Author and blogger Michele Lee has been hosting a monthly Zoom meeting that has been unofficially called Creative Call. The time spent is unscripted and not bound by an agenda. It is simply a gathering of creative individuals discussing processes, challenges, and sometimes silly topics. In short, each person can talk about whatever they want. The goal is to nurture and inspire the creative spirit of the participants.
It is most rewarding when the participants can take away one useful idea, tip, or feeling from the session, but that is not a requirement.
The mood is mellow, and the hour is viewed as a safe place for any kind of discussion.
The purpose of this post is to invite anyone interested in joining the next session, scheduled for August 27 at 11:00 Central Time. If you would like to join, please send me an e-mail at johnhowell (dot)wave(at)gmail(dot)com. There is only room for four additional members, so if you decide you want to attend, I would act fast.
Thanks, and I’ll be back full-time with Twiggy and Tempeste tomorrow.
Yes, I am on the road visiting Teagan and participating in her Life Changes or Reinventions Feature. Teagan has invited several bloggers to write about life changes or perhaps how they reinvented themselves. The image above, created by Teagan, shows a Terminator Robot with a couple of French Bulldogs. The image is a perfect example of Teagan’s creativity. I think the robot was very smart to take a couple of Frenchies on assignment.
I hope you will visit Teagan’s post today. Here is the link I will be providing some details on my life changes. While at Teagan’s post, you can get a taste of her amazing ability to craft compelling stories. Teagan not only writes beautiful books but is a real talent in creating covers and other images.
Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene’s stories range from paranormal to high fantasy and urban fantasy, to whimsical versions of the various types of “punk,” to mysteries with historic settings… and anything else that strikes her fancy. Founder of the Three Things method of storytelling, her blog “Teagan’s Books” contains serial stories spontaneously written according to “random reader things” from viewers. Some of those serials have been rewritten into books, like “Hullaba Lulu,” and “Brother Love, a Crossroad,” and the series “Pip’s Three Things.” In addition to fiction, she has created the Author Tool Chest series of non-fiction works as resources for writers and anyone who loves language. Major influences include Roger Zelazny, Agatha Christie, Terry Brooks, David Eddings, Robert Jordan, and Charlaine Harris. You can find her books at her Amazon Author Page. See her book trailer videos here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCoM-z7_iH5t2_7aNpy3vG-Q?disable_polymer=true
I have closed comments here, so come on over and comment there.
“What are you waiting for Little One?” “Going to see if Friday is busy.” “I’m sure Friday is busy for the next two days.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed a gunshot that caught Larry in the chest. In addition, the shot caused the SWAT team to move in. In the melee, both Cortez and Juan were taken down. We also saw Gloria make an appearance and comfort Larry. The medical Examiner’s team has arrived, and Larry has been placed in a bag. He is then gently lifted to a stretcher. The stretcher is taken out of the house and passes through a phalanx of SWAT team members who stand at attention and give the passing bier a final salute. The rear doors of the hearse are opened, and Larry silently eased inside. The attendant closes the doors. Two police motorcycles take up a position in front of the vehicle. The entourage pulls away slowly. I see Mike and Andrew talking in the front yard. Let’s go and listen in.
Mike squints in the bright light and reaches for his sunglasses. Andrew is turned with his back to the sun. He is looking toward Larry’s departure until the vehicle goes out of sight. Mike clears his throat. “Our boys will take real good care of Larry until the ME releases him to you. We have a twenty-four-hour honor guard and consider him to be one of our own.”
Andrew looks at Mike. “I appreciate that. I know Larry would be pleased to know you guys are taking care of him.”
“It’s really the least we can do. I wish this had turned out a little differently. Larry did a hell of a job in trying to get Cortez to surrender.”
“What’s going to happen to Cortez’s family?”
“Not sure. I hope they take that plane to Mexico. We have no reason to hold them. I sent someone to give the bad news about Cortez to his widow. I haven’t heard back yet. You and Larry close?”
