Innocence Taken (21 page)

The words smacked him like a ton of bricks. “Why have you not mentioned this rather important fact to me earlier?” Both his daughter's faces swam into view. He was glad they were safe at home with their mother.

"She didn't want to panic the public or alert the kidnapper to our presence,” Webb said. “If word got out, he might go under and we'd never track him down."

Franklin was angry. “How do you expect me to help if you're not up front with me?"

"I'm just an advisor on the case. I was asked to find lost girls. In doing so, I found out about this man, and the girls he took. You yourself asked me to read a van, and the girl from it. You didn't ask me about the others.” She sighed, “Detective Franklin ... I'm tired. I need to decompress. If I don't, I will be of no use in the future."

During the silent tension that followed, the waitress returned and refilled their cups. She left just as quickly.

Nature kept her eyes on the stained white cup until after the waitress left.. She raised her eyes to meet Franklin's. “I want to go home. I need to be free of outside influences so I can ... so to speak ... clear the channels. Once I've done that, I can return."

"And what about in between? Do you expect this kidnapper to disappear, to wait until you are ready to start again?"

"No.” Nature's gaze fell to the cup once more. “He will continue."

"So another girl has to pay the price so you can hide away.

Her head shot upward, anger filled her eyes. “That's not fair. You know nothing about me, about what I've had to endure over the years."

"But I have a perfect example of what those girls endured. She's at the hospital.” He waved his arm in the general direction of the medical facility's location.

"That's enough.” Web slammed a fist down onto the table. The loud sound caused the patrons of the diner to stop what they were doing and look their way. He kept his attention on Franklin, ignoring the stares.

The detective glared at Web, then at Nature. His gazed stayed on the woman. “So how much time do you need?'

"Two or three days."

"That many, huh.” Franklin slid the chair back and rose to his feet. “I only hope nothing happens during your recovery."

"Please sit down."

"Why? I don't want to strain you any further."

"Franklin ... sit down,” Web emphasized.

Nature pleaded with her eyes. She did not want to alienate this officer of the law. “Please ... I need to give you more information, information that may help you find the kidnapper."

Franklin paused. The images of his daughters and the girl in the hospital were the only things that made him not walk out the door and leave these pains in the asses where they sat. He brought the chair back under him and resumed his crossed arm position, waiting.

Nature sighed deeply before beginning. She told Franklin about everything she had depicted from her reading of Rew. She told him about how the kidnapper had lured Patricia into his van. From her reading of the van, she told him about the other girls: girls named Vicki, Heather, Katherine, Connie, Gail, Janice, Sarah, and Mindy. She did not know their last names; she only knew how they were treated. She also knew from her session involving Rew, that these other girls were dead, buried somewhere in a heavily wooded area. What she kept from them was her dream, the dream where the man had raped her and tried to kill her.

Both men listened as the information flowed from her. Both faces looked like they were made of granite. Both knew what the implications were, and what was yet to come. Both knew this killer was not done.

"I didn't realize...” Franklin managed to stutter after the stunned silence that followed.

"Why didn't you tell me? God ... the burden..."

Web had heard part of the story before, but this, this was beyond belief. His concern for her grew.

Nature reached across the table and covered Web's hands with hers. “There wasn't time or an opportunity to tell you, not since we left the van.” She turned to the detective, “Now do you understand why I have to go home?"

Franklin nodded his head. Reaching into his suit, he pulled out a notepad and began writing down the names of the girls. When he finished, he pulled out a card and handed it to her.

"If you remember anything else while you're driving home, please, do not hesitate to call me.” She gave him a smile of gratitude.

Web jotted something down on a napkin. “Here's my cell phone number. If you have any questions, call."

It was the first time Nature remembered him giving the number to anyone. That said volumes about the trust he held for this man. She waved to the waitress, indicating she wanted the check. She came over, tallied everything up, and gave it to her. Web frowned. He expected to pay, not her. Sliding out from the booth, she walked to the cash register and paid for everything, including Franklin's. Both men frowned.

