The Sabbath
Page 15
Everyone nodded, except Lana. She wasn’t thrilled with Destiny escorting Cory. Sick with jealousy, she stayed back and watched as Cory, Destiny, and Bienaimé disappeared behind the doors.
The door creaked closed behind them as they stepped inside. Cory was at once overwhelmed by the powerful stench of mildew and mold. He covered his mouth and nose, but it did little to filter out the smell. They kept walking until they stopped in front of a locked door. Bienaimé knocked twice and waited for an answer.
A man opened the door, and just like the other guards; he was dressed in black and carried a semi-automatic weapon. He glanced briefly at Bienaimé before letting him in. The room was dark, the only light coming from an overhead lamp dangling over a huge round table. Four men sat around the table, with two others standing to their side.
“Charles, Jeff, Alex, Zaire,” Bienaimé said, walking to his seat.
“Ah, nice of you to finally show,” one of the men said to Bienaimé as he took his seat at the table.
“Nice to see you too, Jeff,” Bienaimé smiled.
Jeff was a middle-aged Arabian man with an evenly tanned skin and a silky, well-groomed beard hiding his charming smile. Compared to the others, he dressed in a casual style, wearing dark-blue jeans and a white shirt. He was tall and thin. His face was both intimidating and welcoming at the same time. With just the tilt of his head, he could easily go from a predator to the hero.
Cory and Destiny took their positions standing beside Bienaimé and waited for the meeting to commence.
“Jeff, I heard you have some news for us,” Bienaimé said.
“Yes, I assigned a couple of my men to search for fresh water supplies that we could use instead of relying on the government. Unfortunately, the government is heavily guarding every single water supply out there,” Jeff replied.
“That’s not news. We already know that. Besides, most of those waters are contaminated anyway. It’s being guarded so people won’t drink the water in the first place, or so they say,” Charles interrupted Jeff.
“Let me finish. Well, it turns out the water isn’t contaminated. We got a sample and after some tests, nothing out of the ordinary came up.” Jeff started tapping his finger on the table. “The scientific reports that the government published, and the people badly sick in the news after drinking the water, are all bogus. They did it merely to have an excuse to own the most powerful natural resource in the world.” He stopped tapping to stroke his beard. “After finding that out, I deployed half my team to investigate the food industry. I’m thinking the food isn’t contaminated either…They’ve got us starving out here for nothing - but we will soon find out.”
Bienaimé laughed hysterically, “I paid them one million dollars to have running water for the year. I should have known they wouldn’t be dumb enough to contaminate the world’s water supplies. But, you’ve got to hand it to them; they sold it good.”
“Yeah, but there’s little we can do with that information. Not right now, not without public backing. We can’t just come out and say to the public ‘Oh look, the government lied and is keeping the water from you,’ they won’t believe us. They won’t fight with us,” Zaire added.
Zaire was a sight to behold, with mysterious features, being both African and Colombian. Although his appearance was African, his mannerisms and dialect said differently. His accent was pronounced, and it was easy to decipher that Spanish was his language of choice. He was dark-skinned like cocoa, but his eyes were as green as emeralds.
“Well, I got somebody who they will have to listen to,” Bienaimé said.
“Who?” they all asked.
“I’ve gathered some intel, and I am certain I know where they are keeping the missing people in my district. If we free them, they will run back home and tell their loved ones exactly who did this to them. It’ll be the start of a revolution, and we will grow in numbers and in strength,” Bienaimé responded.
“Is this why you brought us here?” Zaire asked, intrigued.
“Yes, it is,” Bienaimé said.
“Okay, I’m assuming you have a plan then,” he replied.
“Yes, I do, but I will need all your help. We’re going to capture Dr. Damian Phils in the process.”
“Dr. Damian Phils? You know we can’t get close enough to touch that man,” Charles shouted.
“Yes, before we didn’t know his schedule or how armed the people around him were, but that was before. My new colleague over here has provided me with an informant who can get as close to him as we are to one another right now,” Bienaimé said, pointing to Cory.
“Okay, now I’m listening. What’s the plan?” Zaire asked.
“The missing people are being held in an old prison with a research facility a couple miles away. We will move as a unit and take control of that research facility, capturing Dr. Phils with it. Then, we will gather intel before moving on to the prison and taking control of it from the inside out,” Bienaimé informed.
“Do you know what we’re dealing with?” Charles asked.
“The research facility won’t be too complicated - the prison is where we’re going to need all the manpower we have. We’re outnumbered ten to one, but once we free the captives, the numbers will be in our favor,” Bienaimé answered.
They all sat and listened to what Bienaimé had to say. After Bienaimé spoke, the room went silent. It was their turn to talk and answer the important question of whether they would support Bienaimé in his quest.
“I’m in,” Zaire announced, breaking the silence.
“Me too,” Charles and Jeff both said right after.
“Yes, you can count me in as well,” Alex concluded.
Alex was Charles’s twin brother. They looked almost identical except for the hair. While Charles kept his hair short, Alex had long brown hair, which had been slicked back into a low bun. Alex had a self-assured demeanor that Charles couldn’t mimic. Everything about him portrayed the look of a boss. From his gold hoop earring that glistened every time light touched it, to his gold watch that cost as much as Cory’s house.
