SHEM NOTICED A BIG smile on his wife’s face that made his heart skip a beat. Beer dribbled down Alec’s chin, which made Thayer giggle like a little school girl. Steam rolled off each of the steaks. A big GROWL! came from Alec’s stomach in anticipation of biting into the delicious yummy steak. Thayer’s eyes looked as big as shiny fifty cent pieces as he helped himself to the salad graciously prepared by Tara. A loud SNAP! came from Thayer’s mouth as he bit into one of the freshest tomatoes of his own garden. Alec had an expression of kinship in his eyes. Both Shem and Tara knew that he had found a place to be happy and to live out his years. Alec didn’t hesitate in refilling everyone’s steins. A big smile came from Alec as Tara took a big swig of her stein then gave off an obnoxious BURP! as beer dribbled down her chin. Thayer decided it was time to crack open a box of cigars that a friend had smuggled in from Cuba. He brought them off his boat, which allowed him to get past customs. Thayer knew they were illegal contraband not cleared by customs but he had a very naughty look in his eyes as he lit his cigar. He then handed everyone else one. Alec scurried back to his mobile home then brought back some good quality Beluga vodka. He decided it would be a good addition to the cigar. Tara noticed Alec kicking back in his lawn chair with an expression of a cat that caught the canary. Everyone demolished their steaks and salad. Their bellies were as full and as hound dog on a hot summer’s day.
Shem sat in his chair looking out on the land, listening to the nocturnal creatures coming out to feed and go about their business. Suddenly a very subtle SNAP! came from the left of the cabin. It sounded like the breaking of branches. Tara also heard it.
“Tara, go inside the cabin and grab our revolvers. I think we have an uninvited guest among us.”
She quickly came back out from the cabin with the firearms in hand. By that time, Thayer also heard the same thing. He quickly scurried off to his car then came out with his revolver. Alec stopped then walked toward Shem and Tara as if he were to protect them. A loud clicking noise rang out from the distance. The darkness only showed the silhouette of two uninvited guests. A man that seemed to be around six foot two and around one hundred and sixty pounds crept closer to the group. Tara noticed a woman in the midst. She sized her up to be no taller than five foot eight and around one hundred and twenty-five pounds.
Suddenly, Shem noticed the man shooting something at them. It wasn’t a bullet but a subtle HISSING! sound came from the firearm. Everyone hit the ground to avoid getting hit. The first to get hit was Alec. Tara noticed right away it was a dart. The dart hit him right in the shoulder. It knocked Alec out cold even with his hulking frame. The next to get hit was Shem. He quickly passed out from the dart hitting him in the neck. Tara also collapsed as at dart hit her in the side. Thayer was the last to fall. A dart hit him in the side of the neck. Who in the hell wants to cause harm to any of us? Shem thought as he lay there unconscious and not able to move. Tara while laying there noticed the distinct scent of body odor coming closer to them. Shem was able to slowly open his eyes a little bit. Both of the unknown assailants put zip ties on Thayer. The put a cloth gag around his mouth. The female put a blindfold over his eyes. She then left a note on his chair. The male assailant picked up Thayer like a sack of potatoes then the both of them took off like thieves in the night. Shem closed his eyes then succumbed to the ingredients of the dart.
Five hours later, Shem, Tara and Alec finally woke up…
“WHAT IN THE HELL just happened to us?”
Tara immediately went over to the chair that Thayer sat in previously. She picked up the note.
“Someone needs to shed some light as what the hell just happened to us?”
“The note says, you’re next! Signed by Juan Cortez himself.”
“I thought he was in federal custody,” Alec said as he tried to shake the grogginess out of his system.
“It’s pretty obvious they’ve taken Thayer Cransky. He’s a very close friend of yours. We need to get him home safely.”
“Shem and Alec, I just got an email from the brass at the Bureau that Juan Cortez has escaped federal custody. They were extraditing him back to Mexico to answer for his crimes on their soil.”
“That makes this abduction a federal case since it involves Juan Cortez.”
