Inhibition: For the Sake of Amelia, #2

By Valerie Bowen

After having to fight her captor for her freedom, Amelia tries once again to return to the strong woman she was before her ex-husband Ray brutally whipped her and left her for dead.
Amelia has become terrified to be alone and wants nothing more than Kyle's strong arms to hold her up and protect her from all the evils life has to dole out. The terror she tries to bottle up inside is about to explode and the emotional mess in the days to come is more than she can take
She finally realizes the only way to regain her courage is to go back to where her private torment began. In Colby Kansas Amelia decides to conquer her biggest fear of all, the one that started her on the downward spiral of losing her independence and self respect. With Kyle by her side she returns to the barn and all the memories she has forced herself to forget.
Hearing the news of the escape of her captor brings fear for Amelia's safety to the forefront of Kyle's mind. He is faced with the realization Amelia's nightmare is on his way to reclaim what he feels is rightfully his.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Bowen
• Release date: Oct 16, 2011
• ISBN: 9781466166691

Valerie Bowen

About the author Valerie is originally from the beautiful state of Maine, where she lived until she was ten. Being young when she lived there she never appreciated the absolute beauty of the rocky coastline. Although she never live in Camden, she did have a very dear cousin that lived there and they would spend many hours in downtown Camden. When she decided to write For the Sake of Amelia she tried to imagine a great setting for the book. she thought of many places in Connecticut (where she reside now) but kept going back to her childhood and the many fond memories she held in her mind of Camden.

Book preview

Chapter 1

Kyle and Amelia were sleeping when they were startled awake by the ringing of Kyle's cell phone, he looked at the caller I.D., Kyle said in a questioning tone, Tracy called; I wonder what she wants at this hour?

Amelia rolled onto her side, she mumbled something Kyle couldn't understand, and he smiled. Kyle tried returning Tracy's call but the number was busy, Sweetheart, Tracy called, now her number is busy...I'm going to see if anything's wrong, I'll be right back.

Amelia groaned, Okay, I love you.

He quickly got dressed; rushed to his truck and drove the short distance to Tracy's. Kyle parked the truck in her driveway and ran to the front door. He knocked there was no answer, he knocked again. There was still no answer. He ran to the rear of the home to see if perhaps she would answer the back door. When he reached the deck he noticed the door was ajar. Kyle walked cautiously into the house and turned on the kitchen light. He panicked and called out for Tracy. She came running down the stairs, and said with sleep still in her voice, Kyle, what the hell’s going on? Is Amelia alright?

Kyle looked Puzzled, Tracy you called me. When I tried to call you back the phone was busy, so I came here.

Tracy scowled, Kyle I was sleeping, believe me I didn't call you.

He looked at the phone on the wall; the receiver had been removed from the cradle. Kyle looked at Tracy, he said with worry in his tone, Tracy when I came here your back door was ajar are you positive you locked it last night?

Tracy thought for a short moment, she replied, Yeah, I'm sure I locked it. She continued to explain, I came in here after Amy dropped me off; I got a glass of water and checked the door. I know it was locked!

Kyle inspected the knob and striker plate, he found tape had been secured to the striker plate preventing the lock from engaging. Kyle growled, Tracy did you lock the dead bolt or just the knob?

I think I only checked the knob, I never lock the dead bolt. Why?

Who came to visit you over the past few days?

Well, you and Amy were here, and Mrs. Wilton from the library came to check on me. Um, let me think, oh yeah, Mr. Sweeney stopped by, Ben Sullivan was here a day or two ago to offer his condolences, and your brother Caleb. Other than that no one's been here since the funeral. Why?

Kyle growled, Mr. Sullivan was here, what the hell is with that man? I can't believe he came here! Was he in the kitchen or on the deck alone?

Well I guess he was, come to think of it Caleb was alone in the kitchen, Do you really think either of them would do this? Why would someone want my door left unlocked?

Kyle panicked, he growled, Amelia! He ran out the door, jumped into his truck and sped out of the driveway. Once he parked in Amelia’s driveway he leapt from his truck, ran into the house and up the stairs. He discovered Amelia was gone. Kyle screamed.

Tracy rushed into the house a few minutes later; she looked at Kyle, and asked, "What’s going on Kyle? Where the hell is Amelia?

