Girl Eight: A Mercy Harbor Thriller

by Melinda Woodhall

  Her eyes dropped down from the window and settled on a row of photographs that had been taped to the wall. She tried to focus her eyes, unsure of what she was seeing.

  “Oh, no. Oh my god, no!”

  She tried to scream again as she stared at the faces of the girls that had been in the room before her, but no sound would come. Fear had paralyzed her vocal chords, stolen her ability to scream.

  There was no need to count the girls in the pictures. Whoever had taped the photos to the wall had already marked each with a big number. The last photo had been marked with the number seven.

  The redhaired girl in the picture looked dazed. She sat on the bed that Kara now sat on, and she wore a white dress, very much like the dress Kara now wore.

  In fact, each picture showed a different girl in a frilly white dress sitting on the same bed with the same look of fear in their eyes.

  Kara shuffled forward, trying to get a better look at the photos, but the chain stopped her halfway across the room.

  One of the girls had long dark hair and eyes that appeared almost black in the photo. Something about the girl reminded Kara of her sister.

  The thought of Anna made Kara’s heart drop.

  What will Anna think when I never come home? Will she think I’ve abandoned her, or will she know something terrible must have happened to keep me away?

  Kara wasn’t sure which would be worse. But either way poor Anna would be left on her own to care for baby Niko, and Kara would never see her sister or nephew again.

  Her hand instinctively rose to her throat, seeking the comfort the little cross provided, and it was only then that she remembered the gold chain was gone.

  Fresh tears spilled from her eyes as she thought of her father’s words as he’d fastened the delicate necklace around her neck with trembling fingers.

  If you wear this cross, then you won’t be lonely, since part of me will always be with you.

  Kara had removed it only rarely since then, scared that she would lose the last, fragile link she had to the man that had been both mother and father to her and Anna since they were small girls in Prague.

  He’d brought them to the U.S., hoping for a new life, not knowing that a malignant force was already growing inside him.

  For once Kara was glad that her father was gone. At least he wouldn’t have to experience the pain of not knowing what had happened to her. He would be spared that much.

  Lost in thoughts of her father, she didn’t hear the steel door open until the big man was standing in the room, staring at her with a satisfied expression.

  “So, you’re already up and about,” he said, shutting the door behind him. “I’m surprised. Doc gave you enough fentanyl to kill most people. He can get a little carried away sometimes.”

  Kara blinked at the casual words, trying to understand what he was saying. She hadn’t overdosed on methadone after all. Dr. Bellows had somehow given her fentanyl. Had he set up everything to get her away from Hope House?

  “Dr. Bellows drugged me? He planned…this?”

  “That’s what I just said, and you’re lucky to be alive.”

  “But why? Why would he do that?”

  “He did it for me. Because I asked him to do it.”

  He stepped closer, and she could see a faint scar on his cheek.

  “And he did a good job finding you. I usually wait longer between girls, but he said you were special.”

  Kara recoiled at his words and sat back hard on the mattress, her eyes flicking to the pictures on the wall.

  “So, you’ve notice them already, then?”

  Kara stared up at him in horrified silence. He seemed so matter-of-fact. Like having a collection of abducted girls on your wall is something anyone could have.

  “You can call me Ace, by the way.” He ran a hand through his thick thatch of hair. “And you should know that I didn’t kill any of those girls.”

  He waited, as if expecting a reaction, then gestured to the wall.

  “Those girls all left this room in the same condition they entered. And you can, too, if you play nice.”

  Kara felt herself wanting to believe the man’s callous words. He was trying to give her hope that if she did what he wanted, he’d let her live.

  But could he really have abducted and assaulted seven women and then just let them go without getting caught? Would he and Dr. Bellows have taken such a risk?

  She looked into his dark eyes, searching for any hint of compassion or warmth. She saw only the cold, hard eyes of a killer.

  He’ll never let me leave here alive. Not willingly.

  But a small kernel of hope was growing inside her. Maybe if she pretended to believe him he would let down his guard. Maybe he would slip up and she could find a way to escape.

