by Sydney Addae
ANTONY PROKAM PULLED his wife close and kissed her hard. He loved how she melted against him and held onto him as if he were the only person in her world. They had survived her cousin, Queen Miriam’s, anger and wrath when they married against her will. Miriam planned for Helen to remain in the background as a single female in her court. Helen’s heart was too big and loving for that fate, something he realized when they met years ago.
Prokam had been instructed by his former employer, Lord Roderick, to meet and use Helen to gather information regarding Lyrill and Kirlethanium. The man had no regard for women and underestimated both Helen and Miriam, which led to his downfall and subsequent death. Miriam’s father may have been blinded by greed and lies but Miriam was shrewd. She knew Roderick was after their limited supply of Kirlethanium to use in an experiment on someone or to create a device.
With Roderick, there was always another device to create and sell. The man was obsessed with recreating the Liege and becoming king, in his own mind at least. It never materialized.
Lord Barticus had kept the pressure on Roderick, continually searching for every person involved with the Liege during the time his daughter had been captured. Lord Roderick had sent Prokam to his secret warehouse to secure items to sell to replenish their coffers. It was during this time Prokam learned how to deactivate the kill chip from inside his head and unlock the neck brace to free himself from Lord Roderick’s control. The moment he deactivated the chip and removed the neck brace, his phone rang.
Roderick ranted and raged over what he considered Prokam’s duplicity. He made all kinds of threats forgetting he hadn’t paid Prokam for his services in almost two years. The more Lord Roderick cursed him, the angrier Prokam became. He had served the man faithfully as an assistant without complaint and completed the most unpleasant tasks. Yet, Lord Roderick would have pressed the button and killed Prokam without a second thought to save himself.
When Roderick demanded Prokam reactivate the kill chip, he hung up on the crazy man. The warehouse held several cases of merchandise, more than enough to repay him for his time serving an ungrateful man who wanted to kill him. Over the course of three days, Prokam cleared out the warehouse and stored the items in another town. For the next year, he remained hidden spending the bulk of his time reading and studying the notes regarding the equipment and how they worked. He and Helen remained in contact and made plans to be together one day.
Before the end of the year, Lord Roderick was found by a bounty hunter and beheaded before Lord Barticus arrived. Miriam’s father, Prime Minister Bensud died the following week. Helen had begged Prokam to take her away while the country grieved otherwise she feared she would be locked behind Lyrill’s walls forever.
By then he had fallen hopelessly in love with the sweet Princess. Armed with enough crystals to keep her safe, Helen met him near the White Wolf Pack’s lands, and they moved to Italy. He never regretted it for a moment. To remain safe from Miriam’s henchmen, they both made blood oaths never to reveal Lyrill’s secrets on the threat of forced transitioning which was worse than death. Miriam made sure he understood she would kill him without any qualms.
“Why do you need to go see him tonight?” Helen asked as he walked toward the door with his arm around her waist.
“There was an explosion. They lost a lab and all the information. He has questions.” Prokam shrugged.
“You will not tell him how to use the crystals. Miriam would destroy us,” Helen said, her tone fearful.
“I cannot tell anyone what I don’t know,” he said. Miriam had refused Helen’s petitions to revisit Lyrill for years. Recently, for Miriam’s 15th Anniversary the ban was lifted and Helen alone was permitted to attend. Just being on the grounds of Lyrill benefitted his wife’s health tremendously.
Helen cupped his cheeks. “I cannot share it all with you, it’s best this way.”
He agreed. As Helen’s husband, the aging process slowed which would provide them a long future together. “True. Still, he’s an important client. I’m sure he’s catching heat over everything that’s happened. I won’t be away long. Sure you don’t want to come?”
She shook her head. “No. I don’t like the way he looks at me. I’m not a steak for him to devour with his eyes.”
He stroked her long, light brown wavy hair and met her hazel gaze. It still amazed him that she chose him. That she loved him and him alone. Pulling her close, he nibbled on her top lip which was slightly larger than the bottom one. “Not only do I look at you like you’re a steak, but I also get to eat you every day. You’re my favorite meal.”
