| “Deception of an Innocent” A short story based on the WB Series, “Tarzan” *** Prolog: John and Jane are back home in New York, but bliss will not be theirs for long as forces are fighting to keep them apart. John's innocence may be his downfall. *** Chapter 1 The enchantment of the past few days seemed like a fading dream to Jane as she entered the routine of her daily life. Jane had a lot of catching up to do at the precinct with all of the time that he had been away with her father’s illness and getting John free from the murder charges. Sam was back to his usual charming quips and no worse for wear from the trip camping with John. How she loved her job, the thrill of the investigation and the excitement of the capturing the bad guys. She loved John, but she could not think of giving up this job that she had worked so hard to get. At 26 years old, she was one of the youngest detectives on the force. It would be hard, but somehow she would have to make him understand how she felt about being a cop, helping people. With all of the additional work, it was difficult to
find time to be together and maybe that was a good thing. Maybe they needed
time to work out the details of how their lives would be, together. There
was still so much that John needed to learn about living within society’s
boundaries and about who he would become now that he was a Clayton and
living in a Clayton world of wealth and power. John was still so much
about feelings, desires and quick to anger when he felt threatened. Richard Clayton had been over for dinner with his Aunt on several occasions, but John refused to eat with him. She had admonished him that Richard was responsible for saving his and Jane’s life and that he should be grateful, but his senses told him that his Uncle was an enemy despite appearances to the contrary. Jane too seemed taken by the new image of Richard as the hero, something that caused a great deal of friction between her and John. Richard used this friction to inject himself even further into the household affairs. A tutor, Mr. Simon, had been sent by Greystoke to work with John on his basic skills and social interaction. Mr. Simon was a thin nosed prissy man that prided himself on his perfect manners and diction. John and his new tutor were not getting along. The tutor was appalled with John’s manners and seemed to take joy in reminding John that no self respecting woman would be with a man of such low character and demeanor. John tried hard to please his Aunt and Jane by working his lessons with this man, but the constant belittlement was more than he could bear. In the jungle the rules were simple, the strong and quick survive, but he was ill equipped to deal with the cleaver treachery that civilized men like Richard Clayton and he sought more and more solitude and away from the tension of his Uncle and Mr. Simon. Chapter 2 Nash and Richard sat in the comfort of the Greystoke headquarters office, surrounded by the cold decadence of its sterile luxury. “This plan will take the most delicate of timing, are you sure that the players can all be trusted to carry it off, Nash.” We got the physiatrist, Dr. Simon working to break your Nephew down, he’s using tactics from his CIA days and some extra supplements in his diet and he should be ready for the next step in a couple of days. We’ll have to wait until he feels the timing is right. Gene arranged for the tap on Clayton’s phones and we should have enough dialog tapes for the lab to put together some convincing audio real soon, just a couple of more phrases and we will be ready. Got the guy lined up for the staring role in the pictures, he’s a good looking and dresses up good for the part. “Can we trust him?” “Yeah, he’s into a bookie for a lot of dough, he’ll be a good boy or it will be the last job he every does standing up that is. With your nephew’s short temper and the docs helping it along that should be enough to push him over the edge. John needed time with Jane, but she was working so many hours these days that there was no time to talk about their plans for the future since their return to New York. The more time that they were part the more the doubts injected by Mr. Simon played in his mind. His only comfort of late was the boxer pup; D’Artagnan sensed his master’s need for companionship. The staff made a habit of keeping a tray of fresh fruit and chilled water on the table in the atrium for John since he spent so much of his time there, alone. Back after a long walk with D’Artagnan and game of chase that ball that he loved so much, John drank deeply from the cool water and climbed into his resting place at the top of the atrium. Kathleen was in her study working on the next issue of the newspaper and other business matters, later that day she would be gone to the monthly meeting of the Greystoke Board of Directors. Richard had insisted that she keep up attendance now that John’s interest must be considered as well as her own. She was trying hard to mend the broken relationship between herself and her older brother. It was awkward to have John dislike his Uncle so much, although she knew that he had good reason. John was not one to forgive a transgression or trust someone that had broken his trust. He had been through more than any of this friends or family would every know. Still, John seemed even more agitated of late and she had so hoped that he would settle down with the steps that he and Jane had made in their relationship. John decided to go wait for Jane at the precinct. He was so anxious that he could not bear to wait across the street, as was his custom so he decided to go inside and see Jane and Sam. Once inside he was met by the activity of the station and several not too friendly police officers that were not willing to forget their dead friend Michael. Just as an altercation seemed inevitable, the Captain came out of his office, “John, what are you doing here, come on in”. John followed the Captain into his office and stood and finally sat at the Captain’s insistence. “That was some thing you did tracking Clayton across town, we could use a fellow like you from time to time, how did you do that anyway?” “That is how I hunt”. “Well I never seen anything like it, Sam told me that you were the one that found that kidnapped kid in the junk yard too. Would you be willing to help us out in special cases where we need a tracker?” “I will help people, if you ask”, John replied. Listen John, I know that the judge dismissed your case, but some of the officers are not to happy about that, you know they can’t let it go and blame you for Foster’s death. It’s not fair, but that’s the way it is. You need to be careful. Sullivan and Jane are out on a case and won’t be back until late, I’ll tell her you came by, but I think it would be better if you left before there’s trouble, understand.” John nodded and left the Captain’s Office, he looked around the precinct like a man in a lion pit ready for an attack at any minute. John, dejected, made is way to the park where he tried to find some relief from the anxiety that he was feeling. Chapter 3 Kathleen paced around the atrium in frustration as John appeared. “John, where have you been, Mr. Simon has been waiting for you for over an hour!” “I went to see Jane at the apartment this morning, I needed to see her, but she was not home.” “Well, you have obligations young man, your Uncle and I expect you to put forth some effort in your studies, honestly John you are getting harder and harder to understand, you need an education so that you will know how to act in society. Mr. Simon is a very respected teacher and we should not be wasting his time like this. “I don’t like Mr. Simon, I don’t trust him.” “Well you don’t have to like him John, just learn your lessons. Now I want you to get cleaned up and put on some fresh clothes. I’ll tell him that you’ll be right down. John was furious at his Aunt and swung at the nearby tray of food and sent it flying across the floor and stormed out of the atrium and ran into his old bedroom and slammed the door. Kathleen could not believe this change in John, maybe Richard was right, John was prone to uncontrolled violence. She would have to tell Mr. Simon to leave as a lesson would be not only fruitless, but could be dangerous with John in this black mood. After he left the home, Mr. Simon made a phone call to Nash, “its time, he is coming apart and is ready for the push over the edge”. Jane left the apartment early that morning to get some shopping done. Finally she had a day off and there was so much to do, shopping, cleaning and much needed time with her Tarzan. She missed seeing him everyday as was possible during their time in Florida and in the mountains, but that