In Harm's Way

On Friday, we left Janelle as a hostage of Cliff and Monty in an abandoned gas station. Let’s see what happens as Ben arrives.

Chapter Thirty

At ten-fifteen, Ben slowly drove his uncle’s Camry by the gas station. When Sheriff Horton had called Ben and they planned together how to rescue Janelle, Elliot refused to be involved. But he let Ben borrow his car.

So this was where they were holding her.

Ben felt his ire rise. If she was in danger in any way… His thoughts turned to prayer. He needed to trust the Lord to protect her.

Light seeped around the edges of the boarded windows. Other than that, the place was dark. Ben made a U-turn. He waited as the sheriff and his deputies parked their patrol cars down the road. They sneaked over to the building. Sheriff Horton gave the signal for Ben to pull in.

Ben drove the car into the weedy lot and honked the horn. The door of the gas station opened and a column of light flooded the darkness.

Cliff Vinson stuck his head outside. “That you, Thorne?”

Monty joined Cliff in the doorway.          

Ben took a deep breath and opened the car door. He had driven in so the building was on the passenger side of the car. That way, the sheriff had told him, the car would act as a shield if there was gunfire.

He set the briefcase—loaded with play money—on the hood of the Camry. “Before I give you the money, I want to see Janelle Weaver.”

“Who?” Cliff sounded baffled.

         Monty spoke in a stage whisper. “The girl!”

         “Oh, her. Well, too bad, Thorne. She doesn’t go until we count the cash.”

         Ben folded his arms, more to stop them from shaking than to look tough. “No, Vinson. I want Janelle out of danger. You escort her out here and see her safely inside the car. Then I’ll give you the money.”

         Cliff and Monty looked at each other, stepped back inside the gas station, and closed the door. One of the cops moved a trashcan forward and set it down silently. As the door reopened, he ducked behind it.

         “Okay, Thorne.” Cliff stepped outside behind Janelle.

She looked unharmed but pale. And beautiful. Ben had never been so glad to see anyone in his life. He realized in that moment just how much he cared for Janelle Weaver. 

Cliff pointed a revolver at her head as they walked outside. “No funny business or the girl drops.”

         Monty pointed a gun at her, too.

         “Hey, no shooting!” Ben held up both hands in surrender. “I’m not armed. You don’t have to hold your guns on her.” He kept talking as the uniformed men stalked behind them. “This is going to be a simple exchange. The girl for the money.” He huffed out a sigh. “So help me, Vinson, if you hurt her—”

         “Okay already!” Cliff lowered his gun as they approached the car. “Get the door, Monty.”

         Ben raised his voice. “Put her in easy. I got the money right here. You don’t have to be rough.” He lost sight of the deputies behind the car as Janelle slipped inside. “That’s right, and close the door.”

         As soon as Janelle was safely inside and the door shut, the deputies dove at the bookies. A gun fired, the bullet ricocheting off the trashcan.

Ben jumped in the car and slammed the door. He threw his arms around Janelle, pushing her head below the windows.

         “Stay down,” he whispered.

* * *

         To be continued!