Chapter 10: The Getaway
He helped her up and assisted her to the edge of the road. They followed it down the mountain for another quarter of a mile where it joined the main highway.
"There's the truck stop!" Steve exclaimed. Kelly saw the sprawling place down the road about half a mile.
Quickly, they resumed walking along the side of the road. Several large semi- tractor trailers roared past them going to and from the truck stop. Kelly's ankle was painful to walk on, but the icy cold had helped to numb her foot.
It seemed to take forever to reach the truck stop. They both kept looking back over their shoulders to see if Sam was behind them.
Soon they reached the low building surrounded by trucks, and went inside.
The scent of hot coffee and bacon welcomed them into the crowded restaurant. No one paid any attention as they entered. Some truckers were cashing out at the front register while others sat at the long counter in front of the kitchen. Booths along the wall were filled with other truckers eating, talking, and laughing among themselves.
Steve pointed to the booths beyond the counter, out of sight from the main entrance. They made their way slowly past the customers and waitresses and sat down. A few heads turned to look at them. Kelly realized she probably looked strange in the oversized hunting clothes. Her heart was racing. She didn't remove her hat and kept her face hidden in case Sam appeared.
A waitress wearing shocking pink lipstick and a bow in her hair appeared at their booth with a pot of coffee and two mugs.
"Coffee?" she asked, staring at the two young people covered in snow and red- faced with cold.
"Yeah, thanks," Steve nodded. Kelly asked, "Is there a pay phone here?"
"Right next to the restrooms, over there," she indicated to the alcove near them. After she left, Kelly said, "I hope you've got some change-"
Steve dug into his pocket and pulled out some coins.
"Thanks!" she said. She used her stick to hobble over to the phone and dropped the coins in. With shaking hands, she dialed her dad's home number. When there was no answer, she realized that he would be in New York, probably at her grandparents' place, or out looking for her. She retrieved the coins and dialed 911.
"This is the 911 Emergency Operator. What is your emergency?" a female voice asked calmly.
"My name is Kelly Carlson. Some guy tried to kidnap me, but I got away. Please send the police to the diner…it's the--" she paused to look around and saw a sign on the wall, "It's the Greenvale Truck Stop! That guy is still coming for me! Please hurry!"
"What was your name again, please?"
"Kelly! Kelly Carlson! Please send someone immediately!" she pleaded.
"Please stay on the line while I call the nearest squad car," said the voice.
"Okay," Kelly agreed, waiting impatiently. She watched the doorway for Sam, who might come walking in at any moment. She knew that he had already discovered their absence from the cabin and had raced down the mountain, speeding toward the nearest haven--the truck stop.
The woman on the other end of the line came back on and asked Kelly to give her full name and address. Kelly told her and was told to stay on the phone until help arrived.
A voice message came on the line.
"Please deposit seventy-five cents to continue this call."
Kelly looked in her hand. She only had fifty-five cents. She dropped it into the coin drop. The voice repeated, "Please deposit twenty cents to continue this call."
Kelly looked back at Steve, but he was gone! She looked around, but no one was nearby to ask for change. Suddenly, the line went dead and the coins dropped down into the coin bay below.
"Oh, no!" she cried. She had to get back on the police line somehow. But where was Steve? She hadn't seen him go past her into the men's restroom. She ventured out from the alcove and looked around. Steve was nowhere in sight. She limped back to her seat and sat down, wondering what to do next. Had Steve left her there?
Frustrated, tears sprang into her eyes. She took a deep breath and prayed.
"Lord, you've gotten me this far. Please show me what to do next," she prayed.
Suddenly, she saw Steve get up from the lunch counter and walk back toward her. She breathed a sigh of relief.
Steve sat down and said quietly, "I asked the waitress if she knew anybody who would take a rider up north, and she told me about that guy over there. He owns his own truck. I offered to pay him, and we agreed on a price. He's letting me ride with him up to Canada!"
She smiled, "That's great! I'm really happy for you!"
"What about you, any luck?"
She told him about her 911 call and he reached into his pocket and gave her five dollars.
"Maybe the waitress will change this for you," he said.
When the waitress returned and took their order, Kelly asked if she could have some change. Soon, Kelly was back on the line with another 911 operator.
"Yes, we have your report already. Are you in a safe place?" the 911 operator asked.
