Author's Note: Okay, here's the chapter where you see the past implications about David being a scum come to fruition and now Linc is in the picture and he and Pete will be hot on the trail to find Julie and Melissa. All of my faithful friends who are reviewing and the readers—thanks and get ready for a wild ride.
THE SNATCH
Friday, November 21, 1980, 7:30 AM, PST
Preparations for the trip to Chicago were complete and had all the signs of the trip being auspicious. The weather Friday was perfect, sunny and cloudless with a cool temperature and little wind. Captain Osborne, good to his word, had the maintenance check done on the jet Wednesday and the jet was in perfect repair and ready.
The clearance came Thursday from O'Hare to land at a little used area that was away from the commercial carriers, so Pete called Linc and told him where to go inside the airport so he and Jason could meet the jet. He also told Linc the time so they all could arrange to eat something while the jet was refueling and then leave to come back. And even the Chicago weather was being cooperative, with a forecast of sunny and mild with a wind of about 15 mph. Everything looked as good as it could.
The past two days were filled with preparations for the Thanksgiving holiday. The ranch was a flurry of activity, with Hannah and Julie busy preparing dishes and desserts for the big dinner. The three ranch hands of whom weren't related were planning to be away with their families so Julie graciously invited the Travis family to join her, Pete, Melissa, Linc, and Jason for dinner. She ordered a twenty-five pound turkey and she and Hannah planned to create all kinds of side dishes and enough dressing to feed the army of healthy male eaters that would be at the table.
While the ordering, preparing, and cooking of food was going on, Pete continued probing into the possible cause of Dan's death. He talked to Hank about it and came away no closer to a conclusion than he was before. Hank corroborated what Lou Rafferty had told Pete about Dan's fall; that it seemed that he just lost his footing and slid off the roof. But he did admit that he was in the shed while Dan and David were up on the roof and Dan fell. He appeared reluctant to believe that Dan's death was anything else but an accident. Pete found himself at an impasse, not able to really find anything else to link David Slade to Dan's death. And to add to his frustration, David's agreeable attitude that he displayed at lunch Tuesday which was completely accepted by Julie, had persisted, prompting Julie to invite him to the Thanksgiving dinner.
Pete was getting an increasingly uneasy feeling about the whole thing but he decided to keep his feelings to himself. This wasn't easy to do however, because for the past two days, Julie had been rising early and joining him in the mornings for his walk. This was actually turning into his favorite time of the day because in the course of these walks, they had been getting closer than they had ever been.
During these morning constitutionals, Pete found himself opening up to her like he used to do and she confided in him, telling him all about her marriage. He also told her everything he had felt about his marriage, including his overwhelming sense of failure. Like always, Julie would listen and offer encouragement, helping him to come to terms with his feelings like nobody else ever in his life had done. She had a gift of understanding and a wisdom that belied her years, which he came to deeply cherish.
He was realizing that leaving her when the time came to do so was going to be nearly impossible, but again he knew that she needed time to mourn and get over her husband's death. But when that proper time of grief had passed, Pete determined that he would do what he should have done before...resume his past serious relationship with her and, when the time was right, ask her to marry him.
His relationship with Melissa reinforced that aspiration, for Julie's little girl had become quite attached to him, asking him to help her with homework, showing him her pony and even taking him up on his offer to cry on his shoulder about her father. He was becoming totally entwined in Julie and Melissa's lives and quickly discovering that there was nowhere else he was happier nor nowhere else he wanted to be.
Melissa finished her breakfast with Pete and Julie in the dining room. She got up to get her things for school, leaving them alone for a moment.
"Well, is everything all set for your flight?" Julie asked as she took a sip of juice.
"Uh-huh. Captain Osborne called and said that we'll take off at nine so I have about forty-five minutes to get ready and then drive over to the airport," Pete replied, as he ate his toast. "What are your plans today?"
"After I take Melissa to the bus and see you off, Hannah and I are going to get the guest suite ready for Linc and Jason," Julie informed him.
"Guest suite? I thought I was in the only guest room," Pete said curiously.
"Oh no, the suite of rooms Dan's dad stayed in till he died are in a wing to the right of the master bedroom upstairs. There are two rooms and a full private bath. After Dan's father died, I put another full sized bed in there so it can sleep two. Dan once said that if my mother ever needed to move in, we could put her in there," Julie said and then lowered her head.
Pete gazed at her...noting the subdued expression he asked, "What's wrong, honey?"
Julie looked up into the cerulean pools soft with compassion focused on her with the precision of a laser...trying to penetrate and get inside. Yet, unwilling to talk about the subject of her mother, Julie deflected it with a smile. "Nothing's wrong...so don't worry."
"You're sure?" He was dubious and his gaze pinned her.
She employed the only weapon that she had...her smile, which always had the power to convince him. "Positive," she stated with conviction.
Pete relented under the spell of that smile. "Good," he said as he reached in his jacket pocket and drew out a card and pen. He wrote a number on the back of the card and handed it to her, "Here's the number to the phone on the jet. If you need to get in touch with me for any reason, you can reach me at that number."
"Okay," Julie said looking at the card. She put it on the dining room table as Melissa entered the room with her knapsack and picked up the lunch satchel and thermos that Hannah left for her. She put the knapsack down and stood in front of Pete.
"Can't I go with you, Pete? I never been on a jet before," Melissa asked hopefully. Pete grinned and Julie shook her head.
"Melissa, stop fibbing. You went on a jet with Daddy and me last year. Besides, you have a spelling test today and you have to go to school," Julie admonished.
Melissa protested, "That was a big airplane, not a jet."
"Well, what do you think this is? The only difference is that the jet belongs to Pete and he doesn't have to ride with other people," Julie pointed out.
"Mommy's right, darlin'. I tell you what, I'll take you both up on my jet another time, we'll go away for a weekend, skiing in Colorado or something, okay?" Pete promised.
Melissa's blue eyes were shining, "Really? Oh, thank you Pete," she gushed as she threw her arms around him.
Pete chuckled as he returned the hug, "Now you have a good day in school and mind your Mommy when you get home and I'll see you tonight." He kissed her on the cheek as Julie put her sweater on for the walk to the bus.
"Melissa, come on, it's getting late," Julie said picking up Melissa's lunch and thermos. Melissa took her knapsack and reluctantly headed for the front door and Julie followed. She said to Pete over her shoulder, "I'll be right back."
Pete grinned and nodded. He rose and went into the study to get his briefcase.
Julie waved as the bus bearing Melissa to school drove off. She turned and walked back to the house, up the front stairs and opened the front door to let herself in. She met Pete as he was exiting the study.
Julie smiled knowingly at him, "You do realize, Mr. Cochrane, my daughter has a mad crush on you. She was firing questions about you at me all the while we were waiting for the bus. She's really taken to you," she added archly.
