by Don Viecelli
“Look, Captain, the murder case is still open. You should have gotten rid of Detective Helms when you had the chance. What happened?”
“Jack bugged your apartment before he left. That’s how he found out about us. Now Detective Wilkerson and Ingrid know I was involved. If you don’t make a deal with them, they’ll come after all of us.”
Ivan paused for a second. So the detective was cleverer than he thought. The captain on the other hand was now a liability. “This changes things, doesn’t it?”
“Look, Ivan. I did the best I could. I tried to take care of Jack. You were supposed to take care of Ingrid. Now we’re both screwed. I’ll tell you where they are and you can take care of them yourself. I’m through. I never agreed to anybody getting killed. So don’t blame me for this mess. This is your problem. You take care of it. I’m getting out.”
“That’s unfortunate, Captain Black.” Ivan looked at him with cold, calculating eyes. “I was hoping things would work out differently.”
Captain Black knew he had gone too far. The expression on Ivan’s face changed. It was easy to read. It was the look of superiority—like Ivan knew something you didn’t. Then it hit him. Of course! He should have guessed it. Ivan was never going to put blame on the woman. Ivan could easily frame him for the doctor’s murder—just like Jack. How stupid could he be? Ivan was going to double-cross him! He had to get out of there— now!
But first, he needed the drugs. He stood up, pulled out his gun and aimed it at Ivan. “I’m not going to let you pin this on me, Ivan. Give me the drug container. I’m taking the drugs and leaving.”
“I wouldn’t do that. The drugs belong to me,” Ivan answered coldly.
Captain Black heard a noise across the room. He looked to his right. The personal elevator door that led to Ivan’s apartment was opening. He saw a figure inside. He assumed it was Wolfgang coming to do Ivan’s dirty work. He aimed his gun towards the door. It was a fatal mistake. He heard a zapping noise and felt a sharp, shearing pain in his chest. He looked back in surprise at Ivan who was holding a laser gun. Captain Black looked down at the small round hole in his chest. It was smoking from the heat from the blast. His heart stopped immediately. The pain was excruciating, then numbness. He couldn’t move his body. He fell to the floor with a thump. His brain was still working, but he couldn’t speak. He was cursing Ivan in his mind. His life flashed before him. All he wanted—all he asked for—was a second chance. Then the light in his eyes went out for good.
Wolfgang ran up to the body on the floor. His gun was drawn. He checked for a pulse. There was none. “What do you want me to do with the body?”
“Take it to the shuttlecraft. We’ll dispose of it on the way back to the space lab. I’ll join you upstairs.”
Wolfgang dragged the limp body on the floor to the elevator. He would have to go through Ivan’s apartment to reach the shuttlecraft.
Ivan reflected on what he had just done. There was no remorse. He knew Captain Black had to be killed. The captain left him with no choice. Ivan was just making sure he didn’t overlook anything. He still had to eliminate Detective Helms. So far, he thought, things were going as well as could be expected. Actually, things were even better than anticipated now that he had the stolen drugs back.
Ivan picked up the new memcard. He wanted to make sure it contained the missing formula. He was excited. This would make it possible to produce as much of the anti-aging drug as he wanted. He wondered how Doctor Leif Johanson had solved the problem. It would save months of research to find the solution. He inserted the card inside his computer and opened it. A message appeared on the screen. It said there was no data on the card. The card was blank! Ivan cursed out loud. Detective Helms must have the real card. The man was a royal pain in the ass! Well, Captain Black did warn him not to underestimate the man. Ivan thought for a moment. Why not? He would give Detective Helms a call. After all, he wants to make a deal, right? Ivan picked up his smartcom and dialed the number Jack had left earlier.
Chapter 25
Jack had to make another decision; should Ingrid stay with him or go? He knew it was too dangerous for her to stay on Mars. He needed a safe way to get her back to Ares where the Space Marshalls were. But for now, he decided they should stay together.
