Simeon's Promise II

By Lewis Kelley

Inhaling the mingled scents of pine and parched earth, Simeon perched on a forested hill in New Mexico, eyes shut, mediating on the being who framed him. Weeks before, he was breathless when Nadine arrived at the front gates of Leavenworth Penitentiary; journeying there to retrieve the innocent man she locked in that place for more than fourteen years, before storming back into his life after revealing the truth. He might have strangled her that day if not for the promise to his dying parents... He would try to forgive the woman whose lies robbed him of his life so that he could truly be free. Every moment together since was chaotic--volatile. But then she vanished.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lewis Kelley
• Release date: Dec 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463907542

Lewis Kelley

Lewis Kelley has lived an eclectic existence; husband, father, author, soldier, athlete, coach and firefighter have encompassed some of the stops along the way. He lives in Colorado with his wife. He is the author of the Auslander and Simeon's Promise series, as well as, Consider Job(e). Along with living life, he is hard at work on several writing projects which will be made available as they become ready.

Book preview

Simeon’s Promise II

By

Lewis Kelley

More by Lewis Kelley:

Simeon’s Promise

Foreign Son

(Book 1-Auslander series)

Flight

(Book 2-Auslander series)

Consider Job€

Coming Soon:

Petra

(An Auslander Book)

Elise

(An Auslander Book)

Baby-Girl

Copyright © 2018 by Lewis Kelley

All Rights Reserved

Book design by Lewis Kelley

Visit Lewis Kelley at www.authorlewiskelley.com

All characters and events in this book are fictitious.

Any resemblance to actual persons is coincidental.

The cataloging-in-publication data is on file with the Library of Congress.

Love keeps no record of wrongs.

Prologue

Simeon flexed the fingers of both hands…they burned, a distraction he subconsciously welcomed in contrast to the churning in his gut. Calm down, he whispered. When Nadine was taken there was no time for weakness. He’d needed to function—process information; that took a still mind, not one crippled by doubt. But the distraction of searching for her was behind them. There was no denying the truth. Her loss would have wrecked him…he acknowledged that. Losing the mentally unstable woman who stole his existence carried a weight capable of incapacitating him. That knowledge was sobering. He knew more. His parents understood their son intimately, realizing which demons contact with Nadine would force him to confront long before he could. Their impossible story was enduring—binding together two disparate lives.

She came back to me, Simeon breathed. Mom…Dad, I still have the chance to fight through my brokenness, something you knew instinctively… He stood, his attention settling on the path back to the group. They were waiting; everyone who helped him search and Nadine. When he moved, his mind shifted toward a different sentiment. And this emotion bore no resemblance to despair.

Book Two

1

A glimpse confirmed Ignacio’s intuition. The creases at the edges of the down-turned mouth, the way the man’s fingers curled, just short of making fists. But the real evidence—the part that exposed his soul—incubated behind the stabbing eyes. Rage consumed the approaching man. I talked to the women…they’re about finished, the Pueblo Indian said, his pitch flat.

Simeon tilted his chin. Turning in the direction of Nadine’s kidnappers, he remained still so long Ignacio began to wonder. Finally, he moved. The watching pair shrunk when the figure known as an irrelevant name a half hour before maneuvered closer and knelt. His gaze was hostile…feral. A face sank toward the dirt…it was the woman. Simeon didn’t relent, glaring at the couple with pupils that flickered in contrast to his motionless body. Without warning he stood and veered toward the trailer parked thirty feet away. Eventually, several bodies came outside. Simeon supported Nadine, who moved stiffly. Are you okay to walk?

Everything hurts…and I’m cold. But at least I’m not hogtied to the ground at the back of that frozen cave... The words trailed off when she pushed closer to lay her head against his chest. When that moment ended, Nadine hugged the others before violently rubbing wetness from bloodshot eyes. Help me figure this out, she murmured, edging forward.

