Page 45 of Delivering David

“Hands in the air!” A voice behind him barked. “Hands in the air and keep them there!” T.J. froze and started to turn but another voice shouted, “Stop! Get on your knees very slowly and keep your hands up!”

“Okay!” T.J. shouted back. “Give me a minute, will ya?”

“Shut up, kid and do it!” the second voice shouted again. “Someone from the neighborhood was watching and saw you break in here, so don’t even try to deny it. On your knees!”

Slowly, T.J. knelt, and a pair of icy cold hands ran over him, patting his back and butt. “You should wear gloves when you do that, man,” he snarled and then let loose a string of profanity as the hands yanked his arms behind his back and handcuffed him. “Ouch! That’s police brutality, man!”

“Save it for the judge, kid,” the first voice told him. “You’re under arrest for breaking and entering.”

“Listen, man, there might be a webcam hidden somewhere,” T.J. pleaded. “You gotta look for it because it may have taped the murder that happened here last week.”

“Look who’s been watching too muchCSI Cyber,” the second voice jeered. “Shut up kid. There’s too much New Year’s Eve crap going on to stand here and listen to you make up stuff. Let’s get going.”

“Wait a minute, Briggs.” A hand turned T.J. around and he found himself facing the two officers who asked him about David days ago. The older man and the one with a bad haircut.

“What are saying, kid?” the older one asked. “That’s there a tape hidden somewhere?”

“My mom said Mrs. Phillips was gonna buy a camera and hide it somewhere to be sure she and David would be safe.” T.J. explained. “Like in a garden gnome or something. At least look for it! Someone’s snatched David so maybe it’s on the freakin’ tape.”

“You mean that David Phillips has been here all this time?” Briggs shouted. “And you knew? Callahan, I’m gonna beat–”

“Briggs, I’ll take care of this,” Officer Callahan ordered. “Go up to the deck and see what you can find,” the older one said. When Briggs had gone, he said, “I’m Officer Callahan. You are not bullshitting us, are you?”

“No, sir.” T.J would have added, “Scout’s honor,” but he wasn’t a Scout.

“Callahan! I found something!” Briggs called as he pounded down the stairs. In his outstretched hand was a miniscule camera.

“It was in the gnome,” Briggs panted. “Damn thing was facing the office windows”

“Let’s get out of here,” Briggs said. “I think we may have just broken the case. Uncuff the kid. What’s your name son?”

“T.J. Fielding, sir.”

“OK. T.J. Officer Briggs took him by the arm, but his touch was gentle. “Let’s go downtown and look at what you’ve found.”

Late afternoon.Families United

“Henry Tate, from Tennessee Cares?”Elaine said, stretching her arms overhead. “That scumbag. What else did Kristopher tell you?”

“That he’s going to the Bradford with Grant Miller to get things in place for tonight,” Suzanne said. “That’s where everything is going to happen. But there’s more good news. KPD have found the Clark and Campbell sisters and they were taken to Children’s Hospital to be checked out and were found to be in physically good shape. And if that isn’t enough, Lucinda called that the therapeutic foster home where Mercy was placing the Campbells, and they’ve agreed to take both the Campbell as well as the Clark sisters. The foster care couple there have years of experience in taking care of fragile kids and they will know just what to do to get these girls over this ordeal.”

“That is wonderful,” Elaine exclaimed.

“I know,” Suzanne agreed. “Lucinda is even going to drive the Campbell girls to Vanderbilt hospital tomorrow to see their mother for a long overdue Christmas visit. And last, but not least, Brotherhood Protectors is flying Mercy’s parents home from Liechtenstein on a private jet. They should be here tomorrow.”

“You’re kidding?” Elaine said in disbelief. “Did Lucinda tell them everything that’s happened? Including that we’ve still not found David?”

“Yes,” Suzanne said sadly. “But from the way Kristopher was talking, it’s just a matter of time before we know. He’s that hopeful. I just wish I had his faith right now. It’s been days and knowing everything that has happened, I’m beginning to lose hope.”

“Don’t talk that way. We’re going to find him soon,” Elaine declared. “I just know it. Once Grant Miller really starts hammering away at Henry Tate, the truth will come out and the whole thing will come down like a house of cards.”

“Not soon enough for me,” Suzanne said. Her arms ached to hug David good and tight and listen to every one of his silly, corny jokes. Twice if it made him happy. “Are you and Griff going to that event Charles Tattersall mentioned?”

“Griff and I have other plans,” Elaine announcedsotto voce. “Besides, the invitation said black-tie. Griff looks great in a tux, but he absolutely refuses to wear one unless he absolutely must. What about you? Do you and Kristopher have plans for tonight?”

“He said to text him when we’re finished,” Suzanne said. “He hinted at a surprise he had but wouldn’t even give me a hint.”

“Aren’t our BP guys just amazing?” Elaine dabbed her eyes with her fingertips.

---