“We really only got close over the last few weeks working this case. How are the hostages doing?”
“The doc’s with them now. So we should know something shortly. They all looked okay, though.”
“I’m glad those goons decided to give up rather than cause any more bloodshed.”
“You and me both. Did Larry have a family?”
“He had a wife. But, unfortunately, she died, and I have to say Larry misses . . . er missed her something fierce.”
“So no kids or anyone we have to notify?”
“No. I need to call the chief and fill him in, but the department was all the family Larry had. I think he will be missed, though.”
“He seemed like a nice guy.”
“That he was Mike. That he was.”
“You have a place to stay?”
“I’ll get a hotel room to wait for Larry. I have some arrangements to make to get him home.”
“If you need anything, let me know.”
“I guess just a ride back to the rental car if I can remember where it is.”
“Okay. You ready. The team can finish here.”
“More than ready, Mike.”
***
Well, that is the end. I want to thank you all for hanging in there. It was started May 9th of 2018, and as of right now, it is 91,200 words. For those of you concerned about Larry, here is the latest. He and Gloria are on the French Riviera, sharing a bottle of champagne and looking forward to an eternity of travel and fine dining. The nice part is they never have to sweat reservations.
I am at Story Empire today having some fun. Please come visit. HERE is the link.
I will be taking a little break from the Wednesday Story Day but will come back with a new one when appropriate.
“Lucy you think Friday is coming?” “*Sigh* In two days, Little One.” “Thanks. I just thought this week might be different.” “Nope same as last.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we witnessed a small breakthrough between Larry and Cortez. It looked like Cortez is worried about keeping his family safe, and Larry made some sense in suggesting that the government could protect his family better than Cortez could. Cortez is taking a moment to think through the consequences of continuing to fight or turning himself in. I see Cortez has lowered his gun into his lap. That could be good news. Let’s get over there and find out his choice of action.
Larry leans forward in his chair. “Have you come to a decision, Joachim?”
“Not so fast. I need to know that if I surrender, your offer of protection for my family will be honored.”
Larry leans back. “That’s easy. I’ll have the FBI agent draw up a contract, and you can sign it.”
Joachim’s shoulders slump. “He can do that?”
“He will be speaking for the Justice Department. So, yes, he can do that.”
Joachim waves his gun again. “Call him.”
“I’ll put him on speaker so you can hear for yourself.”
“Yeah, do that.”
Larry dials Mike’s number, and Mike picks up on the first ring. “Yeah, Larry.”
“Hey, Mike. We are on speaker, and I’m here with Joachim.”
“Okay, what’s going on?”
“I think Joachim is ready to call it quits if we can guarantee the safety of his family.”
“Um, okay. How many on the family?”
Larry nods to Joachim, who leans closer to the phone. “There is my wife and two daughters and a French Bulldog.”
“That is doable. Where are they now?”
“They are on an airplane in the executive hanger at the airport.”
“That is excellent. For a minute, I thought they were in Mexico, which would have made things a little more difficult. But, I think the government can make a deal for their safety. So, if you can hold on one minute, I will call the Attorney General to confirm.”
Larry speaks up. “Hey Mike, we have an ADA right here. Can’t she authorize the deal?”
Joachim and Larry stare at the silent phone. Then, finally, after what seemed like forever, Larry says, “Mike?”
“Sorry, Larry, I was on the phone with the AG. The deal is confirmed. I will draw up a preliminary rough contract. What was your question?”
“I was wondering if the AGA could approve and sign.”
“A good idea, but somehow having a captive AGA commit to a deal might not hold up later.”
Larry smiles. “Good call, Mike.”
“So, how do you want to do this?”
Larry points at Joachim. “Let’s have you sign the contract, and then one of your guys bring the contract in here. Joachim will guarantee no shooting. I will witness, and once signed, we will have everyone file out with their hands on their heads. Okay?”
“That sounds fine, Larry. I’ll call you back went the contract is ready.”
