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Hidden Angels: Wildfire Lake Book One

Page 12

by Victoria Wyngate


  He left the lot and drove through the heart of town. Needing to stock up on other supplies he stopped at the local Quickie-Mart.

  He bought acetone, bleach and a several bags of ice. He was out of Chloroform.

  He donned the respirator and a pair of thick rubber gloves. Following the directions, he made a suitable substitute for Chloroform. This version’s instructions stated that it could cause cancer. He wasn’t too concerned with that. The women he was going to use it on wouldn’t be living long enough for that.

  He put the solution in some glass jars he had found on a shelf in the garage. Enough, he thought, for at least three more of my angels.

  CHAPTER TWENTY EIGHT

  The doorbell rang as Trish was finishing a load of laundry. She opened it to find David standing on her porch.

  “Ready to go?” he asked. “Go? Go where?” she asked.

  “Well, you don’t think I’m going to let you stay here do you? Not with him still on the loose,” he replied as he stepped inside.

  “And just where do you think you’re taking me?” she asked as they walked over to sit on the couch.

  “I’m putting you in protective custody. Somewhere that I know you’ll be safe. Where he can’t get to you. And the safest place I know,” he paused and took a deep breath, “Is mine.”

  “Excuse Me!” Trish exclaimed.

  “Whoa, wait a minute, Relax,” he said, “It’s not like that. You’ll be using the guest room. I’d just feel better if you were staying with me. I could better protect you and I have an advanced, state of the art, alarm system. Even if he cuts the power and phone lines the battery backup reverts the panic button to a wireless, cellular, signal. The button, once pressed, will send out an automated distress signal. It will go to my cell phone, the alarm company and dispatch. If he tries to get to you, I’ll know.”

  “But you have to work and so do I,” she protested, “How is that going to work?”

  “I’ll drop you off on my way in. Pick you up on the way home. It’s that simple,” he said.

  “But I work such strange hours. I don’t know my schedule from one day to the next.”

  “Welcome to my world,” he said, “I’ve sort of gotten used to it. I’ll adapt.”

  ******

  Amanda was sitting, by the bedside, holding her grandmother’s hand. Her head resting on their hands as she wept.

  She heard a soft voice whisper, “Please don’t cry baby. It can’t be that bad.” Amanda gasped and raised her head.

  “Oh, my God! Grandma, I didn’t think you were going to wake up,” she said, wiping her eyes.

  Her grandmother just looked at her and said, “Why, sweetheart? All I needed to do was open my eyes. It wasn’t that hard.” Irma smiled and stroked Amanda’s hair with her free hand.

  Amanda laughed as she stood, kissed her grandmother on the forehead and ran to get the doctor.

  The doctor entered the room and went straight to the bedside.

  “Ms. Henderson, my name is Dr. Ian Scott. How are you feeling right now?” he asked. He took a flashlight out of his coat pocket, shining it into her eyes.

  “I’ve felt better. I’m just a little light headed,” she answered.

  “Can you tell me what happened?” he asked, putting the light back into his pocket.

  “I was walking into the bedroom. I got a sudden and terrible headache. I tried to sit on the bed, but I got really dizzy and fell. Next thing I know, I woke up here.”

  “Well, I have some of your test results here,” he said, looking at her chart.

  “Your blood pressure is elevated, 164/112. Your blood sugar is extremely low. We have to get those numbers back to normal. I’m going to put in the order for your medications, now. I’m still wanting to run a few more tests, so I think we probably need to keep you overnight. We’ll see how you’re doing in the morning,” he said as he left the room.

  Amanda was in the waiting room while the doctor was with her grandmother. She looked at Christine and said, “Mom, I was wondering something.”

  “What’s that?” she asked. “Well, I haven’t been home in a while. Would you mind if I stayed for a few days?” she asked. Christine’s face brightened.

  “I’d like that very much,” she said, giving Amanda a big hug.

  ******

  David pulled his car into the garage and closed the door. He grabbed Trish’s luggage from the trunk.

  “The kitchen is right through here. Should you need to wash your clothes, the laundry room is through those doors,” he said, nodding to a set of double doors to their left. “The guestroom is down this hall. I’ll let you get settled in. I have to make a few calls,” he said, setting the luggage on the floor in the room.

  He closed the door on his way out.

  She put her suitcases on the bed. Walking over to the closet, she opened the door. Hanging on the rod were a few hangers, but nothing else.

  A chest of drawers stood against the wall near a window. She opened one of the drawers. It was empty as well. Looking around the room she noticed there were no paintings or photographs on the walls.

  She sat down on the edge of the bed. It seemed comfortable enough though. She sat there for a few minutes collecting her thoughts. When she finished her unpacking and had put her things away she walked back down the hall to the living room.

  David was sitting on the sofa with his back to her. He hadn’t heard her come into the room. He was on the phone.

  “Yeah… she’s here with me,” he paused listening, “No, I’ll take care of that in the morning.” She sat down in a chair and he looked up and held up an index finger. “Thanks, Gary. I’ll fill you in tomorrow. Good night,” he said as he hung up.

