Prodigal Son
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Peter and Kermit pulled up at the construction site and got out of Kermit's Corvair.
"You know we should call for backup," Kermit suggested.
"You didn't want to earlier," Peter pointed out. "Seems I remember a certain ex-mercenary throwing his badge in the back seat."
"You had to remind me."
"Are you changing your mind just because it's my grandfather in there and not Kelly?"
Kermit took a second to think about Peter's words then added, "Let's stick to the original plan."
Peter nodded his approval then both men headed toward a break in the fence.
"I don't get it. Why would Masterson want to use this site?" Peter questioned.
Kermit nodded his head toward a large construction sign that indicated what was to be built on the land. "Looks like the prodigal son has come home to roost."
"The prodigal son, if I remember what Paul taught me, came home and asked his father to forgive him, not kill his family," Peter countered, then changed the subject. "You told me that Masterson had made his living in the railroad."
"That was his great-grandfather. I also found out that John Masterson Senior would donate a great deal of money to certain charitable causes. This hospital was one of them."
"But why here? I do not understand," Peter stated sounding like his father.
"Irony? Remember the very first time your father was kidnapped? It was from a hospital. Maybe 'junior' decided it would be a sick joke on his father if someone died here."
"Maybe."
Peter and Kermit lapsed into silence as they made their way through the construction site, searching for Matthew Caine. Neither called out but both continued to keep their eyes and ears open. Then as they rounded a corner of the ruined building Peter spotted Matthew sitting on the ground. He appeared to be meditating. Peter rushed forward oblivious to any danger that might be lurking.
"Wait!" Kermit urged, but Peter did not listen.
"That's far enough Caine," Masterson called out then stepped from the shadows just a few yards from Matthew Caine.
"I'm here. You've got what you want. Let my grandfather go."
"Not until we settle things," Masterson stated then slowly approached the two Shaolin and ex-mercenary.
"There's nothing to settle. You've harmed my family enough."
"You don't think so? I challenge you to a fight, one on one. No weapons."
"Are you taking me for a fool?" Peter exclaimed.
Masterson shrugged his shoulder. "If you're not interested. I can end this right now with the wave of my hand. You're not fast enough to stop a bullet entering that old man."
"You wouldn't dare," Peter's eye narrowed.
Masterson gave Peter a smirk then started to raise an arm.
"All right . . .all right," Peter said interrupting Masterson's motion. "You win. You'll have your little fight, but NO cheating."
"I give you my word."
Both men moved away for some distance to prepare. Peter returning to Kermit's side and Masterson to stand in front of his hostage.
"You know he's not going to keep his word. You've got to end this quickly for your grandfather's sake," Kermit stated.
"I know, but I may have to kill him or this will go on."
"You know I'll back you up," Kermit said.
"You just keep your eyes peeled for any treachery on Masterson's part."
"You know I will,"
At the same time Matthew tried to persuade Masterson.
"You will not win," Matthew stated.
"I don't intend to win."
Matthew looked up at the younger man and frowned. "You lied. You do not intend to escape. You are going to die."
"And if you interfere in any way, you'll die too. Remember that."
"There is always another way."
"Not for me," Masterson ended the conversation and turned toward his opponent. "It's time."
Continues with Part 24
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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