Gideon turned to Jenny. "Do your parents have a cellar?"
"Just a crawl space under the kitchen."
Gideon and Jenny slowly crept below the level of the window to the kitchen. "Where is it?" Gideon asked.
There's a trapdoor under that rug." Jenny pointed to the rug near the pantry.
"Open it, and then you and your mother go down there," Gideon ordered. He took the envelope from under his belt and gave it to Jenny. "You hang on to this for now."
Jenny just stared up at Gideon, too petrified to move when she realized she might never see him again. "What about you?" she whispered.
Gideon was taking control. He reached down for the gun strapped to his calf and handed it to Jenny. "I'll knock three times before I open the door. Otherwise, prepare to defend yourself and your mom."
"I can't."
"You have to." Gideon touched her arm.
"What about you?"
"Don't worry," Gideon looked her in the eyes and wanted to tell her how he felt but could not. Instead his job took over. "Colby's address and private number are written on the envelope. Whatever happens, it has to get to him before Monday. Remember Jenny, only to Colby. Don't trust anyone else."
"Why, Gideon?" Jenny asked, almost in tears.
"It's the first date on the map, I think that's when the summit is taking place."
"But I won't go without you."
"It's the only way. Remember, three knocks." Gideon squeezed her arm, then opened the trapdoor and helped her down the steps.
Jenny watched Gideon gently take her mother's hand and help her down the ladder. Even in the dark, Jenny felt his piercing eyes as he stared at her before shutting the trap door. Jenny took hold of her mother's hand and held it firm. It was the only means of assurance she could give the frail woman next to her. Once they heard the rug being laid over the trap door, Jenny realized that no matter what happened above, they would have to stay put if they were to survive. Her whole body shook thinking about Ian coming after her. She worried that maybe Gideon was not up to this confrontation.
CHAPTER 26
The sky was clear. The stars shined brightly illuminating the farmyard for all to see. Forty minutes passed since Gideon had secured Jenny and her mother in the crawlspace, and they were not any closer to a resolution than when he shut the trapdoor. There were only the two men, one on the kitchen side of the house behind the big oak at the end of the drive. The other intruder was behind the row of lilacs that lined the lawn, just before you crossed the drive to get to the barn.
Gideon tiptoed into the kitchen, he glanced at Jake sitting on a chair at the back window while Joe stood leaning on the door sill. They were at an impasse waiting for whatever it was that was going to happen. Gideon feared more troops were on the way. It would explain the long wait, and he knew if they were going to do anything, now was the time.
"Any ideas?" Jake asked rubbing his eyes.
"I'm going out to neutralize the one on my side, and then Jenny and I will make a run for it."
"How far do you think you can get on foot?"
"I don't plan to make it on foot. There's a car in the barn. If we can make it there, it might flush out the guy from your side and you can get a clear shot."
"What if there's more than two?" Joe whispered,
Even in the darkness Gideon could see the concern on the old man's face. "We'll have to chance it, but for now, it's the only way," Gideon replied.
"Do you want me to get Jenny?" Jake asked.
"No, I'll check the grounds first," Gideon walked over to Jake putting his hand on his shoulder. "If I don't come back..."
Jake cut him off. "Assholes like you live forever."
Gideon patted Jake on the head. "You keep that pretty red head of yours down," and then he walked back to the door.
"Be careful." Jake whispered
Gideon motioned for Joe to follow him. Both men crept into the living room. What Gideon was about to do was dangerous. One hundred yards separated the house from the barn. It would be the longest one hundred yards of Gideon's life.
Joe stared at Gideon as he made his way to the front door. "It might be safer going out the window in Carla's sewing room." He motioned to the door that was closed. "There's a big shrub covering the window."
Gideon crept across the room to the door while Joe watched. Gideon turned the knob and as the door swung open, an eerie creaking noise echoed through the darkness. Gideon walked in and was startled at first by the seamstress dummy standing starkly erect in the corner. There was only the one window in the room. Joe was right, there was a wall of green from the honeysuckle outside, but gave perfect cover.
