parts 3, 4
J.D. fidgeted restlessly as he tried to listen to the smooth voice of Mark Perkins. "The point, my friends, in learning to be open and honest with each other and yourself, is to create an environment of peace and harmony. Yes, there will always be conflict, but with the right avenues to work though that conflict, the ultimate can be achieved. Our goal here at the center is to create a community in which this type of interaction is the norm. What begins with us reaches the world at large."
J.D. glanced at Casey as the professor droned on. She sat in rapt attention, jotting down notes and nodding in agreement with Perkins' statements. Inwardly he groaned and looked at his watch for the thousandth time. He felt so out of place here. 24 more hours of this stuff and they'd be on their way home. He couldn't believe he'd already spent two days here. It felt like an eternity. He looked at Casey again trying not to be jealous of the attention she was devoting to Perkins. She seemed to dote on his every word even between seminars and sessions. Everyone here did and it made J.D. question if there was something wrong with him. Maybe he just hadn't paid enough attention in his psychology courses to get into this.
J.D. looked up realizing that people were moving around. Perkins' assistants were helping put chairs in a large circle. "Oh hell," he whispered, another blasted session. He felt like he'd go insane if he had to listen to another person spill their life story in front of the group. Not to mention he was tired of hearing rich people whine. He'd never been among so many wealthy young college students in his life. Must be nice to be born with the proverbial silver spoon.
At moments during the last two days he'd wished for his gun. At least that way he could put himself out of his misery, maybe take a few of these folks with him.
"Come on J.D.," Casey grabbed his good hand pulling him towards the imposing circle. He let himself be led to a chair and smiled absently at the thin, dark haired man who sat next to him.
"Isn't this the most wonderful weekend?" The man's eyes seemed to shine brighter as he spoke.
"Sure," J.D. tried to politely shrug the man off, realizing he was the man who'd broke down in tears yesterday afternoon when Perkins had plied him with questions about his failed marriage and overbearing parents. J.D. had to admit the man looked like he felt better now, but didn't understand how.
Mark Perkins was walking around the circle now, patting a shoulder here and there. Getting people settled so he could begin. Casey looked at J.D. and smiled. `She does remember I'm here,' he thought, reaching for her hand. He intertwined his fingers with hers and squeezed lightly. She returned the affection before letting go and turning her attention back to Perkins. J.D. sighed. He could feel his heart beat speed up as Perkins began wandering around the circle talking softly. It was like a deranged game of duck duck goose to J.D. Perkins would circle them all and then place his hand on someone's shoulder asking them to sit in the lone chair in the center. J.D. held his breath every time praying this would not be his time. Perkins was getting closer to him and Casey and talking about the importance of honesty with the group repeating his theme, "What begins with us reaches the world at large." J.D. was so sick of that saying.
"J.D." He felt the hand on his shoulder and wished for the ground to open up and swallow him whole.
"You've been awfully quiet this weekend. I think it's time we learn a little more about you."
"I'd rather not." J.D. tried to be polite as his voice wavered.
"J.D.!" he felt Casey poke him, "come on." She looked shocked that he would even consider saying no.
"It would mean a lot to Casey I see," Perkins smiled down at him.
"I know, I just..." he paused looking at the floor. 'calm yourself Dunne,' he thought, 'you've handled worse situations than this before.'
"Don't you care about Casey?"
His head jerked up at the professor's question, anger flooding him. "Of course I do."
"Then show her you'll do anything for her," Perkins motioned to the center chair again.
"She knows I'd do anything for her," J.D.'s voice was sharp now. He didn't like being manipulated.
"Does She?"
Casey was watching him expectantly. He had no choice now, and he could taste his anger towards this man. Stiffly he rose from his chair and made his way to the lone chair in the middle of the circle. He felt the eyes of the world on him, even though there were only 30 some people here. His eyes locked with Perkins' as he took his seat.
