The answer came with a soft flick from behind, the wispy tip of the horse’s tail brushing against her good leg.
She needed to pee and wanted to cry, but she’d do her best to hold both in. Reaching into her ski bib pocket, she realized her phone was gone. She was all alone with no way to move. She could try to drag herself out, but the dense snowy tree line was visible above the stall door. Leaving could be more dangerous than remaining in the shelter. It was just her and the horse in a stable. Hopefully someone would come for her soon. She hoped it wouldn’t be the evil boots man.
***
With the shades drawn, the only light in the cabin came from a low-wattage fluorescent bulb dangling above the kitchen sink. It took a moment for Jon’s eyes to adjust. A half-filled bottle of water sat on a nearby table alongside a used plastic spoon and empty yogurt container. Several more were in the trash. A fire in the hearth was slowly dying out, leaving glowing embers in its wake. If not for the app’s tracking history they’d never have found this hole in the wall, the location pin hovering above the isolated location tucked into the Tahoe woods.
But now the yellow dot on Oakley’s phone had vanished.
“What have I done?” Jon whispered in the empty room. He’d missed the kidnapper. Their sole lead had vanished like the nebulous clouds of smoke rising into the sky.
***
New York City
Matthews had never heard Jon sound this way before. He was contrite and self-flagellating as he explained that he’d lost the Davis kid’s trail. He wanted to tell Jon that quick decisions need to be made during active, life-threatening situations. It came with the job.
But Matthews didn’t say that. Instead, he told Jon to hold, then muted himself, and summoned Craig into his office, telling him what to do. This needed to be a learning opportunity for Jon, as harsh as that was. Jon was quickly becoming accustomed to taking his own counsel, convinced he knew better than everyone else. That attitude came with a price. Even if Matthews would have made the same choices in this case. Sometimes those choices ended in someone’s death. Even a child’s.
“Jon, I’m back. We need to do damage control.”
“Right.”
Hearing the deflated tone in Jon’s voice, Matthews said, “Focus, dammit! There’s no point in looking back now. We can do that some other time. Now’s the time to figure out the next move.”
“I don’t know my next move. I need help . . . please.”
It was what Matthews had been waiting for. Willful collaboration. “The local field office will triangulate all active phones in the area. It’s a sparsely populated territory, so maybe we’ll get lucky. Trust them to do their jobs.”
Sounding resigned, Jon said, “Okay. But what do I do now?”
“The hardest thing there is, Jon. You wait.”
***
Tahoe National Forest
Jon didn’t have to wait long. Thirty minutes later, the cabin was filled with law enforcement officers, medics, and a forensics specialist who was prepping to take fingerprint and DNA samples. Out the window, he spotted a forest ranger on horseback, law enforcement officers in their own right. Thankfully, the medical examiner had been sent away.
Nicole and Theo Davis were at the hotel with one of the sheriff’s deputies waiting for an update.
Jon stepped outside, his thoughts running wild. Who would do such a thing to a child? What if this was Randy? He wanted to find the guy who took her and put a bullet in his head.
***
Gerard watched the busy crowd of emergency personnel. One man appeared to be running the show. Tall, rugged, young. Casually dressed, with long-ish hair, the guy didn’t look like a Fed, but had to be. It was a few seconds before Gerard recognized him as one of the men who’d been in his crosshairs on the ski lift. The lucky one. Then he’d been wearing a hat and goggles. As far as he could tell, he’d hit the other guy square in the gut.
He kept an eye on the Fed and placed the call.
***
Jon felt the vibration in his pocket. He took out the phone realizing it was not his, but Oakley’s.
Jon answered. “Who’s calling?”
A pause on the line. “Bravo, you got your hands on the phone of the world’s greatest hacker.”
On full alert, Jon asked, “Where’s the kid, Gerard?”
The chuckle came over the line. “Not bad. Of course, that’s not my real name, but you’ve come further than most in my illustrious career.”