had changed with this heavy work schedule. The Captain had told her that John stopped by the precinct. She was very concerned by the reaction of the other officers, but the Captain had said that he and John had had a nice talk and that everything was ok. He did say that John looked very stressed-out and tense. On the list was getting the makings for a nice dinner for them. She would call him later and arrange for him to come over for an evening alone. As she was shopping her cell phone rang, Jane, its Kathleen, I hate too sound like an alarmist, but I’m worried about John. He flew into a rage this morning and refused to work with Mr. Simon I need your help, did you plan to see him today?” “Yes, I’m planning an evening at my place for us, see if you can get him to the phone and I will talk to him, ok”. “I’ll try”. Kathleen walked up the stairs to John’s room and knocked on the door. “John, can I come in please, you have a phone call.” “Come in.” John’s voice still sounded agitated and he was at the window staring out at the skyline of the City. His face was covered in sweat and his body was rocking in a rhythm that indicated the stress he was under. Kathleen softened her voice as she spoke to him. “ John it’s Jane, are you ok?” “Something’s wrong, I feel like my skin is crawling off of my body and I don’t know how to make it stop.” “Talk with Jane and we can talk when you finish, maybe we can figure it out together.” She touched his shoulder as she handed him the phone. “Hello”. “Hello your self, Tarzan, I’ve been missing you.” “I need you too, I came by the precinct yesterday and your place this morning, but you weren’t there.” I know, I have been working a lot, but I have the day off and I want to cook us some dinner. I left early to go shopping for a special dinner for us, that’s why I was not home this morning.” “You been giving Kathleen a hard time, she said that you are mad at her”. “No, I’m not mad at Kathleen, I could never be made, I love her.” John turned to look into the face of his Aunt as he spoke these words to Jane. “Ok, I’m glad that you are ok, will you come over about 4:00. That will give me time to finish my errands and get our dinner started.” “Yes, I’ll be there”. John hung up the phone, turned and embraced his Aunt and wept as she stroked his head. Chapter 4 Another Saturday and Sam was going into work to get the paperwork completed that was left undone from the night before. “Sullivan, can I see you in my office for a minute,” bellowed the Captain. “Wonder what I did now,” Sam thought. “I what to talk to you about the Clayton kid, Sam”. “Captain, I heard that he came in yesterday looking for Jane and almost caused a riot.” “Sam, that’s what I want to talk to you about, I know that the charges were dismissed and you told me about how he found that kidnapped kid, what you haven’t said is what happened to Mike on that roof.” “It was an accident”. “That’s what you and Jane said, but that was all you said, I want details, what were they doing up there, Ingram said that he saw them fighting.” Sam thought for a moment about all of the tension at the station and John and Jane trying to get their lives back together. “Sam, I can tell that Clayton is a good kid and I know that Mike was a hot head, I’m not stupid, I can imagine that Mike was not too happy with Jane or the Clayton kid but I want to hear it from you. We need to put this tension to rest, can you understand that?” “Your right Captain, your right, I can see that this is not going to end until everyone knows the truth. This is what Jane told me happened and you can verify some of this on your own.” “Mike was jealous, I don’t know if he had cause, but he went to Richard Clayton with a plan to capture John and put him in a cage again. Jane stopped them and then John heard this woman in the park scream. John and Jane went to help her and then John went after the guys that attacked her. Mike heard the call over his police radio; he was already boiling over Jane helping John get away from Clayton again. Mike responded to the call and caught up with John at some point. Mike shot John in the shoulder before they got to the roof. When Jane got there she tried to break it up, but Mike charged John and tried to knock him off of the roof. They both went over, but John held on and tried to save Mike, but with the gunshot and blood Mike lost his grip on John’s hand and fell. That’s how it went down. If you want to verify the gunshot, you can see the wound for yourself, the other details you could get from Donald Ingram, that witness, Jane and even Jed. “What a hell of a mess. He tried to save Mike even after he shot and tried to kill him? That’s incredible, Sam.” That’s John Clayton, he maybe wild and he doesn’t understand how all of this works, but he never lies and he is not a murderer. Captain, John has helped so many people since I’ve known him. It wasn’t just the kidnapped victim, he saved Jane’s sister from the Internet stalker Gary Korab, and he stopped Chris Rhinehart that sniper from killing Jane and Captain and two weeks ago he saved me and the Sheriff of Highland County and Captain… “Yes Sam?” “If it wasn’t for John, Jane and I would both have been killed by Gene Taylor, that was Gene’s plan, I’m sure of it.” I always knew that guy was unstable, but that is another problem, I’m hearing rumors that he is working for Clayton and feeding him department information. I don’t need to check this out Sam, but you should have come to me sooner to clear this up. We could have prevented a lot of problems. Sorry Captain, but Richard Clayton is a heavy weight and I was not sure how this would all go down. John is different, he does not react well to confinement with all that time in the jungle and the torture that he must have gone through at the hands of his Uncle. It’s all about the money. “Isn’t it always,” the Captain laughed. Chapter 5 “John, I love you, you know that right, Kathleen said as she held her Nephew”. John pulled back and looked at his Aunt, “Yes Kathleen”. “Tell me exactly how you are feeling and if you know when you started feeling that way. I know it’s hard for you, but it’s important John that you tell me everything. If something is wrong we will fix it together, that’s what families are supposed to do.” Kathleen took her nephew hand in hers and waiting for him to patiently. I love to be outside, being inside a lot is hard. Since I got back here from the mountains, it feels like I can’t sit still and I can’t sleep and my skin is crawling. How long since you slept good, you know John the whole night. At least ten days. John, don’t get mad, but why don’t you like Mr. Simon, what did he say or do that made you not like him. He calls me names and says that Jane would not want to be with an animal like me. Maybe he’s right, Jane is everything and I am stupid. “You are not stupid John Clayton”. Someone that has not been taught is not stupid; you are an intelligent person, the image of your father’s wit and charm.” “But, Kathleen, I was learning so many things before and now I can’t read the words. Kathleen reached for one of John’s children books from the nearby shelf. John, tell me what you see and if you can read these words. It was no use, the words on the page seemed to dance and John could not read them. “John, I want to call Dr. Jaffe, would that be ok, maybe there is something that he can do to help, will you let him help?” He nodded yes. Jane asked me for dinner at 4:00. Ok, why don’t you shower and get some rest, I’ll give Dr. Jaffe a call. That’s nice, you two could use some time together and John, try not to worry, ok. Kathleen left the John’s room and called the Dr., something in her gut told her that this was not just a matter of John and his temper, this was something a lot more and she smelled a rat. John left his room and went to his parent’s old room to use the shower. As he undressed and stepped into the warm spray the muscles of this back and arms began to unknot and gave him some relief from the physical discomfort that he was in. A smile finally came across his mouth as he thought of Jane cooking dinner for him and the time that they would have together that night. When he finished his shower, he stepped on to the balcony for some fresh air, he sat in one of the near by deck chairs and soon fell fast asleep from exhaustion. Chapter 6 Jane finished her shopping and was crossing through an alley on way back to the apartment with the grocery bags in her arms. She did not see the two men waiting just around the corner, men with their faces covered and a black SUV at the ready. When two men came up behind her and one of them injected her with a strong sedative. Jane fought to turn and managed to kick one of the