Here is chapter 16. I sometimes will add a chapter daily. Be sure to check the previous chapter to ensure you haven't skipped it. Thanks for reading and feel free to review.
-16-
"We have no reason to believe there is a connection that the other missing women have to this jurisdiction. We have no proof that the perpetrator is or ever has based their operation anywhere in or near Frederick County. Miss. Norton was likely transported to the location where she was found south of Mountain Falls and left there."
The statement from Detective James Blynn of the Frederick County sheriff's department made both Callie and Iola look at each other, then back to him. Both women wore incredulous expressions.
"I'm sorry." Callie said, forcing a brief smile. "What are you saying?" Detective Blynn, a portly man of about 40, ran his fingers through his receding brown hair. He gave them a curt smile.
"What we have here, ladies, is a red herring. We feel that this perpetrator is likely based perhaps down in Roanoke. Maybe even Greensboro."
"North Carolina?" Callie asked in disbelief. Detective Blynn shrugged.
"Your guess is as good as mine. All I am saying is that we have no evidence of any activity here in Frederick County beyond the aforementioned red herring that was left in Mountain Falls." Callie did her best to internalize all of her building frustration.
"What about the photo we just showed you?" Iola spoke up. "The photo shows the exit 310 marker sign." Detective Blynn blinked back at her.
"What you showed me is a photo taken by the kidnapper's accomplice. From a device which was conveniently left behind by the same party. Does it not seem a bit suspect to have that happen in the act of abducting your missing child? Again, that seems an awful lot like someone is placing a red herring in our fair county." He took a deep breath and sighed. "Look, I will be happy to get you our case book on the discovery of the Norton girl. If you want, you can go up there and check things out yourself. But, it's not anything we haven't already done when we found her. I mean it had occurred to us that this may have been more than a diversion. So, we did an exhaustive investigation and came up with zilch! We concluded that she was brought there and left there. If this perp has a dozen or more girls held, I think there would be evidence which would have presented itself. Given that the magnitude of such a crime would be pretty well thought out. And had to have been quite the feat to pull of. And quite difficult to maintain all these captives with any degree of privacy."
"So, you do not feel that the photo of exit 310 has any significance? That's what you're saying?" Callie prodded. Blynn tossed his hands up.
"Pretty much. It has red herring written all over it. Kidnapper's accomplice leaves it on their phone, that they conveniently leave behind at the scene. Knowing, full well that the image will be seen by law enforcement. As I just said, we did an investigation of the area that Heather Norton was found. As did the FBI. All results indicated that it was quite unlikely that the crimes originated from anyone in this county. Much less Frederick County being the haven where this perp is living with his harem." Callie rolled her eyes.
"I suppose it doesn't matter to you that the kidnapper's accomplice was under duress? She is a victim herself! I'm sure she would like to get away." Detective Blynn tilted his head and looked at her.
"Then why didn't she call the police when she was obviously free to do so when she was in the bowling alley for hours? She could have done that and likely supplied law enforcement with infinitely more information than a blurry photo which might be that of a Winchester Virginia I-81-mile marker. Yes, she is a victim as well. But how are we certain that she really is under duress? The Stockholm Syndrome is a real thing. Surely, you understand that? We do not know her state of mind. We do not know if she was truly under duress at the time the crime of kidnapping your daughter happened. All we have are the facts that this exit sign was conveniently supplied. And its proximity to the location where the Norton girl was found seems a bit suspect. But I can only say it so many times. We feel this is a red herring. I strongly recommend you take your investigation further south." Callie remained silent as she sat there staring at the detective. She had very much hoped that she would encounter a local police department willing to assist her in any way. Clearly, this department wanted nothing to do to be affiliated with the kidnappings.
"Do you have human trafficking problems in Frederick County, Detective?" Blynn leaned back in his chair and looked from side to side.
"Well, maybe along the I-81 corridor. But we do not feel that any are operating or originated within our county, no." Detective Blynn gave them a somewhat smug look for a moment, then relaxed his expression to indifference. "Look, Detective Morton. I am not unsympathetic to your cause. Obviously, when one's child is taken in such a manner, it can be quite stressing. I just don't think you are going to find anything here. We did quite a search of the area all around up there. We came up with little to nothing. But I will gladly supply you with the case book... what there is of it." Callie knew she wouldn't get anywhere here. Even less if she blew up in his face like she felt inclined to. She nodded briefly and pursed her lips thoughtfully. She reached into her purse and pulled out a business card.
