The Miry Bog

By Patricia Snelling

Retired Detective Inspector Ann Grieves, now private investigator, probes the dark secrets of Arcadia, a remote religious sect in West Auckland where abuse of adults and children is rife. After blowing the whistle on their narcissistic leader, a young dairy foreman is found dead. Ann and her sidekick Tim head up Operation White-tail, the criminal investigation of the community's brutal shepherds. Tim enters Arcadia as an undercover detective, exposing the mind control of their misogynistic, cruel leader and the dilemma facing residents too terrified to escape. 
 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Inthelight
• Release date: Nov 18, 2022
• ISBN: 9798215054116

Book preview

Chapter One

Faith clutched her throat, struggling to take a breath as she lunged forward, ready to carry out her plan. Breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth.

Reaching the staircase at the back door, she crouched down searching underneath—relieved to see the sheet was still where she’d hidden it the previous day. Peering along the hallway, she spotted the residents gathering for their evening meeting. The hostel supervisors would soon take a headcount.

Pain tore her chest. Breathe! It’s now or never.

Tucking the folded sheet against her flat chest inside the bodice of her long dress, she crept down the steps. With one last look around, ran for her life.

Arriving behind the tack shed near the fence, she pulled up her dress and tucked it inside her loose track pants.

She was sure eyes followed her as she raced across the horses’ paddock. Perhaps it was her friend Lydia, who knew she would escape from Arcadia one day.

Suddenly, her foot stumbled on a rabbit hole. Rocketing into mid-air, she hit the ground hard. Picking herself up, she brushed the mud off her arms and continued towards the barbed wire fence.

After laying the sheet on top of the wire, she grasped hold of the wooden post, stepped onto the fence with her leather ankle boot, and hauled herself over, tearing her frock and track pants.

Landing on a tussock mound protruding from the murky water, she stifled a cry of agony as warm blood trickled down from the wound on her leg.

The sheet had impaled itself on the sharp barbs, which Faith knew would be a sure way of bringing attention to her secret escape route and put others in jeopardy. She yanked hard to free it from the fence.

Facing a perilous journey ahead to reach the other side of the wetland, she had to move fast before sundown. The memory of the sweaty and foul-breathed leader, Abe White—her assailant—drove her on.

When she reached the last few tufts of grass mounds, treading carefully on each one, she lost her footing and ricocheted off the tussock, landing on her backside in the mud. She scrambled to her feet and as she took the next step, the ground under her moved.

Gasping in sheer panic, Faith had to think fast. Rolling the sheet lengthwise, forming a strong rope, she looped it over a small cabbage tree a few metres from where she stood. Holding tight to the self-made cable, she cautiously edged her way across the top of the grassy mounds. Stepping forward, she felt the earth suck her into the mud. Terrified it was about to swallow her, she pulled herself together—overcoming her fear.

Tightening her grip on the sheet, she slowly dragged herself forward and clambered onto what looked like a stable mass of vegetation surrounding the small tree. ‘Whew!’

Now she was annoyed, as this incident delayed her getting to the meeting place.

After hiding the sheet between two tussock mounds, she pushed on—ignoring the thick, wet mud covering her face and clothing.

She was grateful for the T-shirt and track pants hidden under her dress that her cousin Jacob had given her for protection from the barbed wire—without which her legs would have been torn to shreds. The denim jacket she wore was also from Jacob.

The water level in the swamp was low, as it was ebb tide. Faith wiped the mud from her face with a corner of her jacket and removed the notepaper from her pocket, squinting in the poor light at the instructions.

A burning pain seared the hand she’d torn, scaling the fence, but the surge of adrenaline racing through her body dulled her awareness.

Quickly removing her cousin’s jacket, she shed the hated ugly blue dress—an unwanted reminder of what she’d escaped, then pulled the jacket back on over her white T-shirt. 

Her pounding heart resounded in her ears as she bent down shoving the discarded garment under a bush. For the first time in her life, she tasted freedom.