The man was educated, haughty. Jon did his best to sound nonchalant, keeping the hatred—and fear—out of his voice. “I always enjoy a compliment from a murderer and kidnapper. A deal’s a deal. You got the money. Give us the kid.”
“Come now. Surely you understand the deal’s been forfeited. You’re involved, ergo, a breach of contract. The rules were no Feds.”
Jon could argue the point but agitating the man would achieve nothing good. Instead he said, “Where are you?”
“Let’s just say I’m where you’d least expect me to be.”
Jon spun around, looking in every direction. There were close to twenty people around, several on the phone. All appeared legit.
Gerard said, “May I have your name?”
“Steadman. Sear it into your head. I’m the last guy you’ll see before you go to prison.”
“Let’s get the posturing out of the way, shall we? I have a new deal. This time, if you or anyone attempt to thwart it, the kid dies. Understand?”
“How do I know she’s still alive?”
“You don’t.”
There was no card to play. Gerard was in the driver’s seat. “What do you want?”
“It shouldn’t be too much trouble for you. If anything, I’ll most certainly be taking care of a pain in your ass.”
“What the hell are you talking about?”
Gerard said, “I’ll swap one Davis kid for another.”
“What?”
“I want Franklin. The girl for the hacker. He’s useful to me. Leave him in the car—with his phone—and make everyone else disappear. Comprende?”
He can see me.
“Let me be very clear, Steadman. They’ll be no more chances. You blow this and the kid’s history.”
The guy was an animal. Still, Jon had nothing to consider. It was a no-brainer. “I’ll need a few minutes. But you’ve got yourself a deal.”
***
Gerard felt a rare spark of panic, nearly dropping the phone when Steadman answered Oakley’s phone and again when he did a three-sixty. The agent was smart. But not smart enough.
Gerard put down his binoculars, kicked the horse’s shank and cantered away.
Chapter 54
Tahoe National Forest
Jon was back on the line with Matthews, this time glad to have the guidance. “Gerard wants Oakley.” Matthews listened attentively while he explained the swap.
When he was done, Matthews said, “Honor among thieves?”
“Gerard probably figures they can run a successful hacking racket together. He springs Oakley and in return gets a cut of the lucrative business.”
“Hmm, maybe. Either way, you played it right.”
The validation brought Jon a rush of relief. “Thanks. Still, I hate to let Oakley go. There’s gotta be a way to keep tabs on him.”
“Even if there is, he’s a computer genius. I don’t think you’ll outsmart him in that area. Besides, you have no time to figure it out. You need to make the swap and worry about getting both Gerard and Oakley later.”
When they finished speaking, Jon approached the sheriff, asking him to begin clearing the area. Then he went to the car. “Lu, can I have a minute?” He reached inside and took Oakley’s prostheses case.
Oakley shouted, “Where are you going with that?”
“New development. Lu?”
Luanne got out of the car, shutting the door behind her and walked alongside Jon. “So sorry Lizzy’s not here. Her parents will be devastated. What’s the next m
ove?”
“That’s what I want to tell you. Gerard wants to swap her. For Oakley.”
“That’s crazy. That means he’ll go free. Are you sure we’ll get Lizzy back . . . alive?”
Jon shook his head. “Nothing’s for sure. It’s risky. But I don’t see another way. Do you?”
She seemed taken aback by the question. “Um, no. I don’t. What can I do to help?”
“Call the Davises, give them the update. They seem to like you. Better to hear what’s happening from you than me or the sheriff.”
She pulled out her phone. “On it.”
Jon was impressed with her reaction. No one would want the job of telling parents their missing child was still not found, but she was doing it, willingly. He squeezed her arm in thanks. “We have to move everyone out of here. And I need to tell Oakley he just won the lottery.”
Jon placed the leg case atop the car’s trunk and got in the back seat, keeping as much space as possible between him and Oakley. He handed over his phone and shared the news, the words sticking in his craw. As understanding began to sink in, Oakley’s expression changed into a broad grin, a nasal chuckle escaping from between his bruised lips.