Pete grinned back, "She's got quite a style. But then again I always have had a soft spot in my heart for beautiful blondes," he said engagingly, reaching to brush Julie's ash blonde hair back from her eyes. Getting serious he took her hand, "Come on, I want to talk to you," he said as he led her into the parlor. They sat on the sofa.
Alarmed by his sudden graveness, Julie asked, "Pete, is everything okay?"
Pete gazed deeply into her eyes, "Everything's fine, angel. I just wanted to tell you how much it's meant to me to have you to confide in again. You just don't know how you've helped me with these early morning talks the last two days. And I'm supposed to be here helping you," he added with a touch of irony.
"Oh Pete, you have! I'm so glad that you came up here, you have no idea," she said. Her eyes became clouded, "I was devastated when Dan died. I've been so upset that it's like I've been in a trance, this whole thing has been like a bad dream." She then brightened up, "But you came here to do one thing and you've ended up doing so much more. You've helped me to release the pain that was eating me alive, you've helped my daughter to laugh again, you've made sure that we can keep this house running until the spring. Like the paperweight says, 'Words could never express,'" she finished softly, a catch in her voice.
Pete took her chin in his fingers and drew her lips toward his. He kissed her gently, tenderly, his heart pounding with emotion. They slowly and reluctantly pulled apart.
Pete sighed deeply as he looked at his watch, "Honey, I have to split if we're going to takeoff on time." He kissed her briefly and got to his feet. "You don't work too hard, okay?"
Julie nodded then rose and they headed for the foyer. Pete grabbed his jacket and briefcase and taking Julie's elbow, they headed out the door. They descended the stairs and headed toward the driver's door of the Mercedes. Pete tossed his case in and climbed behind the wheel. He closed the door rolled down the window as he reached to turn the key and started the motor.
"Bye, bye sweetheart, we'll be back about seven tonight," he said as Julie leaned in the window.
"Okay. You be careful and have a good flight," she leaned back and blew him a kiss. He waved and drove off, heading for the driveway. Julie watched as his car turned onto the main road and disappeared. She sighed, feeling a bit uneasy as she turned and headed back toward the house. Julie wondered why she was feeling so but she dismissed it as she went back into the house.
Friday, 8:50 AM PST
Pete pulled into the hangar parking lot in front of the runway where the jet was waiting. He grabbed his briefcase and hurried over to the stairs that led into the jet. He ran up the stairs and entered the cabin where he took a seat by the right wing window, where he usually sat. As Pete sat himself down and buckled his belt; he saw Captain Osborne, who joined him from the cockpit.
"All set to take off, Captain?" Pete asked, looking up.
"Yes, sir, as soon as I get the final weather report which is on its way."
"Okay. Carry on," Pete said dismissing him.
Captain Osborne went back into the cockpit. Pete sighed as he sat back and looked idly out the window, letting his thoughts flow. He was thinking about the flight and seeing Linc again. He was really looking forward to the upcoming week, back with Linc and Julie, just like old times.
He was glad that at least for a week, he could turn the clock back, and pretend like the last eight years never happened. Actually, since he came up to Julie's and spent time with her, he was feeling the years had melted away, the only difference being that they weren't kids any more. But soon the three of them would be back together, just like the halcyon days of years ago. His thoughts were interrupted as the intercom squawked with Captain Osborne's voice intoning that they had gotten clearance from the tower and they were taking off. Pete breathed deeply as he settled in for the flight.
Friday, 2:00 PM CST
Linc Hayes was waiting on the apron in front of the hangar situated at the far end of O'Hare International Airport. It was about forty-nine degrees, balmy for late November in Chicago. His ten-year-old adopted son Jason stood with him and they watched as multiple commercial jets landed and took off in a flurry of aerial activity. Jason looked up into the cloudless blue as yet another jet touched down and taxied up to one of the many commercial concourses.
"Dad, when is Uncle Pete coming?" Jason asked with a touch of youthful impatience.
Linc grinned fondly at the boy, "Hey easy there, bud. He'll be here."
Jason looked up at his father, "Dad, are we really going to a ranch?"
"Uh-huh."
"Have you ever rode a horse?" Jason wanted to know.
Linc admitted, "A few times but I'm no Roy Rogers."
"Who's he?" Jason asked curiously.
Linc threw his head back and laughed, "He was a cowboy that was in the movies when I was growing up."
"They had movies way back then?"
Linc shook his head, "Just watch the jets, Jase."
Jason resumed scanning the skies. He perked up as he spotted the sleek silhouette of the Lear as it glided to the runway. Pointing he exclaimed, "It's here, Dad...Uncle Pete's here!"
Linc was impressed. "Whoo hoo! I guess he is!"
The jet landed and taxied down the runway to the far concourse where Linc and Jason were waiting. It came to a stop and airport personnel pushed a collapsible staircase to the hatch door. Inside the cabin, Pete had dozed off and upon landing, he awoke, shook himself, unbuckled his seatbelt, and went to exit the jet.
The door was open and the cool Chicago wind caused Pete to shiver slightly so he went back into the cabin and grabbed his jacket. He donned the garment and headed out of the aircraft. Outside, Linc and Jason hurried to the portable staircase and Pete descended quickly to meet them. Jason grabbed Pete in a bear hug which he returned with just as much energy. He then shook hands with Linc and embraced him heartily.
"Linc, man it's so great to see you. How you doing?" Pete greeted him.
Linc grinned widely, "I'm great Pete, it's good to see you too. How's Julie doing?" he wanted to know.
"She's hanging in. Looking forward to having you guys with us." Pete turned his attention to Jason, "Hey Jason, are you ready to takeoff?"
Jason Hayes eyes were wide as he looked at the jet, "Uncle Pete, is this really your jet?" he said with awe.
Pete threw his head back and laughed, "Yeah, Jason it is." He turned to Linc, "Where are your bags?"
Linc threw a thumb over his shoulder, "Over there. Hey man, have you eaten?"
"Not since this morning. I was thinking we could grab a bite here. You know a place right here at the airport?" Pete asked.
"Yeah, there's a restaurant right inside near this concourse," Linc informed him.
"Great. We'll get something while the jet refuels," Pete suggested. He went over to Captain Osborne who was overseeing the stowing of Linc and Jason's luggage on the jet. "Captain Osborne, you're welcome to join us," he offered.
"Thank you, sir, I might as well do that," the pilot said, accepting in his professionally formal manner.
Pete nodded then turned to Linc and his son, "Well, guys, you lead the way." They all headed back into the airport.
