Nothing Ordinary Prologue Winter had a hold on the land now as evidenced by the crystal sheen on the trees and the white blanket on the ground and roads. There was a chill in the air as he watched Major Karl Weber that November night as got behind the wheel of the car and pulled away from the curb of the restaurant with his wife and his pregnant and maybe-widowed teenaged daughter. The girl, Anneke, had just graduated from college and they were on their way home from a celebration dinner. Pretty girl, he thought idly as he got ahead of them and sped along the road to this vantage point above the road and the river. Too bad she and her parents weren’t going to live past midnight. On the ground beside him he had the camera. He already had pictures of the family at dinner enjoying their last night together. He would use it afterwards to take photographs to document the crash. He could see the grief on the old man’s face now and it excited him. Barnabas Weber should never have betrayed his employers. He had been warned there would be repercussions. The fact that this event would also be used to break his old comrade, the girl’s husband; who after three months was still being remarkably resistant to torture, was an added bonus. He passed them and sped up the road that led up the hill so he could take his position. The brakes should do the job, but he was not a man to leave anything to chance. Karl Weber was a man who would overcome at all costs to protect those he cared for. He had just gotten into position with his sniper rifle when the car came into sight. “No!” Karl hissed as he crested the hill and tapped on his brakes to slow down. “What’s wrong, Karl?” Monica Schneider Weber, his beautiful blond wife asked as she caught the worry in his voice. “The brakes,” Karl replied and turned to their daughter, who was sitting cross-legged in back with headphones on. Married that May, pregnant since August, his eighteen-year old daughter glowed with health but was locked in uncertainty. Anneke had been married just after her eighteenth birthday in May and her husband, James Owens had been reported Missing in Action that September. His daughter had no idea if she was a widow or not. He wished he could tell her that her missing husband was coming home, but his inquiries had yielded news he was afraid to share with her. He reached back and tapped her on the knee. She smiled at him and removed the headphones. “Anneke, liebchen. I need you to do something for me.” “Ja, Vater?” Despite the fact that she was an American by birth, Anneke had been raised here in Germany. She tended to slip into German automatically, especially when she was upset or angry. Damn, he thought as he saw her expression; she had picked up on his worry. He tried to calm down as he felt the car picking up speed. “I want you and your mother to open your doors,” he said as he moved the car towards the softer shoulder, hoping the ground would slow them down. He looked at his beloved wife, “and jump.” “No, Karl!” Monica cried and shook her head. “We aren’t leaving you!” “I will be jumping, too,” Karl assured her. “The car has no brakes,” he told them honestly now. “We have to get out before it is moving too fast.” As he said this there was a loud pop and he felt the wheel buck out of his control. Anneke opened her door and rolled out as the vehicle swerved while her father wrestled to get it back under control. She got to her feet, ignoring her own injuries, and watched in horror as the car left the road and headed down the hill towards the river. “No!” she screamed as she stumbled down the hillside after it. She saw the car slam into the water near where a couple soldiers from the base where her father was stationed were sharing a keg. One of them held her back as others dove into the water. “Mutter! Vater!” “You can’t help them, Anneke,” Sergeant Preston said as he held the struggling girl tight. “Let the boys handle this.” Long moments passed as the soldiers came back to the surface for air. Annie was shaking now as the shock wore off and pain lanced up her arm. She went white as Preston helped her sit down and examined her. He was not looking happy at what he saw. He ran to his car and got out his aid kit. When the authorities arrived, her arm had been put in a splint and was in a sling. “No,” she protested as the paramedics tried to get her to the ambulance. “I am not leaving until they are safe!” He watched from the top of the hill as the paramedics gave the girl a shot and guided her up the hill carefully. He saw the sling and smiled as he took a shot. She was hurt. That particular shot, with the girl injured and grief-stricken, should make Weber cringe. He debated taking a shot, but that would spoil the fiction that this was just a tragic accident. The fact that she was still alive meant the game wasn’t quite over. There was still a family member who could be harmed if Weber did not give them what they asked for. “Annie!” Lieutenant Jeffrey Owens cried out as he met the ambulance at the base hospital. He went with Annie every step of the way and was relieved when his sister-in-law finally opened her eyes as she was put into a room. She went white as she tried to get up and put pressure on her broken arm and passed out cold again. The nurse pushed him aside and checked Annie out. “Is she all right?” “Annie?” The Nurse said softly as she patted Annie’s cheek. “Come on, baby. You need to wake up now.” Annie’s eyes opened and she looked at the nurse in confusion. “Are you all right, Mrs. Owens?” “I don’t know you,” Annie frowned and looked past her. “Jeffrey? Where are my parents? “ She bit her lip as he went white. “There was an accident,” she remembered. “Mutter and Vater were in the car.” She tried to get up and her arm protested the pressure. “Are they here?” she asked him, her eyes wide with terror. “Please tell me they got out of the car.” “I’m sorry, Streudel,” he said as he held her hand. “The Major and your Mom…” “No,” Annie broke in, moaning as she realized what he was going to say. “It’s not true!” She was growing frightened now. “I can’t lose someone else! Not after James!” She gripped his arm tight and looked at him in despair. “Where are my parents, Jeffrey? I want my parents!” “Wait outside, Lieutenant,” Major “Doc” Stafford said as he came into the room. “If you want to help, call her Grandfather. He needs to be here for her.” Jeffrey left and Doc looked at Anneke with his kind eyes and worried expression. “Let’s see how your baby handled this accident, shall we?” 1 It was a cool clear February night. Moonlight streamed over the river and bathed the buildings alongside it in its cool touch. The town downriver from the clinic and private residences of the medical complex founded by Oscar Bayer was silent. Half the town, at least, could be found at the Bayer family home celebrating the twenty-first birthday of his daughter, Eliza. Laughter and music filled the home as Anneke Weber Owens moved across the yard on her way to the Clinic just downhill from the main house. She had no interest in what was happening inside of the house; despite the fact that it was her cousin celebrating her birthday, it had nothing to do with Annie. She was just the granddaughter of the night security guard for the Clinic, as far as she was concerned. The man standing in the shadows did not say a word for a few moments as he took in the sight of the golden-haired angel who seemed to glow as the moonlight found her on the way across the grounds towards the Clinic. She had a basket over her arm and a look of purpose on her face that he found intriguing. He had met her the other day when Barney Weber had brought the five months pregnant girl in for a doctor’s appointment with his father. Anneke Leisel Weber Owens was his granddaughter, his last living relative. She had married last May, had her husband reported MIA that September, and then lost her parents in a freak accident two months ago and was here to get her bearings. “Annie?” he called as he moved away from the building. She froze and turned, looking like a rabbit that had just come face to face with a predator. The relief that entered her eyes as she recognized him was quite evident. He found himself wondering why she was so terrified. “Oh,” she laughed softly as she struggled to get her composure back, “Captain Ryan. How are you this evening?” “Just fine, Annie,” Ryan smiled. He nodded towards the basket. “That for your grandfather?” “Yes,” Annie nodded. “He wouldn’t remember to feed himself. He is too single-minded for his own good.” Her slight smiled died. “Like Father.” Ryan wished he could say something to make things better for her, but he knew it would just be words. How could you make things better when she had been forced to watch as her parents drowned? And she had to go through that, pregnant and uncertain whether she had a husband. He could feel her on the verge of a break that she was struggling every moment not to suffer. She suddenly went quite pale as they got within sight of the building. “Something is wrong, Captain,” she cried softly. “Grandfather!” Before Ryan could stop her, she was running. He saw the broken security pad on the wall next to the open door as he followed her and whipped out his cell phone. Annie was in the security office kneeling next to Barney, who was lying on the floor unconscious. She looked up at him briefly and he saw the grief on her face. Ryan called for an ambulance and checked the man out. “He’s all right, Annie,” he said as he laid his hand on her shoulder. “It’s Ryan,” he continued as he called the station next. “Break in at the Phoenix Clinic. Get the investigators here.” “Grandfather?” Annie called out softly as she stroked his hand. “Please wake up.” Barney moaned and opened his eyes. “Oh thank God!” “What happened, Barney?” Ryan asked as he helped the man sit up. “I was on my rounds when I saw the alarm lights going off,” Barney told him. He nodded towards the wall where red lights were flashing. “I hurried back here to call the station and someone struck me down.” He patted Anneke’s hand. “I’m fine, girl. Your grandfather has a very hard head. This little blow isn’t going to stop me.” “Did you see anything before the lights went out?” Ryan asked him. Barney shook his head and then winced as Annie examined him thoroughly. She found the first aid kit and tended the injury as competently as a doctor. She shrugged when Ryan looked impressed. “My father insisted I learn first aid skills,” Annie told him. “I worked part-time as an emergency technician while I was in college.” She checked her grandfather’s pulse and looked relieved. “Of course, he’ll be going to the hospital to make certain he has no concussion. Otherwise, he seems just fine.” “Bossy,” Barney smiled up at her. “Just like her mother.” He saw the look of pain that crossed her face and put his arms around her. “Monica was a good woman, Anneke liebchen. She would be very proud of you.” His men arrived with the investigators and he sent them through. They would find out what, if anything; had been taken. Since Barney was the only person who was supposed to be in here at this time of night, there shouldn’t be any other people here. He remained with Barney and his granddaughter to wait for the ambulance. How she was holding it together, he wondered, was a mystery to him. He knew full-grown men who had broken under less pressure. “Captain Ryan?” Doctor Guthrie’s voice cut through Ryan’s study of the girl. Ryan turned towards the man just coming in. Tall, dark brown hair, deep green eyes, and lean build; Walter Guthrie was the younger partner of Oscar Bayer. From the way he was dressed, he had obviously come from the party. “What happened here?” “Looks like a break-in gone sour, Doctor,” Ryan replied as he turned away from the girl for a moment. “Barney was hurt.” He hated the sight of the girl’s pale face as he admitted this. “My men are going through the clinic now trying to figure out what they were after.” “Who’s the girl?” Guthrie asked tightly. “She doesn’t belong in here.” “My granddaughter,” Barney snapped at the man. “Anneke Owens.” He could see the look of suspicion and realized Guthrie had thought Annie might be involved in this action. As if his angel could have anything to do with such a thing! “She found me when she came to bring my dinner.” “Indeed,” Guthrie felt light-headed as he took a better look at her face. He had seen the photographs in Bayer’s study but the real life version of this girl was more than stunning. “We heard she was coming to stay with you, Barney, but you never introduced her to us.” “There were reasons,” Barney muttered as she and Annie exchanged looks.” “None of which ever made sense, Barney,” Guthrie said as he went to the girl and smiled briefly as he held out his hand. “Mrs. Owens, I’m Walter Guthrie. I work with your uncle.” “As I understand it, Doctor Guthrie,” Annie said softly as she acknowledged his greeting politely, “you are more than an employee here.” Annie shook his hand briefly and then returned the first aid kit to its place. He had never seen such a beautiful child, he thought as he looked at her critically. The glow of pregnancy made her even more exquisite and he suddenly wanted to touch more than her hand. He was shocked at the strong reaction he was having to her. “If there is anything we can do to help,” Guthrie continued, “you must let us know.” “Thank you, Doctor,” Annie said to him in a warm mellow tone that reminded him of bells. He was intrigued by the slight accent to her words. “Can you make this so it never happened?” she asked him bluntly, her accent now quite plain. Guthrie remembered then that Barney’s son had been stationed in Germany for almost eighteen years. This girl had been born in Washington DC, but she had not been raised here in America. “Anneke!” Barney shook his head at her. “That was unworthy of you.” “You are right, Grandfather.” She nodded her head and looked repentant. “I am sorry. This is not your fault. I had no right to snap at you.” The ambulance arrived and the paramedics checked Barney over and congratulated the pretty girl on her competent bandaging job. Annie went with her grandfather in the ambulance and Ryan followed them. Guthrie went up to his office and shut the door. He made a call. “The guard isn’t dead,” he said bluntly. “We’re going to have to remind him what happens if he turns his files over to the authorities.” He smiled coldly as he heard the order. “I have no problem whatsoever keeping an eye on the girl. She is exquisite.” Annie sat next to her grandfather in the hospital room, a book sitting in her lap unread. She kept her eyes on him, frowning at how pale he was. The nurse came in to check his vital signs and assured her that he was doing just fine. “Mr. Weber?” Pamela Franklin said as she squeezed his hand. “You need to wake up for a moment.” Barney groaned but refused to open his eyes. “Come on now. You need to assure your granddaughter that you are all right or I’ll have three patients on my hands.” “Anneke?” Barney’s eyes opened and he looked up at her lovingly. He raised his hand to her hair and she smiled in relief. “Sie müssen nach Deutschland zurück gehen. Sie sind nicht hier sicher.” “I don’t understand,” Annie replied, frowning at the obvious worry in his eyes. “Why should I go back to Germany? Why am I not safe here?” “I should never have done it,” he said as he drifted off again. “Now you are in danger and there is nothing I can do to help.” He gripped her arm tight. “Go back and find out what happened to your husband, Go back to his family, Anneke, before…” “Grandfather?” Annie looked at him in dismay as he drifted off to sleep. She looked at the Nurse. “Is he all right?” “Your grandfather is just resting, Mrs. Owens,” Pamela assured her. “Which is something you should be doing, young lady. You look worse than he does.” She nodded towards the empty bed. “You can sack out there until we need the bed. Try to get some rest.” “A very good idea,” Doc Ryan said as he came in. “How is our patient, Pam?” “He was awake and lucid a moment ago,” Pamela told him. “All of his vital signs are strong and steady. He drifted off to sleep just before you arrived.” She looked at Annie pointedly and he nodded. “I won’t disturb him then,” Doc replied. He turned to Annie. “How are you doing, Mrs. Owens?” “I am not the patient here, Doc,” Annie looked at him. “I will be fine once I am certain he is.” She looked at Barney and was relieved that he had more color in his face. He might say he had a hard head but he was in his sixties and he was all she had left of her father’s family. She put her fingertips to her temples and closed her eyes a moment. She got her purse and pulled out the bottle of aspirin and swallowed a couple. “I’ll take you up on your offer and rest for a while.” She looked at Doc and Pam. “You will tell me if anything changes.” She went to lie down on the other bed and closed her eyes. She was asleep before Doc and the nurse had even left the room. Doc Ryan watched her closely and wished he could assure her that everything was going to be all right. To not know if her husband was alive or dead, then to lose her parents so recently and have to see her grandfather in the hospital was more than any young woman should have to deal with. Being pregnant on top of all that was a blessing and a curse. What was worse was the knowledge that the men who had broken into the clinic were still out there somewhere and her grandfather was the only witness. “General Owens, please,” he asked as he made a call from his office. “General? This is Doctor Paul Ryan from Memorial Hospital in Youngstown, Ohio. Barnabas Weber, Major Weber’s father, was brought in after he was hurt in a robbery where he works.” He listened and was pleased by the questions the man asked. “I think you should do all you can to get someone here. Anneke is going to need help.” He looked up as someone knocked on the frame of the door and beckoned his son inside. “He has a concussion and should recover, but after all this child had gone through…” He smiled. “We’ll be looking for your son then, General.” “Who was that, Dad?” Ryan asked as he settled on a chair, looking weary. “Mrs. Owens’ father-in-law, General Owens,” Doc replied. “I thought it might be wise for him to send someone to be with her. She’s looking very shaky.” He saw Ryan’s look. “So what is going on?” “I wish I knew, Dad,” Ryan told him honestly. “I suggest that you ask hospital security to keep an eye on Mr. Weber. He is the sole witness to a robbery. The men responsible might come back to silence him.” “Consider it done,” Doc nodded. 2 Annie woke to the sound of an angry conversation and saw a strange man standing over her grandfather’s bed. From the way he held himself and the way he was dressed, he was law enforcement. His lean face was stiff with anger and his eyes were hard and cold. He noticed her and the expression softened. He took a step back and she had the distinct impression that he was doing his best to calm down after a deep disappointment. He had wanted something from her Grandfather and Annie could see from the tight expression on Barney’s face that he had refused to give it to him. “Why are you bothering my Grandfather?” she asked the man as she came over to hold Barney’s hand. “He needs to rest.” “I’m Agent Charles Taylor,” the man said as he showed her his credentials. “I was just asking Mr. Weber about the break in.” “You were arguing,” Annie stated bluntly. She looked at her Grandfather and saw him lower his eyes from hers. Then she looked at the man. “You think he was an accomplice to this break in, don’t you?” “Anneke…” “No, Grandfather,” Annie shook her head as she glared at the FBI agent. “Don’t tell me not to get involved. You are family and Mr. Taylor has no right to come here and accuse you of wrongdoing when you were injured!” She met the man’s cold eyes. “Leave your card, or whatever your type does, and go away.” “I’m only doing my job, Miss…” “Mrs. Owens,” Annie said tightly. She was so tired of people assuming she was a child. She turned to him then and his eyes widened slightly as he saw that she was pregnant. “Go do your job somewhere else,” Annie snapped at him. She turned to her grandfather again and did not see the anger in Clark’s eyes. “How are you feeling now, Grandfather?” Barney smiled and patted her hand and assured her that he was just fine. He watched Taylor go and was very proud of his grandchild. If she had known what they were really arguing about, she would not be looking at him quite so kindly. He had received a message from the men he had been spying on while Anneke was asleep. If he didn’t give them the information he’d compiled on them, they would take his granddaughter instead. Agent Taylor had been here to get the files and Barney had refused to hand them over. He was facing jail time if he did not comply, Agent Taylor had warned him. “Grandfather,” Anneke said as she made him more comfortable. “How could they believe that you would do such a horrible thing?” “They say they have evidence, Anneke,” Barney said softly. He put his hand on hers. “Don’t worry, child. Everything works out.” Annie nodded and did not feel at all reassured. There was a knock on the door and a man in a blue suit and carrying a briefcase came into the room. The way the weasel looked at her made her skin crawl. Barney made Annie leave but she hovered outside, worrying about what was happening in there. Then she heard her grandfather’s cry of anger and cracked the door open. “Of course he means it. He wants access to your granddaughter, Mr. Weber,” the man in the suit was saying. “You hand her over and he won’t press charges against you.” “I am not giving him my granddaughter!” Barney snapped at the man. “I will go to jail before I allow such a heinous thing to happen.” “Then you will spend the rest of your life in prison, Mr. Weber,” the man replied. He shut the briefcase and nodded. He turned to see her coming back inside and he could see why his client wanted her. She was the very image of a Boticelli angel. He schooled his features even as he thought he had never seen anything so perfectly beautiful in his life. “Mrs. Owens,” he nodded to her as he shut his briefcase. “Grandfather,” Annie said as she shut the door behind the man and locked it. “You will tell me the truth now. What is going on?” He told her then and she was both proud and very angry at him. “You can’t let them blackmail you into doing something wrong, Grandfather. Of course this information must go to the authorities. You let me worry about staying safe.” “I can’t lose you, too, Anneke!” Barney replied, his eyes misting with tears. “I could go to prison if I knew you were safe.” “But I would be alone then,” Annie shook her head, “and they could do whatever they wanted to me.” She shook her head. “We need to stay together, Grandfather. Tell me where these files are…” He was shaking his head. “Grandfather, you can’t let them frame you for something you did not do!” She looked at him in frustration, her fists clenched. “Vater hat Recht! Sie sind ein störrischer Mann!” “You are not to worry about this, Anneke,” Barney insisted. Barney shook his head and turned away from her and she knew the conversation was over. How could he expect her to accept this decision? She was not going to let her grandfather go to prison! She would find those files and get them to Agent Taylor and he would keep them both safe. That was what the FBI did wasn’t it? They would help them get to General Owens where these men could not touch her grandfather or her. She left the room with the cared the agent had left on the nightstand and went to find a phone to make the call where her grandfather would not hear her. “Mr. Weber,” he said as he slipped into the room. Barney opened his eyes and saw who was standing there. He looked resigned. “You know why I’m here, don’t you?” Barney nodded. “You’re certain she does not know where the information is hidden.” “I would do nothing to endanger Anneke,” Barney assured him. “The files are hidden far too well for anyone to find them without my help.” “I am sorry it had to be this way, Barney,” the man said as he raised the gun. “Don’t worry about Anneke. We will keep an eye on her for you.” He watched Barney close his eyes. “Goodbye, old man.” Annie heard the gunshot from the nurses’ station. She dropped the receiver and ran, knowing that it was her grandfather who was shot. She saw a man moving away from the door dressed all in black and wearing a mask. He entered the stairwell and she saw the predator in his dark blue eyes as the door closed. She entered the room, and stood frozen on the threshold in shock as she saw the blood on his chest. “Grandfather!” she screamed as the darkness rose up and slammed into her mind. Someone pulled her out of the way and she found herself in Pamela’s arms, sobbing. “Why?” she sobbed as Doc Ryan came running. “He was no threat to anyone.” Pamela didn’t say that Annie could very probably have been lying there beside him. Whoever had shot him had just left. Annie felt a lump of ice form in her chest. If she hadn’t gone to make that call, she would have been here and her grandfather would not have been shot! “He is all I have,” Annie said so softly Pamela almost didn’t catch her words. She looked up at the woman in dismay and despair. “Why would anyone hurt my Grandfather? It doesn’t make sense!” Pamela stayed with Annie as more and more people arrived. She refused to leave as the investigators took their shots. Pamela kept an eye on the now silent and statue-like girl as she sat in a chair near the room. She was in shock, the nurse realized. She took off her jacket and wrapped it around the girl and Annie looked up at her with such an expression of loss on her face it was like a physical blow to the soft-hearted woman. Annie was not let into the room while the doctor looked her grandfather over. Barnabas Weber’s condition was grave. Annie started to call her father to let him know that Barney was being taken into surgery and then she burst into tears. Her grandfather was the only family member she had left. There were only three people she could call now and they were all very far away. “Can I get you something, Mrs. Owens?” a volunteer asked as Annie sat in the waiting room with Captain Ryan. She shook her head. “Captain?” “Coffee, black,” Ryan nodded and then ignored the woman. He missed her look of disappointment as he focused on the girl in front of him. She was so composed now it was almost frightening. “Annie?” he said softly and saw her jump. She had forgotten he was here with her. “Do you have anyone at all that we can call for you?” “My godfather or my father and brother-in-law,” Annie said softly. “I came here to be with my grandfather because he is all I have left of my father’s family. My parents never spoke of her family. General Owens agreed with him that it might be better for me to be away from Germany.” He could tell she was worrying about what she should do but she was not voicing that fear. All her concern was for her grandfather now. “He has to make it, Captain. I can’t lose another person I care for.” “Of course he’ll make it,” a deep voice filled with assurance spoke from the doorway. Ryan and Annie both looked up to see the silver-haired Oscar Bayer standing there. He approached Annie and he was the very image of concern. He held his hands out to her and she took them uncertainly. “Your grandfather is a very strong man, Anneke. You have to hold on to that now and not let yourself worry.” He glanced down at her swelling abdomen. “You don’t want to endanger your child.” “I can not help but worry, Uncle,” Annie nodded and bit her lip. “Grandfather is in trouble and now he has been shot! How can I not?” Her grandfather had told her a lot about her mother’s brother and he had not liked him. He said Doctor Bayer was a cold and demanding man. He had also told her not to trust him, despite the fact that he was her uncle. Her mother had refused to speak of him to her and she had always wondered why. Barney said it was because Bayer would promise the world to you with one breath and take it away from you with the next. Ryan brought her his cell phone and she called her godfather. “General Owens, please,” Annie said when the call went through. “Father, it’s Anneke.” She bit her lip to keep the tears from falling. “What?” She smiled briefly. “I’ll be looking for him, sir. Thank you.” She hung up and gave Ryan his phone back. Jeffrey was on his way already. She did not stop to wonder how they had known she needed him. It was enough that they knew and her brother-in-law and closest friend after her beloved husband was coming to her. The two men watched as she went back to the window and looked at the moonlight glistening on the water. Bayer turned to Ryan and his face was stern as he asked the man what was going on. “Do you know what happened, Peter?” Bayer asked Ryan bluntly. Ryan saw his eyes going back to the girl and an expression of pain in his expression. “She looks so much like her mother, it hurts.” “She’s your niece, isn’t she?” Ryan asked. Bayer nodded, and the look on the man’s face warned him away. He changed the subject. “My men are looking into that now,” Ryan replied, guiding the man away so Annie was not disturbed by their conversation. Ryan had forgotten that Anneke’s mother was related to this man. “Barney was shot deliberately, Oscar,” he said once they were out of earshot. “Like an execution.” “Why?” Bayer asked him. “I have never met a more harmless person in my life than Barney Weber. Perhaps his accomplices came back to make certain he remained silent?” He saw Ryan’s expression and he frowned. “You don’t believe he had anything to do with the break in, do you?” “I’m hoping he didn’t, Oscar,” Ryan replied, as he looked over at the silent girl. It was bad enough she was losing her grandfather. To be told he was nothing more than a thief would be more than he thought the girl could handle. “But I’m a cop. We don’t take things at their face value. That’s the way mistakes are made.” “I’d better get back to the Clinic,” Bayer said after a moment of reflection. “Anneke,” he said softly as he went to Annie. “You are welcome to come to my home. You are family.” “I will think about it, Uncle,” Anneke replied. She was polite but not welcoming. So she was a perceptive person, he noted. Anyone who took this man at face value was an idiot. Bayer did not like her answer but he was too much a politician to argue with her. There was something going on here that Ryan did not like. “Mrs. Owens?” the surgeon came out two hours later. Annie turned from the window and the hope on her face was painful. The surgeon was tired and his expression gave nothing away. “Your grandfather came through surgery well. He’s in Recovery now.” He nodded to the surgical nurse. “Miss Roberts will take you to him.” Annie went with the nurse gladly and the surgeon turned to Ryan. “He’s not going to live, Captain. The bullet was too near his heart.” He shook his head. “That poor kid. I understand he was her last living relative.” “Her parents died two months ago in a car accident; Her husband is MIA,” Ryan nodded. “Barney brought her home with him after their estate was settled so she could have some time to think.” He ran his hand through his hair. “She has only her husband’s father and brother and her mother’s brother and daughter as family now.” He frowned as he saw two men in dark suits coming towards him. What was this about? The surgeon excused himself and Ryan faced these people and waited. They had some reason to be here and he knew it was not going to be something this girl should have to face. They whipped out their identification and Ryan was certain. “What does the FBI want with Barney Weber?” he asked as they went into the waiting room for some privacy. “Mr. Weber was our inside man,” Charles Taylor, the lead agent replied. “We have suspected Bayer and Guthrie for some time of illegal activities in that Clinic of theirs. Weber was just about to give us the information he’d been gathering when something happened to change his mind. How is he?” “Dying,” Ryan said bluntly. The agents had the good sense to look sorry. “The bullet was too near his heart. He won’t live much longer.” “The girl is his granddaughter?” the other agent, Nicholas Clark asked. When Ryan nodded, he looked even more worried. “We’re going to have to talk to her.” “I doubt he’d tell her anything,” Ryan said. “She just came over here after her parents died.” Again worry flooded into his mind. What was this girl going to do now? “I don’t think your launching into her now is smart. Let her grieve.” “We wish we had that luxury, Captain,” Taylor replied. “She knows me as an FBI agent already, so Nicholas is going to play a representative of his union; here to offer his services to her while she makes the funeral arrangements.” He saw Ryan’s look of disbelief. “What? Even union reps have been known to put on suits from time to time.” Inside the Recovery Room, Annie held on to her grandfather’s hand and waited for him to wake up. He looked so diminished hooked up to the monitors and far too pale. She could still not believe that someone had gotten into this room and shot him deliberately. She remembered the regret in the shooter’s eyes as he had entered the stairwell. It was not an action he had wanted to take. What was in those files that would make murder the only option? “Sie können nicht sterben, Großvater,” she sobbed as she knew he was leaving her. “Bitte sterben sie nicht. Sie sind aller, den ich gelassen habe.” “Baxter has what you need to stay safe now, Anneke,” Barney said weakly. He raised his hand to her cheek and looked so sad, fresh tears sprang to her eyes. “I wish I did not have to leave you, too, but your father-in-law, General Owens is a good man; he will care for you. I love you, Anneke.” “Don’t leave me then,” Annie replied. “Please…” But he closed his eyes, sighed once, and slipped away from her. “Großvater!” Annie sobbed as a nurse took her aside while the doctor tried to revive him. “Bitte lassen sie mich nicht! Bitte…” She lost consciousness then, unable to deal with the loss of yet another family member. When she woke up she was lying in a bed in a private hospital room. Ryan was seated nearby. He came over as he noted that she was awake and held her as she burst into tears. She was alone now and he was the only familiar person she knew. “I’m so sorry, Annie,” Ryan said softly as he held her tight. “Your grandfather was a good and honest man. I considered him a friend.” He looked up as Clark came to the door. “This is Nicholas Clark,” he introduced the man. “He is a representative of the union that your grandfather belonged to. He is going to help you now.” “Please find out why my Grandfather died, Captain Ryan,” Anneke said softly. Ryan nodded and left her with Clark. “Mr. Clark,” she looked at the tall lean man with the rugged face and deep blue eyes. The compassion in his eyes was like a blow to her heart. He should not have to be here. This should not be happening! “How are you going to help me? Can you make this all go away?” “Of course not, Mrs. Owens,” Clark said calmly. “But I can help you deal with the things you need to deal with now.” He nodded to the chair. “May I sit?” Annie nodded and he took a seat and put his briefcase on his lap. He opened it and pretended to check the information he was already well aware of. “The most immediate things would have been to cancel his credit cards and close his accounts, but he put all of his accounts in joint tenancy so that they would go to you at his death.” He quieted a moment so she could take this in. “You just need to sign the forms and they will be put in your name alone.” “I don’t want his money,” Annie said softly even as she signed the papers he handed to her. “I want my Grandfather!” “I understand,” Clark said to her. She looked at him and realized that he was sincere. “I lost my parents when I was about your age.” He took the documents back. “Since you are not an employee at the Clinic you will need a new place to stay.” “She will stay with me,” Bayer said from the doorway. Annie looked up and frowned. He had stayed out of her life for eighteen years and now he wanted to play uncle. “She is my niece, after all.” “Since when?” Annie snapped at him and saw his cool manner slip for just a brief instant. “I am sorry, Uncle, but I have no desire to spend time with a man who couldn’t even be bothered to come to my parents’ funeral!” Bayer looked about to argue, but he thought better of it. He simply nodded his head at her decision and left the room without another word. Annie had an uneasy feeling that this was not over, but she did not want to deal with it just now. She had too many other, more important, things to think about. “My aunt Molly has an apartment in her boarding house empty,” Clark told her. “She has agreed to let you stay with her until you decide what to do.” “Why would she do that?” Annie asked him. “She doesn’t know me.” “She knew your grandfather,” Clark told her honestly. “She feels she is honoring his memory by helping you out.” He saw the girl tearing up. “My aunt has a very generous spirit.” He took a set of keys out of his pocket and slid them inside her purse in the nightstand. “When Doctor Ryan says you’re ready, I’ll take you to the boarding house.” “You’re doing a lot for me, Mr. Clark,” Annie said softly. “Is that usual for a union rep?” “When I am the union rep,” Clark replied firmly, “it is.” He saw her relax. “Your grandfather did not leave any instructions as to his funeral. Did he ever discuss that with you?” “He always said,” Annie remembered, “that it should be however his heirs wanted it to be since a funeral was for the survivors.” She thought it over. “Something simple,” she decided. “A service in the local Lutheran church and something at the grave side. He liked Bach, so that should be the music.” She saw the door open. “Hi, Doctor Ryan.” She nodded to Clark. “Do you know Mr. Clark?” “We met downstairs,” Doc Ryan nodded. He took the chart off the bed and read the nurse’s report. “Your blood pressure was very high earlier, Annie. That’s why we decided to keep you here. Let’s see how your baby and you are doing after some rest.” He put the clip on her finger and saw the numbers. “Still too high, young lady.” He looked at her seriously. “I am going to write a prescription for you; something to help lower that blood pressure.” “I don’t like drugs, Doctor Ryan,” Annie argued. “Do you need to give them to me?” “We have to do something to get that blood pressure down, Annie,” he told her gently. “It’s not good for the baby or for you to have it so high.” He wrote the note on the chart and called the nurse to tell her to bring the shot. “When you are released, I want you to monitor your blood pressure. I’ll have a unit sent home with you. If it stays normal in a consistent fashion, I will take you off the medication.” He saw her relief and patted her hand. “I know, child. I don’t like drugs either.” The door opened and the nurse came back with the medication. Annie winced as the needle bit into her vein. She leaned back against the pillows and tried to calm herself down. She took a few deep breaths and closed her eyes and did not realize that she had drifted off again. “Mr. Clark,” Doc said as he turned to leave. “Let me have a word with you outside.” The younger man followed him out into the hall and was not surprised when the elder Ryan looked at him harshly. “That child has been through hell the past two months. Don’t make this any harder for her.” “I assure you, Doc…” “Just don’t,” Doc broke in, looking very angry. “By all means help her deal with the details of her Grandfather’s death, but do not tell her the real reason you are helping her. Is that clear?” Clark nodded and watched the man move off. He had thought Captain Ryan was a hard nose, but the father was even worse. He could agree with them, however that letting Annie know her grandfather died because he was spying on his employers was not wise. He went back into the room and took his briefcase to the coffee table near the couch to go over what they had done. “Nein!” Annie moaned in what he realized quickly was a nightmare. “Mutter! Vater! Lassen sie mich nicht! Nehmen Sie mich auch!” “Mrs. Owens…” “Nehmen Sie mich, auch!” Annie sobbed and shook her head back and forth. She sat up suddenly and was reaching out for her parents. “Ich möchte nicht allein sein!” “Mrs. Owens,” Clark touched her arm and she screamed and slapped him. He put his hands on her arms and she broke down. “It’s just a nightmare, Annie,” he said gently as he looked at him in confusion. “You’re safe here. I won’t let anyone hurt you.” “Why did they leave me?” Annie sobbed and leaned against him. “They were supposed to live, too. But they didn’t get out and they left me alone!” “I’m sure they did everything they could to get back to you,” Clark said as he held her close, stroking her back as her sobs quieted gradually. “They would never have left you on purpose. You know that.” She nodded and he made her lie down again. “Do you want me to call the doctor?” “I’m here,” Doc said from where he stood in the doorway. “I’m impressed, Mr. Clark. Not many men know how to handle a hysterical child.” He looked over at Annie. “I wasn’t aware she was having nightmares about her parents’ accident.” He made a notation on the chart and called the nurse. “Mrs. Owens will be staying with us for awhile. Call Doctor Garvey and have her schedule an ultrasound and a fetal checkup.” “No, Doctor Ryan,” Annie’s eyes shot open and she looked at him in alarm. “I don’t want to stay in the hospital.” She tried to get up and Clark made her stay down. “Please let me go,” she begged him. “I’m not going to let anyone hurt you, Mrs. Owens,” Clark assured her and watched her relax slightly. “You know Doc Ryan,” he continued gently. “He would never let anything happen to you, would he?” “No,” Annie said hesitantly. She was crying now as she realized how ridiculous she was being. “I’m sorry, Doc. I didn’t mean it.” “You have every right to be frightened, Annie,” Doc said to her gently. “You’ve gone through a great deal of trauma in the past several months. But I am here to help you, not harm you.” Annie nodded. “So please trust me to know how to help you.” “All right,” Annie nodded, although he could see she was still frightened. “I have someone here who might be able to help you,” Ryan said as he came into the room just then. He was holding a teddy bear under his arm. “Baxter told me he was lonely back at the cottage.” He put the bear in her arms and she clung to it and buried her face in its chest. He looked over at Clark. “Your people were packing up her things when I got there. Very efficient.” “Grandfather’s things, too,” Annie looked at the men and wondered why they balked at that. “I want to go through them myself. There are things among them I would like to keep.” “Of course, Annie,” Ryan nodded. “I’m certain Mr. Clark can make sure that his people bring his things to you.” He saw Clark frown but nod his agreement. “They’ll be there,” Clark nodded. He got to his feet. “I’ll go speak to the pastor at the church for you and see when he can schedule the funeral. Then I’ll go see the funeral director.” “Thank you Mr. Clark,” Annie smiled at him briefly. The