American Mutant

by Bernard Lee DeLeo

  Nearly fifteen minutes later, as cars zoomed by, Nate peaked up over the hood of the Lincoln, just in time to see a body slam onto the roof of a Ford Taurus parked across the street. There were screams from the street, as people ran to see what had caused the noise. Soon, Nate heard sirens in the distance, and then Connor appeared next to him.

  Nate started to speak, but quieted as Connor opened the passenger side door and motioned for him to get in. Connor walked around and got behind the wheel of the Lincoln. Nate handed him the keys, and they were on their way in a moment.

  “They got Sammy, Nate.”

  “You find out where?”

  “Oh yeah, he was most cooperative. They beat him up to find out where the bank meeting would be. They tailed us here, and set up operations on the roof of the building across the street. Good thing you react instead of think Nate. I didn’t get a hint of it until a split second before he fired.”

  “What do you want to do?”

  “He says there will be at least fifteen guys at the warehouse where they have Sammy,” Connor said quietly. “I will need about five minutes to get into position. I need you to assault the place, and divert attention until I get Sammy out safely. Can you keep them busy for about thirty seconds?”

  “That was a rhetorical question, right?” Nate asked. “You worry about getting Sammy safe. Do we take any alive?”

  “Momentarily, until I can find out if we have them all. Starting up a business appears to be harder than I originally thought. By the time our doors open for business Nate, Washington D.C. will be a much safer place. Only give them thirty seconds of trouble after you hear my signal. I will handle the prisoner acquisition.”

  Nate nodded agreement. “There will not be many left by then, so take your time. Pull over for a moment, and I will get properly armed. Do you want anything Thomas?”

  “No.”

  “It goes against the mutant code of conduct or something?”

  “No, I will not need anything, but thanks.” Connor pulled over to the side of the road, and popped the trunk. Nate hurried back with an Uzi. He had taken off his suit coat and vest in favor of a bulletproof vest. Connor could see clips of ammunition for both the Walther, and the Uzi, fastened within easy reach. Nate loaded the Uzi as Connor drove, and checked the weapon over.

  “I’m glad you aren’t one of those movie sprayers Nate.”

  “Yea, that’s why we won’t have many of these cheap punks left. They spray, but they don’t aim. They think they’re firing heat seekers.”

  “Well,” Connor replied, “they will have the privilege of seeing a professional work an automatic weapon, at least for a couple of seconds. Just remember to leave me a couple.”

  “Of course Thomas. Do you think Sammy will be okay?”

  “If he is when we get there, he will be when we leave. I hope he just told them where we were, and saved himself some pain.”

  “Yea, but he didn’t look the type,” Nate said.

  Connor gripped the steering wheel harder for a moment, and then relaxed. “I know. If it were not so dangerous, I would save them all until I checked him out. If he were badly hurt, I would make those assholes descent into hell, a memorable one.”

  “Easy now Thomas, we just take care of business when we get over there. I have never partnered with a mutant before. You will have to be patient with me.”

  Connor chuckled in spite of the seriousness. “I know you are right Nate. I just wanted to get by this part without involving anyone else.”

  “Once we get set up, and get the young guys trained, we will not get blind sided like this. Beginnings are always shaky.”

  “Yea, well you keep your damn head down too Nate. I have been alone for too long. This being responsible takes some getting used to.”

  “Yes Bwana. You mutants sure whine a lot. I know. You’re a Democrat. That would explain the ducking responsibility, and the whining.”

  “No need to get nasty,” Connor laughed.

  They rode on in silence. The residential neighborhood gave way to commercial buildings. As they reached the seedier part, Connor pulled up and parked. Both men got out, and Nate turned to Connor with a hurt look on his face.

  “You don’t plan to leave my baby out here in this neck of the woods without an armed guard, do you? There won’t be anything left but the ashtray when we get back.”

  “Back up from the car Nate.” Nate did as he was told. Connor put his hands on the roof of the car and closed his eyes. A moment later he walked around to where Nate waited.

