by Anne Patrick
"Find Agent Washington. I need to talk to him."
"Jo, he can meet us at the hospital," Austin said.
She shook her head and her nails dug deeper in his skin. "This can't wait. Go. Go find him."
They reached the side parking lot and only had to wait a minute before Tommy came to a screeching halt right beside them. He jumped out and ran around and opened the passenger side door. Austin and Bailey helped Jo inside. "I'll meet you at the hospital," Tommy said.
Austin climbed behind the wheel. The motor still running, he reached for the gearshift but Jo stopped him. "Give Isaac a few more minutes," she pleaded.
His heart pounded, fueled by adrenalin. "Why do you need to talk to him so bad?"
"Agent Ryan is the one Briggs is after. She sent the news articles to Isaac." She leaned her head back against the seat, facing him, her hands cradling her stomach. "She's been hunting Briggs. He murdered her little sister."
"Did she tell you all this?"
"She confirmed it before she took off…with my radio. I don't know what she has planned, but I have a feeling it's not good." With a moan, Jo clenched her eyes shut.
"We’d better go, Dad."
Austin didn't give Jo a chance to argue. He radioed dispatch to have them alert the hospital. Running lights and sirens, he raced through town, slowing only at the stoplights. "How're you doing, babe?"
"Okay, just don't kill us."
He chuckled. Glad she still had her sense of humor.
"Bailey?"
"Yeah, Jo"
"I'm sorry I ruined your prom."
"You didn't ruin anything."
Two nurses were waiting at the emergency room exit when they arrived. Tommy stood nearby. Austin and Bailey helped Jo from the car into the wheelchair then Tommy joined them. Just as they were wheeling Jo in, Isaac ran up the walk followed by two other agents.
"Jo, are you okay?"
"I've been better. Austin, tell him what I told you about Ryan."
"Wait a minute." Austin caught up to them. "I love you, Jo." He kissed her.
She smiled at him. "We're gonna be okay. Don't worry. Remember what I told you about the vision in the park."
"I do." That explained how she had managed to stay so calm when he was a nervous wreck. He gave her another kiss. "I'll be in to see you after I do the paperwork."
"Maybe that's not such a good idea," she said with a chuckle. "Let's go, ladies."
Austin smiled after her, wishing now he hadn't shared his most embarrassing moment with her. Not even Bailey knew he had fainted during her delivery.
Bailey and Tommy followed Jo inside, and when the boy slipped his arm around Bailey's shoulder, the knot in Austin's stomach grew.
"Stay with the girl," Isaac instructed the two agents. "Don't let her out of your sight." He then turned to Austin. "Have you seen Agent Ryan? She is supposed to be with Jo."
"Your Agent Ryan has gone AWOL. Come on, I'll fill you in."
CHAPTER TWENTY NINE
Isaac's chartered jet arrived in Pervy, Nebraska just as the sun rose the following morning. Local law enforcement met them on the tarmac. A stocky, balding, man in his late fifties dressed in a khaki uniform greeted Isaac with an outstretched hand. "I'm Sheriff Tom Hastings. You must be Agent Washington?"
"Yes, sir. Along with agents Farrell, Rifkin, and Milano. Thanks for meeting us."
"My pleasure." He motioned to his black SUV. "We have the Ryan farm surrounded. There are three vehicles on the property; two registered to the Ryan's, and a black Chevy Impala reported stolen from Sioux Falls three days ago. There's also an airport rental under Molly's name parked about a quarter mile down the road."
Isaac climbed into the front passenger seat, still hoping Jo's hunch was wrong. Rifkin was able to trace the missing agent's steps and they knew that after she had commandeered one of their rentals, she had taken a flight out of Portland to Omaha. Isaac remembered the unanswered call to her parents a couple of days ago, and after a brief call to her ASAC to get their address, the search led them here.
"Have you tried to make contact?"
"The landline's been disconnected and they're not responding to the bullhorn."
"Are there any other vehicles registered to the Ryans?"
"No. If your guy left, he did so on foot. And he would have had a long walk. The closest neighbor is eleven miles."
