Title: The Vanishing of Liz Evans
Author: MilesToGo99
Category: M/L, AU
Rating: Mostly MATURE, ADULT at times
Summary: Max and Liz are married. They are both 25 years old. Max is a police detective and Liz is an elementary school teacher. One day Liz vanishes without a trace and Max will stop at nothing to find her.
Disclaimer: Roswell and the characters are not mine.
Author's Note: This is my very first attempt at fanfiction and I would greatly appreciate feedback letting me know if I should continue or not. Thanks!!! Hope you enjoy!!
Prologue
When Max Evans opened his eyes the first thing he saw was a stained ceiling. He groaned realizing it was not a dream. That this was his reality. His eyes took in the room that he has called home the past week. He looked at the dingy walls, to the tattered carpet, then back up to the morning light filtering through the cheap and ragged blinds. He followed the trail of light until it landed onto the wall to the left of the bed. The wall that had the contents of the reason he was in this god-awful room. He saw the maps, diagrams, statements, reports, and photos. Photos of different people. But the light shone on one photo in particular. The photo that he holds dear to his heart. The smiling face with the doe eyes. His heart clenched and tears welled up in his eyes. This was now his life. A life of maddening searches and questions. This was how every morning for the past few months was like, mornings of emotional turmoil.
Anguish. Pain. Anger. Confusion. Loneliness. These are some of the emotions that consume Max Evans life. Every second of every day he is helplessly caught up in a whirlwind of unpleasant human emotions that threaten to suffocate him. Yet everyday he wakes up and bears the seemingly unbearable. He does this because of two things: Love for his wife and his determination to find her.
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, MATURE) ~{COMPLETE}~
Moderators: Anniepoo98, Rowedog, ISLANDGIRL5, Itzstacie, truelovepooh, FSU/MSW-94, Erina, Hunter, Forum Moderators
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, MATURE) ~{COMPLETE}~
Last edited by MilesToGo99 on Fri Jun 25, 2004 10:57 pm, edited 35 times in total.
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, NC17) 5/18 Ch.1
A/N: Thanks to everyone who left feedback. I really appreciate it, especially with this being my first fic. Thanks again!! I hope you enjoy the new part!
Chapter 1
Max Evans awoke to the feeling of his wife whispering softly in his ear. He could feel the movement of her lips and her warm breathe as she spoke.
"Wake up baby," Liz murmured into her husband's ear before placing a gentle kiss on his jaw. Max reluctantly fluttered open his eyes and turned his head to see his wife smiling at him. He attempted to rub the sleep out of his eyes then smiled gently in return.
"Good morning beautiful," Max said sleepily. He closed his eyes again and wrapped his strong arms around his wife pulling her close. "I have a stellar idea. I suggest we just go back to sleep until we can greet each other with a 'good afternoon' instead of a 'good morning.'
Liz laughed. " Mmmm...as enticing as that idea is, we really need to get our asses out of bed."
"Why?" Max asked grumpily.
"Well because I have children to teach and you have cases to solve. You know the usual, us making the world a better place. Smarter and safer."
Max grunted in return to her answer. "No we don't. I can think of other things I'd like to do that doesn't involve getting our asses out of this bed," Max said suggestively.
"Hmmmm..really? What things are you thinking of doing?" Liz asked.
"I don't know, I was thinking of something along the lines of making love to my beautiful wife." Max said smoothly.
"Well by all means, do it," Liz purred seductively.
In one swift, deft motion, Max was on top of his wife kissing her passionately. Max groaned at the taste of his wife. He began placing gentle kisses all over her face. From her temple to her perfectly arched brow, down to the tip of her nose and her soft cheek. He trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck and sucked gently at the base of her throat.
"Max...please," Liz moaned. His wife's passionate plea was his breaking point. He brought a hand to her breast and began gently massaging it while parting his wife's legs. He slid in between them and slowly rocked against her. "God, Liz..' Max hissed. Liz moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist and grinded against him. "Max, I need you...Now," Liz panted breathlessly. Max slide into his wife and they both moaned at the feeling of being joined. Mouths kissed, tongues dueled, and hands caressed while husband and wife moved together until completion. Max collapsed on top of Liz and rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you so much," Max whispered his voice full of emotion.
"I love you too Max," Liz replies softly.
"Now, let's get our asses out of bed and into the shower. We have a world to make a better place," Max smirked. When Liz groaned in protest he said, "Your words, remember?"
Liz watched as her husband walked wonderfully naked across their bedroom. "You know Max, I have a few ideas of things we could do in the shower."
"I'm sure you do. But my lovely wife, we'll be late for our world-saving duties if you share those ideas," Max smirked.
*****************
Liz sat inside her classroom working on her lesson plans. Her students were outside for recess with her teacher's aide supervising them. She looked towards her classroom door at the sound of it opening. When she saw who it was her visitor was greeted with a warm, full-blown smile.
"Max! Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, Me and Micheal were out following up on some leads on a case, so I decided to stop by and surprise you." Max leaned down to kiss his wife hello.
"How long can you stay?" Liz asked once they stopped to catch their breath.
Not long. Micheal is waiting in the car. If I make him wait too long he'll probably come storming in here and permanently traumatize your students" Max said laughing.
"Then you shouldn't stay long, I don't want to deal with phone calls from angry parents and crying children."
"Micheal invited us over to dinner tonight at 7. It was Maria's idea. So he said it's not an option if we say no."
Liz nodded. "Well tell him yes. As much as I love Maria, I choose to forgo her tirades. We'll save Micheal from them too."
Max laughed. "Okay, I better head on out so we can help the parents of your students avoid future therapy bills because of Micheal. I love you." Max leaned down again to kiss his wife goodbye.
"I love you too Max."
******************
"Max, Evelyn Johnson just called again wanting to know if we had any new leads on her daughter's disappearance."
"Micheal, we haven't had any new leads in over a month. There's nothing. No shred of evidence. Any evidence we did gather lead to a dead end."
"Man, Maxwell, you know that and I know that. Evelyn Johnson knows that, but I imagine she doesn't want to."
The case of Sadie Johnson was one Max Evans and his partner Micheal Guerin had been working on for over three months. Sadie Johnson, 23 years old and a pediatric nurse, was last seen leaving her place of employment. Her boyfriend called the police and announced she was missing. She was due home from work at 11pm. After calling the hospital and being told she already had left, he waited until 1am before calling the police. Her car was found in the hospital parking lot locked and unmoved. Max and Micheal obviously suspected she was abducted somewhere between walking out of the hospital doors and entering the parking lot. No physical evidence of a struggle, no known enemies, and no motive. In simple terms, it was a cold case. One that Max Evans desperately wanted to have a change of temperature. Evelyn Johnson, Sadie's mother, wanted this as well. She called on a weekly basis, sometimes daily, wanting information.
"I know Micheal, but we need to find something. There has to be something that we missed. People don't just vanish into thin air. If it was..Maria," Max forced out his next words, "or...L-Liz, that was missing, I would want someone to look harder and not give up, wouldn't you?" Max asked pointedly.
"Yeah Max, Yeah I would."
" I just can't imagine the hell Evelyn Johnson has been going through," Max shuddered.
"Neither could I," Micheal said.
Max didn't know that he soon wouldn't need to imagine the hell that Evelyn was going through. He would soon know firsthand the hell that was her life. Soon he would be living in his own personal hell.
tbc
Chapter 1
Max Evans awoke to the feeling of his wife whispering softly in his ear. He could feel the movement of her lips and her warm breathe as she spoke.
"Wake up baby," Liz murmured into her husband's ear before placing a gentle kiss on his jaw. Max reluctantly fluttered open his eyes and turned his head to see his wife smiling at him. He attempted to rub the sleep out of his eyes then smiled gently in return.
"Good morning beautiful," Max said sleepily. He closed his eyes again and wrapped his strong arms around his wife pulling her close. "I have a stellar idea. I suggest we just go back to sleep until we can greet each other with a 'good afternoon' instead of a 'good morning.'
Liz laughed. " Mmmm...as enticing as that idea is, we really need to get our asses out of bed."
"Why?" Max asked grumpily.
"Well because I have children to teach and you have cases to solve. You know the usual, us making the world a better place. Smarter and safer."
Max grunted in return to her answer. "No we don't. I can think of other things I'd like to do that doesn't involve getting our asses out of this bed," Max said suggestively.
"Hmmmm..really? What things are you thinking of doing?" Liz asked.
"I don't know, I was thinking of something along the lines of making love to my beautiful wife." Max said smoothly.
"Well by all means, do it," Liz purred seductively.
In one swift, deft motion, Max was on top of his wife kissing her passionately. Max groaned at the taste of his wife. He began placing gentle kisses all over her face. From her temple to her perfectly arched brow, down to the tip of her nose and her soft cheek. He trailed hot, open-mouthed kisses down her neck and sucked gently at the base of her throat.
"Max...please," Liz moaned. His wife's passionate plea was his breaking point. He brought a hand to her breast and began gently massaging it while parting his wife's legs. He slid in between them and slowly rocked against her. "God, Liz..' Max hissed. Liz moaned and wrapped her legs around his waist and grinded against him. "Max, I need you...Now," Liz panted breathlessly. Max slide into his wife and they both moaned at the feeling of being joined. Mouths kissed, tongues dueled, and hands caressed while husband and wife moved together until completion. Max collapsed on top of Liz and rested his forehead against hers.
"I love you so much," Max whispered his voice full of emotion.
"I love you too Max," Liz replies softly.
"Now, let's get our asses out of bed and into the shower. We have a world to make a better place," Max smirked. When Liz groaned in protest he said, "Your words, remember?"
Liz watched as her husband walked wonderfully naked across their bedroom. "You know Max, I have a few ideas of things we could do in the shower."
"I'm sure you do. But my lovely wife, we'll be late for our world-saving duties if you share those ideas," Max smirked.
*****************
Liz sat inside her classroom working on her lesson plans. Her students were outside for recess with her teacher's aide supervising them. She looked towards her classroom door at the sound of it opening. When she saw who it was her visitor was greeted with a warm, full-blown smile.
"Max! Hey, what are you doing here?"
"Oh, Me and Micheal were out following up on some leads on a case, so I decided to stop by and surprise you." Max leaned down to kiss his wife hello.
"How long can you stay?" Liz asked once they stopped to catch their breath.
Not long. Micheal is waiting in the car. If I make him wait too long he'll probably come storming in here and permanently traumatize your students" Max said laughing.
"Then you shouldn't stay long, I don't want to deal with phone calls from angry parents and crying children."
"Micheal invited us over to dinner tonight at 7. It was Maria's idea. So he said it's not an option if we say no."
Liz nodded. "Well tell him yes. As much as I love Maria, I choose to forgo her tirades. We'll save Micheal from them too."
Max laughed. "Okay, I better head on out so we can help the parents of your students avoid future therapy bills because of Micheal. I love you." Max leaned down again to kiss his wife goodbye.
"I love you too Max."
******************
"Max, Evelyn Johnson just called again wanting to know if we had any new leads on her daughter's disappearance."
"Micheal, we haven't had any new leads in over a month. There's nothing. No shred of evidence. Any evidence we did gather lead to a dead end."
"Man, Maxwell, you know that and I know that. Evelyn Johnson knows that, but I imagine she doesn't want to."
The case of Sadie Johnson was one Max Evans and his partner Micheal Guerin had been working on for over three months. Sadie Johnson, 23 years old and a pediatric nurse, was last seen leaving her place of employment. Her boyfriend called the police and announced she was missing. She was due home from work at 11pm. After calling the hospital and being told she already had left, he waited until 1am before calling the police. Her car was found in the hospital parking lot locked and unmoved. Max and Micheal obviously suspected she was abducted somewhere between walking out of the hospital doors and entering the parking lot. No physical evidence of a struggle, no known enemies, and no motive. In simple terms, it was a cold case. One that Max Evans desperately wanted to have a change of temperature. Evelyn Johnson, Sadie's mother, wanted this as well. She called on a weekly basis, sometimes daily, wanting information.
"I know Micheal, but we need to find something. There has to be something that we missed. People don't just vanish into thin air. If it was..Maria," Max forced out his next words, "or...L-Liz, that was missing, I would want someone to look harder and not give up, wouldn't you?" Max asked pointedly.
"Yeah Max, Yeah I would."
" I just can't imagine the hell Evelyn Johnson has been going through," Max shuddered.
"Neither could I," Micheal said.
Max didn't know that he soon wouldn't need to imagine the hell that Evelyn was going through. He would soon know firsthand the hell that was her life. Soon he would be living in his own personal hell.
tbc
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L AU NC17) Update Ch. 2, 5/19
A/N: Thanks again to everyone who has been leaving feedback. It definitely helps me want to keep writing this story. So here's the new part. I hope you like it!
Chapter 2
The first thing Max Evans heard when he walked through his front door was the sound of his wife singing. He smiled and cringed simultaneously. Albeit, his wife doesn't have your conventional amazing voice. But to him her voice was flawless. His smile grew when he heard the song she was singing. Maria sang it at their wedding over a year ago.
Give you my lovin',
Seven days a week
I'll be a honey,
If you'll be sweet
I know I'm the only one for you
Max followed the sound of his wife's voice up the stairs to their bedroom. Max began softly singing along with her. At the sound of her husband's voice, she turned around to see him leaning casually in the doorway. She smiled.
And everything has turned to you
See you in places,
I'm following you
You'll be upstairs
And I'll be there too
Everywhere you go I will follow
I know it won't be the same tomorrow
For a reason unbeknownst to him, chills ran up his spine at those last two lines. Max stopped singing and continued to listen to Liz sing with a feeling of unease. Finally shaking the feeling off, he joined his wife with the last verse.
When I see you,
I want to kiss you
But I know that ain't right
So I ask if I can hold you
Oh babe I need you so bad
Oh babe I only want to make you glad
They shared a soft, secret smile. "Hey," Liz uttered softly. Max greeted his wife in return with a tender kiss hello.
"You better go change Max, we need to get over to Micheal and Maria's in an hour."
Max groaned at the thought.
"Max...."
"Yeah, Okay. I'm going to go take a quick shower and get ready." Max said unhappily.
******************
On the drive over to Micheal and Maria's, Max felt the feeling of unease creeping upon him once again. Liz was talking about one of her students and he desperately tried to pay attention, but it was fruitless. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. Not with this incessant feeling of trepidation.
Liz suddenly realizing that the conversation was one-sided tried to get Max's attention. "Max? Max? Max?!!" Liz yelled.
Liz's raised voice shook Max out of his unpleasant thoughts temporarily.
"Huh?" Max asked distracted.
"Hey, where were you?" Liz questioned softly.
Max laughed nervously. "I guess I just kind of spaced out or something. Sorry."
Liz pinned Max with an assessing stare. "Okay," she said simply. "Just try not to space out anymore while you're driving. I'm pretty sure that's hazardous."
Max smiled sheepishly and concentrated on the fact they were on their way to a friend's to have a nice dinner and pleasant conversation. Max knew the pleasant conversation part was a bit of a stretch.
*******************
Max, Liz, Micheal, and Maria were sitting in the living room drinking wine and talking after dinner. So far it was pleasant, and although everyone in that room dearly loved Maria, you knew if she was around you'd have your ear talked off.
"So Max, when are you going to knock Lizzie up?" Maria asked bluntly.
"Maria!!" Liz admonished.
"What?" Maria questioned innocently.
Max merely sputtered out his wine with wide eyes, while Micheal sighed and rolled his eyes mumbling a 'here we go' under his breathe.
"I heard that Micheal Guerin." Maria stated annoyed.
"I'm sure you did Maria Guerin." Micheal retorted sarcastically.
"It's Maria DeLuca-Guerin Micheal. Don't forget that. We've been married five months now, you should know me by my correct name." Maria replied hotly.
"Whatever" Micheal grumbled.
"Whatever! That's what you say. Mich-" Maria started, but was interrupted by Liz.
Trying to prevent an oncoming disaster, Liz intervened answering Maria's question. "Maria, Max and i haven't really talked about children yet. We've only been married a little over a year and we have plenty of time."
