A/N: Thank you for your continued reading. In this chapter, there are depictions of child sexual exploitation. So, kindly skip this chapter if such visualizations are disturbing to you. Thanks for the PMs. Flwrgrl, nice of you to review the previous chapters. Hurry and catch up!
-21-
"So, what are you thinking dad?" Frank asked. Fenton Hardy was resting on his haunches near a tree situated in a patch of woods. The remnants of crime tape were still partially strewn about the area.
"You got the folder of crime scene photos, son?" Frank nodded as he reached into a satchel that was slung around his neck. Iola and Callie stood nearby watching the pair investigating the scene of where Heather Norton's body was found.
"Here you go, dad." he replied and handed him a folder. Fenton Hardy took it and began to leaf through the many photos of Heather Norton's body, which was once affixed to the tree in front of them. After several minutes, Fenton stood up and looked at Frank.
"Do we have drone shots?" Frank shook his head.
"Nope." Mr. Hardy looked all around the expanse of forest and fields surrounding them. He took on an irritated expression.
"Why on earth not? It would save infinite time in canvassing the immediate five-mile parameter." Frank nodded his agreement.
"No doubt it would." Fenton shook his head in disgust as she retraced his steps back to where the girls were.
"Callie, my dear. Do you happen to know if there are any drone images of the area?" Callie shook her head.
"Wasn't in the case file. As you can of course see. I figured that the sheriff's office wasn't that interested when they did their comprehensive investigation." Fenton continued shaking his head.
"I am quite surprised there are none here. For bodies discovered in locations such as this, it is par for the course to secure drone photos. That way you can determine if there are any dwellings hidden in the woods that might not be apparent when you do your canvasing of the area."
"Do you think the feds took some?" Iola asked with a gesture. "One would think they are comprehensive enough to take them." Fenton nodded.
"They are supposed to. But, depending on the agent in charge, they may have not ordered them for one reason or the other. I will have to send an email to an operative to follow up with the regional office. This whole area is expansive. We have pastures, forest land, fields, mountains. We are also quite close to the West Virginia border. The local sheriff would no doubt want to get a view from above. In the event they may need bordering jurisdictions to follow up on something that may warrant."
"Other than that, what do you think, Fenton?" Callie seemed a bit pensive. She had hoped that Fenton may develop a theory based on his investigation of the crime scene.
"Well, my dear, my preliminary from the gut feeling asks me a few questions. One, why would he come all of these miles off the interstate just to plant a red herring as the local authorities theorize? He could easily plant a distraction in a variety of other places. Considering he made no effort to dispose of her in a more discreet fashion. He basically marched her out here and tied her to that tree. This is a pretty desolate area. The fact that some hunters discovered her was just dumb luck. The authorities state in the report that no indications of vehicle travel were discovered. I mean we got up here off the road a couple miles deep with that Bronco of yours, no problem. What does that suggest?"
"That he came out here on foot. At least from some distance where there was a road. Or some location where he was based." Iola speculated. Fenton nodded.
"Perhaps he deliberately parked a few miles away. Then he marched her out here. No doubt Heather was reasonably aware of her potential fate." Fenton looked at them with a wry expression. "He no doubt took pleasure in this. Marching her to her final fate. I look at these photos of how she was tied to the tree. The knots he tied and the manner in which he trussed her arms around the trunk were done meticulously. He took his time. He likely enjoyed himself. And not just in that respect. Forensics report that she was likely criminally assaulted within hours of her estimated death. This all gives me a feeling he was intimately familiar with this area. He didn't come out here to this spot in a vehicle, then quickly handcuff her to a tree and drive off. He took his time. This lends to the notion of having confidence in the risk of not getting caught."
"So, you are thinking he is local?" Callie concluded. Fenton held out his hands.
"All signs point to that being the probability." Callie nodded.
"Makes sense. And we are supporting the idea that he killed her because she was essentially high maintenance. Or she did something which caused him to flip out or otherwise consider the financial reward to simply not be worthwhile." Fenton nodded briefly.
"Based on the bio I have of her, yes. She was simply not the kind of girl to bow down to that kind of repressive authority. And unfortunately, it cost this young lady her life."
Callie leaned against the Bronco and rubbed her temple. It was difficult not to stay reminded that the person holding her daughter was not only a rapist, but was capable of murder.
