Betrayal
Chapter Twenty-Three
Two hours later, Ezra smiled as he collected his winnings from the two agents.
"Wow, where did you learn to play poker so well?" asked Agent Julia Sanders.
"I've been playing since I was old enough to hold a deck of cards. It was one of
the first things my mother ever taught me," Ezra replied.
If only his mother could see him now, he mused. Battered and bruised, hiding
from criminals in a 'safe-house'. It was more of a cabin, really, set deep in
the woods. It was isolated, he owned it and the land that it sat on for three
miles. It was one of the first things he had bought with the inheritance that
had been left to him by his grandfather.
Maude was in Paris, France, and Ezra doubted that she knew what was going on.
They hadn't been in touch for a year, ever since he had told her that he was in
love with a man. And, to add insult to injury, he had informed her that it was
Chris Larabee. His mother and Chris had hated each other with a passion, ever
since Chris had found out the kind of childhood Ezra had had. And, when he had
informed Maude what he thought of her "mothering skills", the war was on.
But, between Chris and Maude, Chris would win hands down, every time. 'Or, he
would've,' Ezra thought.
"Ezra, are you still with us?" asked Agent Harry Mullard.
Ezra gave his head a slight shake, and said, "Uh? Oh, yes, I am. I was just
thinking about a few things." After a slight pause, he added, "If you two will
excuse me, I think I will retire to my room and lie down for a bit." Nodding his
head to both agents, he was gone before either of them could say anything.
9 P.M. THAT NIGHT
Ezra had re-emerged from his room around two that afternoon, enjoying a lunch
with the two agents. They had all three talked, watched some television, debated
the pros and cons of different foods. Even though he was in hiding, Ezra had
actually enjoyed the day.
"Well, Agents Harrison and Milter should be here any time," said Agent Mullard.
Ezra nodded just as there was a knock on the door. Both agents drew their Glocks
and Agent Sanders approached the door and looked out the little peephole. "It's
Harrison and Milter," she replied as she and Mullard put away their guns, and
Sanders opened the door.
As the two agents filed in, Mullard and Sanders grabbed their coats and Mullard
said, "We'll see you in the morning, Ezra. 'Night."
"Goodnight," he replied.
"How are you doing?" Agent Neil Harrison asked.
Ezra put on his 'poker face' and replied, "Pretty good. You?"
"Can't complain," replied Harrison.
"Same here," said Agent Luke Milter.
"Listen, we have some news on Mary. She has pleaded no contest and she will be
sentenced next week. Your team mates are still working on the Mounds case and
are still trying to find you," said Agent Milter.
Ezra sighed, "I figured as much." He was glad that Mary was going to be
sentenced, he just wished that he would be able to be there.
"What about Mary's son Billy?" he asked. He'd always had a soft spot for
children.
"Mister and Mrs Travis sued and won permanent custody of him this morning,"
replied Agent Milter.
Ezra nodded, "Good."