Rectified

By PJ Cole

Leigh Coleman had been abducted and missing for four days until she escaped and was discovered badly injured and unconscious in an abandoned cornfield. Her abductors arent aware that Leigh has no recollection of the incident and make several attempts to silence her forever.
Detective George Stokes has only one clue but before he can approach his suspects they disappear and take the only piece of evidence that connects them to the crime. Unless Leigh remembers those missing days the Detective cant make an arrest even if he finds his suspects.
Will Leighs memory return before its too late or will her abductors get to her first?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Feb 7, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468545005

PJ Cole

Author P J Cole weaves an spellbinding tale that makes readers believe they are part of the story and leaves them desperate for the next page. She was born and raised in Evansville, Indiana and currently resides with her husband in Irving, Texas.

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© 2012 by P J Cole. All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without the written permission of the author.

First published by AuthorHouse 01/30/2012

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4502-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4501-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4685-4500-5 (ebk)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2012901064

Printed in the United States of America

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models, and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

Certain stock imagery © Thinkstock.

Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

Contents

CHAPTER 1

CHAPTER 2

CHAPTER 3

CHAPTER 4

CHAPTER 5

CHAPTER 6

CHAPTER 7

CHAPTER 8

CHAPTER 9

CHAPTER 10

CHAPTER 11

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 13

CHAPTER 14

CHAPTER 15

CHAPTER 16

CHAPTER 17

CHAPTER 18

CHAPTER 19

CHAPTER 20

CHAPTER 21

CHAPTER 22

CHAPTER 23

CHAPTER 24

CHAPTER 25

CHAPTER 26

CHAPTER 27

CHAPTER 28

CHAPTER 29

CHAPTER 30

CHAPTER 31

CHAPTER 32

CHAPTER 33

CHAPTER 34

CHAPTER 35

CHAPTER 36

CHAPTER 37

CHAPTER 38

CHAPTER 39

CHAPTER 40

CHAPTER 41

CHAPTER 42

CHAPTER 43

CHAPTER 44

CHAPTER 45

CHAPTER 46

CHAPTER 47

CHAPTER 48

CHAPTER 49

CHAPTER 50

CHAPTER 51

CHAPTER 52

CHAPTER 53

CHAPTER 54

CHAPTER 55

CHAPTER 56

CHAPTER 57

CHAPTER 58

CHAPTER 59

CHAPTER 60

CHAPTER 61

CHAPTER 62

CHAPTER 63

CHAPTER 64

CHAPTER 65

CHAPTER 66

CHAPTER 67

CHAPTER 68

CHAPTER 69

CHAPTER 70

CHAPTER 71

CHAPTER 72

CHAPTER 73

CHAPTER 74

CHAPTER 75

CHAPTER 76

CHAPTER 77

CHAPTER 78

CHAPTER 79

CHAPTER 80

CHAPTER 81

CHAPTER 1

An old, rusted Chevy station wagon turned east onto a deserted highway in north central Texas. The driver looked down at his gas gauge to make sure he had enough gas to make it to the all-night gas station on Old Canyon Road. It is 3:20 am and he has about twenty-five miles to go.

Turning the knob on the radio, he hears a heavy metal band he hadn’t heard in several years. Hands tapping, head bobbing, synchronized to the beat of a familiar tune by the rock group, Def Leppard, the chorus begins and the driver starts singing Pour some sugar on me; in the name of love… and continues singing until he can’t remember the next verse. When the chorus begins again, he reaches down and turns up the volume.

As his attention returns to the road, something ahead catches his eye; a rustling of the brush in the field off to the right. Reducing speed, the driver watches the movement of the brush expecting a good size dog or horse to come bursting out of the field into the path of his car. Before long the weeds parted and the old Chevy’s headlights shine directly onto a creature; and as quickly as the creature appeared, it disappeared again, back into the brush. Although he had only gotten a quick glimpse, the vision was clear in his mind; a cave woman, dirty, matted hair, a distorted face with one wild eye. The driver pulls to the side of the road and as the car stops so does the movement.

