Innocence Taken (26 page)

"Wish he'd stop yapping and land this son of a bitch already. I want to get off."

Sandy smiled. She pat the hand in hers, “Web ... you're a wonderful man. I want you to take good care of Nature when we get her back ... hear me?"

He looked at the woman seated next to him. “You can bet your sweet ass I will."

Ten minutes later, the wheels touched down on the runway, and, at 5:02 in the afternoon, the passengers disembarked into Richmond. Most walked toward the luggage claims area. Web went straight to the rental car counter. He rented a Mustang, one of the newer kinds with a powerful motor. Sandy raised an eyebrow but said nothing. Minutes after checking out the vehicle, they were heading for the highway.

The drive to Staunton normally took about three to three and a half hours. However, this was Richmond, and it was rush hour. Time crawled as slow as the car. It did nothing to help the mood of the man behind the wheel. The fact that the cell phone had not rang didn't help either. Sandy stared at the miles of cars. She normally loved motorized vehicles. This was one of the times where she wished there weren't so many of them. She kept quiet while Web fumed. He hit the horn several times out of frustration. The noise was met with obscene gestures on some occasions, bored bland faces on others.

An hour and fifty minutes later, they were past the huge city and up to speed. The other cars sharing the road flew past in a blur. Sandy was glad Web was driving. He was a cop of many years and knew how to handle the speed. She saw that his hunched shoulders had relaxed, his manner calm, his full attention focused on the road ahead. She thought about Nature. If they found her, she would need that calm to help her.

"Now I know why I hate big cities."

Sandy jumped. Web's sudden words caught her by surprise. “This your first time in one?"

He hesitated.. “No."

"Where were you before?"

"New York."

"Wow, that's a big city. How long were you there?"

"Seventeen years. I moved there to see the sights and try my hand at Broadway.” He smirked, “Can you see me in tights, dancing around and loving it?"

Sandy smiled, “Not really."

"One day, I was on my way to the studio when a child was hit by a stray bullet. A couple of gang members were trying to take each other out and a little girl got in the way. A police officer was in the area. He killed one of the shooters. The other guy got away. Instead of chasing after him, he comforted the girl while waiting for the ambulance.” He shuddered. Keeping his eyes straight, he continued. “She died before it arrived. I was so impressed with how the cop handled everything that I decided to become one. That was 30 years ago."

"I always knew you were old ... but you're ancient. Damn you look good for your age."

Web glanced at Sandy. A faint smile worked its way onto his face. It disappeared when he returned his attention to the road.

"What brought you to Montana? New York has so much to offer, what with the theaters, stores, and such.” Sandy always wanted to go there, but had yet to make it.

"Death."

She stared at him, shocked. She waited. She knew he would continue.

"I was on the force for 16 years. I only had four more to go before I could retire. I was looking forward to it. I was tired of seeing the sick side of people, of seeing people whacked out on drugs, people killed."

"I was undercover, trying to bust a car theft ring. It was late by the time I made it home. The house was dark.” The Mustang slowed. Web had taken his foot off the gas pedal. “I thought that a bit odd. Lights should be on. The next day was a school day and Megan always hated to go to bed too early. When I opened the door, the smell hit me, the smell of death."

"I pulled my weapon and advanced inside. I didn't see anything in the first few rooms. I reached the kitchen and saw my wife sprawled across the floor. Blood was everywhere. Her clothes were torn and her skirt was hiked up. I could tell she had been raped. Blood covered her face where the attacker hit her repeatedly.” Web's breath faltered.. He couldn't stop. He needed to get it out.

"I checked her and found a thready pulse. Ugly stab wounds were all over her arms where she tried to fend off her attacker. The one to her belly was the worse. That was where all the blood came from. I ran to the phone and called for an ambulance. As I kneeled by her, I remembered Megan. I ran up the stairs to find her. She was in her room, on the bed, blood everywhere."

