Tuesday, September 28th, 1965
7:00 PM
A knock was heard at the Curtis residence.
"I told you! It's no comment!" Two-bit shouted. That's when the knock was heard again. Darry got up from the armchair and opened the door. There stood Randy, a few members of Pony's track team, and Paul Holden, Darry's best friend from grade school.
"Hello Darrel," Paul said.
"Hello Paul," Darry said back. Then, he came outside fully.
"Darrel, I'm so sorry man. I honestly don't know what to say," Paul continued.
"It's fine, Paul. Thanks."
"Listen," Randy said now coming forward. "We all wanna keep searching for Ponyboy and the other kid. If there's anything we can do, just say it." Darry looked at everyone and then stared directly into Paul's eyes with narrow eyes.
"I know circumstances have caused us to become distant these last few years, but that bast*** killed one of our own just because he felt like it. That's why I'm willing to help you and call a truce between us for right now; for old time's sake. Whatever you need me to do, I'll do it." Paul then held out his hand. Darry hesitated, but then took his old friend's hand back so they could shake.
"Come inside," Darry said, and everyone followed in. The three already inside stared at the Socs who walked inside.
"Aw hell no!" Two-bit said.
"Good, I've been meaning to sharpen my knife," Steve said, but Darry stepped in the middle and held up his hands on both sides.
"Hold it! They're just here to help with the search for Pony and Johnny," he explained.
"What do we need them for?" Steve asked.
"Extra eyes may make the chances of us finding them bigger. Don't do anything to them until this truce is over! Got it?" Darry warned.
"Shhhhh!" Soda hissed leaning very close to the radio. "They're talking about him!"
'…the F.B.I are continuing their search of Ponyboy Curtis and Jonathan Cade who were the latest kidnapped victims of serial killer Harrison Lynch. The F.B.I has received word from Lynch himself that he hasn't left the state of Oklahoma and citizens should immediately call the police if they have any information about the two boys or Lynch himself. We now return you to your regularly scheduled program."
"Well that's kinda good news," Two-bit said. "At least we know where to look."
"Yeah, that only leaves us the entire state of Oklahoma to search which is totally what we haven't been doing for the past half week," Steve added.
"If he's even telling the truth," Soda mumbled.
"It's all we have to go on," Darry said. "Tomorrow, I'm gonna go out searching up north. Don't think too many of us have gone searching up there. Randy, Paul, why don't you and some of the track team stick to searching in the south. Start asking around and see if you can find anything on Lynch specifically, or if they've seen Ponyboy or Johnny anywhere."
"I can do that, but…" Randy said. That's when the door slammed opened. Everyone jumped up, and Dally walked inside with a gun in his hand.
"Looks like you've got some intruders here Darrel," Dally said. Darry sprinted towards the front of the room in front of the gun. Some of the Socs pulled out knives of their own or whatever they had.
"Everyone stop! We're on a temporary truce with them, Dal! Only until we find Pony and Johnny," Darry said.
"Oh look at you, Curtis. Allying yourself with the cops and Socs?! Ain't you supposed to be one of us?" Dally asked.
"Who I ally with is none of your business, Dal. I'm not trying to get into a fight with you, but this truce will help us find Pony and Johnny faster," Darry explained.
"Alive, or dead? These are the same people who go out every day and attack innocent kids just because they're greasers! If I wouldn't know any better, that makes them no better than the one who took Johnny!" Dally shouted.
"Hey! Hold on there!" a track member said.
"You wanna run that by me again?" Paul said, holding out his knife.
"You're no better, Dallas Winston!" another track Soc said.
"Alright, break it up," Soda ordered standing up now. "We're all after the same goal here; get revenge on that son of a bi***. Darry's right. If we all split up, we'll have a better chance finding them, alive." Soda glared at Dally. Dally gave him a mean scowl back causing Soda to lose eye contact.
"Huh," Dally said and started to chuckle. "So this is what it's turning into. You can't even trust your best friends anymore. If that's how it's gonna be, then you better stay out of my way you little s***heads!"
"Come on, Dally. At least do this for Johnny's sake. He and Pony are probably scared to death and waiting for us to come and get them," Darry said. The room fell silent for a minute as the Curtis gang pleaded with the young greaser.
"Screw you all! I'll find them myself," Dally hissed, and then ran out slamming the door shut.
"Don't worry about him. We can find the kids on our own," Paul said coming over and putting his hand on Darry's shoulder.
"Steve?" Soda said looking at his best friend. Steve scowled Paul and the other Socs, and then let out a loud sigh.