Gideon turned to Joe. "You'd better get back to the window. And remember, I'll be out there, so no firing."
The old man disappeared back into the living room, leaving Gideon alone in Carla's sewing room. Gideon glanced around at all the pictures on the wall. They were all of her son, and Gideon guessed that was why the room was closed. It was her little shrine to the son lost to her forever.
Gideon opened the window slowly, then took the scissors from the table and cut the screen. Quietly he slid out of the small window, and when he touched the ground he crouched and listened. Slowly he crept without a sound. It was a maneuver he'd learned well from years of training. It was that training that was kicking in now. His slouched frame blended with evening shadows. Gideon was motionless for a moment, sniffing the air. It was the scent of Old Spice that told him the intruder was near. He checked the wind, and then slowly inched around the lilacs. In the darkness he could see the silhouette of an object that was foreign to its surroundings. Gideon was within two feet of the man before he turned, but it was too late. Gideon wrapped one arm under his chin, the other on his forehead. The snapping sound of bone was all that was heard. It was like a twig breaking in the night, and then the man slumped silently to the ground. Gideon just stood there for a moment staring down at the clump on the ground. Slowly he crept around the perimeter, careful not to venture beyond the corner of the house where the other man's vantage point began. Once Gideon was certain it was clear, he slowly edged his way back to the house and crawled through the sewing room window.
"Gideon, is that you?" Joe whispered. The old man frantically searched the sewing room doorway for a familiar face, all the while pointing the shotgun mid-center in the direction of the door.
"Yeah, it's me," Gideon whispered softly. He peeked around the corner until he was sure Joe knew it was truly him coming through.
"There was a rustling of underbrush," Joe pointed at the end of the long row of lilacs.
"I know," Gideon said, and then walked over to the kitchen door, but before entering he turned back to Joe. "If you see or hear anything else, let me know."
"How did it go?" Jake asked.
"It’s clear on that side of the house. I'm taking Jenny now. The other one will probably follow us, so you should be okay."
"If he doesn't?"
"As soon as we're safe I'll send someone back for you."
Jake turned to Gideon and watched as he walked over to the rug and kicked it out of the way. Gideon tapped three times before lifting the door. In the dim light of the kitchen he could see Jenny pointing the gun in his general direction. With hands raised, he quickly stepped forward.
"Hey, it's me," Gideon said.
"Is it over?" Jenny whispered.
"No, you and I are leaving. Jake will stay and take care of your parents," Gideon said, extending his hand.
"I'm not going." Jenny refused the hand that loomed in front of her. She just put the gun down and folded her arms.
"It's the only way," Gideon argued.
Jake turned to Jenny. "You don't trust me to keep them safe?"
Jenny ignored the voice at the window. Neither man saw the doubt on her face.
"Go with him Jenny," Carla whispered, and then pushed Jenny toward the ladder.
Jenny stared up at Gideon with his hand still extended. There was
a pleading look in his eyes that even in the darkness she could see. Finally after a few minutes of silence, she turned to her mother and hugged her tightly. Jenny picked up the gun and gave it to her mother crouched in the corner.
"You may need it," she said. Her voice quivered as she got up and took Gideon's hand.
"Do you want this?" Jenny handed Gideon the envelope.
"No, you hang on to it."
Gideon took Jenny's hand and then guided her out of the kitchen. Joe looked over at the two as they passed, but did not say a word. He was afraid if he did, it would be to stop Gideon from taking Jenny out of the house. He felt there was safety in numbers, but he also trusted Gideon to do the right thing.
"Hey, Gideon," Jake whispered from the kitchen.
"Yeah," Gideon turned.
"Don't forget the troops."
"I won't," Gideon said with a solemn look on his face.
Gideon was not sure if he were indeed doing the right thing. All he knew was that they could not stay there till morning. Gideon guided Jenny through the living room and then into the sewing room. He slowly lowered her out of the window to the ground. Once he jumped out after her, he turned and whispered.