"Thank you, detective. If you wouldn't mind scanning the book and sending it to the email address on the card." Blynn reached across his desk and accepted the card. He nodded.
"Of course, detective. Again, I would really suggest you head south. Two of the girls in this group came out of Roanoke. They have a team set up down there I understand." Callie exchanged glances with Iola, then nodded to him.
"Thank you, detective. But, we may stay in your area for a while anyway. Just to, you know, make sure." Blynn nodded indifferently then leaned back in his chair.
"It's your time, detective. But a word of advice?" Callie perked her brows.
"Yes?"
"If you go trapesing around up near Mountain falls, Mt. Williams, Mt Pleasant area... you are bound to discover that it can be anything but pleasant. Some of those places can be pretty rough in their elements. Especially to a couple gals." Callie was about to take a full step forward and let him have a solid piece of her mind. But, she felt Iola's hand on her back and a glance from the corner of her eye which basically said Don't start, or they won't even bother sending us the case book. Callie pressed a disingenuous smile to her lips and nodded cordially.
"Well, thank you for that input. I will certainly give it some thought before treading where I may not be welcome." He smiled back at her.
"You do that. I'd hate for anyone to get into trouble that could be avoided." His smug expression returned.
"Good day, detective." Callie said briskly. She and Iola turned and left the office.
Chat and Aimee sat at a table sipping coffee. They had discovered a place called Hopscotch Coffee & Records. An eclectic little shop specializing in coffee drinks and vintage records and tapes.
"Place has good coffee." Chet commented while starting his third drink. Aimee smiled and looked around.
"Definitely. Also, so much nicer than the Starbucks I work in. God, that place is a drag. Didn't feel bad when I got fired." Chet gave her a look of surprise.
"How did you get fired?" Aimee raised her eyes upward and gave a shrug.
"I had a conflict with their schedule. I was going to be out of town." Chet shook his head.
"Well, you are something special. Not everyone would risk their job to help a friend." Aimee shook her head and waved her hand in front of her face.
"Ah, don't worry about it. Wasn't much of a job I can tell you that. If it wasn't customers constantly hitting on me, it was coworkers. Got to be a real drag. Chet took another drink and sat back looking at her.
"Yeah, I guess that would be a problem for a woman like you. Having to go to work with that being an anticipated issue would probably make it quite the bummer."
"Not just at work." Aimee said, looking around the cafe. "I've been checked out at least three times in the last half hour. Guy over there looking at records keeps looking over here every so often." Chet tilted his head towards the opposite side of the building. He did indeed notice a young man in his early twenties that seemed to be half-heartedly looking at an album. His general direction of vision appeared to have their table dead center. Chet gave a brief chuckle.
"Damned if you aren't right. Guys are pretty obvious most of the time, too. Seems like the younger they are, the pushier they can be." He shook his head. "I was never like that. Wasn't considered good manners." Aimee giggled at him and looked down at her drink. Chet looked at her curiously. "Did I say something funny?" Aimee looked at him knowingly.
"Well... maybe. I remember a few conversations with Cal. One sticks out at me..." Chet's face reddened slightly as he put his hand to his temple.
"Oh, I'm afraid to ask." Aimee nodded with a grin.
"Yep... Something about a babysitter who was quite young. And a lap dance." Chet gave a half smile and took a long drink. He sighed and nodded.
"Oh, yes. Not one of my better moments a couple years back. I have no legitimate excuse. Cal and I had been lacking intimacy for several months at that point. I just suppose I needed..." Chet fell quiet as he was clearly embarrassed. Aimee placed her hand on his and smiled.
"I am not judging, I promise. It was bad of me to bring it up." Chet looked up and gave a half smile.
"Well, it just wasn't a good time in life. I am not that type of guy." He glanced over at her. "I don't think anyway." Aimee pursed her lips thoughtfully and looked back at him.
