A Subtle Agency

by Graeme Rodaughan

  ‘And profound?’

  ‘Profound listening is when you cease to anticipate hearing anything at all.’

  ‘You said that there are three transitions.’

  ‘Yes. The first transition from indifferent to ordinary is based on orientating yourself in space, you become mindful of your present location. The second transition from ordinary to silent is based on silencing your internal mental voice.’

  ‘That seems to be the hard part.’

  ‘A lot of people mistake that internal voice as being themselves, but it is just an activity of the mind, you still remain present when it is silent.’

  ‘It’s actually simple, once you get used to it,’ Li continued. ‘The third transition silent to profound is based on orientating yourself in time; arresting your mind within the present moment, no future, no past, just the present. This is the key to mastering access to the Ramp, it is also the hard part.’

  ‘So I stop thinking and anticipating?’

  ‘Yes, it is the only path to the Ramp.’

  ‘How do I know what to do in a fight?’

  ‘A combination of training to automate your reflexes and Ramp mastery. Profound listening is the key to open the door to Ramp mastery, it is not Ramp mastery. A Ramp master’s mind accelerates so much that the perception of time speeds up. The experience is of the world slowing down. It is the accelerated mind, allied with transformed physical skills that enable us to match a vampire in combat.’

  Anton remembered the first night he met Gang, and how Gang had run past him in the alley as if he had been standing still.

  ‘Is there a catch?’

  ‘Two of them, when ramping, your body runs hot, the Ramp can’t be sustained for a long time, and a noisy mind will drop you straight out of the Ramp, so don’t get distracted - it will get you killed.’

  Anton nodded, ‘okay.’

  ‘It has been said that a Ramp Masters actions precede his thoughts. Perhaps one day that will be true for you too. Let’s try again, this time unarmed.’

  She put the Shinai back on the rack, turning, she attacked Anton with a flying kick. He ducked away as Li flew over him, turning, he found Li already in position, striking him with hand and foot combinations. Li expertly pulled the strikes on contact. Anton found himself becoming quite within his mind as his world shrank to the moment.

  He suddenly moved aside as Li launched a kick which he caught in a lock, twisting toward her he lowered his shoulder to catch her in a throw.

  Reversing his attack, Li swept his feet out from under him and he landed flat on his back with Li on top.

  Anton was suddenly aware just how good it felt to have Li’s thighs firmly wrapped around his hips and even though she had his wrist in a painful lock, pushing his forearm into his throat and cutting off his ability to breathe, he started to smile.

  Li’s long hair fell like a curtain around their heads; Anton watched her large brown eyes widen as her face hovered inches above his own.

  ‘Right!’ Li said, leaping up. ‘Yesterday you said you could do two hundred burpees in a set, so let’s see it - or was that the idle boast of someone who thinks too highly of himself.’

  ‘Okay,’ Anton grinned and started doing the burpees.

  Li took the Shinai back off the rack, positioning it in front of Anton as he was jumping up from the prone position, and said, ‘jump over this.’

  She’s enjoying this.

  He focused on the moves, Li kept inserting the Shinai in front of him and he kept jumping over it. As the repetitions continued, she raised the bamboo higher and higher, until she was holding it straight out from her shoulder for each jump.

  With each rep Anton glanced at Li’s face, she was watching him intently, he found himself sinking into a quiet place where there was only the rhythm of the motion and Li’s eyes watching him.

  He lost track of time.

  ‘Stop,’ Li pulled the Shinai away. ‘That’s five hundred, and you’re still going like a machine.’

  ‘I’ve always had plenty of endurance.’

  ‘That was phenomenal, I think your body is adjusting to the Ramp much faster than I would expect. Time to get a drink and a shower, we’ll continue tomorrow.’

  Anton smiled, ‘great, will do.’

  Stepping off the mats an image of Chloe Armitage came into his mind, his thoughts darkened, and his smile fled.

  Your time is coming closer, I will master the Ramp and I will kill you.

  * * *

  Gang logged into his laptop and checked the online bookings for the Noodle House.

