CHAPTER 16

Hera: Hide Number 2, midday

Well now, that surely stirred ‘em up. Finally got to hear the merc. Seems to have his shit all in one sock, rappin’ out orders like he knows his business. If he’s smart, and sounds like, some of what I been hearin’ on the com is purest horseshit. Got to know I’m listenin’ in, play me for a mushroom. Need to get a confirm on some of that.

Nap was good, but not near enough sleep. Eyes’re startin’ to go all scratchy, and I’m gettin’ that hollow feel inside which means the wall ain’t far off. Stims’ll take care of it, but the crash’ll be a hard one.

Pre-positioned a few things in the yard. Hope I got it right.

“Jacob? I know you can hear me.” Mr. Barty.

“ I have your friends here at Mr. Mossberg’s house. They have not been harmed yet, nor do I wish them to be. That was quite cunning of you to disable the ship. Bravo. But surely you can see that your situation is untenable. We can wait you out, we’re quite comfortable here. Give yourself up and your friends will go free. To convince you to do so, we have arranged a little demonstration for you.”

BIG explosion, hear it crash back and forth between the hills.

“I’m afraid Mr. Chisholm’s house no longer exists. If you do not surrender yourself to me, others shall follow. Do you really wish all of these people to become homeless? I think not.”

You frikkin’ BASTARD.

Grab the com...........easy boy, settle down ‘fore ya do sumthin’ dumb. Could be a bluff. Don’t KNOW he blowed up Gordy’s. But if he did.......gotta keep ‘em from doin’ it again. Gotta stall.

Key up the com, keep it short so they can’t get a direction.

“And how do I know you won’t lay waste to everything anyways?”

“Ah, I knew that would get your attention. To be honest, you don’t, but I am not a barbarian, Jacob. My only real interest here is you, and of course, Mr. Smiley has been SO looking forward to your company again. These other gentlemen in my employ, however, are not so reluctant. They will have no remorse whatsoever in destroy