A Wolf In Sheep's Clothing

by S. E. Meyer

  “Yes. Oh my God is right. Playing God,” Isabelle replied.

  “For what purpose?” Jax asked.

  “Isn't it obvious Jax?” Isabelle asked. “To make us more docile, submissive, non-combative and suggestible.”

  “That would explain why no one is willing to stand up and do anything. Fight for change.”

  “Yes,” Isabelle replied. “We all now have a genetic predisposition not to. But the genetic mutation doesn't always take hold. A few slip through the cracks, and those are the people who are more likely to skip treatments or show other signs of civil disobedience. Those are the people who are more likely to become banished, which plays right in to what the government wants; an easy way to flesh out non-conformists and cull them from the herd.”

  “I'm guessing this all plays back to Gentech. They had to be involved,” Anna concluded.

  “Yes,” Isabelle replied. “We all know Gentech's main business is making designer kids. For a hefty price, parents can choose eye color, hair color, ensure their children are immune to a host of diseases, etc., but Gentech has a spin off company that handles Government contracts. That company is owned by a holding company named Blackwater, and they produce our treatments. They've been involved all along. I also found a hidden folder named Gentech Project Shield.”

  Anna's eyes widened. “Gina Thorp mentioned Project Shield, right before she died. She also mentioned Blackwater. That company is run by Cornelius Cromwell.”

  Isabelle shook her head. “So once again this all leads back to Cromwell.”

  Anna nodded. “I'm afraid so, Isabelle.” Her eyes widened, recalling the interview with Victoria.

  Shit. 'Isabelle is what she calls the cat'

  Anna made eye contact with Isabelle. “Speaking of the trial. Does the name Victoria Olson mean anything to you?”

  Isabelle's jaw slacked as she gave Anna a slow nod. “I haven't heard that name in a long time. Victoria Olson was my mother. My dad had an affair with her around the time Richard was born, but he told me she died.”

  “She's still alive, Isabelle. I found her at a Psychiatric Hospital. How old are you? What month were you born?” Anna asked.

  “I'll be twenty-one in July.”

  “Me too,” Anna replied. “What information was in the folder?”

  Isabelle shrugged. “What little information I found was vague. No names were listed, only that there were twelve subjects, and they were all genetically modified in some way.”

  “Listen, Isabelle. I was part of that trial. I think you were too. We both may have been genetically modified.” Anna said, a shudder ran through her body.

  “Sounds like we all are, Anna,” Jax replied.

  “Yes, but Project Shield was different,” Anna argued. “They did something else to the twelve of us in that group. Gina said they started Project Shield to protect something,”

  Anna recalled Richard's confession. “And the Cromwell's are trying to hide it.”

  “How do you know that?” Jax asked.

  “Because Richard has been killing us off one by one,” Anna replied. She looked deep into Isabelle‘s eyes. “And there's only two of us left.”

  CHAPTER X

  Richard hobbled through the doorway of Cornelius's office. The thump of his air cast boot beating the hardwood with every step. “Thanks for getting me out of there,” Richard said, slumping into the chair across from his grandfather.

  “Why didn't they give you crutches?” Cornelius barked.

  “Because of my shoulder,” Richard replied, wincing while adjusting his sling.

  “You're a mess boy,” Cornelius grunted. He raised an eyebrow. “Was it her?”

  Richard lowered his head. “Yes.”

  Cornelius pulled out a cigarette from the silver case in front of him and lit it with a match. “Give up on that girl, Richard.”

  Richard sat upright. “I thought you said we always get what we want.”

  “Only if you're strong enough to make it happen. You screwed that up for yourself. Listen, they caught you on the other side of the wall which means they will send you through it.”

  “But, Grandfather-”

  “Shut up. I'm not finished.” Cornelius took a long drag from the cigarette. “Video footage will show Anna throwing you over the wall which means she’ll be banished. I can't get a hold of that son of a bitch Damarion, but I pulled some strings and got you out of jail. I also had City Security send me over the footage. I'm uploading it now. Someone has to go through the gates, Richard, but it won’t be you.”

