“Good point, little one,” Matt said, grinning. “This much I know: It’s smaller than a breadbox -- that is, if they still make them.” A wide smile spread across his face and revealed his perfect teeth. Color finally returned to his face. Warmth flowed through Abigail, she thought that perhaps he wouldn’t hurt them -- but she quickly reconsidered. Even if he didn’t, someone murdered her friends, and it could have been one of his cohorts.
“Let’s go,” Matt said. He rotated toward the ladder leading to the upper level.
Abigail told herself, This is not the time for this, stop wallowing in self-pity and guilt. You can do that after the ordeal is over. These children need me. I’m all they have. She put Lisa in front of her and followed.
When they reached the main salon, they noticed another man. He had a medium build with dark hair and was standing and shaking his head while his piercing blue eyes drilled right through her. He scowled at the children. “What the hell! Where did you dig up the woman and kids?”
The intensity in his tone scared Abigail.
“Calm down, Robert,” Matt said.
“Don’t tell me to calm down. Where in the hell did you find them? You said only Forelli would be on board.” “I know. It does cause problems.”
Robert’s voice was louder. “Why are they here?” “Hey! I’m not too happy about this either,” Matt yelled back. While the men argued, more footsteps were heard. Abigail whirled around so fast that her hair flung to one side. As another man entered the area, she noticed that his build was similar to Robert, except he had blond hair and sported a beard.
“Now, what do we have here?” he said, calmly. His smile turned into a snicker.
“Hi Brent,” Matt said. “I found them on the lower level.”
The man grinned. “Won’t Jack be thrilled? You know how he loves surprises.” Brent’s eyes sparkled, as he played with his beard.
“Forelli isn’t here yet,” Matt said, in a low voice.
“Who’s manning the vessel?”
“That’s a good question.”
“It’s on autopilot,” Abigail said. “Before leaving the helm, I shut it down.”
When Matt moved toward Robert, Lisa and Danny started talking to each other -- the first time since the ordeal began. The children glanced at the men and whispered.
Abigail felt shaky inside, not knowing what to expect, but wanting to appear secure. To calm herself, she decided to use a technique from grief therapy. Each time she felt overwhelmed, she made herself aware of her surroundings. In the past, the technique helped, she hoped it would again.
While the men conversed, she gave the main salon a careful inspection. The cabin was large enough to entertain twenty people, and the large portholes allowed the sun to light the area. The furniture varied; a few pieces of modern, lots of contemporary and a sprinkle of antiques. That was one thing about the Kilgores -- they did their own thing when it came to decorating. She had to admit everything did come together with an atmosphere of comfort and intrigue. There was a thirty-foot wrap-around couch that appeared comfortable, and a magnificent cherry-wood coffee table. Near the galley was a glorious dining table.
After taking a few deep breaths, she held it for a count of ten and slowly let it out. Once relaxed, she quickly shifted her thoughts to finding a way to escape without causing havoc with her abductors. One thing was for sure -- she had to find a way to be alone. After stepping near Matt, she stood with her weight on one foot and the other hand on her hip. “I’m going to get drinks for the children.”
Matt touched his chin and observed her before he grinned and nodded his approval.
She grabbed the children’s hands and advanced toward the galley. Robert yelled, “Stop! The kids stay here. If there is even a hint you’re up to something, you’ll regret it, lady. Understand?”
She spun around and scowled at the man. “Yes. I understand.”
She studied the children’s faces and gave a reassuring smile. As she stepped toward the galley, she overheard Matt say, “The kids and woman stay with me. I’ll be responsible. I found them.” Abigail could almost hear a sigh of relief from Robert and Brent.
Abigail entered the galley, passed the stainless-steel island and refrigerator, and stopped at the sink. For the first time, she noticed a vessel from the porthole. Suddenly, it hit her -- signal for help. She hoped her days in the Girl Scouts would pay off. She glanced over her shoulder to reassure the vessel was still in sight; it was, of course. Frantically, she opened the cabinets to search for a flashlight. She had no luck.
It must be in the wheelhouse.
She quickly scanned around for matches and candles, but found none.
After grabbing a shiny pot, she decided she could angle it so the sun would help signal for help, but before she tried, she saw Matt from the corner of her eye. He was silent and stood with his arms folded leaning against the hatch with his hazel eyes looking down.