Turning the radio off, the driver rolled down the window and waited for signs of movement to begin again. Everything was still. Leaning over the front seat, he reached in the back searching for a flashlight. Finding it, he scanned the field of overgrown weeds in a long forgotten cornfield. Not letting his eyes leave the brush he reached deep into the pocket of his jeans and pulled out his Swiss army knife. His fingers finding the keys, the driver shut off the engine and opened the door putting only one foot on the pavement while his eyes searched for movement of the brush. Reluctantly the driver got out and crossed in front of the vehicle to the edge of the highway. Standing on the rocky shoulder he slowly let the beam of his flashlight scan the field once more.

Suddenly there was movement and a sound. The driver jerked to the left and the beam of light followed. Walking several yards down the shoulder of the road the driver jumped the small ditch that ran along the highway and headed towards the edge of the cornfield.

Hello? Is anybody there? he asked and paused to listen. Although he did not get a response he thought he heard something; chanting. You need any help? The young man hesitated and glanced back at the car as if he needed assurance that it was still there before entering the cornfield. Swiss army knife in one hand, flashlight in the other, he headed toward the sound. The rustling of his jeans against the dried cornstalks and thicket made it impossible to hear where the sound was coming from so after taking several steps he would stop to listen before continuing his pursuit slowly.

Panning the flashlight slowly over the area in front of him something caught his eye. There she was, squatting close to the ground, face buried in hands, mumbling something he did not understand. A few more steps closer to the creature he realized she was not mumbling or chanting but softly reciting the Lord’s Prayer. Shining the light directly on her he could see that she was naked and bloody.

Oh God, are you all right? he asked. The woman fell silent. He folded his Swiss army knife by raking it against the leg of his jeans and shoved it in his pocket. Taking another few steps toward the cowering woman he extended his hand. It’s ok. Here, let me help you he said.

The young woman looked up but could only see brightness of the light that was blinding her. As soon as she saw a hand reaching toward her, she stood up, screamed and started running.

Hey, wait! he shouted to the fleeing woman. Chasing after her, dried cornstalks and thorny brush cut his face, arms and hands like razorblades as he ran through the field. The woman looked back and saw that he was gaining on her. She let out a desperate scream but continued to run. Within a few seconds her leg caught something which sent her flying a few feet. The driver had almost caught up to her when he saw an old rusted piece of farm equipment. Instinctively, he jumped over it and almost landed on top of her lifeless body.

Kneeling beside her he checked for a pulse; she was alive. He stuck the end of the flashlight into his mouth and gently turned her over. She appeared to be unconscious. The driver checked her head. Her hair was matted; full of dirt, straw and blood but he didn’t see any major cuts. The right side of her face was badly bruised and swollen; her right eye swollen shut; her lips dry and cracked. The young woman’s entire body was riddled with the same razor-sharp cuts he experienced running through the cornfield; blood trickling out of all of them. There were several stages of bruising all over her body and small slivers of what looked like metal embedded in her skin from her knees to her neck. She had a gash on her left leg with part of a bone sticking through the skin.

Wedging the flashlight between her arm and body, to serve as a beacon, the driver headed back to the car. Reaching the clearing he called 911 from his cell phone and gave them quick details of the incident and the location of his car. He told them he would be in the field southeast of his vehicle and asked them to use their sirens so he could save on flashlight batteries; he would signal them when they were close.

The driver searched the car for a bottle of water and a blanket. Having neither, he took the Big Gulp soft drink out of the cup holder in the front seat, collected a few newspapers and headed back towards the beam of light.

Squatting next to the unconscious woman, he stuck the straw far down into the cup and placed his finger over its opening. When he put the straw to her parted lips he released his finger and a small amount of liquid dripped into her mouth. Afterwards, he opened newspapers and laid them gently over her body to cover her nakedness. He sat on the ground next to her. The top of the newspaper displayed the date Wednesday, April 15, 2008. He leaned over and gently removed the flashlight, turned it off and waited in total darkness for the sound of sirens.

CHAPTER 2

The digital clock on the nightstand had just clicked to 4:48am as the telephone rang. Detective George Stokes reached out in the darkness fumbling for the receiver. Without opening his eyes he held the receiver close to his ear. Hello he said in a deep groggy voice.

Stokes, its Marcie, meet me at Stoddard Memorial Hospital; I think we found Leigh Coleman.