The same thought resonated in all their minds. Nadine’s husband, Tom, played a role in her abduction. Her companions waited for the rescued woman to make the first move once they stopped. There was no pause. Nadine jumped at Linda Becker, driving her knee against the nurses’ rib cage. The stunned woman landed on her back where she writhed in the dirt—breathless. Nadine ignored the gasping. I had to do that... Bending, she clamped her fingers against the woman’s throat. You don’t know how bad I want to hurt you the way you hurt me.... She maintained her hold even when her attention shifted toward her doctor for so many years. I was in a hole, Lyndon—chained to the ground like some beast...why? The words were acid. She pressed the question when the man faltered. Releasing the woman, she dug her fingernails into his chin. You put drugs in me after it took years to purge your poison... Why’d you drag me into these woods?

No answer.

Ignacio’s patience evaporated. Hissing, he set his dog in motion. Lyndon wanted to scream but there was no time. Sharp teeth pierced his shoulder before plunging into bone with a nauseating crunch. The piteous wail that followed was shrill.

Linda gaped in horror while the beast ripped at the man. She vaguely comprehended she was next when Ignacio whistled and the monster was on her. Searing pain erupted from her inner thigh. Without knowing how she got that way she was on her stomach; her back being mauled. The torture seemed to last forever before a voice penetrated her screams and called the dog off. Whimpering hysterically, she was still able to hear the hateful creature hovering…panting.

Nadine leaned forward until her lips brushed the frenetic woman’s ear. Next time you might lose your face, she rasped. I’m walking away and taking the others with me, she said, grasping Simeon’s arm. Whatever happened in their absence would be up to the native and his ugly dog.

Ignacio waited for the group to pass out of sight. When he hissed again, thoughts of anything but the mongrel evaporated. Ignacio let the animal bite for what seemed an eternity before backing it off with a whistle.

Linda shrieked incoherently, her mouth opening and closing spasmodically while Lyndon groveled in the dirt, clutching his wounds and swearing coarsely.

Ignacio stepped closer, veins jutting from his throat. Five seconds... Who made you hide my friend in the earth?

Linda’s sputtering voice exploded out of her. Her husband contacted us first …but it was another man…we never saw him…he told us what they wanted.

Shut the hell up, Linda! Lyndon barked.

Ignacio gestured and the mutt streaked across the ground. The doctor screamed when its jaws clamped down on his groin. There was another whistle and he was left howling.

Don’t’ interfere again. Ignacio turned back to the woman. What did he tell you to do, Linda? He asked the question the same instant Simeon and the group made their way to the side of the trailer, after circling and coming back so only Ignacio could see them. They all heard the terror in the nurse’s voice.

He wanted us to hide Nadine—it wasn’t supposed to last this long…maybe three—four days. They didn’t know the convict would get involved...

The innocent man’s name is Simeon, Ignacio snapped. What’s in it for you?

What else could there be? she sobbed.

How much? Simeon asked, stepping clear of the trailer.

The nurse’s eyes widened. They said I wouldn’t have to work again if I did this… Linda was stammering. …the first payment was a-hundred thousand, with more to come depending how things went.

What things? Simeon seethed.

They talked mostly to him… the woman said, twisting her head toward the man whose stubborn silence meant more torment from the hideous creature. …he knows a lot more than I do.

Nadine explained what Ignacio was doing to the group when they walked away. Simeon backed off. Ignacio, didn’t mean to get in your way.

Before the Native could signal the animal, Lyndon spoke. Wait…I’ll talk...just keep that fucking monster and his teeth away from me... The doctor managed to sit up despite the agony contorting his face. I never met the people who paid us… We talk through disposable cell phones.

You’re lying, Ignacio answered, his focus settling on the dog.

No…there’s no need for that… I won’t lie to you, even though it’s going to cost us our lives.

And that means shit to who? Simeon bellowed. Nadine was staked to frozen ground in an abandoned mineshaft... Someone beat the hell out of her. She was lying in her own vomit you gutless bastard... His mouth twisted into a grimace as he fought the urge to murder this man.

You put drugs in my body, Lyndon—massive amounts of them. Nadine interrupted. They brought back the nightmares. It’s going to take time to purge the toxins. She paused to lock eyes with everyone before coming back to the man on the ground. You screwed my brain up, doc—broke it. There’s no telling what I might do. Nadine reached toward the dog, pulled it to her…kissed its head.