"So, unless we pull of a miracle of finding where this guy is holding these girls, our best hope is that this guy takes our bait? Meaning, they will respond to our ad and then we essentially have to hope Chet and Aimee pull something off." Frank stood before her and placed his hands in his pocket. He looked over at her a bit sheepishly.
"Cal, I know this is hard. I am not going to attempt to sugar coat it. But we do have options here. Them responding to the bait ad is but one of them." Callie looked up at him. Her expression was not one offering him much latitude.
"Oh, so you do have the ability to deploy the national guard and do a complete search of every house and building in a 25 square mile radius? Search warrant be damned."
"Well, Cal, no I do not." Callie rolled her eyes.
"It was a rhetorical question, Frank. But, I imagine you can give me a reason why I shouldn't employ several highly paid mercenaries to go get my kid from this sick perverted maniac." Fenton stepped forward and took a deep breath through his nose. Callie knew it was coming.
"Because, my dear Callie, if you were to start throwing your deep resources carelessly around, the only likely outcome would be very messy. Not to mention you answered your own question. Because this man is a sick, perverted maniac. If a group of mercenaries were fortunate enough to stumble on to his location, you don't think he might have some drastic plan that likely involves everyone dying?" Callie looked down and exhaled slowly.
"I know, Fenton. I very well know this. Why do you think I haven't spread some money out yet? Because I know very well that in addition to Maddie, there may potentially be another dozen or more victims at his mercy. And I don't want anyone hurt. Well, I will kill that bastard with my bare hands if I get a chance. But, yes, I know that on top of everything else, we must be tactful with our approach." Fenton placed his hand on her shoulder.
"Callie, we never keep our eggs in one basket. Frank and I have every intention of spending a lot of time out here. We are going to focus on probable locations to do surveillance on and we are going to work this area and set up a parameter. Part of our time will literally involve coming out to these woods and camping. We will search tirelessly. Between that and Chet and Aimee working the other side of the coin, I have reasons to hope. I would like you to keep that hope as well." Callie resolved to the notion that progress, albeit slow, was happening. Fenton's reputation obviously preceded him.
"I'm sorry, everyone. I'm just on edge, as usual. It's hard to keep the positive during all of this. I will do my best to stick it out without letting my mind wonder to unorthodox means of resolving things." Fenton smiled and nodded.
"I think it's quite understandable. We will do our best." He turned to Frank. "We should probably find some less conspicuous clothing and also take on a bit of role play ourselves."
"What did you have in mind, dad?"
"I think it's reasonable to expect a certain population of hunters this time of year. If we go about town for a couple days as perspective hunters who will be needing some supplies for an upcoming trip up in these very hills. I believe we may be setting things well in the event we should later be discovered when we come back up here."
"Makes sense. So, we are done up here for now?" Fenton nodded.
"Yes. I think I have done everything I can in terms of the actual scene. We will come back in a few days time and run a deep search posing as hunters. Alright, let's get back to town."
"Are you going to be ok?" Jaime sat next to Maddie on her bed. She saw the concerned look she had. She suspected it had something to do with the fact that today was the appointed bathing day. It was not as straightforward as simply taking a bath. Jaime had told Maddie days ago that when they had their weekly bath or shower, he liked to watch. He often directed the girls to carry out sexual acts for his own sick pleasure. It was also a day when they could do their laundry.
Maddie slowly nodded, biting her lower lip with concern.
"Are you sure that he isn't going to want to do anything with us?" Jaime ran her fingers along Maddie's back and sighed.
"I wish I could make you that promise. In the past I have had to usually bathe with some other girl. Occasionally, he would then take his turn with us. Sometimes he would just watch. But, I think you are reasonably safe from him. If he seems to respect your being a virgin, I think you will be spared. But, girl, I really can't say. The guy is disturbed." Maddie looked towards the vent in the wall that he had previously told them he used to eavesdrop. Jamie and Maddie had managed to stuff a good deal of bath tissue into the opening. They were reasonably confident that he would not be able to listen.
"Glad we took care of that hole." She said absently. Obviously looking to distract herself from the unknown which would soon occur.
"Yeah. He shouldn't have tipped us off. But, we better take that tissue out before he shows up." Maddie nodded.
"Yeah, guess so." She said without much emotion. She sat there and wrung her hands fretfully. "So, is this bathing area far from here?"
"Down one level. Next to the laundry room."
"I see." Her hands seemed in a constant state of movement as she continued to fidget with them. She took a deep breath and looked over at Jaime. "I'm sure you can tell that I'm scared." Jamie nodded.
