There are six things the LORD hates,
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Taken from Proverbs 6:16-19 (New International Version)
Xavier woke up in a small room. One interior window with smoked glass, probably 2-way he guessed. His first view was of the glazed concrete floor. The slight hum must have been the air conditioner. He looked up at the vents on each wall near the ceiling. There were two men standing in front of him, he himself was sitting, unrestrained, in the only chair. One man he recognized, he was the one who shot Raymond. The other was a white guy. Xavier noticed they both had dark suits on, the good kind; specifically tailored for each body. There was no way the black guy could buy anything off the rack. His jacket fit perfectly, from neck to shoulder and from shoulder the wrist. Xavier looked behind him, there was the door.
“I want to talk to my lawyer,” Xavier said. “Shut up”, the white guy replied. “I’m agent Percy Grimm and this is agent Romulus Perry. Xavier laughed, “Man…you serious? Agents Percy Grimm and Romulus Perry. That’s funny.”
“Our names are funny to you?” Romulus asked.
“Aren’t they funny to you?” Xavier answered still laughing. “So which of you is the good cop and which is the bad cop.
“What do you think?” Percy asked.
“Well, I’d say the brother is the bad guy, but that would be stereotypical”.
“Actually, we’re both the bad guy,” Percy said.
“I guess I'm screwed then right?. So when do I get my phone call?”
Romulus turned his back to say something to Percy. Xavier saw this has his chance, he was closest to the door; Romulus was like a tower, don’t try to fight with him, just knock him out with the chair. The supercuts salt and pepper guy was smaller, Xavier knew he could take him easy. They probably had guns in their waistband, maybe one at the ankle, but it takes a few seconds to get to that. The brotha’s a tall guy; it’ll take him a while to bend down to get his gun. ‘I can do this,’ he said pumping himself up. Xavier raised the chair over his head. Percy didn’t blink an eye. He spoke over his shoulder toward whoever was hiding behind the 2-way glass, “Now.”
Xavier felt electricity charge though his body then he felt nothing at all. He dropped to the floor, landing on his face. It was as if someone pressed the off button on a remote control. His eyes were open. He could see and hear and think but nothing else. He noticed how deceptively clean the floors seemed when he was looking down at them before. But from this angle, he could see the colonies of dust bunnies surrounding him. Xavier made mental commands to his body to get up; they were all ignored. He just layed there; hands lying at his sides and he guessed probably drooling onto the floor. He could feel pain though, he heard a bad crack when he landed on his face, “I think my cheekbone is broken”. He tried to say it out loud, but it only remained a thought in his head.
Romulus and Percy walked around him. “Nice shoes too”, he said to himself.
“I can’t believe it works,” Romulus said.
“Is this the first time you’ve seen it in action?” Percy asked.
“Yeah.” Romulus was kicking between Xavier’s legs to open them.
“What are you doing?”
“I hear they lose their bowels”
“No! That’s not true. It’s also a false fact that the same thing happens when you die. When women are in child birth, they lose their bowels.”
“Oh man, that’s gross”.
Percy took the chair which was laying on the floor now and sat down. Romulus sat down, legs crossed over each other, on the floor in front of Xavier. Xavier was surprised how flexible Romulus was.
“Ok, 73624, let’s talk. Romulus said. “We have been watching you for a long time, Mr. Decastro of the Fantasma Cartel. Every success you have was because we let you. I believe you have been under the impression you have built this empire on your own. I apologize on behalf of my partner and myself for giving you that impression.”
“Yes, we’re very sorry,” Percy chimed in.
“Every move, every meeting, every deal is because we willed it. You are smart, but you’re not that smart,” Romulus continued. Percy looked at Xavier’s eyes, “I think he does think he’s that smart. The poor young man is confused Rom.” The two men exchanged a chuckle, then Romulus turned his attention back to Xavier.
“Are you confused? Let me see if I can clarify things for you. The little war you and your crew staged helped us to implement a law; The Terrorist Act Law. The public outcry demanded something be done about the drug lords coming in from Mexico and spilling into their rose gardens. For that we thank you.
“Yes, thank you.” Percy added.
