He decided all caution would be used not to enter or use the maze, unless Mr. Krueger used it to flee. It was doubtful the squirrel he had destroyed had been the only one of its kind. It was more likely the squirrel had friends; someone would know they were there shortly after arrival.
He pulled up the photograph he had taken of Halaby and scanned the front façade for a weakness to exploit. What he saw did not lend any advantage, but it did answer a question he had not been able to get the answer for until now.
On the outer edge of the photo, high in a tree, he saw the boot and MP5, like the one Fox Two had presented during their encounter. This man looked to be a larger frame and he had been staring back at him while he took the photo.
Whoever lived at the Halaby, and the Sullivan mansion, were clearly connected. He would face this brute at Halaby then finish the job he started at the Sullivan house. Its secrets would not stay hidden any longer.
Chapter 58
“Every man stand down, I am exiting the mansion.” said Mrs. Sullivan, her words sharp, crisp and full of anger.
Every man stood down and held their position. No one moved a muscle, fearing wrath from their leader and employer, the one they called Evelyn.
The cellar doors flung open slamming down onto the forest floor with a rattle from the metal clasps. Evelyn strode out of the cellar, posture erect as she reached the top step, placing both feet firmly on the forgiving soil. Evelyn’s long flowing hair blew in the wind until it became damp as she walked, sticking to her tight physic. She wore a long, aged black and red leather trench coat and she walked with purpose. Evelyn had not wished for a fight so quickly, but she knew she would have to get her hands dirty sooner rather than later.
Expecting to find the remains of the large beast, she scoured the landscape but found no shiny things present in the dark. The Butler’s last communication, garbled and confusing, sounded as if he had consumed one of those drinks he always boasted about. She found his battered corpse, one arm bent at a strange angle. Seething, she stood over him and kicked his limp metal body, then crouched down and draped a lock of hair behind her ear.
Not knowing how much time she had until his systems froze and deleted itself she reached into her pocket and took out a finger-size device.
She cupped the memory stick in her hand shielding it from the rain and grabbed the back of his neck firmly. With her free hand, she grabbed the metal wrist of the Butler and pushed a release lever deep in his wrist.
A metal spiked popped out between his middle finger and she awkwardly bent this hand behind his head. Mrs. Sullivan then forcefully pierced the back of his neck with this spike in a concealed point sending fluid pouring down onto his back. She then twisted the rod, which let out a snap as his head unhinged, folding down and flapping backwards, only held by large nerve like cables. The opening surprisingly clean and free of liquids, she slid the device out of her palm and into a small slender port, exposed between several motherboards.
A download began, collecting all the information the Butler had gathered since his activation. Once the download completed she used the device to hear his last transmission clearly. Evelyn’s face tightened, and she held her palm over her face in frustration.
“Damn you butcher,” she shouted out into the forest.
As she took a firm grip of what was left of his head, she yanked it downward, tearing it off with a snap. “Even you can’t follow instructions.”
Mr. Sullivan now knew she had used Marty’s schematics to recreate the Butler and even worse, she had sent the Butcher after his pets. Fortunately, Evelyn had a spare and she knew what to do. She would upload this butcher’s files and a new Butler would be born. His mission would stay the same despite the recent events. Leo needed to come back to Sullivan house and fulfill his destiny.
It was time to make the first strike.
No longer would Mr. Sullivan see her as a subordinate. She would earn his respect, or he would end up like the beasts he had sent here to contain her.
Chapter 59
Sarafina’s presence calmed Leo’s nerves. The feeling of chaos turned to peace as they sat at the seldom-used kitchen table eating Sarafina’s delicious biscuits and gravy. It felt good to be back at home, but he did not know how long he would be able to stay.
Willy had greeted Leo, affectionately bumping Leo’s legs with his head and now joined them for dinner. He lay flipping his tail, watching Sarafina speak.
