by D. B. Watson
“Yes,” Shawn said, flustered as he listened to the caller and glanced at the man he called Father. “Okay,” he said, hanging up, walking over to Seth. “Sorry to interrupt, Father, but you had a phone call.”
“And?” he asked, not opening his eyes.
“Adam Potter and Yuri Jin are on their way here.”
Once Seth opened his eyes, Shawn directed his eyes to the floor.
“Detective Potter didn’t take our warning seriously. You need to go to the diner to greet them.”
“But what about dinner and Christopher?”
“I’ll monitor both. Go do as I say.”
“Yes, Father.” Shawn hurried off, changing into his work clothes, grabbing his coat, and rushing out the door. Seth rose and moved to the phone, dialing a number. He heard one ring before someone answered his call.
“It’s time to move to Plan B. Detective Potter and Mr. Jin will be here soon.”
****
Adam passed the sign saying WillowMoss—2 miles just as the radio station went to static. Adam shut off the noise.
“Jamie’s home will be our first stop.”
“But wouldn’t it be best to go to the hospital? Jamie might still be there.”
“We can’t just walk in and demand to see him. We’re not his family.”
“What makes you think we can get answers at his house?”
“If anyone will know where Jamie is, it would be his stepfather.” Adam glanced in his rearview mirror and saw an eighteen-wheeler behind them. He received a call on his cell and he struggled not to reach for it. Yuri noticed Adam’s hesitation, but also saw his distraction from the road. The jeep drifted into the opposite lane where an SUV headed toward them.
Yuri reached over and grasped the wheel yanking it toward him, pulling them back into the correct lane, just avoiding the other vehicle.
“Damnit, Adam, what are you trying to do, get us killed?” Yuri snapped, still hearing the cell ringing. Adam gave no response as his skin became clammy and he shivered all over. Yuri was about to answer the call himself when it stopped. Adam let out a gasp as an instant relief washed over him. He realized he was staring at his cell and not the road. He saw Yuri holding the steering wheel.
“What are you doing?” Adam asked, perplexed.
“What am I doing?” Yuri asked, shocked by Adam’s response. “You’re the one who decided to drive us into a collision with another car.”
Adam pushed Yuri’s hand off the steering wheel and blinked away his cloudy eyes. He ran his fingers through his hair and wiped his brow.
“I’m all right,” Adam said.
“Are you sure?”
“I said I was.”
Yuri watched Adam as he came back to normal. When the truck behind them blasted its horn, that seemed to cut through them. Yuri looked back and eyed the rig getting closer.
“Maybe you should let him pass,” Yuri suggested, just as Adam’s cell rang out. Yuri glanced at Adam and saw his bizarre behavior return, only this time Adam’s hand moved to his cell phone. Yuri wasn’t sure what was happening, but he snatched the cell from Adam’s hand and answered it.
“Hello?” No answer, only a numbing hum. Adam settled down again as Yuri disconnected the call. “Adam, what’s going on?”
“What are you talking about?” Adam answered, sounding like he awoke from a deep sleep. More horn blowing thundered from behind. Yuri turned and saw the driver behind them was too close for any vehicle to be.
“He’s awfully close,” Yuri said when the cell in his hand rang again. He looked at the caller ID and saw Caller Unknown. He quickly answered it again; this time, dead silence. “Who the fuck is this?” he said, sounding more in a panic than demanding. The line went dead just as the truck rear ended them. The force jerked both their heads back, causing Adam to veer to the side of the road. He regained control of his jeep and got them back on the road only for the truck to take another run at them, smashing in Adam’s back window.
Adam’s head reeled as he tried to understand what was happening. It all seemed like a dream playing as he stepped on the gas pedal, avoiding a third jolt from the metal monster behind them.
“What the hell does he want?” Yuri demanded, watching the truck pick up speed, closing in on them.
Adam could hear Yuri’s question, but was unable to respond as he felt what was happening to him was not real. He figured if he just rode it out, he’d wake up. Yuri looked at Adam and saw he was in a fog.
“Adam, are you here with me?” Yuri asked, grabbing Adam’s arm which felt ice-cold. Was he sick? Yuri wondered. He looked at the cell phone in his hand. This all started with that first call, Yuri thought. Without hesitation, Yuri tore at the plastic that was his window and made a hole big enough to put a fist through, which he would toss Adam’s cell through. Yuri turned back to Adam, hoping what he did would fix the detective. Another jolt from behind almost sent them off the road again.
“Adam, whatever it is, fight through it, or we’re going to die!”
Adam glanced over at Yuri and seemed to grasp what he was saying. Just as the truck tried to make another strike, Adam curved to the left, avoiding contact with his bumper. As the truck passed by them, Yuri got a glimpse at the truck driver, who only kept his eyes forward. Hoping it was all over, Yuri watched the truck move into their lane, realizing they were about to get rammed from the side. Yuri looked at Adam, who was looking back at him, nodding.
