Split Second Decision Ll Apprehended

By Vickie Swan

A once botched abduction comes to fruition after a plane crash that supposedly took, Douglas, Anitas fathers life. Anita is abducted from her home and is coerced into taking her fathers place in defending her mortal enemy Dante. He (Dante) holds Carolyn (her best friend) ransom for his insurance that she gets him a not guilty verdict as has been done in the past by her father.

Dante takes Anita on a field trip to show her his true business dealings - to which he is so proud of. She experiences his way of life that no one should ever see. She witnessed his barbaric, brutal and torturous ways of how he acquires orphaned children. How he forces his captives to live in horrid conditions and what happens when he pillages a village.

She sees how he mentally prepares and challenges young boys to become the best soldiers in his command through elimination tournaments, and how he trains and molds young girls to bring the best value on the black market for his efforts. Her heart aches for those who suffer the pain and destruction he leaves in his wake.

But the worst part of what she witnesses is how he uses and abuses her best friend and what happens to the Caucasians girls before entering the world of the black market. How is she supposed to accomplish such a feat after seeing such heinous crimes?

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jun 2, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496914378

Vickie Swan

For the past fifteen years, Vickie Swan has dedicated her life to helping the sick and disabled as a Care aide. Writing has always been a passion of Vickie’s and she if finally living her dream. Stepping outside her comfort zone, Vickie Swan volunteers to do her own weekly radio show on the local radio station in her community. Writing allows Vickie Swan to use her creative side and vicariously live through the adventures, adrenalin pumping danger and intrigue. The twist and turns that her novel takes, lead the readers down a path of unknown mysteries and surprises. Vickie Swan writes about the history of black market slavery or flesh peddlers. Research for the novels provide the perfect setting for the current events. Through Anita, Vickie Swan is sharing the real life drama with the readers, and vows that the best is yet to come.

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© 2014 Vickie Swan . 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.

Published by AuthorHouse 05/29/2014

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1434-7 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1436-1 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-1437-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014909348

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.

This book is printed on acid-free paper.

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 One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Chapter Thirty-Nine

Chapter Forty

Chapter Forty-One

Chapter Forty-Two

Chapter Forty-Three

Chapter Forty-Four

Chapter Forty-Five

Chapter Forty-Six

Chapter Forty-Seven

Chapter Forty-Eight

Chapter Forty-Nine

Chapter Fifty

Chapter Fifty-One

Chapter Fifty-Two

Chapter Fifty-Three

Chapter Fifty-Four

Chapter Fifty-Five

Chapter Fifty-Six

Chapter Fifty-Seven

Chapter Fifty-Eight

Chapter Fifty-Nine

Chapter Sixty

Chapter Sixty-One

Chapter Sixty-Two

Chapter Sixty-Three

Chapter Sixty-Four

Chapter Sixty-Five

Chapter Sixty-Six

Chapter Sixty-Seven

Chapter Sixty-Eight

Chapter Sixty-Nine

Chapter Seventy

Chapter Seventy-One

Chapter Seventy-Two

Chapter Seventy-Three

CHAPTER ONE

Suzanne, Anita, and Chris entered the home totally speechless. Anita’s hand shook as she poured three drinks and handed them out. It was gone in one swallow as they sat down feeling numbed and mystified at Anita’s reaction earlier that evening.

With burning sore eyes, Anita looked around at those who were there for support, but now she must face the anguished look that masked their faces.

I don’t know what came over me, she began. I really wanted my family here, but somehow I felt betrayed. One minute I was happy to see them and the next… ., Anita’s words had trailed off. Choking back her tears she continued, I looked up and saw Jake’s face and instinctively my thumb hit the button. My dad could’ve saved Jake’s life, and I remembered thinking, how callous my father was.

Suzanne was overly quiet, while Chris was standoffish. Anita let her tears fall freely and spoke from the heart. Mom, I hope you’ll find it in your heart to forgive me. At this particular moment in my life, I don’t like myself much. I’ve let everyone down.