Friday, 11:00 AM PST
David Slade was finishing up his weekly audit of the Bennett Ranch books. He closed the ledger and reached for an additional ledger, locked in a secret cabinet under the desk. There, he, flipped to a blank page and added and additional line of figures, which he added and checked. He was intent into the task when the door to the office opened and Hank Travis walked in, carrying the weekly payroll envelopes, which Julie had just handed him. He jumped nervously, startled.
"Hi, Hank, I wasn't expecting you," he said with a bit of a jitter.
Hank apologized, "Sorry to startle you Dave, but I got the paychecks here from Miss Julie." He handed over an envelope with David printed neatly on the front.
David looked amazed, then quickly recovered and smiled a bland smile of thanks. "Great, thanks, Hank. I thought that she was having some difficulties financially," he commented casually.
"Yeah, she lost the life insurance benefit check that Mr. Pete first brought up here but he arranged for her to get another one. She deposited it and that's how she's able to pay us all," Hank informed him as he turned to deliver the rest. "See you later," he called out but David detained him.
"Hank, I'll be out of the office later and away for the weekend on business. So if anything comes up, see if it will keep till Monday," he directed.
Hank nodded. "Okay, Dave. Have a nice weekend," he said over his shoulder as he left.
David sat back in the chair, scowling. He had Julie over a barrel and once again that damned Cochrane was there, coming to the rescue. He sighed heavily and came to the realization that he had no other choice now, but to put his plan into action. He opened the secret file cabinet under the desk and pulled out his .357 Magnum. He opened the chamber to check to make sure it was loaded and then reached into the drawer and brought out a silencer, which he screwed onto the barrel of the gun. He took the gun and slipped it into his waistband, concealing it with his shirttail. He then resumed his paperwork, biding his time.
Friday, 3:15 PM PST
After lunch, Julie and Hannah worked most of the afternoon and fixed up the guest suite together. They dusted, mopped, and vacuumed the three rooms thoroughly. By three o'clock, the rooms were cleaned, the bathroom was stocked with fresh towels, and the beds were made with fresh linen. With a look of satisfaction, Julie approved of the finished product.
"Well done, Hannah. This looks perfect," she said.
Hannah smiled, admiring their handiwork. "You worked as hard as me to get it this way, Miss Julie. But thanks just the same."
Julie glanced at her watch, "Oh my, it's almost time for Melissa's bus to get here! I'd better go up to the road and wait for it." She scurried down the stairs and grabbed her sweater. Before she left she informed Hannah.
"Hannah, I'll be right back to help with supper. When the guys get here, they'll probably be starving, I want to make sure there's more than enough for them."
Hannah assured her, "Don't worry Miss Julie, I'll make sure there's enough. After all, feeding hungry men is my specialty."
Julie grinned, "Thanks again, I knew I could count on you." She hurried out, slamming the door in her haste.
Julie descended the stairs and rounded the side of the house. She noticed Hank and the boys loading lawn bags filled with leaves onto the flatbed of Hank's blue Ford truck. They spotted her and waved and she waved back, then turned and walked rapidly up the driveway to the road. She got there just as the large yellow school bus lumbered toward her. It stopped at the ranch entrance and Melissa came bounding out. She launched herself at Julie who had squatted down to receive her daughter's enthusiastic greeting.
"Hi Mommy!" she said gaily as she hugged Julie tight.
Julie returned the hug, "Hi, Sunshine. How was school today?"
"Okay. I think I got an A on my spelling test," Melissa replied with pride.
"I'm glad, honey."
She took Melissa's hand and they started toward the house. Melissa chattered as they strolled down the driveway. About halfway to the house, Julie was surprised when they met David Slade, who was driving down toward the road in his pickup truck, on his way out. He honked his horn and rolled down his window as they stopped for him. He shifted the truck into Park and came out to where they were standing.
"Hey there ladies, where you heading?" David asked pleasantly.
"Hi Uncle Dave," Melissa greeted him.
"Hi David. Melissa just came home from school and we're going inside. We'll see you later."
Julie took Melissa's hand and tried to resume but a sharp click detained her. Julie gasped, her eyes wide with shock and fear as she saw David pointing his .357 Magnum now equipped with a silencer at her. She was filled with shock as she found herself speechless. Melissa's eyes were big as saucers.
"Now, the two of you are coming for a ride with me. And don't scream or make any sounds or I'll shoot you both right here." He seized Julie's arm and hurried her and Melissa to the passenger door. "Get in the truck now," he ordered.
Julie shook her head, still in shock. David leveled the barrel of the revolver to her forehead, "If you think I'm fooling around, Julie, just try me."
Julie grasped Melissa's hand, "Come on, honey, we'd better go with him."
Terrified, Melissa tossed her knapsack aside and woodenly obeyed, more frightened then she had ever been. Julie opened the door and they both climbed into David's truck. He opened the driver's side and climbed in with them. He shifted the truck into gear and tore down to the road where he turned and sped off. Julie sat there, her arms around Melissa, holding her tightly as Melissa shook with fear.
Down at the barn, Jim Travis was hauling lawn bags filled with leaves to the waiting truck. He turned and drew a rag out of the pocket of his coverall to wipe the perspiration from his face.
Looking down the driveway he saw as Julie and Melissa were walking down the drive toward the house, then witnessed David Slade's black pickup truck stop and David getting out to talk to Julie. Jim thought it strange when he then saw Julie and Melissa get into David's truck and then speed off. Hank came over to his son.
"What's going on, Jim? Stop daydreaming, we've got more bags of leaves to load," he reminded him.
"Something funny, Dad. Miss Julie and Melissa just took off with David."
Hank looked at him curiously, "When?"
Jim pointed to the now vacant driveway, "Just now. They got in his truck with him and took off."
Hank frowned thoughtfully, "David told me he was leaving early to run some errands. I guess he took Miss Julie and Melissa with him."
He replied crisply, "Come on, we've got to get to the landfill before sunset. They close the gate for the night then so let's get a move on." He pushed his son toward the yard and looked again down the driveway. He shook his head and strode to the yard. . . .
David drove at a rapid pace up the mountain road as Julie sat silently staring out the window, taking note of various road marks and recognizing the way to the far part of the property where she vaguely remembered was an old cabin in the mountains that Dan had once shown her. She gently stroked her daughter as Melissa huddled fearfully against her side. They had driven for about six miles when Julie finally found her voice. "Am I allowed to ask what you're doing?" she inquired calmly.
David remained silent as he drove along the winded road. Julie sighed as she tried again, "David, why do you want me and Melissa to go with you?"
David turned and glared at her, "Never mind, you'll find out soon enough. Till I'm ready to tell you, just put a sock in it," he said in a low deadly voice as he made a turn. Julie turned her head and mentally recorded his turn as she continued soothing Melissa.
