Gary Hobson

When Terror Strikes Part 11

By: Stacy L.

PART 11

Armstrong sent a car over to Gary’s to pick up Amanda and her son. The two were picked up in an unmarked police car at the back of Hobson’s place. Paul took extra precautions knowing that Jack Wallis was probably watching McGinty’s from the front. He was positive that Jack has been watching Hobson and her for quite some time now. Armstrong and Gary managed to get Amanda and her son to the safe house quickly and without any incident.

* * * *

Gary took a shower while Armstrong made himself comfortable at one of the tables in the bar. He was planning on beginning his secret observation of Gary. If Hobson refused to accept police custody then Paul would keep an eye on him by surveilling him from a distance. Jack Wallis wouldn’t get anywhere near Hobson if he had anything to say about it. About an hour later Hobson finally appeared racing down the steps and over to his friend Marissa. Armstrong sat up straighter watching the two from a distance wishing that he could hear the conversation the two were having. He wanted to know what Hobson was up to now. He watched Gary as he yanked out his newspaper and began reading it. Then Gary looked up at Marissa and started telling her something. What was Hobson up to now? He could only stare as Gary suddenly snatched up his coat off of one of the bar stools, said a few more quick words to Marissa, then raced out the door still carrying that damned newspaper in his hands. What was with this guy? Did he ever leave that paper behind? Hobson always seemed to have a newspaper in his hands and he always seemed to be looking at the damned thing. Why?

Armstrong put those questions out of his mind and began to follow Gary from a distance. Wherever Hobson was going he sure seemed like he was in a hurry.

* * * *

Gary helped Amanda load up the unmarked police car with her belongings then said his goodbyes. He then headed upstairs and took a shower. After showering Gary quickly ate a sandwich as he surveyed his newspaper, which stated: THREE DEAD IN CAR JACKING. Gary quickly read that headline then the article that accompanied it. The article announced that three people were found dead from gunshot wounds. Apparently the assailant was stealing a car when these three people saw him. He quickly shot them then took off running. The police were presently still searching for the murderer.

Gary quickly finished his sandwich, racing downstairs. He saw Marissa and approached her. She asked, “Well where have you been?”

“Long story. Look, Marissa, I have to go.”

“What now?”

“Car jacking…three killed.”

“Gary that sounds dangerous. Call the police.”

“No, no. I can handle this.”

“Gary just let the police deal with it.”

“I don’t have time. They are going to be killed in ten minutes if I don’t hurry.”

“Ten minutes? Cutting it kind of close aren’t you?”

“I got really busy and didn’t take the time to read the paper as thoroughly as I should have. Look, I have to go. I’ll be back later.”

“Gary, be careful. Please.”

“I will Marissa.”

With that said Gary grabbed up his jacket and ran for the door. He exited McGinty’s and turned left breaking into a run. He had to stop this shooting and time was not on his side today.

* * * *

Jack Wallis entered McGinty’s through the back door. He made sure that no one saw him as he made his way up to Gary’s place. He knocked on the door. When no one answered he then entered. Hobson’s place wasn’t exactly what he was expecting. The man was neat and organized. He actually liked the layout of the place.

He made his way slowly through the place searching for any sign of his wife or her things. He was pissed when he came up empty handed. She and Hobson had carried suitcases up here but there was no sign of them. Jack cursed not wanting to accept the truth: he had been duped. She was nowhere in here and neither were her things. Hobson must’ve got her out by the back door. Where was she at now? He had an odd feeling that Samantha was with the police. Damn Hobson and his interference! He had to find his wife and now he was presently out of options. He had no way to locate her except for Gary Hobson. He spoke up into the empty room, “Well Hobson, looks like you may be visiting me shortly.”

He decided to put Thompson to work digging through computer files. Thompson was a hacker and might just be able to locate Samantha. Jack had to either get the information that way or get it out of Hobson. Either way he would get her location somehow!

* * * *

Gary raced against the clock. He had to stop those shootings. He pushed himself harder all too aware of just how little time he had left before three people were killed. He stopped as he recognized the area as the one indicated in the paper. He scanned the entire area looking for signs of the victims or the assailant. He heard someone say, “So how’s Rachel doing?”

“She’s doing better. Her mom’s been telling her just how wrong I am for her.”

“Jack, how long have the two of you been dating?” spoke up a third voice. Gary directed his attention that way. He saw three teenagers…probably the unfortunate victims of the shooting he meant to stop. Gary quickly approached them. He interrupted, “Excuse me? Can any of you tell me how to get to the library? I’m new to the area and haven’t really had the chance to walk around.”

“Sure Mister…”

“Uh, Gary…thanks. I really appreciate it.”

