Chapter 36
Greg Taylor steered the large 'Evergreens' truck around the bend, not bothering to slow down, even though it was a gravel street.
"Dude, take it easy, we're not gonna be late," Bill Fletcher gripped the dashboard.
Greg threw a smirk to his partner, "Going to fast for ya, Bill?"
"Shut up, Greg."
"Hey, how long is it till we're there?" Bill asked.
"As far as I know we have one more cabin to pass, then there's five miles to go."
"'Kay…how long till the cabin?"
"Uhh…right there." The dark haired man peered ahead. "There ya go, we have five more miles to go, now will you stop whining?"
The truck's engine sputtered, it began to slow down. Greg swore as he pressed on the gas pedal, the truck still slowed. It passed the cabin and stopped just few feet past it the driveway. "Great."
Bill simply smirked, "Jeez, you have really bad luck, doncha?"
If looks could kill – Bill would already be in the ground. "How about we just go ask for some help and get outa here?" Greg suggested regretfully.
Bill kept on smiling, "Sure thing."
They walked around the truck towards the long driveway, tall evergreens lining the gravel. A pair sitting on a porch swing quickly came into view. The man stood, spoke a few words to the woman who went inside and began walking cautiously towards them. When he was closer, Greg instantly knew who the man was. Bad luck, Bill? Not this time. Greg tried to conceal his devious grin. He couldn't believe what he had found. His father would love this.
Bobby pushed the porch swing higher with his foot. Tara smiled softly as Bobby played with her hair, his arm around her shoulders. Tara pulled her sweater tighter around her body as a cool breeze fluttered in the air, sending fallen leaves in spirals on the ground.
Tara inhaled a cleansing breath, savoring the sweet, nature-filled scent that accompanied it. "Don't you wish it could be like this everyday?" She dreamed.
"Always. But with you in my arms, Antarctica would look like heaven."
Tara smirked and tilted her head up to meet Bobby in the eye. He matched her smile and even topped it with a gentle kiss. "You're right." Tara said when their lips parted, their bodies resuming their previous position.
"About…"
"Wow, that kiss just wiped your mind blank, huh?" Tara teased.
"Hey, no poking fun, sheila," Bobby mock frowned.
""I meant you were right about Antarctica looking like heaven; I agree."
"Mmm," Bobby nodded.
"Bobby?" Tara frowned.
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay? Lately, you've been a little…quiet."
Bobby redirected his gaze back to her, away from the storm clouds rolling closer in the east. "I'm fine, Tara. Just have a lot on my mind, that's all." He assured.
"Don't we all." Tara paused, as if deciding whether she really wanted to ask, "Are you sure?"
Bobby smiled sympathetically when he realized how worried Tara really was.
"You want to talk about it?"
Only if you want me to propose right here and now, he thought. "Not right now. Soon…but today just doesn't seem right."
"I'm not sure I understand."
"You will." Bobby said with a sly grin.
Tara peered at him with curious eyes. Was Lucy right when she said Bobby wanted to propose? Tara wondered. Well, dang boy, ask already!
A stalling truck, slowly rolling past the long drive, interrupted her thoughts. Only a few moments later two men came walking down the driveway.
"Go inside with Chloe, Tara," Bobby instructed.
"Should I get Foxx?"
"Yeah," Bobby stood up, Tara followed suit but instead of following him towards the men, she disappeared behind the door. As Bobby neared the men, he threw a glance over his shoulder; Tara was inside. He reassured himself that he had hid gun, concealed by his jean jacket.
Bobby stopped in front of them, "How can I help you mates?"
"Our truck stalled just passed your driveway," the blonde haired man said. "We were hoping you'd be able to give us your assistance."
Bobby looked them over. The dark haired man looked vaguely familiar, but he couldn't put his finger on it. Probably passed him on the street, Bobby thought to himself. "No worries, what d'ya need?"
"Hey, thanks man," Bill shook Bobby's hand.
