Unwarranted Abduction

By Leah Diehl

When Diane Montgomery, the First Lady of the State of Maryland, is kidnapped in front of her two young daughters, all other cases are put on hold, pulling the local police department, the FBI, and Homeland Security together as a cohesive team. Its a priority to find Diane and bring her home to her family. To make matters worse, people all around who are involved in the case are being found murdered as a warning to the investigators: the abductors mean business, and they will destroy anyone who crosses them.

Meanwhile, Dianes sister, Anna Lentz, senses that Diane is still alive and will do anything to find her. Anna battles the furies of Mother Nature as Hurricane Kelsie bears down on the East Coastand Maryland goes into lockdown and issues a state of emergency.

It seems, however, that the answer to the mystery behind Dianes abduction may be closer than anyone can imagine. Gov. Kenneth Montgomery understands that pardoning someone from death row is nearly impossible, and he is torn between being a husband and a government official. Family comes first, but the states citizens count on him to provide safety and security. Has the State of Maryland put their trust in the wrong man?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Abbott Press
• Release date: Jun 12, 2013
• ISBN: 9781458209535

Leah Diehl

Leah Diehl graduated from Woodlawn Senior High in Catonsville, Maryland. She loves to write, camp, and fish; she also enjoys watching football and crime shows. Diehl now lives in Nottingham, Maryland, with her husband and near her two adult daughters.

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UNWARRANTED

ABDUCTION

Leah Diehl

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Copyright © 2013 Leah Diehl.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced by any means, graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, taping or by any information storage retrieval system without the written permission of the publisher except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

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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.

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.

ISBN: 978-1-4582-0954-2 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4582-0953-5 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2013909054

Abbott Press rev. date: 06/11/2013

CONTENTS

Acknowledgements

Prologue

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

Epilogue

Desired Truth: The Final Chapter

OTHERS BY LEAH DIEHL:

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http:// http://readleahdiehl.com/

For Mom, Dad, Jeff

and Jenny

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

OF COURSE, I WOULD LIKE TO thank all of my family and friends for always supporting me. Rob, Melissa and Mindy, you mean the world to me and make me who I am.

Jamie Leizear and Debbie Re, you are very special.

To the rest of my crazy family and friends, you are the best and thank you for your support.

Dr. Deborah Bear of Washington, DC pointed me in the right direction and showed me the urgency of treatment and process for a burn victim. The data that you provided is greatly appreciated and for that, I thank you.

The Firemen of Engine 13 who risk their lives every day for the safety of the citizens of Baltimore City are true heroes. Patrick Murphy, Lieutenant Andrew Seitz, Bob Conrad, John Liberto, James Peterson, Padriac Shea and Robert Sheppard, I thank you for the information and the experience of the daily duties that you endure. Your bravery is well respected.

By bravely enduring it, an evil which cannot be avoided is overcome.

MARCH, 2012

PROLOGUE

THE NIGHT. CUTTING

The sound. Stifling

The mood. Intoxicating

Inmate 910615 lay silently on his cot in the 10 x 10 cell he called home. Sweat gathered and puddled in the arch of his back, making his jumpsuit and worn out mattress damp. Beads of moisture clouded his eyes, but he did not care.

He stroked his scraggily dark beard as it itched from the dried up soap that was not completely rinsed out from the every-other-day shower. His sinister eyes reflected his temperament as he thought of years past, years wasted. His hooked nose sort of made him strong and manly looking to the point of almost being attractive. He could have been a good looking man, if he let himself be.

He heard footsteps as the night guard made his rounds to make sure all was in order. The guard shouted to a few men to turn out their lamps and hit the sack. One man yelled back he was reading his bible and that it was his right and the guard could not do anything about it. The guard told him to shut the hell up and go to sleep. Lights out! he demanded as the sound of the baton shafted loudly against the metal bars.

Release Eve was standing before 910615 holding the key to his freedom. Release Eve had finally come. Release Eve was every convicted man’s hope and dream.