Oh my God! NO, NO, NO, AMELIA! He began to pace, he scrubbed his hands over his hair feverishly, Oh God, I have to call the Police

Kyle calm down, I'm sure she's around here somewhere. It will do no good for you to jump to conclusions!

Tracy, I left her here sleeping...oh god I can’t be leave this. Tracy, do you really think she would get up get dressed and go to your house at five o'clock in the morning? Truthfully Tracy I don't think I could have dragged her out of bed, she was pretty tired last night.

Kyle, please calm down, we have to keep it together if we're going to find her! Let's just think. Tracy thought for a short moment, Grab a flashlight and we'll start walking toward my house in the most logical path Amy would take. I'll bet we'll find her at my house wondering where we are.

Kyle walked into the kitchen to grab a flashlight from the utility closet. He spied out of the corner of his eyes the French doors leading to the deck were ajar. He grabbed the flashlight and slowly walked toward the doors. Carefully he pushed the door open with the butt of the flashlight. It was still dark; Kyle flicked on the flashlight and shined it in the direction of the deck’s gate. He stepped outside making certain not to touch the door with his bare skin. The gate was open and there were footprints in the dew that was clinging to the decks wooden floor.

Kyle screamed, Tracy call the police, Amelia's been taken!

Tracy rushed to the French doors, Kyle snarled, Don't touch the doors! Do you see the foot prints in the dew? Call the police and tell them it's an emergency!

He tried to walk in the prints his own shoes had already made in the dew. Carefully he walked into the kitchen being mindful not to touch the doors. He ran up the stairs to Amelia's office and grabbed the camera. He was determined to gather any evidence left behind in the dew before it was be destroyed by law enforcement or the morning sun. He was absolutely determined to find Amelia today.

While standing on trembling legs Kyle began to capture the photos he hoped would determine who was on the deck. He leaned against the granite counter top feeling extremely weak. Tracy placed her hands on his elbow and slowly led him toward a chair, and guided him to a chair. He scrubbed his hands over his face as his tears began to flow. He needed answers; it seemed as if it was taking a lifetime for the police to arrive.

Kyle, calm down, we have to put our heads together. We have to figure out who would take her. If we lose our heads we'll never be able to concentrate on the facts.

A police cruiser sped into the driveway with its sirens blaring; Kyle remained sitting in the chair while Tracy greeted the officers at the front door. Officer Collins was the first to enter the kitchen followed by his partner Officer Peterson. He looked in Kyle’s direction and cautiously eased himself into the chair opposite Kyle's. He removed a small pad of paper and a pen from his left breast pocket; he readied himself to jot down the facts.

Kyle Talbot? the officer asked.

He looked into the officer’s eyes and said in a solemn tone, Yes I'm Kyle Talbot, I hope you can find her in a hurry…god I miss her already.

Officer Collins questioned, Can you tell me exactly what happened, how is it you believe Ms. Parker was taken and not just left on her own free will.

Kyle gritted his teeth the muscles in his arms tensed, he growled, I know she was taken, those doors were open, I'm sure there are fingerprints on the door or the hardware. There are footprints on the deck that was left in the dew and her bed is empty.

Did you happen to notice if anything else was missing?

He growled, rage was blazed in his blue eyes, As a matter of fact the only thing missing is my fiancé, her purse is here her cell phone is right there on the charger, her shoes are by the front door and her jacket is still on the hanger in the closet. Not to mention her keys are still hanging on the hook and her truck is still in the driveway. So if you don't mind I need you to find the pilferer who is responsible for stealing my heart.

Kyle sobbed deep and as the officer reverted his questioning to Tracy. She explained the phone call to Kyle's cell phone from her land line. She also explained the tape that was placed on the striker plate of her door leading to the deck. Kyle was asked to display the time of the call to his cell phone to verify there was indeed a call that came from Tracy's home phone. Officer Collins requested another cruiser to be dispatched to the Crane home for further investigation. Tracy was escorted home by Officer Peterson to greet the new patrolmen.

Mr. Talbot, is there anyone that comes to mind that would kidnap your fiancé?

