The Secret Page

by Al Turner

  “So Mr. Sanchez,” Tripp replied nervously. The vehicle was moving at a virtual crawl, ensuring plenty of time to talk. The worst part was that Sanchez had chosen him. He was a terrible liar.

  “How are your parents?” Sanchez started, apparently wanting to break the ice before the interrogation began. The question at first disarmed Tripp, but well aware of what his dad’s friend was up to, he still managed to relax a bit in his seat.

  “They’re well,” he said but then added, “but you already know this.”

  “And that PI business is going good for ya?”

  “Not as well as I’d hoped, but that’s not exactly news to you either, sir.”

  Sanchez laughed, making Tripp aware of his own naïveté. “True, buddy. I sure hope all those conversations about investigative work came in handy.”

  “You know I appreciate everything you’ve taught me.”

  “I know you do. There is, however, something I don’t know.”

  Tripp already knew what was coming but wanted to wait for the actual question. “What would that be, sir?”

  “What happened to the dude in the bay?”

  ***

  Carson and Daniel watched helplessly as Tripp’s lips moved a mile a minute. They couldn’t make out what he said but knew he would continue until he had provided the full narrative.

  Carson felt the car would go backward in time if it went any slower. She tried to get Tripp’s attention, but he was too busy spilling the beans.

  “Okay, I was wrong,” said Daniel. “I may need another plan to get to my office.”

  “After Tripp gets done talking, you may need a plan to leave the country.”

  “Oh goody.”

  Carson hoped Tripp would glance back and see the angry face she had prepared just for him. Instead, he continued to animate his tale with gestures. She could almost figure out what part of the story he had reached by watching his movements.

  Sanchez glanced between him and the road. Finally, they arrived at the private parking area for those who lived on the canal. Carson held her breath and waited.

  “We’re going to jail.” Daniel whimpered.

  “No, Tripp and I aren’t, moron,” Carson said. “Sanchez is my dad’s best friend. You, however, might want to practice not bending down for the soap.”

  “Oh, that’s a nice thought. And moron? I just saved your life, remember?”

  “Right. Sorry,” Carson said. It was a rare apology. “Look, it’s not like we killed Derrick. That creep Mark did.”

  “Right, but we might’ve killed the killer.”

  “We can only hope,” Carson replied with a shudder. “I don’t want that bastard coming after me again.” She sank into the backseat farther and continued to watch the exchange between her brother and Sanchez.

  Something strange happened as the conversation wrapped up. Sanchez put his hand on an exasperated Tripp’s shoulder and hugged him. Briefly, Tripp seemed misty-eyed as he and Sanchez embraced before they both stepped out of the car.

  He can be such a softie, Carson thought. She waited for her door to unlock but was disappointed to find she still couldn’t open it. “Hello?” she said loudly, still trying to open it. “What just happened?”

  Carson and Daniel could only watch as Sanchez spoke to Tripp in front of the car. The conversation ended and the two, almost in unison, turned their attention to them. Sanchez pointed a key fob their way that unlocked the back doors. Relieved, they exited and followed the others over the walkway bridge.

  As they were about to pass Sanchez’s home, the door opened and his wife Maria stepped out onto the raised porch and motioned to her husband. They stopped. At first, Sanchez thought she was waving but then realized she wanted his attention. “I better go see what the missus wants. You guys head straight home and I’ll join you shortly.”

  Daniel and Carson turned around and walked the other way, while Tripp stood, unsure where they were going.

  Soon Sanchez realized what they were doing. “I meant go straight to your parents’ house.”

  Carson and Daniel rejoined Tripp and they continued to the last home on the canal. It, like the other homes, was built on stilts. They climbed the stairs to the little porch. Tripp didn’t hesitate to open the heavy oak door and step inside. Daniel wasn’t far behind him.

  Carson, however, paused to take another look at the world around her. The sun continued its descent to the west. She inhaled the thick, humid air deeply and held it in her lungs for a few seconds. With her eyes closed, she exhaled slowly. A smile grew across her face before she too disappeared inside.

