INK: Abstraction Read online

  “Yes,” Carl says, sitting in the chair. He has dark circles under his eyes and is clearly exhausted. I’m sure I look about the same.

  “What?” I ask, wondering if I missed something.

  “Yes, I’m so glad she’s here and has Eli,” he says, ticking his head toward the bathroom door.

  McNab stands from the chair he just sat down in. He can’t seem to hold still and he’s pacing nervously across the small space in the room. “Yes, I’m glad we found her.”

  That reminds me. “How did you find her?”

  McNab stops dead and looks at Carl, then me. “We had people monitoring the police scanners in the area. We got lucky on the call.”

  That doesn’t seem feasible. “How did you get there before the police?”

  “I had the GPS coordinates and I guess we were quicker.” McNab brushes me off.

  “Still, that just seems very odd to me that you would have gotten there first.”

  McNab sits down and looks at Carl, then me. “The call was for a D.B., so I guess the cops weren’t in any big hurry.”

  My heart sinks a little that whoever found her thought she was dead. “That makes sense, I guess.”

  McNab’s expression is heavy with seriousness. “I thought she was dead when I got there. She was lying in the water completely motionless.”

  Running that image over and over in my head is going to drive me crazy. I wish she would start talking so we can find this bastard. I want him to pay for what he’s done to her.

  “We can’t push her; she’ll talk about it when she’s ready,” Carl warns.

  There’s a quick knock on the door and a man, presumably a doctor, walks in. “Hello there, I’m Dr. Kendrick. You’re her father?” He looks at me.

  “Yes, Harry Baynes.” I stand up and shake his hand.

  Dr. Kendrick looks to the bathroom and then turns to me. “We got her test results back. She’s dehydrated and has a concussion. Frankly, I'm surprised she's awake.” He sits on the round rolling stool and continues. “We pulled her MRI results from her last visit and we're concerned about some shadowing we're seeing on the latest scan. They've grown from the last time she was here.”

  “What could it be?” Jesus, this is not what we need, for Shayleigh to have brain cancer. Although, that might explain quite a lot. Carl and McNab exchange a glance; they must be thinking the same thing.

  “We’re going to keep an eye on her for a few days. Do a CT scan and another MRI.” He looks up at me in earnest. “I’ve already called mental health and have asked for a psychiatrist to come down and talk with her. That’s probably going to be the single most important part of her recovery.”

  “I know, I just hope she’s receptive.” I raise my eyebrows, knowing how stubborn she can be.

  “Hopefully she’ll get the initial therapy started and keep up with it.” He turns toward the bathroom door when it opens.

  Eli’s clothes are soaking wet as he braces Shayleigh coming out of the bathroom. She looks much better cleaned up, but she is still so battered. He carefully helps her down to the bed when he notices the doctor. He offers his hand. “Eli Walker.”

  “Dr. Kendrick.” He turns to Shayleigh. “How are you feeling after your shower?”

  She smiles and nods slightly. I feel compelled to answer for her, but I don’t.

  “That’s good.” He approaches her a little too quickly and she tenses up. Dr. Kendrick smiles with understanding and explains everything he’s going to do before he does it. “Miss Baynes, I’ve asked Dr. Green to come and spend some time with you. He specializes in emotional trauma like what you’ve been through.” He stops and waits for her reaction. She looks at me then back at Dr. Kendrick and nods.

  “Good. Okay, so get some rest. I'll be in tomorrow to discuss some of your other test results. The nurse is going to be in to redress your wounds. If you need anything else or have any questions please let me know. I’ll be back to check on you before I go off shift.” He smiles again, acknowledging each of us in the room before he leaves.

  I turn to Shayleigh. “Do you feel better after your shower?” She just nods in response. She looks so scared. She settles back into the bed.

  McNab stands from the chair again. “I’m going to see if I can find you some scrubs.” He looks at Eli then continues. “And maybe a hairbrush for you, kid.”

  Shayleigh smiles and touches her hair as though she had forgotten it was there. “Thanks,” Eli says, unbuttoning his shirt.

  “Do you need anything, Harry?”