Kyle rose his head and stared coldly into Collins dark brown eyes he said with absolute certainty, Ben Sullivan! he continued, Mr. Sullivan has told me himself he’s been keeping a so called 'protective eye' on her for the past few years. He hired her to be his architect for the buildings he’s planning for his island home. Ben Sullivan is the only name that comes to my mind.

Collins scribbled notes in the small pad the entire time Kyle spoke, he asked grimly, Do you happen to know where he would take her? He cleared his throat, That is providing he actually abducted her. Do you have any idea where we should start searching?

A knock came on the door; Collins rose to his feet and left the kitchen to answer the front door. Peterson entered the kitchen followed by Collins. Peterson verified Tracy and Kyle's story about the tape adhered to the striker plate. The new patrol unit remained at the Crane home, they had the responsibility to dust the home for fingerprints and gather any available evidence.

Collins looked at Peterson, he stated, I think we’re required to call the detective division, please call headquarters and request Detective Tims to assist us as soon as possible.

Peterson nodded; he radioed the dispatcher and requested Detective Tims to assist the patrol team at the Parker home. Kyle rose from the chair he paced from the counter to the French doors. After a few moments he stood in front of the doors and stared into the early dawn light.

He looked at Collins and said in a grim tone, How is it you can sit here writing in your little note pad and do absolutely nothing to stop the man that has obviously kidnapped Amelia? How much longer are you going to sit here and waste time before you or one of your little playmates put on your big boy badges and arrest the man responsible for kidnapping her?

Now Mr. Talbot, I know it's hard to sit here and wait while we gather all the evidence of this crime. For all we know you may have dreamed up this elaborate scheme to get rid of your fiancé.

Kyle lunged at the officer only to be stopped by his partner, he growled, I love her! I know she was taken by Mr. Sullivan! I suggest you start taking the prints from this set of doors, and then you'll realize someone was in this house that didn't belong here. Not to mention the pictures I took of the footprints that were left in the dew on the deck and the grass. My suggestion to you is instead of accusing me of some absurd ploy of trying to get rid of Amelia, and start gathering the evidence left behind in both houses! He pounded his fist on the counter, I’ll be more than willing to bet the prints on Tracy's door and phone belongs to the same person as the prints on these doors! I’ll agree to take a polygraph if that's what it takes to get you to move a little faster! You’re waiting valuable time and for all we know Amelia could be in eminent danger!

Collins hung his head, I'm sorry if you think I accused you of a crime, I just have to consider all the possibilities. I can see by your reaction that you are most likely not responsible for the disappearance of Amelia Parker. I have one of the best detectives on the force coming to gather all the evidence that was left behind by the perpetrator. Once the evidence is gathered then we can move forward. Right now we only have your word and your accusations of the guilty party. You have to understand Mr. Talbot; we'll do everything in our power to bring her home as soon as possible… He cleared his throat and said Hopefully she will be unharmed.

Kyle staggered to his chair, and sat down. With his elbows on the table he scrubbed his face with his hands, There has to be something we can do in the meantime, we can't just sit here while she's god only knows where. Can't you send someone to Ben Sullivan's home or to that island to find out if they're in either of those locations? I just can't take this sitting here and doing nothing bullshit. I need to find her. Look its six thirty, she’s been missing since a little after five, in that hour and a half all that’s been done so far is note taking. I know you have to follow protocol, but seriously, isn't time on our side? Don't you think if you get on the trail now you can probably bring her home by sundown?

Collins scowled, I understand your frustration, but until the evidence is gathered and the prints are run, we are only working on your accusations. I agree we should send someone to that island, and we will as soon as the suns up I swear. Believe me if they're on that island we'll find them. You have to understand, before any search can begin I have to get a warrant from the judge so we can legally search and seize evidence from Ben Sullivan's residence. I can't get the warrant until the judge is notified. I'm sorry Mr. Talbot; my hands are tied right now.

Law enforcement continued gathering evidence and questioning Tracy and Kyle until early afternoon. Kyle’s frustration elevated as precious time passed by. A search warrant was granted for the island late in the afternoon; Officer Collins decided the search of the island would start first thing in the morning. Until then an officer would be posted off shore to ensure that no one visits or leaves the island until the search had been completed. Officer Collins requested a photo of Amelia to post on the local news station. Collins also requested the area newspapers to publish the photo in the next publication. An A.P.B. was initiated for the apprehension of Ben Sullivan and the hopeful safe return of Amelia Parker.

