by Matt Abraham
She kissed me again, and my hands grabbed her. Hard. Those two treacherous bastards at the ends of my arms had gotten me into trouble before, but this was a new low. I lifted up Lynx’s skirt and took a run up her thighs. I didn’t stop until her dress was completely off, and a few feet away. Then I used my fingers to trace every inch of her terrain like I was making a map. Lynx grabbed my shirt, and tore it off.
How we made it to the bedroom is still a mystery.
Chapter 29
Afterward we stayed in bed for a while, twisted around each other like Hermes’ snakes. Her hair lay across my chest in such a way that when I looked down I couldn’t tell where I ended and she began. “That was nice,” I said.
She nuzzled my neck like a kitten. “Yeah it was.”
“I never thought… I didn’t…”
She kissed my nose. “You’re cute.”
“No one’s called me that before.”
“Really?”
“Just my friend Monday.”
“Who?”
“Never mind.”
“Well, it’s hard to believe you don’t hear it more often.”
“Really?” I ran a finger down her spine. “I don’t know if you’re kidding or telling the truth.”
“Well,” she got up on an elbow. “That’s the fun, isn’t it? A bit of mystery and all. But in this case I’ll tell you I’m shooting you straight.” The phone rang, and she picked it up. “Hello? Yes. Yes.” Her face fell a few inches. “I understand. I’ll be there shortly.”
I put my hands behind my head. “What’s that about?”
“Fun’s over. That was Skip. The board’s meeting.”
“Now?” I looked at my watch. “At ten pm?”
Lynx hopped out of bed. “Now.”
I used my watch to activate Jane’s homing autopilot so that she’d be outside waiting for me. “What’s up? This about today?”
“I don’t know, but if it is I told you I can handle it.” She walked to her bathroom, stopping in front of the mirror. “Before I leave why don’t you tell me about your theory on the Black Bleach. I can’t see how it’s involved with Benjy. Anyone who ingested it would be long dead before they were strong enough to hurt him.”
“That’s right.” I watched her apply lipstick, eyeliner, and run a very lucky brush through her hair. I’ve had worse times. “You’d make a good detective.”
“Well if you know all that then why’d we do what we did?” She left the bathroom and entered the walk-in closet.
“Are you familiar with MAGMAs?”
“Yeah. The board just purchased some.”
“I know.”
“You do?”
“Yeah. Did your dad know about it?”
“Of course he did. An asset that expensive couldn’t have been acquired without his approval.”
I knew it. “Well, he didn’t mention that during our last meeting.”
“So? He keeps a lot of secrets. Are they involved?”
“I think someone coated the tip of one with Black Bleach, and then shot Benjamin with it. The chemical reaction inside him is the only thing that could’ve caused the wounds I saw on his body.”
Lynx emerged in a conservative black dress and heels. She sat on the side of the bed, and asked, “How can you fasten liquid to a bullet?”
“They do it with Azures,” I said, “Professor Varius told me the process isn’t difficult.”
“That’s true, but is a MAGMA really powerful enough?”
“The guy who sells them swears it could break Pinnacle’s skin.”
“Then that gives dad access to the murder weapons, but I still doubt he was involved.”
“That makes one of us.”
“Well, it would explain why he didn’t tell me about Benjy, but sorry, I’m not convinced. Dad’s a lot of things, but careless isn’t one of them. He wouldn’t do something like this without being able to cover himself completely.”
“Good to know. However, in my opinion the real hole in my theory is that in order for the MAGMA to work the marksman would have to be extremely far away, like well over two miles. And to the best of my guy’s knowledge there’s no sniper that skilled in the world.”
Her face dropped. Lynx looked away. “Yes there is. But it’s not possible…”
I grabbed her chin, and turned her to me. “What’s not possible?”
She took a deep breath and swallowed. “A sniper. That’s what dad is. Nobody knows this, but back when he was in Israel, in the army, he specialized in long-range marksmanship. He was their best.”
A heavy silence fell between us. It took a moment for me to break it. “Are you serious? Lynchpin pulled the trigger?”
Lynx got up and paced the room. “I don’t know if you’re familiar with the art of accurate shooting over distances, but having the ability to control things with your mind is extremely helpful. He once hit a target from almost three miles out. My God. He did it.” She made a fist, and I felt the air pressure in the room double. The lamps, the bed, everything sank an inch under her power.
I walked to Lynx, put my hands on her shoulders, and she relaxed some. “Yeah, I think so. But all the evidence is circumstantial right now. I still have to prove it.”
“Then how do we? Prove it I mean?”
I thought for a second. “If we can show that your dad purchased the Kaos rifles and accessed the Black Bleach that’ll give us means. Add that to his skills, and it might be enough to take to the SPECs.”
“Ok. I’m not in the supply chain though, I don’t control any outflows of payments, but I can check on them easy enough. There might be ways to hide transactions, but I know what to look for. If we’re right though, and he is guilty, why do you think he did it?”
“Who knows?” I said. “Maybe he was lying and he didn’t like the two of you together. Maybe it has to do with his expansion into Japan. Probably both.”
Lynx dropped her jaw. “How do you know about that?”