Cory was thrilled all were on board with the plan. There were three days left before Doug made his shipment, and everything was falling in place. It was the first time Cory felt like he was doing something right. Everything about this moment seemed destined.
Shaking hands as the assembly broke up, they promised to meet for the debriefing after the mission. Cory was given the responsibility of providing each of them with an electronic copy of the plan.
Bienaimé was smiling from ear to ear as they approached Adam and Lana.
“This, my friends, is the start of a revolution. And when justice is done, it is a joy to the righteous, but a source of terror to evildoers,” he said, strutting back to his car.
20
The next day was like any other. Cory and Lana got up and resumed their training while Bienaimé headed out into the street wearing his rugged clothing. With only two days left before implementing their plan, everyone was on edge. Tension between Cory and Lana had calmed down, except when Cory would bring up Destiny’s name in a conversation.
Everyone did their best to relax. Cory hung out with Destiny in the game room, leaving Lana in the bedroom. Instead of moping around, Lana kept herself busy familiarizing herself with the hacking technique Adam had taught her. When loneliness built to an unbearable level, she called her grandmother.
She knew Cory’s wounds were still too raw, and they were both still emotional about the ‘Doug situation’. Cory had resorted to leaving her alone in their room. It was the only way he knew to ease the tension between them. The only time they talked was right before they went to bed. Although Lana slept right next to him, they could have been miles apart.
When Cory returned to the room, Lana was sitting on the edge of the bed, typing on her computer.
“Hey, what are you doing?” he asked as he walked in.
“Just looking at the designs of the security camera,” Lana responded.
“Okay.”
Their conversation, like many of their recent ones, was short and simple, leaving no room for disputes.
*
“This looks great, Bienaimé!” Lana said as they sat down at the dining room table.
“Thank you, I dipped the steak in my special sauce,” he replied.
Cory couldn’t remember the last time he’d had steak, and he couldn’t wait to sink his teeth into it. In that exact moment, he needed to thank Bienaimé for all he had done for them.
“No, thank you, Bienaimé,” Cory said. “With everything that’s been going on, I didn’t get a chance to say thank you. Thanks for the place to stay, water, food, and your support. Destiny, Adam, thank you too, for making us feel so at home.”
“Save the fireworks, son, there’s no need for thanks. I’m just grateful you chose to fight for our cause. And I believe I speak for the others as well, when I say it’s a pleasure having you guys stay with us,” Bienaimé said as Destiny and Adam nodded. “-But before I get lost in all this delicious food, I’ve got news for you.
“There was a letter left on your porch. It wasn’t marked or signed - it just had a phone number on it and a message that read, ‘If you want her back.’ Looks like they’re done with Isabel and are waiting for you to act. But little do they know that we will strike them where it hurts.”
“I can hardly wait,” Cory replied.
Lana reached over and put her hand over Cory’s, and squeezed it.
“Good! Over the next couple of days, I need you guys to try to relax. Enjoy yourselves; enjoy each other. Because when it comes down to it, I hope you guys don’t hold back. It will be a war zone out there, and you can’t hesitate. You’re going up against people you don’t even know - some good and some bad. When you’re out there, you’ve got to have each other’s backs and act quickly. And when it’s all said and done, know that you did what you had to.”
Everyone nodded as Bienaimé continued, “Destiny, Lana - don’t torment yourselves for the actions you take out there; there is a difference between murder and killing. When you murder someone, it’s premeditated and driven by malice. But when you kill someone, it’s either accidental or for self-preservation. With that being said, remember that they can’t die, so when you shoot, aim for their heads and knock them out.”
Even though Bienaimé’s words were unsettling, his manner commanded their undivided attention. He was a man filled with wisdom, and the tone and tenor of his voice brought calmness to a stressful subject.
When he finished speaking, he looked around the table, catching each person’s eyes with his. “Eat up, kids. I can’t wait to see the look on your faces when you taste this steak.”
For a moment, Bienaimé beamed as he watched them take bites of his speciality dish. Then he too sliced off a piece, and savored it.
“Mm hmm. This sure is good,” he said, rolling his eyes.
Laughter resounded throughout the open space, and everyone ate heartily, forgetting for a few minutes what was coming soon.
As the meal came to a close, Cory was again on edge. He was ringing with excitement, knowing he would be reunited with his mother and sister — in just a matter of days.
Suspense and anxiety settled over Lana as she finished eating. Of course, she was excited to get Isabel and Cory’s mother back, but she dreaded telling Cory she would be leaving him right after the mission. She pushed aside her tormented thoughts, as best she could, focusing instead on the amazing plan they had developed, and how she couldn’t wait to see it unfold.
*
The next day was the calm before the storm of the revolution- the last day before the rescue mission. The house remained silent throughout the day; everyone moved around barely speaking - even Bienaimé was quiet. After dinner, they retired early, wanting to be well-rested for the day ahead.
*
Cory woke up earlier than usual. Today is the day, he thought as he went into the bathroom to freshen up. When he came out, Lana was awake, playing with her phone.
“Morning,” Cory greeted.
