“Really? Well I still don’t like him.”
Sarafina rolled her eyes and laughed as Leo pointed the car toward home.
Leo did not trust anyone at the Sullivan mansion, least of all Fox One. Where was Mr. Sullivan in all of this? Would he be angry, or was he too, complicit?
Leo’s abating fear, mixed with anger, clouded his mind as he tried to understand what just happened. Something told him he should not trust either one of them. They desperately wanted something from him. For now, he calmed his nerves with the hum of the road and forgot he had nearly been killed.
Chapter 30
Fox Two laid staring as he listened to the massive V-8 roar through the woods, the taillights swallowed up by the fog.
Fox One came running up at a full sprint. “You damn idiot you let them go.”
“I let them go? You’re the one who couldn’t keep them contained in the first place.”
“Damn it, Mr. Sullivan will not tolerate this. Forget about them we have other matters to attend to and a body to dispose of.”
Fox Two’s head snapped toward Fox One in surprise.
“Excuse me? We have a what?”
“Shut up and come with me!”
The Phantom led Fox Two down the road and through the fog covered lawn. If the escapees had been anyone else, they would have been subdued or eliminated. And in the event of anyone escaping, pursuit would have issued immediately.
Fox One hated more than anything backing down, holding back, or making exceptions in procedure. Right now, he was very concerned about the set of events that had transpired. He had tipped his hat significantly toward loyalty to Mr. Sullivan and the procedures created by him.
Unfortunately, he knew Mrs. Sullivan marched to the beat of a different drum. And she was the one who had hired him, not Mr. Sullivan. Fox Two followed by the Phantoms side not sure who he was looking for.
“Sir, what happened?” Fox Two asked. “The body, who is it? And how did we have a perimeter breech without any warning?”
“Just keep an eye out, you’ll see who soon enough. Trust me, you’re gonna get a kick out of this. It’s a mutual annoyance to us here.”
“Mrs. Sullivan?”
Fox One laughed. “You better not say that too loud. It’s probably best you keep that to yourself.”
“You should follow your own advice. You dislike Mrs. Sullivan more than anyone.”
The fog was still quite thick, making the search more difficult than it should have been. Fox One knew approximately where he fired his shots and he felt like he had walked too far already. At the outer edge, the fog only allowed them to see the forest fringe come into view.
“Damn this fog,” Fox One said. “We must have walked right paat the body. Let’s split up, we need to get this taken care of ASAP. If you find anything, raise me on the secure channel. We don’t want any of this to get out.”
They separated and went back across the lawn in different directions. Fox One knew the body had to be nearby. He scoured the area looking down at the ground paying close attention. Something shiny caught his eye and he moved closer.
It appeared to be metal. He reached down and picked it up, realizing it to be an empty shell casing. He examined it closely, confirming his suspicion of an expended casing. So where is the body and the blood?
Fox One checked out the area a bit longer before calling Fox Two to help in the search. He did not understand. It should be right here. He fired his shot at close range. He needed to hurry so he raised Fox Two to rejoin him.
They circled the area and found nothing more. Someone must have moved the body. Who else is on duty and why would they abandon their post to retrieve a body that no one knows about? Unless Mrs. Sullivan somehow knew what had transpired.
“Fox Two return to your post, take over position Twelve for me at the front gate. I need to determine our next move,” Fox One said.
Fox Two nodded and walked into the forest to set up a post at the front gate. Fox One debated whether to inform Mr. Sullivan immediately or take it all up with Mrs. Sullivan. Before he could make up his mind, static came over his comms, followed by a familiar voice.
“Fox One I believe you said you would like to talk to me. And you demanded an apology I understand?”
“Yes, Mrs. Sullivan. I do believe we have some things to discuss and iron out. Your man was out of line. He should have known not to threaten me and then draw his weapon on me. I will return the tablet in due time, it only needs to be checked for malware. I don’t understand why he would risk his life for a breach, and break protocol for a tablet from a nobody.”
