Two Napa Valley tour buses unloaded in the parking lot next to the Sheriff's Department. The tours were a recent addition in Hayden and caught Garth's attention as he left the building. Prosperity and tourists were great, but it also meant more drug activity and other crimes. The sheriff had given Garth a lot to think about; many changes were happening in the small town.
 
As Garth strolled down the sidewalk, he casually scrutinized the people as they gathered in groups. A few silent alarms were ringing inside his brain, a hazard in the FBI business. He was always preparing for each day to be hiding something—maybe big, maybe small, but something.
 
Two men in cowboy hats and dusty boots leaned against the tour bus, and four more mingled among the other passengers. The tourists dressed in their Sunday best or lovely summer attire, making small talk with their newly assigned guides. The men were misfits among the crowd to Garth, and he wanted a closer look.
 
Under the shade of a nearby awning, a young girl distributed tour pamphlets and brochures listing "Things To Do" in Napa Valley. She smiled and handed one of her leaflets to Garth as he strolled past her. He nodded a thank you and glanced at the folder with its colorful pictures and scenic views. Hayden was no longer a sleepy California town. It was now known as the wine country, and everyone wanted in on the flourishing development.
 
They set a few tent shops up along the building, offering everything from homemade jewelry to cool drinks. Garth stopped for a lemonade, waited for his change, and people watched. As his eyes roamed the crowd, he noticed another man near the back of the buses. The man's clothing drew attention, but his demeanor demanded it. He wore a black tailcoat and red paisley vest. His black Spanish dress hat was tipped forward and hid his face from view. At his side, a man resembling a Clint Eastwood look-a-like chewed on the end of a cheroot while his eyes penetrated the crowd.
 
Within moments, the six cowboys joined them. Their voices couldn't be heard, but the man's rapid hand movements showed his anger. They separated in different directions after a short one-sided conversation, disappearing into the bustling crowd.
 
Intent on learning more about this stranger, Garth crossed the street and walked in the same direction, stopping now and then at a booth. He didn't know if it was residue left over from his last visit to Hayden or the stranger himself, but Garth had a nagging feeling about the change in the town and the man.
 
Stewing over all the changes he'd encountered, and it was only morning, Garth failed to see the young woman exiting the store and walked directly into her path, sending her and the bag of groceries to the sidewalk.
 
"Estupido gringo." The young woman scrambled to her feet, muttering under her breath. Her dark eyes snapped with anger as she turned to face her clumsy assailant but filled with fear when she recognized him. "Forgive me, Senor."
 
While sputtering his apologies, Garth bent to retrieve the ripped grocery bag, "No! No! I bumped into you. Please, let me help."
 
Her raven black hair spilled across her face as she yanked her jacket off and formed a bag, stuffing her groceries in it. "Senor, stop. I can do it. Go!" She tilted her head to see across the street and then resumed grabbing the few remaining cans. "You must go! Now!"
 
"I'm a blundering idiot. Let me help you." As Garth tried to apologize, her terrified eyes registered a more profound message. He handed her a stray orange and moved backward, out of view from the people across the street. "Are you in trouble? I can help."
 
"No. Senor. It is you who needs help." Her eyes shifted sideways for a second, then met his, before mumbling, "I must go," before she hurried down the narrow alley between the buildings.
 
Garth looked up and down the sidewalk as he wondered who or what the young woman had been afraid of when he tried to help. The two men on the church steps caught Garth's immediate attention. He recognized the humble robes of Hayden's new priest, and, of course, the tailcoat and red paisley vest suggested he'd seen the stranger for the second time this morning. Could she have been afraid of one of them?
 
Garth wanted to meet both men and now seemed like a good time.
 
He moved to the edge of the walkway, intending on crossing the street when he heard his name and turned. A woman hovered in the doorway with a black lace mantilla shading her face. He could not see her clearly, so he stepped closer to the store.
 
"I'm sorry. Did you call me?" He still could not recognize the woman.
 
She brushed the mantilla aside, exposing the bruises covering her tan, withered face. Her eyes met his as she spoke. "Senor Woodman."
 
Garth was stunned. "Sofia?"  
 
Standing in the doorway was the woman responsible for ending a string of crimes in Napa Valley and putting her son, Miguel, in prison. She'd turned on Mason Caldwell, her long-time employer and one of the most prominent drug distributors in the region, knowing the consequences but praying to save a child's life. Prison life and returning to society didn't appear to have been kind to the woman.
 
Sofia Sanchez replaced the mantilla and whispered as she stepped outside. "My son is worried about you." Their eyes met before she hurried down the narrow passageway and disappeared. In less than five minutes, he'd been warned twice that his life was in danger, not quite the welcome home he expected.
 
*********************
 
Annie knelt near her grandmother's grave with her knees tucked under her. She held the book open turned to the page she'd been reading last night. Also, she put the shirt Sebastian had carried back to her across the grass.
 
"Grandma, I know I'm a kid, but explain to me how it can be a coincidence that the shirt in the book is the same as the one Sebastian found earlier." She picked up the note. "And somebody wrote a note saying they wouldn't hurt me. Now, that makes me shiver."
 
Annie turned as if to question Sebastian about the shirt, and he had slipped off again. She yelled, "Sebastian," and then, irritated, spoke to her grandmother. "Darn it, Grandma. That crazy dog is gone again." She stood and called, "Sebastian."
 
This time she heard him bark, and he lumbered toward her from the side of the house. "Sebastian quit scaring me. What are you doing?"
 
The dog barked and retreated to the side of the house. Annie took a few steps toward the house and stopped. Her childish voice quivered, "Sebastian—come—here. You're—scaring me." She didn't see or hear him. "Sebastian. Come—here."
 
The St. Bernard cleared the corner of the house and barked. He turned his head to look behind him and barked at Annie again.
 
"Come here, Sebastian." Her usually obedient pup just stood there, looking at her and turning to look behind him. "Come here, boy. I don't like your new game. It's time for us to go home."
 
Sebastian started barking rapidly. He raced behind the house and then back again, and then Annie saw her, the legend. The lady in white stood in the clearing. The soft breeze blew her long black hair across her face as she extended her hand to quiet Sebastian. As she spoke, her voice was soothing. "I'm not here to hurt you, Annie. I'm here to help."
 
"Are—are you—" Annie didn't know whether to run, but she knew her feet felt cemented to the ground.
 
"A ghost? Not to you—" The woman paused before adding, "but I need everyone to believe I am."
 
"I don't understand. People say you are a legend. Some say a murderer. Are you—what they say?"
 
"I can't explain right now, but please know I will never hurt you or Sebastian."
 
Sebastian licked the young woman's hand, easing Annie's mind. If her dog liked her, she must be okay. "Do you have a name?"
 
"Yes, but for your safety, I will be an angel. A spirit, I guess. Is that okay, Annie?"
 
"Angel. That's pretty. You look like an angel, especially at night."
 
"Thank you. I am sorry if I scared you, but I needed to be sure you and Sebastian would trust me. Do you understand?"
 
"If Sebastian trusts you, then I do, too." Annie nodded and smiled. Sebastian left the young woman's side and lumbered back to Annie.
 
"You must tell no one that we talked. Many lives will be in danger. Do you understand?" She held out her hand toward Annie. "Please don't be afraid. I must warn your cowboy that his life and many others will be in great danger. But now I must go." She turned and walked away, stopping at the edge of the tall weeds to wave.
 
Annie rushed forward and stopped. "I'll tell Garth, but will he be okay?"
 
"Only time will tell." and then she disappeared.
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI I am currently struggling with this particular storyline and would appreciate any comments or suggestions you as the reader might offer. Thank you for taking the time to read and review. I appreciate it very much.

"Sebastian, she's—she's real, right?" She stared at the tall weeds where the woman had disappeared. "We gotta tell someone besides Grandma."
 
Sebastian jumped up and down and barked as if he'd understood the importance of the conversation as Annie gathered up her book and the red shirt. She wore a quizzical look as she stared at the shirt.
 
