by L. M. Vila
“Finished already?” A friend voice asked from behind Michael.
Davis had left the station and popularity behind and approached his companion with an unremarkable amount of calmness given the situation.
Michael gave him a quick glance and then tucked the wallet back into his jacket.
“We’re going to Kyoto.”
“Kyoto? What are we looking for there?”
“A drug called Longini. Associates of Ryoo Myung-Dae are known to peddle that stuff in that location.”
“Longini?” Davis pondered. “That’s an odd choice of name for a drug.”
Michael stared back at the young Paladin with an inquisitive glare. He didn’t even need to utter a single word to convey what he was going to ask next.
“Longini, or Saint Longinus as he is commonly known was the name of a Roman soldier during the time that Jesus Christ had lived on earth. He was the one who was condemned for stabbing the body of Christ with his spear during the crucifixion. Though he’s considered a saint now, his spear was thought to be a holy relic since having pierced Christ’s flesh.”
Though he didn’t want to admit it outright, Michael had a good resource at his disposal. Christian lore was not under his extensive list of academic achievements. He’d never even opened up a bible. Religion and Michael never seemed to get along. Davis’ sudden appearance in his life proved that. At least they had a new lead to follow. If Longini was making its rounds in Kyoto, Michael was determined to find it.
March 25th, 2013 6:11PM
Los Angeles, CA
The S.A.C. took a deep breath after gently placing the phone back on the receiver. Director Miller saw it fit to give his subordinate a severe ass-chewing given the current state of affairs. Agent Madison had not arrived in Washington as of yet and his whereabouts are currently unknown. Even if they were, when that man put his mind on something, the entire organization would be hard pressed to find him. After all, he did it once before.
Though he was ordered to putting Agent Madison on the top of his priority list, Adrian started to feel of the itch of insubordination crawling up the back of his head. It wasn’t as if he wanted to directly disobey an order but rather, he had something he needed to take care of first. Instead of worrying what he couldn’t do, the S.A.C. decided to focus on something where he could actually make a difference.
The list of Doctor Freak’s offenses was a lot smaller than Adrian originally thought. That could mean one of two things: he’s either really new or really good. Either way, Mark did a great job finding the goods on this kid. And that was the worst part of all. This notorious hacker entrusted with the economic welfare of a billionaire couldn’t even get into an R-rated movie without a parent being present. The aptitude kids have these days with computers still astounds the S.A.C. but this was actually a bit of good news.
Adult hackers didn’t sweat the law as much as children did. It would be much easier to coerce a child into offering their assistance. Adults normally wanted cash on top of their pardons. Kids would just be happy with being spared the mighty belt whip of the American legal system. They’ll have plenty of time to learn the ropes later but if they could pull one or two of these kids to the side of justice early then it would make the effort worth it.
Agent Fischer had forwarded this information to the judge just a few moments ago. He had wanted to call earlier and inform them it was coming but Director Miller had tied up his phone line for the better part of an hour. Luckily, Adrian was a master multitasker and was able to coordinate the update plan via email while still giving his superior his full attention.
Florida agents and their SWAT team unit was already on standby a block away from the kid’s house ready to move in when the word is given. Adrian didn’t really feel like taking another trip outside of the state but the Tampa field office was more than willing to offer their assistance on a potentially big case like this one. When you take down a multibillion dollar empire, you’d want to make sure your name is attached to the list of people responsible for bringing it to its knees. It will only serve to make each department look good and show synergy between the field offices.
The email programed chirped on Adrian’s computer with the attached warrant. Everything was going according to plan. His hand immediately picked up the phone and dialed the extension. A familiar voice picked up on the other end.
“Hey boss, what’s up?”
“It’s about to go down. Do you want to see the show?”
“Is crack addictive?”
“What was that?”
The analyst flustered a bit.
“Nothing boss. On my way.”
Normally Adrian would be against such theatrics but Mark had been very helpful throughout the entire process. He deserved to see, or at least hear the fruits of his labor in action. Analysts don’t get to go into the field so many of them live vicariously through the efforts and stories of others. If Mark was as good with a gun as he was with a keyboard he would be working right up there with Agent Madison and Lewis.
The door opened and Mark stepped in. He gave a visual greeting to his superior as Adrian picked up the phone and tapped the speed dial button. It rang for two seconds before a friendly voice answered.
“Greetings Agent Fischer. Are you ready to be connected to the SWAT Commander?”
“Patch it through,” he said tapping the speaker line. The call transferred with a click and Adrian and Mark could hear the SWAT team going through their briefing.
“Good evening gentlemen. This is the Special Agent in Charge Adrian Fischer. Mission is a go, I repeat you are clear to engage and apprehend.”
“Roger that sir,” said the gruff voice on the other line.
