Andy whistled. “That’s a shame. Just young girls they were too.” He shook his head slowly and gazed toward the lake. “And the rest of them, they still here?”
“The two boys ran off. The other girl, I have her stashed away with my boys.”
“Maybe you should show me the body.”
Jake took a deep breath and let it out slowly. He was irritated, but he tried to remain patient with the slow-witted warden. “I don’t see what good that would do. You already said you’re not a cop, so I think it would be best to leave the girl’s body there and let the police handle it.”
“Yeah, guess you’re right about that one. No use messin’ around. Can’t do nothin’ for her anyway.”
Jake looked carefully at the warden. “Andy, I need a favor.”
“What’s that?”
“Lend me your gun?”
Andy shook his head adamantly. “Nope. No way. Can’t do that.”
“I need to find my wife and I need some protection.”
“Can’t do it, friend.”
“What about a rifle?” Jake motioned toward the pickup. “You have a rifle in your truck?”
“Sure do, but same thing. Can’t let you use it. That’s my own neck on the line.”
Jake kicked at the dirt, trying to come up with something. He’d run out of ideas and the warden wasn’t much help. He wasn’t confident he could find Annie’s whereabouts either way. It looked like he had no choice but to wait for the police.
Andy glanced at his watch. “Well, I guess I should get going. I got other places to go. I’ll see if I can hurry up the police on my way through.”
Jake held up a hand. “Wait. I want you to give Holly and my boys a lift out of here.”
“Sure. Guess I could do that.”
Jake turned. “I’ll go and get them.” He took a few long strides and turned back. “Wait right there.” He didn’t want the warden to leave this time like he’d done so foolishly before.
“I’m waiting. Get the kids.”
Jake hurried to the cave and crouched down. “The warden has finally come. He’s going to take you guys away from here.”
Matty grabbed his backpack and hurried from the cave. “What about you, Dad?”
“Not until I find your mother.”
Kyle and Holly had scrambled from the cave. The four of them hurried up to join the warden.
“Let’s go,” Andy said, leading the way to his pick-up. You boys get in the back seat there, and Holly, you can get in the front.” He opened the doors and they climbed inside.
Jake came around to the driver side as Andy got in. “Are you going straight out?”
“I am now,” Andy said. “Wasn’t going to, but I guess I should take these kids away from here first.”
Jake watched as Andy backed the vehicle up, spun around, and headed away. He felt relieved they would be safe, but he still had to find Annie.
CHAPTER 54
Sunday, 10:22 AM
ANNIE WAS FEARFUL, frustrated, and angry. Even worse than the physical pain of remaining bound in a damp cave in such an agonizing position, was her uneasy anticipation of the horrifying plans Lucas had for her and her family. Her only comfort was in knowing, as of two or three hours ago, when the boys had discovered her in the cabin, they were still safe. It’s what might have happened since then that caused her the most anxiety.
Surely the police would bring tracking dogs and she listened in vain for their eager barking, but the only sounds were the quiet whistle of the breeze in the cave, and the constant drip, drip from the ceiling of her tomb. Each time she called for help, her own voice echoed back, mocking her attempts to be heard.
She raised her eyes to a different sound—a light repetitive thump, but as it grew louder, she realized it was the reverberating sound of footsteps drawing closer. Someone was coming.
A silhouette appeared against the brightness of the cave opening. She dared to hope it was Jake. Her illusion was crushed when the shadowy profile moved closer and revealed itself as Varick Lucas.
He grinned at her, the now familiar glint of evil flashing from his eyes. “Ah, you’re still here. I suspected as much, but one can never be too sure about these things.” He moved behind the column and gave the ropes a tug. “Still secure. I thought you would at least have made some headway in getting loose.”
Annie ignored his comments as he crouched in front of her. “You don’t look comfortable,” he said, with pretend concern.
“It’s ok,” she said. “It gave me a chance to catch up on some sleep.”
