-25-
Fenton pointed to the computer screen, tapping on it when the photos finally loaded from his memory card. Callie, Iola and Frank sat at the table around him in Callie's suite.
"These two men showed up to meet Chet and Aimee at the Sands Motel in Marlboro. As you can see from the photos of them walking towards the meeting room, this tall guy seems to be concealing." He pointed to a tall man of about 30 years of age. Wearing a large black hoodie. Fenton pointed to the man's hands in his front pocket and the slight notable extrusion in the fabric.
"Sure does." Callie noted. "Who is the fat guy?"
"We sent off the images to the FBI last night. So far, no hits. Chet said they went by the names of Swanson and Horton. Though you can bet those are aliases." Frank said.
"So, what happened with Chet and Aimee? I texted last night and didn't get a reply." Fenton nodded.
"He called me this morning. We didn't speak at length, but the gist of it was that so far they have been able to pass themselves off. There will supposedly be a transaction within 3 days. They will let him know."
"That's not specific or reassuring." Callie muttered. Fenton scrolled through the various photos.
"They spent about an hour in the room. I will be going over later to see them. Chet had a headache this morning and asked if I could drop by to debrief him and Aimee a little later."
"Why three days?" Iola asked as she sipped her morning coffee. Fenton smirked.
"Chet said that Swanson took photos of them. Which means they are going to run checks just as a precaution. Even if they answered all their questions or passed their initial tests, they want to check their photos before actually producing a girl. So, three days offers them the flexibility to do that. It also doesn't commit them to a day, time or place. I suspect that if this happens they will get a text saying to meet in very short order. This minimized the chance of them getting trapped."
Callie looked at the images. She noted that Aimee and Chet appeared relaxed as they left the motel room.
"Well, I guess it's a plus they made it out of there without blowing their cover." Callie sighed deeply and sat back in her chair. She looked at the others. "So, what is the next move? I am going to go nuts if I keep working all these files. We are down to under a hundred names. But, I still feel useless and stir crazy. My baby is out there!" Fenton realized that Callie was not acting unreasonable. She had been bottled up in her room for a few days.
"Well..." Fenton began, choosing his words carefully. "I suppose if you were looking for a little break from this tedium, I could make a suggestion."
"Does it get me out of this room and looking for Maddie?" Callie asked pleadingly. Fenton nodded.
"Well, yes. There is still a lot of ground to cover in that whole region where Heather Norton was discovered. Frank and I haven't really been able to get out there under the guise as hunters. When the case turned with Chet getting that break, it delayed our start on that."
"So, you want me to join you out there checking if maybe the creep is hold up somewhere? Because I'd be all for that!" Callie said with enthusiasm. Fenton's eyebrows arched with a bit of apprehension.
"Well, I would like you to go out there..."
"Oh? Like me and Iola go out there?" Fenton shook his head.
"No, I would like her to finish working the files of possible suspects. I still think if we reduce that list to a dozen and check them out, it might help. But, I would like to hang close to monitor what happens with Chet and Aimee in terms of the potential test transaction that will hopefully be going down. So...I would like you and..." Fenton's words silenced as Callie finally figured out what he was getting at. She looked across the table at Frank Hardy. He flashed her a smile.
"So...you want me and Frank to go out there?" She asked, attempting to maintain her composure. Fenton nodded.
"Yes, I think the two of you could cover some ground. I would like a five-mile parameter covered on the off chance this crackpot is indeed local." Callie inhaled deeply. She picked up her cup of coffee as she let her breath out slowly. As uncomfortable as the idea seemed to her...and it did. She knew it was far more important to be out investigating the potential leads that could find her daughter. Callie took a long drink and set her cup down.
"Ok, then. When do we go?" Fenton smiled, glad to see that Callie was not opposed to the idea and willing to set any animosity she may have aside.
"Would an hour be too soon. Just toss some things in a bag. Frank has already purchased some camping gear." Callie bit her lip. The idea of having to spend a couple days and nights with her ex was a bit hard to swallow. But, she again reminded herself that this was not about her.
