I jerked up. “What?”
“Try Nanny,” Cody said again. “Hold it close like you did before.”
“Don’t call it that.” But I did as he said, groping for Le Gardien like it was a lifeline being thrown to a drowning person. As I grasped it, both of us jumped as a terrible shriek split the quiet of the night. The sound was coming from the lane. We both peered around the barn. Outside, headlights were flashing off and on. The truck’s horn was honking. And there was a high-pitched shriek that went off and on, like a woman screaming. Someone—or something!—had triggered the vehicle’s alarm system.
The second guy whirled around. “Turn it off!” he yelled at the driver.
The driver was already hurtling the fence and running hard toward the truck. He yanked the door open and jumped inside. Nothing changed. Everything in the truck was on full alarm mode. The second man turned and sprinted back the way he had come. “Turn it off! Turn it off!” he screamed.
I grabbed Cody’s arm and pulled him after me. “Let’s go!” We raced out the opposite door, vaulted up onto the four-wheeler, and I gave the key a hard twist. It kicked into life, but I kept it on idle. Keeping the lights off and the barn between us and the truck, we started away, praying that the shrieking wouldn’t stop until we were up and over the hill.
Hanksville straddles the junction where Utah Highway 24 coming south from Green River turns west and continues on to Capitol Reef National Park. At that point, Utah 95 breaks off and heads south for Lake Powell and Blanding. Our little ranch was about half a mile north of town, near where the Fremont and Muddy Rivers join to form the Dirty Devil River. On all sides of town, dry, barren hills rose up and gave way to the San Rafael Desert.
We reached the top of the hill and looked back. We could still hear the truck’s alarm blasting away and see the headlights flashing off and on. The two men were waving their arms and yelling at each other. In the moonlight, had the two guys looked in our direction, they could have easily seen us. But they didn’t look. They were too engaged in trying to shut off the system before the whole town turned out to see what was going on.
“Made it,” I breathed. I turned my head. “You okay?”
“Okay?” he cried. “Listen to that racket. This is great!”
“Hold on. I’m going to pick up speed and get us out of here.”
“Where we going?”
“To Rick’s house.”
Cody gave a curt nod. “Good idea. Let’s go.”
As we drove away, passing out of sight of the road below, the shrieking stopped. No more honking. I was tempted to ram the throttle full forward, but resisted, moving slowly enough to keep the engine at a low hum, and the dust to a minimum.
On top of the bluffs was a whole maze of gravel roads. We drove our four-wheelers up here all the time, so I knew the roads well. The first faint light of dawn was visible, and as we passed the cemetery, I picked up speed. We headed southeast until we reached a road that angled back toward Highway 95, south of town. I turned off the four-wheeler’s lights as we crossed the highway and entered the south end of Hanksville. Rick’s family lived a little west of town, down near where the highway crossed the Fremont River. There was no way we could totally bypass town, so we made our way through it, moving slowly until we were past any houses.
I was still nervous. By now, the two new guys had surely found Gordo and had reported in to El Cobra. I would have loved to hear that conversation! The sky was growing lighter fast. I didn’t think El Cobra would know that Rick and I were friends, but after tonight, I wasn’t ready to assume anything. Though Cody and I were dead tired, as we reached the west side of town, I pulled the ATV into a thick patch of brush and willows in the river bottom and turned off the engine. “We walk from here.”
Chapter 29
West of Hanksville, Utah
We arrived at the Ramirezes’ property line about twenty past four. The eastern horizon was pretty bright, but the ground was mostly still dark. We circled around and came in from around the back of the house. I had the binoculars and Dad’s rifle, and we kept stopping every minute or so to check things out. By the time we reached the house, I was confident that we weren’t under surveillance. Which meant that, for now at least, we were still a step or two ahead of El Cobra’s men.
I had planned to awaken Rick by tossing some pebbles against his window, but as we reached his house, I saw his light was already on. I knew he was usually up early to do his chores, but I didn’t think it was this early. I moved closer and knocked softly on the glass.