attackers in the right knee before losing consciousness. “Son of a bitch! The attacker screamed, as he drew back a fist to bash Jane in the face. The other man blocked the punch, “Gene, what the hell are you doing, the last thing we need is a mark on her face and hold it down the noise. Help me get her in the wheel chair in the back of the van. Cussing under his breath, “Your going to pay for what you did to my friend Mike you Bitch”. They rolled their victim into the van and closed the door. They drove through the streets of the City with Jane lying unconscious on the floor of the van. Once inside the secluded parking garage of one of the down town luxury hotels. They parked the van, lifted Jane into a wheel chair and strapped her in at the waist and chest so that she appeared to be sitting upright in the chair on her own and covered her with a small blanket to conceal the bindings. When Dr. Jaffe arrived he was greeting by Kathleen at the door. What’s wrong with John, Kathleen, that boy is keeping me busy and seriously affecting my golf game. I don’t know what’s wrong, but he is acting very strange, go up and see him and you can tell me what you think. When they reached John’s room he wasn’t there, Kathleen began to frantically look for John through the upper floor of the house. Finally they found John on the balcony asleep. John, Dr. Jaffe is here to take a look at you. Why don’t you step back, and let me in there Kathleen, John and I will be fine. Dr. Jaffe had begun his medical examination as John finally began to wake up. “John, it’s Dr. Jaffe, hold still while I get your vital signs, how are you feeling?” “My stomach is bad”. “John were did you get through scratches on your arms?” “My skin is crawling and itchy”. “Well, your pulse and blood pressure are very high.” “John, I thought you were going to get a shower?” “I did.” “You’re covered in sweat again and its cool out here, Dr. does that mean something?” “I don’t know yet, I need to ask this young man some questions. How have you been sleeping, John.” “He told me that he had not slept well in ten days”. “John, did you eat today?” “I don’t remember, no I wasn’t hungry.” “What about something to drink, did you drink something”. “I drink water that Mary leaves for me in the garden”. “Kathleen, go and get a container and put some of the water that John drinks in it and bring it to me”. “John, I need to go to the bathroom and full up this cup with urine and bring it back to me.” “Ben, what is it, what’s wrong with John.” I won’t know for sure until I can get the water and urine tested. But I have a suspicion that someone is giving John Meth-Anphedamines. Chapter 7 Rod Baker was a good-looking guy and he had used that fact his whole life to use woman. Many a rich older woman had fallen for his charms and parted with her money to support his gambling habit. But his addiction had final grown faster then his charms could cover and he was in serious trouble with a bookie tied to the New York mob. He needed cash and he needed it now. Gene Taylor had made him an offer that would take care of all of his troubles in one night. All he had to do was check into a hotel and get some suggestive photos with a good-looking babe, easy money. He did not know who she was and didn’t much care. This job was a matter of life and death, his, and that’s all he needed to know. Rod checked into the suite on the upper floor, the suites had private elevator so they would be more private. The photographer arrived a short time later and was setting up for the shots. His cell phone rang, “we’re in the garage, fourth floor, come on down and give us a hand”. “Ok, I’ll be right down”. In the parking garage, Gene and his accomplice were lowering Jane, bound in the wheelchair as an old couple walked by. “Look honey at that poor girl, is she alright?” “Oh, my sister will be fine, just got tired and fell asleep”. Soon they were joined by Rod and he assumed the roll of pushing the wheelchair bound girl to the elevator. The men undress Jane and put her in the bed while Rod Baker removed his clothes and joined his sleeping beauty in bed. When they were finished getting the photos, Gene wiped the room clean of fingerprints and stuffed an envelope full of money in Baker’s hand. The photographer headed by to the lab to get the prints made. “As soon as you get them finish give me a call, we have got to get this in place before 3:00 this afternoon. “She was excepting him to arrive for dinner at 4:00, guess he won’t be getting an evening with his sweetie after all,” Gene chucked. “What do we do with the girl?” “Just leave her there, she should be out for another 10 hours.” The phone rang on Richard Clayton’s desk, “Everything should be in place, we have the tape and the photos are being delivered as we speak”. “Good, but there is no way of being sure exactly what John will do?” “No, that’s true, but Gene has a few of his friends that will be in the neighborhood to make sure that when he goes off, they are there to pick him up. That with Mr. Simon’s testimony should help get him locked away and the photos, tape and drugs should be enough fuel to push your nephew right over the edge and convince a judge that he is unstable. “Meth-Anphedamines, how can we be sure, Ben?” “I need a test kit so we won’t have to wait for the lab on Monday, they might have one at the police department for drug screening that they do.” “I’ll call Jane and see if she can help, she would want to know what’s going on with John anyway. Kathleen tried Jane’s home and cell phone with no luck, “That’s strange, Jane never turns off her cell phone”. Chapter 8 John got ready for his evening with Jane, despite his Aunt’s concerns he was determined to have time with his love. Kathleen insisted that the driver take him over to the apartment, John stopped at a flower shop to get some roses for Jane on the way. When they arrived, he dismissed the driver for the evening as he hoped that he would not be going home that night, but when he got there, the apartment was locked. John dropped his shoes in the alley and climbed to the window, something that he had done many times in the past. The window was unlocked as was Jane’s habit incase John stopped by before she got home. John placed with flowers on the bedside table and went into the living room to wait. As he was pacing the floor in anticipation, he heard a key turning in the door. The door opened and Nikki let out a little scream, “John, you scared me.” “Sorry, Nikki, have you seen Jane”. “No John, I was suppose to be gone until Sunday, but my plans fell through so I came home early. Did you try to call her?” “Kathleen did, but there was no answer”. “Maybe she left a note, I know that she had a lot of errands to do, she was leaving to go shopping this morning when I was leaving”. Nikki scanned around the apartment and found a large manila envelope on the table. “This was not here this morning, wonder what it is?” Nikki opened the envelope and looked at the contents. A gasp escaped her lips as she looked at the photos inside. “What’s a matter Nikki?” Nikki quickly stuffed the horrid pictures of her sister and some man back into the envelope, but John stepped over took it from her. “John, please don’t, she plead”. But John grabbed the envelope and looked with horror at the contents. There was his beloved in the arms of another man. Just then the phone rang, John snatched the phone and yelled “Jane?” It was Jane’s voice and she said, “its finished, there is someone else and we’re through. I could never be with you.” The call abruptly ended. John threw the phone across the room and smashing it against the wall. Nikki was beside herself, “who was it John, please tell me. Is something wrong with Jane.” “She doesn’t want me anymore, she said it’s over.” John stormed toward the door, but Nikki blocked his path, “John don’t go, please listen. Jane would not do this, she loves you, something is wrong, please stay, I’m scared.” Something in Nikki’s voice caused John to hesitate and he turned back toward her. “But it was Jane on the phone, she told me that it was over and the pictures”. “I’m telling you John, Jane must be in trouble she would not do this to you and why would she have photos laying on the table like this, it doesn’t make sense.” I know it looks bad, but I know my sister and you know her too, think about how much you both love each other, John. You are all she every talks about. For someone to get these photos they must have hurt Jane first, please John you have to help me find Jane.” “I’m going to call Sam”. “ Nikki, I’m going to go find Jane”. John ran out the door scenting the air as he went. Chapter 9 Nikki used her cell phone to speed dial the precinct where Sam works. “Detective