Chapter 26
We’re hungry, Daddy,” the two small LDs said in unison to the big one.
Give the girls something to eat! They’re starving,” the big LD demanded.
Bunch of crap if you ask me?” one of the LDs said.
Not asking you, Jim,” Doug responded. “You all go get the girl and bring her out here. Let’s get this over with. And don’t bite her!” he ordered.
Have to talk louder than that to get past the snoring,” Jim said. Several of the LDs laughed.
Time to get up Miss.” Jeffery answered.
Is there enough of you?” Ruth asked.
I hope so Miss,” Jeffery answered. “If you’ll come outside with us, please.”
Please,” Jim mocked again.
Jim, you need to shut up. No need to be mean to anyone,” Jeffery said.
She’s just another LA, Jeff. Let’s get it over with,” Jim replied.
She’s got feet, Doug,” Jeffery answered. “She’s not running off anywhere.
Yes, ma’am,” Doug answered. “You’re going in there with them.”
Doug, you don’t have to talk like that,” Jeffery said.
It is what it is,” Doug stated.
Whatever,” Ruth said. “Let’s do this.”
Guys, get the door for the lady,” Doug ordered. “And don’t let those three out.”
My name is Ruth. What is yours?” she asked her cage mates.
Jerome, Jerome Teague, ma’am. These are my daughters Kayla and Kaylie.”
Nice to meet you Mr. Teague, girls,” Ruth said. “What are we doing here?”
I don’t know, ma’am,” Jerome answered. “We were living out past Throckmorton, my wife and three daughters. We were attacked one night. They killed us. My wife Kay and oldest daughter Kate didn’t come back. Then some cowboys in helicopters herded us up. Kidnapped us. Brought us here.”
Daddy, I’m hungry,” one of the little LDs said.
Me too, Daddy. Awfully hungry,” the other stated.
She smells good,” the first added.
You girls behave,” Jerome said. “That’s no way to talk around a nice woman.”
But Daddy,” the second one whined.
Let the girls go. The lady’s tough,” Doug said.
Can’t do that mister. Orders are orders. You need to let them go,” Doug ordered.
Maybe that,” Doug answered. “But it is gonna happen.” He reached behind his back, up under his shirt and pulled a .45 automatic out from his waistband. “If I have to blow your head off to set ’em free, that’s what I’ll do.” He stepped close to the cage and pointed the pistol at Jerome’s head.
No,” Ruth shouted.
Chapter 27
We are about five minutes out, Mr. Keaton,” Rafie said. “You should call her now.”
We are exiting Hawn right now,” Keaton answered. “Where are you?”
I’m standing just off the property. Eyes on it. Waiting for you.”
Damn,” Rafie stated.
Tell your driver to not talk so loud when he gets here. Everyone will hear him,” Escobar said. She added, “This is close to home.”
Right. Hang tight,” Keaton replied. He ended the call and put his phone away. “You heard that, didn’t you?” he asked Rafie.
Yes, sir. Your partner has good ears. I ain’t that loud,” Rafie replied.
I’m just saying...” Keaton grabbed the hand hold as Rafie made a hard left at speed through a big intersection.
I got it, Mr. Keaton,” Rafie said. “Another left up ahead and you’re there.” Rafie braked hard, slowing the car down. He made the turn and then let the Camry idle down as it drifted along the street. Rafie killed the car lights and pointed off to his right to a car parked in a deep shadow next to a warehouse. A figure moved beside the car.
That’s her,” Keaton said. “Pull in to her left. Are the interior lights going to come on when I open this door?”
No, sir. They’re off.”
Good. Escobar and I will move up to the building. You keep your motor running. If anything happens, get the hell out of here. Don’t wait for me. Don’t call the police. I don’t want you caught up in this. Do you hear me?”
Yes, sir. Roger that,” Rafie answered. “I’ve always wanted to say that.” He stopped the car and Escobar moved up and opened Keaton’s door.
