“I figured you’d find me sooner or later so I decided I might as well get it over with,” Jarvis replied.
Hunter looked him over. Jarvis hadn’t changed much in the years that had passed since he had last encountered him. Except for the tan and the Hawaiian shirt and khaki shorts, he still looked like a naval officer, short hair, ram rod posture, and hooded eyes, like a hawk.
Hunter could see in his peripheral vision that John the bartender was carefully watching him. “Can I buy you a beer?”
“Sure. Don’t let him sell you the Ortliebs.”
Hunter smiled.
“Oh, he already tried?”
When he returned with the beers, Jarvis said, “So I assume you want to know who hired Global to go after Montgomery the third’s wife and daughter.”
Hunter nodded.
“Not that I give a shit, but before I tell you, did you kill the Colonel?”
Hunter held the man’s gaze, “I guess in a way I did. Pirolli Tazed me, nearly killed me with the voltage and amps turned up to the max. When I came to his dead body was lying on top of me. He must have stroked out when he was trying to get me off the floor and into a chair so he could torture me.”
Jarvis smiled crookedly, “He was obsessed with catching you. He was afraid if he didn’t, he’d lose his job.”
Hunter’s eyes narrowed, “I thought he owned Global.”
Jarvis shook his head, “Global’s biggest client threatened to take its business elsewhere if he didn’t let them take it over. They paid him a load of cash to go away, but he insisted they keep him on. The prick was a narcissist. Couldn’t let go of being the big cheese.”
“So, who bought him out?”
“Triple M.”
Hunter’s eyes narrowed, “Are you telling me Montgomery ordered Global to murder his daughter-in-law and granddaughter?”
Jarvis shook his head, “No. He told the colonel to pay the ransom.”
Hunter tried to read the man’s face for a sign of deception. “Jarvis, everyone on the job but me knew it was a black op.”
“Look, I was on the call with Montgomery. I’m telling you the man wanted us to save the child and her mother.”
“What about the son’s accident and the shooter that was sent to kill the girl?”
Jarvis shrugged and said, “I don’t know anything about the son. My guess is it wasn’t an accident. When the Colonel ordered me to contact Sinclair to find the girl, I balked.”
Hunter could not conceal his surprise, having long ago written the man off as a sycophant. Now he would have to reconsider his opinion in that regard.
Jarvis apparently read Hunter’s reaction and said, “I draw the line at woman and children.”
“How’d that go over?”
Jarvis gave him another crooked smile in response, “Two days later he fired me.”
They sat there in silence for a few moments, “So you’re telling me the old man wanted Global to rescue his daughter-in-law and granddaughter.”
Jarvis nodded.
“So, what the fuck happened?”
“Obviously, someone countermanded the order.”
“But you just told me Montgomery owned Global.”
Jarvis nodded.
“So, do you think Pirolli did it on his own?” Hunter asked.
“No way. He didn’t have the balls to do anything like that. Pirolli was a politician - a desk jockey. He never served a day in battle. If he had, one of his own men would have fragged him for sure.”
“I know the type,” Hunter paused and thought over what he had just been told. “Was Montgomery the only contact with Global?”
“No, most of the work we did for Triple M was international. I was always fielding calls from the international ops people,” the corners of his mouth turned into a grimace. “They were difficult to deal with, especially the COO Hanna Chao, and her security chief Qwon Du Pak. We called them the ‘Dragon Ladies.’”
Hunter didn’t know anything about Chao’s security chief, and hadn’t thus far been able to conclusively connect Montgomery’s ex-wife to the plot to eliminate Haley and her parents. “Who’s running Global now?” He asked Jarvis.
“The Russian operative, Ivan Coslen. Do you know him?”
Hunter nodded, “He’ll do whatever they tell him.”
“You got that right.”
Jarvis studied Hunter in silence for a few moments and asked, “Have you been trying to find out who’s behind this since you rescued the child?”
Hunter nodded, and said, “You seem surprised.”
“When you disappeared with her, I didn’t know what to think.”
They stared at each other for a few moments, each reflecting on the new information they had shared.
“Did you know the mission was supposed to be a wet job?” Hunter asked.
“No, like I told you Montgomery told us he wanted to pay the ransom. Besides, I found out he spent a fortune trying to find the girl after she disappeared. And you?” Jarvis asked.
Hunter hesitated before responding, “I think I owe you an apology. Until now I thought you were following Pirolli’s orders. I was wrong about that.”
Jarvis held Hunter’s gaze and responded, “And apparently, I misjudged you as well.”
And with that the two men stood, shook hands and Hunter walked out of the bar.
16
7 am, Sunday, May 20, 2018, Overbrook Farms
“You believe this Jarvis guy?” Don Carlos asked after Hunter filled him in on what he had learned. He had taken the last flight back from Tampa and got home at 6 am, just in time for his son’s first bottle.
Hunter hesitated before responding as he considered the question, “Back when I was working for Global, I thought he was Pirolli’s toady. But now, after meeting him, the way he handled himself, you know, his whole demeanor, not only what he said, but how he said it - I think I may have badly misjudged the man.”
The baby was sleeping on his lap, with a contented look on his face.
