Not for Sale

by Iona Morrison

  “How’d she escape her kidnappers?” His eyebrows were up, but he was listening to her at least.

  “She found a gap in the wall, barely visible, and was able to squeeze into it. The day they were loaded into the vans to leave, the kids began fighting which caused a diversion, and she slipped away unseen.”

  “You saw all that?” He raked his hands through his hair. “Geez, Jess, what are you—psychic?”

  “No, I know the whole thing is weird—it is to me, too. I’m simply telling you what I saw, but I don’t know how or why. I guess we’ll have to wait and see when we find Abigail if any of this really happened to her or not. You can hold your judgment on me being whacky until then.” She couldn’t tell what he was thinking.

  He grinned and stroked his chin. “Fate is throwing us together again. I’ll send you what I have on the case file for her.” He paused. “Is there anything else?”

  She nodded. “Abby described her captivity like being in a plane waiting to land, circling around the city until a space opened up. This leads me to believe she must have felt they were going in circles, seeing some of the same area again. What do you think?” She looked directly at him for emphasis.

  “Anything is possible.” His keen study of her face was making her nervous and she lowered her eyes first.

  She managed to continue, glad that she was not blushing. “I think what I’m about to suggest may make the whole idea of finding her more plausible.”

  “Suggest away, it can’t be any stranger than what you’ve been telling me.”

  “My friend Frank Wagner has a bloodhound. His dog has had several successful tracks. Do you care if I call him to see if he could help? I’m not sure what Radar can do since we have no idea how much time has passed, or if Abigail is even in the area. If Frank comes, we’ll need to talk with her parents and get an item belonging to Abigail with her scent on it.”

  “I can arrange for the particulars, if you can get your friend here. Who is Radar?” he asked curiously.

  “Radar is the dog.” She started to stand, but sat back down. “You might want to check and see if there are any other missing children. I did see some other kids.”

  “Where are you going with this?” He waited for her reply.

  “I’m not sure, but I want to consider all the possibilities.” She nodded shortly. “I’ll start my own research on the subject, but you have the database and the expertise.”

  “Okay, Jess, we’ll work together to find the girl.” He grinned, making eye contact with her. “Of course, that means you have to stop running, ignoring me, and hiding from me.”

  “Let’s get something straight.” She propped her elbows on his desk and glared at him. “Our little evening took me by surprise. I wasn’t sure exactly how to deal with it. I’m not usually so forward.” She almost whispered the last part. “However, this is about Abigail, not you and not me. We need to do all we can to help this girl.” She stood up and started to walk out of his office. “I’ll get over the awkwardness of it, if you can.”

  “Sure, I can do that, Jess. It wasn’t awkward for me, I was damn glad you did it. I’m only happy you didn’t know all that was in my head that night.” He chuckled, his grin widening when she stopped walking. “You’re blushing. Look, we make a good team. And, I’d like to believe we’re at least friends.”

  She nodded, glanced back at him, and walked straight into Dylan who was standing in the open doorway. “Hey, Jessie, what are you doing here?” He stepped aside to let her by.

  “I wanted to run something by my friend and your new police chief.” She let a hint of sarcasm color her voice. She turned and called over her shoulder. “Oh, by the way, Matt, congratulations. You deserved the promotion.”

  ****

  Matt smiled as she gave Dylan a playful shove on her way out. He had to admit he missed their sparring matches. “Dylan, come in for a minute. I need to run something by you.”

  “What’s up?” Dylan sat down.

  “Jessie had some kind of vision last night in which a girl named Abigail was calling out for help. She recognized the Davis girl’s picture as the girl she’d seen.” He pointed to her photo.

  “How does she do it?” Dylan had a puzzled look on his face.

  “I couldn’t tell you and doubt she could either.” Matt sat back in his chair, folding his arms behind his head. “Jessie’s convinced Abigail is still alive, and we have a short window of time to find her. I agree about the time, but I’m not sure she’s alive, seeing as Jessie’s last visitor was a ghost.” He made a face. “Anyway, Jessie’s friend has a bloodhound, and she is going to see if he’ll help us with the search. I want you involved in this case from the beginning.”