Lyndon understood. He wiped his mouth with the back of a bloody hand leaving his face smeared in crimson, briny sweat. I don’t know everything... The man on the phone said to keep you out of the way for a time. We weren’t supposed to hurt you… His eyes flitted toward the woman who battered Nadine. …just do our part until the plan was worked out.

What plan? Nadine asked.

Please… You have no reason to believe me but we only know our role. The only person I had direct contact with was your husband when…

When he drove me to that out of the way rest stop outside Albuquerque, Nadine interrupted. Drugs or not, I remember all of it. Someone came up behind me when Tom insisted I come inside. The whole thing was staged… That storefront was abandoned, wasn’t it?

Yes... We were waiting. Our job…was to drug you and bring you here…keep you hidden until Tom got back.

Nadine squinted. Back from where?

What...? Greece…don’t you know that much?

So, he went anyway? Her surprise was conspicuous.

Yes…he let that slip. Like I said; we only knew our own part in this.

And what happened to Nadine when Tom got back? Simeon demanded.

Lyndon stayed silent.

Ignacio took the dog’s collar and maneuvered the rasping canine in front of the man’s face where he could breathe its sour breath.

Wait! Lyndon yelped. We were supposed to get Nadine hooked on drugs so she could be recommitted... That was the way—the way it was going to be presented to the world.

What are you saying? Nadine yelled.

Your relapse was going to be explained away by saying you had a reaction to seeing Simeon again and fell back into your illness. You would have been under my care for a time, so you could be convinced the whole thing came out of your imagination—a product of the trauma brought on by your rekindled association with the man you framed.

To make me believe something that fucked up would mean injecting me with massive amounts of psychotropic venom. You would have sent me back over the edge. Running away to Switzerland was the only way I got better. Nadine shifted in the doctor’s direction. Simeon came forward to lock both arms around her waist. I would have murdered you for putting that shit in my system—insensible or whatever, I would have fought my way to coherence long enough to cut both your throats with a stolen scalpel or a sharpened pencil… I promise you that.

Justine was silent all this time, the reporter in her listening with analytical exactness. Her conclusions were more potent. You people planned to pin Nadine’s disappearance on Simeon if things went wrong… Nadine vanishes forever and he goes back to prison for the rest of his life—someone realized you already had the perfect scapegoat. She came closer. In addition to the hundred thousand what else was there?

Two million apiece, Lyndon admitted, peering into the tree line.

And...? Justine persisted.

The man scowled up at her, his eyes teeming with bitterness. You’re more than just a beautiful face for the cameras… You understand how this works, don’t you?

I’m an investigative reporter, doctor. I’ve encountered too many scumbags like you not to know there’s usually a bigger payday down the road. Now, should our native friend put his dog to work?

For the first time Lyndon laughed. The sight was an ugly one with him bloody and lathered in perspiration so that his brown hair matted in clumps against his punctured skull. Three percent, he managed.

Three percent of what? Nadine spat.

Again, the doctor chuckled, though it was forced. That’s the conundrum for my nurse and me. We sold our souls for a percentage of something we have no idea about. We were told it would make us more money than we could ever spend.

And that was worth betraying Nadine? Simeon asked.

Lyndon considered lying but he knew deception would bring another round with the mutt. It was for us, he murmured.

Simeon had the impulse of shattering the doctor’s jaw with the crown of his foot. He didn’t. Give me the keys to the Yukon?

Jacket pocket—left side, the doctor answered, unwilling to risk the violence he sensed incubating in his questioner.

Simeon stepped forward to rummage through the man’s coat. When he found the keys, he addressed his partners. We’re done here, he said. The Yukon will be at the bottom of the mountain with the keys under the visor. As much as I want to strand you here, we don’t want you to bleed to death. He spun, casting ominous words behind him. Never come near Nadine again—either of you—prison was the perfect place to learn how to inflict pain. You’ll get a thorough demonstration of my education if I ever stand in front of you again. And if you decide to seek revenge against anyone here, understand that I know people too. Cruel, unfeeling sons-of-bitches, and you won’t ever see them coming. No matter where you hide or run to they’ll find you. Then you suffer in ways you never imagined.

