Mind of a Madman III Evil Redemption: Mind of a Madman, #3

By Valerie Bowen

Caleb Talbot has been on the lam for far too long. In his quest for freedom he has left behind a bloody trail that seems endless. His illness is consuming him at a high rate of speed. Every living being that crossed his path has met their demise…that is except for one. Zachary Hines joins Talbot on his murderous rampage.
Law enforcement officers Michael Quincy and Jameson think they have finally figured out Caleb's murderous plan. While they are on the road to Wyoming, too protect Katrina, they discover Talbot has an accomplice. The shocking news sends both men into a frantic tailspin.
Once in Wyoming Caleb's plan begins to unfold just as he had planned. Finally losing what is left of his sanity Caleb tortures the only friend he has ever had.
When Caleb finds the woman that destroyed his heart, Caleb makes his move. Blood is spilled and bullets fly as law enforcement try to apprehend the heinous murderer before he takes another life.
News concerning the shooting of both law men gets delivered to Warden Hahn. Once the warden arrives in Wyoming, he discovers a life or death decision has been made. Will one of his officers be one of the final victims of the madman?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Valerie Bowen
• Release date: Oct 31, 2012
• ISBN: 9781301500567

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

Prologue

Caleb Talbot was believed to be, one of the most violent men that ever lived. His psychological illness had evolved to the point, where little could be done to control his murderous outbursts. Since his prison escape nearly a year ago, Caleb Talbot has heinously murdered anyone that tried to deny him freedom…that is, with the exception of one man he felt an odd connection too, and the woman who got away.

Zachary Hines had been brutally beat and left on his mother’s doorstep. He joined the one man that had the entire state of Montana living in fear. Although Zachary feared Caleb, he also carried a sympathetic heart when it came to the madman. He witnessed the pain Caleb suffered through. He watched the madman fight the anger that brewed inside. Although terrifying, Zachary knew Caleb had a kind, gentle side he fought daily to retain.

Officers Michael Quincy and Jameson, along with their canine partner, have been frantically searching for the heartless murderer. They knew the longer Caleb Talbot remained without medication, the more frequent his attacks would be. Frustration mounted with each passing day, knowing another innocent person’s life most assuredly would be on the line. They knew at any moment they could receive word of another brutally beaten body. The mutilation of Talbot’s victims had become more and more gruesome as Caleb’s disease progressed. The officers were grasping at straws, as the frantic search continues.

Caleb’s only desire in life was to murder the woman that used him. Katrina Meyer’s, forced Caleb into believing she loved him. The memory of the time they made love wreaked havoc on his broken heart. Her tender kisses and the way she lovingly caressed his body, made him believe she loved him.

On the day Katrina left him tired to a bed in a motel room, he vowed he would kill the woman who toyed with his heart. He replayed the scene of her betrayal over and over in his head. The final words she spoke, the cocky smile she had on her face as she walked out the door. Leaving him to be discovered by law enforcement fed Caleb’s rage.

Chapter 1

Officer Michael Quincy sat at the small table in his rented hotel room reading the morning paper. Shocked by a loud, almost urgent sounding knock on the door, he rose to his feet and growled as he quickly approached the door. Coming.

Officer Gaylon Jameson, better known as Jameson, stood in the hallway with his arms crossed over his chest. He was deep in thought when Michael flung open the door. Stunned by the abrupt interruption, Jameson growled as he pushed his way past Michael. I’ve been thinking about this whole Talbot situation. We’ve been through those woods every day for the past week and we still haven’t come across a hint that Talbot’s been anywhere near there. He tossed his hands in the air out of shear frustration. Hell Sasha hasn’t even acted like he was in those woods. If you ask me, I think Mr. Hines sent us on a wild goose chase. His breath sawed in and out as he tried to rein in his temper.

Michael said sarcastically, Good morning to you Officer Jameson. Would you like to come in and discuss the case? He smiled when he noticed the scowl on Jameson’s face and decided it would be best to get down to business. As a matter of fact I was thinking the same thing. I would’ve thought we would’ve found tire tracks at the very least. I hate to say it, but you may be right. Hines just might be working with Talbot.

