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The Escape
By Sleuth
Danny's car pulled up at Michele's house at midnight. He raced to the door and pounded with his
fist. The house was dark. A light came on in the kitchen and Rick answered the door. He
obviously had been awakened from a deep sleep.
"What the hell.. Danny what is the problem.. why are you here now.. Michelle is sleeping."
Danny pushed passed Rick and said he had to see Michelle now. It was urgent.
Abby came into the kitchen and stared at Danny. He looked as though he had been in a fight and
there was blood on his sleeve.
Michelle came downstairs and joined Rick and Abby.
"What is going on? Is everything all right, what is Danny doing here? "
"Get dressed Michelle, now. I need you to talk to you privately.. please don't ask questions.
There isn't time" , Danny said . His voice was tight and he was obviously upset.
Michelle dashed upstairs , threw on a pair of jeans and top. She came down and Abby was trying
to make some tea over Danny's objections.
" Please Abby, I just need to talk to Michelle, you and Rick go back to bed. I don't mean to be
rude, honestly.. I just need Michelle, I mean I need to talk to her ",he paused, "alone"
Abby and Rick left the room after being assured by Michelle that it was O.K.
"Danny what is this all about, why is there blood on your jacket?"
" O.K. ,, sit down for a second. I need you to make a decision fast, Michelle. Someone killed
Dietz tonight. Left him in the driveway outside the house. It was a clear message. My mother has
gone. I don't know where she went. We are all in danger. I need you to come with me. I am
going to the boarding house and get Pilar. I had to stop and ask if you would go with me. Will
you?"
Michelle sat there stunned.
"I don't understand Danny, where are you going.. ? Where would we go? Maybe I should call
Frank.. maybe he can help us."
"Damn, Michelle .. don't you get it. There is a war going on. I cannot stay. Pilar is in danger at
this very moment.. I cannot sit here and debate this with you.. please I beg you .. make a
decision.. come with me."
Michelle looked into his eyes.. he was terrified.. she had never seen him like this. Always so self
assured. Always the protector. Suddenly it was her turn.
"O.K. Danny, yes.. I will go with you. Go and get Pilar and then come back . I will be outside
waiting. I love you Danny and I want to be with you where ever that might be. I will be waiting.
Hurry and get Pilar"
Danny grabbed her and kissed her.
"I will be back in ten minutes..God how I love you"
Michelle ran upstairs, threw her clothes in a suitcase. She wrote a letter to Rick and told him
she would be in touch. Not to worry about her. She would tell him more later. Please don't tell
anyone about tonight.. she wrote.. for everyone's safety.
Pilar was lying on her bed reading a novel. Wiping tears from her eyes.. The hero had saved
Claudette.. how sad she thought. Claudette was going to die of a fatal disease anyway. But
Geoffrey had saved her from the fire.
There was a knock on the door and she got up and unlocked it. Standing before her was a man
she had never seen.
"Are you Pilar Santos?" he asked.
"Yes , who are you?"
" I am a friend of the family. I would like you to come with me please ."
Suddenly Danny appeared behind him and Pilar started to say hello. Danny motioned for her to
be quiet. He hit the man over the head with butt on his gun. The man fell to the floor.
"Danny what are you doing? Who is that man and why did you hit him?
Danny grabbed her arm and said "Come with me now Pilar.. it is a matter of life and death and
I am not kidding around here.. come on , now"
Pilar was frightened she had never seen Danny like this..
"What about Bill what I am I supposed to , I mean my job and .."
Danny shook his head. "these women would be the death of him , literally" he thought.
Pilar grabbed her purse and they quickly ran downstairs to the car.
Once in the car he explained to Pilar what was happening. She started to cry.
" Where is Mama? Did they kill her.. Oh God . this is a nightmare, Danny."
They pulled up in front of Michelle's house and she was waiting with a small suitcase in her
hand.
She jumped in the back seat and she could see that Pilar was crying.
"Pilar, don't worry please.. We can contact people once we are away and safe. I know Danny
will make sure we are safe. Won't you Danny?" She was leaning forward and stroking Pilar's
back.
Pilar complained that Danny hadn't even let her gather her things, that she had not been able to
even tell Bill. He would be .....angry and upset ,she complained.
Danny kept shaking his head.
" Listen , both of you, this situation is really serious. We may have to drive all night. I suggest
that you try to get some sleep and then we can switch driving.. it is going to me be a long night..
get some rest."
Michelle continued trying to comfort Pilar, who was really sobbing now..
"This is so unfair. Who was that man at my door, Danny? Where is Mama? Bill will hate me,
my life was just starting here. Bill and I were just starting.. damn this family.. damn"
Michelle continued to try and appease Pilar.. telling her that everything would work out. Bill
would understand. He might be hurt and worried at first. Soon they would be able to call him and
explain.
"Can we, Danny.. is that right.. ?" Pilar begged
"Tell her Danny." Michelle pleaded.
Danny glanced at his sister. Her eyes were wet with tears. She looked at him with such despair
that Danny felt sick.
"Your right, Pilar.. damn this family.. damn Mama.. O.K. we will call Bill in the morning. You
can explain. We just can't tell him where we are .. it would put him in danger .. o.k.?"
Pilar took a deep breath and stopped crying for the moment. She was in shock, and felt cold.