"I think I can sense that. The guy over there..." She said, gesturing back towards the record area. "He is an easy read. I can feel his hormones all the way over here." Chet glanced over in that area. Sure enough the young guy was still making random glances over at their table.
"Well, can't really blame the guy." He mumbled. He noticed her hand was still on his and realized he was sweating a bit. He withdrew his hand and stretched back and gave a yawn. Aimee giggled to herself.
"Well, I am glad you are here. Otherwise he would no doubt be over here taking his shots. And I have little patience for that kind of thing." Chet nodded his understanding.
"Did you ever just tell these guys that you're a lesbian?" Aimee couldn't help but laugh at the statement. She took a drink and gave a quick nod.
"Well, I have used that reply before in extreme situations where I really wanted to get rid of the letch. But the problem is that I'm not really a lesbian." Chet took a drink and looked over at her.
"Oh? Guess I just thought that you pretty much were." Aimee tilted her head conceding the notion was a reasonable one to presume.
"Well, yeah, since I've met Cal I have never been with another man. But I wouldn't say I am ready to declare myself a lesbian. I guess I just dislike most guys I run in to. They all just seem to want one thing and don't care what they say to you to get it. Then when you start to feel attached and want things to progress to another level, they usually show their youth and immaturity. It just seems like such an effort." Aimee shook her head thinking about it. "I think I prefer sensitive, responsible, older guys. But, those have always been in short supply in my life. So, when I met Callie and Iola that night, we just all kind of hit it off and..." Chet looked down at his drink with a smile.
"Oh, so you and my sister...have...uhm..." Aimee giggled and nodded.
"It has happened, yes. I hope that doesn't make me a bad person in your eyes." Chet leaned back and shook his head.
"Not a bit. Iola is a big girl. But she and Joe have a lot of shit to work out. I guess they have both effectively violated their vows. It's a big mess, but I am not one to pass judgment. I hope they can steer things back on course. If it is meant to be."
"That's a pretty open-minded attitude to have. It speaks well for you. I figure you might be one to cast judgment since Joe was your friend and all." Chet sighed.
"Well, I guess it is sad that maybe we don't all have that same connection that we had back in the day. I suppose I just figure that as adults we all have actions that we must be responsible for. I can't say one way or the other. But if you have the ability to stay objective, it's probably best. All those people who choose up sides and hold a person up to some perceived standard of ethic or lifestyle... I don't know, man. Just sounds pretty screwed up. I just hope they can work out their issues, and if not, at least find some peace in their lives."
"I imagine the way you are feeling and stressed as you are, it's probably not really something to think about much. There is something way more important right now. Finding Maddie." Chet nodded soberly.
"That's a fact. I just hope Cal and Iola make some progress with the sheriff. Would be nice to have some leads and support now that we are down here." He looked down at his phone to check the time and any messages. "I suspect we are going to have to get another ride, too. We are burning a lot of time here drinking coffee while they have our only vehicle." He glanced over at Aimee. "Not that I mind hanging out and having some good coffee and a nice conversation."
"I know. Me neither. But we could be spending our time checking things out. Maybe another car would be good since we aren't accomplishing much this way."
"Yeah, my little girl is out there and the clock is ticking!"
The two vans sat side by side. They were both parked in the rear of a large grey colored building constructed of cinder blocks. A thin figure in a dark hoodie got out of the faded blue beat up van. He looked from side to side to ensure there was no one observing him. He walked over to the other van, which was a white panel van. On the side the stenciled lettering read ACMEJAX PROCESSING. He gave a quick tap to the driver's side window. A moment later the window lowered. A heavyset man of about 55 with a wavy mop of faded red hair looked over to him. The man in the hoodie again looked all around the area.
"I will not do this daytime shit again. It's way too risky. All future pickups need to happen at night. Got it?" The heavyset man grunted.
"I'm just the broker, man. The receiver has his own schedule. And he's the buyer." The thin man shook his head.
"I don't give a shit. I am the supplier. Tell him, and anyone else we do business with that I will only do business under my terms! If they have a problem with that they can go shopping on their own. I will not risk any more daytime transfers. Now, come on!" The driver grunted again and opened the van door and stepped out. he was about 5'6" and weighed in at about 260 pounds. He wore a large plaid flannel shirt that covered his big belly. He wore black sweat pants. He shuffled between the two vans and went to the back of the blue van. He tried to open it, but it was locked.