They continued driving for about five more miles then David took a sharp right down a tree lined dirt road. Julie recognized the area as the far side of the mountain range that could be seen from the North Field. Dan had driven her here several times. They went on slowly for about another mile and then David stopped the truck in front of a dilapidated cabin, which she immediately recognized. He glanced at his frightened passengers and grinned evilly.
"Well, here we are. Everybody out," he ordered, pointing the gun at Julie and Melissa. Julie glared at him and gently prompted her daughter to exit the truck. David came over to where they were and grabbed Julie's arm to roughly hustle her and Melissa into the cabin. He flipped on a light switch at the door.
The interior of the cabin was as rundown as the outside. There was a lone light bulb hanging down from the ceiling to illuminate the room, a sooty stone fireplace, an ancient potbelly stove, a stained sink, some battered cabinets, a rough looking table with two chairs, and a full sized trundle bed in the corner with a faded threadbare quilt. There was another door that led to a small room toward the rear of the cabin. The windows were dingy and almost opaque with filth. David shoved Julie and Melissa into the room and they landed on the bed. Melissa squealed with fright and Julie hugged her protectively as her eyes burned at David.
"Now that you've kidnapped us and brought us here, are you going to tell me why?" she demanded.
David chuckled, "Still the fine lady of the house, huh Julie? Well enjoy it while you can 'cause it ain't going to last. Very soon, I'm going to be named the rightful and legal owner of the Bennett Ranch. Just the way it should be. And just the way it always should've been," he finished triumphantly.
"David, what are you talking about? You do own a third of the ranch, the business part anyway. What do you mean 'the way it always should've been'?" Julie asked curiously.
David snorted derisively, "Don't play dumb blonde with me, Julie. You know all about the ranch and its checkered past. Danny told you all about it as his wife, honey, so knock off the innocent act," he said silkily.
"Look, I don't know what you think Dan told me about the ranch's past but I do know that you and Dan were partners until he died so I'm sure the deeds and the insurance policies covering the business show that," Julie reasoned. "And if you think that I would do anything to take that away from you, you're wrong," she added, looking directly at him.
David shook his head, "Don't worry about that because you're not going to be around to do anything," he replied ominously. Julie paled as she grasped his intention. David caught her terrified look and laughed, "Julie, I'm not going to do anything to you yet, so relax. You and Melissa are just going to chill here for a few days while I take care of the rest of the preparations. And I may even be convinced to let you go," he purred as he reached to push the hair out of her eyes. She shuddered with revulsion as he touched her and he laughed mockingly.
"Sorry I'm not a Beverly Hills millionaire. I guess when I have a bank account like Pete Cochrane's, you'll let me touch you, huh?" David sneered. He glanced at Melissa who looked at him with wide terrified eyes. David knelt down and looked intently at Melissa, "You scared, little one?"
She nodded and Julie, her eyes nearly black with fury, grabbed her away.
"I don't care if you taunt me but leave Melissa alone," she hissed venomously.
David got to his feet laughing amusedly, "You're quite the protective mother, honey." He yawned and stretched, "Well, I've had enough fun for today. I'll give you both something to eat then I'll be back in the morning. Oh and Julie," he added leaning down to pull her face to look at him, "I'm locking you both in. Regardless of how flimsy this cabin appears, it is quite sturdy and the lock is strong so there's no way you can get out."
He went out to the truck and came back with a couple of bags of non-perishable food items, which included cookies, crackers, peanut butter, a loaf of bread and a jug of water with a plastic knife and two plastic cups. He reached inside and gave Julie and Melissa some peanut butter cracker packs, which they meekly took. His smile faded and he spoke distinctly so each word was understood.
"And if you happen to find a way out, I want to warn you, there are mountain lions, wolves and bears about so if I were you I wouldn't try anything," he warned. David walked over to the door, "See you in the morning," he called cheerfully as he closed the door. The next sound was the unmistakable sound of a key turning followed by a lock clicking. They then heard the truck motor starting and driving away.
Melissa pulled away from Julie and looked up at her beseechingly, "Mommy, what are we going to do?" she sobbed.
Julie reached and gently caressed Melissa's tear stained face, "I don't know, baby, I just don't know," she replied helplessly as she embraced her daughter and sat there fighting the rising sense of despair.
Friday, 5:30 PM
The Lear jet was cruising at an altitude of twenty-five thousand feet approximately two hundred miles east of Denver. Pete, Linc and Jason were in the cabin amusing themselves killing time as they headed back to California. Linc and Jason were engrossed in a father/son chess battle royale as Pete played referee.
"Jason, you have to move," Linc prompted as he waited for his son to respond to his move on the board.
Jason studied the board with an intense look of concentration, "I will Dad, as soon as I figure out a move that won't put me in check," he said peevishly.
Pete chuckled as he observed the intellectual struggle. "You know Jason, your dad used to beat me every time we played. I never could quite figure out how he could put me in check so fast."
He consulted his watch and decided to call Julie to let her know they would be at the ranch in a few hours. Besides, he wanted to hear her voice; missing her while he was away. He got up and sat in the seat by the phone, reached for it, and dialed the ranch.
Hannah reached into the oven and checked the oven-fried chicken she was preparing. Satisfied, she closed the door and checked the potatoes roasting in the top oven. She closed the oven door and then went to the counter to begin cutting up green beans when the phone rang. She wiped her hands on her apron and went over to the wall by the table to answer it.
"Bennett residence," Hannah spoke politely into the receiver.
"Hi Hannah, it's Pete. How are you?" Pete said jovially.
"Oh hello Mr. Pete. I'm fine how did your trip go?"
"Terrific, we're on the jet now on our way back, we should be at the ranch by seven. Could you put Julie on for me?" Pete requested.
Hannah replied, "I'll see if she's around. Last I saw of her, she was going to the bus to get Miss Melissa. Could you hold on for a minute?"
"Sure," Pete said.
He idly watched the chess game while he waited. About three minutes had passed and Pete was beginning to wonder what was keeping Julie. Hannah came back on the line.
"I'm sorry, Mr. Pete, but Miss Julie and Miss Melissa aren't home. I called and looked everywhere but there's no sign of them here in the house," she relayed, a bit concerned.
Pete was perplexed. "Really? How long ago did Melissa's bus arrive?"
"Over an hour ago. Maybe they went for a ride on the bridle path, sir," Hannah suggested.
"Oh, okay," Pete tried not to sound disappointed. "Just tell her what time we'll be there when she gets back, okay Hannah?"
"Yes I will Mr. Pete, see you then," Hannah said
"Yeah, bye now," Pete hung up.
He replaced the receiver and stared out in space, frowning thoughtfully. Spying Pete's expression, Linc was immediately alert.
"Something up, old buddy?"
