“Shit - and the others?”
“One has broken ribs and can hardly breathe; the others are unconscious probably due to loss of blood.”
“How many able-bodied men are left?”
“Fifteen.”
Bienaimé paused for a moment, “Okay, leave Alex with three men: two men to watch over the scientists, and one to take care of our wounded. I will send a man to scout ahead to make sure nobody is coming.”
Charles wasted no time getting everyone on the same page. Alex rounded up the rest of the guards and grouped them with the scientists. They pushed them into the corner and one by one, shot them with tranquilizers.
“All right, good work! I’ll leave the rest to you, Alex. Make sure our soldiers receive medical attention - and keep that briefcase safe! The rest of you, come with me!” Bienaimé ordered.
24
Bienaimé, dressed as a guardsman, jumped into the driver’s seat, followed closely by Zaire, also in soldier’s attire, and Dr. Phils, still in his lab coat. Charles and Jeff, along with the others, hopped into the back of the truck. Disguised as scientists, each wore lab coat displaying newly appropriated identification badges. They stowed their weapons behind the generator in the truck bed as Bienaimé drove up to the prison gate and stopped.
“You try anything other than what we’ve discussed, and you’ll get a bullet in your head,” Zaire said, poking his gun into Dr. Phils’ rib cage.
Cory and Lana sat in the back with the others, anxiously waiting what was to come. They knew they had to stay in character or risk sabotaging the entire mission, and their first priority was to get inside. Footsteps of approaching prison guards broke the quiet of the night. The truck dipped from the weight of one of them climbing onto the step bar.
“Gentlemen, it’s late, and we’re not scheduled for any deliveries. So who are you - and what are you doing here?” the guard asked, scanning the cab with his flashlight.
Zaire gave Dr. Phils a soft nudge with his shoulder, prompting him to answer.
“Oh, sorry, I would have come earlier, but I was caught up with some lab work. The name is Dr. Phils. These two are my servicemen, and I have my scientists in the back of the truck,” Dr. Phils said with confidence.
The prison guard flashed the light on Dr. Phils’ face before turning it off.
“Dr. Phils, sorry for the guns, but it’s protocol. You were not expected.”
“It’s quite all right. I’m glad to see you guys taking the job serious,” Dr. Phils smiled.
“Sorry, but I still have to ask the reason for you being here.”
“We have a generator in the back that we need to install in the facility, replacing the old one. State of the art…you know, when technology meets science, it’s such a beautiful thing. Anyways, like you said before, it is quite late, and I will appreciate it if we can skip through the formalities and get to work.”
“Of course, I’ll make sure that you won’t run into any more trouble past this point. Let me just have my man check the back.”
“If you must,” Dr. Phils said, shrugging his shoulders.
The guard signaled for his colleague to inspect the back of the truck. Opening it, he found Cory and the others looking poised and of no threat. He came back and gave his partner a head nod, signaling everything was fine.
“Okay, doctor, you’re all set. Where will you be stationed to work?”
“Well, we have to examine the old generator first and go from there. So it might be a two-day job. But I will need access to the building as well as the control center.”
“Not a problem, I will notify the guards. All you have to do is let them know who you are, and they will buzz you in. The old generator is just straight ahead near the armory. I’ll have someone in the tower flash a light on the building.”
The guards opened the gates, and Bienaimé drove on. Soon, they saw a bright light shining on a small building. Once they had reached the building, the light moved away to other areas of the prison.
“Everyone out! Hide your weapons in your lab coat,” Zaire radioed.
Zaire and Bienaimé exited the vehicle, making sure Dr. Phils didn’t attempt to escape. They led the group inside the unlocked building, and scanned the area for any prison guards and cameras. There was nothing in the building besides an old dusty generator.
“The armory is right beside this dump, eh, well, that makes life a little easier,” Destiny said, relieved.
“All right, everyone gather around - we don’t have much time,” Charles ordered.
Bienaimé gave instructions to the group.
