storied. But to actively engage in kidnapping was way over the line. The trouble was he saw no way to disengage from further involvement. Hearing about Kilmer’s brutal revenge on McCauley following Weaver’s death, convinced him that backing out now did not bode well for his survival. Kilmer would surely make an example out of his disloyalty.
The flight from Hilton Head to Louisville was routine, considering he was transporting a hostage. Marlon was dumbfounded but also thankful for Sela Coscarelli’s accommodating nature. She offered almost no opposition, seemingly cognizant that any resistance would only engender more trouble. Instead, she talked incessantly, berating them for their foolhardy actions that included kidnapping a senator’s daughter. She brashly promised to relish facing them in court when at some future point the full weight of the judicial system settled the score.
Marlon soon wearied of her ceaseless commentary. He and Sully both understood perfectly the seriousness of their situation: kidnapping a senator’s daughter would launch a nationwide search with uncertain but grave consequences. If they were caught, the retribution would be swift and merciless. In the end he put on blinders, relying on Holloway’s master plan to keep them free of blame.
Marlon was relieved when the King Air was finally secured and Sully had safely escorted the woman to Colt’s vehicle-a black SUV waiting dutifully on the tarmac next to the private aircraft hangars. Only when they were on their way to the safe house did Marlon finally relax. He resolved that when this last job was over, he would dissociate himself from Kilmer. Regardless of their past history, the stress of increasingly dangerous endeavors was more than he could take. Colt had met them promptly and they made the fifty-minute drive from the airport to Wildcat Farm. As soon as they arrived, Sully ushered Dr. Coscarelli through the expansive portico of the main residence where the other hostages were being held.
The entrance of the stone house opened immediately into a great room with a fifteen-foot-high ceiling that resembled a sportsman’s lodge. Trophies of elk, antelope, and other animals of all types were prominently displayed throughout the room. Mounted above the lavish soapstone hearth was the head of an enormous bull moose that filled the huge space above the mantle. Pictures of the owners with select people decorated every wall, most depicting hunting and fishing trips at exotic locations. A behemoth white-oak dining room table connected the living area to an open kitchen that even the most accomplished chef would envy. The great room overlooked a spacious wrap-around deck with a waterfall as the centerpiece of a backyard swimming pool. The house and its surrounding amenities were well designed for entertaining. It was truly a gorgeous setting.
Kilmer rose from the table and eagerly greeted his new arrival. “G-day, luv, I’m Richard Kilmer. Welcome to Wildcat Farm,” he said in his alluring Australian accent, offering his hand, which Sela refused to take. “I regret the dodgy nature of our business, but it’s out o’ my hands…yer here due to Jarrod Conrad. I believe ya know ‘im?” he asked, not meaning for it to be a question.
“Don’t be absurd, you fool…of course I know Jarrod,” Sela indignantly replied. “Don’t waste my time with inanity, Kilmer. What do you want from me?”
“Don’t git all burred up,” he said with a slight bow. “I need ya to assure Conrad’s cooperation. He won’t do bugger we tell ‘im. He’s a hardcase,” Kilmer said, as if he were describing something alien. “I’m left with no choice but to put the pinch on someone he fancies. Sources tell me yer the one person who can talk some sense into ‘im. I’m sorry the piker’s got ya involved, ma’am.”
“Your explanation is absurd, sir,” Sela haughtily replied. “Whatever your rationale, you’ve broken the law and will be held accountable.”
Kilmer’s congenial demeanor dramatically changed. He looked crossly at Sela and coldly replied, “I won’t cow-tow to ya, Doctor. If it’s hostility ya want…I promise I’m game for a brawl. I should warn ya though…that yer nephew’s here too. His safety depends on yer cooperation.”
“Jeremiah? He’s here? You’ve kidnapped him, too?” she asked incredulously, a shocked look replacing her demonstrable arrogance. “Let me see him. Now!”
“In a sec, madam…in a sec.” Kilmer paused, pleased to see he had caught her off-guard. “First, ya speak to Conrad. Convince ‘im that yer safety depends on his cooperation.”