"Huh?" Pete said blankly. He shook his head and laughed weakly, "No man, I was just giving Julie a call to let her know we're on the way, and her housekeeper says she and Melissa aren't home. I just thought that it seemed strange but maybe I've just got an overactive imagination," he admitted.
Linc said, "Was she expecting your call?"
"No, I just thought I'd buzz her and give her a time for us to get there. But they probably took a couple of the horses for a ride," Pete told him.
Jason perked up, "Are we all gonna ride horses at her ranch, Dad, Uncle Pete?"
Linc chuckled, "Yes, we will."
"Oh boy! I never rode a horse before. You think she'll let me ride?" Jason asked, his eyes filled with hope.
Pete laughed heartily, "I'm sure she will. As a matter of fact, I bet Melissa will help you pick out the one you want."
Jason grinned widely, "I can't wait."
He turned and looked out the window. Linc gazed at him fondly, then his attention was drawn again to Pete whose smile had faded. He was staring moodily out his window. Linc rose and came to sit by him.
"Hey Pete, don't worry, I'm sure she's fine," he reassured him.
Pete smiled blandly and patted Linc's arm. "I hope so, pal, I really do," he sighed.
Linc studied Pete penetratingly, "You want to talk about it, man?"
Pete glanced over where Jason sat, "I'll fill you in later, Linc, on everything I've gathered so far. I'm about ninety nine percent but not completely sure that Dan Bennett's death was no accident.
Linc let out a low whistle. "You tell Julie?"
"Uh-huh, but not everything. You should've seen her when I told her that. She practically fell apart. So before I lay anything else on her, I'm going to make damned sure that I'm one hundred percent right," Pete declared.
Linc nodded, "Solid," he said as he rose and went back to his seat with Jason.
Pete stared out the window using superhuman effort to not worry about Julie but the uneasiness he'd been feeling for two days had increased to full blown concern, and almost but not quite panic. Not being able to talk to her, he couldn't shake the feeling that something was gravely wrong at the ranch. He glanced at his watch and tried not to get impatient as he urged the time to pass quickly and for the jet to go faster to get back there soon as possible.
Friday, 6:45 PM
Hannah was sitting with her family at supper, toying with the food on her plate. Hank, Jim, and Josh were busy putting away the chicken dinner that Hannah had prepared. As he ate, Hank couldn't help but notice his wife's inattention to her meal and her distracted expression. Getting concerned, he addressed her.
"Something bothering you, sugar? You haven't touched your supper," Hank pointed out.
Hannah looked at Hank, "I was just wondering where Miss Julie and Miss Melissa are. They've been gone for a long time and Miss Julie didn't even tell me she was going anywhere. I even checked and her car hasn't been used. And it's too dark for them to be taking a walk," she fretted.
Hank patted her shoulder comfortingly, "Relax, honey, she's probably back at the house, preparing for when Mr. Pete and their friend get back. You told me he called and said he'd be there at seven, so she's probably there getting things ready," he assured her.
"I'd like to believe that, Hank, I truly would but it's just not like her to not tell me she was leaving and where she was going. And she told me that she was coming back to help me make supper," Hannah persisted.
Jim and Josh were in a conversation about the football season. At that comment, however, Jim perked up, "You talking about Miss Julie, Ma?"
"That's right, son. She seems to have disappeared. Miss Melissa too," Hannah replied.
"Really? I saw both of them get into David's truck with him and then they took off," Jim informed her.
Hank piped up, "Hey, that's right." When he jumped from his chair to confront Jim he said, "You did tell me you saw Miss Julie leave with David.
His youngest son nodded. "Uh-huh... I saw him talking to her and then her and this Melissa got in the truck."
Hank frowned in consternation. "He told me that he had errands to run when he left before. So maybe he had some business to take care of with Miss Julie," he concluded.
His wife wasn't buying it. "Taking Miss Melissa along? If that were true, she'd have told me and I'm sure she'd have sent Miss Melissa inside for me to watch. Besides, she was all excited about her friend Linc coming tonight with Mr. Pete, I'm sure she wouldn't go anywhere before they arrive," Hannah said stubbornly. "And especially with David."
"Why not? He and Mr. Dan were best friends. Maybe there was an issue with the business that needed her attention," Hank was persistent and hopeful as Hannah sighed in exasperation. She got up from the table and went over to her husband.
"Hank, when are you going to realize that David's got problems, real problems? Problems that require help? He's temperamental, irrational at times, moody, and he's tried to take over here since Mr. Dan's death," she reminded him.
Hank sighed, "I just feel sorry for the boy. He's had it tough all his life. And he's really taken Mr. Dan's death hard."
"You really think so?" Hannah shook her head. "I've been feeling differently...like now that Mr. Dan's gone, he can do as he pleases."
Hank opened his mouth to retort, "I think you're exaggerating."
"And I think you need to open your eyes." Hannah looked pointedly at him, "Hank, face it, David has always resented Mr. Steve and Mr. Dan. And since Miss Julie's been a Bennett, he's not only resented her, he's pushed himself on her. And all under the nose of his 'best friend.' I saw him harass her one day, about three years ago when Mr. Dan was away and several times since."
Hank's eyes widened with disbelief. "And how do you know this?" he demanded.
"I saw him attack her that time you and Mr. Dan were in Casper...with Queenie." She shuddered as she recalled. "I was on my way back to the kitchen and I saw him trying to molest her. But Miss Julie got the better of him and knocked him on the floor."
Staring blankly in space Hank shook his head. "No...he wouldn't do that...she's his best friend's wife." He then turned to her. "Why didn't you tell me?"
She sighed, "Because I knew you'd never believe that about David." Hannah placed her hand on her husband's shoulder. "You've taken him under your wing since his daddy died."
"The boy watched as he shot himself...he needed someone to care," he insisted. "His mama bailed on him and his daddy killed himself."
"I know." Hannah sighed and continued, "But personal tragedy sometimes changes folks and not for the better."
Hank looked miserable. "I know he's just hurtin' and actin' out."
"Hank, he's not an orphaned 13-year-old boy. He's a grown man… An educated man and he's making some really bad choices. Didn't you tell me that he was changing the numbers on the books after the sales of horses? That's doesn't sound like just 'acting out' to me...that's stealing, a great way to thank the people who took him in when he had nobody, huh?" she said acidly.
Hank looked at her wordlessly.
Hannah looked at the clock, "It's almost seven, I'm heading back to the house to see if she's back and if she isn't, I'm calling the police," she stated with finality.
Hank rose to his feet, "I think you're jumping to conclusions, but if it'll make you feel better, me and the boys will get some lanterns and search the property, okay?"
He reached and gave his wife a peck on the cheek, "Don't worry, honey, we'll find them if they're out there," he assured her. Hannah headed for the door and then to the house. Hank alerted the boys.