  “What ever you do Nate, do not get within ten feet of the Lincoln until after I open it up.”

  “What did you do Thomas, put a hex on my car?”

  “I can tell you one thing Nate. Anyone coming within ten feet of her will never want to get near a Lincoln again.”

  “What about kids?” Nate asked.

  “They will never come near another vehicle with larceny in their hearts ever again,” Connor replied.

  Nate nodded. “You the man. That takes a load off my mind. I want at least a few more weeks with my baby before some freaking thing takes it away from me.”

  Connor led his friend through a maze of abandoned buildings. They saw a few faces, but they disappeared when they saw what Nate carried. A few minutes later, they reached a warehouse building with most of its windows broken. Two young blacks lounged against the building with AK 47’s held casually.

  “Stay here Nate until I take these two morons out, and then come on

  up.”

  “How the hell are you going to get close enough to do that?”

  “Just stay here.”

  “As you wish Bwana.”

  Connor shot a bad look at Nate, and received the fickle finger of fate for an answer. Connor smiled, and started walking with his hands up towards the two men. They did not even notice him until he was within fifty yards of them. Straightening up away from the building, the two men pointed their weapons at him as he closed the distance between them. They looked at each other with puzzled looks on their faces. Connor closed to within ten yards before the smaller man put a hand up, and Connor halted.

  “Who the fuck are you,” he asked as his companion chuckled.

  A split second later, Connor held the rifles. The two men looked at their empty hands in amazement as Nate came running up. He covered the two as Connor put the rifles next to the building, and then walked back over to face the two men.

  “Did either of you see a young black man named Sammy being held prisoner inside?” Connor asked.

  “Fuck you assho.” the smaller man began. A loud crack sounded as his neck snapped in Connor’s hands.

  “Wrong answer. How about you Homey?”

  The other man stared at the still twitching body of his friend, and swallowed hard. He looked at Connor’s face with desperation. “He’s in there man. They got him locked in the back room.”

  “Did you have anything to do with questioning him?”

  “No man…I…” He was dead before he could finish the sentence.

  “When you hear a scream Nate, come on in and join the fun.”

  “Let’s rock my friend. Just worry about Sammy. I’ll take the heat off.”

  Connor put his hand on Nate’s shoulder for a moment, and then he was gone. Nate went over, and turned the handle minutely counterclockwise a little at a time until he reached the stop. He then eased it away from the jamb, and gently released the handle. With the Uzi ready for action, Nate put his foot on the edge of the door and waited.

  Five minutes later he heard a shriek from inside and smiled. He threw the door wide open with his foot and ducked inside. Men scrambled and dived for cover as Nate began firing short deadly bursts. A man dropped every time he fired. Caught completely by surprise, the gang members tried to return fire, but they could never find the target. Nate moved constantly, directing a steady killing fire, until the only ones left alive lay huddled behind crates and debris. Nate stopped shooting, as he waited f
or targets. Connor appeared next to him a few seconds later, making Nate nearly drop his weapon.

  “You mutant asshole,” he gasped. “I swear to God I am going to tie a bell around your fucking neck.”

  Connor smiled. “Good news, Sammy looks pretty good. You know what the disrespectful turd said to me Nate?”

  “What took you so long?”

  Connor’s face dropped for a moment as Nate laughed at his small triumph. “You have already been hanging around me too long Nate. Anyway, let me go take care of the last few guys and ask them a couple of questions.”

  Before Nate could even nod agreement, Connor disappeared again. Seconds later, the screams began again. He heard some muffled voices, and then more screams. Nate could see a blur as Connor went from one survivor to another on his terrifying quest. Fifteen minutes later, he saw Connor come out from behind a crate. Connor then went to all of the men shot by Nate in the first few minutes of the attack. He left no one alive. Connor rejoined Nate by the door leading out.

  “We have one more stop old buddy. It seems the orders came from a very swank area of town. It appears a kingpin of crime really does keep these hoods organized,” Connor explained.

