Chapter 10
By 10:00 the next morning Joe and Iola were walking through the woods in the direction of Chet and Callie's campsite. Fortunately, each radio had the ability to send a GPS signal which could be tracked by the other, if, of course they had the frequency. All morning Joe had tried to raise Chet on the radio and hadn't received an answer. Frank had woken Joe up at six that morning saying they had discovered something important and asked the others join him immediately. Iola looked to Joe as they walked.
"Do you suppose they got hurt? Or worse? Maybe they were captured." Joe shook his head. He was clearly worried.
"I don't know. I tried to reach him on the radio ten times. It's not like Chet to not keep radio contact. Their boat is still on the river." he looked down to the monitor on the radio. "According to this we should be coming up on them, or at least the radio soon." he said. They scanned the terrain as they walked briskly through the hollow. Ten minutes later Iola pointed over to a clearing about three hundred yards away.
"Joe, look! Is that their camp?" she asked. Joe sped up to a run. He looked over his shoulder.
"Only one way to find out." he called running ahead of Iola. He ran over through the clearing and came upon their tent. He sighed in relief when he heard the steady sound of breathing coming from within the tent. He opened the flap and peered in. His eyes widened and he fell back. Iola came running up.
"Joe, honey, what's the matter? You fell back. Did you trip?" Joe sat there a moment with a perplexed look on his face. He wasn't about to speak. He just made a gesture towards the tent. Iola's eyes widened fearing that Joe had been shocked by seeing a horrific sight. She immediately feared the worst. That her brother and best friend had been badly hurt or worse. She turned and peered into the tent. She gasped and almost lost her balance and turned to face Joe.
"Oh my god! They fell asleep together... nude. And judging by their position...oh my god!" Joe too was in shock. He tried to shake it off.
"I had no idea they were attracted to each other." Iola sat down next to him.
"I know there were occasions now and then that Callie had talked to me about Chet. But it was more like just girl talk. Curiosity and seemed so long ago. You don't suppose this is some kind of rebound thing?" Joe shook his head.
"Not for Chet anyway. He was never in love with Tiffany and had often spoke of her as an annoyance who often wouldn't take a hint." Iola nodded.
"And Callie has been separated from Frank in the romantic sense well over a year now. Well, I guess that's good then. I'd hate to think it was a rebound reflex of any kind. Besides, it's not Callie's nature. Frank has been her only lover." she looked slowly towards the tent, "Uhm, until now that is. But this is amazing." Joe shook his head, still feeling a bit shocked. A moment later his radio buzzed. Joe picked it up.
"Joe here." It was Frank.
"And where is here, Joe? I thought you'd be HERE by now."
"We had to track down Chet and Callie."
"Well, did you find them?" he asked, somewhat annoyed. Joe coughed.
"Oh yeah. They are sleeping."
"They're what?!" he heard a scream through the radio. "Then get them up. And get back to the coordinates I gave you and track me. I am here with Tony and Bill and we are keeping watch. Get over here."
"Yeah, ok. We will."
"And you tell Chet not to eat such a big meal before bed and he wouldn't oversleep."
"Er, yeah. I will tell him that. See you in a bit. Over and out." he said signing off. Iola looked to him.
"Why didn't you tell him?" Joe raised an eyebrow and gave a chuckle.
"Yeah. That would have been a sweet conversation... 'Yeah Frank. Sorry we aren't there yet, but we had to track down your ex-girlfriend and best friend who failed to answer the radio because they were a little busy sleeping due to an exhaustive night of lust.'" Joe smiled. "He'd love that." Iola smiled.
"Well, he might have to get used to the idea." She looked at Joe.
"What do we do?" Joe shrugged.
"Well, they are adults. What they do is their own business. We may have to get used to it. Though I am a bit curious to know how this came about." Iola nodded. She smiled to herself. She was apparently blind to her best friend at times. To think Callie was obviously attracted enough to her brother for them to be intimate.
"I kind of would myself." A moment later they heard some rustling sounds within the tent. Callie let out a flurry of giggling. Joe raised an eyebrow. He half smiled to Iola.
"I hope they aren't morning people. We could be in for some discomfort if they are." Iola smiled.
In the tent Callie and Chet were in an embrace. They kissed deeply. Callie smiled to him.
"Good morning, my love. Did you sleep well?" Chet smiled back.
"Indeed, I did. What little sleep was involved." Callie put her head on his chest.
"You were wonderful. I never knew it could be that good. I can't wait until tonight." she said raising an eyebrow significantly.
"Ah, but there are many hours until to..." he glanced down at his watch. "Oh no! I should have been on the radio to Joe about three and a half hours ago! He must be freaking out. Come on, Angel. We need to get going." he said getting up and running for the opening.
"Ok." She got up and followed Chet out of the tent. She ran directly into Chet who had abruptly stopped in his tracks about five foot outside of the tent. Joe and Iola were sitting not six foot away sheepishly gazing up at the two unclothed lovers. They smiled and turned around.
"Morning Chet, Callie." Joe said over his shoulder. "Sorry to drop in on the camp uninvited, but when you didn't answer over ten radio calls we got a little worried." Chet and Callie looked up as they hurriedly dressed. Chet searched for words, as well as his clothes.
"Uhm, yeah, sorry Joe. I didn't hear the phone. And I know I should have called, but..." Chet and Callie heard Joe and Iola break out in to a torrent of laughter. Chet and Callie, now mostly dressed, came over and sat across from Joe and Iola. Chet started to reignite the fire for coffee. Soon he had a blaze going. He looked to Callie.
"Could you put on some coffee, angel?" Callie smiled to him.
"Sure, hun." she said going about the task. Joe and Iola looked to the pair with expectant expressions that they would hope could prompt answers to their unspoken questions.
