On The Prowl chapter 4 (standard:mystery, 4987 words)
Author: Sarah Spenser	Added: Jan 21 2006	Views/Reads: 3233/2155	Story vote: 0.00 (0 votes)
See if Allie and Connor are still avlive after their car plunges over the embankment!

Click here to read the first 75 lines of the story

asleep because you're exhausted. I'm really worried about you. Maybe we 
should stop and you can get some rest.” “No.” “You're just getting over 
pneumonia! What's wrong with you?” “I want to keep going.” “Allison, 
you're exhausted you're ...” “Just stop talking, Connor. I'm going to 
find Francie! I can't stop! I can't rest, honey.” She trembled in his 
arms. Connor kissed her lightly on the mouth and whispered in her ear. 
“I love you, Allie.” “I love you too.” “Okay, we'll search for Francie. 
But I'm really worried about you.” “Don't worry, Connor. I'll be fine.” 


After surveying their car, Connor discovered it was unusable. So they
walked in to town until they came to Ron's Rentals. The sign read: High 
Quality, Low Prices! 

Allie and Connor settled on a blue Honda, and within minutes were
speeding off once again. Allie read the clue out loud as Connor piloted 
the car. They were baffled as to where the house was, Allie's cell rang 
breaking the silence. “Hello?” “You're cold.” He said flatly. “Where 
are you? Where's Francie? Can I talk to her?” Eagle grinned and looked 
at Francie who lay motionless on the floor. “No, she's tied up at the 
moment.” “Let me talk to her you ...” “Oh, Allison! You wouldn't want 
me to do anything to her would you? She could be the victim of some 
unfortunate mishap.” “You leave my baby alone!” “You're still cold.” He 
said with a laugh. “What are we looking for, Eagle?” “Look on a 
deserted street. It's called River Drive, it's a cul-de-sac. Last house 
on the left.” She was about to ask another question when Eagle broke 
the connection. “What did he say?” Connor asked as he looked at his 
wife. Allie was trying to keep all her emotions inside, but couldn't. 
“It's on a cul-de-sac, Connor. On River Drive, the last house on the 
left. He said that she's tied up! What does that mean?” “I don't know.” 
“Did he kill ...” Connor pulled the car off to the side of the road and 
looked into her eyes. “Don't think like that, honey. Don't let that 
thought enter your mind.” He slipped hi arm around her. She trembled 
with fear for herself and her little girl. “But he said she was tied 
up! Why hasn't he let me talk to her, Connor?” “He's a bastard!” “No 
besides that I ...” “Allie, don't think like this. Francie is alive, 
and we will find her!” he shouted Allie began to sob harder. “I'm 
sorry.” He said gently placing a hand on her head. He began to stroke 
her hair. “I'm not mad at you. I could never b mad at you. I'm enraged 
at Eagle.” “I know.” She said softly. “We'll get through this, 
sweetness. We'll get through this together.” Allie gave Connor 
directions as he piloted the car on to River Drive. The last house on 
the left was 14. Connor parked the car in the driveway and pulled out 
his gun and a flashlight. “Stay here.” “Like hell!” Allie said getting 
out of the car and following him up the driveway. “This could be a 
trap. Let me go first. I'll call you if it's safe.” “But ...” “Stay 
here.” He said turning the doorknob. It opened, and Connor found 
himself in a dark foyer. He searched for the light switch as he drew 
his gun. 

