DESTINY
Chapter 22
Devon Landrum had planned for two weeks working out each careful detail of his plan. He had finished supplying the small, abandoned cabin he had laid claim to with everything he could imagine needing.
Deciding that he needed the perfect alibi he had left amid witnesses to attend the psychiatric conference in Atlanta, although he only flew as far as Charleston, making certain that he missed the connecting flight to Atlanta. After he had acquired a rental car he returned to Trinity.
Parking in the garage of the hospital he made certain that no one was in sight before taking the chisel he had purchased earlier he proceeded to locate Dara Buck's car. Finding it quickly he made certain that no one was watching as he crawled underneath it to find the fuel line. Locating it quickly he began punching various holes through it, allowing the gas to slowly drizzle on the ground. Careful to remain unobserved he returned to his rental car and left to change his clothing before retrieving his own car in order to return to the hospital to wait for Dara to leave.
Finally she appeared, Landrum watched as she unlocked her door and got in, then started the car. Waiting a few minutes he then followed behind her today was Wednesday, so he knew she would be heading to the less populated area just outside of Trinity where she had managed to acquire a house to use for the outreach program.
Seeing that she was beginning to have the car trouble that he had hoped for he passed by as she pulled the car to the side of the road, then cutting through a side road that would lead back to the main road just behind where Dara had pulled her car off the road.
Pulling behind her car he smiled to himself as he prepared to get out of the car while muttering to himself, "Now, things can go as they should."
Dara was making a mental list of the items she needed to discuss with the contractor who had volunteered his time to refurbish what would be the outreach center, when she felt the car beginning to lurch and sputter.
Looking at the gages in disbelief she swore, "Damn, that's impossible, Lucas just filled this car two days ago." She knew that the gas shouldn't have been down by more than a quarter of a tank of gas, if that much, but according to the needle it was completely empty.
Pulling the car to the side of the road, she cursed herself for not allowing Lucas to get he a cellular phone, reasoning that she didn't need anything more than her pager. Hitting the steering wheel in frustration she considered her options. She was better than a mile from the center; there were no houses in sight and no traffic to flag down. She could hope that one of the deputies would pass by on patrol they all knew her car.
Deciding that she really didn't want to wait in the car due to the heat, she decided to take her chances and start walking in the direction of the center. Getting out she decided to leave her purse and briefcase and take only her keys. Locking the door she turned to begin walking when she saw a car pull up behind her, she began thanking providence for her luck until she saw whom the driver was.
Devon Landrum stepped out and smiled at her, "Car trouble?"
Dara instinctively took a step backwards and nodded, "Yes, I appear to have ran out of gas, unfortunately, there isn't a phone around so I thought that I would walk to the center and call my husband."
Landrum motioned to his own car, "I'd be happy to take you if you like."
Dara considered his offer for a moment, she didn't relish the idea of being in an enclosed space with this man, but on the other hand, she also didn't need to walk a mile in this heat and in her condition.
Landrum could see her trying to rationalize with herself and decided to try and swing her decision in his favor. "Look, Mrs. Buck, Dara. I know that I've probably made you very uncomfortable these past couple of months and for that I apologize, but in all honesty I know about your condition and we both realize you shouldn't walk in this heat. I promise, I'll be a perfect gentleman and I'll take you to the center it's not far from here."
Dara weighed his words in her mind, then looking at him in suspicion, she asked, "I thought you were going to attend the conference in Atlanta, weren't you supposed to leave this morning?"
Landrum nodded as he lied convincingly, "Yes, but I had an emergency at Juniper House, so I re-booked to a later flight. I'm on my way to the airport now."
Dara nodded her acceptance, "Well, if you wouldn't mind I would appreciate it if you would drop me off at the center."
Smiling at his success he walked around the car to open the door for her, after he pulled back onto the road he headed in the direction of the center.
Pointing to a side road, Dara stated, "That's the way to the center, Dr. Landrum." Watching in horror as he passed by the road she tried to sound calm as she smiled nervously, "Dr. Landrum, you missed the run."
Looking over and smiling benevolently, Landrum asked, "Oh, did I? I'm sorry, I'll turn around."
Visible relief showed in her face as he pulled the car off the side of the road, as if to make a wide turn, until he put the car in park and hit the automatic lock button. Dara looked at him in panic, as she demanded, "What are you doing?" Without a word, he withdrew a hypodermic needle from his pocket and uncapped it.
Dara didn't have enough time to react as he quickly snatched her arm and jabbed the needle in, quickly injecting whatever its contents was into her blood stream.
Seeing the panic he assured her, "Oh, don't worry its nothing fatal. Just a tranquilizer to keep you calm and sedate." Bringing his hand up to stroke her cheek, he asked in astonishment, "Surely you must know that I would never harm you?"
Dara, beginning to feel the effects of the injection, tries to avoid his touch. Blinking through the haze that the drug was creating, she asked, "Why?"
Looking at her in disbelief, he replied, "I thought that would be obvious, I'm in love with you and I'll have you, one way or another."
Dara, unable to fight the effects of the injection any longer, fell back on the seat, unconscious.
Lucas sat at the kitchen table with Caleb, waiting patiently for Dara. He had already seen to the twins' baths and feedings, as well as having already put them down for the night. Now he was trying to keep his mind preoccupied by helping Caleb with schoolwork.
He kept trying to reason with himself that today was Wednesday, which meant that she went to the center and had probably gotten held up chatting with Selena or one of the other committee members. When the clock chimed nine he began having serious doubts.
Since the births of the twins and Caleb's moving in with them, she always made certain that she was home in plenty of time to tend to the babies, put supper on the table and to help Caleb with is assignments. Lucas couldn't believe that after a year and a half that she would change her schedule without even a phone call.
Finally at ten he looked over at Caleb, who was also beginning to worry, "Son, do you think you can sit with the babies so that I can go and look for Dara?"
Caleb nodded, "Yeah, I can handle it."
Lucas smiled proudly at his son, "I know that you can, if you need anything call the Crowers and in a pinch Selena if you have to." He had called both earlier to see it they had seen her and both had said no. Matt had informed him that the last time he had seen her was when she was leaving her office for the day. Heading for the door he opened it just as Ben was about to knock.
