The Senator's Choice

by Noel Nash

  Hammond grunted as he got up, followed by a high-pitched whine from Shepherd.

  Matthews ignored them all as he splashed water on his face and rehashed all the details of their plan he’d mentioned the night before as they discussed their plan. It didn’t require much precision, just a level of alertness and attention to detail that would lead to ultimate success or failure. He didn’t care much about the details of the job as long as the end result was the one they all desired — Luke home, safe and sound.

  “Let’s move it!” he commanded after he exited the bathroom to find a general feeling of apathy and lethargy. This wasn’t just any old job — this was Luke — and he wanted to make sure they didn’t forget it as they prepared for their mission.

  “It all ends today, eh?” Hammond said.

  Matthews nodded. “As long as we all do our jobs.”

  “We won’t let you down, boss,”Jones said.“We’re all in this thing together.”

  Shepherd walked up to Matthews and nodded. “We’re all in this together.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on,” Matthews said.

  Thirty minutes later, they had cleared out of the motel room and had checked out. They piled into their SUV and headed toward the cabin where Luke was being held.

  Nobody said a word. They were all too focused on the task at hand, a task that required their utmost concentration and conviction.

  They were going to rescue Luke no matter what.

  CHAPTER 40

  ONE HOUR BEFORE THE VOTE, Seantor Daniels’phone buzzed. He glanced at the screen and could barely see the number due to the crack on the screen. But he didn’t need to see. He knew who it was, yet he didn’t want to answer, not now anyway. It had the potential to weaken his resolve—and he hadn’t lasted this long to have his give up now.

  But he couldn’t shake the fear that coursed through his body. He took a deep breath and accepted the call.

  “What do you want?” Daniels answered.

  “No need to be so hostile,” the voice answered. “We just wanted to let you talk to Luke before the vote.” A pause. “Just a friendly reminder that this could be your last conversation with him if you don’t comply.”

  “You better not touch a hair on his head.”

  “I’m done with idle threats, senator. Just keep it brief.”

  Daniels listened and waited. A few seconds later he heard a familiar voice.

  “Dad?” Luke asked.

  “Yes, son, it’s me,” he answered. “How are you?”

  “I’m making it. And you?”

  “I’ll be fine.”

  “When is this thing going to be over?”

  “Soon enough, son. Don’t you worry. They’re going to get you back to me in just a little while.”

  “Dad, one more thing — watch out for CC, will ya?”

  “You got it, son.”

  The background noise let Daniels know that was the end of the conversation.

  “One hour, senator. Don’t disappoint us. We’d hate to disappoint you.”

  The line went dead.

  Daniels felt blood rushing to his head and his breathing turn shallow. Given the opportunity, he would’ve rammed his fist through the kidnapper’s face. Again and again.

  But at the moment, he had other concerns.

  Was Luke trying to tell me something? Watch out for CC?

  He checked his watch again. There wasn’t much time, but he didn’t care. If Luke really was trying to send him a message, it was far too important to gloss over.

  Daniels walked into his secretary’s office and asked to borrow her phone.

  “Sure,” she said as she handed it to him. “Is something wrong with yours?”

  “It’s been on the fritz lately,” he said, shaking it. “This will only take a minute.”

  Daniels walked down the hall and slipped inside an empty conference room. He placed a call to one of his friends at the Justice Department.

  “Cory, this is Jeffrey Daniels.”

  “Hi, Senator. It’s good to hear from you.”

  “Look, I don’t have much time, but I was wondering if you could look up something for me on a Sarah Roberts.”

  There was a long pause. “You know I could get in trouble for this.”

  “Cory, believe me — I wouldn’t ask you to do this if it wasn’t important.”

  He paused again. “Wait. Aren’t you dating a woman named Sarah Roberts?”

  “The tabloids say all kinds of things that aren’t true,” Daniels said, forcing a chuckle.

  “Okay, give me a few minutes. Is there anything you’re looking for specifically?”

