Unwitting Alliances - Hunter Blake Series by Peggy Lea Baker
Chapter Eight
Both Hunter and Brian grinned in relief then focused on their flight plan.
“Now where to?” Brian asked.
“I’m working on that,” Hunter replied. “I want to head due east for a while then come back around. Visually I want it to look like we’re going that-a-way.” He pointed.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Can I come sit up there again?” Janet asked.
“For a while,” Hunter said. “But if I tell you to belt up, no questions, understand? You just do it.”
“I will,” she promised. Janet moved forward and sat down behind the men, once again wrapped in her blanket, still hanging onto the bag of food. This time Buster joined her and laid his head on her leg stiffing her blanket with interest. She rubbed his ears. “Buster has been so good, hasn’t he?”
“Very good,” Hunter agreed. “He’s a great dog.” He looked over his shoulder. “So where’s the food?”
“Right here.” She opened the bag. “Wow they really loaded us up,” she said handing them each a hamburger and some fries.
“There should be an extra meat patty for Buster,” Hunter said.
Janet inventoried the bag. “Altogether they gave us six hamburgers, six bags of fries... four cooked hamburger patties, and bottled water.”
“That Mike is something else. All I told him was four hamburgers and the extra one was for Buster.”
“There’s a note.” Janet said, fishing it out of the bottom of the bag. She smiled then read it out loud. “It says, ‘Hunter, for all the good times. Stay safe. Our prayers are with you and your friends. Doris.’ Mmmm,” she teased. “So, who’s Doris?”
“She runs the café.”
“Oh,” she said with a grin.
“Don’t do that!” Hunter said in exasperation. “It’s not like that. She’s just talking about other times I’d fly in. She and Mike and I would sit and talk and have some laughs. That’s all.”
“I see,” Janet replied suppressing a giggle, amused as his sudden defensiveness.
“Really. That’s all she meant,” Hunter insisted.
“That’s fine.”
Hunter looked at her. “Women. Always getting goofy ideas.”
“You’re the one fussing about it. You don’t have to get so defensive. I don’t care if you and Doris are friends. It’s fine. Brian thinks it’s fine too, don’t you Brian?”
“Sure,” he replied taking a big bite of his hamburger while staring out his side window. “Nice looking sky out there,” he gestured. “Really nice.”
“You’re both goofy,” Hunter retorted.
“And you are obviously holding back on us,” Janet replied, “but that’s okay. Because I’m sure we really don’t want to know.”
“Look!” Hunter began.
“Hey!” Brian interrupted. “Can you just fly the plane?” he said to Hunter. “And maybe you should go back to your seat.” He looked at Janet.
“What did I do?” she asked. “And who put you in charge?”
Hunter and Brian looked at each other then quietly finished their burgers while keeping their eyes focused on the horizon. Janet moved back into the cabin with Buster and fed him another hamburger patty. The stress of the day had taken its toll and the mood had become somber as they all sat in silence.
Back at the airfield, however, all was anything but quiet as the sheriff stormed into the service building and up to Mike’s counter.
“Can I do something for you Sheriff?” Mike asked.
“Didn’t you get a fax from the FBI a little while ago!”
“I’ll check,” Mike said walking to his machine. Thumbing through a few other faxes, he pulled one out and stood reading it. “Wow. Is this for real?” He feigned innocence. “Hunter Blake is wanted for questioning? I don’t believe it. He just took off.”
“So I was just told by some of your folks out there.” The sheriff swung his arm around with a dramatic gesture. “Three people said they saw his plane. This plane. Right here.” He pointed at a picture.
“Yeah. He flew in, fueled up and left.”
“They also said you took something out to him in a big paper bag.”
“Food.”
“Why didn’t they just come in and get it?”
“He does this all the time. Ask anyone.”
“Which way were they going?”
“Due east,” Mike pointed. “Weren’t you watching? He flew right over your car! By the way, I was wondering what you were doing out there. Do you realize how dangerous that was!” Mike was fired up. “You could have killed him, yourself, and your deputy pulling a stunt like that. That car of yours is no match for his jet!”
“He should never have left here without my permission!”
“Your permission?” Mike laughed. “Since when did anyone need your permission to take off? People fly in and out of here all day without your permission!”
“You watch your tone with me!”
“Well unless you have something else to talk to me about, I have work to do.” Mike turned away and sat down at his desk thumbing through a stack of papers. He waited until he heard the door swish and close before he looked up.
“He’s gone,” Doris said.
Mike stood up. “That was close.”
“Too close,” she agreed.
Mike stared the windows at the growing darkness. “I’m ready to call it a day. I’m closing up shop,” he said. “This has been one heck of way to end a day and I’m really getting tired of that guy. Ever since he was elected sheriff he seems to think he owns the entire county and everything in it.”
“I know,” Doris said. “I’m about finished cleaning up then I’ll be heading home pretty soon too. You have a good evening, Mike.”
“Likewise.”
He finished up and was locking a couple of file cabinets when the sheriff flung the door open and came bursting back in.
“I’m commandeering your office, Mike!”
“You’re what?”
“Taking control of your office. Official business.”
“What official business? You have an office. Go commandeer it. I’m going home.” Mike grabbed his coat. Stepping from behind the counter he tried to push past the sheriff.
