Out For Justice (19 page)

Chapter Thirty-Three

Karen turned the doorknob and entered the darkened house. No windows had been opened and the air smelled dank and dusty.

She gave herself time to orient on her surroundings, recalling the last time she was here when she’d discovered Sam’s badly beaten body. After her eyes adjusted, she was able to make out the dirt and grime clinging to the furniture. It looked the same, just messier.

Not knowing where to start, Karen walked deeper into the living room and glanced around. Furniture had been pushed aside from the wave of police and rescue personnel that had crammed into the small house that eventful afternoon. Karen pulled a pair of latex gloves out of her pocket and put them on. She wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but didn’t want to compromise it once she found it.

Sweat beads sprung up on Karen’s forehead. She used the sleeve of her jacket to wipe them away. She couldn’t concentrate with the room in the condition it was so she set about righting it. She picked up an overturned end table and placed it back where she thought it went and pushed chairs back to their original positions on the stained floor. That was better. This was how she remembered the room.

 She put herself back to the day of the event. She had talked to Sam on his cell phone and everything was fine. For Ray Thomas to get a jump on Sam, he must have attacked Sam first. Then he attacked Maggie. Otherwise, Sam would have heard the attack on Maggie and responded. What made Maggie stay and not run for help while Sam was beaten? Did Thomas have a gun as well? Sam was beaten severely about the head and face. Did Thomas use an object? What could he have used? Karen looked around the room for anything that might have been used as a weapon. She checked under the couch cushions and cringed at the dirt and garbage she found, glad she was wearing gloves.

Not finding any possible weapons in the living room, Karen entered the kitchen to extend her search. She looked in drawers and pulled open cabinets all in vain. Wiping her brow with the sleeve of her jacket, she tossed a used spatula back into the sink with the other dirty dishes and sighed. She wasn’t getting anywhere in there.

 There were only two rooms left—the bathroom and the bedroom. Not looking forward to either one of them, Karen chose the bedroom first. She pushed open the door and entered. At first glance, the room was sparsely furnished. There was a bed that took up most of the room and that was it. The closet door was wedged open with a pile of clothes that Karen didn’t dare investigate further to determine if they were clean or dirty. The bed held an assortment of mismatched sheets and a couple of flattened, sweat stained pillows. Karen took a deep breath of the sour, stale, hot air and started her search. She looked under the bed and under the mattress, trying her best not to let any of the dirty bed linen touch her.

She kicked her way through the various piles of clothes on the floor until she got to the pile in the closet. At first kick, she encountered nothing but more clothes, but her second kick hit something hard. Kneeling down, Karen pushed aside the array of clothes until she uncovered the object she’d practically stumbled across.

Blinking twice, Karen stared at the pair of hiking boots buried beneath the pile of clothes. Using her forefinger and a thumb she carefully picked one of the boots up and held it up to her face so that she could see it properly. It was nearly identical to the pair they’d removed from the house earlier. Only smaller. Karen picked up the other boot in the same way with her other hand and stood up. She examined them with growing suspicion. Which pair of boots was the right pair to match the footprint found at the little boy’s murder site? Now Karen had a choice for FDLE’s lab to consider. 

Looking around the room, she figured she looked in all the logical and illogical places where someone could hide a weapon. She had to tell herself that it was possible that Thomas had taken the weapon with him when he fled the house. Giving up on her search, she carried the pair of boots in one arm as she exited the house. Using her keys, she opened the back of her SUV and unfolded a large paper bag. As she was putting one boot into the bag, a spot on the outside of the boot caught her eye. She held it up and turned it this way and that to get a better look at it. With the sun as her light, she examined the blotches along the toe and side of the boot. The coloring was darker than the boot and looked dried. She scraped at a bit with her gloved finger and noticed tiny flakes caught on the tip of the glove. Holding the boot to her nose, she took a tentative whiff. It didn’t have a particular smell. Nothing recognizable, like motor oil or gasoline. She’d have to get the lab to tell her what the substance was and if it related to her case.

Shrugging her shoulders, she placed the boots into the paper bag and folded the top of the bag over. She secured it in the back of her SUV, and then she closed the back door and slipped into the driver’s seat. Sighing with relief, she started the car and positioned the air conditioner vents to blow on her full force.

