“Hurry,” Candace whispered urgently as she disappeared down the wooden staircase and into the pitch-black basement.
“Wait,” was Tanis’s breathless reply as she slowed to glance behind her. In just a flimsy yellow nightgown, the damp air from below chilled her bare arms and feet. She shuddered.
The padlock Candace had picked open swung precariously from the latch, ready to drop and awake the rest of the sleeping house. This was a bad idea.
“C’mon,” urged Candace from somewhere down in the abyss. “Hurry up!”
They were going to get caught.
The consequences would be merciless.
Shifting her weight on the wooden landing, Tanis pushed herself onward and pressed her foot onto the first wooden step. And then another. Each footstep creaked beneath her slight weight. She clutched the loose railing and clumsily made her way through the dark until her feet touched cold cement.
Hands fisted at her sides in fear, she frantically blinked her eyes, straining to see through the darkness—to the unknown. It left her powerless. There had been no time to find a flashlight, but it would only capture unwanted attention anyway.
A hand grabbed her arm.
“C’mon, we’ve got to go now.”
Candace took Tanis’s hand and pulled her toward the end of the basement and around a sharp corner to where a dim light from outside allowed her eyes to begin to focus.
The girls moved as fast as they dared through the maze beneath the old house.
Tanis could only see Candace’s long hair flicking from side to side as they ran. At one point, she closed her eyes and relied on her friend’s strong will and instinct to get them to safety.
They stopped abruptly at a storm door, the only thing standing between them and freedom. Panting in the darkness, a creak from upstairs lifted both their heads in fear—someone was awake.
Candace lunged forward and grabbed the large bolt locking the door with both hands and pulled. It gave way with a loud clunking sound, and she pushed the bulky door open to reveal the half-moon outside.
Cool air whipped inside, wrapping itself around Tanis’s shivering body as she watched her friend take the final two steps—to a new life.
With the moon behind her, and with her arms outstretched in joy, Candace resembled an angel in her white cotton nightgown, her dark hair blowing all around her. “C’mon,” she urged again.
Tanis froze. It was as if her feet were cemented to the basement floor. Doubts about running away from the foster home plagued her mind.
They would never stop searching for them—ever.
She and Candace knew too much about what went on at Elm Hill.
How would they survive without any money?
She realized that she just couldn’t do it—not now, not like this. She would soon be eighteen and then things would be different—the home would no longer be her prison. She would be legally free. No one would care anymore.
“What are you waiting for? This is our chance.”
“I can’t… I can’t do it. It’s just another year,” said Tanis. “Not even that long.”
“No, we’re doing this together. We have each other,” said Candace adamantly, shaking her head. “I’m not going to leave you here. We escape together.”
“You have to go. You can’t stay…”
Candace ran to the side of the house and retrieved a duffel bag, which had been carefully packed and stashed for their escape. Unzipping the top, she pulled on a pair of jeans and slipped on a pink sweater. It was her favorite color, always matched to her nail polish.
“Hurry.” Tanis changed her tone. She wanted her best friend to escape the abuse of the home—the authority and focus was always more concentrated on her anyway. Tanis knew that she could endure another ten and half months, but Candace couldn’t.
“No…”
“Yes, hurry. I can help misdirect the she-beast and the cops. You’ll be safe.” Tanis heard the rustle of branches in the distance and looked toward the edge of the property, near the hiking trail, and saw the outline of a man. She had never met Ray, had only seen him from a distance, but he was their ticket out of here. At least, that was how Candace had described him. “Go. We’ll meet back in ten months and three days at our secret spot. I promise.”
“I will come back for you.” Candace’s voice faltered. It was clear she wanted to stay, but as she looked to the south she saw Ray waiting; that was all she needed to push forward.
Tears welled up in Tanis’s eyes. She knew that she’d made the right decision to stay behind, but that didn’t make it any easier. One of them had to stay. It would soon be over. It all would be over.
Candace hugged Tanis tight. Whispering in her ear, she said, “I love you and I’ll be back.” She gave her a long look before she turned and ran.
