Next to the big guy, stood a figure with a more slender build. The shoes on the slender figure caught his eye. They were bright white high top basketball shoes with bright red and blue strips on the sides. He knew those shoes! The last time he had seen them, had been on the feet of Nora’s friend Gabby’s boyfriend, Chris Norton.
That’s interesting, Kent thought. He could be the link between the school and this so called Order. Quickly Kent looked at the other shoes on those five. No other shoes looked familiar. He wasn’t surprised. He didn’t usually go around noticing what shoes someone had on. That was something Nora always did. To her, shoes made the outfit. That was the only reason Kent had noticed the shoes on Chris in the first place. Nora had asked Chris if they were new, during Social Studies the other day, drawing Kent’s attention to them.
The meeting must be getting ready to conclude, because the members on the steps were starting to shift so that they created an opening or pathway to walk. As soon as the last member was shifted over, the Director started to descend followed by the five below, and then so on down the levels.
As the Director walked past, Kent tried to get a better look at who it could be. The only thing he knew for sure was that whoever it was, was much smaller than Kent. As the first of the five members passed, he smelled Cinnamon. It was a strong scent and struck him as a weird smell. Not one that he would have expected to smell at this meeting. Making a note of it in his head, he silently stood there, until everyone had filed out, waiting for further instructions.
“Mr. Barton, Please follow me,” the figure Kent had named Pete said.
Kent followed him through the doors and retrieved his belongings when he was directed to. Then they walked into another room that was off the hallway. It was more like a conference room.
“Please, take a seat,” Pete said, gesturing to one of the dozen chairs seated around the large oval table.
Kent pulled out a black office chair and sat down.
“This is the only time, you are permitted to ask questions, regarding what you just saw,” Pete said, still standing by the door. It didn’t look like he was going to join Kent at the table.
Feeling a little awkward and intimidated, Kent sat back and thought. What to ask? Is the Order responsible for the missing boys? No, we pretty much already established that fact with Martin’s arrest. Why me? That too, is easily answered. The Barton family has been one of the richest and oldest families in Pine Hill for several generations. He needed more information. How was he going to get it, if he couldn’t come up with suitable questions?
Sensing Pete’s impatience, Kent decided to start simple. Looking up at Pete, Kent asked with a clear voice, “Who is the Director?” That was straightforward.
“I am not at liberty to disclose that information. Anything else?
“Is the Director’s voice always disguised?”
“Yes.”
“Do the members know who each other are?”
“No, only the elite five and the Director have that information.”
“So you personally don’t know who those six people are?”
“Of course not.”
There was a little hesitation in Pete’s voice, that made Kent suspect that if he didn’t know who they were, he at least he had an idea who they were.
“So all members belong to the Country Club?”
“Not necessarily.”
“Why not?”
“I am not at liberty to say.”
“I would use someone else’s papers right?”
“Yes, they would be purchased for you.”
“Do I have to pay?”
“No, the Order does.”
“Where does the Order get its money?”
“I am not at liberty to say.”
“How do you guarantee that I will get into the college of my choice?”
“The Order has many connections.”
Sitting back, Kent stopped to think. What else should he ask that wouldn’t give anything away, but would get more information?
“How often does The Order meet?”
“The first and third Thursday of every month.”
Oh, Kent thought surprised. It was hard to compare a secret organization that was ok with murder, to any other normal organization that had its monthly meetings. It seemed so normal, hard to wrap his mind around.
“What do the different colored sashes mean?”
“The white sashes are for the elite five and symbolize their close ties to the Director. They are advisors if you will. Each one represents one facet of the Order. For example: the student liaisons from a local high school as well as university. The red sashes are for the guards. They provide the security for the Director as well as the whole Order.”
“What about the yellow sashes?” Kent asked.
“Those are for the alumni members, and those visiting from out of town.”
“Alumni?”
“Member’s who have retired from their jobs, or who are not actively involved. Once in The Order always in The Order.”
“Do they always come to every meeting?”
“No, only when they can make it. That level is reserved specifically for them.”
Ok. That made sense in a weird sort of way.
“When do I have to decide by?”
“Tonight by midnight.”
“You don’t leave me much time.”
Pete just shrugged.
Great. Thank you so much. That was so helpful, Kent thought.
“Who can I tell? My family? Sister?”
“No one.”
Well, that sums it up. Kent was ready to go. He was starting to feel physically ill from just the thought of being part of an organization like this. It was hard to believe that there were that many members in the community, who agreed to this.
“That’s all I have.”
Nodding, Pete gestured for Kent to get up and quickly turned and headed out the door. A few members were still lingering in the main hallway. “This way please.”
Following Pete back up the two flights of stairs, Kent found himself back in the garden shed. “Count to twenty and then leave the shed and don’t look back,” Pete instructed him then disappeared back down the stairs.
