Page 64 of Special Agent Jennie

Chapter Forty-six

Jennie hated the fact that Lisa perched beside her in the vehicle heading into a potentially dangerous situation. Knowing her daughter when she wore that expression, she didn’t doubt for a minute that Lisa fully intended to either come with her or find a way to go alone.

To break the uncomfortable silence, she asked, “Okay, tell me again what you saw that first night. I read parts of what you wrote but I don’t remember it all.”

Lisa retrieved her pad and glanced down at the scribbling. “At first, there was only two men who came to the house. One was called Gordie and they both referred to the other one as Hamster or Ham… but I think it was a nickname. Later, when a bunch of people showed up, I kinda figured out that the only three who really mattered were Kane, the man they called Ham, and the bossy one they mostly referred to as Gord. I remember thinking that Kane seemed to be stroking this dude and wondered why. I mean, Kane is tall and strong and well… muscular. Whereas this Gordie dude seemed puny in comparison and balding and well… what you might refer to as a bullshitter. Sorry, Mom, but that’s the best description that comes to mind.”

Jennie flinched but ignored the curse word. “What about the plans they discussed that infuriated you so much you wrote them all down? Tell me.”

“Gordie told Kane that some bigshot from out of town called the Commander would be sending them explosives with detonators, and at tomorrow’s rally, they were to be set to blow up, killing everyone nearby. It made me sick, Mom. Hearing him gloating about this so-called sweet deal.”

“Knowing you and your views, I can’t imagine how you stayed hidden and kept your mouth shut.” Jennie felt the sweat break out all over at the thought of her daughter being so close to such evil.

Growing up, Lisa had been very vocal about any kind of bullying, especially when it came to racial slurs. Jennie had been called to the principal’s office more than once when her daughter’s protective instincts had kicked in and she’d gotten violent with the offender.

“Mom, when I listened to this, I thought my own father was involved and it almost killed me. Just to think that I had his blood running through my veins made me feel sick inside. You know… like I wanted a hot shower, lots of soap, and a scrub brush.”

“And now?”

“After Lance cleared away that nonsense, basically bragging about how working with Kane had been like a dream come true, I’ve come to understand that he’s a hero. Many times, he’s put his life on the line for the NCTC, and they’ve relied on him in the most important cases of terrorism to date. Lance’s words.” Lisa chuckled. “Did you know he’s met the Attorney General? And a lot of the bigwigs in the FBI? Mom, he’s almost a star.”

“He’s a man doing his job, Lisa. That’s how he’d expect you to see him. And right now, he’s in a lot of danger and us flying to the rescue might only make things worse. So, please, tell me where we’re going, let me drop you off in a safe place, and I’ll do my job. Having you anywhere in the vicinity would only be detrimental to me being able to concentrate. You get that, don’t you?”

Lisa stayed quiet for some time but finally pointed to her right. “Okay. We’re almost at the place I remember. But, if you drive onto that lane, they’ll see you coming. Best to park way back here and maybe make our way on foot.”

“Thanks, kiddo. Okay. I’ll pull off here in this opening of trees. Which way did you say we need to go?”

“It’s back a hundred feet or so, that kind of hidden lane on the right as we drove by. If I remember correctly, one had to drive in for some time to get to the opening where the cabin is.”

“Good.” Jennie reached behind her and before Lisa knew what she intended; she’d gotten Lisa’s right wrist handcuffed to the steering wheel.

“Mom. This wasn’t the agreement. You’re cheating.”

“So, sue me. You said you wanted to be close, and this is as close as I can possibly allow you to get. Stay here safe. I’ll be back for you as soon as I can. Don’t worry. I’ll do everything I can to help your dad. And, so you know, I’m not at all surprised at what you told me about him being a hero. One day, I’ll really tell you all the stories about him you begged me to share while you grew up. I’m sorry I kept putting you off. I guess just talking about him hurt me, and I couldn’t begin to face the memories that had made me so happy. Stay safe, baby.” She leaned over to kiss Lisa who pulled away, obviously angry. Not allowing Lisa this out, she forced a kiss and whispered words she knew might be the last she ever imparted. “I love you, Lisa. Don’t ever forget it. And… don’t worry, I know you love me too.”

Heart heavy for her sneaky move, she left the car and went to the trunk where she had her vest and a rifle only to be used on occasions of real danger.

Figuring this might be the very time, she also made sure her Glock held a full round, and her pockets had more ammunition. Then she did a quick survey of her surroundings and headed for the bush closest to the cabin.

Using her police-issued flashlight sparingly, she made her way through the dense woods until she could see the cabin’s lights in the distance. Thinking to go a few steps closer, she stepped into an opening and felt the hard pressure of a gun in her back.

Lord, Jesus! She’d never felt fear flood her as swift or been so sick for possibly messing up an operation she had no right to be involved with.

***

“Hold it right there. Keep your hands up and turn around.”

Lance couldn’t believe his eyes when for a second, he’d thought he’d made out none other than Lisa’s mom, Jennie.

Before he knew what hit him, she moved like a tornado, grabbing his gun, and twisting him around so his face was in the weeds. She had his arm pushed so high up his back, he figured another inch and it would break.

“Jesus, Lance. Way to scare me.” She let go of her hold and tried to help him to his feet. When he scooted away, she backed off with her hands held up. Then she crouched down close.

Unable to stand with the adrenalin still pouring through his veins, he stayed sitting with his knees up and his hand rubbing his other arm. “What the hell are you doing here and how did you find this place?” As soon as the words left his mouth, he groaned. “Lisa told you.”

Nodding slowly, Jennie sighed deeply. “Trust me, she didn’t intend to. In fact, she insisted she come along and the only way I could get her to give me the directions was for her to show me the way.”

Hearing those words brought Lance quickly to his feet. His head swiveled in every direction before Jennie’s next words seemed to calm his obvious fears. “I handcuffed her to the steering wheel. She’s parked about four hundred feet up the road on the left. In case this goes bad for me, she’s your reason to stay alive.”

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