  “I’d love a cup of coffee.” It’s going to be a long one and I’ll need as much coffee as I can get my hands on.

  “No problem. Carl.” McNab motions for Carl to follow him and they leave the room.

  It’s just the three of us. Eli has taken his shirt off and is drying himself with the towel. Of course he’s not far from Shayleigh’s side. The room is silent for a long while. None of us knows what to say and I think we’re waiting for her to talk. Patience is the best we can do right now. I move around to the opposite side of the bed where Eli is sitting. I take her hand in mine and she manages a smile.

  “Do you need anything?” I ask, and she shakes her head. “Are you feeling okay? Are you in pain?”

  Her eyes are hooded over with sadness; the shake of her head is so subtle I almost miss it. “Are you hungry?” Still she shakes her head no.

  Eli warns me with his eyes, I know he doesn’t want me to push her. I just need to hear her voice to make sure she’s okay. “Shayleigh, you don’t have to talk about it now. But I’d really like you to consider talking to Dr. Green when he comes.”

  She expels a breath and nods. She pulls the blankets up higher and rolls away from me toward Eli. He looks at me with remorse, then to her. He strokes her hair. “I love you.”

  Her eyes close heavy and she laces her fingers with Eli’s. She doesn’t open her eyes, so I assume that she’s just trying to get some rest. Eli looks at me with disapproval. God why does this have to be difficult?

  I rest my head back for a moment and try to get a little bit of rest. I’m getting too Goddamn old to go this many days without sleep.

  ***

  There’s a slight knock at the door, waking me from my cat nap. McNab’s back sans Carl. He’s carrying three big brown bags and a cup of coffee. He hands me the coffee. The commotion wakes Shayleigh and she rights herself in the bed. McNab sits toward the end of the bed and begins unloading one bag. He hands Eli some clothes to change into.

  “Thanks man.” Eli looks at Shayleigh. “I’m going to change, okay?”

  She agrees and McNab picks up his bags and scoots closer to her on the bed with Eli out of the way. “Okay, what else does Uncle McNab have in his bag of tricks?” He looks at her and winks. She smiles. He pulls out a hairbrush, a pair of pajamas and a pack of underwear. “There’s no accounting for taste, I had a lady at the store pick them out, but I figured you’d appreciate them.” He hands them to her and continues digging in his bag. He pulls out three pairs of socks and some black fluffy slippers. “These I did pick out, I hope you like them.” Her smile grows wider as she rubs the slippers.

  Eli walks in from the bathroom, tying the drawstring on his pants and stopping to watch McNab go back into his bag. “What’s all that?”

  “Just a few things she’ll need while she’s here,” McNab answers then turns his attention back to Shayleigh. “You’ll need these.” He pulls out a velvet color by number princess picture with four colored markers in the package. “In case you are feeling inspired.” Her smile spreads wide enough that her lips part.

  He reaches into another bag and pulls out several chocolate bars and a six pack of diet soda. “I was pretty sure these are your favorite chocolate bars, but just in case, I got a couple of different kinds. Oh, and some Swedish Fish, I know how you love those.” Her eyes light up even more.

  He reaches back in and takes out a picture frame and puts it on the table next to the bed. Shayleigh tilts her head
quizzically. “That’s for the signed eight by ten glossy of yours truly.” He slides it out. “And a Paranormal Transmissions Fan Club starter kit. There’s a ruler in there, it’s metric.”

  Her smile reaches her eyes and her eyebrows arch in question. McNab turns his attention back to the bag and pulls out the next thing. “Some bubble wrap to pass the time,” he pops a few of the bubbles before placing it on her lap. “And the best thing of all,” he reveals a plastic food container with a BLT sandwich.

  “McNab, you are ridiculous.” She finally speaks. She’s laughing audibly now and the light seems to have returned to her. As her laugh winds down she looks at McNab with sincerity. “Thank you.”

  “Anytime, kid.” The next few moments are awkward when Shayleigh reaches to touch him and he jumps off the bed. “Carl’s bringing your cell phone, laptop and flip flops from the house.”

  “Thanks.”

