The Hidden

by C C Sommerly

  “That will be all, Thomas. And lock the door on your way out.”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Now that I was alone with the Boss, I felt uncomfortable. He directed the full attention of our unsettling start to me and quietly sized me up as I wearily stood there, stinky and worn out from traveling. His own pristine condition made me uncomfortably aware of my shabby state. And why should he look down on me? He or his people were the ones that wanted me here.

  Ignoring the warning that I previously saw in his eyes, the feelings of helplessness, frustration, and anger rose up. The first words out of my mouth surprise me as much as him.

  “You bet on me, like some prized mare. And how about explaining how your people knew I’d be here weeks before the military decided what to do with me?”

  His eyes flashed with some emotion. “I see Thomas is oversharing again. Not the best of habits,” he said with a disapproving frown in the young man’s direction.

  I snorted in response, “I could care less about your personnel issues. You owe me some answers. Why am I here? You went through a lot of trouble to bring me out here and have someone else to take my place in jail. If you don’t start explaining now, I’m out.”

  He chuckles and I bristle. He had some nerve laughing at me. My career and life were on the line. Being out here risked my appeal. It was all some kind of comedy fest to this guy. I spit out, “Not sure what you find amusing about this situation. I certainly can’t seem to find anything remotely funny about things at this point.”

  He finally stopped laughing. “I wouldn’t expect anything less from such a distinguished Marine, recipient of Distinguished Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Silver Star, E-6 within 5 years, numerous accolades for valor. I also read the court room transcripts. Yet, you find yourself here. Now, why is that?”

  “If you read the ‘sealed’ transcripts that supposedly aren’t publicly accessible, then you know why I am here.”

  “Actually, I want to know the why. I know how you got here. My people made the arrangements per my orders, but why did you choose to follow my people and come out to something completely unknown?”

  “I got your card. I wanted to see how you could help me, but you haven’t said anything except tossing meaningless questions my way.” As to why, well what could I say where I didn’t know why I went through with the elaborate scene and sent my double to jail in my place, I thought. From the moment my lawyer Chester, pulled me aside after my trial, I reacted on instinct, which told me to get into that unmarked van and guided my every decision since then. I didn’t sit there and ponder the why of things, I just did. What could I even tell the Boss when I didn’t even know the why?

  “I do have answers for you. I was waiting to find someone like you. As for my question about why you came here, I’m going to wait for this answer. I don’t need to hear it now, but your silence tells me that you aren’t sure how to respond. There will come a day when you will be able to tell me why and that day isn’t here now.”

  He continued, his stony face adding a layer of seriousness to the conversation. “I know you have many questions and are weary from your trip. I need someone to investigate what’s going on in our lab. Because of the project I briefly mentioned, I suspect someone is intentionally sabotaging the project. People are missing and I fear dead.”

  “You could have found any number of investigators. Heck, the internet is full of PIs that you could hire. I am not an investigator, so you wasted your time and mine,” as I turn to walk out of the building.

  “Wait. I asked you here because I need you desperately.”

  I would normally take that as a come on if not for the stark sincerity shinning in his eyes.

  “We are an underground organization, affectionately called, The Underground. We are a group of unique individuals and have several projects going on that if the wrong people get wind of could have catastrophic consequences for the world.”

  That wasn’t at all dramatic. Not sure what he hoped I could do in this situation. Need security and protection or something killed, I’m your girl.

  “I would feel more comfortable if we were back at The Underground with our security. And, I know you probably don’t want to do much walking, but we can talk as I take you to the train. It will take you to our location. Along the way, I will explain more about my proposition for you.”

  Lovely, more traveling and I didn’t remember a train station being mentioned on the Thomas’ tour of the ghost town, just some kiddie train.

  We walked out of the building and start walking towards the edge of the ghost town. I followed behind him, taking in his broad shoulders that strained at the seams of his dress shirt. Nice view, but who wore dress clothes in some god-forsaken nowhere place like this? And, did I mention it was hot as all heck here? Yeah, someone was just a wee bit pretentious. And, why was he so young? He couldn’t older than his early thirties. He was not very old for running whatever gig he was going on here.

