Silent Praise Page 3

  “I’m glad the Hartman’s gave you your own keys, but you need your own—”

  Melanie gave Rhoda a hard stare. “Leave it alone, Mom. Please.”

  Rhoda rolled up her sleeves. Melanie placed a hand on her mother’s shoulder. “I’ll do the dishes later. I promise. We have to be at Advance Imaging by nine.” She hustled her parent’s out the door.

  Gary’s visit with the cardiologist went well. His EKG was uneventful. There had been no ‘episodes’ noted. Episodes or events referred to mild heart attacks a person could have without knowing it. Melanie slumped with relief. Dr. Zhivago released Gary from mandatory three-month checkups to six-month checkups.

  “Hallelujah!” Rhoda rejoiced. She didn’t care who saw her. “God is a healer.”

  “God’s not ready for me, yet,” he said. Her parents kissed and Gary wiped at a tear in his eye.

  Once they were back inside the vehicle, before Melanie started the car, Rhoda signed, “See, honey. God is clearing the path for you to get back to your life.”

  Melanie rolled her eyes. “I like my life and I like making money. I have to make money, Mom.”

  Gary’s medical bills were astronomical. She was not hurting in the finances department, but Melanie had to replenish. Growing up in extreme poverty and hunger for the first years of her life, Melanie needed the comfort money provided. That’s why she had gone into investment banking. She liked knowing she could afford anything she wanted. She liked being able to help her parents and others.

  Though Melanie liked making money, she loved dancing. One was her play toy and one was her passion. Nevertheless, she was not ready to choose. Not yet.

  Rhoda held Melanie’s face in her hands. “You have everything you could ever want,” Rhoda said. “I know deep inside you’re still scared you’ll wake up to the nightmare of your life before us. I know you were hungry and starved, but God has delivered you. You’ll never hunger or thirst again.”

  “I thought I was safe and I almost lost Dad,” Melanie said. “If you hadn’t found him when you did …”

  Rhoda had entered their bathroom to put away towels when she saw Gary slumped over on the toilet.

  Gary tapped Melanie on the shoulder. “I’m here, and I’m not going anywhere.”

  “I … I can’t take that chance,” Melanie whispered.

  “Don’t do God’s job for Him,” Rhoda said. “He’s got us in His hands.”

  Melanie knew her mother was right, but her faith was weak. One day she was with her biological mother and the next Janet was gone. Taken away from her, forever. Back then she had been a helpless child. Now she would do everything in her power to keep that from happening again.

  4

  “She doesn’t do cops? What does that mean?” Judd “The Hulk” Armstrong asked Chase.

  Judd took a sip of his coffee. He drank his coffee, “Black like I am,” Judd would say. From Chase’s first day on the job, Judd had shown him the ropes. Originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Judd had introduced Chase to Jambalaya, gumbo, oxtail soup, and other spicy cuisine. He was the only African-American on staff at the District 2 office in Port Charlotte, but Judd was not intimidated. He made sure he did his job and he did it well.

  “I have no idea what that means. I was on my way back from the jailhouse when I saw her speeding,” Chase said. It had been a long night extraditing two inmates from the precinct to the jailhouse in Punta Gorda. It was not the distance, it was the paperwork. “After pulling double duty, I had to get home and sleep. Besides, my mother taught me right. A girl only has to tell me no once.”

  Judd waggled his eyebrows. “Sometimes no means yes. But, you’re too holy now to know what that means.”

  Chase shrugged. “I’m trying to live right by God.”

  “Can’t argue with that,” Judd said.

  Judd’s desk was adjacent to Chase’s. It was piled high with folders, papers, pictures, and a bonsai plant. Somewhere under the pile of papers lie a small pit-bull made out of pine. Chase had carved it for Judd who wanted a dog, but did not have the time to care for one.

  Judd had been touched by Chase’s gesture. Chase shrugged it off. Whittling wood was a hobby. Nevertheless, Judd treasured his dog and named it The Snapster. But by far, Judd’s most prized possession was his son’s picture. Devin lived in Louisiana with his mother.

