Todd stood in the apartment, looking around. It was nothing much, but it seemed homey. He could hear Sid and his family packing in the other room and his stomach clenched when he heard the little girl sob. It wasn’t right they all had to leave, but Todd and Sid both knew how ruthless the organization was.
Todd pulled out his phone and began making some quick calls. The first was to his pilot instructing him to get the plane ready for another flight to South Dakota. Then he phoned Rogers at the drilling site. Although it was late, Rogers and his crew were working night and day with the new well just coming in. After a few words, he hung up. The last call he made was to Phil. He had warned her when he first hired her to expect calls from him anytime, and she answered his call without hesitation.
“First thing in the morning, I need a bank account set up in South Dakota for Sid Reilly.” Todd walked over to the uniform jacket tossed on a chair, as he figured Sid’s wallet was inside. He opened it and found what he was looking for, and read the number off to Phil. “You know the amount to put in it. Make sure and get all pertinent information to Rogers. He’ll be expecting the call.” He hung up. Before putting Sid’s wallet down, he took his own out and extracted some bills and added them to Sid’s. He had just completed that when he heard the steps behind him.
He turned around to see a small girl staring up at him with teary eyes. She wasn’t much more than seven or eight. Tousled from sleep, her curly brown hair surrounded her pixie face and she was still wearing her pajamas under the coat Sid had just put around her. In her arms, she clutched a stuffed dog that looked like it had been around for a while. He was reminded of Starr when she was that age.
“My brother says we have to leave. Do you know why?” Her voice was trembling as she asked the question.
Todd looked over her head to see Sid and his teenage brother just enter the room. Sid was about to say something, but Todd gave him a quick shake of his head and dropped down to the little girl’s level. “Yes, I do. I know this is kind of sudden, but you see, I work for the government and we have a real need for your brother. He offered to help us with this case I’m working on, and it’s necessary for all of you to relocate. Now, this is really important, or I wouldn’t ask you and your brothers to leave tonight.”
He reached over to wipe a tear that had fallen. “I know you’re scared a little bit because it’s happening tonight, but you don’t have to be. You’re going on a new adventure with your brothers to a new place very different from here.” He leaned closer . “Can I tell you a secret?” She nodded. “You get to go to the new place in your own jet. You’ll even be able to sleep on it. Have you ever been in an airplane?” She shook her head, indicating she hadn’t. “Then, you’re going to love it. It’s magical up there above the clouds. Nothing can hurt you and you’re in your own special world. You can see for miles with stars above you and it’s like a fairyland beneath you with all the lights so small and twinkling down below.”
Her eyes had gotten big as he described the flight, and she suddenly gave him a shy smile. “Are you going too?”
“No, I still have stuff here I need to work on. I’ll be in touch with your brother though, to make sure you all get settled okay. We better get you on your way. Just remember, your brother is helping me out a lot and I’m grateful you’re letting him.”
Unexpectedly she gave him a quick hug around his neck. “You’re welcome. My big brother is really special.” She smiled again and went to her brother, who took her hand.’’
“I can’t get over the way you’ve been helping me. Do you really think this is going to work?” Sid looked back at Todd.
“It should. At least it will give you time to get set up elsewhere while they have something else on their plate.”
“Uh, Thanks, Tony. I guess we’re all ready.” Sid smiled and put out a hand.
Todd shook it and handed Sid his wallet, “Remember what we talked about on the way here. Look up my friend Rogers, he’ll be expecting you. Don’t worry about the other thing. I’ve got it under control and thanks for the uniform, it will come in handy.”
After giving instructions to the cab driver, Todd re-entered the apartment. It was now time for the second part of his plan. Grabbing several pillows and some clothes left flung on the floor, he soon had his dummy of Sid dressed and ready for his exit. He donned the uniform and his gloves. “Okay Manning, let’s get this show underway.”
He had been listening to Sid all the way from the compound and was pretty sure he could mimic him. Todd looked around and picked up the nearest chair and flung it across the room. He then yelled in his best Sid imitation.”No! You ‘ve got it all wrong. I promise I won’t tell.”
Todd knocked over a lamp. It fell almost gracefully to the floor and shattered into a myriad of pieces. He lowered his voice making it gravelly. “You were warned. The Messenger doesn’t like those who betray his trust. You have to pay.” Pushing the couch over, he tripped and fell to the floor knocking several other items over in the process. “It won’t do you any good to crawl away.” Todd said, continuing to talk with the harsh voice as he got back to his feet. Switching back to Sid’s voice. “Stop. I…“ Todd smiled to himself, he hadn’t had this much fun since his alters. He became the aggressor again. “You what. You won’t do it again? You’re right. You won’t.” Todd slammed himself against the wall, then groaned and made sounds like Sid was being beaten. “Did you think we wouldn’t retaliate. We already got your brother and sister, but don’t worry we’ll take good care of them. It’s such a shame about your tragic accident.” He laughed as loud and as deranged sounding as he could.