The wetlands, abound with all kinds of creature sounds, stifled her noisy breathing. While Faith contemplated the wounds on her legs, she assumed the raucous croaking nearby was a bullfrog, until suddenly—an enormous grey heron spread its wings and flew out from behind a mangrove bush, squawking loudly. She almost fell backwards into the mud again but quickly regained her balance.

Although Faith considered the birds her friends, this was something she could have done without. It had shaken her.

Moving away from the swamp while keeping close to the road which ran parallel to the direction she headed, it was difficult to navigate the forest. Sharp tree branches lashed her face, which she blindly pushed aside until hope arrived in a vehicle travelling towards Arcadia.

‘It’s them! Thank God.’

As she heard the car draw closer, Faith’s eyes welled with tears of relief while she waited—hidden behind the tall Kauri at the roadside.

Instantly, her joy turned to despair. While observing the approaching vehicle, she saw it wasn’t her uncle’s car. He said he would drive a silver Toyota Previa, but this was a black Ute.

Cringing, she stepped back, tripped and rolled into a ditch. As she peered over the edge of the dirt bank, the face of a Shepherd appeared in the driver’s window. He stopped to take a phone call. Faith ducked, holding her breath. Had he seen her? Perhaps he was reporting her to Security. He finished speaking and then walked over to a tree to relieve himself.

‘Slob!’ she muttered under her breath.

The roar of the car engine resonated through the trees as it careered down the road. When it was out of sight, she stood back up.

The plan was that Noah would let his father know when Faith was on her way to the clump of Kauri trees—the proposed meeting place—but now he was well overdue.

What happened? Fear engulfed her, making her head spin.

And what if her cousin’s text message doesn’t get through and he and Aunty don’t turn up? She imagined the worst—if a member of the sect found her on the road.

Slumping back against a tall Kauri, she pondered what to do if they didn’t arrive.

A loud rustling and snapping of twigs in the trees behind caused her stomach to somersault. Is it game over?

Trembling—thinking one of Abe’s vile cronies had crept up behind her, she clenched her teeth, reaching for a broken branch from the ground then turned to face her pursuer. Before her stood a sizable brown hare perched on its back legs, as if ready for battle. It, too, trembled.

Faith let go the breath she’d held until almost fainting—then dropped her weapon. She slumped back against a tree, sobbing quietly. Thank God!  Her creator must have sent the animal to comfort her.

Satisfied the stranger didn’t present as a threat, the hare began nibbling on a Pittosporum sapling.

While the sun sank fast behind the hills, she shuddered at the thought of spending the night in the forest, until the sound of another car in the distance gave her renewed hope.

At last, it was the silver Toyota edging its way along the road, stopping next to the clump of Kauris, just as arranged. A tall, burly man stepped out and quietly called, ‘Are you there, Faith?’

More tears made grooves in the caked mud on her face. She wiped her cheeks with a sleeve, then fell into the arms of her aunt as the hare bounced off in the opposite direction.

Her uncle looked on with a face full of compassion. ‘Hurry, dear—we need to move away from here fast. The Shepherds will recognise me. Climb into the back of my Ute under the cover—just until we’re on the main road and then you can ride with us inside.’

She did as her Uncle Levi said, trusting she would soon be safe—hoping no one from Arcadia would stop them. They were travelling along the only road that accessed the community and if the Shepherds recognised him, they would likely threaten with a barrage of spiritual abuse. The main gate at the bridge was locked after seven, so they wouldn’t expect anyone to be on the road at that time.

Levi drove onto the highway. Within minutes, he quickly pulled over to the side of the road, got out and lifted the cover and helped Faith step down, opening the back door.

‘Plenty of room in here,’ he said, pointing to the rear seats. You have company.’

As she climbed in the back, her mouth dropped wide open. A soft, warm hand reached out and took hers. ‘You look exhausted. Move over here and rest your head on my lap.’

Faith wrapped her arms around Charity. She was speechless, and with a face wet with tears—lay down.

