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Chapter 36

Eli Glinn closed his cell phone with a snap and placed it on the desk. He gazed out his office window, watching the activity in the room beyond, reviewing in his mind the phone call he had just received. The information provided by Agatha Millhouse was not completely surprising, as he had suspected someone would eventually be checking into a certain “strange disappearance”. However, that person’s true motive, as so indignantly described by Ms. Millhouse, was only slightly expected. Police officers, in his experience, are known for at times making monumental deductive leaps. Glinn suspected that the subject of the speculation would have found such a notion uproariously funny in the past, but now...

Glinn leaned forward and typed a few commands on his laptop and was soon rewarded with a complete and detailed record of Deputy Sheriff Charles Edward Quinn, courtesy of the ever-helpful Mime. He scanned it quickly, passing the basic background information he had already committed to memory and looked closely at the more personal details. Soon he came to a bit of information that could possibly have caused Officer Quinn to produce such a theory. It was a remote possibility, true, but still warranted scrutiny.

Glinn guided his chair to a different desk and pulled up the entry dialog for the profiling program on its dedicated workstation. He had anticipated difficulty in controlling the situation in Winstead and had created profiles on all of the Sheriff’s Office personnel, including Mathies. He accessed Quinn’s profile and added the pertinent information. After sending the request for a new profile, he guided his chair back to his desk and in his thoughts returned to the question he had been contemplating before Ms. Millhouse’s call.

Tigg had refused to help on the case. Why? Every scenario he had run, both in his mind and in the program, had confidently predicted she would help. Fearfully, and in need of assurance of safety? Perhaps. Bent on revenge and requiring firm guidance, or even restraint? Almost assured. Lack of interest or flat out refusal had not been given a high probability at all by the profile, and even less in his mind. He had carefully planned the meeting, knowing full well of Pendergast’s abilities in persuasion and Tigg’s ability to avoid his own brand of manipulation. He had been certain that the combination of the facts and receiving the news from a stranger would have at least caused her to reconsider her self-imposed isolation (he had offered many times since Ravenwood’s death to bring her back to the city, all of which had been refused). He knew of her desire for justice for her family. Her reaction made no sense. Then again, she always had a knack for doing the unexpected. Glinn thought back to their first meeting as proof of this ability.

He had finally given in to his sister’s request to visit. Half-sister, to be precise, a product of their mother’s first marriage. They had grown up together but had parted ways in their adult lives. He had gone into the military and was planning to retire to civilian life to set up an engineering firm. She had gone the marriage-and-family route, teaching at the local college and raising six children. He found their lack of common ground almost amusing at times. Marie had chosen to overlook their obvious differences and still insisted on pressuring him to “be a part of the family”, something he was loathe to do. He was not overly fond of children (he found them rather boring), was not inclined to participate in familial gossip sessions, and had adeptly avoided her invitations for years. Finally he was forced to concede that the only way to stop the invitations was to accept one, and in doing so to increase the probability that one visit would suffice. He had decided that an aloof but slightly menacing persona would produce the desired effect, and presented such a façade. The result was as he expected when introduced to five of Marie’s children.

He sat stiffly in one of the wing chairs in Marie and Isaac’s living room, in his dress uniform, and was introduced to the children. The two eldest, Zachariah and Rita, had greeted him with solemn faces and retreated from the room as soon as their parents would allow. The twins, Matthias and Michelle, had initially hidden behind their mother and had refused to shake his hand, even when cajoled by Marie. The youngest boy, Lucas, took one look at him and ran from the room. All amusingly predictable behaviors, thought Glinn. Finally, Marie had called in the youngest girl.

Eleanor, come into the living room and meet your uncle.” Marie had turned back to Glinn with a slightly worried expression. “She’s my trouble maker. Always getting into stuff, and just too darn smart for her own good. I hope she behaves herself while you’re here.”

Which hopefully won’t be too much longer, Glinn thought. Marie rose from the sofa and went to the door to call the girl again.