If he was right, by now one or more of the neighbors had been listening to what was going on in Sid’s apartment. As Sid, he let out a half-scream, then he knocked over a few more chairs. He heard shouts of concern issue from the hallway and a threat to call the police. Time to go Manning. Wrapping the dummy in the sheet, he flung it upon his shoulders.
Breaking the window, he went out and down the fire escape. As he suspected, sirens were wailing as he dropped down into the alley. If anyone was looking out their window, the most they would be able to see was the dummy over his shoulder and his uniform. His face was blocked from their view. They could tell the police about the conversation they overheard and give a vague description of the man carrying someone down the escape, but nothing more.
Once out of sight of Sid’s neighbors, he ducked behind some trash and quickly removed the uniform. He tore the pillows and clothes and along with the sheet, scattered them in several trash containers further down the alley. He still had a use for the uniform so he tucked it under his jacket. Exiting the alley, he was strolling casually down the street, when police cars rounded the corner. He stopped like the rest of the people to see what the excitement was about, then continued on his way. To onlookers, he was a slightly overweight man with a beard taking a walk.
****
Carl Peterson was enjoying a cup of coffee with Dorian when his cell phone rang. He removed it from his inner pocket. It was from his sister. He looked at Dorian. “Excuse me but I have to take this call. I’ll be back shortly.” He got up and walked into the foyer of La Boulaie. “What is it? You interrupted me. This had better be good.”
“Oh do forgive me Brother, but I thought you might want to know the Police are at the gate asking permission to enter,” replied Alison.
“What the hell did you do to attract their attention?”
“I didn’t do anything. The police claim they’re just trying to follow up on some information concerning a missing man and his family. What should I do?”
“Don’t let them in.” Carl looked around making sure Dorian hadn’t gotten curious and then whispered. “Let Baker handle it. Whatever you do, don’t raise their suspicions any higher. I’ll call you later for the outcome.” He hung up and put his phone away. Tugging his suit jacket straight, he walked back into the living room to join Dorian.
“Is everything alright, Carl?” Dorian looked at him over her coffee cup.
“Everything is fine. Just a slight problem at one of my facilities. It’s nothing, but you know subordinates, they don’t always want to handle things without getting approval first.”
****
Todd watched as the police drove up to the gate. His plan had worked perfectly. The police had gotten enough clues from Sid’s neighbors to warrant looking into the compound where Sid had worked. With all the attention on the gate, Todd slipped through the breach in the fence. The police would keep whoever was in charge busy for a while, and Todd needed time to make his move. He had spent the previous night applying a copy of the tattoo to his inner wrist. He had also added a second scar over his eye to change his looks even more. He put his picture in Sid’s ID and donned the uniform. Now he was just one of many in the compound. Free to move about, he headed toward the building Sid had pointed out the night before.
At the gate, Baker approached the policemen waiting on the other side. “Gentlemen, I hear you have some questions? How may we help you?”
The sheriff of Kaplan pulled out his badge. “Sir, we’re looking into the disappearance of an entire family last night. We suspect foul play. We were told the man worked for you and according to witnesses, he was heard having an argument with one of your, well I guess you call them, your followers.”
“One of us? You must be mistaken. This property belongs to the Messenger of God congregation and I assure you, none of our followers would threaten another.”
“According to you, Sir, but I have several sworn statements from neighbors saying someone dressed in that there uniform your man is wearing,” the sheriff pointed to a man standing next to Baker, ”was seen going down the fire escape with a person over his shoulders. Now, I don’t want to have to get a warrant, Judge Hancock is fussy about those things. I’m hoping ya’ll are a reasonable man. We just want to look around and talk to some of your people. Mayhap they might have heard of some beef between our missing man and one of the other followers.”
“This is a sanctuary for many of our followers. It would break the harmony of this place if you and your men just wandered about asking those kinds of questions. I’m afraid I would require a warrant. But, perhaps if you show me a picture of the missing man, I might be able to answer those questions without disturbing the congregation.” Baker waited for the sheriff to make the next move.
Todd looked back at the front gate. Baker and several of his men were still engaged in a conversation with the authorities. He needed to move quickly if his plan was to succeed. He opened the door to the building and entered before anyone stopped him.
The sheriff handed a picture to Baker.
Glancing down at the picture just handed to him, Baker went very still. He recognized the man he had ordered taken to the lab the night before. If this was the man they were looking for, there was no way he could let the police enter the premises. The man was supposedly locked up in the laboratory and if he wasn’t something was seriously wrong. Either way, Baker knew he had a problem on his hands.
He looked directly at the sheriff. “I remember this man. But I’m afraid your witnesses were misinformed. He left our congregation several days ago. He was an unruly man and was constantly trying to pick fights. I encouraged him to leave and seek help for his temper. Is it possible he was the one carrying someone else from his apartment? I swear, he was in good health when he departed from here.”