"I think so, but the man who's after me may come in here at any moment!"
"Then stay on the line if you can until help arrives."
Kelly promised to try, and when a voice message told her to drop more money into the phone, she had enough change to comply.
"Kelly!" Steve said, suddenly standing next to her, "My ride is leaving, so I have to go. Here's ten more dollars in case you need it. Thanks for giving me this chance."
"Thanks for helping me, Steve. I'll keep you in my prayers, Please make a new start in Canada; and make God part of your life. If you trust Him, he won't let you down!"
Steve nodded in agreement, saying, "Well, I guess there's no harm in trying that," he said. They hugged before he left.
"Are you still there, ma'am?" the 911 operator asked.
"Yes, yes I'm here," Kelly replied as she hid in the hallway near the restrooms. She wondered how she would get to New York, and thought about seeing her dad and friends again. The prospect of going to a large, crowded city had suddenly lost its appeal. She wished she could go home to Westfield and sleep in her own room with her pets, Daisy and Bailey. She wanted to hang out with Jan and Cindy. She wanted to feel safe again.
She watched out the window as Steve, or whatever his real name was, got into the cab of a large tractor trailer. The engine roared as the enormous truck pulled out of the parking lot and headed towards the main highway, heading north. She prayed that Steve would get to Canada safely, and make a fresh start in his life, letting God be a part of it.
She was just responding to the 911 operator when suddenly she saw Sam enter the diner. She told the operator that her captor was back, and she had to go hide. She hung up and slid behind the wall. She peeked out carefully and saw Sam standing at the end of the lunch counter, scanning the restaurant. Her heart pounded wildly and she closed her eyes, seeking prayer.
The waitress returned, carrying a plate of food. When she saw the empty booth, she looked around and spotted Kelly.
"What's wrong, honey? You look like you’ve seen a ghost!" said the waitress.
Kelly was terrified.
"It's that man!…The one standing near the cash register! He tried to kidnap me! I called the police and I'm waiting for them to come and get me!"
The waitress' face clouded. She put down the plate and came toward her.
"Hon, you go into the ladies' restroom," she said, "I'll keep an eye on him for you. Don't worry… he won't try anything while I'm around. I'll let you know when it's safe to come out!"
Kelly fled into the restroom. It had only one toilet, so she felt grateful that it was not occupied. She locked the door and leaned against the back of the door, breathing hard, and heart pounding in her ears.
The waitress sauntered out into the diner and approached Sam.
"Why don't you sit down, Sugar? And I'll bring you a nice hot cup of coffee."
Sam ignored her question and said, "I'm meeting some friends here. Did you see a
young guy, about 19, with red hair, and a young girl with him about the same age?"
The waitress shook her head, "Can't say I have. You want coffee?"
She looked at him wide-eyed, chewing her gum.
Sam looked around once more at the crowded restaurant, and then shook his head.
"No thanks. I'll wait for them in my car."
He turned and left the diner. The waitress watched through the window as he walked over to his car and got in.
Next, she saw a Sheriff's car pull into the parking lot near the front door. Two deputies got out and headed toward the front door.
When Sam saw the Sheriff's squad car pull into the parking lot, he decided to leave. He pulled out of the lot and headed toward the highway.
As soon as the police entered the diner, the waitress approached them.
She asked, "Are you two here about a girl who says somebody kidnapped her?"
"Yes, we are."
"She's hiding in the ladies room! The kidnapper just walked out of here! There he goes in his car, right over there!" she said, pointing to the dark green car speeding away.
One deputy said to the other, "I'm on it!"
The other deputy followed the waitress to the restroom where she knocked on the door and called, "Honey! You can come out now! That man's gone and there's a deputy here who wants to see you!"
Kelly opened the door an inch and peeked out. Thankfully, a deputy in uniform was standing next to the plump waitress.
Kelly turned to the waitress, "Thank you so much! You're an angel!"
The waitress beamed, stroking her arm. “You’re welcome, sweetie.
The deputy asked, "Are you Kelly Carlson?"
"Yes! I’m the one who called 911!"
The deputy smiled, "Yes, Ma'am! We've been looking all over for you! Come with me and I'll take you to the Sheriff's office. I believe your father is there waiting for you."
