Girl in Trouble (An Alex Mercer Thriller Book 1)

by Stacy Claflin

  Zoey pulled into the station, realizing she couldn't remember how she'd gotten there. She'd been so lost in her thoughts.

  Inside, it was loud and busy. People filled the waiting room and the buzz of conversation was overwhelming. She went over to the desk. "I want to help with the rescue efforts."

  The lady waved toward the busy waiting room. "Join the club."

  "No! I'm Ariana's mom."

  The woman studied Zoey. "We told your family to wait at home. Someone will call you as soon as—"

  "I'm not going to sit around. It's Halloween. We all know what that means."

  "Well, have a seat. I'll let Special Agent Williams know you're here."

  Zoey glowered at the woman. "That's not good enough."

  "Look, we're doing everything we can. All you're doing right now is distracting me from what I need to do."

  "Fine. Where's Alex?"

  She gave Zoey an exasperated look. "I don't know. You'll have to speak with the captain about him."

  "And where would I find him?"

  "That way." She pointed down the hall. "Can't miss his office. It's the biggest in the building."

  Zoey stormed down the hall, still not sure what she was going to do. She froze mid-step when she heard Alex's voice. It was coming from behind a closed door. She turned and stared.

  A super-tall man in a suit stopped in front of the door and gave her a questioning glance. "Can I help you?"

  "I'm looking for Alex."

  "He can't see anyone."

  "Who are you?" Zoey asked.

  "His attorney. Excuse me."

  "I'm his… uh… I'm Ariana's mom."

  The attorney's eyes widened. "Well, come on in. Maybe you can help us out."

  Held

  After what felt like an eternity, the door finally opened again, and Alex prepared himself for another long discussion with Ralph, the large lawyer who now wanted to be called by his first name. His eyes nearly popped out of his head when Zoey came in.

  "What are you doing here?" he asked.

  Her eyes were red, puffy, and tear-stained.

  "Are you okay?"

  She shook her head. "It's Halloween."

  "I know, and I'm stuck in here." He clenched his fists. "But why are you here?"

  Ralph came in and closed the door behind them.

  "What's going on?" Alex demanded. "Why is Zoey here?"

  "I found her in the hall."

  Alex turned back to Zoey. "Why?"

  "I need to do something."

  "So, you came here?"

  "This is where everyone is looking for her."

  "Yeah, I guess."

  "What's the deal with that picture going around?"

  Alex covered his face with his palms and took a deep breath. "I've been framed again."

  "Again?"

  "It's a long story, and we don't have time for it."

  Zoey turned to Ralph. "So, Alex is just going to stay here while Ariana's life hangs in the balance?"

  "Until the photo experts can prove it's a fake. They say it's a really good one if it is fake."

  "It is." Alex slammed his fists on the table. "I'm innocent." He turned and glared at the two-way mirror. "When are you guys finally going to start looking at the guy who actually took her? Flynn Myer is your guy! Not me. Him!"

  "Take it easy," Ralph said. "I don't even think anyone's in there."

  Alex clenched his jaw. "I'll take it easy after Ariana's back safe and sound."

  Ralph nodded. "I'll be right back. I'm going to find Fleshman." He left, leaving the door open a crack.

  "What are we going to do?" Zoey's voice cracked. "Time is flying by today."

  Alex stared at the door. "Look."

  "What?" Zoey turned to see. "I don't see anything."

  "He left it open. It's my opportunity to get out of here and find Ariana."

  "You can't leave."

  "I'm not under arrest."

  "You probably will be if you take off."

  "This is a waste of time. Why do you think the picture was done? To keep me out of the way."

  Zoey glanced between him and the door. "Still, I don't think it's a good idea. You were just in jail."

  "But if I find Ari and save her, who cares if I go to jail?"

  Her expression softened. "You'd really do that?"

  "Of course I would," he snapped.

  She frowned. "Sorry. I didn't mean—"

  "I get it. I'm the absent jerk dad, and I know all too well how you feel about them."

