Happily Never After (19 page)

He flipped Robbins onto his stomach and grabbed a set of handcuffs from his back pocket. Securing the man’s wrists, he turned him back over, being careful to avoid the blood covering him from scraping his body along the pavement.

Chest heaving, Bode worked to catch his breath. “Miles Robbins?”

“Leave me alone. I didn’t do nothin', man,” Robbins whined, his eyes unfocused and glassy.

Steps sounded behind him and still breathing hard, Bode frowned up at his partner. “He’s stoned. Let’s take him in.”

Shaking his head, Steve reached down and yanked Robbins to his feet. “They always run. You okay?”

Bode noticed the rip in his favorite pants. Blood from a skinned knee seeped through the hole. His face and palms stung from scraping the cement.

He’d never felt better.

Chapter 23

Bode leaned against the wall with his arms crossed and stared at the sad excuse for a human sitting before him. When they arrived at the station, the Captain informed him that Steve would be in charge of the interrogation. Bode could watch, but was to keep his mouth shut. His face impassive, no one knew how close he was to jumping over that table and beating the information free.

Steve sauntered into the small room with a file folder. He sat down across from Robbins. “How ya doin’ there, Miles? Can I get you somethin’ to drink? Whoa, too bad you busted your head on that curb, huh?”

Robbins emaciated face glared back. Or his one eye glared, the other had swollen shut. The black and blue bruises already stood out in contrast to his sickly gray pallor. “Because you and that asshole chased me.”

Shaking his head, Steve made a tsking noise. “This ain’t your first rodeo, Miles. You know the drill. You run from the police, it’s our job to chase you.” He opened the manila folder and pushed a picture across the table. “Now, do you know this woman?”

Robbins good eye peered down at the photo. He visibly started before shrugging one shoulder. “Nah, I don’t know her.”

Bode tensed but maintained his holding up the wall act. His boss watched on the other side of that two-way glass just waiting for him to lose his cool so he could pull him off this case. No way. No how.

Steve made a buzzer sound. “Oops, wrong answer, Miles. So, I’m just going to get to the point. And the point is attempted murder. We may be able to find a way to help you if you tell us everything. Otherwise—”

“Attempted Murder?” Robbins’ question ended in a screech. He jumped to his feet, even whiter if possible. “I ain’t tried to kill no one.”

Bode moved and grabbed one of the man’s thin shoulders, shoving Miles back down.

“Why don’t we start with how you ended up in Redding?” Steve sat back in his chair.

“I followed her,” he mumbled. His one eye fixated on Kelsey’s picture. “I just wanted to talk.”

“You followed her all the way across the country to talk?” Steve gentled his voice. “It must have pissed you off when she ran from you after coming all that way. The least she could have done was listened, right?”

Robbins' shoulders slumped, and he began crying. “I . . . I wanted to let her know I was sorry. I shouldn’t have blamed her for Otis’ death. Shouldn’t have done what I—”

Steve’s palm cracked down on the table. “What did you do, Miles? Set a small fire? Cut her brake lines?”

“I didn’t!”

Steve rose, placed his hands on the scarred table, and bent forward. “Then tell me what you did do, Miles. Let me help you.”

The small man was blubbering by now. “After Otis was killed I wanted to sc-scare her. The way he was scared about going to jail again. I followed her around, kept calling her and hanging up, you know, that kind of th-thing.”

Bode straightened from against the wall. “You were terrorizing ADA Brackston?”

Miles’ head bobbed in agreement. “But I never did nothin’ to hurt her.” The man folded in on himself, his quiet sobs filling the silence.

Steve looked up at Bode. His expression told him they were both wondering the same thing.

Was he telling the truth?

Glade whistled as he strode into the neighborhood sporting goods shop. It took him about a week of searching before he found this independently owned store. The large chain places at the mall had cameras hid in every corner, and he couldn’t take the chance of his face being captured.

