Lilith Cohen Retribution

by William Manning

  “Yes, I am one -hundred percent sure. I’ve been to his house a lot during my college years. My classes was not easy.”

  “Okay, good.”

  “Hey, before you go through all this in-depth discussion let’s not forget I’m his niece. He trusts me. I can lure him to you.”

  Her suggestion floored me, is this the same Tiffany?

  “True. Still, I don’t want your uncle sensing something is off, and alerting Colvin.”

  Actually, I don’t want her to have to kill. That’s my job, not hers.

  “By the way, Clare, give Tiffany that Walther P99 on the rack along with four mags.” I turn to Tiff. “I don’t want you unarmed. Because after we kill your uncle, we will have kicked a hornet’s nest.”

  Clare hands her the gun. “Remember what I taught you, Tiffany?” She asks.

  She nods. “Yes, I do.” She slaps a magazine in and racks the slide.

  Dominic twists the cap off a water bottle. “Just remember, this is not training. Your targets will be shooting back.”

  “You’ve never killed anyone, so your first instinct is going to be to freeze up. So follow your second instinct which is to shoot,” I add.

  “Okay I will go with my second instinct, Lilith,” she says, timidly.

  I give her a holster to slip on her belt. “Just relax, and you’ll be fine.”

  Now that she is armed, I feel slightly better about having her around me, but not much. I still worry she’ll freeze up and get herself killed, and I will end up with another person I care about dying in my arms.

  Damn it. I wish Connie hadn’t made that offer to Tiffany.

  “Clare, Tiffany. You two stay here. Dominic and I are going to recon the Doctor’s house.”

  Clare salutes. “Ma’am yes, ma’am.” Her mouth curves into a smirk.

  Wise ass.

  I crank the engine and head down the dirt road. He takes a drag off his cigar and glances over at me.

  “You know, I can see it in your eyes. You don’t agree with Connie’s decision to send Tiffany with us.”

  I hit the steering wheel. “What the hell was Kimura thinking? Dangling that over her head like that?”

  He flicks ash out the window. “Lilith, everything will be fine. We’ll do our best to keep her away from the frontlines.”

  “If you recall we tried that before and it didn’t work out so well. Look at how close they got to her after we let her leave. Venora was three feet away from her and could have killed her at any time.”

  “You’re not god. You can’t be everywhere so stop kicking the hell out of yourself. Besides, she is with us now so like Connie said, stop wasting your energy on what could’ve been.”

  “Maybe it was a mistake to become friends with her. If hadn’t spoken to her that day in the dojo her life would not be such a goddamn wreck.”

  He turns his head. “Well, she’s here now. So all we can do is protect her the best we can. Giving her a weapon was a smart move.”

  “The smart move would’ve been to leave her at the HQ. She’s not a killer! What if the safe house is attacked and she freezes up and gets killed?”

  “Clare will be there.”

  My eyes roll. “Oh yes, a computer nerd/thief and a Marine Biologist. Hell of a force to be reckoned with,” I say bitterly.

  “Don’t sell Clare short. She may be a computer nerd, but she’s had basic combat training within the agency and the IDF.”

  “That still doesn’t make me feel any better. These teams Black Reign sends out are Ex-Special Forces. People who are way out of Clare’s league.”

  “Just don’t sell her short, she is tougher than she looks.”

  We come out on the main road and head toward the city of Middletown.

  I glance over at him. “What are you hiding from me? What are you not telling me about Clare?” He shrugs. “It doesn’t matter. All you need to know is Clare is more than she appears to be.”

  “Yes it does matter, now tell me.” My voice insistent.

  “Fine. Clare was Infantry in the IDF. Hamas ambushed her unit, and she was the last one left alive. Another platoon found her drenched in blood grasping a trench shovel muttering prayers in Hebrew. After all that, she comes out with just a gunshot wound to her side.”

  I chuckle. “We are talking about the same Clare, right? Ms. Sapphire dreads Clare?”

  “Yes, we are. Now, are you relaxed? Tiffany will be fine.”

  Never in a million years would I have suspected Clare to have a history like that in the army. I always assumed she was just a guard on base. Don’t judge a book by its cover.

