CHAPTER 32

Needle in A Haystack

"Good morning," Dr Powell said as she sailed into my room. Joe had been resting on the bed beside me and as soon as he heard Dr. Powell's voice, his feet hit the ground as he eased himself off my bed. It was his day off from work and we were hoping I'd get to go home today. "Your latest test results show a clear improvement," she said as she put her hands on her hips and smiled.

"When can I leave?" I asked. After six long days in the hospital, I was ready to get out of here, go home, and marry Joe.

"How does this afternoon sound?"

I threw the blanket off. "I'll get my stuff."

"Not so fast." She laughed. "I need to know who you're going to be staying with while you recuperate?"

"No one," I said, even though the thought of being alone made my throat tighten and my heart beat faster. "I'm going home; to my own apartment."

She shook her head in regret. "I'm afraid you'll need someone to stay with you. You're still weak and your bandages will need to be changed daily. You won't be able to do it by yourself."

"She'll be staying with me," Joe said as he rocked back on his heels, squinting at me, and daring me to object.

Dr. Powell nodded in satisfaction. "A nurse will be in to explain how to care for her wounds," she told him and then her smile dimmed as if she remembered something unpleasant and turned back to me. "Agent Kinkade called this morning requesting another interview. In light of your recent panic attack, I'd rather you were questioned here while still under my care. That is if you agree. I can put them off, but in my experience, they'll keep coming back." I stared at her without responding. She absently rubbed her temples. "I don't know how much good it will do, but I filed a complaint against Agent Hobbs. Quite possibly, his superiors have taken him off the case and Agent Kinkade will come alone."

"I guess I don't really have a choice." My stomach took that moment to growl in distaste. Just the thought of talking to Barry again, was enough to fill me with dread.

"It's not even lunch time and it sounds like someone's already hungry. I'll go down to the waiting area and see what I can find." Joe kissed me on the lips and went off in search of a vending machine.

Dr. Powell finished her exam and was just about to open the door when Ranger and Hector came in. Hector held the door open for her to exit while Ranger made his way over to me, greeting me with a kiss on the forehead. "Good news," I said. "Looks like I'm going home."

My eyes were drawn to Ranger's full lips as they slowly transformed into a hundred-watt smile. "Will you consider staying on seven? Ella will be at your disposal." He tempted.

I looked away, not wanting him to see the longing in my eyes. "Joe already told Dr. Powell he was taking me home with him."

"How are you feeling, Angelita?" Hector asked, easing the uncomfortable tension in the room.

"Better." I smiled.

A light tap sounded at the door before Cal stuck his head in the room. "Boss? Mr. Cyrus Fusco is here."

"Let him through," Ranger said.

My eyes widened as Cal pushed the door all the way open. The room seemed to shrink as a giant of a man stepped inside. His wrinkled face was covered in white hair and his bifocals were in danger of falling off the end of his nose. "Good to see you, Carlos." His voice boomed as he shook Ranger's hand.

"You too, Cyrus." Ranger turned to me. "Stephanie, this is your attorney, Cyrus Fusco."

I took him in from head to toe, oddly intrigued that he was able to find a three-piece suit to fit his barrel chest. He was giving off a harmless vibe—just a good old boy who shoots the shit on the front porch in a rocking chair—but if Ranger hired him, he had to be the best. I'd bet many have underestimated him and lived to regret it. Our eyes met, and his face lit up in a friendly smile. I liked him instantly. He extended his hand. "It's lovely to meet you Ms. Plum."

"Call me Steph." I smiled and shook his hand.

"Only if you call me Cyrus," he countered. "Carlos seems to think you need representation." The chair creaked as he sat down and removed a yellow legal pad from his briefcase. "I understand your previous interview with the federal agents didn't go very well. They're going to want you to give a formal statement, but before you do that, I'd like to go over what you remember. Can you tell me everything you recall about the time you were missing?"

"I don't remember much." I bit the inside of my jaw, forcing my expression to remain neutral, quickly cataloging what details I could share and what I had to keep to myself. The weight of his perceptive gaze was heavy as he analyzed me. I wasn't fooling him for a second.

"Everything you tell me is privileged. As your attorney, I can advise you on the best course of action, but I can't do that if you don't confide in me." He looked over at Hector and Ranger. "Carlos, would you and your associate mind stepping out so I can speak with Stephanie alone?"

Ranger nodded and got to his feet, but before he could take a step, the door opened. "Sorry for the interruption, Boss," Cal said. "But there's two FBI agents here to talk to Stephanie."

