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CHAPTER 67
“My contact says a man named Charles Gray and a woman named Erica Chase are at the top of the list,” said Abdul Ali.
“Husband and wife?” asked Mohammed Hassan.
“It would appear so,” said Ali.
“Are they the same people that have hidden Haseena from us?” asked Hassan.
“My contact seemed to think so,” said Ali. “I’m getting ready to track them down.”
“Shouldn’t be that hard,” said Hassan.
“Maybe, maybe not,” said Ali. “Remember, they remained hidden for several months.”
“But we didn’t have a name then,” said Hassan.
“No, but still, the fact they have kept Haseena hidden since that time tells me they are careful and not to be underestimated,” said Ali.
“I have faith in you,” said Hassan.
“Let’s get on the computer,” suggested Ali. He entered the names into the internet and was rewarded with more than a few hits. Doctor Erica Chase was easy to track down, address, telephone number, workplace and quite a bit of information was found. However, Charles Gray was still somewhat secluded. But plenty of references to the author Charles Gray appeared.
“You think this is the same person?” asked Hassan.
“Maybe,” said Ali, entering in some different search parameters. And sure enough, Charles Gray was a resident of Tennessee and was a bestselling author until he dropped off the planet seven years before after the death…of his wife and child? And Haseena replaced a dead child for this man probably. A child to nurture and protect. And this is why we haven’t been able to find her as of yet. This man probably has influence and was able to pay off whomever he needed to in order to keep her location a secret. But if I have a name, I have everything I need.
“I will head towards Erwin Tennessee. This seems to be the place this Charles Gray is located,” said Ali. “But it’s unusual, no phone records or records of property. Nothing.”
What Ali didn’t know was Charlie had gone to great extents while Annie was still alive to keep their location a secret. He never listed his telephone number, all his bills were paid electronically and he had a P.O. Box for general mail. For deliveries to the house he used his middle name (which wasn’t included in the search parameters) and had always kept his location somewhat of a secret. And it had paid off as his fan base had never learned where he lived. But sometimes, all someone needed was a name.
“When are you leaving?” asked Hassan.
“Tomorrow,” said Ali.
“And the rest of us?” asked Hassan.
“Head back to the camp for more weapons training. You need more practice with your new AR-15,” said Ali. “I will contact you when I know more.”
You think this would be the best for us both, asked Stacy.
Charlie and Erica are really good people. They’ve taken care of me when I needed it the most and they can help take care of us both, said Cindy.
I trust you to make the best decision for us, said Stacy.
No, this is a decision we make together, said Cindy.
Stacy was quiet for a moment before saying what was on both their minds. I miss Momma.
I miss her too sweetie, said Cindy as she took her sister into a hug. Stacy was not far away from being able to be released and the visits by Cindy were more frequent. Charlie and Erica had already started learning sign language and were awarded custody of Stacy when she was released. However, learning a new language was always hard.
“We’ve been going at this for several weeks and I can barely make out what they are saying,” said Erica.
“They are going so fast I could only figure about every third word,” said Charlie.
“From what I gathered, they are talking about the adoption,” said Erica.
“Cindy talking her into it?” asked Charlie.
“No, I think they are deciding together,” said Erica. Cindy and Stacy stood up and walked out into the waiting area where Erica and Charlie were waiting. Since they both knew the couple weren’t that proficient in sign language, they deliberately slowed their signing down.
Stacy and I have come to a decision, said Cindy.
What is it, asked Charlie.
I…we would like to live with your family, said Stacy.
You are accepting…started Erica. “Cindy? Adoption?”
Cindy made the appropriate hand gestures to Erica and she repeated them.
Yes, I see how well you have treated my sister and see you are good people. I think you will treat me the same way, said Stacy.
You are welcome in our home, said Charlie, who had a slightly better grasp on the signing.
We both accept your offer to adopt us. We still have a ways to go before getting over our loss, but we can’t think of a better place to be in, said Cindy.