Tanis watched her friend move quickly into the shadowed night—and soon disappear altogether.
I love you and I’ll be back.
The diesel engines of the earthmovers and bulldozers roared as they prowled like metal predators on top of the hill and through five acres of dense trees surrounding the mansion. The massive tires left deep grooves in the soil, still sodden after extensive bouts of rain, and various attachments worked to smooth out the terrain and keep rain runoff to a minimum in preparation for demolishing the house.
Loud voices yelled back and forth across the property, directing the action. Three metal containers, each forty feet long or more, sat on the far side of the estate, housing tools, supplies, and some of the more valuable interior pieces of the house such as doors, light fixtures, crown molding, fireplaces, and various pieces of shiplap wood. The new owner, Magnum Development, Incorporated, wanted to save anything that would bring in any extra money, no matter how small. They planned on building three luxury-spec homes on the impressive landscape that would garner more than two and a half million if they could only fight the rainfall and correct the slipping landscape. It was highlighted as a “special project” that they had taken on in addition to more lucrative ventures, but there was still a comfortable profit margin to be had.
Built in 1895 but left abandoned for the last two years, what remained of the house was still known to most around Pine Valley as Elm Hill Mansion. It used to be a safe haven for fostered teenage girls, but now looked more like the façade of a haunted house at a Halloween carnival. Four years earlier, the foster home, which had been a private philanthropy project, had been disbanded by the county and state authorities who had little or no budget to maintain the project after allegations of abuse. The house had repairs and indications that it potentially wasn’t safe. The remaining girls were relocated to other homes and soon thereafter the investigation had fizzled and the large house sat vacant.
The historical mansion, with more than 2,000 square feet of livable space, included five bedrooms, two living areas, a parlor, storage, and a library area that had been reduced to a pitiful crumbling mess of empty shelves over the years.
A panicked cry from outside stopped several workers in their tracks as they wrenched a rotting wooden fireplace from the wall. Among them, in jeans, a red flannel shirt and hard hat, was Bob Bramble, the foreman in charge of the project. He looked around, angry at the interruption and keen to get back to work.
“Boss!” yelled one of the employees. “Hey, boss!” the man yelled again, more urgently.
One by one, the booming sound of engines ceased, leaving the area strangely quiet.
“Yeah,” Bob said as one of his men jogged up to him. “What is it?”
“We can’t get the crowd to leave.”
“What crowd?” he growled and craned his neck to see half a dozen people with handmade signs saying “Keep the Elm Hill Mansion” and “Keep the historical house” headed their way. “Oh, brother. Get them out of here,” he barked. “We have a job to do! I’m not going to get behind because of a group of idiots.”
“But what if they don’t leave?” asked the worker, looking at the crowd with a worried expression.
“Then… call the cops.”
At the same time, one of the bulldozer drivers jumped from his cab and ran toward them. His face pale, panic in his eyes. “Boss!” he yelled as he increased speed. “BOSS!”
“Crap,” the foreman muttered. “Now what?” he snapped as the driver ran over to him.
“There’s… it’s…”
“Spit it out, Chris… tell me what’s going on.”
“We found… it’s horrible, sir…”
Bramble grabbed Chris’s arm and gave him a little shake. “Show me. We don’t have time for this shit.”
The men hurried to the far side of the property where several trenches had been dug. Two other workers were standing side by side staring down the hillside—not moving.
“What’s going on here?” Bramble demanded.
One of the men slowly pointed his index finger without saying a word.
Bramble stepped to the edge of the pit and peered downward.
Submerged in the muddy earth, and surrounded by puddles of water, lay the naked body of a young woman—her pale skin like porcelain in the early morning light. Lying on her left side, arms twisted precariously, one in front of her bent body and the other behind. She looked like a broken doll that had been carelessly tossed away. The remnants of a rope dangled from her left wrist. Her long chestnut hair, wet and knotted around her face, covered her frozen expression.
Bramble couldn’t tear his eyes away from the body as the sun peeked out from behind a cloud and illuminated her fragile form in a natural spotlight. “Stop working…” His voice caught in his throat. “Stop. Everybody STOP!” He waved his hands, turning around to get everyone’s attention. “Stop working. Everybody exit the property now! Now!”
