Page 248 of The Texas Sterling Collection
“We'd better not let them discover this package,” one of the toughs held up the plastic bag containing Wyl’s cell phone and wristwatch. “They’re sure to connect us to the abduction.”
“Give it to me,” the goon in the left passenger seat said. He opened his window and flung the package over a stone fence and into a field alongside the road. “There…that should take care of it.”
* * *
“They should be at the inspection point outside of Waterford.” Glenn watched the stationary flashing icon on Chief O’Brien’s computer screen.
“It looks like they were stopped at the inspection point,” O’Brien said. “I should hear from WaterfordGardaíany minute.”
“Zoom in on that icon, Chief,” James said. “It’s been still for a while.”
“If Garda has the vehicle impounded, it wouldn’t be moving.” Chief O’Brien said. “I’ll call Waterford and find out what’s going on.”
O’Brien placed a call to Chief Kerry of Waterford Gardaí. Nothing to report. They started inspecting at 2:00 a.m., checked twelve automobiles, five vans, and four lorries, and found nothing suspicious or unusual.
“Feck,” O’Brien muttered as he zoomed in on the flashing icon. It appeared to be ten metres off the motorway's side. He called Chief Kerry back to search the area a quarter of a mile from the roadblock and east of the road, approximately ten metres. Thirty minutes later, Kerry called back to confirm they had found a plastic bag containing a cell phone and a watch.
O’Brien’s office phone rang.
“O’Brien, here,” he answered.
“Chief, Seamus Kane here. I have General Sternberg on the line with me.”
“Chief O’Brien, I think I can help,” General Sternberg said. “We’ve been monitoring activity on MacGowan’s office computer, and we show he’s logged in now. Have your men check his office. If he’s not there, I’m willing to bet he’s somewhere on campus logged in remotely.”
“General, sir, thank you,” O’Brien said. “I’ll send my men there now.”
“His office computer needs to be powered down,” Sternberg said. “That will stop any installed programs from running. Shoot it if you have to.”
“Got it, General,” O’Brien said. “We’ll be careful.”
* * *
After the two toughs released him in the middle of the bridge, Rod was afraid to move. He had no idea whether he was in the middle of a lane or between lanes. One false move could mean certain death. On the other hand, standing still could have the same result. He heard a car approaching. A loud honk made him jump, but the vehicle sped by, the driver shoutingeejitas the car passed. He stood still, praying for the best. Another car approached. This one stopped with a squeal of the brakes. The engine idled, and the door opened. “What the feck are you doing?”
Rod mffd and tried to talk, but the duct tape kept him from making coherent sounds.
“I’ll pull off the tape, but don’t try anything funny.”
Rod nodded. He needed to inform the Gardaí about Wyl. The tape tugged at the stubble on his face as it peeled off, leaving stinging heat behind. He flexed his jaw and his lips to recover. “I need to get in touch with the police immediately.”
“Can I get your name?” The guy had spun him around to untie his mask and untape his wrists.
“Rod Sterling. I was kidnapped, and my husband, Wyl, is being held by the kidnappers. We need to hurry and contact the Gardaí.”
The untied mask fell to the ground. The tape unwound from his wrists left the same stinging sensation. He whirled around. “Do you have a cell phone?”
“I’m Chief Inspector O’Brien.” He already had the phone to his ear. “Where are they?”
“In the basement of the technology building.” Rod was on a dead run down the street toward the building.
“Basement of McGowan’s building. Steinburg has been monitoring. Disable the computer!” O’Brien shouted into the phone as he lumbered after Rod, leaving his cruiser in the middle of the street with the lights flashing.
* * *
Wyl smiled. Tension filled the air like electricity. Everyone was on edge. “MacGowan, I fixed your precious code,” he announced loudly. “You have five minutes to launch, or it will self-destruct.”
“What? You take that off now!” MacGowan shouted. “Declan…shoot his left knee!”
