Visions Of The Past

by Elizabeth Mahood

  “Want to take a shower?” He asked hoping that it could be an extra-long one. She smiled and nodded.

  “Yes please. I have plans for you.” She said seductively. After a nice long shower and another hour in bed, they were both dressed and ready to head out for the day. Cade had managed to find a few of his buttons but the rest were under and behind furniture. He did his best to keep his shirt together but, in the end, he just zipped up his coat. He had extra shirts in his office just in case he got them messed up at crime scenes.

  “What’s the plan for today sheriff?” Ellie asked in a playful way, moving forward to tug on his handcuffs. He kissed her softly but before it could become more, he moved back.

  “I wish I had plans to use these all day on you, but we do have a case to solve. I was thinking of heading over to the ME’s office today to see if Megan had any information for us. I would like to find out all we can about the older body. It might give us some leads as to who the other girls are or where they came from. We will see what your buddies come up with today.” Cade said with a smirk. She sighed and moved away from Cade to grab her shoes.

  “Oh, I was reading my grandmother’s journals. I think she knew who and what was going on around here. She said several times that people were watching her and thought she knew something. It’s very strange. She wasn’t sure if it was her old age and the visions were acting erratic or something really was going. Girls disappearing and such,” Ellie said as she stood and grabbed her jacket. Cade watched her.

  “So, is there anything in there to indicate she had a name or anything?” Cade asked curiously. Ellie shook her head.

  “No, just a feeling. It’s hard to explain.” Ellie said looking away. Cade pulled her to him.

  “Hey, I believe you remember. You don’t have to hide anything from me, you got it. I believe you.” Cade said with conviction. She smiled at him, leaned up and kissed him, then pulled back.

  “Thank you. Coffee, I totally need coffee.” Ellie said almost in a panic. Cade laughed at her.

  “Well, there are no Starbucks within 100 miles of Badger Falls so you better hit our coffee shop in town Badger Brew. It’s the best in town.” Cade stated. Ellie laughed.

  “It’s the only one in town I imagine.” She said teasingly. Cade scowled then smiled.

  “Yep pretty much. The gas stations have coffee but it isn’t city stuff. Why don’t I leave now and we can meet each other there, then ride in together? It’s about a block from here.” Cade suggested. He watched indecision play across her face then determination.

  “Yes, I would like that. Do they serve breakfast, because I’m starving?” Ellie smiled as she went to open the door. He stopped her, turned her around and backed her up against the door. He had his mouth on her instantly. After a few moments he pulled back.

  “What…what was that for.” She asked breathlessly. Cade kissed her nose.

  “Just a reminder of why you are so hungry this morning. You had a long work out last night.” He stated teasingly. She smiled up at him and raised one eyebrow.

  “That I did sheriff. I could use another one tonight, if you are up for the challenge.” She said moving her hands to squeeze his bottom If he didn’t leave the room soon, they would be here all day but that wouldn’t help the murder victims. He kissed her nose and pushed away.

  “Yes, dinner, my house, tonight.” Cade stated allowing her to open the door. “I’ll bring the cuffs.” He stated. He watched her as she rounded the corner to go downstairs ahead of him and heard her giggle as she took the stairs.

  ✽✽✽

  Standing in shadows in the cool morning air had finally earned the informant what they needed. They watched the woman leave the bed and breakfast first, heading towards the coffee shop and then the sheriff left after her. They had been together most of the night after he had moved her from her house to the hotel. Interesting twist in the game and important information to pass on to the boss. If the woman was anything like her grandmother, she would be trouble and now that she had started relations with the sheriff there would be important decisions to make. A board meeting would have to be called and all involved would need to know how to move forward. The informant needed to get into the room, retrieve what was required and get out before being seen. Once the coast was clear, the informant moved across the street and into the bed and breakfast. This better be easy, no one disappointed the boss and no one went against the board. No one. The informant moved up the stairs and to the room at the end of the hall. This town had informants everywhere, people who were willing to tell just about anyone anything they wanted to know. Everyone had something on somebody and it was wise to be afraid of failing.