Max added, "But we definitely want a family, a big one, just not right now."
Max and Liz shared a smile.
"Well we better get going. I have a bunch of tests to grade. I don't want a group of angry second-graders on my hands. Believe me, I will if I don't show up tomorrow with all tests graded and with the appropriate stickers on them," Liz said laughing.
"Okay. Thanks for coming. Bye Chica," Maria said while hugging Liz goodbye.
"Yeah, thanks for coming guys. I mean, really, thanks." Micheal said pointedly.
Max grinned knowingly. "No problem."
******************
Max and Liz arrived home around 9:30. Max had finally shaken off his feeling of unease and dread.
"Max, what was wrong with you earlier?" Liz questioned tentatively.
Max sighed. "I just..I don't know. I had this...feeling of....paranoia or something. Like something was going to happen. Something bad."
Liz looked at her husband worriedly. Max noticed the concerned look immediately.
"Look Liz, honey, I'm fine, okay? I was just in a weird mood or something. It was probably because of this case with the Johnson girl missing. But it's over. It passed, okay?"
Liz contemplated his answer for a second, then realized he was being honest about being okay now. She smiled. "Okay, why don't you go to bed now. You look tired. I still have some work to do."
"Yeah, I am exhausted," Max admitted wearily. He wrapped his arms around his wife and hugged her tight. He leaned back and asked, "Do you know how much I love you?"
Liz smiled beautifully up at him. "I'd say as much as I love you Max."
Max smiled and gave his wife a long kiss goodnight. He turned around and began heading up the stairs towards their bedroom. He threw one last look over his shoulder and smiled at his wife. Liz gave him an achingly sweet smile that took his breathe away. He turned back around and resumed walking up the stairs. Little did Max Evans know that was the last time he'd see his wife smiling back at him. In a matter of hours, he would discover that his paranoia wasn't completely unfounded.
********************
Liz Evans opened her briefcase to get out her student's tests. To her dismay, she realized she had forgotten them. She leaned back in her desk chair and heaved a frustrated sigh. She had two options: go to school tomorrow and face twenty second-graders and tell them their tests weren't graded or she could run to the school real quick and get them. She looked at the clock and saw that it was ten o'clock. If she left now she could be done grading and in bed in a couple of hours. Either dealing with a child's wrath or losing an hour of sleep. She opted with the latter. Sighing, she grabbed a pen and paper and wrote Max a quick note saying where she was going. She gathered her things, put the note on the kitchen table and left.
Liz pulled into the school parking lot and parked her car. She did a quick scan of the lot and saw she was the only one there. She grabbed her keys and got out of her car. After locking it she began walking towards the school entrance. She suddenly froze. She had this distinct feeling someone was watching her. Chills ran up her spine causing goosebumps to appear on her flesh. She chided herself thinking Max's paranoia was getting to her too. She laughed at herself and continued walking quickly towards the school wanting to get inside as soon as possible. All that could be heard was the sound of her own breathing and the clicking of her heels against the pavement. Unexpectedly strong, rough arms grabbed her from behind and startling her, causing her to drop her keys. A hand came up to cover her mouth before she could utter even the tiniest scream. She felt a sharp prick on her neck. Her vision became blurry. The last thing she saw before darkness invaded her sight was the entrance of the school, that she greatly wished she could have gotten to sooner.
tbc
*Lyrics are by Mazzy Star 'Give you my lovin'
Chapter 2
The first thing Max Evans heard when he walked through his front door was the sound of his wife singing. He smiled and cringed simultaneously. Albeit, his wife doesn't have your conventional amazing voice. But to him her voice was flawless. His smile grew when he heard the song she was singing. Maria sang it at their wedding over a year ago.
Give you my lovin',
Seven days a week
I'll be a honey,
If you'll be sweet
I know I'm the only one for you
Max followed the sound of his wife's voice up the stairs to their bedroom. Max began softly singing along with her. At the sound of her husband's voice, she turned around to see him leaning casually in the doorway. She smiled.
And everything has turned to you
See you in places,
I'm following you
You'll be upstairs
And I'll be there too
Everywhere you go I will follow
I know it won't be the same tomorrow
For a reason unbeknownst to him, chills ran up his spine at those last two lines. Max stopped singing and continued to listen to Liz sing with a feeling of unease. Finally shaking the feeling off, he joined his wife with the last verse.
When I see you,
I want to kiss you
But I know that ain't right
So I ask if I can hold you
Oh babe I need you so bad
Oh babe I only want to make you glad
They shared a soft, secret smile. "Hey," Liz uttered softly. Max greeted his wife in return with a tender kiss hello.
"You better go change Max, we need to get over to Micheal and Maria's in an hour."
Max groaned at the thought.
"Max...."
"Yeah, Okay. I'm going to go take a quick shower and get ready." Max said unhappily.
******************
On the drive over to Micheal and Maria's, Max felt the feeling of unease creeping upon him once again. Liz was talking about one of her students and he desperately tried to pay attention, but it was fruitless. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't. Not with this incessant feeling of trepidation.
Liz suddenly realizing that the conversation was one-sided tried to get Max's attention. "Max? Max? Max?!!" Liz yelled.
Liz's raised voice shook Max out of his unpleasant thoughts temporarily.
"Huh?" Max asked distracted.
"Hey, where were you?" Liz questioned softly.
Max laughed nervously. "I guess I just kind of spaced out or something. Sorry."
Liz pinned Max with an assessing stare. "Okay," she said simply. "Just try not to space out anymore while you're driving. I'm pretty sure that's hazardous."
Max smiled sheepishly and concentrated on the fact they were on their way to a friend's to have a nice dinner and pleasant conversation. Max knew the pleasant conversation part was a bit of a stretch.
*******************
Max, Liz, Micheal, and Maria were sitting in the living room drinking wine and talking after dinner. So far it was pleasant, and although everyone in that room dearly loved Maria, you knew if she was around you'd have your ear talked off.
"So Max, when are you going to knock Lizzie up?" Maria asked bluntly.
"Maria!!" Liz admonished.
"What?" Maria questioned innocently.
Max merely sputtered out his wine with wide eyes, while Micheal sighed and rolled his eyes mumbling a 'here we go' under his breathe.
"I heard that Micheal Guerin." Maria stated annoyed.
"I'm sure you did Maria Guerin." Micheal retorted sarcastically.
"It's Maria DeLuca-Guerin Micheal. Don't forget that. We've been married five months now, you should know me by my correct name." Maria replied hotly.
"Whatever" Micheal grumbled.
"Whatever! That's what you say. Mich-" Maria started, but was interrupted by Liz.
Trying to prevent an oncoming disaster, Liz intervened answering Maria's question. "Maria, Max and i haven't really talked about children yet. We've only been married a little over a year and we have plenty of time."
Max added, "But we definitely want a family, a big one, just not right now."
Max and Liz shared a smile.
"Well we better get going. I have a bunch of tests to grade. I don't want a group of angry second-graders on my hands. Believe me, I will if I don't show up tomorrow with all tests graded and with the appropriate stickers on them," Liz said laughing.
"Okay. Thanks for coming. Bye Chica," Maria said while hugging Liz goodbye.
"Yeah, thanks for coming guys. I mean, really, thanks." Micheal said pointedly.
Max grinned knowingly. "No problem."
******************
Max and Liz arrived home around 9:30. Max had finally shaken off his feeling of unease and dread.
"Max, what was wrong with you earlier?" Liz questioned tentatively.
Max sighed. "I just..I don't know. I had this...feeling of....paranoia or something. Like something was going to happen. Something bad."
Liz looked at her husband worriedly. Max noticed the concerned look immediately.
"Look Liz, honey, I'm fine, okay? I was just in a weird mood or something. It was probably because of this case with the Johnson girl missing. But it's over. It passed, okay?"
Liz contemplated his answer for a second, then realized he was being honest about being okay now. She smiled. "Okay, why don't you go to bed now. You look tired. I still have some work to do."
"Yeah, I am exhausted," Max admitted wearily. He wrapped his arms around his wife and hugged her tight. He leaned back and asked, "Do you know how much I love you?"
Liz smiled beautifully up at him. "I'd say as much as I love you Max."
Max smiled and gave his wife a long kiss goodnight. He turned around and began heading up the stairs towards their bedroom. He threw one last look over his shoulder and smiled at his wife. Liz gave him an achingly sweet smile that took his breathe away. He turned back around and resumed walking up the stairs. Little did Max Evans know that was the last time he'd see his wife smiling back at him. In a matter of hours, he would discover that his paranoia wasn't completely unfounded.
********************
Liz Evans opened her briefcase to get out her student's tests. To her dismay, she realized she had forgotten them. She leaned back in her desk chair and heaved a frustrated sigh. She had two options: go to school tomorrow and face twenty second-graders and tell them their tests weren't graded or she could run to the school real quick and get them. She looked at the clock and saw that it was ten o'clock. If she left now she could be done grading and in bed in a couple of hours. Either dealing with a child's wrath or losing an hour of sleep. She opted with the latter. Sighing, she grabbed a pen and paper and wrote Max a quick note saying where she was going. She gathered her things, put the note on the kitchen table and left.
Liz pulled into the school parking lot and parked her car. She did a quick scan of the lot and saw she was the only one there. She grabbed her keys and got out of her car. After locking it she began walking towards the school entrance. She suddenly froze. She had this distinct feeling someone was watching her. Chills ran up her spine causing goosebumps to appear on her flesh. She chided herself thinking Max's paranoia was getting to her too. She laughed at herself and continued walking quickly towards the school wanting to get inside as soon as possible. All that could be heard was the sound of her own breathing and the clicking of her heels against the pavement. Unexpectedly strong, rough arms grabbed her from behind and startling her, causing her to drop her keys. A hand came up to cover her mouth before she could utter even the tiniest scream. She felt a sharp prick on her neck. Her vision became blurry. The last thing she saw before darkness invaded her sight was the entrance of the school, that she greatly wished she could have gotten to sooner.
tbc
*Lyrics are by Mazzy Star 'Give you my lovin'
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L AU NC17) Update Ch.3 5/20
A/N: I'm so glad everyone is liking it! Magikhands you are right this is going to be full of angst, but a happy ending is assured. Hope everyone likes the next part!
Chapter 3
Max rolled over in bed to wrap his arms around Liz. Instead of his wife's warm body, he was met with cold, empty space. Immediately his eyes flew open in alarm. He sat up and looked around the darkened bedroom. Looking at his nightstand the clock flashed the time in bright red. 1:13 am. Surely Liz couldn't still be grading papers, but he hoped she was. Dread was once again settling heavily in his soul. Shakily climbing out of bed, he checked their bathroom. Empty. He walked out of the room and padded his bare feet through the hallway. Quickly he checked the guestroom, the office, the hallway bathroom, he even checked the closets. All empty. He started walking down the stairs, each step he took felt like his heart was dropping more and more. Turning on the lights he found the living room and kitchen empty. A frighteningly strong sense of impending doom came upon him. Then he saw Liz's note on the kitchen table. As quickly as his relief came, it disappeared when he saw what time she said she left, 'around 9:30' he read. She should have been home hours ago. All-consuming panic threatened to swallow him whole. Quickly grabbing his car keys and cell phone he ran out the door in a blind panic in nothing but a pair of boxers and a T-shirt.
Peeling out of the driveway he began speeding towards the school. Quickly dialing Micheal's number, he waited for an answer. "Come one, Micheal pick up the damn phone!" he yelled frustrated.
"Hello?" Micheal answered sleepily.
"Micheal, Liz is gone!!" Max yelled in anguish.
"Maxwell? What are you talking about? Where did Liz go?" Micheal inquired confused.
Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Max cried, "Micheal, damnit, Liz! I woke up and she was gone. She left a note saying she had to run by the school. That was almost four fucking hours ago! I looked everywhere in the house and her car's gone. I'm on my way to the school now. Meet me there Micheal!"
Now alert and awake Micheal said, "I'm on my way," then hung up.
Max turned on his siren and sped through the streets. Gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white, he kept saying over and over, "I can't lose you Liz, I can't lose you Liz."
Pulling into the school parking lot, Max immediately noticed Liz's car. He screeched to a halt and jumped out running to her car. It was locked and she wasn't in it. Running towards the school he tried to open the doors but they were locked as well. Looking down he saw something that made his blood run cold. Liz's key and a drop of blood so tiny he barely saw it.
"Liz..." he whispered his voice hoarse.
Fear gripped his heart so tight he thought his heart would shatter. Dropping to his knees on the pavement, he picked up her keys and held them to his chest. He began rocking back and forth. Max squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Tears streamed down his face falling onto the pavement right beside the drop of blood.
Vaguely he heard another car pull up and Micheal yelling, "Max! Maxwell! Where's Liz?" At this question he released a pained sob, "She's gone."
At Max's admission Micheal's face went pale and he began calling for back-up.
"Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz," Max whispered desperately. "Oh god...n-noo...Liz, L-Liz, where are you?!" Max screamed his voice thick with emotion.
************************
Liz Evans woke up with an ear-piercing scream. She released a horrified whimper when she realized it wasn't a dream. She was really kidnapped. She was huddled in a corner wearing nothing but her bra and underwear. She shivered partly from the coldness, but mostly from fear. Fear that chilled her to her bones. Looking around her prison she saw nothing except an a single bare light bulb in the middle of the ceiling. The room was small, dirty, dark, and musty. There were no windows. Turning her head to continue her inspection, she felt a dull ache on her neck. Raising up her hand she gingerly touched it and winced feeling a small amount of dry blood. Standing up she tried walking around until she felt something restrict her. Looking down she saw a shackle on her left ankle leading to the wall behind her. She released a frustrated cry. Soon that cry turned to sobs that wracked her small body. She slide to the ground letting her fear take over. "Maaaaxxx.." She cried out softly.
**********************
If you happened to drive by the elementary school, you would see chaos. A virtual myriad of images you'd typically associate with a crime scene. Yellow tape, flashlights, police cars, blue and red flashing lights, the sounds of police radios, crime scene investigators of every kind: deputies, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, and the chief of police. To this communities' dismay, their children's place of learning was unexpectedly turned into an actual crime scene.
"Guerin, we really need Max's statement," Max and Micheal's superior, Chief of Police Jason Spencer said.
Micheal looked over at Max who was still wearing only pajamas and barefoot sitting on the hood of his car crying softly. Micheal sighed.
"Yeah, I know man. Just....he needs to be left alone. His wife is gone." Micheal said.
"I understand that. That is exactly the reason why we need his statement. We need all the information we can get as soon as possible. You know that. So either you go over there or I do."
Micheal closed his eyes and took a deep, collective breath. "I'll do it."
Micheal cautiously approached Max. As he got closer he could hear Max still whispering Liz's name in a desperate plea. He couldn't believe he was about to question his friend of twenty years about the disappearance of his wife. The disappearance of Liz. His wife, Maria's, best friend. His own close friend.
Micheal stepped in front of Max. "Max? We really need to know exactly everything you know. From exactly what happened when you got home from out house to when you get here." No response. "Max?" Still, no response.
Micheal's heart broke for his best friend and at the same time he became frustrated with his lack of response. He knew he had to snap Max back into reality for his own sake. For Liz's sake.
"Damnit, Maxwell, snap out of it! We need your help right now. Liz needs your help!" Micheal yelled, shaking Max by the shoulders.
The mentioning of his wife's name broke Max out of his thoughts. He looked up and his eyes focused on Micheal's pleading eyes.
"Micheal..." Max whispered brokenly.
"I know man, I know." Micheal said while embracing his friend in a supportive hug.
Max stood up and pushed Micheal away roughly. "No, you don't know Micheal!!! How could you possibly know! Liz is gone!! Maria's not!! Liz could be hurt, scared, alone, and with God knows who! She could be...." Max trailed off not being able to even consider the possibility of Liz being dead, let alone voicing it aloud.
"So tell me Micheal, What do you know!!!" Max screamed angrily.
"I know that we need to find Liz. We need to get our shit together and do everything we can to find her. And more." Micheal replied with determination.
Max closed his eyes and sighed. His anger quickly faded away to pain and fear again.
