by Lucia Sinn
He got out of the car, took his gear from his truck, and pulled on his wetsuit. In an hour, the wind could die down, or the fog might roll in. He couldn’t waste weather like this.
Anyway, it would be better to call Gail in a couple of hours, when she had calmed down. By then, Doug would probably have shown up.
He’d only taken a few steps when he heard his phone dinging again. Probably Hazel with more instructions or a message from his dad. Still, at a time like this, he ought to answer. He went back and picked up.
“Dad?” Doug’s voice sounded quivery, strained.
“Where are you, son? Are you all right?” He didn’t want Doug thinking he was in trouble, so he tried to keep his voice even, non judgmental.
“I’m away from Indiana.”
“Who are you with and why did you leave?”
“I met this guy, Tim. He said he’d get me out of Lewiston. He wants to talk to you.”
“And I want to talk to him. Put him on.”
“Mr. Krueger?” Eric heard a definite Midwestern twang, emphasizing the final R’s. “Where are you?”
“What in the hell are you doing with my son?”
“We’re on the road to Texas. I want to know where you’re at, so we can bring Doug to you.”
Eric thought this guy didn’t sound too bright. Maybe he didn’t even realize he was in serious trouble. “Are you aware this looks like a kidnapping?” he asked.
“Yes, we know that.”
“How old are you Tim?”
“Old enough to drive.”
“Well, if you’ve got sense enough to have a driver’s license, you know that what you are doing with my son is against the law. He needs to call his mother immediately, and you have to take him back home.”
“That isn’t possible. Something could happen. To Doug. And you didn’t answer my question. I want to know where you are.”
A chill worked its way down Eric’s spine. “Is this a threat?”
No answer. Just heavy breathing.
Eric’s knees went weak. He sat down on a bench, struggling to control the tremor in his voice. “All right, I’m on South Padre Island. It’s about fifteen hundred miles from Lewiston. If you’re driving, you’ll need a decent car and plenty of money for gas.”
“Maybe we’ll catch an airplane.”
Eric felt a spurt of hope. Possibly, they could be picked up by airport security. “What city would you be flying into?” he asked.
“Think I’m dumb enough to tell you? One more thing. No cops. No FBI. No nothing.”
The phone went dead.
Eric walked to his truck and threw his gear in the back. Surfboarding had lost its appeal. He took his wallet from the glove department and pulled out a picture of Doug taken at the ranch when he was around three, standing in a patch of parched brown earth, next to a cactus plant that towered above him. A cherubic boy with tufts of silken hair. Both Eric and Gail were blond, so it was hard to tell what gene pool Doug’s hair color had come from, but he had grown to look more like his father every day. Tall for his age, slightly aquiline nose, wide mobile lips, a low forehead, and those gray-brown eyes so much like Eric’s.
The day Eric had lost the custody battle was one of the lowest days in his life. But now, maybe he could redeem himself, save the boy, do something right. He picked up the phone to call Hazel.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
DOUG
THEY WERE IN a strip mall, somewhere around Casey, Illinois. Jose had gone in to get tacos. While Tim talked on the phone, Doug caught a reflection of himself in a store window. They’d stopped at K Mart and picked up a black wig. He wasn’t sure he liked all of this. Just hearing his Dad’s voice made him lonely and afraid. It all seemed too real, not fun at all.
“Why’d you tell my Dad we were flying?” he said, when Tim got off the phone.
“Because, they’ll waste a lot of time looking for us in airports. Now look, you’d better get back to the car.”
“I don’t feel like sitting in the car. It’s hot. Why can’t we just go inside that restaurant and have our tacos in there?”
“Because I said so. Now, do as I say.”
Doug was scared. He had never known anyone like Tim and Jose. They were rough and dirty, and the thought of going all the way to Texas with them was awful. He thought about Tim’s dark shiny pistol, and Jose’s long sharp knife in a leather holster at his waist.