Wonderful, exclaimed Erica with a warm smile and took the two of them into a hug. Stacy wasn’t entirely comfortable with them yet, so the hug wasn’t as warm as the one Cindy gave. But in time, she would learn to trust the two just as her sister had.
“So Cindy accepted the adoption?” asked Jimmy Kellogg.
“Her and Stacy,” said Charlie.
“Well, they really didn’t have much of a say in the matter,” said Jimmy.
“Well, they did more or less,” said Charlie. “I mean, we would have continued the foster arrangements has they objected.”
“Well, I think they are both smart enough to realize you and Erica are good folks. And I understand they are still getting over the murder of their mother, but still can realize when they have it good,” said Jimmy. “How’s Stacy doing?”
“Seems to be okay,” said Charlie. “She is doing well at Vanderbilt and the staff is singing her praises.”
“How’s she taking all this?” asked Jimmy.
“Seems to be pretty well,” said Charlie. “Accepting the matter, but like Cindy, is still mourning the loss of her mother.”
“It’s never easy losing a parent,” said Jimmy. “Or someone you care about.”
“I know better than most,” said Charlie.
“I didn’t mean to bring up old memories Charlie,” said Jimmy as an apology.
“No, I went through them already when we informed Cindy about her mother. I’ve just learned how to deal with them better,” said Charlie.
“But it still hurts,” said Jimmy.
“More than you would ever know,” said Charlie.
“Anyway, I figured they both would accept the adoption,” said Jimmy.
“But again, Erica and I never pushed it on them. They spent a couple of weeks deciding the issue and talked several times,” said Charlie.
“Well, I’ll send the paperwork into the State. I already got a reply back from that Cantu woman letting me know you had the priority,” said Jimmy.
“Something still worries me though,” said Charlie.
“Her father?” asked Jimmy.
“Yeah, what if he pops back up and stakes his own claim?” asked Charlie.
“Before or after he gets out of prison?” asked Jimmy.
“Either,” said Charlie with a chuckle.
“Well, he already put that announcement in the paper disowning her. Second, a felon with no other listed kin has their children taken into State custody, so she stays with you no matter what and last, but not least, she has that divorce option,” said Jimmy.
“Second time you’ve mentioned that,” said Charlie. “I can’t say I support that.”
“Not your choice,” said Jimmy. “And since Cindy is still technically my client, I can suggest it.”
“I know, just doesn’t sound right,” said Charlie.
“Would you rather have her go back with him?” asked Jimmy.
“I think you know the answer to that,” said Charlie.
“So if it came down to Cindy ‘divorcing’ her father or having to go back with him?” asked Jimmy.
“Trap me with my own words won’t you?” laughed Charlie.
“Thought so,” said Jimmy with a laugh.
“Either way, how long are we looking until we can sign the papers?” asked Charlie.
“Maybe a week or two. Like I said, the State is fast tracking this,” said Jimmy.
“Okay, just let me know and we’ll be there,” said Charlie. “And no press.”
“Absolutely not,” said Jimmy. “Speaking of press, I happened to see a blurb about a Charles Gray putting out a new book this summer. Coincidence?”
“Maybe,” said Charlie with a sly grin.
“I better get an autographed copy,” said Jimmy.
“I suppose you could stand in line at the book signing,” laughed Charlie.
“You know, I’ve got a mess here on the desk. These papers just might get lost for a while,” said Jimmy.
“Oh, that’s dirty,” said Charlie.
“Us lawyers aren’t dumb. At least the ones that stay in practice and don’t go into politics,” laughed Jimmy.
“True enough,” said Charlie. “Anything else?”
“Nope, can’t think of anything,” said Jimmy. “I’ll call you when I get the word back.”
