Rescued (12 page)

Chapter 22

Additional cameras installed in the trees around the compound helped keep track of comings and goings inside and allowed the investigators a view of more areas of the compound. Laptops were set up in the house for monitoring purposes.

Everyone gathered in the kitchen for supper. Nelson grilled the steaks and potatoes while Rose and Marty made garlic toast, baked beans, and salad. When the table was set, the group settled down for their evening meal and strategy session.

Rose shared their good news, amazed they had caught a major break. “We thought we had gone far enough out of town to shop for groceries we wouldn’t run into anyone from Memphis, but out of the blue we were approached by one of the kids. She’s seen a couple of things inside the facility she’s questioning. She trusts us. We’ll meet her around midnight, so we can talk.” She dipped a small portion of beans onto her plate, excited about the prospect of learning more tonight. “Finding eyes and ears inside the compound and a chance to get more of the details tonight is just the break we needed.”

“You know we’ve been documenting all the traffic in and out of the front gate, right? We’re trying to establish travel patterns and identify those who visit. We might have something if we see the same activity tonight,” Oscar refilled his salad bowl and dressed it with a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar.

“What kind of activity?” Rose was thankful for eyes on the gates around the clock.

“We’ve been watching the compound since before the kids from Memphis arrived last week and we’ve logged the same van coming into the gate, loading up several containers, and leaving at the same time every Thursday. If we’re right, the van should make another pick up at three in the morning. Third time says pattern.”

“We’ll bring it up tonight. Maybe Roxie has some information about the van or can find out something about it.” Rose was curious what was so important it left the compound in the dead of night while everyone was asleep.

“I’m available if you need back up tonight.” Daily offered his assistance.

“Y’all had the day shift. You need your rest. We’ll be fine,” Marty said.

“Yeah, and we need to get cleaned up so we can head out right after dark,” Rose said as she started to clear the dishes.

“We’ll do the dishes, Rose,” Garth said as he drew circles in his plate with a piece of toast. He wiped up the last few baked beans and popped the crust into his mouth. “Mmm, that’s good stuff.”

“Thanks, Garth,” she said and turned to Marty. “We need a plan for getting through the woods tonight. We can’t very well go as cougars. It would scare the daylights out of poor Roxie.”

“I don’t mind a human run. If you think you can keep up.” Marty waggled his eyebrows.

“You’re so funny. Don’t you worry about me keeping up, worry about drawing attention. Two midnight joggers might be slightly out of the norm, too.” Rose made a valid point. Details were important. Thoroughly thinking the details through left less room for error.

“So we leave in time to hike quietly through the woods to the back side of the property.”

“We can drop you about a half mile from the compound and you can cut through the woods. Then you can call us with a time and location when you’re done,” Oscar offered.

“We’ve found a secluded place to leave the car not far from the front gate. We’ll be fine, y’all get some rest.” Marty opened the freezer to retrieve the ice cream sandwiches they’d put together earlier. “Time for dessert.”

Rose and Marty dressed in dark jeans and shirts and laced up hiking boots in preparation for their midnight hike through the countryside. There was no moon tonight so there would be no shadows to worry about. But dark clothing was always best to lessen the possibility of being spotted.

He backed the rental car into the hiding spot in the woods they had been using and snapped a couple of young trees in half, propping the leafy branches in front of the hood as camouflage. “Ready?”

“Ready to find out what’s really going on here and put an end to these missing person’s cases.” Rose paused. “Can the system handle a group as large as this? What’s going to happen to these kids, Marty? Some of them aren’t as fortunate as the young man you’re looking for. Many don’t have homes and families to go back to. These kids might find themselves on the streets again and fall prey to another smooth-talking criminal looking to profit off their need to belong somewhere and be loved and wanted.” She glanced off into the distance toward the compound.

“There are plenty of legitimate programs for them to go into, honey. It’ll be rough adjusting to another life but they’ll be fine. Anything’s better than going to the highest bidder. Try not to worry.” He leaned over and brushed a kiss against her cheek.

