In The Shadows (14 page)

 Chapter Twenty-Eight

Brandon called his father when he was about an hour from Selma. He couldn’t believe he was finally headed home again after being away so long. The closer he got, the more anxious he felt, and he instantly felt out of place. Driving into town, Brandon found himself smiling as he viewed some of his old hangouts, and he reminisced of the good times in Selma.

Brandon was blown away when he ran into Maritza at the local corner store as she approached him with open arms. She immediately recognized Brandon before he even saw her. As he embraced her, he noticed she’d put on a few pounds since high school, which she blamed on multiple childbirths. Brandon thought she was still as beautiful as ever.

Maritza remembered the effect Stella’s death had on Brandon, and she wondered if there had been any updates. As they spoke about some of their other friends and eventually Stella, Brandon realized then that he missed communicating with his friends more than he thought.

After Stella’s body was found, Brandon never thought he’d ever miss anything about Selma, including his father. Talking about Stella was still a sore spot for Brandon, and he could tell once the conversation was started, Maritza wanted to avoid that subject too.

As Brandon continued down the highway, he thought back to why Maritza said she was in town from Texas. Her mom had been sick, and she just happened to be in town for a week and was just as surprised to see Brandon.

Brandon had just spoken with his father alerting him to his arrival. He was twenty minutes away and noticed his stomach began to turn as he neared the station. He took a sip of his soda and pushed the butterflies away. Pulling up to the department brought back a whole slew of memories as he parked his truck and took a long deep breath while examining the station and its surroundings. Before he could reach the door, his father appeared with his hat in his hand.

“Hey, Dad!” Brandon said, hesitantly extending his hand to his father.

“Hello there, son!” he said, pulling him in for a quick hug and pat on the back. “I need you to ride somewhere with me,” he said, leading the way to his patrol truck.

“Okay, let me get my phone, and I’ll be right there,” Brandon said, jogging over to his truck. Brandon couldn’t imagine what his father had in store for him, but he was willing to go with him. About ten minutes out of town, Brandon said, “So, Dad, where are we headed?”

After a brief moment of silence, Sheriff Masterson said “I want to take you to the site where we found Johnny Rush’s body. I’m meeting a forensics team out there this evening. They’ve been here for a few hours already. I sent one of the deputies out to meet them.”

Brandon knew then his father had waited for him before going out to the site. He wasn’t sure what his father had in store for him, but he was excited about the fact that he was visiting the crime scene.

They made small talk on the way out to the site. Brandon knew quite well the area where Johnny was found. As they approached the wooded area, Brandon sat up straight in his seat as he took notice of all the police activity and the yellow tape cordoning off the area.

With his heartbeat pounding loudly in his chest, Brandon could hardly wait for the truck to come to a complete stop.

Once he stepped out of the truck and joined his father, Brandon was suddenly excited and in tune with everything going on around him. This was the part of police work Brandon wanted to do. He loved piecing together a crime scene. Although he was just getting started with his degree in forensic science, he knew the hard work would pay off. Brandon was so focused on his future that he almost didn’t hear his father talking to him.

His father wanted to introduce Brandon to the lead officer on the forensics team. Sheriff Masterson knew Brandon would make a good law enforcement officer, and he’d known it for some time. He was disappointed in himself as a father as he thought back to when Stella disappeared. Everything in him had told him that Brandon was on to something as he tried to help with the investigation. But he now knew it was his selfish pride that would not allow him to listen to his son. He was pleased he was able to share some of his thoughts with Brandon over the phone but wasn’t sure if he could ever apologize the proper way.

The forensic team was out of Birmingham, and Sheriff Masterson had spoken to Agent Blake who was in charge. Finding him among the group, the sheriff walked over to meet him with his hand extended.

“Agent Blake, how are you? I’m Sheriff Masterson. We spoke over the phone.”

Now shaking his hand in return, Agent Blake said “It’s a pleasure to meet you, sheriff. Please call me Neal. In a few hours, we should be able to brief you on what we’ve found so far.”

“Okay, take your time. I’ll be here the rest of the evening. This is my son, Brandon. He’s with the sheriff’s office out of Tuscaloosa.

“Brandon, it’s good to meet you. So you’re following in your father’s footsteps, huh?” A brief moment of silence passed before Neal continued. “What do you do up in Tuscaloosa?”