"Thank you Mr. Dunne." Perkins' countenance seemed to relax. He was glad that J.D. was now complying. The older man could sense the walls surrounding this youngster and it intrigued him. Most of the people here he'd invited because of their interest in psychology, that and their wealth. Casey he'd invited because he thought her intelligence would be an asset to the project. This J.D., though, hadn't opened up enough to get a good read on yet. He smiled pleasantly at the dark haired boy and began.
"Tell me J.D. how did you break your arm?"
"Told you the other day, I had a motorcycle accident." J.D. wondered where this was going.
"What happened?"
"Brakes were cu...brakes failed," he amended mid-sentence, shrugging.
"Was it really an accident then?"
"Pardon?"
Perkins smiled faintly, "You started to tell us that your brakes were cut. Honesty J.D.," he reminded, "was this an intentional attack on you?"
"I guess," J.D. frowned.
"So, someone intentionally cut the brakes on your bike to cause you harm," Perkins moved a little closer, still remaining on the outside of the circle.
"That's what I said, yeah."
"How do you feel about the person who did this to you?" Perkins crossed his arms casually and waited.
"Didn't appreciate her," J.D. shifted trying to get comfortable in his chair. He didn't actually remember much about the accident itself, just the worry over Buck before hand, and the events that followed.
"Did you know this person?"
"Not personally," J.D. smiled, the professor wasn't doing a very good job of keeping his questions `open' like he'd lectured about the day before.
"Why the attack then?"
"Dunno," J.D. shrugged.
"Seems a little odd, don't you think, to attack someone in such a manner with no reason? What happened to this person? You obviously know who it is since you referred to 'her'." Perkins frowned wishing he had a background on this man. Sessions were so much easier with accurate backgrounds.
J.D. sighed again. "She's dead," he said calmly. There was a collective gasp around the room. Perkins looked startled but recovered quickly. Only Casey looked unsurprised by J.D.'s answer.
"How did she die?"
"She accidentally went over a cliff. Look what does this have to do with a stupid broken wrist?" J.D. had no more patience for this. To him Perkins was just being morbidly nosey.
"Well everything J.D," Perkins answered smoothly. "how do you feel about this woman now?"
"I don't," J.D. answered automatically.
"But you must. I mean were you able to confront her about what happened before her death?"
"No," J.D. answered flatly.
"J.D.!" Casey's voice was sharp and she sounded exasperated as she jumped into the conversation.
"She was stalking your boss and attacked you and the rest of the team just to get to him!"
J.D. glared at Casey. He didn't want to go into this here. Turning back Perkins he explained briefly,
"Look we tried to catch her. She ran, it was dark and she went over a cliff. End of story."
Alarm bells blared inside Perkins' head at the words team and catch. He swallowed and re-examined the young man in front of him. At most, he couldn't be any older then his mid twenties, though, he looked like a teenager.
"What do you do for a living J.D.?"
For some reason J.D. remembered a time right after he had moved in with Buck. Buck had been sharing different aspects of ATF work when he told J.D. "Never volunteer that you are ATF. Always stay as vague as possible. You never know, besides it never fails to add mystery and ladies love mystery."
"Law enforcement," he answered plainly.
Perkins saw his assistant tense, but ignored it and kept his voice calm as he replied. "I see, dangerous line of work. Must be a lot of feelings you have to work through everyday." There was no way this man could be undercover or he wouldn't have so freely given up the fact he worked in law enforcement. Even so, as soon as they broke for lunch he was going to start a thorough background check on this J.D. Dunne.
J.D. sat calmly as Perkins continued to ask him questions about the way he felt towards Kara. Seemed to J.D. that Perkins had even lost interest with the short answers J.D. continued to give. He was not about to open up to these people. Hell, he hadn't even told Buck how he felt about the whole thing, not yet. He wasn't ready yet.
Perkins passed his office as night fell on the peaceful campground. He pressed the phone to his ear and growled into it.
