Chapter 19
Arriving in Tupac, Barbara and Belle did not take much time to drive to the hospital. Parking the pickup, Belle turned to Barbara and said, "Here we are, doubt anyone in there knows anything but we can ask."
Barbara listened with interest and said, "It was a nice drive out here. Some beautiful land. I can see why so many love to come to this area. I think you are right but never hurts to inquire. Give us a chance to look around."
Removing the key from the ignition, Belle Gardener replied, "If you want to walk around, talk to the staff, I'll keep them busy at the desk."
Entering the sterile corridor, Belle headed for the front desk as Barbara took a different path. Several nurses were going about their business but it was the woman who looked to be in charge that Belle set her sights on. "Pardon me, I am looking for a friend, she may have been brought in on one of the Medivac Choppers that brought patients in from Springfield."
Looking up from a chart she was reading, the woman said, "What is the name?"
"It's Skylar Richmond or could be Sheila Cantrell."
The woman went to a computer and within a few moments said, "No one here by either name. Why do you think she was brought here?"
"She was a patient of Doc Taylor's and thought perhaps she also made the flight. Thank you. I'll look someplace else."
The woman watched Belle walk from the area then went back to her previous work.
Belle however decided to follow Barbara Johnson's trail. If anyone knew Sky, it would be the woman. Stopping to ask from time to time if anyone had seen Barbara, she was able to keep following. It was when she was walking down a corridor, a hand reached out pulling her into a storage area. "Belle Gardner, how in the world did you keep up with me?"
Belle reached up to remove Barbara's hand and said, "Just asked. You are not someone from this area so it wasn't that hard. Have you found out anything?"
Shrugging, she answered, "Nope. The other patients are here, but no Sky. I think she probably laid low until the coast was clear and skedaddled."
"If so, wonder how she just up and walked out of here. Face it; Skylar is not someone that would go unnoticed."
"You're right, but the woman has many disguises. Anyway, she is not here so we need to look someplace else."
Sighing, Belle added, "One good thing is, she is feeling much better and is not in a hospital bed. Doc took good care and we need to find her. I am just confused as to where."
"She has many friends in this area, and we do not have the time to see everyone. I suggest maybe we contact one or two then get on with it."
Shaking her head, Belle replied, "No. At this time in Sky's life, I doubt she would involve anyone else if she could help it. The people here have been wonderful to her. The last thing she would want to do is bring hardship to them by way of Sheriff Burgess."
"Woman was told to keep off the case."
Chuckling Belle said, "Tell a wolf to keep out of the chicken coop, does it?" Belle rolled her eyes and answered her own question, "Course not. And as far as I am concerned, Deanna Burgess is a wolf if not worse."
"Can't argue with you on that one. She sure is. Let's get out of this place I have a few ideas."
Belle looked lost for a second then said, "All right, but I think we are just spinning wheels in the mud."
"You know, mud can be entertaining at times but this is not one of them and I think we are doing just fine. Come on, time's a wasting."
Once they were back in the pickup, they gazed around the area, many people were coming and going, and it was then that Barbara said, "She hid, and certainly changed into some different attire, then came out here and probably took a vehicle."
"Wow! That is amazing. Are you psychic or something?"
Grinning toward the woman, Barbara replied, "Not a psychic but I know Sky and she must have wanted to get away badly. The woman can do most things so jumping a vehicle is nothing."
"The area is lighted. I am sure at night, would be hard to do and not be seen."
"But not impossible. We just need to find out if there have been any vehicles stolen from this spot on the day that the choppers brought the patients in."
Belle shook her head in delight and said, "You amaze me. I had not thought of that. I will say though, if she did, Sky is heading back to Springfield."
Tilting her head to the side, Barbara asked, "Why do you think Springfield? Nothing but heartache there."
"True but that is where she last saw Tara Coltrane. I think she will do whatever it takes to find out what happened to her."
Barbara turned in the seat and stared out the windshield, her expression changed as she said, "The two have been at odds for so long, it is hard to even think Sky would go out of her way to find Coltrane. Who knows, the woman just may have thrown up her hands and said enough of this and went back to her life."
Belle reached out, placed a hand on the Barbara's shoulder, and said, "I can tell by the way you speak, you do not hold a deep affection for her."
