Cluttered Attic Secrets (18 page)

Tina sighed. “Two against one. Three, actually. Hank is saying the same thing. I can’t win this one.”

“Your insatiable curiously has gotten you into trouble before,” Uncle Bob reminded her.

Tina’s throat closed up, and she realized she was close to tears. She turned away from the table. “I’m going upstairs. I’ll talk to you later.”
Or maybe not
. She’d told them too much, used to confiding in them. She wanted to call Hank. But he’d side with her mother and uncle.

She entered her bedroom, closed the door, and looked at it with tears in her eyes.
“You’re almost thirty years old. Time to move out. You have the money.
She flopped on the bed and grabbed her cell phone to call Brandon to see how he was.

“I’m waiting to be discharged.” He sounded strong again, in charge. “I’m going home to shower and change clothes, then to the office to catch up on things. I don’t know what else you, Leslie, or I can do about this now since we can’t get into the house again.”

“I don’t know, either. I’m glad you’re well enough to get out of the hospital. What was the diagnosis? I mean are the police considering it an assault? And the doctor, too?”

“Yes, they are, fortunately. Lisbeth came by earlier. Not quite her usual unflappable self.”

“Well, that’s good. For the situation. But bad it happened, of course.”

“True. Okay, they’re here with the discharge papers. We’ll talk later.”

“Yes. Take care of yourself. Don’t overdo.”

“I’ll be fine.” She could hear the smile in his voice. “You take care, too.”

After they said good-bye, she called Leslie on her parents’ house phone, remembering her cell had been stolen. “How are you? I just talked to Brandon, and he said they’re discharging him.”

“Yes,” Leslie said. “We’re all so relieved. Dad went to get him and drive him home. I’m okay, but still in shock about the whole thing.”

“I know what you mean.” Tina shifted on the bed to get more comfortable. She realized she was really tense. “How are your parents reacting? Mom wants me to leave town until this is all cleared up.”

Leslie gave a short laugh. “Sounds normal. I’m surprised my parents haven’t suggested the same thing. For both me and Brandon.”

“They haven’t? That is a shocker. They probably just haven’t thought of it, yet.”

Leslie laughed softly again. “I’m sure they will. What
are
you going to do?”

“I don’t know. Hank also wants all of us to stay away from the whole mess. I’m worried about Sophie. And you and Brandon. In my opinion, the best thing to do is for everyone to work together to figure this out and get it resolved.”

“Not if it puts us in danger, Tina. You know, I woke up this morning with my arm aching where they gave me that shot. I was sweating and scared from a nightmare about being tied up in a dark room. I know that’s not what really happened, but my imagination added some juicy details.”

“I’m sorry. I agree you need to stay out of it.” Tina paused. Would she be putting Leslie in danger if she insisted on continuing to investigate? The possibility caused a tremor to run though her whole body. She had to clutch the phone harder so she wouldn’t drop it. “Maybe everyone’s right, and we should all back off, including me.”

“Much as I hate to admit it, I think you’re right. I’m torn between the idea that things might go faster if all of us stay involved and the thought that we might all be in danger. But it’s obvious these people are smart and sneaky. And, yes, scary.”

Tina sighed. A tapping at her window made her jump, and she looked at it. A shadowy figure knocked again.

Tina gasped. Then she laughed. “Leslie, Hank’s climbed up the trellis and wants to come in. I guess he’s avoiding Mom and Uncle Bob for some reason. I’m going to hang up, and I’ll call you back as soon as I can.”

“That Hank.” Tina could hear the smile in Leslie’s voice. “Have fun, but be careful.”

“Right.” Tina ended the call and walked over to the window to open it. It was big enough for Hank to climb in with no trouble. “Someday you’re going to break your neck, you know.”

“Hello to you, too. It’s a sturdy old thing, that trellis. Made to last. Not only that, the vines have wrapped themselves around it so tightly, it’s made it even stronger.” He closed the window, then held out his arms to her.

They embraced, and it felt so right, she never wanted it to end. But after a while, Hank pulled away. He took her hand, and they sat side by side on the bed.

“Lisbeth was at Leslie’s house this morning, checking things out, and when she left, Sophie popped out of the bushes in front and said she wanted to talk to you. She wouldn’t tell Lisbeth anything unless you were with her. So, I’ve come to collect you. We have no choice. We’re sure that little girl knows things that will help with the investigation. Since there’s a question of abuse, we can interview her without Mrs. Hendricks’ okay.”

“And you figured if you came in the front door you’d get the third degree from Mom.”

“Possibly, yeah. It’s hard to hide anything from her. She’s known both of us too long. I’ll bet a hundred bucks she’s told you to back off from this whole investigation.”

Tina stood up. “You’d win.” She grabbed her purse. “Where’s Sophie?”

“Lisbeth didn’t want to take her away from the neighborhood, so they’re waiting in Leslie’s house. She has an officer outside in case Mrs. Hendricks starts looking for her. I tried calling you, but you’ve been on the phone a long time.”