"Hey, it's locked." He hissed to the thin man who followed him.
"Of course it's locked. I'm not carrying laundry back there. Not to mention there's a little matter of money." The heavyset man nodded excessively.
"Yeah... yeah. Can't forget that." He said reaching to his hip, where he had a black nylon zipper pack that was strapped around his ample waist. He pulled out five bundles of currency and handed them over. "Here you go, 60 large, less my 10. Gives you $50,000."
"I can do math, Swanson." he said with disdain as he took the money and then placed it inside his jacket. He took out a key, then paused, looking all around the area. The building was the only thing in sight. They were in a fairly desolate area.
"Good lord, Reese! We go through this same crap each time." He said impatiently.
"And that's why I don't get caught! Remember that." he hissed. He quickly unlocked the back door of the van and opened it. "Get your door open, fat ass." Swanson grunted and stepped over to open up the back of his van. The thin man reached in and pulled out a large heavy object wrapped in a light canvas and slung it over his shoulder. He quickly carried it over to the panel van. He laid it gently on the floor.
"How long will the sedative last?" Swanson asked.
"About two more hours." Reese replied as he lifted up a second figure and carried it over to lay it next to the other. He slammed the door. "After that, you better be at your destination or have something to continue keeping them quiet." Swanson nodded.
"Any new action? Or just the existing stable selection?" Reese closed the back door of his van and paused. He managed to smile to his companion.
"Well, as a matter of fact, I just got a sweet blonde with a rack to die for. All of 14 but she could pass for 18. Very shapely. And to top it off." He paused and licked his lips. "She is as pure as driven snow." Swanson gave a sickeningly delighted smile.
"Sounds good. Got pictures?" Reese nodded.
"I'll show you one. Was taken the night I acquired her. If you have need for others, I can get them of course." He took out a phone and pulled up a picture. He showed it to Swanson. The fat man's eyes widened.
"Damn, that's a slice of pie right there. And you're sure she hasn't been in the back seat of a car with the captain of the football team?" Swanson's southern drawl became even more pronounced when discussing attractive teenage girls. Reese shook his head.
"No. She was way too clean. She seemed educated, Composed for her age. Her innocence was definitely on display when I first encountered her yesterday. Don't come across these products too often." Swanson grinned happily.
"Oh, I could probably find that one a new home. Is she the usual 30 big ones?" Reese rolled his eyes and shook his head.
"Does she look like she came from a trailer park like those two you got in your van? No. This one will come dear to whoever wants to play."
"How dear?" Swanson grunted.
"125K and that is not at all negotiable." Swanson scratched his head and looked down.
"Damn, man. You think we are selling to them rich sheiks or something? That's a ton of bread for any of our usual handlers. You do remember some of them are also moving the product along and are just another rung on the ladder. You have to give them room to make something."
"That's the price. If she doesn't get interest at that price, I may just keep her to myself. If they want a bargain, they can shop from the older stock."
"I will see what interest is given. But, I will need more photos. Detailed ones." Reese nodded.
"I can do that. Look in your email later tomorrow. I should be able to have a photo session by then." Swanson nodded slightly.
"Ok, I'm out of here." The pair got into their vans and drove off in opposite directions.
Chet and Aimee slid into the rear seats of the Bronco. Callie guided the vehicle back into the late morning traffic.
"How did it go?" Chet asked with piqued curiosity. Callie gave an audible grunt.
"Let's just say not very well. The local sheriff's office will be of little to no help. They are far too concerned keeping an image in place that there is no possibility that any kidnapper or human trafficking could be happening in Frederick County. They suggest that the discovery of Heather Norton near Mountain Falls was very likely a red herring." She noticed Chet's incredulous look. "Yeah, babe. That's the same look I gave them."
"What about the photo of the exit?" Aimee asked, also appearing quite disturbed by the news. Iola shook her head.
"Detective Blynn suggests that it further enforces the red herring theory. Since the phone was found at the scene by the kidnapper's accomplice. Meaning, they believe the phone was an intentional plant meant to be found. They wanted the photo to be seen so we would believe the crime was based in this county. So, essentially, they are trying to discredit Jaime because she seemed more of an accomplice than a victim. They suggest she could have easily contacted police and given them a wealth of information to help find the perp."
