Secret Ops: Ty's Revenge

by Kim Vanderpool

  “Daddy we can drink orange juice.”

  “We can’t?”

  “No. We need tea.”

  “Well sweetie. Lazarus doesn’t have tea.” Her eyes begins to glass over and tears spill down her face. Shit. “Okay how about you and I go out and get some tea?”

  “Oaky.” She says on a sob.

  I have a feeling this isn’t about tea. I hold her close to me rubbing small circles on her back. She wipes her nose on my shirt. “Sweetheart you want to tell me why you are crying?”

  “I miss my mommy. We use to play tea party.”

  What the hell do I say to that? I continue to hold her; trying my best to sooth her broken heart.

  After a long moment Lazarus walks in. “Hey man. I’m about to head back out. I’ll let you know what I find out.”

  “Alright. Thanks again.”

  “No problem.” He leaves.

  “Sara honey do you want to talk about your mommy?”

  She shakes her head yes. I don’t know if I should get Sylvia in on this. I know she could put it in better perspective for me. Explain to me what is going on in Sara’s head.

  “Do you mind if Sylvia comes to join us?”

  “No. She is mean.”

  “Not to us.” I say.

  “I don’t like her.” Sara whispers.

  “Why?”

  “Because.”

  “Sara sweetie. Has she been mean to you?” I know Sylvia hasn’t.

  “No.”

  “Then why don’t you like her?”

  “I just don’t.”

  “How about we try to get to know her? Then maybe you will change your mind. Don’t worry munchkin I’ll be right here. I’m not going anywhere. We might even go to the zoo. We can take Sylvia with us.”

  “Okay.”

  Sara doesn’t mention anything about her mommy or daddy. I feel so helpless. I don’t know what to do to make it all better for her. She is so tiny and fragile. “Ty.” Sylvia says from the door way.

  “Yes?”

  “Can I talk to your for a minute?”

  “Can it wait?”

  “It will only take a second.”

  I sigh. “Sure.” Looking to Sara. “Be right back munchkin.”

  We walk out in the hallway away from ear shot of Sara. “I think we need to call Cassie.”

  “No.” I grit out quietly.

  Chapter 10

  “I have to recommend it. At least put in for her adoption. We have to do this legally. I can start seeing her on a daily basses that will help your case. I know she has been through hell, but if you don’t than William may be able to take her. Now before you blow a vessel. It can be done with the right people and there’s nothing any of us can do to stop it. There is a reason he wants her. We don’t know yet. Tango just called and he needs you to do this. You need to do this for her. She is comfortable with you, Ty. You’re a father figure. You’re her safe zone.”

  I look to the floor. Sylvia is right. If there is any chance for William to get his hands on her, then Sara is doomed. Her little life will never be the same. “Fine call Cassie, but she isn’t taking Sara away from this house or me.”

  “She won’t.”

  I walk back in Sara’s bedroom. She is playing with her giant teddy bear. “Hey did you eat both sandwiches?” I ask playfully, smiling. Trying to keep the worry out of my voice.

  “No. There’s yours.” She giggles pointing to the sandwich lying on the tray.

  “Where’s yours?”

  “I ate it.”

  “All of it?” I ask dramatically. She nods her head giggling again, then yawns. We play tea party until Sara’s eyes starts to drift closed. “Sara sweetie do you want to take a nap.”

  “No. I’m not sleepy.” She yawns again.

  “Come on. I think I need a nap too.”

  “Okay.”

  Picking her up, I lay her on the bed tucking covers around her. Taking off my boots I lay down beside her. The tiny bed isn’t big enough for the both of us. “Daddy you’re too big.” She giggles again.

  “Maybe the bed is too small.” I laugh.

  “No daddy. Your feet stick over the bed.”

  I laugh. “So they do.” We both look down and sure enough they are.

  “It’s okay.” She snuggles into my side closing her eyes.

  I don’t know how long I lie here until Sylvia comes to the door. “Ty?” She whispers.

  “Yeah.” I say.

  “Cassie is on the phone wants to talk to you.”