"I don't care what you do! I want to know everything there is to know about J.D. Dunne and I want to know now. Nothing is going to get in the way of this plan." He'd been intercepted at lunchtime by a very different phone call. A psychologist from the south was in the area doing some research for a book and wanted to come by the center in the morning to interview him. The thrill of seeing his name and theories described in print was more then he could resist. But talking to the man had made him unable to get the check on Dunne started until now. Frustrated by the delay he was now taking it out on his contact on the other end of the line.
"Listen Dan, tomorrow I'm informing these people they are not leaving the center. If there's trouble I'll deal with it, but until I get the ransom I'm demanding from each and every family no one is leaving this property." He slammed the receiver down and looked around the dim room. He'd worked to long and hard organizing this to have something like a kid playing cop ruin things for him now.
J.D. stood in front of the mirror towel drying his hair with a vengeance. "Thank God it's Tuesday," he whispered, tossing the towel over the provided rack, and looking around the small room for a shirt. Since yesterday afternoon's events in 'the session' he'd been counting down the minutes until he and Casey could take off. His thoughts wandered to Casey. There was something different about her this weekend. He hated the way she seemed to hang on every word the professor said. Half of it didn't even make sense to him.
"Should have paid more attention during psych," he muttered, shrugging on a flannel shirt. He couldn't wait to get back to work. His fingers ached to touch a keyboard. He would give anything for a little bit of technology right now. He'd even managed to lose his cell phone. J.D. ran his fingers through his damp hair and concentrated on where he'd last seen the phone. He could have sworn he left it in the car, but after searching it three times he still came up empty. A nagging thought pulled at his mind, and he wondered if it had been stolen. Instinctively, he reached for his wallet reassuring himself it was still in his back pocket. He could only imagine all the red tape involved in getting his I.D. replaced. A knock on the door made him jump. What was with him? This entire weekend he'd been feeling guarded and antsy.
Casey opened the door before he could answer her knock. "Morning handsome," she smiled and moved forward kissing him gently before beginning to button his shirt for him.
"I can button my own clothes, Case."
Casey stepped back, her eyes clouding, "I-I was just trying to help," she stammered.
J.D. sighed heavily and reached for her hands. "I'm sorry, really," he pulled her a step closer, "I didn't mean to bite your head off, I'm just tired I guess. I'm sorry." His eyes searched hers.
She nodded, but pulled her hands from his. "We need to get to breakfast," she sounded okay.
"We could always skip breakfast," J.D. grinned playfully and tipped his head to the side pouting slightly. Casey frowned and moved further away from him resting her hands on her hips in defiance.
"You know J.D. that's just plain manipulative. If you can't respect me enough to ask me for something straight out, then don't bother to ask at all!" Her last words were shouted, as she spun on her heels and slammed out the door.
J.D. stood there, his shirt hanging half-buttoned, hair askew, and mouth open in shock. "I was only teasing." he whispered softly, staring at the closed doors. Finally he shook off his confusion, clumsily pulled on his boots and buttoned his shirt. Grabbing his coat he headed out after her.
Chris shifted and adjusted his position in the tree careful not to jostle around too much. All he needed now was to lose his balance and fall twenty feet to the cold ground. Shivering slightly, he pulled his hunting jacket tighter around him. He balanced his rifle across his lap and peered through his high-powered binoculars. He scowled as he watched the retreat center begin to come alive. He hated being this far away, but if they set up any closer, it would be too suspicious. He was already worried about their camp drawing too much attention. Five guys out for a week of hunting didn't seem too unusual, but he was sure Perkins would question everything.
Chris glanced over at Buck and Josiah perched in a fairly elaborate tree stand.
"Serious hunters," Buck grinned and struck a pose for him. Chris just smiled and adjusted his ear piece. "Everything working?"
"Just right. Everybody hear me okay?"
Nathan and Vin replied through the radios, letting Buck know the equipment was working fine. They were in separate trees, off to Chris' left. Though the team was well above the Retreat Center, they still needed to be in the trees for a better view into the place.
