“I don’t know. The previous one died, and someone new stepped in. Because I’m not a member, I don’t go to the meetings and I don’t know who is involved.”
“Ok, I believe you,” Jed told him. “Who makes the decisions? Gives the Orders? The Elite Five? Do you know any members of the Elite Five?”
“Yes, they make the decisions. I don’t know for sure who is on it, but I have my suspicions. Once you attend the first meeting, you put on the robe and disappear. Nobody knows for sure, who accepted and who declined. Unless of course you become one of the Elite Five or the Director.”
“Do you know who else was asked besides you?” Jed asked him.
The Mayor looked at Kent before answering. “Jack Barton. He and I were good friends. He declined and I accepted. That ended our friendship.”
“Anyone else?” Jed asked.
“I think so, but I can’t be sure. There was a rumor that a list of the members and a list of those that declined was kept in a filing cabinet somewhere in the main Country Club building. Nobody actually knew if it was true, but as new members, we were always nervous about somebody finding it and exposing us as frauds.”
“What do you mean?” Jed asked.
“We cheated through school,” he said gesturing to the wall behind him that had his diploma from the state university on the wall. “I never would have graduated top of my class, or gotten this position if it wasn’t for The Order. If anyone found out that I cheated, my political career would be over.”
“Then why get out and risk not knowing what they were up to?” Jed asked.
“I didn’t like the means they were willing to take to achieve total silence,” the Mayor said.
“You mean murder,” Jed said, giving the Mayor a look that demanded the truth.
“Yes,” the Mayor admitted.
“Thank you,” Jed said offering the Mayor his hand. “I will let my superiors know and someone will be in contact with you.”
“Please, they can’t know that I talked to you,” he pleaded.
“I promise to do my best. As far as they are concerned, I’m just a trouble-making high school student.”
Nodding, the Mayor sat quietly as they let themselves out. Walking to Kent’s car, they were all silent. The silence was broken as they pulled up to drop Ollie off at his house. “Good job Jed,” he said as he got out of the Camaro.
Nodding his thanks, Jed said, “See you tonight Oll.”
Kent and Jed headed back to the Barton’s house, where Jed had left his truck. Jed only had a little over an hour before he had to be back to pick Nora up for dinner. Kent was picking Charlotte up and Ollie was getting a ride from his mom. Jed hurried home to shower and change. His neck was tingling. Always a sure sign that trouble was brewing. It looked like tonight could involve more than just dinner.
Chapter 25
Kent had already left to go pick up Charlotte. I knew Jed would be here in just a couple minutes, so I ran up the stairs to say goodbye to my parents. I could hear them talking excitedly as I came down the hall to their room.
“Should I take the blue one or my red dress?” my mom was asking my dad.
“Take both,” I suggested, as I walked through the doorway.
“Nora. Thank you. Your father doesn’t have any fashion sense,” my mom said as she continued to pile clothes on the bed near an open suitcase. My parents were leaving on a long weekend trip to the Bahamas. My dad had surprised my mom with a trip for their wedding anniversary that was this weekend.
Although they were worried about leaving us, after what happened yesterday, I could tell that they were very excited about going on a vacation with only the two of them. I couldn’t remember the last time they had gone anywhere without Kent and I.
“Wear the blue dress, if it’s a fancy restaurant,” I told her, “It matches your eyes. The red dress is nice for someplace a little more casual. Especially if there is dancing.”
“You’re right. I should take them both.”
“Jed’s going to be here to pick me up soon, so I just wanted to say goodbye.”
“Thank you darling. You and Kent have a good time this weekend. Call us if you need anything,” she said, giving me a big hug. “Jack! Nora is leaving soon. Come say good bye.”
My dad peeked his head out of their massive walk-in closet. He came out wearing a perplexed expression. I almost laughed. He truly looked as if he didn’t know what he was doing. I knew that as soon as Mom finished her packing, she would help him.
“Bye Dad,” I said walking over to give him a big hug. “Good going. She is so excited,” I whispered to him as he hugged me back.
