by Vella, Wendy
He’d kept her in her apartment, gagged with her hands bound, until he was ready to leave. First Luke had knocked, and then Ted. She’d clenched her eyes shut so Logan Hall hadn’t seen her tears. The thought that this could be the last time she would hear the voice of the man she loved had been excruciating.
She’d made the decision then that if she got out of this alive, she’d tell him how she felt. Tell Ted she loved him, and Mandy would make him admit he felt something for her.
Hall had told her to walk to his car, then forced her into the trunk. The drive had been her worst nightmare; trapped in that small space, it felt like she was running out of air. She’d kept Ted in her head, repeating over and over to herself that she was strong now, strong in here.
It had worked, she managed to fight back the panic.
“Ted Hosking is your boyfriend. I saw him leaving your place early this morning, but that only confirmed what I’d already seen for myself.”
“He’s not my boyfriend,” Mandy said calmly. She wouldn’t let this man see her fear.
“I’d been searching for you for years. The pathetic little daughter of your loser father.”
“I was not pathetic.”
“You were. Your father dragged you everywhere, made you live in an adult world, and you never complained. No friends. You just had him and those nightclub workers.”
His words had the accuracy of a knife. She had been lonely with no friends.
“Hosking is a senator’s son. He’ll have money, and he’s giving me some. Then I’m going where no one will find me.”
“What will you do with me?” Mandy made herself ask that question.
“You’re paying for those years I had in prison.” He laughed at her then. “But we’ll come to that when I have the money.”
“Ted won’t hand you money without seeing me first.” Mandy knew this after what he went through with Emily.
What was happening to her must be hell for him. Even if he didn’t love her, he cared for her, she knew that much, and the entire scenario would be taking him back to what he went through with Emily.
“I have to go out now, so get up.”
He waved his gun at her and motioned her into the bedroom, where he gagged her again, then tied her feet together.
“Now get in the closet.”
Mandy looked at the small space and felt the nausea bite again. He pointed the gun at her temple. Hopping forward, she did as he told her and slumped to the floor. Logan Hall shut the doors and plunged her yet again into another nightmare.
Mandy had been missing by Ted’s reckoning for four hours now, and he was at the point of simply leaving the police station. Anything to find her and stop the thoughts of what she was going through from whirling around inside his head.
They’d searched her place and found nothing that would clue them in to where she was being held. He was now pacing Chief Blake’s office, waiting as they all were for that phone call to tell them how much money it would take to free Mandy.
“Okay, what’s going on? The words were spoken by a grim-faced Rory, who was followed in the door by the Trainer brothers and Fin Hudson.
“You need to go,” Ted said, his voice sounding rough, like he’d just come off a three-day drinking spree.
“Not happening, I want answers,” Joe said. He saw the Robbins sisters then and that they’d been crying. “Oh, hell no, it’s Mandy isn’t it?”
Ted watched as the Trainers crowded round the sisters. Fin came to him.
“What’s the deal, Ted?”
“You have to go; he can’t know that anyone else is involved. Dylan, you need to tell them.” He turned to the man who had taken charge alongside Chief Blake. He’d spent most of the last few hours on the phone.
“Tell them what’s happened, they can help. You know that following a kidnapper’s rules doesn’t always work, bud. Tell them, we may need them. They know this area better than most.”
Ted fell into a chair then and dropped his head in his hands.
God, Mandy. Was she safe? Had he hurt her? Would he see her again?
“Mandy’s been kidnapped,” Dylan said in that calm way he had that made a person think that just maybe everything was going to be okay. But as the hours passed, Ted’s desperation was climbing.
Rory cried out, and Ted looked up in time to see Jack haul her into his arms. Ted hated them for that; he wanted to hold Mandy.
Dylan explained everything in the exact order it’d happened, recounting the facts accurately.
“You had anything to drink or eat?” Fin dropped down before him.
“I don’t want anything, I want Mandy.”