"You okay Josiah?" Chris hadn't wanted the agent to join them on a stake out so soon after returning to work, but he'd insisted arguing, "If Buck can go with his mouth full of tin and his cans of slim fast then I can go sit in a tree."
"I'm fine," The older man assured.
Chris shifted uneasily again reaching for the binoculars. There was another team on the other side of the retreat he could hear Josiah conferring with. They were further away though. Damn he wished he could get closer.
"You can hear Ezra?" He checked with Buck.
"Oh yeah, where does the man come up with this stuff?"
"God only knows," Nathan's voice was tinged with amusement.
The five of them could communicate together, but only Buck and Josiah could hear Ezra. Chris focused on the retreat and waited. There was no telling how long this was going to take. He thought he spotted Casey making her way across the camp and focused in on her. He couldn't see her expression, but could read that body language anywhere. Sure enough there was J.D. running after her. Chris smiled. At least some things were normal. Those two were always bickering about something. He watched the other retreat members as many made their way to one building.
"Must be breakfast," Buck commented.
Chris watched stoically, hoping that Ezra could find Perkins' true motives quickly and that J.D. and Casey wouldn't blow his cover on sight.
Ezra watched, as Perkins scanned the resume and book summary he'd been given. The undercover agent had no doubt the work was believable but his thoughts were distracted. 'Focus,' he told himself, 'you'll handle seeing J.D. and Casey when the time comes.' He just hoped he wasn't too late.
"Impressive," Perkins' voice brought him into focus quickly. Ezra merely nodded. "What brings you to me?"
Ezra flashed a charming smile. "Well I've heard of your counseling techniques and wanted a chance to observe them before I tried to write about them," He leaned forward letting his voice fill with excitement, "I'm anticipating seeing how the group counseling and your combined questioning, effect the interpersonal process and social behaviors of those in the group. "
Perkins was nodding, "It is a very interesting process as you will soon see." He laid the papers on his desk and smiled broadly. "Let's head over to the cafeteria for breakfast. I'll introduce you to the group and you can get to know them some before the morning session."
"Sounds delightful."
Perkins stood and came around the desk as he put his coat on. "Your resume says you received your doctorate at the University of Georgia. Are you originally from that area?"
Ezra stood and gracefully slipped into a long black overcoat as he answered, "From Atlanta, yes."
"Bet you love this weather." The professor opened the door of the cabin letting the cold air blast in on them.
"No sir, I rather prefer a Georgia winter to this." Ezra smiled genuinely at the truth in his statement, pulled his collar up around his neck, and followed the professor out into the cold. There were only five buildings on the small retreat grounds. Ezra took mental notes as they walked. The main lodge, a second smaller lodge, the cabin they had just come from, and two other medium sized buildings set up parallel to the first three. He assumed the one they were heading for was the cafeteria.
"Casey wait!" J.D.'s voice caught his attention and he looked over to see the younger agent just catching up to a very displeased looking Casey.
"Oh dear," Ezra whispered under his breath. As they drew closer to the couple he could hear J.D. apologizing and explaining. Casey appeared to be listening and softening, as J.D. spoke. Ezra smiled. No one could stay mad at J.D. for long. Casey hugged J.D. as Perkins stopped beside them. Ezra held his breath.
"Casey, J.D. " Perkins enjoyed his timing. "I'd like you to meet Dr. Ezra Harrington."
J.D. turned, again frustrated with the professor and looked up at the stranger he had no desire to meet. As his eyes met Ezra's his heart began to race. He heard Casey start to speak, but tightened his grasp on her arm and rushed in before she could say anything.
"Nice to meet you Dr�Harrington was it? I'm J.D. Dunne and this is my girl friend Casey Wells." he extended his hand to shake Ezra's.
The southerner smiled. "My pleasure," he squeezed J.D.'s hand tightly and nodded once in greeting.
Then he turned to Casey, "Truly my pleasure indeed." He took her gloved hand and kissed the back of it winking at her before letting go.