"Sebastian, this shirt is the same as the one in my book. That's sort of weird, don't you think?" Just as quickly, her young mind shifted gears. "I never met a ghost before, but she's nice. Wonder what she meant about Garth."
 
Her eyes traveled to her grandmother's marker. "Grandma, we got important stuff to do, so Sebastian and I gotta go. I sure wish you were here to talk about this, but I know God had a reason to call you home. Sebastian and I sure miss you." She tossed a quick wave, and the two comrades ran across the field toward home.

 

 
Outside the winery, Liz, Barrett, and Darryl were having a discussion when Sebastian's loud barks and Annie's yelling drew their attention as they ran down the driveway.
 
"We saw her. You're not going to believe it." Annie was breathless as she gasped for air. "She's—"
 
"Annie, calm down." Liz snapped. "You've been told not to interrupt adults when they're busy."
 
"But it's import—" Darryl knew their conversation had upset Liz, and he wanted to protect the young girl, so he interrupted her by swinging her in the air and twirling her around.
 
"Liz is kind of busy, sweetie. You better go get cleaned up." He picked a few stray weeds from her hair. "Did you forget there's a party tonight?"
 
"No, but I gotta tell someone. She said—" Darryl carefully set her feet on the ground, and Sebastian jumped on the two of them, barking and wanting to play as well.
 
"Annie, please." Liz exhaled and rolled her eyes at the trio. "Darryl, you certainly aren't helping."
 
"We got this, Liz. We can't do anything right at this moment. So how about Barret bathes Sebastian??" The ranch hand's mouth dropped open at Darryl's suggestion, but he bent and ruffled the hair on top of the dog's head. "Annie can go get cleaned up, and I'm sure you have plenty to do for the party." Darryl smiled at her. "And of course, I'll give a few of the other ranches a call and see if they've seen any strange things happening. Okay?"
 
A half-smile was all Liz could offer Darryl. "I suppose you're right if you promise to make some calls."
 
"I said I would, didn't I? I'm headed to do it right now." Darryl whistled at Sebastian. "Come on, boy. Let's go, Barret, no time to be standing around." Hoping Liz would cool down, he started toward the barn.
 
Annie raced after him and tugged on his arm. "Darryl, I gotta tell you about today. It's important."
 
The foreman stopped and knelt in front of Annie. "Your Aunt Liz is upset, and unless you want her to be losing her temper, I suspect you should hightail it inside and get cleaned up. Whatever you have to tell me can wait."
 
"But it's impor—"
 
"I imagine it is, but I promise you can tell me later." He stood as he heard voices coming from the rose garden. Hank and Emmy had finally arrived and were waving to everyone.
 
"Haaank! Emmy!" Annie squealed and raced across the grass to greet them. She squeezed her tiny arms around Hank. "I thought you'd never get here."
 
Liz and Darryl joined the hug-fest and exchanged excited hellos before Liz interjected, "Come on. I know how you love your coffee, Hank. I'll get a pot brewing." She turned to Darryl. "I hate to be the mean one, but you've got calls to make, and Annie needs to get cleaned up."
 
Darryl nodded. "I'll see you tonight, Hank and Emmy. We can catch up then. The boss here is a real slave driver today." He shook Hank's hand and laughed. "Better watch out. She's been carrying Jack's gun lately."
 
Remembering her mom and Liz with the gun, Annie's words tumbled out of her mouth. "Yeah, Aunt Liz and mommy saw—."
 
"Annie!" It was unusual for Liz to snap at the child, but her nerves were on edge today. Today was her first big party at the ranch, and she still had a business to run. It was overwhelming. She softened the tone of her voice. "Annie, I've asked you to please go inside several times."
 
Faith entered the rose garden from the kitchen, gave her young daughter one of her "you better do as you're told looks," and then greeted their guests as warmly as everyone else had done. "I put a pot of coffee on. It should be ready about now."
 
"Oh, Faith, you look so good." Emmy hugged her. "How are you doing?"
 
"I'm much better, thank you." She smiled at Hank and Emmy. "I owe you my life."
 
Hank shook his head. "No, it was a team effort, and we're all so happy to have you here with us. I imagine you and Liz have been catching up on a lot while we were all in Savannah." 
 
The two sisters' eyes met briefly, and they both smiled. Discovering your twin sister after thirty years was a precious gift for the two of them, yet it still felt strange.

 
 

 
Out for his daily walk, Michael circled the pond, resting at his favorite spot beneath an oak tree at the water's edge. His thoughts drifted to his first days in Napa Valley, secretly mining on Sweet Haven's property, discovering gold nuggets, and meeting Annie and Sebastian. He couldn't have imagined how life would change so drastically from the first day he'd arrived at his Aunt Cynthia's doorstep.
 
Now she was gone, and her small piece of land belonged to him. It wasn't his accustomed New York City style of living, but the serenity, friendship, and lifestyle of Napa Valley had grown on him until he couldn't imagine returning to the big city life. Instead, he'd begun dabbling in his aunt's research, reading, and learning new things about his new home and surroundings.
 
Dozing as he sprawled on the grass, a woman's cry startled Michael. He rolled over and listened as he surveyed the area. Then he thought he heard something again.
 
He jumped to his feet and waited. He decided he'd been dreaming when he heard the muffled cry once more.
 
Michael called out, "Hello." He waited a few moments and called again. "Annie, is that you? Trying to sneak up on me, are you?" Thinking Annie and Sebastian were playing again, he walked into the wildflowers and tall grasses, looking for the child. "Come on, Annie. I give up. Come out."
 
When she didn't answer, he raised his voice and yelled, "Annie. Sebastian. I see you. Here I come." He hoped the little girl would come out.
 
Expecting the giggling and barking of his two friends, the sound of a car engine startled him. Blocked by tall weeds and trees, he could barely see the green canvas top of a vehicle sitting in the distance, near the old service road. It sounded like doors slamming, and seconds later, he heard more than saw something race down the drive.
 
An icy chill spread through his body as the sound brought back memories of Annie's kidnapping. He needed to tell Darryl or someone. He did not know who or what was up there, but it was trespassing and couldn't be good.
 
In a hurry to get back to the ranch and with no pathway to follow, his hands swung wide, swatting the tall grasses out of his way. Rocks of all sizes hid from view, and in his haste, his foot connected with one, and he stumbled face-first to the ground. Cursing at his predicament, he sat up, brushing pieces of debris from his face and hair.
 
From his position on the ground, he noticed the trampled flowers and grasses in front of him. Michael stood and edged toward the open area, his mind whirling.
 
Is this where the trespassers had been? Or had Annie and Sebastian been romping through the grasses earlier?
 
The city slicker part of him said he should tell Darryl, but the late-night reading of his aunt's investigations nagged him to look a little further. Since he'd heard the vehicle speed away, Michael decided a quick peek should be okay.
 
Watching his step this time, he moved through the trampled grasses and stopped, gasping, "Oh my God, what's happened here?"
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI

Chapter 10
Vanished - Chap 10

By Begin Again

 


Michael ran his sweaty palms against his jeans as he paced across the veranda, stopping to peek through the bedroom window and then down the driveway.
 
When he spotted Poppa crossing the road, he jumped off the porch and raced down the driveway, yelling, "Poppa!" In his excitement, his hugged greeting was more of a crash landing.
 
"Hold on, boy! It's nice to see you too, but don't knock me on the ground."
 
"I'm sorry, but I need your help." Michael turned and ran back toward the house. "Hurry, Poppa."
 
"Michael, slow down. You're moving faster than our jet did." Poppa laughed. "What's got you all stirred up?"
 
"Come inside, Poppa. Please hurry." Michael opened the screened door and waited for his friend to step inside. "In the bedroom." He pointed toward the closed door.
 
Poppa gave Michael a quizzical look but walked toward the closed door. He didn't know whether to knock or enter, but Michael grabbed the doorknob and pushed it open. As the FBI agent stepped across the threshold, his eyes took in the room, the bed, and his troubled friend. "What's going on, Michael? Who is this, and what happened?"
 
