Pursued but Shielded

By Frannie Watson

Atlanta in 1996 provides the backdrop for a fast-paced victim-driven thriller that speeds to an unanticipated ending, keeping the reader guessing at every stage.

A rapist is meticulous in making sure he has no connections with his victims. Elizabeth is his latest victim and she struggles to remember the attack while grappling with the nagging question: would she ever feel safe again?

A group of long-time friends coalesce around Elizabeth to protect her and work to find the rapist. An Atlanta police detective who is frustrated in his search for the attacker; the victims brother who is a private investigator; and a forensic psychologist who is asked to join the investigative team to assist with the victims. They must track down the rapist before he finds Elizabeth again.

Pursued but Shielded is a fictional detective story that highlights the victims courage to overcome her post-traumatic stress. Interested readers can consult the bibliography of the authors first book, Mirrors, to find a list of self-help materials concerning sexual injury.

Police search for a serial rapist whose urges escalate to murder in this faith-based detective novel.

Christian author Watsons (Mirrors: Real Stories of People Who Transform Pain to Joy and Turmoil to Peace, 2012) first novel begins with the brutal rape of Elizabeth Evans in October 1996. Although she spent most of her life in California, Elizabeth had recently moved back to her hometown of Atlanta. Following his sisters assault, Elizabeths brother, private investigator Will Evans, joins forces with his childhood friend Victor, the lead investigator on the rape case. Assisting the two and counseling Elizabeth is psychologist Del Thomas, another grade school friend and a woman of deep faith who believes God answers all questions asked of Him and whose beauty and style gave her a ticket to go most anywhere she wanted. Elizabeth is still in danger; the rapist believes that unlike his other victims, she could identify him. After the rapist tries and fails to kill Elizabeth in her hospital bed, she is moved to a long-term care facility for traumatized victims, where she receives extensive counseling and bonds with her art therapy instructor, Stella. Ten years prior, Stella came to the facility and became a practicing Christian, and she tells Elizabeth that her healing was aided by teachings in the Bible. As Elizabeth continues her own physical and emotional recovery, the rapist stalks the police assigned to the investigation and dreams of a new wall of trophies from murder victims who would include Lucky, a blackmailing security guard who witnessed him trying to kill Elizabeth in the hospital. The hunt to identify the rapist before he lashes out turns heart-pounding But never in question is the authors belief in the healing power of the Christian message.

A mingling of spiritual insights and chilling crime. - Kirkus Reviews

• Language: English
• Publisher: LifeRich Publishing
• Release date: Dec 15, 2014
• ISBN: 9781489703712

Frannie Watson

Atlanta born and raised, Frannie earned her BS from Georgia State University and a Certificate in Bible from seminary. She served with a missions group in France. She worked in education, corporate and manufacturing. She learned about emotional health as an associate - Worldwide Discipleship Association, she lives in metro Atlanta with husband Doug and dog Sally.

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Copyright © 2014 Frannie Watson.

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.

Scripture taken from the New American Standard Bible, Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation. Used with permission.

Scripture quotations are from The Holy Bible, New International Version, Copyright 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.

Understanding Emotions, A Worldwide Discipleship Association, Inc. Publication, Copyright Field Test 1990s. Used with permission.

LifeRich Publishing is a registered trademark of The Reader’s Digest Association, Inc.

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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.

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ISBN: 978-1-4897-0369-9 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0370-5 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-4897-0371-2 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2014921495

