After dropping Jello and C. J. off at C. J.'s house, Teddy drove across the Johnson Street Bridge to Vic West to check and see if Darwin was at Yvonne's. Yvonne told him over her building's intercom that she hadn't heard from Darwin in a couple of weeks.
So that was another waste of time.
He didn't get home until nearly 8:00. It was so dark it felt like midnight. The house was much colder than usual. He was about to take off his coat but thought better of it. As he was turning up the heat on the front hall thermostat, he noticed the curtains in the living room moving as if the window was open. Weird, he thought, and then froze in place. Had someone broken in? Was Kodi back? He listened anxiously for any sounds from inside the house. He heard nothing but the rain outside.
He went to close the window and saw that it wasn't actually open. It was broken. Shards of glass had spilled in onto the floor. The hole in the window wasn't big enough for someone to climb through, so he relaxed a bit. But why would someone do something like this? He started to gather up the biggest pieces of glass, then he spotted a large black rock on the floor near the leg of the coffee table. Someone had thrown a big rock through the window. Teddy had a pretty good idea who.
He went to pick it up, but caught himself. Kodi or one of his friends did this and the police should know about it. This is evidence, he thought. He went to the kitchen and got a clear plastic zip-lock baggie from a drawer. He turned the baggie inside out and slipped it over his hand to pick up the rock. He carefully folded the bag back over the evidence and as he did he noticed flecks of red on the rock's rough surface. Blood? No, it was crayon or coloured pencil and made a letter D. There was an A and an R, then what looked like a V. Teddy turned the rock around and saw the letters I and N. The V was actually a W, he thought. DARWIN.
It made no sense! Darwin might be mad at him, but why would she put her name on a rock and throw it through the window? It was completely bizarre. Would crystal meth make someone do that?
He went to the kitchen and got some duct tape from the tool drawer and a couple of dark green heavy-duty garbage bags from a box under the sink. He finished cleaning up the broken glass then taped one of the bags to the inside of the window frame, then went out onto the porch to stick the other bag to the outside of the window, hoping that would keep the house a bit warmer until he could get someone to come and replace the window.
Carefully sticking long strips of duct tape on all sides of the window frame, he kept a cautious eye on the rainy, dark street in case the rock thrower was still around. He didn't see anyone but, as he finished the window, something on the porch caught his eye. There was another rock. This one had apparently missed a window but it left a gouge in the wood siding. Teddy went in for another baggie and sealed this new rock inside. Back in the house he looked more closely at the second rock. Like the first one, it was dark and rough-surfaced. There were red letters on this one too: S, S, O, O, O, O.
What the fuck? Teddy thought. "Ssoooo?" What was that supposed to mean? This made even less sense than the first rock!
He looked more closely. The first S had some marks around it. Was that meant to be a vertical line through the S? A dollar sign? So maybe the second S was actually a 5?
$50000.
Darwin. $50,000.
⢠⢠⢠â¢
Cold...
Can't see... where the hell am I?
Why can't I see or move? Why can't I open my mouth? Something's holding me and it won't let me go... My head is throbbing, bitter taste of puke in my mouth... Body hurts too, and my throat is so dry... What's happening to me?
The thing, whatever this is, it's been holding me like this for a long time. I don't know how long. Maybe this is what it feels like to be blind and paralyzed? But I can sort of move my shoulders and my hands and feet so maybe I'm not paralyzed.
There's faint light at the edges of my vision, shades of yellow and blue. Maybe not blind either. Blindfolded? God, my head... Thinking hurts too much.
⢠⢠⢠â¢
Teddy called Jello. No answer. He called C. J. too. Same. He talked to Byron.
"They kidnapped her!" Teddy said, panic in his voice.
"What?" said Byron. "Who?"
"Darwin! Her fucking insane ex and his friends kidnapped her!"
"Kidnapped? You're serious?"
"Yeah, it's completely nuts! We tried to drive to Kamloops today cuz we thought Darwin was there but she wasn't cuz they have her. They threw these rocks through my front window with her name written on one and $50,000 on the other. How are we gonna get fifty-thousand? God, this is so fucked up!"
"OK, calm down, Ted," said Byron. "You need to not lose your shit right now. Did you talk to the police yet?"
"No, I just got home and found the rocks..."
"Call them." Byron's tone was serious. "You have to. Call them and then call me back, OK?"
