Friends and Family Series

Kip & Kyle

By: Ron Robbins
(© 2011 by the author)
Editor: Frank Perry

The author retains all rights. No reproductions are allowed without the author's consent. Comments are appreciated at...

Chapter 10

Alex said, "Mr. Petersen, I have some bad news to report regarding Kip.  He disappeared from the aircraft he was on and is not onboard the flight to Germany.  We feel that he was kidnapped.  Tim Baker and Dan Fitzmartin checked on him just prior to the aircraft door being closed.  Kip was not in his seat in the First Class section.  They saw Kip get up to use the toilet in the front of the aircraft as some passengers were boarding.  We assumed he was still in the toilet after the door closed.  Tim knocked on the toilet door and discovered that toilet was empty.

Tim immediately notified airport security and the aircraft captain.  The aircraft was searched and there was no sign of Kip.  Security took pictures of the passengers and requested a manifest from the airline.  The flight crew and passengers obscured the security team's vision, while passengers were boarding the aircraft.  Some passengers were standing up placing their luggage in the overhead compartment.  Their guess is that someone grabbed him and hustled him out through the ramp door and down the outside stairs to the ground.  Airport security has notified the NYPD."

Kyle said, "Oh, my God, Alex, this sounds like a professional job.  I want you to bring in Mike Lee, of International Securities, to help you on this one.  He has strong ties with the intelligence community as well as RICO and the underworld.  Let's plan to meet this evening at my Fifth Avenue penthouse.  If Mike can't make it, ask him to send one of his top people.  You should have some more information by then.  Have Mike put out the word that I am offering a no-questions-asked reward of $100,000, for any leads on who is behind Kip's kidnapping.  I also don't think we should waste any time in going public with Kip's disappearance.  These are some of the topics we can discuss this evening."

Alex said, "Yes, sir, I'll get right on it and make sure one of Mike's people will be there tonight."

Kyle said, "I am flying the family back to Connecticut right away.  If you feel we need more security people at the Manor house, please hire them."

"I think we have enough men on our staff if you and the family and their security team are returning to the Manor.  I think you are making the right decision bringing the family home.  The security at the Manor is the best, not even a mouse can slip through without us knowing about it, Boss."

"That puts my mind at rest, as long as I know my kids are safe at home, I don't worry about leaving them."

New York Penthouse

Kyle, Alex, Mike, and Kip's security guards, Tim and Dan, were seated at the small conference table in Kyle's office.

Kyle said, "Thank you all for being here tonight to discuss Kip's disappearance."

Mike said, "Alex, Tim and Dan briefed me on what happened on the aircraft, Kyle.  I'm keeping an open mind until all the facts are in.  You are right about one thing, Kyle; this was well planned and executed.  Alex and my team are already talking to the airline personnel who were on duty when Kip disappeared.  We are also interviewing the ground crew and checking on them as well."

"We have our own forensic team on this case, and will be running thorough background checks on the ground crew and the baggage handlers.  I don't care how well this was planned, someone had to see something, and we will find out what they saw.  Kyle can you think of anyone who had a grudge against Kip, or anyone who might want to hurt him?"

"I can't think of anyone who disliked him.  He was well liked.  He didn't have any enemies that I can think of."

Mike said, "I know of your relationship with Kip; is there anyone who has it in for you and kidnapped Kip to get back at you?"

"There are very few people who know of my identity," Kyle said.  "I keep a very low profile, and my only direct contacts with my various businesses are handled through my consulting firm, or my lawyers.  I have no reason to mistrust them.  The only incident that I can think of is when Alex and I stopped the purchasing of drugs and I also chased off the dealers who were supplying Kip.  I don't think they would hold a grudge since we didn't blow the whistle on them.  I'm sure they were able to sell their drugs to another sucker in a heartbeat.  In any event, Alex and his team recorded everyone who was visiting Kip's penthouse for several weeks before I closed down that operation."

Mike said, "Alex, were you able to identify the key players in that operation?"

Alex said, "We have the names and pictures of many of the key dealers and their pushers.  I showed the tapes to our consultants with the Feds and the NYPD Narc Bureau.  They were able to identify the known dealers who worked the Metro area, but the Feds said they spotted a couple of out-of-town suppliers who networked with the Metro dealers."

"Kyle, if they are looking for a ransom," Mike said, "you should be hearing from them very soon.  We can be thankful that the FBI is not involved yet.  They will step in only if Kip was kidnapped.  We can move much faster without them looking over our shoulders."

"Alex, were you able to find out where the out-of-town dealers were from?" Mike asked.

"One of the two dealers that the Feds identified was from Bridgeport and the other guy was from Boston."