Poppa did not wait for answers; instead, he moved to the bed and knelt beside the young woman. "Is she unconscious?"
 
"She drifts in and out. Sometimes she speaks Spanish, and other times, it's English.'
 
Poppa lifted her wrist and felt her pulse. "Who did this to her?"
 
Michael had tried to clean the blood from her face and neck, but his fear of hurting her further stopped him from checking her injuries. His entire body was trembling. "I'd been at the pond. I heard a vehicle on the service road and discovered her in the field. I couldn't understand what she said. It sounded like hide me or maybe help me. When I said I was getting a doctor, her eyes flared open, and she moaned as she shook her head. I carried her here. When I saw your car pull into Liz's driveway, I called you. Did I do something wrong, Poppa?"
 
"Calm down, Michael. Tango can help her. He's talking to Garth."
 
The young woman's fingers reached for Poppa. "No… dan—ger—ous." She attempted to lift herself but collapsed on the bed, moaning in pain. "No cow—boy."
 
Seeing her agitation, Poppa spoke softly to her, rubbing the top of her hand. "Okay, it's okay. My friend can help." Poppa wasn't sure the extent of the young woman's injuries, but he knew she was in trouble. "I'll call Tango. You stay with her." He stopped, and his eyes met her frightened ones. "No cowboy for now."

*************

 

 
When Tango answered his cell, Poppa began speaking into his phone. "Listen, don't make a scene, but I need you to grab your med kit and get over to Michael's. He found a severely beaten young woman down by the pond." Poppa hesitated and then added, "She doesn't want the cowboy. Okay?"
 
"Gotcha!" Tango shifted his eyes toward Garth. He was talking to Hank, Darryl, and some new guy. " Less than thirty minutes on the ground, and we've already got trouble."
 
"I know. I know. Just hurry." Poppa disconnected the call and returned to the bedroom. "He's on his way."
 
Michael hadn't realized he was holding his breath until it escaped his lips. "I can make coffee, or would you prefer something stronger?"
 

Poppa patted his friend's shoulder. "We got this, Michael. Just relax." He glanced through the window, hoping Tango would hurry and come alone. "How about you get the coffee and bring a bottle of whiskey, just in case?"

*************
 

 
Poppa met Tango at the door and pointed toward the bedroom. Tango nodded at Michael. "Nice to see you, kid. In trouble again, I see."
 
Michael sputtered, "I'm not a kid." He was twenty-seven with a babyface. He was much younger than his friends but older than a kid like Annie.
 
"He didn't mean anything by it, Michael. Just calm down and let Tango take a look at her." Poppa's partner was already through the door and kneeling beside the bed. He pulled a stethoscope from his bag and listened. He noticed the fear in her eyes and her trembling. "I won't hurt you. I promise. We want to help."
 
"No! I must—I must go." She struggled to sit but collapsed against the pillows."
 
"You can't go anywhere except to a hospital." Tango brushed her jet-black hair off her face. She winced at the touch, and a long moan escaped her lips.
 
"No doc—" The effort was too much, and she slipped into unconsciousness.
 
Annie had seen Tango and Poppa's car pull into the driveway from her bedroom window and immediately knew who she had to tell her secret to. By the time she reached the front door, Tango had disappeared into the house.
 
She called after Tango, but he hadn't heard, so she rushed across the road, up the driveway, and into the house, calling for her friends, "Michael. Tango. Poppa."
 
Poppa blocked her entrance to the bedroom. "Annie, not now. We're busy." He pressed his hand against her shoulder. "You'll have to wait."
 
"Everyone wants me to wait." Annie scowled and tried to look past Poppa. "Is it more important than—" A loud moan came from inside the room, followed by a chilling cry. Poppa's arms reached for Annie, but she ducked and slid past him. Her eyes widened at the sight of the woman on the bed.
 
She spun around to face Poppa. "What happened to Angel?"
 
Poppa squatted so he could look directly at Annie. "How do you know this woman, Annie?"
 
"I'm not supposed to tell. I promised." Annie turned to look at the woman. "Did someone hurt her?"
 
"We don't know, for sure. Michael found her by the pond. It would help if you told us what you know so we can help her. You want to help her, right?"
 
Annie mulled Poppa's question over and finally answered, "Sebastian and I saw her last night by the barn, and today, she was at the cottage and grandma's grave. She's a ghost."
 
"She's not a ghost, Annie." Poppa tried to hug her, but she pulled away.
 
"You don't know everything. Ask Mommy and Aunt Liz. They saw her too. Aunt Liz didn't believe, but she had the gun." Annie twisted her head to look at Angel. "She talked to Sebastian and me."
 
Poppa smiled, "The ghost talked to you?"
 
"Fine, be like everyone else. Don't listen, but when Garth gets hurt—"
 
"Garth? What does our ghost have to do with the boss?" Poppa's glance toward Tango registered with his friend. "Annie, tell me what she told you."
 
"Nobody would listen to me. Why should I tell you now?" Annie's chin jutted in defiance. "You don't believe me. I'm just a kid."
 
Michael left the coffee tray in the front room and stood in the doorway, listening to Annie. "They think I'm a kid, too, Annie."
 
Annie spun around and hugged Michael. "You believe me? She's the lady in white, Michael. She talked to me."
 
Michael stared at the woman lying on the bed. "The lady in white? You mean, the Legend?"
 
"The Legend?" Poppa interrupted their conversation. "Ghosts, legends. Did all of you go crazy while we were in Savannah?"
 
"Think what you want, Poppa, but the town folk believe in the Legend. I'm not saying this woman is a ghost, but something's going on with her."
 
Annie tugged on Poppa's arm. "She told me to warn the cowboy that someone would harm him."
 
"Miguel. He worry." The woman struggled to speak, grasping at Tango's shirt. "Death for the—" Her voice faded as she slipped into unconsciousness.
 
"Who's Miguel? Death for who?" Tango questioned the woman, knowing she would not answer. "Is she talking about Garth?"
 
All three men exchanged worried looks while Annie crossed her arms on her chest and chimed, "Now, do you believe me?"
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend?

Chapter 11
Vanished - Chap 11

By Begin Again

While Michael appeased Annie with milk and cookies in the kitchen, Tango and Poppa had moved to the veranda to talk.
 
"The woman needs serious medical attention, Poppa. But something tells me we need to keep this under wraps, so Doc Copeland is out of the question."
 
"I agree. The fewer people that know, the better off we'll all be. Maybe we could get her to one of the safe houses, and our doctors could examine her."
 
"Great idea, but how do we do that without alerting Garth? He'd need to authorize it, especially since it would require the use of the jet."
 
"He's proposing to Allie tonight at the party. You want to be the one to mess that up?"
 
"I'd rather be standing in front of a firing squad. Garth's already coming apart at the seams. I love Allie, but that woman can make a mess out of him."
 
"Guess that's what love is all about, my friend, and why you and I remain single." Poppa laughed. "Not that I'm complaining, except I wish we were still on the beach. Now that woman—" Tango nudged Poppa with his elbow to stop him from blurting out his thoughts.
 
Annie bounced out of the house onto the veranda, her finger pointing towards the vineyard, squealing, "There's Garth and Allie. I'll go get them."
 
All three men answered in unison, "No!"
 
Tango scooped her up with one arm, stopping her planned exit.
 
"Hey, put me down." She scowled. "I want to warn him."
 
Tango bent and planted her feet on the floor. "Annie, listen to me. Tonight is a very special night for Garth. He has a surprise for Allie. You wouldn't want to ruin it, now would you?"
 
"Surprise? What surprise?" Annie looked at each of them for a response. "Exactly! You want to tell him yourselves even though I'm the one Angel told."
 
"Annie, listen to me. Someone left your friend for dead. She needs a doctor, but we can't let anyone know. So, we have to keep this a secret until we can move her to safety. Those men might still be here. Do you understand?"
 
Annie scuffed her shoe against the floor and nodded. She'd learned the hard way about evil men living in Hayden and how they could hurt you. "I thought they were gone."
 
Tango hugged the little girl. "Sometimes more try to replace the ones we arrested. We have to be careful. So the fewer people who know, the safer your friend is, okay?"
 