Mrs. Sullivan let out a quick succession of laughs, “Sorry it’s just something you said. I do agree it was a bit much to get the tablet. Let me ease your fears. I’m not upset, perhaps disappointed you didn’t just hand it over, but I understand. You’re a stickler for procedure. Come inside I want to bury the hatchet.”
Fox One did not want to worry Mr. Sullivan unnecessarily, he thought about calling him, but his nightly report would show all activities of the day. He made his way toward the front of the mansion, looking forward to getting out of the fog for a few minutes. He walked over the driveway, now filled with ruts from Sarafina speeding away earlier.
Fox One arrived at the closed front doors, a green glow emanated from a carved hole and along every edge of the opening. Knowing any touch to the doors would lead to a jolt, the Phantom placed his fingers on his comms button and began to speak.
Just as he pressed the button, the door latch popped with a clunk and the green glow disappeared. He had not set foot inside prior to his entry in search of Leo earlier.
All inside security was independent to the external team Fox One was a part. Somehow the door had opened, normally done by the man they called, the Butler. Odd since he was certain he had shot the man and there was no possibility of him being behind this giant door. He pushed open the door, peering around it, not sure where he should go from the large entryway. The lights were back on, but the space was still dimly lit despite the massive gas chandelier above.
He stood just inside, waiting for instruction from Mrs. Sullivan, not wanting to intrude. He had his fill of controversy today. Gas lamps hissed overhead as he did his best to remain patient. Flashes of light came from the hallway beyond the foyer. He thought about hailing Mrs. Sullivan on his comms, but instead began to walk forward toward the hallway. As he arrived there, Mrs. Sullivan’s voice came from within the lit room, the second door on the right.
“Fox One, welcome. I know you being inside is against the rules created by my husband, but let’s put that aside. Come in, I’d like to give you that apology.”
Mrs. Sullivan’s behavior seemed eerily kind, compared to her usual abrasive demeanor. Fox One, not wanting to back down from anything, entered the room, darkly lit like the rest of the home. It looked to be an entertainment room of some kind and she stood behind a bar, both palms down on its top.
He glanced around the room at movie theater seats, and a pool table on the opposite side.
“Come on in now, I’m not going to bite you.”
Fox One remained where he stood. Something did not seem right and the hair on the back of his neck stood up. Instinct told him to politely decline and leave. With an inquisitively skeptical look, his brow squinted tightly.
“Let’s get this over with, tell me what you have to say. I have a job to do.”
Fox One abrasive tone hid his concern about the situation.
“Oh, come now, be civil,” Mrs. Sullivan said. “It’s not often I offer an apology, let alone invite you into my home.” She motioned to the bar stools. “Sit.”
Reluctant, yet curious, he cautiously took a seat on the stool away from the lady of the house.
“I should have clarified,” she said. “It’s not exactly I that will be offering an apology.” Her attention shifted from Fox One to the theater. He followed her eyes and caught the glimmer of a glass raised in one hand. Someone sat far away in t
he front row enjoying a stiff drink. It appeared to be a man in a suit, who pivoted to walk to the center isle and pivoted once again to head toward them. Fox One squinted to see the figure striding toward them. He finally caught a glimpse of the man’s face, immediately raising his rifle.
“Freeze!” Fox One shouted, pointing his rifle toward the now frozen Butler, presumably brought back from the dead.
Chapter 31
Leo made his way out of the Amish countryside full of picket-fenced farmland and arrived at a nearby town. They were not far from home but after being shot at, Leo was worried and paranoid. The last place he wanted to be was his remote cottage on the grounds of Halaby. What if they follow me there? They have my address from my book purchase.
“We have a long drive ahead of us still. It’s seven P.M.” Leo said.
“Ugh, I know, don’t remind me! My body is killing me,” she said with a tired faint smile.
“We could just get a room in town.”