“Can’t. It’s what I do.” She tugged her lip between her teeth as she studied the buildings inside the gate.

“See. That motherly instinct is bubbling up.” His smile said he was teasing again, but he left no doubt in her mind, he was serious about a family. So was she, but there was so much to consider.

She gave him a sideways glance. “Let’s go get something we can use to shut this prison down.”

They had allowed time to get to their meeting destination without rushing so the two walked hand and hand to the edge of the woods at the back of the compound.

All was quiet. Only security lights illuminated the grounds. They had no trouble seeing everything perfectly. Built-in night vision was a part of the werecougar package as well as enhanced hearing and smell.

“Do you see any movement?”

“No, but . . .” Marty became silent. He pointed to the shadows near the back of the girl’s dorm. “I heard something from that direction.”

Rose sniffed the air as she surveyed the grounds. “Roxie’s outside.”

The bobbing of the security guard’s flashlight signaled time for security checks. Rose held her breath as she caught sight of Roxie ducking under some shrubs. When the guard moved far enough away, the girl made her way along the shadow of the fence to the gate. She closed it without a sound, sprinted to the edge of the woods, and slipped behind a tree.

Rose stepped out into the open and whispered to get her attention, “Hey Roxie.”

“Rose, you did come.” She closed her eyes and exhaled the breath she had held. A relieved expression covered her face. “I was afraid you wouldn’t be here. I was considering just running. Even being lost in the woods would be better than this place.”

“Of course we came. We told you we would. Come over here, we can sit and talk. How long do you have?” They retreated further into the woods so they could speak freely. Rose retrieved a blanket from her backpack and spread it on the ground.

“As long as I’m back before daylight, I’ll be safe. They don’t do bed checks but someone will notice if I’m not at breakfast.” She settled on the blanket, crossed her legs, and wrapped her arms around herself. “You just don’t know how happy I am to see you.” Her body shivered.

“How are you? How are the others from Memphis? Please tell me everyone is alive and well.”

“I’m fine but, Rose, Jeremy’s gone. They said he went back home but I don’t believe them. He would never go back to his dad. The man was a drunk and only wanted to use him for a punching bag. His mom died last year and his life went from bad to worse.” She closed her eyes, inhaled a sharp breath, and continued to shake.

“I’m so sorry, Roxie. What about the others?” Rose put her arm around the girl for support.

“They’re fine. It’s like the house in Memphis only lots bigger and lots more people. Everybody’s nice and helpful. We have classes just like they said, trips to museums, and exhibits. Fun trips to amusement parks . . .” She stared out into the distant searching for a way to go on, shook her head, and squeezed her eyes shut.

“Take your time, Roxie,” Marty said.

“It’s just, I’ve never seen so many people in one place that need
procedures
done. Especially young, healthy people.”

“Procedures? What? Medical procedures?” Rose asked and turned to Marty to find a confused expression on his face that mirrored hers. “About how many?”

“Three girls from my floor had emergency appendectomies last week alone. Jeremy told me several of the guys he knew had them too. My aunt had one a few years ago and the scar was small. Since then, I’ve read surgical techniques have improved so that the surgery can be done robotically with only a couple of tiny punctures. There’s no need for an incision in every case. But all these girls have scars that are even longer than my aunt’s was. It doesn’t make sense.” Roxie stopped and stared at the ground in front of her.

Rose took a bottle of water from her backpack and offered it to the girl. Her heart was breaking. She heard the anguish tied to Roxie’s words. She was confused and had no one to confide in . . . until now. “Emergency situations? Did they go to the hospital by ambulance?”

“They don’t go anywhere. The surgery is done here in the compound infirmary.”

“Here? The facilities are that advanced?”
That would
explain the strong odor of fresh blood. But . . .?

“We have motivational classes where we’re taught to give back for what we receive so we are set up on a regular schedule to donate blood. I don’t mind that. I like the idea of helping others. The guy in the infirmary is supposed to be a doctor but he gives me a major case of the creeps.” She visibly trembled at that thought.