LifeRich Publishing rev. date: 12/10/2014

Contents

Acknowledgments

Thursday, October 17 11:45 PM, 1996

Friday, October 18, 1996 - 1:00 AM

Friday, October 18, 1996 - 9:30 AM

Saturday, October 19, 1996

Sunday, October 20, 1996

Monday morning, October 21, 1996, 3:00 AM

Monday morning, October 21, 1996, 4:00 AM

Monday morning, October 21, 1996

Monday night, October 21, 1996

Tuesday, October 22, 1996

Wednesday, October 23, 1996

Monday, October 28, 1996

Wednesday, October 30, 1996

Thursday, October 31, 1996

Friday, November 1, 1996

Monday, November 4, 1996

Thursday, November 7, 1996

Friday, November 8, 1996

Monday, November 11, 1996

Tuesday, November 12, 1996

Friday, November 15, 1996

Monday, November 18, 1996

Tuesday, November 19, 1996

Thursday, November 21, 1996

Friday, November 22, 1996

Saturday, November 23, 1996

Sunday, November 24, 1996

Monday, November 25, 1996

Tuesday, November 26, 1996

Thursday, November 28, 1996

Friday, November 29, 1996

Saturday - Sunday, November 30 – December 1, 1996

Monday, December 2, 1996

Tuesday, December 3, 1996

Wednesday, December 4, 1996

Thursday, December 5, 1996, early morning

Thursday, December 5 afternoon, 1996

Friday, December 6, 1996

Saturday, December 7, 1996

Sunday, December 8, 1996

Monday, December 9, 1996

Tuesday, December 10, 1996

Wednesday, December 11, 1996

Thursday, December 12, 1996

Friday, December 13, 1996

Monday, December 16, 1996

Thursday, December 19, 1996

Friday, December 20, 1996

Saturday, December 21, 1996

Monday, December 23, 1996

Tuesday, December 24, 1996

Wednesday, December 25, 1996 Christmas Day

Thursday, December 26, 1996

Friday, December 27, 1996

Sunday, December 29, 1996

Monday, December 30, 1996

Tuesday, December 31, 1996

Epilogue

DEDICATED TO

All who have been sexually assaulted, molested, or raped

and their families.

I pray you will be encouraged, educated and inspired!

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

About this time two years ago, Jan Stittleburg, my neighbor and website designer, encouraged me to write again. At the same time I was typing a screenplay for someone about her life of sexual molestation and assault. There was also an online blog debate about the acceptance of a soft pornographic book within Christian circles. I was overwhelmed with how these different events struck me. I went to God and asked what could I do to help raise Christians’ awareness of the downhill consequence of any kind of pornography. As I prayed, this story became a reality.

I realized I needed direction and guidance as I had only written a self-help book, Mirrors, with my husband, Doug. The editor, Nancy Addison, who had helped me with the final draft of Mirrors, accepted my request for her expertise. Fortunately for me she is not only a great editor, but a gifted teacher/writer, knowledgeable of the suspense/detective genre, and had the patience to stay with me until this project was complete. Thank you, Nancy, for everything!

The other editor I would like to thank is Nan Snipes. She took time out of her very busy schedule to make sure the Christian journey of the character, Elizabeth, was truthful and worthy. Many thanks to David Voth and his Ohio’s United Way staff for allowing me to use their website’s statistics. Also thanks to the ministry of Worldwide Discipleship Association for allowing me to include some of their emotional principles. Lastly I would like to thank the LifeRich Publishing team from their helpful agents to the professional and original product - this book.

I would also like to thank Darian Perkins, the professional comedian who came up with the humorous stories of the character Darian. Thanks to Nancy Higgins, Christian counselor, and Richard Dean, lawyer for their professional insights to help this work’s authenticity. The website Wikipedia.com is my best tool for research and I cannot imagine writing without it. Also thanks to the dear friends and family Greg Watson, Lee Tolar, and Nancy Thompson who helped by reading the manuscript and then giving their feedback.

I could not have done this project without the prayers of many. A special thanks to Jan Wolbrecht and Margo Theivagt, and mainly, my wonderful husband, who read, listened, and helped with the details of the plot, and for his constant love and encouragement to finish this work, thank you honey!

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Thursday, October 17 11:45 PM, 1996

She awakens in darkness. Where could she possibly be and how did she get here? She tries to get up but her hands and feet are bound. She tries to break free. But the bonds are sticky and strong. Something is moving around on her head. It’s a hood.

Then her other senses become very acute. Smells of mildew and rank urine. She rolls onto her back and slaps her feet on the floor. The sound echoes like in an old, deserted, damp house. The floor feels dirty. She is disoriented and feels sick.

