Resolve (Short Story)

"Resolve"
by Tiffany Rose Kennedy
-Short Story-

They had never been there for either of them. It had been Jenn and himself for as long as he could remember. The Parents were home maybe three days a week, and during that time they locked themselves up in their offices: Mother working on a case from one of her high paying employers; Father working on his newest tech project.
He thought of them more as robots striving to make as much money as they could in their painstakingly short life-spans. That’s what they were always saying, "Sorry no time.", or "If only there were more hours in a day." But if that was the case they would have just used those to work more. They rarely saw each other. The last time they had all been together was for the birth of Ellie, and that was only for a month or so until Mother felt well enough to return to work and leave her in Jenn’s care.
Actually, they were probably together now more than when Ellie was born. It was rather ironic. Ellie’s tragedy brought them together stronger than her birth. He called it her tragedy because he refused to believe she was dead. In fact, he knew she wasn’t. If she was dead he would feel it, deep in his heart. He was resting his hand on his heart as he thought this, when Mother’s voice broke the silence that had nested itself in the room.
"Officer, wouldn’t the kidnappers have called by now? I really do have so much work to do. I can’t sit here all day. If she’s already-- well than this is rather pointless---"
"Ma’am," interrupted Detective Mondaelin, "if you don’t want our help we will leave, but if you want to save your little girl, who god-willing is still among the living, then I suggest you stop complaining and think of what’s more important."
"Speaking of important, I was supposed to be working on a new theorem. If I could just head up to my office for a moment--"
"Sir," interrupted Mondaelin again," I suggest you focus on the more pressing matter."
"Oh god. I can’t deal with this." Mother replied, jumping off the couch and heading for the kitchen.
"I’ll just head up for a moment." replied Father, using the distraction to head upstairs.
"Jesus Christ", muttered Mondaelin. He had been stuck with these people for the last seven hours straight, and his temper had been on the verge of running over more than a dozen times. His looks to the girl’s real family were the only things keeping him here at this point. The parents were obviously immune to their daughter’s disappearance. However in the corner was her older brother, Pete, obviously torn apart by the lack of his sister by his side.
His face changed from that of a teenage boy, nearly grown, disgusted by his parents behavior to a small child at a loss of how to solve a hard puzzle. On the love seat to his right was Jenn, the nanny, whose eyes were red from crying. Her shoulders sagged as if the weight of the world had been thrown upon them. As Mondaelin was contemplating how to bring the parents downstairs the phone rang. Everyone froze, shocked by the sudden need to take action.
"Jeanes, hurry and get the mother. McRallen, run and get the father. Hurry you two!"
He rushed over to the phone, checking to make sure his team was ready and the tapping was in place. After given a nod, he answered.
"Hello?"
"Hello Officer, would you mind putting this pretty little angels parents on the line?"
"I will speak for them. What are your demands?", he said, holding back the sharp retort that could mean death for the child. Kidnappers could be very temperamental.
"Sorry Officer. No can do. This is a deal between A and B. I’m sure you know how the rest of the pun goes."
Mondaelin looked around helplessly. Just then Jeanes came back from the kitchen.
"The mother says to get the father to deal with it, sir."
McRallen came down the stairs.
"The father refuses to open the door, sir."
Mondaelin looked around the room.
"Tick, Tock. You have three seconds officer."
"Sir, we haven’t got a trace on them yet. We need two more minutes."
Pete ran over, grabbing the phone from Mondaelin.
"Listen up." he said, "I have just as much right in my parents’ estate as they do. Name your demands."
The rough voice on the other end of the line chuckled.
"You’re a brave little boy aren’t you? Pete, right? I’m guessing that’s your name since the brat keeps calling it out. ’Pete. Pete. Save me Pete.’ ", he mimicked.
"I swear if you harm a hair on her head, I’ll--"
"You’ll what? Throw your trust fund at me to ensure I don’t kill her? All you kids are the same, born with a silver spoon in your mouth. When I was a kid--"
"Mike!" whispered a voice in the background.
"You idiot! I said don’t use my name!"
Pete heard a gunshot and then the gravely voice returned.
"Now as I was saying. How about you leave this negotiating business to us adults, ’k kid? Go ahead. Put your parents on the phone. Let them handle it, with their money, just like they handle everything else for you."
"Boss, we got a trace." said one of the men next to Pete. With that he slammed the phone down.
"Where are they?"
"1403 Riversand Road"
Just then Mondaelin’s phone rang.
"Mondaelin here." he said as he answered, "Uh, huh. So what? What the hell do you mean we---but---Bull---I see. Well I don’t like it. You better bet I’m going to have a talk with the chief. Yeah, bye."
"What is it, boss?" asked one of the techs.
"We’re being pulled off the case."
"What?!" yelled Pete, "But we just got a trace."