"You're right. I'm sorry. We have to find her. Let's go tell Chief Spencer everything I know." Max said with a mixture of weariness and determination.
Max tried to ignore it, but he knew that he didn't know anything at all. He also knew that finding his wife was going to be easier said than done, and the hardest case he's ever had.
*******************
Liz's sobs quieted down to hiccups. She couldn't believe she was really here. She was stuck between wanting to see who took her and never seeing him. When she heard the sounds of footsteps above her she quickly decided she wanted the latter to happen. She tensed when she heard the sound of footsteps coming down stairs outside of the door to her personal hell.
Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was paralyzed with fear and panic. When the door unlocked and slowly opened her eyes widened with fear. A large, shadowed figure stood in the doorway unmoving. Merely watching her. She shivered. She now understood personally the saying 'frightened to death.' She could hear her own erratic breathing due to fear and his loud harsh breathing due to a reason she didn't want to know.
If it was possible, her eyes widened further with more fear was he slowly crept towards her. She pushed herself further into the corner. She knew with every fiber of her being that once she came face to face with her captor, she would never sleep peacefully again.
tbc
Chapter 3
Max rolled over in bed to wrap his arms around Liz. Instead of his wife's warm body, he was met with cold, empty space. Immediately his eyes flew open in alarm. He sat up and looked around the darkened bedroom. Looking at his nightstand the clock flashed the time in bright red. 1:13 am. Surely Liz couldn't still be grading papers, but he hoped she was. Dread was once again settling heavily in his soul. Shakily climbing out of bed, he checked their bathroom. Empty. He walked out of the room and padded his bare feet through the hallway. Quickly he checked the guestroom, the office, the hallway bathroom, he even checked the closets. All empty. He started walking down the stairs, each step he took felt like his heart was dropping more and more. Turning on the lights he found the living room and kitchen empty. A frighteningly strong sense of impending doom came upon him. Then he saw Liz's note on the kitchen table. As quickly as his relief came, it disappeared when he saw what time she said she left, 'around 9:30' he read. She should have been home hours ago. All-consuming panic threatened to swallow him whole. Quickly grabbing his car keys and cell phone he ran out the door in a blind panic in nothing but a pair of boxers and a T-shirt.
Peeling out of the driveway he began speeding towards the school. Quickly dialing Micheal's number, he waited for an answer. "Come one, Micheal pick up the damn phone!" he yelled frustrated.
"Hello?" Micheal answered sleepily.
"Micheal, Liz is gone!!" Max yelled in anguish.
"Maxwell? What are you talking about? Where did Liz go?" Micheal inquired confused.
Swallowing past the lump in his throat, Max cried, "Micheal, damnit, Liz! I woke up and she was gone. She left a note saying she had to run by the school. That was almost four fucking hours ago! I looked everywhere in the house and her car's gone. I'm on my way to the school now. Meet me there Micheal!"
Now alert and awake Micheal said, "I'm on my way," then hung up.
Max turned on his siren and sped through the streets. Gripping the steering wheel so tight his knuckles turned white, he kept saying over and over, "I can't lose you Liz, I can't lose you Liz."
Pulling into the school parking lot, Max immediately noticed Liz's car. He screeched to a halt and jumped out running to her car. It was locked and she wasn't in it. Running towards the school he tried to open the doors but they were locked as well. Looking down he saw something that made his blood run cold. Liz's key and a drop of blood so tiny he barely saw it.
"Liz..." he whispered his voice hoarse.
Fear gripped his heart so tight he thought his heart would shatter. Dropping to his knees on the pavement, he picked up her keys and held them to his chest. He began rocking back and forth. Max squeezed his eyes shut tightly. Tears streamed down his face falling onto the pavement right beside the drop of blood.
Vaguely he heard another car pull up and Micheal yelling, "Max! Maxwell! Where's Liz?" At this question he released a pained sob, "She's gone."
At Max's admission Micheal's face went pale and he began calling for back-up.
"Liz, Liz, Liz, Liz," Max whispered desperately. "Oh god...n-noo...Liz, L-Liz, where are you?!" Max screamed his voice thick with emotion.
************************
Liz Evans woke up with an ear-piercing scream. She released a horrified whimper when she realized it wasn't a dream. She was really kidnapped. She was huddled in a corner wearing nothing but her bra and underwear. She shivered partly from the coldness, but mostly from fear. Fear that chilled her to her bones. Looking around her prison she saw nothing except an a single bare light bulb in the middle of the ceiling. The room was small, dirty, dark, and musty. There were no windows. Turning her head to continue her inspection, she felt a dull ache on her neck. Raising up her hand she gingerly touched it and winced feeling a small amount of dry blood. Standing up she tried walking around until she felt something restrict her. Looking down she saw a shackle on her left ankle leading to the wall behind her. She released a frustrated cry. Soon that cry turned to sobs that wracked her small body. She slide to the ground letting her fear take over. "Maaaaxxx.." She cried out softly.
**********************
If you happened to drive by the elementary school, you would see chaos. A virtual myriad of images you'd typically associate with a crime scene. Yellow tape, flashlights, police cars, blue and red flashing lights, the sounds of police radios, crime scene investigators of every kind: deputies, detectives, sergeants, lieutenants, and the chief of police. To this communities' dismay, their children's place of learning was unexpectedly turned into an actual crime scene.
"Guerin, we really need Max's statement," Max and Micheal's superior, Chief of Police Jason Spencer said.
Micheal looked over at Max who was still wearing only pajamas and barefoot sitting on the hood of his car crying softly. Micheal sighed.
"Yeah, I know man. Just....he needs to be left alone. His wife is gone." Micheal said.
"I understand that. That is exactly the reason why we need his statement. We need all the information we can get as soon as possible. You know that. So either you go over there or I do."
Micheal closed his eyes and took a deep, collective breath. "I'll do it."
Micheal cautiously approached Max. As he got closer he could hear Max still whispering Liz's name in a desperate plea. He couldn't believe he was about to question his friend of twenty years about the disappearance of his wife. The disappearance of Liz. His wife, Maria's, best friend. His own close friend.
Micheal stepped in front of Max. "Max? We really need to know exactly everything you know. From exactly what happened when you got home from out house to when you get here." No response. "Max?" Still, no response.
Micheal's heart broke for his best friend and at the same time he became frustrated with his lack of response. He knew he had to snap Max back into reality for his own sake. For Liz's sake.
"Damnit, Maxwell, snap out of it! We need your help right now. Liz needs your help!" Micheal yelled, shaking Max by the shoulders.
The mentioning of his wife's name broke Max out of his thoughts. He looked up and his eyes focused on Micheal's pleading eyes.
"Micheal..." Max whispered brokenly.
"I know man, I know." Micheal said while embracing his friend in a supportive hug.
Max stood up and pushed Micheal away roughly. "No, you don't know Micheal!!! How could you possibly know! Liz is gone!! Maria's not!! Liz could be hurt, scared, alone, and with God knows who! She could be...." Max trailed off not being able to even consider the possibility of Liz being dead, let alone voicing it aloud.
"So tell me Micheal, What do you know!!!" Max screamed angrily.
"I know that we need to find Liz. We need to get our shit together and do everything we can to find her. And more." Micheal replied with determination.
Max closed his eyes and sighed. His anger quickly faded away to pain and fear again.
"You're right. I'm sorry. We have to find her. Let's go tell Chief Spencer everything I know." Max said with a mixture of weariness and determination.
Max tried to ignore it, but he knew that he didn't know anything at all. He also knew that finding his wife was going to be easier said than done, and the hardest case he's ever had.
*******************
Liz's sobs quieted down to hiccups. She couldn't believe she was really here. She was stuck between wanting to see who took her and never seeing him. When she heard the sounds of footsteps above her she quickly decided she wanted the latter to happen. She tensed when she heard the sound of footsteps coming down stairs outside of the door to her personal hell.
Her heart was pounding in her chest and she was paralyzed with fear and panic. When the door unlocked and slowly opened her eyes widened with fear. A large, shadowed figure stood in the doorway unmoving. Merely watching her. She shivered. She now understood personally the saying 'frightened to death.' She could hear her own erratic breathing due to fear and his loud harsh breathing due to a reason she didn't want to know.
If it was possible, her eyes widened further with more fear was he slowly crept towards her. She pushed herself further into the corner. She knew with every fiber of her being that once she came face to face with her captor, she would never sleep peacefully again.
tbc
Last edited by MilesToGo99 on Thu May 20, 2004 11:46 pm, edited 1 time in total.
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) 5/22, Ch. 4
A/N: Hey everyone!! I'm back with the new chapter. I'm not sure about it, so I hope everyone likes it. Thanks again for the support!
Chapter 4
His footsteps seemed to go in slow motion. The sound of each step falling onto the floor seemed to resonate throughout the small room. Each step brought evil closer and closer to it's next victim. Each step he took made Liz Evan's blood run cold. By the time he reached her, she was positive she had ice water running through her veins instead of warm blood.
*******************
The elementary school parking lot no longer resembled chaos. It was now the aftermath of chaos. The yellow police tape was the only indication that it was previously a scene of a crime.
*******************
Max Evans and Michael Guerin were sitting behind their desks in complete silence. All evidence had been collected. It was a meager amount at best. Liz's keys, her car, her note to her husband, and an unidentified drop of blood. The blood was sent off to the lab for identification. Max didn't need to wait for lab results. He already knew who's blood it was. It was his Liz's. His wife's. It was his fault that it was her blood. He knew something was going to happen, yet he still just went off to bed without her. Two words were slowly driving him mad: 'what' and 'if.' What if he persuaded her to grade the tests the next day. What if he actually tried to persuade her to go to bed with him. What if he stayed up with her. What if he went with his gut instincts and listened to his paranoia instead of casually brushing it aside. What if....
"Maxwell. Stop it. Right now," Michael ordered his best friend. He had been watching the expressions play out across Max's face and he knew what he was doing. Blaming himself. Well, he was going to put a stop to it.
Max closed his eyes wearily while rubbing a hand over his exhausted and devastated face. "Stop what Michael?"
"You know what Max. Stop blaming yourself." Michael answered.
Max's face contorted into one of pain. "How can I stop blaming myself when I am the one to blame?" Max asked in an anguished whisper.
"Max, you are not the one to blame. The bastard who took Liz is the sole place for blame here," Michael said sincerely.
"Michael, I am!" Max yelled angrily. "I had this haunting feeling all day and I never once considered the damn possibility my soul was trying to tell me I was about to lose my heart! I just chalked it up to my feelings about the Sadie Johnson case following me home from work!" Max screamed with a voice full of unmistakable self-loathing.
Michael sat shocked. Not by Max's words, but at the mention of Sadie Johnson. He couldn't believe they never considered the possibility of a relation between Liz and Sadie's disappearances. When he looked at Max he saw he too was having the same moment of clarity as well.
"You don't think....." Max trailed off afraid to become too hopeful.
"I think it's a definite possibility Max. They have to be connected. Worth looking into. Let's face it we're fishing for anything right about now," Michael said.
Max nodded. "Both young women, both basically vanished late at night, at their place of employment nevertheless. In a parking lot," Max said.
Michael added, "The only difference is the evidence. We found Sadie's purse near her car, while Liz's keys. But those are basically trivial things. It was pure chance what they were carrying with them. But blood was found at the school. At the scene of Liz's disappearance."
Max swallowed hard at the mention of his wife's blood. In a strained voice Max said, "They have to be linked. Too many blatantly obvious similarities. Liz and Sadie Johnson were kidnapped by the same man."
********************
Liz was whimpering in fear when the man reached her. He stood no more than two inches from her balled up and terrified form. Liz closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them she would be at home, in bed, wrapped safely in her husband's arms. Opening her eyes, Liz swallowed back a sob when she saw his feet in front of her face, realizing that her thoughts of being with Max was wishful thinking on her part.
She let out a small yelp of pain when he grabbed her by the hair pulling her roughly to her feet. Liz closed her eyes still afraid to look into his eyes. While wrapping his strong hands around her neck, squeezing tight, he demanded harshly, "Look at me."
Liz shivered upon hearing his voice for the first time. It was cold, calculated. When Liz opened her eyes and looked at the man's face, her eyes widened in disbelief. Her face completely drained of color, going stark white from shock. "Oh my God," she gasped out past his iron-grip on her throat.
He smirked evilly. "God isn't going to help you now," he said full of menace before slamming her hard against the hall. Liz fought the urge to curl up into a ball on the ground. Instead she stood against the wall, pushing herself as close as possible. She felt completely vulnerable. Standing before this man in her underwear shaking with fear.
She watched with growing dread his erratic pacing around her prison. He began screaming," You know, I hate people like you. I really do! You think you're so good and pure and innocent. You can do no wrong. But you can. You're all wrong. But I need you. You better hope you work out. I don't think the other one will. I need her though. I'll just have to replace her. Don't you ever forget you're easy to replace. If you don't work out, I won't hesitate to replace you!" He spit out full of hate and disdain.
Before Liz could stop herself, she asked in a small voice,"W-What do you need....m-me...for?"
Before she could even register what was about to happen, she felt a fist connecting with her mouth. Her head snapped back against the wall with a strong force. Her vision became blurry and she started coughing up blood. Looking down at the ground she saw her blood. She shivered, knowing that more of her blood was about to be spilled on the floor as well.
******************
Max and Michael were going through all the information they had on Sadie's disappearance. Searching for anything that might lead them to Liz. And Sadie.
Michael leaned back in his chair and sighed. Looking at his watch he saw it was one in the afternoon. Liz had been missing for approximately fifteen hours. Seemed like a lifetime. Looking over at Max he took in his haggard appearance. His rumpled clothes, disheveled hair, dark under-eye circles and his tear-stained cheeks. If Max looked like this after only half a day, he was afraid it would literally kill him if they didn't find Liz soon. He knew it wouldn't be so easy finding her though. He felt it.
"Max, you really need to get home and get some sleep," Michael said reluctantly.
"I have no home anymore Michael, not without Liz there. Liz is my home, until we find her consider me homeless," Max replied seriously.
"Max, you need sleep. You can't find Liz when you're dead on your feet."
"No, Michael, I can't find Liz when I'm sleeping."
"Max, you're going to drop dead from exhaustion. You haven't slept since Liz disappeared. Neither have I," Michael replied tiredly.
"I'll sleep when I find Liz. As for you, by all means, go home and take a nap while God knows what is being done to Liz," Max said sarcastically.
Michael brushed Max's sarcasm off. In truth, he knew Maria needed him. His wife was distraught over her best friend missing. But Maria had her mother, Amy, with her. Max needed him more. He needed his help in finding Liz. And finding Liz would be the solace they all desperately needed.
"Max maybe we should take a look at Sadie's family statements again," Michael said helpfully.
Max made a weak attempt at a smile. "Thanks Michael, maybe we should."
They both turned at the sound of the door opening. They saw Chief Spencer enter carrying a folder. "It's the lab results," he announced quickly seeing the questioning look in both men's eyes.
"Max, it's been identified as Liz's blood." Spencer said reluctantly.
Max made no reaction to this news. He already knew it was Liz's blood.
Spencer cleared his throat. "The lab is positive what cause the bleeding. They said the amount of blood found coincides exactly with a small puncture wound. Such as a hypodermic needle," Spencer stated.
Max absorbed this information before responding. "That's how he got her. He probably injected her with something. If it's the same man who took Sadie, then he probably did the same thing to her. Only he didn't bet on Liz bleeding. That's where he fouled up. That's where he'll get the bastard. Let's do a check on all hypodermic needle sales within the past six months. I know it's going to be a long list, but this is the first solid lead we have. This might be the break we need," Max said full of hope.
*********************
Liz lay curled up on the ground in intense pain. She had been kicked, punched, slapped, thrown around like nothing. Her whole body ached. She felt herself laying in a warm, sticky substance. She knew she was laying in a pool of her own blood. Both of her eyes were completely swollen shut. She couldn't even distinguish between the physical blows to her body. When he was finally done, he threw her to the ground and kicked her hard before leaving without so much as a glance back in her direction. When she heard the lock click signaling she wouldn't be free today, she curled up into the fetal position, wrapping her arms protectively around her body, and began sobbing. She felt sick with pain. Between the sobs and pain, she threw up. The vomit was a physical reaction to the pain she was in physically, mentally, and emotionally. She wanted to know who else was here. He said the other one wasn't working out. She desperately wanted to know why he needed her. She felt the bile rise up in her throat again, thinking about who did this to her. One of Max's own. Someone who was sworn to protect innocent civilians, not batter and terrorize them. She knew that this was only the beginning and the worst has yet to come.
