Chapter 3
The thud when Sky hit the floor was enough to wake the woman. Took a few moments to clear her head before trying to sit. She had to admit, the floor was not the best place to land and her body was saying so, big time. Placing a hand to her forehead, then reaching behind to check for any bumps, she realized it was a good thing she was tall. Seemed her legs must have already been half on and off the couch, which only meant one thing, she was once again lost in a dream. Quickly surveying the area, her eyes fell on the open photo album.
Before she drifted off to sleep, she had been looking at pictures. Hoping somewhere, somehow, something would jump off the page. Perhaps someone lurking in the shadows, anything out of the ordinary, if there was, she didn't see it. But she had enjoyed renewing some of their adventures. The fishing still gave her a chuckle and Bobie would forever be teased about the fish that got away.
It didn't take long to pick up and put away the albums. Make a pot of coffee, take a shower, change into a grey flannel suit, wearing a soft winter white silk cashmere sweater with a scooped neck under the open jacket. Sky had just finished stepping into the black ankle boots when the phone rang.
Making her way to the phone she stepped in such a way as to make sure the boot fit as it should. Picking up the receiver, she immediately heard Barbara's cheerful voice. "Sky, how are you?"
"Fine, why do you ask?"
"In case you don't know, I am concerned."
"I'm not the one to be concerned about, but thanks for caring. I know at this
ungodly hour you did not call to chit chat so what is up?"
"Well. . . . First off, I think that Bern is on his way out there."
"No! When did he leave? How do you know?"
"I got a call from the airfield, Toby."
"Toby? The same Toby that helped me set up my flight schedule?"
"The same."
"Looks like this is going to be one mixed up mess, if indeed Bern did. Maybe he was just scheduling a flight somewhere else."
"Toby said he was asking questions about your flight. But don't get too upset with Toby because Bern acted and sounded like he knew. You know how convincing he can be when he puts his mind to it. Hate to say it, but seems you will have some help, even if you didn't ask for it."
Sky was tapping her right foot on the floor as she said, "He's a great guy. Just not sure where he will fit in this puzzle. I can't worry about him at the minute. Did you get the info I had asked?"
"You mean the video from the airport?"
"Yes."
"I used all the power this office has and was able to finally talk to Forbes. He said they do not do that but for you, he would look into it. There is a possibility some of the cameras may have caught something. He will get back to me."
"I can hope. We just may be lucky enough to get a good picture of this man, run it through the recognition data program and see if we can come up with a name, something that may help. Keep up the good work and let me know the second Guy Forbes has found something out?"
"Will do. What do you have planned for today?"
Sky was fiddling with her wrist watch as she replied, "Going the sheriff's office, try and find out if they know anything. Maybe stop and talk to Max, do a little snooping in town. If I have time I may even swing out to the Trenton place and do my own check to see if Mary happens to be there."
There was silence, so much so that Sky finally asked, "Are you still there?"
Clearing her throat, Barbara replied, "Here. Just trying to take in all you are going to do this day. Don't you think you should get someone to go with you, if you are going to go out to the Trenton place? It is lonely, not many people around and bad things happened there, not sure that is a good thing to do at this moment."
"Not a lot of time. If there is no word on Bobie, or Trenton, then time is of the essence. Don't worry about me, as you have said, I have a few skills."
"Can't help but worry for the both of you. I'll do what I can on my end, just promise me you will be careful. Try to remember you are no,
Xena Warrior Princess."
Sky managed a laugh then said, "Gotcha."
The drive into Springfield didn't take long. She was glad to see the outskirts come into view. Seemed Ol Yeller had an audience, for many stopped to stare at it when she passed. She drove up the street then circled back and parked in the bank lot. Took her purse and began to walk to the sheriff's office. Sky had heard that the niece of Ben Burgess was now acting sheriff. She had never met the woman but if she was anything like Ben, the woman might be a tough sale.