  He was looking for a very specific booking with a pre-order. It would be from, “Mr. T Masters, a table for two, an order for the duck special, with the new special secret sauce.” Gang had updated his website the day after Anton had arrived, and listed the new dish, it was an agreed signal to Arthur Slayne.

  The agreement was that if Gang needed to contact Arthur Slayne, he would advertise that he had a new secret sauce. If the need was urgent than it would be a special secret sauce. Arthur would set the time and date for the meeting via the booking. The actual meeting would be at a predetermined site - not the Noodle House. Only Gang, Li, and Arthur knew of the arrangement. It was three weeks later and there was still no booking.

  What could keep you from seeing or acting on my message for three weeks?

  ‘What’s happened my old friend,’ Gang whispered.

  Gang remembered back six months to when he had last seen his old teacher, replaying the conversation in his mind.

  There was a large map of South America laid out on Gang’s dining room table.

  There had been trouble in South America - big trouble.

  ‘I will be going to Brazil. Crane has a special project in the Amazon,’ Arthur said, stabbing the map with a finger and tracing out a large circle. ‘Somewhere in this region, there is a mixed team of Shadowstone operatives, molecular biologists, and support staff. In the background will be a team of praetorians providing security.’

  ‘What of the Order, are they doing anything?’

  Arthur shook his head, ‘they’re doing nothing. Kain won’t lift a finger. I’m sure that he’s Crane’s pet.’

  ‘What’s Crane’s objective? Those scientists worry me.’

  ‘Me too, molecular biology suggests genetic manipulation, cellular technologies, and techniques for changing the physiology of a human being or a vampire, but why the Amazon? I need to find out!’

  ‘Do you need my assistance? Li could hire some help and run the Noodle House while I’m away.’

  ‘Ha,’ Arthur laughed, ‘you trust Li with your baby?’

  Gang grinned, ‘yes I know, as unlikely as it may seem at times, I really do trust her abilities, she is really very mature for her age.’

  Arthur took a sip of whiskey from his glass, both men enjoyed it neat, ‘not this mission my old friend. Stealth all the way, I will be most effective on my own. Thanks for the offer, though.’

  I think my old friend that you have trouble asking for help.

  ‘Well then, good hunting.’

  ‘Good hunting.’

  Both men drained their drinks.

  And then he had vanished into the night.

  Gang felt sick to his stomach as he came back to the present.

  How will I tell him of the capture of his son, and the death of Anna? At least, Anton is alive and well.

  Gang took a deep breath, let it go slowly, and his distress fled with it.

  We must accept what has happened and focus on what must now be done.

  He smiled, the boy was whip-smart, driven to learn, absorbing information and skills like a sponge. He was progressing much faster than Gang had expected, the Ramp activation that he had put Anton through was playing a large part in that. The ongoing re-routing of the nerve and muscle bindings greatly facilitated the acquisition of physical skills. Anton was rapidly gaining speed, strength, and fighting ability; what he still lacked was control.

  Pe
rhaps tomorrow Arthur will send his message.

  It was time to attend a morning practice session with Anton and Li. Gang picked up a large jar of herbal balm, walked out of his office and down to the training deck.

  Time to move from the flexible Bamboo Shinai to the Hardwood Bokken, the balm will be useful for Anton’s bruises.

  Gang chuckled wickedly.

  * * *

  Li watched as another couple left the restaurant without completing their meal.

  She let them go without asking for them to pay, apologizing quietly as she led them through the front door. Raucous laughter greeted her as she came back into the main room as the boss of the Hu Shizu, the self-styled “Tiger Clan”, Mr. Wang completed one of his trademark jokes. The core of his crew sat around a large circular table covered with the remains of the Noodle House’s best dishes and finest wines.

  Wang looked around, snapping his fingers loudly, ‘bring the Saki!’

  Obnoxious creep.

  Li stepped forward with two bottles of Saki and nine shot glasses on a tray. She placed the tray on a nearby trolley, pouring the Saki into the glasses, she quickly distributed the shots around the table.