"Yeah. All I can say is be brave and try not to do anything which will cause him to go off the deep end. I know this is a very uncomfortable and uncertain feeling. But all I can really tell you is that sex is a lot better than a severe beating or death."
"I guess if you put it that way. But it's just the not knowing if he will touch me." Jaime bent over and kissed Maddie's head and hugged her.
"I will try my best to distract him if he tries. But, I don't know. I wouldn't expect that to do much. He hasn't touched me in some time. Which I am happy about. But it pretty much tells me I don't float his boat any longer." Maddie gave a nervous laugh.
"I'd like to have that problem with him about now." Before Jaime could reply, they heard the door move. A moment later the door swung open. Reese stepped in and looked over at the pair.
"Hello, ladies. Such a lovely day for laundry and a bath, don't you think?" He raised his eyebrows as he gazed down. Maddie swallowed hard.
"Yes, sir." Reese nodded approvingly.
"Very good, Madeleine. How about you, Miss. Jaime?" Jaime gave a weary sigh.
"Such a lovely day, yes." She said standing up giving him a sideways glance. "Let's do this, sir!" Her deliberate tone amused him. Jaime proceeded to remove all of her clothes. Maddie looked over at her a bit surprised. Reese smiled knowingly.
"Miss. Jaime knows the drill. So, Madeleine, if you would oblige? It's time to wash those old dirty clothes." She looked at Jaime, who gave her a brief nod that she should follow suit.
"Yes, sir." She said and began peeling out of her clothes.
"Very good, ladies." Jaime stood complete nude, holding her dirty clothing. A moment later Maddie stood by her side likewise. Reese gestured to them. "Jaime, you feel free to lead the way since you know where we are going."
Jaime led the way from the room. They entered a large hallway and turned to the left. Reese watched with pleasure as he followed.
"My dear Madeleine, you have a magnificent ass, my love. I can't wait until I can see it with all that soapy water glistening upon it." His words made Maddie feel ill just thinking about it. A couple minutes later they arrived at a large double door. Reese took out a set of keys and stepped forward. Once they were through the door they proceeded down another hallway. It was similar to theirs and had numbered doors on either side. They heard a loud banging sound coming from a door to their left with the number 9 on it. Reese paused, breathing slowly through his nose. His face took on a very angry expression. He stepped to the side near door 9 and proceeded to bang just as loud on it. He then stepped to the side where there was a smaller door. Likely the communication vent that he had told them about before. He flipped open the door and leaned towards the open duct of pipe that it covered.
"I will be back to talk to you, Miss. Emma. We will have a discussion about this conduct of yours." He hissed. He slammed the small door, then turned to them. Motioning for Jaime to continue. "Proceed, Miss. Jaime." It was unsettling to the two how he could be so erratic with his personality. How easily he could get set off. It served as a warning to the pair. They continued to walk down the hall. Upon reaching another set of double doors, Reese open them and they walked through. They saw a stairwell off to the left and Jaime proceeded to go down. At the bottom they entered a dank smelling room. There was nothing in it except a few heavy tables and some chairs laying randomly about. They walked through the room to a door on the far side.
They found themselves in another narrow hallway and there were several doors on the right side. Jaime entered the one with the words: SW LAUNDRY stenciled upon a glass pane. The room had several large washers and dryers and half a dozen folding tables. Reese gestured to Jaime.
"Miss. Jaime, show Madeleine the ropes and be quick about it. We have better things to do." Jaime directed Maddie over to one of the machines and they quickly loaded it and added soap from a nearby box. After finishing they turned towards Reese. He gestured to Jaime. She led the way back out the door and turned right. A few minutes later they arrived at the end door that had the words: SHOWER ROOM #4. Reese took out a key and opened the door. Jaime looked over to Maddie, who was clearly feeling more anxious by the moment.
Upon entering they saw a bank of open stall showers on the left side of the room. Pale pink tile adorn the shower stall side. The other side had a series of oversized bathtubs, sinks and commodes. One of the tubs was occupied. Maddie saw a girl of about 13 or 14. She had pale skin and long golden curly hair that was slightly damp. She looked apprehensively at the two girls and nodded slightly.
Reese turned and locked the door they had just walked through. He grabbed a nearby chair and carried it over near the tub that the lone girl was sitting in. He gestured for Maddie and Jaime to walk over. They slowly proceeded to the tub. Reese looked over to them.