Annie mumbled. "Okay."
 
Tango stood and turned to Poppa. "I don't have much of a choice. I need to call in a favor and get the woman to a doctor."
 
"What about the boss?"
 
"I'm going to hope he's too wrapped up with tonight to check on anything. Michael, you stay with Angel till I find out our flight plans. Poppa, maybe you better hang out around the house. Put a few of the team on alert without giving too much information."
 
"What about me?" Annie looked at the men. "I want to help, too."
 
Poppa pretended to be thinking, and then he said, "You're going to be my secret agent."
 
Annie's eyes lit up, and she smiled. "Secret Agent! What do I do?"
 
"I need you to talk to all the guests and listen closely to their conversations. If you hear anything important, you come and get me. Okay?"
 
"I can do that. I better get dressed for the party, so I'm ready when people arrive. I'll be the best Secret Agent you ever had."
 
"I know you will. I'm counting on you."
 
Annie hugged all three of them. "Don't blow my cover, okay?" She laughed and skipped down the drive.

 
**********

 
Allie's contented sigh put a smile on her cowboy's face. He tipped her face toward his and kissed her softly, followed by a deeper, more passionate one.
 
"Are you happy to be back home, Allie?"
 
"I'm happy anywhere when I'm with you, but walking in the vineyard at sunset is the best. It's so breathtaking. I can see why Jack wanted to bring Liz here. It's so romantic."
 
"Yes, it's obvious Liz loves it here. I thought she'd go back to New York after Jack's death, but I guess finding Faith had a lot to do with her decision. Family makes a difference."
 
"Emmy's so excited about their new home and bringing the film festival to Napa Valley. Cassidy has her eyes set on Barrett. Fresh beginnings seem to be the thing nowadays.."
 
"Cassidy and Barrett? He's the new guy working with Darryl, right? Diego mentioned him, but I haven't met him yet. Probably tonight at the party."
 
"Everyone seems to be settling down. Do you ever think about staying in one place? Wouldn't you get bored without the job?" Allie stared at the hilltops in the distance, covered by a blanket of red, lavender, and orange clouds.
 
"Having a place to call home doesn't mean a person can't have a job. I still have my home in Gulf Shores, though Jeremy sees it much more than I do. I need to call him. Make sure his mom and him are doing okay."
 
"I forgot about your house in Gulf Shores. The one you and Katherine shared." Allie's throat tightened. "Lot of memories there for you."
 
Garth wrapped his arm around Allie and stared across the fields. "Yes, I have many memories in Gulf Shores, but I have lots of memories worldwide. My life with Katherine was a long time ago."
 
"It's hard for me to imagine having a home and maybe a family, leaving everything behind and putting our lives at risk as we do."
 
"Allie, you know I love you more than anyone or anything. Coming so close to losing you in Savannah, I discovered I could never live without you in my life. We're a team. We're meant to be together."
 
"Listen, cowboy; I'm not going anywhere. I love you, too. So much has happened since we met, and I'm trying to see our future."
 
Garth reached into his jean pocket and let his fingers wrap around the ring. His heart was pounding against his chest. Allie was his life, and he wanted to spend the rest of his days with her at his side. He took a deep breath and pulled the ring out of his pocket, gripping it in his sweaty fist. "Alyssa Shelton, you know I love you."
 
Allie giggled. "That sounded so serious." She tipped her head and teased, "Mr. Garth Woodman, I love you too."
 
He wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her against him. "Allie, will you—"
 
"Allie." A shrill voice startled both of them. Liz was standing at the entrance to the rose garden. "Father Tobias has arrived early, and he's asking for you."
 
"Give us a minute, Liz." Garth's head was about to explode.
 
"I'm sorry, Garth, but Father Tobias is our guest. Allie, please come in for a few minutes. I have so much to prepare, and he asked for you."
 
"I'm coming, Liz." She turned back to Garth and kissed his cheek. "I'm sorry, babe."
 
"Allie, wait!" He jammed the ring back into his pocket and kicked the fence post as Allie disappeared inside with Liz. Garth leaned against the fence, muttering, "Well, cowboy, that didn't go as planned, now did it?"
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend?

Chapter 12
Vanished - Chap 12

By Begin Again

"Sorry to disturb you and Garth, but I fear Emmy needs rescuing." Liz glanced toward the fireplace where Father Tobias was speaking to Emmy.
 
"What's going on? Didn't Emmy just meet the Father?"
 
"Yes, but Father Tobias has been up in arms for weeks about the film festival. It isn't sitting well with the church."
 
"That's crazy, Liz. It's just introducing new films to the Valley. It will be great for the tourist business, like introducing the winery."
 
"According to what I've overheard, Father thinks it's going against the church."
 
"Nonsense! Let me introduce myself. Emmy is looking a little distraught. Her Catholic upbringing seems to prevent her from stating her case. Let's make it a fair fight."
 
"Now, Allie, be nice. He is our guest." Liz's attention was drawn to the front door as more guests arrived. "Oh no! This can't be happening."
 
"What?" Allie stared at the new guests as they entered the living room. "Who—"
 
"That's Sandra Peppers, quite the lady. She's living with Sofia on the Caldwell property."
 
"Sandra? And Sofia?" Allie's mind was whirling, like a bloodhound on the hunt. She'd left Samantha in Savannah, and now she was here in Napa Valley as Sandra Peppers and living with Sofia Sanchez, an ex-con. She was afraid to ask, but she had to know. "And the heartbreaker she's with is?"
 
"MJ Cichella, screenwriter and director of one of the movies about to be showcased at the upcoming film festival."
 
"He should be an interesting guest. So what's the problem?"
 
"Oh, Allie, you have no idea who he is? He has written and directed several movies. His latest is a trilogy about God."
 
"Okay, then he should have lots to discuss with Father Tobias."
 
Liz moaned. "My dear friend, his movie is called "God's Not Here."
 
Allie's hand flew to her mouth as she tried to stifle a giggle. "Oh, I want a front-row seat."
 
Liz swatted Allie's arm. "Stop it. It's not funny." She pushed Allie back into the kitchen so as not to be overheard. "Sandra didn't mention who her guest would be when she asked if it would be okay. What are we going to do?"
 
"I am going to greet Father Tobias, and you are going to be the perfect hostess like you always are." Allie wondered if she should tell Liz her guest was an undercover agent but decided that would heighten her frustration. "It's a cocktail party, Liz. No one is going to start an argument. Relax! It's going to be fine."
 
"Oh, poor Emmy. She's still talking to Father Tobias. Go rescue her, please." Liz murmured as she watched her friend cross the room, "I hope you're right, Allie.
 
Allie rolled her eyes. She hated stale functions where everyone stood around and talked about nothing, but this one was sizing up to be quite interesting. She couldn't wait to corner Sandra, aka Sam, and get the scoop, but her mission was to save Emmy for now.

 

**************
Emmy had graciously excused herself after introducing Allie to Father Tobias and escaped to the kitchen. She, too, was stunned by Sandra's arrival and especially by her escort. After spending only a few minutes with Hayden's new priest, Emmy could only imagine the fireworks that might explode when the movie director met Father Tobias.

"Liz, thanks for the rescue, but we may go from the frying pan to the fire. I wasn't aware MJ Cichella was on the guest list."
 
"Neither was I. Sandra asked if she could bring a guest, and I figured the more, the merrier. I wasn't aware she was on such friendly terms with anyone involved in the film festival, especially the director of the controversial film called "God's Not Here."
 
"I wouldn't be surprised about anyone Sam knows." Emmy realized her slip of the tongue as soon as it was out of her mouth.
 
Liz looked confused. "You mean Sandra? You've just returned today, Emmy. How did you have time to meet our latest resident in Hayden?"
 
"Excuse me; I don't know why I called her Sam." Emmy paused, forming her response carefully. "Hank and I stopped at the market when we came into town. You know me. I start a conversation with every unfamiliar face I meet. She seemed like she'd been old friends with everyone in town. Quite the friendly lady."
 
