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+ + + + + + +
The ride from Knoxville to Spencer was longer than JD could imagine. He squirmed
in the back seat while Mickey and Agent Kinder made small talk in the front.
Giving in to the pain, he took one of the pills they had given him at the
hospital and tried to get comfortable. When he opened his eyes again, he
saw the familiar contours of the Spencer jail. He was alone in the car! Easing
his achy body out of the back seat, he entered the jail. Perry Davis smiled
warmly when he saw the young, dark haired agent.
Hey, JD! How are you?
Hey, Perry. Im just a little sore. I got tossed into some furniture
last night at a bust. They put 28 stitches in before they sent me home. Where
are Mickey and Agent Kinder?
They rode out with Sheriff Wilhelm to talk to the Franklin kid. His
aunt thinks he knows something about Wyns murder. The woman said not
to bother you because you were drugged up. How is your friend doing?
Hes not doing well at all. Theyve been using electric shock
on him and drugs. He hasnt spoken in a week. The doctor is concerned
about him. They were trying something new today and they asked for Vin to
be with him.
I hope hes all right. If the Franklin kid says that Johnny Lightner
killed his own sister, your friend will have gone thru all of that for
nothing.
I know. Thats what were afraid of, that he wont be
right even after his name is cleared. I think Ill go outside and try
to call and find out how the session went.
+ + + + + + +
In his minds eye, Chris saw Sarah again. She was breathtakingly lovely
as she reached out to him. He felt her arms enfold him and he sobbed quietly.
Vin tightened his grip on his friend as he wept. Chris was shaking so hard
that he could barely breathe. The Texan kept up a steady stream of reassurances
as he reached for the leather jacket that one of the doctors held up behind
Larabee. Drawing the comforting garment around Chris, he rocked him slightly.
Can you see her, Cowboy? At the slight nod, he continued. Ask
her to help you with Adam. Ask her to take him with her for a little while.
A little boy needs his mother. Tell him to go to her.
His grip tightened on his friend as Sarah and Adam walked away. The wall
of silence that he had been pounding on for so long exploded and rained down
on him like teardrops. Soon, all he heard was the steady stream of assurances
from the other half of his soul. He slid from the couch to his knees on the
floor and clung to Vin Tanner.
+ + + + + + +
The phone rang in the hotel room and Nathan answered it. Josiah looked up
from the chair where he was reading the paper. The ex-medic paled as he listened
to the caller before slamming the phone down and grabbing his coat.
Get Buck and lets go, Ezras hurt!
The three agents arrived at the hospital and were directed to the secure
ward. They were relieved of their weapons before they were allowed to see
Ezra. They moved quietly into the room and approached the bed. The
southerners face was black and blue on one side. There were IVs
in both arms and he was handcuffed to the bed. Nathan took the chart from
the foot of the bed and reviewed the notes. Buck looked over his shoulder
as he read thru the unfamiliar words. One set of characters leapt off of
the page and Jackson drew a deep, angry breath.
What is it Nathan? That medical jargon is all Greek to me.
Jackson shook his head, he wouldnt tell them what that word meant,
not now anyway. He put the chart back and approached the bed.
His jaw is fractured and he has a concussion. His ribs are fractured
and his liver and spleen are bruised. Hes passing blood in his urine
so theyre watching his kidneys.
Pain! Fear! It hurt to move and it hurt to breathe. Someone was touching
him gently and it terrified him! His eyes opened and he tried to draw up
his hands to defend himself. The handcuffs clanked against the rails and
ratcheted up his anxiety. The gentle hand gripped his hand and stopped him
from pulling against the restraining devise. The deep timbre of the voice
was soothing and he finally opened his eyes.
Hey, brother, its about time you woke up. Dont try to move!
Just relax for a minute. Youll be all right. Were here for you
now, youre safe.
The nurse entered the room and eyed the three well-dressed men. She pulled
the chart and moved to the side of the bed. Seeing that the gray haired man
was not going to give up his place at the side of the bed, she moved behind
him to take the readings from the machine in the corner. She checked the
IV bag and adjusted the drip rate. Moving around the foot of the bed, she
checked the bag that was attached to the catheter and made the notes on the
chart. Taking the stethoscope from her pocket, she listened to the
patients lungs for a moment before moving below the bandages on his
ribs to listen for bowel sounds.
A look of shame rolled across Ezras face as the nurse removed the
stethoscope and began to gently press on his abdomen. Both hands gripped
the rails as he drove his head back into the pillow to avoid crying out.
