“Don't look at me. She is right. The glue will hold. She needs to move it,” Rose said, climbing out after Chessy.
James quickly climbed out after Rose. He didn't want to be far behind Chessy in case she needed him. Marie watched them all climb out and looked at Ray.
“Go, seriously, quit being a baby. It's just garbage. You have been in worse and grosser, I'm sure.”
“Fuck you,” Marie replied, climbing out the hatch.
Ray triggered the flood feature and climbed out after. The four seal team members were waiting at the edge of the land, waiting to help with scuttling it. Marie had walked away to join the rest of the team, who were further inland, hiding behind a large pile of garbage. Ray and the seal team worked together to push the Barracuda back to sea. As it filled with water, it slowly sunk beneath the waves.
“That's a fun waste of ten million dollars,” Davis jested to Ray.
“I think this is the least expensive mess we are going to make,” Ray replied, turning to catch a glimpse of Marie, who had led the team towards the chain link fence and had taken to cutting a hole.
“Well, I have no idea what is going on or how you ended up teamed with her, but I trust you. So, we are with you,” Davis said, patting Ray on the back.
“Thank you. It has been a while. I hardly recognized you. I hope you are better than you were in training,” Ray joked.
“Sir, I am the best and always have been,” Davis joked back.
“Let's go. She'll leave us behind if we don't keep up.”
Marie led the team into the wooded area, just outside the dump. Once they all caught up, they re-grouped. “Ok, we need to get moving.” She grabbed her backpack and threw it on the ground. Unzipping it, she revealed that she had a lot more in that backpack than they had realized. It was packed to the brim in pristine order. Pulling out a small, black bag, she opened it and pulled out a wad of Chinese currency. Marie unrolled the cash and started counting. “The four of you need to get to the city and find the motorcycle dealership. Trust me; you will know it when you see it. It is a neon nightmare. Evaluate their security. From what I remember, it was pretty lax. Not to raise too much suspicion, buy two.” Marie threw the cash she had separated and re-rolled to Greg.
“How are we supposed to get there?” Ping questioned.
“I am sure, on the walk, Greg can find a car to steal.”
Greg rolled his eyes. “We are going to stick out with our matching outfits.”
“No, you won't,” Jasmine interjected. “People do all kinds of weird shit all the time in big cities; just hide your weapons. No businessman is going to turn down cash. They won't ask any questions. It isn't worth their time to question you and potentially lose your money.”
“She's right. Money talks, and I just gave you a lot of it,” Marie added.
“Do we want to know where you got it?” Ray inquired.
“Nope,” Marie flatly replied.
“Ok let's go.” Greg gestured for Dovia, Bradley, and Ping to follow him as he headed west.
“Stop,” Marie ordered. “Tianjin is East.”
Everyone chuckled under their breath.
“Ok, going east,” Greg replied, changing direction, with Dovia, Bradley, and Ping in tow.
“So you used to steal cars?” Bradley asked as they found the road.
Greg ignored the question.
“Dude, seriously, we already know, so why don't you want to talk about it? It had to be at least a little cool,” Bradley continued.
“Right, super cool taking from others. I am not proud of it, and I don't like the idea of having to do it again,” Greg retorted.
“I think we are going to be doing a lot worse than stealing cars on this mission, and I don't think you win 'done the worst things' award in our group, anyway,” Bradley added.
“What is that supposed to mean?” Greg defensively replied.
“Um, hi, Jasmine was part of a ring of women who would seduce and kill people. I think she wins.”
Greg stopped in his tracks. “Hold up. You have no idea what she went through and what she had to do to survive. You are making it sound like she is some kind of whore for hire.”
Bradley started to reply, but Dovia stopped him. “Seriously, stop judging each other. It is not getting us anywhere, nor is it appropriate. None of us are saints, and we will all have blood on our hands by the time this is done.”
Ping could tell this was a tense subject. “Rose, she might be a saint,” he joked.