She giggled and wrapped her arms around his neck. Tall and willowy, she fit perfectly. “I love when you eat me like you’re starving, never stop.” She brushed her lips against his and then deepened the kiss. It was always like this between them, hot and explosive.
“Somewhere in my life, I did something right to find a woman like you, my equal in every way and more.” He patted her on the butt. “I’ve got to go. Once I’m done, I’ll call, tell you what went down and we’ll decide on our next course of action. Rafe never returned, neither did the rest of the devices with the crystals.”
She lay her cheek against his chest. “I know. Good help is hard to find but we will persevere. I’ve placed the crystals we did receive from him earlier in the safe with our emergency supply. We’re doing well.”
He nodded.
Miriam refused to share Lyrill’s Kirlethanium with Helen. As her husband, it was his duty to supply her needs which he loved doing. Together, they located several areas with amounts too small for Lyrill but perfect for their needs.
“But you cannot return there,” Helen said.
“Where?”
“Central America. That was a one-time deal, it’s too dangerous. We won’t return there.” She looked at him until he agreed.
“We won’t return there.” She kissed him again and released him. Pleased with his life, Prokam left through their basement garage and headed to the tunnel entrance for the lab to meet Schmidt.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“Thomas, they left the lab,” Tip said through their link. “Four of them. A female and the three men who had been searching for Hermes.”
“Which direction did they go?” Thomas asked as he entered the security room with Noah, Mia, Pearl, and Damali.
“Town.”
Thomas stared at the monitor a few moments longer. “Max, head out to the lab, see if there’s any activity on the ground.” He looked a Matteo. “How would you like to take Lizzy out for a nice drive?”
Matteo had just entered the room. He smiled and looked at Lizzie. “Yes, I would like to do this.”
“I want to know what’s below ground,” Thomas said. “I’m thinking they have a way in and out we don’t know about.”
“We’re on it.” Max, Matteo, and Lizzie left the room.
“Is it safe for him to be out there? Those people would love to catch Matteo,” Damali asked.
“Yes, it’s safe. No one will get close to Lizzie,” Noah said.
Damali looked at him and then smiled. “What was I thinking? You’re right about that.”
“Do you want us to go into town?” Mia asked.
Thomas shook his head slowly. “No. They might sense you and that would be a problem. However, I want a better look at their faces. I don’t think we’re dealing with the same men we dealt with on the Leviticus Club assignment. Until I know more about them, we’ll keep a respectable distance.”
“Does Max have a camera? Maybe he can get a picture of them later,” Pearl said.
“That’s a possibility,” Thomas said.
“Let us know if you need us,” Pearl said as she and Damali walked to the door.
“You’re going to finish watching the movie?” Mia asked as she moved in their direction.
“Yeah, it’s almost over and I still don’t know who did it,” Pearl said. The three of them left the room.
“Have you had that private talk w
ith Matteo?” Tip asked.
“Yes. He had questions about the shot, the side effects, finances, work. He’s agreed to the shot and becoming a part of the team,” Thomas said.
“Good. I didn’t want to lose Lizzie. She’s family,” Tip said in a relieved tone.
“The more we travel the more likely new connections will be made. Not everyone is going to relocate to West Virginia,” Thomas said.
“God, I hope I never have to make that choice.” He met Thomas’ gaze. “I don’t know if I can do it. Most of my adult life I’ve been with you guys. Warts and all, I see you as blood kin, family. Not someone to visit on holidays, but every day.”
“I understand,” Thomas said without looking at Noah who had left his only surviving relative, a cousin, behind.
“Were you praying I’d move instead of Mia remaining behind with me?” Noah asked Tip.
“Most definitely. Mia’s got mad skills, we need her,” Tip said without reservation.
“I need her,” Noah said.
“We all need her,” Tip corrected.