Eleanor, get in here! NOW!”

Glinn heard running footsteps and suddenly a girl of about five appeared in the doorway. She was dressed in denim overalls and a white t-shirt, her auburn hair twisted into two rather lopsided braids. Her appearance was in sharp contrast to her siblings, all of whom had obviously been dressed in their Sunday best.

Eleanor! Didn’t I tell you to...” Marie blushed and glanced at Glinn. “I’m sorry, I told her she had to be presentable for your visit.” Glinn barely heard her, his attention focused on the girl, waiting to see which pattern of behavior she would follow.

Eleanor cocked her head and stared at Glinn with frank curiosity before turning to her mother with a questioning look. Marie struggled to recover from her embarrassment.

Eleanor, this is your Uncle Eli. I told you that he was coming to visit today, remember? He came all the way from New York City.”

She turned back to Glinn and regarded him, her dark grey eyes alive with curiosity. Suddenly she smiled, ran up to him and threw her arms around him, hugging him with such force that Glinn was completely caught off guard. He froze and then, much to his own surprise as everyone else’s, tentatively hugged her in return. Finally she let go and stepped back, gazing at him with an expression of happiness and (Glinn noted with faint amusement) a glint of mischief in her eyes.

Thank you so much for coming to visit us, Uncle Eli,” she said in a voice that sounded uncannily like her mother’s. “Momma has been hoping you would for such a long time. You’re staying for a while, right?” Glinn glanced at Marie, who was staring at them both and looking rather shell-shocked.

I...” Glinn found himself uncharacteristically at a loss for words. “I suppose I can stay for a little while.” Eleanor smiled, turned and skipped from the room. Out of the corner of his eye, Glinn noted that Isaac and Marie were looking at each other in confusion. Marie turned to Eli, her face flushed with embarrassment.

I’m sorry, Eli, I hope she didn’t...I don’t what got into her. She’s never taken to anyone else like that.” Marie’s apology was cut short by the reappearance of Eleanor, carrying a well worn book and looking quite pleased with herself. Without hesitation, she climbed into Glinn’s lap, opened the book and looked up at him expectantly.

For the first time in as long as he could remember, Glinn was unsure of what to do in a situation. What did this child want? He ventured a guess and asked her.

Do you...would you like me to read that...to you?”

“No, I will read it to you. It’s my favorite, and I’ve read it many times.” She held up the front cover to his face so he could read the title: 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea.

She started to read aloud in a clear, confident voice. After a few minutes, Marie decided to interrupt.

Eleanor, you don’t need to do that. You wouldn’t want to bore your uncle, now would you?”

Eleanor stopped reading and looked up at Glinn.

I’m not boring, am I?”

No,” replied Glinn with a faint smile, “you’re definitely not boring...”



Glinn’s thin lips curved slightly into a rueful smile. It was that same memory that had flashed through his mind years later. He had just returned from a six month project overseas. During that time, he had been completely out of touch with his sister’s family. A necessity, as personal worries had no place in his mind when he was fully engaged in a project. He had instructed his staff that he was not to be disturbed for any reason, and his personally attorney already had vast experience in handling his affairs while he was “incommunicado”. On the day of his return, he had strolled into the office, satisfied with the successful completion of his latest project and curious to see how his new “recruit” was faring in her new environment. He had arranged everything for her arrival in New York prior to departing, including a small start-up project for her introduction in the firm.



The expression on his secretary’s face when she saw him walk through the door gave Glinn pause.

“Good morning, Eva. Has there been a problem this morning?”

“Uh, no, not this morning Mr. Glinn. It’s...your attorney asked me to have you call him as soon as you arrive.”

“I believe that can wait. I’d like a progress report on our newest project. How far has the new intern progressed with it?” Knowing Eleanor, it’s probably already finished, thought Glinn with satisfaction.

She..uh..never started. I really think you need to call Mr. Wainwright.”

