“Here’s a ham sandwich and cold water. Better eat up, girl. You won’t get anything else till morning.”
Melanie allowed her fingers to feel for the sandwich. Paper plates. So easy, to just toss everything in the trash. Discard it all, like it had no importance. That was how her life felt right about now as they were no doubt getting her ready to be sold to the highest bidder. Something Riley had almost certainly planned before his demise.
Her fingers carefully felt for the objects around her as she slowly chewed the food and drank the water. The ice cold water was definitely a blessing. Her throat was so parched from the long ride that the water was a welcome gift. As she finished the first half of the sandwich and started on the other half, Melanie noted something about the place that was vaguely familiar.
She listened to the sounds around her, and realized she was in someone’s kitchen. She could hear the refrigerator humming. Her fingers had felt lacy cloth when she’d reached for the sandwich. A nice tablecloth of some sort, she was almost sure. Then there was the smell, the surroundings—it was almost as if they were up in the mountains. And from the low sound of breathing, there were only two other people in the room.
“Could I please have another glass of water?”
Someone poured it for her. “You shouldn’t have allowed her to go so long without liquid. She could have dehydrated with that shot you gave her.”
“Well, she didn’t, so don’t fret over it. I’m going out to have a smoke. Just make sure she hurries, so we can lock her away. We’ve got things to take care of.” Someone else marched out the door, slamming it behind him.
The glass of water was pressed into Melanie’s hand.
“Thank you, Spencer,” she said softly, once she’s heard the door shut.
He grew completely still.
Her instincts were right. Melanie was sure of it. “I didn’t take the blindfold off,” she whispered. “I don’t know who the other person is, but I heard that Spencer wasn’t dead and that he was after Duncan. Something about some affair with Duncan’s wife. Don’t worry. I won’t call you that when the other man comes inside. I really don’t know how or why you’re mixed up in this, but I don’t think you’ll harm Duncan. He was your best friend. Best friends don’t stab each other in the back. Best friends once, best friends always. I know that for a fact.”
Spencer glanced toward the door. It was as if a knife had landed in his heart. Best friends. “Eat your sandwich, Mrs. McGregor. We’ve got a long night ahead of us.”
She reached out, groping around until she felt his hand. “Tell me, please. Does he really have my children? Please? Maybe not him, but the woman that grabbed me at the police station, and stabbed that needle into my neck. I only want to make sure that no harm comes to them. Please, Spencer.” She let a troubled sigh pass from her lips. “I’ve already lost my sister. I can’t bear to think of what hurt could befall the children.”
Spencer eyed the door. “Let’s just say that things aren’t always what they seem in any situation. You understand, Mrs. McGregor?”
“Yes, sir. I think I do.” Melanie pulled her hand away, fumbling for the rest of the sandwich.
Spencer swept his eyes over her once more, then stepped toward the sink. He’d be glad when all this was over. Very glad.
The door swung open and Chris came back in, tossing some keys toward Spencer. “Go open that shed and put a blanket and pillow in there. There should be another bottle of cold water in the refrigerator. Get it out and leave it in the shed. I don’t want our merchandise to look too spoiled in the morning. Especially since we’re getting a high price for her.”
Melanie heard the other man walk over to the table. The sandwich had been eaten, and there was no water left in the cup. Melanie didn’t flinch when she felt fingers pull her hair out of the ponytail so that it cascaded over her shoulders. The fingers were thin. Nothing like Duncan’s as they fumbled with her hair threading their way through it over and over.
“Nice hair. I always wanted nice hair like that. Could have had it too if someone had paid me attention instead of brushing me aside.”
Melanie felt the breeze of the man’s words pass near her ear. The way someone had issued off his tongue made it sound as if he knew her. Was he a patient? But who? She’d seen so many. Everyone liked her. At least that was what they always said.
“We should get her inside the shed.” Spencer said, as he walked over to the table. “Before we know it, dawn will be here.”