Adrian tapped the mute button so the sounds of his office wouldn’t distract the other members of the team. The Commander immediately began to shout commands to his troops. His voice echoed within the metal walls of the SWAT truck.
“The show’s about to get started?”
“Yes,” Adrian replied. “It shouldn’t take too long. They devised a pretty clever plan to catch this kid.”
“Good because I’m starving,” the analyst smiled.
Adrian had almost forgot about his promise to Mark. As much as he hated to waste money on expensive meals, this time, it just felt right. Sometimes you have to reward yourself for a job well done. Maybe a nice lobster dinner was just the thing to celebrate their efforts or at the very least, take his mind at the grander task clawing for his attention.
March 25th, 2013 9:16PM
Pasco County, FL
“Roberto!” The old woman shouted. “Get off the computer now. You have school tomorrow.”
Sitting at his desk, a young boy continually tapped and clicked away at his computer’s input devices. He rested the keyboard gently across his lap with his feet propped up on the battered table the rest of his equipment rested on. Though night had fallen, he still remained in his trendy school attire. A pair of dark blue jeans complimented his tan complexion and a simple black shirt with a bright red fist raised on high in the center completed the ensemble. The long greasy locks of hair flowing over his eyes didn’t seem to dissuade his attention to the computer in the slightest.
“Callate,” the young boy whispered to himself.
His eyes were locked on the multitude of screens before him. So much data to plow through with such little time. If only his mother knew the things he did to keep this family afloat; not to mention buy himself all of these cool toys. Just because their house looked like a strong wind could knock it over didn’t mean they couldn’t find luxury in other things.
Unfortunately for the young boy, his mother cared not for trinkets and extravagancies. Despite being a teenager and barely tall enough to kiss his mother on the cheek without standing on his toes, he was still a defiant young man. She walked up to him with a dirty, soap covered spatula in hand and gave him a good swipe across back of his neck.
“¿Callate? ¡¿Callate?!” She shouted.
A righteous fury swelled within the bowels of the woman’s rage as she continually smacked her son across the head with the metal utensil. The dishes be damned for all she cared. This was about teaching someone respect.
“Knock it off mama!” Begged the child as he brought up his hands to shield himself further.
The old woman continued to bring down her physical wrath upon the soft, still developing tissues of his dark skin. Thankfully the ringing of a doorbell got her to cease her attack.
“¿Qué pasa ahora?” She asked in a much milder tone.
At least the beating stopped. The front door was just two steps away from where her son’s desk was situated. He wouldn’t be able to get far if he acted up again. The old woman peered through the side window next to the door. A good looking young man in a fine black suit stared back at her. In this kind of neighborhood, it’s hard to trust anyone who comes knocking on your door. The four locks on her front door paired with bars on every window were proof of that. A man dressed like this, however, was a welcomed change of pace.
The door opened to reveal the man she saw in a much better light. Though night had fallen, the porch light did more than justice to this man’s looks. His dark colored skin and gentle facial features made the old lady feel warm, even if it were just for a moment. She’d almost forgotten what time it was and anyone coming at this hour better have a damn good reason for doing so.
“Perdóneme senorita,” he smiled, then flustered a bit before continuing. “I’m sorry but my Spanish is not that good. I was wondering, is your son home?”
“No, your Spanish is fine.”
The old woman could barely contain her grin.
“And yes, my son is here. Why? Is something wrong?”
“Well,” the man stared.
He sold it well by scratching his head.
“I was visiting my mother this afternoon and I noticed a dent on my car. One of your neighbors told me she saw your son walking by it earlier and –”
“¡¿Qué?!”
The spatula was returned to its previous violent state as it began to christen her son’s head once more. It was a good thing he was within arm’s reach too. Lord help the poor boy if she had to chase him down.
Roberto tried to plead his case but to no avail. His mother couldn’t hear his cries underneath the sound of metal slapping flesh. The old woman grabbed the kid by the collar and tossed him out the front door.
“You go and make peace with this man. Apologize!” She ordered.
“That won’t be necessary ma’am,” the agent countered.
He placed a strong arm on the kid’s shoulder and held him tightly while tapping the microphone in his ear and saying, “Take it down boys.”
Glass shattered instantly from across the hall. Within seconds, a dozen SWAT team members began filling the house. They charged with weapons drawn and immediately rushed for the computer and all its components.
“Hey!” Roberto shouted. “That’s my stuff!”
He tried to desperately get away from the man’s grip but it was locked in hard. There was no way this computer junkie was going to out power him.
“You can’t do this to me. Let me go!”
“It’s in your best interest to calm down Doctor Freak,” smirked the agent. “I’d hate for assaulting a federal officer to go on your growing list of crimes.”
That brief and blunt statement was all it took to shut the kid down. In all of his short years of hacking, he’d finally been bested. How they got to him would hopefully be revealed later but for now, there was no use in fighting back.
“What are you doing to my son?” Cried the old woman.