Ben looked at him startled, "Lucas, I was just coming to see you."
Lucas looked at him grimly as she shook his head, "Not now, Ben, I've got to find my wife."
Ben put his hand against his shoulder to stop him, "That's why I'm here, Lucas. We found Dara's car about a mile from the center, abandoned."
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "What the hell do you mean abandoned?"
Ben nodded, "It's the damnedest thing, it's locked up tight and her purse is in it with her briefcase, but no keys and no Dara."
Lucas motioned to his car and tossed Ben the keys, "Fire it up, Ben." With that he went inside to place a call.
Waiting for the phone to ring he began swearing, "Pick it up Mama." Finally he heard the answer to his prayers.
"Hello?"
Sighing with relief he skipped the formalities, "Mama, this is Lucas, look I need you to get down here, quick."
Lucilla, not certain that she had heard him right inquired, "What are you up to, boy?"
Lucas became aggravated, "I'm not up to anything, Mama. My wife is missing, she's disappeared and I need some help. Your help."
Catching his double meaning she accepted, "All right, I'll be there as soon as possible." With that she hung up and silently hoped her granddaughter-in-law was safe at the moment.
Dara struggled her way to consciousness through the haze the drug had created. Rising on her elbow, she put her hand to her head to ease the dizziness she was suffering. Focusing on her surroundings, Dara realized that she had no idea where she was.
At that moment the door opened a Landrum stepped through, bearing a tray and smiling, "Feeling any better, darling?"
Dara glared at him, "Let me out of here and then ask me that."
Laughing at her display of temper he shook his head, "That's the one thing I'm afraid that I cant do. You'd only go back to that man you've mistakenly married."
Dara stared at him in disbelief, "I suppose that you believe I should be married to you?"
Landrum nodded, "Yes, I've always believed that."
Dara, unable to believe what she was hearing, asked incredulously, "How could you have always believed that? You only met me a few months ago."
Landrum shook his head in denial of her statement, "Try again, dear. I've know you since you were seventeen years old."
Dara shook her head, "That's impossible, even after ten years I would remember you."
Landrum grinned maliciously, "Not if I've changed my name since then. Not to mention, you only gave me a cursory glance back then anyway. After all, a teacher-student romance can be sticky."
Dara stared at him, trying to remember, he did remind her of someone, but she couldn't place exactly who. Then, as if a lightening bolt had illuminated it, she remembered. Eyes wide, she stared at him exclaiming softly, "Oh my God!"
Landrum smiled smugly, "Remembered did you?"
Dara looked at him, puzzled, "I don't get it, why did you change your name?"
Setting the tray he had been holding next to her, he began his story. "If you remember, my father was also a psychiatrist. After that unfortunate incident with his patient, which caused a scandal, the name Andress wasn't exactly welcomed in the profession. So I legally changed my name, Landrum was my mother's maiden name and Devon was already my middle name, I just dropped Daniel and Andress. Then, when I began finding out about you and I was offered this position, finding you here was simply putting icing on the cake. I almost had a position at the hospital you worked at in North Carolina, but that fell thru."
Dara sighed in disbelief as she informed him, "You cant be serious, you've tracked me all these yeas, I told you ten years ago that I wasn't interested."
The fury that was beginning to rise within him was almost tangible as he stated, "You just don't know me now, you'll see the real me and learn to love me."
Dara stared at him in astonishment, "Well, that's an idea, but you've forgotten a couple of things. One, I'm married, do you think my husband is going to stand idly by? He's the sheriff; we both know he'll find me. Two, you're the first person he's going to suspect. Three, no one who knows me will ever believe that I simply up and left my family, especially my children."
Landrum chuckled viciously as he pointed out, "There are some things you seem to have forgotten. First, you husband's reputation isn't exactly the most savory around here. People will assume he showed you his true self and you either left on your own or were forced to leave, as well as leaving your children behind. Second, I have and airtight alibi. I can prove that as of this moment I'm in Atlanta. So my love, unless you have any other bits of news, I believe that's checkmate."
Dara looked down at her hands, folded in her lap. He definitely had her and there wasn't anything she could do about it.
"I can see you need time to adjust to all of this, there are clothes in those drawers for you to wear, a small bathing tub. I'm sorry, but there isn't any running water here, but I'll make certain that you always have fresh. There's a small cooler there with food and water and soda in it, if you need anything else just let me know. I'll be staying here till the morning; I'm not due to return from Atlanta till tomorrow. But make no mistake, you won't be escaping here."
Turning, and then as if remembering something, he glanced over his shoulder, "Oh, and by the way, I want you but I definitely don't want that bastard you're carrying. Your son and daughter can stay with their father, but I wont wait for the next seven months to have you. You're going to have an abortion."
Dara stared at him in horror, then placing her hand protectively over her stomach she stated, "You can't force me to abort my baby, and you can't take me to a clinic, I'll make certain that they know everything."
Smiling maniacally he nodded in agreement of her observation, "Oh, I'm quite aware that I cant realistically take you to a clinic, but since I'm also a doctor there isn't anything to say that I cant perform the abortion myself."
Dara's eyes widened at his statement, "You, are an insane monster." Before she was really aware of it, he had crossed the space between them and struck her hard across the face, using enough force to make her wonder why her neck hadn't snapped with the contact.
Seeing the frenzied look in his eye she began to feel real fear at the evidence of his demented state. When he descended on her several more times, slapping her in the face, she curled herself into a tight ball, in order to protect the vulnerable area of her stomach from his blows, which seemed to anger him even further. With her back exposed most of the blows landed there, she wasn't certain what he was using, but she could feel the painful lashes of what she assumed was a belt or at least a strip of leather.
Landrum looked down on her battered body after he had tired of heaping abuse upon it, the frenzied look now replaced with regret. Speaking at though he had merely said the wrong thing, he stated, "I apologize for that, but you need to learn it now, I have a terrible temper and I detest being referred to as insane. So for your own sake, don't ever say that to me again." With that he turned and left the room, locking the door behind him.
