Ryan moved to block Jarrod from leaving the room. There was still much to discuss. “Listen Jarrod” he began, “I don’t know where we go from here, but tonight we bury the hatchet on our past. Despite what you might think, I didn’t come here to retaliate. I needed to know why you were hell-bent on destroying my life. Hearing your explanation, however, I’m convinced we’ve been set up. You didn’t have anything to do with my problems in Taos, and I hope you can accept that I had nothing to do with breaking into your office. Jer’s right-we need to face this as a family; no one can beat us if we stick together.”
“I believe you-there’s too much coincidence for this not to be a set up,” Jarrod replied, brushing past Ryan. “But that alone doesn’t absolve everything between us. And you still have the matter of the police to consider. You need to turn yourself in. We can explain our theory together. But to continue ignoring the possibility of arrest seems foolhardy.”
“In a perfect world, I’d agree with you, but we both know this isn’t a perfect world. The minute they get their hands on me, I’m cooked,” he said, shaking his head as if this option was out of the question. “The local police will find out that I’m facing obstruction charges in Taos…at the very least.”
“Tell me you’re kidding,” Jarrod smirked, a look of incredulity on his face. “You mean you’re wanted in New Mexico, too? Man, you’ve been busy, Cousin. You’re an honest to Christ vigilante, aren’t you?”
“It’s a long story,” Ryan replied tersely, reflecting on all the legal problems he’d be facing. “Let’s just say, I was mighty pissed about the damage to our tower crane. I was certain you were responsible. When Lieutenant Westbrook showed up to discuss the break-in here in Stanford, I just snapped. I hope you understand why I can’t just turn myself in.”
“Enough talk for tonight,” Sarah interjected, opening the door to Jarrod’s office for the first time since they had all entered over an hour ago. “We need to decide where we’re staying this evening. We’ve imposed too long on Jarrod’s hospitality. Ryan, did you arrange a hotel?”
“Nonsense,” Jarrod said quickly, looking insulted by the suggestion that she considered leaving. “I’ll hear none of that. You’ll stay here this evening, as long as Ryan and Jer don’t mind the couch and recliner. Jer, fetch your mother’s luggage,” he directed, as if they had already agreed to his decision. “It’s too late to do anything more this evening. Tomorrow we’ll formulate a game plan.”
“Thanks, Uncle Jarrod. We didn’t mean to impose, but it would be great if we could all stay together. Mom, I’ll get our stuff. Is there anything else besides your carry-on bag?”
“No, that’s all I need, Jer. Are you sure you don’t mind us intruding, Jarrod?” Sarah asked, relieved that they didn’t have to find accommodations at this late hour. Even though she was blown away by the outcome of their impromptu trip, she was still feeling uncomfortable about abruptly leaving Bernalillo on this wild adventure with her son. Jer had showed incredible courage facing his father, and Sarah was quite thankful to have been present to witness the result. But she was also rather proud of herself; she hadn’t done something this impulsive since college.
“Sarah, you’re not intruding,” Jarrod replied instantly, wrinkling his forehead to show his seriousness about the offer. “I’ll even cook breakfast in the morning.”
“Okay…okay, you’ve convinced me,” she replied. “You know, come to think of it, we haven’t all been together since we lost Jacob. I appreciate how understanding you’ve been this evening, Jarrod. You’ve changed you know.”
The man dressed in black watched from the shadows as the young man exited the house on Lomita Lane. The private investigator tailing him was still unconscious. There was no telling how much longer before he would wake or what he would do when he regained consciousness. The man had no idea how this person fit into Kilmer’s bigger plan, but he was starting to get antsy. There was entirely too much activity surrounding Professor Conrad to suit his purpose. His earlier call to Kilmer had gone unanswered. A decision needed to be made, and quickly.
Considering his options, he surmised that anyone showing up at the professor’s house at this late hour was most likely a relative or a close friend. Kilmer had previously informed him that new plans included kidnapping someone close to the professor. So he made the unilateral decision to kidnap the young man and accept the consequences.
The young man walked across the street and began removing luggage from his car. As he was getting ready to return to the house, the man in black intercepted him, jumping at him in an instant.
Pressing a gloved hand against his victim’s mouth, the man in black easily slammed him against the back of his vehicle. “Listen to me real good, kid. I can make this easy for you or difficult-your choice. But know this: You’re coming with me, no matter how much you resist. Is that understood?”
Jer was petrified, wide eyes expressing his fright. He nodded his understanding as the man continued to press his hand hard against his mouth.
“Now, I’m going to take my hand off your mouth and we’re going to walk together to the end of the block. If you cooperate, I won’t hurt you…but if you scream for help or try to get away, I promise you’ll regret the decision. Let’s go.”
“I think I’ll go outside and see what’s taking Jer so long,” Ryan said after several minutes, waiting for his return. He was sitting quietly on the couch with Sarah while Jarrod was off making preparations for his guests. They were holding hands for the first time in ages, taking cautious steps at reacquainting themselves, when suddenly, Ryan felt his intuition nagging him. “Geez, how much stuff did you bring, anyway? I can’t imagine what’s keeping him.”
“I was just wondering the same thing,” Sarah replied, a look of concern coloring her face. “I only brought a small carry-on bag and Jer just had a backpack. He can’t be delayed by the luggage.”
Ryan stepped into the night air. It felt refreshing against his face. He stood for a moment on the porch to let his eyes adapt to the darkness. Although he didn’t have any idea where Sarah had parked, he didn’t imagine it was much further than the front of Jarrod’s house. He observed quizzically that there was a backpack perched atop a sedan parked across the street. He walked toward the car and noted with interest that there were two men walking briskly down the block. It appeared as if the larger man was escorting the lankier man beside him.
All of a sudden, it hit him. Even though the men were almost a full block away, he recognized Jeremiah’s brightly colored Hawaiian shirt as the two passed under a streetlight.
“Jer!” Ryan called out to his son. “Jer, where are you going?” A feeling of panic jolting through his body, Ryan took off down the street in a dead run, trying to cut the distance between them.
“Dad, help!” Jeremiah exclaimed, but could say no more as the man forcefully hit him along the side of his head, dazing him momentarily. He staggered briefly, but the man caught him before he fell and continued to drag him toward a black cargo van that was parked on the corner of the upcoming intersection.
“Not a good decision, kid,” the man said disgustedly, manhandling him as they made their way forward. “I told you what would happen if you didn’t cooperate. Now I’ll show you what the hard way is,” he said, hitting him again, this time in the side, doubling him over with pain.
“Hey, stop!” Ryan yelled. He could see the man hitting his son. “Jer, run…”
The man reached the van, thrust open the rear doors, and shoved Jer inside. It was only another moment before he jumped into the driver’s seat and, with wheels screeching, sped down the street just as Ryan caught up with them, only seconds too late. He watched helplessly as the van containing his son disappeared from sight.