Chapter 2 #2
The sharp click of a car door opening pulls me from my memories.
How is this my life right now? I suck in a lungful of gas and oil-perfumed air to prepare for whatever happens next.
The metallic thunk of the truck latch releasing and the squeaking sound of poorly oiled hinges leads to blinding, searing white light exploding into my vision as pain laces through my brain.
Tears blur my sight as I blink furiously against the sudden assault.
“Hello Summer,” Ben’s loud, grating voice cuts through the haze.
I wish Ben’s greeting surprised me, but it doesn’t. “Fuck you, Ben,” I spit, attempting to lunge out of the trunk.
“That’s on the agenda, Summer. Don’t rush me,” he replies, as he effortlessly pushes me back into the trunk’s cramped space.
I land on my right hip and bang my elbow as my head throbs.
Ben leans forward, binding my hands tightly with a rough, scratchy rope, its coarse texture instantly irritating my skin.
He hoists me up and out of the trunk, and I’m flung over his shoulder, the sudden movement causing a wave of dizziness as I black out.
When the darkness fades, his arms are like iron bands around my legs, immobilizing me.
As Ben walks, gravity intensifies the throbbing in my head.
I turn my head sideways to scan the surrounding area as I squint my eyes, breathing through the pain.
Dense green woods surround an uneven gravel and dirt road with plenty of undergrowth.
The only sounds are the scuff of Ben’s boots through the dirt and birds calling to one another.
Ben walks up deteriorating wooden steps onto an equally shabby porch, proceeding through a door into a dimly lit room, the scent of dust and damp wood filling my nostrils.
I’m unceremoniously dumped onto a bed, as Ben quickly straddles me.
Unconsciousness wavers at the edge of my mind as I fight to remain present.
Once the dizziness fades, I attempt to buck my hips upward to throw Ben off.
However, my weakened, smaller frame is no match for his size and strength.
The metallic clang of handcuffs echoes in the room as Ben secures my wrists through a hook in the wall above the headboard, wrenching my arms at an uncomfortable angle before removing the rope.
“Welcome home, Summer,” he smiles, a cruel, triumphant expression twisting his lips.
Whose place is this? Dust dances through sunbeams from grimy windows, illuminating a worn cabin.
Rough-hewn log walls and floors surround me.
Only a tapestry of green is visible through the old windows.
Across from me is a small, cramped kitchen with a back door, pine-stained cabinets, a rusty white fridge and stove, and a metal sink.
A faded plaid couch sits in front of an empty fireplace to my right, with a bookshelf in the corner filled with knickknacks.
I’m on a double bed with questionably clean sheets and a scratchy blanket.
Two closed doors sit silently across the room.
“Why me, Ben?” I ask. It’s something I’ve been wondering since he first talked to me after gym class. I’m not vain enough to think it's my beauty, and guys can’t help themselves around me. I’m pretty, but shy and uncomfortable around strangers. There must be something I’m missing here.
“Well, it started as a favor to cousin Jess for killing her boyfriend Jake, but after she told me how much money you have, I figured I could benefit, too.” A creepy grin splits his face as lightning strikes my mind.
Horror washes over me at the realization.
My fear of the sweet peas at my locker was justified.
“Ah, you’re putting the pieces together, aren’t you? ”
Nick
Fuck, I hope this is the right car. Seizing my laptop, I follow the Focus through traffic cams.
Troy pops his head in, telling Z that Sean is here. “Tell him about the Ford Focus. It’s not Ben's or Cara’s vehicle.”
“I’ll take over,” E offers, coming into the room and taking Z’s seat. Bay follows Z out of the room, taking the vehicle list with him.
It feels like an eternity goes by, but my persistence pays off as I get a glimpse of Ben’s profile on a traffic camera. “Got him,” I say, printing off a copy of the screenshot. I wave the printout around, asking someone to take it to Z and Sean. Alex grabs it and leaves the room.
“Where’s he heading?” E asks me.
“Don’t know yet,” I reply. Presuming he’s smart enough to get out of the city, I focus my search on roads that lead away from town.
I catch the car again near the bridge, heading to Wando.
Grabbing my laptop, we leave the secure room to find Z in his office with Troy and Sean. “He’s heading to Wando,” I tell Z.
“Nick,” Sean nods. “It’s been a while. I’ll pretend I haven't heard anything because it’s your daughter, Z,” Sean says. “I assume you’ve already looked into Ben. Does his father own any property in Wando?”
“No, renting an apartment in town.” An idea pops into my mind as I look at Z. “Z, the money.”
He nods, “tell him.”
“His dad, John, gets a lump sum of money from shell companies every time he loses his job, and then they move. I’ve got a friend tracing them. They might want payment,” I say, making eye contact with Z.
“I don’t care. Do it,” he tells me.
I step out to text my hacker friend, Fawx, telling him my girl has been kidnapped and time has run out to trace the shell companies. I need an address now. Fuck, I said my girl. It only takes a few minutes for him to reply that he’s on it and I’ll hear from him soon.
Returning to the office, I listen to Sean update Z.
They questioned the principal and janitor.
Interviews are being conducted with the baseball coach and a few individuals present today.
No fingerprints anywhere. Officers are grabbing John now.
Cara and friends have lawyered up, but are being interviewed today.
“Did you trace her phone?” Sean asks me.
“Yeah. It’s off. I’ll get a notification if it turns back on.”
He nods, expecting that answer. “I’ll update the APB with the description of the car and keep you posted. I may send a few friends across the river this evening,” he says, getting up to leave.
“Thanks, Sean,” Z nods. After he’s out of the building, Z turns to us. “Split into groups. Let’s go to Wando and explore. Nick, if her phone turns on or your friend gets back to you, call us immediately. Troy, can you stay in town? We’ve still got guys working for a few more hours.”
“You got it. I’ll work from the hospital,” he offers, heading out.
“Nick, you’re with Alex,” Z says. “Bay and E together. I’ll take her Jeep.
Nick, I want you armed.” He gets up from his desk chair, and I follow him to the armory, strapping on a holster and gun while he does the same.
We head outside to the parking lot. “Let’s hope for some luck,” Z says, looking focused and determined as we get into the vehicles.