After he had left, Dara got to her feet, although unsteady at first, she soon had her bearings. Taking the chair in the corner she shoved it under the doorknob with what remaining strength she had to keep him out. Knowing that she needed her rest, she laid down on the cot once more as she remembered her statement about aborting her baby. Letting the tears fall unchecked, she prayed out loud, "Dear Lord, please let Lucas find me soon." Looking towards the wall she asked quietly, "Lucas, where are you?"
At that moment, Lucas was going over his wife's car with a fine toothcomb. After he had unlocked the door and removed her purse he walked around to the front and began going through its contents. "Ben, come here."
Ben walked around to the front of the car to join him and watch as Lucas laid the contents on the hood.
Opening the wallet to find all the money in it, as well as her credit cards, he then searched until he found her checkbook. Looking at Ben he demanded, "You know anybody that would leave and not take some money with them?"
Ben shook his head, "No, I don't, are you sure she didn't have more than that?"
Lucas shook his head furiously, "Yes, Dara never takes money out of the bank, she always writes a check or uses the credit cards, I give her whatever cash she has, she told me this morning that she didn't have but a ten, which she gave to Caleb for school, so I gave her a hundred dollars in twenties. What's here?"
Ben opened her wallet and counted exactly five twenties, shrugging he asked "What are you thinking, Lucas?"
Lucas remained silent as he removed the rest of the contents of his wife's purse, finding her vitamins as well as her asthmatic inhaler. Holing the inhaler up, he asked Ben, "You know anybody who has to use one of these who is just going to leave it, willingly?"
Ben stared at the device for a moment, he knew that Dara was prone to bronchitis and asthmatic problems from her allergies and since it was June it was the height of allergy season in the area, which meant that she would definitely be certain to carry it with her, if given the choice.
As Lucas began replacing the contents he looked at Ben in deadly seriousness, "She was tricked somehow, I don't know how, but I know my wife. She wouldn't just leave her car or her purse, someone has taken her."
Just then Floyd spoke up, "Lucas, look at this."
Walking around and looking at the gauge that Floyd was aiming the flashlight at, Lucas muttered, more to himself than anybody else, "That cant be right." Sitting in the drivers seat he put the key in the ignition and attempted to start the car. When it wouldn't turn over he got out and looked at Ted, the tow truck driver. "Ted, take it in and I want you to look it over very carefully, understand?"
Ted looked at Lucas curiously, "Sure thing, Lucas. Anything in particular you want me to pay attention to?"
Lucas nodded, "Yeah, it should have at least a three-fourths full tank of gas, it's on empty. Find out why." With that he motioned for Ben to follow him. Getting in his car he leaned out the window and instructed, "Ben, find out where Landrum is at, would you. I'll meet you at the office." With that he headed in that direction.
Ted came in and confirmed Lucas' suspicions. Holding out a dirty rag, he unwrapped its contents, inside was a piece of hose.
Lucas looked at him questioningly, "What is it?"
Ted pushed the cap back further on his head, "You were right, Lucas. It's the fuel line from your wife's car, and see them holes? I'd say they were made by a pointed screwdriver, maybe a chisel, but something with an ice pick like tip to it."
Lucas nodded, "Thanks, Ted. I appreciate you getting on it so fast." With that he motioned to Ben, "Come on we're going to the hospital."
Ten minutes later they were standing in the space reserved for Dara. Lucas looked at the puddle soaking into the cement, and then kneeling down he touched the wetness and then sniffed the air. "Ben, is it me or do you smell a lot of gas right here?"
Ben knelt down and followed his actions, "Yeah, whoever did it, did it right here."
Lucas looked at him sharply, "Did you find Landrum?
Ben nodded, "Yeah, he's at a conference in Atlanta."
Lucas considered a moment, he was positive that Landrum was somehow involved. Not willing to dismiss Landrum so easily, he ordered Ben, "Do me a favor, start checking into it, there has to be some kind of connection between him and Dara. Find it." With that they headed back to the station.
Lucas dropped Ben off at the station to get to work, "I'll be back, I left Caleb with the kids and I need to check on them."
Ben nodded and started his task, he had his suspicions like Lucas that Landrum was at the bottom of this and if there was a connection he was going to find it.
Lucas found his grandmother waiting for him when he got home; giving her an uncharacteristic hug he thanked her for coming.
Motioning toward the kitchen she lead the way and then poured them both a cup of coffee before informing him, "Caleb is asleep, I told him that he could stay at home tomorrow. The babies woke up, but I got them back to sleep. They know that their mama isn't here, I can see it in the way they look at me."
Lucas looked at her knowingly, "Are you surprised?"
Lucilla shook her head, "No, I'm surprised that they aren't saying mama yet, but that about it."
Lucas ran a hand through his hair in aggravation, "Damned Mama, where is she?"
Lucilla patted his shoulder in unaccustomed sympathy, "You'll find her, boy. Don't worry."
Lucas shook his head, "You don't understand mama, she's seven weeks pregnant. I wanted this time to be different for her; I promised her that it would. Now, I don't even know where she is."
Lucilla considered a moment, "Have you tried really 'searching' for her?"
Lucas nodded, "I can't get a fix, I think I'm too close."
Lucilla nodded her understanding, "That could be a definite problem."
Just then someone knocked on the back door. Lucas got up and admitted Ben, "Lucas, you were right, I found it."
Lucas looked at him in uncertainty, "Found what?"
Ben tipped his cap at Lucilla before continuing, "Have you got one of Dara's high school year books around here?"
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "This isn't a time for a stroll down memory lane, Ben."
Ben nodded, "I know, trust me. Do you?"
Lucas motioned for him to follow into the study. Going over to the bookcase that held such books he asked, "Which year?"
Ben consulted a piece of paper, "She was about seventeen."
Pulling out two possibilities, they went back to the kitchen. Ben took one of the books and opened it, thumbing through it till he found what he wanted then handing it to Lucas to read, he waited for his reaction.
Lucas glanced at the book, "All right so what's your point? She was in advanced classes for psychology."
Ben nodded, "Now, I did some checking they were taught by under graduates at that time, each quarter a different teacher. Now, look who taught one quarter."
Lucas glanced at the name, "Daniel Andress, and your point?"