Just as the front end turned into their lane, Adam hit the brakes, jerking Yuri forward, but not out of his seat, thanks to his seat belt. He maneuvered his jeep until it reached the tail end of the truck. The rig kept going until it slowed up ahead. Adam sat and watched what the driver’s next move would be.
“Adam,” Yuri said.
“It’s all good, I’m here now. I got this.”
“You’ve got what?”
Adam smiled and constricted his hold on his steering wheel as he watched the truck trying to turn around. Once the nose curved to face him, Adam slammed on his gas pedal and shot forward.
“Hang on, the road is about to get bumpy,” Adam said to Yuri, who braced himself for whatever Adam had planned for them. The jeep lunged toward the half-turned truck, then Adam went off-road around the tail end. When the driver realized what Adam was doing, the jeep raced around the ridge and back onto the road, speeding off. Adam drove at eighty miles per hour before glancing in his rearview mirror and seeing no one behind him. He saw no state patrol car, even when he reached the Welcome sign to WillowMoss.
****
Seth received another call as he slid his arms into his regulated police jacket. He showed no urgency to answer as he picked up the receiver on the fifth ring.
“Yes,” he said.
“They got past me, Father. I’m sorry,” the cracking, dismal voice said.
“I can’t say how disappointed I am. But you already know that.”
“I do, Father. I do.”
The line went dead as the truck driver, who just earlier tried to run Adam Potter’s jeep off the road, erased the phone’s history before destroying the phone and scattering the pieces out his window as he drove back to the rest stop. He parked in an isolated area, and retrieved a sawed-off shotgun from under his seat. He placed the barrel under his chin and pulled the trigger.
CHAPTER 48
RescuE
Adam knew not to park his jeep in plain sight. He found a hiding place behind an abandoned factory. A large tarp he found crumpled up against a wall covered most of his jeep and he used fallen panels to cover the rest. He studied the compressed damage to his rear fender; his license plate hung by one screw. The shattered back window looked more like a jigsaw puzzle missing pieces.
Yuri stood off, guarding the road, ordered by Adam, which was fine with him. He was not in the mood for manual labor. On the ground was an overgrowth of wildflowers and weeds joined by displaced gravel from the factory. Despite how run-down the area was, Yuri noticed no graffiti on the wall
s or any garbage. Which was unusual, since warehouses would appeal to teenagers to make mischief? Adam walked up beside Yuri and glanced around.
“Okay, we’re walking from here. We’re near Jamie’s stepfather’s house,” Adam said, handing Yuri a knapsack. Yuri looked inside the bag, seeing the Taser and a few stun guns.
“Do you have your gun?” Yuri asked.
“Of course.”
“Can I carry it?”
“You ever fired a gun?”
“Yes.”
“Then you should have brought your own.”
Adam walked off, leaving Yuri to narrow his eyes at the detective. He removed two weapons and placed one in his left and right coat pocket before looping the bag on his shoulder and following.
Beyond the field, they entered a wooded area, walking for fifteen minutes when they came out to a quiet neighborhood of single homes with detached garages. The setting sun made the horizon glow with red and gold, which reassured Adam of the sunsets he would get to share with Patrick at their new home.
Relieved, he remembered the address Cole gave him and located the house two doors down. An SUV sat parked in the driveway.
“Come on, we need to get out of sight,” Adam said, just as the neighbors were backing out of their driveway, leaving. Adam took the opportunity to go around back.
He gestured for Yuri to remain quiet as he moved to a side window. He looked in, spotting Seth standing in the living room wearing his coat, talking to another male. The man seemed familiar to Adam, but he couldn’t place his face. Seth turned and left. Then they heard a vehicle start.
“Stay here,” Adam whispered to Yuri as he moved to the front of the house. He kept low as the sheriff drove off in his SUV. He returned to Yuri and removed a Taser from his coat pocket, Yuri did the same. “Move fast, and try not to make too much noise. We need to take him down quickly, just in case others are in there.” Yuri nodded in agreement. Adam peeked into the window again and scrutinized the man watching TV. His back was to Adam. They moved to the back door and Adam considered if he should pick the lock, but the way the town was, he changed his mind and slowly turned the doorknob, opening without trouble or any sound.
Adam checked to make sure his Taser and the stun gun were ready to use. He nodded once at Yuri, who followed him inside. They made their way through the kitchen, down the hall, and to the entrance to the living room. The man continued to look at the television, unaware they were behind him.
Adam aimed with his Taser and was about to fire when a voice interrupted him.
“Father, are you down there?”
Adam and Yuri froze and looked toward the familiar voice. Jamie came down dressed in a server’s uniform with his arm in a cast. He stood frozen on the stairs when he eyed Adam and Yuri holding weapons. Adam looked back at his target—now standing and rushing toward him. Adam activated his Taser and the prongs launched toward the stampeding man.
