When Terror Strikes 15

Gary Hobson

When Terror Strikes Part 15

By: Stacy L.

Jack Wallis waited patiently for the phone call that would determine his next course of action. He would get his wife back. She belonged to him and only him! Gary Hobson would soon learn the price of coveting after his woman. Jack couldn't wait to deal with Hobson and be done with him. The man was a damned pain in the ass. The man has been a thorn in Wallis' side ever since he arrived in Chicago. Mister Good Samaritan was about to pay the ultimate price for getting involved in something that was of no concern to him. The ringing of the telephone interrupted Jack's thoughts, he answered immediately "Hello?"

"Hey boss. It's Jake."

"So what happened?"

"What happened? Exactly what you expected."

"Hobson showed up, didn't he?"

"Yep, even put the damned fire out. He even knew where to look."

"Perfect. This is perfect."

"So now what?"

"Now we put the next part of our plan into action."

"Which is?"

"Grab Hobson."

"Abduct him?"

"No, too obvious... We need to lure him to us. He needs to willingly come to us."

"So how do we do that?"

"Another...accident. Tonight was a test and Hobson passed with flying colors. Tomorrow is the grand finale."

"So what do we do?"

"My wife needs to hear that Hobson is in danger. If I draw her out Hobson, with his damned hero complex will surely follow. I'll kill two birds with one stone. I'll get my wife back, and I'll finally get to destroy Hobson. Gary Hobson will be a lesson to my wife. An example of what will happen if she ever gets the foolish notion to run from me again. Hobson will serve as a constant reminder to her of the penalty of leaving me."

Jake laughed in response to that. He then said, "Give me a call if you need me again."

"No problem."

After they ended the conversation Jack started to mentally lay out his sinister plans. Everything was proceeding as planned. The bait for the trap was being set and within the next forty-eight hours Hobson and Samantha would be in his grasp. He just had to be patient for a little while longer. He could do that.

Thompson arrived asking to speak with him. Jack Wallis' smile broadened as Thompson informed him that they had located where Detective Paul Armstrong had stashed his wife. Good now it was time to draw her out, and when Hobson's sixth sense kicked in he would realize that she was in danger and come running. The plan was brilliant. He glanced at Thompson saying, "I want you to get a message to my wife. I don't care how you do it as long as she gets the message and the police don't know about it."

"A message? What kind of message?"

"One that will have her meeting with Hobson in Grant Park."

"Grant Park? Why Grant Park?"

"Because Grant Park is where they first met. It's where this whole thing began and it's where this whole thing is going to end."

"Okay, so deliver a message that states she's to meet Hobson..."

"And make sure that it’s written in such a way that she’ll feel obligated to meet him and worried enough for him to come out of hiding."

"And Hobson? Should I send him a note?"

"No, Hobson will come."

"Why? How will he even know...?"

"Because I'm going to hurt her and kill him..."

"Psychics can't see their own deaths you know..."

"All he needs to encourage him is knowing that my wife is in trouble. Don't worry about Hobson. He'll come. I know he will."

"Okay boss."

"Now deliver the message to my wife. I need her in Grant Park tomorrow evening."

"No problem, boss."

"Thanks Thompson. I knew that I could count on you."

As Thompson left Jack smiled evilly. Yes, the time of reckoning was close at hand. The pieces were already in position...Rook takes King...Check Mate! Jack started laughing. Oh, tomorrow would be so exciting! His wife would willingly return to him and one Gary Hobson would pay the ultimate price. Yes, things were looking very good, indeed.

* * * * * *

"Meow..."

THUMP!

Gary rolled over in his bed when he heard that. God, but he was tired. He and Brigatti had stayed up most of the night just talking. He had returned so late that he hadn't even showered or changed clothes. He just dropped into bed. It reminded him all too much of last week when he was dead on his feet. This week he wasn't fairing much better, but at least he managed to sleep a bit deeper. He definitely had no desire to get out of bed this morning. He heard the cat's gentle pawing at his door. Oh well, let the cat paw. He just didn't have the will or the energy to get out of bed this morning. Just a few more minutes and he'd be fine.

