Silence

By Barbara Ann Derksen

Brian Strait and Andrea Wilton leave behind a cruise ship at the Miami harbor for a short visit in the bustling metropolis. Their plans are to purchase wedding finery before flying to the Dominican Republic to marry.

A surprise awaits Andrea when she arrives at the bridal boutique. Trent and Diane Michner, best friends, are waiting to share their special day with them. Andrea believes everything is perfect.

Fate has other plans, however, when Diane and Andrea are kidnapped by Chechen mafia members who spirit women away to several other countries into slavery. Andrea fears for her friend's life when Diane is taken elsewhere. In captivity, she wonders if her wedding was just a pipe dream and where God is in all this. She also encounters a young girl who is hurting and in need of a Savior.

Brian, with the help of Trent and a young friend from the Dominican Republic, Troy, begins a frantic search for his bride-to-be, encountering drug addicts, dirty cops, and murder victims. His faith in God is stretched as he wonders why this has happened to them at this time in their life.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Barbara Ann Derksen
• Release date: Jun 13, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476017136

Barbara Ann Derksen

With a plethora of writing under her belt and a variety of genres, Barbara Ann Derksen receives encouragement from 4 and 5 star reviews, the eager anticipation by readers for the next book, and a new reader discovering her existence.Born in Canada, Barbara lived in the US for 12 years. There her writing surfaced as she worked under contract as a journalist for six years with over 2500 articles published in newspapers and magazines during that time. She began attending Colorado Christian Writer's Conferences and each year, under the tutelage of great Christian writer's like James Scott Bell, Angela Hunt, and others, she honed her skills and then published her first book in 2003.With 19 books to her credit, one currently inactive and awaiting revision, each one surpasses the last, according to her readers. The new series has given them something to think about as she delves into the world...

Book preview

Silence

-A Wilton-Strait Murder Mystery-

Barbara Ann Derksen

Copyright 2012 Barbara Ann Derksen

Discover other titles by Barbara Ann Derksen at www.barbaraannderksen.com

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of both the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

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Prologue

Her eyes darted right...then left. Back and forth. Help me. Please...won't anyone help? Her periphery vision captured images of people as they rushed by, all headed in the same direction. Can't they see? But they weren't even looking at her. It’s as if I’m invisible in these suffocating garments. She wanted to wipe the sweat she could feel trickle down her face. Wanting wouldn’t make it happen, unfortunately.

Whir. Click. Whir. Click. The machine forced air into her lungs, pushing her chest in and out. The only parts of her body that worked were her eyes but no one noticed. She tried to focus...to will her brain to move an arm, a finger...anything.

The man was behind her. He pushed the chair she sat in, its wheels gliding smoothly across the gray tiles. She concentrated...to will her legs to bend. The effort caused beads of sweat to break out even more profusely on her forehead. It was annoying...the trickle of moisture trailing down her cheek. The cloth that covered her face, leaving her eyes free to dart...to see…grew cool...moist as it soaked up the liquid. But nothing else on her body moved.

Her neck remained rigid as if she’d been physically restrained and yet, she knew nothing held it. Her legs, feet, hands…everything…refused her brain’s command to lift, wave…anything. That needle he’d stuck in her arm must be responsible. He'd paralyzed her.

She tried to open her mouth past the tube that delivered every breath. She tried to scream...make any sound. But the injection obviously paralyzed her vocal cords too. A silent scream erupted deep within her chest. The headpiece of this black shroud...this burka she'd heard him call it...fluttered but not enough for anyone to notice.

He'd covered her paralyzed body in it...none too gently...before they left the place he’d held her for three weeks. Then he'd sneered at her, his hot breath grazing her cheek. Don't want to damage the merchandise, he'd said.

At the airport, he’d plopped her unceremoniously into the wheelchair. He told the airport officials that she'd had a stroke. She couldn't speak, he’d said, and they believed him. Apparently he was an important man. They escorted him, with his burden, toward another door, leading to a private hangar. They treated this monster with respect and homage but if they knew…maybe they did.