"Can't say that I do. Even if Sky has told me, they are on better terms now. I have seen the devastation that Coltrane has left behind. It is just hard for me to see her in a better light."
"She was there when we went up against Trenton and the Wendigo. She did help. Regardless what she has done in the past, seemed to me she was not all bad. At least where Sky was concerned."
"I'll give her that, she did come through when all that took place still, it will take a lot more for me to believe she has changed."
Belle listened and watched the woman's expression before saying, "Me thinks you dost protest too much."
Looking like she might blow up like a lizard when it comes up against an enemy, Barbara snapped, "I am not jealous in the way you think. It is just, Sky can be so strong, but sometimes she lets her vulnerability seep though and usually ends up hurt. That is all."
"Uh huh, sure and I am
Wonder Woman too."
"Go ahead make fun; I will stick to what I feel about Coltrane until I see something that shows me she really can be trusted. And I mean more than a day or however long she is paid to keep it up."
"Whew, you really do not like the woman that is obvious. Nevertheless, Sky seems to at this time anyway. So back off, Sky is a grown woman, she can handle Tara Coltrane without any interference."
The two stared at one another for what seemed an eternity before Barbara finally said, "Truce. I am sorry for putting my feelings out there. You are right; it is up to Sky not me. So can we get moving now toward Springfield?"
Nodding, Belle whispered, "Yes, thank goodness."
Bobie was staring up at the steep mound that lay ahead of them. It had been a long hard trek back to the entrance to the canyon but she was happy to see they were almost back in their world.
Sarah stepped up to her and said, "We have but to climb the stairs up and then climb down the other side and we will be back in civilization."
Bobie replied, "Well not back but close to civilization. In addition, I want to make a wide curve around the place where I was held."
"I agree, the wider the better for me. But it will be nice not to have to look over our shoulder to see if that flying thing was near."
"Good thing we both saw it, if not, people would think I was crazy."
Sarah smiled toward Bobie and said, "We have each other when it comes to that. Who are you going to tell?"
"Sky for one. I think she would be very interested in the area. Not sure if it is a good idea to tell anyone else at this time. Some People go crazy."
"You're right. I agree, do not need a bunch of crazed hunters etc., tearing up the canyon. I take it the first person you will see or talk to is Sky"
Trying to catch her breath Bobie replied, "If I can. Alice must have told her that I am alive by now. Definitely look forward to getting out of this place. I am ready, how about you?"
"Lead the way, I'll follow. Like you, can't wait to get out of this place."
The climb took a lot from their bodies; Sarah had to stop several times to catch her breath and was happy to reach the top. However, when she stared at the way down, she sat and said, "I am tired, that is a long way down. Need to rest for a few minutes. You go on ahead, I'll catch up."
Bobie sit beside the woman and said, "Nope, we came together we will go back together. I need to rest too. It is beautiful isn't it?"
"Never thought I would say the desert looked so good. Or the plain but I do now. Not too far away are people and life."
"I agree with you, people and life. And a chocolate milkshake."
Giggling, Sarah said, "Sounds good but I need something else, like a hamburger and fries too."
"Sounds great, and it's on me."
"Oh no, can't have you buying my meal."
She looked at Sarah, and said, "I will and I am, so don't argue."
"All right, it will probably be the last meal we will share together. I will look forward to it. Do you think you will ever come back this way?"
Gazing toward Sarah, Bobie asked, "Trying to get rid of me that quick?"
"No but . . ."
You are right,
no buts. We have been together through some hard times. This does not mean I want you out of my life. I am grateful to you and I care about you, so whether you like it or not, I am in it for as long as you wish."
"It's all right. We have been there for one another there is no debt to be paid. No need to feel obligated. I do understand."
"Why do you do this? We have both discussed what happened, we have both been taking the same trail for a while. I do not feel obligated, I really do care and I want to be in your life."
Kicking at the dirt with her heel, she softly replied, "I appreciate the thought. However, I know your life is in California with Skylar Richmond. And really doubt she would have any use for me being anywhere near."
"Then you really know nothing of the woman. She will understand. Course if you have something else more exciting, then it is fine with me if you chose to go that way."
"Bobie, you are a good person but not everyone thinks like you do. I do not want to be a bother to anyone."