Nathan wasnt quite quick enough to stop Buck as he caught the nurse
by the arm and drew her away from the bed.
Ive spent a lot of time in hospitals in my life and I have never
seen a nurse with so little concern for her patient. You might at least speak
to him before you go digging into his injuries. No matter what you think
he did, he is still hurting and if you cant treat him more gently than
you just did, dont bother coming back in here.
The woman looked at the dark haired man with just a hint of fear in her eyes
before she looked to the guard standing just outside of the door. The man
was on his feet with his hand on his gun. Buck glared at the guard before
delivering the nurse to him.
Find his doctor and tell him that I want to see him, now!
+ + + + + + +
Four adults sat around the frightened young man in the wheelchair. Jeff was
most afraid of Sheriff Wilhelm. His aunt Libby had spoken to him earlier
and told him that she knew Seth and Johnny had been making threats against
him. The FBI and ATF agents didnt really scare him especially since
the one was a woman.
Just tell them what you know, Jeff. Its your Christian duty to
tell the truth.
We were there that night. When Wyn was killed. Seth and Johnny dragged
her from the car and Seth gave the ATF guy a shot of insulin he stole from
his dad. She put up a hell of a fight and the next thing any of us knew,
Johnny had strangled her. It was Seths idea to strip her and put her
in the trunk of the car. We rode over to Pulliams house and called
to report the car. Seth took the gun and the jacket and gave them to Taylor.
They told us that if we didnt keep our mouths shut that they
would kill us too.
In the pregnant silence that followed, the adults looked at each other and
back to the kid in the wheelchair. Sheriff Wilhelm leaned forward and addressed
the boy.
Do you understand that you have just confessed to being involved in
murder, son? You might want to talk to a lawyer before you say anything else.
I know you wont be running off in your condition, but I have to warn
you not to leave town, okay?
Jeff nodded and looked up at his aunt who was nodding encouragement at him
while tears ran down her cheeks.
Lets go pick up Seth Fielder. Ill call Judge Hornbeck and
let him know that Mr. Larabee is innocent of murder.
+ + + + + + +
An orderly lifted Chris and put him back on the couch. Vin moved to stay
in contact with his friend as the doctors began to question him again. He
answered all of their questions and recounted his memory of the night Wyn
was killed. He also recounted the trial. When the doctors stopped the questions,
Chris looked to Vin and asked in a soft voice.
What happened to Ezra? The judge was here and he said he hadnt
talked to him in a while. Tell Buck to get him back. You need that stubborn
southerner. The team isnt balanced without him.
The team isnt balanced without you, Cowboy. You let us worry
about Ezra. You just work on getting better, okay?
The entire procedure left the blond man exhausted and his eyes closed as
his breathing deepened. Vin placed the hand he had been holding gently on
Chriss chest as he sank back on his heels. Dr. Fullerton gestured him
into the hall.
You did good! I think well be able to work with him now. Hell
probably sleep for a couple of hours and then well start working with
him in depth.
I want to be here when he wakes up. If he sees me, hes less likely
to retreat again.
The doctor nodded in agreement. Chris was returned to his room and Vin sat
at his bedside watching over him. His cell phone vibrated softly in his pocket
and he eased it out as he moved to the far side of the room.
Vin, its Mickey. Ive got good news! The Franklin kid admitted
that Johnny Lightner killed his sister. The sheriff is talking to the judge
to get the commitment reversed. You should be able to bring Chris home with
you if youre still at the hospital.
His knees nearly folded, so great was his relief. Tears rolled down the
Texans cheeks as he looked at Chris. His voice was a mere whisper as
he thanked Mickey.
+ + + + + + +
The doctor entered the secure ward and approached the single patient. The
three men came to their feet and approached him, glaring angrily.
Is there a problem, gentlemen? One of my nurses said that one of you
threatened her. Ill have you know that I will not tolerate that kind
of behavior. I will have you put out.
Nathan maintained his grip on Buck as he spoke softly.
My associate didnt mean for it to come across the way it did.
Your nurse was a little unfeeling in her treatment of our friend and he raised
his objection to her. No matter what you may think that man did, he is still
injured and deserves the same care and consideration you would give to any
other patient, wouldnt you agree?
Of course, I will speak to her about it. But you must realize that
this is dangerous duty. We have had nurses injured while attending to prisoners
and they must use caution that they would not usually have to with regular
patients.