"Yes, she is. I'll pray she can handle her friend and Father Tobias. The party is a friendly welcome home party, minus any fireworks."
 
"I wouldn't worry, Liz. She can handle anything." Catching herself again, she added, "I mean, she's got that competent look about her."

 

  ***************

Being a secret agent wasn't as much fun as Annie had expected. She collapsed in a chair near the fireplace, wondering why adult conversations were boring. She'd heard about the grapes almost ready for harvest, a car crash in town, and how Mrs. Henley's daughter was about to have a baby. Annie wrinkled her nose at the thought of caring for a baby all day long.
 
"Bet none of them talked to a ghost today." Annie hadn't realized she'd spoken out loud.
 
"Child, did you say you talked to a ghost?" Father Tobias's hand rested on the fireplace mantel as he bent to scowl at Annie. "You know there are no such things."
 
"There is too! Her name is Angel. She's beautiful and nice. Sebastian and I talked to grandma, and the ghost came to talk to us. She's a legend."
 
"Nonsense child. Your imagination is running wild. Of course, I understand you talk to your grandmother at her grave, but she can't talk back, and neither do other dead people."
 
"She did! And now she's hurt, and we've got to take care of her." Annie's voice was louder than she intended. "She tried to warn us."
 
Father Tobias wasn't accustomed to children speaking back to him. He scowled at Annie. "A bit impertinent, aren't we? Do you know people who believe in ghosts instead of God don't get to heaven?"
 
"I believe in God, but I know Angel is real." Tears were forming in Annie's eyes.
 
Father Tobias pounced on her weakness. "Now, listen, child—"
 
"Good evening, Father." Not waiting for an answer, MJ Cichella knelt at Annie's level. "Hi, I'm Matt. Did I hear you say you met a ghost?"
 
"Yes, but nobody will believe me, but I can prove it." Annie glanced at the priest from the corner of her eye.
 
"I believe you." Matt smiled at her and then looked directly at Father Tobias. "Do you believe God punishes children for believing in ghosts?"
 
"Don't be putting words in my mouth. I know you're responsible for bringing your corrupt films to this town. Listen to the child. Satan's already moving into her soul."
 
Annie's eyes were wide, and she gasped. "Oooh!"
 
Matt reached out and touched Annie's hand. "Don't worry. He's only trying to scare you. Would you mind getting me some water while I talk with Father Tobias for a moment?" 
 
Annie shifted her head to the priest and then answered, "Sure. Maybe you can get him to believe me."
 
As Annie hurried toward the kitchen, Father Tobias seized the moment to confront Matt. "We don't need your kind in this town, corrupting minds."
 
My kind? What would that be, Father? I write screenplays about many things. My latest being about God."
 
"Yes, telling everybody that God's Not Here. That's blasphemy!" The priest didn't hide his anger.
 
Matt's eyes were stone cold as he stared at the priest. "Father, I appreciate your concern, but I suggest you see my film before judging it or me.
 
"The title says it all, doesn't it? You produce a film showing people grieving and suffering. Is that teaching about God's goodness?"
 
Matt pressed his lips together and considered his subsequent response. "You serve at God's will and not as his judge. I respect your position and do not mean to offend. I am a servant of God and believe he is always at my side. I also believe bad things happen to good people, but that doesn't mean God's not with them, only they think he is not."
 
"How dare you preach to me! I am an ordained priest, not a corrupt Hollywood producer."
 
As Annie returned with the water, Matt smiled. "You are a man, my friend, playing God. And I am a servant of God too. I'll keep you in my prayers." Turning his back on Father Tobias, Matt winked at Annie. "How about you and me find some snacks, and you can tell me more about Angel?"

******************

 
Allie clinked a knife against her glass as the evening wound down to draw everyone's attention. "I'd like to toast everyone's safe return to Sweet Haven and Liz for opening her home to welcome all of us."
 
Liz followed next. "A toast to our good friends, Emmy and Hank. I hope their new home brings them all the happiness they deserve. I am so excited to have them at home as my new neighbors."
 
"Thank you, Liz. Hank and I are thrilled to be living here. We look forward to many years of watching the Valley grow. I would like to toast the upcoming film festival and our guest, MJ Cichella. His support has helped us start a new tradition that will benefit Hayden and the wine country."
 
Applause filled the room, and Liz asked, "Anyone else?"
 
After putting Angel on the jet with instructions for the safe house, Tango had returned to the ranch, hoping he hadn't missed Garth's proposal. Garth's rendition of his failed attempt hadn't set well, but he'd urged his friend to try again. Now, seeing Cassidy snuggled against Barrett's side, a twinge of jealousy was poking him.
 
Tango stepped forward and raised his glass. "I want to thank Liz and all of you for welcoming the team back. You've all become family to us." His eyes connected to Cassidy as he continued, "Time flies by, and people change. Our lives move forward, but my love—" He paused, realizing he spoke directly to Cassidy. "Sorry, I'm not good at speeches. I just want you to know my love will never disappear, and I'll always be here for you."
 
Cassidy could feel her body temperature rising as she looked across the room into Tango's eyes. Barret was watching Tango, too. He pulled Cassidy closer and raised his glass. "I know I am the new kid on the block, but I hope you'll add me to your family as well. Here's to making memories at Sweet Haven.
 
Everyone cheered and laughed. A warm atmosphere enveloped everyone.
 
Garth cleared his throat and pulled Allie into his arms. Murmurs from the crowd rippled across the room. Tango and Poppa smiled at their boss and gave a thumbs up.
 
"Now you all know this cowboy isn't much on speeches, especially after everyone else has done it so well. So I ask you to bear with me while I try not to make a fool of myself."
 
Garth could feel his heart beating wildly as he tightened his arm around Allie. "My life has always been living on the edge, but almost losing Allie and her sister in Savannah taught me that sometimes we need to realize how important our relationships should be. When you love someone, you need to tell them and share it with everyone."
 
The crowd responded with smiles and, "Here. Here."
 
"Tonight, I would like to remind each of you how important you are to me. I couldn't imagine a better life than sharing it with all of you."
 
Garth removed his Stetson and stared into Allie's emerald green eyes; a hush fell over the room. "Alyssa Shelton, you're a spitfire and a woman who has proven she can take care of herself. You've reminded this cowboy of that time and time again."
 
A ripple of laughter drifted through his friends as they waited, their anticipation mounting.
 
Garth swallowed the lump in his throat before he could continue, "With my hat in my hand, I get down on one knee—"
 
Allie's hand flew to her mouth, and tears streamed down her face. The entire room gasped, and it was doubtful there was a dry eye in the house. "Your humble cowboy asks you to accept this ring."
 
As he slipped the ring on Allie's finger, his eyes were misty. "Allie, will you marry me?"
 
Cheers, clapping, and a lot of foot-stomping echoed across the rafters. Allie stared into Garth's eyes while the seconds felt like hours to him.
 
Trying to break the tension between them, Garth yelled, "Wait up! She hasn't said yes yet."
 
Allie wrapped her arms around his neck. "Cowboy, shut up and kiss me." She whispered, "I love you, Garth Woodman" as he bent to kiss her.

"Is that a yes?"
 
"Just shut up and kiss me."
 
He didn't offer a comeback as his lips silenced his redhead woman for once. Chills covered his body, and a shiver ran down Allie's spine.
 
Was it the excitement and his kiss or something else?
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend?

Chapter 13
Vanished - Chap 13

By Begin Again

Snuggled inside a cozy blanket, Allie tucked her legs to her chest and leaned against the oversized pillows on the lounge. The trees surrounding the rose garden blocked most of the moon's light. Garth's proposal tonight had her weary head spinning.
 
"Kind of late to be sitting out here in the dark, isn't it?" Liz approached, carrying two cups of hot chocolate. "I thought you'd be snuggled up with your cowboy." She handed the drink to Allie. "Is something wrong?"
 
"You know me too well, Liz."
 
"Well enough to know Garth's proposal caught you off guard. Though I don't know why, because it's obvious to everyone else how much he loves you."
 