Her eyes filled with tears. Her fate was sealed. She had earned them a great deal of money, he'd said. Now she was going to some place where her family would never find her. She lowered her eyelids, the only part of her that still moved. The drug he'd injected had worked really fast. He'd even inserted a catheter with the help of his wife...or at least she thought the woman was married to this monster.

Gullible. That's what had gotten her kidnapped in the first place. She'd trusted that when she'd gone for the interview, she was applying for a job. Sure. It was with a foreign country...in their embassy. But she'd just graduated. Looking for a job was what everyone did.

The questions, though. She should have picked up on that. They wanted to know where her parents lived and if she had a boyfriend. I was so naive. Now...the tears flowed. I wonder if this is how Muslim women feel...the ones forced to wear these garments all the time. Invisible.

She watched as they moved toward the hangar, across the tarmac dotted with people moving cargo and luggage to various airplanes. Surely now. Men glanced quickly in her direction but then just as quickly turned their head. No, she screamed but without a sound. Help me.

Can 't they see I'm crying? She tried to move her head so they could see her eyes. Nothing worked. She heard the thump as the chair was pushed over a dip in the concrete and through the large doorway of the hangar. It housed a jet, or at least she thought that’s what it was. She tried to wiggle her body. The weight of his hand pressing down on her shoulder sent shivers through her body. His touch was loathsome to her.

The silent scream bounced around in her head. Kill me. Please. Nothing. Silence. She heard his chuckle. Imbeciles, he said, but she knew she was the only one who could hear him. He pushed her beside the plane to the stairs leading to its interior. His command was obeyed immediately by others who occupied the hangar. Two men rushed to do his bidding and each grabbed a side of her wheelchair. She was lifted. They carried her up the stairs and into the plane that would take her to...where? Her new home he said. Hell, she thought.

Chapter One

Andrea Wilton walked through the door, out into the bright Miami sunlight. She blinked her eyes and then reached into her handbag for a pair of sunglasses. The sun is so bright it hurts. She looked behind her as Brian Strait, her new fiancé, walked through the clear glass portal.

Wow, that sun is warm. Not as humid as St. Thomas, though. Brian grinned in her direction. Let’s find a restaurant and get some breakfast. I’m starved. What about you, Troy? Brian looked toward the young man who’d positioned himself next to his benefactors.

I’m-m-m… He practiced the proper English word this time. … ongry, too. I forget. H-uh-ungry. He grinned as he pronounced the words. This English going to take time, I tink. Father Bertrand…he tell us to make proper words but…it easier the udder way. Troy was short for his eighteen years. His dark complexion fit in well with Miami natives whose tanned bodies outnumbered the white skinned tourists.

I think you’re doing rather well. Brian laid his arm casually over the younger man’s shoulders. If I could speak Dominican half as good as you speak English…well… He reached for Andrea’s elbow to guide her across the street. There’s a café over there that looks like it would be a great place to eat and watch the people traffic. The trio dodged a few cars and then almost ran into another pedestrian.

Andrea stepped up on the sidewalk, and then quickly took another step just before a large black car raced by. She shook her head. Traffic is aggressive here. She glanced in the direction of the café Brian had indicated. I can’t believe I’m so hungry after the huge dinner we had last night.

Brian chuckled and patted his own stomach. I know. Like Troy said…I’m ‘ongry.’

Andrea followed her two companions to a nearby table. Are we gonna eat out here? I guess you did say you wanted to watch people. With a warm smile, the accommodating waiter soon had them seated at an empty table. Andrea buried her head in the menu as soon as the waiter produced one. I think I know what I want. How about you guys?

Troy wrinkled his face in concentration. He slipped his hand discretely into his pocket to feel for the small wad of bills that resided there. How much is dis? He pointed toward a tempting item. Dey don’t have no price.