"At the cost of her sister's life!" Aimee exclaimed with disgust. Callie sighed.
"So, we are pretty much on our own. They will email a copy of the case book on the Norton investigation. But, strongly recommended that we pursue our search further down the corridor. Say, Roanoke or even on into North Carolina!"
"Talk about deflecting and passing the buck!" Chet said. "So, I suppose we are heading to the area where Heather Norton was found?"
"Eventually." Callie said with uncertainty. "We have to wait for the case book to be emailed so we can get the exact location."
"Ok, so we have a little time to kill." Chet looked out the window. "Aimee and I were thinking we should probably get a second ride. We sat in the coffee shop for some time. It might be helpful to have it. Especially considering that we are attacking this from a couple different angles."
"What do you think the best method of approach should be, bro?" Iola asked, hoping for some kind of plan to be laid out.
"Well, here are my thoughts. We get another vehicle. Something equally as rustic as my alter ego. I don't think I'd be too believable as a redneck type if I showed up in that area with a new $70,000 Bronco. I think that Callie having the valid PI license should continue to investigate by doing the door to door bit. She can perhaps also gain sympathy as a mother of a missing daughter. Some people may be willing to help. Others, will be the opposite and not want anything to do with an outsider from another culture or detective." Callie nodded.
"Sounds reasonable to me. So, essentially, I will have to put some distance from you up there. Your cover wouldn't last long if they saw the town's newest rustic hanging out with the PI from the north. This would mean separate motels, assuming they have more than one up there."
"I think I'd have to go one better." Chet interjected. "I would probably have to find a house or apartment to rent. To give the impression that I am there to stay."
"Makes sense." Iola agreed. "What about Aimee and I?" Chet tilted his head and smiled.
"Well, I think you need to be a backup for Cal. And as for Aimee, I think she should help enhance my cover."
"How would she do that?" Callie asked with raised eyebrows.
"Well..." Chet gestured with an open palm towards Aimee. "I think she should be my old lady. We can go in as Walter and Bunny Hopkins." Callie looked briefly over her shoulder. Iola was already staring at them.
"Walter and Bunny Hopkins?" Callie repeated. "Girl, you know that name alone will drop your IQ about 40 points." Before Aimee could reply, Iola looked at her.
"Did my brother run this idea by you before now?" Aimee's lips cracked a grin. She shook her head.
"No, but it actually sounds kind of fun." She said glancing over to Chet. Callie remained silent for a moment.
"Well, uhm, ok then. I suppose that's one way we can go." She paused. "Say, I could use some lunch. The rest of you hungry?" All stated that they could definitely eat. Callie soon spied a steak house and signaled to turn. A few minutes later she parked and all got out.
"Grab us a table, bro. We need to freshen up." Iola said. Chet shrugged and nodded.
"Ok, sis." Callie, Iola and Aimee entered the lady's room. Iola began washing her face. Callie looked over to Aimee. She took her hands and smiled to her.
"Girl, are you sure you are going to be alright going undercover with Chet? I mean it wasn't that long ago that you two... I don't know... didn't like each other very much. I just don't want you guys killing each other." Iola patted her face with a paper towel and nodded.
"It's a good question, Aimee. I love my brother and he has shown immense change since coming back to town. But I'd hate for you guys to be stuck together and then start getting on each other's nerves. You know, Chet blaming you for his marriage difficulties or you getting pissed at him because he represents an obstacle to your happiness with Cal." Aimee smiled to both of them.
"Guys, I think it will be fine. I've had a couple talks with him and really don't think he holds any past animosity towards me. And for my part, I certainly don't think ill of him. Besides, this could be fun." Callie shot her a look.
"Fun? We are down here to find my child! Just because my husband is giving you the chance to role play from that stupid movie doesn't mean this is going to be a risk-free investigation. We are dealing with a kidnapper and murderer. You know what happened the last time we ran across a kidnapper? You and I both came a whisper from being quite dead." Aimee was somewhat taken aback by Callie's abrupt harshness towards her. She stepped back and took a breath. She thought about it and could definitely understand why she felt the way she did. Maddie was in the hands of a lunatic and no one knew where she was or if she was safe. Callie had every reason to be reactive.