Ben handed him a copy of a legal document, "Guess who legally changed their name to Devon Landrum."
Lucas looked at him in surprise, "You're kidding?" Picking up the yearbook again he began thumbing through it till he found what he was looking for. Handing it to Ben he asked, "Look like someone we know?" There, was a younger picture of Landrum.
Ben motioned to Lucas to read an inscription, "Look what he wrote here."
Taking the yearbook, Lucas read it aloud, "To Dara, not only my brightest student, but the brightest part of my day and hopefully the rest of my life." Looking at Ben, he had the same thoughts; "He's been after her for ten years." Lucas noticed the way that Dara had tried, unsuccessfully to erase the inscription.
Lucilla, who had remained silent, spoke up, "She didn't realize who he was?"
Lucas shook his head, "Apparently not, he only taught for a few weeks, she probably dismissed him when he was gone, but apparently, he didn't dismiss her." Looking at Ben he inquired, "What did he change his name?"
Ben shrugged, "His father was Dr. Daryl Andress, remember the one they tried for stalking on of his patients?"
Lucas nodded, "He's had lessons from the best then." With that he looked at Ben, "Let me make a call." Going over to the phone he dialed the familiar number as he waited for the other end to be picked up, "Hello, Judge Barlowe? Yeah, this is Lucas Buck. I need a search warrant for the office and home of one Devon Landrum. Yes, I know who he is and unless I'm mistaken the bastard has my wife. No, she didn't run away with him. Judge don't make me get ugly about this. Fine, I'll send my deputy right over for it. Thanks." With that he hung the phone up and instructed Ben, "As soon as he puts that paper in your hands meet me as Landrum's house."
Ben nodded as he put his hand on Lucas' shoulder, "We'll get her back."
Lucas looked at him, "I don't doubt that, but will it be in time?" With that he excused himself to check on his children before leaving to search Landrum's house.
Dara awoke when she heard the chair that she had placed against the door; rattle as Landrum attempted to enter. Finally, he exerted enough force to rattle it loose, allowing him to open the door.
Looking at her contritely, he stated, "I've forgotten exactly how stubborn you can be."
Dara replied sarcastically, "My apologies, I guess I've made this kidnapping more difficult for you than necessary."
Landrum smiled humorously, "No need for apologies, oh by the way, I'll be leaving you for a while. I'm going to the hospital to pick up the suction equipment I'll need."
Dara stared at him, horrified. He was indeed going to perform an abortion on her. Deciding to try reasoning with him, she asked, "You realize that if you do this I'll never love you. If anything I'll take every opportunity I can to try and kill you. Do you really want that?"
Shaking his head in denial, he stated, "You think that now, but once you're rid of that nuisance and recovered we can begin our own family."
Dara shook her head in disbelief as she vowed, "I'd rather die than to have you touch me, let alone carry and bare your children."
Glaring at her coldly, he replied, "You'll change your mind, I'm sure. Now lets not discuss it any longer."
Dara looked at him questioningly, "Just one more thing, how do you propose to do it when I don't have any intentions of letting you anywhere near me?"
Smiling at her maniacally, he challenged, "Well, that should make it very interesting, shouldn't it?" With that he closed the door and locked it.
Dara waited until she heard him leave and then got up and tried to find an escape. The door was tightly secured, the windows were all boarded up, and there were no loose floorboards, in short she was truly trapped. Dropping dejectedly down on the cot she sighed with frustration, "Oh Lucas, honey please hurry."
At that second Lucas, Ben and Floyd were forcing the door to Landrum's house. After having gained access they began searching around.
Floyd came from the laundry are with a shirt and a pair of pants. "Lucas, these clothes smell awfully strong of gas."
Lucas took the clothes and closed his eyes; he could see Landrum on the ground under a car stabbing at something. Tossing them to Ben he instructed, "Bag em."
After doing as asked, Ben attempted to open the bedroom door, which was locked, "Lucas, this door is locked."
Lucas walked over and tested the knob, without a word he brought his foot up and kicked it wide, breaking the catch off. Turning to Ben, he stated, "Not anymore."
Ben shook his head, some things never changed. Entering, Ben stopped short, looking over his shoulder he advised, "Lucas, I think you need to see this."
Lucas walked in behind him, "What is it, Ben?" Glancing around he muttered low, "Oh my God!" Every inch of the wall was covered with pictures of Dara; there wasn't one speck of wall showing in the room. Lucas walked around the room and studied the photos, some were snapshots, some news clippings, there had to have been thousands of them, but they were all of his wife. Shaking his head, he stated, "He's obsessed with her." Looking at Ben he stated, "Leave Floyd here, lets get to the hospital."
A short time later they were in Landrum's office forcing the drawer they found locked open. Searching until they found a box in the back of it, they opened the box and discovered not only more photos of Dara, but her appointment book and medical folder as well.
Lucas shook his head, "No wonder he always knew where she would be."
Crower walked in just as Lucas had picked up the medical file. Glancing at the scene around him in curiosity he inquired, "You seen Landrum?"
Lucas hook his head, "No but I'd like to, why?"
Matt shrugged, "He came in here about ten minutes ago and then left with the suction equipment we use for D & C's and such, said it was needed at Juniper House, but I called and they have their own equipment."
Lucas had opened Dara's file and noticed that the last diagnosis entered was pregnancy. Looking back at Matt, he asked, "Isn't that what you would use to perform an abortion?"
Matt nodded, "Yeah, a little father into a pregnancy."
Lucas looked at him with panic, "How far?"
Matt considered, "About seven weeks or...." Awareness dawned in Matt's eyes, "You don't think?"
Lucas flew out of the chair, "Come on, Harvard, I may need you." With that all three men raced down the hallway.
Landrum had arrived back at the cabin with all the equipment he needed, including an electric generator to power the pump and lights.
Dara had been true to her word and made it as difficult as possible for him, but being twice her size he finally pinned her to the cot and gave her a stronger injection to knock her unconscious.
Restraining her until it took effect, he finally rose up after she closed her eyes and fell limp. Picking her up he carried her to the next room and placed her carefully on the table then began to prepare for the procedure.
