Part 4

Tom had never seen Chad so terrified. He quickly motioned for Rob to get back into the car and Tom quickly walked toward the teen. Chad was huddled into a ball, whimpering and trembling. “Chad..it’s me..Tom. It’s your friend.”

The familiar voice seemed to break through. Chad looked like a frightened animal, his blue eyes wide and his breath coming in quick gasps. The young man lowered his arm that he had been holding up as if to ward of his invisible attackers. “Chad...It’s Tom. Calm down. I’m here.” Tom said softly and slowly moved closer to the frightened boy.

Chad suddenly seemed to recognize his friend. Tom could see his eyes grow less wild and his breathing grew less hectic. “Tom...” Chad whispered.

“Yes, I’m here. Nobody’s going to get you.” Tom tried to remain calm as he knelt down next to Chad and gently started to free Chad’s trapped foot. Chad didn’t move, his body tense.

“There,” Tom said, smiling as he freed Chad’s sneaker. He noticed with fear the blood staining Chad’s sweat pants and socks. What had happened now? “Why don’t I take you home, okay? You’re mother is pretty worried about you.”

Chad lowered his eyes and nodded. He let Tom help him up and let him into the back seat of the police cruiser. He didn’t say anything and didn’t register Rob’s friendly greeting. He heard Tom get in but Chad didn’t look forward, he kept his eyes glued to the window.

Tom shook his head at Rob’s questioning glance. Even though Rob was his good friend, Tom just couldn’t explain what had happened out there. “Let’s take him home,” was all he said.

Sarah had immediately ran up to Chad when Tom and Rob had dropped him off and enveloped him in a hug.

"Oh god, honey, are you okay? What happened?"

When Chad didn’t answer, Sarah looked worriedly at Rob and Tom.

"We'd better check out this cut of yours." Tom broke in, remembering the bloody wound. Chad followed Sarah, Rob, and Tom to the house, his head hung. As Tom and Rob quickly saw to the cut, Sarah made some coffee. She watched nervously as Tom helped Chad up to his room.

“We found him on the side of the road.” Rob broke in. Sarah’s eyes grew wide with fright.

“What?”

“We don’t know what happened but something scared him bad.” Rob explained, sitting down with Sarah on the sofa. “But I think Tom can find out from Chad. The boy will only register his recognition. He didn’t even look at me.”

Sarah bit her lip as she waited for Tom to come back downstairs.

~~~~~~~~~

"What happened Chad?" Tom asked, his voice assuring Chad that he could tell him.

Chad looked up, for the first time this night, meeting the sheriff’s eyes. His earlier fright was gone and Chad knew he could trust Tom. "The two agents came by. They..they said for me to come with them. But I got scared and ran away. I waited until dark but when I saw...the lights...I froze. They came closer and I ran..."

Tom sighed silently. Of course, that’s why Chad was so frightened when Tom found him. The lights must have brought back those awful memories. Tom chose to ignore that last part. He didn’t need to open up those bad memories again.

"You must have been running pretty fast to go all the way to Manchester's corn field." Tom said, his eyebrows raised. "Tell me Chad. Were they chasing you?"

Chad lowered his eyes. Why was he afraid to tell Tom that they were chasing him? Chad nodded slowly and bit his lip when he heard Tom's angry sigh. "They never give up do they?" Tom muttered angrily.

"Tom.." Chad said softly and again looked around him as if making sure they were alone. "I'm scared."

Tom nodded and put an arm around Chad's shoulder. "Everything will be okay, you'll see. I'll find a way to run these guys out of here if it's the last thing I do."

~~~~~~~~

Sarah looked up eagerly as Tom came downstairs. He sat next to Rob and took the offered coffee cup from Sarah. With Rob and Sarah both listening, Tom told them what Chad had just said.

"Look, these agents will stop at nothing. I think it would be best if I get one of my officers to be with you two around the clock." Tom finished, concern being shown clearly on his face.