Jed Carey”. “I need to speak to Detective Sullivan, right away, please,” Nikki cried. “Detective Sullivan has left for the day, can I help you.” “This is Nikki Porter, Jane’s sister, something terrible has happened and I need to talk to Sam right a way.” “Ok, calm down and tell me what’s going on”. “It’s Jane, she’s missing and John’s gone to look for her and there were some awful pictures of Jane here when I got home, I just know that she’s been hurt, please help me, I need Sam.” “Ms. Porter, don’t touch the pictures, we will need them for evidence in case…. ah give me your number and I will find Sam for you. Where are you now?” “I’m home, but the phone is, not working so I am using my cell phone.” Nikki gave Detective Carey her cell phone number and hung up. Jed ran into the Captain’s Office, “Captain, I just got a call from Nikki Porter, she thinks that Jane is missing.” “Jed, send an officer over to stay with her, and get hold of Sullivan, he would want to be called if something has happened to Porter.” “Captain, she said that the Clayton kid has gone off to look for her and that there were pictures of some kind at the apartment. She was real upset about them. “Better send over a fingerprint team as well.” “Captain, what about the Clayton kid, you know the temper he has, especially when it comes to Porter?” “Well Jed, if Jane was taken at the apartment, he can track her down and if someone hurt her, god help them!” “Ms. Clayton, it’s Nikki Porter on the phone.” “Oh hello Nikki, how’s school going?” “Ms. Clayton, something is wrong, Jane’s missing, there were some bad pictures of Jane and a phone call while John was here, John said it was Jane, but she would not have said the things that he said she did. John has gone to look for Jane.” “Oh my god Nikki, John was supposed to be just having dinner with Jane. We think that John has been getting drugged somehow; we are waiting for the results of a test to confirm it. Do you know where John went?” “I don’t know, he said that he was going to find her, he was very upset. I called the police station and told them about the photos and they are going to call Sam for me.” Finally the strain of all of this overwhelmed Nikki and she collapsed into tears and hung up the phone. “Dr. Jaffe, that was Jane Porter’s sister, something has happened and Jane is missing, John left her apartment and has gone to look for her”. “Kathleen, John’s heart rate and blood pressure are very high, if he undergoes too much stress he could have a stroke or worse. If my suspicions are correct and he has been getting Meth-anphedamines, his emotions will be out of control, he will be prone to rage and even hallucinations.” “You get that test done; I have to find John before he gets hurt. Kathleen yelled for George, the chauffer and left to look for her nephew. Through the streets of the City, Tarzan moved at an unrelenting pace as he followed the scent trail that Jane left on her way to the market earlier that morning. His body was covered in sweat and his heart beat as though it was trying to escape the confines of his chest. The look of rage on his face was enough to move most human obstacles from his path without question. He came to the alley, where Jane had been taken, and found the scattered remains of the meal that she had planned for them. He stopped and turned his head. Mixed with her scent was another scent that brought a curl to his lip and increased his rage. It was a scent that he knew well as it belonged to Gene Taylor. His nostrils trained over many years of hard life and struggles for survival in the jungle brought the truth to his confused and fevered mind that scent drew a clear portrait of the struggle that his beloved had gone through earlier in the day. Nikki had been right, the call, the pictures were all lies, he grunted and shook his head in anger at the thought of his Jane being attacked, without him to protect her. He now had two thoughts and two thoughts only as he tracked the scent of his beloved, find Jane, kill anyone that hurt her. Chapter 10 The sky was crystal blue and the ocean calmly rose and fell as it kissed the gentle shore of this tropical island. Coming up the beach was the most beautiful woman that Sam had every seen, her long slender legs, bronze glistening complexion and rise and fall of her amble bust rhythmically moved as she ran to him with open arms sweetly calling his name. He was now running toward the beauty to meet her in a lover’s embrace and as they were to complete their union, the phone rang. “Damn, someone is going to pay for this, he muttered.” What in the hell do you want at this hour, it better be good!” “Sam, it’s Jed, Jane’s missing”. Jed Carey filled Sam in on the details and Sam agreed to meet him at the precinct. Through the streets of the city Tarzan ran like a man possessed, stopping only to recheck for the scent that Jane and her kidnapped left behind. No other man on earth could have followed that trail, but to Tarzan it read like a road map and despite the pain in his head and chest he would not be deterred. The trail led to the parking garage of the hotel and up to the elevator in which Jane had been taken. However, no clue was there to help him determine the floor of the hotel that held his beloved. So it was that Tarzan got off on several floors checking for her scent only to be disappointed time and again. He called her name in vain, waking the sleeping residents with what sounded like the ravings of a mad man. Several of the tenants called the front desk to complain and the police were summoned to remove the author of the disturbance. As the police arrived on the 25th floor, Tarzan was in a frenzied state. His heart was pounding in his head and the pain caused by the increase in pressure was unbearable. The uniformed officers sought to quiet the madman, but he could not hear or recognize them in this state. Tarzan fought his attackers with what little strength that remained in his body until he finally collapsed. The officers cuffed and carried the unconscious man to the waiting police cruiser and left for the nearest police station. Sam was just arriving at the precinct when the call regarding the disturbance came across the New York Police Department scanner. The Captain was in his office monitoring for calls when the call came in. “Jed, Sam get in here! There is a reported disturbance at the Royal Plaza Hotel; the man causing the disturbance fits the description of John Clayton. He’s was arrested and taken to the local precinct. I want the two of you to get over to the hotel and find Porter. If John was there, you can bet that she is there somewhere too. I’m heading over to check on the Clayton kid. At the police station downtown, the arresting officers were dragging the dazed prisoner from the back of the cruiser. “What’s this guys deal anyway, drug attic?” “Mental patient, he’s nuts, we got a call from a member of the family their coming by to get him, but we’re suppose to keep him cuffed and locked in solitary until they get here.” They entered the precinct central booking area with Tarzan being half dragged and half walking. They stepped up to the counter to log in the prisoner’s information and get photos, “how do you except me to fingerprints from someone in handcuffs?” “Well I don’t know, but we were warned that he can be violent, get everybody back and I’ll hold my gun on him while you get it done. Listen up buddy, don’t try anything funny, just taking your fingerprints not going to hurt you. Tarzan slumped in the chair barely able to sit up. As the officer inked Tarzan’s fingers he asked his list of questions for the file. “Name?” “John”. “Ok, your last name?” “Clayton”, where is Jane, she was there, but I couldn’t find her?” “Sorry, I don’t know any Jane; just hold still and I’ll be done in a minute. Age? “Twenty five, Kathleen said that I am twenty five, why am I here?” “You were disturbing a bunch of people at the Royal Plaza Hotel, where do you live? “I live with Kathleen, in my parents wing”. “Ok, all finished, your uncle is on the way so you won’t have to be here long.” “My Uncle, No,” Tarzan shouted as he jumped to his feet. His rapid rise caused the booking officer to fall backwards to the floor and Tarzan jumped over the fallen man. With all of his reserve he fought his way past the officers and bolted for the door. Just as he got to the entrance he was hit with a stun gun held by Nash. “Looks like we got here just in time, get him in restraints, I have an ambulance outside waiting, I think you’ll find this paperwork gives Mr. Clayton permission to take his nephew into his guardianship while his mental condition is evaluated. Tarzan was placed in a straight jacket and jerked to his feet and