  I ease Sara over to her side so I can move. Slowly getting off the bed I walk to the living room. Taking the offered phone from Sylvia I press it to my ear. “Hey Cassie.”

  “Ty. Sylvia filled me in on what’s going on. We need to get you in my office soon as possible.”

  “Tomorrow okay?”

  “Yes. The sooner the better. I do have one concern.”

  “What’s that?” I have an eerier feeling about her next words.

  “Who is going to take care of her while you’re gone doing only god knows what?”

  “I’ll hire someone.”

  “You know Ty. Taking care of a child isn’t easy especially if your away long periods at a time. We will have to go through the court system. This needs to be legal. You will have to appear in front of the judge. He is a great guy Ty, but he will keep Sara’s best interest at heart.”

  “I’m not giving her up Cassie.” I sigh.

  “You’re a great person Ty. But this may be out of your hands. You have to go with what the judge tells you. And I should warn you. The courts will look into this closely.”

  “What are you not saying Cassie?”

  She takes a deep breath. “They will want to look at your home, what kind of environment you have for Sara. In other words they will see if you’re fit to adopt her. Also there might be other family members that want her.”

  For the first time I feel apprehensive. I don’t want to lose Sara. She is a great kid with a lot going on. I feel the need to protect her. I will pull out every resource I have if it comes to it. “I understand.”

  “Okay, meet me in my office at ten am and bring Sara with you.”

  “Why?”

  “We need to ask her questions. It’s formality.”

  “In other words...” I break off what I’m about to say. I don’t want to go all ape shit on Cassie.

  “Don’t read too much into Ty. We have to do this to all kids that parents are looking to adopt. It’s nothing new.”

  “Okay.”

  “See you at ten in the morning.”

  I hang up handing the phone back to Sylvia. “You know Ty. I can go with the both of you. I will put in a good word for you. It will help your case.”

  “Thanks Sylvia I appreciate it.”

  “Go get some rest. I’ll let you know when she wakes up. Here.” She hands me my bank card back. “Just so you know Sara is a big shopper.” She smiles warmly at me.

  Walking to an empty bedroom I lay across the bed. Not really being able to sleep now that Cassie has warned me of all that is to come. I worry over loosing Sara and what that will do to her. The poor kid can’t handle much more. She has lost everyone that she has ever known and loved. I’m not going to let her lose me too. Sylvia is right I am a father figure to her. I don’t know why she sees me this way, but she does. And as a parent it is my job to protect her from anything that wants to do her harm.

  Picking up my phone I call Tango. “Why are you calling me Ty?”

  “Anything on William yet?” I get straight to the point.

  “Nothing yet. Vancard is a tough one to crack.”

  I need to get William fast. If he has a small chance of taking Sara then she isn’t safe, even if William shows his face. Which I doubt he will. But that doesn’t mean he won’t send someone else to do it.

  “I’m going to see Cassie in the morning. William has a good chance to get Sara. We need to find him quick.”

  “We are all over thi
s Ty. Get some rest.”

  “Just keep me informed.”

  “Will do.” Tango hangs up the phone.

  Sleep still alludes me. I can’t stop thinking about losing Sara. My gut clinches with dread. Questions swirls in my head. I will fight for her. I will do whatever it takes. Tomorrow we will go into Cassie’s office and do this the legal way. I will do what is necessary to adopt Sara. Sylvia is right I am a father figure to Sara. There are so many questions swirling around about what’s happened to Sara’s mom and dad. She said the bad guys hurt them, but to what extinct? Are they dead or just barely hanging on? Braxton said Sara was worth a fortune. What the hell did he mean? Does she have a hefty inheritance? Or is she just a gold mine in their businesses? I know for sure some people will pay a fortune for a little blonde hair, green eyes seven year old girl. The thought makes my stomach twist in knots. I will kill William.

  The shadow of darkness envelopes the room. The moon streams through the window casting a sliver glow bouncing off the walls to the floor. Warm air gently seeping in the open window. The curtains dance around like a symphony playing a beautiful piece. Looking out at the starry sky, they twinkle at me. They remind me of Sara’s beautiful eyes, so bright and hopeful. The warm air lifts up a strand of hair blowing it gently across my forehead. At this moment I realize that my life isn’t my own. No it evolves around someone else. Sara. The kid is alone in this world.