It took every ounce of Jon’s self-control not to kick out the guy’s teeth. All he could do was repeat to himself, Life isn’t fair, but karma’s a bitch.
***
Luanne was shaking. The call with Theo Davis was devastating. He and Nicole had been expecting to hear that they’d found Lizzy safe and sound. Instead, she had to tell them the awful truth. They were at a cabin in the woods but hadn’t found Lizzy. She did her best to reassure him that all was still being done to locate her. Luanne was only grateful Nicole wasn’t on the line. She never would have been able to keep it together hearing the mother’s heartbreak.
Luanne wasn’t sure she’d done the right thing by sharing her location with Theo. When he’d begged for it, she simply couldn’t refuse. But she chose not to inform him about the intended Lizzy-for-Franklin exchange. For a parent, the plan would be unthinkable—swapping one child for another . . . into the hands of a sociopath. Even if it’s what Franklin clearly wanted. Luanne decided to leave that for Jon to tell. If she had to guess, Theo wouldn’t fight it anyway. His son would soon be free. And hopefully, if their prayers were answered, so would his daughter.
***
It took another twenty minutes to get everyone out of the cabin’s vicinity. A rescue team involved a lot of people, vehicles, and equipment. Though weary of the intended arrangement, Sheriff Harding did the best he could to move things along. He’d seen the worst of humanity and held little hope that the swap would result in Lizzy’s safe release.
***
Squaw Valley Resort
Theo paced the room, his wife watching him like a spectator at a tennis match.
“Please sit down, you’re making me even more anxious.” Her voice was hoarse from hours of crying.
Theo sat. “I can’t stay here anymore. I need to do something.”
“We’ve been over this before, Mr. Davis. Let the pros—”
“The pros haven’t brought back my daughter!” Then, more calmly, “Am I free to go?”
The negotiator frowned. “I can’t hold you here against your will. But if you interfere with an active investigation, you’ll end up having one more big issue to deal with. The sheriff could detain you.”
Theo looked at his wife, a question in his eyes, and saw his own agony reflected back. Nicole said, “Go.”
Chapter 55
Tahoe National Forest
Franklin had thought he was cooked. Now, he reveled in the twist of fate as he watched Steadman and the sheriff round everyone up. Somehow Gerard had cut a deal to free him. He would owe the lunatic, maybe cut him into the business. Not a partnership like with Wang, that would be too much. But give him more lucrative work, should the need arise.
The drive from the airport had been fraught with tension, and then the blow to his face. Which was killing him. He was certain the agent had broken his nose. What he wouldn’t do for a couple of Tylenol. All the medics around and no one came to check on him. At least he’d managed to keep quiet the entire ride, despite the reporter peppering him with questions.
Steadman tossed his phone into the backseat. “Wait here,” was all he said, and without another word, slammed the door shut.
“My legs!” Franklin shouted. He couldn’t get out of the car without them. Where were his legs? The jerk. Forcing him to wait for Gerard to come get him. It would certainly be a while before Gerard felt safe enough to come out into the open. Steadman must have left his legs somewhere nearby. Gerard would surely bring them to him. He turned, watching the last of the emergency vehicles take off. The recent hours had taken their toll and he was drained of all energy. He leaned back, allowing a long-held breath to escape. He closed his eyes. And waited.
***
Sheriff Harding was the last in the line of vehicles leaving the cabin, radioing the call center with an update. Most cops hated the Feds infringing on their territory, but Harding learned, as in life, if you work together and checked your pride at the door, you can get more done. The FBI resources were far superior to any local sheriff’s office. That said, the young agent, Jon Steadman, was a cocky kid. While not an unusual character trait for a Fed, Steadman wasn’t typical. If it meant getting the job done, he didn’t follow the book. And he had made the Davis case personal. Harding wasn’t sure whether that was an asset or a detriment to the job. Only time would tell.