Kyle said, "Mike this may mean nothing, but when Kip was in high school he was harassed by one of the street gangs in Boston that were dealing drugs to high school kids.  The gang was well-connected, back then.  Kip testified against the three ringleaders.  The prosecutor made a deal with Kip that he would be placed into the witness protection program if he agreed to testify.  As a result the three top leaders were convicted and the gang was disbanded."

"There may be something there," Mike said.  "It's worth investigating.  The mob likes to get even with a whistle blower.  Who knows, maybe there is more than one gang working together to settle an old score with Kip.  I'll put a team on that right away."

Kyle said, "That sounds plausible, Mike.  I don't care how many men you put on this case, I want Kip back safe and sound and I don't care how much it costs, I want results."

"You're the boss, Kyle.  I am glad you said that, because I would like to hire the services of another super-secret agency to work with us on this project.  I only use them on special cases.  They are very effective and are somewhat scary.  I've never had a face-to-face meeting with anyone in the organization and never met an agent in the field.  All communication is done over the computer.

"It's strange talking to their leader.  His voice has one of those special effect garbled devices.  They are very particular in the cases they will take.  But I think they will take this one, because they hate organized mobsters, and, in particular, mobsters who kidnap innocent people.  We'll feed them all the information we have on this case.  They in turn will not leave any stone unturned until they have the answers.

"I knew after being briefed by Alex that we needed to bring them in on the project.  They are super expensive, but the best private stealth organization in the business.  They also have agents working in every top spook agency in the business.  We'll know very quickly if any people are on the take, or are being paid off within any agency.  Sometimes they are a bit scary, and it takes a lot to scare me.  But, one thing for sure, they're the good guys and they show no mercy to the bad guys no matter how high up they are.  I feel sorry for the guys who are holding Kip when these folks find them."

Kyle said, "You have a blank check for this, let them do their thing.  I also want them to take care of the higher ups who ordered this kidnapping.  I want your spooks to make an example of these people who think they can get away with harming honest productive people.  Mike, I'm glad you are able to have your spooks on this.  We have to catch whoever did this and not waste any time."

"I will let them know what we discussed here tonight so that they can look into the Boston connection as well."

Kyle said, "Well, gentlemen, I think we are on the right track.  Alex, I want you and your staff to help Mike in any way you can.  Mike, I want you to keep me posted on your progress.  You are welcome to use this penthouse as a base of operations if you wish.  I don't plan to stay in the city at all, I will be heading back to Greenwich tonight, and that's where you can reach me from now on."

Mike said, "I think this would be an ideal location as a base, Alex, since Kyle has a state-of-the-art communication network here.  I'll send one of my field supervisors here tomorrow to coordinate the field communications network."

Alex said, "That will work out for us as well, I'll send one of my top men to work with your man.  We can clear everything through them."

Mike said, "I think that will work out just fine.  Well, gentlemen, I have a lot of work ahead of me tonight, my helicopter awaits me, and I'll talk with you tomorrow, Alex."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦ 

Kyle returned to the mansion.  Walter greeted him at the door.

"Walter, I'm going to change.  I want you to assemble the household staff in the library in twenty minutes.  I have some important news to share with you."

"Yes, sir, I'll see to that."

The entire household staff was waiting for Kyle as he entered the library.  He walked over to the fireplace and faced the gathering.

"Thank you all for joining me here; I feel that you should learn this news from me directly.  As you know, Kip was on his way to Germany for an important meeting; however, he disappeared from his aircraft and we have no idea where he is."

"I have a security team working on this and I expect the authorities may want to interview you if their investigation goes that far.  This only happened this afternoon so we have not had time to form any opinions yet.  I want you to be especially on the lookout for strangers or anything out of the ordinary in your normal routine.  The security will be very tight and everyone entering the estate will be double-checked.  Does anyone have any questions?"

"Mister Kyle," Walter asked, "will the news media be reporting on this incident?"

"Our public relations department is preparing a statement for release to the press this evening."

"The reason I mentioned this, sir, is because some of the staff live off the estate.  Do you think the news media will hound the staff for information?"

"That's a good point, Walter.  If anyone is approached by the new media, just tell them, no comment.  They will be persistent, but just continue to give them the same response, they will finally realize that they will not be receiving any answers, and they will move on."

Kyle said, "If there are no further questions, you can return to your duties, again thank you for your time."

Kyle headed up to the nursery to spend some quality time with his children.

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦ 

The following day Kyle received a call from Mike.

"Kyle, we may have some positive news for a change.  My agents have made a connection between the drug dealers who were supplying Kip.  One of our undercover informants made the connection between the Boston dealer and the gang that Kip blew the whistle on six years ago.  My guys are trying to find the dealer known as Johnnie B.  He was one of the dealers who were on the surveillance tape your security people recorded in Kip's penthouse last year.  I've got to hand it to your security team — they recorded enough detailed material to nail a lot of drug dealers.