  Zoey flinched. "Alex, that's not what I meant."

  "Yeah, it is and I deserve it. But first, I need to save our daughter."

  She opened her mouth, but then closed it. "I'll tell them you're in the bathroom. Give you some more time."

  He nodded a thanks and hurried for the door.

  "Wait. I'm coming with you."

  "You're my cover."

  Zoey shook her head. "I'm going with you."

  "It's going to get dangerous."

  "I don't care. Ariana needs us."

  Alex didn't want to see her get hurt, but she was so stubborn, she'd never back down. "Okay." He pulled the door open and peeked into the hall. The only cops out there were distracted, not paying him any attention. He gestured for Zoey to follow him, and he crept out.

  No one turned around. He hurried down the hall, unnoticed.

  "Hey!" called a deep male voice from behind.

  Heart thundering, Alex spun around.

  A cop spoke into a phone. "You need to tell me what you know, Cal."

  Alex breathed a sigh of relief and continued his way. He passed the front desk, where the annoying clerk was busy arguing with a bald dude who had more gold in his teeth than around his neck—and that was saying something.

  He and Zoey rushed out into the parking lot.

  "My car's over there," she said.

  Alex shook his head. "We'll take mine. I don't know what's going to happen, and I don't want yours getting scratched or dented. Mine's already crap."

  "If you're sure."

  "Where's that bar?"

  "Follow me." They darted across the parking lot, down the street, and finally crossed another road. A renovated pizza place now had a sign reading Bar Bella.

  Alex dug into his pockets and found the keychain. He ran over to the passenger side, unlocked it, and ran to the driver's side. They both got inside and slammed the old doors.

  "Where are we going?" Zoey asked.

  "To this lake." He found the image on his phone and handed it to her.

  She glanced down and up at him. "Ingalls Lake?"

  "You know where that is?" he exclaimed.

  "Yeah, I went there a few times with Summer Adman in high school. Her grandparents live there. I'd recognize it anywhere. It's tiny, but has this fun little island in the middle. Where'd you get the picture?"

  "That's from a blocked number. Just like the other ones that have been threatening me."

  "What are you waiting for? We're at least an hour away—if there's no traffic."

  "You'd better call Nick and tell him that's where they are." Alex pulled out of the spot, tires squealing.

  Boat

  Click. Click. Click.

  The door swung open.

  Ariana tried to bury herself into the corner, not that it would do her any good. It wasn't like she could disappear into the walls and get away.

  Lloyd stepped in, his eyes wild and his clothes disheveled. "Come on."

  "What?"

  "Get up. We're leaving."

  "Where are we going?"

  "Stop talking. Hurry up."

  Ariana rose, trembling. Were they going back to the house with the bedroom, or maybe going somewhere worse? She didn't even want to think about the things he'd told her before.

  He swaggered over to her and wrapped his hand around her arm, squeezing tight.

  "Time to get this over with, Jan. Then we'll have to wait until next year."

  She swallowe
d. It didn't sound like they were going back to the bedroom.

  He yanked on her arm and pulled her through a small, one-story home with peeling paint and cobwebs everywhere. The rest of the house made the room she'd just left seem nice.

  "Do you know what today is?" Lloyd asked. He stopped and stared into her eyes.

  Ariana shook her head, afraid to speak.

  "Halloween."

  A lump formed in her throat. Usually, her favorite day of the year. Not this time.

  "Remember what happened the Halloween when you died?"

  She shook her head.

  "Answer me!"

  Ariana gulped. "I snuck out of the house."

  "You sure did. And what did that get you?"

  "Killed," she whispered.

  "And you snuck out again a few days ago, right?"

  Tears stung her eyes. She nodded and sniffled.

  "And what did that get you?" He pulled her outside. It was growing dark, but still pretty light. The air was freezing, especially with no jacket. Woods surrounded them and the tree branches swayed back and forth.

  She opened her mouth, but only a squeak came out.

