Liandra: “Then your girl disappeared?”
Borland: “Yeah. What happened to her?”
Liandra: “She infiltrated the stadium one night, the same as I. We were both dressed as security and both there to see what was going on. After going down the elevator, none would come up to any of the upper floors, and that’s when we knew there was more to the stadium than what was on the surface. Part of the cargo was people both old and young. We saw them being herded into the elevator. They kept them in shipping trucks until inside. I had to stop Dahlila from pouncing down on the guards when one group was marched in. I think she might’ve seen the girl you were looking for. I convinced her that nothing would be gained from going any further that night, and so we both left. I was glad that my mission was still intact until I saw her go in the next night—”
Borland: “Without my permission.”
Liandra: “When I didn’t see her come out I knew my plans would be jeopardized.”
Borland scoffed loudly.
Liandra: “And I was right. After that, they doubled the security detail and changed their operations. Nothing else was coming in, but I noticed that they hadn’t taken anything out yet, and so figured I still had a chance to find what I was looking for, and if possible I could rescue that girl.”
Borland: “What exactly were you looking for? I want the truth.”
Liandra: “Whatever Blonsky and his associates had buried down there. I didn’t know what. I still don’t fully know what the purpose of that area is, but after rescuing Dahlila I learned a few of its secrets, mainly that it’s an excavation site.”
Borland: “And what are they excavating?”
Liandra: “Don’t know, but if they want it then I want it.”
Borland: “You sound like a thief.”
She spread her arms along the bench she sat on and leaned back against the row behind her.
Liandra: “I’m not.”
Borland leaned in towards her.
Borland: “Whatever they’re hiding, you can bet that I'll find it and expose it. If you're a part of any of that, then you'll be exposed too.”
Liandra: “I'd be disappointed otherwise.”
Borland: “Don’t worry, I won’t disappoint. For now I’m stuck wading through the dark.”
Liandra: “Me too, but once I know what they’re after I’m sure I’ll find what I’m after. They're definitely linked. I can feel it in my gut.”
Borland: “Sounds like you’re grasping at straws.”
Liandra: “Yes I am, and I’m not pigheaded enough to deny it either. But my straw grasping has helped me to some degree.”
Borland: “I’d like to hear how.”
Liandra: “I learned that the governor’s life is in danger.”
Joe and Borland: “What!?”
She giggled at their surprised expressions.
Liandra: “Indeed! I stumbled across this plan partly in the depths of the stadium, partly on my own, and the rest with Joe at Pierogi’s Place. I’ve been gathering more and more details about the operation since then, and now I think I have enough to stop it.”
Borland: “If you’re trying to save the governor, why not call the police? They live for stuff like this.”
Liandra: “It’s a bad idea no matter how you look at it. The Orangetown Police Department were crippled weeks ago when they were invaded.”
Joe remembered. That’s when they tried to kill him. There were cops on both sides of that firefight.
Liandra: “They’ll only be at half strength if they’re lucky. From the few skirmishes that I’ve had with these men in black suits, I can tell that they have more muscle than the cops at this point.”
Borland: “Who does this muscle belong to?”
Liandra: “No telling. Each of our marks seems to have a sizeable cadre of men with guns. If it came to it, I’m sure the cops would be outmanned and outgunned. Beyond all that, I won’t risk my neck on cops that may be bought and paid for. They present more of a risk than the suits.”
It all sounded so hopeless to Joe.
Joe: “We’re the only ones that can do it, aren’t we?”
Liandra smiled.
Liandra: “Sounds like you already know the answer and have volunteered to help.”
Joe thought about that for a minute.
Joe: “I guess so.”
Borland: “That’s very brave, kid. Well, no use standing here stupefied. We need a plan.”
Liandra: “The governor is giving a speech in a few days. The bad guys will try to kill him at that point, I think. We can use the time until the speech to get everything together.”
Joe: “What can I do to help?”
Liandra: “Don’t worry, Borland and I will be doing the heavy lifting. I want to keep your exposure level to a minimum. The more you’re exposed, the more danger you’re in. That being said, we still need another pair of eyes to help us keep tabs on the crowd. You’ll be our extra pair of eyes.”