"Danny, please turn on the heat, I am freezing"
Danny struggled to take off his coat. He handed it to Pilar.
"Here, put this on ,Peanut.. try to get some sleep.. "
He turned on the heater in the car..
Michelle lay down in the back sleep and tried to get some sleep.
After a few minutes both she and Pilar were breathing steadily and Danny knew they were both
sound asleep.
After a few hours Michelle tapped him on the shoulder.
"Danny," she whispered, do you want me to drive for a while. I think you need some sleep too"
Danny agreed and pulled off so they could change drivers
Pilar continued to sleep.
Danny lay down in the back seat. He was asleep within 5 minutes.
About 4 hours later Danny awoke and groaned.
"How did you ever sleep back here Michelle, my back is broken. ..I think we can stop and get
some coffee ,O.K.?"
Michelle nodded and they saw a cafe up ahead.
"Let's stop there, we can get coffee and let Pilar sleep if she can. "
Pilar opened her eyes and said" You're not leaving me in here, I want coffee too"
"O.K.", Danny laughed.
While Michelle and Pilar went to freshen up Danny ordered breakfast for all of them and went to
look for a paper.
He hurriedly looked through the whole paper searching for any information. Nothing. Even
though they were in the next state he had hoped that maybe there would be a clue as to where
his mother may have gone.
Michelle and Pilar came back to the table and soon their breakfast's arrived. Michelle had
claimed she wasn't hungry but suddenly found that she was starving. The coffee tasted wonderful
and she almost felt normal again.
Danny explained that they should be able to stop for the night around 4 or 5. They were headed
for California and had at least 3 more days on the road.
At 5:00pm they stopped at a motel.
Michelle said" Danny is this the best place to stop , it looks like the Bates motel? "
Danny explained that it was safer than staying at some big hotel.
Michelle and Pilar grumbled but they were just happy to see a bed.
Danny asked Pilar if she would feel safer staying in the same room. Pilar said she was looking
forward to a room of her own. " Just give me a hot bath and bed, that is all I want"
Danny and Michelle went to their room and admonishing Pilar to lock her door and not to answer
her door under any circumstances.
Once in the room, Michelle asked Danny" What is really happening. Why California?"
" "It was the best place I could think of, was there somewhere else you think might be better
Michelle? Danny continued," I don't know that California is any safer than Arizona or New
Mexico.. I just felt it was far enough away with enough remote areas that we might be able to
figure out what was going on"
"Danny, I don't care where we are, as long as I know we are together and safe"
Michelle held him in her arms and he kissed her neck and mouth.
"Well, alone at last" he laughed.
The next morning Danny prepared the car and Pilar and Michelle tried to pull themselves
together. Michelle and Danny had talked late into the night hoping they could make some sense
of what had happened. Danny decided that his mother had been thinking only of herself as usual
and had taken off for parts unknown. There really was no one that she could trust. Poor
Grandma Santos , he was sure had been shipped off somewhere without any explanation.
Meanwhile back in Springfield the headlines screamed of the missing Santos family. The
explosion at the Santos home . The police were investigating but so far had no clue as to the
whereabouts of the Santos family. They had not ruled out foul play, the police chief said.
Bill Lewis was frantic.. he looked everywhere for Pilar. She was not at work or in her room. He
was walking through Company on his way out the door when Buzz called him over.
"Bill there is a phone call for you, take on the phone by the register." Buzz looked after him
with a puzzled expression. He wondered why Bill looked so upset.
"Bill, this is Pilar.. don't say my name .. o.k. just listen.. I can't talk long. I am with Danny and
Michelle.. we are all o.k. and I can't say where we are. Danny says we are all in danger. I am
sorry.. I wish I could be with you.. I wish I could explain.
All the while she was talking.. Bill just looked shocked and didn't know if this was a joke or real.
"O.K.. uh.. when can I see you again.. when will you call me again." Bill tried to sound calm.
He wasn't , his heart was beating so hard he could swear it was heard across the room.
"O.K... I will try to call in a couple of days.. please don't tell anyone that I called..please Bill"
Bill put the phone away from his ear for a second and took a deep breath.
" Pil.. I mean O.K. call me then. I will wait for your call .. I love you.. I do "
Pilar was crying now and Danny was motioning for her to get off the phone..
"I love you too, Bill, bye"
Bill hung up the phone. Buzz walked over to him and said, " Bill, your as pale as a ghost. What's
up. Your mother all right?"
Bill tried to compose himself and muttered" Everything is O.K. Buzz , really"
Bill walked away , " I just want to get upstairs and think," he hurried to his room.
Pilar continued to complain about her family well into the next state. She hated her mother,
everyone was destroying her life and finally Danny had enough.
" O.K. Pilar, we get it ,all right.. we know that you think everything is against you. Let it go.
We are where we are.. we can't change any of it now. Just stop making it worse .. O.K.? "
Michelle turned to him and said" Danny , don't be so hard on her. We have had a year of this..
Pilar is new at it .. you know?"
Now Pilar was sobbing and saying she would never see Bill again.
Danny pulled the car off the road.
" Pilar, when we are safe, he paused...... when I know we are safe.. you can tell Bill where you
are and he can join you if he wants. Just let's get through this without anymore hysterics"
Part 2
When they finally entered the state of New Mexico Danny asked if they should stay put for a
couple of days. Maybe find a small town that they could gather their collective thoughts. It had
been a couple of days now and there may be some news in Springfield.