Brian placed a hand on Troy’s arm. This is our treat. You save your money for the trip to our place…or I should say Andrea’s house since that’s where you’ll be staying after the wedding. Speaking of which…Troy, would you be one of my groomsmen? You’d need to…

Oh. I be ‘appy to be part of wedding. What I do?

Brian chuckled again and looked at Andrea for confirmation. We thought you’d like to walk Andrea down the aisle, and also seat some of our guests…although there won’t be many of those.

Andrea nodded in agreement. After all, you helped us when we needed a place for Camilla…so… Just then the waiter returned for their order. The warm sun was offset with a steady breeze…enough to cool things a little but not enough to muss her hair. Andrea was thankful. "I’ll have the quiche with a glass of orange juice. She handed the menu back to the waiter and then looked toward Brian as he began to rattle off his choices.

I want eggs, bacon, hash browns, toast, pancakes, and a side of fresh fruit. Coffee, too…please.

It was Andrea’s turn to chuckle. My, you are hungry. Think that’ll hold you? She turned her attention to Troy. What about you? Anything you want.

Troy repeated almost the same as Brian except for the fruit. The waiter gathered the menus, and told them he’d be back with their beverages. Brian looked toward Troy and raised his hand in the air. Troy gave him a high five and then all three laughed as if they didn’t have a care in the world.

****

They’re tourists, I think. They seem in no hurry to get someplace but… He blew a smoke ring after taking a long pull on his cigar.

I’ll do the thinking. The other man’s bearded countenance swung to the right as a clerk approached from inside the establishment.

Could you men take your cigar smoke and wait someplace else…if that’s what you’re doing. That cigar is turning away customers. The young man’s knees shook as he waited for a response from the three men in front of him.

The man with the beard laughed, the sound evil and filled with confidence in his ability to scare. You think you big enough to make us? He shoved the clerk into the store again.

The younger man stumbled. I’ll have to call the police then, he said over his shoulder. He walked briskly toward the counter and his phone.

The three men watched him. Then the one who’d remained silent till now spoke. We’ll go. Forget the police. He led the way toward the sidewalk. In a voice meant for the three of them alone, he said, They don’t know we watch anyway. We can wait right out in open and they not know.

She look like she be good for business, eh? Just what he ask for. Another long pull on the cigar caused his beard to shake as he erupted in a coughing spell. I gotta quit, he gasped. Then he sucked in a deep breath.

I h-hear them talk about bridal shop. Maybe get Gina to make friends. Find out, eh? The third man reached into his pocket to pull out his cell phone. I call.

He raised the phone to his ear after punching in the familiar numbers. The other two men kept their eyes on their quarry. They turned their head once when the phone remained unanswered. The younger man made an obvious observation. She’s not home.

His statement was interrupted as the other man spoke into the small instrument. Hi. Gina? He waited for the response that told him it was the woman he wanted. We need you to make sure that you assist this woman when she comes to your shop this morning. Find out if she fit profile. He waited again. Yeah, usual. She needs to be virgin. He slapped the phone shut and returned it to his pocket.

All three men leaned against the wall of the store they’d been evicted from. This is a good setup. Putting a woman in the bridal shop where all these single women come…well…good hunting ground. They watched…like a hawk waiting for a field mouse to make its move from the wood pile. They knew that the three on the other side of the street suspected nothing. They never did.

****

Andrea took a bite of the quiche sitting on a plate in front of her. Yum. This is so good. I think it’s one of the best I’ve tasted. How is your food? She looked toward Brian and Troy. Both grinned their enjoyment, mouths filled with their tasty breakfast. She smirked back at them and took another bite. A sip of her juice cleared her palette.

Troy was the first to put his fork down for a sip of coffee. I’m getting full. He took another, longer drink of the hot beverage. Then he looked at the sky. Going to be too hot for coffee later today, I tink.

Brian followed his gaze. I think it will be sizzling, too. We might as well get this shopping over with before the day gets so hot we won’t want to be outside. He wiped his mouth, polished off the last of his coffee and then began to rise.