This out of the way place was perfect. No one knew anything about him at this point, and for his plan to work, he needed to maintain a low profile.

“I’ll be right with you,” a young girl behind the counter called out to him while she finished opening a box of fishing lures.

“No hurry,” he answered as pleasant as possible while proceeding down the aisle.

He was still elated over the latest development. During his shift cleaning the station last night, the cops had dragged in the sap following Kelsey. At one point, he’d had to duck into a supply room to prevent the cop from getting a good look at him.

The arrest of the creep had changed his timeline. It was imperative that he get their supplies ready while the police were occupied.

The sales clerk came over to where he browsed, careful to leave some room between them. Smart girl.

He looked down to read her name tag.
Nice and
friendly so you won’t be memorable
.

“Thanks, Sylvia. I’m going out to do some dispersed camping with my wife.” He gave her a sheepish grin. “My wife’s what you might call a city girl. Could you give me some recommendations?”

Laughing, she trotted to the women’s section calling back over her shoulder. “What size is she?”

“About like you, I guess.” He used his hands to indicate a height. “But she’s a lot taller. About like this.”

While the sales clerk looked for clothing, he gathered basic camping necessities. He circled around the room choosing items geared for survival. An ice ax, two winter bivy bags, a snow shovel, and various other cold weather basics went into his basket.

He browsed through the racks of insulated jackets until he settled on one in his size. The clerk joined him, laden down with clothes.

“Here’s everything I think she can use. There are several choices and styles to choose from.”

Glade stared at the pile of women’s clothing. “I’ll take it all.” He smiled. “We won’t be coming back for a while.”

Kelsey leaned against the industrial sink in the community center up to her elbows in suds. She’d been relieved when Bode called last night to tell her Robbins was in custody. It was over. She could move on with her life. The idea should have made her happy. Instead, she was mopey and sad.

A footstep sounded, and she looked over her shoulder. Bode stood in the doorway of the kitchen. She spun around, hands dripping soapy water on the floor. His long legs swallowed up the steps and then, there he was, looking down at her.

“I missed you,” he whispered.

Her throat clogged with things she needed to say, words that refused to come out. He feathered kisses over her lips and chin before moving on to her ear. He nipped her lobe, then moved on to nibble on her mouth again. The taste of him drove her insane.

She made herself pull back. “Morning.” Her voice sounded hoarse.

“That’s
good
morning, darling,” he answered. “Miles Robbins is in custody. You can come back home now.”

Stepping back, she slid her wet hands loose and picked up a dish towel. Wiping them, she forced herself to continue. “Robbins wasn’t the reason I left.”

Something moved across his expression, she couldn’t tell if it was hurt or anger. But when he spoke his voice was calm and controlled. “I’m a cop, Kelsey. My job—”

Her laugh sounded a little brittle. “Comes first for you. I get it, I really do. I spent most of my adult life living for the job. And you know what? I’ve realized what I missed out on. I’m ready to concentrate on the things that matter.”

His implacable expression was unnerving. “Does it have to be all or nothing?”

“Uh, excuse me?” An uncertain voice from the doorway startled them both. An older woman watched them with wariness. “Kelsey, some of your group is here. I think school let out early or something.”

“Thanks, I’ll be right there.” She stepped to move around Bode, but he placed a hand on her arm to stop her.

“Don’t go anywhere. Keep your eyes and ears open.”

His cop voice surprised her. “You have Robbins locked up, so that means I’m safe, right?”

He released his breath while shaking his head. “I don’t know. Something feels off about this guy. He admitted to harassing you while you were in Dallas. Petty stuff. You should see him, Kels. I can’t picture him as the type to commit cold-blooded murder, so until we know if he has an accomplice, I’d like for you to lay low at David’s.”

Her direct gaze met his. “I’ve wasted so much time cowering and refuse to do it anymore. I will do what you tell me, I won’t leave if I’m not supposed to, and I will trust you to figure this out. What I won’t do, is quit living when it feels like I’m alive for the first time.”