I had barely started explaining to Rick what had happened since we had left him the previous night, when he held up his hand. “Wait.” Before I could protest he was gone. A minute later he was back with his father—barefoot, in red shorts and a gray T-shirt, and with sleep in his eyes.
“What’s going on, Ricardo?” Charlie asked. I saw his eyes flick to the rifle then back to me. He sat down across from me and Cody.
I looked at Rick. “Did you tell your father about what we found at the Danny Boy Mine yesterday?”
He shook his head, then looked quickly at his father. “Mr. McAllister asked us to keep it completely confidential.”
“Then you did right,” Mr. Ramirez said, waving off the apology.
I took a deep breath and began, starting with what we’d found yesterday in the mine. When I told him that we had brought down about a million dollars worth of rhodium ore in four bags, he merely nodded, but I could the shock on his face. At least it helped make the story of a twenty million dollar ransom a little more plausible.
The only thing I left out were the details about the pouch and how it aided our double escapes. I planned to explain about the pouch to Rick when things weren’t quite so urgent, but I sensed that Charlie Ramirez was going to have a hard enough time taking in this story without adding enchantment to the mix.
By the time I finished, Charlie’s mouth was set in a hard line. “These are not amateurs, Danni. They are dangerous men.”
“Yes, I know.”
“And you carrying a rifle is only going to make that worse.”
“I’m not planning an attack,” I said defensively. “But we need to protect ourselves.”
Instantly, he softened. “Of course. You’re right. You’ve had a rough night.” He leaned forward, completely earnest. “But you have to call the police, Danni.” He waved me off as I started to protest. “Listen to me. I know you’re worried about your family, and rightly so, but the best thing you can do for them is to get help.”
“That’s what I said,” Cody piped up.
“And what if their local man happens to be in the sheriff’s office?” I retorted. “Or, more likely, what if someone in the department lets it slip that my family is being held hostage? You know how our little town is, Mr. Ramirez. Everyone knows everyone else’s business.”
He exhaled slowly, and I could see that he knew I was right. I went on quickly. “I agree that we must be careful, but—”
Rick broke in. “It’s been over an hour since you left your place. You have to assume those men have found the one you call Gordo by now. And that they’ve told this Cobra guy everything too.”
Cody raised a tentative hand. Mr. Ramirez nodded at him.
“If it’s a kidnapping case, can’t the FBI get involved?”
“I was thinking the same thing,” Mr. Ramirez said. He turned to me. “What would you think of that? They’re the best.”
I was shaking my head before he finished. “Maybe, but not yet. I’m not trying to be difficult, Mr. Ramirez, but remember, El Cobra had a copy of the assayer’s report. He has access to our bank accounts. He could have contacts anywhere.”
“I understand,” Mr. Ramirez said. He got up and began to pace back and forth. “Assay reports are confidential, but it would be an easy matter to bribe a clerk. Same with a bank employee.” He waved that aside, as if the idea were irrelevant. He squatted down so he was looking directly into my eyes. “You know I thin
k highly of your father, Danni. And the rest of your family too. I will do anything I can to help. But it’s a mistake to think we can do this ourselves. For example, assuming they haven’t flown your parents out somewhere in a plane—”
I cut in. “No, I specifically remember El Cobra saying it was not very far from here.”
After a moment, he nodded. “That makes sense, but even if you assume they’re within a two hundred mile radius of here, that’s still about forty thousand square miles of empty desert you have to search. You can’t possibly find them on your own.”
“But I don’t have to find them.” I took the cell phone from my pocket. “I think this is why he left me my cell phone. He can contact me whenever he wants. And when he does, we’ll agree to having Cody and me give ourselves up. Maybe we can have the FBI track us or something.” I wrung my hands. “I don’t know, Mr. Ramirez. I just know I can’t assume the police will do everything perfectly.”
He sighed, clearly troubled. “I understand. And that—”
Rick jumped to his feet. “Wait! He left you your cell phone?”