"Madeleine, I'd like you to meet Rhiannon. Jaime, you are of course familiar with her." Jaime nodded and offered a faint smile.
"Hey, Rhiannon. She said quietly. Jaime had been with Rhiannon a number of times before.
"Hi, Jaime." She said forcing a smile. "Hi, Madeleine." She said looking over at Maddie. She looked over Maddie's form. She thought she must have been at least 17 or 18. Maddie cleared her throat.
"Hi, Rhiannon." She said tensely. Her eyes shifted about. She was feeling very nervous and self conscious. Reese looked at Maddie and smirked with disapproval.
"Madeleine, you certainly need to relax, my dear." She looked down at him, doing her best to cover up her contempt of him.
"I'm nervous, sir." She said quietly. He looked back at her. He could sense that was a fairly accurate statement. In spite of being in a fairly warm and humid environment, Maddie's body displayed a layer of goose pimples. Her small cherry bud nipples were also hard and pronounced.
"Well, we can't have that, can we?" He reached into his pocket and produced a bottle of pills. He took one out and handed it to her. "Take this. It will help you relax." Maddie seemed even more anxious with the idea of being drugged. Reese rolled his eyes. "Relax, Madeleine, it won't knock you out like the stuff you were given the night you joined us. It will just make you feel comfortable. So kindly take it. You will thank me later." Maddie reached out and accepted it. She looked down at the pale yellow rectangular shaped pill.
"What is it, sir?" She asked with hesitancy. His expression changed to that of aggravation.
"Are you studying to be a pharmacist someday, Madeleine? It's a 2 milligram bar of Xanax if you must know. It's an anti anxiety pill!" He seemed to be getting more upset. Jaime turned towards her.
"It's ok. I've had a few before. Go ahead, Maddie. It may actually help." Maddie saw the pleading look Jaime was giving her. Clearly, she was trying to tell her not to piss him off. "Just place it under your tongue and let it dissolve." She advised. Maddie nodded and placed the pill under her tongue. A moment later she felt an intense bitter taste sensation as the pill dissolved. She made a face. Reese laughed as he watched her.
"Typical reaction to first time sublingual benzo use. Relax, Madeleine, in ten minutes you will feel a good deal better." He looked down at the girl in the tub. "What do you think, Rhiannon? Do you think Madeleine is a pretty girl?" Rhiannon looked over at Maddie and nodded.
"Yes, daddy, she is very pretty."
Daddy? Maddie thought. Oh God, that sounds sick!
"Madeleine, why don't you step into the tub with Rhiannon?" Xanax is a quick working medication. And while Maddie was indeed feeling a new relaxing effect from the pill, she was still quite anxious at the idea of touching and being touched, even by another girl. Still, the anxiousness seemed to be melting away by the minute. After a pause, Maddie nodded.
"Yes, sir." She said and walked over to the tub. Reese pointed over at her.
"Why don't you just sit in the tub with your back to Rhiannon. Right between her legs." Maddie felt at least a little comfort that she didn't need to look the other girl in the eye. She stepped into the warm tub and sat as she was directed. He seemed to relish as he watched. "Good. Now just slide back and lean your back into Rhiannon's chest."
Maddie slid further back. It felt strange as Rhiannon's thin legs straddled over her thighs and she felt her hands touch her arms. Rhiannon was rather flat chested. So, when she relaxed all the way back she could feel her head just inches away from Rhiannon's as they almost touched.
Rhiannon might have felt awkward if she hadn't been in this same situation with at least six other girls previously. She had followed his directions so many times, she knew what she was expected to do. She looked over to Reese who smiled approvingly at her and nodded. He also took out his phone and flipped the camera app on.
"Oh, Great!" Maddie thought. "He has that camera out again..." She couldn't finish her thought as she felt Rhiannon's hands reach around and cup her breasts. She initially felt very awkward and confused. But apparently Rhiannon had quite a bit of experience as she expertly fondled Maddie's bosom, touching spots that seemed to illicit a very pleasurable reaction. Maddie was conflicted by the unknown feeling and the conditions in which they were playing out. But, the physiological reaction was not a feeling she desired to fight. A moment later she felt Rhiannon's lips touch the back of her neck as she kissed her, occasionally letting her tongue flicker against her neck and ear.