He laughed, long and hard. His laughter echoed throughout the cave, fearful and eerie, resonating with pure evil.
His laughter died away and he spoke. “I have some good news for you. You’ll be happy to hear we’re moving back to the cabin.”
Annie was mystified. He’d just brought her here a couple of hours ago, and now was taking her back. What had transpired in the meantime?
“You’re not safe here,” he said. “There are wild animals and all kinds of crazy creatures inhabiting this forest. Something could happen to you, and we wouldn’t want that.”
She rolled her eyes at him. “Thank you for your concern.”
He stood and shook his head slowly. “You’re a tough broad, aren’t you? Anyone else would be pleading for mercy right now.” He paused. “You’re not at all like the one I had begging this morning. In fact, I might’ve let her go if she’d been more like you.”
Annie narrowed her eyes. Who was he talking about? If what he said was true, the only females she knew about were the backpackers. Had one of them, or both, become a victim of this lunatic?
He liked to boast and inflict emotional pain, and she dared believe if he had harmed Jake or the boys, he would be bragging about his dreadful feat. But he wasn’t, and she forced herself to assume they were safe. Maybe they’d gotten a ride back, but no, Jake would never leave her.
He continued, observing her as he spoke. “I haven’t killed your husband yet.”
She studied his eyes, getting no indication whether or not he spoke sincerely. She knew he was watching for her reaction as well and she struggled to remain quiet, responding neither with her voice or her actions.
She wanted to believe he spoke the truth, and whether or not he did, his words revealed his clear intent. He had plans to kill Jake some time soon.
Lucas leaned over and withdrew the hunting knife from the sheath at his leg. He bent over her, bringing the tip of the blade ever closer to her face until finally, she felt it touch her cheek. It pushed against the skin. She closed her eyes and held her breath, tensing her face muscles, her teeth clamped tight. She heard him breathing and she waited.
She felt the blade slide down her cheek, then a sharp pain. Her eyes sprung open and she drew a quick breath, responding to the suddenness of his voice. “Oh, I’ve cut you.”
A single drop of blood trickled down her cheek and dripped off her chin. She dropped her head and watched it stain her shirt.
“Time to go now,” he said. He went behind, cut the ropes with a quick slash, and her hands fell free.
She touched her cheek and looked at her finger. There was little blood, but her face stung where he’d pierced the skin. She wiped her face with the palm of her hand, and then massaged her wrists in an attempt to increase the blood flow.
Lucas held out a hand, offering to help her up.
“I can manage on my own,” she said.
“I insist.” He gripped her by the wrist, pulling her to her feet.
She wrenched her arm from his grasp but dare not look him in the eye. Her courage was slipping away and she didn’t like the feeling. She couldn’t let him win, couldn’t let him see her growing fear.
She summoned her dwindling inner strength and forced her eyes upwards, finally glaring into his. “Will you loosen the ropes around my ankles? They’re numb.”
He stood back, crossed his arms, and squinted at her thoughtfully.
“Ple
ase?” she said. She saw a hint of a smile on his lips. Or was he gloating?
He crouched down and severed the ropes at her ankle, then selected the longest piece and tied it around her waist. He gripped the end of the two-foot-long leash, giving it an abrupt tug from behind. She staggered backwards and almost lost her balance.
“That should hold you,” he said in a low voice, more to himself than to her.
He prodded her from behind. “You know the way. You lead, I’ll follow.”
She walked toward the exit, shuffling her feet as she went. She was regaining the strength in her legs but didn’t want him to know that.
They went down the bank, crossed the stream and entered the forest on the other side. Yes, she knew the way, and she’d remembered every dip in the terrain, every hill, and every bush, and she would use that knowledge.
As they approached an embankment, she leaped, her full weight propelling her forward and down, dragging him with her as she tumbled and rolled.
But she was free. He’d lost his grip on the rope during the fall.