"Dr. Harrington is writing a book and is here to observe how we do things," Perkins spoke again, oblivious to anything going on between the three. "Casey here is a student of mine."
"Nice to meet you," Casey found her voice finally. Ezra could see her confusion and tried to smile reassuringly.
"We'll see you inside," J.D. motioned toward the building in front of them. He held Casey back as Ezra and Perkins proceeded into the cafeteria.
"What is going on?" Casey's eyes were large as she turned to him.
"I don't know Casey, but Ezra's obviously undercover. No matter what we do we can't let on we know him."
Casey nodded. "I get that, but J.D why? Why would Ezra be here??"
"I don't know," he shrugged, "maybe Professor Perkins is under investigation for some reason."
"No." Casey was emphatic, "Professor Perkins would never do anything against the law." She shook her head.
"Casey, this guy is weird, he's manipulative...and�"
"You just don't like him!" Casey protested.
"Casey," J.D. reached for her with his good hand, his fingers catching her neck, his thumb on her cheek. Gently he pulled her closer tilting her head up to look at him. "You're right, I don't like him. I don't know why, I just don't. But what matters now is taking our cues from Ezra. You have to trust me on this, please?" his voice had fallen to a whisper.
Shivering Casey nodded and let herself be pulled into a hug. She didn't want to believe the nagging doubts that maybe J.D. was right about Professor Perkins, but J.D. was good at his job and right now for her own safety as well as his and Ezra's she had to trust him.
Part 4
Leaning forward against the rough tree bark Chris held his breath, as he watched the interactions between Ezra, Perkins, J.D. and Casey. As soon as Perkins and Ezra moved on, he looked over at Buck. "What happened?"
Buck was smiled, "The kids kept Ez's cover."
Chris let out a huge sigh of relief.
"You're sure?" Vin asked.
"From the conversation yes. As far as looks, and non-verbals, I have no idea. Perkins seemed oblivious."
"Yeah, but he has a Doctorate in Psychology," Nathan said calmly, "Most likely he can read non-verbals pretty well."
"Let's hope he's too distracted with impressing Ezra," Chris answered, but his own doubts came flooding back chasing away any relief he might have felt. "Josiah, how's the research coming on the people inside?" He hated feeling helpless, and sitting in a tree all day was not his way of getting things done.
"Not much so far, but I just got the records from team 5 sorted so I can get through them easier. Could use J.D.'s expertise here about now." Josiah fiddled with the laptop, his big fingers searching for the right keys. He was capable, but J.D. was faster.
"Keep at it," Chris said simply, as he swung his leg over the branch and began to carefully climb down.
"Going somewhere?" Vin asked watching him.
"Legs are falling asleep, need to move around a little," Chris explained, as he climbed. He jumped the remaining five feet to the ground landing with a crunch on the snow-dusted leaves. He stood to his full height and stretched, all the while keeping his eyes on the retreat center.
"Anything from Team 6," he asked Buck, as he made his way over to the tree stand.
"Nope they're sitting pretty, reporting in every half hour. Seems not much is happening right now."
Chris nodded knowingly. Right now they were just waiting for Ezra to find out something or for Perkins to make his move. A low whistle from Josiah caught his attention. "What?" he asked scaling the tree until his head was just above level with the stand floor. His gaze intent on Josiah.
"Seems our man Perkins has a little more on his agenda then the perfect community." Josiah pointed at the laptop adjusting the screen so Chris could get a view of it. "About everybody he has in there is from a wealthy family."
"How wealthy?" Chris asked squinting at the figures on the screen. "Millions."
"Ransom," Chris growled the word. "Start checking to see if any demands have been made yet. Get team 6 on it too." He climbed down quickly and leaned against the tree, trying to collect his thoughts.
From what Daring's team had dug up, Perkins had a stash of weapons inside. Chris swore under his breath. The man wasn't out to defend his ideal community, the guns were to keep the hostages in line and police at bay. Ezra and J.D. were in the impossible position of trying to prevent a standoff.