“And then you’ll let me see Jeremiah?” Sela asked, looking at Kilmer distrustfully.
“Dead cert. Ya can see yer rellie when I’m convinced Conrad will man-up later this evening. By t’morrow, it’ll all be over,” he said encouragingly.
“What do you want from him?” she asked.
“Just to run ‘is machine, nothin’ more.”
For the second time in so many minutes, Sela looked incredulously at Kilmer. “Wait a second…his technology works…the antigravity machine is here?” she asked, astonished.
“Yes, ma’am. We possess the world’s first antigravity machine. If it goes as planned…everyone goes home happy. Ya have my word.”
“Where? Where will he operate the device?” she asked inquisitively.
“None of yer concern; the less you know, the better. Let’s just say…it ain’t legal. If Conrad comes through, he buys yer freedom. That’s yer only concern.”
“Okay…let me see him, then. Let’s get this over with.”
Kilmer motioned to Rafie, who left to bring Conrad into the room. As before, the hostages had been confined into separate quarters, this time at the rear of the residence.
Within moments Rafie reentered the room with Jarrod, who was looking more energetic than Sela expected. They greeted each other enthusiastically.
“Thank goodness you’re all right, Sela. My gracious you’re a sight for these tired eyes,” Jarrod said as they rushed to hug one another. He was relieved that his fears for her safety were allayed for the moment. Their embrace lingered and Jarrod lovingly patted Sela’s back.
“Hello, Jarrod. I wish I could say how happy I am to see you…but under the circumstances, it’s a bit difficult,” Sela said, holding him close. “It’s been too long.”
“My God, Sela, I can’t tell you how much I’ve missed you. Are you okay? Did they hurt you?” he asked, looking her up and down.
“No, no…I’m fine. Everything’s okay…except for the obvious. I had no idea what was happening until now. Is Jeremiah okay? Are you okay?” Sela asked, pulling away.
“Unfortunately, Jeremiah’s taking the brunt of my obstinacy,” he answered, shamefaced. “He’ll be okay, though. He’s tough…just like his old man.”
“Who-ha, enough piffle,” Kilmer interrupted. “Git to it.”
“Listen, Jarrod,” Sela began, taking his hand, looking at him gravely. “They told me why they’ve brought me here. They need your cooperation and they’re using me to get it. I know you better than anyone here…certainly well enough to know that forcing you into anything will be met with resistance. But for Jer’s sake…for our sake… please do what these men ask. Can you do that, Jarrod?”
“Sela, that’s my intention, but I had to know you were okay. Knowing you’re safe and sound…I’ll do what they want. But when this is over, there’s lots to talk about…I mean between us, okay?” Jarrod asked expectantly. “Ryan and I are getting along and he’s with Sarah. I can’t say any more. Just trust me, Sela…this is great news.”
“I’ll look forward to it, Jarrod…for more reasons than I can count.
“Now, let me see my nephew,” Sela demanded, turning her attention back to Kilmer.
“Right this way, ma’am,” Rafie said, motioning with his hand when Kilmer approved the request with a nod of his head.
Kilmer approached Jarrod as if they had just concluded a business deal. “It’s a done deal, Professor. I’ve met yer last condition…Coscarelli’s safety’s been proven. We go t’night…no more pussyfootin’. If yer not spot-on from here out, ya’ll never see yer rellie or the woman again.”
“Thank you…Chief,” Jarrod said begrudgingly. “Yes, you’ve met my demands. I’ll honor my end of the bargain. But God help you if these people are harmed in any way.”
“She’ll be right, Professor. Just do yer job and no one gits clocked,” Kilmer said. “Now, stop pesterin’ me; I’ve got no more time for yer shit,” he concluded, indicating that Sully re-secure Jarrod in the back room.
Rafie led Sela to the room where Jer was sitting with his hands tied behind his back.
“Aunt Sela!” he exclaimed, delighted to see her walk into the room. “What are you doing here?”
“Same thing you are, Jer,” she said, rushing toward him, giving him a hug around the neck. “Are you okay? Have they hurt you?” she asked, looking him over. And then she saw the gash on the side of his head and dried