“I have the authority to use this office in a criminal investigation,” the sheriff said poking Mike on the chest.
“Criminal investigation. What criminal investigation?”
“The one involving your buddy that you conveniently let escape.”
“I told you I didn’t see the fax until after he left and you were standing right here when I found it.”
“Well he’s involved in a murder investigation.”
“Excuse me? Hunter Blake?” Mike stared at the sheriff in disbelief. “You’re out of your mind. Mr. Blake didn’t commit any murder.”
“These movie people are all up to no good,” the Sheriff said with a snarl. “Every one of them, if you ask me. The movie business is just a cover up. Damned liberals!”
“You can’t lump everyone together like that. It’d be the same as saying all cops are crooked just because a few of them are.” Mike gave him a cold stare.
“I’m not a crooked cop!” the sheriff said.
“My point exactly! So don’t say every movie star is a murderer!” Mike shot back.
The sheriff stood toe to toe with Mike and lowered his voice. “I just got a call from the FBI. They’ll be here soon, so I expect you to cooperate.” The sheriff stepped back. “You can go home if you like, but don’t leave town.”
“Why would I leave town? I live here. I work here.”
“All I know, is they’ll probably want to question you since you helped him escape.”
“For the last time, I didn’t help him escape!” Mike looked out across the airfield in disgust. “Do what you like. I’m going home. You know how to reach me.” Mike pushed past the sheriff and
shoved open the door.
“Well don’t be surprised if this place comes alive with TV people!” the sheriff shouted after him. “We’ll be all over the news tonight! You’ll see!”
Mike waved him off without turning around and climbed into his truck. As he pulled away a black helicopter swooped in and landed near the building. Slowing down, he watched his mirrors. Three people climbed out and walked toward his office. “They’re all crazy,” he muttered as he drove away.
Miles to the east, Hunter piloted in silence, but monitored radio frequencies for any unusual chatter. Brian remained quiet as well, while Janet stayed in back with Buster. Soon Hunter banked north then west and set a new course. They flew for nearly half an hour watching the sun slowly sink into the western sky ahead of them.
Hunter finally broke the silence. “I’m concerned that now everyone will know Wyoming was our last known position,” he remarked to Brian.
“I know,” Brian said, “but we were headed east when we took off. You were smart to maintain that heading for several miles. Maybe that will throw them off for a while. Transponder’s still off, right?”
Hunter nodded. “Yes, but it shouldn’t be.”
“I know but for now let’s hope they concentrate their search east of that airfield, not west.”
“I suppose,” Hunter mumbled, although not completely convinced. “What I’d like to know is how did the FBI get involved so quickly?”
“I don’t know,” Brian said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Yeah, and why the FBI? They don’t usually get involved in something unless it’s a national security issue, bank robberies, white collar crimes, kidnapping... that sort of thing. Why are they looking for us? We were the victims!”
“You seem to know a lot about the FBI,” Brian remarked.
“Just from working with consultants on films, that’s all,” Hunter said.
“Yeah, well, it feels like someone has connections somewhere,” Brian said.
Hunter nodded. “Sounds like it.” He remained focused ahead but continued to mull over the day’s events. “We witnessed a handoff of some kind earlier in the afternoon, and it was obviously illegal. Why else an armed helicopter?”
“True,” Brian agreed. “White collar crime maybe?”
“Maybe, but in the meantime, we’ve been hunted and pursued ever since and now the FBI shows up in Wyoming. Another coincidence?” he asked. “Who’s behind all of this? How does Gerry fit in? And why involve Janet?” He looked over his shoulder. “Janet!”
“What?”
“Get up here.”
She moved forward and sat on the floor, without her blanket this time. Buster lay with his chin on her leg again. “What’s up?”
“Were you ever aware of anything at work that seemed even remotely off or suspicious? Anything or anyone that didn’t seem to fit in? Anything?
“I don’t know. I suppose there may have been things going on, but nothing that raised a red flag, if that’s what you’re asking. There were always people coming and going. I’d schedule meetings and appointments and people came. I figured they all had something to do with the film industry.”
“I still don’t understand why Gerry would have sent you along on this jaunt to Arizona, especially as dangerous as it was, unless you might have seen something or heard something that could have been incriminating in some way.”
“Yeah,” she said quietly.
Hunter let go of the yoke long enough to rub his forehead with both hands. “Okay. You can go belt up again.”
She got up then said, “I’m sorry I’ve caused more trouble for you, Mr. Blake. I really am.” She returned to her seat and belted up as tears began to stream down her face. “I really am sorry,” she whispered to herself.
Brian glanced back. “She hasn’t done anything wrong, has she?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but she’s in as much danger as we are. Guilty by association,” Hunter replied, oblivious to Janet’s emotions.
“We need to think of a place we can go and not be found, if that’s even possible,” Brian said.
Hunter nodded. “Yeah. Someplace they’d never think of.”
“Any ideas?”
Hunter adjusted the range on his navigation screen so he could see a wider geographic area. “We’d need a place to land this thing. But it needs to be... secluded... out of the way...” He began to grin. “It needs to be...”
“What?”
“Maybe I do know a place.”
“Is it safe?”