“Good deal, Mike, and thanks.” Larry disconnects the call. “Well, that’s it, Joachim. You need to tell your team it’s over.”
“I’ll call in Juan and explain it to him. He can handle the others.”
Joachim yells for Juan to come into the little room. Juan must have been right outside since he appears almost immediately. “Yes, boss. We leaving now?”
Joachim looks down. “Not exactly, Juan.” Joachim swivels the easy chair around so that he can face Juan
“What do you mean?”
“Were you eavesdropping?”
“I couldn’t help overhear that you are giving up.”
“Yes, that’s correct.”
“But boss, what about the rest of us.”
“You’ve been very loyal, and I will try to get you some kind of deal.”
“That’s not good enough. We have families too. You know what’s going to happen the minute we get nabbed by the feds. The Balthazars are going to move in, and for no reason other than pure spite, they will torture and kill all of our families.”
“Well, maybe we can make a deal where the Feds just take me and leave you here.”
“Still not good enough. With you gone, there is going to be a war to end all wars. The result will be the same.”
“So, what do you recommend?”
“We stick with the original plan and get to the airport. Then, at least back home, we have half a chance of defending what’s ours.”
“Sorry. That’s not going to happen.” Joachim raises his gun. “Give me your weapon.”
Juan’s face grows dark. “You are forsaking the brotherhood, but you can have my gun. I’m going to pull it out. Be careful with yours.”
Juan slowly reaches to withdraw his gun from his holster. He shifts his weight to the balls of his feet and, with astonishing speed, vaults into the chair, burying his shoulder into Joachim’s chest. At the same time, he grabs Joachim’s hand with the gun and shoves it back behind Joachim’s head. Larry is taken totally by surprise and is just beginning to rise from the chair as the gun goes off. The force of the bullet to the chest slams Larry back into the chair.
Joachim and Juan struggle, but Joachim is no match for the powerfully built Juan. He tears the gun out of Joachim’s hand and places the cold steel on Joachim’s forehead while holding Joachim by the neck. “Tell me we are going to the airport, or you’re a dead man.”
“You honestly think those feds out there are going to let you walk out of here? You just shot one of their own.”
“I have the hostages, old man. I’m not afraid to kill one at a time to get my way.”
Larry is trying to make sense of what happened. He can hear Joachim and Juan arguing but can’t understand the context. His chest hurts, and he can feel his lungs getting congested. He tries to get up but is too weak to move. He coughs and can feel the metallic liquid in his mouth. Then, almost like a fist to the gut, several stun grenades go off simultaneously all around the house. Larry can hear and smell the automatic rounds that come from all directions. The blurred forms of Joachim and Juan are lifted and thrown across the room. Larry struggles to hold his eyes open but finally gives in to the wish for sleep.
Larry can feel a soft hand on his face, “It will be over soon.”
Larry opens his eyes. “Gloria. My love. Where did you come from?”
“I’ve been with you all along, my love. You need to relax now. Everything is fine. I have you” Gloria wraps her arms around Larry and hugs him tight. Larry relaxes, and for the first time since losing Gloria, he feels at peace.
“This is as much fun as Friday, Lucy.” “Maybe the new turf has something to do with it.” “I think you have something there.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week Cortez indicated to Larry that he was ready to move to the cars. He instructed Larry to contact those on the outside to let them know they are coming out. As you can imagine, the vector of this story has taken a turn for the worse. Cortez indicated that if anything went wrong, Larry would be the first to get shot.
Before we join the group, we need to talk about the story for a second. As you have seen, this serial has been laid out using nothing but dialogue with no tags at all. So as a reader, you have had what all the scenes and people look like in your mind. You have been able to construct the backgrounds and sensory cues to your own liking.
This was the purpose of telling the story the way it was told. You have invested of yourself in these 88,600+ words over the last two years. I must honor that investment with the construction of an ending that is satisfactory. Yes, we are coming to an end. All the characters we have met previously are lining up backstage for the curtain call. Our MCs are getting ready for the final scene. As the author of this continuing saga, I think it would be wise to expand to a narrative plus dialogue form to catch all the action leading to the end. With your permission, here we go.
