“You see something, Cavanaugh?” Noah asked.
“Not yet.” He flashed a look at Honor that sent an odd chill up her spine. Something was definitely on his mind. “Keep talking. Let me think.”
Trusting he’d share what he was thinking when he was ready, Honor returned to the discussion.
“What about the transfer thing?” Aidan asked. “With this new disappearance and the girl being a transfer student, could there be something to that after all?”
Honor sighed and shook her head. “I just don’t know. Four of them transferred. Missy’s the only one who didn’t.” She shrugged. “There’s nothing really special about a transfer that would cause students from different parts of the country to have anything to do with each other.”
“Except having no friends.”
Honor turned at Seth’s soft murmur. “What?”
“Missy’s the only one who wasn’t a transfer, but she’s also the shyest, most introverted of the girls. And she had no friends, no family support. She’s completely alone.” He shot a glance at Jared. “Right?”
His expression grim, Jared nodded. “Yes to all.”
“Okay.” Seth began to pace in front of the board. Not wanting to be in his way, Honor stepped aside and sat down at the table.
A magnetic kind of energy surrounded Seth as his eyes, gleaming with excitement and optimism, swept over the room. “Go with me on this. Okay?” Without waiting for an answer, he turned back to the board. “All of these girls were in some sort of transition or crisis mode.”
Picking up a marker from the tray in front of him, he began to jot facts underneath the girls’ names. As he wrote, he said, “Missy wasn’t a transfer, but as Jared said, she’s shy and awkward. She was also out of a job until the pizza joint opened again.” He turned to Jared. “I’ll bet if you check some kind of employment database, Missy had been trying to get employment elsewhere. Problem is, jobs are tough enough to come by for anyone. As shy and socially awkward as Missy is, she probably really struggled to find someone to hire her. Which could make her even more vulnerable and open to a predator.”
Honor glanced around the room. The varying expressions told her the men were listening intently but were also not seeing where this was going. She had the same doubts, but after working with Seth, she trusted him to lead them somewhere significant.
Seth continued: “Drenda, Anna, Kelli, and Karen were all transfers. Meaning, whether they were confident young women or not, they were dealing with uncertainty. Drenda went from a large university to a small one where people probably already knew one another. Friendships that were formed in the local high schools probably carried over to college.
“Anna moved two states away.” He looked at Honor as he added, “And Honor and I both believe she did it to get away from her parents, who are going through an acrimonious divorce. Most likely using her as a pawn to hurt each other. Which means, even as confident and mature as Anna is, she’s got some major anxiety going on.”
The atmosphere in the room suddenly changed as everyone began to see where Seth was headed. Honor looked around again. Where there had been confusion and doubt, there was now a cautious hopefulness.
“Karen’s parents indicated that she had a terrible first year at Michigan State,” Jared said. “They hoped the smaller school would suit her personality more.”
Her excitement growing, Honor said, “And Kelli transferred because of a breakup with her boyfriend. New school, broken heart, away from her family for the first time. All leading to a very vulnerable mental state.”
The approving look Seth shot her sent ripples of excitement through her. Her silly, foolish heart leaped for joy.
Aidan’s grim voice penetrated the increasing enthusiasm in the room. “Being the cautious voice of reason is damn uncomfortable for me, but I just gotta say two words: so what? The majority of young people are going through some sort of transition or trauma in their personal lives.”
Seth acknowledged the other man’s concern with a nod. He appreciated the question … and Thorne had a right to wonder where this was going. Seth just hoped to hell his thought process was leading them in the right direction.
“You’re right, Thorne. But there’s one place two of the girls went a day or so before they disappeared.” He turned back to the board and pointed at the scribbles he’d added. “Drenda went to a new student support group. Mrs. Greene told us she’d been struggling to find new friends and thought this might introduce her to some people who were feeling the same way.
“And when I spoke with Joel, Kelli’s father, he said something I didn’t think was significant until now. Kelli was having problems settling in, but she told her parents she was looking into some student support groups to help her adjust better.”
Turning back to the group, he gave his conclusion: “I believe this man is targeting vulnerable young women and that he’s using groups such as those as his method of finding them.”
Before anyone could question or object to this vague hypothesis, he added, “Before we go further, I’d like us to stop to see if we can determine if the other three girls might have done something similar. A social group, new student orientation … hell, even a party. Anywhere a young woman might feel safe going to find new friends or get better adjusted.”
