“Very irresponsible.”
“Grandpa said this would teach the Tuckers and Emma to be more careful in the future.”
“When you knew Emma’s sister had snuck her boyfriend into the house, you went into Emma’s bedroom, injected her with the rohypnol, and took her?”
Vernon nodded.
“Where was your grandpa?”
“He was with my grandmother visiting some of the older church members at the hospital. They do that every Tuesday and Thursday evening.”
“And next was Shelly Darby at the movies and Melody Luther from Fanny’s.”
“I. . .I wasn’t supposed to take Melody.”
Shocked, I blinked. “No?”
“Grandpa thought too many people were watching. He figured the cops might finally call the police. He wanted me to wait a while until he could calm the movement down and things went back to quiet.”
“But you didn’t want to stop?”
“No, sir. He always likes to take six girls, but I think that it should be twelve.”
Stunned, I cleared my throat. “Your grandfather likes to take six girls?”
“Yes, sir.”
“He’s done this before?”
“Yes, sir.”
Unease filled me. I sat up in my chair. “In Fullbrooke?”
“No, sir. And Colesville. Scottown. Gulfton too.”
I swallowed. “All over Georgia.”
“Yes, sir. He gave them all back to God.”
The door opened.
Stein poked his head in and signaled for me to come.
“I’ll be right back, Vernon, but I want to thank you.”
We had skipped over many of the steps. No denial from Vernon came. He was certain he had worked for God. His grandfather was a Pastor. How could he be wrong about this? There were no objections from him. No obstacles. He had killed his little sister, possibly by accident, but it had birthed something in him.
The system failed him and all these girls.
Had Vernon been caught long ago and maybe gone to a mental health facility to get help; he may have been different. But instead, his grandfather took over. And Pastor Miller had proven to be the worst sort of psycho. He was a serial killer with a purpose adorned by God.
I left the interrogation room.
The door shut behind me.
Stein kept his voice low. “We have the address to the church. Sheriff Michaelson is already sending people that way.”
“I’m going.”
“Your father called. He wants you to stay here and get the full confession recorded along with Pastor Miller’s participation. He wants me to lead the local police to—”
“No. You deal with Vernon. I’m going to get Haven.” I shoved past him.
Nothing would stop me.
Stubborn Stein followed me. “Haven’s mother has also been calling. She’s asking for you. What do I say?”
“Nothing. I’m doing what she would want—putting all my attention on getting her daughter back.”
Chapter 35
Wade in the Water
Haven
The whole time Pastor Miller was gone, I tried to get away. I twisted and turned in the rope, nothing helped. I hopped in the chair, moving me all the way to the door. When I got to it, I tried to open the knob with my mouth. That was impossible. Desperate, I bang my head against it and screamed, hoping that someone would hear me.
All efforts made me exhausted.
And fear threatened to kill me if I didn’t tire myself to death.
He’s coming. I hear him. No. That’s not him.
Adrenaline flooded my system. It pumped and beat. My heart was close to exploding. My body wanted to escape. My mind yearned to restart the day. And my soul. . .I had no more soul at this time or no faith in God.
No. That’s not true. . .I do believe in you, God. . .It’s just. . .why. . .
What kind of God allowed a Pastor to prey on his flock? What type of God accepted this?
A creak came off in the distance.
Is that him? Is he back?
My adrenaline surged so fast I almost vomited. I could taste saliva thickening in my throat, and beads of sweat trickling down my brow.
I have to get the fuck out of here.
I looked around.
Come on. Come on.
At some point, I figured I would try to break the chair. The action landed me on the ground sideways. My arm ached. My soul wept.
Are they coming? Alexander? Brett or Tina? The police? Anybody?
By now my mother must’ve known. I tried not to think about what the news would do to her. She’d already lost my father. I didn’t want to leave her on this Earth all alone. She’d told me time and time during the Fullbrooke Six news that it wasn’t right for parents to bury their kids.
I argued with her. “Mom, burying anybody is heartbreaking.”
“No, baby. Burying a parent is something that we prepare ourselves for. But putting your own child to rest. . .that’s something that many mothers wouldn’t be able to survive.”
Tied to the chair, I lay on the floor and did the only thing I could. I prayed to God.
Please, don’t let me die today.
It was so stupid to go talk to Pastor Miller.
Alexander had been right. I was too close to the case. If I hadn’t known the town or gone to his church, I would have never met with Pastor Miller. But his family had a special role in my life. I considered him family.
All this time, he has been taking girls? How did he do it for so long?
“You’re on the ground.” Pastor Miller returned with a white Styrofoam tray. “Lord have mercy. What did you do? The devil got a hold of you, girl.”
I remained quiet. In order to eat, he would surely untie me. Pastor Miller was a big man, but he was older, and I was sure I could take him enough to break free. I would die trying at the bare minimum.
Come on, sicko. You’ve been killing girls, but what are you going to do with a grown-ass woman.
Pastor Miller put the tray of food on the floor and then took his time lifting me up. “What happened?”
“I fell.”
“I see that.” He patted my hair down and smiled. “Your food is here. I bought you some wings, macaroni and cheese, and cabbage. I know you used to go back for seconds for your mother’s cabbage. I bet you're happy now.”
I forced myself to smile. “Thank you so much, Pastor.”
“You’re welcome.” He put the other chair in front of me, picked up the food, and opened the tray. “What do you want to eat first?”
I looked at his hand as he held a fork. “You’re going to feed me?”
“Yes, Mrs. Troublemaker. We can’t let your hands free.”
“I won’t do anything. I swear to—”
“Don’t you do that.”
“I mean. . .I promise. Trust me. On my father’s grave.”
“Don’t go bothering your father’s soul.” He forked some of the cabbage and brought it to my mouth. “Open up.”
Goddamn it.
I opened and took the cabbage. I was so damn hungry. I had to admit it was good, but I had no idea how much time had passed. I also never ate breakfast or lunch today. Instead, I spent my time naked in bed with Alexander.
At the thought of his name, my chest ached.