Even When You Win... by Dave Balcom

Author:Dave Balcom
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: adventure, family values, mystery detective, newspapers, rural america
Publisher: Dave Balcom

Chapter 35

The good news was that the kidnappers were giving us hope that Jan was still alive; the bad news? Well, at that time I was really focusing my thoughts on the good news.

The briefing with the wizards in Quantico was enlightening if not uplifting.

“Doctor Phillips,” Andy said after the team back east had finished its preliminary considerations, “What we’re really hoping for here is some idea of avenues to pursue to find the person or people behind this.”

The guy in the Google-phone image on Rita’s computer looked to be about 60 with snow white hair and a bulging waistline under his white lab jacket. I had the feeling that his eyes would be sparkling and his cheeks rosy in real life, but the picture quality wasn’t all that good.

“That’s very difficult as you might guess,” Phillips said through pursed lips. “We know this is not the work of one man alone; Mr. Stanton saw two people dressed as medical technicians with the gurney in the airport. But we can deduce that if it’s just those two, they are located in Elliotsville – how else could they hand-deliver the notes?

“But I think it’s safer to consider that there are more than three people involved here. There is also the man Mr. and Mrs. Stanton encountered in St. Louis and Syracuse on their way to San Diego.

“As to the incident in San Diego, we have no reason to connect those people with this kidnapping, but I’m assured they are all three under constant surveillance.”

He paused to take a sip of water, holding his hand up to indicate he wasn’t through.

“So, let’s consider for a moment that we are up against a group. From the way they are operating, they are obviously highly motivated and organized. They are also very quick to adapt to our involvement.”

He was nodding, as if he was satisfied with his response.

“So how does that help us with anything?” Ed blurted. “How do we even begin to figure out who is behind this or what we should do?”

The fat guy on the screen seemed to be taken aback for a second. “We wait for direction from them, of course. What else could you do? They have Mrs. Stanton. They’re threatening your seven grandchildren. They gave you directions and you didn’t follow them. They reacted, but have they given you further direction?”

“No,” Richards said calmly, trying to settle Ed down a bit; “No, they haven’t. But you’re sure they’re going to, right?”

“They have to. Don’t you see? If profit is the real motive, then they have to tell you how to pay off; if torture is their real aim, then they have to give you instructions with which you cannot comply... twisting the knife so to speak.”

Richards retook control of the conversation. “So what do you suggest?”

“If they want a name, give them one. Give them a name that we can protect. If it’s the right name, that will provide us with a focus to our investigation; if it’s the wrong name, we can guard the child and nab them if and when they make a move.

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