BAD WINE CRAPPY CHOCOLATE

CHAPTER FOURTEEN-2

Tim was not offended by the senator's theory. The men and women who guarded the territorial border were known for conducting such commerce. Like the others in his position, he considered it nothing more than a perk. 

"Let me make some inquiries," he replied.

Chris rejoined the others. He explained his plan to them. Max Bardy was the first to raise an objection.

"He could just be stringing you along," he said. "What if we go to that cell and never get the chance to escape?"

"If it was only you, that would suit me just fine," the senator retorted. "But I wouldn't put Cybil in that situation, I can assure you. Tim will help us."

"This is too risky," Brandon said.

"There's no other way. We need the man's help, and he'll only give it to us if he can cover himself. For once in your life you'll have to trust my judgment."

Brandon was about to reply when Wells walked into the room.

"Nathaniel didn't cross the border here," Tim told them. "He used station number six, which is about ten miles away. As you suspected, he bribed one of the officers there."

He then asked Chris to follow him into the hall.

"I'll send someone to take you into custody shortly. He'll leave the door to your cell slightly ajar. After the guard turns his back on you, have someone strike him from behind. Your air craft is waiting just outside the door."

"Thank you, my friend."

"My pleasure, especially since I was able to claim a share of the gold from the officer at station number six."

The senator returned to the conference room, where the others were discussing their pursuit of Nathaniel.

"Where are we going to get the horses?" Brandon asked Max.

"Beats me. I don't know anyone around here," he answered.

"There's a farm not too far from here," Chris interjected. "I remember seeing horses there."

"Allisours had my account frozen," Brandon said. "I can't buy them."

"We'll just take them," Hoochie said.

"Then we'll have the stiffs from this territory chasing our asses," Max told him.

"I can give you access to my account," Cybil suggested.

"And then how will you deny helping a fugitive to escape?" Chris objected.

"If we don't find Cori, it won't matter anyway," she pointed out.

"I'll give him access to my account," Chris said. "My political career is over anyway."

"If I use your account, the Security Bureau will be able to trace the transaction," Brandon said. "They'll know where we bought the horses."

"I have a way around that. Use this account."

Chris sent Brandon the information he needed to withdraw credits from the Ruderman Estate Account with his Mibil. After seeing the name Ruderman, he gave the senator a questioning look.

"I was the executor of your parent's estate," Chris explained. "I transferred all the assets to your personal accounts when you turned 18."

"I remember that," Brandon said.

"So do I," Cybil added.

"The account has been empty ever since. I just transferred some of my own funds into it. You'll have more than enough for the horses."