"You won't. I can set you up with a good job. Help you find an apartment. Get you into the social swing of L.A. I think you will do great there."
Sarah's mind was going much faster than Bobie could talk and what the woman said really went in one ear and out the other. It was then she saw dust in the distance and said, "Look, I think someone is coming out this way!"
Bobie looked in the direction Sarah was pointing and said, "Looks like only one vehicle. Not sure but do not think it is from the compound." She stood and strained her eyes to see if she could make out who it was.
Sarah was soon standing and moving closer to Bobie. "What are we going to do?"
Glancing back where they had been, Bobie replied, "Get down from here as soon as we can. I want to be on a level playing field when whoever that is arrives."
"You mean keep on going down, not back?"
"Right."
The two women began to descend very carefully. They had just landed on solid ground and turned to see where the vehicle was and were surprised to see it was getting close.
Bobie shaded her eyes with her hands and stared toward it saying, "Whoever that is, is not wasting anytime, they are moving fast almost too fast for this area."
Sarah's mouth fell open when the jeep neared. She seemed to be stuck in a time warp. Bobie noticed the insignia on the side of the door and waved.
Sarah finally managed to find her voice and squeaked, "Do you know who that is?"
"Sure, it's Sheriff Burgess, we are safe now."
Sky smiled when she could see the cabin come into sight. It had been a long trip and she was tired. Didn't take long to pull behind the cabin, find a tarp and put it over the pickup. She hoped it would not take too long for what she had to do at there.
The second she entered the cabin, a feeling of peace ran through her body. It was always nice to be back, to see and feel things she still kept near her heart. Heading to the frig; she was happy to see there were still a few things in it. Did not take long to make a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. She also found a bottle of original Mountain Spring water. Removing the cap, and taking several swigs of the cool refreshing fluid, she grabbed the sandwich and headed for the bedroom.
Rummaging through several dresser drawers and removing clothes from the closet tossing them on the bed, she nibbled at the sandwich. Stopping from time to time to pick clothing then changing her mind. Finally deciding on a pair of black leather pants, a pull over black top and a dark leather vest she finished the sandwich and made her way to the bathroom.
After a nice warm shower, she lingered wanting to feel the water caress her skin, wanting to feel her body rejoice at being alive and free from Sheriff Burgess. Sky held out her arms as if welcoming the touch.
When she finally turned the water off and stepped from the shower, she felt a hundred times better. Now all she needed to do was pack a few things that might come in handy, and then set her sights on how she was going to find Sparks or Burgess.
The warmth of the sun and the melodic sounds of birds woke the woman as she tried to curl up into a fetal position and go back to sleep. Sky soon gave this up as she squinted toward the window and the morning sun that was saying hello in bright warm ways. Sitting, she rubbed her eyes stared at the disarray in the room and immediately shot back to the night.
She had worked so hard, putting together several packs, scribbling a few notes to be delivered to Barbara, so much had happened, and she did not realize just how tired her body was for it gave out and sleep overtook all her plans. Running her hands through her hair several times, she swung her feet to the floor and stood mumbling to herself, "So much to do and you go nap, get hold of yourself, you have a lot to do and sleeping is not one of them."
Sheriff Deanna Burgess stepped from the jeep; she surveyed each person before saying, "What in the world are the two of you doing in the Canyon? Don't you know people are looking for you?"
Bobie stepped forward and said, "The wrong people Sheriff. We would appreciate a ride into town. Have a lot of people to contact."
"Good thing I ran into the medicine woman, everyone else thinks you two are dead."
Dusting off her clothes, Bobie gazed toward Sarah and said, "We are very much alive, much to the chagrin of some people. How about it Sheriff, give us a ride into Springfield?"
She walked to the jeep, leaned in and talked to someone saying she had found the two women and would have them back soon. Then turned to Bobie and said, "Climb in, time to get this party started."
Sarah held back a moment but Bobie grasped her hand and said, "Come on, remember shake, burger and fries."
Sarah smiled and said, "I am with you and ready."
Once the two were in the jeep, Deanna Burgess soon had the vehicle heading away from the area and onto a paved road. Bobie laid her head back against the seat and said, "Thank you."