  Dylan nodded with a little chuckle. “Okay. Do you think the two of you can work another case together without killing each other?”

  “As Jessie so aptly put it, it’s not about us, it’s about Abigail.” Matt grinned. “We’re professionals and as such, we work well together.”

  “Damn, but I do enjoy watching the two of you fight what’s so obvious to everyone else.” Dylan grinned broadly.

  “And what exactly is that?” Matt frowned at Dylan. “People do like to meddle,” he said under his breath. “Only Jessie and I can determine if we’re right for each other. I like Jessie well enough, but neither of us is ready for a serious relationship. I’m exploring the possibilities, but I’ll do it in my own time.” He changed the subject abruptly. “I thought you were going to pursue her.”

  “I have, I am, and so has almost every other single guy in town.” Dylan smiled at Matt’s frown. “It seems hopeless for all of us though.”

  “I’ll let you know when her friend will be here with his dog. I know time is of the essence.” Matt was all business again. He picked up his ringing phone and motioned for Dylan to wait a minute.

  “I’m on my way. Has a request for an ambulance been called in?” Matt stood as he hung up the phone. “We have an injured child a few miles from Ted’s place. Let’s get the team together.”

  Chapter 2

  “Hi, Blondie.” Melinda’s gravelly voice greeted Jessie as she walked in the door of the church.

  “Hey, Red.” Jessie looked at her and smiled. Melinda had pulled her red hair into in a precarious ponytail of riotous curls on the top of her head. Her glasses were perched lopsided among the curls along with a pencil she had stuck there.

  “Sometimes I miss Gina being around. The church is almost too quiet. The only thing I have to do these days is my work.” Melinda sprayed the window beside the door with glass cleaner.

  “I wouldn’t tell everyone this. I miss her too.” Jessie playfully put her finger to her lips. “It’s our little secret.” She walked down the hall to her office.

  She opened the door to a ringing phone and hurried to answer it. “First Community Church, this is Jessie, may I help you?” She straightened her desk as she began to talk.

  “Yes, you may, Jessie dear, this is Reba. I was thinking about you today and knew it was time we got together again.”

  “Nothing surprises me anymore.” Jessie laughed. How does she know? Jessie shook her head. “I had you on my list to call today.”

  “You know what they say, ‘great minds think alike.’ Shall we do lunch at Java Joe’s or Angelo’s?”

  “I wouldn’t mind a salad from Joe’s.”

  “Okay, Jessie, I’ll see you there at noon.”

  She heard them talking before she saw them. Pastor John and Pastor Kevin walked in together. “Good morning, Jessie.” Kevin smiled at her.

  “Good morning. I put a couple of messages in your box yesterday, Pastor John. Did you see them?”

  “I did, and I’ll make the calls today.” Both men walked to their offices.

  Jessie was fond of Kevin. He had turned out to be a natural fit with the congregation. He was innovative and had great ideas of how to update the church’s programs. Katie especially liked him. She even showed up to church on the morning
s when she knew he’d be preaching. She was active in her pursuit of a husband and Kevin was high on her list, even though he hadn’t applied. He hardly knew her, much less her list. Jessie smiled.

  Jessie sent off an email to her Grandma Sadie telling her about her unusual experience. Another quick email followed, that one to her friend Frank Wagner. She asked him to bring Radar and help with the search. He responded within minutes saying he would call her at five thirty to get more details.

  She tried to work, but her mind kept returning to Abigail. Jessie had heard Abigail calling out to her, but would it work the other way around? Could Abigail hear her if she called to her? “Abby, I need you to tell me something, anything to let me know what has happened to you.” An image popped into Jessie’s mind of a small figure lying quiet and still on the side of a road. She could see him breathing. He’s still alive! She shook her head trying to clear away the image. His still form kept intruding into her thoughts along with some other images. She was not getting any work done. She was amazed Abby had the fortitude to hide herself once she saw what had happened to him. Abigail had seen him beaten, but never saw what they did with him. How was it possible that she had? Jessie shook her head.