Of course. How is he?
He is lucky that the guards got there when they did. The last prisoner
his attacker got hold of is still attached to a colostomy bag. Mr. Standish
is bruised but the guards managed to separate them before any actual damage
was done. His ribs will heal in four or five weeks and the jaw will heal
without any permanent defect. We will keep him here for a few days before
send him back to the correctional facility.
Thank you. And please extend our apologies to the nurse. We meant no
harm. You can assure her that Ezra would not harm her. We are working diligently
to clear him of the charges so that we can return home with him to Denver.
After the doctor had gone, Buck turned on Nathan. His grip was strong and
his hand shaking as he bore into Jacksons dark eyes.
His cellmate raped him? Is that what he just said?
He was trying to when the guards stopped him. Buck, you have to calm
down! Hes hurt and ashamed enough without having to deal with your
feelings too. Dont let on like you know unless he tells you something,
okay? If he asks, tell him we were complaining to the doctor about the
nurse.
+ + + + + + +
Sheriff Wilhelm stood in Judge Hornbecks office waiting for the paperwork
to be signed. He did not intend to leave until he could deliver the papers
that would set right the grievous wrong that they had done to the ATF agent.
At his back stood one member of Larabees team and the woman who had
replaced one of the others. When the paperwork was signed, they rushed to
fax them to the Devonshire facility while the judge himself called to deliver
the news to the administrator.
+ + + + + + +
The cell phone in Bucks pocket rang before he returned to Ezras
bedside.
Wilmington.
Buck! Its JD! We did it! Chris is innocent! The judge just signed
the papers to send to the hospital. They should release him to Vin this
afternoon. Isnt that great!
The ladies man was overcome as his breath caught in his throat. His eyes
burned with tears as he turned to look back at the last member of the team
they had to emancipate before they would truly be whole again. He barely
heard the rest of the conversation as he reached for the foot of Ezras
bed to steady himself. When the kid finally stopped chattering, he hung up.
That was JD. They found the guy who killed the Lightner girl. Chris
is free!
A slight smile lifted the corners of the southerners lips as he caught
Bucks eye.
Then you shall be seven again. I only wish I could be there for the
party that is certain to take over the saloon when you get back to Denver.
Josiahs voice was tender as he spoke. Well straighten out
this mess, son. Youll be there, I promise.
I appreciate the vote of confidence, Mr. Sanchez. Perhaps you missed
the part where I confessed to those heinous charges in order to effect the
emancipation of my dear mother. I sincerely doubt that even the six of you
together could pull the rabbit out of this hat. I only hope that, upon my
return to incarceration, I will be assigned a more agreeable bunkmate.
It was easy to read the pain and fear behind the attempt at humor. Nathan
picked up the chart again. He studied the information for a couple of moments
before he rang for the nurse. When the woman stepped inside the doorway he
offered up the chart.
He needs pain meds added to this. Go and find the doctor and tell him
that I want a PCR down here immediately. He maintained eye contact
with the woman until she nodded.
It is not necessary, Nathan. The pain is negligible. If I understood
the guard correctly, they will not allow anything like that in the hospital
ward at the prison.
Stop trying to be brave, Ezra. We can see youre in pain. Why
dont you tell us how this whole mess started while we wait for the
nurse to come back? Buck suggested.
While they waited, Ezra explained his mothers request. He outlined
her assault at the hands of men he now assumed to be connected to his stepfather.
He explained about the woman who had purported herself to be an FBI agent.
He castigated himself for not having checked out the womans story.
The nurse arrived and hooked up the PCR to deliver pain medication. A few
minutes after the first dose, the green eyes began to struggle to focus and
he soon dropped off to sleep.
Brothers, you go and investigate the situation and I will stay with
Ezra. Josiah offered.
The first thing Buck did was to call JD and Mickey and tell them to fly to
Atlantic City instead of returning to Denver. He wanted as much of the team
together as possible to try to get the undercover agent out of the deep hole
he had gotten himself into. He called the judge to find out where Maude was
staying so that he could both protect her and get information from her.
+ + + + + + +
The hazel eyes opened and looked around hesitantly. Vin moved quickly to
the bedside and smiled his biggest, best smile. Chris frowned at the bright
expression.
Are you ready to go home, Cowboy?
Home? The ranch? Really?
The papers came from the judge while you were sleeping. They got the
guy that killed Wyn. The reason you dont remember what happened is
that they shot you up with insulin. You were in a slight coma when they dragged
her out of the car. Thats why you were so confused when you woke up.