TBC
Chapter 4
His footsteps seemed to go in slow motion. The sound of each step falling onto the floor seemed to resonate throughout the small room. Each step brought evil closer and closer to it's next victim. Each step he took made Liz Evan's blood run cold. By the time he reached her, she was positive she had ice water running through her veins instead of warm blood.
*******************
The elementary school parking lot no longer resembled chaos. It was now the aftermath of chaos. The yellow police tape was the only indication that it was previously a scene of a crime.
*******************
Max Evans and Michael Guerin were sitting behind their desks in complete silence. All evidence had been collected. It was a meager amount at best. Liz's keys, her car, her note to her husband, and an unidentified drop of blood. The blood was sent off to the lab for identification. Max didn't need to wait for lab results. He already knew who's blood it was. It was his Liz's. His wife's. It was his fault that it was her blood. He knew something was going to happen, yet he still just went off to bed without her. Two words were slowly driving him mad: 'what' and 'if.' What if he persuaded her to grade the tests the next day. What if he actually tried to persuade her to go to bed with him. What if he stayed up with her. What if he went with his gut instincts and listened to his paranoia instead of casually brushing it aside. What if....
"Maxwell. Stop it. Right now," Michael ordered his best friend. He had been watching the expressions play out across Max's face and he knew what he was doing. Blaming himself. Well, he was going to put a stop to it.
Max closed his eyes wearily while rubbing a hand over his exhausted and devastated face. "Stop what Michael?"
"You know what Max. Stop blaming yourself." Michael answered.
Max's face contorted into one of pain. "How can I stop blaming myself when I am the one to blame?" Max asked in an anguished whisper.
"Max, you are not the one to blame. The bastard who took Liz is the sole place for blame here," Michael said sincerely.
"Michael, I am!" Max yelled angrily. "I had this haunting feeling all day and I never once considered the damn possibility my soul was trying to tell me I was about to lose my heart! I just chalked it up to my feelings about the Sadie Johnson case following me home from work!" Max screamed with a voice full of unmistakable self-loathing.
Michael sat shocked. Not by Max's words, but at the mention of Sadie Johnson. He couldn't believe they never considered the possibility of a relation between Liz and Sadie's disappearances. When he looked at Max he saw he too was having the same moment of clarity as well.
"You don't think....." Max trailed off afraid to become too hopeful.
"I think it's a definite possibility Max. They have to be connected. Worth looking into. Let's face it we're fishing for anything right about now," Michael said.
Max nodded. "Both young women, both basically vanished late at night, at their place of employment nevertheless. In a parking lot," Max said.
Michael added, "The only difference is the evidence. We found Sadie's purse near her car, while Liz's keys. But those are basically trivial things. It was pure chance what they were carrying with them. But blood was found at the school. At the scene of Liz's disappearance."
Max swallowed hard at the mention of his wife's blood. In a strained voice Max said, "They have to be linked. Too many blatantly obvious similarities. Liz and Sadie Johnson were kidnapped by the same man."
********************
Liz was whimpering in fear when the man reached her. He stood no more than two inches from her balled up and terrified form. Liz closed her eyes, hoping that when she opened them she would be at home, in bed, wrapped safely in her husband's arms. Opening her eyes, Liz swallowed back a sob when she saw his feet in front of her face, realizing that her thoughts of being with Max was wishful thinking on her part.
She let out a small yelp of pain when he grabbed her by the hair pulling her roughly to her feet. Liz closed her eyes still afraid to look into his eyes. While wrapping his strong hands around her neck, squeezing tight, he demanded harshly, "Look at me."
Liz shivered upon hearing his voice for the first time. It was cold, calculated. When Liz opened her eyes and looked at the man's face, her eyes widened in disbelief. Her face completely drained of color, going stark white from shock. "Oh my God," she gasped out past his iron-grip on her throat.
He smirked evilly. "God isn't going to help you now," he said full of menace before slamming her hard against the hall. Liz fought the urge to curl up into a ball on the ground. Instead she stood against the wall, pushing herself as close as possible. She felt completely vulnerable. Standing before this man in her underwear shaking with fear.
She watched with growing dread his erratic pacing around her prison. He began screaming," You know, I hate people like you. I really do! You think you're so good and pure and innocent. You can do no wrong. But you can. You're all wrong. But I need you. You better hope you work out. I don't think the other one will. I need her though. I'll just have to replace her. Don't you ever forget you're easy to replace. If you don't work out, I won't hesitate to replace you!" He spit out full of hate and disdain.
Before Liz could stop herself, she asked in a small voice,"W-What do you need....m-me...for?"
Before she could even register what was about to happen, she felt a fist connecting with her mouth. Her head snapped back against the wall with a strong force. Her vision became blurry and she started coughing up blood. Looking down at the ground she saw her blood. She shivered, knowing that more of her blood was about to be spilled on the floor as well.
******************
Max and Michael were going through all the information they had on Sadie's disappearance. Searching for anything that might lead them to Liz. And Sadie.
Michael leaned back in his chair and sighed. Looking at his watch he saw it was one in the afternoon. Liz had been missing for approximately fifteen hours. Seemed like a lifetime. Looking over at Max he took in his haggard appearance. His rumpled clothes, disheveled hair, dark under-eye circles and his tear-stained cheeks. If Max looked like this after only half a day, he was afraid it would literally kill him if they didn't find Liz soon. He knew it wouldn't be so easy finding her though. He felt it.
"Max, you really need to get home and get some sleep," Michael said reluctantly.
"I have no home anymore Michael, not without Liz there. Liz is my home, until we find her consider me homeless," Max replied seriously.
"Max, you need sleep. You can't find Liz when you're dead on your feet."
"No, Michael, I can't find Liz when I'm sleeping."
"Max, you're going to drop dead from exhaustion. You haven't slept since Liz disappeared. Neither have I," Michael replied tiredly.
"I'll sleep when I find Liz. As for you, by all means, go home and take a nap while God knows what is being done to Liz," Max said sarcastically.
Michael brushed Max's sarcasm off. In truth, he knew Maria needed him. His wife was distraught over her best friend missing. But Maria had her mother, Amy, with her. Max needed him more. He needed his help in finding Liz. And finding Liz would be the solace they all desperately needed.
"Max maybe we should take a look at Sadie's family statements again," Michael said helpfully.
Max made a weak attempt at a smile. "Thanks Michael, maybe we should."
They both turned at the sound of the door opening. They saw Chief Spencer enter carrying a folder. "It's the lab results," he announced quickly seeing the questioning look in both men's eyes.
"Max, it's been identified as Liz's blood." Spencer said reluctantly.
Max made no reaction to this news. He already knew it was Liz's blood.
Spencer cleared his throat. "The lab is positive what cause the bleeding. They said the amount of blood found coincides exactly with a small puncture wound. Such as a hypodermic needle," Spencer stated.
Max absorbed this information before responding. "That's how he got her. He probably injected her with something. If it's the same man who took Sadie, then he probably did the same thing to her. Only he didn't bet on Liz bleeding. That's where he fouled up. That's where he'll get the bastard. Let's do a check on all hypodermic needle sales within the past six months. I know it's going to be a long list, but this is the first solid lead we have. This might be the break we need," Max said full of hope.
*********************
Liz lay curled up on the ground in intense pain. She had been kicked, punched, slapped, thrown around like nothing. Her whole body ached. She felt herself laying in a warm, sticky substance. She knew she was laying in a pool of her own blood. Both of her eyes were completely swollen shut. She couldn't even distinguish between the physical blows to her body. When he was finally done, he threw her to the ground and kicked her hard before leaving without so much as a glance back in her direction. When she heard the lock click signaling she wouldn't be free today, she curled up into the fetal position, wrapping her arms protectively around her body, and began sobbing. She felt sick with pain. Between the sobs and pain, she threw up. The vomit was a physical reaction to the pain she was in physically, mentally, and emotionally. She wanted to know who else was here. He said the other one wasn't working out. She desperately wanted to know why he needed her. She felt the bile rise up in her throat again, thinking about who did this to her. One of Max's own. Someone who was sworn to protect innocent civilians, not batter and terrorize them. She knew that this was only the beginning and the worst has yet to come.
TBC
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) 5/23, Ch. 5
A/N: Hey everyone! I know, I know, I'm pure evil. I just can't help it. I'll answer some questions. Yes, a cop took Liz. You won't find out which cop until at least three more chapters. Why he took her will come a little later.
Thank you so much for your support! I'm so glad everyone's enjoying it. I'm enjoying writing it. Without further ado, here's the next party. Enjoy!
Chapter 5
Max was going through the list they compiled of individuals who purchased hypodermic needles recently. Max let out a growl of frustration. There were hundreds of names on the list. It was going to take forever.
"Michael, we need to narrow this list down. Get Davis and Jensen in here and we'll split it up into sections. We'll run the names through our database. Anyone with a criminal record we'll look into," Michael ordered.
Michael nodded, "Okay, I'll go get them. Good idea Max."
Once Michael left, Max leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was dead tired. But he couldn't sleep. He knew he should. He also knew he'd have to go back to the house sometime. He just couldn't yet. He couldn't walk into the house he shared with Liz without her there. He refused to sleep until it was absolutely necessary. In truth, he was afraid of the nightmares he knew he'd have. He was also afraid of wasting precious time sleeping, that could have been used to find Liz. Every second it seemed like he was on the verge of breaking down again. The only thing stopping him was trying to find her. No, not trying, he will find her. As long as he focused on that, he could handle it.
Michael coming in the door broke him out of his thoughts. Looking towards the door he saw Michael enter with Davis and Jensen. They were two of the best detectives Max worked with besides Michael Guerin. Detective Andrew Davis and Cole Jensen. When Max and Michael first began here Detective Davis was already employed. Andrew Davis has been with the precinct for fifteen years. He was a man in his late thirties. Cole Jensen was in his early thirties. He began working here only eighteen months ago. Nevertheless, Max valued their work.
"Max, just tell us what you need done and we'll do it," Davis said.
"Thanks. Okay, I'll take the first couples pages of names, Michael you take the next two. Jensen and Davis you guys take the last pages. Run them through the database and look for criminal records. No misdemeanors. We're talking any felony crimes. Assault, battery, kidnapping, robbery, homicide and rape," Max instructed. His heart clenched when he spoke out the last two crimes: homicide and rape. He hoped God was listening to his prayers.
"We're on it," Michael said.
**********************
Liz woke up with the most intense pain of her life. Hours after her beating, the pain increased. She smelled the stench of blood and bile. She gagged while struggling to sit up. She pushed herself into a sitting position against the wall. Both of her eyes were still swollen shut. She could make out slight movement in her left eye. No distinguishing images though. She fought back tears. She didn't think she could handle this any longer. What if it took weeks, months, years to find her? What if no one ever found her? What if they found her, but were too late? She chided herself. She couldn't think like that. Max would find her. Her husband will come and take her home to safety. She knew that was true with her heart, mind, and soul. She wouldn't give up hope. Never.
**********************
After finishing going through the list. They found twenty-six possible suspects. Max looked at each name with hatred. Hatred for men who even had the possibility of doing this to Liz. And to him.
"Okay guys. We need to question each and every name on this list. Find their whereabouts the night Liz disappeared. Find out if they have an alibi. An actual alibi," Max ordered, "Jensen and Davis, you guys take half of them and Michael and I will take the other half."
Everyone nodded their consent. "All right, let's get a move on," Michael said.
Hours later, Jensen and Davis called Max and told him all of their suspects were no longer suspects. All whereabouts confirmed and all alibis checked out. Max sighed frustrated. He and Michael had already questioned twelve of their suspects. One was left. Max hoped to God this was the one. Because if it wasn't, he didn't know where to look.
Pulling up to one Jeff Hayward's house, Max was full of adrenaline. Knocking on the door, it opened seconds later. A woman in her fifties opened the door. She was of a short, stocky build. She had shoulder-length blonde hair. Obviously of the bottled kind, taking in her black roots.
"Excuse me, ma'am, we're with the police department. We are looking for Jeff Hayward. Is he here?" Michael asked while him and Max flashed their badges.
The woman regarded them carefully. "No, he's not. I'm his mother. I don't know where he went. He left a couple of hours ago. Don't know when he'll be back. Sometimes he's gone for days."
It was Max and Michael's turn to regard her carefully. "Okay, well my I'm Detective Michael Guerin and this is Detective Max Evans. He's in no trouble. We just need to ask him a few questions. When he gets home, could you give us a call. We'd rather you not tell him we came by, just call us and we'll come by. We don't want to scare him away or anything," Michael said.
"Is Jeff in trouble again?"
Max spoke up, "No ma'am he's not, like we said we just need to ask him some questions," he said harshly.
Michael scowled.
"Okay, I'll give you a call when he gets home," the woman agreed before slamming the door shut in their faces.
"Way to have tact Maxwell," Michael said sarcastically.
"Fuck tact. We need to talk to him. Do you think she was telling the truth?" Max asked.
Michael seemed to contemplate for a while before answer, "Yeah, Yeah I do."
Max nodded, "So do I. I just can't wait until he gets here. We need to know soon."
When they got back into the car, Max picked up the list scanning it for Jeff Hayward's name. "Michael he ordered by credit card. He ordered from Home Medical Supplies, Inc. I'm going to call them and talk to who took his order."
Quickly dialing the company's number, he waited impatiently for an answer. "Home Medical Supplies, How may I help you?" a woman with a pleasant, professional voice answered.
"I'm Detective Max Evans. I need to speak with whoever took Jeff Hayward's order."
"When was the order placed sir?" She asked politely.
"Four months ago, December 16, 2003," Max answered.
"Let's see, that was Terri Hall. I'll connect you to her now."
"Thank you," Max said politely.
"Terri Hall, how may I help you?" Max quickly asked if she remembered speaking to a Jeff Hayward. "Yes, Yes actually I do. It was a few months back, I usually don't remember customers very well. But for some reason he stuck in my mind. The things he said." Terri answered.
Max's heart began beating faster. "Like what?" He asked.
"Well, I was trying to make polite conversation and ask what was his use for our products. He basically bite my head off. He said something like I don't know, umm...that he needed them for personal business. It was none of my business. He had some people who needed them. Wrong people," Terri said. "It was just the way he said it. Very frightening if you ask me."
Max didn't even bother to say thank you. He quickly hung up and turned to Michael. "It's him. Jeff Hayward took Liz."
******************
Liz was drifting in and out of consciousness when she heard the sound of her door unlocking and opening. She immediately tensed. She looked up but couldn't see him. She was relieved by this idea, yet frightened at the same time.
Slowly making his way towards her, he crouched down in front of her and touched her cheek. Liz flinched with the contact.
"You know, they'll never find you. I've made sure of it," he said with a voice full of confidence. '
Liz fought back the tears and denied his statement vehemently. "Max will. He'll find me. He'll always find me. He'll find out it was you. He'll kill you."
Instead of striking her like she thought he would for her statement, he merely laughed a spine-chilling laugh. "You stupid bitch, no one will ever suspect me you know it. Especially since I'm working on your case. If they don't know I did it, then they won't find you. Besides, I already made sure I won't get caught. I will admit I was a bit on edge, considering they found your blood at the school and knew about the needles. But, they already found their culprit. He's just some lowlife criminal who I arrested once. All the evidence will point to him. They'll never find you. Soon you'll know the reason you're here. But you still have a few lessons to learn. Til' tomorrow," he said before kissing her bruised face, causing her to swallow back bile. He stood up and casually left the room and locked the door.
Liz began shaking uncontrollably. They'll lock the wrong person up and never find me, she thought. She didn't know which mood of his was more fearful. His crazy ranting about her being wrong, or his deadly calm moods like just now. She prayed tomorrow wouldn't come. Liz Evan's never prayed so hard in her life.
