CHAPTER SIXTEEN

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The stolen Toyota RAV4 sat idling in the parking lot of a Winco supermarket. The big Cheyenne had his shirt off, allowing Lindsay to clean and dress his wound. He winced as she applied the antibiotic flush.

“Ouch,” Rainhorse called out, wincing.

“Don’t be such a baby,” she scolded.

“It hurts, dammit,” he scoffed.

She snickered.

“You’re enjoying this,” he said.

“Maybe just a little,” she admitted.

“You did good back there,” he said. “You can be my partner in crime any time.”

“I might just take you up on that,” she replied. “To tell you the truth, it’s kind of exciting.”

“Don’t get too excited,” he said. “I think the guy caught sight of me at the end.”

“Do you think he’ll call the police?”

“Sure, he will, but I’m not too worried.”

“Why?”

“It’s late and since there was no weapon involved, it will look like simple shoplifting by a small-time druggie. The police will likely respond very slowly, and even then, they’ll look locally first. It’s a small town with an undermanned police force. It will take a while to file the report. We didn’t steal any money, and the pharmacist will likely have a tough time even identifying what I stole without taking an inventory. I don’t think the police will treat it as a priority.”

“Good. What is this tattoo on your arm, anyway?”

“I got it in the army,” he said.

“You were in the army?”

“Don’t act so surprised,” he spouted. “I was a Ranger.”

“My mother’s boyfriend was a Ranger, too,” she said.

“I like him already. Hurry up, we’ve got to get back on the road,” he said.

“What’s the rush?” she asked. “We’re home free. My mom doesn’t suspect anything. My phone is going to lead Barnaby in a different direction, right?”

“It’s Barnabas, not Barnaby,” he said, “and with that guy, you’re never home free. Sooner or later, he’ll figure out my little ruse. I just hope it’s later rather than sooner.  Are you done, yet?  Ouch!”

He winced again.

“There,” she said. “All done. You can get your shirt on. You know, for a big tough guy, you’re kind of a soft-hearted guy.”

“I’m used to delivering pain,” he replied, “not taking it.”

“I don’t mean that,” she said. “I mean the whole thing. Saving me; taking care of me; getting me back home. I know what you’re sacrificing to do this. I know the risks you’re taking.”

“Well, let’s not count our chickens,” he said. “We aren’t there yet.”

“I’m trying to thank you, you big stupid Indian,” she boomed.

“Say Cheyenne, not Indian,” he reminded her. “And you’re welcome.”

Sam slipped his shirt back on, put the RAV4 into gear and pulled out of the parking lot.

“Another twelve hours or so, and we’re there,” he said.

“When we do get to Livingston, how are we gonna play this?” she asked. “I mean, won’t they take you away?”

“We do need to talk about that,” he said. “I’m going to need your help, if you’re willing.”

She nodded, “Anything. Name it.”

“Back at the safe house, when I was driving back for you, I made a call to a business associate of mine.”

“Who?” she asked.

“Never mind,” he replied. “It’s just someone I know. At any rate, this business associate is working on an exit strategy for me: money; passport; transportation; the whole nine yards.  But when I get you to Livingston, I’ll need a little head start.”

“How much time?”

He shrugged, “A few hours—maybe five or six.  I know you’re a pretty good actress. Maybe you could fake exhaustion, refuse to talk for a little bit.  Tell them you’re sleep deprived.  Act catatonic. Anything to avoid telling them about all this…”

“For six hours or so?” she finished for him.

He nodded.

“And then you’ll be able to get away?”

“I have a good shot, yes.”

“Jackson, all this begs the question, what do I tell them about all of this?”

“The truth,” he said. “If we get you home safe I don’t think Barnabas will try again this again, but you can’t be too careful. He does have a long memory. The FBI need to know about the kidnapping attempt. If you buy me six hours, it will no longer matter.”

“What about you?”

He shrugged, “Maybe you could avoid giving them my name. It may buy me a little more time.”

“My life will change forever, though, won’t it?”

He nodded, “You will need much stronger safety measures for the future.”

“You mean, like body guards?”

“You mom will hire a security consultant after this, I’m almost certain. They’ll know what to do. Things need to change in the future. No offense, but this was way too easy. Barnabas would have very easily gotten away with this if...”

“If not for you,” she finished for him. 

“Yeah. I’m going to give you details on Barnabas. Details you can give to the FBI.”

“You want him caught?”

“I do.”

“Why?”

“Forgetting for the moment that he’s a murdering scumbag, because if he gets caught or has to run from the FBI, that will mean he has less time to look for me.”

“Won’t the FBI come after you, too?”

“They will, but if all goes well, I’ll have a new identity and be out of the country.”

“This friend of yours, he’s that good?”

“It’s a she, and yes, she is.”

“A she?” she repeated, smiling. “Now the truth begins to emerge. I want details.”