‘You can lie here until we get you home. Don’t worry about your muddy clothes. I’ve covered the seat with an old blanket, so you won’t make a mess.’

Faith’s throat had seized up from the river of gratitude overwhelming her. These people had saved her. But what of her siblings—two brothers and a baby sister back at the farm? What will become of them—and her parents? The Ute rocked her to sleep.

Before long, a bump in the road jolted Faith awake as the Ute swung into a driveway. The vehicle pulled up under the outside light in front of a beautiful two-level home with roses in full bloom adorning the outer walls of the building. Was this all a dream?

A tall, robust man appeared on the doorstep, beaming. His ruddy complexion matched the thick locks of red hair, which shone in the porch light.

‘He’s our friend Reverend Thomas, but we can call him Thomas—he is so kind. We live upstairs where he has provided us with accommodation until we get back on our own feet. You’ll be safe up there with us.’

Charity led her by the arm up the steps, where she was greeted by Thomas.

‘You’re the brave girl I’ve heard all about. It’s so good to meet you finally.’

Ruth raised her eyebrows at the vicar. ‘Sorry, but I think Faith’s about to cave in. She’s worn out from her frightening adventure.’

Their host backed up and allowed them to pass. ‘Please excuse me—I’m so sorry. I hope you enjoy the chicken dinner. We can catch up tomorrow.’

‘Thanks, Thomas, we certainly will. I think this girl will want an early night.’ Ruth put her arms around the teens and directed them up the stairs with Levi in tow.

‘Don’t forget we’ve got a visitor arriving tomorrow,’ Thomas called after them.

Faith couldn’t get her head around the fact that she was free but didn’t have to pinch herself to know it was real. Her anguish was finally at an end—or at least part of it. When will she see her family again and what will become of them? She worried that the monster Abe would now take revenge on her loved ones.

Ruth showed Faith to a single room next to Charity’s. ‘I hope we have provided you with everything you need. We went shopping and bought clothes that should fit you. Charity has offered you some of hers as well. If there’s anything else you need, let us know. You two girls share the bathroom opposite, as Levi and I have an ensuite.’

Faith’s weary brain could barely take it in, and she hadn’t a clue what an ensuite was. Everything overwhelmed  her. From living in a crowded family suite and sharing a bathroom with another family, to having her own bedroom was beyond her imagination.

‘How about I run you a warm bath with lots of nice smelly bubbles—or you can have a shower if you like,’ said Charity. ‘I just thought a long, hot soak might relax you after all the stress.’

‘Thank you—I think I need it.’ Faith pulled up the leg of her track pants to expose a mucky wound.

‘Do you have any antiseptic for my skin tears? I ripped my body on the barbed wire fence by the wetlands. There’s also one on my hand.’ She opened her palm to reveal more crusted blood.

‘Oh, my goodness—of course. Those wounds are going to sting for a bit in the water, but at least it’ll clean off the mud. Mum has a first aid kit. I’ll ask her to help you after your bath and let her know you aren’t quite ready for dinner.’

Faith followed her cousin into the spacious bathroom that boasted a freshly tiled floor and a modern claw bath. In the room’s corner stood a shower cubicle with glass doors, and the walls were lined with plastic instead of stainless steel.

She stared wide-eyed as Charity turned on the bath taps, then took a plastic cup filled with powder and tossed it into the water, swishing the soap suds with her hand. The bath filled with pink bubbles.

‘Wow, they smell so delicious I could eat them.’

‘Here you are.’ Charity passed her a floral towel. ‘Mum has put out clean clothes on your bed and you can use that towelling robe hanging on the bathroom door. It’s a spare—yours now.’

Faith stood waiting for her hostess to disappear before she stripped off. Charity quickly got the hint.

‘Dinner will be ready soon—when you finish here. Just throw your soiled clothing into the basket in your room and I’ll show you tomorrow where to find the laundry we share with Thomas and how to use the washing machine. No one is a servant here, so we’ll teach you how to be independent—but for now, I’ll help you.’

Charity walked back along the hallway to their kitchen to help her mother prepare the rest of the meal and set the table.