“Whatever they had in those darts, it gave me one hell of a headache.”
“I can second that. I’ll grind some coffee beans then make us some coffee,” Shem said as he stumbled back into the cabin as if he were drunk.
Tara and Alec put their noses in the air to smell the aroma of the gods. Ten minutes later, Shem came out with cups of coffee for them to enjoy. A look of relief came over their faces as they took small sips of the coffee.
“As devious and ruthless as Juan Cortez has a history of being, how in the hell are we going to find Thayer?”
“Who knows where that asshole put him. We have a snowball’s chance in hell finding out.”
“Always the pessimist, Shem. We need to break this down with some good old fashioned police work. We also need to be aware that Juan is seeking revenge on us. My gut tells me that there will be no demands. He plans on killing Thayer just for sport.”
“Tara, where do you want to start?”
“Please get down!” Alec yelled at the top of his lungs.
Shem and Tara heard the HISSING! and WHIRLING! of an RPG coming their way. Alec noticed one coming from the left side of the cabin. Shem noticed another coming from the right. Tara noticed three more coming to the back of the cabin. They both immediately transformed into the armor of the ancients then pulled their swords to shield Alec from the blast.
In a split second, multiple RPGs hit the cabin. A loud EXPLOSION! rang out from the cabin as it ignited in flames. Four more came then struck the cabin, only leaving the cabin as a bunch of kindling. A tear came from Shem’s face as he watched the cabin built by his grandfather being reduced to a pile of rubble.
Alec watched in horror as an RPG hit Shem’s prized possession, the Monte Carlo. A loud POP! came from the Monte Carlo as it exploded from the RPG. A very angry look came from Shem as he watched his car being destroyed.
“We’re no longer safe here. Where in the hell can we go?”
In the distance, Alec noticed five men armed with AK-47 rifles getting ready to fire on them.
“We need to find cover right away, otherwise those men are going to make mincemeat of our bodies,” Alec said with a worried look on his face.
“To insure no loss of life, Tara and I will use some of our powers. Don’t you fret, we’ll break this case open and bring Juan Cortez back to be held accountable for his crimes.”
Shem and Tara both looked at each other then had the same thought at the same time. She stomped her feet then three carbon copies of herself appeared alongside of her. Shem stomped his feet then three carbon copies appeared of himself. With sheer precision, the copies of Tara and Shem moved with nothing but a blur. They used their swords to stab each of the five men before even one round could be fired from the AK-47s. All five of the gunmen immediately expired then turned into dust to scatter into the brisk morning wind. The copies of Shem and Tara immediately vanished. They transformed back into normal form. Alec sat there in awe of what he had just witnessed.
“Well, your classic car is nothing but trash now. Your home is gone. What in the hell are you folks going to do?”
“The first thing that needs to happen is we need to find a place that’s safe. This will allow us time to focus on finding Thayer. As far as our home that can always be rebuilt. We can stay with you until we find some better lodging.”
“What about your car?”
“I have a buddy in town that can get us another car. We’ve had enough damage for now.”
Tara and Shem walked up to Thayer’s chair. The first thing they noticed were two sets of footprints. Tara used her cell phone to take a picture of them. Shem knelt down to touch the ground around his chair. His eyes rolled back until the whites of his eyes showed. Tara decided to call Shem’s friend in town. He owed him a big favor. The car dealership loaded up a surprise for him then headed up to his land. Tara seemed a little anxious about what Shem had found out in his vision. Seconds later, Shem came back from his vision. His eyes turned back to normal.
“What did you see my husband?”
“I found out that Thayer remains here in Forks. Juan’s ability to take him anywhere else is lessened due to his arrest. Do you remember that old abandoned mine in the eastern side of town?”
“Are you talking about the one that was closed to lack of funding?”
“Yeah, that’s the one. Thayer and bunch of Juan Cortez’s goons took off in a black van without any type of license plates then headed up to Nickelson Mine. My powers are very limited; that is where the vision ended.”
