by R Weir
“Then no one saw the helicopter?” inquired Hunter hoping for tangible info to work with.
“No. Only heard it. By the time dispatch sent someone, it was gone. Hell, it could have been a UFO for all we know. We get lots of reports of that around these parts. A little too much booze and drugs on a Saturday night gets people spotting things that really aren’t there.”
Scanlon and Hunter looked at each, both nodding. If it had been their guys in the area, this could be essential information.
“You both look like this was an important clue,” proclaimed Richards.
“It was,” replied Scanlon. “At the attempted kidnapping they used a helicopter to escape. The pilot mentioned he dropped them off along highway 24, where a van was waiting. This could be part of the team Hunter encountered, including the man he shot.”
“If that is the case, why are they dead now?” asked Richards, a perplexed expression on his face.
“The million-dollar question,” responded Hunter, with a similar gaze.
Scanlon gave the Sheriff his information with a request to keep him informed if they came up with anything else, with Richards insisting on the same cooperation. From there he and Hunter walked away, reaching the car.
“What do you think?” wondered Scanlon.
“With everything I’m hearing this could be our guys?” replied Hunter, his mind racing through all the facts they’d learned.
“Though there are only three bodies and you said there were four.”
“Five actually, if you count the woman at the gate who sedated your officer. None of the four I encountered had the build of a female. Could be she was driving the van.”
“Then what happened? Did they two kill the other three? And for what reason?”
“Maybe. The one I shot claimed he was dead if he came back empty handed. Apparently, he wasn’t lying.”
“Then who is running things now?” declared Scanlon.
Hunter threw up his hands, uncertain of how to answer. It would appear whoever was after these kids had lots of resources to burn. Which was going to make his job that much more difficult and dangerous.
Chapter 21
Back at the Hawkins house, Hunter gathered his team around the dining room table to discuss their day, all with beers, other than Cameryn and Shen who stuck with water. Each laid out what they went through, who they encountered and any red flags. The combined shared information was critical, but nothing stood out, other than what Hunter had learned, and even that didn’t lead to anything concrete.
“How was your trip to Denver?” asked Keoki. “I don’t see Scanlon around.”
“Hopefully you didn’t piss him off already,” added Athena, knowing Hunter had the tendency to aggravate people, especially her.
“He had to get back to the office,” replied Hunter, directing it straight at Athena. “There are other cases he needs to work. We did talk to the pilot and learned a little bit. Got a name, though not certain what to make of it. Train Man.”
The entire team looked at each other, perplexed by the name.
“Our response as well,” explained Hunter. “But it means something. Time will tell.” Hunter then went on and told them about his stop at the Marshal’s office and the trip to the burnt cabin, the bodies and who they suspected it could be.
“The man you shot claimed he was dead if he came back without the kids,” remarked Shen.
“It would appear he wasn’t joking.”
“There would be a hole in the left arm where I hit one of the other men with my throwing star,” added Shen.
Hunter nodded. “Agreed. Though if it was one of the dead men, then there’s little chance of seeing that wound from the condition they were in. The flesh was completely scorched.”
“And Latoya,” inquired Athena, with a sour look on her face.
“She is going to help, but it may take a few days to track down the ex-husband.”
“No surprise she’d go out on a limb for you considering your history!” Athena’s tone was snippy to say the least.
Hunter glared at Athena, who glanced away, arms crossed in front of her chest. She didn’t care for Latoya, since she was one of the women Hunter had slept with while they had been involved. Her anger was directed at Latoya, when it really should have been at him. The female US Marshall never knew about the relationship when they hooked up. He often left out small details like this when bedding the ladies.
“Did you get the lists of people who have threatened Paige and Jose,” asked Hunter, changing the subject.
Keoki and Cameryn pulled out several sheets of paper tossing them to Hunter. He started looking them over, surprise on his face.
“Extensive lists. It would appear these two have made some enemies through the years.”
“We both went through the lists with them like you asked,” remarked Keoki, pointing at the pages. “We highlighted those they felt were the most viable candidates in yellow. Still a few names to go through. A couple are local and probably would be best to look at first.”
“Jose had a strong feeling about one name he’d done an investigative story on,” added Cameryn. “I added stars next to his name. Was running an auto scam, both in sales and repairs at this dealership. Bilking people out of a lot of money. He had men stalking Jose for a while, trying to scare him, before they got a restraining order.”
Hunter looked for the name on the sheet. “Red Knoles?”
“Yes. Red is his nickname because of his red hair. I don’t know his actual first name, but I’m sure you can track it down. Dealership was named Red Autos if I remember correctly.”
“How long ago did the stalking begin?”
“He said six months ago is when they got the restraining order. Not sure when it started.”
“Did Jose feel the man had the money and resources for these types of detailed attempts?”
Cameryn took a swallow of water. “At one time, yes. The man had a lot of money, then lost a chunk of it when his business crashed after the exposé Jose did came out. Worth investigating. While Jose is in the office, I could track him down.”
