The Redemption
Page 9
“Hi, I’m Detective Corbin and this is my partner, Detective Burton from the Seattle force.”
An agent nodded to them. “Hello, detectives. The victim was being held in a secluded shed approximately a thousand feet south behind a small pond.” The federal agent pointed passed an open field into a thicket of trees.
“Thank you.” John and Ricky rushed across the field to the area where their man had been found. As they approached, the small pond came into view and they saw officers grouped around their destination. They reached the woods and immediately saw the shanty, surrounded by the authorities with the door open. John rushed to the doorway and peered in. Mr. Simmons was being released from his bindings as John entered. They had shot out the glass and the water had rushed over the floor and found its path to the dry earth below.
“My God,” Ricky breathed as he followed John into the structure. “He looks like he’s already dead.”
“No, he’ll be fine. He’s dehydrated and exhausted. They’ll take care of him,” John said.
The paramedics placed him on a stretcher and wheeled him out. “Get him into the ambulance. I want an IV hooked up STAT. We need to get fluids and nutrients into his bloodstream as quickly as possible,” the lead medic said as Ricky followed them out of the woods toward the ambulance.
John watched them wheel Brian Simmons away on the stretcher, alive and soon to be on the road to recovery. He looked around the small enclosure, which was Mr. Simmons own personal cell for almost eighteen hours. He noticed the shattered glass from the vat the captive was to be boiled in scattered all over the shed’s floor. He looked up at the wall and located a small camera, the camera the sick and twisted murderer used to watch his prey plead for his life. John Corbin looked directly into the camera as a wide grin appeared on his mouth. He then mouthed the words “FUCK YOU” as he lifted his middle finger up and held it there, making sure the evil psychopath on the other end wouldn’t miss it.
The dark figure watched the process as it played out. He saw them break into the shed, shoot out the glass, and witnessed the water flow out of the tank as anger started to rise inside him. He didn’t like to lose. He didn’t like to be outsmarted by the authorities, least of all John Corbin. He threw his drink against the wall and the glass shattered much like the receptacle which held his quarry. As he looked back at the screen, he saw them lead his prey away to safety, followed by a familiar face. He watched closely as John Corbin smirked at him, told him to go fuck himself, and then unbelievingly, he gave him the finger. The dark figure got up and threw his desk over, sending his computer screen crashing to the floor in a heap.
“NOOOOOOOOOO!” he screamed as he walked out, knowing he was beaten at his own game by the one man he so desperately wanted to destroy.
Detective John Corbin.
CHAPTER FIVE
While making his way back to Seattle, Ricky phoned Alexis to inform her that her father was safe.
“Hello?” She picked up on the first ring.
“I have good news, we found him. He’s on his way to the hospital now.”
“Oh my, thank you, Ricky! What hospital? When can I go see him?”
“He’s heading to the Harbor View Hospital, but please wait the night. He’s in rough shape and needs medical care and rest. I’ll take you tomorrow. I have to go now, but I wanted to let you know he’s going to be fine.”
“Ricky, thank you. I trusted you and you didn’t let me down. I won’t ever forget that.”
“No need to thank me. It’s my job and I’m happy to help. Goodnight, get some rest.”
“I will, goodnight.”
Ricky walked into Harbor View Hospital shortly after the ambulance containing Brian Simmons arrived. He approached the front desk as a middle-aged man in scrubs looked up with welcoming eyes.
Ricky showed his badge. “Hi, my name is Detective Burton and I’d like to visit the room of Brian Simmons, the man picked up from Sequim two hours ago.”
The man looked at the badge with an experienced eye. “Good evening, detective.” He then went to his chart. “Let me look up Mr. Simmons for you. I saw them wheel him in.” He paused a moment, then said, “Seems he’s doing very well. He’s in room 313. The elevator is right around the corner,” the man said as he pointed down the hallway to the left.
“Thank you.”