Suddenly she feels someone’s presence near her - it is then the knowledge sinks in that someone kidnaped her. Fear floods her.

Who’s there? Is someone there? Help! Anyone, please help me! she screams.

She could still sense that someone was very close to her.

Please, let me go! Please! she says.

Oh, you sense my presence. I knew you wanted me. I sensed it right away, when I saw you. I can always tell when someone wants me, The man’s voice sounds both sinister and demeaning.

Where did you see me? she asks, desperate.

That is not important anymore. He sounds smug, but she can sense his impatience.

I have a plan and now I am going to enjoy each exhilarating detail. Each detail will give me the invigorating rush that I love, he whispers into her ear and he continues with merciless detail, I feel the power and control pulsing throughout my whole body.

She screams as loud as she can, Help me! Help me! her terror almost overcoming her.

Once again she is in complete silence and darkness. She tries to remember where she had been and what day it was. But she couldn’t remember anything. Once again she senses his presence. He walks closer this time; she hears his footsteps getting louder. She cannot see him but it allows her to engage her other senses of hearing and smell. Through her hood, he smells like bourbon and cheap aftershave cologne. She feels his touch. Her breathing becomes faster and more labored.

No! No! No! Please, no-o-o! A last, desperate plea, her terror rising beyond control.

One final scream, and then blessed unconsciousness takes her beyond the blows to her head and body.

Friday, October 18, 1996 - 1:00 AM

The man paced back and forth in the empty kitchen. He was more unsettled with this last conquest than any of the other ones. His tested formula exhilarated him as usual. But he could not ignore the feeling that something was wrong. He has always counted on his OCD to drive him to examine each detail. What had gone wrong now? He must respond to the nagging pressure, to go over every detail to find the source of his unease regarding his last conquest.

He stopped his pacing, thinking about his conquest, slowly going over every detail. Something was familiar, but what? Think, TRB, what have you missed? He tapped his fingers against his leg and resumed his pacing. Somehow the rhythm helped clear his brain, although he was still angry with himself. TRB, what kind of idiot are you, ignoring this warning signal? And when had it come, that warning? Again, he reviewed every detail. The bar had been dark. He had the hood over her face from the moment of the snatch. Who was she? Did he know her from somewhere?

He stopped pacing again, slowly nodding his head. That’s it, TRB! You must have known her from somewhere, deep in your subconscious. You should have taken more time at the bar, but the drive for power and conquest were too strong. He drove his fist against the wall, furious at his lack of self-control. His first rule was to have no connection between him and his conquest - nothing that would tie the two of them together. He should have listened to that inner warning. But who was she? He should not have destroyed her identification so quickly. It is now his highest priority to find her. He cannot allow her to identify him. He cannot allow her to be the one that destroys his lifeline of power and control.

This decision brought back some of his exhilaration. He determined the next steps and quickly wrote down his list. He had to find her identity. Once this had been determined his steps would be finalized. Then his long and perfect chain of triumphs and his future will be kept safe. This oversight cannot evolve into a scenario that will capture the attention of the law! The cops cannot get close to him, at any cost - even murder!

Friday, October 18, 1996 - 9:30 AM

The EMT was almost finished checking the vitals on the victim when the detective rushed over, an ID badge in his hand. The victim’s name is Elizabeth Evans, he began, but the ambulance driver raised a hand to cut him off.

Wait till she’s loaded in, hotshot. She’s still unconscious and we need to get some fluids in her. Any info on allergies? When the detective shook his head, the EMT pulled off the blood pressure cuff and made a note on a clipboard. A little help here?

Together they lifted the stretcher into the ambulance and the EMT started an IV. Now, he said. Just the basic info; we’ll get a copy of your report later.

Her name is Elizabeth Evans. All we have is a work ID – her purse is missing. Her ID was stuffed in a pants pocket. The detective paused for breath but the EMT was already closing the ambulance doors.

That’s all we need for now – gotta get her to Emergency and stabilize her. She’ll be at General. The doors slammed shut. Detective Victor Jones watched as the ambulance sped away, sirens wailing.