"You should have let me get that. I am on duty, after all, and it would have come out of the department's expenses."

"Detective Franklin, I know how strapped law enforcement is for funds. I can afford it. Besides, I'm on duty too and can take it out of my work expenses just as easily."

For the first time since he arrived at the diner, Franklin smiled. “If I find anything out, I'll get in touch.” He patted his suit where the notepad rested.

"We'll do the same.” Web extended a hand. Franklin shook it. Nature gave him a hug before they went their separate ways.

Three quarters of an hour later, they were back on I-75, heading north, towards home. Nature hoped they would make it this time, and not have to detour for something else. She snuggled up to Web. He wrapped a protective arm around her and kissed the top of her head. It was going to be wonderful to see Sandy again. As she watched the miles disappeared under the tires, their steady singing lulled her to sleep.

The man drove the SUV past the town of Brockway shortly after three in the afternoon. It had taken him the better part of the day to reach this far.. He was forced to stop during the night to release some of his pent up energy, and to sleep. The woman who owned the vehicle lay in the back under a blanket. A large piece of tape covered her mouth; she was naked. He enjoyed the ride she gave when he showed her his pleasures. He fell asleep on her after he ejaculated in her anus, leaving his penis deep inside. When he awoke, he rode her again. He wanted to be free of any unwanted thoughts while he scouted out where The One lived.

Jordan, the town closest to The One's home, was an hour away. He pondered about how he was going to get her during the drive. He knew what her address was, but didn't know anything about the area. He would have to find a way to remedy that once he arrived.

The woman shifted her position, coming partway out from under the blanket. The man was not concerned. He had stopped at a store some time back and bought window film. It was the reflective kind, allowing the interior of the vehicle to stay cool and hidden, yet did not block the view of those within. That, and the factory-tinted windows hid her entirely. It also allowed him the freedom to take her anytime without worry of prying eyes. He smiled at the memory of her squirming under him.

He did not stop. He continued toward Jordan.. He had to find out information before she arrived home. Even if she was already there, he needed the information anyway. He wanted to be ready in case an opportunity came a knock'n. He hummed a homemade song about knock, knock, knock'n while he thrummed his fingers on the steering wheel.

MT-200 ran through the middle of town, making it easy to find a place to stop for something to eat. The man parked the SUV in the back. He made sure the woman knew better than to draw attention to the vehicle before he got out. He locked the door and listened. She behaved.

He entered the eatery through the front door and stopped just inside to allow his eyes to adjust to the darker interior. Sunlight shined in the windows, but the shades were dropped to reduce its intensity.

An older woman with curly gray hair approached. “Just one?"

"Yes ma'am."

She smiled as she led him to a table against the far wall. The restaurant wasn't crowded yet. He was glad. It allowed him the time to question the woman without interruption. He slid into the chair and took the offered menu. Glancing through it, he selected an iced tea to start. When she returned with it, he gave her one of his winning smiles.

"Thank you,” he squinted as he read her nametag, “Mindra."

"Call me Minny."

"Pleasure to meet you, Minny."

"Traveling through our little town?"

"I'm on my way to Great Falls.. I wanted to stop for a decent meal instead of the stuff served in those fast food chains.” He picked up the glass and sipped at the contents.

"I hear you. The food in this place is the best. I should know; I help make it."

"Then you can help me choose.” He leaned over to allow her to see the menu. She didn't need it.

"The country fried steak with mashed potatoes and a vegetable is the specialty of the house. I recommend it. And it comes with my guarantee. If you're not satisfied, I won't charge you. Deal?"

"Deal."

Minny took the order to the kitchen. The man glanced around the room. It was quaint, in a country kind of way. Pictures of horses, rodeos, and western paraphernalia hung throughout the room. He noticed a picture of a woman, standing beside another person, hanging a couple of tables away. He rose to get a closer look.

The woman in the picture caused his heart to race. It was her. It was The One. He recognized her from the news. He was still looking at it when Minny emerged from the kitchen, his food in hand.