As Charlie left, he still had that nagging feeling in the back of his mind about the situation as it stood. He was a man who hated loose ends and Cindy and Stacy’s father on the run was a loose end that needed to be rectified. And the same feeling he had since the start was still in the back of his mind. He knew it wasn’t over until her father was brought to justice. Or dead, whichever came first. But as long as he was out there, neither Cindy or Stacy would know peace. And even as they would start a new life with him and Erica, he knew they would still have ties to their former life as long as their father was in the picture.
As he drove down the road, Charlie knew in his heart things would eventually come to a head. He had no qualms about confronting her biological father, but didn’t know exactly what might happen when he did so. He was prepared to accept the fact he was unsure of the right path until it was presented. And he hoped the situation would provide guidance when, not if, it came.
“You know that little girl out at Charlie Gray’s place? Supposed to be his niece and all, but I never knew he or Annie had a brother or sister and I’ve known the both of them my whole life. Anyway, that little girl isn’t in the school. I mean, she’s of the proper age and all, but she doesn’t go to class. But Karen told me Charlie goes up there every week and picks up her homework assignments and drops off what she’s done. Just a little strange, her not going to class to be with the other kids. He just keeps her holed up out there at his farm doing all that schoolwork. She gets straight A’s from what Karen told me. I wanted to ask him why, but just never got the chance to,” said Mary Worthington to a customer who got caught by her in the store.
“Maybe he’s homeschooling her,” said the customer.
“Well, if that’s the case, why take in her homework to the school? She seems like a nice little girl and all the few times I’ve seen and talked to her, but it’s just a little weird. Charlie don’t talk about it either; where she came from or how long she’s gonna be out there. I think she’s from New York or something like that from her accent, but he said she was from Ohio. Just a whole lot of strange behavior going on with those two. I mean, if I didn’t know Charlie any better, I’d say there were other reasons why, but Lord knows Charlie ain’t that type. Annie would be rolling over in her grave if something like that was to be happening. But Charlie takes care of her out there on that farm in Limestone Cove. But the really strange thing? I saw the picture of that little girl on the television; you know the one that had the State all up in arms with New York and the President? Kind of looks like that little girl out at his farm and all. I mean, it would be strange for her to be out here in Unicoi County. But it certainly looks like her with different hair. It’s an older picture, but put a few years of age on her and it could be a match,” said Mary.
“Maybe it was,” said the customer.
“I doubt seriously Charlie Gray would have been involved in something like that. That’s just crazy! I mean, how is this world would he ever get caught up in that kind of conspiracy?” exclaimed Mary. Before she could continue about the conspiracy theories, a man interrupted.
“Excuse me, can I get some help?” asked the man in line behind the two. He had approached during the later part of the conversation after looking through the store.
“Yes, I’m sorry. How can I help you?” asked Mary.
“I think I’m a little lost. Where am I exactly?” asked the man in a thick New York accent.
“Where you from? You don’t sound like you’re from ‘round here,” smiled Mary.
“New York,” said the man with pride.
“What are you doing in these parts?” asked Mary, being nosey.
“I think I took the wrong turn off the Interstate. I’m supposed to meeting a friend in Unicoi. He’s hiking the Appalachian Trail and ended up out there,” said the man. “Where am I at exactly?”
“Oh honey, you did take the wrong exit. But it’s simple to find,” said Mary.
“You think you could show me on the map?” asked the man as he held up a road atlas.
“Oh, for certain,” said Mary. “You’re in Erwin…right here. Now where at in Unicoi are you going?”
“The Mountain Bank or something like that,” said the man.
“Oh, well that’s easy to find! You just get back out on Main Street right here and go straight. Go all the way through town to the next exit for the Interstate. But you don’t need to take that. Just keep going straight until you see the signs for the town of Unicoi. It’s only about a quarter mile or so after that on your right hand side,” said Mary.
“I don’t need to get back on the Interstate?” asked the man.
“Well, you could honey, but that’ll take you way out of your way. The old highway is just as quick and a whole lot prettier,” said Mary.
“Okay,” said the man. “Mind of I leave this here for a moment and grab a few things?”
