The Endless Search

By Karen Wolff

When two South Dakota high school girls go missing on their way to a graduation party, suspicion falls onto local neighbor boy, Eli Thorson, whose scrapes with the law already include attempted rape. He denies knowledge of their whereabouts, and no trace of the two girls is found.

 

Thirty-three years later, a Cold Case Unit reopens the file on their disappearance and suspicion once again falls onto Eli Thorson, now a habitual criminal with a long history of violence and sexual abuse of woman. Is Eli responsible for their disappearance?

• Language: English
• Publisher: BHC Press
• Release date: Mar 22, 2022
• ISBN: 9781643972916

Book preview

1642

The boy made his way through the cornfield, the drying leaves scratching at his face and bare arms. Though it was after midnight, the late August air was too hot and humid for sleep. Gnats flew up, disturbed by his intrusion, and he shook his shaggy yellow hair to drive them from his eyes. He moved quickly and surely, followed by his dog Striker. At the fence, they climbed through the barbed wire strands and entered a scruffy wooded area. Now he slowed his pace and began to descend a steep hillside covered in thick brush. He moved stealthily on a path he knew well. Though he carried a penlight, he didn’t need it to find his way. He’d made this trip many times, hiding himself in the tall growth to watch the beer parties at the sandpit. If the guys were alone, they’d skinny-dip, but they never stayed in the icy water very long. He liked it better if they brought girls. He liked to watch them kiss and fondle each other, and he wanted that for himself.

At the base of the hill, he stopped and listened, then crept silently from the woods to the edge of the sandpit where moonlight on the water created a white glow. The air smelled of wood smoke. He guessed they’d had a fire to keep the mosquitos away. They sure didn’t need it to keep warm. The heavy smell of pot, thick and sweet, hung in the humid air. Beer cans, glinting in the moonlight, were strewn around, and he was careful to avoid them for the noise they’d make.

His brothers had told him to stay home from the beer party tonight. You’re just a kid, Eli, they’d razzed. You don’t even have a girl.

Marv had said, Hell, your voice is still squeaky. His brothers had hooted.

When he’d objected, they’d laughed at him and left him pouting. He burned with resentment now just thinking about it.

He was large for fourteen, and he was sure he could hold his own drinking beer. He’d done it often enough. His brothers didn’t want him to know about their drugs or see what they did with the girls they dragged out here. He wasn’t clueless; he was ready for all that, but he had to get a girl. Any girl. He considered the possibilities. It always came back to the same thing. He wanted Paulette. She wasn’t beautiful, but he didn’t care about that. He was sure he could make her do whatever he wanted. He could control her. As soon as his dad let him drive, he’d bring her out here. He’d swipe some beer from home and bring a blanket. He wasn’t going to be left out of any more of these parties. The thought bucked him up.

One car remained in the parking area. Somebody was still here. He found the remains of the fire, and a short distance away he made out the shapes of two figures sleeping, or passed out, on a blanket. He froze when his dog nosed the heads of the two roughly, but Striker got no response and moved on to more interesting things. Eli stood stone still for a few minutes. When their breathing continued as before, he took out his penlight and shined it on the pair–a man and a woman. He had no interest in the male who had an empty bottle of Jim Beam near his chest. He moved closer and allowed the light to trace the woman’s body as if it were his finger. Her face was unfamiliar. She wore a two-piece swimsuit and lay on her side, her back to Eli. He traced the outline of the bikini bottom with his penlight. The tight, shiny fabric revealed the crack between her buttocks. He moved the light to the legs of the garment where her chubby behind peaked out, but he could see only darkness at her crotch.