Just then a flatbed truck pulled up on was once their driveway. A long-haired hippie got out of the cab of the truck then smiled as he saw Shem.
“Aren’t you a sight for sore eyes. How’s my old buddy Shem Rasnik?”
“Mac Raslander, it’s good to see you buddy. What kind of car do you have for me?”
Mac got up then uncovered a shiny clean car on the bed of the truck. Shem’s eyes sparkled as Mac lowered a 1955 Chevy with whitewall tires and chrome from top to bottom of the car. A chrome strip separated the top part, which had pearl white for a color. The bottom color had candy apple metallic silver. This made Tara smile as Mac handed her the keys. Shem gave him a big bear hug then he took off in his flatbed truck. Shem called the Forks Police Department informing them of Thayer’s abduction. He also informed them of what happened to their home. They replied that the Bureau would be arriving within twenty-four hours to assist in the case. Tara looked at their new car as if it were a piece of sirloin steak.
“While Shem was calling the Forks police department, I got ahold of a salvage company that will be here tomorrow to clean up the rubble of what was once our home. It’s around two thirty. What do you say we drive to Mom’s Diner and get us a big fat burger. Once we get something to eat, we can develop a plan to help the Bureau recapture Juan Cortez and his goons.”
“It’s about time you said that. My stomach is giving off distress calls.”
“Do you always think with your stomach?” she said while she giggled.
Naturally, Tara got in the driver’s seat with a huge smile. Shem had the look of happy wife happy life on his face as he got into the passenger seat. Alec staggered with his hulkish figure then piled in the back of the car. With a huge smile, she turned the car over. The sound of the car’s engine could be described as bolts of thunder hitting the ground. Everything on the dashboard of the car was digital. She put the pedal to the metal then peeled rubber. Tara smiled like a cat that just caught the canary as she put the pedal to the metal and headed towards Mom’s Diner. Alec had a death grip and a look of terror on his face as the car ride continued. Within moments, Tara pulled into the diner then parked the new car. Shem looked like had something to say.
“I think our approach is a bit light. You do realize that our friend has been abducted. Juan Cortez is a very dangerous and ruthless individual. It’s my guess we’ll have the DEA and FBI in full force. They are going to be like locusts swarming a good amount of food. Our involvement may be limited at best. Thayer’s life is in the balance. We need to come up with plan and damn fast at that.”
“Shem, I would concur, however, we need to keep ourselves in check. A half-cocked approach would endanger Thayer’s life. We also need to not show our powers as angels and whisperers of the dead. Remember, we were admonished to use our powers with caution and prudence.”
“Both of you are right. We just got our asses kicked by a bunch of punks from Juan Cortez Cartel. It’s my opinion that we should use some good old fashioned police work. The first thing we should lobby for is support from the Forks police department. Going to Nickelson mine on our own would be a very big mistake.”
“Negotiations aren’t really an option for Thayer’s release. Juan himself is only out to seek revenge due to all of us shutting down his drug operations here in Forks.”
“Let’s get something to eat then develop a plan to resolve this situation.”
“Alec, do you always think with your stomach pal?” she asked as she smiled.
They walked into Mom’s Diner. Alec stomach could be heard in the next county. Shem and Tara could hear the distress calls. They were greeted by a pleasant waitress. She directed them to a nearby table then quickly took their order. Tara could see the impatience in Alec’s face as he waited to be served his food. Just then, a very burly tall man walked in wearing a deputy uniform. As usual, Shem sized him up. He looked to be a six-foot two male weighing around two hundred and twenty pounds of solid muscle. Tara noticed his blue-black hair neatly parted to the side. She also noticed he had a very thin mustache to boot. Right behind him, Alec noticed a butch looking female wearing a DEA coat. Shem noticed her short stocky frame. This agent looked to be no more than five foot eight and around one hundred and forty pounds. Tara noticed her dark brown eyes that resembled two lumps of coal. Alec also noticed her long blond hair tightly put into a pony tail in back. Alec also noticed a man with long black hair and bushy beard walking in. He stood a very stout six foot five and around two hundred pounds of solid muscle. He wore a shirt with the FBI emblem on the breast. Then the final male walked in wearing a coat that displayed an ATF emblem. Tara sized him up to be round six foot two and around one hundred and sixty pounds.