“I was talking to Brandon, then Leslie. They’ve discharged Brandon. Leslie is over her shock from being kidnapped. It’s going to be rough for her to get back to normal.”

Hank nodded. “To be expected. She’s lucky to have you to lean on.” He kissed her on the forehead. “Let’s go. I’m going the way I came in. Get past the guards, I mean your mom and uncle, as quickly as you can. I’m parked down the street toward West Main Road. Meet me there. I’m driving.”

“Yes, sir!” Tina grinned at him. “You’re so adorable when you take charge.”

“Doll, you’re incorrigible.” Hank opened the window and climbed onto the trellis.

Tina held her breath until he reached the lawn, then locked the window, and quickly left the house. As she walked to Hank’s car, she called and left a message on the answering machine saying she’d gone out and didn’t know when she’d be home.

She smiled when she saw Hank standing beside his Jaguar down the street.

They didn’t talk on the short ride to Leslie’s. When they arrived, Tina saw Gil standing on the front porch. She remember Leslie had a date with him that weekend. She told Hank about it and the fireman.

Hank grinned. “Hope that will take her mind off the kidnapping.”

“Well, they’re both really cute.”

Hank glanced at her sideways. “You’re trying to make me jealous.”

“It’s not working, is it?”

“Maybe a little.”

They were laughing when they got out of the car. After greeting Gil, they walked inside. Lisbeth, looking ill at ease, sat with Sophie in the living room. Sophie rocked in Leslie’s favorite chair, her sad expression making Tina’s heart hurt. Another woman sat in the chair farthest away from Sophie. She was middle-aged and motherly looking with black hair, lovely brown eyes, and dressed in a casual, comfortable-looking, tan pants suit.

Tina went in first, Hank hanging back. She knew he was going to let her take the lead. She hoped for the same from Lisbeth and the other woman. Lisbeth introduced Celia Chavez, social worker. “She’s here to observe and knows the situation. Just to let you know, we’re taping it.”

Tina understood Lisbeth didn’t want to say more with Sophie there. She nodded and approached the child slowly, smiling just a little, hoping not to frighten her.

“You okay? You look sad.”

Sophie squeezed her hands together. No stuffed animal to hold. She nodded slightly, huge eyes looking at Tina.

“You wanted to talk to me?”

A nod.

“About the house? Are you bothered being inside right now?”

Another nod, then a shake of the head. Sophie looked around the room. “Never been here before.”

Tina hid her surprise. “You mean in this room?”

Nod.

“But you’ve been in other rooms. Can you tell me which ones?”

“Cellar. Stairway. Secret room.”

“Can you show us?”

A violent shake of the head.

“Okay. That’s all right. Can you tell us what you did in the cellar?”

“Opened door.”

“The big doors from outside?”

Nod.

“You could open them? They’re kind of heavy.”

Head shake. She made a gesture with her hands indicating sliding the bolt.

“Oh, okay, you unlocked them. Did you climb in through the window first?”

Nodding, Sophie said, “Window.”

Tired of bending over, Tina repositioned herself so she was sitting cross-legged on the rug. She was becoming concerned about the way Sophie talked. More like a three-year-old than ten or so. She remembered her clutching the stuffed animal. And there was the rocking.

“How old are you, Sophie?”

Sophie held up both hands, fingers spread.

“Ten?”

Nod.

“What’s your address?”

Sophie frowned, then shrugged.

“Do you know your phone number?”

Still frowning, Sophie began slowly, “Four-oh-one…”

“Yes, that’s the area code. Do you know the rest?”

Head shake, looking upset. She pulled a scrap of paper out her pocket and handed it to Tina. It had Sophie’s name in block letters at the top. Tina stared at it in amazement. Sophie Young. She was related to Leslie and Brandon? Maybe a niece. She saw Mrs. Hendricks’ address and a phone number written below Sophie’s name in script.

Tina chanced a glance at the three people behind her. They all looked as concerned as she felt. So, they got it that Sophie was probably mentally disabled. She started to hand the paper to Leslie, but Sophie shouted, “Mine!” and held out her hand.

“I just wanted Lisbeth to see it. Is that okay?”

Sophie looked doubtful. “Need it.”

“I know. We’ll give it right back.”

Lisbeth stood up and walked slowly over to look at the paper. Tina noticed her jolt of surprise when she read the name. She scanned the rest of it, nodded and gave the paper directly back to Sophie. “It’s good you have that.”

Sophie nodded and tucked it back into her pocket. Lisbeth went to sit down again.

“Who is with you when you go into the cellar?” Tina asked.

“Mommy, Father. Sometime Auntie, baby sitter.” Tears welled. “Father dead!” Sophie wailed, rocking so hard in the chair, Tina was afraid she’d topple over.

“It’s okay. It’s all right.” Tina chanced placing a hand on the girl’s frail arm, trying to slow the rocking. “Everything will be okay. We’re going to help you.”