He looked down at the ID badge in his hand. Elizabeth Evans, of Rich’s Department Store, how did you get down here? He looked around and wondered how anyone would have known about this empty house. The old Fulton Bag and Cotton Mill that had been built in 1881 was visible from here. The mill workers had lived in the area known as Cabbagetown that had built up around the mill. The old mill had closed down almost 20 years ago and the surrounding area had just become a haven for crime. Artists and musicians were beginning to move back into the area and renovate or build new homes. There were even plans to convert the old Cotton Mill into lofts. The neighborhood was beginning to bounce back, but there were still enough old empty houses to shelter these crimes.

Victor looked back at the house. As damaged as the victim was, and she had suffered a head injury, a severe beating, and a possible rape, she had caught one break. The owner had dropped by the house this morning to check his furnace and had found her unconscious. He had immediately called the police. If it had not been for that, her condition might have deteriorated beyond medical help.

The owner was keeping out of the way. He had taken pains to be helpful to the officers, and Victor could not blame him for wanting to demonstrate that he was one of the responsible homeowners on this street that was still run down. The neighborhood was actually in the downtown area, and Victor could see the Atlanta skyline clearly in the slightly cool October air.

The other officers were securing the crime scene and canvassing the area and he could take a second to enjoy the view. He liked that there were still some neighborhoods with this advantage. Growing up in Atlanta and seeing the changes through the years, he enjoyed watching the Atlanta skyline change as the city grew. The biggest change lately had been the new buildings for the 1996 Atlanta Summer Olympic Games. Victor shook his head as he remembered the terrorist bombing in Centennial Olympic Park on July 27, and the stress and tension from the manhunt that was still ongoing. The sex crimes unit was not directly involved with the search, but manpower had been taken from all departments, as well as recruited from other communities, and Victor’s men had all been working overtime just to keep up with their regular workload.

He looked back down at the badge. That name, Elizabeth Evans. He knew that name from somewhere. While he was thinking, the cool autumn breeze blew his salt and pepper wavy hair. He looked up to see his men moving in, each with their report of conditions or neighbors, giving him the information he would need for his report. He checked his watch. Just enough time to grab some lunch before getting back to the office to write up his report. He watched as the owner locked up, avoiding the crime scene tape across the door. His men scrambled back into their squad cars; he slid his 6’-1" muscular frame into the dark blue Crown Victoria and headed downtown for takeout and then on to the office.

The rapist stood in the shadows a block away, watching as the final person left the site of his last conquest. Only the need to keep complete silence kept his violent cursing quiet. Of all the cops in the sex crimes unit, it had to be someone he knew! It had to be Victor! As if he needed another complication. He had never before visited the scene the day after, but he had to find any clue to who the woman was and where he could find her. He had to find her, no matter what.

He must take even greater chances to find out more. He moved quickly to find the hospital where they had taken her.

While the victim was being kidnapped, Del Thomas had been watching the Thursday night Braves game on TV in her downtown apartment. She had decorated the two small bedrooms, small living area and a nice size kitchen in yellow and baby blue. The apartment walls and carpet were the normal off white apartment colors but the paintings and furniture have brought her small home alive. The Braves were in the World Series and tonight’s game was important. The Braves had won the World Series the previous year and everyone would like to see them do the same in 1996. Del had never thought she would fall in love with professional baseball.

Her mind wandered during the first innings to her social services job, counseling people who did not even want to meet with her. She had always wanted to make a difference professionally, to really help people. Del had seen firsthand what she had accomplished at the Atlanta Police Department, whereas at her social services counseling position she had not seen many changes. The time with her clients had only been a court assigned meeting that was just another box checked off on their to not go to jail checklist when they left her office. She felt frustrated and useless with her clients and would really like to be hired full time with the APD as their consultant. The game continued with the Braves taking the lead.

Del started thinking about her job at the APD. She had worked with many different departments, and all of them were more exciting than working with social services. It truly encouraged Del’s faith when she had sensed God directing her to add the certificate in Criminal Justice/Forensics to her masters in Psychology. Her personnel assistant had told her that it had given her the edge she had needed to beat out her competition for the APD consulting job.