Just then Alec noticed three huge cheese burgers being carried by the gracious waitress to their table. Steam rolled off the burgers as she put them on the table. A second waitress brought them all ice-cold root beer, which made Shem smile in delight. The new federal agents had the diner staff bring them a bunch of chairs next to their table.
“Sorry to interrupt your meal but we have some important business to discuss,” one of the agents said.
“Before we do any type of conversation, introductions need to be done here. I’m special agent Tara Rasnik and this is my husband, special agent Shem Rasnik. This is also our consultant Alec Hematein. He serves us several ways. With all due respect who are all of you, my husband and I do not recognize any of you. By the way we’re attached to the FBI.”
“Hello, my name is Rob Holstien, the newly elected sheriff of Forks.”
“Nice to meet you sheriff,” Alec said as he took a huge hulking bite of his hamburger.
“Hello, my name is Nancy Oden, special agent for the DEA. We’ve been tasked in bringing Juan Cortez and his crew to federal custody.”
“My name is special agent in charge, Rob Colter also with the FBI.”
“Lastly, my name is Trace Smith, I’m a special agent with the ATF. Due to illegal arms and other related items, we’ve been tasked in helping with the operation.”
“We’ve brought a small army of agents. The sheriff also has SWAT at the ready if they are needed.”
“One thing that I’ll make clear here, we are not going to have a jurisdictional pissing contest here,” Shem said as he took a small bite of his burger.
“That is not our intention, we all must pool our resources. Our objective is to bring Juan Cortez and his crew to justice. Also, for the safe return of Thayer Cransky. The director of the FBI has put me in charge of the whole operation. All of you will be taking orders from me. Is that clear to everyone?”
“Agent Colter, none of us have any issue with you taking charge of the operation.”
“What is the plan here?”
“One thing that I want to make clear is that agency has a CI (confidential informant) within Juan Cortez’s group. Her safe return also just as important as Thayer Cransky.”
“That does cause a complication to this operation. I’m sure that Juan has enough weapons to start World War Three. That’s pretty obvious because our cabin and car were destroyed by RPGs supplied by Juan himself.”
“That still doesn’t answer my question. What’s the plan here, people?”
“Sheriff Holstien, we are aware how important Commissioner Cransky is to the city of Forks. Don’t you worry, he’ll be safely returned but under my authority. Is that clear?”
“Crystal clear. Let’s get the show on the road.”
“I’ve been informed that Juan Cortez and his crew are based out of an old decommissioned mine by the name of Nickelson. That is where I think we need to go. This mission has a lot of safety countermeasures that have to be adhered to. It’s my hope that we don’t have too much loss of life. Juan has an arsenal of weapons, which would put the success high on the difficulty scale. Our approach should be quiet and not going in with guns blazing.”
“We’ve finished our meal. Like our sheriff said, let’s get the show on the road.”
“There are five vans provided by the FBI. Our weaponry is located in each of the vans. We need to pull within a mile of the mine. I want to do some surveillance before anybody makes their move.”
“My SWAT team has already set up a command center within a mile. It’s for your exclusive use and your orders of course.”
“Shem and I need to lock up our car. We’ll meet you in the lead van, which is the one you’ll be driving, boss.”
“Sounds like a plan. Sheriff, please make sure your SWAT team doesn’t make any rash moves. The safety of the mission depends on it.”
“Don’t you worry, they are simply waiting for our arrival.”
Shem paid for their meals. He and Tara were the first ones to exit the diner. Tara, Shem and Alec got their pistols then placed them in their holsters. Shem opened up the glove compartment of the Chevy then grabbed their ids and badges. Tara quickly locked up the car then they walked briskly to the lead van. Rob turned over his van then peeled out of Mom’s Diner as if the devil were chasing them. Shem opened the window in the passenger side front to let some air the van. Tara could see that his mind seemed a million miles away. Rob handed him a cold soda out of his lunchbox to liven his senses up. He also knew that he was worried about his friend.