TBC
Thank you so much for your support! I'm so glad everyone's enjoying it. I'm enjoying writing it. Without further ado, here's the next party. Enjoy!
Chapter 5
Max was going through the list they compiled of individuals who purchased hypodermic needles recently. Max let out a growl of frustration. There were hundreds of names on the list. It was going to take forever.
"Michael, we need to narrow this list down. Get Davis and Jensen in here and we'll split it up into sections. We'll run the names through our database. Anyone with a criminal record we'll look into," Michael ordered.
Michael nodded, "Okay, I'll go get them. Good idea Max."
Once Michael left, Max leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. He was dead tired. But he couldn't sleep. He knew he should. He also knew he'd have to go back to the house sometime. He just couldn't yet. He couldn't walk into the house he shared with Liz without her there. He refused to sleep until it was absolutely necessary. In truth, he was afraid of the nightmares he knew he'd have. He was also afraid of wasting precious time sleeping, that could have been used to find Liz. Every second it seemed like he was on the verge of breaking down again. The only thing stopping him was trying to find her. No, not trying, he will find her. As long as he focused on that, he could handle it.
Michael coming in the door broke him out of his thoughts. Looking towards the door he saw Michael enter with Davis and Jensen. They were two of the best detectives Max worked with besides Michael Guerin. Detective Andrew Davis and Cole Jensen. When Max and Michael first began here Detective Davis was already employed. Andrew Davis has been with the precinct for fifteen years. He was a man in his late thirties. Cole Jensen was in his early thirties. He began working here only eighteen months ago. Nevertheless, Max valued their work.
"Max, just tell us what you need done and we'll do it," Davis said.
"Thanks. Okay, I'll take the first couples pages of names, Michael you take the next two. Jensen and Davis you guys take the last pages. Run them through the database and look for criminal records. No misdemeanors. We're talking any felony crimes. Assault, battery, kidnapping, robbery, homicide and rape," Max instructed. His heart clenched when he spoke out the last two crimes: homicide and rape. He hoped God was listening to his prayers.
"We're on it," Michael said.
**********************
Liz woke up with the most intense pain of her life. Hours after her beating, the pain increased. She smelled the stench of blood and bile. She gagged while struggling to sit up. She pushed herself into a sitting position against the wall. Both of her eyes were still swollen shut. She could make out slight movement in her left eye. No distinguishing images though. She fought back tears. She didn't think she could handle this any longer. What if it took weeks, months, years to find her? What if no one ever found her? What if they found her, but were too late? She chided herself. She couldn't think like that. Max would find her. Her husband will come and take her home to safety. She knew that was true with her heart, mind, and soul. She wouldn't give up hope. Never.
**********************
After finishing going through the list. They found twenty-six possible suspects. Max looked at each name with hatred. Hatred for men who even had the possibility of doing this to Liz. And to him.
"Okay guys. We need to question each and every name on this list. Find their whereabouts the night Liz disappeared. Find out if they have an alibi. An actual alibi," Max ordered, "Jensen and Davis, you guys take half of them and Michael and I will take the other half."
Everyone nodded their consent. "All right, let's get a move on," Michael said.
Hours later, Jensen and Davis called Max and told him all of their suspects were no longer suspects. All whereabouts confirmed and all alibis checked out. Max sighed frustrated. He and Michael had already questioned twelve of their suspects. One was left. Max hoped to God this was the one. Because if it wasn't, he didn't know where to look.
Pulling up to one Jeff Hayward's house, Max was full of adrenaline. Knocking on the door, it opened seconds later. A woman in her fifties opened the door. She was of a short, stocky build. She had shoulder-length blonde hair. Obviously of the bottled kind, taking in her black roots.
"Excuse me, ma'am, we're with the police department. We are looking for Jeff Hayward. Is he here?" Michael asked while him and Max flashed their badges.
The woman regarded them carefully. "No, he's not. I'm his mother. I don't know where he went. He left a couple of hours ago. Don't know when he'll be back. Sometimes he's gone for days."
It was Max and Michael's turn to regard her carefully. "Okay, well my I'm Detective Michael Guerin and this is Detective Max Evans. He's in no trouble. We just need to ask him a few questions. When he gets home, could you give us a call. We'd rather you not tell him we came by, just call us and we'll come by. We don't want to scare him away or anything," Michael said.
"Is Jeff in trouble again?"
Max spoke up, "No ma'am he's not, like we said we just need to ask him some questions," he said harshly.
Michael scowled.
"Okay, I'll give you a call when he gets home," the woman agreed before slamming the door shut in their faces.
"Way to have tact Maxwell," Michael said sarcastically.
"Fuck tact. We need to talk to him. Do you think she was telling the truth?" Max asked.
Michael seemed to contemplate for a while before answer, "Yeah, Yeah I do."
Max nodded, "So do I. I just can't wait until he gets here. We need to know soon."
When they got back into the car, Max picked up the list scanning it for Jeff Hayward's name. "Michael he ordered by credit card. He ordered from Home Medical Supplies, Inc. I'm going to call them and talk to who took his order."
Quickly dialing the company's number, he waited impatiently for an answer. "Home Medical Supplies, How may I help you?" a woman with a pleasant, professional voice answered.
"I'm Detective Max Evans. I need to speak with whoever took Jeff Hayward's order."
"When was the order placed sir?" She asked politely.
"Four months ago, December 16, 2003," Max answered.
"Let's see, that was Terri Hall. I'll connect you to her now."
"Thank you," Max said politely.
"Terri Hall, how may I help you?" Max quickly asked if she remembered speaking to a Jeff Hayward. "Yes, Yes actually I do. It was a few months back, I usually don't remember customers very well. But for some reason he stuck in my mind. The things he said." Terri answered.
Max's heart began beating faster. "Like what?" He asked.
"Well, I was trying to make polite conversation and ask what was his use for our products. He basically bite my head off. He said something like I don't know, umm...that he needed them for personal business. It was none of my business. He had some people who needed them. Wrong people," Terri said. "It was just the way he said it. Very frightening if you ask me."
Max didn't even bother to say thank you. He quickly hung up and turned to Michael. "It's him. Jeff Hayward took Liz."
******************
Liz was drifting in and out of consciousness when she heard the sound of her door unlocking and opening. She immediately tensed. She looked up but couldn't see him. She was relieved by this idea, yet frightened at the same time.
Slowly making his way towards her, he crouched down in front of her and touched her cheek. Liz flinched with the contact.
"You know, they'll never find you. I've made sure of it," he said with a voice full of confidence. '
Liz fought back the tears and denied his statement vehemently. "Max will. He'll find me. He'll always find me. He'll find out it was you. He'll kill you."
Instead of striking her like she thought he would for her statement, he merely laughed a spine-chilling laugh. "You stupid bitch, no one will ever suspect me you know it. Especially since I'm working on your case. If they don't know I did it, then they won't find you. Besides, I already made sure I won't get caught. I will admit I was a bit on edge, considering they found your blood at the school and knew about the needles. But, they already found their culprit. He's just some lowlife criminal who I arrested once. All the evidence will point to him. They'll never find you. Soon you'll know the reason you're here. But you still have a few lessons to learn. Til' tomorrow," he said before kissing her bruised face, causing her to swallow back bile. He stood up and casually left the room and locked the door.
Liz began shaking uncontrollably. They'll lock the wrong person up and never find me, she thought. She didn't know which mood of his was more fearful. His crazy ranting about her being wrong, or his deadly calm moods like just now. She prayed tomorrow wouldn't come. Liz Evan's never prayed so hard in her life.
TBC
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) 5/24, Ch.6
A/N: Okay, here's the new part. This will answer a few questions for you guys! Enjoy!
Chapter 6
Once Max and Michael had gotten back to the station, Max immediately went in search of Chief Spencer and relayed the latest findings.
"Okay, here's what we do, I'll take this to a judge, who's a friend of mine. He owes me a favor. We'll get a warrant for Jeff Hayward and bring him in," Spencer decided.
Max sighed with relief and tensed with anticipation at the same time.
"Max we're going to get him and we're going to get Liz," Michael stated confidently.
"Michael I know, but I just know it's not as simple as it seems. There's more to this than we know. I feel it. This time I'm not going to ignore my instincts. Last time it cost me my wife," Max said adamantly.
Just then, Max's cell phone rang. "Hello," he answered quickly.
"Max, it's Davis."
"Davis, we have a suspect. Jeff Hayward. We're getting a warrant right now," Max excitedly told Davis their breakthrough.
He heard Davis sigh with relief, "That's great Max. I'll tell Jensen when I see him. He'll be thrilled."
Max frowned. "Is Jensen not with you?" Max questioned.
"No, he said he had something to take care of. He said he'd meet me back at the station. Since we followed all of our leads I told him that it would be okay," Davis answered.
"Uh, yeah, that's fine. You guys did good work," Max said.
"Okay Davis, see you back here," Max said.
"Yeah, Max. Bye," Davis said.
When Max hung up the phone, Cole Jensen came striding in. "Max, I just ran into Spencer. He told me the good news."
"Yeah, it is good news, isn't it?" Max said with a half-smile on his face, "Looks like we're going to get him." Max added.
Jensen grinned with unabashed happiness. "Yeah, it looks like we are."
**************************
Liz woke up to the sound of a feminine scream. She tensed not knowing who it was or why they were screaming.
"Let me go!!!!! Let me out of here you son of a bitch!!!!!! Please, just let me go!!!" the voice screamed pleading desperately.
Liz's eyes widened with shock. She was strangely comforted knowing she wasn't alone. She knew she should feel disgusted with herself being happy some other innocent woman was going through the same hellish nightmare she was, but she was too far gone to care.
Quickly swallowing, she hesitantly called out, "Hello?"
She was met with silence. Again, she called out, only this time with more force, "Hello!? Who's there? Can you hear me?!"
Silence yet again.
"Damnit! Please answer me!!!" Liz screamed frustrated.
"I'm here!" the voice yelled back.
Liz swallowed back a cry of relief. "What's your name?!" She asked.
"Sadie. Sadie Johnson!" the voice yelled.
Liz felt her heart stop beating, then start again. She sat there in shock. "Oh my God," she whispered to herself in shock, remembering Max mention that name to her.
*********************
Max sat at this desk. He had to keep blinking so he wouldn't fall asleep right here on his desk. He looked at the clock. It was one in the morning. Liz had been missing for over a day. He hadn't slept in over a day. He felt all of it catching up with him in his first moment alone since this whole nightmare began. Michael, Jensen, and Davis were all waiting for Spencer to get back with the warrant. Then they'd go bring the bastard in. He still couldn't believe this was happening. He prayed he'd wake up and it would have all been one, long dream. Or rather nightmare. He was so stressed out. Right now he needed Liz. She always made him feel better. But this time, she was the reason he needed to feel better.
Michael came barging in screaming, "Max, we got the warrant!! Let's go!"
Max immediately jumped up and ran with Michael to the car. Jensen and Davis followed behind them. They sped through the streets with lights flashing and sirens wailing.
The cars screeched to a half in front of Jeff Hayward's place of residence. Max jumped out of the car, warrant in hand, not waiting to see if his coworkers were following him. He began banging on the front door screaming, "Police, open up right now!"
The door swung open revealing Jeff Hayward's mother. "What the hell do-"
She was cut off quickly by Max. "We have a warrant for your son's arrest and to search the premises. Please move aside ma'am," Max said without room for argument.
She quickly moved aside letting the four officers into her home.
"Davis you go left, Jensen you right. Michael come with me upstairs," Max ordered. They all complied.
Max and Michael walked up the stairs, guns raised. They made a left and walked cautiously down the hallway. Michael checked the bathroom and signaled 'all clear.' Max checked the first bedroom and found it was empty. He too signaled 'all clear.' With one room being left, Max and Michael checked it together. No visible sign of Jeff Hayward in his room or closet. Max and Michael locked gazes both knowing one another knew he was under the bed. Michael moved beside Max and they quickly picked up the twin bed and flipped it over revealing a very scared Jeff Hayward.
"Don't move!" Michael yelled. "Davis! Jensen! We got him!!" he added yelling just as loudly.
Max looked at this man and felt instant rage. They weren't even completely sure he was the one who took Liz. But right now, he didn't care. He was the suspect. Anyone who could be a suspect was all Max needed. He needed somewhere to place his rage and blame besides himself. He was sick with guilt.
"Where is she!!!!!!! Where's my wife you fucker!!" Max screamed full of rage.
"Maxwell!!! Calm down!!" Michael ordered.
Max turned and pinned Michael with a look that chilled him. He has never seen Max with such a look before. His eyes were black with murder.
"Damnit, fucking answer me!! Where is she!" Max asked again.
Jeff Hayward cowered with fear. "I-I...don't know...w-what you're talking about!!" he said trembling.
"The fuck you don't!!" Max yelled before lunging at Hayward throwing punches wherever he could connect with flesh.
Michael and Davis immediately grabbed Max off of Hayward. "Max, back off!!!" Davis yelled, while Michael yelled, "Get control of yourself!"
Max kept screaming, "I'll kill you! You fucking bastard! I'll kill you!!"
Michael and Davis forcefully removed Max from the room, while Michael ordered Jensen, "Cuff him!"
Jensen had a pure look of pride on his face when he casually strolled over to Jeff Hayward.
Hayward's eyes widened in recognition. "You fucking pig! Get away from me!" he yelled angrily.
"Tsk, tsk. That's no way to talk to a man of the law. You remembered last time you resisted arrest. You better go willingly this time," Jensen replied evenly.
Hayward visibly swallowed hard.
Jensen grinned while cuffing Hayward. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you free of charge. Do you understand these rights?" Jensen asked while smirking proudly.
************************
Breaking her out of her shocked thoughts, Liz heard Sadie ask, "What's your name?"
Liz swallowed hard. "Liz. I'm Liz Evans."
"How long have you been here Liz?" Sadie asked.
"I-I don't know. I think not very long. Only a day or two. Maybe," Liz answered unsure, still reeling from shock.
"How about you?" Liz asked.
There was a long pause before answering, "I don't know. Too long." I think months," Sadie replied solemnly. "I know this because of the beatings. I've been beaten many times and I've healed many times. It takes weeks to heal from that bastard's beatings. So I'm just guessing."
Liz swallowed hard and choked back a sob. Months. Sadie has been here months. She remembers Max getting her case over three months ago. She couldn't stomach the thought of being in this prison that long. She couldn't do it. Max will find me she thought. Although, deep down, she knew it would take Max a long time to find her. It would take months.
TBC
***I wasn't planning on making clear who took Liz until another couple of parts. But I couldn't wait. I'm sure after reading this you have a pretty good idea which cop took Liz and Sadie. As for Jadeling's assessment about it being child-related, maybe. Maybe not. You'll find out soon. I promise! Thanks for the feedback!!!
Chapter 6
Once Max and Michael had gotten back to the station, Max immediately went in search of Chief Spencer and relayed the latest findings.
"Okay, here's what we do, I'll take this to a judge, who's a friend of mine. He owes me a favor. We'll get a warrant for Jeff Hayward and bring him in," Spencer decided.
Max sighed with relief and tensed with anticipation at the same time.
"Max we're going to get him and we're going to get Liz," Michael stated confidently.
"Michael I know, but I just know it's not as simple as it seems. There's more to this than we know. I feel it. This time I'm not going to ignore my instincts. Last time it cost me my wife," Max said adamantly.
Just then, Max's cell phone rang. "Hello," he answered quickly.
"Max, it's Davis."
"Davis, we have a suspect. Jeff Hayward. We're getting a warrant right now," Max excitedly told Davis their breakthrough.
He heard Davis sigh with relief, "That's great Max. I'll tell Jensen when I see him. He'll be thrilled."
Max frowned. "Is Jensen not with you?" Max questioned.
"No, he said he had something to take care of. He said he'd meet me back at the station. Since we followed all of our leads I told him that it would be okay," Davis answered.
"Uh, yeah, that's fine. You guys did good work," Max said.
"Okay Davis, see you back here," Max said.
"Yeah, Max. Bye," Davis said.