“Got that. We all want her back, but to get to that stage we have to stay strong. So you’re gonna eat.”
“I need to do something,” Rory said. “I’ll find food and coffee.” She hurried out the door.
“My sister was kidnapped,” Ted found himself telling Fin. “We did everything they asked, and they still killed her.”
“I remember you mentioning that. How old was she?” Fin pulled out a chair and sat.
“Fourteen.”
“That has to play hell on a big brother.”
“And then some.”
“And now another person you love has been kidnapped.”
“And it’s my fault.”
“How do you figure that?”
“The press. There was a photo of me with Mandy; it had to be how he found her.”
“I reckon she’s changed some since she left her life,” Fin said in that rational way that had Ted wanting to punch him. “I’m not sure he’d recognize her, and with the name change too. It’s a stretch, bud.”
“The name is not a stretch, so if he saw the picture and some similarities, he’d be able to—”
“There’s no point in this, Ted. Stop it now, and let’s focus on getting her back.”
“We have to get her back.”
“Because you love her.”
“Because I love her,” he confirmed.
“Should have known you lot would turn up.” Chief Blake walked back into his office. He’d been coming and going since they arrived.
Miss Sarah’s phone chose that moment to ring. Ted got to his feet and moved closer. Dylan dropped down beside Miss Sarah.
“No one say a word. You put this call on speaker, Miss Sarah, and promise to give him anything he wants. I’m going to communicate with you by writing.”
She nodded, looking nervous.
“Chief Blake, that door needs to stay closed.”
He locked it, pulled down the blind, and then stood in front of it.
“You got this, because you have all of us here at your back. Go on now and answer,” Dylan told her.
Ted felt Fin move to his left and Joe to his right. They stood so he could feel their support, even though he hadn’t asked for it. Luke stood behind Miss Marla, holding her hand.
“Hello,” Miss Sarah said in a strong voice that Ted was proud of.
“Listen carefully, I want eight million dollars, and I want it by 8:00 a.m. tomorrow or Amanda Carter dies.”
“That doesn’t give us much time. How do you expect me to get that money?” Miss Sarah said. “You have to give me longer to get it.”
“Ask Ted Hosking. I know he’s there with you. He’s her man, and he’ll be able to tap his daddy.”
These words were followed by a rusty laugh. Ted hadn’t ever wanted to hurt anyone more.
“I want to speak to my niece,” Miss Sarah said, reading the pad Dylan showed her. “I won’t do anything until I do.”
There was a silence filled with tension then; it felt to Ted like no one breathed or moved. Dylan looked straight at him and made a zipper motion with his fingers across his mouth. Ted nodded. He understood. He’d been there when Emily had talked on the phone, begging them to find her.
“Tell them you’re okay.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Sarah.”
“Mandy!” Miss Sarah broke dow
n and started sobbing.
“Hosking, you there?”
Dylan nodded to Ted to come closer. He ignored the words Dylan had written on the paper.
“I’m here, you piece of shit. You touch her, harm her in any way, and I won’t stop till I catch you.”
“I won’t hurt her if you do as I say, but you don’t speak to me like that again.” Logan Hall sounded more scared than angry to Ted, but he nodded as Dylan glared at him.
“Okay.”
He listened to the instructions, and then just before they cut the call he said, “I’ll find you, Mandy. I love you.” He hoped she heard the words and hoped they weren’t the last he’d ever speak to her. Or this time he didn’t think he’d be able to carry on.
Chapter 38
“You still going to convince me he’s not your man?”
Logan Hall had gagged her again, which stopped her from replying. Ted loved her. The sound of his voice had given her strength. He’d find her because he’d told her so. Mandy knew that with him would be Dylan and likely Chief Blake.
“They’ll try and track this,” he waved his cell phone in her face. “But I’m destroying it.”
He then bundled her back into the dark confines of the closet.
