Kidnapper by Proxy

By Doris M Holland

Kaylas orderly life is turned into chaos by a precocious child who insists that Kayla is her mother. In her search for the childs mother, she is caught up in kidnapping, extortion, murder, and intrigue.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Mar 17, 2017
• ISBN: 9781524683818

Doris M Holland

Doris Holland is a retired teacher who lives on a beef cattle ranch in northwestern South Carolina. She is the author of Dangerous Occupation, Silent Wilderness. And Vanishing Bodies on Edisto Island. She loves to travel and is very active in her church and community.

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© 2017 Doris M Holland. 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 03/17/2017

ISBN: 978-1-5246-8382-5 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-8383-2 (hc)

ISBN: 978-1-5246-8381-8 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2017904029

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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

Chapter 1    Kayla Meets Sandy

Chapter 2    Marge And Rene’

Chapter 3    Old Ugly

Chapter 4    Security Guards And Sandy

Chapter 5    Kayla’s Friend Talitha

Chapter 6    Luther Meets Joe

Chapter 7    Extortion Letter

Chapter 8    Kayla ‘Kidnapper’ In News

Chapter 9    Kayla To Be Questioned

Chapter 10    Gabe Comforts Kayla

Chapter 11    Guard Shot

Chapter 12    Return To Kidnapping Case

Chapter 13    $50 Bill

Chapter 14    Liquor Store Robbery

Chapter 15    Kayla Time Off

Chapter 16    Kayla Shows Letters To Police

Chapter 17    Child Custody

Chapter 18    Why God?

Chapter 19    Gun In Volvo

Chapter 20    Kayla’s Car Hijacked

Chapter 21    Sandy & Kayla Missing

Chapter 22    Luther’ Story

Chapter 23    Still Missing

Chapter 24    Kayla’s Injured

Chapter 25    Sandy Found Safe

Chapter 26    Luther Running Scared

Chapter 27    Kayla’s Car Found

Chapter 28    Discouraging Reports

Chapter 29    Kayla’s Aunt

Epilogue

CHAPTER 1

KAYLA MEETS SANDY

Kayla heard the sound of little feet coming fast behind her but paid little attention. She was used to hearing the clap, clap, clap, of short quick steps of small children. They had only one speed, fast. That is as fast as their small little legs could carry them. As a teacher of second graders she heard this sound a lot. But this pair of feet was much younger. She could tell because the steps were much shorter.

"Some mother must be out shopping with her toddler," She thought as she smiled at the pleasant sound and walked on to finish her shopping.

Mommy, Kayla looked down into the face of a wide eyed little girl who had taken hold of her hand. The child looked up at her with a wide smile. I lost you Mommy when you went to try on that pretty dress. Did you buy it? Let me see. The sandy haired child pulled Kayla’s bag out of her hands, set it on the floor, and peered down into it. It was so pretty on you. But you didn’t buy it? The child looked up with a sad face. Why?

It wasn’t appropriate. It was a very expensive dress and much too formal. Kayla answered without thinking. "Why am I answering this child’s questions? This is crazy."

Kayla was stunned as she looked around for a mother who must be frantically looking for her child. Seeing no one she stooped down and looked into the child’s eyes. Sweetheart, have you lost your mommy? Why don’t we go find her? she suggested as she took the child’s hand and searched for a customer service sign. Before she found one two men in uniform came on each side of her, Is this your child? one asked in a demanding voice but low as if not to attract attention.

Why no, Kayla answered, She just showed up and took my hand. I was on my way to report to a clerk so she could announce that a child had been found.

Come with us, she was instructed as the child was carried off in another direction. She had tears streaming down her pink face as she kicked and screamed, Mommy, Mommy. She pleaded in a heartbreaking cry as she reached out her arms toward Kayla.