Hey…wait a minute. I’m not finished and I am not wasting any of this. Andrea took another bite.

Come on, slowpoke. I’m in a shopping mood and that doesn’t happen a lot. Brian looked toward her, all the love he felt showing like a beacon above his head.

Troy groaned. If you two going to look like that all day…maybe I go to hotel and sleep. He crossed his eyes letting them know he was only kidding.

Andrea blushed and Brian laughed…his usual response to her heightened color. Troy grinned as he watched Andrea take her final bite.

Okay. I’m ready. She wiped her mouth, folded her napkin, and laid it beside her plate. She stood, stretching the kinks out of her legs. A-shopping we will go, Her singsong voice carried toward the patrons at the next table. They smiled and then bowed their head toward their own food.

Brian placed a hand, in a proprietary way, on her back. He wanted everyone to know that they were a couple. I can’t wait to see you in a wedding gown…walking toward me…

Andrea inched around the tables to reach the sidewalk. …and saying the word ‘obey’ I’ll bet.

Well…they are in the ceremony. Now six steps behind me…remember. He ducked as Andrea let fly with a solid right hook to his shoulder.

Troy snickered. You guys fun to be with. I watch she obey you, Brian. He ran a couple of steps to out distance the next punch that flew from Andrea.

I see I’ll have to whip you two guys in shape once we get home. She raised her arm to hail a cab she saw just turning the corner. There’s our ride. Let’s go. The taxi stopped at the edge of the curb and the driver slid across the front seat to open the door. Then he motioned for Brian to open the back door.

Brian slid into the back, Troy took the front seat, and Andrea guided her small frame into the back beside Brian. She handed the cabby a slip of paper with the bridal shop address on it. Brian, where’s the shop you men need?

It’s just a couple of blocks…if the map is right…from your shop. He can drop us off after leaving you and then pick us up first. You’ll probably take a lot longer than we will. Oh…I almost forgot…will you phone me as soon as you’ve decided what color Camilla’s dress will be?

Sure, that’ll work. She looked toward Troy. Have you ever worn a suit before?

Troy twisted his head around so he could see his friends. No. Dere no place for dat in Santo Domingo. At least…not at orphanage. Not fomal.

You mean for-mal, Andrea corrected.

Not need for that word either. He chuckled. But I in America now. I need suit…non?

Brian smirked at the boy’s enthusiasm and his misconceptions about the country. No…you can probably go a lifetime without wearing a suit here, too, but there are just some occasions where a suit works. Like my wedding. He threw a friendly punch to the boy’s shoulder.

****

Troy grinned and then turned toward the front again. He looked intently out the window and then peered into the side mirror. A large black sedan followed close behind. At least it looked close in the mirror. He turned his head toward the back window to see more clearly. Nice car, he thought.

He twisted in his seat to get a better view of the buildings towering along either side of the car. Some were painted pink while others had a soft green hue. Many were covered with light gray cement but every one of them had lots of windows. Plenty of pedestrians walked along tree and shrub decorated sidewalks.

Large palms waved in the early morning breeze. He sighed. Then he leaned fully against the seat cushions. I know I’m right about coming to America. I’ve got friends and a home with them if I want. I’ll learn a trade for work and go to school to learn better English. I’ll send money home to Father Bertrand…lots of money. He sighed again and then closed his eyes. God, You’re so good to one so bad. I’m sorry I didn’t wait for You to make things work for me. Thank you for Brian and Andrea. Thank you for America.

****

Andrea laid her head on Brian’s shoulder. She closed her eyes and spoke a silent prayer asking God to help her find exactly the gown that she’d dreamed of wearing for her wedding. She and Diane had discussed wedding gowns when Diane had gotten married. Andrea had been there when Diane had purchased hers. I wish…

Brian, we never thought about Trent and Diane coming to Miami first to meet us so they could be part of this day. You know…choosing my dress and your tux. The maid of honor and best man always do that. But now…

Brian reached out and took her hand. I know. I thought about that. But we’re doing things so fast. Will you be able to get a dress without her?

