Sins Of The Mother (Chapter-35)

The next five hours seemed like five years to Brooke. Finally, just after daybreak, they were in Lukas’s Jeep. Brooke Googled Smoky Mountain Cabins, Inc. and typed the address into the GPS app on her phone.

“It’s eight miles from here,” she said. “Turn right going out of the parking lot.”

The trip to the company’s office took half-an-hour. They climbed steadily, negotiating switchbacks and treacherous roads. Snow was still falling.

The office was a cabin. It looked cozy from the outside, especially with snow on the roof. “How quaint,” Brooke said. “All it needs is smoke coming from the chimney.”

Brooke walked past a new, silver Mercedes AMG SUV and an older, red Dodge Durango as she approached the snow-covered steps. She pushed through the front door at precisely eight. A bell announced their presence, and a petite, gray-haired lady who appeared to be in her late sixties emerged from a room behind the counter. She had a pleasant smile and a charming air about her. Three walls were adorned with paintings and photos of cabins. The fourth was covered by a huge quilt.

“I’m sorry,” the woman said, “but all of the cabins are rented. Even most of the people who own cabins are here. Everybody wants to go skiing when it snows like this.”

Brooke held up her badge. “We don’t need to rent a cabin,” she said. “I’m Detective Stevens, and this is Detective Miller. What’s your name, ma’am?”

“Clara Ogle.”

“We were wondering if you could give us some information about the people who own or rent cabins from you.”

“You should probably talk to the owner,” she said. “She’s back in the office. I’ll get her.”

Clara returned a few seconds later followed by a dark-haired, middle-aged, attractive woman. Has to be the owner, Brooke thought. The woman was not smiling.

“How can I help you?” she said.

“I’m Detective Stevens, and this is Detective Miller,” Brooke said. “As we were telling Ms. Ogle—”

“Yes, she told me your detectives looking for information about our customers. I don’t want to come across as uncooperative, but I’m afraid you’ll have to go through our corporate attorneys to get any of your questions answered or look at our records.”

“Can I have your name, ma’am?” Brooke said.

“It’s Gloria Winn, with two ns.”

“Mrs. Winn, we’re investigating a series of murders and the kidnapping of a five-year-old girl. We think the killer and kidnapper is most likely in this area based on information and evidence we’ve recently discovered. We need to know whether you have any information on a man named Paul Dolan. He also goes by John David Danson and Alan Atkins. He’s our suspect, and he has the child with him. I’m sure you wouldn’t want to withhold information about something so serious. We’re talking about a dangerous man and the life of a young girl.”

“Detectives, I’m terribly sorry, but like I said, we have a policy against giving out any information regarding our renters or owners. But I would be glad to provide you with our attorney’s name and number. Now, if there is nothing else?”

“Actually, there is something else,” Brooke said. “The child he has is my daughter, and I think she’s nearby, so here’s how this is going to go. We’ve identified ourselves as police officers and stated our business. We’ve told you the seriousness of the situation. It’s urgent that we find this man. So, having said that, you are now going to provide us with records regarding the people who own theses cabins.”

“Detective, are you threatening me?”

“I’m telling you that withholding information related to this case could put you in danger of being charged as an accessory after the fact and/or obstruction of justice. And I’m sure you don’t want the media to learn that you refused to provide information regarding a serial killer and kidnapper. Imagine how it’s going to look if something happens to that child, and you could have helped but refused. Just show us the records. If he’s not here, we’ll be on our way.”

Brooke noted the incredulous look in the woman’s eyes. She was clearly not used to being talked to in such a manner.

“I’m not afraid of you,” she said. “Get out, or I’ll have my attorneys on you so fast it’ll make your head spin.”

Brooke stuck her finger within an inch of the woman’s nose.

“Listen up, lady. You have no idea the kind of shit I’m going to bring down on you. We’ll be back soon with a warrant. In the meantime, I suggest you call those attorneys you mentioned, because you’re going to need them. I look forward to slapping the cuffs on you myself. Oh, and when you finally realize the gravity of the mistake you’ve made, don’t bother asking for sympathy. You won’t get a damned bit from me. Ms. Ogle, do you have any information for us?”

The woman shook her head. Brooke handed her one of her cards.

“Call my cell if you think of anything,” she said. “Ms. Winn, we’ll be seeing you very soon.”

Brooke turned to leave. Lukas was in front of her. As she reached the door, she gave one last look back. Ms. Winn had moved around the counter toward the door. She looked conflicted. She spoke before Brooke made it out the door. “We have an owner by the name of Alan Atkins,” Ms. Winn said. “But he’s a nice man. I don’t believe for one second, he’s capable of the things you mentioned.”

“I don’t care what you believe,” Brooke said. “Where’s the cabin? Give me the address and tell me how to get there.”

“Number One Rhododendron Circle. Turn west out of the driveway. It’s less than a mile.”

Brooke turned and hurried outside to the Jeep. Lukas jumped in, started the engine and pulled out of the lot.

“You’re scary when you’re pissed,” Lukas said. “So, what’s the play? Do we go in now or wait for Danny’s guys? They’ll scramble a SWAT team out of the Knoxville office, but it’ll take them a while to get here.”

“Call Danny and see what he thinks,” Brooke said. Brooke’s phone buzzed. She didn’t recognize the number. The screen said it was from an unknown caller.

“Detective Stevens.”

“You finally made it, Brooke.”

“Who is this?”

“Really? Come on now, let’s not play games. You know who this is.”

“Dolan! Where’s my daughter? Let me speak—”

“You can call me Alan Atkins if you want. I have to give you credit. I mean, you caught a couple of breaks along the way, but it looks like we’re finally going to get the chance meet in a more intimate setting.”

“I want to talk to Sierra!”

“Shut your mouth. Sierra and I look forward to seeing you soon.”