Time to Circle

Bobby stopped at a phone booth and called the number known only to the Deakins close family and friends. He wasn't surprised to have Jim answer almost immediately. "Hello."

"Jim, it's Bobby."

"Thank God. Where are you? Ross called demanding answers and the police have been here looking for you. They are asking some damned stupid questions."

"I know. They're trying to find an ulterior motive as to why someone shot up our house earlier. I took Alex and the kids and got out of there and our guys don't like it."

"Then you don't know."

"Know what?"

"Someone started shooting at Mike earlier. He and Caroline have gone into hiding as well."

"My God. Are you and Angie alright?"

"So far we're fine. I talked to Sackett, she's going to put more guards on Karen and Jerry's with her. I'll call Ross and tell him that you're safe. What're you going to do?"

"We have to find someplace to put the kids where they can be safe until we get these guys. I have to get in touch with John."

"I can have him meet you at my office. He can take the kids and go upstate. Is everyone alright?"

"Alex hurt her shoulder, but it's just a sprain, I think. The kids are shaken up but fine. What, uh, what are they saying about it?"

"They aren't sure what to make of it. It doesn't look good for you that you've disappeared."

"My family is in danger. I'm not sticking around for them to strike again. The damned department can get over their idea of what's going on."

"What can I do to help?"

"Have John meet us at the corner where we always get coffee and I'll send the kids with him. I need to find someplace where can we go until I can get this sorted out."

"Go to Karens. She's going home tomorrow. They're going to release her. They had to sedate her to keep her in there for tonight. She told them if they didn't release her she'd sue them for kidnapping and assault and they're going to let her go home. She's terrified to be there."

"She's safer there than at her home."

"I know, but she's not thinking clearly. Angie is there as much as she can be, but it just isn't enough. If you guys are at the house, too, at least you'll all be protected until these monsters are caught."

"That's a good idea. I don't think they'll look for us there. They've already hit there and they haven't yet hit the same place twice."

"I think it'd be safe for you and Alex. As soon as the kids get there there'll be three guns and Karens dogs are a good alarm system. I'll let Ross and Sackett know where you'll be. Do you need anything?"

"Just some answers, damn it." Bobby told his friend what his theory was behind the shootings and Deakins agreed to pass on the information.

Alex had her gun in her lap and was watching all around the vehicle when Bobby got back in. "What's going on?" she asked.

"Let's drive while we talk. If we keep moving we're less of a target." He replied.

On the way down the road he filled his fierce partner in on the happenings. "We're going to meet your dad and he'll take the kids then we'll go to Karens. At least for tonight."

"Damn it, Bobby. I feel like we're being herded." Bobby glanced at her and she realized what she had said. "Do you think that's what they're doing? Getting us all together so they can take us out?"

"Not if we can help it." He replied grimly.

John Eames was waiting in an old battered station wagon when they pulled into the lot of the coffee shop. He hurried over to them and gave Alex a quick hug. He shook Bobbys hand. "I've got everything the kids will need in the car except the two of you. You know where we'll be and I'll wait for word before I bring them back."

"I can't wait for this to be over." Alex told her father.

"Me either, honey. Come with me. I have somethings you can use as well."

There were rifles in cases in the back of the wagon and ammunition for them. He also handed them suitcases. "Stuff you've left at my house over the years. I packed it for you incase you weren't able to grab any of your own stuff. And there's some food in a bag behind the front seat, just in case you need that too."

"I'm so glad we have you." Alex told her father.

"Me, too. Let's get the kids in here and you two get on the road. The longer we're here the more likely that we'll be spotted."

Mitzzi woke up enough to hug her parents before settling back down in the back seat of the wagon, but Sammy and Frannie slept right through the transfer. John pulled away and Bobby turned the SUV in the opposite direction. If they were being followed, he wanted them to be the target.

Several hours later they pulled into Karens eerily quiet yard. The crater in her yard had been fenced off with snow fence and the hole in her house had been boarded up with sheets of OSB. There were no lights on inside and it looked abandoned. The two detectives got out and quickly closed the doors so the lights from the inside of the vehicle wouldn't silhouette them. They both had their guns out and walked on cat feet to the house. Bobby reached the door first and looked over the door casing for the key. It was gone.

"Someone's been here." He whispered. Alex nodded and tried the door knob. It was unlocked. She swung it open. It made no noise that they could hear.

They went inside as quietly as possible on Alexs signal of three fingers. The kitchen was dark. Bobby went high and Alex went low, expecting anything. Except a voice stating coldly. "Freeze, police." In a voice they knew.

"Mike?" Alex asked.

'Alex? Is that you?" Mike turned on a flashlight, swept the two of them and shut it off. "You two almost got shot." He growled at them.

"Likewise." Bobby barked back. "We heard you'd gone into hiding. Is Carolyn here with you?"

"I'm here." Carolyns voice echoed out of the darkness. She sounded weary.

They put their guns away and moved together. "It's good to see you're still among the living." Mike said.

Alex went to Carolyn and they hugged. "We were told that Karen wasn't here. No one said you'd be here." She said.

"We were going to go to a hotel, but we thought we might be safer here. Except it's odd to be here when it's empty."

Mike nodded and put his arm around Carolyn shoulders. "Where are the kids?"

"Why don't you guys go get the stuff out of the car while you catch up. Carolyn and I will go sit down." Alex said.

Mike kissed Carolyns hair and followed Bobby outside.

"God, can you believe this." Carolyn told Alex. "Did you know that I'm supposed to go to the doctor every week now? I don't dare. What if they're watching my doctors office?"

Alex felt really bad for the younger woman. She was due soon and she didn't need this stress. Not on top of everything. "We're going to catch these guys, Carolyn, and you and your baby will be fine. Let's sit down. It's too early in the morning for this bull."

Alex got her friend settled on the sofa and went to check on the guys. When they brought in the suitcases Carolyn had fallen asleep. She was just plain worn out. Mike took a blanket off one of the beds and covered her up. He turned to the two others and said "I've had it. It ends tomorrow."

Bobby gave his friend a reassuring look. "It ends morrow. We're pretty sure we know who it is that's doing it. I've sent a message to both Ross and Sackett. We'll get some sleep and go after them."

They were discussing who, what, when and how when there was a sweep of headlights through the house. The awake ones took shelter immediately. A car engine died in the back yard from where they had just moved the SUV. Bobby and Mike moved to the door of the kitchen and waited for movement outside. Alex crouched next to Carolyn and held her breath.

The kitchen door opened. Mike wanted to swear. He'd locked that door and he still had the key. Two shapes moved into the room. Mike flashed the lightK into their eyes. Everyone froze in shock. Jerry was leading Karen into the house. Still in her hospital gown and bandages. Karen grabbed for his arm. "Jerry, what's wrong?"

"Surprise?" Mike said.

TBC