When Max hung up the phone, Cole Jensen came striding in. "Max, I just ran into Spencer. He told me the good news."
"Yeah, it is good news, isn't it?" Max said with a half-smile on his face, "Looks like we're going to get him." Max added.
Jensen grinned with unabashed happiness. "Yeah, it looks like we are."
**************************
Liz woke up to the sound of a feminine scream. She tensed not knowing who it was or why they were screaming.
"Let me go!!!!! Let me out of here you son of a bitch!!!!!! Please, just let me go!!!" the voice screamed pleading desperately.
Liz's eyes widened with shock. She was strangely comforted knowing she wasn't alone. She knew she should feel disgusted with herself being happy some other innocent woman was going through the same hellish nightmare she was, but she was too far gone to care.
Quickly swallowing, she hesitantly called out, "Hello?"
She was met with silence. Again, she called out, only this time with more force, "Hello!? Who's there? Can you hear me?!"
Silence yet again.
"Damnit! Please answer me!!!" Liz screamed frustrated.
"I'm here!" the voice yelled back.
Liz swallowed back a cry of relief. "What's your name?!" She asked.
"Sadie. Sadie Johnson!" the voice yelled.
Liz felt her heart stop beating, then start again. She sat there in shock. "Oh my God," she whispered to herself in shock, remembering Max mention that name to her.
*********************
Max sat at this desk. He had to keep blinking so he wouldn't fall asleep right here on his desk. He looked at the clock. It was one in the morning. Liz had been missing for over a day. He hadn't slept in over a day. He felt all of it catching up with him in his first moment alone since this whole nightmare began. Michael, Jensen, and Davis were all waiting for Spencer to get back with the warrant. Then they'd go bring the bastard in. He still couldn't believe this was happening. He prayed he'd wake up and it would have all been one, long dream. Or rather nightmare. He was so stressed out. Right now he needed Liz. She always made him feel better. But this time, she was the reason he needed to feel better.
Michael came barging in screaming, "Max, we got the warrant!! Let's go!"
Max immediately jumped up and ran with Michael to the car. Jensen and Davis followed behind them. They sped through the streets with lights flashing and sirens wailing.
The cars screeched to a half in front of Jeff Hayward's place of residence. Max jumped out of the car, warrant in hand, not waiting to see if his coworkers were following him. He began banging on the front door screaming, "Police, open up right now!"
The door swung open revealing Jeff Hayward's mother. "What the hell do-"
She was cut off quickly by Max. "We have a warrant for your son's arrest and to search the premises. Please move aside ma'am," Max said without room for argument.
She quickly moved aside letting the four officers into her home.
"Davis you go left, Jensen you right. Michael come with me upstairs," Max ordered. They all complied.
Max and Michael walked up the stairs, guns raised. They made a left and walked cautiously down the hallway. Michael checked the bathroom and signaled 'all clear.' Max checked the first bedroom and found it was empty. He too signaled 'all clear.' With one room being left, Max and Michael checked it together. No visible sign of Jeff Hayward in his room or closet. Max and Michael locked gazes both knowing one another knew he was under the bed. Michael moved beside Max and they quickly picked up the twin bed and flipped it over revealing a very scared Jeff Hayward.
"Don't move!" Michael yelled. "Davis! Jensen! We got him!!" he added yelling just as loudly.
Max looked at this man and felt instant rage. They weren't even completely sure he was the one who took Liz. But right now, he didn't care. He was the suspect. Anyone who could be a suspect was all Max needed. He needed somewhere to place his rage and blame besides himself. He was sick with guilt.
"Where is she!!!!!!! Where's my wife you fucker!!" Max screamed full of rage.
"Maxwell!!! Calm down!!" Michael ordered.
Max turned and pinned Michael with a look that chilled him. He has never seen Max with such a look before. His eyes were black with murder.
"Damnit, fucking answer me!! Where is she!" Max asked again.
Jeff Hayward cowered with fear. "I-I...don't know...w-what you're talking about!!" he said trembling.
"The fuck you don't!!" Max yelled before lunging at Hayward throwing punches wherever he could connect with flesh.
Michael and Davis immediately grabbed Max off of Hayward. "Max, back off!!!" Davis yelled, while Michael yelled, "Get control of yourself!"
Max kept screaming, "I'll kill you! You fucking bastard! I'll kill you!!"
Michael and Davis forcefully removed Max from the room, while Michael ordered Jensen, "Cuff him!"
Jensen had a pure look of pride on his face when he casually strolled over to Jeff Hayward.
Hayward's eyes widened in recognition. "You fucking pig! Get away from me!" he yelled angrily.
"Tsk, tsk. That's no way to talk to a man of the law. You remembered last time you resisted arrest. You better go willingly this time," Jensen replied evenly.
Hayward visibly swallowed hard.
Jensen grinned while cuffing Hayward. "You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can be used against you in the court of law. You have the right to an attorney. If you cannot afford an attorney, one will be appointed to you free of charge. Do you understand these rights?" Jensen asked while smirking proudly.
************************
Breaking her out of her shocked thoughts, Liz heard Sadie ask, "What's your name?"
Liz swallowed hard. "Liz. I'm Liz Evans."
"How long have you been here Liz?" Sadie asked.
"I-I don't know. I think not very long. Only a day or two. Maybe," Liz answered unsure, still reeling from shock.
"How about you?" Liz asked.
There was a long pause before answering, "I don't know. Too long." I think months," Sadie replied solemnly. "I know this because of the beatings. I've been beaten many times and I've healed many times. It takes weeks to heal from that bastard's beatings. So I'm just guessing."
Liz swallowed hard and choked back a sob. Months. Sadie has been here months. She remembers Max getting her case over three months ago. She couldn't stomach the thought of being in this prison that long. She couldn't do it. Max will find me she thought. Although, deep down, she knew it would take Max a long time to find her. It would take months.
TBC
***I wasn't planning on making clear who took Liz until another couple of parts. But I couldn't wait. I'm sure after reading this you have a pretty good idea which cop took Liz and Sadie. As for Jadeling's assessment about it being child-related, maybe. Maybe not. You'll find out soon. I promise! Thanks for the feedback!!!
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) Ch. 7, 5/25/04
Chapter 7
Max stood looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. He didn't recognize the man staring back at him. He looked like a shadow of the man he used to be. A man who knew where his wife was. Jeff Hayward was being questioned as he stood there. He was not allowed, by any means, to have any further contact with the suspect. This order was personally delivered to him by Chief Spencer. Unable to look at himself any longer, Max looked down at the sink. Turning the cold water on, he splashed some on his face. A weak attempt to wake himself up and clear his head. Quickly grabbing a paper towel he dried off his face just as Michael walked in.
"Did he tell you where Liz is?" Max immediately asked.
Michael shook his head in the negative.
Max closed his eyes in defeat. "Michael do you honestly think he did it?" Max asked.
After a moment of silence, Michael answered, "I don't know Max. I honestly have no idea. I mean, all available evidence points to him. The order of hypodermic needles, the statement of the woman who took his order, he has no alibi for the night when Liz vanished, nor does he have one the night Sadie vanished. Granted, that was over three months ago. But it doesn't help his case he can't account for his whereabouts on either night," Michael answered truthfully.
Max lowered his head and stared solemnly at the ground.
"But there's more. Before I came in here, Chief told me they found some things at Hayward's place," Michael said.
Max's head immediately snapped up at hearing this. "What things?" he questioned.
"They found newspaper clippings," Michael answered.
"What kind of newspaper clippings?" Max asked warily.
"Of Sadie's disappearance and...Liz's," Michael said, "but that's not all.
Max swallowed and looked at Michael with questioning eyes.
"Their faces were cut out of their photos. That shows hostile intent right there," Michael said.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, Max said, "It's too easy Michael. All of this is so quick after no apparent leads when Liz first disappeared. None at all for months with Sadie. I know he can easily be indicted. And I'm sure he will be, but why won't he say where Liz is? I just....I don't know. It doesn't feel right. Not at all, no matter how much I want it to. It doesn't."
"I know what you mean. Jeff Hayward seems too much of a dumbass to pull this off. The person who did this has great in covering their tracks, except with Liz, his tracks weren't covered so well. With Liz's blood being found. Jeff Hayward would have messed up the first time," Michael said.
"I know Michael, but the question is, who really did it?" Max asked.
*****************************
Liz was sitting in her prison lost in her thoughts. That's all she could do lately. Was think. It was slowly driving her crazy. Sadie was her one piece of sanity and connection to humanity. Surely Max would make a connection with their disappearances she thought. She knew he would. She also knew he'd figure out that Detective Cole Jensen took her and Sadie. She just knew he wouldn't figure it out as quick as she wished. She shifted her position on the floor and winced in pain. Every movement she made felt like she was being hit with a titanium baseball bat.
She started when she heard the door open. She immediately was overcome by panic at seeing him. This was he first time seeing him after finding out about Sadie. She swallowed hard.
He paced in front of her grinning like a maniac. He was obviously pleased with something. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what. At least he isn't angry she thought.
"I thought I'd give you some terrific news. Your abductor has been caught. Jeff Hayward was arrested just a few hours ago. I bet you are just overcome with relief," Jensen smirked.
Liz's eyes widened with disbelief. She couldn't believe how cold he actually was.
Jensen saw the look on her face. "I knew you'd be surprised with this news. Pleasantly surprised I hope."
Liz started stuttering, "You..I m-mean...y-you can't do t-this."
Jensen smile grew impossibly wider while saying, "I already did."
"You can't just put this on an innocent man," Liz said bravely already preparing herself for the backlash of her comment.
To her surprise, he didn't get angry. "I assure you I can. He's not so innocent. He's been in prison for attempted murder and rape. I actually just arrested him about eight months ago for drug possession. He actually didn't have drugs on him. They were courtesy of me," Jensen said smugly.
Liz's mind was reeling with this new information. She had never felt so hopeless in her entire life. Not thinking clearly, purely out of fear, she asked, "Does Max think he took Sadie too?"
Jensen froze and Liz felt the change in the room. She gasped out in fear, "Oh god."
Jensen immediately stalked towards here pulling her up roughly by her arm. "What did you just say?!" he screamed angrily.
Liz trembled in fear. "I..I mean...I know some girl named Sadie something is missing. Max told me about her....I-I just assumed maybe you....
She was interrupted by a backhand across her mouth. She fell to the ground and tasted the bitter taste of blood in her mouth.
"Don't fucking lie to me you bitch!! This is why you are so wrong. You're not innocent.. You lie!! You talked to Sadie, didn't you?!! She's wrong too!! I knew she wasn't going to work out. Now she'll have to be replaced. Damnit!! It's going to take me weeks to find someone new and test them all over again to see if they are what I need!!" he screamed in a fit of rage.
Liz cowered in overwhelming terror. She had never seen such murderous eyes. He's going to kill Sadie. She knew it.
"You're new!! So lucky for you I'll let this slide and I won't replace you. But not again!! Do you hear me!!! Not again!! Never again! I have to go take care of that bitch now, but don't you think you're not going to get punished. When I get back, you'll regret ever knowing about Sadie and for lying to me!!" Jensen yelled while walking towards the door.
Liz began sobbing. "Please, she didn't do anything!!! Leave her alone!!!" she yelled desperately.
Her plea was met by the slamming off the door.
She began shaking. Her wracking sobs were only causing her already bruised body more pain, but she couldn't quit. They were tears for her, for Max. For Sadie.
Her sobs grew louder when she heard Sadie's screams. "It's all my fault. It's all my fault. Oh God, " Liz sobbed.
******************************
Max was driving in his car. Driving home. He knew he had to step into his house again. Sooner or later. He thought he might as well get it over with. There was nothing he could do at the station. Jeff Hayward was officially indicted for the disappearances of Liz Claudia Evans and Sadie Marie Johnson. The DA's office offered a deal if he divulged the information to Liz and Sadie's whereabouts. But Jeff Hayward vehemently denied any involvement. Oddly enough, Max believed him. As did Michael.
Max was reluctant to sleep. But he knew he needed too. Two days without sleep was taking it's toll on him. Michael's advice caught up with him. He knew Michael wouldn't rest until he did. So he at least was doing it for Michael's sake. And Maria's. He knew Maria needed Michael too.
Pulling into the driveway of the house he and Liz shared. No, he thought. Shares. She's still alive. He'd know if she was dead. He'd know. He sat in his car gathering the will to step out of it. Slowly opening his door, he stepped out on shaky legs. Making it to the front door, he couldn't bring himself to open the door. He leaned his forehead against the door and sighed brokenly.
Finally bringing himself to open the door, he quickly stepped inside and slammed it shut behind him before he lost his courage. He closed his eyes after getting his first look. Stumbling towards their bedroom, he stood in the doorway looking at the bed. He felt his eyes well up with tears. He could feel his heart breaking, knowing his wife wouldn't be sleeping in that bed tonight with him. Walking over towards the bed he sat down. He brought a trembling hand to Liz's pillow and picked it up. He pressed it to his face inhaling her scent.
"Oh God," he choked out miserably.
He hugged the pillow to his chest and began to cry brokenly. Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking sobs echoed throughout the house. Mirroring the pain one man felt over the vanishing of his wife.
TBC
Max stood looking at himself in the bathroom mirror. He didn't recognize the man staring back at him. He looked like a shadow of the man he used to be. A man who knew where his wife was. Jeff Hayward was being questioned as he stood there. He was not allowed, by any means, to have any further contact with the suspect. This order was personally delivered to him by Chief Spencer. Unable to look at himself any longer, Max looked down at the sink. Turning the cold water on, he splashed some on his face. A weak attempt to wake himself up and clear his head. Quickly grabbing a paper towel he dried off his face just as Michael walked in.
"Did he tell you where Liz is?" Max immediately asked.
Michael shook his head in the negative.
Max closed his eyes in defeat. "Michael do you honestly think he did it?" Max asked.
After a moment of silence, Michael answered, "I don't know Max. I honestly have no idea. I mean, all available evidence points to him. The order of hypodermic needles, the statement of the woman who took his order, he has no alibi for the night when Liz vanished, nor does he have one the night Sadie vanished. Granted, that was over three months ago. But it doesn't help his case he can't account for his whereabouts on either night," Michael answered truthfully.
Max lowered his head and stared solemnly at the ground.
"But there's more. Before I came in here, Chief told me they found some things at Hayward's place," Michael said.
Max's head immediately snapped up at hearing this. "What things?" he questioned.
"They found newspaper clippings," Michael answered.
"What kind of newspaper clippings?" Max asked warily.
"Of Sadie's disappearance and...Liz's," Michael said, "but that's not all.
Max swallowed and looked at Michael with questioning eyes.
"Their faces were cut out of their photos. That shows hostile intent right there," Michael said.
After a moment of thoughtful silence, Max said, "It's too easy Michael. All of this is so quick after no apparent leads when Liz first disappeared. None at all for months with Sadie. I know he can easily be indicted. And I'm sure he will be, but why won't he say where Liz is? I just....I don't know. It doesn't feel right. Not at all, no matter how much I want it to. It doesn't."
"I know what you mean. Jeff Hayward seems too much of a dumbass to pull this off. The person who did this has great in covering their tracks, except with Liz, his tracks weren't covered so well. With Liz's blood being found. Jeff Hayward would have messed up the first time," Michael said.
"I know Michael, but the question is, who really did it?" Max asked.
*****************************
Liz was sitting in her prison lost in her thoughts. That's all she could do lately. Was think. It was slowly driving her crazy. Sadie was her one piece of sanity and connection to humanity. Surely Max would make a connection with their disappearances she thought. She knew he would. She also knew he'd figure out that Detective Cole Jensen took her and Sadie. She just knew he wouldn't figure it out as quick as she wished. She shifted her position on the floor and winced in pain. Every movement she made felt like she was being hit with a titanium baseball bat.
She started when she heard the door open. She immediately was overcome by panic at seeing him. This was he first time seeing him after finding out about Sadie. She swallowed hard.
He paced in front of her grinning like a maniac. He was obviously pleased with something. She wasn't sure she wanted to know what. At least he isn't angry she thought.
