by L. T. Ryan
“Well, helping Haeli’s the most important thing right now. The rest will come together in time. Anyway, if you need one of us to go up for you, that wouldn’t be a problem.”
“I know, but I’ve gotta do it myself. In these small towns, everyone knows everyone. We need everything to look normal. Just me, legitimately buying land to build a normal house. Upstanding member of the community.”
“You really do wanna be Bruce Wayne.” Fezz wandered around the kitchen then leaned into the dining room. “Seriously, this place looks even more organized than normal, if that’s even possible.”
“I’ve moved everything into storage. Except for the furniture, the art and stuff like bedding that the real estate agent wanted to keep for staging the place. Even the cupboards are empty.
“Downstairs, too?”
“Yep. Come down. Check it out.”
Blake led the way down the staircase at the far end of the kitchen. The heavy vault door was already cracked. Blake swung it open and Fezz stepped inside.
The once noisy, cluttered computer room was empty. Nothing remained but the desk, a single chair, and an eerie silence.
“Wow. End of an era, Mick.”
“Sure is. Whoever buys this place wouldn’t believe the stuff that happened in this room.” Blake chuckled.
It was an understatement. The basis for several high profile and very public operations were formed in that room. If not directly, then as a result of software tools Blake had built and perfected there.
“Forget believing it, they wouldn’t be able to understand it. I know I don’t.” Fezz ran his hand along the closet’s molding. “What about the bunker?”
The “bunker” was Fezz’s name for the secret basement, accessed by a false wall in the closet, which had once served as Blake’s personal shelter and armory. Fezz had the distinction of being one of two other people in the world who knew about it.
“Empty.”
“Imagine when a buyer gets a load of the secret passageway. It’s like something out of a movie. All cloak and dagger. They’ll eat it up.”
“I haven’t told the agent about it. The place next door was vacant when it was built. I sort of commandeered a portion of their basement, if you recall. The new owners were never the wiser. It’s best it stays that way.”
“Well, if you get your way, I’m sure the new bunker will put this one to shame.”
“You have no idea, buddy. It’s already in the works. You remember Skittles?”
Fezz pursed his lips and shifted his eyes as if trying to access his memory banks.
“Yes you do. Come on. He used to do all the schematics for the ops plans.”
“Oh yeah, the little guy with the glasses.”
“Yes, him. He does some freelance work on the side now. Architectural drawing. Other CAD stuff. Anyway, I have him working on some preliminary plans. I’ll show you when he’s got something solid. Get your input on it. Right now we’re looking at around four thousand square feet, subterranean. Under a legitimate basement. Twelve thousand all together. Wait ‘til you see what I’m thinkin’. You’re gonna soil yourself.”
“Can’t wait.” Fezz drifted toward the stairs and started slowly climbing.
Blake followed him back to the kitchen.“What about work? You break the news, yet?”
“No, not yet. I was talkin’ with Khat and Griff about it. We all agree, we should wait until the last possible minute. Right now we’ve got access to resources and information that might be helpful while figuring out how to help Haeli. Seems like a gamble to give that up until absolutely necessary.”
“I agree. There’s no rush. Plus, you can use the time to compile information on your contacts, in case we need them later.”
“It’s gonna be weird. I know you’ve already been through it, but I have a hard time imagining being on the outside. I mean, I’m ready. Just don’t know if I’m prepared.”
Blake slapped Fezz’s midsection. “Shake it off. I felt the same way when I left. But I knew it was time, and I was right. It was easier than I thought. There was this instant sense of freedom. You’ll see. Don’t get me wrong, I loved my job, at the time. But what’s next for us, it’ll take that feeling to a whole new level. All the good parts of the job and freedom. Anyway, everyone we know who left is better off today than they were then. Look at Kook.”
“Oh yeah, Kook. Did anyone tell Kook what’s going on?”
Blake nodded. “Spoke to him two days ago. He’s pumped. I mean, he’d be pumped anyway because his five year divorce is finally official. But he’s very excited about the plan coming together. He said he’s got a guy running the airline full time now, so he’s been taking some time. He rented a place in Santa Cruz and has been doing nothing but surfing. But he said he’s willing to do whatever he can to help Haeli if we need him.”
Knock. Knock. Knock.
“Who’s this now?” Fezz asked.
“What time is it? Three? That’s going to be Cindy. The agent. She’s set up a few showings today.”
“Okay then, that’s my cue.” Fezz started toward the front door. “ I’ll catch you later. Have a good flight. Give me a call after you meet the lawyer.”
Fezz opened the door, greeted Cindy and continued down the steps toward the street.
“Who’s your friend? Is he single?”
“Yes, actually, he is. I’ll put in a good word for you. Please, come in.”
Cindy stepped in and closed the door, then started looking around. “The place looks great. I don’t expect it to be on the market long. I’ve got five showings today, now. First one will be here in about twenty or so. I’ll bet you’ll have at least one offer by tonight. Fingers crossed.”
“That’s great. Just want to remind you, I’m traveling overseas this evening. Actually, I’m just heading out for the airport now. I don’t know how long I’ll be away. You should be able to get me by phone, no problem. If there’s any paperwork to sign, you’ll have to email it for a digital signature.”
“That’s not an issue. We use Docusign for most of our contracts now.”
Blake picked up his bag from the floor by the front door. “Keep in mind there’s a seven hour time difference.”
“I’ve got it. Have a good trip. With any luck, this will be all locked up before you get back.”
“You’re the best.”
Blake took one more look around. One more breath. Soaking in the last moments he would ever stand in this foyer again. When he walked out the door he’d be taking years of memories. But not the pain. That, he’d leave for the next guy.
“Okay, bye.”
“Bye”
Blake stepped outside and closed the door behind him. Forever.
Also by L.T. Ryan
Click on a series name or title for more information
The Jack Noble Series
The Recruit (free)
The First Deception (Prequel 1)
Noble Beginnings
A Deadly Distance
Ripple Effect (Bear Logan)
Thin Line
Noble Intentions
When Dead in Greece
Noble Retribution
Noble Betrayal
Never Go Home
Beyond Betrayal (Clarissa Abbot)
Noble Judgment
Never Cry Mercy
Deadline
End Game
Noble Ultimatum (Coming May 2021)
Bear Logan Series
Ripple Effect
Blowback
Take Down
Deep State
Rachel Hatch Series
Drift
Downburst
Fever Burn
Smoke Signal
Firewalk
Whitewater
Mitch Tanner Series
The Depth of Darkness
Into The Darkness
Deliver Us From Darkness (Summer 2021)
Cassie Quinn Series
Path of Bones
Whisper of Bon
es (February 2021)
Symphony of Bones (May 2021)
Blake Brier Series
Unmasked
Unleashed
Uncharted
Drawpoint
Affliction Z Series
Affliction Z: Patient Zero
Affliction Z: Abandoned Hope
Affliction Z: Descended in Blood
Affliction Z : Fractured Part 1
Affliction Z: Fractured Part 2 (Fall 2021)
About the Author
L.T. Ryan is a USA Today and international bestselling author. The new age of publishing offered L.T. the opportunity to blend his passions for creating, marketing, and technology to reach audiences with his popular Jack Noble series.
Living in central Virginia with his wife, the youngest of his three daughters, and their three dogs, L.T. enjoys staring out his window at the trees and mountains while he should be writing, as well as reading, hiking, running, and playing with gadgets. See what he’s up to at http://ltryan.com.
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