WOODCREEK

 

WOODCREEK

CHAPTER TEN

The Tuscan colored sun set on the horizon bleeding hues of orange and yellow. The sunset was beautiful, immaculate and stunning as it went down the horizon to the depths of hades. A strong wind blew past Michael Woodcreek as he watched the spectacle in scrutiny, the wind was firm and reassuring just like his parenting skills. But today he was not a proud father, Cassidy had been abducted by the Mexican cartel and it was written El Jeffe all around.

Loise Woodcreek had been in crying bouts all night not being able to sleep or eat. Her stomach was aching and the oxycodone she was prescribed didn’t work. She could be heard all across the house crying into a drunken stupor. Her wails echoed through the house like a bellowing trumpet. She was in pain and agony a mother’s loss. Her hair once golden brown turned dull and her skin became pale and filled with pallor.

“You promised Michael to keep our daughter out of harms way!” she shouted for everyone in the room to hear.

The living room was crowded with the FBI personnel camping for the sake of the Woodcreek ranch family’s safety. They had set up all kinds of computers hooked up to their land lines just in case the perpetrators called and that they did.

“We want one million dollars in cash delivered at the Ritz Bodega, come alone or else…” said the mysterious voice after asking for their demands, the ransom, one million dollars.

“If its money they want. I will give it to them.” Said Michael to the detectives who were worn out from the investigation. Every door from El Paso to Mexico was kicked down to ask for his daughter but the cartel was so discreet the only major lead was this one phone call.

“What the hell am I paying you for if you can’t get my daughter back!” Michael lashed out to one of the police officers when they suggested he couldn’t go alone to the ransom rendezvous point.

As the investigation deepened, it came to light that the notorious La Hermandad gang famously known for its kidnappings in Mexico had been responsible for this kidnapping. La Hermandad was infamously known for its ruthless kidnappings in and out of Mexico. They are responsible for almost every kidnapping in Mexico for the last decade. It is believed that one kidnapping in Mexico happens every twenty minutes in the Land of the Dead according to an expose in the New York Times.

“Stop fucking around and find my daughter!” he cursed at the agents.

A unit was posted at the Bodega twenty minutes before the exchange but the kidnappers got wind of the arrangement and pulled out of the operation. Frustrated Michael became impetuous and kicked the police from his home. I will do it my way now.

First, he made a dire phone call to El Jeffe stating the facts, El Jeffe with his charming and charismatic personality denied all charges as expected Michael threatened to expose him to the feds but sooner rather than later, he hung up the phone. Michael threw his land line across his business office across the room and poured himself another drink.

I will make him pay for his insolence!

 

Meanwhile

Border of El Paso, Texas

Jonathan Woodcreek, Michael Woodcreek’s first born son stepped out of his dodge challenger with a duffel bag full of money as he approached the abandoned cul de sac. There he was met with a couple of mean looking Mexicans.

“So, the prodigal son wants to buy out his only father. You are a cold son of a bitch” one of the gang members said in a thick Hispanic accent.

“Here, just take the money” said Jonathan with a fragile tone.

One of the members stood up from sitting on the pick ups hood and raised a gun at him.

“How about I take your money and kidnap you and ask for a far bigger ransom like your sister!” said the huge Mexican, who clearly was the boss.

Instinctively, Jonathan raised his hands to show he was unarmed.

“Look I just want a piece if the pie. The money is collateral. I am tired of being treated like a brat by my father” said Jonathan as his fingers were shaking.

From a distance one could hear the clanging of metal and steel, oil rigs thought Jonathan. They were everywhere in Texas. Smoke billowed in the air as the drilling was going on, a failed shaft he thought. He had studied Geology and Science at TSU but he did not want to become a landman he wanted to become a rancher like his father.

And now he was betraying the trust of the only man that had loved him so much.

“Okay homie, you got a deal” said the cartel boss and shook Jonathan’s hand with great surety.

Relieved, Jonathan sighed and entered his car.

I just cut a deal with the Mexicans I can finally start earning my keep.

He started the car and sped off.

And now Michael his father had become his business adversary from now on. Secrecy would play to his advantage but from here on out, he was on his own, free to make his own independent decisions.

The days of old of ranching were over and now he would be treated like the man he was meant to become.

The sun set on the horizon once again this time sinking deeper and faster than the last like a foreboding of a storm that was once about to come.