Deanna Burgess was going through several files as she leaned against the large grey file cabinet, the woman didn't even hear Sky when she walked into the office. It was one of the deputy's that motioned to her that took the woman's attention away from the file she held in her hand. She shut the file and slowly looked up; the bill of the police cap she wore shaded her face, yet Sky could see, as she raised it, that it was delicate.
Her eyes confronted Sky at once with a bold and direct gaze. She looked to be around twenty-five and as if she hadn't slept well, She had a tired, pretty face under short brown hair, a narrow forehead a small inquisitive nose, for some reason Sky felt the woman could be a bit nosy. Her upper lip seemed to curve to the left then to the right. Her eyes were slate blue and at that moment were set on the stranger that looked to be out of place in this town.
"Can I help you?" The woman stepped toward Sky, then stood, waiting for the woman to reply.
Sky waited for a few seconds then said, "I am here checking out a lead with regard to Bobie Parker."
"Just what business do you have with Parker?"
Sky handed the woman her identification and watched closely as Deanna Burgess seemed to be taking it all in. When the woman finished, she said, "I've heard of Global Investigations, just never heard of any Sheila Cantrell."
Sky grasped her I.D. as Deanna handed it to her, then replied, "Have worked with Global since it began. Others will also be out sooner or later but for now, I was sent ahead to gather information and see if we can help?"
Deanna was every bit Sky's height and it didn't take her long to walk up close to the woman before saying, "Don't need any city help. We can handle that here."
Sky did not appear intimidated as she pushed the black rimed glasses back on their perch. "Do you know where Bobie Parker is?"
The woman shook her head as Sky continued, "Then you need help. I know Bobie Parker and for her to just up and disappear, there has to be a bad reason. So how about it? Tell me what has been going on and let us work together?"
"There is no reason to share anything with you. I know that you work with Global as does Bobie now, still, I can't go about giving pertinent information willy-nilly."
Sky bit her lower lip to keep from smiling. To hear this woman use the words willy-nilly just struck a funny bone.
"What is the problem Cantrell? Cat got your tongue? As it is, I would think the mighty all-knowing Skylar Richmond would have been the one to walk in here looking for info. Guess she is just too busy to let something like this interfere with her life."
Sky's eyes locked with the woman's as she said, "Skylar is doing her own brand of investigating, and I know for certain she will not leave a stone unturned. Would be nice if you would be cooperative?"
The woman shrugged then said, "Might be, but we don't just lay down and roll over for people that walk in and want information that is private."
Sky knew she was not going to get anywhere with this woman, so she said, "Can't say you were much help but thank you for your time."
The woman wasn't sure how to take Sheila's words but before she could walk out of the sheriff's office, she asked, "Are you going to go sticking your nose in places it should not be?"
"Don't worry Sheriff. I will not step on any toes."
"Not worried. Just let me say, you overstep it, and I would not mind putting you behind bars."
Sky did not reply to the woman's parting words, instead she walked out of the office and did not look back. Gazing around the area, she decided to check out Belle's place. Sky was amazed, the town had not changed much and it didn't take long to approach the tavern. She took a deep breath and realized if she could fool Belle Gardner then her disguise would also fool Mary Trenton.
Once inside, she looked around, there were not very many people in at that time of day and the few that were there didn't even notice when she walked into the place. Reaching up to push her glasses back onto the bridge of her nose, she walked toward the bar.
Belle Gardner was busy at the coffee maker, humming her own rendition of
Country Sideshow. Sky had never heard it like that before but had to admit it wasn't bad. "Not bad, you do Ken Che . . ." She never got the words out because Belle had turned to see who was speaking. The second her eyes fell on the woman, she let out an exclamation of, "It's you!"
"I would hope to say it is me. Name is Sheila . . ."
Belle's crystal Blue eyes surveyed the woman quickly interrupting her once more and said, "Skylar Richmond as I live and breathe."
Sky felt her face flush as she said, "You have me confused with someone else, I'm sorry. The name is Sheila Cantrell."
