied. “Only I know where they are and if you were to try and leave, you’ll die.”

  The children stared at him with wide eyes.

  “Now, get some sleep and we’ll talk about returning you to your parents tomorrow,” he said.

  They both nodded.

  “I’m going back upstairs to arm the house and get some sleep myself. Like I said, don’t open any doors or try to leave. You’ll end up all over my lawn. Got it?”

  They both nodded again.

  Satisfied that the children were too frightened to leave the house, he headed upstairs and snorted a line of coke, knowing that his night was far from over. Afterward, he slipped back into the garage and slid into Kurt’s car, which needed to disappear. As he opened up the garage his thoughts went back to the kids.

  What if they didn’t believe his story and tried to escape?

  They certainly weren’t locked inside and in fact, could potentially walk out the front door while he was away.

  Rubbing his nose, he told himself that it was just the coke making him paranoid; after the story he’d told them about t
he booby-traps, Sammy and Lainey weren’t going anywhere.

  Mitch started the engine and drove the vehicle to a twenty-four-supermarket, ten miles from his house. After parking in the back, he wiped the car clean of fingerprints and then called himself a cab. As he waited for the taxi, he decided to report his truck stolen later in the morning, around the time he normally left for work. That would seem less suspicious.

  Forty-five minutes later, he was back at home and logging into the dark web, using Yury’s computer.

  Chapter 42

  Carissa

  ALTHOUGH SHE WAS exhausted, Carissa lay in bed, staring up at the ceiling. She’d tried meditating earlier, to see if any new visions would come to her, but she couldn’t seem to relax enough to clear her mind. All she could think about was Mike’s brother, Mitch. She felt compelled to drive back to Stillwater and set up her own surveillance. Although, she didn’t know if he was returning for the night, or even believes he had Lainey at his place, the urgency to return there was driving her nuts.

  Maybe I should call Detective Samuels?

  Right.

  He would probably hang up on her again. Samuels was stubborn about his beliefs and would never acknowledge her gifts.

  Pushing the blankets off of her, Carissa got out of bed and went to the kitchen to make herself a cup of chamomile tea. As she opened up the cupboard, an image of a young woman came to her. Carissa thought she looked as if she were trapped somewhere and trying to get out. The vision was so intense that Carissa knew it had to be real.

  Quickly, she sat down in the middle of the kitchen floor and closed her eyes. Taking deep belly breaths, she inhaled and then exhaled several times, until she felt calm and steady. Carissa then pictured a door opening in her mind, allowing any further intuitive messages from beyond to be received. After a couple of minutes, she saw a car in a ditch. It was in a rural area, without a lot of traffic or houses nearby. She waited patiently until another image flashed into her head. This time it was Lainey and a boy; they were in an empty room, one that was filled with dozens of wine racks. A man was in the room with them, filling up an air mattress.