Joe: “We can’t get anyone else to help?”
Liandra: “No, Joe, you’re it. I typically work alone and I’d be surprised if Mr. Grumpy Gus over there has any friends to help.”
Borland sneered.
Borland: “It’s best to keep the group as small as possible. We don’t need any of your friends trying to help. They’ll just get in the way. We three’ll be enough. The governor’s guards’ll keep him safe for the most part. We just have to identify the threat and let it be known. The guards and cops’ll do the rest.”
Liandra: “Mmmmm, I’m not so sure. I think you’re putting too much faith into all these uniforms. Like I said before, we don’t know who’s bought. One of the guards could be the one that pulls the trigger.”
Borland: “I thought of that. Our threat will come from the crowd, that I’m sure. Once you come up with this plan, let me know so I can make the necessary changes so that it actually works. Meeting adjourned?”
Liandra: “Meeting adjourned.”
Liandra had regarded Borland coolly, but her voice held a note of derision.
Borland: “Come with me, kid, I’ll drop you off.”
Joe: “Um … I rode up here with Beauty—I mean Liandra.”
It was hard to keep track. She had been Beauty, Dahlila, Borland, a super hero, a punk with a spiky pink Mohawk. Now she was Liandra and Joe needed to remember that.
Borland: “It’s okay, I’m taking you back. Now hurry up, let’s go!”
The note in Borland’s voice and the stern expression on his face made Joe understand that he wasn’t making a request. His eyebrows were so thick and furrowed that they nearly obscured his eyes. The man got up and Joe posed no argument. Neither did Liandra; she merely shrugged, then contemplated the stars in the sky when Joe looked at her.
Joe: “Okay.”
Joe lagged behind as he walked after Borland through the darkness of the park. He stumbled a few times over uneven ground as he tried to catch up to the old man. Borland’s car was parked just a little ways from Liandra’s bike. It was a somewhat modern black BMW. Probably a model from between ’99 and ’01, Joe noted. It was darker than the night. Borland unlocked his door with his key and popped Joe’s door open with the unlock switch.
They got in the car and Joe asked Borland for the year the car was made. Borland confirmed that it was a ’99, and after that they rode in silence for roughly half the trip. With no music playing, Joe was starting to get antsy and uncomfortable. Joe thought of about five conversation starters, but to initiate conversation with Borland seemed kind of futile. He would try anyway, he resolved. Just as he readied to ask another question about his car, he was cut off.
Borland: “Let me give you some real good advice, kid: Don’t trust that woman. I don’t know what she is or who she is, but everything about her rings false.”
Joe: “That’s not true!”
Joe’s mouth had outpaced his brain by a large margin. Before he had time to think, he continued.
Joe: “Ever since I’
ve known her, she’s done nothing but look out for me. She even went out of her way to help Dahlila.”
Borland: “That’s because she wants something. She’s using you and me for her own ends.”
Joe: “No she isn’t!”
Joe wasn’t sure why he was yelling or why he was so vigorously defending Liandra. After all, he hadn’t known her for that long, and heck, he had just learned her real name only minutes ago, if that was her real name. Borland had a point.
Borland: “I don’t know what you call it, but it’s clear we’re being manipulated by this woman, or whatever she is. She knows more than she’s letting on, and holding back useful information. It even seems like she’s protecting one of the bad guys with her omissions. I’ve never witnessed sorcery before in my life, but even I know you can’t trust someone that can change their face. I’m warning you, kid, be careful around her. Got it?”
Joe looked at Borland and nodded his head solemnly.
Joe: “Yeah I got it.”
He didn’t want to think of her like that. He liked to think of her as a friend, a protector, a hero. After all, it wasn’t her fault that he’d volunteered to help. He had done that himself, and after she had warned him against it. Why would she turn down free help, why would anyone? he thought. He was the fool, but regardless of all that, Borland’s words rang with truth, and that ringing threatened to drown out Joe’s own feelings.