"Well, come on men, let's go. We need to look for Miss Julie and Miss Melissa," Hank ordered. Without a word of protest and worried themselves, both Travis boys followed their father out into the night. . . .
While her men did that, Hannah entered the kitchen and made her way into the dark and deserted house. As she walked through, she turned on lights, ending up in the foyer, which she also illuminated. The house was eerily quiet, especially for an early evening, which was usually teeming with activity. With a sinking feeling, she was beginning to realize that neither Julie nor Melissa was anywhere to be found. She tried one more time to go upstairs to see if maybe both had decided to take a nap but as she began ascending the stairs, the front door opened and Pete entered, carrying Jason's suitcase trailed by Linc and Jason.
"Hi Hannah," he greeted her.
"Mr. Pete," she greeted him, trying to figure out how she should break the news of Julie and Melissa's disappearance.
He conducted the introductions, "This is Linc Hayes and his son Jason," he gestured to the father and son standing there in the foyer, smiling politely.
Hannah smiled shyly, "How do you do Mr. Linc? I've heard a lot about you from Miss Julie and Mr. Pete," she relayed. "Welcome to the Bennett Ranch."
Linc grinned widely, "Nice to meet you Hannah. And thanks." He pulled Jason over, "This is my son, Jason."
Jason nodded shyly as Hannah smiled at them both, momentarily forgetting her distress.
"The guest wing is all ready for you gentlemen. If you want to get your bags and follow me, I'll show you where the rooms are," she resumed her climb upstairs.
Linc picked up his bag and Jason's and followed her up with Jason in tow.
Pete looked about. "Where's Julie, Hannah?" he asked as the party ascended. Hannah got to the top of the stairs and directed Linc and Jason into the rooms. With a sinking feeling she scurried downstairs to where Pete waited, worry furrowing his brow. She approached him reluctantly, her worry also apparent.
"Mr. Pete, Miss Julie and Miss Melissa aren't here. They've been gone for hours," she said hesitantly.
Pete's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?" he demanded.
Hannah said nervously, "I haven't seen either one since quarter after three when Miss Julie went out to the bus to meet Melissa. Hank and the boys are out looking all over the property for them in case they went for a walk and got lost."
Pete pursed his lips. "How could they get lost? This is their home, I'm sure they know every inch of it, for Pete's sake," he said, getting irritable.
"Sir, I'm just as worried as you are. I told Hank I'm calling the police and that's what I intend to do." Hannah swept past Pete, offended by his attitude but he stopped her.
"I'm sorry, Hannah, please forgive me for my behavior," he said contritely. "I'm just very worried. It's not like Julie to leave and not say where she's going." He concentrated for a moment. "But before you call the police, let's see what Hank and the boys find," he finished as Linc came down the stairs and joined them.
He eyed Pete. "I told Jason to stay up in the room. So, what's going down, buddy?" he wanted to know.
Pete answered shortly. "Julie's missing. She's been gone since about three." He scowled darkly, pacing back and forth, feeling helpless and frustrated.
Linc inquired, "Where you think she went?"
"How in hell should I know? She could be anywhere," Pete snapped.
Hey man, I was just trying to help. Don't bite my head off," Linc retorted. "I'm worried too."
"I'm sorry man, I'm just really uptight," Pete apologized. He stated worriedly, "You know Julie like I do, Linc, she doesn't just take off and not say anything. Her disappearing like this, along with all the other crap I found stinks to high heaven." He went over to the window and stared morosely out.
The entire outside grounds of the ranch was lit with powerful floodlights, to aid in the massive search. Pete whirled away from the window and said, "I can't just wait here, I'm going out to look too." He glanced at Linc as he opened the door, "You coming with me?"
"Let's go," Linc said, preceding Pete out as he slammed the door. They made their way around the front of the house and ran into Jim Travis with a lantern.
"Hey Jim," Pete said. He looked behind him, "This is Linc," he introduced them. He glanced around, "So how's it going out here?" he asked anxiously.
"Nothing so far Mr. Pete. Dad, Josh and the other guys are combing the fields, the bridle path, and the corrals. But not a sign of them yet," Jim replied glumly.
"Can we help? That's why we came out," Pete informed him.
"Sure. I was about to start looking out front here and all the way to the road. Maybe they left something behind," he surmised.
Pete was instantly alert, "What do you mean 'left something behind?' Do you know what happened, Jim?" he enjoined.
Jim looked at Pete, intimidated by his fierce demeanor, "Well, Mr. Pete, I saw Miss Julie and Melissa leave with David in his truck this afternoon."
Pete muttered an expletive. He became livid, grabbed Jim's shoulders and demanded, "When did you see them leave?"
Jim stammered, "I-I saw Miss Julie and Melissa walking down after the bus dropped Melissa off. David was leaving and he stopped to talk to Miss Julie and then suddenly she and Melissa got in his truck and left with him." He fearfully watched Pete's eyes narrow dangerously.
Linc stepped forward. "Hey Pete, ease up. You're scaring the kid," he reminded him.
Pete felt himself enveloped in a red haze of rage and he shook his head to clear it. He released the frightened young man. "Sorry, Jim...Is that all you saw?" he asked brusquely.
"Yes sir, that's it. I'm sorry," Jim apologized.
Pete said, "No Jim, I apologize. I shouldn't have been so rough on you."
Jim waved it off, "That's okay sir. I understand that you're upset," he replied. "I have to go look along the driveway if you want to come along."
He started to make his way to the driveway, lit by in ground floodlights. Pete and Linc followed him, not really knowing what to look for, yet hoping for a clue, any clue that would point to Julie's disappearance.
As he walked along with Linc trailing Jim, Pete's mind was reeling with possible scenarios. Knowing that David Slade was involved had him feeling a mixture of fear and fury. Fear for if he were the one behind Dan's death, Julie and Melissa could be in grave danger, fury because if he dared to harm either one, Pete would take immense pleasure in killing him with his bare hands. He never wanted anything more in his whole life then that now.
They continued looking along the sides of the driveway up to the road. Suddenly, the beam of light from the lantern Jim was sweeping along the pitch-black sides of the driveway hit a bit of bright blue. Curious, Jim walked over to what the beam of light revealed, Pete and Linc right behind. The three of them knelt down to the object to get a closer look. When they saw what the item was, Pete and Linc each felt their blood run cold. It was Melissa's knapsack.
Friday, 9:30 PM
Hannah sat at the kitchen table, staring blankly out into space. It seemed as if she was waiting forever for the men to come in. She felt deep inside that the police needed to be called; that both Julie and Melissa were in danger.
She sighed and decided that she'd wait five minutes more then call the authorities. The door opened and Hank, Jim, Josh, Pete, and Linc came in. Hannah looked at the men and she waited for their report but with the flicker of hope she had died when she saw their grim expressions.
