Thicker Than Blood

by James P. Sumner

  He’s breathing heavily, staring at me hard through a deep frown. After a few moments of silence, he flicks his gaze to Josh. “Well?”

  Josh shrugs and nods to me. “What he said, sir. Only, y’know, less aggressive.”

  Schultz sits down heavily in his chair, and spins around again, staring thoughtfully out the window as he strokes his chin.

  Josh leans in close to me and whispers, “Very respectful. Well done.”

  I glance across at him and shrug. “What? I tried.”

  Schultz spins back around and looks at us both. “Okay, let’s get a couple of things straight. Adrian, if you talk to me like that again, I’ll see to it you’re charged with treason and locked away for the rest of your life, our past be damned. And, Josh, running around with this maniac? If you ever give me cause to doubt your commitment to your job, and to this country again, I’ll have you deported back to England.”

  I can’t tell if he’s serious, or if he’s just flexing his muscles to save face. If it’s the latter, I think it’s a little unnecessary. The fact we’re standing on his plane proves he’s in charge, no matter what we say.

  Schultz sighs heavily, as if in resignation. “Now, that being said, if this job has taught me anything, it’s to stay objective. Adrian, these Order of Sabbah assholes… in your opinion, how big of a threat do they pose to this country?”

  I shrug. “Right now, I have no idea. I know how big of a threat they pose to me, if that helps?”

  He shakes his head. “Not really. Josh?”

  Josh clears his throat. “We know Grant Sterling is one of the highest-ranking members of their organization. Our plan was to travel to Seattle and speak with him. That’s where we were heading when you had the Secret Service pick us up.”

  “That sounds like a smart play.” He takes a deep breath. “Okay, I gotta ask… Who were the five bodies you two left in Lebec?”

  “Four of them were hired guns,” I reply. “But one of them—the guy with no head—was called Pierce. He was the right-hand man of the asshole who recruited me. He’s the man The Order would send to help their pet assassins with whatever they need. He was responsible for killing someone who meant a lot to me, as well as an innocent kid who had no idea what he was involved in. He murdered them in cold blood, right in front of me. I’ve been carrying their deaths on my shoulders through this whole thing, and when that bastard came after me… ain’t no way I was allowing him to leave that power station, simple as that.”

  Schultz falls silent for a moment and then nods. “So, he had it coming, huh?”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe, sir.”

  “Tell me, Adrian, is this just another one of your self-righteous crusades for blood and vengeance? Or are you actually looking to help, for the greater good?”

  I pause for a moment, to think how honest I should be, but quickly decide not to hide anything. “Ryan, The Order is dangerous. They’ve killed a lot of people, some of whom I cared for. They held me hostage, made me kill for them—which I was against from the start. They offered no justification, no reasoning for their targets, and that didn’t sit right with me. I asked enough questions to become their enemy, and now here I am. Whatever their intentions are, I doubt they’re good, and someone needs to stop them. Yes, I want revenge. I want to kill every last one of them and tear the whole organization to the ground. But I want to stop them because it’s the right thing to do, and I’ll do whatever it takes, with or without your help.”

  He falls silent, resting his elbows on the arms of his chair, and bridging his fingers together in front of his face. He stares blankly ahead of him, rocking gently backward and forward. After a few moments, he looks up at us. “Okay, I’ve known the two of you idiots long enough to know I should listen when you start telling me about things like this, no matter how ridiculous they might sound. Josh, meet with Sterling and report back to me directly. If you can find evidence of a threat that will allow us to go after these assholes legally, then so help me, God, I will use every resource at my disposal to protect this country. You have my word.”

  Josh nods. “Thank you, sir.”

  Schultz turns to me. “And you…”

  I hold his gaze but say nothing.

  “I’m willing to move forward, put the past behind us. For now, anyway. But I won’t tolerate you racking up another body count because the urge takes you.”

  “You can’t fight a war without casualties, Ryan.”

  “I’m well aware of that, but this isn’t a war. Not yet. If we find ourselves with armies of trained killers on the streets, I’ll put a gun in your hand and turn you loose myself. But until then, you keep your psycho in check, and follow Josh’s lead. Understood?”

  I glance at Josh and then shrug. “Fine. Whatever. But if anybody tries to kill me in the meantime, Mr. President, I won’t be diplomatic about it just to keep you happy. I’ll leave their corpses where they fall. Is that understood?”

  He smirks. “Well, I can understand almost anyone wanting you dead at any given moment—you have that effect on people.”

  I smile sarcastically. “Nice to know.”

  He takes a deep breath and glances at his watch. “I should get going.” He looks at Josh. “I’m trusting you with this because we’re friends, but make no mistake—mess this up, and it’s both your asses.”

  He turns to me, regarding me silently. I raise an eyebrow. “Yes?”

  He pauses and then smiles. It’s forced, and his awkward expression betrays how uncomfortable he is right now, but it’s a smile nevertheless. “It’s… ah… it’s good to see you back among the living, son. I’ll never like who you are, Adrian, but for what it’s worth, I’m glad we both have a second chance. Bottom line, if the shit’s about to hit the fan, I want you on my side.”