“Yeah. I think he knew this was the best way to—”
He swung around to his father. “Not good, Dad. It’s possible that Danni’s phone has been tampered with. Maybe even corrupted with Spyware. That could explain how they knew so much. With Spyware, you can monitor every conversation, every text message.” He stopped, his face suddenly pale. “And they can track her location.”
I felt like he had just pushed me off a cliff. “But—I haven’t had it on. The batteries are all but dead.”
“Doesn’t matter.” He held out his hand. “Give it to me.”
Bewildered and feeling sick, I took out my phone and handed it to him.
He immediately slid off the back and removed the battery. “As long as the battery’s in it, it can be traced.”
I was having a difficult time breathing. Rick was pale. He looked at his father. “Dad, I think there’s a very good chance that this guy could know where she is even as we speak.”
Chapter 30
For what seemed like forever, no one moved. There wasn’t a sound in the house. Mr. Ramirez sat down heavily. He dropped his head in his hands, then rubbed at his eyes.
“Dad?”
He waved him off. After no more than ten seconds, he jumped up, strode to the fireplace, and took down his rifle. Then he turned off the lights. “Rick, you and Cody get the girls. Leave them in their pajamas, but bring some clothes for them. Danni, there’s a cooler on the back porch. Fill it with any food we don’t have to cook. And get anything you can find to drink. Put it in my truck.”
We sprang into action as Charlie quietly opened the front door and stepped out on the porch. We were ready in less than five minutes. Kaylynn and Raye, Rick’s sisters, were still too sleepy to be anything but confused. It made me want to cry. What had I done to this family?
By then, Charlie was back inside, peering out the front window. As we assembled, he began talking quietly but rapidly. “No one is here yet, but we have to assume they’re on their way, so we have to act fast.”
“What do you want me to do?” Rick said. I was amazed at how calm he sounded.
“I’ll drive your sisters to Moab and leave them with your Aunt Shauna. She will make sure they’re safe.”
“But—”
“In the meantime, you’re going to take your 4Runner and find a safe place to hide until I can get in touch with you. It’s going to take me several hours to get the girls settled and safe.”
I tentatively raised my hand as another thought came. We had been gone for over an hour. Why weren’t the bad guys already here if they knew where I was? Rick’s dad nodded at me. “Yes?”
“The two new guys don’t know how many ATVs were on the trailer. I’m not sure that Lew, the other guy, will notice that one is gone either, not after getting whacked in the head. If they don’t notice that, then maybe they think we’re still close by and are trying to find us before they call El Cobra and tell him the bad news.”
“Let’s hope so, but we can’t depend on it. I think it’s best to leave your four-wheeler where you hid it. At least for now.” He turned. “Ricardo, head west toward Cainsville. Don’t go back into Hanksville. Find a place along the river where you can’t be seen but will still be in cell phone range.” He glanced at his watch. “I’ll call you before ten.” He turned to me again. “Danni, how much ammunition do you have for the rifle?”
“Two boxes.”
“Good girl.” He handed Rick his rifle. “You take this.”
“We’ve also got some food and water on the four-wheeler,” I broke in.
“Good. Get it.”
“What do you want us to do until you’re back?” Rick asked.
“Just stay out of sight. We’ve got to keep them guessing about where Danni and Cody are. Remember, they’re going to have to be careful too, because they don’t know if you’ve called the police or not. They can’t go through town knocking on doors.”
He looked directly at me. “Do you want me to take Cody with us, Danni? He could stay in Moab where it’s safe.”
“No, Danni,” Cody cried. “I want to be with you.”
The question knocked me off balance. My first impulse was the same as Cody’s, but then I asked myself how Mom and Dad would answer that. He would certainly be safer in Moab, but he would be frantic and worried. Without thinking about it, I reached out and touched the pouch. It was cool again, but as soon as my finger ran over the rough fabric, I had my answer.
“Thank you, Mr. Ramirez, but I think he’d better stay with me. At least for now.”