  Once inside the room, the search began. No failures, no mistakes

  Chapter 13

  My Journal Entry

  November 2017

  I am so cold; someone is in my house. The fire is out, I have no protection and my visions have shown me what I am about to endure. I can’t stop it from happening and my only hope is that my granddaughter can figure it all out. I know who is behind it all. The journals are not here, I have hidden them where no one will ever look. I will see you soon my love…until next time.

  Greta

  ✽✽✽

  Ellie sipped on the delicious white chocolate mocha and watched the door as Cade made his way into the coffee shop. He said hello to a few of the patrons and stepped up to the counter. The woman behind the counter batted her eyes at him as he ordered his drink and two blueberry muffins. He paid his bill and the woman tried to keep eye contact but he turned away. He really was oblivious to the flirting the women in town did towards him. She smiled to herself and shook her head as he made his way towards her.

  “What?” He asked as he took a seat and slid her one of the freshly baked muffins. She watched the woman behind the counter narrow her eyes at her and then quickly turn back towards the next customer.

  “You have no idea how hot you are do you?” She said taking a bite of her muffin. She closed her eyes as the sweet flavors assaulted her tongue. “Oh my god this is amazing.” Ellie said taking another bite. Cade smiled at her.

  “I like hearing you say that.” Cade said winking. She blushed and took a sip of her coffee. “And as for how I look, I never really thought about it.” He said with no falseness in his voice. She smiled at him and moved her foot under the table to touch him softly. A shadow cast on their table and both of them looked up to see the Chief Deputy standing at their table.

  “Well good morning Sheriff, Doc. What a pleasant surprise to see you both here this early in the morning. Doc sorry to hear about the trouble out at your grandma’s old place. Where are you staying now?” Chief Deputy Rogers said taking a bite of his gooey cinnamon roll leaving icing in his mustache. Ellie felt Cade stiffen and once again laid her foot against him. She felt him relax and saw him smile falsely at the Chief.

  “Morning Hank. I just ran into the good doctor this am and thought we could share a nice breakfast; you know be hospitable to our guest.” Cade stated trying to sound casual. Ellie could feel the anger coming off of Cade and it worried her.

  “Good Morning Chief, it’s nice of you to ask about where I am staying but you know as well as I do that since it’s an active investigation and we don’t know who committed the crime, the whereabouts of my living will have to be kept confidential. You understand, right?” Ellie said in the most official tone she could muster. She felt deceit and jealousy ripping through Hank Rogers and she would be sure to warn Cade about his Chief later tonight. The chief narrowed his eyes at her, looked to Cade who was smiling at her with pride and then puffed out his chest.

  “Sheriff.” Chief Deputy said as he turned and stomped off chewing on his cinnamon roll like it was full of nails. Once he was out of ear shot, Cade let out a whistle.

  “Honey you just pissed off the wrong person. I mean, you are awesome and if we weren’t trying to keep this private, I would pull you on to my lap and show you just how proud I
am of you but you will just have to settle for a bravo for now.” Cade stated winking with heat in his eyes. Ellie shook her head.

  “Cade you need to watch out for him. He has a lot of resentment towards you.” Ellie said still watching the Chief Deputy head to his squad car. He was on the phone with someone and kept looking back towards the coffee shop. Cade tapped her leg with his foot.

  “Hey.” He said. Her eyes snapped back to his.

  “Yeah, I’m ok.” She said. She knew he thought maybe she was having a vision. This time it was just a feeling and she would be a lot more aware of what she said and did around the Chief.

  “Let’s go.” Cade stated, taking her empty cup and muffin wrapper. They moved through the coffee shop and once again the woman behind the counter glared at her as they left. Ellie shook her head. She could only imagine the comments and looks she would get if people know that the good sheriff had rocked her world all night long. She laughed out loud which caused Cade to turn around.

  “What?” He asked curiously. She shook her head.

  “Nothing. Let’s get to the station before any more of your admirers get pissed off at me.” Ellie stated laughing as she watched Cade look at her with total innocence.

