In The Shadows (22 page)

 Chapter Forty-Three

It was 7:00 a.m. when Tonya awoke to multiple voices in the hallway. She rolled over and looked at her phone and realized she had several missed calls and also had three new voice messages. Before she could investigate further, her roommate came in still reeling from whatever was going on in the hallway. Sitting up slowly, Tonya looked at Callie as she sat on the edge of her bed in deep thought.

“You know that creep is really screwing things up here in Tuscaloosa. I had planned to move my teenage sister here next quarter so I can help her get ready for college.” Callie was a junior, and her sister Jazmin was a junior in high school.

“What’s changed? Why wouldn’t you be able to bring her here?” Tonya asked still yawning as she tried to wake up from her deep sleep.

As the wheels began to turn slowly in Tonya’s head, she replayed Callie’s first statement after she entered the room. “Callie, what creep are you talking about?” Tonya asked as she sat up in the bed, alarmed. She grabbed her phone and started punching in numbers as she felt panic begin to rise in her throat.

“The serial rapist! He snatched another girl last night and . . . ,” Callie’s voice faded as Tonya was lost in her own panicked thoughts. “There is no way my mother is going to let Jazmin move here,” Callie kept whispering to herself in disbelief.

Then hearing Brandon’s voice at 6:00 a.m. on her voicemail, Tonya was immediately put on alert. He didn’t say much other than he needed her to call him. As Tonya began to let her thoughts get away with her, she frantically began to search for her clothes. Tonya continued checking her messages as she rushed to the bathroom to wash her face and brush her teeth.

Suddenly Natalie’s voice was heard on the next message. Natalie basically echoed the same thing Brandon had, and this concerned Tonya as her heart began to pound into her chest. Tonya knew it would happen eventually, but she was totally caught off guard by the news. Feeling the turn of her stomach deepen, she searched for her shoes while turning on the television.

By the time the news had come back on, Callie had left the room. Tonya was packing her backpack, preparing herself to be gone all day. She searched for her boots and put them by the door. She rechecked her bag for her water bottle, bug repellant, sunscreen, lip balm, washcloth, and bar soap. Tonya laced up her shoes as she listened to her third voice message, which made not only her heart drop but caused her to stumble to the bed weakened as she listened to Brandon’s weary voice.

Late last night, when Brandon went to Claire’s to pick Katy up, he was devastated to learn that Katy never made it to Claire’s. At first Brandon didn’t panic because maybe, she somehow got back late from her ride even after he went home to shower and couldn’t reach him. So he flew home to check the house, and to his dismay, there was no sign of Katy nor her bike. From what he could tell, Katy had never returned home after her bike ride with Claire. Her clothes were still sitting in front of the washer, awaiting her workout clothes to be washed with them.

Then looking at her room, Brandon realized her bags were untouched. If only he had looked in her room or the washroom last night, he would have immediately known Katy had not returned and may have been in trouble. As he walked through the house in a daze, two members of his team had set up their headquarters in his living room.

Brandon had so many thoughts running through his head that none of them could be completed before he moved on to something else. It was 6:00 a.m., and there was a team already on the ground organizing a search party. The chief ordered Brandon to stay put for the first few hours, hoping Katy would turn up. He was her only family, and they needed to keep the lines open and ready just in case she called.

Things happened really fast after Brandon discovered Katy gone. He was still hopeful he’d find her after leaving Claire’s because he knew Katy was a fighter and was always very focused. It was 1:30 a.m. when Brandon had done all he could do.

When he called in the missing persons report, he then knew what it felt like to be on the other side, and it was very traumatic. Not knowing where your loved one was or how they were doing or if they were still alive was enough to drain a person mentally. Brandon had been up all night and expected his father to show up late that morning. Just as he began to pace the floor again, he looked out the window when he heard a door closing and saw Tonya rushing toward the house.

* * *

Tonya was frantic by the time she made it to the car. She couldn’t think about what may have happened last night. All she wanted to do was get to Brandon and be by his side. Tonya kicked herself for sleeping though the phone calls as she raced down the highway with her emergency flashers on.

It was just before daybreak, and she knew search parties would be formed as soon as they were able to see the ground. Tonya couldn’t imagine what Brandon might be going through. She needed details, and she hoped he was holding up through this devastating ordeal. She was full of questions and was sure Brandon had asked some of the same questions.

Thoughts of Danielle flashed before her as she traveled down the dark highway. She knew Danielle was a fighter and attributed that factor to her survival. Tonya knew Katy was a fighter as well and prayed that she would be found soon.

When Tonya turned down Brandon’s road, she saw two police cars holding a camera crew at bay, with several other vehicles parked just off the property. Tonya began to wonder if she would be able to get through the roadblock and to Brandon. She reached down to turn her emergency blinkers off and rolled down her window to speak to one of the deputies.

She gave her name and mentioned she was a friend of the family and needed to get in to see Brandon. The deputy turned to the others standing guard and walked over to speak to them. One of the deputies looked familiar, but Tonya wasn’t sure where she knew him from. That same deputy came over with a clipboard and bent down to speak to her through the window.

