THE GIRL WITHIN SYDNEY LAWRENCE

THE GIRL WITHIN SYDNEY LAWRENCE

THE GIRL WITHIN Copyright 2016 Sydney Lawrence All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews. This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, organizations, places, events and incidents are the product of the author s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1 I had known something was wrong almost immediately. The house was much too quiet. Maybe my husband, Chris, had somehow managed to get our toddler son to take a nap. That had to be the reason for the stillness, I told myself. As I entered our front door, I glanced back at the driveway. The cars were all there. They were at home. I took off my shoes and laid them softly near the door. They had to be asleep. The last minute phone call I had answered at my store had kept me much longer than I had intended. I was over an hour late getting home. They must have given up on waiting for me and decided to take a nap before supper. Yet as I repeated the words to myself in my mind, a flutter of unease wouldn't leave my chest. You're being silly. Everything is fine. I carefully avoided the squeaky board of the living room floor. Our son could wake up at the slightest bit of noise. I continued down the hallway to our bedroom. The door was

2 SYDNEY LAWRENCE open. That was odd. Usually, we had to close it to darken the room to get Daniel, our always-active son, to even consider a nap. My heart gave an odd little thump. The guest bedroom-that's where they were. Chris often liked to use it for a nap himself. I switched directions and made my way to the smaller, sunny yellow room. Its door was also open. I held my breath as I looked inside. The bed was carefully made, the decorative pillows still in place. Where were they? I no longer cared about being quiet. I ran to the other two bedrooms on the opposite side of the house. We never used them except to fill the closets with clothes that were out of season. Maybe Daniel had insisted they sleep in one of them for a change. He was starting to exhibit odd toddler quirks. Surely, that was what had happened. My heart started to pound heavily when I peered in both rooms only to find them empty with nothing out of place. I tore through the rest of the house flinging doors open and yelling Chris and Daniel repeatedly. The house was silent. My mother-they were with her, I realized. That had to be it. She had a car seat in her small SUV. For some reason, she had picked them up. I had been acting like a deranged idiot. They were probably down at her house right now eating supper and talking. I'd

THE GIRL WITHIN 3 never checked the answering machine and I'd left my cell phone at home that day. The rambling customer at work had tied up the line at the store. They'd had no way to reach me. There must have been a note somewhere. I had simply overlooked it. I ran into the kitchen and looked around carefully. No note. Maybe, they had been in a hurry. I reached for the cordless phone and punched in my mother's number. Hello? Mom, are Chris and Daniel down there? I asked. No, why? The lower part of my body seemed to melt and I sank to the floor. Have you talked to Chris? Do you know where they went? The tone of my voice revealed my panic and my mother picked up on it immediately, I haven't talked to Chris or seen either one of them all day. What's wrong? Have you talked to Angie? she finished in a rush without waiting for my replies. Angie was my aunt that had babysat Daniel while Chris and I were at work. I'll call her right now. Do you think they could be with Dad? No, he's here in his recliner. Let me ask him if he knows anything. I could hear the muffled conversation between my parents and I silently prayed he knew where my husband and son were.

4 SYDNEY LAWRENCE No, he hasn't talked to them today, either, my mother added as she came back on the line. Where could they be? she asked. My stomach lurched in pain at the question. Let me call Angie. I'll let you know once we've found them. I said goodbye and then quickly dialed Angie's number. In only the first moments of the conversation, I quickly realized Angie had no idea where the two were either. I wandered outside looking at the woods surrounding our home. The next house was over a mile away. When we had moved from the city to the remote property, I had loved the peace and privacy. Now, I cursed it. There were no neighbors to ask if they had seen anything. I screamed Chris and Daniel until my voice grew hoarse and raspy. I looked through the edge of the woods but saw nothing that indicated they might have been there. I went back into the house and grabbed Chris' cell phone. I called every number in his contacts and recent call history. Of the people I reached, no one had heard from or seen Chris since he left work that afternoon. So far, Angie was the last person to see him and he hadn't mentioned anything about leaving. In fact, he had told her he was going to start cooking supper. He must have never gotten the chance. The kitchen was clean, everything in its place. I checked my

THE GIRL WITHIN 5 phone once again for messages, texts, anything. Nothing from Chris. I collapsed in the driveway after walking around Chris' truck. My hand touched something sticky-that was when I saw the blood.