Belle ignored the woman walked around the bar counter and sat beside her. "I knew it would not be long before you showed up. There is no way Bobie's disappearance would not bring you. Sheila or whatever else you are calling yourself is for the job, I know."
Sky took out the indenification card and handed it to the woman. "Here is my identification, as you can see, I am not Skylar Richmond. I do work for Global though."
"Guess you must have fooled the new sheriff, but you can't fool me, know you too well."
Sky knew the woman would not let up and had to ask, "How did you know? This is a good disguise."
Belle leaned over and took a whiff, then another, smiling as she said, "No one I know wears La Liz's White Diamonds like you."
Sky removed the glasses and set them on the counter, rubbed the bridge of her nose then let out a sigh. "Only you, Belle Gardner would connect a perfume fragrance with one person. I am sure many wear this."
"Sure but none that are as tall, with a figure one can only dream about walks into this tavern day or night. I will say at first I was not sure but didn't take me long."
Sky gazed at the woman, she had lost weight, her flaxen hair was a different style but when she smiled the laugh wrinkle's still spoke, welcome. "Not sure but I think you are the happiest person I have ever known. Seem to make something good out of most things. I did everything but in my hurry completely forgot about the fragrance, and it just didn't seem to be important. But then, it is not every day a person runs into a hound dog like you."
Belle chuckled. "I will take that as a compliment coming from such a world renowned
sleuth. I take it the new sheriff had no idea?"
"New sheriff?" Sky's face was showing signs of puzzlement.
Belle stood. "Coffee is ready, I'll get us a cup unless you want something more potent."
"No. Coffee is fine." She watched the woman walk behind the counter and before long was back with two cups of steaming coffee. "Now tell me, Did Deanna Burgess confide in you?"
Blowing on the coffee, Sky muttered, "No. Would have to pull teeth to get her to admit to anything or give out any information. Nothing like Ben."
Bell sat and sipped at her coffee. "She seems to have the right idea, just not sure she is the right fit for this place. Don't feel bad, if Skylar had approached she would have said the same thing. When it comes to police work, confidential stuff, it would take a crowbar to pry this out of her."
Sky grinned, held the coffee cup between the palms of her hands then said, "Still make the best coffee. Have to say I was a little surprised to see you here, thought you might be off somewhere with Jeanne."
"Might have been but she got called on a mission and I could not go, so here I sit waiting for word. All the time praying she is all right."
"Guess you can't tell me where she went?"
"Not sure myself. But you know how it is with the Federal Government everything seems to be top secret."
"Got that right. Tell me, how did you know I went to see the sheriff?"
"Town has the best grapevine, the second you drove into town in Ol Yeller, people got to buzzing. You may not look like Skylar Richmond but you are definitely out of place here. Didn't take long for word to travel from one end of town to the other."
Sky glanced down at her clothes before she said, "No leather pants, nothing that would hint at Skylar Richmond. Sheriff just thought I worked for Global."
"The sheriff doesn't know you like I do. But I can tell you they are getting nowhere. Not that they haven't tried but Mary Trenton has disappeared like a ghost in the night. Same with Bobie, no stone has been left unturned but nothing has come up."
Sky reached out and patted the woman's right hand then said, "Should have come here first, you know more than the sheriff."
Belle pointed around the room. "Bar, lots of people come and go and the big topic right now is the escape as well as Bobie Parker's disappearance. Max Fletcher has done his fair share of talking. I think the man has been looking but perhaps in the wrong places. Have you talked to him yet?"
Shaking her head, Sky replied, "No. I didn't want to see him unless I had some sort of news. I know he is taking this hard."
Belle glanced toward the entrance to the tavern then said, "Go with me!"
It was sudden, catching Sky completely off balance as the woman leaned over placing a long slow kiss on her lips. At first she started to back off then recalled Belle's words. She wasn't sure how long they had been in a lip lock but when Belle Gardner pulled away and said, "He's gone." She knew it must have been someone she knew.