Brandon filled Neal in on his life in Tuscaloosa and that he was going to school to study forensic science. Neal was impressed by his choice and told him if he was interested in becoming a member of his team, to look him up after he got his degree.

Brandon was ecstatic to have received the invite from Agent Blake. Although he still had another three years to go, knowing that offer was on the table motivated him even more to become the best law enforcement officer he could possibly be.

* * *

When Brandon arrived in the city limits, he called to let Carlos know he was in the area. At first he thought Carlos was trying to avoid him. Finally he picked up and asked Brandon to meet him at a local park, which was on his way through town. Brandon agreed to meet him there in twenty minutes.

Carlos had been on edge all day. He knew this day would come eventually, and now he had to figure out his next move. Carlos was torn between protecting his identity and trusting his cousin not to turn him over to authorities. He knew the latter would also involve disclosing his indiscretion to his wife. Carlos also knew by this time Brandon was a little more than suspicious.

It seemed as if no time had passed when Carlos saw Brandon pull into the parking lot. He had rehearsed over twenty times the story he was about to tell. His first rehearsal was partially a lie, and he seemed to not be able to keep his story straight. Carlos had always had trouble telling an untruth as his grandmother would say instead of calling him a liar. He missed his grandmother more than he could’ve imagined.

Growing up in his grandmother’s house as a boy was what made her feel more like a mother to him than his own mother. Although their relationship was good, Carlos always got the most support from his Big Mama and could talk to her about anything.

Carlos hugged Brandon as he approached him sitting on the bench. For the next hour, the two shared new stories and old memories as if that was the sole purpose of the meeting. Carlos found himself very relaxed and calm as he recounted the events leading up to the moment he realized Andrea was missing.

* * *

It was on Brandon’s trip home that he pondered over Carlos’s story. He had discovered what he’d feared during his investigation had become a reality. Now he had to figure out what to do with that information.

Brandon’s stay had been extended in Selma, and by the time he returned to Tuscaloosa, Tonya would already be headed home to Fairburn. He was aware her grandmother had to go into the hospital for a series of tests and possibly surgery. Tonya’s intent was to stay home and be there for the procedure.

 Chapter Twenty-Nine

Tonya visited Danielle at the hospital before she got on the road. There was still no change in Danielle’s condition, but the family and the girls remained hopeful. Danielle was an avid reader and had a reputation for finishing a good book in a matter of days. Each time the girls went to visit her they would pick up where the other left off. That day Tonya finished up chapter twelve of a romance novel. Reading romance novels was Danielle’s favorite pastime.

As Tonya looked up from reading her last sentence, she gasped at the sight of Danielle’s eyes moving sporadically under her closed lids. Tonya leapt up and ran to the nurse’s station delivering the news. Still unsure if what she saw was real, she owed it to Danielle and her family to alert the nursing staff.

After a thorough vital check, the nurse assured her that there was no change in her friend’s condition. Tonya was disappointed, but she would alert Danielle’s mom and the girls about the incident. Tonya believed what she experienced was real and felt in her heart her friend would soon be joining them.

On her way out of town, Tonya called Brandon, but the call went unanswered, so she left a voice mail. Tonya’s feelings for Brandon had become stronger over the last several weeks, and she missed him dearly. She had always heard the old saying that absence makes the heart grow fonder, and it couldn’t be truer for her at this point in her life. Tonya had never experienced anything so pure before, and she suddenly felt afraid—afraid of being hurt.

Tonya spent the next hour on the phone with Beverly. The two chatted away and caught up on each other’s lives as she made good time on the highway.

* * *

Danielle drifted off into a deep sleep filled with disappointment. She could feel her body changing and now felt more in control. She was hopeful that someday soon, she would actually be able to see her friends and family when they read to her during their visits. As she listened to Tonya’s calm and skilled voice, it sounded miles away.

Danielle felt herself drift in and out as she relaxed listening to Tonya’s soothing voice. After she was done reading, Tonya began talking to Danielle. Although she couldn’t make out Tonya’s exact words, she knew it was Tonya because she smelled Pear Glacé as it filled the room. Pear Glacé was one of Tonya’s favorite fragrances. Danielle tried to open her eyes but couldn’t and soon drifted off to sleep again.

The next time Danielle awoke, not only did she feel someone standing over her, but she immediately recognized the agonizing smell of the person who’d entered the room. Danielle stirred in her sleep, and she remembered that night in the shed. Danielle let out a piercing scream that seemed to last forever. After minutes had passed, no one came to her rescue, and Danielle realized her cry had gone unheard.