He needed Tom’s help to stop Ivan, so he, Tom and Ingrid left the condo a few minutes later to follow Captain Black. They caught the very next passenger train. Jack figured Captain Black would head straight for SpaceMed. The tracking locator confirmed it. They were about ten minutes behind him. When they got off the train and reached the SpaceMed building, they paused at the front entrance. Jack could see the security guard sitting at the front desk.
“What are you going to do now?” Tom asked.
“I will talk to Ivan alone. I’ll try to convince him we want to make a deal. Maybe he’ll talk and I can record it on my smartcom. If he doesn’t talk, then I’ll call and you can arrest him. I don’t think Captain Black will protect Ivan after what he told us.”
“Ivan has the drugs and the memcard by now, Jack. You have nothing to bargain with,” Ingrid said. “You should let Tom and the police handle this now.” She was pleading for Jack to use some common sense.
“Ivan doesn’t have the real card.” Jack pulled Ingrid’s memcard out of his pocket and held it up for them to see.”
“What’s that?” Tom asked.
“It’s the memcard with the new formula on it. I switched it before I left the apartment to meet you.” He looked at Ingrid. “I hid it in a safe place as a precaution. Captain Black took a blank copy. Ivan should know by now we have the original.”
“Do you want me to come with you?” Tom asked.
“No, I want you to stay here with Ingrid,” Jack replied. “You should call the police station. Tell them you found me and Ingrid and you need backup to make an arrest.”
Suddenly, Jack’s smartcom buzzed. He looked at the number on the display. It was Hellstrom. He answered the call, “Hello Ivan.”
Ivan sounded arrogant as usual. “Hello, Detective Helms. I see you’ve returned. And how is Ingrid, if I may ask?”
“She’s fine. How’s Captain Black?” Jack was in a feisty mood.
“He brought me some items I wanted, but it seems the best part is missing.”
“Maybe I can help you find it?”
“That would be very helpful, Detective. Perhaps we could meet to discuss it?”
“I was thinking the same thing. How about your place?”
“It just so happens, I’m in my office. Since it’s getting late, why don’t we meet me in my apartment upstairs? How soon can you get here?”
“I can be there in five minutes.”
“Good. Ingrid is welcome to come as well.”
“Thanks, but I’ll come alone. And I don’t want to see any of your friends, and that includes Captain Black. This is just between the two of us.”
“Fair enough, Detective. I’ll be waiting for you.”
Jack put his smartcom in his pocket and looked at Ingrid and Tom. “He wants to meet me in his apartment. I’ll go alone. You wait here with Tom, Ingrid. If I’m not back or don’t call in ten minutes, send the troops.” Tom nodded his head in understanding.
“If Captain Black comes out, arrest him. I’ll take care of Ivan.”
“I don’t think you should do this, Jack,” Ingrid repeated one last time.
“I have to. It’s the only way to finish this. I’ll be careful.” Jack pulled out his handgun. He made sure it was fully loaded. Jack checked his smartcom to see if the recording function was turned on and working. He pulled out his detective badge and placed it in his front coat pocket so it was clearly visible. It was the first time he had worn it in almost three months. Jack was proud of what it stood for and who he was. He felt whole again.
He walked to the front desk and told the security guard he had a meeting with Ivan Hellstrom. The guard made a call and indicated for Jack to sign in. A moment later the guard hung
up the smartcom and told Jack he could take the elevators to Mr. Hellstrom’s apartment. Jack walked over to the elevators and caught the next one going up. He punched the button for the tenth floor.
Jack wasn’t sure how this was going to go down. It could be a trap. Ivan might think his best bet would be to get rid of him. But Ivan didn’t have the formula. It was the one thing he needed. It might be enough to get Ivan to admit something he shouldn’t, enough for Jack to clear his name and arrest Ivan. It was a risk Jack was willing to take.
The elevator reached the tenth floor and the doors opened. Jack checked the hallway and stepped out. He knew he had to change elevators to reach Ivan’s apartment on the eleventh floor. He found the elevator and got on. When the doors opened again, Jack looked in both directions before stepping out. He walked to Ivan’s door and pushed the door button. Ivan’s voice sounded over the speaker system, “Come in.”