Ricky entered the elevator and pushed the button for the third floor. Before the doors closed, a young, attractive female doctor walked in, smiled at him, and pushed the second-floor button. It never ceased to amaze Ricky how lives are a combination of luck, timing, and decisions. Mr. Simmons, upstairs in a hospital bed, was lucky to be alive. For himself, lucky to be in an elevator with a beautiful doctor whom he would have interest in, if he hadn’t met Mr. Simmons incredible daughter because of some psycho kidnapped him. Fate. The twists and turns of all lives can change on a dime, without reason, without control, without a definite destiny. The elevator doors opened on the second floor and the attractive doctor walked out of Ricky’s life, probably never to enter it again.
Ricky exited the elevator on the third floor and walked to room 313. The door was closed with a pair of doctors discussing their new patient in the hallway. When Ricky stopped, they both looked up.
Ricky again pulled his badge. “Good evening, gentlemen, I’m Detective Burton. I would like to ask Mr. Simmons a few questions, if he’s up to it.”
The doctor on the right looked at his partner, who Ricky assumed was the ranked doctor on this case.
The doctor on the left spoke. “Hello, detective. I’m Doctor Bradford and this is my colleague, Doctor Wentz. Mr. Simmons is doing fine. We’re giving him fluids and nutrients intravenously. He was dehydrated and weak, however, it doesn’t seem he’s at risk of having any lasting effects… physical effects, anyway.”
“That’s great news. Is he coherent? Can he speak?”
“Sure, go on in. Please limit your visit to fifteen minutes, though. He needs his rest.”
“Thank you.”
Ricky entered the room and sat in the chair beside the bed. Brian Simmons opened his eyes and Ricky couldn’t help but notice the same sea-green eyes that his daughter possessed.
“Hello, Mr. Simmons. My name is Detective Burton and I was part of the task force that rescued you.”
“Thank you,” he replied with a bit of effort.
“No need to thank me, I’m just glad we were able to find you.” Ricky pulled out his small note book. “Now, is there anything you can tell me? Do you remember your abductor? Do you remember where or when he took you?”
“Nope, all I remember is walking out of the bar and heading home. Next thing I know, I woke up in that trap. I felt like I was back in Nam. They would torture us that way, string us up and beat us. Threaten us with all different sorts of punishments.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through that, sir. It must have been horrible.”
“I never even saw him. I’m sorry, I can’t help you there.”
“I understand. Mr. Simmons, do you have any enemies? Anyone who would have a purpose or reason to do this?”
“Hmm, just my ex-wife,” he replied with a chuckle.
Ricky smiled. “Well, I think we can rule her out at this point. There is something I need to tell you that may come as a bit of a shock. I’ve been in contact with your daughter. She knows what happened.” Ricky noticed the immediate reaction from the older man. Mr. Simmons eyes lit up like a candle.
“Alexis? How…?”
“We found her. I went to her apartment for information. She’s fine. She knows you are safe.”
“Thank you, detective…Barton?”
“Burton, but you can call me Ricky.”
“Thank you, Ricky. That means the world to me.”
Ricky closed his notepad and pocketed it. “I’m going to let you get some sleep. I’ll check in tomorrow. Sometimes it takes a day or two for certain memories to return. We can try again after you’ve rested. Goodnight, sir.”
“Well, we’ll see what we can do. Something tells me she may be by to see you tomorrow.” Ricky gave Mr. Simmons a wide smile then turned and walked out.
***
John entered the station and walked into Captain Johnson’s office. The captain stood, and the two comrades shook hands without saying a word before they both sat down.
“This. This is the reason I’m still involved, John. The feeling you get when you save someone. The rush of euphoria you feel from extending a life as a result of your hard work. I know I don’t have to explain that to you.”
John nodded, smiled and said, “Great work, Michael. There’s no better feeling in the world.”
“Tonight, we celebrate my friend. I’ll call Sarah and inform her I won’t be home for dinner. Let’s hit the tavern for drinks.”
“Sure, Red is on the bar tonight. He’ll be happy to see us.”
“Perfect. Where’s Ricky?”
“He went to the hospital to check on Mr. Simmons.”
