Shay sighed hard, then went on to inform the rest of them what happened so long ago, “Twenty three years ago we heard about a movement just starting out, it was two brothers, Jude and Leroy Matteo.They were bold and brass.They thought nothing could touch them, then Leroy got sloppy.He decided to try his hand at a bomb without Jude knowing.He set a bomb off and destroyed a yacht moored just off the docks on Lake Pontchartrain.Only problem was there were people on that yacht.He blew up not only the yacht but he murdered four people.The police couldn’t even get to the boat to see if there were any survivors, the boat was just gone.But they couldn’t find any reason or rhythm to the explosion either.No one knew why a whole family had to die.A Senator and his family.So, it was big news.”He shook his head and added, “Then Leroy got sloppy again and claimed the yacht was a test and more bad things were going to happen to innocent people.By that time, Jude was furious and he told Leroy to find himself a hole and crawl into it.He didn’t want anyone to know that he had a brother who knew how to build bombs.”
Mike nodded and took up the rest of it, “For twenty-three years we didn’t know where Leroy had gone to.Jude built his life up and from what we know, Leroy is still building bombs.All we need to do is connect him to the same type of bomb that blew up that yacht.And we can finally do that after we find the bombs in that church.”
Chapter Nine
Shay turned back tohis men.“Ok, we’re splitting into three groups.Alpha One will go to Leroy’s house where he is along with Salvador Porter and Louise Matteo.We need all three in custody.Alpha Two will follow King to an abandoned church where we believe Leroy has been stockpiling more bombs.Alpha Three will go with Bethy to a place in the swamp we believe her father has buried some earlier bombs.You will have to be very careful around that site as I think those earlier bombs might be leaking whatever explosive he used back then.If we do this right, we can get all three perps plus the evidence we need to nail this down.”
The three dozen men all nodded their heads at him.
Shay looked at his men and smiled.“And we got extras as in...we also have other prisoners.Some are Soleman Porters’ men and his own security personnel.”
Maudie snorted.“Don’t you forget about Dale Bailey and his boys.They played stupid games in our swamp but they also deserve their stupid prizes.”
“That they do.”Shay acknowledged.“Don’t worry Maudie, they’ll get their stupid prizes.”
King turned to his men and looked at Tannin.“You’re going with Bethy.She might need you at that place when they find the bombs.”
Tannin nodded.Then he looked down at Micah.“He doesn’t need to be there.”
Maudie stepped over and patted Tannin’s arm.“Don’t you worry none, boy.We'll keep him here safe and sound as my King is right, she’s gonna need you dere.”
Bethy studied Maudie for a moment then she asked, “Did you see something in your dreams about this trip, Maudie?Something I need to know about?”
Maudie shook her head and took Micah’s hand in hers.“No chile, dat’s not how my dreams work.I just see bits and pieces of the drama.Don’t you worry, we’ll keep him safe as if he were in your arms the whole time.You just do what you gotta do and Micah will be here when you get back, ok?I promise.”
Bethy nodded.
Leeza brought Bethany some shoes.“I think these will fit you.”
“You can’t go barefoot, girl,” Rene added.“And here is some gloves.We don’t want you touching anything there.It might hurt you.”
Bethy nodded at them as she looked grateful.“Thank you.”
Tannin helped her up into the large cab of one of the vehicles.
The men were ready to go.They took the trucks and left in a row while the rest of the group stayed behind.Tension was high as they watched the trio of trucks disappear into the swamp.