nurse brought the sedative and she took the pill without argument. “Thank you for bringing Baxter here, Captain Ryan.” “I brought more,” Ryan smiled at her. He stuck his head out the door and beckoned to someone. A dark-haired, blue-eyed man in a military uniform stepped in the door with a pizza box and a six pack of root beer. “I found this man hanging around the gift shop. I believe you know him?” “Jeffrey!” Annie cried out in joy. “Bruder!” She put the bear aside and threw her arms around the neck of her brother-in-law when he came to her side. “How did you get here so fast?” “One of the perks of being the son of a four star general, liebchen,” Jeffrey Owens smiled briefly. “I am so sorry about your grandfather, Streudel.” “Streudel?” “Anneke has always been a fiend for apple streudel,” Jeffrey explained. “I caught her once when she was four…” She remembered that episode vividly and she was embarrassed he would bring it up now. She knew he was doing it to distract her from her pain and she loved him for it. But the fact that he could talk about it in front of these men made her very uneasy. “Jeffrey!” Annie broke in, blushing madly. “Don’t tell them about that. I was so bad.” “You were four, Anneke,” Jeffrey smiled at her and ruffled her hair. “Lots of four year olds behave badly when they determined to get something they are told they can’t have.” He kissed her on the cheek then and the other two men left them alone for a few minutes. Jeffrey sat down on the bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. He leaned his cheek against the top of her head and just held her as she cried. He knew the instant she began to calm and looked down at her. Annie smiled up at him with gratitude shining in her eyes. “How long are you staying?” “As long as you need me,” Jeffrey told her. “Got room for me?” “Mr. Clark found me an apartment,” Annie told him and got her purse. She handed him the keys. “Tell the landlady you’re my bruder and you’re here for the funeral.” She looked at him fiercely. “I get the best bedroom.” “Of course, Streudel,” Jeffrey nodded as he accepted the keys. He wished he could give her more, but he would give her what he could. “That goes without saying.” He took her hand in his and his expression was serious. “You know you can always count on me, Anneke.” The moment ended and he set the pizza box down on the tray table and opened it. “Your favorite: mushroom, olive, onion, and pepperoni.” “Moop!” Annie laughed as Ryan came back into the room, and he was astounded. This man seemed to have the knack for helping the girl come out of herself. They were invited to join them in the meal and they did so happily. They learned far more about the girl and her parents as Jeffrey talked freely about them. “We received some good news, Annie,” Jeffrey said as he paused a moment. He took her hands in his and there was joy in his eyes. “They found James!” he practically crowed. “Injured, but alive. He was on his way home to Munich as I was leaving.” “Alive?” Annie threw her arms around him and cried for joy. “When can I see him, Jeffrey? How injured is he?” “He needed surgery on his face,” Jeffrey told her bluntly. They never lied to each other. “He won’t look exactly like himself when he has healed. The bastards who held him did a lot of damage trying to make him break.” “I do not care about his face,” Annie replied. Her eyes were shining with joy. “Oh Jeffrey! I have my heart back!” She laid her hand on her abdomen. “Our child will have his father back!” Annie fell asleep with a smile on her face, holding the bear to her breast. Jeffrey went to take his things to the apartment, promising Annie he would be back after he settled in. He was glad he could take at least one worry from her mind. He watched her as she slept and smiled. She was so beautiful, and so full of emotion. He knew the FBI had placed a man on her so getting close to her was going to be a problem if he had to speak to her. He heard his phone ring and he put down his binoculars and pulled out his phone. He remained sitting cross-legged on the hood of his convertible as he answered. “Are you certain that is wise?” he asked the man on the other end. “She is not without guards now.” He listened and nodded. “It’s your call. You are paying the bills.” He hung up and smiled at the order. “Soon, Anneke. You will be going to your new life.” 3 Annie sat in the front pew three days later and listened as the pastor read the eulogy she had written for her grandfather with only half an ear. The Ryan family sat with her and Jeffrey was at her side, his arm around her shoulders, and lending his support. It was all so unreal to her. She still could not fully believe that her Grandfather was gone. Not so soon after her parents had been taken from her. But her husband was home! In a few months, she would be going to him. “That’s life, Streudel,” Jeffrey had told her just that morning. “It is not fair, it just is.” The service was over and Annie was touched when six men from her father’s platoon acted as coffin bearers. They wore their dress uniforms as Jeffrey did and it was like nothing had changed. She fully expected James and her parents to be there for a moment. But they were never going to be with her and she was in tears again. Jeffrey supported her as they followed the coffin out. Annie was completely overwhelmed by the number of people who had come to say goodbye to her grandfather. “He was a good man,” Molly Taylor said as she hugged Annie at the graveside afterwards. Annie had been surprised to learn that Clark’s aunt was the wife of the FBI agent she had met, but she had fallen in love with this woman almost immediately. “We are all going to miss him.” “Thank you, Mrs. Taylor,” Annie said softly, her voice tinged with grief. “It’s been a lot easier to deal with losing him knowing so many people cared about him as much as I did.” The afternoon began to wear on her as the mourners moved to the Country Club for the reception courtesy of her uncle. She listened to all their memories of her grandfather and it eased some of her grief. But nothing would bring him back and she finally had to leave. “Mrs. Owens,” Doctor Guthrie called to her as she and Jeffrey headed towards the exit. Annie turned and tried to be pleasant but she was so tired and her head was throbbing after trying so hard not to break down. “You’re overwhelmed by all of this,” he noted immediately. “I’ll let you go home and call in the morning.” “Thank you, Doctor Guthrie,” Annie smiled at him briefly. “You’re very considerate.” “I liked your grandfather, Mrs. Owens,” Guthrie replied. “I don’t think there was anyone who didn’t.” He held his hand out to her and she placed hers in it. “If you need anything at all, give me a call.” They got to the apartment and Jeffrey got out her medication and made her take a sedative. Then he made certain she laid down and contented himself with reading while she rested. He was the one who answered the phones for her as more of Barney’s friends checked in. When she woke up again, he had dinner waiting for her. “You’re spoiling me, Jeffrey,” Annie smiled at her second closest friend. “You’re my best sister, Streudel,” Jeffrey said as he ruffled her hair. He kissed her on the forehead and then put his arms around her for a moment. “I promised James I would look after you. Feeling better after your nap?” “Yes,” Annie nodded. “It was all just too much to take in at one time.” She looked over at the picture of Barney and her parents. She had taken that picture when he had come for her wedding. “A lot of people really cared about him, Jeffrey.” She took bites of her spaghetti as she talked and smiled. “You remembered!” “Sweet not spicy?” Jeffrey nodded. “Just like you, Streudel.” She blushed and he smiled at her. “Have you given any thought to what you’re going to do once everything quiets down?” “Go to James, of course,” Annie told him firmly. “Grandfather was retiring in two weeks, Jeffrey. He was going to go back to Germany with me.” She trailed off then and the tears were back. “I’ve never been alone like this, Jeffrey. I don’t know if I can do this on my own.” “Of course you can, Streudel,” Jeffrey said as he laid his hand on hers. “You are not a weak person, you are just reeling right now. You’ll learn to cope with this loss and then you’ll be back on your feet again.” His hand moved up to her cheek. “James should be here with you, not me.” “He would be happy to know you’re here, Jeffrey,” Annie smiled at him. “I need time to get my bearings, that’s all.” She felt much better as he told her he understood and agreed with her. “So are you going back to Germany?” “No,” Jeffrey shook his head. “I’ve been transferred to the Pentagon.” “That’s what you’ve always wanted,” Annie smiled at him. “Let me know where you end up living and James and I will come visit you.” “You’d better,” Jeffrey said to her fiercely. “We have a lot to talk about.” He put his arms around her and gave her a quick hug. It was not awkward. They had grown up together. He’d been seven, and James had been ten, when her family had arrived in Germany. From the very first, James and he had considered themselves her protectors and nothing had changed since then. He couldn’t have been happier when his brother and Annie had fallen for each other. She was his sister for real now. “We’ll play tourist until I leave and explore this little burg, okay?” “Sounds good,” Annie nodded. “I haven’t really seen much of the area myself with everything that’s been going on.” “What has been going on, Anneke?” Jeffrey asked her bluntly. “Did you see who hurt him?” “No,” Annie assured him. “Grandfather was at work at the Clinic. Captain Ryan and I went over to see him at dinner time and I found him.” The image of him lying on the floor flashed into her mind and she was shaking again. “Someone shot him while he was in the hospital recovering. He got through surgery all right and I hoped he’d recover.” Jeffrey’s arms were around her as she began to cry. “The surgeon said the bullet did too much damage. Grandfather woke up only long enough to tell me he was sorry he had to leave me alone.” She felt what she considered the irrational anger she held felt at her parents’ deaths. “I feel like he abandoned me, like I felt when my parents died.” “That’s not abnormal, Anneke,” Jeffrey told her. “People go through a lot of emotions when they’re grieving. You know the Major and your Mom would never have left you if they had a choice.” “I’m not a horrible person,” Annie looked up at him sharply, “for being angry at them?” “Of course not, Streudel,” Jeffrey hugged her tight. “You could never be a horrible person.” Annie did the dishes and spent a few hours going through her grandfather’s boxes. She put his books in the shelves in the living room but left the two boxes of files for later. Most of it was household and financial information and she had too much of a headache to go through such things right then. She found his photo albums and saw her great-great-grandparents and great-grandparents and her grandfather. There were photos of her father growing up and ones of her parents as they were dating and married. There was also an album devoted completely to her from the day she had been born to her wedding and on to her graduation ceremony. “I didn’t remember this,” she said softly as she saw the pictures of herself and her cousin, Eliza. There was one of Eliza holding her at the hospital that made her smile. “My mother and her brother were close then,” she noted as she saw the pictures of Monica and Bayer during the week he and his family had spent with her family after she was born. “I wonder what could have happened.” “I heard that he said one too many unkind things about your immigrant father,” Jeffrey said as he came to join her. “According to your mother, Oscar Bayer is something of an elitist.” Remembering the way he’d behaved in the hospital, Annie could believe that of him. But it didn’t seem enough of a reason for a brother and sister to never talk to each other again. She put the matter aside and continued on until she came to the photograph of her and James at the chapel on their wedding day. She was going to have to get used to a whole new face when she joined him again. “I’ll have to start an album for Junior,” Annie smiled briefly as her hand went to her abdomen. “He’ll look like James,” she smiled up at her brother-in-law. He could tell she was mourning the loss of her family. “He’ll never know his grandparents or my grandfather, Jeffrey. They would have adored him.” “They’re only gone,” Jeffrey said as he closed the album and set it aside as Annie sat there with tears falling, “if you forget them.” He pulled her to her feet. “Bedtime for little streudel-heads,” he said as he held out one of the sedatives and a glass of water. “Doctor’s orders.” Annie took the pill and went to her bed, holding the bear to her. Her headache began to ease as the sedative kicked in and she was glad Jeffrey was there to look out for her. She was sound asleep as he went through the files in the other bedroom. He frowned and pulled out his cell phone. “The information is not in his paper files,” he reported to the person on the other end. “Maybe he told his granddaughter where he hid the information. Should I try to get it from her?” He listened to the orders and nodded. “You’re right. She has a reason to look for them now. I’ll be on hand when she finds them.” Jeffrey hung up the phone and went to her bedroom. His brother was a lucky man, he thought as he watched her sleep. He had survived injury and torture knowing this angel was waiting for him to return to her. He knew if he had a woman like Anneke believing in him, he would endure the pangs of hell to get to her side. Not for the first time, he felt the twinge of jealousy hit him. But she would never be more to him than a beloved sister and that was enough. He had his woman. “Captain Lewis, please,” he said in the phone a moment later as the thought of her filled him with a strange longing. They had met when he was running an errand for his father to the Pentagon and it had been instant attraction. “Marcy? It’s Jeff.” He smiled as he heard the warm honey of her voice. “She’s reeling, but refuses to let it break her. Yeah,” he agreed as he looked in on his sleeping sister-in-law, “she is a tough girl.” He closed the door and turned away. “Speaking of tough girls…” 4 Taylor let himself into the apartment across from Annie’s the next morning and settled down next to the man on the monitor screen. They could see Jeffrey moving around setting breakfast on the dining room table. Annie came out a little while later and went into the kitchen. “Sleep well, streudel?” Jeffrey’s voice came over the speaker. “Very well,” Annie smiled at him as she leaned in the doorway to the kitchen. “Whatever Doctor Ryan prescribed for me is working quite well. I don’t think I had any nightmares at all.” She looked at him shyly. “Of course, it didn’t hurt to wake up knowing you were here for me.” “Glad I could help, Streudel,” Jeffrey smiled at her fondly. He went to her and kissed her on the forehead. She smiled up at him and moved to the table with the pitcher of juice. “So what do you want to do today?” “I’m not really feeling up to doing much of anything, Jeffrey,” Annie replied. “You go out if you want to. I think I’ll just read.” She sat down at the dining room table and poured them each a glass of juice. “You could pick up some more chamomile tea when you go out. Can you remember that or should I write it down?” “Are you impugning my memory, Streudel?” Jeffrey asked her. “You have the memory skills of an old man, bruder,” Annie laughed at him. She saw Jeffrey getting on his feet and flexing his fingers. “Oh no you don’t!” she giggled as she got up and backed away from him. “You promised you would never…” He got her in the corner and started to tickle her. “Take that back, Streudel,” Jeffrey demanded as he tickled her mercilessly. “Tell me I’m brilliant!” “Of course you’re brilliant,” Annie sobbed as the laughter overtaxed her body. Jeffrey backed away and she moved. “For an old man!” “I’m only seven years older than you are, Streudel,” Jeffrey laughed as he came at her. She ducked under his arm and ran for her room, closing and locking the door before he could stop her. “Anneke Leisel, you open this door right now!” “No way, Jeffrey Patton,” Annie shot back at him. “I’ve had enough torture for today, thank you.” She was silent for a few moments. “Truce?” “Truce,” Jeffrey replied and turned around. He looked at his watch. “I have to go. Will you be all right here on your own for a couple of hours?” “Hot date, Studley?” Annie teased him as she opened the door and looked at him. Jeffrey was a very handsome young man with a great personality. “I’m not play the field anymore, Anneke,” Jeffrey laughed. “I’ve actually found the woman I want in my life.” He saw her smile of delight as she looked at him and it relieved him. “What’s this paragon of womanhood like, Jeffrey?” Annie smiled up at him. She saw his frown. “You always said you’d only give your heart to a goddess, Bruder.” “She’s as close to a goddess as you are, Annie,” Jeffrey laughed. “Her name is Marcy Lewis. She’s a Captain and…” Annie laughed and he stopped and looked at her. “What?” “You said you’d never fall for a military woman, remember?” “So I’ve changed my mind,” Jeffrey shrugged. “It happens.” He looked at her worriedly. “You shouldn’t stay in here by yourself, streudel…” “I need that tea, Jeffrey,” Annie broke in firmly. “It helps me calm down.” She saw his worry. “If I start to feel lonely, I’ll go downstairs and see if Mrs. Taylor is home.” Jeffrey nodded and kissed her cheek. He left his cell phone number for her and then went downstairs. He stopped in to see the landlady and asked her to keep an ear on Annie. For the next three hours she was quite happy to put things away and move things around. The phone rang as she was fixing herself some lunch and she picked it up. “You look very lovely in that shade of pink, pretty girl,” a man’s voice sounded in her ear. “It makes your skin glow.” Annie’s hand began to tremble as she felt his menace. “If you want to stay safe, you’ll give us your Grandfather’s files.” “His files?” Annie was confused. “What are you talking about?” “The information he hid from us, pretty girl,” the man said coldly. “It’s there in his things somewhere and you are going to bring it to us.” “I don’t know what you want,” Annie whimpered. She jumped as someone knocked on the door and hung up the phone. She went to answer and Clark was standing there. He saw the shock on her face and made her sit down. “A man called. He said my Grandfather hid some information from him and he wanted it back.” She saw Clark dialing the phone. “Who are you calling?” “Captain Ryan,” Taylor told her. “You need to tell him what happened.” He saw the worry and the fear in her eyes and knew there was more to the call than she had told him. “What else did he say to you, Annie?” “He talked like he could see me, Nick,” Annie said to him. “He said I looked lovely in this shade of pink and said I’d only stay safe if I gave him the files.” She looked at him in dismay. “I don’t know what he wants!” She put her hands to her temples as the headache started to build again. “I need an aspirin,” Annie said as she moved away from him. “I’ll be right back.” She went into the bathroom and got out the aspirin bottle. She closed the cabinet and her scream died as a man in a mask put his hand over her mouth. He leaned his cheek against hers as Clark knocked on the door and asked if she was all right. “Tell him you’re fine, pretty girl,” the intruder said to her as he showed her his knife, “or I will kill him.” “I’m fine, Nick,” Annie said. “My head hurts so bad that my hands are shaking. I dropped the aspirin bottle in the sink.” “Very quick,” the man congratulated her. He let Annie go and got into the tub, hiding behind the shower curtain. “Tell the erstwhile man that you don’t need him here. He can go home now.” “Nick,” Annie said as she opened the door a crack. “I’m not feeling very well. I’m going to take a sedative and go to bed.” “Of course, Annie,” Clark nodded. He saw how pale she was and knew something was wrong. “Call me later. We’ll go through the details of the estate together before we meet with your grandfather’s lawyer.” “All right,” Annie nodded. She hoped she’d be alive later. She heard the man leave and leaned against the door with a sob. She heard the shower curtain move aside. “Please don’t hurt me.” “That is up to you, pretty girl,” the man said as he pulled out a pair of cuffs and fastened her wrists behind her back. “You do exactly what I ask of you, and I won’t have any reason to hurt you.” He clamped his hand on her left arm and opened the door. “Show me where his files are.” Annie took him into the second bedroom and she nodded towards the stack of boxes by the desk. He shoved her down on the bed and pulled the handkerchief out of his pocket to gag her with. She watched him as he went through the files one sheet of paper at a time. “What is this?” he exclaimed and shoved the boxes over. “Nothing!” He yanked Annie off the bed and shoved her up against the wall hard enough to daze her. He removed the gag. “Where are they, girl?” “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” Annie whimpered as she felt pain exploding through her head. “I’d show you if I knew what you were looking for.” “Damn!” the man hissed. He shoved her out into the hall and back into her bedroom. “I knew we shouldn’t have shot him without finding out where he hid the files.” He shoved her towards the bed. “That’s too bad. He was told it was the files or you.” “No!” Annie sobbed. “You can’t!” “It was the bargain,” the man laughed as he got her down on the bed. “You can’t give us the files, so your child and you will be our hostages.” He put the gag back in her mouth and reached underneath her t-shirt to undo her bra. He laughed as he saw the terror in her eyes and knew he had found himself a perfect play toy. He was so locked on assaulting her that he did not see the man coming up behind him. Annie passed out at about the same time Clark struck the man over the back of the head with his gun and sent him falling. “Annie,” Clark cried as he patted her cheeks. She opened her eyes and saw him leaning over her and she began to sob. He removed the gag and picked her up in his arms. He set her down in the rocking chair by the fire and got the key for the cuffs. “Nick!” Annie cried as the man came up fast. “No!” She was on her feet and running as the two men struggled for dominance. She heard a man groan and knew one of them had fallen. She ran for the front door and had just managed to get it open when the intruder caught up to her and slammed the door shut. He locked it and put on the chain. “Let me go!” “I’ve gone to far too much trouble,” the man laughed as he hefted her over his shoulder and carried her to her room, “to stop now!” He dumped her on the bed and gagged her and cuffed her wrists again. Then he found a scarf to bind her ankles together. “Stay put, pretty girl, while I deal with your friend.” He kissed her on the forehead and then dragged Clark out of the bedroom. Annie could hear him moving around in the other room and she wondered what he was doing with Clark. It was almost as bad as imagining what he was going to do to her when he came back. She started using her tongue and teeth to work the gag out and then she screamed. “I was going to be nice to you, pretty girl,” the man snarled as he came running. He straddled her struggling body and clamped his hands around her throat. She felt him pulling down her underwear and then heard him unzipping his trousers. “But now I’m going to hurt you.” Annie kept screaming and struggling and she heard him hiss as he knee connected hard. He yanked her up and slammed her into the wall. Annie could feel his fingers tightening on her throat and she willed herself to calm down and breathe shallowly. There was a pounding sound and she thought it was her heart as she began to panic again. But the man suddenly stopped and she realized someone was trying to break down her door. “I’m coming back for you, pretty girl,” he said as he held her to the wall. “And when I do, you are going to wish you had turned over those files.” He slammed her up against the wall one more time and Annie lost consciousness. She came to as she was being carried down the stairs to the waiting ambulance and tried to get up. Her head screamed with pain and she fell back with a whimper. “Don’t worry, Annie,” Captain Ryan’s voice sounded nearby. “Mr. Clark is all right. He said your screams drew the man’s attention before he could be harmed. You probably saved his life, Annie.” Annie nodded and the pain exploded behind her eyes again. She wanted to fall asleep but Ryan kept talking and making her focus on him. She wanted to hurt him by the time they were at the hospital. His father met them in the exam room and his kind smile made her cry. She winced as he flashed the light in front of her eyes. “We should just give you an apartment here, Annie Weber,” he teased as he continued the exam. “The bastard did a number on your head. What did he hit you with?” “The wall,” Annie told him. “Three times, I think. He was trying to make me stop screaming.” “From what I heard you saved a man’s life by screaming,” Doc smiled at her. “You’re a remarkable young woman, Annie.” “I don’t feel remarkable,” Annie said softly. “I hurt.” “We’ll take a few x-rays to make certain he didn’t crack anything,” Doc said as he looked over at the nurse, “and then put her in a private room. Captain Ryan already has two officers standing by. They’ll go with you.” He laid his hand on her shoulder as he looked back down at Annie. “I’ll talk to you later, Annie.” He left the room and the nurse helped her into a wheel chair. Annie was having a hard time keeping her head up and her eyes open. The pain was making her vision blur in and out and this was making her feel ill. The nurse told her to concentrate on taking deep breaths when she noted her expression. They went to the X-ray department and she was put in a machine where she had to lie still. Once the X-ray was taken, she was put in a private room with the two officers standing guard. The nurse stayed with her. “I don’t want to wake up,” Annie snapped irritably the fourth time she was woken up and asked to count fingers. “Leave me alone!” “She always was a crabby kid when she was ill,” Jeffrey’s voice came into the room. “Hey, Streudel!” he smiled as he came over to Annie’s side and gripped her hand in his. He leaned over and kissed her on the forehead. “You should have come with me.” “Did you at least have fun?” Annie asked him, wanting to think about anything but what had nearly happened to her. “It was all right,” Jeffrey shrugged. He looked very serious and Annie wished she could laugh. “Did they catch the bastard who used her as a racquetball?” “He got out before we arrived, Lieutenant,” Ryan spoke up from the doorway. “Do you feel well enough to answer a few questions, Annie?” “I don’t know what kind of help I can be,” Annie said wearily. “He was wearing a mask over his face. All I know is that he was the same man who called me and demanded Grandfather’s files and he had dark blue eyes. He smelled like cherry and tobacco. He was calling me from inside the apartment!” she gasped at the realization. “That’s the only way he could have been there to attack me so soon afterwards.” She turned white. “How did he get inside?” “The investigators are looking into that now, Annie,” Ryan said to her. “You are going to be in the hospital for tonight at least. Norman and Petrie are on the door for the next eight hours. They will be replaced by Owens and Birney.” He smiled at her briefly. “You have your own security force, Annie.” “I’d rather have this man leave me alone,” Annie replied. “He didn’t find what he was looking for,” she told Ryan, “but he said he was coming back and next time he would hurt me bad.” She shivered at the thought of what he had nearly done. “If I hadn’t managed to fight him off he would have raped me.” “What was he looking for, Annie?” Jeffrey asked her from where he sat holding her hand. “He said Grandfather had information,” Annie said to him. She thought it over and shook her head very slightly. “I have no idea what he could have been talking about.” She closed her eyes. “He was so mad when he didn’t find what he was looking for in Grandfather’s boxes. He-he said if he couldn’t have the files, he’d take me.” “That’s enough!” Doc Ryan snapped as he came into the room. “Annie needs rest, not interrogation.” He looked at his son. “You know better, Peter.” He looked at Jeffrey. “Take the lieutenant with you for now, son. He can come back in a few minutes.” Annie leaned back and smiled at the doctor gratefully. She had never felt such pain before and she was tired of it. She did not fight as the nurse came in and put a very mild painkiller in the IV line “We can’t give you more, Annie,” Doc told her, “until we know if you have a concussion or not. We have to be able to wake you up every hour or so.” Annie nodded and then wished she hadn’t. She bit her lip and leaned back to relax. She was stuck in the hospital again because someone had tried to hurt her. She fell asleep as she started to remember what Barney had told her just before she had died. Baxter had what she needed to stay safe, he had told her. Had he hidden the files these people were looking for in the bear? And even if that were true, just whom could she trust enough to hand them over to once she found them? “I want my grandfather,” Annie sighed as she woke up a couple of hours later. “He’d know what to do.” “He made a lot of wrong decisions at the end, Annie.” Annie opened her eyes and saw Agent Taylor standing in the doorway. He came inside and sat down beside the bed. His expression was quite somber and she knew what he wanted to talk to her about. “I know he withheld the transfer of his files,” Taylor said to her as he settled, “because he was told you would be hurt if he turned them over to us.” Annie nodded and he was impressed. “He told you?” “I walked in on a conversation between him and a lawyer,” Annie told the agent. “The man told him point blank that my grandfather should turn over the files or his employer would take me in exchange. He also said my grandfather would find himself in prison if one or the other was not handed over.” “Could you describe this lawyer, Mrs. Owens?” Taylor asked. When she did, he was even more impressed. “You have a fine eye for detail.” “I used to sit in on classes at the base that interested me,” Annie told him. “Search and Rescue, Tracking, or anything having to do with medicine; especially. The teachers told my father I learned faster than most of the soldiers.” She bit her lip to keep from crying again. “My family is dead because of those files, Agent Taylor. He gave me a clue but he said I wouldn’t be safe if I got involved.” “You’re not safe now and you are involved,” Taylor said to her. “Tonight proved that. I don’t have the right to ask you this, Mrs. Owens, but I think you could help us.” Annie’s nod encouraged him to continue. “Your uncle, Doctor Bayer, wants you to go live with him. He is going to ask you if you would like the job as his and Guthrie’s secretary.” “You want me to spy for you?” Annie asked the man. “My grandfather was murdered because he did so. I don’t know anything about being a spy.” “We don’t expect you to do more than keep your eyes and ears open,” Taylor said to her. “If you do see or hear anything that might be of interest to the authorities, we’d like you to share that with us.” He went to the door and Clark walked in. “Nick will be your contact.” “You’re FBI?” Annie choked. She didn’t know whether to be angry at his lying to her or relieved. “I am going to continue playing the union rep,” Clark told her. “Your grandfather’s estate is still in need of work.” “So you will have a reason to stop by at work,” Annie realized. She looked at the man and felt a twinge. “I can’t pretend to have feelings for you that aren’t there, Agent Clark, so don’t ask me to accept you as a suitor,” Annie told him bluntly. “If anyone asks, you are just being a friend. Given my losses, I am in need of a friend or two.” “Very wise distinction,” Taylor nodded. “Then you’ll do it?” “These are the people who were going to frame my grandfather,” Annie replied tightly. “You really need to ask? Let me just run this past my…” The phone rang and she jumped. “Hello?” She nodded to them. “I am feeling better, Uncle,” she said softly. “Thank you for asking.” She closed her eyes a moment and Clark squeezed her hand as he saw the tears. “Yes, I will miss my grandfather a great deal, but at least I know I have my husband back.” “”Your husband is alive?” Taylor asked as she listened to Bayer. Annie nodded and smiled happily as she continued to listen to Bayer relate the job duties. “I have the skills, yes, but I have never worked as a Secretary. You should…” She looked very annoyed. “It is quite kind of you to offer this job to me, Uncle, but it would have to be on a temporary basis. I will be returning to Germany soon to rejoin my husband. Is that acceptable to you?” She nodded. “I will see you for lunch tomorrow then and we will discuss the matter.” “That was well done, Annie,” Taylor smiled at her in congratulations. He saw her angry expression. “Why are you so angry?” “He was so pushy,” Annie told him. “I do not like being pushed.” “Just remind yourself that you’re there to avenge your grandfather,” Clark advised her as he kept hold of her hand. “One of those doctors, maybe both, is involved in something illegal and they murdered your grandfather to keep it secret.” 5 Annie worked a week as her uncle’s and Doctor Guthrie’s secretary and was beginning to think he was not the man they had believed him to be. He was dedicated to his work and he was very single-minded, but he gave no indication of wrongdoing. She had access to all of his files and saw nothing in them that alarmed her. It was Guthrie who had files she was not allowed access to. So far, however, she had refused to move in with him and his daughter. She came into her office one morning with the lab reports she had to type up and saw a man seated in the small waiting area near her desk. There was something about his posture and the arrogant attitude that alerted her. He looked up as she entered and she knew those eyes. Somehow she managed to get herself to her desk and put her purse away. “Did Doctor Bayer or Doctor Guthrie have an appointment with you, sir?” she asked as she unlocked her computer and checked the calendar. “There is nothing on his appointment calendar.” “I am family,” the man replied. He ran his dark blue eyes over her face insolently and she shivered. “You’re new here.” “I started last week,” Annie nodded, steeling herself to stay calm. “My uncle, Doctor Bayer, was kind enough to offer me a job until I am ready to go home.” He kept his eyes examining her. “Did I put my lipstick on crooked or something?” The man actually flinched at her sharp tone and she felt better. “You’re Weber’s granddaughter, aren’t you?” the man replied calmly. “I am Gregory McCarthy.” He got up and held out his hand and she had to shake it. “Doctor Guthrie is my brother-in-law.” “I didn’t know Doctor Guthrie was married,” Annie replied. She had seen no family photos on the man’s desk and he never received personal phone calls. “He’s in the lab right now. Do you want me to call him for you?” “No,” Gregory shook his head. “Let him bury himself in his work. How about going to lunch with me?” “No,” Annie shook her head. There was no way she was going to let herself be alone with this man. “I have plans for lunch.” “Pretty thing like you,” Gregory smiled at her in a way that made her feel naked, “should have a boyfriend or two.” “My personal life is none of your business, Mr. McCarthy,” Annie said stiffly. “But if you must know, I have a husband and he would not approve of me having boyfriends. Did you want to leave a message for Doctor Guthrie?” He shook his head. “Then please leave. I have work to do.” “I’m not giving up you know,” Gregory said as he leaned closer. He smiled as she backed away from him as if she’d been burned. “You will go out with me,” he continued as he ran his fingers along her lips, “or else.” “Gregory!” Guthrie’s cold voice cut through the tension in the air like a knife. “I thank you to keep your hands off of my secretary.” He picked up the messages Annie had left in his in box. “Send my regrets to everyone but the Children’s Hospital benefit, Anneke; but run these other invites past your uncle.” He glared at Gregory. “Come into my office, Gregory.” Annie did not move until the men were gone. She turned her attention to her work and had almost forgotten the man when the door opened. She could feel his eyes on her as she kept her back to him. His low chuckle as he left sent a chill through her and she had to stop for a moment and take some aspirin. “Gregory is not a pleasant man, Anneke,” Guthrie said before she could speak. “If he bothers you again, let me know. I’ll see he doesn’t do it again.” “Thank you, Doctor,” Annie nodded. “He is very sure of himself, isn’t he?” She turned back to her work but Guthrie did not move. She looked at him and caught an expression of interest in his eyes that made her feel very uncomfortable. “Was there something else you wanted, Doctor?” “Your company,” Guthrie said after a moment of silence. “For dinner tonight.” “I have plans tonight, Doctor,” Annie shook her head. She looked at him bluntly. “That won’t jeopardize my position here, will it?” “Of course not, Annie,” Guthrie replied with some regret in his voice. “I am not looking for a relationship, Anneke,” he assured her. “I just thought you might like to do something besides work and worry.” Annie looked regretful but shook her head. “Your husband is a very lucky young man. Have you heard how he is doing?” “He came through the surgery well,” Annie told him, a contented smile on her face. “The General tells me he’s a bit depressed at the realization that he won’t look quite like himself. He always was a bit vain about his good looks.” She was too happy to realize that Guthrie was eyeing her hungrily. “He’ll be out of the bandages in a month and tells me I should give him at least another month before I come back. He wants to get used to his new self before he sees me again.” “So we have you here for two months,” He calmed himself. “I’ll be down in the lab for the rest of the day, so unless my house is burning down take messages.” Annie nodded and went back to work. In two months she would have her husband back! She focused her mind on her tasks and nearly screamed when a shadow crossed her desk. She looked up to see Jeffrey standing there with a single red rose in a vase in his hand. “Jeffrey!” she stammered as she looked at the clock. “I didn’t realize it was so late.” She smiled as he set the vase on her desk. “It’s lovely, but you didn’t need to do that.” “I thought it might brighten your day,” Jeffrey said as he got her jacket. He held it for her as she got her purse. “So how about Clancy’s for lunch?” Annie nodded and they left the Clinic. The moment she was out of the building, the fear left her and she let herself enjoy her time with her brother-in-law. He listened to her as she shared her worries with him and gave good advice. She shared her qualms about waiting so long to go back to James, but he said he agreed with his brother’s reasoning. After everything James had been through, she could give him a little time to adjust, couldn’t she? As they settled down, Nicholas Clark came to join them. “Doctor Guthrie had a visitor earlier,” Annie told him as they ate. “The name he gave me was Gregory McCarthy. He said he was Doctor Guthrie’s brother-in-law.” She took a bite of her lamb stew as she thought over her reactions. “He is the man who broke into my apartment. I’m almost sure of it.” “I’ll have Taylor run his name,” Clark told her. “Write down his description for me,” he said as he took out his notebook and slid a pen over. When she did, he read it over. “You didn’t say how many buttons he had on his jacket, Annie,” he teased her. “If it’s that important,” Annie smiled at him, “it was three.” He laughed and she shook her head at him. Nicholas Clark had become a friend over the past week; she was going to miss him. She froze as a man turned at the bar and she saw Gregory watching them with a dark frown on his face. “That’s him, Nick. Gregory McCarthy.” Her frown deepened. “He’s coming over here.” “I believe we’ve covered everything now, Annie,” Clark said as he became the official rep. “I confirmed this morning that your Grandfather’s finances are all in your name so you have nothing to worry about as far as money is concerned. I took the liberty of getting the plane tickets for you for when you go back to Germany in two months.” “I should hire you as a personal assistant, Nick,” Annie smiled at him. “You have been a great help and a good friend to me.” “I am just glad I could help,” Clark informed her. “I am also glad you found your husband alive.” He felt the man at his shoulder and turned around. “May we help you?” Clark was on his feet and he was taller than the intruder and wider in the shoulder. The menace was quite evident but Gregory was not cowed. He ran his eyes up the man slowly and dismissed him as he turned to smile at Annie. She met his expression coldly. “Mrs. Owens,” he bowed his head slightly. “What a pleasure to run into you again so soon.” “Mr. McCarthy,” Annie said stiffly. “This is my friend, Nicholas Clark; and my brother-in-law, Lieutenant Jeffrey Owens.” She looked at her watch. “It’s time for me to get back to the Clinic.” She looked at Clark and her smile was genuine. “I’ll see you tonight, Nick?” “I wouldn’t miss it, Annie,” Clark nodded. “I’ll get the tab.” “Thank you, Nick,” Annie nodded. She hurried away with Jeffrey and Clark kept Gregory talking until long after she got in her car and drove off. She was beginning to appreciate having such a conscientious friend. She drove Jeffrey to the airport after work and they clung to each other far longer than usual. She knew Jeffrey was worried about what she was doing but she assured him she had plenty of people looking out for her. She watched him go through Security and blew him a kiss. He caught it and put it in his pocket as usual and her heart swelled with joy. She was going to miss him a great deal. She got home later and started to prepare for the meeting with Agent Taylor and his wife downstairs. Having dinner with her landlady was not something that would raise suspicion. She felt so uneasy all of the sudden. Something was happening and she knew she had to take steps to make certain the files were safe. So she took a note downstairs after she hid Baxter in an access panel at the back of her closet and slid it under Molly’s door. She was in the shower when she heard a thud and turned off the water to listen. There was no other noise, so she turned the water back on and did not hear the door opening. A moment later the shower curtain was ripped back and she was yanked out. Her attacker slammed her into the door and she went down. “You belong to us now, pretty girl,” the man hissed in her ear. “Is that clear?” He ran his gloved hand over her shivering body and Annie glared at him. “You will cancel your plans for tonight with Mr. Clark and get dressed in something nice to go to your uncle’s home for dinner.” “You can’t tell me what to do!” Annie protested. He slapped her and she put her hand to her cheek. “You bastard!” “I repeat,” the man hissed as he yanked her closer. “You belong to us. You will do as you are told or you will be punished.” Annie whimpered as his hand moved over her breast. “I would pursue this attraction further but time is short and your uncle and his guests are waiting.” He yanked Annie up onto her feet and held out her robe for her. Annie put it on quickly and found him forcing her to the phone. He made her call Clark and cancel the dinner with Molly. “I’m sorry, Nick,” she said softly. “I forgot I had other plans for tonight. I’ll apologize to Molly tomorrow.” The man hung up for her and forced her to her bedroom. He shoved her into the rocking chair and went to her closet to choose a dress for her. He watched as she dressed and she was shaking with indignation and fear as she got ready. “Annie,” Guthrie smiled as she got into his car later. “You look lovely this evening.” Annie didn’t speak to him and he frowned. “Are you feeling all right, dear? You look very pale.” “A headache,” Annie lied and pulled her aspirin bottle out. She took two and smiled at him reassuringly. “I’m still recovering from the concussion.” “Poor child,” Guthrie replied. He saw her shiver. “I’m not going to force myself on you, dear,” he assured her. “I just wanted the company of a beautiful woman tonight. It’s the anniversary of my wife’s death.” “I’m so sorry, Doctor…” “Walter,” Guthrie broke in as he laid his hand on her knee. “Please call me Walter when we are away from the office.” “Walter,” Annie nodded. Did he know she was here under duress? Had he set this up? She looked over at the man and wished she could trust him. They drove to her uncle’s home in a gated community. Bayer’s housekeeper opened the door and she did not even note the doctor’s guest. She was shivering as they went into the dining room where the table had been set with candles. “Anneke, dear,” Bayer smiled as he came around to pull a chair out for her. “I am so glad you could accept our invitation at such short notice.” He smiled as his daughter came in. “Eliza, here is your cousin come to join us.” Annie saw her cousin and was struck by how alike they were in coloring. But there was a chill to her cousin that reminded her of Bayer. Eliza inclined her head slightly and came over to kiss Anneke on the cheek. There was no warmth in that greeting and Anneke shivered. “We haven’t seen each other since the day you were born, Anneke,” Eliza smiled slightly, “but your mother sent us pictures of you as you grew up. You are very much like her.” She looked at her father. “I have plans tonight, Father, that I can not break. If you will excuse me?” “If you must,” Bayer shrugged. “I am certain Walter and I can entertain Anneke sufficiently in your absence.” They all sat down and the meal began. The food was excellent, but Anneke could not eat much of it. She knew something bad was going to happen. The way Bayer and Guthrie were looking at her was making her nervous as well. The reason for the dinner invitation was brought up after dessert had been served. “It is going to be pleasant to have you around the house, Anneke,” Bayer said as he came over and stood next to her chair. “Almost like having my sister back.” “No,” Annie shook her head and got up to go. He grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to him. “It’s been decided, Anneke,” Bayer told her firmly. “In the morning, a moving van will go to your apartment and pack up all your belongings and put them in storage. You will remain here with your cousin and I and accept Walter’s invitations.” He handed her the wine. “You’re overwhelmed, my dear. Finish your wine and then I will show you to your room.” “No!” Annie protested. She got up to run and he yanked her back. He made her finish the wine before he let her go. She could feel the room spinning around her slowly and knew he had drugged her. “You can’t…” “It’s decided, Anneke dear,” Guthrie said as he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the guest bedroom Bayer led him to. “This is the only place you will be safe.” He left her locked in the room alone. As the sedative took over, Annie struggled to understand how any of this could be happening. She went to the phone to call Clark, but the line was dead. Annie dropped the receiver and collapsed to the floor with a cry of despair. Guthrie came into the room and put her on the bed, covering her with a blanket. He sat next to her and stroked her hair until she was out. Then he remained a while longer admiring her. He looked over his shoulder at Bayer. “She is not going to accept this, Oscar,” he said simply. “There is too much of the fighter in her.” “I am certain we can find ways to convince her this is for the best, Walter,” Bayer shrugged. “She is in a vulnerable state right now. She needs to be with her family.” He looked at Guthrie. “And you are just a good friend who is trying to help draw her out of her grief and remind her there is more to life than loss.” “Her husband will come for her,” Guthrie argued, even as he relished the chance to have this pretty girl at his side. “We should have what we need from her by then,” Bayer shrugged. “If not, then my pretty niece will just have to become a widow.” 