  Lloyd yanked on her arm again. "Time to relive the past again. I'm so sick of this. Why can't we get it right? We almost had it this time!"

  Ariana's shoulders slumped.

  "Stand here." He shoved her toward the dirty house that looked like it had been white at one time, a very long time ago.

  She stumbled to keep her balance and tried to watch him from the corner of her eye. He was doing something with his phone. It appeared he was texting. "What are you doing?"

  "Did I say you could talk?"

  "I just want to know."

  Lloyd grumbled. "I'm arguing with someone, if you must know."

  "Who?"

  He pushed her closer to the house. "I need silence." He slid his finger around the screen faster and then put it in his coat. "Let's go."

  Ariana stepped back.

  "Did I say to move?"

  "You said—"

  Lloyd grabbed her arm and dragged her back. She managed to catch her footing and walk as he guided her, squeezing her flesh. They went around the house and came to a truck with a boat trailer attached. The boat was newly made, unpainted, and rough. It smelled like sawdust.

  He pulled the green tarp off the top. "Get in."

  She gave him a double take. "In there? While you drive the truck?"

  "I'm sure not letting you ride in front with me."

  "What about seat belts?"

  Lloyd shoved her against the boat. Tiny splinters poked her face and arms. "Get in."

  Ariana didn't see a way to climb inside. "How?"

  "Do I have to do everything for you? Just get in!"

  She reached her hands up to the top of the boat and stepped up on the edge of the trailer. Somehow, she managed to push herself up and throw one leg over the side, then the other. He gave her another shove, and she tumbled inside, rolling to the bottom, scratching herself on more tiny slivers.

  Ariana pulled herself to standing. "Please don't."

  He ignored her, focused on something outside the boat.

  A small flash of light came from inside the woods. Inside them? She stared, curious how a light could come from the woods. It wasn't like the lightening the other night.

  Lloyd pulled the tarp over her, forcing her down.

  "No!" she cried.

  "Shut up. I'm not happy about this, either."

  Ariana's breathing grew labored. All she could smell was freshly cut wood and plastic from the tarp. Would she run out of air in there? It was already so hard to breathe. How long until they reached wherever they were going?

  Gravel crunched under Lloyd's footsteps. The truck door opened and then shut. The engine roared to life. Gravel sprayed out as the tires moved underneath. Ariana jerked back, hitting her head on the boat. She crawled to the back and leaned against the little wall, hoping that would help to steady her.

  She bounced around as Lloyd drove over what felt like every rock and branch in the woods. If whatever he had planned didn't kill her, then the ride might. She tried pulling out splinters, but each time she got one out, she would get slammed into the side of the boat and get at least five more.

  After what felt like forever, the brakes squealed. They stopped moving. The truck door opened and shut.

  "We're here."

  Race

  Alex squinted, looking for the turnoff.

  "It's almost there," Zoey said. "Just past the boulder on the right."

  He saw the rock, but no road to turn down. He slowed, earning himself a honk from the impatient man behind him on the busy two-lane road. Finally, the gravel road came into view, hidden by the boulder. He slammed on his brakes and turned.

  The man honked as he drove past, giving Alex obscene gestures.

  "How far now?" Alex asked.

  "I think a half an hour on this dirt road."

  "A half an hour?" Alex exclaimed. The narrow, bumpy gravel road made it difficult for him to go faster than twenty miles an hour.

  "There's a reason not many people know about Ingalls Lake."

  "Apparently," he grumbled.

  "Plus, I think it might be private."

  "Have you heard back from Nick?"

  She held up his phone and slid his finger around the screen. "Nope. Nothing since he confirmed sending people out this way."

  "They're, what, twenty minutes behind us?"

  "I'm not sure. Nick said he needed to debrief everyone. I have no idea how long that would take."

  "Better not be long. I hope they don't arrive with sirens blaring."

  "I'm sure they know what they're doing."

  Alex glanced around for signs of Ariana or anything else that would indicate they were going in the right direction. What if the picture of the lake had only been to throw them off?