Pilar wanted to call Bill and see if he heard anything. Danny said "Not yet, we have to wait a few
more days. Just be patient a little longer, Peanut. I know that you want to speak with Bill .If it
were me and Michelle was back in Springfield , I would be going crazy. Let's get settled first.. "
They drove into the a diner near the edge of town. Danny wanted to buy a paper. The lights on
the Diner were burned out and so it spelled Bl ----- L----- Diner.
The Blue Light Diner was almost empty. There was only one car in the parking lot. Danny
decided it was probably the safest place to get a paper and find out how far it was to the next
town.
Danny left the car and told Pilar and Michelle to stay put. He would find a motel shortly and they
could get something to eat then.
He walked into the Diner and Pilar and Michelle waited, and waited and waited. It had been
almost 20 minutes and he had not returned.
Michelle turned to look at Pilar in the back seat. She appeared to be sleeping. Michelle could
not stand it any longer. She had to see where Danny was.
She left the car and entered the Diner.
There was one customer sitting at the counter. The old man behind the counter was leaning
against it talking to the patron in whispers.
Michelle said " Excuse me, my husband came in here and I was wondering if he was ill or
something. Is he in the men's room?,"she asked
The old man wiped his nose with a napkin and stared at her for a moment.
"No one came in here girlie" he smiled a toothless smile.
" Yes, about 20 minutes ago, could someone just check the men's room, please. He may be sick
or something?" Michelle was beginning to feel panicked. Where could he be. These men were
not helpful at all and they seemed very strange.
The door to the Diner opened and a man in a uniform entered.
"Hi, Buck, got any coffee left?".. he asked
Michelle stared at him and noticed he was wearing a badge.
"Excuse me , are you a police officer?" Michelle queried
"Sure am , little lady, what can I do for you?" he smiled
Well at least he has all his teeth ,Michelle thought.
"My husband came in her about 20 minutes ago, just to get a paper and I asked these gentlemen
to check the men's room.. to see if he was sick or something. Could you please check?"
The sheriff looked at her and then he strode to the back of the Diner. The owner and the man at
the counter continued to whisper and look out the window.
A few minutes later the Sheriff returned.
"Sorry Miss, there isn't anyone in there," he said shaking his head
Michelle noticed the looks exchanged between the owner and the man at the counter. They both
turned and stared at her.
Now Michelle was terrified. What could she do? She ran from the Diner back to the car and told
Pilar that Danny was missing. What were they going to do now. Danny had left the keys in the
car. Unfortunately , he had the money. Michelle had only her check book .She was afraid to cash
any checks for fear they could be traced.
"Pilar , how much money do you have with you?"
Pilar looked in her purse and took out a wad of bills.
She counted it slowly and tears were pouring from her eyes.
"About 40 dollars ", she said through her tears
"All right you stay in the car. I am going around to the back of the diner. Maybe he is back
there.. I don't know what to do.. Pilar.. do you have any ideas?"
"Michelle, those men must have done something with him. He has to be around here
somewhere" she continued to cry.
Michelle went to the back of the diner. She saw a huge dumpster filled to capacity and broken
bottles scattered around what used to be a parking lot. She walked carefully the perimeter of the
lot. She could not see a trace of Danny. Then she noticed something black lying on the ground.
She bent down and picked it up. It was a black button. It looked like the button on Danny's
leather jacket. She decided then and there that she and Pilar must leave.
End of part 2
Danny awoke with throbbing headache. He looked around the room and tried to remember
where he was.
The room was decorated in pastels, southwestern style. He was lying on a large bed. The
headboard was carefully carved with a huge crest in the middle. He recognized it immediately it
was the Santos family crest. His mother had told him long ago about the Santos family. He didn't
believe that they were related to anyone like that, but she insisted that they were.
The door opened and Carmen came into the room carrying a tray of food.
"Daniel , I see you are awake," she smiled.
"Mother, what have you done with Michelle and Pilar," Danny asked
"Pilar, what do you mean Daniel. Pilar?"
Carmen looked frightened. Surely Pilar was safe, she had sent Andy for her. She looked
confused and said" Danny don't worry about Pilar, she is safe I am sure"
"Mother if you have harmed Michelle, I will kill you myself.. do you understand me"
Carmen laughed.. " I am sure she is still sitting in front of the diner waiting for you to come
out. As for Pilar , I am sure she on her way back to Spain. "
Danny spoke very quietly and slowly.
"Mother , I left Michelle and Pilar out side the diner in the car. Did you do something to
Michelle?. I want you to tell me or your life is over now. If I have to strangle you with my bare
hands.. it will be over. Do you understand and believe me? Because I have had enough of your
games."
Carmen struggled to regain her composure. What did he mean Pilar was with Michelle, what
happened at the boarding house?
"Danny, nothing has happened to Michelle.. she is still at that diner I suppose. You have to
think of the family now.. we are all in danger"
"Is this another one of your lies , mother? Did you kill Dietz to try and gain control again.
When are you going to get it through your thick head that your children hate you, huh? "
Carmen begged Danny to stop saying these things to her. She was weeping and trying to touch
him. He pushed her away again, as he had so many times before.
Meanwhile, Pilar and Michelle drove on to the next small town. Pilar called Bill and told him
where she was.
