The Speaker's wry smile approached a smirk. “And all you need is the money. So that's why I'm here. I can't promise anything, but I'll have the committee chairs meet me early next week.”
Fritz put his hands on each girl's shoulder, nodded, and nudged them forward.
“Next week is too late,” said Nicole.
“It needs to be done today. Everything's ready to go. You heard the president,” Rachel said.
“So this is pretty important. No more wars in the Middle East. All the kids will have food and schools. How can you wait?” Nicole asked. They both looked back at Fritz.
“Go ahead,” he said.
Rachel said, “My parents are both Republicans. But they keep saying the Middle East needs to be solved so we can fix America. Don't you have kids? Do you want them to be fighting again because you missed a plane?”
Together, they said, “Put your money where your mouth is.”
“Really?” A hint of anger crossed the Speaker's usual poker face. “This is a nice little show but…”
“The only but is your head,” said Nicole. “Mr. R said you were a reasonable man. The president asked you for help, and you're saying no? I'd like to tell your voters that.”
“Well, um…” The Speaker stared at her, then turned to the president. “This is blackmail.”
“Yup, but the good kind. Get your people on board now and I'll give you a ride home on Air Force One tonight.”
“How much?”
“Open checkbook for now. The leaders are gathering their workers to unload the ships, load trucks and get them to worksites. Jack, you've already appropriated the money. It just needs to be earmarked for this and moved so we can pay everyone. Deal?”
With an exasperated sigh, the Speaker said, “Deal. Let me make some calls.” The Speaker's quick glance was more a grimace. Nicole and Rachel began to clap as Ms. Crispin led him to a private room.
When the Speaker left, the Oval Office attendees turned their focus to Rachel and Nicole. While the president shook their hands, the room applauded. “Thank you both. You got to see government at work and we got to see our educational system function. Along with creating informed voters. Well, soon anyway.”
“Time to go, girls,” said Ashley.
“Not yet, Ashley.” The president told the dozen people remaining the story of the Dough Twins and their primary school activity. “What's the charity this week?”
“Well, we have two,” said Rachel. “Half of each week goes to Wounded Warriors because you don't give the soldiers enough, like you should. The other half this week goes to buying books for schools that had their budgets cut.”
The president reached into his pocket. He peeled off two twenty dollar bills. “This is from me, and this one is from the Speaker. I'll tell him when he comes back.”
Rachel reached into her bookbag and took out a jingling collection box and put both bills through the slot. “Thanks, Mr. President.” Each person imitated his action and handed over a twenty.
“We'll take any change you have too,” said Nicole, swiping the box from Rachel and shaking it. Everyone emptied their coins into the box.
“You've learned how to coerce well,” said the president, his trademark smile radiating.
“Mr. Gilbert taught us,” said Nicole. “But I bet we'd be good at blackmail, too.”
“But only the good kind,” Rachel said.
Fritz elbowed Ashley and tipped his head toward the door. Ashley told the students to follow him. As they reached the portal, they said together, “Bye, Mr. President.”
“I'm going too,” said Fritz. “Do you have anything yet about Linda?”
“I'll talk to you later, Fritz. Tell the girls thank you. I just wanted you to show up and remind the Speaker. This was better, way better.”
“Do you have anything new?”
“Nothing yet. But believe me, we're on it, 24/7.”
“So am I.”
Chapter 37
EMILY CONFRONTED FRITZ before he left for school. She had asked Tim to come to Riverboro. She implored Fritz to end their squabble, so Linda would come home.
Fritz said, “I hope we can find her in time. But Emily, you're asking too much from me.”
“He's coming anyway, Fritz. It's up to you. End the war, or I'm going home.” By the time he reached Riverboro High, his stomach had cramped, his neck and shoulders had hardened in knots like rocks.
Ashley leaned on a locker by Fritz's door, as Fritz came down the hall. “Anything new?”
“Not a damn thing. The president didn't call last night.” He shook his head. “It's been a week.”
