Kilmer’s congenial demeanor dramatically changed. He looked crossly at Sela and coldly replied, “I won’t cow-tow to ya, Doctor. If it’s hostility ya want…I promise I’m game for a brawl. I should warn ya though…that yer nephew’s here too. His safety depends on yer cooperation.”
“Jeremiah? He’s here? You’ve kidnapped him, too?” she asked incredulously, a shocked look replacing her demonstrable arrogance. “Let me see him. Now!”
“In a sec, madam…in a sec.” Kilmer paused, pleased to see he had caught her off-guard. “First, ya speak to Conrad. Convince ‘im that yer safety depends on his cooperation.”
“And then you’ll let me see Jeremiah?” Sela asked, looking at Kilmer distrustfully.
“Dead cert. Ya can see yer rellie when I’m convinced Conrad will man-up later this evening. By t’morrow, it’ll all be over,” he said encouragingly.
“What do you want from him?” she asked.
“Just to run ‘is machine, nothin’ more.”
For the second time in so many minutes, Sela looked incredulously at Kilmer. “Wait a second…his technology works…the antigravity machine is here?” she asked, astonished.
“Yes, ma’am. We possess the world’s first antigravity machine. If it goes as planned…everyone goes home happy. Ya have my word.”
“Where? Where will he operate the device?” she asked inquisitively.
“None of yer concern; the less you know, the better. Let’s just say…it ain’t legal. If Conrad comes through, he buys yer freedom. That’s yer only concern.”
“Okay…let me see him, then. Let’s get this over with.”
Kilmer motioned to Rafie, who left to bring Conrad into the room. As before, the hostages had been confined into separate quarters, this time at the rear of the residence.
Within moments Rafie reentered the room with Jarrod, who was looking more energetic than Sela expected. They greeted each other enthusiastically.
“Thank goodness you’re all right, Sela. My gracious you’re a sight for these tired eyes,” Jarrod said as they rushed to hug one another. He was relieved that his fears for her safety were allayed for the moment. Their embrace lingered and Jarrod lovingly patted Sela’s back.
“Hello, Jarrod. I wish I could say how happy I am to see you…but under the circumstances, it’s a bit difficult,” Sela said, holding him close. “It’s been too long.”
“My God, Sela, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” he asked, looking her up and down.
“No, no…I’m fine. Everything’s okay…except for the obvious. I had no idea what was happening until now. Is Jeremiah okay? Are you okay?” Sela asked, pulling away.
“Unfortunately, Jeremiah’s taking the brunt of my obstinacy,” he answered, shamefaced. “He’ll be okay, though. He’s tough…just like his old man.”
“Who-ha, enough piffle,” Kilmer interrupted. “Git to it.”
“Listen, Jarrod,” Sela began, taking his hand, looking at him gravely. “They told me why they’ve brought me here. They need your cooperation and they’re using me to get it. I know you better than anyone here…certainly well enough to know that forcing you into anything will be met with resistance. But for Jer’s sake…for our sake…please do what these men ask. Can you do that, Jarrod?”
“Sela, that’s my intention, but I had to know you were okay. Knowing you’re safe and sound…I’ll do what they want. But when this is over, there’s lots to talk about…I mean between us, okay?” Jarrod asked expectantly. “Ryan and I are getting along and he’s with Sarah. I can’t say any more. Just trust me, Sela…this is great news.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Jarrod…for more reasons than I can count.
“Now, let me see my nephew,” Sela demanded, turning her attention back to Kilmer.
“Right this way, ma’am,” Rafie said, motioning with his hand when Kilmer approved the request with a nod of his head.
Kilmer approached Jarrod as if they had just concluded a business deal. “It’s a done deal, Professor. I’ve met yer last condition…Coscarelli’s safety’s been proven. We go t’night…no more pussyfootin’. If yer not spot-on from here out, ya’ll never see yer rellie or the woman again.”