“Shem, don’t worry. You and your wife are legends at headquarters. I’m looking forward to be working with you.”
Within minutes, all of the vans arrived at the command headquarters. Right away, everyone noticed a full swarm of SWAT members. They all appeared anxious to jump like bees on honey.
Rob walked up to the command center to address the team leader. Shem just remained quiet as he and the rest of the crew armed themselves with grenades, flash bombs and automatic weapons.
“Just so you know boss. I’ve sent some scouts to get very close to their compound. My name is Gary Acker, team leader.”
“You could have compromised the mission. What did you find out?”
“Intel on the matter is very simple but complex at the same time. We’ve verified that Thayer and another woman working with the FBI are being held in a trailer to the right of the entrance of the old mine. He also has twenty-five snipers staged around the mine. So, watch your six.”
“Have you found out where Juan Cortez is hiding?”
“One of our SWAT members noticed that he and some of his body guards are hiding out in the supply shed, which is on the opposite side of where our friends are being held captive. So, we would have to split our men up into two teams. One to get our friends, the other to put a hurting on Juan Cortez and his goons.”
“Juan Cortez needs to be captured and not killed. Are we clear on that?”
“Our teams are at your disposal. How do you want to proceed?”
“It looks like the jig is up, please take cover!”
Suddenly, a loud whirling HISS! rang out followed by be a loud ringing sound. Everyone took cover. An RPG made contact with the lead van, which caused a big EXPLOSION! as the van exploded into flames. As everyone kept themselves down, POP! POP! rang out as machine gun fire came in their direction.
“Shem and Tara Rasnik. I want to you hike up with the hill along with twenty of our agents. We can drop down on the backside of the trailer and rescue our friends. The sheriff, myself and the rest of the crew will focus on capturing Juan and his goons.”
“With all due respect sir, I’ve already deployed my team at that same spot. They are ready and awaiting your orders sir.”
“Your men need to stand down. They will provide cover fire if needed. Special agents Shem and Tara Rasnik will do the rescue. Have I made myself self clear?” Rob said as if he were a Marine Corps drill sergeant.
The team leader’s expression was one of disdain as he followed Rob’s orders. Shem, Tara, Alec were all set up with bullet proof vests and all the tech needed. Twenty agents along with Tara, Shem and Alec headed up the hill. They appeared in nothing but a blur as they quickly made it to the top of the hill ready for a backend assault.
Meanwhile on the left side of the mine…
ROB, THE SHERIFF AND the rest of the crew got ready to put an assault on Juan Cortez. The group edged closer to the supply shack. They were met with machine gun fire above their heads. One of the snipers was able to set up a clean shot if given the order. Rob knew this but requested that the shot be with a high-powered dart. The rest of the crew was less essential to the mission. The sniper had a radio ready to hear from Rob for the shot.
“Bravo fifteen, ready to shoot once given the clearance from the chain of command.”
“Bravo fifteen, you have permission to shoot your dart when ready. Confirm you have darts, which replaced your ammunition.”
“Confirm, I have a dart that would tranquilize a horse.”
“Permission granted Bravo fifteen.”
It was if time stood still. A loud POP! rang out from the sniper as the dart released from the chamber of the rifle. A big HISSING! sound rang out as the dart rapidly made its way. Using binoculars, Rob confirmed the dart hit Juan in the neck, which made him drop instantly. Rob went to grab a horn to communicate with the remaining men of the Juan Cortez cartel. A sniper took his own shot hitting Rob in the leg, which made him fall to the ground immediately.
“This is Sheriff Rob Holstien of the Forks Police Department. Both sides have enough guns and weapons to start World War Three. Nobody else needs to die today.”