“If he is local, do that. I see a name here on Paige’s list I’ve heard of before. Troy Mayfield. Did she mention him Keoki?”
Keoki downed some of his beer and a few chips that were in a bowl on the table, his stomach wondering when they were going to eat dinner.
“She did. He is the CEO of Nature’s Energy & Power. They’ve been at odds for many years. Both sides claiming intellectual property theft. She says Mayfield has been trying a hostile takeover of her firm for many years now. She called him a shyster.”
Hunter nodded, while pointing at the name on the sheet. “I knew the name was familiar. I remember hearing about him in the 60 Minutes report they did on her. It seemed neither had much nice things to say about the other. Two rivals going toe to toe. If I remember correctly his business is based in California.”
“It is, but they have an office in Boulder,” said Keoki. “One he works out of quite a bit, from what Paige said.”
“Might mean another trip to the big city for he is worth talking to.”
“All this talk of corporate CEO’s is stimulating,” noted Cameryn. “But are we eating soon, because this big body of mine needs nourishment. Leaning against walls all day watching people walk by burns a lot of calories.”
Most everyone smiled, a few laughed, other than Athena, who still was mad, and likely wouldn’t change her mood while Hunter was around. It was decided to order out, Chinese agreed on, once they knew a restaurant was nearby who would deliver, this confirmed by Paige and Jose who were each working in their home offices. A large order was placed to feed everyone in the house, a credit card given, with the promise of the food showing up in about thirty minutes.
“How was the day at school?” inquired Hunter, hoping Athena could remain civil in the discussion.
“No issues,” replied Athena, pushing back her anger. “Though the kids did talk with a cris
is counselor at school.”
“Sounds standard to me. What was the issue?”
“I don’t know. Shen did you find anything odd about her?”
“Maybe,” replied Shen with a shrug. “Shrinks always set off alarms with me. My parents had me seeing one after I came out, thinking I could be cured.”
“Money better spent elsewhere,” noted Keoki.
“Exactly,” noted Shen bitterly. “I’m not sick or have a disease. No pill or therapy is going to change who I am. Either way I’m probably not the best person to judge.”
“Did you get her name?” wondered Hunter.
“I did,” replied Athena. “Valerie Wilson or so she says. Not sure what it is, but she seemed off to me. Though I can’t put my finger on it.”
“Run with it then. Check her out. Find out if she’s legit. See what the school says. Your instincts are spot on, most of the time.” Hunter was trying to be supportive. Her skills were excellent.
Athena nodded, though she wanted to add, except for men, especially the man sitting across from her, but held it in.
On the table next to Hunter was a two-way radio, which came to life, the voice of the officer watching the front gate.
“There are two men here to see you. A Lance and Reggie. They said Detective Scanlon mentioned you wanted them to come by.”
“Verify their ID’s and then let them in.”
“Who are they?” asked Keoki.
“More help, at least here at the house. They were part of the team injured in the limo attack. And they’re eager to get back in the game and assist.”
Hunter stood up and went to the front door, opening it. In a few minutes he saw the two men approaching. Lance was on crutches, his left leg in a brace from upper thigh to shin the most serious, his shoulder injury being superficial and on the mend. Following him was Reggie, his left forearm in a removable cast, his face still showing the effects of the cuts and bruises from the limo being rammed on the driver’s side, one of the cuts requiring stitches. Each man introduced themselves as they walked in, Hunter then leading them into the dining area for more introductions.
“Here take this seat Lance,” stated Hunter, pointing to the chair he’d been sitting in.
“Thank you. But I’ve been in a hospital bed a lot these last few days. I’m happy to stand for now.”
“I’m not proud, I’ll take it,” declared Reggie, while sitting down. “Though I’m assuming this is your beer and I’d prefer having my own.” He smiled while handing it to Hunter.
“I’ll get you one,” said Shen, who popped out of his chair and brought him back a cold one, Lance saying he was good for now, the alcohol not a good mix with his pain pills.
“Good to see you both up and around,” commented Hunter. “Sounds like you went through hell.”
“It was,” replied Lance, while leaning on the two crutches he held in front of him. “We’re both champing at the bit to get back to work to erase the bad taste in our mouths.”
“You two appear to have limitations due to your injuries,” declared Athena. “What do you think you can do on the security side?”
“Hunter seems to think we can help here at the house during the day. Other than a cop at the gate, there isn’t much stopping someone from getting inside when you’re all out and about following the family.”
“Scanlon told me he can’t keep cops outside twenty-four hours a day,” added Hunter. “They don’t have the manpower. I was thinking Reggie could cover the day shift at the gate, and Scanlon can provide Officer Coleman covering the dark hours, which he is willing to do for now.”
“And I’ll roam the house, albeit slowly,” Lance said with a grin. “Making certain all is secure during the day. Once you get home, we’ll leave and come back the next morning.”
“When does this start?” asked Cameryn.
“Tomorrow,” answered Hunter. “They plan on being here by 6 a.m.”