Looking over at my mom, he smiled. “Thanks, honey. See you Monday night.”
The doorbell rang from downstairs. “That must be Jed,” I said running my hand nervously over my black dress. I had decided that my newest little black dress was perfect for a nice dinner out. I don’t know why I was so nervous. It wasn’t as if this were our first date. Ok, it was only our second date. Still, just thinking about Jed standing out there waiting for me was enough to make my palms start sweating.
“Jed?” my dad asked. “What happened to Kent? Aren’t you all going to the same place?”
Oh, right. I forgot to mention something to my dad. Here goes nothing. “Um… Dad, Jed and I are sort of dating.” Turning, I ran down the stairs to let him in, before my dad could say anything.
I heard my mom say, “Now Jack.”
“I just want to talk to him,” my dad said. “I’ll be right back.”
Ah oh, I better warn Jed I thought, flinging open the door.
Whoa. Jed was wearing a pair of black dress pants that fit him like they were made especially for him. He had on a bronze colored dress shirt open at the collar. The shirt emphasized his copper colored skin and his broad shoulders. He looked so handsome. I truly had to catch my breath.
Unfortunately, my dad took that opportunity to nudge me aside and say, “Nora says you’re dating.”
Jed shot a look at me, before saying, “Yes sir.”
“Do you think that you’re good enough for my daughter?” he demanded.
“Dad!” I gasped.
“No sir,” Jed said, as serious as I had ever heard him.
“Good. You remember that,” My dad said.
“He is too,” I demanded.
They both ignored me.
“I expect you to continue to keep her safe. That includes from you,” my dad went on, oblivious to me standing there with my hands on my hips glaring at him.
“Yes sir.”
“I’m leaving for the weekend, but Kent will be watching you.”
“I wouldn’t doubt it for a second, sir,” Jed said with a small grin. He could tell where Kent got it from.
“Then have a good night you two,” he said, before stepping back.
“Thanks, Dad,” I said sarcastically. Really! It was a good thing Jed found them so amusing. Most guys were intimidated by Kent and my dad, so they didn’t stick around too long.
Taking Jed’s outstretched hand, I allowed him to pull me down the steps toward the driveway.
A large luxury Cadillac sedan, sat parked in the driveway. I had been expecting Jed’s truck so I was a bit surprised.
“Whose car is this?” I asked, running my hand over the hood as I walked around to the passenger side.
“It’s mine,” Jed said.
At my surprise, he qualified. “It was my grandfather’s. I’ve just kept it in the garage, because I don’t know what to do with it. I figured you might like it better than my truck.”
“I don’t mind a truck, Jed. But I do appreciate luxury once in a while. Thank you.”
“You look beautiful,” Jed said, as he opened my door for me.
“So do you,” I told him honestly. I was still having trouble with the whole breathing thing whenever I looked at him.
Grinning, he shut my door and walked around to the driver side.
“I couldn’t believe
that you told your dad we were dating. Thank you,” he said.
I knew that it meant a lot to him. He had not been happy about us hiding it.
“I figured after you saved me, that they had to be ok with it,” I said grinning.
“Your dad did take it pretty well. I could tell he was trying to remember that fact and not get upset,” Jed said grinning back.
“I am so excited. I hope we have some time to look around. I would like to get back into that office,” I said.
“Now hold on a minute,” Jed said taking my hand. “I don’t want you anywhere near any of them again. If there is any snooping to do, it will be done by me.”
“That’s not fair Jed. I was the one who found it first.”
“That’s true,” he qualified. Bringing my hand up to his lips, he pressed a soft kiss to the back of my hand. “I just don’t want you to get hurt. Why don’t we agree that you don’t do anything without me? That way I can try to keep you out of trouble.”
“It’s a deal,” I agreed. I really was in no hurry to be abducted again.
“Besides, this night is about us relaxing and having a good time with our friends,” Jed said, brushing his thumb against my palm as he drove.