“Of course,” she said and went back to talking with the other woman. “But anyway, I haven’t been out to see Charlie in ages and was going to stop by, but I just don’t know now that he’s engaged again. I was shocked silly when I heard he got engaged to Erica Chase. I meant to do it sooner, but Charlie’s always so busy on that farm of his and apparently he took to rebuilding that car Annie got for him a long time ago. Saw him over at the car parts store not too long ago buying up some parts for it. I was talking to Dale and he said he’s been buying up those old Firebird parts like they were going out of style. I just wonder what started him back on it? Anyway, I should stop by for a friendly visit when I get the chance just to congratulate the two of them on their engagement…you done honey?”
“Yeah, just a few things for the road,” said the man with a smile and sat several bottles of water, sodas, a bottle of pain reliever and a bag of sunflower seeds on the counter.
Mary rang up the items and announced the total of “eleven-fifty.”
The man pulled a wallet out and handed over a twenty dollar bill. She made change and handed it over with a smile and a “come on back anytime.” He left the store with a goodbye and went back to the rental vehicle and climbed inside. Once in, he wrote down several items of information…
Charlie Gray…farm…Unicoi County…Limestone Cove…girl looks like one on TV from New York…engaged to Erica Chase…made contact.
As he drove away, he knew they had sufficient information to track down the possible lead. He had browsed around Erwin for several days trying to find more information without arousing suspicion. And finally he had what he needed through the grapevine from this small town in Tennessee. More of his comrades would be arriving soon to assist in the search and make plans when the information checked out.
It was past time for the honor to be restored to his brother Abdul Ali thought as he drove away. He would be calling his team up and bringing the remainder down from Michigan where they had been in hiding. He had another seven loyal members of his team including Mohammed Hassan who had been waiting for several months for this opportunity. His eight man team versus this one man shouldn’t be a fair fight. And it would allow Hassan to reclaim his honor where Haseena was concerned.
Abdul Ali knew this was not an opportunity to be missed.
“My contact says a man named Charles Gray and a woman named Erica Chase are at the top of the list,” said Abdul Ali.
“Husband and wife?” asked Mohammed Hassan.
“It would appear so,” said Ali.
“Are they the same people that have hidden Haseena from us?” asked Hassan.
“My contact seemed to think so,” said Ali. “I’m getting ready to track them down.”
“Shouldn’t be that hard,” said Hassan.
“Maybe, maybe not,” said Ali. “Remember, they remained hidden for several months.”
“But we didn’t have a name then,” said Hassan.
“No, but still, the fact they have kept Haseena hidden since that time tells me they are careful and not to be underestimated,” said Ali.
“I have faith in you,” said Hassan.
“Let’s get on the computer,” suggested Ali. He entered the names into the internet and was rewarded with more than a few hits. Doctor Erica Chase was easy to track down, address, telephone number, workplace and quite a bit of information was found. However, Charles Gray was still somewhat secluded. But plenty of references to the author Charles Gray appeared.
“You think this is the same person?” asked Hassan.
“Maybe,” said Ali, entering in some different search parameters. And sure enough, Charles Gray was a resident of Tennessee and was a bestselling author until he dropped off the planet seven years before after the death…of his wife and child? And Haseena replaced a dead child for this man probably. A child to nurture and protect. And this is why we haven’t been able to find her as of yet. This man probably has influence and was able to pay off whomever he needed to in order to keep her location a secret. But if I have a name, I have everything I need.
“I will head towards Erwin Tennessee. This seems to be the place this Charles Gray is located,” said Ali. “But it’s unusual, no phone records or records of property. Nothing.”
What Ali didn’t know was Charlie had gone to great extents while Annie was still alive to keep their location a secret. He never listed his telephone number, all his bills were paid electronically and he had a P.O. Box for general mail. For deliveries to the house he used his middle name (which wasn’t included in the search parameters) and had always kept his location somewhat of a secret. And it had paid off as his fan base had never learned where he lived. But sometimes, all someone needed was a name.