6 Molly was getting the mail the next afternoon as a moving van arrived and her blood went cold. She watched the men pack up Annie’s things without a word to her and called her husband. Taylor arrived as the last box was loaded and the van moved away. He followed it to a storage place and the manager told him that the unit had been paid for in cash and was listed under the name Oscar Bayer. He called the man and was informed that Anneke had accepted his invitation to live with him and his daughter until she left for Germany. “Annie has gone to live with her uncle,” he told Clark as he went into the bureau office. “She canceled dinner last night and now her belongings are being taken away to be placed in storage.” “She’ll be at work,” Clark said as he picked up the receiver and dialed. He asked for Annie and was told she had quit. “What a rude woman. She says Annie has quit her job.” “I don’t think any of this was by her own choice,” Taylor frowned. “Her uncle is up to something. Find out what that is.” He saw Clark agreed with him. He saw an envelope on the table and picked it up. “Good girl, Annie Owens,” he smiled as he saw the note she had left him. He went upstairs and looked around the apartment. The teddy bear was hidden behind an access panel in the bedroom closet. He pulled it out and took it to the apartment his team had been set up in. While they all watched, he removed the sweater and saw the buttons. He unbuttoned the chest and reached inside to pull out five CDs. “Jackpot!” he smiled and handed one to the man at the computer. It booted up but the files were all encrypted and password protected. “That’s going to slow us down a bit.” “We’ll get on it, Taylor,” the man assured him. “You find a way to help Mrs. Owens.” 7 Annie was kept locked in the bedroom so she did not know about the phone calls. But Bayer did and he enjoyed the ability to play with the agents’ minds immensely as he acted the role of the concerned uncle. By the time they figured out how to help her, Annie would have accepted this decision. Bayer went to the bedroom and unlocked the door. Annie was standing at the windows looking out over the gardens. She was wearing a silk negligee and her golden hair was a sunlit curtain around her body. She turned and watched him warily as he came into the room. “Anneke, my dear,” he smiled as she remained silent; “you are looking very lovely.” He saw her tears and held his hands out to her. Anneke backed away from him, shaking her head. “You’re insane!” she whimpered as he came towards her slowly. “I want to go home to my husband!” He backed her into the corner and Anneke looked up at him in despair. “Please let me go, Uncle! This is not right!” “Your husband will come here to you, Anneke,” he said as he met her eyes calmly. He stepped back from her. “It’s time for your medication.” “Medication?” Annie finally spoke. She looked at him in shock. “You mean to drug me?” “You are very vulnerable right now,” Bayer said as he got out his bag. “You need to stay calm.” She shook her head and tried to get out of the corner and he pushed her back. “You still think you have a choice, Anneke?” “I am here against my will,” Annie spat at him. “You can’t just kidnap me and tell me what you have decided my life should be. I have a husband waiting for me!” “And now you see why we must drug you,” Bayer smiled at her. He forced her down into a chair at the desk. “Sit still,” he ordered her as she tried to get up. He filled the needle and turned to see her headed for the door. It opened and Ilsa was standing there with a tray. “Help Anneke to sit, Ilsa. She is having another spell.” Ilsa forced Annie back into the chair and held her down as Bayer brought the needle. He gave Annie the shot and watched as she went into a trance-like state. He placed his hand under her chin and raised her eyes to his. “Can you hear me, Anneke?” “Yes,” Annie nodded helplessly as the drug kicked in. “You will stop lying to yourself, darling,” he said to her as he traced her jaw line gently. “You aren’t in any condition to be alone right now. You need me to look after you.” “But I don’t,” Annie shook her head slowly and looked up at him in distress. “You have to let me go!” “No I don’t,” Bayer told her gently. “You are only eighteen, Anneke; a minor by the laws of this state, I am your only relative.” Bayer smiled as he saw her realize what he is saying. “I had my lawyer draw up and file the guardianship papers this morning, so until your husband comes for you or you turn twenty-one, you will stay here with me.” “You can’t do this!” Anneke sobbed and tried to get to her feet. Her legs would not hold her and she collapsed back into the chair with a whimper. “Please, Uncle,” she begged him. “Don’t do this to me.” “’Be a good girl now and do as you’re told,” Bayer said as he turned to Ilsa. “Help Anneke to bed now, Ilsa and see she eats her lunch. I’ll be back in time to see that she gets ready for the Children’s Hospital benefit tonight.” 8 She woke up the next morning and her mind was her own again; at least until they decided to drug her again. She had attended the benefit last night with her uncle and cousin and Doctor Guthrie and allowed herself to enjoy it. Life as his niece could be pleasant if she let herself accept it, but that didn’t matter, she told herself as she slipped out of bed and went to take a shower. She was not staying here. Her uncle could not make her stay with him! She jumped as someone knocked on the door to her room and saw her uncle coming in. “Good morning, Niece,” Bayer smiled as he kissed her on the cheek. “How are you feeling this morning?” “As if you care,” Annie snapped at him. “Of course I care, Anneke,” Bayer frowned at her. “That’s why you’re here with me.” “Is it?” Annie asked him. She could see his surprise. “Something more is going on here, Uncle,” she prodded and saw him squirm. “Tell me the truth!” Bayer met her eyes calmly and she thought he was thinking of answering her. But he shook his head and the moment for truth was over. “We are having lunch with Doctor Guthrie at the Country Club,” Bayer told her. “Ilsa will lay out the outfit you are to wear.” Annie did not respond and he grabbed her hair and yanked her head back. “Did you hear me, Anneke?” “We’re having lunch with Doctor Guthrie,” Annie repeated what he had said. He released her and she glared at him. “I hate you for doing this to me!” “You really don’t care know you feel, Anneke,” Bayer told her bluntly. “That is one of the reasons you are here, so that you can rest until you do know your own mind again.” He brought his hand to her cheek. “I did not bring you here to harm you, Anneke. You are my family and I do what I must.” “You’re a monster!” Annie sobbed as he walked away from her then. She put on her robe and went into the bedroom. She was alone and there was a meal waiting for her. She didn’t bother checking the door; she knew it was locked. She ate the meal and then went to find a book to read while she waited for Ilsa to bring her something to wear. Her clothing, like everything else, was meted out to her only as her uncle believed it was needed. She went to the phone and the line was still dead. She checked and there was no cord connecting it to the wall. She slammed the receiver down and wanted to hurt her uncle and this man for what they had done to her. She heard the door open and looked up to see her cousin Eliza standing in the doorway. “I’m sorry about this, Anneke,” she said as she closed the door and looked at her. “My father told me he was doing this and I couldn’t make him see reason.” “You have to help me, Eliza,” Anneke pleaded with her. “I belong with my husband…” “I wish I could, Anneke,” Eliza broke in, “but there is no getting around my father when his mind is made up.” Her expression was filled with regret. “I am sorry.” “Eliza, please…” But her cousin was already out the door and it was locked again. How could she do this to her? These people were all insane! Anneke beat on the door and begged her to come back, but there was no answer. Anneke went to the couch near the windows and sank down on it to watch the birds flying free. She had to find a way out of this place! 9 Taylor was astounded when Annie arrived at the Country Club on Bayer’s arm. He had come to speak to one of his contacts there and been leaving when they came in. She did not look happy to be there and he knew he had to find a way to get her alone so they could talk. He got close enough to listen as the major domo greeted Bayer and the despair in Anneke’s eyes told him she was being coerced. She saw him and he saw her pleading with him to help her. Bayer pulled her away before he could move. “Oscar. Anneke,” Guthrie beckoned to them as they entered the dining room. He had chosen a table by the windows overlooking the golf course and a bottle of champagne was waiting. “You are looking very lovely today, Anneke,” he smiled warmly as he took in the girl in the violet blue Chanel suit. He kissed her on the cheek. “The rest is doing you some good.” “Doctor Guthrie,” Annie nodded stiffly and took the seat Guthrie pulled out for her. “I thought we had agreed that you would call me Walter, my dear,” Guthrie said to her as he resumed his seat. “I intend to be your closest friend while you are living with your uncle.” “Not by choice!” Annie snapped at him and fell silent. “So, Walter,” Bayer turned to his partner and ignored her. “Have we heard any more from her husband?” “He is healing well,” Guthrie said to his partner as he saw Anneke watching him. “He is taking over Major Weber’s job while he is waiting for Anneke to come home.” Annie looked at her uncle and then him again. “Does she realize that she isn’t going to be going to him?” “I have told her so,” Bayer smiled at Annie who was sitting silent and stiff. “She is too much like her mother and she is resisting my advice. I have every confidence that between us we can make her see reason” “I am looking forward to it.” He took Annie’s hand in his and held on so tight she could not pull free. He kissed her palm and the pulse point at her wrist and she shuddered. “She is just confused,” he smiled as his hand moved to her cheek. His eyes dared her to make a scene. Annie did not dare. She knew he would hurt her if she did. “What would you like for lunch, darling?” “I do not care,” Annie said to him. “I won’t eat it anyway.” “You need to take care of yourself, my little friend,” Guthrie said as he bent over to kiss her on the lips gently. “We don’t want you growing ill.” Annie wished she could tell him how much she didn’t care what he wanted, but she kept her mouth shut and let the man think he was in charge. “I know you’re still overwhelmed by all the changes in your life, my dear. You’ll settle in and then we’ll start planning our wedding.” “Wedding?” She choked. She looked at her uncle and then Guthrie and saw the same calm assurance on their faces. “No!” Annie couldn’t help the sob that rose up in her throat. He let her hand go and she was on her feet and running. Guthrie shook his head and turned to Bayer. She heard him them discussing her ‘fragile emotional state’ and knew they would make her seem insane if he had to in order to keep her under control. She went into the bathroom and washed her face. “Did you see Doctor Bayer’s niece, Glynnis?” a woman was saying to her companion as they walked into the bathroom. “I hear he’s grooming her to be Guthrie’s next wife.” “Let’s hope she lasts longer than his first wife,” Glynnis sniffed. She froze as she saw Annie standing at the sinks. “Mrs. Owens?” She saw how pale the girl was and her heart went out to her. “Come sit down, darling. You look like you’ve lost your best friend.” “That was thoughtless, Glynnis,” Mariel Blake sniffed, as Annie started to cry again. She handed Annie a handkerchief. “The poor girl just lost her grandfather.” She smiled at Annie kindly. “I’m Mariel Blake. My husband is your uncle’s banker.” She nodded at the other woman. “This is Glynnis Carstairs. Her husband is a very successful real estate developer.” Annie was completely disarmed as the usually hard-hearted women cooed over her and tried to make her feel better. She let them, sensing they would use this against her one day but not really caring. It was nice to have someone care how she felt for once. Guthrie and her uncle certainly didn’t. She jumped as someone pounded on the door and Glynnis got up to answer it. “Walter, darling,” she cooed and placed her hand on his chest. “I suppose you’re looking for Oscar’s niece? She’s right here.” “Anneke,” Walter said stiffly as he caught her tear stained face. “Wash your face and come to the table. Your lunch is waiting for you.” Annie did as she was told and his grip on her arm was punishing as he took her back. “You run off like that again, my dear,” he hissed in her ear as he got her seated, “and your uncle will take your mobility away from you. Is that clear?” Annie looked at him in horror. “Anneke, darling,” Bayer’s smile was warm and caring, “eat your lunch. You have an appointment later that you mustn’t be late for.” Annie ate lunch and listened to the two men talking about their work. She had decided that she would play spy while she was their prisoner. Somehow she would find a way to get any information she overheard to Taylor and Clark. If she was going to be a prisoner, she might as well make it mean something. Lunch ended and Guthrie drove her to an obstetrician’s office. They were ushered into an examination room immediately and the woman doctor came in a moment later. “Hello, Anneke,” the woman smiled at her kindly. “It’s so good to meet you.” Annie looked at her in confusion. “I’m Walter’s sister, Gillian.” She looked at Guthrie. “Wait in my office, Walter. I’ll tell you my findings when the exam is over.” Annie relaxed when he left without argument. She undressed and put on the hospital gown and went through the exam while Gillian kept up a running monologue. She winced as the doctor pressed against her bruised body. “I’ll try to be a little more gentle with you.” She continued the exam and then had her dress. “You wait in here, dear. Walter will come get you once I’m through speaking to him.” Guthrie turned as his sister entered the office and the smile on her face told him what he wanted to know. Gillian poured them both a cup of coffee and she settled down behind her desk. “She and her child are both doing quite well, Walter,” Gillian laughed. She raised her cup to him. “There is no reason why she should not be able to give you healthy children.” She looked sad. “Poor little thing. To lose her husband at such a young age.” “They were only married four months when he died,” Guthrie nodded. “Once she has this child, I want to get started on a child of my own as soon as possible.” He finished his coffee and kissed her on the forehead. “I am going to start my courtship in earnest now.” Annie looked up as the door to the examination room opened and a nurse came in to take a blood sample. Guthrie came in as the nurse was leaving and Annie tensed up. He held out his hand and she went with him. They walked down the street to a jewelry store and he took her to one of the display cases, his arms going around her waist, his cheek leaning against hers. “Choose whatever you like, darling,” he said softly. “I wish to apologize for being so inconsiderate this morning. I didn’t mean to hurt you.” He felt her stiffen. He turned her to him and kissed her on the lips. “I want you so badly, my sweet.” “I don’t want you,” Annie snapped at him. “I am married to the only man I want!” “That will change,” Guthrie hissed in her ear. He saw the alarm in her eyes and knew she understood his threat. “Choose something now and let’s go.” Annie chose something because she knew he would not stop badgering her until she did. He put the simple birthstone necklace on her and kissed her again. They left the jewelry store and headed to his car. Clark was standing there, waiting for them. “Nick!” Annie cried out in joy. Guthrie hung onto her arm and she looked up at his angry face. He was going to hurt her if she said or did anything he did not want her to. She tried to pull free. “I want to talk to my friend, Walter. Please let me go.” Guthrie knew he couldn’t make a scene out here on the street. He let her go and she moved off with Clark. He could see she was under duress and he wanted to take her away then and there, but those were not his orders. He slipped a cell phone into her pocket and she nodded. “I wish I could just grab you and run, Annie,” he said softly so only she could here. “But your uncle took all the legal steps to declare you his ward and our hands are tied. Until we get those files decoded, we can’t help you.” “So I’m stuck,” Annie sighed in frustration. She looked over at Guthrie. “He’s making threats against my husband, Nick .He seems to think I’m going to marry him.” “We’ll warn him to be on alert,” Nick assured her. “We need you to find more evidence against them, Annie.” “That will be hard from inside a locked room, Nick,” Annie replied. “They aren’t taking any chances with me.” “Then we’ll have to move quickly,” Clark nodded. He wanted to say so much more but Guthrie joined them and held his hand out to Annie. “I’ll talk to you soon, Annie. If you need me, you know how to contact me.” “It was good to see you again, Nick,” Annie nodded and found herself being pulled away. “Say hello to Molly and Charles for me?” “That is the last time you talk to him, Anneke,” Guthrie snapped as he shoved her into the car. They drove back to Bayer’s house and he took her to the bedroom. He gave her a sedative and left her to sleep, stroking her hair as she drifted off. “She is a remarkably stubborn female, but I think we are getting through to her,” Guthrie said to Bayer as he went to the Clinic later and entered the lab. “She is the type of person who will bend when others she cares for are threatened.” “I’d keep an eye on her, Walter,” Bayer replied. “Anneke is not a stupid girl. If she gets the chance she will run and she will take anything she’s overheard with her.” “Then we shall just have to make certain she doesn’t hear anything useful,” Guthrie replied. “We’ll be able to use the child to keep her chained.” “Let me be the first to congratulate you on your impending wedding, Walter,” Bayer laughed. “Everything seems to be in order then.” “That’s what happens when you don’t leave anything to chance,” Guthrie told him. He looked at the clock. “Anneke should be waking soon. I should see to her.” “Lucky man,” Bayer laughed. “Enjoy your pretty prize.” Guthrie went to the house and entered the bedroom to see that Annie’s eyes were just opening. He removed his clothing and she watched him warily as he approached the bed. She tried to run and he caught her and pulled her back, enjoying her struggles as he forced himself on her. “You bastard!” Annie sobbed as he let her go. “How could you?” “I am merely staking my claim to you, darling,” Guthrie replied, not in the least concerned with how she was feeling. “You raped me!” Annie spat at him. He shrugged and she slapped him across the face and ran. She pulled on her robe and went downstairs to try to open the doors but they would not budge. “The doors are programmed only to open for specific people, Mrs.,” Ilsa told her as she saw the stricken girl. “You are not allowed outside so they will not open for you.” Annie sank down on the bench near the door and looked like a truck had hit her. “You won’t be allowed outside without one of the Doctors or Miss Eliza until you have proven your loyalty.” “He’s thought of everything, hasn’t he?” “The Doctor never leaves nothing to chance,” Ilsa nodded. She set a glass of milk in front of Annie. “You are to drink this, Mrs. Owens,” Ilsa told her. “The Doctor wants you healthy so your baby will be healthy.” Annie crossed her arms and would not touch it. “If you do not drink it from the glass, I have orders to put it in a bottle and feed you like an infant.” “You would not dare!” Annie exclaimed. She met the woman’s cold expression and realized she would. So she picked up the glass and drank the milk as she’d been ordered to. “You put something extra in there,” she said as her taste buds told her the taste was off. “A few drops of vanilla extract,” Ilsa nodded. “I always hated the taste of milk so it’s a habit from my youth I have never been able to break.” She heard Guthrie coming. “Dinner will be ready in twenty minutes.” She went back into the kitchen just as Guthrie came into the dining room. He smiled as he saw Annie drinking the milk. “That’s my good girl,” he said as she finished. He pulled her to her feet and kissed her warmly. She could feel his arousal and she shook her head and tried to push him away. “Don’t fight me, Annie.” “Take your hands off of me, Walter,” Annie hissed and him. He let her go. “If you touch me again, I will kill you!” “You’ll change your mind,” Guthrie laughed. He looked over at Ilsa. “Bring her something nice to wear to dinner. We’ll be alone tonight.” “Yes, Doctor,” Ilsa nodded and moved away. Guthrie took her upstairs and locked her in her room. Ilsa arrived a few minutes later with a very lovely gown and she dressed in silence, struggling to control her reaction to what had happened. Guthrie came to the door and held out his arm, but she refused to touch him. He shrugged and stepped aside so she could precede him. They went into the dining room and ate the meal Ilsa had prepared for them. “Oscar and Eliza are out tonight,” Guthrie informed her. “We have the house to ourselves.” She sat there stiffly. “I’m not going to touch you again, Annie. I just wanted you to understand that you belong to me now.” “I will never belong to you, Walter Guthrie,” Annie spat at him. “No matter how you treat me.” She finished her dinner and rose to her feet. “I am going to my room. You will stay away from me!” 10 Two weeks passed and Annie woke up one morning and felt ill the moment she started moving. Eliza took her to the hospital and Doc Ryan took a blood sample and told them she probably had a touch of the flu. Eliza took Annie back to the house and they went to a room laid out as a nursery. From the pride in her cousin’s eyes, Annie knew Eliza had decorated it. They spent the next couple hours enjoying each other’s company. But it ended when Guthrie joined them. Eliza shot the man a cold look as she left the room. “I am really distressed that you are not feeling well, dear,” he said as he cupped her cheek in his hand. “We shall have to take extra special care of you.” He kissed her then and left her alone. Annie didn’t know whether to be happy or not. He was finally leaving her alone, something she had hoped for since this nightmare had begun. She went to the door to go to her room and it would not open for her. He’d locked her in this room? She tried again and knew the truth. She was as much a prisoner as ever. “Walter!” she begged as she beat on the door. “Let me out of here!” But Guthrie did not come back. She sank down on the bench next to the door and struggled to understand why he would do this to her. She looked around the nursery and the beautifully decorated and completely furnished and equipped room did not make her happy. Any child she had for this man would be as much his property as she was. She had to find a way out of this room and out of this house before she had her baby. Ilsa brought up her lunch and Annie tried to get past her. The woman was much stronger than she was and she forced Annie to sit down and eat. Annie did as she was told and Ilsa returned a half hour later for the dishes. Annie begged her to let her out of the nursery and the woman informed her with a great deal of delight that she was ‘in confinement’ now and this was where she would stay until her baby was born. “You’re to tell me if there is anything I can get for you to make your time in confinement easier to bear,” Ilsa continued. “I will be bringing you meals every four hours.” “This is ridiculous,” Annie cried in dismay. “I can’t get out of the house. Why lock me in the nursery?” “Your uncle is taking no chances, Mrs. Owens,” Ilsa told her. “In your fragile emotional state you could take a tumble down the stairs and cause harm to yourself.” She looked around the room. “You are safe in here.” “I want to see my uncle!” “He will come speak to you later,” Ilsa broke in. “Now calm down and take your nap,” she ordered her. “You have to think of your baby.” Annie watched the woman go and sank down on her knees and sobbed. This was even more of a nightmare than before. She went to the windows and they would not open. The house had central air so there was no need to open windows. There was no way she was going to take this without argument. She was not a piece of furniture to be moved from one room to the other as it suited the man. She was a person and she would be treated like one. She was practically fuming when Guthrie was the one who brought her next meal. He set it down and watched her as she ate. He could tell she was angry at him for locking her up in here and it amused him to see she was capable of such temper. So he decided he would calm her down. He pulled her into his arms and rocked her as she struggled to get away from him. He did not let her go. “We do this for the sake of our child, Annie,” Guthrie said as he held her in his arms. “My first wife died as the result of a fall and our child went with her. I would die if anything happened to you.” He looked into her eyes. “Can you understand now why I asked your uncle to do this?” “I am not having a child with you, Walter,” Annie sobbed. “I am another man’s wife and I am carrying his child!” She could see he was angry but she did not care. “I want out of here!” “No,” he said as he kissed her on the forehead. “I am going on a trip tomorrow, darling. I’ll bring you something special when I come back.” “Walter, please…” “Don’t argue with me, Anneke,” Guthrie sighed. “You know your uncle and I only want what’s best for you.” He frowned as he heard the front doorbell ring. “Who is that at this hour?” He left the room and locked the door. He returned a moment later with Jeffrey. “Here’s someone who wishes to speak to you.” “Jeffrey!” Annie sobbed and threw her arms around him. “Please tell me you’re here to take me out of this place.” “Annie,” Jeffrey wished he could do what she was asking, but he had his orders. He could not break them, even for her. “I just wanted to make certain you were all right. You’re looking better.” “My uncle won’t let me leave, Jeffrey,” Annie told him, eyeing Guthrie coldly. “I don’t want to be here.” “But he’s taking care of you, Annie,” Jeffrey said to her. “You need time to rest after everything you’ve been through.” He put his hand to her cheek and willed her to accept what was happening. He leaned in close and slipped something into her pocket as he whispered. “We’ll get you out of here, Streudel.” “You’re not listening to me, Jeffrey,” Annie sobbed and turned away from him. “You’re as bad as they are!” “Your sister-in-law is still very emotional, Captain Owens,” Guthrie said as he showed Jeffrey out. “I’m sure she’ll settle down eventually.” “Once she sees James,” Jeffrey told him bluntly, “she’ll be fine.” He turned to go and Annie had to remain where she was. Guthrie pulled her back as she suddenly changed her mind and tried to follow Jeffrey out and she screamed and told him to let her go. He slapped her across the face and she glared at him coldly. “I hate you, Walter Guthrie!” Annie sobbed as she tried to pull free of his hold. “You are a bastard!” “You are overwrought, my dear,” Guthrie said gently; “so I will forgive your outburst. Your handsome brother-in-law is alive because you remained here.” “I hate you for what you’re doing to me!” She pulled free and slapped him across the face. “I will find a way to escape from here,” she promised him, “and when I do my uncle and you are going to pay!” Jeffrey drove away from the house and headed into town. He would stop at Clancy’s for a drink or five. That bastard had forced Anneke! He was going to make the man pay for that. He only wished that he could have taken her with him when he left that house. “Feeling sorry for yourself, Army?” “Go away, Fed,” Jeffrey snapped back as Clark sat down next to him. “I take it you went to see Annie,” Clark said as he ordered a whiskey. “Fat lot of good that did her,” Jeffrey replied, playing the role he’d been asked to take. He shook his head and muttered. “I should have grabbed her and made her come with me.” “And get yourself killed?” Clark broke in. Jeffrey looked at him in shock. “She’s not in any danger where she is. Once we get those files decoded we can use what is in them to hang the man.” “Kidnapping and white slavery isn’t enough?” Jeffrey snapped at him. “Did you know Guthrie raped her, Clark?” He saw the other man go white and realized he hadn’t. “How can I sit back and let that stand?” “You have to?” Clark queried. “You hang in there, Army. We’ll get her out of this mess and that bastard will go down for the rest of his life!” He held up his glass. “Another round?” 11 Annie settled into the routine that was set for her. Every four hours during the day Ilsa brought her something to eat. She had vitamins and supplements to take and she did not argue at taking them. Guthrie decided he would take her out of the house. She came out of a dress shop wearing one of the new dresses he’d purchased for her and smiling happily at being outside her prison as Guthrie kept a tight hold on her hand. “Annie?” “Molly!” Annie smiled as she saw Molly coming out of the drug store. “How are you?” She turned to Guthrie and saw him frown. “Nick told me he saw you the other day,” Molly said as she looked Annie over. She was physically healthy, but there was a look in her eyes that Molly noted. Annie did not want to be at her uncle’s home and she was starting to despair. Even more, she did not want to be with the man watching her like a hawk. “We have lunch with your uncle, Anneke,” Guthrie reminded her as he kept his hand on her arm. “Say goodbye to Mrs. Taylor and we’ll be going.” Molly watched the couple move off and frowned as Guthrie acted like a loving friend. But she had seen the slight panic in Annie’s eyes when Guthrie had reminded her of their lunch. The man was keeping her caged. She went home and her husband was there. “I ran into Annie in town.” He was instantly interested. “That man may think he fooled me, but I saw the way she flinched when he touched her. He’s hurt her, Charles!” “We need her there, Molly,” Taylor replied. “There’s not much we can do. Was she in physical distress?” “She appeared to be in excellent health,” Molly told him and watched her husband flinch. “You know if we don’t get her away from him soon he’ll have her completely brain washed, don’t you?” The phone rang and Molly answered it. “Taylor residence,” she sang out and watched her husband smile. “Annie? Darling, don’t cry. Of course we’ll help…” Her smile died as the line went dead. “Annie? Are you there?” She hung up the phone and turned to her husband. “Convinced now we need to get her out?” Annie looked at her captor as he hung up the phone. She had not counted on their being a pay phone in the restaurant bathroom but seeing it she could not resist. She was in trouble and she had to get help. She knew the longer she remained with Guthrie the less capable she would be of leaving him. He grabbed her arm and pulled her out, ignoring the startled looks on the waiter’s face as he was nearly bowled over. “Who did you call, dear?” Guthrie roared as he forced her into the car. She shook her head, refusing to endanger anyone else. He got behind the wheel and drove to the house. He took her to the nursery. “Who did you call?” “The police station,” Annie lied, daring him to call her a liar. Guthrie slapped her and she glared at him. “I hate what you’re doing to me, Walter, and I am tired of it. My uncle and you can’t keep me here like a prisoner! I don’t care what the law says, I am going to my husband now!” “We’ve had this conversation before, Anneke,” Guthrie shook his head. He pulled out his cell phone. “Gillian? It’s your brother.” He looked at Annie as he continued the call. “I’m really worried about Anneke; she’s having violent mood swings. I’m terrified she could hurt herself or someone else when she gets so violent. Could you prescribe a sedative for her that won’t harm her or the baby?” He saw the horror on Annie’s face and he smiled. “Thank you, sister. You’re a treasure.” He hung up and took Annie to the nanny’s bedroom. He tied her wrists to the bedpost behind her and yanked her head back. “You are mine now. You are never going to get away from me.” “I won’t stop trying,” Annie snapped as she tried to pull free. “You will go to prison for what you’ve done to me!” “It’s now on record that you have violent mood swings, Anneke,” Guthrie said to her. “Gillian will have it noted in your medical file as the reason for the sedative she is bringing to you.” He laughed as she shrieked at him. “You brought this on yourself, my love.” He released her and patted her on the head. “I am more than prepared for whatever you try, Anneke. Save us both the heartache and accept your fate.” He found a heavy statue and threw it through her window. “Oh, Anneke! Why would you do such a thing?” “I hate you, Walter Guthrie!” Annie screamed at him. “Get out of here before I hurt you!” “Anneke?” Eliza cried in distress as she came running. “Is something wrong?” “I’m afraid your cousin’s mind has become unhinged, Eliza,” Guthrie said sadly. “It’s all my fault,” he continued mournfully. “I should have realized it was too soon to talk about marriage.” He nodded towards the window. “I had to restrain her when she went after me. Gillian is bringing Anneke a sedative that we’ll have to keep her on for the foreseeable future.” He stroked Annie’s hair as she leaned back and tried not to scream. “I only hope she recovers or we’ll have to put her in a sanitarium.” “NO!” Annie cried out in horror. “Walter, please don’t do this to me!” She looked at her cousin. “Eliza, please help me!” “I’m sorry, Anneke,” Eliza said to her, looking uneasily at Guthrie. “I can’t help you.” She left the room and closed the door behind her. “We have to do what’s best for you, darling,” Guthrie tormented her. “You are suffering from violent mood swings and I’m afraid you’ll hurt someone, even yourself.” He stroked her cheek and his eyes were kind, for Ilsa’s benefit. “Tell me who you called, darling, so I can explain this to them.” “Mrs. Taylor,” Annie sobbed, so terrified of what he would do to keep her under his control she could not think straight. “Please don’t hurt her, Walter.” “Why would I hurt her, Anneke?” Guthrie said as he sat down next to her. His hand moved to cup her chin so that she had to look at him. “You won’t do it again, baby, will you?” “No,” Annie shook her head. She could feel her confidence dying and knew she was close to becoming his helpless victim. “You won’t throw things at me anymore?” Guthrie asked as he made her look at the shattered window. “No,” Annie shook her head, sobbing as if her heart was breaking. “I didn’t…” “I know you didn’t mean to, darling,” Guthrie said to her gently. “You’re just confused right now. All the hormonal changes on top of your grieving; it is too much for you.” He heard a knock on the door and looked up to see his sister. “Here’s Gillian. She’ll give you something to calm you down and then we’ll put you in your room until the window can be fixed.” “I’m calm now,” Annie whimpered as she watched Gillian take out a vial of pills and shake one out. “I don’t need any pills.” She watched Guthrie leave. “Please don’t drug me! I won’t do it again!” “Hush now, Anneke,” Gillian said as she sent Ilsa to get a glass of water. “You’ll work yourself up into another attack. You have to stay calm.” She took the cup of water and put the pill in Annie’s mouth. “Swallow that down now, Anneke. You’ll feel much better once you have.” She helped Annie drink some water and smiled. “That’s a good girl.” Gillian untied her and helped Annie walk to her bedroom. She and Ilsa helped her undress and get into a nightgown. Then she was put to bed and given her meal. Once she had finished eating, she was left to sleep. She heard Gillian and Guthrie speaking as they headed out of the room. “You were right to worry about her, Walter,” Gillian was saying as she drifted off. “The sedative should help keep her calm.” “She’s a lot more fragile than I thought,” Guthrie said with concern in his voice. “I shouldn’t have pushed so fast.” “Don’t worry, brother,” Gillian’s cold voice grew fainter as the door opened. “Your pretty friend will be all right. Once the baby comes…” The door closed and whatever else they said was lost to her. Annie realized that she was lost. They were never going to take their eyes off her now. She had lost her one chance for freedom. Guthrie would convince Molly that ‘Anneke’ was suffering from mood swings and confusion and the older woman would accept his story at face value. It was up to her to get herself out of this mess before the baby was born or she was lost. 12 Annie woke up to the sound of hammering and got up. It was someone knocking on the door She watched from the bed as Ilsa brought her breakfast. She had to catch herself on the nightstand as her body remained weak from the sedative. She went to take a shower and she was still far too tired. She came out to find an outfit lying at the foot of the bed with the necessary underwear. Guthrie was nowhere to be seen. It was Gillian who was waiting for her. “Captain Ryan wants to talk to you about the call you made to Mrs. Taylor.” She saw her expression. “You will let me do all the talking, Anneke.” “Why bother taking me?” Annie snapped at her weakly. She ate her breakfast feeling