by R Weir
Cameryn rolled his eyes. “Hardly. You’ll pull my dead body from my bike before that’ll happen.”
Derek continued his pitch. “Don’t have any motorcycles here, but have plenty of sporty rag tops for your hair to flow in.”
“I’m not here to buy. I’m here to talk with the owner—Red Knoles.”
Derek looked disappointed before pointing behind him. “Walk inside and ask the front desk about his availability. If he isn’t here, one of his two sons should be around.”
Lumbering inside, Cameryn had to deflect a couple of other sales personnel before finding the information desk. The Hispanic woman behind the counter did a double take when she saw him, his appearance and size being intimidating. His broad shoulders showing under his black leather vest, the tattoos shimmering on top of his tanned skin leaping out at her.
“May I help you?” she said in a nervous tone.
“Hello,” he replied with a comforting smile. “I’m here to speak with Red Knoles about an important matter.”
“He is a busy man. What matter did you want to speak with him about?”
“Best I tell him in person. But it is most urgent.” Cameryn scowled seriously.
“I will buzz him. Can you give me a name?”
“Jose Hawkins,” he stated knowing the name would catch his attention.
She appeared to know the name but was confused about the man using it. Still she picked up the phone, uttering the moniker. After a couple of minutes of listening, her face cringing at her boss’s response, she hung up.
“He will see you. Go that way,” she said while pointing. “Look for stairs. Go up them, then head left and you’ll see his office.”
Cameryn moved slowly, climbing the stairs one at a time, ready for any type of confrontation since he knew Red wasn’t thrilled with Jose. As he stepped through the office doorway, he saw the man at his desk, ready for a different person, his face contorted when he saw the large figure before him.
“Who the fuck are you?” he bellowed, with the husky voice of a smoker. The office reeked of smoke as well.
Cameryn wanted to tell Red he foresaw a voice box in his future but decided to keep it to himself.
“An acquaintance of Jose.”
“Any friend of his is an enemy of mine.”
“Not a friend, but someone working for him. I’m here to ask questions about your possible involvement in a felony.”
“Fuck you. And fuck him. I’m not answering a thing. My boys will escort you out the door.”
From behind Cameryn arrived two large men, both with the same nose and cheeks as their father. Though not twins, their muscular body size and appearance were the same. One of the brothers reached out his hand and went to grab Cameryn’s arm.
“Time to make your exit or receive a beating.”
A confident grin filled Cameryn’s chiseled face. “Best not to touch me Son or you might lose your hand.”
He looked at his brother unfazed by the warning, though he did pull back his hand. “There are two of us and only one of you—old man. I think you’re out matched.”
“Age has nothing to do with it—Son,” replied Cameryn with confidence. “Skill is the important factor. You need to rethink your math, as I hardly count as one.”
The son reached his hand out again, which Cameryn promptly slapped away. The other moved in to grab him and Cameryn drove his fist into his solar plexus, doubling him over. The first son took a swing which Cameryn ducked, before punching him in the gut as well. Both were down on one knee now, trying to catch their breath, with little success.
“Tell your boys to back off before they get seriously hurt,” stated Cameryn looking over his shoulder at Red.
Red surveyed the scene, contemplating what to do. He didn’t want to back down and appear weak, but his sons were obviously outmatched. He called to them to stand down.
“Are you ready to answer my questions? No need to get hostile, but I want honest responses.”
“I’m listening. Doesn’t mean I’ll answer though.”
Cameryn leaned against the wall, with a good view of Red and the doorway in case the sons made a move, once they recovered.
“What do you know about attempts to kidnap the Hawkins kids?”
Red frowned. “I have no idea what you’re talking about?”
“Someone has been hired to snatch their two kids. You have motive with your past distain towards the father. I’m here to find out if you’re involved?”
Red groaned. “Jose is a punk I’d punch in the face if I had a chance. But I’d never be stupid enough to commit a federal crime to get even.”
Cameryn watched the sons rising slowly to their feet, ready for any aggression.
“Your vile tone towards him leads me to believe otherwise. His restraining order to stop your harassment shows you have a score to settle.”
“He harassed me first. I was only defending myself from his baseless attacks.”
Cameryn smirked. “You mean about the crappy cars you were ripping people off with.”
“A few dissatisfied people who didn’t do their research before they bought a car. It’s always a gamble when you buy used.” Red didn’t sound remorseful at all.
The explanation didn’t hold water with Cameryn. Scammers like Red had been easy for him to spot.
“And your anger led you to strike back at Jose however you could, including going after his family.”
“Think what you want. I believe in placing my displeasure directly on the person I’m angered with. Going after his kids isn’t my style.” His glare was convincing.
Cameryn didn’t care for the man, but his words rang true. He nodded and turned to walk out.
Red extended his hand, his finger pointing aggressively. “Tell that weasel if he ever comes around my business again, he’ll pay the price in a manner he won’t care for.”
“Old man I’d suggest getting help about your anger issues,” stated Cameryn with a steely eyed stare. “As you and your sons are out of your league when it comes to the tough friends Jose has.”