"Only for the kid and Johnny, Soda. But one wrong move and I swear it'll be the last thing you ever do," he warned.
"Same goes for me. And this is only temporary," Two-bit reminded.
"Don't have to remind me," a track member said.
"Alright. First things first, we should get a map of Oklahoma and keep track of where we've searched. We're on a very short time frame and we can't afford to search in the same place," Darry said.
"On it," Two-bit said and ran out the house.
"So how are we gonna keep those FBI guys from following us or getting in our way? Remember the last time we organized a search party?" Steve asked.
"I don't think we can avoid them. They didn't bother us too much last time, but if we happen to find something juicy, they'll take it away without giving us a chance to look into it for ourselves," Randy said.
"If you find something, make note as much as you can before they come to intercept it. We might be able to figure it out for ourselves," Darry said.
"That shouldn't be a problem. I feel like Lynch is toying with us. I mean the binder, the photos, and the letter; it's like a big game with him," Soda said.
"That's the way thrill killers work little buddy," Darry said.
A few minutes later, Two-bit came back with two maps in his hand. Everyone went into the kitchen while Darry and Soda cleared off the table.
"I got a map of the city too in case we needed it," Two-bit said.
"Where'd you get that from?" Soda asked.
"Same place I got the state map. The owner didn't mind that I borrowed them for a little while," he answered. Darry rolled out the map and then got out a few black magic markers.
"Start looking at the Tulsa map and fill in some landmarks and areas we've searched already. Lynch won't be keeping them in areas that are too populated," Darry stated.
"Why not?" Soda asked.
"He'd be too easily recognized in a populated area and they'd probably hear Pony and Johnny," Darry answered. After the basic landmarks were done, Steve got out a notepad from one of the drawers.
"I'm gonna head towards Ponca City," Steve said.
"That's too populated," Darry said.
"Yeah, I might find out areas that are more secluded around there. Two-bit, you up for ditchin' tomorrow?"
"Hell yeah!" he said.
"I can't ditch or my father will give me a beating. As soon as school lets out, I'm gonna head towards McAlester. See if I can't find any abandoned farms or something," Randy said.
"Darry, how about you and I team up? We might be able to find something if we put our heads together," Paul said.
"Actually, just stick to the Southside with Randy. We can't go that way without too many people bothering us, but you two can," Darry said.
"Not with me they won't," Paul insisted.
"Please, Paul. The south is where any of us have hardly searched. I'll be fine on my own," Darry said.
"Ok, fine," Darry said.
"After I get off work, I'll head east," Soda said.
"You sure you wanna do that little buddy? That's a long day, and I'd rather you not exhaust yourself; especially with your lack of sleep lately," Darry said.
"You ain't sleeping either," Soda said back.
"I also didn't decide to go back to work so soon."
"Well I can't just sit around the house and do nothing like you are," Soda said.
"Hey, hold on their kiddo. You think I'm just hanging out here all day? I'm out searching," Darry said.
"Then what the hell am I supposed to do?" Soda asked.
"Just keep your head up, kid. And don't walk home by yourself either," Darry nagged.
"Yes, mom."
"Alright, I think we've all got where we're going tomorrow. Any news at all, call or stop on over during dinner," Darry said.
"Roger," Randy said.
"Alright then. I guess I'll see you later, Darrel," Paul said.
"See you, Paul. And thanks again, everyone," Darry said. With that, Randy, Paul, and some of the track team all left.
Break*Break*Break*Break*Break*Break*Break
Wednesday, September 29th, 1965
7:40 AM
"See you when you get home, Pepsi," Darry said.
"Swear to me you'll let me know if you find anything or if he sends something," Soda said.
"You'll be the first one I tell," Darry said. Soda nodded and then left with Steve. With that, Darry went back inside and straight into his parents' old bedroom. He pulled out the journal he had been writing in and wrote down the clues he had found so far from the two informants to the supposed house that Carlos was investigating. When that was done, he went outside and started working on his truck, but left the door open so he could hear the phone.
A half-hour later, a familiar blue van pulled up that made Darry's heart sink. Regardless, he started wiping his hands with the nearby rag as a blonde-haired woman wearing a navy blue suit walked up to him.
"Hello, Darrel," the Curtis family's social worker said.
"Ms. Richards," he answered back.
"Don't worry. I'm not here for an inspection. I'm just here to check up on you all. How are you and Sodapop holding up?" she asked.
"As well as we can be I guess," Darry said. 'What the hell kind of question is that?' he thought to himself.
