Free Redemption by Richard Stephenson Page A

in, Knoxville.”
    “Go ahead, Denver, this is Knoxville station.”
    “I have Mr. Harris on the line for Mr. Black.”
    “Roger, wait one.”
    A minute later, the booming voice of Benjamin Black filled the room.  “Max?  You there?”
    “I’m here Ben.”
    “Sorry to hear about Theo.  He was a good man.  Give Vanessa my love.”
    “Will do.  What’s going on Ben?”
    “Have some good news for you.”
    “We can use it.”
    “Your friend is coming for a visit.  Should be here day after tomorrow.”
    Max immediately understood why his good friend wanted to deliver the news himself.  “You sure he’ll make it to the party this time?”  Dupree had been caught before but always managed to escape custody.
    “I have a welcoming committee heading straight to him.  The kind folks escorting him seem to know what they’re doing and have been acquainted with his talents.  My people should meet up with him this time tomorrow.”
    “That’s great news, Ben.  What do you need from me?”
    “Just meet me half way and he’s all yours.  I’ll be coming along to keep him company.”
    “When you confirm he’s in Knoxville, I’ll have my people on the road.  You have enough fuel?”
    “You know I do, been saving up just for this.”
    “That great, Ben.  You guys know about St. Louis?”
    “Yeah, not sure what to make of it.  McCallon may have been an asshole, but he kept St. Louis locked down tight for years.”
    “You guys know who’s calling the shots now?”
    “No, but I’m gonna find out.  Not much choice.”
    “Still no way around St. Louis?”
    “Afraid not.  After McCallon took out the bridges in Memphis, you got two options to get a vehicle across the Mississippi – St. Louis or New Orleans.”
    “Is New Orleans still standing?”
    “Shit, Maxwell, you know as well as I do – anyone that makes it to New Orleans is never heard from again.”
    “Ben, I can’t let you have all the fun.  Make camp a safe distance from St. Louis and wait for me to get to my side.  I’ll meet your recon team in the city follow them back to you.  We combine our forces and cross the Mississippi together.”
    “Are you saying you’re actually making the trip yourself?”
    “You know I am.  This is too important.”
    “What will your lovely wife say?”
    “Brother, you let me worry about that.”
    “Fair enough.  Stay close to the radio this time tomorrow.  The minute our guest is comfortable I’ll call you.”
    “I look forward to it.”
     
    ***
     
    “Honey, I’m sorry for everything.”
    Max and Elizabeth had retired to their bed for the evening.  Patience was not Elizabeth’s strong suit, but she knew that her husband was waiting for complete privacy from his walkie-talkie, from knocks on the door, from everything.
    “It’s okay, I promise.  I understand why you kept it a secret.  Everyone was better off thinking he was dead.  I’ve slept a lot better thinking he was rotting in hell.  I can’t imagine the torture you’ve been living all this time.”
    “Gives my alcoholism a certain level of validation, doesn’t it?”
    “Where is he, Maxwell?”
    “In custody on his way to Ben.”
    “Are you serious?  He’s been caught?  Max, that’s great news!”
    “He’s been caught before.  The man used to be a Navy SEAL and escaped from a supermax prison.  Not a lot these days can keep him under lock and key.  Ben will know what to do with him.”
    “Is Ben bringing him here?”
    “If Dupree ends up secured in Knoxville, I’m gonna meet Ben in St. Louis for the handoff.”
    “I’m going with you.”
    “St. Louis is a powder keg right now.  Not safe, you’re staying here.”
    “Max, don’t make me say it.”
    “Elizabeth, I need you in charge here while I’m gone.”
    “I really need to say it?”
    “Elizabeth, please.”
    “He killed our son, Maxwell!  I’m coming with you!”
     

 
    CHAPTER NINE
     
    “You’re insane.”
    “Dr. Biggs, while I will