"Thanks Tom, but no." Sarah said shaking her head. "Chad already gets enough strange looks from his friends without an officer following him around. You understand, don’t you?"

"Yes I do." Tom sighed and ran a hand through his hair. “I just have this strange feeling. I’m beginning to doubt that these men are real FBI agents.”

“I don’t blame you for that.” Rob spoke up, setting his coffee down. “I’ve had that feeling ever since they came to this town.” Sarah frowned, her brow furrowed. “You saw their badges though. They looked real to me. And why would someone try pretending to be an FBI agent?”

Tom looked thoughtful. It was starting to make sense now. “Unless, they had to become agents to get to Chad.” Tom muttered.

“What?” Sarah asked, her eyes wide. Rob even looked questioning, his brown eyes narrowed.

Tom looked up, noticing the surprised look. “I’m going to look up more on these two agents and just see what’s going on. I’ll call you when I know more.”

Before Sarah could react, Tom motioned to Rob and the two of them were up and driving away.

Why hadn’t he thought of this before? All of this could have been avoided if only he had thought to check up on the agents. Tom clenched his teeth in anger and picked up the speed. The police cruiser was going dangerously fast on the small road but Tom didn’t slow down.

“What are you going to do Tom?” Rob asked and Tom realized he had forgotten his friend was still with him.

Looking down, he noticed it was almost nine p.m. Everybody should be gone by now from the small precinct. He kind of wished he could call Nealy to help with the computer but it was late. Guess he’d have to figure it out by himself. “I’m heading to the precinct. I want to check up on our two agents and find out more. I’ll take you home if you want.”

“No way, I’m in this with you.” Rob said, his face set in a grimace. “I swear I’ll kill these two if anything shows up wrong about them.”

Tom nodded, understanding Rob’s anxiety. He felt the same way.

Unlocking the door to the precinct, Tom quickly turned on the computer and found his way into the people search, with the help of Rob. He first typed in Kevin Youst. He bit his lip as he waited for the computer to end the search. What if Kevin was an actual FBI agent? What could Tom do then? Call the FBI and complain? Not hardly.

The bright black type made Tom’s heart thump harder. “Search Not Found” it read. “Holy shit.” Tom muttered, looking up Gavin Marlow’s name. Same words appeared a minute later. Who were these people?

“Damn them.” Rob muttered. “Now what?” he asked as Tom got up and turned off the computer.

“We get the license plate number and run that. Something’s bound to turn up sometime. In the meantime, I want you watching Chad. Make sure he doesn’t know though. Sarah won’t like it, but I don’t trust these two.”

“No problem. I’ll keep you posted by radio.”

“Good.” Tom said, locking the door behind them. “In the meantime, I’ll be finding out more on our two fake agents and pray we come up with something to bust them.”

~~~~~~~~

The next day, Tom sent a patrol officer out to find the black Lincoln. While he waited to hear back, he sat at his desk, trying to remain calm. He prayed he would find something on these agents before something happened even worse then last night. He also kept in contact with Rob who was now parked across the road from Sarah’s house, keeping an eye on the mother and son.

“Sarah just left for work. Chad still is home.” Rob told Tom a few minutes later. “Still no sign of the agents.”

“Thanks.” Tom said, and set the radio back on his desk. “Come on,” Tom muttered, looking at his watch. He had sent James in search of the car, yet it had been almost three hours without any word.

He was doing some last minute paperwork when the phone rang, causing him to jump. “Sheriff Ergle.” he answered.

“Sheriff, it’s James. I found them at a local diner.”

Tom quickly wrote down the license plate number and after thanking James, got up and went to Nealy’s desk. “Nealy, I need you to look up this license plate number and tell me what you get.”

“Yes sir.” she said and typed it in. It would take at least an hour to get the information back from the police headquarters database so Tom went outside to get some fresh air.

The sky was starting to cloud back over and a chilly wind rose up. Looks like we might get some rain, he thought as he looked at the overcast sky. He looked around and notice the normal business of downtown. People shopping, working, people smoking in the streets on their brake. Everything seemed normal, yet Tom knew everybody in the town was tense. Something was bothering him too, but he didn’t know what. He sighed and crossed his arm, shrugging himself deeper into his jacket. It wasn’t just the air that was making him uneasy. There was something else.