"I'm sorry Cal." Aimee said softly. "I didn't mean to suggest this was some kind of vacation or that I wasn't taking things seriously. I love Maddie, too. And I am sorry I upset you." She paused thoughtfully. "I suppose it would probably be best if I took Chet up on his suggestion anyway. Just for the fact I will be out of your hair. I'm sorry." She said and rushed from the restroom.
Callie closed her eyes. She had almost immediate regret that she went off on Aimee that way. Iola stepped forward and placer her arms around her.
"It's ok, girl." She said patting her back. Callie took a deep breath.
"Oh, that was a big screw up on my part, Iola. I never lose my cool like that. She must think I'm horrible."
"No, she doesn't. You just took her a little by surprise. Me too for that matter. But I totally understand. Maddie is out there and we are all going nuts trying to figure out how to best find her. The police aren't helping and it's almost like we are on our own. Hey, with any luck in less than a week we might have Fenton helping out!" Callie put her head on Iola's shoulder and gave a brief nod.
"I just need to find her before I go nuts on everyone, or myself." Iola nodded.
"Well, I will step in and save you before that happens. It's what friends are for." Callie stood back up. She managed a smile.
"You are a good friend. You have helped keep me grounded so much. I truly love you and our long friendship."
"I love you too, Cal. Means a lot. I feel the same way. I think we are there for each other when things turn to shit. And it means so much." Callie turned to look in the mirror.
"Oh my. I need a definite wash and touch up here. Go out and tell them I will be there shortly. And if you can order me a drink, I'd appreciate it. If you don't mind driving." Iola nodded then smiled.
"You kidding? I've been aching to get behind the wheel of that ride! I will tell them. Wash up and give yourself a few. I can order you something if you like?" Callie nodded.
"Feel free. Thanks, girl."
A few minutes later Iola slid into the booth across from Chet and Aimee.
"Cal is just washing up. A little crisis, but it's ok now." She looked at Aimee. "Don't take anything she said in there too much to heart. She has a lot on her shoulders right now." Aimee pushed a smile and nodded.
"I know. I was not thinking. It's going to be ok." A moment later a waitress came up to their booth.
"Hey, y'all. Can I start you out with a drink?" Iola nodded.
"Sure. I'd like a diet Coke. And my friend who is still in the restroom would like a double Bushmills and an ice water, please."
"I'll take a Corona, please." Aimee said quietly.
"Water and lime on ice, thank you." Chet said. The waitress nodded.
"Sounds fine. Be back with that." She turned to go get their drink order. A few minutes later Callie slid into the booth next to Iola.
"Hey, guys. Sorry I took so long." She said with a smile.
"Ordered you a drink." Iola told her. Callie nodded.
"Great, thanks." She looked across the table at Aimee, who was doing her best to avoid eye contact. She caught her eye and smiled. "I am sorry. I really am. Are you ok?" Aimee nodded and did her best to smile back.
"Yeah. I'm fine. Don't sweat it." Chet cleared his throat in hopes to break up the tenseness.
"I was thinking. Maybe it would be good if Aimee and I secured the other vehicle I was talking about here in Winchester. Then we could head to Mountain Falls separately. That way if by chance the area is being used by the perp, there is no real connection. If there is something underhanded going on, we just won't know who to trust. I suggest we get there and you guys check into a motel. We will arrive and see if we can't find some kind of place to rent. If not, we may end up at the motel anyway. But we should try to avoid staying in the same place. We can communicate by phone and coordinate." Callie nodded slowly.
"Yeah. I guess that makes good sense. This may all be a bust, but I want to make sure that the Sheriff's department theory about this being a red herring has some merit to it before I just up and start driving a couple hundred miles south. I still firmly believe that Jaime's picture was not a planted clue for us to find. I think the area over there warrants a good investigation." Iola nodded.
"For sure."
An hour later the Bronco pulled up to a small car lot called Eldred Classic Car Connection.
"Why don't you and Iola hang loose, Cal. If we find a ride here we can transfer some of the items I brought, then we can part ways." Callie nodded.
