An Element of Risk

by Don Easton

  Jack nodded, then quietly stared out the passenger window at the side streets as they drove past. Which street were you murdered on? Wish I’d asked. Was it this one … or this one? Does the murderer live here? Maybe in one of the houses we’re passing? He viewed a row of houses. It all seems so peaceful … like a place everyone would like to live.

  Moments later, Vath parked at a restaurant called Jack in the Box. Jack wondered if the restaurant name foretold his fate, then he thought, Naw, I want to be cremated when my time comes. No coffin for me.

  Once inside, Vath ordered a hamburger. Jack did the same. They’d almost finished eating when Jack saw Vath glance at his watch. He seemed worried.

  “Something wrong?”

  “Jerry usually isn’t late,” Vath explained. “He said they’d be here half an hour ago.”

  “That’s only a little late. I wouldn’t worry.”

  Jack excused himself to go to the men’s room. After checking to ensure he was alone he went into a stall and phoned Wayne.

  “What’s happening?” Wayne asked anxiously. “We followed you to the restaurant.”

  “It’s where Vath said we’re to meet Jerry and his sidekick. He told me they were supposed to be here thirty minutes ago and that it was unusual for them to be late.”

  “Maybe they’re like dope dealers. Those guys are never on time, no matter what they say.”

  “Maybe, but Vath seems concerned. Anyone on your team think they might have been burned?”

  “No, if they had they’d have mentioned it. Nobody is in sight of the restaurant. In fact, both your people are insisting we don’t come within a couple of blocks of you. Personally, I think that’s a little too far away.”

  “Did you hear about the stunt Vath pulled at the restaurant in Canada before I left?”

  “Yeah … okay, I hear you. I’ll keep my people well back, but be warned that you’re strictly on your own in there.”

  “That’s how I want it.” Jack paused. “Hopefully everything is okay. If they do show up, it might be a while before you and I talk again.”

  “You’re packed for a two-day trip. Still no idea where you’re being taken?”

  “No, Vath doesn’t have a clue. At the earliest, I won’t find that out until Jerry arrives.”

  “When he does, it’d be good if you could let us know or at least call us each time you stop at a gas station or something.”

  “I could fake having food poisoning, but I think these guys are too kinky for me to be running back and forth to washrooms. Even if … or when they do show up, I might not be told. It wouldn’t surprise me if I was blindfolded.”

  “Guess we’ll have to wait and see.”

  Jack ended the call and headed back to the table. As he approached, he saw Vath talking on his phone while writing on a napkin. His face looked tense and he looked up to eyeball the other customers.

  Damn it, something has them heated.…

  As he sat down, Vath glanced at him and shoved the napkin in his pocket while continuing to talk on the phone. “He’s back. I’ll ask him.” He then looked at Jack and said, “They want your phone number. Is it okay if I give it to them?”

  “Fine with me. Same number you used to call me earlier. I’ll give it to you again.”

  As Jack gave the number, Vath repeated it into his phone, then said, “Okay, we’re on our way.”

  Jack looked around to give the impression he was suspicious, then leaned forward and whispered, “What’s going on? Why’d they want my number?”

  Vath frowned. “He said it was in case we get split up. I’m supposed to take you some place and drop you off, then go meet them for a chat. I think they want me to assure them once more that you’re okay.”

  “Why don’t they come here?” Jack asked. “I can see them not trusting me, but if they have concerns they should meet me face to face so we can talk.”

  “It’s not only you,” Vath replied. “All of a sudden I get the feeling that they don’t trust me, either.” He shrugged. “I dunno. Maybe I’m wrong. It was Jerry’s friend I was talking to and he seemed pissed off and suspicious-like. Could just be his personality.”

  If they don’t trust you either, perhaps you should be thinking about what happened to Graves.

  “But as far as them not coming here,” Vath continued, “they told me they’re introducing you to someone and he doesn’t want to risk being seen.”

  “Being seen?” Like perhaps one of the Coggins brothers? “Do you mean being seen with me, or being seen by anyone? It’s not like I’m wearing any colours.”