more and more like a thing instead of her self. “Because the man insisted,” Gillian told her. “Get dressed now. We’re going to be late.” Annie did as she was told and she was exhausted by the time she finished. Gillian helped her out to the car and she leaned back and closed her eyes as Gillian drove to the police station. She was feeling a bit stronger after being out in the fresh air. But it didn’t matter; she was a prisoner no matter where she was now. Her uncle and Guthrie were never going to let her go. “Hello, Annie,” Ryan smiled as he opened the door to his office when he saw them coming. “Please sit down. Doctor, thank you for bringing her in on such short notice.” Gillian was nervous when she saw Doc Ryan and the Taylors sitting there. But she held her tongue and took a seat near Annie, holding her hand as Ryan leaned against his desk and looked at Annie kindly. “It’s been too long, Annie,” he started. “How are you feeling?” “I don’t know anymore,” Annie cried. She pulled her hand out of Gillian’s hold and moved away from her. “Why am I here?” “We don’t mean to distress you, Annie,” Ryan said to her. He looked at the woman next to Annie and disliked her immediately. She was just like her brother he decided, a manipulative and unfeeling monster. He had to do whatever he could to get Annie away from them. He could only hope she would forgive him for what he was about to pull. “You made a call to Molly Taylor yesterday. She was very concerned.” “Anneke is having violent mood swings due to the stress she’s been under,” Gillian spoke up. “I know the medical basis for what she did, Doctor Guthrie,” Ryan snapped at her. “I asked my father to confirm that claim.” Gillian bit her lip on what she wanted to say. He looked at Annie again kindly. “Your uncle is afraid you will hurt yourself or someone else, Annie, if you are not kept on a sedative. Do you agree with that?” “No!” Annie screamed and looked at Gillian. The woman came to her side as Annie burst into tears. “Don’t touch me!” “Why did Doctor Guthrie restrain you?” “Because I told him I didn’t want to stay in that house any more,” Annie said honestly. She looked at Gillian. “He thinks he can convince me to leave my husband for him.” “So you threw a statue at him?” Ryan asked her. Annie could see he was offering her a way out but she was too frightened to take it. “No, I…” “Doctor Guthrie and your cousin told us you did,” Ryan broke in. “You don’t have to be afraid to admit it. You’re not in any trouble.” “But I didn’t!” Annie sobbed and put her head in her hands. “Why won’t anyone believe me?” She saw Gillian’s lips tighten in anger. “I couldn’t have thrown it, Captain Ryan. He restrained me before the statue went out the window.” “Anneke!” Gillian snapped. She looked at Ryan. “You see how confused she is?” She patted Annie on the hand. “Admit you did it, darling. No one is going to think any less of you.” “Leave me alone!” Annie sobbed and backed away from them. “I can’t take any more of this!” Her eyes rolled up into her head and she passed out. Doc picked her up and carried her away as Molly followed. Taylor stepped in front of Gillian as she started to go. “Oh no, Doctor Guthrie,” Ryan said coldly as he went to sit behind his desk. “Agent Taylor and I have some questions for you. You’re not leaving this office until we are satisfied that you were not aware that her uncle and your brother were guilty of false imprisonment.” Annie woke up as she was being put to bed and she looked around the hospital room in confusion. What was she doing here? She had been in the police station talking to Captain Ryan. Molly came over and sat down next to her and her expression of concern made Annie cry again. “You poor darling,” Molly said gently as she patted her hand. “That monster has hurt you badly, hasn’t he?” “He raped me and said I belonged to him, Molly,” Annie said to her. “He said he would kill my husband if I didn’t marry him.” She shook her head. “I have to go to James. I can’t stay here any longer.” “You’re not going anywhere,” Doc said as he came into the room with another doctor, a woman whose looks declared her to be related to Doc Ryan. “Annie,” he said gently, “this is my niece, Doctor Gail Harvey. She’s a very good obstetrician. She’s going to make certain your baby is all right and then we are going to give you something to bring your blood pressure down.” “I want James,” Annie protested as Gail examined her. She looked at Doc and Molly in mounting distress. “Please let me go to my husband.” “Only when we’re certain you’re well enough,” Doc told her kindly. “Now calm down, Annie. We’re here to help you.” “I want to go to my husband,” Annie said softly as she leaned back against the pillows. But they were not listening. They kept her in the hospital for three days while they made certain she and her baby were all right. They let her talk to James and he told her to let them help her. He assured her he was as eager as she was for them to be together again and that he was sending someone to get her. That calmed her down. When the door opened and a tall Hispanic man with thick dark-hair and wise eyes walked in on the fourth day, she was more than ready to go. “Uncle Marty!” Annie cried as he fixed his eyes on her. She burst into tears as he embraced her and held her firmly. “You are coming home with me for a while, Anneke,” he said gruffly. “You need time to straighten out your thinking.” Annie started to argue and he shook his head. “This is not a negotiation, ahijada. Your husband will be joining you there and you will be able to recuperate together.” He waited for Gail to remove the IV and then he helped her into the wheelchair. “She is never going to testify against me,” Guthrie hissed as he turned to glare at Ryan where they stood at the nurses’ station together. He saw Annie’s fear and knew she was nearly his. He couldn’t let them undo his programming now. “What jury is going to believe her? She has proven to be mentally unstable.” “That’s why Annie needs some alone time,” Ryan said to him stiffly. “You took advantage of her at a low point in her life without any thought for her welfare, Doctor Guthrie. Her godfather will keep her for the weeks or months she requires to get her head together and then she will testify against you and confirm that her uncle and you conspired to keep her a prisoner and that you raped her.” His eyes were cold as he looked at the man. “You had no right to do what you did to that girl!” 13 Annie spent two days in bed when she arrived at her godfather’s compound on Isla de la Juventud south of Cuba. She called her husband every day and the sound of his voice calmed her and gave her strength. He would be with her in another two days. Then she called Agent Taylor to ask if they had found her note about the files and assure him that she would testify against Doctor Guthrie. Taylor told her they had finally decoded them and sent them to his superior officer. Taylor also told her that Guthrie and his sister were missing and warned her to expect a visit. Fernando Martinez put his men on full alert, but it was not good enough. Annie woke up late one evening and saw Guthrie standing over her. He bound her wrists and gagged her and then went to lock her door. When he had done this, he hefted her over his shoulder and carried her off the grounds to an old abandoned fort down the hill from the compound. “They’re going to come after you, Walter,” Annie hissed as he brought a meal to her several hours later. He had locked her in a cell in the old dungeon of the fort. “There is nowhere you can go where they won’t be able to find you.” “There is one very special place we can go,” Guthrie laughed. “They will have to come in stealth and face our private army to get to us.” He laid his hand on her abdomen. “Our children will be in college before your friends find you again.” He looked at her coldly. “Ready to surrender now?” “Never!” Annie hissed at him and moved around him to get to the door. Gillian was there to slam the door shut on her. “Bitch!” “Such language,” Gillian looked shocked. “We are going to have to work on that, little sister.” “You don’t like English?” Annie snapped at her. “Then let me tell you how I feel about you in German! Gehen Sie zur Hölle!” Then she crossed her arms and backed into the corner as far from Guthrie as she could get. “What a brat!” Gillian laughed. “Are you certain you want her, Walter?” Her phone rang and she put it in the cradle and put it on speaker. “This is Doctor Guthrie.” “Ah Senorita Doctor!” a melodious voice accented by a Spanish cadence snapped over the line. “You have my ahijada?” “Anneke is where she belongs,” Gillian retorted. “Back off now, Senor Martinez and let her go.” “I do not believe you would be so gullible as to go along with kidnapping, Doctor,” the man replied. “Do you value your profession so little that you would throw it away to help this monster?” “My brother is not the monster here,” Gillian spat back at him. “He wants Anneke and he should have her!” She moved away so that Annie couldn’t hear the rest of the conversation. She looked over at Guthrie, who was eyeing her closely. The look of triumph on his face made her blood boil. “You bastard!” Annie sobbed and launched herself at him. “You actually expect me to abandon my husband for you?” Guthrie pushed her down and raped her, leaving her bruised and dazed. “You are never leaving me again, darling,” Guthrie snarled at her as he yanked her up and shook her. “I will kill you before I let them take you away from me. Do you hear me?” Annie knew he meant it and she whimpered as fear filled her. She was never going to get away from this man alive. She sank back on the cot in the cell and wrapped her arms around her body, shaking. She caught Gillian’s eyes as the woman turned and saw that the other woman was disturbed by Guthrie’s outburst. “I have to get out of here,” she said as she put her arms around her waist. She grabbed one of the blankets folded at the foot of the bed and wrapped it around her shoulders, but it did little to ease the shivers of fear coursing through her. How she fell asleep, she did not know. “Meal time,” Gillian smiled as she brought in a tray later. “You eat up now for your baby’s sake.” “Gillian,” Annie pleaded as the woman got up to go. “You have to help me get away from him. He’s insane!” “He’s just angry right now,” Gillian shook her head. “He loves you, Anneke.” She saw Annie’s look of disbelief. “He just wants to build a life for you and the children you’re going to give him and people are getting in the way of that.” “He has no right to do this to me, Gillian,” Annie snapped at her. “I have a husband and your brother just swooped in and took me away from him!” “Eat your lunch, Anneke,” Gillian frowned at her. How the girl could continue talking about her husband as if he were alive was just a sign that Walter was right. This poor girl was unstable. “You’ll feel better when you’ve eaten.” “I want out of here, Gillian,” Annie snapped as she sent the tray flying. “Don’t you understand that?” Gillian picked up the food and put it on the tray. Annie watched her leave the cell. “You’re as bad as he is!” she sobbed as the woman left her. Guthrie came to her a few moments later and he was very angry. “Leave me alone!” Annie sobbed as he stepped into the cell. “Walter, please let me go!” “You belong with me, Anneke,” Guthrie said as he pushed her down. “You know you do.” “I hate you,” Annie sobbed as she tried to get away from him. “Let me go!” Guthrie forced her out of the cell as she tried to fight. They got in a car and drove to the airfield where a jet was waiting. Guthrie smiled as he saw her strap herself in and he sank down on his knees and put his hand to her cheek. “Don’t be afraid, Anneke,” he smiled at her warmly. “We’re together now and we are going to have a good life together.” His hand moved to her lips and he felt her shiver at his gentle caress. He saw the beginnings of passion firing in her blue eyes. “Tell me how much you want me, my love.” “No,” Annie shook her head. “What you have is a body that responds to your touch.” She looked at him coldly. “You will never have me.” “Is that a challenge I hear, my darling?” Guthrie asked as he leaned close and claimed her lips. “Very well, Anneke. I accept your challenge. I promise you that I will win.” Colonel Martinez arrived too late to help her. He saw the jet taking off and he cursed. He called the General and let him know what had happened, blaming himself for not moving sooner. He called in the call sign of the plane and alerted her family and the federal authorities to the fact that Doctor Walter and Doctor Gillian Guthrie had abducted her. 14 Jeffrey entered the office of the base commander at Leavenworth. He saluted the man with the steel gray eyes and hair and waited until the door closed. Then he smiled and relaxed. Edward Lang held out his hand and then clapped Jeffrey on the back. “So, nephew,” he smiled and stepped back to look him over, “tell me how I can help.” He listened to what was going on and his smiled died. “You have whatever you need,” he told Jeffrey. There was knock on the door and called out. “This is Captain Marcy Lewis. You will coordinate with her.” He looked at the woman. “Lewis, this is Captain Jeffrey Owens.” Jeffrey looked at the long-legged brunette with the cool green eyes and he bit back his smile. She was still easy on the eyes, he thought as he held out his hand and pretended not to know the woman. Her grip was strong and sure and he caught the amusement in her eyes as she dared him to break their pact. “My sister-in-law is being held prisoner at a survivalist camp near here, Captain,” he told her. “I will need help coordinating with the FBI and any men you can spare from here to make a strike and remove her.” She nodded. “She is nine months pregnant, Captain, so the timing in crucial.” “That’s no problem, Captain,” Marcy replied. “Just tell me how many men you need and what type of defenses we are tackling and we’ll be ready to move out in an hour.” Four hours later, Jeffrey lowered the binoculars and looked over at Taylor who was crouched down beside him on the hill overlooking the militia’s compound in Wyoming. He had just seen Anneke after three long months of chasing false clues and he could hardly breathe. Nine months pregnant now, she glowed with health. But he could see the strain of being held prisoner by that bastard was wearing her down and he wanted to hurt Guthrie, as he had never wanted to hurt anyone before. “He isn’t giving her a choice, Owens,” Taylor reminded him as he took the binoculars and trained them where Jeffrey pointed. “The bastard got her at a very low point in her life and he is taking advantage of that weakness to worm his way into her head.” “She doesn’t see it that way, though,” Jeffrey said. “But she’s as close to breaking as I’ve ever seen her.” “We’ll do what we can to help her once we get her out of there,” Taylor assured him. “That is not going to be easy.” He turned to Marcy. “Send out your recon, Captain. We need to move in fast and furious, but not without knowing what we face.” Marcy nodded and signaled to her troops and Taylor smiled as they moved off. “Now that is a woman!” “She’ll do,” Jeffrey nodded. He followed Marcy’s movements until she seemed to vanish into the landscape. She was good, he smiled as he went back to keeping his eye on Annie. Smart, competent, and beautiful. Annie raised her head towards the hills and frowned as she saw the flash of sunlight. She was standing by the garden watching the workers harvest some vegetables for her. Gillian had forbidden her to work now and given her helpers to be her hands. She put her hand to the small of her back and sighed. He was taking no chances with her now that she was almost ready to have her child. He was still trying to beat her down but she refused to resign herself to a life as his permanent prisoner. “Is something wrong, Anneke?” one of the girls asked as she caught Annie’s frown. “You’re not in pain, are you?” “No, Nan,” Annie shook her head. “I just felt as if I was being watched.” She shook her head as she let the hope that her feeling was correct slip away. No one was coming for her. She would have to get out of this place on her own. “Gillian said I might start to imagine things.” She looked over towards the clinic where Gillian worked as the compound doctor. She saw the basket filled with the vegetables she had decided to use for dinner. “Could one of you bring the basket to the kitchen please?” Nan picked up the basket and followed Annie into the kitchen and dining hall building. There were other girls moving around setting the tables for the upcoming meal. The vegetables were going to be steamed and that did not take long. Annie entered the kitchen to see the cook, a tall beefy man named Edwin, pulling the chickens out of the oven. “Set the basket down by the sink, Nan,” Annie told the girl. “You can get the steamer while I wash them off.” “You are going to sit down and put your feet up,” Gillian’s voice sounded behind her, annoyed. Annie turned to see the woman coming into the kitchen. “You missed your nap, Anneke,” she said sternly. “I couldn’t relax,” Annie said. She rubbed her back. “I’ve been having back spasms…” “How long and how often,” Gillian broke in, looking alarmed. “You should have said something sooner, Anneke.” She looked over at Nan. “Go get Walter and have him meet us at the Clinic.” “I’m fine, Gillian,” Annie protested as her sister-in-law took her towards the Clinic. “Oh!” she cried as another spasm hit her hard enough to take the breath from her. “It’s too soon, Gillian!” She cried out in shock as her water broke just before they got to the stairs. Gillian kept her going and Annie had to grab the table in the surgery to keep on her feet as pain rolled through her again. “That hurts!” “Of course it hurts, Anneke,” Gillian shook her head at her. “You’re going into labor.” “It’s too soon,” Annie shook her head and felt the fear strike her. She looked at Gillian. “The baby isn’t due for weeks yet.” She whimpered as another pain struck her bark, hard enough to drive the air from her lungs. “All right,” she frowned as she gasped in the air, “the baby is ready. But I’m not!” “Just relax,” Gillian said as she got Annie to remove her clothes and get on the table. She got Annie a gown and helped her put her legs in the stirrups before she went to fill a needle. “Hopefully this will help you deal with the pain.” “I don’t want to have my baby here!” Annie cried as Guthrie burst into the room. “I want James! My husband should be here!” she screamed as Guthrie came to hold her hand and murmur encouragement to her as the labor progressed. She shook her head and tried to push him away. “Go away! I don’t want you here!” “Calm down, Anneke,” Guthrie said calmly as he got a wet cloth and wiped her face gently. “I’m here to help you.” “Make it stop!” she screamed, as the pains got steadily worse. “It’s killing me!” Gillian gave her another shot and she calmed but remained locked to what was happening. She lost track of time as the labor continued. All she knew was pain and Guthrie’s calm voice encouraging her. She passed out from the pain and he brought her out of it back to the pain and the pressure. And then she screamed as the baby entered the world with a cry of rage. She fell back, empty and exhausted. “You have a son, Anneke.” Walter looked up as someone knocked on the door. The man standing there did not look happy. He kissed Annie on the forehead. “I’ll be back later to help you name him, darling.” Guthrie went with the man and they went outside. He held out the binoculars and Guthrie trained them at the spot the man indicated. They had company and he knew what they were after. He’d been expecting this and he already had the plan in place. “Take the women to the clinic, Morris,” he said as he lowered the binoculars. “I’ll be back.” Anneke was nursing her son when the women filed in as the alarm bell rang. The sounds of gunfire made several of them whimper in fear, but she felt a strange contentment. The rescue had finally come and this time she had a reason to go with them. She stroked her son’s cheek and smiled. Then there was only the yelling. Gillian looked out to see the men being cuffed and herded into a group. “Open up,” a man’s voice demanded as he pounded on the door. “No one is going to hurt you, ladies.” “What do we do?” Nan whimpered as she leaned against Anneke. “They’ll take us away from here! They’ll make us go home!” “No, they won’t,” Anneke soothed her. “You’re not doing anything illegal here.” She looked at Gillian. “Go out and tell them the girls aren’t leaving. This is their home!” Gillian nodded and opened the door. She slipped out and one of the other girls barred it behind her. Gillian saw her brother in cuffs and knew the game was over. It was time to do what Annie had asked her to do and see where that led. “The girls aren’t coming out,” she told the man standing at the foot of the stairs. “This is their home and they won’t leave it.” “They don’t need to leave,” Jeffrey assured her as he stepped forward. “We’re here for Anneke Owens. Have her come out.” He watched Gillian turn and knock on the door. She went inside and returned with Annie who was holding her newborn son to her breast. ”Annie!” “Hello Jeffrey,” Annie smiled and met his eyes calmly. “You’re just in time to meet your nephew, Karl Leonard Owens.” She looked over at Walter and saw the cuffs on his wrists. “You’re arresting Doctor Guthrie?” “There is an outstanding warrant for his arrest, Annie,” Agent Taylor told her, “for conspiracy to commit the murders of Karl and Monica Weber and Barnabas Weber and your kidnapping.” “No,” Annie shook her head and went pale. She looked at Guthrie. “He didn’t kill them,” she whimpered. “He wouldn’t…” She fell silent as he met her disbelief with a mere nod. “Why?” He did not answer her and he did not look sorry either. “Walter? Tell me why!” “To get to you,” Taylor told her. Guthrie glared at her but she was past caring. Marcy looked at her and she could see the girl was breaking. “Your grandfather was told that his family would die if he didn’t turn the files over to them. When Guthrie heard you had survived, he amended the demands…” “He had his lawyer tell my Grandfather,” Annie finished, “that he would either hand over the files or I would be taken from him.” She looked at Guthrie then. “You had him shot because he refused, didn’t you?” Guthrie remained silent but she knew the truth. “You bastard!” she hissed at him and held her child closer. “All this time you have had my families blood on your hands!” She was ill at the thought of those same hands on her body. She sank down to the ground and sobbed as her heart broke. “Sie ruchloser bastard! Sie sollten sterben für, was Sie zu ihnen taten; für, was Sie mich antaten!” “Mrs. Owens,” Marcy crouched down and laid her hand on Annie’s shoulder; “Bedeutet dieses Sie sind bereit, gegen Ihren Ehemann zu bezeugen?” “Er ist nicht mein Ehemann!” Annie snapped as she glared at Walter. “I will testify against him willingly!” “Anneke!” Guthrie growled a warning as he saw his control over her slipping. “You don’t know what you’re saying.” “I know exactly what I am saying,” Annie snapped at him. “For the first time in months, I know my own mind! I am not letting you or anyone else tell me what to do! You are a murderer and I am going to see you pay for it!” Guthrie came at her and he was held back by two of the agents. Annie got to her feet, her face calm and impassive as she turned her back on the man and walked away. Marcy followed her, worried about her state of mind. She caught up to her at the clinic. Annie was sitting on the steps, rocking her child and sobbing. “How could he do that?” Annie asked her as she struggled to hold it together. “My family is all dead because of that man!” “Not all of them, Annie,” Marcy said gently as she nodded to the baby. “You have a new member right there in your arms.” Annie looked at her in gratitude and they sat together and watched as Guthrie and his sister were taken away. The other residents of the compound were let loose, they were not guilty of anything illegal. The authorities had come for Guthrie, not them. Marcy helped Anneke into another car and they drove away from the compound. Jeffrey sat next to her his concern for her and delight in the birth of his nephew cocooning her in peace. “I want the bitch dead,” Guthrie told his lawyer in a low hiss as he was waiting at the arraignment. “She can’t live to testify.” “Consider it done, sir,” the lawyer nodded. He did not tell the doctor that he already had his orders. Guthrie was being cut loose. He would not be alive to stand trial. His superiors had other plans for Anneke and they did not include her death. 16 Annie went to join Marcy in the living room of Marcy’s home in Leavenworth when there was a knock on the door. Marcy got up from the couch and went to see who was there. She opened the door and Jeffrey walked in. Annie let him hug her but she felt empty. The feelings of betrayal and guilt were uppermost in her mind. “It’s okay, Streudel,” he smiled at her kindly. “I understand. You’ve been through a lot and you need to deal with it first.” “You’re too good for me, Jeffrey,” Annie said as she stepped away from him. “You should find someone who can love you as you deserve.” “I have, Anneke,” Jeffrey replied as he kissed her gently. He looked over at Marcy and saw her blush under his regard. “But she understands that my sister needs me to stand by her until she heals.” Annie burst into tears and he pulled her back into his arms. “It’s all right, Annie. I’m here for you now.” “If anything happens to me, Jeffrey,” Annie said softly as she nestled against him, “please make certain my son gets to his father.” “I’m not going to let anything happen to you, Annie,” Jeffrey said fiercely. “Ever!” He jumped as someone pounded on the door and Marcy went to answer. An MP was standing there looking very solemn. “Captain? What’s wrong?” “Captain Owens,” the MP frowned. “I need to take you in for questioning. There is some very troubling evidence leading us to believe that you murdered Walter Guthrie.” “Walter is dead?” Annie choked. She sank down on the couch. “He was shot while he was being transferred from the jail in Sheridan, Wyoming to the airport,” the MP nodded. He looked at Jeffrey. “By someone with highly specialized skills.” “You can’t honestly believe Jeffrey would…” Annie looked at her lifelong friend and went white. “No,” she shook her head and turned to the man. “It’s not true! Jeffrey would never murder anyone!” “I hope you’re right, Annie,” Marcy told her. “But the MP still needs to take him in.” “It’s all right, Streudel,” Jeffrey said after he kissed her and stepped away. “I don’t have any reason to refuse.” “Molly and Taylor are coming, Annie,” Marcy told her. “Guthrie’s sister has been released and she has been overheard making threats against you. The MP will stay here with you until they arrive.” She nodded to Jeffrey and they left the house. They didn’t say anything to each other on the drive to his uncle’s office. Marcy still could not believe that Jeffrey had anything to do with the murder but the evidence was piling up against him fast. “You might want to call a lawyer, Jeffrey,” she said as they walked into the commander’s office. “I’m an innocent man, Captain,” Jeffrey told her. “Why should I worry?” He saw his father waiting and the look on his face told him something was very seriously wrong. There was a JAG officer seated next to him. “It’s that bad?” “It’s that bad,” Owens nodded. “This is Major Arthur Camden. He’s the lead investigator.” “I’ve already been accused?” Jeffrey sank down in a chair and looked at his father. “You know I didn’t do this, sir.” “You went to Bayer’s home, Captain,” Camden said to him, “and got into an argument with Mrs. Owens.” “I did not,” Jeffrey was astounded at the lies. “I was there to see how she was doing.” “Did you strike Mrs. Owens?” “Of course not,” Jeffrey snapped. “I would never hurt Anneke!” He was stunned that anyone would suggest he did. “Just tell me what they have on me so we can fight.” “They found your weapon on a hill overlooking the place Guthrie was shot,” Edward told him. “The only prints on it were yours. They found tire tracks matching the tread on the Jeep you had hired in Sheridan leading away from the area. They also have a note you wrote to Guthrie telling him point blank that he was a dead man for what he had done to Mrs. Owens.” He looked at Jeffrey sternly. “This is what they have.” “My rifle?” Jeffrey was shocked. “Are they certain it was mine?” He looked at his father. “I turned it in to the Armory Sergeant before I left Germany.” He pulled his wallet out. “I have the receipt right here.” He searched for the receipt he knew had been in his wallet and it was missing. “I must have it elsewhere. I never rented a Jeep. I’ve been here. And the note?” Camden nodded to him. “I have absolutely no recollection of writing the bastard. It’s obviously a forgery.” “Very neat, Lieutenant,” Camden replied. “All of these things will be verified, of course.” “We will not fight it,” Owens said as he got up. “Unless you are ready to arrest my son, Major, we will be leaving.” “Go ahead,” Camden nodded. “We’ll be in touch.” Jeffrey left with his father and Marcy and they got in a military sedan. They drove to Marcy’s house and Annie looked relieved to see that her friend was not under arrest for a murder she knew he had not committed. He told her what they had tried to do to frame him and she was angry. “Someone has gone to a lot of trouble to make it look like you are guilty, Jeffrey,” Annie said as she nursed her son. Jeffrey saw his nephew and smiled. He looked just like James’ baby pictures. Annie frowned as she had a very uneasy feeling. “It’s happening again, isn’t it?” “What is, Annie?” Marcy asked. “Walter took my family away and I was left vulnerable,” Annie told him. “Jeffrey and Father and Uncle Marty are the only people left that I could truly count on to protect me and support me and they were in other countries.” “Uncle Marty?” Marcy queried. “I was under the impression that you had no family left, Annie.” “My godfather is Colonel Fernando Martinez of Isla de la Juventud,” Annie told the woman. “He was a very close friend of my father’s.” She hid her smile as she caught the way Jeffrey was looking at Marcy. “He took me away from Walter and tried to help me get my mind back.” “Tell me about your time with Walter Guthrie,” Marcy asked her. “What’s to tell?” Annie shrugged. She smiled as she saw her son’s eyes starting to close and shifted him to her shoulder to burp him. “He sent a man to tell me I had to go my uncle’s house for dinner the night Jeffrey left town. My uncle drugged me at dinner and locked me in a room to keep me from running. I woke up the next morning and was told I was now my uncle’s ward and I would stay with him.” Owens came to sit beside her and she gripped his hand. “Guthrie told me he would have James murdered if I did not agree.” She looked up at Jeffrey with tears in her eyes. “I couldn’t let him hurt my husband.” “What was your life like after that, Anneke?” Marcy asked her. She had her recorder running without Annie’s knowledge. “Walter raped me,” Annie said bluntly. “My uncle kept me locked up in the bedroom so I could not run and the only people I saw besides him was his housekeeper, Ilsa; my cousin, Eliza, and Guthrie and his sister, Gillian. All my awake time was spent primarily with Guthrie with occasional lunches with my uncle.” She had her head in her hands now as the headache started. “He took me out to shop and I saw Mrs. Taylor. Since he was there, I had to lie to her and tell her I was fine. I called her on the phone in the restaurant bathroom later and he caught me.” “It’s all right, Streudel,” Jeffrey said as he rubbed her back. “It will help if you talk about it.” “He was so angry at me,” Annie remembered. “He called his sister and told her the lie about my having ‘violent mood swings’ and how he was frightened I would hurt myself or someone else. He asked her to prescribe a sedative for me. Then he set up the little scene for Eliza’s benefit by throwing the statue out the window and telling her I had done it trying to hurt him.” She looked up and Marcy was struck by how lost she looked. “Captain Ryan called and Gillian had to take me in to his office. He insisted that I was the one who did it and I passed out. I woke up in the hospital and Uncle Marty was there. He insisted that I was going with him.” She looked at Marcy. “I had spoken to James then and I was ready to fight. I went with my godfather.” “I read the report of what happened on Isla de la Juventud,” Marcy nodded. “Guthrie convinced you to leave with him?” “No he didn’t,” Annie looked ashamed of herself. “He abducted me.” She looked at him honestly. “I am not proud of myself, Marcy. I should have been able to fight him…” “The man was a predator, Anneke,” Marcy told her bluntly. “He knew exactly what to do to make you do what he wished. You are not at fault.” “I wish I could believe that, Marcy,” Annie said softly. She smiled and murmured to her son as the baby burped. Then she handed him to his grandfather and Owens looked down at the infant with a doting smile on his face. “I never thought I would have to live in an armed camp to feel safe. I hate what he’s done to my life!” She got up and ran outside and Jeffrey was on her heel. He held her in his arms as she cried and Marcy frowned. The bond between this pair was quite evident. She could see how Jeffrey could be an obvious suspect for the murder. She felt a brief twinge of jealousy before she reminded herself that these two had grown up together. He was her brother in all the ways that truly mattered. “Your son may have to distance himself from Anneke,” Marcy told Owens. “We can’t give anyone anything to use as a weapon against him.” “That is unacceptable,” Owens told her. “We will find out who did this to him, Marcy. I want their hides nailed to the wall.” He watched his son. “They have known each other her entire life, Major. Jeffrey has always seen himself as her brother.” He looked at Marcy and smiled. “I think he’s found the woman he wants in you.” He saw her blush. “I see.” “It’s too soon to tell how this relationship is going, sir,” Marcy told him. “I’m not a big believer in the ‘love at first sight’ theory.” She looked at his watch. “I need to get back to the base. Can I drop you somewhere?” “My son and I will be staying with Anneke if you have the room,” Owens told her. “We are family. There is no impropriety here.” Marcy nodded and left the house. She was just pulling away when a taxi arrived. She watched the tall, elegant brunette enter the house and frowned. The cold expression on her face as she knocked on the door turned Marcy’s blood cold. This had to be Guthrie’s sister, Gillian. “Doctor Guthrie,” Jeffrey frowned as he opened the door. “You’re here to see Annie?” Gillian nodded and she went to the dining room and saw Annie with the baby and the General. She frowned as she realized her chance to get to Annie was hampered for the moment. She knocked on the sliding glass door and Annie turned and saw her. For a moment the girl was a white as a sheet and then she recovered and came inside. “Gillian,” she nodded as she joined the woman. “I wish I could say it was good to see you.” “My brother made a lot of mistakes, Anneke,” Gillian said tightly, “but he did not deserve to be shot down like a mad dog.” “Of course not,” Annie agreed. “Can I get you something to drink?” “I’ll get it myself,” Gillian replied. “You should be resting. You’re not looking at all well.” She looked truly concerned. “Are you eating enough? Getting enough rest?” “You’re not ill?” Jeffrey frowned. He made her sit down and looked at her in concern. “I just had a baby, Jeffrey,” Annie shook her head at him. “I’ll be just fine.” She saw the look on his face. “Let up on me, Jeffrey. I am going to be fine.” “He did care for you, Anneke,” Gillian assured her. Annie looked at her in disbelief. “As much as my brother was capable of caring for anyone but himself. May I get myself something to drink?” “Of course, Gillian,” Annie nodded. “I don’t blame you for anything, you know,” she told the woman as Gillian turned. “He was lying to you.” Gillian nodded and went to the kitchen and got a bottle of wine from the fridge. She brought it and a glass back to the table. She poured out a glass and took a sip then she looked at Jeffrey. “I heard you have been questioned you about his murder, Captain.” Jeffrey nodded. “I don’t believe for a moment that you shot him. You are more the hands-on type. You would have shot him face-to-face at point blank range.” “Gillian!” Annie cried in dismay. “What a horrid thing to say.” “I’m not in the mood to be pleasant, Anneke,” Gillian replied. “My brother is dead.” She took the glass and the bottle and rose to her feet. “If you’ll excuse me, I am going to get drunk.” “That is not a pleasant woman,” Owens said once Gillian was gone. “Anneke you are a saint to have her here under your roof.” “This is Marcy’s roof, Father,” Annie replied. She got to her feet and the room spun around her. She sat back down for a moment. “I’m fine,” she assured them. “Just dizzy from standing up so fast.” She tried again. “I need to eat something.” “I’ll fix dinner,” Jeffrey volunteered. “You sit right there and I’ll bring out some cheese and crackers. And some milk.” Annie did as she was told and enjoyed the sounds of the Owens’ men as they moved around in the kitchen fixing dinner. She felt at peace for the first time in months and smiled down at her son, admiring his perfect features. The Taylors arrived and Molly shooed them out and took over while Taylor put their luggage in the other guest room upstairs. For the next hour they shared a pleasant meal together. Annie went up to the room she’d been given to put the baby in the bassinette Marcy had made Jeffrey pull down from the attic and turned as Jeffrey stepped in. He closed the door and Annie knew what he had to say was serious. “The General and I are staying here at your side,” Jeffrey told her, “until this is settled. Someone has done a good job of framing me, Streudel.” “We both know you’re innocent,” Annie replied. “We’ll go out and celebrate when you are cleared of this false charge.” She hugged him and felt him stiffen. “Are you angry at me, Jeffrey?” She looked up at him and saw him looking at her child. “Why would my baby make you behave like this?” she asked softly. Jeffrey turned to look at her and she knew. “You can’t blame yourself for what happened to me, Jeffrey. Don’t let this change the way things are between us.” “How can it not change things, Streudel?” he asked her bluntly. “I promised my brother I would take care of you and that bastard got to you twice!” He saw her tears. “You may not blame me for that, but I am at fault.” He kissed her and then went to the door. “I need to go, Streudel.” Annie watched him go and felt as if he were abandoning her. How could he leave it like that between them? Was he saying goodbye forever? She could not bear the idea that he would not be there for her. She put it out of her mind for now and looked down at her son, letting the sight of her handsome son remind her of who she belonged with. “How sweet,” Gillian’s cold voice sounded from the door. Annie looked up to see the woman standing there watching her. “You are a perfect model for a Madonna portrait, Anneke.” She closed the door and came towards her on unsteady feet. “I wonder how much your baby will love you when he learns it’s your fault my brother is dead.” “How can you say such a thing, Gillian,” Annie choked. “I was the victim in that situation…” “And someone used that as their motive for murder,” Gillian broke in. She pulled something out of her pocket and held it up for Annie to read. She saw her go white and nodded. “This man wanted you for himself and he set it up so that Walter would be arrested and on that road where he could be shot.” She yanked Annie close and her eyes were filled with rage as she shook her. “You know who it is, Anneke! Tell me who murdered my brother!” “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Gillian,” Annie protested. Gillian slapped her across the face. “How could I know?” “Don’t play the innocent with me, Annie,” Gillian hissed. “You set him up, didn’t you? You and your secret lover!” “You’re insane!” Annie exclaimed. “Your brother imprisoned and abused me, Gillian…” “Liar!” Gillian screamed and slammed Annie up against the wall. “I’m going to find out the truth, you little bitch, and when I do you are going to prison where you belong!” She held up the letter. “This is going to the authorities and they are going to have some very interesting questions for you!” “Annie?” Taylor asked as he came running into the room. “Are you all right?” “There’s an authority for you, Gillian,” Annie sobbed as she turned away from the woman. “Give him the letter you say my ‘lover’ sent to your brother.” Gillian handed the letter to Taylor and he read it. He looked at the two women and he understood what was going on. He didn’t like what this letter was insinuating but he didn’t believe it for a moment. He put it in his pocket. “I’ll call Major Camden,” Taylor said stiffly. “He’ll want to see this and hear how it came to be in your possession, Doctor Guthrie.” “I’ll be at my motel,” Gillian nodded. She swept out of the room and smiled as Annie burst into tears. Annie looked at Taylor as if trying to gauge his thoughts. Did he actually believe what that letter was saying about her? She could see people who didn’t know her taking it at face value, but this man had been close to her before she’d been forced to become Guthrie’s ‘wife’. “It looks bad,” Taylor told her honestly, “but anyone who knows you wouldn’t believe this for a moment.” He could see her wanting to believe him but not certain she should. “I could lose this letter, Annie…” “No,” Annie broke in, shaking her head. “Not if it could lead to the identity of the murderer, Charles.” She sank down on the rocking chair. “I only wish I knew who it could be. I have a suspicion.” Taylor nodded and sat down on the bench by the door. “Gregory McCarthy,” she told him; “the man who broke into the apartment.” He hated seeing that lost look on her face again. “Why can’t this nightmare end?” 17 Major Camden looked at her pale face and hated what was being done to this young woman. But he could not ignore the letter that Gillian had found and they both knew it. He listened to her refute every claim in the letter as calmly as she could, but he could see that it was wearing her down. He could just hear what the prison psychiatrist would say about her when he talked to her next. “How could I have a lover, Major?” Annie asked him, her eyes large with distress. “My uncle and Guthrie kept me locked up like a prisoner. I only saw the outdoors if someone was at my side.” “I hate to ask you these questions, Mrs. Owens,” Camden told her honestly, “but you understand why I have to?” “Someone shot my kidnapper,” Annie nodded, “claiming his love for me as his motivation.” She looked at him. “If I knew who this man was, I would tell you, Major.” She told him who she suspected and why. When she