One hand lifted, and his thumb caressed her bottom lip. “I’ll come back tonight and give you an update.” He pressed his lips to her forehead. Then he twirled her around and pushed her toward the hallway. When she looked back, he was gone.

Hours later, Kelsey stretched her sore back and tired muscles. She kept herself too busy most of the day to worry about Bode’s warning. But for the last few hours, an omen of something bad coming had built inside her.

The children seemed to be extra restless today, so she bundled everyone up and took them outside to play. A shy boy named Jessie sidled up next to her while she refereed the kickball game. A tug on her jacket made her glance down.

“What is it, honey? Are you too cold? Do you want to go in?”

Jessie shook his head. “M . . . Mia left to take some pictures. She told me not to tell, but you said we weren’t supposed to leave.” Tears tracked down the little guy’s face.

She knelt down beside him and wiped his face. “You’re right. That’s the rule. Mia’s excited about her new camera, but that’s no excuse. Did she go back inside?”

The little boy rubbed his hands together. “She went to take pictures of the puppies.”

A sliver of icy, cold fear slid its way up her spine. “What puppies, Jessie?”

He began crying in earnest. “The man in gr . . . green said he had some new puppies. She went that way. I told her not to go.”

She jumped to her feet turning to where his pudgy finger indicated. The gate led out of the playground and into the neighborhood.

Bounding over to the other adult outside with the children, she gripped her arm. “Get everyone inside. Tell Ann to call the police. Mia’s wandered off, and I’m going to search for her.”

Panic dug its claws into her as she raced for the exit. All of those times she’d felt someone watching. Waiting. What if she was wrong and it wasn’t about her at all? What if a pedophile lived in the shadows, biding his time until he could cull an innocent child from the group?

When she reached the street, she stopped. Frantic, she looked down one way and back up the other. Her stomach somersaulted. No sign of the little girl. Most of the buildings on this block contained mom and pop stores. She didn’t see anyone around who might have seen anything.
Where was everybody?

“Mia!” Raw terror changed the yell to more of a shrill plea. She spun in a circle hoping to catch a glimpse of someone to help her.

A van sat parked in front of an old abandoned apartment building several blocks away. The logo on the back stated it belonged to a local cleaning company. Someone had already unloaded an enormous cart that held an assortment of mops and brooms. Supplies lined the top shelf, and a large gray garbage pail sat on one end.

Bode’s warning flashed through her mind. She promised that she wouldn’t leave the center, but he’d understand. A child’s life could be at stake. Every detail of the horrible cases she had prosecuted came flooding back. Minutes could be the difference between life and death.

She sprinted on shaking legs, trying not to hyperventilate. There was no sign of the janitor, so she poked her head through the open doors. “Hello?”

“Hello, Kelsey.” A deep voice whispered in her ear as two strong arms encircled her, and a foul-smelling rag covered her nose. She reacted and tried to round on him so she could kick or scream.

No!
Fear gave her the strength to fight but to no avail. Much bigger and stronger than she was, the harder she resisted, the more she breathed in of the sweet sickening odor. Within seconds, her muscles couldn’t move, and she slumped against him while trying to remain conscious.
I need to help Mia!

He picked her up and loaded her into the plastic can. He piled several small bags of garbage on top of her. Her eyes rolled up toward her abductor as the light was shut out. Recognition danced just beyond her grasp as darkness enveloped her.

Chapter 24

“Okay, Miles. Let’s go over this again. Who are you working with here in Redding?”

The interrogation room’s heat vents were pumping so much warm air into the small room, everyone inside wore a sheen of sweat. Robbins’ body odor had passed the offensive mark and now hovered at the rank level. Bode maintained his vigil propped up against the wall.

A soft knock sounded at the door. Another detective stuck his head through the door and motioned for them to break. Bode straightened from his relaxed pose as nerve endings tingled. Something must be up. Steve joined him at the door and they left the suspect slouched down and handcuffed to the table.