"Anytime," Bobby smiled, glancing at the other man who had been relatively quiet the whole time, save for the occasional grunts towards Bill. "Have a good, uh, drive I reckon."
"Will do. Have a good vacation."
"You bet." Bobby gave one last wave before he disappeared behind the tall trees.
Bill turned to Greg. "Don't like Australians?" He sarcastically remarked.
"I don't feel like socializing at the moment," Greg snarled.
Bill shrugged, "When do you ever?"
Greg rolled his eyes and sighed, "Get in the truck. I need to make a phone call."
Bill mock saluted his partner, "Sir, yes, sir!" He let out a short laugh before slapping Greg on the shoulder. He began walking around the truck. He called back, "I get the front!"
"There's only two of us, Bill." Bill ignored him, Greg heard the door slam shut and shook his head to himself.
Greg looked around. After he was positive he was alone Greg pulled out his cell phone. He dialed the appropriate numbers and held it to his ear. It rang three times before it was answered.
"Yeah?" A voice barked on the other end.
"Dad, it's Greg. I found something that I think you'll be very interested in, to say the least."
"Are they on their merry way?" Tara asked after Bobby came back from washing his oily and greasy hands in one of the two bathrooms on the main floor.
"Yep," Bobby flopped on the couch next to Tara, pulling her into the crook of his arm.
"I would ask you what was wrong with the truck but I have a feeling that every word coming out of your mouth would sound like you were speaking an alien language, with your mouth full."
Bobby laughed. "We'll have to change that someday."
The cordless phone rang on the end table, Bobby answered, "Hello?"
"Bobby, it's Jack."
"Hey Sparky, how's the weather out there?"
"Uhh, pretty good, storm coming though."
"Yeah, just started raining out here."
"As much as I enjoy talking about the weather with you, Crash, there are more pressing issues that need discussing at the moment."
Bobby's expression and voice turned serious. "Right-o. What's up?" He listened as Jack shared their latest developments with him.
"I'm faxing over pictures of Don and his family over, just in case – hold on a sec." Jack paused. "We're on our way to Dons alleged hideout – if he is in fact there. It's about an hour away."
Bobby lightly moved Tara so he could stand up. He walked to the office, sure enough; pictures were sliding out of the fax machine. "I'm getting the pictures now." He picked up the last one and froze. "Jack…"
"Yeah?"
"This last bloke – who is he?"
"Greggo, Don's eldest of his sacred children. Why?"
"I just fixed his truck." The blood drained from his face, turning it a pale grey.
"What?" Jack breathed. "Okay, Bobby. We're already on the road; we'll get to Dons a-sap. Just pack up and get ready to go at a moments notice. Pass it on to Braden and Joel, make sure their holding a tight perimeter. Got it?"
"Yeah," the usually charismatic Bobby had no expression. "I got it."
Jack gripped the steering wheel. He could see Sue in the corner of his eye, gripping the door handle. Speeding down the street, lights flashing in the dark sky, rain pouring down, they were going faster than even they should.
Windshield wipers flew across the glass, sending droplets of water soaring through the wet air.
They were so close to ending this chaos h could feel it. Blood pumping faster in his veins than the numerous amount of cars and SWAT truck, heart beating so hard and fast he though it might burst through his chest.
They made a turn and the pavement turned to gravel beneath the tires. "Kill the lights." Jack shouted into the radio. They were almost there.
Soon after the cabin they were seeking came into view. The vehicles came to a halt outside it. Everyone jumped out, ignoring the pelting rain.
Jack gave his instructions to the SWAT team and to his partners. Some of their black shadows moved to the back, Jack and D enhanced on the front door, followed by nearly by nearly ten SWAT members.
Each holding a large gun, Jack looked at D on the other side of the door; he gave a short nod. Jack complied, "Don Taylor! FBI!" He swung his body, now facing the door. In one swift movement Jack's foot flew through the air, making hard contact with the door and kicked it down, the frame shattering under the strong force. He directed his gun in front of him.
They were met with darkness.
A/N: heehee. please review...that is, of course, if u want to know what happens... muhahaha