Bill said that he would gather together what money he could and would meet them as soon as he
could get a ticket to the nearest town.
Michelle was frightened so she did not argue with Pilar when she insisted on telling Bill where
they were.
They found a small motel that looked clean enough and the price was right. Michelle spent most
of the evening trying console Pilar. She was sure that Danny had been robbed or killed.
Michelle, of course , had the same thoughts but she tried not to dwell on them. It helped
somehow to keep reassuring Pilar. She almost convinced herself that everything would be all
right.
There were about 3 channels on the t.v and most of it seemed to be about farming or some 4H
project of local teenagers. Michelle wished that she had some way of finding out local news. It
was like this town was in a vacuum all by itself in the middle of nowhere. She showered and tried
to think of where Danny could have gone. She knew those men in the diner were not telling the
truth. She was afraid to challenge them and the Sheriff was no help really. All he seemed to care
about was getting a cup of coffee.. Why anyone would eat in a place like that she would never
know. Thinking about eating made her hungry, she was ashamed to admit that she was really
starving.
Pilar was lying on the bed staring at the ceiling. She sat up and groped in her purse.
"Michelle I just remembered something. I have money hidden in a compartment in my wallet. I
had forgotten it completely in all the worry about Bill and Danny"
Michelle silently thanked Pilar.
"Pilar, I am ashamed to say that I am hungry. Do you have enough for something for both of
us.? I think maybe my brain would work better."
Pilar removed the money from her wallet and counted it carefully.
"Oh my .. Michelle I have about two hundred dollars in here. I was saving tips. I don't believe
this.. how could I forget that much money," she laughed
"Bill should be here in the morning. We can stay here until he finds us, O.K.?" Pilar asked.
Michelle agreed that it was probably best to stay in one place. However, since she was not
accustomed to hiding out like a criminal she wasn't sure what they should be doing.
Bill rushed to the airport and left his car in the parking lot. He hurried to the gate just as they
announced the flight to Santa Fe.
Bill settled into the seat and looked out the window. He hardly looked at the man seated next to
him. The stewardess walked down the aisle checking all the passengers. She leaned in toward
Bill and said," Please make sure your seat is upright"
It was then that he looked at the man seated next to him. Where had he seen him before, he
wondered. His features were sharp and his hair was slicked back. He seemed nervous and was
wringing his hands. He licked his lips and smiled at Bill. However it did not seem like a very
sincere smile. Bill nodded at him politely.
"Hope this is a smooth flight," the man said
"Yeah."
"So, uh where are you headed?" the man looked at Bill with a smirk on his face.
"Wherever this plane is going, I hope." Bill answered sarcastically. He wasn't sure why but this
guy was bugging him.
Bill continued looking at the window and hoped that this stranger would take the hint and find
something else to do.
"So , uh I guess Santa Fe is your final destination, huh?'
"Could be"
"Then your not sure or what?" he persisted.
"Look , I really am sorry but I don't feel like making small talk, " Bill answered.
" Well, excuse me., just trying to make conversation, bud"
Bill felt a little uncomfortable.. this was going to be a long tense flight with this guy blabbing all
the time. He asked the stewardess if there was another seat so he could stretch out. She said
there was an empty row at the back of the plane if he didn't mind being next to the rest room. He
laughed and said " Anything, at least I can stretch out a bit"
He excused himself and went to the back of the plane. He stretched out on the seat and tried to
nap.
When the plane reached Santa Fe Bill was wide awake and hoping that his cell phone was
operational. He got off the plane and was grateful that his "seat mate" was no where in sight.
He was in the taxi to the nearest motel when his phone rang.
"Hello"
"Bill, where are you?"
"I am in Santa Fe"
"OK don't say anymore, remember you are on a cell phone"
"Meet us at the Graystone Motel. We are on route 25 towards Santa Domingo. Room 14"
"See you soon..Pil.. I mean Patty"
"That's very good," she laughed
He rented a car and drove out of Santa Fe on route 25 .. she hadn't given him very good
directions.. he hoped there would be some signs or something soon. He saw a faded billboard
that mentioned a motel. He tried to read the name but it was very faint. It did say Gray
something.. another 15 miles. He kept looking and finally at about 17 miles there was a long
gray building that looked more like a prison that a motel. He saw Danny's car parked in front of
room 17. Well these girls weren't really ready for the CIA yet. They left Danny's car in plain
sight.
Suddenly there was a clap of thunder and the sky opened up. The rain was so heavy he could
hardly see the road. He pulled into the driveway and parked the car.
He saw the door of number 17 open and he could see Pilar's dark hair. She was motioning for
him to hurry.
Bill ran from the car with his coat over his head. She opened the door and hugged him so tightly
he was having trouble breathing. Michelle was standing on the other side of the room her dark
eyes black with tears.
Pilar was crying as well now.
" Oh Bill, I was so scared. We don't know where Danny is, or my mother either. Some man tried
to take me from the boarding house and Danny hit him and then it was ..."
The words were pouring out so fast that Bill could hardly understand her.
"O.K. Pilar, I am here now. I think we should all just calm down and you tell me exactly what
happened"
Across the road from the motel a beige car sat idleing. The man with the sharp features and
slicked back hair sat smoking a cigarette. He could almost make out the figure of the girl who
opened the door. The boss wouldn't like this .. it looked like Pilar.