Of course. But that’s not the point. When I went with Diane…well, it was fun. She looked a little wistful. But I can’t wait to see them in Santo Domingo.

Your smile…when you talk about Diane and Trent being at our wedding…is almost radiant. Did you know that?

Well, they’ve been a large part of our lives and they were responsible for introducing us in the first place. I know they’re as happy for us as we are for ourselves. She leaned into him. Their being with us will make the day perfect.

Brian watched as the driver made a right hand turn into the parking lot of the bridal shop. He grinned when he spotted what he was looking for. Look there. He pointed toward the side of the strip mall.

Andrea screamed. Her eyesight landed on the one person who would make today a perfect second to the wedding itself. Diane was standing right beside her husband. Andrea waved in answer to the one she saw coming from her best friend. How…why…how did… She sputtered and then leaned toward Brian giving him a big kiss on the mouth. You are adorable, you know that. You did this…didn’t you?

The taxi pulled to a stop and Andrea quickly opened her door. Brian knew that now was not the time to explain. Andrea rushed out and launched herself at her friend. Diane’s arms were ready and they hugged as if they hadn’t seen each other in months instead of a short week ago.

Andrea’s eyes overflowed with tears of happiness. I was just… She swiped at the water dripping from her eyelashes. …telling Brian how much I would have liked you to be here. That stinker never let on.

Diane laughed. Men usually don’t think of these things like we women do. Anyway, when I called him to suggest we meet you here, he was all for it. She hugged Andrea again. I can’t let my best friend pick out the most important gown in her life without me. We can also do some trousseau shopping, too…you know…the negligee for the wedding night. Diane’s eyebrows waggled up and down in her attempt at a leer.

Andrea flushed her usual pink hue and then smiled. I can’t believe you’re here. And I can’t believe I’m getting married.

By the time you believe it, the ceremony will be all over. Diane wrapped her arm around Andrea’s and pulled her toward the shop’s entrance.

Andrea looked back over her shoulder but the cab had already left. Those guys sure didn’t waste any time, did they?

Trent knows when men are superfluous. This is all about the bride. Let’s go. Diane opened the door to the sound of bells ringing out their presence. A well groomed woman approached. May I help you?

Andrea noticed her smiling face, easy manner, and readiness to assist. I’m getting married…

Of course you are, the woman stated. I will have Gina come to assist you in your search for the perfect gown. She indicated some comfortable chairs arranged for their benefit. If you will have a seat…would you like some coffee?

****

Diane chuckled. The sight of her friend in a wedding dress was a novel experience but this dress was too novel for Andrea’s taste. You look like a china doll in that gown. She grimaced, showing her distaste. Then she laughed. This is fun. Something I thought was never going to happen.

She watched Andrea peruse her silhouette in the full length mirror. Andrea twisted this way and that, her nose wrinkled in distaste. Funny but I always thought this was the type of gown that would look good on me. Diane watched without a word as Andrea twisted around once again. I still can’t believe you’re here. I’m so glad…even if you like to laugh at me.

Diane chuckled. I’m not laughing at you. I think I’m laughing with you…at least…you don’t really like that dress either…do you? Diane furrowed her brow, beginning to feel a sense of horror. I hope I haven’t hurt your feelings. I…

Andrea bent over double, laughing so hard she almost fell off the dais. You should see your face. I was only joking. I don’t like this dress on me at all. She did a perfect pirouette before stepping down to floor level. I am having so much fun. Thanks for being here. She lifted the train on her gown and walked toward Gina, the woman who’d helped her into each of the seven gowns she’d tried on so far. Onward and upward. Let’s try the last one we’ve picked out so far.

Diane picked up the cup of coffee she was enjoying. She sniffed the rich aroma of the mocha in her hand and marveled at the efficiency of the staff at this bridal shop. Not like when I got married. Of course, I wasn’t shopping in Miami either.