“Good morning,” Lana responded, walking to the bathroom. It was her turn to shower and get ready. When she was done, they joined the others to review their plans.
“Destiny, Adam - go check in with the others while I’ll take Cory and Lana to go see Doug,” Bienaimé instructed.
After eating, Destiny and Adam went to the basement to call Charles, Alex, Zaire, and Jeff. Meanwhile, Cory and Lana hopped in the car with Bienaimé and drove to Doug’s house. He was already outside, waiting for them.
“Right on time,” Doug called out as they pulled up into the driveway.
“Today’s the big day. I trust that everything is on schedule,” Bienaimé said as he stepped out the car.
“Yup! The truck is set to be delivered at nine this evening, and I also made sure that it won’t be targeted by any raiders,” Doug replied.
“Perfect, take this,” Bienaimé said as he handed Doug a bracelet. “Make sure you wear it at all times, in case we lose you.”
“Yeah, you just make sure I’m in the clear; I don’t want any of this being traced back to me,” Doug said.
“Don’t worry, just do what you were instructed to, and everything will be fine,” Bienaimé replied as he climbed back into the driver’s seat and drove off. Cory and Lana hadn’t bothered to get out of the car during Bienaimé’s exchange with Doug, and he took notice.
“Is everything all right?” Bienaimé asked. “I thought you guys would want to see your friend.”
“Yeah, everything is cool. And he’s no friend of mine,” Cory said, while Lana remained silent in the seat next to him.
Bienaimé laughed and continued his drive back home. When they arrived, Destiny and Adam were sitting in the living room, watching television.
“Any news?” Bienaimé called out.
“Everything is good to go. We’re set to meet up with the others at six for a briefing, and then we have an hour to get everyone ready and positioned,” Destiny replied.
“Great. Everyone should be ready to go no later than four-thirty,” Bienaimé declared, marching up the stairs.
21
The alarm went off - Lana woke, snuggled up to Cory. She pulled back to her side of the bed before checking the time. It’s three thirty. As she got up, she looked back at Cory still sound asleep. He looked so peaceful, void of earthly troubles. It would be shameful to wake him, but it was time to get ready.
“Cory, wake up. It’s time,” she said, shaking his shoulders.
“What time is it?” Cory yawned, stretching out his arms.
“Almost four.”
Now awake, Cory took a moment to gather his thoughts while Lana waited for him to spring into action.
“All right, let’s get dressed,” he said, jumping to his feet and moving toward the closet.
He pulled out all black clothing, prompting Lana to do the same. She prayed this would be the last time she had to wear that dreadful ensemble; nothing ever followed donning this outfit except for bloodshed. After smoothing down the black crewneck, and strapping her holster to the upper thigh of her black cargo pants, she walked over to Cory, who was dressed in the same attire. He had placed a pair of bulletproof vests, along with both of their gun cases, on the bed.
Lana could sense how tense Cory was just by looking into his eyes, and if that hadn’t given him away, his twitching hands did. His demeanor changed; the time for games was over. Opening their gun cases, they checked their weapons thoroughly. They each slid a loaded magazine into their handguns before securing them in their holsters. After stuffing several more filled magazines into their pockets, and just as Lana reached for her vest, Cory’s hands pulled her to him. He kissed her forehead and whispered, “I love you.”
Tears rolled down Lana’s cheeks as Cory spoke those
precious words. It was his first and only act of affection since she told him the truth. But that didn’t matter - it was everything she could have asked for. They stood there for a moment in each other’s arms before Lana pushed away and continued to get ready. Again, she felt his hands on her.
But this time, Cory took Lana’s vest, pulling it over her head before slowly lowering it, letting the front-panel rest on her curvaceous chest and the back-panel on the small of her back. Reaching down for her waist strap, he pulled it tight, tugging on the bottom of the panels to ensure that the Velcro was gripped securely.
“Is that comfortable enough?” he asked.
“Y-yeah, that’s fine,” Lana stuttered, trying not to blush.
Cory grabbed his own vest and pulled it over his head. Before he got the chance to adjust his waist strap, he felt Lana’s soft hands pulling it tight from behind.
“Thanks,” he said, looking back.
This would be the perfect time for Lana to say something - anything at all - to Cory. She could have told him how she planned to go to her grandmother’s house after they’d finished their mission - but before she could speak, there was a knock on the door.
“Come in,” Cory yelled.
The door opened, and Destiny and Adam stepped in.
“Hey, are you guys ready?” Destiny asked.
“Yup!” Lana replied, snatching her sniper rifle and pulling the strap over her shoulders, letting the weapon hang on her side. Cory grabbed his M16 and followed the others downstairs.
“Hey, do you guys mind if I borrow a side arm for my sister?” Cory asked.
“Help yourself to whatever you like in the basement,” Adam replied.
Cory hurried to the basement while the others waited for him near the garage door. Bienaimé was already in his car with the engine on. As soon as Cory returned, they exited the house and hopped into Adam’s BMW.
“You folks ready to go?” A loud voice came screeching through a radio that was in the middle of the dashboard.
Grabbing the walkie-talkie, Destiny said, “Yes Uncle, lead the way.”