CHAPTER 7
Smeada laughed at the boys. "It will be much easier if you cooperate with me. I already know of the contracts your parents are involved with? If you wait until the master arrives he will be much harder on you. You will make a short vidio asking, no begging them to do whatever is neccessary to gain your freedom."
"No way!"
"Never!"
"You're worse than scum. I bet you could walk under the belly of a worm with a hat on!" Alan growled out.
Smeada just placed her face very close to his as she said. "You have no idea how low, to get what I want."
Then she flipped away her hair flying back. "Well you were given your chance. Now I must leave to pick up the master. The finality of your fate will rest on his and maybe I will put in a g-o-o-d word for you."
"The Hood's in jail!" Alan spat angrily, trying to mask the desperation he felt.
"Not for long. I assure you, not for long." She laughed, smirking at the look of desperation on the boys faces. "I dare say I will enjoy watching you, who think are so much better than us, sweat as you work the mines."
"You will never get away with this!"
"Stupid boys! We already have."
The boys wanted to strike out, but their efforts were fruitless as the bonds held them securely.
Smeada laughed and waved to Mullion to return them to their cell.
The boys were taken back to the cell and thrown in. As the other boys untied them they never said a word. Terry just hugged Jesse, tears streaming down his face.
"Terry, what's the matter?" Jesse was still holding his injured elbow, his voice quavered.
Terry didn't answer, he just held him all the tighter. The other three just sat staring into space.
It was almost an hour later when Alan seemed to break from the dark spell cast on them.
"We have to get out of here, or die trying. Even that would be better then working in the mines till we die, our families never knowing what became of us. Farrelli said there are others here who also want to get away. There has to be a way to get ourselves as well as the others out of here. We've also got to find a way to warn the prison where "Hood" is being held. If they try to break him out a lot of people could be hurt or killed!"
Terry, James and Tom nodded in silence. The younger boys, their eyes wide with fright, looked from face to face.
Jesse looked up to his brother's face and quietly said, "They're never going to let us go are they?"
No one answered. Terry just held his brother more tightly. So deep in their thoughts no one heard a plane take off.
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It was late in the evening, when they heard the door slowly open. Everyone momentarily froze in fear. Then quietly Farrelli and two others slipped in, much to the boy's relief as she motioned for Alan to come over.
"The witch has gone to bring back the master. When she back it is too late!"
"How'd you get past the guard?" asked Alan, then drew back as a guard also entered.
"This is Belay. He and I are one. No one knows. It is forbidden without the master's permission!" said Farrelli fearfully. Then she indicated the young girl with her.
"I am Katheryn Marie Montoya. I was kidnapped thirteen months ago. Just before I was brought to this camp a few months ago, they gave me a couple of young children to look after. They too were kidnapped."
"You speak english?" Alan said excitedly.
"Yes, my father is an ambassator and I have been to many schools around the world. When Farrelli told me you to had been brought here I couldn't believe it. Surely with such a large group there will be evan more people looking for us, maybe this time they will be successful."
"Katie?" Kayie Montoya?"
Katheryn looked over, suddenly tears fell as she cried, "Tommy? Tommy King. Oh No! They got you too! Your family must be devastated."
"You two know each other?" asked Terry walking over.
"Tommy," she smiled, "Tommy, I mean Tom's sister is my best friend. She's okay isn't she? Please tell me they didn't get her too?"
"No I had just talked to her the day before they took us, she was home for a weeks visit. I can't believe your here! Tess always believed you'd be found. Are you alright? They didn't...hurt you?"
"No, I just have to help the other servants at whichever camp I'm taken to. Since I arrived here I've been assigned to looking after some fraternal twins that were take a few months ago."
Alan continued, "what do you mean maybe this time?"
"About six months ago a couple of men tried to get me away, but we were caught... they took them away and .I was moved to another camp. I never heard what happened to them."
Alan then turned back to Farrelli and Belay. "What's your stay in all this?"
"I am with child." Farrelli placed her hand protectively over her abdomin. "We want our child. Must get away. When the master finds out he will take our child. Then we will be severly punished and never see our child again. We do not want this for our child...If we help you,... your families will help us?"
"YES! Definitely YES!" said Alan excitedly. "Are there any vehicles?" Farrelli looked at him obviously not understanding his choice of words.