Doug looked out at the car, a beat up Chevy Impala with rust spots. Tim had said he was going to have to sleep in it because they were driving straight through. He had never actually been inside a junk heap like that before. Jose smelled bad, like he didn’t use deodorant. And Tim had greasy skin and food stains all over his clothes. The thought of spending an entire night with them was disgusting.
“I’m not sure I want to do this, after all. I think maybe I’ll call Mom and have her come pick me up.” Panic rose in Doug’s chest as he looked for the nearest escape. A department store with bright lights and open doors was just a few steps away, and he bolted toward the entrance.
Tim ran after him and took hold of his arm, digging his fingers so deep into his flesh it brought tears to Doug’s eyes. “Are you nuts? You’ll be arrested for sure.”
Doug kept on walking through the cosmetic department, hoping Tim would let him go. The smell of perfume in the air was so strong it made him sick. A salesgirl with short black hair and blue eye shadow stared at them, her bright red lips pouting in disapproval. In front of all these people, Tim wouldn’t dare to shoot him or make a scene, would he?
Tim followed him to the back of the store, pushed him out the door into an alley, and slammed him against a cement wall. “Get serious,” he said, “You knew I tried to drug Cara. Then, you helped me carry her out to the car while she was tied up. As soon as I let her go, she probably called the police. You’re in this too deep, now. You can’t go back.”
“Cara knows I didn’t want to hurt her.”
“Does she? I wouldn’t bet on it.”
Tim grabbed Doug’s shirt and pulled him so close their eyes were inches apart. Doug’s ears filled with internal static, and everything went blurry. He closed his eyes, waiting for the dizziness to pass. When he opened them again, he could see clear.
“You’re gonna ask my Dad for ransom money aren’t you? What if he won’t give it to you?”
“He will. Believe me, Doug, this is the only way.”
Doug leaned his head against the wall, feeling as if he might throw up any minute. Tim was right. If he turned himself in, they’d probably take him to juvie, maybe even put him in jail. And even if they didn’t arrest him, his life would be never be the same. Tim said it had been on the news. Everyone at school would make fun of him. Once he got to Texas, everything would be better. Grandpa would be able to straighten things out.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
GAIL
GAIL WOKE UP naked and alone.
Fringes of light alongside the window shades indicated it was daytime. Squinting into the gloom, she tried to see the numbers on the digital clock next to her bed, but it was covered with a pile of clothes.
“Tony? Where are you?” Her cottony tongue and nose filled with mucous made her sound like a croaking frog.
His footsteps pounded in the hallway, and then he was at the door, already dressed, wearing a yellow cotton golf shirt and crisply pressed khakis.
“I’m here, darling. I was just finishing up after a shower.” Tony sat down on the bed and turned on an overhead lamp. He was cleanly shaven, with damp, comb-grooved hair. His soapy fresh smell made Gail feel dirty. “How are you?” he asked.
“Terrible. My shoulders are cold, and my mouth tastes like glue. Could you bring my robe, and then get me a glass of ice water with a squeeze of fresh lemon?” She tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced her back down.
It seemed an eternity before he was back. As he lifted her up and held the glass to her lips, her head felt thick and sluggish.
The last thing she remembered was standing next to Cara Mackenzie in the emergency room. But as the cool liquid trickled down her parched throat, her head began to clear. She snatched her pink terry cloth robe from Tony’s hand, and sat upright, now thoroughly awake. “Doug. Have they found him?”
“Not yet.”
“What am I doing in this bed? How did I get here? Did I pass out?”
“No, darling. Don’t you remember what happened when you came home from the hospital?”
Gail recalled the frowning faces of Tony, Janie, and Dr. Rozgonyi, sitting beside the fireplace in the living room as she walked in the door. “Tell me,” she said.
“We were all worried because you were hysterical. Dr. Rozgonyi gave you a sedative--something to calm you down and let you get some sleep.”
Gail felt along her hip. Her butt was sore on the right side. “You mean she gave me a shot? Without my permission?”
