The Ventura Project

He just seemed to appear, walking smartly up to the bar. Dressed in his custom tuxedo and patented leather shoes and slick hair, he looked very distinguished, a "Wall Street" stiff shirt, and out of place for North Carolina's country style. Somehow Jack could sense he was coming to see him, but why? He wouldn't have to wait long to learn the secrets this man was hiding."Mr. Wilson? Hello, my name is William Scott." his hand out offering it to Jack, "May I buy you another?" pointing at Jack's now empty glass, the bartender was already filling Jack's glass."Only if you're having one" Jack replied, half smiling."I'll have a martini very dry." Mr. Scott told the bartender, without taking his eyes off Jack. His drink was there in short order and Jack looked at Mr. Scott, feeling his piercing stare."What can I do for you, Mr. Scott was it?" Jack asked, expecting to be painfully reminded again about the Dragon's treasure.Mr. Scott took a drink from his martini. "I need your help Mr. Wilson. My family has been kidnapped," forcing the words hard from his lips in a choking whisper as he looked around the bar."Kidnapped?" Jack replied, looking a little puzzled, "sounds like you need the police not me." Jack said dryly, trying to read the real reason for Mr. Scott contacting him. He was sure that Mr. Scott already knew he should be contacting the police, so why wasn't he?"They already killed a man at my house, mistaking him for the FBI or the police or something," seemingly answering Jack's question. He was very nervous now as he took another drink. "The man was just a delivery man. I don't have a security company. We just didn't feel the need, after all, our neighborhood is quiet. They called me and told me that if they thought I contacted the police, or the FBI, or any other agency, they would begin by killing my daughter, then my wife. I just can't take that chance." Mr. Scott seemed nervous just speaking about his family."Whatever amount of money that they are demanding, it can't be worth your family's lives, why don't you just give them what they want?" Jack asked."If it was that simple don't you think I would have already given them what they wanted?" You could feel the tension in Mr. Scott's voice. He looked like he might break down any minute now."Settle down Mr. Scott, have another drink. If you don't want to go to the police, then you should try a private investigator." Jack was becoming more than a little irritated now. "After all, they make a living doing this kind of work, and I am just a business man." sounding a little sarcastic even to himself."Well I also considered hiring a private investigator, but was worried that they come mainly from a law enforcement background, and most likely would bring the police into this sooner than necessary, putting my family at risk. Also I believe that this is going to take your special skills. I am aware of the Jade Dragon escapade. The fact that you are adventurous and a successful business man will give you a certain credibility status that a private investigator may not receive. I think you will better understand after I tell you what it is that the kidnappers are demanding for their ransom."Mr. Scott taking another drink of his martini began, "Mr. Wilson, I work for a particular secrete division of the US government called the Ventura Group. We are responsible for the development of weapons and counter intelligence technology. I was working on a top secret, experimental hand held tracking device that would allow a soldier to "see" a stealth aircraft, so to speak, and would also allow the soldier to capture the telemetry and read the details of the aircraft's mission, including mission responsibilities and target selection." Mr. Scott was now speaking in very low tones to avoid being overheard. "This is what they are demanding from me for the release of my family."

Author: Larry L. Ewell

Publisher: Independently Published

Publication Date: May 18, 2020

Number of Pages: 108 pages

Binding: Paperback or Softback

ISBN-10: NA

ISBN-13: 9798646691492