by Eric S Kim
Preston felt overwhelmed by all of the information that he received in this apartment. “Man…so your own father used to be one of Gorvex’s worst enemies. That’s got to be a little heartbreaking for you.”
“No, it’s not.”
“Well, how do you even feel about all of this?”
“I’m gonna be honest with you. I really don’t know how to feel. I mean, he’s my dad and I love him very much. But with all of this…I can’t really tell you. I guess you can say that I’m stuck in a rough situation here.”
“I’m really sorry about that.”
“You know what? I believe you.”
“Are you going to tell the other Blackjacks about this, or am I the only one?”
“I’m sticking with the second option.”
“What makes you trust me of all people?”
“Because you’re a witness. Klimkru wanted to kill me because of my dad’s history. You, Lionel, and I are the only ones who know the real reason. And I think Mr. Murdock does as well. You deserve to know the truth after what we’ve been through.”
Preston smiled. “So you remembered what I said back at Sepulveda’s place. I appreciate that.”
Jerome still didn’t let go of the textbook. “He didn’t tell me the truth for all this time. He was just trying to protect me.”
“I see nothing wrong with that.”
“Yeah, but if he used to be a rider, then…I can’t imagine what it’d be like to just give it all up.”
“I know it’s a hard decision, but at least it was the right one.”
Jerome raised his eyebrows. “The right one?”
10:15 PM
Edward watched the evening news while standing up in the living room. The newscaster informed him of the incident in the hills, where a dragon named Klimkru had been revealed to be a Nevinoth Dragon. Virgil Hamilton didn’t give any further details at this time. Basically, everyone in the state had learned of the reemergence of an exiled dragon race. Edward turned off the TV as Sepulveda entered the living room.
She asked him, “Is it nothing but the same?”
The young man said, “So far, it’s just a repeat since this afternoon. I checked the online articles. No new breakthroughs.”
“It’s hopeless. Hamilton won’t say anything else.”
“Good. I’m already tired of hearing about the same old thing.”
“But it’s important. A Nevinoth Dragon has returned. It’s a historic moment on the West Coast.”
“That’s true.”
Sepulveda took a seat on the sofa. “Of course, that won’t be the only thing to worry about.”
Edward sat down beside her. She asked him, “What did you find at your workplace? Did you see any further details on the witches?”
Edward replied, “Nothing. Absolutely nothing. They are aware of the witches, but they’re not confident. They can’t find any suspicious activity that’s been occurring here. These witches are nowhere to be seen.”
“It’s too bad that they’re not being as careful as they should be.”
“They’re not confident, but I am.”
Sepulveda smiled. “What did you find?”
“I met a witness in Fullerton. He works at a sports bar. He told me that he may have seen one of the witches in an alley near his workplace. He remembered the faces on TV, so he’s convinced that he saw the right woman. It was only for a few seconds before she disappeared. I mean, she was just gone. She vanished like a magic trick. I’m not sure, but I think it has something to do with a talisman. A Kelverik Talisman. People use those things to turn invisible.”
“Yes, I’ve heard of those things. So the witness couldn’t be sure where this woman is heading?”
“No. But I have a feeling that these witches are lurking around in the northern side of Orange County. They could be in Brea, or La Habra, or hell, maybe they went further up north. All the way to San Dimas or someplace. But the facts are there. The Witches of San Antonio have entered California. And there’s no way of knowing just what the hell they want.”
Sepulveda sighed. “We can’t let them have their fun. Will you be able to investigate by yourself?”
“Yes, I can. I’ve done it before, and I’ll do it just as well as I did back then.”
Sepulveda gave him a kiss on the lips. “Be careful. I wouldn’t want to lose you if these witches are aggressive.”
Edward held her hand. “I’ll be fine. If I’m ever in trouble, I’ll give my colleagues a call.”
“Don’t do that. This will be our little project. Just the two of us.”
“What makes you think we can pull it off without Mystic Lightning?”
“If we succeed in bringing the witches out of the dark and into the spotlight, then we have a good opportunity waiting for us. This will give us the go-ahead to be Zadith Disciples.”
Edward didn’t expect to hear those words from her. “Really?”
“Oh, yes. Gorvex will see me as a heroine. Not only for my company, but for our victory against the witches. That’s why I don’t want Mystic Lightning involved. I want this to be our gateway to the top.”
“But I don’t think they’ll let you be a Zadith and the Sharp Claw CEO at the same time. And besides that, what about me? What if I’m still attached to Mystic Lightning? You know, I still play an important part in that company.”
Sepulveda chuckled. “I knew that you’d be a little skeptical at first. But as time flies, the nominations will be much more invaluable to you and me.”
Edward scratched the side of his neck. “It’s a hell of a big offer.”
Sepulveda gave him an inquisitive gaze. “You’re not afraid, are you?”
“No, I’m not. It’s just feels like we’re moving too fast.”
“Trust me. It will be the right way.”
She touched his cheek with her soft hand. “You can join me as I become a part of Gorvex’s family. Your Blackjack friends have a good chance. We can, too.”
Edward finally brought himself to give her a little smile. “You’re right. I’ll join you. I don’t know it works, but we’ll make it work.”