  AN INCOMPLETE TRUTH

  Shelby had wanted to kill the man once they finished questioning him, but Jack refused to condone an execution. Instead, they left him tied up for the authorities. Shelby bet Jack the man would be dead before the day was over anyway.

  Jack rubbed his right shoulder. With all the action and adrenaline, he hadn’t noticed that a bullet had grazed his upper left arm near his shoulder. It was bruised terribly, but he could also feel wetness where the bullet had opened his skin. A blood spot had formed on his short tangerine-colored sleeve. Just a scratch, he thought and ignored the pain.

  His wife and Maria Sanchez were standing warily in front of their homes as Jack and Shelby reached the front of the Smith place. Shelby informed Jack he had other things to attend to and answered an incoming call. He meandered toward his van.

  Jack continued home and met Kate. She grabbed and hugged him tightly. He returned the hug and kissed her softly on the mouth. Together, as she hung onto his sore arm, they headed up their steps and to their front door. He shifted her to the other arm, as the pain was making his head pound.

  Kate noticed the blood spot. “Jack, you’re bleeding.”

  “I’m fine, my love. I was more concerned for you. There were men watching our home. I’m glad you were the first thing I saw as I came around our neighbor’s place.”

  “What happened?”

  “Let’s talk inside.”

  Kate had him sit on their brown leather couch next to her while she doctored him. She had volunteered as a nurse’s aide when she was a teen, something her wealthy father had disapproved of as a waste of her talents and beneath her. Jack knew the experience had come in handy on more than one occasion, though. She rolled his sleeve up and noted the small wound was directly above an old scar high on his arm.

  Jack told her about how he had run into Shelby, literally, and then about the altercation at the neighbor’s place. He explained that the bartender she had met allegedly had ill intentions for her. Shelby had also warned him that someone might come after their kids.

  Kate turned pale and it seemed to take her a moment to process what she had heard. “I just needed a drink,” she said.

  Jack knew it was a lie. “Why would you go meet another man?”

  Kate’s eyes narrowed. “You know why. I have to wonder if I’m even attractive to you anymore.”

  “That’s silly. I lose my breath every time you walk into the room.”

  “Actions speak louder than words, Jack,” Kate said. “You’re always gone on church business or — only God knows what. You keep me in the dark and have little time for us. That wasn’t our agreement.”

  Jack knew it was true. “Fair enough, but come to me — not some stranger,” he said. “Once we get past whatever is happening, I promise to do better.”

  “If you say so,” Kate finally said.

  Jack knew Kate wanted to see some semblance of jealousy from him. However, it was too easy for him to turn off that emotion. He did so without even trying. “We need to focus on what’s in front of us, Kate.”

  “Okay. Have you warned the kids? Carson wouldn’t answer my calls. Then Rick told me a body had been found in the bay. He tried to call the kids but only received voice mail.” Kate appeared to realize she was rattling on and took a deep breath. “Jack, what the hell is going on?”

  “I don’t know yet. Carson did mention t
hey had a crazy day, but they’re okay. They should be here soon.” As if on cue, the front door opened. In walked Daniel and Tripp, with Carson a few steps behind them.

  Kate sprang up from her seat and embraced Tripp and then caught Carson as she tried to walk past. “I’m so glad you’re both okay. Thank you for bringing them home safely, Daniel.” She grabbed and hugged him as well.

  “You owe him more than a thanks for the ride,” Carson said. “We wouldn’t be here if he hadn’t come to our rescue.”

  “Rescue? What happened?” Kate asked and kissed Daniel on his cheek.

  “I’ll let those two tell you,” Daniel replied.

  “Someone’s already told the story once.” Carson shoved her brother and walked past him. She spotted Jack on the couch and headed that way.

