Visions: The Mystical Encounter Series (The Mystical Encounter Series Book 1) (16 page)

“We have the suspect spotted at mile marker 140 heading west on I–70. All units proceed with caution, suspect considered armed and dangerous.” The screech of the radio rang through, breaking my train of thought.

My heart began to race when the detective immediately flipped on the overhead lights and sirens. The wailing of the sirens alone was enough to get my adrenaline pumping, but watching the flashing red and blue colors dance around us in a circle as he sped to unimaginable speeds was exhilarating. The countryside flashed by so quickly, the scenery became a blur. The thrilling mix of excitement and fear pulsated through me as I grabbed the armrest, hanging on for dear life. For the first time in my life, I was grateful to be wearing a seatbelt.

As we raced through the country roads, I let out a sigh of relief when the interstate came into view. Slowing down to merge onto the on ramp, the dispatcher announced they had the suspect in sight and started closing in on him. It was hard to breathe, fearing for Ryan’s safety. I wasn’t sure how far away we were, but I knew it wouldn’t be too much longer until Mr. Barton was brought down.

~16~

Negotiations

As we zipped along the interstate, I noticed the mile marker 135 sticking alongside the road. Breathing a sigh, I knew we weren’t too far away. The dispatcher had come across the radio announcing they had the suspect stopped between 129 and 130. I wasn’t sure how many minutes that calculated too since I was unaware of the speed we were traveling. Due to the other vehicles on the interstate, the detective did have to decrease his pace. At least a little.

I had to admit, I felt a little superior sitting in the squad car, watching people pull over as we passed them. Never having been in that situation before, it was a little intoxicating. I could see why some police officers developed a God complex when they were in that position‌—‌it was rather empowering.

With less than two miles to go, we shifted onto the shoulder since the traffic was stopped along the interstate. Each vehicle we passed marked the closeness of our arrival while the anticipation of what I was about to witness spiked my adrenaline.

When we approached the scene, lights from the emergency response vehicles flashed all around. The amount of responders was intimidating. There had to be at least twenty or more vehicles, which more than doubled the amount on my street earlier. Everyone from state troopers and county sheriffs to ambulances and fire trucks were there. By the time we arrived, they had surrounded Mr. Barton’s van which was slanted along the embankment.

Pulling up behind one of the parked squad cars, the detective ordered me to stay in the car. As he quickly stepped out, my breath caught, staring wide–eyed at the sight of him drawing his gun. With a clear picture of the pistol in his hand, the reality of the situation brought it into prospective. I knew the situation was serious, obviously, but seeing it unfold right in front of me was surreal.

At that point, I wasn’t sure what was going on. The radio buzzed with different codes, but I didn’t understand what they meant. All I could gather was they had him pulled over, and he wasn’t cooperating. He seemed to be holding Ryan hostage, which I found odd because he had to know it wouldn’t end in his favor.
How could it?
He was completely surrounded by the police.

Even though the situation was far from over, I couldn’t help but think the irony of the circumstances. For a little boy to have to go through that was a horrible thing, but also bitter sweet. If he hadn’t taken Ryan, then no one would have been searching for him and he may have gotten away. The police certainly wouldn’t have beefed up their search for him, and if it wasn’t for Ryan’s toy, I wouldn’t have been able to see where he was. Barton could have settled in the next state, terrorizing another child.

Laying my head against the headrest, I closed my eyes while thoughts of Barry infiltrated my mind. It seemed so long ago since we were all together. Much has happened since, and I wondered what he and Nicole were doing.

Nicole was supposed to spend the night with me, but I bet she was with him at his grandmother’s house. So much for my first sleepover. They were probably wondering about us, too. I needed to call them with an update soon.

Upon reopening my eyes, I strained to see if there was any useful information to pass along. The troopers were positioned with their guns pointed toward Mr. Barton’s van while a suited guy was apparently trying to negotiate with him. Rolling my window down to try to hear the words exchanged were pointless since I was back too far. I couldn’t understand anything they were saying, but I could tell the negotiations were ongoing.

