The Rig

By Joe Bob Newman

This is the story of Big Jack, who drives a red and silver (The Rig) 18 wheeler. He is stopped at a Truck stop resting, when a woman, carrying a brief case, bangs on his door. She is medium height, blonde hair and is wearing a black mini dress. He lets her in and finds that she has just stolen the brief case from the mob. The brief case holds a million dollars and a large bag of diamonds. The money and diamonds are payment for a drug payoff. While running from the mob they fall in love, and get married. She becomes pregnant, and they have many adventures dealing with mob hit men. When their baby is born, he is stolen by the mob and they must get him back. After a fierce gun battle they get the baby and run and hide. The mob searches for them and eventually finds them. Only it is not the mob that they expected.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Joe Bob Newman
• Release date: Mar 7, 2013
• ISBN: 9781301114757

Joe Bob Newman

I have been writing mystery and fiction books since 1982. I have never considered having any published until now. My career has been in writing technical documents for the defense industry. By profession I am a mechanical engineer, P.E. I have six grand children.. During the summer months, I spend a lot of time in the mountains of New Mexico. Watching wildlife and observing the ecology. i also enjoy riding my 4-wheeler. I built a cabin by myself, just above a stream filled with trout, perhaps i should say am building, I have been working on it for twenty years and it is still not finished, but it is livable, it has electricity, running water and a septic system. With that, I am happy to live there in the summer months and for a week or two in the winter, but I have found that I am not much of a "snow" person.I do hope you read and enjoy my books as much as I enjoyed writing them! Thanks for visiting my page.Joe Bob Newman

Book preview

The Rig

By Joe Bob Newman

Copyright 2013 Joe Bob Newman

Cover Design by Laura Shinn

ISBN 978-1301114757

License Notes

All rights reserved. Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the above copyright owner.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, brands, media, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. The author acknowledges the trademarked status and trademark owners of various products referenced in this work of fiction, which have been used without permission. The publication/use of these trademarks is not authorized, associated with, or sponsored by the trademark owners.

Other Books by Joe Bob Newman – See the last page of this book for details.

The Craft

When Time Stood Still

Phantom Canyon

The Executive

The Asteroid

The above books are available as Paperback or eBooks at Barnes and Nobles, Amazon, and Smashwords.com

Prologue

Sal Salvador was a dark complected, tall slender man. He was dressed in expensive cowboy clothes. His boots were hand made and polished impeccably. He had an air of power about him. He set in the back seat of the black stretch Lincoln staring at his beautiful protégé, Mona. He handed her the black brief case. It nearly matched the color of her mini skirt. Her blonde hair was down over her shoulders. Her white shirt, was unbuttoned just enough to show a lot of cleavage. She had on a push up bra. It left little to the imagination. He was not thinking about the money or the diamonds that were in the brief case. His mind was thinking what all he was going to do with Mona tonight. They would both sample the goods tonight. He was looking forward to getting her high.

Sal smiled and said, This is your first time, do you want me to go with you?

Mona smiled back, very seductively, No, I got it, I go into the dining room and find the man with the black hat and suit. I give him the case and he gives me the key to the car over there. She pointed at the old gray Pontiac.

Good Girl, Sal said, now, go and make me proud. The big burly security man opened the door for her.

She got out one leg at a time, smiling at Sal giving him a show. She closed the door and looked at herself in the shiny window. She knew that she looked good.

Mona walked into the Bar Q and went to the diner. She saw the man in the black hat. He was watching her closely. She walked on through the dining room as if she was going to the ladies room. She saw a tall man with a back pack go through the truckers door and head out into the truck lot. Mona noticed that the girl behind the counter really paid attention to the man, that was a good sign, she thought. She followed him out the door. He did not walk far; he got into the cab of a red Rig, an eighteen wheeler.

She turned and looked to see if anyone was following her. No one was. However she seemed to be the center of attention.

She followed the tall man to his Rig and stood there a moment looking around. The coast was clear, she thought. She reached up and knocked on his door. She bent over and looked under the trailer. The black Lincoln was coming around the building slowly. She had only seconds.