Looking in the rear view mirror, Deanna could see that Sarah Clemmens was already asleep, seemed both women were sleep deprived and very tired. Smiling to herself she mused,
this was going to be easier than she had thought.
Sky quickly made her way toward Springfield by taking back roads. Those only traveled by residents living in the mountain area. At that time in the morning the only life she saw was a few Elk and not much else. The forest was beautiful but at times it also seemed dark and eerie, she was glad the morning sun had brought out its beauty.
Before long she was approaching the outskirts of the town. It was here she needed to swap vehicles. Didn't take long to find a place to park in one of the alley ways. Leaving the pickup she hoisted the two back packs onto each shoulder and started walking toward Atkins Garage. Nearing the place she dropped to one knee and surveyed the area. She was thankful no one seemed to be out at that time. Charlie's dog Bandit was asleep near the entrance; she removed the packs, reached into one and took out a dog biscuit. Then set the packs near the fence.
Wasn't long and she was dropping onto the pavement inside the area. The keen ears of the dog brought it immediately to its feet, hair standing on the back of its neck as it growled and looked for the intruder. Sky moved with ease among the vehicles but when she came across the Chevrolet coup, she was also met by a snarling dog. "Pretty smart of you boy, catching me off guard." The dog began to walk toward her slowly, each step it took, the animal's teeth looked sharper. "Bandit, don't you remember me, its Sky your buddy." The animal stopped, leaned its head to the side, and then continued to growl. Sky began to hum softly and held out the bone. "You always like this song, come boy, get the bone." Suddenly what looked like a vicious animal was now standing, tail wagging as it chewed the bone and she stroked it, still humming.
When they were best friends again, at least Bandit knew her, the animal decided to take every step she did until she found the car she was looking for. It was a four wheel jeep that Global had left there for safe keeping. In case of an emergency and to her this was an emergency. Immediately finding the spare key, she gave Bandit a pat and said, "Go back. I have to leave now, you did good guy."
The dog stepped back and watched her enter the vehicle and barked several times when she drove off. Once outside the gate, she stopped and picked up the back packs then was on the road once more leaving nothing behind but a barking dog.
Sky was not sure how to find Sheriff Burgess or Deputy Sparks so she spied a phone booth near a diner and stopped the vehicle. Got out and went to look in the phone book. Didn't take long to find both people. Deanna Burgess was not listed, only the Sheriff's department and she knew better than to call them. But Deputy Sparks was. She tore the page from the book and headed back to the jeep. The smell of breakfast foods and perked coffee was filtering out into the air and it almost caused her to toss caution to the wind. Would have been wonderful to sit and enjoy a good meal. But she knew it could not happen.
Once back in the jeep, she was soon on the main road and before long making the turn to Turkey point. It was about twenty miles from Springfield and got the name because it was the place most hunters met when Turkey season began. They had all sorts of crafts, fairs as well as shooting tournaments. From the address on the phone page, Sparks lived in a secluded area called Hidden Gorge, but Sky had already looked this up on the GPS Navigation System. It was on a dirt road, about a mile from Turkey Point. She was looking forward to meeting the woman again, only under better circumstances.
The jeep ran like a top, it seemed that Charlie was doing a good job of keeping it in top shape, she was thankful for this. It was easy to see the small cabin setting in among the pine trees. A beautiful spot and one that would draw a person who wanted to get away from all the madness in town. There was a patrol car parked in front so she felt that the deputy was home. Stopping the jeep. She reached into one of the packs and removed a revolver, tucked it into her shoulder holster and began to walk toward the building.
It was easy to stay in among the trees off the road. When the cabin became closer, she knew it was not a time to pass out, or mess up. She did feel better, Doc did wonders for her with the drugs and the treatments and as long as she kept on the medication for awhile she should be fine. Crawling, then laying flat and moving like a serpent across the ground she was soon near a window. Once on her knees she carefully peeked in, a smile crossed her face when she spied the Deputy Judith Sparks standing near the fireplace.
Leaning against the log wall, Sky took several deep breaths then made her way to the front door. It was locked, she figured it might be and that is why she reached into a pocket of the leather pants she wore and retrieved a small lock pick set. Doing the best she could to be silent she set her sights on the door and immediately went to work on the lock. Wasn't long before it clicked and she smiled. Dropping the set back into the pocket of her pants she slowly opened the door and crept into the room.