Chris continued to thread his fingers through Melanie’s hair. “Such shiny blond hair. Tell me, is it true that blondes have more fun, Melanie?”
The whole room began spinning. Heat flamed inside her. That patient. She’d never forget the way Chris Galloway had called her Melanie when she’d refused to help with his operation. Then it was true. If this was the Chris she’d refused, then Harris was really helping with the drugs and everything else. Using her office like that. It was all falling into place. Riley, Griffin, and now Chris. And they all knew Dr. Marrow. The man was sick, and if he did have her children somewhere … No, she couldn’t have those thoughts now.
Melanie felt the breath leave her body. No, this couldn’t happen. If it ended with her, the children would never be safe. Duncan wouldn’t even know where to find her. The Bureau was good, but not that good. They didn’t always get their man. She’d learned that lately when they hadn’t been able to find Griffin and Riley.
“I really don’t think it matters about one’s hair color. It’s the person that makes their life a happy one.”
“She’s correct. Why don’t we take her to the shed? We need to get some sleep,” Spencer pleaded with Chris.
Chris grabbed a hold of Melanie’s hair and drew in a long breath. “Even smells good, Melanie. If you weren’t getting us a high price from a buyer in Mexico, I think I might have shaved it all off and let you see how it feels to be deprived of something that you badly want.”
Melanie chewed on her bottom lip. She’d never expected Chris Galloway to be the type of person who’d hold such a grudge. Apparently she’d been wrong.
“I’m going to let you to go to the bathroom one more time. This time you get to use the one downstairs.”
Downstairs? Just like in her cabin. Melanie remembered the way her body had wanted to twist and slide with the turns of the road.
Chris pulled her out of the chair and took her to the bathroom. “Remember, you remove that bandana, and those kids won’t be feeling too good in the morning. I know how it’s tied on too, sweetheart, so you’d best listen to me.”
Melanie only nodded, as she felt her way into the other small room.
Spencer pulled Chris aside. “I’m telling you to watch it! You don’t have to be that rough or continue mentioning the children.”
Chris pulled a gun from his jacket. “Don’t push me. Just because you jumped ship from the Bureau doesn’t mean you can toss your weight around. I’ll put a bullet right between your eyes.”
Spencer backed away. “I’m only asking that you watch your step before you lose it.”
“I’m careful. I haven’t been the one that messed up since all this happened. We only had to worry about the others, and they’re dead now. When she comes out of that bathroom, take her to that shed, then lock it good.”
“The blindfold?”
“You can remove it once she’s inside those four dark walls. But not before. Just make sure the ropes are secure. I wouldn’t want our bunny to hop away from us.”
Spencer checked the gun in his holster. He used the palm of his hand to wipe a few specks of sweat from his forehead. He didn’t know how much more of this he could take. That woman in the bathroom sure didn’t need this abuse. But it was almost all over, and then everyone could go home happy. At least some of them.
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Chapter 19
Spencer placed two blankets and two pillows inside the small shed, then gently pulled Melanie inside.
“Be careful not to knock your head.” He placed his hand over the top of her head, lowering her inside. “Once you get inside, I can remove the blindfold. There are some air holes made so you will not be completely without air.”
“Sure is dark inside and I can’t see a thing. Tell me, is Chris going to let me remove some of this rope.”
“Chris said…” He clamped his mouth shut. How did she know? They’d been careful not to disclose each other’s name.
Melanie scooted inside until she felt the blanket, then she eased her body down. “Don’t worry,” she whispered. “It was the way he spoke. I finally recognized his voice. I realize what all this is about. No sex change, so let’s kill Allison, kidnap Melanie and the children, then allow Harris to plant drugs in my office. I should have already figured it out. And here I was defending Harris to Duncan.”
Spencer tenderly removed the bandana. “There, that’s probably better.”
She extended her hands. “And the ropes? Can you loosen them?”
He leaned over and loosened the ropes so she could move more freely and have some circulation in her wrists.