“About as safe as anyplace I can think of right now,” Hunter said. Plotting his course, he sat back. “I just hope he’s still there.”
“He who?” Brian asked.
Before he could answer Hunter felt a tap on his shoulder. “May I please sit with you guys? I’m lonely back here by myself. I’ll stay quiet. I won’t bother you.”
“You’re not a bother, Janet,” Hunter said. “I’m not mad at you. You’re good company. I’m not so sure I could have handled some of this without you. So, sure. Have a seat, but the same rule applies. If I need you to belt up...”
“I know. I’ll do whatever you ask.”
“Okay, oh and... stop calling me Mr. Blake. It’s Hunter, okay? Well anyway, I was telling Brian that I know a place we may be able to go and be safe, at least for a while. Someone I know lives near Grays Harbor, Washington. At least I think he’s still living there. We’ll see. He might be able to put us up for a while.”
“Who is this person?” Brian asked.
“He was a friend of my mother’s.”
“And he’s still alive?”
“I hope so. He was a couple of years younger than my dad. I figure he’s about eighty-three or so.”
“Your dad still alive?”
“No. He died when I was pretty young. Coming home late one night. Pouring down rain. Hit head-on by a drunk driver.”
“I’m sorry,” Janet said then leaned back and covered her mouth.
“Janet. Honey. It’s okay. You’re not in trouble. Just be yourself. Make your sarcastic remarks. Keep me entertained. Please. I care about you and will do everything I can to make sure you’re safe. So will Brian.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“Yeah, well... like I said... I was young. About five or six. I don’t remember much about him. Well, other than I have one memory of me sitting in his lap. He was reading the Sunday comics to me. My mom said he started doing that almost from the day I was born.” Hunter stared straight ahead into the darkness. “He traveled a lot with his work so I didn’t see him all that much. That’s about all I remember.”
“It has to be hard not having a dad around,” Brian said.
“I had a step-dad. He adopted me.”
“Oh,” Janet was surprised. “I had no idea.”
“I don’t advertise it, but it’s not like it’s a big secret either.”
“So Blake is your adopted name,” Brian said.
“No. I changed it back after I came home from Vietnam.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I wanted to keep the family name going. Besides, all my life I heard stories about my biological dad and what a great guy he was. Good husband. Good dad...” he paused to clear his throat. “A good man,” he said quietly.
“I’m sure he was a very good man,” Janet said. “You’re evidence of that.”
“How’s that? I never knew him.”
“But he’s a part of you, Hunter... and you are a part of him. You are a good man. I admire you. I respect you and I really believe you are a good man inside and out just like your dad must have been.”
“Don’t you have anything better to do, like take another nap?”
“Nope. Besides, you just said I could sit here and keep you company,” she said, “whether you like it or not. Am I entertaining you now?”
“Yes. You remind me of
someone I knew years ago who was a little feisty.” He laughed.
“Feisty? Me?”
“Yeah,” he replied then changed the subject. “I just hope Joe’s still around.”
“So where exactly are we going?” she asked.
“Like I told you, to see an old friend of my mom’s. His name is Josiah.”
“Josiah,” Brian remarked. Sounds very Biblical.”
“Yes it does. We called him Uncle Joe growing up. He did a lot for my mom after my dad died. He and his wife, Ella.”
“So how much further?” Janet asked.
“Another couple of hours, I think. He has a private airstrip. In fact, he’s one of the reasons I wanted to learn to fly. He’d take us up and let us take the controls. It was a lot of fun. Anyway, we’ll use his airstrip. No one will know we’re there.”
“Except him, assuming he still lives there,” Brian said.
“Right,” Hunter responded uneasily. “Assuming he still lives there.”
“And how are you going to find it in the dark?” Janet asked.
“You’re full of questions aren’t you?” he said. “I’m glad you’re back to being your old self again.” He laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll find it.”
It was nearly ten thirty when Hunter began his descent. His gaze was steady as they continued. All they could see were occasional pinpoints of light dotting the landscape below them here and there. Hunter dipped to about fifteen hundred feet and began to fly in a wide circle over one area in particular while checking his navigation display.
“Have we arrived?” Brian asked looking out at the darkness.
“We have.” Hunter turned to Janet. “You need to get back in your seat, sweetheart.”
Janet got belted in then sat back and waited anxiously. “I sure hope he knows what he’s doing,” she whispered to Buster.
Using the microphone button on the yoke, Hunter pressed it several times and watched. Almost immediately white lights lit up the edges of an airstrip below. Hunter let out a chuckle. “Son-of-a-gun, they still work.”
Janet peered out her window as Hunter came around again to make his final approach. “Whoa! Where did those come from?” she called out. “Is he expecting you?”
Hunter said nothing as he lined up. The bright lights were a welcome sight as he managed to touch down safely and bring his aircraft to a stop. Taking a moment to collect his nerves, he let out a deep sigh then slowly turned the plane around and headed to a small parking apron near the airstrip threshold. Close by sat another single engine high wing plane, securely tied down.
“Is that his plane?” Brian asked.
“If he still lives here, then my answer would be yes.” Hunter sat for moment before climbing out of the cockpit. “You both stay here. I’ll go see if anyone’s home.
