"Common Grounds" PART THREE
Trent put his Corvette in neutral as he came to a stop beside Walker's rather large pickup which was already parked in the diagonal parking space along the street side. Hillsboro's simple downtown streets greeted them with its quiet pedestrian footsteps and short, shadowing buildings around them. Each square block showed something new. There was a restaurant on one corner, a roadhouse on another, a barbershop, a post office, and of course the sheriff's office they currently were parked in front of.
"Quite the quaint little town, eh?" Carlos inhaled as he stood up and out of the Corvette, shutting the sky blue door behind him as he neared the sidewalk.
"Yup." Trent followed close behind.
Carlos pulled back on the handle of the large single door. A rather warm gust blew back on them both as they entered the little building. Voices could be heard nearby as the twosome walked the narrow hall and rounded the corner into a rather minute office just a few feet ahead and to their right.
"Here they are now sir." Trivette nodded towards Trent and Carlos as they entered.
A stream of sunlight bared down through the window, highlighting the sheriff's less desirable features before finding its place at the feet of the two young men who had barely had time for their eyes to adjust to the little hole of a place before the sheriff glared down at them with his narrowing eyes. His slow Texas drawl left much to be desired of the man who considered himself to be the town's protection. "Which one of you boys is Trent?"
"Uh, I am sir." Trent took a small step forward and cleared his throat.
"The Rangers here tell me you got yourself into a peck of trouble back home."
"Yes, sir." Trent nodded, unsure of exactly where the sheriff's comments were heading.
"And somehow you four dipsticks think that a quiet town like mine could have played host to a thug kidnapper. That it?" The man raised his voice on the last note.
Ranger Walker stepped forward. "Yes. That's what I told you."
The sheriff released an aggravated sigh as he pushed back from his desk and stood erect. He pointed his finger at the Rangers. "Let me tell you something. Ain't never gonna be no one saying that Sheriff Higgins let a kidnapper through his town on his watch. Ya hear me?! So you four can march yourselves on back to Dallas or wherever it is ya come from and stay there!"
Trent and Carlos stood dumbfounded. Carlos raised one eyebrow slightly as Trent stifled his anger. He tried his best to let Ranger Walker lead.
"Listen here," Walker began, taking yet another step closer to the sheriff. "Gutierrez is a dangerous man. Those children could be in great danger if you don't let us in on what you may know. And whether or not you did let him get out of your town, it isn't those kids' fault. And they shouldn't suffer for it just because of your selfish pride." Walker sighed. His boots sounded hard against the rubbish of a floor as he made his way past his comrades and out into the cool air. The other three followed with pleasure.
Trent sighed harshly once they were out of earshot. "How could that man be so rude?"
"Tell me about it." Carlos retorted humorously as he stood next to Trent.
Trivette was the last to join them as the door closed behind him. "What now, Walker?"
"Let's ask around and see if anyone might have seen them."
"Sure thing." Trivette nodded.
"We should split up. Cover more ground." Carlos inserted.
"Good thinking." Walker agreed. "Trent and Carlos…Why don't you two cover the north side and Trivette and I will check out the south side. We'll meet back here in half an hour."
Trent and Carlos nodded their agreements and started off towards the northern area of town. There first stop was a little diner.
"Looks like as good a place as any to start." Trent led the way into the little place. Patsy Cline tunes filled their ears as a poodle skirt-clad young woman raced past them with a coffee pot in hand.
Trent and Carlos ducked back in time and sighed with relief before making their ways to the counter and being seated. In a flash, the poodle skirt darling had returned with bright eyes and a sprightly attitude to match her intense red lip rouge. If the boys weren't careful, they would have thought the girl had stepped right out of the fifties.
Then she spoke. "What can I do for you handsome boys? Maybe a house special or a cup of steaming hot joe?" Her Texas drawl added even more delight to the rather awkward conversation.
"Um," Trent smiled. "No…Afraid not. We have a few questions."
"I see." The girl's lower lip sagged slightly. "What are you guys? Police or something?"
Carlos lifted his badge from his hip and raised it into view.
