“I need a new number,” the informant said. He gave Jack a small, rumpled piece of paper and a pen.
He quickly scrawled a number and handed it back to him. “Try this one and be careful who you talk to. Only a couple of us know what you’re doing now.”
“I’m always careful. I know who to talk to.”
Jack pushed a wad of hundred dollar bills in his hand. “Keep yourself safe.”
Mexico grabbed his hand and smiled. “You too, boss.”
****
Jack walked into the warehouse, frowning when he saw the new television he’d recently purchased flicker. His artificial eye scanned the building, but he only saw a thin, dark-haired woman sleeping on the couch. He tapped her on the shoulder. “This isn’t a hotel, my dear.”
She jumped up, resettling her glasses. “Jack!” She threw her arms around him in a fierce hug. “I’ve been so worried about you.”
He set her off to one side and began removing his armor. “I’m glad you’re here, Amy. I worry every time you walk into ULTRA’s bloody building.”
She smiled, watching him lay the weapons in the footlocker. “Still treating me like the baby of the group?”
He patted her head. “You are the baby.”
Amy chuckled. “You’re never going to change, are you?”
“Nope.” He pulled on a pair of sweat pants. “I guess you got Frank’s message?’
“Yes. I came here when my shift was over. I went home first to make sure I wasn’t followed.” She shifted from foot to foot. “He said the apartment’s been compromised.”
Jack nodded, snapping the lock shut on the footlocker. “I’m not sure what else they know. I don’t want you taking any unnecessary chances.”
“ULTRA has no reason to suspect me. I’m just a clerk in the file room.” She gave him an innocent smile, making her look years younger.
“You’re not fooling me, my girl.” She’d used that same smile many times in the past and sometimes on him. “You’ve got access to all those records and all that information. Just watch yourself.”
“Yes, boss man,” she said, adjusting her glasses.
Jack greeted each member of his team as they arrived. He looked at the clock. It was getting late and Frank still hadn’t appeared. He’d finally decided to go look for him when his friend staggered in, his eyes red, lips pressed into a tight line. The rest of the team made room for him on the couch. Amy sat next to him and laid her hand on his shoulder.
“Jerry and Allen were taken,” Frank said in a shaking voice. “I saw what they did to them. It was...I can’t...” He stopped, taking a shuddering breath. “They’re dead.”
The team silently waited for him to continue. “They were definitely the rogue agents,” Frank mumbled, looking at the floor. “How do they keep finding us?”
“They’ve got a telepathic tracker,” Jack said quietly.
He went to the kitchen and poured himself a drink. Two more men, good men, gone. His eyes burned as he silently mourned his fallen friends. Gulping a second glass to steady himself, he went back to the team, handing Frank the bottle.
Amy looked up at him. “What are we going to do?”
“We get out of the city,” Jack said. “We need to scatter. They’ve got a better chance of finding us if we stay here. Head for the country house. Get clothes, money, whatever you need and leave. Amy, you’re not going back to ULTRA.”
“You need me there,” she said. “I’m close to finding the evidence to clear you.”
He waved her silent. “It doesn’t matter now. The important thing is the safety of the team. Understood?”
Amy and the rest of the team nodded. “Yes, boss.”
Frank paused before leaving. “You’d better call Misty if you plan to disappear. She may come looking for you.”
“I’ll take care of it. Now go. Get people safe.”
There’s so few of us left, Jack thought watching his team leave. I don’t know how we’re going to finish it.
He pulled out his repair kit from under the couch. A sharp pain twinged in his left shoulder and shot down to his wrist. “I should’ve stayed in prison,” he mumbled, repairing the damaged area.
Chapter Nine
Misty walked slowly into the house, shaking her head. Taylor had been different ever since their second date when he’d gotten sliced open. His eyes held a wariness that hadn’t been there when they’d first met.
Rena waited in the foyer. “Did you have a good time?”
Misty laid her purse on the small table. “You always know when I’m coming home, don’t you?”