Suddenly, she felt a tinge of guilt mixed with fear, as if caught doing something wrong and hoped the pot in her hand didn’t give away her intent. Swiftly, she placed it down and busied herself by getting drinks.
Well, isn’t this great! I just missed my first opportunity to get help.
Abigail then looked around for a tray on which to place the drinks. She heard a robust voice. Matt was by the hatch. Next to him was a large, potbellied man with a high forehead; his pants and shirt were too tight. His forceful voice matched his large frame. The man scrutinized her every move. His hateful eyes caused her to shiver.
“What’s going on here?” the man bellowed. “Is this some kind of sick joke? Where did the woman and kids come from? The last thing we need is another distraction.”
“Calm down, Jack. I didn’t plan this. I found them hiding in a cabin.”
“Hiding? Why where they hiding?”
“They must have heard our voices and were frightened.”
Jack glared at her. “Why were they alone on the vessel?”
“They weren’t alone. The Kilgores took them out.”
“My God, they’re here, too?” Jack started to pace.
“Their dead bodies are.”
The man stopped abruptly. “You must be shitting me. This is absurd. You’re telling me we have dead bodies on board?”
“I’m afraid so.”
“For God’s sake, how did they die?”
“Both were murdered.”
Jack threw his hands up. “You’re jerking me around? You can’t be serious. If that’s true, then why in the hell are we still here?”
After listening to the man’s reaction, Abigail’s concern was increasing by the minute. The edge in his loud voice was troubling, but it was the fire in his eyes that was terrifying. She couldn’t believe her ears when the man asked, “Did the woman kill them?”
“No.”
“How do you know Matt? Were you thinking below the belt – ’cause she’s pretty?”
“Of course not! It was because she became hysterical at the sight of their dead bodies. She couldn’t have faked that.”
Abigail felt invisible as they talked about her as if she wasn’t there.
Jack got in Matt’s face. “Things aren’t right. We have to get off this vessel -- now! Do you understand? We’re talking about murder. I’ve taken enough risks for you, but this is too much.”
“Yes, I know Jack. I’m sorry for insisting you come.”
When she saw Jack’s face soften, she knew the two men must have been close.
Brent strolled up and stood behind the other two men, but didn’t add to the conversation. The three men stood silently, staring at her. Brent was checking out her curves, Jack was looking straight at her eyes, and Matt was solemn. At that moment, she wished she could have just pushed some magical button and disappeared. But that wasn’t possible, so she mustered up enough courage to carry the drinks past their watching eyes -- she pretended not to be terrified. After she had placed the drinks on the magnificent table, the men came over. She felt the tension in her bones. She knew the men must have been trying to process the news of finding dead bodies, two children and a woman.
It was at that moment, she discovered the loudness of silence. It was scarier than Jack’s forceful voice. Her hands perspired as she calmly gave her nephew a root beer. She tried to break the icy silence. “Lisa, would you like an orange drink?” Her words fell on deaf ears. Even Lisa was unresponsive. The girl fumbled with her braids.
Abigail stood with her weight on one foot and her hand on her hip. She waited for someone to speak. She was questioning how in the world she got the children and herself into such a mess. Yet, she knew the answer -- it was from ignoring God’s warning. She resolved to pray with her eyes open,
Dear God, help us through this ordeal. Please give me wisdom and direction on how to get the children to safety.
Again, she took a deep breath, held it for ten counts and slowly let it out. She noticed Danny was inspecting his captors and standing perfectly still.
Suddenly, one by one, the four men came and selected a drink.
Lisa finally grabbed the last orange soda.
Stress does cause thirst,
Abigail thought. Her mouth felt like cotton, so she, too, grabbed a soda. While drinking their refreshments, the children sat and talked. Before long, Matt stood with his head cocked and watched his three comrades march out of the main salon with purpose.
Matt faced Abigail. “I think it’s best for you three to stay with me. Look, none of us want this. We’re as troubled as you are. We just want to finish what we came for, and go home. At this point, we can’t risk letting you go. That’s why you must stay with me. After the item is found, we’ll all leave.”