  “I have a feeling she might be connected to some people I’ll tell you about who you might be interested in taking down once this is all over with.”

  “After what’s all over with?”

  “I’m texting her address and some other vital information to you right now. Text me what you find out to this number as soon as possible and I’ll explain everything later.”

  He hung up and sat down in one of the conference chairs. He stared at the dry erase board, wondering how he got to this point. He’d been forced into a corner with no way out.

  His phone buzzed. It was Ben.

  “Hey, Dad. How are you?”

  Daniels sighed.“I’m hanging in there. You?”

  “Just wondering what you’re planning on doing today with the vote.”

  “I’m going to make the right decision.”

  “I hope it’s one that means Luke’s life is going to be saved.”

  Daniels took a deep breath. “It’s going to be a decision that you’ll be proud of, son.”

  “Wait a minute. What are you suggesting?”

  “Look, Ben. I gotta run. The vote is coming up and I need to be on the senate floor. Pray for me.”

  Daniels hung up and shoved the phone in his pocket. He pictured Ben growling and hurling a few curse words in his direction. He didn’t care — he needed to do what was best for everyone, not just himself or his family.

  His phone buzzed again with a message from Cory.

  She’s a ghost. I can’t find any record of her with

  either of the addresses you gave me. You want to tell me what this is all about now?

  Daniels fired off a quick response:

  Will call you later

  He exited his office and strode down the hall toward the senate chamber. Several other senators nodded politely toward him. He didn’t break his stride, continuing his march forward. Besides, there wasn’t much he could say at this point that he hadn’t already said. He’d traded every favor he had to make sure the pipeline bill passed. It was up to him to make sure it did.

  His phone buzzed again. It was Sarah. He answered it.

  “Hi, honey.”

  “Hey,” she said as she drew out the word before a pause. “How are you?”

  He was cold and direct. “Fine. And you?”

  “Are you sure? Last night, you weren’t so fine.”

  He stopped in the hallway and backed against the wall. “I’m at peace, Sarah.”

  “What is that supposed to mean?”

  “It means I’m at peace with my decision.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “You’ll find out soon enough — just like everyone else.”

  Daniels could hear her stamp her foot through the phone. “Don’t do anything stupid. Remember, Luke’s life is at stake.”

  “That’s the rumor.”

  “Jeffrey, don’t play around with these guys. They mean business.”

  He paused. “And how would you know that?”

  “Well, it sounds like they do at the very least. Don’t be foolish.”

  “I won’t compromise my beliefs because some terrorists think they can control the government by using barbarian tactics. I took an oath to uphold an office — and I fully intend to keep that oath.”

  “Don’t take that chance.”

  He laughed and then whi
spered. “Luke’s already dead, one way or another. But you already knew that, didn’t you?”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “I wasn’t born yesterday, Sarah.”

  She paused. “I’m not sure I understand.”

  “Oh, I think you do.”

  “Stop talking crazy. You don’t have to do this.”

  He took a deep breath. “Yes, I do. I want Luke to be proud of his old man — an old man with principles who won’t back down to a bully.”

  “But—”

  “I’ve gotta go, Sarah.”

  “What about dinner—”

  Click.

  Daniels spun on his heels and continued walking toward the senate chamber. He glanced at his watch — less than forty-five minutes until the vote.

  He still had work to do.

  CHAPTER 41

  LUKE’S EYES WIDENED as Dave drew his fist back. He slapped Luke across the face and then pushed him. Luke stumbled backward and fell, tumbling and sliding across the hardwood floor. He came to a stop when his back slammed into the couch.

  Luke wiped a trickle of blood from the corner of his mouth and glared up at Dave. “What was that for?”

  “I warned you,” Dave said as he wagged his finger. “No funny business.”

  “I was just talkin’to my Dad — exactly what you told me to.”

  “And passing messages.”

  Luke furrowed his brow. “Passing messages? What are you talking about?”

  “CC. Who’s CC?”

