Prodigal Son
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Kelly was blinded from the flood of light entering into her prison. All she could see was a large shadowy figure standing in the doorway against the brightness.
You're free to go," a man's voice stated. Then the figure stepped away from the door, leaving it wide open.
Kelly slowly stood, then cautiously stepped forward though her legs were shaky. It didn't help that her right ankle was still swollen. She had no idea how long it had been since she had last eaten, but with the shakiness in her limbs, Kelly knew it had to have been at least a few of days. At this point, she hoped she could hang on to her strength just a little longer until she knew she was absolutely free.
As Kelly stepped through the doorway, the man stated, "Before you go, take this," then the man handed her a note.
"What is it?" Kelly asked, her voice coming out a hoarse whisper from disuse.
"A little message for Mr. Caine, Peter Caine's father. It's for his eyes only."
"What if I refuse to deliver it?" Kelly questioned.
"Then you'll be back here within the hour, or you'll be dead. Your choice."
"I'll deliver the message."
*** Familiar faces called out to Peter as he entered the precinct and headed straight for Kermit's office. One of those faces gave the young priest an icy stare that could freeze hell. Everyone else watched as Peter quietly knocked on Kermit's door, entered, and closed it tightly. With the apparent excitement over, everyone returned to their duties, all except one woman who continued to stare in the direction of Kermit's office.
"The nerve of him," Jordie McGuire complained. "Can't he see we've got a lot of work to do. This isn't a social club."
"What's eating you?"
"Caine," Jordie replied. "He just waltzes right in as if he owns the place . . ."
"Peter's all right," Jodie interjected. "You're just steamed because you don't want him being a priest."
"That's not true," Jordie said. "He shouldn't be interfering in police . . ."
"Jordie, admit it," Scalany added her two cents. "You're jealous because Captain Simms still allows Peter to work on cases that you want. Some of those cases would still be on the books if it wasn't for Peter and his father."
"Are you saying I couldn't handle those cases?"
Silence ensued when Peter re-entered the bullpen with Kermit and both headed toward Captain Simms' office. Five minutes later, several pairs of eyes watched as Peter and Kermit headed toward the back stairs. Once they disappeared, Jordie continued.
"And I'm not jealous. I just feel that since Peter's not a cop anymore, he's got to allow us to handle everything."
"Jordie, we're not saying you couldn't handle those cases," Thomas Jefferson Kincaide joined in. "You don't know what it's like to get a case where strange things happen. I'm glad Captain Simms calls Peter in. He's a big help."
Jordie stated out of anger, "Well I hope he stays out of the Kelly Blaisdell kidnapping because that's my case . . ."
"What!" Scalany nearly shouted.
Jodie stated with surprise, "Kelly Blaisdell has been kidnapped? When did this happen?"
"You're lying!" Scalany yelled back.
The bullpen exploded with shouts and angry voices.
"WHAT'S GOING ON HERE!" Chief Strenlich yelled over the din. Everyone clamored at once to be heard. "One at a time!"
Calm was restored then each in turn explained what happened.
"This better not be a rumor that you've started McGuire. Your butt will be in a sling. You better pray this isn't true because you're in deep trouble for not telling us about this sooner."
As Strenlich turned his back, Jordan McGuire stuck out her tongue.
***
"You know what to do. If she doesn't deliver the message . . ."
"She will. She knows what's at stake if she doesn't."
"When do you think his son will find the body?"
"If I know Caine, it won't be that long."
Continues with Part 20
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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