Chapter 2 I stared at the small pool of blood near the tailgate of the truck. Even now, it was in shadow and I had a hard time seeing it. I scrambled for my cell phone, which had bounced along the concrete driveway as I had fallen. I scooped it up and dialed 911 frantically. Hello, what's your emergency? the dispatcher's voice rang in my ears. Please, I gasped, please send someone right away. Something has happened to my husband and son. I stammered through giving my address and when the woman asked what had happened I whispered, I don't know. I must have answered the rest of her questions but later I didn't remember any of it. I looked up as I heard sirens wailing and saw the sheriff's car turn in the drive. Ma'am, are you okay? a voice floated down to me. No, no I'm not, I said quietly and pointed to the blood.

THE GIRL WITHIN 7 Do you know what happened? the sheriff asked. I looked up to see a middle-aged man with some extra weight around his middle. I came home and they were gone. No one knows where they are. Then I found this. I pointed again to the dark patch. Who was gone, ma'am? the sheriff asked. I blinked, realizing I was talking incoherently. My husband and little boythey're gone. The tears started rushing down my cheeks, Something terrible has happened to them-i know it. The sobs began to rack my entire body and I couldn't stop them. I grew scared, as I couldn't get myself under control. I felt a pair of hands on my back, It's going to be okay. You're in shock. I wasn't sure how much time had passed when I finally drew a deep breath and the shaking and tears stopped. I wiped my eyes and saw the EMT standing nearby. Why don't you let me check you out? he said. No! I've got to talk to the sheriff right now. I've already wasted too much time already. Horrible scenarios began to play themselves out in my mind. Had someone murdered my husband to kidnap my son? What were they doing to him right now? My

8 SYDNEY LAWRENCE hands began to shake. They could be out of the state by now. Sheriff, you've got to do something-put out an APB, an Amber Alert, I said frantically. That's already being worked on, he replied. Let's go inside and talk. He sounded too calm for my liking but I motioned him inside and sat down in an armchair facing the sofa. I'm going to have to ask you a lot of questions and some of them may not be too pleasant, he began. My heart started to pound, Do you think they're both dead? I cried. No, no, nothing like that, he countered. Stay calm, ma'am. We'll find them. I took a deep breath. Okay, what do you need to ask me? Do you know who may have done this? the sheriff began. I looked at him in disbelief. If I had any idea, I would have told you by now. He nodded as if he asked the question out of routine only. So no enemies that you know of? No, I shook my head. I can't even think of anyone we've had a petty squabble with, much less anybody that would actually hurt us.

THE GIRL WITHIN 9 He made some notes on a piece of paper, Have you noticed anyone or anything unusual in the last couple of weeks? What, like someone following us? I tried to think but couldn't come up with anything out of the ordinary occurring. No, not that I saw. Have you and your husband had any arguments lately? The question came out of nowhere. I turned red. We'd had a blowup last week about Chris not spending enough time with Daniel. My thoughts must have been written plainly on my face. I could see the sheriff mentally changing his focus. My husband wouldn't have left without a word, I snapped. And what about the blood? At this point, we're not even sure it's human, he replied. How did your husband and son get along? Fury replaced my fear, My husband would never hurt our child, I roared. Why don't you get out there and do your job to find them instead of asking me these ridiculous questions? My anger didn't penetrate his calm. We have to consider all angles, ma'am. Is there anything more you can tell me? I told him about the calls I'd made and that my aunt Angie was the last person I could find that had spoken to Chris.

10 SYDNEY LAWRENCE He tapped his fingers against his notepad. Are you often late coming home from your store? No, I usually promptly close. Occasionally, I'll get a last minute customer drop in right before closing time. This woman called tonight, rambling on and on and I couldn't get rid of her. If I had arrived home on time that night, could I have stopped what happened? Or, would there be another spot of blood on the driveway? So no one would have known you would be late tonight? the sheriff asked. I don't see how, I replied. You think this was planned? Hard to say. Anything strike you as unusual about your caller? He continued to tap the notepad. No, not really. The connection was bad so I thought it might be a cell phone but I just got the impression she was naturally talkative. Hmm, he closed the notebook. That will do for now. He handed me a card. If you remember or find out anything new, call me. What happens now? I asked, worriedly. Surely, there was more to be done. We're organizing a search party to canvass the area. The APB and Amber Alert should be out by now. We'll search the pond below your house and the lake outside town.