Kyle sat on the sofa his heart ached and his eyes were red from his tears. He felt completely numb wondering when he would receive word of Amelia’s whereabouts. Tracy remained with him throughout the day, trying to keep him calm, she wondered what she could do to ease his pain. A knock came on the door, Kyle lurched off the sofa, and quickly ran to the door and opened it.

Officer Collins was standing on the stoop with a glum look on his face, Mr. Talbot, I have come with a bit bad news. Kyle’s face lost all its color, Officer Collins continued, I’ve contacted Ben Sullivan, and it appears he has an airtight alibi. Mr. Sullivan's been out of town on business for the last few days. He looked at Kyle with sympathy in his eyes, His story checks out, not to mention he has many witnesses. He has been caught on a few video cameras, which also verified his story. What I need to know now is who else could have possibly been involved. Kyle clenched his jaw, he continued to listen, Mr. Talbot, I need to know if there is anyone else that comes to mind that would want to kidnap your fiancé.

Kyle dropped to the sofa; he couldn't believe Ben Sullivan wasn't involved. He scrubbed his hands over his head, I can't believe it's not Mr. Sullivan, I would have bet my life on it. He said solemnly, I don't know who else it could be. Tracy do you have any ideas, oh my god, I can't believe it's not Ben.

Tracy thought for a long moment, tears started to flow from her eyes, How about Ray Parker? Is he still in jail? Or maybe that guy what was his name, you know Kyle the bounty hunter guy?

Kyle rose from the sofa and ran up the stairs to Amelia's office, he grabbed the manila envelope that held the restraining orders and mug shots he had received from Sergeant Cook over the summer. Once he was settled back on the sofa with Officer Collins perched beside him, he opened the envelope and pulled out the paperwork. Kyle stared at the mug shots of Ray Parker and Roger Harwich; he clenched his teeth, and said, Ray Parker was here a few months ago when he tried to kill Amy. That's when I found out Ben Sullivan was keeping 'a protective eye' on her. Roger Harwich may have been hired by Ray to finish the job Ray never had the chance to finish. Kyle handed Officer Collins the mug shots of Roger Harwich and Ray Parker, This is just a guess; maybe Ray hired this guy from his prison cell. He pointed at the photo of Roger, I know when Ray was released over the summer, he had to give an address where he would be staying....he gave Roger Harwich's address.

Officer Collins clutched the mug shots and studied them for a few moments, I remember Ray Parker. As a matter of fact I was at the site the day he was apprehended. May I take these, or can you make me a copy? I really want to look into this Roger Harwich; this seems to be a hell of a good lead.

Tracy rose to her feet and removed the papers from Officer Collins hands. She climbed the stairs that led to Amelia's office where she would make the duplicates.

Collins said in a comforting tone, Mr. Talbot, we’re doing everything in our power to bring her back as soon as possible. I truly hope this Roger Harwich isn't involved...there may not be a very good out come if that's the case.

Tracy descended the stairs with the photo copies of all the paperwork that was in the manila folder. Kyle joined her at the bottom of the stairs, reached out his hand and grasped the copies. He turned toward the sofa, with tears in his eyes he said, I hope Tracy's wrong about this. He handed the information to Officer Collins and guided him out the door.

Chapter 2

It’s been three days since Amelia’s kidnapping; Kyle was beside himself with worry. Tracy had taken it upon herself to take care of him while they waited in anxious anticipation for word of Amelia’s whereabouts. Tracy only allowed herself to leave Kyle just long enough to take a shower, change and check on things at home. She had been doing her best to keep Ben Sullivan abreast of the situation. Ben was just as worried for Amelia safety as Kyle was.

Tracy called Ben to relay the latest information she explained, Ben I'm really worried about Kyle, he eats very little and I don't think he's slept much since Amelia's disappearance. I've tried to get him to call his doctor but he just tells me he needs to keep the line open just in case anyone has news about Amelia.

Ben said in a concerned tone, Tracy I know exactly what he's going through. You have to realize there is nothing you or anyone else can say that could possibly comfort him at this point. I just wish I knew what occurred the few days prior to her abduction.