“Hey, Tonya, how are you? I’m a friend of Brandon’s, and although we’ve not obtained a final list of those allowed in, I know he would want to see you.”

“Thank you,” was all Tonya could say to the familiar face as she was waved through the heavily protected area. Once she pulled up to the house, there were more cars and police activity around the house and outside buildings as if they were conducting a search.

Tonya wasn’t sure what to make out of all the activity. It almost seemed surreal as she grabbed her bag and walked toward the house with her heart beating out of her chest. When she made it to the door, Brandon opened it before she got close enough to touch the knob. Tonya immediately dropped her bag on the porch and flung herself into Brandon’s arms. They embraced for what seemed like forever as they both sobbed quietly.

Once inside, Brandon gave Tonya a quick tour of the operations center and quickly whisked her away to the rear of the house. They both took a seat on the couch in his bedroom.

“Brandon, I’m so sorry I didn’t get your call last night. Can you tell me what happened? Do we know anything about what happened, and when Katy was last seen?” Tonya asked, finding herself getting choked up.

“Don’t worry about that. I know you had a rough day and were exhausted when I left you last night. I picked up the phone to call you last night but hung up because I know you needed your rest, and I felt selfish for dumping my problems on you in your condition.”

Brandon filled Tonya in on the events that unfolded last night when he discovered Katy and the bike missing. “The last person to see Katy was Claire as they went their separate ways after their run at the park.” Before Tonya could ask, Brandon raised his hand in the air and said, “I’ve been told to stay put just in case Katy tries to contact me. I’m not going to wait much longer, but I will give my father a chance to get down here. He can wait here and help out with the investigation while I go and help with the search. I’m sure he would prefer to be here to make sure the investigation is carried out properly. He was devastated when I called him early this morning. Since he had just returned home, he tasked one of his deputies with helping him on the drive to Tuscaloosa.”

They spent a few more minutes together before Brandon was called to the operations center. Tonya had decided to volunteer to search with the search party at the park where Katy and Claire ran on occasion. She wasn’t sure if she’d meet any opposition to her being there, but she was prepared to deal with it accordingly.

Upon arriving, Tonya didn’t see any uniforms and wondered if she’d gotten her information correct. There were two squad cars and a group of men dressed for the occasion. Tonya walked up just in time to hear the areas they all were responsible for covering.

When they dispersed, Tonya was wondering why no one was searching Katy’s route home. She knew she was considered an outsider there without Brandon’s presence or the deputies knowing who she was. As Tonya backed away from the group of men gearing up and filling their canteens with water, she walked to her car to call Brandon.

As soon as she heard his voice, she immediately knew something was wrong. “Hey, Brandon, I’m here at the park. Have there been any new developments?”

Groaning as he tried to hold back his frustration, Brandon said, “Tonya, Tonya, Tonya, they found Katy’s bike on the west side of the park. I’m not sure of the details, but the search area has been expanded with the team beginning the search westward this morning.”

“Oh Brandon, I’m so sorry. Look, do they have any more volunteers, or can your station spare any more uniforms to search the other areas?”

“No, not until the cavalry comes in around noon. The surrounding counties are sending in teams as well, but again, they won’t arrive until noon.”

“Okay, I understand, but I’m going to begin my search going east.”

“Tonya, please be careful.”

“Please don’t worry about me. I’ll keep my distance from the searchers, and I have my protection with me,” she said, patting her pack resting on her hip.

“I feel so helpless being here and not out there with you and the searchers. Hold on for a minute,” Brandon said, dropping the phone. When he returned, he said, “Katy’s bike had a flat tire. She must’ve been headed to the gas station two miles down the road from the park. They found her bike just off the road with a rear flat tire.” Brandon took a seat on the couch.

“Look, I’m here and plan to cover as much ground as I can without interfering with the investigation. Please let me know when you’re available to head this way,” Tonya said before hanging up.

As she walked out of the park, she wondered how Danielle was doing. She needed to see her. With everything that was happening, Tonya wondered if Brandon had checked the evidence inventory that was collected when Danielle was found. She wouldn’t bother him with it yet, but she needed to remind him to follow up on that.

As Tonya walked down the road looking for anything out of the ordinary, Tonya felt the emptiness in the pit of her stomach.
Who could possibly do this to Katy, and why would they want to hurt someone so innocent?

She knew the agony Brandon and his family were going through; and she couldn’t imagine the hurt, disappointment, and betrayal they were experiencing. Tonya knew the families of the others were just as distraught, but she never imagined this would hit even closer to home for her.

As Tonya neared the road leading to the cemetery, she was torn with which direction to travel. Before she pulled out her map of the areas surrounding the cemetery, her cell phone began ringing. She forgot to put her phone on vibrate and was thankful for the reminder. Tonya held her breath as she clicked on her earpiece unsure of the caller’s identity. She was relieved to hear Natalie’s voice.