Do what I said,” Keaton ordered over his shoulder as he got out of the car.
Yes, sir.”
Yes,” Keaton answered. “This isn’t my first rodeo, Alicia.”
I don’t want it to be your last either,” Escobar said. “When we get inside, follow my lead. We are not trying to kill everyone.”
Yes, boss,” Keaton grinned. “Lead on.”
The door opens from the left,” she said. “I’ll take that side. You open the door and I’ll go in, crossing to the right. You go to the left. Okay?”
If it’s locked?”
I guess we knock,” Escobar answered. She moved away from the shadow of the trees and out against the sheet metaled wall, Keaton following.
Dallas Police!” Escobar shouted as she and Keaton continued to move away from the door and each other putting the group into a crossfire.
Keaton. Get the girl out. You guys hit the deck! On your stomachs! Hands behind your heads!” Escobar shouted as she closed the space between her and the cage.
Doug, the cowboy guy had them,” Ruth answered. “Hurry, these girls are hungry.”
What about the girls?” she asked.
What about them?” Keaton answered.
They’re starving and they just lost their dad.”
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What for?” Escobar answered.
She has a soft heart.”
Whatever. She needs to be out of here before I call it in.”
Right,” Keaton answered. He looked to the back of the building. Ruth was running towards him with a plate full of meat.
I’ll give it them,” he told Ruth when she got close.
No you won’t,” Ruth answered. “I don’t trust you with them. You can call Phillip and have him come pick us up.”
That’s fine. The girls are coming with me. Will that be okay with Rafael?”
He’ll be fine,” Keaton said. He got his phone out and called Rafie. “He’ll be at the door in a minute, Ruth.”
What the hell?” Escobar shouted.
I wasn’t sure about this one either,” Keaton answered. “I am now. You can tell your bosses we both shot him when he fired his weapon. These guys won’t dispute it, will you?”
You can claim the head shot,” Keaton told Escobar. “They won’t autopsy this thing. Now let’s ask these guys where they’ve been getting their meat.”
Chapter 28
Yes, ma’am,” Rafie answered.
Is this your house?” Kayla asked.
It’s big,” Kaylie added.
Well, it’s my family’s house. I’ve lived here my whole life,” Ruth explained.
Yes, ma’am,” Rafie grinned.
It is a big house,” Ruth continued talking with the Twins. “We have lots of extra bedrooms. So I want you to stay here with me for as long as you like. You each can have your own rooms even.”
Super,” Kaylie almost shouted.
Will Daddy be coming?” Kayla asked.
No, honey. Your dad won’t be able to join us,” Ruth stated. She reached up and smoothed Kayla’s hair with her hand. “But we’ll talk about him a lot. Maybe all the time. Will that be okay?”
Rafael, the horn again please,” Ruth instructed.
Yes, ma’am,” Rafie answered. He depressed the button on the steering wheel and held it several seconds before releasing it. He waited a couple of seconds then depressed the button again.
Ms. Ruth. Ladies,” Hobson said.
I hope we didn’t wake you Mr. Hobson,” Ruth laughed. This is Kaylie and Kayla. They are going to stay with us for a while.”
Please show them up to the second floor. They may want to share the double room or they may want to each have their own room,” Ruth said with drama.
Certainly, Ms. Ruth,” Hobson answered. “This way Ladies,” he said to the Twins and motioned them forward.
I will stop and talk to Chef,” Ruth stated. “The girls have some special dietary needs. When I have that arranged I’ll be up to help them settle in.” She looked at the Twins. Maybe a hot bath?”
Yes, Yes,” the Twins answered.
Together?” Kayla asked.
Bubble bath?” Kaylie followed.
Yes, of course. To both questions,” Ruth laughed.
Yes, ma’am. He is in the study.”
And Tristan?”
He is still in his room, ma’am.”
Thank you, Hobson,” Ruth replied.