  I smile back, and nod a respectful acknowledgement of what I’m sure will forever be the closest Schultz comes to saying something nice to me.

  “Thank you, sir,” says Josh, as he makes for the door. I follow his lead as we leave the room, head back along the corridors, down the steps, and out onto the runway. We’re shown into one of the Suburbans, and an agent drives us all the way back to our hotel. We travel in silence, only speaking to each other once we’re standing in the parking lot, either side of Josh’s sports car.

  I look around, taking in the fresh air, enjoying the light breeze on my face. “So… Seattle?”

  Josh nods. “Yeah, just gimme a sec to grab our things.”

  He heads inside, returning a few moments later holding our bags, which he throws in the trunk before climbing in behind the wheel. I slide in beside him and shift in my seat to find a comfortable position. I look across at him. “I’m assuming you have something appropriate to listen to for the ride?”

  Josh looks at me as if I’m from another planet. “Why do you even ask me these things? It’s insulting.”

  He reaches over, opens the glovebox, and takes out a CD, which he feeds into the stereo before hitting play. A moment later, the opening chords of Turn the Page by Bob Seger blast out.

  I smile as he reverses out of the lot, and guns the engine, heading to re-join I-5.

  12

  20:57 PDT

  We just entered Seattle on the interstate, shooting past the airport before exiting at Yesler Way. The roof is up on the car. Seattle’s naturally cooler than anywhere in California, especially at this time of night, as it’s closer to the North Pacific. It’s currently in the low sixties, which suits me just fine.

  We turn onto 6th Avenue and slow to a stop as we hit some light traffic. Josh sighs. I think frustration is setting in now, which is understandable after such a long drive. Seriously, the guy’s a machine. We only stopped once since leaving Sacramento, and that was out of necessity, to take a leak at a rest stop, and grab some food to eat on the way here. He’s still alert, still focused on the road. The music’s probably helped. We blasted out some real classics on the way here, falling seamlessly back into our old routine of using time
on the road to forget about what we’re doing.

  It amazes me how he always seems to know where he’s going, too. I never see him read a map, or use a GPS. It’s as if he has Google Street View running through his mind at all times.

  “You wanna grab a drink before we find somewhere to stay?” I ask him. “I think you’ve earned one after all that driving.”

  He smiles faintly, distracted. “Yeah, maybe. Keep your eyes open for somewhere.”

  The road ahead clears a little, and he navigates the streets as if he’s lived here his whole life. We—

  Huh?

  A phone has just started ringing.

  We exchange a glance, frowning with the same confusion. “Have you changed your ringtone?” I ask.

  He shakes his head. “Nope.”

  “Well, it ain’t mine.”

  “Why, what’s yours?”

  “Black Betty by Ram Jam. Has been since Pripyat a couple of months back.”

  “Ah, nice. So, whose phone is that?”

  I look around. It’s coming from the back seat. I turn, and stare at my jacket. Then it occurs to me.

  “It’s Pierce’s cell. I took it from him before we left. It’s in my pocket.”

  I retrieve it from my jacket, put it on speaker as I answer, and hold it out between us. I don’t say anything. It could be anyone, so I need to be careful here.

  “What took you so long to answer the phone? Is it done?”

  Wait a second. I know that voice…

  Josh raises an eyebrow. I point to the phone, and mouth the word, Horizon.

  “Pierce? What the hell are you playing at? Why aren’t you back here yet? I have the chopper on radar and it’s not moving.”

  I take a breath. Time to do what I do best.

  I lean close to the speaker. “Hey, Colonel Sanders… Pierce can’t come to the phone right now. Can I take a message?”

  There’s a moment’s silence.

  “A-Adrian? It’s, ah, good to hear from you. I’m happy to hear you’re alive and well. I was beginning to worry.”

  “Aww, ain’t that sweet. I’d be more touched by the sentiment if you hadn’t just tried to have me killed.”

  Another pause. “What are you talking about? I haven’t tried to kill you. I thought we had come to an understanding? Why would I want to eliminate one of my top assets when they’re in the middle of a job?”

  I roll my eyes. “Cut the shit, Horizon. Feigning innocence doesn’t suit you.”

  He lets out a tired sigh. “So be it. Where’s Pierce?”

  “Dead.”

  “That’s… unfortunate. Not altogether unexpected, I suppose, but a shame nevertheless. Tell me, Adrian, are you any closer to finishing the task I assigned you?”

  “Sure. In fact, I’m with my target right now. Say hi, Josh.”

  Next to me, Josh leans close to the phone. “Hey, asshole.”

  I smile. “That was Josh. He doesn’t like you, because you sent me to kill him.”

  Horizon sighs, his breath distorted on the line. “This is very disappointing, Adrian. But, again, not a complete shock. Tell me, why are you in such a rush to die? What have you got against living? Surely, any life is better than nothing at all?”

  Oh, man, this is going to be good. For once, he doesn’t know something. Okay, play it cool…

  “There’s an old saying: it’s better to die on your feet, than live on your knees. Being in The Order isn’t any kind of life, and it’s certainly not good enough to warrant killing my best friend for.”