I don’t think he was even aware of what he was doing. I certainly was. My whole hand was starting to tingle. Make that my whole arm.
“I know. I’m looking forward to it. I think Charlotte and Ollie were pretty excited about it. I don’t think that either of them has been to the Country Club before. Let alone for dinner,” I said.
“I haven’t exactly either,” Jed reminded me.
“Oh. That’s right. Well, on Fridays they have an all you can eat buffet with prime rib and shrimp. It is my favorite time to go,” I told him.
“I’ll bet it is,” Jed said amused, “plenty of food then?”
“Hey!” I said slapping his arm playfully. So I liked food. What can I say?
“It is kind of expensive though,” I told him. “It’s about thirty dollar’s a person. Oh, my gosh! I didn’t think of that, when I invited everyone.”
“Don’t worry about it. It’s fine,” Jed said.
“I’ll pay for it,” I assured him.
“Would you stop it? We have been over this before if I recall. We are on a date. I pay for it,” Jed said. “And if Ollie doesn’t have enough money, I’ll pay for him also. I assume Kent is paying for Charlotte.”
I nodded.
“See, all taken care of,” he said.
“But...” I sputtered.
“Look around you Nora. I am driving a Cadillac. I own a huge horse farm. I have money,” he interrupted.
Knowing that Jed was right, I let it go. I just felt bad that I had invited everyone and it was so expensive. Pulling up to the Country Club, Jed parked the car and we got out.
Ollie was sitting on the bench by the walkway waiting for us as we walked up. When he spotted us, he jumped up. “Jed! Look at this place. I have always wanted to go inside.”
Looking up at the Country Club, I had to admit that it looked pretty impressive, especially in the evening with the setting sun behind it. The lights inside and on the patio and upper veranda gave the club a sort of romantic feel. It looked rich and old, with a hint of mystery.
“Lookin’ good Oll,” Jed said, giving Ollie’s suit a once over. He was wearing a grey suit with a white dress shirt. He did look very nice.
Blushing, Ollie said, I wasn’t sure how dressy I should be, so I went with the suit.”
“It’s perfect,” I assured him. Hearing Kent’s Camaro rumbling into the parking lot, I turned to watch for them. Charlotte looked gorgeous. She was wearing a knee length dress in a rich velvety red color. She and Kent looked good together. They were both tall and good-looking. They matched each other well, unlike small, short me and big, tall Jed. Not what you would call a good-looking match.
“Hey,” Jed whispered, “A penny for your thoughts. You look so serious.”
“I was just thinking how good they look together. They are both tall and good looking,” I admitted.
Jed let out a laugh. “You mean compared to you and me.”
“It’s not funny,” I told him. I would give anything to be as tall as Charlotte. As it was, I barely stood a few inches below Jed’s shoulder.
“Yes, it is funny. You’re funny,” Jed told me. “I think you are perfect, the size you are.”
Smiling brightly, I said. “Thanks. I guess I get jealous and forget that this is the way God made me.”
“Speaking of God,” Jed began seriously, “I’ve been thinking that maybe we could talk about Jesus. I have some questions that I thought you wouldn’t mind answering.”
My heart swelled at the thought of telling Jed about Jesus and His amazing gift for us. The gift of eternal life.
“That would be great Jed,” I managed to get out. I felt like my whole face was lit up in one big smile. What more could a girl ask for than to have a wonderful guy who loved the Lord?
“Good. Now come on, let’s go have a good time,” he said, putting his arm around me. We said hello to Kent and Charlotte and made our way to the dining room.
The greeter on duty tonight knew Kent and me, so we were seated at a private table near the glowing fireplace. I am always cold and on a cooler than average night like this, I was very grateful for the added warmth, not to mention the romantic atmosphere the soft glow from the fire made.
We all decided on the buffet. The mouthwatering aroma of prime rib was all that we needed to persuade us.