"Sounds fine." She said. Chet and Aimee got out and walked over to the nearby lot and started looking over vehicles. Iola looked over to Callie.
"Doing ok?" Cal nodded and let her seat recline back.
"Yeah. I think this will work out good... provided the two of them don't turn on each other." Iola giggled.
"True, but as you said yesterday, Aimee seemed to have a thing for role play of characters she likes from movies. So maybe she will just get into things a bit and they can play their parts and dig up some info which might help. I definitely feel it's a good plan to go at this from two directions. The locals may be disinclined to talk much to us. Hopefully we can find some people to talk about it. Can't imagine everyone being tight lipped about the poor teenage girl that turned up tied to a tree." Callie looked up from her phone and nodded.
"True enough. Well, surprisingly the email with the casebook files attached came through. So, looks like we can proceed. I am going to see what kind of lodging is up that way."
"Wise idea." Iola said as she looked out the window. "Looks like most of these cars are restorations. Beautiful rides, but I fear that many of them probably cost more than this one." Callie shrugged as she searched on her phone.
"Does the price really matter? It's more about fitting in. Lots of redneck types may have the crappiest house you ever did see. But don't be surprised if their garage has a vehicle in it that cost a lot. And that is usually a classic muscle car. They just have that sense of priority. Cool car, maybe a lot of guns, big screen TV. You know, the important things." Iola glanced over at the smirk on Cal's face.
"Yeah. I've seen it a lot. But they seem to have a distinct lack of retirement account, children's college funds or good health care coverage."
"Like I said, different set of priorities." She looked down and smiled. "Hey, think I found a place up there that's actually not a dump to stay at."
"Serious?" Callie nodded looking down.
"Yes. Place called Pembrook Springs retreat. Apparently one of those middle of nowhere places that appeals to people who need to get back out into nature, without actually roughing it. There is also a place closer to Mountain Falls that Chet can actually stay at. But is not quite as pleasant. Called the Hayfield Motel. Looks just plain scary. Oversized old units. I suspect are there for those who need long term housing and can't afford an actual house." Iola leaned over and looked down at the phone. She cringed when she saw the photos.
"Wow. I am surprised they put pictures like that up. I mean isn't the point of being listed on Google to attract business?" Callie nodded.
"That's what I always thought."
The pair sat there for another forty minutes. Finally, Chet and Aimee walked back to the car. Chet ducked his head inside the back door.
"We are all set. Just getting a final wash on the car. Easiest sale this guy has made in a year I'm sure."
"Find something nice?" Chet nodded.
"Will suit the image. I will pull it down here in a few and unload some things from the back."
"Sounds good. By the way, looks like there are a couple different places to stay up there. I will text you a place you can stay."
"Great. Thanks for doing that. Be back in a minute!" He said and closed the door. Callie managed to grin.
"Don't thank me yet. I just gave you the 2-star dump to call home." Iola leaned back and laughed.
A few minutes wait and Callie looked in the side view mirror and saw a dark purple metallic car pull up behind her.
"Oh lord. He is ahead of schedule for his mid-life crisis car." Iola looked back and her jaw dropped.
"Oh my." The pair got out and walked back. Chet got out of what could only be called a certified example of genuine American made road muscle.
"What kind is it?" Callie asked looking it over.
"This is an all original 1971 Plymouth Hemi Roadrunner in plumb crazy purple."
"Isn't it cool?" Aimee smiled as she looked at it.
"Definitely is that." Iola conceded. Chet opened the back of the Bronco and started moving some of the bags to their new car. Callie and Iola stood there watching him. Still wearing short pants, boots and the khaki vest over his shirt. He turned and smiled to them. Callie raised her eyebrows.
"It suits you, babe. But still wondering why you are wearing shooting glasses." Chet pulled his vest open briefly to reveal his pistol resting in a shoulder holster.
"Pays to be ready." Callie returned him a knowing smile.
"Guess so. Well, did you get everything? It's getting late and it's a bit of a drive." Chet nodded.
"Yeah, I think so. Ok, gals. We best part ways here. Let me know when you get there."
"Will do. I texted you the address of the motel. Talk to you soon. Be careful in that thing. It looks fast." Chet gave a grunt.
"Oh yeah!"