“Gail, you weren’t in any shape to give permission. Listen to me, it was the only thing to do.”
“So how long have I been out? What day is it?”
“It’s Sunday morning.”
The gauzy images in Gail’s mind came into sharper focus. Tony had insisted she go to the Emergency Room alone. “I still don’t understand why you wouldn’t come to the hospital with me to see Cara,” she said.
“I didn’t think they’d let us see her at all. But you were so determined, I figured it wouldn’t hurt to try.”
“But she’s really your friend, not mine.”
Tony reached in his shirt pocket and pulled out a cigarette. Seconds ticked by.
He took a long drag and exhaled slowly. “All right, I didn’t want to upset you, but I suppose you might as well know.”
A stab of cold fear hit Gail’s stomach. She reached out and grasped Tony’s belt, pulling him closer. “What? Is Doug dead?”
Tony removed her hand and stood up. “No, it’s not that. Didn’t you wonder why I didn’t go to lunch at McDonald’s with Cara and the kids yesterday?”
“Not really, you never do fast food. And Angie said it was some kind of diet instruction.”
“That’s right, I don’t. The whole idea of taking the kids to McDonald’s for lunch was Cara’s idea. I had the feeling she was using the kids for an excuse to see me again. But I didn’t know how to get out of it gracefully.”
“What makes you think that?”
Tony let his eyes slip off her face. “Look, I know Cara far better than you. She was coming on to me. She suggested that after the kids had lunch we could drop them off at home and then go on over to her place.” His voice sounded flat, his words rehearsed.
“This doesn’t make sense,” Gail said. “I saw her with Dr. Drakos yesterday. They seemed very much in love.”
“Really? How could you tell?”
“I don’t know. Just the way they were looking at each other and holding hands. He’s quite attractive.….”
“More so than me?”
“Oh, for heaven’s sake. This is ridiculous and petty. Who cares who’s better looking? All I care about is Doug.”
Tony sat down again beside her and scooped her hand up in his.
“There’s something more I have to tell you. I got a call last night about Doug. And it isn’t good news. The kidnapper has asked for a hundred thousand dollars in unmarked bills.”
Gail pressed icy fingertips to her cheeks, feeling the blood draining from her face. “Why didn’t you tell me this right away?”
“Honey, I wanted to be sure you had calmed down after last night. Dr. Rozgonyi says the sedative is still in your system, but just in case, she’s left a prescription.”
“What are you talking about?” Gail screamed. “How dare you not tell me this until now. If you’ve had a call, why aren’t the police here?”
Tony rattled her ice cubes. “You look pale. Have another sip.”
Gail took the glass from his hand, jumped out of bed, and pulled on her robe. “I need a drink, all right.” Barefoot, she ran downstairs and opened the liquor cabinet in the kitchen.
Tony was right behind her. “That’s not a good idea,” he said. “You’ve had way too much medication to mix with alcohol.”
Gail found a half empty bottle of Maker’s Mark. With trembling fingers. she topped off her water and took a large gulp. Warmth spread through her body, fueling rage. “I want you to tell me every single thing you know. Who called? That Tim person who tried to kill Cara? And where is he? And did you talk to Doug?”
Tony filled a shot glass for himself and drank it neat. “Yes, it was Tim. I talked to Doug just for a minute. He sounded fine. But we can’t take any chances. Tim isn’t in this alone. He seems to have at least one accomplice. They’re watching every move we make. They’ve threatened to kill Doug if we call the police. I have to go to Evansville and arrange for the money.”
“On a Sunday? The banks will be closed.”
“I’ve already talked to my banker down there; I’ll probably have the money tonight or tomorrow.”
“But why Evansville? Why not call your bank right here in town?”
“Because it’s urgent that it be kept quiet. This friend of mine can make the arrangements.”
Gail’s head throbbed. When Tony had bought the new Lexus he’d had to juggle funds. “Are you sure you can get that much so quickly?” she said. “Why don’t you let me call Eric’s father. He’d give it to us in a heartbeat.”