"So..." Joe started. "How is everything?" he asked with a smile. Iola also couldn't keep a straight face. Callie looked over to Chet.
"You know, Chet. I have a hunch that when our friends got here, that they took a peek in the tent." Joe held out his hand.
"Well, Cal. That was an indicator that something was up. Though even if we didn't look in and see you two asleep in the middle of some strange sexual position, I think when the two of you emerged from the tent buck naked, well, that would have given it away for me." Iola smiled.
"It's just Cal, that in all the years you two have known each other I never saw any serious attempt to act on anything. You guys just seemed more like brother and sister. I never dreamed this was going on." Callie held up a hand.
"Well, to start, this hasn't been going on long. About twelve hours to be exact." Joe's eyes widened.
"You mean, last night...?" Callie nodded.
"Yes, of course. Last night was the first time Chet and I ever seriously kissed, much less made love." she looked to Chet. "And I hope that is the first of many times." They kissed. Joe and Iola, though slightly uncomfortable given the newness of it all, smiled and looked at each other.
"Well, I can get used to it." Joe said. Iola nodded.
"Well, it's a shock for sure. But I can certainly get used to it. I am quite happy for both of you. And well, while Joe and I talked about it and eventually ruled it out, it is of course best hearing it from the horse's mouth. This isn't any type of rebound fling, is it?" she asked. Both Chet and Callie shook their heads.
"We ruled that one out ourselves." Chet said. "Definitely no rebounds going on. I was never into Tiffany that much to begin with, and as we all now know Callie and Frank have been separated in all romantic terms for well over a year."
"That's what we figured." Joe said. He took a breath and smiled. "Well then, back to business. Frank called this morning. He has some news and wants us up north pronto." Chet nodded.
"Ok, we'll break camp here in ten minutes." Joe smiled.
"Great. We'll help you break camp while you have a cup of coffee to get a kick start." Iola and Joe went about packing up the tent. After stowing it in a pack, Joe walked back across to the fire. He stopped short and looked down. He looked up sheepishly.
"Uhm, Iola, you might want to pick that up and give it to Callie." Iola walked over and looked down. She rolled her eyes and picked up a black bra off the ground.
"It won't bite you Joe." she said teasingly. She walked over to Callie.
"Forget something Cal?" she asked with a grin. Callie looked down and smiled when Iola offered it back. She felt her chest briefly.
"God, I knew something was missing. Thanks." She said taking it. Iola smiled to her.
"Are you happy, Cal?" Callie nodded.
"Very much." she purred with a content look.
"No rebound? I mean I couldn't stand to see Chet hurt is all." Callie looked down.
"Iola, let me tell you something. Ever since high school I have felt something for your brother. Usually it was just a passing thought, as Frank and I were of course pretty happy then. But none the less I had those thoughts. I have dreamed of a relationship with your brother from time to time. That may blow you away, but it's still the truth." Iola smiled and shook her head.
"Not really. Well, yes. Maybe. I mean I have seen the way you have looked at him before. I never really attributed anything to it but idle curiosity."
"It's not curiosity anymore. I am very happy and I would never do anything to hurt Chet. I hope we can have a lasting and growing relationship." Iola nodded seeing that some happiness had indeed returned to her best friend's eyes. She had a look that had not been present in a long time.
Momentarily Joe and Chet joined them ready and packed.
"All set?" Chet asked them. Callie smiled taking her backpack.
"Yep. Let's do it." she said. They started their long trek back to the river. After a very long but brisk hike they made it to the river in four hours. Less than half the time they took to walk it the previous day. It had been quite a bit easier not having to go along slowly trying to find clues to the missing captain.
"Whew!" Chet gasped. "That was quite a walk." Joe smiled.
"Yeah, and Iola and I did it twice. We started out looking for you after you didn't answer my radio call very early.
"I'm sorry about that, Joe." he said seriously. Joe smiled and shook his head.
"Chet, don't worry about it. We were just worried something happened to you. We should have not been so impulsive and waited till later in the morning and tried to call again. We didn't realize that you were simply trying to have a lost weekend." Chet helped Callie into the boat. Then got in himself. Joe and Iola got into the other boat. Joe looked over his shoulder to Chet.
"Follow us up." he said. Chet gave the thumbs up and started his motors. Callie took a seat next to him. Joe pulled the boat out of the cove and started up the river. He checked the GPS to make sure Frank's position was still confirmed. Iola looked at him with raised eyebrows.
"What do you think?" she asked simply.
"About what, babe?" Iola rolled her eyes.
"About, say when Frank finds out." Joe shrugged.
"He's a big boy. Besides he is supposedly high on Tiffany. I suppose there will some initial tension, but he made his bed. I am not trying to discount that he dated her for a good ten years. But hey, he is the one who went shopping for new tomatoes." Iola giggled.
"I wonder if he knows that those new tomatoes he got are not home grown." Joe had to chuckle.
"I don't know. But if he is aware he isn't sharing such data with me. Course, Frank is kind of a sexual prude. But I'll leave it at that."
Meanwhile in Chet's boat, Callie was looking ahead to the other boat.
"They are talking about us. I can feel it." Chet smiled to her.
"They are just a little in shock. I mean they saw you with Frank basically all of your dating life... and his for that matter. They will get used to it.." Callie looked worried.
"I hope. They just looked so freaked this morning. I know they tried to cover it up a bit with some humor but I could tell. There was shock there." She turned to Chet.
"Chet, I need to know that you will be there. No matter what our friends say or do. Can you promise me that?" Chet nodded and smiled.
"Of course, Angel. If our friends act bizarre too long, I will just begin to wonder if they are our friends to begin with. I will always be there for you." he said. Callie smiled and put her arm around him and kissed him on the cheek.