“It’s my right as a telepath.” She folded her arms. “So, what happened?”
Misty turned her back and slipped off her light blazer. “You don’t want to just read my mind to find out?”
Rena shook her head. “That would be cheating. And I don’t ‘plug in’ to my teammates indiscriminately. It’s not right. I believe it was you who told me that when I first got here.”
“This is true,” Misty said, then grinned. “No ripped clothes.”
Rena’s eyes widened. “You were saving yourself for Mr. Right.”
“He is my Mr. Right, thank you,” Misty said defensively.
“Did you forget he might be dangerous?”
Misty turned away. “Don’t start that again, Red. You need more than suspicions to convince me he’s an escaped lunatic ULTRA locked away thirteen years ago.”
Rena took a deep breath, slowly releasing it. “And they say redheads are stubborn. You promised you’d do some investigating. You’re afraid you’ll find something and have to turn him in, aren’t you?”
Misty stared at her. “I couldn’t turn him in,” she finally said.
“You, madam, are a hero. It is your responsibility to apprehend criminals and hand them over to the proper authorities.” She grabbed Misty by the shoulders. “Whether you like it or not, he may be a wanted man. You don’t tell someone, you could be arrested as an accessory.”
Misty pushed Rena’s hands off and backed up several steps. “Stop talking like he’s guilty. If I have to investigate, then so do you. You’ll be with me, Red, every single step of the way. Got it?”
Rena watched Misty stomp up the stairs. “Oh, I get it. But if he hurts you, watch out.”
****
At nine the next morning, Jack dialed Misty’s number, shifting from foot to foot as he waited for someone to answer the phone.
“Angel Haven residence,” said a female voice.
He ran a hand through his hair. “This is Taylor. I’d like to speak to Misty, please.”
“One moment.”
How do I keep this simple?
“You’re up early,” Misty said.
He closed his eyes, seeing her face. “I’m going out of town. I just wanted to let you know so you wouldn’t worry. I should be back by the weekend.”
“This has something to do with ULTRA, doesn’t it?”
He stayed silent, not knowing how to answer her. “It’s just for a few days,” he finally said. “I’ll be back before you know it.”
“I want to see you.”
His hand tightened around the phone. He wanted to see her too, but couldn’t bring himself to say the words. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. I’ve got to leave soon.”
“I don’t care,” she said. “Don’t make me track you down.”
Jack’s resolve crumbled and he gave in to the urge to see her, hold her again. “Fine. Where do you want to meet?”
“Come get me and we’ll decide from there.” She paused. “And Taylor, don’t stand me up.”
“I’m on my way.” He hung up the phone slowly. He’d caved in to see her so easily. “Pretty bad when you sabotage yourself, hero,” he grumbled.
****
Misty saw Rena come into the hall. “Get that look off your face, Red.”
“What look?” the telepath asked, her eyes wide with innocence. “I don’t have a look.”
Misty grabbed her purse, double-checking to make sure she had everything she needed. “Yeah, sure.” She brushed by her to wait by the driveway, her friend right on her heels.
“Will you listen?” Rena insisted. “Since you’re going to be with him, see what you can find out.”
“Are you going to start that again?”
Rena grinned and folded her arms. “Yep. I’m still not too sure about Mr. Wonderful.” They turned, hearing Taylor’s car pull in. “Speak of the devil.”
Misty stuck her tongue out at her friend.
“I hope you don’t act that way around,” Rena paused, then said in a breathless voice, “him.”
“One more word and I’ll clock you!”
Rena fell silent, watching Taylor through the windshield. She narrowed her eyes at him before stalking back into the house.
“Did you two have a fight?” he asked as Misty climbed into the car.
“Not really. She’s just a little too over-protective sometimes.” Misty glanced at him. “Where do you want to go?”
He drummed his fingers on the steering wheel. “This was your idea. You tell me.”