The score tied and Del frowned. Sometimes consulting for the APD overwhelmed her. Their procedures took more time than she liked, and Del was honest with herself about her impatience. The extra money really helped, of course, but one of the main reasons she enjoyed her consulting job at APD was Victor Jones.

She had gone to middle and high school with Victor and his wife Amy. It was nice to be back in touch with people who had history with her. Thinking of Amy and Victor took her back to the first week of middle school, having just moved from England, she did not know anyone or what to expect. She had already noticed how friendly these new American neighbors had been by bringing over meals and making sure the whole family was being tended to. This had made her optimistic about her new country and school.

When Del was picking up her schedule in the school office she met Amy White, who later married Victor Jones. Amy asked her to eat lunch with her so she could introduce her to some of her other friends. Del still had some difficulty understanding the Southern American accents so she hoped she had understood where she was to meet them in the cafeteria.

After her first couple of classes she walked into the cafeteria and saw Amy waving her over. Amy introduced her to Anne - her twin, Grace Daniels, and another newcomer - Sara Cooke. All of the girls were very kind and welcoming to her. But it was at the dance the following Friday night, after the football game, when she realized how exceptional these new friends were. Her previous friendships in England, and even earlier, in Wales, had seemed so stuffy.

A group of guys hung around all of her new girl friends as if they were looking out for them. They acted as if they were their brothers yet there was more to it. They all played football, and had just won their game led by Victor Jones with his close friends, Will Evans, David Cohen, Henry McCoy and Scott Adams. Del admired Victor but she also remembered that even then she was very attracted to Victor’s friend, Will Evans.

As that first school year went on, Del, at times, would envy this group of close friends and the rich history they shared from their elementary school years through middle school. But she never became jealous, because all of them had welcomed her into their group. She knew that their acceptance had allowed her to adjust to the American culture as well as she had.

Her only regret was that near the end of that year Will’s father was transferred to California and so he, his Mom, and his younger sister were gone just as she and Will had begun to talk. Del thought even then there was some type of connection between them but she never heard from him again.

The TV roared as the Yankees scored, bringing her back to the present. Atlanta could be a big and lonely city for newcomers, but Del had come back home to a group of friends rich in history and full of wonderful memories. Although sometimes seeing Victor and Amy together in such a strong and close marital relationship with their two children, did cause Del to wonder if she would ever have a family of her own. But whatever the future held she was very glad to be back with her longtime friends and her beloved Braves.

Victor walked into the office building, which was home to the sexual crime unit. The building was one of the many high rises close to Five Points. He took the elevator to his squad room, enjoying the quiet surroundings. Instead of being housed in a precinct, they were in an office building. Only the APD crest on the glass door identified their office as being part of the police department.

He walked by the tables, desks and conference areas to his desk. He looked over at Ida Hobbs’ large welcome area. Ida had been the unit’s receptionist, administrative assistant, and nanny to all the new detectives for the last thirty years. He liked her very much and was glad for her calming influence on the unit. Victor knew her history, how her husband had been the victim of a convenience store shooting, and how the Captain, who at the time was just a rookie working the case, recognizing her spirit of support and courage, had helped her land the job as an APD phone operator.

When Cap became one of the lead detectives in the sex crimes unit, he had asked Ida if she would like to work as the unit’s receptionist. She had been there ever since, her infectious personality and easy going temperament helped to ease some of the victims and witnesses’ anxiety. Ida became the unit’s greatest asset and also helped organize things so each detective could do his best.

The technology of computers and voice mail had stripped away some of her responsibilities. But as long as Cap was in charge, Ida would continue to be the smiling face of his unit.

Victor had just finished writing up his report when his captain shouted for him to come into his office. Cap was a balding medium height stocky man of fifty-three who seemed younger. He was a great leader with almost thirty-five years’ experience. The men under his leadership knew not to argue with him and when he spoke, he commanded respect.

The captain shook his head as Victor detailed the gruesome attack. When Victor finished his account of the crime, the captain asked, Does this attack seem familiar to you?