“This is the Fallwood County police. Come out with your hands up.” There
was nothing, not even a sound from inside the house. Connor walked into 
the kitchen and the living room. But found no one, he opened the door 
to the upstairs bedrooms and thoroughly searched them. Five minutes 
later, Allison saw the door open and Connor emerge. “It's safe.” He 
said motioning her into the house. Allie walked into the kitchen and 
surveyed the appliances. The coffee pot was still on as if someone had 
left in a hurry. She found Francie's other shoe and sock. It matched 
the one found in the river. She fell to her knees and gasped. Connor 
heard her gasp  and turned from surveying the living room for any 
clues. “What is it?” he  asked coming over to where she was kneeling. 
She couldn't speak, but pointed to the shoe and sock. “Oh God.” Connor 
mumbled under his breath. He dialed Bob and asked for a forensics team 
to come and dust for prints. He hung up the phone and looked at 
Allison. She was standing there motionless, her eyes were full of 
questions as she looked at him gravely. “Connor, what does this mean?” 
“I don't know, sweetheart.” “Why would he leave the other shoe and 
sock?” “I don't know.” Connor said again. “I want answers damn it! 
Where is she? Where's our little girl? She's in the clutches of a 
madman and all you cops can do is come up with theories and 
speculation.” “We're all doing the best we can.” “I don't understand, 
Connor! Explain it to me. You're a detective! You should have all the 
resources you need at your disposal and we're no closer to find 
Francie.” “He keeps changing his phone number, Allie! He's got a 
disposable cell phone and every time he calls it's from a different 
number. We have no clue who this guy is!” “She's out there, Connor! 
She's out there being exposed to who knows what! She could be hurt! She 
could be hungry! Or cold.” “I'm doing the best I can.” “Bring her home! 
Please, Connor bring our baby home!” Allison threw herself into 
Connor's arms and began to sob again. “It's going to be okay, Allie. 
We'll find her.” “When's the forensics team coming?” “Tomorrow. They're 
starting the drive tonight. Bob said they're also going to send 
officers from this county too.” “What will we do?” “Let's get some 
rest. We can't do anything here tonight. You didn't touch anything did 
you?” “No, I just looked at everything.” “Okay, let's go.” Allie felt 
that Francie had been in that house, even though the shoe and sock 
could have been put there as a ploy, she felt that her little girl had 
been there. She wondered if Francie was frightened, if she was cold or 
hungry as she left the old house. 

Francie tried to move as the gun discharged again but she was paralyzed.
Eagle came over and picked her up. “What are you doing?” “Nothing too 
harsh. Just sticking you in the closet.” “Where's Mommy? You said ...” 
“I know what I said. Now go in the closet like a good girl.” “You're 
bad!” “I know.” He said shoving her in and slamming the door. She 
pounded on the door to be let out, but he ignored her. Finally she gave 
up, wishing her Mommy and Daddy would rescue her. With Francie safely 
stashed away in the closet, Eagle went out to the store. He had to buy 
another disposable cell phone. He knew he was giving the police the 
slip and enjoyed this little game. He donned a wig and glasses and 
headed out to the store. His main disguise was being among the town's 
people. No one had suspected him thus far, and he wanted to keep it 
that way. 

Allie and Connor arrived at a small motel on the outskirts of town. They
wanted to be there when forensics dusted for prints tomorrow morning. 
They showered and climbed into bed. Allie lay awake staring at the 
ceiling and thinking of Francie. “Allison, you need to try to sleep.” 
Connor said softly. “I can't, Connor. All I can think of is Francie.” 
“I know, honey but you need to get some rest. You're not going to be 
any good to anyone if you don't get some rest.” “I know.” Connor held 
her until she drifted off to sleep. He prayed for Francie's safe return 
as he watched Allie. He knew she was slowly slipping away from him and 
there was nothing he could do to stop it. Francie was in the clutches 
of a madman and he was powerless to get her back. 

Francie woke early the next morning. She was surprised to find the
closet door open. Eagle must've had a change of heart, she slowly crept 
out and looked around. She could hear nothing, the house was dark and 
the sun was barely up. Francie saw this as her big chance. She took the 
drawings she'd made and looked at them. She knew that the kitchen was 
near the front door. She walked slowly to the front door and pushed. 
But it didn't open, she unlocked the bottom lock but couldn't reach the 
top lock. She pulled this time as hard as her little hands would let 
her. But nothing happened, suddenly she heard footsteps, she whirled 
around just in time to see Eagle's angry face. 