Glinn would not allow himself to show anger. Emotion was weakness, and weakness could not be displayed to anyone, especially in this business.

I shall do that. Thank you Eva.” Inwardly fuming, he walked quickly to his office and shut the door. After selecting the correct card from his Roladex, he placed a call to Oscar Wainwright, Esq.

Oscar? Eli Glinn. Is there a problem? I expected——“ He listened, anger fading. For a man who spent his time preparing for any eventuality, he was completely unprepared for such a shock to his carefully guarded personal life. He slowly lowered himself into his desk chair as he listened to Wainwright explain what had happened. Out of habit, he withdrew a pen and paper from his desk and began to make notes. Finally he was able to ask a question.

Where is she?”

He quickly copied down the information and tucked the sheet of paper away in his coat pocket.

Thank you Oscar. I’ll be in touch.”

After hanging up the phone, he sat silently, thinking, trying to make his brain function through the haze of emotion he was desperately trying to control. Finally he rose from his chair and walked to the outer office.

Eva, I will be out of town for a few days. Please follow the usual procedures.”

But...you just returned from a project and...”

That project was completed two weeks ahead of schedule. It will not be a problem. I have a pressing matter to attend to. Do not mention this to anyone, understood?”

“Yes, sir.”

Glinn left the building without another word, climbed into his car and headed west. He drove straight on through the night and arrived in Reliance early the next morning. During the drive, he went over what Wainwright told him. He couldn’t grasp it. It made absolutely no sense. There had to be something else and he would certainly look into it, but for now, he focused on one thing. He had to get to that hospital.

Glinn located Reliance University Hospital with little difficulty. After speaking to several nurses and one hospital administrator, he was finally able to speak with Eleanor’s doctor. Dr. Byer had just finished his early morning rounds, and was surprised to see someone waiting at his office. Glinn stepped forward as the man approached.

May I help you?”

“I need to speak about a patient.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that without the patient’s permission, you see—”

“From what I’ve been told, she could not give permission. The patient is Eleanor Eastman, and I am her uncle and legal guardian, Eli Glinn.” Glinn maintained his neutral expression with monumental effort.

I...please, step into my office. We have much to discuss.”

Glinn followed the doctor into his office and shut the door. After they were seated, he listened to Dr. Byer describe her injuries and her present condition with a growing feeling of anguish. Suddenly he had to interrupt.

What is your recommendation for further treatment?”

“While her physical injuries are predominantly healed, there has been no improvement in her mental state. I would suggest transferring her to a long-term care facility. There’s really nothing more we can do for her here.”

“I need to see for myself before I can make such a decision.”

“I understand, but I think you’ll see that what I’ve told you is valid. Come with me.”

Glinn followed the doctor down the hall and they took the elevator to the 5^th floor. They walked to the nurses’ station where a short, stout woman with black eyes and tightly curled greying hair was filling out duty sheets. She looked up as they approached.

Agatha, this is Mr...Glinn.” He turned to Glinn. “Agatha Millhouse is our head nurse, and she takes excellent care of her patients. Agatha, Mr. Glinn is here to visit Eleanor.”

The nurse’s eyebrows shot up in surprise.

She doesn’t get many visitors, especially this time of morning.” Glinn noted her suspicious expression and responded.

I am her legal guardian. I have been out of the country and did not hear of her...situation until I returned yesterday.”

I see. I’ll go make sure she is presentable. Just a moment.” She walked down towards the end of the hall, her rubber-soled shoes squeaking slightly on the tile floor. In a few minutes she returned.

You may go see her now. Room 523.”

When they arrived at the room, Dr. Byer turned to Glinn and spoke in a low voice.

Frankly I’m glad you came. Perhaps a seeing a familiar face of a relative will be beneficial. We’ve tried everything else.” He opened the door to the room and spoke to the occupant with forced cheerfulness.

Eleanor, you have a visitor. It’s your Uncle Eli.”