2

The drive down the mountain took thirty-five minutes. Simeon placed the keys under the visor begrudgingly. He wanted to leave the kidnappers stranded in the wilderness, but they couldn’t risk them dying—that would change everything. Steering the Pontiac toward Taos, he brooded on the fact he sincerely wanted to murder two human beings. It wasn’t easy learning that level of hatred incubated inside him. But he felt no remorse. His relationship with Nadine was warped but someone tried to take even that from him.

Simeon, Monique said, bringing her attention back inside the car. Are you with us?

I’m here. He touched Nadine’s leg. How do you feel?

Like I got my ass beat several times, she said before adding more. I’m tired but happy, considering I’m a woman whose husband consented to his wife’s kidnapping and stole money from her more times than she knows.

I’m sorry, Monique said. The important thing is you’re safe with us.

You all know what this means? Simeon questioned.

If you’re asking if we understand our destination after dropping Ignacio and his dog off in Taos is Greece, then yes, Nadine said. Any answers are waiting there…along with my deceitful husband.

If someone’s watching they’ll be at the airport in Albuquerque; it would be smart to fly out of Denver, Simeon said. There’s four of us to share driving so we should make good time.

Another problem, Justine interjected. We have no idea who any watchers are.

Nadine spoke. It’s someone close to my father. Our next destination shouldn’t be Greece. Washington D.C. is where some of the answers we’re searching for have their beginnings…inside my childhood home. There’s some trunks in my parent’s attic with our names on them.

Won’t there be security?

For certain... But, I am the Secretary of State’s daughter and I still have a key to our house. Sometimes the best way to attack a problem is not to over think it. I’ll just show up for a surprise visit. Hopefully, I can get what we need before anyone has a chance to plan another surprise."

No one had a better idea and Taos was ten minutes ahead. The group would drop Ignacio off and then it would be a brief trip to Nadine’s ranch before beginning the trek to Denver. With four of them taking turns at the wheel, they should be able to make the five-hundred-mile trip in roughly eight hours. With any luck, they would be able to get a plane to Washington that evening. Once there, they would hope for the best. Knowing that any answer was still far from them, Simeon pressed harder on the accelerator and obediently the Pontiac surged ahead.

3

Leavenworth

Jake listened intently to Justine’s voice through the phone’s speaker. His three partners and the warden were there too.

We found Nadine. Her bastard doctor and his nurse had her tethered to the ground inside an abandoned mine in the Cimarron valley.

Why? Jake asked.

What we got out of the doctor was that they were supposed to keep her out of sight until some plan came together. And before you ask, we don’t know what that means. We do know it involves a lot of money. The doctor and his nurse were given a hundred thousand up front to buy in with two million in reserve. The kicker was another three percent of whatever lies at the end of this mystery.

Jake whistled. Okay, we’re playing with big boys—that’s obvious. So, what’s our next move?

The ultimate destination is Greece but first we stop in Washington D.C., Nadine says there’s information we need at her parents’ house.

Risky, Jake said. Dad is the Secretary of State. That means watchful eyes.

Our thoughts exactly but Nadine believes we need that paperwork, so we can give it to Philipos in Greece. He’s the only one who can read it—at least the only person we trust. We have to have a diversion, Jake. We need you in Washington.

Are you suggesting what I’m thinking you are?

You already know I am?

Jake grimaced. Tell Simeon I’ll do it. As much as I know it’s going to be humiliating, I owe him that. I’ll meet you in D.C... Skully can tell you what we came up with on this end. There was silence for a few seconds and then Justine was heard again. Can you hear me?

There’s some road noise but we can hear okay, Skully said. Hello, Simeon: seems you can’t stay out of trouble without us around.

Easy laughter filtered through the phone. Justine repeated everything you talked about so the rest of us could hear. Tell the warden thank you for letting you help.