“Early risers,” commented Keoki.
“Still have it from our days in the military,” said Reggie, while pointing at Lance.
Keoki nodded. “I understand. My wife had to lure me back to bed with the promise of passion to break my early rising habit from the Navy.”
“And Paige and Jose are okay with them helping out?” inquired Athena.
“Yes. I talked with them and they have no issues footing the bill. So long as we don’t screw up and let them take the kids. Then all bets are off.”
There was no doubt after Hunter said it, finishing his beer, knowing he’d be paying a heavy price if his team failed. His days with the US Marshal’s office teaching him the cost of failure.
Chapter 22
Looking in the bathroom mirror, her makeup removed, Paige tried not to count the lines on her face. The age marks a source of frustration for her. She grumbled at the sight, even though time had been kind to her considering her forty years of life, some of it not always being the easiest to deal with. Especially these last few weeks with the threats to her children. The stress of the situation causing a nauseating feeling in her stomach.
The reflection before her, revealing a pink tank covering her braless top, her hair pulled tightly back into a ponytail. Her contacts removed, the red in her eyes evident from poor sleep and dryness. Paige knew she should forgo the contacts and wear her glasses for a few days, but she hated the way they looked on her face at work. Her makeup had been removed, her teeth flossed and brushed to a pearly white gleam, though they hadn’t shown much lately since her smile had been lost in the pressure she was feeling. Not only because of the threats to her kids, but the business she was running and fending off another company trying to take over all she’d accomplished. But she was fighting it, determined to hold onto her baby, much like her babies in the bedrooms down the hall.
She felt the hands on her hips before noticing him. Jose stood behind her, shirtless and in red boxers, his head resting on her shoulder, his nose inhaling the fragrance that lit a fire in him. His right hand moved to the front of her powder blue panties, exploring his wife, hoping to illicit desire under the fabric.
“You’re stunning,” he whispered in her ear as his mouth nibbled on her lobe.
“I’m exhausted,” she replied, grabbing his hand and sliding it away from her crotch.
“As am I. Though I’m never too tired to make love to my wife,” he countered, trying to slide his hand back.
She loved him more than anything but wasn’t feeling the least bit passionate. She countered his hand again sliding it up to her stomach. She held it there squeezing it tightly, contemplating her response, his wet lips now on her neck.
“Arousal isn’t in the cards,” she stated firmly. “Too much is on my mind to enjoy pleasure with you.”
Jose stopped the kissing, disappointment on his face. “I understand the pressure you’re feeling but I figured we could find a few trigger points…and release it!” His last words were spoken with a deep sensual tone.
She could feel his hot breath in her ear, normally enough to stir her, but a wall was up on her desire, a wall that wouldn’t come down no matter what tried-and-true methods he attempted. She spun around to face him.
“I love you,” she said, putting her hands on his face.
Her look was loving but stern, an expression he’d seen many times and understood completely. Used throughout their marriage by her on numerous things to get her point across without starting an argument. It wouldn’t matter what methods he used; she wasn’t about to change her mind. He leaned forward kissing her forehead, before walking into the bedroom to put on a shirt to sleep in.
Paige turned back to the mirror and finished up getting ready for bed. Climbing in next to her husband, she slid under the sheets before sidling up next to his warm body, her head on his hairless, firm chest. She savored the touch of his skin, the comfort it provided her in these trying times, his heartrate quickening even after all their years together.
“I feel badly I’m not in the mood these d
ays,” she stated. “Too much on my mind. And you know how I feel about going through the motions when it comes to sex.”
Jose pulled her tightly into him. “I understand, no matter how frustrating it can be for me. There’s a time, seemingly not long ago that we came to bed naked both ready to pounce on the other with nary a thought of nothing else.”
“Soon,” she said, though unsure why and how they would get back to those relentless passionate days.
Jose continued to hold her closely, hoping it was true, knowing his love for her was forever. Counting the seconds before she fell asleep, wishing for calm to invade their dreams, and overwhelm the worry and doubt that had been prevalent these last few weeks.
***
The next room over Olivia stepped out of the bathroom and into her bedroom, dressed ready for bed. Her long sleeve was labeled CU Boulder in faded print, a hand me down from her mother, a school she would attend after graduation. Her lower half graced with baggy burgundy sweatpants adorned with her high school logo design which she found comfortable to sleep in. Her hair was held back with a black band, the reason for it her distaste with the follicles getting in her face when she slept.
As she folded down the plump comforter, she heard a strumming sound coming from the room next door, the music calming to hear. Walking out, she slowly opened the door to the room, the sound growing louder. She found her brother sitting on his bed playing his acoustic guitar, his left hand gracefully moving up and down the fretboard, finding the correct cords as he strummed with his right. He glanced up at his sister without losing a beat, as she sat on the chair at his desk.
“Nice,” she asked proudly after he finished the tune. “What are you playing?”
He grinned, happy to have a fan. “Nothing special. Just a few cords I’ve been messing with.”