She scrambled to her feet and dashed forward, dodging trees, vaulting obstacles, and tearing through bushes, branches, and hanging vines.
The strength she’d regained soon waned. Her valiant attempt ended as he dove from behind, bearing her roughly to the ground. She hit her head on a stump and lay stunned, unable to fight as he straddled her, bringing her into complete submission once again.
CHAPTER 55
Sunday, 10:36 AM
JAKE WAS AMAZED at the negligent and casual attitude the police had displayed toward his predicament. They’d been slow in responding, and even when they had, were taking their sweet time about getting here.
Since Andy had left, Jake had paced up and down the trail, stopping each time to peer ahead, then returning to sit on the bank and wait some more.
Finally, he heard the sound of a vehicle in the distance. He hoped it wasn’t the game warden returning for some unknown reason, and was overjoyed to see a mud-spattered, red pickup coming his way. The vehicle whined as it rolled over the rough terrain, spinning its wheels, jolting and jumping toward him.
He stood and waited until the truck ground to a halt in front of him, the driver side door opened, and a figure stepped out.
Jake’s heart fell as Bob walked around the front of the truck and approached him. What was the game warden’s nephew doing here? And where were the police?
Bob walked over to Jake, touched his worn-out baseball cap, and grinned. “Hey Jake. Thought I would find you here.” He offered a hand.
Jake shook the boney hand. “I’m waiting for the police. Did you see them on your way in?”
Bob wrinkled his face. “The police? No, I haven’t seen them. I’m looking for my uncle. Figured he might be round here somewheres.”
“Your uncle was here not too long ago. He’s on the way out now. You didn’t meet him coming in?”
“Nope. I just wanted to find him. There’re a bunch of rowdy campers a long ways back. I saw them fightin’ and drinkin’ and disturbing other campers something terrible. I thought maybe Uncle Andy should drop by and give them the heave ho.” He shook his head and frowned. “We don’t like to see that kind of stuff going on.”
Jake looked at the aspiring game warden in amusement. “You didn’t feel qualified to give them the ‘heave ho’ yourself?”
“If I had a badge maybe I could. But I ain’t got any authority.” He gave a crooked grin. “Tried it already one other time. They wouldn’t listen to me.”
Jake thought he understood why.
Bob scratched at a pimple and looked around. “So, what’s all this about the police? Something happen?”
Jake filled him in quickly with a few facts, leaving out the part about Rosie and the other backpackers. “My wife’s been missing since yesterday and everything I’ve done to find her has turned up a dead end. I’ve been waiting for the police ever since.”
Bob looked at Jake in unbelief, his mouth hanging open a moment. All he could manage to say was, “Sheesh.” He looked around uneasily. “Sure hope the cops get here fast. For the sake of your wife, that is.”
Jake hoped so too but said nothing.
“I met your wife when she was coming in,” Bob said. “She stopped at the store. Bought some snacks and stuff. Said she was coming here. I put two and two together and knew it was you. Nice lady, your wife.”
Jake wasn’t in the mood to exchange a lot of small talk, his concern for Annie being foremost on his mind. He would be more than pleased if the youth left.
“So, nobody knows who the dead guy is?” Bob asked.
“Your uncle took a look, and he didn’t recognize him. There was no ID on the body either.”
“Must be another camper. Sometimes they wander around, bring their dirt bikes and stuff.”
“There was no dirt bike there, and he didn’t look like he had been riding one.”
Bob rubbed at his chin. “Well, far as I know, there’s nobody reported missing in town. Small town you know. Word would get around real quick if there was.”
“Do you know if the police have access to any tracking dogs?” Jake asked.
“Don’t think so. They could send for some I guess. Far as I can remember, nobody ever had any call for anything like that round these parts.”
Jake wasn’t surprised at the revelation. When it came to the local police force, nothing surprised him any more. He pointed a finger toward Bob’s truck. “You wouldn’t have a rifle in there, would you?”