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Kayla sat up in bed with a jerk, Thank goodness it was just a dream. Then she looked over at the sandy haired little girl curled up next to her. She looked so peaceful in her sleep. Kayla realized part of it wasn’t a dream. This little bundle of sweet innocence had come to her last afternoon and had taken her hand as if it were the most normal thing in the world.

"What happened? How did I end up in this situation? I was in my own world as I looked at a formal dress remembering my childhood dreams.

"It was always the same dream. I would dress up in my aunt’s stage costumes and pretend I was going to a fancy ball. We had so much fun as my aunt danced with me. I was just a child but the dream seemed so real. I must have been about ten when I was reprimanded and told to stop with my daydreaming. That I was too old to continue with such make-believe fantasies.

What’s the harm? No one is here to tell me I can’t. I told myself. "I’ll just try it on to see how it looks. I have plenty of time. It’ll be fun to daydream again.

I really liked it but I didn’t have anywhere to go to wear something that fancy. I hung it back on the rack and continued shopping. That’s when I felt a small hand take hold of mine. She looked up at me with large brown eyes, ‘Mommy,’ she said with the sweetest innocent smile, ‘I lost you.’ She wrapped her little arms around my legs and held on as if she was afraid I would disappear. Now here she is asleep in my bed.

What am I to do with you little one?

She could still hear the stranger who reprimanded her, Shame on you! How could you deny this beautiful child? Social services should take her away where you could never get your hands on her.

No! No! Mommy, don’t let them take me. I’ll be good. She begged as she wrapped her arms around Kayla’s legs and held on tight. Please Mommy let’s go home. I don’t like what that mean man said.

That disturbed her now that she had more time to think about it. Why would a child think someone would take her away? Why would she need to promise to be good? Why was there fear in the child’s eyes when the mall security guard tried to take her hand to lead her to her office?

I don’t understand why no one came back looking for you. Kayla was puzzled.

The only part of the dream that wasn’t real was the authorities taking her to jail. But that could be a possibility if she kept the child. Kayla had stayed in the store well after the mall closed. She tried to assure the child that her mother was looking for her and she would be worried.

"Maybe I just look like her mother, she thought, But that isn’t reasonable. Children know their own mother."

She had tried desperately to find the parent or somebody who had brought the child to the mall. But to no avail. She couldn’t just walk away and pretend nothing was wrong.

With the child crying and declaring Kayla was her mother what else could she to do? So here she was with a child that wasn’t hers sleeping peacefully on her bed.

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Danny and Becky watched the scene in the department store. The child had found Kayla and was clinging to her as she had been programmed to do. It’s working. Let’s get out of here. They walked casually out the door so as to not call attention to themselves. But it didn’t work. As soon as they crossed the door, alarms went off startling the two, What?

The sound was still vibrating throughout the store as the security guard walked over, It seems you have merchandise that hasn’t been paid for. Would you come with me, please?

Danny looked around to see if anyone was watching the scene as they followed the security officer, Thank goodness. This probably happens all the time. No one seemed to be paying much attention.

What have you done? He whispered to Becky. His askance glare at her made her bristle.

Me? What have you done? she whispered throwing the accusation back at him.

As they entered the office Becky remembered the beaded handbag she had dropped into her oversize purse. She had planned to pay for it this time. It was an honest mistake. With all the tension they had gone through watching their pigeon she had just forgotten.

"I’m awfully sorry sir. I just forgot about that handbag. I was going to buy it but I plain forgot when my husband insisted we needed to get home now." She shot an angry glance at Danny.

That’s perfectly understandable Ma’am. Just wait here for a second I’ll see what I can do. I hope you understand there are certain procedures we have to follow. He smiled a placating smile as he left the room.

You idiot! What have you done now? Danny whispered with a grinding of his teeth.

Hey it was your stupid idea that we act like normal shoppers.

The security guard walked over a few isles and used his cell phone. Hey boss I got a problem here at the store. But it is more down my alley as a police officer than as a security officer here. I may need your help on this one. I think I have a couple of fugitives in my office. He listened for a while and then answered Okay Boss.