"Has Sodapop exhibited any drastic changes in behavior? Any thoughts of suicide or depression not related to Ponyboy's kidnapping? Any changes in his eating habits?" she asked.
"Not apart from the obvious reason," Darry said.
"What about you?" she asked. "Are you falling behind on bills or anything? Are you still regularly eating?"
'She's trying to get me to slip up. No offense, but I'm really not in the mood for this.' He thought. "No, I'm still doing the best that I can. I'm even joining the search parties for him and Johnny."
"That very admirable of you," Ms. Richards said. "Listen, Darrel. I wanted to tell you about an option that we can help you with involving Sodapop. I've gotten to know Sodapop over the last year, and I know how difficult this all must be for him. I'm not saying you have to do this, but we could put Sodapop in a sort-of protection program for a little while. He'll be with a group of other teens around his age and they'll have councilors on-site to discuss what he's feeling right now. Need I bring up how Harrison Lynch's age range is…"
"I know, I know. But I would rather keep him close. Our family's already split up enough as it is," Darry explained.
"Are you sure that's a good idea? You just said that you've been regularly doing search parties, and I happened to notice Sodapop working at the gas station on my way over here," Ms. Richards admitted.
"That was his decision. I didn't want him to, but he said it was the only way to keep him sane right now," Darry explained.
"I'm happy that he took that initiative on his own, but do me a favor and keep a close eye on him. If either of you show any signs of depression or suicidal thoughts, call me right away. I have some resources that might help if it ever comes to that," she said.
'Yeah, like finding a nice foster home for them.'
"Yes ma'am," Darry said politely.
"Well, I won't bother you any longer. But give some thoughts about the protection program. You have my office number if you boys need anything or change your mind. Hang in there the best you can," she said.
"Thank you, Ms. Richards," he said and the two parted ways. Darry walked back inside and then got dressed into his suit and tie. He then went back to the table to look at the notes that were scribbled down about where the teams were going. Suddenly the phone started to ring.
"Yes?"
"On my way. Be ready," Carlos said, and then hung up without another word.
Break*Break*Break*Break*Break
"Are we going to the house Jose mentioned?" Darry asked.
"Yup. And then I can show you what we found. It's very interesting," Carlos explained. "So interesting that Special Agent Helms paid us a visit."
"Good. Then maybe I can find out what exactly he's been doing all this time," Darry said.
"I already told you, Curtis, he's gotta show his face to the press more often and investigate any more murders that Lynch does. All we're investigating is where you brother and Mr. Cade are."
"Via, playing Lynch's game," Darry said.
"Correct."
Carlos took a left and started driving up a long driveway up to a blue farmhouse. There was a barn off to the side that was in disrepair, but the house was almost in perfect condition.
"Now remember, what you see in here stays quiet. No press, no radio, and most importantly, no friends or family," he explained before they got out.
"Depends on what we find. If it has anything to do with my little brother then you bet I'm telling my friends so we can keep searching," Darry said.
"Trust me, Curtis. This won't be pretty," Carlos said.
"Trust you. Hell no!" Darry snapped. Agent Carlos led Darry over to the storm cellar that was opened. Right in front of the cellar was a table with a log and Special Agent Helms writing down something.
"Curtis, Carlos," he greeted.
"Sir," Carlos said.
"Curtis, maybe you shouldn't go down there," Agent Helms said.
"No if Lynch is watching us," Darry said.
"Suit yourself," Helms said. "Don't touch anything no matter what you see besides the door. It's already been dusted."
"Yes sir," Carlos said. He then went in followed by Darry down some steps of the storm cellar. Down the steps was a small empty room, with a section of the wall that slid out.
"What's that?" Darry asked.
"Last chance to back out," Carlos said.
"Alright, enough games!" Darry snapped and started to walk towards the opening. As soon as he walked in, he stopped dead in his tracks. Inside, there was a wider room with a hay bale off to the side in front of wall shackles on either side of the room. The shackles had dried blood as well as some that were fresher. In the middle of the room was a bulletin board on wheels, with some farm equipment and other things on display such as knives, chains, a whip, and a thick bat all caked in dried blood.
"Holy sh…" Darry mumbled with huge eyes.
"See how crazy this bas**** is?" Carlos said coming in from behind him.
"Is this what he's doing right now? Is this what he's doing to my little brother and friend?!" Darry asked.
"I can't answer that, but based on all this evidence, it seems very likely," Carlos said. Darry's breathing became very heavy and could feel his vision start to get blurry while his stomach was threatening to release the little breakfast he ate that morning.
