Synopsis

A madman stalks the small city of Briarwood and surrounding communities, carefully choosing those women he feels are worthy of his attention. Stripping them of all pride and dignity, he adds them to his ever growing collection. At first his captive victims only wish to stay alive, eventually some will pray to die.

Police detective, Matthew Barns has a reputation for finding missing people when all hope is gone. With his attention divided between finding the missing women and winning back his fianc?, will he be able to find the victims before it's too late? When one woman is found brutally raped and murdered, Matthew realizes that time is running out for all the women.

Charles Ambrose Elliot, a wealthy and powerful businessman has loved one woman his entire life, Matthew's fianc? Alexia Wellington. Devastated when she and her best friend Meg fall into the hands of this madman, he's determined to do whatever it takes to bring them home.

EXCERPT

"He isn't here, Matt." Benny held out a bedraggled looking clown doll. "Although
I did find this in the bedroom under the bed. It fits the description Mrs.
Martin gave us."



"Ok, get on the horn and get the dogs out here. I want every inch of this
property searched. I'm going to go have a little chat with Mr. Webber."



Matt went out to where the officers were holding Barney. Barney Webber was
twenty-two years old, tall and skinny with a face full of acne scars. His dark
blonde hair hung around his face and he smirked at Matt as he approached.



"You got nothing on me, cop. I ain't done nothing wrong and you can't hold
me."

Barney looked Matt in the eyes but when seeing the gray eyes like ice water, he
lowered his to study the ground.



"How about a cigarette, Barney?" Matt offered calmly.



Barney looked up again in surprise. "Sure, I'll take one."



After lighting Barney?s cigarette for him, Matt watched as he puffed on it.



"How about cuffing me in the front so I can enjoy my smoke."



Matt grinned at him, "Sorry, Barney, you'll have to make do as you are. Now
about Tommy Martin, where is he?"



"I don't know any Tommy." Barney puffed harder on his cigarette.



Matt caught and held his gaze. "Well then, maybe you could explain how his
little doll got under your bed?" Matt watched as panic filled Barney's eyes. 



"We have the dogs coming, Barney, and they will find Tommy. It might go easier
for you if you just gave him up now. Did you bury his little body in these woods
somewhere?"



Barney's head jerked up, "Hell no, I ain't no murderer. You can't pin nothing
like that on me."