  “But I love her.”

  “Get over it. Find someone else. I’ve let you play your silly game long enough. You had your chance. Since she‘s not willing to marry and become part of this family so we can keep an eye on her, you must let her go.” Cornelius smiled. “Ah, here it is now.” He turned the screen of his tablet so they could both watch the video footage.

  Richard leaned in to get a better view. “She’ll show up any minute,” he said.

  They both watched the sun drop lower on the horizon as Cornelius skipped the video ahead. He pressed play in time for them to see the sun reflect off another camera's lens and the video turned to a white screen.

  Cornelius's jaw swung low and the cigarette between his lips fell into his lap. “What the hell?” he roared, skipping the video ahead several minutes. The screen did not change until the last bit of sunlight disappeared behind the hills. The video came back to display a vacant wall with flashing lights. Cornelius jumped in his seat. “Ow, ow, shit,” he said brushing the embers of his cigarette from his thigh. He grabbed the tablet and threw it across the room, sending it crashing into a nice little Monet hanging to right side of the doorway.

  “What's going on Grandfather? I don't understand.”

  “You imbecile!” Cornelius croaked. “You let her lead you to the spot you and Billy tussled a few years ago.”

  “So what does it mean?”

  Cornelius's face matched the color of the vein popping out of his temple. “It means there's no proof she threw you over. It means they'll treat you like any other common jumper.”

  Cornelius moved in front of Richard. Leaning over, he stared into his grandson's face. “It means they will send you through the gates.”

  Richard's eyes widened. “No. Grandfather, they can‘t.”

  Cornelius straightened himself. “Yes, they can! And they will!” He turned to look out the window behind his desk. “This is Damarion's fault. He should have fixed that glitch years ago.” Cornelius grasped the glass on his desk to take a drink. Finding it empty, he threw the glass through the open doorway. “Where is my new butler? Can't get decent help these days,”

  “DAMARION!” Cornelius raged, his voice crackling at the top of his lungs through one vocal cord.

  “Yes?” Damarion replied, strutting into the office with a smile.

  “You,” Cornelius spat, flying towards him. “You lying, deceiving, traitor! This is your fault!”

  “I came to give you notice I will file the order this afternoon to send Richard through the gates at tomorrow's wall ceremony. There's nothing you can do about it this time Governor,” Damarion gloated.

  “We'll see about that!” Cornelius shrieked, turning back to his desk. “I have video footage of Isabelle murdering my butler with your gun.”

  “Self defense. Your butler attacked me, and my people will never allow my arrest for breaking my daughter out. Your footage proves you were holding her, illegally. You should be charged with kidnapping and false imprisonment,” Damarion laughed.

  “I'm not talking about your arrest, Damarion.” Cornelius nodded at the two personal security guards standing in the doorway behind Damarion, arriving to see what the commotion was about. The two men pulled their guns and stepped forward.

  Damarion turned around. “What do you think you're doing? You're going to kill the chief of city security?”

  “I have a better idea.” Cornelius stepped closer to Damarion. “Y
ou're not going to be able to sign that order from the Chamber.”

  “You won't get away with this Cromwell.”

  “Who will stop me? I know this involved the girl. I think it's time I pick your brain, so to speak.“ Cornelius smiled. “It's time to find out everything you know, most importantly, find out where that meddling Miss Wool is hiding.”

  ◆◆◆

  Two days had passed since the incident at the wall with Richard, but Anna continued to struggle with their conversation. Replaying the scene in her head, she locked every moment and emotion into memory. It consumed her thoughts, a distraction from the pain in her side, but only added to the ache in her heart.

  He's the one who murdered mom.

  It was hard for Anna to fathom. Richard had always been an entitled rich kid, nasty to his bones, but she never would have thought him capable of murder.