Hunter stood staring at a small home nestled in some trees then cautiously started up a dark path. A yellow porch light was on and one other window was dimly lit. “I hope this was a good idea,” he muttered uneasily as a slight breeze rustled some leaves.
Approaching the house he suddenly heard a distinctive click and instantly froze, slowly raising his hands.
“Who are you and what do you want?” a male voice demanded.
“Uncle Joe? It’s me, Jimmy.”
The breeze rustled a few more leaves before the gunman asked, “Jimmy? Jimmy Blake?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, I’ll be.”
Hunter turned around slowly, his hands still in the air. “Hi,” was all he said.
“Well, I’ll be. Put your hands down, son. Come here.” Joe lowered his shotgun.
The two men embraced and then stood apart and looked each other over.
“Well, I’ll be,” Joe repeated again. “It really is you. I can’t believe you’re standing right here.”
“Yeah, well... I am.” Hunter chuckled nervously.
Joe eyed him. “Why are you here?”
“I... uh... well...”
“You’re in some kind of trouble, aren’t ya? It’s all over the news.”
“Uncle Joe, I don’t know what’s going on. I haven’t had a chance to see the news. What are they saying?”
“That you’re wanted for questioning or sumthin’.”
“Aw, geez,” Hunter said rubbing his forehead. “I haven’t done anything wrong, Uncle Joe. I swear.”
“I know. At least the Jimmy I used to know wouldn’t have done anything wrong. Not like what they’re talking about. Come on inside. We can visit and you can fill me in.”
“I’m not alone.”
“That young lady still with you? And that feller?”
“What fellow?” Hunter was curious.
“Like I said, son, it’s all over the news. You, some other feller, a young lady and a dog.”
“But how...” Hunter frowned. “Yes, they’re all with me. Including my dog.”
“So he’s yer dog! Well, good. You know how much I like dogs.”
“You still have one?” Hunter asked.
“Naw,” Joe replied. “Naw, when Old Tip passed on I couldn’t bring myself to git another one. Hurts too much when they go. Hard to say goodbye. I buried him out back behind the garden.”
“Yeah,” Hunter said. “I remember when Shorty died. I hid in my closet and cried. Didn’t want Drew or my step-dad to see me.”
“I remember when that happened. Drew called me to tell me the sad news. He cried on the phone and made me promise not to tell anyone.” He chuckled. “Guess I just broke my promise.”
Hunter grinned.
“You see Drew much?” Joe asked.
“No. We live different lives, Uncle Joe.”
“Maybe so, but he’s still your brother, even if just a half-brother. He’s still blood. You share the same mama. She loved you both so much. She always felt she failed you both, but especially Drew. He always seemed to get the short end of the stick, at least she thought so.”
“I suppose.”
“So, go git your friends and your dog. What’s his name, by the way? Yer dog.”
“Buster. You’re gonna love him. He’s a great dog.” Hunter grinned in relief as he headed back to the plane. Soon all were gathered in the living room to chat with Joe.
“We can visit for a few minutes then I’ll show you to your room,” Joe, said to Hunter uncomfortably. “Brian can have the couch.”
“Janet can have the room,” Hunter said. “I’ll sleep out here on the floor with Buster. Brian can still have the couch, if that’s okay.”
Joe looked back and forth between Hunter and Janet. “I don’t want to separate you two, you know, I mean...”
Hunter laughed. “It’s okay, Uncle Joe, she not my girlfriend, she just works for me. We don’t live together or anything like that.”
“Okay,” Joe said. “Good!”
A door opened with a soft click and an older woman, dressed in a nightgown and robe, stepped into the living room. “Joe?” she asked.
“Honey, come on over here. I want you to meet some folks.”
She stepped up next to Joe and smiled.
“Honey, this here is Jimmy Blake, and his assistant, Janet, and Brian... I’m not sure what he does, and this is Jimmy’s dog, Buster. Jimmy, this is Vera, and we do live together.”
Hunter’s eyebrows shot up. “I see,” he said glancing at Janet and Brian.
Joe laughed heartily. “Vera and me have been married for about eight years now. She’s been real good for me. Real good.”
“Married,” Hunter said. “That’s great, Uncle Joe.”
“I would’a told you sooner but I didn’t know how to get in touch. I mean I’d see you in your movies and such, but I didn’t have no phone number or nothing.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been good about staying in touch, Uncle Joe.”
“Yes, well, me and Vera have been good for each other. Besides, you didn’t think
I’d be living in sin, now do you?” Joe laughed. “If I’da done that your Aunt Ella would have come back to haunt me the rest of my mortal life... and probably beyond!”
Hunter couldn’t help but laugh. “Knowing Aunt Ella, I’d have to agree.”
“Are you folks hungry?” Vera asked. “I could fix you something.”
Janet shook her head. “No thank you, I’m fine.”
“We ate not too long ago,” Hunter said. “Mostly we’re tired.”
“Alright then,” Vera said with a smile. “Janet, you come with me. I’ll show you to your room. Joe, dear, come get some bedding for Hunter and Brian.”
After a brief discussion on who would sleep on the floor and who would get the couch, Hunter gave in to Brian’s insistence and accepted the couch, with Buster lying on the floor next to him.
“We’ll be safe here, pal,” he said rubbing Buster’s back. “We can trust Joe.”