Gary started drifting asleep again when his alarm began to beep...very loudly. Well, that effectively made him jump out of bed. Boy, the alarm was just a bit annoying this morning. Where was his radio? Oh that's right, he flicked the switch knowing that if the radio alarm went off he'd sleep right through it. His brilliant idea in the middle of the morning to switch his alarm to that annoying beeping wasn't the greatest idea in the world now was it? Okay that alarm just had to go! Gary quickly slapped his alarm into silence. He snuggled deeper under his covers and closed his eyes again. Of course, his morning visitor wouldn't settle for that. The alarm was now silent but had been replaced by a very persistent nagging rowl coming from the vicinity of his hallway. Couldn't that cat just let him sleep in a few minutes longer? As another sharp rowl echoed to Gary from the other side of the door he sighed heavily. Well, now someone didn't sound too happy this morning. As the cat howled again Gary flung back, "All right I'm coming!"

Gary sat up in bed stretching his arms as he yawned. He again heard the cat howl. Damn, that cat was a slave driver! All he wanted to do was sleep, but obviously what he wanted really didn't matter much. The cat was getting increasingly persistent demanding Gary's complete attention. Geez, if that cat kept howling like that he'd have everyone from the damned bar up here! Gary dragged himself out of bed then over to his door. He gripped the door knob throwing the door open as he demanded, "WHAT? People are trying to sleep you know! Did you get up on the wrong side of the bed or something? Geez, cat!"

The cat fell silent and simply glanced at Gary innocently. Gary glared back. He had a sudden incredible urge to reach down and ring that cat's neck, but he simply scooped up his newspaper. The cat still sat at his door watching him making no attempt to get up and move. Gary rolled his eyes saying, "Well, what are you waiting for an open invitation? For me to roll out the red carpet? Come in."

The cat still didn't move, which frustrated Gary even more. The cat had been so insistent on getting him up the least he could do was get in the room. Gary was prepared to yell at the cat when he suddenly got to his feet and darted into his home. Gary stared at the vacant spot where the cat had been mere seconds ago before turning to see the cat jump to his counter. He closed the door, shaking his head. Forget it, he'd never understand that cat of his. He headed over to his cat, who sat perched on his counter as if he were king of the world. Gary quickly grumbled, "How many times have I told you not to jump on my counter?"

He watched the cat intently and as usual the cat did nothing but continue to stare at him unervingly. Gary simply sighed loudly answering his own question, "Too many damned times."

He walked over to his refrigerator and pulling out a jug of milk he quickly filled the cat's dish...much to the cat's delight. The cat wasted precious little time quenching his thirst as he began to lap at the milk as if it were a gift from God. Gary again found himself shaking his head as he started brewing coffee. Coffee with loads and loads of caffeine sounded very good right now.

Once his coffee was done brewing he poured himself a cup then took a seat. His mind drifted back to the previous night. He and Brigatti had talked for hours and hours. They both enjoyed each other’s company immensely and had agreed to again start dating. They decided that it was time to give their relationship another chance. Brigatti, or rather Toni, suggested that they go out this evening. Gary was unsure of what the paper would need him to do so he told her that he would give her a call.

Gary jerked his head up looking at his cat as the animal suddenly growled. What the hell was the cat's problem? He felt dread swamp him as he noticed the cat was now sitting atop his newspaper. He suddenly felt very nervous and anxious. As the cat continued to stare at him intently Gary became worried. There was definitely something bothering his cat, and he was positive that the newspaper had something to do with it. There was something in the paper that was very important, something that was upsetting his cat just a bit. Gary hesitated wondering what could be so important. His mind drifted back over the last few days and as he thought of Amanda he jumped to his feet rushing to the counter. Oh God no, please let this not be about Amanda! Gary grabbed for his newspaper when the cat meowed again then jumped to its feet. Gary snatched his paper off of the counter then focused on the front page. He felt chills climb his spine as his eyes fell to the main headline: WOMAN FOUND BRUTALLY MURDERED IN GRANT PARK.