“I agree. It was just a thought.” To my surprise, he came over and laid a hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be all right, Danni. What you and Cody have done so far is amazing. Your Dad and Mom would be very proud.”
“I . . . I hope so.” Suddenly I wanted to hug him. It was such a relief to have someone to talk to, someone to help. It hit me again what my coming here meant to Rick’s family. “I’m sorry I’ve put your family in danger, Mr. Ramirez. I’m really, really sorry.”
“Two days ago, your dad reached out and rescued my boy. I’m glad for a chance to repay the favor.” He gave my shoulder a quick squeeze, then went to his daughters. “Let’s go, girls. Into the truck.”
As he reached the door, I called out, “Mr. Ramirez?”
“Yes?”
“Muchas gracias.”
His teeth flashed white against his olive skin. “You are most welcome, señorita Danni. Lo siento mucho. I’m very sorry about all this.” He turned and disappeared out the door.
After a moment, Rick, Cody, and I slipped out the front door and hurried to Rick’s truck. As he started the engine, I gave him a sharp look. “I have a question for you, Mr. Ricardo Ramirez.”
“And what would that be?”
“Can you disable the tracking device on my phone so it doesn’t work, even if the phone is on?”
“I’m not sure. I’d have to look it up in the user’s guide.”
“And where is that?”
“On your phone, silly,” Cody responded.
“Oh.” Then came another thought. He’d only had his iPhone about a month. “How do you know all this stuff?”
He grinned impishly. “All my girlfriends have iPhones, and they’re always asking me to teach them how they work. So when I got mine, I already knew a lot about it.”
For a moment, I didn’t know what to say. Then I saw his face and slugged him hard on the shoulder. “You wish! I’m serious, though, how do you know all this? I’m still learning how my phone works.”
“Ah,” he said, “but I don’t spend an hour every morning before the mirror getting myself beautiful for the world.”
“Of course not,” I snapped. “You’d need a lot more than an hour.”
“Ooh, touchy, are we?” Laughing, he leaned out of my reach. As we pulled out of his yard and headed for where we’d left the ATV, I spoke a
gain. “Thanks, Rick,” I said in a soft voice.
“For what? Being a brat?”
“For making me laugh right now. It felt good.”
“Yeah,” Cody said. “Really good.”
Part Six: Spyware
Chapter 31
Highway 24, West of Hanksville, Utah
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
After getting our things from our four-wheeler, Rick followed a narrow track along the river that eventually led to the highway. The sun was still a quarter of an hour from rising, but it was full light, and I felt vulnerable.
At the highway, we waited for a moment to make sure no one was in sight, then pulled out and headed west. “Any suggestions on where we hole up until Dad calls?”
Barely stifling a yawn, I shook my head. “I don’t care where it is, just get us there.” The exhaustion had caught up with me, and I was fighting to keep my eyes open. Cody, who was stretched out on the backseat, said nothing, and I wondered if he was already asleep. He could do that. Drop off before he’d even finished saying good night.
Envious, I laid my head back and closed my eyes. Now if I could only shut off my brain as well. The Guardian—I had determined that was what I was going to call the pouch from now on—was beside me on the center console. I reached out and picked it up. I laid it on my lap and ran my hand across the fabric. It was cool to the touch. I focused inward.
What are you feeling right now?
Exhausted.
No, I mean inside.
Exhausted! Burned out. Worried sick. What else do you want to know?
You didn’t say anything about having a sense of danger, or feeling the creepy-crawlies.
Oh.
My hand stopped moving across the fabric. The realization came as an enormous relief. I began to trace the Le Gardien letters with my fingertips—something I seemed to be doing quite a bit lately. Funny how quickly your mind can change. I had resented the concept of a guardian or a nanny for a long time. Now all that was gone. As my mind kept going over and over the events of the last few hours, I realized that we were being guarded. Not always in a way that made sense, but we were. In fact, I couldn’t think of a better word for it.