Once they finally reached the toy store, Joe went to open the car door, but Borland clicked the lock button and barred his exit. He looked at Joe with concern in his eyes. Joe was plainly puzzled.
Borland: “Remember what I said and keep that phone charged. We’ll be calling you soon. Be ready.”
Joe: “Okay, I will.”
Borland: “And remember this: I’ll be watching you.”
That wasn’t good.
Click.
And he was free.
Chapter 25
Scarlet Comeuppance
Today Joe made sure to be ready and alert. He asked his mom to make him a big breakfast, but instead she deflected those duties to his father. Joe wasn’t even an average cook, he was quite terrible, but his father was masterful in the kitchen. He whipped up a fried spicy Italian sausage, along with a small portion of bacon and scrambled eggs with reduced yolk, as he had conserved the bulk of that inside the shell. They both sat and ate their food. Joe told him about the conversation with the principal and his dad was outraged. He calmed his father down and assured him that he would take care of everything and his father smiled.
Mr. Black: “You know, I’m proud of you. It takes a lot of moxy to stand up to someone in power like that, especially on your own two feet. I’ll be there if this doesn’t work out. Somebody needs to put that principal in his place.”
Joe was glad that his dad was on his side, but it was no surprise. His dad was always in his corner cheering him on, even when he failed or came up just a little short. Joe was glad to finally give him something to really be proud of. He needed to ace his classes, and he was preparing to do just that.
Joe: “Thanks, Dad. What else can I eat to keep me focused and awake in class?”
Mr. Black: “We always have bananas and coffee here, so take advantage of those. Just don’t overdo it on the coffee.”
Joe nodded his head and offered his dad a “thank you.” His dad collected their plates when they were done and loaded the dishwasher. He showed Joe how to set up and start the coffee machine, then left him for the refuge of his bed. Joe started the coffee machine and waited for the brew. After a few minutes, it was done and Joe grabbed himself a tiny cup and added a portion of sugar and creamer to it. He tasted it and nearly burnt his tongue off. He wasn’t sure if he could taste it through the burning, but it left a weird aftertaste in his mouth.
He didn’t have much time, so he put the brew in the freezer while he retrieved his schoolbooks and folders from his room. He tried the brew again when it was comfortably warm and decided he didn’t like the bitter taste, so he opted to add more sugar to it. After pouring about a tenth of the restaurant style sugar shaker into his cup, he drained it and found himself wide awake a few minutes after that. He grabbed himself a banana and hastily moved to his car.
He made it to school early, though with very little time to spare. He had a lot of homework that he had skipped out on the night before. Homework for Spanish at first hour, history at second hour, he had to read chapters of Clockwork Orange for third hour English, and had to have a rough draft of his speech on American civil liberties ready for his seventh hour speech class. Thank goodness his pre-calc teacher hadn’t felt the need to assign him anything, but with only an hour and a half to do all this work he was in a tight position.
There was never really any homework for weight training because it was well … weight training. Spanish, history, and English were first priorities, since they were coming up. Though he wasn’t that fast of a reader, he could even possibly skim through those chapters in class before the bell rang. If he had to, he’d save the work for the later classes and do them in his early classes and hopefully at lunch.
Once the hour and a half had passed, Joe was relieved to have gotten the work for all three of his morning classes done, albeit in a rushed and shoddy manner. He had even burned through a portion of his speech class’ rough draft and would finish the rest in his Spanish class if he was lucky.
By lunch he had finished his rough draft and seen the grades for his homework assignments. Two C’s and a D didn’t inspire any confidence that he’d beat Patrias’ Zero tolerance list, but Joe was still relieved that he had gotten the work done. Now he just had to find time to study more and sleep less, if such a thing was possible.
He was most glad to get everything done before lunch. Whatever distraction Fleez and Dozz had ready today would keep his mind from his work.
It was unnaturally still in the lunchroom. Well, as still as a lunchroom could get anyway. Kids were moving to and fro and chatting it up, but the buzzing energy that had been present as of late had died down quite a bit. Fleez and Dozz were actually sitting down like normal and chatting it up with the jocks, but the first stringers, not the benchwarmers that Joe was so close with.