No problem, ma’am. I know where you live,” Rafie grinned.
Come,” Davies answered.
Good morning, Ruth,” Davies said.
Morning, Father.”
Formal. What did I do?” Davies asked.
You didn’t send anyone looking for me,” Ruth stated.
Tristan assured me you were fine,” Davies answered. “Aren’t you fine?”
Yes, Father,” Ruth replied. “We have guests in the house. Two little girls I think you will enjoy meeting.”
It will be nice to hear little voices in the house again.”
Yes. I need to talk to Chef,” Ruth answered and walked out of the study closing the door behind her.
Chapter 29
I was helping Mr. Keaton look for a missing client, Detective Wanczyk,” Escobar answered.
I didn’t know we could moonlight, Escobar.”
Keaton knew my father, Wanczyk. I got a debt there.”
Let’s hope it’s paid,” Wanczyk said. “Tell it to me again.”
Mr. Keaton called me a few hours ago and asked me to give him some backup. He was looking for a missing LA client and thought she might be here. I met him outside near the street. We worked our way to the door. When we heard a gunshot we went inside. The guy in the cage was shot, like you see him. The guy over there with the gun in his hand saw us and took a shot at us. Mr. Keaton and I both returned fire. Looks like we both hit him. And it looks like I need to get back out on the range,” Escobar stated.
Where’s the missing LA?” Wanczyk asked.
She wasn’t here. Just those guys your men have over there looking guilty of something. So I called you,” Escobar answered.
Yeah. It looks like a chop shop. It must be new to the area or I would’ve heard about it,” Wanczyk answered.
Escobar, you and your guy can go. I know where to find you. And I can find him if I need to.” Wanczyk spat something onto the concrete floor as he walked away towards the officers holding Jeffery and his crew near the office.
Yeah, I saw only one car outside,” Wanczyk replied. “Unless that plumbing van is yours.”
No. My first name is Bill, not Perry. Maybe someone stole it.”
Yeah, right. Maybe you should report that,” Wanczyk answered and turned back towards the office and the waiting men.
Will do, Detective,” Keaton called after him.
Yes,” Escobar answered.
Wanczyk won’t get anything out of those guys now,” Escobar stated.
They weren’t going to talk to him anyway,” Keaton said. “Their paychecks depend on staying quiet. I wonder who called the news.”
No, I’m fine. I’ll get a ride,” Keaton answered. “Go get your paycheck.”
Screw you,” Escobar answered and headed to her car.
Yeah. See you later,” Keaton said. Escobar started up her car and pulled away.
Yes, thank you Mr. Keaton,” Hobson answered. “She and her two guests made it home safely. The little ones are taking a bath and Chef is preparing breakfast for them.”
Great,” Keaton said. “If you don’t mind my asking, who am I working for? Mr. Davies? Ms. Davies? You?”
Mr. Davies hired you to watch over Ms. Davies. It won’t matter who signs the check. It will not bounce,” Hobson answered.
Oh, I didn’t mean it that way,” Keaton said. “I just wanted to be sure whose orders to follow if they should diverge.”
Watching over Ms. Ruth is the only order you have, Mr. Keaton. Do that regardless and you will be fine.”
Thank you for your clarity, Mr. Hobson. I will do everything I can,” Keaton answered.
Chapter 30
They have one around back, the dumpster,” Keaton answered.
Hey, Mr. Keaton. That’s not nice.”
Just true,” Keaton responded. “We’re lucky they let us on the gravel.” He opened the back door. “Wait for me. I won’t be long.” And he stepped out of the car and closed the door.
Yes, sir,” Rafie answered to no one.
Good morning, Mr. Hobson.”
Mr. Keaton. Thank you for calling ahead. Ms. Ruth is waiting for you in the dining room with her two guests.”
Lay on, Macduff.”
Yes. This way, sir,” Hobson answered motioning Keaton inside. He closed the door and led Keaton back to the dining room where the Twins were seated together eating breakfast. Ruth sat beside them, watching.