His breath raced. “I lost it then. I barely remember rushing up to her and scooping her up into my arms. Cuts marred her beautiful face. Her clothes lay in a heap across the room. Her belly lay open, cut from the middle of her chest to just below her bellybutton. She was dead. My baby girl was dead.” He paused, unable to continue for a moment. “Everything was a blur after that. The ambulance, the flash of the cameras, the questions ... all of it. That was until we caught wind of who did it. That was when everything became crystal-clear. It was a drug dealer I busted several months prior. He bragged about paying me back for ruining his business. After that, anger took over."

Sandy wished she could hug Web. She couldn't because they were still moving at a high rate of speed.. She reached a hand over and placed it on his shoulder instead. His grip on the steering wheel tightened.

"Wanda survived, but it was never the same. We caught the bastard and a month after he was convicted, she filed for divorce. I couldn't stay in the house, too many memories filled it. I saw Wanda several times; she always looked away. When I saw the sheriff position for Garfield County, I tried for it. I had nothing to lose and everything to gain. I got the position and have been there ever since."

"I was an asshole to begin with, never giving the deputies a break, even if it was stupid shit. After a couple of them threatened to leave, I learned to handle the anger. Then I met Nature. At first, I didn't know what to make of her. I thought she was a shyster. After her success with the Senator, I knew she was the real thing."

The faint smile returned. “I grew to love her, but wouldn't allow myself to admit it. If I did, she might become like Wanda ... or Megan. She helped by being aloof.” He glanced at Sandy again. “Your coming into the scene kept her distracted. It allowed me to keep my feelings hidden. The trip south brought them to the surface."

Sandy remembered all the times Web had been there, distant, always professional, never smiling. Now she understood why.

"I finally allowed myself to love again. By doing so, I placed her in jeopardy. She was taken because of me, taken because I let my guard down."

She listened to him and felt the anger inside swell. She let him have it when the self-wallowing talk started. “Now look, you self pitying asshole ... because of you, she's happy. For the first time since her husband was killed, I might add. Because of you, she finally felt free enough to love again. She told me so the night you both returned."

"Because of me, she went to Florida! Because of me, the media focused on her and the killer found out about her!"

"It wasn't because of you, you stupid shit! Remember ... the Mosby's contacted her first. They brought her into the case! All you did was give her hope ... hope to continue ... hope to love again!"

Web looked at the angry woman seated next to him. Her eyes glared and her nostril flared. He started to chuckle. “God, you're a terror when you're angry, did you know that."

"You betcha, mister. And don't you forget it.” A horn honked behind them, reminding Web of the fact that he was traveling below the speed limit in the left lane. “Now, put your foot against the floor and get this damn thing to Staunton, instead of wallowing in that self pity shit.” She crossed her arms and faced forward. When he hesitated, she turned her head toward him. “Well?"

"Wow.” It was Web's turn to be surprised. Complying with her order, he lowered his foot. The Mustang leaped forward, leaving the annoyed driver behind them in its wake.

Staunton came into view three hours later. Both were tired. Both wanted to continue on, but had no idea which way to go. They were deciding where to stop for the night when the area was lit by flashing lights. A police car pulled up behind them, its spotlight blinding them. Web frowned. He wasn't speeding or doing anything out of the ordinary. Someone got out of the passenger side of the car once they stopped. The person cut behind the Mustang and walked up to the window. Web could not make out who it was due to the spotlight.

"About time you got here."

"Franklin?"

"None other.” He stepped back, allowing Web to open his door.

Web faced the Detective. Reaching up to shake his hand, he said, “What are you doing here? Didn't think you were able to get away."

"I'm on vacation. My superiors knew the real reason I'm here, but gave me the time off anyways.” He grinned, “They were happy to get me out of their hair. Haven't taken a vacation in five years. I was driving them nuts."

"Great to have you with us."

A man in uniform walked up behind Franklin. “Hank, let me introduced you to Sheriff Westerly. He's from Montana.” The officer tipped his hat. “Hank is a deputy in Pocahontas County in West Virginia. He met me here as a favor. We'll be staying at his place.."

Web shook the other man's hand. “Thanks for helping in this matter."

"My pleasure. Joe filled me in by phone.. My department agreed to give you any assistance you required. We want to see Mrs.. Kranderson found quickly and this jackass brought to justice."