"I thought I'd give you some terrific news. Your abductor has been caught. Jeff Hayward was arrested just a few hours ago. I bet you are just overcome with relief," Jensen smirked.
Liz's eyes widened with disbelief. She couldn't believe how cold he actually was.
Jensen saw the look on her face. "I knew you'd be surprised with this news. Pleasantly surprised I hope."
Liz started stuttering, "You..I m-mean...y-you can't do t-this."
Jensen smile grew impossibly wider while saying, "I already did."
"You can't just put this on an innocent man," Liz said bravely already preparing herself for the backlash of her comment.
To her surprise, he didn't get angry. "I assure you I can. He's not so innocent. He's been in prison for attempted murder and rape. I actually just arrested him about eight months ago for drug possession. He actually didn't have drugs on him. They were courtesy of me," Jensen said smugly.
Liz's mind was reeling with this new information. She had never felt so hopeless in her entire life. Not thinking clearly, purely out of fear, she asked, "Does Max think he took Sadie too?"
Jensen froze and Liz felt the change in the room. She gasped out in fear, "Oh god."
Jensen immediately stalked towards here pulling her up roughly by her arm. "What did you just say?!" he screamed angrily.
Liz trembled in fear. "I..I mean...I know some girl named Sadie something is missing. Max told me about her....I-I just assumed maybe you....
She was interrupted by a backhand across her mouth. She fell to the ground and tasted the bitter taste of blood in her mouth.
"Don't fucking lie to me you bitch!! This is why you are so wrong. You're not innocent.. You lie!! You talked to Sadie, didn't you?!! She's wrong too!! I knew she wasn't going to work out. Now she'll have to be replaced. Damnit!! It's going to take me weeks to find someone new and test them all over again to see if they are what I need!!" he screamed in a fit of rage.
Liz cowered in overwhelming terror. She had never seen such murderous eyes. He's going to kill Sadie. She knew it.
"You're new!! So lucky for you I'll let this slide and I won't replace you. But not again!! Do you hear me!!! Not again!! Never again! I have to go take care of that bitch now, but don't you think you're not going to get punished. When I get back, you'll regret ever knowing about Sadie and for lying to me!!" Jensen yelled while walking towards the door.
Liz began sobbing. "Please, she didn't do anything!!! Leave her alone!!!" she yelled desperately.
Her plea was met by the slamming off the door.
She began shaking. Her wracking sobs were only causing her already bruised body more pain, but she couldn't quit. They were tears for her, for Max. For Sadie.
Her sobs grew louder when she heard Sadie's screams. "It's all my fault. It's all my fault. Oh God, " Liz sobbed.
******************************
Max was driving in his car. Driving home. He knew he had to step into his house again. Sooner or later. He thought he might as well get it over with. There was nothing he could do at the station. Jeff Hayward was officially indicted for the disappearances of Liz Claudia Evans and Sadie Marie Johnson. The DA's office offered a deal if he divulged the information to Liz and Sadie's whereabouts. But Jeff Hayward vehemently denied any involvement. Oddly enough, Max believed him. As did Michael.
Max was reluctant to sleep. But he knew he needed too. Two days without sleep was taking it's toll on him. Michael's advice caught up with him. He knew Michael wouldn't rest until he did. So he at least was doing it for Michael's sake. And Maria's. He knew Maria needed Michael too.
Pulling into the driveway of the house he and Liz shared. No, he thought. Shares. She's still alive. He'd know if she was dead. He'd know. He sat in his car gathering the will to step out of it. Slowly opening his door, he stepped out on shaky legs. Making it to the front door, he couldn't bring himself to open the door. He leaned his forehead against the door and sighed brokenly.
Finally bringing himself to open the door, he quickly stepped inside and slammed it shut behind him before he lost his courage. He closed his eyes after getting his first look. Stumbling towards their bedroom, he stood in the doorway looking at the bed. He felt his eyes well up with tears. He could feel his heart breaking, knowing his wife wouldn't be sleeping in that bed tonight with him. Walking over towards the bed he sat down. He brought a trembling hand to Liz's pillow and picked it up. He pressed it to his face inhaling her scent.
"Oh God," he choked out miserably.
He hugged the pillow to his chest and began to cry brokenly. Gut-wrenching, heartbreaking sobs echoed throughout the house. Mirroring the pain one man felt over the vanishing of his wife.
TBC
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) Ch.8, 5/26/04
A/N: Hey everyone! I wasn't planning on finishing this chapter and posting so soon. I just couldn't stop myself. Thanks everyone for the feedback!
LittleHottie510
Jadeling
sweetbrowneyes
Behrsgirl77
nayney-I'm perfectly happy to feed your addiction!
roswellluver
Sali103
Smac
Itzstacie
TatiLoca
Luvtruche
Ansleyrocks
magikhands
Luvtruche
marteloise
Strawberry88
Becca1974
Chapter 8
It was hours, or what Liz thought felt like hours before Cole Jensen returned to give her the punishment he promised before he went and killed Sadie. She was now numb to the thought that Sadie was dead. In her mind it was her fault. But she already cried all the tears she had left. She welcomed the numb feeling. It was a lot more bearable than the utter anguish that she was feeling earlier. She pushed aside anger, knowing that anger was what fueled Sadie's behavior, that in turn caused her death. She decided on indifference and despondency. Being despondent was much easier on the heart than being compassionate she found. Call it insensitivity on her part, but she was doing all that she could to keep afloat. If that meant cutting the connection between her heart and mind, than so be it, if it kept her from all-consuming guilt and pain.
Jensen stood there silently watching Liz.
Liz sat there silently watching him in return.
Finally breaking the silence Jensen spoke. "Sadie's dead. I slit her throat," he said with delight.
Liz gave way no reaction to this, just kept staring him directly in the eyes.
"Ready to be punished Mrs. Evans?" he asked with barely concealed anticipation.
Liz raised her chin in defiance. "As ready as I'll ever be," she responsed unattached.
He seemed taken aback. He was used to her tears and eyes full of fear. What he saw in her eyes and heard in her tone was not fear, but true indifference. Maybe she would work out after all he thought. Maybe she wouldn't need to be kept in the dark for much longer. He was still livid of her disobedience earlier. Her attitude made his anger rise, because he knew he wouldn't get to take as much pleasure as he would if she was scared. Oh well, he thought, at least I'll receive some pleasure. With that thought he stepped towards her slamming his boot-clad foot into her ribs. Her only reaction was a sharp intake of breath. No tears. He kicked her again. Harder. Same reaction.
He spent the next few minutes of his life kicking and punching testing her reaction. When she'd give the same response, he'd do it harder, only to receive the exact same response. He sighed with irritation. He punched her in the face one last time, knocking her out cold. He knelt down before her bruised and battered form. Brushing a bloody strand of hair out of her face, he kissed her split lips.
"Until next time Mrs. Evans," he whispered before standing up and walking out of the door, locking it behind him.
************************************
Jeff Hayward sat in his cell in defeat. He knew there was no way out of this. He was framed. He was surely going to prison for a long time, considering he was charged with kidnapping two women, one being a cop's wife. He knew that bastard cop, Jensen, had something to do with this. He just knew it. Someone had to plant those newspaper clippings into his house. Someone had to have access to his credit card account to place those orders for needles. A cop would be able to do those things. A cop like Jensen would be able to do those things.
**************************************
Max awoke after only a few hours of a fitful sleep. He kept having nightmares of all the possible things that could be happening to Liz. All of them the most unimaginable things his mind could conjure up to break his own heart. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling. His bed felt so cold and empty. The house felt so cold and empty. His heart felt so cold and empty as well. Everything lacked warmth and fulfillment without Liz. His wife. How did they go from having dinner with best friends and talking about children to this? This being pure hell. Pure torment. Pure torture. Every word that can describe what he was feeling.
He just wished so badly that Jeff Hayward was the one who took Liz. He wished that Hayward told him where Liz was. He wished Liz was safe in bed with him now. It would all be so easy if Hayward was really the one who took Liz. But he wasn't. He knew he wasn't. Now was the hard part. Trying to find out who did. And who framed Hayward. He had no clue where to start. A dead end. His heart was heavy. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. But he would take it all, because he knew Liz was taking so much more than he was. He would take everything so she can come home.
***********************************
A young boy was sitting at the edge of the docks with his legs dangling over the edge. Looking out into the water something caught his eye. A flash of what looked like blond hair. It kept getting more and more noticeable because it was floating closer to the surface. Once it made it to the surface, the boy saw what it was. "Momma!!!!!!! Momma!!!!" the boy screamed frightened.
His mother came running quick. "Jeremy! Good heavens, what is it?!" she asked in a voice laced with panic. He pointed out to the river with wide eyes. She followed the direction his finger was pointing and gasped in shock. It was a body. The body of a young woman. The body of Sadie Johnson.
**********************************
Max sat in his kitchen staring at a photo of Liz and himself. It was taken on their wedding day. She looked beautiful. Happy. His heart clenched. The sound of his phone ringing brought his attention away from the picture.
"Hello?" Max answered.
"Max? It's Chief Spencer. You better get over to the station quick. Sadie Johnson's body has been found," he answered.
Max hung up the phone without needing further convincing. Running out the door and jumping in his car, he dialed Michael's cell phone.
"Hello?" Michael answered.
"They found Sadie's body," Max said full of fear.
"I know Max. I"m on my way to the station too. Don't worry, we don't let it happen to Liz," Michael quickly reassured his friend knowing his greatest fear was becoming more and more real everyday.
Max closed his eyes and took in a shuddering breath.
"I'll never let that happen," he said full of determination.
************************************
Back at the station Jeff Hayward was thrown back into his cell after denying being responsible for killing Sadie Johnson. He couldn't believe it. He was going to be charged with murder. He knew it.
He looked up at the sound of a man whistling. He visibly flinched when he saw Cole Jensen's face.
"You son of a bitch. I didn't kill anyone!! How could I? I was in here!! What better alibi can you get?!" he screamed angrily.
"Actually, the time of death is approximate. She could have been killed two hours before you were arrested or two hours after. Everyone's so quick to solve this case, they're going to go with two hours before. Bad timing for you. First kidnapping charges, then murder? Strange how these things happen," Jensen smirked.
"You know they're seeking the death penalty. They'll get it," Jensen stated confidently before walking away casually.
Jeff Hayward swallowed hard. He needed to talk to someone.
**************************************
Max came barreling through the doors running right into Michael.
"What's her cause of death?" Max questioned without preamble.
"The son of a bitch slit her throat. Weights were used to keep her at the bottom of the river, but apparently they weren't secure enough," Michael answered.
Max swallowed past the lump of emotion clogging his throat while picturing Liz's face in that scenario.
"Max, they're charging Jeff Hayward with murder now," Michael said uneasily.
Max sighed, "We've got to figure this out. We have to Michael."
"We will Max. I promise," Michael said.
Max knew that when Michael Guerin made a promise. He kept it.
TBC
LittleHottie510
Jadeling
sweetbrowneyes
Behrsgirl77
nayney-I'm perfectly happy to feed your addiction!
roswellluver
Sali103
Smac
Itzstacie
TatiLoca
Luvtruche
Ansleyrocks
magikhands
Luvtruche
marteloise
Strawberry88
Becca1974
Chapter 8
It was hours, or what Liz thought felt like hours before Cole Jensen returned to give her the punishment he promised before he went and killed Sadie. She was now numb to the thought that Sadie was dead. In her mind it was her fault. But she already cried all the tears she had left. She welcomed the numb feeling. It was a lot more bearable than the utter anguish that she was feeling earlier. She pushed aside anger, knowing that anger was what fueled Sadie's behavior, that in turn caused her death. She decided on indifference and despondency. Being despondent was much easier on the heart than being compassionate she found. Call it insensitivity on her part, but she was doing all that she could to keep afloat. If that meant cutting the connection between her heart and mind, than so be it, if it kept her from all-consuming guilt and pain.
Jensen stood there silently watching Liz.
Liz sat there silently watching him in return.
Finally breaking the silence Jensen spoke. "Sadie's dead. I slit her throat," he said with delight.
Liz gave way no reaction to this, just kept staring him directly in the eyes.
"Ready to be punished Mrs. Evans?" he asked with barely concealed anticipation.
Liz raised her chin in defiance. "As ready as I'll ever be," she responsed unattached.
He seemed taken aback. He was used to her tears and eyes full of fear. What he saw in her eyes and heard in her tone was not fear, but true indifference. Maybe she would work out after all he thought. Maybe she wouldn't need to be kept in the dark for much longer. He was still livid of her disobedience earlier. Her attitude made his anger rise, because he knew he wouldn't get to take as much pleasure as he would if she was scared. Oh well, he thought, at least I'll receive some pleasure. With that thought he stepped towards her slamming his boot-clad foot into her ribs. Her only reaction was a sharp intake of breath. No tears. He kicked her again. Harder. Same reaction.
He spent the next few minutes of his life kicking and punching testing her reaction. When she'd give the same response, he'd do it harder, only to receive the exact same response. He sighed with irritation. He punched her in the face one last time, knocking her out cold. He knelt down before her bruised and battered form. Brushing a bloody strand of hair out of her face, he kissed her split lips.
"Until next time Mrs. Evans," he whispered before standing up and walking out of the door, locking it behind him.
************************************
Jeff Hayward sat in his cell in defeat. He knew there was no way out of this. He was framed. He was surely going to prison for a long time, considering he was charged with kidnapping two women, one being a cop's wife. He knew that bastard cop, Jensen, had something to do with this. He just knew it. Someone had to plant those newspaper clippings into his house. Someone had to have access to his credit card account to place those orders for needles. A cop would be able to do those things. A cop like Jensen would be able to do those things.
**************************************
Max awoke after only a few hours of a fitful sleep. He kept having nightmares of all the possible things that could be happening to Liz. All of them the most unimaginable things his mind could conjure up to break his own heart. He lay in bed staring at the ceiling. His bed felt so cold and empty. The house felt so cold and empty. His heart felt so cold and empty as well. Everything lacked warmth and fulfillment without Liz. His wife. How did they go from having dinner with best friends and talking about children to this? This being pure hell. Pure torment. Pure torture. Every word that can describe what he was feeling.
He just wished so badly that Jeff Hayward was the one who took Liz. He wished that Hayward told him where Liz was. He wished Liz was safe in bed with him now. It would all be so easy if Hayward was really the one who took Liz. But he wasn't. He knew he wasn't. Now was the hard part. Trying to find out who did. And who framed Hayward. He had no clue where to start. A dead end. His heart was heavy. He didn't know how much more of this he could take. But he would take it all, because he knew Liz was taking so much more than he was. He would take everything so she can come home.
***********************************
A young boy was sitting at the edge of the docks with his legs dangling over the edge. Looking out into the water something caught his eye. A flash of what looked like blond hair. It kept getting more and more noticeable because it was floating closer to the surface. Once it made it to the surface, the boy saw what it was. "Momma!!!!!!! Momma!!!!" the boy screamed frightened.
His mother came running quick. "Jeremy! Good heavens, what is it?!" she asked in a voice laced with panic. He pointed out to the river with wide eyes. She followed the direction his finger was pointing and gasped in shock. It was a body. The body of a young woman. The body of Sadie Johnson.
**********************************
Max sat in his kitchen staring at a photo of Liz and himself. It was taken on their wedding day. She looked beautiful. Happy. His heart clenched. The sound of his phone ringing brought his attention away from the picture.
"Hello?" Max answered.
"Max? It's Chief Spencer. You better get over to the station quick. Sadie Johnson's body has been found," he answered.
Max hung up the phone without needing further convincing. Running out the door and jumping in his car, he dialed Michael's cell phone.
"Hello?" Michael answered.
"They found Sadie's body," Max said full of fear.
"I know Max. I"m on my way to the station too. Don't worry, we don't let it happen to Liz," Michael quickly reassured his friend knowing his greatest fear was becoming more and more real everyday.
Max closed his eyes and took in a shuddering breath.
"I'll never let that happen," he said full of determination.
************************************
Back at the station Jeff Hayward was thrown back into his cell after denying being responsible for killing Sadie Johnson. He couldn't believe it. He was going to be charged with murder. He knew it.