“Yuri, go get Jamie!” Adam shouted. The prongs hit their point on the target, but the man kept coming toward Adam. He tried to use his stun gun but the man grabbed Adam’s hand, stopping his advance. The brawny man reached out his other hand, clutching Adam’s throat in a chokehold, tugging him forward into the living room.
Yuri, unsure if he should leave Adam, turned to Jamie standing at the bottom of the stairs looking directly at him.
“Jamie, are you all right?” Yuri asked, looking at his injured arm.
“Who—who are you?” Jamie asked, pressing back against the wall.
Yuri watched as genuine fear washed over Jamie’s face. “No, Jamie, don’t be afraid. We’re here to save you.”
“Why are you calling me Jamie? My name is Christopher!” The panic in his voice caused concern for Yuri, who wanted to hug and comfort him.
A loud crash caused him to look back at Adam struggling with the man. Yuri needed to help Adam. He turned back to Jamie.
“Jamie, wait here, I’ve got to help Adam,” Yuri stated, turning back to the fighting men.
Jamie dashed for the front door, but when he turned the handle, he found the door locked.
“Jamie!” Yuri called. “It’s not safe out there!”
Jamie struggled with the knob. He looked back and saw Yuri approaching. He turned on his heel and raced up the stairs before Yuri could grab him.
Adam had to drop the Taser to grab the man’s hand that was choking him. He kicked at his shin and felt the grip loosen, giving him a chance to bend two of the man’s fingers back. The cries of pain echoed in Adam’s ears as he pried the hand free from his throat. With his fist, Adam punched his jaw and sent him staggering back. He jerked his wrist free and thrust the stun gun against the man’s neck, sending him to his knees. Adam dropped his weapon and delivered another blow to the man’s jaw with his knee, knocking him out.
Adam stood over the man, waiting for him to move, but the body remained still. He collected himself, cuffing the man’s wrists behind his back with zip ties.
****
Yuri made it to Jamie’s bedroom door before he could slam it closed.
“Jamie, please, let me talk to you.”
“No! You have to wrong person, leave me alone!” he cried as he shoved against the door.
Yuri, being broader, pushed Jamie back and opened the door.
Jamie moved to the window to call for help, but Yuri caught him around the waist and pulled him to the bed. Their struggle ended when Yuri gained control by holding Jamie’s wrists above his head and trapping his body beneath his own.
“Jamie, I would never hurt you, I just want to get you home.”
“My name’s not Jamie! And I am home!” Jamie cried.
“No—remember? You ran away.”
“No!”
“My name is Yuri Jin. We met when you hid in my car trying to run away from this town and your father.”
“Why would I do that?”
“You feared him.”
“You’re crazy, I’d never leave my home or Father.”
Yuri realized there was no getting through to him when Adam walked in.
“How is he?” Adam asked.
“He doesn’t remember me,” Yuri said, pressed against him.
“Let him up.”
“What? He’ll try to run.”
“Trust me, I know what will make him remember.” Adam stepped away from the door, giving Jamie a clear path.
Yuri was doubtful, but slowly got off Jamie, releasing his wrist. Jamie sat up with caution, watching Yuri move away from the bed.
“I don’t know either of you,” Jamie said, out of breath, while getting to his feet. “I need to go to work, my father will be back soon.”
“Really? I got the impression you thought he was downstairs,” Adam said.
Jamie took his chance and tried to dart between the two men when Adam pulled out a stun gun and pressed it against Jamie’s chest, sending him back. Yuri rushed and caught him before he hit the floor.
“What the hell’s wrong with you, Potter?!”
“Calm down—Jamie told me this is the only way he could wake from his trance.”
Jamie relaxed, limp in Yuri’s arms, shaking from the bolt of voltage coursing through his body. When his shaking stopped, he opened his eyes sluggishly and looked up at Yuri, who stared back with concern.
“Yuri,” Jamie said.
“Jamie, Jamie, are you okay? Are you hurt?”
Jamie shook his head no. “You came for me.”
“I would never leave you.” Yuri leaned down and kissed Jamie while Adam looked on. He didn’t have the heart to break them up, but they still needed to get Jamie out of town before they were found out.
“Sorry to break this up. But we need to go,” Adam said.
Yuri and Jamie parted.
“Listen, the sun’s down, so let’s get back to the jeep and get out of here.”
“That I can agree with, Detective Potter,” Yuri said.
They hurried downstairs with Adam first, followed by Yuri
holding Jamie’s hand. Adam tried the front door, finding it locked. This worried him.
“Father locks me in when he goes out. How did you get in?”
“We came through the back door,” Yuri said.
“As I thought you would, Mr. Jin,” Seth said, stepping into the hall from the living room with three of his men, one of whom Adam had tussled with. They all turned as Jamie hid behind Yuri. “Detective Potter, I have to say I am not happy about your return after I told you to stay away.”