  I’m sure she has other family out there. That is always a possibility. What if she does and they want her back? I can’t think about that. I don’t want to think about that. I’m pacing around the room like a caged tiger. I’ve always been a guy who gets shit done. Now I feel as helpless as a new born kitten. I have never been helpless in a long damn time. I promised myself I would never be that way again. Now that Sara has come into my life, that’s all I have been feeling. And if that isn’t enough I have thoughts of William trying to get his hands on her hanging over my head. How the hell have things spiraled out of control so quickly? Making my way across the room and back to bed. I rip my shirt over my head and kick off my jeans. Getting comfortable I pull the covers over me.

  “Daddy! Daddy! Wake up.” Sara is sitting on the bed whispering loudly in my ear.

  Tiny fingers pry my eyes open and I can’t help from bursting out laughing. “Good morning.”

  “Come on get up.” She tugs on my hand.

  I rise up to find Sara all dressed for the day. My gritty eyes feel heavy. It was three am before I finally drifted off to sleep. “Where are we going?” I ask as Sara tugs harder on my hand.

  “Azarus has puppies and I get to feed them. Come on I’ll show you.” She is still whispering. I notice that’s what she always does. I don’t think I have ever heard her not whisper.

  “Okay. Go wait for me in the living room. I’ll be right there.”

  “Hurry.”

  Sara marches out of the room. I pick up my shirt that is lying on the floor where I dropped it last night, sliding it over my head. After I pull my jean on I rummage through my bag. Finding my tooth brush I make quick work of brushing my teeth. After my face is washed and teeth are brushed I scuffle my feet to the living room. Sylvia is nowhere in sight. Sara is waiting by the door for me.

  She opens the front door and two large puppies come barreling through the house. Sara starts giggling when they jump on her licking all over her face. I feel a smile spread wide across my lips. If this is what it is like to have a kid, then I have been missing out. I get the huge puppies to follows me to the kitchen where Sara pours dog food in their bowls. Although most of it gets on the floor. Between Sara and the puppies dog food is scattered everywhere.

  “What the heck happened?” A sleepy Sylvia asks.

  “We are feeding the puppies.” I respond.

  “Uh huh.”

  “It got messy.”

  “I’m so glad this isn’t my house.” Sylvia crunches dog food under her feet as she makes her way to the coffee pot.

  Sara and I get on our hands and knees picking up the dog food while Sylvia watches. Should have known she wouldn’t help. “She doesn’t like dogs?” Sara whispers in my ear.

  I shrug. I really don’t know. After we clean our mess and put the puppies back outside Sara and I get ready for the meeting with Cassie. I’ve tried really hard not to think about this meeting. I’ve replayed the same scenarios over and over and they all end the same. Picking up a blue button down shirt I slide it over my shoulders. I have showered and trimmed my beard leaving a small hint of stubble. Making sure I look presentable I make my way to Sara’s room where Sylvia is helping her dress.

  Knocking on the door lightly I wait for them to open the door. I hear shuffling around then Sylvia comes to the door. “She won’t let me help her dress.” Sylvia frowns.

  “Want me to try?”

  “Sure.”

  I don’t know anything about dressing a kid. I have no clue to where to begin. Walking in the room I notice Sara is sitting on the bed pouting. She is still in her play cloths. Hey munchkin what’s wrong?” I sit in the bed beside her.

  “I don’t want to wear that.” She points to a really pretty white dress with yellow sunflowers.

  “Why it’s really pretty.”

  “I want to wear that,” She point to a light blue dress with ruffles at the bottom, “it’s pretty like your eyes, daddy.”

  “It is pretty.”

  “Ty. Can I speak to you for a moment?”

  I look over to Sylvia. She has her eyes narrowed at me. What the hell did I do? Following her out in the hallway I place my hands in my pockets of my jeans. “What?” I ask a little annoyed.

  “You aren’t going to give in are you?”