They traveled along silently for some time as Joe led them up the river. Joe eventually found a small cove and Chet slowed to pull in behind him. Joe shut his motor off and helped Iola out. Chet also shut down and helped Callie unload their packs. The four walked up off the bank.
"What do you think Frank has uncovered?" Chet asked. Joe shook his head.
"Hard to say. I know he wouldn't pull us off the search unless he found something reasonably significant." he said. Chet nodded knowingly. Joe pulled his handheld radio off his belt.
"Might as well let him in on our position." he said flipping the transponder.
"Frank, you out there? Come back..." A moment later the radio crackled.
"This is Frank. Might that be you, Joe?" came a somewhat curt voice. Joe looked down at the radio with an agitated look.
"Yeah Frank. This is Joe. We just pulled into the cove and are about to take off on foot. Can we track you by your signal?"
"Sure can Joe. Will you be joining us today?" Joe rolled his eyes.
"Yeah Frank. We thought we'd stop by. With any luck it should take only an hour if we go by your signal."
"How nice. See you soon! Over and out!" the signal fell silent. Joe gave a half smile and looked over to Iola, who raised an eyebrow.
"Sounds like your brother is in a bit of a snit." She commented. Joe smiled.
"I personally think he needs to get laid. I don't think he and Tiffany have gotten down much, to my knowledge anyway. Not like he'd talk about that kind of thing."
"Too bad, so sad!" Callie laughed. The others smiled, knowing that Callie had been suppressing herself while in her relationship with Frank and was entitled to such comments. The group started their trek into the hollow. The hike was brisk, but draining as they continued through the dense thickets. Forty-five minutes later the shrubbery thinned and they progressed into a clearing. Joe checked the radio and looked up.
"They have to be around here somewhere. We are almost on top of them, according to the signal." The group looked about. They soon came to an area of small hills so it was impossible to see very far ahead. A moment later Chet pointed ahead in the distance. Perched near the top of a knoll were Frank, Bill and Tony.
"There they are." Chet said. The group headed towards the knoll. The three saw the group appear as they crept up near the crest.
"How's it goin guys?" Tony asked. Joe smiled.
"It's going. What you guys got?" Frank smiled.
"Looks like another cabin. Right against the wall of the hollow." Joe took out a pair of field glasses and crept up toward the crest with Frank. There was indeed another cabin. It looked similar to the last.
"Any activity?" Frank shook his head.
"None yet. But I didn't want to leave it for a minute as the last one turned out to be one of the entrances to their hideout. A shame they took explosives to the tunnel. But I would bet that this is a place to watch." Joe nodded.
"I'd have to agree. The last one had definite activity around it. This place should definitely stay under observation." Frank nodded his agreement.
"This may be a big break. We must k..." his voice trailed as he looked past Joe. His face fixed with a blank expression. Joe looked over his shoulder and saw what Frank's attention had been abruptly focused on. Chet and Callie had been rolling around at the foot of the knoll getting into it.
"Ah, Joe... have I missed something?" He asked, not believing his eyes. Joe took on a smile. He couldn't help sticking it to his brother. He knew there were many times, especially of late, where Frank had been stringing Callie along while obviously taking his distractions with Tiffany.
"Ah, that's nothing, bro. You should have seen my face this morning when I poked my head into their tent and saw them in very much the same embrace, except without clothes." Frank looked right at him.
"You mean they were,,, ah,, they were..." Iola who had crept up closer to Joe, smiled to Frank.
"I think the correct phrase your searching for is they were having sexual intercourse." She smiled and looked down the knoll at the pair.
"Hey you two! Shut the hormones off for a minute and come over here." she called. Chet and Callie looked up. They saw the stunned expression on Franks face. Not to mention Tony and Bills. They crawled up the knoll.
"Hey Frank!" Chet said cheerfully. Callie smiled.
"Hi Frank. You ok? You seem troubled." Frank tried to shake it off.
"You two are... involved?" Chet and Callie smiled.
"What's wrong, Frank? Can't two single adults be involved?" Chet asked. Frank looked a bit off by the returned bluntness.
"Er,, sure. But in all the time I've known you, I was unaware that you had the hots for Callie." Chet smiled.
"I'll be honest with you Frank. For years I have been attracted to Callie. But I also had respect for you, my friend. Last night Callie and I had a realization that we both had feelings for each other. Feelings that had been around for some time." Frank looked over to Callie.
"Are you happy, Cal?" Callie smiled.
"Yes, Frank. I am very happy. And I even wish you and Tiffany happiness. And so, I hope everyone will let this soak in and not make a big deal out of the fact that Chet and I have acted upon some pretty long-lasting feelings. Suppressed, and unknown to the other as they may have been." Frank nodded.
"I will do my best." He said and looked to the others. "The cabin over there could produce a lead with this gang. Joe and I think it should stay under constant observation." The others nodded. Chet headed down the hill in the direction of a small camp site that Frank and the others had made. Tony and Bill were on Chet's heels. Chet fished a beer out of the cooler and sat down. He noticed Bill and Tony almost upon him. They wore smiles.
"Hey Chet. You work fast!" Tony said with a laugh. "Didn't even give Bill or I a chance at her." Chet shook his head smiling.
"Guys, it was out of the blue. It came about and it just happened. We've had feelings for each other, though neither of us knew. I am pretty happy. What can I say?" he said sitting back and taking a long drink. Bill and Tony smiled.
"I personally think Callie is a whole lot better looking than Tiffany." Bill said. Tony nodded.
"Without a doubt. Frank blew it big time." Chet shrugged and shook his head.
"Why do I feel like I'm in the locker room at Bayport High?" He asked with a slight smirk to his two pals. "I'm sure Frank will get what he wants with Tiffany. She can be pretty aggressive and he shouldn't grow bored. I just hope he gets what he hopes for out of it." he sighed and looked down thoughtfully. "I know we are on a case and I should have my priorities straight, but I can't seem to keep my hands or mind off of Callie." Bill started chuckling.