Her legs were bare, and he brushed her foot with one finger. When she did not move, he ran his hand lightly along her leg and let it rest on her cool thigh. She hiccupped in her sleep, and he drew back. When her whiffles resumed, he aimed his light at her chest. The bra had pulled up leaving her breasts blue-white in the moonlight. He gazed at the darkened nipples, transfixed when one stiffened and stood upright as he stared. It aroused him. For one mad moment he wanted to fling himself on top of her. It occurred to him that, if she were dead, he could touch her all over. Do anything to her that he wanted. She moaned in her sleep. He backed off and waited for his erection to subside.

A movement in the brush startled him. He wasn’t really frightened though his pulse quickened. A deer, he supposed. Or a raccoon. But it was only Striker, panting, his tongue hanging as he emerged from his nocturnal adventures. Eli realized he had to pee. Afterward, he shook the last few drops over the body of the woman and headed up the hill with the dog.

It was nearly five o’clock when he got back to the house and sneaked into his bedroom. Only his twelve-year-old sister Linda heard him return from his nighttime prowl.

1953

Roseni, South Dakota

May 1971

Sleeping girls lay every which way on the thick carpet of the bedroom, their arms and legs flung out carelessly except for one who had curled herself into a fetal position against the wall. Another, in the middle of the room, snored heavily. Denise Gregory rose from their midst, found her clothes and shoes, and stole from the room. In the hallway, she slipped into her jeans and crept barefoot down the stairs and out the front door. Her old bicycle, a hand-me-down from her brother Kevin, leaned against the porch where she’d left it last night. She stepped into her Nikes, rubbed her gritty eyes, and took off.

She yawned. It had been a fantastic slumber party with her favorite friends. They’d eaten tacos and homemade chocolate ice cream; they’d talked about boys; and they’d been silly. They’d watched two Debbie Reynolds movies and had finally drifted off to sleep about three or four o’clock. Tomorrow they would graduate from high school, and, though they hadn’t spoken the words, they’d clung to each other, knowing it might be their last time to be kids together.

Fiery streaks of orange rose in the east. She’d forced herself to awaken early to get home in time for her grandfather’s breakfast, her responsibility since her grandmother had been hospitalized. She rode through the back alleys until she came to the main street of Roseni, their oddly named town, silent now except for bird chatter at this early hour. Grandpa Gus had told her how his father, who’d emigrated from Norway, was one of its founders and how they’d named the place for Karl Olav Rosenius, a beloved Lutheran minister.

On Main Street, the night manager of Maya’s Pub rolled an over-full trash can to the curb and waved as Denise went by. Only a couple of cars were parked on the street wide enough to permit parallel parking on both sides. Except for a few red brick two-stories designated as the historic district, the downtown buildings were low and painted the same dusty tan.

Suddenly, a black-and-white Ford Galaxy shot by her. Eli! It was that creep Eli Thorson. The girls had seen his car last night going slowly by the house a couple of times. They’d gone upstairs so he couldn’t see them through the windows. Had he hung out there all night? He was obsessed with Paulette Granquist and probably thought she was at the party. Paulette said he followed her everywhere.

This morning, when he saw Denise on her bike, he did a U-turn, slowing as he neared her.

Hi, Denise. How was the party?

It’s none of your business, Eli.

Was Paulette there?

No, you dope, she said with disgust. It was for seniors only.

You better not be lying. When she said nothing, he jammed on the accelerator and roared away.

She turned onto a residential street and was grateful he didn’t follow her. Poor Paulette to have this jerk driving her crazy. As she rode, she noticed with surprise that leaves had appeared on the elm trees that lined the streets and that dandelions on tall stems were already going to seed. Spring was here! When did that happen? She’d been so busy with school and her job that she hadn’t noticed the season had changed.

At the back door of her grandparents’ modest bungalow, peonies in her grandmother’s garden had opened their deep pink blooms, and sparrows were busy in the old-fashioned lilacs that perfumed the air.

She parked the bike and hurried to the kitchen to make coffee. As she swirled thick cream into her mug, she marveled at what a good decision it had been to transfer to Roseni from the tiny town of Bankston twenty miles away where her parents ran the Cowboy Bar and where the high school had only fifty students.