  “I don’t know why I didn’t pick up on this.”

  “We all miss things at times. You’re only human after all.”

  “Yo, Lilith.”

  “Go ahead, Clare.”

  “The Doctor’s house is on the other side of the town in a suburb called the Vale Groves. However, something is not right.”

  “What’s wrong?”

  “He’s beefed up his protection detail. It’s mixed with cops and Colvin's people.”

  “Damn it. Lauren must have informed Colvin of her failure. Thanks for the heads up, Clare.”

  Dom turns to me. “What’s wrong?”

  “Colvin beefed up Conrad’s protection detail, and he has put cops on his house too.”

  “That doesn’t surprise me. However, the cops complicate things, Lilith."

  “Colvin knows we won't shoot it out with the cops. It’s the perfect human shield."

  “I got some new Intel from Josef, Lilith,” Clare chimes in.

  “Go,” I respond.

  “They're planning to relocate Conrad, but he doesn't know where. They’re keeping it hushhush.”

  “Turn the car around it’s too risky.” Dom orders.

  “Clare, we are RTB.”

  “Copy that.”

  He glances around the town as we head down the main strip which is full of diners and small mom and pop stores and a few Law firms.

  “Peaceful looking town. Looks like a good place to retire,” he says.

  “Ha! You retire? Yeah, right. You’d drive yourself crazy at home all the time.”

  “I’ll open up a small business.”

  “What could you possibly open up in this Pleasantville shithole that would be lucrative?”

  “I don’t know. I’ll, think of something.”

  “Dominic, let’s face it. You’re not the retiring type you’ll be doing this shit until the day you die.”

  “Wow, thanks for pissing all over my parade, good buddy.”

  I nod with asmile. “Anytime.”

  Pfft, Dominic retire? That’s a laugh. Warhorses like him who stay in the life this long has no intention of getting out. He’s like me in love with the thrill of it all. And I got a hunch Connie is going to offer him a permanent position as an assistant director.

  After returning to the TOC, I change into my black tactical uniform along with my dark combat boots. I slip a suppressor on to my Glock and HK416. I slide my Karambit down in the sheath on my belt. “Lilith, was he home?” Tiff asks.

  “No. They’re moving him to another location, but I am going to grab one of the mercs. Clare said Colvin left a few of his people at Conrad’s house for some reason.”

  Her eyes widen. “When you find him. I want to go with you to kill him. I want to look him in the eyes as the life leaves his eyes.”

  I lower my head, staring into her eyes. “You don’t want to see this, Tiff. Your head is full of nightmares as it is.”

  “Lilith, I’ve seen you kill people before.”

  I place both my hands on the table, sighing. “I know, but this is different. It’ll be a family member you watch die not a stranger. And I've seen family defend their loved ones, despite how much evil they’ve done. So you are staying here.”

  Her jaw tightens. “Fine.”

  I don’t need her seeing me blow away her uncle, despite realizing her uncle is a diseased animal who need
s to be put down. He’s still blood, and that can cause problems in those final moments, and I can’t allow that.

  I step over to Clare who is scanning the house with her drone.

  “How many mercs are we talking?”

  She rotates in her chair. “There’s four hostiles guarding the house. If I had to guess, Colvin put them there to try and capture youagain.”

  “Four mercs? I feel fucking insulted.”

  She snickers. “But the good news is, the cops are no longer sitting on the house.”

  “Good. I’m going to nab one of the mercs and bring him back here. So prep the Interrogation room.”

  “Will do. Happy hunting.”

  As I near the door, Tiffany steps in front of me. “Thank you for saving my life, again. I know I seemed like an ungrateful bitch, and I'm sorry for that... and I’m sorry I tried to kill you on that rooftop.”

  “You’ve got nothing to be sorry for. I lost my husband, and you lost a brother. We're both grieving.”

  Tears fill her eyes. “I miss him so badly, Lilith. Everywhere I go, I’m reminded of him. It feels like my heart is being ripped out over and over again.”

  I tilt my head to the floor. “I know, I’m sorry I couldn’t protect him.”

