Enhanced

by Ben Brown

  “Your luck is in; a few days ago, I would have killed you without a second thought. I’m not going to kill you, although I think you deserve to die. No, I will leave your life in God’s hands.”

  With that, Michael reached behind the Irishmen’s left ear, felt around for a second, and then applied a small amount of pressure with his index finger. O’Brien’s body convulsed briefly and then he passed out.

  Michael dropped the man and went to check Doc; the old man was now getting back on his feet. “I’m sorry, but he may have shot you by accident. I couldn’t take that risk.”

  “Not a problem. Will he be unconscious for long?”

  The two looked at the man who lay like a pile of old washing in the middle of the room. Michael went to O’Brien and grabbed him under the arms. “He should be out for at least twenty minutes, maybe more. Hopefully, enough time for us to escape.

  “Could you open the cupboard please.”

  Skinner opened the door to the linen cupboard as Michael threw the unconscious man inside.

  Michael then went to a footlocker at the base of his bed. He turned the dial on the combination lock and opened the box to reveal an assortment of guns and knives. He handed Doc a small automatic pistol and a number of spare clips.

  “It’s not very powerful, but it’s easy to conceal. You most likely won’t need to use it, but I will feel more comfortable if you have it.”

  He returned his attention to the treasure trove of weapons. He placed two 9mm pistols in the waistband of his trousers, then pulled out two Heckler & Koch MP7A1 submachine guns. These were small enough to hide beneath his suit jacket; as long as no one looked too closely, he would be fine. He slid a large hunting knife down the back of his trousers, and filled his pockets with ammunition.

  He stood and headed for the door; unlocking it he peered tentatively out and into the village square. It was all but empty, just a few servants running around with breakfast things.

  Michael looked back at Doc.

  “This is it; we’ll head back to get Zac and Lea. Then we make a break for the jungle. With a bit of luck, it will be nearly an hour before anyone realizes we’ve gone.”

  Skinner headed for the door; then the two started their long walk across the square.

  About halfway across, they heard a shout; both froze on the spot.

  “Hey, Michael, it’s good to see you back — is this Dominic’s father?”

  The two men turned to see a man approaching them.

  Michael reached around his back and placed a hand on the knife. He recognized the man as Stuart Hill; he worked for Dominic, recruiting mercenaries. Hill had no abilities and posed little to no threat. Michael quickly scanned the rest of the village — they were alone.

  “Yeah this is Dominic’s father,” he answered. “He wants me to take him to Dr Hien for a quick medical, if you know what I mean.”

  Hill laughed as he kept walking, then shouted back over his shoulder, “I might see you tonight, we could have a couple of beers. It’s been a while.”

  Michael and Doc continued on their way as Michael replied, “Great, I’ll see you tonight.”

  He moved his hand away from his knife as the two increased their pace.

  * * *

  As Zac handed Lea one of the 9mms the door behind him began to open; he spun to see who was entering. The man who had escorted Doc earlier walked in.

  His eyes shot to the chair with the restraints, and then he saw Zac and obviously realized what was happening.

  Zac didn’t dare to fire a weapon — it would have brought the whole camp down on them. Instead he flew at the man, grabbed him by the neck, and threw him across the room.

  Michael came to a skidding stop alongside the bed, which Lea had just vacated. He was on his feet almost as he landed, but instead of retaliating, he held out his hands. “Wait, you don’t understand. Doctor, get in here!”

  Zac heard the sound of the door shutting; he turned quickly, and there he was, with a big smile on his face — Doc.

  “What the hell! How did you get back here?”

  As the words left his mouth, the old man grabbed him and pulled him into a hug.

  “I knew they couldn’t keep you locked up for long. I’m so glad I was right.”

  As quickly as he had grabbed Zac, he let him go and headed for Lea. The two began to cry as they embraced.

  Zac eyed the man by the bed.

  He said nothing as he stood impassively waiting for Doc to explain his presence.