“Then we have our work for the weekend.”
“Emily's leaving.”
“Are you sure?”
He told Ashley about his conversation and he said no way would he mend fences with Tim. Ashley said Emily was right, that Linda wouldn't come home without a peace treaty.
“I don't care.”
“Sure you do. Of course you do.”
For the first time in his career, he didn't even consider teaching. In each class, he allowed the kids to work on whatever they wanted. No homework, no reading ahead. Most of the day, he walked the hallways and the school grounds. His kids were left alone.
Ashley pushed past the departing class before the final bell had stopped echoing. “What are you doing? George was down here last period. He told me he saw you walk past his window. He asked if something was wrong.”
“What could possibly be wrong? George worries too much.”
“Fritz, let's get out of here. We can go to the football game tonight. Take you mind off things.”
“Are you crazy. Take my mind off. My mind has been on one thing, non-stop, for a week, or maybe a year. Dammit, Ash. How do I take my mind off it when Tim will be in my house and Linda won't. My son doesn't remember who I am. I dream about Koppler and all the dead people since the portal blessed me with super-powers.”
“Cool it, Fritz. You're shouting.”
“I'm going home. You can come or not.”
* * *
HE PULLED up the driveway to the backyard, Ashley pulling in right behind. Mary McElroy walked out the back door. She told Fritz that Tim had rented a car at the airport.
“Perfect. Any word from the president?”
“Sorry, Fritz. I haven't spoken to him. But Jim is coming home for the weekend. We can watch TJ.”
“Thanks, Mary. It's been an awful day and it's about to get worse. Let's get this over with.”
Before he could settle in, the president called. “Fritz, I'll be at some campaign stops this weekend. If anything happens, I'll call. Or if you find something, call me. Okay?”
“Yeah, Tim's here. I gotta go.” He hung up.
As he entered the family room, with Ashley a step behind, Emily asked, “Do you have any news?” Fritz shook his head. Tim was seated across the room, as the two men dueled visually. “Stop, both of you and let's put an end to this. Fritz, Tim is as concerned for Linda as you are. It would be useful if you both worked together to find her.”
“Emily, I've already had a dose of his help. I'll pass.” Ash poked him in the back.
“See, I told you, Emily. He's impossible. None of this would have happened if it wasn't for that portal of his.”
“None of this would have happened if your word could be trusted. The portal's not to blame. You are.”
Emily stepped between them. “Enough. Linda could be dead and you argue. That won't find her.”
“Emily, I've really enjoyed having you here. I mean it. But if what you said this morning still holds, you should pack your things.”
“I told you so,” said Tim.
Tears spilled down Emily's cheeks. “Fritz, please find my daughter.”
Ashley tugged Fritz back to the kitchen.
“You might consider TJ. Mary can't do this alone after Jim leaves.”
“He'll have to get used to life's disappointments a little early. Ash, do me a favor and tell Tim to
wait in his car. Emily will be down shortly. Once he's out, go see if you can help her.”
“I'll check on her, Fritz,” said Mary.
When Emily walked into the kitchen, her tears returned as she hugged Fritz. “I don't want to go, Fritz. Please find her and call me when you do.”
His anger dissipated and a curtain of sadness lowered. He wasn't mad at her. “Emily, I'm sorry, but I can't get beyond this. Until I see you again, take care of yourself.”
* * *
AT HIS DESK the next morning, a call came in from the FBI director. “What can I do for you, Doug?” asked the president.
“Sir, I've just been told a story that you should hear.”
“Before you start, do you have any information on the disappearance I asked you to check into? Gabrielle Sanderson?”
“No, sir. Not yet. Frankly, we've been pretty busy with this other thing. We've been following a petty crook who's been milking a federal contract. We picked him up when we finally found him. He said he just came back from a weekend cruise where his girlfriend disappeared. Sir, his girlfriend was one of my agents.”
“Ms. Sanderson was on that cruise, on assignment from the White House, from me. I asked for your best on this. Get on it. Now get to the point, Doug.”