“Don’t go anywhere.” He laughed. “Not that you will. Pathetic like you always were. Daddy’s little princess who was afraid of pretty much everything. Doesn’t look to me like much has changed.” He shut the door again. Mandy then heard another door slam.
How could she get out of here? Her hands and feet were bound tight. Mandy struggled to maneuver herself into a sitting position. She then wiggled until her back was pressed against the wall.
You’re strong in here.
I have changed, damn you. I’m not a victim!
She kicked out hard with both feet, but the closet door stayed closed. She did it again and again. On the fifth attempt it sprang open. Mandy rolled out, then across the floor. She was relieved to find Logan Hall wasn’t in the room.
She saw the knife then, on the table next to the chair. Idiot. He’d left it where she could reach it. I’m not pathetic Mandy anymore.
She then rolled to a wall, braced her back on it, and tried to push herself upright. It looked a lot easier to do in the movies. She was breathless by the time she’d managed it.
So much for being stronger. Now what?
Her hands were tied in front of her, so she tried to remove the gag, but it was tied tight. Looking to the door, she saw the chain. Hopping over, she secured it. At least it would keep him out, if only briefly. Through the window she saw only grass. Clearly, he’d chosen somewhere isolated.
The idiot believed she was still that little girl she’d once been. Weak, silent, and a victim. That was no longer the case, Mandy reminded herself.
Adrenaline was now coursing through her. Fear he’d return had her hopping back to the table. Once there, she picked up the sharp knife.
Wedging it between her knees, she attempted to cut the ties at her wrists, which was also a lot harder than it looked. She cut herself twice, and the progress was slow. Finally, after what felt like an hour, she freed her wrists.
The gag was first, and Mandy sucked in a deep, steadying breath as she tried to battle down the panic. The sound of a car pulling up outside had her hopping back to the window. She watched Logan Hall step out.
Looking at the chain, she wondered if it would keep him out.
Mandy was alone, and he had a gun. Quickly she bent and untied her ankles. The bonds were tight, and she was nervous, and the blood from her cuts made her fingers slippery. She could hear him shutting the car door, then he was walking toward the door.
Finally, she managed to undo the knot as he put his key in the lock. She ran to the table and grabbed the knife as the door handle turned. The chain held as he pushed it open.
“What the fuck!” He tried to force the door. “Open the door, you bitch! I’m shooting you if you don’t!”
Do I look like an idiot?
He kept forcing the door, trying to break the chain, and Mandy hurried out the room and deeper into the house. She found a bathroom with a lock that was her best option. Closing and bolting the door, she ran to the window and opened it, then started climbing out. It was a tight squeeze, but adrenaline had her making it, and soon she’d landed on the ground outside.
Tucking the knife into her cutoffs, she started running for the trees at the base of Roxy. Mandy knew this was the opposite side to where Ryker Falls was situated. Looking up, she also knew she’d have to go around or over to reach safety.
Turning, she saw that Logan Hall was following. She increased her pace.
Be strong in here.
“This is the location,” Dylan said softly. Chief Blake and one of his deputies were in the lead car, and behind them Ted with Dylan. The Trainers and Fin followed, because they knew this terrain better than most and if need be could track Mandy and the bastard who held her. Chief Blake had threatened them with arrest if they didn’t follow orders. They’d said they would; Ted knew that was a lie. Just like him, they’d do what needed to be done to get Mandy back.
Dylan signaled he was going up to the front door; Chief Blake raised his gun to cover him.
Ted looked at the house and wondered if Mandy was inside. Would he have her in his arms soon? Please let it be so.
He watched Dylan move to the front door. It was open, which Ted thought strange. He disappeared inside, and Ted held his breath. He reappeared minutes later.
“She’s not here, but she was,” Dylan said. As the words left his mouth, they heard the gunshot. Ted started running, following Dylan.