  In contrast, Chase’s desk was clutter free. He had a few carved pieces of dolphins and birds but no pictures. He kept his personal life, personal.

  Chase sipped his Earl Grey tea and mused. “First time I ask someone out like that and she shot me down. Maybe she’s leery to date a cop—what with all the Eric Garner protests and the Trayvon Martin shooting—cops have a bad rap. Plus, I’m white.”

  Judd threw back his head and laughed. “Look at you being sorry you’re white. Like being white will ever be a negative.”

  Chase knew his face was beet red. “I’m not sorry I’m white—”

  Judd rolled his chair to Chase’s desk. He thumped Chase on the back. “I’m only messing with you. For a woman to say that, it must be personal.”

  “Whatever the reason, she turned down my invite.” Chase closed his eyes. He could see Melanie’s smooth, brown skin; her tight, shoulder-length curls; and her slight gap when she smiled. He opened his eyes to find Judd staring at him. “What?”

  “What’s her full name?” Judd clicked his screen. “I’m going to pull her up to get a good look at her.”

  Before Chase could answer, Lieutenant Marc Robards, the District 2 Commander, strode over to them. He had a file in his hand. Judging by the thinness, Chase knew this was a new case.

  Fit and lean, Lt. Robards updated them. “We have an Amber alert. A missing boy, Steven Ashton. Five years old. Last seen wearing khaki shorts and a blue and green striped shirt. Near Chamberlain and Biscayne. The Ashton’s live in a dense area. They think Steven might have wondered off into the woods. Steven’s also deaf. There are three sexual predators within ten miles of his home. Three. I have a frantic mother I need a statement from. A couple of rookies took the call but you two need to get out there. The father is out searching in the woods.” Marc pinned his grey gaze on Chase and handed him the file. “I want this child found. Yesterday.”

  Goose bumps rose on Chase’s arm. A missing child and pedophiles were not a good combination. He gripped the manila folder. “We’re on it.”

  Chase and Judd jumped to their feet. Judd tossed his unfinished cup of coffee into the trashcan.

  “He’s deaf,” Judd remarked, off-handedly. “What are the odds you’d meet two deaf people in the same day.” He made his way out the front door.

  Nothing just happened.

  Chase knew that from experience. He pondered Judd’s words as he followed him out the precinct. The Florida sun pelted his skin and Chase whipped out his sunglasses. It was almost noon. Ashton could face dehydration, snakebite, or worse—alligators.

  Lord, please watch over Steven and please give me the tools to find him, Chase prayed internally. His meeting Melanie was no accident. She knew sign language. God knew this would happen and he provided her.

  Chase’s heart beat with anticipation. He had a good reason to see Melanie again. If only the reason was not because of such dire circumstances.

  While Judd drove, Chase reviewed the file. Dr. Francis Ashton and his wife, Nadine, lived with their only son, Steven. Nadine said Steven was playing in their yard when she ran inside to use the restroom. One minute later she returned to find the yard empty and her son gone.

  Twenty minutes later, Chase and Judd drove down a long driveway and pulled up to the house worthy of a Better Homes & Garden magazine. There were six other cop cars parked outside the home. The men exited the patrol car and walked toward the house.

  Judd whistled. “Look at this place. There has to be at least two acres of land here.”

  Chase gave a perfunctory knock and another officer opened the door. Judd crooked his head signaling he was going to walk the pe
rimeter of the house.

  “Detective Lawson?” the officer said.

  Chase nodded.

  “Come with me.”

  Chase made sure to wipe his shoes on the doormat before entering the home. He slowed his steps as he approached a diminutive woman perched on the edge of a white couch. In fact, everything in the room was white, from the plush white throw rugs on the wooden floor to the coffee table. If it weren’t white, then it was sterling silver. He saw several frames with pictures of Steven, but he did not touch them. Chase noted the absence of toys and other paraphernalia that said a child lived there. In fact the room was spotless.