“Okay, there are twelve of us. We’re going to be divided into two groups. Charles and Jeff will lead one group, while Zaire and I will lead the other. Cory, Lana, Adam and Destiny, you’re with us. The rest of you, with Charles. I need you to stay in this building until I radio in. Then, you guys need to go over to that armory and take it over. Charles and Jeff will have the layout of the prison, so you will be well guided. Remember, stay in character. The longer we go without being noticed, the better. Everyone grab your bags and let’s get to work.”
This is it. I finally get to see them, Cory thought. He glanced at Lana and the others and found they had the same look of determination. Nothing would get in his way. He would do anything - including sacrificing himself - if it meant his family’s safe return.
“Let’s go. Cory, stay focused,” Bienaimé said. “Zaire, keep an eye on the doctor at all times. We can’t afford to lose him now. There are still so many questions that need answering.”
Zaire nodded and grabbed Dr. Phils by the arm, placing his lips near the ear of the cowering scientist, “Now you stay very close to me, you hear?” Dr. Phils gave an almost imperceptible nod, and Zaire tightened his grip.
“Yes, yes, I understand,” the doctor said with a gasp.
Exiting the building, they headed toward the entrance of the jail. Adam led the way, checking their path on his hand-held tablet. To their surprise, there weren’t many guards patrolling the area. They made their way to the entrance without any challenge.
“Okay, what are we facing here?” Cory asked before they entered the building.
“All right,” Adam said, in a voice louder than a whisper. “Everyone pay attention. The setup of the prison is relatively simple. As soon as we open that door, it should be the greeting area. And straight ahead is the Control center. Control is located right in the middle, and it divides the prison into four divisions. Past Control,” he traced his finger on the screen to highlight two of the blocks, “are the first two divisions.”
He tapped the remaining blocks and they brightened, “And here are the other two divisions. So, from left to right, it’s four, three, two and one.” He paused, giving everyone time to study the layout. After all had nodded, he continued, “Behind the divisions are the prison yards, separated to accommodate the four different divisions.”
He looked up from the screen, his voice deepening and said, “It’s important to note that division two and three are the largest, which means more guards. One and four are small in comparison.”
“What’s that narrow corridor between the blocks?” Cory asked.
Adam nodded and said, “That’s the pathway between the second and third divisions that leads up to the art centre, and beyond that is the solitary confinement. The infirmary is located right next to it. Got that?”
The group nodded and were at last prepared to walk into the building. Dr. Phils took the lead, with Zaire at his side. They came to an open area with two metal detectors and a prison guard sleeping at his desk. They kept walking, hoping they could get past the man without being noticed. Alas, their footsteps woke the guard from his slumber.
“Hey, hey, hey,” he said, startled. His hand moved to his sidearm. “Who are you guys, and what are you doing here?”
“We should be asking you the same thing, officer. Why are you sleeping on the job? But never mind that, I am Professor Wallace, and this is Dr. Phils. We ne
ed access to the control center,” Bienaimé replied.
“Oh yes, they told me about you guys, go on ahead.”
They walked on, being wary of the metal detector. For precaution, Cory already had his hand in his lab coat, clutching his Glock.
As expected, the detector began buzzing.
“We don’t have time for this. We have tools in our bags, can we skip the formalities?” Dr. Phils said, hoping to persuade the guard to ignore the detector and let them through.
The guard took a long time looking over them and the black bags they were all carrying. He didn’t mind letting them slip through the metal detector, but something made him curious about the bags.
“Sorry, sir, but I need to see what’s inside those bags before I let you pass,” he said.
“Now you want to take your job seriously?” Dr. Phils scolded, sucking his teeth, his eyes drilling into the man’s. Even though his face had reddened, the man didn’t back down, and motioned from their bags to his desk.
They placed their bags on the desk and crowded around the officer. Gripping the armrest of his chair, he pushed himself up, and reached to unzip the first bag.