Mr. Keaton, Ms. Ruth” Hobson announced. He left without waiting for a response from Ruth.
Good morning, Ruth,” Keaton said. “How are you and your wards doing?”
Good morning and thank you Bill. We are doing well.”
Great. I wanted to let you know no one mentioned your name to the police. If your name should come up at some point have your lawyers tell the police there must be a mistake and they should check their sources. No one is going to back a LD’s word over yours.”
You mean over my father’s,” Ruth replied.
Yes, Ruth.”
How did you ever find us this morning?” Ruth asked.
We were just lucky. Since it was Harlequins that tried to get you before, I followed the only Harlequin lead I had and you just happened to be there. I was just trying to find a bigger list of places to search. Just lucky.”
Very lucky. Girls, this is Mr. Keaton. He and his friend are the reason we are here enjoying breakfast.”
No problem. Little ones eat a lot,” Keaton said. “I was wondering if you would tell me what happened yesterday? How did you get to that chop shop?”
I thought you might say that. Well, not exactly that,” Keaton grinned. “That was nicely put.”
Thank you,” Ruth answered. “But I was wondering if you could help me find out about these two little girls. If they have any family? Anything. All they have revealed is their first names, Kaylie and Kayla.”
I don’t really want you to find anyone. I am already very attached to them. But I would hate for someone to show up and have a claim to them.”
No,” Ruth answered. “I think that’s all. Except you could send a bill. I want to be sure Rafael gets paid. He was so helpful.”
Rafie is always so helpful,” Keaton answered. “I’ll get my expenses gathered together and send you something this evening. Will that do?
Wonderful. And please add in something for finding out about the girls,” Ruth stated. “Or should we keep that separate?”
How convenient,” Ruth said. Her right hand moved under the table and she added, “Hobson will show you out.”
Okay?” Keaton answered.
I buzzed him from here under the table,” Ruth said. “Mrs. Ford knew how to run a household. There is a button under the table for every room in the house.” Ruth smiled.
Girls, say bye to Mr. Keaton.”
Bye,” they said in unison.
Please show Mr. Keaton out,” Ruth instructed.
Yes. Ms. Ruth,” Hobson answered. “This way, sir,” he said pointing towards the hall.
I am afraid not, Mr. Keaton. But Mr. Martin wishes to speak with you if you have time?”
I have time,” Keaton answered. “All the time in the world.”
This way them,” Hobson said pointing to the left, away from the front door.
This is Mr. Martin’s office,” Hobson said indicating a door on the ground floor near the rear door. He knocked on the door and opened it for Keaton. Keaton walked in and Hobson closed the door behind him.
Great,” Tristan laughed. “What happened to Ruth last night? She won’t say a thing to me.”
She is keeping her council from me also,” Keaton answered.
And she has those two LDs. Where did they come from?”
Well,” Keaton said, “She did ask me to find an answer to that question.”
Did she? She brings two waifs home and treats them like princesses.”
They are cute,” Keaton answered.
Of course they are,” Tristan smiled. “It’s just all confusing. Would you be willing to let me know what you find out? For a fee, of course.”
Of course, Mr. Martin. If Ms. Davies allows me I will relay everything I find out to you.”
Oh, I didn’t mean to infer anything other than with her permission,” Tristan responded.
Well, great then,” Keaton said standing up from the chair. “Sorry, I need to get home get some rest. It’s been a long night and I am not young anymore.”
And you, yours,” Keaton responded. He opened the door and stepped out into the hall where Hobson waited not far from the door.
Which way out of here Mr. Hobson? I need to get home.”
This way, sir,” Hobson said pointing the way down the hall.
Keaton walked through the lobby, past Alice’s and up the three flights of stairs. In his darkened back-room Keaton took off his shoes and hung his jacket on a chair. He loosened his tie and collar and laid down on the couch.