Don Carlos sniffed, frowned and said, “I think it’s time to change the little man’s diaper. Do you know how?”
The older man laughed as he watched Hunter struggle through the task. After he finished, Hunter handed the infant to his grandfather and disposed of the mess.
Seeing the obvious delight in Don Carlos’ sparkling eyes, Hunter said, “Now that I know Haley’s grandfather had nothing to do with the black op, I guess it’s not fair to keep him in the dark about her whereabouts.”
“You think the child will be safe. Based on what you found out last night, maybe Montgomery’s ex-wife is behind the killing spree after all. She might still want Haley dead. Besides, she still works for Montgomery. It just doesn’t add up.”
“I know, but Haley’s his granddaughter. Jarvis told me he spent a fortune trying to find her. He must be heartbroken not knowing if she’s alive and safe. It’s bad enough his son and daughter-in-law are dead.”
“You need to think this through carefully, Hunter. The consequences of getting it wrong could be disastrous.”
* * *
Later that morning Ophelia called. “Is Hunter back?” she asked Lena. Her voice sounded strained.
“Yes, he got in early this morning. Is everything alright?”
Ophelia did not immediately respond. “Is it ok if I drop by? I need to talk with him.”
“Of course,” Lena said and disconnected. Hunter was sitting at the dining room table across from her. “What’s up?” he asked.
“I’m not sure. O’s coming over. She said she needs to talk to you.”
Fifteen minutes later Ophelia parked her squad car in front of the Carsons’ house. She was on the job.
Hunter greeted her at the door, “Is this an official visit?” he asked with a broad smile on his face, as he waved her in.
Ophelia shook her head, “Not really.”
Hunter waited.
Ophelia was holding a thin newspaper in her hand. He could see the masth
ead. It was the Daily Pennsylvanian, the University of Pennsylvania’s student newspaper.
He led her into the dining room where Lena was sitting. “Can I get you some coffee; something else?” Lena asked.
Ophelia shook her head; she unfolded the newspaper and spread it out on the table. There was a quarter-page picture of Desiree with the sculpture between her and Hunter. The article provided the details about the unknown artist who lived in the community, and his prolific works of art.
Hunter noted the by-line, Gerald Jones, and shifted his eyes to Ophelia. “Desiree’s boyfriend?”
She nodded, “I’m so sorry. The kids didn’t know about your wish to remain anonymous. They thought you’d be happy to get the recognition.”
He shrugged in resignation. “Well at least they didn’t give my address.”
“Walter already got a call from his friend at the Art Museum; he’s a Penn alum. He wants to meet you and see your work.”
Hunter could see that their friend was distressed at having her daughter and the girl’s boyfriend responsible for invading his privacy.
“Don’t worry about it,” he said, taking her off the hook.
After she left, he thought over the possible consequences of the disclosure. Even though the article was only in a student newspaper, he knew it was distributed to - and religiously read by - the alumni of the prestigious Ivy League school. The exposure would undoubtedly lead those behind the plot to kill Haley to him eventually. He had to eliminate the threat right away.
He immediately ruled out packing up his family and relocating. It would be unbearably disruptive to Lena, Haley, and the baby. Besides, he could not be certain that in the current technological environment he could successfully relocate without leaving a trail.
He decided his best move was to expedite his plan to contact Montgomery. Let him know his granddaughter was safe, and that he knew the man had nothing to do with the murder of his daughter-in-law and the likely murder of his son. Tell him that it appeared his ex-wife may be behind it. He needed an intermediary, someone who could help him convince the man that Hunter was telling him the truth.
Hunter had to persuade Leonard Jarvis it was time for him to step forward. He called John, the bartender at Mahuffers. “It’s Hunter.”
“I thought you left town.”
“I did. Can you do me a favor?”
“Depends on what it is.”
“Can you tell Jarvis I called and give him my number? Let him know it’s important.”
“I guess so.”
“Thanks…By the way, a microbrewery in Philly started brewing Ortliebs.”
“Are you shittin me?”
“No, I had them ship six cases to you.”
Later that evening Jarvis called. Hunter quickly told him the current state of his situation.
“You told me you believed Montgomery was sincere in his desire to save his daughter-in-law and his granddaughter. That he had nothing to do with the black op; you were on the call,” Hunter said.
“Yes.”
“Montgomery knows you. He doesn’t know me. I need you to vouch for me.”
There was silence on the other end of the line. “Remember what you said when you refused to contact the assassin Pirolli wanted to send to kill Haley? That you drew the line at woman and children.”
Hunter heard Jarvis exhale deeply.
“Leonard, this is the same deal. If we can’t convince Montgomery to act, it’s only a matter of time until they kill the girl,” Hunter concluded his pitch and waited for Jarvis’ response.
After a beat he said, “OK. What do you want me to do?”
Jarvis agreed to fly up to Philadelphia. They would contact Montgomery and set-up a meeting. Hunter now admitted to himself that he had underestimated the man.
17
The next day, Overbrook Farms
“Andrea showed the article in the newspaper about your sculpture in Art class today. She said you’re going to be a famous artist,” Haley told him when Ophelia dropped her off at their house. She seemed excited at the prospect of living with a real artist.