You think?

Well, she fits the description but she’s in pretty bad shape. Her face is so messed up we can’t I.D. her. How soon can you get there?

I’ll be there in twenty minutes. Is she alive?

Yes, she is but she is unconscious. I’ve got to go; we’re almost there Marcie said and hung up.

Stokes jumped out of bed and grabbed his jeans on his way to the bathroom. When he came out, Nina had turned on the light and was sitting up in bed.

What happened?

Stokes explained as he put on his shirt. They think they found my missing person. They have taken her to Stoddard Memorial Hospital. He sat on the edge of the bed and put his socks and shoes on. She’s in bad shape, Nina. They aren’t even sure it’s her. I’ve got to get over there.

Oh, that poor girl Nina said, shaking her head. Looking up at her husband she said, George, be careful driving; you aren’t going to do that girl any good if you have an accident.

Always he said and kissed her on the cheek. Now go back to sleep, I’ll call you later.

Nina watched him leave the room and heard him go down the stairs. Before she could turn off the light he was out the door.

Stokes parked his car and went in through the Emergency Room door. He was given directions to the area where they had taken the victim. As he approached the room he saw blond hair, blue eyed, Marcie DeMarco, standing next to the wall with her police officer’s hat neatly tucked under her arm. Her usual ponytail was twisted and pinned up to accommodate her uniform hat.

Stokes started to enter the room. Marcie held her hand up and he came to a halt. A few minutes later Marcie came out and found Stokes leaning against the wall.

Sorry, they were getting samples for the rape kit she said apologetically.

Is it her? Stokes asked.

I don’t know for sure but I think so.

Stokes fumbled through an envelope of papers. Tell me what you know.

The victim is five feet, four and a quarter inches tall; weighs approximately ninety-six pounds; brown hair, brown eyes. She is severely dehydrated and slips in and out of consciousness. They will be taking her to surgery to repair a compound fracture of the right tibia. They also think her left cheekbone is broken. There is bruising and marks on her wrists, waist and ankles which suggest she had been tied up. There is a large burn on the outside of her left thigh that looks a couple of days old.

Has she said anything?

Not a word Marcie answered. Like I said she slips in and out of consciousness. She hasn’t stayed awake long enough to say anything.

Finding what he was looking for, George pulled out a 5 x 7 photograph of Leigh Coleman. Is this the woman?

Marcie studied the photograph. Shaking her head, she said It’s possible but I can’t say for sure. Her left eye is swollen shut and her face is so swollen, bruised and scratched up it’s hard to tell what she is supposed to look like. She has multiple cuts, scrapes and bruising on the rest of her body; probably from running through that old cornfield.

Stokes started to ask ‘what cornfield?’ but decided to let her finish.

They think her left arm is broken but they will find out when they take her down to X-ray; and get this, they have been pulling staples out of her ever since she got here. Looks like someone used her for target practice with a high-powered staple gun. The rape, well, they have been pulling splintered wood and everything else out of her. Since it appears she hasn’t bathed, they are hoping that if semen is present, they will get a good sample. Marcie shook her head. It’s sickening, G.

Stokes hung his head as he listened to Marcie tell him about the woman’s condition. When she was finished, he quietly asked How did they find her?

Marcie flipped through her small notepad. A man, William Hastings, who delivers newspapers to the newsstands all over the area, saw her run out then back into an old abandoned cornfield next to the highway about fifteen miles west of Old Canyon Road. When he found her she was cowering close to the ground without a stitch of clothes on. When he approached her she screamed and ran off. He chased her and eventually she tripped and fell over a piece of farm equipment knocking her unconscious. I think he is supposed to finish his deliveries then come in to the station to make a statement.

You were at the scene?

I was fortunate enough to be the only female police officer on duty tonight so when the call came in I wanted to be there. My instinct told me that it might be Leigh Coleman and her parents might want a female police officer with her at all times during the examinations so I signed off on the rape kit.

Stokes nodded. Yes, they would; thanks for doing that. Can you go back in?

Sure. Why?

Stokes checked his own set of notes. See if there is a round scar on the back side of her left arm, about an inch or so above her elbow. According to her mother, she had a mole removed and it left a scar about the size of a dime. Would you go check?

