The Pauper

By Ronna M Bacon

When Avery Dennis meets the beautiful Kitlin MacTavish at the radio station where he works, little does he expect to find his life so entwined with hers. Kidnapped and held captive for some unknown reason, Avery and Kitlin struggled to understand why and who had done this to them.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Ronna Bacon
• Release date: Jun 24, 2022
• ISBN: 9781989699904

Ronna M Bacon

Ronna was raised in the country with a love of animals and reading. She at present works as a medical office assistant to a general surgeon in the Niagara area of Ontario, having been raised in central Ontario and living in Northern Alberta for five years while attending Bible School. When she is not working, she enjoys reading, her gardens, her two Shelties and her two cats, and, of course, writing the stories that God provides to her. Her faith and trust in God are important to her and she strives to show this in all her endeavors.

Book preview

The Pauper

His Searchers

Book 5

By

Ronna M. Bacon

Copyright © 2022 Ronna M. Bacon

ISBN 978-1-989699-90-4 

Isaiah 40:29-31

29 He gives power to the weak, And to those who have no might He increases strength.

30 Even the youths shall faint and be weary, and the young men shall utterly fall,

31 But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.

Jeremiah 1714

14 Heal me, LORD, and I will be healed; save me and I will be saved, for you are the one I praise.

NKJV

Table of Contents

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

Epilogue

Dear Readers

Chapter 1

The fresh air of a mid-fall predawn morning greeted Avery Dennis as he shoved open the door of his SUV and then just sat, one foot resting on the pavement of the parking lot. He stared at the building he was headed for, a place he loved to be, but today? He just didn’t want to be there. Avery’s right wrist rested on the steering wheel, his deep brown eyes thoughtful. He knew why he was restless. Seeing his brother and sister both settled with their life mates? That stirred a wish within him, that he had someone of his very own, someone to share the solitary life that he had been living and change it. God, where are You? Is there someone there for me? Or am I destined to live life on my own? He ran his free hand through his dark auburn hair, worry tugging at him for a moment.

He reached for the travel mug of coffee in the console and then for the small paper bag with his breakfast sandwich. Sitting here isn’t getting to work, am I, he thought? Now what? Do I go in or do I play hooky? Unfortunately, I have to. Avery swung the door closed, his sigh once more rising within him. He trudged towards the back door that he usually entered, stepping through it and pausing. Avery frowned, feeling something was off but not sure what that was or why he was feeling like that. It had been fine when he walked away three days ago. It must just be because it’s Monday, Avery thought, heading for the office where he set down his mug and sandwich, shrugging out of his jean jacket and draping that across the back of his chair.

His head tilting, Avery listened to the sounds of the music that came from the studio, knowing that he would be in there shortly. He worked the early morning shift, playing the golden oldies as they were called, music from decades ago. His friends asked how he could even listen to that music, but he always grinned. It was the music that he enjoyed and had no problems playing it. Avery also shrugged when he was told that a Christian shouldn’t listen to that music and simply asked that person, why not? Did God say that they couldn’t or shouldn’t? That person had not had a response, simply glaring at him before walking away in a huff.

The sounds of another person moving around drew his attention and he frowned for a moment, before he was in the hallway, searching. He was usually on his own and to have someone else here? Avery paused at the door to the reception area, a frown once more on his face. He didn’t know the lady who sat at the desk, only knowing that a new receptionist would be starting. He just didn’t expect to see her there that earlier.

Kitlin MacTavish paused in her movements, sensing someone near her. She sighed, knowing that she had to look up and just not wanting to. She had been hired as the new receptionist at the radio station, given the keys and told to report early in the morning every day. She didn’t like that. Kitlin felt something off about it but just couldn’t put her finger on it. Moving to Riverville had taken just about all the courage that she could muster up. She didn’t do well in new places or with new people, but God had prompted her to pack her things and move there. Just why that was? Kitlin had no idea.

Her deep blue eyes rose, searching for the man who had been dogging her footsteps. She didn’t know him or know why he was chasing her, but he was. Friends had been asked about her but had refused to say anything, other than to warn her. Her golden blond curls moved as her head did, and then she froze. A man stood in the shadowy doorway and that scared her. No, terrified her, she decided.

Hi! Avery moved forward, into the dim lighting of the reception area. I’m sorry. I didn’t know someone else was here. I’m usually on my own this early. I’m Avery Dennis. His baritone voice held a question for her, but also soothed her fears.

Hi. I’m Kitlin MacTavish. I’m the new receptionist. Or at least, I think I am. Kitlin rose, tugging her aqua-coloured sweater down over her jeans. She paced the area, moving towards the window and peeking through the drapes and then back to the door, checking the locks. She stared around, taking in the comfortable leather chairs, a table with pamphlets and magazines on it, the potted plants, and the framed photos on the walls showing the station’s history over time.

Avery perched on the corner of the desk, his arms folded across his chest, puzzled at her movements.

Kitlin? What’s wrong? You’re pacing and somehow I don’t think that’s you.

Kitlin spun, startled, having forgotten for a moment that Avery was there. Her eyes were huge as she stared at him.

I forgot that you were here. She frowned at him. And just why are you here this early?

I host the morning golden oldies show. Didn’t they give you a list of who does what? He was puzzled even more at her response.

Kitlin sank into one of the chairs, her face dropping into her hands. He had found her, she decided. Whoever it was? He had found her. She could feel him outside.

He’s here, isn’t he? Her words were barely audible.

Who is? Avery rose, coming to drop into a crouch beside her, a hand reaching to rest on her shoulder. Who are you afraid of, Kitlin? And can I help?

Shaking her head, Kitlin knew that she had to explain what she meant. Only she had no way of knowing if Avery would help or not. He was a stranger to her.