“Thank you…Chief,” Jarrod said begrudgingly. “Yes, you’ve met my demands. I’ll honor my end of the bargain. But God help you if these people are harmed in any way.”
“She’ll be right, Professor. Just do yer job and no one gits clocked,” Kilmer said. “Now, stop pesterin’ me; I’ve got no more time for yer shit,” he concluded, indicating that Sully re-secure Jarrod in the back room.
Rafie led Sela to the room where Jer was sitting with his hands tied behind his back.
“Aunt Sela!” he exclaimed, delighted to see her walk into the room. “What are you doing here?”
“Same thing you are, Jer,” she said, rushing toward him, giving him a hug around the neck. “Are you okay? Have they hurt you?” she asked, looking him over. And then she saw the gash on the side of his head and dried blood where Kilmer had pistol-whipped him.
“Mary, Mother of God,” she admonished distractedly, flashing an icy stare at Rafie as she spoke. She shook her head and said accusingly, “You people are barbarians.”
“I’m okay, Aunt Sela. They didn’t hurt me any. Don’t worry. We’ll get out o’ this…Uncle Jarrod knows what he’s doing,” Jer said, cautious not to divulge the messages from his parents.
“I want to stay with him, mister,” she said to Rafie, determined not to let Jer out of her sight. “As long as you’re going to restrain me, I’d like to be with my nephew.”
“That’s easily arranged, ma’am,” Rafie replied. “Take a seat and put your hands behind your back,” he instructed, tying her hands together with another snap tie.
When they were finally alone, Jer quietly whispered to Sela everything that was going on. He told her about how his mother and he had followed Ryan to Stanford, their family reunion and the reconciliation between Jarrod and his father, his abduction, the emails, and seeing Uncle Jarrod’s machine lift the Humvee. “It was amazing, Aunt Sela. He did it…he really did it!” he exclaimed, straining to keep his voice subdued.
“So you think Sarah knows where we are?” she asked hopefully, keeping her voice low.
“We think so…Jarrod’s received a couple messages from her. He sent one that we’re at Wildcat Farm in Kentucky. If I know Pop, they’re on their way here loaded for bear…I have no doubt, Aunt Sela,” Jer murmured.
“Well, well. This is one time when your father’s vindictiveness is going to work in our favor. I never thought I’d be wishing for that,” she gushed optimistically.
“Pop’s a changed man, Aunt Sela. Jarrod too…you’ll see. Trust me. We’re all going to get through this just fine.”
Sela tugged at her restraints, making certain there was no way to break free. “I believe you, Jer, but we’re running out of time. I feel so helpless. I heard that Kilmer fellow say they need Jarrod’s cooperation tonight. Whatever they’re planning is happening in a matter of hours.”
“Listen…you know Uncle Jarrod better than anyone. Have you ever known anyone to get the better of him?” he asked. “He’s got something planned. He won’t go down without a fight.”
“That’s exactly what worries me, Jer. These men are ruthless. Jarrod’s out of his league. They’ll kill him,” she said with a slight shudder.
“Don’t be so sure, Aunt Sela…my money’s on Pop and Uncle Jarrod. Together they’re a formidable team, the likes of which these men have never seen: The once-embittered Metatucci cousins joined against a common foe,” Jer said with the flourish of a carnival barker. “Hell hath no fury like the two of them united. These guys have no idea the vengeance they’ve unleashed.”
“I sooo hope you’re right, Jer…or we’re all doomed.”
Come on little sister…save my life.
FIFTY-SEVEN
Hilton Head
Alistair Holloway was stewing from his earlier argument with Angelina. She was one of few people who could get under his skin. He would never admit his feelings, but he had grown very fond of her, closer, in fact, than anyone would ever know. Damn you, Angel, for crossing me after all I’ve done. Of all the times…why now? Fortunately, his cell phone interrupted his melancholy mood and Holloway was momentarily thrilled to learn it was Kilmer.