  Luke shook his head and started laughing. “That’s what this is about? CC? You think there’s some secret message I gave my dad by telling him to take care of my dog?”

  Dave’s eyes narrowed, his head cocked to one side. “Your dog?”

  “Yes, my dog, CC.” Luke knew it was time to stop, but he couldn’t resist getting in another dig. “I thought you guys were professionals — and you didn’t even know that I had a dog named CC?”

  Dave yanked Luke to his feet and shoved him toward the couch. “Sit down and shut your pie hole.”

  Luke complied, letting out a deep breath. He managed to pull off his charade in convincing fashion. His most recent dog had died from a rare form of cancer and he was waiting until the summer when his father would be home more to get another dog.

  No, CC wasn’t his dog — CC was his name for Sarah. Not long after Sarah started dating his father, she told him a story about how her older sister couldn’t say her name when she was little. All that would come out was CC. It was a cute story, but it served a greater purpose at the moment. Luke felt like he was going to throw up just thinking about her.

  But what he really wanted to do was fight. It was a suicide mission if he chose to do so — though he figured he’d die soon enough. He wanted to believe these men were telling him the truth, that he’d live if his father voted a certain way. But deep down, he knew it was a lie. Once the vote was over, they weren’t going to reunite him with his father — they were going to kill him.

  “Come on, Sam,” Dave shouted from the front door stoop. “We need to move.”

  “Gimme a second. I’ll be there once I’m finished,” Sam shouted from the bathroom.

  Dave let out a guttural growl before he stomped his foot. “There isn’t time for this.”

  “Believe me — it’s far better than any other option,” Sam answered.

  “Well, hurry it up, will ya?”

  A few moments went by until Luke heard the toilet flush and the door creak open. Sam stomped downstairs.

  “Are you finally ready?” Dave asked with Bill at his side.

  Sam nodded.“Ready as I’ll ever be.”

  “Grab the kid. I need to make one final call before we get out of here.”

  Luke recoiled under the pain of Sam yanking him to his feet.

  “Easy, will ya?”Luke snapped.

  “Gotta impress the boss,” Sam answered in a low voice.

  Luke scowled and followed Sam’s lead.

  “Where are we going?” Luke asked.

  “I’ll let you know when we get there,” Sam said. Then in a louder voice, “Now, shut up and move it.”

  Luke stood up and moved in the direction Sam pushed him.

  “Get the raft ready,” Dave snapped at Bill once he ended his phone call. “We don’t have much time.”

  “The raft?” Sam asked. “What are we gonna do with a raft?”

  Dave’s eyes narrowed as he marched toward Sam before stopping inches from his face. “Don’t question me again. If I say, ‘get the raft,’just get the raft. Got it?”

  Sam nodded. Once Dave turned his back, he rolled his eyes.

  Luke caught the sign of disrespect. It was also a fleeting sign that he still had an ally in Sam.

  Moments later, Luke heard a motor sputter to life from inside the garage. It sounded like an air pump.

  Bill appeared from around the corner. “It’ll take about five minutes for the raft to fully inflate.”

  Dave turned toward Sam. “Lock the house up. I want us to get out of here as soon as possible.”

  Luke watched Sam head inside before a firm hand grabbed him and pulled him backward.

  “Stay with me, kid,”Dave said.“This will all be over with soon enough.”

  “You’re gonna take me back to my dad?” Luke asked.

  “If he cooperates.”

  “And if he doesn’t?”

  Dave took a deep breath. “That’s not something you want to dwell on.”

  Luke noticed Dave’s nostrils flaring. He knew he was lying —and angry.“So, what are you gonna do? Kill me? Drown me in the river?”

  “I’ll shoot you right here if you don’t keep your mouth shut,” Dave snapped.

  “Go ahead. Apparently, I’ve got nothing to lose,” he said as he scraped his thumb along the sharp knife blade in his pocket.

  Dave slapped the back of Luke’s head. “Shut up, kid. Just do as you’re told and don’t make trouble.”