carried to the waiting ambulance. Chapter 11 The Captain arrived at the downtown precinct just after the ambulance pulled away, “I’m here to pick up John Clayton,” he told the desk sergeant. “You’re a little late, his uncle just came and got him, took him away in a straight jacket.” “Why in the hell was he in a straight jacket and why was he turned over to his uncle, that makes no sense, he was helping track a missing police officer, Detective Porter. “They had a letter saying that he was to be released and held by his Uncle for observation, how was I supposed to know. The Captain leaned across the desk and slammed his fist down, “You’re going to tell me where he was taken and your going to do it fast!” Sam and Jed arrived at the Royal Plaza Hotel and approached the desk clerk. They showed the clerk a photo of Jane, but the clerk did not recognize her. “Jed, she has got to be here somewhere, if John was here then you can bet she is here too. I hope the Captain is having better luck with John. I don’t know where to start looking and we could sure use his nose. The ambulance pulled up to the Greystoke buildings underground parking garage and just as it was about to pull in a police car screamed in front of the moving vehicle causing the driver to slam on the brakes. When the vehicle had pulled to a halt the officers jumped out and demanded that the driver of the ambulance exit his position from behind the wheel. Nash came from around the corner shouting at the officers to leave the building. As Nash was going for the door of the ambulance, a second car, a dark sedan pulled up from behind the police cruiser. Nash swung open the door of the ambulance and as he reached for Tarzan who was beginning to wake he was yanked back out of the vehicle. Nash spun around to smash the intruder when he was met square on the chin by a right cross from the Captain. “Stand down mister and don’t move he yelled to Nash as he lay on the ground bleeding from his mouth and nose. “You lay one hand on this young man and I’ll have you arrested for obstruction of justice. Officers, detain that man.” The Captain turned his attention to Tarzan, who was trying to clear his head and was now struggling with the confines of the straight jacket. “John, its Captain Morgan, do you remember me?” Tarzan took a moment to search his clouded mind and replies, “Yes, you work with Jane, I have to find Jane.” “Yes, we are going to find Jane, you and I together, hold on while I get that thing off of you. You need to come with me, Sam and Jed are waiting for us at the hotel, we need your help to find Jane, ok. As soon as the jacket was off, Tarzan and the Captain stepped out of the ambulance. Nash was some distance back, but Tarzan caught his scent and a growl erupted from deep in his chest. “Its ok, John, we have him and Jane needs you, come on. They stepped in to the Captain’s unmarked car and sped off toward the Royal Plaza Hotel. After the Captain pulled away in his car, the officers let Nash leave to return inside the building. “Mr. Clayton, the plan is a bust, we have to get this dealt with in a hurry, I’m calling in a cleaner. “Ok, use the Chicago group; I don’t want anything left to lead back to us. Chapter 12 Tarzan and the Captain pulled up in front of the Royal Plaza Hotel and were met by the detectives that gathered the evidence from Jane’s apartment. “Here are the photos Captain”. He opened the envelope and looked over the photos as Tarzan anxiously waited. “Ok, lets get the desk clerk to see if he can ID the man in the photos, he must have registered for the room. Tarzan and the Captain walked into the hotel and were met by Jed and Sam. “Hey John, how are you doing? Sam asked. “Better, my head still hurts.” “John, your Aunt is very worried, Dr. Jaffe confirmed that you have been getting dosed with PCP, it’s an tranquilizer that they give horses and can cause a lot of problems. We are checking the mansion for traces as it can be delivered through touch. I know it’s hard and we need your help to find Jane, but you have to try to stay calm or you could be hurt. “Her scent is in the elevator, but I couldn’t tell which floor she was on without going to all of them to check.” “Sam, the clerk recognized the photo, he rented a suite on a secure upper floor, he did not see a woman with him, lets go” the Captain ordered. As they entered the elevator, two men in a black SUV pulled into the parking garage of the hotel and started for the elevator. Once on the proper floor, Tarzan picked up Jane’s scent and ran to the door of the suite, the Captain used the key to unlock the door. As they entered, the elevator from the parking garage opened and the two men with a large case saw the police officers in the hall and the two men left the way that they had come. Tarzan ran to the bed where Jane lay still naked, he covered her naked form with the bedspread and turned to Sam and the Captain. “She is alive, but I need you to leave the room, while I dress her.” “John, is she ok, should we call an ambulance? Sam asked. “Jane is waking up and there is no blood, I don’t want anyone to see her like this, please leave.” The men complied with his orders and Tarzan lifted Jane into his arms and held her as she regained full consciousness. “John, where am I?” “Its ok, your safe, I’m here and Sam and the Captain are outside of the room, did they hurt you?” “I’m alright, John, I’m so glad that you are here.” Jane’s eyes filled with tears as she realized that she was in a hotel room and not wearing any clothes. He gathered up her clothes from the nearby chair and gently dressed and comforted his beloved. When they were finished, Tarzan went to the door and let the Captain, Sam and Jed into the room. He returned to Jane’s side as she answered as many of the questions as she could. “I did not see them, I was carrying groceries when they came up from behind. I did kick one of them in the knee before I lost consciousness.” “Sam, one of them was the man you call Gene, I recognized his scent in the alley and in this room too,” Tarzan said. “That son of a bitch! I should have know he was behind this whole thing,” Sam yelled. Chapter 13 “Sam, you need to calm down, we’re going to do this by the book, understand, I don’t what any evidence getting thrown out because we didn’t follow proper procedures.” “But Captain?” “No buts, Sam, I don’t want you and Jed going off half-cocked, you need to seal off this room and wait for the evidence team, then I want you to get back to the precinct and get a full report written and ready so we can get warrants issued for full search of Gene Taylor’s place and Greystoke, I want warrants for Taylor, Nash and Richard Clayton to be brought in for questioning. You will also need to get a full accounting from Dr. Ben Jaffe regarding the drugging of John.” “Drugging of John?” Jane questioned. “Jane, someone has been dosing John with PCP, probably by touch, to push him into violent behavior, he as to stay calm or there could be serious heart damage. We believe that they sent him the photos and faked a phone call from you to push him over the edge so they could get him back in their control. It’s lucky that Kathleen recognized his behavior as induced and that Nikki was at your apartment when the call came in. “Nikki’s home?” “Yes, we have an officer stationed outside of the apartment, evidently she came home and found John waiting for you.” A look of horror came across Jane’s face, “what photos?” Tarzan, still holding her reached up and touched her face to reassure her, “It doesn’t matter, they were not real and you are safe now, he didn’t hurt you and that is all that matters.” “Jane we need to get you both over to Ms. Clayton’s, Dr. Jaffe is waiting to make sure that you and John are ok. It is very important that you stay with John and keep him calm or he could have permanent damage to his heart and John its important that you let us take care of the men that did this, will you do that? ” There was a long hesitation, but Tarzan finally nodded. “Good then, lets get you back to your Aunt’s place.” Tarzan kept a protective arm around Jane and he followed the Captain back to his car. They stepped into the back seat as the Captain got behind the wheel to drive them home. “That’s quite a young man you’ve got then Porter, he tracked you all the way from your place to the hotel, amazing, just amazing. How about you come out to the police training academy sometime, John, and work with us on how you do that?” “I can show you how I hunt”. Jane smiled at John and placed a hand over his heart. “John, your heart is beating so fast, please lay your head back and be as quiet as possible, and I just couldn’t take anything happening to you.” John did as she asked and