Disclaimer: Still don't own The Outsiders if any of you didn't already know.
"So what? And what does this have to do with your so-called theory?" Two-bit asked.
"Think! Glass was found murdered outside nearby where Ponyboy and Jonathan were kidnapped with that money in his pocket and some on the ground. Why would a substitute who just started teaching three days ago just so happen to carry $250 with him on hand while he's working; let alone after a kidnapping?" Helms asked. No one answered right away until Darry's face grew pale.
"He was in on it," Darry mumbled with wide eyes and Helm gave a slow nod.
"What?! Glass was Lynch the whole time?!" Two-bit shouted.
"That's not what I meant. I believe that there's a good chance that Lynch paid Glass money to get Ponyboy and Johnny out of the school so he could grab them. Lynch isn't stupid when selecting his victims, and that binder filled with information isn't the first time my team and I have come across something like that. Remember though, it's only a theory; not a statement," Helms explained.
"That doesn't make any damn sense! You just said this isn't the first time Lynch has had someone else helping with the kidnappings and we just found our evidence in the truck! How is that just a theory?!" Two-bit continued.
"Not enough evidence to support anything. Unfortunately, this isn't someone who keeps the same guy for all his victims. Yeah, it suspicious that Glass is dead and has a binder of two of his students who were just kidnapped and was the last person to see them before Lynch grabbed them, but that could have been planted by anyone."
"You know? I'm really getting sick and tired of all your 'I need more facts' crap! What exactly are you doing to get my brother back alive?!" Soda yelled.
"Everything in my power Mr. Curtis, but this takes time! If you don't want to go back home and wait as I told you to, then go out and start looking around for leads, make posters or something and let me get back to work!" Helms barked back. Two-bit was just about to answer back when Darry stepped forward and held an arm out in front of him.
"He's right. Arguing with the FBI isn't going to bring Ponyboy and Johnny back any faster. Let's get the gang together and start searching around Tulsa or making posters," Darry said.
"Yeah, at least it'll give us something to do," Two-bit said.
"Alright. Two-bit, call the Sheppards' and get their gang to meet us at the DX in an hour or an hour and a half. Soda, call Steve and let him know what's going on and go get the truck," Darry ordered passing him the keys and patting his shoulder. The two nodded and ran out of the trailer to do as they were told. Darry peaked out slowly and when he was sure they were far enough away, slammed the door shut again turning his attention completely on Helms.
"Alright, cut the bullcrap. What else do you know about him? What does he do? Where does he normally take them? I know you know something!" Darry demanded.
"That's classified, Darrel. Trust me, it's for your own good," Helms said.
"The hell it is! You're hiding something from us!" Darry concluded.
"I'm not authorized to tell you anything Curtis so you better watch yourself or I just might have you arrested for preventing the investigation of a crime. Remember our little conversation about your brothers and foster care?" Helms threatened.
"Oh, you mean the conversation that was none of your business?! What's this rumor I keep hearing about the letters?" Darry asked.
"What letters?" Helms asked.
"Oh, you're gonna play stupid again? I've got two little brothers to take care of and a killer on the loose. You think I wasn't gonna start asking around for rumors when that Gregory kid was kidnapped by Pony's school? Why else do you think I'm trying to hide all this from Soda?" Darry asked.
"Look, Darrel…I know you have no reason to trust me, but this man is sick. I understand your frustration, but there's only so much we can do," Helms explained.
"Then help me be prepared for what's to come. I promise I won't tell anyone what you tell me but I have to keep as much of this information away from Soda. It's bad enough he already knows about the whole 'torture for fun' thing, but I know he won't be able to handle the letters if they really are true. Please," he begged. Helms squeezed his lips together. The room stayed completely still as Darry waited for an answer. All that could be heard was faint chatter coming from outside.
