Page 43 of Sam to the Rescue

I thank God when the wind moves the clouds covering the moon, exposing two metal sheds. The explosives have to be hidden within. As soon I verify my find, I’ll activate my belt buckle and the Feds will come to the rescue.

On the climb down, I stop on each rung and wait until every bunkmate’s breath is accounted for. When my toes reach the earth, I crawl to the first shed. Padlocked with no windows, I have no clue what is inside.

Then, I search the ground in front of the garage-like door and spot the thin, curved edge of a barrel in the dried mud. Hell now, this is more like it. I scramble back to the barn and am about to engage the buckle alarm when a fist hits my face.

“What the fuck?” I circle the blond stranger, eyes on the knife in his hand.

“What’re you doing, sneaking around in the dark?” He sidesteps, blade glistening when it catches moonlight.

“Getting some fucking air. Smells like ass in here.”

The grip on the blade lessens and his body language drops a degree in danger. “You were told to stay put.”

“And I’m put, aren’t I?” I have to assume he didn’t see my little foray to the shed or I’d be dead.

The other three guys wake and one says, “Hey Murder, who sprung you?”

“My lawyer, dipshit.” He puts his knife in his boot, points two fingers to his eyes, then points them at mine. “I am watching you.”

I shrug. “Suit yourself.”

Exhausted, I close my eyes and sleep. Tomorrow will bring new opportunities. I just need to be patient.

Chapter 28

Sam

Who the hell hired Riley to torment my husband? While I ponder possible candidates, my phone rings and I pick up. “Hello? This is Sam.”

Dead silence ensues, followed by a man with a Russian accent. “This is Vladimir Oblanski. I have a message for Sebastian. He does not respond to texts.”

Why in the world is the arms dealer calling? Maybe he needs a driver for his kid, but if so, why not call the Patten main number?

After scrolling through Suds’ past messages, I decide his former client could be on the level. “He’s on a mission and left his phone at home.”

“Unusual, no?”

“Err…no. I mean yes. Uh. How can I help you?” When a little girl squeals in the background, I recall how Suds saved his five-year-old daughter last Halloween. This man owes us. I should hear him out.

“Listen carefully. Tell him they are going to kill him.”

“Who?” My heart races.Does he mean the Circus Gun Club?

“Tell him to use only the land lines. You stay off cell as well.”

“Wait, I-”

The Russian hangs up and as I’m trying to figure out what to do with this intel, Joey calls me. “Silliman is on the move.”

“Did you find Kessler?”It never rains…

“Not yet. He posted on social media about attending some big alien rally in Syracuse. The crazies are expecting a spaceship.”

“Like ET?” My eyes roll. What the fuck is wrong with people?

“No… more like… Close Encounters.” He hums the tune. “Da-da-da-dum-daaaa.”

Oh my God, I need to think.“How many people are expected to attend?”