Melanie grabbed hold of his arm. “Spencer, please,” her tone whispered low. “Let me escape. I have to go find Alice.”
“Alice?”
“Chris said they had a sister named Alice. I’m sure she’s the one with my children. You could take me to them.”
He took hold of her arms and gently pushed her away, his jacket brushing against her hands. “Listen to me. You have to stay right here. It’s your only choice, Mrs. McGregor.”
“Spencer, when we were in Disneyworld, there was this woman, the same one at the station who took me into her office and that is the last I remember seeing her. I was brought here, and something tells me that same person was Chris in drag. I need to know if the little child he had with him at Disneyworld has been hurt. Please, tell me that much. You must know something about the plans he’s devised.”
Spencer rubbed a hand over his jaw. He couldn’t allow her to worry. “Mrs. McGregor, just relax and don’t worry about anything. If you must know, the child is safe. It was only some kind of ploy to get near you. The child was supposed to pretend she was making some Disney movie. It was all just a game, and the child’s parents were paid a nice price. They’re all home now, safe.”
Relief washed over Melanie. What some people wouldn’t go through to get what they wanted. “Thank you.”
Spencer brushed up against her, trying to adjust the ropes.
Melanie easily felt the object in his jacket. Could she remove it without him noticing? The palm of her hand touched his cheek. “I don’t believe that you will hurt me or Duncan. Best friends don’t turn like that. Not for any price.”
“Get some rest, Mrs. McGregor. Please. And use the water sparingly.” He backed his way out of the shed. She heard the lock turn, and then footsteps moving away. She waited until there was complete silence. Then she waited five minutes longer.
Melanie thought for a moment. Could she remember the number she’d seen light up on Duncan’s phone that night she’d called Harris? That would have to be the number to dial direct. That had to be the number to reach him on. She couldn’t wait any longer. Once Spencer discovered his cellphone missing, he’d be out here faster than lightning. She’d have to remember to erase the number so Spencer wouldn’t think she’d used the phone. Taking a quick breath, she flipped it open. The light came on and she saw she had a signal. She quickly dialed the number. Duncan was the only one she trusted now.
“Please, please, let it be Duncan. And let him have his phone with him.”
Hargrove took the next turn. It had been a long drive, but he was up to it. Every so often he caught a glimpse of Harris through the rearview mirror, sandwiched between Duncan and Ramon. The guy still appeared nervous. “It shouldn’t be too much longer, Duncan. That is, if the map is accurate from what Harris told us.”
“Oh, it darn well better be,” Duncan said, slapping a hand on Harris’s leg.
Harris jumped. “I’m telling the truth. I don’t want Melanie hurt. I’ve been honest about everything.”
“We’ll soon see.”
Melanie grunted under her breath. Voice mail. Why the devil didn’t Duncan have his phone on? She needed to reach him before Spencer returned. She hit redial, trying once more. “Duncan, please this is important.”
Ramon rubbed his leg, trying to get some circulation in it. He thought of calling his wife, but when he reached for his phone it wasn’t in his pocket. “Hey, guys. I must have left my phone at home. Wanted to call the wife for a moment. Could I borrow…”
“Here,” Duncan said, reaching inside his pocket. “Phone away.”
Ramon flipped it open. “Is this the phone you use for the Bureau?”
“Yeah, go ahead. I didn’t bring my other one.”
“Says you’ve got a message.”
Duncan reclaimed it. “Huh, I forgot to turn on the sound. Hope it wasn’t too important.” He was checking the message when the phone started ringing.
“Guess it was. Must be the person calling again,” Wilson said with a yawn.
“Talk to me. It better be important. I’m in no mood for any jokes.”
“Thank the good Lord.”
“Melanie?” Duncan’s heart melted. “Melanie is that you? I can barely hear you. Can you speak up?”
Hargrove came to a sudden stop, pulling off on the shoulder.
“I can’t take the chance. If Spencer finds out that I have his phone…”
“Spencer? Is he there with you?”