I can really go home? The question was childlike. He was afraid
it was some kind of trick.
I already packed your bag. You just need to pick up your meds and get
the hell out of here. Lets go find the doctor.
Meds? What for?
Let the doctor explain it. Come on, Cowboy.
Dr. Fullerton explained that he couldnt go off of the meds cold turkey.
He was given a schedule to gradually reduce his dosage over a couple of weeks
so that he would not go thru withdrawal symptoms.
+ + + + + + +
Malcolm watched as the two ATF agents escorted Maude from her home. She and
Ezra were the only loose ends he had to take care of. Jeannie had gotten
them new passports and tickets to Bermuda. He followed the three of them
to a hotel and paid a bellhop to find out what suite they were staying in.
All he had to do was lay in wait. Maude couldnt stand to be confined
and would soon escape.
+ + + + + + +
Josiah reached out to calm Ezra as he whimpered and thrashed in his nightmare.
He had persuaded the doctor to allow him to stay past visiting hours. He
soothed the frightened young man with his voice without touching him until
he was fully awake. The doctor had tried to examine Ezra while he was sleeping
and had brought on a hysterical fit. The southerner was shaking in abject
terror even after he was fully awake. Sanchez waited for him to calm down
before he spoke to him.
Do you want to talk about it, son?
What can I tell you, Josiah? They put me in with a masochistic son
of a bitch. He choked me until I passed out. When I came around and fought
him, he slammed me against the bars, giving me a concussion. I think it was
just his fist that he used on my jaw, although it could have happened when
he threw me against the bunk.
That isnt all of it, though. The older man pried gently.
He saw the shame that colored the southerners face and the shattered
look in his eyes before he turned away. Ezras hand searched for the
PCR control only to encounter another hand covering the device. That
kind of pain isnt relieved by drugs, son. You need to get it out in
the open.
You already know what happened or you wouldnt ask, Mr. Sanchez.
Kindly remove your hand from the control or I shall ask the guard to escort
you out.
Do you really want me to leave, son? Cause it really looks like
you would rather me stay. You dont have to tell me, I know what happened.
What I really wanted to know is how do you feel about it? I can tell that
its eating you up inside, Ezra.
The hand covering Josiahs was shaking. He could see the tension in
the smaller mans shoulders and hear the hiccupping breaths. Ezras
other hand moved several times toward his face only to be stopped by the
handcuff. Josiah took out his handkerchief and touched Ezras cheek
gently.
Look at me, son. Come on. He tapped insistently on the
southerners cheek until he finally turned his face. Josiah wiped the
tears away and held the handkerchief as if Ezra were a small child.
Blow.
+ + + + + + +
The cab dropped JD and Mickey at the hotel. Buck opened the door and quickly
drew them inside. He and Nathan had worked up a plan to draw Malcolm into
the open. After updating them on the situation with Ezra, he explained what
he had in mind.
+ + + + + + +
Vin pulled into the drive heading up to the ranch and he heard the rapidly
drawn breaths of his friend. He avoided looking over because he knew that
he would lose control of the tears he felt burning behind his eyelids since
turning off of the blacktop. He shut off the engine of the jeep and unbuckled
his seatbelt. Watching out of the corner of his eye, he saw Chris set his
feet gingerly on the ground as if afraid it was a dream that he would waken
from too soon.
The friends made their way to the house. Chris walked thru the rooms, stroking
the walls and furniture as if greeting a long-lost friend. He stepped out
onto the back deck and inhaled deeply of the scent of home. Vins hand
grasped his shoulder and squeezed it firmly.
Welcome home, Cowboy. Lets walk down to the barn. I know of a
certain four-footed critter that has missed you something fierce.
The soul brothers walked to the barn and spent an hour brushing and tending
to the horses before returning to the house to scare up supper. Chris dozed
off on the couch while the steaks were grilling and Vin used the opportunity
to call Buck. He updated Wilmington on Chris and got an update on Ezra before
waking his friend to eat.
Like a newborn, Chris ate and immediately went back to sleep. Vin tugged
off Larabees boots and covered him with a quilt before collapsing into
the recliner to keep watch.
I got your back, my friend. He whispered before closing his eyes
to sleep.