Chris couldn’t watch Anita torture herself any longer. He got up and hugged her. You have to forgive yourself first. When you come to terms with what’s happened, you’ll be able to accept the forgiveness of those around you. I must say, though, you took me by surprise.

Getting out of her chair, Suzanne wasn’t sure if she wanted to kill Anita or hug her; she chose the latter. Sweetie, she said. I don’t know how I feel. I think it’s best if I leave as soon as I can, so I can sort out my feelings. Don’t take it that I’m angry—just confused.

Squeezing her mother as tightly as possible, Anita responded, Mom, if you never get over it or not speak to me again, I’ll understand, she said, weakly.

Without another word, Suzanne turned and walked out the door. Chris ran after her and told her he’d make arrangements for her return to Aspen. Kissing him on the cheek, she thanked him and continued on towards her room. Now alone, Suzanne let her tears flow and anger poured out as she ripped her bed apart and threw the blankets onto the floor, stomping them. Suzanne physically collapsed onto the mountain of blankets and sobbed her heart out.

Anita absently set her glass down and refilled it, but Chris snatched it away reminding her she has a little one to care for. Sitting back on the sofa, Anita’s hard look was mixed with emotions; disgust, anguish, hate, and shame. Oh my gawd. What the hell have I done? She quietly asked.

Chris sat down beside her and held her hand. You were angry because your family betrayed you. Your father and Dante used you. Gappy used you. I didn’t see it coming. I really didn’t and by that I mean the whole disgusting situation.

Anita turned sharply to look at Chris, and he added, You and me—I’m glad we met and I fell in love with you. That, I wouldn’t change.

Anita buried her head into Chris’s chest and could hear his heart beating. I’m glad we met. I wouldn’t change it either. Pulling away from Chris, she said, I want to go to Dante’s. I need clarification of who actually died. After all, Gappy planted the explosive charges himself. Maybe he was trying to get rid of me. We have to follow up on his real name. We need to know more about him.

Comforting Anita, Chris said, Leave it alone for a few days. The FBI and the police will be all over it. Let’s see what their report says and we’ll take it from there. We go now and that could spark suspicion, but I agree with you. Let’s see what Gappy was really all about.

CHAPTER TWO

Sleep was like a wrestling match for Anita as her burdened heart beat wildly and her head swam with guilt preventing her eyes from closing. Anita got up and stepped out onto the balcony, hoping the fresh air would help bring peacefulness to her tortured mind and body, and perhaps enable her to rest even a little.

Not sure if what she saw was real, she focused her eyes towards the bushes and was positive she saw movement. Minutes later it was quiet. She knew she had to investigate that area at first light. Hearing Chris stir, Anita headed back to bed. He drew back the covers for her to join him and they snuggled—he slept, she didn’t.

Just as dawn was approaching, the phone rang. Anita picked it up, but all she could hear was deep heavy breathing. Slamming the phone down, with a bang, woke up Chris. What was that all about? He asked, trying to open both eyes to stay awake.

Prank call I guess. Lots of heavy breathing, Anita said, short and to the point.

Chris sat up, but the look on his face told Anita he had something more on his mind. He got out of bed and headed to the shower. When he returned, he spoke gently, yet firmly, How about we leave here and move to Montana or anywhere for that matter. I believe we are about to be played again in another game of chance—will we survive?

Anita’s horrified look matched the tone of her voice. No! That’s running away and hiding. They’d know we were scared. That’s all our lives would consist of. We have to be strong and fight for the sake of our baby. Our baby needs to grow up in a safe and peaceful environment. Not of turmoil and hiding for the rest of our lives. What kind of life would that be? Seriously.

In frustration, Chris covered his face with his hands, not only because she was stubborn, but also because she was right. Once they moved, they’d always be looking over their shoulders.