“Leo you dog, how dare you!” she said with a stern shocked tone, and contorted face. Sara laughed, “Let’s totally do it! Don’t go getting any ideas now.”
“I just think it will be safer than returning home right away.”
Leo pulled out his phone to search for a nearby hotel, when a notification popped up, an email from Mrs. Sullivan. He tentatively opened it up and began to read.
“Anything good Leo, you look perplexed?”
“Well I got an email from Mrs. Sullivan; she gave me the name of the machinist I requested.”
“Well as long as they’re not after us, I’ll be okay, I think.”
Leo mumbled under his breath, “Oh they will be soon, I’m sure of that.”
“What did you say?”
“Oh nothing, I hope they aren’t either.”
He saved the contact information to his address book and closed the email. The machinists address looked familiar, but Leo couldn’t quite place where he had seen it.
“Let’s see if we can find a place to stay,” said Leo.
They did not have to drive far until they saw a place that looked perfect. It was a beautiful massive B&B inn. Leo pulled in and parked next to the painted wooden sign, dated 1819, and they checked in at the lobby. The lobby was beautiful and they both felt out of place with their torn dirty clothes and scratches faces.
They drudged their way to their country decorated hotel room, tired, waiting to hit the bed. They both laid down under the porcelain lamps, casting a relaxing muted light, Sarafina shut her eyes and fell asleep quickly. Leo turned his head and glanced over at Sarafina, she looked so peaceful. Whatever they had stumbled into, they were in it together. His next move was important; he recalled his dream with the dark figure whispering in his ear saying, ‘choose wisely.’
Something would have to be done about the situation but not tonight, tonight he just wanted to forget the day and sleep. He ignored his cares and worries and drifted off to sleep.
* * *
“Fox One put that gun down,” Mrs. Sullivan snapped. “You’ve already had your dual with the Butler today. The Butler’s not here for a fight.”
“Both of you have some explaining to do,” Fox One said, keeping his weapon on the man. “How is he still alive?”
“How am I still alive? You thought you had killed me? I wear a tactical vest just as you do. You’re not the only one who needs to be prepared, obviously.”
This statement confused Fox One. His memory was fresh with the events and he swore his bullet had hit the man’s neck. The grounds were foggy though, had he just misperceived?
“Let’s put aside me shooting you for a second. I am this locations buffer from the outside world. Any potential threat that may affect security inside is my responsibility to prevent.”
“Fox One, we do appreciate what you do here,” Mrs. Sullivan said. “And want to offer you an…Well I’ll let him tell you.”
The Butler nodded his head as he spoke. “We both want to apologize for our behavior. I shouldn’t have approached you that way. We just really needed the device as soon as possible.”
“Am I in the Twilight Zone? You’re admitting a mistake in judgment? Well it’s about time. I was beginning to wonder if Mr. Sullivan’s procedures meant nothing to you.”
“Oh no, quite to the contrary,” she said. “The Butler and I appreciate you following the rules, and we know it was hard for you to make an exception in this case. We knew you weren’t all brawn.”
“Make an exception, what are you talking about?” Fox One demanded angrily, stiffening.
Fox One watched as the Butler reach down on the aisle seat of the last row of the theater and pulled out a tablet. He brandished it at him as if he were flaunting it.
“I don’t follow,” said Fox One.
Mrs. Sullivan interjected, “The tablet gave us access after all. You did put up a fight though,” she chuckled. “Thank you for handing it over Fox One.”
Fox One, still unsure of what was going on, stood speechless.
“Oh, and by the way, here is Mr. Krueger’s phone as well.”
The Butler pulled the phone from his pocket and offered it to Fox One. He stared at the Butler’s outstretched hand, Leo’s phone waiting to be plucked from it.
Things made sense to Fox One now. Fox Two should have secured these items. Now he was angry again.
“What do you two think you’re doing?” Fox One growled. “I didn’t permit the tablet to enter and you know it. Hand it over immediately.” He snatched Krueger’s phone away from the Butler’s hand and turned toward Mrs. Sullivan.