  “So, it’s a bit of a trip to our destination, you up for it?”

  Yeah, whatever? Most soldiers were fit. Compliments weren’t getting Mr. Hottie Boss Man anywhere. I followed him out the back door and into the dusty area behind the houses and buildings of the ghost town.

  “Of course.”

  “See that mountain up ahead?”

  “It’s kinda hard to miss, but yeah and while I appreciate the info, you still haven’t given me any answers and my patience was exhausted days ago.”

  “Well, that’s where we are headed. Hope you like wild rides.”

  Oh, he was a comedian all right. Whatever. “Just lead the way, Boss Man, I will be fine. Don’t go worrying on my behalf.”

  His smile lit up his light green eyes and showed a chipped front tooth. God, he’s so annoyingly good looking. Even his crooked tooth is charming. I’m really not sure I could handle a boss that looked like this. It was sure recipe for disaster.

  “If you take this position, you will be a great addition to our team. We could use some changing up of the group dynamic.”

  I stared at him, waiting for the explanation that he promised.

  “Okay, so I will explain who we are, what we do and the why. You do have a choice. I know all your decisions up to this point were influenced by my people, who led you here. We have a position for you here, but it is your choice whether you want it. Neither I nor my people will stop you should you choose to leave, but we will wipe your memory to ensure the protection of what I will share with you. We only want willing employees. I whole heartedly believe in our mission, as does everyone here. We function as one big team here and expect people want to be a part of that team. Not everyone is cut out for it.”

  “Since you know about my background up to the latest juicy tidbit, then you know I am used to be a part of a team, but I need more than that. I’ll take your tour or whatever you call it, but I’m not committing to anything.”

  “Fair enough. Follow me.”

  He led me towards a kiddie train ride, like the ones at fairs and even in the shopping malls. At my questioning look, he said, “Just hop on, Teagan. I’m sure you’ve had rougher rides than this. It’s part of the tourist attraction to this place. It helps encourage more visitors and the kids love the free train ride.”

  “Yeah, cause kiddie rides are so hard-core.” I stalked up to the train car and sat down, my knees hitting my chest as I squeezed into the kiddie-size car.

  Around this guy, I forgot all courtesies and decorum. It was beyond annoying. I’ve never had a guy bring this out in me.

  The train ambled around the Old Trail Town so smoothly that I could practically fall asleep on it. We neared a curve in the track and the Boss leaned towards the right and hit a switch, causing the train to swerve onto the dirt. Where was the track? With the equivalent of stumping on a car’s gas pedal, the train lurched forward and rapidly increased speed.

  Twenty minutes later, we stopped in front of the mountain he had pointed out. Out of brea
th from the train ride from hell, I sat and composed myself as best I could. They were insane to let kids ride on that thing. And, why weren’t there seatbelts? I took several breaths and slowly unpeeled my hands from the front of the train car where I was holding on with whitened knuckles the entire time.

  Jumping on the ground on shaking legs, I said, “What is wrong with you people? Don’t you do anything normal? A supersonic kid’s train, for really? Jesus! Thankfully, I haven’t eaten anything, or I’d have spewed all over your nice, prissy clothes.”

  “You think my clothes are nice?”

  That’s what he took away from that? Who dressed like that out here? The few people of Cody, that I had seen, wore cowboy hats, cowboy boots, or both. No one was dressed like Mr. Bossy Pants. In fact, calling him the Boss was ridiculous. I never called a civilian by their title. It was beyond stupid.

  He was still staring at me as I forced my legs to straighten and stop shaking. A growing cloud of dust caught my eye. “Do you get a lot of dust storms out here?” I asked.

  “No. Never.”

  “Well, you’re getting your first one.”

  He looked behind me with widening eyes and pushed me behind him, saying, “Sorry for this.”

  A whistle rang out and the Boss answered it with one of his own. Four heavily armed men and three women riding ATVs emerged from the dust cloud and jumped down to surround us with their weapons drawn. Nothing comforting about half a dozen gun muzzles and swords pointed directly at you.