"Chet, you've got one problem I know I would like to have." A few minutes later the rest of the group came down to the camp. Frank took out a water and looked to the others.
"We think it would be wise for a couple of us to stay here and keep tabs on that cabin. But the rest of us go back to checking the hollow out for a sign of the captain." Chet smiled and cleared his throat.
"In the interest of my sore feet, I volunteer to stay here and keep watch." Callie sat down quickly next to him.
"Me too." she said with a smile. Iola giggled.
"That wasn't too predictable, Cal." she smiled. Frank looked down at the pair who were hand in hand.
"Man, this is going to be stra..." He cut himself off for fear of making an uncomfortable comment. "Er, ok. Sounds good. Bill, Tony and I will head north and Joe and Iola will go south." Joe nodded.
"Sounds like a plan." He looked to Iola. "Are you ready?" he asked. Iola nodded.
"Let's do it." she said enthusiastically. Joe nodded with a smile.
"That's all I need to know. Frank, we will radio you in a couple hours to check positions." He said. Frank nodded.
"Sounds good." he said. He retrieved a pack from the small tent that was set up. He looked to Tony and Bill who had also grabbed their duffels. "You boys ready?" he asked. They nodded. Frank turned to Chet.
"Hey pal, can I borrow your boat?" Chet smiled and tossed him the keys.
"Of course, Frank. You don't have to ask." Frank smiled.
"Thanks! Joe or I will radio you later, so keep it on." Chet nodded.
"Will do Frank. Take it easy." Frank's eyes shifted from Callie to Chet one last time. He offered them a wry smile and nodded. The three left the camp and took into the thickets. Callie smiled to Chet.
"Gee, you think they planned that to happen?" she asked with a smile. Chet laughed.
"Probably, was a little premeditation there." he said planting a gentle kiss on her neck. She moaned softly.
"As observers, do we have to keep a constant watch on that cabin" she asked between moans.
"Well, I suppose if we go up there and take a peek every now and then it should be ok. God, Cal, that perfume your wearing is driving me nuts!" he said burrowing his face deeper in her neck. She giggled.
"That's what it's made for." she laughed twisting away. "I'd better get some coffee made before I get into trouble." she said. She walked over to the fire and went about making a pot. Chet kept a steady gaze on her. She looked over and smiled.
"You're supposed to be looking at that cabin, darlin'" Chet smiled to her.
"I like this view better." He stood up and walked over to the small folding table and chairs set up near the fire. A few moments later Callie had poured two cups of steaming coffee and sat down.
"So, Cal, I didn't get a chance to ask when we were in Bayport, but has anyone called the office with anything since we've been out?" Callie shook her head.
"No, nothing exciting. Which gave Iola and I plenty of time to transfer files to the new computers. That was quite the job." Chet nodded, then sighed.
"Just hope we can pay them off." Callie looked up.
"Won't you recover anything off this case? Seems like a lot of expense, but shouldn't your fees help out?" Chet gave a narrow smile.
"Would if we were charging for it. But as this is a friend of the Hardy family, the fee is pretty much waived. This captain fellow is pretty much low income anyway. Seems that if we recover the man alive and well it will be fee enough." Callie smiled.
"I admire your dedication to friends, Chet. It's important. But I hope you guys get another case that pays something." Chet shrugged.
"It's all cool. The fee I got for that child was great. But I was hardy frugal. That boat definitely sent me into the red again. But we didn't have much choice. It's a necessary business expense." He took another drink as he watched her stare back at him. His face broke into a smile.
"What's up, Cal?" he asked with a grin. Callie smiled. She stood up.
"Want to do something fun, Chet?" She asked with a devilish look. Chet raised an eyebrow.
"What had you in mind Angel?" She walked over to the cooler and took out a couple bottles of Corona. She set them on the table. Then looked about the small clearing. Convinced they were alone she threw her sweater off. Chet coughed abruptly at the sight of Callie's nearly bare chest. For good measure Callie peeled her jeans off. Chet's eyes blinked rapidly. Callie stood before him. She picked the two beers back up and slowly walked towards the tent. She looked over her shoulder.
"Don't tell me you need more encouragement?" she asked coyly. Chet stood up quickly and smiled. He followed Callie into the tent. He grabbed the radio on the way.
"I won't miss the call this time."
Moments later Chet found himself laying down on a sleeping bag in the tent. He was breathing deeply.
"Oh my Cal, that is amazing." he said softly staring straight up towards the tent ceiling. He moaned deeply. Callie was between his legs on her knees under another sleeping bag. A moment later the radio buzzed. Chet closed his eyes.
"This isn't happening." he muttered between breaths. "But, I guess I better answer it or I will have Joe opening this tent in person again." He grabbed the radio and flipped it on.
"Ahhhh,,, Chet here." he said between moans of pleasure.
"It's Joe, Chet. We just got into position about four miles to the south. How are you doing?" Chet tried to stifle a yelp.
"Ahhh,,, just greeaattt! Oh, God, not while I'm talking..please." Callie looked up at Chet from under the sleeping bag with an innocent expression on her face. She went back down.
"What's up Chet?" Joe asked somewhat perplexed.
"Ohhhhh,,, did you have to phrase it like that, Joooo... Calliieeee, Please, baby!" A sound of laughter came from the radio. Joe and Iola were giggling uncontrollably. Joe tried to talk without laughing.
"Chet, is she giving you..." Chet cut him short.
"Joe, I really can't talk about such things... oh God! Yesssssss baby!"