He’s right here...he says, ‘you’re welcome…’ Look, Simeon, I need to be straight with you. We’ve been looking into the husband’s past. The man’s business ventures went up in smoke five years ago. He’s been perpetrating a fraud since that time. In the world we come from that translates into the fact that somebody somewhere owns him. He’s a puppet dancing for his master right now. Can Nadine hear me?

She can hear you, Skully.

I need to apologize to you, ma’am. I said some terrible things about you before Simeon walked out of here. Regardless of what I thought of you; it should have been enough for me to support my friend.

Nadine strained to get closer to Justine’s cell phone. What I did to Simeon was hellish, Mr. Skully. I don’t begrudge your animosity. I hate myself for what I did. I had a lot of making up to do already. Now I owe Simeon and everyone else my life too.

Hopefully, you two will have time to work that out. Do you have any idea what this is about other than money?

Only what we learned from the document sent to my nephew. And that’s vague at best—something to do with land in Greece but that could mean anything. That’s one of the reasons I’m willing to take the chance of going to my parent’s house. I saw other papers written in Greek when I was there before. Maybe they can help us?

A different voice joined in. Mrs. Nadine, I have to point out the obvious. Why would your parents keep valuable information at home? I don’t know everything about being that highly placed in the government but it seems a bad idea to keep anything incriminating inside your private residence.

That’s Tanaka, Simeon explained.

Mr. Tanaka, thank you for teaching Simeon to handle himself so well. Believe it or not, he had to put what he learned to use the first day he left Leavenworth. Three liquored-up good ol’ boys didn’t like the sight of him and me together and you can guess what happened next.

How many seconds did he need to take them down? The question came without hesitation.

The inquiry was unexpected, so Nadine was slow to answer. I don’t know… maybe fifteen seconds…

Five too long... Were there weapons?

Yes, all of them were carrying something…a stick or some tool like a big screwdriver—why? Nadine was at a loss to understand how the line of questioning deviated so suddenly. She kept talking. Considering we never saw them until they were behind us, even though they blocked in the car in the parking lot with their truck, I think Simeon did a great… She heard loud swearing from multiple men through the phone, cutting her off.

Mrs. Nadine…can Simeon hear me clearly?

Yes, sir, Simeon answered.

Good. I want the entire episode faxed to me in writing here at the prison if the warden consents. The Warden nodded his acquiescence and Tanaka went on. I want to know what weapons the men had, how you sized them up and the way you attacked. And the car... What were you thinking when you let Nadine park so it could be blocked in? I especially want to know how three men got behind you without you knowing it.

Skully broke in. We can’t protect you out there, little brother. I know your head’s twisted right now but we ain’t gonna cut you any slack because of that. You got to be on your game always—even more than in this place. Do you remember what I told you the day you left…the part about that world being more remorseless than what you faced here?

I remember all of it, Skully, Simeon answered.

That can’t be true. Otherwise I wouldn’t be hearing what I’m hearing. You can expect some feedback from me too once you get that information to us. There was a brief pause before Skully came back. Guzman said he’s in too, particularly when it comes to positioning the car. To everyone listening, forgive us our digression but our boy just broke several rules that might have gotten him killed. He knows better. And in case we haven’t been plain enough for all of you. Some really bad people are likely to attempt taking all of you down as this thing unfolds. ‘take down’ means murder in plain language. Nadine’s kidnapping was a side show to what’s really happening, and now that she escaped with your help you’ve screwed up someone’s plans regally. They’re not going to be happy to be blunt.

Tanaka assumed the lead in the conversation again. Before we went off on our tangent, I asked Nadine why her parents would keep valuable paperwork in the house and not in a bank vault.

Nadine was so thrown off by the exchange between Simeon and his former prison mates that she completely forgot the question. She began haltingly. My father's nothing if not paranoid at times. He doesn’t trust banks when it comes to certain things—paperwork being one of them. Very few would know what the papers were even if they did stumble upon them anyway, they’re written in Greek.

And yet they’re in an unlocked trunk?

I’m sorry…I left out some details. The trunks are like little vaults with substantial locks on them. They’re also hidden behind a false wall in the attic. You would never find them if you were to walk into the room up there.