Twenty minutes later, they arrived at the Ryan farm and parked along the tree line at the front of the property. Rifkin and Milano removed the cases containing their tactical gear and opened the tailgate of the SUV.
"Looks like you boys came prepared," the sheriff commented, eyeing their equipment.
Agent Farrell stepped in and grabbed a Kevlar vest and an assault rifle. "This isn't our first rodeo, sir."
"No, I don't reckon it is. I'll let my men know you're moving in."
"Tell them to keep their positions though. We don't want Briggs getting away."
"Will do."
"And I'd like to borrow your bullhorn."
Isaac put on his vest, grabbed the binoculars, and stepped to the tree line. Fifty or sixty yards from the barn stood a white two-story house with a wraparound porch. The curtains on all the windows facing him were drawn. "Rifkin and Milano. Go around back and see if you can get us some eyes and ears."
"On it, sir," Agent Milano answered.
Rifkin handed him a portable radio and headset, and then he and Milano took off through the open field, making their way toward the rear of the house.
Sheriff Hastings returned with the bullhorn. "One of my guys said there is a cellar on the west side with one of the doors open."
"Could be that's how Agent Ryan gained access. Farrell, check it out. Take a deputy with you. Don't breach the first floor till I give the go ahead."
"Yes, sir."
Several minutes passed. "Rifkin, how you guys doing?" Isaac asked through his headpiece.
"No sound or movement inside. There's a light on in the kitchen and there's a body on the floor. I don't have a visual on the face though."
"Male or female?"
"Can't tell. All I see are tennis shoes."
Isaac prayed it wasn't Molly. He took the bullhorn from the sheriff. "Harland Briggs. This is Agent Washington with the FBI. We have you completely surrounded. You have five minutes to come out with your hands up or we're coming in after you."
After six minutes of complete silence, Isaac drew his gun. "You wanna back me up?"
"With pleasure," Sherriff Hastings answered.
They carefully made their way to the farmhouse. Within a few feet of the porch, Isaac said, "Go, go, go," into his headpiece. He raced up the steps and checked the wooden door. It was locked.
"Allow me," the sheriff offered. Isaac stepped back, and with barely any effort, Hastings busted through.
Isaac followed him in. "Federal agents! Drop your weapons!" He quickly scanned the living room while the sheriff moved into the dining area.
"Clear," Agent Farrell hollered from down the hall. He headed toward the stairs. Agent Milano followed close behind.
"Sir, you'll wanna come to the kitchen," Rifkin said.
Isaac followed the sound of his voice. Fearing the worst, his gut felt like it was in his throat. He swallowed hard and stepped into the room. An opened package of lunchmeat and bread sat on the counter next to a bloody butcher knife.
"We finally got him, sir." Rifkin stepped away from the edge of the counter.
Isaac lowered his gaze to the floor. It was Briggs. Blood saturated the middle of his chest and coagulated at his side, turning a rusty brown. Stuck in the waist of his jeans was a service revolver matching the one taken from Officer Benzali.
"Rigor mortis hasn't set in so he's been dead less than three hours."
"Clear the house. Find Agent Ryan." Isaac knelt beside the body. Three years he had waited for this moment. The carnage was over. He and Jo could finally put this case behind them. He wondered if Jo had her baby yet. Joyce h
ad been in labor over twelve hours with their first born. He prayed it wouldn't be that long for Jo.
"You've been after this guy a while I take it?" Sheriff Hastings asked from behind.
Isaac stood. "Yeah."
"Is it true he's killed twenty-five people?"
"Make that twenty-seven," Agent Milano said from the doorway.
Isaac met his grave expression. "Agent Ryan?"
"She's alive. She's in one of the upstairs bedrooms…with the bodies of her parents."
"Oh no." Isaac followed Milano back up the stairs. At the top, Isaac saw two deputies standing outside one of the rooms. He walked toward them and peered inside. Agents Farrell and Rifkin stood on either side of Agent Ryan next to a bloody queen size bed. Her face was pale as she turned and looked at Isaac.
"I didn't want anyone to see her like that."
