Unfathomable

By Shannon Whitford

The Myers family saved for years to take a vacation to Scandanvia and the Baltic Countries. Andie and Brian, their adult children accompanied them on this exciting voyage. When Marsha didnt arrive back to the bus at the appointed time, the family assumed she lost track of time while shopping. When she didnt return to the ship, Swedish law enforcement began a search for her. The family returned home agonizing over her absence and struggled to carry on every day while not knowing of her demise.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Aug 8, 2014
• ISBN: 9781496920966

Shannon Whitford

Shannon Whitford has always had the desire to write novels. With grown children, Whitford now has time to work on that passion. She takes her ideas from real life happenings and turns them into stories most people would never imagine.

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© 2014 Shannon Whitford. 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 08/12/2015

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2097-3 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-4969-2096-6 (e)

Any people depicted in stock imagery provided by Thinkstock are models,

and such images are being used for illustrative purposes only.

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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.

Contents

Prolog

Dedication

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

Prolog

Did you ever want to do something so bad the excitement and anticipation was overwhelming? Then when it was done you wondered why you even wanted to do that? That happens more often than most of us will admit and that is why I am writing this story.

The Scandinavian Country of Sweden isn’t known for its crime rate, but rather a lack of it. The Swedes are very compliant people and don’t condone crime of any kind. Most convicted criminals spend the remainder of their life in high security prisons for minor or not so serious crimes. Criminal incidents in Sweden are kept as quiet as possible, so as not to scare away tourist. Often times the Swedish government heftily rewards tourists if they become a victim of crime. They want tourists to believe that their Country is safe. I wish that were so in my case.

When I went missing in the old fishing village of Sigtuna, the Swedish Government recruited volunteers from all over to search for me. The Swedish police told the volunteers not to speak of anything they found. Abductions and kidnappings certainly were the worst kind of publicity that any Country could have broadcasted on the evening news.

The Swedes are very innovative and progressive individuals. Students and tourists flock to Sweden all year long to experience this diverse and interesting Nordic Country. Much of Sweden’s revenue is tourism. The Swedish government does not allow the press to publish news that might affect tourism. So before my disappearance was discovered by the American press, the locals needed to find me fast and return me to my family before my abduction made it to the United States. Unfortunately, this time Sweden was exposed worldwide making them appear as an uncaring Country.

I was not late and never lost, as I was wrongly accused. I was held against my will, for years. I endured mental torture. Suffered through extreme physical demands and was regularly starved or forced to eat horrible foods. I was locked up and ignored for weeks and was eventually sexually abused and tortured. I spent years living out empty hopeful promises. After a few years, I accepted my eventual demise of never returning home to my family.

Dale, my husband, assumed my tardiness was another example of my reckless shopping habits. I loved window shopping but rarely came back with a purchase. Andie our daughter and I had ventured out on our own. The bus tour director warned us not be late as we had a schedule to keep. Dale scorned us about our usual shopping habits and informed us he planned to be on the bus when it pulled out, with or without us. Missing the bus would cause me to miss the departure on our cruise ship. Dale wasn’t aware yet, but this time my tardiness was not my fault?

My children knew I would not deliberately venture far enough away to miss my bus ride back to our ship. Dale brushed off the kids concerns about my safety. At first he was too angry to believe there was any problem except my recklessness. He felt that I knew how worried they’d all be about me and was upset about my lack of concern for their feelings. Dale assured the kids that I would make it back to the ship by another means of transportation, but as time passed, so did his concerns.

Even though my husband assumed almost immediately that I was dead, he waited a few years to pursue a new relationship. My children continued to live nearby and never gave up on my eventual return. During my absence, friends and relatives passed away. Not being able to say good bye is a terrible feeling. Years later upon my return, I was greeted with a joy and passion that I can’t describe. Most of my retirement and savings were depleted. I had no form of income and acquired an array of serious mental issues. I truly doubt I will ever be able to live alone or trust anyone ever again.

Dedication

I dedicate this book to those families who stand vigilant waiting for the return of their missing loved one. Never knowing if life or death fills their missing body is harder to live with than a known unhappy ending.

Chapter 1

We dreamt of visiting Scandinavia and the Baltic Sea Countries for many years. Both of us had ancestors from that part of the World and someday we would make a trip to visit our heritage.