Chapter 22
Devon Landrum had planned for two weeks working out each careful detail of his plan. He had finished supplying the small, abandoned cabin he had laid claim to with everything he could imagine needing.
Deciding that he needed the perfect alibi he had left amid witnesses to attend the psychiatric conference in Atlanta, although he only flew as far as Charleston, making certain that he missed the connecting flight to Atlanta. After he had acquired a rental car he returned to Trinity.
Parking in the garage of the hospital he made certain that no one was in sight before taking the chisel he had purchased earlier he proceeded to locate Dara Buck's car. Finding it quickly he made certain that no one was watching as he crawled underneath it to find the fuel line. Locating it quickly he began punching various holes through it, allowing the gas to slowly drizzle on the ground. Careful to remain unobserved he returned to his rental car and left to change his clothing before retrieving his own car in order to return to the hospital to wait for Dara to leave.
Finally she appeared, Landrum watched as she unlocked her door and got in, then started the car. Waiting a few minutes he then followed behind her today was Wednesday, so he knew she would be heading to the less populated area just outside of Trinity where she had managed to acquire a house to use for the outreach program.
Seeing that she was beginning to have the car trouble that he had hoped for he passed by as she pulled the car to the side of the road, then cutting through a side road that would lead back to the main road just behind where Dara had pulled her car off the road.
Pulling behind her car he smiled to himself as he prepared to get out of the car while muttering to himself, "Now, things can go as they should."
Dara was making a mental list of the items she needed to discuss with the contractor who had volunteered his time to refurbish what would be the outreach center, when she felt the car beginning to lurch and sputter.
Looking at the gages in disbelief she swore, "Damn, that's impossible, Lucas just filled this car two days ago." She knew that the gas shouldn't have been down by more than a quarter of a tank of gas, if that much, but according to the needle it was completely empty.
Pulling the car to the side of the road, she cursed herself for not allowing Lucas to get he a cellular phone, reasoning that she didn't need anything more than her pager. Hitting the steering wheel in frustration she considered her options. She was better than a mile from the center; there were no houses in sight and no traffic to flag down. She could hope that one of the deputies would pass by on patrol they all knew her car.
Deciding that she really didn't want to wait in the car due to the heat, she decided to take her chances and start walking in the direction of the center. Getting out she decided to leave her purse and briefcase and take only her keys. Locking the door she turned to begin walking when she saw a car pull up behind her, she began thanking providence for her luck until she saw whom the driver was.
Devon Landrum stepped out and smiled at her, "Car trouble?"
Dara instinctively took a step backwards and nodded, "Yes, I appear to have ran out of gas, unfortunately, there isn't a phone around so I thought that I would walk to the center and call my husband."
Landrum motioned to his own car, "I'd be happy to take you if you like."
Dara considered his offer for a moment, she didn't relish the idea of being in an enclosed space with this man, but on the other hand, she also didn't need to walk a mile in this heat and in her condition.
Landrum could see her trying to rationalize with herself and decided to try and swing her decision in his favor. "Look, Mrs. Buck, Dara. I know that I've probably made you very uncomfortable these past couple of months and for that I apologize, but in all honesty I know about your condition and we both realize you shouldn't walk in this heat. I promise, I'll be a perfect gentleman and I'll take you to the center it's not far from here."
Dara weighed his words in her mind, then looking at him in suspicion, she asked, "I thought you were going to attend the conference in Atlanta, weren't you supposed to leave this morning?"
Landrum nodded as he lied convincingly, "Yes, but I had an emergency at Juniper House, so I re-booked to a later flight. I'm on my way to the airport now."
Dara nodded her acceptance, "Well, if you wouldn't mind I would appreciate it if you would drop me off at the center."
Smiling at his success he walked around the car to open the door for her, after he pulled back onto the road he headed in the direction of the center.
Pointing to a side road, Dara stated, "That's the way to the center, Dr. Landrum." Watching in horror as he passed by the road she tried to sound calm as she smiled nervously, "Dr. Landrum, you missed the run."
Looking over and smiling benevolently, Landrum asked, "Oh, did I? I'm sorry, I'll turn around."
Visible relief showed in her face as he pulled the car off the side of the road, as if to make a wide turn, until he put the car in park and hit the automatic lock button. Dara looked at him in panic, as she demanded, "What are you doing?" Without a word, he withdrew a hypodermic needle from his pocket and uncapped it.
Dara didn't have enough time to react as he quickly snatched her arm and jabbed the needle in, quickly injecting whatever its contents was into her blood stream.
Seeing the panic he assured her, "Oh, don't worry its nothing fatal. Just a tranquilizer to keep you calm and sedate." Bringing his hand up to stroke her cheek, he asked in astonishment, "Surely you must know that I would never harm you?"
Dara, beginning to feel the effects of the injection, tries to avoid his touch. Blinking through the haze that the drug was creating, she asked, "Why?"
Looking at her in disbelief, he replied, "I thought that would be obvious, I'm in love with you and I'll have you, one way or another."
Dara, unable to fight the effects of the injection any longer, fell back on the seat, unconscious.
Lucas sat at the kitchen table with Caleb, waiting patiently for Dara. He had already seen to the twins' baths and feedings, as well as having already put them down for the night. Now he was trying to keep his mind preoccupied by helping Caleb with schoolwork.
He kept trying to reason with himself that today was Wednesday, which meant that she went to the center and had probably gotten held up chatting with Selena or one of the other committee members. When the clock chimed nine he began having serious doubts.
Since the births of the twins and Caleb's moving in with them, she always made certain that she was home in plenty of time to tend to the babies, put supper on the table and to help Caleb with is assignments. Lucas couldn't believe that after a year and a half that she would change her schedule without even a phone call.
Finally at ten he looked over at Caleb, who was also beginning to worry, "Son, do you think you can sit with the babies so that I can go and look for Dara?"
Caleb nodded, "Yeah, I can handle it."
Lucas smiled proudly at his son, "I know that you can, if you need anything call the Crowers and in a pinch Selena if you have to." He had called both earlier to see it they had seen her and both had said no. Matt had informed him that the last time he had seen her was when she was leaving her office for the day. Heading for the door he opened it just as Ben was about to knock.