Sure.

Wait, her ears are pierced and on one of her pinky fingers there should be a little scar on the inside at the base of the knuckle, but I can’t remember if it’s her left or right; just look for the scar. She also has a birthmark on her upper left hip. Oh, one more thing; one of her bottom molars has a large filling.

Ok, I’ll be back in a few minutes.

Marcie was gone less than a minute before she stuck her head outside the door. G, you can come in now.

Stokes entered the room. There were several hospital personnel attending to the victim. Making his way over to the far side of the bed the first thing he saw was the top of the victim’s head. Her hair was a tangled mess with straw and leaves in it resembling a bird’s nest. When he saw her face, all he could do was stare at her. He had studied her photograph so often that he was sure he’d be able to identify her but the woman lying before him was impossible to recognize. He looked at the IV bottle and the tube leading to her arm. There was a nurse on the far side of the bed, sitting on a stool looking through a large magnifying glass. She adjusted the light above with her left hand; in her right hand was a pair of long handled tweezers. She was pulling out staples that were embedded in the woman’s skin and placing them in a plastic pan. Marcie was behind her, bent over, whispering something in the nurse’s ear. The nurse moved the woman’s arm and examined it. Then she looked up to Marcie and whispered something.

Marcie looked at Stokes. We have a round scar approximately one and a quarter inches above the elbow.

Stokes closed his eyes. When he opened them again he addressed the nurse. Would you please check for a scar on the inside, at the base of her little finger, and is it possible to open her mouth? There should be a rather large filling in one of her bottom molars.

The nurse looked up and saw George Stokes had entered the room. And you are? she asked.

Stokes displayed his badge, Detective George Stokes, Stoddard Police. He leaned over the bed and spoke quietly into the nurse’s ear. Look, I don’t want to call the girl’s very prominent parents unless I’m sure who it is.

The nurse nodded and turned over the woman’s hand to examine her fingers. While the nurse was busy with the examination Stokes noted that the girl’s ears were pierced.

No scars here the nurse replied. She got up and went over to a cabinet and opened a drawer. Stokes and Marcie watched as the nurse searched for items. When she turned around she had a tongue depressor in her hand and walked over to Stokes’ side of the bed. He stepped back and the nurse readjusted the light then examined the inside of the woman’s mouth. Saying nothing, she picked up the limp woman’s wrist and turned her hand over. Looking up at Marcie she pointed to a tray, Would you hand me that bottle please?

Marcie picked up the plastic bottle and handed it to the nurse. The nurse squeezed a little of the solution on the woman’s hand then wiped it with a gauze pad.

Is this what you’re looking for?

Stokes leaned in and saw a thin scar, across the fold, at the base of the little finger. I think so, was there a filling?

The nurse nodded, Yeah, big filling, bottom right.

Thank you. Who is in charge?

That would be Dr. Riseman. He went down the hall to check on an O.R., he’ll be right back.

I believe this woman was a victim of a kidnapping so whatever you find is evidence. Would you please scrape under her fingernails and bag the scrapings? We will also need to bag anything you’ve removed from her body; mud, straw, anything. I’m going to call her parents. Can someone clean her up a bit before they get here?

I can do that for you but we’ll be taking her over to X-ray as soon as I get these staples out. After that she’ll probably be going down to surgery. It will be a while before her parents can see her.

Any chance they can see her before she goes to surgery?

Only if they hurry the nurse stated as if it wasn’t negotiable.

Thank you. Stokes said to the nurse and looked up at Marcie. Marcie, will you stay here for a while? I need you to check on that birthmark and collect the evidence.

Marcie nodded, Absolutely.

Stokes started toward the door. He looked back. Once you have it bagged, get it out of this room. I don’t want her parents to see it. Call the lab and have them pick it up here…

Sure thing Marcie replied.

 . . . and don’t let it out of your sight, not even for a minute, ’til they get here Stokes ordered.

I won’t; you can count on it, G Marcie dutifully responded.

Stokes walked out into the hall and stood for a moment then made his way out to the parking lot and pulled out his cell phone.

CHAPTER 3

FOUR DAYS EARLIER . . .