“He said he had joined a business group called the Caballeros. They went on a weekend get-away. He said the man who threw our agent overboard headed a conspiracy to overthrow the government.”
“Do you have the man's name?”
“Yes, sir. Hammersley. He owns a trucking company that has contracts in your Middle East program. He's been padding the bills.”
“I meant the guy who's behind the coup.”
“Sir, we were told that the man's name is Florian Declercq.”
* * *
MORNING ON THE farm came early. The man of many names stood on the porch and surveyed the fields. His work would be done by day's end. He would visit the barn after breakfast, once the screams had ended.
* * *
BRIE WAS SECURELY taped to a work bench. Standing had become difficult after almost a week on tip toes. Although the change eased the cramping in her calves, her wrists were taped to the legs of the bench, her ankles taped to the table leg braces. Methodical in his movement, Joe held a long knife as an extra deterrent if she considered fighting back.
He faked a sigh. “This room brings back so many happy memories,” he said. “I learned to butcher right in this room. I'm going to show you today,” identifying her organs with a prick of the knife point. He lowered the meat hook to the floor. “Upside down is best. Blood drains better.” Her heart lurched when he stuck the knife in the bench out of her sight line.
“So you're going to kill me?” she asked, in a calm tone, more curious than scared.
His demonic grin flashed from hooded eyelids. “It's Saturday. Why would I do that?”
He left the door open, wheeled a young woman into the room in a wheelbarrow, and dumped her where the meat hook waited. Then he tore the tape from across her mouth. Her arms were taped together and her ankles wore chains. He told her to sit. At that moment, the woman grasped that another woman shared the room. She started to scream.
“Tut, tut, no more screaming.” She closed her mouth, tears flowing freely. “Oh, forgive me. I've forgotten my manners. Heather Howard, meet Gabrielle Sanderson. Brie, this is Heather.” Strolling to the end of the room, he grabbed the rope attached to the pulley that controlled the meat hook. When she saw the knives, she began to scream again. “I told you. No screaming,” and slapped her. With the meat hook at her feet, he hooked the chain, pulled the rope, and hoisted her upside down. Crossing the room to a wall hook, he removed a black apron, looped the top over his head and tied it in place. His slow and deliberate movements elicited the terror he relished. When he had succeeded, he grinned at each of them. “Now, Brie, did you learn your lessons this morning?” The scream of terror changed to pain, as he sliced Heather from armpit to thigh. “Oh, I forgot again. My uncle so hates this room to be messy.” He dragged a steel tub from the corner, about the size of a coffin. “That's better. Now where was I?” Brie stared at the cruel but precise cuts he made, careful to capture the dripping blood. Had he done this so many times that he tuned out the piercing wails?
In an instant, the screaming stopped. Brie opened her eyes. He had cut Heather's throat, but she wasn't yet dead. Her panicked look pleaded for help, which each knew wasn't coming. Blood ran up her face, and through her hair before dripping into the bucket. Then, like a butcher, he dropped body parts into the tub.
“Is this your idea of fun?” Brie asked.
“Fun, no. My pigs need to be fed. This is work.” When he finished, he smiled at her. He started a small chainsaw. “Now this is fun.” Pieces dropped into the bloody pool, leaving only the feet. “People eat pig's feet, but I'll bet no one ever told you that pigs like people feet.” He removed the manacles which had managed to stay in place, and the feet plopped in with the rest. “Hmm. I must have had these on too tight.” His lips rose in an evil grin. “Most people would have vomited by now. You're good.”
On the other side of the barn, a different conversation was taking place. “Good morning, Ms. Russell,” said Richemartel. “I trust you slept well.” He looked rested and relaxed. Between the screams and a motor of some kind, he hadn't flinched. “Sorry about the disturbance. It will be over soon, I assure you.”
“You are the cruelest man I've ever met.”
“I'm not. But Joe is. It is time to conclude your stay with us, so you can return to your starting point. Today, you will answer all my questions.”