After seeing where Judith was when she peeked in the window it took little time to assess how to get there and she did moving as if floating on air. Soon she could hear music playing at the same time the woman humming and it was then she removed the revolver and stepped into the room. "Don't move!"
Judith turned with a shocked look on her face and mumbled, "It wasn't me, it was the Sheriff!"
Sky approached the woman slowly, motioning for her to raise her arms she set the barrel of the revolver near her stomach and said, "One move and this will go off." Quickly removing Judith Sparks' gun, she reached up and pulled one hand behind the woman and pushed her toward the divan. "Sit. keep your hands above your head. We need to talk." She shoved the woman causing her to fall face forward onto the divan. She quickly turned and raised her arms saying, "Please don't hurt me."
Smirking, Sky stood glowering down on her and said, "Didn't seem to bother you at the jail as long as it was someone else being hurt."
"Told you I didn't do it."
"You have said that twice, just what is it you didn't do?"
The woman was shaking, as she replied, "Thought that was why you are here?"
"Enough! I want to know where Tara Coltrane is. What have you done to her?"
"Not me. I didn't do anything to her. She did."
Sky reached down and grasped the front of Judith's uniform and ordered, tell me where she is."
"Which she?"
Feeling like she was losing a battle, Sky released the hold she had, allowing the woman to sit back on the divan. "Let me make this clearer. I want to know where Tara Coltrane has been taken."
"Oh, thought you meant the Sheriff."
"That too. Now talk before my patience is so thin I release my hold on the trigger."
Her eyes glanced at the revolver in the woman's hands as a look of fear traveled her face she sputtered, "Sheriff had Tara Coltrane removed. I don't know where the Sheriff is. No one has heard from her for several days."
Sky pulled the hammer back and growled, "You tell me where Tara is or I'll let this slip."
"No don't! I'll tell you all I know."
Allowing the hammer to go back to its previous place carefully Sky said, "Talk. This had better be truthful."
Sighing at the same time tears began to run down the woman's face she stammered, "Sheriff said she was a terrorist. I think she was taken to an internment camp of some kind."
"Terrorist? Tara? woman has done nothing but good. She is not a terrorist. If anyone is I would say your Sheriff fit's the bill perfectly. Now get on with it, name, and place?"
"I think maybe Dete might know. For sure the Sheriff does. Honestly that is all I know."
Raising her left leg she set her booted foot near the woman on the couch and said, "You kept saying you didn't do it the sheriff did, just what
did are you talking about?"
Sky was not prepared for the words that flowed from the woman's mouth each one struck her like a locomotive and when Judith finished the woman begged Sky not to kill her. Sky looked down at the woman in disgust. She reached down and removed the cuffs from her belt and said, "Get up, put your hands behind your back."
"You're going to kill me aren't you? At least give me a running start."
Sky quickly cuffed the woman's hands behind her back and said, "No. I would like to beat the stuffing out of you though. Anyone that would stand by and watch something like that happen and not do anything is scum of the earth to me. And you will get yours, just not from me. I will make sure the Police take care of you."
The woman's eyebrows arched but before she could say anything Sky said, "If you are thinking I am calling your office forget it, this call will go to the State Police."
After finding a closet, she put the woman inside, and locked it. All of Judith Sparks yelling and head banging would not get her out and she really didn't care if the woman rotted in the closet but she would do the right thing and call the State Police.
After going through the house thoroughly, she took a map that was marked in red and left the cabin. With each step the woman's words rang in her head, and with each word, her body felt pain, loss and a sickness she had never experienced.
Belle and Barbara pulled up to the cabin as Belle turned the ignition off she said, "Well here we are, no sign of anything."
"Barbara was opening the pickup door and said, "Not much to see out here, doubt Sky would built a fire or leave anything in front. Let's go in."
"Good Idea. Got a key?"
Barbara smiled and replied, "I do. Time is not standing still; at least we might be able to tell if anyone has been here lately."
Once inside, the two began to check around only to surmise, someone had been there and not that long ago. From the front room and kitchen to the bedroom and bath room, both immediately exclaimed, "Sky!" When they saw the disarray of clothing on the bed.