Bramble had never seen a dead body before and the young woman looked painfully close to his own daughter’s age. As his team downed tools and headed for the parking area, he bent down closer to the body, carefully moving down the hillside, and strained to see if he recognized her, searching for anything around her that might identify her.
Slipping his hand into his pocket, he stood up, swallowed hard and composed himself—still not fully believing what he was seeing. He knew enough from watching true crime shows on TV to keep the area clear to avoid contaminating the crime scene, but all he could do now was dial 911.
Detective Katie Scott kept her pace as she weaved around several clusters of trees on the rural hiking path. Her long dark hair, tied back in a ponytail, swung in time with her fast stride. The cool morning air filled her lungs. It was the part of the day she loved the most; fresh and clear. The forest around her clung to the incredible scent of the mountains after the rain and the leaves were beginning to turn brown. Summer was nearly over and the fall season was fast approaching.
Dressed in dark navy running pants and a lavender hoodie, she could feel the perspiration trickle down the back of her neck. The contrast of hot and cold invigorated her and she pushed her pace even harder until she reached a lookout area at the top of the track with a magnificent view of the valley.
There she waited—still moving her limbs to help keep the blood flowing, catching her breath and enjoying the beautiful pattern the trees, peaks, and valleys formed. The landscape was lit up by the early sun in a stunning canvas of orange and green. A few predatory birds glided around her, searching out small mammals.
It was the perfect way to contemplate what the day would bring, but her mind was never far from her time in Afghanistan as a K9 explosives handler. Nothing would ever totally block those memories—both good and bad—but she was now learning how to cope.
She tried to cope every day. To survive. Taking deep slow breaths, Katie felt her pulse returning to normal.
“Hey,” came a man’s voice lagging up the trail behind her.
Katie turned and smiled. “What took you so long?” she replied lightly.
“You’re not the one carrying an extra fifteen to twenty pounds. You left me in the dust. Partners don’t do that,” huffed Deputy Sean McGaven.
“You asked me to help with your training. I’m not going to hold your hand,” she said with a laugh.
“Yeah, well, in case you haven’t noticed this isn’t the army, no matter what your credentials say.” He stopped beside Katie, towering over her with his six-foot six-inch height in matching sweats and hoodie. His complexion was ruddy and his light red hair closely cropped. With his hands firmly set on his hips, he waited for his breathing to return to normal.
“You’re doing just fine,” she said. “Really.”
“Oh great, that’s encouraging, just before my heart attack.”
“You’re not going to have a heart attack. It’s always hard to get back into running again.”
He turned and enjoyed the view for a moment. “This detective work has kept me confined to an office too much. And…” He hesitated. “Being in the hospital laid up for over a week didn’t help. And for some reason, desk work makes me extra hungry. So,” he gestured to his stomach area.
Katie stretched her calves and hamstrings. “Don’t forget Denise’s fantastic cooking.” She laughed. Denise worked as a supervisor in the sheriff’s department’s records division—and McGaven had been dating her for more than six months.
He didn’t respond immediately, still thinking about it. “You might have a point there,” he joked.
“Don’t forget to stretch, regularly,” she stressed. “And it doesn’t hurt to have a good soak before bed—you might want to use some Epsom salts too. It does wonders for aching muscles and joints. That way, you won’t feel so stiff in the morning. Run every other day so that your body can have twenty-four hours of recovery.”
He followed her lead and began stretching his legs too. “I hear you.”
Katie was lucky—at least that’s the way she thought about it. She was working as a detective at a job she loved. When she had returned to Pine Valley after her army tours were over, she was uncertain of what she was going to do next. Return to Sacramento Police Department and work patrol, take some time off, or work cold cases for the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department. She chose the latter and was given the opportunity to head the cold-case unit—a newly formed department—and Deputy McGaven was pulled from patrol to assist. It was the best decision she had ever made.
“Katie?” McGaven asked staring at her.
“Oh, sorry. Just thinking…”
“About the new case?” He finished her sentence.