  Once at the station, they made their way into the conference room. Agent Brody and Agent Hardy sat at the head of the table with several file folders in front of them. Chief Deputy Rogers was nowhere to be found and several of the other deputies working the case were conversing quietly, the agents looked up as Ellie and Cade walked to the front of the room.

  “Well, good morning Sheriff, Doctor Ridley. Doc we hear you had some trouble out at your house last night. Do you have your piece on you?” Agent Hardy asked. Ellie detected no malice in his question, he seemed like just a cheerful kind of guy asking an honest question. She shook her head.

  “No, I didn’t bring it. I need to re-qualify when I get back to Seattle.” Ellie stated feeling Cade stiffen next to her at the mention of her leaving. Agent Brody leaned forward across the table.

  “They have a range here. I could help you get re-qualified.” He stated trying to sound sincere but Ellie knew he had a different motive and she wasn’t about to set herself up like that.

  “Oh, that’s ok. I have a range master in Seattle and if I need anything signed off, I’m sure the Sheriff would be more than happy to help me out. Isn’t that right Cade?” Ellie said sweetly. Cade smirked at her and then turned to the two agents.

  “There you have it. If Doc needs to worry about carrying a piece then I’ll make sure to take care of it. I would hope there would be no need though.” Cade stated trying to make them understand that he was her protector. Cade stood up to start the morning meeting.

  “Ok everyone, I would like to go around the room and have everyone bring us up to speed on what’s going on in the county and then we can talk about the Mass Grave Killing case.” Cade stated. Ellie noticed that Cade had changed into his uniform and wondered if anyone had said anything to him about his state of dress when he came to work. Her mind drifted as the men and women talked about traffic tickets, Probation holds and revokes, a meth bust in the south county and 3 deer that had been hit out on highway 47. She couldn’t believe the night she and Cade had shared. She had dreamed about what it would be like to be with him but never imagined how hot and intense it would be. He was gentle but dominate, loving and rough at the same time. She never knew sex could be that way. It wasn’t just the sex; it was his loving words and touches and the intimacy that he created just by being himself. The way he carried himself was sexy just in itself because he had no idea just how much people envied him. Women wanted him; men wanted to be him.

  “Dr. Ridley?” Ellie heard Cade saying. She turned to see him watching her and she blushed. She watched his eyes smile at her but he kept his professional facial features.

  “Sorry, I’m just not awake this morning.” Ellie said quickly. Agent Hardy nodded.

  “I don’t doubt it with bricks flying through your window. Do you have any clue yet sheriff?” Hardy asked. Cade winked at her and then turned to Hardy.

  “No, we have a tire impression of two separate vehicles and I am working that with my own team of deputies.” Cade stated just as Chief Deputy Rogers entered the room. Ellie noticed he still had cinnamon roll icing in his mustache and looked more irritated than he was at the coffee shop. He took a seat at the end of the table and Ellie noticed Cade staring him down but didn’t say a word as he turned back to the agents.

  “I have collected the bricks and the paint samples off the bricks and sent the evidence off to Madison.” Cade stated. The chief huffed. “Do you have a problem with that Hank?” Cade asked. Ellie turned to see the Chief Deputy glaring at her. Maybe she shouldn’t have antagonized the Chief like she had at the coffee shop. Even though she worked with them all, she didn’t live in Badger Falls anymore. He turned his eyes towards Cade.

  “No Sheriff, I just wonder if you are wasting resources on something that is probably just a prank. No one really knows that Doctor Ridley is living there. Perhaps it was just kids playing around out there.” Chief Deputy stated. Cade stood and Ellie knew that the Chief was about to get a set down.

  “If this was just kids playing around, the words Go Home Bitch or Die wouldn’t have been written on the brick. Now, would you like to question my method of investigation further or can we continue?” Cade said with disdain. The chief turned red with all eyes on him and he nodded at Cade. Ellie looked back to Cade who hadn’t dropped his eye contact.