Maddie felt a sensation running through her body. One which was exciting and felt so good to her. The drug had very effectively diffused her concern over the fact that a man she so hated was sitting just a few feet away taking photos of her.
Reese and Jaime watched Maddie and Rhiannon intently. Reese looked over at Jaime and could tell she was feeling excited, in spite of the situation. She glanced down at him and he smirked at her.
"Nice show, isn't it? Almost makes you want to touch yourself." Jaime looked down at her nipples, which had clearly gotten hard over the last five minutes. She glanced at him again with his expectant look. Jaime sighed slightly, but resigned herself to the fact that there were far worse things than masturbation in front of others.
"Yeah, I guess it does." Jaime touched her breasts lightly with one hand and continued to watch Maddie react to her first time at being touched in a sexual way. Reese smiled with delight as he watched Jaime starting to get aroused by watching the others.
Jaime felt aroused. But she also felt sickened in knowing that Maddie was likely going to be feeling completely violated, embarrassed and traumatized later on. Even though she would not likely be penetrated by any of the activities taking place, she was sure to feel a good deal of shame. Jaime felt intensely guilty over her involvement. Forced though it was. Her guilt was hard to deal with since she was still clearly aroused from what was transpiring.
"Quit thinking so damn much!" Reese muttered as he looked up to Jaime. She was about to reply, but he cut her off by pointing to the tub. "You should join them. Now! Get in the tub and lean against the opposite end of the tub and give your new friend a show. If you aren't up to it, I can always go fetch your sister and break her in!" Jaime knew that this was not a request. And even being hesitant could result in her head being shoved under the water for a prolonged period as it had before. She also got a sickening feeling every time he brought up her sister. Suggesting the fate that would befall upon her if she didn't comply.
Jaime nodded. She stepped forward and into the tub, leaning in a standing position inside the end. She watched Maddie as she continued to have her breasts fondled and neck kissed. Maddie looked back over to Jaime who was touching herself. The sight of this excited Maddie, who by this time was well under the influence of the benzo and feeling the sensual touching from Rhiannon. Maddie found herself even managing to smile up at Jaime as she watched her friend play with herself.
Reese gave an audible grunt and smiled at them as he watched Maddie's face break into a smile.
"Madeleine, do you like the way Rhiannon is touching you?" As disgusting as his voice was, Maddie could only manage to nod and give a faint smile.
"Yes, sir. Very much."
"Have you and Jaime practiced for today?" Maddie shook her head.
"No, sir." She managed to gasp as Rhiannon planted kisses against her neck.
"Would you like to touch Jaime? Maybe help her out?" Reese asked with sadistic smile. Maddie paused. The drug had definitely lowered her inhibitions. She nodded slowly. Jaime looked down at her friend. While the idea was physically appealing to her, she couldn't shake knowing that when it was all over she was going to be in for an evening of consoling Maddie and dealing with intense guilt. The drug had a half life of about 4 hours. So, she knew Maddie would come down from the euphoric feeling, which were presently combined with the physical stimulation and excitement. Likely to be inconsolable and hating Jaime for even being involved. Even if it were against her will. Jaime felt that there was little actual choice on any of their parts. She knew full well that if all parties did not do as directed that he would severely beat them. And while some women may have opted for the beating, she knew she could not again be one of them.
"Well." Reese smiled. "Maybe you should lean forward on all fours and do just that. And maybe your other new friend can do the same for you with her tongue while that luscious tail of yours is stuck up in the air."
Maddie felt much like she did the night she had drank some of her mother's whiskey and laid around in bed touching herself. Only for the moment, this felt a lot better. The feeling of the drug felt like she had consumed several glasses of whiskey. She felt Rhiannon's legs lift from resting on her thighs as she gave a gentle push to Maddie's back at the same time. Maddie sat up, and then rose to a standing position in the middle of the tub.
"Madeleine, that is not on all fours, love." Reese's voice elevated. Maddie stood in the water in front of Jaime.
"I know, sir. I just want to do something first." Her speech was quite stilted. She leaned closer to Jaime and tilted her head as she planted a deep kiss on her friend's lips. Jaime was momentarily surprised and conflicted. But she was unable to restrain herself though and responded by kissing Maddie back. Her tongue darted in and out of Maddie's mouth. She made eye contact and looked pleadingly at her.
"Please forgive me." She whispered. Maddie, feeling devoid of any inhibitions, smiled back at her and she kissed her again. This time Maddie reached forward and started fondling Jaime's breasts using the same technique that Rhiannon had used on her.