Strolling casually across the grounds Ezra inconspicuously followed J.D. and Casey into the main lodge. He'd met various retreat goers, and sat through the morning session, taking detailed notes. It still amazed him how dutifully these people allowed themselves to be lead by Perkins. He'd watched as Perkins questioned a young woman, zeroing in immediately on her weakness, guilt.
Then he broke through her defenses by using it against her, pure manipulation. Ezra smiled wryly at the thought of his mother and Perkins locked in a room together. He watched, as Casey went into one room and J.D., the next. There was a 15-minute break before lunch and though Ezra knew he was taking a huge chance following the two, he had to get J.D. updated on the case and get his help. He looked around to make sure he wasn't being followed himself then knocked once on J.D.'s door before letting himself in.
J.D. was expecting him. "What's going on Ezra?" he asked keeping his voice low as Ezra closed the door behind him.
"For starters Perkins plans on keeping everyone here indefinitely," the older agent began.
"You mean we're hostages?"
"It appears that way. As of yet, we are unsure of his motives, but for a man bent on establishing an ideal community, he has a rather overcompensating collection of illegal firearms stashed away on the premises." Ezra moved further into the room shaking his head at the disarray. Sweeping a pair of jeans off the only chair, he sat down and motioned for J.D. to sit on the bed.
"I've counted 35 including us and the children, ten of that number are retreat staff, so it's possible they are tightly aligned with Perkins in this whole thing. Have you revealed your occupation to anyone here?"
J.D. shook his head, "Not exactly."
"What do you mean?" Concern filled Ezra.
"Well Perkins got me in that session thing and grilled me. All I said was I was in law enforcement, why?"
"Team 5 had a man inside, Perkins found him out, and suffice it to say he's alive, but barely. They found him in the woods tied to a tree. He'd been left there overnight."
"Geez. I knew there was something weird about Perkins."
"I'm going to need your help to find out what all is going on. Can you get into Perkins' office?"
"Yeah, no problem," J.D. nodded.
"Find out anything you can about what they are really up to here and watch your back. I've noticed a few of the staff don't appear to be happy campers."
"What do I tell Casey?" J.D. met Ezra's gaze, "She doesn't want to believe that Perkins is�"
"Not the man she thought he was?" Ezra finished for him, as he rose from the chair.
J.D. nodded again, brushing his hair out of his eyes.
"She'll be okay. I'll try to pull her aside and talk to her a little. You just concentrate on getting us some information to work with," he looked at his watch, "Lunch is in ten, so hurry, don't be too late or you'll draw more attention to yourself."
"What about the others? Are they coming in or nearby?"
"The team?" Ezra smiled, "Listening to our every word my friend."
J.D. glanced over his shoulder once before heading around the back of the main lodge. He could see the perimeter fence only a few feet from him and looked up into the woods a minute, wondering if Chris and the others could see him. He made his way quickly along the buildings, until coming to the third one and approached it carefully. His heart raced as he ducked beneath a window straining to hear the voices inside.
"All the demands have been put through," A deep voice was saying, "one million each for everyone except, the Wells girl, Dunne and Harrington."
"They don't matter, they're just along as extras, if I need them. Can't go killing the ones that are worth something and yet you never know when your hand will be forced." J.D.'s eyes widened, as he recognized the second voice as that as Perkins. "Has Dan called yet with the report on Dunne?"
"Not yet, but I've been on the phone a lot."
"Keep off it, I want that report as soon as possible. I don't like that kid."
"You think we'll have trouble with the cops?"
"Not right away. I brought everyone up here personally except Casey and Harrington. I made it perfectly clear to both of them, that I want this place to stay a private retreat. I know Casey wouldn't tell anyone where she was going and I doubt Harrington has anyone in town to tell, since he's just visiting the area. It'll take awhile for any cops to find us, and by that time we can be on our way. You took Dunne's phone right?"
"Yeah. No calls have gone out of here since Friday that haven't been made by you or me."
