Broken Birds, Part 23, Becka

Part 23
Becka


Tim’s investigators had a pretty good idea of what had happened to Robert McDale. They had no body and no proof, just a natural instinct after talking with people at the University and in the community. Robert McDale was dead. Six other students from the University had also disappeared. They were also probably on the other side.

They’d followed Tim’s instructions to be gentle with the rape victim, a brown haired, slender teen with freckles on the bridge of her nose. Her green eyes screamed of unbearable pain. Her name was Rebecca, commonly called Becka. She’d been a high school cheerleader and all around popular girl. She had two brothers and a sister. Her father was a former Recon Marine who worked as a mechanic in the local car shop. Her mother was a nurse. Together, they kept body and soul together without many frills.

After nearly three weeks of work, they’d found the tree and what appeared to be human remains.

They reported to Tim. He told them to stay put in their hotel. He’d come to them.

They showed him the site. Instead of observing forensic protocols, Tim went directly to the “body”. It had no head or hands. “Looks like havalenas ate him from his cock up.” He looked for some proof of identity. They’d left his shoes on. There was a keycard in the laces.

It said Robert McDale. He palmed it without showing it to his investigators.

“OK. You guys get back to DC. Leave me your notes. I’ll handle it from here.”

They were well trained, well paid and intensely loyal. They left the small rural community later that day.

After they left, Tim returned to the scene and cut a piece of rotting flesh from the body. He’d have DNA compared to familial DNA, just to be sure. Then he took pictures of he scene.


Tim called Michael and gave him the news. This was Michael’s worst nightmare. A girl raped by one of the punks Beth helped to free. That it was Misha’s son made it far worse. “Did your men talk to the girl’s father?”

“No, he was at work when they talked to Becka.”

“Okay. I’ll send instructions.”

The phone went dead.

Hours later Tim received an encrypted e-mail. He smiled as he read it.

Tim

I hope you did not disturb the site. I agree that the girl’s father needs to be interviewed to see if he has any connection to the site.

From the way you describe the scene, it sounds like it may have been a fraternity prank gone horribly wrong. Perhaps that’s why the other boys disappeared.

You know Beth. She wants the poor girl to have all the best care. We have pre-loaded a credit card at the local bank so her family can afford that care. If she would like to take a vacation, please organize that as well. The parents can keep the card. He was a Recon Marine. That’s almost a SEAL.

Let me know if you find anything else.

The harem sends you love.


Tim picked up the credit card from the bank and drove to Becka’s home. The house was small, but immaculately maintained. He had an idea. He called Michael.

“Boss, how’s the maintenance around the compound?” Tim asked.

“A bitch. Plus you know the Aussies. They go on “walkabout”. We’re constantly trying to vet and fill open positions.”

“Could Jennifer use a nurse?”

“You want the entire family to come?” Michael asked, having seen Tim’s direction.

“Haven’t met them yet, but it’s a thought. I’ll let you know what’s up in an hour.”

“Tim, it’s 5AM here!” a chuckling voice explained.

“Sorry Boss, I’ll call in 4 or 5 hours.”


The door opened quickly following his knock. A large, fit man stood behind the screen door clearly assessing Tim. Tim carried a laptop.

“My name is Tim O’Donnell. Are you Ted Burkett?”

The large man nodded. “What can I do for you?”

“I work for Michele McDale. She asked me to look for her son. My men have been here for several weeks. I was wondering if I could talk with you and Becka.”

“No,” as he went to shut the door.

“They found something about ten miles off the interstate,” the door that had started to close stopped and remained open, “looks like a fraternity prank gone horribly wrong.”
“Yeah, some of those university kids are pretty sick,” Ted said with fire in his voice.

“Well, I’ll report it to the Sheriff tomorrow afternoon.” Tim paused having given the message. “I also represent some people that would like to help Becka.”

Ted opened the door wide and unlocked the screen door. “Come on in.” He called Becka and his wife to the living room.

“Drink?” Ted asked as he fixed himself a drink using a clear jar.

“Please, if that’s “shine”, I’d really like a taste.”

“You a Marine?” Ted asked.

“SEAL.