"Fine by me, Fenton." She said, then looked over to Frank. Callie pushed a smile to her lips and nodded. "Ok with you, Frank?" Frank nodded and gave her a casual grin. Obviously also happy that Callie had not declined the idea due to his presence.
"Sounds fine." He looked at his dad. "So, we will be out of here and stay in touch by phone." Fenton Hardy nodded.
"Sounds good. I will go down to our room and grab a couple things and head over to talk with Chet and Aimee." He turned to Iola. "Will you be ok holding down the fort and working those files?" Iola nodded.
"Sounds fine to me. If I need to go anywhere the hotel has a courtesy car."
Callie stood up and looked over to Frank.
"Give me about 30 and I will meet you downstairs." He nodded and turned to depart with his dad.
"Sounds fine. See you then. Bye, Iola." Fenton nodded to the two women.
"Ladies. We will be in touch. Best of luck to us all."
Frank and Fenton tool their leave from the suite. Iola turned and perked her eyebrows at her best friend.
"Well, paint me surprised." She said, a smile forming on her lips. Callie waved her off.
"Don't you start. I got to get out of this room. No offense, girl. I just can't take not being out there and more actively involved."
"Well, I rather figured that was the case if you were willing to go off into the woods with Frank." Callie rooted through her bag and pulled out her pistol to check it. She secured a clip of ammo and slammed it into place. She looked back at her friend.
"I will go out there with the devil himself if I have a chance of finding Maddie. If Chet and Aimee trip up or these guys make them before they can even get to making a deal. Well, I'd hate to be sitting here on my hands drinking my sorrow away. I owe her more than that!"
"I hear ya! I will hold the fort down here. I will finish with these files. Hopefully, Fenton hears back from the FBI about the photos he sent them. So far it sounds like Chet and Aimee are in the game. We got a lot going for us." Callie nodded with a determined expression.
"I can't take this not knowing! My baby is out there. I need to find her."
"What do you mean scratch Emma off the catalog?" Swanson's irate voice sounded over the speakerphone. Reese sat back in his chair and looked down at the phone.
"Just what I said. She is no longer available."
"But, if this new buyer wants to fill 20 or more, what do I tell him when we only have 15?"
"I can always secure more product, Swanson. You just make sure that this new pair who supposedly have big orders in store can actually afford to put their money where their mouths are. And you are damn sure you screened them well?" He heard an audible grunt over the phone.
"Yeah, I think they are clean. You saw those pics I sent. Aint no cops going to do that with their partner. Besides that, they just didn't act like any cops I ever encountered." Reese tapped his finger on the table next to the phone.
"Yeah, I saw the pictures. And no, they don't look like cops. The blonde is smoking for sure. You sure this Walter guy doesn't want to trade?" A sick laughter came over the phone.
"Not likely. This guy isn't hurting for cash. And Brandy is well trained. Been with him since 15 or so. She is definitely his property and she seems quite dedicated. Plus, she is a little old. Looks to be around 23 and she has a bit of attitude. So, when do you want to bring over Rhiannon?" Reese inhaled deeply. A look of sadness crossed his face.
"Yeah. A real shame to be losing her. She is definitely a sweet performer. Such a well-trained little slut. I'm going to have to have one more round with her before she departs. Gonna miss her. Let's say tomorrow evening around 9."
"Ok. I will see you then. Say, why did you decide to keep Emma. I thought you said she was a bit too spirited." Reese lowered his eyes to the desk, a sickening smile formed.
"Who said I kept her? No, Miss. Emma was dealt with after breaking the rules."
"What?!" Swanson's voice seemed incredulous. "Please tell me you didn't deal with her the same way you did that Norton girl? The cops were all over those woods." Reese looked up, irritated with Swanson's apparent fear.
"And did they find anything last time? They wrapped the case up after just a week. Don't question me, Swanson. You stand to make even more money now that we have a big spender. I need to focus on finding more product. So, I don't need a little disobedient bitch trying my patience."
"Well, it's your show. But, what happens when they find Emma? You are going to invite a lot more heat." He grunted.