Michelle lay on the bed and tried to sleep. She could hear Bill and Pilar whispering. Somehow, it
made her terribly lonely. She could not think of anything but Danny . His mouth on hers , his
hands touching her. She felt the beginning of a good cry. She tried to stop herself. She felt such a
fool. She had gotten herself into this, and now Bill was involved too. How had this happened?
She was a smart girl , she thought, she wasn't foolish about Danny. He had promised her that
part of his life was over. He had finally gotten away from his mother. After the last fiasco at the
house. The shooting and that disaster she thought Carmen was through fighting the inevitable.
Michelle turned over and now she could see Pilar and Bill. His arms wrapped around her,
stroking her hair and kissing her face.
She turned and faced the wall. She could not look anymore. Her body ached for Danny. Was he
dead? She didn't think so because she knew she would have felt it, known it somehow.
The tears came anyway and she could not stop. Finally ,eventually she fell asleep. Her eyes
swollen from all the tears.
In the morning she awoke and her head ached. The shower was running and neither Pilar or Bill
were anywhere in sight. "Oh great, this should add to my day. Now, now Michelle don't be
bitter.. at least someone was happy," she thought
Pilar came out of the shower and said" Where is Bill?"
Michelle laughed to herself.
"So much for impure thoughts," she laughed
Pilar looked puzzled "What do you mean?"
"Nothing, I don't know where Bill is, he wasn't here when I woke up. I thought he might be in
the shower with you."
Pilar made a face. "Oh nice talk Michelle"
The door opened and Bill came in with coffee and some donuts.
" I found these in the office.. I guess they consider this breakfast"
Michelle went in the shower and let the water beat against her skin. Maybe she could wash all of
this misery away. The towels were rough against her skin and she remembered the time Danny
had thrown her in the shower and treated her so tenderly afterward. His kisses interrupted again
by Carmen. "She is lucky I am not a really violent woman" Michelle spoke to the mirror.
In the suburbs of Santa Fe, not very far from the Graystone motel , the Santos estate sat on 200
acres. Danny had tried the windows and doors.. he was locked in. Surely his mother had gone
mad. Did she really think that she could keep him from Michelle. He was so angry now that he
was not able to think. He had to cool down he told himself.
"Just get a grip, she can't keep this up forever. You know her.. All you have to do is convince
her that she is right. That you need her. That is all she wants. Play the game , you know how,"
he told himself.
He sat down on the bed and tried to concentrate on out maneuvering his mother.
His mother came in the door and carefully approached the bed.
Danny feigned sleep.
"Daniel, Danny.. wake up."
Danny pretended to slowly wake and stared at his mother.
"What mother, what do you want"
"I want you to understand and not be angry with me. Everything I do , I do because I love you"
"I know you do mother, I know you love me. You have told me that over and over"
"Michelle is not the woman for you. Don't you see, if she was she would not have torn this
family apart. She wants to destroy all of us, I believe that. You must believe that too Daniel"
Danny felt as the top of his head would explode. He was furious but he tried to sound calm.
" Mother , I know you want only what is best for me. You think I don't know that , but I do"
"Oh , Daniel I knew you would come around. I prayed for that. I did not harm Michelle, I left
her at the diner Daniel..Danny do you believe me now"
Danny had the insane desire to shout "You are a liar mother dear"
But he did not.
Back at the motel Bill, Pilar and Michelle sat drinking coffee and eating stale donuts.
Bill said" We are going to have to leave this place and soon. I don't want to frighten anyone but
I saw a car across the road. I think it may be one of Carmen's goons"
The rain had stopped and Bill carefully parted the curtains. He looked across the road and there
it was. The same beige car and that man from the plane.
He turned to look at Michelle and Pilar. They both stared back at him with terror in their eyes.
Bill told them that they were going to have to do some quick thinking. Chances are the goon had
already told Carmen where they were..
Michelle asked where Bill had parked his car. He told her it was parked down at the end of the
motel drive. She suggested that maybe they should leave Danny's car and take his rental.
Maybe they could switch it for another rental in town. She said" Why don't you and Pilar take
your car and I will take Danny's and go in the opposite direction. Lead him away and then
maybe I could drive to a police station. He wouldn't dare follow me there, right?"
"Anything happens to you Michelle, and Danny would kill me. I wouldn't have to worry about
any goon of Carmen's" Bill said
" Well any other brilliant suggestions" Michelle asked
"Why don't we call the police.. tell them there has been a murder, and then when we hear the
sirens and know they are close we can run to the car. He won't dare go anywhere then. At least
he might be distracted," Pilar said.
Bill and Michelle looked at each other. Michelle nodded and said" It might work!"
"All right, get your stuff together.. because we won't have much time." Bill said
When the sirens could be heard Bill looked out the window. The beige car was slowly moving
forward. Pilar was right, at least the goon seemed worried and it looked like he might be trying
to get away.
Michelle was the first out the door. Pilar and Bill ran close behind her and got into Bill's rental
car. Their car sped away.
Bill checked the rear view mirror constantly. Michelle stared out the back window.
"I don't see anybody ,Bill. I think we did it"
Carmen told Danny that she was sorry that she had to trick him. He had to understand that the
family was in danger when he was not there. It looked to other families that there was a
weakness. Someone would try to bring the family down.