She sat back and looked around at the plush décor. I wonder if celebrities ever shop here. Diane remembered the first time she’d ever seen Andrea. She was helping the registrar at the college. Andrea was picking up her freshman packet and receiving her dorm assignment. She was so shy.

Diane was one year ahead of Andrea so was entering her sophomore year. She was studying journalism. Andrea wanted to be a writer, too, only she wasn’t sure what kind. They ended up in some of the same classes. Then when Andrea’s roommate left school to get married at the end of their first semester, Diane and she had moved in together. They’d not been separated for long ever since. She’s grown into the sister I always wanted.

Andrea stepped into the room at that very moment. Diane gasped. Perfect. That’s the one. What do you think, Andrea?

I haven’t seen it on me yet. Give me a minute. She stepped up onto the dais with a little help from Gina. Oh-h-h my. Do you think Brian will like it? She pressed her shaking hands down the front of the pearl encrusted gown.

Andrea, you look like a princess in that gown. Brian will love it. That dropped waist makes yours look so tiny and the skirt…I’ve never seen so many layers…and all that tulle. You look beautiful.

Andrea giggled. She held her hands up to her cheeks. I am…aren’t I? She moved closer, into the semi-circle of mirrors, stretching to look at the back of the gown as well.

The dress looks as if it was made for her, Diane thought. Have you decided on a veil yet?

Gina appeared between them, discrete yet helpful. In her hands were three selections, veils she’d chosen to go with this particular dress. Andrea tells me she wants her face covered when she goes down the aisle so…what do you think of this? She held up a long tulle veil edged with the same pearl embellishments as the gown. We attach a comb to it just leaving enough to cover her shoulders in the front and the rest trails over the train on the dress in the back. When it comes time for her groom to lift it, he simply flips it back and it becomes part of the overall look. She smiled in Diane’s direction.

It looks beautiful. What do you think, Andrea? After all, you’re the one who’s going to wear it.

I love it. Let’s try it on…just for effect. She smirked, obviously enjoying every minute of this special day. Is Brian back yet? I don’t want him walking in here and seeing this dress…

He’s your fiancé? Gina posed the question as she affixed the veil using a small tiara she’d produced as well.

Andrea looked at herself in the mirror. You really know what you’re doing. Yes…we just got engaged but plan to get married in Santo Domingo as soon as we can get all the arrangements made. She dipped her head this way and that.

Diane stood beside the dais looking in the mirror at Andrea. You’ve waited a long time for this. You, more than anyone I know, deserve to wear that dress…purity for the entire world to see.

No one sees a white dress that way anymore. It’s just the color of the bride. Gina fluffed the gown so Andrea could see its perfection. Besides, no one waits for the wedding night these days.

Well, I did and so has Andrea. We’re Christians and we believe in purity till marriage. Diane was quick to share a portion of her faith with this jaded sales person. She looked toward Andrea. Sorry, Andrea. I know this conversation is uncomfortable for you. Diane watched the heightened color in Andrea’s cheeks grow a deeper pink. Are you going to buy this dress, then?

I think it’s perfect. Let’s take it off before I trip or something and ruin it. Gina, can Diane help me with that? I’d like to be ready when Brian gets here. Are there any alterations needed or can I just take the gown with me…in a bag that you can’t see through…please.

Gina stood straight and taller. I’ll get the bill ready and come back with an opaque garment bag. No alterations necessary. The dress fits perfectly.

You knew it would. Andrea smiled in the younger woman’s direction. You’re a good judge of what looks right…at least on me. Thank You. Andrea stepped off the dais with Diane’s help and the two friends moved toward the dressing area.

Diane looked over her shoulder just as Gina picked up the phone on the table that was by the chair she’d sat in the whole time. I wonder who she needs to call before she gets our bill ready. She shrugged her shoulders and moved with Andrea into the change room. None of my business. She began to unfasten the myriad of buttons down Andrea’s back.