Everyone laughed a little.
“You're right. She probably is,” Greg replied.
It wasn't a long walk before Greg found his perfect target, a long-term parking lot. “Here. This is the best spot.” Greg pointed to the almost full lot.
“Don't they have cameras?” Dovia questioned, scanning around.
“They look like they have cameras, but most don't. It is just a front to look secure.” Greg scanned the lot; no attendants, the gates were automated. “Yup, perfect, let's find a car.” Greg jumped the gate, with everyone following. Greg was walking car to car, looking in the windows.
“What are you looking for? We can help,” Ping interjected.
“Most people leave the ticket on the dash. I'm looking for a car with the ticket on the dash and an older model, with no security system.” After only looking at five cars, “Hello, sweet white Camry,” Greg said almost gleefully.
Pulling his lock picking kit out of his backpack, he quickly went to work. Within moments, the door lock popped. “We're in.” Greg climbed into the driver's seat.
“That was fast.” Bradley pointed out, climbing into the passenger’s seat. Dovia and Ping filed into the backseat. Greg reached under the steering column and started messing with the wires. “Should only take a minute.” As he finished his sentence, the car started. Greg smiled and hated himself for it. He was getting joy out of stealing a car again, and he didn't like it. Greg pulled up to the gate, put in the card, and paid the fee.
“Well, we at least paid the fee for the parking lot,” Bradley joked. Greg turned onto the road towards the city. “The first motorcycle dealership is the target. She said we would know it when we saw it. The shorter the distance we have to go to get out of the city, the better.”
“I've been wondering, why motorcycles? Why not cars?” Dovia inquired.
“Packs of cars are suspicious. It is not uncommon to see a group of motorcyclists riding together in a group and at high rates of speed,” Greg replied. “She seems to have everything planned out.”
“If I lived like her, I would as well. To be constantly on the run for way too many years, you would have to be two steps ahead, at least,” Dovia replied.
The car went silent. Dovia was right, but none could imagine living Marie's lifestyle. It was long into the city limits when the bright neon signs of a motorcycle dealership caught Greg's eye. “There.” He pointed, turning into the parking lot.
“I guess those language skills will finally come in handy,” Ping pointed out. “It sounds bad, but what of this doesn't. I will do the talking. It will look more natural.”
The four walked into the elaborate entrance. It was a sensory nightmare. Television screens were everywhere, and every TV was talking about different types of bike. The neon lights lined the room, flashing, to create a club-like feel.
“I am going to have a headache by the time we get out of here,” Dovia complained. The showroom was filled with bikes of every type and color.
“At least there is a good selection,” Greg replied, running his hand over a red Suzuki.
As he lifted his hand, he was surprised by a very energetic salesman. “Ni hao. Wo zenme bang ni?” he asked.
Ping began to answer, but the salesman stopped him.
“Ah Americans. Are you here for the festival?”
“How did you…” Ping began to ask, but was cut off.
“Your band outfits. I take it the pretty lady is your singer.” The salesman winked at Dovia.
“Yes, yes we are, but we need to grab a few bikes for a show. It was just too expensive to bring them with us,” Dovia flirted. It was time to improvise. Think like Marie, Dovia thought to herself.
“Well, we have a great selection of bikes from every major manufacturer. Do you have style and color in mind?”
Play dumb, play dumb, Dovia repeatedly said in her head. “Can I get one that's pink?” She winked at the man.
He smiled and ushered her towards a display of brilliantly colored bikes.
Greg looked around. He knew she was trying to distract the salesman, so the rest of them could assess the security situation. Basic electric locks, security cameras, and only a couple of exits. It wouldn't be easy, but it wouldn't be impossible.
“She's pretty good at this,” Bradley joked as they watched Dovia chat and flirt with the salesman.
Suddenly, she turned and came skipping back to the group with a smiling salesman in tow.