was done, her head was aching and she felt dizzy. “I need to eat something, please.” “I’ll have an officer bring you something,” Camden replied. He went to the door and knocked on it. The door opened and an officer was there. “Get Mrs. Owens something to eat, Captain Petrie.” The door closed and he turned back to see her in tears. “I wouldn’t put you through this if it weren’t necessary.” “I want the man caught as much as you do, Major,” Annie whimpered. She looked up as the door opened and Petrie brought in a sandwich and a can of soda. “Thank you, Lieutenant Petrie.” “No problem, kid,” Petrie nodded. He shot Camden a dark look and left. “I take it interrogating me was not a popular decision?” Annie smiled briefly. “I’m sorry, Major. I don’t like causing trouble for people.” She took a few bites from her sandwich and turned green. “Bathroom,” she gasped and Camden knocked on the door. A female officer took her to the bathroom. “Someone is playing that girl,” the psychiatrist said when he went to the other room. “She is completely in the dark.” She saw Annie come back. “She just had a baby, didn’t she?” “Three days ago,” Camden told the woman. “The stress she’s under is not good for her.” He looked at her pointedly. “So we’re in agreement?” “Whoever shot Guthrie is insane and obviously obsessed with this girl,” the woman nodded. “Mrs. Owens can not be held responsible for the actions of a mad man. I’d make certain you have people keeping an eye on her from now on. He might make an attempt to get to her.” Camden nodded and saw the woman writing her report with this information clearly stated. He went into the next room and told Annie he would drive her home. She was cleared of any duplicity in the murder of Guthrie, he informed her. He caught her as she passed out and drove her to the hospital. “You should never have had to go through all that drama, Annie,” General Owens said as he sat next to her bed later and stroked her hand. “You get some rest now, child. I’ll be back later to check on you.” “Thank you, Father,” Annie said, her voice heavy with pain and weariness. She let go then and the sedative took over. “Don’t take your eyes off of her,” Owens told the officers outside the room. “There’s a lunatic out there who thinks Annie is his woman and he is going to come for her. That is a certainty. The doctor and nurses are the only people allowed in there besides myself and my son.” He stood outside the room and watched his angel sleeping. She looked so pale there on the bed and so lost. He had destroyed the man who had done that to her. He would help her see that he had no choice when they were together. For now, he would wait and bide his time. The JAG officer had seen through the letter the Guthrie bitch had forged and he was glad of it. As if he would write a letter warning his prey that he was coming. As if he would tar his beloved angel in such a vile manner. The Guthrie woman would learn of his displeasure at her actions soon. 18 Gillian was getting ready to leave the motel for an apartment she had found in town. She was staying until the murder investigation was concluded to insure that the murderer did not get away. She was convinced that Jeffrey was guilty and she was not going to let him get away with murdering her brother. There was a knock on the door and she assumed it was the taxi she had called. She opened the door to see a man in a ski mask standing there. He slugged her across the jaw and she blacked out. “You lied about my angel,” the man said as he dumped her on the bed. “That was wrong of you, Gillian,” he said coldly. He straddled her as she tried to get up and slapped her across the face. “Be a good girl and stay where I put you.” “What do you want from me?” Gillian asked him, trying to still the fear in her heart. “You have lied, Gillian,” the man said calmly, “and you must be punished for that.” He pulled out a knife and grabbed her tongue. “Should I cut out your tongue?” He saw the terror spring to life in her eyes and he smiled. “Not so high and mighty now, are you, Gillian?” He ran the dull side of the knife along her jaw line. “My angel would forgive you, she might even feel sorry for you, but I am not an angel.” He pulled a pair of handcuffs out of his coat pocket and fastened her the overhead lamp embedded in the wall. Then he gagged her and bound her ankles together. Gillian watched as he went to the phone and made a call. “Annie, darling,” he said in a singsong voice. “I have the bitch who tried to frame you as my guest. I would punish her as my gift to you.” He smiled as he heard her thoughts on this. “I knew you would be forgiving, my angel. But she must pay for her slander.” He was nodding as Annie talked to him. He loved the sound of her voice, like golden bells on a summer wind. “If you come to me, my angel, I will let her go.” He was beaming then. “I will be waiting for you at the Royal Inn on Route 30, Room 117. Don’t tell anyone, beloved, or this woman will die.” He hung up and looked at Gillian. “You heard how my angel forgives you, woman. But I do not!” He ripped her blouse open and carved the word ‘Liar’ onto her abdomen with his knife as Gillian screamed in pain. He drew a very shallow line across her throat and then put the knife away. The terror in her eyes was like a drug to him and he drank it in eagerly. He raped her then to make certain she understood that he was in charge and she would only live if he wished it so. “If you do not turn yourself into the police by the end of the day,” he said as he leaned over her lips, “I will come after you again. I will cut your throat and rip out that lying tongue. Is that understood, my dear?” Gillian nodded and he freed her from the handcuffs and left her in the room. He was feeling very happy as he drove towards the base Hospital. He saw Annie coming out the front on the arm of a handsome man in military uniform. The joy on her face cut him deeply. Her husband! He had finally arrived and he was in the way. He followed them as they got into a taxi and went to the house. He could wait to be with his angel. “Annie darling,” James Owens smiled warmly as he took her in his arms and kissed her. “I’ve missed you.” “Where have you been, James,” Annie sobbed. “Why didn’t you contact me?” “I couldn’t, sweetheart,” James told her truthfully. “You know about the explosion, right?” Annie nodded. “I was out cold and buried under rubble. When I came to it was to find myself in a prison cell.” He was shivering as he recalled those months. “They tortured me, Annie, and demanded I admit that I was a mass-murderer and terrorist.” He sighed as she came closer, her hand moving to his face. “I was seriously injured. I had to have plastic surgery.” He looked worried. “You don’t mind the new face, do you?” “I’ve missed you, Idiot!” Annie sobbed and threw her arms around her long-lost husband. “You think the fact that your face is altered makes any difference to me?” She had feared he was gone and hoped he would come home. And now here he was, with a slightly different face but the same love in his eyes. He continued telling her what he had gone through to get back to her and she grieved with him. Then they lay down and held each other and allowed themselves to find peace again. 19 Jeffrey was nearly finished dressing when there was a knock on the door to the quarters he was sharing with his father. He opened it and Camden was standing there. The man did not look happy about something and Jeffrey knew there was trouble. “Doctor Gillian Guthrie was abducted, raped and mutilated last night, Lieutenant,” Camden told him. “She says you were responsible.” “That’s ridiculous!” Jeffrey replied. “Why would she make such a claim?” “The man punished her for planting that letter claiming Anneke knew the man who murdered Guthrie. He had a tattoo on his forearm,” Camden continued as he looked as Jeffrey’s arm and saw the tattoo on his right forearm. The woman had said her attacker’s tattoo was on the left arm. “An eagle carrying the American flag.” Jeffrey paled. “Someone is doing an excellent job of framing you, Lieutenant. If we don’t start finding ways to refute the evidence, you could find yourself serving time for crimes you did not commit.” “The tattoo is specific to our unit, Major,” Jeffrey told him. “Twelve of us went down but two were left behind.” “I’ll need the names of all…” Camden started and watched Jeffrey go to the desk in his room. He came out with a picture. “Very good, Lieutenant,” he nodded as he turned it over and saw the names of every pictured. Next to the ones who had died was written the date they had died and the manner of their death. “Would any of these men have a reason to want to hurt you or Anneke?” “I would have said no originally,” Jeffrey told him honestly, “but war changes people and makes minor grievances seem like major offenses.” He pointed to two of the men in the picture. “Cartwright, McManus and Higgins all had their eye on Anneke. They were a bit put out when she chose my brother but I always saw their comments as jests.” “I’ll look into it,” Camden nodded and took the picture with him. “We can’t afford to ignore any lead, no matter how minor.” Jeffrey didn’t like to think that someone he had considered a friend, a brother-in-arms, could possibly hate him or Anneke so much that he would frame Jeffrey for murder and abduct Anneke. Did they think she would want them by behaving as Guthrie had? They didn’t know Anneke very well. He went to get his shirt and put it on. He had just finished knotting his tie when his father came in. “The man who abducted Doctor Guthrie got the tattoo on the wrong arm,” Camden informed the general. “That leads me to believe someone saw the tattoos in a photograph and made an incorrect assumption as to which arm it was on.” “The tattoos were put on the dominant hand side,” Jeffrey told them. “There were four of us who got the tattoos on the left arm: Cartwright, Higgins, McManus, and Preston.” He hissed. “Preston was the officer on duty at the Armory when I turned in my rifle, sir. He was also one of the men who Anneke insisted was at the river when her parents’ car went under.” He shook his head. “He insisted he hadn’t been anywhere near the river and Anneke had to be so overcome by grief she had hallucinated them being there.” “I want those men brought here immediately, Major,” Owens snapped. “Something is going on here I do not like and I want it dealt with as expeditiously as possible.” “Yes, sir,” Camden snapped to attention. 20 “Good morning, darling!” Annie opened her eyes and saw James coming into the room with a tray in his hands. He set it down on the table in the alcove to the left of the fireplace and went to his wife. Their good morning kiss became something far more involved. He pulled out the chair at the table and she sat down and his hand caressed her shoulder as he sat down next to her. “I hope you like it,” James said to her. “My memory comes and goes and I didn’t remember what you liked, Annie, so I made something simple.” He lifted the cover and she saw scrambled eggs with bacon cut in, wheat toast, orange juice, and milk. Annie smiled at him briefly and ate the meal he had prepared for her. James shared the news of the murder investigation with her and she agreed with the anger in his voice as he spoke of how it looked like Jeffrey was going to be arrested quite soon for the act. Annie shook her head and put down her fork. She jumped as James put his hand over hers. “I know how much you admire him, Annie,” James said gently, “but you never know how far a man will go when he is trying to protect someone he cares for. We both know Jeffrey loves you.” “Like a brother, James,” Annie shook her head as she saw the uneasiness in the man’s eyes. “I think he and Captain Lewis are going to be forming a unit of their own someday soon. “Neither of us is good enough for you, Annie,” James said to her as he crouched down next to her and met her eyes. “I should have been there for you when your family died.” He kissed her. “I want to go find out firsthand what is going on with Jeffrey.” “Don’t be too long, James,” Annie smiled at him gently. “I’m jealous of our time together.” She dozed off and came awake with a start as she began to choke when she shifted position in her sleep. She could hear him coming up the stairs, but he didn’t come in at once and she wondered what he was doing. She heard a thud and watched as storm shutters went down to cover all the windows. Then he came in carrying a vase of pink roses and baby’s breath, and a dress box. He set these on the table and went out. He came back with a tray. He picked Karl Leonard up as the baby started to whimper and brought him over to her. “Someone is hungry,” he smiled as he handed the baby over to Annie so she could nurse him. “He’s always hungry,” Annie smiled down at her son. “Our son has a very healthy appetite.” “I’m sorry I’m late, darling,” he smiled as he kissed her warmly. He helped her over to the table. “See what I bought for you, Annie.” He opened the box and Annie saw a midnight blue dress with a starburst of rhinestones along the neckline. It had spaghetti straps and a plunging back. He held it up to her and nodded. “I missed Christmas and your birthday, Annie,” he beamed as he took one of the roses and kissed it before running it along her lips. “Eat your lunch now, darling.” She finished nursing their son and then ate her lunch. He took Karl and burped him, then put him in the bassinette. When he turned he saw the look on her face. “You’re trying to figure out who is behind the frame, aren’t you?” Annie nodded and he smiled. “If you boiled it down to one of the Four Musketeers, you’re on.” He came to stand behind her and ran his hands along her arms as he leaned his cheek against hers. “But we can’t get involved in this any further, Annie. It isn’t safe for our son or for you.” He went to turn on the radio to an oldies station and he pulled her into his arms. They danced and it was as if all the months they were separated from each other had never happened. It was like it had been when they were dating and had married. She felt the bed hit the back of her legs and he lowered the straps on her nightgown and it slid down her body leaving her exposed to his view. He drew in a breath and his eyes warmed as he pushed her down on the mattress. He held her arms above her head and laid on top of her so he could suckle her breasts. “I know Guthrie hurt you, Annie,” he said softly as he caressed her gently. “If I had been around, I would have shot the bastard myself.” She looked at him in shock. His hand moved to her breast to caress and stroke and she could feel her body responding. “He was a brutal man, Annie. I promise that I will do everything I can to help you forget what he did to you.” “You’re doing that,” Annie sighed as she met his eyes, “just by being here.” 21 Jeffrey was in the viewing room as one after another the other three members of the squad he had named were brought in for questioning. The first man was Cartwright. He was still lean and wiry and his arrogance had increased with the years instead of decreased. Jeffrey had not liked the man five years ago; now he despised him. “How long have you known Anneke Weber Owens and Captain Jeffrey Owens,” Camden asked the first question. “I was transferred to Munich five years ago,” Cartwright said honestly. “ Anneke was just fourteen at the time, James Owens and his brother, Jeffrey, were in the unit I was sent to.” “How well did you know them?” “Anneke was beautiful even then,” Cartwright admitted. “I admit to being a little pushy as I flirted with her. It was nothing serious; I wasn’t about to jeopardize my career by making my superior officer, her father, angry with me. She was jailbait back then. James Owens and I were always competing for top spot in the unit and never did become more than rivals for that honor.” He looked at the Captain. “Why is this important?” “Someone is trying to frame Captain Jeffrey Owens for the shooting of Doctor Guthrie, Lieutenant Cartwright.” “I don’t know Doctor Guthrie,” Cartwright replied. “But I can say if Owens wanted the man dead it was because he was a bastard of the first order. He’d be more likely to beat the man to a bloody pulp than shoot him from a distance.” He frowned at a particular memory and rubbed his jaw. “Very hands-on, is Jeffrey.” “Thank you for your time, Lieutenant Cartwright,” Camden rose to his feet. “Please leave your contact information with the Sergeant at the front desk. We might have follow up questions for you.” “Glad to help, sir,” Cartwright said. “If you’re looking for someone who has it in for that pair, I’d look at Higgins or McManus.” “McManus?” Camden queried. “That’s a name that has come up before. But we can’t find him.” “Not surprising,” Cartwright shrugged. “The man was listed as MIA the same time James Owens was. He was obsessed with Anneke; actually thought she was meant to be with him. If he found his way back, he might misconstrue a relationship between Anneke and any man and think he’d been betrayed.” “Thank you for the help, Lieutenant,” Camden nodded and went to knock on the door. Petrie opened it and Cartwright left. “Send in Lieutenant Higgins now.” Jeffrey watched as Higgins came into the room. He walked with a limp from the injury he had suffered in Iraq and had put on a little weight since taking on a desk assignment. He nodded to Cartwright briefly and the two men shook hands and parted company without a word. Camden noted no animosity between them, but no camaraderie either. “Lieutenant Higgins,” Camden nodded to the man as Petrie closed the door. “I’m Major Camden. I’ve asked you here to answer a few questions…” “Whatever they think Owens did,” Higgins broke in fervently, “it’s not true. That man is the original straight arrow!” “You know Anneke Weber, now Anneke Weber Owens?” “Ah!” Higgins smiled warmly and fondly. “There is an angel! As early as fourteen she had all the young bucks tripping over their feet to be near her. The fact that her father was a Major kept most of us on our best behavior, though.” He laughed. “There was a girl who knew her own mind! If she didn’t like the way a person was behaving, she was not too shy to say so.” He looked at the Major worriedly. “She’s not in any trouble, is she?” “Jeffrey Owens is being accused of shooting the man who abducted her,” Camden told the man and saw him laugh. “What’s funny?” “If it wasn’t at point blank range in defense of Anneke or another innocent,” Higgins said firmly, “then Jeffrey did not do it. Long distance shooting is the act of a coward.” “Can you think of anyone in particular who might want to frame Captain Owens for this murder, Lieutenant Higgins?” “Hmmm,” Higgins thought, putting his steepled fingers to his chin. “Cartwright always had a rivalry with Owens’ brother, but that was professional. If I had to lay money on who did this, it would be Creepy McManus. I caught him glaring at James and Anneke when they spent time together like he wanted to skin the man alive. Only problem with that is McManus and James Owens went MIA during our last deployment to Iraq.” Camden saw Higgins out and called for Preston. The two men stopped in front of each other and he could practically see the hackles rising. Camden wondered what that was all about. Preston came into the room and remained standing until Camden had taken a seat. The man had military manners, Camden thought, but they were insincere. There was no respect for his rank or his office in the man he was facing. “Sergeant Preston,” he nodded to the man. “We are looking into the murder of Doctor Walter Guthrie.” “Why would that interest me?” Preston said stiffly. “I never heard of the man.” “You do know the woman he abducted and raped, Sergeant,” Camden stated. “You knew her as Anneke Weber.” “Snotty little brat,” Preston muttered. He saw Camden stiffen. “Oh she was a pretty thing, Major,” he continued, “but she was very stand-offish. Never gave a man a chance. She had her sights set on James Owens from the start.” “Is that why you lied at the inquest into her parents’ deaths, Sergeant?” Camden asked a question that had nothing to do with the murder. He saw the man stiffen. “Mrs. Owens stated that when their car went into the river, you and three other men were there sharing a keg.” The man was looking decidedly uneasy. “But you told the investigating officers that she was imagining things.” He was angry. “I have only known Mrs. Owens for a short time, Sergeant, but she does not strike me as a young woman who would imagine things to that degree.” “The girl was in shock,” Preston shrugged as if the matter wasn’t worth speaking about. “I fail to see how that matter is pertinent here, sir.” “I am just trying to ascertain how trustworthy a witness you would be, Sergeant Preston,” Camden replied calmly and saw the man stiffen in anger. Good! The man deserved that! “I would like to hear your impressions of Jeffrey Owens. Do you believe he would be capable of assassinating someone if he believed Anneke Weber’s life was endangered?” “Owens would walk up to the man in question,” Preston replied, “and rip his heart out! He is not the type of man who does anything from the shadows.” He grew silent a moment. “That would be more McManus’ style. He liked the shadows; that made him the second best man in our sniper unit.” “Can you tell me how the receipt you gave Captain Owens for his weapon happened to get lost, Sergeant?” Camden asked the man. “He is certain he turned it in when he left Munich and that you were the officer on duty when he did so.” “Let me check,” Preston said as he whipped out his PDA. He pulled up a file and turned it to Camden. “It’s noted here. Owens turned over his weapon and was given a receipt.” “Is it possible to get a print-out of that record, Sergeant?” Camden asked the man. “It’ll just take a moment to sync-up to a computer in your office,” Preston nodded. “I may have been annoyed by Anneke when she was a teenager, but she has improved since then. If you see her, tell her we are all happy James came back.” “Thank you for your time, Sergeant Preston,” Camden got to his feet. “Captain Petrie will show you to a terminal so you can print out that record for us.” “Hey,” Preston shrugged, “we might have been annoyed by Prince Charming, but he always had our backs. Glad I could do the same for him.” Ryan nodded and wondered about the man all three men had named. McManus was MIA in Iraq. That didn’t mean he hadn’t gotten out. He would need to know the details to see if there was any reason the man might have had for wanting Owens’ brother in prison and Anneke vulnerable to attack. “Owens, James M., Major, U.S. Army Sniper Elite,” Camden read the file he had pulled up. “Reported Missing In Action along with McManus, Thomas R. on 12 September 2008 after building unit had chosen as vantage point was damaged by IUD in abandoned taxi. Higgins, Samuel C. critically wounded in same action.” “That was a bad day,” Jeffrey nodded. “We walked into an ambush and McManus and my brother went up to see if they could get at them from above. The taxi blew and the roof caved in. We couldn’t get to either of them, we barely got Higgins out; it got too hot for us to remain where we were.” He shook his head. “I still have nightmares about it.” “Camden,” the Major answered his phone. He nodded. “That is interesting. Keep digging.” He hung up and turned to the two men. “That was the JAG Office in Munich. They went back over the Weber’s car and found a bullet in the left front tire and the brake lines cut. Someone was very determined to kill the entire family that night.” He whistled. “McManus, Thomas R., status reactivated 15 December 2008 under sealed orders of Pentagon. Reported AWOL 18 December 2008.” He looked at Jeffrey. “The man is still alive, Captain.” “And he is on the loose,” Jeffrey frowned. He was on his way out with the others when he saw Preston crawling out of the bathroom. He went down on his knees to help the man. “Pres, what happened?” “Someone caught me from behind,” he choked on the blood welling up from his slit throat. “Tried to get my PDA, Owens.” He gripped Jeffrey’s arm. “It was one of us! Saw the eagle reflected in the mirror.” He reached into his pocket. “Left this for you.” He lost consciousness and Jeffrey let the doctor at him. Jeffrey looked at the paper Preston had given him and his blood went cold. On it in big red letters was written ‘Anneke will be mine! Don’t get in the way!’ He handed it over to Camden and slammed his fist into the wall. This bastard was going down, he swore to himself. He was not getting away with this! 22 James looked at the clock and his smile widened. He had a dinner date and he didn’t want to keep her waiting. Anneke had been the only one he had thought of as he lay in the Iraqi prison. Her image had kept him from breaking as they tortured him. He had gotten free only to hear that his wife; his angel, had been abducted and raped by Walter Guthrie. He pulled into the garage and went into the house where she had set the table with flowers and candles. A bottle of red wine and two glasses was waiting. Marcy and Jeffrey were out to dinner to celebrate his release from questioning, he knew. Annie came out of the kitchen wearing the dress he had bought, her golden hair flowing around her and falling to the middle of her back in silken waves. He caught her unique scent as she came towards him. When they finally got to the dinner table, he was quiet for a moment. “I’m sorry, Annie,” he said finally. “I got my orders and we need to leave in the morning.” Annie looked about to argue but she did not. “We’re to report to Sterling Military Academy in New York in two days’ time.” “A military academy?” Annie was intrigued. “You’re going to be bored out of your skull, James!” “The powers that be have decided I need time to recuperate from my ordeal,” James nodded. He poured them each a glass of wine and came to sit next to her. “It sounds like a good opportunity for us. I know Colonel Sheridan. His wife breeds and shows Rottweilers.” He saw her eyes sparkle. “I knew you’d like that.” “Tomorrow,” Annie frowned. She took a sip of her wine. “Sometimes I hate being an Army brat.” “I know, baby,” James said as he took the glass from her and set it down. He pulled her into his lap and held her as she cried. “Major Camden is almost certain that they are on the trail of the real murderer. At least Jeffrey is free of suspicion now.” He picked her up in his arms. “We’d better go to bed and get some sleep. We have to leave early in the morning.” “I have a feeling if we go to bed now,” Annie teased her husband as she drank in his new features and familiar eyes, “we won’t be getting much sleep.” “Vixen!” James laughed and sped up. But their time together was interrupted by the lusty cry of the other occupant of their room. “Are you certain he should have to eat so often?” he complained as he watched her nurse their son. “He’s only a week old, James,” Annie smiled up at him. “He needs all the nourishment he can get if he’s going to grow up to be as strong as his father.” “All right,” James laughed. “I refuse to be jealous of him.” He sat and watched as the infant suckled her and he felt his need for her mounting. When Karl had finished, he took his son and burped him. Then he put him to bed and carried Annie to the bed. “I love you, wife.” “Well that’s good, husband,” Annie smiled back at him happily, “because I love you, too.” Morning came all too soon and they packed up their things and went to see Jeffrey. He spent some time saying goodbye to his brother in private and stood on the curb to wave them off. They drove for most of the day, stopping only for fuel and gas and diaper changes. That night, they stayed at a B&B that General Owens had arranged for them. The baby’s portable crib was set up in the corner. When Annie woke up and found herself in a comfortable bedroom furnished in old country style, she almost forgot where she was. She heard someone moving in the bathroom and sat up to see James shaving. “Darling,” James called out. “Your son was cranky last night.” He came out of the bathroom smiling. “Is it too soon for him to be teething?” “Of course it is,” Annie said. She went to pick the baby up in her arms, rocking him as he smiled up at her. “He was probably uneasy. He’s never been on a cross-country trip before.” She opened her nightgown as he made sucking sounds and put him to her breast as she settled down on the bed. “You don’t think they’re after us, do you?” “They don’t know where we’re headed, darling,” James smiled as he took her into the bathroom. “So for now, we are safe. You and I have been posted to a military academy in upstate New York.” He put his hand to her cheek. “Don’t worry. We’ll be all right, Annie.” “I want them stopped,” Annie said softly. “They hurt our family.” “We’ll see they pay, darling,” James stated with an assurance he was far from feeling. He kissed her roughly and heard her moan as her body began to respond to his touch. “I’ve dreamed of having you back in my arms so long, Annie. I still have nightmares where this is all a dream and I wake up in that cell.” She sighed as he carried Karl back to the crib and put him down. He joined her on the bed. He took her fire and added his own fuel to it, using the anger and horror he had kept locked away to turn their joining volcanic. Annie was unconscious when they finished and James stayed inside of her and passed out. He felt himself stirring again as she tried to pull away and their next time was far less catastrophic. He felt her surrender happily to what they shared. “This is not a dream, is it, my angel?” James crooned as he held her afterwards and let her cry. “We belong to each other.” He held her closer. “We will build a life together where we will be at peace; in a place where the horrors of our pasts can not touch us.” He looked down into her eyes. “You want that as much as I do, my angel.” He kissed her once more and then he set her on her feet. “We need to get moving, lazy bones. We still have a two hour drive to our new home and we have to fuel our selves and our mini-van.” Annie got to drive the two hours to the military academy as James played navigator. She was eager to begin the new life he had mapped out for them. “In case something happens to me,” James told her, “I want Karl and you to be able to pick up and go where you choose, so all my finances are in joint ownership and yours are left to you alone.” He smiled as she turned into the gates of the military academy and the cadet on gate duty came up to the window. “Major James Owens, Mrs. Anneke Owens and family,” he told the teenager. “Reporting for duty.” “Major, sir; Ma’am,” the teenager went to attention. He checked the sign-in sheet. “Your quarters are on Oak Lane. Take the main drive to Grant Avenue and hang a left. Take Grant Avenue to Jackson Street and hang a right. Oak Lane is the third left. You are No. 1204 at the end of the lane.” “Thank you, Cadet Sergeant,” Annie smiled at him. She looked over at James. “Did you get all that Mr. Navigator?” “Committed to memory, Madame Pilot,” James smiled at her. He took her hand in his and they followed the cadet’s directions. Their home was a very sweet two-story bungalow painted white with green shutters like every other home on Oak Lane. She pulled into the driveway and put the van in park. She stopped the car and handed the keys to James. As they got out the front door of the house opened and a man in a Colonel’s uniform came out with a tall elegant woman at his side. “Colonel Sheridan. Mrs. Sheridan,” James smiled and went to attention without the salute since he was in civilian clothing. “This is my wife, Anneke. Darling,” he smiled down at her lovingly as his arm stayed around her waist. “This is the commanding officer of Sterling Academy, Colonel Jasper Sheridan and his wife, Lenore.” “It is a pleasure to meet you both,” Annie smiled at them warmly and held out her hand while holding on to their son. “James has been telling me all about the Academy and I am excited for him to start teaching.” Her eyes widened as she saw the Rottweiler coming out of the house. “Oh my! Is that yours?” “No, Mrs. Owens,” Sheridan smiled, enchanted by the young woman. “Your husband told us that you were still having trouble being alone so we thought we’d find you a companion. His name is Himmel Besitzen Donner, or Donny.” “He’s a beautiful animal,” Annie smiled as the Colonel put the dog’s leash in James’ hand. “Is he pedigreed?” “His papers are in the office files,” Lenore nodded. “He’s out of our bitch Himmel Besitzen Ruhm or Glory.” She laid her hand on the dog’s rump. “He’s been trained as a guard dog. I teach an obedience class every Thursday and you are welcome to join us so that you get comfortable handling him.” “Thank you very much, Mrs. Sheridan,” Annie beamed at her. “I’ll look forward to that.” “We do not mean to cut this short, sir,” James said to them, “but it’s time for Karl to take a nap. He’s been very cranky.” “We’ll expect you at the reception tonight at 1900 hours,” Sheridan nodded. “Come along, darling. You can get to know Mrs. Owens later.” “Nice people,” James nodded as he made his snap assessment. He crouched down and held his hand out to Donny. “Hallo Donny. Wir werden Freunde sein, ja?” Donny sniffed his fingers and then went to sit next to Annie, sitting on her foot with a grunt. James laughed. “He knows whose dog he is, darling.” “Smart dog,” Annie smiled at him. He swept her up in his arms and carried her over the threshold. “We’re an old married couple, Major Owens.” “Family tradition,” James replied. “The males in our family carry their brides over the threshold of every new home.” “That would explain why they have such powerful arms,” Annie teased him. He set her down and kissed her and Annie let herself respond to him happily. She liked this return to the relationship they had been building before he had been taken away from her. Someone cleared their throat and they turned to see two cadets standing in the doorway blushing. “Husband, I do believe we are corrupting the morals of these minors.” “Then take our progeny to his nursery, wife,” he pointed down the hall, “while I deal with these young men.” “Yes, sir,” Annie saluted. “Wow, Major,” Cadet Sergeant Winston whistled. “Your wife is a major hottie!” “I think so,” James nodded and heard her happy laughter. His heart felt a hundred pounds lighter for the sound of it. “What can I do for you, gentlemen?” “We were assigned to help you unload, sir,” Cadet Sergeant Kelly replied. “Colonel Sheridan assigned us to be your aides while you are here at Sterling.” “There are boxes in the garage that are labeled as to which room they belong in and try to be quiet,” James nodded. “Leave any for the Nursery out in the hall. Our son needs to rest.” “Yes, sir,” the cadets snapped to attention. They then turned to go to the garage. James smiled and remembered his own eagerness when he had been a cadet here a lifetime ago. The bomb had done a lot of damage to his face and plastic surgery had given him a new face. While he recovered, he had gone through Major Weber’s files and found the anonymous tip on who had been behind the accident that had killed the Major and his wife. His only regret had been that he had gotten to Germany after Anneke had already left for the States. “Is that coffee I smell?” Annie’s beautiful voice sounded in his ear as he sat in the kitchen alone. She looked at the boxes and shook her head. “We can’t leave them like this,” she said as she opened the top box. James took the toaster from her and set it on the counter. Then he made her sit down. “You still have that headache?” James asked her bluntly. “I came out here for a glass of water,” Annie replied as she pulled the pill bottle out of her pocket. “But our glasses aren’t unpacked yet.” “Quit stalling, Anneke Leisel Owens,” James said sternly. He rinsed out his mug and put water into it. He watched her take the pill and then he kissed her. “That’s my girl!” he smiled at her as he picked her up and turned her over his shoulder. “Nap for you, pretty girl.” “Put me down, James MacArthur Owens,” Annie protested as he carried her to their room over his shoulder past the astonished faces of the cadets. “That’s embarrassing!” she moaned as he set her down on the bed and knelt down to remove her shoes. “I’m going to have a reputation as a stud,” James laughed as he went to the dresser and pulled out one of his t-shirts for her to wear, “and every male on the campus is going to be jealous of me. That is not a bad thing,” He closed the bedroom door and then came back to remove her clothing. He made her lie on her stomach and he gave her a massage that left her tingling. He kissed her and pulled the t-shirt down her body slowly. “I have some paperwork I need to deal with before the reception tonight,” he said with obvious regret. “I’ll leave you to sleep, my angel.” “You’d choose paperwork over your willing wife?” Annie pouted. It felt so good to be with James again. “Have I lost my allure already?” “I’ll make it up to you after the reception, Mrs. Owens,” James smiled down at her. He pulled her up to her knees and gave her a kiss that curled her toes and then he left the room. “Get some rest.” “How am I supposed to sleep after that kiss, Major Owens?” Annie called after him. She heard his laugh and lay down with a happy smile on her face. Despite her fears, she slipped almost instantly into a deep and restful sleep. 