Glinn stepped into the room behind the doctor and stared at the figure stretched out on the hospital bed. He was unable to completely hide his shock. This was not the young woman he had seen just five months ago, eagerly anticipating her move to New York, bursting with vitality and plans for her future. The girl he saw in that room was deathly pale and thin, her face and arms marred by scars that stood out vividly against her pallid skin. She lay almost perfectly still, seemingly unaware of their presence, her eyes unfocused and blank. Glinn felt a swell of anger. This could not have happened, should not have happened. He took several steps forward and looked down at her, waiting for her gaze to turn to him. Finally the doctor spoke.

Ah, as you can see, she is quite unresponsive. I think it best that we proceed with my recommendation. I—“ He was interrupted by the nurse.

Dr. Byer, sorry to interrupt, but I need your signature on this chart.”

Ah, yes, just a moment Mr. Glinn.” He stepped out of the room and into the hallway. Glinn turned back to Eleanor and was startled to see that she was looking straight at him, her pleading expression so full of pain that he almost gasped in surprise. She held his gaze until approaching footsteps announced Dr Byer’s return, allowing her eyes to return to their previous glassy stare.

Sorry about that, Mr. Glinn. As I was saying...”

Yes, Dr. Byer, I understand. Would you allow me a few minutes of privacy. With my niece. I need some time to consider...”

Yes, of course. I need to get back to my office. Please stop by when you’re done so we can finalize the paperwork.” He stepped out of the room and shut the door. Slowly, Glinn returned his attention to Eleanor. She was staring at him as before, unmoving and silent. He took another step closer and sat down on the side of the bed.

Eleanor...” he said in a low voice. Slowly her lips curved in a slight smile.

About time...” she whispered. Glinn stared at her, almost afraid to believe.

Eleanor, are you...?”

I want...to be dead.” Glinn felt a chill down his spine.

“Are you in pain? You want to die because...?”

No. Not to die. I want to be dead. Safe. They...must think I’m dead.”

Who must?”

Whoever did this...to me, to us.” Suddenly he understood.

Eleanor, I can take you to another hospital. No one will know where. I’ll just have to tell the doctor...as part of your transfer—”

No...remember...can three people keep a secret?”

Only if two are dead.” Glinn’s mind was racing. He could barely believe he was considering her request. It went against everything he believed: careful, rational planning by level headed people was vital for any plan to work. He knew he wouldn’t have time to do what must be done, but he must...

His thoughts were interrupted by a surprisingly strong hand gripping his arm. He looked at her again and she released him.

I can get out of here,” she whispered, desperation evident in her voice. “But I can’t get away. I need your help. Do this and I can repay you...I can work for you somehow. Please...”

Finally, Glinn slowly nodded. “I’ll need a bit of time.”

Time...” She resumed her look of detachment just as Glinn heard approaching footsteps. The door opened and the nurse peeked in the room.

Do you need anything, Mr. Glinn. Does she...need anything?”

“No, thank you,” he said, rising from the bed. “I’ll need to go speak with Dr. Byer now.” The nurse nodded and withdrew. When he was sure she was far enough away, he turned back to Eleanor.

I will return when everything is ready.”

Thank you.”



Glinn had spent the next few days preparing. His perseverance, as with any project he undertook, allowed for the lowest amount of risk. After her “disappearance”, he had returned to participate in the search, playing the part of the furious yet deeply concerned guardian. It was only after he had returned to New York with her that his careful plan started to unravel. Having an apparently disturbed and unpredictable charge was not something he had anticipated, much to his sorrow. In not helping her return to normal and having to send her away, for the first time in a long time he had tasted bitter failure. It was something he realized he had been trying to compensate for ever since.



Glinn sat back in his chair and sighed. Time for recriminations was long past. Perhaps in solving the mystery of both cases, he could at last lay the matter to rest. Glinn closed his eyes and searched his memory. Their last meeting, that only thing left which might explain her behavior, was his target.