Daniel Coleman sat in his study reading one of the three newspapers he received on a daily basis. The television, which was built into a massive cherry bookcase across from his desk, displayed a financial channel with stock market closings from the previous day scrolling across the bottom of the screen. The volume was low and Daniel would occasionally raise his head, view the scrolling numbers for a minute or two and return his attention to his newspaper.

His wife, Kate, slowly opened the door to the den and stuck her head inside. Busy? she asked.

Not too busy for you, honey Daniel answered as he folded his paper and laid it on the desk. Come on in.

Kate walked in and sat in the big leather chair next to Daniel’s desk. Rose has a beautiful roast in the oven. Will you be ready for dinner in about thirty minutes?

Mmmmm, is that what I smell? I’ve been salivating for the past hour. Want a drink before dinner? Thirty minutes gives us time."

No thank you, Daniel, you go ahead; I have a glass of ice tea out on the patio.

Hmm, ice tea sounds too good to pass up. Daniel got up, walked around his desk and took his wife’s hand. If it isn’t sweet enough, I’ll just stick your finger in it he said and kissed her delicate fingers.

Kate smiled at the corny remark. Daniel was usually all business so she would take his compliments whenever she could get them, no matter how corny. She rose from the chair. Together they walked arm-in-arm to the kitchen. I’ll get your tea, why don’t you go ahead out to the patio.

Daniel walked through the French doors onto the patio as Kate stepped into the kitchen.

Rose, we are going to have tea on the patio until dinner is ready Kate said, taking a glass out of the cupboard and filling it with ice. I’ll set the table after I take Daniel his tea.

No, No! Rose waived her hands. I already set the table in the small dining room. Would you rather eat on the patio?

No, the small dining room will be just fine. Just call us when it’s ready. Kate poured tea into the glass. Would you like some?

No maam, I already have a glass of root beer over here on the counter. You go on now Rose said, shooing Kate out of the kitchen.

I’m going, but when you take that roast out of the oven, only put a couple of pieces on the platter. Daniel has been drooling over the aroma all afternoon. I’m afraid he’ll try and eat the whole thing.

Rose laughed Ah, that Mr. Daniel sure does love my cookin’; don’t you worry none, Miz Kate; I’ll give Mr. Daniel just the right amount.

Thank you Rose Kate said as she turned to leave.

As Rose prepared a baking sheet of dinner rolls for the oven, she muttered Yessiree, he surely does love my cookin’.

Daniel and Kate had only taken a few bites when the phone rang. They could hear Rose answer it in the kitchen and it wasn’t long before Rose stepped around the corner.

Beg your pardon, Miz Kate, but Missy’s young man is on the phone. He said it’s important. From the first day Rose started working for the Coleman’s, she called their daughter ‘Missy’. Do you want me to take a message?

Kate looked at her husband Daniel, do you mind?

No honey, go ahead.

Kate left the table and went into the kitchen. Hello Jack.

Hi Mrs. Coleman, have you seen or heard from Leigh today?

No I haven’t; not today. Why?

Well, I don’t want to alarm you but this morning she left me a message and asked me to stop by. When I did, she wasn’t home.

Why should that alarm me? Did you try calling the Center? She’s been spending a lot of time over there.

I don’t think she’s at the Center, Mrs. Coleman. I’m at Leigh’s apartment. I came over this morning and her car was out front, the door to her apartment was unlocked and her purse is here. I spent about an hour or so waiting for her and she never showed up. I just came back and she still isn’t here. Her purse is still here, her keys are here and the door was still unlocked. I’m a little worried. I called a couple of her friends and they haven’t seen or heard from her today. I thought I’d try you.

Oh! You say you spoke to her this morning? What time was that?

I didn’t speak to her this morning. She left me a message on my answering machine and asked me to come by.

Did she seem ok last night?

Jack hesitated. Uh, I didn’t see her last night. We kinda had a fight last weekend and I haven’t seen her all week.

I see Kate responded.

Mrs. Coleman, I don’t know how to say this but I think Leigh is missing.

Missing? I’m sure there’s a reasonable explanation, Jack.

