Chapter 24

My watch glowed three-forty two am, when I walked out of the warehouse. There had to be something about that time, but I was confused as to what it might be.

Tim Sanderson would soon be alligator food. When you choose to play in the dirt, you often wind up with a lot more dirt on you than you intended.

As our caravan pulled away from the warehouse Jack said, "Big Roy said you handled yourself like a pro in there. That's very high praise. I can't say I've ever heard Roy comment, one way or the other, about anyone before." I kept silent.

He went on. "That's what I meant when I told Miss Bell that you could work for us anytime you wanted. I gave you the perfect opening to brag, talk about it, try to justify what went on, or just let off a little steam, but you kept your head and said nothing, just like a pro."

I didn't respond for a long time, and then I asked, "How did you set this up? You were as confused when they told us the he'd been moved as I was."

"I got a call while we were leaving the jail, and kept it to myself until I was sure it was going to come off just as I'd been told. The Judge knew nothing, but someone high up did, and they got to the jail ahead of us and moved him to give you a shot at ... well ... what you did."

Instead of taking the bait, I asked, "Did he give you enough? Will it help us track down everyone involved in killing my family?"

My expression must have surprised him, because he looked at me for a long time before answering. "You are sure you wish to continue down this trail, right? It won't be pretty, and it won't be nice. I can assure you that it won't always go as easily as it did back there, but if you're sure, then yes, he gave us plenty. My men will track them all down, separate the doers from the talkers, and extract everything they have to tell us.

"After what you showed the team in there," he jerked his thumb back towards where we just left, "They will gladly keep going as far as the trail leads. It will be expensive, but successful. As long as you have the stomach for it, we will get it done."

He meant it. That was good enough for me.

We pulled up to another airport. This one did not look forgotten, like the other. "Why did you send the jet away when we landed, before?"

Jack smiled. "The jet went home. It's your alibi. The DOJ sent another jet to pick us up. Yours is back in Missouri, having officially flown you back home. As far as the world is concerned, you flew to Florida, discovered your father was moved to more a secure jail, and went home.

"We even dressed an agent up to look like you, and he slept all the way back to Missouri."

That made sense, and I let it go.

On the plane, I asked if it was equipped so I could make a call. Jack put his hand on my arm and said, "Wait until you get home. Air to ground calls are too easy to record. Remember, you're already home, and have been since late last night." That also made sense. I had a lot to learn.

Even though the night had been extremely stressful, and my brain was going a million miles an hour, I slept like a baby all the way to Branson. Jack's team took me home, and I crawled in beside Rebecca just as daylight broke over the lake. She felt me slide in against her, and wrapped her arms around me, and went right back asleep.

Colleen never budged, but Benjamin had met me at the door, and escorted me to bed. I rubbed his head as I relaxed, eventually dropping off, again.

"I called Daddy and he said he hasn't heard a word from the Judge. We'll have to wait until he wakes up to find out what Tim Sanderson said." Colleen and Rebecca were up, and trying to be quiet. Benjamin was beside me, awake but still guarding me while I slept.

"I knew when he got home, but didn't wake up enough to ask him anything. How stupid of me." Rebecca was kicking herself.

I rolled onto my back and said, "Hello my gorgeous babies. You both look ravishing. I think I better ravish you to prove it." That got me smiles and kisses blown from the bathroom door.

"Give me a few minutes to wake up, and I'll give you the full version of my trip. Colleen baby, you might want to ask your dad if he wants to ride over and hear it firsthand." She came out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel which kept falling off, exposing her to my hungry gaze.

Holding the towel in one hand, while trying to dial her phone with the other, she decided to give me a show, and let the towel drop, posing for me in the late morning light. Her hair was freshly washed, and her skin looked healthy and pink. There was a beautiful, little, baby bump that made my pulse speed up, and her smile matched it all.

I enjoyed taking her all in as she waited for her father to answer. "Daddy," she said. "David's home, awake and asking if you would like to come over and hear about his conversation with Tim Sanderson."

She listened for a little while and then hung up. "He says he and Mother will be here soon. I'll finish dressing and get us breakfast."

I hopped out of bed and said, "As fast as I shower and clean up a little, I'll be down to help."

Rebecca delayed me for a little while, because she needed some attention, which got my motor running, which led to some serious foreplay, and ended with us fully engaged on the bed ... Which is where Colleen found us when she came to see why I didn't show up for kitchen duty.

"I can't turn my back for an instant. Rebecca you slut, stop molesting the father of my son and help me get breakfast ready for the grandparents of our children." She sounded so firm, but her face gave her away.

Rebecca made a face and stage whispered, "Takes one to know one." We all laughed at that. Well, Benjamin only snuggled closer, but you get the idea.