The Soul Redeemer: From Victim to Victory (19 page)

For the first time since they started this crazy journey, Nicole felt a small measure of hope.  She smiled, "Yes, Jesus will help us." 

It was a very dark night and they had been walking along the side of the road as a guide, but had been careful not to walk in it and leave their footprints in the fine dirt.  When they heard a truck coming, they ducked into the trees and waited. 

As it passed them, Nicole asked, "Maria, did you recognize the truck?"

"No, Miss Nicki.  But I think it be ok because it goes too fast to be seeking us."

Nicole was beginning to appreciate Maria's sound mind and wisdom.  There was no hint of the sadness that she had felt coming from her before, only strength.  It made her begin to wonder about this woman who was by her side.  They stepped out from the cover of the trees and continued walking.

"Maria, is there someone you want to call when we get to town?  I know that you and Eddie are not married.  Do you have any other family you need to contact?" Nicole asked.  She didn't want to pry too much.

"No senora.  I have no one."  She paused and then grabbed hold of Nicole's hand.  "Until now.  I have Miss Nicki now.  I stay by you.  You be my family.  You rescue Maria, and Maria will help Miss Nicki."

Nicole was too overwhelmed with the gratefulness of Maria's company to argue that she didn't owe her anything. 

The ladies fell into silence as they walked at a good pace up and down the mountain road in anticipation of finding the town Maria believed was ahead.  Nicole's heart began hurting as she thought about Jo.  Wherever he was, she knew that he was probably as worried about her as Jake was.  But in remembering Eddie's evil, vile nature or the spirit in him, she was worried about Jo.  She couldn't bear to think of him in pain or torment. 

"Jesus, please help Jo!  I know that You care about animals," she prayed.  "Please protect him."  But there was no reply. 

Then she wondered if Jake was sleeping or if he was pacing the floor or had gone out looking for her.  That thought made her heart lurch in fear! 

"Jesus please help Jake to be safe.  Don't let him go out alone to search for me.  I can't bear to think that he would arrive at Eddie's brother's house alone…if that was his brother's house at all… and that something would happen to him.  Give him wisdom and comfort, please Jesus, and set your angels around him."

Nicole realized that thinking about Jake and Jo was creating despair within her spirit and that there was nothing she could do for them right now.  She was safe at the moment and made a conscious decision to pour her energy into staying that way and in getting home as soon as possible rather than pouring energy into worry.  She remembered someone saying that worry was like a rocking chair….You do a lot of moving without going anywhere.  She didn't have time or energy to waste, and she definitely needed to get somewhere.

So Nicole released her husband and dog to Jesus.  She knew that He was totally capable of protecting and comforting them.

She turned her thoughts back toward her situation.  Eddie had said something peculiar.  He had given the impression that he was going to take her someplace and he had said something like,
he
wouldn't mind her showing up with a few bruises… Who was the
he
that Eddie had been talking about?

Nicole broke into the silence of the night around them.  "Maria, if you don't mind my asking, why were you with Eddie?"

Maria was quiet so long that Nicole thought that maybe she hadn't heard her.  But then Maria sighed.  It was a sad but resigned kind of sigh, and then she began to explain in her broken English.

"Maria see into Eddie, el espiritu, his spirit.  I see bad and I see good.  Maria tries to help the good."  She was quiet for a moment, and then in a tormented tone she continued.  "I could not help him.  The evil, it win in him and he is very bad man.  Now Miss Nicki is in danger." 

A sob erupted from her throat and she took hold of Nicole's hand again and stopped walking.  Nicole stopped beside her and saw tears in her eyes.  "Maria is very sorry.  Maria, she hear Eddie talk to people and I do not understand their words.  Please forgive me.  You go home to your husband.  Maria will help you."

Nicole pulled Maria into a hug.  "Of course I forgive you Maria.  But I don't see that there is anything you could have changed.  I know you were not out to hurt me.  I appreciate your help, but you must know that you are free and that you don't owe me anything.  Do you understand?"

"Si.  Yes.  I understand Miss Nicki save Maria.  Now Maria will help Miss Nicki."