Tracy explained about Kyle moving all his possessions into Amelia’s house. She told him all about the conversation she had with Amelia over the past few days prior to her kidnapping.

Ben said curiously, There hasn't been anything out of the ordinary that went on before she was taken? Tracy there has to be something you're not telling me. Think hard, what occurred in the last few days other than Kyle moving in with her.

Another call came in, she told Ben she would continue to rehash the last few days and get back to him. Tracy answered the other line, the voice said, Mrs. Crane?

Yes this is Mrs. Crane. Who is this?

This is Detective Tims, I have the results of the fingerprints and it appears the identical prints are in both locations. Thankfully we were able to pull the prints from the same fingers which made the process just an infinitesimal easier.

So what does this mean, do you know who the prints belong to?

Unfortunately the data base doesn't have these prints on file. This means the perpetrator hasn't been arrested or at least not printed in the past.

Tracy looked down at the floor, Did you inform Kyle of this? I'm sure he'll be very relieved you at least have something to go on no matter how minor it is.

Mrs. Crane I have tried to get an understanding of where Amelia Parker had been in the days prior to her abduction. I seem to be at a dead end as far as suspects go. I can't stress enough the importance of any information you can bestow about where she had gone, or any people she may have been in contact with. At this point I’m even willing to interrogate the paperboy if I have to.

Tracy said in a soft tone, I know she attended my husband’s funeral, but she was still here when my family returned to Toronto. Besides, I really doubt my family would do anything like this. Let me think about this, I’ll get back to you. I'm sure I'll be able to come up with something.

Thank-you Mrs. Crane I'll look forward to hearing from you.

Tracy hit the end button; she readied herself to take a shower. The entire time she spent in the shower she rehashed the situation. She tried to remember everything that had transpired over the past few days. She dressed in a pair of faded jeans and a soft gray sweater. Her cell phone rang. She looked at the caller I.D., it was Kyle.

Hey Kyle are you alright? I was just on my way back; do you need anything before I come over?

He said in a glum tone, Tracy I just got a call from Sergeant Cook, he told me Roger Harwich had been murdered about a month ago. So now we still don't have any ideas who could have taken Amelia.

Tracy replied in a solemn tone, Kyle I'll be right there, I just have a few things I have to attend to here before I leave for the day. I'll be there in about a half hour, and then we can put our heads together and reconsider who would be capable of this crime.

She hung up the phone, and slid on her shoes. She thumbed through a pile of paperwork on the table, and examined at a small note. Tracy held the note in her hand; she read it three times before she decided to phone Ben.

Ben, I know who kidnapped Amelia! I need you to meet me at my house as soon as possible. We'll tell Kyle together, I may have a hard time convincing him or at the very least controlling him.

Tracy, are you absolutely positive! God I hope you're right; please you have to tell me who did this? Tracy I need to know I have to bring her home!

Tracy replied in a rushed tone, I'll tell everyone at the same time. I don't want to have to repeat this more than once. I have to go; I need to call Detective Tims.

She phoned Detective Tims and asked him to meet her at Amelia's house. She explained how she knew without a doubt the culprit who abducted Amelia. Detective Tims agreed to the meeting, he also insisted on calling the local officers who were also involved with the case. Tracy asked him to not mention anything to Kyle prior to her arrival. She also explained there would be no restraining him once the realization struck him.

Ben converged with Tracy about a half hour later; they climbed into his car and he drove the short distance to Amelia's. When they arrived Tracy realized there was more law enforcement in attendance than she had anticipated. Ben parked at the end of the long driveway; they exited the vehicle and approached the front door. Detective Tims opened the door before they had the chance to knock. He promptly ordered the small crowd to hush to grant Tracy the ability to explain the reason for the sudden meeting.

Tracy shouted, Please, I need everyone's attention! I came to the realization just about a half hour ago. The room silence and she began, I know who abducted Amelia!

Kyle leapt to his feet, he demanded, Tracy who! Who took her! Tell me now so I can get her back immediately!

Everyone hushed as Tracy readied herself for the announcement.