Both Hunter and Brian grinned in relief then focused on their flight plan.
“Now where to?” Brian asked.
“I’m working on that,” Hunter replied. “I want to head due east for a while then come back around. Visually I want it to look like we’re going that-a-way.” He pointed.
“Sounds good to me.”
“Can I come sit up there again?” Janet asked.
“For a while,” Hunter said. “But if I tell you to belt up, no questions, understand? You just do it.”
“I will,” she promised. Janet moved forward and sat down behind the men, once again wrapped in her blanket, still hanging onto the bag of food. This time Buster joined her and laid his head on her leg stiffing her blanket with interest. She rubbed his ears. “Buster has been so good, hasn’t he?”
“Very good,” Hunter agreed. “He’s a great dog.” He looked over his shoulder. “So where’s the food?”
“Right here.” She opened the bag. “Wow they really loaded us up,” she said handing them each a hamburger and some fries.
“There should be an extra meat patty for Buster,” Hunter said.
Janet inventoried the bag. “Altogether they gave us six hamburgers, six bags of fries... four cooked hamburger patties, and bottled water.”
“That Mike is something else. All I told him was four hamburgers and the extra one was for Buster.”
“There’s a note.” Janet said, fishing it out of the bottom of the bag. She smiled then read it out loud. “It says, ‘Hunter, for all the good times. Stay safe. Our prayers are with you and your friends. Doris.’ Mmmm,” she teased. “So, who’s Doris?”
“She runs the café.”
“Oh,” she said with a grin.
“Don’t do that!” Hunter said in exasperation. “It’s not like that. She’s just talking about other times I’d fly in. She and Mike and I would sit and talk and have some laughs. That’s all.”
“I see,” Janet replied suppressing a giggle, amused as his sudden defensiveness.
“Really. That’s all she meant,” Hunter insisted.
“That’s fine.”
Hunter looked at her. “Women. Always getting goofy ideas.”
“You’re the one fussing about it. You don’t have to get so defensive. I don’t care if you and Doris are friends. It’s fine. Brian thinks it’s fine too, don’t you Brian?”
“Sure,” he replied taking a big bite of his hamburger while staring out his side window. “Nice looking sky out there,” he gestured. “Really nice.”
“You’re both goofy,” Hunter retorted.
“And you are obviously holding back on us,” Janet replied, “but that’s okay. Because I’m sure we really don’t want to know.”
“Look!” Hunter began.
“Hey!” Brian interrupted. “Can you just fly the plane?” he said to Hunter. “And maybe you should go back to your seat.” He looked at Janet.
“What did I do?” she asked. “And who put you in charge?”
Hunter and Brian looked at each other then quietly finished their burgers while keeping their eyes focused on the horizon. Janet moved back into the cabin with Buster and fed him another hamburger patty. The stress of the day had taken its toll and the mood had become somber as they all sat in silence.
Back at the airfield, however, all was anything but quiet as the sheriff stormed into the service building and up to Mike’s counter.
“Can I do something for you Sheriff?” Mike asked.
“Didn’t you get a fax from the FBI a little while ago!”
“I’ll check,” Mike said walking to his machine. Thumbing through a few other faxes, he pulled one out and stood reading it. “Wow. Is this for real?” He feigned innocence. “Hunter Blake is wanted for questioning? I don’t believe it. He just took off.”
“So I was just told by some of your folks out there.” The sheriff swung his arm around with a dramatic gesture. “Three people said they saw his plane. This plane. Right here.” He pointed at a picture.
“Yeah. He flew in, fueled up and left.”
“They also said you took something out to him in a big paper bag.”
“Food.”
“Why didn’t they just come in and get it?”
“He does this all the time. Ask anyone.”
“Which way were they going?”
“Due east,” Mike pointed. “Weren’t you watching? He flew right over your car! By the way, I was wondering what you were doing out there. Do you realize how dangerous that was!” Mike was fired up. “You could have killed him, yourself, and your deputy pulling a stunt like that. That car of yours is no match for his jet!”
“He should never have left here without my permission!”
“Your permission?” Mike laughed. “Since when did anyone need your permission to take off? People fly in and out of here all day without your permission!”
“You watch your tone with me!”
“Well unless you have something else to talk to me about, I have work to do.” Mike turned away and sat down at his desk thumbing through a stack of papers. He waited until he heard the door swish and close before he looked up.
“He’s gone,” Doris said.
Mike stood up. “That was close.”
“Too close,” she agreed.
Mike stared the windows at the growing darkness. “I’m ready to call it a day. I’m closing up shop,” he said. “This has been one heck of way to end a day and I’m really getting tired of that guy. Ever since he was elected sheriff he seems to think he owns the entire county and everything in it.”
“I know,” Doris said. “I’m about finished cleaning up then I’ll be heading home pretty soon too. You have a good evening, Mike.”
“Likewise.”
He finished up and was locking a couple of file cabinets when the sheriff flung the door open and came bursting back in.
“I’m commandeering your office, Mike!”
“You’re what?”
“Taking control of your office. Official business.”
“What official business? You have an office. Go commandeer it. I’m going home.” Mike grabbed his coat. Stepping from behind the counter he tried to push past the sheriff.