~~~~~~~~

Rob had the same feeling as he sat in the unmarked police cruiser parked across the street. He hated sitting in a car for hours on end watching people go about their daily lives. It made him feel like he was trespassing on them. He had known Sarah for years and it made him feel even worse knowing he was spying on them. But it was for their own good. He brought the binoculars back to his eyes and searched the house. All seemed quiet, too quiet almost. Ever since Sarah had left, there had been no sign of life in the house. Chad was probably still in bed.

Rob suddenly went tense as a black Lincoln slowed down in front of the driveway of the Winter’s house. He knew it was the two agents. He quickly grabbed the radio and called to Tom as the car pulled to a stop in front of the driveway.

“Yes Rob?”

“They’re here. They’ve stopped and seem to be looking at the house.” Rob informed Tom. Just then the black car sped off, disappearing down the road. “They’ve left now. Not sure what they were looking for.”

“Well keep you’re eyes open. They’ll be back, I have a feeling.”

Rob said bye and set the radio back down on the seat. He wished he could go to the house and stay. But Tom didn’t want him being seen by either Sarah or Chad. Rob sighed and wished he had some coffee.

~~~~~~~~~

Tom was even more unsettled. Why did Kevin and Gavin, or whoever they were, just drive up and then leave? Tom felt like throwing something. He couldn’t arrest them unless he had evidence that they were harassing the Winters. Tom paced his office, wondering if he should join Rob. Maybe he should check on Chad.

“Tom,” Nealy’s voice shouted to him.

Tom walked over to Nealy’s desk. “You have a call, Mr. Lawson claims he caught a shoplifter and wants you down there right now.”

Tom kept the curse from bubbling up. Why now? “Okay. I need you to stay intouch with Rob. He’s watching the Winter’s house.”

Nealy gave him a questioning look but Tom just shrugged and grabbed the keys. “I’ll tell you later.” he said as he left to get into the car. The air seemed even colder now then before and Tom shoved on the heater. He cursed under his breath as he quickly drove towards Mr. Lawson’s Paint shop.

~~~~~~~~~

Three o’clock and still no movement. Rob sighed and looked into his binoculars again. Sarah wasn’t due back until five. Tom hadn’t contacted him in awhile but he had heard on the radio that there was a suspected shoplifting at Mr. Lawson’s Paint store. Tom was probably having more fun then he was right now, even though Mr. Lawson called the police if a stray animal was found in his trash cans. Rob shook his head and tried to stretch. His tall body was getting cramped in the car and he wished he could get out and walk around. He kind of wished for some action right now.

~~~~~~~~~

Tom rushed into the precinct, trying to seem unhurried. “Any news on the tag?” he asked Nealy quickly.

“Yes, here.” Nealy handed a paper out of the fax.

Tom skimmed over the information. The car was registered to a Brent Jackson, matching the exact look of Kevin Youst! “Nealy, look up a Brent Jackson in the computer.”

The secretary looked startled but obeyed. “Here you go,” she said, hitting a button.

Tom quickly read the information. “Oh my god.” he muttered. He couldn’t believe what he was reading. Brent Jackson had worked for the UFOA: the Unidentified Flying Objects Agency. He had been suspended last year for nearly killing someone after injecting them with a substance he believed a alien had given him to cure diseases. He was later fired when another incident had arisen, this time with a partner named John Mann. Both were fired when they set fire to a car and its passengers. But the police couldn’t pin them to the incident.

“Damn, I’ve got to tell Rob,” he cursed and quickly fled to his truck, radio in hand. He didn’t want to take the patrol car this time. They might be scared off and Tom defiantly didn’t want that.