Chapter 3

Amelia awoke with one the worst headache she had ever had. She also had the essence of chemicals in her nose. As she tried to get her bearings she realized nothing in the room was recognizable. Instantly panic hit her; the last thing she remembered was the phone call that came from Tracy's house and the memory of Kyle saying he was going to check on her. What happened? Where the hell am I?

The bed she was lying on had a rusted metal tube headboard and footboard; the mattress was very lumpy that smelled of mildew and urine. When she rose from the bed, the springs squeaked in protest with every movement. Amelia turned to face the small bed; she realized it was more like a cot than a bed. There was no box spring, the mattress sat directly on a sagging pulled spring metal platform. She continued to examine her surroundings. The floor in the room was constructed with unfinished wood planks that were stained; the wood was dry and splintering. The walls were unfinished exposing the building’s exterior wood plank sheathing. The two foot by two foot awning style window had chicken wire secured to the exterior of the building making it impossible to open. The unfinished ceiling was showing the exposed roof rafters; Amelia glimpsed patches of sun beaming through the roof leading her to believe there was little in the way of shingles. She thought, this must be a shed or maybe a cabin. Why am I here? Where the hell is Kyle?

As the thought ran across her mind she heard footsteps outside her door. She said with a shaky voice, Who are you? Where am I?

The old wooden door opened slowly causing the rusty hinges to squeak in protest, Good morning sweetheart, how are you this morning? Do you like your new room?

Amelia was taken aback, she looked carefully at the face which looked familiar, but the voice was a little off. The body language was all wrong, she said in a cautious tone, Where's Kyle?

He's home probably still sleeping. Caleb sneered, From this moment forward I forbid you to mention his name. Do you understand?

Amelia scowled, What do you mean I can't mention Ky...

A huge hand swung and hit her across the face, I told you not to mention that name! Now is that perfectly clear?

She wiped a streak of blood from her lip, Caleb, why are you doing this?

He explained in a gruff tone, I always get what I want, it just so happened Kyle had what I wanted so I took it. He placed an arm around her and she tensed listening to his words, Don't worry Amy, he told me he was done with you.He eased her away from him so he could gaze into her dark blue eyes, So he gave you to me. He has a habit of giving me things when he is quite finished with them.

I don't believe you! How can you expect me to believe Ky...

Caleb pushed her away a swung his fisted hand and hit her in the left eye just as the words emerged from her mouth, I told you not to mention my brother’s name! You will learn in short order that I am your man now.

Amelia's face began to ache from the fresh bruises; she realized she had to devise a plan to escape from the brutal man. She decided she would bide her time, then when he least expected it she would make her move. She just had to somehow make him believe she trusted him and that Kyle had indeed given her up.

Amelia conveyed in a raspy voice, Caleb I'm sorry if I made you angry, I’m just trying to fully comprehend what's going on.

He looked into her dark blue eyes, Sweetheart, I’ll prove to you I am every bit the man my brother is. Once you realize you're mine and I won't have to keep you here in this cabin, we’ll go to Caribou. Right now I think its best we stay here so I can tame you.

Fear ran through Amelia’s tiny body as she fought back the memory of her whipping and the snarled face of Ray. Sweat began to bead on her forehead, and her stomach twisted in a knot. She realized without a doubt Caleb was just as abusive as Ray had been. She gathered her courage and began to conceive a plan to somehow overpower the giant of a man.

Amelia said in a soft tone, What exactly do you mean by tame me?

Caleb scowled, You know break you, let you know I am the only man for you. I’ll do whatever it takes to convince you...maybe I can get a whip. He smiled as he explained, Tracy told me all about your whipping. He laughed, Ha, ha, I think I should take tips from your ex...Ray is it?

She cringed as the words came out of his mouth, she glanced down at the splintered wood floor, Caleb, I don't think we’ll have to go to that extreme. Ray as you know has already tamed me. I’ll be obedient. She needed time alone to think before she really started to show him her fear. She asked, If you don't mind I would really like to freshen up, is there a bathroom in this cabin?

Amelia realized she had to get away from him as soon as possible or she would die here in that cabin. She needed to see more of the cabin in order to plot a viable means of escape. Time was on her side as long as she appeared to be cooperating with him.

Caleb gritted his teeth, "There’s only a privy...I'm sure you won't mind if I walk you outside and stay there until you come