Edward

by Marcus LaGrone

  Gillian shrugged, “Show biz is pretty cutthroat, but honestly, they are also pretty squeamish, too.”

  “Oh this is a mess. Every time we get closer, the tempo picks up,” muttered Edward. “I think we are going to need to get the rest of the team involved. This is getting too big too fast.”

  “This isn't the entire team?”

  Edward shook his head, “Half was on reserve so we could slowly swap people in and out for relief. But I think they are talking about pulling in the whole team just to have more feet on the ground. Takru and Kadu will be the ones to make the final call, but this has gone pretty far afield from pipe bombs in trashcans a month ago.”

  “I applaud your team's devotion and professionalism.”

  “Thank you. It seems you had some problems with professionalism here today. Do you think any of the staff could be behind these attacks?”

  Gillian rolled her eyes, “Please, these kids have stars in their eyes. They wouldn't do anything to mess up their chance to climb up the food chain. I'd be more worried about people stealing makeup and swapping out hair dye than anything as draconian as real violence.”

  Edward shook his head, “That is the problem. No one fits well. Yet, here we are with a shooting right on the heels of a bombing. The best way to break the cycle is to stop an attack before it leaves its hideout, as it were. And we are coming up empty.”

  “The bomber from last night?”

  “Was killed,” replied Edward. “Which marks the first loss of life.”

  Gillian grimaced, “We are in your hands. We will change things as needed for security short of canceling the concert.”

  “That is all we can ask.”

  They threaded back into the concert hall where Gillian quickly whipped the remaining group back into form for one more try. Maybe they'd get it right this time. Maybe...

  Edward wandered up to Kadu, “Um, can I borrow your comlink? I lost mine someplace in the bike wreck.”

  “Certainly, I have a spare,” replied Kadu with a toothy grin.

  “You are always prepared aren't you?”

  “I do try to be.”

  Edward grinned as he tapped the link, “Trevor, this is Edward. You have a moment off the clock?”

  “Off the clock? What have you done with Edward?” came Trevor's voice with mock confusion.

  “Ha ha. Seriously, you have a moment?”

  “Sure, what's up?”

  “Trying to ring Zoë Sylva. She is one of the musicians and was the one driving the motorcycle this morning.”

  “Oh, not enough to have Tatiana at your beck and call, but adding another...”

  “Give it a rest, Trevor. I just want to make sure she is okay. It was quite a fiasco.”

  Trevor's laugh was sincere and friendly. Edward needed that. “Number is patching through now. Don't abuse it.”

  “Thanks Trevor. I'll be nice. Out.”

  “Out.”

  Edward looked at the number on the display and quickly hit the save button. He was rotten with numbers. Two quick pokes and the comlink was linked to the regular phone service.

  After two quick rings Zoë's voice answered, “Hello?”

  “Zoë? This is Edward. I was just calling to check on you. I didn't know what happened to you after I jumped off the back of your bike.”

  Zoë laughed heartily, “Well, I'm all right, but my bike got scraped up a bit. The governor's guys came by and are paying to have it fixed. Also dropped me off a nice cheque for helping you.”

  “So you quitting the gig?”

  Zoë laughed again, “It wasn't that big of a cheque, so you are stuck with me for a while longer yet.”

  Now it was Edward's turn to laugh, “I think I can live with that. Take care. I'll see you in the morning.”

  “You too. And don't lose this number. It's unlisted, you might not get it again!” Zoë giggled and hung up.

  Edward stared at the comlink. He wasn't sure what he expected it to do. A trick maybe. But it seemed so alien to him suddenly. What had he gotten himself into?

  11

  The evening came and went and soon Edward found himself repeating the ritual of the previous morning. While the Shukurae with their pale blinkless eyes looked even more sincere this morning, Gillian put on her best face and tried to act as if nothing had happened. Edward could tell it was wearing on her. Tatiana, on the other hand, mainly looked tired, and spent half the trip snuggled up to Edward taking quick naps. Maybe that was her great method of coping with all the stress: just sleep it off. Not much of a life, but not Edward's choice.