"We're okay until we hit the driveway. From there we'll have to make a run for the barn."
"What are we going to do in the barn, ride a cow to safety?" Jenny suddenly had misgivings that Gideon really knew what he was doing.
"No! A Mustang."
"Gideon, you can't be serious. It hasn't been run in years."
"I started it this afternoon, it runs fine."
"But my father..."
"Under the circumstances, I don't think he'll mind."
It had been dark out for almost two hours. The animals were all bedded for the night. The only noise was crickets and an occasional toad from the pond. They tiptoed through the darkness along the lilac hedge. It was a place familiar to her from her youth, but tonight intruders who brought with them the evils from the outside world shattered the innocence of the farmyard setting.
"Be careful, there's something lying on the ground."
Jenny turned, while putting her hand to her face. "Oh my God," she whispered.
"Just don't look down," Gideon shoved her past the dark mass that lay at her feet.
When they neared the edge of the hedge, Gideon knew their cover was gone, and they would have to make a run for it. He took a deep breath, grabbed Jenny by the hand, and then together they dashed to the barn.
Bullets whizzing by, hitting the ground in front of them, clouds of dust splattered into the air. Then the ear-piercing explosion of Jake letting a round fly filled the cool silent night. Gideon shoved Jenny through the barn door. The barn boards splintered with the barrage of rounds being fired. There was no time to stand around. Gideon could barely see, only a dull streak of light lit the path down the center aisle. He stumbled but caught his balance. Once he reached the Mustang, Gideon quickly pulled the canvas off while Jenny ran to the other side and climbed in. Gideon did not even open the door. He just hopped in the driver's seat, stepped on the clutch, and turned the key. He ran the car through its gears to get a feel. When done, Gideon put it back in first. His right foot eased on the gas as they slowly crept down the center aisle of the barn in the direction they'd come, keeping the headlights off.
"Where are you going?" Jenny yelled as Gideon gunned the engine and spun the tires.
"Out."
"The door isn't big enough," Jenny screamed as Gideon crashed through the door frame they'd just entered.
"It is now."
Once in the open, Gideon spun the wheel while down shifting into second. The Mustang skidded out of control, gravel kicked up in a cloud of dust and then finally it responded. Gunfire from behind pierced the windshield above Jenny's head, a fine web of cracks blocked her vision, she turned to Gideon. He pushed her head down, while spinning the steering wheel. They headed toward the field out back.
Gideon worried about Jake, feared for Jenny's safety, and had misgivings that what he was doing was right. But there was no turning back and no time to justify what he did.
Jenny watched the corn plants fly in all directions. She glanced at Gideon, and then turned around and watch the farm grow smaller in the distance. "How do you know where you're going?" she yelled.
"Joe and I checked the back forty, remember."
When they reached the end of the cornfield, Gideon took the small path through the woods. Within minutes they came out onto the old country road. The light ahead was a beacon of hope. Gideon quickly pulled into the Four Season's Pub and ran into the bar.
Frank, the bartender, recognized Gideon from that afternoon. Patrons turned and stared at Gideon in the doorway. Some had been there earlier. Others were new to him now.
"Where's Joe?" Frank asked. A rag in one hand, a glass in the other.
"Would you call the cops?" Gideon said, not answering his question.
"Why, what's the matter?" It was Sam Harrison who got up off the stool and asked.
"There's trouble at the Morgan farm." Gideon said.
Before Gideon could say more, the bar was cleared. Gideon figured everyone deserted the place for home, then turned to Frank and was about to ask again.
"Don't worry, the boys will get there before the cops."
"Do the pumps work?" Gideon asked.
"Sure, need gas?"
Gideon pulled out a twenty, tossed it onto the bar. "I'll pump it myself, you keep the change."
"Thanks," was all Frank said, and then walked over to the phone and started dialing.
Gideon ran out, and quickly filled the tank while watching the road for cars. There was no traffic. A part of him wanted to go back to the farmhouse, but his training told him to keep going and not turn back.