"I see you found our local celebrity."

"Local? You mean she lives close by?"

"Yup.” The woman beamed with pride.

"Who's the guy?"

"Oh, that's Senator Enesco. She helped find his kidnapped son a while back. Since then, she's become a hot commodity."

"Does she come here often?” The man kept his face blank. He gave no indication of the turmoil going on inside.

"Once in a while. We see Sandy mostly."

"Sandy?"

"Her secretary."

"Wow. Does she live in town? Can I drive past her place so I can brag about it?"

"She lives down 341, close to the end. It's way out of your way, young man. Besides, thanks to the nosy news people, she put in a humdinger of a security system."

"Oh, well, maybe next time.” He returned to his table.

Minny realized she still had the plate of food in her hand. She moved to the table, muttering, “Minny, you ole chatter box, now look what you did."

"Are you okay?” The man feigned concern for her.

"Yea, but I let your food get cold."

"I bet it's just fine.” He reached up and took the plate from her hands. Setting it down, he picked up the fork and scooped up a pile of potatoes. They still had some warmth to them when they hit his tongue. He picked up the knife and sliced off a piece of the steak. It followed the potatoes. “Wonderful,” he said after swallowing. He smacked his lips to emphasize his point.

Minny relaxed. “Just for that, you get a piece of my special cherry pie.” She moved back toward the kitchen, “along with some vanilla ice cream on the side. My compliments."

During her absence, the man thought about what Minny had said, about the security system. His knowledge of them was zilch. How was he going to get past it? How was he going to get The One away from her fortress? The only thing he could think of doing was watch the place and see if an opportunity presented itself. He finished the meal with thoughts of Nature dancing before his eyes: her flowing brown hair, her creamy skin, her deep brown eyes, him piercing her many times, and her loving every ounce of it. His reverie was interrupted with the return of Minny.

"Here you go, young man, enjoy."

"Thanks, Minny."

He watched the older woman walk away. Her slightly plump hips caused her mid calf length skirt to swing to and fro. If she had been a touch younger, he would have been tempted to sample her, to show her his pleasures. Since he had the other woman, he didn't need to. He scooped a small bit of the pie onto the spoon. Putting it into his mouth, he savored the tartness of the cherries, mingled with the sweetness of sugar. Minny was right; the pie was special. Smiling, he dipped the spoon into the ice cream and ate every bit of it, along with the rest of the pie.

The man paid the tab and waved to Minny as he left. He rounded the building and got into the SUV. He glanced back at the woman. Her face was uncovered. She had tear tracks on her cheeks. She watched him with dread. He smiled, Soon he would have everything he wanted. Soon he would be free of the need driving him. Until then, he had Miranda.

He started the engine and pulling the lever into drive. He returned to MT-200 and drove back the way he came instead of towards Great Falls as mentioned.. The exit for 341 came into sight. He put the turn signal on. Within minutes, he was on his way to the address of his intended love.

The dirt road kicked up a dust cloud. He watched it with fascination in the side mirror. It reminded him of a huge billowy marshmallow half cooked by an open fire. Memories of his childhood rushed in. The man gasped at the sudden intrusion, causing the SUV to fishtail several times. He pulled over to prevent wrecking the vehicle. He gripped the steering wheel with white knuckles while he tried to get himself under control. Several trees stood nearby. He decided to hide the truck. He had to release. He had to gain control once more. There was only one way to do that.

Turning the wheel, he drove across the open area until he could not see the road, only the trees. He pulled the lever into park and turned off the engine. Silence filled the cab. Sweat covered his forehead. He shifted his position so he could see the woman in the back. He no longer saw Miranda; he saw another, another from his past.

He crawled into the rear area and tugged the blanket off her naked body. He ignored her whimpering. Unzipping his pants, he yanked them down to expose the erect penis hidden inside. He flipped her over and lifted her hips. He spread her cheeks. He shoved himself into her anus as hard and deep as he could. He pumped her unmercifully. He dug his fingers into her skin, pulling her against him.