She needed to get back to her office at the warehouse and go through her notes. Something wasn’t adding up and she was going to find out what it was.

Karen drove back to the warehouse with only half her attention. She considered the presence of a second pair of hiking boots and how they fit into her investigation. She needed to turn this pair over to FDLE as soon as possible so they could determine if they fit the footprint or not. She needed to talk to Sam. She guessed she’d have to settle for the next best thing: John Hendricks.

Dialing her cell phone, she waited for Hendricks to pick up.

“Hendricks.”

“John, it’s Karen Sykes. On a hunch, I checked out the Thomas house. I found another pair of hiking boots. Similar to the first pair we were given by Maggie Morris. I—”

“What were you doing in the house?”

“I thought maybe I could find the weapon Ray Thomas used to assault Sam.” Her defensive tone rang in her ear.

“That was good thinking, but damn it, Sykes, why’d you go there alone?”

“It was a spur of the moment kind of decision.”

“I could have gone with you. What if that bastard showed up and—”

“He didn’t, so stop worrying. I’m going to stop at FDLE and turn over these boots and check on the status of our other evidence. Maybe I’ll get lucky and they’ll be finished with some of it.”

“Yeah. Maybe. You just shouldn’t have gone alone. You’re my responsibility, Sykes.”

“I need to find this guy, Hendricks. I’m going to find him. He can’t hide forever.”

“All right. Get in here as soon as you can.”

“Will do.”

“Oh, hey. We got a call from the hospital. Sam’s coming around.”

“For real? That’s great news. When can I talk to him?”

“I don’t know. The report from the hospital said he was coming around. Don’t know anymore than that.”

“I think I’ll stop by there before I go home today.”

“Come find me when you get in.”

“Yes, sir.” Karen pressed the end button on her cell phone and disconnected the call. Sam was coming around. Her heart soared. This could mean that he’d reached a turning point. The swelling could be going down and he could regain consciousness. Karen pounded her steering wheel with her fist. “Yes!” she exclaimed with each whack she made on her steering wheel. “Yes!”

After finding an open parking space near the door, Karen carried the large paper bag with the hiking boots into the FDLE lab. She filled out the proper paperwork to turn over the boots and add them to her case, and then turned on her heel and retraced her steps back to her vehicle. Even that short time in the sun brought the temperature in her SUV to blistering levels. In a matter of minutes, Karen was back on the road and on her way back to the office.

 She knew Sam’s recovery would take a long time, but she couldn’t keep the elation down for this first small step. Karen practically skipped into the warehouse and to her desk. She stored her purse and rang Hendricks’ office to let him know she made it in. Her mind still couldn’t quite wrap itself around the good news. Sam was coming around.

Chapter Thirty-Four

Kelly couldn’t believe how physically tired she was. She’d closed her eyes only for a moment while she rode in the car that picked up her and the girls. The woman that drove said her name was Amanda. She’d had juice boxes for the girls and a cold soda for Kelly.

Now, as the car bumped over the driveway entrance to a large house, Kelly opened her eyes and stretched.

“We’re here,” Amanda said.

“Already?” Kelly put a hand over her mouth and yawned.

“I didn’t want to disturb you, so I let you sleep.”

“Thanks. I guess I’m tired.”

“We’re going to stop in the office first so you can meet your case manager.” Amanda helped the girls out of the back seat and grabbed Kelly’s bag of clothes. “Maybe I’ll see you at dinner, okay?”

“Okay, thanks.” Kelly held her daughters’ hands and followed Amanda’s retreating back into the big house. She looked up at the large trees and heard the birds calling to each other.

“Denise, this is Kelly and her two girls. I just picked them up.” Amanda dropped the bag of clothes at Kelly’s feet and turned to go.

“Hi, Kelly.”

“Hi.” Kelly looked around the brightly painted foyer and felt shy.

“Let me tell Rosie you’re here.” She turned and left the room and entered one of the closed doors off to the right.

In a few seconds, she returned with another woman that Kelly assumed was Rosie. She was a small Hispanic woman with a round face and a wide smile.

“Hello, Kelly. I’m Rosie. Who do we have here?” She crouched down so that she could be face to face with Kelly’s daughters.