A month ago, the parole hearing started on time. Warden Hagert had already expressed his feelings openly on what the verdict would be: denied. The Warden admitted that the first few parole hearings for a convicted man never resulted in freedom.

The inmate smirked and lightened as he remembered that day as if it were yesterday; as if it were that very moment. He recalled the sound of the chains that clinked and clanked the whole way down the long halls and echoed wings after he was let out for the long walk.

He was reminded several times along the way about shenanigans or trying to escape. The whole spiel of what would happen to him and his like. The same outline that he heard every single solitary day when he had the luxury of playing basketball in the padded rec room.

In the playpen, as they called it, the sunlight would shine through the skylight if the timing was right making it extra special. Spending an hour in the playpen he would get the scoop on the other inmates or hear their same old sad, boring stories. The stories of how they were all innocent and their lawyers were fighting the system.

As they approached the outside of the hearing room, his inner spirit was anxiously lifted. His faith rose up beyond anyone’s reach or anyone’s grasp. As he was escorted in the hearing room, he was tightly shackled and guarded closely. The restraints were too snug making his fingers and ankles numb, but there was nothing he could do.

When they entered the room, Gunner glanced at the three members that held his fate in their hands. The three members that would release him; he just knew it.

The air conditioner was on full blast and hit him in the face hard and laborious. It instantly gave him a chill up and down his spine, but it felt refreshing beneath the heavily weighed suit.

Ah, he said under his breath. The moment he has been waiting for, for far too long. It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop.

Did you say something, Asshole? asked the guard as he squeezed Gunner’s arm trying to put him in his place. He jabbed somewhat at his ribs with the other hand, pissing Gunner off more.

Nothing important, he replied, smiling inside as he inched slightly away.

Eli Swartz, his attorney, waited impatiently looking at his watch; twice within a minute’s time. The lawyer’s suit was two sizes too big. He had more important things to do at that moment and wanted to get this over with and beat feet. He looked at his Rolex once again.

Got skinny since our last meeting, aye Eli? You look sickly, Gunner said as he leaned over the attorney’s shoulder.

Quiet. Only speak when you are spoken to, the guard said squeezing harder this time. You know the rules, Bastard.

Sit down, Eli said pulling a chair closer to the defendant’s table. The metal chair made a loud noise as Eli slid it, making everyone look.

The guard quickly shoved him down and Gunner’s ass landed half on and half off of the chair almost making him fall on the floor. He scooted over so he was comfortably placed fully seated taking his place next to his expensive lawyer. Gunner glanced over his shoulder and gave the guard a dirty look.

Even though Eli took his case pro bono for fame and air time, Gunner knew his bill would have been out of this world if billed per hour. He definitely would have had a state appointed defense. And who knows, it could have been a lot worse.

The new Hearing Officer, Pete Peters, occupied in his own thoughts did not look up when the door opened. Sitting tall at the center of the table, his biceps flexed beneath the Italian cotton as he wrote with the exquisite pen on the legal pad in front of him. As a distinguished gentleman, there was not a blonde hair out of place. His long slender fingers glided across the paper as if he were going over his notes. His nails were spotless and clipped to perfection. He definitely was a man of the world.

Ivy Alexander, one of the Commissioners, focused on her fidgeting fingers through her reading glasses that were perched low on her nose. The crystal eye-glass chain was draped around her neck. Her body continuously shivered so she pulled the wool sweater tighter over her shoulders. Her gray hair was sprayed neatly on the top of her head in a high bun. Ivy was the oldest and the longest working member of the board. She took pride in her job knowing that she kept harden criminals where they belong; behind bars.

Reginald Moore, a mid-fifty balding man sat slumped over as if he was dozing off. Breathing heavily with his arms crossed and resting on top of his belly, his head bobbed up and down a few times. When the noise startled him, he quickly glanced up at Gunner. The deepness of his glare would have scared anyone. As if on cue, he slowly blinked then slightly turned his stare to the ceiling. The possibly of getting some fishing in before night fell made his blood pressure rise making him excited. He could give a shit about this prisoner.