  “I don’t know the reason. I didn’t ask. I think because of what happened they’re being extra cautious.” Vath paused. “Anyway, after I meet ’em and have a talk, I’m to take ’em back to where you’ll be waiting. Then you’ll go with them and I’ll head back home.”

  After you meet them and have a talk? Damn it, they’ve either spotted surveillance or are checking to see if one of us is being followed through the GPS on our phones.

  He eyed Vath. “Still no idea where they’ll be taking me after you go back?”

  Vath shook his head. “I’ve no idea. I’ve only met them in restaurants or bars.” He waved to the waitress to get the bill. “Let’s pay, then we’re on our way.”

  Jack trailed behind Vath toward the till. Should I dump my phone … or am I too late and our executions have already been planned? He thought of Ferg. Do I really have a choice about going along with this? He swallowed. Guess not. Not if I want justice.…

  Two men wearing heavy coats and work boots were paying their bills at the till ahead of them. When they turned to leave, Vath stepped forward to pay.

  I’m going to have one pissed off cover team, Jack thought, as he brushed past one of the men and slipped his phone into the man’s coat pocket.

  A moment later Jack followed Vath outside where he saw a man and woman with two boys heading to the restaurant. It left him with a lump in his throat.

  Wonder if I’ll ever see my family again.

  Chapter Forty

  Vath flicked the key on in the ignition then turned to face Jack. “I sure hope you’re the real deal.”

  “What the hell? What kind of comment is that?” Jack replied.

  “I mean that you’re being straight with us. Not trying to rip us off or anything?”

  “Believe me, with the amount of cash we’re talking, your friends aren’t the only ones who’re feeling tense. All I want is for everyone to go away happy and safe.”

  “Exactly. I’ll tell ’em that.” He smiled and gave Jack a thumbs-up before fishing the napkin from his pocket.

  “You’ve got a map?” Jack noted as he peered over.

  “To where I’m to drop you off and then meet them. It’s not far.” He glanced at the napkin, then put the vehicle in gear.

  Jack casually checked the side mirror after they’d driven away from the restaurant. Yeah, it looks like I’m on my own, for better or worse.

  Vath glanced at the napkin in his hand periodically as he drove. A few minutes later they travelled down a quiet residential street that led them into a forested park that appeared to be deserted.

  Wonderful. Perfect place to murder someone.

  Vath stopped in a parking lot and pointed at a picnic table. “You’re to wait there while I go talk to them. It shouldn’t take long; then we’ll all come back and go from there.”

  Is that what you think? Guess now isn’t the time to remind you about Graves.…

  Jack got out. Somewhere in the darkness he heard the sound of a river. He watched Vath drive away, then eyed the picnic table. It was in the open and behind it was a path that disappeared into the woods toward the river. He sighed, then took a seat and waited.

  Soon a light rain started to fall. He zipped up his jacket and pulled his collar tight to his neck before seeking refuge under some nearby trees. The sound of the river didn’t do anything to calm his nerves.

  I wonder how far my corpse would
float downstream.

  Twenty minutes later Jack saw Vath’s Rogue return, followed by a Dodge Ram crew cab pickup with a canopy on the rear. His adrenalin kicked into high gear. Dodge Ram … same type of truck Ferg saw before he was murdered.

  The vehicles parked side by side in the lot, so Jack left his shelter from under the trees and walked toward them. It was then that he heard someone walk out from the bushes behind him and turned to look.

  “It’s all right,” a man said as he neared. “I’m with them.” He gestured toward the vehicles.

  “Okay,” Jack replied and fell in step with him. Once they stepped into the illumination from the headlights, he caught a better look at his companion. The man had shoulder-length hair and a full beard. Despite having dyed his hair black, Jack recognized him immediately. Luke Coggins — wanted for murder in Alabama.

  Vath and the driver of the pickup emerged from their vehicles. The new arrival was someone who’d also grown a beard. Zachary Coggins … wonderful. You two boys come to a decision as to whether or not you’re going to kill us?

  Luke approached his brother and Jack heard him say, “Didn’t see anyone, and he didn’t call anyone.” They then spoke in hushed tones.