‘How is she dear—settling into her room?’ Ruth asked.

‘Taking a bath right now, but she appears pretty fragile to me.’

‘Thomas said she’ll have PTSD just like you suffered. You’ll be able to understand her and help her through it.’

‘I know, but Post Traumatic Stress Disorder doesn’t just disappear. I know people my age in the Exodus group who still struggle with it after two years. This is only the beginning.’

‘That’s right. I meant that you could empathise with her.’

‘Yeah, especially the feeling that suddenly you’ve arrived on another planet and everything—and I mean everything—is an out-of-body experience.’

‘We all went through that dear—how day in and day out our life was completely regimented and always the same. I didn’t exactly have that in mind.’

‘It’s alright Mum—I get your drift. You’re referring to her abuse. It’s going to take time for her to heal—a long time.’

Ruth didn’t say any more. No matter how deeply she and Levi loved their daughter and would go to any lengths to help her through her PTSD, it was her journey and could take years to overcome her terrible flashbacks. Faith was in the same boat.

Chapter Two

Detective Ann Grieves grasped the brass door knocker and rapped hard, several times. The Manse was a sizeable colonial house with multiple floors, and she knew from experience that it always took her friend, Reverend Thomas Pope, several minutes to come to the door. While she waited, Ann plucked rogue dog hairs from her navy-blue twill trench coat, which she’d overlooked before leaving the house.

She repositioned her matching blue Fedora hat. It was the leaving gift from her team when she’d retired from the police force and started working for herself as a private investigator.

‘Calamity! Good to see you at last. Come on in.’

Ann followed Thomas into the lounge where she flopped down into a leather armchair. Only a few people still called her Calamity—a blast from the past when she was a police officer.

‘I’m sorry—I forgot to text you back to confirm what time I’d be here. I got caught up in a phone call with a client.’

Thomas called out from the kitchen. ‘No problem. Tea with your sandwiches? Or I can make a plunger coffee,’

‘Just tea, thanks. Don’t go to any trouble with lunch—I’m not very hungry.’

‘Just cold meat from last night’s roast with salad on grain bread. Won’t be long.’

Ann stretched out in the armchair, revelling in the peaceful atmosphere her friend always created in the Manse. He brought a tray into the room and placed it on the coffee table.

‘Help yourself.’ He handed her a mug of tea. ‘Thank you for coming at such short notice. It really is important.’

‘You said you have a family staying here at the Manse who needs my help,’ said Ann.

‘Yes, but it’s not that simple,’ he replied.

Ann reached for a sandwich. ‘You mentioned something about that odd religious outfit, Arcadia.’

Thomas blew on the tea in his mug. ‘You know that several families have left the community over the last few years. My guests, Levi and Ruth, are staying upstairs with their daughter Charity and niece until the church can help to rehouse them. It was a surprise to me and the Church Committee to learn that they left the cult nearly a year ago. They were coping really well until last week when the place they were in was badly damaged in the flash flood.’

‘That’s good of you to accommodate them, but why do you need the help of a detective—has something bad happened?’

Thomas slurped his tea nervously as his neck reddened.

‘Levi and Ruth say that young Charity was indecently assaulted. That’s why they left.’

Ann nursed her plate on her lap and leaned back in the chair. ‘Oh, I see—that bad is it?’

‘And that’s not all. They’ve set themselves up as Arcadia rescuers and they helped their niece get out of there, too.’

‘Mmm, but what about her family?’

Thomas wiped remnants of mint sauce off his lips with a handkerchief. ‘The girl’s parents and siblings are still in the community, as are Levi and Ruth’s teenage sons. They’ll get them out later, but both the girls are their first concern.’

‘Have they involved any government agencies yet? I’m sure the Child Protection services will want to be informed.’

Thomas explained in depth how the Pilgrims—as their leader calls his followers—are sworn to secrecy.