  When they arrived at the concert hall, there were already Shukurae guards in the open, two on the ground and one on the opposite roof. Edward was pretty sure either Jake or Paul was up there too, but the Shukurae were there to draw attention and remind the perpetrators that they were serious. Deadly serious.

  Tatiana leaned heavily on Edward as they left the car. He could tell she was both tired and scared. Yesterday's events had definitely rattled her cage and it was going to take some time for her to recover. Like the previous day, her presence and poise changed as they worked their way closer. But unlike the previous day, she continued to hold onto Edward. By the end she wasn't holding on to him so much by weight, but as an escort. Very formal. She was still a bit afraid, but was letting everyone know who and what was there to protect her. Edward held his head high. Some might have felt like a sack of meat at that point, a hired thug, there to catch a bullet or pound a face. But he knew he was far more than that. He was a Highlander, a Silver and he had his charge. Pity those that crossed him.

  “If we had an extra four weeks I'd put you out on the dance floor with her. That way you'd always be close,” joked Gillian.

  “That is such a bad idea. I can't do line dances much less anything fancy,” replied Edward trying to roll with the mood.

  “In four weeks Gillian could teach a mop to dance,” replied Tatiana with a grin.

  Good! That was her first smile all morning. She needed that.

  “If I may be so bold to ask, Gillian, how did you come to work with Tatiana?”

  Gillian laughed, “Oh that will have to wait until dinner and a glass of wine. That is both complicated and embarrassing.”

  “My dad had a thing going on with her after my mother died,” interjected Tatiana with a sly grin.

  Gillian rolled her eyes, “That's enough of that, dear.”

  As they walked up the side set of stairs onto the stage, Tatiana turned and bobbed politely to Edward before finally separating. She ran the rest of the way up onto stage, finally in full form smiling broadly.

  “Wow!” remarked Alex over the comlink. “I think I could see her glow from over here!”

  “She does have presence,” agreed Edward.

  The rest of the dancers parted as she slinked across the stage to the starting position for the opening number. The rest of the cast suddenly realized they were out of position and scrambled to their places. Without even a word from Gillian the entire cast launched into action after four quick snaps from Tatiana and off went the rehearsal! It might have a train wreck later, but it started flawlessly.

  Kadu nodded to Edward and quickly rejoined him. “Did Trevor have time to brief you on what happened back here after your rapid departure?”

  “Nope. Nothing bad I hope.”

  “Interesting at the very least. We found a series of video transponders watching various parts of the concert hall. We removed several and purposely 'missed' others. They were high quality and well hidden. Jake found the first one. Humans do seem to have sharp eyes.”

  “Jake is exceptional, even for a human,” offered Edward. “So I take it, the plan is to try to exploit the ones that are left and see if they give themselves away. Risky but fun.”

  “The interesting part is we are now doubling our efforts scanning around the client’s apartment. I do confess some surprise that we haven't found any transponders of any type.”

  “They may not ha
ve to. They may just be piggybacking off of the press and tabloid types.”

  Edward was sure Kadu would have blinked if she could have, “That is an excellent point. I had not considered that: ad hoc, low risk surveillance. One merely has to tap into their feeds. Brilliant.”

  “Okay, that's one thing. So what else is bothering you.”

  Kadu flashed a toothy grin, “I guess we have served long enough that you can read me. I am beginning to suspect that there are two different factions involved here: one amateur and one professional.”

  “Pipe bombs to contract gunmen is a bit of a jump, I agree. But I take it we have no hard data.”

  “Not at this point, however...”

  “All units, we may have a problem,” chirped Trevor's voice over the comlink. “Sending an update using the black book. Only discuss in person or with black book encryption.”

  Kadu connected her comlink to her text console, “Forensics came back on the bullet that killed the bomber the other night. It came from a weapon that was supposed to be in the evidence locker at the police station. The weapon in question is missing.” Kadu cleared her throat, “This radically complicates the situation.”