  Eli is as relieved as I am that she’s making progress working her way out of the darkness. But I can tell he’s not happy about not being the one to draw her out. “Really, McNab?” Eli’s tone is less than amused.

  “What?” McNab feigns innocence trying to contain a laugh looking at Eli wearing a Paranormal Transmissions t-shirt. Shayleigh bursts into full-on laughter when she notices it.

  “You couldn’t find any scrubs or anything else?” he asks, irritated. “Eh, I figured you’d be more comfortable in one hundred percent preshrunk cotton.” McNab takes his place in a chair toward the end of the bed. “It’s tag-less.”

  Through her laughter she says, “I think it suits you, love.”

  Eli pulls his mouth to the side trying hard not to be a stick in the mud. “Yeah, laugh it up.”

  “Oh, come here.” She reaches up for him and gives him a hug. “You’d look handsome no matter what you were wearing.”

  He kisses her forehead. “I’m glad I could make you laugh.”

  She smiles again, but she’s slipping back into the darkness. She opens the sandwich and takes a few bites.

  “See Eli, wearing that shirt can help you with the ladies,” McNab digs.

  “I don’t need help with the ladies, thank you; I have all the lady I could ever want.” He puts his hand on Shayleigh’s leg. She winces a bit from the pain.

  “This is so good, thank you again, McNab.” She takes another bite.

  There’s a knock on the door and Detective Glass and Todd Preston come in. I knew they’d be here eventually to question her. I just wish they would have given her a little more time. I’m also surprised they didn’t send a uniform instead of the detective.

  A loud crash startles me from behind and Shayleigh is screaming. She’s frantically scooting backward on the bed. Everything that was on her lap has fallen to the floor while she climbs as far back as she can. That doesn’t seem to be far enough, and she goes over the top of the bed, knocking over medical equipment and continuing to scream. Eli goes to her immediately and McNab’s looking around the room trying to figure out what has her so spooked.

  “Shay what’s the matter?” Eli is asking while she’s cowered behind the bed.

  I join him to check on her. “What is it?”

  She’s crying and trembling, while hiding behind the bed, pointing toward the door and shaking her head. She finally looks me in the eyes and says, full of a terror that will haunt me forever, “Glass.”

  Okay, that’s it. That son of a bitch is leaving. I turn to Todd. “Listen, she’s been through a lot of trauma. He’s going to have to leave.”

  Todd turns to Glass with a quizzical look, then back to me. “Harry, I’m here to check on Shay and he’s here to take her statement.”

  “Well, you’ll have to send another cop. He’s got to go.” I move them toward the door.

  “That’s fine, Harry.” Todd agrees then turns to Glass. “Why don’t you step outside, I’d like to stay for a few minutes and make sure she’s okay.”

  “Yeah, I’ll send someone else?” Glass asks, trying to see her hiding behind the bed.

  “That’s fine.” Todd’s distracted also, trying to catch a glimpse of her.

  “Okay.” Glass watches me for a reaction. That seems a little strange to me that he waits another ten beats before he leaves the room.

  “He’s gone, sweetie.” Eli tries to coax her out.

  She peeks out from behind the bed to confirm the words are true. There’s an inherent terror in her eyes. Her body is shaking and she’s crying uncontrollably. Eli climbs behind the bed and pulls her into a hug. “I’ve got you, it’s okay. He’s gone. Shhh.”

  Todd is looking at her with a horrified look on his face. Of course he is, look at her. She’s a damn mess. Beaten, battered, cut and bruised. Shaking and crying. What the hell is wrong with him bringing Glass in here? He makes eye contact with me, his gaze filled with sympathy. “My God,” he gasps.

  “Yeah,” is all I can say. I’m reserving my anger until I give him a chance to talk.

  “Harry, I didn’t realize how bad it was,” Todd says, taking a step closer to me.

  “It was called in as a Goddamn ten fifty-four. You didn’t know it was this bad?” I can't meter my voice and Shayleigh’s eyes snap to us.

  The nurse comes in the room. “What’s going on?” She sees Eli trying to coax Shay out from behind the bed. She goes to Shay. “What’s happening, honey?”