Cortez waves his gun at Larry and tells him to get on the phone. Larry gets out of the chair and holds his palms out in one last gesture of supplication. “Come on, Joachim. Just say the word, and you all can spare yourself a lot of trouble.”
Cortez wipes his face with his hand. “You know it might be easier to just shoot you now. If you don’t start listening to me, I might just do that. I’m in charge here, damn you. Now call.”
Larry holds up one hand and reaches for his phone. “Okay, you win. I’m calling.”
Larry reaches Mike. “How are you doing? Good. Listen. I have a situation here. Cortez does not want to take a deal. In fact, he wants to move right away. Hold on. Yes, Joachim.”
Cortez takes Larry’s arm. “Put it on speaker.”
Larry pulls his arm away. “Sure, Joachim. Anything you say. Hey Mike. You are on speaker. His majesty is listening.”
Cortez does not smile at Larry’s humor. Instead, he waves his gun again. “Just get on with it.”
“So, you heard that, Mike.”
“Yes, I sure did.”
Larry looks at Joachim. “Here’s the deal. Joachim is going to take this whole crowd and move them to the airport. He is warning me that if our team does anything funny, he’s going to shoot me—”
“Say again”
Larry can’t help but smile. “Yeah, that’s right, he’s going to shoot me, so I have an interest in making sure he gets in the car and gets to the airport in one piece.”
Mike is quiet
Larry shrugs his shoulders and turns more toward Cortez. Cortez frowns and waves his gun again. “Looks like the head guy is getting a little upset.”
The escape of Mike’s breath is auditable over the connection. “Yeah, okay. We’ll stand down.”
“Thanks, Mike. His Nibbs has a better look on his face. I’m not sure if we will talk again, but I appreciate anything you can do to keep this situation from getting out of control.” Larry disconnects the call. “Looks like you have a free passage to the airport, Joachim.”
Joachim calls for his right-hand man Juan and gives instruction to gather everyone in the living room. Once the guy leaves to get the hostages, Joachim tells Larry to sit. Larry immediately sits. “You know Joachim, this is not going to end here in Nevada. These guys are going to hunt you down.”
Joachim sighs. “You know as well as I that once I reach my compound, there is no one who can get me back to face charges.”
Larry smiles and crosses his arms. “Have you ever heard of a patriot missile?”
“They wouldn’t dare.”
“Oh, I don’t know. Holding an ADA hostage is not something the government soon forgets. Besides, who will ever know the source of the missile? It could be one of your rivals.”
Cortez sits across from Larry and hunches forward. “They would harm my wife and daughter?”
“How many Wives and daughters have you harmed?”
Cortez pulls on his chin. He sits in silence until Juan breaks the spell. “Yeah, Juan, what is it?”
Juan explains that everyone is in the living room and that their hands have been zip-tied. Cortez nods and dismisses Juan telling him to keep an eye on everyone. He looks Larry in the eyes. “So if I give up, you are telling me my family will be safe?”
Larry holds Cortez’s gaze. “I think we can arrange for your family to go into a program where they will be protected.”
Cortez’s eyes fill. “Their safety is the only thing that has driven me to this point. My enemies would like nothing better than to get their hands on them. So now you tell me of the possibility of assassination by the US government. You have given me enough to think about.”
Larry sits forward. “I would think it over, Joachim. There has got to be a better way than to keep fighting.”
Joachim’s shoulders slump. His complexion takes on a gray tone of weariness. “You have no idea how long I have been fighting.” He places the gun on a side table and puts his hands on his face. “I have to figure this out.”