“Leo I’m seriously wondering what is happening,” Sarafina said. “Things are getting unmanageable. That man, Stratus, has problems with the people you’re entangled with. And he didn’t seem to care how he brings them down. He’ll do whatever he wants till he ruins them.”
“Unfortunately, I have the same feeling. My first encounter with him ended in a nonchalant threat. I never thought he would come and try to get information out of you.” Leo took her hand and looked her into her eyes to show his sincerity. “I’m so sorry.”
A short look turned into a gaze, a moment later interrupted by the loud bing-bong of the doorbell. Their moment together now broken up, replaced with concern, Leo let go of her hand, thinking of who could be visiting.
“I’ll get it. You and Willy stay here Sara,” Leo said forcefully, not wanting her to join him to check on the door. He walked with purpose like the man of the house being disturbed from his dinner.
His eyes fell on the umbrella near the door and considered picking it up in case the visitor was there to harm them. He let out a snorted laugh remembering he laughed at Sarafina for the same thing.
He glanced to be sure she remained in the kitchen before forcefully opening the door with a, “What brings you here at this late hour?”
He made eye contact with a young man, perhaps his age, in a blue button down and pressed pants, a sealed envelope in his hand.
“Hello Mr. Krueger. Mr. Halaby requests your company for dinner,” he said as he extended the envelope.
Leo took the envelope and read it, puzzled by the invitation to meet Mr. Halaby at his mansion. He wanted to go, after all Halaby had been extremely generous with the grant and encouraged Leo in his letter.
“I’m honored sir, but I’m afraid Mr. Halaby’s a little late. We’ve already had dinner. I hate to be ungracious…what about dessert, and of course, only if my—well if my guest can join me.”
Leo turned, expecting Sarafina to still be in the kitchen. He nearly hit her in the face with his outstretched hand.
“Oh, I’d love to,” Sarafina said with a bit of excitement.
“I uh…will have to check on that. Mr. Halaby’s expecting only you.”
The delivery man raised his hand to his mouth and spoke into a concealed mic. “Mr. Halaby this is—Gregory here at the cottage. Mr. Krueger is proposing dessert and bringing along a guest. Is this agreeable?”
Mr. Sullivan’s voice came over the comms, Leo and Sarafina unable to fully make out his words, “Of course, you moron, I need him in attendance ASAP and at all costs. What’s the guest’s name?”
The courier looked to Sarafina, “What’s your name Miss?”
“Sarafina.”
“Full name, please.”
“Sarafina—”
“Krueger,” Leo interrupted finishing her sentence.
The delivery man once again spoke into his mic, “It’s a Mrs. Sarafina Krueger, sir.”
Leo had partly given the name as a test figuring the real Halaby would know he was not married yet and partly because he knew little about Halaby. Good-natured or not, his lessons as of late taught him to be cautious.
Halaby’s voice once again came over the courier’s earpiece, the courier relaying the message to Leo and Sarafina. “As long as Sarafina is her real name, she’s clear to come as well. Mr. Krueger, falsifying a scholarship application is a punishable offence. Only applicants with the status of single, and no living relatives qualify. But then again you know that. Lying to your dessert host for the night is just plain rude.”
; Leo’s slight hesitancy faded, and he looked to Sarafina for agreement or rejection of the idea of them attending. A head nod and smile were all he needed to tell the man.
“Yes, sir.” Gregory said into his com, then turned back to Leo. “Mr. Halaby is looking forward to meeting both of you.”
“Well that’s settled. Let us clean up and we will be over in a little while.”
“Don’t be too long Mr. Halaby is anxious to meet you face to face.”
The man turned and left, soon disappearing into the maze.
Despite Halaby’s request for urgency, they calmly ate the last few bites on their plates and discussed what a pleasant surprise and distraction this was.
An hour later, by the light of the moon, they exited the cottage and headed toward the mansion.
Despite the light of the lamps popping on when they approached the maze, Leo was not up for navigating the labyrinth tonight. They exited to the left by his car and took the long way around. This approach gave views of the massive home and lights in the upper floor drew Leo’s attention.