Giving no indication that it bothered her that Seth had taken over her meeting, Honor nodded her agreement. “I’ll give Mrs. Bradford a call and ask her about Anna.” She turned to Livingston. “Jared, you okay with getting that information as soon as possible on Karen and Missy?”
“Yeah. I should be able to get it on Karen quickly. Missy might be another matter.”
Seth breathed out a silent sigh. Having no friends or family made Missy the odd person out even within this group of missing girls.
Honor stood. “Do what you can. Let’s get back together when—”
“Damn,” McCall growled.
Everyone turned. McCall had been the most silent person in the room since the meeting started. His expression was now even grimmer than before.
“What’s wrong?” Honor asked.
He held up his BlackBerry. “Text message on the missing Pennsylvania girl. Unless the guy’s evolving into something even worse, I don’t think the young woman’s disappearance is related.”
“Why?” Seth asked.
“Her body was found floating in a river, close to the campus. She’d been raped and strangled.”
seventeen
Tranquillity
The shrill screams that had threatened to shatter the windows of the house were less frequent and had grown weaker. Breathless and feeling the exhilaration that comes from the release of pent-up fury, Alden drew back a muscled arm and cracked the whip against his son’s naked back once more. Forty lashes so far and still he wanted to do more. The little SOB had tried to ruin it for him. Everything he’d worked so hard for could have gone up in smoke.
Feeling that fury reignite again, he put everything he had into the next swing of the whip. John cried out in misery again, but with much less force. Alden walked around to the front, where he could see his son’s face. Tears poured from his eyes, combining with the sweat that dripped from his chin. Having him strung from the ceiling gave Alden the opportunity to use the whip on his front as well as his back. From his shoulders to his feet, John was covered in welts of punishment. Days, maybe weeks would go by before the idiot could lie down comfortably.
“Have you learned your lesson, John?”
“Yes, Father.”
“And what is that lesson?”
“To abide by your wishes, no matter what they are.”
“Excellent. And now that you’ve learned that lesson, it’s time for another.”
John’s head had been drooping against his chest, but he lifted it and managed to ask, “What?”
“Do you think this measly punishment is all that you’re due to receive? Son, when I get through with you, you’ll wish you were lying alongside that little dead bitch in Pennsylvania.”
“No, Father, please, I beg of you. I’ve learned my lesson. I promise.”
Alden smiled. “Then let’s just call this a reinforcement.” He turned to the woman at the door. “Is the healer here?”
“Yes, Father.”
Turning back to his son, he gave him the information he would need before the next event. Soon he would be in such severe pain, he would hear nothing but his own screams. “You will not die from your punishment, John. The healer is here to make sure that doesn’t happen. However, this will be your final warning. Defy me again, do anything that could bring worldly attention to our community, and even the fires of hell will not be as painful as the punishment I will give you.”
“Please, Daddy,” John sobbed. “I’m so sorry.”
Alden stiffened. His children never called him “Daddy.” Something fluttered in his chest at the term. Before he could wonder at his strange response, Tabitha was there beside him, touching his hand. He looked down to see the satisfaction on her face. Her expression confirmed that he was doing the right thing. Children needed discipline. Tabitha had received hers, and now his son’s punishment must be completed.
Taking the knife his daughter handed him, he went to his son and cut his ties. Before John fell to the ground, Alden caught him in his arms. Carrying him like a baby, with John sobbing against his shoulder, he took him to the tub that had been prepared.
He gave the healer a nod of approval. The possibility of death was minimal, but he wouldn’t take the chance of John dying. What was the point of punishment if death was the final outcome? Kissing his son’s furrowed, sweaty brow, he lowered him into the tub of liquid—a mixture of lemon juice, vinegar, and alcohol.
Shrill screams once again echoed through the house. And then there was blessed silence as John succumbed to unconsciousness.
“Check him for shock and then revive him.”
Watching the healer carry out his orders, he caught a glimpse of his daughter’s face. Pure happiness brightened her features.
“His vital signs are steady and he is awake.” The healer reported the observation in his dry, matter-of-fact way.