  “Now, Agents Brody and Hardy have some information regarding the women who have come up missing throughout the state and in our own community in the last 20 years. I would like to split up the case files between all of us to cover more ground. The Agents will take care of the girls from other counties and will drive to talk to family, friends or anyone else that might have information about the missing girls. We will take the ones from the county and specifically from Badger Falls. I should have at least a partial ME report today and dentals and possible DNA off of some of the bodies will be sent off to the lab. Myself and Doctor Ridley spoke with Pastor Ridley and Annawon Beartree. The Pastor is definitely hiding something and I feel like we need to really look into the Beartree investigation.” Cade stated. Ellie watched the Chief’s face turn red.

  “I did that investigation myself and your father signed off on it. He knew damn well Beartree was guilty so I don’t know why you want to go and dig up old stuff that has no bearing on this case. Beartree killed that girl, your sister, Doctor Ridley and I can’t believe you would disrespect her name and embarrass your father by trying to overturn the conviction.” Chief Deputy Rogers stated, standing and puffing out his chest. Ellie started to speak but Cade interrupted her.

  “I know you did the investigation and I have been looking very closely at your work which is half assed at best. My father signed off on it because he got railroaded into agreeing with the conviction. As far as Pastor Ridley goes, Nora is professional enough to do her job and remain objective during this case, even if it involves her father and her sister. She just wants the truth just like the rest of us.” Cade stated not losing eye contact with Chief Deputy. She watched as the Chief took his badge off, took his revolver out of its holster and tossed them on the table.

  “I can’t work for a man with no loyalty to his father or the men who worked their asses off to solve that case. I hereby tender my resignation as Chief Deputy.” Hank stated watching Cade carefully. Cade nodded.

  “Fine, leave your notice on my desk as well as all the files you have about Allison Ridley’s disappearance. Deputy Phillips, please make sure Hank is escorted out of my sheriff’s department and anyone else who wants to question my methods.” Cade stated. Ellie looked between Cade and Hank.

  “You will regret this Sheriff.” Hank said with malice looking between Ellie and Cade. Cade stepped around the table towards Hank.

  “If that is a threat, then I will have to have you arrested for thr
eatening the Sheriff.” Cade said stepping up in front of Hank. Hank swallowed and shook his head.

  “Not a threat, the next election we will see who the citizens of this town vote in as sheriff.” Hank stated, turned and walked out with Deputy Phillips in tow. Ellie knew Cades body language and he was angry. He took a deep breath, turned back around and moved back to the front of the table.

  “Now, where was I? Oh yes, Doctor Ridley and I will be going to the ME’s office after this to check on Dr. Martin. Brody, Hardy, hand out the files and then we all need to start working. Keep up the good work. I know we will be short, but in the meantime, I need a Chief Deputy so If you think you are the man or woman for the job, leave a resume on my desk before 1600. Dismissed.” Cade stated. The group disbanded after getting their case files from the agents.

  “We will be heading to Lacrosse, Eau Claire, and Green Bay. If you need anything or get any leads let us know and we will come right back.” Agent Hardy stated. Brody was texting and looked up quickly.

  “Yeah, it shouldn’t be more than a couple of days. I know you will miss us.” He stated winking at her. Cade growled. Ellie smiled.

  “Oh yes, so much. Kind of like I miss those molars they had to pull last year.” Ellie said sweetly. Hardy laughed.

  “Man, I don’t know why you even try. She is way out of your league.” He stated snickering as he stood. Brody scowled at him, grabbed his files and walked out. Ellie shook her head and stuck her hand out to Hardy.

  “Good luck.” She stated. Hardy smiled nicely.

  “Sorry about that doc. His wife left him last year and since then he’s been a real asshole. He’s a good agent, just a dick to women. His wife was a saint and put up with him longer than she should have.” He laughed again, grabbed his own files and left the room. Ellie watched Cade write on the white board. She could watch him all day. His movements were smooth and his butt hugged his uniform pants just right. He finally put the marker down and turned around to catch her ogling him.