Victor nodded It does. But the brutality of the victim has escalated, if this is the same serial rapist. But his real struggle was how he could joggle his memory regarding Elizabeth Evans’ name. Captain, I know her name from somewhere, but I just can’t place it.

The captain said, Give it time, you will remember. You have always pushed through until you have the answer. And, Victor, give Del a call. I want her input on this one.

Victor stood up. OK and thanks. I’ll call her now and bring her up to speed on the case.

Victor left the captain’s office and walked straight to his desk. He started reviewing the compiled case information on Elizabeth Evans. He thought, With it being Friday and getting late in the day, I will wait and call Elizabeth’s office on Monday.

Victor then called his wife, Amy, Honey I’m not coming home until later. Cap wants Del in on this new case so I’ve got to drop something by at her other job. Then I might follow up on a case up at General and then I’ll probably need to go back to the office. Please tell David and Annie that I’m sorry and that we’ll go out later on? Thanks for understanding and I’m sorry about tonight. Love you. He replaced the receiver and sat looking at the phone. Sometimes certain victims touched a nerve and he was having a hard time removing the images of Elizabeth Evans from his memory.

He picked up the phone and called Del’s office number.

Hi Del, this is Victor Jones. There’s been another serial rape victim and Cap asked me to call and see if you could help us out. I know this is late notice, but could you possibly come in on Monday, and can I come by your office to drop off the file?

Del’s said, Sure, it would be fine for you to drop the file by. I would like to help out as much as I can, so I will clear my schedule for Monday.

Victor said, Great. I still need to complete a couple of things on the paper work so I’ll drop by your office on the way to the hospital. I would like to go over a couple of things about this case. Would that be OK?

Del replied, Sure, Victor. I’ve already seen my last client.

Victor said, I’ll be there soon.

He really liked that his old high school friend, Del, consulted with the department now. She gave their sex crimes unit another professional discipline that had been needed for some time. It was hard to believe she had been back in Atlanta and part of the unit for just over two years. Victor finished his paper work and headed out to his car.

On the way to Del’s office he started thinking. "Where did Elizabeth cross my path?" He would go by the hospital after seeing Del and see if Elizabeth regained consciousness. Maybe when he talked with her something would trigger his memory.

Once he was sitting inside Del’s office he asked, Do you have a Coke?

Del replied, Sure I’ll get you one from the Coke machine. She brought Victor a Coke and a Diet Coke for herself.

Del sat down and asked, What’s up with this case that it can’t wait until after the weekend, Victor?

Victor handed her the file with his report. I needed to talk over some of the details of today’s crime scene.

Del read over the file and put it down on her lap. She looked up at Victor. This case is very violent. Do you think this is the same rapist?

Victor leaned back and looked up at the ceiling. Yes I do. There are too many points of similarity that are like the serial rapist. I was wondering if you think this creep has been raping women longer than what we’ve been thinking.

Del flipped through the file again and looked up at Victor. Yes I think we should start looking back into the unsolved sexual assaults. Have you put together any information on the files we’ve worked on, you know, like the rapist profile?

Victor looked down at the floor. No we haven’t. I hate to say this out loud but sexual assault is so hard to prosecute and it’s not a federal offense. So until you have a case like the one on your lap, the department doesn’t make it a priority. This case includes bodily harm and the few cases before this one were only sexual assault.

Del stared at Victor. She could not believe what he had just admitted. Victor, are you saying rapists cannot be convicted unless they escalate to malice assault or murder?

Victor finished his Coke and stood up. Del, I want to go after every one of these perverts but the justice system includes the courts. So now with this case, I can do what I’ve wanted to do with them all. But I need your help and Cap asked for you to be involved. So for now let’s just work hard to find the other possible cases and fry this creep. Thanks again for the Coke and for the listening ear.

Victor walked toward the elevator outside of her office and turned back to Del. Thanks for everything. I’ll see you Monday morning.

The rapist was sitting in his office, looking over his list. Even though his list was detailed and precise, it was still not enough to give him his next step. His head fell into his hands. How could he find the details he needed to move ahead? He had to be careful not to draw