"Step aside or I'll have you arrested for obstruction of justice." I heard Barry's voice, but couldn't see him because Ram was standing in front of him with his arms crossed over his chest. There was no way Barry was getting inside until Ram was damn good and ready to move.

"Let me do the talking," Cyrus said to me and then raised his voice loud enough for the guys in the hall to hear. "Allow the agents inside."

Barry walked in like he owned the place and Agent Kinkade reluctantly followed on his heels. "What's he doing here?" Barry demanded as he eyed Cyrus with blatant contempt. From the tone of his voice, he clearly knew of Cyrus's reputation as a high-powered attorney.

"Mr. Fusco is here to ensure Stephanie's rights aren't violated." Ranger gave Barry a warning look, more menacing than I'd ever seen from him before. "You will speak to her with respect." He didn't have to say the 'or else,' part. Everyone knew the consequences would be dire.

Barry scowled, but remained at the foot of the bed beside Agent Kinkade. "Good morning, Stephanie. We just have a few follow up questions." She looked at Cyrus and added, "That is, if you feel up to it."

"Look what I found." Joe walked in shaking a Butterscotch Krimpet in front of him. His arms were loaded with several kinds of junk food and a bottle of Dr. Pepper. As soon as he registered the room full of people, his cop face slid into place. He eyed each visitor warily as he placed the items on my tray and kissed me on the lips. When he straightened, he focused on my new attorney. "Who are you?"

"The name's Cyrus Fusco, I'm Ms. Plum's attorney." Cyrus held his hand out to a confused Joe.

"Detective, Joe Morelli," he said as he shook hands with him, scrutinizing the big man carefully.

"Nice to meet you, Detective." He turned his attention to Agent Kinkade, extending his hand to her as well. "I don't believe we've been formally introduced. I'm Cyrus Fusco and you are?"

"Special Agent Piper Kinkade." She smiled and shook his hand, charmed by his genteel manners. "And this is my partner, Special Agent Barry Hobbs."

"It's lovely to meet you," Cyrus said to her before courteously turning to Barry who was holding his hand out, imperiously awaiting his due. "I've heard quite a bit about Special Agent Hobbs." The look he gave Barry wasn't overly rude, but his body language told everyone in the room his opinion of Barry Hobbs.

Just the thought of going another round with Barry was making my stomach hurt. I was afraid something like yesterday would happen and I'd crawl under the bed like a mental patient again. Sweat broke out on my forehead and I didn't think I could take being in his presence for another second. "Get out," I demanded so forcefully everyone in the room turned to stare at me.

"Excuse me?" Barry jerked his head toward me, brows raised, eyes widened, as if he couldn't believe I dared tell him what to do.

I pulled my eyes away from him and turned to Agent Kinkade. "You're wasting your time. As long as he's in the room, I won't say a word."

"You don't get to decide who interrogates you." Barry tried to step around Agent Kinkade to get closer to me, but she blocked his progress.

"Interrogate?" Cyrus interrupted. "Are you suggesting my client is a suspect in a crime, Agent Hobbs? I was informed that this was a simple interview to garner information as to who abducted Ms. Plum."

Barry's eyes narrowed. I think he realized today's 'interview' wasn't going to be easy.

"Of course not," Agent Kinkade insisted. "Stephanie was a victim of a terrible crime and we'd simply like to interview her."

"I'm not saying another word until he leaves." I let the anger bubble around me, luxuriating in its power. "If that's not good enough, you can both leave."

"I believe my client has made her wishes clear. If Agent Hobbs is in attendance, this 'interview' is over."

"This is my case." Barry's voice rose in pitch. "And I'm not leaving just because Stephanie doesn't want to answer the hard questions. She's a liar. For all we know, she's protecting whoever did this. Given her history and the people she associates with, she could have gotten mixed up with anyone."

Barry's diatribe caused two things to happen at once. Ranger, Joe, and Hector began a menacing advance on him, and my heart monitors started beeping like crazy. The door flew open and nurse Cathy burst in. "Out!" she screamed. "Everyone out."

Barry pushed his badge in her face. "Ma'am, I'm a federal agent and you're impeding my investigation."

"You can take that up with Dr. Powell," she fired back and began pushing buttons on my heart monitor. "But right now, you're getting out of my patient's room."

"Just step out and give us a minute." Agent Kinkade tried smoothing Barry's feathers.