Ben looked at him startled, "Lucas, I was just coming to see you."
Lucas looked at him grimly as she shook his head, "Not now, Ben, I've got to find my wife."
Ben put his hand against his shoulder to stop him, "That's why I'm here, Lucas. We found Dara's car about a mile from the center, abandoned."
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "What the hell do you mean abandoned?"
Ben nodded, "It's the damnedest thing, it's locked up tight and her purse is in it with her briefcase, but no keys and no Dara."
Lucas motioned to his car and tossed Ben the keys, "Fire it up, Ben." With that he went inside to place a call.
Waiting for the phone to ring he began swearing, "Pick it up Mama." Finally he heard the answer to his prayers.
"Hello?"
Sighing with relief he skipped the formalities, "Mama, this is Lucas, look I need you to get down here, quick."
Lucilla, not certain that she had heard him right inquired, "What are you up to, boy?"
Lucas became aggravated, "I'm not up to anything, Mama. My wife is missing, she's disappeared and I need some help. Your help."
Catching his double meaning she accepted, "All right, I'll be there as soon as possible." With that she hung up and silently hoped her granddaughter-in-law was safe at the moment.
Dara struggled her way to consciousness through the haze the drug had created. Rising on her elbow, she put her hand to her head to ease the dizziness she was suffering. Focusing on her surroundings, Dara realized that she had no idea where she was.
At that moment the door opened a Landrum stepped through, bearing a tray and smiling, "Feeling any better, darling?"
Dara glared at him, "Let me out of here and then ask me that."
Laughing at her display of temper he shook his head, "That's the one thing I'm afraid that I cant do. You'd only go back to that man you've mistakenly married."
Dara stared at him in disbelief, "I suppose that you believe I should be married to you?"
Landrum nodded, "Yes, I've always believed that."
Dara, unable to believe what she was hearing, asked incredulously, "How could you have always believed that? You only met me a few months ago."
Landrum shook his head in denial of her statement, "Try again, dear. I've know you since you were seventeen years old."
Dara shook her head, "That's impossible, even after ten years I would remember you."
Landrum grinned maliciously, "Not if I've changed my name since then. Not to mention, you only gave me a cursory glance back then anyway. After all, a teacher-student romance can be sticky."
Dara stared at him, trying to remember, he did remind her of someone, but she couldn't place exactly who. Then, as if a lightening bolt had illuminated it, she remembered. Eyes wide, she stared at him exclaiming softly, "Oh my God!"
Landrum smiled smugly, "Remembered did you?"
Dara looked at him, puzzled, "I don't get it, why did you change your name?"
Setting the tray he had been holding next to her, he began his story. "If you remember, my father was also a psychiatrist. After that unfortunate incident with his patient, which caused a scandal, the name Andress wasn't exactly welcomed in the profession. So I legally changed my name, Landrum was my mother's maiden name and Devon was already my middle name, I just dropped Daniel and Andress. Then, when I began finding out about you and I was offered this position, finding you here was simply putting icing on the cake. I almost had a position at the hospital you worked at in North Carolina, but that fell thru."
Dara sighed in disbelief as she informed him, "You cant be serious, you've tracked me all these yeas, I told you ten years ago that I wasn't interested."
The fury that was beginning to rise within him was almost tangible as he stated, "You just don't know me now, you'll see the real me and learn to love me."
Dara stared at him in astonishment, "Well, that's an idea, but you've forgotten a couple of things. One, I'm married, do you think my husband is going to stand idly by? He's the sheriff; we both know he'll find me. Two, you're the first person he's going to suspect. Three, no one who knows me will ever believe that I simply up and left my family, especially my children."
Landrum chuckled viciously as he pointed out, "There are some things you seem to have forgotten. First, you husband's reputation isn't exactly the most savory around here. People will assume he showed you his true self and you either left on your own or were forced to leave, as well as leaving your children behind. Second, I have and airtight alibi. I can prove that as of this moment I'm in Atlanta. So my love, unless you have any other bits of news, I believe that's checkmate."
Dara looked down at her hands, folded in her lap. He definitely had her and there wasn't anything she could do about it.
"I can see you need time to adjust to all of this, there are clothes in those drawers for you to wear, a small bathing tub. I'm sorry, but there isn't any running water here, but I'll make certain that you always have fresh. There's a small cooler there with food and water and soda in it, if you need anything else just let me know. I'll be staying here till the morning; I'm not due to return from Atlanta till tomorrow. But make no mistake, you won't be escaping here."
Turning, and then as if remembering something, he glanced over his shoulder, "Oh, and by the way, I want you but I definitely don't want that bastard you're carrying. Your son and daughter can stay with their father, but I wont wait for the next seven months to have you. You're going to have an abortion."
Dara stared at him in horror, then placing her hand protectively over her stomach she stated, "You can't force me to abort my baby, and you can't take me to a clinic, I'll make certain that they know everything."
Smiling maniacally he nodded in agreement of her observation, "Oh, I'm quite aware that I cant realistically take you to a clinic, but since I'm also a doctor there isn't anything to say that I cant perform the abortion myself."
Dara's eyes widened at his statement, "You, are an insane monster." Before she was really aware of it, he had crossed the space between them and struck her hard across the face, using enough force to make her wonder why her neck hadn't snapped with the contact.
Seeing the frenzied look in his eye she began to feel real fear at the evidence of his demented state. When he descended on her several more times, slapping her in the face, she curled herself into a tight ball, in order to protect the vulnerable area of her stomach from his blows, which seemed to anger him even further. With her back exposed most of the blows landed there, she wasn't certain what he was using, but she could feel the painful lashes of what she assumed was a belt or at least a strip of leather.
Landrum looked down on her battered body after he had tired of heaping abuse upon it, the frenzied look now replaced with regret. Speaking at though he had merely said the wrong thing, he stated, "I apologize for that, but you need to learn it now, I have a terrible temper and I detest being referred to as insane. So for your own sake, don't ever say that to me again." With that he turned and left the room, locking the door behind him.