* * *

As Brandon looked at his cell phone, he realized he’d missed Tonya’s call. He was almost relieved he wasn’t able to take her call. He needed time to sort out the new information he’d received from Carlos. Brandon knew the moment Carlos started explaining how much he loved his wife, they were going to be in for a long discussion. Carlos admitted to everything Brandon suspected him of.

Somehow Carlos had gotten involved with Andrea, and they were going pretty strong until she found out he was married. He told Brandon he’d been guilt-ridden since she disappeared because he was supposed to meet her that night but couldn’t. Tamara had him running errands for an upcoming birthday party on the other side of town. Carlos knew he would have to tell Tamara eventually about his infidelity, but if he thought he could get away with it, he’d take it to his grave.

As Carlos drove to work that evening, he realized he’d not told Brandon everything but felt he’d disclosed the most important things. He couldn’t bear telling his cousin that he’d fallen in love with Andrea. He couldn’t stand the thought of losing her and had considered leaving his wife. Or how every time their song came on over the radio, he’d get extremely emotional. Those were just things he’d have to keep to himself. He was hopeful the body found was not that of Andrea’s.

That night, Carlos dreamt of Andrea. The thoughts were so vivid, he expected to see her smiling face when he awoke. As he looked over at Tamara, he found her sound asleep. Carlos then wondered if he had a history of talking in his sleep.

* * *

Tonya was enjoying her stay in Fairburn. Brandon knew she was a homebody and loved to be near family. He often wondered what his life would be like if his family was as close. The following day, Katy would be arriving for her visit. Brandon would meet Katy at the airport at noon and would assume the role of big brother once again. It had been years since he’d spent any real time with his baby sister, so he wanted to make the best of it.

Brandon had an extra bedroom, and it was in need of painting. He got the okay from his relatives to paint Katy’s room her favorite color, green. He even went out and bought new bedding for the full-size bed that she’d be occupying. Brandon tried to remember every detail about his teenage sister as he waited for her plane to arrive. He remembered she was now fifteen and hoped the bedding he’d gotten wasn’t too juvenile for her.

As Brandon sat in the waiting area at the gate, he realized he was nervous. He felt more like a parent than a big brother. When Katy emerged from the walkway behind Gate 10, Brandon found himself springing to his feet and rushing over to meet her. While he embraced his sister, tears formed in the corners of his eyes. When he released Katy, he witnessed the tears streaming down her pink cheeks too.

* * *

Once settled, Brandon took his favorite dish out of the oven. He had four well-seasoned leg quarters surrounded by potatoes covered in green peppers, celery, and onions. Brandon’s mom used to prepare this same meal for him when he was smaller, and he lived for the delicious, home-cooked meals prepared with love.

After Katy got her things settled in her new room, she joined Brandon in the kitchen as he prepared the table for dinner. “Brandon, the room is beautiful! I can’t believe you did all that for me,” she smiled, looking at her big brother.

“I’d do anything for my baby sister. I just wanted you to feel at home here.” Brandon smiled proudly. The work was tougher than he thought, but with the help of a few friends from work and Tonya’s welcomed advice on the decor, Brandon also felt proud of the work he’d accomplished.

Later that evening just before dark, Brandon and Katy made it in from their three-mile run. Katy was a very good runner and had the perfect long legs to match his long stride. With Brandon’s work and school schedule, he’d not been able to maintain a regular workout routine. He was glad Katy was there, and he wanted to show her a good time and take her to Birmingham and Montgomery before she returned to Ohio.

He still had not mentioned his mother and sister or his visit to Ohio to his father. As he listened to Katy on the phone telling their mother good night, he wondered if she was interested in seeing their father. Brandon knew she was old enough to decide for herself whether or not she wanted to see him.

He would be the last person trying to convince her to see a man who claimed to be her father but had not seen her in over ten years. Brandon would have to get his mom’s approval before he would even consider letting his father see Katy. Brandon smiled as he overheard Katy describing her room in detail to her mom.

* * *

Natalie and Janelle were walking home from cheerleading and basketball practice, and they decided to take the shortcut home. They’d not been that way together since Danielle disappeared. The sun was just beginning to set. Not only had they not taken the shortcut, they’d not seen Joey in a while. Janelle heard he’d started working at the hospital, but they’d not seen him there. As the girls laughed and talked about their weekend plans, they were startled by movement in the shed right beside the path.