Knowing he'd lost this battle, his eyes narrowed, and his features hardened. He was telling me without words that I hadn't seen the last of him. The door hit the wall as he swung it open, causing nurse Cathy and I to jump at the loud sound. "This room needs to be cleared." She made eye contact with everyone while continuing to take my vitals.

"It's okay. Agent Kinkade can stay. I'd rather finish this," I told her as I willed my heart rate to return to normal.

She pressed the button for the nurse's station and requested they page Dr. Powell. Once my numbers were within acceptable range, she stood back, letting Agent Kinkade continue.

"It's not my intention to cause you any upset, Stephanie." Agent Kinkade smiled and moved to stand closer to Joe on my left side. "If you start to feel uncomfortable in any way, we can stop." I gave her a thin smile. Her concern was genuine, and I appreciated that. "Have you recalled anything since we talked yesterday?"

"I don't think so," I said before I was seized by a violent cough. Joe helped me turn onto my side, rubbing my back to ease my discomfort. When I was breathing normally again, I said, "All I know is that something bad happened to me and no one will tell me what that was."

"We're still trying to figure that out." She paused as if debating something and then said, "I'd like to try a cognitive interview technique; would that be okay?"

"What would I have to do?" I asked a little warily, hoping she wasn't going to put me in a trance and extract every detail against my will.

"I just need you to close your eyes and clear your mind." Her kind smile was drawing me in. Joe reached for my hand, grasping it tight as I closed my eyes. "Yesterday, you said there were trees all around, but you couldn't remember how you came to be driving the truck. I want you to imagine the keys in your hand."

I did as she asked, but I had no intention of giving away any more information than yesterday. After a second, I let my mouth fall open, affecting surprise as if I suddenly remembered something new. "You're right! I'm holding a set of keys."

"That's good." I could hear the excitement in her voice. "What did you do with the keys?"

"I pushed the button on the remote, and then a red light flashed beside the scary tree."

"What do you mean by… scary tree?"

"It had limbs reaching out like arms and it had gnarls on the trunk where the eyes would be and a large distorted hole that looked like a wide-open mouth, mid scream." I shivered and Joe gave my hand a reassuring squeeze. "I'm not sure if it was a dream or if it was real."

"Are you saying the truck was parked next to the scary tree?"

"Yes."

"Walk toward the truck, Stephanie."

"Okay."

"What are you doing now?"

"I'm scared," I told her. "I'm hurrying, but I dropped the keys." I tried not to, but I started crying as I remembered how panicked I'd been to get away.

"Let's go forward a little bit. You're in the truck and driving down the trail. You have a phone in your hand. What happened after that?"

"I was talking to Ranger."

"Yes. In the recording Mr. Manoso provided, you said a man was standing in the road ahead of you. Can you describe him?"

"I'm not sure." I pretended to imagine it again. "Everything seems blurry." I shook my head in frustration. "Maybe it was an animal or a shadow. Everything is zooming by."

"This next question might be a little upsetting. Remember, we can stop at any time."

"You can ask your question, agent, but if Stephanie becomes upset, I'm stopping this line of questioning," Cyrus said.

She must have nodded or given some indication that she agreed because she went ahead with her next question. "Can you feel if it was warm or cold where you were being held?"

"Cold… always cold." I put my arms around my stomach, shivering. She was good at drawing a person in and I was afraid I was going to let something slip. I opened my eyes. "I'm getting tired."

"I think that's enough for today," Cyrus said.

Joe sat down on the side of my bed, pulling me into his chest. He was in protective mode and I was going to let him.

"Just a couple more questions," she urged. "Could you tell if you were being held in a wooden structure or was it made of concrete? Any little detail could be helpful."

"I just remember being cold… and hurting… it never stopped."

She gave me a sad smile. "Can you remember anything else… maybe a landmark of some sort."

"Just the scary tree."

"Alright. So far, we have a truck parked next to a tree that looks scary. That's good. That's definitely something to go on. If we drove in the direction you were fleeing, do you think you could find that tree again?"

"She's not going to ride all over the Pine Barrens in her condition," Joe said. "She's still recovering from pneumonia and a serious heart condition. I'm taking her home."

Cyrus made a show of checking his watch before getting to his feet, addressing Agent Kinkade. "I'm due in court this afternoon. If Stephanie agrees to this excursion, she is not to be questioned without me being present."

Agent Kinkade nodded and then turned her questioning eyes on me. "It's up to you Stephanie, but whoever took you could be doing the same thing to someone else right this minute."

I knew Durant wasn't hurting anyone else. He'd never hurt anyone ever again.

"I guess I can try."

