“If that’s the best you can do then that will have to do. We’ll pay you the same as this shipment. Coordinate the timings with Tiernan and pick up McShane from Wallacia on each trip.”
Art nodded his agreement.
“Of course these transactions are strictly confidential.”
“Always Mr Bane. Discretion’s my middle name.”
“Oh and one other thing Art you’re not going to get anywhere with Ms Gordon. You know that don’t you.”
This caught Art off guard and it was noticed with mild delight by Bane. But Art recovered quickly and smiled. “One can live in hope.”
“Best to avoid disappointment Art.”
“Right…if you say so.”
“Good” said Bane with a measured smile. The doors reopened. “Have a good trip back Art. We’ll see you in a fortnight.”
“Thank you Mr Bane.”
Ms Style was there to usher Art out of the office and into the waiting custody of McShane.
When they stepped out onto the apron in front of the Redneck 45 Art pulled out his communicator and began to make a call. McShane put his big hand on Art’s hand holding the communicator and said “Not in here. Too dangerous.”
Art gave him a foul look, pocketed the phone and began walking towards the entrance. He’d gone only ten paces before McShane caught up to him and put his outstretched arm in front of Art. “We need to leave now.”
Art stared at him but McShane stared back just as forcefully. Art’s discipline finally prevailed over his urge to deck the fellow. “OK, if you say so.”
Chapter 14. Wallacia 0900, 16 January
It was an extremely tired Art that shuffled into the Wymar foyer. He had tried to stay awake for the entire trip but had to admit to snoozing a few times during the early morning hours. He didn’t trust McShane. Not that he thought McShane would have found anything incriminating if he had been able to freely search the craft but instincts are hard to control.
Tracy waved to him as he came in. He acknowledged her with a nod and headed straight for the elevator. He could see Tracy’s disappointment but he just focused on where he was heading.
He exited the lift to find Tracy coming down the corridor. ‘That service elevator is fast’ thought Art. She got to him as he swiped opened the door. “What happened?” she asked.
Art didn’t need to pretend when he gave her the weariest of looks. He thought of all the questions he wanted to ask her but he knew that in his current fatigued state he needed to rest first. “It’s OK but I’m dead tired. We can talk later.” He deliberately remained in the doorway.
She took the hint. “Sure. Have a good rest.”
He gave her a weak smile. She headed back down the corridor and Art entered his deluxe room. He threw his gear on the floor, took off his jacket and boots and climbed into the bed otherwise fully closed. He was snoring within two minutes.
Chapter 15. Wallacia 1530, 16 January
He’s been asleep for over six hours. He wanted more but knew he had to get going. He also knew what he had to do. First though he took a shower and dressed. He wanted a good coffee not the rubbish they provided in room.
He hailed reception and Tracy answered with a soft “Hi.”
He responded likewise “Hi. Can you get away for a coffee?”
“Give me ten minutes and I’ll meet you in the dining room.”
“No somewhere else.”
“OK...I know a place nearby.”
Before she could continue Art interjected “Give me the address and meet me there in 20 minutes. Ensure you are not followed.”
“Why? What’s wrong?”
“Nothing. But just do it.”
“Alright” and she gave him the address.
She was already seated at a table near the front when Art came in. He pointed to a table further back and he went and sat with his back to the wall so he could see all that came in. Tracy joined him. They ordered their coffee and Art also ordered a muffin. Tracy refrained.
“So what’s happening?” she finally asked once the waitress left them.
“It all went well. In fact I have more business from Bane Metal. I’ll be making three more trips over the coming weeks.”
“And?”
“Why would Bane warn me off you?”
“What?”
“He made it quite clear that I should not associate with you.”
Art could see Tracy’s mind working overtime. He didn’t want to give her the luxury of a considered response. “So why would he do that?”
“I don’t know.”
“I think you do. You’re not levelling with me are you?”
“I am Art. Honestly.”
“No you’re not. McShane wasn’t trying to shake you down was he?”
Tracy’s face looked worried now. Art pressed on. “It’s you who are trying to shake down Bane. Isn’t that right?”
“Don’t be silly” she said in her best attempt at a composed response.
Art leaned forward and took hold of her hand firmly. “Stop the crap Tracy. It’s not working with me. I want the full story.”
“It’s not what you think Art.”
“Was there ever an Alex?”
Tracy looked genuinely hurt. “Of course there was.” Her eyes were starting to water.
“So it’s revenge then?”
Tracy nodded. She wiped her eyes with a tissue. “That bastard deserves to pay for what he did.”
“So what hold do you have over Bane?”
“Some machinery parts that Alex kept from him.”
“Why did she do that?”
“Look she called me shortly before she was killed. She was frightened. She said something about the need to stop what Bane was doing. But I don’t know what he’s doing.”
“Where are these parts?”
“In a safe place.”
“They won’t be safe for long once Bane gets a hold of you.”
“He won’t do that. He said he’s going to pay up, tonight in fact.”