Jameson sat in the chair across from where Michael had been sitting. He rested his elbows on his knees and laced his fingers. A puzzled look bloomed on his face. I could have sworn Hines was being completely honest with us when he told us Talbot was hiding in Anaconda. I mean didn’t he act as if he wanted to see Talbot dead? Jameson bounced his knees nervously as he glowered down at the floor.

Michael sat down in the chair he previously vacated. He rested his elbows on the table, bent his arms and laced his fingers. He scraped his teeth nervously across the edge of his thumb nail. Yeah I know what you mean. If that was the case, wouldn’t you think he would have given us the correct information? He scrubbed his hands over his face. There’s something that just isn’t adding up. Zachary seemed genuinely concerned about his family. Not to mention he nearly died from the beating Talbot inflicted on him. If you ask me how Zachary felt about Talbot, I would’ve said, he wanted to see him strung up from the highest tree.

Jameson looked into Michael’s eyes. Maybe we should give him a call. He has to be out of the hospital by now.

Michael slid his cell phone out of his pocket and started scrolling through his list of contacts. He asked without glancing up, Do you happen to have Mrs. Hines phone number? I can’t seem to find it on my phone.

I don’t recall her ever giving it to us. Maybe we should just take a ride to the house and see if we can get some sort of information from Zachary. Jameson slammed his fists on the table causing Michael to jump. I swear if he’s been holding out on giving us information, I’ll throw the book at him.

Michael slid his phone back into his pocket and growled. Calm down! I’m sure there has to be a logical explanation as to why he told us Talbot was hiding in the woods near Anaconda.

Yeah the only logical explanation I keep coming up with is he wants to protect Talbot’s ass.

Alright, I really don’t want to think about him deceiving us to protect Talbot. Maybe he thinks if we stay off Talbot’s ass then Talbot will leave Butte, and his family will be safe.

Jameson placed his palms on the table and readied himself to stand. He had calmed down considerably from the time he entered the room. Sighing he said, I hope you’re right. I would hate to think Hines is stupid enough to protect that asshole. He rose to his feet. Let’s get going. Maybe we’re wrong about Zachary. Maybe we’re letting our minds wonder around somewhere in left field. I’d like to think the guy’s just protecting his family. But, I keep thinking about the list of names…Argh I don’t know! Frustrated, Jameson growled. I just want this entire Talbot fiasco to be done and over with.

Michael grabbed his leather duffle bag and placed it on the bed. Let’s just pack our gear and put it in the truck. We need to head out of here and get back to Butte. Besides we’ve pretty much checked out this area as much as we could. I think we should head back to Butte and come up with our next plan of action. I’m sure Zachary will be able to enlighten us on the reason why he sent us to a place where Talbot’s never been. He tossed all his things haphazardly into his bag and murmured, I can’t wait to hear his excuse…oh and it had better be a damned good one. There’s nothing I hate more than someone wasting our time.

Jameson stretched. I’ll meet you at the truck. He started walking toward the door, then paused. Do you think we should at least try to call the house before we just show up on the doorstep unannounced? I’m sure we can get the phone number from information.

No! I think the element of surprise would be best in this case. I don’t want to give Zachary any time to come up with some sort of lame, half assed excuse.

As Jameson grabbed the door handle he said over his shoulder, I guess you’re right. I just hope he’ll be honest with us this time.

Michael and Jameson arrived at the truck at the same time. Michael opened the rear passenger door and waited for Sasha to jump in. After stowing their gear in the bed of the truck, Jameson locked the safety cover. They slid into the truck, snapped their seatbelts into place and headed east toward Butte.

Chapter 2

Jameson turned into the driveway of the small ranch style home where Zachary resided. After shifting the truck to park, he turned to Michael. Are you ready to put our minds to rest?

Michael pushed open his door and stepped out. He waited until Jameson joined him on the passenger’s side before he started walking. They approached the front porch together. Pausing in front of the door, Michael lifted his fisted hand, and gave the door three quick raps.