She smiled, pleased that I was cooperating. She turned to nurse Cathy. "Will two hours give you enough time to complete her release?" Cathy nodded but didn't seem pleased.

"You don't have to do this today," Joe said as he and Ranger exchanged a worried glance.

"I have to at least try, Joe."

"Fine." He turned to address Agent Kinkade. "We'll see you at the crash site in two hours."

I had no intention of leading anyone to the cellar today, not as long as there was a chance he was still alive.

Joe pulled in behind the other SUV's and turned to me, placing his hand on my knee. "Sit tight, I'll be back in a minute." He left the engine running to keep me warm and opened the door, heading over to the group of feds. I hadn't taken my eyes off the frightening sight before me since we came around the bend in the road. Now that the snow had melted, I could see a patch of scorched earth and the large section of bark missing from the tree I'd crashed into. They were the only visible reminders that something bad had happened here.

My heartbeat faltered, thinking about how close I'd come to dying… again. I turned the heater off, suddenly burning up. The backdoors of the SUV opened, interrupting the beginnings of a freak out. I turned to find Hector and Lester climbing in to get out of the cold. They had been the one's to find me—somewhere amidst all the trees.

"Where was I when you found me?" I asked as I peered out at the landscape in all directions. Hector pointed North, through a copse of trees, past where Ranger, Joe, and the federal agents were standing. Thankfully, Barry wasn't among them… or at least, I hadn't seen him.

Agent Kinkade started walking toward us with Ranger and Joe following. As soon as she got close enough, I pressed the button to lower the window. "Does anything look familiar?" she asked.

I gave the area another once over and slowly shook my head.

"The crime scene report indicates you were driving east when you had the accident. That means you were driving away from where you were being held. I'd like to head West and see if you recognize anything."

"You can ride with us." Joe motioned for Agent Kinkade to get in the backseat.

I opened my door and carefully got out. "You can ride shotgun," I told her as I got in the back with Hector and Lester.

One look from Ranger had Lester vacating the backseat. As Ranger slid in on the other side of me, he gave me a thoughtful look. I turned away, not wanting him to see the guilt on my face. Misleading him went against everything our friendship stood for, but what choice did I have?

As we rode, I checked my surroundings on both sides of the road for something familiar. I didn't recognize a thing. A hysterical bubble of laughter tried to escape. I'd been so worried about how to lead them away from the cellar that I never considered I might not be able to find it myself.

Soon, everything started blurring together, and my eyes got heavy. I hadn't intended to fall asleep, but once I was out, they decided to head back to the crash site. I woke up with my head on Hector's shoulder and everyone sitting silently. I yawned and rubbed my eyes, careful of my bruises.

"Did you recognize anything." Joe turned around in his seat to look at me.

"No, but I guess I wasn't much help after I fell asleep."

"I'd like to try a different approach tomorrow," Agent Kinkade said. "Do you think you'd be up to coming back?"

"Sure," I sighed, wanting to tell her to get lost, but knowing I had to see this through.

Joe and Agent Kinkade walked away, discussing the logistics of tomorrow's excursion. I pinched the bridge of my nose, trying to tamp down the pain. My pill had worn off a while ago. Ranger put his hand on my shoulder. "Are you okay, Babe?"

"I'm fine, just sore."

"You should get some rest," he said as he helped me out of the backseat and into the front. Just as I leaned back and closed my eyes, Joe came jogging over and got in the driver's seat. The next thing I knew, we were in Joe's driveway and he was gently shaking me awake. Tears clouded my eyes as I stared at his house. I didn't think I'd ever see it again.

"Let me go in and put Bob in the bathroom. He's really missed you, but I don't think you're up to the kind of welcome he'd give you."

I tried to smile, but it was more of a grimace. I still hadn't taken my pain pill and I needed it badly. A couple minutes later, he came back out and helped me inside. As soon as he opened the door, a wonderful aroma assaulted me. He ushered me straight to the kitchen and pulled out a chair at the table.

"My mother dropped off a surprise for you," he said as he opened the oven door. "Stuffed shells in cream sauce."

My head jerked up. "Your mother made her famous stuffed shells for me? But she hates me."

He handed me the pills and a glass of water. "She doesn't hate you."

"I'm pretty sure she does," I huffed. "I'm the harlot leading her baby boy into sin."

Joe laughed as he took the dish out of the oven. "You're thinking of Grandma Bella." He turned around and smiled. "She definitely hates you. But don't take it personally, Cupcake. She hates everyone."