  At noon, she knocked on Pastor John’s door. “I’m having lunch with Reba. Would you like me to get you anything?”

  “I brought my lunch today. Thanks anyway.” He looked up from the book he was reading. “Jessie, take your time. The office is quiet, and I can always call you if you’re needed for anything.”

  “Thanks.” Jessie walked down the short hallway to Kevin’s office and knocked on his open door.

  “I’m going to lunch. Would you like me to bring you back anything?” she asked him.

  “No, but I’ll walk with you as far as you’re going. I’m meeting someone at Angelo’s for lunch.” He smiled at her as he stood up from his desk. “How’s your day going so far?” he asked her as they walked toward the foyer.

  “I’m a little distracted, but some days are like that.” She stopped to let him open the door for her.

  “Anything you need to talk about? Sometimes it can help.”

  “Not yet, but maybe in the future. I’ll see if I can work it out myself first.” She gave him a grateful smile.

  “Okay, I’m available should the need arise. Have a nice lunch.” He stopped walking when she did. He held the door open at Joe’s for her.

  “You, too.” She stepped inside, her eyes adjusting to the inside light.

  ****

  “Hey, Jessie, how are you?” Molly greeted her the minute she saw her.

  “I’m fine.” Jessie walked up to the counter. The first thing she noticed was Molly’s edgy look was softer, and her face was beaming. The garish green eye shadow, which was her trademark, was replaced with a warm beige color. Her gothic dark black hair was now light brown with golden honey highlights; even with all her ink and piercings it was a remarkable transformation. “Your big day is coming fast.” Jessie couldn’t take her eyes off her.

  “I know. I’m so excited. Do you like my new look?” She patted her hair. “Kenny wasn’t sure at first, but now he just stares at me and tells me he likes the way I look.”

  “I think you look stunning.”

  “Thank you.” She smiled at Jessie. “I like it too. What can I get for you? Reba’s already ordered.”

  “I want the Cobb salad and an iced tea.” Jessie reached for the glass that Molly placed on the counter and squeezed a lemon wedge into it. “I’ve had the last fitting on my dress for the wedding. The dress will be ready in plenty of time. I like your choice, by the way. I’d wear it again after the wedding in a heartbeat, which can rarely be done with most bridesmaid dresses.”

  “I know. It’s always such a waste, but I think I chose well.” She handed Jessie her change.

  “Me, too.” She looked again at Molly. It was quite a remarkable transformation.

  Reba started talking the minute Jessie sat down. “Hello, my dear girl, I know you must have a few questions for me. Let’s get started, shall we?” She leaned forward. “I think you and I have come to an understanding of sorts. We don’t need to stand on ceremony.” She patted Jessie’s hand as she said it.

  Jessie paused to gather her thoughts, noticing how composed Reba appeared. She looked extremely attractive, with every hair in place. She wondered how many people knew what was brewing under her proper exterior. “I had an unusual experience last night. I thought you might be able to explain it to me.” Jessie told Reba about her strange encounter.

  “Well, this is an interesting twist on things. Abigail connected with your thoughts, and you heard her. You’re definitely progressing along the path.” Reba took a sip of her hot tea. “What were you doing at the time?”

  “I was in bed but hadn’t fallen asleep yet.” Jessie rested her chin on her hands.

  Reba’s eyes twinkled. She smiled at the puzzled look on Jessie’s face. “It must have been extraordinary for you to hear her calling, and then to see all those details in your mind.”

  “It was cool, I guess, but I’m not trying to progress down any path. Gina was enough to last me a lifetime.” Jessie tapped her fingers on the table.

  “Obviously not…” Reba smiled gently. “Here you are again, back for more. You may not have tried to hear her, but she was trying hard to get your attention; just like you hadn’t looked for Gina, but she found you. You have tender heart, girl, and a desire to help. That’s the perfect combination for a person in need.”