Teddy agreed and hung up. He started to dial 9-1-1 but then thought that, since police headquarters was only a ten-minute drive away, it might be better to just go in and show them the rocks so they'd understand what was going on. He texted Byron that he was going into the station, grabbed the baggies, put on his coat and went out to the car.
VicPD Headquarters looked more like one of the newer buildings on the Songhees campus than the kind of old-school police station you saw in movies. And since it was after hours, the place was pretty quiet. He was directed into a big room with two rows of four cubicles, lots of computer monitors, and a few TVs mounted up on the walls. There were windows along one wall and large potted plants by each window. At the far end of the room there were offices but no one was in them. A few people were working quietly in their cubicles. The night shift, Teddy figured. A policewoman introduced herself as Constable Mackie and asked him to sit by her desk.
"Darv?" she asked, looking through the baggie at one of the rocks that Teddy had handed her.
"I think it's a 'W'." Teddy said. "There's an 'I' and an 'N' on the other side. 'Darwin.'"
"So what makes you think someone's been kidnapped?"
"They threw these at our house!" Teddy says.
"Vandals," she said. "I can't tell you how many calls we get about vandalism. Young people have nothing better to do with their time than go around causing property damage. Not all young people, per se, but some."
"I was hoping you could get fingerprints from them," said Teddy.
"Fingerprints? Not a chance. Not a good surface. Good surfaces for obtaining prints include glass, smooth metal, polished wood, things of that nature. This is a rock."
"I know it's a rock but... yeah, OK, forget the fingerprints. The rocks are still evidence though, right? They prove she's been kidnapped! They're asking for a ransom, see? Fifty-thousand dollars."
"Again: it's a rock. A rock with some stuff written on it. Who's to say you didn't write that yourself?"
Teddy started to object but the cop went on. "Ah, ah, ah! I'm not saying you did. Only saying it's not evidence of an abduction or anything else. What we're going to do is to file a Missing Person Report. We'll get whatever photos you might have, along with a full description, and our guys will keep a close watch out for her."
"But it's not just a missing person, it's a kidnapping! She's been kidnapped. I told you about the guy she used to go out with, Kodi. He broke into our house before! He's a criminal!" said Teddy, losing patience.
"And I told you we have no record on the guy. I see the break-in here but no one accused. Now you say this Kodi kidnapped your girlfriend, but without any evidence..." The Constable shrugged.
Teddy remembered that Darwin hadn't wanted to implicate Kodi when they reported the break-in, afraid that he'd retaliate. God, Darwin, see what happens?
"She's gone!" Teddy said, raising his voice now. "How much more evidence do you need than that?"
Constable Mackie sat back in her chair, folded her arms and said calmly, "You said this person was living on the street and taking methamphetamine before she came to live with you and your mother, correct? You also said she left a note saying she was leaving, correct? Based on those two facts the likeliest thing, in my experience, is she went back to the street and back on meth. You may not like it, but it's not unusual to see a relapse like that. Pretty common actually."
"She didn't have a relapse," Teddy said. "She wouldn't do that!"
"Your opinion," said Constable Mackie. "My opinion, which, no offence, is based on a lot more experience in these matters, is it's highly unlikely this is a kidnapping scenario...
"But..." she went on, holding up her finger as Teddy was about to interrupt, "here's the thing. Because the individual is a young personâa young woman, specificallyâwho isn't where she's supposed to be, we have to take that very seriously. You said she's nineteen years of age, correct? So, not a missing child, but a missing person nevertheless. I'll take down all the info you have on her and I'm gonna ask you to come back here with a good recent photo or two, OK? Can you do that for me?"
Teddy nodded. Turning to a computer, Constable Mackie two-finger typed all of the information about Darwin that Teddy could recall, his best guesses at her height and weight, her hair colour, eye colour, general appearance. He didn't know her date of birth but he knew how old she was. He knew she was from Kamloops and also lived for a while with her Aunt Yvonne in Victoria. He told the officer as much as he knew about Kodi and her other friends on the street, and also her habits and interests and her emotional state. The experience was draining for Teddy because it seemed like such a waste of time. He didn't think the cops were going to take this seriously and if they wouldn't do anything, he'd have to do it himself. Time was ticking away and this didn't seem like it was bringing him any closer to Darwin.
"OK," said Constable Mackie finally. "We'll start a missing person investigation."
"Kidnapping," said Teddy stubbornly.
She sighed. "In all likelihood she's gonna turn up really soon."