  “Yes, I do believe I will.” I can feel my anger rise.

  “If you let her get what she wants now. You will be doomed when she gets older.”

  This coming from a woman who has no kids. “It’s just a dress Sylvia.”

  “A dress today, her hair color tomorrow.”

  “She’s seven years old.” I Remind Sylvia. I don’t have time to argue over this shit. Walking back into the room I hear Sylvia huff after me.

  “Sweetie, if you want to wear the blue one then you can.” I smile at Sara.

  Her face brightens as she runs in her own bathroom to dress. “What.” I turn looking at Sylvia when I hear her grunt behind me.

  “Men.”

  I roll my eyes at her. Sara runs out of the bathroom. The dress looks odd. I stare at her for a moment trying to figure out what is different about it. Sylvia tries to suppress her laughter behind her hand. I turn quickly looking at Sylvia for an answer. She shakes her head as if to say, you figure it out.

  “Sara, sweetie what did you do to it?” I kneel down at eye level with her.

  “Nothing.” She says in my ear.

  Turning her around, I notice that it’s on upside down. How the hell did she do that? I look up to Sylvia silently asking for help. She shrugs her shoulder. “Honey I think this is on upside down.” I turn Sara around in circles not knowing where to start. After a few minutes Sylvia gets tired of watching me turn Sara until she’s dizzy and lends a hand. We finally get Sara’s dress on and her hair fixed.

  “Ready?” Sylvia asks.

  “As ready as we will ever be.” Before we make it out the front door my phone rings. “Hey.” I can feel my heart rate spike. It’s the same feeling I get right before a mission.

  “He died before we could get anything from him.” Tango informs me of Vancard.

  “What the hell happened?” I wave Sara and Sylvia out of the room.

  “Heart attack I think. Lazarus scared the shit out of him.”

  “Fuck.”

  “Looks like we are at a dead end. Marco and Braxton are in holding until I find out more of their involvement.”

  “I can’t believe Marco is in with them.” I say annoyed.

  “Money changes people,” then he adds, “Lazarus is on his way home. I let everyone take a small
vacation until we get things straight. “

  “Keep me informed.”

  “Will do.”

  Chapter 11

  Jessica

  My head feels as if I had been beat with a club. Reaching up I find I have a huge lump on my forehead. I dare not to open my eyes. I feel too damn hot. I can feel sweet trickle down my temple and my mouth feels dry. I need water. I’ve never been so thirsty in my life. Where the hell am I? Prying one eye open then quickly shutting it. The brightness from the sun is blinding. Needing to test my strength I roll from my back to my front. My arms feel like jelly. I don’t remember much of anything. One moment I was standing in an ally the next I find myself lying here in, I finally open my eyes enough to see, sand. I twist my head as much as the pain will allow me to look around. Nothing but sand and a few dried up shrubs. Sand and shrubs everywhere.

  What the hell? Why am I in the desert? This can’t be Las Vegas. Las Vegas has buildings, not sand everywhere. Rising to my knees I sit back on my hunches. The pain in my head is now so server that I throw up. Emptying the contents of my stomach. I make it to my feet. Swaying I stumble falling back on my ass. This is going to be harder than I thought. I know I have to move. I can’t stay here any longer. I don’t even know how long I have been here already. It could have been hours or days. I don’t remember much, not even my name. I don’t even know why I was in Las Vegas. That is the only thing I do remember. Why, I don’t know.

  Taking a deep breath I make an effort to get to my feet again. The throbbing and the dizziness in my head make it hard to stand. Squinting against the brightness, I take a deep breath to gather my wits. How did I end up here, wherever here is? One foot in front of the other I turn in a small circle surveying again. I have no idea which way to go. Looking at the sky I get my bearings heading east, or at least I think its east. I walk for what seems like miles. I think I see a mountain it could be a mirage, I can’t be sure. I’m so thirsty I think I might just die. I need to find water fast. I feel as if I have cotton balls stuffed in my mouth. Heat is rising off the sand in waves. If I could just make it to the mountain I know I will find water there. Whoever put me here wanted me dead. Making sure I would die, if I already weren’t.