No, no, not again! He had changed this heading already! He had saved Amanda so why was the article back? This couldn't be right! There had to be some kind of a mistake! He tried to calm himself. All right so maybe this woman wasn't Amanda...but the sick feeling stirring in the pit of his stomach said otherwise and as he looked at the article it was confirmed. Amanda's name jumped off of the page at him as if to taunt him. Damn it not Amanda! How did her husband find her? She's in protective custody so how could she end up in Grant Park murdered tonight? Wallis had no idea where his ex-wife was. He and Armstrong had been very careful with slipping her away to the safe house just in case her husband was watching them.

Gary threw the paper down in disgust. He had to help her. He couldn't just let her be killed. Why couldn't her husband just leave her alone? Why? Gary swallowed a gulp full of coffee trying to formulate a plan of action for tonight when his cat again growled. He paused holding the coffee mug midway between his mouth and his waist feeling chills traveling his spine...no, surely that article hadn't changed. He looked at the cat noticing that he was perched upon the carelessly tossed pages of the Chicago Sun and felt those chills continue to travel across his back making his nerves stand on end. No, it had to be something else because he hadn't even done anything to change that headline yet...except read the article. Simply reading the article couldn't have made that much of a difference...could it? He glanced from the cat to the paper then back again. The cat was staring at him. He stared back replying, "No. You're not telling me that article has changed already. No, that's impossible. I haven't even done anything that could possibly alter it."

"Rowl."

"I didn't do anything, cat. How could the article have...?"

"Rowl."

Gary sighed heavily very nervous about reading that headline again. He sat his coffee mug down then glanced at the disheveled paper strewn about. He watched the cat jump to his feet revealing the front page of the newspaper...how convenient. As his eyes scanned the front Gary grabbed it up again staring in shock at the new text. The headline was now altered. How was that even possible? As he read that headline he felt uneasiness sweep through him paling as the new headline glared boldly back at him: MAN FOUND MURDERED IN GRANT PARK IN CONNECTION WITH WOMAN'S DISAPPEARANCE.

No, no, no! He was positive he already knew just who that man was and who that woman was. When he read the very first paragraph his suspicions were confirmed: "Local bar owner Gary Hobson was found brutally murdered late last evening in Grant Park. Officials say that his death could possibly be linked to the disappearance of Miss Amanda Riley..."

Damn it! Obviously her ex-husband was going to make his move...tonight. He had to stop her husband from murdering him and abducting Amanda tonight. He really should call Armstrong, but how could he explain to the detective just how he knows what is going to happen? Armstrong already thought that he was crazy and he didn't need to give the detective even more ammunition against him, but what other choice did he have? Unless...no, he definitely didn't want to involve Brigatti. How would he even be able to explain himself to her if he tried? They were just preparing to begin anew. The last thing she needed was him trying to explain to her how he knew that certain things were going to happen tonight. Brigatti was definitely out of the question, but he had to do something. What could he do?

He sighed heavily deciding that he needed to speak with Marissa about tonight. He really wasn't looking forward to it for she could easily pick up on his moods and would probably realize something was wrong before the first word slipped out of his mouth. Of course it wasn't fair not to tell Marissa that something was happening tonight now was it?

Gary finished his coffee, grabbed his leather jacket and gathered up the newspaper before heading down to the bar. As he entered the bar he saw Marissa and immediately walked over to her. He paused preparing to speak, but she beat him as she greeted "Good morning, Gary. How are you?"

How was he? Well, now let's see...not very good. He shook his head silencing his thoughts before proceeding, "Marissa, there's something I need to talk with you about...privately..."

Marissa swallowed hard hearing the tension already present in Gary's voice. Without having to ask she knew that something was wrong. She quickly drew to her feet, excused herself then walked with Gary to their office. She waited patiently for Gary to continue listening as he closed the door quietly behind them before turning to face her. She waited for him to continue asking, "It's about the paper, isn't it? There's something in that paper. Something is going to happen today. What is it Gary?"