  Vath approached Jack. “You okay?”

  “Sure. Why wouldn’t I be?”

  “Uh, I don’t know. Just that it’s raining.”

  “Right, like that’s what’s on my mind,” Jack replied angrily. “Who are these two guys? I take it one of them is Jerry?”

  “No, I left Jerry a few minutes ago. The guy with the pickup is the other guy I deal with. I asked him his name tonight and he told me it was Bammer, or something like that.”

  Bammer … as in being from Alabama.

  “I’ve never seen the other guy before,” Vath stated. He then looked around and said, “I don’t see his car. Did someone else bring him?”

  “He was waiting when I arrived,” Jack replied. “I presume Bammer dropped him off earlier.”

  “That’s strange, they didn’t tell me there was someone else here,” Vath replied.

  It’s not strange. They didn’t trust you either.

  The Coggins brothers then approached and Luke looked at Jack. “Hope y’all don’t mind, but I need to search ya.”

  “Be my guest,” Jack replied, raising his arms over his head.

  “Y’all got some luggage, too?” Zachary asked.

  “I’ve got a backpack on the back seat,” Jack replied, gesturing toward the Nissan. He then stood patiently as Luke searched him while Zachary removed his backpack from the back seat and rifled through it.

  “He ain’t packin’,” Luke declared, after patting him down.

  “Nothin’ here, either,” Zachary stated. He then tossed the backpack at Jack. “Y’all comin’ with us,” he added.

  “You finished with me?” Vath asked.

  “Yup,” Zachary replied. “Go back to the land of the Eskimos. We’ll get hold of ya once the deal is over and figure out your cut.”

  “Wahoo!” Vath exclaimed. “Lookin’ forward to that!” He then returned to his vehicle and drove away.

  Jack locked eyes with Luke and gestured to the bush where the man had been hiding. “What the hell was that all about? You do know who you’re dealing with, right?”

  “Yeah, we know,” Luke replied gruffly. “But the thing is, a car with two guys in it was parked a block away from the restaurant we was supposed to meet you at. We figured it was the cops, so we separated the two of you to see if they was followin’ one of you.”

  “And?” Jack asked.

  “’Bout then we seen that car take off and go south on the I-5.”

  “So then you knew it had nothing to do with me.”

  “Yeah, we know that now.” He smiled apologetically. “Looks like we got spooked for nothin’.”

  “Why’d you hide in the bush?”

  “To see if ya called anyone.” Luke gave him a serious look, then opened his jacket and patted the butt of a pistol stuck in his waistband.

  And if I had, I’d be taking a river cruise without a boat.…

  Chapter Forty-One

  Jack sat in the back seat of the crew cab and Zachary and Luke sat in the front. Once Zachary started the ignition, Jack leaned forward to memorize the mileage on the speedometer. If he was later blindfolded, at least when they arrived at their destination he’d have an idea how far they’d driven.

  “What you doin’?” Luke asked suspiciously.

  Jack stuck out his hand. “My name’s Jack Bryson. I figure with the amount of money and merchandise we’re going to be swapping, it’d be better if we show a little trust and introduce ourselves.”

  Zachary and Luke looked at each other. Zachary reached back and shook Jack’s hand. “I’m Zach. This here’s my brother Luke.”

  “I didn’t catch your last name?” Jack replied, while shaking Luke’s hand.

  “Uh, it’s Bammer,” Zach stated.

  Jack hid his smile. So you decided you’d half trust me. Bammer, my ass. Do I look that stupid?

  Zach then drove east out of Ferndale, crossed the I-5, and continued east. Soon the countryside was mostly farmland with few roads and no traffic. After twenty minutes Zach pulled over to the side of the road.

  “Everything okay?” Jack asked.

  “Hope so,” Luke replied.

  “Waitin’ to hear from someone,” Zach said. His tone indicated that further comment wouldn’t be appreciated.

  Ten minutes passed and the only noise was the sound of the windshield wipers. Jack stared out into the rain reflected in the headlights, then peered into the darkness around them. He didn’t see any other lights or signs of habitation.