Nicole smiled.  "Ok Maria.  Yes we help each other."  They turned back to the road and started walking again.  Nicole asked, "Maria, was Eddie mean to you?"

"No, and yes.  Eddie has mean spirit, but he do not hurt Maria's body.  He hurt Maria in here."  She covered her heart with her hand. 

"Why did you stay with him?" 

"No place to go," she replied honestly.  Then with a smile she joyfully proclaimed, "Now Maria has place to go."  

"I'm glad that I could help you get away from Eddie and that you know where we're going because I'm getting really tired.  Are you sure there's a town ahead?  What time do you think it is anyhow?" Nicole asked.

Maria didn't answer, but pointed toward the east.  A faint pink tint was beginning to creep into the dark sky, and as they crested the next rise in the road, they were greeted by the lights of a small town nestled in the foothills below. 

"W
hat do you mean you lost her?"
  IS fumed with rage.  "She is just one small woman and you can't keep track of her?" 

Death groveled on his knees with his head bowed low.  "I've got an army tracking her, my lord. I'm sure that we'll find them."

"What do you mean,
them
?"

"A woman named Maria left with Nicole, my lord." 

IS seized Death's neck and picked him up holding him above his own head.  "Where did this 'Maria' come from?"

"Mex…i…co...," he choked out.

IS dropped the death spirit to the ground in front of him.  "You fool.  They could be anywhere by now.  I want every available seeker, scanner and eavesdropping spirit on this case NOW!  And keep me informed."

Death backed out of his master's presence.  "Yes my lord.  It is done."  Murder had been hiding in the shadows as his master took the blame for his negligence.  He cowered and then began to choke as Death silently yet deliberately walked past him and into the darkness.

Nicole and Maria came to the edge of what appeared to be a fairly small community.  The dirt road they had been following led them to a residential area which they passed through unnoticed.  After a few blocks, they found themselves on the edge of the business side of a town that was just waking up.

The two ladies cautiously stepped onto the wooden board walk of a main street.  If she had stepped into the western looking town under better circumstances, and if she weren't so hungry, thirsty and tired, she would have enjoyed strolling the streets and exploring the quaint shops that hinted of another place and time. 

Suddenly realizing that they were entering civilization and that they probably didn't look very civilized after hiking all night, Nicole pulled Maria into an alcove of a building and looked her up and down.

"What you do Miss Nicki?"

"How do I look?"

Maria's eyebrows puckered and she said, "You look very tired.  Black circles under eyes, hair messy, feet very dirty,…"  She smiled widely and added, "I say you look beautiful!"

"Very funny.  I don't want it obvious to everyone that we're on the run.  I wish I had my brush.  Here, let me just straighten out your hair."  Nicole ran her fingers through the tangles in Maria's short, dark hair, and then she did the same with her long brown hair.  Somewhere along the way she had lost the clip that held it out of her face. 

They stepped out of the alcove as a delivery truck passed by.  Nicole's heart seemed to skip a beat as another vehicle also turned the corner near them but headed in the opposite direction.  The street was quickly coming to life as people were arriving and opening their shops.

"I wonder if the next street over is as busy.  Let's check it out," she said.

As they rounded the corner, the smell of fresh bread assaulted their noses and their stomachs growled simultaneously.  The aroma seemed to be originating from an old western style building across the street, and it seemed to be calling to them.  The sign above the door said, "JACKSON'S SALOON," but under that in smaller letters it read, "Best Beer and Bread in Town."

Nicole looked at Maria, who nodded at her, and they crossed the street and went in. 

It was definitely a bar, but there was also a display case of delicious looking baked goods and a menu of breakfast and lunch type foods written on a chalk board.

A man behind the counter looked up and asked, "Take out?"

"No."

"Then take a seat anywhere you ladies like," he said, and he went back to his job of polishing the glasses and setting them on a shelf.

Nicole hesitated as she considered asking him if she could use his phone, but her weariness and thirst was overpowering.  They walked to the far end of the bar and sat down at a corner table away from the large front window. 