  “So, you’ll let me go? If I do what you want, you won’t hurt me?”

  “That’s what I said.”

  Ace stepped closer, within touching distance.

  “Of course, it also depends on other people keeping their noses out of my business. You see, some people are looking for you. If they get too close I might have to change my plans. And that wouldn’t be good for you.”

  Kara felt her heart race at the idea that someone was looking for her. Trying to find her.

  “Who is it? Is it my sister? Will you let me call her?”

  Ace let out a raspy laugh.

  “No, your sister isn’t looking for you. And no, you don’t get phone privileges. At least not yet, not before you earn them.”

  The look in Ace’s eyes made Kara’s stomach clench. She thought she might retch again, but somehow managed to stay still.

  He reached out a rough hand just as the phone in his pocket buzzed. He kept his eyes on Kara’s face as he took out the phone, then glanced down at the display.

  “I've got to take this, but don’t you worry, I'll be back soon.”

  Kara kept her eyes on the door after it closed behind him, sure he would walk back in at any moment. When he didn’t appear, she let her eyes flick once again to the girls on the wall. They all looked as scared as she was now, and she somehow knew that the collection was the deranged man’s memorial to the girls; they were all dead.

  And if Ace gets his way I’ll be the next one on the wall. I’ll be girl eight.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Eden couldn’t stop thinking of Kara Stanislaus as she left the police station and steered her SUV toward home. After driving several minutes in silence, she turned on the radio, needing to drown out the anxiety that swirled through her mind. A weather report was in progress on WBRO, the reporter’s voice shrill in the hush of the car’s interior.

  “…the hurricane is predicted to make landfall late Monday along Florida’s gulf coast. We’ll be tracking the storm’s path throughout the next forty-eight hours and..”

  Eden switched the channel to a cool jazz station that Hope and Devon refused to let her listen to when they were in the car. She felt her shoulder muscles relax as the smooth sound of a saxophone surrounded her. By the time she pulled onto the driveway and parked the car inside the garage, she’d managed to calm her nerves and push the disturbing events of the day to the back of her mind.

  Duke was waiting for her as she entered the house, the energetic wagging of his tail giving away his excitement at her return.

  “How was your day, sweet boy?”

  She knelt next to Duke and pulled him in for a hug, grateful to feel his warm body next to her after the long, stressful day spent without him.

  A delicious aroma led her into the kitchen, and she stopped in the doorway, watching Barbara Sweeney pick up a long-handled ladle to stir something simmering in a saucepan. The little window in the toaster oven revealed cheese melting onto generous slices of garlic bread.

  “Barb, you’re a life-saver,” Eden said, dropping her purse on the counter and walking toward the stove to peek at the creamy alfredo sauce.

  “It’s not a problem, dear. I’m happy to have an excuse to du
st off some of my old recipes.” Barb moved to the sink and began to fill a large stainless-steel pot with water. “Now that you’re home I’ll put the pasta on.”

  Barbara Sweeney was a slightly older, slightly plumper version of her sister, Pat Monahan. She’d been helping out with the kids over the summer after Leo Steele had suggested the widowed woman might be just what Eden needed.

  Leo knew Barb was dependable, kind and trustworthy. She possessed all the qualities Eden had been looking for. The last woman Eden had trusted to take care of Hope and Devon had betrayed her, and Eden was still wary. But Barb had settled in quickly, and now Eden wasn’t sure how they’d ever managed without her.

  “What can I do to help?” Eden asked, her stomach growling as she remembered she hadn’t eaten anything since breakfast.

  “Dinner’s almost ready,” Barb said, checking on the bread, “and I’ll call Devon and Hope down to set the table, but I imagine Duke and Lucky would enjoy getting out for a bit. They’ve been cooped up most of the afternoon.”

  Eden nodded and called to the dogs. Excited feet and tails filled the kitchen as Eden snapped on the dogs’ leashes and opened the back door. Duke let Lucky scurry past him before looking over his shoulder at Eden, anxious for her to follow.