“I thought you didn’t like my sculptures. Especially the ones you’re in,” he replied.
Haley blushed, “They’re ok…You’re not going to cut off your ear, or anything like that, are you?”
He laughed, “Like Vincent Van Gogh?”
“Yeah. My Art teacher said your sculpture reminded her of his paintings.”
“She said that?”
“Uh-huh.”
“Tell you what. Why don’t I take you to the Art Museum? You me, and Andrea? Then you can decide if I’m going to be a famous artist. Let me know when Andrea’s available”
She beamed, “That’s a great idea. I’ll text Andrea,” she said and ran into the house to see Lena and the baby.
He followed her and smiled as he watched her tickle the baby who laughed and cooed. After Haley ran up to her room to tell Andrea about their impending visit to the museum, Hunter kissed Lena and his son.
“I hope all this stuff about my sculpture fades soon. Then things will get back to normal.”
“Have you spoken with Jarvis?” Don Carlos, who had entered the room when Haley left, asked.
“Yeah, he agreed to come up next weekend. We’ll set something up when he gets here.”
“Good. The sooner the better.”
18
Friday May 25, 2018, Hunter’s home, Overbrook Farms
It was 2 am when Hunter heard the creak of the floorboard, or had he only imagined it? He was normally a light sleeper, but this thing with the article in the newspaper had him anticipating the worst.
He had managed to keep all of them under the radar since they had relocated to Philly over three years ago. Now through the innocent actions of an exuberant nascent journalist, all of that had changed. His face was out there, and they were still hunting for Haley. Of this he was certain. If they were diligent, and he believed they were, they would see his picture, put two and two together, and come after them.
He carefully got out of the bed, trying not to wake Lena. He realized there was no way he could sleep until he was certain no one had broken into the house. He grabbed the Sig Sauer P 226, 9-millimeter he had been keeping under the bed since the article about him was in the newspaper, stuck it in the waistband of his pajama pants and moved across the floor to his bedroom door. He opened the door without a sound, glad his paranoia had compelled him to oil the hinge and eliminate the squeak.
After he closed the door, he stood with one of his bare feet on the wool runner in the center of the hallway and the other on the highly polished hard-wood floor. The only illumination in the second-floor hall was from a Mickey Mouse night light they had put in the wall socket outside of Haley’s bedroom.
Before taking a step, he listened for a noise and sniffed the air as he stared down the dimly lit corridor to the stairway 30 feet from where he stood. Something momentarily blocked the light coming from the side-panel window beside the front door at the bottom of the stairs. There was someone there.
He removed his foot from the runner, slowly crouched down, grabbed the carpet with both hands and waited. He watched as a head appeared at the top of the stairs. The intruder slowly moved to the top stair and placed one foot on the hallway floor. He was holding a gun, first pointing it at the doorway to his right and then to the left.
When the intruder had both feet on the runner, Hunter pulled on the carpet with all his strength. The sudden movement of the carpet caused the intruder to lose his balance. When the man tried to break his fall, his right elbow struck the bannister and the weapon he had been holding flew out of his grasp and slid across the floor.
Hunter stood up with his Sig Sauer pointed at the intruder. “Don’t move! Stay right where you are!”
The noise in the hall must have alerted Don Carlos, who opened his bedroom door. As Don Carlos stepped into the hall, the intruder suddenly jumped towards him with a knife in his hand.
&n
bsp; Hunter fired two rounds, one to the man’s chest and the other to his head. The explosive sound of the gunfire roused Haley and the baby; both started to scream.
Hunter felt the rush of air behind him when Lena opened the door. “Call 911,” he said as he ran to the fallen man and kicked away the knife that lay on the floor inches from his hand. Hunter felt for a pulse; the man was dead.
“Are you alright?” he asked Don Carlos.
“I’m fine.”
Senora Dijonari stepped out from behind her husband.
“Both of you get Haley take her to the master bedroom; Lena’s calling the police. I’ll bring the baby to her.”
Hunter heard sirens of the approaching police cars as he waited by the front door. He opened the door as two officers, with their service weapons drawn, ran up the driveway. He stepped outside and held up his hands, “I’m the owner of the house. I shot the intruder. He’s dead,” he said as they approached.
“Sir, is anyone else in the house?”
“Yes, my family and my in-laws. I told them to stay in the master bedroom until you got here.”
“Ok, sir. Please place your hands on top of your head,” one of the officers who continued to point his service weapon at Hunter said, as the other stepped behind him and patted him down.
Before the police officer cuffed him, an unmarked car sped up the driveway and screeched to a stop. Hunter smiled with relief when he saw Detectives Benson and Loman get out of the vehicle.
“Hunter, is everyone alright?” Benson asked.
“Yes.”
“Detectives, he told us he shot and killed whoever broke into his house,” one of the uniformed officers said.
Benson shifted his eyes to Hunter. He nodded.
“Where’s your weapon?” Loman asked. Hunter turned his head behind him and motioned in the direction of the table against the wall facing the front door.
“What about the intruder’s?”
“Near where he dropped them in the upstairs’ hall.”
Overbrook Farms Page 8
