Note: Thanks to those who PMd and review. FlwrGrl, Thanks for the observations. You have hit the mark, and I appreciate the thoughtful input. Thanks to those who have read!
-26-
12:19AM
Callie blinked several times into the darkness. She was groggy and tried to focus. She felt Franks arm still around her. She was still tired, but had felt the need to empty her bladder. She turned over slowly and gently laid Frank's hand on the ground. She looked up at the ceiling of the tent. The rain had apparently stopped as she did not hear the water against it as she had earlier. She slowly sat up. Frank began to stir a little at sensing Callie sit up.
"You ok, Cal?" He whispered, still half asleep. Callie reached around on the ground for her phone, so she could see what time it is. She finally located it and clicked the side button. A soft glow from the screen filled the tent. Frank looked away from the light.
"Yeah." Callie said softly and closed the screen. "I just need to go find the ladies room. My bladder woke me up. Sounds like it stopped raining, so I'm going to go outside for a few."
"Oh, alright." He said groggily. Callie looked down. She felt bad that she likely had awaken him.
"I'm sorry I woke you."
"Don't worry about it. Be careful, sweetie." Callie smiled to herself. Frank must have been half asleep. He hadn't called her that in years. She quietly unzipped the front flap of the tent and slipped through. She stood in front of the tent and looked about. The fire had naturally been extinguished from the rain, but the smell of the burnt wood still prevailed through the air. Callie stretched for a few moments, and then proceeded to walk around the tent. With the glow of her cell phone flashlight leading her, she walked about 80 yards away. Even though she knew he wasn't outside, she wanted her privacy. Like many women doing their business in such a place, Callie wanted to be assured that she was unobserved. Something embarrassing about having someone else hearing or seeing you urinate.
She found herself a stout tree. Looking into the darkness, she was convinced no one was around. She quickly dropped her jeans and squatted. She looked down at her phone. 12:29. The brisk wind blew through the trees. Callie felt the cool air against her bare bum and shuddered slightly. She finally relaxed enough to release a strong stream on to the leaves below. She sighed and closed her eyes. A moment later she tensed up! She thought she had heard a sound. Callie quickly finished and pulled her jeans back up. She looked about in the darkness. Wondering if she had really heard anything or if the wind was just playing tricks on her.
Just as she was about to dismiss the idea and start back, she heard the sound again. It seemed like a faint whimpering coming from the west. Callie stood there, frozen in place. Slowly she clicked her phones flashlight on. She cautiously aimed the beam out into the blackness. Callie began to wonder if she was imagining things. She waited. Less than a minute later she heard the sound yet again. A soft, but distinct sound of a human voice. Callie was sure of it! Even though the wind was blowing through the trees, she had felt certain that the sound she was randomly hearing was a human.
Her heart rate immediately increased. Since the sound was not constant, she slowly made her way in the westerly direction she thought the sound had emanated from before. She stepped cautiously as she was uncertain of the terrain. It seemed to be solid ground one moment then soft pine needles the next. The sound finally came again. A faint whimper that may have been female. But, it could have also been some kind of cat. The way the sound yowled.
Callie had wished she had her sidearm. But it was still in her pack inside the tent. The last thing she wanted to encounter without a gun was some kind of wild or injured cat. In spite of her uncertainty she moved forward. Her light cutting through the inky darkness. She stopped in her tracks as the sound came again. This time is sounded slightly louder. All Callie knew was that it was something alive. Human or animal, she had to find out!
She picked up the pace. A full two minutes later, the sound broke through the darkness. This time there seemed to be a rasping in the sound. Callie felt a sweat break over her. The sound to her seemed definitely human! She started running in the direction of the sound.
By the time Callie had stopped to listen again, the sound was upon her. It was clear at this point that the sound was a human rasping cry. It was not loud, but she sensed it must still be near. Callie began flashing her light all around her. There was a thicket of trees before her. Callie began running through them, looking all around.
The sound came and went. She knew it must be coming from somewhere very close. She waved her flashlight back and forth in quick sweeping motions. The sheer number of trees made her dizzy as she dodged in and around them. She stopped to get her breath. She rested her hands on her thighs and looked down at the ground in front of her. Callie exhaled slowly.
A moment later her hair stood on end! The rasping sound that she had been searching for sounded once again. This time, directly behind her!