In the corner of the room sat the parents and siblings of Sergei Cherlin. The victim that Gunner was found guilty of murdering was an innocent young man with his whole life ahead of him.

On the night of the killing, Sergei had just finished his evening class at the University of Maryland Baltimore County. Anxious to get home and finish his paper, Sergei quickly stopped at an ATM on his way. He was low on cash and needed money for the computer lab the next morning. The drive-through light on the overhang at the bank was colored red alerting him that the service was down, so Sergei pulled over to the side and got out of his car.

As Sergei approached the outside machine that was on the side of the wall, Gunner snuck up behind him and demanded money. Sergei readily agreed. The gun lodged in the back of his head helped him make the prompt decision. He prayed once he handed over his money, the man would take off and leave him be.

Sergei nervously put the card in and pressed the secret pass code, being denied on the first try. The second attempt was successful so Sergei withdrew the $300.00 limit and handed Gunner the last of his savings. He closed his eyes hoping the man would make a quick getaway. Instead, Gunner grabbed the money and shoved it in his pocket. He then pulled Sergei by the hair over to Sergei’s car and shoved him in the front seat after hitting the poor kid in the back of the head with the butt of the gun.

Bleeding, Sergei whimpered and cried in pain as the car squealed out of the bank parking lot. Gunner told him several times to shut up or else. Sergei could not fully comprehend how dangerous this man was and would not stop. On a back road, deep in Ellicott City, Sergei was shot and killed. A conductor saw his body on the side of the train tracks two days later.

With the help of a witness and the bank camera, the police had a description of the murderer. Gunner was finally arrested and tried. At the end of the trial he was found guilty and went to jail. The sentencing was for thirty years.

The meeting began same as usual. Gunner had to state his name, date of birth and his numbered identity to the board. The meeting was now open for discussion.

Pete Peters spoke first. Sir, this is your first parole hearing. We all have read and reviewed your case file. You were found guilty by your peers of the crime and murder committed against Sergei Cherlin. You now have the right being an U.S. Citizen to express yourself in hopes of an early release.

Eli stood up and pulled Gunner’s arm up with him. The

guard instantly formed his stance, getting ready just in case. Stand up straight and be respectful, the guard said to Gunner.

Gunner stood tall and proud and started his appeal. Board Members, I’ve been a model inmate for five years now. He swallowed hard and continued. The metal hand cuffs rubbed as he held his hands out in front of him pleading.

I don’t belong in a prison gang. I have a job as the kitchen cook for two years now and running. I’ve never gotten into any trouble. I’ve learned my lesson and I know I could be an outstanding citizen if released.

Ivy spoke next. Do you think the crime you committed should just be forgiven and forgotten? After all, you practiced one of the most heinous crimes there is; ending an innocent person’s life.

Yes. I was a stupid teenager with no parental guidance… and all. I found God and I want to help kids with problems in the outside world. You know… be an example of what evil turns into. Show them the way of the Lord. Show them the good they can find within. If I could just help one troubled teen, I would have made my mark on society. Gunner’s actions were almost soothing and almost believable.

And where would you do this, this savor of God’s work? Ivy was curious.

I have spent many days with the prison chaplain. He has shown me the error of my ways and the bad paths that I took. He has made me believe in myself and redemption. He has a youth group in his home town church up north and offered me to assist. The rehearsed words sounded honest.

Reginald still could give a shit.

Eli looked at his watch again.

Gunner turned around to face Sergei’s family head on. I’m truly sorry for what I did to your son. I was stupid and naive. I needed money to take care of my younger brothers. Our mother was on drugs and we needed to eat. I just had to take care of my family. Gunner hung his head low in shame. If you listened close, you could almost hear violins playing a pity song in the background.