"I'm afraid that we are going to look suspicious when we only order water," Nicole said. 

Maria pulled a coin purse out of the pocket of her jeans and smiled.  Nicole's eyes opened wide in surprise.  "How much do you have?"  Then added, "If you don't mind my asking."

Maria pulled a twenty dollar bill out and smiled broadly.  "We eat now."

The bartender approached them with menus, a basket of very tempting bread, and two glasses of water.  "Ok, what can I get for you hungry ladies this morning?" he asked.

"A cell phone," Nicole said.

"Now that's a new one," He laughed.  "Sorry, lady.  I don't have a use for one of those time stealers.  I'd let you use my land line, but it's not working at the moment.  I called it in last night and the repair guy should be here sometime this morning, but you know how that goes." 

Nicole was clearly disappointed, and the man said, "How about a breakfast special?  I've got a lot of those."

Both ladies nodded.  "Yes, thank you," they said simultaneously, and then as he walked away, they picked up their water and drained the glasses. 

"Maybe we should go look for a phone in another business," Nicole thought out loud.  In response, Maria's stomach growled ferociously, and Nicole laughed.  "Ok, we'll eat first!"  

It wasn't long before they were eating a nice breakfast of eggs, bacon, hash browns and coffee in addition to the fresh bread.  While they were discussing what to do next, three men entered the saloon. 

"Morning Bob," the bartender greeted. 

Bob nodded but didn't reply.  Instead, he looked around, and then moved to a table near the back wall. 

Nicole looked curiously at the trio.  "Bob" was just an average looking, middle aged, balding, white guy, casually dressed in a black polo shirt and jeans.  The two other men who didn't sit down but continued to stand on either side of the table were dressed in black suits, dark sun glasses, and seemed to be his body guards. 

Under normal circumstances, Nicole would have laughed because the two men in suits reminded her of the movie, "Men In Black."  She shook her head at the way her imagination could throw out humorous thoughts in the most serious of situations!  She looked over at Maria and saw her smiling too. 

"Maybe we in Hollywood with Men In Black," Maria joked. 

However, a moment later, neither were smiling.  Nicole realized that she may be a bit paranoid, but it seemed like the three men were watching them.  Every time she looked up, the polo shirt guy was looking at her.  After the third time this happened, Mr. Polo Shirt got up and approached their table.  The men in black stayed standing against the wall near their table.  

"I know this may sound a bit forward ma'am, but by any chance would you happen to be Nicole Bailey?" 

Nicole hoped that the fear she was feeling didn't show.  "Why would you want to know my name?" she questioned. 

"I have a very good reason for asking."  He reached into his pocket and pulled out a badge.  He flashed it at her, then tucked it back into the front pocket of his jeans as he introduced himself.  "I'm Detective Bob Miller, Special Services Division, Washington DC Law Enforcement at your service.  You see, if you would happen to be Nicole Bailey, then I believe that I have some information that may be of use to you." 

He paused a moment and as he looked directly into her eyes and added, "I can assure you that I am here to help.  That is, if you are Nicole Bailey and in need of some help."

There was something in his eyes that made Nicole want to trust him.  She glanced at Maria, who nodded slightly.  "Yes, I am Nicole Bailey, and the only help I need is to borrow a cell phone.  If you'd allow me to use yours, I would be very grateful."

He half smiled, then replied, "Thank you for being honest about your identity, ma'am, however, I can't allow you use my phone.  But I believe that I can assist you."

"Well all I need right now is to borrow a cell phone, so I guess you can't really help me."  Nicole replied.  She realized that she wasn't being very kind, but she wasn't in the mood to trust just anybody, badge or not.  She turned her attention from him, back to her breakfast as she took another bite, silently dismissing him.

Mr. Polo Shirt Detective took a deep breath.  He was still half smiling but it was now the kind that was laced with impatience and frustration.  He looked towards the door as a man and woman entered, then back at Nicole. 

They heard the bar tender greet them with familiarity, and in a very low tone the detective said, "Look lady, I'm trying to help you here.  I have some things in my truck that I'd like to see if you can identify, so if you'd be so kind as to look at them, I'd appreciate it." 