After he had left, Dara got to her feet, although unsteady at first, she soon had her bearings. Taking the chair in the corner she shoved it under the doorknob with what remaining strength she had to keep him out. Knowing that she needed her rest, she laid down on the cot once more as she remembered her statement about aborting her baby. Letting the tears fall unchecked, she prayed out loud, "Dear Lord, please let Lucas find me soon." Looking towards the wall she asked quietly, "Lucas, where are you?"
At that moment, Lucas was going over his wife's car with a fine toothcomb. After he had unlocked the door and removed her purse he walked around to the front and began going through its contents. "Ben, come here."
Ben walked around to the front of the car to join him and watch as Lucas laid the contents on the hood.
Opening the wallet to find all the money in it, as well as her credit cards, he then searched until he found her checkbook. Looking at Ben he demanded, "You know anybody that would leave and not take some money with them?"
Ben shook his head, "No, I don't, are you sure she didn't have more than that?"
Lucas shook his head furiously, "Yes, Dara never takes money out of the bank, she always writes a check or uses the credit cards, I give her whatever cash she has, she told me this morning that she didn't have but a ten, which she gave to Caleb for school, so I gave her a hundred dollars in twenties. What's here?"
Ben opened her wallet and counted exactly five twenties, shrugging he asked "What are you thinking, Lucas?"
Lucas remained silent as he removed the rest of the contents of his wife's purse, finding her vitamins as well as her asthmatic inhaler. Holing the inhaler up, he asked Ben, "You know anybody who has to use one of these who is just going to leave it, willingly?"
Ben stared at the device for a moment, he knew that Dara was prone to bronchitis and asthmatic problems from her allergies and since it was June it was the height of allergy season in the area, which meant that she would definitely be certain to carry it with her, if given the choice.
As Lucas began replacing the contents he looked at Ben in deadly seriousness, "She was tricked somehow, I don't know how, but I know my wife. She wouldn't just leave her car or her purse, someone has taken her."
Just then Floyd spoke up, "Lucas, look at this."
Walking around and looking at the gauge that Floyd was aiming the flashlight at, Lucas muttered, more to himself than anybody else, "That cant be right." Sitting in the drivers seat he put the key in the ignition and attempted to start the car. When it wouldn't turn over he got out and looked at Ted, the tow truck driver. "Ted, take it in and I want you to look it over very carefully, understand?"
Ted looked at Lucas curiously, "Sure thing, Lucas. Anything in particular you want me to pay attention to?"
Lucas nodded, "Yeah, it should have at least a three-fourths full tank of gas, it's on empty. Find out why." With that he motioned for Ben to follow him. Getting in his car he leaned out the window and instructed, "Ben, find out where Landrum is at, would you. I'll meet you at the office." With that he headed in that direction.
Ted came in and confirmed Lucas' suspicions. Holding out a dirty rag, he unwrapped its contents, inside was a piece of hose.
Lucas looked at him questioningly, "What is it?"
Ted pushed the cap back further on his head, "You were right, Lucas. It's the fuel line from your wife's car, and see them holes? I'd say they were made by a pointed screwdriver, maybe a chisel, but something with an ice pick like tip to it."
Lucas nodded, "Thanks, Ted. I appreciate you getting on it so fast." With that he motioned to Ben, "Come on we're going to the hospital."
Ten minutes later they were standing in the space reserved for Dara. Lucas looked at the puddle soaking into the cement, and then kneeling down he touched the wetness and then sniffed the air. "Ben, is it me or do you smell a lot of gas right here?"
Ben knelt down and followed his actions, "Yeah, whoever did it, did it right here."
Lucas looked at him sharply, "Did you find Landrum?
Ben nodded, "Yeah, he's at a conference in Atlanta."
Lucas considered a moment, he was positive that Landrum was somehow involved. Not willing to dismiss Landrum so easily, he ordered Ben, "Do me a favor, start checking into it, there has to be some kind of connection between him and Dara. Find it." With that they headed back to the station.
Lucas dropped Ben off at the station to get to work, "I'll be back, I left Caleb with the kids and I need to check on them."
Ben nodded and started his task, he had his suspicions like Lucas that Landrum was at the bottom of this and if there was a connection he was going to find it.
Lucas found his grandmother waiting for him when he got home; giving her an uncharacteristic hug he thanked her for coming.
Motioning toward the kitchen she lead the way and then poured them both a cup of coffee before informing him, "Caleb is asleep, I told him that he could stay at home tomorrow. The babies woke up, but I got them back to sleep. They know that their mama isn't here, I can see it in the way they look at me."
Lucas looked at her knowingly, "Are you surprised?"
Lucilla shook her head, "No, I'm surprised that they aren't saying mama yet, but that about it."
Lucas ran a hand through his hair in aggravation, "Damned Mama, where is she?"
Lucilla patted his shoulder in unaccustomed sympathy, "You'll find her, boy. Don't worry."
Lucas shook his head, "You don't understand mama, she's seven weeks pregnant. I wanted this time to be different for her; I promised her that it would. Now, I don't even know where she is."
Lucilla considered a moment, "Have you tried really 'searching' for her?"
Lucas nodded, "I can't get a fix, I think I'm too close."
Lucilla nodded her understanding, "That could be a definite problem."
Just then someone knocked on the back door. Lucas got up and admitted Ben, "Lucas, you were right, I found it."
Lucas looked at him in uncertainty, "Found what?"
Ben tipped his cap at Lucilla before continuing, "Have you got one of Dara's high school year books around here?"
Lucas looked at him in disbelief, "This isn't a time for a stroll down memory lane, Ben."
Ben nodded, "I know, trust me. Do you?"
Lucas motioned for him to follow into the study. Going over to the bookcase that held such books he asked, "Which year?"
Ben consulted a piece of paper, "She was about seventeen."
Pulling out two possibilities, they went back to the kitchen. Ben took one of the books and opened it, thumbing through it till he found what he wanted then handing it to Lucas to read, he waited for his reaction.
Lucas glanced at the book, "All right so what's your point? She was in advanced classes for psychology."
Ben nodded, "Now, I did some checking they were taught by under graduates at that time, each quarter a different teacher. Now, look who taught one quarter."
Lucas glanced at the name, "Daniel Andress, and your point?"