"I want to ask if you had any luck but I can see by your faces what the answer is," she said sighing.
Pete stepped forward and placed Melissa's knapsack on the table in front of her. Hannah examined the object briefly and then said, "Now, I'm calling the police." She picked up the phone and dialed the number.
Friday, 11:00 PM
The Bennett ranch was in turmoil; the dining room filled with Salinas police officers including Lou Rafferty, who joined them after being beeped at home. Hannah and Hank were seated at the dining room table, Jim and Josh were standing behind them. Jim was relaying his observation of Julie and Melissa leaving with David Slade to one of the police. Linc was standing against the wall stonily staring in space, his face expressionless. But Pete, who was almost beside himself, was nervously pacing as Rafferty took a turn speaking to Jim, who was the lone witness.
"Okay, Jim, now tell me exactly what you saw when you saw Mrs. Bennett and her daughter leave," he asked, writing the description into a small, black book.
Jim took a deep breath. "Well, sir, I was helping Josh and Pop load bags of leaves onto Pop's truck to take down to the landfill when I took a break. I was looking down the driveway and I saw David's pickup truck stop and Dave get out to talk to Miss Julie."
"Then what happened?"
"She and Melissa got into the truck with him and he took off," Jim finished, looking at Pete who was watching the interrogation with intent, angry eyes.
"Is that all that you saw, Jimmy? Are you sure you didn't see anything else?" Lou probed.
"Yes sir, I'm sure. From where I was standing that's all I saw. I'm sorry," he said gloomily, looking at Pete. Pete just shook his head and resumed pacing.
"Thanks Jimmy, that's a big help." He motioned to Pete, "Mr. Cochrane, may I speak to you privately?"
Pete nodded, "Yeah, let's go into the study." He gestured to Linc and he followed them.
The three men entered the study, Pete the last one in and he closed the door. He and Linc stood there expectantly.
Lou nodded his head at Linc, "Who's this?"
Pete made hasty introductions. "This is Linc Hayes, Lou. He's a junior high school teacher from Chicago and an old friend. He worked with me on the LAPD like Julie. So what's on your mind?" he asked.
"I have the information you requested about Slade's gun permit." He proffered a piece of paper and handed it to Pete who took it and scanned it briefly. It was a copy of a permit for carrying a gun in the state of Nevada. A copy of the bill of sale was attached indicating that David bought the gun in Las Vegas. He looked up at Lou.
"So, he bought it and got it registered in Vegas and then took it over the state line. And that makes it legal here?" Pete wanted to know.
"Yeah it does. He bought it about two months ago and he's still in the grace period. But I found out some other interesting facts about Slade that seem a little too fishy to me. He's got ties with some very nasty characters in the Vegas underworld, having to do with high stakes gambling."
Pete's eyes widened. "Didn't his father have problems with gambling?"
Lou nodded and replied, "Yeah, he was up to his ears in hock when he wasted himself ten years ago. I guess it's a case of 'like father, like son"
Pete noticed Linc's taciturn expression. He asked Lou, "Do you mind if I bring Linc up to speed here? I haven't had a chance to fill him in on everything. He just got here from Chicago."
Lou nodded assenting.
Pete then filled Linc in on everything that he had uncovered, from the background of the ranch ownership, to the tampered ladder, to Slade's behavior, to the embezzling from the books. Linc listened and he began to also see a definite motive to suspect David of possible murder and definitely kidnapping. He felt himself becoming as angry as Pete was, yet unlike Pete, he kept his feelings under control.
"So where do we go from here?" Linc inquired.
Lou took a deep breath, "I'm going to head to Slade's place and ask him some questions. If I see anything that looks funny, I'll bust him." He headed towards the door.
"I'm going with you," Pete insisted. He too headed for the door but Lou stopped him.
"Look, Pete, I don't think it's a good idea for you to come with me. In the event that Slade did snatch Julie and Melissa, and since he does have a gun, I think that you'd be safer here. Especially since the two of you haven't exactly been seeing eye to eye," he instructed but Pete shook his head stubbornly.
Linc spoke up. "He's right, Pete. We're not cops anymore, and you're not thinking clearly right now. Lou should go to Slade's to confront him."
Pete eyed Lou steadily. With reluctance he sighed and agreed, "Okay, you win. But when you know if he took 'em and where he's got them stashed, I want to know and then I am going after 'em!" He yanked open the study door and stormed out. Lou glanced at Linc.
"You better keep an eye on your buddy. He looks ready to lose it. And if he tries to take
the matter in his own hands, he'll do more harm than good," he warned Linc.
Linc nodded, "I'll watch him. Just let us know when you have the lowdown."
Lou nodded and the two exited the study.
Saturday, November 22, 1980, 1:15 AM PST
Things at the house were finally settling down to an uneasy quiet. The Travis family had retired to the bunkhouse, leaving Linc and Pete alone in the parlor. Linc sat on the sofa, staring out in sullen silence. Pete, however, was standing and staring out the picture window into the night, wracking his brain to try to figure out what had happened to Julie and Melissa.
He was angry, frustrated, terrified, and blaming himself irrationally, telling himself that he never should have left, even for a day. If you were here, he accused himself Slade never would have dared to take them. But torturing himself wasn't producing results. Linc glanced over at Pete and he tried to soothe him.
"Look man, we can't do anything right now. Lou said he'd let us know if he uncovers anything. So maybe we should just try and get some sleep," he reasoned.
Pete continued staring out the window but shook his head. "You go ahead, man. There's no way I can sleep tonight," he muttered grimly.
Linc got to his feet and walked over to the window. "Stop beating yourself up about it, Pete. You had no way of knowing what was going to happen," he stated.
Pete just shook his head vehemently and declared, "I should have never trusted him. I knew he was feeding us a line at lunch the other day but Julie had totally bit, man. She bought his crap hook, line and sinker. And I went along with it to make her happy even though I knew he was full of shit." He whirled away from the window and slammed his fist against the mantle, "Damn it, I just knew!" he said between gritted teeth.
Linc watched him knowing Pete was mentally tearing himself apart, putting the entire blame on himself like he always did when something bad happened. He reached and put a hand on his shoulder.
"Putting yourself in a torture chamber in your head isn't going to bring Julie and Melissa back any sooner. And we will bring 'em back, Pete. We've all been in tough scrapes before and we've gotten out. And we'll get out of this one too," he said reassuringly.
Pete looked at Linc, "I wish I had your confidence but I've seen this guy and his attitude. He's definitely not playing with a full deck." He shook his head helplessly as he continued...
"I'm scared Linc, really scared for the first time in a long time. With the way he aimed that gun at us the other day, I wouldn't put anything past him."