Mrs. Hines, Zachary’s mother, pushed aside the curtain to glance at her unexpected visitor. A toothy smile crossed her lips when she recognized the two men standing on her porch. Quickly she unlocked and pulled open the door. Her smile remained on her face when she asked, Did you come to tell us you caught that evil man?

Jameson looked solemn. No ma’am, we came to ask your son a few questions.

Her smile turned into a scowl. Why would you come here to ask Zachary questions?

Michael chimed in after clearing his throat. Well it seems your son gave us some false information the last time we spoke to him. We just need to clear a few things up. This shouldn’t take too long, and then we’ll be on our way.

She crossed her arms in front of her. After lifting her right hand, she nervously touched the small locket hanging from a delicate chain around her neck. She said softly, He’s not here. I dropped him off two days ago so he could visit his friend.

Jameson glared at the woman. Do you happen to have the address where we can find him?

She hesitated before she said, Well no. As a matter of fact I dropped him off in the vacant lot this side of Butte. She scowled. Officer Quincy, is my son in some kind of trouble?

Michael nervously cleared his throat again. That’s what we’re trying to figure out. Can you tell us exactly where you dropped him off?

I think it was close to that bar…oh let me think. She continued to fidget with her necklace while deep in thought. After a few brief moments she explained, I believe the name of the bar is The Wolf’s…ah…The Wolf’s…oh, I don’t know it’s The Wolf’s something or other.

Michael smiled. Don’t worry Mrs. Hines, we’ll figure it out. I’m sorry we bothered you. While backing away from the door he said, Thank you very much for your time Mrs. Hines."

As the men stepped off the porch, they heard her say, If it’s not too much trouble, could you let me know if he’s alright?

Of course we will. Jameson said with a hint of concern in his tone. Oh and Mrs. Hines, please make sure you keep all your doors and windows locked. I would hate to have anything happen to you and the kids while Zachary’s away. Her eyes widened and she nodded. Jameson thought he spied a flash of fear cross her face

Mrs. Hines stammered. Oh…oh dear I will thank you. She quickly closed the door and he heard the dead bolt slide into place as he placed his right foot firmly on the ground. She watched the men leaving the porch from the window. She started to tremble when images of her son’s battered body popped into her head. She turned away from the window once she saw the men climb into their truck.

Jameson said as he started the truck, I wonder why Zachary didn’t stay close to home? I mean, he must know Talbot’s still in the area. Wouldn’t you think he would stay close to keep an eye on things? Jameson started backing the truck out of the driveway.

Michael panicked. Stop the truck! I need to get something of Zachary’s before we leave.

Jameson growled. What the hell is this all about?

Just give me a minute. I’ll be right back. He rushed to the front door and frantically knocked. When Mrs. Hines opened the door she had the look of fear on her face. Michael said with a hint of urgency in his tone, I’m sorry to bother you again, but I need an article of clothing…one that Zachary’s worn in the past.

What? Why do you need his clothes? Realization hit her like a ton of bricks. Her face turned ash white. You don’t…oh God. Please don’t tell me Talbot has my son. Tears welled in her eyes. She turned and rushed to retrieve an article of Zachary’s clothing. Returning to the door, she held up a navy blue tee shirt. She sobbed as she handed the shirt to Michael. I hope that man didn’t do anything to my son.

Michael grasped the tee-shirt. Mrs. Hines, do you happen to have a plastic zipper bag that I could put this in? I really don’t want to confuse Sasha…you know just in case we have to use it.

Panicked, she walked to the kitchen and returned with a plastic bag and handed it to Michael. Do you think….

Mrs. Hines, this is something I do with all of our cases. Please don’t worry; I’m sure Zachary’s just fine.

After returning to the truck he held his parcel up for Jameson to examine. I just thought this might come in handy. Talbot didn’t kill Zachary for a reason. Maybe they’re…damn it! He tossed the bag and its contents onto the floor behind Jameson. I hate thinking like this. I have a habit of always dwelling on the worst case scenario in situations like this.