“Stop doing that,” she said.
“What?”
“Finishing my sentences.”
“Well… I can’t help it.”
“Fine. Just don’t do it all the time. It’s annoying,” she said, slowly walking down the trail.
“Isn’t it a form of flattery?” He smiled as he followed her back down the hillside.
“Some would think so,” she played along. “But, it’s still annoying.” Katie began to jog slowly back down the steep trail to finish cooling down and to give McGaven a break.
Her cell phone rang.
Katie pulled it out of her pocket. “Detective Scott,” she answered. “Yes, he’s here. Okay, we’re both here now,” she said and put her cell phone on speaker for McGaven to hear as he jogged over.
“I’m glad that I caught both of you at the same place,” said Sheriff Scott. His voice was serious. “Do you remember a cold case that came across your desk recently, Candace Harlan?”
Katie had to think a moment, but it came to her. “Yes, a missing persons case—actually a runaway from foster care?”
“Yes,” he said.
Katie looked at McGaven, knowing what the sheriff was going to say—she caught McGaven’s eye and they listened intently.
“I need you and McGaven to get over to Elm Hill Mansion right now. During demolition this morning, they found a body. By description, it’s likely Candace Harlan, but we won’t know officially until the body is examined. You know the most about events surrounding Candace’s case—and I want you to be the first on the scene and to work this investigation.”
“We’re actually close. Just on our way down the Brown’s Hill trail,” she said and began walking quickly, McGaven beside her.
“Good. I need you to report to Detective Hamilton immediately.”
Katie frowned and stopped, leaving a stilted silence.
“He’s been briefed and knows you’re on your way. I need you to work the crime scene with him. This was originally a cold case on your desk, so the way I see it, you have first priority to the investigation.”
“I’m sure Hamilton has it under control,” Katie insisted. She wasn’t liked by the detective, and taking over a case like this would do nothing to alleviate the tension between them.
“Katie,” the sheriff said, “it’s not a request. So I would suggest getting to the scene ASAP.”
“Yes, sir. We’re on our way.”
The sheriff abruptly disconnected the call.
McGaven raised his eyebrows. “That wasn’t pleasant.”
“He’s been like that recently,” she said. “I can’t really blame him, under the circumstances; being the number one suspect in your own wife’s murder will have taken its toll. He’s just trying to regain his authority at the department again…” She moved faster along the path to get back to the parking area.
“I guess it is tough having the sheriff as your uncle,” he said.
“That’s an understatement.”
McGaven parked the unmarked police sedan where he could between hastily parked work trucks, construction equipment and first responders. A number of construction workers, police officers, and people holding signs were obstructing the entrance to the property.
Katie had been informed that CSU were already inside the police-only area waiting for further orders from her. She took a moment in the car to watch the carefully controlled movements of deputies and forensic personnel protecting the crime scene by taping off areas in quadrants and shielding the body with a sheet. Most of the onlookers, including a few protesters that had hung around, pushed against the tape trying to get a look at the murder scene.
Katie opened the passenger door and stepped out, her running shoes instantly sinking into a puddle as the cool breeze whipped through her clothes. “Great,” she said, rolling her eyes as she trudged through sticky mud toward the yellow tape area. Neither Katie nor McGaven had had time to change out of their running attire, so they forged ahead without their badges and guns. At first glance, they looked like any nosy onlooker. Luckily, a patrol officer recognized them immediately and let them through.
Katie slowed her pace, taking everything in and scanning the area before making her way toward the body. Bulldozers were frozen mid-operation, towering over her. The stench of diesel masked the familiar odor of wet earth and pine trees, and all around her trenches and heaped soil battled against the run-off of water from all the rain they’d been having recently. To her left were three large metal construction containers—two had their doors wide open, but it was too dark to see inside.
It was a breathtaking site, with stunning views of the rolling valley all around and large elm and oak trees surrounding the house. The slight breeze made a whispering sound as it threaded through the leaves. It was no wonder someone would want to build their home here.