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt,” she said.

  “You didn’t. I was just letting Gary know what’s going on. Everything okay?” he asked.

  “Fine,” she answered, “But I feel like I’m imposing.”

  “Nonsense, after all it was my idea,” he replied.

  “Thank you,” she said, walking over to where he sat. She bent down and tried to kiss him on the cheek.

  Instead David stood and gathered her into his arms and kissed her softly. Trish returned the kiss. Her heart was fluttering when the kiss ended and she looked longingly into his steel gray eyes. She blushed, turned and headed back to the guest room.

  He called after her, “If you need anything, and I do mean anything. My room is the last one on the right.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY NINE

  Trish woke to the smell of bacon. She went to the kitchen and found David stirring eggs in a pan on the stove.

  “Hungry?” he asked.

  “Starving and it smells wonderful,” she said.

  “Have a seat it’s almost ready,” he said, putting the eggs into a bowl. Trish heard the pop of the toaster. He grabbed the bread, placing it on a small plate. He put the plate and the eggs in front of her.

  “Dig in,” he said as he went to get the bacon, “We both have a long day ahead of us.”

  ******

  David dropped Trish off at the mall and waited until he saw her go through the front entrance. Going to the Beautique counter, she found Janelle in the back corner of the store rearranging a blush display.

  Janelle looked up and squealed, “TRISH!” She ran and threw her arms around her. “I’ve been so worried about you. What with everything I’ve been hearing about those women on the news.” she said as she squeezed her.

  “I’m fine, now,” said Trish. “Look… I know I’m not on the schedule for today, but I thought you might need some help.”

  “As a matter of fact, I do need your help.” Janelle said, “Michelle called out sick today and I just received a large Gencombe shipment that I need to get on those shelves.” She pointed to a row of display shelves that were almost bare.

  “Just tell me where to start. It’ll help take my mind off everything,” said Trish, picking up a small box.

  “Everything?“ aske
d Janelle skeptically.

  “Oh, behave!” said Trish, blushing.

  “Now, that’s my girl,” said Janelle, “Alright. That box goes on the display over on aisle 12. You’ll see the marker on the shelf. Oh, and welcome back.”

  ******

  David sat down at his desk picked up his phone and called Amber Reid.

  “Hello?” she said.

  “Ms. Reid, It’s Detective David Moore. We have some new information in Samantha’s case. I was wondering, could you come to the station, at say, 10:30 a.m.? I need to ask you a few more questions.”

  “I’ll be there,” she said.

  Placing his next call to Dr. Larabee’s office asking to speak to Janet Meyers.

  When Janet came on the line he said, “Ms. Meyers, it’s Detective David Moore. I have some new information in Peggy’s case. I was wondering if you could come by the station around 11:00 a.m.?”

  “I’ll have to check with Dr. Larabee, but I don’t think it will be a problem,” she replied.

  They needed positive identifications for the items that were found in the cabin. He touched the bags sitting on his desk. He was afraid he already knew the answers.

  ******

  Travis had searched without success for another angel for his collection. When he returned to the farmhouse, he stormed through each room in a rage kicking things out of his way as he went.

  “I have your place all ready for you! You need to be here! How dare you leave me!” he screamed to the empty room.

  ******

  Irma was sitting up in bed finishing the last of her breakfast when Dr. Scott came in. He had her file in his hand.

  “Well, Mrs. Henderson I have some good news for you. The rest of your test results are in. It wasn’t a heart attack as we originally thought.

  Your elevated blood pressure caused the headache and dizziness. The drop in your blood sugar was caused by a condition commonly referred to as diabetic shock. That’s what caused the blackout.

  I’m going to keep you here tonight to monitor your conditions with the new medications. If your symptoms are relieved we’ll discuss letting you go home to your family,” he said.

  “Thank you doctor,” she said. “Do you have any questions for me?” he asked.

  “Just one. Does this mean I’m going to need insulin or something like that?” she asked.

  “I can’t make that determination. At least, not quite yet. We’ll monitor you throughout the night, checking your blood and glucose levels. I’ll be back tomorrow morning, maybe then I’ll be able to tell you a little more,” he said as he made his notations in her chart.

  He patted her on the leg as he turned and left the room.

  Amanda had spent three wonderful days playing catch-up with her mother. They had talked for hours on end.

  They had also spent hours each day visiting Irma. The day before Amanda was supposed to leave, they got the news.

  Irma was being released from the hospital. Amanda was going home on a positive note, but she had no idea who, or what, was waiting for her there.

  ******

  Amber arrived at the reception desk ten minutes early for her appointment. The receptionist picked up the phone and called David. As she was about to sit down, the door to her right opened.

  “Amber, you can come with me,” he said. She followed him to the conference room, sat down at the mahogany table and looked up at David. He sat down opposite her and placed a brown paper bag on the table.

  “You said you had new information. What did you find?” she asked. Instead of answering her question he asked one himself.

  “When I spoke with you right after Samantha disappeared didn’t you say she was carrying a radio?” David asked.