“What are you doing, Twiggy?” “I think I have the scent of Friday.” “Well, you need to hold that for two days cause it’s still Wednesday.” “I wonder if there is such a thing as a nose bank?”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we saw that Larry got into Cortez’s house. We learned a lot about the deaths of Sandusky, Alexis Rafferty, and Ned Dixon. Cortez told Larry to get out of the house and clear the way for him to take the hostages to the airport. Larry said he couldn’t do that, so now Cortez has Larry as a hostage. I think we better get back to the house and see what the next move will be.
“I’m sorry you are not going to give yourself up, Joachim. This is not going to end well.”
“I think it will be okay if you get on the phone and tell those guys you are now a hostage.”
“Before I do that, Let me take a look at Thomas, Lieutenant Mayfield, Popović, and Carolyn.”
“Why do you want to do that?”
“I just want to see that they are safe. Maybe I can convince the troops to back off, but I’m not going to do that If you have harmed the hostages.”
“My word is no good with you?”
“Aw, come on, Joachim. This is a tense situation, and it has nothing to do with your word. I just need to lay my eyes on them. So cut me some slack, will you?”
“Easy, my friend. If you feel that strongly then okay. Juan, go bring the hostages in one at a time.”
“Thank you, Joachim.”
“Anything for you, my friend. Ah here is ADA Thomas.”
“Hello, Pricilla. How are you?”
“Damn pissed, Larry. How did you get in here?”
“I gave myself up. Are they treating you okay?”
“Yeah, for a bunch of hoods, they are okay.”
“Okay, Juan, take Ms. Thomas back.”
“Hang in there, Pricilla. It won’t be long now.”
“You know Larry. The more I think about it, the more I don’t understand why you are here myself.”
“A concern for my fellow man.”
“A very foolish posture, my friend. Lieutenant Mayfield is here.”
“Good to see you, Robert.”
“Same here, Larry. What the hell is going on.”
“I gave Joachim here an opportunity to give up.”
“Ans, now you are part of our hostage contingent.”
“Yes, unfortunately.”
“Okay, you two. Time for Carolyn.”
“Take care, Robert. I just had to see if you all were okay.”
“Thanks, Larry. See ya.”
“I have to say I don’t know how Popović got such a lovely daughter since he is such a snake. Oh, here’s Carolyn now.”
“What’s that about a snake, you old pervert.?”
“Carolyn, mind your manners. I want you to meet Detective Dunfee from the Boston Police department. Please be nice to him cause he offered up his life to make sure you are okay.”
“Nice meeting you, Carolyn.”
“You work for this old fart?”
“No. I’m now a hostage, much like you.”
“Well, that is messed up.”
“Okay, Juan. Take Carolyn back.”
“Everything will be okay.”
“From where I’m standing, detective, it doesn’t look that way.”
“She has a bad mouth, Larry. Please accept my apologies. So you can see the hostages are safe.”
“What about Popović?”
“I already told you. He is a dead man.”
“You’ve killed him?”
“Not yet. I need to take him to my place. A traitor needs to worry as much as possible.”
“I’m going to ask you to release Popović.”
“You’ll be wasting your breath. Call your friends and tell them we are coming out. If they decide to stop us, you will be the first victim. I like you, Larry, and this isn’t personal. I hope they do the right thing.”
“Lucy. I think I hear Friday coming.” “It’s the mail person, Twiggy.” “That’s too bad. Sure sounds like Friday.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we were there when Larry decided to call Cortez and arrange a talk. Also, another sniper has been deployed to take advantage of the possibility of taking a shot at Cortez and his crew. The plan is for Larry to drive the FBI sedan into the drive and then go inside to talk with Cortez. This sounds super dangerous. Larry has pulled the car into the drive and got out with his hands in the air. I can see someone in the house waving him to come inside. We better get there, so we don’t miss a thing.
“You got any weapons?”
“No, you can search me if you want.”
“Yeah. Hold still and keep your arms out away from your body. There that should do it. Looks like you’re clean. Here you can keep your phone.”
“Told you. Thanks.”
“Can’t be too careful.”
“Where’s Cortez?”
“In the next room. Follow me.”