  She glares at me with sorrowful red eyes. “Don’t do that. I’m sorry for blaming you, but you stop that right now. Karl would’ve died all over again before living a life without you.”

  Her seeing him as a loving husband makes my blood boil and my stomach twist into knots.

  Night descends on the cozy town. It’s just like every other Mayberry backwater-shithole; streets are vacant not a car in sight everyone is home by 8 pm all tucked in their beds or watching American Idol or whatever godforsaken reality show people are into now.

  I park the truck a few blocks down the street. I crawl into the hatchback and lower the back window and peer through the NVG scope. The mercs are still guarding the house. Nothing has changed.

  I stop the truck in front of them and kill three of them on the porch with my rifle and kneecap the fourth one. He falls in the grass clutching his knee, groaning. Rushing out of the truck, I force the merc to his feet pressing my 45 to the back of his head. I snatch him by the collar and march him to the end of the vehicle. Binding his hands with zip ties, I throw him in the hatchback. I dart to the driver’s side and speed back to the cabin.

  I shove him through the door. He flies across the room and crashes into the wall, leaving a splat of blood where his face hit. “Oh, that’s a broken nose.” I glance at Clare.

  “Where’s the setup.”

  She points to a door. “In the basement.”

  “Perfect.” I pick him up and drag him down to the basement and slam him down into the chair. “Where’s Dr. Conrad?”

  He smirks at me with blood pouring down his upper lip. “I’m an ex-Seal, bitch cakes. You’re gonna have to step it up.”

  Great, a fucking Spec Ops asshole. Seems like I got my work cut out for me.

  Dominic stalks into the room and rolls up his sleeves. The merc snorts and smiles. “What are you gonna do, grandpa? Besides break your hip.”

  The corners of his mouth curve up, and slugs him in the jaw with a right hook, knocking out some of his teeth. He lurches forward spitting up blood and teeth. “Goddamn! He shakes head and laughs. “Gramps has a goddamn sledgehammer for an arm, eh?”

  I cross my arms. “Let me explain to you how this is going to go, asshole. You’re going to tell me where your people took the Doctor or shit’s going get real dark.”

  He shakes his head and laughs. “You think I’m stupid? I know what you are and who you work for, Lilith.

  I know you’re gonna kill me as soon as I give up the doctor. So go ahead and kill me and leave me for the fucking crows. Anything’s better than this boring ass shit.” Shit. Well, he’s smart I’ll give him that.

  “What will it take for you to tell us where the doctor is?”

  He lowers his head laughing. “Nice try, bitch.”

  I place my hands on my hips. “Listen, dickhead. We’re not interested in wasting our ammo on guns for hire if we can help it. Give me the doctor, and I will let you live. You have my word.”

  “He scoffs and shakes head. “How do I know your word is worth a shit?”

  “Well, I can tell you this, refusing to help me is a slow agonizing death, butif you cooperate, you have a chance.”

  He studies me for a few moments and lets out a sharp exhale. “Fine, let me go, and I’ll get you his location.”

  “Nuh-uh. You give us his location, and when I confirm its Conrad we cut you lose, understand?”

  He rolls his eyes. “Alright, fuck whatever! We moved him to a safe house in Los Angeles in Hollywood Hills.”

  Hollywood Hills? Antonia lives in that area.

  Dominic throws his hands out. “Where? Hollywood Hills is a big place in case you hadn’t fucking noticed.” He retorts.

  “He’s inna big fancy house on the bluffs. Get a pen I’ll give you his address.”

  Dominic rubs his head. “Atta boy,” he mocks. I write down the address. “Well, sailor. If this turns out to be legit and Conrad is there, you willbe free as a fucking bird.” I cross my arms. “However, I am curious. Why are you helping me so easily? I mean what happened to “I am an ex- SEAL you’re gonna have to step it up?”

  He scoffs and glowers at me. “It’s you. We’re sick and tired of dying for Colvin so he can have his little Golden Girl that’s going to drive the evolution of transhuman whatever the fuck forward.”

  Hell hath no fury like a disgruntled employee.

  I turn to Dom. “I’m heading to LA.” “Want

  me to find you a setup?”

