Small Town USA A New Purpose

"Move now…" yelled Matt, pointing a gun at Sean.

"Lad, could you untie my legs? I can't walk with these tight ropes around my ankles," said Sean.

In answer to his request, Steve hit him hard on the side of the head with the handle of the gun. Blood poured down Sean's head and he fell to the ground.

Only then did Matt untie his feet, revealing red bloody gouges on Sean's ankles.

"Don't get any wise ideas. Don't even think about it. Walk out that door and toward the barn. I'll be right behind you," said Steve.

Sean got up slowly and limped out into the scorching midday sun. His eyes struggled to adjust as he walked toward the large red barn. He wondered why they were moving him. Without turning his head, he managed to look out of the corner of his eye and saw a silver sedan. He had seen that car before back in Wilburn, at the plant. The man standing next to the car was looking his way. It was Jeff Forsythe.

"Move!" said Steve, shoving the tip of his gun painfully into Sean's side. As soon as they entered the barn, Steve pushed Sean into one of the animal pens. He cut the ropes from Sean's hands.

Matt moved in front of Sean and said, "Put your hands in front of you. I'll handcuff you."

Sean was relieved to be able to move his arms around to the front and willingly let Matt handcuff him. With the handcuffs locked shut, Matt put a chain around the cuffs and a large pole and padlocked it. He didn't seem concerned at Sean's docility.