closed his eyes and she stroked his face to calm him. When they reached the mansion Kathleen and Mary greeted them at the door. “Oh John, Jane, we were so worried, thank god your ok!” “We’re ok, Kathleen, Mary, can we have something to eat and some tea for Jane?” “I have something already for you Mr. John, it’s in the kitchen.” Mary led John and Jane to the kitchen where she had a light meal and warm beverages ready for them. The Captain stayed for a moment to talk to Kathleen, “did the team finish the work looking for the source of the PCP?” “Yes they found traces on Johns razor, toothbrush handle and on some of the workbooks that his tutor had provided.” “Your brother had John picked up and put in a straight jacket earlier this evening, I got there just as they arrived at Greystoke.” “Captain, after they test showed that the tutor was involved I called my lawyer and we will have papers later today to start legal proceedings against my brother starting with a restraining order to keep him away from John and Jane and this house. I will need to find someone to work with John on his education, but it is going to be hard to get him to trust another teacher.” “Ms. Clayton, I have an idea of someone that I think John would like and trust, let me work on that for John and let me know when he is cleared by the doctor to resume physical exercise and his studies.” “I would appreciate your help and I can tell that John trusts you”. Meanwhile, two men in a dark car had collected their two charges and were well on their way to completing their grizzly assignment. Chapter 14 Dr. Jaffe walked into the kitchen, poured himself a cup of tea and pulled up a chair up to the table to join the couple. “How is your father, Ms. Porter, Esmeralda taking good care of him?” “He is covering well, thank you for asking, Dr. Jaffe, I think that she is finding him a handful. They are planning a visit here in a few months, when he is stronger.” “Well that’s nice to hear, listen, I need to complete an examination of both of you before I leave, but no reason that you can’t finish your dinner first. After we are finished, I want you both to have a nice warm shower and get some rest, and I do mean rest, John. It will take a few days for that drug to work out of your system. Consider that an order,” he laughed. “Ok, we’ll try to behave,” Jane chuckled and winked at Tarzan. Tarzan waited outside the room as Dr. Jaffe completed his examination of Jane. Jane, there is no sign of rape, thank god.” “I know, John told me that I was not hurt, as he put it, he could tell my the scents on my body.” “The Captain wanted a kit done along with the blood samples for evidence so it had to be done.” Lets go get John and get this finished so you two can get some rest. The doctor went to the door while Jane slipped on the gown and robe that Kathleen had left for her. “John, you can come in now.” When John’s examination was complete, Dr. Jaffe took with evidence that he collected and put them into the bags that the police department had provided and placed a second set of samples in the lab envelope for his use. “How is John?” Jane asked. “His blood pressure and heart rate are high, but not as high as when I took them earlier. John, I except you to be as good as new in a couple of weeks, but remember what I said you and Jane need rest.” “I’ll take care of Jane, Dr. Ben.” After the Dr. left the master bedroom, Tarzan left Jane sitting on the bed to go and start the shower in the adjacent master bath. When the water was warm and all was ready he returned to Jane. He picked her up into his armed with some protest from his love. “John, I can walk and you shouldn’t be carrying me, you heard what Dr. Jaffe said. But he only pressed her closer to his chest as he brought her to the master bath for a shower. Once in the room he set her gently on the floor and placed a finger on her lips to quiet any further discussion. He removed her robe and lifted the gown above her head. “I am so tired John, couldn’t the shower wait…”Let me remove the scent of him, please Jane”. She looked into his eyes and then understood, she was not hurt, but to Tarzan, the smell of that stranger’s scent on her flesh was a constant reminder of those awful photographs. “Yes, please John, please me get rid of him.” John lifted Jane over the edge of the large enclosed shower and then removed his clothing and joined his in the warm spray. Her back was to him, but he could see that her movements were almost violent as she slashed at her tender skin with the soapy sponge. Sobs were coming from her lips as she tried to remove the flesh that contained his scent from her body. He reached for her to still her assault and pinned her arms to her side. “Please John, I feel so dirty, how can I ever be clean again?” she cried. He turned her back to face him and pressed her body to him locking his love in his embrace. He held her there for a long time stroking her long auburn hair to comfort and quiet her tears. “Shhhh, please Jane, don’t cry, it’s my fault that he was with you. Let me wash him away from you.” He leaned her back into the spray and washed her slender body and hair. She stood there as his strong hands worked there way over all of her body with gentleness that spoke of his love for her. When he was finished bathing her he lifted her out of the shower and covered her with a towel so that she could dry off. “Can’t I bath you?” “No, you heard Dr. Ben, Jane, and I don’t think that I could follow his orders if you did”, he smiled. “Now be good, put your gown on and get in bed, I will be there in a minute.” He returned to the shower to clean himself. When he was finished, he walked across the room and saw Jane was curled into the fetal position on the bed. He slipped under the covers behind her and pulled her to him and held her until her body relaxed in the tranquil feeling of security that he gave to her injured soul. He kissed her neck and stroked her hair as she laced her fingers into his and signed. “Is he gone?” “Yes, he is gone”. “I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to protect you.” “It’s not your fault, John”. “No, but I can see that you and Nikki was safer. I want the both of you to move here.” “But.” “No but this time, Jane. I want you here were I know that you will be safe.” All right, I give in, your right; there is no reason that we can’t give up the apartment. “Good, now sleep.” Chapter 15 Mary came up the stairs with a tray breakfast tray for John and Jane. It was late morning and the house was kept quiet to let them sleep, but Kathleen thought that it was time to wake them for some nourishment. Mary set the tray on the table outside the door knocked gently on the door of the master bedroom and. “Master John, I have some breakfast for you, are you awake?” “Thank you Mary,” John’s voice came from the other side of the door. In a moment, John opened the door wearing his black drawstring pants, smiled at Mary. “I brought some clothes for Ms. Porter and Ms. Clayton would like to see you in the library, when you both are dressed.” John took the tray and close, nodded and closed the door. The master bedroom was very large and included a table and sitting area adjacent to a large window that faced east to catch the morning sun. John set the tray on the table and placed the clothing on the edge of the bed. He returned to the table and poured Jane a cup of the hot coffee, one spoonful of sugar, just the way she liked it. He carefully carried the cup to the bedside table and sat down on the edge of the bed. Jane was so beautiful in the morning with the sunlight dancing in her auburn hair. He reached to move a strand of hair that covered a portion of her face. Just as he was about to touch her, her eyes slowly opened and her face lit with a smile. She reached for his hand and drew it to her mouth and covered it with kisses. “Coffee in bed, a girl could get us to treatment like this, but will you leave me when you realize that I have bad breath in the morning?” She laughed. John looked puzzled, “I will never leave you.” “It was a joke silly, how are you feeling?” “I feel like this” and he grabbed her around the waist and pulled her to him.” Jane squeaked in surprise and pretended of beat him off while and they both laughed. With her leg, Jane circled his body and pinned him back against the bed without much resistance. “Let me check out your vitals”, she took his pulse with her two fingers on his throat. I’d say you are going just fine.” He pulled her down to him and their lips met in a passionate
embrace. As they broke the connection, Jane said, “I’ve got
to get up, nature calls.” John grinned, “It does?” “Don’t
try to pull that one on me, John, let go before I have an accident.”