Giving up on the idea, I pulled out my phone to call Barry. Glancing down to dial, I noticed a missed text from him. I guess with all the excitement going on, I failed to hear the message alert. It simply stated, “Call us with an update soon. Be careful.” Smiling to myself, I dialed his number.

“Heather, thank goodness. We’ve been worried. What’s going on?” he asked, a little frenzied.

As I proceeded to fill him in on the limited details, I slid back down into my seat, silently wishing this nightmare to end. After explaining everything I knew, he proceeded to tell me they were still exhuming Johnny’s body.

He also informed me that Mom had come home, but he was able to explain everything to her. No surprise, it came as a shock to see the emergency vehicles surrounding our house, but he explained the situation before she panicked. Nicole refused to leave until she knew I was safe and, as I suspected, was with Barry. My body relaxed, listening to his smooth voice. It was mesmerizing. As he continued explaining, my eyes closed, allowing his voice to calm me down. Just as my breathing evened out, a loud popping sound erupted through the air. I jolted straight up, dropping the phone into my lap. My relaxed state a forgotten diversion.

Fumbling around trying to pick it up, I could hear Barry shouting, “Heather…‌Heather…‌What was that? Are you okay?”

As I peered out the window, everyone was running toward the van. “Gunshot,” I finally managed to squeak out. It was terrifying watching everyone cluster together and not know if Ryan was injured. I wanted to get out of the car and go over there, but I would just be in the way. But sitting here was torture as I listened to the officers yell. I shifted to get a better angle, but still couldn’t see anything. Then I heard something, and I swear it was the faint sound of my name. Finally it occurred to me that Barry was still on the line. My hand must have drifted down while I was trying to find out what was happening.

Quickly putting the phone back up to my ear, I uttered, “Barry, I’m sorry. I don’t know what’s going on. There was a shot fired, but I’m not sure who fired it. I can’t hear exactly what’s happening, and I don’t know about Ryan.”

“Okay…‌Do you want me to stay on line with you?”

“No…‌I’ll let you go, but I’ll call as soon as I can.”

“Heather…‌Be safe.”

“Thanks, Barry”

After hanging up the phone, the confines of the car seemed to be closing in on me. I struggled to sit there as it became more restrictive. Unable to take it any longer, I swung the door open and jumped out. With the crisp evening air, I began to breathe better, but I stayed beside the car.

The wailing of ambulance sirens pierced the night air, making it impossible to hear anything they were shouting. All I could think about was Ryan. He’s seven; he shouldn’t be going through this. When the ambulance drove closer toward the scene, I stood on the tips of my toes and stretched, straining to see. They pulled out a stretcher and a few minutes later, I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw a male figure lying on it. It wasn’t too long after, the detective came walking around the corner with Ryan beside him. He may be emotionally scarred, but otherwise he appeared unharmed.

As I blew out my breath, relief swarmed through me. It was exhilarating to see him safe. I can’t see into the future, so I didn’t know how it would end. Having it end positively was a great feeling and knowing I was part of the reason was even greater.

As the detective brought Ryan to the car, he introduced me to him, explaining that I was the main reason for finding him. My heart melted as he peered up at me with those big brown eyes, swollen from crying. He smiled partially, but didn’t utter a sound. All I wanted to do was reach out and give him a hug, but I didn’t dare. Touching him would certainly lead to having a vision, especially with all the turmoil he went through. To keep from frightening him more, I maintained a safe distance.

“Okay, Ryan,” Detective Tanner said as he placed him in the back of the car. “Let’s get you home to your parents.”

A timid smile spread across his face as he nodded, but his eyes held an underlying terror to them. Curling up in a ball, he wrapped his arms around his legs. Witnessing him sitting there took all the strength I had not to console him in some way. It was heartbreaking seeing him still pain stricken. His face streaked from all the crying and the red marks surrounding his mouth from the remnants of the tape made me sick to my stomach. I wanted so badly to offer some sort of comfort, but didn’t know how to go about it.

I realized the more I let people in, the more complicated life became. I wondered, as the detective drove toward Ryan’s house, if my life would ever go back to the quiet seclusion of before. I didn’t think that was possible.