Maddie slowly made her way down Jaime's body until she was in the desired all fours position Reese had requested. She found herself inches away from Jaime's parted legs. The strong pheromones Jaime was secreting had their own effect on Maddie. Seemingly offering her all the justification she needed to not only accept the act that she was participating in. But enjoy it as well. A moment later she felt the sensation she had never felt before. The feeling of a flickering tongue between her own legs. Rhiannon was apparently as adept with her mouth as she was with her hands. Maddie's eyes rolled back in pleasure as she found herself biting her lower lip between gasps of pleasure.
"Rhiannon, No fingers now, love. Stay outside." She heard him say.
"Yes, daddy." she replied between tongue lashes.
Maddie looked somewhat nervous as she looked upon Jaime's spread and engorged labia. As relaxed as she was. Feeling all the pleasure that was coursing through her. She still felt uncertain about touching or licking a girl in that manner. She had the desire, but in spite of her altered state she didn't know exactly what to do. She raised her eyes to Jaime's who was looking down at her. Her body was feeling pleasure and a good deal of anticipation. Maddie licked her lips as she continued to look at her friend's increasingly engorged vagina.
"You want some guidance, girl?" Jaime gasped. Maddie smiled and nodded. Without hesitation, Jaime grabbed Maddie's head and pressed it into her. After a brief moment of surprise, Maddie seemed to instinctively know what to do.
"God, yes!" Jaime gasped as she felt the sensations of Maddie's tongue whipping against her.
Reese not only felt an intense pleasure watching the scene unfold. It served to calm him on multiple levels. The physiological calm that rushed over him as he directed them to do various acts fed him greater peace than any of his various pharmaceuticals ever could. The belief that he had total and complete control over other people's lives went well beyond a simple thrill. His mind and body clearly required it. This is what separated him from many other human traffickers who saw their abductions as solely a monetary business transaction. Reese knew full well that while he would sell most of those he held in captivity, he would likely retain some of the girls. Some to continue to feed this unending need that both his mind and body required for contentment. He would also abduct other girls not only to sell, but to ensure he had an ever evolving variety of girls to give him all the pleasure possible.
As he watched the three in front of him, he knew he would not be engaging in any activities with them that day. Rhiannon was a very compliant girl whom he groomed to be most accommodating. She was very good at her ability to pleasure others. In part due to his direct instruction, as well as having her watch certain videos. Still, she had lost much of her appeal as she was almost too compliant. The same could be said of Jaime. She had become good at performing with other girls. But sex with her was very one sided as she often just chose to lay there and accept whatever he did to her without much reaction. And sadly, with Maddie he simply felt that her status as one who has never known the intimate touch of a man was far too valuable to waste his own pleasures on. While he did have the occasional virgin, none were as nearly as developed as her. Certainly none were as physically attractive. Maddie was indeed something special and he fully intended to get his price for her.
Reese had taken a considerable amount of video and countless photos with his phone. It would no doubt come in handy later for his own pleasure, as well as marketing his hottest commodity.
Maddie's current state of pleasure under the influence would likely come back later that evening with a severe degree of introspection. Jaime's inner conflict as having participated would also weigh heavily upon her. It stood to reason that she would second guess her own willingness to comply. No doubt to think that a severe beating would have been more acceptable if it may have spared Maddie the mental anguish she would potentially experience later on.
"You want me to what?" Callie repeated as she looked up. She was sitting in her preferred overstuffed chair in the corner of her suite. She continued to look at Fenton with an irritated look.
"I would like you and Iola to use this suite as a base in which to work through the information I am having sent over from the FBI office in Richmond. I am having both digital and hard copy dossiers sent of anyone who has a remote connection to child trafficking or kidnapping. This will cover any offenders that have operated between Atlanta and Albany." Callie again looked over at him incredulously.
"Do you know how many subjects that would involve?"
"Hundreds." Fenton snapped back.
"Why not just send me the sex offender registry for the state of Virginia while you're at it!" Fenton grunted.
"You'll be receiving that as well, my dear." Callie picked up her glass and took another drink of her cocktail.
"Maybe you'll send over a psychic to help me narrow the field as well." she said with a smug expression. Fenton gave an audible grunt and stepped over to her chair and swiped away the glass from her hand and in the same motion threw it with force against the fireplace. The glass shattered and Fenton turned back and bore into Callie.
