Free The Case of the Vanishing Boy by Alexander Key Page B

stay within a quarter of a mile of you. When they pick you up—it’ll probably be in a car this time—I want you to remove it without being seen and stuff it behind the seat. Now, one more thing …”
    Deftly he taped the tiny transmitter in place, then took another small object from his bag. “This is a voice transmitter,” he went on. “It’s small enough to fit into the pocket of your jeans without being noticed. It’s switched on now and ready for action. After you enter the phone booth and get your instructions, I want you to call me and let me know what they tell you to do. Someone may be watching, so put the thing on the shelf and pretend you’re still talking on the phone after your caller hangs up. It’s a two-way job, so if there’s a question you have to ask, you must press this button to hear my reply. Don’t take it with you when you leave the booth. Just leave it there and I’ll pick it up later.”
    The State agent paused, and Hecuba said, “Jan, it’s chilly outside, so you’d better wear this jacket. It’ll help hide that thing under your shirt.”
    He slipped gratefully into the cotton jacket that went with his jeans, and put the transmitter in a side pocket. “We—we’d better go,” he said, with a glance at the clock.
    â€œTwo more things,” said Martin, not to be hurried. “First, I’ll need someone to ride with me and help with the direction finder so I can keep track of Jan. Not you, Bricker—you’re still in uniform.”
    â€œI’ll go,” said Bill Zorn. “I know how to handle the thing.”
    â€œGood! Doctor, have you a phone in your car?”
    â€œYes. Want my number?”
    â€œRight, and I’ll give you mine. We may have to keep in touch.”
    They exchanged numbers, and Martin said, “I’ll follow you at a safe distance and park within sight of the theatre. Let’s move!”
    Jan started for the hall, but hesitated as he saw Hecuba looking at him, eyes moist. Suddenly she stepped forward and gave him a quick hug, holding him close. “Bless you!” she whispered. “I’ll be praying for you!”
    Wordless, he clung gratefully to her a moment, then swallowed and hurried after Heron.
    Fear did not come until the speeding Rolls left the country road that went past the farm and shot into the Glendale highway. Then fear crept numbingly through him as if a deadly drug had been forced into his veins. So many things could go wrong, and it would take only one of them to put him back in the hands of that unknown creature they called Big Doc.
    The doctor, as if sensing his dread, said firmly, “We’re going to lick those rascals, son. No matter what happens, keep that thought in mind. We’re going to catch ’em and get you and Ginny back. It may be only a matter of hours, or it may take a day or so. Martin will need help—he’s probably phoning for it now—but it’ll take a little time to locate you and set things up. So think tough, son, and don’t let anything throw you.”
    Jan mumbled that he wouldn’t.
    Heron said, “I can’t shake the feeling that Big Doc’s path has crossed mine somewhere. If I just had his name, or a description of him …”
    â€œI know what he looks like,” he managed to say.
    â€œDon’t tell me you’re beginning to remember him!”
    â€œNo, sir. But I keep dreaming of a man that I’m sure is Big Doc. It has to be, because it’s always the same man, and I wake up scared.”
    â€œDescribe him, son.”
    â€œHe’s big—not exactly tall, but real big, and sort of flabby. And he’s got a short, dark beard, kind of pointed, that covers the lower part of his face. His voice is soft. When he gets mad, he doesn’t raise it like most people do. It just gets softer.”
    â€œHm! I’d sure know him