They heard the doorbell ring. Chris, already dressed, sped down the stairs. Delia beat him to the door. When Delia opened the door, she had a shocked look on her face and she stepped back. Chris was now behind her. There stood the FBI and the Chief of the local Police. Cordially inviting them in, he showed them to the living room. Delia knew her role; she left the room and went to get Anita. Quickly dressing, Anita joined them in the living room and she couldn’t imagine what they could possibly be there to tell them.

FBI Agent Kendall told Anita to take a seat as they had a lot to discuss. Dutifully doing as requested, Anita sat in a chair that was not in the immediate part of the room—it was close to the window so she would have something to focus on if needed.

Agent Kendall and the local Chief of police remained standing. Looking directly at Chris, Chief Mendoza asked, Where were you two nights ago?

Anita’s voice could be heard plainly, as she asked, What is all this about?

Agent Kendall, now looking at Anita, said, It seems Mr. Dante and several other people were blown up in his home. Chief Mendoza contacted the American Embassy and asked for our assistance, due to the ties with the United States. Did you have a score to settle with him?

I’m his lawyer. So why are you here? She asked, again.

Someone saw you there that night. Care to explain? Agent Kendall shot back.

Like I said. I am his… or rather, was, his lawyer. We had business to discuss, she said, vaguely answering the question.

Yes, but I’m asking about two nights ago. So again I ask you, were you there two nights ago? He asked, but it was becoming more of a demand than a question.

Yes, she said. I was there to do some business. We had a court date coming up. I swear both he and his house were intact when I left. And who are the others? His guards? She threw back at him.

Chief Mendoza waved some papers in his hands. We have a search warrant. We believe you had detonator, he said, gloatingly, in his broken English.

Anita got up off her chair and stepped to the side. Be my guest.

With a snap of his fingers, four FBI agents began the task of searching the house. Anita and Chris realized Suzanne was still in her room. They told the agents this and asked that they respect her mother’s rights. Suzanne hearing the commotion decided to check it out. She looked down at Anita as though she wanted to know why the FBI and police were there and Anita shrugged her shoulders, pretending like she had no idea why.

Agent Kendall leaned over speaking quietly into Anita’s ear. We need to search your purse.

Smiling, Anita not only retrieved her purse, but all that she owned and lined them up. After the search was completed, both Agent Kendall and Chief Mendoza approached Anita. We know it was you who was last there and we know you blew up the house, the agent continued to grill Anita, trying to rattle her into spilling her guts.

Trying to look unfazed by it all, Anita asked, I take it you have a witness to all this?

Laughing back sarcastically, the agent chuckled, Oh yes.

I hope you give this witness immunity for their statement. I hope you guard this person very well, because I’ve learned you can’t trust anyone. The highest bidder always wins, especially in this part of the world. Now, if you’re finished ripping my house apart, I have work to do. Good day gentlemen.

Agent Kendall glared back, We’ll be in touch. I’ll find the evidence that you were there, so don’t leave the country, he said.

Smirking, Anita laughed. I’ve already told you I was there. So, of course you’re going to find evidence I was there, that is if there is any part of the house still standing according to you. Would you have any objections to my going to the ruins? If I’m being accused of doing such a dastardly deed, I’d like to see what lies beneath the rubble.

Chief Mendoza glanced at Agent Kendall and they both nodded. Anita read between the lines and she knew they were to be tailed. The Chief’s English was not great, but he answered her question. Yes, whatever you find, if anything, hand it over to us.

Anita saluted the men and left the room to start putting the house together again. Suzanne stopped her, and spoke. Honey, so much has happened that I need to find out how I feel. Had it been me in that situation, I probably would’ve done the same damned thing. My heart is torn in two.

Anita’s guilt was overpowering any emotion she had. I had no intention of doing such a thing, but for whatever reason, other than seeing Jake’s face appear, I pushed the button. I only ask that you will one day be able to forgive me.