“Ah, Larry, my good friend. Come in have a seat. Would you like anything to drink?”
“I could use a water, Joachim.”
“Of course. Anything for you. Juan, get him a water.”
“Okay, Joachim. How did you get yourself into this mess.”
“You know I’ve been asking myself the same question. These guys just showed up here with the hostages and pretty much forced their way into my house.”
“You allowed that? The most powerful man in North America. Check that. The most powerful man in North and South America.”
“It’s funny, but I thought I could get these lunkheads on their way before you guys got wise. But, unfortunately, you were too fast.”
“It was that Escalade out there. Do you know one of your guys killed an old lady to get a hold of that?”
“Yes, one told me, and I’m truly sorry. It wasn’t my idea to take that car. How did you track it anyway?”
“Long story short. Your boys got some carryout, and we traced the bill to the restaurant and picked up the car on surveillance video.”
“I’ll be damned. Shows you just can’t be too careful.”
“I’m here to make a deal.”
“Yeah? What kind of deal?”
“We need you to turn yourself in along with your henchmen. I think we can convince the DA to wave the kidnapping charges as long as you co-operate.”
“You know Larry. I like you because you remind me of my uncle Charlie. But you have to face facts.”
“What facts?”
“Number one. I run the biggest drug operation this side of Jersey City. Two. I have my hands on everything illegal in both North and South America. Three all these hostages are insurance that there are no witnesses against me. Till I get to a point of safety. I’ll let ‘em go then. Well, all except for Popović. He’s a traitor and needs pay for that.”
“Since you are in the confessing mood, let me ask about Sandusky.”
“Yeah, what about him?”
“You kill him?”
“Let’s just say I know a guy who knows a guy who put that lamp out.”
“On your orders.”
“When someone gets too greedy, it is time to put your foot down. Sandusky thought he could take my money and then cut me out of the action. That never works well.”
“So, he wanted his invention for himself.”
“I would say that is about the size of it.”
“What about Alexis Rafferty?”
“His death stunned me.”
“Did you do it?”
“You have got to be kidding. His wife and her lover Ned what’s his name ?”
“Dixon.”
“That’s it. Ned Dixon and Janice Rafferty figured out a way to get rid of Alexis so they could continue to play house. Pissed me off too. Alexis was a good man.”
“You didn’t need to get revenge?”
“Oh hell no. That was their business, not mine. Yeah, I missed having Alexis worked for me, but I got over it.”
“How did you know they did it?”
“Janis came to me, and after some pretty good love, making told me the whole story. She wanted me to get rid of Ned.”
“And?”
“How do the Italians say it? He’s swimming with the fishes.”
“What about Janice?”
“I figure she owes me. As I said, good lovemaking. I’ll give her a call someday.”
“So, what do we do now?”
“I would say you get your butt back out with your federales friends. Then y’all stand down while I take the two cars to the airport.”
“Can’t let you do that, Joachim.”
“Then you’re going to force me to take you hostage, as well.”
“Pretty nice for a Wednesday huh Little One?” “Yeah, I have to agree. Friday’s just another word for nothin’ left to lose.” “You and Janis?” “Soul sisters.”
It’s Wednesday Story Day time again, and last week we overheard as Cortez told Larry that he plans to take all the hostages with him and needs a second car. Cortez’s decision does work into the plan to get a delay. Unfortunately, having all the hostages around him will make the job of the sniper more difficult. Larry and Andrew are putting their heads together. I think we ought to get back, so we won’t miss any of the planning. Our boys have an hour to figure something out.
“Okay, Larry, you have a plan?”
“I think we should pull the car we came in into the drive. I could inadvertently forget to leave the keys too.”
“What would that do to help?”
“Cause a little confusion and give our sniper a chance for a shot.”
“Okay, that might work. We have to make sure that when the snipe hits Cortez, all the other hostages are protected.”
“I think the only way to do that is to get more a couple more snipers. Hey Mike.”
“Yes, Larry.”
“You guys have any more snipers?”