+ + + + + + +
Malcolm rubbed the sleep from his burning eyes. He had been watching the
elevator lobby for nearly 12 hours. The words on the newspaper were beginning
to float around because he was so tired. He desperately wanted to go the
bathroom. The sun was just high enough to shine brightly into the lobby and
the smell of breakfast from the restaurant made his mouth water. He had heavily
tipped the bellhop to let him know if they ordered room service.
Mickey and JD were on opposite ends of the hotel when they pulled the fire
alarms. The sirens sounded immediately and pandemonium broke out in the
corridors. The two agents then hurried back to their room for stage two of
Bucks plan. A powder blond wig and one of Maudes dresses completed
the outfit and the new undercover agent was protectively hustled out of the
hotel between the two big ATF agents.
+ + + + + + +
The smell of maple cured sausage, pancakes and coffee caused the blond
mans nose to twitch and his stomach to purr with excitement when he
opened his eyes. The sight of his own ceiling was a strangely beautiful thing
as he lay enjoying the sensations that washed over him. Something jarred
the couch and he looked up into the other half of his soul.
Are you gonna lay there all day or come in here and help me eat some
of this food? I figured after all that hospital garbage, your taste buds
are probably screaming for some good cooking. Come on!
They shared breakfast while watching the sunrise from the back deck. A deep
shudder wracked Chris as he thought about how close he had been to losing
all of this forever. He looked across the table and smiled. His hand swung
out and was immediately clasped firmly. Sparkling blue Tanner eyes proclaimed
the unspoken bond between them.
+ + + + + + +
The guard removed only the right handcuff so that Ezra could eat breakfast.
The cranky southerner complained bitterly about the diet. The doctor appeared
an hour later and announced that he had to examine his patient. Josiah offered
to leave the room but Ezra pleaded with him to stay. The doctor suggested
that he administer a dose of the pain medicine before he began the examination.
The older ATF agent kept a tight grip on the younger man as the doctor poked
and prodded him. When the doctor turned him onto his side, Ezras resolve
to be brave broke and he sobbed softly as the gloved hands examined him in
a most intimate manner. Josiah wrapped his arm around Ezra and spoke soothingly
to him until the doctor was finished. He continued to hold his friend until
the pain medicine carried him off to sleep before he allowed the guard to
replace the manacle.
+ + + + + + +
Buck made a point of allowing Malcolm to follow them as they hurried across
the street to a restaurant. They made their way thru the crowd to a far corner.
The two men carefully sheltered the woman between them as they watched for
their tail. They saw the man coming toward them. Nathan looked the other
way as if responding to the many calls for help before melting into the crowd.
In the hotel room, JD and Maude waited. An urgent knock on the door was followed
by a call of hotel security and Dunne looked thru the peephole.
A man and a woman in hotel jackets stood outside of the door with worried
looks on their faces. He opened the door to tell them that they were all
right when it was suddenly kicked open. The young agent was knocked to the
floor and found himself looking into the end of a silencer. The man moved
thru the suite and dragged Maude back to the door.
On your feet, kid. Dont try anything foolish. I dont want
to have to kill a federal agent. Youll be released in a few days when
things cool off.
The man took JDs gun and pressed it into Maudes ribs as he pulled
her close. The woman put a hand on Dunnes shoulder as she prepared
to guide him into the hall. They moved quickly to the elevators and the woman
used a passkey to activate the elevator. The four of them rode up to the
penthouse level and got out. The two hostages were pushed up the hall toward
the door that led to the roof.
+ + + + + + +
Chris tightened the cinch on Diablos saddle. He glanced over to where
Vin was doing the same to his own saddle. The two men mounted and rode into
the high pasture. Peso broke free and raced across the open field with the
other horse hot on his heels. The animals ran until they were lathered and
winded.
The men dismounted and sprawled out in the sun. The gentle breeze brought
the scent of evergreens and mother earth across the field. The rangy odor
of the horses mixed with the smell of the saddle leather was almost like
perfume to the men. A couple of bottles of non-alcoholic beer were liberated
from a saddlebag and shared along with special Vin Tanner sandwiches.
+ + + + + + +
Maude excused herself from the table and made her way to the
ladies room. It was the moment Malcolm had been waiting for and he approached
her. She went into the restroom and came out several minutes later. A hand
grabbed her by the arm and something hard was shoved into her ribs.
Come along quietly and no one else has to be hurt, Maude.
The eyes that turned up to him were warm green-gold instead of sapphire blue
and the voice was not at all the softly southern accented one he expected.
Malcolms eyes went wide as something equally hard was shoved into his
ribs. The woman smiled an evil smile.