“When are you leaving?” asked Hassan.
“Tomorrow,” said Ali.
“And the rest of us?” asked Hassan.
“Head back to the camp for more weapons training. You need more practice with your new AR-15,” said Ali. “I will contact you when I know more.”
********************
You think this would be the best for us both, asked Stacy.
Charlie and Erica are really good people. They’ve taken care of me when I needed it the most and they can help take care of us both, said Cindy.
I trust you to make the best decision for us, said Stacy.
No, this is a decision we make together, said Cindy.
Stacy was quiet for a moment before saying what was on both their minds. I miss Momma.
I miss her too sweetie, said Cindy as she took her sister into a hug. Stacy was not far away from being able to be released and the visits by Cindy were more frequent. Charlie and Erica had already started learning sign language and were awarded custody of Stacy when she was released. However, learning a new language was always hard.
“We’ve been going at this for several weeks and I can barely make out what they are saying,” said Erica.
“They are going so fast I could only figure about every third word,” said Charlie.
“From what I gathered, they are talking about the adoption,” said Erica.
“Cindy talking her into it?” asked Charlie.
“No, I think they are deciding together,” said Erica. Cindy and Stacy stood up and walked out into the waiting area where Erica and Charlie were waiting. Since they both knew the couple weren’t that proficient in sign language, they deliberately slowed their signing down.
Stacy and I have come to a decision, said Cindy.
What is it, asked Charlie.
I…we would like to live with your family, said Stacy.
You are accepting…started Erica. “Cindy? Adoption?”
Cindy made the appropriate hand gestures to Erica and she repeated them.
Yes, I see how well you have treated my sister and see you are good people. I think you will treat me the same way, said Stacy.
You are welcome in our home, said Charlie, who had a slightly better grasp on the signing.
We both accept your offer to adopt us. We still have a ways to go before getting over our loss, but we can’t think of a better place to be in, said Cindy.
Wonderful, exclaimed Erica with a warm smile and took the two of them into a hug. Stacy wasn’t entirely comfortable with them yet, so the hug wasn’t as warm as the one Cindy gave. But in time, she would learn to trust the two just as her sister had.
********************
“So Cindy accepted the adoption?” asked Jimmy Kellogg.
“Her and Stacy,” said Charlie.
“Well, they really didn’t have much of a say in the matter,” said Jimmy.
“Well, they did more or less,” said Charlie. “I mean, we would have continued the foster arrangements has they objected.”
“Well, I think they are both smart enough to realize you and Erica are good folks. And I understand they are still getting over the murder of their mother, but still can realize when they have it good,” said Jimmy. “How’s Stacy doing?”
“Seems to be okay,” said Charlie. “She is doing well at Vanderbilt and the staff is singing her praises.”
“How’s she taking all this?” asked Jimmy.
“Seems to be pretty well,” said Charlie. “Accepting the matter, but like Cindy, is still mourning the loss of her mother.”
“It’s never easy losing a parent,” said Jimmy. “Or someone you care about.”
“I know better than most,” said Charlie.
“I didn’t mean to bring up old memories Charlie,” said Jimmy as an apology.
“No, I went through them already when we informed Cindy about her mother. I’ve just learned how to deal with them better,” said Charlie.
“But it still hurts,” said Jimmy.
“More than you would ever know,” said Charlie.
“Anyway, I figured they both would accept the adoption,” said Jimmy.
“But again, Erica and I never pushed it on them. They spent a couple of weeks deciding the issue and talked several times,” said Charlie.
“Well, I’ll send the paperwork into the State. I already got a reply back from that Cantu woman letting me know you had the priority,” said Jimmy.
“Something still worries me though,” said Charlie.
“Her father?” asked Jimmy.
“Yeah, what if he pops back up and stakes his own claim?” asked Charlie.
“Before or after he gets out of prison?” asked Jimmy.
