Chapter 17
Andy had called in that some activity was happening at the Reynolds' home. Jessica had suggested that instead of taking the squad car, Mort should drive Seth's station wagon. It would be less intimidating, she reasoned and Mort agreed.
She sat in the passenger side while Seth was in the back and Mort was driving.
"Mort, what did Andy exactly say was happening at the Reynolds' house?" she asked him.
Mort stopped at a red light.
"He said the parents were headed to a wedding of their niece, whereas the boys had been working on their car most of the morning, like they were fixing to go somewhere."
"Strange that the boys would not be invited to the wedding," Jessica noted.
Mort nodded, "Exactly."
He next pulled his vehicle a ways back from the Reynolds' estate, out of sight from the front of the house, but close enough to observe it with some effort.
Mort, Seth and Jessica then got out to join Andy and Logan, who were standing next to Andy's Chevy Cavalier.
Logan, who stood there with his arm in a soft cast, stared down at Seth's wrapped leg.
"How's your leg, Uncle Seth?"
"Like your arm;wrapped up, but fine!" Seth responded, "although I think polka dancin' is still out for me this week!"
"So what's happening up at the house?" Mort asked Andy, peering through the tall bushes towards the house.
"The parents, who are dressed in their wedding best, just finished packing the dropped-off presents into their car and left," Andy explained, "I figured the boys would be making their move soon."
And then as if on cue, the boys appeared.
They emerged from the basement, dressed all in black, carrying three duffel bags and a backpack. Tossing the bags into the back of the truck, they then got into the cab and older brother Greg started the engine and they pulled out.
Little did they realized that from a distance, two vehicles were covertly following them.
#
Down a winding drive, away from the busier sections of Bar Harbor, sat the four-star Bayview Hotel. The two cars containing Mort, Seth, Jessica; the other, Andy and Logan. They had parked a ways down from the red pick up truck. The five of them watched as Greg and Garrett emerged, took the backpack and duffel bags out from the back, hefted them on their shoulders, and disappeared into the building.
All five observers got out of the cars to plan their next move.
"A hotel?" Logan wondered, as they all viewed the expensive hotel.
"You don't think they plan to bomb the place, do you?" Andy asked.
"I doubt a bomb could be in those duffel bags," Mort commented, "they look pretty empty to me."
"Maybe three of the bags," Logan said, "but I noticed one of them looked like they contained something heavier."
Seems to me it's best we split up and cover all the exits."
"I'll cover the back exit," Andy volunteered.
"I'll do lookout on the side windows," Logan stated, as he patted his jacket where he kept his Glock.
"I'll handle the front entrance," Mort decided.
While they discussed their plan, Seth and Jessica had begun walking up to the hotel.
"Whoa, hold on, you two," Mort stopped them, "just where to you think you're going?"
"The hotel's a big place with hallways and many floors," Seth pointed out, "you'll need eyes all over the place, so I thought I'd take a look/see inside."
"And if Seth goes, I go," Jessica stated.
"I don't think that's wise," Logan looked uncertain, "You two don't have anything to defend yourself with."
"Good god, man, we're not going to confront them!" Seth told him, "believe me, if there's any trouble, your name will be the first name I call out!"
"No need to worry, Logan," Mort assured him, "I'll go with them and keep 'em safe."
So it was agreed.
#
Jessica, Seth and Mort entered the front door and into the lobby. The place was spacious, with marble tiles and crystal chandeliers. Off to one side, next to the concierge desk were a trio of freestanding signs, listing the afternoon events:
Pointing left: AMERICAN BAR ASSOCIATION CONVENTION, Ballroom A.
THOMAS JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL REUNION had a sign pointing upstairs.
And finally: HUNTINGTON-CALDWELL WEDDING was located upstairs in Ballroom B.
Seth, Jessica and Mort stood staring at the signs.
"Where in the Sam Hill do you think those boys are?" Seth wondered.
"I vote for the high school reunion," Mort figured, "Maybe back in their high school days, those two boys were rejected loners and now plan to seek revenge by converging on the high school reunion."
"Better still, I go for the lawyer convention. Maybe they plan to take their revenge on the law," Seth figured, pointing at the Bar Association sign, "shooting up lawyers would meet that criteria."
"I think the most likely destination is the wedding reception," Jessica quietly stated.
Seth looked confused, "Why'd you think that, Jess?"
"Didn't Andy tell us that the boys' parents were going to the wedding of their niece?"
"And you think they plan to shoot up their own family?" Mort questioned, "that's pretty...morbid."
"Whatever they plan to do, I have a feeling it's something personal," Jessica reasoned, "and you can't get more personal than family."
"You have a point there," Mort said, "You two stay here. I'll radio Andy to join me up to the wedding reception."
"I think it's best you leave Andy where he is," Jessica said, "the Reynolds boys will most likely make a run for it or we may have to clear everyone out of the hotel quickly. Just keep your walkie-talkie ready. We can't let them escape."
"You don't plan to go up with me, do you?" Mort asked.
"The Reynolds know me, and they may feel more comfortable with the questioning of the boys if there is a civilian around."
"And where Jess goes, this civilian will follow!" Seth insisted.
Mort sighed. He hated when Jessica made sense. Well, not really. He just hoped she can stay out of trouble. At least Seth will see to that.
"Let's go," he told Seth and Jessica.
#
They walked upstairs to where the wedding reception would be held. From behind the door, they heard the loud bass of music playing. They opened the door and there were a hundred guests or so dawdling over drinks or refreshments, while others were on the dance floor with the bride and groom, slowdancing while an exhausted photograper was balancing on one knee, doing his job.
Meanwhile the voice of Frank Sinatra blaring through the speakers, could be heard throughout the hall. But no sign of the boys.
After some time watching, Seth prodded Jessica with, "Come on, Jess, let's dance."
Her eyes became round, "Dance?"
"Yes, that's the art of movin' your body to music, and hopefully not lookin' like a frog in a blender in the process," Seth stated sardonically.
"Actually, that's a great idea," Mort agreed, "we need to blend in. While you two dance, I'll try and find out where the Reynolds' boys are."
"But-" Jessica protested, but Mort had already walked away and began to question the guests.
"It's really for the best, Jess," Seth tried to convince her, "not only do we get to investigate a murder together, but we get to go undercover as well!"
He offered his hand and she could only accept it as led her out to the floor.
The band had switched to the song, "Just the Way You Look Tonight."
Some day, when I'm awfully low
When the world is cold
I will feel a glow just thinking of you
And the way you look tonight...
They had never danced before as a true couple, as they faced one another. Seth cautiously stepped slightly closer to Jessica than he ever had before.
You're lovely, with your smile so warm
And your cheeks so soft...
"Although we've danced before, I feel nervous this time," Jessica admitted in a soft whisper.
"Do you have that queasy feeling in the pit of your stomach?" Seth inquired.
"Yes."
"Ignore it. It's just nosy curiosity leavin' your body," he stated, never taking his eyes off her., "Just concentrate on dancin' with me and let Mort and the boys handle the rest!"
She laughed.
"Good idea, Seth!" she stated wholeheartedly and began to relax as her body nestled closer to his.
There is nothing for me but to love you
And the way you look tonight...
And for a moment they forgot about the danger as they magically danced, their bodies in sync to the beat of the music.
.
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