“First on the list, gang members…now considered terrorists against the state. We have picked up a lot of your friends already. But because extraordinary rendition is now legal, we don’t have to give them right to counsel, a trial in front of their peers, not even one phone call. They simply disappear. So you see, there really isn’t much for you to go back too, therefore we have a preposition for you. While we have allowed you to reach the level of success you have been enjoying; we’ve noticed you have a unique combination of talents we find very valuable. You’ve got good eyes, you notice things intuitively. You’re very brave and loyal on one level, but on another level you’re also very vicious and detached. You’d probably kill your own mother if she shorted you on a deal.
Percy laughed, “Just the kind of man we’re looking for.”
“Work for us. We’ll train you. Give you a new life. A nice place to live. Expense account. Travel. And of course…high pay or…
“You died on the way to the hospital,” Percy finished.
“We’ll give you a moment to think about it”. Romulus looked at his watch. “And time’s up.”
*****
Morris Penski got off the plane landing in Seattle. An agent was waiting for him, holding a sign up bearing his name. Stanley got the call that morning. An old friend of his, Dr. Walt Jansen, had gone AWOL. The doctor was still at the facility, but he wasn’t ‘co-operating’, which was the word they used. They thought an old friend could talk some sense into him. Morris didn’t know how much a friend he could be; he and Walt hadn’t talked for close to 10 years.
The place they were going was about an hour and a half from the airport. The drive seemed even longer due to the agent driving Stanley to the facility. The agent was not adept at small talk and made no attempt. He played a country music cd with only 6 songs on it. And those same 6 songs played over and over again. Morris hated country music; talk radio would have been more merciful.
The facilities were on the cul de sac of an industrial street. There were two buildings on either side, already purchased by the state. They were kept empty, at least seemingly so from the outside. Each building had the sign, Geik Reality hanging outside. With a number if called, only a recording would be heard. A search for Geik Reality would meet with a dead end. The company didn’t exist and there was no reason for anyone ever to travel down this road. On the neighboring streets were abandoned cars and there were a few supply companies for things such as buttons or pipes; nothing else.
The building was as plain as any brick building could be. “Here we are Mr. Penski. Just walk on up to the doors.” There was an iron gate and then a frosted glass door. The camera was looking down from the right hand corner. “Please run your right hand under the scanner,” said the automated voice. He did. “Welcome Mr. Penski.” The iron gate made a slight ‘click’ noise, instead of the usual annoying loud buzzing sound most security doors made. Once inside the gate, there were only a few steps to the glass door. Lights scanned over him, Morris figured it must be some kind of x-ray; he guessed checking for weapons or other things that might do harm. “Thank you Mr. Penski. You may now enter the facility. Please follow the red arrow painted on the floor to the front desk. Do not deviate from the red arrow. Someone will be with you shortly.” Again another slight click and he was in.
The building was freezing. His suit jacket was doing nothing to keep him warm despite his attempts to turn up the collar towards his neck. He let out a gasp of air and saw his breath billowing about his face before finally disappearing. Someone was waiting at the desk for him. “Sorry about the temperature,” he said. “It’s necessary due to all the equipment housed here. We don’t want it to overheat. You’ll adjust to it after a while.”
There was no introduction. The man simply turned towards some elevators. Morris assumed he was to follow him.
The building had only 3 floors. They were going to the top floor. It seemed to be even colder up there. He expected to see bits of frost on the wall and door handles. ‘Was this really necessary?’ he thought to himself. (Why can’t someone offer me a coat or a blanket or something?) Morris felt the chill down to his bones. The Agent escorting him had obviously adjusted; there were no goose bumps on his neck.
A young man came out of a doorway. He had a medium brown complexion, short black close cropped hair and glasses, from which Morris judged from the bent frame, needed to be replaced. You didn’t often see many black men at this level on the tech side; especially this young. This man couldn’t be more that 30, if that. He extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Dr. John Alan,” he said. “I’ve been working with Dr. Jansen and we are all hoping you can help us out.”
“What’s going on?” Morris asked. Dr. Allen led him into a nearby office.
“I understand you have been in the FDA for many years now.”
(Great, I ask a question and I get another question. This is never a good sign) “Yes, specifically with vaccines, water additives and agriculture.”
“We work in Technology; specifically we work on the RFID chips, like the one you have in your right hand. Well, Mr. Penski, may I call you Morris?” Dr. Alan didn’t wait for an answer. “There have been some changes to the chip since you received yours. We’ve been improving it. In the past 5 years we have been able to jump the technology about 20 years ahead. It’s actually very exciting. The problem is Dr. Jansen has much of the new discoveries in his head. He destroyed the files and back up we had on our computers and then he burned his own notes.”