Kent tried to look around, but it was so dark in the shed, that he couldn’t make out if he was alone or not. He found it interesting that he had not been blindfolded, like his father had been. They had shown him the entrance. Obviously, times had changed. They probably had state of the art security, now.
Quickly counting to twenty, he cautiously opened the door and peered out. Not much had changed in the time that Kent had been underground. People were still coming and going from the country club. Looking at his watch, Kent realized that an hour had gone by. He hurried over and unlocked the Camaro and slid inside. He was anxious to see how Nora was doing, and to get home before the police came to interview her.
“How did it go?” a voice from the back seat said just behind Kent’s ear.
Kent jumped several inches in his seat. Glancing in the back, he saw Jed crouched down, trying to fit his big body on the floor behind the two front seats.
“Geesh, man! Are you trying to give me a heart attack?”
Jed chuckled. “Sorry about that, I just figured it would be better, if I kept out of sight. I figured they would be watching you.”
“You’re probably right,” Kent said, checking all his mirrors, trying to see if anyone looked like they were watching his car.
“Tell me what you found out, while we drive. Then I’ll tell you what I found out from Martin. The police and an EMT will be at your house in about twenty minutes, so we better get moving.”
“Right,” Kent said, starting the car.
As soon as Kent was out of the parking lot and down the road a little ways, Jed climbed up onto the backseat and buckled in.
“So what was it like? Did you see anyone you knew?”
Kent spent the whole ride back to his house, filling Jed in on
all that he could remember.
“Good job Barton. I think you should accept their invitation for membership. I will run it by my lieutenant, but I think it would be a major benefit to have someone on the inside. Especially if this is as big as you say it is. It has been around for a long time and will likely be around for some time yet. “
“I was hoping you wouldn’t say that.”
“That bad eh?”
“Those people are nuts. They believe that in the social order of things, the only social and economical class that should survive, is the upper class. All others are worthless.”
“Yeah, I would have a hard time belonging to something like that also. I don’t envy you, that’s for sure Barton.”
“Thanks,” Kent said sarcastically, as he pulled into his driveway.
“By the way, please keep the fact that I am a cop, quiet from your parents and Nora.”
“Any particular reason?”
“I don’t want Nora to think I lied to her. I’m not quite sure how I’m going to tell her yet. And, I could get in a lot of trouble for even telling you. I’m already in enough trouble for having a relationship with someone involved in my investigation.”
“The police know about you and Nora?”
“Yeah, they know.”
“Are they going to make you end it?”
“If I want to keep my job.”
“Sorry man.”
“I thought you of all people would be glad,” Jed said getting out of the car.
“You’re starting to grow on me,” Kent grinned.
“Good to know,” Jed said, sending Nora a smile as she spotted them from the patio.
Chapter 23
Looking up, I saw Kent and Jed heading up the driveway. I was so glad to see them. I had spent the last hour sitting out on the patio talking with my parents. Not that I wasn’t happy talking with them, I was just ready for a change in topic. Martin was in jail. I was safe. Let’s move on.
“The police should be here in five minutes,” Jed announced, as they walked up. “Are you up to talking to them?”
I sighed; apparently a change of subject wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.
“If I have to,” I said crossly.
“I’m glad to see you up and about,” Jed said coming over to sit by me. He wrapped his arm around me and gave me a light squeeze. Seeing the look on my dad’s face, he dropped his arm and sat up straighter putting distance between us.
I could tell Jed wasn’t happy about it, but had decided, now wasn’t the time to announce that we were together.
“I’m sure it won’t take long, Nora,” Kent said, as he sat down across from Jed and me.
“I know, I just want to get on with it. Martin is in jail. I am fine.”
“Which we are all very thankful for,” Mom said.
The sound of cars pulling up signaled the arrival of the police. “Why don’t I go greet them,” Jed volunteered, getting to his feet.
“Thanks, Jed,” Kent said for all of us. I don’t think any of us were quite ready to face the fact that the police were at our home. We were the type of family who never had to deal with the police. Ever.
It seemed like only a matter of minutes, before Jed came around the corner with Detective Cooper and a female EMS worker. She was probably in her early forties, with neatly kept chin length dark hair. She had friendly eyes and a pleasant smile. I guess Jed didn’t forget about that medical exam after all. I had been hoping that because we had come straight home instead of going to the hospital, I was going to be able to avoid it.
“Good evening, Nora,” Detective Cooper said, “Are these your parents?”
“Yes, Detective. These are my parents, Rachel and Jack Barton.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Detective Cooper with the Pine Hill Police Department. I am in charge of investigating this case. I’m sorry I had to meet you under these circumstances.”
“That’s quite alright Detective Cooper. Please won’t you sit down,” Mom offered. “And you also Ms…?” she asked, looking at the woman standing next to him.
“Mrs. Carpenter,” she replied. “But please call me Liz.”
“Thank you Liz,” Mom said graciously.