Warden Hagert, is all of this true? asked Pete as if he cared.

Yes, Mr. Peters. Hagert turned the pages in his file. Flipping frantically after licking his finger, he read the tabs that were sticking out of the sides of the paper. Uh, he has an outstanding jail record. No trouble, no drug use, no incidences. He shrugged his shoulders. However, he is still a killer. Five years? No one can be cured and resurrected in five years.

Thank you for your comment. Family of the deceased, do you have anything to add? Pete continued to jot down notes on his pad.

Sergei’s family all stood and Mr. Cherlin spoke up in his strong Russian accent. "Yes sir. My son is gone. We’ll never see him graduate college. We’ll never see him get married. We will never cradle his children in our arms. He is a cold hearted person and he killed our child for no reason at all. We’ll never get him back." Yuri Cherlin directed his finger hard at Gunner.

Please, please, please, we beg of you board members. Don’t let him out. Mrs. Cherlin held her husband’s hand tight while her other hand embraced the waist of her daughter. Their eldest son, Mikhail, gripped the hand of his wife Mara tightly for support. Mikhail wanted to kill Gunner. It took everything he had to hold back.

Even the Dean of UMBC was there to speak if needed on how Sergei wanted a career as an interpreter in the justice system and what a great student he was.

The board members each shook their head after Mr. Cherlin begged not to let this violent man go free. Pete, Ivy and Reginald quietly left the room to converse, deep in thought.

Warden Hagert nodded his head in agreement on what the outcome would be. Even the guards felt good. This bastard would be back in his cell within the hour. The whole room was in agreement.

After the ruling was read, all that could be heard was an outburst of shouts and cries.

Approved and Released.

Free at last. The inmate rolled over on this side and grinned. He even made a small joyous cackle.

The haggard faces painted on the board members were priceless when Pete Peters read the ruling. The loud noises coming from the guards were out of control. Sergei’s family would have killed him on the spot if they could. Hell, even ole Eli was in shock.

Who in their right mind would release a man of his stature out into the world?

In the morning, the guard would drive him to the bus stop with $500.00 in his pocket; a nice donation from the state. He had signed papers stating that once he was in town, he would have his first check in with his appointed parole officer.

But first thing first, he needed to get a car and drive to the meeting spot.

Game on.

FRIDAY—SEPTEMBER 21, 2012

CHAPTER 1

ANOTHER YEAR OLDER? I DARE say not. How often have women lied about their ages?

Forever being twenty-nine again makes every woman feel young and youthful.

Reservations for Wilson, party of two, Anna said to the girl up front. Out of Diane’s view, Anna winked at the girl.

Anna followed her sister Diane through the cool air conditioned DC restaurant for a planned ladies lunch to celebrate another year. Diane had her suspicions as they walked toward the private room in the back.

Anna walked proudly as she flaunted her new red skirt and spiked knee high boots.

Diane wore her favorite black dress pants and a silk blouse. Boy did she look great for her age and she knew it.

The women’s heels left imprints on the exquisite red and gold carpet as they strolled passed the other patrons that were devoured in lunch and conversation.

The recherché art that hung on the walls was exceptional. The expensive and elite ones were encased in glass. The track lighting above gave directness, showing off the beauty.

The young man playing a Johannes Brahms best was seated at the baby grand. As the women walked by, he quickly winked and smiled at Anna revealing deep dimples and pearly whites. She might have to stop back later and put in a request.

The two sisters were born in Texas to an Army father. Their mother died when they were young. Their father put in a transfer and got a job in Washington DC.

The waitress opened the door to the room.

SURPRISE!

Oh! What’s this? I had no idea, Diane lied.

Mommy, Mommy!

Girls, I’m so surprised, she said as she held her opened arms waiting for an embrace from her children. How did you do all of this?

Daddy did it, they answered.

Did he now? Diane stood and leaned into her tall handsome husband of eight years and gave him a deep kiss. You shouldn’t have, she whispered.