Chapter 38
“LOOK AT THIS, FRITZ. This is weird.” Ashley had his computer open, running a live satellite feed. Fritz studied the picture. He asked if Ash could get a closer shot. Ashley hit a button and the image grew larger but not clearer.
“It looks like … where is this?”
Ash ran his finger down the list of addresses. “Virginia. About fifty miles from Washington.”
“They're gone. Back it up.” With a wider angle, the picture showed a farmhouse porch with a man sitting reading something, a barn, a separate open shed, and a pen with half a dozen pigs.
“Looks like dinner time in pig palace,” Ashley said.
“I could swear that was a man pushing a woman in a wheelbarrow,” Fritz said. “Let's wait and see if anything happens. How close can you get?”
Ashley tapped the keys, and the picture blurred. He tapped again and backed away. They watched cows moving out of the shed. Fritz asked Mary to come and look.
“Do you know anything about cows?”
“They give milk, they live on farms, and they go moo.”
“So nothing.”
“City girl, Fritz. Sorry.”
“Look at this. It looks like something is chasing them out.”
Mary leaned closer. She said, “That looks like a woman in a wheelbarrow.” Ashley clicked closer.
“That's Linda,” Fritz said.
Ashley focused in as close as possible before they were gone. Fritz had his phone out.
“Tony, we've found them. Meet you at the school asap. Ash, go get your guns and extra ammo.”
“Do you want me to call Jim?” Mary asked.
“Yes, please. I've got to call the president. Ash, what's the address? Do you have coordinates from the satellite?” The call connected to voice mail. “Let's go, Ash. I'll call him on the way.”
“I'll tell Jim to meet you.”
“Tell him to bring guns, Mary.”
* * *
“THAT WASN'T SO bad, was it?” Joe's syrupy voice masked the vicious treatment he delivered.
“You're an animal,” Linda gasped.
“It's a good thing you talk so well. My uncle appreciates honesty. But he said I should punish you.” His almost lighthearted tone sent a shiver through her. “I think I need some tools. Excuse me.”
Hung like a carcass, with only a bath towel
wrapped around her waist, her total helplessness struck home again. She feared him and what new tortures his tools would bring. After a piercing scream rattled the wooden walls, Joe returned with a filleting knife, red and dripping. In his other hand, he waved a cleaver.
“One more thing. I'll be right back.”
His uncle entered the barn and waved him over. “Joe, I've already told you what I want done. I don't want them killed here.”
“You didn't say don't scare them or don't hurt them. I'm good at what I'm doing. Hey, I'm just having a little fun. It's been a fun day.”
“You're like your uncle Willie. Even when we were children. Strange as it may seem, he would have been an excellent surgeon.”
“I would have, too.”
“No, Joe, you would not have. You don't like books and you don't care enough about living things.”
* * *
JIM SHAW AND Ashley arrived simultaneously, each with packages, disguises for their weapons. Before leaving home, Fritz had printed the different locations which might be safe arrival spots. Tony prepared the doorknob hookup to be sure of constant connection, while the others selected where to land.
“Mr. R, I'd go here,” Jim said. “The pig pen has no direct sight line to the house or the barn door.”
“Why not just portal into the barn?” asked Fritz.
“We should check the place out before we jump in.”
“Pig pen, it is. Before we go, I'm calling him one last time.”
“Turn off the ring tones. Leave it on vibrate.”
Fritz looked out his classroom window. Only a few cars drove past, but he closed the blinds. “With a little luck, we may have a crowd tonight.” He held up his crossed fingers.
“Call him, Fritz.”
Two rings and an answer. “I felt the buzz, Fritz, but I was in the middle of a speech. What's happening?”
“We're going in. I think we found Linda. If you can write, here's the address and the coordinates.”
“Hold on a second.” Fritz could hear muffled conversation. “Okay. Tell me.” Fritz read the information, and the president repeated it. “Can you come get me?”
Storm Surge (Quantum Touch Book 5) Page 20