"Not if they don't find her. I left her much further into the woods this time. By the time anyone finds her, all they will find are bones. Coyotes will make short work of her." Swanson seemed less than happy about it all.
"Fine. But you better hope so. Otherwise this will all get very hot, real fast."
"Relax, Swanson. If this new buyer is wanting to take all available inventory, we can dump and relocate if things get hot. I don't see it happening though."
"Hope you are right. That's all I can say!"
Aimee peered out from inside the motel doorway. She had wondered where Chet was when she woke up and found the room empty. She spied him sitting in a chair he had brought outside. Chet was leaning back and starring out towards the street. He seemed lost in thought.
"Hey..." She spoke softly. "Doing ok?" Chet nodded, then turned his head in her direction. He looked at Aimee with a warm expression. Though she did sense an underlying worry under it.
"Yeah." He said a bit absently. Aimee ducked back in the room momentarily to grab another chair. She brought one out and set it next to his.
"Mind if I sit with you?" He shook his head and continued to watch the street. Aside from the occasional car and view of the usual pillars of a well-worn small town, things seemed uneventful.
"No, feel free." Aimee took a seat and looked cautiously at him.
"Needed some air, huh?" Chet shrugged.
"Yeah. gets a bit stuffy in there, ya know? I had a brief call with Fenton this morning. I didn't want to wake you up. I got to sitting out here and just watching things. Thinking..." Aimee's stomach turned a little. She had a fear that Chet felt guilty for having been swept up in their newly formed relationship. That he might even have regrets.
"You seem a little distracted. I guess you are thinking about what happened with us? I hope that you don't feel like what we did was a bad thing." Chet's view shifted towards her. A heavy expression on his face.
"I don't think what we did was bad." He glanced down thoughtfully. "If I want to be honest I have to say I've not felt this feeling in years, and I don't think it was wrong. But... the idea that my daughter is out there. I don't know if she is safe. I don't know anything. And her dad is selfish enough to be getting laid while those unknowns are there. I guess I am a little confused over it all. But, the timing of things is not ideal. I haven't even begun to think about how something like this will effect Cal."
Aimee knew he was torn up inside because he had such a strong commitment to Maddie. And that anything else was secondary and represented a selfish act. She knew he had a lot of guilt for the time he had missed with her even before she got taken. That they had a relationship that was on the mend and going well. Then out of nowhere it happened. She placed her hand on his.
"As long as we both have no regrets, I am feeling that is something we can work around. We can do what we came here to do. Maybe we can come to an arrangement that will put this physical thing on the side burner." Chet looked at her. He was glad she didn't have any regrets.
"What did you have in mind?"
"Well... We can continue to play the couple. We can continue to explore each other. Not physically, mind you. I mean get to know each other more as we get this job done. But, just keep the status quo, but avoid outright sex until we get Maddie home. If that makes any sense." Chet managed to crack a smile as he locked his hand with hers.
"Yeah. It makes sense. I mean not that I want to...you know stop... I don't want you to think that you didn't appeal to me." He said nervously, hoping he hadn't offended her. Aimee giggled and shook her head.
"Relax, babe. You went five rounds last night. Since that has never happened to me... with a guy anyway, I figured you were into it." She paused and looked down at their hands. "To be honest, I wish that Maddie was already safe so we could hang a Do Not Disturb sign on the door for a week straight. But if something is going on here. Something which may have potential. I certainly don't want it based off of something like sex. No matter how good it is. My initial attraction to you was very much a non-sexual thing. It is great that we have had this thing going where I can actually see you as someone worthy of carrying on a normal conversation. You have a great sense of humor. You are sensitive. You can be vulnerable, and have been very caring as well. I want to see those things between us grow. I mean we have pretty much established that we are physically drawn to each other and can definitely fulfill each other in that department."
Chet was relieved to hear these words. And he was feeling a very similar thing for her.
"Well, I am pretty relieved to hear we are on the same page. That what we did last night was something neither of us regretted. But, it wears deeply upon me that anything I do right now that isn't dedicated to finding Maddie is just a selfish indulgence. And I honestly can't do that and have my heart in it. I know the physical thing kind of started under duress yesterday when we were made to do that. But, I'd be lying if I said it didn't take on a life of its own." Aimee smirked.