Giving her daughter a quick hug, she went in to see Delia. The two cried as Suzanne said goodbye. Chris went upstairs and grabbed Suzanne’s suitcase from her room and escorted her out the door. Not wanting to face her mother, Anita chose to stay home and help Delia clean up the mess left behind by the team of authorities.

Turning up the music loudly, Anita did not wallow in self-pity. She let the music fill her soul and did not hear the phone ring. Delia answered the phone and hearing only dead air, she hung up and turned the music off so they could talk. We get lots of no one on the other end of the phone calls, Delia said.

You’re answering them, too? Anita asked. Delia nodded her head and Anita spoke, When Chris gets back, we’ll go the ruins of the house. You will come with us. You may not be safe alone. Do you still wish to work for us?

Delia pulled out her gun, and spoke in a deep low voice, No one is going to hurt my family.

Anita was stunned as she looked at her companion. You know how to use that?

Yes, she said.

Impressive. You will accompany us when we leave the house. I trust no one. I don’t know who survived. I think I was the target. She stopped and her train of thought changed tracks. I foiled them again. Gotta like it, she said, happily.

Delia went to walk away when she suddenly stopped and put her hand up in the air to hush Anita. She stood frozen for a moment, and then in slow motion she brought her gun out and began to move quietly towards the door. Anita felt defenseless and wished she was packing a gun.

Delia beckoned Anita to stay close to her and the two moved noiselessly towards the door. They heard a loud noise come from outside. Undecided as to what to do, the pair decided they needed to check out what was happening on the other side of the closed door. Anita grabbed a lamp to arm herself; Delia was armed and ready to shoot if necessary. Anita stood behind the door with the lamp raised, ready for action. Delia stood off to one side, slowly opened the door, careful not to expose too much of her body. Peering out of the door, Delia saw no one.

Anita sighed with relief and brought her arms down. Taking in some deep breaths to calm her nerves, she felt a cool wind come from behind blowing against the back of her neck.

Delia stepped out the door to survey the grounds when suddenly the door shut behind her, locking her out and in that second an arm had suddenly wrapped around Anita’s neck. She tried in vain to break loose, but the hold became tighter and she was dragged towards the living room. Still gripping the lamp, Anita managed to gain enough momentum to raise her hand and hit her assailant. That split second delay was enough for her to elude her attacker, but his power and strength far exceeded hers and he grabbed her by the arm, pulling her in towards his body. Her fist came up and sucker punched him, and his head bounced back and then she stomped on his foot, gaining a little leeway and ran.

His steps were long and fast and again caught up to her, but she ducked down to avoid his hands from catching her. Not being able to get up fast enough, the attacker grabbed Anita by the feet and she fell to the ground, landing on her face and stomach. Lying there motionless, the man turned her over and with her foot she struck him in the face. He used a closed fist and belted her a good one across the head and she became subdued. He grabbed a pillow and straddled her limp body; he was going to finish her off.

The man was puffing and placed the pillow over Anita’s face when Delia stepped into the picture. Without any hesitation, Delia aimed her gun and shot the man. She then went to Anita’s side. There, on the floor, was a pool of blood forming around Anita’s pelvic area and right then they both knew she had lost her baby. Sobbing, she looked up at Delia and beckoned her to bend down so she could tell her something.

Kneeling down beside her and holding Anita’s hand, Anita spoke between sobs. Delia, she said. I have to hit you across the face, that way you can claim self defense. He attacked you. That’s all you have to say.

Delia’s eyes were huge. Then she clenched her eyes shut and Anita threw her a good jab letting the impact make its mark. When she lowered her hand, Anita apologized to Delia, but Delia knew that no matter what happened, she would always be by Anita’s side.

Anita passed out from the loss of blood. Delia had called the emergency medical team and then Chris. Chris was stunned at what happened and decided he would keep the news from Suzanne. Wiping away his tears triggered suspicion within Suzanne. What’s wrong?