22 Annie woke up to the sound of water running and she went into the bathroom and saw her husband standing in the shower. Impulsively, she slipped off the t-shirt and joined him inside. A half hour later, they stepped out and Annie was tingling all over. Getting dressed for the reception was problematic and involved a lot of shoving and reminders that they had a reception to attend. If it had not been in their honor, Annie doubted they would have made it. She walked into the gymnasium at James’s side thirty minutes late; their son dressed in the infant sized dress uniform his doting grandfather had purchased for him held in his father’s arms. She felt like the most fortunate woman on the planet. James was such a handsome man with only a scar along the left side of his throat remaining as evidence of his former nightmare. She could see the envy in the eyes of many of the other wives and she was very happy. “Gentlemen and Ladies,” Colonel Sheridan boomed out after everyone was given a glass of champagne, “I charge you raise your glasses and bid welcome to the newest members of our Academy family, Major James Owens, his lovely wife, Anneke, and their son, Karl.” The toast over, they headed to the buffet table and James filled a plate for her and made her sit down. He remained standing at her side, holding Karl and murmuring to him. She ate the meal and leaned against his side with a happy sigh. He looked down at her worriedly. “Are you all right, darling?” “It’s been a long day, sweetheart,” Annie answered him. He turned to make their goodbyes. “No, James. We can stay another hour. You need to get to know your co-workers.” James nodded and bent down to kiss her on the forehead. He went to talk to the Colonel and Annie was alone for the first time that day. “Can I get you something, Mrs. Owens, ma’am,” Cadet Sergeant Winston asked her as he came over to check on her. “I need to take a pill for my headache, Cadet-Sergeant,” Annie smiled at him in gratitude. “If you could get me a glass of water, I would be very grateful.” “Yes, ma’am,” the boy nodded and went to find her water. “You’re not looking well, Anneke,” Lenore frowned as she slipped over to sit next to Annie. “Headache?” “Recurring and persistent,” Annie nodded. “It’s beginning to worry James.” “Your water, ma’am,” Winston appeared as if from thin air and she blessed him for it. “Thank you, Cadet-Sergeant,” Annie smiled and took the glass. She took out a pill and washed it down. “If you could do me one more favor?” “At your service, ma’am.” “Please find my husband,” she said softly, “and tell him I need to go home.” She bit her lip as a series of pains hit her head. She went white and struggled to stay upright as James hurried over. He recognized intense pain when he saw it and he asked Lenore to make their goodbyes and told her where they were going. Then he helped Annie out to the car, settling Karl in the infant seat in back, and drove them to the hospital. The Colonel and his wife were with him when he got the news. “Major Owens,” the Doctor said as he came to speak to him. “Your wife’s headaches are an after effect of the head trauma she suffered.” “Is she going to be all right?” James asked him, his face showing his concern as he held his son. “We’ll want to do some tests, but she should be fine as long as she takes the medication I’ve prescribed for her,” the Doctor assured him. “It’s going to make her a bit groggy so you might want to hire someone to help her with the house and the baby. I’d like to get those tests run in the morning and keep her here for the next day or two.” He put his hand on James’s shoulder. “It’s your call, Major.” “Do what you have to do,” James replied. “Can I see her now, Doctor?” “You can accompany the orderly up to the room, Major,” the Doctor said as a bed was pushed out of the examination room. “James?” Annie sobbed and held her hand out to him. “It’s all right, Anneke,” James said as he grabbed her hand and clung to it tightly. “I’m here.” “That young couple has suffered more than any should have to,” the Doctor said sadly. “It’s a good thing the term doesn’t start for another week,” Colonel Sheridan replied. “I have a feeling the Major is going to be spending his time here with his wife. We’ll have to take Donny back for a while and let his aides run errands for them.” 23 Annie was angry at being back in the hospital again but she understood why it had happened. She had slept for most of the first two days and come awake the third day to find the pain gone and James seated by the bed with his hand gripping hers. He looked so worried she knew her condition had sent him through torment again. She put her other hand on his cheek and he looked up and smiled at her in relief. “I’m not down yet,” Annie smiled at him as she rubbed her knuckles along the line of his jaw. “I miss your old face, James. But this is a good strong face.” “If I could have come home the way I left, baby,” James returned, “I would have.” She held her arms out to him and he settled the baby in her arms and lay down next to her. They just lay there holding on to each other and thanking God he had brought him back. The nurse came in to find them all asleep and left them alone. When they stirred again, Annie ran her fingers along her husband’s jaw line and frowned as a worry filled her mind. “You don’t hate Jeffrey for leaving you behind,” Annie asked him, “do you, James? “Of course not,” James replied. “Hatred is a destructive emotion. He made the only decision he could under the circumstances.” He pulled her close to him. “I needed to hold on to what was good to remind myself why I had to stay strong.” He ran his thumb over her lips. “It was you, Annie, that I held onto during the months of torture and uncertainty. I had to come back to you and our baby.” “I never gave up hoping that you would,” Annie told him fiercely. “That hope is what kept me fighting when Guthrie took me.” “We both have some dark times to overcome,” James said softly. He leaned over and kissed her gently. “I want to make love to you so badly that I am ready to scream!” “You’re going to have to wait until you get her home, Major,” Doctor Carey laughed from the doorway. He came over and took the baby in his arms. “Hello there, little man. You’re getting bigger every day.” “He’s as impatient as I am to get Annie home, Doc,” James replied as he got to his feet. “So when can we have her back?” “I signed the release papers and she’s free to go now,” Carey replied. “The tests showed an infection where her skull had been cracked and was irritating her brain tissue. The medication cleared that up in no time and the headaches should be gone.” He looked at Annie. “You’re to rest the next few days, my girl. Let people help you as much as possible.” “Don’t worry, Doc; she will,” James assured him. He went to the closet and got her clothing. “Ready to go, wife?” “Yes, sir,” Annie smiled up at him. She held her arms out for Karl. “After Junior gets his meal.” “Hungry again, monster?” James shook his head at his son as he took him from Carey. “You’re going to be as large as a house if you keep this up, boy.” “No,” Annie laughed as she took her son from him, “just big and strong like his father. Isn’t that right, munchkin?” “You’re a lucky man, Major Owens,” Carey smiled as he watched the family tableau. “You take care of your family now. I don’t want to see any of you back here unless your son falls out of a tree.” James and Annie exchanged horrified looks with each other and Carey laughed. He could see this couple’s son leading them a merry dance. He’d heard about their childhoods from his old friend General Owens. He left them to make their way home and caught sight of a man glaring at the room. He did not react. He went to his office and wrote a description of the man down. Then he called hospital Security and the local police. “Major,” he said when he had made the calls and gone back to the room. “May I speak to you for a moment?” “Of course, Doc,” James nodded. He kissed his wife and son on the forehead and left the room. He listened as Carey told him about the man and took the description the man had copied out. He read it and his blood went cold. “I know this man, Doc. I’ll have the Academy alerted.” “He’s not a friend, is he?” “Anything but, Doc,” James confirmed Carey’s suspicion. “You were right to be concerned. I’d better get Annie and Karl home.” “Is something wrong, darling?” Annie asked as he rushed them out of the hospital. “You’re so tense.” He did not answer her and she knew trouble had found them again. She did not prod. He would tell her when he was ready. He dropped her off at home where Lenore was waiting to help her, and went to the Colonel. “His name is McManus, sir,” James told Sheridan as the man read the description. “He went AWOL just before Annie’s parents were murdered.” He took the whiskey from the man and took a sip. “He was captured when I was and he spent the months as we sat in those cells taunting me. He told me he’d made a deal with our captors and he was getting out so he could go after my wife. He took great delight in telling me all the sick things he was going to do to her once he had her...” He sank down, his hand shaking as he remembered. “I can’t let him hurt her, sir. He has to be stopped.” “I’ll see Security has his description,” Sheridan nodded, “and we’ll set up patrols.” He put his hand on James’ shoulder. “No one is going to get to your wife on this campus, son. He’ll have to go through every cadet, every officer, and every noncom to do so.” “I hate that this has found its way to you, sir,” James said to his superior officer. “I should have realized he was insane back in Germany and had him dealt with there.” “I’ll call your father and let him know what’s going on,” Sheridan assured him. James nodded and left. Sheridan went to his house and knocked on the den door. It opened. “You’ve got him spooked, boy.” “Good,” McManus aka Jonathan Cartwright smiled as he turned from the desk. He looked at his uncle closely. “You don’t have any trouble with the plan, do you, sir?” “I’ve waited years to pay Owens back for what he did to me, boy,” Sheridan replied, his eyes cold and hard. “I can wait a few more weeks. Punishing him through his children and their children makes revenge even sweeter.” He went to pour himself a whiskey. “She’s a very beautiful woman.” “And she’s going to be mine,” McManus replied. “I hope I remembered to thank Jonathan for letting me take over his life.” 24 Life settled into a happy pattern and Annie was quite glad of the addition of Norma into their home. She allowed Annie and James the freedom to spend time alone away from the Academy and they regained their former bond. They went dancing, they attended the obedience classes for Donny together and they took Karl on long walks around the Academy and the countryside surrounding it. They were happy but neither of them let down their guard. They had been happy before. “So, Major darling,” Annie smiled at him as they sat beside each other on a park bench during their morning run, “how would you feel about another child?” “Are you saying what I think you’re saying, wife?” James asked as he crouched down in front of her and met her eyes. She nodded and he picked her up and spun her around until she was dizzy. “Are you certain its not too soon? Karl is only two months old, Annie.” “Oh don’t be such a worrywart, James,” Annie laughed up at him. “Everything is fine. I saw Doctor Carey this morning and he gave me the happy news.” “We’ll have a girl this time,” James said after he had kissed her silly. “Is that an order, Major Owens?” Annie smiled at him. She put her hand to his chest and looked into his eyes, losing her heart all over again. “Because I don’t think that is something you can do in this matter.” “You’d like a little girl,” James asked as he ran his fingers over her lips; “wouldn’t you?” “I will be happy with our baby,” Annie sighed happily, “whatever its sex.” She pushed him back and took off. “Race you home!” She knew he was letting her get ahead of him. She was fast, but he had longer legs and was in better condition than she was. They were within sight of their home when they saw a taxi pulling up. The man getting out was no stranger. “Jeffrey!” Annie squealed and picked up speed. She threw her arms around his neck and hugged him. His embrace was more hesitant. She looked up and saw him watching his brother. “Welcome to our home, brother,” James smiled and hugged his younger brother. “Come on in and tell us what’s up.” “Major Owens!” “Hold the news,” James sighed as he saw his aides coming towards him on the run. “Looks like we have a crisis.” The boys skidded to a halt in front of him and went to attention. “Gentlemen. This is my brother, Captain Jeffrey Owens. Jeffrey, Cadet-Sergeants Winston and Kelly, my aides.” “Pleasure to meet you, sir,” the boys saluted smartly. “Your news looks urgent,” James stated. “Help the Captain with his luggage and join us in the Study. He put his arm around Jeffrey and took him inside. Jeffrey stopped as he saw Karl on a blanket on the living room floor. “That’s not my nephew!” Jeffrey remarked, his eyes wide. “He’s a monster!” “He is not!” Annie laughed as she went to pick her son up. She carried him to Jeffrey. “Remember your Uncle Jeffrey, Karl?” Karl looked at his uncle and seemed puzzled. Then he smiled and held out his arms and Jeffrey responded. He winced as the boy pulled on his ear but he was enchanted. He went to the blanket and sank down with his nephew and the pile of toys. James put his arm around Annie’s waist and smiled at the picture Jeffrey made. “In the guest room upstairs, gentlemen,” James said as the boys brought in the luggage. First room to the right.” “You always did want to be a general,” Jeffrey shook his head. He caught the block the infant threw at him. “Hell of an arm for a two month old. What have you been feeding this kid?” “Mother’s milk,” James replied honestly. “So, brother, is the news serious?” “What else?” Jeffrey sighed. He heard the boys coming down the stairs. “They’re kind of young to be involved in this, don’t you think?” “No,” James replied. “We’ll go into the Study.” He kissed Annie on the forehead. “We’ll talk later. Stay with our son.” “Come on, Karl,” Annie smiled as he picked up her son and headed for the nursery. “Mommy needs a shower so you’re going to have to take your nap.” James saw the way his brother’s eyes followed her and he knew it was hard for Jeffrey to be here. He did not blame his brother for loving Annie, who could help it? They went to the Study with the cadets and the two boys stood in front of the desk at attention. Jeffrey was impressed. “Your report, gentlemen,” James said once he sat behind his desk. “We saw two unfamiliar men coming from Colonel Sheridan’s house this morning, sir,” Kelly spoke up first. “They matched the descriptions you gave us of Lieutenant Higgins and Lieutenant Cartwright. We made the call you instructed us to make should they appear on the campus.” “I knew I could count on you, gentlemen,” James nodded. “My brother was sent here on their trail. You will join him in keeping watch on my family.” “James?” “They are here for me,” James told his brother. “I am not going to run, but I am not going at them without knowing my wife and son are safe.” He picked up the phone as it rang. “Major Owens.” He nodded to his brother and looked at the boys. “You’re dismissed, gentlemen.” Once the cadets were gone, he let the man on the other end know he could speak without fear of being overheard. “You were right, sir. Sheridan is part of the plot. Cartwright and Higgins were observed coming from his home this morning.” He listened to the news. “That is puzzling, sir. As far as I was aware, the Academy already has a full complement of instructors.” He looked at his brother. “I assume then that my brother…” He fell silent and then smiled. “My wife and I will be quite pleased to have him around.” “Fencing, Jeffrey?” he looked at his brother as he hung up. “You have a room here…” “No,” Jeffrey shook his head. “I have a room with Major Stevens on the other side of campus.” He looked uneasy. “It will be easier to have Marcy visit there.” “Something you want to tell me, Jeffrey,” James looked at his younger brother, amused. “Wedding bells? Shacking up?” “Too soon for either,” Jeffrey sighed. “Marcy is a very cautious woman.” There was a knock on the door as the phone rang and James answered it as Jeffrey went to the door. Annie came in and smiled up at her brother-in-law before going to sit on the arm of James’ chair. James smiled up at her as he listened to the person on the phone and put his arm around her, leaning into her. “We’re having a reception to welcome the new instructors tonight,” James said after he hung up. “You’ll be happy to hear that Cartwright and Higgins are joining us here, Annie.” “I will?” Annie frowned. “Higgins is nice enough, but I have never liked Cartwright.” She sighed. “I suppose I have to play nice with them.” Her head snapped up as she heard Karl’s wail. “Feeding time.” He put down his binoculars and smiled. The woman was everything he had known she would become. And soon she was going to be his. He drove away from the Academy and entered a state park. He drove until he was certain there were no campers or hikers around and then he opened the trunk of his car and smiled down at the man who lay bound and gagged there. “You shouldn’t have tried to warn them, Cartwright,” he said coldly as he took his silencer and put it on the pistol he wore at his hip. “I was going to let you live – as me – and spend the next twenty years in Leavenworth.” He put the gun in Cartwright’s mouth and pulled the trigger. “I’m sure I’ll have a lot of fun being you.” 25 Several weeks passed and Annie was increasingly on edge. She could not relax until James was home each night and their lovemaking was frantic. He tried to reassure her that everything would be all right, but they both knew something was going to happen. They saw Higgins and Cartwright only at official meetings and did not include them in their social circle. Jeffrey came to dinner twice a week and Annie was happy, but restless. She knew it was only a matter of time before something went wrong. She was out jogging with Winston and Kelly when she ran across Higgins. He was seated on a bench with a sketchpad and she stopped. He was quite intent on capturing the scene in front of him and he merely nodded as she stepped close to him. “Samuel,” she smiled as she sank down next to him. “What are you up to?” “Just practicing a long unused skill, Mrs. Owens,” Higgins said to her. “Mrs. Owens?” Annie laughed up at him. “So formal! Surely you’ve known me long enough to call me by my first name? You used to back in Germany.” “All right,” Higgins relaxed only slightly. “Anneke, I am worried about you.” He put his sketchpad aside and looked at her seriously. “Your husband went through hell when he was a POW. He may be dangerous.” “James?” Annie looked at him and saw he was not joking. “You’re wrong,” she assured him. “James is almost the same man as the one I married. He has dark moods, but he has them under control.” “I am glad to hear it,” Higgins smiled then. He looked over at the cadets who were eyeing him closely. “You have a bodyguard?” “James is a bit overprotective,” Annie shrugged. “So what were you drawing before I interrupted you?” He showed her and she looked at the scene. “You’re very good, Samuel.” She reached into her fanny pack and pulled out some crackers. “I had forgotten how miserable the first months can be,” she sighed. Higgins looked at her sharply and she smiled and nodded. “I’m having another child,” she told him happily. “But your boy is only two months old, isn’t he?” Higgins asked in concern. “Almost four,” Annie smiled. “James and I did jump the gun a bit, but we had been apart so long…” “I understand,” Higgins broke in nervously. “I wish you every happiness, Anneke. You certainly deserve it after everything you’ve been through.” He heard the bells and looked at his watch. “I’m off. I have a class coming up.” He held her hand a moment. “Be careful around Cartwright, Anneke. He’s been saying things about your husband that worry me.” Annie nodded and watched him move away and she frowned. So it was Cartwright who was spreading the rumor that James was a powder keg ready to blow? She knew he was a nasty man, but that was low. She got up a bit too fast and had to catch the back of the bench as a wave of dizziness hit her. “We’ll walk back, gentlemen,” she told the concerned cadets. “No, I’m fine,” she assured them as they started to suggest they get the Major. “Pregnancy can be hard on a body.” They walked back and Annie saw a car going by. The man behind the wheel turned quickly, but not before she saw the hatred on his face. Cartwright was an enemy; her mind took the expression seriously. She would have to make certain she stayed as far away from that man as she could get. But then he stopped the car and came over to her. She could not be rude. “Captain Cartwright,” she nodded to him as she stopped walking. “How are you enjoying your time at Sterling?” “It is very quiet around here,” Cartwright noted. “You don’t seem to get out around the campus much, Anneke.” “I have responsibilities at home,” Annie replied. “I never heard what you are teaching, Captain.” “Military History,” Cartwright informed her. He was struck by how beautiful she was and he felt his hands itching to touch her. “Married life suits you, Anneke. I’ve never seen you looking so happy.” “Thank you, Captain,” Annie nodded. “I am quite happy. I have my husband back and we have our son. He and I are quite content here at Sterling.” She got out another cracker and bit off a corner. “I am remiss. Do you know Cadet-Sergeants’ Winston and Kelly?” “I have them in my classes, Anneke,” Cartwright nodded, his eyes on her. He looked at his watch. “I have one coming up shortly, so I will say goodbye.” “Goodbye, Captain,” Anneke nodded. She walked off quickly, struggling to stay calm. The man was still the same arrogant bastard she had known him to be in Germany. But there was an edge to him that had been lacking then. Something had changed and he was a threat, as he had never been before. “Annie?” James saw her pale face and angry eyes and he looked at the cadets. “Captain Cartwright, sir,” Winston said simply. “We have to go now, sir. We have classes.” “Of course, gentlemen,” James nodded. “Dismissed.” He turned back to Annie and held out his arms. She came to him with a sob. “Did he hurt you, Annie?” “No, James,” Annie put her fingers to his lips. “Just words.” She looked pained then. “Words can’t hurt, can they?” “You’ve been hearing the rumors,” James sighed. “If I knew who was spreading them…” “Cartwright,” Annie broke in and he looked at her sharply. “Captain Higgins told me when I spoke with him earlier.” “You have had a busy morning, my dear,” James smiled and held her to him. A wail split the air. “His Majesty beckons…” “And his humble servant must attend him,” Annie finished. She kissed her husband and went to the nursery where Karl was putting up a fuss. “Such a noise, young man,” she smiled down at him as she checked him. “And what a mess you’ve made.” She took him to the changing table and changed his diaper. Then she went to the rocking chair and sat down to nurse him. He’d be going on baby food soon so she treasured this time. “Ouch!” she chided him as he gripped too tight. “Easy, little man.” “Anneke?” “In here, Lenore,” Annie called out. Lenore came into the nursery and smiled as she saw Annie and her baby. “Is something wrong? You look upset.” Lenore shook her head and sat down on the bench near the door. She did not want to worry this child with her problems. In the few short weeks since she had met Anneke Owens, she had grown quite fond of her. It was worrisome that she should have to deal with a husband whose sanity was in question. “I hear you’re pregnant again, Anneke,” Lenore went to the other matter that worried her. “Isn’t it too soon. Your son is only three months old.” “So they will be close,” Annie smiled, refusing to let people make her worry. She was too happy right now despite the worry at having Cartwright so close. “Doctor Carey says we are both doing quite well.” “I see Donny is making himself quite happy here,” Lenore changed the subject. The dog was sprawled out at Annie’s feet enjoying a ray of sunshine. “Some guard dog.” “He does his job,” Annie smiled down at the dog. “He’s decided Karl is his master and spends all of his time wherever our son is. James and I are quite happy with him.” She whistled softly and Donny looked up. “Guter hund!” she crooned and watched his tail wag happily. “Guter Donny!” She finished feeding her son and settled him down in the playpen. Then she and Lenore went to share a cup of tea. Annie sighed as the tea calmed her unruly stomach. She was happy to be expecting again, but she could have done without the nausea. At least this time it wasn’t as bad as with Karl. Was that a good sign or a bad sign? She chided herself silently for worrying. “Someone is spreading untrue rumors around campus, Lenore,” Annie began the conversation she knew the woman really wanted to have. “James is not insane.” Lenore looked at her sharply. “I have heard them and I know the truth. So if someone comes to you speaking anything else, you tell them they are wrong, please?” “Of course, dear,” Lenore nodded. The poor deluded child, she thought as she rose to her feet. “I have to go now. Are you still coming to tea tomorrow?” “Of course I am, Lenore,” Annie nodded. She looked at the clock. “I wonder what’s keeping Norma. She promised she’d be here on time for once.” She went to the nursery and smiled as she saw Donny seated next to the playpen. “Guter hund, Schutz!” Donny went to alert mode and Annie closed the door and went out on the porch. Lenore was down the street talking to one of the other wives. Oh Lenore! Annie was upset as she saw the way they kept glancing back her way. She had thought the woman was a friend, but she now realized Lenore was one of those spreading the rumors. And what was she saying now? Poor deluded Anneke. She doesn’t see how dangerous her husband is. We’re going to find her dead in her home one of these days. Annie turned away; sometimes being able to read lips was a curse. “Norma?” she called out later as the front door opened. She looked up from the book she’d been reading and her smile died. “Captain? I didn’t know my husband was expecting you.” “He isn’t,” Cartwright said simply. “I needed to talk to you, Anneke, and I did not want him here to interrupt.” “Get out of my house, Captain,” Annie said as she got to her feet. “I don’t want you here.” “I have something I need to say to you, Anneke,” Cartwright repeated as he stepped towards her, “and you will hear it!” Annie ran for the French doors and he cut her off. She tried to get out into the hall and he caught her. He clamped his hand over her mouth and forced her into the bedroom. He shoved her down on the bed and slapped her as she bit him and scratched his face. “Little bitch!” he roared as he saw the bite. “I let you live that night, Anneke,” he said as his hands clamped around her throat. “I was supposed to kill all of you and I let you live.” Annie screamed as he ripped her blouse off and used it to tie her wrists to the headboard. She did her best to fight him off but he was not going to stop. He was brutal as he assaulted her. Annie could almost see the damage he was causing and she prayed he was not hurting her baby. She kept screaming as he continued his attack, hoping someone would hear her and come help her before he hurt her child. “Mrs. Owens?” Norma called out as Cartwright assaulted Annie. She heard Annie’s scream and followed them. When she saw who was attacking her, Norma ran to the Study. She locked herself in and called the police. Then she got into the corner and crouched down and prayed as she heard Annie’s screams die and a man’s cold triumphant laughter echoing through the house. She did not move until the police arrived. James was in class when a police officer showed up at the door. He stepped out into the hall and the cadets saw him stiffen and then go pale. The officer nodded and walked off and James walked back in for just a moment, shaking. “Gentlemen,” he said simply as he put his books away, “class is dismissed. My wife has been taken to the hospital and I need to join her.” He saw Winston. “Cadet-Sergeant Winston if you would find Kelly. Norma and my son will need a guard for the next few hours.” “Yes, sir,” Winston nodded. James walked out to the car and Jeffrey was already there. He took the wheel and left his stunned brother to be a passenger. Neither of them spoke as they drove to the hospital. James went into the examination room and saw his wife lying there, her pretty face battered and bruised, ugly bruises covering her body, her one arm in a cast, and he broke down. He fell to his knees and cried. “I’m sorry, Major,” Carey said as he came in. “Annie had a miscarriage as a result of the rape. It would have been a boy.” He watched the man nod and rise to his feet and saw the rage in James’ eyes. “I had to sedate her.” “She wanted that child,” James said tightly. “How is she?” “The bastard,” Carey said, “broke her arm subduing her. She fought hard so the police have tissue samples.” He put his hand on James’ shoulder. “Norma saw him, James. I hope you have someone at your home.” “I’m going,” Jeffrey spoke up from the doorway. “Winston and Kelly won’t be able to hold off a full grown man intent on doing harm.” “Thank you, brother,” James looked at him and saw the same rage he was feeling in Jeffrey’s eyes. “Be careful.” “You just take care of your wife, James,” Jeffrey nodded briefly. “I’ll deal with the bastard for you.” He turned to see Agent Taylor standing behind him. “Bit late, aren’t you?” “Clark will go with you, Captain,” Taylor said as he ignored Jeffrey’s anger. He understood it. Jeffrey took off and Taylor joined James. “How is she?” “She lost the baby, Agent Taylor,” James said tightly. “How do you think she is?” The orderly came to move Annie to a private room and the men followed. Neither of them spoke until they were alone with Annie. She slept on, oblivious to her loss. Taylor shared his news with James and saw the man go white with anger. “McManus took over Cartwright’s life?” James repeated what Taylor had just told him. The agent nodded. “But he was in that prison with me. When did he have time to have plastic surgery and get back?” “They never let you see each other, Major,” Taylor reminded him. “The men holding you prisoner were quite amused by McManus’ plot. They paid for his surgery after he chose which of the unit he would impersonate. Then they abducted the real Cartwright so McManus could take over.” Annie began to whimper in her sleep and he knew she was reliving the attack. James went to take her hand and he leaned over and murmured to her until she calmed and settled back to sleep. James turned to Taylor again. “He has to be stopped, Agent Taylor,” he said tightly, his anger evident. “I don’t care what it takes, that monster has to be put down before he comes after her again.” ‘You think that’s probable now that we know who he is?” Taylor asked. “Given his ‘promises’ while we were in that hellhole?” James nodded. “McManus is not going to stop until he destroys her. If Norma hadn’t come in when she did, Annie would be dead now.” He choked as he laid his hand on her abdomen. “Instead our child is dead. Doc told me it would have been a boy.” “I’m putting two men on you and Annie, Major,” Taylor told the man as he got out his phone. He made the call and told them he would remain at the hospital until they arrived. “Why does he hate her so much?” “She said no,” James said simply, “and then she married me.” “The man has to be insane,” Taylor remarked. “Normal people don’t go nuts when they’re rejected.” “Normal people don’t try to abduct a bride from the church on the morning of their wedding, either,” James replied. “Or send disturbing little ‘gifts’ to the new wife. I knew I should have reported him, but Annie asked me not to.” He touched her cheek and frowned. “She’s burning up!” He hit the call button and the nurse checked her temperature. He saw her frown and then run to find the doctor. “What’s going on, Doc?” James demanded as he and Taylor were shoved out of the room. The door was closed in his face and he sank down on a chair in the hall. “She can’t die, Charles!” They waited as the doctor and nurse worked and then rose as Carey stepped out. He looked at James and assured him Annie would be fine. An orderly moved past them with a gurney and James was not at all convinced the man was right. “She had the type of miscarriage we call a ‘septic abortion’, James,” he told the worried man. “She was developing an infection due to some tissue that remained behind. We’ll do a D&C and clean it out, put her on an antibiotic, and she should be fine.” He laid his hand on James’ shoulder. “I know it’s been rough, James, but she will recover. You can have other babies.” James nodded and watched as the orderly took Annie to surgery. He and Taylor followed as far as they were allowed to go. James was pacing as his father arrived. The federal agents were just behind him. “Doc says she’ll be fine once they finish with this procedure,” James told his father. “It was McManus, Dad. He underwent plastic surgery and took over Cartwright’s life so he could get close to her.” Jeffrey and Clark arrived at the house and heard the sound of struggles. They ran inside and saw a man running out the back and the cadets both sporting several bruises. Karl was shrieking in Norma’s arms in the corner of the kitchen. Jeffrey stayed with them, murmuring softly to the woman as he removed the knife in her hand, as Clark ran after the man. He didn’t see McManus as he came up behind him and took him out. “I was hoping you’d be Jeffrey Owens,” McManus frowned as he looked down at the fallen agent, “that would have been poetic justice.” He hefted him up over his shoulder. “You’ll do. She won’t ever suspect you.” He carried Clark to his car and shoved him in the trunk. When they got to the doctor’s office, Clark was strapped to the table before he woke up. He saw the man he thought of as Cartwright seated nearby, smiling at him coldly. The man had a tape recorder in his hand. “Say a few words for me, Agent Clark,” he said calmly. “If I’m going to be you, I need to have your voice.” “Go to hell, you sadistic bastard,” Clark snapped at him. He tried to pull at the straps. “You’ve kidnapped a federal agent! You’re going to pay for this.” “You’re not being kidnapped,” McManus laughed. “You’re being given a unique opportunity to become someone completely new.” He patted the man on the cheek. “You should feel honored,” he laughed as his prisoner cursed him. “Thank you for your life, Agent Nicholas Clark! I’ll take good care of it for you.” He stepped away and the nurse gave Clark an injection. McManus watched as the man was given his face. Clark’s voice chords were cut to keep him for telling anyone what happened to him. Then McManus went under the knife and was given Clark’s face. As he recovered, Clark would be taken on the run, leading the authorities on a merry chase while the real McManus had time to heal. 26 How many funerals do I have to attend before this nightmare is over, Annie wondered as she stood between James and Jeffrey at the graveside of their lost son a week later. James had named him Barnabas Weber Owens when he had the lost child buried as she recuperated in the hospital. She felt so empty and so angry. McManus had disappeared and Sheridan was not talking to the investigators who had shown up on his doorstep the morning after the attack. She pulled her collar closer as the wind picked up and knew they were on the verge of a thunderstorm as her hair prickled up. She saw the dark clouds forming off to the west and a sense of foreboding filled her. She looked at the grave and knelt down to lay the roses on the grass. “You should have had a chance to live, little one,” she said softly. “The man who murdered you is going to pay, darling boy. We aren’t going to stop until we find him.” “Annie,” James’ voice broke through her pain and reminded her she had other men in her life who still needed her. “It’s time to go home.” She took the hand he held out to her and they got in the back of the sedan. Jeffrey took the wheel and drove them home. Annie went to the nursery and held Karl in her lap. James brought her some tea and she looked up at him. The pain in her eyes broke his heart. He set the cup aside and held her and their son to his chest. “Find him, James,” she finally spoke. “Before he hurts someone else we love.” He turned away from the speaker and smiled. He had her exactly where he wanted her now. The moment she was in the house without her husband and brother-in-law, he would start the final act. He would give her a choice, she came to him willingly or he would continue to take away the people she cared about until she was left alone and defenseless. He continued his surveillance on the couple intermittently for the next three months. He heard the news of another pregnancy with anger. She should be having his children! He let them be for another three months and froze as he heard the voice of the man he had wanted to take in place of Clark came over the speaker. “They found him!” James looked up from feeding his son as Jeffrey ran into the kitchen. Jeffrey stopped short as he saw his brother covered in food. Pieces of bread and cut up bologna and cheese dotted his hair and his clothing. Jeffrey almost forgot why he was there as he began to laugh. His laughter died when Karl picked up a handful of pear sauce and threw it at him. “Hey, little man,” Jeffrey choked, “this is my best uniform!” He turned to his brother. “Can’t you control the little monster?” “Up!” Karl smiled and held out his arms. “Oh no,” Jeffrey shook his head. “I’m not touching you while you’re covered in whatever you’re covered in.” When Jeffrey did not move, his little face screwed up and he began to scream. “Mommy!” “You’re in trouble now, Uncle Jeffrey,” James said as he picked his son up and bounced him on his knee. He heard a door opening and turned to see Annie. She was just at the end of the third month of a third pregnancy and this one was worse than either of the others; this time she was having trouble controlling her emotions. She stood there with her hands on her hips and looked at the three males. “Did we disturb your nap, darling?” “How is it James MacArthur Owens,” she sighed as she took their son from him, “that every time you feed Karl you end up looking like you rolled in his food?” She smiled at their nine-month old son. “Did you have fun with Daddy, baby boy?” “Daddy funny!” Karl giggled. He pointed at Jeffrey and made an angry face at him. “Unca Jeffy mean!” “Mean, Jeffrey?” “I wouldn’t pick him up,” Jeffrey explained the comment as he looked wounded, “after he assaulted me with the pears.” “No,” Karl pouted. “Unca Jeffy mean!” “Go clean up, you two,” Annie sighed. “Karl needs a bath anyway.” She carried her son away and the two men decided to clean the kitchen before they cleaned themselves up. “Were we ever that bad?” Jeffrey asked as he finished mopping the floor. “I know you were,” James replied as he wiped down the counters and the high chair. “So what were you saying before the food war began?” “They found McManus,” Jeffrey told him as he put the sponge in its place. He saw James stiffen. “He is on his way to Leavenworth under armed guard.” “I need to talk to him,” James said tightly. “He’s not talking, James,” Jeffrey told him. “He hasn’t said one word since they found him.” “Where did they find him?” “In an alley reeking of alcohol,” Jeffrey answered him, “after a very nasty bar fight.” “He’ll talk to me,” James said coldly. “I’ll have to take some leave…” He was off then, leaving Jeffrey to worry about his brother. He was going off and leaving his wife and son? He shook his head. That was not going to happen. He caught James on the stairs. “I’ll go, James,” Jeffrey said simply. “Annie needs you here.” James looked prepared to debate and he got angry. “She needs you, James. Got it? Y-O-U?” “All right, Jeffrey,” James relented. “Go! Just don’t let the bastard talk his way around you. He’s got more angles than a decahedron.” Jeffrey nodded and left at once. He stopped at his room to pack an overnight bag and grab a clean shirt. He smiled briefly as he saw the pear smear before he put it in the laundry chute on his way out. He stopped in at the new commandant’s office and his father was there. “Dad?” “I guess I forgot to tell you about my change of assignment, son,” Owens smiled as he turned from the bookshelves. “I wanted to be close to my grandson so I requested the transfer after Sheridan was arrested.” He saw the overnight bag. “I take it you came here to request a leave of absence. Where are you headed?” “To talk to McManus, sir,” Jeffrey said as he caught the change of tone that told him his father was now in military mode. “He is on his way to Leavenworth.” “What will that accomplish?” Owens asked bluntly. “He confessed to his part in the murder of Major Weber and his wife, he was identified as the man who raped Anneke so that she miscarried her baby. The man is in prison where he belongs.” He could see Jeffrey was adamant though. “Three days. Higgins can take your classes until you return.” “Thank you, sir,” Jeffrey nodded. “And sir,” he said as he turned back, “welcome to Sterling Academy.” “Thank you, Captain,” Owens smiled. He watched his son go and close the door. He was on the phone a moment later. “Jeffrey is on his way to talk to McManus, Edward. Make sure Captain Lewis is there as his shadow at all times. Something about the ease of that monster’s capture is bothering me.” 27 Jeffrey got off the plane and saw the Jeep waiting for him. The driver was a very familiar long-legged brunette with a no nonsense attitude. He nodded to her when her companion asked for his identification and checked his photo against his face. The man nodded and handed it back over and held out his hand. “Captain Owens,” he said coolly. “I’m Captain Petrie. Your father called ahead to let us know you were coming.” “Let me guess,” Jeffrey frowned as he tossed his overnight bag in back. “He asked the Commandant to assign me a babysitter while I was here?” “I prefer to think of myself as a guide in your case, Captain,” Marcy said stiffly. She saw his smile return and she was enchanted all over again. She had missed him dreadfully in the past week. He was quite definitely the handsomest man she had seen in some time, and he was all hers! Down girl, she told herself. He was here for two days tops and then he’d be back at the military academy to finish his assignment. “You’re quartered with the Commandant and his family while you’re here. He’s dying to hear all your family news.” “Uncle Edward has been out of touch too long,” Jeffrey nodded. He looked at Marcy pointedly and she shook her head. She hadn’t told Edward about her relationship with Jeffrey yet. He didn’t know whether to be annoyed or intrigued. “Uncle?” Petrie was astounded. “Our Colonel is your uncle?” “Didn’t come up in the bio Captain Lewis ran on me?” Jeffrey teased her. He saw her blush. “You did?” “I investigate every visitor the prison gets,” Marcy defended her work. “It’s part of my job.” She did not admit, however; that once she saw his photo she had dug a lot deeper into his life than any other visitor she’d investigated. She wanted to know everything about his man who had hold of her heart. “If you’re coming, I suggest you get in.” They drove to the prison and went to the Commandant’s Office. It was like every other military prison, cold, sterile, and imposing. Colonel Edward Lang rose as Jeffrey saluted him and returned it with a happy smile. He nodded to Marcy and she left them alone, closing the door as she went to her desk. “She’s a nice girl, nephew,” Edward said as he caught Jeffrey watching her go. “Don’t play with her while you’re here.” “I assure you, Uncle,” Jeffrey replied as he turned to pay attention to his uncle; “Captain Lewis and I are not playing.” He picked up the framed photograph of his father and Karl and smiled. “Has McManus said anything yet?” “Not a word,” Edward replied, frowning. “I’m beginning to think that he can’t.” He saw Jeffrey’s expression. “You think he’s pulling one over on us?” He shrugged. “It’s certainly possible.” He went to the door and opened it. “Shall we?” Jeffrey accompanied him into the prison and he flinched. He didn’t like prisons; they reminded him of what James had gone through while he was a POW. He couldn’t imagine what James would be thinking if he were here right now. He was glad he had thought to spare him this experience. They passed through the first checkpoint after Jeffrey signed in and presented his identification. Down a corridor past offices, then went through a second checkpoint where Jeffrey again presented his identification and entered an interrogation room. Clark went to his feet and stood at attention. “This is not McManus,” Jeffrey said as he met the man’s eyes and saw frustration and desperation in them. He turned to his uncle. “Did you fingerprint him?” “We just finished processing him,” Edward replied. He looked at his nephew curiously. “How do you know this is not McManus?” “Because the Thomas McManus I served with was the coldest bastard on this planet,” Jeffrey replied, “with absolutely no respect for authority, Uncle.” He took out the notepad he always carried in his shirt pocket and a pen and put it on the table. “Tell us who you really are.” “Agent Nicholas Clark,” Edward read what Clark was writing. “FBI? This man is an FBI agent? How the hell did he get here?” “What’s more important right now,” Jeffrey said as he was filled with fear, “is that McManus is out there with Agent Clark’s face. Annie is not going to suspect him when he goes after her!” Edward nodded and called for the guard. “Bring him to my office,” he told the guard as he and Jeffrey ran. They hit the outer office and Marcy got to her feet. “Captain Lewis, call General Owens at Sterling Academy and then you and Petrie come into my office.” Clark was brought by the time Marcy realized they were not getting through. Petrie checked and found that all the power to the Academy area was down because of a major storm in the area. Marcy told them this and Jeffrey hissed. He tried his father’s cell phone and there was no answer. He tried James and there was no answer. “I’ve got to get there,” Jeffrey told his uncle. “Fast!” He was frantic. “Can you arrange a jet and a pilot who can break the sound barrier?” “I’ll go, sir,” Marcy told her commander. “If you can spare me?” “Go,” Edward nodded. “I’ll keep trying to get through from here.” Jeffrey nodded and ran. Edward turned to Clark. “So why haven’t you spoken to us?” Clark took his finger and made a cutting motion across his throat. “The bastard cut your vocal chord?” Clark nodded and Edward hissed. “Write a full report,” he said as he nodded towards his chair and the computer. “One copy for my files, one copy for your superior. Write down the number for your superior and I’ll call him now.” Agent Taylor was waiting at the airfield when Jeffrey and Marcy landed in New York. They headed for the Academy as fast as the siren would allow them and began to see the evidence of the storm’s passing several miles out. They had to stop as a crew appeared ahead of them over the rise trying to clear a downed tree that had cut off the road. They were informed that the side road was under water and impassable. “It’s like nature itself is conspiring against us,” Jeffrey hissed as he slammed his fist onto the hood of the car. “We’re only four miles out, Agent Taylor. I’m hiking in.” He saw the man balk. “You can catch me up once the tree is cleared.” ‘I’m going with you, Jeff,” Marcy said. Jeffrey started to argue. “I’m not letting you out of my sight. There is a man in there who is supposed to be in my prison, and I mean to take him alive.” Jeffrey nodded and they took off at a trot. Agent Taylor shook his head as he saw the sparks those two struck off each other and settled back to wait for the road to clear. 