“Excellent.” Alden stood over his son, who lay back against the rear wall of the tub, his eyes only half open. “Your punishment is at an end, son. You stood up quite well.” He turned back to the healer. “Get him to his room, tend his wounds. Give him what he needs to recover.”
Satisfied that John had indeed learned his lesson, Alden turned his back on him and walked out of the room. The only thing that had saved the young fool’s life was the fact that Alden had waited till they returned home to give him the punishment he deserved. Hundreds of miles of roadway had returned his control and lessened his fury. The boy would be scarred, but he wasn’t dead. Anyone else, he would have killed outright. John should be grateful for that favor.
Tabitha had also been punished, but to a much lesser degree. She should have been able to detect the young woman’s cruel streak and warned them. His daughter knew she had failed and had taken the punishment as a lady should. Because of her submission, she would be able to return to her regular duties in a day or two. His son was a different matter. Weeks would go by before the boy didn’t feel the agony of his father’s wrath.
And now Alden would do what he should have done in the first place. He would choose John’s woman for him. The window of opportunity was about to close. Early fall was the best time to find women in a college setting. Young, vulnerable, and needy of friendship, they were like plucking ripe apples from a tree. Practically fell into his hands. He had planned to add four to their numbers this year, but only had three so far. The other men in the community trusted him to bring in healthy, amiable woman of childbearing years. Because of John’s immaturity, he had squandered his right to choose his own. Never send a boy to do a man’s job.
With weeks of recuperation ahead of him, John would have an opportunity to evaluate how he’d handled the situation, and it would also give him the chance to mature. By the time the woman was trained and ready for her new husband, John would be wiser and less inclined to lose his temper, ensuring a more harmonious marriage.
Initiation and training could take up to three months, depending on the particular young women’s needs. Adaptation to their way of life was not always easy; some needed more convincing than others. He used to train them individually, but he’d found it too time-consuming. The first time he’d trained the women as a group, he’d realized he had been missing a great opportunity. Not only did he enjoy it more but the women were able to witness what the others went through. When their turn came, they behaved so much more obediently.
“Brother Alden, may I speak with you a moment?”
Alden turned at the soft, respectful tone and words. Ben Hamilton had returned to the compound with a new reverence and appreciation of their ways. Alden had planned to take his wife, Lucy, away from him for a short time, just to reinforce his message of never questioning his authority. However, Ben had come back from his sanctuary trip much earlier than he had planned, bearing a gift. A lost lamb—the young woman who had escaped—had returned to the fold. Returning the runaway had earned Ben special privileges—Alden had allowed Lucy to see to her husband’s needs immediately. Ben had been appropriately appreciative ever since.
Wiping his bloodied hands on a cloth, he asked, “What brings you here, my brother?”
“I have a special favor to ask.”
That so startled Alden, he stared at the man for several seconds. His followers weren’t granted favors. He allowed them the occasional special privilege because he was a good and benevolent leader. However, to have a member ask for a favor? He wasn’t sure anyone had ever done that before. If someone had, he was almost certain the punishment had been severe and just. Did this man think Alden had gone soft because he’d rewarded him for finding the girl? If so, the man was about to learn the hard way that rewards can be revoked as quickly as they are given.
Knowing that if he revealed his thoughts, Ben would back down, Alden kept his expression bland. “What favor might that be?”
“I would like to be involved in the training of our new female members.”
Now he was even more intrigued. Ben had never indicated an interest in the grueling lessons that each new female must go through. Not only did it take a great amount of time and energy; it was also not for the faint of heart. Few members knew exactly what went on inside the training facility. The women, once they had completed their instruction, never remembered the methods he had used to tame them. The pain-filled training was stopped almost immediately as soon as they pledged their obedience and loyalty, and afterward, they never acted as though they knew what had happened.
Somewhat gruesome tactics had to be used to bring the women to the understanding of their purpose in the community. As leader, Alden oversaw all of the training. He had studied the human psyche extensively, but even better, he had a special gift of reaching inside a young girl’s mind and getting her to react exactly as he needed.
Alden knew his gifts were special and that few had them. However, he couldn’t deny the thought that sharing the enjoyment with others might well increase his own pleasure. Tabitha certainly enjoyed it when he allowed her to assist. Why deprive Ben, if his proclivities led him to the same type of pleasure?
