Mystery and Crime Fiction posted February 16, 2025 Chapters:  ...36 37 -38- 39... 


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Searches and Hopes
A chapter in the book Veil of Secrets

Veil of Secrets - Chap 38

by Begin Again


Althea and Maria stood at the bedroom window, staring across the Vineyard. From inside the mansion, they'd heard gunfire near the cliffs. As Eleanor returned to see about Travis, both women were nervous and eager to question her about what the gunfire was about.

"Eleanor, what's happening?"

"Is that gunfire we heard?"

"Yes," Eleanor answered, stepping further into the room. "Garth's team found the women in the tunnel, and so did the smugglers. They came by boat. There was a stand-off."

A low moan from the bed grabbed everyone's attention.

Althea spun toward her son, racing to his side. "Travis, honey, I've been so scared." Her voice trembled with fear as she held his hand, asking, "Do you hurt anywhere? Do you need anything?"

He struggled to sit up, and Maria hurried to the other side of the bed. "Here, let me help you."

Eleanor stood near Althea, her eyes fixed on Travis as he struggled to sit up. His mother hovered over him, her concern palpable. His eyelids fluttered, heavy with exhaustion, but his lips parted as if trying to speak.

"Travis, do you remember anything about where you've been or what happened to you?" Eleanor asked gently.

A furrow formed on his forehead as his breath hitched. "Gunfire," he mumbled, "I heard it. They're back."

Althea squeezed his hand. "It's okay, Travis. No one is here."

"The women — not safe."

Eleanor stepped closer to the bed, her pulse quickening. "Did you know there were women in the tunnel, Travis?"

Althea's head snapped toward Eleanor, her posture stiffening. "Of course he didn't, Eleanor. How would he know anything about tunnels?"

Travis gripped his mother's hand, his fingers trembling. "We escaped the tunnel, swept away by the river."

Eleanor latched onto his words. "We? Was there someone else with you?"

His breathing grew uneven. "Yes." He stopped and inhaled sharply.

Althea stiffened further, her protective instincts flaring. "Eleanor, don't push him. Can't you see he's exhausted? He's delirious and rambling about things he knows nothing about."

"No!" Travis's voice was barely a whisper, "Rebecca needs help."

Eleanor inhaled sharply. So, Rebecca had been in the tunnel. And if she'd escaped downriver, she could be anywhere. "Is she alone?"

"Eleanor, stop!" Althea pushed back her chair and stood, blocking Eleanor from Travis as if shielding him.

Travis moaned, his head turning slightly, his hand reaching feebly toward his mother.
Maria noticed his movement first. "Althea, he's reaching for you."

Althea hesitated, her gaze flickering between Eleanor and Travis before finally turning back to him. "It's alright, honey. Just rest. You've got plenty of time to answer questions later."

His trembling intensified as he lifted his head slightly, staring into his mother's eyes. "No, Rebecca might die."

Eleanor's stomach clenched. This wasn't about exhaustion — Travis knew something important.

"Mom," his voice rasped, "that's why the dog brought me here."

Althea frowned. "The dog? What dog?"

"The wolf-dog," Travis mumbled. "He saved me more than once."

Eleanor leaned closer. "With the coyotes?"

He nodded weakly. "Yes. He would have died — and me, too — if it wasn't for the strange man."

A cold shiver ran through Eleanor. "Strange man?"

"He came out of nowhere and put some kind of powder on the dog's wounds. I swear, the open bite marks healed instantly."

Althea shook her head. "Travis, that's impossible."

Eleanor, however, felt her breath still in her chest. If it was Cornelius, he had helped — but why?

"Did he tell you his name?" Eleanor pressed.

Travis frowned, his brows furrowing in confusion. "No. But he looked like he was from another time. Dressed old-fashioned. He told me I shouldn't be out there. After he healed the wolf-dog, he left. And the coyotes followed him." 
 
The description of the strange man sent a shiver down Eleanor's spine. She didn't need any more confirmation. It had been Cornelius.

She exhaled slowly, refocusing. "Travis, I know you're tired, but do you know where Rebecca is?"

"She's with Amelia and Lenore."

Eleanor's mind raced. Amelia and Lenore. Who were they? And more importantly —where were they? "Do you know where they live?"

"No." His head sagged to the side, exhaustion overtaking him. "But the wolf-dog does."

That was all Eleanor needed. She placed a reassuring hand on Travis's shoulder. "Thank you. You've helped more than you know. Now, rest."

As she turned to leave, her phone rang. It was her daughter. "Jenna, I got Frank's message. Are you okay?"

"No! Mom, they took Maggie," she screamed into the phone.

Eleanor's stomach tightened. "Jenna, slow down and tell me what happened." She hurried out of the room and into the hallway.

Jenna's sobs jumbled her words. She struggled to slow down so that Eleanor would understand. "Gunfire came from every direction. They had me pinned down in the hallway. Matthew tried —" Gasping for air, she sobbed, "My baby — Maggie's gone." 
 