"You've answered my question, Chet. Just remember to try to go look at that cabin on occasion. You know, I really think you two must not have been laid for a while. But again, Iola and I aren't exactly totally nose to the grindstone. I will call you if I need you. Goodnight you two." he said with a chuckle.
"Goodnight Joe." Chet said signing off. He had regained composure after Callie had overstimulated him to his apex. She looked up to him disapprovingly.
"Premature tonight?" she asked with mock disapproval and licked her lips. Chet sat up and deeply kissed her. She gave him a brief wide-eyed look. "Wow. Someone else would have made me scrub my face and brush my teeth after doing that before I'd get a kiss."
"That was cute, Angel. And I guess I'm just not as inhibited as Frank is. I'm glad he didn't call." Callie grinned.
"I was kinda hoping it would have been him. He's never heard me scream out in bed." Chet smiled, then smirked.
"Hmm, guess he never pushed the right buttons." he said taking her in his arms and laying her on her back. She looked up with a smile.
"Guess not. What had you in mind?" Chet took a breath.
"Guess you'll just have to wait and see." he began planting gentle kisses on her navel. Callie's eyes grew wide as his mouth gently traveled further down. She cleared her throat. Chet's eyes looked up at her.
"You ok, Angel?" She nodded a bit nervously.
"Yes, but to be completely honest, he never went down there... the way you are." Chet blinked several times, wondering how it were possible in a ten-year relationship to never give your partner oral sex.
"Well then, I guess this will be something new for you."
The wind picked up as it blew through the short hills where they were camped. But, as had happened before, the sound of a woman screaming pierced through the darkness.
"Oh my God! Yes!...Yes!...Yes!" Callie's scream echoed.
Chet had apparently gotten his revenge.
The pair did not emerge from the tent until mid-evening. Chet started rooting through the cooler.
"Like some dinner, Angel?" Callie smiled. She still had a glazed expression in her face.
"Yes, please. How about some music?" Chet nodded.
"Sounds great." he said taking some meat out and went about rebuilding the fire which was almost out. Callie took out the small CD player.
"What are we playing tonight?" Callie held up a disc.
"Alanis. Under Rug Swept." she said. Chet nodded.
"It works. You have a wide variety of tastes. I've always liked that." Callie smiled and started the music. She set the volume on low and went about helping Chet with dinner. Over the next hour they ate leisurely, frequently exchanging glances at one another. New love, always had its pleasures. Chet looked to his watch.
"Well, I think I will need to plant myself up on that knoll tonight. If you want you can grab a sleeping bag and join me." Callie nodded.
"That will be great. I will put on some coffee." she said and went about the task. Chet put a couple things in a small backpack he found in the tent. Callie filled up a thermos and grabbed the sleeping bag. The pair headed up towards the top of the knoll. They stopped just short of the top. Chet spread out the large double sleeping bag and he and Callie lay down on it. Chet fished a pair of inferred field glasses from the pack and crept up and looked down towards the cabin. He returned shortly.
"Not a thing." he said and settled down beside her." He took his gun from its holster and set it off to the side. Callie removed her side arm as well and then laid her head on Chet's chest. They looked up through one of the few clearings in the dense tree umbrella and looked at the stars.
"Despite the case at hand, this is quite nice. The trees and stars. A light breeze." Callie said with a smile. She closed her eyes and within moments her heavy breathing told Chet that she was asleep.
"Not a bad idea" he thought to himself. He eventually closed his eyes and soon was asleep himself.
At four thirty the next morning he found himself being shook awake by Callie.
"Chet, wake up. There is something going on at that cabin." she said. Chet looked up groggily.
"What's that, Cal?" he asked shaking himself awake.
"Someone is trying to get into that cabin down there." she said. Chet sat upright. He grabbed the field glasses and crept up to the top and looked down. He spotted a dark figure before the door. A moment later he disappeared inside.
"He went in!" Chet exclaimed. Callie looked nervous.
"What should we do?" Chet picked up the portable radio and flicked the transponder.
"Anyone out there? Over." He sat there waiting for a response looking at Callie. He tried again. "I say again, Frank or Joe. Are you out there? Over."
Again, no response came. Chet took a breath.
"Well Cal, are you up for the adventure part of the job?" Callie nodded and picked up her PPK and checked it. She holstered it. Chet took his Smith & Wesson and checked it. He nodded knowing time was of the essence. He looked at Callie.
"Watch that cute little tail." She took a breath and nodded.
"Are we going in?" Chet nodded.
"Seems like the only way to find anything out." he said tersely. "If we run into this guy just be prepared to back me up." Callie nodded. A moment later the radio cracked.
"Chet, are you out there? This is Frank." Chet scooped up the radio.
"Yeah Frank, where have you been?"
"No time, have you seen Bill?" he asked. Chet looked perplexed.
"No. He was with you, wasn't he?"
"Yeah, but he has disappeared. His rifle is here, so we don't know. I think they snagged Bill." Chet took a breath.
"Well Frank, I haven't seen him. But we have a little action here. Some guy just went into the cabin. We are going to investigate."
"We?" came the reply. "Chet, you can't take her in there." Callie shook her head in disgust as she looked down at the radio. Chet hit the transmitter
"Frank, I am not about to let her out of my sight. Lest we forget Callie has an education in law enforcement and even some FBI training. Give me a break!"
"Damn it! Be careful then." he said tersely. "Let me know if Bill shows up. I will contact Joe and let him in on this and see if he has seen Bill. And call me back anyway to let me know how it turns out over there."
"Right, Frank. Over and out." He looked to Callie.
"Ok, Angel, let's do it!" The pair walked over the rise and crept down towards the mysterious cabin. The darkness concealed them well as they stole up near the door. Chet pulled out his gun and with the other hand tried the door. To his surprise it opened. He looked to Callie.