Jenny watched Gideon as he screwed the cap back on, and then finally spoke. "You really cleared that place in a hurry."
"They went to the farmhouse to help," Gideon said as he got back into the car and headed down the road.
Jenny breathed a sigh of relief, and then rested her head on the seat. It was going to be a long night. She shut her eyes to try to forget all that had happened so far. Jenny avoided looking at Gideon. All she wanted was this ordeal to be over with. Once they reached the highway, the sweet sound of music let her drift off into never land.
Saturday, September 17, 1977
When Jenny opened her eyes again, she saw the city lights looming ahead of them. She glanced at Gideon, his hands gripping the wheel tightly. Jenny yawned as she sat up and stretched her arms.
"What time is it?" she asked.
"About three thirty."
"I can't believe I slept that long."
"You went through a lot today."
"Do you think my parents are okay?"
Gideon turned to her, "By the looks of those men in the bar, I'd say yes."
"I'm worried."
"Once I get you safe, I'll find out how they are."
"Where are you taking me?"
Gideon shook his head, and then said, "I'm not sure."
"That's just great, now we're on the run."
"I've got a plan."
"Pray tell, what?" Jenny asked. She turned to him and waited to hear what his next move would be.
Gideon tapped his finger on the steering wheel as he thought. He avoided looking at Jenny for fear she'd see the uncertainty in his face.
"I'm waiting." Jenny said staring.
He sighed deeply, and then turned to her. "Plan A is to see if Colby is at his New York apartment."
"What's Plan B?"
"I haven't gotten that far yet."
"I'd probably be safer back there on the farm with my parents."
"I didn't want to take the chance," Gideon replied, still tapping his finger on the steering wheel.
Jenny glanced in the distance, watching as the city lights got closer, and as they did, her heart grew heavier wondering if indeed she was doing the right thing. Her life was still in chaos,
even with Gideon taking control. Now she wondered if he was indeed up to the task. After all, Gideon was protecting Delaney when he was killed.
CHAPTER 27
Gideon pulled up to the apartment building on Park Ave, double-parked a gray BMW. If he was wrong, they would leave in a few minutes, otherwise he'd worry about the ticket later. Gideon glanced up at the building before them, turning to the doorman who was already walking over to the Mustang. Gideon got out, walked around the car, then turned to Jenny.
"You coming?" Gideon turned.
"I wasn't sure if it was in Plan A," Jenny mocked.
"Well for now this is the best I can do."
The uniformed doorman was already speaking into the walkie-talkie as he strolled over to Gideon. The two men walking out of the apartment building had their eyes on Gideon. Jenny feared this was a trap but the gathering of people around them did not at all bother Gideon. The doorman stopped their approach.
Gideon showed his ID and then whispered, "The fox is in the hole."
Instantly, the doorman knew what it meant and turned to the approaching men, motioning them back. Gideon waited as the doorman walked over to the phone, dialed a number, and then covered the mouthpiece with his hand. Gideon knew the alarm was sounded. All that was wrong would be righted, and in a few days, this would all be history. But somehow it did not matter anymore. He no longer wanted to be a part of it. All Gideon wanted was the woman standing next to him, but he knew he could not have both her and the life he lived.
Quickly, they were ushered into the apartment building and onto a waiting elevator. When it reached the fifteenth floor, the door sprang open. The man in the silk brocade robe startled Jenny. He stood as tall as Gideon, but with a more fatherly look. His glasses made him appear scholarly. Jenny did not know what she expected when Gideon said they were coming to see him, certainly not the man in front of her.
"I've been trying to reach you all day," Colby snapped. He took hold of Gideon's hand while patting him on the back with the other.
"That's funny. I've been calling you too."
"What do you mean? I left explicit word that if you called to put you right through," Colby stopped for a moment, a puzzled expression crossed his face. "Why didn't you use my private number?"
The Twelfth Of Never: A suspense mystery romantic thriller Page 24