Jarod finished typing the last few sentences of his response to the email Sydney sent him, and he pressed send. He looked at his watch, and realized there was not much time to prepare. After his conversation with Broots, Jarod knew good and well that trying to bust Sydney and Parker out of the Centre would be a waste of time. He could only hope that Mr. Parker would hold up his end of the bargain they struck. A small smile lit Jarod's lips; he wouldn't trust Mr. Parker if the man were the last man on earth...


Lyle entered Raines' office at a quick pace, holding a printout of the email Jarod had sent to Sydney.

"Here it is. Jarod confirmed a meeting for tomorrow at dusk at Seaford Park."

"Good. Have you assembled a Sweeper team?"

"Yes."

"And Sydney, what about him?"

"Your call. We can either dispose of him there, or bring him back here and do it."

Raines smiled, and Lyle had to stifle a shiver. "I have thought of a better use for Sydney."

"What? You're not going to kill him?"

"Not right away, no. It dawned on me that Jarod might be more pliable if we can use Sydney as leverage."

Lyle grinned. "Not bad. Not bad at all."

"You're the one who is always fond of saying 'waste not, want not,' Lyle, I am merely taking a page from your own manual."

"And Miss Parker?"

"Willy is arranging a Sweeper team to tail her. We'll pick her up as soon as Sydney and Jarod are secured."

"And Broots?"

Raines looked at his watch. "I believe that is being handled at this very moment..."


Broots fumbled for his car keys in the dark.

"Daddy, why don't you just turn on the garage light?"

"I already told you Debbie," he whispered, "I don't want to disturb the neighbors."

"I don't understand why we have to leave tonight. I'm supposed to go to the mall with the girls tomorrow, Daddy. You promised."

Broots turned toward her. "I know I did, honey. I know, and I'm sorry. But this can't wait."

Debbie pouted slightly. "I just don't get it..."

Broots fit the key into the lock and opened the door. "Okay, Debbie, in you go, honey."

Debbie tossed her bag into the backseat, as did Broots, and they both got into the car. A moment later, Broots started the engine, only to freeze when he felt the cold metal of the gun barrel at his head.

"Go ahead, back out. But your destination plans have changed."

Broots looked in his rearview mirror and recognized Willy, and another Sweeper now sitting in the backseat of his car. He groaned, and Debbie screamed. The short Sweeper covered her mouth with his gloved and hand and Broots made a move toward him, but Willy restrained him.

"Don't you hurt her. Don't you hurt my little girl."

"Calm down, Mr. Broots," Willy intoned, "nothing bad needs to happen here. You just need to get driving to the Centre, and your daughter needs to keep her mouth shut. Simple as that. Do we understand each other?"

Broots nodded. "Yeah. I understand you." He turned to Debbie. "You need to stay quiet, sweetheart, and nothing will happen."

"But--"

"--No buts, Debbie. I really need you to do this for me, okay?"

She nodded, but Broots couldn't guess how long she'd go along with it. He looked back at Willy.

"You just keep that other Sweeper off of her."

"As long as you two play by my rules, we have no problems. Now drive."

Broots put the car in gear and backed out of the garage. A moment later, he, Debbie and the two Sweepers were headed to Blue Cove, and beyond it, the Centre. He swallowed hard, and tried not to think too much about what awaited them.