Captain Roberts waited for them in the hall. “A call just came in. There’s a little six-year-old child missing from the community center. Her name is Mia Kent. The teacher went to go search for her and hasn’t been seen since.” He paused and stared at Bode. “It was Kelsey.”

Bode remained motionless trying to comprehend the man’s words. Kelsey couldn’t be gone, she was safe where he’d left her. A red haze oozed into his vision. He whirled around and burst back into the room. The loud bang as the door smashed into the wall brought Robbins’ head up. His eyes went wide as Bode shook him as if he were weightless.

Chest heaving, Bode ground out the words. “Tell me. Tell me who has her.” He would tear this piece of filth to pieces if he didn’t name his accomplice.

Several pairs of strong arms separated the two men. Steve physically man-handled Bode back out into the hallway and pressed him against the wall with one arm across his throat.

“Get it together. This is not helping Kelsey,” Steve hissed.

He slumped as his partner’s words registered through the fog of anger. She needed him to be a cop, not some lovesick fool who couldn’t think straight. He gave a stiff nod of acceptance, and Steve loosened his hold.

“What happened?” His voice sounded like he’d been eating ground glass.

“We don’t know all the details yet. Units are in route,” Captain Roberts said. “If you’re going, get on over there. Just try to maintain your objectivity on this, Taggert. I won’t allow rogue cops in my department.”

The community center workers gave him a wide berth as Bode strode into the building. Steve had jumped into his truck with him and they made the drive in silence. Dressed in jeans and a black leather jacket, Bode knew he appeared more like a thug than a cop. He was pissed off at his Captain, at the situation, and even at Kelsey. She promised not to leave the center.

The sound of excited voices drew them to the reception area. His demeanor rigid, Officer Johnson blocked the entrance to Ann’s office keeping people at bay. He greeted them with a quick nod. “One of the other kids said that Mia left because a man offered to show her some puppies. They found the little girl locked in an empty apartment. She won’t talk to anybody.”

It was a one-two punch. Rage at the idea of a child predator in their midst. Offering a treat was a common ploy they used to lure children. Relief that maybe Kelsey had gotten lost and would show back up at any minute.

He stepped into the room and his eyes sought out Mia. She sat on a sofa surrounded by her frightened parents. Her small arms were wrapped tight around a tiny black puppy. A toy camera hung by a strap on her thin wrist.

Stopping in front of her, he crouched down to be on her level. Not wanting to scare her, he pasted on a smile and gentled his voice. “Hey, honey. You doing okay here?”

Mia remained mute, burying her face in the dog’s matted fur. He reached one hand out and rubbed the puppy’s ears. “Good looking pup. Is he yours?”

She still wouldn’t meet his gaze. He looked to the parents for confirmation, and the father shook his head. Taking his hand away from the dog, he used one finger to lift her trembling little chin, making her look at him.

“Sweetheart, no one is in trouble here, but I need you to trust me. Can you do that?”

Mia hesitated a second before nodding once. Her fright broke his heart, but he couldn’t stop questioning her. They had to find out who they were dealing with.

“What happened, honey?” He leaned in to hear her soft words.

“Th-The green man said he had some pu-puppies he was giving away. I wanted to take a picture to show my daddy. See if I could have one.” Her guilt ridden face turned to her father. “I’m sorry, daddy. I know I’m not supposed to leave the school.”

Bode solemnly turned her attention back to him. “Did the man hurt you?”

She moved her head so hard her curls danced. “He was nice until he locked me in that dirty room.” Sobs racked her tiny body. “I was so scared.”

Her parents surrounded her, letting everyone know in no uncertain terms that the questions were finished for now. He joined the others. “Is there any word on Kelsey?”

“Nothing and she should have returned by now just to let us know she hadn’t found anything.” Ann wrung her hands together. “Where could she be?”