Connor woke early the next morning. He had slept fitfully, he glanced at
Allison who was still asleep beside him. He was glad she was finally 
getting some rest, he reached over and gently stroked her hair. She 
moved closer to him and he embraced her. She settled into his arms and 
was still for a while. A few minutes later, Connor gently untwined 
himself from Allie, careful not to wake her. He quietly got out of bed 
and tiptoed into the bathroom and turned on the shower. He let the hot 
water run down every inch of his body as his mind turned once again to 
Francie. Where was she now? What was Eagle doing to her now? Connor 
padded into the bedroom, he glanced at the clock, and it was quarter to 
nine. Allie was still asleep, so Connor made his way over to the small 
coffee pot provided with the room. He made coffee and sat quietly 
waiting for it to perk. Connor's cell rang surprising him a bit. No one 
called this early in the morning. He searched for it in his bag while 
it continued to ring. He found it and pressed “Talk” “Hello?” “Morning, 
Detective. I have someone you've been dying to speak to.” “Where is 
she?” Connor shouted, Allie woke with a start and sat up. “Connor?” Her 
heart was pounding and he felt extremely guilty as he looked at the 
panic in her eyes. Connor cupped the mouthpiece of the cell and 
whispered. “Sorry, I didn't mean to wake you. But it's him, Allie!” She 
got out of bed and came over to listen. Connor hit speakerphone and 
Eagle's voice permeated the room. “Can I talk to her?” Allison asked. 
“Just to prove to you that she's alive, I'll let you.” Allison heard 
the phone being transferred and Francie's little voice made both her 
and Connor cry. “Hi, Mommy! I love you!” “I love you too, sweetheart. 
Are you okay?” “Eagle's mean, Mommy! Come and get me.” “We're working 
on it, honey.” Allison said trying to hold back tears. “Daddy?” “I'm 
here, honey.” “I drew a picture of you.” “You did?” “Yeah, I want to 
give it to you. I miss you and Mommy.” “What kind of house are you in?” 
“It's big. I think it's red! It's got ...” Allison and Connor heard the 
phone being thrown across the room. “Francie?” Connor exclaimed. “No, 
Detective it's me!” “What have you done with her? If you hurt her I 
swear you bastard ...” “Temper, Detective,” Eagle said with a menacing 
laugh. “You wouldn't want to find her at the bottom of a ravine would 
you?” chills ran up and down Connor's spine. Allison sobbed softly 
unable to speak. “Is she all right?” “That's for you to never know!” 
“Where are you?” “Oh, Connor do you think it's going to be that easy? 
You have to give me something in return.” “What do you want? Money?” 
“No, I'm not that foolish! That's the oldest trick in the book. Think 
of something that's more precious than Francie and you'll have the 
answer. Oh, and I have another clue. What happens now is in my hands, 
that you soon will see. If I am winner of this game, I can claim 
victory. What happens next is up to you and how you play your hand. 
Think of the one you least suspect, then you will understand.” Connor 
gasped as the connection was broken. “She's alive, Connor! She's 
alive!” Allison said through her tears. She hugged Connor as she 
planted a passionate kiss on his lips. “She's a fighter, Allie. We're 
going to find her. Let's see if they have anything  at the house.” They 
had a cup of coffee and were off. Before they knew it, they arrived at 
the house. Connor and Allie sat on the couch not wanting to disturb any 
evidence. About half an hour later, the doorbell rang. Connor opened it 
and was surprised to see Bob Frank standing on the front porch as well 
as Lu and the rest of the forensics team. “We got here as soon as we 
could. We also brought Officer John Colby from Free River.” Connor 
invited the team to meet Allie who rose to greet them. “I'm Allison, 
it's nice to meet you.” “I'm sorry about your little girl, Mrs. 
Cassidy.” John Colby said. She liked him already, dark features with 
green eyes, he had a nice complexion. “Thank you.” “We didn't touch 
anything, Bob. We just observed everything.” “Was this the way you 
found it?” “Yes,, exactly.” Allie and Connor watched as the forensics 
team collected evidence, dusted for prints and took photos from every 
possible angle. Around noon, John Colby called Connor upstairs. “Did 
you find anything?” “Um,  ... not exactly, Mr. Cassidy. I'd like to 
speak with you in private.” Connor looked to Allie who was watching the 
team with rapt attention. “Will you be all right here for a minute?” 
“I'll be fine.” “Officer Colby wants to talk to me upstairs.” “Did he 
find anything?” she asked excitedly. Connor saw the life come back into 
her eyes again and hating disappointing her. “I don't think so. But 
I'll tell you if I know anything.” “Okay.” Allison watched as Connor 
exited the room. He followed John up a set of winding stairs until they 
came to the master bedroom. “What's so important that you couldn't say 
in front of Allison?” “It concerns your wife, Mr. Cassidy.” “What about 
her?” “Well, based on some of the evidence, and the clue left by Eagle 
about Francie's whereabouts this morning, we have reason to suspect 
Allison.” “Are you kidding? You have to be insane!” “Think about it, 
Detective. Isn't it a little strange? Allison was alone with Francie 
when she disappeared, she claimed she didn't hear a thing. Then she's 
the only one receiving phone calls from this uh ...” “Eagle.” Connor 
interjected. “Yes, Eagle. It's a little too suspicious for my tastes.” 
“If you think that Allie had anything to do with Francie's 
disappearance then you're even crazier than the kidnapper! She was 
unconscious when I came to the house. Eagle talked to me this morning. 
Have you traced the cell yet?” “No, not yet.” “Let me tell you 
something about Allie! She loves Francie! She would never do anything 
to hurt her! Have you looked into her eyes? I mean really looked? She's 
not the woman I married! She's slowly slipping away and there's nothing 
I can do to stop it! All I know is that our daughter's in the clutches 
of a madman and you're standing here suspecting my wife! I can't 
believe you even have the nerve to suspect her.” “I'm sorry, Detective. 
Forgive me.” “I'll pretend like this conversation never happened.” 
Allie was anxiously awaiting Connor's return when he finally emerged 
from upstairs. “Did he find anything?” “No, honey I'm sorry.” “She's 
alive! That's the best news of all.” But Connor wondered how long she 
would stay that way. Now that Eagle had played his hand and let them 
speak to Francie, what was he going to do next? “Mrs. Cassidy, I'm 
sorry to bother you, but I need to speak with you.” “Sure what can I 
help you with?” “I was wondering if you could consent to a 
mitochondrial DNA test.” “What does that do?” “Well, mitochondria are 
passed down from mother to child. In some cases, samples are linked by 
the child's parentage. We found some DNA that may be Francie's and we 
would like you to take this test for us.” “Okay, as long as it'll help 
bring Francie home.” 