Life at home had become intolerable because of her stepfather, Brody Laycock. She shuddered to remember his suggestive remarks and roaming hands. Her mother’s reaction, when she finally got up the courage to tell her about it, missed the mark entirely. Denise expected Arlene to confront her husband and tell him off. Instead, her mother said, He wouldn’t do that, Denise. You’re making it up. You watch too much television.

When Brody pinched her butt in front of her mother on his way out the door, Denise said, See what I’m talking about?

Oh, he’s just having a little fun. He doesn’t mean anything by it, her mother said.

Brody’s actions became bolder. He tried to get her to lie with him on the couch. She refused. Once, when the two of them were waiting in the car for Arlene to finish grocery shopping, he grabbed her thigh under her skirt. She slapped him, but he only laughed when she jumped out.

That’s when Denise asked to move in with her grandparents in Roseni to complete the last two years of high school. Her beanstalk height had filled out, and she had become especially attractive. Naturally gregarious, she made friends easily and was chosen to be a cheerleader. To her, the kids she met at the new school were more interesting. They had ambitions, and she was inspired to make more of her own life. In her art classes she hatched the idea of becoming a fashion designer, maybe in a California movie studio.

Yes, it had been a good decision. Besides, Denise’s grandparents needed her.

I smell coffee. Her grandfather, Gus Kilstrom, patted her shoulder as he came into the kitchen.

Morning, Gramps. She set out a bowl of Raisin Bran for him and took milk from the refrigerator. His wife Opal was in the hospital ill with cancer, and he wasn’t used to looking after himself.

I’m sure glad you’re here, Denise. You’ve been such a help while your grandma’s sick. His teeth were bad, and he ate slowly. That was a good move you made—transferring to Roseni. I owe you a big one.

Hush, Grandpa. You know I wanted to get away from home. Get away from Brody. I love it here.

I know. I know how it was. He pushed back his chair when he finished eating. I’m going to the hospital this morning. Your grandma’s not doing very well, and I want to catch the doctor before he leaves for the day. He breathed wheezily and lit a cigarette.

Sure, she said. But, Gramps. You’d better brush your hair before you go. She knew he was proud of his mane of white hair that stood up straight unless he tamed it. I may have to use some of my hairspray on you.

Not on your life.

When he was finished, she kissed his cheek and watched him step out to the car. She cleared up the breakfast things and went to her bedroom, needing to close her eyes after last night. She stretched out but found sleep impossible. She pulled out her last letter from Kevin, wishing that her brother could be here to see her receive her diploma. She was the first person in her family to finish high school, and he would have been proud. Kevin had been her hero since they were little kids, especially after their father went away. When the Vietnam War began, Kevin had dropped out of school to enlist in the army, and he wouldn’t be home for another three months.

Dear Little Sister,

Well, I guess you’re not so little anymore. I can hardly believe you’re old enough to graduate, but I’m tickled for you. I hope you got the little gifts I sent. I’m so proud of you, and I’ll be thinking of you on your graduation day. Can’t wait to get home.

Love you,

Kev

She fingered the fine silk scarf Kevin had sent and thought about her family. Denise’s memories of her father were sketchy. She had a sense of him as a tall man in a military uniform whose beard was rough when he hugged her. Everything else was murky and unfocused. Questions circled endlessly in her mind. What had happened to him? Where was he? Would she ever see him again? Her mother shrugged in annoyance whenever she asked about him. I have no idea where that jerk is, her mother would say, making Denise feel terrible that she’d asked.

Arlene had married twice more after Denise’s father left, and apparently had blanked out her first husband. For Denise it was a big, black hole in her mind. The familiar ache of self-pity and jealousy overtook her for a moment. Then she steeled herself and made up her mind to forget about it for today.