Belle looked at Barbara and said, "You do know her well. Doubt we are too far behind. Since you are so psychic, where do you think she has gone off to now?"
Barbara grinned and said, "Not sure. We can look around see if there are any clues."
"Do you think she drove up here in that stolen pickup?"
"Probably but do not think she has it now."
"Why?"
"Too many looking for it, I think she had to get rid of it somehow and find another ride."
Belle gazed at Barbara walking around the room, picking up clothing, sorting and folding and was amazed at the woman. "With all that is going on, you stop to fold clothes?"
"Habit. You are right. Let's check outside see if there are any tracks."
After taking in every square inch of property the two surmised, Sky had parked the pickup behind the cabin and left in it too. Barbara stood hands on hips and pursed her lips before saying, "Who knew that trying to find Skylar Richmond was going to be an adventure all by itself. Called Bern gave him the heads up, but so far still no word on either woman."
Belle approached the woman and said, "I think you have been back here recently. I doubt Sky would have gone up the road to the dig, more than likely she headed back to town."
"Shall we head back down?" Barbara began to walk toward the cabin, turned and continued, "Once we get there, have to be careful, neither of us are up for the Sheriff or her deputy's questions."
"I agree. Let's go."
Once on the road again, Belle looked at Barbara and said, "Been really nice having you for company."
"Same here. Wasn't really looking forward to this by myself but I would have, just as you would too. It is nice to get to know you."
"Thanks. I know I am finding out a lot about the elusive Barbara Johnson. You usually stay behind the scenes."
"That is my job to run things the best way I can. I do pitch in if called for but not as much as before."
"Then this is right up your alley finding people."
"Sometimes, just never had to find Skylar. She always pops up. Takes care of business and returns. This time it is different and one wrong move, we could lose her for good."
"Don't talk like that. She is free; no one can lose Sky now but herself."
"That is what I am afraid of. She has been injured, sick, lying in a clinic bed, getting treatments and taking medication. She is not in the best strength at this time."
"But her health is better."
"True but Sky relies on her strength. Have you ever been laid up on your back for a long period of time?"
Belle grinned and said, "Well I have been on my back." The expression on her face said it all.
"Not talking about that and you know it."
"All right. Just trying to get a little levity here. I kinda think how Sky might be feeling bout now. Still I think she will be able to reach into her core and bring out the strength she needs."
"From your lips to Sky's strength, I hope she can."
As the outskirts came into view, Belle asked, "Where to?"
"I would say Sheriff's office but not this one. Let's take a look around the area and see if we can spot the pickup." It was at this time, a tow truck could be seen coming out of an alley pulling
Benson Exterminator's pickup.
Belle looked at Barbara and said, "Well that is solved. But where is Sky?" She pulled in front of the tow truck and got out. The man inside was not happy. He was making hand signals and saying a few curse words, but Belle Gardner still walked up the truck. "Hey there Mac, Whatcha got there?"
The man scratched his head and stared at the woman. "Belle Gardner don't you have anything better to do than hassle a man trying to make a living."
"Sure. Just curious about the pickup."
"Been on the wires, someone swiped it right off the parking lot at Tupac Hospital."
Belle looked back toward Barbara who was looking at her and mouthing, "What?"
"Heard that it had been taken. Any sign of who did it?"
He shook his head and said, "Nope. Just the truck. Someone spotted it, called the sheriff's office and they called me. That is all I can say."
She stepped back and said, "Thanks. I understand." Walked back to her pickup, climbed in and said, "Thought I would ask."
"And did he have anything interesting to say?"
"Said someone spotted it, called the Sheriff's office, they called him and that was all he could say."
"At least we know Sky is not in the pickup any longer."
Sighing Belle drove the pickup down the street and said, "I know, now we need to think, just where she would go now."
After much thought, Barbara softly said, "Eureka."
Stopping the pickup, Belle looked skeptically and asked, "'Eureka' what?"
"I got it. Sky is on foot but not for long. We have a four wheel jeep at Atkins Garage. We keep it there in case of an emergency and this is one. If I am right, Skylar took the jeep."
"Then let's go find out." Belle turned the steering wheel and headed the vehicle up the road. "You know I'd enjoy playing
Sleuth with you."
