Song of the Meadowlark (Intertwined Book 1) (24 page)

Cora and Rex pulled up outside the police department. Rex let out a groan. “Here we go.” He got out of the truck and walked around the front, putting his cowboy hat on top of his head. He came around to Cora’s side. She slid over, and the sadness in his eyes gripped her heart in a vise. “It’s going to be okay, Rex.”

“I hope so. I’m so tired of this junk with Clarice. She’s on a fast track to destruction and for no reason.” He helped Cora climb down from the truck and took her hand.

“I know.” She squeezed his hand. “But she’s no different than we were, Rex. She’s young, and she’s living life wild and crazy.”

“I know. Her wildness involves the opposite sex, though. She has no idea what kind of damage she’s doin’ to her body and to her future. Not to mention to Mom and Dad.”

“Let’s go get this over with and go home. Maybe she’s already made it there.”

When Cora and Rex entered the police station, in front of her was a crying mother with a female officer and a drunk in overalls singing. This was worse than going to the E.R. She squeezed Rex’s hand. They walked to the clerk’s desk.

“Can I help you?”

“Yes, I want to report a missing person.”

“Okay. Let me see if we’ve got an available detective on duty. Have a seat over there, and I’ll call you when we have someone available.”

They sat on the bench against the wall. Cora trembled. Rex leaned forward bouncing his right leg. “Are you cold?”

“No. I have a tendency to shake when I’m tired. My body always gets the chills.”

“Hi, can I help you?”

Cora and Rex stood to greet the detective in the black suit. Rex held out his hand.

Cora gasped. “Detective Ikeson?”

“Yes?”

“We met a few months ago at the hospital. I was kidnapped.”

“Ms. Buchanan?” His blue eyes widened in recognition. He offered his hand.

“Yes, sir. How are you?” Cora reached for his hand.

“I’m doing well. And you?”

“Much better. Rex, this is the detective that handled my kidnapping case.”

“Hey, Ike. Good to see you.” Then Rex turned to Cora. “We go to church together.”

“Oh, I didn’t realize it. When I met you in the hospital, you didn’t seem to know the O’Reillys. I would have never guessed.”

“Yes, I know them, formally. I know Rex better, though.”

“What a small world. I didn’t know you went to the church. I’ve never seen you there.”

“I haven’t been much lately. The missing girls’ cases have been dominating my time.” He ran his hand across the back of his neck.

“I hate that.” Cora felt his exhaustion in the air. His tired eyes revealed too much stress. She almost hated to tell him about Clarice.

“Me, too. Let’s head back to my office.”

They walked down the pale blue hallway, decorated with awards and tributes, toward the back of the station. Their feet clacked on the tile floor. Rex talked as they walked.

They entered Detective Ikeson’s office, and he offered them the two seats across from his desk as he opened a drawer and pulled out a three-part form. “How long has she been missing?” He rolled up his dress shirtsleeves.

“Just since this afternoon. I know that’s hardly long enough to be considered missing, but no one has seen her. She’s not with friends, and no one knows where she might be.”

“I see. Did she have an argument with your parents?” He took notes as they talked.

“Not today. Not that I know of. I mean, they’re always fightin’ or disagreein’ about something, but that’s normal with her age.” Rex looked at Cora.

“I know your parents have been worried about her. Let’s write down all the places you looked for her and a list of her friends. They might tell us things they won’t tell you guys. Is there anything else you can think of that would help us find her?”

“She’d recently met someone from the base, but I didn’t catch his name.”

“What about you, Cora?” He turned his eyes to her.

She shook her head. “We weren’t that close. She’s been a little mad at me for a while because I didn’t bail her out of trouble with the O’Reillys. I actually went home for a while and came back recently. I haven’t seen her much since my return.”

“Okay.” Ikeson continuously wrote as he listened. “We’ve had a total of seven missing girls since your kidnapping. They haven’t been recovered yet, but we’re close. Very close.” He leaned back in his chair.

“Anything you can share with us that might help us find my sister? Is it someone connected to Wild Bill’s?”

“A lot of the info I can’t really share yet. We’re trying to keep the details away from the public. We don’t want to compromise the investigation, and we don’t want a lot of false confessions or copycats.”

Cora let her head rest against the wall. Her bones ached to the core. Her feet throbbed. Her mind drifted back to the shack she’d been held captive in and the terrifying escape. She rubbed her wrists. “Do you know if the others fit my description?”

“Some did. Some didn’t.”

“What’s the common denominator then?” Rex’s dark eyes stayed glued on the detective.

“I’m not sure. The missing women are not all from out of town. They aren’t all dark-headed. They didn’t drive cars like yours. They didn’t stay at the inn or at the ranch. I don’t have any way of knowing if they all went to Wild Bill’s, but I suppose it’s highly likely. That’s the main gathering place around here.”

“But I had never been to Wild Bill’s until after my attack.”

He shrugged. “Have you felt like you were being watched?”

