by Paul Stein
Marlon was relieved when the King Air was finally secured and Sully had safely escorted the woman to Colt’s vehicle—a black SUV waiting dutifully on the tarmac next to the private aircraft hangars. Only when they were on their way to the safe house did Marlon finally relax. He resolved that when this last job was over, he would dissociate himself from Kilmer. Regardless of their past history, the stress of increasingly dangerous endeavors was more than he could take. Colt had met them promptly and they made the fifty-minute drive from the airport to Wildcat Farm. As soon as they arrived, Sully ushered Dr. Coscarelli through the expansive portico of the main residence where the other hostages were being held.
The entrance of the stone house opened immediately into a great room with a fifteen-foot-high ceiling that resembled a sportsman’s lodge. Trophies of elk, antelope, and other animals of all types were prominently displayed throughout the room. Mounted above the lavish soapstone hearth was the head of an enormous bull moose that filled the huge space above the mantle. Pictures of the owners with select people decorated every wall, most depicting hunting and fishing trips at exotic locations. A behemoth white-oak dining room table connected the living area to an open kitchen that even the most accomplished chef would envy. The great room overlooked a spacious wrap-around deck with a waterfall as the centerpiece of a backyard swimming pool. The house and its surrounding amenities were well designed for entertaining. It was truly a gorgeous setting.
Kilmer rose from the table and eagerly greeted his new arrival. “G-day, luv, I’m Richard Kilmer. Welcome to Wildcat Farm,” he said in his alluring Australian accent, offering his hand, which Sela refused to take. “I regret the dodgy nature of our business, but it’s out o’ my hands…yer here due to Jarrod Conrad. I believe ya know ‘im?” he asked, not meaning for it to be a question.
“Don’t be absurd, you fool…of course I know Jarrod,” Sela indignantly replied. “Don’t waste my time with inanity, Kilmer. What do you want from me?”
“Don’t git all burred up,” he said with a slight bow. “I need ya to assure Conrad’s cooperation. He won’t do bugger we tell ‘im. He’s a hardcase,” Kilmer said, as if he were describing something alien. “I’m left with no choice but to put the pinch on someone he fancies. Sources tell me yer the one person who can talk some sense into ‘im. I’m sorry the piker’s got ya involved, ma’am.”
“Your explanation is absurd, sir,” Sela haughtily replied. “Whatever your rationale, you’ve broken the law and will be held accountable.”
Kilmer’s congenial demeanor dramatically changed. He looked crossly at Sela and coldly replied, “I won’t cow-tow to ya, Doctor. If it’s hostility ya want…I promise I’m game for a brawl. I should warn ya though…that yer nephew’s here too. His safety depends on yer cooperation.”
“Jeremiah? He’s here? You’ve kidnapped him, too?” she asked incredulously, a shocked look replacing her demonstrable arrogance. “Let me see him. Now!”
“In a sec, madam…in a sec.” Kilmer paused, pleased to see he had caught her off-guard. “First, ya speak to Conrad. Convince ‘im that yer safety depends on his cooperation.”
“And then you’ll let me see Jeremiah?” Sela asked, looking at Kilmer distrustfully.
“Dead cert. Ya can see yer rellie when I’m convinced Conrad will man-up later this evening. By t’morrow, it’ll all be over,” he said encouragingly.
“What do you want from him?” she asked.
“Just to run ‘is machine, nothin’ more.”
For the second time in so many minutes, Sela looked incredulously at Kilmer. “Wait a second…his technology works…the antigravity machine is here?” she asked, astonished.
“Yes, ma’am. We possess the world’s first antigravity machine. If it goes as planned…everyone goes home happy. Ya have my word.”
“Where? Where will he operate the device?” she asked inquisitively.
“None of yer concern; the less you know, the better. Let’s just say…it ain’t legal. If Conrad comes through, he buys yer freedom. That’s yer only concern.”
“Okay…let me see him, then. Let’s get this over with.”
Kilmer motioned to Rafie, who left to bring Conrad into the room. As before, the hostages had been confined into separate quarters, this time at the rear of the residence.