“Either,” said Charlie with a chuckle.
“Well, he already put that announcement in the paper disowning her. Second, a felon with no other listed kin has their children taken into State custody, so she stays with you no matter what and last, but not least, she has that divorce option,” said Jimmy.
“Second time you’ve mentioned that,” said Charlie. “I can’t say I support that.”
“Not your choice,” said Jimmy. “And since Cindy is still technically my client, I can suggest it.”
“I know, just doesn’t sound right,” said Charlie.
“Would you rather have her go back with him?” asked Jimmy.
“I think you know the answer to that,” said Charlie.
“So if it came down to Cindy ‘divorcing’ her father or having to go back with him?” asked Jimmy.
“Trap me with my own words won’t you?” laughed Charlie.
“Thought so,” said Jimmy with a laugh.
“Either way, how long are we looking until we can sign the papers?” asked Charlie.
“Maybe a week or two. Like I said, the State is fast tracking this,” said Jimmy.
“Okay, just let me know and we’ll be there,” said Charlie. “And no press.”
“Absolutely not,” said Jimmy. “Speaking of press, I happened to see a blurb about a Charles Gray putting out a new book this summer. Coincidence?”
“Maybe,” said Charlie with a sly grin.
“I better get an autographed copy,” said Jimmy.
“I suppose you could stand in line at the book signing,” laughed Charlie.
“You know, I’ve got a mess here on the desk. These papers just might get lost for a while,” said Jimmy.
“Oh, that’s dirty,” said Charlie.
“Us lawyers aren’t dumb. At least the ones that stay in practice and don’t go into politics,” laughed Jimmy.
“True enough,” said Charlie. “Anything else?”
“Nope, can’t think of anything,” said Jimmy. “I’ll call you when I get the word back.”
As Charlie left, he still had that nagging feeling in the back of his mind about the situation as it stood. He was a man who hated loose ends and Cindy and Stacy’s father on the run was a loose end that needed to be rectified. And the same feeling he had since the start was still in the back of his mind. He knew it wasn’t over until her father was brought to justice. Or dead, whichever came first. But as long as he was out there, neither Cindy or Stacy would know peace. And even as they would start a new life with him and Erica, he knew they would still have ties to their former life as long as their father was in the picture.
As he drove down the road, Charlie knew in his heart things would eventually come to a head. He had no qualms about confronting her biological father, but didn’t know exactly what might happen when he did so. He was prepared to accept the fact he was unsure of the right path until it was presented. And he hoped the situation would provide guidance when, not if, it came.
********************
“You know that little girl out at Charlie Gray’s place? Supposed to be his niece and all, but I never knew he or Annie had a brother or sister and I’ve known the both of them my whole life. Anyway, that little girl isn’t in the school. I mean, she’s of the proper age and all, but she doesn’t go to class. But Karen told me Charlie goes up there every week and picks up her homework assignments and drops off what she’s done. Just a little strange, her not going to class to be with the other kids. He just keeps her holed up out there at his farm doing all that schoolwork. She gets straight A’s from what Karen told me. I wanted to ask him why, but just never got the chance to,” said Mary Worthington to a customer who got caught by her in the store.
“Maybe he’s homeschooling her,” said the customer.
“Well, if that’s the case, why take in her homework to the school? She seems like a nice little girl and all the few times I’ve seen and talked to her, but it’s just a little weird. Charlie don’t talk about it either; where she came from or how long she’s gonna be out there. I think she’s from New York or something like that from her accent, but he said she was from Ohio. Just a whole lot of strange behavior going on with those two. I mean, if I didn’t know Charlie any better, I’d say there were other reasons why, but Lord knows Charlie ain’t that type. Annie would be rolling over in her grave if something like that was to be happening. But Charlie takes care of her out there on that farm in Limestone Cove. But the really strange thing? I saw the picture of that little girl on the television; you know the one that had the State all up in arms with New York and the President? Kind of looks like that little girl out at his farm and all. I mean, it would be strange for her to be out here in Unicoi County. But it certainly looks like her with different hair. It’s an older picture, but put a few years of age on her and it could be a match,” said Mary.