The other agents immediately arrested all of the snipers. The element of surprise had been removed. Suddenly, all of Juan Cortez’s men came out with hands up and immediately dropped their weapons. One of them carried Juan Cortez over his shoulder. He dropped Juan right next to Rob, who was bleeding like a stuck hog from his leg. The ATF and DEA agents immediately took custody of Juan and the rest of his crew.
“Sheriff, you’re an amazing man. This mission could have had a lot of men die. Good job my man.”
“They’ve called an ambulance for you. They’ll be here in about twenty minutes.”
“Be sure the rest of your men help Shem, Tara, Alec and the rest of the crew get our people back.”
“You bet sir!”
Rob passed out from the lack of blood. Some medics were applying pressure to his wound. The ambulance arrived then quickly took Rob to Forks Memorial Hospital under heavy guard.
Meanwhile with Shem, Tara and Alec and rest of the crew on top of the hill…
SHEM TOOK OUT SOME binoculars to scope to see if Thayer and the CI were still alive. Tara could see and feel the intensity and anger in Shem’s face. It was her hope that he would have a way of harnessing that anger. Suddenly, Tara’s cell phone rang.
“Special Agent Tara Rasnik here, how can I help you?”
“This is Sheriff Rob Holstien. Juan Cortez and his crew have been captured. They are code four. The other Rob has been shot in the leg and on his way to Forks Memorial Hospital. Your orders are very simple. Please free Commissioner Thayer Cransky and the CI. He told me to tell you that deadly force is authorized if absolutely necessary. There are no more snipers. You and the rest of our crew and free from any unfriendly fire.”
“Shem is scoping out where they are holding them. Thanks for the update sheriff.”
“Did you hear any part of the conversation, my husband?”
“Yes, I heard all of it. I’ve noticed there are only two of Juan’s men in the building. We have to be very careful. I also noticed two RPG launchers. They also have some very high-powered automatic rifles, which will allow them to accomplish their job.”
“What’s the plan here Shem and Tara?”
“If we start with all guns blazing, they’ll kill Thayer and the CI for sure. It’s my gut feeling. Tara and I can use our sniper rifles and do two kill shots. It would allow them no time to react. Our shots have to be precise and well executed. What do you think Tara and Alec?”
“You have good instincts Old Sport. I would agree that we need two kill shots.”
“Tara, let’s edge a little closer to them but we need to stay hidden. I’ll take the guy on the right side. You’ll need to take the one on the left. Alec and the rest of you serve as back up.”
Shem and Tara moved like two cheetahs approaching their hunt. Alec and the rest of the crew stood up above with rifles drawn. He positioned himself on the right side of the facing window. She placed herself on the left side, which is where Thayer and the CI remained tied up and drugged. They both remained unconscious. Shem got on his stomach then adjusted the scope on his sniper rifle. Tara did the same. Using his thoughts toward wife, he said, our shot needs to be at the same time. I’m going to say they word Phoenix. That is when you and I should shoot. He sat there still adjusting his scope to get it exactly the way that he wanted it. She continued to do the same. Tara signaled with a thumbs up that she understood him.
Shem looked through the scope of his rifle with sheer precision. The gentlemen he targeted looked very alert and on point. The hairs on the eyebrows showed him sweating and also very nervous. He noticed the gentlemen appeared to be six feet two in height and a chiseled one hundred and ninety pounds. Long wavy black hair flew well past his shoulders.
Tara looked through the scope of her rifle with sheer precision to her guy. The gentlemen she targeted also looked very alert and on point. The hairs on her guy’s eyes brows were blond and sweating. Beads of sweat rolled down his face like a small waterfall. She sized him up to be around five foot eight and a very obese three hundred and fifty pounds. His blond hair looked very unkempt. In fact, his appearance began to turn her stomach. His appearance repulsed her. With beads of sweat rolling off her brow, she patiently waited for him to utter the code word.
“Phoenix!”