The sheriff didn’t look convinced. “Mayhap, except the neighbors said one of the men said the Messenger didn’t like those who betrayed them and we also have two missing children. I guess you’re telling me I can’t come in then?”
Baker wasn’t happy. The sheriff wasn’t as dumb as he sounded. “I’m sorry but since you refuse to take my word on this and because I have a flock to protect, I must insist you get a warrant before I can allow you to enter.”
“Very well. Ya’ll have a good day. I trust I’ll be seeing you soon.” The sheriff nodded to his men who returned to their cars.
. While everything was going down between Baker and the sheriff, Todd had come to a standstill. He was in the right place. A chill ran down his back as he walked past several cells similar to the one he had occupied. As he turned a corner to a new hallway, he spotted a guard standing outside a room. Okay, Manning, you better make this good. “You there, Baker sent me to take over. He needs you to help with the situation at the front gate. There’s trouble with the police.”
The guard looked at him. “Why me? You could have done it.”
“That’s not how it works around here. You know that. Hey look, I’m just following orders. You know what happens if you don’t.” Todd watched the guy turn pale.
“Yeah, guess you’re right. Not much going on here anyway. The old coot is just beginning to stir. Just make sure you alert Baker when Buchanan is awake.”
“Sure thing.” Todd couldn’t believe it, he had found Clint. He waited until the man passed by him then pulled out his gun. He swung hard and knocked the man out. “Sorry buddy, but I need your help.” Dragging the man to the door, Todd used his hand to open the lock. He entered, pulling the man inside. Clint was lying on a bed and like the man had said was beginning to wake up. Todd clamped a hand over Clint’s mouth as he opened his eyes. “Quiet. Don’t say anything. I’m getting you out of here.”
Clint nodded in agreement and Todd noted his eyes were unfocused. “Shit, they’ve drugged you. Listen to me. You will do everything I tell you, do you understand?“ Again Clint nodded. “Great, take off your clothes.” He watched as the older man began to remove his clothes. He was moving slowly, but he was getting it done. Todd turned to the man on the floor and began undressing him too. Once he had the guard undressed he set about dressing Clint in the uniform. “Come on Buchanan let’s get you up.” He leaned Clint against the wall. “Stay there,” he ordered. Once again he pulled the guard to the door and used his hand a second time. “Clint, hold the door open.” The old man just nodded. Todd shook his head, cursing under his breath, “Viki’s gonna owe me big time for this.” He moved Clint, leaning him in such a way that propped the door open, and began tying up the guard. Once finished with that he put Clint’s arm over his shoulder and helped him out of the room.
Todd looked down the hallway and saw another wing. Clint was moving clumsily, and Todd realized he didn’t have enough time to look and see if Victor was in the building. It was only a matter of time before Baker succeeded in sending the police away. “Come on, Clint, snap out of it.”
Clint stopped and looked at the man helping him. “Manning, you’re supposed to be dead. What the hell are you doing here?” His voice was slurred because of the drugs, but he seemed to be coming out of his fog.
“Saving your butt, Buchanan, now pick up your feet and move. I’ll explain when we’re out of here.” They made it out of the building without being seen. Todd was unhappy to see that Baker had completed his talk at the gate. He hustled Clint over behind another building and paused to get his bearings.
Clint was looking around, “Where the hell are we? This isn’t a mental institution?”
Todd turned to him. “Shh, keep it down. This is my mother’s old compound. Look, are you feeling steadier. We got to get a move on it. My diversion didn’t last as long as I had hoped. If you can walk on your own just follow my lead and stay with me. We’re going to be in the open for a little bit, and we have to act like the rest of the men around here. I’m guessing an alarm might be raised any minute.”
Clint suddenly realized he was wearing the same uniform as Manning. “I don’t know what’s going on, but lead the way.” He fell into step beside Todd as they left the building’s shadow and moved into what was obviously the compound’s center. He followed Todd’s lead and nodded at several men as they passed. His heart felt like it was going to beat out of his chest, but he kept pace with the younger man. They made it across the open space without incident and Todd led him behind another building over to the fence.
After seeing the police depart, Baker headed for the laboratory. What had brought their latest guinea pig to the attention of the police? A few minutes later, he walked out of the lab. Their guinea pig was gone, and someone was going to pay. He ordered several men to round up the two men placed in charge the previous night. Baker wasn’t sure why, but someone inside the organization had helped the man escape. He wondered at the mystery surrounding the man’s disappearance along with his family. Some idiot had taken matters into their own hands and had gotten the police involved. Now they were going to have to allow a search of the property if they arrived back with a warrant. Baker frowned. Alison Perkins was even more unstable than Irene Manning had been. The last thing he wanted was to be on her bad side. He remembered what Irene had done. Maybe it was time to take his money and depart before he became a guinea pig himself.
At the fence, Todd was about ready to open the breach when a familiar voice sounded behind them.
“You shouldn’t be back here. Stop what you’re doing and turn around.”
Todd and Clint turned slowly and found themselves face to face with Victor.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
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