"I know. We’re supposed to go onto a bigger case, and by bigger they just mean a family that has more money and more social influence! Bullshit politics! All of it!"
He lit a cigarette, his face slowly returning to its natural hue rather than its outrageous red.
Seeing the despair in the boy’s eyes, he walked over to him.
"Listen kid. I’m sorry. I’ll try to find a way to fix this issue."
He looked like he wanted to say more but was at a loss for words. He sighed, turned around, opened the door, shoulders giving way to the pressure of so many lives in his hands, and walked out the door. Slowly his team followed suit, apologizing to Pete and Jenn on their way out. As the door closed behind them, Pete continued to stare in the empty space where Mondaelin had been. Slowly Jenn got up.
"Well, I had better go make us a cup of tea then." she said as the tears continuously streamed down her face. She shambled to the kitchen, barely able to keep her body upright, as if it fought with the idea of living.
Pete’s mind flashed back to this morning.
"Pete. Pete. Look I helped make breakfast."
"Good work, El’s."
"Look at the plates. I made them smile."
The plates were positioned with bacon and eggs to resemble a smiling face.
"Smart idea, El’s. But now I feel bad eating it."
"Well you better," reproached Jenn from the stove, "and the crunchy parts are not my fault."
"Great."
"Are you okay, Pete? You look tired."
"Well, when you get to college you’ll be really tired, too."
"It’s okay. As long as I can be like you."
He just looked at her, amazed at how fast the last twelve years had gone by.
"Well except you being an idiotface of course.", she teased.
"Oh really?" replied Pete, raising his eyebrow.
"Uh oh." she said running to Jenn.
He ran after her trying to get around Jenn with out making her fall.
"Really, Pete. Must you get her so worked up?", said Jenn, but she was laughing at the two of them nonetheless.
He didn’t want to give up those mornings. He didn’t want to give up on Ellie. He utterly refused to. He whipped out his cell and dialed. On the third ring there was an answer.
"Pete, dude. I heard what happened. What’s the news on Ellie?"
"The news is I’m going after her. So Matt, whatcha say to using that big brain of yours and brand new computer to help me out."
"Are you sure man? It could be more dangerous than you realize."
"Yes and I know."
"Well, with a resolve like that how can I say no? Where should I start?"
"Get me directions to 1403 Riversand Road."
"’k, hang on a second."
Pete headed for his car, listening for Matt’s response. He had been friends with him since freshman year of high school. Unlike the other kids at his old school, Matt had been there on a full scholarship and came from a normal, middle-class family. They got along right from the beginning. He went to some technological college across the country while Pete had stayed close to home to help take care of Ellie. Jenn was getting old and couldn’t handle it all herself.
"Got it.", said Matt, breaking through Pete’s thoughts. As he started the engine and pulled out of the driveway, following Matt’s step-by-step directions.
"Dude, satellite image shows it as a small, square house with light blue siding. Man Pete, you wouldn’t believe the things you can see once you learn how to hack into GoogleEarth, but back on topic. There should be a door on the side as well as the back."
"Okay."
"And Pete?"
"Yeah?"
"Please be careful.", said Matt, in a worried voice.
"Don’t worry, Matt. I’m not gonna let anything happen to me until Ellie is home safe and sound."
"Better not, dumbass. Now stop sounding like some goddamn hero and just go in, get her, and get the fuck outta there. And then after all this you two can come to the Big Apple and visit me."
"Gotcha man. I’ll call you as soon as I’m out." Pete hung up the phone and slid it into his pocket. Then he paused for a minute, pulled it back out, and dialed. It rang a number of times before it finally went to voicemail. He hadn’t expected anyone to answer, but it was still slightly disheartening.
"If you would like to leave a message, please press one now...beep"
"Hey Mondaelin, its Pete. I’m at the house. I’m going to get, Ellie. If you don’t get a message after this it means either I’m still in there, or I didn’t make it. If that happens," he paused, "just make sure you and your guys find a way to get Ellie out of there ASAP, ’k? Thanks. Well, wish me luck." With that he hung up, put the phone in his pocket for good, and stepped out of his old beat up jeep wrangler. He bent low, doing a quick run, just like when he played paintball with the guys.
If he thought about it, it really wasn’t much different from Capture the Flag, except that if he got hit he would most likely die and the flag was his living, breathing, precious sister. Yeah, not much different from paintball. He was only five feet from the door now when he heard a car pull up behind him. Cursing under his breath, he turned around to see to rough looking men get out of the car. It seemed they hadn’t noticed him yet, so he quickly ducked behind the trash cans. As they got closer he could make out what they were saying.
"Hey, Mike. What do you figure we should do now?"