  Here you go, Fats, Stinker, Rats, Slinker, Ferret, Weasel, Greasy, Sleazy and Creepy - I hope you choke on it.

  The gangsters leered at her as she worked. They were all watching her every move. Tracking their eyes, she internally shook her head behind her polite, friendly, front of house facade.

  What are these guys expecting - a lap dance?

  She felt a hand slide over her hip, squeezing her buttock through her red silk dress. The forced smile fled from her face and her eyes narrowed. She glanced down at the offending hand that was still gliding over the smooth curve of her bottom, she lifted her eyes and stared into the face of the hand’s owner, Mr. Wang - the head of organized crime in Chinatown.

  Hold it together, step away quietly, and don’t rip his head off.

  Li stepped out of reach, and Wang’s hand dropped back into his lap as he remarked loudly, ‘you should come and work for me, you could earn a lot more than you make here.’

  What a pimp! I would rather suck my own eyeballs out with a straw than work for a sleazebag like you.

  ‘Mr. Wang, I’m very happy working here with my father,’ Li said, with a fresh smile.

  Wang shook his head, ‘a beautiful young woman such as yourself could become a star in my best club.’

  OMG, he wants me to be a high-class hooker.

  Li reached deep, managing a simpering titter, ‘oh Mr. Wang, I wouldn’t do anything without my father’s permission.’

  Wang laughed, ‘that’s it, your perfect, so innocent, and so honorable. My club’s patrons will go wild. I will dress you in gold - you will be a great sensation.’

  Gritting her teeth, Li kept her feelings hidden.

  Maintain our cover. Keep the secret.

  She bowed her head submissively, taking a step backward.

  Wang’s chair scraped across the floor, his arm snaking around her waist, dragging her onto his lap.

  I need a better cover, next time I’m an ex-navy SEAL.

  ‘Surely it is time for the young bird to fly the nest,’ Wang purred as he looked at her with half-lidded eyes. ‘I could show you a life far beyond that of a waitress.’

  ‘Mr. Wang,’ Li shook her head, her eyes wide with innocence. ‘There is nothing that you could offer that I would desire beyond my life here.’

  Wang smiled, pulling her close so that her breasts were crushed against his chest. His face was inches from her own, his teeth were stained and yellow, and he reeked of old tobacco smoke.

  ‘Oh, my dear, if I have nothing that you desire, then I’m sure that you will continue to enjoy the comforts of your home here in this - “Noodle House” - for as long as it lasts.’

  Li heard a snigger, she pinpointed that it was Sleazy, she could feel that the mood at the table had shifted in seconds from boorishly enjoyable to coldly threatening.

  She felt a familiar presence nearby and looked up, it was her father.

  ‘Can I help,’ Gang said calmly.

  Anton stood at her father’s shoulder radiating cold fury.

  Wang pushed Li off his lap, and she stepped lightly away.

  Waving his hand, Wang said, ‘this Noodle House, is it well insured? You never know what could happen ... storm, flood - or even fire,’ he leaned back in his chair and stroked his chin. ‘It would be such a shame if this fine little enterprise just went up in smoke.’

  Gang chuckled, ‘ah, Mr. Wang, my insurance is excellent.’

  Wang frowned, ‘your daughter does not want to work for me. Perhaps you could make her see sense.’

  Gang’s eyes twinkled, ‘does the lightning obey the wind? She is very strong-willed; she will make up her own mind - she always does.’

  Wang smiled at Gang, but his eyes were icy cold, ‘Mr. Wu, you’ve been here for years with this little business, so small, I overlooked it,’ he nodded at Li, ‘and yet tonight I find your daughter, it’s like kicking over a dull gray stone and discovering a diamond.’

  Li glanced quickly at Anton, his face was flat and still, he was staring at Wang and something dark and terrifying lurked just behind his eyes.

  Uh oh. Anton shouldn’t be here right now.

  ‘I’m sorry Mr. Wang, but my daughter will be staying here,’ Gang stated firmly.

  Wang suddenly sneered, ‘do you know who I am - how dare you refuse me.’

  The gangsters around the table leaned back, letting their coats fall away to reveal an array of handguns and knives.