We weren’t rich by any means. We sacrificed other vacations and many other forms of entertainment so we’d be able to take this trip. We both worked overtime as much as possible. Eventually our years of hard work and tedious savings finally afforded us this highly anticipated vacation. The trip was booked fourteen months in advance to make sure we got the spot we wanted on the cruise ship. Fourteen months seemed so far away. We kept ourselves busy and in no time, the trip was upon us.

We booked two rooms, one for us and the other for our recently divorced daughter Andie, and our son Brian. My children hadn’t shared a room in nearly two decades but they were willing to share this small space for 11 days. All four of us hadn’t traveled together since 1988 when we visited Disney World.

Brian and Dale scanned the internet looking for unique places to visit. They knew which museums and attractions we would be visiting at each stop. I booked excursions through the cruise lines for five out of seven stops. Rostock, Germany and Stockholm, Sweden had so many choices we decided to wait to book our excursions once we boarded the ship.

My 77 year old Mother, Patricia is in excellent health and has lived by herself since my Fathers passing almost 15 years ago. Two days before our trip, I made the one hour drive to visit her to say good-bye. I expected to hear the usual warnings about pick pockets and shady people that live in every place on Earth. What kind of a Mother would she be if didn’t share her concerns about my welfare while traveling. After all, that’s what Mothers are for. I completely understand. I’m sure I’ve used those warnings on my own children.

Mom and I parted with a hug. I don’t know why but I felt compelled to look back. Mom was waving at me with a very sad expression and proceeded to yell this warning, don’t talk to strangers without your family present. Keep an eye on my grandkids, I know they’re adults, but they haven’t traveled a lot, she said sternly. Imagine Mom telling me not to talk to strangers. You’d think traveling was a new experience for me. Mom always offered the same warnings, but she never told me "not to talk to strangers. What did she think I was, five years old? I don’t see abductors lining up for 48 year old frumpy women.

We were finally on our way. The airplane ride to Copenhagen was grueling. There were too many delays and we didn’t have any time left to tour the beautiful city. We headed straight for the dock and checked-in on our ship. Dale and I usually unpacked first, but everyone was way too tired for that. We agreed to take naps before we did anything else. My kids shared how insensitive the other one could be when it came to bed selection. Andie needed the bigger bed because she was used to sleeping in a king size bed. Brian said he always slept in a little bed and a bigger bed would a nice change. They tossed a coin and Brian lost.

The cruise ship was beautiful. The largest one we ever took. Of course the food was excellent and plentiful, I wouldn’t expect anything less. Every inch of the ship was exquisitely decorated. Shops aligned the upper decks and were selling their very expensive trinkets and gifts. Free entertainment was plentiful too. Photographers were at every event sticking their cameras in our faces. Waiters and waitresses were vastly available to get our drink orders. Like all cruises I’ve been on, they work very hard to get your money.

Andie and Brian never cruised before. Both were a little hesitant to venture out on their own, but it didn’t take them long to leave us behind and get involved in their own activities aboard the ship. For the first time in years the two of them were inseparable. It was nice to see them get along so well.

It wasn’t unusual for Brian to get frustrated with Andie’s overactive social skills, however on this trip he enjoyed his sister’s talent. Andie has such a bubbly personality. She could charm the King and Queen and think nothing of it. Brian, on the other hand was very laid back and somewhat shy. Any time a topic is discussed that interests Brian like football, music or geography he’ll get involved in the conversation, otherwise he’s quiet. This cruise seemed to bring out the best of him. He left his shyness at home. My kids made friends with people from all over the World.

The Cruise lines go all out to keep you as a customer. They have every amenity anyone could possibly need from having your nails done, getting your teeth cleaned, to getting a massage. There are movies to watch, Broadway shows, trivia games, dance lessons, exercise equipment, informational health presentations and even bank services. They also provide child care, teen care and senior care for those who need it.

We faced each day with excitement as we toured Oslo, Norway; Aarhus, Denmark, Rostock & Berlin, Germany; Tallin, Estonia; St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland and finally Stockholm, Sweeden. We were going home with special memories and fond stories from each visit. Our new or nearly new cameras were getting a work out.

We had one day at Sea and I spent it pool side. I’m certain it was the warmest day on the trip and I felt blessed to have such great weather on that particular day. The rest of my family took in different activities, but I really needed this day to just sit by the pool.

I have Norwegian and German roots, so I was especially excited to visit those countries. Oslo, Norway was much more modern than I expected. Their buildings and skyscrapers looked like ours. Vigeland Park was just amazing with its unique statues. We went to a Viking ship museum, an open air museum and the Nobel Peace Prize museum. I put my feet in the Baltic Sea, toured Churches,