“God, no. The Kruegers will have the FBI all over it. This is Doug’s life we’re dealing with. And they’ve threatened to kill him the minute they get wind of any involvement with the authorities.”
“But what if they ask for more after you give them the money? Isn’t that what kidnappers usually do?”
“We’ll cross that path when we come to it. We’ll call the Kruegers if we have to, but right now, let’s do it their way.”
“I’m going with you.” Gail turned to go upstairs and get dressed.
“No, you can’t do that. Someone has to be here in case they try to call back. You can call me on my cell phone if they do.”
“Alone? You expect me to wait here all by myself?”
“You’ll have to. I’ve taken Angie over to my mother’s house.”
“Does your mother know about this? Does Janie?”
“No, and you can’t tell them. They’re too unpredictable. My mother would be on the phone right away. Look, I promise you, everything will be fine. Doug will be home within twenty four hours.”
Gail watched in stunned disbelief as Tony pulled on his black North Face jacket and opened the garage door. Before she could say another word, he backed the Lexus out onto the street, jammed his foot on the accelerator and took off with a squeal of tires.
Still sipping whiskey, she ascended the stairs with legs like rubber. Whatever Dr. Rozgonyi had given her really packed a wallop,
Slowly, she pulled on a T-shirt and sweat pants while a mental replay of Tony’s words kicked in. Cara still in love with him? Trying to get him back? She couldn’t imagine why, when she had that hunk, Dr. Drakos, on the string. But anything was possible when it came to love and sex. She ought to know.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CARA
DOUG AND TIM wrapped duct tape across Cara’s mouth, tied her to a plush green sofa, and sprinkled her with gasoline. When Tim lit a match, she screamed until her throat was raw.
Cara awakened with a racing heart, bathed in sweat. John’s hand was on her shoulder. She couldn’t see him, but his voice was gentle and soothing. “It’s all right. You’re having a bad dream.”
Cara rolled over to him and pressed her head against his chest. “I’m sorry,” she said, “I’m keeping you awake. I should have stayed in town.”
John held her tight, stroking her hair. “No. You need to be with me when you’re afraid.”
“It’s not that. I’m just wired.” Cara flopped back to her side of the bed and pretended to fall asleep. Long after John had settled back
down, she lay staring at the ceiling, listening to the steady rhythm of his breathing. When the first gray light of dawn filtered through the blinds, her body felt like she’d been through a hammer mill.
While John was in the shower, Cara went downstairs for double strength Starbucks.
John joined her in the kitchen dressed as usual in blue jeans, brown checkered cotton shirt, and boots. “No one expects you to be at work, after what you’ve been through this weekend.” he said. “Why don’t you stay here this morning and get some sleep?”
Cara spread a toasted wheat bagel with cream cheese and handed one half to John. “There’s no point in staying here all alone. I need some distraction.”
The weekend had been surreal. Yesterday, she and John had driven to a used car lot and picked up an old black Pontiac to tide her over. It didn’t seem likely her insurance would reimburse her for a Honda at the bottom of a lake. She craved the normalcy of a work day and the snug cocoon of her own small office.
John suggested she use crutches to ease the pain in her hip, but she thought that would be way too melodramatic. She made it through the early morning stampede from the hospital parking lot to the time clock without anyone stopping to ask about the accident. Life and death situations were commonplace at the hospital. Anything that had happened two days ago was already old news.
And for that Cara was grateful.
She scooted into the department and fished her key from her purse, anxious to flip on the fluorescents and settle down to check her messages.
But when she found the door unlocked, her office awash with light, and Jeff King seated at her desk, she wondered if she was in the midst of another nightmare.
“How did you get in?” she asked.
Jeff flashed Cara one of his cunning smiles. “Whoa. How about a hello or a good morning?”
Cara stood in the doorway with her hands on her hips. “Excuse my lack of manners, but my office door is generally locked. How did you get in here?”