* * *

It was 6:00 a.m. when Brandon rolled over to turn off his alarm clock. That day, after work, he had dinner plans with Tonya. She’d been gone over a week, and he lived for their talks at night. That night would be the first opportunity in weeks for them to spend more time together. He had promised to cook dinner for Tonya, but now that Katy was there, he might convince Tonya to let him take them out to dinner instead.

Katy had been with him for a week, and he knew hanging with her big brother when he got off work would eventually get old. They’d found time to run every other day, and he enjoyed every moment spent with Katy. He loved filling the role of big brother, and as he looked in on Katy with the covers pulled up to her chin, his heart softened.

Brandon never knew how much he’d missed by being away from his mom. Katy stayed at Brandon’s place during the day, with frequent visits to their relatives next door. When Brandon had class and wasn’t scheduled to arrive home until after dark, he made Katy stay next door.

If Katy had it her way, she’d be taking care of herself instead of being kept. Brandon understood and remembered she was fifteen years old; she could easily look after herself had she been on familiar grounds. He hoped that once Tonya returned, she could introduce Katy to her family. Brandon knew Katy would welcome any interaction with other children.

As Brandon flipped through his notebook, he looked at the growing lines of questions in relation to Andrea’s disappearance. He knew he had more than enough information to proceed with the investigation. Since he’d been back, there hadn’t been much movement on the case in the office, but he’d made quite a bit of progress.

* * *

Tonya woke up that morning feeling like she’d been hit by a truck. The drive back had been rough on her and took a lot out of her. She knew she could drive the entire four hours without stopping to rest, but that would be ideal had she left first thing in the morning or before she spent half the afternoon saying good-bye to her family and friends. She was thankful there were no incidents and that she was back safe and sound. Her bladder was full from her attempt to stay alert by drinking caffeinated drinks and plenty of water.

As she returned to her bed, she looked at Callie’s empty bed and was glad she was away for the weekend. Tonya stretched as she fell back onto her cushioned bed. She was thankful the test and surgery went well. Being home for the procedure was a nice getaway and break from everything. Her only regret was not being able to spend time with Brandon. Between each of their travel, school, and working on the case, they’d not been able to spend a lot of time together in the last several weeks.

After responding to Brandon’s dinner text, Tonya smiled at the thought of eating seafood. Joining Brandon and his sister for dinner at Red Lobster would be perfect. That day was going to be a lazy one for Tonya. She made plans to visit Danielle in the hospital later before heading to dinner with Brandon and Katy that night. Tonya desperately wanted to discuss the case with Brandon that night, but she knew the timing was off. Discussing that in Katy’s presence was definitely out of the question.

Then as Tonya sank into her pillow, her thoughts fell on Danielle. She hadn’t received an update from Natalie since she spoke with her earlier in the week. Now she was home and wanted an update. She would contact Natalie after her afternoon nap. Natalie was sure to be out of school by then.

* * *

Looking through the darkness, Danielle felt her arms and legs pumping as she tore through the woods like a streak of lightning. She was running from the man who was sure to have discovered her missing by now. It seemed as though she’d have the same nightmare each time she dreamt. Danielle remembered being scared out of her mind and wondered when someone would come to rescue her. She wondered where Myron was and why he couldn’t find her. She heard the truck’s engine in the distance, and her thoughts went blank.

When she came to, she had to listen carefully to the voice she heard reading to her. She smiled inside when she realized it was Tonya’s voice. Danielle wanted to reach out and let her know she was still hanging on and to thank her for playing a major role in the organization for the search party.

Earlier that morning, Danielle’s mom and grandmother visited her. They took turns reading scriptures from the Bible to her, and then they read from one of the books Natalie had bought her. Danielle wondered what brought her grandmother to town. She could only guess that it was to help out with her brother.

Since Danielle’s disappearance and since her father’s return to the war, Danielle figured her mom would need some help from family since she now had no support with raising Preston. She smiled at the thought of her grandmother’s presence being a tremendous blessing. Danielle knew her family would be all right.

When Tonya grabbed her hand, Danielle’s reflexes caused her to quickly squeeze Tonya’s hand in response to her touch. She wondered if Tonya felt it too.