“I have the authority to use this office in a criminal investigation,” the sheriff said poking Mike on the chest.
“Criminal investigation. What criminal investigation?”
“The one involving your buddy that you conveniently let escape.”
“I told you I didn’t see the fax until after he left and you were standing right here when I found it.”
“Well he’s involved in a murder investigation.”
“Excuse me? Hunter Blake?” Mike stared at the sheriff in disbelief. “You’re out of your mind. Mr. Blake didn’t commit any murder.”
“These movie people are all up to no good,” the Sheriff said with a snarl. “Every one of them, if you ask me. The movie business is just a cover up. Damned liberals!”
“You can’t lump everyone together like that. It’d be the same as saying all cops are crooked just because a few of them are.” Mike gave him a cold stare.
“I’m not a crooked cop!” the sheriff said.
“My point exactly! So don’t say every movie star is a murderer!” Mike shot back.
The sheriff stood toe to toe with Mike and lowered his voice. “I just got a call from the FBI. They’ll be here soon, so I expect you to cooperate.” The sheriff stepped back. “You can go home if you like, but don’t leave town.”
“Why would I leave town? I live here. I work here.”
“All I know, is they’ll probably want to question you since you helped him escape.”
“For the last time, I didn’t help him escape!” Mike looked out across the airfield in disgust. “Do what you like. I’m going home. You know how to reach me.” Mike pushed past the sheriff and
“Well don’t be surprised if this place comes alive with TV people!” the sheriff shouted after him. “We’ll be all over the news tonight! You’ll see!”
Mike waved him off without turning around and climbed into his truck. As he pulled away a black helicopter swooped in and landed near the building. Slowing down, he watched his mirrors. Three people climbed out and walked toward his office. “They’re all crazy,” he muttered as he drove away.
Miles to the east, Hunter piloted in silence, but monitored radio frequencies for any unusual chatter. Brian remained quiet as well, while Janet stayed in back with Buster. Soon Hunter banked north then west and set a new course. They flew for nearly half an hour watching the sun slowly sink into the western sky ahead of them.
Hunter finally broke the silence. “I’m concerned that now everyone will know Wyoming was our last known position,” he remarked to Brian.
“I know,” Brian said, “but we were headed east when we took off. You were smart to maintain that heading for several miles. Maybe that will throw them off for a while. Transponder’s still off, right?”
Hunter nodded. “Yes, but it shouldn’t be.”
“I know but for now let’s hope they concentrate their search east of that airfield, not west.”
“I suppose,” Hunter mumbled, although not completely convinced. “What I’d like to know is how did the FBI get involved so quickly?”
“I don’t know,” Brian said. “It doesn’t make any sense.”
“Yeah, and why the FBI? They don’t usually get involved in something unless it’s a national security issue, bank robberies, white collar crimes, kidnapping... that sort of thing. Why are they looking for us? We were the victims!”
“You seem to know a lot about the FBI,” Brian remarked.
“Just from working with consultants on films, that’s all,” Hunter said.
“Yeah, well, it feels like someone has connections somewhere,” Brian said.
Hunter nodded. “Sounds like it.” He remained focused ahead but continued to mull over the day’s events. “We witnessed a handoff of some kind earlier in the afternoon, and it was obviously illegal. Why else an armed helicopter?”
“True,” Brian agreed. “White collar crime maybe?”
“Maybe, but in the meantime, we’ve been hunted and pursued ever since and now the FBI shows up in Wyoming. Another coincidence?” he asked. “Who’s behind all of this? How does Gerry fit in? And why involve Janet?” He looked over his shoulder. “Janet!”
“What?”
“Get up here.”
She moved forward and sat on the floor, without her blanket this time. Buster lay with his chin on her leg again. “What’s up?”
“Were you ever aware of anything at work that seemed even remotely off or suspicious? Anything or anyone that didn’t seem to fit in? Anything?
“I don’t know. I suppose there may have been things going on, but nothing that raised a red flag, if that’s what you’re asking. There were always people coming and going. I’d schedule meetings and appointments and people came. I figured they all had something to do with the film industry.”
“I still don’t understand why Gerry would have sent you along on this jaunt to Arizona, especially as dangerous as it was, unless you might have seen something or heard something that could have been incriminating in some way.”
“Yeah,” she said quietly.
Hunter let go of the yoke long enough to rub his forehead with both hands. “Okay. You can go belt up again.”
She got up then said, “I’m sorry I’ve caused more trouble for you, Mr. Blake. I really am.” She returned to her seat and belted up as tears began to stream down her face. “I really am sorry,” she whispered to herself.
Brian glanced back. “She hasn’t done anything wrong, has she?”
“Not that I’m aware of, but she’s in as much danger as we are. Guilty by association,” Hunter replied, oblivious to Janet’s emotions.
“We need to think of a place we can go and not be found, if that’s even possible,” Brian said.
Hunter nodded. “Yeah. Someplace they’d never think of.”
“Any ideas?”
Hunter adjusted the range on his navigation screen so he could see a wider geographic area. “We’d need a place to land this thing. But it needs to be... secluded... out of the way...” He began to grin. “It needs to be...”
“What?”
“Maybe I do know a place.”
“Is it safe?”