“Listen to me, Duncan. I don’t have much time. All I know is, I was blindfolded and when I got to this place there was this man. I guessed it was Spencer. He never said otherwise. I told him that the two of you were best friends and best friends never betray one another. Then this other man … he finally let me go to the bathroom, but not without the blindfold. I asked about the children. Oh Duncan, he told me if I tried anything, the children…”
“Melanie, listen carefully. They don’t have the children. I can’t tell you where the kids are, but they’re safe. They don’t have the children. Do you copy?”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Yes, honey. I copy.”
“Do you have any idea where they took you?”
“It has to be in the mountains. I smell everything like the forest that surrounds my cabin. And the place where they had me was so familiar, it was like I’d been inside, as if I was really at my own cabin.”
“Where are you now?”
“Inside some outside shed.”
“An outside shed?”
“Yes, Duncan. My intuition tells me they really have me at the cabin. I feel it. The one man told Spencer to only give me one blanket and a pillow. Spencer gave me two. He was also concerned that I might have dehydrated from some shot the man gave me. He scolded the man for not giving me water on the ride here. Duncan, it took some time to get here. The man had to have brought me back to Gatlinburg.”
“Melanie, are you all right? Did they hurt you?”
“No, I’m fine. Said they had a buyer for me. I had to look my best for some guy from Mexico. Duncan, they haven’t told me their names. I’ve only guessed, but I think the man who drove me out here is Chris Galloway.”
Duncan turned to face Harris. “Why would you think that?”
“He started to fondle my hair telling me how he’d always wanted hair like that. Then how someone wouldn’t allow him to have what he wanted. I put two and two together. When Spencer put me in this shed I mentioned Chris, but Spencer wouldn’t let on. When I asked if Alice had the children, he didn’t know an Alice. But I was afraid Chris’s sister, Alice, would have the children.”
“Melanie, Alice doesn’t have the children. There is no Alice. Harris told us the truth. It was Chris.”
“You mean he—”
“Yes, Melanie. The man is sick. Beyond help. You must not make him mad. Harris is with us. He didn’t want
you hurt. But you can’t let on any of this to Chris or Spencer. Do you copy?”
Melanie brought her knees up to her chest. “Yes. I know now how all this started. I wouldn’t help Chris, and then he met Riley and everything started falling into place.”
“Melanie, is there any way you can escape from the shed?”
“I don’t think so. Spencer locked the shed when he left. But he kept telling me something whenever I asked him about things.”
“I just bet he did.”
“He continued to say that things weren’t always as they seemed. He wanted me to know that for some reason. And it sure was easy for me to get this cellphone from his jacket when he put me in here. He removed the blindfold once he put me in the shed.”
“Melanie just remember to clear my number when this call is done. You copy?”
“Yes. Duncan, I love you so very much. I only wish I knew my exact whereabouts. I bet all the agents have been called off from the cabin location…” She froze.
“Melanie?”
“That’s it. It has to be. Call Matt. Ask him when he took his walks near our cabin where was the cabin that had the outdoor shed? There were three of them. Matt would know. He knows more about this area then we do.”
“You’ve got it.”
“Duncan, I hear something like breaking twigs. I’ve got to go.”
“Melanie, I love you.” But it was too late. The signal was gone. How many times had he had the opportunity to tell her and he hadn’t said it until now. He punched the back of the seat where Wilson was sitting. “Sorry, she didn’t get to hear that part.”
“I’m sure she knows,” Wilson said, leaning forward.
Duncan vigorously raked a hand through his hair. “Yeah. Hargrove, let me call Matt, then we’ll get back on the road.” He exhaled, hating himself for not actually saying those words when she could hear them.
Melanie cleared the number she’d dialed. Nothing could link her to using the phone after she pushed it away from her makeshift bed. Pulling one of the blankets over herself, she turned her back to the door. Minutes later, it opened.
Running On Fear Page 24