That was the same question running through his mind. This whole scenario didn’t sit right with him. Why would the man lure a child away and then leave her unharmed? No child predator would have any use for a grown woman. One hand rubbed absently at the pain in his chest as he mulled it over.

What if the puppy wasn’t the bait for Mia, but Mia was the bait for Kelsey? His adrenaline spiked, and he denied the urge to put his fist through the wall.
Where was she?
He couldn’t stand here waiting for her to return.

“Do you have any video on the outside?”

Ann nodded. “We have a few. The computer is in our store room. Follow me and I’ll show you.”

The three of them entered the unused room. Ann sat down in front of a monitor and typed several commands on the keyboard, cursing when her nervous fingers wouldn’t move as fast as she wanted.

He paced the small space and waited for her to finish. His stomach was twisted in knots and Steve didn’t appear much better. The other man’s short blond hair spiked out in several directions from his hands running through it.

Finally, the correct camera showed on the screen. It covered the playground and one side of the building. The stamped time registered 8:00 a.m. while people were arriving for work. He growled with impatience. “Fast forward through the day. I know everything was okay at one because that’s when I was here.”

Ann pushed the button to slow the video down when Kelsey and the children came into view. Bundled up from the cold, it wasn’t easy to distinguish one child from another. Kelsey stood to one side laughing at their fun.

Bode touched the monitor. “There.”

Mia’s blue jacket showed her standing at the far corner of the building. Her head bobbed as if talking to someone, but whoever it was remained out of sight. A short time later, she skipped through the gate and down the block. They stared in helpless dismay as Kelsey rushed after the young girl.

After five more minutes, Ann pressed the stop button. “There’s nothing else here.”

His anger became a scalding fury as he cracked his knuckles. “There’s one person who may know where she is.”

He drove back to the station, stomach still knotted tight, determined to beat the truth out of Robbins. His fists clenched and unclenched the steering wheel as he took a corner too fast.

“Bode, you need to get a grip on yourself. I honestly don’t think Robbins—”

“He has to know something.” He paused, trying to tamp down his rioting emotions. “Because if he doesn’t know who took her, we don’t have a freakin’ clue.”

What is going on?

Kelsey attempted to throw off the drowsiness weighing her down. She was thrown about as the vehicle pitched over uneven terrain. Bile rose in her throat, but she resisted the urge to vomit. The gag stuffed in her mouth would make her choke.

Darkness so black she couldn’t focus caused dizziness to overtake her again.
Wake up!
She gradually became aware that her arms and legs were bound too tight for her to move. Her lungs screamed for more oxygen. A little moan escaped around the rag. She fought against her bindings to no avail.
Where am I?

The vehicle slowed and made a sharp turn. The change in direction slid her body forward on the cold metal. Her head banged on the floor as they bounced over the rough road. She slipped around on the empty bed, concentrating on not passing out again. Biting her tongue, the coppery taste of blood made her nausea increase.

The truck skidded to a sudden stop. The tailgate lowered, and a man’s hand came into view. He removed the tarp covering the back and batted her bound feet away when she kicked at him.

“You can’t do anything to change your situation so don’t piss me off. Make this easy on yourself.” He reached in and used her ankles to pull her toward him.

When she slid to the end, he placed a dishrag that held the same chemical over her nose and mouth. The strange odor penetrated her nostrils. She attempted to recognize the familiar voice as awareness began to shut down.

She woke with a headache. The pounding at her temple had to be the headache of all headaches.
Where is Ann?
Her body craved a glass of water and maybe an aspirin, but her arms and legs refused to move.
I’ve caught some kind of flu
.

Another bout of nausea made her stop trying to get up. What is wrong?
Slow breaths helped settle her stomach, and she opened her weighty lids enough of a sliver to see.

A large man stood next to her, and when he came into focus, her memories rushed back. She’d been looking for Mia. Her eyes popped open as renewed panic flowed through her. The man in green.