"Sleuth?" Barbara looked quizzically toward the woman.
"Yes, it is a board game. Mystery, murder, with lots of clues. You would be a cinch to win."
"Not all that good with board games, Belle."
Belle pointed and said, "There it is, Atkins Garage. We will soon know if you are right."
Once they had gotten out of the pickup, and began to walk toward the gate they were met by a barking dog on the other side. Belle looked at Barbara and said, "I assume you know Bandit?"
She smiled and said, "We have met. It's been awhile."
Belle walked up to the fence and said, "Bandit back." The black Doberman began to back up. She then said, Bandit down and the dog lay down." She then turned to Barbara and said, "Let's go check on the jeep."
As the two women walked past the dog, Barbara glanced back and said, "How in the world did you learn to do that?"
"Been around these parts a long time. I have known Bandit since he was a pup. However don't think he would not take a person's jugular out though; he is a good watch dog. Just knows me and I am sure somewhere in his mind you too." After checking in the office, it was obvious Charlie was not there, so they began to look around. Didn't take long to see the jeep Global left there was nowhere in sight. Barbara bit at her lower lip and said, "Jeep is gone. Odds are Sky has it. I know that Bern doesn't and of course you know I don't."
Belle pursed her lips and said, "Sky keeps one step ahead of us. Since you are so good at predicting where she might go, any ideas?"
Shaking her head, Barbara replied, "None. That's a mighty big area out there, she could be anywhere. Just know not in town."
"Got you there, there would be no way Sky would stick around here. And accidentally run into Burgess and her posse."
It was like slow motion suddenly going into super speed as the two women exclaimed, "Burgess!"
Belle grinned ear to ear and said, "Right under our noses. All we have to do is find Burgess."
Barbara glanced toward the gate and said, "First, let's get out of here. Before someone comes and accuses us of stealing."
"They wouldn't."
"Oh really. Did you ever think Skylar would end up in jail, being accused of things she did not do?"
"You're right. I'm with you; the sooner the better we are out of here."
After they went through the gate and closed it, Belle called Bandit to the gate and said, "Good boy. Take care of the place." She gave it a pat on the head then turned to Barbara and added, "Let's get."
When Bobie Parker opened her eyes she was shocked to see the small room. She quickly recalled the ride and closing her eyes for a few minutes. Nevertheless, the big question was how she ended up there. Getting to her feet, she walked to the wooden door, grasped the knob, and attempted to turn it.
The door was locked. Turning she scanned the area looking for Sarah the woman was not there.
Immediately she began to pound on the door, calling out, "Sheriff! Someone let me out of here! Where is Sarah? Help!"
There was no answer, her hands were red from the pounding, and she finally gave this up. Grasping her head between her hands, she tried to think, clear the cobwebs. Something had happened on the drive back to Springfield. Her fear had come true; someone from the compound must have found them. The Sheriff and Sarah were also prisoners. She hoped they were all right. Whispering to herself she muttered, "Should have kept going to the
Falls."
After pacing the floor for hours, she finally collapsed on a cot that set in the corner. This time she scanned the area for windows, any way out. It was locked tight, unless there was a strong wind, it was doubtful she was going to get out of there unless someone let her out. The way things had been happening; odds were not in her favor.
She sat on the cot cursing herself for falling into another trap. After the third time of scolding her movements, she heard the lock in the door and the knob turn. Quickly getting to her feet she prepared for whoever was coming into the room.
She was however not prepared to see Mary Trenton with Sheriff Burgess. Mary was about five foot seven and slumped over, seemed the woman had lost some of the weight she had been packing. Her slate gray eyes looked more like the eyes of a viper then a person, the woman's skin was tan with many wrinkles and looked like someone had plowed a field onto her face. It was obvious her time in Prison had certainly aged the woman. Her salt and pepper hair was more salt than pepper but she still wore in pulled back in a bun.
"You and Sheriff Burgess?"
The woman smiled toward Deanna and said, "Yes, me and Sheriff Burgess. You certainly didn't plan on this did you?"
"No. I really didn't plan on seeing you. Everyone thinks you have left the area. Pretty obvious you had not. What am I doing here and where is Sarah Clemmens?"
"Your friend is fine and as long as you cooperate she will continue to be."
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Continued