"Good, we better get over to the cafeteria an make the announcement that everybody will be staying a little longer then planned."
"Think there'll be trouble?"
"Nothing we can't handle."
J.D. listened, as the two men exited the cabin and then waited just a minute before running around to the front door. It was locked and he didn't have time to pick it. He'd heard enough to fill Ezra in on Perkins true motives. Frowning he walked toward the cafeteria himself. How were he and Ezra going to get 23 other hostages out of here without putting the others in more danger then they were in already? He glanced up into the woods again then hurried into the building.
Ezra watched as Perkins and his assistant came into the dining hall. He glanced across the table to Casey and smiled reassuringly. He'd been able to talk with her for a moment, but he could still see the doubt and confusion, as she tried to process the information about Perkins. They engaged in small talk now, focusing on general things, like her college courses and his book ideas. Casey picked at her plate of salad and looked anxiously towards the door for signs of J.D. She was rewarded on her fourth glance, as he calmly entered. Nonchalantly he flashed her a smile and made his way along the line scooping up a lunch plate for himself. Grabbing a single serving carton of milk, J.D. balanced his tray carefully as he weaved his way through the other tables.
"Dr. Harrington," he nodded to Ezra, as he set his tray next to Casey's. Ezra started to return a greeting, but before he could speak Perkins was calling for everyone's attention.
J.D.'s eyes met Ezra's and he quickly mouthed the word "ransom." Ezra's only acknowledgment was a raised eyebrow, as he turned to face Perkins.
"Ladies and gentlemen, I apologize for interrupting your meal, but I wanted to express my gratitude for such a wonderful week," he scanned the room as he spoke, "Now I know that some of you have been here a full week while others only made it for the weekend. I feel we've achieved so much as a group, that I hate to see it end. I've decided to extend the seminar for another three days, and I'm asking all of you to stay."
J.D. felt Casey tense beside him and he reached for her hand. Several others were murmuring to each other, most more concerned about missing classes than anything.
"Now," Perkins raised his voice slightly to be heard over the others, "I've checked your paperwork and have been able to get you students excused from university classes. Those of you worried about your jobs can provide me with the appropriate phone numbers, and I'll take care of that as well."
"How convenient," J.D. muttered under his breath.
"As far as our schedule goes, we'll keep the same one we've been having." As he spoke Perkins moved to stand behind one of the families, his hand resting on the shoulder of a brown-eyed little girl. "Any questions?" he looked around the now quiet room, "Good, see you in the afternoon session then." With a smile that looked almost menacing, he patted the girl on the head and moved to get his own lunch.
Ezra turned back to J.D. and Casey, "This is where it begins to get interesting I imagine," he whispered softly.
"W-what exactly does this mean?" Casey stammered a little trying not to look over at her Professor.
"He's making ransom demands for everybody," J.D. filled Ezra in between bites, in an attempt keep the conversation looking casual, "asking one million each."
Casey gasped and reached for her water. "But_"
Seeing her worry, J.D. interrupted her, "Oh not us, unfortunately we're along cause we're expendable, if needed."
"That is quite an amazing theory," Ezra intoned normally, catching Perkins looking their way, "How exactly did you become interested in Psychology?" he asked Casey.
"Ah well_" Casey followed his lead and answered honestly trying to keep her voice steady.
"It's official," Buck turned a serious look to Chris who was pacing below him, "Perkins just told everybody they're staying for a few more days and J.D. confirmed the ransom demands," he continued as Chris and the others stopped what they were doing to listen to him, "Perkins is asking for a million each."
"For each?" Vin sounded shocked at the amount. Josiah nodded. "Daring just called in, ransom calls have been made. The FBI will be joining us shortly."
"Wonderful," Chris frowned. "What about Ezra, J.D. and Casey? He asking for ransom for them too?" He didn't like the angry look in Buck's eyes as his friend shook his head.
"Not according to what J.D. told Ezra. Perkins considers them expendable."