"We must be very quiet. If there is a tunnel he may not be in it yet." Callie nodded and took out her PPK. They slowly entered and were greeted by darkness. The stranger was not using a light if her was in the room. Chet took out a pen light and flashed it briefly through the room. There appeared to be no one present. The floor plan resembled the other cabin closely. Chet gestured towards the kitchen. He walked towards the back. Callie was attracted to another doorway off to the left. She could make out the general shape in the darkness. That was all. She thought there was a faint light from within. Though figured it could just as easily be the moon. She slowly entered the doorway then froze. A few short feet away was a shadowy figure on their knees flashing a small light on some boxes. Callie took a silent breath. She leveled her PPK in front of her and took a couple steps forward. She silently pressed the gun into the figure's head.
"Freeze right there, pal. Unless you want a sizable hole in your head put your hands up slowly. The man slightly turned to see Callie's nickel plated PPK leveled at his temple. He slowly raised his hands. Callie found her voice.
"Chet! In her!" she called. Chet stormed into the room.
"Callie, I thought you were behi..." his light fell onto Callie with her gun jammed into the head of a man on his knees with his hands up. Chet half smiled at this.
"Good work Cal." He noticed her tense stance as she held him at bay.
"I got him Cal." he aimed his revolver at the man. Callie lowered her pistol and holstered it. The man looked more fearful when he saw Chet's canon leveled at him.
"Don't shoot man!" the man said, obviously scared. Chet smiled and pulled a pair of handcuffs from his pocket. He handed them to Callie.
"Here you go, Angel. Slap the bracelets on him." Callie took them and took the man by the arm and pinned him against the wall and slipped the cuffs on the man with ease and speed. Chet looked satisfied to the prisoner.
"Now then, what were you doing in here?" Callie pointed her flashlight down to the floor.
"He seemed pretty interested in those boxes." she said, gesturing towards three steel encased strong boxes. Chet looked down with interest. The boxes appeared to have some very sophisticated lock on them.
"Can you get those Cal?" Callie nodded and with a little difficulty managed to pick up all three.
"Whatever is in them is heavy." Chet nodded and gestured for their prisoner to walk towards the entrance. He looked about the cabin for anything more of value. There did not appear to be anything so he gestured for the prisoner to move. He prodded him out of the cabin and back over the rise to their camp site. The prisoner was clearly distressed by the fact that they had a camp set up so close to the cabin. Chet grinned.
"Didn't see a thing, did you? That rise hides this camp nicely." He motioned the prisoner to sit. Callie set the boxes down by the fire. He looked down to the prisoner.
"Are you going to talk? If you talk, you will do less time. If you don't, we will send you back to the police to face attempted murder charges. And if our friends show up anything less that alive and well it will be murder. So, who are you?" Their sullen prisoner remained silent. Chet threw up his hands.
"It's futile to stay quiet. We got your pal Steed locked up in a maximum holding cell with ten heavy charges on him. You'll end up in the same boat. But whether or not you want that boat to take a three-year journey or a thirty-three year one is up to you. How about it?"
"I ain't sayin' nothin! We got one of your group already tonight! Are you looking for more?" Chet took a breath but smiled in spite of the situation. He took out a small tape recorder and held it before the man. Chet smiled.
"Well thanks! We have your confession for a kidnaping rap. Which is ten to fifteen years in itself. Care to go for twenty, smart ass?" The man shut his mouth realizing he had said too much already. Chet made the man stand up and started searching him.
"Hmm, let's see. No ID, switchblade, thank you. Fourteen dollars? Who says crime doesn't pay? Cigarettes, lighter. Hmm, that's all? All your buddies seem to have guns and explosives. And here you are with a knife and fourteen bucks. Ok, pal. I'm going to take you down the hill about a hundred yards and tie you to a tree and give you some time to think." He and Chet walked down to the edge of the clearing and Chet handcuffed him around a thick oak tree and tied his legs for good measure. He returned to Callie who was making coffee. She smiled to him. He returned the smile.
"Great work, Angel. Caught him all by yourself." He took the radio out and flipped the switch.
"Frank, you out there?" A moment later the radio crackled.
"I'm here, Chet. Are you and Callie ok?" Chet smiled.
"We're fine. We got ourselves a prisoner."
"How did that happen?" Chet grinned to Callie.
"Well Callie snuck up on this guy and got the drop on him all by herself. Yep, made me look the fool." There was a silence for a moment.
"Well, I see. Did you find a tunnel?" Frank inquired.
"Didn't see any obvious one, but didn't have a lot of time to look before Callie nabbed this guy. He was bent over three strong boxes that look like they could hold something of decent value. We got them too."
"Great!" Frank said.
"Oh, and Frank. This guy didn't talk much, but I did get enough out of him to confirm that they nailed Bill. He clammed up soon after."
"Damn, I was afraid of that. But look, I got a hold of Joe. We will be back in your camp within six hours. Then we will investigate the cabin, the boxes and our guest." Chet nodded.
"Sounds good, Frank. We will see you then. Over and out." Chet set the radio down. He looked up to Callie who brought him a cup of coffee.
"You ok, Angel?" She took a breath.
"Yeah. Just not used to that. I know we have all had training and experience. But when it happens it still gets the blood flowing." Chet smiled and took a drink.
"That it does." he said with a smile. She looked down at the three boxes curiously.
"What do you think is inside these things?" Chet looked down at them. The sun had come up and they were now somewhat more visible. He picked one box up and examined the lock on it. He whistled softly.
"Unless I miss my guess this lock is designed something like a safe deposit box. At least in principal."
"What do you mean?" Callie asked curiously. Chet gestured to the lock.
"There appears to be two holes on this lock. Meaning that it's likely designed for two different key holders to open it at the same time." Callie nodded.