She sat back as he put the car in gear. “I have an apartment in the city. We can go there.”
****
Misty unlocked the door and he stepped in, scanning her apartment, taking in the tasteful blue and gold furnishings, the small statues, and pictures of her parents and friends. He inhaled the scents of citrus and vanilla candles scattered about the room. A bouquet of early, bright summer blooms overflowing a clear crystal-cut vase sat on the light tan coffee table. Paintings of nature scenes decorated the ivory walls.
A flat screen TV stood on a stand across from the couch, facing the door, with a DVD player and small stereo system underneath. CD’s and DVD’s lay next to the player and stacked on the light blue carpet. A paperback with a bent cover lay on the coffee table by the vase. The room had a comfortable, homey feel.
He perched on the edge of her couch, his back straight, his body tense. “What did you want to see me for?”
Misty sighed. “I just wanted to be with you for a little bit before you left. Were you expecting something else?”
He narrowed his eyes, watching her every movement. “Why do you ask that?”
“This is starting to sound like an interrogation and I don’t like it,” she snapped.
“Then you shouldn’t have asked to see me.”
She sat next to him and ran her hand along his arm. “Why can’t you just tell me why you’re going?”
He stood and walked toward the door. “It’s better if you don’t know.”
She came up behind him and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Then let me help you forget. Stay with me. Just for a little while.”
He lifted her hand to his lips. “I don’t deserve this,” he whispered. “Or you.”
“Yes, you do,” she insisted. “You deserve so much more than life has given you.”
His shoulders sagged and he hung his head. “If only you knew what I am, who I am.”
She tugged him toward her bedroom. “I don’t care who you are. Maybe later, but not now.” She pulled a little harder. “Let me help you.”
He went with her, holding her tight. He lifted his hand and pushed her shirt down her arms.
“I know I’m going to hurt you someday,” he whispered.
Misty stroked his chest. “No, you won’t. I don’t know why you think you’re such a horrible person, but I know you’re a good man.”
He dropped his head to her neck, placing light kisses there and down her shoulder. He lowered her bra strap down her arm, sighing when her hands rested on his hips. “I’m not. I’ve forgotten how to be good.”
Misty unsnapped his jeans. “I don’t believe that, not for a minute.” She slipped her hands over the bare skin of his hips.
He carried her to the bed and slowly finished undressing her. He smiled when she did the same to him. “You wanted me, my girl, so now you’ve got me.”
“Can I keep you?” she whispered, gazing into his eyes.
“We’ll see,” he answered, pulling her close. “We’ll see.”
****
Misty jerked awake, the absolute stillness of her apartment invading her rest. They’d spent the entire day in her apartment, specifically, her bedroom. He’d glance at the door and then settle back in her arms. She could see he’d wanted to leave, but wanted to stay with her more.
She glanced at Taylor, the soft light bathing him in a golden glow as the sun started to set. He had a long scar down the middle of his chest and a lot of smaller, barely perceptible scars dotting his chest, arms, and shoulders.
From her hero experience, she knew bullet wounds and knife wounds when she saw them. As an ex-ULTRA agent, Jack McClennan was probably scarred like this, a small voice in her mind said.
No! she thought firmly. Rena’s wrong. They aren’t the same person.
She held him tightly, wanting to use his strength as a shield against the circumstances that seemed destined to tear them apart.
Chapter Ten
“No!”
Misty sat straight up, sweat beading on her forehead, her heart pounding. Sunlight streamed in, making her blink. She reached out for Taylor but she was alone, the covers on his side of the bed thrown back and the sheets were cold. She saw a small piece of paper, folded in half, laying on the pillow. Her hand shook as she reached out and flipped it open.
Misty,
I’m sorry I didn’t say goodbye. Please understand I can’t stay in one place too long, especially where emotions were high. I’ll be out of town for a few days. I do care for you.
Taylor
She folded the note slowly as more questions rose in her mind. Did he just care or did he feel something deeper, like she was beginning to. And what did he mean about high emotions?