Hours later, Connor was piloting the car back on to the highway. They
were heading home after an exhausting day. Allison had gone to the lab 
and had her blood drawn and the forensics team was going to bring the 
results back to Fallwood for testing. Allison turned on the radio and 
put it on low as Connor drove. He worried about her, he thought he 
pneumonia was reoccurring and wondered about her sanity. He pondered 
Eagle's clue. He thought the only thing he treasured more than Francie 
was Allie. Could it be Allie's life in exchange for Francie's? What  a 
sick and twisted game that was. They drove well into the night, with 
Allie and Connor trading places until Allie finally pulled into the 
driveway. 

As Allie and Connor entered, Scarlet bounced on his food dish. Lynn had
been by to check on him and he was overjoyed to see them. He squawked 
and talked up a storm as Allie approached his cage. “I love you, 
Allie!” he squawked. Allie laughed as she flung open the cage door and 
he came onto her hand. “I love you too, Scarlet. Francie will be home 
soon.” After petting him for a bit, Allie climbed into bed beside 
Connor. They were exhausted and were asleep in minutes. 

Allie woke several times during the night. When she woke for the
umpteenth time at around 6, she decided to get up. She fed Scarlet and 
made coffee. She drank a cup while she watched the news. But it was all 
the same depressing stories that would be forgotten by lunchtime. She 
pondered Eagle's clue one more time. The line then I can claim victory 
ran in her head. She thought of the rest of the clue. “What happens 
next is up to you and how you play your hand. Think of the one you'll 
least suspect and then you'll understand.” She said aloud. Her voice 
filled the living room and she felt alone for a moment. Her thoughts 
turned to Connor asleep in bed. She was grateful for his support, and 
didn't know what she would do without him. Allison could feel her 
pneumonia returning with a vengeance, she took some ciprofloxacin. She 
disliked it intensely, but she knew that if she got sick she couldn't 
search for Francie. Exhausted, Allie laid on the couch while she 
watched some  mindless TV. When Connor came downstairs, Allie was 
asleep. Connor covered her with a blanket and went in to the kitchen. 
Just then, the phone rang. Connor put down his cup, but heard Allie 
answer in the living room. Her voice was laced with sleep as she placed 
the phone to her ear. “Hello?” “Hi, Allison, I hope I'm not calling too 
early.” She shivered as she heard his voice. Allison opened her eyes 
and glanced around dazed. Her thoughts turned to Francie, where was she 
now? Was he hurting her? 