Covering her mouth, Kelly heaved a sigh of relief and went with the deputy. A few people stared as they watched them pass.
Before leaving the restaurant, she stopped to speak to the waitress.
"Thank you for helping me. What's your name?"
"Oh, I'm just Annie."
"I'll never forget you, Annie!" said Kelly, "Here's the money for the food."
Kelly handed her all the money she had left, about twice as much as the bill.
"Oh, that's too much!" Annie protested.
"Keep it, Annie! If I had more, I'd give it to you, but that's all I have with me."
"Oh, that's all right, honey! I'm glad everything turned out all right! I hope the cops get that guy!"
Kelly thanked her again and the deputy helped her to the car.
The younger deputy appeared and told them he had called in the model and plate number of Sam's car.
"We'll get him, don't you worry," the older deputy assured her.
"I just want to see my Dad," Kelly said, "He's at the Sheriff's office?"
"Yes, Ma'am," replied the younger man, "I called in and reported that we found you. He's waiting for you."
"Thank God!" Kelly sighed.
It was over.
As soon as Kelly entered the Sheriff’s office, her father hugged her so tightly she could hardly breathe. They both wiped tears from their eyes, and sat down in Sheriff Hogan's office in soft chairs. A deputy brought her a bottle of water and a snack. She wasn't really hungry, but she was very thirsty.
After drinking some water, Kelly told the Sheriff everything that had happened from the time she saw Sam on the train. She told how he had left his wallet on the seat, and when she tried to return it, he took her prisoner. The police asked if he had an accomplice. Kelly admitted that there was another man who had helped her escape. She explained how Sam had threatened to turn him in to the hotel manager if he didn't do as he was told. She said that he hitched a ride on the highway after leaving her at the diner.
"He was very kind to me, Dad," Kelly said, "If it weren't for him, I'd still be a prisoner. His partner called him Steve, but he said that wasn’t his real name. I never did learn it.”
She assured everyone that she wasn't harmed and was treated well. Her father looked at her ankle and said that it was mildly sprained. A woman deputy brought a First Aid kit and wrapped her ankle in a bandage.
Kelly asked about the ransom money.
Her father explained.
"As soon as your call came in to 911 the Sheriff was notified, and we cancelled the transfer of the four million dollars to that account. The Sheriff has filed paperwork to ask the Mexican police to arrest the man who owns the account if he ever comes to that bank again, but I doubt that he will."
Kelly had to sign a copy of her statement, and then was told she was free to go. She was told that after Sam was caught, she would have to return to identify him, and she agreed to do that. The Sheriff brought out Kelly's things that she had left on the train and gave them to her. Her father put them into his rental car while Kelly changed out of her hunting clothes. As they were starting to leave, Sheriff Hogan spoke to Kelly and her dad.
"It looks like we caught your abductor. They're bringing him in now. I'd appreciate it if you could stay and identify him as the right man."
Kelly agreed and waited nervously. Her father kept asking her if she felt all right.
"I'm fine, Dad. I just want to get this over with and go home. Is there any way we can go home to Westfield? I know Grandma and Grandpa are expecting me, but right now, I just want to go home."
"I understand, and so will your grandparents. We'll fly home on their private plane. I'll call the pilot and let him know that we're ready to fly home now."
Kelly smiled thankfully and watched her father make the call to her grandparents. They insisted on speaking to her and told her that their prayers had been answered. Kelly promised to visit them soon.
The sound of an engine grew louder through the window as the deputy's car pulled up. Two deputies got out and took Sam from the back seat. His hands were handcuffed behind his back.
Kelly was escorted into another room along with her father. From its small window they could see into another room that had a table and two chairs. Sam was seated at the table, and the deputies stood beside him.
Sheriff Hogan came into the small room and asked Kelly, "He can't see you through this window. Is this the man who took you off the train and kept you prisoner in a cabin all night?"
She nodded her head, "Yes, that's him! That's Sam!"
The Sheriff nodded and said that they were free to leave. Sam would be charged with kidnapping and attempted assault. Sheriff Hogan wrote down the location of the cabin Sam had used, and he sent the crime scene technicians to investigate it. He also put out a bulletin to all police about Sam's young accomplice, Steve.