"Any way to pick the locks?" Chet looked more closely. He shook his head slowly. Then raised an eyebrow.
"Well, not conventionally. However, I do have the Smith & Wesson master key." He took out his magnum. Callie smiled.
"That will do the trick?" she asked. Chet nodded.
"Unless I'm off my mark it should do the trick. However..." he said reaching into his pack. A moment later he held up a small cylindrical looking object. Callie raised her eyebrows.
"A silencer?" Chet nodded.
"Yep, if I have to go blasting on this lock I don't want to attract too much attention." He placed the silencer on his magnum and then carried the box over to the edge of the clearing. He stepped back and took careful aim. The lock came off after three blasts from Chet's pistol. Chet retrieved the box and sat back down at the table.
"Stubborn lock! I thought one shot would do it!" He took the remains of the lock off and took a breath.
"Let's hope it was worth it." Callie said anxiously. Chet lifted the heavy lid from the box and gazed upon what appeared to be several smaller dark purple felt boxes.
"Huh?" Chet said perplexed. "Kind of looks like jewelry boxes." Callie took one and opened it. She took a sharp breath.
"Oh my god, Chet! Look at this!" she cried, holding up what appeared to be a diamond necklace with a huge sapphire pendent with small diamonds surrounding it.
"Whoa!" Chet exclaimed. "If that is real, it must be worth a fortune!" Callie nodded, spellbound by the beautiful piece of jewelry. Chet took out a small box and opened it.
"Wow! Callie, check this out." Callie gazed to the small box Chet had opened. She sat there with her mouth agape. Chet held up what appeared to be a five-carat solitaire diamond ring.
"Chet, that has to be the most beautiful ring I have ever seen." She took the ring and looked intently at it.
Chet meanwhile had found some papers in the box and began to look them over. Callie looked up.
"Do you think these are real, Chet?" Chet coughed abruptly as he studied the papers.
"Well, I certainly do now. These are insurance documents. And, according to them these jewels were a shipment sent by Tiffany & Company on their way to their photographer for inclusion in Tiffany's high line catalog. Valuations are given. The whole ball of wax. These are definitely real." Callie looked up wide eyed.
"You mean these are from Tiffanys?" she asked incredulously. Chet looked at one of the sheets and smiled.
"Yep. And that necklace... if I am reading this right, is forty-two point eight carats of white diamonds total weight and a single nine carat blue diamond! Total value of the piece is eight hundred thousand and change." Callie looked stunned. She looked down at the necklace.
"That necklace is worth over three quarters of a million dollars?" Chet nodded seriously.
"Yes. And that ring your fond of is four point five carats. And can be yours for a mere two hundred thousand and change." Callie looked at him. She took the ring and placed it back in the case.
"There is a lot more in these boxes, isn't there?" Chet nodded seriously and looked about. Then he looked back down at the paper. He looked up.
"We are sitting on a little more than thirty-eight million dollars worth of jewels." Callie looked about herself then gasped.
"Thirty-eight million? Do you think that is what this mystery is all about?" Chet rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Right now, it's hard to say. I mean we found it in that cabin, which is a mystery in itself. And the joker we took this from doesn't appear to be the type to successfully steal thirty-eight dollars, much less thirty-eight million! I just don't know."
"Didn't that Steed character have a hijacking rap?" Chet nodded.
"Yeah. There could be a connection. Hard to say at this point. Maybe if that guy hangs around that tree for twelve hours he will want to talk." Callie nodded then looked about.
"We'd better watch this stuff good. Chances are there is someone further up the ladder who will be missing these soon." Chet nodded and checked his magnum. He replaced the ammo he used. He carried the jewelry into the tent. He came out and sat back down.
"Your right about keeping watch. If that guy down there was just a delivery boy then someone will be looking for him if he doesn't come back with the goods. But still doesn't make sense."
Chet took another cup of coffee and went and sat down against a fallen tree. Callie walked over to join him.
"Sleepy, Angel?" She nodded.
"A bit. I woke around three or so and thought it best to keep a watch. Now I am wanting sleep." she put her arms around him and rested her head against him.
"That was one pretty ring." she said, almost in a daze. Chet coughed abruptly.
"Well, for near a quarter mill it had better have been." She smiled.
"Though I'm sure if I get a ring just a tenth as pretty as that I will be as happy as can be." Chet looked down at her but said nothing. The idea of being domestic. In an actual relationship bound by something that had eluded him for so long appealed to him. He wanted to continue working but also wanted a family. Not just an empty apartment. He smiled down at Callie, who had again, fallen asleep on him. He sighed contentedly. She looked so sweet sleeping. He was happy in the position and hadn't noticed the next three hours pass. He gazed upon the open clearing by the camp and saw the group which was unmistakably their friends heading his way.
"About time." Chet thought. Another five minutes brought Frank, Joe, Iola and Tony into camp packed down with their supplies. Frank looked down to Callie with her arm wrapped around Chet and her head on his chest. He smiled.
"Makes you feel you can do anything right when she does that. Puts all her faith and trust into you." Chet nodded and smiled.
"Very much." he said softly.
"She been sleeping long?" Iola asked. Chet looked to his watch.
"About three and a half hours." he said with a yawn. A moment later Callie stirred. Her eyes fluttered open and she looked up sleepily.
"Hey guys." she said softly. "What's up?" she slowly sat up and ran her hands through her hair and kissed Chet on the cheek.
"Thanks for letting me sleep while you guarded." Joe looked down the hill at their captive.
"Don't know why you had to guard him, Chet. Looks plenty secure the way you got him trussed up. You should have gotten some shut eye." Chet stood up.
"Well Joe, I'm not too worried about him. But Callie and I did recover something worth guarding." Frank looked up.
"Oh yeah. You did mention something about finding a few crates or something. What did they turn out to be? Weapons? Explosives?" Chet smiled shaking his head.
