Prodigal Son
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Sarah watched her brother as he paced back and forth across the floor of the loft apartment she owned. It was a place she often used whenever she had business that kept her overnight. It became one of her brother's hideouts. She knew he had another place, because she overheard her brother talking to Peterson. That must have been the place where Kelly Blaisdell was being held. If only she had the courage and the chance to tell someone, anyone, but her chances had grown from slim to none after what she had done. After hearing the news that Peter Caine had escaped his watery grave, something seemed to snap in her brother and Sarah became more fearful at what he might do next.
"I'm getting tired of this cat and mouse game," Masterson growled disappointedly. "He should have drowned. There was no way he could have escaped that cargo trailer. What does it take to kill a Shaolin Priest."
"Maybe Shaolin priests can't be killed," Sarah said quietly.
Suddenly, her brother whirled around and struck Sarah across the face. "Who asked you. You've done nothing to help me kill Caine."
"I . . . I've done everything you've asked me to," Sarah said through fearful tears, though she did her best to hold back every sob that tried to escape her lips. Her brother just didn't seem to hear her and continued to blame her for every failure.
"I need some better bait. The bait that we have doesn't seem to be all that interesting to him."
"It was your idea to kidnap his sister," Sarah said once again under her breath, risking her brother's wrath a second time as she turned away, rubbing her cheek. She was certain that a bruise was forming from the force of the blow. She could not help thinking about their father. There were times John Masterson could be a cruel and heartless man, but not once had he ever laid a hand on his children. A tear threatened to fall and she tried to suppress a shudder at the memory of how he died. Silence fell on the room and Sarah breathed a sigh of relief that her brother had not responded to her comment, but when she looked in his direction, a deep chill filled her soul.
Steel cold eyes stared back at her, eyes that she no longer recognized.
"Maybe I have the wrong bait," Jack sneered.
Sarah backed up several paces, suspecting but not wanting to know just what "bait" Jack was referring to; she simply didn't want to know.
"I've kidnapped his father twice, and the second time I nearly saw Peter Caine destroyed. Perhaps I do have the wrong bait, but to take Caine we're going to have to lure him from his son."
"Peter Caine won't trust me after what I did," Sarah said nearly in a whisper. "He may even suspect that I'm . . . involved."
"It won't matter. We'll let Peter's sister take care of that. We just need to draw Peter Caine away from Chinatown for a while."
Sarah watched as Peterson leaned over and whispered into Masterson's ear. The look that came over her brother's face chilled Sarah's soul. She could see that what Peterson had said had effected him greatly. Then a puzzled look came over Sarah's face when Jack handed her Kelly Blaisdell's shirt.
"Here, put this on."
"What for?" Sarah questioned.
"I want to see if it fits."
Sarah took the shirt and went to change in the bedroom. She had no idea why her brother would insist that she put on Kelly Blaisdell's shirt. In truth, she really didn't want to know, but the cold lump in the pit of her stomach caused her to go numb. She was beginning to suspect, and that frightened her. As soon as she put on the shirt, she walked back into the living room. She saw that her brother was turned away facing the wall, but Peterson had tapped him on the shoulder. He turned to face her and a satisfied grin spread across his face, causing Sarah to shiver once more.
"Perfect."
***
"Ahhhhh!" Peter squeezed his eyes shut as he felt someone die. The force of the vision had driven him to his knees, and he felt his breath coming in quick gasps. A face flashed in his mind, and he knew immediately the person who died. "I've got to tell Kermit."
Peter struggled to his feet as he felt his father's arms support him. "You need to rest."
"I can't rest, Pop. I need to tell Kermit what I saw. I think Sarah was murdered. And I believe I know by whom. If I don't let Kermit know, I'm certain Jordie is going to find some how to blame me for this."
"You are right," Caine sighed. "I will go with you."
It was then that Peter noticed that his father didn't look well. As he walked over to pick up his pouch, Peter could see that he was unsteady on his feet.
"Pop, are you all right? You look like you've seen your last day on earth."
The look Caine gave Peter caused him to shudder, but he said instead, 'I am all right."
"Maybe you should stay here. Masterson might try to contact me, and I need you to let me know."
Caine let loose a deep sigh, "Perhaps you are right." In truth, he did not want Peter knowing what he knew. "I shall stay here and see if there is any news. I must mix a remedy for Mr. Lo anyway. I will wait for your return."
Peter knew his father just lied to him. Mr Lo had just received a remedy three days ago. He knew whatever was effecting his father, Peter wasn't going to get any answers at that time. He knew his father would share his thoughts when he was ready. Since becoming a priest, Caine had opened up more to Peter, sharing things that only two priests would have shared. They were more than just father and son they were equals.
'Whatever my father is holding back, it's really scared him,' Peter thought. 'Well, I better go tell Kermit what I saw. This isn't going to be easy.'
Continues with Part 19
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2006.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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