  Finally, Zac said, “Sorry, Doc, but what the hell are you doing with this guy?”

  Doc unlocked his arms from Lea and wiped his eyes. He walked over to the man beside the bed and placed his hand on the man’s shoulder. “This is Michael, he’s a friend, and he’s here to help.”

  “Is he one of Dominic’s people?” Zac asked.

  “I was, yes, but thanks to the Doctor’s help, I no longer follow Dominic. I now owe him a debt of gratitude that I intend to repay.”

  “Do you trust him, Doc?” Lea asked.

  “Yes I do. He has saved me on more than one occasion and I trust him with my life. I used my viral nanites to deactivate the ones Dominic implanted in him; he is quite himself once more. He’s a good man, Lea, I promise.”

  “Then that’s good enough for me,” Lea replied. “Now, let’s get out of here.”

  Suddenly, Doc noticed her eyes. He rushed back to her and gently took her face in his hands. “Lea how did this happen? No, don’t say — I’m sorry. As soon as we’re back in my lab, I will set about fixing this.”

  Lea gently patted the old man’s hands. “I know you will, but first we need to get out of here.”

  Zac went back to Lea and passed her the guns. Then he turned his attention to the window behind the bed. As he looked through the bars which secured the window, he could see the edge of the jungle only twenty yards away.

  He turned to the others. “I think we should make a break for the jungle and head for the mountains. With a bit of luck, we’ll meet up with the rest of my team.”

  Michael joined him and looked out at the dense foliage. “It will be tough going, and the Doctor has already been through a lot. I don’t know if he’s up to it. Plus Lea has lost her sight, both will slow us down. Nevertheless, I agree, it’s our only way out.”

  Zac quickly gathered the rest of the weapons and filled a number of bottles with water, then headed back to the window.

  He looked through it once more to check for guards; the way was clear. He grabbed the bars with both hands and pushed. The entire window frame gave way easily, leaving a large jagged hole in the wall.

  Michael climbed out first and waited by the opening. Lea was next, and then Doc. Zac climbed out last, joining them as they all crouched by the back of the building.

  “Michael, you check that side,” Zac gestured to the left. “And I’ll check the other. If the coast is clear we’ll make a run for it.”

  Michael nodded and headed for the side of the building, Zac did the same. Everything seemed fine. It was clear that no one had realized what was happening. It was now or never.

  When Zac rejoined the group, Michael was already there waiting. “It’s clear my side.”

  “Then let’s do it,” Zac replied.

  With that, Michael took the lead with Doc close behind him.

  “Are you ready, Lea?” Zac asked.

  She simply nodded.

  He took her gently by the hand. “Keep tight hold of my hand and listen to my footsteps. Try and keep on the same path as me, and stay low.”

  She nodded again.

  “Let’s go!”

  With that, both were off at a full run, heading for the jungle. The four of them tore through the dense undergrowth.

  Lea stayed close to him. She seemed to be able to sense low branches and obstacles that lay in her path. Maybe she could hear the movement of his body and simply copied it.

  “Please, I need to stop,” Doc panted.

  They h
ad only been moving for five minutes, but he was beat. They came to a stop in a small clearing.

  “I’m sorry, but I can’t keep this up,” Doc apologized as he dropped to his knees.

  Zac handed him some water.

  The others hadn’t even broken a sweat.

  Zac looked back in the direction of the camp. He knew they didn’t have much time — it wouldn’t be long before Dominic realized they were gone. He knew they needed to open up the gap.

  Michael stood next to him and he too looked back down the track. “We’re not moving quickly enough; it’s only a matter of time until they come looking for us.”

  Zac simply nodded and looked at Doc as he knelt on the ground. Lea had her arm around him.

  “I know — can you carry him? I know it’s a lot to ask of you, but I don’t see any other option. I’ll lead the way with Lea, and I’ll try and keep a clear path for you.”

  Michael looked at him and nodded; his face bore a grim look of determination.

  Zac walked back to Doc and knelt by his side. “Doc, we’re not moving fast enough. We need to pick up the pace.”