  Gang took a breath and put a steady hand on Anton’s hip, ‘Mr. Wang, we don’t want any trouble.’

  How do I stop Anton exploding - his emotions are a mess?

  Li edged behind her father, as if trying to hide, rather than position herself to tackle Anton.

  The last remaining patrons left their seats, exiting through the front door. In moments, only Li, Gang, Anton and the gangsters were left in the main room. The rest of the staff had retreated into the back alley behind the kitchen.

  Gang and Mr. Wang stared at each other in silence for a long moment.

  ‘Well it would be a shame if anyone got hurt through thoughtless action,’ Wang said, standing up. ‘I will give you both a week to think about my offer.’

  ‘A week won’t make a difference,’ Gang said resolutely.

  ‘Nor would a lifetime,’ Li added briskly.

  Wang laughed.

  ‘Well we will see about that,’ he said as he led his men from the restaurant.

  The last one to leave was the one who had sniggered, pausing at the door, he caught Li’s gaze and made a sexually obscene gesture with his hands, then tapping his chest, he whispered hoarsely, ‘you and me slut.’

  As the door began to swing shut, Anton ramped, running through the opening and into the street.

  No!

  Li immediately ramped, following Anton out into the street where she caught up with him. Gang was a step behind her. Anton had just missed the last gangster as he barreled out into the street.

  ‘Hey you!’ Anton shouted.

  The gang was in front of them and they started to turn around.

  Li gripped Anton’s arm, hissing, ‘drop back down.’

  Anton stared at her for a moment and then shook his head as if waking from a dream.

  Li looked back down the street, one of the gangsters, Ferret had drawn a Glock 9mm pistol and it was pointing right at her. Mr. Wang put his hand on the gangster’s arm and pushed down. The gangster looked at his boss with “why not?” written all over his thin face.

  Wang indicated up the street with a nod and a shrug, and said, ‘not here.’

  Li and Anton turned, looking up the street. About fifty feet away a newly mounted CCTV camera covered the street in front of the Noodle House.

  Li’s heart sank as she dragged Anton back inside the restaurant.

  ‘Damn,’ Anton said.
>
  As they both got back inside, Gang shook his head and said, ‘no hood, no good.’

  ‘I’m sorry. I don’t know what happened.’

  ‘What were you thinking?’ Li demanded.

  ‘I just lost it. I’m sorry - I wasn’t thinking at all.’

  Gang put his hands on their shoulders, ‘use tonight to get ready to leave at a moment’s notice. We are not leaving yet, maybe nothing will come of this, but be prepared for a quick departure.’

  Li and Anton both nodded.

  ‘But before you go, this place is a mess. Please help the staff to clean up, they will be hiding out the back. I will have to make some plans about Mr. Wang.’

  ‘Yes, Father.’

  ‘Yes, Gang,’ Anton said.

  Li looked at Anton, her eyes narrowing.

  “I wasn’t thinking at all.” The next training session is really going to hurt, and I mean hurt.

  * * *

  James was nursing a scotch after a delicious meal of spicy lamb ribs at a New York City restaurant fifteen minutes from his apartment.

  He was certain that the taller of the two bar girls was ready to be asked back to his place, they had been flirting with each other for the last ten minutes. His smartphone pinged, retrieving it from his coat pocket, he glanced at the screen.

  ‘Damn,’ he put the drink down with a twenty-dollar note, smiled at the pretty girl and headed for the door. Saturday night was over. He voice dialed Louise Wesson as he reached the street, she immediately picked up.

  ‘We have a hit,’ James said.

  ‘Anton Smith?’

  ‘Yes, he’s still in Boston. Got a great face shot on CCTV. He was outside a restaurant in Chinatown.’

  ‘Will we tell the General?’

  ‘No, we will notify her once we have this contact tied up and presented with a red ribbon.’

  ‘Johnson and Higgins are both available.’

  ‘Get them moving, we will need to establish a stakeout location. Bring a surveillance van. I will meet with you at our Boston R.I.S.C office ASAP, we will coordinate further action from there.’