Allie's smile was tempered with uncertainty. "I know he loves me. He's the perfect man, and I adore everything he stands for." Allie closed her eyes before she continued, "Liz, I love him, but I'm afraid."
 
"Afraid? Of what? He'd do anything in the world for you, Allie, including putting his own life on the line to save you and your sister. You can't be questioning his love, can you?"
 
A tear glistened in the corner of Allie's eye. "Of course not! My fear lies within myself. I can't imagine not spending the rest of my life with Garth, but there are many unanswered questions."
 
"Allie, quit trying to overthink it. If you love him, grab the brass ring and hold on to it for dear life. Sometimes, that's the only chance you get."
 
"It's not that I doubt how much I love him. It's much more than that, and I'm not sure love will be enough to compensate for all the rest."
 
"Compensate?" Liz raised her voice as she grabbed Allie's hand. "We're not talking about some corporate merger or seizing the opportunity for a world-class story; we're talking about a man and woman who want to share the rest of their lives together."
 
"We went for a walk this afternoon. Garth couldn't stop talking about Hank and Emmy settling into their new home, starting a new chapter in their lives. That's what he wants for us, too. He even laughed and talked about our own kids running around like Annie and Sebastian."
 
"Sounds like a man looking for a strong future with the woman he loves."
 
"I know, but I'm not sure it's how I would see our future."
 
"What? Don't you want kids? So discuss it with him. I am sure Garth would listen to all your feelings."
 
"He also brought up Katherine. I could still hear all the love he felt for her. I'm not sure I can compete with a ghost. What if I can't give him what he needs?"
 
"You are being ridiculous, Allie. Look what the two of you have been through together. Neither of you even thought of leaving the other's side, now did you?"
 
"No, but Katherine was his first love."
 
"Yes, she was, but he didn't love her enough to stay. Instead, he went off to war and left her to find a life without him, which she did with Will. When Will was murdered, and Katherine developed cancer, he cared for her throughout her illness. I know she held a special place in his heart, but Allie, he didn't ask Katherine to marry him. He did what he could for her until she passed, like a friend, not a lover. Their time had passed."
 
"It's not just Katherine. This will sound horrible, but I don't believe I'm ready to be planted in Napa Valley like the grapevines, bearing fruit until I wither in the ground."

"Oh, Allie, I love you with all my heart. Marriage should bring new growth to both of you, and you should thrive off each other's love, not wither away."
 
"I'm just not sure, Liz."
 
"Think about what you are saying, Allie, because you might not get a second chance with a man like Garth." Liz leaned over and hugged her friend. "I'll leave you to your thoughts, dear. Don't break his heart unless you are positive it's what you want."
 
Tears streamed down Allie's face. "I want it all, my career, success, and Garth."
 
"If you want it in that order, your decision is already made." Liz stood and started toward the house but stopped to offer Allie one last thought. "I'd give my last breath to have Jack standing here right now. There can be nothing before the man you marry. Good night, Allie." She left, leaving Allie to search for her own decisions.

 

******************

As dawn approached, Allie tip-toed down the hallway and quietly opened the bedroom door. Buried beneath the covers, Garth's breathing was slow and even. She stepped to the side of the bed and took a long breath. She almost wished he would wake and gently pull her into his arms, reassuring her all was right in the world.
 
But, unfortunately, it was not, and until she was absolutely sure she could enter this marriage without hesitation, she couldn't say yes. Allie slipped the beautiful ring from her finger and laid it on the book he'd been reading. She'd explain in the morning and hope he'd understand.
 
For now, her eyes were heavy with sleep, so she curled up on the chaise lounge so as not to wake him. She immediately drifted into a restless sleep.

 

 
Lost in a pleasant dream, Garth struggled to open his eyes. Like so many nights in the past, his phone ring plundered his slumber, and he wrestled with waking. Fumbling in the dark for his cell phone, Garth knocked the book off the nightstand. Unaware of Allie's action, he didn't know her ring tumbled to the floor and disappeared behind the headboard.
 
He lifted himself to one elbow and answered the phone, speaking softly, not wanting to wake Allie. "Woodman speaking."
 
"Garth, I'm sorry—"
 
"Diego, what's wrong?" He shifted to a sitting position, tossing his legs off the bed and placing his feet on the floor. He could hear a muffled voice and what sounded like shuffling. "Diego."
A stranger responded to Garth's call to the sheriff. "Your friend can not speak at the moment. If you want him to live, Senor Woodman, you will meet me behind the old train depot outside of town in thirty minutes. Come alone. We have people watching the winery. A double-cross will leave both of you dead."
 
As Garth slipped on his jeans and grabbed a t-shirt from the chair, he picked up his boots, his jacket and checked for his gun. He saw Allie asleep on the chaise lounge. He wanted to kiss her, but he knew she'd demand to come with him if she woke. It was safer this way. He blew a kiss and closed the door behind him.
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend?

Chapter 14
Vanished - Chap 14

By Begin Again

Tango raised the styrofoam cup to his mouth and took a long swallow of the steamy brew. It was instant, but it was all he could grab on the fly at 4 a.m. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and spoke to his boss through the Bluetooth device in his ear.
 
"Whose piece of junk am I driving?" After Garth slipped from the bedroom, he'd alerted the entire team. Tango's orders were to surround the old train depot by using vehicles other than their own. "You could have at least given me Hank's Mercedes."
 
Garth's vehicle hit a rut, and he was rocked back and forth. "Quit your complaining, Tango. Poppa's riding on the side of a neighbor's tractor. And did I mention the neighbor didn't exactly appreciate us pounding on his door?" Garth pulled over to the side of the road. He could see the dark outline of the depot ahead. "I'm almost there. Are we set to go?"
 
"Yes, everyone's in position. Just give the word."
 
"Let me get inside. I'm not sure what's happening to Diego or who might be waiting for me. If they know me at all, they know I didn't come alone."
 
"Right, boss. I am with you every step."

 

 
Garth had driven past the depot, checking out the back before making a return trip and pulling into the deserted parking lot. He didn't see any vehicles or signs of life hidden, but the property was a perfect haven for not being seen.
 
"Tango, I don't see anyone. How about you or the team?"
 
"Nothing from anyone. It's some kind of trap, but what?"
 
"I'm going to circle the building. See what I can see through the windows. Who's close to the other side?"
 
"That would be Poppa. Do you want him to cover the other side?"
 
"Yeah. We do not know what to expect, so take it slow and easy. If anyone is here, they know I'm on the ground."
 
"Got you covered, boss. Poppa's moving in."
 
Garth could see loose floorboards on the porch in the dim moonlight and discarded beer and pop cans scattered across the flooring, perfect signals to alert anyone of his approach. It seemed staged, so he ignored the first window and moved further along the side of the building. A torn, soiled curtain hung across the next window, but he could see through a narrow slot at the bottom if he stooped.

From this advantage point, he could not see any signs of Diego or anyone else. But what he saw caught his full attention.
 
"Tango, there's a spring-gun on a tripod aimed at the front door. There must be a trigger wire somewhere."
 
"Any signs of Diego or anyone else?"
 
Poppa cut in. "Diego is tied and bound in a chair near the back wall. It looks like he took a terrible beating. I can't tell if he's still breathing or not. It looks as if he is in pretty bad shape."
 
"We use the windows, not the doors. The back one's probably rigged somewhere too. Poppa, get one of the smaller guys to get inside. Tango, find the front door wire and trip it if you can, but make sure everyone is clear."
 
"I can see across the room, Garth. You're clear to smash and crash." Poppa chuckled. "Don't break anything or Allie will have our necks."
 
"Okay, let's get this done. On the count of three. One. Two. Three." The first sound was the shotgun blast, followed by glass breaking, wood splintering, and two men crashing to the floor. Garth tumbled and rolled before grabbing an office chair for cover. Armed with his Glock, he checked his teammate across the room and then raced to Diego.
 
"Diego, it's Garth. Can you hear me?" He felt for a pulse and listened to see if he was breathing.
 