For one second, she saw her world disintegrating. "Matthew's lost a lot of blood. What if he dies — what if we can't find Maggie?"

Eleanor gripped the phone, unable to believe what she was hearing. "Jenna, listen to me. Stay with Matthew. Do you have people with you?"

"Yes, Sam has guards stationed everywhere." Eleanor heaved a heavy sigh. "Jenna, I know you need me to be there —"

"No! I need you to find Maggie. Matthew's life is in the hands of the surgeons."

Eleanor closed her eyes and answered, "Pray for both of them, sweetie. And Jenna, whatever it takes, I will get Maggie back."

She hung up the call, trying to process everything. Garth climbed the stairs and stood at the top landing while he talked on his cell phone.

"Thanks for the update, Master Chief. Yeah, I wish we'd been a few minutes earlier too. But you saved a lot of women today, and we were able to rescue the ones in the river. I'm grateful for your help."

He ended the call and pounded his fist against the wall. Eleanor had listened, not wanting to interrupt his call. "What's wrong, Garth? Didn't the Coast Guard get there in time?"

Garth sighed and turned toward Eleanor. "They did, but Zhang got away."

Eleanor gasped. "How?"

"No one saw it, of course, but he wasn't on any of the boats, so I'm guessing he bailed and jumped overboard. He could be anywhere by now. They've got men searching the area, but nothing so far."

Eleanor's voice quivered. "I know you've got a lot on your plate, but I thought you'd want to know that Zhang's men attacked the hospital, too."

"An attack? How could anyone get into Frank's fortress?"

"With decoy cars and helicopters. Garth," Eleanor's lips trembled. "They — they took Maggie."

"Maggie? Oh my God, Eleanor." His hand went instinctively to his gun. "It's a good thing Zhang escaped, or I'd be putting a bullet in him right now. Jenna and Matthew must be going out of their minds."

"Jenna is but Matthew's under anesthesia in surgery. He tried to help and ripped open his stitches. He lost a lot of blood."

"Can we get any good news around here?" Garth snarled. "How is this guy always one step ahead of us?"

"I'm sure he has connections, and —" Eleanor bit her lip. "Until we know who they are, we'll always play catch-up."

"Should I join the search? Or go to Jenna? What about Frank?" His mind whirled with indecisions, something he didn't like.

"There's only one of you, Garth. And right now, you need to focus on Rebecca."

His head snapped up. "Is the boy awake? Did he tell us where she's at?" Without waiting for answers, he opened the bedroom door and raced toward the bed, only to find Travis sleeping again. "Wake him up.

"We'll do no such thing." Althea snapped. "Take your muddy self back outside and leave my son alone."

Eleanor rested her hand on Garth's arm and spoke close to his ear, "Garth, come with me, please."

"But Eleanor — Rebecca —"

"Garth, please."

He glanced at the boy and followed Eleanor out of the room.

When the door closed behind them, he hissed, "He knows where she's at. Who knows what's happening? The boy's got to tell me."

"He knows he left her with a woman named Lenore, but he doesn't know where or how to get there."

"Why's he doing this?" Garth slammed his fist into the wall. "He found his way here, so he should be able to find his way back."

"He didn't get to the Vineyard on his own."

"You're not making sense, Eleanor. If someone else had been with him, wouldn't we have seen him?"

"We did!" Eleanor looked into Garth's angry eyes and replied, "The wolf-dog brought him here."

Inaudible words flowed from Garth's mouth as he walked away.

"Garth, Travis says the dog can take you to Rebecca."

"I'm supposed to believe a wild animal is going to lead me through the woods and who knows where else? Have you lost your mind?"

"No, I haven't. You are letting your emotions run wild, Garth. Explain how that young boy found his way back to the Vineyard, fought off coyotes, and survived if it wasn't the dog."

Garth lowered himself to the floor and buried his face in his hands. After a few moments, he lifted his head and searched Eleanor's face. "You're serious, aren't you?"

"When it comes to finding Rebecca, I couldn't be more serious."

Garth sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "Well then, I guess I better make friends with the mutt."

"According to Travis, he's a good friend to have. Cornelius must have thought so, too."

"Cornelius!" Garth sputtered. "What does that black-hearted ghost have to do with this?"

"He saved the wolf-dog's life. The dog had risked his life to save Travis, and in return, Cornelius used his magic to save him."

Grasping at straws, Garth muttered, "Maybe Cornelius brought the boy here, then?"

"Doubtful — for one, Antonio or I would have sensed his presence if he was near. And Travis says he walked back into the forest with the coyotes at his side."

"This is worse than any nightmare."

It's your only lead. Have I ever steered you wrong? You might have lost your faith in my abilities —"

"Never!" He reached out his hand and touched her arm. "I'm sorry if I made you feel that way. I've had trouble accepting your world but wouldn't want anyone else by my side." He paused, and a smile tugged at his lips." Except — Allie."