"Yeah, like floating in the harbour!" he said angrily.
He was so frustrated he was shaking as he left the police station. In his anger he dumped the baggies and rocks in a garbage pail and walked away, then immediately had a change of heart and ran back to salvage them. Darwin had been kidnapped and this was proof, no matter what the cops had to say.
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Things are starting to make more sense now. I guess my head's clearing up. They drugged me with something in the damn hot chocolate, put me on a boat and tied me up, gagged and blindfolded me. It's completely ridiculous, and I don't know why they did it to me, but that's my sad situation.
When I woke up I knew from the sounds of seagulls, boats going by and float-planes taking off that I'm on a boat in the harbourâI've spent enough time around here to know those soundsâbut whose boat? Kodi doesn't have a boat, obviously, and I don't think he knows anyone who does.
I remember the hot chocolate. When Bryn took a drink she must have faked it, which is why it spilled. I should have realized something was up cuz they were acting so weird. I know I was dumb, but I really just wanted them to leave so I could get on the damn bus. Obviously, the hot chocolate wasn't just spiked with Kahlua but also roofies or ketamine or something, and I took big gulps like an idiot. Once I was drugged they must have brought me to this boat, though I don't remember that part at all. At some point, they beat me up. My face, back and arms hurt, legs too. I vaguely remember getting hit really hard but not feeling any sharp pain, just dull, thudding impacts that seemed to come in slow motion. I remember lots of yelling too, but I don't remember what anyone was saying. I heard Bryn's voice, definitely. Maybe Kodi's too.
And now it overwhelms me, all the emotionsâthe shock, the confusion, frustration and just plain sadnessâand I start to cry. My whole body's shaking uncontrollably as I sob. How did this happen? Kodi loved me! How could he be doing this to me now? Just because of Bryn? It doesn't make sense! What did I do to deserve this?
I weep for so long that my body aches from the crying as much as the beating, but then the self-pity gradually gets replaced with something else: anger. I'm pissed at Kodi and Bryn and how shitty they're treating me. I'm pissed that I can't be at Teddy and Neea's house anymore because of them. I'm pissed at myself for leaving there. The anger makes me more determined to get the fuck out of here. I strain at the ropes but I'm tied up pretty damn securely. My arms are behind my back and tied together at the wrists. My legs are tied up at the ankles and it seems like my wrists and ankles are also somehow joined because when I try to straighten out my legs it pulls down on my arms. Who's the fucking rope expert? What in the goddamn hell?
It's quieter outside now, no more boat and plane noises. Maybe it's getting dark. I can't even tell.
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Back in the car Teddy called Byron. "The cops won't do much," he said.
"What?" said Byron. "Why not?"
"They said Darwin probably just went back on the streets. They said there isn't enough evidence that she was kidnapped. They're treating it as just a missing person, like she just got lost or something."
"That's bull! They know about her psycho ex, right? He broke into the house!"
"I told them, but they said they don't have a record on him. I don't think Darwin wanted to rat on him so she and my mom probably didn't mention him to the cops at all."
"Jesus... What about the rocks?"
"The officer I talked to wasn't that impressed with the rocks. She said I could have written on them myself."
"She said that? What the hell?"
"Yup," said Teddy.
"So what are you gonna do now?" asked Byron.
"Drive downtown to look for her."
"Pick me up."
It was 9:15. Byron was waiting on the sidewalk when Teddy came by the house on Menzies. They headed downtown and began the slow process of checking all the streets, driving slowly up and down each one, peering into the shadows between streetlights, into doorways and dark alleys, anywhere a group of street kids might hang out on a cool November night. There were a few people out on the streets, most of them moving with purpose, trying to get home, get to a bus stop, get to a restaurant or a bar. No one was just hanging around in the shadows. Teddy was getting frustrated. They'd never find Darwin this way. They needed a plan.
"What about Facebook? Or TikTok?" asked Byron. "Is she on anything like that?"
"No, she told me she's never actually had a Facebook account," said Teddy. "Plus, no phone or computer."
"Right," said Byron.
They went quiet again, gazing out the car windows as Teddy drove, watching dark, empty stores pass slowly by. "Uncle Joe!" said Teddy suddenly.
"Where?" said Byron.
"No, he's doing the private investigator thing! He might have some good ideas!"
"Sure," said Byron, "cuz this isn't working."
Byron called Jello but still no answer.
"He's probably having marathon sex with C. J. again," said Teddy.