Frantic, a hoarse croak came out. “Where’s Mia?”

“Don’t worry, the little girl is all right.” He chuckled. “Someone should warn her about wandering off. There are all sorts of monsters out there.”

Drugs began overpowering her again. “Joe, what’s going on?”

“I’m glad you’re awake. I was starting to get worried, Janie. Our lives will soon be the same as before. Remember when it was just you and me against the world?” He crouched down beside her.

The soup in her brain thinned, and the fact that she sat tied to a chair registered. “I can’t move my arms.”

“I restrained you to keep you from hurting yourself. Once you settle down, I’ll be able to untie you.”

She blinked drowsily, but her brain refused to function. Unable to stop the pull, unconsciousness claimed her once again.

Cool air washed over her, and she awoke with a start. Her body tingled with numbness. A sudden realization brought her awake, and her heart stuttered at the sight. The comfortable workout gear she wore to work had been replaced with a short nightgown. The fact she was naked underneath terrified her.

A sob tightened her throat. Her head swiveled around the small cabin looking for a way out. Joe was gone. She worked to slow her breathing and gain control of the overwhelming panic. Closing her eyes, she tried to remember what she’d learned from Riley about controlling fear.

She couldn’t stop grinding her teeth as a cry escaped. The restraints didn’t budge, no matter how hard she struggled to free herself. All she accomplished was making her wrists start to swell.

Chest heaving from the exertion, she took the time to study her surroundings. It looked like a rustic cabin. The room had rough cut lumber for the walls and simple wood planks for the floor. A layer of dust covered everything as if no one had used this place in a long time.

The only furniture other than the chair where she sat was a metal bed covered by flannel sheets and a wool blanket. A cast iron stove with an old coffee pot sitting on top sat in the corner. There were a few shelves where someone had lined up sparse supplies.

A cramp in her abdomen made her aware of how bad she needed to go to the restroom. Stamping feet outside the old door commanded her attention. A cold blast of wind entered the cabin when it swung open.

“Oh, good, you’re awake.”

She stared at the man who crossed the narrow space and knelt down at her feet. The previous friendship she’d seen was gone, replaced with something scary. Evil. Insane also came to mind.

“Why, Joe?” she whispered, “Why are you doing this?”

“Janie, darling,” he said in a creepy tone she’d never heard him use. “We’re on our way to our new home. We’re going to be happy again.”

“Joe—”

He moved so quick she didn’t brace herself. He yanked her head back by wrapping his hands in her hair. The nerve endings on her scalp screamed at the rough treatment. Leaning down, his breath made her want to gag.

“John. My name is John.”

The tight grip prevented her from doing anything more than giving a little nod. “Okay, John. I’m sorry. You can let me go. I won’t make that mistake again. I promise.”

His lids shut as if to calm himself and when he opened them the wild gleam had vanished. A dead flatness that scared her even more had replaced it. He released her and crouched down again.

He ran his palms up her thighs and across her abdomen before stopping right below her breasts. His stare lingered on the swell of exposed cleavage. “You’re so beautiful, Janie. I couldn’t wait to get you here.”

A rough hand brushed over her scar tissue, his stroke gentle. “This is that damn cop’s fault. He’s the one who did this.”

Her skin recoiled at his touch, but the ties kept her in place. If she couldn’t convince him otherwise, she knew what would eventually happen.

She swallowed hard and held back the tears with great effort. “I don’t know who you think I am, but you’re confusing me with someone else. I’m Kelsey, remember? We’re friends. If you let me go, we can sort this out. I’ll help you find the right person. Please, let me go.”

His voice filled with scorn. “We’re not friends, sugar. You’re just the unexpected bonus round.”

“But I thought Robbins—”

John roared with laughter until he sat back on his heels wiping his damp eyes. “So does that dumbass boyfriend of yours. I snatched you right out from under his nose, and you know what the best part is? He doesn’t have a clue I’m even in the picture.”