Isaac came forward and wrapped his arms around her. The expected tears never came. Stepping back, he met her blank stare. For a brief instant, it was like déjà vu, and he was in Maine with Jo. "Where's your service weapon?"
"There, on the dresser."
"Bag it, Farrell. Milano and Rifkin, secure the scene."
Isaac led the young agent back downstairs to the living room. "I'm gonna need to take your statement."
"I know." She quietly took a seat on the sofa and stared at her hands. "I arrived about two hours ago. It was still dark but there were lights on upstairs and in the kitchen. As I approached the house, I saw Briggs go into the kitchen. I went around to the other side of the house and entered through the basement. When I came into the room, he was fixing a sandwich. I identified myself as a federal agent and he reached for the knife on the counter. I then emptied my clip into him."
"Why did you leave Oregon without telling anyone what was going on?" Isaac sat in a chair opposite her.
She raised her head and looked at him with the same blank stare she wore upstairs. "I don't know. When Agent McDaniels said he was after me, I knew exactly what he wanted. All I could think of was my little sister…and my parents. I had to try to save them. The locals were no match for Briggs and, well, you guys sort of had your hands full." She let out a long sigh. "Am I in a lot of trouble?"
"That depends. Did you come here with the intention of killing Briggs?"
"No."
He wished he could believe her. "You'll be placed on administrative leave pending an inquiry. The rest will be up to the bureau. Do you have any other family in the area we can call for you?"
"No, but I'll be all right. I assume you'll want autopsies done on my parents?"
"I'll call Boone. Until the scene is released, we'll put you up in a motel. As soon as you feel up to it, you'll need to give a full written statement of all your actions prior to and after you entered the house."
"I understand." She slowly shook her head. "He was fixing a sandwich as if nothing had happened." Her steady gaze fell on him. "What kind of monster does that?"
He had no answer to that question. The only person who really knew Harland Briggs was Jo.
*****
Jo screamed through another contraction. She didn't know how much more of this she could take. "You remember us talking about natural childbirth, well, I've reconsidered. I don't want to be awake, so give me a shot or some pills and let's get this over with."
"The pain is temporary, Jo." Dr. Reinhart squeezed her hand for reassurance. "Remember we talked about this. Once the baby's born, the pain will be forgotten."
"Yeah, well, you lied about the pain. It hurts a lot worse than you said it would. Now give me a shot."
"I'm afraid it's too late for that, Jo. Remember your breathing, concentrate on your breathing."
"I already tried that. It's not working. I want a shot."
"Why don't I go get your husband or your mother? They're right outside in the waiting room."
"No. If either of them comes back in here, I'm liable to kill them."
"Okay, relax, they stay outside." Dr. Reinhart stepped back to the end of the bed.
Another contraction gripped Jo's body and she screamed, clutching the sides of the bed. "How much longer?" she barely managed once the pain had subsided.
"Not long."
"That's what you said nine hours ago."
"You're doing fine, Jo, just hang in there."
*****
Austin glanced around the waiting room. Bailey sat in between her grandmother and the two agents Isaac had insisted on leaving with them. It had been over two hours since he saw Jo or the doctor. He hated not knowing what was going on and if Jo was okay.
According to Dr. Reinhart, Jo's early delivery wasn't all that uncommon, especially with the stress Jo had been under lately. Though she had assured him that both mother and baby were fine, he couldn't help worrying about them. If anything happened to them…
"Any news yet?"
Austin turned at Tommy's entrance and accepted the cup of coffee he offered. "No."
He couldn't help but be impressed with the teenager. The way he had jumped into action at the prom, and the only time he had left Bailey's side was to phone his parents or to get them something to drink.
Austin continued to pace the floor, the caffeine only heightening his anxiety. At least they had received good news from Isaac. Briggs was dead. It was finally over. Jo would be so relieved. "I can't do this," he finally announced, forging past his phobia. "I've got to be in there with her."
"Go ahead," Liz said. "Bailey will be okay."
"Thanks." He handed Tommy the half-full cup of coffee.