  Nadine Ashton’s orange dress was the only splash of color in the room. She held tissues in her hand. Her body shook from crying. She raised puffy eyes to greet him. Despite her being upset, Chase noted Nadine Ashton’s beauty. Her jet-black hair and large, brown eyes could give Kim Kardashian serious competition.

  “I didn’t do it,” she said. “I didn’t harm my son. He … wandered off and … Steven could be lost … or … I…” Then she pointed an accusatory finger toward a female officer, “Yet, she is busy questioning me instead of looking for my child.”

  “Mrs. Ashton?” Chase asked.

  “Please call me Nadine,” she said. Nadine hiccupped and blew her nose.

  “Nadine, I know these questions seem mundane, but it helps. Every question is important. I’m sure you want to find your son.”

  She nodded. “I do. I wanted to be out there searching with my husband.” She jumped to her feet. “I have to use the restroom.”

  “Go ahead. I’ll be right here.”

  Chase signaled to the other officers to leave. He retrieved his notepad and pen, took a seat, and ran his hand along the edge of the couch. He had no doubt that it was imported from Italy.

  “Detective, care if we move this to the kitchen?” Nadine asked.

  Chase stood. He gestured to her to lead the way. Her heels clicked on the floor as they made their way into the back of the house.

  He stepped from the hallway and breathed in. Something smelled good. A Hispanic housekeeper gave him a brief, sad smile. Chase liked this cheery room. The warmth and the deep apple and gold colored trimmings said home to him. He saw toys stacked in a corner. “I baked apple pies. I’m so nervous; I didn’t know what to do. Mrs. Ashton said I must keep busy, so … I’ll cut you both a slice.”

  “Thanks, Selena.” Nadine ambled over to the table. She pushed aside coloring books and scattered crayons. “Steven loves color. He could spend days …” Another fresh bout of tears followed. Nadine looked through the huge glass windows at the playground before turning her glassy eyes toward him. “Steven was outside on the monkey bars. Selena was cleaning, and I was in here. I rushed right there,” she said, pointing to a small door, “and I used the bathroom. I wasn’t in there but a minute …”

  “What time was it?”

  “A little after ten. Steven had spent the night coughing so I decided to keep him home. He attends Myakka River Elementary,” Nadine said. She spoke under her breath. “I wish I had listened when Francis suggested we fence the area. But, look at where we are.” She swept her hands. “Nothing out here for days. I thought it was safe …”

  “Even if there was a fence, if someone wanted to enter the yard, they could jump the gate.”

  Nadine nodded but Chase knew she was not consoled. From his vantage point, he saw Judd approaching from the woods. Chase cleared his throat and changed the subject.

  “Tell me about your husband. What does he do?”

  “Francis is an oral surgeon. He splits his time between North Port and Sarasota. I have an MBA in business but once I had Steven I decided to stay at home.” Her breath caught. “Steven was born deaf but he is full of life. There’s nothing he won’t do or try. My husband and I refused to let Steven’s disability limit him. But he can’t hear. He can’t hear us trying to find him.” She wiped her face.

  Selena brought over two huge chunks of apple pies and placed them on the table. Chase reached for the smaller of the two pieces. Nadine gave the pie a cursory glance but did not touch hers. Judd rapped on the glass door. Selena went to let him inside. Chase gave Judd a hopeful look.

  “Did they find him?” Nadine asked. She was halfway out of her seat.

  “No. A news team is setting up outside. Your husband is going to make a plea. We have a picture of Steven. Do you want to join him?” Judd sat in one of the vacant chairs at the table. Selena brought him a generous slice before saying she was going to clean the china. Judd dug into his slice.

  Nadine shook her head. “I don’t think I can do it without falling apart.”

  “Are you and your husband happy?” Chase knew his question caught her off guard.

  Nadine shifted. She did not meet his gaze. “We have our ups and downs like any other couple. But no major issues. What does it matter anyway? This is about our son, not us.”

  “Sometimes one or more parents are involved when a child goes missing,” Judd said.

  Chase prodded further. “You said you had no major issues. Did you have any recent arguments or concerns?”