How will you be able to open them then?

Okay, I’m not explaining this well—my brain still has some massive quirks and I guess it always will. Especially since they put those damn drugs in me again… Nadine closed her eyes and concentrated on her words. One of the manifestations of my illness is a compulsiveness that won’t allow me to let go of something once I latch on to it—Simeon’s the best example of that. In the case of the trunks, I started fixating on them when I saw my father and another man take them up to the attic. When I could sneak up to the space later in the day the trunks were nowhere to be seen. I searched but found nothing. Like I said, though, once I get a hold of something my mind won’t let go of it. It took me two months of rummaging around the attic before I discovered the false wall and another two weeks to open it. I found the trunks inside but they were all locked. It took a while before I figured out my father kept the key on his key ring. Periodically, I would sneak his keys from where he hung them on a hook downstairs and find a way to get up to the attic and try them all. Once I found the right key I planned my next step.

Which was...? Monique asked.

I had to find a time when I could get my father’s key and have a duplicate made without him finding out. I managed it one night when my parents were entertaining some senator and his wife. They forgot something for the dinner party and I volunteered to ride my bike to the store and get it for them. It was only two blocks so they said okay. I managed to get the key, make the trip to the store and get a duplicate made at a small hardware store I’d been to with my father. I put his key back on his key ring after I made my triumphant return with the missing dinner ingredient.

So, you still have the key then?

It’s at the house, hidden in the attic where only I can find it. I always wondered why my father didn’t do the same thing with his key.

That answers how you’ll get to the papers but what about getting in the house itself? Justine asked.

I already said it, my best option is to play it straight. I’m going home for a surprise visit. If my parents have anything to do with what happened to me I’ll know right away. If there’s no indication they know anything then that should help too.

In what way? Tanaka asked.

It will clarify that we’re dealing with someone who has an interest in protecting my father’s image and possibly taken matters into their own hands. My dad may not even be aware anything’s going on.

Political positioning, Guzman said. Someone wants your father to succeed. And you can believe that by him succeeding they do too. That could mean we’re dealing with a host of people—corporate—big oil. Or, you folks could find yourselves up against an army with diverse interests. I don’t like this at all.

Neither do we, Simeon said. But it’s what we’re stuck with. They’d reached Ignacio’s home. Him and his dog were already standing outside the Pontiac. Gentlemen, I need to say goodbye to the man that helped us find Nadine. I’ll get back to you as soon as I can. Jake, we’ll see you in D.C.

Don’t forget the fax, Tanaka reminded.

Eyes open, brother, Skully added. No one else gets the drop on you or you’re going to have me to deal with when I get out of here someday. Skully laughed as muffled voices filled the background. Tanaka and Guzman said I only get a piece of you if they don’t get to you first.

Understood. Thank the warden again for me. Find out what we’re up against if you can.

Already on it. Skully hung up and turned to the men surrounding him. Someone’s going to try and kill them soon. We need to find a link yesterday. This Washington trip scares me but I see the necessity of it. The group stared at Jake. What’s this diversion thing you and your partner were talking about?

Just me being myself. I’m a hated man in a lot of circles in Washington from my days before I became a disgraced drunk. If I show myself in certain places with a cameraperson tagging along, it’s sure to cause a stir and create a commotion. Hopefully, that’ll give Nadine enough time to slip into her parent’s house, get that paperwork and for all of us to get out of the city safely.

Safely being the key word, Tanaka said. Can you handle it?

I used to be among the best. I think there’s still some of that left in me. That brings up something else I was thinking about while we were on the phone. We haven’t looked into the Greek part of the family yet. And since we’ll be going there in a day’s time or so it would be nice to get the lay of the land beforehand.

You do still have some of the good reporter in you, Jake, Guzman said. You gave me some ideas we can start working on. The Latino member of the trio turned to the warden. Sir, you said you had some connections we could use.