“Taylor, you’re driving me crazy!” she shouted to the empty apartment.
She threw back the covers and picked up her cell phone to dial Rena. “Get dressed, Red.”
Rena yawned loudly. “Good morning to you, too.”
“Whatever,” Misty said impatiently. “We’re going to start your investigation today. I’ll be there in about forty-five minutes. Be ready.”
****
“We’ll start in ULTRA’s own files,” Misty said when Rena jumped in her car.
“We need different outfits.” Rena telekinetically changed their clothes into what they wore in their hero identities.
Green-clad agents hustled through the brightly lit lobby of ULTRA headquarters, as well as colorful costumed heroes. The two Angels nodded to those they knew as they stopped at the security gate.
“Place your right hand on the scanner, please,” said the agent behind the desk. He handed them each a visitor’s pass. “Welcome to ULTRA, Angels.”
The file room was modern and well lit, but the musty scent of paper lingered in the air. Computer terminals hunched next to tape readers, microfilm machines, and rows of large filing cabinets. A large desk stood to the right of the door, a walk-in vault behind it. They approached the agent manning the desk.
“Good morning.” Misty smiled. “My associate and I would like to see the files on Jack McClennan, please.”
He tapped computer keys. “Do you have sufficient clearance? They’re Class II security.”
They pulled out their security cards, handing them over. “We’re cleared to Class III,” Rena said.
He got up and went to the vault. “Wait here.” He came back a minute later, carrying a thick file and pushed a clipboard toward them. “You’ve got to sign for these.”
Rena picked up the file. “Thanks.” She smiled at the agent as Misty signed the sheet.
The agent leaned on the counter, staring at Rena. “It’s a shame Agent Rogers isn’t here. She knows this case backwards and forwards. Actually, she knows almost every file down here.”
“Really?” Rena said, getting a little closer to the agent. “Any chance we cou
ld talk to her?”
“She called out today. Something about her mom.” The agent shrugged. “Amy’s good about taking care of her.”
Misty’s gaze shot to the man. “Her name’s Amy?”
He turned to her. “Yeah. Why?”
“I’d like to check with her on some other cases we’re working on,” Misty said quickly. “Come on, partner. Let’s get started.”
Misty moved to a back terminal as Rena smiled at the agent. “You’ve been a big help.” She went to join her, waving over her shoulder at the agent.
Misty frowned. “And you’ve got to torment him, why?”
Rena shrugged. “Power glitch from the idiots at HelixCorp. I can’t help it. It’s programmed into me. I don’t know what’ll happen when I find someone I actually like.”
Misty grinned. “The poor guy will probably explode.”
****
A couple of hours later, Rena sat back from the computer screen, rubbing her eyes. “I got more out of the geek doctor on NewsLine than this file. It looks like a lot, but it’s not. And there are holes big enough to drive a Mack truck through. It’s like someone edited out the important facts, leaving what everyone already knows.”
Misty sighed, arching her back to get the knots out. “The paper file isn’t much better. All it says is Jack McClennan lived with his grandparents in England after his parents died, served a couple of years in the British army, and then signed with Interpol. His superiors were impressed with him and recommended him to ULTRA when it was just being put together.”
Rena printed out the information she’d gotten from the computer. “He’s certainly had a full life.”
“That isn’t all,” Misty continued. “Here comes the ‘wow’ part. As paranormal crimes increased, Jack and his team were always there making the bust. He was just about the only normal human the supers were afraid of or respected, depending which side of the law they were on. He was promoted to field commander in just three years and had thirty agents under him.”
“Definitely wow,” Rena agreed.
Misty flipped to the middle of the file. “He went bad about six years into his career. It says he was selling weapons, secrets, anything he could to make a buck, to terrorists, paranormals, anybody with a lot of cash. His wife was going to turn him in, so he killed her. He appealed to Captain Starblast, but there’s no record of what was said.”
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