"Yep. Figured as much." She smacked once on her chewing gum.
Trent reached into his leather jacket's inside pocket and drew out a recent family photo. "Have you seen this little girl or this little boy?" He indicated Tandy and Ty in the photo with his finger as he spoke.
The gal squinted hard and focused on the picture. "Nope…Wait…Um…Sure…I think."
Carlos was a hair away from rolling his eyes but listened carefully instead with a sarcastic expression.
Trent continued. "We have reason to believe that they would have left this town earlier today."
"Ya know," the girl propped her hand onto her hip as a thought suddenly entered her head, "I didn't think nothing of it, but a little girl did come in here this morning. Pretty little thing. She sort of takes after that girl in the photo. Anyways…"
Trent and Carlos exchanged wary glances.
"…She came in here very slow like she was—was scared or something. She asked for dozen donuts and just stood there by the door as if she was being watched or something. When I brought the order out, she took it, said thanks, handed me a bill, said keep the change, and scurried away."
Trent nodded eagerly. "Is that all you remember?"
"Just about, handsome." She smiled.
"Thank you," Trent responded sincerely. "You've been a great help to us, miss."
"Anytime." She smacked on her gum yet again as she watched the two young men leave the little restaurant.
Trent and Carlos returned to the sheriff's office just as the Rangers were also.
"Any luck?" Trivette queried.
"Yep." Carlos began. "Sounds like the gal at the diner may have seen Tandy."
Trivette nodded. "That's good. We also got a tip from the barber that a man fitting Gutierrez's description was seen getting into a car that matches the one we've been tracking. He said he saw it head south."
"So what now, Walker?" Trent eagerly pressed.
"We follow Gutierrez."
##
"And did you find them?" Katheryn paced the veranda of the H.O.P.E. center as Trent spoke to her from the other end. She sighed as Trent explained that they had not even seen them yet.
Miss Cahill, Josie, Mrs. Malloy, and Tommy stood nearby, awaiting any news as the last of the fundraiser attendees were taking their leave.
A gentle evening sunset was upon them as the atmosphere grew cooler by the minute. Katheryn rubbed at her arm that held the phone to her ear as she listened closely. "I see. Thanks for keeping us updated, Trent. Be safe." She hung up and turned towards the steps, descending them as she approached her friends. "Nothing yet."
Mrs. Malloy sighed. Tommy rolled his eyes.
"But," Katheryn raised her voice slightly then lowered it, "They did find out they were indeed in Hillsboro. A waitress saw Tandy."
Mrs. Malloy breathed a prayer of thanks.
Tommy clasped his lips together, trying hard not to say something he'd soon regret.
Katheryn noticed his agitation and looked his way. "They'll find them, Tommy. I know it."
Tommy didn't face her but turned the other way and began walking. He had to let it out some way. He paced back to her. "What if it's too late?"
"Have faith, Tommy. Your brother is just as angry at that man as you are right now. If not even more."
"Yeah. I suppose you're right."
"Say, what about we head over to the karate school and go a couple rounds?" Katheryn attempted a smile.
Tommy exhaled. "Sure. It won't hurt nothing I suppose."
"We'll all go." Mrs. Malloy inserted moving towards their car to unlock it.
"Great!" Katheryn moved forward with Tommy as they piled into the Malloy's car. Katheryn stopped short just before shutting the door. "Are you coming, Miss Cahill?"
"You all go ahead!" Miss Cahill shouted from the veranda steps with a smile. "We'll take care of clean-up."
"Alright!" Katheryn beamed before shutting the door as Mrs. Malloy cranked the engine and accelerated forward towards Thunder Karate.
Arriving at the school, dusk had settled in quite deeply and had eradicated what little warmth the sun had given during the day. The threesome exited the car and headed inside.
"My, it's brisk tonight!" Katheryn hugged herself, rubbing her arms as the wind played at her long hair.
"Yep." Tommy agreed scurrying into the vast building as quick as possible after his mother and Katheryn had entered.
Mrs. Malloy turned the lights on. "I'll just go up to Trent's little office area while you two are at it."
