Chapter 24

It took two calls to track down Jessica. Theresa was furious with her sister. The side of the conversation we heard was none too pleasant.

When Theresa got off the phone, Agent Barnes had to ask, "Theresa, I hope that's not the sister you were planning on staying with, is it?"

Theresa was still shaking with rage. "Yes it ... was."

My father picked up the phone and asked Theresa for the number to Jeanie's. She reluctantly gave it and he rang.

"How dare you talk to your sister that way!" the voice was heard.

"This isn't Theresa," my father said in an even voice.

"Oh. I'm sorry, who is this?"

"This is John's father."

"I see."

"Theresa has had a very long and trying day. I'm sure when this is all over; she will regret talking to her sister like she did."

"I'll bet Jessica had a worse day. She's been in bed alternating crying and sleeping ever since she arrived."

"We've been dealing with the FBI," I father replied.

There was silence on the other end and the inevitable question arose.

"Did you hear me?"

"The FBI?"

"Yes. There is a possibility that John might be targeted, from the group that did the bank robbery. As he has been staying with Theresa and Jessica, they may well be in danger as well."

"Oh, shit ... so when Theresa couldn't find Jessica..."

"Yes."

"Hell."

"The first thought was that Theresa and Jessica stay over at your place."

"Yes. Of course."

"After that phone call..."

"Screw the call. FBI! Shit, no wonder she was out of her mind. When is she coming?"

"She will need to pack clothing for the two of them. I think we'll help drive them over. Theresa is not in a state to drive."

"I understand and we'll be waiting for her."

My mother and Agent Barnes went with Theresa to collect things to take. My father looked at me and decided I'd need help.

"John, I can collect your things."

"I'm living out of two suitcases, so there's little to do in the bedroom except close them. The bathroom is a different issue. I think you'll figure that out, as I have the male oriented items in there."

My father left and came out of the bedroom in just a minute, carrying my two suitcases. Then he went into the bathroom. He came out with a puzzled look on his face.

"Sorry, John," my father said, "I would have thought this easier than it looks. Can you come to the doorway and stand? I can show you things that way."

"Yes, but I need help up," I replied.

My father and Special Agent Downs got me to my feet. I crutched over and stood at the doorframe.

When my father opened the mirrored medicine cabinet over the sink I almost laughed. I also knew why he called me in. It was stuffed full. I knew my stuff by sight, but he didn't. So he went down the line, pointing, while I said 'yes' or 'no' to each item. Then he opened the cabinet under the sink. There were rolls of toilet paper and feminine products.

"Dad, I haven't used those in some time."

He turned to look at me, rolled his eyes after seeing my grin, and closed the door.

"Is that it?"

"Shampoo and soap in the shower," I replied.

"You take a shower?" he asked, somewhat surprised.

"I wish I could. Theresa has been giving me sponge baths. It's not at all the same. At least I could wash my hair almost normally."

With that done, I was ready. My mother, Theresa, and Agent Barnes came out. Theresa helped me into the car, and gave me a hug. I could tell from her expression she was a bit shell-shocked, and was just going through the motions.

The two agents got into the front seat and we drove off.

"Where am I going?" I asked.

"We have a place about fifty miles from here," Agent Barnes replied.

"Fifty miles?"

"I know it's not ideal, but it is safe," Special Agent Downs said.

I didn't say anything else. Frankly I didn't know what to say. Did I have a choice? I had no idea.

When Theresa arrived at Jeanie's home, her sister and husband were out to greet her. My mother had driven Theresa in her car, and my father had followed them over in their car.