Sepulveda kissed him again. But this time, it was longer. Her lips became more playful as she held him by the neck and shoulder. Edward let her take control. Her sensuous side had taken effect as she almost smothered him with her ardent flavor. She stopped kissing him and gave him a chance to breathe again. She didn’t let go of her faithful companion. Edward didn’t make an attempt to ward off her advances. He already embraced her naughty side since the first time they had met.
Sepulveda proclaimed, “Promise me that you’ll always come home safely.”
Edward replied, “I promise. I’ll be the same man from Shadow Service. The same man that you love.”
“Good.”
Edward noticed her looking down at his lap. She slowly licked her lips like a creature ready to pounce.
And then, she whispered, “Let’s forget about the witches for the rest of the night.”
She stood up from the sofa and grabbed Edward’s hand. He followed her as she left the living room and went upstairs. Edward already predicted her objective and followed her to the one place where she led him into. At forty-two years of age, Sepulveda’s slender figure never faltered from unfortunate outcomes. She kept herself in great shape, especially with the younger man by her side. Edward would never resist her whenever they were alone in her house. The twenty-year-old agent was led into her bedroom. He didn’t disapprove of her latest action. She closed the door behind her and began to give Edward another reason to feel thankful for their relationship.
NINE
APRIL 18, 3:15 PM
Lionel Tyler had never visited Theodore Westbrook’s residence before. He now had the chance, even as the former computer engineer fled the state. Since this was his day off as a Blackjack Trooper, Lionel left his home and reached his destination in approximately twenty minutes.
Now, as soon as he stepped inside the two-story house, which was locat
ed in the city of Yorba Linda, Lionel could already notice the half-empty living room, with most of its furniture disappearing after being sold off to random individuals. Only one sofa and a table lamp remained. Two Kingsnake Officers guarded the room in case a civilian intentionally left the room without paying for the materials that he sought for. The kitchen was no different, either. Everything had been cleaned out. Even the refrigerator and the gas range were removed from sight. One Kingsnake was enough to guard the area, though he did attempt to stifle a yawn when Lionel caught sight of it. Lionel didn’t blame him, as this would have been an easy job to do at this time.
Various civilians had been keen on purchasing anything that was left behind by Theodore, who had now been classified as a Failure since his betrayal. Despite the news that a Nevinoth Dragon had returned to the state, civilians still had their minds on a potential purchase. When Lionel walked up the stairs, two young civilians carried their own stacks of paperback books as they moved right past him. The Blackjack’s brief investigation of the second floor only made him feel worse. Gazing at the emptiness of each room made him sympathetic to Theodore’s supposedly irrational actions. Being stripped of his home and his reputation would be the absolute worst thing that could happen to a person, especially one with such a high rank in Gorvex’s society.
Lionel took a peek in the master bedroom, which only had a nightstand sitting alone in the corner and a stack of pens lying on the hardwood floor. Lionel quickly looked away and returned to the staircase. He didn’t have to see anything else. This was the result of Theodore’s betrayal, and a complete reversal of his misfortune would be futile.
Lionel exited the house. The house, which stood on a small hillside with other houses surrounding it, had been the hot topic not only in Yorba Linda, but in the rest of Southern California as well. Other Mystic Lightning employees had parked their vehicles on the curb and continued the planned auction made possible by the company. Three Kingsnakes guarded the front entrance, while even more civilians visited the affluent neighborhood and stepped inside the house. People living as far away as Los Angeles would have been determined to grab and purchase anything that would be considered valuable in their own perspective.
Lionel didn’t decide to leave just yet. He stopped on the sidewalk and watched as two men in suits had a brief discussion on the front lawn. One of them turned out to be Richard Hatchett, the Commissioner of the Hammerhead Department. Lionel didn’t have to worry about making a good impression. He just gave a nod when Hatchett brought a little smile on his face. He shook hands with the man he currently spoke to before the two of them separated from each other.
Hatchett stepped closer to Lionel and asked, “So did you find anything in there that you liked?”
Lionel had to be truthful. “No, sir. I just wanted to see what it looked like from the inside.”
“Yes, it sure is a beautiful home. It’s just unfortunate that it had to be owned by one of the biggest traitors of our generation.”
Lionel ignored that remark and asked, “When will you sell the entire house?”
“The last part of the auction will start in about fifteen minutes. You’re not thinking of moving in, are you?”
“I’m very comfortable with my own home.”
“Good.”
Hatchett started to survey the front of the house. “I simply can’t imagine where he would be at this time. From all of the information that we’ve gathered, Westbrook didn’t flee to Mexico after all. They say that he’s somewhere in the Dead Zone. If that’s true, then a moment of silence for a fallen brother is long overdue.”
Lionel gathered the new information in silence. He acknowledged the news by saying, “It really is a little sad. It wouldn’t be right for him to be there. There’s going to be nothing left in that part of the country in a few years.”
Hatchett replied, “It’s still his decision, not matter how stupid it has to be.”
“Understood.”
Lionel checked the time on his smartphone. Since he had nothing else to do on this cool and quiet afternoon, he decided not to stay any longer in the neighborhood. He did, however, need to ask one more question to Hatchett.