Without pulling his gun from his lab coat, Cory pulled the trigger. All the others heard was a click and thwap, and the officer slumped back into his seat, his head hitting the desk with a thud.
“Tranquilizer. He’ll be out for a few hours,” Cory explained.
“Nice,” Destiny said, winking at Cory.
Cory turned his head to smile back, but was brushed hard by Lana’s shoulder as she pushed past him.
“Let’s go,” she said, now ahead of the group.
“Hey, Dr. Phils, I was wondering,” Cory said as they walked, “why are you being so cooperative?”
“Easy, my loyalty lies with science, and you’ve got my most precious works in your hands.”
“Good to know - maybe I don’t have to consider shooting you with this gun every five minutes then,” Zaire said, joining the conversation.
Their progress was blocked by a set of locked metal doors. Zaire pressed a black buzzer, activating the intercom.
“Yeah?” a loud voice came roaring through its tinny speaker.
Zaire pulled Dr. Phils around to face him, and raised his gun and brushed the muzzle against the scientist’s lips, then pointed it to the button. Dr. Phils cleared his throat and coughed as Zaire roughly pushed him toward the intercom. Regaining his composure, he held the button and with a tone of authority, he said,
“Hi, it’s Dr. Phils. We need access to your control center.”
“Why didn’t Jeffrey buzz you in?”
“Oh, the guard at the front?” Dr. Phils drawled, buying time to gather his thoughts. “I believe he is sleeping, sir.”
There was a short pause and then the voice came roaring back.
“That bastard. Okay, I’ll buzz you in.”
The door unlocked.
Cory was closer to his goal. Every obstacle they had to overcome added more confidence to his character. He felt what he was doing was destined. It became something more than just rescuing his mother and sister. He was fighting a war for the greater good of the world.
They walked to the control center, and were buzzed in. The Center was a pentagon-shaped room, filled with computers and camera monitors. Clear, bulletproof windows surrounded the room- giving the guards a better view of who went in and out. Two guards turned their chairs around, and greeted Cory and the others.
“Welcome! Sorry about Jeffrey - he’s always sleeping on the job,” one of them said.
“Yeah, he never listens,” the other guard agreed. “Dr. Phils, I just want to say it’s an honor to meet you. I’m Bruce, and my partner over here is Thomas.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Dr. Phils replied, shaking their hands. “These are my colleagues who will be helping me out this evening.”
“Hi, looks like a slow night tonight,” Bienaimé said with a smile.
“It’s always like this. Plus, it’s eleven o’clock, and everyone is tucked away in their cells, so there isn’t much else to do here,” Thomas said.
“Well, that explains it. How many people are working here, if you don’t mind me asking?” Bienaimé asked.
“We used to have a 250 man staff divided into three shifts, but money is tight everywhere right now. I say we’re down to about a hundred guards divided into two shifts,” Bruce answered.
“Oh okay, well, I guess we’ll get started with what we came to do,” Bienaimé said.
“What did you guys come here to do exactly?” Bruce asked. “Maybe we can help.”
“We’re just checking to see if everything is functional. Just sit back and relax, we’ll be out of your hair in no time,” Zaire said.
Adam got out his equipment and walked toward the computer system. Thomas turned his chair to supervise Adam, and was shot in the back by Zaire. His body slammed to the floor, knocking his chair on its side. Before Bruce could react, Bienaimé struck him hard with the butt of his gun. Just like his partner, he fell over, unconscious.
“Cory, shoot him. My gun is loaded with live ammo, and it’ll be a shame if I have to use it on him,” Bienaimé ordered.
Cory shot the guard, then stood back to watch as Adam deciphered the prison computer systems.
“Got it,” Adam yelled. “Now, what should I do first?”
“Okay, first things first -can you lock down the prison, and make sure no one goes in or out?” Bienaimé asked.
“Just give me a sec,” Adam replied, his fingers flying as he entered a code on his handheld keyboard. “Done!”
“Now on to what we came for…Can you access the database and see where they are holding the captives?”
