The sun is slowly setting over the Ozark mountains, a southern breeze blows gently across the land. Rachel is nervously hiding behind a large oak waiting for her kidnapper to pass. The heavy footsteps continue to get closer. She peeks around the tree to find he's only a few feet away. She ducks behind it and waits.
Keven stops to catch his breath and to search the forest. He knows she can't be to far now.
I hope he didn't see me, she thinks, taking a quick look again.
He takes a few steps and stops and looks around. "It's only a bird," He says, moving on.
Calculating the steps, Rachel slides around to the side of the old tree as he continues continues towards her. A twig snaps when she steps. She freezes mid-motion.
Kevin leans back, smiles and says, "I knew I'd find you."
Screaming, Rachel takes off again. Her heartbeat pounds furiously in her head, her legs and chest aches as she heads towards what she hopes to be the road. Night creatures shriek all around her as she pushes her way through the thick terrain.
"You can run, but you can't hide." He says
She glances over her shoulder to find her kidnapper only a few feet away. I've got to get somewhere safe, she thinks, picking up her pace.
***
The captain is in front of the white board carefully studying the city map hoping he can figure out where the kidnapper might go. He knows it'd have to be in a desolate area to be able to do what he does, kidnap, brutally torture and kill his victims. Joe examines the map to find house after house scattered across the vast countryside. As a farming community, Berryville's older homes are scattered along its borders. Running his fingers through his thinning gray he asks, where could he be?"
Hearing a knock, he turns to find his detectives stepping through the door. "Please tell me you have something, guys."
Jerry smiles and says, "Boy Genius went back to when the killings first began and found this." he hands Joe the tablet. They've nicknamed Kirk boy genius or boy wonder because he's a walking talking encyclopedia, knows so much about so many things. So it was no surprise to anyone when he aced his detective exams.
The captain watches the footage then says, "Can we follow him from here?"
"We were able to track him to a gas station in Alpena. The traffic cam at the four way shows him pulling in."
"Go talk to the clerk, see if they can tell you anything. I'll call the Alpina Pd to see if they know where he lives."
***
Reaching the road, Rachel looks to her right and over to her left. She then notices the beautiful sunset straight ahead. That means east is behind me, north to the right and south to the left. She glances down the road again. That doesn't help since I have no idea where I'm at. She eyes her surroundings then adds. I'm not anywhere near Berryville, I'm certain of that.
She scans the road on either side and doesn't see any sign of life, human or livestock anywhere. This area has the makings of a great horror movie, she thinks, picturing the bloody scene in her mind. She shivers then eyes her surroundings again.
So right or left? The left side looks like it's heading further into the mountains and it's narrower because of all the weeds growing on either side. And the road itself doesn't look like anyone's driven down it in a while, not since it was last graded at least. The other side has a couple of tire marks and has less vegetation.
She hears noises behind her, glancing back and sees Kevin making his way through the clearing. I hope I'm right, she thinks, dashing down the road.
***
Joe decides to go to the police station instead of making a call, figuring he'd be there in case they get a lead. Besides, he'd much rather be out there, doing all he can than driving himself crazy pacing back and forth.
He steps into the single story brick structure and takes a quick look around, He finds the set up is almost the same as both the Harrison, and Berryville Pd. There's a small waiting area when you first step in and further back sits the front desk with a set of metal doors to the right and to the left. One side leads to offices, the other leads to processing, and then further back the holding cells.
Straightening his suit, Joe clears his throat, flashes his credentials and says, "I'm Captain Bower with the Berryville PD and I'd like to talk to your captain, please, it's an urgent police matter regarding a serial killer whom we believe is residing in your town."
"This way, captain," he says, raising the drop leaf, he leads him through the door down a blinding white hall to the back.
Knocking, the desk sergeant says, "Sir, Captain Bower is here to see you about an urgent police matter."
The man glances up from his computer. Getting to his feet, he extends his hand, smiles and says, "Joe, old pal, how have you been?"
"Lucas Reynolds?" Joe asks, shaking his old friend's hand. The tall, brawny man he remembers from years ago has softened a bit. His once full head of jet black hair is now thin gray strands. His once tan face is now a wrinkly ivory white. Time has been cruel to him, Joe thinks.
"You still remember me after all these years."
"I'd never forget one of the best detectives on the force."
"I appreciate you saying that, Joe."
"I thought you took an early retirement?"
"I did, but then Alpena needed a captain at double the detective's pay. I was getting bored with retirement anyway. They said it was only temporary, a fill in position. Chuckling he adds, "Ten years later I'm still behind this desk."
"Imagine the pension you'll get when you retire."
Lucas laughs and says, "That's if they'll ever allow me to retire." Setting back down, he motions to the chair across from him then asks, "So what brings you this way?"
"My wife has been kidnapped by a serial killer and we believe he took her somewhere over here."
"A serial killer you say?"
"He's killed nearly a dozen people and I'm afraid Rachel might be next."
"So you did marry that Webb girl." He winks and adds, " I always knew you would. So how many kids do you have?"
"Two." Joe glances at his watch and then adds, "I don't mean any disrespect, but time is of the essence here." He taps the gold timepiece, and continues. "She's already been missing a day and a half."
"Yes of course."
Joe shows the captain a photo and says his name is Kevin Clark. Do you know him?""
"I've seen him around town a time or two, but that's about all."
"Do you know where he lives?"
"I'm afraid not. Like I said, I've seen him a few times in town. He comes in, does his business and leaves. He'll talk to you, exchange pleasantries and that, but I've never seen him initiate a conversation. Well, other than asking where something is at."
"How about the people he hangs out with?"
"That's just it .Captain, he never really associates with anyone. He's a nice enough fellow, not arrogant or anything but he keeps to himself."
"Could you advise your men to be on the lookout?"
"I'll tell them, but I don't know how much good it will do seeing he only comes in at the beginning of the month."
"We're thinking he lives in a remote area. Since there aren't any utilities in his name it'd have to be somewhere where someone suddenly moved out or has recently passed?"
"I can't think of anyone off the top of my head but I will ask around." He says, kicking back in his chair.
"Look captain, I don't appreciate the off handed attitude you're taking with this especially since my wife's and so many others lives are at risk. He's killed nearly a dozen that I know of and I don't see him stopping any time soon. So I'd appreciate it if you get the ball rolling sooner rather than later, before he strikes again."
Sitting up in his chair, Lucas leans across his desk and says, "I understand why you are so upset, Joe, I do. It's frustrating when all leads are dead ends, especially when your loved one's life is at stake. But what I don't appreciate is you coming into my station with that hot headed attitude of yours, and start barking out orders. I said I'll ask around and I will.'" He reaches for his phone. Looks up and says, "I'll see what I can find out and get back to you."
Turning Joe storms out the door. "He should've stayed in retirement," he grumbles, pushing through the precinct doors.