Denise’s mother and stepfather and her eight-year-old half-sister JoAnne would come to commencement tonight. Uncle Del and Aunt Lois, had invited all of them to celebrate with cake and coffee at their house after the ceremony. She didn’t expect Arlene and Brody to stay long because they’d want to visit Opal at the hospital, and Brody had to get back to his pub. Denise was just as glad they’d be leaving.

She made herself quit brooding and jumped up to begin her preparations for the ceremony. She had to find a way to style her thick blonde hair that would allow her graduation cap to fit securely. She also had to press her robe. And Grandpa’s clothing. She had to lay out his dress shirt and tie and be sure he got it tied properly.

17786

The high-roofed school auditorium was festooned with posters and banners congratulating the seniors, and the whole town appeared to be in attendance tonight. Even people who had no graduates themselves wanted to see the offspring of cousins or in-laws or friends in their caps and gowns. Denise left her grandfather to find a seat and made her way to the robing room where she joined the other graduates. As they lined up, the band began to play Pomp and Circumstance, and her eyes misted over. She would miss this school. That was for sure.

After the ceremony she met up with her family. Uncle Del, who’d been like a father to her since she’d moved to Roseni, stood tall and handsome in his Deputy Sheriff’s uniform. Del, Aunt Lois, and their daughter Kathi, all embraced her at the same time. Denise spied her mother’s bleached blonde hair coming through the throng and cringed a little. Arlene, tottering on high heels, wore far too much eye makeup and a red dress that clung to her plump body. Denise wished her mother would dress like other mothers. Like Aunt Lois who wore a lovely silky two-piece dress tonight.

Her mother gushed, We’re so proud of you, sweetie.

Sure are, Brody said. His bloodshot eyes sneaked a lecherous peak at her. Grandpa intervened before Brody could even shake her hand saying, Let me give you a hug, baby.

Her mother said, I have a little gift for you.

Oh, good, Denise said. What is it?

It’s a makeup kit with every color eye shadow, lipstick, blush, you could ever want, she said. And all the applicators to go with it. I’ll show you how to use it if you’d like.

Thanks, Mom. She shrank at the thought of pasting on makeup the way her mother did.

Brody said, What’s next for you, pretty girl?

I’m working this summer, and as soon as I save enough money, I want to go to California. Mrs. Callahan was my art teacher, and she’s going to help me find a design school.

You surely won’t leave before Kevin comes home, will you? her mother asked.

No, of course not, Mom. I can’t wait to see him. He sent me a beautiful silk scarf and bamboo wind chimes for graduation.

JoAnne pulled her sister down to whisper in her ear. Can I come spend a weekend with you this summer?

Sure. That’d be fun, Denise said. She turned to the others. Thanks for coming everybody. It’s a great night, isn’t it?

After her family headed for their cars, Denise ran to catch up with her friends. Everyone was hugging, laughing, taking pictures, and crying. She said to a tall, muscled boy who’d received a college football scholarship, Congrats, Ronnie, Wow! You’re gonna be famous.

Thanks, Denise. He grinned and put his arm around her. You coming to the party Saturday night?

He wasn’t exactly asking her for a date, but it was close. She was thrilled.

I don’t know. Maybe. Where is it?

At the gravel pit south of Alcester.

I don’t know how to get there. Maybe he’d offer to pick her up.

A couple of us are going to Elk Point to get a keg from Brian’s brother. We’ll meet up at the St. Paul Lutheran church about 10:00. You can follow us from there. OK?

OK, she said, not letting her disappointment show. If I can get a car.

2464

Paulette Granquist came to breakfast on Saturday wearing her band uniform and draped the navy blue jacket trimmed with red piping over the back of her chair. The commencement ceremony the previous night had kicked off Memorial Day weekend, and a parade was planned for today. Her mother, Lucile, frowned when she saw the jacket.

You’re surely not planning to be in the parade, are you?

Her mother irritated Paulette. Mom, I’m in the band. I have to go.

But you’re not well yet.

"I’m fine, Mom. I feel