“It’s my job.”
She turned away from me, shaking her head. “That would make sense. Dad’s been planning to move into the Asian black cape territories for months. He said the families there couldn’t stop us, that no one could, except Team Supreme.”
“Not anymore they can’t, not without Pinnacle.”
“Yeah.” She sighed, then looked at her watch. “Damn it, I’ve got to go. In the meantime, you be careful.”
I wrapped my arms around her. “You too.”
“I’m his daughter, he won’t-”
“He’s already killed one of his own kids.”
“Spitfire. I remember.” Lynx’s face turned red. She walked into the living room and I followed, scooping up my clothes on the way. I threw them on as fast as I could. “Alright Dane, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Meanwhile I’ll see if I can’t get us some assistance. But be sure to contact me regardless of what you find.”
She showed me to the door. “I will. And if we’re right, I’m going to want-”
“Revenge,” I said. “Me too,” I put on my hat, took a step outside, and turned around. I pulled her close and gave her a kiss on the mouth harder than all the others.
#
When I got downstairs Jane was out front waiting for me. I needed rest, but instead of my apartment I drove to the office. The light was on, and when I walked in Widow was there, waiting.
“Late night, kiddo?” I asked.
“Yeah,” she said, “I had some stuff to finish up.”
I looked at the clock. “After eleven? You liar.” I walked into the back room, and tossed my gear on the sofa. “How’d you know I’d be here?”
Widow followed me. “You always crash at the office when something big’s stirring.”
“Do I?”
“Yeah,” she said, “you told me Cutter used to do that.”
“He did. So?”
Widow walked over and gave me a four-armed hug, which if you ask me are the best kind. She pulled away, b
ut left her hands behind. “So the time has come. I need to know what’s going on.”
“I can’t, but you know I’d never freeze you out unless it was important.”
She shook her head. “No. Not that again. I promised myself that if you went home then I’d let this lie, but you came here which means I have to insist. Spill it.”
“Widow,” I looked in her eyes. I could see she was right so we sat down on my couch. I filled her in on everything I’d done the past few days. Mostly I focused on the action, leaving the romance out, and considering the severity of it all she took it pretty well.
“Ok, then that explains everything. I can’t believe you really found Pinnacle’s secret identity. I’m impressed boss, that’s like the black cape Holy Grail.” She let out a long whistle. “And you got the murder weapons, too. Any idea how you’re going to take down Lynchpin? The guy’s army is as big as all outdoors.”
“I’m thinking Monday can help with that. I’ll call him tomorrow.”
“Good idea. You give him the evidence and he’ll get the SPECs on board for certain.” We sat in silence for a few seconds, and a smile crept across her face. “You know, I think I’ll stop ribbing you about your skills now.”
“Thanks. Anyway, like I said, I’m sorry I kept it all from you.” I slapped her knee.
“Don’t worry about it,” she said.
“You’re a doll.”
Widow stood up, went to her desk, and started collecting her things. “Now that I know everything’s settled I’m going home. You need anything before I leave?”
I picked up a bottle of whiskey and a glass. “Nope, I’ve got it all well in hand. Good night.”
“Good night.” She turned her desk lamp off, and walked out the door.
I poured myself a healthy dose, leaned back, and closed my eyes. This was a good day. Productive. For the first time since I caught this case I felt confident that I might bring it to a close fast enough to stop a war. I just had to prove for certain that the whole thing was Lynchpin’s doing. For that I needed to-
“Dane!”
I jumped up. “What?”
Widow ran past me, grabbed the remote off my desk, and clicked on the television. “Thought you might like to know, they just found the guy who killed Pinnacle.”
Chapter 30
Humphries was on TV. Next to him stood Glory Anna, the new leader of Team Supreme. She was a foot taller than he was, and had on a red and gold uniform with her dark hair pulled back. The two of them were behind a podium on the platform in the central lobby of Top Tower, surrounded by a sea of waving hands.
“How will this affect the policing of powered crime?” a reporter asked.
Humphries said, “We’re looking to expand it. I think I speak for us all when I say we cannot allow the loss of one man, no matter how terrible, to dissuade us from the pursuit of safety and justice. There’s a whole city, a whole country in fact, that still needs protection, and we are working closer than ever with Team Supreme to expand our influence for the purpose of capturing not only Pinnacle’s killer, but every other black cape who threatens national security. Now, just one more question.” He pointed to one of the reporters. “Martin, go ahead.”
“Glory Anna, you said this tip came in over the Team Supreme hotline, how certain are you that this individual is really the culprit?”
The room went silent.
Glory Anna stiffened. “The tip is good. As of now we can’t reveal the source, but it’s solid.”
Another reporter jumped in. “Does this person have anything to do with the Sindicate?”
“Everything that happens with Gold Coast’s black cape community has something to do with the Sindicate, but right now our evidence points in a completely different direction.”
Humphries nodded, and leaned over the mic. “That’s correct. Also, I’d like to apologize for the lack of information. We have the suspect’s name, but no picture on file. However, Glory Anna and I are putting all available resources into finding this individual so Gold Coast City can be assured that we’ll have the black cape who goes by Mindgame in custody shortly.”