  “Well Batman, let’s get Sammy to the Mutantmobile and pay him a visit.”

  Connor laughed and led the way outside. Nate spotted Sammy crouching near the side of the wall. He stood up smiling as he saw Nate walking towards him with Connor close behind. Nate shook his hand and clamped a huge hand on his shoulder.

  “Well young blood, I see you do not appear permanently damaged.”

  “I told them where you were when they took me. I told them not to go after you guys, but they wouldn’t listen.”

  “You did great Sammy,” Connor said shaking his hand. “Let’s get you home.

  “I knew these guys could never take you two.”

  “Anything can go wrong Sammy,” Connor replied, “but in your case, you had to pick a horse to bet on and stay with it. Nate and I were praying you had not tried to hold out from telling them. Nate and I have to take care of the next rung in the ladder, so how would you like a ride home in Nate’s new Lincoln?”

  “Yea,” Sammy’s eyes lit up. “Could I drive it sir?”

  “Well, I.,” Nate stammered. “I.think.ah.I.”

  “What Nate means to say Sammy,” Connor broke in. “He would love for you to drive us. You know the way to your own house. Nate and I can kick back, right Nate?”

  Nate started to say something, and then closed his mouth, shook his head resignedly, and waved his hand with the key to the Lincoln in it. “Here Sammy, take this before I change my mind. Stay back with me though until the mutant here takes the spell off of the car.”

  “What spell?”

  “Never mind Sammy,” Connor replied. “I already took care of it. Come on, we parked just around the corner here. If you like the Lincoln, maybe Nate will loan it to you for dates.”

  Nate went for Connor; who was already laughing so hard, he could not get away. Sammy looked on in awe at the two men, he, and his friends were calling the Lethal Weapon wannabes. He looked on as Nate put the laughing Connor into a headlock, and started to jump up and down like they were on a pro wrestling circuit. Sammy glanced back at the warehouse, where the two men in front of him had probably executed almost twenty men. He shook his head, and went to get the Lincoln, cementing in his mind for all time, the fact these were indeed very dangerous men.

  “Come on Nate, you’re getting my new suit all messed up. I give up. I promise not to let anyone touch your car.”

  “No pulling anymore mutant shit on me either.” When there was only silence from Connor, Nate began to jump up and down again.

  “Okay, okay,” Connor acquiesced reluctantly.

  Nate released him finally as Sammy drove up in the Lincoln.

  “All deals are off if you call me Bwana again,” Connor mumbled under his breath.

  “What did you say Mutie?”

  “I said; we need to get going again.”

  Sammy popped open their door locks and the two men got into the back. “I hear sirens Sir. We better get moving.”

  “Sorry for the delay Sammy,” Nate said as the young man sped off. “I had to teach this evil mutant a lesson about property rights. If you boys need a launch for a date, we’ll give you one of the limos to take and ride in style. No one touches my Lincoln, right?”

  “Yes Sir. I love your car Sir. I will own one like it one of these days.”

  “I have no doubt about that. Will you need Thomas or I to go in and explain anything to your folks?”

  “I live with my Grandma, and she thinks I’m still punkin’ around. It would help if Mr. Connor were to come in and let her know I have a job now.”

  “I owe you that much Sammy,” Connor agreed, “for going through all this stuff today on our behalf. I would love to meet your Grandma. Also I want you to take these cell phones and give one to each of your friends too. If you need me or have a question, you can reach me immediately. Do not hesitate to call us. All the accessories and directions are in the boxes.”

  Sammy nodded as he drove. “I hope Grandma will believe you. I have not given her much reason to believe anything good about me.”

  “One day at a time Sammy,” Nate added.

  Sammy led the way into the run down apartment. Connor smelled fresh bread, one of his all time favorite smells. The interior of the apartment projected an aura of comfort. It looked to be a two-bedroom apartment, and very well maintained. A rail thin, gray haired black woman came out of one of the bedrooms. Her eyes lit up as she saw Sammy, and she rushed over and hugged him roughly to her. She looked up at Connor with a tired resignation.