“I don’t know how I can help.”
“Dr. Jansen has been holed up in this building with me for the past 3 years. His wife stopped visiting a while ago. Shortly after he started sliding down hill. That was over a year ago. We were hoping a visit from an old friend would raise his spirits. Show him we’re all on the same team.” Dr. Alan could tell from the look on Morris’s face, his approach was not working. Like most scientists, he was good at his work but not good with people. Best to keep it simple and be honest, he thought. “Look Morris, the bottom line is he’s in a lot of trouble. Any discoveries made at this facility are the property of the state and we need them.”
“Ok, I’ll see what I can do.”
Dr. Alan led him to a door further down the hallway. He moved aside while one of the agents following closely behind him opened the door. It was an interrogation room. Stanley wondered why a research facility would need an interrogation room. There were cameras nestled in 2 corners of the room, he had no doubt the room was also wired for sound. One agent stood by the door.
“Can I be alone with him?” Morris asked.
“No.”
Morris walked around the table to the chair in front of where Dr. Jansen was sitting. How could we be on the same team, the doctor was shackled, wrist to feet, and slumped over. It looked like he had been wearing his lab coat for several days. Deep lines were burrowed in his face and he didn’t smell right. His eyes were focused on something on the floor. As Morris slide the chair across the floor closer to him and sat down, the doctor’s eyes stayed focused on the ground.
“Walt?” The doctor looked up; his eyes filled with so much crust, Stanley wondered how he could focus on anything. (They probably have him drugged)
“Morris my friend, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.”
“Yes, it’s good to see you Walt. Do you know why I’m here?”
“I believe so. You are on a retrieval mission?” Walt’s eyes were darting around quickly. They moved rapidly across the room and then suddenly they would stop. “You must have met Dr. John Alan.”
“Yes, he’s very concerned.”
Walt smiled, “Never trust a man with 2 first names Morrie. How’s Stacey?”
“She’s fine.”
“Really? How long has it been since you’ve seen her.?”
“Huh, maybe 2 to 3 weeks. Why?”
“Do you know… I would go months at a time, not seeing my wife. I think the longest was 6. Do you remember the friends we had…how we would always have barbeques. Do you remember the friends we had?”
“Yes, Walt. There were the Randolph’s, The Smiths…The McCord’s…
“Do you know they’re all divorced? Gerald Smith killed himself after his divorce. I couldn’t even go to the funeral because of this damned place.
“Gerald is dead?”
“Yeah, we all kinda kept in touch. But I guess you wouldn’t know. You left the group a long time ago.”
“I was traveling a lot for my job. It wasn’t anything personal…”
“No, my friend. I wasn’t chastising you. Just pointing out a fact. The jobs we have are not conducive to relationships – friends or otherwise. I’ve been married to Vicky for over 20 years and now I can’t remember what she looks like. I try to imagine her face, but I can’t remember the details…her lips…her eyes. But I know that I love her. That I always remember.
“Walt, what were you working on?”
“The chip…the big brother inside of you,” he laughed. “They wanted more options. More possibilities. Imagine the possibilities Walter…Imagine the stupefying possibilities.” Confusion crossed over Morris’s face. He doubted he would be able to get anything out of Walt, who was now looking at him with the same intensity he was looking at a spot on the floor a moment earlier.
“Morris, you really have no idea what’s going on do you? Always the last one to get the punch line.”
“Walter, just tell them what they want to know? You’re too important for them to give you jail time. Maybe an early retirement. You can spend time with Victoria…”
“You always called her Victoria… she liked that about you. Stanley makes no assumptions about anyone, she’d say. Morris, when you die do you know where your soul is going?”
“What?”
“I’ve realized there are bigger things in life Morris. There’s God…I found God.”
“When did you start getting religious?”