Noah met Tip’s gaze for a moment and nodded. “Just so you know, she didn’t give me a choice. It was come with me or stay behind.”
“That sounds like me,” Tip said.
“I’m on top of an electric pole, there’s one car on the highway,” Max said.
“Lizzie?” Thomas asked as he opened the links for everyone to listen.
“No. Another car. It’s coming closer,” Max said. “Single white male human. Not enhanced.”
“Where’s he headed? To the lab?” Thomas asked while looking at the monitors that showed the lab.
“No. He just turned off onto a dirt road, it seems like he’s going in the opposite direction... wait, he’s slowing down. I’m almost to his car.”
Thomas and the others stared at the monitor which showed no new activity.
“He’s stopped and is waiting. A door is opening. I’m crawling up his trunk and inside the back window to go in,” Max said.
The others looked at Thomas.
“This guy isn’t enhanced and the enhanced soldiers left,” Thomas said.
“Okay, I’m on the floorboard in the back. We’re entering a tunnel. He stopped. There’s a machine that’s.... Hold on. The machine scanned the car. Now it’s stopped again. He’s getting out. One sec, I’m hopping onto his collar.”
Thomas looked at Tip, who stared at the monitor.
“Thomas there is a large underground facility beneath the lab. It’s larger below than above,” Lizzie said.
“Thank you. Ride around a bit in case Max needs assistance,” Thomas said.
“It’s a nice night, we’re going to park and blend in with the scenery,” Lizzie said.
“Good idea,” Thomas said.
“Antony, it’s good to see you. Thank you for coming.”
“That’s Schmidt,” Thomas said as they all listened to the conversation through Max’s link.
“No problem. When I heard about the explosion this morning, I expected your call. How’s your team? Anyone hurt?”
“No. Team’s intact. We lost the scientist and most of the notes. Did Doctor Vinnso share anything with you?” Schmidt asked.
“No. I have not spoken with him in weeks. He worked with your man, Hermes.”
“Yes, I have Hermes report and it’s incomplete. He’s in the process of trying to recreate the things they discussed and suggested I talk to you. What about Owen? I’ve tried to find him and have not been able to reach him either. Do you have the name of his contact? The one who has used the crystal for years?” Schmidt said.
“The one who lived in the mountains or near the mountains, I believe. I cannot recall his name.”
“He’s lying,” Max whispered.
“Who is he?” Tip asked.
Schmidt spoke. “We need to find him, Prokam or we may scrap this project. It’s not cost-effective to start over. If there’s someone out there with the knowledge how to make this crystal work in a way to stabilize my team I want to meet him. Make that happen.”
“Prokam?” Thomas said, recalling a conversation with Hawke. This was the man who bought the necklace for Raven. What was he doing working with the military? What did he know about enhanced humans? He would ask Hawke a few more questions.
“How would I do that?” Prokam asked.
“I don’t know or care. Use your underground connections and find him before tomorrow night. I need answers and you will find them for me,” Schmidt said in a hard, threatening tone.
“All I can say is I will try. There are no guarantees that I’ll find him,” Prokam said.
“I’ve found Kirlethanium deposits to help you and Helen all over the world. Hermes sent someone to Costa Rica recently to search for the crystals. Did he find a deposit?”
“Yes. A small one. You received the report and the samples,” Prokam said.
“Hermes mentioned the deposits were too small for our needs which meant he hired the person for you. Should I contact Queen Miriam and have a conversation with her? I’m sure she would be interested in what the two of you have been up to,” Schmidt said.
“If that’s what you’d like to do, be my guest. Miriam and I have an understanding, she knows me well and after listening to anything you would say, life between us would continue I assure you.” He paused. “If your plan is to threaten me to gain my assistance you should’ve mentioned that on the phone.”
The car door opened.
“I’ll contact you when I have information,” Prokam said closing the door.
“Make sure that you do. And Prokam,” Schmidt said.
Silence.
