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.In front of it sat a small three-legged stool.“I want to know what the cops know about me, what you people have told them about those papers.Mostly, I want to know where the hell the papers are.”I considered whether to send him out in the open where Jill could train her.38 on him.It seemed a better idea than leaving him here to do whatever he had in mind.“That’s easy,” I said.“The papers are in my car out on the street.”I saw his fist grip the knife, his knuckles turning white.“Don’t shit me, man.”“I have them in my car.Pierce Bradley’s sister, Patricia Cook, found them in his pilot’s case that he left at her house last Monday afternoon.Put that knife down and untie Miss Kane, I’ll show you where the papers are.”It had already been more than twenty minutes.If Fought and Driscoll hadn’t arrived by the time we got to the car, I’d drop to the ground and let Jill take care of Rottman.She had spent a lot of time on the range and become a proficient marksman.The young man twisted his face in an evil grin.“You aren’t going anywhere, mister.I’ve already killed three people.Two more won’t make that much difference.In fact, killing can be fun once you get into it.You’re a military man.You ought to know that.”“Son, killing is never fun, especially in the military.”Without moving the knife, he reached over and picked up my Glock.“Get up against the wall and put your hands behind your back.After I get you trussed up, I’ll check out your car.”I faced the wall and held my hands back as instructed.Now I really began to worry about Jill.The window would be up in the car.Would she let it down so she could get a clear shot? Would he see her first and try to kill her?I heard him rummaging around behind me.I turned my head enough to catch a glimpse of him in the dresser’s mirror.He had laid down the gun and picked up a roll of duct tape.“Don’t get any ideas, old man,” he said, moving closer.I held my hands apart.I felt him begin to stick tape on my right hand and pull it toward the left.If I intended to do anything, it had to be now.I was no match for him physically, but at the moment he was unarmed.And I had the advantage of surprise.Spinning, I swung my right leg around.I got my foot behind his ankle and pulled forward.At the same time, I pushed off against the wall with my left hand, leaning into him.He toppled over backward, me right on top of him.I jabbed an elbow into his stomach.A loud grunt sounded as the breath came out of him.While he was momentarily stunned, I rolled over and began to kick his body with all my strength.After a few good blows, I jumped up and started for the Glock, which lay on the dresser.Before I could make it, he reached out a hand and grabbed my foot, tripping me.I came down on my left side, stretched out like a ballplayer sliding home headfirst.I felt more anger than shock.Finding myself next to the three-legged stool, I grabbed one leg with my good arm, swung it forward and threw the stool at him.I heard a solid thud as it struck his head.He groaned and rolled to the side, letting go of my foot.Scrambling onto my knees, I grabbed the gun.“I was trained to shoot to kill,” I warned him.“And I have eight rounds to do the job.Roll over on your stomach and stretch your hands out above your head.”He took me at my word, turning onto his stomach, hands outstretched.I wished I had brought a pair of handcuffs.The duct tape would have to suffice.Not wanting him to pull my trick in reverse, I straddled his body and rested my substantial weight on his legs as I applied the tape.In my anger, I wasn’t too gentle.“Did you rape her?” I demanded.“No, no, man.I just pulled off her clothes to embarrass her.I thought it would make her easier to deal with.”I shoved my hand against the back of his head.“Stay right there.Don’t move.I’m not taking my eye off you.”I edged over beside the bed, reached down and peeled the tape off Kelli’s mouth.“Are you okay?” I asked.She twitched her lips and spoke in a weary voice.“Yeah, I think so.Get me out of this.”I used Rottman’s knife to cut the ropes and the duct tape, freeing her arms and legs.She stretched them carefully, then swung her legs off the bed and sat up.“Do you know what he did with your clothes?” I asked.“They should be in the front bedroom.That’s apparently where the bastard took them off.Where’s his gun? I’d like to shoot him right now.”With the determination in her voice, I had little doubt she would gladly do it.I gave her a sympathetic shake of my head.“Can’t blame you, Kelli.I wouldn’t mind having a piece of him as well.But I don’t believe that would be too good an idea.Go in there and get your clothes on.Sheriff Driscoll and the TBI are on the way.They should be here any minute.”I went back to stand behind Rottman.“What do you plan to do with me?” he asked.His voice was now filled with anxiety.“I’m turning you over to the cops.What they do is up to them.”Kelli had gone into the other bedroom.“The police are here,” she called out.“We’d better signal them everything’s okay.They may come in shooting at shadows
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