"We call one more time of course.", said Mike with his rough voice. Recognizing it, Pete had to hold his leg tight, until it hurt, just to keep himself from running up and beating the shit out of the asshole. That would be stupid though. If there were more guys inside they might hurt Ellie before he had the chance to even get inside the house. So he stayed still, trying to keep his breathing calm.
"Hey, boss. Don’t you think it might have been easier to just try a robbery instead of this whole kidnapping business?"
"Keep your voice down jackass! Do you want one of the neighbors to turn us in?"
"Aw don’t worry boss. They’re all scared of us. They wouldn’t even think of ratting us out."
"Well, I don’t wanna take no chances so just shut the fuck up."
"Gotcha boss. No problem. Better safe than sorry."
"I swear one more word out of you and I’m really gonna shoot you this time." And with that the idiot shut up. Pete could hear a key turning in the door. That probably meant that no one was in the house. It was just the two of them, and him. Looking around the garbage he saw Mike place the key under a rock by the door. He quickly ducked back behind the pails. As he heard the door slam shut, he slowly got up and went around the back of the house. There were three ground floor windows, right above eye level, and one basement window.
He stood on his toes and looked through one of the three windows. It looked into the kitchen. He saw Mike and his idiot partner. Quickly he ducked down and checked out the next window. It looked into a living room, which was empty except for some boxes, two folding chairs, and a small TV. He looked through the next window and saw the same thing. Carefully he walked back to the basement window. He laid down on his stomach and looked through. The room was completely empty except for a boiler and some pipes.
"Ellie." he called, "Ellie." There was no answer. He knew she wasn’t down there, but then where the hell was she? He backed up slowly, ducking behind a pile of brickwork. Looking up at the house from a distance he saw there were also three windows on the top floor.
However, one window was different from the rest in the house. One window had a heavy sheet hiding the inside from view. It would be hard to get past them, but he didn’t have a choice. If he waited until they left he might be too late and would have no choice, but to confront them. They were about to call the house again and that would obviously mean they would again be rejected and who knew what they would do then.
Pete made his way back to the side of the house and edged up the stairs. He picked up the key under the rock and put it into the door, turning slowly, trying to make as little noise as possible. He heard the click of the door, and waited to see if the scumbags had heard it as well.
Nothing happened so he edged the door open slowly. He closed it behind him, leaving the keys in the lock, just in case. He saw the stairs to his right, right past the kitchen doorway. He heard footsteps upstairs. He spun around and hid in the small, cramped foyer. He heard the steps come down the stairs, and then he heard the idiot in the kitchen.
"I gave the brat her food boss. She still refuses to eat. Says she wants to go home." he said followed by a cruel chuckle. Pete didn’t wait for the rest of the conversation. He headed up the stairs, slowly, being careful not to make any creaking noises. Finally, after what felt like hours, but could only have been a matter of seconds, he was at the top of the stairs. All the doors were open except one. He guessed that was where Ellie was.
He went to push it open, and was met with resistance. It was locked. He felt like crying out. Here he was, so close, his sister right on the other side of the door, and now he couldn’t get to her. He heard a sharp intake of breath on the other side of the door.
"Pete? Is that you?!"
"Ellie? Oh god, Ellie. I can’t get the door open."
"It’s okay. I have an idea."
"What?"
"Well the other doors are open right? I hear them go into them and I never hear any doors being opened, and my window isn’t locked, so I suppose the others aren’t either. So if you go into the next room--"
"I can reach out the window and grab your hand and pull you in."
"Exactly. There’s a small ledge that I could fit my feet on, but I’ll need you to hold my hand tight."
"Gotcha." said Pete as he started walking to the next room.
Thankfully the window was open, just as Ellie had said. He pushed it up carefully, but it was rusted so he had to push a little harder and was greeted with a crumbling noise. Part of the window was breaking off. He stuck his head out, seeing Ellie he whispered, "Hurry! Grab my hand."
She put her other foot on the ledge and grabbed his hand. She lost her balance and almost fell, but he grabbed her and pulled her inside just in time.
"Oh, Pete!"
"Say, how did you come up with these plans anyway?"
"Just be happy Dad bought us that Xbox 360."
"What?"
"Pshhh. Well while you’re busy with all your college homework I’m usually playing Assassin’s Creed." Just then Pete heard a creaking on the stairs.
"What is it Jimmy?"
"I thought I heard something boss."
"Probably the stupid kid crying for her brother again. Leave her be."
"Alright boss."
Pete stood frozen, waiting for the footsteps to get to the bottom of the stairs. Finally they did and he let out a sigh. Looking over at Ellie, he saw her roll her eyes at the stupidity of the kidnappers. He stifled a laugh and motioned for her to follow him. Slowly they made their way down the stairs.