“I’m doing that as you speak. My Jasmine is being held in division two, cell forty-five. Destiny’s Rebecca is in division one, cell sixty-three.”
“How about Isabel and my mother?”
“What’s their last name?”
“Shembo.”
“Okay, I got two hits. Isabel is in solitary confinement and Elizabeth…” Adam raised his head and look at Cory, and continued softly, “Elizabeth is in the infirmary.”
Cory’s heart skipped a beat, the thought of his mother lying in the infirmary fueled his body with adrenaline. He was on his toes, and his lack of patience was showing.
“Settle down, son, everything will be all right,” Bienaimé said, putting his hand on Cory’s shoulder, trying to calm him.
Cory wanted to believe that everything would be fine, but he was overcome by what he had felt on the day of her disappearance. He shook his head, trying to get rid of the negativity; he had to remain poised and follow through with the initial plan.
“Charles, Jeff,” Bienaimé said through the radio, “you guys can go on ahead and take that armory over. You should have no trouble being buzzed in - tell them you’re there to test out the durability of the generator, and you need to see the weapons that they have.”
“You think that will work?” Jeff radioed back.
“You’re a scientist remember, just sound smart and everything will work out.”
“Copy.”
Bienaimé turned his attention back to his group.
“All right, here’s what we’re going to do: Lana, you will go with Cory to get his sister and mother. I’ll go with Destiny to get Rebecca and Jasmine. Adam, I need you to stay here - you’re the only one who knows how to work this system.”
“Oh, okay,” Adam said, disappointed he wasn’t going to rescue Jasmine.
“Now, let’s get rid of the guards first.”
“I’ve got an idea,” Cory spoke out, “but we need to scramble their communication first.”
Bienaimé urged him to continue, while Adam pulled out another device and jammed the prison’s signals.
“Done, it doesn’t matter what channel they turn to. It’s all static.”
“Okay, division three is one of the biggest, right?” Cory asked.
�
��Yes,” Adam answered.
“And can you lock off each division?”
“Yeah.”
Cory examined the security monitor and began to strategize.
“Adam, can you use the intercom here and send every guard over to division three?”
Adam grabbed the microphone poking out of the desk and while holding a button, he repeated, “All officers to division three immediately.”
With every eye glued to the security monitor, they watched as the guards made their way to the third division of the prison, moving quicker every time Adam prompted on the intercom.
“As soon as most of them are in there, lock the division off,” Cory ordered.
Adam sealed off the third division. With their communications down, the prison guard’s confusion led to a state of panic, causing them to wake some of the prisoners.
“We took over the armory,” a loud voice echoed in everyone’s ears.
“Perfect, we’re just about to start our operation here. Stand by and wait for our signal,” Bienaimé ordered.
“Okay guys, we’re on the clock -should be little to no resistance up until this point.” Bienaimé pointed at the doctor, “Zaire, watch Dr. Phils for me.”
Zaire smiled, and grinned.
“Adam,” Bienaimé continued, “we will radio when we need you to open those gates. You guys have these cameras here so we‘ll need you to be our eyes and ears.”
Adam nodded, and said, “Cory, I forwarded the tracking signals over to Lana, just in case you guys get lost.”
“Thanks, Adam,” Cory replied.
Cory and Lana grabbed their bags and followed Bienaimé and Destiny out. They gave each other a subtle nod, and went their separate ways. Lana pulled out her tablet and glanced at it for a moment, while Cory gave her silence to allow her to focus. She placed the tablet back in her bag, and as she began to jog, she turned to Cory and said, “It’s this way!”
They ran until they stood in the middle of a narrow hallway with barely enough room to move around. Nothing surrounded them but barred cell doors, each with another steel door behind it. The lights from the overhead were dimmed; looked more like lit candles than electric light bulbs. They didn’t need a sign to know this was solitary confinement. The longer they stood there, the more depressed they felt.
The Sabbath Page 18