“Maybe it was,” said the customer.
“I doubt seriously Charlie Gray would have been involved in something like that. That’s just crazy! I mean, how is this world would he ever get caught up in that kind of conspiracy?” exclaimed Mary. Before she could continue about the conspiracy theories, a man interrupted.
“Excuse me, can I get some help?” asked the man in line behind the two. He had approached during the later part of the conversation after looking through the store.
“Yes, I’m sorry. How can I help you?” asked Mary.
“I think I’m a little lost. Where am I exactly?” asked the man in a thick New York accent.
“Where you from? You don’t sound like you’re from ‘round here,” smiled Mary.
“New York,” said the man with pride.
“What are you doing in these parts?” asked Mary, being nosey.
“I think I took the wrong turn off the Interstate. I’m supposed to meeting a friend in Unicoi. He’s hiking the Appalachian Trail and ended up out there,” said the man. “Where am I at exactly?”
“Oh honey, you did take the wrong exit. But it’s simple to find,” said Mary.
“You think you could show me on the map?” asked the man as he held up a road atlas.
“Oh, for certain,” said Mary. “You’re in Erwin…right here. Now where at in Unicoi are you going?”
“The Mountain Bank or something like that,” said the man.
“Oh, well that’s easy to find! You just get back out on Main Street right here and go straight. Go all the way through town to the next exit for the Interstate. But you don’t need to take that. Just keep going straight until you see the signs for the town of Unicoi. It’s only about a quarter mile or so after that on your right hand side,” said Mary.
“I don’t need to get back on the Interstate?” asked the man.
“Well, you could honey, but that’ll take you way out of your way. The old highway is just as quick and a whole lot prettier,” said Mary.
“Okay,” said the man. “Mind of I leave this here for a moment and grab a few things?”
“Of course,” she said and went back to talking with the other woman. “But anyway, I haven’t been out to see Charlie in ages and was going to stop by, but I just don’t know now that he’s engaged again. I was shocked silly when I heard he got engaged to Erica Chase. I meant to do it sooner, but Charlie’s always so busy on that farm of his and apparently he took to rebuilding that car Annie got for him a long time ago. Saw him over at the car parts store not too long ago buying up some parts for it. I was talking to Dale and he said he’s been buying up those old Firebird parts like they were going out of style. I just wonder what started him back on it? Anyway, I should stop by for a friendly visit when I get the chance just to congratulate the two of them on their engagement…you done honey?”
“Yeah, just a few things for the road,” said the man with a smile and sat several bottles of water, sodas, a bottle of pain reliever and a bag of sunflower seeds on the counter.
Mary rang up the items and announced the total of “eleven-fifty.”
The man pulled a wallet out and handed over a twenty dollar bill. She made change and handed it over with a smile and a “come on back anytime.” He left the store with a goodbye and went back to the rental vehicle and climbed inside. Once in, he wrote down several items of information…
Charlie Gray…farm…Unicoi County…Limestone Cove…girl looks like one on TV from New York…engaged to Erica Chase…made contact.
As he drove away, he knew they had sufficient information to track down the possible lead. He had browsed around Erwin for several days trying to find more information without arousing suspicion. And finally he had what he needed through the grapevine from this small town in Tennessee. More of his comrades would be arriving soon to assist in the search and make plans when the information checked out.
It was past time for the honor to be restored to his brother Abdul Ali thought as he drove away. He would be calling his team up and bringing the remainder down from Michigan where they had been in hiding. He had another seven loyal members of his team including Mohammed Hassan who had been waiting for several months for this opportunity. His eight man team versus this one man shouldn’t be a fair fight. And it would allow Hassan to reclaim his honor where Haseena was concerned.
Abdul Ali knew this was not an opportunity to be missed.
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