“About as safe as anyplace I can think of right now,” Hunter said. Plotting his course, he sat back. “I just hope he’s still there.”
“He who?” Brian asked.
Before he could answer Hunter felt a tap on his shoulder. “May I please sit with you guys? I’m lonely back here by myself. I’ll stay quiet. I won’t bother you.”
“You’re not a bother, Janet,” Hunter said. “I’m not mad at you. You’re good company. I’m not so sure I could have handled some of this without you. So, sure. Have a seat, but the same rule applies. If I need you to belt up...”
“I know. I’ll do whatever you ask.”
“Okay, oh and... stop calling me Mr. Blake. It’s Hunter, okay? Well anyway, I was telling Brian that I know a place we may be able to go and be safe, at least for a while. Someone I know lives near Grays Harbor, Washington. At least I think he’s still living there. We’ll see. He might be able to put us up for a while.”
“Who is this person?” Brian asked.
“He was a friend of my mother’s.”
“And he’s still alive?”
“I hope so. He was a couple of years younger than my dad. I figure he’s about eighty-three or so.”
“Your dad still alive?”
“No. He died when I was pretty young. Coming home late one night. Pouring down rain. Hit head-on by a drunk driver.”
“I’m sorry,” Janet said then leaned back and covered her mouth.
“Janet. Honey. It’s okay. You’re not in trouble. Just be yourself. Make your sarcastic remarks. Keep me entertained. Please. I care about you and will do everything I can to make sure you’re safe. So will Brian.”
“Thank you,” she said quietly.
“Yeah, well... like I said... I was young. About five or six. I don’t remember much about him. Well, other than I have one memory of me sitting in his lap. He was reading the Sunday comics to me. My mom said he started doing that almost from the day I was born.” Hunter stared straight ahead into the darkness. “He traveled a lot with his work so I didn’t see him all that much. That’s about all I remember.”
“It has to be hard not having a dad around,” Brian said.
“I had a step-dad. He adopted me.”
“Oh,” Janet was surprised. “I had no idea.”
“I don’t advertise it, but it’s not like it’s a big secret either.”
“So Blake is your adopted name,” Brian said.
“No. I changed it back after I came home from Vietnam.”
“Oh, okay.”
“I wanted to keep the family name going. Besides, all my life I heard stories about my biological dad and what a great guy he was. Good husband. Good dad...” he paused to clear his throat. “A good man,” he said quietly.
“I’m sure he was a very good man,” Janet said. “You’re evidence of that.”
“How’s that? I never knew him.”
“But he’s a part of you, Hunter... and you are a part of him. You are a good man. I admire you. I respect you and I really believe you are a good man inside and out just like your dad must have been.”
“Don’t you have anything better to do, like take another nap?”
“Nope. Besides, you just said I could sit here and keep you company,” she said, “whether you like it or not. Am I entertaining you now?”
“Yes. You remind me of
“Feisty? Me?”
“Yeah,” he replied then changed the subject. “I just hope Joe’s still around.”
“So where exactly are we going?” she asked.
“Like I told you, to see an old friend of my mom’s. His name is Josiah.”
“Josiah,” Brian remarked. Sounds very Biblical.”
“Yes it does. We called him Uncle Joe growing up. He did a lot for my mom after my dad died. He and his wife, Ella.”
“So how much further?” Janet asked.
“Another couple of hours, I think. He has a private airstrip. In fact, he’s one of the reasons I wanted to learn to fly. He’d take us up and let us take the controls. It was a lot of fun. Anyway, we’ll use his airstrip. No one will know we’re there.”
“Except him, assuming he still lives there,” Brian said.
“Right,” Hunter responded uneasily. “Assuming he still lives there.”
“And how are you going to find it in the dark?” Janet asked.
“You’re full of questions aren’t you?” he said. “I’m glad you’re back to being your old self again.” He laughed. “Don’t worry. We’ll find it.”
It was nearly ten thirty when Hunter began his descent. His gaze was steady as they continued. All they could see were occasional pinpoints of light dotting the landscape below them here and there. Hunter dipped to about fifteen hundred feet and began to fly in a wide circle over one area in particular while checking his navigation display.
“Have we arrived?” Brian asked looking out at the darkness.
“We have.” Hunter turned to Janet. “You need to get back in your seat, sweetheart.”
Janet got belted in then sat back and waited anxiously. “I sure hope he knows what he’s doing,” she whispered to Buster.
Using the microphone button on the yoke, Hunter pressed it several times and watched. Almost immediately white lights lit up the edges of an airstrip below. Hunter let out a chuckle. “Son-of-a-gun, they still work.”
Janet peered out her window as Hunter came around again to make his final approach. “Whoa! Where did those come from?” she called out. “Is he expecting you?”
Hunter said nothing as he lined up. The bright lights were a welcome sight as he managed to touch down safely and bring his aircraft to a stop. Taking a moment to collect his nerves, he let out a deep sigh then slowly turned the plane around and headed to a small parking apron near the airstrip threshold. Close by sat another single engine high wing plane, securely tied down.
“Is that his plane?” Brian asked.
“If he still lives here, then my answer would be yes.” Hunter sat for moment before climbing out of the cockpit. “You both stay here. I’ll go see if anyone’s home.