"It definitely took on a life of its own, babe." Chet reddened a bit at the recollection.
"Well, true, But, just so we are on the same page about it from here on out." Aimee nodded.
"Yeah, I think we are. But, I's like to ask a small favor." Chet smiled at her.
"Sure, what's that?" Aimee looked a bit hesitant, but took a breath.
"Well, if it would be ok, could we still sleep in the same bed? To be honest, I have gotten used to it. And I'd rather not give that up."
"Well, honestly I would hate to not feel your arms wrapped around me all night. I've never had a woman who sleeps in that embraced position. Cal and I would find that happening from time to time. But she likes to flip flop around in bed." Aimee gave a knowing nod.
"Yeah, I'm familiar with that. Not that it's a bad thing that people do that. Now, Iola is a snuggler as well. So, the times when we were together it was nice. We would just stay in that same position all night. So, when I discovered that you were also the same way, I liked it. It makes me feel safe to be in someone's arms like that."
"Well, must be in the Morton DNA I guess." He chuckled. "So, yes. I am fine with that. But be nice. I have little willpower and could get in trouble pretty quick."
"I will do my best not to wake the beast." She teased. "So, hopefully you feel better now?" Chet nodded.
"Yeah. I mean as far as we are concerned. I just want this all to go down well, so we can get Maddie back." He reached into his pocket and pulled out two cell phones. He looked down at his burner phone to check it. He shook his head a moment later. "I check this damn thing every five minutes just in case I think I went deaf and couldn't hear the alert tone."
"You think they will contact us?" Aimee seemed anxious. Many thoughts had crossed her mind and her uncertainty raised its head often. Chet nodded.
"I have to believe they will. I have to think that we convinced them enough. And that their greed will take over." His words were firm in their faith. But his face betrayed his verbal assurance. He looked into the distance at the range of hills and mountains. Then to the sky. The clouds seemed to be gathering.
"Looks like it's going to storm." Aimee observed as she followed his line of view. Chet nodded.
"I usually like a good storm. Seems peaceful to me. I remember as a kid, we would sit out on the front porch and just watch and listen. Hearing the rain hit the leaves on the trees. Mom's wind chimes ringing with the breeze. And that smell." Chet seemed like he was in another world as he stared off into space, remembering. A moment later he blinked then gave Aimee a sideways glance. He smiled as he became aware of how his words may have sounded. "I guess it might seem silly. You get much rain growing up?"
Aimee smiled to herself and nodded slightly.
"Yeah. Seattle is pretty good for that whole rain thing. Though we never got many real storms up there. But lots of rain. I wish I could say I remembered it as fondly as you did. You make it sound kind of nice. Peaceful. You had a nice farm. It's a beautiful place. Guessing your upbringing was full of love. Kindness. Happiness." Chet could tell Aimee was reflecting in an almost envious way. Knowing the type of childhood she had, there was good reason for her to feel that way. He looked at her with great empathy.
"Yeah, I was lucky. And, for what it's worth, I am so sorry about how you weren't as lucky. There are no words that can make it better, I know. But, if I can help, please know I am here for you." Aimee managed a brief smile and leaned over against Chet. She felt better being near him. Knowing he cared that way.
"Maybe one day, I can sit on your porch with you and listen to the rain. Maybe I can get a feeling of what you were blessed with." Chet tilted his head down and kissed the top of her head.
"It would be an honor to share that with you."
Frank and Callie trudged along the steep trail. They had been hiking for the better part of two hours.
"We've been going on for a while, now." Callie observed. "I haven't even seen a cabin for over an hour. Do you know our position? My phone signal gave out some time ago." Frank stopped and turned. He pulled out a small water bottle from his belt and took a long drink.
"My best reckoning puts us on the high elevation end of the Tuscarora trailhead. Or what is left of it. Not much of anything has gone on up here lately. At least in terms of anyone walking on the trail. I don't image it's really used much anymore. Conservation signs ended over an hour ago." Callie nodded as she looked around. The heavy vegetation and mature trees were not exactly welcome terrain to the average person.