"All right Belle, that was quite a surprise. What is going on?"
The woman smiled nodding toward the entrance as she replied, "Didn't think you wanted the man to come sniffing around you."
Turning to gaze toward the entrance, Sky asked, "Man, sniffing? Make some sense."
"Bernie Herbella, your ex-boss who has a humongous crush on you. I am sure he would know who you were too,
White Diamonds."
"Damn, I had hoped he would not show up. Why can't people just let others be?"
"If that is a question, you should know the answer. Everyone knows he has the hots for your body. Man worries about you and from where I sit, might be a good idea to have some help."
Sky finished the now cold coffee in her cup then said, "Sometimes people just get in the way. Bern is a good man, but he just does not need to get involved in my personal business."
"Perhaps you should tell him that."
"I sort of did, but have to admit he is stubborn."
Bella chuckled. "Can't blame a guy for trying."
"You don't know how close you came to being knocked off the stool."
Reaching for Sky's empty cup she replied, "Would have been worth it. Now don't go getting your dander up. It was in the line of duty." She headed for the coffee machine.
"Thanks, I think, the 'worth it' part and thanks for keeping me from an unsavory confrontation with Bern."
Belle placed a fresh cup of steaming coffee in front of the woman and sat. She held her coffee cup and stared at it for a few minutes. "Welcome, I think. What else are you going to do today?"
"A little scouting. Thinking about Trenton's home."
"You know it is not very busy this time of day. How about I go with you or you go with me? Never hurts to have a backup."
Sky pondered the woman's offer, finally turning to face Belle with a worried look she said, "Bobie and I think the world of you and Jeanne. I can't have you going out risking your life because of us."
"In case you forget, I did a lot of this not that along ago. You and Bobie are good friends, and I want to help."
"All right. Perhaps we should leave soon, take awhile to get out to the Trenton place. If you really want to go, I'm fine with it."
Belle grinned ear to ear, and stood saying, "What are we waiting for, I just need to get a jacket, shoo a few people out of the place and we can be on our way. How about we take my Pickup Truck? Less conspicuous."
The ride to Shae Canyon was a long one and Belle's Pickup though new still tossed a person around like popcorn in a popper.
Belle gazed at the woman, trying to hang onto the grip over the door and said, "Sorry about the ride. Good vehicle, just not so good on bad roads. I am sure you and Bobie have taken this ride before so you know what to expect."
Sky grimaced. "Sure do. Just don't recall it this bad."
"Wrong company perhaps."
"Has nothing to do with the 'company'. Feels like they have not done one thing to these roads since I was with Bobie. Must be damaging to a person's vehicle."
"And from the look on your face, perhaps the bladder." Belle smiled as she tried to keep the truck on the road.
"Don't even want to talk about the bladder, for it is doing enough talking. Could you try to miss the next pothole?"
Belle drove the pickup into an opening between a patch of juniper trees then parked. "About twenty feet up ahead there is an outhouse. Looks like you need a break."
Sky unbuckled her seat-belt. "How about you? Don't you need a break?"
Belle nodded. "When you get back, I'll go. Someone needs to stay with the vehicle, otherwise, we could find ourselves on foot."
Climbing from the truck, Sky said, "Got it. Won't be long."
Belle leaned back in the seat and watched the woman dashing through the brush. She was happy Sky Richmond stopped by the tavern and she was happy to be able to assist in any way she could.
Belle pulled into the draw. Stopped the pickup, turned off the engine and said, "Well here we are, place looks the same. I don't see any smoke from the chimney, doesn't look like anyone is here but knowing you, until we actually take a look, doubt you will be satisfied. Only we have to be careful, Trenton would soon as not shoot us and any of the Sheriff's people might do the same. I doubt they would be too fond of us snooping."
Sky stepped from the Pickup, brushed off her pants and stared toward the Trenton home. "Then careful we will be. If you want, you can stay here, I'll take a turn and be back soon."
"Nope, where you go, I go. What kind of backup would I be, staying in the pickup?"