  “Okay, I’m coming, Duke, let’s go.”

  The early evening air was uncomfortably hot and muggy, and Eden’s silky blouse clung damply to her shoulders by the time they’d walked around the block a few times and returned to the house. Eden was pleased to see Reggie’s red Mini Cooper in the driveway.

  Reggie was perched on a stool at the kitchen counter nibbling on a piece of garlic bread when Eden entered, followed by Duke and Lucky. The dogs were still frisky after their trip around the neighborhood, and they responded happily to Reggie’s greeting.

  “Hi there, Duke, how’ve you been, boy?”

  Reggie scratched Duke’s soft head and smiled down at Lucky, who was wagging his tiny tail in a frantic greeting.

  “You must be Duke’s friend, Lucky. I’ve heard all about you.”

  The little Yorkie stared up at Reggie with inquisitive eyes before scurrying around to stand by Barb’s legs.

  “Lucky can be a bit shy at first,” Barb said, “but he and Duke are getting along nicely. They’re good friends now.”

  Eden smiled at the words, wishing she could forget everything that had happened that day and let herself enjoy the houseful of family, friends and delicious food. Everything seemed just about perfect for once. But the worry about Kara nagged at her, dampening her mood.

  Footsteps sounded on the stairs and Devon bounded in, his big blue eyes searching for food. He grabbed a slice of cheesy garlic bread and stuffed half of it in his mouth before turning to Reggie and offering a gooey smile. Hope wandered in behind him, her eyes on her cell phone as she tapped in a message.

  “Aunt Eden, is it okay for Luke to come over later?” Hope asked, not looking up.

  “I guess so, as long as it’s not too late.”

  Eden resisted an urge to snatch the phone from her niece’s hand. Lately Hope spent much of her time staring at the phone, waiting for messages from Luke Adams, and Eden worried that her young niece was getting too serious about the boy. They were both only fifteen, and Hope had already been through so much. She’d endured more tragedy and violence than most girls her age could even imagine.

  But Hope now had a chance to live a normal life, and Eden knew that would inevitably involve boys and angst and all the other things that went along with being a teenage girl. So, for the time being, Eden tried to grit her teeth and allow Hope to navigate her first romance without too much interference.

  Eden’s thoughts turned to food as Barb carried heaping plates of pasta into the dining room. After some coaxing Reggie agreed to stay for dinner, and everyone gathered around the big table while Duke and Lucky lounged at Devon’s feet, somehow sensing he would be the one most likely to sneak them a bite.

  Eden attempted to keep up a cheerful stream of conversation throughout the meal, but she was growing more and more anxious to get Reggie alone. She wanted to talk about Kara, and she hoped that Reggie would have more information to share about Dr. Bellows.

  Once the pasta had been consumed and the table had been cleared, Hope and Devon retreated upstairs, and Barb collected her purse and called to Lucky.

  “Is everything all right, Eden?” Barb asked as she stood by the door, ready to leave for the night. “You seem…distracted. Is there any way I can help?”

  “You’ve already helped more than you know,” Eden assured the older woman, impulsively leaning over for a hug. “The alfredo was wonderful. You and Lucky go home and get some rest.”

  “Well, let me know if you need me to watch Hope and Devon tomorrow. I’d be happy to take them to church with me if you need time alone.”

  Eden watched Barb’s big white Buick pull out of the driveway before closing the door and hurrying back into the kitchen where Reggie sat waiting, a glass of red wine on the counter in front of her.

  “Where can she be, Reggie? What’s happened to Kara?”

  “I wish I knew, my dear. The poor girl hasn’t returned to Hope House, and nobody there has heard from her.”

  “Was her sister’s phone number in Kara’s file?”

  “Well, we found the emergency contact number Kara listed for Anna Stanislaus, but no one answered when I called. Just got one of those automated voicemails. I did leave a message with both my cell phone number and yours. I hope that’s okay with you.”

  “Yes, of course, it is.”

  Eden checked her phone, making sure the ringer was on.