  Shayleigh won’t stop screaming, leaving the nurse no choice but to sedate her. Two other nurses come into the room. One of them clears everyone out but Eli.

  We all take to the hallway and McNab squares off with Todd. “You’re the D.A. right?”

  “Yes,” Todd answers.

  “I think you’ve got a problem on your hands.” McNab’s eyes are full of fire.

  “What do you mean?” I'm curious to see where he's going with this.

  “Isn’t it obvious, Harry?” He looks at us like we’re stupid. “Glass. The second she saw him she flipped out.”

  “No, you’re mistaken. They have a rough history.” I try to put him at ease. Glass wouldn’t do something like this.

  “Who are you exactly?” Todd asks McNab.

  “I’m McNab, a family friend.” He offers his hand.

  “Well, you are walking a very thin line, McNab. Glass is a decorated police officer, and regardless of her reaction, I don’t think he would be involved in something like this.” Todd doesn’t believe it either.

  “Just how long have you been a district attorney?” McNab asks, getting more agitated.

  “A long time,” he answers with authority.

  “Have you seen that sort of reaction from a victim before?” McNab takes a step closer to Todd.

  “Yes, I’ve seen it many ti—” Todd stops as though a light has gone on in his head.

  McNab gives a satisfied nod. “Yeah. That’s the reaction of a victim who’s seen their perpetrator.”

  Todd is silent for a moment and looks from me to McNab then stares at Shayleigh’s door. He inhales a long breath. “That was a pretty compelling reaction.”

  “Todd, you can’t be serious.” I have to talk him out of creating a larger problem by going after Glass. “This guy is a lot of things, but a kidnapper? I don’t think so.”

  McNab can see that Todd’s leaning back toward my line of thinking. “At least look into it. Does he have a garden shed? Does he live in a remote area? Does he have an alibi for when she was taken?”

  Todd inhales another breath. “I’m going to quietly look into it, so we can rule him out, but I can’t imagine he’d be involved in something like this.”

  “Thank you.” McNab’s eyes bore into Todd in a strange and uncomfortable way. “Don't you think it would be for the best to assign another detective to Shay Baynes’ investigations?” He doesn't ask, he tells.

  After thinking about it for a minute Todd acquiesces. “I think I'll put another detective on her case, it’s probably for the best.”

  “Thank you,” I say cautiously. Honestly, I’m relieved that
Glass won’t be hounding her anymore. Especially if that’s the reaction she has to seeing him.

  Todd puts his hand on my shoulder. “I’m glad they found her.” His words are sincere. “I’m going to go back to the station. If you need anything let me know. And if you feel like it’s alright, will you tell her I’m glad she’s okay?” He hangs his head momentarily. “I’d like to see her when she’s feeling better.”

  “I’ll let her know.” I pull Todd into a man-hug.

  McNab and I go back into the room and find Shayleigh back in the bed, her eyes closed and relaxed. The drugs worked fast.

  Chapter Eleven

  Dirty to Filthy

  Glass

  Fuck. When the ten fifty-four came over the radio I thought I was in the clear. How did that little bitch survive? If the blow to the head didn’t kill her, I thought for sure she would drown. Goddamn it! This would have been so much easier if she had just done the world a favor and died.

  I don’t know if Preston suspects anything. She really lost it when she saw me. I know she remembers. She knows I tied her back up and didn’t help her. I have no idea how she ended up in my shed, but there’s no way in hell I’m going to let that murderous little twat take me down with trumped up charges.

  How could I have let her go? She would have pointed her finger straight at me and taken me out. I’m not flushing a twenty-four-year career down the tubes because of that little bitch.

  Now I just have to figure out who I’m going to put on this case that I can convince she’s just a psycho. Who would cover my ass, no questions asked? I think for a minute and it comes to me. Filson. He’ll get my back and he owes me one.

  Preston opens the car door. “Thanks for waiting.”

  “No problem.” I start the car and head for the station. “She’s in really bad shape, huh?”

  “She certainly is.” He blows out a breath.

  “Did she calm down enough for you to talk to her?” These are dangerous waters I'm treading in.

  “No, they had to sedate her,” he answers, staring out the window.