The Lottery Council- Chapter XXI: Aftermath Part 1

Jim was still visibly shaken when the police arrived... First the uniform guys, then detectives. He sat quietly sipping his coffee trying to gather his thoughts as the crime scene was processed- then it was question and answer time. A burly detective sat next to Jim at the table...

"Feel up to a few questions," he asked.

"Might as well get it over with." Jim noticed his hand shaking when he reached for his coffee.

"How did you know the deceased?" The policeman wanted to know.

"From work. He comes by there from time to time, mostly to see my boss... and from a civic group we both belong to," said Jim nervously. He hoped the cop wouldn't press him for more information than he was ready to give.

"You don't know why anybody would want to do this?" The detective waved his hand toward where Metzger lay a minute or so ago. "Any enemies you know of?"

Jim could think of many... "No, I really didn't know him very well. I was frankly surprised when he called earlier suggesting coffee. I had just walked up and was about to shake hands and then... this."

"Ok," the cop said. "Do you have a card or something- in case we have some more questions later? I can see you're still pretty shaken up by all this."

They exchanged business cards and shook hands. "Here's mine, in case you think of anything else," he said. Jim left, visibly relieved.

Metzger's death bought the terrified conspirators a little time... but, how much was anybody's guess. Winstead and his compatriots would lose little time moving against them. Jack had texted David that he had bought them a day, maybe two at the outside. Ann noticed the van was gone from in front of the house. It was time to throw caution to the wind- but not too much according to Jack. The kids were sent to stay with grand-parents until the school break... not because they were in direct danger themselves, but because it would make movement easier.

Ann got a text from Jack instructing her to begin transferring larger sums- staying under the $10,000 limit to avoid attention. Arrangements to sell the house were made through an attorney suggested by Jack. One advantage they had was that Jack was from the area and although he had been gone a long time, he had maintained friendships with his old comrades.

Jim was concerned for Leyland. The latter had stuck his neck way out and Jim was determined that it not get chopped off. He sent Jack a text encouraging him to at least let Jim make the offer, without disclosing any details- just to feel him out. Jack reluctantly agreed... if Masters proved a liability- there was always the "Metzger option." Jim called Leyland's office asking for a brief meeting.

"Thanks for seeing me on such short notice, Leyland," Jim began. "I'm going to trust you and lay my cards on the table. You were good enough to warn me about Metzger, but I need to know one thing... Can I trust you?"

"At this point, Jim, I'm as afraid as you are," Leyland replied voice shaking. "Not so much for myself. God knows I got myself into this, but for Margaret and the kids. You don't know those people, Jim. Metzger was just one. There are hundreds like him... they're bad- pure evil. They'll stop at nothing. We might have a little time now that Metzger's gone- a day, possibly two. We have to act fast."

That was fairly consistent with what Jack had said... a couple of days. Jim was thinking, trying to gauge Masters' response. It was a moment before he spoke: "I've been in touch with some people who may be inclined to help."

"They... I knew you were talking to someone- they know it too. I've been going to bat for you- Hell Jim, I brought you into this bloody mess- but, the jig is up. Metzger was at that coffee shop to kill you... don't ask me how, but that's why he was there." Jim could tell by Leyland's face he was telling the truth. So that was it, Jim thought... he counted his blessings that he had either been incredibly lucky, or had a guardian angel looking over his shoulder- probably both. He also made up his mind about Leyland. He went on...

"How long will it take you to clear out?" He asked.

"Clear out?" Leyland looked puzzled. "What do you mean, clear out?"

"Surely you're aware we can't stay here," Jim said. "If they're on to me, most likely they're on to you as well."

This was a fact not lost on Masters, in fact it had occurred to him as soon as Metzger made his unexpected departure. He had cash stashed away in offshore accounts and a safety deposit box in the Caymans. These he could access immediately- perhaps he could access his regular accounts later. He would call his wife and have her begin withdrawing funds.

"What's the plan?" Leyland asked.

I'm not exactly sure. I have to contact a couple of people for the details. I'll let you know soon- later today," Jim told the frightened man trying to sound reassuring. In fact he didn't know if he would be able to help Leyland at all... But, he would certainly try.

https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xv-dr-winstead-summons
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xvi-picnic-jim-s-uncomfortable-epiphany
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xvii-metzger-takes-charge
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xviii-the-clock-is-ticking
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xix-fear-creeps-in
https://steemit.com/fiction/@richq11/the-lottery-council-chapter-xx-chaos

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