Mindfield (Sideways Eight Book 1) (30 page)

Chapter 36

Revelations

Lorton, VA – Faraday Farms

Saturday, 9 July - 11:00 AM

Ten days had passed since Tangerine’s reappearance.

On Wednesday, three days ago Charley convinced Murphy to return home. After a two-hour confrontation, he relented, objecting to her decision, proclaiming it was a mistake. Not hearing from him, she concluded she had injured his ego and crippled his need to protect her.

Emptiness and sadness lingered in the house after he left. She mulled over if separated couples experienced the same. Charley accepted she missed his helpfulness. Their evenings included making checklists of necessary repairs around the house; a leaky faucet, tighten kitchen cabinet doors. He had her Volkswagen and Denali serviced and replaced the tires. He cleaned out the storage room in the garage and organized it, labeling containers, and boxes.

The night he begrudgingly went home, she settled into the office to surf the net. Sleepy, she turned out the desk lamp. A glimmer of light shone from overhead, hundreds of glow stars sprinkled the ceiling. Overwhelmed by his actions she released an ecstatic squeal.

He listened.

She missed him being there, his empty chair seemed lonely and unwanted.

The office door flung open, bringing her back to the present.

“Char, I need to talk to you.” Murphy’s swift entrance was jarring.

She directed her hand at his vacant chair. “Sure, sit.”

Murphy shook his head. “Uh huh.” He paced in front of the console. “I kinda stole something of yours. But for a good reason.”

“What?”

“A photograph. I found it in a box in the storage room. It’s a picture of you and your dad when you were little.” He handed her the photo.

She studied the photo and glanced at him. “Why did you take this?”

Murphy swung his finger at the photo. “When was this photo taken?”

“The day my parents died. Why did you take it?”

“First, let me ask you a few questions.”

“Okay.”

“The date?”

“March fifteenth.”

“The ambulance transported your parents to Community Hospital, now the Regional Medical Center.”

“Yes, but—”

Murphy waved his hand for her not to interrupt. “You waited in the lobby of the emergency room. A boy sat next to you.”

“Yes. Sean—”

Murphy shook his hands to tell her to stop. “You had on the same shirt in the picture. Purple, the two bottom buttons were missing. You lost them running home from the school bus. You fell, ripping the knee of your jeans.”

“Sean, how do you—”

“Wait. You and the boy played outside on the hospital grounds. You climbed a tree, played chase, and you tackled him. When you did, you told him he tackles like a girl. In the tree the two of you climbed, you both carved your initials.” He pointed at her. “You lied. You said your name was Abby, short for your middle name Abigail. He told you his name was Alex. The initials you and he engraved were A F and A M.”

Charley stood, exasperated. His words punched her, and shock pushed its way to the forefront of her mind. Bewildered, she couldn’t speak. She opened her mouth, but nothing would come out. Another attempt, the words loosened. “Sean, how—”

“That was us, Char.”

“No way.” She dropped into the chair. “Alex lived in San Diego. You’re from here.”

Murphy shook his head. “No, Char, remember, my parents were Navy doctors. We lived in San Diego. Three years later, we moved to Norfolk.”

“Why were you in Virginia?”

“A wedding. My mom fell while dancing and broke her arm. I’ll tell you something else. I was at the emergency room. Your dad, he needed blood. My dad overheard the nurses talking. He donated his.”

“AB negative. Our rare blood type.” Her eyes wavered, staring at the floor introspective. “But his name was Alex.”

“As a child I went by Alex. I’m Sean Alexander Murphy IV. My parents called me Alex to avoid confusion. My grandfather went by Sean. When I was older I chose Sean.” He waved his arms out to the side. “And, here I am,
Abby
.”

“But—”

Murphy shook his finger. “Abby and Alex pinky swore to each other. Forever.”

“Infinity.”

Their eyes locked as they spoke simultaneously. “Sideways eight.”

Eyes wide with astonishment, she covered her mouth with her hand. “Oh, my gawd, it was you.”

“I never forgot her. When I found the photograph, I couldn’t believe it. I crammed it into my back pocket. Your unique, emerald green eyes. Our blood type. I checked everything, the tree with the initials. They’re still there. I asked my mom what day she broke her arm. Anyway, the following day we returned to California. I didn’t know your parents died.”

“You moved back to Virginia three years later? If you never forgot me why didn’t you contact me?”

“You never told me your last name or where you lived.” Murphy plopped his hands on the console and leaned towards her. “The name you gave me. Abby. Why did you lie about your name?”

“I’ve never liked my name, so…”

“Does this mean anything to you?”