The bar where Mrs. Sullivan had been, lay empty now. Fox One saw a glow from the hallway and pursued what he thought was Mrs. Sullivan escaping with the tablet. He made his way out into the foyer as the light dissipated, leaving the room in dim light again.
He turned to see the Butler darting into another room. Furious and tired of the cat and mouse games, he hated to be placated and worst of all taken advantage of. He regarded the home as a combat zone and searched room to room to make sure there would be no more surprises, leaving the room the Butler had gone into for last.
It was the fourth door on the left. He cleared all the other hall rooms. His back against the wall near the last door, Fox One pivoted into the doorway, his 9mm handgun ready to fire.
The Butler stood with the tablet, his back to Fox One. A podium rose from the ground that had been concealed within the floor. Mrs. Sullivan was standing on the other side of the podium, motioning for the Butler to do something with the tablet.
“Both of you are trying my patience! Stop what you’re doing and put the tablet down.”
“Aren’t you over reacting now, Fox One? You’re forgetting whom you are working for. You work for me.”
“Stop talking Mrs. Sullivan! Butler put that tablet down immediately.”
Fox One decided to show his seriousness, he cocked the hammer allowing a hair trigger.
“Perhaps I was wrong, maybe you are all brawn and no brain,” said Mrs. Sullivan.
The Butler taunted, “You’re making a stupid choice.”
The Butler looked at Mrs. Sullivan for approval. From where he was standing, all Fox One saw was a nod from her. The Butler obeyed Fox One’s request and lowered the tablet toward the podium.
Fox One watched him closely. Instead of laying it down flat, he docked it into the input terminal. Before Fox One could react, the Butler pressed a button on the screen for the tablet to upload the information.
Fox One knew firing a gun could potentially be hazardous to the facility, but he took the chance and pulled the trigger. As the bullet exited the barrel, Fox One realized its trajectory. Unless the tablet completely stopped the bullet, it would pass into Mrs. Sullivan. His face turned white with fright as he watched the screen shatter and the round pass through to Mrs. Sullivan’s torso. The bookshelf behind her cracked in the center, spider webbing outward, but not shattering. He realized it was a faux bookcase and it flickered and went dark.
Mrs. Sullivan remained standing, seeming unaffected. Fox One could not understand this and also how a 9mm round would pass through a tablet and a person’s torso. He had hoped the tablet had not transmitted any information before he destroyed it, as he looked at Mrs. Sullivan’s face scowling, looking as if she was ready to combust.
Her image flickered as she rounded the podium and Fox One realized it was only an image of her, or maybe some sort of advanced hologram. He took a little comfort in the fact he had not killed his boss.
Mrs. Sullivan charged toward Fox One and said, “You damn fool what the hell were you thinking? You would have shot me and perhaps even worse damaged the library! You’re lucky the library is made with bullet resistant materials. Your precious protocol isn’t worth killing over. You are a stupid meathead after all. Lower your weapon immediately or I will terminate our arrangement.”
The Butler had his hands clinch into fists at his side, as if waiting to pounce. Fox One assumed he might even have a weapon hidden beneath his suit jacket.
Intent on taking the edge off things, Fox One lowered his weapon. “Quit your whining. I knew you weren’t physically here and just some sort of hologram.”
Fox One reluctantly holstered his weapon as a gesture of trust. The truth is he was really hoping for a gunfight, he coated his next words with cockiness. “You should be thanking me. I just averted a potential catastrophe. Don’t worry. I’ll even omit this from my report for you.”
“Oh yes you sure will if you know what’s good for you. You just destroyed company property, put us both in danger, and blasted a hole in the most vital part of this company, the backbone of it all. I know our arrangement here is a tricky one, but even Mr. Sullivan would not like to hear what happened here today. He must not know for your sake.”
Dawn of Tomorrow Page 14