~~~~~~~~~

A slight movement near the house alerted Rob immediately. All had been quiet until now. Had Chad slipped out when he hadn’t been looking? He could have sworn there was a person walking around out there. He slowly got out of the car, one hand on the radio and the other on his gun. Maybe it had been his imagination. He had been sitting here all day.

There it was again. A figure was defiantly walking around the house! He’d better call Tom right away. He raised the radio to his mouth and pushed the button to speak when all of a sudden something was slammed into the back of his head!

Rob crumpled to the ground, barely conscious. Pain shot through his head like a hammer hitting a nail. He tried to get to his feet but his body wasn’t corresponding with what his head was trying to tell him. Where was the radio? He had to get his gun.

“Not a smart move, cop.” a voice said behind him.

Rob rolled over and only caught a quick glimpse of his attacker before he was again hit in the head with a rod of somekind. This time he stayed in the darkness.

~~~~~~~~~

“Rob? Rob, this is Tom. Pick up.” But no answer came from the radio. Static was the only answer to Tom’s voice. “Shit.” Tom hissed and gunned his truck into reverse. Something had happened, he knew it from the bottom of his gut. He had never driven so fast in his life. And he thought this town was suppose to be small.

~~~~~~~~~

Chad was awakened by something, yet he couldn’t figure out what. He slowly got out of bed, catching a glimpse of his alarm clock. It was already past three o’clock! Chad struggled to his feet, grimacing in pain from his injured leg. Slowly he got dressed, pulling on jeans and a tee-shirt. He grimaced again when he saw himself in the mirror. His blond hair was tossled and his face had several scratches from his run in the woods. Just remember that day sent shudders down his spine. How could he make these people leave him alone? He suddenly felt cold and went downstairs, being very careful to not look at Mark’s closed bedroom door.

The whole house was dark. It made him feel even worse. He hoped his mother would be home soon. A sudden scrapping noise caused him to jump. Had it come from inside or outside? Chad bit his lip. He could be imagining it. Maybe he should call Tom. Everything inside of him agreed to that and he went to pick up the phone. He heard the dial tone but when he went to push the numbers everything went dead! Frowning, he pushed down the handle but still no dial tone.

“Who are you trying to call? Would it be Tommy?”

Chad leaped back, slamming against the wall. A figure stood right behind him and he could make out a grin across his slim face. Chad frantically looked for a way around the man.

“Come on Chad. All we want is some cooperation.” The man said, coming closer.

Chad now recognized the voice of the FBI agent, Kevin. His heart hammered in his chest. He had to escape!

“Why don’t you just come with me quietly and everything will be fine.” Kevin stepped closer and reached out.

Chad reacted quickly, lashing out with a foot and slamming it into Kevin’s groin. Kevin groaned in pain as he crumpled to the ground. Chad saw his chance and took off out the door. The ground was painful on his bare feet, but Chad didn’t care, he had to get away and fast! He couldn’t believe this was happening again.

He looked back to see if Kevin was following and ran smack into something! To his horror he saw the other agent, Gavin grinning wickedly at him. Chad tried to break free but Gavin had him by the arms, nearly twisting them out of their sockets. “We warned you Chad.” he growled. “Now you’re coming with us. We won’t hurt you, we promise.”

“Let me go!” Chad yelled, trying to break free.

“Quit struggling!” Gavin growled and he suddenly brought a fist into Chad’s stomach.

The air left his lungs and Chad crumpled to the ground, still being held by one arm. He couldn’t breath or yell for help. He saw Kevin stumbling out of the house.

“Thank goodness you caught him. Now let’s get out of here.”

