Chapter Twenty-One
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
While Jim did feel better, he was still tired and his body ached, and he didn’t know how to explain Beth’s problems.
“If I may ask,” Doug began tentatively, “is she a bit moody?”
“Moody…yes…in a way. She has these sort of, personality changes, and she’s easily influenced. Throughout the years I’ve asked her to speak to a doctor, but she’d get defensive and very upset. Please understand, at heart she’s a wonderful woman, and I believe this man, Craig Bradley, has taken advantage of her. I just don’t want Sheriff Cooper arresting her without—how can I put this—without understanding she’s not like other people. I’m sure she didn’t fully understand what she was doing when she was giving me those pills.”
“Ah, I see,” Doug muttered. “So you think this conman had her totally under his control.”
“I do, and I’m not quite ready to speak to the sheriff. The drugs had a terrible effect, and on top of that I became physically ill from lack of proper food and living in the elements. But the point is, that man was out to do me great harm. That’s why I stayed in hiding. I wanted to get the drugs out of my system so I could find a way to stop him and help Beth. She needs psychiatric care, not a jail cell.”
“I see,” Doug said with a sigh. “But I doubt you and Beth aren’t his only victims. He has to be stopped. What do you suggest?”
“I have to speak to Sheriff Cooper myself and explain, but I need a few more days to get my strength back and gather my thoughts. I must make it clear Beth should not be criminally charged with anything. I’m sure she was manipulated into all this.”
“It’s your call, Jim,” Doug said solemnly. “Let us know when you’re ready and we’ll take it from there.”
“Thank you, that’s such a relief. As long as I’m missing she’s safe. He’s after my money, but he can’t get to it without my signature on certain documents. I’m surprised he didn’t kill me so she could collect the life insurance.”
“What a horrible person,” Katy muttered. “I wonder how many other women he’s taken advantage of.”
“I’ve had the same thoughts, but my priority is making sure Beth is handled properly.”
“You’re a very forgiving man,” Doug said with a sigh.
“I love my wife. I’ve seen her condition worsen over time, and I desperately want to get her the help she needs. Maybe now it will finally happen. Ah, I just had a knock on my door. Breakfast is here.”
“We’ll let you go,” Katy interjected. “Enjoy it, and don’t worry, we won’t do anything until you’re ready to speak to the sheriff. Please get some more rest.”
“Thank you, Katy, and thank you both again for everything. I’ll speak to you soon.”
* * *
As the call came to an end, Doug reached across the table and took hold of Katy’s hand.
“You’re a very sweet girl,” he said softly. “But I’ve always known that. There were many times when I’d buy something at the pastry shop and you’d drop something extra into the bag. In those grim days it made me smile, and at the time I had very little to smile about. I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you properly.”
“Uh…I think you have,” she quipped with a wink as her phone chimed. “It’s Annie. Speaking of which, I should probably pick up my trailer. Maybe I’ll do that today. Hi, Annie, what’s up?” she asked, accepting the call.
“Is Doug with you?”
“He sure is.”
“Can you put your phone on speaker? You both need to hear this.”
“Okay…go ahead.”
“Hold on to your hats. That Bigfoot creature has been sighted again.”
“Excuse me?” Doug interjected. “Where? When? Are you sure?”
“Very sure. The campground manager just called. It was seen in the trees above the lake, but since that forest extends all the way past the ranches he’s alerting everyone.”
“Who saw it? What did they say?”
“It was just like the last sighting but different people. They’re staying at the campground and went for an early morning hike. At first they thought it was a bear, then a gorilla, then realized it was neither and took off. But get this. They have a photograph. The manager sent it over to me. I’ll forward it to you. He’s also going to post it on the campground’s website, and he called the sheriff.”
“Oh, my gosh,” Katy exclaimed, staring at Doug. “This is unbelievable.”
“It could be a hoax…someone dressing up like a Bigfoot…but we should stay off the trails for a while regardless. I know the lake isn’t exactly next door, but you never know.”
“Thanks for calling, Annie,” Katy said, still startled by the news. “By the way, and this is pretty mundane by comparison, but I was thinking of picking up my trailer this morning. Would that be okay?”
“Of course! Come over any time. I’ll be in rehearsals but I’ll make sure there’s room for you to maneuver.”
“Great, thanks, and thanks for the heads up. It’s still hard to believe there might actually be a Bigfoot roaming around.”
“I know. Catch you later.”
Ending the call, Katy leaned back in her chair and stared at Doug.
“What the hell?” she mumbled. “I don’t know what to make of this. Surely it’s a hoax. Hang on, the picture just came through.”
Moving his chair closer to hers, Doug stared at the image, but it was disappointing. The alleged Bigfoot was nothing more than a black shadowy figure in the trees.
“So…any thoughts?” Katy asked, staring at it.
“I’m not impressed, this could be anything, but with all the hype it’s bound to create attention. I have a feeling it’s just someone’s imagination getting the better of them. Regardless, we should let Jim know.”