“Don’t be naive Tracy. Bane won’t be paying. He’s not that type. Once he gets you out of public view you’ll be history.”
“Why would he do that?”
“Because he can and because he has another agenda. You’re just an unwanted spanner in the works.”
“What are you talking about?”
“Can you show me the parts?”
“Why?” Tracy was now on her guard. “How do I know you are not working for Bane?”
“I am but not that way.”
Tracy stood up and was about to go when the coffees came. “Stay” said Art. She decided to sit back down.
“Look let me level with you. I’m here to find out where the pirates are operating from. I believe Bane Metal is a front but I need more time and more evidence. Will you help?”
“Who are you Mr?” said Tracy with an angry demeanour.
“I’m Art and I’m here to help you.”
“No, you cut the bullshit. You’re Federation aren’t you?”
Art nodded.
“A spy?”
Again art nodded.
Tracy rocked her head back with an expression that said ‘I don’t believe this could be happening to me’. “You won’t last long around here once word gets out.”
“I know. I’m putting my trust in you. Will you put your trust in me? We can help each other.”
Tracy took in some deep breaths. Then she sipped a little coffee. She looked out through the window out into the street and saw McShane staring at them from across the other side.
“Oh shit” she said.
Art scanned the street to see what she was reacting to. He spotted McShane. “Slap me, storm out. I’ll contact you later.”
Tracy was indecisive. She looked back to the street, then back to Art. Art kicked her from under the table. She let out an “Aargh!” She then stood up, slapped him very hard and stormed out. Art rubbed the sting on his cheek. He then sank back into the chair. ‘Well
that went pretty well’ he thought. He craned to see McShane but he had gone.
Chapter 16. Wallacia 1700, 16 January
“Hi” said Tracy responding to Art’s call.
“I’m sorry for the kick.”
“I’m not sorry for the slap.”
“Fair enough. What time are you supposed to meet Bane?”
“Not Bane, McShane.”
“When?”
“8 pm.”
“I need to see those parts before then.”
“OK but we’ll need to hurry. I can finish up here now.”
“Can we walk there?” asked Art.
“No I can pick you up from out front.”
“No your car’s too flashy. Let’s use mine. I’ll meet you in the car park in ten minutes.”
“Alright.”
“And Tracy, pack some clothes. You can’t come back here tonight.”
Art was already behind the wheel, when Tracy came out of the elevator. She was wheeling a large suitcase and began looking around in the dark car park for Art. He flashed his lights on twice to attract her attention. He got out, opened the rear hatch and put the suitcase in the boot compartment. He then opened the back door for her.
“What, I’m being chauffeured?”
“Not quite. Give me the address then I want you to lie down in the back till I tell you it’s safe to sit up.”
“You’re joking?”
“No I’m not.”
She could see from his serious expression that he meant business. So she complied with his instructions.
Art drove following the nav route. He pulled up at what would pass for a light commercial premise. The sun was setting and long shadows extended out into the street. Tracy called out from her back seat “drive in and go around the back.”
She led him through the back freight roller door. It was a good two storey’s high and had seen better days if the noise it made was anything to go by. She hit the lights once inside. A cavernous dock area with no vehicles lay ahead. She went to the ramp on the left and they made their way onto the top of the dock and then down a dusty corridor and finally into a poor excuse for an office.
Tracy hit the light and said “Give me a hand.” She began pulling the desk away to the side wall. Art applied both hands and once the desk was out of the way he could see that there was a trap door with a hi-tech access pad. Tracy placed her hand on the imprint and when the first green light appeared she entered a code. A second light fired up and then she entered another code. A low beep preceded a hydraulic release and the trap door opened revealing a space big enough to carry one of the standard containers that Art had so recently delivered to Bane Metal.
“Can you?” asked Tracy.
Art was happy to be the muscle and he lifted it out and placed it onto the floor. He then opened the container. It was full of small containers. He grabbed one and inspected the outside. There were no markings whatsoever. So he opened it.
“Ooh” he said.
“So what is it?”
“It’s a stabiliser used in ship missiles.”
“What?”
“You heard me.”
“So what does it mean?”
“Don’t you see this is why Alex wanted to stop the delivery? She worked out that Bane is either a front or the mastermind for the recent pirate attacks.”
“So with this evidence we can nail him?”
“Maybe. Have you got any orders or shipping manifests that can confirm that these were for Bane Metal?”
“I don’t know. Alex looked after all that. I did a search of the company’s data after her death. There were a series of shipments to Bane Metal but none of them mentioned anything about missiles.”
“Well they wouldn’t would they?”
“Guess not?”
“There are no markings on the outside of this container or on the actual packs themselves. So cross checking this against a manifest isn’t going to get us anywhere.”
“So what do we do?”
“Well we don’t want these falling into Bane’s hands and we certainly don’t want you meeting McShane tonight.” Art paused as he thought some more. He looked at Tracy ensuring her eyes were engaged with his. “You need to disappear. I can’t take you with me. They’ll know and I won’t be able to get back to Xizu to look around.”