Hunter stood staring at a small home nestled in some trees then cautiously started up a dark path. A yellow porch light was on and one other window was dimly lit. “I hope this was a good idea,” he muttered uneasily as a slight breeze rustled some leaves.
Approaching the house he suddenly heard a distinctive click and instantly froze, slowly raising his hands.
“Who are you and what do you want?” a male voice demanded.
“Uncle Joe? It’s me, Jimmy.”
The breeze rustled a few more leaves before the gunman asked, “Jimmy? Jimmy Blake?”
“Yes, sir.”
“Well, I’ll be.”
Hunter turned around slowly, his hands still in the air. “Hi,” was all he said.
“Well, I’ll be. Put your hands down, son. Come here.” Joe lowered his shotgun.
The two men embraced and then stood apart and looked each other over.
“Well, I’ll be,” Joe repeated again. “It really is you. I can’t believe you’re standing right here.”
“Yeah, well... I am.” Hunter chuckled nervously.
Joe eyed him. “Why are you here?”
“I... uh... well...”
“You’re in some kind of trouble, aren’t ya? It’s all over the news.”
“Uncle Joe, I don’t know what’s going on. I haven’t had a chance to see the news. What are they saying?”
“That you’re wanted for questioning or sumthin’.”
“Aw, geez,” Hunter said rubbing his forehead. “I haven’t done anything wrong, Uncle Joe. I swear.”
“I know. At least the Jimmy I used to know wouldn’t have done anything wrong. Not like what they’re talking about. Come on inside. We can visit and you can fill me in.”
“I’m not alone.”
“That young lady still with you? And that feller?”
“What fellow?” Hunter was curious.
“Like I said, son, it’s all over the news. You, some other feller, a young lady and a dog.”
“But how...” Hunter frowned. “Yes, they’re all with me. Including my dog.”
“So he’s yer dog! Well, good. You know how much I like dogs.”
“You still have one?” Hunter asked.
“Naw,” Joe replied. “Naw, when Old Tip passed on I couldn’t bring myself to git another one. Hurts too much when they go. Hard to say goodbye. I buried him out back behind the garden.”
“Yeah,” Hunter said. “I remember when Shorty died. I hid in my closet and cried. Didn’t want Drew or my step-dad to see me.”
“I remember when that happened. Drew called me to tell me the sad news. He cried on the phone and made me promise not to tell anyone.” He chuckled. “Guess I just broke my promise.”
Hunter grinned.
“You see Drew much?” Joe asked.
“No. We live different lives, Uncle Joe.”
“Maybe so, but he’s still your brother, even if just a half-brother. He’s still blood. You share the same mama. She loved you both so much. She always felt she failed you both, but especially Drew. He always seemed to get the short end of the stick, at least she thought so.”
“I suppose.”
“So, go git your friends and your dog. What’s his name, by the way? Yer dog.”
“Buster. You’re gonna love him. He’s a great dog.” Hunter grinned in relief as he headed back to the plane. Soon all were gathered in the living room to chat with Joe.
“We can visit for a few minutes then I’ll show you to your room,” Joe, said to Hunter uncomfortably. “Brian can have the couch.”
“Janet can have the room,” Hunter said. “I’ll sleep out here on the floor with Buster. Brian can still have the couch, if that’s okay.”
Joe looked back and forth between Hunter and Janet. “I don’t want to separate you two, you know, I mean...”
Hunter laughed. “It’s okay, Uncle Joe, she not my girlfriend, she just works for me. We don’t live together or anything like that.”
“Okay,” Joe said. “Good!”
A door opened with a soft click and an older woman, dressed in a nightgown and robe, stepped into the living room. “Joe?” she asked.
“Honey, come on over here. I want you to meet some folks.”
She stepped up next to Joe and smiled.
“Honey, this here is Jimmy Blake, and his assistant, Janet, and Brian... I’m not sure what he does, and this is Jimmy’s dog, Buster. Jimmy, this is Vera, and we do live together.”
Hunter’s eyebrows shot up. “I see,” he said glancing at Janet and Brian.
Joe laughed heartily. “Vera and me have been married for about eight years now. She’s been real good for me. Real good.”
“Married,” Hunter said. “That’s great, Uncle Joe.”
“I would’a told you sooner but I didn’t know how to get in touch. I mean I’d see you in your movies and such, but I didn’t have no phone number or nothing.”
“I’m sorry I haven’t been good about staying in touch, Uncle Joe.”
“Yes, well, me and Vera have been good for each other. Besides, you didn’t think
Hunter couldn’t help but laugh. “Knowing Aunt Ella, I’d have to agree.”
“Are you folks hungry?” Vera asked. “I could fix you something.”
Janet shook her head. “No thank you, I’m fine.”
“We ate not too long ago,” Hunter said. “Mostly we’re tired.”
“Alright then,” Vera said with a smile. “Janet, you come with me. I’ll show you to your room. Joe, dear, come get some bedding for Hunter and Brian.”
After a brief discussion on who would sleep on the floor and who would get the couch, Hunter gave in to Brian’s insistence and accepted the couch, with Buster lying on the floor next to him.
“We’ll be safe here, pal,” he said rubbing Buster’s back. “We can trust Joe.”