You’ve had enough turmoil in your life. You don’t need this, he said, while wiping the droplets of water that appeared down his cheeks.

Suzanne’s demeanor took a sudden change. Something happened to Anita, didn’t it? She asked, wanting to strangle Chris for not divulging what he knew.

They had an intruder and there was a struggle. Anita lost the baby. I shouldn’t have left her alone, he said, with a guilty conscience.

Neither should I have left. Let’s do a turn about and be by her side. If Douglas is still among the living, he’ll show up. And I have a hunch he eluded the blast. Damn him, Suzanne said. I should’ve been the one to press the trigger.

The ride back to the house was fast. Suzanne wasn’t sure if the trees were blurry because of the speed they were traveling or because of the tears that had built up in her eyes. Either way she surmised, they’d be by Anita’s side very soon.

Chris pulled up to the hospital and before the engine had time to shut off, he was out the door and raced into the emergency room, with Suzanne close behind. He was glad Delia had been there and more pleased she was sitting with Anita in her hour of need.

Choking back his tears, Chris gently placed his hand over Anita’s and stroked her cheek tenderly with his other hand. Suzanne had stopped at the front desk to get the particulars and then entered Anita’s room.

Tenderly Suzanne spoke, She lost a lot of blood. She had a transfusion and these next forty-eight hours will be critical. She then turned to Delia and hugged her. I’m glad you were there. I know this is upsetting for you, but could you please tell us what happened.

Sitting down, Delia’s hands moved constantly as she told her story. Chris looked at Delia’s face and sure enough there was a bruise where Anita struck her in the face. Shaking his head, his guilt was beginning to get stronger. His thoughts went back to when he first met Anita and she had done it again—she had put somebody else’s safety ahead of hers. Now the tears flowed freely. His heart ached and he longed to see her sweet smile.

Suzanne bent over Anita’s upper body whispering in her ear. Honey, I’m here with you. We will fight this chaos together and we will win.

The police showed up outside the room and beckoned Delia to step out. A tiny faint voice could be heard. Delia, don’t say a word until I’m better. I’m your attorney. All they need to know is that it was self-defense. Chris please will you make sure they know that. Seconds later, Anita was silent.

All eyes were on her, but Chris did as he was instructed and explained to the police that when Anita was better, they could then get a statement from Delia to clear up the mystery of what happened. After the quick debriefing, Chris made sure they saw the bruise that had formed on Delia’s face—the police were content, at least for the moment.

CHAPTER THREE

Anita was quiet for two days, and for two days Chris, Suzanne and Delia were by her side. With fluttering eyes, she looked around the room and thought, "Wow. I do have the best support."

Stirring in her bed, Suzanne turned to face her daughter. Hi, she said.

Mom, I’m surprised you’re still here. I thought you’d be home by now, Anita said, with a happy note to it.

With tears about to trickle down her cheeks, Suzanne whispered, I’m here for you, however long it takes.

I don’t understand. You should be angry with me, Anita said, trying to understand what made her mother change her mind about leaving.

` Never mind. We have a job to clear up, but first we must take care of you, she said, trying not to upset Anita.

What happened? Anita asked.

Chris bent over and kissed his wife. You had a battle at home.

Lifting the covers up, Anita looked down at her bandaged abdomen and screamed, No. Please tell me the baby is okay.

I wish I could, Chris said, tenderly. During the struggle, you lost the baby. Don’t worry about it—just conserve your strength. God has a better plan for us, I know it in my heart.

Anita’s sobs could be heard throughout the hospital floor and Chris cradled her in his arms trying to give her strength and comfort to get through her ordeal. She hugged him tightly until she could cry no more. Resting her head on her pillow, she looked at Delia and her memory kicked in.

Wow, what a shiner, Anita said. Have you given them a statement yet?

No, she said. You told me to wait until you were better, but I must go and confess my sins and tell them what happened.