"Yeah" Danny thought, "that would be me"
"Mother , I do understand. I was wrong to leave you so alone. Don't worry we are safe now. By
the way where is Pilar? " Danny asked
" Don't worry Danny, I heard she is close by. In fact one of our men is watching the motel she is
staying at just outside of Santa Fe. That young man is with her."
"Please let Michelle be with them" Danny thought
"What motel was that, Mother? "Danny said , trying to sound detached.
Carmen looked at him suspiciously.
"It doesn't matter , Daniel"
" Uh, Oh, he thought,, back off Danny"
" No , guess not" Danny said aloud
Carmen's phone rang and she answered it quickly
"What are you saying. How could that happen?" Carmen listened and her face was red with
anger.
"Where are they now you fool?"
"I see.. did the police question you?
"Get away from there. We will find another way to track the car."
Danny knew now that Michelle, Bill and Pilar had escaped his mother's trap.
"Danny, what do you know about Bill Lewis? " Carmen glared at Danny
"Not much, why" Danny said
" He is with them, he is endangering your sister. He is being foolish and so is Pilar. With no
one watching them they are vulnerable to other families that may want to harm us"
"At least Bill loves Pilar, "Danny thought
"Well, maybe there is a way you can get her away from Bill, separate them.. " Danny said
" How Daniel, tell me how?" Carmen was now very interested in what Danny had to say
"Well, first of all .. do you know where they are.. where they are headed?" Danny asked
"No, the idiot I sent to follow them lost them. They ran out of the motel and Frank got worried
because he heard sirens.. as he was trying to move away from the motel, they escaped in the
other direction. Toward Santa Fe.. we think.. How can we separate them Danny?"
Danny pretended to concentrate on the problem. He really had no idea what to tell his mother.
He would have to come up with something fast. It was probably a rental car that Bill had and he
was sure her goons had the license number. "Hope Bill had sense enough to get another car" he
thought.
Bill must have been on the same wavelength..He said to Pilar and Michelle "We have to get
another car and I need another ID.."
Bill drove by a bar/restaurant called " Manuel's". Bill told Michelle and Pilar he was going to
see if he could get a false ID.
Pilar told him he was being foolish. He didn't know anyone in this place, they could be more
dangerous than her mother. Bill assured her he would be careful but they must stay in the car
out of sight. "Lock the doors when I leave "
Bill walked into the bar and sat down.
"What will it be ,son" the bartender asked.
"Something good and strong.. how about a double of tequila?"
"Sounds serious, the bartender laughed, let's see if this will help"
He poured two shots of tequila and Bill tried to down them with some aplomb.
" Damn ex-wife is driving me crazy, Bill said, she even tried to take my car.. I wish I could be
somewhere else and someone else.. you know what I mean?"
"Yeah, same problem here. Why do you think I am tending bar.. she wiped me out. Some slick
lawyer got a hold on her... maybe more than a hold.. you know" the bartender glowered.
"Sure do, well as I said, if I could just be someone else for a while.. tuck some money away
under another name or something. Sheesh.. women huh? Bill wondered if this guy would be any
help at all. What did he have to do come right out and ask.. "Cmon.. pick up already,"Bill
thought
The bartender leaned over the bar and said in a confidential tone.
"Look son, maybe I can help. You see that guy over in that booth" the bartender gestured with
his hand.
Bill turned to look and saw a man about 50 sitting in a booth alone. He was busy eating a large
hamburger.
Bill said "What about him?"
The bartender informed Bill that for the right price this guy could get him some documents so he
could stash some money away. He told him it would probably cost him a few hundred but think of
what he would be saving. Bill asked how long it would take and the bartender said " Probably not
more than a few hours.. he' s fast and besides he spends his afternoons at the track.
"You want me to ask him?" the bartender said with a smile
Bill came out of the bar and told the girls he was going to find another motel. They would just
have to wait a few more hours and then he would get another car. He would drop them off and
then come back to Manuel's.
Michelle panicked.." Bill how do you know you can trust these people.. we will be worried sick
while you are gone.. I don't think Pilar or I can go through this again.. no more missing people
.. O.K.?
" Look , Bill said, everything will be fine. Just trust me ,O.K.?"
Danny glared at his mother's back as she rearranged the flowers in the room. She was so
concerned about the family.. sure.. she didn't even know where Pilar was at this moment. He was
desperate to come up with some subterfuge to keep her at bay.
"Mother, I think I have a plan. It means you have to go back to Springfield. I think we can get
Pilar to come back. I know that she will go anywhere with Bill. If they think they are safe and
that he can return to his family, Pilar will come with him, right?"
Carmen stared at him for a moment.
"Daniel, you don't think for a moment that I would go back there without you, do you? Surely
you are not that foolish."
Danny was trying to think on his feet, this was tougher than he thought... "Certainly, we would
both go back." He could feel beads of perspiration appearing on his brow. How in the hell would
he get out of this. He had to find Michelle.
Bill returned to Manuel's and the bar was very dark. He searched the room for the man with the
papers. He finally spotted him at the end of the bar.
He sat there chewing on a cigar, his rheumy eyes closed to all expression.
"Hate to meet him in a dark alley. "Bill thought
He approached him and shook his hand.