  She made a show of pushing her pie across her plate. “We argued about money.”

  Chase and Judd snapped to attention.

  “Francis made some bad investments. He wanted to touch Steven’s trust fund—my parents and I set those up for him. I told Francis no. I have my own money and he’s not getting his hands on it. Francis stormed off. But I know him. Francis would never harm Steven. He wouldn’t do this, I tell you.”

  Chase wrote down her words.

  “Where did your husband go when he left you this morning?” Judd asked. He finished off his slice.

  She shrugged. “I don’t know. His office, probably,” she mumbled. “That’s where he spends most of his time.”

  Chase caught the barb in Nadine’s tone. The Ashton’s were having major issues. “Do you know anything about his investments?”

  Nadine shook her head. “I don’t know and right now, I don’t care about Francis’ money troubles. I can barely think about that. I want my son!” She banged her fists on the table and broke down. “Steven’s been gone for three hours. Three hours. He must be hungry or … hurt … I don’t know where he is.” Her shoulders shook from her vehement wails.

  Judd reached over to comfort the hysterical woman. Chase went to pour her a glass of water.

  “Nadine, I know this is difficult but your answers are really helping,” Chase said, handing her the glass.

  She sobbed. “Helping? It sounds like you think my husband did it.” Nadine gulped on the water.

  “We can’t be sure of that,” Judd said.

  Chase gritted his teeth. He was sure. Francis Ashton was behind his son’s disappearance. He would bet his career on it.

  “My parents are flying in from Martha’s Vineyard. They plan to offer a hundred thousand dollars reward. It was Francis’ idea,” Nadine whispered.

  Judd’s eyes were as wide as his. “Let’s wait before broadcasting that.” Judd released Nadine. “I’m going to sweep Steven’s room and take another look around the house. Where is it?”

  Nadine gave him directions.

  “Who was his investment banker?” Chase asked.

  Nadine wiped her face. “His papers are in his study. I’ll get them.” She rushed off to get the documents.

  Chase observed the media frenzy near the playground. He wandered outside. Dr. Francis Ashton approached the makeshift podium. Chase studied him. He needed to have a talk with the doctor. Chase had a hunch. Francis held all the answers.

  He bent his head. If he were wrong … Chase suppressed a shudder. He thought of the sexual predators whose names were being pulled for him to visit. If he and Judd did not find Steven within 48 hours, the chances of his being alive were … No. He would not be overcome with fear.

  Lord, You’re all knowing. All powerful. Help me find that little boy.

  “I have the name fo
r you,” he heard from behind.

  Chase turned to face Nadine. She had a stack of papers in her hands.

  “Melanie Benson,” Nadine said.

  Upon hearing that name, Chase’s heart skipped a beat. His wiped his palms on his pants. “Melanie Benson?” he asked for confirmation.

  “Yes, my husband met with her just yesterday morning.” Nadine pinned her eyes on him. “I lied to you earlier but I was ashamed. Francis and I have had serious problems and she was one of them.”

  Chase’s knees weakened. “What do you mean?” He had to ask but he did not want to know. A sinking feeling settled in the pit of his stomach.

  “Francis was having an affair. With Melanie Benson.”

  5

  “Now I definitely have to see this Melanie Benson,” Judd said as soon as they left the Ashton’s home.

  Their feet crunched on the gravel driveway.

  Chase glared. “Your sense of humor is inappropriate. I’m sure there’s an explanation.”

  Judd laughed. “I can’t believe it. You’re smitten. You saw this Melanie person for ten minutes and now you’re her defender.”

  “I’m not her defender, but I’m a good judge of character,” Chase said. “Maybe there’s another woman named Melanie Benson.”

  “Who works in a bank?”

  Chase entered the police car on the passenger side and slammed the door. They were going back to the station for Chase to retrieve his car. He was going to question Melanie and Judd was going to investigate the sexual offenders in the neighborhood. Then they would meet back at the Ashton’s to interrogate Francis. He was back out with the search party.