The door opened and she stepped up on the trucks running board. The driver said, Yes, but did not hesitate; he pulled her into the cab of the truck. He only had his underwear on. He was a good looking man with an honest face she noticed.

He would do fine, now to get out of here!

The Rig

Big Jack Kemper jerked the steering wheel to the right, just in time to avoid the little four wheeler automobile that careened in front of him. The massive eighteen wheeler lurched onto the shoulder spitting out pebbles and debris as the tires squealed in protest. Several four letter words escaped his mouth before he reached up and pulled the cord for the air horn to moan to life. The deep throated honking of the horn gave him some satisfaction. Jack had been driving big Rig’s for ten years now, since he was eighteen.

He slowed and eased the Rig back onto the freeway. Damned idiot drivers, they think I can stop on a dime. He was coming up on Abilene Texas, and the Bar-Q truck stop. He was ready for a shower and some sleep time. Just two more miles to the exit and he could get off and rest some. Jack blinked his eyes, fighting off sleep. He had driven almost 500 miles through the night and early morning hours. He was exhausted and had exceeded his log books allowance for miles and time driven in one driving period.

Jack took his foot off the gas pedal and let the Rig coast a while. He double clutched and dropped into a lower gear. He eased the big Rig to the exit and slowed on down to forty, the exit ramp posted speed. He slowed down more and stopped at the stop sign. No cross traffic was coming. He turned left and crossed under the freeway. He made a right turn into the stations lot and pulled up to a set of fuel pumps. He shut the diesel down, and he opened the door and slid out.

The young attendant asked, Fill ‘er up? He had a ten dollar smile written all over his face. Jack was accustomed to seeing the young man at the Bar-Q. Andy the attendant enjoyed remembering the repeat drivers and providing them with excellent service.

Jack nodded, handed Andy his credit card, and said, Please check the oil. Jack undid the latches and pushed the fiberglass hood open. He walked down the sides of the rig, and kicked each tire. They were all fine. He looked closely at the tread on each tire, there were no separations, and the tires were in good shape. Jack kept his rig in good shape, having maintenance done on it on a regular basis. He considered himself to be a good veteran truck driver. He had never had an accident, at least one that was on his record.

He walked into the station and got himself a cherry coke and drank half of it in one swallow. Jack took a number for a shower and noted that he was next on the list. He paid the cute young girl at the counter for the coke, the shower, and then walked back to his truck. He was tempted to flirt with the girl, but was just too tired. He had managed to wink at her. Her name was Cindy and he normally flirted with her. She seemed disappointed.

Jack walked back out to the fuel pumps. Andy said, Checked your oil, everything looks fine, you going to stay with us a while?

Jack replied, Yeah Andy, I want a shower, and then to sleep the rest of the day. I have to drive tonight and be in Phoenix, tomorrow.

That’s quite a drive, Andy said, Just pull up in the lot over there anywhere. You gonna sleep in your rig? Andy asked as he nodded his head toward the back lot. Andy was finishing washing the windshield. He used the wiper to clean the water and debris off.

Jack nodded and smiled at Andy, gave him a tip, and took his credit card and his receipt.

Andy pointed and added, It’s quietest in the back on the left side, you just have to watch out for the hookers, but they aren’t too bad during the day time.

Jack nodded his thanks, smiled at the attendant, closed the hood, hooked the latches, and climbed back into his rig. He started the diesel back up, and pulled into the lot where the attendant had pointed. The lot must have had fifty rigs in it. It was nearly full. After finding a good quiet parking spot, he grabbed his back pack and he climbed back out, and locked the door. Jack walked down the side of the tractor to the trailer and continued on to the end of the trailer. He checked the locks on the trailer doors, and smiled to himself, he had a valuable load inside the box trailer. He looked with admiration at his Rig! His Rig had a red tractor and a silver trailer with white lettering down the side. It was a slightly cool day; he did not have to leave the diesel running. It should start right up. He would be able to sleep in the back comfortably.

Jack walked into the station, and headed for the shower, he looked at his ticket, and his number was showing. The bathroom attendant had just finished straightening up the shower and it was ready for him. He opened his back pack, laid his clean clothes on the counter and began to undress. He turned on the hot water and stepped into the steaming spray, it felt so good to his tired bones. Washing himself quickly, he just stood in the hot water, letting it massage his muscles.