~17~

Reunited

If I thought I felt elated at the sight of seeing Ryan alive, it was nothing compared to the sight of him reuniting with his parents. As we pulled up to the Boyers’ driveway, his mother came running out of the house with her arms spread apart. Ryan’s face lit up the moment he caught sight of his mother. Watching his face transform into a huge grin with saucer–sized eyes was priceless. It was something I would never forget.

As soon as we stopped the car and Detective Tanner let him out, he sprang from the back seat, running straight into his mother’s arms. Mrs. Boyer was crying, but these were tears of happiness instead of the agony from earlier. Her face was beautiful; it glowed with relief and pure bliss. Mr. Boyer had come outside embracing his son as well, but he still wore that stern expression.

As I stood back taking in the scene, I wondered if that man ever softened.

The detective said a few words to them before we headed to the car. Mrs. Boyer, refusing to let her son out of her grip, thanked me again while her husband stood there stoically. He still refused to acknowledge my presence. Guessing his attitude toward me hadn’t changed any, I just shook my head as I turned and slipped inside. I could care less what he thought of me. My vision brought that little boy home safely to his mother, and that I would cherish the rest of my life.

In the safety of Detective Tanner’s car, exhaustion overcame me. I couldn’t wait to get back home and finally sleep. Although I knew Barry and Nicole would be there filled with questions, I still couldn’t wait to get there.

“You did well today,” Detective Tanner said as he backed the car up. “That little boy is alive today because of you. I really think the force could use someone with your capabilities, and I’m going to recommend they hire you for cases that could use your help. Would you be interested?”

“Um…” Taking me by surprise, I wasn’t sure how to answer. After a few seconds, I finally responded, “I’m not sure. I guess just let me know what they say, and I’ll definitely think it over.”

“Please do…‌I have to admit, at first I didn’t believe in your abilities. When you came into my office that day, I thought there’s no way anyone’s capable of that. But you definitely have a talent. Nobody should ever doubt your abilities after this. Johnny’s case has plagued me for over a decade, and part of me desperately wanted to believe you. My rational side kept me from fully believing, though. I’m just glad I checked out your background and had enough hope to proceed.” Staring straight at me, he seemed to soften a little as he said, “Thanks again for helping me today.”

The sincerity in his voice was very touching. Finally managing to tell him thanks, I closed my eyes for a second. I had every intention to call Barry, but the next thing I knew we were pulling into my driveway.

I was a little dazed and confused before realizing I had dozed off. Blinking my eyes, I scanned my surroundings noticing a few squad cars still remained. In the distance was a faint light hovering above the trees in the woods. All of my euphoria seemed to vanish as the realization of Johnny’s death came crushing back down upon me. One boy’s life was spared, but how many before him weren’t?

It didn’t take any time for Barry, Nicole, and my mother to come outside and greet us. My mother immediately wrapped her arms around me, and I could see the same relief in her own face as Mrs. Boyer’s. I guess mothers would always worry, no matter what happened or how old their child was.

Detective Tanner told everyone about Mr. Barton being shot, that he was wounded, but expected to recover. He’d more than likely be charged with Johnny’s death, but they needed to collect some evidence first.

After he mentioned needing proof, the room Johnny was held in popped in my head. “Detective, he held Johnny in a tiny room inside the basement for a while before he killed him. We didn’t have a chance to go down there, but I know that’s where he was held and eventually killed. I saw that in the vision.” Mom gasped as she squeezed me tighter. I had so much explaining to do.

“Thanks, Heather. We’ll search the entire house. Don’t worry, we’ll find something to convict him.”

With that he left, walking toward the woods.

Completely exhausted, I let out a sigh. I knew everyone wanted answers, but I just wanted to go to bed. Barely able to stand, I stumbled my way up to my porch, plopping down on the top step.

Nicole decided to go home, knowing how exhausted I was. Before leaving, she came over to give me a hug and thank me. She mentioned that she’d never be able to repay me for everything I’d done.

Deeply touched by her sentiment, I hugged her back, and told her being my friend was payment enough. As she left, she hollered back to me, “Get some rest.” Barry had also waltzed over. He leaned in to hug me good–bye, whispering in my ear that we’d talk tomorrow.