"Vehicle," translated Kathryn.
"None big enough for all." said Farrelli unhappily.
Alan sat thinking, then suddenly grabbed the bars in front of him, startling Farrelli causing her to jump back. Quickly he tried to reassure her. "Our shoes." Alan pointed to his and the others bare feet. "Can you get our shoes?"
"Yes, but not the key to the cell door. Mullion has taken it with him."
"Can you get me a piece of metal like a... ah... file or nail?"
Farrelli again looked puzzled. Kathyn did her best to translate.
Farrelli smiled and nodded the affirmative. "But how to get a way? Truck to small for all!"
"Is the other plane still here? Does it have fuel in it?"
"Not sure. Some. It is the one you were brought here in."
By now the other boys had also come over to get in on the conversation.
"Mullion and Smeada's sister Transom, only ones to fly."
"I can fly us!" said Alan hoping he was right. "How many guards are left?"
"Many, but...if I fix breakfast, can make them sleep."
"Okay. First get the shoes and nail. Tell those who are going to come with us, to be ready." said Alan.
Tom turned to Alan. "You sure know how to fly a plane like that? And what about fuel and..."
"Well... I've never flown that model, but I think I can manage, I've helped fly several different Tracy corp planes. As far as fuel I guess we won't know till we get i that plane."
"You're willing to risk all our lives on an 'I think?' Not to mention you've still got a head injury! You're willing to put every ones life on the line with an 'I THINK'!" said Tom, his voice full of doubt.
"Tom,' said Katheryn. "It can be no worse then forever being away from your family, picking up after these scum or worse for you and the older boys working in the mines never seeing your families again and them never knowing what happened to you. Never having closure."
"Your right...Tess says it's hard to see your parents and grandparents, Your mom can't help crying whenever she stops by. I don't want my family to have to suffer and always...keep wondering."
Terry asked anxiously, "what about the cell door? You telling me YOU can pick a lock?"
Alan gave a sly smile, "Well, ah...yeah I can if I have the right equipment. Look, I know it's taking a big chance, but the alternative is just not very appealing to me. If you can come up with an alternitive idea, I'd be all ears. The Hood is due back tomorrow and I so do not want to be here when he arrives. If you think Smeada is bad. the Hood is a thousand times worse and considers everyone and everything beneath him to be used or killed as he sees fit."
Tom, Terry and the others looked at each other.
"Your right."said Terry. "I'd rather take our chances. My brother and I are in."
"I'm in," said James.
"So am I and the twins. If there is any possible chance of getting away and seeing our families again, it will be worth the risk. Besides from what I have learned through out the camps I've been to this so called 'master is a horible wicked person. Everyone fears him and will do just about anything to stay out of his sight."
Alan continued, "In the family business, I've helped to fly a lot of different kinds of planes, so I think I can figure it out." Alan paused and looked down, before looking back up and looking Tom straight in the eyes. "Look I know it's a long shot, but I've had the opportunity to test fly different planes for my dad's company. Though I admit I usually had one of my older brothers with me. As far as the head – I do still have a bad headache, but it's not as bad as what will happen if I...we stay here."
He looked into their eyes, then continued. "One way or the other I'm getting out of here – Smeada has already shown us what they have in mind and I don't want any part of it. She and the others have gone to break the 'Hood' out of jail. I can't even begin to tell you how dangerous and vile he truely is, and I'm not sticking around to introduce you! If any of you want to try and get most of you into a couple of the trucks I'll act a diversion, but whatever you decide we have to act fast, there isn't much time!"
Tom frowned as he looked around the cell meeting anxious eyes. Then he look over to his sister's best friend before he spoke. "Alan is right. It would be far worse to stay here. I just hate to put the kind of stress and responsibility on you," he said turning back to Alan, "But the plane is our only hope. Splitting up will never work." He turned to the rest of the group, "Okay everyone lets be in agreement, this is what happens if we stay."
After Tom with the help of the others explained what was in store for them if they stayed, every one agreed. They knew it was taking a huge chance, that they could easily crash. But at least then their families would know what happened to them. It would be better than the alternative, of working and dying in the mines their famies never knowing what became of them, and/or giving up government secrets in an unsuccessful attempt to get thrm back.