No, Anita snapped. You will do it here in this room with me. Do not say anything. Let me do the talking. And you are to go along with it. Now here’s what happened. When we heard the noise, we went to investigate and he took you by surprise, punched you in the face and threw you outside, locking you out. He then attacked me. You came in and he turned on you and you shot him, fearing for your life. That’s your story. Okay? She asked her maid and friend.

But. Delia began.

Cutting in Anita spoke, Remember the story—or you will go to jail. I can’t have that—or rather we can’t have that. Now, when you tell your story, recall the frightened act, she said, with a kinder tone.

Delia pondered over the statement Anita made and reluctantly she agreed. Delia now wondered how someone with a sad tragedy such as hers, could still be thinking of others. Her thoughts were "This girl is a saint."

Anita looked at Chris who had a few days growth on his face, and yet his eyes were tender, and she said, I am so sorry, so very sorry.

He kissed his wife and said in a gentle tone, Next time we’ll have twins to make up for lost time. You know that don’t you?

Smiling back at her adoring husband, Anita replied, I’m holding you to that. So how much longer do I have to stay here?

Chris looked at Suzanne and Suzanne stepped into Anita’s focus. You could be out within a day or so.

Anita’s broad smile turned into sadness and then the water works turned on. Mom, I’m so sorry for all my selfish ways. I don’t know what came over me, and look at what I’ve done to you. You lost a husband and a grandchild.

Patting her daughter’s hand, Suzanne commented, I don’t think he’s dead. I just know it. This time when we find him, you let me be the one to decide his fate. Deal?

Wiping away her tears, she then grasped her mother’s hand. Deal.

Before anything further could be said, the police swarmed around Anita and Delia as though they were the enemy. Surveying the amount of men in the room, prompted Anita to say, Do we really need all these men here?

The Chief waved his hand at his men to evacuate the room along with the FBI agents. Chief Mendoza stood directly in front of Anita, facing her, while Agent Kendal, head of the FBI team, stood to the side waiting for her to give her statement. This made her giggle as her thoughts came to mind. He thinks he has the intimidating look, but he’s just a meek little mouse. I could destroy him in seconds.

Both men looked at Anita and questioned the expression on her face. Trying not to offend them, she told them to relax. They were going to get their statements.

Before we begin, Anita said, maybe one of you should take Delia out of the room while I recount what happened. Then bring her back in, and she will give you her statement in front of me. I’m acting as her attorney.

Neither man liked being told what to do, but she did have legal rights that they needed to adhere to. Agent Kendall and the Chief had Delia wait outside with his men, and Anita described in detail what happened as far as she could recall. When she was finished, Delia was summoned to the room and she gave her version on what happened. When she was done, she glanced over and saw Anita’s slight smile, and presumed she had done well.

After the statements were given, the authorities left and Anita sighed, One mess cleaned up. Now we must rally and take on the next task. Get me out of here.

Suzanne, not wanting to burst Anita’s bubble, spoke up, They are going to want to know where the gun is. I hope it isn’t tied to any unsolved crimes.

Anita, taking a second look at her mother, was silent for a moment and then said, You are right. They may ask. I guess we’ll have to give it up should they ask, but I’ll not give it up voluntarily.

The doctor examined Anita and was persuaded to release her from the hospital. Anita looked at Chris. Could we stop at Dante’s house of ruins? We need to examine it ourselves. Chris nodded and the four of them drove to the house that held so much pain and terror.

CHAPTER FOUR

Pulling up to Dante’s house, the four of them sat quietly as they gained the courage to search the remains of the house hoping to find clues that could solve a paradox or two. On the count of three, they pushed back the half blown up gate and preceded to walk into the house of ruins. Chris and Anita were in front; Delia and Suzanne trailed behind them.