With the boy still firmly latched to his harm, the agent reached in his coat pocket and procured his ID badge.
“F.B.I. ma’am. We’re going to need to borrow your son for a few days,” he placed the badge back in its pocket and from another drew out a small business card. “Feel free to call this number. If you have a lawyer, please have them call us instead.”
“¿Un abogado?” She started looking more and more puzzled by the second. “What did he do?”
“That number will give you all of the information you need but if it helps, your son is being charged with multiple counts of wire fraud and illegal tapping.”
“No, this is a mistake,” the child defended.
A new fire engulfed the old woman’s eyes. She began swinging the spatula at his head with a renewed sense of fury. Having the agent hold him down helped ease her anger a bit. Lord knows what she’s going to do to him as soon as he gets back.
March 25th, 2013 6:20PM
Los Angeles, CA
All of the violence going down on the other end made Adrian and Mark thankful they were on this end of the receiver. It sounded like things over there got heated quickly. And to think Adrian was just complimenting their plan.
“HQ,” a voice called on the line once the chaos subsided. “We’ve got the package in tow and ready for delivery.”
It was almost enough to warrant a genuine smile to form on the S.A.C.’s lips.
“Bring the package home. We’ve got a nice room waiting for him.”
“Roger that.”
Adrian hung up the call and stood up from his desk. He grabbed his keys in one quick swipe and headed for the door. Mark was amazed at how quick the S.A.C. could move.
“So they’re bringing that kid here? Tonight?”
“You are correct Mark.”
“And we’re going to wait for him to show up?”
“I will,” he replied, “You won’t. You’re going to need your rest if you’re going to try and crack that worm before the interrogation starts.”
Adrian was almost out the door before he turned at gave the analyst a warm look.
“But first, I promised someone a lobster dinner if I recall.”
“Really?” Mark said grinning like a fool. “I was only half serious.”
“A deal’s a deal. Besides, his flight is not scheduled to arrive until sometime before midnight. I’ve got time for a quick date.”
“Aw com’on boss. When you say it like that it takes all the fun out of it.”
That brief statement of resistance was more than enough to put a smile on Adrian’s face.
March 26th, 2013 9:28AM (local time)
Shizouka Prefecture, Japan
The Mercedes blazed down Tomei Expressway. Michael kept the gas pedal tight but at a reasonable speed. There was no reason to get tagged for speeding here. Despite the authentic look of the provided gear, not having the originals began to irk at the FBI agent’s patience. Michael didn’t like to be in debt, always paid his bills on time, and paid cash whenever possible. The newfound generosity of his companion was pleasant but not without its drawbacks. The fact that they essentially caught him with his pants down forced Michael to take on this mission without being properly prepared. It all seemed too convenient to be coincidence. Michael never believed in coincidences.
Despite his initial and still looming reservations, Michael owed some gratitude to the young Paladin. He has provided the FBI agent with agile transportation, hotel rooms, and not a single voice of opposition throughout the entire trip. One couldn’t ask for a better partner let alone observer. Just before they left the Tokyo Prefecture Davis even purchased a non-contract cell phone and calling card so Michael could be in contact with his peers if need be. Davis really thought of everything which continued to tap into Michael’s depleting pool of trust. So much so that the young Paladin could easily read it on his face.
“You still don’t trust me, do you Michael?” Davis boldly asked.
“Would you?” Michael quickly countered.
“Fair enough. Given your history it’s quite understandable that you wouldn’t trust me or anyone else. Which is why I’m intrigued as it pertains to those you do trust. Whatever they did must have been something important and special. I’d like to know what I have to do in order to be on their level.”
Michael thought about it for a moment. Only two names came to mind on his list of people to trust. What they did to earn it goes beyond simple words or actions. There is no one else on this planet Michael would rather be with at this moment. He had an answer to the young Paladin’s question and if he read between the lines, then maybe there’s hope for Davis yet.
“Save my life.”
Puzzled, Davis gave his companion an inquisitive look.
“Really? Is that all?”
Michael didn’t say a word. His silence always heightened his level of seriousness than any look or phrase ever could.
“Well, as an observer my role in your life and activities is required to be limited. But, you pose a unique challenge Michael. I look forward to the opportunity should it present itself,” the young Paladin smiled.
With Davis reverting back to his peaceful and quiet self it afforded the FBI agent to make a much needed phone call. Given the local time in California, she should still be awake. It was time for a status update.
Michael took out his cell phone and dialed one of the few numbers he had purposely committed to memory. It took a few moments, much longer than he originally anticipated. She would normally rush to answer his call but since his name wasn’t going to show up on the caller ID, Michael gave her the benefit of the doubt.
“Hello,” she answered.
Her tone was soft and weak. Very unlike the A.D.
“Commander,” Michael spoke.
“Michael?!” Her voice lifted.