"Sit down son, I made these papers up as William Stanford. Best to keep the first name the
same. Your less likely to mess up that way. Here is a drivers license and a birth certificate. Oh
yeah, gotcha a new social too.. just in case.Just be sure that you spread the money around if it is
a lot.. cause you don't want the IRS after you" he laughed.
Bill thought to himself. "Don't worry after I pay you for this I won't have much left anyway"
He took the papers thanked the man and left as quickly as he could.
Once he had the papers he returned the rental car at one rental agency and then walked a half a
mile down the road to the next rental agency. He selected a innocuous looking Ford and
explained that he did not have a credit card but would pay cash up front on the car. The agent
looked very uncomfortable and said that she wasn't sure she could do that. She checked with her
supervisor and came back to say that she was sure it would be all right but he would have to give
her a large deposit.
Bill gave her the money and left with his bland looking Ford. At last he felt that now he could
relax. There is no way Carmen can trace this car. He felt quite satisfied with himself. He knew
that Michelle and Pilar would be pleased.
Pilar and Michelle were delighted to see Bill return. They said he would have made a good CIA
agent. They all felt more comfortable now that at least one of them could hide behind another
name.
The left the motel and headed west. They picked up route 40 and headed for California.
Danny said that he would take his mother home. He would protect her. She was very happy.
Carmen called Ben.
"Ben, Danny understands everything now. I don't know where Michelle and Pilar are, but he
thinks that we should go home and that this will bring them out of hiding. What do you think?"
Ben sat at his desk and doodled a hangmen's noose on the pad.
" Don't be too sure of him Carmen. Love and sex are strong motivators. Don't be so sure that he
has your best interests at heart. Watch yourself. Of course it is perfectly safe here. But you knew
that anyway. The police may have some questions about the disappearing act. The Lewis family
is beside themselves about Bill, they are on a rampage. I am sure it could be explained as two
lovers trying to be together.. Michelle on the other hand could be a problem. She left her brother
a note, but she hasn't contacted him and he up in arms as well. Your men have a clue as where
the trio are hiding?"
" I had someone watching them. They lost them in a motel in Santa Fe. I don't know where my
daughter is except that she is with that boy" Carmen complained
"Come home and we will work out some kind of story, as far as I know, leaving town is not a
crime. The Deitz thing is solved. They arrested the goon you fingered. He isn't talking. He
knows better"
"All right Ben. Danny and I will come home"
As Michelle and Pilar dozed Bill noticed a sign that said route 93 to Las Vegas. He hoped the
girls wouldn't mind but he thought it might be a way to win some money. They deserved some luck
didn't they?, he thought
When Michelle and Pilar awoke they were surprised to find themselves in a parking lot next to a
small casino.
"Where did Bill go now," Pilar asked
" I hope Bill isn't a gambling.. that is all we need. " Michelle tried to rub the sleep from her
eyes
Bill appeared from the casino smiling. He got into the car and said proudly" I just won 500
dollars , shall we try for 1000," he laughed
Michelle said "Bill you didn't ,, your kidding .. Oh wonderful... don't push your luck.. lets get
out while we can "
"No I have an idea.. I didn't bring my computer with me. I am going to try and get a bank card.
I think I can if I just deposit some money to secure it. Then if I can find a cyber cafe, maybe I
can get some information"
" You can't get your e-mail. Someone may be hacking your account," Michelle said
Pilar looked puzzled. "Hacking?.. why would they do that. I doubt any of my mother's goons
could figure that out"
" No , don't you see . I could start a whole new account. Then I could hack my own account and
see if there are any messages. Danny may have tried to contact us, if he did maybe I could track
his messages."
Michelle thought that was a wonderful idea, but she wondered if Danny would ever send a
message to Bill. How would he know that Bill was with them.. Where ever he was ,she would do
anything to hear from him.
They got a motel that night and Bill searched the phone book for any kind of Cyber Cafe or
anyway at all he could get access to a computer. He had played the machines in the motel and
won another jackpot. He was sure this was his lucky day. He took the money to a local bank.
Said he needed a secure bank card and deposited the money.
Bill explained that they were going to have to go into Las Vegas to find a Cyber Cafe.
Carmen came into the room and told Danny they were going home.
Danny noted that Carmen's attitude had changed slightly. She was rather distant.
He suspected that she had talked to Ben. Ben the suspicious, her cohort in crimes against her
children. That was another one he would like to see take a fall. Well , he could be cool too.
He walked over to his mother and kissed her on the cheek.
She looked at him closely.
Danny explained " I am sure we will have some explaining to do ,Mother. What do you suggest
we say about this disappearance?"
"Let Ben handle the questions, everything else is taken care of, we will leave in the morning"
"Do you think I could get out of this room , Mother, sit down to a normal meal with you?"
"All right Daniel. Don't think that I am not watching you. I will have cook prepare something
nice just for you" she smiled.
He was prepared to be the sweet devoted son at dinner. He just had to convince her that he was
home for good. That he cared only about the family. Michelle didn't matter. "Some tall order,"
he thought
He kissed her on the cheek again and she seemed pacified at least for the moment.
Far off in the distance he could hear a coyote howl. "The sun must be going down. Time for the
sun to go down on this whole mess," he thought.
The FBI agent sat across the table from the hit man.
"O.K. Diaz, let's make a deal"
" I ain't gotten nothin to say. I didn't do nothin"
"All right.. you didn't do anything. You call killing a man doing nothing ? I have some good news
and some bad news. Which do you want first,Diaz?"