"Curtis! Please! You can't destroy this crime scene! Either walk out of here or aim it all at me," Carlos yelled, suddenly using his body to block Darry's attention to the blood on the shackles.
"Huh?" Darry looked down and noticed that his fists were clenched hard. When he unclenched them, his nails had some blood on them from his hand.
"Just take some deep breaths. I admit, this was sickening for me too and I've seen so much more in my short career," Carlos said. Darry closed his eyes and tried to turn his thoughts to something else.
Think about when Mom and Dad were alive
Think about how proud Dad was when you told him you were accepted to Oklahoma State on a football scholarship
How happy you were when you saw Pony alive in the hospital with bleach hair
Those afternoons playing football with the gang
The first time you saw Soda ride Mickey Mouse in his first-ever rodeo
Soda…
What would he think if he were here right now; if he found out what I was doing with the FBI? What if Lynch changed his mind and made Soda play his game too? He wouldn't make it! He's hasn't slept in days! What kind of a brother am I? Why did I let him go back to work so soon? Oh, God. What if we lose Pony too? Soda wouldn't survive that. What's the point in living if we lose him after we lost Mom and Dad? Answer? There isn't.
"…rtis. In and out. Just breathe," he heard someone say. Someone then put their hands on his shoulders and gripped them tight. Darry blinked back into existence and saw Special Agent Helms was the one gripping his shoulders and talking. "There you go.
"I…I'm sorry," Darry said.
"It's alright. It's fine. Just take a minute. Walk out of here and get your bearings back," Helms said. Darry closed his eyes again and took some deeps breaths by inhaling through his nose and exhaling through his mouth.
"I'm alright now. Thanks," Darry said and opened his eyes again. Agent Helms then slowly guided Darry out of the room and back outside.
"That took guts, kid," Helms said.
"What exactly was that?" Darry asked.
"That's what my men and I are still trying to figure out. I'm assuming I don't have to talk about why those tools were there as you already know a big thing about Lynch," Helms answered. "Agent Carlos and I have been investigating the blood all night. The ones on the shackles believe it or not are still relatively new."
"I've sent it to my forensics department for analysis and the results should be coming back any time," Carlos explained. All of a sudden, a young officer came running up.
"Special Agent Helms, sir. You've got an urgent call on the radio!" he got out.
"Wait right here," Helms said and then jogged over to a black car. He opened the passenger door and picked up the microphone.
"I told you you shouldn't have gone down there, Curtis," Carlos said.
"And I was under the impression that I had to be involved in this investigation to win this game," Darry snapped back.
"I don't have time to deal with someone who can't handle seeing a little blood. Seems that I underestimated what you can really handle," Carlos said.
"WHAT?! I'll be right there. CURTIS! AGENT CARLOS! GET OVER HERE!" Helms screamed. The two ran over to his car.
"What's wrong, sir?" Carlos asked.
"Get in! We're headed for the jail," Helms said and ran for the driver's seat with Carlos getting in on the passenger side, with Darry in the back seat.
"Why are we headed there?" Darry asked.
"It seems that our school shooter was stabbed to death from the time we brought him back, to early this morning," Helms admitted.
"WHAT?!" Darry and Carlos streaked.
"Hang on. We've gotta get there right away," he said turning on his sirens and flooring it.
Break*Break*Break*Break*Break*Break*Break*Break
As soon as the trio arrived, Helms skidded to a stop right in front of the jail door and stormed inside with Darry and Agent Carlos in pursuit. Helms just flashed his badge at the attendant without saying a word and was instantly buzzed in.
"We've been expecting you, Special Agent…"
"Just take us to the scene!" Helms snapped. The attendant gave a puzzled look at Darry. "He stays."
"As long as it's okay with you," said the attendant, and he escorted them to the back of the jail.
"Attention all staff. We are in a code yellow lockdown. All prisoners are to be returned to their cells with no acceptations. Again, we are in a code yellow lockdown. All prisoners are to be returned to their cells," someone said over a speaker.
The group walked down a long hallway until they came to a single cell.
"Jesus Christ," Helms said.
Inside the jail cell laid the dead body of Jose covered in blood with the words 'Tattle Tale" written in blood on the wall.
So sorry for the long wait, but I spent days figuring out where I wanted to go with this. I don't want it to end too soon, but I know I can't go on forever either. I've got a plan now though so don't worry.
Hope you enjoyed it!
Review
LaurenHardy13