“I don’t care how tough they are. Make sure you relay my message.”
Cameryn pointed at all three of them. “And understand me, when I say if I find out you’re involved with the attempt to snatch his kids or do anything to hurt anyone in his family there’s nowhere for you to hide.”
Cameryn grinned widely before strolling past the two sons, ready for trouble. The first son didn’t seem fazed by what had happened earlier, reaching into this pant leg and pulling out a knife. Before he could raise it up to use, Cameryn grabbed his wrist twisting it, then with all his strength flung him into his unprepared brother, sending them crashing into the wall, before pulling the knife free. He then held it in the air, just above his head, before stabbing forward jamming the blade deep into the wall between the sons’ heads. Their eyes closed in fear, and an audible gasp was heard from them both. Cameryn lumbered out without a thought of concern of more retaliation, down the stairs hoping to never see them again.
Chapter 25
Athena went through the Dean of Students at the high school, learning who the counselling company was hired out to aid students who’ve recently dealt with trauma in their lives. She was wanting to learn more about the woman talking to Olivia and Deion. A nagging feeling in the back of her neck, uncertain what it was, even though a search for her on the web produced a convincing profile confirming who she was and her skill set. Her instincts kicking in, much the same has it had through the years with others she’d encountered. An instinct that rarely mislead her.
With both students safely at school, Shen keeping an eye on them, Athena drove to the location of the office in east Colorado Springs off Academy Boulevard. Upon arrival she found the multi-floor office building; boxy, brown and bland, the parking lot badly in need of repaving. Once inside the unsecured doors she rode the elevator to the third floor, finding the office at the end of the hall, the stained beige carpeting worn and tattere
d. The sign showing the business name: Pikes Peak Health & Counseling. The door open as she walked in to find an unoccupied, cluttered desk.
“Hello,” Athena called out, while waiting, scanning over the stack of papers left out, some of them likely of a confidential nature.
“Can I help you?”
From a side hallway, strolled a fifty-something gentleman, with a slight gait in his step, dressed in oversized tanned slacks, and sweaty yellow dress shirt. His voice was husky, his odor of sweat and cigarettes. Likely smoking at his desk, even though that would be against the law. Already Athena counted two strikes against the establishment. Hardly a grand first impression.
“Are you the owner of this business?” she asked pointedly.
“That would be me, Victor Quinnell. What can I help you with?”
She wanted to chide him on the personal papers lying for anyone to grab and the stench of smoke but decided to stay on the line of questioning planned.
“Then you provide assistance at schools for students having gone through traumatic events?”
He smiled, as if proud of himself. “We do. The best in therapy when a child is in trouble—or an adult. We work with teachers as well.” His smiled turned solemn. “Sad there is such a need these days with all the violence in schools.”
She doubted the “best” bragging but kept on course.
“All of your employees are trained and licensed professionals?”
Victor switched back on his smile. “Absolutely. My people are skilled at their work. Dedicated to help those in need. Are you looking for help for yourself or someone you know?”
“Someone I know. A teenager. Been through a bad ordeal.”
“You came to the right place. We can help.” He walked over to a filing cabinet, flipping through folders, before pulling out paperwork. “My assistant is off today with a sick kid at home. Fill out these forms to get the process started if you’re the guardian of the minor. If they’re an adult, they need to fill it out themselves.”
Athena looked over the paperwork with disgust.
“I know,” replied Victor to her reaction. “All those wasted trees. But we must do what the government tells us. Lots of medical HIPPA privacy rules and regulations.”
“Is there any way to skirt around all these forms,” wondered Athena with her seductive glare. “Pay money up front to get started immediately. I understand you have a wonderful therapist who gets guaranteed results.”
Victor shook his head, a look of sorrow on his face. “I’m sorry no. But I assure you we can fast track this once all the forms are filled out and you leave a deposit.” His face returned to a smile. “What is the name of the therapist you’ve heard about?”
“Her name is Valerie. Gets to the heart of the problem, or so I’m told.”
Victor’s face reacted again, this time a quiver on his lip when he heard the name.
“I’m sorry but she is all booked up for months. No chance of you being able to see her. But we have others just as qualified, with more availability.”
“Such a shame. I really wanted to meet her and see what she is like. Any way I can call her, maybe arrange a private meeting?”
Athena already had a number for Valerie from the card she handed her. But she was pushing now, sensing Victor’s unsteady nerves at the line of questioning.
“No, I can’t allow that. Maybe you should look for another company to help you. It would seem I don’t have what you need.”
“I can pay you five hundred dollars to get me in contact with her?”
Though the money was tempting, Victor’s squirm was increasing, walking towards the door nervously, grabbing the handle.
“It’s lunch time and I need to close up. Please leave and don’t bother us again. There are plenty of other companies out there who can help. A simple keyword search on the web should provide many options.”
“Not a problem. Maybe I’ll be lucky and run into her on the street.” Athena walked past him, before noticing a wedding band on his finger. “How long have you been married?”
Victor was stunned by the question. “Why are you asking?”