“Liz,” Detective Cooper said, “Would you mind, taking Nora inside and checking her over, while I interview these two. I am sure the Barton’s have a room that would provide a little more privacy. Also, I’m afraid that I am going to have to ask you to leave Mr. and Mrs. Barton, while I conduct my interviews. I’m sorry for the inconvenience.”
“Of course,” My dad said standing up. “Come on Rachel, let’s leave the detective to do his work.”
“Why don’t you order a few pizza’s for dinner. I am sure we are all going to be starved,” Mom suggested.
“Great idea.”
“Order a few extra please dad, I invited our friends Charlotte and Ollie to come over. They want to make sure Nora is all right too. Is that ok, Nora?” Kent asked.
“Sure, I am glad you called them.” Turning to Liz, I said, “Why don’t we use my room. It’s right this way.” As we got up to go inside, I turned and gave Jed the best evil eye I could manage, for making me go through this. He just winked at me. The nerve!
I stomped inside. I truly tried not to, but I am afraid I may have expressed my annoyance with childish stomping. It was confirmed when I heard a soft chuckle from Jed, as I shut the screen door behind us.
Shaking my head, I led Liz up the stairs to my room.
“Don’t worry, it won’t be that bad. I just have a few questions to ask you and then, I will take your vitals.”
I answered her questions as clearly as I could. I got to the part about being given something to knock me out, and I saw her eyes narrow. Great. I could tell what she was thinking, before she even spoke.
“I’m going to need to take a blood sample, so that we can know what you were given. That way, we’ll know if there will be any lingering effects, we will need to address.”
I hate getting my blood drawn. It’s not that I am afraid of needles. I’m really not. I just have very small veins that make it hard for them to get my blood. I usually end up getting poked a few times before they find a good vein.
Knowing I wasn’t going to be getting out of it, I sat on my computer chair and rolled up my sleeve.
“I’ll make this as painless as possible, I promise,” Liz told me with a kindly smile.
A knock on my door startled us as Liz was tying the rubber band thing around my upper arm.
“Come in,” I called out, expecting my mom.
Jed opened the door and step inside. “Detective Cooper is ready for you.”
“Oh, great! I’ll be right there,” I said, starting to get up.
Jed took in what was happening with one glance and strode over to me. “I don’t think so,” he said, forcing me back into my seat with a tiny shove. “Don’t tell me you’re a chicken when it comes to getting your blood drawn. A tough girl like you?”
“I’m not scared. I just don’t think it’s necessary,” I said defensively.
“You’re not going anywhere until you let her draw your blood. “
“Oh yeah, what are you going to do about it? You’re not going to be in here.”
Jed arched an eyebrow. “Watch me.” He shut the door behind him and stood against it with his arms crossed over his chest.
“Oh fine,” I said sticking my arm out again.
“I am pretty good at this part,” Liz assured me.
I have to admit that she was pretty good. She managed to get my blood the first time around with only a slight fishing expedition.
“All done,” she said putting a piece of cotton on my injection site and taping it down with a band-aid.
“We’re all set here. I’ll let them know you will be right down,” she said gathering her supplies and saying goodbye.
When we were alone, Jed walked toward me. I felt a little shy all of a sudden. That is until Jed gently took
my arm and pulled me up out of the chair and into his arms.
Sighing, I wrapped my arms around his waist and held on.
“I prayed the whole time we were searching for you that you would be ok,” he whispered into my hair. “It was almost like I could feel Him listening.”
“Thank you, Jed. That means a lot to me,” I said reaching up on my toes to put a kiss on his cheek. “He was listening, God is always right there whenever we need him.”
“You mean a lot to me,” Jed confessed. “When I think about what could have happened...”
“It didn’t,” I interrupted. “You and Kent saved me. Just like you said you would.”
“You’re trouble, do you know that,” Jed said lightly kissing my lips. Pulling back he looked me in the eyes. “But I wouldn’t have you any other way.”
Smiling, I leaned up to kiss him back and teased, “It’s a good thing I have such a good fairy godmother here to look out for me.”
“Now wait a minute here. Who are you calling a fairy godmother?” Jed asked playfully, tickling my side.
Laughing, I danced out of his reach.
“Nora!” my mom called.
“Ah Oh! Busted,” Jed said laughing.
Busted was right. Now I had to go downstairs with Jed. It was going to be obvious that we had been up here in my room all alone. How embarrassing.
“I’m coming Mom,” I called down.
“Let’s go get this interview over with so that we can be ready to dig into the pizza your dad is having delivered. I am starving.”
Together, we walked downstairs expecting to be reprimanded by my parents for being up there together alone. Instead I walk into the kitchen to find both of them on the phone looking frazzled.
Shrugging, I started to head out onto the deck when I heard my mom say, “She’s fine. No she doesn’t want an interview for the Pine Hill Gazette.”
Undercover Justice Page 24