  He couldn't let himself think like that. Not now.

  "You've got a new text."

  "What does it say?" he asked.

  Zoey didn't respond.

  "What?" he demanded.

  "It's a picture of Ariana."

  Alex slammed on the breaks. He grabbed the phone from Zoey's hand. The photo showed a rudimentary wooden boat with Ariana peeking over the top. Her hair was sticking out in all directions and she had on a torn t-shirt.

  "Was that taken here?" he demanded.

  "I don't know."

  Another text came in. This time, it was a picture of the same boat, but showed a man covering it with tarp.

  "What is it?" Zoey exclaimed.

  Alex zoomed in on the picture. The man's profile—it was Flynn. There was no doubt about it. Hands shaking with both anger and trepidation, he showed her.

  Zoey gasped. "Is Ariana in there?"

  "That would be the assumption." He looked at the picture again, and then forwarded both images to Nick.

  See? It's Flynn with Ariana.

  The phone rang. It was Nick.

  "Where did you get those? Did you find them?"

  "They were sent from a blocked number."

  "We're almost there," Nick said. "The local sheriff was out at the lake, but he didn't see anything. Where are you?"

  "Just about to the lake."

  "Don't do anything stupid, Alex."

  "I'll do whatever it takes to save Ariana." He balanced the phone with his shoulder and hit the gas, sending both his and Zoey's heads against the seats.

  "We're almost there," Nick repeated. "If you spook Flynn, he might do something rash. You're better off waiting for us. We know how to deal with these types."

  "I've dealt with arrogant criminals myself." More than one had ended up in the hospital after threatening Alex's buddy.

  "Just wait for us."

  "Sure."

  "Alex." Nick's tone held a warning.

  "Gotta focus on driving." Alex ended the call.

  "What was that about?" Zoey's face was pale.

  "He doesn't want us
to do anything. Probably has to say that to cover his butt." He drove over an exposed root, sending them up off the seats. "Stay buckled in."

  "Don't worry. I'm familiar with your driving."

  Alex ignored the jab and put more pressure on the gas pedal. "How much farther?"

  "We're almost there, but if you don't slow down, all this noise is going to tip him off."

  "Right." He eased off the gas, even though everything in him wanted to punch it.

  "What's your plan?" Zoey asked, her voice quiet.

  "Drown the bastard."

  "And go back to jail?"

  "Nobody would blame me. He's killed thirty girls, remember? If someone doesn't stop him, he'll probably kill another thirty."

  They sat in silence the rest of the way. After about ten minutes, the road ended. A few empty parking spots sat off to either side and the dirt sloped down into the water.

  "Is there someplace else he would've parked?" Alex asked.

  "Sure. There are half a dozen houses with property around the lake. He could've easily used one of their driveways."

  Alex turned the car off where he was and studied the lake. Adrenaline pulsed through his body. "There they are!"

  Swim

  Alex stared at the little boat, mostly hidden behind the island. He wouldn't have seen it if he hadn't been looking so hard. He got out and inched toward the shore. Zoey approached him.

  "I'm going to swim out there."

  "Are you crazy?" She whispered as though that would keep Flynn from hearing them from their distance.

  "Maybe."

  "The water's freezing. You'll never make it."

  "Thanks for the vote of confidence." He slid off his jacket and threw it on the wet ground.

  "Summer's grandparents have a rowboat."

  "That doesn't help us." Alex narrowed his eyes, trying to see if Ariana was still in the boat. He slid off his shoes and socks, throwing them on top of his coat.

  "Their home isn't too far away. I know right where the boat is."

  "Great, you get it. I'm going in." He pulled off his shirt, adding it to his pile, and shivered.

  "Alex."

  "Go." He unbuttoned his jeans.

  "You're going skinny dipping?" she exclaimed. "You think you're going to fight off a serial in the nude?"

  Alex unzipped and pulled off the pants, kicking them onto the pile. "No. I'm leaving my boxers on. I need to remove as much resistance as I can."