He returned to his office just as the two jumped back as if guilty of something. But Officer Black didn’t let on that he noticed. Okay Mr. and Miss…. Oh I’m sorry I didn’t get your names. I’m Officer Dillon Black by the way.

Bobby Dubois, Danny announced in an arrogant swagger and pointed his thumb at his companion, and this here’s my wife Jean.

I think we can get this settled now. If you’ll follow me I’ll go with you to the cashier, Officer Black walked toward the service counter.

You know Officer after all the racket and embarrassment this store caused I don’t think I want the bag now. At that Becky aka Jean handed him the said bag and strutted out.

Officer Black called his boss back, Okay they left. Now what do we do? Yes sir I’m sure I saw their faces on the wanted board. It may have been some time ago. But you know I never forget a face. He laughed at his own joke.

On the other end of the conversation his boss, Chief White was saying, We’ll let them think the coast is clear while we check files to see what comes up.

CHAPTER 2

MARGE AND RENE’

It was odd I assure you. The situation was reversed. It’s usually a child being kidnapped by an adult not an adult being kidnapped by a child. Marge made the joke to lighten the mood."

The mall security officer Marge Brown and the manager of the upscale boutique, Sophisticates, were discussing the activity that had taken place the day before. Marge had invited Rene’ to meet her for coffee at one of the shops in the mall’s food court. She wanted to review the case and thought it would be better for Rene’ to meet in a less stressful place than in her office. Since no official action had taken place and no paperwork had been filed she was trying to cover her tracks.

Rene’ had been shaken by the experience. Her nerves were still on edge It was very disturbing. I didn’t know what to do. The child was crying calling her Mommy and the woman kept insisting she wasn’t her mother. The child was so upset and the woman was discretely trying to comfort her while trying to get enough information so she could find the parent. Then a customer overheard the conversation and accosted the woman about her role as a mother. The situation was about to get out of hand. That’s why I called you.

It took a long time to explore the situation and by that time it was late. Marge had quietly gone to every store in the mall and surveyed tapes from the security cameras for a worried parent. But there wasn’t anyone that fit the description.

It took a long time to review the tapes. I didn’t want to involve Social Services that late at night especially with a child that small involved. She was already quite attached to the woman who found her. The child was clinging to her and would not let her go. It was heartbreaking to hear the two of them. The child insisting the woman was her mother and the woman in turn insisting that she was not her mother. Marge seemed to be rehearsing the explanation she was sure to be giving her supervisor.

Rene’ had worries of her own. I hope I don’t lose my franchise. My company fancies itself as having an aura of stylishly elegance. So I could be in trouble if any negative feedback gets back to headquarters. I just opened this franchise and can’t afford to lose it. It was a dream of mine to own my own shop. So I saved up and bought my own boutique. I bought this classy joint and bought into the franchise. I sank all my savings and had to borrow the rest to just get started. I pray the Lord will let me enjoy the pleasure of it for a little while at least. Rene’ was rambling and she knew it.

I just I hope I don’t lose my job either. I didn’t quite go by protocol but I felt so sorry for the child and Kayla."

I know what you mean. I couldn’t help feel for both of them myself, René wiped at a tear that threatened to surface. Her nerves had not yet settled. We needed a private place to talk so I asked the woman and child to go with me to my office. I didn’t call anyone but you.

I had no way of knowing if Kayla was or was not her mother. So I made my decision to believe the child and let her go home with Kayla based on two scenarios: What I know about emergency child placement and what I found out about Kayla when I ran her name through a background check.

Marge set her cup down and leaned toward René and whispered, Let’s just say I have had occasion to be on the receiving end of child placement cases. I’ll just leave it at that.

What about Kayla? René was eager to hear what Marge had discovered about her.

Clean as a whistle. Not even a parking ticket. She teaches second graders and is highly respected by the staff and fellow teachers. We didn’t have to question her colleagues. She was selected teacher of the year and her records are open to the public.