“I didn’t say, I found religion, any idiot can find religion, like finding a penny on the street. I found God. I was sitting outside the airport waiting for an agent to pick me up and bring me back here, and I noticed the day. Do you ever just notice the day? I noticed a family going on vacation for the first time and the kids were so excited. I noticed people dropping off loved ones or picking them up…the hugs, the kisses, the tears. It had just rained, well you know it always just rains here, but I noticed a rainbow. All the colors, it was beautiful. Then I heard God. Not in an audible voice, but it was like he was inside my head, like an involuntary thought and he showed me everything. My past, the things I’ve been working on…the future. They’ve never let me have an apartment, only a hotel room, same hotel…same room. You know there’s always a bible in the room. I read it from cover to cover that whole day and night. I got on my knees and I prayed the sinner’s prayer. I gave my life over to God and he told me what I needed to do.”
“Walt, just tell them what they want to know.”
Did Dr. John Alan tell you I am dying Morris? I have cancer…bone cancer. It’s inoperable. I tried to get a bone marrow donor, but I was refused. The agency said I’m over 60 years old. I’m not a priority. And still I work for these people. I worked with every diseased bone in my body for this company…the agenda must go forth.”
“Is that when you found God?” Morris asked.
“No. I found God before that. I found out about the cancer 6 months later…3 months ago. God gave me a job to do and I did it. I feel sorry for you. You have no idea what’s coming. I love you Morris, but you were never very smart…you gotta open your eyes. I’ll be gone, but it’s horrible Morris…what’s coming. I’ll be praying for Vicky … for you… for everyone still here.”
“Walt just tell them what they want to know? ”
“I answer only to my father in heaven now.” Walt leaned forward. He motioned for Morris to do the same. Walt whispered, “I would like to apologize to you in advance.”
“Apologize for what?”
“For this…”
Walt raised his arms over Morris’s neck, getting him off balance and turning him around. Walt pressed his knees into Morris’s back and pulled back on his wrist chains into his neck, pressing against his larynx. It probably looked worse that it actually was. Walt was a lot stronger than Morris expected him to be or perhaps he was very out of shape.
“Play along Morris, this is the only way you’re gonna get out of here,” Walt whispered in his ear. The agent jumped over the table, calling out for help into the cameras. The agent kept giving Walt kidney blows, but it took a few for him to release Morris. Another agent came in and they continued to beat Walt, who was now crumpled on the ground.
“Stop hitting him!” Morris yelled, “He’s down.”
Morris was quickly ushered out of that room and down to the 2nd floor to the examination room. Dr. Alan instructed Stanley to sit on the examination table.
“Are you ok? He asked.
“Yes,” but from the looks of him he clearly was not. Morris was turning a deep red as all the blood rushed to his face and he was clutching at his chest, trying to catch his breath.
Dr. Alan flashed a pen light over Morris’s eyes. “Did you feel yourself at anytime losing consciousness?”
“No, I’m fine.” Morris insisted, as the doctor checked his vitals.
“Your heart rate is accelerated. Have you ever thought about losing a few pounds…getting into shape? You carry the majority of your weight in your middle. That a sure signature for a future heart attack.”
“My friend just tried to kill me. Yes, my heartbeat is accelerated.”
“Just concentrate on breathing Morris…In and out…In and out…In and out…”
“I’m feeling better.”
Dr. Alan rolled the gray vinyl stool over to where Morris was sitting on the exam table, and sat down himself. He spoke in a gentle tone, making sure his eyes never lost contact with Morris's. He wondered if this was the same voice he used to tell Walt he was being refused for cancer treatment.
“Morris, did Walt say anything to you?”
“The agent was there? Morris said trying not to sound snappy.
“But there were times when you two were speaking and neither the agent nor the mics could pick it up clearly. So I’m asking, maybe he said something. Maybe you think it doesn’t mean anything but it might.”
“He found God.”
“Yes, Morris, we heard that. We have no interest in his crazy meanderings. Maybe he passed you something while…”
“While he was choking me? No. He didn’t pass me anything. And it looks like you guys had been a little rough with him before I got here, so wouldn’t you have checked him already?’
Dr. Alan rolled back on the stool towards the door; he gave it a couple of hard knocks. An agent and two medical assistants came in, at least from the white lab coats they appeared to be.
“I’m sorry Morris, but we have to be sure. Please take your cloths off. The agent will scan your clothing in the other room and my colleagues will need to do a body check. You understand…don’t you?”
Morris thought back to Walt’s words, “Never trust a man with two first names.”
*****
Romulus kept starring. “I can’t get over how his eyes are still blinking.”
Percy answered, “It works with the spinal column from the neck down. You can also shut someone off completely…kind of like a coma; the heart still works on its own, but the mind is completely out.