"K," Tommy reached the platform and reached for the bag of equipment on in one corner. "I'll go easy on you." He teased.
Katheryn chuckled as she set aside her handbag and coat. "Why would you do that? You afraid?"
Tommy guffawed.
"Alright…You asked for it."
The little exchange was all Tommy needed to let it out and release the anger that had built up within him all day. After an hour, he had completely forgotten his troubles. No…not forgotten. Just was relieved of its grip on his mind.
Mrs. Malloy smiled on the two young people as she gazed upon them from the loft office. Tommy and Katheryn had since collapsed onto the mat and was busy catching their breath. "Have you two had enough?"
Tommy breathed hard a couple times as he laughed aloud. "Yep. Yeah…I think so."
"I think I'm beat." Katheryn smiled as she sat upright.
Mrs. Malloy closed Trent's Bible which used to belong to her late husband and took up her handbag, heading for the stairs that led down to the main floor. "Katheryn, why don't you head home with us tonight? It's much too dark for you to be alone. You're more than welcome to stay the night."
"I'd like that." Katheryn smiled, standing to her feet.
Tommy also manage to find his footing as he stood. It was a fairly quiet ride back to the Malloy home as most present were tired and exhausted. Arriving home, Mrs. Malloy went ahead of Katheryn and Tommy.
Tommy exited the car first, followed by Katheryn. His sad expression returned for the first time since earlier that evening. "It feels weird coming home without them."
Katheryn walked alongside Tommy as they aimed for the front entrance. "Yeah. I can imagine. But the Rangers and Trent and Carlos will find them…alive and well. They'll be back nosing around in your business before you know it."
Tommy smiled from the corner of his mouth. "Somehow I know you're right."
"I am right." Katheryn quickly inserted putting her arm around the young man in a sisterly fashion as the two found their way inside for the night.
Katheryn had just settled into her temporary bed in the Malloy's guest room at just half-past ten when a small noise jostled her thoughts away and drew her attention to its source. Her forehead wrinkled in confusion as she eased from the covers…and slowly eased toward the window. Nothing. Shrugging it off, Katheryn hopped back under the warmth of the bedding and sighed, concluding that her nerves were simply tensed from being concerned about Trent, Carlos, and the children. She situated herself in bed just so…it was a bit of ritual to get it just right.
Ten minutes swiftly came and went. And with them came a deep sleep for Katheryn as she had nearly drifted away. Three creaks sent her wide awake…yet she remained unmoved. Only her eyes opened wide…not for shock….She simply was now quite a bit more alert than she was moments ago. Another creak of the floorboards led to another and another. They seemed to get louder and louder…but still far away. Something wasn't right.
Katheryn eased ever so carefully from the warmth of the covers. The nighttime cold nipped at her bare skin as she prepared her mind and body subconsciously for what might lie ahead. She placed one hand on the doorknob…and turned it, trying her best not to cause a sound as a cringe eased its way onto her face.
The latch was loosened…thankfully. Letting go of the knob, she gently placed her hand on the door itself and eased it open. It moaned slightly, causing her a small fright as she quickly ceased from moving the door and rested her forehead on its wooden frame, breathing a silent prayer. Just a few more inches, she reminded herself and began easing it open some more. Success followed as she eased her body through the narrow opening that she made and looked into the hall. No one. Nothing except the darkness that her eyes had by now become well adjusted to.
Then it appeared…A shadow across the floor just beyond the hall. Katheryn ducked back into her room, leaning her back against the wall inside and taking a deep, nerving breath. A silent one at that. Footsteps then sounded upon the floor. They were coming closer by the second. Katheryn braced herself. She knew exactly what she should do. But could she do it? Did she have the courage? Sure she did. Of course she did! She hoped….
The footsteps stopped…and turned. A gloved hand rested upon the doorknob and eased it open. The darkness shaded Katheryn from view…for at least a moment. The tall figure eased into the room, approaching the center of the room as if in silent search for some unseen person. Then he turned. But before he could, Katheryn hoisted a grand roundhouse kick to his lower back, landing back on her feet, fists in front of her face while in a stationary stance. She was ready for whatever was to come.