“So what’s happening at Fireside Air Base? Is the investigation over?”
Hatchett shook his head. “It’s confidential for now.”
“That lair has a lot of things that are considered illegal in this country.”
“Everyone knows that, Lionel. The thing is, the Hammerhead Department is no longer involved. The Zadith are helping Gorvex clean that place out. It’s a secret operation. No one else is allowed to visit the air base. Not even us.”
Lionel gathered the new information with ease.
Hatchett continued, “It’s not a total loss. Gorvex did give you an opportunity to be his disciples. That would be the best promotion that you and your squad will ever receive in your lifetime.”
Lionel nodded. “It really is.”
He shook Hatchett’s hand. “Good luck on the auction.”
Hatchett smiled. “Thanks. Have a nice day.”
3:52 PM
All Lionel could do now was return to his house in Anaheim Hills. He parked on his driveway and got out of his vehicle. Feeling the soft breeze striking his skin helped him alleviate his mental troubles for a brief moment. The day seemed so tranquil in terms of the weather. With cool temperatures and a cloudless sky, every civilian in Orange County would enjoy a peaceful Mediterranean spring.
Lionel was just about to enter his house, but the sound of a car engine growing louder made him stay on the driveway. Someone had parked their own automobile on Lionel’s driveway. It was an elegant sedan, the type that only the elite would accept as their own. The door opened, and the California Chairman exited the vehicle.
Salvador Quintana had never let go of his natural suave charm. The Argentinian man had taken care of himself quite well. He was tall and handsome, with long hair that reached his shoulders. Based on his appearance alone, the man had chosen to wear some of the classier suits known in the state. His black double-breasted coat completed his elegant interior at the moment. He stayed clean and demonstrated his undying poise from top to bottom. At forty-five years of age, his time as the Chairman resulted in high approval ratings. And Lionel didn’t have to question it. He voted for Quintana two years ago, and it actually paid off since the beginning.
Quintana had brought a sealed manila envelope with him. “I hope I am not disturbing you in the afternoon.”
Lionel replied, “No, not at all. In fact, there’s nothing left for me to do for the rest of the day.”
Quintana smiled. “Sounds to me like I have chosen the right moment.”
Lionel pointed at the manila envelope. “What’s in there?”
“Your first mission.”
Lionel kept calm as he asked, “So what do you want us to do?”
“Let us step inside your house. Your neighbors have nothing else to listen to. Do not worry about spies. There are three surveillance drones in the sky, and several Kingsnakes wandering around the area. We will be safe from intruders.”
Lionel nodded. “Welcome to my home.”
Before he could let the Chairman into his residence, the Blackjack noticed an old neighbor from across the street watering her lawn with a hose. The woman didn’t pay attention to the grass. She gazed at Quintana with wide eyes and an open mouth. She didn’t even move her hose. Lionel was amused, but kept his concentration on what would be an important objective.
He opened the door and led Quintana inside. The two of them entered the living room. Lionel closed the curtains before taking a peek between the thick fabric. A man wearing casual clothes began his stride on the sidewalk. The pistol holster attached to his belt was a clear sign of his occupation. The Kingsnake Officer kept a close watch on Lionel’s house before he disappeared from view. And the old woman from across the street finally snapped from her unexpected trance and continued to water her lawn.
Quintan
a took a seat on the sofa. Lionel asked, “Would you like a drink?”
Quintana replied, “No, thank you.”
He opened the manila envelope but didn’t pull out the documents just yet. “What I am about to tell you is top secret material. None of the words that I tell you will leave your house and your workplace. Even the press will have no knowledge of this. Do you understand?”
Lionel sat down on his recliner. “I do.”
“Good.”
Quintana brought out an enlarged photograph from the envelope and handed it to Lionel. The man in the photo was someone he had already seen before. He would never forget the two mechanical arms produced for his former classmate.
Quintana saw the clear signal on Lionel’s face. “You remember him.”
“Yes, I do. Hugo Rutherford. My teammates and I encountered him last week. We didn’t have a chance to capture him as there were complications.”
“It is safe to assume that he is no longer in Claylock. Instead, he had been spotted somewhere in Idaho. He may still be there. This photo was taken last night.”
“Do you have an idea on what he wants?”
“That is why I am here.”
Lionel waited as Quintana pulled out another piece of paper from the manila envelope. This time, it turned out to be the profile information of a man that Lionel had never seen before. The picture was taken when the man stared blankly at the camera, presumably for his driver’s license. Below the photograph was the basic information for the man.
Quintana continued, “His name is Otis Cooper. He lives in Skidmore, though originally from Bakersfield.”
Lionel read through the information, including age and height. “So what makes him so interesting?”
“Last week, right when Kin-Kelin was eliminated, Otis Cooper had left his home and drove all the way to Green Brigalvic.”
The last two words intrigued Lionel almost immediately. Green Brigalvic National Forest was located in the entire northeastern side of California. Its sheer size wouldn’t be what caught his attention. Instead, it would be the plants that resulted in concrete barriers enclosing the entire area from the outside world.