Pete turned back to resume his post at the window, brooding. In a faraway voice he began, "I can't lose her, again Linc, I just can't. Not now after having a chance to be with her again. The first time, I walked away and it was the biggest mistake in my life. Now maybe I have a second chance and I can't let anyone or anything come between." He turned towards Linc and went on, "You should have seen us the last few days, it's been like the last eight years never happened. I got a glimpse of what my life could've been had I not been the damned idiot I was when we quit the Squad." He sighed heavily.
Linc nodded, "You're still hung up on her aren't you?" he said bluntly.
"Uh-huh," Pete admitted. He continued, "I thought at first that it was just simple friendly concern for an old close friend but the more time I've spent with her, the less I want to leave. My life's been one disappointment after another since we all quit the force and I don't want to go back, work all week, then spend my weekends restoring an old car, trying to bring back the past. I finally know exactly what I want, I want a family and a future with Julie. I'm tired of coming home from work to an empty penthouse and an even emptier life."
"You and Julie always were close...We're gonna find her, Pete. Believe it."
The phone rang and Pete pushed past Linc, nearly knocking him over in his haste to answer it.
"Hello?" he said anxiously.
"Pete, it's Lou Rafferty. I just came back from Slade's and I figured I'd let you know how things went," Lou said.
"What happened?
Lou sighed, "He wasn't there. The house was dark and deserted, and his truck was nowhere to be found. So I radioed into the station and put in for an APB on all three, with a complete description of Slade's truck. Unless he's ditched it somewhere."
Pete pressed, "You think he might have?"
"Anything's possible. If what you told me is true, we're dealing with a loose cannon here and no dummy. It appears that Julie and her daughter being snatched was totally premeditated. And if there's any more evidence that connects him with Dan's death, he's an armed murder suspect," Lou informed him.
Pete felt a cold chill in the pit of his stomach. He asked haltingly, "So where do we go from here?"
"You want to do some more searching for evidence? Like looking at the books in the office? Or how about checking out the business insurance policies? Maybe if we can find out why Slade took Julie we'll know more because it just doesn't figure why Dan's best friend and business partner would want to hurt his widow and child," Lou stated.
Pete sighed, "Okay, Lou, I'll check the office."
"Do it tomorrow, huh? Get some rest now," Lou suggested with concern.
Pete laughed sarcastically, "Yeah right. Believe me, sleep's the last thing on my mind now. But thanks anyway. Bye," he hung up. He sighed deeply, pushing his hand through his hair nervously. Linc approached him...
"So what did he say?" he wanted to know.
"Slade's not at his place. He's got APBs out on all three of them. He thinks that he probably ditched his truck since he did the snatch using it. He's sure that Slade's planned this all along but he can't figure out why since Dan was his best friend and business partner," Pete relayed. "So I'll do some more snooping tomorrow in the stable office."
Linc agreed, "Good idea. We both need to sack out, man. There's nothing we can do." He headed for the doorway but Pete remained behind in the parlor, sitting on the sofa. Linc turned and asked, "You coming Pete?"
"Uh-uh. You go ahead, I'm gonna stay right here. I can't sleep right now," Pete said gloomily. "If I feel like dozing I'll crash on the sofa here. So don't worry about me, okay pal?"
Just because Pete told Linc not to worry did not mean that he wouldn't. But he knew his best friend and knew he would just stay up obsessing until sheer exhaustion claimed him. "Yeah okay. 'Night then," He turned and headed upstairs.
Pete got up restlessly and walked about the parlor, brooding and simmering. He kept thinking about how frightened Julie and Melissa must be, at the mercy of a madman like Slade. Like a restless and angry caged lion that was pent up with nervous energy, he paced. As he did his eyes came across a photo in a frame on the wall that he failed to notice before. It was a wedding picture of Julie and Dan, both resplendent and blissful, taken out in the yard, he surmised, by the big tree out back, the one where all of them were throwing leaves the other day.
The picture was taken in spring by the look of the freshly green grass, but the background of the photo was not what held his attention. It was Julie, dressed in an Empress style dress of gossamer and lace, in an off white hue which accentuated her coloring and lovely figure. The sleeves were gently puffed and worn off her creamy shoulders. She wore a cameo on an ivory velvet ribbon around her swanlike neck and her hair was swept up and cascaded down in pale ash blonde curls over her shoulder, catching the sunlight that day. A circlet of pink baby roses with lilies of the valley surrounded the top of her head, a veil attached and falling gently around her like an aura, creating a vision of delicate grace.
She was smiling prettily, her eyes sparkling with love for her husband and the joy of the day; one hand tucked in Dan's arm, the other holding her bouquet made of pink roses, lilies of the valley and baby's breath. In that picture, she truly looked like an angel, as he was so fond of calling her.
Pete was completely entranced by the picture and he reached out to reverently run his fingers across the glass that covered it. He closed his eyes and for a moment imagined himself in the picture beside her, instead of Dan. He found himself filling with envy of the happiness he saw displayed in that picture.
He then could not help thinking of his own wedding day, which at the time, had been the event that was the height of Beverly Hills society. It was like an elegant circus that day in his parents' formal garden; white tent awnings covering the six hundred guests from the sun; fine linen, imported silver and Waterford crystal far as the eye could see. It was not just a wedding of two people, it was the joining of two corporate giants and Donna had been swept up in the tide of superficial glamour, playing the role of the cream of society bride to the hilt.
Pete had been mildly amused by the whole thing at the time but as he recalled, he felt no joy, just a feeling of wanting to get everything over with and just start their lives. He was more excited about that, filled with anticipation for a great life with a woman he thought he loved. How different everything turned out than what he had hoped for and expected. Eight years later and he's divorced, wanting different things, only this time with the woman who he was admitting was his One True Love.
Pete knew it the day he first met Julie in the waiting area outside Captain Greer's office. That fateful day twelve years ago, she came off as they all did; kids that were sullen, mistrustful, and wallowing in the pain of their neglected childhood. But as he surreptitiously studied her he thought she was breathtaking, one of the prettiest girls he'd ever seen...he literally couldn't keep his eyes off her. While they got acquainted as colleagues and learned more about each other, she revealed a vulnerability that touched him and made him instantly feel protective toward her. Pete now freely admitted that even back then he was smitten with her although at the time he had kidded himself, denying having any romantic feelings.
And here he was, twelve years later, back with Julie, trying to help her through the death of her husband, uncovering a possible murder and now to solve her abduction, he felt strongly that this was an appointed time for him to be here.
Pete sighed and strode over to the sofa. The trip to and from Chicago along with all the emotions expounded and activity connected with Julie and Melissa's disappearance was finally catching up with him. He tiredly lay down and stretched himself the length of the sofa where he slipped into a fitful, restless sleep.
NEXT…..THE SEARCH BEGINS