Bellowing forward with the wind knocked out of him, the tall, leather-clad creature picked himself up and hurled his fists toward Katheryn's face. She ducked in time…and also ducked three more times. She also managed to duck away from his rather professional roundhouse kick…but she didn't do so well on the second one and was nearly thrown onto to the bed from the force. She was determined now. With no holds barred, Katheryn threw three solid single punches and kicked the man up high in the face. But this was no ordinary man…He would not be beat.
He growled, snarled, and reached forward for Katheryn's throat, bringing her to the wall and holding her captive against his grip. She fought back but to no avail and tried to cough, gasping for every ounce of air she could find. Yet she was helpless as the man breathed curses in her face and showed great displeasure.
But as quick as it had begun, it began to dissipate. Air returned to her lungs as she gasped for every drop and leaned forward, heaving slightly. The man had fallen helplessly to the ground in one swift movement. As he fell, Katheryn lifted her eyes to see Tommy standing in the doorway…unmoved…emotionless to what he had done.
"Is he dead?" It was all Tommy could say.
"Oh, my Lord!" Mrs. Malloy had found her way to her son's side. Her hand was against her mouth as she remained stunned. She entered the room and rushed to Katheryn's side. "Are you alright, darling?"
Katheryn only nodded although her jaw hurt some. "Just sore. But I think he's even worse off." She pointed to the criminal.
"Who is this man?" Mrs. Malloy gently eased back over to her son's side.
"It's him." Tommy stated with a straight face.
"Who?"
"The one who kidnapped Tandy and Ty."
"Then…then where are they?" Mrs. Malloy nearly sobbed.
Katheryn stood upright and sighed. "We shouldn't assume that until the authorities get here."
"I suppose your right. Oh…" Mrs. Malloy sighed once more and covered her face with both of her hands and took a few deep breaths as she turned to leave the room.
Katheryn walked the short distance to where Tommy still stood. "Are you alright?"
Tommy nodded. "I did what had to be done."
Katheryn nodded. "And for that I'm grateful, Tommy."
The police squads arrived to the Malloy home in just minutes, crowding the little driveway with flashing blue lights and loud dispatch radios. The perpetrator was carried out by medical technicians and pronounced dead at the scene by the coroner.
Mrs. Malloy and Tommy stood with Katheryn off to the side in the grass at the edge of the driveway as they tried to gather their thoughts back from the horrific evening.
"Ma'am," an officer approached the threesome. "We are going to need statements from each of you."
"Of course, officer." Mrs. Malloy was the first to step forward. She knew she had to set an example.
Katheryn sighed and turned to Tommy as the officer went to the side with Katie. "Oh, I wish the Rangers could have come…and Trent and Carlos."
"Yeah." Tommy sighed.
"Could it really have been him?" Katheryn queried, knowing well that Tommy did not know the answer.
"Maybe." Tommy shook his head. "I can't believe I killed him." Terror stung at his eyes.
"Oh, Tommy, don't apologize. You saved my life."
"I know. I know. Just what if I wouldn't have had that throwing star? Trent's gonna kill me if he finds out I took them."
"No, he won't. He'll understand." Katheryn sighed.
"Sure." Tommy pushed forward as the officer motioned for him.
Mrs. Malloy returned to Katheryn. "He's shaken up quite a bit."
"Yeah. I sure hope the others can get back soon. There are so many missing pieces to this weird puzzle."
"Indeed." Mrs. Malloy put her arm around Katheryn. "Thank you for trying your best to help."
Katheryn nodded firmly. "I wouldn't have thought of doing anything different."
Mrs. Malloy managed a smile of thanks.
It would be a long night to be sure. Katheryn needed to hear a comforting voice. Many voices could be heard around her, but the only one she heard was a still small voice that told her within that everything was going to be alright. Then the next voice she heard was Carlos' voice two months ago when they were faced with unknown danger ahead. Katheryn shook away her reverie just as the officer called her forward. For some reason, the long night didn't seem quite as long anymore.