Jack continued, This morning I thought she might be trying to avoid me and was at a neighbors’ or somewhere close by but she still isn’t here. There is a glass of orange juice sitting on the coffee table. If she had come back that glass wouldn’t still be there and I’ve never known Leigh to go anywhere without her purse and keys. She would never leave without locking her door.

That’s true Kate said uneasily.

Jack swallowed hard. Mrs. Coleman I hope you don’t think I had anything to do with this. I just didn’t know anyone else to call. This whole thing is kind of strange, don’t you think?

Yes, very strange. I’m glad you called, Jack. Can you stay there? Daniel and I will be there as soon as we can.

Sure Jack said, even though the phone was already dead.

Kate had hung up without even saying goodbye. She ran passed the dining room saying Daniel, get your keys, we have to get to Leigh’s right away; I’ll meet you at the car.

Daniel placed his napkin on the table and rose from his chair. What’s going on? he asked realizing Kate had disappeared down the hall. He fished his keys out of his pocket and headed for the garage.

Kate went into her office and grabbed her purse from the top of her desk. As she started towards the door she turned around and went back to the desk and snatched a 4 x 6 photograph of Leigh and slipped it into her purse.

All she could say when she met Daniel at the car was Hurry!

As they exited the garage, Kate quickly told Daniel about her conversation with Jack. Where do you suppose she could be?

I don’t know Daniel replied. Go over the conversation again. Try and remember word for word what was said.

Kate recounted the conversation she had with Jack. Daniel, is it just me or do you also think it’s odd that Jack made a point of saying that he didn’t want me to think he had anything to do with this? The way he said it immediately put a knot in my stomach. Doesn’t that sound a little suspicious to you? He did say they had a fight last weekend.

Daniel answered using a phrase he heard his mother say all his life, Let’s not confuse what might be with what is. Young people fight, break up, and get back together all the time. It’s probably just what Jack said, that she’s trying to avoid him.

Daniel Coleman, you know better! Kate scolded. When have you ever known our daughter to hide from anything? She’s always been confrontational; she gets it from you.

Kate, honey, listen to me carefully. When we get there, we will sit down with Jack and hear whatever it is he has to say. We need to keep our minds open to the facts, just the facts. That’s the only way we can figure out exactly what happened. Don’t go looking for answers that aren’t there.

I suppose you’re right. Kate paused. Daniel?

Yes?

This doesn’t feel right. I’m a little scared.

Daniel looked over at Kate who was biting her lip. Well, you’ll feel foolish when we find out that she’s visiting the old lady downstairs.

The two of them remained silent for the remainder of the trip as their car sped down the highway towards Stoddard.

CHAPTER 4

In Leigh Coleman’s living room Jack Joyner looked at his watch and proceeded pacing back and forth in front of the coffee table. Hearing a car door he went to the window, pulled back the drapes and saw Kate Coleman getting out of the passenger side of the car. Daniel Coleman was already out of the car and walking over to Leigh’s car with flashlight in hand. Jack watched as Leigh’s father walked around the entire car shining it in every window.

Kate waited for her husband before ascending the stairs. Nearing the top she looked up just as Jack stepped onto the landing.

Thank you for calling, Jack. Have you heard from Leigh?

No maam. I’m really sorry I disturbed your evening but I didn’t know what else to do. Stepping aside, Jack let Kate enter.

Daniel took Jack’s hand; the usual nice, firm handshake. Jack, how are you?

Accepting Daniel’s hand Fine, Mr. Coleman, you sir?

I’d be a lot better if I knew where my daughter is Daniel said as he stepped inside the apartment.

Same here Jack replied, following closely behind Daniel. Look, Mr. Coleman; I just noticed the chain on the door is broken.

Daniel studied the chain. You didn’t notice it before?

No sir.

After a brief inspection, Daniel nodded towards the living room. Why don’t we all sit down and you can tell us what you know.

As the Colemans took seats on the sofa, Jack gestured to Leigh’s purse There’s Leigh’s purse; it’s still here and her keys are just inside… Quickly, Jack pointed to the coffee table  . . . and that’s her orange juice glass; and the chain is…

Daniel broke in Jack, calm down, have a seat and start at the beginning. Tell us about this morning.