Five years ago, Glinn had followed the trail up Black Mountain, stopping at the clearing in front of John Ravenwood’s cabin. Ravenwood himself was seated in front of his fire pit, carving a piece of wood and flicking the shavings into the fire. He raised his head as Glinn approached and smiled before calling out to him.

Eli! It’s been a long time. Pull up chair and we’ll chat awhile.”

Glinn walked up to the fire pit and sat down on one of the large logs lying nearby.

John. How have you been?”

Can’t complain. What brings you today?”

“Just paying a visit. Where is...?”

Ravenwood sighed.

Tigg saw you coming and decided to make herself scarce. I’m not sure exactly where she is at the moment.”

Tigg?”

That’s what she wants to be called. She came up with that name sometime after your last visit. What, two, three years ago?”

“Interesting. I need to speak with her. I have...a proposal for her.”

“What is it this time?” The hoarse voice startled Glinn and he spun around to find his niece standing a few yards away at the edge of the woods. He rose to his feet, took a few steps towards her and stopped when he saw her expression.

“Eleanor. How are you?”

“Eleanor is dead. Right? It’s been long enough so you should be able to make it official.”

“That is part of what I came to discuss.”

“There’s no discussion. When you left me here I told you I was never going back. Not without a damn good reason, and you know what that reason would be.”

“I’m sorry. Nothing has changed with that situation.”

“Nor would I have expected it to. What is it you want, Eli? I haven’t seen you for years and all of a sudden you show up with a ‘proposal’.”

“I’ve taken on a new project that involves some travel at sea. You once expressed an interest in such a thing. I am proposing that you come with us, as part of the team. Your work has been exemplary and I feel that there would be benefits to all of us if you were to join the project.”

I am happy doing my work here. I have my equipment, I have my workshop. As long as no one discovers that I’ve tapped into the electric lines of the mineshaft, or gets around to disconnecting them, I can continue to do my ‘exemplary’ work right here. Tell you me what you’ll need, provide the background literature and I’ll have it ready before you take off on your little cruise.”

If that is your final decision...”

“It is. Leave the information with John. I have work to do.” She turned and stalked off, disappearing down the train that led to the lake.

Glinn sat back down on the log and stared into the fire, trying to suppress the emotions boiling up inside.

Guilt is a terrible thing, isn’t it Eli?” asked Ravenwood.

I’m sorry. I don’t know what you mean.”

“Guilt. It’s something you two have in common. You feel guilty because you think you’ve failed her, and she feels guilty because she survived. It causes both of you to push people away. It’s a terrible thing, because it eats away at you until there’s nothing left, unless you let it out somehow. Now Tigg, I think she’s found away to let some out, but not you. You try to control it too much.” Ravenwood reached into his pocket and withdrew a small wood carving, which he handed to Glinn. It was an eagle, wings spread in flight, each feather meticulously detailed. Near the eagle’s eyes were small carefully carved and smoothed droplets which Glinn realized were tears.

I think she’d like you to have this. It’s her way of letting go a little. Maybe it can remind you to do the same.”

Glinn tucked the carving away in his coat pocket and rose to his feet.

Thank you, John, for everything.” He took one last look at the woods where Tigg had disappeared, turned and headed back down the trail from Black Mountain.



Glinn reached into his desk drawer and took out the carving, turned it over in his hand and traced the tears with one finger. He allowed himself to wonder, briefly, how things would be different if he had listened. He sighed. It was a pointless exercise. What’s done is done, and he could no more change himself now than he could have risen from his cursed chair. To admit he had taken the wrong path was to admit failure, and that was something he could truly never do again.



A soft beep signaled the end of the profiling program run, and he guided his chair over to the workstation and read the results.

Interesting...

He reached into his coat pocket and extracted his cell phone. It was time to get an update from Pendergast and relay this new information to him as well. This time the case would be solved. It was the only acceptable outcome.

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