“One more that’s equipped.”
“Why don’t you get him in position. We are going to need some pretty rapid-firing once Cortez goes down. The idea is for those guys to take out any of Cortez’s thugs that are still covering a hostage.”
“I’ll call and arrange it. Good thinking.”
“So, Andrew.”
“Yes, Larry.”
“I still want to try and talk Cortez out of this madness.”
“I think if he gave himself up, we could save a lot of bloodshed.”
“I know, right?”
“I think I’m going to ask Cortez for a meeting.”
“You crazy? He’s not going to do that.”
“Remember how nice he was when we first met. I’ll bet this whole thing got sideways when his thugs showed up at his house. I’ll bet he would like an honorable way out of this mess.”
“Maybe it would work. Who the hell knows.”
“I’m calling him now. Hey Joachim. Yeah, I know time’s a-wastin’ We have the car. I’m going to put it in the driveway. Yes me. Also, I want to ask you a question. Yeah, thanks. How about if I come in there and you and I can have a chat. I really think there might be a better way out of this mess than you having to make a run to the airport and all. I’m serious. I’ll come in with no weapons, and you and I can talk. If nothing changes, then no harm, no foul. I just think I can help out, is all. Okay? Aw, I’m glad to hear that. I’ll be pulling a black sedan into the drive. I’ll get out with my hands in the air and approach the house. No tricks. Okay then. See you in a minute.”
“I can’t believe that.”
“I told you. I think he wants to make some kind of a deal.”
“Well, good luck. I hope you won’t regret it.”
“What’s to regret? A couple of guys having a conversation. I sure hope he has some water in there. I’m parched.”
“Hey, Larry.”
“Yeah, Mike.”
“The shooter is heading for a spot. They both have their orders. So you are really going in there.”
“I am.”
“See if you can get eyes on how many are in there and if the hostages are okay.”
“Will do, Mike. Your keys in the car?”
“No, I have them right here. Andrew, pass them to Larry, please.”
“This is a pretty nice day for a Wednesday.” “It is Little One. Maybe you can enjoy it.” “Still not Friday.” “Sheesh.”
It is Wednesday Story Day, and last week, we heard Cortez say he would throw out a body an hour until his safe passage to the airport demand is met. He gave our team an hour before the first body. That at least gave Larry and company some time to figure out a move. I think they are planning something so let’s get over there and see what is going on.
“Okay, Andrew, I think I’ve got it.”
“Let’s hope so cause this situation is getting direr by the moment.”
“Hear me out. How about we say to Cortez that it will take some time to get a vehicle that can accommodate all the hostages. Maybe we make a suggestion that if he let most go, we could get a car here faster.”
“I think that is worth a try. I would also ask for more time.”
“Good idea, Mike. How about you, Andrew. Any suggestions?”
“That sounds okay. Do we know how many he has in there?”
“Not really.”
“I think he is just going to say he’ll take the Escalade.”
“We know there were only five in the Escalade when they left the Highway Patrol headquarters. So, if Cortez is extra, then there is Carolyn as well. So that makes seven. Pretty tight for that model.”
“Why don’t you ask Cortez if he needs another car.”
“Brilliant, Andrew. Then if he says, yes, we can stall a little.”
“He could also agree to release some of the hostages and then take the Escalade. What is the next step assuming he releases some of the hostages.?”
“I guess we follow him to the airport and have a sniper in position to take him out.”
“I don’t know. I don’t see Cortez showing himself at the airport. He probably has a jet there and will go directly into the hanger. I don’t think the airport is the place.”
“Where is the place?”
“If we encourage him to take the Escalade, he will have to show himself when he goes to get in since It is sitting in the drive.”
“I don’t see a spot for a sniper around here, though.”
“Why don’t you call the SWAT team and find out if there is a sniper here and if he can spot a good place.”
“Let me do that.”
“Ok, Mike, you make the call. So, Andrew, it sounds like the excuse about the car won’t work.”