Forgive me, Sir, but my name is Michaela, not Maude. And you are under
arrest.
Nathan reached around and eased the weapon out of the mans hand as
Mickey clamped a handcuff on his wrist. Buck quickly made his way thru the
crowd and grabbed the man by the front of his shirt. A growl of rage rumbled
in his chest as he shook the man before turning him and pushing him thru
the crush of people.
+ + + + + + +
When the foursome reached the roof, Maude turned away from the biting wind
and was roughly jerked around by the man holding her arm. JD only raised
his arm to shield his eyes from the grit blown on the wind. The woman shoved
him hard, nearly causing him to fall. A helicopter landed on the roof and
the captives were pushed toward it. Maude resisted, suddenly terrified. The
man drew something from his pocket and tore it open before pressing it to
her face. Her eyes showed her fear before they became unfocused and she went
limp in his arms.
After the unconscious woman was placed in the back of the helicopter, JD
was motioned inside at gunpoint. He climbed in and sat with his back against
the wall pulling Maudes head into his lap. The man and woman climbed
inside and closed the door. His stomach lurched as the vehicle lifted off.
+ + + + + + +
Lunch arrived and the nurse also brought a tray for Josiah. As with breakfast,
the Ezra complained about the selection of food but it was mostly for show.
Although he was reluctant to say it, he was grateful for the older mans
company. It frightened him that he would be returned to the correctional
facility as early as the next morning. Josiah had persuaded the guard to
leave Ezras right hand free so that they could play cards together.
Josiahs cell phone rang and he laid down his cards to answer it.
Josiah, Buck. We got Malcolm.
Why do I sense a but coming?
We lost JD and Maude. Someone got into the room and took them out at
gunpoint.
Damn. Will he co-operate with you? Does he know where shes
going?
He wont say. He said that the woman would kill Maude and JD if
we dont let him go. I hate to put you in the middle of this and I really
dont want to worry him but will you talk to Ezra and see if he has
an idea. It is his mother and I feel badly that we lost her but
Ill get back to you.
What happened? Is it Maude? Josiah, you can tell me.
They caught Malcolm but the woman got away with Maude and JD. Buck
wants to know if you have any ideas. He said to tell you that he feels badly
about losing your mother.
Malcolm is a somewhat cowardly man. If Mr. Wilmington were to lean
on him in a physical way he might be persuaded to impart any information
he is withholding.
Ill tell him to try that. Do you have any idea where they might
take them?
None at all.
After talking to Buck, Josiahs phone rang again.
Josiah, its Chris.
Praise the Lord! It is good to hear your voice, brother. I have spent
many hours in prayer for you. I am gratified that my effort was not in
vain.
Thank you, Josiah. Are you still with Ezra? I need to thank him.
The phone was handed over and the older man moved to the far side of the
room to allow the southerner a little privacy.
Mr. Larabee, it is good to hear your voice.
Ezra, I owe you great thanks. You kept me safe until they could find
the guilty party. I cant even begin to repay you for what you were
willing to give up for me. You must come back to the team. Judge Travis never
put your resignation thru so you still have your job when you get things
straightened out there.
You have no debt to me, Mr. Larabee. I was merely repaying you for
rescuing me from the FBI and giving me a family for a brief time. It was
worth everything I have experienced. I was glad to be able to repay you for
the gift you gave me.
For several moments, the only sound was the static on the line and the softly
sobbing breaths of the two men. Finally, Vin eased the phone away and spoke
to Ezra.
Hey, Ez, you take care of yourself. The others will watch your back
for you. Well hold things together here until you get home.
When he heard the phone close, Josiah returned to the bedside and slipped
the instrument back into his pocket. He noticed the slight tremor in the
southerners hand as he picked up his cards. He ignored the puddles
threatening to overflow from the green eyes.
+ + + + + + +
The helicopter landed and JD helped them get Maude out. They were hustled
to a car and the young agent was shoved to the floorboard in the back seat.
A gun was pressed to the back of his neck as they rode. It was growing dark
when they pulled into a garage. The woman gestured JD out of the car and
into the house. He was forced into the basement and handcuffed to a water
pipe. A few minutes later, the man appeared carrying Maude and placed her
on the floor. She was also handcuffed to the pipe and they were left alone
and in the dark.