  Anna pulled out her phone and scrolled to her boss's number. She'd been avoiding making the phone call, although she knew she had to give Jack an update.

  Well, here we go.

  Anna dialed the number. She hoped Damarion wouldn't sign the order to send her through the gates for throwing Richard over the wall.

  Unless.

  The phone rang several times.

  No, they had to have fixed that camera glitch by now.

  “Hello?” Jack answered.

  “Good morning Jack.”

  “Anna! Where the hell have you been? I haven't heard from you in days. You can't just go disappearing on me like that.”

  “I apologize, sir. I have information on the case, but I have to ask. Is city security looking for me?”

  “Why would city security be looking for you?”

  “Richard Brockman went over the wall two days ago, I thought maybe they were looking for me regarding that incident.”

  “I saw that notice come across my feed from the city security office. Because of the name, I read through the report. The video feed was blank, and the report was vague. Richard was recovered and arrested, but there was no mention of you anywhere in the report. What are you not telling me Anna? Are you in trouble again?”

  Anna took a deep breath.

  I guess not.

  “No, I'm fine, sir. Listen, I figured out what happened to the victims. They were murdered.”

  “I received the report that someone poisoned the victims. What you need to figure out is by whom.”

  “I figured that out too, sir. Richard Brockman is the one who poisoned all those people.”

  “What? Are you sure?”

  “Yes. We need to add murder to his charges. Since he's already in custody, have someone transfer him downtown and re-book him. I'll be down to sign the paperwork and send you a final report.”

  “Anna, we can't. They released Richard. I'm sure his grandfather saw to that and I haven't seen a signed order from Damarion to send him through the gates. This whole situation seems quite familiar to what happened to Billy. Cornelius got Richard out of that situation too.”

  All too familiar.

  “Yes, but we're talking about murder here, not wall jumping. We need to arrest him again, bring him in and book him.”

  “My guess is he's hold up at the Governor's mansion. We have no jurisdiction there. We can't just barge in and arrest Richard. It's impossible. The only agency that can do that is city security, and only with a signed warrant from Damarion and a supreme court justice.”

  Anna emptied her lungs. “This is bullshit, sir.”

  “Our hands are tied.”

  “Either way, I'll send you over a report. It's only a matter of time before we get Richard. He can't hide at the Governor's mansion forever.”

  “I have to go. I need to get ready for the Governor's ball tonight. Are you going to be there? You're on the invitation list and can bring two guests.”

  “I'm not interested, I don't need to see Richard's gloating, smug face if I can't arrest him.”

  “Suit yourself. I'll look for your report.”

  Anna ended the call. Shaking her head, she set her phone down and shoved her breakfast plate across the table with a growl.

  God damned untouchables. We'll see about that.

  CHAPTER XI

  Jax jogged into the dining room, his table swinging under one arm. “We have some things we need to discuss.”

  Anna hit send on her final report to her captain and pushed her tablet aside. “What's up?” she asked.

  Jax set his tablet down as Isabelle entered the room and sat down next to Jax.

  “Before Atticus left, he recorded a message. He gave me specific instructions to broadcast the message during Cornelius's State of Easton address. I finished building the equipment I needed to accomplish that last night, but I need to access MediaCorps's servers and equipment to make it all work. Anna, I need you to get me in there.”

  Anna shook her head. “MediaCorp's security is tight and there are cameras everywhere. How much time to we have to plan?”

  “Not much. Cornelius's address is tomorrow.”

  “Tomorrow?” Anna shook her head. “You couldn't have planned this ahead of time?”

  “I just finished building the equipment last night.” Jax argued.

  “Yes, but we could have planned how to get in there weeks ago,” Anna replied, throwing her hands in the air. “I don't like shit getting thrown on me last minute.”

  “Sorry, I guess I should have mentioned it sooner. I'm not like you, Anna, I'm about as good at planning as I am with people.”

  “There’s nothing we can do about it now, but I'm not sure how we can get into Medicorp,” Anna replied.