He was just twenty eight. He was a big man, strong, but quick to smile. His Mother had frequently referred to him as a big ‘ol Teddy bear. He smiled and missed his Mother. She had died the previous year of kidney failure. She had left a big hole in his life. Jack had a brother, but now felt somewhat like an orphan. His Father had died when he was five, and he barely remembered his Father. He rarely saw his brother. He would stop and see him a couple times during the year.

His brother ran an automotive shop in Midland Texas. Jack often drove through Midland, but seldom stopped. He did not want to lose touch with his brother, but they did not seem to have a lot in common. Jack drove trucks and Tommy worked on cars, not a lot to talk about.

He turned the water off, stepped out of the shower and dried off with a large white towel. He put his clean clothes on and then stuffed his dirty clothes into his back pack. He slid his boots on, brushed his teeth, combed his hair, and headed for the restaurant, where he sat down in the area reserved for truckers. He ordered a steak, baked potato, and iced tea. He was hungry. No breakfast for him.

After polishing off the entire meal, and having a piece of pecan pie, Jack paid for his meal and went out into the public area and smiled at Cindy behind the counter. She smiled back at him. He then shook his head at her and headed to his truck. He had seen her before many times, and would like to have had some time just to talk with her. She was a nice sweet girl, in her mid twenties, someone that Jack could get interested in. Jack noticed the woman in the black mini skirt, with the brief case, just as everyone else did, she was gorgeous. She made eye contact with Jack, but he looked away.

He was ready for some sleep time. He walked outside to his Rig. At his cab he unlocked the door; he crawled in the cab, slipped into the back, closed the curtains, undressed and lay down on top of the blanket. He was asleep in no time at all.

Jack woke up to a banging on the drivers door. He jumped up, pulled the drapes open and looked out the driver’s side window. There was a blonde headed woman standing there in a black mini dress, wearing high heels, carrying a brief case. It was the same woman from inside the diner. She was not looking at Jack, but was looking all around. Jack opened the door, and said, Yes?

She did not say a word, just started climbing into the Rig. This was a first for Jack; he immediately wondered who the woman was and why she was climbing into his Rig. If this was a hooker, she was certainly bold. He grabbed her arm and pulled her on into the cab. Her arm was muscular, yet soft at the same time. She was a real looker, she interested Jack in ways that he did not want to think about, and he was just too tired.

Jack backed up and let her slide across him. She threw the brief case into the passenger seat and slammed the door behind her just as a big black Lincoln drove around the back of the Rig, and pulled up beside his door. She had ducked down, and Jack looked out the window.

The passenger door of the Lincoln opened and a large man got out. The man had massive shoulders and a jacket on that fit him poorly. He motioned for Jack to roll down his window. Jack did. The man asked, Have you seen a woman in a black dress?

Jack looked down at the woman; she shook her head no, and mouthed, Please!

Jack looked back at the man, and said, No one around here, like that. The woman slid out of his lap into the passenger seat. Her blonde hair slid across his bare legs sensuously. She was mostly in the floor board, keeping her head below the window level. Her short skirt had ridden up her legs until just as much of her legs were showing as were Jacks. Jack looked out the window at the big man and tried hard to ignore the woman.

The large man thanked him, and got back into the car, and it slowly cruised around the big rigs. Jack watched the car closely then locked his door, and looked at the woman. What gives? He asked. She was actually quite beautiful. Her facial features belied her age. She looked like a teenager, but was obviously older.

She pointed at the brief case, and said, I stole this from them; I will give you half, if you will get me out of here. She had such a look of innocence about her.

Half of what? Jack asked. She had piqued his curiosity. He did not want to barter with her; he had no idea what they were bartering over. He looked her up and down, and she did the same to him. Jack felt uncomfortable with her staring at him, but he was staring at her too.

I think there is a million dollars in here in money and a bag of diamonds. She said. I think the diamonds are worth another half million.

Jack furled his brow, and said, Wow, who did you steal it from? He knew it was obviously the people in the black Lincoln.