The sheriff's eyes fluttered open and then closed. He'd suffered a vicious beating and needed serious medical attention. Garth snapped into his radio, "We need an ambulance, stat."
 
"It was already on standby, boss. Should pull in any second." Sirens wailed in the distance as they approached the depot.

 

  **************

A hint of daylight brushed with a rosy glow, peeked over the hilltops in the distance. An anxious Garth followed the ambulance down the twisted back roads as it raced toward Hayden's hospital. He pounded his fist against the steering wheel, angry because his friend had suffered violently because of someone's vengeance for him.
 
"Why?" Garth screamed, "Bastards! I'll find you whoever you are, and when I do, you're going to pay."
 
In his anger and traveling an unfamiliar road, Garth realized he'd lost sight of the ambulance. Racing to catch up, he maneuvered through several snaked curves. As he rounded another one, his vehicle swerved and slammed into the side of a cargo truck blocking the road. The front of the car crumbled, the airbags exploded, and Garth's head slammed against the door as a tree branch shot through his side window, pinning him between the seat and the limb.
 
Within seconds, the rear door opened, and the butt end of a gun introduced itself to the side of Garth's head. He succumbed to the darkness.

 

  ***************

Liz tapped lightly on the door to Allie's bedroom. She'd heard Garth leave very early in the morning, so she wasn't sure Allie was still here or if she'd gone with him.
 
"Allie." She opened the door and stuck her head inside. "Allie."
 
"Be right out. I'm throwing some water on my face. I look a fright." Allie shuffled from the bathroom, rubbing her hands together. "Have you seen Garth?"
 
"Not really, but I did hear him leave quite early this morning. It was still dark outside, and he seemed in a hurry. I figured you'd be the one to know what was happen—" Liz paused and stared at her friend. "Oh, Allie, you didn't do anything foolish last night, did you?" She grabbed Allie's hand. "Where's your ring? Please tell me you didn't give it back."
 
"I know I was being stupid last night. Of course, I never intended to give him the ring back."
 
"Okay, then where is it, Allie? Why isn't it on your hand?" Liz headed toward the bathroom. "If you left it on the sink, let me tell you that's a quick way to have it go down the drain." Liz returned from the bathroom and stood in the doorway. "It's not in there."
 
"Okay, I was stupid, and I took it off." Allie walked toward the nightstand. "He was sleeping, and I thought we would talk in the morning. I left it right here." Allie looked on the nightstand and then got on her knees, running her hand under the table and around it. "Oh, my God, it's not here." 
 
Liz rounded the bed and lifted the nightstand from its place. "It's got to be there, Allie. Pick up that book and the lamp. Maybe he knocked it off when he got out of bed."
 
The two women searched the area, not realizing the ring had rolled across the floor and nestled against the furthest bedpost. Allie burst into tears and rushed out of the room, through the kitchen and outside, barrelling full speed into Tango.
 
"Whoa, girl. The speed limits are not that fast around these places."
 
"Tango, where's Garth? I need to talk to him."
 
"I'd sure like to help, but that's why I was coming down here. We finished with the crime scene—"
 
"Crime scene! What crime scene?" Allie grabbed Tango's shirt. "Why didn't he come back with you? Is he hurt?"
 
"No, he's fine, or at least he was the last time I saw him. Diego was in critical condition, and Garth followed the ambulance to the hospital. I thought he'd be back here by now."
 
Allie jammed her hand into Tango's chest. "Give me your phone. I'll call him."
 
"Don't bother. I've been calling him for the last thirty minutes. It goes straight to voice mail. I even called the hospital to ask about Diego and asked to speak with Garth. They said they hadn't seen him."
 
Poppa raced through the garden entrance. The look on his face spoke volumes. "My friend Joe was driving the ambulance. He got worried when they arrived at the hospital without Garth. He gave me a call to make sure he was okay."
 
"It's all my fault. He's probably sitting on the side of the road angry and confused." Allie handed Tango his phone. "I've got to go find him. Tell me where you last saw him."
 
"Chasing an ambulance down a back road." Tango shook his head. "I'm confused. Why would any of this be your fault?"
 
"I hate to be the burden of more bad news, but I got a call from the safe house." Poppa took a deep breath and blew it out before he continued, "Our Lady in White is Isabel Sanchez, Miquel's sister."
 
Faith and Annie had joined the group, and she gasped at Poppa's remark. "Miguel? The man responsible for endangering my little girl's life."
 
Annie challenged her mother. "He did not, Mommy. He saved me. He kept that big guy from hurting me."
 
"Well, wherever that woman is, she had better stay away from Annie. She's not welcomed here."
 
"But she's the one who warned Sebastian and me about someone wanting to hurt Garth. She was trying to help and ended up getting herself hurt."
 
Tango shrugged. "Annie's right. She's fighting for her life because she was trying to expose their plan. And now Garth is missing."
 
Poppa cleared his throat. "It might not be my place to speak, Tango, but I think we better pull the team into action. We need to talk to Angel, Isabela, or whoever she is. Maybe send someone to talk to Miguel and see how he works into this story." Poppa turned to Liz. "And Sam, I mean Sandra Peters is living with Sofia Sanchez?"
 
Dressed in jeans and a t-shirt, Allie raced through the door, yelling, "Tango, let's go. We've got to find Garth."
 
"Allie, I think you better stop and listen to what happened tonight. Someone set a trap for Garth and meant to kill him."
 
Tango's phone rang as he was about to tell Allie what had happened. "Hello"
 
"Tango, it's Sam. We've got trouble. My informant just told me that Garth has been abducted. Are you at the ranch?"
 
"What? When?" Tango yelled, "We're at Sweet Haven."
 
"I'm on my way. You need to circle the wagons on this one, my friend. It's bad!"
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend?

Chapter 15
Vanished - Chap 15

By Begin Again

 



"Isabella, you have visitors." The nurse stood at Isabella's bedside and cradled her hand, reassuring her frightened patient. "They say it's important to speak with you."
 
The young woman's eyes were swollen and bruised. She struggled to peer through the tiny slits. Her cracked lips moved, and a low moan escaped her mouth.
 
"It's okay, Isabella." Tango leaned over the railing so she could see him better. "We want to help. We work with Garth."
 
"Mi—g—uel." A tear escaped from the corner of her eye. "He—lp him." It was apparent how difficult it was for Isabella to speak.
 
"Miguel? Your brother?" Tango stared into her eyes. "He needs help?"
 
"He sent." She closed her eyes and rested before she tried again, "Warn—"
 
"Miguel wanted you to warn Garth?" Tango prodded, hoping to help with her words.
 
Her face twisted in anguish as she tried to form the words. "No one safe. Miguel. Mama. Garth." From deep within her, she dug for strength to continue. "Muurr—der—eers."
 
"Is she calling them murderers? Or are the murderers coming after all of them?" Poppa and Tango stared at each other and then at Isabella.
 
"I'm sorry. I must ask you to go. Isabella can not talk any longer. It is too much." The nurse straightened Isabella's blanket and smiled at the two men. "She wants to help. Maybe later."

 

*****************
Miles away, a well-planned prison riot was about to be underway.  
 
A low, ominous buzz circulated the crowded lunch area. The correctional officers paced the upper catwalk, watching. The experienced guards could feel the uneasy vibe building to a crescendo among the men below. Everyone waited, suspecting something, but when and where wasn't clear.
 
An inmate snatched an apple from his friend's plate and tossed it across the room, bouncing it off another inmate's head. A barrage of curse words arose, and a milk carton, an apple, and a pear sailed back. Within seconds, the full-fledged battle erupted. The guards left their posts, charging into the crowd, trying to stop the fights from escalating.
 
A gun fired from above the chaos. Instead of slowing the inmates, it lit a fire beneath them, and the brawl expanded. Alarms rang, guards from other areas left their posts and raced to the wild scene. Fists flew, arms choked, inmates and guards fell to the floor to be trampled beneath the others. Hell had broken loose within the confines of the Jackson Correctional facility.