“No particular reason. I figured a catch like you probably gets propositioned a lot by sexy women. Tempting to stray from the marriage bed.”
Victor felt confused by her words. Uncertain if it was a proposition or she had inside info on him.
“I think you should leave,” was his reply, a shudder in his tone.
“Fair enough. But know ears are listening and eyes are watching. Have a nice day!”
Athena strolled out; the door now closed behind her. She’d planted the seed of concern in Victor’s head. Now to see what would come from it.
***
Night had fallen, the new black BMW was sitting in the parking lot of Chapel Hills Mall, the engine running, the driver waiting nervously. Snow was lightly falling, a cold late spring storm adding a winter feel to the air. Victor tapped on the steering wheel in time with the music he was listening to, the heater running to keep the car warm. His eyes wandered back and forth watching for the arrival of the person he was supposed to meet. His heart pounding in his chest at the thought of seeing her.
He nearly jumped out of his seat, when the door opened and a man hopped in the passenger seat. A face he’d not seen before, but appeared deadly serious, a large handgun sitting on his lap.
“Whooo…the hell…are you?” Victor said, half scared out of his wits, his words slurring as if he was drunk.
“A friend of Valerie’s. She sent me to make sure you weren’t about to act stupid.”
Victor’s hands griped the steering wheel, squeezing the leather wrap. “Not at all. I wanted to warn her. I needed to tell her in person though.”
“I’m here instead, so tell me.” The man’s hand now resting on the gun.
“How do I know she sent you?”
The gun flipped up pointing towards Victor. “I’d say you have to trust me on that.”
Victor glared at the gun, not knowing what to do. He was hoping Valerie would reward him with another visit from her female friend. He really needed to take the edge off these days, to relieve the pressure he was feeling.
“I had a visit from someone today, asking about Valerie and wanting to hire her.”
“What did he have to say?”
“It was a female. She said she only wanted her for help with a therapy issue. Heard she was good at her job.”
“And your response?”
“That she was booked up for months and wasn’t available. I told her I could find another therapist to help her, but she insisted on Valerie and only her.”
“What did she look like?”
Victor gave a detailed description, seeming to dwell on the parts of her body he enjoyed gawking at.
“I will relay the message,” stated the man with the gun. “Is there anything else?”
Victor glanced over his shoulder as if he were being watched.
“She was lingering outside for a while. I waited until she left at around three before leaving myself. I’m worried she’d going to be watching me.”
The man thought it over for a minute. “Maybe it’s time you took a vacation and not return to work for a few days.”
Victor nodded his head, agreeing that would be best for his safety and sanity.
“What else?” asked the man, who was growing tired of Victor’s pungent sweat and smoke smell.
Victor hesitated, wondering if he should ask. Worried at the reaction he might get.
“Can you ask her to send her friend to visit me again? I enjoyed her company the last time.”
“Isn’t this how you got into this situation in the first place?”
It was, but Victor didn’t care and didn’t reply.
The man took the gun and cradled it in his hand before pulling back the slide of the handgun and checking for a bullet, before returning it to the firing position. He then placed it on the crotch of Victor, glaring deeply in his eyes.
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“I’d say you should go home and self-relieve yourself while enjoying your time off. And remember to keep quiet or I’ll return and make sure you won’t need to worry about getting your rocks off ever again. Am I clear?”
Victor looked down, not caring for the feel of the cold steel pressing into his pants. He nodded slowly, but convincingly before the man stepped out of the car.
Once outside Kyle walked to the other side of the parking lot, dialing his phone to call Valerie to let her know what Victor had told him. When she heard the description of the woman she knew right away it was Athena.
“Victor will have to be dealt with as we get closer,” she said to Kyle. “Are you up for the task?”
Kyle didn’t have to reply. They both knew the answer as he got into his car and drove back to Black Forest.
Chapter 26
Before leaving Colorado Springs, Hunter had heard the weather report calling for a powerful spring storm predicting to leave a foot or more of wet heavy snow. With the news he’d come prepared, bringing extra clothing in case spending the night was required. With the clouds building and the forecast not changing, he was contemplating if he’d attempt to drive back or find a hotel to stay in before they got booked up, when his cell phone rang. It’s was Latoya with news on the search for the ex-husband.
“I believe I found Isiah for you,” she stated. “He appears to be living in North Dakota.”
“Care to meet for a drink?” wondered Hunter.
“Are you in town?”
“I am. I just left Boulder and I’m headed east on highway 36. I’m debating on staying in town overnight with this storm coming in. Meeting you for a drink will seal the deal.”
Latoya was quiet for a minute, deciding on an answer.
“Nothing wrong having a drink together. But only a drink and nothing else.” She tried to sound convincing but wasn’t sure she came off that way.
“I promise to keep my hands to myself,” replied Hunter, his wicked smile not seen by her.
“The Westin is a great place to stay. Get off at 104th Avenue and go left. It’s a tall building you can’t miss. They have a restaurant and bar there. I’m not too far away and can be there in twenty minutes or so.”