"I wonder how far we are from the West Virginia border." Frank looked about.
"Maybe about ten miles as the crow flies." He looked at the sky through the dense trees. The forest had become darker in the last fifteen minutes. "Looking like it's fixing to rain." As if an ominous warning of his prediction they heard the sound of thunder in the distance. Callie looked up, then nodded.
"Sure seems like its fixing to alright."
"Going to have to make camp soon." Frank said, glancing at Callie, gauging for the potential reaction from her. She looked back at him and smirked.
"Your lucky day, detective. Getting me up here all alone. Gee, if it wasn't for us making a search for my missing child, people might talk." Frank chose to ignore her comment. If she was trolling him, the last thing that needed to happen is for them to start fighting.
"I guess we can go another half an hour and then setup camp. If that is agreeable to you?" Callie's eyes shifted to him. She was about to make a comment she might regret. She simply nodded.
They continued onward. The trail itself had soon faded and they were walking through the forest without aid of a marked path. Frank took a compass out and with the help of his knife managed to blaze their trail as they went deeper into the dense thicket. Another fifteen minutes and the area was notably darker. The thunder had also been sounding more steadily. Frank stopped and turned to Callie.
"I think we should stop and set up the tent." Callie was not going to object. She gave a slight shudder as the cool breeze whipped against her.
"Yeah. I believe you're right. Let's set up."
Half an hour later they had created a small and neat campsite. Frank had built a fire in hopes they could heat their dinner before any rain fell. The night came on quickly and soon the glow from the fire was their only source of light. Frank dished out the canned stew into metal bowls. Callie accepted when he offered her one.
"Thanks." She said then reached into her nearby backpack and retrieved a flask. Frank gave her the all-knowing look. She had known this look long before she had ever touched a drop of alcohol. It was a look she had been familiar with back when they were teenagers and dating. This was the look that essentially questioned her action. She knew it well.
"Cal, you're not thinking..." Callie rolled her eyes.
"Relax, Frank. It's tea. I didn't have a second water bottle so I improvised." She took the cap off and took a long drink. She looked across the fire at him. "Besides, you don't think I'd really drink when it's just us two together, do you? If you remember, the last time that happened it didn't work out too well." Frank held up his hands slightly, acknowledging his rush to judgement.
"Sorry, Cal. Didn't mean to assume." Callie shook her head as she continued to eat.
"It's alright. More times than not you'd be right on target if you saw me pull out a flask. Not that I'm proud of that. But, I've let my kid down enough as it is." Frank looked over at her. Even though the fire didn't offer much illumination, he could tell she was distressed. The dark circles under her eyes were only partly concealed by a rushed makeup job. He assumed she hadn't had much sleep. Not that this was something she had much control over. Without knowing the location and condition of Maddie, she was only half of her normal self.
"We'll find her, Cal." Callie gave a halfhearted nod as she looked all around her.
"I'd like to be as confident as you, Frank. But, we are on the top of a damn mountain. Aside from a few cabins that we checked out when we first started out, there has been nothing. I don't think there is any place out here where a guy could hide over twelve teenage girls." Frank finished his bowl and set it down. He grabbed his water bottle, then shrugged.
"Well, we won't know till we check it all out. Though I am perplexed about something."
"What's that?" Frank took another drink and set his bottle down. He stretched back against his backpack and sighed.
"I don't know. But, the fact that no aerial photographs were done just bugs me." Callie looked upward. The dense trees didn't allow much of a view of the sky.
"Maybe they thought these woods had such a dense canopy that such photos would be useless for detecting ground structures."
"Yeah, I suppose I can buy that as part of the reason. But there are lots of open spaces, too. With as many miles of nature there are out here, you'd still have to think that aerial photos would be a given. They could really assist in ruling out a lot of search area so that manpower could be better used." Callie took a swig from her flask, then looked about the area again.
