SACRIFICES (34 page)

              Todd starts to make notes. He wants to talk to these people to see if maybe they have some theories on what might have happened and who might have known more. Todd sits the papers to the side and comes across a yearbook picture of the kids. Beth was studying pre-med. Troy was studying accounting. One of the early headlines in the Champaign paper shows that Troy was twenty-four and Beth was only twenty. Beth was in her first year of medical school, she was basically a genius. She graduated high school early at the age of 14 and college at the age of 18. Troy was actually a graduate. ‘Why were they at the party?’ Todd thinks to himself. ‘They don’t seem like the kind of kids to be hanging out with jocks at a party like that.’

              Todd starts to make several piles on his corner desk. He’s trying to figure out why the kids would have been there. Maybe they had a friend that they would have come with. ‘Wait a minute.’ Todd thinks to himself as he glances over an article. ‘They weren’t boyfriend and girlfriend. They were just friends.’ He reads further. ‘It says that they were good friends. Actually Beth was engaged to another guy from Bloomington and he was a good friend of Troy. And Troy’s girlfriend was a hairdresser at a local salon.’ Todd writes down notes and continues to read the article from the Bloomington Times.

              Todd thinks. ‘If I’m Beth’s fiance and I find out the stories I’d want to kill those pieces of shit.’ Todd tries to find more articles. ‘Here we go.’ Todd notices another article that says.
‘CASE CLOSED CAUSES TENSION IN BLOOMINGTON.
’ Todd reads further. Apparently Beth’s fiance was also a college graduate that was just hired on at a large company in Chicago. He majored in business and the job was a job of a lifetime. Todd wonders how to get a hold of this guy. He makes himself a note to follow up on that lead.

              Todd sips his coffee and looks over another article from Champaign
. ’CHAMPAIGN PD DROPS CASE AGAINST FOOTBALL TEAM.
’ ‘Why’d they drop it?’ Todd wonders to himself. With all of the stories about the team and the rumors ‘Why didn’t they pursue it further?’ Todd leans back and runs his hands through what hair he has left. Frustrated and mad, he can’t figure out why the case wasn’t investigated more. He thinks, ‘Brad and I have already found a reason to look further and we have only been on the case for a short time.’ ‘Why didn’t the locals. With all of the accusations and stories they should have checked deeper.’ Todd sighs and leans back and closes his eyes and places both hands over his face.
“Why?”
He says out loud.

              Todd starts to write down his findings into his notebook placing stars next to the ones that he thinks are good leads and ‘x’s by the ones that could be. He reaches over and picks up the studio picture of Beth Townsend that was in the files Tammy obtained from Champaign and stares into her eyes. ‘You poor girl.’ Todd looks and thinks to himself. ‘So young and so beautiful, your life shouldn’t have ended.’ Todd fights back the tears as he looks at this young girl remembering the story he heard Steve Howard tell them about the torture this sweet girl was put through. Todd sniffles and sits the picture down.

              While going through the folder he comes across a headline that catches his attention. The headline says.
‘FATHER OF MISSING GIRL DIES IN CAR ACCIDENT.’
Todd reads further and notices the headline. It’s from almost a year after the disappearance of his daughter appellate court judge Harvey Townsend dies in a car accident. He was fifty-two and is survived by his wife of thirty years. Todd reads further and sees he spent the final year of his life trying to find out what happened to his daughter and her friend.

              Todd starts to feel like if her dad was working to find out more then maybe the other parents and siblings might have been doing the same. ‘We’ll find out what really happened.’ Todd thinks as he takes all of his papers and places them back into the folder all sorted neatly.

              Todd starts to make himself a to-do list. Starting with the most promising and working his way down to probable. Todd’s reputation is that of ‘the pit bull.’ Relentless and hardcore, and once he latches on to something, he doesn’t let go. If there’s information that can be found…he
will
find it.

              Todd glances at his clock that’s in the shape of a boat steering wheel and thinks. ‘Its eight o’clock already.’ He reaches over and picks up the phone. He dials Brad’s house. He hates calling him so early but he doesn’t want to wait to tell him what he’s found.

              The phone rings for a while and finally he hears Brad’s voice pick up the phone. “
Hello
.” Brads voice is groggy.

              “Good morning sunshine. Why you still sleeping?” Todd grins as he takes another drink of his coffee.

              “I don’t know, maybe cuz I’m tired.” Brad smiles and leans up to the edge of the bed.

              “After seeing that red head last night I hope you’re tired from ‘
you know what’
you sly devil you.” Todd ribs at his buddy while he rocks back and forth with his coffee cup in one hand and his Camel non-filter in the other.

              Brad glances behind himself and sees that Jenny’s still sleeping and says. “So what’s up?”

              “I couldn’t sleep last night. I was up looking over the files that the girls compiled for us and I think we might have some pretty good leads here...” Todd opens his notebook and says. “...Did you realize that Beth and Troy weren’t dating each other? They were just friends...” Brad rubs the sleep from his eyes hardly able to keep his eyes open. “...and Beth was engaged to Troy’s buddy in Bloomington.” Todd closes the folder while Brad takes a deep breath.

              “No I didn’t.” Brad walks to the bathroom and lifts the toilet seat while Todd continues to explain.

              “And Beth was a pre-med student and Troy was an accountant that already graduated?” Todd leans back in his seat.

              Brad stands there relieving himself and listens to Todd read him off some information. “That’s all interesting. I wonder why they were at that kind of party.”

              “I asked myself that very same question. I don’t know but were going to find out. Anyway I found out a lot of stuff and I wanted to go over it with you. Do you think your lady friend would mind if I took you to breakfast this morning? You can make it up to her and take her to lunch but I think it’d be better if we talked about this just you and me.”