"Then, go —" Eleanor ran her fingers across his cheek. "Allie will go with you. And Garth —"

"What? More ghostly advice? The dog's not going to bite me, is he?"

"Not if you grab a couple of those steaks that were left over from the other night. I'm sure he'll be your best friend."

Garth's boots pounded against the stairs as he headed toward the kitchen.

Eleanor called to him, "Garth, stay safe and trust the wolf-dog. Bring Rebecca back to us."

The cowboy's descent halted, and he called back, "And you go find Donatelli's baby."

Eleanor's face was determined as she answered, "I will."

*****
Garth stood at the tree line, the dense forest stretching before him like a dark, impenetrable wall. Somewhere in there, Rebecca was waiting — if he could trust the mutt to lead him.

A low rustle made him tense. Then, golden eyes appeared between the brush. The wolf-dog. The animal didn't move closer, its gaze fixed on Garth as if assessing him.

"Alright, big guy," Garth muttered, lifting the lid off the container. "Travis says you're the one who can take me to Rebecca. I don't know how the hell you're supposed to understand that, but here we are."

He tossed a steak onto the ground, expecting the animal to pounce on it. Instead, the wolf-dog stayed still, watching him.

Garth frowned. "What? Not good enough for you?" Still, the animal did not move.

The cowboy heaved a sigh, then hesitantly lowered himself onto one knee. "Look, I need your help, alright? I don't like this any more than you do. But if you can find Rebecca, I'll follow you."

The wolf-dog's ears flicked. Then, slowly, it moved forward. But just as it did, a soft shimmer of light appeared beside Garth. A familiar scent drifted in the air — wildflowers and morning rain.

Allie.

She knelt beside the wolf-dog, her fingers gently trailing along its thick fur. The dog didn't flinch, its golden eyes turning toward her, calm and knowing.

"You like me, don't you?" Allie whispered, her voice barely above the wind. "You're a good boy. I wanted you to know that he is, too."

The wolf-dog let out a soft huff, its tail giving a slight, slow wag.

Garth watched, his chest tightening. He wanted to reach for her, but he knew better.

Allie's soft eyes lifted to his, full of quiet wisdom. "Patience, Garth," she murmured. "It's not always about control. Trust him, and he'll trust you."

Garth's fingers curled into fists. "You always say that."

She smiled — that knowing, mischievous smile he'd missed so damn much. "Because it's true."

And then, as swiftly as she had appeared, she was gone.

The wind whispered through the trees. The wolf-dog lifted its head, staring at Garth expectantly.

Garth exhaled. "Alright, mutt. Let's do it your way."

He bent down, grabbed the steak, and ripped off a chunk with his teeth, chewing deliberately.

The wolf-dog's ears perked up. It stepped forward, sniffed the air, then took a cautious bite of the steak from the ground.

They chewed in silence, watching each other.

Garth swallowed, eyeing the dog. "Guess if we're gonna do this, might as well start with dinner."

The wolf-dog licked its muzzle, then lifted its gaze, studying him for a long moment.
And then, as if coming to a decision, it turned and trotted forward, disappearing into the trees.

Garth adjusted his hat, squared his shoulders, and followed.

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Recognized


Main Characters -
Spirits from the past -
Eleanor Bennett - ghost detective
Danni - jr. ghost detective working with Matthew Donatelli
Cornelius Webb - Miriam's nemesis and murderer
Miriam Cascio - Trevor's murdered bride, Rebecca's grandmother and protector of the Vineyard
Antonio Maggio - Rebecca's grandfather and Miriam's first love

Bayside's Community --
Jenna Bennett - Event planner, Eleanor's daughter, Maggie's mother, Donatelli's love
Matthew Donatelli - Bayside's lead detective and Maggie's father
Rebecca Cascio Stillwell - recently inherited the Vineyard after discovering her adoption
Garth Woodman - FBI Agent and widower (Allie) and potentially interested in Rebecca
Joseph DeLuca - Bayside detective
John Doyle - Ex-judge, nemesis to all, and escaped prisoner from Joliet State Prison.
Vince Rossi - mobster and Doyle's cellmate and escaped prisoner
Grayson Webb - grand nephew and recently inherited the Webb Estate
Althea Webb Cascio - mother to Travis and half-sister to Rebecca
Travis - missing boy
Amelia - girl in the caves
Phil Henderson - Bayside family lawyer
Maria - a woman escaping the tunnels
Lenore - an old woman with a wolf dog and magic
Ashley, Lee Ann, Kristen - women caged in the tunnel
Criminals -
Zhang Wei - once involved in human trafficking with Doyle, seeks revenge for his career losses after Doyle's downfall from the Judge's bench.
Frank DiVito - retired gangster and childhood friend of Garth
Sam - Frankie's right-hand man and friend
Jack Lexington - Chicago kingpin
Tony "The Hawk" - Salvatore "Sal" and Vito Greco -- the New York mob
Smugglers from New York
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