In the middle of the picture-perfect landscape stood the crippled remains of Elm Hill Mansion, clearly of no use or interest to anyone anymore and waiting to be knocked down. The once beautiful pale blue paint was now peeling from the wood in sections, leaving behind a tarnished beige undercoat—a sickly primer color beginning to seep through and take over.
If you squinted your eyes, it was easy to see that the historical house had once been a beautiful and striking manor. Two large columns at the entrance nodded to its grandeur, and several steps led up to a gorgeous double-door entrance with inlaid blue, green, and yellow stained glass depicting birds in the trees, obviously inspired by the amazing views that surrounded them. The doors hadn’t been removed yet, but it looked like they soon would be as the porch that had once wrapped around the front and sides of the mansion had already been removed and replaced with caution tape. Pretty windows on all three stories were now a misfit of broken glass and boarding. Around each window were intricately cut wood designs that added a whimsical fringe and decoration. Most were broken, hanging loose or completely absent. The wind, picking up now, caused loose pieces to rattle against the house.
Glancing behind her, Katie saw the small crowd of construction workers and a couple of other bystanders leaning over the yellow tape, trying to get a look at the scene. At least the area had been cleared quickly and there were hopes of preserving the site.
Katie and McGaven kept their course and walked toward the crime scene. Forensic Supervisor John Blackburn was organizing evidence containers and readying himself to take photographs when instructed, but he kept his distance and waited for Katie to get a first look. He nodded as she walked past.
Detective Bryan Hamilton stood next to a deputy, waiting for Katie. His perfectly pressed suit seemed out of place around the chaotic property. He appeared annoyed, running his fingers anxiously through his sparse hair, but forced a short-lived smile as she approached.
“How would you like to handle this, Detective?” Katie asked respectfully, knowing she was treading on his territory and making sure that her presence wasn’t going to cause any more antagonism than was absolutely necessary.
H seemed to relax a little. “It’s your show, Scott.” He then nodded to McGaven behind her.
“We are all on the same side,” said Katie. “I’ll tell you what I see so CSI can get started as quickly as possible.” It was better to include the detective than to alienate him or anyone else at the Pine Valley Sheriff’s Department.
Hamilton hesitated for a moment, and then accompanied Katie toward the sheet shielding the trench.
“Who found the body?” she asked, stopping to look at him.
Detective Hamilton turned and pointed. “The construction foreman; well, actually, one of his bulldozer operators.” He looked at his notes. “The foreman is Bob Bramble. He’s the short guy in the red shirt.”
Katie picked him out from the crowd, and then crouched to study all the heavy shoe prints around the area where she stood. “Did anyone go past this area?”
“I don’t think so. The foreman had enough sense to stop everything immediately and call the police,” the detective said.
There were several yellow markers at the edge of the property marking the beginning of the crime scene. They were at the side of the land farthest away from the house, overlooking the dense forest where the excess water was being redirected. It looked like the bulldozers were bringing more dirt in, in order to even out the area before the final grading and scraping, and the extra rain water had forced the older soil to collapse.
As Katie slowly walked to the edge of the property, she noticed that the earthmoving equipment stopped towering above the crime scene on the flat ground and about ten feet before the final resting place of the body. The activity from the large construction machines had caused the ground to separate. She limited her movement as she paused where she estimated the foreman and other workers had stood.
Pain pressed against her eyebrows as a slight vertigo washed through her vision for a moment.
Hamilton and McGaven waited patiently as she took a few steps to the left and then the right, studying the erosion of the hillside and how the body appeared to have tumbled out. It was unclear how deep the victim had been buried, but Katie wondered if it was a coincidence she was buried at an obvious drainage point.
“Is this extreme erosion after an extra rainy month? Or just the usual?” she asked, deliberately not looking at the body yet. No one offered any type of response, so she scrutinized the surroundings, looking for anything that might have either disturbed the area recently or been accidentally left at the scene.
Her heart pounded loudly in her ears. She felt her hands tremble so she curled her fingers against her palms to m. . .
We hope you are enjoying the book so far. To continue reading...
Copyright © 2024 All Rights Reserved
Please log in to recommend or discuss...