‘Breaching their rules can have frightening consequences for them. The Shepherds, who control the Pilgrims, terrify them into submission. Perhaps  my guests will tell you all about it—that’s why I’ve brought you here. The church can only do so much. We can pay for your services to investigate until we decide to get the police involved. At present, Levi doesn’t want that, as it may put their sons at risk.’

‘Perhaps someone has to infiltrate the community under cover. After I talk to them, I may give some thought to that. I hope they’ll speak to me.’

Ann jotted down notes in her day book. ‘You don’t mind, do you? All part of our investigation.’

Thomas shook his head as he continued answering her questions.

‘Not at all. I’ll do whatever  I can to help these people.’

‘It won’t do any good involving the police yet without concrete evidence. If none of the victims comes forward, the police will see it as wasting their resources. Trust me—I’ll work out a plan,’ said Ann.

‘I understand—but other complaints have also been brought to my attention. Levi and Ruth have contacted a few other families who have also left Arcadia. Unfortunately, many of the young people in the community are suffering from various forms of depression. They truly fear some of those adolescents are at risk of suicide.’

Ann stopped writing. Her forehead puckered. ‘There needs to be a group on the outside who’ll help Arcadia’s leavers so they can all pull together.’

‘That’s right,’ said Thomas. ‘It’s exactly what Levi and Ruth are doing. They’ve joined an organisation called Exodus that helps Arcadia residents rehabilitate on the outside. Their niece, who recently escaped, is one of them.’

‘Fill me in on Levi’s background. I’m curious how he and his wife financed their getaway. Does that newish-looking Toyota Previa parked next to the manse belong to him? I’d say that must have cost a dollar or two.’

‘Yes, it’s Levi’s vehicle. When he joined the Exodus Leavers Group, he was asked if he would be a driver for the organisation. Their old van was on its last legs and finally gave up. Levi, being the generous person he is, offered to buy a vehicle to transport the families.’

‘So, if it doesn’t sound too intrusive—where did he get the funds to buy such a people-mover? Most people who escape Arcadia leave with nothing but the clothes on their back, I hear.’

Thomas hesitated. He stood up and checked that the door to the upstairs flat was closed and returned to his seat.

‘Levi was an accountant in Auckland prior to joining the community at Arcadia. The Elders elected him as Financial Manager and his role was to control the savings and assets of everyone.’

‘So, are you saying he fiddled their bank accounts?’

‘Oh, heavens, no—Levi is much too honest for that. Through the Courts, Levi recovered the capital he and his wife had lost after joining Arcadia.’

Ann raised her eyebrows. ‘Legal fees must have set him back.’

‘Not really. He originally sold a high-end property in Parnell. The lawyer who’d assisted him was his nephew whose brother had already escaped with his wife and children when Exodus was first established.’

‘Levi and his family got a lucky break,’ said Ann.

‘Not sure about luck. I’d say it was a blessing! They claimed to have been badly exploited by the Shepherds though—especially Ruth. She was made to work long hours—sometimes fourteen a day in the kitchen or laundry. This in return for food and lodgings, comprising one crowded family room and no personal clothing except for a drab uniform.’

‘Sounds like they were well and truly duped!’ Ann replied.

‘Brainwashed,’ said Thomas. ‘Along with the rest of the four hundred residents there.’

He continued answering her questions.

Ann took up her pen and notebook again. Who are these Shepherds. Elders?’

‘No—the Elders are the church and community leaders elected by the Trust. Shepherds are chosen by the Elders to pastor the Pilgrims and take responsibility for their welfare.’

‘Humph! They fail miserably, it seems,’ Ann murmured.

‘Levi’s nephew now offers free legal aid for Exodus, as well as running his private practice.’

Thomas glanced at his wristwatch. ‘You’d better go—it’s time to move upstairs and meet the family.’

~

Ann was surprised to see that the tall man greeting her at the top of the stairs was clean-shaven with short back and side hairstyle—knowing that the men at Arcadia all wore long goatee beards with thick sideburns.

The man shook Ann’s hand. ‘I’m Levi Black and this is my wife, Ruth.’