              Brad holds the phone with his shoulder and washes his hands. “I don’t think she’d mind at all,” Brad dries his hands and says. “…In fact, why don’t we plan on you and Jessica coming over tonight for a cook out, that way I can introduce everyone? She’s a sweet girl buddy.” Brad smiles as he looks at her sleeping.

              Todd smiles and says. “I’m sure she’s great and the cook out sounds like fun. So I’ll be over to pick you up in let’s say a half an hour or so?”

              Brad nods his head and says. “Sounds good, I’ll see you then.”

              Brad walks into the bedroom and starts to get dressed. He continues to wipe the sleep from his eyes. He’s still exhausted after his late night with Jenny at a few local nightclubs dancing and drinking till early this morning. His Jeep is at the Oasis downtown. They had to take a taxi home neither one were in any kind of shape to drive. It was a good time. He whispers to Jenny about what his plans are and she smiles. He can’t wait for her to meet Todd and Jessica. He’s really excited about that. Brad continues to yawn barely able to keep his eyes open. The best way he can figure is Jenny and him got back to his place about four-thirty this morning.

BRAD AND TODD ARRIVE AT A LOCAL CAFE FOR BREAKFAST

             
Todd parks his truck and the two men walk inside. The cafe has the best food in town as far as they’re concerned. It’s a small hometown restaurant environment just a few miles from the big city. It’s on the outskirts of town and the food is second to none.

              Brad and Todd, for years have stopped in to enjoy the home cooked meals that taste like moms cooking. The name of this eatery is Mom’s; the name is right on the money. The waitresses and owners know the two men by name and never charge the guys. Knowing the way the owners are the guys always leave a tip that more than covers the bill to show their appreciation and respect.

              Mary sits the guys down in a booth right by the door. She places her hand on Todd’s shoulder and says. “You boys want some coffee?”

              Todd smiles and tells the friendly waitress. “That sounds good sweetheart.”

              Todd reaches over and says. “You all right buddy? You don’t look too good.” He touches the top of his hand.

              Brad forces a smile and yawns. “I’m ok, just a little tired. It was a late night but I‘ll be fine.” Brad looks around the restaurant.

              Mary sits down the coffee. “Do you boys want the usual?”

              They smile and nod. Mary walks away as Todd and Brad start to doctor their coffee with sweetener and creamer.

              Mary’s in her early fifties, she one of the sweetest people you’d ever meet in your life. Her hairs dark with gray streaks and she’s about five-foot tall; Sweet and little, very petite. She resembles Loretta Lynn in the face; an adorable woman that talks with a southern draw. Not much older than the guys but she treats them like her sons. She’s a doll.

              Todd looks over. “Um, Jenny…” He smiles. “So, where did you two meet?”

              Brad stirs his coffee. “We actually met at one of the press conferences.” He nods his head not looking at Todd directly.

              “What is she a reporter?” Todd wonders as he sips his coffee.

              “No, actually she’s a friend of Debby Young in administration; you know who I’m talking about?”

              “Sure,” He smiles. “Debby’s a sweet girl. How do they know each other? Is Jenny from around here?” Todd inquires as he looks over the free classified paper someone left on the table.

              “Actually she lives in Peoria. I guess her and Debby go back a lot of years. Jenny said she saw me on TV and thought,” Brad looks away feeling embarrassed. “Well she thought I was good looking. She called Debby because she knew Debby worked at the fifth precinct. That’s how we met. Debby sent her a press pass and she came to the conference.” Brad sips his coffee and looks away trying to not seem arrogant.

              “Oh yeah… Well, I always told you that you were a good-looking man.” Todd bats his eyes jokingly and winks.

              “Thank you.” He looks away and sighs.

              Todd takes a deep breath and asks right out. “Are you two serious?”

              Brad sighs again. “I don’t know?”

              “You don’t know? What kind of answer is that?” Todd remarks feeling at this moment there’s more to know.

              “I guess, I mean I really like being around her and she’s very sweet.” Brad explains not even sure of his true feelings himself.

              “She sure is beautiful.” Todd casually replies stirring his coffee.

              Brad nods his head. “Yes she definitely is.”

              “And she has a great body doesn’t she?” Todd looks out the window.

              Brad nods his head again. “Yes she does there‘s no doubt about that.”

              “And if I were a single man, boy oh boy, I’d be all over her like white on rice. She’s a fox. I can‘t think of a man alive that wouldn‘t.”

              Brad nods his head again. “You’re right about that.”

              “So,” Todd looks away. “…have you two been intimate?” Todd looks away again.

              Brad doesn’t respond. He just starts to stir his coffee some more.

              Todd says. “That coffee doesn’t need stirred anymore.”

              Brad nods his head. “Yes we have.” Brad removes the spoon and looks Todd directly in the eyes. “And, and I don’t know how I should feel about it?”

              Todd takes a sip of his coffee and makes the comment.

“When you two,” He smiles and nods his head to the side. “…well you know what I mean. Was it a nice experience?”

              Brad smiles and explains. “Yes it was. But at the same time I felt like I was doing something wrong.”

              Todd whispers. “Bud, you didn’t do anything wrong. If it was good for both of you then it was right. You know what I mean? That was a big step for you…she’s your first since Nicole.”

              Brad nods his head and says. “It’s Nicole. I really love her, and I miss her a lot, you know,” Todd smiles and shake his head. “…and I know she’s gone and she’s not coming back but I still feel like I’m cheating on her,” Brad sighs. “…you know?”

              Todd doesn’t respond at first. Then after a few moments he says. “Look at it this way for me ok? Remember four years ago when I got shot?” Brad nods. “For a while it was sketchy from what I was told. I guess I almost bought the farm that day.”

              “Yeah, you almost died. I remember it well. It was a scary day for everyone.” Brad sighs.