Kitlin? Let me help you. You’re new to town and we don’t like it when our new friends are scared. The police chief is my cousin and I have many friends on the force. We’ll protect you. Avery was becoming very worried about her. He heard a soft sound at the back door and looked that way for a moment. His attention then went back to Kitlin.

I’m sorry. Your cousin? Kitlin’s hands dropped and she stared at him, not quite sure to believe him.

Caleb? He’s the police chief. And I do have people that you can talk to. Let me help you.

Kitlin kept staring at him, her eyes huge as she did so. This is not what she had expected to hear. He was a stranger to her but he was offering to help. She raised her eyes to the doorway and a scream was torn from her. Avery began to spin and rise, freezing as he did so, his hands raising in the air.

The masked men stood for a moment before the weapons were pointed at them. Avery rose to his feet, a hand reaching for Kitlin’s. She grasped at his fingers, fear causing her to shake. She had been found but now what? She stared at the men, not sure what was happening. Avery’s fingers tightened on hers, even as he was moved backwards and towards the front door.

One of the men shoved it open, peeking out and then beckoning for them to follow. They were shoved from the building, across the parking lot, and then into a waiting cube van. Forced to the floor, their hands were bound and gags wrapped around their mouths. Kitlin moved as close to Avery as she could, seeking protection and comfort as they felt the van picking up speed.

Avery grew angry, angry that he was helpless to get Kitlin to safety, angry that they had been taken, but also puzzled and worried as to just why. He didn’t have any enemies, at least not that he was aware of. He began to pray, begging God to free them and to protect them.

Kitlin was terrified, she had to admit. She had no idea why this had happened. Was it her or Avery? She just couldn’t think, fear had taken that ability away from her. She leaned against Avery, seeking to draw from his strength. Only, she didn’t know him to know that he would do everything within his power to protect her, well that and God’s strength. Avery had no doubt that God was in control and that He had allowed this. Only neither one of them knew exactly why.

Chapter 2

Rubbing a hand along the back of his neck, Tommy Streetlander, turned in a circle in the reception area of the radio station. Streeter as he was commonly known as, his call name from his on-air days, was puzzled. There was no sign of either Avery or Kitlin, and there should be. It was Monday, and Avery always had the early morning show. Kitlin? As the receptionist, her hours started at 7 as the phones began to ring once live music started. The station had pre-arranged programming that ran overnight. Streeter paced back through the building, stopping in the office doorway and nodding. Yes, he thought, Avery had been there. His travel mug and sandwich that he always brought with him were on the desk, his jacket on the chair back.

Caleb Logan, Riverville police chief, stood watching him, a frown on his face. No, he thought, something is off. Avery would not just abandon his time on the air. Even if something had happened, he would have called for help. Sudden fear hit him. Was another of his wife, Hannah’s, cousins to face danger? That became his fear.

Streeter? Caleb moved to stand beside Streeter, watching as a patrol officer entered from the back door, stopping to study the lock. Where are they?

Caleb? I have no idea. It’s not Avery to walk away and not show up. He calls if he can’t make it and arranges for someone to cover for him. Kitlin? She was so thankful to get work that she was eager to be here. Streeter paused as he saw the officer turning away from the door and then studying the floor. He sighed. We have to leave?

It would be best. I want to bring in a detective and a crime scene unit. Caleb pointed back towards the front door. That way, please.

Streeter nodded, worry evident on his face. His employees were like family to him, he thought. There was no friction between them, not that he was aware of.

Okay, Streeter. Talk to me. Caleb watched as Frankie Brennan, head detective on the force, headed his way. Here’s Frankie. He’ll need to know what you can tell us.

Frankie nodded, a pen and his notepad appearing in his hands.

Streeter? What can you tell us?

Streeter stared around, seeing Avery’s vehicle parked in its normal spot. And there was Kitlin’s bicycle, chained to the bike rack. He had questioned her about riding a bicycle but she was adamant that she did when the weather was good. It was her, she simply stated.

I don’t know much. Megan called me just after seven. Becky and I were on the back deck, enjoying our morning coffee like we always do. She asked if Avery was not in today. That were was only static on the air. He always takes over the airwaves at seven in the morning on weekdays. I turned on the radio and found that she was correct. I rushed down here, found the building open as it is in the morning, but no sign of the two of them. Avery’s travel mug and the breakfast sandwich he picks up are on his desk, his jacket on the chair. Kitlin’s sweatshirt is on her chair. There is just no sign of them.

Frankie turned to study the building, worry that he wouldn’t show growing within him. Another friend, he thought, to face danger. Only there are no signs of anything. No signs of where they went. And that was not Avery. He would not do that to them, not after what Aveleen and Aubrey had gone through. Aveleen had disappeared twice on them, for months at a time, and Aubrey had been through too much as well. Lord, where are they? Where are our friends? I know that You are in control but we need to find them and find them fast.

Avery was due in this morning, right? Frankie watched as Streeter nodded. Then, he was here and disappeared? Your security feed?

I already called the company. It went off line just around 6:30 this morning and hasn’t gone back on. Streeter was puzzled at that. We have it set up to go wireless if the power goes out.

Only the power didn’t go out. Frankie excused himself, walking towards the building, a tech waiting for him.

Jonesy? What do you have for me?

Not what you want to hear. The door was jimmied open. The security system was signed into, but it’s not working. Jonesy headed for the security panel. I can see where someone tried to sign in and thought that they had.

Streeter said that he checked with the security company. The feed went off line around the time that Avery would have arrived. And it should have gone to a wireless, wifi feed. Frankie stopped in his tracks, his eyes on Jonesy. That means someone is involved.

From the security company? Jonesy nodded. "There are rumours about that company, Frankie, particularly in the last few weeks. Their reputation is going downhill and they are losing business. The business that they’re losing? Those