“Okay, inform him of our plans.”
“Of course. I’m heading home to check in with the wife and kids. I’ll see you in a bit,” After John left, the captain leaned back in his chair with his hands behind his head, a feeling of conquest and triumph engulfing him.
***
Ricky knocked lightly on Alexis’ door. He needed to see her. Partly to tell her about her father, but also just because he missed her. She opened the door and immediately jumped into his arms.
“Oh, Ricky, thank you!” she said as she hugged him and kissed his cheek. Ricky felt an intense twinge from his groin as he felt her lips against his cheek and detected her sweet vanilla scent from her skin and hair.
“You are very welcome,” he said, catching her in his surprise. “John just informed me we’re celebrating at his restaurant. I’d love for you to join me, after I fill you in on your dad, of course.”
“Oh, I’d love to accompany you. Come in and have a seat, I just need to finish this paragraph.” Alexis led Ricky to the couch.
“What are you writing?”
“My third book, I’m an author.”
“What kind of books do you write?”
“Romance. Are you a romantic, Detective Burton?”
“I read mostly non-fiction, but I can make an exception.”
“Okay, here.” Alexis handed him a book with a couple of lovers kissing on the cover titled, The Secret Desire.
Ricky sat down, thumbing through the book. “Thank you, I look forward to reading it.” He changed the subject to something a bit more serious. “Your father is doing well. He doesn’t remember anything about his abductor, but it may take a bit of time for certain details to come back to him. They’re giving him fluids and nutrients and he needs his rest, but I think tomorrow you should go see him.”
“It may be a bit overwhelming. Will you come with me?”
“Of course I will,” Ricky answered with a smile. “Now I’m going to shower, I’ll be back in an hour to pick you up, if that works for you.”
Alexis walked Ricky to the door and as he turned to say goodbye, she slowly and softly touched her lips to his and let them linger for a bit. He tasted her natural essence as her lips opened and closed in a gentle kiss. She smiled as she shut the door behind him. As he walked to his car, he was so dizzy from her touch he almost lost his footing.
***
It was a packed night at the tavern. John sat at the bar between Captain Johnson and Ricky, who was flanked by Alexis. Sean, Artie, and Matt were also present as Red worked the bar.
“Red, grab a free round for the bar on me,” John said which instantly obtained the attention of Sean who had just finished off his beer.
“I think I’m in love,” Sean said as he waved in an appreciative gesture to John.
“New woman in your life, Sean? I thought you were married?” Matt said.
“Not a woman, dude. Anyone who buys me a beer has earned my affection.”
Artie gave a quick chuckle as Red made his way to their end of the bar to take their drink orders.
“Another Brooklyn, Sean? Another Sangria, Artie?”
“You got it, boss,” Sean said.
“Yup, another Sangria will hit the spot,” Artie replied.
“Matt?” As Red looked up he noticed Matt’s attention had waned. He looked to see what had caught Matt’s eye. A teenage girl was making her way back from the ladies room to her parent’s table.
“Matt!” Red said which jolted Matt from his daydream. “What the heck are you looking at? You could be her father.”
“What? No, wait, I wasn’t. That’s not what I was looking at. I went to Brown!”
Red looked at him disapprovingly. “What do you want to drink, you pervert.”
Matt’s eyes drooped in embarrassment. “A Brown University.”
Red shook his head and walked away to make their drinks. At the other end of the bar the drinks were flowing and the party was just getting started. Sarah, the captain’s wife, joined them as well as Marty and a few of the federal agents. They all ate and celebrated their well-deserved victory; a victory not only over one lunatic, but over evil in general — an evil that takes innocent lives, inflicts pain on the least deserving and fractures families and obliterates the love they feel. As John looked around the bar at his comrades, his friends, he thought to himself, This is why I returned. This is why I do this. Nothing else can make me feel this way.