“Yes, it does. It’s a great memory intertwined into the worst day of my life.”

“That’s not how I want to be remembered.”

“You were my comfort.” She placed her hand over her heart. “Deep inside I knew my parents were dead. You were my distraction, an excellent one. I never forgot. You were a great help that night.”

She handed the photo back to him. “Keep it.” Charley lowered her head. “We were quite the little dumplings weren't we?”

“Dumplings? As in apple dumplings?”

“No, as in dumplings, children. My grandfather called me his little dumpling when I was a young girl. I haven't thought of that in years.”

“Seems sad to me.”

“Why?”

“I dunno, Robin, Olivia and the other girls, dumplings, they were dumped.”

Charley gazed at him, her eyes wistful. “They were someone's dumpling. I was someone's dumpling. My grandfather loved me.”

Not for the first time, Murphy witnessed the sadness in Charley's eyes. Another reminder of all she had lost. “You’re sure you want me to keep the photo?”

“I want you to have it. I have the digital image.”

“Until now, I never understood my obsession with the infinity symbol.”

“Same here.”

Murphy crammed his hands into his pockets. “When Justin gave me the symbol he and Robin made, something clicked.” He knelt in front of her. “We’ve been carrying each other around since we were kids.”

They stared at each other as they contemplated their connection. So many years had passed between those moments at the hospital and this realization. Both had experienced personal tragedies and life-changing mistakes. It wasn’t until they heard the dreaded beeping from the computer they broke eye contact.

“Let me guess.” Her hand clasp the mouse.

Murphy covered her hand with his, shaking his head. He sat on the console. “Not yet. This is serious, significant. This is our time.”

Charley dropped her head. “I’m not sure what to say.”

“You seem sad, or disappointed.”

She shook her head. “Overwhelmed.”

“You never thought of the boy again?”

“I did.” Charley sniffed back the tears. “Every March fifteenth.”

He stood and presented himself. “He’s right here.”

She smiled. “I’m glad he’s here.”

Murphy smiled, viewing the monitor. “C’mon, let’s go.”

Gradually, Charley stood from the chair. “Hold a second, I’m a little rattled over our conversation.”

“Imagine my reaction when I saw the photo. But I said nothing till I checked.”

Her eyes found his. “Sean.” She leaned into him, slipping her arms around him. He returned her embrace.

“Char, I know.”

Chapter 37

Stars and Bananas on the Side, Please

Oakton, VA - Floriano’s Pizza Parlor

Saturday, 9 July - 2:45 PM

Murphy drove into the parking lot of Floriano’s Pizza Parlor. Local law enforcement controlled the traffic and the overabundance of gawkers. The press congregated in a separate location, crowding the barricades and forcing uniformed police to push them away from the cordoned scene.

“Talk to us about Sinclair, Agent Faraday,” a reporter yelled.

Charley clenched her jaw, grinding her teeth as she and Murphy left the truck to enter the restaurant.

“Char, they ask the same question every time.” Murphy opened the entrance door for her. “What do they want?”

She nodded a thank you. “Nothing.”

“It has to be something.”

“Someday, Sean, someday.”

Murphy shifted in front of her stepping backwards. “Now, Char.”

Charley shook her head. “Not now.”

Murphy returned to her side. “I will remind you.”

“Figures.”

The quaint restaurant had an Italian atmosphere. On each side of a lengthy, stainless steel counter at the rear, sneeze guards protected the buffets. On the left side of the island, patrons could place an entrée order. Dark wooden chairs pushed underneath red gingham clothed tables. The red and white tiled floor, offset by the white walls, one would expect The Godfather to enter. A jukebox sat to the left of the register by the hallway leading to the restrooms.

Doobie stood at the counter speaking to the chef hat-wearing manager. Doobie turned and gestured to them. “Hey, you two. Here’s the background information. Lydia Edwards, age ten, from Oakton, daughter of William, a minister, and Kathryn, a systems analyst. Lydia, mixed race, has dark brown hair and hazel eyes. The last visual of her, she was walking towards the restrooms.”

“Restroom, again?” Murphy said.

“Guy has a thing for restrooms. She excused herself to wash her hands before she ate.”

“Let me guess,” Charley said. “She vanished.”

“Yep. You’re smarter than you look, Char.”

“Is there an ice cream truck?” Murphy said.

“No ice cream truck this time. Forensics is in the restroom now.”

“Where did she attend school?” Murphy said.

“Claxton Barrow Elementary. Fourth grade.”

“Floriano’s is a favorite hang-out for kids.” Charley eyed the pizza slices under the glass shields.

“The restrooms aren’t viewable from the main dining area. There’s an exit at the end of the corridor. We believe he left with her from there.”