Gary glanced away nervously finding that he suddenly didn't want to proceed. How was he going to tell Marissa that tonight he would be murdered? He hated doing this. All she would do is worry about him, tell him to call Armstrong or Brigatti and tell him that he couldn't go...but he had no choice in the matter. He would go. He had to save Amanda and if he was killed in the process... Gary shivered as his thoughts added finality to what he was thinking. He glanced back up as Marissa's voice intruded into his thoughts, "Gary, what's going to happen? Please tell me."

There it was that tension, that concern and that worry...for him, all for him. He shook his head before continuing, "Tonight...he's going to go after her again."

"Amanda?"

"Yes."

"And?"

"And this time he's going to succeed in destroying her and her son."

"Well Gary, you're going to stop that right?"

"I'm going to try."

"You're going to try? Gary...what aren't you telling me?"

He glanced nervously down not wanting to answer that question. He settled for, "She's not the only one who is in danger tonight..."

As his voice trailed off her thoughts took over. Gary. He was also going to be hurt in some way. The paper must say so. She suddenly became very worried sensing Gary's hesitency to continue. She gently prodded, "You...you're in that paper, aren't you Gary?"

Her only answer was a frustrated sigh from her friend and she knew for certain. She suggested, "Gary, maybe you should call Detective Armstrong..."

"NO! Absolutely not! And you can forget Brigatti as well. I'm not getting her involved in this. Look Marissa, I can handle this. I've done this before you know. I can handle it."

"Gary, you can't..."

"I can and I will."

"But..."

"Look Marissa, I have to go. I’ll be back later. Okay?"

"Promise?"

"Yes I promise."

"Okay but Gary..."

"I'll be fine."

With that said he quickly turned and exited the bar once again feeling guilty for leaving her without telling her everything. He had a few minor saves to make and then he would go back to McGinty's to check in.

Marissa knew why Gary left so soon. He wasn't telling her everything and she couldn't help but worry if the paper said more then he had just told her. He was in danger. She could sense that he was. She knew he didn't want her to involve Brigatti or Armstrong but all of her senses were screaming for her to do so. As far as she knew Armstrong was still keeping an eye on Gary but if something happened to him tonight then there had to be some reason Armstrong wouldn't be there to prevent it. Her only other option was to call Brigatti. She decided to wait until he returned to do just that.

* * * * * *

Several hours later Marissa became very anxious. There was no sign of Gary. No call, no message, no Gary...where was he? When she questioned one of her workers and he reported that Gary hasn't been back she became even more concerned for the welfare of her friend. He had promised that he would stop in, and he usually kept those promises. If he couldn't because of the demands of the paper then he’d always call. It was now nearing seven and evening had already fallen over the city of Chicago yet there was still no sign of Gary.

What should she do? Should she call Brigatti and tell her what she suspected or should she give him some more time? What time was the incident in the park supposed to occur? Had Gary even given her the time? What if something happened to him on one of his other saves and he was out there somewhere bleeding and in need of help? What if he was in the hospital? What if...she had to stop this! Gary was all right. He was simply running a bit late. He would call. He always called. She quickly questioned one of their workers for the time. The man smiled and answered her asking if she was all right. She returned the smile then returned to wearing a permanent mark on the floor as she picked up her pacing. Her nerves were definitely drawn thin. She had to stop worrying so much. Gary could take care of himself. He was very good at helping people. He had the paper for how many years now? He would be fine...so why hasn't he called or even showed up? Why? Gary was never like that. He would leave notes and phone messages always about where he was and when he was expected to be back...always. Gary was a very responsible person and always left her know where he was, so why hadn't he called or showed up yet? Why? She gave up deciding it was time to call Brigatti. She had to do something instead of pacing and fretting so she decided to go call Brigatti.

* * * *

Gary had gotten so busy making saves that he had lost track of time. He looked at the paper once again seeing the article that pronounced his death. As he read further he noticed the paper only said that Amanda disappeared around 8pm. There was nothing that stated when exactly he was killed. As he looked at his watch he cursed. It was now nearing 7pm. He had to go. He quickly made his way to Grant Park. Once there he headed for the area where his...where he would be found. He glanced around him seeing no signs of anyone so he decided to quickly call Marissa before investigating further. She was bound to be beside herself with worry now.