  “Friendly people you got. Do you always ambush your visitors?”

  “Shall I shoot her?” said a woman with short, spiky lavender hair that she managed pull off without looking ridiculous. She had a raspy voice like a several packs a day smoker, but one that managed to sound sexy.

  Not wanting to take my eyes off them, I said, “Look, I was invited here, and Thomas said my arrival was known about for weeks. I’ve not harmed anyone even Bossy Pants.”

  Snickers and then full-bellied laughs rang out, as a couple of them lowered their weapons, but not the Purple Princess. Nope, her weapon didn’t lower in the slightest.

  “Bossy Pants? Oh God, that’s priceless. Where did you find her?” said a sandy haired guy, who lowered the rifle that he was holding.

  What was wrong with these people? What did it say about me that I was even out here with them? This was a mistake. “If you are all done with this gab fest, I’d love some freakin’ answers. I didn’t come all the way out to the middle of nowhere to be threatened. If I don’t start hearing them soon, I’m outta here. Screw whatever grand tour was planned.”

  “Oh Boss, you didn’t tell her anything before throwing her on the bullet train? Harsh. No wonder she’s spitting mad,” said the same sandy-haired guy.

  “Maybe she’s just hungry. I have a meat pie prepared. Let’s feed her. She can use some meat on her bones,” said a giant of a man, who looked like he could crush heads with his bare hands.

  With lightning-fast reflexes, I yanked a knife out of the nearest man’s belt, who was just barely within an arm’s length and held it to the boss man’s throat. Easier to grab a ready blade than dig the dagger out of my boot. Who arms an unknown and potential adversary? Novices.

  “Answers now,” I said. Gasps and shouts of outrage responded to my actions.

  “Stand down,” ordered the Boss in an annoyingly calm tone. My weapon is at his throat. He should see me as a threat and instead sounds like he’s indulging me.

  I pressed the knife blade deeper into his throat. I was done with the games.

  “Just relax. You can keep the knife where it’s at, Teagan.”

  “You brought The Slayer out here? Isn’t she supposed to be in jail for killing the Demon Delegate’s child? Send her back. We aren’t that desperate for a replacement squad member.”

  With a scathing look in the other man’s direction, the Boss said, “I wasn’t aware that this was a democracy.” Ouch. Guess dictatorship was more his style.

  He continued, “Everyone relax. Introduce yourselves, so we can calm Teagan down. You startled her with your little ambush, and I’d prefer not having my throat ripped out.”

  The next man, who stepped forward was someone that I recognized. “The old cowboy from the Welcome Center works for you,” I said.

  He tipped his hat and pulled off his face, literally. Holy hell, who rips their face off? Is this the kind of thing that is normal around here? Why is no one freaking out? And why is there no blood? It took me several panicked seconds and a couple of nicks to the Boss’ throat before I realized it was only a mask.

  He tossed the mask and wig on the ground and a much younger man was revealed. His features were average and utterly unremarkable, which probably made him perfect at going incognito. No one would pay much attention to the average joe and he could just blend in, so the mask must be more for effect than anything. As he takes on my shocked expression, he winks.

  “I’m Wiley, nice to meet you again.”

  “Can’t say the same.”

  The Boss growled, “I said less startled Wiley. The whole rip the face off routine isn’t helping in that regards.”

  At his sheepish expression, an ivory-skinned, striking red head comes forward. “I’m Ginger and all about adding some estrogen to the group. Happy you’re here.”

  The same man that offered me a meat pie was next. His shaved head gleamed. Wonder if he polished it or just slathered it with SPF. That level of shine just wasn’t natural. His chocolate brown eyes accompanied a sculpted face and a rock-hard body along with dimples. “Manny, I’m the brawny resident chef. I’ll fatten you up in no time, little one.”

  Ah yeah, I would pass on the whole fattening thing. I was rather happy with my lithe and toned “little” body.