Ever so slowly Callie stood straight up and turned around. She raised the flashlight from its position to face the area directly in front of her. Callie's eyes widened at the sight before her! A figure of a nude teenage girl. Her arms wrapped around the tree. Her head slowly raised from its position which was resting against the tree trunk. Her eyes reflected eerily against Callie's flashlight beam. Her mouth barely open made the sound she had heard before.
"Heellpp." the weak yowl escaped her dry lips. Callie's eyes flashed with fear as she sized up the situation. Though the darkness covered the entire forest around them. She was certain as the light illuminated the young girl the she knew her! She was confident that she was one of the missing girls. More than that, unless her memory was failing her, she believed this was one of the missing girls from Bayport!
Callie wasted no additional time trying to remember the name. She stepped forward and bent down. She touched the girls face. The child immediately reacted to the touch. She pulled back in fear. Callie noted the bruising on her face. She ran her finger over the girl's lips. They were dry and her overall appearance was gaunt. She kept rasping her plea.
"It's ok, baby! Shhh. Don't try to talk." Callie soothed. "I am a friend. I will help you. Just let me try to get you untied." Callie examine the strong twine that held the girl's hands around the tree. Her eyes widened. The intricacy of the knots and manner in which her hands were tied was extraordinary. And were proving greatly troublesome for all of Callie's attempts to untie the captive child. She very much wished she had her knife. Which was also in her pack inside the tent.
After a few more moments trying to untie the very stout binding, Callie resolved that she would have to return to the tent to get her knife. She looked at the girl, who was clearly frightened. Though her weakness and overall appearance was much more concerning to Callie. She clearly needed medical attention!
"Look, baby. For me to cut you free, I need to go back to my camp and get my knife." Though weak, the girl looked even more fearful after hearing Callie was going to leave her. She shook her head weakly.
"Noo...no.." She managed to rasp. Callie smiled and nodded.
"Girl, it's ok. My camp is just a few minutes away. I can be back in ten minutes. I promise." Again, the girl gave a weak shake of the head. Callie felt great sympathy for her. She wasn't sure how it came to be, but she knew the only logical possibility was that the sicko who had kidnapped Maddie had brought this girl out and tied her to a tree. To die. Just like Heather Norton.
"Red herring my ass." Callie muttered under her breath. She was breathing heavy, trying to determine what to do. She knew she needed to act fast. A moment later she quickly reached to her side pocket and felt a small lump. Her eyes brightened and she reached inside. She pulled out a small lighter than she had used to light the camp fire earlier. If she could burn the twine then she wouldn't need to go get a knife. She held it up before the girl's bound wrists.
"Look, baby. I can try to cut the rope by burning it!" The girl was in no condition to really offer opposition or input. She was growing even weaker Callie suspected. She wished she had her water bottle! As much as the rain may have helped her, it was clear that the girl was likely dehydrated. She needed an IV and first aid if she were to stay alive! Callie wasted no time. She flicked the lighter to create a flame and held it to the center most area of the braided twine holding the girl's hands around the tree. The fact that the twine was quite damn was not helpful. It resisted catching fire. But Callie persisted. Her thumb was on the verge of becoming badly burned. Callie quickly released the flame and took the lighter into her other hand. She flicked the lighter several times without getting a flame to appear.
"Damn it!" Callie muttered. Finally, a flame popped up and she placed it back under the twine. Slowly the twine started to deteriorate in the flame and the strands managed to start weakening. "C'mon!" Callie pleaded. A few minutes later the line finally managed to hold the flame on its own. The line had burned almost completely through and Callie started pulling on either side. A few swift yanks and finally the twine was severed! The girl's arms almost immediately swung out and she fell backward. Callie thrust the lighter back in her pocket and picked her phone back up. She took a couple steps over and reached down and picked up the the girl's body. It seemed limp. Callie placed her hand under the girl's chin and gently rubbed it.
"Hey! You still with me, girl?" She asked fearfully. To her relief, the girl's arms jerked slightly and her lips quivered. Callie held her in her arms, and managed to keep her phone with its light on in her left hand. The light afforded her the ability to move through the dense trees without running into any. She had to get back to camp and get Frank!