Romulus got closer to Xavier’s face, “So this is how we’re going do this. Blink twice for yes, and once for no. Understand?” Xavier blinked twice.
“73624, would you like to make a career change?” Xavier blinked twice. Romulus smiled and nodded to Percy.
“Tell him about the other part.”
“Yes, the other part.” He looked back towards Xavier, “Think of it as an incitation. I know you’re familiar with that, so this should be easy,” Romulus said. Percy reached into one pocket and pulled out a gun and slid it across the floor to Romulus. Then he reached into another pocket and pulled out a vial, also rolling that on the floor. Romulus placed both of the items several inch’s away for Xavier’s face.
"There are about 9 members left of your crew.” Romulus said.
“Give or take,” Percy offered from the background.
“Yes, give or take. We of course know where they all are. As an act of good faith to us and all we’re offering you, we want you to kill them. We’re going to take care of any other members still running around out there, from either cartel. We have no need for gangs. Their purpose has been served. The next question we have for you is method. The gun or what’s in the vial. But let me say something”, Romulus said pushing the gun aside and the vial forward. “Guns are barbaric. Any moron can pull a trigger; a five year old can pull a trigger. You shoot…they shoot. Maybe you get a couple of people you intended to hit, but you probably end up hitting a mother walking her baby in a stroller. You had your fun at the Bromley, you killed a lot of members in the Castillo cartel, but you killed a lot of innocent people and children. There are more intelligent and kinder ways of killing. Ways that require a thinking man. We’re not animals; there should be an intent, not just mindless bloodshed. So what method will it be?” Romulus pushed the vial forward again. Xavier eyes went to the vial. He blinked twice. “Good choice 73624. Good choice.”
Both Percy and Romulus stood up and stepped a few feet away from Xavier. Percy looked back at the 2-way mirror and again called out, “Now.” The first thing Xavier felt was a sharp pain in his right cheek and then pins and needles all over his body. He got up almost as quickly as he went down; stomping his feet on the ground, trying to get his circulation going again.
Xavier glanced at the gun still lying on the floor. “How will you trust me?” Both Percy and Romulus laughed. “What are your alternatives?” Percy said waving his hand. “There’s no place you can go where we can’t find you. We’re offering you a good deal.”
Xavier, getting some feeling back in his hands, reached up to feel his face. Yes, the cheekbone was definitely broken. His struggling to maintain his balance and trying to comprehend his new situation, was difficult. "It takes a few minutes to get your strength back,” Romulus said in an almost fatherly tone, “Don’t worry, you’ll be alright.”
Xavier reached down to pick up the gun, his head was spinning. He had to rest his forearm on his thigh for a few seconds before he could tackle standing upright again. He handed the gun, handle first, to Romulus. “Welcome to the agency 73624”.
Xavier smiled, though he really wasn’t sure why.
seven that are detestable to him:
haughty eyes,a lying tongue,
hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes,
feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies
and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.
Taken from Proverbs 6:16-19 (New International Version)
Xavier woke up in a small room. One interior window with smoked glass, probably 2-way he guessed. His first view was of the glazed concrete floor. The slight hum must have been the air conditioner. He looked up at the vents on each wall near the ceiling. There were two men standing in front of him, he himself was sitting, unrestrained, in the only chair. One man he recognized, he was the one who shot Raymond. The other was a white guy. Xavier noticed they both had dark suits on, the good kind; specifically tailored for each body. There was no way the black guy could buy anything off the rack. His jacket fit perfectly, from neck to shoulder and from shoulder the wrist. Xavier looked behind him, there was the door.
“I want to talk to my lawyer,” Xavier said. “Shut up”, the white guy replied. “I’m agent Percy Grimm and this is agent Romulus Perry. Xavier laughed, “Man…you serious? Agents Percy Grimm and Romulus Perry. That’s funny.”
“Our names are funny to you?” Romulus asked.
“Aren’t they funny to you?” Xavier answered still laughing. “So which of you is the good cop and which is the bad cop.
“What do you think?” Percy asked.
“Well, I’d say the brother is the bad guy, but that would be stereotypical”.
“Actually, we’re both the bad guy,” Percy said.
“I guess I'm screwed then right?. So when do I get my phone call?”