  A tall and well-built man with silvery hair, goatee, and serious bluish-green eyes takes Manny’s place. “I’m Merritt. I don’t cook and can care less if we fatten you up. If you can perform the duties of the squad, then I’m cool. If not, then hi and goodbye.”

  Stepping forward next was a woman rocking short and spiky lavender hair. Completing her punk rocker vibe, she wore a black leather jacket and tall boots. The woman towered over most of the men. She said, “Just don’t get yourself or one of us killed. I’m Ruthie, the resident Grim Reaper and I’ll be on you before you can slice his throat.”

  Pulling her back was none other than my driver from the courthouse stepped forward. Seriously? Although, Reese looked less like a driver and more like a mercenary with a grotesque slash-mark that ran the length of his face from temple to chin. The scar was not new, so he must have covered it during what I am now calling the “great escape.” A mark like that was unforgettable. He had the darkest eyes that were sort of blue and black hair that contrasted with his light skin, giving a perfect imitation of Dracula.

  “We meet again; although, you were much more agreeable last time,” as he sent a pointed look towards the knife at the Boss’ throat.

  A tall woman with short curly hair and ebony skin with the slim body of a model steps forward next. She said, “Name’s Hunter. I’m not gonna give you a pep talk. I’ll welcome you if you survive the trial and earn your place with us.”

  “Well, on that cheery note, I still have a blade to your boss’ throat and none of you managed to tell me anything useful.”

  The Boss sighed and said, “I wanted to accompany an explanation with a tour of our home base, but that obviously won’t be happening.”

  As he talked, I loosened the knife every so lightly, so he could talk better, but knew that I wasn’t letting him go.

  “We are an unofficial and secret entity of the U.S. government. Think of something along the lines of Area 51 without the extraterrestrial aspect. What you see before you are Squad Alpha, one of three squads that I oversee — much like a Commanding Officer in the military, only I also go on missions. I’m hands-on like that.”

  This sounded shady. Why weren’t they official and why as a member of the Eli
te Guard was this new to me? I had no way to verify what he said, but it didn’t sound quite right.

  “The Boss is super hands-on. Many of us owe him our lives. He saved our asses during a mission in Phoenix, Arizona, where we took on a nest of Scorpion Demons,” said the silvered-haired guy, I think his name was Merritt. But there was a ton of them who did the intros and I was only half paying attention since my full attention was on not accidentally slitting their boss’ throat. Scorpion Demons were just as nasty as their namesake, only much bigger, more poisonous and they liked to lay eggs in humans after stunning them with their poison. Like I said, nasty.

  The Boss looked sharply at the interrupting guy and continued, “We protect humans from Demented by capturing or killing any them or rogue demons. Any we can’t kill, we turned over to the Demon Delegate’s people. And since we aren’t official, the government doesn’t acknowledge us or claim us if we are captured or get the attention of civilians or the media.”

  “How is this possible? I mean, doesn’t this violate our treaty with the demons. And, why aren’t the demons policing their own? The Demented is their problem, not ours. Rogues are a myth,” I said.

  If there really were rogues, then the Elite Guard would have this information as well as knowledge of this super-secret group. The Guard goes after any rogue demons. It was part of our mission and why I joined — to protect people who can’t protect themselves.

  “Not necessarily. How do you suppose the general public would react if they knew there were rogue demons that don’t fall under the control of the treaty? That these rogues operate outside of the treaty and are creating Demented and letting them run amok. The only reason we’ve kept it quiet is because we respond rapidly and either subdue or eliminate the treat.”

  “So, I’ll entertain your theories at this point, but why go through all of the trouble to recruit me,” I said.

  “Maybe what you should be asking is why not you.”

  Who the hell was this guy, Yoda, with some sort of mystical crap? And, I was the worst person for this, not because I wasn’t qualified, because I sure as heck was, but because of my recent past. I was a liability for any organization, especially one that required secrecy. I was still not sure how I managed to remain incognito on the bus trip. It was sheer luck, but it wouldn’t last. The news broadcasts about me and the killing went world-wide. I was infamous and easily recognized.