"We were also able to track down the vehicle that the men used to transport Kip.  One of the security guards is into drugs and my agents feel that the mob is using him.  Our people are questioning him as we speak.  I'm sure he can be persuaded to give us the information we want.  The FBI is not involved yet, but we'll get the information we need before they are on the case."

Kyle said, "Mike, from what you have learned I am convinced that one of the organized crime groups is behind this kidnapping.  Alex's recording has uncovered some of the top drug dealers in the Northeast.  We had the goods on them, yet never blew the whistle, but one of their own has kidnapped Kip to settle an old debt.  You can be sure that they will be sending me a ransom note to get Kip back.  I have a feeling that these animals will kill Kip and keep the money.  I think it's time to put the screws to the leader of these dealers."

"As you said, we have enough evidence to turn over to the authorities.  I am sure that we have enough explosive information to not only put their key dealers behind bars, but it could eventually lead to the kingpins themselves.  And that could decimate the organization.  I am sure the media will have a field day with this.  Let's find out who the head of this Northeast group is and let him know that we want the name of the gang that is responsible for Kip's kidnapping and we want to know where they are holding him.  Let him know that if they don't cooperate, we will retaliate."

Mike chuckled, "Kyle you would be a natural in my organization.  I think you have found the answer to our problem.  It should only take a few phone calls to learn who the leaders of the drug traffic are."

Kyle said, "I have the feeling that the boys at the top are not going to allow some vendetta to destroy their organization.  They always like to keep a low profile.  Negative publicity is bad for their business.  I think we can have Alex make a short DVD to prove that we have the ammunition on what went down.  I have a feeling after seeing that, they will either hand over Kip unharmed, or give us the location and the names of the people who were responsible for kidnapping Kip.  In either case, we should consider eliminating those animals to show everyone concerned that we know how to take care of our own and are not afraid to eliminate the bad guys."

"Let's see how this plays out," Mike said.  "The top guy may take care of our problem and eliminate the jerks who pulled this stunt.  I'm sure the boss would not have approved of this kidnapping because he would know that a kidnapping would bring in the Feds.  He will no doubt make an example of this group to keep the other boys in line."

"I think you may be right on that score.  This group is a renegade bunch and didn't have the brains to consider what would happen if the FBI entered the case.  The boss still has time to act before the Feds come in."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Mike, this is the third day and I have not received a ransom demand for Kip," Kyle said.  "I was sure I would have heard something by this time."

"I have a strong feeling that you won't," Mike said.  "We sent the email along with the video to Mr. Juan Morales, the boss of the drug syndicate, late last night.  He responded to our email saying he would answer our request ASAP.  We should be hearing back from him today.  Not receiving that ransom letter is a good sign, Kyle."

"Did your company contact him directly?"

"No, we let the spook group communicate with Mr. Morales.  I have the feeling that Morales knows of the spook organization.  For sure, he is not going to get on the wrong side of them.  Just be patient for a few more hours, Kyle.  I will get back to you as soon as we hear anything."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

"Kyle, our spook agency came through.  They have Kip.  He is a little shaken up but not harmed.  They are transporting him in a truck to the underground garage in your office building in Manhattan.  Alex will transport him to Petersen Manor.  I understand that some important news will unfold later tonight.  This is what I've been told.  "

Kyle said, "Thank God Kip is safe and back in our hands."

Mike said, "The spooks told me that Juan Morales said that his organization will eliminate the jerks who pulled this stunt.  He also requested that we hand over the incriminating recording we have in our possession in return for returning Kip to us.  He assured us that no harm would come to us again."

"What is your feeling about returning the tapes, Mike?"

"I don't think that is an unreasonable request since you have Kip back and you save yourself a million dollar ransom payment."

"What do you mean by that, Mike?"

"Mr. Morales said his man found the ransom demand that the Boston gang was about to email you."

Kyle said, "We will send Mr. Morales the original tapes after we see how he has settled the issue with the Boston gang."

"I agree, Kyle.  I don't feel the tapes are of any use to us after this.  My spooks assure me that Mr. Morale's word is law, as the head of the drug dealers in this area.  As he says, business is business, if his organization didn't supply the drugs, some other dealer would.  He said, he would be out of business tomorrow if his customers gave up drugs."

"How can you argue with logic like that," Kyle said.  "Keep me posted, Mike."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

A weak and lethargic Kip was led into their sitting room.  "My God, Kip, you look awful.  Walter, help Kip over to the sofa."  Kyle went to Kip and wrapped his arms around him.  "I'm so relieved that you're alive and home again, my love."

Kip smiled, "You have no idea how happy I am to be alive and in your arms again, Kyle.  These last three days have been a nightmare.  Thank God they kept me drugged; I think I would have lost my mind it weren't for the drugs.  When the drugs wore off, they fed me, and keep telling me that it wouldn't be long before I went to sleep for good."