As they walked up to the house, Anita’s heart pounded and her steps quickened—she wanted to uncover evidence from those who may have survived. Chris, on the other hand, had piqued curiosity and wanted to know who died in the fiery explosion. Going over every inch of Dante’s house, Anita and Chris discovered that there were many protected places one could’ve hid in, and without a doubt, there was more than one survivor.

As Anita sifted through the debris, her thoughts recollected that Dante and Gappy were in the den. Her thoughts took another angle—"had Gappy warned Dante before hand? After all," she surmised, Gappy planted the explosives. Maybe it was just a show for her to think Dante was eliminated. She swore out loud. Damn him. Gappy played me like a fiddle, but my strings were so wound up, I couldn’t see it. I’ve been duped.

Suzanne and Delia went to where the back of the house was, what little there was of it, and sure enough tire marks could be seen clearly—someone had gotten away. Back tracking towards Anita and Chris, the ladies found a well-hidden door fully intact. Suzanne shouted for the others to check out their findings.

The four of them tugged at the door and slowly it gave way, exposing the secrets that lay behind it. There they found the ceiling blown away, but it was obvious several people lived inside. Looking closely at the remnants left behind, they knew it was where Douglas and Carolyn had to have been taking refuge.

Scouring through the belongings, Anita recognized a shirt and without even thinking, she fell to her knees. This shirt confirmed it—this is where her family had been hiding out, while she had been on a wicked manhunt looking for them. The tears just streamed down and Chris’s tender, loving embrace, gave her comfort until she regained her composure.

Suzanne was appalled at how Douglas could just pop in and out of lives with no repercussions for it. Fury raged throughout her body as she picked up his belongings and asked for a lighter—she wanted to burn the clothes, but secretly wished it were Douglas instead. Suzanne stopped as she got a far-away look in her eyes, her face freezing. Lips parting, she whispered, Insurance. Anita, with a puzzled look on her face, questioned her mother about the strange utterance. Suzanne held out a half charred picture, Douglas had this picture at our place in Aspen. It’s in the wall safe. He said it was his insurance.

Anita frowned, Maybe he brought it with him?

Suzanne turned the fragment over and shook her head, No. That one had no writing on it; this one has a partial first or possibly a last name. It looks like the name… MI or something. Everyone looked closely at the picture, but it was hard to make out any actual face recognition.

Chris, wanting to leave, tossed Suzanne a lighter and she lit the shirt on fire. They all watched as the flames licked its way to the top, leaving only little ashes behind. Finding it somewhat therapeutic, it allowed them to continue their search of who died and who survived. Small remnants of a foot and an arm indicated someone didn’t make it out, but now they wanted to know who belonged to the body parts and how did the police miss these vital pieces of evidence. Delia noticed a hole in the wall. Chris investigated and found it to be an escape tunnel. That explained how some got away and others didn’t.

Anita stopped in her tracks and gasped as thoughts ran through her head. "Did Dante have the Chief on his payroll." She shuttered as she tried to erase the thoughts out of her mind.

Chris pulled some small plastic bags from his pocket, explaining he had taken them from the hospital before they left. Carefully placing the evidence into individual bags and sealing them tightly, they stood in a circle. It was decided that Chris would personally oversee the results of their findings and they made a pact to always be looking over their shoulders. No one was to be trusted.

As they left the house of ruins, they experienced a chilling effect. There was no lingering; they ran back to the vehicle. There was something spooky about the ruins that put fear into them and they didn’t want to find out what it was.

CHAPTER FIVE

Dusk was beginning to settle in, and as the foursome pulled up to the house, it gave the appearance of being a haunted house—it looked dark and dreary as darkness enclosed its eerie shadows around it. Suddenly, Anita lost the peacefulness she so loved about the house and her body began to vibrate with sour thoughts of her last time in the house.

Chris made no move to go in and told the ladies to wait until the lights were on in the house. He explained that he had hired Neil and Rocky to search the house one room at a time and when all the lights were on and he got a signal, it meant the coast was clear.