I don’t think I have had this much fun in a long time, I thought, as we sat back after our first plate of food. Jed had been keeping us laughing with one story after another about his run-ins with the law, while growing up. For some reason Kent and Ollie found it especially funny.
The food was very good. Everyone seemed to be having a good time, so I was glad that we had come here.
“I think I might go get some more,” I said standing up. “Does anyone else want anything?”
Everyone stood up. “I guess, we all want some more,” Charlotte said laughing.
As we set our plates down, Ollie said he needed to use the rest room. “It’s right down the hall to the left where we came in,” I told him.
“Off the lobby?” he asked.
“Yes, just past the receptionist’s desk.”
“Thanks Nora,” he said.
“No problem,” I said sitting back down.
Ollie found the bathroom just where Nora had said it was. He got lucky that the offices where in the same hall as the restrooms. He had been counting on that. Looking around for anyone else, he quickly walked down the hall past the old mailboxes that must have belonged to former members of the club, and scanned the first door. From what Nora and Charlotte had said, the deceased president’s office had a plaque that simply said President on it.
The second door he came to was the right one. Trying the knob, he was disappointed to see that it was locked. But he had expected that. Pulling the key out of his pocket that he had swiped when the receptionist wasn’t looking, he quickly opened the door and let himself in, closing it behind him. When the group had arrived at the Club, Ollie had noticed a ring of key’s hanging on the wall, behind the receptionist’s desk. When she had turned to answer the phone as he walked out to use the bathroom, he had quickly grabbed them and put them in his pocket.
The room was dark, so he was glad that he had brought a small flashlight with him. Taking it out, he went over to the desk and looked around. It was mostly bare, except for a few photographs. Passing the light over them, he gasped in surprise. A picture of whom he assumed was the former President had been taken in front of the Country Club’s steps, with his arm around a woman. A man and a women, who had to be in their late twenties, stood next to them. The family resemblance was enough, so that Ollie knew that they must be the President’s children. It was the daughter that caught his eye. She was none other, than a young Ms. Morley. That picture must have b
een taken about twenty years ago, he thought. Filing that information away, he quickly turned his attention to the filing cabinets in the back of the room.
Pulling one drawer out at a time, he methodically started looking for anything that would indicate it was a list of members. In the third drawer, he got lucky. Pulling out the file, he flipped through it. There were a few lists with different dates on them. Taking out the current one, he folded it and stuck it in his pocket.
The sound of voices in the hall made him frantically search for a place to hide. Seeing that there was nowhere, and feeling like he was going to get caught, he quickly grabbed a piece of paper and a pen and scribbled a note to Jed on it. Jed would come looking for him when he didn’t appear back at the table.
He just needed somewhere to put it. Somewhere that wouldn’t be found by anyone else. The member’s mailboxes! Remembering passing them in the hall, he tried to recall if he had seen one for the Barton’s. Even though he hadn’t, he was sure that they had to have one. It would probably be somewhere near the beginning.
Just as the door opened, he hid the note in his hand and turned to face them.
“Ollie!” Ms. Morley said surprised. “What are you doing in here?”
“Umm…it was open, so I wanted to see what it looked like,” Ollie stammered. Whoever was with her was standing still outside the door, so Ollie couldn’t see who it was.
Seeing the open filing cabinet, Ms. Morley shook her head. “You were one of my favorites too,” she said, pulling a small gun out of her pocket. “Now you are going to have to come with me.”
Turning to whomever she was with, she said, “Go pull up the car. We will meet you out the front entrance. It would seem that we have a small problem to take care of.”
With her gun, she gestured for Ollie to precede her out the office door. “Don’t make a scene, or someone is going to get hurt.”
As they got closer to the mailboxes, Ollie wrapped his hand around the note and strained to find the Barton’s box. Spotting it at waist level, he decided to try for it. Pretending to stumble, he tripped forward grabbing onto the wall of mailboxes, at the same time stuffing the note in.
“Watch what you are doing!” Ms. Morley exclaimed, impatiently.
Undercover Justice Page 27