When Mr. Carlson walked Kelly out of the Sheriff's office, he told her,
"Our pilot said he'll meet us at the airport in twenty minutes. We should be home in time for dinner!"
Epilogue
The last notes from the church choir and chamber orchestra echoed throughout the church. The building was packed with people, enjoying the beautiful, inspiring music on Christmas Eve.
Kelly stood among the choir, wearing a long white robe with a red collar. The choir stood for the final carol. The church lights were dimmed, and everyone lit their candles. The organ began to play "Silent Night".
Kelly felt especially emotional this Christmas. She was overflowing with gratitude that she was here to share this special moment. The holiday wreaths, the Christmas tree decked in twinkling white lights, and the glowing candles warmed her heart and filled her eyes with tears. She watched her father up on the altar, singing along with the congregation. It was a moment she would never forget.
The quiet beauty and sacred atmosphere of the church filled her with gratitude for all the miracles she had received. She thought about the maid who had been there to save her from Sam when he tried to capture her at the hotel. She was grateful for the s
ecurity guards who kept her safe while she stayed there. And even when she was held prisoner at the cabin, no one harmed her. Steve had a change of heart, and helped her to escape. The waitress at the truck stop was there to protect her until the deputies came. Kelly thought of each of them as angels that God had put into her life at just the right moment.
Dad was right, she thought, when he said that we all face problems in our lives. But when we are the most desperate, God is there with us...sending us angels, making miracles, and sustaining our faith in Him. Angels are everywhere if we just look for them, she thought.
After the service, Kelly, her father, and her brother Brian, and his fiancée, Ann, all drove back to Kelly's house. Brian and Ann had come from Boston to stay for three days.
Christmas morning had brought a gentle snowfall. Trees and rooftops were laden with thick snow. Occasionally, a snow plow rumbled past the house. Church bells rang in the distance. Inside the living room, a warm fire bathed the room in amber light.
Kelly’s family enjoyed a holiday brunch and exchanged gifts. Later in the afternoon, Jan and Cindy arrived carrying Christmas presents. Snowflakes were falling more heavily, and the neighborhood was blanketed in thick, white snow.
The girls sat in the living room next to the Christmas tree while Kelly's family sat at in the dining room talking.
"Oh, it's beautiful!" Kelly cried as she opened a box with a lovely scarf. She tried it on.
"That color looks great on you," Jan remarked.
Kelly hugged Cindy and thanked her. Cindy opened her own gift from Kelly.
"A cookbook! You know how I love to cook! Thanks!" she cried, hugging Kelly.
Jan and Kelly exchanged their gifts. Kelly had given Jan some new ski gloves and Jan gave Kelly some jewelry.
"I can never have too much jewelry," Kelly remarked, "Thank you!!"
"When are you leaving to visit your grandparents?" asked Jan.
"Tomorrow morning. We'll spend the rest of this week in New York and fly back on Saturday."
"Have you recovered from your ordeal?" Cindy asked.
Kelly nodded, "Yes. I'm fine now."
Kelly told them that the Sheriff had called to say that Sam was in jail awaiting trial and that Steve had not been found.
"Man, that must have been terrifying," Jan remarked, "I suppose your dad will never let you go on another trip with us."
"We talked about it," Kelly said, "He said I can go on trips with you as long as we stay together. And he said from now on he'll book the hotel in your names instead of mine. Of course, it won't cost you anything. But he said I'd be safer if I didn't tell anyone my real last name."
"Oh, you'll go incognito!" Cindy cried, "Like a secret agent!"
Kelly laughed, "Yeah, right!"
"Then let's start planning our next trip!" Cindy suggested, "Spring break will be coming up soon. Where should we go?"
"Myrtle Beach!" Jan cried.
"What about Disney World?" asked Jan. "They have beaches there! And thrill rides! And sports! Lots of sports!"
"And," Kelly smiled, "A Carlson five-star resort on Disney property. It sounds like a great idea! I'll ask Dad to make some reservations for us…but under your names!"
The End
Playing to Win
Five talented teenage girls have beaten out the toughest competition on the television show, "America's Best Band" and are facing the semi-finals. Their rock band, Nightingale, has won every week since they started the competition, but will their luck hold? Throughout it all, the girls still manage to have fun and find a little romance. But someone is out to sabotage their chances of winning. Will the final round end up in disaster or victory?
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