“So you’re going to just dump me here?” Her annoyance was plain to see.
“No. I’m not abandoning you. But we need to find a safe place for you to hold up in till I sort out Bane. Who can you trust?”
“All my real friends have gone.” After a moment she added “maybe Mona. I’ll call her.”
“No we’ll pay her a visit. Best not to use your communicator from here on. Turn it off now. I’ll grab a trolley.”
Art left the room in a hurry. He came back with a trolley, loaded the container onto it and pushed it out to the dock. He got in the car and drove it to the dock. On opening the boot, he realised that the container was not going to fit even if he ditched Tracy’s bag. He slammed it shut and opened the back seat. He hit the control on the central column between the front and rear doors. The rear seat was automatically folded away to extend the boot compartment. He heaved her bag forward up behind the driver’s seat.
Tracy meanwhile stood at the dock and just watched as he made all the effort. It was hard work trying to manhandle the container. Thankfully it would just squeeze through the rear hatch. “Give me a hand, please!”
She didn’t look all that pleased but she jumped down and leant a hand. Together they grunted and groaned and managed to position the container within the compartment. Art shut the hatch. “Turn the lights out.”
Tracy did so, again with an expression that said ‘oh really’.
As they drove out Tracy closed the roller doors and jumped into the car. She looked tired. Art thought about making a wise crack but didn’t. He knew that the physical stress was the least of her problems.
It was another twenty minutes when they pulled up around the corner from Mona’s restaurant and bar. He was faced with a difficult decision. Who should go in? They couldn’t be seen together. Tracy shouldn’t be seen at all. He didn’t want to be seen either, but him being seen was the lesser of two evils.
Proceedings were in full swing. Looking from across the street Art counted at least twenty people inside. He would have preferred to wait but there wasn’t time. McShane would be calling in the hound dogs in less than 90 minutes and he had to be away before then.
He entered alone and a single guy entering Mona’s certainly drew attention. Mona was behind the bar mixing a drink. She recognised him and nodded her welcome from across the room. Art came up to the bar.
“Now look what the cat dragged in” said Mona. “Looking for Tracy?”
Art shook his head, leaned closer and said quietly. “Tracy needs your help.”
“I thought you were the help.”
“Sort of. Can you come outside?”
“What now? Are you crazy? Unless it’s escaped your notice, it’s dinner time and this is a restaurant and I’m the only one out here.”
“Please. Otherwise there’s going to be another ‘nasty business’ tonight.”
Mona’s expression would have turned lesser men to stone but Art stared back with enough seriousness to get under her skin. She threw down her apron and hollered through the kitchen door “Maria, I’ll be back in five.”
She followed Art around the corner. Tracy stayed in the car as Art had told her. She lowered the window and Mona leaned her big frame over. “Art here tells me you need help.”
Tracy gave a brief rundown. Art couldn’t really see Mona’s expression but he could see her tightening her grip in the door frame around the window several times. When Tracy finished there was a pause.
Mona turned to Art. “I knew you were trouble the moment I saw you.”
“He’s not the trouble Mona” said Tracy. “It’s that bastard Bane.”
“How long then?”
“A month, maybe two” said Art.
“Two months?” said both women at the same time.
“Help’s got a warp in and I need time for a recce.”
“Alright” said Mona “You can stay at my sister’s place. It hasn’t been occupied since the declaration but it’s OK. I keep an eye on it.”
“What about a place to store this equipment?” asked Art.
“There’s a garage lockup at my sisters. Stick it in there and make sure you cover it up. I have to get back. I’ll drop in after closing.”
“Thank you” said Tracy with plenty of sincerity.
“Go on girl and you too Mr.”
It was another 30 minutes before Art had offloaded the equipment in the garage and Tracy was ensconced in Mona’s sister’s apartment. He came back up from the car park to say goodbye.
“When will you be back Art?”
“Not for two weeks. I have to pick up more medical supplies. I’ll get word to you through Mona. Don’t use your communicator and don’t go anywhere. You can’t afford to be seen. OK.”
Tracy nodded. Her whole world had been turned upside down and she was quite disoriented. Her hands were shaking uncontrollably. Art put both his hands around hers in a bid to stop her shakes. With this physical contact she lost the remains of any composure. “I’ve really fucked this up big time, haven’t I?” and she leaned her head into Art’s shoulder. He put his arms around her as she started to cry. “You will come back Art, won’t you?”
“Yes, I’ll come back” and in that moment Art recognised the déjà vu. Only the last time on Josker he was too late. He pried himself from her grip, turned and walked out closing the door behind him. A wave of guilt washed over him as he waited for the elevator. ‘I won’t fail this time’ he said to himself.
Out on the street he got in his car and headed for the spaceport.
Chapter 17. Xizu 2015, 16 January
Bane read the email from McShane a second time, not because he had missed something but because he wanted a little more time before he responded. ‘Mmm, so our Mr Cannard has chosen to ignore my advice. How disappointing.’
Redemption: Book 2 of Warner's World Page 22