  “Yes… a little gray one with a Velcro strap. She always strapped it to her arm. That day I think she was using her favorite earbuds too, the pink ones,” she said.

  David looked at her before continuing, “We found something out by the lake. We think it may belong to Samantha.”

  He opened the paper bag, pulled out the clear evidence bag, and placed it on the table. She looked down at the contents of the bag and her eyes began to tear.

  Raising her head, she looked at him. She nodded as a tear rolled down her cheek.

  She said, “It’s hers.”

  He handed her a tissue. “I’m so sorry Ms. Reid, I know this is hard for you and I do thank you for coming in. You have helped us tremendously. We are going to get this guy and that’s a promise,” he said.

  “Please, put this guy away. Sam wasn’t just my roommate, she was my best friend,” she said as she stood to leave the room.

  David walked her to the parking lot and watched as she drove away. He went back inside to wait for his next appointment.

  ******

  Janet arrived at the precinct and was escorted to the conference room. David was sitting at the table. A brown paper bag lay in front of him.

  “I’m so sorry, I’m late,” she apologized, “I got stuck in traffic.”

  “That’s quite alright,” he replied, “Please have a seat.” She sat in the chair opposite him.

  “You said you had something?” she asked.

  “Yes, we do,” he said, “We found this at the lake,” he replied as he put his hand on the bag. “When you last saw Peggy, what type of shoes did you say she was wearing?” he asked.

  “She really only wore one type to work. Those white rubber type clogs. She loved them. Always talking about how comfortable they were,” she replied.

  David opened the bag and pulled out the evidence bag. Janet’s hand went to her mouth.

  “Just like that one,” she said as she pointed to the clear bag.

  CHAPTER THIRTY

  Amanda practically bounced into the employee locker room of the Feed-n-Seed. Tommy Harrison, the assistant manager, looked over his shoulder at her.

  “Well looks like you’re in a good mood,” he said

  “I’m in a great mood. My grandma is going to be just fine. She was released from the hospital yesterday,” she replied.

  “That’s wonderful news,” he said as he closed his locker.

  “Yep. I feel like things are going to get even better,” she said, donning her apron as she ran out of the room.

  ******

  David took the two paper bags back to the evidence room and signed them back in. At this point, it’s very important to preserve the chain of custody.

  Can’t have the whole case thrown out on some little technicality.

  As he went back to his office, he smiled. “We’ve got him!” he said aloud. He picked up the phone on his desk and called Trish. They made a lunch date.

  Next, he placed a call to Judge Taylor. Once the Judge was on the line, David explained the new developments. He requested, and got, his arrest warrants.

  Kidnapping three counts. Murder, two counts.

  ******

  Travis was driving by the Feed-n-Seed when to his surprise he saw Amanda come bounding out the front door. She went to a front display and started to straighten it. She’s back, he thought excitedly.

  He went to the next street and made a U-turn. As he pulled into a parking spot, he saw Amanda go back inside. He followed her into the store, finding her in the garden section. She was putting away a new shipment.

  “Well, hello again,” he said.

  She looked up and said “Hey you. Can I help you with anything?” she asked.

  “I certainly hope so,” he said, “Ever since we met I’ve been thinking about you. In fact, I couldn’t keep mind off you. I was wondering if you’d like to go out for coffee or perhaps dinner tonight?” he asked.

  “I don’t know. I mean I hardly know you,” she said hesitantly.

  “Okay, just the coffee then,” he said, “You can even meet me there if that makes you feel more comfortable.”

  “I’m working late tonight,” she responded.

  “Well… how about tomorrow then?” he asked.

  “T
hat might be a little better,” she said, “I get off a little earlier tomorrow. How about 5:00 p.m. at the Java Jive off Dumont Street?” she asked.

  “I’m looking forward to it. See you tomorrow,” he said as he turned and walked away.

  He had already decided that he would have to approach this one a little differently.

  He was going to have to earn her trust.

  ******

  Assured that the arrest warrants were entered into the criminal information database, David grabbed his suit jacket. He was picking Trish up at 12:30 p.m.

  He walked to his car humming. He had never felt this way about anyone before. He smiled as he drove off the lot and headed to the Sky View Mall.

  ******

  Trish was helping a customer with her cosmetic selections, but kept looking at the clock. It’s not moving fast enough.

  “There’s one more thing I need,” the customer said.

  “What’s that?” Trish asked.

  “A friend of mine suggested this mascara. It’s a new one in the Gencombe line, but I don’t remember its name. It supposedly makes lashes longer and fuller, but doesn’t clump,” she said.

  “Oh… yes,” said Trish, “We just got that one in. It’s right over here,” she said as she led the way to the display.

  David pulled into the lot and went straight to the Beautique counter. He saw Trish, but she was with a customer.

  Janelle walked up to him and asked, “May I help you sir?” she asked.

  “No thank you. I’m just waiting for Trish. I’m David Moore,” he said. Janelle walked in Trish’s direction.

  Trish’s customer made her selection and had headed to the nearest register.

  “Your beau is here.” Janelle said teasingly.

 

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