Diaz said nothing. Just stared. Then he said" What does the FBI have to do with this,anyway?"
"Well, we think maybe some people got kidnapped.. maybe across state lines.. What do you
think about that,huh?"
" That has nothin to do with me.. I didn't take anybody anywhere... so leave me alone"
" Oh but we think you did and when we think something strong enough.. who knows we might
make it happen that way, you know?" The agent was leaning back in his chair and smiling at
Diaz.
"I'm not sayin anything.. so you just give it up,O.K"
"Well, I hope you don't think that Carmen Santos is going to help you when you go to prison. We
, on the other hand could make sure you don't end up roomies with some sweet guys.. you know"
The agent cleared his throat and glanced toward the two way mirror. The agent on the other side
left and entered the interrogation room.
Agent Phillips was not smiling when he entered the room. He told the other agent to leave.
"Look , Diaz we know you killed Dietz. Frankly you did us a favor.. Now we would like to return
that favor.. for a small one in return. We need you to testify that you killed Dietz on orders from
Carmen Santos. We will give you the whole nine yards.. witness protection .. find you a nice
place to live ,a decent job and a new life. It's either that or prison.. and don't think we can't
control what goes on there .. we can."
Diaz was not exactly a rocket scientist, but he knew a deal when he saw one.
" O.K. but you need to give me protection until the trial. I want out of this jail and out of this
town until then. She has people everywhere." his heart was beating so fast he could hardly
breathe. All he could think of was that he could escape prison. He had been there before and he
couldn't take it again. No more.."
"All right.. we will firm this up. I will have you moved today. You stay in this room until I come
back to get you. Anyone else tries to remove you , you raise holy hell.. got it."
So much for Carmen Santos.. she was toast.
Danny and Carmen returned to Springfield. Ben met them at the airport.
"Carmen, I am afraid I have lost contact with your boy. I tried to get in to see him at the jail
and the Feds were there.I guess someone from Michelle or Bills family called them. I am afraid
there could be trouble"
Agent Jackson walked up and took Carmen by the arm.
"Well, Mrs Santos.. isn't it fortunate that we bumped into each other. Oh and I see you have
your lawyer with you. I hope he is up on Federal laws.. we want to have a little chat with you..
here is the warrant for her arrest Mr. Warren. "
Carmen protested but it did no good. They took her away and Ben went to follow.
"Are you coming Danny?" Ben asked
"No, it is time this ended, Ben. I am going to find Michelle. My mother can rot in hell for all I
care"
Pilar, Bill and Michelle wandered around the Bellagio . It was like another world. Certainly far
from Springfield.
They decided to have some lunch and walked into a small bar off the casino floor.
The television was on and CNN had the latest news.
The bar was quiet and they sat down at a table and looked at the menu. Michelle glanced up at
the T.V and saw a picture of Carmen.
"Can you turn that up a bit ," she asked
The bartender turned from the bar and reached for the remote.
The announcer was saying" and so the Federal agents found Mrs Santos and her son at the
Springfield Airport. Still no word on Michelle Bauer or Bill Lewis. They have been missing 3
weeks now and their families are asking for your help."
They proceeded to show pictures of Michelle and Bill.
"Carmen has been arrested!! I have to find a way to get in touch with Danny. " Michelle said
"Michelle do you think it would be safe to call him. I mean if my mother is out of the way for a
while.. couldn't we just try?" Pilar was begging with her eyes. She wanted and needed her
brother.. She needed to know he was safe.
Michelle went to a pay phone in the bar and called Danny's cell phone number.
"Hello" he said tentatively
" Danny ? "
" Michelle, Oh god where are you.? no don't tell me. My mother has been arrested. It is federal
because they think she kidnapped you and Bill. I have to be able to come to you. I know the
number you are calling from. I will call you from a more secure phone,, hang up before someone
traces this."
Michelle hung up the phone. She was beginning to feel like she worked for the FBI herself. All
this cloak and dagger stuff.
A few minutes later the phone rang and Michelle picked it up.
Danny said he would try to catch a flight to Las Vegas. He wasn't sure if the FBI was watching
him or not. But he would find a way. He asked where they were staying and Michelle called Bill
to the phone. Bill talked to Danny and they agreed on a place to meet. Danny said he would send
an e-mail to his old acct. To check his e-mail tomorrow and there would be a message about his
flight and arrival time.
Michelle , Pilar and Bill arrived at the airport a good hour before Danny's flight was to arrive.
They wanted to be sure no one was following them..
When the flight arrived Michelle felt her heart beating faster. She had missed Danny more than
she could ever express. The doors opened and the passengers all began greeting their families
and friends. No sign of Danny yet.. Michelle felt tears welling in her eyes.
" Something has happened , I know it.. Oh Bill what are we going to do?"
Just then she heard a familiar voice behind her.
"Michelle, baby .. it's o.k."
She turned to embrace him and she was crying and laughing at the same time.
She kissed him over and over. Pilar and Bill were laughing too.
They left the airport and went back to the motel.
Danny told them everything that had happened. He told Michelle they would have to wait to
contact anyone. He wanted to make sure there were no loopholes for his mother. He had
contacted the FBI and gave them all the information they would need to get a RICO indictment.
She was finished.
The End