“Brother, he is going to give a great deal on two bikes. I get one in pink, and you get one in purple!” she girlishly informed him.
Ping and Bradley could barely contain their laughter at Dovia's over the top performance.
“That's fabulous,” Greg replied with a smile.
“So pay the man, or we will be late for sound check. He even threw in two matching helmets,” Dovia said, patting Greg on the back.
Once Greg had paid the salesman, Dovia and Ping walked the bikes out of the store. “Hey, we will meet you there. I totally get to ride the pink one.” Dovia laughed, starting her pink bike.
“I'm totally down with riding this purple one,” Ping added, putting the purple helmet on his head.
“Ok, we will meet you back with the others,” Greg replied
“Try to keep up,” Ping said revving his bike.
Chapter
26
Back with the rest of the team, Marie had been going through her things, getting herself ready for the fight ahead of them. The rest of the team was eating the protein bars they had brought. James had gotten out his set of arrows and was examining them.
“Any idea what the colors mean?” Rose inquired, as she was curious about her own set.
“Are yours the same colors?” James asked.
“Yes, they are.”
“I have no clue,” James responded.
Marie noticed they were talking about the equipment and put down her bag and walked over to James. “Black, purple, and yellow. Black is a standard shot, but can be used to shoot a grappling cord. It is a lethal shot, as well.” Marie took one and stabbed it into a nearby tree. It didn't just make impact. It broke open and latched onto the tree. “See, both.” Marie pulled it out of the tree, and it snapped back into regular form. “Reusable as well. Purple provides a nice electric shock. Perfect for hitting electrical boxes to disrupt power. Last but not least, yellow, which explodes on impact,” Marie informed the group as James gently placed the yellow arrow he was holding back in the arrow bag. “Relax, that bag is designed to secure the arrows. See the slots? The arrows won't just fall out. They must be pulled out.”
“That's reassuring. The idea of James blowing himself up is not appealing,” Liam joked.
“I am far more concerned about you and that ax,” Marcus added.
Liam picked up his ax off the ground. “What, you mean this ax?” he joked, swinging it.
“Yes, exactly that ax,” Marcus replied.
“Put that away. I still think you’re an idiot for picking it,” Marie ordered.
“Then why was it an option? I like it, and it very well may be the most useful weapon we have,” Liam replied confidently.
“In your dreams.” Marie turned away to notice that Jasmine was sitting by herself. Amid her own organizing and talking with the rest of team, she didn't even notice that Jasmine wasn't with them. “Why is she not sitting with the rest of you?” Marie chastised the group.
“She said she wanted to be alone for a while, so we let her,” James replied.
Marie looked back to Jasmine. She could tell Jasmine was upset. She wasn't crying, but was staring blankly at the ground. Marie knew the look on her face. Marie walked over and sat down next to Jasmine. “Hey, look at me,” she said gently.
Jasmine turned her gaze to Marie.
“What's wrong?”
“Nothing,” Jasmine lied.
“I know that look. I have seen it before. When Michael used to get deep in thought, he would stare at the ground, but he really wasn't looking at the ground. He wasn't looking at anything. His mind was wandering, and something was bothering him. You’re upset; tell me what's wrong.”
Jasmine smiled a little. Hearing about her father gave her a slight feeling of belonging. “I don't belong here with them. They all look at me like I'm dirty, or I can't be trusted.”
“No, they don't.”
“Yes, they do. They play nice, but I see it in their eyes. I was the enemy. Do you trust me?”
“Of course, I do. They don't trust me either, so don't get your feelings hurt. Trust is earned, and they were together before you came into the picture. They will see what a good heart you have.”
“How do you know? I could be just as evil as Ming.”
“Never, you may have my eyes, but you have your father's heart. Don't isolate yourself. They are your new family, and although a few are on the odd side, you belong with them.”
“What about you?”
“I learned a long time ago I don't belong anywhere, and that is my life, not yours. You do belong.”