  “Is someone in the police involved in the bombings, or did someone in the police find out what was going on and simply engage in vigilante justice?”

  “No data.” Kada sighed. “Ultimately, this is not your concern.”

  “My concern is the girl on stage.”

  “Precisely.”

  Edward nodded to Kadu and went back to casing the stage. Back to learning every nook and cranny. Learning which side the ladder was on! And which scaffolding could bear his weight if push came to shove. Motion sensors had been added underneath the stage, much to his relief. That was one rat’s nest he didn't want to have to work. Cameras. They needed cameras as well as motion sensors. Mixed wavelength sensors, that area was just too dangerous.

  His ear perked up as he heard the fourth number kick off. He returned topside and watched the piece, it was quite spectacular both in terms of the music and the dance work. The dancers weren't flawless, by any stretch, but at least they looked good today. Edward could see Gillian gritting her teeth at the front of the stage, but she let the piece continue. Apparently it was much better than the previous day.

  After several tense minutes, the piece ended and transitioned to a much slower piece. Quite a change of pace, it gave the dancers a chance to catch their breath, while Tatiana launched into the slow moody piece of young lost love with Zoë beautifully filling out the piece on piano. The backup singers added a nice fill to the piece. It was very lovely, Edward found himself just standing there listening to the piece, lost in the music. All too soon, the piece ended and an upbeat dance piece launched into its place. Edward snapped out of his daze and started casing the stage again as Kadu walked up to him.

  “Fascinating. You actually broke form to stop and listen to the piece.” Kadu said with a bit of a smile.

  “I... I'm sorry Kadu,” stammered Edward. “It won't happen again.”

  “I've known you for over a year. This is the first thing to ever break your concentration. It is remarkable, not a problem.”

  Edward forced a laugh, “Whatever you say, Kadu.”

  Kadu patted Edward on the head and returned to the outer seating. That was odd. She had never done that before.

  An hour later they finished the first nonstop rehearsal. Gillian was both delighted and a nervous wreck. The cast was all exhausted. Water, juice and various sports drinks were quickly downed by everyone, musician and dancer alike. Tatiana looked thoroughly exhausted but elated at the same time. Several back up dancers hovered over her attending to her needs as she sat there catching her breath.

  “Fifteen minutes people, and then we do it all again!” Yep, it was going to be a long day.

  Save for a forty-five minute break for a catered lunch, that was the schedule: perform the entire show, fifteen minute break, repeat. By the time four o'clock rolled around everyone, including Gillian was exhausted. There was a definite funk to the cast as showers were in order, but not present at the concert hall. That would have to wait until they got home. Edward rejoined Gillian as they waited on Tatiana to empty another large jug of water.

  “Drink up girl, hydration is the most important aspect of health at this point,” lectured Gillian.

  “Meanwhile, ships ran aground today as the delta ran dry...” joked Tatiana as she finished the jug.

  Gillian hugged her warmly, “You did great today. This is a good cast, girl. This is going to be your best concert series yet. Just you wait and see.”

  Tatiana warmly returned the hug, “Anything you do turns to gold. Thank you for sticking with me.”

  “Hush silly girl! Let's get you back home and cleaned up.”

  Tatiana smiled as she grabbed Edwards arm, “So, we ready to go?”

  Edward smiled broadly back, “Yes indeed, but there will be a small detour on the way home.”

  “Detour?” asked Gillian.

  “Swapping out cars mid-point for the newer one. I think you'll find the insides are more to your liking.”

  “It could be a cardboard box right now if it only contained a Bloody Mary,” joked Gillian.

  “Well then, let's go ladies.”

  Tatiana was still in 'star' mode as the trio threaded their way to the back of the concert hall. Alex and Meeka led the way some distance out front while Kadu followed close behind. It was a bit more show of force than Tatiana really liked, but she didn't let it bother her. As they exited, their armored car was waiting for them.