“This is Amber,” Kelly laid a hand on her head, “and this one is Ashley.”

The girls stared back without saying a word.

“They’re quiet.”

Kelly nodded.

Rosie nodded as well. Then she said softly, “Because they had to be?”

Ashamed, Kelly nodded again. For something to do, she picked up the bag of clothes at her feet.

“Don’t worry about it, sweetheart, you’re safe now.” Rosie put a hand on Kelly’s arm and squeezed. “This is a safe place.”

Kelly felt tears stinging her eyes. She brushed at them with the back of her hand then gripped the bag of clothes a little tighter.

“Let’s go find you a room and then we’ll take a little tour.”

Confused, Kelly followed Rosie through a maze of halls and rooms until they stood in front of a door. “Here it is,” Rosie said. She opened the door and stepped aside so Kelly could enter.

Inside, Kelly saw a room with two beds. Off to the side was a door that led to a bathroom. Kelly stood in the middle of the room and looked at Rosie. “This is ours?”

“For as long as you’re here.”

“Thank you.”

“Why don’t you put your bags down and we’ll take a tour of your new home.”

Kelly lifted the garbage bag and placed it on one of the beds. She helped the girls remove their backpacks and place them on the other bed. She touched the homemade quilt and fought back tears. This was already beginning to feel like home.

Rosie led the way out of their room and down the hall. Walking into a large room with tables, Rosie said, “This is our cafeteria. We eat all of our meals here. Our meal schedules are included in the paperwork in your room. You’ll find a welcome packet on the dresser along with a bag of personal care items for you and your daughters.”

“It’s big.”

“Wait until you see it at dinner tonight.” Rosie turned toward another door and said, “Let’s go out this way.” They left the cafeteria and headed out a door at the back of the house.

Outside, Kelly saw a smaller house surrounded by sidewalks.

Rosie pointed at the smaller house. “This is the Kid’s Team House.” She opened a door. “Let’s step inside. In here, the children have counseling sessions. Your girls will attend a group session at least once a day.”

Kelly looked down at her daughters. They were wide eyed as they held hands, watching the group of children sitting in a circle in the center of the room.

“Counseling sessions are very important part of our children’s growth. Did you know that seventy-nine percent of boys who witness domestic violence will become abusers when they are adults?”

Kelly shook her head. “Do you think Mark was abused when he as a kid?”

“There’s always that possibility.” Rosie patted Kelly’s arm and motioned to another door. “Let’s step in here.”

Kelly ushered her girls in ahead of her. The room was empty of other people, but held a lot of toys. The shelves were filled with all sorts of games, dolls, and balls of all kind. Kelly felt a tug on her leg.

“Mommy, can I play with that doll?”

Not sure what to say, Kelly looked up at Rosie for help.

“We sell these toys to the kids here. They buy them with something we call ‘bonus bucks’.” Rosie bent down until she was level with the girls. “Bonus bucks are earned every time you go to group, when you help your mom, do extra chores, and for getting good grades in school. Do you think you can do that?”

Amber and Ashley both nodded.

Rosie stood up and led them out through a gate. They entered the playground area. Kelly looked at the brightly colored benches, rings, monkey bars, and two playhouses. She touched Ashley on the shoulder. “Do you think you could have fun here?”

“Can I go play now?”

“Not yet. Let’s finish with this nice lady before we go running off.”

“We always make sure the children have plenty of time to play,” Rosie said. “Why don’t we go over to the school?”

“You have a school here too?” Kelly was surprised.

“You won’t be able to send your girls back to their regular school. Your husband will go there to find them.” Rosie led them into another brightly painted room with desks, computers, and books.

Kelly pondered Rosie’s statement as they walked into the schoolroom. The teacher came up to them and held out her hand to introduce herself.

“Hello. I’m Miss Sandy. And who do we have here?” She looked down at the two girls standing next to their mother.

Kelly laid a hand on the head of each girl and introduced them. “This is Ashley and this is Amber.”

“Hello, Ashley. Hello, Amber,” Miss Sandy said. “It’s nice to meet you. School’s over for the day, but you’re welcome to color.” She took the girls to a small table and gave them each a drawing of a puppy and some flowers and a box of crayons.