THE GIRL WITHIN 11 I swallowed hard at the last words. Try not to think about that. I don't think that we'll find them there, the sheriff continued. I could see he still thought my husband had decided to leave unannounced. He wouldn't do that to me and he definitely wouldn't hurt Daniel. Listen, ma'am, I'm not saying he did. It's a very small amount of blood. Maybe the boy banged his nose on the concrete if he was struggling with your husband if he didn't want to go with him. You really think that's what happened? I asked in disbelief. I don't care to speculate too much, the sheriff retreated. The FBI will send someone soon. Who would have kidnapped them? I wondered aloud. We're not rich. Someone might think you are, the sheriff countered. Your store sells some pretty expensive pieces. I shot him a wary look, If you haven't noticed, the economy isn't exactly booming right now. I hadn't sold a single piece in weeks. It was the reason I had been willing to let the lady on the phone delay me so long. I had described several items in detail, hoping to entice her to come into the shop. The sheriff looked outside. Looks like the feds are here. If you'll excuse me-

12 SYDNEY LAWRENCE I motioned with my hand for him to go. I replayed our conversation mentally. Was I wrong? Had Chris decided he'd had enough? Daniel could be a handful. Would he have fought against him in a moment of toddler fury, bumping his nose or head like the sheriff suggested? I shook my head. It was ridiculous to even consider. No matter how angry Chris might be, he'd never make me worry about Daniel's safety. He would have left a message or note, I felt sure of that. Yet, anyone kidnapping the two sounded just as crazy to me. There was an exclusive neighborhood less than five miles away. The development was new and the gates and security cameras were not installed yet even though several homes were occupied. If I knew that, surely a would be kidnapper would too. I could hardly see them passing those families by in order to target us. Gut wrenching fear twisted through me. Who had my baby? Would I ever see him again? I remembered Daniel grabbing my lower legs as I had left that morning. Bye, Mama, he'd said as he giggled. Tears welled up in my eyes and I struggled not to succumb to my emotions as I saw a man in a suit and a woman in a white blouse and dark pants enter through my front door. The FBI, I thought. Later, I could remember little of my conversation with them. They had asked

THE GIRL WITHIN 13 about my relationship with Chris but in a much more subtle way than the sheriff had. They walked me through what to do if the phone rang. I nodded numbly but had trouble focusing on what they were telling me. I repeated the steps back in my head. I didn't want to mess anything up that might let the kidnappers get away. I still couldn't understand why we would be targeted. It may have been an unplanned crime of opportunity, the female agent had said. She'd told me her name but I couldn't remember it. That made me feel even more scared. If the kidnappers were novices, had they panicked and hurt Chris or Daniel? My fear must have plainly showed. If it was unplanned, they may be new to this, and that will work to our advantage, the woman assured me. It didn't allay my worries one bit. The phone rang and I literally jumped off the sofa. The agents motioned for me to answer it and the man whispered, Remember, try to keep them talking. I nodded nervously, my heart nearly pounding out of my chest. Hello? I squeaked as my voice broke. Liz, have Chris and Daniel shown up yet? my Aunt Angie's voice filtered through the room.

14 SYDNEY LAWRENCE I let out a deep breath, No, Angie, I'm sorry I haven't called you back. We're afraid something may have happened to them. The police are here. Can I call you back later? The police? my aunt cried. What's happened? We don't know, Angie. I'm sorry but I have to get off the phone now, I said as I saw the male FBI agent signal frantically for me to end the call. I understood. The line needed to be kept free if the kidnappers decided to call. I abruptly told Angie goodbye and hung up the phone. My hands were still shaking. Can you call my mother and ask her to come here? I asked the woman FBI agent. I wrote down the phone number. I don't want to tie up my cell phone just in case. I looked into her face and saw sympathy for the first time. She was actually quite pretty. Her blonde hair was bobbed and her eyes were a clear, striking blue. What did you say your name was? I asked, as if finally seeing her as a person instead of a nameless officer. Emily Stratton, she replied. Let me make that call. My mom came rushing through the door fifteen minutes later. She hugged me tight and whispered, It will be okay. I nodded back at her even though I doubted anything would ever be okay again.