At the end of the night, Red drove John home and as John got out, he thanked his partner and headed inside. He petted Simba, who had run downstairs to greet him and made his way upstairs. He entered Ryann’s room and walked over and kissed his son on the forehead, careful not to wake him. Next, he walked into Gianna’s room and sat down on the bed beside her. His daughter opened her eyes and said, “Hi, Daddy. I couldn’t sleep until you got home. Sometimes I worry about you out there, chasing criminals.”
“I know, sweetheart. I’m very careful. We had a very good night,” he said with a wide smile.
“That’s good, did you catch the bad guy?”
“Well, no, not yet. But, we saved an innocent man who didn’t deserve to die, which is even better. Go to sleep now, princess. I love you.”
“I love you too, daddy.”
John left her room and walked into his bedroom, crawled into bed and put his arm around Julie. Simba jumped on the bed and chose a spot by John’s feet. John slept through the night without interruption. For the first night in a long while, no nightmares came.
***
Ricky escorted Alexis to the hospital the following day just as he said he would. They approached room 313 and walked in together. Ricky noticed the spark in Mr. Simmons’ eyes as he watched his daughter walk over to the side of his bed.
“Hello Mr. Simmons. I brought someone here who wants to talk to you.” Ricky stepped out of the room to give Alexis and her father some privacy.
Alexis reached down and took hold of her dad’s hand.
“Alexis, I want you to know I never wanted to leave you, but I had to for reasons I can’t explain.”
“Would those reasons happen to include my mother throwing you out?” Alexis asked.
He looked away, ashamed of what had become of their family, remorseful for the kind of father he was to Alexis.
“She told me everything. I made her. I understand you had issues that required some help, but I also understand it wasn’t your choice. I finally know who you really are and what you’ve been through. Daddy, I forgive you.”
As he took in his daughter’s words a tear fell from his eye and a smile appeared.
“Thank you, Alexis. You have no idea what that means to me.”
“I’m going to get you help as soon as you can leave here. We’ll work together to get you well, quit drinking, make sure you eat healthily, and find a decent place for you to live.”
&n
bsp; “You don’t need to do all that. I’m fine where I am. I eat okay. Sure, I need to give up the drink, but I get by.”
“You get by, but you don’t live. I’m going to help you live again, so save your protests.”
He looked his daughter in the eyes and sighed. “I can see you’ve inherited your mother’s stubbornness.”
Alexis smiled and reached down to give her father a hug while Ricky watched through the doorway, happy he helped reunite them.
***
December 13, 2003…
John took the week off and planned a skiing trip to Stevens Pass Mountain Resort. He picked Julie up on Saturday and they drove up to Skykomish. John had recently been promoted to detective and Julie, after years of schooling, had recently progressed from a CNA to a surgical nurse. This trip was exactly what the couple needed: a quiet place where they could spend quality time together and celebrate their accomplishments. On the drive up, John looked over to Julie and said, “It’s been a wonderful four years together, sweetie.”
“I’ve enjoyed every minute of it,” Julie replied with a smile. That smile. Nothing could brighten John’s world like it. He thought how lucky he was on that cold December night four years ago when their paths crossed. He was either blessed, lucky… or maybe a combination of both.
The couple checked into the resort and spent the week together, enjoying each day more than the last. On the final day after skiing and dinner, they retired to their suite where a roaring fire blazed and a bottle of red wine awaited. John proposed in front of the flames and they made love countless times, celebrating the life they planned to share together. That night, between the throws of passion and love, a seed was planted; a seed that would become Gianna Corbin, their first child.
***
Ricky stood outside the room with his back against the wall and his .40 caliber pulled out and ready. He heard a baby wailing, checked the countdown on his watch… 12, 11, 10… then after he heard what sounded like a saw come to life, he kicked the door in. In front of him, strapped to a conveyer belt is an infant, maybe six months old. The belt was connected to a table saw and the infant was moving toward it. Four feet, three feet, two feet. Ricky froze, and that lost time cost the baby its life as the saw splits it in two from head to toe. Blood sprayed everywhere as the weeping subsided and Ricky collapsed onto the floor, covered in innocent blood. The tears came and Ricky put the pistol to his temple and pulled the trigger…