"No Frank, no weapons. Though we did find a fortune in jewels." Frank laughed.
"Ok, Chet. Quit the clowning. Did you find anything or just a couple of empty crates?" Chet shrugged and smiled to Callie. He went into the tent and returned with the strong boxes. He set them on the table and gestured to the open box.
"See for yourselves." The others opened the box and soon gasps were heard all around. They looked to Chet and Callie.
"Is it real?" Tony managed to ask. Chet nodded taking out the insurance forms and opening them up for all to inspect.
"What we have here is just shy of forty million in jewels from Tiffany and Company. Apparently diverted from reaching its destination, where it was meant to be photographed." Frank looked over the papers and then to Chet.
"You and Callie found this stuff in that shack? Where?"
"Callie found this guy hunched over the goods in the side room of the cabin. We figure he's a delivery boy. Doesn't seem to be the type to pull off such a heist himself."
"But what in the Hell is this stuff doing in that cabin to begin with?" Joe asked amazed. "Had I stolen it I wouldn't lose sight of it. No, not forty million dollars worth. That is just bizarre." Callie took out a small box and opened it. She showed it to Iola.
"Hey Iola, check this ring out. Isn't it the most beautiful thing you've ever seen?" Iola looked down and gasped.
"Oh, it's stunning! How much is it worth?" Chet looked up with a smile.
"With tax, a quarter million, give or take." Tony looked wide eyed.
"What? A quarter million? What are they going to use to build the house?" he asked out loud. Joe laughed.
"You can bet that to anyone who can afford a quarter million dollar ring, that money is no object. So, their real estate concerns are probably non-existent." Chet looked down at the others.
"So, what do you think we should do next?" Joe looked down to the box and looked up.
"I am thinking it's time to call dad. He may be able to shed some light on this case. After all, he does have a file on Steed." Frank nodded.
"I agree. Dad may be able to give us some answers. I'll give him a ring on his emergency cell. He won't mind under the circumstances." Chet tossed him his cell phone.
"Here ya go, Frank."
"Thanks." he took it and dialed. A moment later he began speaking.
"Hello, dad... it's Frank... yes,..." Frank walked down into the clearing. Chet took a beer from the cooler.
"I hope Mr. Hardy can give us a hand." he said taking a seat. The group sat at the table somewhat pensively as Frank was on the phone with his father. A few minutes later Frank walked back over towards the group. He had apparently finished his conversation. He smiled to the group.
"Dad will be here in about six to eight hours! I explained what has been going on, along with the latest of apprehending the prisoner and the jewels. He has a feeling that maybe our cases are connected. Plus, he is concerned about the captain and Bill. He says his case is at a lull and he will bring a couple operatives and tune in on our signal." Joe's face broke into a wide grin.
"This will be great. Dad will know the best course of action." Tony nodded reaching for a beer.
"If your dad can shed some light on this, it would help. As much of this hollow as we have searched, there is a lot left. Maybe he can save us some time, though I suspect he will put us back on foot duty. I just hope we can find Bill and the Captain in time." Frank stepped up.
"Dad will have some ideas. He always does. Now, I think Chet, Tony and I should go down to the cabin and see if there are any tunnels or clues. Joe, you and the ladies keep alert on this end and stand guard." Joe nodded and checked his pistol.
"No problem Frank." Chet and Tony joined Frank and headed over the knoll.
"We'll be able to see better in the light. This morning it was pure darkness and we were lucky to see a thing." Tony smiled.
"And Callie managed to get the drop on that guy?" Chet chuckled lightly.
"Yeah. I headed for the back room and she sneaked off to the side and got the guy with the goods. Lucky thing." Frank looked over.
"It's not my business any more, Chet, but..." Chet shot him a look.
"No, Frank! I don't know if taking her with me was the best choice. But all I know are facts. Facts were that you had just told me that Bill had vanished. I didn't want to let her out of my sight. She has had formal training in law enforcement, so she wasn't exactly green. And lest we forget the big one. She would in no way allow me to say no." Frank nodded knowingly.
"Yeah, I know that all too well. I'm sorry, Chet." Chet smiled slightly.
"It's ok. Just shows you care." They entered the cabin, guns drawn. Chet gestured for Tony to take the kitchen.
"Frank, take this room. I'll hit that side room." he said. The three separated. Tony headed into the kitchen. This cabin, however, had no large stove. It had no stove at all. He studied the wall carefully but determined it was solid. He scanned the floor but found nothing obvious. He went about tapping on the floor without much luck. Frank and Chet were performing similar inspections on the floors in the other rooms, but without luck. They gathered back in front of the cabin to report nothing had been found.
"I would have sworn we would have found something!" Frank said shaking his head. "It just seemed logical." Tony smiled.
"At least we have the jewels. That means something. Let's not take it too hard. Maybe we are concentrating too hard. Your dad may have a clue." Frank nodded.
"Your right. Let's get back. We need to watch over those jewels. No telling who may be out and about looking for them. It's a cinch they were missed by now, no matter what the situation." The group headed back over the rise and walked down to camp. Joe looked up from his seat by the fire.
"Any luck?" Frank shook his head.
"Doesn't appear to be any tunnels that we could detect. But you never know. We thought it best to be on top of those jewels just in case someone should try anything. For once I am glad we have a few spare weapons handy, if needed Chet." Chet grinned.
"No one will get those boxes without taking some lead." he said dramatically. "But while we wait for the hijackers or your dad, let's have dinner." Joe smiled in spite of the negative findings.
"Sounds good. You do know how to keep the faith, Chet." Chet beamed. He looked over as Callie walked over to him.
"Want to give me a hand with dinner, Angel?" She smiled broadly.
"I think I can manage that."