He wasn’t happy leaving the scene, or Oakley in the car. If it were his decision, he’d place his officers in the area, grab Gerard on his way out, using Oakley as bait. Steadman was convinced Gerard would smell a trap and any chance of getting the child back safely would evaporate. Steadman had been emphatic. Oakley would remain alone in the car at the cabin, no law officers left behind. Harding understood the concern, but allowing violent criminals on the loose should have at least been discussed. Now he had nowhere to go but back to the office. It felt negligent.
Harding looked in his rearview mirror, the road leading to the cabin no longer visible, wondering if he’d just made the biggest mistake of his career.
***
Gerard brought the mare around, allowing the animal to eat from the nearby shrubs. He felt considerably safer at a greater distance as he watched the crowd disperse, each group getting into their respective vehicles. EMS, fire, police. He saw Agent Steadman exit the back seat of a blue Subaru, a stern expression on his face, then take another spin, scrutinizing the surroundings, his eyes squinting in concentration. Before walking away, Steadman lifted a phone, as if showing it to Gerard and threw it into the backseat beside Oakley. The move unnerved Gerard. While he knew it wasn’t possible at this distance, it felt as if Steadman was looking directly at him. Something about the guy got under his skin. The agent appeared driven, with a determination suggesting it was personal between them.
Gerard lifted the binoculars to his eyes. The blue Subaru was sitting there idle. On the trunk was a large case. He zoomed in further. The words on the case read, Symbiosis Bionics. Oakley’s legs! He laughed aloud. The Fed had taken them! It made this too easy. But he’d need to get closer. He loosened the reins, lightly kicked the horse’s flank. “Let’s go, girl.”
Man and horse slowly made their way down the hill and through a copse of pines. Gerard pulled on the reins, stopping near the edge of the clearing, the thicket offering ample coverage. No movement from anywhere. He moved the strap off his shoulder, bringing the rifle in front of him, its oak stock leaning on his thigh. That’s when he heard the distinct sound of a car engine. Someone was pulling into the clearing. Using his binoculars, he was surprised to see it was not a cop or Fed car, but a Beemer. This just became more interesting. Fed or not, with this new interference, Gerard was no longer bound to divulge the kid’s whereabouts. He dropped the binoculars to his chest, stroked the mare’s mane. And then raised his rifle.
&n
bsp; ***
Theo pulled his Beemer into the clearing, opposite a blue Subaru sedan. A small cabin was tucked into the edge of the woods. Lizzy was here.
Maybe she was being hidden somewhere on the grounds. He didn’t want to think about the details, but various horror stories from the papers came to him—of abducted children. He felt nauseous, ready to hurl. Keep it together. For your little girl. Only a thin layer of snow was on the ground. Any disturbance would be obvious. Surely the cops had looked for that. But he needed to search for her himself.
Theo stepped out of the car, traversing the clearing, carefully approaching the Subaru. No one in the driver’s seat. He assumed it was an unmarked cop car, an officer keeping an eye on the scene, but how did that make sense? Theo was still debating what to do when he heard a sharp crack. His brain caught on before his body did. Gunfire!
Theo dropped down to all fours just as another round hit the car, ricocheting off its side door.
***
Franklin woke to the sound of a sharp crack. His eyes shot open, momentarily disoriented by where he was. Steadman’s car. He leaned over, managing to open the door, careful not to fall out. “Gerard! You can come out now!” he shouted.
He was answered with another crack, this one accompanied by a dime-sized ding in the door. A bullet! Someone was trying to kill him. Franklin ducked down, the door remaining open. He was trapped. Then, he remembered his phone on the seat beside him. Before he could make the call, it rang. He yelled into the mouthpiece. “Help! Whoever this is, help!”
“Hey, boss,” Gerard’s tone casual as if he hadn’t a care in the world.
Franklin spat out his words. “Thank goodness. Where are you? The Feds are shooting at me.”
Vengeance: An Action-Adventure Novel (A Jon Steadman Thriller Book 3) Page 28