“Say please.” “Please”. John let her up and she
dashed to the master bath. He sat up and went to the table with her coffee
and poured himself some orange juice. “Mary brought you some clean
clothes.” “Great, I think I will burn these,” as she
stared at the discarded clothing on the floor of the master bath. “Thank you for the clean clothes, Kathleen, I will return them as soon as I can get over to the apartment for my things.” John moved closer to his Aunt as he spoke, “I want Jane and Nikki to come here to live, where they will be safe.” “What do you think about this, Jane?” Kathleen questioned. “I hate giving up my apartment, but I have agreed with John’s request to have us here, if it’s ok with you?” “It will be great to have you close with all of the plans to make for the wedding.” John leaned over to hug his Aunt, which brought a big smile to her face. “I’ve been alone too long, but now I have a real family. John, I have had the lawyers work up some papers that you and Jane will need to sign. They are legal documents that will keep Richard from coming near either one of you again, understand. “I think so, I’m happy that he will not be in the house anymore.” “Jane, Sam called earlier and wanted you to call him back. “Thank you”. Jane stood up and walked over to the phone across the room. She called the station and returned to John’s side when the call was complete. “John, Sam needs you and I to come down to the station to give statements and he needs your help with a test.” Chapter 16 Earlier in the day, Sam and Jed just arrived back at the precinct; the warrant had been issued for a research of Gene’s apartment and to bring him in for questioning. Jed went to work on the report while Sam walked into the Captain’s Office. “Captain, we went to Gene’s to process the search and bring him in, but when we arrived at the apartment there was no answer so we opened the door with the key that we got from the super. The apartment was as neat as a pin, too neat. This is a guy that couldn’t eat lunch with leaving some on his tie and his car was a pigsty “Maybe he has maid service?” “Well unless he has started using lemon pledge for aftershave I’d say someone has been here getting rid of fingerprints.” “Well if you like that, I got another mystery for you. Guys on the Westside found two guys, heads and hands missing. “Ouch, guess that rules out fingerprints or dental records, someone went to a lot of trouble to cover up the identity of the corpus, why not just dump them in the river?” “Guess they didn’t want the victim washing up on shore.” “And I had to eat breakfast this morning.” “I got the forensics team working on a test to identifying the bodies, give Jane a call and get the two of them to come in to give statements and I need some help from John Clayton with the test. How soon before you get the warrant to search Greystoke?” “We are getting song and dance from the D.A.s Office, Captain, seems Richard Clayton has a lot of influence with them, like we didn’t know that already, but it’s just a matter of time. Kathleen Clayton has some influence with some of the judges and she is going to help.” Back at Greystoke, Richard Clayton was pacing the floor as Nash enters the study. “Who the hell does she think she is putting a restraining order on me to keep me away from my own nephew, I saved him, he would be dead if not for me! I’m through with trying to help and playing these games, I want him out of the picture for good this time, make it happen Nash. It has to look like a random attack and use the Chicago group again; they were so helpful cleaning up the mess from last night. Chapter 17 The limo pulled up to the police station and the on looking cops in the front of the building could hardly keep their jaws from dropping as Jane Porter and John Clayton Jr. stepped out of the vehicle. John looked tentative as he walked toward the entrance, but Jane was there and her closeness helped put him at ease. He could hear whispers from the officers as they walked through the main office toward the Captain’s Office. “Wonder if she used a whip and chair to tame that animal?” “Lay off, the Captain told us what happened.” “Just the same, you weren’t here when he got arrested, you didn’t see how he tore this place apart getting out of the cell and now there getting married. Guess if you have enough money you can have anything.” John looked toward the men with a warning glance letting them know that he had heard every word, “Jane does not have a whip”. “How in the hell did he know what we were saying?” “That guy gives me the creeps”. Sam greeted Jane and John at the door to the Captain’s Office. “How are you two doing, get lots of rest and some for me too I hope?” “Fine Sam, lets just get this over with, I don’t like John having to be here any longer than is necessary. “Jane, I appreciate you both coming in, Jed is going to get your statement and I though John would be more comfortable giving his to Sam. Is that ok with you John?” “Yes, I will tell Sam what happened.” Good, then we are going to need some help from you, kind of like the way you hunt. There will be other people in the room including a member of the State Attorney’s office, an agent from the FBI and some technicians. John and Jane were sitting in separate rooms so that their stories would be independent. John was comfortable enough with Sam and the tape recorder, but when Sam finished getting John’s statement he left the room and several strange men came into the room with more recorders, a camera and several boxes. John looked a little like a caged animal with so many strangers closing in on him. About the time he was ready to bolt for the door a familiar face came into the room, it was the Captain. “John Clayton, I would like to introduce you to FBI special agent Ike Calvin, Deputy States Attorney Mark Klein and this is Alice Fuwalda from the Forensic Department. We need your help in identifying someone, but it will require your special talents, do you trust me John?” “Yes, I trust you, you are a friend.” “Good, first we need to cover your eyes to prove that you are only using your ability to scent.” With that the Captain placed two eye patches over John’s eyes and bound them to this head with a black cloth. Mr. Clayton, as Captain Morgan said, my name is Alice. “I will be offering you different scents and if you can please tell me who they are from, ok? John nodded. “Gentlemen I am going to have to ask you all to stand back so as not to confuse the test.” Alice took from the box several glass containers each sealed with a lid. “Ok, here is the first one.” John took in several quick breathes through is well trained nose, he smiled, “Jane.” “Was he correct?” “Please Agent Klein, do not interfere from the procedure. “Mr. Clayton, we are taping this interview and test, for the record can you give the full name of the person that you are referring to?” “Jane, Jane Porter.” Ok, try this one”. Again after a moment John replied, “Kathleen Clayton, my aunt.” “Ok, what about this one.” John turned his head and paused a good while. “Mr. Clayton, do you recognize this scent?” “Michael, Detective Foster, but the scent is death.” There was a hush from the men in the back of the room. You mean he can even detect if the scent is from the living or dead. “Can’t you?” John replied. The men turned back toward John in amazement, “His hearing should be tested as well.” “Not now, later, please continue Alice.” When John inhaled the next order he jerked his head back and his hands formed a fist so tight that his knuckles turned white. “What’s wrong John?” “He tried to hurt Jane, his scent was all over the room and… her.” “Do you know him?” No, but he won’t hurt her anymore, this scent is death.” Ok, last test. “Gene, I don’t know his name, Sam does, he was a detective, good he is dead too.” “That’s it John, we’re finished, let me help…” John jerked off the blind and started toward the door. Special agent Calvin started to block him, but John would not be denied the exit. All of those scents, Jane, Kathleen, Michael, Gene and the man that hurt John and the close quarters of the room and made him feel like he couldn’t breath. As he got to the front door a hand laid on his shoulder from behind. He spun to confront whoever it was. There was the face of his beloved, Jane. Chapter 18 “John, what’s wrong?” “Nothing, I just needed to get out of there.” “Ok, we’ll just stay out here until you say that your ready, but I’m not buying the I’m ok, routine, something’s wrong. When two people love each other they should be able to say anything, even if it is upsetting.” “They said that they needed my help; the scent was Michael, Gene and the man that hurt you. I just wanted to forget and it brought back all of those memories.” Sam threw open the front door and walked toward them. “Sorry John, but they had to know.” “Know what Sam, I don’t understand what they needed to know.” “They needed to certify that John could distinguish different scents, even ones from a corpse that had been dead a while. We suspected that the torsos were from Gene Taylor and the other man involved. The kill smacks of mob cleanup. John passed the test. Sorry John about using Michael, I know that it was not fair, but I couldn’t think of any other person deceased that you would know by name. The FBI and the states attorney were there to see it first hand, now we can get the warrant that we need for Greystoke. We still don’t know the name of the man that attached you, Jane, but we know that he and Gene were connected and we have other evidence that Gene was working for Richard Clayton. It will take a day or two to get the red tape cut, but we will need John again as soon as that happens. “Can we leave now, Sam, we need to get home.” “Sure, you all get on home, I’m going too as soon as I finish writing up the report that John gave me. I left a young lady waiting on a beach last night and I wouldn’t want to keep her waiting too long. “What?” “Never mind, get out of here.” “Jane, lets walk, at least part way and get some fresh air before we go home, ok?” “Alright. “ I’m hungry, we can get some lunch on the way.” “ The air was cool, but the sun was warm out of the shadows of the high-rise buildings of the city. The air was