Fenton was not one to lose his cool often, but with justification, it could happen.
"Maybe you will crawl out of that damn glass, my dear. If not for yourself, for your own daughter's sake!" Iola watched wide eyed as her father in law cut lose on Callie. "Do you think for one minute that the person who did this is concerned with how difficult this might be for his pursuers or the parent's that they represent? My dear, he is absolutely counting on it. He no doubt relishes in the pain and misery he has caused you. To say nothing of over a dozen other parents. Did you think that I was going to just come down here and wave a magic want and your daughter would appear? You are a licensed investigator! You know that the foundation of any investigation involves a lot of tedious work filtering through reports of known offenders. To break down crime scenes and measure evidence. And sometimes for that one good break that comes from such diligence! You act as though if you are not out beating the doors down, gun in hand, that you are not doing your job. Let me ask you something... A year ago when you went all rogue and decided to bust down a door with gun in hand. Tell me, what happened?" Callie swallowed hard. She had not seen Fenton fly off very much in the past. Still, she was not exactly enjoying the fact that she was being berated.
"I believe I rescued Aimee that night." Fenton blinked a couple times. Surprised that Callie was still feeling defensive.
"And who rescued you? Do you recall that you were told by the doctors that had Jack and I not found you in time that another ten minutes of laying in that chapel in the woods would have meant a most certain death? That you would have simply bled out? I found you based on a very vague story that Alma Tibbs was able to give about your general location. Do you know how easily you could have died?"
Callie sat there thoughtfully. It was indeed true that she owed her life to Fenton Hardy and Jack Tibbs for having been able to trace her after she went off impulsively searching for Aimee that night. She took a few deep breaths, then looked back squarely at Fenton.
"You're right." She said calmly. I went in without a plan. But I don't think you understand. I had to do it!"
"You had to?" Fenton shook his head. "This is why people who have an overly emotional stake in the case need to keep things at arm's length."
"Fenton, I get what you are saying. And for the most part I would really agree. But with regards to what happened in Clymer, well, I can't say I have any regrets about storming into that chapel. If I hadn't, there would be a high likelihood that Aimee would not be alive today." Fenton had sat down and calmed himself a bit.
"Perhaps that is true. But, you would have to agree that in terms of investigation basics you simply do not go into a known danger area without the proper backup. If you even had had a few field agents with you, chances are you would have likely been able to go in and recover Aimee without a shot fired towards anyone who mattered."
"Probably." Callie admitted. "But, time was of the essence. And yes, when it is someone you love it tends to change the perspective."
Frank and Iola exchanged glances as they watched the exchange transpire. Both knew that if Fenton were to start up and offer his advice in a more stern manner, as he had been doing, it was unwise to offer input. As tempting as it might be. Fenton sighed.
"My dear, it is for that very reason that you typically benefit long term If you know your place and judge whether the perspective which you are thinking from is practical or safe."
For all the wisdom which Callie knew Fenton to have, she had a difficult time fully embracing his opinion. She sighed and looked back evenly at him.
"I understand. But, please understand my view. Aimee was in danger of being killed. I love her. I reacted in a manner I thought reasonable for that situation." Frank gave an audible grunt of displeasure. Callie's head turned swiftly towards him.
"Oh, do you have input on this matter, Frank?!" Frank nodded and stood up.
"Now that you ask, Cal. Yes, I do. Your reaction to that matter ended up getting you shot and placed in a coma in the ICU. It was all I could do to stay away when it happened. And your beloved Aimee is so grateful that she is now rolling around in bed with your husband about ten miles down the road! You speak of all this self-sacrifice and you ended up nearly dead. Dad was simply trying to give you some valid involvement with the investigation. If you hadn't noticed yet, we don't have any door narrowed down to go kick in even if we wanted to. So, do yourself a favor and lose the bottle of whiskey and start drudging through the candidates that may give us a lead. Your child's life depends on your focus as an investigator. Not you sitting on your ass drinking and feeling self righteous and sorry for yourself." Callie looked at him with disdain.
"You are yelling at me, Frank." Frank once again grunted in frustration.
"I am only yelling at you because I love you, stupid!" He said, clearly exasperated. He threw his hands in the air.
Frank did not wait for a response. He turned and walked out of the room. A moment later they heard a door slam. Fenton looked to Callie, then Iola. His expression was calm. He slowly stood up and straightened his jacket.