He motioned for Ellie to wait, and then he went ahead, checking to see if the men were paying attention. They weren’t in the kitchen. Listening carefully he heard the TV on in the next room. He waved Ellie over and she ran to him, tripping. He caught her right before she hit the floor but there was already a loud creak.
"Boss! I swear I heard something this time."
"Well, then go check it out and leave me the hell alone."
"Go to my car and hide in back. I’ll be there in a minute." he whispered to Ellie.
"Pete--"
"Hey!" called Jimmy as he saw Pete and Ellie, "What do you think your doing?"
He grabbed a gun that must have been in a holster behind him, and pointed it at Pete.
"Now move away from the door nice and slow."
"Ellie! Run!" yelled Pete as he charged at Jimmy. He heard the gun go off but didn’t have time to register anything. Already the boss, Mike, was on his way into the room, and Jimmy was already going for his gun that somehow ended up on the kitchen floor. Everything was a blur. Pete ran through the open door without stopping, at the same time pulling his keys out of his pocket. He felt something wet and sticky on his keys, but there was no time to look. He yanked open the door and put them in the ignition.
"You okay, Ellie?"
"Yea." she said as she began to pick herself up.
He started the engine and raced away, hearing gunshots in the air behind him. They were halfway home when Ellie yelled out, "Pete! You’re bleeding."
"I’ll be fine. I’m getting you home safe. Don’t worry Ellie."
"Oh, Pete."
"Here." he said as he handed her his cell, "Call Matt. Tell him we’re alright. Then call Jenn and tell her to have the gets opened now and closed as soon as we’re through."
"Okay."
It was getting hard to drive now. It seemed like the building were falling onto the road, closing in on him. He wasn’t able to catch his breath, either. And it seemed to be getting dark, but it shouldn’t be. He had only left the house at twelve.
Their gate came into focused and he headed up the driveway, not slowing down until they were almost at the front door. Jenn was out there on the stoop. She ran over to them. It was getting darker. Pete could barely see now. Everything was fuzzy and his chest hurt like fuckin’ hell.
"Ellie! Oh my god. Pete! How did you--"
"Jenn, he’s hurt." Ellie yelled.
"I’ve already called an ambulance." said a strong male voice, "You know kid. You got some pretty strong resolve there."
That was all he heard before he passed out.
As he woke up to the bright white light, he realized he must have been shot. As his eyes adjusted to the light, he saw Ellie by his side.
"Ugggg." he moaned.
"Pete!"
"What happened?"
"You got shot you idiot. Doctor said you’ll be fine though. You were lucky. It missed your heart by half an inch. Its gonna be a pain to breath for awhile though. They fixed up your lung pretty good though. They let me watch from the window. It was awesome. There was blood everywhere and they kept cutting away with the scalpel."
"Ellie?"
"Yeah?" she asked.
"No details please." he grimaced. She giggled like she always did when she teased him, and everything suddenly felt right.
Just then Mondaelin walked in.
"Good to see you’re finally awake."
"Mmmm. I think I’d be better off sleeping right now.", he said, messing up Ellie’s hair.
"Hey!" she said as she shrugged away from him.
"You know what you did was very brave."
"I feel more stupid than brave."
"Well the right thing to do isn’t always the smartest path. But I’m very proud of you, and so is the department. Have you ever thought about what you’d like to do with your life?"
"Not really. I figured I’d find something sophomore year when I had to pick my major."
"Well, the Chief is very proud of you as well, and has informed me that SWAT has offered you a training position. You don’t have to take it now of course. You can wait until you graduate, which may be best, but it’s something to think about."
"SWAT?"
"Yeah, you’ll be able to do what you did for your sister for other people. You’ll be able to help families just as you helped Jenn, by saving the people they love."
"You know what? That doesn’t sound half bad."
"Well of course you can be in much more dangerous positions and you’ll likely get shot a couple more times before you retire."
"You’ll end up like Swiss Cheese!", said Ellie laughing.
"Well as I said, think about it. No need to make any decisions now. Enjoy being with your family again."
"Thanks Mondaelin."
"See ya around, kid." he said as he headed for the door.
"Oh by the way, what happened to the kidnappers?"
"Neighbors called the police when they heard the shooting. They were able to get there just before they got away. They’ll be spending the rest of their lives behind bars. Don’t you worry. My men got more than enough evidence on them. Well you get some sleep kid. Come on Ellie, let’s go meet Jenn in the cafeteria."
"Yuck." said Ellie as she followed Mondaelin
"Later guys.", called Pete as he fixed his pillow. Ellie stuck her face back in the doorway.
"Hey loserface. Next time you try to rescue me, how about you bring a weapon. I mean, not even a kitchen knife? Pshhhh. What did you plan to do throw a shoe at---", that’s was as far as she got when she was hit in the face with a pillow.
"G’night El’s.", he said as he turned over and went to sleep.