**************
 
In a nearby corridor, a cell door stood open. A tipped-over mop bucket lay on its side. The soapy contents spread across the concrete floor—blood mixed with the stream of water. A twisted body of an inmate lay motionless on the floor. His facial features were beyond recognition. The evidence, a handcrafted shiv, protruded from his neck.
 
Miguel Sanchez was dead. He'd attempted to scrawl letters in the trail of blood. It read B-R-A-; the rest was unintelligible.
 
Footsteps tapped against the concrete floor as Warden Thomas Phillips approached the cell. His stomach flipped as he stared at the body. He could never get accustomed to the senseless loss of life inside his prison's walls. Common sense told him this murder, and the lunchroom riot were connected.
 
Phillips turned his attention to the guard, standing at attention nearby. He recognized him as someone he suspected walked the dark side of the prison too. "What can you tell me?"
The guard took a quick note of the nervous inmate standing directly across from him and then spoke, "The inmate is Miguel San—"
 
Warden Phillip's eyes were icy cold. "I know his name. I was referring to his murder."
 
"Well, sir,"
 
Phillips raised his hand and returned his attention to his assistant. "Patrick, please document the scene before anyone else tramples through the area and call the infirmary." He nodded his head toward a partial shoe print and the letters. "Thank you."
 
Patrick notified the infirmary and then began snapping pictures with his phone.
 
The blaring alarms echoed down the hallway, calling for everyone's attention, but Tom Phillips knew these few precious moments at this bloody scene might be the only evidence he'd ever seen. Taking one last glance at Miguel's body, he stepped out of the cell.
 
"Now, what can you tell me—" Tom leaned to see the guard's badge. "McCullen?"
 
"Brad McCullen, sir. I left my post near the end of C-row and was rushing to get to the lunch area when Howie—" McCullen cleared his throat. "Inmate Williams was mopping the hallway when he discovered the body. As I rounded the corner, he crashed into me."
 
The warden looked at Williams' scrawny body pressed against the wall. Phillips classified him as a drowning rodent, a pawn well-in over his head. Turning his attention back to McCullen, he asked, "So he told you what he'd found, and then what?"
 
"Well, I called the guard room but got no response. Imagine they were all headed to the alarm in the lunchroom. So, I called your office next and waited." Feeling his story was well told, Brad shrugged his shoulder. "That's it, sir."
 
The warden turned to Williams. "When did you spill the mop bucket?"
 
Williams lifted his head to meet the warden's cold stare. His own eyes darted furiously, bouncing off the brick walls, the guard and back to the man questioning him. "Sir—I—I guess I must have knocked it over when I saw the body."
 
"You guess? You aren't clear if that's what happened?" The warden stepped closer to the inmate and smiled. "I understand you're shaken, so take your time."
 
Howie Williams's body shuddered under the warden's stare. "No, no, sir, I slipped and tripped over it as I tried to go for help."
 
The warden nodded as his eyes traveled to the inmate's dry shoes and pants. "Thank you, Williams."
 
The warden saw the infirmary team and a gurney moving in their direction. The alarms were no longer ringing, so he suspected the situation was under control in the lunchroom. "McCullen, get Williams some lunch and safely back to his cell."
 
"Yes, sir." McCullen stood at attention as the warden walked past him before exhaling.
 
Tom Phillips knew he had a big problem on his hands. Lunch riots and even occasional killings came with the territory, but the murder of Miguel Sanchez was a different ball game. Only a handful of people knew he'd turned state's witness, and now he was dead.
 
As he entered his office, he fired off a request to the secretary, "Find me Garth Woodman. I've got a file with numbers in my desk drawer."
 
She stood and followed him to his office, recognizing the urgency in her boss' voice. "On it, boss."
 
Tom and Garth had worked side by side on several cases. He respected him, and he knew his team had been responsible for shutting down the drug cartel in Hayden and putting Miguel in the Jackson facility. Only recently had Garth convinced the inmate to help with the trial.
 
Tom knew the FBI agent would not be happy with this call.
 
*****************************************
 
Wrapped in a blanket, Allie curled into a tight ball on the lounge. An occasional sob escaped, but she'd gained control, at least for the moment.
 
"Allie, you need to eat something." Allie's head rested against Liz's shoulder. "Let me make you something."
 
Allie shook her head. "No, I can't."
 
"It won't help any if you make yourself sick."
 
Allie sat up and tossed the blanket across the arm of the lounge chair. The rims of her eyes and her nose were scarlet red, and her auburn hair was tangled. "Garth is somewhere, maybe hurt or—"
 
"Don't think and don't say it, Allie. Garth will be okay." Liz was afraid as much as Allie, but she knew she couldn't show it. She needed to be strong for her best friend, just like Allie had always been for her.
 
"If he's okay, he still believes I turned my back on him. Lizzie, if he's dying—" Allie sniffed and gagged on her words. "He can't even cling to our love because I tossed it away."
 
"Alyssa Shelton." Liz raised her voice and snapped, "You, of all people, better not be giving up. Garth's a fighter, and he won't give up. The team will find him and bring him back to you. You'll tell him how much you love him."
 
"We don't even have a clue, Lizzie. Our only clue is what Diego knows, and he is in a coma. The doctors do not know if or when he'll wake up."
 
"Tango and Poppa are talking with the woman now. Maybe she has information that will help."
 
"Liz, I don't know what to do. I can't just sit here and wait. I need to find him. He needs to know how much I love him and want to share the rest of my life with him." Allie buried her face in her hands, sobbing.
 
"I wish I could tell you when you'll get that chance, Allie. I really do, but we need something to go on first." Liz squeezed her friend's shoulders. "Hank and Emmy are turning into the driveway. Maybe they've heard something."
 
Cassidy stood at the kitchen door, watching the troubled women. She didn't want to add to the distress, but she had no choice. "I'm sorry to bother you, but Warden Phillips is on the phone asking for Garth. I didn't know what to tell him.".
 
As Hank and Emmy entered the garden, he heard Cassidy and rushed to her side. Hank held out his hand for the phone. "I'll take it." Taking the cordless receiver, Hank moved out of earshot.
 
"Warden Phillips, Hank Armato here. I take it you've already heard that Garth is missing.
 
"Missing?" Tom's throat tightened. "My God, Hank, that's horrible, but I wasn't aware of it. I was calling to tell him there's been a prison riot and his star witness in the upcoming drug trials is dead."
 
"Miguel? Miguel Sanchez is dead?" Hank paced. "I doubt Sanchez's death and Garth's disappearance can be considered a coincidence."
 
"My exact thoughts, and they aren't good ones."
 

Author Notes

Garth Woodman, FBI Agent, and Allie's love interest Alyssa Shelton, Investigative Journalist, and Liz's best friend Elizabeth (Liz) McKinley, widow, owner of Sweet Haven, and twin sister to Faith Faith Cranston-Newton, recovering cancer patient and mother to Annie Annie Cranston-Newton, Faith's precocious young daughter Sebastian, a St. Bernard and Annie's sidekick Mary Hunter, Liz and Faith's deceased mother, and Annie's grandmother Hank and Emmy Armato, retired detectives and current Private Investigators Tango and Poppa, Garth's top FBI Agents Sheriff Diego Ortiz, Napa Valley's law enforcement Cassidy Rotello, a rescued victim of a solved drug crime and friend Michael Lansing, neighbor to Sweet Haven Winery (Liz's home) Darryl Pennington, Long time Estate Forman at Sweet Haven Estates Miguel Sanchez, the former vineyard supervisor, currently residing in jail Mason Caldwell, recently deceased drug and crime boss in Napa Valley Father Tobias, a priest, recently assigned to Hayden's notorious church Barrett O'Brien, an eager newly hired employee at Sweet Haven Estates MJ Cichella, Writer and Director, and honored guest for Napa Valley's first film festival Sandra Pepper, a well-to-do woman new in town, aka Samantha FBI Angel (Isabella) - a ghost, a mysterious woman, or the Legend? Tom Phillips - Warden of Jackson Correctional Facility Patrick - Warden's right hand man Brad McCullen - a guard at the prison Howie Williams - an inmate

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