Within moments Rafie reentered the room with Jarrod, who was looking more energetic than Sela expected. They greeted each other enthusiastically.
“Thank goodness you’re all right, Sela. My gracious you’re a sight for these tired eyes,” Jarrod said as they rushed to hug one another. He was relieved that his fears for her safety were allayed for the moment. Their embrace lingered and Jarrod lovingly patted Sela’s back.
“Hello, Jarrod. I wish I could say how happy I am to see you…but under the circumstances, it’s a bit difficult,” Sela said, holding him close. “It’s been too long.”
“My God, Sela, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” he asked, looking her up and down.
“No, no…I’m fine. Everything’s okay…except for the obvious. I had no idea what was happening until now. Is Jeremiah okay? Are you okay?” Sela asked, pulling away.
“Unfortunately, Jeremiah’s taking the brunt of my obstinacy,” he answered, shamefaced. “He’ll be okay, though. He’s tough…just like his old man.”
“Who-ha, enough piffle,” Kilmer interrupted. “Git to it.”
“Listen, Jarrod,” Sela began, taking his hand, looking at him gravely. “They told me why they’ve brought me here. They need your cooperation and they’re using me to get it. I know you better than anyone here…certainly well enough to know that forcing you into anything will be met with resistance. But for Jer’s sake…for our sake…please do what these men ask. Can you do that, Jarrod?”
“Sela, that’s my intention, but I had to know you were okay. Knowing you’re safe and sound…I’ll do what they want. But when this is over, there’s lots to talk about…I mean between us, okay?” Jarrod asked expectantly. “Ryan and I are getting along and he’s with Sarah. I can’t say any more. Just trust me, Sela…this is great news.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Jarrod…for more reasons than I can count.
“Now, let me see my nephew,” Sela demanded, turning her attention back to Kilmer.
“Right this way, ma’am,” Rafie said, motioning with his hand when Kilmer approved the request with a nod of his head.
Kilmer approached Jarrod as if they had just concluded a business deal. “It’s a done deal, Professor. I’ve met yer last condition…Coscarelli’s safety’s been proven. We go t’night…no more pussyfootin’. If yer not spot-on from here out, ya’ll never see yer rellie or the woman again.”
“Thank you…Chief,” Jarrod said begrudgingly. “Yes, you’ve met my demands. I’ll honor my end of the bargain. But God help you if these people are harmed in any way.”
“She’ll be right, Professor. Just do yer job and no one gits clocked,” Kilmer said. “Now, stop pesterin’ me; I’ve got no more time for yer shit,” he concluded, indicating that Sully re-secure Jarrod in the back room.
Rafie led Sela to the room where Jer was sitting with his hands tied behind his back.
“Aunt Sela!” he exclaimed, delighted to see her walk into the room. “What are you doing here?”
“Same thing you are, Jer,” she said, rushing toward him, giving him a hug around the neck. “Are you okay? Have they hurt you?” she asked, looking him over. And then she saw the gash on the side of his head and dried blood where Kilmer had pistol-whipped him.
“Mary, Mother of God,” she admonished distractedly, flashing an icy stare at Rafie as she spoke. She shook her head and said accusingly, “You people are barbarians.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Sela. They didn’t hurt me any. Don’t worry. We’ll get out o’ this…Uncle Jarrod knows what he’s doing,” Jer said, cautious not to divulge the messages from his parents.
“I w
ant to stay with him, mister,” she said to Rafie, determined not to let Jer out of her sight. “As long as you’re going to restrain me, I’d like to be with my nephew.”
“That’s easily arranged, ma’am,” Rafie replied. “Take a seat and put your hands behind your back,” he instructed, tying her hands together with another snap tie.
When they were finally alone, Jer quietly whispered to Sela everything that was going on. He told her about how his mother and he had followed Ryan to Stanford, their family reunion and the reconciliation between Jarrod and his father, his abduction, the emails, and seeing Uncle Jarrod’s machine lift the Humvee. “It was amazing, Aunt Sela. He did it…he really did it!” he exclaimed, straining to keep his voice subdued.
“So you think Sarah knows where we are?” she asked hopefully, keeping her voice low.
