Whisper My Name

Chapter 11

The Road Trip to Kearney, Nebraska

Cold late night, so long ago

When I was not so strong, you know

A pretty man came to me

Never seen eyes so blue...

~ Magic Man ~ Heart ~

Upon arriving at Chicago O'Hare International Airport, an uneasy feeling had settled in John's chest. It was a feeling that set him on edge and had him uncomfortable. Where he should have pulled off to the parking area, he instead drove through, while Marlena stared at him silently. Her eyes held a hundred questions, but she wouldn't voice them because the children were awake in the backseat. John said jovially, "What do you guys think about a road trip?"

"Do we get McDonald's for breakfast?" Sami piped from where she sat.

"We sure can," John said. "But that means Eric can decide where we eat lunch."

Sami glanced at Eric, who whispered, "Do you want Taco Bell for lunch?" She nodded vigorously.

Carrie rolled her eyes. Those two were little conspirators for sure. "I'm fine with a road trip, Dad, but can we get some snacks and maybe a book or two?"

"I was planning to make a stop at Target before we left town," he told her. Glancing over at Marlena he said quietly, "We need a different car. We can't travel with this one."

Marlena whispered, "How are we going to manage that?"

"I've got cash. We can drop the Jeep, and take the city bus to a dealership. People don't ask too many questions when you pay cash. Then we'll grab some breakfast, stop at Target and start driving." The concern was evident in her eyes, but she was silent. John knew she trusted him, and she wasn't going to ask questions until they had a free moment. "We should be able to reach Nebraska in about ten hours."

She was still upset with him, but he'd been driving all night. "John, that's so much driving."

"You can nap once we get on the road, and maybe we'll switch off later." John pulled into a nearby gas station. "Keep everyone in the Jeep." She knew he wouldn't switch off with driving. He was focused. and he had a plan. He wouldn't allow himself to rest, even if he had just told her he would.

Inside the service station he purchased a road map, and got directions to the nearest bus depot. He was also given the name of a car dealership nearby. They would drop the Jeep at the bus depot, and take the city bus to the dealership. It would be much easier for John, Marlena, and the children to get lost in the thick of Chicago without a paper trail. Once they boarded the bus they were officially Charles, Maisie, Casey, Sarah, and Eli. Losing the Jeep and purchasing another vehicle under the alias of Charles Wright was the first step.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

Chief Vaughn's Office, ISA Headquarters

"Do you have Marlena Brady?" the deep voice asked over the telephone line.

Chief Vaughn didn't need to make enemies of this man, and he knew he was about to make him very angry. "I'm working on it, but I don't have her yet."

"You told me that you would be able to get the job done, Vaughn," the man replied. "I do not like being lied to."

"There was an unexpected problem. I am working to remedy that as soon as possible," Chief Vaughn said. He wiped the sweat from his brow in nervousness. "I will have her within my custody soon enough."