They drove to Jello's house anyway and were relieved to see Joe's car parked on the street. Inside, they sat around the kitchen table with Uncle Joe, Jello's Dad, Tonio, Jello's Mom and Nana Guza and told them the whole story.
Tonio had a lot of questions. Like, what kind of drugs was Darwin taking, did she have a phone, did she still have cravings for meth, was she still in love with her ex, did they try calling the hospitals? Teddy answered all his questions and admitted that they hadn't phoned the hospitals, but he'd definitely do that.
Uncle Joe sat quietly, looking closely at the rocks in baggies that Teddy had brought with him.
"Lipstick," he said finally.
"Huh?" said Teddy.
"You said they wrote in crayon, but this is lipstick. See the way it smears on the plastic baggie? Crayon wouldn't do that. Who wears lipstick this shade of red? Do you know anyone?"
"He already sounds like a private eye, doesn't he, Tonio?" Tereza said with a smile.
"Probably Bryn," Teddy said. "She's the girl Kodi hangs around with."
"Devils!" said Nana Guza. "You save that girl from those devils!"
Uncle Joe put the baggies aside and looked at Teddy. "Tell me everything you know about Kodi and this girl, Bryn."
⢠⢠⢠â¢
I hear a sound, like a metal gate squeaking open and then closing a few seconds later. Then I hear someone walking up the dock toward the boat.
Maybe it's the owner of the boat? Maybe they'll find me and untie me and I can get the hell out of here. Maybe it's Teddy. Teddy coming to save me? But no, it's Kodi and Bryn. I hear them talking. Sounds like maybe a third person too.
I don't want to get beat up again, but I want water so badly I'm glad they're coming. I feel the boat roll a bit when they step onto it.
There's the sound of a key in a lock, some muffled voices, and then footsteps as they come into the cabin or wherever it is they have me cooped up. Around the edges of the tape over my eyes I can see moving light. They have a flashlight.
"There's the little bitch," says Bryn as the light gets brighter. "See Kode, she lives. He thought you were going to puke inside the duct tape and choke to death, but I thought there was a decent chance you wouldn't."
"Proud of yourself?" says Kodi.
"Come here," Bryn says. "What's the matter, you afraid of her?"
"No," says a male voice, sounding afraid.
I think it's Jewels. I really hope it is. Jewels likes me. Maybe he'll help me get out of here. "Jesus," says Jewels. "What did you guys do? This is fucked up!"
"Relax," says Kodi. "She's fine."
I hear someone moving closer to me. "OK, bitch," says Bryn, giving me a rough poke with her fist. "Same as before. You scream or yell and I'll stick this knife in you, got it?"
"Jesus, Bryn," says Jewels.
Bryn grabs the end of the tape covering my mouth and tears it off in one painful rip. "Not a fucking sound now," she says.
"Come here, Jewels," Bryn goes on. "Check it out. Didn't we do a nice job?"
"Just give her the goddamn muffin and water," says Kodi.
"Jewels, you can do it," says Bryn, "and if you want to lay another beating on her first, go for it. It's a good stress reliever!"
She's taunting Jewels now. She always seemed pissed off about Jewels's little crush on me. Whatever, I just want someone to give me some water.
"Oh right, you don't want to beat her, do you?" Bryn goes on. "You want to bone her! You always did have a chub for Mouse Girl! Well, here's your big chance! It's perfect, it's like we gift-wrapped her for ya!"
Bryn grabs my hip and jerks me halfway onto my stomach. "Look!" she says, laughing and slapping me hard on the ass. "You know you want it! Come and get some skinny Mouse ass! She won't mind, will you, bitch?"
I want to scream but I still don't know if she really has a knife. I just let out a pitiful whimper. "See?" says Bryn. "I didn't think so. She wants you, Jewelsy!"
Bryn's laughing away and tugging at the waistband of my jeans like she wants to pull them off. Fuck, am I about to get raped? Oh my God! I don't think Jewels could go through with it, but I honestly don't know.
"Jesus Christ, Bryn," Jewels says. "You're fucking crazy."
He's intimidated by Bryn, I can tell, plus he doesn't want to look stupid in front of Kodi, but I don't think he's going to do anything.
I have no idea what's happening now. Is Jewels trying to decide whether or not to rape me? Everything gets quiet for a second and I'm frozen here listening for any movement, any sound, footsteps, or, I don't know, a zipper.
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â D.B.