"Belay and I will make sure the others understand, before they decide, but we for sure will go with you."
"So will the twins and I."
With that Katheryn, Farelli and Belay left to carefully spread the word.
"We're all in," said the rest of the boys in unison.
They all tried to settle down to an uneasy sleep, as they waited to see if Farrelli and the others could come through.
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Smeada walked into the prison with an air of superiority about her. She was led to a visiting room and after a few minutes the Hood was brought to her, armed guards at his sides. Hood moved forward and sat down in front of her.
"You know what to do." The Hood said quietly. Smeada smiled evilly then reached out and took his hands in hers. The Hood shut his eyes then began to smile, as he felt more power surge through his body. Slowly he opened his eyes and along with Smeada's, they began to turn red. The guards clutched their heads then fell to the ground unconscious.
"Let us go!" said the Hood as he shook off his shackles. Both strolled out of the prison, no one registering what was happening.
After boarding the waiting plane, Hood said. "Well done. Now let's be off, my prizes await me. Now Jeff Tracy you will know my wrath. I will bring you and the world to your knees."
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"D-D-DAD, do you th-think w-we have a c-ch-chance of g-getting Al-Alan b-back?" asked a teary eyed Fermat.
"I h-hope we c-can, b-but at this p-point,... I j-j-just don't know."
Fermat leaned into his fathers' chest. Tears rolling down his cheeks. "He c-could h-h-have g-gotten away. W- Why d-does h-he always have to b-be the h-he-hero?"
"It's j-just like you t-told the de-detective – Th-that's the kind of h-heart he has. And I'll al-always be grateful h-he has,... or I w-wouldn't have you n-now."
Both Brains and Fermat held each other for a long time, giving each other comfort and strength. The other Tracy's just sat quietly, each with tears of their own as they listened.
Jeff thought about how he and Alan had fought that night. How upset Alan had been that Jeff had not shown him more support. He really had after all been working hard to prove himself. His grades were outstanding compared to the past. Yes he had been out past curfew, but he had tried to explain, and Jeff would not listen, why had he been so stubborn that night. He rubbed his temples and then placed his face in his hands, truly sick at heart.
"Why dad? Why can't I even get a feeling one way or the other as to whether or not Alan is even still alive? I've always been able to tell in the past?" Tin Tin cried as her mom and dad held her.
"I can not say for sure daughter. It may be your uncle has discovered a new way to block mister Alan from your thoughts."
"But he's in jail?"
"Yes, but I fear he may have found someone with similar powers and may have transmitted some of his power to that person or persons for storage, until he takes them back. In the meantime he trains and perfects what is left as he waits. When he takes the stored powers back he becomes stronger still."
"How could that be possible Kyrano?" asked Scott.
"I can not say for sure. My abilities are limited, but I used to hear stories when I was growing up of how if a person with the power were very strong they could transfer their power to another for a time, if it suits their purpose. How long they can maintain it I can not say. They then can take them back when they are ready. I believe my brother's powers may be that strong, since he spent all those years developing them. He has always been drawn to the darker side of our abilities."
Jeff and the boys as well as Brains and Fermat, all sighed as they thought about the possibilities if that were happening.
Then Virgil asked, "Kyrano, if it is possible then could that someone use those powers to get the 'Hood' out of jail and make the guards believe he is still there?"
"I do believe that it is possiblity."
"John! Get in touch with the authorities' let them know of this new information. Have them check on him frequently and advise us if there is a change in his status, or if he has had any visitors in the last couple of months. If they give you any grief – have Penny talk to them!"
"FAB, dad!"
"Tin Tin,... with you permission Kyrano,... let us know if you begin to sense anything again, please... As long as it will not cause you harm in anyway."
Tin Tin smiled at her father who nodded his consent. "FAB, Mr. Tracy."
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The authorities' pretty much told John that he was making a mountain out of a mole hill, and refused to even check the status of the Hood.
"Yes John. I and Parker will visit the prison ourselves. The consequences are just too large to ignore. This new information is most disturbing."
"Thanks Lady P. I'll be waiting to hear back from you."
It wasn't long after Lady Penelope Creighton-Ward and Parker arrived to the prison that their worst fears were confirmed.
Much to the embarressment of the warden, the HOOD had indeed escaped. No one had seen anything, but all complained of sever headaches.