A timid woman stepped from behind her husband and greeted Ann with a half-smile.

‘Ann Grieves—Private Investigator. I believe Thomas referred you to me for help with your organisation.’

‘Yes, thank you for coming.’ Ruth showed Ann to a seat. ‘Can I get you a hot drink, perhaps?’

The detective shook her head. ‘No, thank you. I’ve just had tea and sandwiches with Thomas.’

Ruth glanced at her husband—her eyes signalling him to tell their story.

Levi cleared his throat. ‘Our daughter, Charity, is in her room right now. We’ll bring her in after we’ve spoken to you, but we also have another guest we want to tell you about.’

‘Is this regarding the Arcadia community? Thomas told me there have been several serious incidents.’

‘It’s difficult for us to talk about—they are sensitive issues.’ Levi looked down at the ground and then his eyes searched Ann’s face.

She gave him a warm smile. ‘I understand, Levi. Just tell me whatever you feel comfortable discussing. We don’t need to rush this, but if you think minors are at risk at Arcadia, we need to expose it swiftly.’

Levi nodded. ‘I get that. Charity has been at risk, which is why we left. Unfortunately, our sons are still there, but they are both of an age where they can take care of themselves for the time-being.’

Levi and Ruth outlined what concerned them. Nothing much shocked Ann, but she was horrified to hear how their leader, Abe White, including several Shepherds had abused children in their community for years. What was so sickening, thought Ann, was that those men were in a position of trust. White was supposed to be a youth counsellor, and this enraged her.

Ruth spoke out confidently. ‘We were the ones who helped Charity’s cousin, Faith, escape. We left Arcadia after we discovered what Abe had done to Charity, then our niece sent us a message, via our sons, that Abe had molested her.’ She broke down, and jumping up from her seat mumbled, ‘Please excuse me—I need to grab a tissue.’

Ann looked at Levi, who appeared just as distraught. ‘I’m sorry—this won’t be easy for any of you. For me to investigate these allegations, I’ll need to know how the girls were molested—in their own words. Can I have permission to question them on their own?’

Levi’s forehead wrinkled as if he was in deep pain. ‘Yes, I’m sure they’ll both agree. Charity described to us exactly what happened when Abe White violated her. Although he usually grooms girls from the age of twelve during puberty, he started with our daughter shortly after her thirteenth birthday. The serious assault occurred when she turned fourteen, but she doesn’t want anyone to know.’

‘And what about Faith? Just take your time—I know this is difficult.’

Levi cleared his throat. ‘She is only thirteen, and it appears Abe had begun to touch her, too. You have to understand also that there’s a lot more to this. He hypnotises the children and won’t allow their parents into the clinic with them. He uses two remedies, which he says are legal and natural, to relax them.’

Ann stopped short, almost dropping her notebook. ‘What sort of remedies?’

‘One substance he dishes out is high potency Valerian, which he has concocted into a tonic. It’s a herb which they grow on the farm.’

Ann rolled her eyes in disgust and wondered if that was legal. ‘And what about the other cure-all?’

‘He calls it Nervana, which, he says, is just another herb and a safe and mild relaxant. But I’m concerned it may be a drug. When questioned, Abe says he administers it to help the youth release their anxiety and fears in the hope that they’ll reach self-actualisation.’

‘Is it also grown on the property?’

‘No. Abe says a friend cultivates it for him, as they don’t grow it in Arcadia.’

‘Possibly because it’s illegal, I’ll bet. That sounds suspect, for a start,’ said Ann.

‘They aren’t the only potions he uses, either. During the children’s counselling sessions, he gives them a tasty snack bar full of dried fruit and nuts. He told us they contain the herbs too, which enable the teens to gain the full benefit of the therapy.’

Ann rolled her eyes. ‘Poppycock! He has hoodwinked them well and truly. Don’t worry–we’ll get to the bottom of all this, but it may take time.’

She was careful not to blame Levi and Ruth for having allowed Abe to dispense these remedies to their children.

‘I’m sorry—I’m not judging you. Just trying to