“Similar to the bowling alley,” Murphy said.

“Without kicking and screaming, I assume.” Charley dug into the side pocket of her pants and removed her tablet.

“Yep,” Doobie said, scratching his head.

Charley tipped the pad for Murphy to view. “Look at the plot lines. Resembles a square root.” She scanned the restaurant. “Fingerprints are useless, same as the bowling alley. He knows we can’t track him in places like this.”

Murphy addressed Doobie. “What was Lydia wearing?”

“Denim skirt, green and yellow checked sleeveless, cotton shirt. White sneakers with neon green laces, and yellow socks. Her hair was in a bun with a daisy.”

“Where are the parents?”

Doobie directed his hand towards the front of the store. “They’re sitting at the table by the window.”

Charley replaced the data tablet into the side pocket of her pants. “Mind if we speak to them?”

Doobie waved his hand in the air. “Go ahead.”

Charley and Murphy approached the grief-stricken, overwrought parents. They raised their red and swollen eyes.

“Mr. and Mrs. Edwards, we’re Agents Faraday and Murphy. May we talk to you?” Charley said. “We need to ask a few questions.”

Their lips trembled as they acknowledged.

Mrs. Edwards wiped her nose with a napkin. “Please call us Kate and Will.”

“Do you object to us recording this interview?” Murphy said as he and Charley sat across from them.

Will shook his head. “Not a problem.”

Charley placed the voice recorder on the table. “What is Lydia’s favorite color?”

“Lavender and purple,” Will said.

“What are Lydia’s hobbies?”

Kate swallowed deep. “She likes to paint.”

“Is it more of a hobby or is she dedicated?”

“As a parent,” Kate patted her chest, “I may be overstating, but her paintings are good. She’s an unconventional artist. Abstract, I guess you would call it. Lots of bright colors, geometric shapes, and forms.”

“Has she had any professional training? Such as classes or a tutor for her art?”

“She never said she wanted to.” Will hung his head and rubbed his eyes.

“Would she leave with a stranger?” Murphy said.

“No way.” Kate shook her head. “She’s mistrustful of strangers.”

“Would she leave with someone if she thought they needed help, or convinced her someone she knows needs help?” Charley said.

“Hmm, if she believed someone was in trouble, she would come to us.” Kate wiped her eyes with the back of her hand.

“She’s a careful child?” Murphy said.

“Yes,” Will said.

“She would be alarmed by strangers?”

“Yes, except for those in a position in authority, such as police, teachers,” Kate said.

“You taught her?” Charley said.

“Yes.” Will nodded. “When she was younger, she was lost in the mall and went straight to a security guard. So the answer is yes.”

Charley and Murphy glanced at each other. “Do either of you recall if a policeman or a security guard was here and now he isn’t?” Murphy said.

“I’m not sure.” Kate turned to her husband. “Will, did you see one?”

Will scrunched his face. “I remember thinking he couldn’t take down a toddler.”

“Why?”

“He was small for a cop, thin, about five eight or so. I mean cops should be hardy like you, Agent Murphy.” Will’s attention turned to Charley. “No offense, Agent Faraday.”

“Don’t let her size fool you.”

“Will, I wrangle criminals with my brain. Not as messy,” Charley said.

“I hear that, Agent Faraday. Intelligence is the ultimate weapon.” Will attempted a smile, but failed.

“When was the last time Lydia was in this restaurant?”

“Oh, my, uhm, it was the night we went to see that movie.” Kate’s eyes viewed the ceiling. “The one about the sisters, animated.”

“Tuesday, about a month ago.” Will removed his cell phone from his pocket. He thumbed the screen to check the calendar. “The twenty-first of last month.”

Charley glanced at Murphy before redirecting her attention back to the Edwards. “We appreciate your time and want you to know we’ll do whatever it takes to find Lydia.”

Charley stood. Murphy grasped her forearm to prevent her from leaving. “One more question. Has Lydia mentioned anyone by the name of Star?”

“Star… hmm.” Will rubbed his chin. “I don’t think so. How about you, honey?”

“It was about a month ago.”

Murphy leaned on the table. “Kate, what did Lydia say?”

“I remember. She said something like, Star was a banana.”

“A banana?” Charley’s face scrunched. “That’s new.”

“Where did she see this… banana?” Murphy said.

“On television?” Kate pinched the bridge of her nose. “No, that’s not right. I’m not sure. It had something to do with a banana.”

“One more question. Is Lydia an only child?”

“Yes.” Kate’s face expressed confusion. “Does it matter?”