Miss Sandy returned to Kelly and Rosie and said, “The Spring School is a Hillsborough County Alternative School with teachers, aides, and social workers all supplied by the county. We’re the first domestic violence shelter to open a school on site.”

“The classes are small so the kids can catch up on the work they may have missed while living at home,” said Rosie.

Kelly looked confused. “Why would they be behind in their work?”

“Kids living in an abusive home live in fear. They may not be concentrating as well as they should while in school and might be behind on their basics like reading, writing, and math.”

“I didn’t know that. I thought they were doing fine.”

“We’ll find out and don’t you worry. We give our kids lots of personal attention and your girls will catch up in no time.”

“But why didn’t I know?”

“Honey,” Rosie said as she touched the side of Kelly’s bruised face. “I think you had other things to be worrying about.”

Kelly lowered her head, ashamed of the marks on her face. She held a hand up to try to cover them.

Rosie smiled gently. “We’re here for you. Don’t hide or be ashamed. We’ve all been through it.” Rosie looked at Miss Sandy who nodded as well. “Why don’t we take the girls to the Kid’s Team House, and you and I go talk in my office?”

Kelly lifted her chin a little then nodded. “Thank you.”

Kelly followed Rosie back out of the school and down the sidewalk until they came to the Kid’s Team House. She told the girls that they’d be able to see her again once they were done. She gave them each a tight hug and a kiss.

“I think your girls will get along fine,” Rosie said when she returned from taking the girls inside.

“I hope so. This has all been kind of confusing to them, I think.”

“It’s confusing for you too, isn’t it?”

“Kind of. I keep wondering if I did the right thing.”

Rosie led the way into her office. She motioned for Kelly to take a seat in the chair across from her desk. She picked up a camera. “Do you mind if I take some pictures?” Rosie took aim and snapped the camera. “You will need these pictures if you decide to press charges against your husband.”

Kelly lifted a hand to the side of her face. “I guess so. I ain’t never told anyone before that Mark hits me. I’ve never even told my parents, not the whole truth anyways.” Kelly’s mouth formed a perfect oval. “I have to call my parents. Mark will call them thinking we went there. He’ll worry my mom.”

Rosie took a couple more pictures. “We’ll let you call your mom, don’t worry. You just can’t tell them were you are, only that you’re safe. I’m sure they’ll be happy to hear that once you tell them what happened.”

Kelly brushed away at the tears that welled up. “We are safe, right? Mark, he can’t find us, can he?”

“You’re safe here.” Rosie nodded. “What we can do for you is get you a meeting with our on-site attorney. He’ll help you get an Injunction for Protection.”

“Injunction for Protection?”

“Well, it’ll say that if Mark sees you outside this facility, he needs to be at least five hundred feet away from you at all times.” Rosie shuffled some papers on her desk. “These kinds of things will help you if Mark tries to get custody of those adorable little girls.”

Kelly’s head snapped up. “What? He can do that?”

“Don’t worry. Our attorney knows his stuff. He works for Bay Area Legal Services. We can get you an appointment right away. Just tell us when.”

“Thank you. I…I…” Kelly hung her head. Tears fell along her bruised cheeks. “I just don’t know what to do. I can’t ever go back to my husband. I don’t have a job. How am I going to raise my girls by myself?”

“Honey, we’re here to help you.” Rosie offered Kelly a box of tissues. Kelly took the box, smiling her gratitude.

“How can you help me?” Kelly sniffled into a tissue she plucked from the box.

“We can offer you a place to stay while you look for work or go back to school. You’ll go to counseling and so will your girls. Once you’re ready, you’ll apply for Aftercare.” Rosie handed a pamphlet to Kelly. “Aftercare is a transitional stage for women and families who need safe, secure housing. You’ll need to work hard to be accepted. But I know you can do it.” Rosie handed Kelly a small stack of forms. “Why don’t we get started?”

Overwhelmed, but confident with each form that she was doing the right thing, Kelly filled out the required paperwork and answered the rest of Rosie’s questions. Afterward, she found her way back outside and waited for the girls to finish their group counseling session. They walked out of the Kid’s Team House with smiles on their face.

“Momma, can we stay here?”

“Please?”

Kelly knelt down and hugged her girls tight. She kissed each one on the cheek. “I think we’ll stay here for a while.”