  “She could already be back in Orlando by now,” Reggie said, drumming her long, perfectly manicured fingernails on the table.

  “I wish I could believe that, Reggie, but I just can’t. Kara may have had an addiction, but she was in recovery, and she was determined to complete the program and return to Orlando to help her sister.”

  “Maybe she didn’t want to wait. Maybe she wanted to go home and decided to just go.”

  Eden bit her lip., wanting to believe that Kara was safe, but the facts didn’t add up.

  “Kara was picked up on drug charges and the judge offered her the chance to go to Hope House instead of receiving a custodial sentence. Why would she risk dropping out of the program? She must know if she just leaves the judge could send her to jail.”

  Reggie’s brow furrowed over her dark, worried eyes.

  “I don’t know, Eden. How can we ever know why some people make the decisions they make?”

  “Okay, then tell me what you know about Dr. Bellows. He diagnosed a methadone overdose and that proved to be wrong as you know. And I saw him at the hospital this morning around the time Kara disappeared. But what I didn’t tell you was that I think I saw Kara’s necklace in his van.”

  “When?” Reggie stared at Eden with wide eyes. “Where?”

  “This afternoon, outside Hope House. I saw a gold chain on the floor of his van. It looked like the chain Kara showed me yesterday. So, tell me. What do you know about Dr. Bellows?”

  “I can’t believe Dr. Bellows would do anything to hurt one of his patients.” Reggie shook her head slowly back and forth. “He seems so dedicated. He’s volunteered so much of his time for so many years. It just doesn’t make sense.”

  “When did you meet him?”

  “Well, I only met him about a month ago, when he came to Hope House offering to volunteer his counseling services. But I verified all his references, and he’s been volunteering in the community for more than a decade. He also runs the Behavioral Health Group of Willow Bay, which is a private practice.”

  Eden considered Reggie’s words, trying to match the arrogant and rude Dr. Bellows she’d met with the selfless, generous doctor Reggie was describing.

  “And he’s obviously a doting husband to his wife, who’s in a wheelchair,” Reggie added. “I find it hard to believe such a doting husband could be involv
ed in Kara’s disappearance. Unless…”

  Reggie paused, as if trying to put the pieces of a puzzle together.

  “Unless what, Reggie?”

  “Well, unless he assisted her in leaving the hospital at her request. Perhaps she wanted to go home without anyone at Hope House trying to stop her, and he agreed to help her.”

  “And why would he do that? Wouldn’t that be a violation of ethics? Helping an addicted woman leave undetected from a court-mandated rehab program?”

  Reggie shrugged her shoulders, and Eden saw that her friend didn’t want to believe anything bad about Dr. Bellows. She wanted to retain the untarnished image she held of a dashing, selfless doctor.

  “What do you know about his wife, Terri?”

  “I have met her a few times. She’s a lovely woman. Very sweet and intelligent. If I remember correctly, they met while they were volunteering at the community health center here in Willow Bay, back before it was shut down due to lack of funds.”

  Eden stood up and paced the length of the room, her nerves on edge, her head starting to ache.

  “From what I can tell, Dr. Bellows is still head-over-heels for his wife,” Reggie insisted. “They seem very happy together, in spite of her medical situation.”

  Doubts swirled in Eden’s mind as she tried to make sense of what Reggie was telling her.

  Could a man that seems so caring and loving have done something terrible to Kara Stanislaus? Or am I imagining it? Has the past damaged me so badly that I’ve started imagining abductions and crimes?

  Eden wasn’t sure what to believe, but she knew that she could never simply accept Kara’s disappearance until she found out the truth, no matter where it might lead.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Leo flipped on the headlights of his BMW as dusk cast deep purple shadows over the skyline. Clouds the color of fresh bruises hung over the city, hinting at the storm to come. He checked his watch again and pushed his foot down harder on the gas pedal.

  “So, you and Eden are seeing each other now? You two an item?”

  Leo kept his eyes on the road, wishing he knew how to answer Barker’s question. When they came to a stop at a red light, he turned to Barker and nodded.