  Horizon chuckles. “How very poetic. But, yes, it seems I misjudged your enthusiasm for what we’re trying to accomplish here. Such a shame. Such a… waste of talent.”

  “And what exactly are you trying to accomplish? I’m assuming you’re getting ready to kill me, right? So, why not tell me?”

  I exchange a glance with Josh and shrug. Worth a shot.

  “Oh, I see. This is the part where I divulge everything to you, so you can escape my evil clutches to exact your revenge, and stop my plan in the process?” He laughs. “Adrian, you embarrass yourself. This isn’t a movie. Real life doesn’t work like that. You won’t live to find out what goal The Order is working toward, and neither will your friend. Mr. Winters, I assume you’re listening? I’m afraid you have become an obstacle that needs removing. If you have any last words for our mutual acquaintance, I would say them now. He’ll be dead momentarily, and you won’t be far behind.”

  Josh leans toward the phone again. “You really like the sound of your own voice, don’t you? Listen, dipshit, killing me isn’t going to stop GlobaTech doing all the good work we’re doing. We’re not Fuelex.”

  “Mr. Winters, I’m not interested in your little company, or the charity work they’re doing. Whatever you think you know is irrelevant. It won’t change anything. Nothing we do is without purpose, and eliminating you is no exception. Now, say goodbye to your friend.”

  There’s silence on the line.

  We look at each other, shrug, and in unison, yell, “Bang!”

  We start laughing, and I almost drop the phone. I hear a noise on the line. “That’s impossible!”

  I shake my head. “Apparently not. Now, here’s the inside scoop, Buttercup—your device doesn’t work. You can’t kill me, you have no clue where I am anymore, and your days are numbered. I’m coming for you with everything I’ve got, do you understand? I’m going to kill you, and anyone else associated with your pathetic little club. I’m not gonna stop until you’re all dead.”

  Horizon sighs. “If you two need to tell yourselves that, go right ahead. But you should understand this: The Order of Sabbah has existed for centuries with good reason. Our reach extends far beyond what either of you can comprehend. The fact you have disabled your implant changes nothing. You cannot stop us. Many have tried, all have failed, and you two will be no different. I’ll see you soon, Adrian.”

  The line clicks off. I buzz the window down, throw the cell phone out of it, and turn to Josh. “Well, what do you think?”

  He shrugs. “There’s no denying the guy’s a tool, but he’s probably right about most things. You do know that, right? This is an uphill struggle, whichever way you look at it.”

  I nod. “I know. But we’ve stared down shit like this before and we’ve managed. This time is no different.”

  Josh raises his eyebrows. “I wish I had your optimism, man, I really do.”

  I pat his shoulder. “It’ll be fine, trust me. Just concentrate on finding us somewhere to drink.”

  We fall silent, and I stare out my window at the city outside. The streets are well lit and the sidewalks are still busy. Life goes on. No matter what happens, the world will always keep turning, and people will always find a way to carry on with their lives. That’s what we’re fighting for here, and that’s how I know we’ll beat this.

  Because we have to.

  13

  21:46 PDT

  This bar is way too upmarket for me. The table is smooth and polished, the chairs are comfortable, the carpet is clean, there are paintings on the walls, indoor plants everywhere…

  I hate it.

  There isn’t even a jukebox for God’s sake!

  Josh is opposite me, looking relaxed, sipping his ice water with a slice of lemon like a big girl. I have a beer. I think. I don’t recognize the name, and it’s from Belgium, apparently. It tastes good, though, which is what matters.

  We’re sitting in a small booth against the far wall. The layout of the place resembles an inverted L-shape. There’s a line of seating just inside the entrance on the right that stretches all the way to the opposite corner. More seating runs along the back wall, where we are, with a small gap on the right that leads to the kitchen area. Most of the left side is taken up by the bar, with tables scattered across the space in the middle.

  It’s pretty full, with the constant low babble of multiple conversations resonating throughout. Most of the people in here are smartly-dressed, mainly couple
s, with a few small groups here and there.

  A young waiter just walked past our table, barely breaking stride as he collected our empties. Josh glances at him and then stares blankly at me.

  “You okay, man?” I ask, arching my brow.

  He nods. “Yeah. I’m just trying to figure out how much you hate this place.”

  He smiles, and I laugh. “It wouldn’t be my first choice, I’ll be honest.”

  “Mine neither, truth be told. But I’ve found I have to go to places like this for meetings sometimes and they’ve kinda grown on me.”

  I roll my eyes. “You’ve changed, man.”

  He laughs.

  “Seriously, there isn’t even a pool table… what kind of ass-backward place is this?”

  He finishes his drink. “It’s nice to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.”

  I shrug. “You gotta laugh, man. If you don’t, well, y’know, you get sick, or something.”

  “Amen to that. What do you make of all the things Horizon said to us before?”

  I take a swig of my beer. “I dunno. I think a lot of it was hot air. As powerful as he is, a lot of what he does is smoke and mirrors. He plays mind games, which means he bluffs just as much as he genuinely threatens. He’ll be running scared now he knows Pierce is dead and he can’t kill me whenever he wants.”