+ + + + + + +
Malcolm flinched when the mustached agent approached. The big man had been
ranting and raving at him for the past half hour. The black man kept pulling
him back just as he was about to begin beating him. Finally, Buck set his
knee on the captive mans thigh and bore down with all of his weight.
The prisoner hissed and groaned in pain as he tried to move the leg away
from the pressure. A firm hand gripped his chin and turned his face to meet
the intense blue-eyed gaze.
You better begin telling me where my friend is or Ill begin breaking
bones. I think Ill start with your fingers and work my way up. Shall
I begin?
But I dont know where shed take them! I was supposed to
meet her at the airport. She has a new passport for us. We were going to
Bermuda.
When? What flight? How would you get in touch with her? Where were
you supposed to meet her?
We were supposed to meet up after I disposed of Maude. It was a tavern
near our condo. I dont know where shell go now that she knows
I screwed up.
+ + + + + + +
The second night in the secure ward was much the same as the first. Josiah
dosed until Ezra began struggling in his sleep again. He gently stroked the
southerners forehead as he spoke soothingly to calm him. Afterward,
he wiped the tears from Ezras cheeks. He remained at the bedside the
rest of the night.
Following breakfast, the doctor returned for a final examination of the patient
before he would be discharged in the afternoon. Ezra submitted to the examination
until the doctor tried to turn him on his side again. At that point, he refused
to co-operate. The doctor resorted to dumping a sedative into the IV and
waiting until the patient was unconscious before completing the exam.
Lunch was a dismal affair. Ezra refused to eat, he was in a piqued state
over the forced examination. He fought the restraints until he had bloodied
his wrists and Josiah stopped him. The terror in the green eyes was plain
as the guards arrived to transport him back to the correctional facility.
+ + + + + + +
Maude awoke and struggled to get into a sitting position. She was cold from
lying on the cold basement floor. JD tried to keep her calm.
M-Mr. Dunne, do you know where we are? What are they going to do to
us?
I dont know, Mrs. Standish. Im sure that if it is at all
possible, Buck will find us. You have to believe that and stay calm. Dont
give them any reason to want to hurt us.
It was impossible to see the woman in the dark but JD could hear the soft
sniffles. He shifted around and worked to put his arms around the woman.
She was shaking from fear and cold and he tried to keep his voice light and
encouraging as he spoke to her.
This is all my fault. My darling baby boy is in that horrid place because
of me. I couldnt leave him alone when he was finally happy. I shall
never forgive myself if anything happens to him because of me.
Mrs. Standish, were going to get out of this. We will get Ezra
out of this. You have to believe that.
+ + + + + + +
A second night of grilled steaks and non-alcohol beer between the two soul
brothers led to a quiet evening watching the sun go down from the deck. Chris
was agonizing over the fact that Ezra was back in the correctional facility
and that JD was still missing. Somehow the ripples begun when Wyn Lightner
stepped into his life were still spiraling out and touching all of his friends.
During the night, Vin heard Chris moaning and crying out in his sleep. He
raced into the bedroom and stopped at the side of the bed. The blond man
was thrashing in the blankets as he called for his missing friends. The Texan
reached out and caught the flailing arm, instantly waking his friend.
Vin, Im sorry I woke you. I keep seeing JD lost and alone, scared
and hurt. How are they going to find him? How are we going to get Ezra out
of the mess hes in? We have to go out there! Tomorrow, we have to fly
out there and try to help.
Okay, if thats what you want to do well do it. Tomorrow
we will fly out there. Now, how about you get some sleep? Im going
to crash out here on the couch in case you need me again. Get some sleep.
+ + + + + + +
Halfway across the country, another member of Team 7 was also tossing and
turning in his sleep. Buck moaned and kicked at the blankets that were wrapped
around his feet. He clenched his fists and pummeled the pillow as he tossed
in his fitful nightmare. Nathan moved to the side of the bed and turned on
the lamp. He knew better than to touch the man while he was still in the
grip of the dream.
Buck! Wake up! Come on, Buck, its just a bad dream.
It was the warehouse where the Fillman bust started. Bullets were whizzing
by them and they were pinned down. Vin was on the catwalk trying to lay down
cover fire. Just as Buck signaled the kid to make a break for it there was
a sudden burst of automatic gunfire. In slow motion, he saw JD clutch at
his side and slam into the concrete floor. Because they were still shooting,
it was several minutes before he could get to the kid. He was forced to watch,
helpless, as the blood spread on the floor around the fallen agent.