  Everyone trickled into the living room. Kate reclaimed her seat next to Jack. Tripp nestled beside his mom on one side of the big couch, while Carson took up position next to her dad on the other end. Kate held her son’s hand as he told her his version of the tale. Although Jack didn’t hear much of what Tripp was saying, he noticed that Carson relayed her story to him much faster, and with more passion, than her brother did.

  Daniel paced silently near the fireplace and stopped when Jack asked if he was okay. Rick had snuck in during the chatter and found a spot in the corner, not far from Daniel, so he could survey the entire room. His posture denoted his readiness for action.

  The living room was a mixture of old world meets traditional with its combination of distressed, dark furniture and peach hues. On the walls were several oil paintings and a single tapestry that hung above the fireplace mantel. The rest of the home was similar, except for Jack’s study, which closely matched the Caribbean motif of the patio it connected to.

  When Carson ended her story, she looked ready for Jack to answer some questions. Everyone stopped their private conversations and gave him their full attention.

  Jack surveyed the room in an attempt to gauge his audience’s expectations. “I’m very thankful you’re all okay.”

  “Tripp was extremely brave, while Daniel was a total badass,” Carson said.

  Jack smiled. “I’m proud of you all.”

  Carson went straight to the point. “Dad, why are people trying to kill us? Does this have something to do with Poppy’s shady dealings?”

  Jack’s mind raced as he thought of what he should say. Uncertain of what was going on, he still wanted to convey a sense that everything would be okay. His wife seemed particularly interested in his next words.

  After he cleared his throat for the umpteenth time, Jack fumbled for an answer. “Let me start by saying I’m perplexed about what brought about today’s events. And I plan to do some digging into this. If it was an isolated incident, I might think it was a coincidence. After all, what beef would someone have with a preacher and his family?”

  The others seemed to agree. Someone even voiced a hesitant “Right.” But he had to do better.

  “However, it would be unfair of me not to warn you of another possibility,” Jack continued. “As you’ve probably suspected over the years, your grandfather was hardly a simple businessman. He rubbed shoulders with some powerful people in both government and industry.”

  “So he’s a spy,” Carson blurted out.

  “Carson, please,” Kate said. “Let your dad finish.”

  “Not exactly,” Jack said. He wanted to be careful in his approach to the subject. “He did some work for an organization that monitored world governments.”

  “Like a human rights organization?” Tripp asked.

  “In a roundabout sorta way,” Jack replied, searching for the best words. “Let’s just say they took more than a passive role.”

  “So they used some form of litigation or partnered with another entity like the UN?” Tripp asked.

  “Close enough,” Jack said. He didn’t want to get stuck on the details. “The primary role of this organization was to keep any entity—government or otherwise—from dragging the human race to the brink of extinction.”

  “Well, with the number of nukes in the world, I’d say they’re doing a lousy job,” Carson said.

  “As with any intelligence community, you never really hear of the times disaster was avoided,” Jack explained.

  “Okay, Dad, but why would these people want to come after us?”

  “I don’t believe they would, sweetie. I was merely pointing out that Pops belonged to a group that had powerful allies around the globe. But there are two sides of the coin. Certainly he also made many enemies along the way.” Jack paused to glance around. “Have any of you ever heard of a company called Lloyd Tactical Forces?”

  “That sounds familiar,” Tripp said. “Yes, I was approached by someone who said they were recruiting for that company. I gave them sparse information but later said I wasn’t interested when they called again. Daniel, do you remember that guy who came into the office a few months ago? You checked into it because you were suspicious.”

  “Oh, right,” Daniel said. “They appeared legit, but I didn’t understand why they were trying to recruit someone like Tripp.”

  “That is odd,” Jack said.

  At first Tripp looked slightly offended but said, “I felt the same way at the time. Am I to assume that someone from a security firm has been watching us for at least several months?”

  The thought concerned Jack. “It’s certainly possible.”

  “We should have ’em arrested,” Carson said.

  Rick had been standing by silently and listening. “Jack, how did you learn Lloyd’s company was involved?”