As they neared, Sarafina looped her arm in Leo’s and tucked in close, “You know Stratus did say one thing that was interesting. He indicated these grounds had an ominous history and that green was not their focus. What industry are they in?”
“I would have said green tech, but I haven’t the faintest idea. We will find out in a minute.”
Sarafina’s comments brought back thoughts of the squirrels’ unnatural behaviors and he searched the windows as they approached for blue orbs lingering high above. He had seen the seemingly lifeless wooden cavern behind these doors. As he knocked on the front door, he wondered if the mysterious blue lights would play possum or reveal themselves.
Visiting on such short notice and with the recent events seemed foolish but surprisingly purposeful. He had the feeling, for some odd reason, in his gut this was the safest place he could possibly be tonight.
The door creaked open as a tall, well-groomed man with slicked back brown hair greeted them.
“Good evening Mr. Krueger. And Mrs. Krueger. He shook hands with them both. “Come in.”
They entered and waited for their host to close the door, which he did with a loud thud and a crack of the lock as it engaged.
“I know it’s an odd happenstance that we are meeting this evening.” Halaby said. “I’ve wanted to have you drop by for quite some time to share what I’m about to tell you. I’ve hated to keep such a false front with you Leonard. Well there’s no easy way to say this…dessert is this way.”
The downstairs double doors opened, revealing an elaborate dining area with glittering chandeliers lighting the sparkling tables, a dozen chairs tucked underneath. Halaby pointed onward. Leo and Sarafina waited for the man to finish what he was going to share with them.
“Sorry I haven’t properly introduced myself I’m—”
Leo interrupted, “You’re Mr. Halaby. It’s quite all right I’ve told Sarafina about you. Thank you for inviting us.”
Their host cleared his throat with a tinge of nervousness. “The name’s Artemus. Artemus Sullivan.”
Leo felt the blood leave his face, his heart pounded, as he stood there speechless. He had been fooled all along.
Chapter 60
The beautiful dining area and the lure of decadent desserts did little to coax Leo forward. He considered turning and leaving. After all, this was the man responsible for the ransom of his e-Frond. This meeting did however offer him the opportunity to question the man and find out his motives.
Also, to see if he would be a threat to him at New Wave. He had better be careful though, Marty and Mrs. Sullivan had warned him. Now he brought Sarafina along too. He regretted insisting she come along now. Fox One had warned them that once they knew you, they would never let go, and there was no question now.
Wanting to sound confident Leo finally responded, as Sara gave his hand a nervous squeeze.
“That’s quite a surprise. You’re just the man I’ve been looking forward to meeting. I will say I would have preferred you to be Halaby. Although he was apparently fictitious, at least he wasn’t a thief.”
Leo’s mouth got the better of him as usual and he hoped it was not too strong.
“Ah yes, e-Frond. I hope you know it wasn’t my intent to steal your ideas and use them without you knowing. Your e-Frond was more professional curiosity. I wanted to see how delightful your brain was. I suppose you could say my curiosity gets the better of me sometimes.”
Mr. Sullivan put a hand on Leo’s shoulder and steered him to the dining area. They proceeded inside and took a seat across from Mr. Sullivan. Sarafina reluctantly releasing her death grip on Leo’s hand.
“I assure you you’re both safe. Let the past be the past. I’m all about the future.”
“Me too,” Leo said. “But I’m hesitant about talking to someone who invented a man and a scholarship just to see how interesting my brain is.”
“I also feel bad for our delayed meeting, but the scholarship and Mr. Halaby are real. The man has long expired, but his scholarship remains. You didn’t hesitate or ask questions about it, you were only interested in taking up residence. I do care about your success and my letter to you just a day ago was sincere. I do look forward to working on a bright future together. To show I care for your safety, I brought Fox One back here with me. His main duty will be to guard the perimeter, including your living quarters.”
Fox One entered through another door across the room and stood by Mr. Sullivan. Leo watched Fox One intently, a man he never wanted to see again, standing by Mr. Sullivan. Leo became tense; their last meeting was heated and not exactly pleasant.