Shem and Tara both fired at the same time. A loud but subtle SNAP! rang out from both rifles. Both bullets projected out of the rifles. A very loud high-pitched WHOOSH! came from the bullets as they pierced both the windows on the left and right sides of the building. A loud sound of glass shattering rang out. Shem’s target was the first to be hit. The projectile hit him in the temple, which made him drop like a ton of bricks. The bullet made its way out of the other side. Shem and Tara could see brain matter hitting the wall. The gentlemen died instantly, which made them breathe a sigh of relief. They were glad no crossfire happened. He convulsed then stopped then laid there deathly still.
A micro second later, the bullet hit Tara’s target in his left eye then made him fall back. The bullet also made its way all the way through his head. Brain and matter spewed on the wall behind him. A big THUD! rang out from the building as he fell then immediately expired on the floor.
Shem and Tara jumped up then ran like cheetahs toward the building. Tara noticed the door remained locked. She ran then jumped with both legs. A loud BANG! rolled out as the door fell like a big oak being cut down. Tara landed on both feet as she made contact with Thayer. He woke up then smiled at Tara. Shem quickly made his way in then went over to untie them both. All of them left the building then hiked down the hill to be met by a huge number of agents. The sheriff had a huge smile on his face as he walked up to the commissioner.
“Are you a sight for sore eyes, Commissioner Cransky. Are you alright sir?”
“Other than having a monster headache from the tranquilizers my captors gave me, I’m OK. Special Agent Shem Rasnik, please give me a sit rep on this case.”
“Juan Cortez and all of his goons are safely into custody. The special agent in charge got shot and is at Forks Memorial being treated for his wounds. That asshole used some of his guys to destroy both my home and car with RPGs. My wife and I disabled his goons without any loss of life on our end. The way he went about this whole situation really pissed me off sir.”
“This guy had enough arsenal to start World War Three. There could have been a huge amount of killing and losing a lot of our own. My husband handled himself very well in spite of what happened to the both of us.”
“Tara, I agree with you one hundred percent. Sheriff, I want you to take me home. I also want to a protection detail assigned me right away.”
“What are your orders, boss?” Shem asked with an eyebrow raised.
“You, Tara and Alec need to go home and regroup. I do hereby order everyone here and that’s including all of the agents to get this mess cleaned up. Take all of the bodies to the morgue. A search needs to be done. I want all of the arsenal safely put into our armory. Any drugs found no matter what type need to be turned over to the DEA. The ATF will then come and take all of the arsenal into their custody. This is after they are safely put into our armory. I’ll get ahold of the federal prosecutor. He will advise me on the closing of the case. There was a CI with me, is she OK?”
“She is safely in our custody. They’re going to take her into a safe house.”
“One of the agents will need to give us a ride. Our new car is still parked at Mom’s Diner. Shem, Alec and myself have not slept in over thirty hours. That is one order that I will not challenge sir.”
“Sheriff, make sure my friends here get a ride to the diner. No pun intended but I want to get the hell out of here.”
All of the agents clean up the scene. The sheriff took Thayer home along with five SWAT agents to serve as a protection detail. The remaining agents followed Thayer’s orders relating to the arsenal of weapons and drugs. Within hours all of the agents cleared the scene. They also took the weapons and drugs back into their custody as instructed. All of the federal agents cleared out.
Several hours later, Shem, Alec and Tara were driven to Mom’s Diner to get their car. Tara’s eyes lit up like a Christmas tree as they unlocked the Chevy. Shem could see the expression of relief on Alec’s eyes as they got into the car. Tara, of course got into the driver’s seat. Shem smiled as he got into the passenger seat. Alec, with his hulkish body, piled into the back. She turned over the keys then a loud ROAR! rang out from the beefy engine of the ’55 Chevy. Tara smiled as she peeled rubber leaving only dust and rocks in their wake. Within a few short minutes they made it home. They were met with a very huge surprise. Contractors had already cleared the devastation of what was once their home. Shem, Alec and Tara’s eyes got as big as silver dollars as they pulled into the driveway.
“What do we have here?”
“I’m sure King Arthur and Merlin have something to do with it. Our home has been restored as it once was. The only thing missing is the Monte, which I’ll miss terribly but the Chevy will help fill the void that I