Abigail shifted her weight uneasily. She listened, but she doubted all was well.
Matt touched his chin. “At this point, you have two choices.” He glanced down as he ran his fingers through his hair. He looked up. “You can help me find what we’re looking for, or you can hinder our search. If you decide to help, you will go home sooner. Do you understand?” He took a long study of Abigail’s face. “Hey, what we came for is extremely valuable. We’ll not leave without it.”
Silence, then filled the room. Abigail scowled at her captor. She wanted to get the children to safety, but he had just told her she couldn’t. Someone killed her friends; if not one of these four men, then who did it?
As Abigail followed Matt into the library, she vowed to do anything to get the children home safely. She placed her arm around Lisa. “You’re so quiet; are you okay?”
“I want to go home,” Lisa said, with tears welling up. “I want my mommy.”
“I know, Sweetie. The man said we can go home once he finds what he’s looking for. Do you want to help him?”
“Promise we can go home?” Lisa asks.
“Sweetheart, that’s what the man said.” Abigail glared at Matt. To her astonishment, he came over, sat on his heels and spoke to Lisa.
“Look. This must be hard on you, but I promise you’ll return home safely. Do you believe that?”
Lisa silently gazed into his eyes for several seconds. His warm smile caused her to stop crying. She reached over and hugged his neck. Neither spoke a word. Her tears started running down his shirt. Lisa pulled away and moved next to her aunt.
How amazing,
Abigail thought,
the same man keeping her hostage is now comforting Lisa and making her feel safe.
Abigail reached down to brush a curl away from Lisa’s eye, as they watched their captor.
Although Danny was adventurous, he, too, was afraid and wanted to go home. After watching the four men, he knew they were in control, and he must do what they said. Earlier, when he saw Matt on the dock, he was okay, but after seeing how mean he was to his aunt, he had doubts.
While he adjusted to the situation, he tried to think of some happy memories. His whole life seemed to come into his mind.
When they lived in Pine Valley, he and Lisa spent many hours exploring the land near their home. On one occasion, they spied a caravan of gypsies on the bank of a nearby stream. He and Lisa would hide and watch the tribe cook meals and visit together. One day, he eyed a young, black-haired beauty a few years his senior. Lisa mercilessly teased. “You want to marry her, don’t you, Danny?” His denial was ferocious, yet it didn’t stop him from staring at the girl.
He had heard stories about gypsies, but was still amazed to see women wearing dresses and jewelry, yet barefooted. One time, Lisa started to get a closer look, but he pulled her back, afraid of getting caught.
Daydreaming, his mind went to another time of exploits. They waited for the old ice cream truck to slowly make its way up the steep incline. Lisa would ask him to get ice cream. He would jump on the fender, open the back door, grab a few ice creams and toss them into the bushes. After the truck was out of sight, they would sit and eat. They thought the ice cream tasted better than at home. As young Christians, they were taught that stealing was wrong, but they had too much fun to feel guilty.
Danny recalled the times he walked Lisa home from school. The poorly paved road they traveled had weeds on each side. Their mother wanted them to pick up the mail for her friend Gordon Snyder. He was a large, sickly man and was unable to walk down the steep, long driveway to fetch his mail.
His sister and he were often out of breath while walking up the winding, dirt path to his modest abode. Around the house were weeds and a few shrubs. Gordon’s two ferocious Doberman Pinschers greeted them with angry barks. The only thing separating the feared dogs from them, was a flimsy screen fence.
He feared that one day the animals would escape and attack. Somehow their fears only heightened the adventure. One day, Lisa bravely walked up to the dogs and yelled, “Calm down, you two.” To the boy’s amazement, the dogs obeyed.
When the front door opened, Gordon stood tall over them. He was six-foot-five, weighed four hundred pounds and had large, swollen legs covered with sores. A strong, unpleasant odor came from his overalls. They referred to him as a gentle giant. Gordon always offered him and Lisa a reward for bringing his mail. They had a choice of a nickel or a glass of Kool-Aid. On hot days, they preferred the refreshment.
While they visited the old man, Danny would sit and observe everything -- the cement floors in the living room, the chipped paint on the walls and the sparse furniture in need of replacement. The house was one large room with a dividing wall separating the living area from the bedroom.