Right Jack agreed, nervously running his fingers through is hair. Taking a seat in a chair opposite the sofa, he leaned his forearms on his thighs and clasped his hands together. Taking a deep breath he started talking; more calmly this time.

I was working on my motorcycle this morning and when I went in to take a shower, I heard my answering machine beeping. There was a message from Leigh. She said that she found my motorcycle manual and if I wanted to pick it up she would be out from about eleven until one; that I could come by during that time.

Did she say anything else, where she was going or anything? Daniel asked.

She didn’t say where she was going only that she would be out running errands and I could leave my key to her apartment on the hook in the kitchen. I took my shower and came over. Leigh’s car was in the parking lot. When I came upstairs, her door was unlocked and her purse was on the sofa, with her keys lying inside, just like they are now. I took a look around and waited just over an hour. She never showed up. I left and came back just a little while ago. She still hasn’t been here so I looked at her calendar, then her address book and called a couple of her friends. No one had seen her. Then I called Mrs. Coleman.

Daniel nodded You said she asked you to leave your key on the kitchen hook; I understand you two had an argument last weekend, can you tell me about that?

I picked her up we went out for dinner Saturday night. Afterwards we drove over to a little place on the other side of Ft. Worth to hear Jodie Simmons sing. We were having a great time. We sat a long table with about twenty other people. Leigh knew a few of them. We learned to line dance and even tried the two-step. Jack chuckled at the memory of it. When Jody took a break she came over to our table. We talked for a few minutes and Jodie made some comment about how she thought we’d be married by now; that everyone thought we’d be married by now. After Jodie finished her break and went back on stage, I asked Leigh about it; we had certainly discussed it enough."

You proposed? Kate asked.

Jack cleared his throat. Not exactly, I just wanted us to talk about getting married but Leigh wouldn’t have any part of it. She dismissed the idea without even really discussing it. I have to tell you Mrs. Coleman, it hurt. I mean, I’ve approached the subject before and she has always found a way to step around it and put it off for a while; but this time was different. Leigh had this we aren’t going there attitude and that hurt, a lot.

Kate’s heart softened a bit. Yes, I suppose it would. I’m afraid she got that from her grandmother, Jack. The senior Mrs. Coleman always told Leigh that it was important to accomplish her goals before she settled down or she might not accomplish any of them.

Daniel cut his wife a look. Kate, let him finish.

Jack continued. We both had just enough to drink to not let it go. We had a terrible argument right there in front of everybody. Leigh asked me if it was really important to be married. When I said yes, she said that what I needed to do was find someone else. And the way she said it; well she might as well have stabbed me in the heart. I was almost in tears so I guess I let my anger show instead of my vulnerability. I got mad and stormed off. I went to the bar and she called a limo.

Kate couldn’t help but add Leigh also developed her father’s knack of handling matters of the heart as if they were business deals, not letting her true feelings show.

Daniel laid his hand on Kate’s arm. Kate, if you don’t mind, can we try to find out what happened to our daughter?

See what I mean? Kate said, folding her hands in her lap and pursing her lips.

Jack sat for a moment. When he spoke, it was barely above a whisper. If she would have just told me that, none of this would have happened.

Jack’s comment got Daniel’s attention. What do you mean none of this would have happened?

I mean that if Leigh had things she wanted to accomplish before she would even consider getting married all she had to do was tell me. I would have understood and I’d be with her right now watching a movie or something.

Daniel cleared his throat. I see your point.

They all sat quiet for a moment then Daniel got up and took a look around the apartment. When he returned he looked a little disappointed that he didn’t find a clue as to the whereabouts of his daughter so Daniel did what he does best; took charge.

All right he said clapping his hands together. There are three other apartments in this building… he pulled his wallet out of his back pocket and opened it.  . . . I suggest that each of us talk to a neighbor and meet back here. Jack, do you have a picture of Leigh?

Yes sir Jack answered standing and retrieving his wallet.

Kate reached in her purse and pulled out the framed photograph she had taken off her desk. She looked up at Daniel. I thought we might need it.

Daniel smiled Clever girl, now let’s go. Kate, you go across the hall. Jack and I will go downstairs.

Kate hesitated Daniel, what should I say?

"Just introduce yourself. Show them the picture and ask them if they know our daughter and