  “I know, my boy, I understand. Leave me here. I don’t want to slow you down.”

  “No, that’s not what I meant — Michael is going to carry you. We’re not leaving anyone behind, not today. He is more than capable of carrying you for quite a distance, and when he gets tired, I’ll take over.”

  The old man’s face creased as he fought to control his emotions. “Thank you — all of you, this is more than I deserve.” He got to his feet.

  Zac helped the old man onto Michael’s back, and then once again they were on the move.

  This time Lea and Zac took the lead. They plowed through the jungle for ten more minutes, when suddenly from behind, a loud siren started to scream.

  They all came to a stop and turned in the direction of the noise.

  “Well I guess the cat’s out of the bag. That was quicker than we anticipated,” Zac said.

  He looked at Michael — he was breathing hard. “Time for a switch. You take Lea.”

  Michael nodded and lowered Doc to the ground. He then took Lea’s hand.

  “Hop up, Doc, and enjoy the ride,” Zac said slapping his back.

  Doc hopped on like a kid getting a piggyback ride.

  “Let’s move or they will be on us in no time,” Michael said as he headed off into the jungle with Lea on his arm.

  30

  Dominic seemed distracted as he and Sinclair headed for his quarters. His father had been truly upset by the realization that his two best hopes had been captured. Sinclair guessed Dominic still reveled in that pleasure.

  “A penny for your thoughts?” she said in a sweet voice. She knew Dominic was close to succumbing to her charms and she was determined to make that happen. If she could control him, then she would have the full command of his subjects. Eventually, that would lead to more power than she had ever dreamt of. She stared at him intensely as he answered.

  “I think it may be a mistake allowing Zac to live; maybe Hien was right. I think we should terminate him before it’s too late.”

  Sinclair’s heart raced — she couldn’t allow that to happen. Zac was far too valuable a commodity to destroy.

  “Oh come on, Dominic,” she said. “Why are you listening to that old fool? You know Zac is no match for you. Okay, his abilities may be growing, but his intellect isn’t. That’s where you surpass him in every way. You have subdued him at every turn, all without raising a hand.”

  Dominic seemed to ponder this, and then he smiled. “Of course, you’re right as always; I think this calls for some champagne. Don’t you?”

  Sinclair smiled and nodded coyly. She could now begin her seduction.

  The servants hurried from the room as Dominic poured the Dom Pérignon into the two champagne flutes, which sat by the ornate silver ice bucket. His eyes drifted in Sinclair’s direction.

  She sat in a large, red leather armchair, her arms draped across its width. This accentuated the line of her breasts beneath the silk of her gown, and she knew it. She caught Dominic looking at her, and she smiled.

  He returned the smile like a guilty schoolboy; fumbling with the bottle as he placed it back on ice. Then he picked up the two glasses and walked over to her. He handed her a glass as she stared intently into his eyes.

  Dominic raised his glass. “To … success.”

  Sinclair stood and pressed her body against his; she could feel her breasts pressing against his chest.

  He took a step backwards and cleared his throat. Sinclair knew that Dominic detested any kind of physical contact; she could feel his unease. She had him off guard, which was just what she wanted.

  She raised her glass and said, “Success.” She placed the glass to her lips and downed the champagne in one smooth gulp. Her gaze stayed on her prey; he stood little chance against her allure. She placed the empty glass on a small table beside the leather chair. Then she stepped closer to him once more. “I think we need to do more than have a glass of champagne to celebrate, don’t you?”

  He squirmed on the spot; he was clearly aroused but didn’t know how to proceed. She knew that he had never been involved with a woman before. He was out of his element and at her mercy. He crossed to the table and picked up a small silver plate filled with strawberries; he offered them to her.

  “Would you care for a strawberry, Jane?”

  She just smiled as she reached behind her neck with both hands and untied the straps to her dress. The flimsy garment dropped to the floor, revealing her naked body.

