And love
Chap 22 We found something!
888888888888888
KARA'S PURPORTED ADDRESS
Kelley O'Brian is furious. Her bright green eyes flash, her red hair bounces as she shakes her head in disgust.
"You idiots! A 4th grader could have done this operation! And now what do we have? The NYPD and the FBI on high alert, our so-called safe house known to law enforcement in 3 states, my picture shown to every cop in the NE USA as they start their shift! I was told that you were the best!"
"Now I'll be damn lucky to make it out of this stinking country! Does anyone have an idea as to how I will accomplish that? Huh?"
Her little group is silent; the 3 men look at the floor, wishing they were somewhere else.
"We leave in 30; scrub the forensics and be in the van in 28. Tardy bastards will be left behind. I am not kidding! I'm driving."
They get to work; the most recently stolen van heads for Providence, RI in 30 minutes. Nobody is left behind. No clues either.
STATEN ISLAND FERRY
When the ferry docks on the island there is a traffic jam. A black cargo van doesn't move forward when instructed. When the harbor police check, they find the driver's seat to be empty. In the back they find an empty wheelchair. They push the van out of the way and traffic resumes.
FBI agents descend on the van; it is thoroughly checked for forensic clues – not a thing!
8888888888888888888888
Frank Reagan pulls out all the stops to find Kara. Her last known location was Hillcrest rehab. That facility was searched by 2 FBI agents. Now, Frank orders a full-court press. A full CSI team scrubs the facility and environs. They find nothing.
The 1st stolen van the perps used was found; it was gone over thoroughly with the same disappointing results.
The house Eddie and Jamie visited looking for Dylan did show that Dylan had been there; but no fresh clues.
An APB for Kara produced nothing. Jamie & Eddie were becoming frantic. They knew that their friend had just awakened from a 2-plus year coma-like state. She had to be physically weak and emotionally drained. Time was critical, and it was running out.
888888888888888888
BRIDGEPORT, CONNETICUT
36 HOURS LATER
Kara slowly becomes aware of her surroundings. She hurts like hell, all over. She is laying on a narrow bed; the mattress is lumpy but not terribly uncomfortable. She has no bed coverings. But given the time of year, she isn't terribly cold.
She raises her head and looks around. She sees someone slumped, over in a corner of the room. It is another person! She looks around more carefully – there is nobody else. Light is coming in from a small square window high up on one wall. Her bed is the only furniture, if you want to call it that.
She swings her legs off of the bed, planting her feet on the floor. She tests her strength; she thinks she can stand if she is careful.
She gives it a go, keeping one hand on the bed in case she collapses. 'I can do this' she thinks. She carefully takes one step at a time, making her way over to the corner. She drops to her knees and turns the man so she can see the face . . . she faints!
88888888888888
Kara awakens some time later; she has no idea how long she was unconscious. She remembers seeing the man – it was DYLAN! How can it be? She gets to her knees and looks again; it is Dylan, her husband! He has bruises and lacerations over much of his upper torso, face and arms. She tenderly caresses his cheek. He moans but does not stir or awaken. She positions him so his head is in her lap; she continues to softly caress his cheek and brush her fingers through his hair.
"What have they done to you, my love? My baby?"
There is a rustling outside. Soon a door opens and a young girl peeks in. She gasps, closes the door with a bang and runs away. "Mom, there's folks in the secret room! Mom!"
After a bit the door slowly opens and a young woman peeks inside. "Where'd you come from?" she asks. She stays in the doorway.
"New York City, I'm a cop. This is my husband; he has been beaten. Can you help us, please?" Kara pleads.
"You got a badge?"
Kara feels around in her pockets; miracle of miracles, she has her shield! She reaches out to show the woman her NYPD shield
"Walsh, hm? Of county Cork?"
"I'm not sure," Kara hopes that is the right thing to say.
"Cassie, get some warm water and dish towels. Quickly, now." Turning to Kara she says, "What can I get you, Miss?"
"Some water, maybe?"
"I'll be right back," and she disappears.
Iin a moment Cassie reappears with a pail of water and some cloths. Kara thanks her and begins sponging Dylan carefully. He moans some more, flutters his eyelids but doesn't open his eyes. He does seem to be listening though.
Soon the woman returns with 2 bottled waters. She unscrews one bottle and hands it to Kara. Kara holds Dylan's face so she can dribble a little water on his lips. He moans some more.
"What is your name, Miss?" Kara asks.
"MaryAnn," she says softly.
"Pretty name, for a pretty young lady," Kara declares.
MaryAnn blushes, lowering her head.
"Do you have a phone I could use?" Kara asks just as Cassie walks back in.
"Sure, I'll get it," the young girl says. She rushes off.
MaryAnn seems nervous at that. It looked like she was going to stop Cassie – then thought better of it and let her go.
Cassie brings a phone and hands it to Kara, who thanks her.
SUDDENLY
"What you girls doing in there?" A man shouts. He comes over, slams and locks the door, then walks away continuing to shout. "Kelley said we wasn't to mess with those folks. She will be back to deal with them!"
"Sorry Johnny," Kara hears MaryAnn say in a voice that sounded very afraid. The voices get fainter until they stop and a door slams. Probably the house.
Kara looks down at the phone; battery 60%. "That's good". She knows 1 number by heart. Eddie!
88888888888888888
"Who is this?" Eddie answers the unknown number. She ordinarily wouldn't answer, but given the circumstances, she does.
"Don't scream Eddie, it is Kara."
888888888888888888888
TBC
Sinn Fein, Kelley O'Brian
Michelle O'Neill
IRA