Chapter 11

Seth finished his gruesome interrogation of Jake after discovering that the other boy Connor was the only one who also knew about the murder. Seth had only one more loose end to tie up. He dragged Jake to a closet and tied him up inside. Jake was crying a little from being shocked but at the same time was trying to act tough about it.

"Quit whining," snapped Seth as he locked the closet door. He was so frustrated that two boys had nearly ruined everything he had worked so hard on. Seth picked up his cell phone and pressed number 4 on his speed dial. A man picked up after two rings.

"Yes, Seth," greeted the caller.

"I have a new job for your, Mr. Hopkins. I'm prepared to pay accordingly," explained Seth.

"I'm listening," replied Hopkins.

"I need a kid picked up and interrogated. I need to lay low for a little while so I need someone else to do it," explained Seth.

"No problem. Who's the target?" asked Hopkins.

"Connor White. He lives on Birch Street," replied Seth. "Bring him to the safe house."

"No problem, Seth. See you in a bit," assured Hopkins. Seth hung up. His paranoia took over and he locked every door and window and turned off all the lights. He wasn't taking any chances of someone seeing him.

…………….

"Hey, Connor. Connor." Connor turned around as Mike Baker came rushing over to him.

"Mike. I thought you were the hospital," exclaimed Connor.

"Mom took us all home. Sarah needs some rest. Any word on Jake?" asked Mike. Connor shook his head.

"My dad won't tell me anything," replied Connor. "So what's up? I was just out getting some fresh air."

"I need to tell you something. You need to know this because your Jake's best friend," started Mike. Connor nodded. Maybe this was something about Jake's kidnapping.

"My dad has been abusing Jake," explained Mike. Connor's mouth dropped open.

"For how long?" asked Connor.

"Not sure. At least a few months," answered Mike. "I think my dad hurt Sarah because she found out." Connor couldn't believe it. All this time he thought Seth had grabbed Jake. Was it possible that it was Jake's dad who was behind the kidnapping?

"Connor. Come on dinner! Then we're going to visit Tyler!" David shouted from his front porch.

"Ok, Dad. I'm-," Connor was cut off as a van pulled up and two masked men got out and grabbed Connor. A third one grabbed Mike.

"Hey! Connor! Police!" David drew his gun and ran towards the attackers. Connor and Mike had been thrown in the van. One of the men opened fire, forcing David to take cover. They laid down cover fire long enough for the van to speed off. David watched helplessly as it turned a corner.

………………..

Seth opened the door as Hopkins and three men arrived. Two of the men were dragging Connor. Connor's face was covered in blood and his clothes were ragged. A third man dragged in Mike Baker.

"What's he doing here?" asked Seth.

"He was with the other boy," replied Hopkins. Connor was thrown to the ground. He had been beaten up pretty bad. His nose was gushing blood, his left eye was black, and his lips were swollen. His breathing was ragged and weak.

"He only knows that he saw blood in your garage and a knife in your trash. That's it. I continued the interrogation just to make sure," explained Hopkins.

"What about the other boy?" asked Seth. Mike was beaten up but not as bad.

"He knows nothing," replied Hopkins. Seth nodded.

"Thanks. I deposited money in your account," explained Seth. Hopkins nodded and he and his men left. Seth knelt down next to Connor and grabbed the collar of his shirt. Connor drooled blood and moaned. His lips were so swollen and beat up he could barely talk.

"Water……. please." The words came out as a tortured whisper. Seth smiled.

"First, we're going to have a talk."