Mod was here too. He and his dwindling table of friends and comrades were talking about something, though not as feverishly as they usually did. Joe could still see nervousness in those that sat with Mod. As if they didn’t want to sit with him but honestly had nowhere else to sit. There was plain fear there. None of them knew when Fleez and Dozz would strike next, or who. But that’s one thing Joe was glad of. Fleez and Dozz were consistent. Well, mostly. They’d only torture Mod, though Meribeth was a casualty in that, and they’d torture him daily. They had let that be known and they had stuck to that schedule. Though his tablemates were uneasy, Mod himself was quite at ease. He laughed, he smiled, he joked. He didn’t seem to be the social outcast that Fleez and Dozz were making him out to be.
This whole scene was making Joe uneasy. Like the quiet before a storm. He was right. Once they were done talking to the jocks, Fleez and Dozz rose and took their usual positions standing near Mod’s table, where Joe also sat. They both offered Joe big grins, and this terrified the kids at the table with him, but they had nowhere else to go.
Fleez: “Hello everybody and again welcome to another love connection via Badd Azz Hookups, with your hosts … Fleez—”
Dozz: “And Dozz!”
Dozz gathered up two chairs and placed them where they were before.
Fleez: “Now, yesterday’s connection didn’t go so smoothly for Meribeth. She was jilted by the unscrupulous Modrick at the behest of his sister, the tyrannous and hard to please Ginger Malington. At least I think that’s what her name is. Poor Meribeth isn’t here today because she is crying herself into a coma. But that’s okay, because today we will make a hookup for Modrick even if we have to resort to extreme measures to do it.”
Joe didn’t like the way Fleez said “extreme measures.�
�� Anything extreme on his part was sure to be bad.
Fleez: “So, Modrick, would you mind joining us over here at the looooove zone?”
Mod didn’t make a move.
Mod: “Nah, I’m comfy over here.”
Fleez: “So be it, Modrick. I can’t sit back and let your love life stink any more than it already does. We at Team Badd Azz pride ourselves on making the best hookups. We help those that can't help themselves.”
He clapped his hands brusquely two times.
Fleez: “Byron! We need you over here, big guy.”
From across the room came the hulking Byron with his slab arms and slate face. He strolled over to Mod, practically dragging his knuckles on the lunchroom floor, and picked Mod up from the waist, like a little baby, and plopped him down in one of the chairs that sat in the middle of the floor. Mod didn’t offer any resistance and simply looked uninterested.
Fleez: “Thank you, big guy. Stick around, enjoy the show.”
Byron walked to where Dozz was standing and stood next to him. Dozz whispered something to him, and the both of them started laughing to themselves.
Fleez: “Now that our bachelor is secured, I can now tell you that we’re going to try something risky today. As Dozz explained yesterday, we typically don’t pair people who’re out of each other’s leagues. Modrick here is at the bottom of the barrel, so it’s always tough to find matches for him, but today we’re going to go several leagues above him to find a match and see what happens.”
The crowd collectively gasped, and then laughed at their own absurdity.
Fleez: “Dozz, please bring out my former paramour L-L-L-Liza!”
That was an honest shock. The crowd gasped again, but this time without the laughter. It was known that Liza and Fleez had an on-again, off-again fling. Joe couldn’t figure out why Fleez would subject one of his girlfriends to something like this. Most likely she was just there to further embarrass Mod.
Dozz walked across the lunchroom and came walking back hand-in-hand with Liza Marston. Liza looked visibly annoyed, and seemed to scowl at Fleez when she walked past him. He only offered her the same smile he offered to Joe and Mod as he was taunting them. Dozz sat Liza in her chair, and as much as Joe hated to admit it, Fleez had somewhat of a point about her being out of Mod’s league. She was beautiful and fit. Joe remembered that she had been a member of the swimming team back in middle school, and had even joined the swimming team in high school, but had quit shortly thereafter. Her slim body was a testament to that. Her hair fell to her neckline, straight and black. She was wearing a blue tank top today, with tight black jeans and matching blue thong flip flops.
Average Joe and the Extraordinaires Page 12