I already made some calls. We should be getting back additional information soon. I like what you said about the Greek family though. I’m going to make a few more calls when I leave here. Some other people owe me some favors and it’s time to collect. The warden addressed Jake. Let’s find out when we can get you on a plane and moving toward Washington. Gentlemen, he said, to the three convicts. I leave you to your work. It’s time for me to fulfill my role as warden. I’ll be back later, hopefully, with information that will help us. Keep good notes.

Yes, sir, Tanaka said.

With plans laid out the best they could be, the warden and Jake left. Behind them, three men went back to their task. Heavy on all their minds was the frustration of not being able to do more.

Goodbyes were spoken sincerely but rapidly in Taos. Ignacio was left with the promise he would be kept in the loop. Currently, Simeon pushed the Pontiac north on I25 at just over the speed limit. There was a brief stop for gas in Taos before leaving and then the destination became the highway. The next stop would be Nadine’s ranch where they could shower and throw some things into a bag and then it was on to Denver International airport and Washington D.C. Time would tell what awaited them there.

4

Lyndon swore when he stumbled and another wave of pain racked his frame. That ugly-assed dog really did a number on his calves. Both throbbed painfully with every step. Navigating uneven ground with the torque it put on injured muscles was torture. He glanced again at Linda as she hobbled beside him. It was obvious she was struggling but they were only fifty yards from the Yukon. Hopefully, the cell phone charger was still in the vehicle.

Moments later, the staggering kidnappers reached the SUV. The door was open just as Simeon promised. Lyndon climbed in and found the charger. Plugging in his dead cell phone, he started the engine. Him and his nurse would have to drive back to the top of the mountain and retrieve the trailer but first he had a call to make. Dialing the number designated for use in emergencies, he waited for someone to pick up. After five rings he was about to hang up when a voice answered.

I hope this call means all is well?

Lyndon didn’t waste time lying. Carver found us somehow. Nadine’s with him and some others.

There was a prolonged silence. Where are they?

No idea. They had some damned Indian with them who made his dog bite the hell out of both me and Linda—that’s how they got us to talk—then they took the SUV so we had to walk down the mountain. That was hours ago so they could be headed any direction by now.

Damn... You said you could handle this... What did you tell them?

We only told them what we knew…that we needed to keep Nadine out of sight for a time. You said we would be done with our end of things days ago. Both of us are supposed to be back in New York by now, the doctor said with bitterness.

Point taken... The convict’s a wild card no one anticipated. None of us thought he’d be capable of complicating things.

He had help…some women, as well as, the Indian.

We’re aware of the women; one’s a reporter, the other’s running from a bad marriage—an old friend of Carver’s from his college days. None of that matters, other than it’s time for all of them to go away. You and your second clean up the sight and make that trailer disappear. Get yourselves back to New York and your normal routine after that. Do I have to say more?

Negative. We know the plan.

Good. Stick to your end of it and you’ll get your money. Remember, if anyone comes asking, you were on a climbing vacation. You and your nurse are dating and she decided to come with you.

And Carver and the others...?

Plausible deniability doctor... The less you know the less you can reveal. Throw your cell in the nearest large body of water and forget we ever talked. The phone clicked off.

Lyndon looked again at Linda before turning his eyes back toward the rugged mountain road. We’re going home after we clean the site. We talk about nothing to anyone once we leave this place, not even one another. We just conduct business as usual until our money comes in. What you do then is up to you. By the way, we’re dating if anyone asks.

5

The four passengers passed Colorado Springs thirty minutes before. That left twenty minutes to Denver and another half hour to DIA. Their trip on Continental Airlines flight 6245 departed at seven thirty-five that evening—still four hours away. Simeon was at the wheel after having napped for the past three hours and then spending another hour writing out the information Skully and Tanaka wanted from him. His slumber was bottomless because of his emotions finally catching up with him. For the previous thirty miles, he brooded on the impossible events of the recent past. Periodically, he found himself staring at Nadine as she slept with her head pressed into the pillow folded against the passenger window. He reviled this woman for so many years... Understanding any of this was beyond him. Losing her to kidnappers scared him more than anything he faced in prison. That made no sense, but it was the truth. He looked at her again as she sighed in her sleep