“We think so…Jarrod’s received a couple messages from her. He sent one that we’re at Wildcat Farm in Kentucky. If I know Pop, they’re on their way here loaded for bear…I have no doubt, Aunt Sela,” Jer murmured.
“Well, well. This is one time when your father’s vindictiveness is going to work in our favor. I never thought I’d be wishing for that,” she gushed optimistically.
“Pop’s a changed man, Aunt Sela. Jarrod too…you’ll see. Trust me. We’re all going to get through this just fine.”
Sela tugged at her restraints, making certain there was no way to break free. “I believe you, Jer, but we’re running out of time. I feel so helpless. I heard that Kilmer fellow say they need Jarrod’s cooperation tonight. Whatever they’re planning is happening in a matter of hours.”
“Listen…you know Uncle Jarrod better than anyone. Have you ever known anyone to get the better of him?” he asked. “He’s got something planned. He won’t go down without a fight.”
“That’s exactly what worries me, Jer. These men are ruthless. Jarrod’s out of his league. They’ll kill him,” she said with a slight shudder.
“Don’t be so sure, Aunt Sela…my money’s on Pop and Uncle Jarrod. Together they’re a formidable team, the likes of which these men have never seen: The once-embittered Metatucci cousins joined against a common foe,” Jer said with the flourish of a carnival barker. “Hell hath no fury like the two of them united. These guys have no idea the vengeance they’ve unleashed.”
“I sooo hope you’re right, Jer…or we’re all doomed.”
Come on little sister…save my life.
FIFTY-SEVEN
HILTON HEAD
ALISTAIR HOLLOWAY was stewing from his earlier argument with Angelina. She was one of few people who could get under his skin. He would never admit his feelings, but he had grown very fond of her, closer, in fact, than anyone would ever know. Damn you, Angel, for crossing me after all I’ve done. Of all the times…why now? Fortunately, his cell phone interrupted his melancholy mood and Holloway was momentarily thrilled to learn it was Kilmer.
“Hello, Richard. Are you at Wildcat?” he asked, answering the call.
“Yessir, we blew in early this mornin’. Everythin’s aces. The Struffenegers are good mates,” Kilmer replied.
“Excellent. I thought you’d find the accommodations acceptable. What’s your time schedule?” he asked, excited to hear about the plan.
“No worries…we square off t’night,” he succinctly replied. “I figure ya’d want to know.”
“What about the hostages?”
“They’re under wraps,” Kilmer answered. “Farley’s with ‘em ’til the deed is done. They don’t stand a buckley’s chance. When we clear the base, they’re history.”
“Why wait? What’s the reason to keep them alive any longer? It’s the loose ends you’ll trip on, Richard.”
“Just a hunch. Ya don’t know Conrad. He’s a tricky blighter. The wanker might demand talkin’ with the woman once we’re on the base. I’m second-guessin’, sure, but I don’t trust ‘im. I promise ya, Conrad won’t be comin’ home. He’ll be found dead alongside the machine, as ya specified. He’s history.”
“Alright, it’s your call…just be sure the hostages are removed before Emil returns. He’ll never agree to this part of the plan. Do we understand each other?”
“No worries, sir. It’s a done deal.”
“What about Penburton?” Holloway asked next.
“Oh, ya won’t hear from him again. Farley used a car bomb on him. It’s on ya to handle the cops when yer name surfaces though.”
“I’m prepared for that. Just do your job and leave the strategy to me. Tomorrow at this time I expect to be $1 billion richer. We’ll have the world’s undivided attention on the use of antigravity for the first time. You’re about to make history, Richard.”
“We’re good as gold, sir. I’ll call ya when we’re through.”
“Good luck, Mr. Kilmer. We’ve come a long way together on this path. Don’t let me down,” he said, completing the call.
I’m on the brink of making history, Holloway mused. Antigravity technology will be unveiled to the world in just a matter of hours. A bidding frenzy will develop when governments realize the potential of this new technology. It will be the biggest technological discovery of all time. This is just the beginning….