“Never mind that! Where is she?” “Come alone tonight and you'll find
out.” “She's alive?” “I'm not telling you. Just come alone tonight. 
Come to 451 Bonnie Meadow Lane.” “Is that anywhere near Bonnie Meadow 
Grove?” “Exactly. Allison, come alone. No cops or I'll kill her.” Then 
the connection was broken. Allison placed the phone back in its cradle 
as Connor entered. “Who was that?” “Eagle.” “I tried to get it before 
you did.” “It's okay, I wasn't really asleep anyway.” “You were 
restless last night. Allie, are you okay?” “How can I be our little 
girl's missing!” “I know, darling. I'm beside myself too. Traces of 
Eagle's cell turned up zip. He's switching to a disposable cell all the 
time.” He told me to meet him at 451 Bonnie Meadow Lane tonight. He 
told me to come alone and he'll give her back.” “How gullible are you?” 
“What? We're going to get Francie back!” “Allie, he's not going to give 
her back to us! I just thought about the clue from last night. He wants 
to trade you for Francie.” “No! no, Connor! That's not it!” “What the 
hell makes you think that after all these weeks of playing with our 
heads he's just going to give her back?” “I ... I don't know! I want to 
hold her, Connor! I want to hear her voice, to read her bedtime 
stories!” she began to sob, her sobs filled the living room but as 
Connor went to embrace her, she backed away. “Don't touch me! Don't 
even think about it!” “Allison, what the hell is wrong with you?” 
“What's wrong with me? What's wrong with you? I'm trying to get Francie 
back and you're standing here spinning this into accusations.” “I'm 
trying to protect you. Sweetness, I'm a detective. I know that a 
sociopath like Eagle just don't turnaround and give up their prizes.” 
“That's what our daughter is to you a prize?” “No I didn't mean it that 
way. To Eagle she's some sort of hold over us. Like a trophy.” “Your 
detective skills haven't helped so far. I don't care what you say I'm 
going to be there tonight.” Allison walked in to the kitchen and began 
to cook breakfast. They battled back and forth all day until around 9. 
Eagle had set the meeting time for midnight. Allison made Connor some 
tea and sat on the couch with him. “Listen, I'm sorry, Connor. You were 
right.” “About what?” he said sipping his tea. “About Eagle and 
Francie. I just want her back so badly that I guess I'll believe 
anything.” “I love her too. She's ours, Allie. Don't you think that if 
there was anything I could do I'd do it?” “I do. I'm sorry, my love. DO 
you forgive me?” he looked in to her blue eyes and melted. “Of course I 
forgive you. I love you, Allison. You have fire, passion and a strong 
will. That's why I married you. Besides the fact that you're gorgeous.” 
She laughed at him. “I love you, Connor.” They lay on the couch until 
Connor drifted off to sleep. Allison quietly got up and dressed 
quickly. It was 11-30. She scribbled a note to Connor and quietly 
closed the door to Scarlet's cage. But as she was closing the front 
door, the wind blew slamming the door shut. Connor woke with a start, 
he opened his eyes and looked for Allie. “Allie?” but there was no 
answer. “Allie, honey?” still no answer. Connor ran upstairs only to 
find her slippers by the bed but no sign of Allie anywhere. He raced 
back downstairs and looked at Scarlet. “Where's Allie?” he asked hoping 
the bird would answer him. “Eagle!” Scarlet squawked. Connor bent down 
to pet Scarlet and found a note beside his cage. 

Dear Connor, I'm sorry about our fight this morning. I love you with all
my heart and I want you to know that. I'm doing what I have to do to 
get Francie back. I went to meet Eagle. I'll be back in no time. 
Hopefully, you won't even know I'm gone. I love you! 

Love, Allie 

Connor cursed as he read the note, he threw on his coat and shoes and
was out the door in a flash. The rental car was gone, so Connor grabbed 
the keys to his car. It would cost a small fortune to get Allie's car 
fixed after plunging down that embankment. He consulted a map and found 
451 Bonnie Meadow Lane. As he sped there, he hoped that Allie wasn't in 
mortal danger. But all his detective instincts were saying she was. 

Eagle watched as she came closer, he knew she would fall for it. It was
too delicious to pass up. The thought of seeing Francie again would be 
too much for her to resist. He spotted her through his lens in the 
bushes. She was looking for him. Her voice was sweet and melodic as she 
called to him.” Eagle? It's Allison, I'm here. Francie? Are you here, 
sweetheart?” He knew the time was now, but could he aim and get it 
right? He could still keep Francie and would be able to get rid of 
Allison. He was far away, and he aimed his telescopic lens at her. Just 
then, Connor pulled up and jumped from the car. “Allie!” he ran as fast 
as he could, a shot rang out and Allie fell to the ground. 


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