Jasmine leaned over and hugged Marie. Marie hugged back then pulled away. “Go join them. It's where you should be.”
Jasmine nodded, getting up and walking back to the group.
Marie just sat there for a moment, enjoying the peace, until the sound of an approaching motorcycle jumped her into action. She pulled her knives and ran towards the group, prepared to fight. Once the pink and the purple motorcycles came into view, she paused for a moment. Both stopped, and removing their helmets, Dovia and Ping identified themselves. “Seriously, fucking pink?” Marie barked.
As she did, a white Camry pulled up behind them. Greg and Bradley got out of the car.
“She had to improvise, but got these for pretty cheap,” Ping replied. “The place is going to be easy to break into. Their security is second rate.”
“Do they have a good selection?” Marie inquired.
“The place is packed with bikes. They probably wouldn't even notice a few gone for a day or so,” Bradley added.
“Good, Greg get to work showing everyone how to hotwire one of those. I want everyone able to start their own. Change of plans. We are all going in.”
Davis interrupted, “Um no, I will not be part of stealing from a business. I understand its necessity, but all of you are off the books. My team and I are US military and cannot be involved with a theft like that.”
“Then you will have to ride on the back of someone's bike. You can ride with me,” Marie teased.
Ray interjected. “That will be fine.”
“I love that pink one,” Jasmine added, walking over to the pink bike.
“Girl, you can have it. It was not my bike of choice. I know which one I want, but I had to play girly girl to keep our cover.”
“Yay,” Jasmine cheered, straddling the bike.
“What time do they close?” Ray asked.
“9:00pm,” Greg replied.
“Then we hit it at 10:00pm. That gives us fifteen minutes to get in and out and then two hours or so to get to Beijing. We will get to Ming's estate around 1:00am. That's a perfect time. She will be asleep. Rest up. We have eight hours until we strike,” Marie ordered.
Chapter
27
Warren had been having far more problems than expected, getting his team on board with his plan.
“Sir, I'm telling you that it is not a good idea to go to China. Even if they have agreed to meet, they have not picked sides, nor have they said any
thing about our declaration of war,” Peter Manuel argued as Warren prepared to leave.
“We have had this talk, and as I said the last time, I am going, and you won't stop me. They will side with us, and we will get the tactical advantage.”
“You have no guarantee of that, and you are risking your well-being. We need you here.”
“No, I should be on the front lines. I won't sit behind a desk, watching this go down. I am going and making allies. You can stay in touch. I trust you to run things, here,” Warren ordered, closing his briefcase. “Now, if you don't mind, I have a plane waiting for me.” Warren barged out of the office.
He was on a mission. Suddenly, his personal phone rang; only a few people had that number. He answered.
“Did you hear my speech?” Franklin questioned.
“Sorry to say I missed it. I have been a bit busy, but I got a run down from my team, well done.”
“Thanks, I guess. We are on board, so where do we go from here?”
“Just ready your forces. Once I have China on board, we will have a much stronger position.” “So I am demoted to your little buddy to back you up. Yes, China would be perfect if Sergei was on that coast, but he isn't, so wouldn't my relationship with Finland be a better idea?”
Warren laughed. “I yield to your geographical expertise, but you know why I need to get control of China. Yes, you are correct. Staging in Finland would be perfect for a direct attack on Sergei. Go for it.”
Franklin smiled. It was time to take a stronger position. “I will touch base, once I am there. Do we have any update on our girl?”
“No, she will make contact when she has something to report.”
“Ok, keep me in the loop.”
“Will do. I will speak to you later.” Warren hung up the phone. He liked making Franklin feel important, but he was just another pawn, a necessary one, but this was Warren's show.
Chapter
28
Having allowed the team to prep and rest, they were adjusted to being back on land and ready for what Marie feared would be an ugly fight. As the time approached, Marie watched them prep their weapons.
Jasmine (Teumessian Trilogy Book 3) Page 12