Chapter Two
"It was fifty years ago, Sandra. I'm sure all the interested parties are long gone."
"Not Scotts' parents," she says as she removes her jacket. "They were 24 at the time. Scott was five...."
"They were married young." Brian's voice is heard.
"Yes Lisa Campbell and her husband Harold were married at the age of eighteen, why? Because when they were seventeen Lisa became pregnant, not with Scott but with her eldest son John." She crosses her arms as a sign of please no more interruptions, "Alright Brian, does that satisfy that inquisitive brain of yours?" Brian only nods his head. Sandra holds her hand to her forehead, "Where was I?"
"Scott was five," Jack chimes in.
"Yes, Scott was five and his killer has been allowed to live as a free man all these years."
"What about Strickland," Jack walks between Sandra and I, "He'll never…."
She holds her hand up, "Already cleared with him, if we can solve a case this old…"
I wanted and needed to crush her spirit on this case, "You want to prove something, don't you? That you're top girl, the best, the....that's all it means to you."
She takes a step closer to me, "I'm trying to rid you of your fear and your pain," she drops the file onto my desk, "Tosser." The smile I exhibit catches her eye and she smiles in return. "You have to tell Brian and Jack the story."
I knew it was hopeless once she got her teeth into something it was going to be hell to get her to back off, shit we're all the same that way. Guess that's why we do make a great team.
For the next half an hour I repeat the tale of my journey that day.
When I told Jack and Brian my story it was easier this time, I was still trying very hard to distance myself, it wasn't working. Even though the woods are miles from this room, that overwhelming fear is still so near. Not sure if I want to know any more.
"The more you remember the better," Brian says.
I don't comment to the remark I just lower my head, that's easy for you to say, I think to myself.
"Ok," Sandra stands and looks my way, "First stop, Scott's parents."
"Do you remember seeing them or meeting them?" Jack asks as he opens the front passenger side door of Sandra's car.
"Nah, I wasn't told about the little boy and I don't...I didn't tell anyone."
The ride out of the city and into the country was long and with not much conversation. Nothing looked familiar to me, either it had changed so much or I had just forgotten.
The look of shock and elation was on the face of Lisa Campbell when Sandra informed her as to why we were there. She did all the introductions and when she got to me I felt a little queasy inside, would she? Did she know that I had seen her son that horrific day? My mind was filled with what I would say if she did, that I was sorry, I was only six, my parents wanted and needed to protect me. Protect me, they were as frightened as I was, I know how I would feel if one of my daughters or my Grandson went missing. My thoughts were interrupted by the sound of a man's voice as he was entering the room, not Lisa's husband more likely her son.
"I was only seven at the time, I don't remember much but the one thing I do remember, is that at the same time," he touches his mother's arm, "Remember Mum that boy that got lost."
Lisa holds her hand to her mouth, was she thankful that I was found safe or was she wondering why her son wasn't able to escape his fate as I did. "As I did," I say the words aloud and when I realize that I look up and five sets of eyes are on me.
"Gerry," Sandra stands and purposely blocks my view of the Campbell's, "Remember something?"
"Ah, no." I shake my head trying once again to distance myself from this bloody mess. "No!" I bellow as I stand. Not saying it but wanting them all to leave me alone. They don't, so I leave the room, "Need air," I say as I run my fingers through my hair.
I can hear Lisa Campbell ask, "Is he alright? He looked very pale."
The air outside is crisp and the day turned out to be sunny, I start walking away from the house, is this the house that Scott lived in? I ask myself, suddenly I realize that I am over 100 meters away from the house. I start my journey back, I feel responsible, why? I didn't do anything wrong. Or did I?
I hear voices ahead as Sandra, Jack, Brian and John Campbell are exiting the house. "I'm sorry about my Mum."
Sandra pats John on the back, "Don't be, it must still be so vivid in her mind."
"Are we all done here?" I ask with much anticipation for the answer to be yes.
"No, not yet," Sandra says sternly. She walks up to me and links her arm in mine, speaking softy, "John is going to show us where Scott's body was found," she tugs on my arm gently, "I think it would be a good idea if you came along."
The heavy breathing started and the queasy feeling returned, "We're all here for you," Brian says.
I break away from Sandra's hold, "I'm not a child, Brian. I don't need you lot...." their faces, all of them show only concern for me. I turn to gaze upon the forest before me, "I can...." I shake my head, "I can't do this."
"Yes you can, we'll be right next to you all the way," Sandra moves her arms and Jack and Brian are standing on either side of me.
"All of us," Brian says as reassuringly as possible.
"Come on Gerry," Jack says with his fatherly way. "Let's do this."
….That is all for now....