“I’m not sure. You’ve been a tremendous help and given us information we didn’t have until now. Thank you.”

“I’m not sure how we helped, but you’re welcome,” Will said. “Find my daughter, please, and God be with you.”

“Thank you.” Murphy grabbed the voice recorder and gave it to Charley.

Abreast, they walked towards Doobie. “Doobie is gonna love this,” Charley said. “This could be a break.”

“The description is similar to what Justin, Dillon, and Lucas told us,” Murphy said.

Charley grabbed Murphy’s arm, her tone startled and low. “Sean, the twenty-first was the night before Annabelle died.” She paused, moved in front of him, and placed his wrists in her hands. “Annabelle had pizza for dinner.”

“You’re thinking that’s how the killer chose Lydia. He saw her while buying Annabelle’s pizza.”

“We need the feeds from the cams. Let’s hope they kept backup copies from last month.”

“We can use the cams to identify who bought sausage pizza on that day and time.”

“Good idea.”

“Annabelle ate around nine in the evening. We need to ask the Edwards what time they were here.” With consternation, Murphy grasped her hand. “Char, I have an idea.”

“What?”

“All the girls are only children.”

“No, Robin had a brother.”

“No, Char.” Murphy waved his finger back and forth. “When Robin disappeared, her little brother wasn’t born. Mrs. Senters was in labor.”

“You’re right.” Her mouth dropped. “A common denominator, except Robin isn’t Bonnie Senters daughter. Emma Gibson is Robin’s mother.”

With a closed mouthed smile. “The killer didn’t know.”

Charley squeezed his wrists, smiling. “That’s possible.”

“Wait.” Murphy rubbed his lower lip. “Of all the girls he’s taken, he kept Robin the longest. Maybe… because Mrs. Senters was pregnant, making Robin replaceable.”

Charley squeezed his wrists again. “He only wanted to kill children without siblings. Robin told him about baby Robert. She didn’t meet the criteria.”

Murphy shook his head with a defiant smile. “Uh, huh, he had to kill Robin before Bonnie gave birth. At the time of her death, Robin remained an only child.”

“Wow.” Charley’s face brightened. “His victims had to be an only child. But why?”

Murphy shook his head. “No clue.”

Doobie interrupted them. “Anything?”

“Somehow, we need to figure out how stars and bananas work into this. Sounds crazy, but…” Charley said.

“Bananas?” Doobie said.

“Yes, bananas,” Murphy said.

“I’ll keep my ears open.”

“One other thing,” she said, “the Edwards’ were here the night of the twenty-first. Pizza was Annabelle’s last meal. This may be false hope, but it’s possible this is where the perp bought Annabelle’s pizza.”

“These businesses must maintain cams and such. It’s pricy, but when things like this happen it’s a necessity,” Murphy said.

“I agree, but it’s not enforceable,” Doobie said.

Murphy shook his head, displeased.

“I want to talk to the Edwards’ one more time,” Charley said.

“Let’s go.” Murphy took her by the arm, leading her to the Edwards.

Charley and Murphy approached the distraught parents. Murphy stood behind Charley as she engaged their attention. “Kate, Will, sorry to bother you again, but we have a couple more questions.”

“Sure,” Will said.

“What time were you here after the movie?” Murphy said.

Will squeezed his eyes. “Showtime was at four forty-five. The movie was less than two hours. The drive… we were here around eight.”

“You’re sure?” Charley said.

“I can check my receipt. It has the date and time of purchase.”

“Would you and contact Agent Dubuclet and tell him?”

“I will.”

“Once again, thank you. We’ll get going.”

Reticent, Charley and Murphy left Floriano’s through the main entrance. Standing at the passenger side of Murphy’s truck, she looked around to see if they were alone.

“Wait, before you say anything.” On her toes, her hand gripped the back of his neck as she kissed his cheek. “Thank you.”

Murphy smiled. “For what?”

“The stars on the ceiling. So unexpected. What an amazing experience. I wish you had been there.”

Murphy looked away. “Yeah, well, you kicked me out.”

“I didn’t kick you out.”

He crammed his hands into his pockets, glaring at her. “Char, you kicked me out.”

Charley planted her forehead on the center of his chest. “It means a lot. You’re a wonderful friend.”

His hand pressed against her back, he laid his chin upon the top of her head. “I would’ve loved to have seen your smile.”

“It was a big one.” Charley grinned.

“Tangerine is out there, Char. He’s determined to hurt you. Promise me you’ll sleep with a piece under your pillow, check your cam feeds every day. If you don’t I’ll be moving in whether you like it or not.”

Charley wrapped her arms around his waist and squeezed him. “Like I said, you’re the best.”