28 Annie had been irritable all day and the storm had not helped. Karl had shrieked when the thunder had begun and it had taken her a long time to settle him down. When he was finally asleep, she curled up on the couch with James and they watched the lightning flash. Owens pulled in an hour later as the storm was abating and he went into the Study with James after greeting his daughter-in-law and looking in on his grandson. Something was going on that she should know about, but her military upbringing was strong enough that she remained on the couch and enjoyed the light show until she dozed off. She woke up as someone rang the front doorbell and got up to answer it. She’d missed the end of the storm she realized and wondered how long she’d been sleeping. “Nick?” she smiled as she recognized the man standing there. “What are you doing here?” “Is your husband here, Annie?” McManus asked in his best approximation of Clark’s voice. Since he was a superb mimic, it fooled her. “He’s in the study with his father,” Annie nodded and turned from him. He clamped the ether-soaked rag over her face and pulled her out of the house. She struggled wildly and he almost lost her before she finally succumbed to the drug. McManus dropped the note inside the house and closed the door quietly. McManus carried her to his car and put her in the trunk. He got behind the wheel and did not see the cadets standing on the other side of the road. They were taking film of the storm damage for a class project. As he started the car, Kelly turned with his camera and caught his face on film. He caught the license number as the car pulled away and wondered who the man was and why he had been at the Major’s house. “General. Major,” Kelly snapped to attention as they opened the door to him. “There was a man outside just now.” He saw the note and picked it up. James’ face went white as he handed it to him and they saw two words written there. “You lose? What does that mean, sir?” “Annie?” James cried as he went into the living room and found her missing. He ran through the house, checking every room and came back to the others. “He’s got Annie, Dad!” “McManus is in prison, son,” Owens reminded him. “He couldn’t have taken her.” He turned to Kelly. “You say you saw a strange man outside?” “Yes, sir,” Kelly nodded and held up his camera. “I think I got his face and the license number on film.” “Good man,” Owens smiled at the boy. “Run it back for us.” They watched and he frowned as he saw the man. “That’s Agent Clark,” he said tightly. “Why would an FBI agent kidnap your wife, James?” “Because that’s not Agent Clark,” Jeffrey spoke up from the doorway. They all turned to see him standing there, soaking wet and panting from his run. “McManus has stolen another person’s life and face.” He nodded to the woman standing behind him. “You all remember Captain Lewis. She brought me here from the prison when we realized the real Agent Clark was there in McManus’ place.” He saw James grab the phones. “All the lines are down, James, and cells don’t work. We’ve been trying.” “There’s a CB unit in the library,” Kelly suggested. “It’s in a display of past communications technologies but I know it works. Sergeant O’Malley let us use it for a class project.” “Son,” General Owens smiled as he clapped his hand on Kelly’s shoulder. “You have just earned yourself a promotion.” Kelly beamed at that and James got his son and the diaper bag. They drove out into the storm and headed for the library. McManus drove away from the Academy smiling happily. He had his woman now and she was never getting away from him again. He was going to make certain of it as soon as they got where they were going. He was not pleased that she was carrying another of Owens’ pups, but if she behaved he would let her keep this one. He got a perverse pleasure out of the thought of raising Owens’ child to hate its own father as much as he did. When the brat was old enough, he would set him on his own brother and family and wipe the Owens’ family out completely. The storm was behind him after an hour and he relaxed and headed towards the airfield he had been told would have a private plane waiting for him. Sure enough, the plane was fueled and ready. He strapped Annie into the co-pilot’s seat and got behind the controls. He went to file the bogus flight plan and showed his credentials. The manager handed him the briefcase his backers had left for him and he opened it cautiously and examined every inch. No trackers, and no traps; he nodded and put it aboard the plane. He glanced over at Annie and smiled. She was started to wake. “Hello, darling,” McManus said in his own voice. “Did you sleep well?” “You’re not Agent Clark,” Annie cried in dismay as she looked at him. She realized she was secured to the seat and she tried to pull free. “Let me out of here!” she cried as he started the systems check. “Please don’t do this! I belong with my family.” “You belong with me, Annie,” McManus replied calmly. He put his hand on her abdomen. “We’ll have our own family.” He got out a bottle and Annie smelled ether as he opened it. She struggled to get free as he poured some on a handkerchief. “Sorry, baby; but I can’t let you see where we’re going.” He drugged her and then blindfolded her. “You’ll understand that you belong to me soon.” 29 James admired the efficiency of the FBI as they coordinated the nationwide search for his wife and McManus. Every person at the Academy was manning the phones or doing what they could to help. Because the man was wearing Clark’s face the story went out about a rogue agent who had kidnapped a pregnant woman as he escaped custody. Their photos went out and three hours later, a call came in from the manager of a small airfield fifty miles east of the Academy. “He took off in a private plane two hours ago,” the man told the cadet who was on the phone. He put it on speaker so they could all listen. “He filed a flight plan but I’m guessing it was bogus. Especially since the direction he flew off in is not the one he would have taken if he were following this plan.” “Give us the plane’s call sign, please,” General Owens asked the man. He nodded as he wrote it down. “Thank you for your help, sir. That’s my daughter he has and I want her home safe.” “I’ll start calling all the airfields west of here, sir,” the man responded. “I hope you get her back safe, sir.” Owens gave the people on the phones the same task and the information was given to the authorities over the wire. The hours passed slowly as they waited for an answer to their queries. Annie was groggy as the plane landed at another small airfield. She felt him freeing her but she was too weak to put up even a token fight. All of her energy was going into keeping upright. McManus pulled her out and she felt leather as he set her down in a waiting car. She couldn’t focus her eyes to see what kind of car it was. She felt something against her ankles and he was taping them together. He cuffed her wrists behind her back and patted her cheek before going back to the plane. “Hey, Mister,” the Manager yelled as he came out. “You can’t just leave that plane there! You need to sign in!” He fell as McManus struck him across the jaw and went to finish unpacking the supplies. He got it all in the SUV and drove away. “Where are we going?” Annie asked him as they headed north just as the sun was rising. He didn’t answer her question. “I need to eat something.” “We’ll stop when I’m certain you understand how you are to behave from this moment on, Anneke,” McManus replied. He smiled as she glared at him. “You really think you have any choice? I’ve murdered four people so I could get to you. One or two more is not going to matter to me.” “Four?” “I was taken prisoner with your husband, Anneke,” McManus told her. “Our captors decided they could use me. They hired me to murder your family and I was given Cartwright’s face and life so I could get close to you. Killing him was a pleasure after he tried to warn you that I was coming at you as him. I never liked that arrogant S.O.B.” “Why my family?” Annie demanded. “Just because my Grandfather had those damned files?” “Yes,” McManus nodded. He saw the anger in her eyes and smiled. “You expected something more?” Anneke glared at him and clamped her lips shut. “So, the rules.” He grabbed her chin and made her look at him. “Only one, darling. You do everything I tell you to do without argument or hesitation and I will let you live.” He let her go and concentrated on his driving. Annie sat back and tried to think of how she could get out of this. It was obvious she was going nowhere but where he wanted her to go for now. But he wouldn’t keep her strapped down forever. There had to be a time when he would drop his guard and then she would run. She was not going to let herself be put in this position again! She had let Guthrie do that to her and she wasn’t going through it again. “I’m going to be sick,” she said an hour later as she felt her stomach cramping, “if I don’t have something to eat soon.” She looked over at him. “I’m pregnant. I need to eat!” He pulled to the shoulder and pushed her forward. The cuffs came off and then went back on with her wrists fastened together in front of her body. He opened the glove compartment and pulled out a candy bar. The cooler between their seats held bottled water. “Knock yourself out, baby,” he snapped and pulled back out onto the road. “We’ll stop at the next fast food restaurant and go through the drive-through in a couple of hours.” Annie knew she wasn’t getting anything better so she ate the candy bar and sipped at the water slowly, praying she wouldn’t get sick. When she was done, she let herself doze off and woke to the smell of eggs and bacon. She had slept and missed the restaurant. He handed her an egg and bacon and cheese biscuit sandwich and put a straw in a carton of orange juice for her. “Thank you,” she said and saw his surprise. “My parents raised me to be polite.” She ate her sandwich and picked up the carton. “We’re going to lose the SUV soon,” McManus told her. “We have to change our looks, too.” He looked at her and smiled. “I always imagined what you might look like as a redhead. Now we’re going to find out.” He raised a lock of her hair and frowned. “It’s a shame, but we’re going to have to cut your hair. You can grow it back when we get where we’re going.” “You’re going to be caught long before that,” Annie snapped at him. “Why don’t you stop this now before you get hurt?” “You are a comedian, aren’t you?” Thomas laughed and pulled her over and kissed her before she could react. “Sweet lips,” he smiled. “Keep them closed.” They drove for another two hours until they came to a farm set off alone in a small valley. An old man came out of the house with a shotgun in his hands. Annie watched the fierce scowl become a happy grin as McManus got out of the car. “Pop,” McManus beamed as he pulled her out of the car and set her down. “This is Anneke.” “The girl from Germany?” the old man asked. He walked around her slowly and came back smiling. “She’s a looker, son. I can see why you wanted her.” He opened Annie’s mouth. “Good teeth. Fertile?” he asked as he put his hand to her abdomen. “Jumping the gun, boy?” “Looker like her? Couldn’t keep my hands off her, Pop,” McManus smiled. “She’s three months in.” “What’s done is done,” the old man nodded as his hands moved over her body. “Good wide hips. The delivery won’t be too hard on her.” He stepped back. “I’ll get the keys while you get her pretty for the pictures.” “Pictures?” “For our new licenses, baby,” McManus said as he put his arm around her waist and guided her into the house. She looked around at the shabby furniture and dirty windows and knew no woman had been in this house for a long time. They entered a bedroom and she frowned. It was set up like a beauty parlor with sinks and chairs and mirrors. “Pop’s daughter works out of the house sometimes.” He shoved her into the sink chair and shampooed her hair. “She taught me a few things,” he smiled as he took her to the chair and strapped her to it so she couldn’t move. “To the shoulder, I think,” he said as the door opened. “And make her chestnut red.” “Gotcha,” a woman said from the doorway. She smiled as she leaned past Annie to get the scissors. “I’m Josie. You’re a pretty thing. Mac has a good eye.” She cut the hair off just below the shoulders and put it in a rubber band. “Some cancer patients are going to have a nice new head of hair thanks to you, pretty girl.” Annie closed her eyes. It was only hair, she told herself; it would grow back. She listened to McManus and his sister discussing the hair cut and dye they would use like two old pros and wondered how many other women had come through here as his prisoners. She flinched as someone laid their hand on her shoulder and she opened her eyes. “There’s the cut, pretty,” Josie smiled at her. Annie saw her hair dancing around her face in still golden waves and liked it. But it wasn’t going to stay this color. Josie brought over a bowl with a white paste and poured something nearly black into it. The color came out looking like blood. She shivered as the cold paste was applied to her hair section by section and pinned up. “Twenty minutes,” McManus smiled as he let her up and took her to the hair dryers, “and you will be a whole new person.” Once the dye had set, Josie finished the cut and let her go. McManus took her to a room with a white backdrop along one wall and a professional looking digital camera. There was a computer and printer set up along another wall and cables running from the camera to the printer and the computer. A chair sat in front of the screen. “Smile, pretty,” the old man said as McManus made her sit down. “Want to look nice on your license.” He took the shot as McManus went out. When he came back thirty minutes later, his hair had been dyed and he had a goatee. He was wearing wire-rimmed glasses and had on a business shirt and tie. “Very classy, son.” He took the photo. “Go get yourselves something to eat. Josie made stew last night. You can warm that up for our lunch, pretty.” McManus took her to the kitchen, cut the tape off her ankles, nodded to the refrigerator and sat down. Annie balked at being made to serve these people, but she knew she’d regret it if she refused. So she got out the stew and warmed it up; then found the biscuit mix and made biscuits to go with it. She was pulling them of the oven when Pop and Josie came in. Josie set the table and got a basket and towel for her to put the biscuits in. “You’ve chosen yourself a good woman there, son,” Pop smiled as Annie put the biscuits on the table. McManus pulled her into his lap and smiled. “She should last you a long time before you have to trade her in.” “I am not…” Annie started to argue and McManus put a spoonful of stew into her mouth. She glared at him and Pop clapped his hands and laughed in delight. “Spirited little thing,” he crowed. “You’re not going to be bored, that’s for damned certain and sure.” He started to eat and the others followed suit. There was total silence as they ate and Annie was relieved. This place and these people were getting on her nerves. “Josie will do the dishes, pretty,” Pop told her when they were through and she started to clear the table. “The boy needs his sleep if you’re going to set out at dark.” McManus nodded and took her upstairs to a bedroom. She saw the collar hanging from a chain on the headboard and backed away. He forced her to the bed and put the collar around her throat. Then he cuffed her wrists behind her back again. When that was done, he made her lie down and she fell asleep with his arm over her body. “Before we go, Anneke,” McManus smiled as he stroked her leg slowly, “ you’re going to make a choice that will mean the difference between your husband and son living or dying.” “What do you mean?” Annie asked him. “You come with me willingly and agree to remain with me,” McManus told her, “and I will forget the Owens family exists. James and your son will learn to live without you but they will be safe.” He saw the pain in her eyes. “If you say no, I will return you to them, but it will be all out war after that. You will never know when I will strike, but I will strike and you will be burying, father-in-law, husband, brother-in-law, and any children you give your husband until only you are left.” He cupped her chin in his hand and met her eyes. “You have their lives in your hands, Anneke. I’ll give you until the time I am done with my shower to give me your answer.” 30 “You made the right choice, Annie,” McManus smiled as he held her hand in his as she cried. They were in the RV that had been hidden in the barn and headed west again. “We’ll have a good life together, baby. You, me, and the little one growing inside of you.” He frowned as she sobbed. “You made the choice,” he reminded her. “There was nothing in this contract,” Annie spat at him, “that said I had to be happy about it.” “It doesn’t matter if you’re happy about it,” McManus shrugged. “You’re going to wear yourself out with all the weeping, and I’m told negative emotions are harmful to unborn children.” He put his hand to her abdomen. “This is all you have of the life you left, Annie. If you’d rather let this child die that is your choice too.” Annie got a tissue and wiped her face and dried her eyes. He nodded and turned his attention to the road. They drove for a few hours and then stopped for a late supper. Annie sat in the diner with him and toyed with her eggs, wondering if she had made the right choice. She hadn’t given James and his family a choice in this matter. She had let her fear for them govern what she did. Wasn’t that what she had done when Guthrie had abducted her? When McManus got up to use the bathroom she waited thirty seconds after the door closed before she was on her feet and headed for the front door. “Do you need some help, Miss?” a trucker asked as she stood in the middle of the parking lot while she tried to decide what to do. “I’m lost,” she said softly. “How far are we from Albany, New York?” “Darlin’ you’re in Idaho,” the trucker told her. “How did you find yourself out here?” “A lot of fear and bad choices,” Annie sighed. She jumped as someone’s hand came down on her shoulder and looked up at McManus. “I’ve changed my mind. I am not going with you.” “We already have the cabin rented for the next month, baby,” McManus said gently. “We should at least see it before you mourn the loss of civilization, Annie.” He leaned over and whispered very softly. “Is this a man you want me to kill?” Annie shook her head and McManus smiled at the trucker. “My wife has never been anywhere without electrical outlets before. She’s been terrified she’ll be eaten by a bear if we go camping.” “You’ve got yourself a big strong man there, darlin’,” the trucker smiled at her kindly. “I’m certain he’ll protect you from any old bear.” “Thank you for taking care of my wife, sir,” McManus said to the man and held out his hand. “She looked like she needed a friend,” the man nodded and shook McManus’ hand. “Good night, folks.” He wandered back to his truck muttering something about city gals and McManus laughed. He put his arm around Annie’s waist and they went back inside. They sat down and finished their dinner. Then they went to the RV and he bound her wrists and ankles and put her on the bed in the back as punishment. “There is no reneging on this deal, Annie,” he said as he stroked her lips. “You said you’d be mine and you are mine.” He yanked her up and she saw the anger in his eyes. “Do something like that again and I will be paying your father-in-law a call.” Annie shook her head and he kissed her roughly and then pushed her down. He got the ether and drugged her then went back to the wheel and drove for the rest of the night. He kept her drugged in between meal stops for the next two days. When he finally allowed her to wake up, she found that they had stopped. McManus untied her and she got up and used the bathroom. Then she followed him outside and saw a beautiful log cabin overlooking a lake. There were pine trees and other conifers around the cabin. An older couple was standing on the porch. “Mr. Newman,” the older man smiled and held his hand out to McManus. “I’m Ed Whiting. Welcome to your new home.” “Thank you Mr. Whiting,” McManus smiled and shook his hand. “And this is Leona?” “That’s right, Mr. Newman,” Leona smiled. She looked at Annie and smiled. “Hello, dear. There’s no need to be shy. We won’t bite.” “Annie’s had a very hard pregnancy so far,” McManus told them. “She wakes up badly.” “Oh I remember those times,” Ed laughed. “I was afraid to speak around Leona when she was having ours. Never knew what might set her off.” He and McManus exchanged keys. “I hope you and your Annie are as happy here as Leona and I were.” “Enjoy your life on the road, Mr. Whiting,” McManus smiled and handed over the keys. “The registration has been changed over and is in the glove compartment.” “There’s a meal waiting on the table for you youngsters,” Leona smiled as Ed went to get their luggage. “The bed in the big room is turned down and ready for you.” “Come on Leona,” Ed called as he got the luggage to the RV, “we want to be in California by the weekend.” “Our son Mitchell’s wife is having their third child.” She smiled at Annie. “You need anything we left the numbers of all our children and our cell phone number on the pad by the phone.” “Say thank you to the Whitings, darling,” McManus smiled at her. “Thank you,” Annie said to them and then moved away from McManus. “Enjoy your trip.” “Oh my goodness, girl,” Ed laughed. “We’re not coming back here. This is your home now.” He frowned as she burst into tears. “Did I say something wrong?” “Annie’s just over emotional because of the pregnancy, Ed,” Leona said to him. She shoved him to the RV. “Let’s get moving you said.” Annie ran into the house and locked the front door. She looked around the beautiful rooms and wished she were here with James. He would love the place. She looked for the phone and saw it hanging on a wall near the kitchen area. She dialed and waited. “Thank God,” she cried as someone answered the phone. “Help me,” she sobbed as she heard a door opening. “Please, I want to come home.” “Hang up the phone, Annie,” McManus growled as he came in through the back door and saw her. “Now!” “No,” she shook her head and looked for something she could fend him off with. She pulled a knife and tried to hurt him. He caught her arm and twisted her arm up behind her back. “Let me go!” “Bad girl,” McManus said as he tightened his hold on her arm until she cried out in pain. He forced her to her knees and ripped the cord out of the wall and the phone and tied her wrists and ankles together. “You just lie there and think about why that was wrong.” Annie tried to pull loose but the cord was not slipping. She watched him as he went to the living room and sank down on the couch to watch a movie from the selection on the shelves along one wall. “Please,” Annie begged him as she felt the need to use the bathroom. “I need to get up.” “No, Annie,” McManus shook his head. “You did something wrong and you need to be punished. “If you mess the floor, you’ll just have to clean it up when I finally decide to let you up.” “Please…” “You heard me, Annie,” McManus snapped. He got up and yanked her up to her feet. His eyes were blazing in anger. “You disobeyed me, didn’t you?” She refused to answer him and he shook his head. “You apologize to me and I’ll let you loose.” “Yes,” Annie whimpered. “I’m sorry.” He kissed her and she choked back her revulsion. He put her down on her knees and walked away. “You said you’d let me loose!” “I didn’t say when,” McManus laughed at her. She started to cry as the pain of struggling to hold off going to the bathroom felt like someone was knifing her. “Oh come on, Annie. It can’t hurt that bad!” She didn’t stop crying and he finally got up and let her loose. “All right. You get a reprieve, But,” he continued as he clamped his hand on her throat; “you ever do something like that again and you won’t be getting up on your feet for a week. Is that understood?” “Yes.” “Yes, who?” “Yes, Matthew,” Annie whimpered. She ran for the bathroom and spent the next hour locked in the room, sobbing. 31 James jumped as the phone rang and Karl whimpered. He had been sleeping on the couch with his son on his chest. He heard Norma answer and then cry out in shock. He ran to get it and heard Annie’s voice begging for help. The sound of her voice after a week was like manna from heaven. But then he heard McManus’ cold voice and Annie crying out in pain before the line went dead. “She’s still alive, Norma,” he said as he held his son close. He hung up and called the phone company. “I need to know where the call that came into this number originated from.” He waited as the operator checked for him. He loved the FBI. They had set this up so any calls coming to him could be traced. “Where? Thank you, ma’am.” He hung up and called his father. “Dad? Annie just called from Idaho. We have a direction.” He hung up and hugged his son. “Did you hear that, monster? Mommy wants to come home.” “Mommy home!” Karl giggled and threw his arms around James’ neck. “Now?” “Soon, baby boy,” James promised him. He made the next call. “Captain Jeffrey Owens, please.” He waited a moment, tickling his son as he waited. “Jeffrey? It’s your brother. Annie is in Idaho.” He heard his brother shout in joy. “Here’s the phone number she called from. The ball’s in your court now, little brother. Don’t let us down.” “Don’t worry, James,” Jeffrey said firmly. “I’ll get Annie back to you!” He hung up and turned to look at the woman sitting up on his bed with the sheets over her body. “Annie managed to give McManus the slip long enough to call James’ wife. We have the number.” “You think he’s going to be waiting for us, husband?” Marcy asked him as she reached for her panties. They had gotten married over the weekend and she had never been happier. “He’s more likely to run for it now.” “No,” Jeffrey shook his head. “The call wasn’t long. He’ll think there was no chance of a trace.” He was practically dancing. “We have him, Marcy! He is going down.” “I’ll get the paperwork going for the jet,” Marcy smiled as she dressed quickly. “You find out just where in Idaho we’re going.” Half an hour later, they were on the airfield near Leavenworth and waiting for the jet to be fueled. Edward joined them there and he looked like a kid at Christmas, he was so excited. “There’s an air base a hundred miles from the sight, Jeffrey,” he told his nephew. “The Colonel there is pledging his entire command to your assistance. Agent Taylor has alerted the Boise FBI and they are meeting you at the base. You bring our Annie back to us safe and sound.” “Will do, sir,” Jeffrey nodded. “Captain?” he called over to Marcy. “Are we ready to go?” Marcy held up five fingers. “Five minutes. I’d better get into my flight gear then. Wish us success, Uncle?” “You’ve got it, nephew,” Edward nodded. “Don’t come back without her, Jeffrey,” he added. “Not in the game plan, sir,” Jeffrey nodded. He got on his flight gear and joined Marcy in the jet. They took off and he held on to his stomach as his wife hit full speed and then some as they headed northwest towards Idaho. 32 “Rise and shine, sweetheart.” Annie opened her eyes and found herself in the trunk of a car. McManus stood over her with the lid open. He ran his hand along her arm and the look in his eyes terrified her. What was happening now? She had thought the cabin was a forever until he killed her place. He held up a roll of duct tape. “Hold out your wrists, baby,” he ordered her. Annie shook her head and looked for something she could use to defend herself, but the trunk was empty. He grabbed her arm and yanked her up so he could slap her. “Wrists,” he repeated his order. Annie did as he told her and he taped them. “Feet,” he asked next. She brought them up and kicked him in the face. He fell back and she was out of the trunk and running. He caught her as she lost her footing on the loose rocks covering the hillside. “Nice try, Annie,” he laughed as he caught her. He taped her ankles and yanked her up so he could heft her over his shoulder. “You are always a surprise, Annie girl, but you really need to learn that you’re defeated.” He dumped her in the trunk and taped her mouth. “Sleep well, darling.” Annie shook her head as he used the ether on her again. It was no use. He had her drugged and closed the lid. He got into the car and drove away from the cabin. His friend on the base in Leavenworth had told him that they were coming for him and Annie. He had to be out of the area by noon or they would be found. He had cleared the house of anything that could tell their pursuers where they were headed. He did not stop driving until he hit the town out of the search zone and stopped to make a call. “Your warning was quite timely,” he told his contact. “We’re on our way.” He shook his head. “No, I’m not telling you where we’re going, only that it won’t be where they assume.” He slammed the phone receiver down and went into the store to buy a cooler and supplies for a long road trip. He would make them think they were going into Canada now. He would get a thrill out of watching their wheels spinning when they realized they’d been misdirected only after all that effort had been expended. He was not letting go of his prize now. “Time to eat, precious,” he smiled as he unlocked the trunk and pulled her out. He set her on a park bench and removed the tape from her mouth. Then he handed her a sandwich. “Eat.” She did as she was told and he smiled and stroked her hair. She moved away from him and he yanked her back. “You stay where I put you, girl.” Annie did not fight him. She ate what he gave her and drank the bottled water. She tried not to flinch when he stroked her hair like she was his pet. And most of all, she tried not to cry. They had left the cabin because her family was getting too close to finding her. The phone call had led them to her! So she just had to find a way to get to a phone without him catching her. He cupped her chin in his hand and made her look at him, laughing as he caught her expression. “I can hear those wheels spinning, Annie girl,” McManus said gently as he stroked her lips. “Get any thought of my letting you near a phone right out of that pretty head.” “Please let me go,” Annie begged him. “I want to go home to my son.” “Even though you know you’re signing his death warrant?” McManus asked her bluntly. “Oh come on now, Annie,” he shook his head at her. “You know you won’t do anything to cause harm to your child so quit this blubbering and accept defeat.” “You bastard!” Annie snapped at him then. “How can you do this to me? I’ve never done anything to hurt you!” “It’s not you, Annie,” McManus replied. She looked at him in disbelief. “Your dear husband and I have always been rivals, don’t you see? He and I both wanted you and he got you. He and I competed for top spot in our unit, and he beat me every time. I got tired of being second, so I took something from him that I always felt should be mine and now he has lost.” “I’m the prize in some insane contest you think you’re in?” Annie protested. “This is too much!” She tried to sit up and he shoved her back down. “Let go of me, you bastard!” she snarled and shoved him off the bench before he knew she’d hit him. She got up and hopped away. He tackled her and she hit the ground on hands and knees. “I am never going to back down,” she promised him. “Let me go! I want to be with my husband, not some sick bastard who can’t admit when he’s been beaten by the better man!” He slapped her and she laughed at him, daring him to hurt her. “That’s what you can’t accept, isn’t it? That there is someone out there who is better than you are in every way that counts?” “Shut up, Annie!” McManus snarled and slapped her again. “Do you hear me?” He pulled her tongue out of her mouth. “I’ll rip your tongue out and make you eat it! Then I’ll break your neck so you can’t ever walk again.” He ran his finger along the back of her neck. “I know the right vertebrae to cut, girl. Is that what you want; to be a paraplegic?” “No,” Annie shook her head. “I just want to go home!” “You made your choice, Annie,” McManus reminded her. “Your freedom for their lives.” He turned her over and ran his hand along her jaw line slowly. “Why would you change your mind, knowing that I will kill your family if you go back to them?” His hand moved slowly down her body. “I haven’t been treating you very well, precious,” he said as he yanked her up and carried her to the car. He cut the tape from her wrists and taped them behind her back so she could ride in the car. He touched her cheek as he got behind the wheel. “That’s my girl,” he smiled when she did not move away. “You’re learning.” The hikers who had happened upon them when they had first arrived watched as the man drove away with a girl who was obviously his captive. They had filmed the entire conversation. One of them pulled out his cell phone while the other wrote down the license number and the description of the car. The call was relayed to the Boise FBI headquarters and the information sent to the Agent who was at the cabin that had been blown to pieces as they were arriving. “This man was hoping to catch a few of us in there,” he told the stunned Jeffrey and Marcy. They turned to him. “McManus was spotted about 80 miles north of here at a park. Some hikers got him on their camcorder threatening Mrs. Owens. A description of the car they are traveling in has been relayed to all points north of here. If he tries to get into Canada, he will be stopped.” “We need to get to him,” Jeffrey stated, “before he decides Annie is more of a liability to him than a game prize.” “Game prize, Captain?” the agent turned to him with a frown. “McManus and my older brother,” Jeffrey explained, “have been rivals since the man was transferred to Munich. They competed for everything, When James and Anneke started dating; McManus went out of his way to make her change her mind. When James married her, McManus tried to abduct her from the church. He said it was just a prank and he was let off with a warning. Then he started sending her little ‘gifts’ and notes.” “So he’s been obsessed with her because he sees her as a way of beating your brother,” the Agent nodded. “You’re right. His grip on sanity is quite fragile” He got a map out and showed them where McManus had been spotted. “He won’t be speeding and there is only one road up towards Canada at this point.” He hit a spot on the map. “We can set the roadblock here.” They all agreed and got into the helicopters, leaving the ground troops to make their way back to their cars and follow. Jeffrey felt Marcy’s hand on his and he caught her smile of encouragement. He hoped to God that they found Annie before McManus tired of her fight and did something she would not recover from. 33 “They all think we’re headed to Canada now,” McManus chortled as he took the side road and headed east. “I bet there’s a nice little roadblock on the road we just left, baby. How much you care to wager your husband or his brother will be there waiting for us?” Annie glared at him as he continued to taunt her. He’d gotten mad at her and put the duct tape back over her mouth. He ran his fingers along her cheek and smiled in satisfaction. He wasn’t ever going to let her go, she realized. Until they figured out who was giving him his advance information, her family was never going to find her again. “Don’t be sad, Annie,” McManus smiled at her. “We’re home free now. Once we get some hair dye and become new people again, we can go anywhere we want.” Annie could feel the tears falling and she brought her hands up to wipe the tears off her face. He removed the duct tape and she took the sandwich he held out to her and ate while her mind was put to the problem of escape. Once she had eaten, he pulled into a roadside motel and locked her in the trunk while he rented a room for the night. “I’ve been very patient with you, Annie,” he said as he cut her free and turned on the radio; “but from tonight, you are going to be the woman I choose you to be.” He held out his hand. “Dance with me.” It was too cruel, her mind screamed even as he hand went up to his. He was taking everything! They danced and he began to remove her clothing one piece at a time. By the time the music ended, she was naked and he had her down on the mattress. He sat beside her, stroking her body slowly with a smile of pleasure mounting on his face. “He had his hands all over you, Annie,” McManus said as he remained in his clothing. “Before I make you mine, I am going to scrub every inch of your body. I will not touch you until his scent is off of you.” He took her into the bathroom and set her down in the tub. He taped her wrists to the bar above the soap dish. Then he took the soap and began to lather it on her body, scrubbing every last inch of her body until she was red. He brought in a pair of scissors and cut her hair until it was just two inches long. Then he shampooed it, massaging her scalp until it was tingling from his scrubbing. He looked down at her and smiled. “Now you are ready for me, Annie,” he said as he cut her loose. He helped her out of the tub and made her remove his clothing. Then he led her to the bed and took her as she lay sobbing beneath him. “You’re mine, Annie!” he crowed as he rocked inside of her. “From now until the day you die; you are mine alone!” He fell asleep still inside of her and Annie lay there, biting her lip to keep from crying aloud. He brought her awake and took her again before they got dressed and drove east. Evening had come when they pulled into a farm that looked remarkably like the one where she’d gone through the first transformation, this one run by an old gray haired woman and her son. “Shame on you, boy,” the woman chided McManus, “for not telling me you had a woman!” She put Annie through the same examination the old man had. “Pretty thing and already seeded.” She smiled as McManus carried her into the kitchen and sat her down at the table. “Only names I have available right now are Martin and Anne Clarence.” “Works just fine,” McManus nodded. “Brown eyes, I think.” “You’ve stirred up quite the hornet’s nest, boy,” the old woman smiled as she ladled out some soup. “Her father-in-law as posted a reward for her safe return.” She looked over at Annie. “You’re not letting her go, are you?” “No, ma’am,” McManus shook his head. “This one is forever. I’ve already marked her.” His head snapped up as he heard sirens and he looked at the woman. “What have you done, old woman?” he snarled. He slapped the woman and she went flying against the wall. Then he yanked Annie from the chair under the dryer and headed out the back. He got to the door when the son cut him off, holding a shotgun on him. “Let us go, Willy,” he said as he pulled Annie to him and held the knife to her throat. “You don’t want to be responsible for her dying now, do you?” “Heard you telling Ma this one was a keeper, Mac,” Willy replied. “I got no reason to want the girl to be harmed, but I got a very powerful reason to want to see you dead.” Annie drove her elbow into McManus side and stomped on his foot and he let her go. She crouched down as the shotgun went off and turned to see McManus sliding down the wall with a stunned expression on his face and a large hole in his chest. Willy helped her up but the expression on his face did not make her feel safe. “That money will come in handy, little girl,” Willy said as he pushed her back into the kitchen. “Sit down at the table,” he ordered her as his mother came in. “Ma, tied her good and tight while I get rid of Mac’s body.” “Bury him in his empty coffin, Willy,” the woman said as she got the rope and did as he instructed. “Please don’t do this to me,” Annie cried as the rope bit into her wrists. “Let me call my…” “Sorry, darling,” the woman said as she gagged Annie. “We want that pretty money. If they’re willing to spend all this money to chase you cross country, then your family should be willing to pay a ransom for your safe return.” Annie pulled on the ropes and the woman slapped her. “You best be a good girl,” she snapped at Annie, “or you’ll be getting a hiding. That wouldn’t be good for your baby now, would it?” Annie looked at the woman in outright disbelief. She didn’t know what she was doing if she thought her family was just going to fork over money. They would know it wasn’t McManus doing it. He had no reason to sell her back to them. The woman left her alone for a minute and came back with a contact lens case. “Mac asked us to give you brown eyes,” she said as she opened the case and Annie saw white lenses, “but since you’re our hostage now you’re going to have to be blindfolded.