FIFTY-EIGHT
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY
10:30 HOURS
RYAN AND SARAH MARSHALL had slept peacefully during the three-hour flight from LAX to Houston, purging the stress of passing through airport security. Despite the discomfort of the cramped airline seats, it was only when they were roused by a stewardess to return their seats to an upright position that they finally awoke, revived from the much needed respite. Their connecting flight to Louisville didn’t depart until 6:30 a.m. the following morning, but because the couple was loath to again face airport security, they decided to wile away the intervening hours in the Houston terminal—a nine-hour stretch that became almost interminable. Realizing they had not eaten since the snack they bought at the Grapevine the day before, they found a one-of-a-kind fusion grill run by a local family and leisurely ate until sated. They then braced for the inevitable boredom while awaiting the early morning flight to Louisville. Throughout the evening, Ryan grew strengthened by the overpowering sense that they were drawing ever closer to completing their quest: rescuing Jer, Sela and Jarrod.
As they anxiously approached their final destination, Ryan stared out the plane window and could see the Ohio River winding its way south through the city. Whenever he saw a river he remembered his younger days fishing for rainbow trout on the Jemez River with his grandfather. He knew Amerigo would have been amazed by the size of the Ohio. Rivers of the West were mere creeks compared to the Ohio, which was the largest tributary to the mighty Mississippi, the biggest river system in North America. He could see a paddleboat ferrying people down the river and thought it would be fun to take a trip to New Orleans on the Mississippi when their ordeal was all over.
When their plane finally landed and they had disembarked, the couple split up. Ryan was feeling too much like a fugitive, figuring his chances of avoiding capture increased with the fewer people he engaged.
“I’ll meet you at the shuttle,” he said, squeezing her hand. “The cops could be watching the rental agencies.”
Sarah looked at him worriedly and said, “okay, but don’t keep me waiting.”
“Trust me…I’ll be there, Mrs. Marshall.”
Sarah promptly checked for new messages from Jarrod, and received his latest two word transmission which merely read: ‘Wildcat Catfish.’ Then she hurried to Enterprise and rented a Lincoln Navigator, thinking the extra horsepower would be useful. She declined the model with onboard GPS, worried that it could be used to track their whereabouts. Sarah asked the rental agent to verify the directions to West Point and if he knew of Wildcat Catfish. The agent confirmed he’d heard of the farm and didn’t imagine it would be difficult to find.
While Sarah was busy with the rental, Ryan went in search of fast food they could take without stopping again to eat. He fou
nd a Kentucky Fried Chicken just beyond the baggage claim area. How appropriate, he thought. He used cash to buy two boxed lunches and bottled water, and returned to meet Sarah outside at the rental-car shuttle.
“We good?” Ryan asked, relieved to see Sarah quickly approaching the bus.
“Perfect,” Sarah said pleasantly. “But listen to this…the last message from Jarrod had two words: ‘Wildcat Catfish.’”
“Yeah?” Ryan said, unsure what that meant.
“Sooo…I searched for a Wildcat Catfish website in Kentucky, and what do you think I found?” she asked, a satisfied look on her face. There was no mistaking that she had discovered something worthwhile and could barely contain herself.
“I don’t know…you came up empty?” he smirked, playing the fool.
Sarah looked crossly at Ryan. She slapped his thigh with the back of her hand and replied, “No, silly…I found that Wildcat Catfish is located in West Point, Kentucky, and owned by Emil and Hélène Struffeneger. What do you bet that Jarrod and Jer are being held at the catfish farm?”
“Well…I’m not a betting man…unless it’s a sure thing. And on this news, I’d bet our company. That’s awesome, sweetheart,” Ryan said, sharing Sarah’s excitement. It did appear that they were drawing closer to where the guys were being held captive.
“I also sent Jarrod another message that we’ve arrived in Louisville. He’ll know reinforcements are on the way. We’re gonna find them, honey,” she said, her smile radiating the hope she felt. “Just another minute, I need to call Lieutenant Morris and let him know about Wildcat. He needs to alert the local authorities as quickly as possible. I may not get another chance to call him.”
“Alright, but just a quick call, okay? And I wouldn’t mention we’re in Louisville.”
As she was fishing the phone out of her handbag, she pressed her lips, frowning. “It’s okay…I’ve got this.”