  “What should I do?” She watched Reba as she answered.

  “Listen, my dear, simply listen, then try to help any way you can.” Reba’s smile left her face. “The child is in dire need; her life depends on you. I know you’ll do everything you can to help her.” Reba closed her eyes for a moment. “Be careful, Jessie, a friend’s life is in jeopardy. I’m afraid there are a few bumps and bruises in it for you, too, but lives will be saved.”

  “I don’t know whether to be pleased or scared out of my wits.” Jessie searched Reba’s face.

  “I suppose a little of both. You don’t really want to live an ordinary life, do you? I should think not. It seems to me you moved here wanting to make a difference, and you already have. For those of us who are watching up close or from a distance, we can live vicariously through you.” She patted her hair to make sure everything was in place. She leaned forward and grabbed Jessie’s hand.

  “I’m so happy you’re buying the Cove Bookstore.” Reba abruptly changed the subject. “Your special touch is just what the store has needed for some time. I hope you’ll give it a new and happy name. I’ll come in often. I love to read.” Reba straightened in her chair. “I’ll be there to buy an autographed copy of your first novel. If you haven’t started the book yet, you should.”

  Jessie laughed. “It’s not a done deal, dear friend. You know way too much.” She crinkled up her nose. “I’m glad you weren’t my mom. I mean that in the nicest way. You not only have eyes in the back of your head, you have them everywhere.”

  Reba chuckled. “Didn’t your mother?”

  “No, but my mom perfected the use of guilt along with a special look that could peel the paint right off the walls. One of those looks and confessions came swiftly, with very little prodding on her part.”

  “I imagine there was very little to tell.” Reba patted Jessie’s hand.

  “Au contraire, Katie and I managed to get into our fair share of scrapes.” Jessie laughed, her eyes crinkling at the corners.

  “If you were with Katie, then I can believe you were involved in mischief. Katie has a mischievous look about her.” Reba smiled and sipped the last of her tea. “Keep me updated in regards to Abigail. I’ll say some prayers for her.”

  Reba was unconventional and quirky, but she was kindhearted. Abigail definitely needed her as her champion. The odds were tilting in Abby’s favor, Jessie thought, as she walked back to the church.

  ****

  As long as he lived,
Matt knew he would never get used to a crime scene, especially when the victim was young. The boy was in his early teens and barely alive.

  Kip cordoned off the area upon his arrival. Matt walked around the small site. He measured the distance from the road to where they found the boy. High profile and way too close to the highway to commit the crime in that spot. How long had he lain there? He raked his hand through his hair. It was a busy section of road traveled by many people. Matt frowned. At the speed cars whizzed by, the boy was lucky anyone noticed him.

  “What are you thinking, Kip? You’ve been studying the area for a while?” Matt asked him as he approached.

  Kip rose from his squatting position. “I think he was dumped here. No blood or obvious signs of a struggle to indicate this is the crime scene. There are tire tracks at the place where he first fell and then rolled. No footprints, only the tire marks.” Kip pointed the tracks out to Matt. “He was probably unconscious when they dumped him here.” Kip glanced at the injured boy surrounded by medics. “He sustained several blows to the head, with bruising over a good portion of the visible parts of his body.”

  Matt studied the boy’s battered body. “Somebody worked him over, that’s for damn sure.” He shook his head, his jaw flexed. “The poor kid. He’s probably been lying here for a while.”

  “Hell, is he going to make it?” Bill shrugged his shoulders, his foot kicked at the dirt. “What kind of scum would beat a kid?” Bill’s hands fisted at his side.

  Matt looked at Jenson. “Are you going to be okay, Bill? You look like you’re about to lose your last meal.” He waved to get Dylan’s attention. “Talk with Officer Mitchell over there and tell him how you discovered the boy.

  “I don’t want to keep looking at the poor kid, but it’s like a train wreck. My eyes keep tracking there even when I don’t want them to.”