  “Well, it's MediaCorps building or I would need access to the source, which means getting into the Governor's mansion,” explained Jax.

  “That would be worse,” Anna said. “The security there is ridiculous. There's no way you're getting in there.”

  Anna cocked her head to one side. “Well, maybe there's a way.”

  Jax raised an eyebrow. “How?”

  “Who's up for going to a party?”

  ◆◆◆

  “I look ridiculous,” Anna announced, scanning herself in the hallway mirror. “No, I feel ridiculous.”

  “It's all I could find,” Jax replied. “Atticus was a collector of seventeenth century era memorabilia. Lucky for us his collection included uniforms of the French Guard. Come on, we have the swords and even a feathered hat. We can go as the three musketeers.” Jax laughed.

  Isabelle shot Jax such a look of disapproval he dropped his sword. “We can leave the swords behind if you like,” he replied, bending over to pick it up.

  “No, the swords are a nice touch,” Anna replied. “This one has Richard's name all over it, or at least a small part of him.”

  Anna grinned at the thought.

  “At least the outfits are bulky enough for me to hide the equipment I need in my shirt,” Jax noted.

  Isabelle made eye contact with Jax. “You're telling me.” She pulled on her waistband. “I could fit you in these pants.”

  Jax smiled. “Ah, Porthos. I would love nothing more than to get into your pants, but right now we have a job to do,” he said in a French accent before laughing out loud.

  Isabelle shook her head while rolling her eyes. “You really know how to hit on a girl,” she chided.

  “Tis the language of love my dear,” Jax replied. “Sorry I'm a nerdy computer geek and not great with women,” he added as they all donned a mask and walked out the door.

  They drove to the mansion in tense silence, except for a sword rattling in its scabbard. Arriving at the mansion, they had to stand in line as the many guests checked in at the front door.

  “Montana Wool,” Anna announced to the concierge checking the guest list. “And guests,” she added gesturing towards Isabelle and Jax.

  “Ah yes, here we are. Go on in Miss Wool. Have a great evening.”

  The trio shuffled their way through the crowd to the main ballroom and hugged the wall.
>
  “So what's the plan? How do we know where the equipment is and how to get to it unseen?” Jax asked.

  “I don't know. My job was to get you in,” Anna replied.

  Isabelle lowered her eyebrows, glimpsing George at the appetizer table. “I have an idea,” she said. “I'll be right back.”

  Isabelle lifted a glass of champagne from a serving tray and stood close to George. “Hello,” she said, lowering her mask.

  George's eyes sparkled. “Izzy! It's great to see you.” He said, smiling. “I've been so worried.” He leaned in and wrapped his arms around her.

  “I miss you,” Isabelle replied, returning the embrace. “You're the only reason I got through being held in this place.”

  “How did you get in here?” George asked, pulling away to make eye contact.

  “Anna got me in.”

  “I'm surprised you would ever step foot in this place again.”

  “I'm only here for one reason.” Isabelle leaned in close to George's ear. “I need you help,” she whispered. “I need you to show us where the main servers and broadcast equipment are for tomorrow's public address.”

  George pressed his lips together. “Come here,” he gestured, leading Isabelle out onto the terrace. He whipped his neck around, making sure no one was within earshot. “That will be tricky,” he whispered. “The main feed that goes out to Mediacorp is in the lower level, but it's usually guarded. Why do you want access to the servers?”

  “We plan on disrupting the broadcast tomorrow.”

  Although the hand print was gone, George recalled the sting as he rubbed his cheek. “I would like to see that.”

  “So can you figure out a way to get us down there?”

  “I can try. I'll only be able to bring down two of you. Guard change will happen soon. We might have a window to relieve the two guards down there with the two of you.”

  George checked the time. “We need to move quickly.”

  George and Isabelle paced back to where Jax and Anna were standing. “Jax, you come with me and George,” Isabelle instructed.