THE GIRL WITHIN 15 I'm surprised there aren't a team of police outside, she said. What are they doing? They're trying to keep a low profile, I answered. The search parties didn't find anything. They want to make it look like all law enforcement has left. They don't want to scare the kidnappers off, I added. If someone was watching the house, they wanted to give them every reason to make contact. The FBI thinks they're novices and it will help make them feel safe enough to call. It seems they know what they're doing, my mother replied. Tears ran down her face, I just can't believe someone would take my little Daniel. I reached for her and we held each other close as we cried. Every awful story about child abductions I'd ever read about or watched on the news came flooding through my mind. My little baby, I gasped and my mother looked into my eyes as if she knew exactly what I'd been thinking. Don't- she said. They're alright. You have to believe that. I nodded mutely. If I gave way to my worst fears, I wouldn't be able to even answer the phone if it rang again. I'll fix you a cup of tea and something to eat, my mother added. You need to keep your strength up. I'm sure you haven't eaten a thing.

16 SYDNEY LAWRENCE My stomach lurched at the thought of food. I can't eat. I could drink something, though. She didn't argue with me but went into the kitchen. Four hours later, the phone had only rung twice. Both times, it was distant neighbors calling who'd heard the reports on their scanners. I'd jumped each time, growing increasingly nervous and wary. I'd taken to pacing back and forth in front of the sofa. Why haven't they called? I finally screamed. Emily Stratton got up from her chair and put an arm around me. It's not a bad sign, she said. They will make contact. She motioned to my mother, Why don't you take her upstairs to get some sleep in one of the pair of bedrooms? If the phone rings, we'll be able to get her in time. I'll sit in the bedroom opposite. I have everything set up there to take the call. You're crazy if you think I can sleep, I snapped. Then I instantly regretted my outburst, I'm sorry. I know you're just trying to help. Emily looked at me with compassion, You're allowed to be edgy. Don't apologize. Just consider it a change of scenery then from the living room. Okay, I said and started to follow my mother upstairs. One of Daniel's toys, a Thomas train, was on the bottom step. I

THE GIRL WITHIN 17 picked it up and sank to the stairs sobbing. I felt my mother's arms wrap around me and then bodily pull me up from the step. I forced my feet to move and climb the stairs. I collapsed on the bed clutching the toy train. I'm not sure how long I lay there. Suddenly, I saw Chris coming toward me, holding Daniel in his arms. I'm sorry for scaring you, he said. We're fine. Relief flooded through me. I reached out to grab them both but just as I started to touch Chris' arm, a black entity swept in front of me and started to suck them away as if they were being pulled into a powerful vacuum force. I could hear Daniel's screams as I tried in vain to reach him. Then flames devoured them both as I yelled. I bolted upright off the bed-shaking all over. I panted as I tried to breathe. Elizabeth, my mother called as she threw the blanket covering us both off from her body. Are you alright? No, I gasped. My vision started to clear and I realized I'd been dreaming. Did they call? I asked urgently. My mother looked troubled, I didn't hear anything. She quickly banished the worried look, I probably just didn't hear the phone. Let's find Emily. She took my hand and we walked to the next room. The male agent was sitting on the bed.

18 SYDNEY LAWRENCE Did they call? I asked, but I could see the answer on his face before he even spoke. No, they haven't made contact yet. But it's not a reason to worry- I cut him off with a motion of my hand. I didn't need to hear his platitudes. I walked aimlessly toward my master bedroom and saw Emily sleeping there. I quietly backed out of the room and then sat staring out the hallway window. Are they dead? I asked the air as I sat in the floor. Overwhelming emptiness flooded through my body. Not for the first time, I wished I had arrived home on time. Then I would be dead with them.