No! JD! With a startled gasp, Buck jerked awake. His heart was
racing and he was sweating profusely. A confused expression crossed his eyes
briefly before he balled his fists against his eyes. Damn, Nathan,
it was bad. Sorry to wake you.
The dark head shook and he grasped Bucks shoulder. Dont
apologize, my dreams were headed that way too. We were in front of that abandoned
shack, remember? The time he broke his leg when he fell off of the roof.
I keep seeing him bleeding out on that warehouse floor.
Well find him. You have to believe that. Try to get some
sleep.
+ + + + + + +
It was quiet in the infirmary. Not that it mattered to the man in the farthest
corner of the room. A silent cage was still a cage. The leering gazes of
the other prisoners made his skin crawl and his stomach tighten. They had
taken the PCR and a nurse came in every few hours to ask him if he wanted
a shot for pain. He refused. Shaking from low blood sugar and sweating in
pain, he clenched the bars on the bedside rails. He slept very little that
night.
His breakfast tray was set on the table and rolled to where he could reach
it. Ezra looked with disdain at the food. Oatmeal, half a grapefruit and
toast along with a carton of milk rested on the tray. With his stomach feeling
decidedly queasy, he pushed the table away and turned toward the wall. He
had pleaded with the guard to handcuff him so that he could turn away from
the room in spite of the fact that it restrained his dominant hand.
A hand touched his shoulder and Ezra bit his lip in an effort not to cry
out. A soft voice was speaking to him but, in his terror, he couldnt
focus on the words. He heard the soft footfalls as the person moved around
the bed. It was a priest.
May I have a word with you, my son?
Im not Catholic.
Thats all right. One of the nursing staff suggested that you
might want someone to talk to. I understand youre having a difficult
time adjusting.
A biting, sarcastic laugh burst forth before the southerner could stop it.
A difficult time adjusting? Is that what they call it when the g-guards
allow your cellmate t-to beat a-and try t-to r-r-rape you on your first night
here?
The young priest averted his eyes. He had been told what had happened by
the nurse.
I am sorry that happened to you. Is there anything I can get you? I
noticed that you havent eaten this morning.
Unless you can get me a private room in this little corner of Hell,
there isnt anything you can do for me. Now, if you dont mind,
I would like to be alone in my misery.
+ + + + + + +
Without the benefit of Nathan to give him something to calm his nerves for
the flight, Vin was a nervous wreck. He walked the length of the aisle until
the stewardess asked him to stop. He tapped his feet and squirmed in his
seat until Chris glared at him sharply. Finally, another passenger took pity
on the Texan and introduced himself.
My name is Dr. Jamison. My daughter also has flight anxiety and
claustrophobia. I have a mild sedative I could give you to get you thru the
flight.
No, thanks, Doc. Ill stay in my seat. I didnt mean to be
a bother.
Its no bother, son. I know what its like. Here try this.
He placed a Rubix Cube in Vins hand and winked before returning to
his seat. It worked like a charm! The Texan was so busy trying to straighten
out the cube that he forgot all about being in the plane. When they landed,
he handed the toy back to the man.
I can usually figure those things out right quick but I couldnt
get that one.
The doctor smiled. Thats because I moved the stickers so that
it is impossible to solve. It keeps my kids entertained for hours and
hours.
+ + + + + + +
The woman leaning against him moved and JD relaxed his grip on her. Maude
stretched and squirmed uncomfortably as she realized that she needed to go
to the bathroom. It was still pitch black in the room where they were confined
and it left her feeling a little dizzy. She could hear the young man moving
around beside her.
Do you think theyre still up there?
I havent heard anything for a while. It could be that they left
us here but I dont know.
If only my baby boy was here, he could get us out of these handcuffs.
It was one of the first things I taught him.
A light went off in JDs head and he worked his way to his feet. He
struggled to stick his hand into his pocket and pulled out his keys. In a
minute, they were free of the pipe.
Be careful moving around! If they are up there, we dont want
them to hear us.
Moving carefully inside of the darkened cage, JD discovered that the room
was roughly square and had only the one door. It had a toilet and sink in
one corner. His hand brushed across something and a single, naked bulb came
to life in the ceiling. Both captives flinched at the dim light that assaulted
their delicate eyes. As he looked around the room, it dawned on him where
they might be.
Its a safe house! They build these rooms in safe houses! How
would they have access to a safe house?
Can you get us out of here?
JDs enthusiasm failed as he looked at the steel, reinforced door.
Not from the inside.
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