“ She picked one of the lenses up and held Annie’s head so she could slide it into the girl’s eye. “See what this does, girl? You can’t see a thing through it, can you?” Annie shook her head, pleading silently with the woman not to do this to her. “Anyone who sees you now will think you blind.” The other lens went in and she was blind. “That should keep you in place.” She heard the woman walk to the door and open it. “Willy, hurry up with that burial.” “Having trouble, Ma,” Willy called back. “Open up the coffin and stick your brother in it,” the woman snapped. She sighed. “Men! Don’t have brains worth spit!” She slammed the door and Annie was alone. She worked on the ropes and almost got the knot loose when someone opened the door. Whoever it was did not come into the room for a moment. Then they came up to her and she felt a large rough hand on her chin, turning her head from side to side. “So you’re the golden goose, are you?” a man’s voice, deep and filled with amusement, entered her ears. “Pretty little thing.” She felt his hand move along her arm and she shuddered in horror. Not again, her mind screamed. Please no! “Don’t be frightened, little girl,” the man said in concern. “We don’t abuse females around here.” She felt his hands on her wrists. “I’m going to untie you now. Blind girl shouldn’t have to be tied up. Where could you go?” Annie moved the instant he let her free. She shoved him back and ran, right into a door. He put his hands on her shoulders and she whirled to slug him. He caught her hand and laughed as she struggled to get free of him. He pressed her up against the door and pinned her there. The horror that flooded through her and appeared in her expression made him step back. “My God!” he cried in shock. “What did he do to you?” “Your brother told me he marked her, Jared,” the woman said as she came in the back door. “Why did you let her up?” “There’s no need to tie her, Ma,” Jared replied calmly. “She’s blind and she has no idea how to navigate around this room, much less the farm. Where is she going to go?” “I suppose you have a point,” the woman admitted. “Oh very well, put her in the housekeeper’s old room. You can lose the gag, too. No one’s going to hear her screaming way out here.” The gag came off and the woman grabbed Annie’s arm and twisted it painfully. “But I’m warning you, girl; you do anything to annoy me and I will whip you. Is that clear?” “Yes, ma’am,” Annie replied. “I need the bathroom, please.” “Open the door behind you then,” the woman said. “It’s a bedroom with a bathroom attached. That will be your place until your family sends the money.” She watched Annie turn to open the door. “What’s your name, girl? Your real name?” “Annie Owens,” Annie replied. She stopped and turned back and they saw the anguish in her eyes. “Could I please call them and let them know I’m all right?” “Later,” the woman told her. “You go to your room now. I’ll come get you when it’s time to make the call.” Annie opened the door and walked ahead slowly, her hands moving along the wall. She had done this once, her mind remembered; when she was training as an emergency technician. They had been made to experience a week blind, a week crippled, a week deaf, so that they understood how to handle people with handicaps. Walk slowly and feel your way her mind bade her and she listened. She could feel eyes on her now and knew the man was watching her. She found a door and opened it. A closet, she frowned as she closed the door. She moved and her hand touched something wooden. A dresser, she decided as she moved past it. “You move well for a blind person,” Jared said softly. “Have you been blind long?” He didn’t know about the lenses? She thought the entire family knew the truth. She decided not to talk to him, but continued moving. She found another door and opened it, smelling soap and linens. She knew he was still there when she came out; closer now than the doorway. She remained where she was and refused to move. The air grew warmer around her as he moved up to her and she backed away from him, her body poised to run or fight. “I am not going to hurt you, Annie,” he said gently. He touched her hair and she pulled away, shaking her head. “If Willy hadn’t already shot him, I would kill him for hurting you so much you fear a touch.” “Thomas McManus was your brother?” Annie asked him. “Thomas McManus was my friend,” Jared replied, confusion in his tone. “My brother was using his name?” “Yes,” his mother said before Annie could speak. “Jared,” she continued as she looked at the girl in warning, “there’s the back field needs tilling. Get on that and leave the girl alone.” “Sure, Ma,” Jared got to his feet and left the room. Annie did not see the look of concern on his face as he went. “You will not speak to him again,” the woman said. “I’m the only person who will have access to you from now on.” Annie heard her leave the room and then the sound of keys rattling on a ring. She was being locked in the room. She was not letting this happen to her again, she told herself. She got up and found a window. It was an old type of window and she opened it easily. She climbed up on the ledge and lowered herself to the ground slowly. “That’s not wise, girl,” Willy’s voice entered her ear. Annie put her hand out and moved in a circle. He watched from beyond her reach and laughed. “Ma is going to be mad now, girl. You should have stayed put.” He caught her wrists and dragged her back into the kitchen. “Look what I caught outside, Ma,” he said as he shoved Annie forward. Annie hit the table and felt the bruises she’d have. She was shoved down onto a chair and her wrists were bound again. “I’ll go nail some boards over the windows.” “You’re a very naughty child,” the woman snapped as she grabbed Annie by the hair and pulled her onto her feet. “Come help me put her on the hook first, Willy. Then you can board the windows.” “Sure, Ma,” Willy’s smile was deadly cold. He picked Annie up under his arm and she heard the woman unlocking the door. She was carried inside and her arms were lifted up over her head. When he let go, she was hanging from something, her feet dangling above the floor. “The old housekeeper used to hang sides of beef in here,” the woman told her. “You won’t fall.” She turned to her son. “Willy put up the shutters before you board over. I don’t want anyone glancing in the windows of this room and seeing our guest.” She smiled as he turned. “She can’t see anyway. The lack of light won’t be a handicap to her.” Annie heard Willy laughing as he left the room, closing the door behind him. The woman began to remove her clothing and Annie kicked and struggled every step of the way. The woman slapped her but Annie would not back down. Not now. She had too much to fight for. “I can see why Jed wanted you,” she laughed as she went across the floor. “He always liked his women with a bit of fight.” Annie heard a drawer opening and the woman returned. Then she felt something run down along her spine and she shuddered. “Since you’re pregnant,” the woman said, “I will not be harsh. Ten lashes should be plenty to show you I mean it when I say I won’t tolerate disobedience from you.” Annie heard the whistle of air as the whip flew and then pain across her backside. She bit her lip to keep from crying as blow followed blow. This woman was as mad as her son, Annie thought as her body was whipped. She lost count of how many blows fell as only the pain registered on her mind. Then the woman’s hand was on her chin, bruising her skin. “Next time, child,” the woman hissed at her. “It will be twenty. There won’t be a next time, will there?” “No, ma’am,” Annie whimpered. She heard the scrape of a chair and the sound of the woman getting on top of it. Then the rope was untied and she dropped down, her ankles protesting the sudden drop. She heard the woman leave and the sound of the lock turning and she put her clothing back on and went to the bed to lie on her side. “Baby,” she whispered as she laid her hand on her abdomen. “We’re in a lot of trouble.” 34 James was bathing his son and praying as always that one day his wife would be here to see how their boy had her eyes. He finished drying him and putting him into diapers and a sleeper and handed him over to Norma. Handling his son kept him close to Annie, he told her whenever she complained he was taking over her job. Norma set the boy on his feet and walked with him to the kitchen for his dinner. There was a knock at the front door and he went to answer it. “Major Owens?” a tall, silver-haired man in a windbreaker and jeans asked as he stood there next to a tiny silver-haired woman in a plain blue denim jumper over a flowered blouse. They both wore tennis shoes. “Yes, sir,” James nodded. “May I help you?” “You can tell us why you’re spreading all this slander about our son, Major,” the woman said coldly. “Our Thomas would never do what it is you’re saying he did.” “McManus is your son?” James choked. “His DD-214 says he was an orphan.” He saw the shock on their faces and stepped back. “Please come in, Mr. and Mrs. McManus.” They came into the house and he closed the door. “We’ll go in the kitchen,” he said as he heard his son wail from that room. “Karl is having a hard time with his mother gone,” he apologized as they entered the kitchen and saw Norma trying to feed the boy. “Monster,” James sighed as he took the seat Norma vacated. “You know it’s time for you to be a big boy. We want to make Mommy proud of us when she comes home, don’t we?” “Mommy?” Karl looked at the woman who had followed his father in and his face screwed up. “Want Mommy now!” he wailed. “I know, baby boy,” James said as he picked his son up in his arms. “I want Mommy, too.” He wasn’t ashamed to cry and he smiled as Karl reached up to wipe his tears away. “Oh Karl, my little man. I want Mommy, too.” He turned to Norma. “Give the McManus’ something to drink, Norma. I need to call my Dad.” General Owens arrived with Jeffrey and Marcy in hand. He took one look at his son’s face and asked the McManus’ to join him in the Study. Jeffrey joined him and James followed shortly after. “Marcy and Norma should be able to handle our little man between them,” James said as he went to the phone and called someone. “Agent Taylor? This is Major Owens. We need you to join us at Sterling.” He listened to the question. “Because Thomas McManus’ parents just showed up here demanding to know why their son’s name is being dragged through the mud. They assure me that their son is not capable of cold-blooded murder and kidnapping.” He hung up and turned to the confused couple. “It’s been over five months. Why did it take you this long to come forward?” “Maggie and I have been in Australia visiting our daughter and her family,” Thomas McManus Sr. replied. “All of this didn’t hit the news there until recently and it took us a while to get back here.” “It couldn’t be our Thomas,” Maggie insisted. “He was raised to be a God-fearing man; he would never hurt people, much less murder them.” She was in tears and then she glared at them. “It was the Army! That’s what turned him.” “Maggie!” “No, Thomas,” Maggie snapped. “He was a changed man after he went to Germany. Our boy used to writes us every week! Then he went to Germany and we never heard from him again. We got one letter from General…” She looked at Owens. “From you, as his commanding officer, telling us he was lost in Iraq.” “That’s how we knew it wasn’t Thomas, sir,” Thomas told him. “Our son was blind as a bat. He would never have qualified for sniper status. He could never have seen a target to hit it.” He saw the Owens men exchanging looks. “What is it, sir?” “The man who calls himself Thomas McManus,” Owens told him bluntly, “has changed identities twice that we are aware of. He abducted and murdered Captain Jonathan Cartwright so he could get close enough to my daughter-in-law to rape her. She lost her baby through miscarriage because of that brutal act. He then abducted Agent Nicholas Clark, knowing he was a friend of Annie’s, so that he could abduct her.” He paused, sorry for what he had to say. “If this man is not your son, Mr. and Mrs. McManus, then he murdered him five years ago so he could take his place.” “No!” Maggie cried and leaned against her husband. His arms went around her as she sobbed. “We need to know for certain, sir. Please tell us how we can do that.” “Agent Taylor is Nicholas Clark’s uncle,” James told her. “He and Nick have been working this case since Annie’s grandfather was murdered in April by this man. He will be here tomorrow morning. We can talk to him about it.” “We need to know where Thomas was before he went to Germany,” General Owens suggested. “If we could find out who his friends were, we might find a connection to this mad man.” He looked at the couple. “I’m truly sorry about your son, Mr. and Mrs. McManus. Can you stay a few days while we try to sort this out for all of us?” “You couldn’t get rid of us now if you tried,” Thomas said bluntly. “You can stay here with me,” James offered. “It will make it easier if you are close,” he said as they balked. “We have plenty of room here.” “Very well, Major,” Thomas nodded agreement. He helped Maggie to her feet. “If you could show us the room, Maggie will need to lie down.” “I’ll take them up, James,” Jeffrey offered. He opened the door and led them upstairs. “This man has been a step ahead of us the entire way,” Owens frowned when James closed the door again. “He has to have a confederate at Leavenworth at the very least. I’m going to have to ask Major Camden for some help in checking out that hunch.” “He’ll be glad of the inclusion,” James nodded. “Why not Jeffrey and Marcy, sir?” “Didn’t you know?” Owens smiled at his son. “Your brother married her this past weekend while our backs were turned.” James smiled briefly. “I already have one daughter who has been separated from her husband. I won’t put another in peril, if it can be avoided.” There was a thud outside and then a wail they were both familiar with. “That son of yours needs some discipline, James.” “I haven’t the heart to correct him, Dad,” James said guiltily. “He misses his Mom.” “We all miss Annie,” Owens replied, “but you don’t see us throwing temper tantrums.” He got to his feet and went to the kitchen. “Attention!” he bellowed and saw Marcy snap to. Karl stopped wailing and looked at his grandfather. “All right soldier. It’s time for you to buck up and behave yourself.” He turned to the women. “Ladies, you’re dismissed.” “I’d do it if I were you,” James laughed as he recognized the act. “He used to have to do this with James when he was a baby.” “You too, Mister,” Owens said to James without turning his head. “You and your brother were a pair of hooligans.” He picked up the spoon and handed it to Karl. “Pick up those pears, open that mouth of yours and eat, Karl. That’s an order.” Karl looked mutinous for a moment but then he did as he was told. The other adults looked on in disbelief as Owens got him to eat without any trouble. He picked his grandson up and carried him into the nursery. When he had him in bed, he saluted him. “That’s a good little soldier,” he smiled as Karl tried to mimic him. “You go to sleep now.” “Ni, General,” Karl murmured as he dropped off to sleep. “Good night, soldier,” Owens smiled and moved away. “Good night, little man,” James said as he kissed his son on the forehead and turned off the light. The phone rang and he froze and waved his father to an extension as he heard Annie’s voice. “Annie? Are you all right?” “McManus is dead, James,” Annie told him. “I’m being held…” “Your pretty wife is just fine, Major Owens,” a woman’s voice came over the line. “You’re going to be receiving an express package in the morning with details on how you can get her back. I suggest you hurry, if she gives us any more trouble, I will plant her with my son.” James stared at the phone and checked the Caller ID. He frowned as it read Anonymous and showed no number. His father met his worried look with an angry frown. Annie was alive; they had that assurance at least. But how long that continued was unknown. “Whatever they want, Dad,” James said to his father. “I’ll beggar myself if I have to in order to get her back.” “It’s obvious now that Thomas McManus has been dead for five years,” Owens frowned. He looked up the stairs. “His mother couldn’t be in two places at the same time, could she?” 35 Annie got up and her body protested as she did. She went into the bathroom and took a shower, feeling around for the shampoo and bar of soap. When she was done, she felt better. She put her clothes back on and walked out to hear the door opening. The woman was back. “You will join us for breakfast, girl,” she said as she clamped her hand on Annie’s arm. She guided her slowly out of the room and helped her to a chair. “There’s a bowl of oatmeal with fresh strawberries cut into it and cream directly in front of you. The spoon is to the right of that. A glass of milk is to the left and up towards the center of the table. There is toast and fresh grape preserves waiting when you finish the oatmeal.” Annie nodded and found the spoon. She found the bowl and spent the next ten minutes eating the oatmeal. It was filling and the strawberries and cream made it palatable. She could hear someone spreading something on toast and then a plate being set in front of her. She felt the slice of toast there and ate it without comment. Once the milk was finished, someone pulled her to her feet and put her back in the room. “Would you like some music, Annie?” Jared’s voice sounded in her ear. Annie nodded. “Classical, country?” “I like everything but heavy metal and rap,” Annie told him. “My parents raised me to appreciate all kinds of music, but most of the modern stuff is just noise and anger.” She bit her lip to keep from crying and then she decided to let them go. She sobbed as he turned on the radio. The music was big band. “Mutter! Vater!” she cried as the man left her alone. “Warum Sie mich lassen mussten? Ich benötige Sie!” Jared closed the door and frowned. She spoke German like a native. Who was this girl? He felt the beginnings of a headache and stopped thinking about her. He always got headaches when he thought about things he shouldn’t. Ma said he had a very active conscience. Willy said he had gotten the conscience his twin brother, Jed, should have; but only when Ma couldn’t hear them because Ma didn’t let anyone talk badly about her favorite son. He moved outside to go to the back field. He had tilled it yesterday and it needed to have the seed sown today. He walked around the house and saw the shutters up on the room the girl was in. Well, she was blind; she didn’t need light in there like a sighted person would. He could hear the music as he went by and no crying. She must have fallen asleep. Poor kid, he thought to himself as he went to the field. Blind and far from home; she must be terrified. He wondered if she was from Germany. Again his head throbbed and he had an image of a man standing over him with a gun and his face. Jed? Somehow it didn’t seem right to think of himself as a twin. He didn’t have a twin. But the truth slipped from his head as he tried to grasp it and the lies settled back on his consciousness, keeping him prisoner. She watched him go and frowned. Having the girl here was disturbing the man. She couldn’t afford for him to remember who he really was because then he would know how he had come to be here and who had made that happen. She had gotten used to having him around. He was a better son than hers had ever been. His parents had raised him quite well and she had been reaping the benefits. The farm had never been better managed. “Girl,” she said as she unlocked the door and saw Annie curled up on the bed. She stopped and took in the sight of an obviously unhappy child who had cried herself to sleep. She left the room and locked the door. Now was not the time to chide her for what she probably couldn’t control. She heard a phone ring and smiled as she went into the den. “You got our demands?” She heard James’ affirmative. “Very good. You know where to deliver the ransom then. Details on where to go for your pretty wife will be waiting for you.” She made her voice go hard and cold. “No FBI, no cops, or she is gone. Do you understand?” She nodded. “Good.” She hung up the phone and went back to the room. She shook the girl’s shoulder and saw the fear in her eyes as they opened. She didn’t look relieved when the woman spoke to her. “I talked to your husband, Annie,” the woman told her and saw the joy in the girl’s eyes. “He is going to bring the money so we can go now.” She moved aside so Annie could get off the bed and smiled at her eagerness as they went out to the car. “I need you to get in the trunk, Annie, and stay very, very quiet.” “No,” Annie shook her head. “Then you don’t want to go home?” the woman asked her bluntly. “Of course I do,” Annie protested. “But…” “It’s just until we get to the meeting place, Annie,” the woman assured her. “It’s a nice big trunk. A little thing like you should be quite comfortable inside.” Annie didn’t look at all reassured, but she nodded. “Let me get the drops for your eyes and we’ll leave.” She turned to open the trunk and Willy was there. “Willy? What’s wrong?” “I can’t let you take her, Ma,” Willy said as he raised the gun. “I want her.” “Willy,” his mother protested as she stepped in front of Annie protectively. “You can’t keep this one. We agreed she was going back to her people.” “We didn’t agree, Ma,” Willy shook his head. “You said how it was going to be and expected Jared and I to go along with you like always.” He raised the gun as she stepped towards him. “I’m not going along this time. I want the girl so she stays here.” He nodded towards the house. “Put her back in the room.” The woman had to do what she was told. Annie cried out in anger as she heard the door being locked. She had been so close. She put her ear to the door and heard Willy telling his mother that they would go get the money as she had planned. But when Owens went to get his wife at the secondary location, she would not be there. “Willy,” the woman protested as her son moved her towards the door, “you can’t do this to that poor child! Hasn’t your brother done enough damage?” “But she’ll be bringing a child into the house, Ma,” Willy said as he made her open the door. “You’ve always said you wanted grandbabies.” Annie couldn’t hear them once they were outside. She went to the door and it was not locked. She waited until she heard the car move away from the house and then she opened the door. She moved out slowly into the kitchen and her hand hit a solid surface covered in cloth. “Ma forgot to lock the door,” Jared said as he turned her around. “Willy is taking your mother to the place where the money is supposed to be placed,” Annie told him. “He told her he’s keeping me, Jared.” “But that’s not the plan,” Jared frowned. “Why would he do something like that?” “I don’t know, Jared,” Annie nodded. “I need to go to my family,” she begged him as her hand touched his arm. “Please help me.” Jared looked down into her eyes and knew he could not refuse her. He got the keys to Willy’s pickup truck and they hurried away. He knew where she was supposed to be left for her husband, so they would go there. The eagerness on her face as they drove away from the farm made him confident he was making the right choice. 36 James entered the hotel room as he had been instructed to and found the envelope as the kidnappers had said he would. He put the overnight bag with the ransom money on the bed, picked up the envelope, left the key on the desk, and went back to his car. He drove down the street two blocks and did not see the car watching him as he opened the envelope. The address was in another town fifteen miles west of the present location. “He’s got it,” Willy nodded as he started the car. “By the time he realizes he’s been duped, we will be long gone!” “I don’t like this, Willy,” his mother said stiffly. “Not one bit. You’ve never been disobedient before…” “I figure it’s past time,” Willy broke in firmly. “You always gave Jed everything he wanted, Ma, and he turned into a monster. Why, the one time I ask for something, do you fight me?” He saw her frown. “Annie will make you a fine daughter, Ma. And she already has a grandchild growing inside of her. You don’t want to lose him or her because you feel sorry for her, do you?” “I guess not,” the woman sighed. It would be nice to have another woman around the place. “All right, Willy. Let’s get the money and then we’ll call Parson Anderson and arrange for a wedding.” They pulled up in front of the hotel room and got out of the car. They did not see the FBI agents stationed around the building. Mother and son entered the room and found the money. They walked out and were face to face with armed men. “You’ll never find her,” Willy laughed as they cuffed him and his mother. “She’ll starve to death before you ever find her.” James stopped at a coffee shop and picked up the McManus couple. He didn’t know why he had agreed to allow them to come. Something just seemed right about the decision. They drove to the secondary location and watched as a truck pulled up to the room he’d been given. Maggie gasped as she saw the man get out and walk around to the passenger side. “Oh my God, Thomas!” she sobbed. “That’s our boy!” “Something’s wrong with Annie,” James frowned as he watched the man hold his arm out to Annie and she took it as if she needed his support. He waited until they were in the room and then he pulled in next to them. He knocked on the door and the man came to answer. James ignored him and walked past him to see Annie sitting in a chair. “Annie!” he sighed as she threw herself into his arms with a cry of joy. “Oh Annie!” Thomas smiled and turned to leave. He froze as he saw the couple standing in front of him. Images flooded into his mind and the pain exploded behind his eyeballs. He fell to his knees, his hands to his head, screaming as the pain intensified. “Jared?” Annie cried as she heard his cries. “What’s happening?” “Not Jared,” the man shook his head as image after image was unlocked for him at the sight of his parents. “You’re really here?” he asked his parents. “I’m not dreaming you?” “What’s happening,” Annie asked as the older couple threw their arms around him and cried in relief. James helped her up. “James?” “It would seem that the first victim was Thomas McManus, Annie,” James told her. “These are his parents, Thomas and Margaret McManus, Sr.” “Then who was the madman who’s been terrorizing us all this time?” Annie asked him. “We’ll find that out when that old woman and her son start talking,” James replied. He looked at the McManus family. “You ready to go. We have a face-to-face with them at the police station back in Broderick.” He saw their faces. “I wish we could give you more time…” “No,” Thomas Sr. shook his head. “Let’s get this all settled. We have all the time we need now to get reacquainted with our son.” They got in the car and drove back to Broderick. Willy and his mother were in the only cell as they entered and the man’s face fell as he saw Annie and Thomas Jr. walking in the door. His mother went pale as she realized who the older couple had to be. “I admit to being fairly stumped here, folks,” the Sheriff said as he settled his large form into his chair. “The Bassett family has lived in these parts for five generations. When Wilma’s husband died ten years ago, they started to have hard times. But then they came into a windfall and things picked up.” “Five years ago?” Agent Taylor asked as he came into the office. He showed his credentials. “Sheriff, that was when this all started. Jed Bassett accepted work as an assassin for hire from a very nasty outfit and he’s been hurting people ever since.” “But we buried Jed Bassett five years ago,” the Sheriff replied. “You buried an empty box,” Thomas Jr. stated. “I was the one who was forced to dig the grave.” He remembered it all now. “Jed had a surgeon give him my face and then his mother drugged me and had a psychiatrist tell her how to brainwash me. She turned me into a replacement son and told me my name was Jared. For the past five years, I have been living on that farm doing their menial labor and field work while the real son was out there murdering people with my name!” “These people certainly went to an awful lot of trouble,” the Sheriff frowned. “What was it all about?” “Annie’s grandfather was approached by the FBI when we got a tip that his employers were up to some very illegal activities,” Taylor told him. “He was not in the least bit hesitant to spy on them.” He looked at Annie. “He was going to turn over the files he’d compiled on them, but then they killed his son and daughter-in-law and threatened his granddaughter, Annie.” The Sheriff looked at the girl in question and he could see why Bassett had been obsessed with her. She was an angel. She had the kind of beauty that made a man want her. He saw her husband’s eyes go a little cold and he looked away. “Willy shot his brother,” Annie told him, “when he was leaving the farm because he had slapped his mother around.” “Wilma always was a mite too greedy for her own good,” the Sheriff nodded. He looked at the stenographer in the corner. “Got all that, Doris?” “Word for word, Sheriff,” his wife smiled over at him. “I’m certain there’s more but Mrs. Owens looks like she’s ready to fall asleep and I’m sure her husband would like to have her to himself after their separation.” She got to her feet. “The hotel is ready to put you all up for the night. It’s just down the street.” “You have a very perceptive woman there, Sheriff,” James smiled at the perky redhead. “I like her,” the Sheriff nodded. “Tell Jacob to give you rooms on the same floor and next door to each other if possible. Be easier to find you if we need any more from you in the morning.” He saw Annie shaking her head. “Mrs. Owens?” “You need to ask that woman how to remove these lenses, Sheriff,” Annie told him. “I don’t want to be blind any longer.” “Blind?” James hissed. He looked at her eyes more closely and wondered how he had missed it. “Oh, God!” He tried to remove one. “They don’t come out!” “I’ll get Wilma,” the Sheriff nodded and left the office. He came back with the woman, who eyed them all coldly. “Tell the girl how to remove those lenses, Wilma.” “No,” Wilma replied. “Serves her right for getting my Jed killed.” She glared at Annie, but the girl couldn’t see her anger. “He would still be alive if it wasn’t for this little bitch! Let her stay blind!” “We’ll figure it out,” Annie said to James as she felt him ready to strike. She looked in the direction of the woman and her compassion was quite evident. “I’m sorry your son is dead, Mrs. Bassett, but I’m not the one who shot him.” She leaned against James. “Can we go, please?” They all got up, eager to be away from the nightmare for a while. Annie still could not believe that the man who had been stalking her for the past five years had been someone her own uncle had sent after her to punish her grandfather. Had he known the man was insane? Did it even matter to him how much damage he had done to her and her family to keep his secrets safe? “I need to call Eliza,” Annie said to James as they entered their room and she found her way to the phone. He took the receiver out of her hand and hung it up. “James!” “You have been missing for nearly a week, Anneke Leisel Owens,” James said as he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. “I am not letting you out of this bed for the next day, at least.” “James MacArthur Owens,” Annie sighed as he set her down and she pulled him to her. “I don’t think one day is going to suffice.” They had only been alone a few hours when there was a knock on the door. James cursed and pulled on his pants to go answer it and found someone shoving a wailing bundle into his arms. He looked up to see his brother with a very annoyed expression on his face. “Next time you want me to baby sit,” he said tightly as he went to hug his sister-in-law, “I want permission to use a whip and chair.” “What is that nasty Uncle Jeffrey talking about, little man?” James smiled down at his now quiet son. He turned and Karl saw his mother. He launched himself out of his arms to get to Annie. She laughed as something small and smelling like pears hit her square in the chest. “I think he missed you, darling.” “I certainly missed him,” Annie laughed and pulled her son to her. “How’s my little man?” “Mommy red,” Karl said as he tugged on her short curls. “I’ll be gold again soon, little man,” Annie promised him. “Okay?” “Kay,” Karl smiled and snuggled against her. He fell asleep instantly and Jeffrey looked very annoyed. “Now that is not right,” Jeffrey protested. “He screamed the whole way here for us.” He looked at Marcy. “I swear, Marcy; if our baby is as much of a pain as this one is, I’m trading it in!” “Your baby?” Annie looked from her brother-in-law to his friend. “What have I missed while I’ve been away?” “Our brother and Marcy got married while you were gone, darling,” James told her. “But that’s wonderful!” Annie smiled in their general direction. She did not see Jeffrey’s and Marcy’s stunned expressions. She closed her eyes and rocked her son as he slumbered in her arms. “Annie,” James said hesitantly. “I’m going to talk to Jeffrey for awhile. Will you be all right with Marcy?” “I have a feeling an army couldn’t get past my new sister,” Annie smiled and nodded. “Go on, James. I’m fine.” She held Karl close. “I’m more than fine.” 37 Annie didn’t know what woke her. She opened her eyes and felt her way to the portable crib. Karl was sound asleep. She went back into the room and opened the curtains, feeling the warmth of sunshine on her face. It was morning and she could not enjoy the sights of the new day. She heard a knock on the door and James stirred behind her to answer it. “Sheriff,” James said, identifying their visitor. “What do we owe this visit to?” “I spent half the night talking to Wilma, Major,” the man said as he came into the room. “She’s not budging.” He saw the look on Annie’s face and he was sorry he had to tell her the news. “She was quite pleased to tell me, however; that if the lenses are not removed in the next 72 hours, your wife will be permanently blind.” “No!” Annie sobbed and looked horrified. “No one could be that cruel!” she said as she sank back against the window. The two men could see her sadness become determination. “I want to talk to her.” “That’s going to be a bit hard, Mrs. Owens,” the Sheriff told her. “Someone got into the station early this morning and,” he paused and looked at James. “I’d rather not say this in front of your wife, sir.” “She’s dead, isn’t she?” Annie asked the man. “Of course she is,” she sank down on a nearby chair. “We can’t let Annie have a happy, uncomplicated life.” She was sobbing now and James was on his knees at her side. He held her as she looked at him in despair. “Why would someone do this to me, James? It makes no sense!” The phone rang and she jumped as Karl began to whimper. She went to quiet him as James answered the phone. There was a knock on the door and the Sheriff went to answer that. Annie was completely devastated by the realization that she could not see to help her child. She had to find a way to remove these lenses or she would be helpless. “We thought you might like some…” Jeffrey saw the dark look on his brother’s face and the anguish on Annie’s and knew something more was going on. “What’s happened?” The Sheriff told him and Jeffrey shook his head. “That’s not right! That woman was an evil bitch!” “Breakfast sounds good,” Annie changed the subject. “Marcy can you help me with Karl?” “Sure, Annie,” Marcy nodded. She took the boy from her and changed him. “You’re getting to be a big boy, Karl. Aunt Marcy is going to buy you some boxing gloves and teach you how to beat up Uncle Jeffrey.” She got him into clean clothes. “What do you want for breakfast, little soldier?” “Boo berry pancakes!” Karl smiled up at her. “Mommy eyes funny.” “Your Mommy had someone hurt her eyes, Karl,” Marcy told him honestly. She saw Annie nodded her agreement to her. “She needs us all to help her now. You want to help your Mommy, don’t you, Karl?” “Help Mommy,” Karl nodded. He held out his arms and Marcy put him back in Annie’s hold. “I be good, Mommy. Help?” “My little man,” Annie sobbed as she held him close. “You’re always good.” They went to breakfast and the conversation was awkward. Annie knew they were worried about her, but she refused to give up hope. There had to be some way to reverse what the old woman had done to her. She was not going to let this beat her. So she concentrated on Karl. She cut up his pancakes after she found the knife and fork and asked the waitress to put his plate in front of her. “Mommy,” Karl smiled at her and held his fork out to her. “Want pancake?” She opened her mouth and he put the food in her mouth and giggled. He was so sweet to her that she had to struggle not to cry. She thanked him for helping her and then told him to eat his breakfast. Then she excused herself and got up from her chair. “No,” she shook her head as James got up to go with her. “I need to be alone a minute, darling. Stay with our son, please.” James watched her go and then sat down to encourage Karl to eat. Annie made her way out of the restaurant. She remembered that the elevators were to the left and she felt kept her fingertips on the wall as she made her way to them. She had a room key and their room was directly in front of the elevators. “Anneke,” Eliza’s voice sounded as she got on the elevator. Annie heard the door being stopped and smelled perfume as Eliza got on board. “What a surprise to see you here. Is your handsome husband with you?” “I have a feeling you already know the answer to that, Eliza,” Annie replied. The doors closed and she felt the way to the top button and pressed it. “Why are you here?” “Because I needed to talk to you, cousin,” Eliza replied, as if it were self-evident. The doors opened and she pulled Annie back. “Not your floor, dear,” she said kindly. Annie didn’t see her pressing another button. “This is your floor,” she said as she guided Annie onto the floor she had chosen. “This isn’t my floor,” Annie cried in dismay as she was led off to the left. “Eliza, what are you doing?” She heard the sound of the door opening and she was led in. “Where are we?” “I didn’t want anyone disturbing us, darling,” Eliza said. She saw the uncertainty on her cousin’s face and wished she cared enough to feel bad about what she had done. She led Annie to the phone and picked up the receiver. “Could you call Major Owens to the phone please?” she asked as she grabbed Annie by the wrist and pulled her over. “Sit down, Annie.” Annie did as she was told. “James, darling,” Eliza purred into the phone. “This is Eliza Bayer, Anneke’s cousin?” She held the receiver to Annie’s head. “Say hello, darling.” “James,” Annie said. “I don’t know what she wants from me but she is a verhasstes weibchen!” “I don’t think that was a compliment, Major,” Eliza snapped as she pulled the phone away, “but I really don’t care what my pretty cousin thinks of me. Not as long as she does what she’s told. I just wanted you to know she will be fine and she has not been abducted.” She looked at Annie and saw her anger. “She is coming with me of her own free will to deal with some family inheritance issues.” She hung up the phone and Annie heard a knock on the door. Eliza went to answer it and smiled as a man Annie would have recognized if she could see walked into the room. Annie jumped as a hand touched her cheek. “Hello, Mrs. Owens,” Gregory smiled as he met her eyes. “It’s good to see you again. Sorry you can’t say the same.” “Did you bring the papers, Gregory?” Eliza snapped as she saw the look on his face. “In the briefcase, my avaricious little bitch,” Gregory laughed as he let his hand move slowly down Annie’s arm. She slapped him and he laughed in delight. “I see you remember me quite well, little lady.” “Take your hands off of me!” Annie hissed and tried to get up. He sat her back down. “Eliza, if you want me to cooperate, you will tell this bastard to leave me alone!” “You heard her, Gregory,” Eliza said tightly. “Until she signs these papers, you will keep your hands off of her.” “No problem,” Gregory replied and stepped away. “I can wait.” He opened the briefcase and pulled out one sheet of paper. “Tomlinson says all she has to do is sign this one document and you inherit everything.” “You risked kidnapping charges just to get me to sign a piece of paper?” Annie snapped. “Eliza, you’re as crazy as your father!” Eliza glared at her cousin and then remembered she was blind. “I was going to let you have your sight back, Anneke,” she said coldly, “as a thank you for doing this for me.” She saw the hope in Annie’s eyes and laughed to herself. Let the little fool think she was being given her sight back. She helped Annie to her feet and took her to the desk, guiding her hand. “Just one little signature, darling,” she purred in Anneke’s ear, “and you get your sight back.” Annie froze as she sensed something. She put the pen down and shook her head. “You give me my sight back first, Eliza,” she said softly, “and I will do what you want. Not before.” “You don’t trust me?” Eliza looked wounded. She didn’t know why she bothered. Annie couldn’t see. “You’ve developed some intelligence since you were Father’s guest, Anneke.” She grabbed Annie’s hair and shoved Annie’s head into the desk hard. “How about this, little cousin. You sign this document for me and I will let you go back to your husband and son. You don’t and I will let Gregory have you.” “Gehen Sie zur Hölle, Weibchen!” Annie hissed and tried to get up. Eliza shoved her head down into the desk again and Annie was seeing stars. “If you hurt me, I can’t sign this.” Eliza cried out in frustration and slapped her across the face. Then she turned and saw the dress bag hanging in the closet. She got it out and laid it on the bed, a nasty smile on her face. “I think it’s time we moved this to another venue, Gregory,” Eliza said. “She’s too close to her family to understand she has no choice. What are you doing?” she exclaimed as she saw the gun in his hand. “I have a different idea, Eliza my dear,” Gregory replied. He pulled out his credentials and she hissed. “You’re under arrest for the abduction of Anneke Owens. You have the right to remain silent,” he continued to read the Miranda rights as he cuffed Eliza. Then he went to the phone and called the restaurant. “Major Owens, please.” He met Eliza’s hate-filled eyes. “Major,” Gregory said. “My name is Gregory Masters, FBI. I have arrested Eliza Bayer and we are in Room 324 with your wife.” “You unholy bastard!” Eliza screamed and tried to get out of the cuffs. “You set me up?” “It was rather easy,” Gregory smiled at her. “Now you just sit quiet while I help Mrs. Owens with her eyes.” He took Anneke to the vanity area outside the bathroom. “Tilt you head back,” he instructed her. Annie felt the drops hit her eyes. “You need to use the drops every four hours for the next couple days,” he told her, “until all trace of the lenses is washed away.” “Thank you, Agent Masters,” Annie smiled in the direction of the darker shape in the gray haze she now saw. “I thought you were a monster,” “I am, Mrs. Owens,” Gregory told her firmly. “That is my cover. It’s how I get to bring people like this little bitch to justice.” “Why was she so determined for me to sign that document?” Annie asked him as she put the drops in the pocket of her jeans. “She didn’t tell you?” Gregory looked over at Eliza coldly. “It seems your mother inherited 75% of her father’s estate. When she died, it passed on to you. Your uncle, and then your cousin, wanted it.” “Is that why they were angry with each other?” Annie asked her cousin. “This has all been about money? I have gone through this living hell because you wanted this inheritance I had no knowledge of?” “That about sums it up, Mrs. Owens,” Gregory nodded. “If you’ll excuse me, I’ll call my handler.” He stepped out of the room. “I would have signed that document,” Annie said to Eliza, “if your father had just asked.” She shook her head in disbelief. “So many people have died because of this, Eliza! It wasn’t necessary!” “Then sign it,” Eliza said eagerly, “and let me go.” For a moment Annie was tempted to do just that. But her uncle and cousin had destroyed people’s lives with their greed. She would not dishonor their memories by letting this continue. There was a reason why they did not want her controlling her own inheritance, so that meant it was important for her to do so. She shook her head and heard Eliza screech in anger. “Sorry, cousin,” Annie said softly. “It’s time for you to learn that people are more important than your selfish needs. I am pressing charges against you for kidnapping and extortion.” “You little bitch!” Eliza hissed as Gregory came back in and took her away. “You think you’ve been hurt before? This past year will seem like a sunny day in heaven before we’re done with you!” “I’m a bitch?” Annie laughed. She felt her way to the desk and found the paper. She picked it up and ripped it in half, then let it fall. “If I am, Eliza,” she finished, “then I learned it from your father and you!” She turned away then and leaned on the desk as she began to shiver. She felt someone’s arms go around her and knew it was James. “So many people died because of them, James. We have to make it right!” “We will, darling,” James soothed her. “We will.” He held her a moment later and then took her hand in his. “Now come back downstairs. Our son won’t eat until you come back to the table.” Annie nodded and went with him happily. For now the nightmare was over. She wondered if Eliza’s threat had been fact of if it was just idle words. At this moment, she was happy and she was with the people she loved. She would worry about the future when it came. “Monster,” she heard Jeffrey’s annoyed voice as she entered the restaurant. “This was my best uniform!” Annie laughed and he turned to see the joy in her eyes. “Annie, I swear,” he said to her as he rose, “if you don’t teach this monster how to behave, I am going to paddle him.” “Try it, Jeffrey,” Annie said in mock warning, “and I will paddle you.” “Mommy paddle Unca Jeffy!” Karl giggled and bounced up and down. “Mommy come eat now.” “Mommy’s coming, darling boy,” Annie smiled and hurried to one of the men she loved. “Mommy’s coming.”

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Tag der Veröffentlichung: 11.01.2010

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