"Well, you would be safer that is for sure."
"Jeanne and I have been on a few missions. I would never sit while someone else is doing surveillance or perhaps getting into trouble. You got me."
"Then let's go, the sooner we do, the sooner we can set our sights other places."
Belle was quick to jump down from the Pickup cab. "I'm ready." With those words, the two women began their walk to the Trenton home. As they peeked over the edge of an embankment, both moved back quickly keeping out of sight as the deputy came in to view. Belle whispered to Sky, "What now? We will never get past the guy."
Sky motioned they go back, and they began their trek back to the lone Pickup. Once they neared the vehicle, Sky grumbled, "Nothing like coming all the way out here to be stopped by a lone deputy."
"Might be more inside? We don't know. Sides it is police business and we really don't have any right interfering with it. Not now anyway." There was no reply so Belle turned to see what Sky was doing, however the woman was nowhere in sight. "Damn. Richmond you just don't know when to quit." With those words Belle got in the pickup and headed for the drive to the Trenton home.
The Deputy stepped out to block her but she drove past him, stopped the Pickup and climbed out. He had drawn his gun but when he saw Belle Gardner he put it back in the holster and said, "What in the world are you doing way out here Gardner? Don't you know this is a crime scene?"
"Crime? What crime was committed here?" She smiled toward the man adding, "I've got some doughnuts in the truck, might not be hot now but probably are still good, want some?"
He nodded and walked to the vehicle with her. "Sounds good but I still ask what are you doing way out here and at this particular place?"
"Been awhile since I was out this far, like to take pictures and there are some really great sights out this way."
He beamed as she handed him a small paper sack that still smelled delicious. "Glad you did, kinda boring way out here, nothing but the scorpions, and snakes for company."
Belle reached in the cab and brought out a thermos of coffee. "Here, try this, nothing better with doughnuts than hot coffee. I always come prepared."
He was very happy to get the doughnuts and coffee. Also, didn't mind getting into a conversation with the woman that just happened to be there. Sky had slipped into the back of the house, she smiled when she saw Belle drive into view. "Knew you would think of something." She did a quick reconnaissance of the house, but there was no one there. Course with the Sheriff looking for Trenton, this should be the last place for her to be, but one never hurts to check. She recalled the passageway, Bobie had found when she came looking for her at one time and decided to take a look at this again.
After removing the wooden floor planks she found a lantern, lit it and started her way down the wooden steps. It was dark, musty and damp, she was not sure where she was going but after thinking about going back, she decided to forge ahead a little further.
If a person had ever been in a black hole, no sign of life, just surrounded by dirt, the smell of mustiness, every step one of caution, they know it is an overwhelming sensation. Sky had only been in this type of situation once before and that was in the Middle East, still this was nothing like it, for there she knew where she was and what she was doing, here and now, she had no idea.
Stopping to try and catch her breath she held the lantern up, hoping to see an end to this tunnel, but there was none. She gazed at the walls. There was what seemed to be water in places. If she didn't know better, she might have felt she was in some sort of mineral mine. One that was being worked. But there was no one else around, not even the sound of an engine, no pick, no shovel, nothing. Realizing her mind was darting too far ahead of her she whispered to herself, "Take it easy Richmond. If you don't find something soon, just turn around and go back, at least you know where that goes."
Belle knew she could not talk to the deputy any longer and bid him good bye saying she was driving on up away to take some pictures. He waved good bye and stood munching on a doughnut as she disappeared up the dirt road.
It is a weird feeling to be in the dark, and all one can hear is the beating of their heart, the sound of their boots finding their way down a questionable path, Sky was beginning to wish she had not taken the passageway. Her breathing had become more difficult and she felt it might have something to do with the depletion of oxygen. She knew going back was out of the question and began to softly curse herself for being so foolish.
The lantern was beginning to flicker, if she lost this, odds were, she would never get out of this place. Sky haunched down, took several breaths before she spied the crumbled piece of paper laying near the bottom of a boulder. She dropped to her knees and crawled to the spot.