"Their cover been blown?" Nathan asked, climbing down from the tree he was occupying.
"Doesn't sound like it."
"Then why are they expendable?" Nathan stopped next to Chris and readjusted his cap as he looked up at Buck, but the answer came from Chris.
"He planned it that way, with J.D. and Casey anyway."
"Damn," Buck swore under his breath.
"What do we do now?" Vin asked joining the others by the tree stand. Chris closed his eyes for a minute trying to think, ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
"What's the mood on the inside Buck? Any body making waves about staying longer?"
"Not really, some murmuring and surprise I think, but no big protests."
Josiah rubbed his beard thoughtfully. "Let's hope that's a good sign."
"For now, at least until they find out they're hostages." Chris looked toward the campground again.
"Keep monitoring Ezra closely. Wish we could talk to him, as much as I want to get in there and get them out we have no idea what Perkins is willing to do, but we know he has the fire power to do about anything. Josiah Keep me updated on the FBI movements. God knows what Perkins will do when they show up. "
Pausing a moment to warm himself in front of the large stone fireplace, Ezra listened to Perkins describe the grounds to him. They had just finished a short tour of the retreat center and were about to head back to the dining hall that doubled as their pavilion for counseling sessions and Perkins' seminars.
"Thank you for indulging my curiosity with a grand tour." Ezra rubbed his hands together in an attempt to get his blood circulating again. He hated the cold.
"No problem at all. I'm quite proud of the place," Perkins admitted.
Ezra smiled knowingly. "I noticed we missed one building, the one adjacent to the dining hall?" He wasn't positive he should bring the overlooked building up, but wanted to confirm his suspicions that it was where Perkins had his weapons stashed.
"Oh that's just a glorified supply shed," Perkins answered smoothly, "we keep our extras there. A jeep for when snow hits, extra food staples, a few medical supplies in case of emergencies, that kind of thing. Shall we venture back for the session."
"By all means." Ezra pasted another false, but convincing smile on his face and let Perkins lead the way. He was getting tired of acting thrilled by every word this fraud said.
The dining hall had been rearranged again. Tables pushed to the side while the metal chairs were put in a large circle. Ezra took a seat on the opposite side of the circle from J.D. and Casey, doing his best to converse and mix with the others. He noticed the few small children being led into a side room. He checked on J.D. and Casey, Casey appeared somewhat nervous. He hoped she would be okay through this. Perkins was about to join them when his assistant rushed in, a piece of paper in one hand. Ezra had been introduced to the surly looking man named Justin when he'd first met Perkins. Justin looked agitated now, as he whispered loudly to Perkins.
Perkins' head snapped up at Justin's whispers. "What?" his voice was harsh and angry. He glanced quickly at J.D. then at the paper Justin held. He addressed the group with a strained smile.
"I'll be with you in a moment," he said as he pulled Justin a few steps further away from them. He angrily grabbed the paper from the larger man. "How the hell did you let an ATF agent back in here?"
Perkins ignored the fact that he was the one who had invited Casey and her boyfriend. The boy couldn't be undercover. No agent would be stupid enough to even admit they were in law enforcement while undercover, but how could this be a coincidence? Another member of his staff entered looking upset.
"What is it now Seth?" Perkins growled.
"The ATF and FBI are here, setting up outside the grounds."
"What? This cannot be happening. How did they find this place so soon?" He looked at Justin. "I thought I told you to get rid of that other agent," he could feel a tension headache starting.
"I did boss, left him in the woods just like you said," Justin omitted the anonymous phone call he had made the next morning.
"Had to be Dunne then," he looked at the men in front of him then smiled slowly.
"You get everyone together and pass out weapons. Setup guards around the perimeter. If the FBI or ATF tries to make contact, you tell them we're not talking to anybody until we see some money. If we don't see some cash within an hour, I'm going to lose patience," he surveyed the circle of people, his gaze settling on J.D., "and that ," he emphasized waving the fax in his hand, "will not be good for Agent Dunne."