“Sure. No problem,” interrupted the boy named Jake. They all three tried to direct Gary to the nearest library when they were suddenly interrupted by loud, squealing tires as a car flew from out of the alley that they were approaching. Jake glanced up saying, “Man that guy’s in a hurry. I wonder where he’s going.”

Gary spoke up, “I don’t know. Look, thank you so much for helping me out. I really appreciate it.”

“No problem Mister.”

They spoke with Gary a while longer then left. Gary glanced at his paper noticing the article was gone. Well now that was an easy save. What was next? He searched through the Chicago Sun-Times looking for any other articles that might need his attention. He saw small article regarding someone breaking an arm after falling down a stairway so he headed that way.

* * * *

Paul watched Gary from a distance. He wondered what the man was up to. Gary had raced all this way to chat for a few minutes with three teenage boys then took off again? Not likely thought Paul. Not likely at all…and what was with that car racing down the road? To a typical bystander Gary’s actions would seem totally normal and not unusual at all but to Armstrong his actions seemed…odd. He had a strong feeling that Hobson was up to something, but what?

He watched as Gary pulled out the newspaper again then he glanced at his watch. He saw Gary put the paper away then head down the sidewalk…walking further away from McGinty’s. What was Hobson up to now? Why did Armstrong feel so certain something more than met the eye was going on here? Paul hated those suspicious feelings he was having but he couldn’t help wondering just who Gary Hobson was.

* * * *

Gary approached the store where a woman was going to break her arm after falling down the stairway. He looked around for anyone exiting the store where the incident was going to occur. He pulled out his newspaper to check the time the incident again when he suddenly felt his skin crawl; he froze. Someone was watching him again. The presence felt evil and somewhat insane. Gary tensed up as that uneasy feeling swept through him. He suddenly forgot about the newspaper in his hands and forgot about the woman who was going to break her arm shortly. He slowly surveyed the area looking for anybody who might be watching him. He had a feeling the person observing him was either Jack Wallis himself or a person working for the man. He had felt that same way upon seeing the man sitting at his bar the other day. He had very little doubt that Jack Wallis was the one watching him. He still felt very uneasy. Was Amanda’s husband watching him now? Gary again scanned the area and stopped when he saw a familiar face. There at the corner stood the man who attempted to abduct Amanda’s son several days ago. Gary found the source of his present discomfort. He had no doubt in his mind that the guy worked for Wallis.

Gary jumped as he suddenly heard a woman screaming behind him. He remembered why he was there and quickly reacted. Gary turned violently around reaching out in hopes to stop the woman’s descent. He caught the woman just in time. After they both calmed down the woman looked up at him then said, “Oh my God. Thank you so much. I thought for sure I’d fall.”

“Are you all right, ma’me?”

“Yes now. Thank you.”

“You’re welcome. Be careful all right?”

“Yes I will. Thanks.”

She smiled then headed down the steps and on her way. Gary sent a silent thank you to the heavens for catching her on time. He then remembered the man at the corner. He glanced up but the man was gone. Gary felt very nervous and anxious. It was now confirmed in his mind that he was being watched, but why? Why was Amanda’s ex-husband suddenly so interested in him?

Gary didn’t like feeling so uncertain. He felt as if Jack was the hunter and he the prey. He thought of Armstrong’s suggestions and comments. Armstrong had told him that Wallis might zero in on him. Gary didn’t want to believe it but now he couldn’t help but think about it. Gary was all too aware of the fact that Amanda’s ex-husband was probably searching for her and he just happened to know where Armstrong took her. Gary tried not to think of Armstrong’s warnings regarding Wallis. He had said that Wallis was a murderer, that he was cruel and would kill anybody who got in his way. Paul’s warnings came back to him: “You don’t know this man… He kills without remorse… He’ll kill you for just being in his way…”

Gary suddenly became very worried. The man wanted his wife back and already attempted to harm her and abduct her son. Who’s to say that he wouldn’t kill just to do it? Gary would be lying to himself if he refused to admit that he was somewhat scared and worried about Jack Wallis. Wallis sounded like a time bomb ready to explode…but even as he thought about it he was not going to accept protective custody. He had his fair share of that once before. He really didn’t care to re-experience it.

Gary shook all of those thoughts out of his mind and made another sweep of the area. He saw nothing out of the ordinary. He still felt as if he was being watched but he didn’t get that sense of foreboding like he had earlier.

Gary started walking down the sidewalk in the opposite direction the abductor had taken. Wherever the man was Gary didn’t feel like tangling with him. He quickly left the area feeling much more at ease the further he distanced himself from that store. When he finally felt calm he stopped, digging out his paper, and searched for any articles needing his attention.

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