Without hesitation, she picked up the paper and began to smooth it out.
Falls . . . What else had been written was gone. Sky crumpled the paper up in the palm of her right hand, holding it as if was a breath of life. For the first time since this craziness had begun, something was pointing to a place she knew. What was going on at the
Falls, could point to, or take her to Bobie.
Standing, Skylar Richmond held up the lantern and began to walk forward with new determination on her face. Her quest was soon brought to an end when she turned a bend in the passage to see a large room. Holding the lantern up she walked around the area. There were many wooden crates laying about, and on the wall's torches were strategically placed that could easily light up the area.
Sky wanted to see what was in the crates but her first thought was to look for a way out. When she saw the wooden steps leading up, she happily murmured, "Yes." Once she knew the way out, the curiosity got the best of her and she went about checking the crates. Each one was filled with different types of artillery and from the looks of the firepower either a war was brewing or someone was out to make money from selling contraband.
Brushing the perspiration from her forehead, she sat back against one of the crates. "These people aren't playing around. They are really into bad stuff. Have to get out of here, make sure a little bird lets the sheriff know about this place." Sky removed several grenades, and several .45's before she began her climb to the surface.
The second she was able to push the wooden cover from the opening near the top, she heaved a sigh of relief. It was getting late but she was very happy to sit on the sand, take in several deep breaths of fresh air and be thankful to have made it. She took the paper from her jacket pocket and traced the words with the fingers on her right hand. And with each movement she whispered, "
Falls. I'm getting close Trenton, there is only one
Falls near here, one that might be a good place to take someone. Got to get moving, see if I can find Belle, it's a long walk if I don't. Definitely not looking forward to sleeping under a bush out here."
Sky was able to look at the landscape and knew if she walked in the direction of the passageway it would take her back to the Trenton place and hopefully she would also find Belle somewhere along the way.
Belle had been driving up and down the road, stopping from time to time to stretch her legs. She knew sooner or later the deputy would get suspicious. After careful study she finally found a group of large rock formations that gave her the cover she needed and at the same time allowed her to spy on the Trenton house.
She had no idea where Skylar was but was sure the woman had not come back out of that house. At least she hadn't spotted her as the binoculars she brought were top of the line. It was easy to gaze at antelope, and deer even elk from a safe distance. One of her hobbies had always been taking pictures of wildlife. This was something she never tired of. And this day the binoculars were coming in handy.
It was as the day started to wane and she was doing a complete canvas of the area she spied the tall, redhead walking toward the road. She looked like she was hurting as her stride had been diminished some and she was favoring one leg. Quickly gathering her things, she headed to the vehicle.
Sky was nearing the road when she heard the sound of an engine coming closer, and quickly darted into a gully to lay against the sandbank. After what she had seen and where she was at that moment the last thing she wanted was to see any of Trenton's people or the sheriff's for that matter.
Belle eased up on the gas pedal and as the pickup slowed her eyes darted back and forth. Finally pulling to a stop she opened the door and hoped to the ground. It was not dark yet but it soon would be. "Richmond! Are you out there?"
Sky smiled when she heard Belle's voice and within minutes she was up and on her way to the warm sounds. "I'm here! Don't leave without me."
Belle felt relieved when the woman appeared as if a genie that was ascending from a dark hole. "Thank goodness. You are a sight for my very sore eyes." She reached out to wrap two very happy arms around the woman.
Sky fell into Belle's most welcome embrace for a few minutes before she pulled away and said, "If I didn't know better Belle Gardner, I'd think you were worried I might not make it."
Belle playfully slapped her on the right shoulder. "Nope, anything that would tangle with you would have its hands full. Now if you are through snooping, could we get back to town?"
Sky kept one arm around the woman's waist as they walked to the pickup, neither spoke but it was evident they were both happy to be together again.