Donning a surgical gown and mask as directed by a nurse, he entered the delivery room, his stomach already queasy from the smell of antiseptic.
"How's she doing?"
"She's doing fine, but I don't think it's such a good idea you coming back in here."
"I'll be fine, I won't faint, I promise."
"I'm not worried about you fainting. I just don't think your wife really wants to see you right now."
Jo screamed as she rose on her elbows.
"Don't push yet."
Austin stepped to the bed and looked down at her. She was drenched in sweat, her cheeks a rosy red. "Hi, baby," he said and took her hand in his.
"Don't baby me. This is all your fault."
"My hand, Jo…you're breaking my hand."
"Good."
He heard Dr. Reinhart chuckle and glanced down at her. She gave him a supportive smile. Returning his attention to his wife, he kissed her forehead. "You're doing great, babe."
"Have you heard anything from Isaac?" Jo asked through labored breaths.
"He called a little while ago. Agent Ryan is fine and Briggs was shot and killed."
"Really? He's dead…you're sure?"
"I'm positive."
"Okay, Jo, this is it. I need you to start pushing."
The nurse stepped in and adjusted the pillows behind her back. "It won't be long now," she advised, and patted Jo's shoulder.
Austin started blowing out short bursts of air like he'd seen mothers on TV do while giving birth.
"What are you doing?" Jo was quick to ask.
"Isn't that the way you're supposed to be breathing?"
"I am. You're not. You look ridiculous."
"Right, so what do you want me to do?"
"You really want me to answer that?"
"Why don't you just hold her hand," Dr. Reinhart advised, offering a supportive smile. "Come on, Jo, push."
"I am pushing. Why isn't it coming out?"
"It is, just a couple more pushes…that's it…you're doing great, Jo."
Gathering what little strength she had left in her, she closed her eyes, screamed and pushed with all her might.
"Oh, Jo."
She opened her eyes at Austin's words to see him standing at the foot of the bed. She couldn't tell if he was crying or laughing. "What's wrong? Is something wrong with the baby?"
He glanced up, shaking his head at the same time. "He's perfect," he said softly,
and she realized he wasn't laughing, but crying.
Tears formed in her eyes at the sight of him holding their baby. "I want to see him. Can I see him?"
"Hang on just a minute," the nurse, said, guiding Austin and their baby to the other side of the room.
"Congratulations, Momma." Dr. Reinhart stripped off her surgical gloves and gave Jo a hug.
"Thank you," she barely managed through the tears.
"You were right, sweetheart, he's got your hair." Austin came to her bedside and drew back the corner of the blue blanket.
Jo glanced down at the most beautiful baby she had ever seen. "He is perfect."
"Yes he is," Dr. Reinhart confirmed. "A very healthy six pound and four ounce bundle of joy."
Austin carefully placed their baby in her arms then slid onto the bed next to her. "I'm so proud of you."
"I'm proud of you, too. You didn't faint."
He laughed.
Soon afterwards, they moved Jo into a private room, and Liz and Bailey joined them. Smiling, the teenager came over and stood next to the bed. "Hey there, Eli."
"Would you like to hold your baby brother?" Jo asked.
Bailey swiped at a tear, meeting Jo's gaze. "I would love to."
CHAPTER THIRTY
Jo stood watching her sleeping son through the partitioned glass of the nursery. She couldn't imagine a joy more fulfilling than what she felt right now. She was beyond blessed.
Lord, thank you for answering my prayers, and for giving Austin and me this wonderful gift. I promise I will do my very best to be a good mother, to raise our son to know you and to love him unconditionally, just as you love us.
"Boy or girl?" a familiar voice asked from behind her.
She turned, smiling, and took Isaac's hand and pulled him closer. "A boy. We've named him Eli James. Isn't he gorgeous?"
"Just like his mom." He squeezed her hand. "You're going to make a terrific mother, Jo."
"Thanks. I was kinda worried until recently." She glanced back at her son. "They're going to keep him for a couple of days just to be safe."
"He looks pretty healthy from here. How are you doing?"
"Other than being exhausted, I'm okay. It was such an amazing experience, Isaac."