The door opened and Jack stepped inside. He looked around carefully. Ivan was seated in the living room by the bar. The room was dim and he couldn’t see Ivan’s face. Ivan stood up and waited for Jack to approach. Jack did not see anyone else in the apartment. He wondered if Captain Black or Wolfgang was hiding out of sight in one of the rooms.
“Come in, Jack. I’m alone as you requested.”
Jack walked over to Ivan. As he approached, he realized the voice was the same, but the person standing before him was not the same man he had seen the last time they had met. There was a strong resemblance, but this man was much younger looking. He looked fit in his expensively tailored suit. His face was distinguished looking, though his manner and eyes portrayed the same dark menace Jack had felt before. Jack knew what he had done. If anything, this man was even more dangerous than before.
“You took the drug,” Jack said as he walked closer.
“Remarkable, isn’t it?” Ivan indicated a chair for Jack to sit in. “Can I get you something to drink?”
“No thanks, Ivan. I came to discuss business.”
“It’s been a few months, I believe, since you were here last. How’s Ingrid?”
“Look, Ivan. I’m in no mood for small talk. I’m here to make a deal. I’m sure Captain Black filled you in on what I want.”
“Why don’t you tell me? I’d like to hear it from you.”
“I know all about you and Captain Black. We can do this one of two ways. We can make a deal, or I can have you arrested and you can try explaining things at police headquarters.”
Ivan’s eyes narrowed. “I don’t believe you’re in a position to make demands. You’re a wanted man. It’d be your word against mine.”
“Are you willing to take that chance? We could bring in Captain Black and get his testimony. The police would be very interested in what he has to say.”
Ivan thought some more. He wasn’t worried about the captain testifying about anything. He took care of that problem. He could pin the murder on Captain Black with his sudden disappearance. That may help the detective’s case, but would the police believe Captain Black was behind the murder? Maybe Jack had something else on him. He decided to hear him out. “I’m listening.”
“I want the drug vials we brought back. And I want my name cleared. Ingrid is willing to give you the new formula in exchange for sole rights to the discovery. She is willing to let you produce and market the drug, but she wants to split the profits from the drug sales once it’s approved. She’s willing to renegotiate the agreement.”
“What about the murder case?”
“I plan to retire from the force and leave Mars. Captain Black will have to deal with it. I’m sure you two will think of something.” Jack did his best to sound convincing. However, nothing Ivan said had incriminated him yet. Jack was running out of time.
Just then Ivan’s doorbell buzzed. Ivan got up, looked at the monitor on his desk and smiled. Jack noticed the look and instantly became wary. He moved his hand closer to his gun.
“Well, Jack. Your offer is good, but not good enough. I’m afraid the conditions have changed in my favor, as you shall see.” Ivan looked at his front door and said, “Come in. I was expecting you.”
Tom walked through the front door pushing Ingrid in front of him. Jack was shaken. “Tom, what are you doing?” He instinctively pulled out his gun and stood up.
“You didn’t leave me any choice, Jack.” Tom had a gun in his hand and it was pointed at Ingrid. He looked at Hellstrom. Ivan had told him he had taken the drug, but Tom was shocked to see the changes up close.
“Don’t worry. It’s me.” Ivan smiled and looked at Ingrid. “What do you think, Ingrid? Do you like what your miracle drug can do?”
“You’re despicable, Ivan.” Ingrid turned away and looked at Jack. “I’m sorry, Jack. Tom didn’t call the police. He’s working with Ivan. He forced me to come here.” There was hatred in her voice.
“Now, now, Ingrid. Let’s remain civilized. We have much to talk about.” Ivan stepped away from his desk and moved bedside her.
Tom regained his composure. “Give Mister Hellstrom your smartcom, Jack.” He looked at Ivan. “His recorder is on.”
Jack was in trouble. He hadn’t expected this. Not even a clue. He didn’t want to risk a shootout, so he did what Tom asked.
Ivan looked amused. “Did you really think I didn’t know you would record our conversation, Jack? How foolish.” Ivan took out the recording card, smashed it into little pieces and tossed the smartcom on the floor.