“I would just tell him you will arrange safe passage if he lets most of the hostages go. You can ask him if he needs a car. That might sound like you are actually making a plan.”
“You always keep things simple, Andrew.”
“Hey, Larry.”
“Yes, mike.”
“We do, in fact, have a sniper. He thinks he can access the roof on the house across the street for a clear shot of the Escalade. He’s heading there now. It’s going to take a few minutes since he will have to check to make sure he doesn’t spook the homeowner.”
“A man in black with a big gun? Why would a homeowner get spooked? We still have 15 minutes, so while he’s getting in a position, I’m going to call Cortez.”
“Yeah, Great.”
“It’s ringing. Hey, Joachim how’s it going? Okay, okay. I’m trying to arrange a passage for you. I have a question. Are you going to need a second car? Oh, I see. Okay, well, how about you release most of the hostages. That way you won’t need a second car. It’s just an idea, Joachim. No need to get upset. It is going to take a while to get a car here. Okay, I’ll check back.”
“That didn’t sound good.”
“He’s a little jumpy. He gave us another hour to get a car here. It looks like he intends to take the whole crew with him.”
“That is going to make the rescue even more difficult given he has those other two thugs as well.”
“Yeah, I know. We need to figure this out. This is why we make the big bucks.
“Still Wednesday, Lucy?” “Sure is Little one.” “Any way to hurry Friday?” “Not that I know of.” “Drat.”
It is Wednesday Story Day again, and last week we all showed up at the house where we think the Cortez crowd and the hostages are holed up. As Mike was trying to get a megaphone from his car trunk, he was shot. Good thing Andrew is a doctor. Larry picked up the megaphone and announced to the house to the effect that they should give themselves up. I think we better get over there, so we don’t miss anything.
“I don’t see or hear anything, Mike.”
“Give them the announcement again.”
“Okay. ATTENTION YOU IN THE HOUSE. WE HAVE YOU SURROUNDED. THIS IS THE FBI. THE AGENT YOU SHOT IS OKAY. SURRENDER NOW, AND NO ONE GET’S HURT.”
“Who’s phone is ringing?”
“It’s yours, Larry.”
“So it is, Andrew. This is one hell of a time for a robocall. Hello, this is Larry. Cortez? How did you get my number? Oh yeah. I remember now. I gave you my card in your office. What can I do for you? Uh-huh. Sure. I get it. Maybe we can work something out. No, I don’t think that’s going to work. I know there are a lot of innocent lives at stake. You need to put down your weapons and come out. Look, you are only facing a harboring kidnapper charge. We could probably mark that down to criminal mischief. You have nothing to gain by making this more than it is. There is a whole SWAT team out here dying to try out their new automatic weapons. Come on. Think it over. Sure, I’ll be here. No, we won’t rush the house for sure. Nice talk.”
“What the hell was all that about?”
“It was Cortez. He wants a safe passage to the airport. I told him that is not going to happen.”
“What was that markdown bit?”
“I just want him to think there are alternatives. How you feeling?”
“Like I got hit with a bolder.”
“How’s he doing, Andrew?”
“Lost a little blood, but he’ll be okay.”
“Good.”
“I don’t think the ADA is going to be interested in reducing the kidnap charge. The way it looks, he is not an accessory but a kidnapper.”
“I know, Mike. I just wanted to give him something to think about.”
“I had to laugh at you bellowing on that bull horn, and he calmly calls your cell phone.”
“When this is over, we will have a ton of laughs over a beer, but right now, I’m worried about those hostages. Oops, there goes my phone. Yeah, Larry here. Oh, hi Joachim. I’m listening. Um…Uh Huh. I really would advise against that, Joachim. You are escalating this matter for no reason. Hello. Hello Joachim. Shit.”
“What happened?”
“He says he’s going to toss a body out every hour until we guarantee safe passage to the airport. Then, he says he’s going to start with ADA Thomas.”
“We better move on the house.”
“Hold on, we have an hour to figure something out.”