  She stood there, allowing his eyes to absorb every inch of her. She watched as his eyes devoured her. Then, like a cobra hypnotizing its prey, she began to move slowly towards the man she had entranced.

  He didn’t move — he seemed paralyzed by the beautiful creature that approached him. He opened his mouth to speak but no words came out.

  She noticed the bulge forming in his trousers as she drew nearer. She reached out, took his hand, and guided it to her breast. Her other hand caressed the bulge that grew with every touch. Her eyes never left his.

  “I know you want me, Dominic, and I want you,” she said in a sultry whisper.

  He caressed her gently; his eyes drifted to her breasts, then slowly traced their way down her body.

  “I … I’ve never, um, I’ve never had … I mean …” He stumbled with his words as he struggled to speak.

  Her smile grew even wider; she had never heard him stutter this way before. He was always so controlled — she knew she had him. She placed a hand on the back of his head and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

  He started to return her kiss, and he went with the moment; she could feel his control fading. She gave a little moan of pleasure, not because of the passionate embrace, but for all the power she was about to wield as she became his puppet master.

  Suddenly, and without warning, the door to the hut burst open. Dominic turned.

  Sinclair’s ecstasy turned to rage in a split second as he knocked her to the ground. She landed hard, in a sprawling, naked heap.

  “What is the meaning of this?” Dominic screamed at the man. “How dare you burst in here without my permission?”

  O’Brien stood at the door. His eyes fell instantly on the naked woman on the floor and then to the bulge in Dominic’s trousers.

  A look of terror spread across his face. “Oh god, I’m sorry, Dominic. Please, hold on, this is important. Believe me, I know this could cost me my life, bursting in here like this, but I need to tell ya something.” O’Brien was backing out of the doorway as Dominic moved towards him with murder in his eyes.

  As O’Brien spoke, he raised a hand in front of him. His right hand hung limply from its broken wrist. “It’s ya father, Dominic — he’s gone. Michael helped him escape. I confronted him and he broke me wrist and knocked me out.” O’Brien held his damaged hand a little higher to accentuate his point.

  Dominic froze as he stared at
the Irishman’s hand. He shook his head wildly. He seemed to be trying to dislodge some invisible creature that had hold of him.

  Sinclair could sense her grip on him slipping away.

  “How long ago did this happen?” he finally asked.

  “I’m not sure, maybe fifteen or twenty minutes.”

  Dominic pushed past him, knocking him to one side, heading for Michael’s quarters.

  O’Brien looked back at Sinclair as she put her dress back on.

  “Don’t say anything, I warn you!” she hissed.

  O’Brien held his good hand above his head as he nodded his submission.

  A second later she, too, flew past him.

  Sinclair joined Dominic in Michael’s quarters. He was tearing the place apart in a fit of rage.

  “Dominic, focus, we need to find him.”

  Instantly he stopped; his chest heaved as he gulped in air. Slowly he straightened and walked past her, his eyes scanned the large open area that lay In the middle of the village. A man strolled past eating an apple and reading some papers.

  He casually looked up at Dominic and said, “Are you looking for Michael? He took your father to see Dr. Hien.”

  “Wait, Stuart, isn’t it? What did you just say?”

  The man stopped in his tracks and turned back in Dominic’s direction. Dominic headed for the man as the fellow repeated what he had just said.

  “Michael took your father to see Hien. They’re probably still over there.” The man looked towards the makeshift hospital.

  Dominic placed his hand calmly on the man’s shoulder; his eyes followed the man’s gaze. “And you didn’t think of stopping them, or checking to see if that was authorized. Is that what you are telling me, Stuart?”

  Stuart Hill started to tremble as he nodded weakly.

  Dominic’s hand drifted to the back of the man’s neck and with one flick of his wrist, Stuart Hill dropped to the ground, his neck broken.

  Dominic stepped over the dead man as if he was stepping over something unpleasant. Then he headed for the room which should still contain his prisoners; he hit the door at a full run. It exploded into pieces from the force of the impact.