“Don’t even think about leaving town or running away. There’s no place my team cannot find you,” Schmidt said.
“What confuses me is what happened to our profitable arrangement? Why have you turned into this... this disagreeable person?” Prokam sounded confused.
“The sky is falling around me and I don’t know what to do,” Schmidt said moments later.
“Understood,” Prokam said.
The mechanism to return the car to the tunnel engaged. Once Prokam drove out the tunnel, Max hopped off his shirt.
“Hmmm, windows are closed, can’t get out. Seems I’m headed to his house or wherever he’s going,” Max said.
“Make sure he doesn’t see you,” Thomas said.
“I’m on the carpet on the passenger side. He’s pissed,” Max said. “Hold on, he’s making a call.”
“I’ve just left Schmidt. He’s wound up, made all kinds of threats if I don’t find Matteo and give him up,” Prokam said and then snorted.
“I won’t tell him anything about Matteo or the others. Owen made it clear what would happen if we gave any more names. You mean too much to me,” Prokam said.
Thomas looked at Noah and then Tip. “Lizzie, you and Matteo come in.”
“On the way, Thomas,” Lizzie said.
“In case someone’s following me, I’ll drive into town, see what’s what, ask a few questions and then head home. Tomorrow, we follow through with our plans,” Prokam paused. “Love you, too,” he disconnected, tossed the phone onto the front seat and pressed the gas.
Minutes later, the car slowed. Max crawled across the floor, went beneath the driver’s seat and drew close to the edge to hop out once the car halted. When Prokam stopped, he remained inside staring ahead for a few moments. He picked up his phone and placed another call.
“We have a problem. I need to talk to you,” Prokam said. He hung up, opened the door and stepped out. Max fell to the road and crawled quickly beneath the car, coming out on the passenger side. He remained still, catching his breath for a few moments wondering how to gain more information. Finally, he crawled down the street to a streetlight, climbed up and maneuvered to a position so he could see Prokam and whoever he waited for.
“I cannot see him clearly,” Thomas said, trying to see through Max’s eyes since he was at a distance from anyone who would
notice the change in his gaze.
“One second, I need to go bigger,” Max said. He grew to the size of a frog and moved to the shadowed side of the pole. “How about now?”
“Much better. Prokam looks distracted, keeps looking over his shoulder,” Thomas said.
A motorcycle turned onto the street, drove past Prokam to the end of the road, turned and stopped near him.
“He looks familiar,” Lizzie said.
“He should, it’s Pietro. Matteo’s nephew,” Thomas said.
“Oh, no,” Lizzie whispered. “We’re parking now and will be inside in a bit.”
“What do you want?” Pietro asked Prokam.
“There’s a lot of heat right now, where’s Matteo?”
“I don’t know. He fell in love with some chick and left with her. He gave my Uncle the hotel and restaurant but it’s closed until the end of the month. Everyone is away on holiday,” Pietro said.
“What do you mean he left? He can’t leave his family behind. What if they’re attacked or something like that? Didn’t you tell him what I told you to tell him?” Prokam said.
Pietro shrugged. “I told him but he’s in love and left us on our own.”
Prokam ran his hand through his hair. “Where did he go?”
Pietro leaned against his bike and shrugged. “I don’t know. Uncle doesn’t talk to me like that.”
“How can we get him back? Like fast, it’s really important,” Prokam said.
“I don’t know.”
“You said he’s in love. Who’s he in love with?” Prokam sounded desperate.
“I never met her. She was a guest in the hotel, they met and left together.”
“Can you get information on her? Same fee as before,” Prokam said.
“The hotel is locked. I can’t get inside,” Pietro said.
“Ask your Uncle to let you in. Tell him you need to grab something important; he likes you. He’ll let you in. I’ll pay an extra $5,000 if you get that information to me by noon tomorrow,” Prokam said.
Pietro straightened and stood. “All you want is her name?”
“Yes. If there’s a photo of her as well, that would help but I’ll pay you for her name,” Prokam said.