Well, you know. Forty is a special year, Kenneth reminded her.

Don’t remind me, she whispered. Thank you all. I’m so happy to see everyone. Diane scanned the room as her family and friends lined up to give the guest of honor a hug and kiss.

Thought you were being sly, Diane whispered to Anna as she swiped the short black bangs to the side. Her blue eyes were beaming with emotion.

That’s what little sisters are for. I felt the need to embarrass the hell out of you, Anna emphasized.

You are so funny little sister. Just wait until your time comes. My wheels are spinning already.

I bet they are, Anna laughed.

Diane’s father was the last one to greet her. Dad, it’s good to see you. It’s been awhile.

It has been months of late hours at the office I’m afraid. The rise of fatalities once the weather gets warm goes through the roof, Dr. Edgar Wilson replied. Edgar is the head Medical Examiner at the DC city facility. He stands two feet taller than his daughter. He looked down at her through the thick lens of his glasses.

Well, I’m thankful you could sneak away.

I love you and Happy Birthday. I can’t believe you are 40 years old. No wonder I have gray hair and thin at that. He pulled her to the side and handed her a card and a perfectly wrapped box topped off with a purple plaid bow.

Thanks, Dad, Diane said as she tore off the paper. It’s Mother’s broche. Dad, you shouldn’t have. The round gold nugget sparkled as the jaded green gem gleamed back at her.

She always wanted you to have it. I hope you treasure it as much as she did.

I’ll cherish it forever. Diane immediately fastened it to her top then swiped the tear forming under her lid.

Diane hugged her father as hard as she could. She pictured her mother wearing the family pin every Sunday on her brown pantsuit when they went to Church and Sunday school.

I can’t stay long. I have an autopsy on a fifteen year old boy that was stabbed to death in the early hours.

I understand. Duty calls. Diane could identify how important one’s job was with her husband being the Governor of Maryland.

After saying goodbye to his youngest daughter and grandchildren, Edgar waved as he slipped out the back.

Diane fixed a plate of food and sat down at one of the neatly arranged tables addressed with fresh flowers. Her eyes widened when she saw Kenneth’s younger cousin walk in.

Boston! Diane jumped up and almost tripped as she ran to him.

There’s my birthday girl, he said as he picked her up and swung her around.

Diane, please compose yourself, Kenneth said.

She was perfect. The proper official’s wife one moment, a child at heart the next. However, Kenneth was strict when it came to retaining self-control in public.

Boston, longtime no see. I see you haven’t changed, Kenneth said as he shook Boston’s hand while eyeing up his younger cousin’s Bermuda shorts. Boston’s blonde hair was as white as his teeth. He almost looked Latin from the color of the deep tanned skin.

Newsflash, Cuz. Some of us never grow up, nor want to. Boston did not care what the governor thought. I had to be comfortable on the long flight.

Anna. Do you remember Boston? Diane waved and summoned her sister over to join the trio.

Hello, Boston. Nice tan. Hawaii does you good.

Anna. Nice to see you again, he said and kissed her hand.

What brings you out East?

My mother told me about the family gathering and invited me. I guess my invitation got lost in the mail. I thought I’d hang up the surfboard and surprise everyone for a few months.

I’m so happy you did, Diane added. I hope you’re going to stay with us.

I wouldn’t have it any other way, Boston said as he slapped Kenneth on the chest.

Mom, Dad. Boston walked away to approach his parents.

Now, Kenneth, be nice. After all he is family.

You don’t have to remind me, Diane. I remember every time he sends you and the little ones gifts.

Honey, is there a hint of jealousy in your voice?

Are you kidding? He is a beach bum that gambles his trust fund away.

Everyone jumped and turned their heads frantically as they heard screams and gun shots coming from the main dining room.

Get down everyone! And keep quiet, Kenneth’s bodyguard, Noah Atkins said. He snuck over, closed the curtained covered glass door, and locked it as he