Widow clicked off the set.
“Mindgame.” I slumped down in the couch. I couldn’t believe it. He was making some bold claims at Lynchpin’s party, but this was way out of line for a guy like him. It didn’t fit.
“Who’s he?” Widow asked.
“A thinker. Nobody really. One of Professor Varius’s old techs. There’s no way he’s involved,” I said. The telephone rang.
“I’ll get it,” Widow leaned towards the receiver.
“No, it’s probably for me.” I got up and grabbed the phone. “Hello?”
“Mr. Curse? Good evening, have you seen the news?” It was the same guy who gave me the case a few nights back.
“Sorry slick, I was too busy to see tonight’s installment.”
“You know of course I realize that you’re lying.”
Cogs. Some can read your thoughts even over the phone. “Ok. Yeah, I saw it. So?”
“So the killer’s been identified, and will most likely be captured shortly. Therefore I’m calling to inform you that your services are no longer required.”
“What? I don’t think-”
“Thinking is not what you were hired to do. You were hired to find a killer, and that’s been done. That part’s over. This investigation is now closed. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that any further actions regarding it will not go unnoticed. Or unpunished.”
“I don’t cotton to threats, slick. So if you got any more in your mouth keep them tucked under your tongue because-”
“That wasn’t a threat Mr. Curse, merely the effect your further snooping will cause. Now pick up a pen and write this down: Your work is no longer required. Good night.”
I hung up the phone.
“Who was that?” Widow said.
“The guy who hired me. He called to fire me.”
“So the case is closed.”
I looked out my window. The moon was low in the sky. Its glow bounced off the bay, making the waves shine. “Not for me it isn’t. Not until I’m sure they got the right man. I’ll just need to be careful.”
Widow went to my desk, got herself a glass, and filled it. “So then what’s your next move?”
“The same move. Get some sleep, and contact Monday about this in the morning.”
“You got information on Mindgame for him?”
“Some, but I’m not handing it to the SPECs. They can do their own legwork. I want to find out who their informant is, and what kind of proof they got it wasn’t Lynchpin.”
“Alright then, good night boss.” She killed her drink, then started towards the door.
I called out, “Widow.”
She stopped, and turned around. “Yeah?”
I took off my hat and threw it on the desk. “Leave the bottle.”
I tried to nab some sleep, but couldn’t stop thinking about Mindgame. Was he really involved? Maybe he was Lynchpin’s partner, or maybe he could’ve planned it, but that all seemed so unlikely. I was convinced the old man was behind it all, a hunch that was only confirmed by his building roadblocks on my avenues of inquiry, but if he thought they’d slow my push then he wasn’t thinking on all six cylinders.
I tossed like a tableside Caesar for an hour trying to see how it fit, and by the time I finally nodded off my mood was as dark as the night outside.
#
“Rise and shine,” Widow pulled the blinds up, and light poured into the office like water through a turbine.
“I’m up,” I grumbled, and rubbed what little crud had accumulated from my eyes.
Widow shoved a bagel at me along with a cup of coffee. “Here, eat this.”
“Thanks.”
“Don’t mention it.”
“How long you been up for?” I asked.
“Long enough to hear the news.”
The coffee in my hand couldn’t have snapped me awake like thos
e words. “There’s more news?” I broke off a piece of the bagel, and shoved it into my craw. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense, what fresh hell’s arisen while I slumbered?” I took another bite. I didn’t realize how hungry I was.
“Blood Angel and Black Orchid are in the morgue.”
I dropped the bagel. “What? How?”
“Nobody’s saying much. Rumor has it some white capes got ahold of them, but in my opinion the whole thing’s fishy.”
“Why do you say that?”
“Because when A-listers like Orchid and Blood Angel mix it up with heroes there’s a lot of damage, but all the pictures they’ve shown of the crime scene lack the telltale signs of destruction.”
I was about to ask another question but stopped. I didn’t notice it before, but the office was silent. Even the sounds that creep in from street side were gone. I looked out the window. Barely anyone was out. “There was no destruction around the bodies?”
“Not one bit.”
I picked up my bagel off the floor and tossed it in the can. Orchid and Angel. Both were board members, and the first two allies Lychnpin engaged at the party right after our meeting. Them, and the guy who discovered the body. If those three really were accomplices in Pinnacle’s murder, and Lynchpin was tying up loose ends, then Gravel would be next, and that might put him in the talking mood. I gave Old Stony a call, but all I got was his answering service so I left a message.
Then I thought of Lynx.
I dialed her number as fast as my fingers could. It was ringing. Once. Twice. Six times in all before going to voice mail. I hung up and used a dirty word.
Widow said, “So what’s your plan for today? And the answer isn’t ‘I’m investigating Mindgame’.”
“I know. Besides, even if he is involved, which I doubt, he’s got to be as far away from Gold Coast as possible.”
“Good. So who’s on the dance card then?”
I looked at my watch. Seven am. Monday wouldn’t be available until noon. “Nobody for now. I’m thinking maybe I should barricade the door and shoot whoever comes knocking.”
“That’s a plan,” Widow said, “but since you’re technically not on the case anymore there is another thing.”