What I don’t understand is why the child so adamantly insisted that Kayla was her mother. And Kayla insisted she wasn’t, René shrugged her shoulders in question.

Marge reached for the ringing cellphone attached to her belt, Uh oh, my boss. I’d better take this. Excuse me. She unclipped the phone from her belt and stepped away from the table.

When she returned she had a concerned look on her face, Here goes nothing. I am being summoned by my boss. Wish me luck.

CHAPTER 3

OLD UGLY

Danny and Becky pulled the ten-year old beat up faded Chevy into a dilapidated apartment complex. After riding around on side roads long enough to determine no one was following them, they decided it was safe to go home. Home was just a place to stay until their next move.

Becky tossed her large purse on the pile of sheets and blankets on the unmade bed scattering the contents and threw herself on the space that was left. As she stretched out on the bed Danny slumped down on the overstuffed chair in the corner. He pulled a pair of Becky’s shorts from under him and held them up with his fore finger and thumb then dropped them on the floor. Do you just drop your clothes where you pull them off?

There was no response from the bed. She had heard enough of his complaints already. It had been a rough day especially after being caught with the purse and almost arrested.

Danny couldn’t sit still. I need a smoke, he said it to himself as well as to Becky. He got up and went outside. His nerves were on edge after the incident at the boutique. I’m just hungry. That’s what it is. I need something to eat, he told himself as he went back inside. He swiped his face with his palm as he looked at the sink overrun with dirty dishes.

Don’t you ever clean this place? I know it’s a dump but a little cleaning would make it look a little better.

Yep it’s a dump alright. Why don’t you clean it up? You’re here as much as I am.

Becky looked at the open closet. The door barely hanging on a hinge was pressed against a pile of dirty clothes that had spilled into the doorway. We should go to the laundry mat but it’s too late. Maybe we’ll do it tomorrow. She didn’t like the potential work she was looking at so she turned over in bed. The sight from there wasn’t any better. The pattern on sheer cloth that served as a curtain had faded so that it was no longer recognizable. A big rip in the ‘curtain’ exposed a bent in the Venetian blind put there by years of peeking out. She flipped over on her stomach and rested her chin on her folded arms. Just thinking about work made her tired. Anyway it’s late and I’m too tired to argue with you. What do we do now? What’s the plan?

We can’t do much of anything now. With that stunt you pulled at the store we’ll have to back off and wait. We can’t call attention to ourselves. We need to wait until she’s comfortable before we go any further.

But shouldn’t we contact the woman soon, just a nudge to keep her guessing. Becky wanted to get her hands on some money. She was tired of the living conditions and besides that she had a little ‘habit’ to support. She had hooked up with Danny because he had some grand idea of ‘how to get our hands on some real money’.

We don’t want to rattle her nerves yet. Give her a little rope before we spring the trap.

I don’t see why you chose her. She’s just a teacher. They don’t make much money. We should try for some old rich broad who’s about to kick the bucket. She wouldn’t miss a few thousand. Besides she can’t take it with her.

That’s precisely why I do the thinking. The rich broads you’re talking about keep lawyers on their payroll just to make sure no one gets their hands on their money.

Since you do all the thinking Mr. Hoity-Toity Dubois, what makes you so sure this teacher doesn’t want to hang on to her money too? Why can’t she hire a lawyer?

"Because she won’t have the money to hire a lawyer and pay us," Danny was getting tired of her questions. He had thought of them himself but he didn’t want Becky to know how unsure he was becoming of the whole scheme. They had spent a year working with his aunt’s grandchild. He still owed the hypnotist. He couldn’t back out now.

I’ve done my homework. I have my ways. You’d be surprised what you can find out on the computer. I know how much she makes. She doesn’t have a family to keep up. So she should have some socked away. Besides that, her rich aunt left her with some property she has yet to claim. Danny was explaining to Becky but he was also trying to bolster