Callie hoped and prayed that she was navigating in the right direction. She had not been completely sure of her direction with as many trees as she had walked around in order to find the child. Fortunately, five minutes later she was fairly sure she had come out of the thicket in the same place she entered. The more open terrain offered her the ability to speed up. As difficult as it was for her to maneuver, she knew this girl had limited time. She sighed in relief two minutes later when she saw the faint form of the tent.
"Frank! Frank!" She yelled as she ran. "Frank!" A moment later she saw the glow of a light come from the tent indicating that Frank had turned on the portable light. A second later she heard his voice.
"Callie?! Where are you?" his voice sounded off urgently.
"Over here, Frank!" Callie called as she entered the camp. Frank held up the portable lantern as she quickly came towards him. His eyes widened in surprise.
"My God!" Frank exclaimed. "What happened? Where did you find her?" He questioned as he assessed the situation. Callie placed the young woman into Frank's open arms. She stood there a moment, not speaking. She had to catch her breath.
"Let...Let me get a blanket. This baby is in bad shape." She ducked into the tent and pulled out a blanket. She and Frank managed to wrap her up. It was then that Frank held up the lantern to the girl's face. His eyes broadened again.
"My word. This is Emma Salinger! She was taken from the truck stop in Bayport! Where did you find her?" Callie still found it hard to talk as she gathered back some strength and breath. After another moment she reached down and grabbed a water bottle. She opened it and held it up to Emma's mouth. The girl was mostly passed out, or unconscious. She was not able to take the offered water.
"Found her tied to a tree! Just like Heather Norton. Frank, we need to get her some medical help, but fast! She is in bad shape!" Frank nodded his agreement.
For sure!" he took out his phone and looked for a signal. "Damn. We need to get down the trail and find a signal and call ahead to dad so he can get help!" Callie nodded.
"I will grab our bags real quick." Frank nodded.
"I will carry her. You lead the way!" Callie scurried into the tent and retrieved their most necessary things and shoved them into her pack. She quickly returned.
"Ok, let's go!"
With an echo of thunder in the distance, they started down the way they came. They kept as fast a pace as they dared. The steep wet trail and darkness limited their speed.
"Keep monitoring for a signal!" Frank called ahead to Callie. "I don't want to drop her by checking mine!"
"Already am. Every two minutes!" She called over her shoulder as they descended downward. They moved along as best they could in silence for over thirty minutes. Callie looking down at her phone frequently. "Come on, already! Give me a signal, dammit!" She muttered.
Another ten minutes and they saw that the canopy of trees was giving away to a clearer area as they moved down the side of the mountain. Finally, Callie saw her phone indicate a weak signal!
"I got a signal, Frank!" She said slowing her pace.
"Call dad!" he said between heavy breaths. The weight of the girl was wearing him down. "I think we should stop. I need to take a couple minutes. I don't want to drop her." he slowed to a stop. Callie abruptly stopped and turned. She nodded breathlessly.
"Yeah..." She said between breaths. "I will call. Take a couple minutes." Frank set Emma down on a soft patch of pine needles and started to examine her. Callie started dialing her phone. She placed it on speaker phone. After a brief pause the call started to go through.
"Hello" Fenton's voice sounded groggy. "Is that you, Callie?"
"Yeah, Fenton! Look, we don't have a lot of time. We need your help! Frank and I were up in the mountains. I left the tent to go do my thing. I heard a faint crying sound. Long story short, I found Emma Salinger tied to a tree. Just like Heather Norton!"
"Good God!" Fenton exclaimed. "Was she dead?"
"No. But she is in bad shape..."
"Her pulse is thready, dad!" Frank called towards the phone. "She has been beaten and was left to die. We need to get her to a hospital ASAS if she is to have a chance!"
"Where are you right now?" Fenton asked quickly.
"Uhm, we are about 40 minutes back down the Tuscarora trail! We are about an hour or so from the car." Callie said tensely.
"Ok, I need you two to keep going down the trail with a lantern on! I am going to get a medivac chopper out there. We will try to save you some time. But with the weather and uncertainty where you are exactly, we may not get further up than your car. But get moving and I will get things going on this end!"
"We are on it, dad!" Frank called towards the phone. Callie disconnected and looked over to him.
"You need help?" Frank shook his head.