The drive back was long, darkness had been covering the area for what seemed an eternity and Belle was doing all she could to get them back on the main road and home. Sky had laid back hoping Belle did not hear her silent groans when she moved. The walk through the passage without the right equipment was almost too much for her. Stepping in the small animal burrow and spraining her ankle didn't help. Now all she could do was chide herself for being so foolish.
Belle tried to keep a straight face she didn't want Sky to know she heard her soft moans. It was evident she didn't want her to know. As it was, dodging a jackrabbit that dashed across the road or a hungry coyote was keeping her busy. When they finally could see the lights of Springfield both women were delighted. Belle pointed to the distant lights and said, "There it is, yippee!"
Sky sat up in the seat and smiled. "Never knew I would feel so much love for those lights. A warm bath . . ."
Belle chimed in, "And a nice cold beer. Oh and food, don't forget food."
They stared at one another then both broke out laughing.
Sky reached up and ran her fingers through her hair, "If we didn't know better it might seem we have been gone for weeks."
"Ah its not how long one has been gone, its what one does during this time. I can think of much more pleasant ways to spend a day and a night."
Sky turned sideways on the seat. "Why Belle, this is a side of you I never knew. That is until my good friend Jeanne came into the picture. And if you are thinking Jeanne said something to me, she did not. Let's just say, our minds may travel in the same circle or down the same path."
Belle felt warm and knew her cheeks must have taken on a lovely blush. "Tell me, what did you find in the Trenton house?"
"You can't just change the subject like that."
"Nothing to talk about. Except, you are right when it comes to Jeanne, she is my reason to wake, my reason to love, my . . ."
"Gotcha. I'm really happy for the two of you. I hope you know I feel the same way about Bobie."
"I do. Just hope we can find her soon."
"Dear sweet wonderful Belle, I appreciate your helping me, without you I am not sure what would have happened. But it has to end here."
Belle smiled toward Sky then replied, "We will see. I still have a few eggs up my sleeve."
Sky looked at the woman questioningly. "Eggs? Sleeves?"
"Just a way of saying, I have ideas, plans so don't think you are getting rid of me so easy Richmond."
Have you ever had one of those headaches that just would not quit? Any movement would bring unbearable pain? Opening an eye, opening both eyes only to be hit with a stabbing bolt of pain? That is what met Bobie Parker when she finally opened her eyes. The room spinning, her loss of equilibrium and the constant throwing up that erupted when she moved made the woman sicker than she had been in a long time.
When she had nothing more to throw up, the dry heaves began and would not stop, it was then a door opened and a person wearing a dark hood, dressed in black approached her. "This was not supposed to happen. Here, drink this." The gloved hand held out a can of
seven up and she pushed it away.
"After whatever was slipped in my drink, do you think I am stupid enough to drink something else?" With those words, the woman doubled over, heaving as if her insides were coming out.
"Take the
seven up there is nothing in it, promise. You are sick, if you do not stop the dry heaves, you will die."
When she sit up, Bobie Parker glared at the masked person. "Wouldn't want to make your day. I'll drink it. But if it makes me worse, I guarantee you that Skylar Richmond will see you all pay."
The masked person handed the drink to Bobie. "That's the idea. We want Richmond to do what she does best, search out your trail and come to us."
Bobie drank the entire can of soft drink before she replied, "You don't know who you are dealing with. Sky will not just walk into your trap."
A low rumbling laugh echoed the room, the person stood, and stared at the pale looking woman. "She will if she wants to see you alive again. Once you are through heaving all over the place, I'll see about getting you cleaned up. As well as this room."
Bobie watched the person leaving the room and tossed the empty can, it missed and bounced off the wall as she fell back on the soiled mattress that had been her bed for sometime. She had no idea what day it was, she didn't even know where she was, except it was a locked room. The woman wanted to clear her head, make sense of what was going on, but try as hard as she could, the sickness she felt was taking such a toll on her all she could do was curl up in the fetal position, close her eyes and pray this was all a bad dream.
Continued.