After several minutes, the rocking slowed, and the crying stopped. Sophie wiped her eyes on her sleeve. Tina looked around for a tissue box, but didn’t see any.

“I’ll get something from the kitchen,” Hank said. He came back quickly with a roll of paper towels.

“Thanks.” Tina tore off one for Sophie. “You okay now?”

Sophie nodded. “Better.”

“Is it okay if I ask you more questions? Or would you rather tell us what you want us to know in your own words?”

“Like questions.” She wiped her eyes and stared at Tina.

“All right. This is a hard one. Ready?”

Nod.

“Was your father’s name Joshua Young?”

“Josh,” Sophie whispered.

“Your mother’s name?

“Mommy.”

“Do you remember what other people called her?”

Head shake.

“Okay. And what is your aunt’s name?”

Sophie looked confused. “Auntie.”

“Everyone called her Auntie?”

Nod.

“Was she the woman you were with when we saw you yesterday?”

Nod.

“And what’s baby sitter’s name?”

Sophie frowned. “Baby sitter.”

Tina wanted to check Hank’s and Lisbeth’s reaction, but she kept her eyes on Sophie. “Who else knows about the secret room?”

“Everyone.”

“But it’s called the secret room? You know what secret means?”

Sophie looked confused. “Don’t tell.” She shrank into the back of her chair. “Secret,” she whispered.

Tina hoped she kept her expression neutral. She had a sense that Sophie might not tell them anything more, but she posed another question. “What happens in the secret room?”

Sophie frowned. “Everyone sleep.”

“You know the people who sleep there?”

Now her expression changed to fear. “No!” Tears and rocking began. “Secret.”

This time Tina didn’t let the distress wear itself out. “Those people scare you? Would you like to stop going to the secret room with them?”

Sophie stopped rocking and stared at Tina. Nodded.

“That’s why you wanted to talk to me, right? You sensed I could help you. And I can.” Tina stood up. “We’re going to take you someplace safe, away from auntie and baby sitter. Okay?” Tina looked at Lisbeth and Celia. “What do we need to do to make that happen?”

“Ask her if anyone hurts her physically,” Celia said.

Tina raised an eyebrow as she watched Sophie’s reaction. It appeared Sophie didn’t understand. Tina bent down and said, “Has anyone hurt you?” She touched the child gently on her arm, her head, her stomach.

Sophie didn’t pull back from her touch, Tina was glad to see. Wide-eyed, she nodded. “Woman. Mad at me.”

Tina swallowed a huge lump in her throat before she could speak. “Auntie or baby sitter know?”

“Told them. Not believe me.” Sophie shuddered. “Believe woman.”

“You know the woman’s name?”

“Mora. I cry. She not like, so hit me.” Sophie touched her cheek.

“Where is Mora now?”

Shrug. “Gone. They all go; more come.”

“They have children with them?”

“Some.” Sophie looked beat, Tina noticed.

She turned to Lisbeth and Celia again. “Now what?”

“Since Mora is gone,” Celia said, “the threat of physical violence also seems to be gone. However, if she’s forced to open the door for these people, that means they’re coercing her to aid and abet them in the commission of a crime. I need to check, but I believe that’s grounds for taking her into protective custody. But we also need to notify whoever her guardian is that we are investigating.”

“How long will all that take?” Tina’s heart sank. “We probably don’t have much time before someone comes looking for her.”

Celia took her phone from a pocket. “I’ll call my supervisor.” She walked out into the hall. They heard the front door close.

Tina looked at Sophie. She was off someone in her own world, looking the same as she had at Irene Hendricks’ house. Tina ached all over from tension and worry. She stood up and stretched, then sat down in a chair.

Lisbeth leaned close to her and murmured, “You did great. We now know a lot more than we did.”

“What did you find out about Mrs. Hendricks?” Tina kept her gaze on Sophie as they talked. Still in her own little world.

“She has some paperwork showing she’s Sophie’s guardian. Why that came about, she won’t say. She refuses to talk to us, and we have nothing to charge her with. Obviously, Sophie is stressed, so Children’s Services can investigate. But we’re kind of on thin ice here.”

Tina’s realized her hands were clenched. She consciously loosened them and glanced at Hank to see his reaction. He wore a slight frown, unusual for him. She realized having a child involved in all this troubled him. As it did her.

“But someone is making Sophie climb in the window and open the doors to the basement.”

“The problem is we don’t have exact dates for that. This could all have been going on when Margaret Young was alive, with her consent.”

“Why would they use Sophie to open the door if Margaret knew?”

Lisbeth thought for a moment. “You have a point.” She rubbed her forehead.

Tina smiled at her. “You getting a headache? So am I. Also, Brandon was attacked, and Leslie brought to the room.”

“True. But again, we don’t know who did that. It could be someone else besides the people Sophie is involved with.”

Tina’s mind whirled. “How are we ever going to find out?”