Ben handed him a copy of a legal document, "Guess who legally changed their name to Devon Landrum."
Lucas looked at him in surprise, "You're kidding?" Picking up the yearbook again he began thumbing through it till he found what he was looking for. Handing it to Ben he asked, "Look like someone we know?" There, was a younger picture of Landrum.
Ben motioned to Lucas to read an inscription, "Look what he wrote here."
Taking the yearbook, Lucas read it aloud, "To Dara, not only my brightest student, but the brightest part of my day and hopefully the rest of my life." Looking at Ben, he had the same thoughts; "He's been after her for ten years." Lucas noticed the way that Dara had tried, unsuccessfully to erase the inscription.
Lucilla, who had remained silent, spoke up, "She didn't realize who he was?"
Lucas shook his head, "Apparently not, he only taught for a few weeks, she probably dismissed him when he was gone, but apparently, he didn't dismiss her." Looking at Ben he inquired, "What did he change his name?"
Ben shrugged, "His father was Dr. Daryl Andress, remember the one they tried for stalking on of his patients?"
Lucas nodded, "He's had lessons from the best then." With that he looked at Ben, "Let me make a call." Going over to the phone he dialed the familiar number as he waited for the other end to be picked up, "Hello, Judge Barlowe? Yeah, this is Lucas Buck. I need a search warrant for the office and home of one Devon Landrum. Yes, I know who he is and unless I'm mistaken the bastard has my wife. No, she didn't run away with him. Judge don't make me get ugly about this. Fine, I'll send my deputy right over for it. Thanks." With that he hung the phone up and instructed Ben, "As soon as he puts that paper in your hands meet me as Landrum's house."
Ben nodded as he put his hand on Lucas' shoulder, "We'll get her back."
Lucas looked at him, "I don't doubt that, but will it be in time?" With that he excused himself to check on his children before leaving to search Landrum's house.
Dara awoke when she heard the chair that she had placed against the door; rattle as Landrum attempted to enter. Finally, he exerted enough force to rattle it loose, allowing him to open the door.
Looking at her contritely, he stated, "I've forgotten exactly how stubborn you can be."
Dara replied sarcastically, "My apologies, I guess I've made this kidnapping more difficult for you than necessary."
Landrum smiled humorously, "No need for apologies, oh by the way, I'll be leaving you for a while. I'm going to the hospital to pick up the suction equipment I'll need."
Dara stared at him, horrified. He was indeed going to perform an abortion on her. Deciding to try reasoning with him, she asked, "You realize that if you do this I'll never love you. If anything I'll take every opportunity I can to try and kill you. Do you really want that?"
Shaking his head in denial, he stated, "You think that now, but once you're rid of that nuisance and recovered we can begin our own family."
Dara shook her head in disbelief as she vowed, "I'd rather die than to have you touch me, let alone carry and bare your children."
Glaring at her coldly, he replied, "You'll change your mind, I'm sure. Now lets not discuss it any longer."
Dara looked at him questioningly, "Just one more thing, how do you propose to do it when I don't have any intentions of letting you anywhere near me?"
Smiling at her maniacally, he challenged, "Well, that should make it very interesting, shouldn't it?" With that he closed the door and locked it.
Dara waited until she heard him leave and then got up and tried to find an escape. The door was tightly secured, the windows were all boarded up, and there were no loose floorboards, in short she was truly trapped. Dropping dejectedly down on the cot she sighed with frustration, "Oh Lucas, honey please hurry."
At that second Lucas, Ben and Floyd were forcing the door to Landrum's house. After having gained access they began searching around.
Floyd came from the laundry are with a shirt and a pair of pants. "Lucas, these clothes smell awfully strong of gas."
Lucas took the clothes and closed his eyes; he could see Landrum on the ground under a car stabbing at something. Tossing them to Ben he instructed, "Bag em."
After doing as asked, Ben attempted to open the bedroom door, which was locked, "Lucas, this door is locked."
Lucas walked over and tested the knob, without a word he brought his foot up and kicked it wide, breaking the catch off. Turning to Ben, he stated, "Not anymore."
Ben shook his head, some things never changed. Entering, Ben stopped short, looking over his shoulder he advised, "Lucas, I think you need to see this."
Lucas walked in behind him, "What is it, Ben?" Glancing around he muttered low, "Oh my God!" Every inch of the wall was covered with pictures of Dara; there wasn't one speck of wall showing in the room. Lucas walked around the room and studied the photos, some were snapshots, some news clippings, there had to have been thousands of them, but they were all of his wife. Shaking his head, he stated, "He's obsessed with her." Looking at Ben he stated, "Leave Floyd here, lets get to the hospital."
A short time later they were in Landrum's office forcing the drawer they found locked open. Searching until they found a box in the back of it, they opened the box and discovered not only more photos of Dara, but her appointment book and medical folder as well.
Lucas shook his head, "No wonder he always knew where she would be."
Crower walked in just as Lucas had picked up the medical file. Glancing at the scene around him in curiosity he inquired, "You seen Landrum?"
Lucas hook his head, "No but I'd like to, why?"
Matt shrugged, "He came in here about ten minutes ago and then left with the suction equipment we use for D & C's and such, said it was needed at Juniper House, but I called and they have their own equipment."
Lucas had opened Dara's file and noticed that the last diagnosis entered was pregnancy. Looking back at Matt, he asked, "Isn't that what you would use to perform an abortion?"
Matt nodded, "Yeah, a little father into a pregnancy."
Lucas looked at him with panic, "How far?"
Matt considered, "About seven weeks or...." Awareness dawned in Matt's eyes, "You don't think?"
Lucas flew out of the chair, "Come on, Harvard, I may need you." With that all three men raced down the hallway.
Landrum had arrived back at the cabin with all the equipment he needed, including an electric generator to power the pump and lights.
Dara had been true to her word and made it as difficult as possible for him, but being twice her size he finally pinned her to the cot and gave her a stronger injection to knock her unconscious.
Restraining her until it took effect, he finally rose up after she closed her eyes and fell limp. Picking her up he carried her to the next room and placed her carefully on the table then began to prepare for the procedure.