  “Seems to me that you’re the one making all the trouble,”Luke quipped.

  Dave spun and slammed Luke into the side of the house, jamming his forearm into Luke’s neck. He pulled his other hand out of his pocket and rammed the barrel of his gun into Luke’s head. “Not another word.”

  Luke nodded and withdrew. He formulated an idea for his escape and said a quick prayer.

  CHAPTER 42

  SETH MATTHEWS PEERED through his binoculars in the natural blind across the river. He scanned the house and announced all the movement to the rest of the team, who would’ve charged the cabin if he hadn’t instructed them otherwise.

  “There’s Dave outside with Luke,” Matthews said. “It looks like Sam is with him, but no Bill.”

  Hammond surveyed the scene as well. “It looks like Dave is yelling something toward the garage.”

  “Maybe that’s where Bill is,” Jones offered.

  “When are we going in?” Zellers asked.

  Matthews smiled but didn’t say a word. If he ever wanted to transport back in time to the 1800s to rob a bank, he wanted these guys with him. Once they were focused on a task, nothing would distract them from the goal.

  “It looks like they’re getting ready to leave,” Hammond said.

  “Should I get the SUV ready?” Jones asked.

  Matthews held up his hand. “Not yet. Let’s wait and see what they do first.”

  “We can’t lose him,” Shepherd protested over his com link.

  “Just launch one of your drones,” Matthews said. “That will help us know what to do more so than all this blind conjecture.”

  “Sending the drone in now,”Shepherd said.

  Matthews watched the small bug-like drone buzz over their heads and fly toward the cabin. “Patch in the audio, Shepherd.”

  “Will do.”

  Moments later, the audio came online.

  I’ll shoot you right here if you don’t keep your mouth shut.

  It was Dave, threatening Luke.
<
br />   “I’m ready to go in whenever you say the word,”Jones said.

  “Patience,” Matthews said over the audio of Dave saying something else. “Our goal is to get Luke out alive — and that’s never going to happen if we try to play hero.”

  The team remained fixated on the cabin for a few moments until a man emerged from the side of the house carrying a raft.

  “Get the raft, Jones,” Matthews said. “And hurry.”

  Jones scurried back toward their SUV to get their raft.

  Matthews hadn’t let one detail slip past him. He’d already lost his sister, but he wasn’t about to lose his nephew.

  They all watched Bill stagger toward the river with the raft. He held up the front, while Sam hurried behind him to hold the rear. Dave never released Luke’s arm, squeezing his prisoner’s bicep.

  “Where are you, Jones?” Matthews asked.

  “I’m almost finished inflating our raft,” Jones answered.

  “Make it quick. They’re about to get into the water.”

  After another minute, Sam and Bill lugged the inflatable raft to the riverbank and prepared to get in. Sam held a rope, while Bill climbed in. Dave shoved Luke toward the raft.

  “Let’s move it,” Dave said, pushing Luke forward.

  Matthews felt his fists clench, his pulse race. He wanted to storm out of their blind and whisk Luke away, but it wasn’t time.

  Not yet anyway.

  CHAPTER 43

  SENATOR DANIELS TOOK a deep breath and strode onto the chamber floor. This was his moment to shine, his moment to get Ohioans working again and back on their feet. He glanced across the floor and nodded cordially at Howard Blackledge. Based on his last conversation with Blackledge, Daniels was on his own. No vote swapping. No trading favors. It didn’t matter. Daniels had enough — and he was going to ram the vote through no matter what. No matter the cost.

  His phone buzzed in his pocket with a text message. He could barely make it out.

  We’re watching you

  Daniels didn’t care. He was going to spite them. He even felt a little audacious and decided to text them back over the shattered screen.

  You’re the one who better watch your back

  He slipped his phone back in his pocket before it buzzed again with another message. But this time, there was no message. Just a picture of Luke. He appeared terrified, his eyes bulging out.