“Sure enough do.”
“And ammunition?”
“Yup.”
“I want to borrow it.”
Bob removed his cap and scratched his head. He looked at his truck, and then back at Jake. “Don’t know if I can do that.”
Jake leaned in a bit, glaring down at the youth. “I’m not asking.”
Bob stepped back and squinted up at Jake as if considering the demand.
Jake held his gaze.
Bob rubbed the back of his neck and stared at his truck. Jake didn’t want to press him too much—unless Bob made the wrong decision—then he would have to change the young man’s mind for him.
“Well, I guess it would be ok,” Bob said. “But if there’s a problem later, you gotta say it was your idea?” He waited for an answer.
“Whatever you say. I only want to borrow it.”
“All right, then.” Bob beckoned and led the way to his vehicle. He opened the passenger door, removed a rifle mounted above the rear window of the cab, and handed it to Jake.
Jake took the rifle and examined it—a semi-automatic with a fully loaded magazine.
Bob dug around under the seat, removed a box of ammunition, and held it out. “Plenty of ammo here if you need more.”
Jake put the box into his pants pocket and pointed off to the right of the trail. “Do you know anything about a cabin a couple of miles that way?”
Bob had removed a hunting knife from the glove compartment and was fastening it to his belt. He looked up and shook his head.
“That’s where I’m heading,” Jake said. “How much further does this trail go?”
Bob shrugged. “Not far. Maybe a half mile or so, then there’s no getting through. But it don’t go in the direction you want to.” He nodded toward the trail. “Goes to the left just up there.”
“Then I’ll have to hike it,” Jake said, and looked down at the young man. “Are you coming with me or not?”
Bob looked at Jake, then down the trail, then at his rifle. “Guess I best go with you,” he said.
~~*~~
THE HELICOPTER SCREAMED to a halt, flinging dirt and dust across the asphalt. The door opened and RCMP Sergeant Lance Brewer stepped out.
His cohesive team of tactical unit officers, wearing full camouflage and wielding assault weapons, streamed out behind him. The group of four was highly trained in the employment of specialized weapons, equipment, and tactical abilities.
Wi
th an armed suspect on the loose, and many bodies left in his wake, getting close to Lucas from the air was a risky proposition. With the help of aerial photographs, Brewer had zeroed in on the precise location of the target, and they would approach the cabin by stealth.
He wasn’t taking any chances.
The helicopter took to the air. Rather than block the highway, it would land in an empty field a little further on and remain in radio contact, returning when necessary. A car would be dispatched to escort their intended prisoner.
“This guy’s a cop killer,” Brewer said, his no-nonsense voice commanding immediate attention and respect from his men. “Emotions are a little high today, but let’s keep it professional. You all know what to do.”
Brewer consulted the aerial photographs. If Modesty was correct, and he had every reason to believe she was, the cabin where Varick Lucas was holed up was slightly more than two miles due east of their current location. There was some rough territory, but his men were trained to adapt to all types of terrain, locations, and weather conditions.
The cabin itself would be easy work. They could penetrate just about any barricade or stronghold, but they had to know what was going on inside. There was always a possibility of hostages, and the mobile thermal imaging system would aid them with that.
Lucas was undoubtedly armed, known to be dangerous, and any possible hostage situation, if not handled correctly, could soon escalate into a nightmare. Brewer had proven himself an expert negotiator, but wanted to avoid an armed standoff at all costs. The last thing he wanted was for civilians to be caught in a crossfire.
A car slowed as it approached the group gathered by the shoulder of the road, its occupants craning their necks. Brewer waved them on. Maybe they would find out what happened on tomorrow’s news, but right now was not the time for public relations. The car picked up speed and disappeared around a bend in the road.
Brewer watched his team finish last minute preparations—checking their weapons, donning protective gear, and readying themselves for the hike into the forest.
Justice Overdue: A Private Investigator Mystery Series Page 20