"The letters aren't rumors; they're true but it's not always just letters," Helms said and went to a drawer pulling out a file tossing it on the table. "Lynch doesn't just love torturing his victims, he loves torturing his victim's loved ones as well," he said opening the file and handing some photographs to Darry. One was a photo of a picture of a small cardboard box, and another showed some pieces of long, black hair; some of which had dried blood covering them. "He'll do anything he can to get under your skin. With Ponyboy and Jonathan, it might be one of their shirts or a lock of hair or something like that. Just…be ready for anything," Helms said. Darry felt his heart drop and with a shaky breath, nodded his head. "I'm not a psychologist or anything like that Darrel, but I don't think you should hide this from Sodapop. Not just because it'll be hard to hide, but at least if he knows, you'll be able to calm down together and continue the search."
"I can't do that to Soda. It'll traumatize him even more," Darry insisted.
"Suit yourself, but you really shouldn't be carrying this much on your shoulders by yourself," Helms said.
"How about you quit worrying about me, and find my little brother and friend!" Darry snapped and stormed out of the trailer slamming the door shut again. Once outside, Darry leaned his head back against the door taking a few deep breaths while looking up at the clearing up sky.
After he was ready, he quickly rubbed his eyes and walked back towards the parking lot when Soda pulled up with Two-Bit sitting in the back. He put the truck into 'park' and then scooted over to the passenger side.
"Sheppard's gonna gather some of his gang and meet us over there," Two-bit explained.
"We'll take what we can get," Darry said now behind the wheel and drove away.
Break*Break*Break
An Hour Later
DX Gas Station
At around one o'clock in the afternoon, there were about five cars and trucks at the station. Most of them were from Tim's gang, but a few were full of students from school including Randy and some of Pony's track team members.
"Two hours is all we're giving ya, for now, Curtis," Tim said.
"We'll take whatever you'll give us Tim," Darry said coming over and shaking hands with the gang leader.
"What exactly are we supposed to be looking for?" One of Tim's gang asked.
"A possible lead," someone said behind him. The gang turned around and saw some men in suits and a few police officers. The one leading the way was a thin man wearing all black and wearing a camera around his neck. He had dark, black hair as well as a small beard that went up his chin and then around his mouth.
"Aw great. Now we got the fuzz involved in this? Think I might just back out now," another greaser said.
"It's kidnapping by a national fugitive; we'll be involved one way or another. Agent Carlos J. Brock and FBI forensics photographer," one of the agents introduced himself. "While Agent Helms can't have you interfering with the investigation, he can offer you some assistance in your search for Ponyboy Curtis and Jonathan Cade. However there are strict terms that we must oblige. If we find any kind of evidence, all of you will be forced to vacate the area within twenty feet of the crime scene. The slightest bit of trouble from anyone of you will result in your immediate prosecution and you all will be forbidden from doing any further investigating or searching. Is that understood?" he asked. Some people nodded but nearly everyone rolled their eyes.
"Good. Now based on our previous investigations, Lynch isn't going to hold Ponyboy and Jonathan in an area like downtown. He'll be more on the outskirts or farther away from any local home. Most likely to be in a barn or basement somewhere," Agent Carlos explained.
"Great, not like we live in the mid-west or anything like that," Two-bit commented.
"It's something. Now get a move on while we start asking questions downtown for any more possible leads," Carlos said.
"Whatever. Alright boys, let's roll!" Another greaser said and they all ran to their cars shouting and hollering.
"I'll check out my side of town while you guys are doing the outskirts. I know a few people who may know some areas where they might be," Randy told Darry.
"Thanks, Randy, keep us updated," he said back. Randy nodded and ran to his car with two of Pony's track buddies. Darry meanwhile got back in the truck with Soda and Two-bit to start their search.
"You know those FBI guys are following us right?" Two-bit said seeing the black car following them from a safe distance.
"Unfortunately," Darry said back.
Break*Break*Break
Meanwhile
"See you next time Winston," an officer said literately pushing the greaser out of the reformatory doors. The greaser didn't say a word back to the officer for putting his hands on him. He just got out his heater that his cellmate had 'loaned' to him, and walked down the street with a scowl on his face and his world-famous murderous eyes.
Kinda filler, but we found out more about Lynch and our most dangerous greaser buddy is back out now. Next time, we'll be back with Pony and Johnny.
Until next time,
LaurenHardy13