"Are you hungry, Kip?"

"Yes, I am, but I don't feel like eating anything heavy, maybe some soup and a sandwich."

"Walter, would you ask Cook to fix something for Kip?"

"I will take care of that right away, Master Kyle.  Would you want me to bring up a tray for you as well, sir?'

"Yes, Walter, I'll join Kip for dinner.  Please tell Nanny Carol that I will not be eating with the children tonight, I will be up to say goodnight later.  Let me know when Dr. Walters arrives." Walter closed the door to Kyle's suite as he left.

Kyle said, "I asked Dr. Walters to stop by to check you over.  I want to make sure that you are all right."

"Thanks, sweetheart, I just want to crawl into our bed and sleep.  I thought I would never see you or the children again.  That is what hurt the most."

"You can stop worrying now, baby; you are safe in my arms now." Kyle kissed Kim again.

Kip chuckled, "The next time I fly to Germany, I'll use a company plane."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

Kip went to bed and slept twelve hours.  He awoke the next morning still in Kyle's arms.

"Good morning, sweetheart" Kip said.  "It's a wonderful feeling waking up in your arms, Kyle."

"Kip, you have no idea how much I worried that something bad would happen to you, I don't think I could have ever been the same again."

"I'm just glad that you were able to get me out of the cage, and away from those animals.  When I woke up all I could remember was the men who were guarding me were tied up and sitting in chairs.  The guys who rescued me were wearing masks and moved me out of there.  They led me to a panel truck, laid me on an air mattress on the floor, and strapped me to the mattress so I would not roll around.  The next thing I knew, Alex and his men were helping me out of the truck and into your SUV.  I fell asleep and woke up here at home again."

Kyle said, "Let's take a shower, dress and have breakfast with the children.  They wanted to come down to make sure you were home.  You know how the little angels miss you.  I promised that we would have breakfast with them this morning."

Kip said, "All I thought about was how much I missed you and the children.  I was frightened that I would never see you all again."

"I know, it's easy to say, but it's true, that is all behind you now.  That gang will never bother you again."

Kyle answered his cell phone, "Hi, Mike, what's up?"

"Turn on CNN, there is a very interesting Breaking News Bulletin they are reporting."

"Thanks, Mike; I'll get back to you after we have looked at the news." 

We are at a warehouse on an old dock on the west side of Manhattan.  Stand by, Captain Justin, of the NYFD and Captain Murphy of the NYPD are walking up to our cameras.  "Good morning, I am Captain Justin, NYFD Westside Fire station.  A 2-alarm fire was reported early this morning.  There was an explosion and fire broke out at the rear of this warehouse.  We were able to put out the fire and save the building.  During our investigation we discovered five badly burned bodies.  We have identified the bodies, and will release the names of the victims after their families have been notified.  We were able to determine that the explosion was caused by the highly volatile and explosive chemicals used in the manufacturing of crack cocaine.

Captain Murphy will discuss what he has learned about this lab and the people involved.

"Good morning, we have learned from our sources that the people operating this illegal lab are not from this area.  They are believed to be a gang from Boston trying to expand their illegal operation to this area.  We have no evidence that any of the local drug dealers had any connection with this explosion, but we cannot rule anything out at this stage of our investigation.  We learned from the Boston Police Department that a well-known drug dealer, Leroy Jackson, the head of the Black Devils, and two of his top lieutenants, were gunned down late last night outside their nightclub.  It is too early in our investigation to answer any questions at this time.  We will hold a press conference at noon tomorrow.  Thank you."  

Kyle asked, "Is that the warehouse they took you to?"

"I am not sure, but it sounds right.  When they grabbed me off the plane, they hustled me into an enclosed panel truck and blindfolded me.  They must have given me a shot, because the next thing I knew I was dressed in a orange jump suit and locked inside a cage.  I'm sure it was by the river because I could hear boat whistles and could smell the river.  There were only four guys watching me.  A little while later they made me look at a laptop computer.  There was a message from my old enemy Leroy Jackson.  He told me that this was payback time and I was going to get the same misery he went through in the slammer."

"Well, Mike and his team did great.  Let me call and thank him for a job well done."

"Hello, Mike.  You were right; Mr. Morales kept his word and took care of the bad boys.  Have your spooks send the tapes to him with our thanks, and Mike, thank you for the excellent job you did to get Kip back.  You and your team are worth every penny I spent."

"I am glad that this case had a happy ending.  How is Kip this morning?"

"He is a little weak, but happy to be back home.  Thanks again, Mike."

Disconnecting the call, Kyle said, "Well, sweetheart, what do you say we head up to the nursery and have breakfast with our children?"

Kip pulled Kyle to him and kissed him.  "That is the best offer I've had all day."

♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦      ♦

The End.

Posted: 08/31/12