Marty lifted his head and inhaled a deep breath. “We need to get in and get an idea of what’s what on the inside. What do you know about the security system?”

“The dorms aren’t locked down. Kids sneak in and out all the time. But the office building has one of those key card locks. The sponsors have to swipe their cards to get inside. I could try and get my hands on one of the cards. I’ll do anything to be able to leave this place.”

“No, it’s too dangerous, Roxie. We’ll think of another way in.” Rose would never put anyone else in danger, especially a young kid, inexperienced in defending herself.

“But I want to do
something
to help. This could be such a great place if it weren’t for all the weird stuff.” She fumbled with a dried leaf, crumbling it between her fingers.

“We know you want to help, Roxie, but if you get caught you could be in danger. You, and the others as well. We need to have a plan before we do anything and that means we need to discuss this with the other investigators. Do you think you’ll be able to go back inside as if nothing’s happened and keep your eyes and ears open for us? That would be a
tremendous
help.”

“I can, but how do I let you know if I see or hear something. No one has a cell here and there’s no internet connection in the dorms or activity center.”

“We can plan to meet here every night as long as you’re comfortable with that and you’re sure you’re not followed.”

Roxie nodded. “I’ll make sure nobody sees me. I’m just so relieved that you’re here and that you’re willing to help me. All of us.”

“What do you know about a van picking up some containers early every Thursday morning?”

“I haven’t notice anything but I can be on the lookout for it.”

“Good. Go get some rest and we’ll see you here tomorrow night about midnight.”

“Thank you. Both of you. You don’t know how scared I am right now.”

“I can only imagine. But trust me, we
will
get you out.” Rose hugged the girl and watched her make her way back to the gate.

Roxie turned and waved into the night before she disappeared into the shadows.

“What the hell is going on in there?” Rose examined the buildings one at a time trying to wrap her head around everything they learned.

“I don’t know honey, but I promise you we’re gonna find out.” He brushed a strand of hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear. “We have to speak with Oscar and find out if he has any ideas on how to get past the security system. Let’s get back to the car and relay this information, so we can form a plan to get inside.”

Chapter 23

Rose took a pan of hot, fresh-baked biscuits from the oven and slathered the tops with butter. Marty stirred up a skillet full of red eye gravy with the drippings from the fried country ham slices and a splash of fresh brewed coffee.

“Man, you two got it smelling good in here,” Garth inhaled the aroma of the breakfast the Rose and Marty had cooked up.

“We got back from our meeting about four and decided to go for a run. That made me ravenous, so Rose offered to make biscuits. Since Nelson grilled the steaks last night, we thought we’d take care of breakfast.” Marty moved to the table with a large bowl of gravy in one hand and a platter of ham slices in the other.

The others followed their noses into the kitchen and eased down to the table. Garth poured coffee for everyone and joined the group. “I haven’t had red eye gravy since my grandma made it when I was a boy.”

“I hope it’s half as good as hers was then,” Marty added.

“What did you find out last night?” Oscar was spooning gravy over four biscuits he had carefully opened and arranged on his plate. “I am ready for some good news.”

“We spent some time with Roxie and found out she’s getting more and more uncomfortable with some of the things going on inside. She’s agreed to keep her eyes and ears open and give us regular nightly reports.” Marty stopped to sip his coffee. “We hung around to confirm first hand that your pattern of regular pick-ups from the compound is in fact happening. A van matching the description you gave us rolled through the gate about three this morning and drove to the backdoor of the office building. Two men got out and waited for the door to open. A man dressed in scrubs invited them inside. The three came back a few minutes later each carrying a plastic tote and loaded them in the van. An envelope changed hands and we can only guess money was involved. That’s why we need to get a peek inside. To see what merchandise has to be picked up in the wee hours of the morning.”

Oscar nodded, indicating to the group he was listening. His brows knit together and his eyes wrinkled to a slight squint. “What kind of security system would a place like that have?”

“That’s what we need to find out.” Marty split another biscuit in half and speared a piece of ham with his fork. He sandwiched it inside and took a bite.