  “No, it’s already taken care of.” He

  nods. “I’ll set you up a flight then.”

  I dial up Antonia.

  “Hello?” she answers.

  “Toni, it’s me, Lilith.”

  “Hey! You finally called what’s up, amiga?”

  “I need a favor.”

  “Hey, anything for you.”

  “I need a place to crash possibly a day or two. It’s for a thing I have to do.”

  “Uh, sure it’s no problem. I’ll set the guest room up.”

  “Thanks. I’ll see you soon.”

  I hang up and turn to Dom. “Tell Tiffany I’m going to LA and I’ll be back soon.”

  “Will do.”

  I leave the house and head for the airport.

  Chapter 7

  I arrived at Antonia’s valley view home in the Wealth District late afternoon. Her house sits on the cliffside overlooking the sprawl of Los Angeles. The horizon has orange streaks as if someone took a brush and dragged it across the sky. Her yard is gravel with a few bushes running parallel to the stairs.

  I knock on the door, and she answers wearing a red two-piece bikini.

  “Hey, Amiga. Let’s grab you a beer.” She smiles pushing a strand of damp hair off her forehead.

  Her kitchen is flanked by windows which provide her with a panoramic view of the city and some lavish homes across the street.

  I glance out back, and see who I assume is her daughter and possibly family members swimming in the spacious infinity pool. She twists the cap off the beer and hands it to me. “Shit, Toni. If I knew you were having a party, I’d checked into a hotel.”

  She turns to me furrowing her brow. “Bullshit. Get your ass out here.” Her hips sway as we stroll outside. I catch my eyes locking on to her toned ass.

  Down, girl. You’re here on business.

  We sit at a patio table with an umbrella built-in near the pool. She kicks her bare feet up on a stool and sips her beer. “So what kind of business brings you way out here?” “I extracted some Intel from a Black Reign merc. Doctor Conrad is out here in Hollywood Hills hiding from my people.”

  I slide the address across the table to her, and she picks it up and stares at it briefly. “I know exactly where this place is. It has al
l kinds of armed security personnel around it. Ifigured it was a paranoid celeb or some shit.”

  I hear a young girl yell from the pool. “Mom, who is this?” The teen has long straight black hair and a wiry frame.

  She waves at her. “It’s just a friend from mommy’s work. Go back to your swimming, mija.”

  The girl dives under water and continues to swim laps around the pool.

  “I’m sorry. Amy is nosey sometimes.”

  I shrug. “Well, she wouldn’t be normal if she wasn’t.”

  “So, when you planning on ventilating his ass?”

  “I’m going to hit him later tonight.”

  She beams a gleeful smile. “Great! So you got time to stay for dinner.”

  I think about declining, but then I remember I haven’t had a decent meal since Karl died.

  I smirk. “So what are we having, Chef Santino?” my voice boastful.

  She takes a sip of her beer and laughs. “Salmon marinated in lime juice cooked on the grill with potatoes baked in foil on an open flame. I know you’re Jewish so I made sure there was no pork or shellfish.”

  My stomach growls again reminding me I haven’t eaten much of anything since I escaped the labs.

  I take a swig of my beer. “That sounds delicious.” My eyes trace over every inch of the sandstone patio, and I turn back to her.

  “You have a really nice place here, Toni. You’ve done well for yourself and your daughter.”

  “Yeah, I had to join the Army to escape the Blights and to be able to afford this, but I would do it all again for my little angel.” She glances at her daughter.

  “I’m sorry you had to live in the Blights.”

  She glowers at the floor. “Yeah, I had to do a lot of stuff there I’m not proud of just to be able to eat.” She wipes her eyes. “Hey.” She forces a brief smile. “If it’s okay, can we focus on something else? I don’t want to be a Debbie Downer at the dinner table.” She finishes her beer and opens the grill turning the fish. “Mija! She calls out. “The food is ready.” She hands me a warm plate of salmon. “Lilith, take this inside and put it on the dining room table.”

  I sit down at the dinner table with my plate of food, Toni, and her daughter joins me a few minutes later. “Where’s your brother and sister in law? They didn’t want to stay?”