“No. I mean, I haven’t even thought of it…much. I guess I did think about it when I first came back, but I’ve tried not to worry. Should I be worried?”

“I don’t think so. If this person was after you specifically then he or she would’ve already come after you again.” He looked back and forth from Rex to Cora.

“Tell him about the guy at the gold shop.”

Cora sighed and repeated the story she’d told Rex.

“Thank you for that information. We’ll definitely check into that. Randy has had some complaints filed against him in the past, but as far as I know, his record’s clean.”

Rex groaned. “Ike, help me find my sister.”

“I’ll do all I can. Are you sure she didn’t just leave home?”

“Nothing’s missing from her room.”

“Are you sure she isn’t home now?”

“I called Matt. He said she’s not there.”

“What about the usual roads she travels?”

“I don’t know. We never know where she is half the time.”

“Does she have a credit card or debit card she uses?”

“I’m sure she uses Dad’s card. The girl has never earned a dollar of her own.” Rex bolted from his chair. “This is insane!”

“I’ll need that card info so we can run a check on any purchases she may have made.”

“I can call home and get Matt to look for it. I don’t want to wake Mom and Dad.”

“Rex.” Cora put her hand on his arm. “I’m sure they’re still awake.”

While Rex got the card information and talked for a minute with Matt, Cora discussed the cases with Ikeson. “Cora, are there any other details you can think of that might help us find Clarice?”

“No. Seriously, I wasn’t close to her. She really likes going out. I’m a homebody.”

“Ike, I got that card number for you and Clarice’s tag number. Her car has a tracker on it.”

“I’ll go get a deputy to start tracing her purchases, and we’ll see if we can locate her vehicle with the GPS. You guys sit here and think. There’s coffee in the break room down the hall.” Ikeson walked out of the office calling a deputy’s name.

“Thanks.”

“Do you want some coffee, Rex?”

“Yeah. I’ll go get us some.”

Cora put her hand on Rex’s arm again. “No, you sit here. I’ll go.”

Cora left Ikeson’s office and headed to the break room. The fluorescent lights made her eyes burn. Or was it the fact that the clock on the wall over the microwave read 3:00 a.m.? 3:00 a.m.—dead in the middle of the night.
If she’s out there somewhere, Lord, please keep her warm…and safe.

Cora walked back to the detective’s office and spotted Ikeson huddled up with a deputy. The look in his eyes as they talked sent a shiver down her spine. She went into the office and handed Rex the coffee and some sugar and creamer packets.

“Thanks.”

“Any news while I was gone?”

“No. Any while you were out there?”

“No.”

Ikeson came back into the office, buzzing around much like a used car salesman. “Okay, so we may have a lead or two.”

Rex sat up in his chair. “What?”

“It looks like she went shopping this afternoon at the outlet mall in Lewistown. So we know she didn’t stay in Southern Hope.”

Rex drummed his fingers on the desk. “Okay.”

“And she got gas at Millburn’s Station after eating lunch at the pizza place.”

Cora sat quietly, taking it all in.

“What about my sister’s car?”

“They’re trying to locate it now. With the technology these new cars have nowadays, it won’t be hard to find it.”

At 4:30 a.m., Ikeson came into the lounge where Rex and Cora snuggled with each other on the couch. “Rex? Cora?”

Cora sat up straight. “Yes, sir.”

Rex jumped up off the couch. “Yeah, Ike.”

“We’ve located Clarice’s car.”

“Where?”

“Over on Cherry Tree Path back behind town.”

“Okay. And Clarice?”

“No. We haven’t located her yet. We’ve got a search party going.” Detective Ikeson’s brow furrowed, as he stroked the top of his buzzed head.

“Where is that exactly? Cherry Tree?”

“It’s near where you we’re located, Cora.” He grimaced.

“Oh my gosh! It’s the same guy, isn’t it?” She stood and paced the room.

“We don’t know that for sure, but probably. Yes.”

“Ike, I’m goin’ out there to find Clarice. I can’t sit around and wait anymore. Mom and Dad are gonna want some answers.”

“Okay, Rex. But you’ll need a walkie-talkie to take with you.”

“I’m going too, Rex.” Cora straightened to prepare for the argument.

“Okay.” He didn’t argue.

When they opened the door to the police station, the fall air hit them directly in the face and sucked the breath out of them. “Rex, we may have to stop by the drug store and get some gloves.”

“I’ve got some in the truck. There’s an extra pair you can wear.”

“Do you want me to drive?” His eye lids were heavy and his stubbly face was masked with concern.

“No. I know how to get us there quickly through some old roads we used to take to go huntin’.” They climbed into the truck. Rex cranked it, put it into reverse, and squealed out of the parking space.

“Rex, please slow down. The last thing you need is a ticket…or a wreck.”

“Sorry.” He offered a weak smile.

“I wonder if they checked the shack where I was. I can’t believe this. It’s all so surreal.”

“I hope that’s the first place they checked. This makes me so mad. It seems like they would’ve thought to keep an eye on that place all along.” Rex pressed his foot heavier on the pedal.