"I got her. Just take out the lantern and turn it on full power and let's get moving!" Callie nodded and was already digging in the bag. She took out the battery powered camping lamp and turned it on high. The area lit up with a good amount of light. Frank looked down at Emma. She was unconscious. "Let's get going!"
They resumed their descent down the mountain side. They kept a brisk pace for another twenty minutes. Frank's arms ached at the strain and his back wasn't much better as it seared in pain from running with a heavy load. The trail was starting to level a bit more, which somewhat helped him keep his balance. But it was still difficult going for the pair.
"I wonder if they can land a copter in this area." Callie observed as they continued along. It's a bit more level down this way." Frank gasped for breath as he looked about.
"Not sure, Cal. It's hard to see too far in the distance. They should be able to tell if they come. Oh, I almost forgot. That lantern has an SOS strobe setting. Flip it on! Might help them see us." Callie nodded pulling the lantern up. She found the setting and flicked the switch over. The lantern started to give a coded flash of light. Three quick strobe flashes. Followed by three slightly longer flashes. Fifteen minutes more passed as they continued downward. A moment later Callie stopped abruptly and held up her hand. Frank slowed to a stop and looked up. In the distance they heard a faint sound in the sky. The echoing sound increased in intensity.
"They must be close!" Callie said with a tense, but excited tone. "I wonder if they can land?" Frank had placed Emma down and then sat down himself.
"We will soon find out. I need a minute. I was about to drop her and fall over." Callie rushed over and bent down over Emma. She placed her hand on the girl's wrist. She felt a faint pulse.
"Thank, God! She is still with us." Her eyes looked up searchingly. The echoing of the chopped was stronger. Callie pointed in the distance and finally was able to see the lights of the craft approaching from the east. "Look, Frank! There it is!" Frank looked up with relief. Callie began to wave the lantern back and forth. She also took out her phone and turned on the flashlight. The chopper came toward them at a fast pace! They were certain that the chopper had seen their signal. Now, it was just a matter of determining if there was an area to safely land.
Luck had been with them. The spot light from the chopper had cut away through the sky and found a spot that was relatively close. Callie jumped up with a whoop!
"They found a spot!" she turned and bent down and gently picked up the limp form of Emma Salinger. "I will carry her. Come on, Frank!" He nodded gratefully as he managed to get back up. "Grab the bag!"
"Right!" Frank grabbed the backpack and followed Callie as she made a beeline for the area where the chopper was just touching down. Callie did her best to job towards the aircraft. The chopper had safely landed. A moment later a crew of two paramedics and the tall figure of Fenton Hardy emerged from a cloud of fog which had settled in the lower mountain region. They met Callie midway and Callie stopped.
"Fenton! Thank God!" The two paramedics had carried a body board with side supports.
"We will take her, miss." One of them said quickly. The two paramedics secured the figure of Emma Salinger on the board. Frank had caught up. Fenton looked at the two beleaguered figures.
"You two, in the copter, now! If you both carried her down that mountain in an hours' time, you both must be exhausted." Callie and Frank were not about to object. The trio quickly walked back towards the chopper. "Luckily, they brought the big one. We will get her to the medical center in Winchester!"
The chopper moved swiftly across the sky in an easterly direction. The three watched quietly as the two paramedics worked. They established an IV and went to work checking Emma's vitals. Fenton looked sternly at Callie and Frank.
"So, you found her tied to a tree?" Callie nodded. Then gestured down to the floor of the chopper where the paramedics placed the remains of the rope that was still attached to Emma's wrists.
"Yeah. Deep in a thicket of trees. She was tied very intricately as you can see by the remains of that twine. I couldn't untie it. I had no knife, so I had to burn the rope with a lighter I had." Fenton bent over and picked up the remains of the line used to hold Emma to the tree. He nodded.
"Looks like the same type of twine and knots that were used on Heather Norton. Looks like he wanted her to suffer. He also appeared to have placed Emma much deeper into the woods than he did with Heather. It was simple providence that brought you there tonight." Frank nodded, then looked over at Emma.
"Do you think she will be able to tell us something?" Fenton Hardy nodded.
"Without a doubt she will. Assuming..." He looked soberly at the lifeless figure. He gently touched the elbow of the nearest medic. A uniformed man of about 35 and short sandy colored hair turned to him. "Can you speak to her condition yet?" The medic tilted his head.