He quickly looked around for a telephone and spotted one a distance away. He started walking towards it intent on making a call to his friend before picking up his "sleuthing". He again focused on the article in the paper rereading it in the last remaining rays of sunlight shining over the horizon.

Reading that article proved to be a hazardous mistake because he failed to see the man now quickly approaching him until the man chuckled behind him. He glanced up merely out of curiosity and froze in his tracks. His eyes took in the man and the gun in the man's hand that was now aimed directly at his heart. When he glanced at the man's face he knew whom it was and that he was most definitely in trouble. He recognized the man as being the one who had been following him the other day. He swallowed hard briefly assessing his situation before attacking the man and knocking him to the ground. He watched the man fall then took off in the direction he was supposed to be killed. As he cleared the hill he stopped staring at the scene before him in open disbelief...

Amanda was there talking with a man who was now holding her painfully by her upper arms and yelling at her. He tried to think of what he could do next and without thought ran towards her. The man pulled out a gun and aimed it directly at her. He felt fear fill him as he took in the scene before him. Oh God, he was going to shoot her! NO! He had no idea how to stop the horrible event from continuing to unfold before his eyes. All he knew was that he had to get her out of there and away from that man as quickly as he was able. He started towards her again making it only within a few feet of her before the man harassing Amanda suddenly turned pulling her against him, pinning her arms to her body with his right arm while using his left hand to press the barrel of his gun to her head. He then turned casting cold sinister eyes in Gary's direction.

Gary halted immediately pinned in place by that cold stare and the immediate threat to Amanda. The man started to chuckle causing Gary to shiver. Then he spoke evenly, "Ah look honey. We have a visitor."

Amanda saw Gary and her fear for herself quickly turned into fear for him. Oh God, Gary was here! No! She spoke his name breathlessly as her fear and worry threatened to choke her to death. Her ex-husband responded instantly to that soft utterance by tightening his hold on her body before continuing, "So we finally meet face to face. I've been watching you Hobson, and you have been very naughty indeed...making a play for my wife. You just couldn't leave her alone could you, Gary?"

Gary swallowed hard trying not to show any surprise to the man as he spoke his name. Hearing Amanda's ex-husband speak of how he's been watching him made Gary feel very uneasy. He hated seeing the fear in Amanda's eyes and the worry. He hated seeing that cruel weapon pressed against her head. He had failed to protect her from the man now holding her so closely against him. He had to help her now. He tried to think of how best to proceed discovering that he really wanted to look at his paper but knowing that he couldn't. He had to come up with a plan and decided that talking could help get both he and Amanda out of this dangerous predicament. He answered, "Look, you don't have to do this..."

Wallis sneered at him as he replied, "I don't have to do this? Is that the best you got, Hobson?"

Okay, this man was definitely going to be a challenge. He tried again, "Look..."

"No you look. This is my wife. She belongs to me, and no one will take her from me. NO ONE HOBSON!"

Gary felt chills climb his spine as he heard the underlying threat behind those words and knew that caution was a must. He calmed his voice hoping that in doing so it would keep Wallis calm, "You don't have to do this...there are other ways, better ways to handle this situation..."

"Ah, save it Hobson. I'll just shoot you now."

Amanda interrupted instantly, "NO! No please don't do this!"

Wallis' eyes went a shade darker and colder as she spoke. Gary became even more anxious and nervous. The man was insane. At least he seemed a bit...unstable. He knew that if he said the wrong thing it could be what sets the man off. The fact that he was still standing without any bullets in him was a good sign...at least he hoped it was. He forced himself to continue focusing on Wallis' face and not the weapon he held against Amanda's head. He knew how dangerous this situation was for both of them and after what Amanda had told him...had hinted at he was certain that this man was not one who was likely to leave someone walk away unscathed. He had to proceed with lots of caution or he would get them both killed.

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