“Hey, Tonya. How are you and Brandon holding up? We heard the news this morning once we got to church and couldn’t believe it was happening all over again.”

“Oh Natalie, thanks for calling. We are doing everything we can to remain calm and sane for Katy’s sake. What did you hear and from whom?”

Natalie relayed what she’d been told in a special prayer assembly that morning for the missing girl and for Danielle’s family and recovery. The girls were advised to be on alert and travel in pairs. Natalie and Janelle had already made plans to visit Danielle after school on Monday, and this would be their first visit since the Thanksgiving break. Natalie offered her and Janelle’s help with the search or manning phones or whatever was needed.

Tonya smiled when she got off the phone as she thought of how remarkable Danielle’s survival had been. Tonya knew Katy was strong and smart and would find a way to survive whatever she was faced with. Tonya decided to circle the cemetery as she looked for any signs of Katy.

 Chapter Forty-Four

Sheriff Masterson was sitting on the edge of his seat awaiting Brandon’s call. He was supposed to call him with any updates every thirty minutes. It had been thirty-five minutes, and the sheriff was now getting worried. He knew he needed to keep the lines open in case Katy called, so he reached for his cell phone to call Brandon’s cell phone when it began to ring.

“Hey, Dad. Sorry to keep you waiting.”

“What’s going on, Brandon? Did they find anything yet?”

After a brief pause, Brandon said, “Dad, they found Katy’s bike on the side of the road not far from where she runs.”

“They found her bike? Did they find anything else? Was it wrecked?”

“No, nothing else was found, but the search team just got underway. The bike wasn’t wrecked, but it did have a flat tire. The guys on the ground seem to think Katy may have been headed to the gas station to get her tire fixed, and I agree with them. Now we just have to canvass the area and find out if anyone saw a girl pushing a bike last night before dark.”

“Okay, son, this is good news. I won’t tell you what my initial thought was when I heard the bike had been found. I think we’re moving in the right direction. I’m going to stop by the park before I come to relieve you, but I will be there before noon. Keep the calls coming, and son, hang in there.”

Brandon felt a little stronger knowing his father would soon be there. He knew he had plenty of experience, and his instinct was direct and on point. Although he and Brandon saw some things differently during Stella’s disappearance, Brandon believed this was their time to really put all of that behind them and work to find the person they both loved, Katy.

* * *

Danielle didn’t rest well as she tossed and turned in her sleep. She felt stronger and knew she was getting better. She could distinguish voices already as she lay in the bed with her eyes closed. There had been a new influx of people visiting. Danielle could tell patients’ relatives were coming in from all around to visit their loved ones. Danielle realized after days of new visitors that it was the holiday season, and she couldn’t remember how long she’d been in her current state.

Danielle’s grandmother had been by her side with her little brother and mother. Myron and Tonya had come and gone, and as much as Danielle wanted to let them all know she was awake inside, she couldn’t muster a movement or enough strength to open her eyes to see their beautiful faces. The last time Danielle was able to show any signs of life and being alert was when the girls came by to read to her during one of their visits.

Since their visit, the doctor had the nurses run a new series of tests on her, hoping for a miracle. Danielle prayed that the tests would show any signs of improvement so her family would not give up the hope they had left.

Even the night janitor had been there every night mopping and pushing the mop bucket, stopping just outside Danielle’s room. He would whistle the same tune every night as he mopped her hallway; but last night, he whistled a different tune, and that concerned Danielle. It was always the same dreadful tune, but that night it was a tune that Danielle remembered that sent prickly chills up her spine.

It was then that Danielle was positive this man, the janitor, was her kidnapper or was involved in her kidnapping that night on her way to the store. She felt her body reacting to the memories of being held in that damp, dark place. It was as if Danielle relived the horrors of being held captive all over again as she lost control of her bodily functions.

* * *

Katy was alone in a dark room and she couldn’t move. When she tried to open her eyes, she realized they were covered with a blindfold. Her throat was dry as she tried to swallow, but the gag was keeping her from completely closing her mouth to create moisture. As she tried to roll onto her side, she realized she was bruised and banged up, and her ankles were bound along with her hands.

Katy tried to clear her head to figure out what happened to her and what day it was. Katy slowly began to remember what happened. She remembered she was taken last night after her bike had a flat tire. Katy knew the gas station was closer to her on foot than the walk home, so she headed to the gas station to air up her tire. Claire had already headed home after they made plans for the evening. Katy didn’t realize her battery on her cell phone was dying until she was halfway to the store.

As Katy pushed the bike, she thought of her most exciting week in Alabama. Seeing her father and spending time with him after so many years, going fishing and outfishing Brandon and her father, and getting to see Tonya play for the first time in a basketball game were all extremely exciting events. Knowing she would not see her mother as planned was the hardest disappointment to accept. Katy knew her mom would be worried sick about her. She hoped Brandon wouldn’t tell her but knew he couldn’t keep it from her forever.