From them, the mob, she answered. For the first time Jack looked at the woman intently and realized just how pretty she was. She was not tall, but would be considered full figured, not fat though. She looked scared half to death, maybe she had a right to be, Jack thought. She really filled the little black dress out in a way that made Jack forget what he was doing.

Jack thought for a minute. They will kill us if they catch us, won’t they? He had no desire to get involved with mob business. Yet, could he turn this young woman over to them, knowing that they would kill her. For some reason, he decided to help her and to protect her. He was wondering if he would soon regret that decision. The thought of being killed by the mob was not one that he enjoyed entertaining.

The woman answered, They will kill me for sure. You have to get me to Midland, Texas. Will you do that for me please, I will give you half of what ever is in here?

I just happen to be going that way. I will be happy to drop you off there. Jack was already wondering what he would do with a half million dollars. Maybe he could get a real girl friend. He could pay off his house and get a new pickup, there were lots of things that he needed. But, the thought of a real steady girl friend was at the top of the list.

She said, "By the way, my name is Mona Taylor, what’s yours? He watched her mouth as she formed the words of her name. He did not think that she was lying.

Jack said, My name is Jack Kemper, pleased to meet you ma’am. Get in the back; I have to sleep some more before I can drive.

Mona said, You can’t, I have to get out of here now. They will not give up. They will search each truck until they find me. She had tears in her eyes.

They won’t search my truck, most truckers in this lot won’t allow a search either, Jack responded firmly. You have nothing to worry about, get in the back and lay down.

Mona’s eyes got big, Oh no, I am not one of those kind of girls, you get half of what is in the brief case. I will not sleep with you! She had a mixed look on her face of pure innocence and anger.

I did not say anything about sex, I said sleep. You can sit up if you like, but I am going back to sleep. I suggest you stay in the back where you can’t be seen. Jack was getting irritated now; he was not accustomed to people disregarding his instructions. He felt that he was the Captain of his Rig, and everyone that was in it was under his command. At this point he still felt totally in control, he was not sure how much longer that would last.

Mona didn’t say another word. She just crawled into the back to the sleeper area. Jack noticed that she never let go of the brief case. Jack pulled her high heels off and set them on the floor. She did not seem to mind. Jack was admiring the view when she cocked her head around and stared at him. He looked up at the ceiling. He had the desire to say something, but nothing came out of his mouth.

He crawled into the back with her, shut the curtains, and turned the light on. He said, Let’s take a look at what is in the brief case.

She smiled, for the first time, and said, We can’t, it’s locked. He was stunned at her smile. She was as beautiful a woman as he had ever seen. To think that she was a mob woman was hard to believe.

Jack said, I have some tools under the bed. He reached under the bed and pulled out his tool box. He took out a screw driver and a hammer, and set there looking at Mona. She was holding the brief case to her chest with both hands. Jack added, Mona let’s open it and see what’s in it, okay? He gave her a rare smile.

Mona’s brown eyes had gotten even bigger, but she handed the case to Jack. He wedged the screw driver under one of the locked latches and smacked the screw driver with the hammer. The latch popped open. He did the same with the other latch. Once the lid was loose he handed the case back to Mona and said, Okay, you open it. The thought had occurred to him, that there might be something else in it besides money and diamonds.

Mona undid the center strap and gently opened the lid and peered inside. She turned the case around so that Jack could see into it. There was a blue velvet pouch in the case and about a hundred stacks of bills, all showing one hundred dollars on top. She was smiling at him. Jack smiled back. He had never seen so much money in all his life. Jack took the blue felt pouch out, and opened it. It was full of what looked like diamonds. He was holding one of the diamonds up to the light, looking at it intently. He could not believe how big the diamonds were.

A rapping on his driver’s door broke their trance. Jack moved to the front seat and rolled down the window. The same big man was standing outside the window. Now he had a gun stuck inside his belt that Jack could see. Very grumpily, Jack said, Yes?

The big man smiled, and said, We are searching for a woman, would you mind if we looked in your truck?

Jack reached under the seat, and took out his own gun. He smiled back at the big man and said, I already told you, I haven’t seen any women, and there is NO woman in here. He really highlighted the one word.