  Zach’s phone rang. As he answered, Luke turned in his seat and looked intently at Jack while slipping his hand inside his jacket toward his pistol.

  I really don’t care for your attitude.…

  “Good. Yup,” Zach said into his phone. He then glanced at Luke and said, “It’s okay.”

  Luke appeared to relax and removed his hand.

  Zach refocused on the phone. “We’ll wait till ya go by.” He paused and glanced out the window. “Yeah, for sure. Comin’ down harder. Gonna be slippery headin’ up the mountain tonight.” He then ended the call.

  “You’re expecting company?” Jack asked.

  “Yeah, the boss man is about five minutes behind us.”

  Jack recalled a crossroad they’d gone by about a five-minute drive from where they were parked and realized that someone had been waiting there and watching to see if they were being followed.

  Is it the same person who parked on the cross street watching when Ferg was murdered? Bet it is. Sure can’t wait to meet you.

  For a moment Jack felt elated, but the grim reality of the situation told him he shouldn’t feel too celebratory yet.

  No cover team, unarmed, don’t know where they’re taking me. He glanced at Zach and Luke. I’m with a couple of rednecks who are wanted for murder and may have also murdered Ferg. Not only that, these guys are more paranoid than a couple of turkeys before Thanksgiving. He looked again at the desolate surroundings.

  Yeah, this is great. What could possibly go wrong? On with the show.

  Soon a black SUV went past and Zach pulled out to follow.

  “So that’s the boss man,” Jack said, hoping to glean more information.

  “Yup,” Luke said. “Reverend Bob and his son.”

  “Reverend Bob?” Jack snickered, presuming the moniker was a joke. Sort of like calling big guys Tiny.

  “Yes, he is,” Zach said seriously while casting Jack a perturbed look in the rear-view mirror. “He retired a couple months past, but he’s still a reverend. That don’t change nothin’.”

  “Gotcha.” Guess this isn’t the time to tell you I’m an atheist. You morons are liable to shoot me in the name of some god.

  They continued driving for another ten minutes, then headed south for another thirty minutes before going east aga
in.

  Jack studied the landscape to memorize where he was being taken. It was fairly desolate and they only passed the occasional farmhouse, each surrounded by acres of flat pastureland.

  Thirty minutes later the landscape became a little more rolling as they neared the foothills of the Cascade mountain range. It was then that they turned off onto a muddy side road and stopped in front of a steel gate secured with a padlock.

  Beyond the gate rose a wooded, rocky mountain that stood out from the fields like a giant wart on the face of Mother Nature.

  Reverend Bob’s son, who was clean-cut and someone Jack guessed was about thirty years old, leaped from the SUV and unlocked the gate. They then followed the SUV inside. The son relocked the gate and got back in the SUV to continue on.

  Soon the road became steep and twisted as it wove through clumps of forest and rocky outcrops. Zach put the truck into four-wheel drive to navigate the occasional deep muddy rut and several times their progress slowed to a crawl.

  Fifteen minutes later, the trees dwindled to scrub brush and they reached the top where powerful spotlights mounted on a telephone pole lit up the yard.

  Holy shit!

  Jack’s first impression was of a military outpost in a war zone. A large cement bunker, complete with narrow slits for windows, had been built deep into the rock. The bunker’s roof was flat and covered with large solar panels. Behind the house loomed a metal lookout tower perched on top a steel pole. Across a gravelled yard from the bunker was a steel hangar.

  The SUV stopped in front of the hangar and Zach pulled up alongside it while the son got out to slide the hangar door open.

  Jack listened to the sound of the rain peppering the roof of the truck as he stared out at the distorted, elongated shadows formed by the spotlights. It left him with an eerie feeling and he wondered, Is that a cement bunker … or a crypt?

  “So what y’all think back there?” Luke asked.

  “Are we still in the States?” Jack asked, in an attempt at humour as he gestured to the bunker and lookout tower.

  “Yup … and we plan to keep it the good ol’ U-S-of-A,” Luke replied.

  “Amen to that, brother,” Zach added.