Nicole's curiosity was aroused and she looked at him.  He looked like he was going to say something else, but he remained quiet, waiting for her response.  She suddenly felt a little sorry for him as she realized that he looked almost as tired as she felt.  She nodded.  "Ok." 

He looked into her eyes as if to silently confirm that she wouldn't run away.  Apparently satisfied, he said, "I'll be right back," and disappeared out the front door.  Nicole glanced over at the silent body guards who remained standing against the wall looking straight ahead. 

A moment later the detective came back in holding a small cardboard box.  He pulled up a chair and sat down at their table. 

"Mrs. Bailey, I would appreciate it if you'd look inside the box and tell me if you recognize any of the things in it."

Nicole took a sip of her coffee, then reluctantly looked inside the box.  It took her a moment to process what she was seeing.  There was her wallet, keys and cell phone. 

"Where did you find these?"  She started to reach for the phone, but he grabbed her hand and stopped her.  Startled, she looked up at him. 

"Look," he said.  "There are a lot of things you don't understand right now, and we'll make a phone call to your husband in just a minute.  But first, I have to ask if you recognize these items." 

She struggled to free her arm and answered, "Yes, of course; they're mine.  Will you please let go of my arm!"  It was a statement rather than a question.

He let go of her, but pulled the box toward him guarding it.  It was obvious that he wasn't going to allow her to claim her things. 

"Where did you get these?  How did you get them?" she asked.

He ignored her questions and said, "Thank you for identifying them.  Now I'll call your husband on my phone, but I am asking you to do something I know will be very difficult for you.  I want you to trust me and just listen to our conversation, and I'll explain why after that.  Will you do that?  Don't say anything, just listen."

Again, Nicole reluctantly agreed.  All she wanted to do was to talk to Jake.  The detective dialed her home phone and hit the speaker button.  She anxiously waited, and then she heard her husband's voice answer, "Hello?" 

It was all she could do to keep herself from reaching for the phone and screaming out to Jake that she was ok, but the men in black had moved closer.  She glanced up at the one standing nearest to her and his intense gaze let her know that he wouldn't allow that.

"Hello Mr. Bailey.  This is Detective Miller.  I am calling to check in with you.  How is everything going after your ordeal last night?"

Nicole was expecting to hear fear and anxiety in his voice; for him to question the detective about any new information he might have about her.  She was waiting for the detective to tell him that she was ok.  Instead, Jake calmly said that everything was fine! 

She heard him say, "Nicole is very sad and upset about loosing her dog, of course; and she's pretty sore, but the doctor said that there are no broken bones and her bruises will heal.  Other than that, she seems to be ok." 

Detective Miller said, "I'm sure it was a very traumatic experience for her, but I'm glad to hear that she's ok.  Is there anything else we can do for you?"

"Do you have any more information on Eddie and Maria or whoever they are and why they did this?"

"We're working on all that Mr. Bailey, and will let you know as soon as we have information to share."

In shock and disbelief she listened to Jake's voice respond.  "Ok.  Thank you Detective, I'd appreciate that.  We're very grateful for all your help.  Thanks for calling." 

When Jake hung up, it seemed as if the disconnection of the phone line also disconnected her life line, as well as the hope of getting home anytime soon.  Something was terribly wrong, but what?  Her mind was swirling as she tried to comprehend what she had just heard.

Panic began to overtake her.  "What's happening Detective?  I'm not home, but they think I am.  Someone is in my home pretending to be me!  WHO?  Who would do that?"

He lightly patted her hand to try to calm her.  "Lady, there are many things you can't understand right now.  But what I can tell you is that you are a target in a big operation.  You have gotten the attention of some very bad people that I have been tracking and investigating for a long time.  You've made them angry and they arranged this whole event to look like just a robbery.  I've been watching this operation carefully and had reason to believe that they might be targeting you.  That's why I was able to recover your things.  They ditched them the way they would if it had been a mugging, and I picked them up."