"Well, she is stable, but still in shaky condition. Her responsiveness, or lack of it is concerning. We don't know to what extent her internal damage might be until we get to Winchester and run her blood and get her into an MRI. But, they should be able to give you more insight."
"But, she is going to make it there?!" Callie asked fretfully. The medic nodded.
"Yes. Initially she was 50/50. But the IV brought her vitals into a more stable range. She was clearly dehydrated. But, she also has something else going on. It's just not something we can pinpoint until we get some diagnostics going on." Callie nodded.
"Thank you." She said calmly. It was good to know she would make it to the hospital. Frank and Fenton both looked at her. They knew as well as Callie did. The young woman laying nearby had the potential key to all of this. She likely knew the identity and location of the kidnapper. Which meant the location of Maddie.
"Let's keep our fingers crossed." Frank said quietly. He didn't want to build her hopes up, for fear that something may happen. Callie rubbed her temples as she looked down to the floor. She was not fond of flying. But it was much more than that. She hadn't gotten much sleep. The idea that they now had a rock solid lead to the killer kept her adrenaline coursing through her. She was fearful of the possibility of Emma not waking up. She looked back at Fenton.
"It just crossed my mind. What about Chet and Aimee's end? When the news hits about Emma being found alive, won't that make this guy run or do something drastic? Much less likely cut off any possible dealings with Chet? I mean I want to think that kid will wake up with a full accounting of the location of Maddie. But, there is no guarantee of that! How do we keep the circus that is to come from making this guy cut and run?" Fenton nodded. He knew Callie had some valid questions.
"Well, for the time being, this doesn't have to turn into a circus. I can speak with the FBI, since this is their jurisdiction. We can see if we can keep all this away from the media for the time being. All we really need to do is to contact Emma's parents. I am sure they are much more concerned with their daughter's safety, rather than having a press conference. Given that their daughter is now recovered, I believe we can make it possible for things to be kept between them, us and the FBI. That way, our adversaries do not know she was even found alive and it maintains the status quo." Callie nodded.
"That would be a good idea, Fenton. If we can keep this away from the local law enforcement and keep things under wraps for the time being. I am just shocked that she turned up! I mean this guy is sloppy. If you want to off your victim, why leave her out tied to a tree?" Fenton looked grimly back at Callie.
"You've had enough FBI training to know that, my dear. He is mentally unstable. He has placed the girl's agony and desire for pain and suffering above his own best judgement! He isn't thinking rationally. Any killer who wanted to be sure would have shot her or strangled her. Or any other method which they could ensure death. Then dug a hole. She likely wouldn't have ever been found had he put thought into it! But the fact he wants them to feel so much pain. A slow death like being tied to a tree to slowly waste away. Be eaten alive by wild life. His intention was clear. And while it gave us an incredible break, it also paints the picture of who he is. And his lack of reason. His instability. All strong indicators that we must find Maddie and the others sooner than later!"
5:11AM
Winchester Medical Center
Frank looked down to the bench next to him. Callie was lying there fast asleep. She had been for over an hour. They were in the waiting room of emergency ward. Frank glanced down at his watch and then yawned. As he had been for the better part of the nearly three hours they had been there. There was something peaceful about her. He smiled looking down at her. Frank remembered the many times, years ago, watching Callie sleep. It was good to see her once again with peace on her face.
Frank had wondered what became of his father. Earlier, Fenton had excused himself to talk with the FBI whom he had alerted upon arrival. They were no doubt discussing the best way to deal with the publicity that could come. Hoping to avoid any public announcements. They also had contacted the Salinger family to alert them of Emma's recovery.
Before Callie had fallen asleep, both she and Frank had made regular inquires to the nurses to be alerted to any change in condition for Emma. Frank couldn't blame Callie's impatience. Emma might very well know information that could end the whole thing. But a couple hours in, the fatigue had taken its toll and she fell asleep.
Frank leaned back in the hard plastic seat and let his head rest against the wall. His body ached from the jaunt down the mountain side. He closed his eyes and wished he could fall asleep. But Frank had never been able to just fall asleep in a place he was uncomfortable in. Hospital waiting areas were most certainly one of them. But the idea of sleep was definitely appealing. More so if he could lay down with Callie again. He wouldn't have minded a good twelve hours in the same position they had been in earlier.