Still, was Ben up to the task of the more “vigorous” type of teaching? “And exactly what kind of training would you like to do with them?” Alden asked.
“Showing them around the community … helping them understand how fortunate they are to have been chosen to live here in Tranquillity, with you as their leader.” His smile brightened as he added, “Lucy would like to help, too.”
Ah, just as he’d thought. The man had no idea that the lesson plan included much more than a hospitality tour of their new home. When Ben had arrived in Tranquillity, he’d endured a few of the milder lessons himself. Perhaps he thought that was all that was involved. Little did he know that creating perfection in women was a time-intensive and laborious endeavor. But so very worthwhile.
Ben’s wife, Lucy, had endured three months of intensive training herself before she’d been ready to meet her new husband. About three years ago, Alden had spotted the bright-haired Lucy at a mall in Seattle. And now Lucy didn’t remember her former life, nor did she remember the training it had taken to help her forget that life.
Feeling quite kindly toward Ben, since without his knowing it, he had reinforced to Alden how very successful and brilliant his training really was, he said, “In a day or two, I’ll allow you and Lucy to take one of the girls and show her around Tranquillity.”
“Thank you, Brother Alden. This is an area I’ve been interested in for many years.”
Alden dismissed him by turning away. He might be feeling kindly toward the man, but he was still the leader and, as such, had to be kept separate. Fraternizing with the members was not acceptable.
A pain-filled moan from the room behind him was a reminder that he still had another responsibility to handle. Finding his son a wife. Once that was done, the community would be at peace for another year. He could stay home with Tabitha and get back to doing what he did best: leading his people.
Honor could feel waves of tension bouncing off Seth. She sat quietly beside him in the taxi, wishing she could come up with something remotely encouraging. She had nothing. The news that the young woman who’d gone missing yesterday had been found dead had stunned everyone. Though remote, the possibility still existed that she’d been taken by the same person who’d abducted the other girls. And if that was so, had he killed them, too?
They were taking a much-needed break. Until Jared confirmed that Missy and Karen had visited some kind of social or support group at their school, Seth’s theory was nothing but a vague hope that they were on to something.
Honor had made a quick call to Anna’s mother, but had come up empty. Mrs. Bradford had no knowledge of Anna going to any kind of social meeting at her new school. And though that poked a hole in their theory, she refused to let it destroy what she felt was finally a thread. Anna hadn’t fit the profile in other ways either, but everyone still felt that her disappearance was related.
While they waited for word from Jared, she and Seth needed to get away and Honor had the perfect solution. If he would go along with it, that is. Whether he would admit it or not, he needed some downtime. Learning about the girl’s death had floored everyone, but it had devastated Seth.
Maturity and experience had given her insight into reading Seth, skills she hadn’t had when they were together before. Though he didn’t say it and maybe hadn’t even admitted it to himself, Honor had seen the desolation and terror in his eyes. He was doing what family members and loved ones of missing victims do: imagining the worst. Going to places in his mind he didn’t want to go but couldn’t prevent himself from visiting. What hell was Kelli going through and would they find her in time? Seth might not admit to it, but he needed a respite from those thoughts.
She was about to make a suggestion she sincerely hoped she wouldn’t regret. However, there were several reasons she thought it was a good idea. She just hoped to hell her libido wasn’t secretly involved in the decision making. With Seth, it was hard to tell. Mentally shaking her head, Honor took the plunge. “I’d like to go see my mom. Would you come with me?”
He shot her an incredulous look. “Are you serious?”
“Just because we’re not standing in front of a board or reviewing files doesn’t mean we won’t be thinking about this case. She’s only an hour away and I need some downtime.”
He shook his head. “That’s not why I’m surprised. I agree that a couple of days away might clear our heads.”
“Then what?”
“I’m just surprised you’d want me to meet your mother.”
“Why’s that?”
“Because of what I did to you.”
Oh hell, she was in so much trouble, because once again, she had the overpowering desire to hug him. “I’m not saying my mom’s going to open her arms wide in welcome the minute she sees you, but she’s been through a lot of things. My dad worked on several missions he wasn’t able to talk about.”
“So does that mean you understand why I did what I did?”
She wasn’t ready to have this discussion. The hurt and pain were still there, and she wasn’t sure they would ever go away. However, she had to give him this. “I do understand why you felt you had to do what you did.”