Chad was yanked back to his feet and dragged behind Gavin as Kevin caught up to them. Chad saw the black Lincoln hidden behind some woods. They had come in the backway where no one could see them.

~~~~~~~~~

Tom had just finished calling for backup on his cell phone when he reached the road that led to Chad’s house. He floored the truck over the badly paved road and slammed on his breaks when he saw the partially hidden unmarked patrol car. With gun in hand, Tom quickly looked around before he made his way to the car. It was empty and the front door was open.

“Rob?” he called softly, praying that his friend was all right. When he heard the groan, his heart quickened. Running around the car he saw Rob laying on the grass, blood pouring from a gash on his head. “Rob!” Tom cried out alarmed and knelt by Rob’s barely moving body.

Rob tried to open his eyes, but blood had fallen into one and he was barely conscious. “Rob what happened? Oh god.” Tom muttered, putting a hand on his friend’s shoulder.

“Someone...ambushed me....Chad....” Rob stammered, but he groaned again in pain and grimaced.

Chad! It had to be those two men. “Wait here and don’t move, I’ll get help!” Tom said. He hated to leave his friend like this but Chad was in danger.

~~~~~~~~~

“I’d advise you follow our instructions or you might end up like you’re cop friend.” Kevin growled in his ear.

Cop friend? Had they done something to Tom? The fear was back in full force and he struggled with all of his might, his bare feet trying to brace himself and fight back against the two men. But they were twice his weight and Chad couldn’t break free. He was frantic with fear. Maybe someone would hear him if he yelled?

“Let me GO!” Chad screamed and fought violently. “HELP!”

Both men were surprised but fast to react. “Shut up you twerp,” Gavin growled and suddenly punched Chad in the face! The force sent Chad to the ground.

“Quit hitting him.” he heard Kevin shout. “We’ll never get any answers from him if you keep battering him like that.”

“Oh shut up. We don’t need answers from him, all we need is the tests. Now lets get moving.”

Chad tried to crawl away and get to his feet but they were faster and grabbed him viciously, yanking him back up.

“Freeze! POLICE!” a shout was heard. All three stopped to see Tom gun poised to fire standing a hundred feet away. Chad felt his whole body flood relief at seeing Tom standing there.

Kevin looked scared but Gavin reacted, quickly reaching behind him for a hidden gun. That’s when gunfire was heard and Gavin screamed in pain, falling to the ground as a bullet lodged itself in his shoulder.

Kevin immediately let go of Chad, who quickly ran toward Tom. Tom shoved the teen behind him and pointed his gun toward Kevin. “Now put your hands in the air and get on the ground with your partner. You are under arrest for the assault on a police officer and harassment of Sarah Winters and Chad Winters. Tom quickly handcuffed the two and stood over them. “I hope you rot in jail you sonofbitches.” he growled, meaning every word.

~~~~~~~~~

The next few hours flew by. Several cops arrived to take the two fake agents away an ambulance rushed Rob to the hospital. After everything was taken care of, Tom followed by Sarah and Chad went to the hospital to see Rob. Luckily the trauma to the head wasn’t serious and he would be released in a few days.

“I’m glad you got them Tom.” Rob said after Tom had told him the whole story the next morning. “Now maybe the little old town of Coran can get back to normal.”

“Well, I don’t think that will be happening in a long while.” Tom said, smiling. “We’ll be hearing the rumors and other news on the incident until we’re both retired. And if you keep up like that, you’ll end up retired before me.”

“I don’t think so,” Rob laughed.

Yet life did go on as normal. Maybe even a little better then normal. Chad was almost fully recovered and again playing basketball with his friends and teammates. Rob was back to work and had been promoted to Lieutenant. And Tom was happily going out with Sarah. A year later, they were married. Life couldn’t be better then this. Sometimes, though, Tom caught himself wondering what life would have been like if two boys hadn’t crossed that field one fall night. But he didn’t dwell on that thought for long. He was happy and soon the abduction came to be only a rumor. No, life couldn’t get any better.

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