  “Right,” Jack said, realizing he had left that part out. “We ran into some unpleasant fellas who had broken into the Smiths’ house. One survived their attack on us and Shelby questioned him.”

  “Shelby? When did he resurface?”

  “Long story.”

  “You know, partner, I should call someone to pick that guy up before someone comes looking for him.”

  “You’re right, Rick. It may be wise to get the sheriff’s office involved on this one.”

  While Rick walked off to make his call, Kate found her moment to interrupt. “Jack, I don’t want that man Shelby anywhere near my family. How many people has he already killed?”

  “Today?” Jack said and then realized it probably wasn’t the best question to have asked.

  “That’s exactly what I’m talking about,” Kate said. “We don’t need that back in our lives.”

  “Whoa,” Carson said, holding up a hand. “What are you talking about, Mother? How has that guy ever been in our lives?”

  “Your dad can explain that one,” Kate said and folded her arms.

  “Thank you, dear,” Jack said, feeling as if a bus had run him over. “He’s someone I met long ago, during a more complicated time in my life. As you’ve probably figured out, he’s also been watching the people who were watching us.”

  “Is he a spy?” Carson asked.

  “What’s this fascination with spies, sis?” Tripp asked. “This is hardly a page from a thriller.”

  “He once worked for the CIA,” Jack said quickly before the two could start arguing.

  Tripp looked surprised as Carson walked over and silently gloated. “Point for Carson,” he said.

  “Mr. Page, how did you get involved with the CIA?” Daniel asked anxiously.

  “I wasn’t involved with them per se, Daniel. Circumstances brought Shelby and me together. We found we had a common goal at the time.”

  “Did it have anything to do with your brother dying?”

  Jack knew his discomfort was obvious. “That’s not a subject I wish to discuss.”

  “I’d assume it did,” Daniel said.

  “Let’s not assume anything, shall we?”

  “I think we have a right to know, sir.”

  Jack’s eyes narrowed at the young man. “No, Daniel—you weren’t paid to pry into my personal life,” he snapped. As soon as the word
s left his mouth, he realized his mistake.

  Shocked, both the twins’ mouths dropped. “Dad?” they said in unison.

  “You knew?” Carson asked.

  Jack realized the cat must have been let out of the bag recently. “Yes,” he admitted.

  Tripp seemed to accept the logic of the revelation. “If Pops was aware, it would make sense you were as well.”

  “It was your grandfather’s idea, guys. It allowed Pops to watch over you from a distance. It also gave Daniel a fresh start, something he needed. As the saying goes, it killed two birds with one stone.”

  Carson turned her attention to Daniel, who looked as though he wished he had kept his mouth shut. “So you were running from something too?”

  Kate let out a deep sigh that told everyone they were going in the wrong direction with the conversation. “We’re not here to discuss Daniel.”

  “I’m sure you knew as well, Mother. You seem good at keeping secrets,” Carson shot back.

  The room erupted into argument as Carson and Kate went back and forth, while Tripp and Daniel got into a verbal sparring match. Jack tried several times to quiet everyone. It was Rick’s sudden return, along with his worried face, that made everyone cease what they were doing.

  “Jack, about that guy you left tied up . . . I just walked next door to check on him while I called the county folks. Know what?”

  “He’s gone?”

  “No, he’s still there. He has a new smile where his throat used to be.”

  Kate clapped her hands over her mouth in horror as the others cringed. Jack stood up and paced, deep in thought.

  “Oh shit, the cops won’t think Dad did it, will they?” Carson asked.

  “They won’t know your dad was even over there, at least not yet,” Rick said. “But someone could eventually place him near the scene.”

  “I have little doubt,” Jack said softly. “We’ll worry about that later. For now, I want everyone packed and ready to leave.”

  “Jack, we need to deal with this now,” Rick said.

  Jack walked over and placed a hand on his shoulder. “Rick, you’ve been my faithful friend since our youth, but you don’t need to get involved with this. Who did you speak with over at county?”