The sounds of footsteps approached. Frank's eyes fluttered open. He saw his father standing over him with a look of sympathy on his face.
"Hi, son. Been getting some rest?" Frank forced a weak smile and shook his head.
"Nah. My eyes just fell closed about two minutes ago. Cal has been asleep over an hour." He forced himself back into a normal seated position and blinked again several times. With a big yawn he looked up to his father. "Did you and the FBI get anything figured out?" Fenton Hardy nodded.
"Yes..." Before he could continue, Callie's eyes opened slightly. Her head had been resting upon her backpack. She rubbed her head slowly and tried to focus in on Fenton.
"Hey, Fenton. Guess I fell asleep. You have any news?" Fenton nodded.
"Yes, my dear. I just got back from consulting with Agent Spalding. We alerted Emma's parents and they are in route as we speak. We have stressed that we need to keep things quiet for now. That it is crucial to our investigation. Spalding said they are agreeable. They are honestly just thrilled Emma was found alive. Though naturally full of apprehension over her unknown condition."
"Do we know her condition?!" Callie inquired with a good degree of urgency in her voice. Fenton nodded.
"We will soon. I checked in with the desk and was told they can send their attending physician out to give is what information they had. I expect we will hear from him shortly." Callie nodded, trying to keep her composure.
"I hope she is alright. Not just for the sake of being able to tell us something. That poor kid. The way she was tied to that tree and the agony on her face. All those bruises and marks." Callie looked thoughtfully into space. An expression of fear crossing over her face as she thought how possible it could be that Maddie was being treated the same way. Frank placed a hand on her back.
"She is ok. We all need to believe that, Cal." She slowly snapped back to the present. Swallowing hard and nodding her agreement.
"Yeah, I know." She said absently.
A short time later, a tall man of about fifty with a shock of reddish-brown hair combed over his brow walked deliberately towards them. He wore a white lab coat and a stethoscope around his neck. He looked to Fenton.
"Detective Hardy?" He asked. Fenton nodded.
"Yes." He said and gestured to the others. "This is my son detective Frank Hardy and investigator Callie Morton." The man shook hands with all.
"Yes, I am Doctor Forbes. Very nice to meet you all."
"So, doctor..." Callie spoke up. "How is Emma?"
"Well, she is stable...for now. She was quite dehydrated. A lot of contusions, cuts and bruises. A badly sprained wrist. Likely due to her attempting to free herself from the restraints."
"Is she conscious?" Frank asked.
"Well, not yet. Which is perplexing to us. We have done a number of tests. Her labs are off. Suggesting why there is a bit of a systemic shutdown. We did a tox screen and it was also negative. I mean we aren't quite sure why her system is still not very responsive. We just got her CT back and everything seems good with her brain."
"So, no drugs in her system? Something which could cause this?"
"No, detective. So far, everything we've screened for has come back negative." Callie cleared her throat, looking down at the floor. She looked up towards the doctor hesitantly.
"Has she been..." Her words faded. But the doctor understood the question without it being completely asked. He looked back at her soberly.
"She has been criminally assaulted. The perpetrator was most spirited in his assault. We found perineal lacerations which indicate very aggressive activity." Callie's eyes closed tightly. Trying her best not to imagine the possible fate befalling her own daughter.
"Would it be alright if I looked in on her?" Callie asked quietly. Doctor Forbes nodded.
"Well, yes. As you are all investigators I understand your need to be informed. But, don't expect any miracles. She could snap out of it. But the way her labs looked, we have to wait and see that she doesn't degrade further. There is no reason she shouldn't really be conscious though. That's what is throwing us off. She is in room 8. I will advise the staff that you are allowed to monitor Emma. I understand her parents should be here in a few hours."
"Thank you, doctor." Fenton Hardy said. "We appreciate the information."
"You're welcome." He said, turning and walking back towards the ward. Fenton looked to Frank and Callie with a sober expression.
"Well, this is strange indeed. None of the things she is suffering from would be causing her system to be non-responsive." Callie nodded slowly, looking off into space.
"Almost as if she is in a coma."
"Looks like we aren't going to get that information we need anytime soon." Frank mused aloud. Callie closed her eyes and tilted her head down.
That much went without saying.
Time was running out.