He looked up at the sound of a man whistling. He visibly flinched when he saw Cole Jensen's face.
"You son of a bitch. I didn't kill anyone!! How could I? I was in here!! What better alibi can you get?!" he screamed angrily.
"Actually, the time of death is approximate. She could have been killed two hours before you were arrested or two hours after. Everyone's so quick to solve this case, they're going to go with two hours before. Bad timing for you. First kidnapping charges, then murder? Strange how these things happen," Jensen smirked.
"You know they're seeking the death penalty. They'll get it," Jensen stated confidently before walking away casually.
Jeff Hayward swallowed hard. He needed to talk to someone.
**************************************
Max came barreling through the doors running right into Michael.
"What's her cause of death?" Max questioned without preamble.
"The son of a bitch slit her throat. Weights were used to keep her at the bottom of the river, but apparently they weren't secure enough," Michael answered.
Max swallowed past the lump of emotion clogging his throat while picturing Liz's face in that scenario.
"Max, they're charging Jeff Hayward with murder now," Michael said uneasily.
Max sighed, "We've got to figure this out. We have to Michael."
"We will Max. I promise," Michael said.
Max knew that when Michael Guerin made a promise. He kept it.
TBC
-
MilesToGo99
- Enthusiastic Roswellian
- Posts: 50
- Joined: Mon Jan 12, 2004 1:26 am
The Vanishing of Liz Evans (M/L, AU, R) Ch.9, 5/27/04
Chapter 9
Max was sitting at his desk wondering where to start. Again. He needed to talk to Hayward, but no matter how much he tried, he was still denied access. Hayward's court-appointed lawyer was against him speaking with Hayward too. Something about police brutality. He was broken out of his thoughts by the sound of a voice.
"Hey Evans. How you holding up?" the voice asked.
Max turned around to see the voice belonged to Cole Jensen.
"Honestly? I'm barely holding it together," Max admitted.
"I would already have fallen apart if I was in your position," Jensen said.
"Believe me, I'm done my fair share of falling apart. But I have to put myself together. For Liz's sake," Max said.
"Well, at least we caught the guy who did it. Now all we have to do is get him to talk. To find out where he has Liz. If he still has her," Jensen replied.
Max shot up out of his chair, walking towards Jensen with a purposeful stride. Standing face to face, he asked, "What do you mean if he still has her?"
"Just, well, I mean...Sadie and all," Jensen answered.
"Liz WILL NOT end up like Sadie, understand?" Max asked.
Jensen nodded,"Yeah, sure, I know she won't. I have a feeling she won't end up like Sadie at all," he said with more knowledge than Max knew.
"But we're almost done, it's almost over. Hayward's in custody," Jensen said.
"Yeah, Hayward's in custody," Max agreed without emotion.
Something about the tone of Max Evan's voice and the look on his face made Jensen uneasy. Like he still wasn't fully convinced Hayward was the culprit. Maybe Max Evans wasn't as stupid as he thought. He'd have to take care of Hayward.
**************************************
Liz tried to stay detached. But try as she might, her husband's face kept bringing her back to the world of emotion. His dark hair, defined jaw, perfect lips, and his eyes. Oh, how she loved his eyes. The most magnificent and alluring shade she has ever seen. The color of amber. Warm eyes that she could get lost in. Eyes framed by beautiful lashes.
His voice, warm and deep and husky. It could send chills of pleasure down her spine, it could warm her heart all at the same time. What she wouldn't give to look into his exquisite eyes and hear his equally exquisite voice right now.
***************************************
Max was one his way to Jeff Hayward's cell. He was shocked to say the least when Jeff Hayward had personally requested to talk to him. Besides being shocked, he was also relieved. He now didn't have to worry about trying to figure out a way to talk to him, and maybe Hayward had something useful to tell him. Maybe his suspicions about Hayward being innocent were correct. Jeff Hayward was not an innocent man by any means, but he was innocent in Liz's disappearance. And Sadie's disappearance and murder. That was enough for Max Evans.
Walking up to Hayward's cell, the guard unlocked it and let Max in.
Jeff Hayward immediately sat up. Max thought he saw a flash of relief through his eyes.
"Could you leave us alone please?" Hayward asked the guard.
The guard seemed to hesitate, but upon seeing Max's nod of reassurance he would be okay and he also wouldn't physically attack Hayward again, the guard relented and left the two men alone.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Max questioned.
Hayward swallowed and drew in a deep breath. Upon seeing Max's raised eyebrow in question, he spoke.
"I didn't take your wife. I didn't take the other girl either and I didn't kill her. You have to believe me," Hayward said with a hint of desperation.
Max didn't let on he believed him. He wanted to see where this went.
"Then who did?" Max questioned.
"I..I don't know. I mean I know I was framed. I'm pretty sure who did it. I just don't know if that person actually committed those crimes," Hayward said shakily.
Max could feel his heart beating faster in his chest. So fast he thought it would burst right through. "Who do you think framed you?" he asked.
"I know you probably won't believe me. No one will. I just know I didn't do it," Hayward said.
Max sighed in irritation. "Damnit, are you going to tell me anything useful or not!!" Max screamed frustrated.
Max's cell phone began to ring.
"Hello?" he barked into the phone.
"Max, it's me. You need to come to the medical examiner's office now ," Michael said.
"Michael, I'm busy," Max said.
"Michael, this is important," Michael pressed.
Max sighed. "Okay, I'm on my way," he relented.
He looked at Hayward. "Okay, here's the deal. I have something to take care of. You think about what you want to tell me. When you actually are ready to talk, ask for me. Okay?" Max asked.
Hayward nodded.
Max left Hayward's cell and preceded to walk down the hall. What he didn't notice was Cole Jensen standing in the shadows listening.
****************************************
Max walked into the ME's office. Quickly spotting Michael he walked over.
"What was so urgent, Michael?" he asked.
"Come with me," Michael said.
Michael led Max into a room. Sadie Johnson's body lay on a table with a white sheet covering all of her except her face. Michael brought Max over to that table.
"She was being examined, and they found something carved into her thigh. It's really small. It looks like it was done with a small piece of jagged metal. Probably did it herself. Because if the bastard who slit her throat did, I'm sure he would have used the knife," Michael said.
"What did she carve?" Max asked with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
Pulling back the sheet, Max got his answer.
Carved into Sadie Johnson's thigh in small, barely distinguishable letters, was a name. Liz.
"Oh my God," Max breathed out.
"She knew Liz was there. She talked to Liz," Max said.
"Yeah, I'm assuming she did this because she knew her time was up and she wanted us to know Liz was there," Michael said.
"We already knew that though. But Michael, this is undeniable proof Liz and Sadie were both captive in the same place," Max said.
************************************************
Jeff Hayward sat in his cell knowing he was ready to talk. He had to, he wouldn't go down for something he didn't do. Even though he had no proof, what he had to say was probably going to be taken as hearsay. He had to try.
Hearing footsteps, he watched the bars of his cell waiting for the face to appear. He tensed with fear seeing the footsteps belonged to Cole Jensen.
Unlocking his cell, Jensen walked into it and stood in front of Hayward.
"You know, you should have grown a pair and told Max what you think you know when you had the chance. See, I can't trust you not to talk. Even though no one would believe you. You have no proof. I still can't take that chance. I'll confirm your suspicions. I am the one that framed you. But you already knew that, didn't you? But here's what you didn't know for sure, I was the one who took Liz and Sadie. I was the one who slit Sadie's throat. So now you know the truth. Now I really need to take care of you. I could just threaten you, but again, I still can't take the chance. So what are we left with now as my choices?" Jensen asked full of malicious intent.
Jeff Hayward's face completely drained of color. He was too late. He should have told Max Evans earlier. Oh god, he thought.
Jensen, recognizing the look on Hayward's face spoke. "Ah, I see by your expression you know what my choice is. But the question is, How do I do it? I could bruise myself up then shoot you, saying you attacked me. I could make it look like a suicide. Take your sheet and hang you. Both, very plausible. Hmmm...what's a man to do?" Jensen asked while tapping his chin in thought.
Jeff Hayward sat trembling in fear. Seeing Jensen walk slowly towards him, he knew he had made up his mind.
TBC
A/N: Okay, okay, I know!! That was mean to leave it like that. I know everyone's wondering probably why no one, especially Max can realize Jensen is the one and Hayward can. Well, to everyone else, Cole Jensen is an honest detective. He's never gave the appearance otherwise. Hayward knew it was Jensen that framed him, but he only suspected Jensen was actually the one who committed the crimes. He suspected him because they have a past, like in a previous part, it said that Jensen planted drugs on him. So Hayward knows he's capable. And it's the way Jensen acts and the things he says that made Hayward suspicious. But I promise a happy dreamer ending! Okay, I'll be back tomorrow!!! Thanks again for the feedback. I appreciate it immensely.
Max was sitting at his desk wondering where to start. Again. He needed to talk to Hayward, but no matter how much he tried, he was still denied access. Hayward's court-appointed lawyer was against him speaking with Hayward too. Something about police brutality. He was broken out of his thoughts by the sound of a voice.
"Hey Evans. How you holding up?" the voice asked.
Max turned around to see the voice belonged to Cole Jensen.
"Honestly? I'm barely holding it together," Max admitted.
"I would already have fallen apart if I was in your position," Jensen said.
"Believe me, I'm done my fair share of falling apart. But I have to put myself together. For Liz's sake," Max said.
"Well, at least we caught the guy who did it. Now all we have to do is get him to talk. To find out where he has Liz. If he still has her," Jensen replied.
Max shot up out of his chair, walking towards Jensen with a purposeful stride. Standing face to face, he asked, "What do you mean if he still has her?"
"Just, well, I mean...Sadie and all," Jensen answered.
"Liz WILL NOT end up like Sadie, understand?" Max asked.
Jensen nodded,"Yeah, sure, I know she won't. I have a feeling she won't end up like Sadie at all," he said with more knowledge than Max knew.
"But we're almost done, it's almost over. Hayward's in custody," Jensen said.
"Yeah, Hayward's in custody," Max agreed without emotion.
Something about the tone of Max Evan's voice and the look on his face made Jensen uneasy. Like he still wasn't fully convinced Hayward was the culprit. Maybe Max Evans wasn't as stupid as he thought. He'd have to take care of Hayward.
**************************************
Liz tried to stay detached. But try as she might, her husband's face kept bringing her back to the world of emotion. His dark hair, defined jaw, perfect lips, and his eyes. Oh, how she loved his eyes. The most magnificent and alluring shade she has ever seen. The color of amber. Warm eyes that she could get lost in. Eyes framed by beautiful lashes.
His voice, warm and deep and husky. It could send chills of pleasure down her spine, it could warm her heart all at the same time. What she wouldn't give to look into his exquisite eyes and hear his equally exquisite voice right now.
***************************************
Max was one his way to Jeff Hayward's cell. He was shocked to say the least when Jeff Hayward had personally requested to talk to him. Besides being shocked, he was also relieved. He now didn't have to worry about trying to figure out a way to talk to him, and maybe Hayward had something useful to tell him. Maybe his suspicions about Hayward being innocent were correct. Jeff Hayward was not an innocent man by any means, but he was innocent in Liz's disappearance. And Sadie's disappearance and murder. That was enough for Max Evans.
Walking up to Hayward's cell, the guard unlocked it and let Max in.
Jeff Hayward immediately sat up. Max thought he saw a flash of relief through his eyes.
"Could you leave us alone please?" Hayward asked the guard.
The guard seemed to hesitate, but upon seeing Max's nod of reassurance he would be okay and he also wouldn't physically attack Hayward again, the guard relented and left the two men alone.
"So, what did you want to talk to me about?" Max questioned.
Hayward swallowed and drew in a deep breath. Upon seeing Max's raised eyebrow in question, he spoke.
"I didn't take your wife. I didn't take the other girl either and I didn't kill her. You have to believe me," Hayward said with a hint of desperation.
Max didn't let on he believed him. He wanted to see where this went.
"Then who did?" Max questioned.
"I..I don't know. I mean I know I was framed. I'm pretty sure who did it. I just don't know if that person actually committed those crimes," Hayward said shakily.
Max could feel his heart beating faster in his chest. So fast he thought it would burst right through. "Who do you think framed you?" he asked.
"I know you probably won't believe me. No one will. I just know I didn't do it," Hayward said.
Max sighed in irritation. "Damnit, are you going to tell me anything useful or not!!" Max screamed frustrated.
Max's cell phone began to ring.
"Hello?" he barked into the phone.
"Max, it's me. You need to come to the medical examiner's office now ," Michael said.
"Michael, I'm busy," Max said.
"Michael, this is important," Michael pressed.
Max sighed. "Okay, I'm on my way," he relented.
He looked at Hayward. "Okay, here's the deal. I have something to take care of. You think about what you want to tell me. When you actually are ready to talk, ask for me. Okay?" Max asked.
Hayward nodded.
Max left Hayward's cell and preceded to walk down the hall. What he didn't notice was Cole Jensen standing in the shadows listening.
****************************************
Max walked into the ME's office. Quickly spotting Michael he walked over.
"What was so urgent, Michael?" he asked.
"Come with me," Michael said.
Michael led Max into a room. Sadie Johnson's body lay on a table with a white sheet covering all of her except her face. Michael brought Max over to that table.
"She was being examined, and they found something carved into her thigh. It's really small. It looks like it was done with a small piece of jagged metal. Probably did it herself. Because if the bastard who slit her throat did, I'm sure he would have used the knife," Michael said.
"What did she carve?" Max asked with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity.
Pulling back the sheet, Max got his answer.
Carved into Sadie Johnson's thigh in small, barely distinguishable letters, was a name. Liz.
"Oh my God," Max breathed out.
"She knew Liz was there. She talked to Liz," Max said.
"Yeah, I'm assuming she did this because she knew her time was up and she wanted us to know Liz was there," Michael said.
"We already knew that though. But Michael, this is undeniable proof Liz and Sadie were both captive in the same place," Max said.
************************************************
Jeff Hayward sat in his cell knowing he was ready to talk. He had to, he wouldn't go down for something he didn't do. Even though he had no proof, what he had to say was probably going to be taken as hearsay. He had to try.
Hearing footsteps, he watched the bars of his cell waiting for the face to appear. He tensed with fear seeing the footsteps belonged to Cole Jensen.
Unlocking his cell, Jensen walked into it and stood in front of Hayward.
"You know, you should have grown a pair and told Max what you think you know when you had the chance. See, I can't trust you not to talk. Even though no one would believe you. You have no proof. I still can't take that chance. I'll confirm your suspicions. I am the one that framed you. But you already knew that, didn't you? But here's what you didn't know for sure, I was the one who took Liz and Sadie. I was the one who slit Sadie's throat. So now you know the truth. Now I really need to take care of you. I could just threaten you, but again, I still can't take the chance. So what are we left with now as my choices?" Jensen asked full of malicious intent.
Jeff Hayward's face completely drained of color. He was too late. He should have told Max Evans earlier. Oh god, he thought.
Jensen, recognizing the look on Hayward's face spoke. "Ah, I see by your expression you know what my choice is. But the question is, How do I do it? I could bruise myself up then shoot you, saying you attacked me. I could make it look like a suicide. Take your sheet and hang you. Both, very plausible. Hmmm...what's a man to do?" Jensen asked while tapping his chin in thought.
Jeff Hayward sat trembling in fear. Seeing Jensen walk slowly towards him, he knew he had made up his mind.
TBC
A/N: Okay, okay, I know!! That was mean to leave it like that. I know everyone's wondering probably why no one, especially Max can realize Jensen is the one and Hayward can. Well, to everyone else, Cole Jensen is an honest detective. He's never gave the appearance otherwise. Hayward knew it was Jensen that framed him, but he only suspected Jensen was actually the one who committed the crimes. He suspected him because they have a past, like in a previous part, it said that Jensen planted drugs on him. So Hayward knows he's capable. And it's the way Jensen acts and the things he says that made Hayward suspicious. But I promise a happy dreamer ending! Okay, I'll be back tomorrow!!! Thanks again for the feedback. I appreciate it immensely.