filled with the scent of the many flower gardens that dotted the landscape on their way. The pair walked through the streets never losing connection completely, hand in hand, arm around her waist, a brush of their bodies together. It was as if they needed the feel of one another to regenerate their souls. After a good stretch they came upon a small sidewalk café, just the ticket for a quick bite to eat for lovers that want to enjoy the smells and site of spring. They took a seat away from the other patrons for more intimate conversation. A waiter came by to take their order. “She would like Ice Tea and the Greek salad and I’ll have a hamburger, rare and water.” “Very good sir, I will be right back with your drinks.” “John, I’ve been thinking about getting married, do you know about weddings?” “I know that my parents were married and that people that belong together should be married, before they have children.” “Do you want children, John?” “Yes.” John took her hand in his and smiled, “I would love my son or daughter and protect them. Do you want children, Jane?” “Yes John, someday, but not right away, my job is important to me, is that ok with you?” “We can wait, we will be safe like we said before.” “Do you know about weddings?” “Sam told me that there are all kinds of weddings and that we should figure out the best kind for us. He said that family and friends would be there and that I would have to speak to you from my heart.” “Sam is a good friend, my best friend. A wedding is a ceremony, it has traditions like my dad would be there to give my hand to you and my best friend and you best friend would be there by our sides too.” “Sam would be next to you, Jane?” “No”, she giggle, that was my fault, Nikki, my sister would stand up for me and your best friend would be with you.” “Sam is my friend too, he should be with me then and Nikki with you.” “I’m sure that Sam would be happy to stand with you, but you need to ask him to be your best man.” “I will.” The waiter arrived with their food and refilled their drinks. “Now all we need to decide where the wedding will be. It can be in a church, a hotel, or somewhere you like that has room for our friends and family. Would it be ok if Kathleen and I decide for us?” “Yes, is there anything else that I need to learn or do before the wedding?” “No John, why do you ask?” “I know that I make mistakes, I don’t understand all of the rules.” “You know all of the rules that you need to be my husband, for us to be together. I on the other hand have a lot to learn, like how you like your meat on the raw side, how I fit in to your life and how to be a wife to you.” “We can both learn how to be married, together”, he laughed. Chapter 19 When they left the café it was getting late and the long shadows of the skyscrapers had obliterated the sunlight below. John and Jane did not notice the man following them from a distance as they cut down the deserted alley that would take them back to the safety of the mansion. Jane was calling Nikki on her cell phone as they walked. “Hey, Nikki, I need you to pack a suitcase, get everything that you will need until we get moved, John wants you to come over and stay at Kathleen’s. Suddenly, someone hit them both from behind, Jane was knocked to the ground, but John spun to face their attackers as his keen senses had given him a split second warning before a blow with a pipe would have connected with his skull. Tarzan wrenched the pipe from his attackers arm and separated the bone of the man’s forearm in two in the process. The pipe flew across the alley toward Jane who was now recovering her bearings and rolled over to recover the pipe. As Tarzan was dispatching the first assailant, a second very large man came from the behind and caught him in a full nelson. The air was choked out of Tarzan’s lungs that now screamed for air as he struggled to free himself. He slammed his head backward into the man’s skull causing an involuntary loosening of the bear hug. With a quick hard elbow to the attackers midsection, Tarzan broke the connection and rolled a few feet away. As he filled his starved lungs the man came again to complete his mission only to be met with a hard sweeping sidekick to his knee by his victim. The big man fell to the ground holding the injured knee in tremendous pain. Unseen by Tarzan a third man with a knife was now taking close to Tarzan and the weapon was raised for the strike. As the knife began its downward thrust, the assailant was slammed and knocked back away from the victim by a pipe wheeled by a furious Jane Porter. Tarzan spun as the pipe landed and crushed the man’s skull and leaped to her side. “Guess they didn’t plan on a tag team, Jane smirked. “Help me find my phone, I need to call this in, you watch them and make sure that they don’t move. There it is.” When she picked up the phone, a frightened Nikki was still on the line. “Jane, what’s happening? I called the police on my cell phone but I didn’t know where you were exactly.” “Nikki, we are find, just a little problem with some guys, but I need to hang up right now and call in this location to the precinct.” “You sure you both are ok?” “Yes, just get your things packed and call Kathleen and tell her that we will be home in about a half hour. The patrol cars arrived within minutes and the men were handcuffed and taken back to the station. Jane spoke to the officers and filled them in on the attack. “I will be in the office tomorrow and can complete a full report, I will be at Kathleen Clayton’s, Captain Morgan has the number if you need any more information tonight.” “Alright Detective, are you sure that you two are ok?” Jane looked at John and smiled, we are just great, but if you don’t mind we would like to get going, our family is waiting for us. She reached out for John’s hand and together they strolled back to the mansion. Chapter 19 As they came up the front steps, Nikki came out the door to greet them. John grabbed Nikki and swung her around in a bear hug, which brought a big smile and a laugh in response. “Are you two ok?” “We’re better then ok, we’re home. Did you bring me some clothes?” “Yes, mom, I packed as much as I could, it took George two trips to get all of the bags.” “Great! You never told me why you came back so early, I thought that you were going to be gone all weekend?” “Janice go the flu and was puking her guts out, not a pretty sight, so we decided to come back.” “So what’s the deal, why did you ask me to pack our bags?” “I’ll explain, but first let’s get inside.” As they walked in the door, D’Artagnan was jumping for joy at the return home of his beloved master. John dropped to the ground and let his happy boxer puppy give his sweaty face a tongue bath. “You two a quite a pair, how you doing boy, glad to see us again.” Kathleen hearing the laughter at the front door walked came out of the kitchen. “John, take him for a quick walk will you and I will show Nikki to her room.” “My room?” “Yes dear, this is your home now.” John took the leash from the peg by the door, hooked up D’Artagnan for his walk and went out the front door. “Jane, Nikki, Mary has your rooms ready come this way.” The walked up the stairs to the wing of the house that John and his parents had occupied. At the far end of the long hall was a guest room that Kathleen has selected for Nikki. The room was quite large with its only private shower and was decorated in lovely soft tones of blue. Fresh spring flowers were on several of the tables near the sitting areas. Against the far wall was a large desk with a computer and cd player. “This room is beautiful! How did you know that blue was my favorite color?” “Oh, a little bird told me that you might like it,” Kathleen smiled as she turned to Jane. Hope you like it, Nikki; John wanted you to have something to play your music on and a computer to help with your studies. “John got them or me?” “Yes, he wants you to be happy here, and so do I.” Nikki flew to the desk to check out the new computer. “Dinner will be ready in an hour, in case you want to freshen up, your clothes should be in the closet already. Jane, lets get you to your room.” As they left Nikki behind, Jane stopped Kathleen. “You know that John and I, well, we are together, would it be alright with you if we stay in the same room?” “It’s fine with me, Jane, but I thought that for appearances we should have a separate room for you, it adjoins the master bedroom by a door.” “You have been so kind to Nikki and I, I know that you were use to living here without…” “Jane, you, Nikki and John are my family, I have been alone too long. All I want is for you all to be as happy as you have made me.” Jane looked at Kathleen and replied, “I am happier then I have been in my life, I love John and you. With that the two women hugged. When John returned from walking D’Artagnan, he went up stairs looking for Jane, her scent was strongest in the direction of the atrium. Here is the garden was Jane, she was wearing a beautiful teal dress with thin straps over her bare shoulders. As he came closer he could tell that she had tears in her eyes. He sat next to her on the bench and put an arm around his beloved. “What’s wrong, Jane, why are you sad.” “No sad, I am happy, John, these are tears of happiness. All of my life I have never felt so loved as I do this moment, and I don’t every want it to end.” “He hugged her and pressed her head to his.” “Did Nikki like her room.” “John, that was so sweet of you, she was so happy, especially knowing that you did it for her. “When I was in the jungle, I was alone, no one else was like me, but I had a family. I had a mother Kala and a sister Jiordan before they were killed. Now I have a family, Kathleen is like a mother to me and Nikki so like the sister that I had before Richard’s men killed her. Most important, Jane, I have you to love and protect, always. I would die protecting all of you, if the time came. “I know you would, Tarzan,” She reached up and brush away the single tear that no longer could be contained in his eye and drew his lips to met her own in a tender union and spoke all of the words that needed to be said. They would love and protect each other and no force on earth, save death, could ever keep their love apart. The end |