“What do you want, Ivan?”
“Give me the formula and I’ll spare Ingrid’s life. Fair trade wouldn’t you say?”
Jack pulled out the memcard and handed it to Ivan. “You won’t get away with this, Ivan. I’ll track all of you down.”
Ivan put the card in his pocket. “I was afraid you’d say that, Jack. If you want to see Ingrid again, you’ll let us leave without causing any trouble.”
Ingrid looked scared, but she didn’t want any harm to come to Jack. “Let me go with him, Jack. I’ll be alright.”
“What are you going to do with her?” Jack asked.
“Ingrid will stay with me for a while. Just a precaution until I can verify the formula. I’ll let her go when it’s safe. I promise you. No harm will come to her. She’s too valuable to me. Don’t try to follow us, or I might change my mind.”
Jack didn’t have a choice. He had to let them go, at least for now. He watched helplessly as Ivan, Tom and Ingrid walked to the stairs that led to the hangar on the roof. As soon as they left the room, Jack knew he had to do something, but what? He couldn’t call the police. They were still looking for him. He needed help. The only ones who could help him now were the space marshals. He picked his smartcom off the floor and checked to see if it still worked. It did. He dialed the emergency number he had programmed into the memory. As he waited for someone to answer, he heard the motors of the shuttlecraft warming up on the roof. Moments later, he heard the shuttle-craft take off.
Jack was furious with himself. Nothing had gone right since they had returned to Mars. But one thing he knew for certain, Ivan played by his own rules. He would never let Ingrid go, at least not alive. She knew too much and she could testify against him. Jack would have to find a way to get her back. He still had one ace in the hole—the drug container. Jack checked the GPS locator screen on his smartcom. He had a signal. Jack could track the drugs as long as Ivan didn’t travel too far from the GPS satellites, but in space he would need more than just the smartcom. He had to keep from losing the signal. Finally, someone answered the call.
Ivan made sure Ingrid was comfortably strapped in her seat. He sat beside her. Tom sat up front with Wolfgang who was at the controls of the shuttlecraft. Captain Black’s body was lying in the cargo hold waiting to be ejected into space. Ivan looked at Ingrid and touched her hair. “I noticed you changed your hair color.” Ingrid brushed his hand away.
Ivan persisted. “I see you got a tan while you were away. You look as lovely as ever, Ingrid.”
Ingr
id didn’t respond to his attention. She tried to change the subject. “Where are you taking me?”
“To my space lab where I’m producing the drug. I want you to see the new production lines.”
Ingrid thought about the formula. She really hadn’t had time to review the latest solution herself. Her father had told her it worked. She hoped he was right. “When did you take the drug?”
“Five weeks ago. It was time to start a new life. Things were getting a little complicated for me, in case you haven’t noticed. I had to invent a new identity so I can continue my work. I’ve been planning this for some time now.”
“What are you planning to do with me?”
“That depends on you, Ingrid. I can produce the drug myself, you know. But it would be so much easier if you worked with me on this. The drug is a miraculous discovery. What you and your father created is going to change the world. Imagine the possibilities. Whoever controls this drug controls the future. With your help we can produce as much or as little of the drug as we like. We will become the richest people alive. And who knows how long we can live? Think about it, Ingrid. You could continue your research. We could explore the universe.” Ivan was actually pleading with her.
Ingrid looked out the window. There were dust clouds swirling around them. They broke through into clear space. Mars was receding behind them. She was frightened, but firm. “You killed my father, Ivan. I can never forgive you for that. I won’t help you. Let me go. I won’t get in your way.”
Ivan’s mood changed instantly. He became cold and distant. He tried one more time to reason with her. “I had no choice, Ingrid. Your father wouldn’t listen to reason. He was going to give the production rights to another company. I had to stop him.”
“What are you going to do about Jack?”
“That depends on you, Ingrid. If you help me, I will leave him alone. But if he comes after us, I’ll kill him. Believe me, Ingrid. I’ll do whatever I must.”