Page 31 of The Captive Missing

But Jason, like his son, was not a body that could remain seated for long. The intensity with which he lived each moment, propelled him forward, and he soon shifted, calling for everyone to gather round.

“So, did everyone get what they needed?” Jason asked.

Senior, Theresa, Jeremy and CT all nodded. Val looked perplexed.

“What’s going on?” She asked.

“While you were resting-” Jason motioned CT toward the doors. “We were preparing for tonight.”

“What’s tonight?”

“Your escape.” Jason paused as CT called the two security guards into the suite and shut the door. The men came over to stand behind the couch and listen. “I figure that tonight will be the best time to make a move. It’s late, and the Feds that have been stationed outside are new to the schedule. Likely they’re feeling a bit tired.”

“What are we going to do?” Val leaned forward.

“Theresa, did you get it?” Jason asked.

“Yup.”

“Alright, good.” Jason gave his sister a nod. “So, Theresa went out today and bought herself a long brown wig. She’s about the same height and weight as Val, and with a jacket and hood on, I think she could pass for her.”

“Jason-” Val frowned.

“Jeremy is going to put on my suit from today, and unfortunately for him, we’re going to buzz his head.”

“Damn it,” Jeremy groaned, but cracked a sly grin.

“Jason, stop.” Val locked eyes with him. “What’s going on?”

“We need to create a diversion.” Jason spread his palm over her knee reassuringly. “Jeremy and Theresa are going to dress like us. Dad, CT, and these two security guards are going to rush them from the hotel and make it seem like we’re trying to escape.

We booked the jet for a flight out tonight, so the Feds are already on notice that we’re going to try to do something. If the agents here are a touch tired, then they won’t hesitate just to follow the first person that looks like you.”

“But that still leaves us here, right?” Val pointed out.

“After the Feds follow Theresa, then you and I will sneak out using the stairs. There’s an exit off the side of the hotel that opens out onto the street. We’ll walk a few blocks and hail a cab. I’ve got a car parked just outside the city and we can take it out of the country.”

“Wow.” Val blew out a breath. “Do you think it’ll work?”

“I hope so.”

* * *

Theresa and Val stood side by side, surveying the collection of clothing strewn across the bed. In the background, the sound of hair clippers whirred. Jeremy’s new look was coming along nicely.

Eyeing each piece critically, Val selected a tiny jade-green dress with stiletto heels and a short black coat, it had a hood lined with satin. Holding them up against Theresa, she tilted her head to the side and figured the fit would be just about right.

“Well.” Theresa changed into the outfit quickly. “It will certainly attract attention.”

“That’s the idea,” Val reminded her, knowing that Theresa had never been the kind to show off so much leg.

“How do I look?”

“Just right.” Val ran her fingers through the long chestnut wig, then pulled up the hood and adjusted the fit. “Just keep your head tilted down, let Jeremy lead you along. Maybe cover half your face with your hand.”

“Okay.” Theresa nodded. “Your turn.”

Reaching for a pair designer jeans that fit low on the hip and wrapped tightly at the ankle, Theresa handed them over. Then came a pair of brown leather flats, a short-sleeve blouse and finally a cashmere sweater. Val wriggled into the clothes, then allowed Theresa to bind back her hair and tuck it into a ball cap.

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