"Callie, Iola, I apologize for my outburst. I normally do not do anything that gets my temper up. I suppose Frank summed things up adequately. I think he and I should get to work. Please look out for that courier. He will be bringing those files by ten tonight. I would be grateful if you two started processing them while Frank and I are in the field." He nodded politely to them. "Ladies." and walked out.
Iola sat in a nearby chair and looked over at Callie. Her best friend had not stirred much after Frank had finished.
"Cal, you ok?" She asked with a quiet tone. Callie nodded slowly.
"Yes, Iola. If you would be kind enough to get me a drink, please." Iola began to take a deep breath. "A coffee would be nice."
"Oh. Yes, I can do that." She got up and walked over to the kitchenette and began to heat a pot of coffee. She took out a small broom and dust pan, then walked over to the fireplace to clean up the glass.
"Thanks." Callie said quietly. "You know, I don't think I've often seen Fenton go off the rails like that." Iola looked over her shoulder as she knelt down and swept up the fragments.
"It really doesn't happen often. He just cares about you." Callie nodded. She sat there, still in an eerie state of calmness.
"Yeah, I know. I was also being a bitch about the work he gave us. I'm sure the FBI ran all these names through their computer. But, knowing Fenton as I do, he wanted us to look for variables. Those which are not necessarily the conventional ones that the computer is programmed to find. He wants us to eliminate the obvious, then give the remainders a good, instinctive, from the gut analysis." Iola nodded.
"Yeah. So, why were you being a bitch if you already knew that?" Callie returned a wry smile.
"Cause my daughter is missing and I desperately wanted to dispense with the preliminaries and, as Fenton put it, break down some doors. Obviously not a very rational approach. But like I just said, Maddie is missing. Don't look for me to be rational." Iola smiled.
"At least you're honest." She finished her task and poured them both a cup of coffee and set it down in front of her chair. "Here you are."
"Thanks." She said picking the cup up. Iola watched her sit quietly and sip her coffee.
"What are you thinking?"
"I'm not sure I am thinking anything. I'm numb."
"What about what Frank..." Callie shot her a quick look.
"Do you mean do I have a response to his statement? Let me see." Her tone was calm. She breathed in slowly through her nose. "He yelled about my drinking. It's true, I am drinking more lately. Wouldn't you?" Iola looked a bit uncomfortable, then gave a slight shrug.
"I don't know. I supposed if Joey got taken I'd probably be swimming in a bottle of syrah. Not that I'd be too proud of that. But, there would be a likelihood of that happening." She conceded. Callie nodded.
"Let's see, he also suggested I acted recklessly when I got myself shot. And how difficult it was on him that he couldn't come when he found out."
"Well, as I recall he did call several times. It was all that I and Fenton could do to keep him away. We figured if you did happen to wake up at such a time when he was there, it may be difficult. I mean in light of what had transpired between the two of you shortly before then."
"Well, you and Fenton were correct. That would not have been the face I'd have wanted to wake up to." She paused thoughtfully then raised her eyebrows. "And oh yes, he chose to speculate that my lover and my husband were shacking up. Or as he so eloquently put it, rolling around in bed down the road."
"I suppose it's possible." Iola mused and took a sip of coffee. Callie rolled her eyes and shook her head.
"I just don't see that happening. Aimee has never looked twice at a guy in all the time I've known her. I think Frank draws conclusions and makes assumptions. I suspect he has always kind of felt put off that we never really resumed much of a friendship after I moved back. Yes, we have been civil. But, part of me believes he has never understood or appreciated my interest in the fairer sex. As such, he has always viewed Aimee a bit sourly. The fact that Chet and Aimee are spending a lot of time bottled up in a small motel room hardly indicates they are ravaging each other. I know Aimee wants to be convincing with her roleplay. She is a bit fearful I suppose of what could happen if they have to encounter actual criminals and doesn't want to get called out. Can't say that I blame her after what she went through at the hands of that sicko in Clymer. My point and belief are that Frank is full of shit with that presumption. Pretending to be a couple and being one are too very different things." Iola nodded slowly as she looked out a nearby window.
"Yeah, I guess so. What about his final parting words?"
"Oh, you mean when he called me stupid?"
"Well, I was more focused on that sentence before that term of endearment."
Callie again rolled her eyes and waved her hand in front of her in a dismissive gesture.
"I am pretty sure he was using that term in a more familial manner. Not a personal one." She shook her head
"That boat has long since sailed off."