  “We'll go a ways and then swap vehicles, so go ahead and get in,” said Edward as he opened the door.

  Gillian quickly got in but Tatiana paused as she saw Zoë loitering.

  “Zoë! Your bike in the shop?” called Tatiana.

  “Yes, Tatiana. Won't be out until tomorrow. I was going to get a lift home with Tomish,” Zoë replied.

  “Would you like a lift with us? They'll drop us off first and then they can drop you off wherever you want.”

  Zoë's face lit up, “Seriously?”

  Tatiana smiled broadly, “By all means! Come on!”

  Zoë didn't need to be told twice. She stuffed her motorcycle armor back in her bag and quickly joined them in the back of the armored car.

  Edward was obviously agitated as soon as the door closed and the car started moving. “You guys are sitting ducks if Trevor is right,” he called up to the Shukurae driver and guard.

  “We have secondary provisions ready. It is a calculated risk we agree.”

  “What is going on,” asked Gillian more than a little confused.

  “If we are lucky,” began Edward, “nothing. But I don't play to luck so we are stacking the deck. Stand by....”

  The car suddenly pulled into a side street and then into a warehouse where another armored car was waiting with drivers at the ready.

  “90 seconds,” barked the driver.

  “Okay, ladies. If we could all very quickly change to the new car it would be greatly appreciated.”

  Gillian looked confused, Tatiana a little scared, Zoë a little excited, but they all quickly made their way out of the car and into the next. Just as quick as they left, mannequins were placed in their old seats, the doors slammed shut and first armored car launched back out onto the street.

  The three ladies' confusion and fear was quickly transformed as they enjoyed the leather and wood interior of the new armored car. Crisp chrome and a nice polish. It may be an armored brick, but the inside was an elegant brick!

  “I'm sorry ma'am, er… Gillian, the wet bar won't be installed until late tonight,” offered Edward with a grin.

  Gillian laughed and sat back in the seat, “Well, the change was a bit cloak and dagger, but the results are very nice. Very well done indeed.”

  “This is nicer than my apartment! Hey, so the other car is bait or something?” asked Zoë with a broad grin.

  “Pos
sibly. We aren't sure, but better safe than sorry,” replied Edward. “So if everyone is comfortable?”

  They all nodded and the armored car headed back out onto the street taking a different route. A longer winding route, it was easily going to add ten minutes to the return trip, but Edward was never one to challenge Trevor on his hunches. Even if he was wrong it was good practice for the clients.

  Tatiana and Gillian quickly launched into discussion over where and what to eat. Zoë seemed content to soak up the air conditioning and watch the world scroll by while stretched out. Edward, meanwhile strained his ears to listen to the chatter on the open comms in the front of the car. Nothing. Nothing was good. Trevor would be happy to be wrong. Very happy. Then it happened: the comms exploded with chatter. The other car had been attacked!

  “Hit the lights, floor it!” barked Edward. “Did they get the magnetics installed on this thing?”

  “Understood. Magnetics online in fifteen seconds,” came the reply from the front.

  “What happened?” came the uniform question from the ladies.

  Edward held up his hand to the ladies as he tapped his comlink, “Trevor, do we have a corridor?”

  “Confirmed. All lights should be synchronized by the time you hit the next corner.”

  “Magnetics now at full. Spaced armored extended. Sealing windows,” came the voice from up front.

  Everyone huddled toward the middle of the car as plates extended over the windows encasing them in a dark box.

  “Sorry ladies, but the other car was attacked. We aren't taking any chances.”

  Tatiana snuggled up tight to Gillian who put her arm around her.

  “This is why we have professionals, dear. It’s a little bit of a rough ride, but it's safer than a bank in here,” mothered Gillian.

  Tatiana tried to smile.

  Zoë looked all alone, so Edward made the diplomatic solution and moved to sit between her and Tatiana. That way he was next to both. They both smiled and snuggled a little closer as the armored car hurtled down the street.