Leonard hiked through the woods with sweat pouring down his back from the afternoon sun. As usual, his planning had paid off. After pulling up the satellite images of the farm online and noting the surrounding woods, he’d purchased camouflage clothes and gear to bring on the trip.
His gun had been another matter. Since he couldn’t take the weapon on the plane, he’d accessed the underground black-market sites and found a guy in Baltimore who would sell him one. If only Sarah could see how daring he’d become. He’d met in alleys and traded with thugs. All for her.
He held back a tree branch as he stepped over a root. His brand-new boots made his feet sore even though he hadn’t hiked far. From studying the layout of the farm on his computer, he’d found the perfect place to set up surveillance. He’d left his car tucked between some trees well off the road. The distance from it to the point he’d chosen was 0.32 miles. According to his calculations, the farmhouse, stables, and arena should all be visible from that vantage point.
When he reached the tree line, he pulled out his binoculars from the backpack. He’d paid top dollar for the high-end, special zoom model with range finder. Nothing was too good for Sarah. He eyed the large house not far from where he stood. Maybe she was living there. Oh, to see his beautiful ballerina at last after twenty-four agonizing days. His pulse raced. Life would be right again.
He checked his watch. Two o’clock. Still plenty of light and time for him to scope out the farm. He pulled out a perfectly folded, cut-to-precision piece of tarp from the right top pocket of his shirt and spread it on the ground. Making sure he still had a clear view of the house, he sat on top and propped his back against a tree. Not the most comfortable arrangement, but he’d endure anything for the chance to find his Sarah.
Unfortunately, she’d have to be punished when they got back. He’d cleaned, vacuumed, and painted the closet in his bedroom. He would lock her inside for the same amount of time she’d been missing. She had to understand that as much as they loved each other, they shouldn’t be apart for so long. Of course, he’d let her out for meals and to use the bathroom, but that would be all. And he’d be near her at night when he slept, so she wouldn’t be alone. She’d learn her lesson and not leave again.
At the sound of a truck’s engine, he took off his glasses, stored them in their case, and raised the binoculars to his eyes. A pickup drove the dusty path to the house and parked near the front. A woman got out and hurried to the back door.
Dark hair shorter than Sarah’s, but the way she moved, it had to be her. He zoomed in on her face. His heart leaped into his throat. Yes, he’d found her.
But she was crying. He held his breath and focused. Her shoulders shook as she unlocked the door and swiped at her cheek. He’d been right. She missed him. Probably had spent the last weeks in tears. What a waste of time. They could have been together. Obviously, someone was still controlling her.
A couple of girls came out of the stables and jogged toward the fields where horses grazed. An older man rounded the corner of the house and got into a beat-up truck. Leonard frowned and lowered the binoculars. Too much activity. He’d have to conduct surveillance and note people’s schedules. Not a problem. He was very good at that. On leave from work, he had all the time in the world to figure out a plan. He’d get to Sarah when she was alone and bring her back with him.
The search was over. The hard ball in his stomach melted. Tonight, he’d go on his computer and change the color of her hair on his pictures to match her. She shouldn’t have dyed it without his permission, but he’d let that go for now. When they returned home, he’d make her change it back.
He drew out his tablet. Time to make some notes. Maybe he’d return after dark for a closer look at the house.