"Do you think they even did that thorough of a foot search? I mean the sheriff's department seemed quite dismissive about the whole thing. If they were responsible for searching a lot of this terrain, I'd bet money that much of it went without." Frank sighed.
"Well, it's obviously not something that we would skip in Bayport. But, each agency is only as good as those who lead it. Down here, and further south, it wouldn't necessarily surprise me if the locals reported it as investigated, but it really wasn't. Especially if they believe it was a red herring and Norton was just planted out here to throw off law enforcement." Callie shook her head. A disgusted look painted on her face.
"Can't believe they do that. Realizing that there are lives at stake. What about the feds?" Frank looked down thoughtfully.
"Well, I had the same discussion with dad. He admitted that while the FBI has its own protocol and investigation, it does work in concert with local law enforcement if it helps save man hours. It is not totally unreasonable to believe that if the local field agent in charge has an existing relationship with the locals, they could take their word for it. The sheriff claims they had men searching and found nothing, some FBI agents might take it as fact."
"You know, back when I went through FBI training I was taught many things. And one wasn't that we depend on other agencies to do our job. Especially in such matters as kidnappings. You know, where the feds have the jurisdiction." Frank looked up meekly.
"True. But remember, you never became an agent and as such never experienced the actual interactions between the federal and state agencies." Callie had to admit this was true. It's one thing to be taught to be something. Often another thing to actually live it.
"Yeah, I have to admit that. But, if we have to mop up and do their work for them, so be it." It was kind of refreshing to hear something positive from Callie. Frank had always had a special place for Callie. Not matter how many things that may have happened after they parted ways. He remembered there was a time when she was a cheerful and optimistic woman. Though at present, he couldn't blame her for any negativity. For any self-pity she may display. Frank couldn't imagine how he would feel if his own son had been taken. While he only enjoyed visitation with his child, he knew that his son was safe. He knew where he was.
"We will do our best, Cal. You know as well as I do that you catch breaks at times you least expect."
"That's what I am hoping." Callie placed her bowl on the ground and took out her water bottle. After downing a sizable drink, she shook her head. "Man, forgot how that canned stuff has a ton of sodium in it. But I am grateful to have eaten anything. Didn't touch much breakfast. I was too worried wondering what happened with Chet and Aimee. I'm kind of in the dark. My last couple texts to Aimee have gone without reply." Frank offered her a perplexed look. He hadn't meant to even tip his hand by facial expression. But he did just the same. Callie looked at him and his telling, uncertain expression. He averted his gaze.
"Sorry, I didn't mean to..." His words faded. He didn't know for sure what was really going on with Chet and Aimee. Since they were supposed to be giving a performance to appear as a couple, he knew he could be reading it wrong. Callie on the other hand nodded and gave an audible grunt.
"You didn't, Frank." She looked into the fire thoughtfully. It was not exactly apparent to her what might or might not be going on with her husband and lover. Perhaps she didn't really want to know. It wouldn't be unreasonable to want to cast such an issue to the side for the time being. After all, Maddie was all that was important now. But still, part of her did wonder. "I don't know what you have heard or seen. I mean aside from that little outburst the other day when you were maybe speculating. But, it's really not important. I feel that they are doing their job to impress upon others that they are a legitimate couple. As such, I think it's quite possible that anything you may have observed was just that. An act."
Frank knew that in all likelihood that something was probably going on between Chet and Aimee. There would be no reason to be carrying out any act or pretense in the privacy of their own motel room. There would be no reason for what appeared to have the two sleeping in the same bed, and in various states of undress. But, as strongly as Frank suspected that something beyond a pretense was going on, it was not his place. Or so he kept reminding himself. His father had already made the obvious clear. Attempting to make points with Callie while she had a missing daughter was quite clearly not the time. He nodded briefly and leaned back against his pack again. Adjusting it for comfort.
"Yeah, your probably right." He pulled his blanket from his pack and spread it over him. Callie looked at him a bit mystified. Part of her was just a little curious to ask what he had observed in her husband's motel room. But then she noted him covering up.
"Going to sleep?" She asked with a bit of surprise. Frank shook his head.