"Everyone, but you," I whispered.

"Yeah, I'm her favorite." He smiled as he placed two heaping plates on the table, a glass of milk for me, and a beer for him. "You sure it's a good idea to go back out there tomorrow?" he asked.

I shrugged and continued eating. When I finished my last bite, I pushed my plate away and stood. "I need a shower."

"Let me get the waterproof sleeve for your cast." He retrieved it from the hospital bag and placed it over my cast before removing the bandages and kissing my forehead. "Do you need help getting undressed?"

"No, I'm good." I plastered a smile on my face, hiding the sick feeling in the pit of my stomach. After being forced to remain naked for weeks, I didn't want anyone to see my vulnerability.

He gave me a sad smile. "I'll clean up down here and let Bob out to do his business. Yell if you need any help."

I slowly made my way upstairs, pausing to look at things I usually took for granted. There was the worn couch that Joe and I cuddled on and the scarred wooden bed we made love in. It was all still here, looking the same, yet it all felt different. I was outside my body looking at all these places. As if I once belonged and now no longer did.

I turned away from the bedroom and headed into the bathroom, shedding my clothes on the way. The trek up the stairs had zapped my energy, leaving me trembling and out of breath. I summoned enough strength to open the shower door and step inside. I turned the water as hot as I could stand and let it flow over me. I'd showered in the hospital, but I hadn't felt clean afterward. This time I was determined to wash Durant's touch off me once and for all.

I squeezed shower gel onto the puff, scrubbing my skin till it burned. I was so focused on disinfecting myself, I didn't hear the bathroom door open. I washed the suds out of my eyes and caught sight of a shadowy presence through the steamed covered glass. I yelped and stumbled backward, hitting my back against the tile. The pain was so intense, I nearly blacked out.

"Sorry, Cupcake." Joe was holding a towel, scowling as he took in my naked body. It was the first time anyone but medical staff had seen all my wounds. He hesitated, unsure of what to do and then forced his lips into a smile, but it didn't reach his eyes. I knew he was fighting his anger on my behalf. "I didn't mean to scare you. Do you need any help?"

My chest heaved as I tried to catch my breath. I'd never been physically afraid of Joe, but right now I was having a hard time separating him from Durant. "No," I said as I took the towel from him and turned off the water.

His eyes softened as he pointed to the clothes lying on the vanity. "I know how much you love my old police academy t-shirt."

I managed a smile as my breathing finally returned to normal. That shirt had been washed so many times it felt like silk against my skin. He pulled the protective sleeve off my arm and laid it in the sink to dry, but when he picked up the shirt, I shimmied out of his reach. I'd had enough of men dressing me and making me do things I wasn't comfortable with.

He held his hands up in surrender and put his hand on the doorknob. "I left the bandages downstairs. I'll go get them and be right back."

By the time he returned, I'd managed to get dressed in the t-shirt and my underwear. Since I couldn't reach, I allowed him to lift my shirt to apply the antibiotic ointment and bandages on my back and then my ankles. When he got to my wrists, he held them gently while looking into my eyes. I watched his Adam's apple bob up and down as he spoke to me without words. I met his eyes for a few seconds and then looked down. I hadn't considered how hard it was for him to see me this way.

He reached for my brush and panic bubbled in my chest. As if I'd conjured him, I could feel Durant's fingers running through my hair as he brushed my curls. I jerked the brush out of his hand. "I can do it!"

"I know you can." He flashed me a look of concern through the mirror's reflection. "I just want to help you."

"I know," I said as I quickly ran the brush through the knots, giving him half a smile to ease the weirdness I'd caused. "I'm exhausted, let's go to bed."

"I'm going to take a quick shower," he said as he kissed my forehead. "Go ahead and get in bed. I'll be in as soon as I'm done."

Sometime in the night, I heard a grunting sound and jerked awake. I was breathing rapidly and paralyzed with fear. I didn't know where I was or who was in the room with me. I looked around wildly, but I couldn't see a thing in the dark. "It's just Bob," Joe whispered in my ear as he drew me back down on the bed, wrapping himself around me. "I've got you." I remained stiff, unable to shake off the bad memories. I knew he was trying to help and having him here did help, but it wasn't enough. Sensing my internal turmoil, he asked, "Would it help if I turned the bathroom light on?"

"Yes." My voice sounded small, not at all like mine.

Once the light was filtering into the room, I could see into the corners and felt better knowing Durant wasn't hiding, ready to jump out at me. It took a while to get back to sleep, but Joe held me and never complained.