Web saw the men straighten. Their faces betrayed their approval of the sight before them. “Gentlemen, may I introduce you to Mrs. Kranderson's secretary and friend...” He indicated for Sandy to stand next to him. “Sandy, this is Detective Franklin and Deputy ... Deputy..."

"Boone, ma'am. Hank Boone.” The deputy jerked his hat off his head and twirled it in his hands.

"Pleasure to meet you Mrs.... “Franklin extended his hand toward her.

She gripped it firmly, “Miss ... Miss Nemoy. Glad to meet you, too."

"Pleasure to meet you Miss Nemoy.” He held her hand a bit longer than necessary.

She flashed Franklin and the deputy one of her award winning smiles before letting go. Her stance remained professional though, letting both know she was here for business only. Web had to admit it; she was a pro at working men.

Bringing the focus back, Web asked Hank, “Where's your place?"

"Just outside Thornwood ... about an hour drive from here."

"Since it's already after ten, don't you think we should get there?"

That brought the man out of his puppy love haze. “Yes, sir. Follow me.” He returned to the cruiser and got in. He turned off the bright spotlight.

Franklin looked seriously at Web once his eyes adjusted to the darkness. “I found some information out. We'll talk about it when we get to Hank's. You might find it interesting."

Web stared at the man as he walked back to the car. He hated it when people did that. He should know ... he'd done it enough times himself. Starting the engine after they got in, he pulled back onto the road and followed the cruiser.

The two vehicles traveled up a dirt road to a quaint log cabin tucked underneath some tall pines.. Boone pulled his cruiser to the right side. Web pulled the Mustang along side him. The four occupants got out and walked up the steps to the front porch. Sandy rubbed her arms. Even though she wore a long sleeve sweater, the cool October night air managed to make them inadequate. In their haste to get here, she had forgotten to grab a coat. Boone took his jacket off and draped it over her shoulders. Snuggling into its warmth, she gave him a grateful smile. Franklin grabbed the handle and opened the front door. He held it for Sandy so she could enter first. Boone followed. Web brought up the rear, shaking his head.

The inside was as quaint as the outside. The kitchen and living room were one room. A small breakfast bar was the only thing separating them. Two doors led from the room. A bed showed through one of the open doors, a bathroom in the other. Everything was neat and clean. Sandy moved to the couch and sat down. The men were a step behind her. Several folders littered the coffee table in front of the couch. Web sat next to Sandy while Franklin and Boone occupied the chairs across from them.

Remembering his manners, Boone stood. “Does anyone want anything to drink ... soda, coffee, beer?"

"Coffee ... strong,” Web said.

"Me too,” added Sandy with a yawn.

"Coming right up."

The sound of running water began, followed shortly by the smell of fresh coffee. By the time he carried the cups across to them, the folders were open and their contents spread out. Web savored the hot brew. He was exhausted and the caffeine helped him wake up. It had now been over 36 hours since Nature disappeared. He needed sleep, but his imagination would not allow it. He had to find her before it was too late.

"You said something about information.” He directed his statement toward Franklin. The man leaned forward and grabbed some papers. He handed them to Web.

"Read those ... they're interesting.” He leaned back, threw a leg onto the other, and picked up his coffee. He watched Web's face while he sipped at the strong brew..

Shock, disgust, and finally, understanding crossed it. He looked up. “When did this happen?"

"It was over a two year span, about nine to eleven years ago. We weren't able to find out who did the killings due to the lack of evidence.” He sipped from the cup. “The animals had their genitals maimed or cut off before they were strangled.” He put the cup down. “They stopped for a while, but then things escalated. A young girl's body was found in the Monongahela National Forest. She was tied up, raped, tortured, and then strangled. Her vagina had been ripped open, as if something too large was forced into it. The coroner found tree bark inside.” He looked at Boone for confirmation.

"That's right. The incident happened about eight years ago. Her case remained unsolved. The girl wasn't a local, so, given time, the incident was forgotten. After helping Joe with his latest case, I remembered it. It struck me as similar."