"No, not entirely. But just trying to get comfortable. Bound to be a long night." Callie shook her head.
"And a wet one. Don't you have sense enough to stretch out in the tent where it will be dry?" Frank couldn't help but chuckle lightly.
"Well, Cal. I didn't figure you wanted me in there with you. After all, that isn't one of Chet's tents." Callie managed to giggle at the reference. Her husband had a reputation for going overboard. Camping with him in the past on vacation and on cases back in the day were not very discreet events. Chet was known for liking his tent spacious. It was not unusual for him to pack a ten-person tent, even if there were only three or four people camping.
"Well, that is certainly true. But I can't have you getting wet out here. I think we can manage to both fit in there." Frank had not expected this from Callie. He knew she had some degree of discomfort with him and assumed it was not likely that she would be willing to share a tent.
"Well, ok. Thank you, Cal." As if a sign to indicate no further decision was necessary, they began to feel the cool pelt of raindrops falling on them. Frank sat back upright and looked up to the sky. "Yeah, I'm game if you are!" Callie needed no urging. She grabbed her backpack and got up. The pair quickly slid into the small tent.
The rain picked up considerably. Callie reached in to her pack and pulled out a small flashlight. She arranged a small pillow at the top of her open sleeping bag. After situating her phone next to her, she turned out the light.
"Don't expect to get a signal." Frank grunted as she looked at his own phone. "It's been relatively spotty up here under these dense trees." Callie clicked her own phone to life and confirmed that Frank was correct. No signal showed.
"Well, at least we are dry." She set down her phone. The rain pelted against the thin material of the tent. Callie sighed. "You know, I normally like a good rain storm. But something about it is unsettling tonight. I guess I'm just nervous and all. I hope Maddie is safe and dry tonight." She sniffled audibly. Frank could sense her distress.
"I'm sorry, Cal. I know there are no words that can help you. But, I am here just the same." Callie nodded in spite of the darkness.
"Thanks, Frank. I just feel so helpless. She is so vulnerable. I know they picked her for her looks, and that scares me so much."
"Yeah. I know. I swear in this last year she has become your twin. When I saw her a few months back at Iola's place, I have to admit I got flashbacks of when you were her age. You were so beautiful, all I wanted to do was get close to you." Callie managed to smile a little. She remembered those early days of when they dated. Frank did pursue her and she was honored as she recalled.
"Well, you were pretty strapping yourself back in the day. I quite enjoyed the closeness we had." Frank knew that Callie must be feeling pretty vulnerable herself to even say that. He cleared his throat, wondering if he should offer her any consoling.
"If you need me to..." his words faded. He knew she had a good deal of animosity over things that happened between them.
"What?" Callie asked, sensing he was genuinely trying to be kind. She felt at least for the moment, she might let him.
"I mean if you aren't averse to me touching you, I'd be ok holding you if that might help." Callie closed her eyes for a moment. It wasn't easy to simply say ok. But the idea of being held was certainly inviting to her. She turned herself away from him so she was facing the wall of the tent. She then slid backwards a bit.
"That would be nice, I think, Frank. If you don't mind, I'd prefer if you spooned me this way." Frank, somewhat surprised she was open to it at all, didn't argue. He edged closer to her and placed his left arm over her.
"This ok?" He asked cautiously. Callie sensed his anxiety. She sighed peacefully, then grabbed his arm he had slung over her. She turned her head over her shoulder for a moment.
"That's fine. But keep the hands off the boobs, and if I feel anything poking me down there we will have words." Frank sensed her humor and chuckled nervously.
"I'll do my best." Callie held tighter to her arm. She felt more comfortable having someone close.
"Thank you, Frank." She said quietly. He closed his eyes. Feeling her presence so close offered him a degree of comfort and closeness he hadn't had in a long time.
"Your welcome. Let's get some rest."
The rain fell steadily as the two quickly fell asleep. It was only about nine in the evening. But the physical toll from their long hike and the emotional stress combined to make them both tired and in need of rest.
Thunder sounded in the distance, but they remained fast asleep.