Nelson opened his laptop and searched video from the tree cams installed around the compound. “A Western Security truck made a visit last week. Let me check their website.” He accessed the information for new customers and did a quick check of options and features. “Some systems are available with battery backup. We just need to figure out if they upgraded to the full package.”

“A couple of unexpected power outages should give us some info. Garth, a large tree limb across the lines down the road from the compound should do the trick.” Oscar drummed his fingers together as he formed other plans for the day.

“On it boss.” Garth and Daily each grabbed another ham biscuit on their way out the door.

“We’ll monitor the front gate to see what happens when the compound has no power. You two need sleep.” Oscar moved to the coffee pot for another refill.

“I’ll agree with you there,” Rose said from the sink as she washed the frying pan and baking sheet used to prepare breakfast. Six coffee mugs and place settings later, she did one last wipe down of the table and countertops, and headed for the shower.

Marty sent a more encouraging email update to his client this morning. He hadn’t located the man’s son yet but at least there was greater hope. He opened the program that allowed him to check out the video of the surveillance on the computer when Rose emerged from the bathroom wearing a tank top and boy-short panties.

“Hey Rose, come check this out.” He glanced her way and forgot what he was saying. “Never mind, it can wait. I’d much rather check you out.” He crossed his arms over his chest and sat back in his chair with admiration in his eyes. “You are so beautiful.”

“Thanks but all I feel now is exhausted. I need sleep but I’d rest better if you’d hold me.”

“Anything for you, my darlin’ Rose.” Marty closed the laptop and drew the sheet back on the bed. “I’ll be right back,” he whispered after he tucked his Rose in tight.

One extra quick shower later, he slid in beside his mate and eased her already sleeping body close to his. How was it possible that two short weeks ago, he was a single man, living a single life, and now he was holding his present and his future in his arms? He would do anything for her. Go to the ends of the earth for her. Die for her. He snuggled closer and closed his eyes, inhaling the lavender scent of her shampoo.

He thought beyond the matter they were dealing with here in Santa Fe and about going home with Rose. Home. Now that they were together, where would home be? His house or hers? Maybe they would get a new place, one all their own. No matter where they lived, he only envisioned happiness. Happiness filled his dreams as he drifted into a deep sleep.

Rose stirred and turned over to face a wide-awake Marty. “Why are you awake? What time is it?”

“I’m awake because I had a nice, long, rest-filled sleep, and now it’s time for me to watch you.” He touched the tip of her nose with his finger.

“Watch me? Why?” She raked a hand through her hair to tame the bedhead beast.

“Because it makes my life complete to watch you.”

Her heart was full. Her mind went back to her memories of her parents. She never thought about how they got to be so right for each other. The decisions they had to make to be together. They were perfect for each other. Just like Marty and herself. A perfect fit.

She circled the back of his neck with her hand and slid her fingers through his hair. Their lips were a centimeter apart. “Marty.” She breathed his name as she closed the distance between their mouths. She pressed his shoulders to the bed and straddled his body without breaking their kiss. Her hands found his face and framed it gently as she feathered kisses over his lips. Her thighs clinched tight against his waist. She pressed her body closer to his.

“Lady, you are gonna be the death of me,” he exhaled the words as he splayed his hand on the small of her back, reversed their positions, and joined their bodies in an urgent motion.

Rose kept her knees pressed into his sides, eased her feet together to lock her ankles behind his back, and held tight to her mate.

A low growl of satisfaction rumbled deep in his throat. She clung to him, tangled her body with his, making love with him. The slow, passionate rhythm rocked on to a fiery climax. Their bodies became rigid as the waves of pleasure ripped through them before subsiding. She sucked in a sharp breath and let out a long, sensual purr.

A half roll placed them on their sides. Her heart pounded in her chest. Her breathing rapid. If only time stood still, they could live in this moment forever. A long future together lay ahead.

For now, they had to get on with the investigation. It was time to learn what left on a regular basis out the backdoor of that compound.