  “What has my grandson done, officer?”

  “I am Thomas Connor, Ms. Baldwin,” Connor said holding out his hand. Sammy’s grandmother shook his hand after a brief hesitation. “Your grandson has agreed to work for me in my business. I was giving Sammy a ride home, and I thought I should introduce myself.”

  The woman’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Sammy. “What business would that be mister?”

  “I have just bought a limousine service, and we will also be doing vehicle repair, and a few other enterprises. My partner and I have decided to train a crew from scratch, rather than hire experienced people.”

  “Well, 1.1. don’t know what to say. How in the world did you ever get hooked up with Sammy?”

  “We met on the street Grandma. Mr. Connor said he needed employees. He hired some of my friends too.”

  “He just met you, and your cheap little hood friends, on the street, and was so impressed with you all, he hired you on the spot.” She stated suspiciously, glancing at Connor. “I may not look very bright mister, but you must think I am a complete idiot if you think I buy that.”

  Connor laughed as Sammy looked at him pleadingly. “Ms. Baldwin, I do not mean to stretch your incredulity. Can we leave it at the fact I have a legitimate business, and your grandson does work for me? He will also be bringing home uniforms and clothing to be worn at my business. Those bags he carries have cell phones for each of his friends, and one for him. They need to familiarize themselves with them, because I will be in constant contact with my staff in this operation. I also plan on supplementing these boys education privately. They will not be attending public school much longer.”

  The woman just stared at Connor with amazement plainly showing on her face. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “No need to say anything,” Connor replied. “If you need to ask me anything, just call the number Sammy has for me.”

  She hesitated for a moment, and then walked up to Connor and hugged him. Connor returned her hug, and when she pulled away, he could tell her eyes were tearing up. “I don’t know why you’re doing it, and I don’t care. Thank you for your help.”

  “This has nothing to do with charity Ms. Baldwin. Sammy will be working his butt off if he plans to keep employed.”

  “Thank you just th
e same, and please call me Rachel.”

  “Very well Rachel,” Connor smiled. “Sammy, you get these phones to the rest of the guys, and remind them we will be meeting at the restaurant for breakfast tomorrow morning about eight. If there are any hang-ups, you know how to reach me.”

  “I do Mr. Connor. I will take care of it.”

  “Well, I better go now, before Nate decides to make me walk home. Goodbye Ms. Baldwin, a pleasure to meet you. See you tomorrow Sammy.”

  “Yes Sir.” Sammy acknowledged.

  “God Bless you Mr. Connor,” Rachel added as Connor walked back through the door.

  Chapter 15 Cultural Diversity

  As Connor stepped from the apartment building, he saw Nate standing over a black man lying unconscious at his feet. He was talking animatedly to three others standing in a semi circle around him. Connor sighed, and went out to stand next to Nate.

  The men stopped talking as soon as Connor walked up. “What’s going on Nate? I can’t take you anywhere.”

  “Shut-up Mutie,” Nate laughed. “This gentleman on the ground walked over to the Lincoln with his friends. I was sitting in the driver’s seat. He looked right at me, and then just casually sat on the hood of my car. I got out and asked him politely to get off of my car. He refused, and I had to persuade him. His friends here disagreed with my method of persuasion.”

  “Why don’ you and your white pussy boyfriend get the fuck out of. “ Nate’s open handed smash ended the man’s heated comment. The man dropped to the sidewalk, holding his face.

  “Either of you two geniuses want to say anything more about my partner here?” Nate asked.

  The men still standing backed away silently.

  Nate looked at Connor, “Let’s get out of here Thomas before I really get mad. No one seems to respect private property anymore.”

  “I agree. We will have to be more careful where we take your Lincoln.”

  “Exactly,” Nate nodded in agreement. He shot the other men a stern look, and got behind the wheel of the Lincoln again, as Connor got in next to him.