“It came from the trees!” Dylan roared, heading that way with Ted on his heels. Reaching the trees minutes later, they slowed, then crouched. Fin and the Trainers arrived and dropped down beside them
“If she’s escaped, Mandy would know this terrain well enough to be aware Ryker Falls is on the opposite side of Roxy,” Joe said.
“She’ll hide or try and make her way around. It’s a hell of a distance, but in her state, she’d probably attempt it,” Dylan added.
“Her state?” Ted asked, looking up the mountain through the trees. No way could Mandy make it over that.
“Panic. Flight or fight. She’ll be running, and safety is all she’ll think about. That and reaching you.”
“Tracks are here, and there’s two sets. The first is Mandy’s,” Jack said. “Let’s go.”
“Now you all just hold on here a minute.” Chief Blake arrived. “No one is running into anything without a plan.”
“I am.” Ted got to his feet and ran in the direction Jack had pointed. Behind him, he heard the others following and Chief Blake swearing.
Jack, Joe, and Luke took the lead with Fin. Ted and Dylan stayed on their heels with Chief Blake.
“I’m arresting you fuckers,” he muttered.
The going was hard. There were trees everywhere, and roots. They hadn’t been moving long when Joe raised his hand, then turned and held a finger to his mouth. They moved forward slowly.
“Someone’s coming,” Fin said softly. Dylan motioned for them to hide in the trees. Ted watched, crouched, ready to grab whoever it was.
“I’m strong in here.” The words were a breathless rasp.
“Mandy!” Ted regained his feet as she appeared. She saw him and launched herself at him. He caught her, holding her close in a fierce grip. “Thank God.” He breathed the words into her hair.
She couldn’t speak; her hands were around his neck in a punishing grip as she buried her face in his shoulder.
“I have you.” He lifted her off her feet. “You’re safe now.”
“Someone’s coming,” Fin hissed.
The Trainers, Dylan, and Fin all pulled their guns and stood before Mandy and Ted. Chief Blake joined them with a sigh.
Logan Hall stopped in the middle of the track, shock etched on his face as he saw what waited for him.
“No!”
“It’s a thought and would certainly save the taxpayers a lot of money,” Fin added.
“No one is shooting anyone!” Chief Blake roared.
Hall was handcuffed and marched back to Chief Blake’s car. Ted kept an arm around Mandy’s shoulders, because she was shaking and he couldn’t contemplate releasing her anytime soon.
“Did he hurt you?”
“No. I’m all right now, Ted.”
“I don’t see how you can be all right, not after what you’ve been through. I’m fairly sure I’ll never recover.”
“M-my aunts?”
He saw the blood running down her fingers.
“You said he didn’t hurt you.” He grabbed the hands and examined the cuts.
“He didn’t. I did that when I was cutting the cords around my wrists.”
“He tied you up!”
“Ted.” Dylan turned from in front of them. “She was kidnapped. Did you think he’d just ask her to behave?”
Mandy giggled.
“You’re laughing now?” Ted felt better, hearing that giggle.
“It’s the shock,” Luke said, moving to Mandy’s side. “You want me to call your aunts?”
Mandy nodded.
“She’s shaking,” Ted said.
“Again, it’s shock,” Luke added.
“What do we do for her?” Ted asked the youngest Trainer. He was a firefighter and had extensive first aid training.
“Ted, I’m okay now, really.”
“Sure, but you’re shaking.”
“From the shock,” Luke said calmly. “Relax, bud. She’s okay. I don’t see her collapsing anytime soon.”
“She needs to go to a hospital, or maybe I’ll call the doctor in.”
“I’m okay, Ted.”
He watched as Joe pulled something out of his pocket to the left of him and handed it to Jack. Money, he noted.
“What was that for?” Ted had a hunch he was involved somehow.
“I bet Jack that you weren’t going to be overprotective and soft as a marshmallow once you and Mandy finally got your shit together,” Joe said, sounding pissed off. “You’re a letdown, Teddy Bear. I thought you’d stay staunch to the end.”