Don’t go jumping to conclusions. I don’t want to think about Zachary telling Talbot what the hell we’re doing any more than you do. I can’t imagine why, he’d want to be anywhere near that fucking psychopath. He slammed his fist hard against the steering wheel out of frustration. Zachary of all people knows exactly what Talbot is capable of!

I know what you mean. But there are only two reasons why he would risk injury again. Personally I don’t want to think about either scenario.

Jameson drove into the vacant lot where Mrs. Hines had dropped Zachary off two days prior. He gritted his teeth as he scanned the area. Does this place look familiar to you?

Glancing up from his laptop, Michael scowled. If I’m correct, this is the lot where they found the McCray body. He closed the laptop and leaned it against the console. Damn it, this is starting to make Zachary look guilty of conspiring with Talbot. Christ, I just wish I had picked up on this when we first talked to him.

Jameson glared at the tree line. I’m sorry to say this, but I have to agree with you. I think Zachary may have pulled the wool over everyone’s eyes.

Michael scanned the weedy area in front of the truck. It’s a good thing I went back to get an article of his clothing. As he studied the weedy lot, Michael said, Sasha’s going to have her work cut out for her this afternoon. If Mrs. Hines dropped Zachary off in this lot, chances are he entered the woods somewhere over there. He held out his hand and pointed to an area where the weeds had been lying on the ground. Can you see the area where the dried weeds and grass seems a bit trampled? If you ask me I’d say that’s the making of a rather nice path.

Jameson eyed the location and nodded. I have to agree. Grasping the release, Jameson shoved the door open with his shoulder. Well, let’s get this over with.

Michael stepped out of the truck and immediately pulled open the rear passenger’s door. He clipped Sasha’s lead to her collar and grabbed the plastic bag that contained Zachary’s t-shirt. Once on the ground, Michael sat on his haunches in front of Sasha and placed his hands on her neck. While scrubbing his fingers through her thick fur, he said, Looks like we have someone new to track. I need you to take your time and do what you’ve been trained to do. He pulled the shirt from the bag and held it in front of the big dog’s muzzle. He firmly ordered, Sasha Track.

Immediately Sasha sniffed the ground. A few minutes later, she sat down and stared up at her partner. He hung his head. Looks like all we have to do now, is follow her. He kicked a loose rock and growled, Damn it, sometimes I really hate my job.

Jameson clapped him on the shoulder. Let’s get going. With any luck, we won’t find another body.

Following the command of her partner, Sasha led the men into the heavily wooded area. She continuously tugged on the lead, as she followed Zachary’s scent.

Chapter 3

After hearing the approach of a man, Caleb stood in front of his truck with his stick poised to swing. Surprised by the man standing a few feet in front of him, Caleb growled, What the hell are you doing here?

With his hands raised above his head, Zachary stood stock still. The memory of what the intimidating man could do popped into his head. Relax it’s just me. I just thought I owed you. I have news that I’m sure will make you realize that I’m on your side.

Caleb eyed him suspiciously. What the hell kind of news could you possibly have to give me?

Zachary cleared his throat and began to explain, I happen to know the cops have the list of men you intend to kill. I also know there are two cops from Kansas hot on your heels and have been ever since you escaped from prison. Caleb watched as Zachary eased his hands to his side. I had to lie to them, I felt I had to lead them away from this area…I knew they would find you here if they searched these woods long enough. So I sent them to Anaconda until I could get to you and warn you of their plan.

Caleb scowled as he continued to hold his massive weapon at the ready. Why the fuck would they search this area? I’ve done nothing to draw attention… He lowered his stick and started to pace in a circle. He paused in front of Zachary and stared menacingly into Zachary’s eyes. If I find out you fucking told those cops…

Look Caleb. Zachary lifted his hands and held them in front of him in a protective manner. I didn’t say anything to them. Besides do you think I’d be standing here right now if I had said something? For Christ sake Caleb, you have to believe me! Not allowing Caleb to see his fear, he continued, "I wanted to have the opportunity to tell you what was going