“I’m here as a friend, Krueger,” Fox One said. “Believe it or not, I was there to protect you at the Sullivan house too.”
“To protect us? You sure had a funny way of showing it. What do we need protection from here? I thought we were guests. Maybe we should just leave,” Leo said as he put his palms on the table prepared to stand and leave.
“Please don’t be alarmed.” Mr. Sullivan said. “Sit, Fox One was just leaving.”
The Phantom leaned in and spoke softly into Mr. Sullivan’s ear.
Mr. Sullivan then replied. Fox One shook his head appearing to disagree with Mr. Sullivan and turned toward Leo.
“We’ve asked you here tonight for your own safety,” said Fox One. “You are our guests, but you must stay here tonight. As you are both aware, a Mr. Lattamus has been asking questions. What you don’t know is that he attacked one of my men at Sullivan house. More importantly, Stratus is convinced you’re important enough to abduct and he’s dangerous. Mr. Sullivan will tell you the rest, enjoy your dessert and before you know it the night will be over, and the threat neutralized.”
The phantom glared at Leo, headed to where he entered, and slammed the door shut behind him, locking them in. Leo was unsure of everyone’s intentions. Leo figured he would indulge Mr. Sullivan, at least until he had a plan. Leo looked over and put his hand on Sarafina’s arm.
“Well I figure we’re safer here than out there if what you said is true.” He gave a wink to Sarafina to let her know to play along.
Mr Sullivan smiled and said, “Wonderful. I’ve made arrangements for your comfort.”
Sarafina look at Leo and faintly smiled. She turned to Mr. Sullivan and said, “Well you did mention dessert, right?”
Leo and Sara ordered their dessert, feeling awkward about casually ordering a dessert to enjoy, while waiting in the home of an enemy, with someone outside trying to abduct them. Leo hated the feeling of being tricked; the more his situation set in the more he became agitated. He would at least try to enjoy dessert, and before he planned an escape, he would get answers.
A man brought a large silver tray, filled to the edge with cannoli’s, cream puffs, cheesecake, and fruit filled pastries topped with whipped cream, nuts, and drizzles of chocolate and caramel. The desserts gleamed under the chandelier.
Mr. Sull
ivan splayed his hand to the assortment before them. “Please help yourself.”
Leo and Sara took a plate and selected their favorites, digging in.
“So, Mr. Sullivan, I’ve been right next to you why not contact me before now? Why make up this book business just to exercise your professional curiosity? We could have potentially been business partners.”
“We could have huh? I had nothing to do with your textbook. Mrs. Sullivan set up that exchange and gave you the tablet. What did she tell you, that I set all that up? That the tablet was my idea? That it was my idea to take your files and hold them ransom?” Mr. Sullivan laughed. “And in all this she’s the one looking out for your interests? The shining star on a moonless night guiding you?”
“I don’t know her intentions, I’ll give you that, but yours are a true mystery. While I’ve been in contact with her, you’ve been hiding next door the whole time. She hasn’t deceived or lied to me and hasn’t demanded anything. She warned me to leave Sullivan house when Fox One, your man, was after Sarafina and me. She even paid me for restoring services to your network even though you were the cause.”
“Ha! She always did love to spend my money. Leonard you’re forgetting why you were there in the first place. She lured you in and, when she needed you to return, she eliminated access to your book as leverage. It wasn’t I that blackmailed you; it was she. Why did my wife want you back there for anyway? I never did understand that.”
Doubts began to creep in about Mrs. Sullivan, but Leo focused on the facts. “So, you knew what was transpiring the whole time? Why didn’t you stop her if she was using me? It’s easy for you to point out things now but it means little because you could have prevented all this if I’m to believe you. I’m surprised you weren’t aware of why she had me return. Mrs. Sullivan was quite interested in this book, which she tells me was taken from you. Somehow it was encoded and useless now that you have it back.”
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