Cora took in a deep breath and held on to the door handle. “Maybe they have been. I can’t imagine how hard it’s been for them since the girls don’t have anything in common.”

“Don’t defend them, Cora.” He jerked his head in her direction and glared at her.

“I’m not, Rex.” Cora’s eyes flooded with tears.

“I’m sorry…again. My nerves are shot.”

“I know.” She turned toward the window, her heart in her stomach.

“I’m gonna call Matt.” Rex pulled his cell phone out of his shirt pocket and pressed a speed-dial number.

Matt answered on the first ring. “What’s up, Bro?”

The flashing police lights led the way to the scene. Cora held tightly to the door handle, remembering the last time she’d been on this road. Even in the dark, she remembered it. Rex stopped on the shoulder of the road, and they both jumped out of the truck. Ikeson pulled up behind them, the night air sucking their breath away.

“Any luck?”

“Sir, we’ve got dogs out trying to track her now. We found her purse in her car and the keys still in the ignition. We don’t think she left the car of her own will.”

“Oh, Rex.” Cora let out a cry and covered her mouth with her hands to contain the scream that threatened to escape. Rex grabbed her in a bear hug. “I’m sorry, Rex. I’m trying to be strong.”

“It’s okay, Cora. I feel the same way.” Then he pushed her away from him and placed his hands on her shoulders. “We’ve got to stay strong for her, though. She’s out there, and we have to help the police find her.”

“Okay. Okay. Sorry. Where do we start?” Cora turned to Ikeson.

“We’re combing the woods over here right now. Take these flashlights and your walkie-talkie and start searching,” Ikeson said.

They combed the woods inch by inch to no avail. “Clarice! Clarice! Can you hear me?” Cora called repeatedly. The pine cones crunched under her feet, causing the memories to flood her mind.
Lord, please give me the strength to do this.

She forced the fear back down her throat—choked it down like a big pill. She tremored uncontrollably, the battle between her body temperature and her nerves raging. Her eyes threatened to shut and her feet barely marched on, but she continued to defy nature.
Lord, please help us find her. She could be anywhere in these woods. Or nowhere near. We can’t find her without you pointing the way.

“Cora?”

The voice startled Cora out of her prayers. “Yes, Detective?”

“I want you to stick close to Rex. I’m not a hundred percent sure you’re safe out here.”

“What do you mean?” Her eyes widened in the dark.

“Truthfully, you’re the only escapee we know of. The guy could still be out to get you. Stay close to Rex. It’ll make me feel better.”

The detective walked away, and Rex joined Cora. “Cora?”

“Yeah?”

“I don’t have a good feeling about this.”

“Rex, don’t doubt. God’s going to help us find her. He’s our shepherd, and he’ll lead us.”

“I know he’s gonna help us find her, but I don’t think she’s gonna be alive.”

“Don’t, Rex. Don’t.” Cora shook her head.

“Cora, I’m not being negative. I’m being realistic.”

“But God…”

“I know, Cora. But Clarice put herself in harmful situations when she’s known there was a kidnapper out there. You even warned her.”

“I don’t want to talk about it with you. I’m not giving up hope. Clarice! Clarice! Can you hear me? It’s Cora!”

“Over here!” a woman’s voice called in the distance. Was it Clarice?

Rex and Cora turned without haste toward the voice, along with the rest of the search team. They followed the flashlights to the source of the call. It wasn’t Clarice.

“I found these shoes,” the woman said, regret heavy in her voice.

Cora shined her flashlight on the shoes. “Those are Clarice’s. I saw her with those on one day last week.” The weight of a thousand pounds rested on her chest.

“Are you sure?” Rex studied her in the glow of his flashlight.

Cora nodded.

“Okay, let’s keep looking. Let’s don’t slow down. The dogs are leading us this way.” Ikeson pointed and everyone followed.

In the distance, a single light glowed in a window of a small cabin. The dogs howled and barked out of control and pulled at their leashes.

“Silence these dogs! Get them out of here! We may have found what we’re looking for,” Ikeson commanded. The task force team led the dogs away. “Whose cabin is that? Does anybody know?”

“I don’t know. According to our map, no one lives out here this far. Maybe a few hunting cabins, but no year-round residents that I know of,” a deputy answered.

“Let’s go! My sister could be in there.” Rex charged off.

“Rex! Come back. This could be a hostage situation. You don’t want to jeopardize Clarice’s safety or her life.”

Rex’s shoulders slumped, and Cora ran over to him. “Rex, we’ve got to follow his lead. Listen to him.”

“Okay.” He held up his hands in surrender. “You’re right.” His breath puffed repeatedly from his mouth in a fog.

“I want all civilians to stay right here. You do not go any further. Do I make myself clear?” A chorus of yeses rang out. “Rex?”

“You have my word.”

“Good. I’m going to hold you to it. I’ll call for you when it’s clear for you to come closer. Cora, keep an eye on this guy.”

“I will.” She smiled weakly.