Romulus turned his back to say something to Percy. Xavier saw this has his chance, he was closest to the door; Romulus was like a tower, don’t try to fight with him, just knock him out with the chair. The supercuts salt and pepper guy was smaller, Xavier knew he could take him easy. They probably had guns in their waistband, maybe one at the ankle, but it takes a few seconds to get to that. The brotha’s a tall guy; it’ll take him a while to bend down to get his gun. ‘I can do this,’ he said pumping himself up. Xavier raised the chair over his head. Percy didn’t blink an eye. He spoke over his shoulder toward whoever was hiding behind the 2-way glass, “Now.”
Xavier felt electricity charge though his body then he felt nothing at all. He dropped to the floor, landing on his face. It was as if someone pressed the off button on a remote control. His eyes were open. He could see and hear and think but nothing else. He noticed how deceptively clean the floors seemed when he was looking down at them before. But from this angle, he could see the colonies of dust bunnies surrounding him. Xavier made mental commands to his body to get up; they were all ignored. He just layed there; hands lying at his sides and he guessed probably drooling onto the floor. He could feel pain though, he heard a bad crack when he landed on his face, “I think my cheekbone is broken”. He tried to say it out loud, but it only remained a thought in his head.
Romulus and Percy walked around him. “Nice shoes too”, he said to himself.
“I can’t believe it works,” Romulus said.
“Is this the first time you’ve seen it in action?” Percy asked.
“Yeah.” Romulus was kicking between Xavier’s legs to open them.
“What are you doing?”
“I hear they lose their bowels”
“No! That’s not true. It’s also a false fact that the same thing happens when you die. When women are in child birth, they lose their bowels.”
“Oh man, that’s gross”.
Percy took the chair which was laying on the floor now and sat down. Romulus sat down, legs crossed over each other, on the floor in front of Xavier. Xavier was surprised how flexible Romulus was.
“Ok, 73624, let’s talk. Romulus said. “We have been watching you for a long time, Mr. Decastro of the Fantasma Cartel. Every success you have was because we let you. I believe you have been under the impression you have built this empire on your own. I apologize on behalf of my partner and myself for giving you that impression.”
“Yes, we’re very sorry,” Percy chimed in.
“Every move, every meeting, every deal is because we willed it. You are smart, but you’re not that smart,” Romulus continued. Percy looked at Xavier’s eyes, “I think he does think he’s that smart. The poor young man is confused Rom.” The two men exchanged a chuckle, then Romulus turned his attention back to Xavier.
“Are you confused? Let me see if I can clarify things for you. The little war you and your crew staged helped us to implement a law; The Terrorist Act Law. The public outcry demanded something be done about the drug lords coming in from Mexico and spilling into their rose gardens. For that we thank you.
“Yes, thank you.” Percy added.
“First on the list, gang members…now considered terrorists against the state. We have picked up a lot of your friends already. But because extraordinary rendition is now legal, we don’t have to give them right to counsel, a trial in front of their peers, not even one phone call. They simply disappear. So you see, there really isn’t much for you to go back too, therefore we have a preposition for you. While we have allowed you to reach the level of success you have been enjoying; we’ve noticed you have a unique combination of talents we find very valuable. You’ve got good eyes, you notice things intuitively. You’re very brave and loyal on one level, but on another level you’re also very vicious and detached. You’d probably kill your own mother if she shorted you on a deal.
Percy laughed, “Just the kind of man we’re looking for.”
“Work for us. We’ll train you. Give you a new life. A nice place to live. Expense account. Travel. And of course…high pay or…
“You died on the way to the hospital,” Percy finished.
“We’ll give you a moment to think about it”. Romulus looked at his watch. “And time’s up.”
*****
Morris Penski got off the plane landing in Seattle. An agent was waiting for him, holding a sign up bearing his name. Stanley got the call that morning. An old friend of his, Dr. Walt Jansen, had gone AWOL. The doctor was still at the facility, but he wasn’t ‘co-operating’, which was the word they used. They thought an old friend could talk some sense into him. Morris didn’t know how much a friend he could be; he and Walt hadn’t talked for close to 10 years.
The place they were going was about an hour and a half from the airport. The drive seemed even longer due to the agent driving Stanley to the facility. The agent was not adept at small talk and made no attempt. He played a country music cd with only 6 songs on it. And those same 6 songs played over and over again. Morris hated country music; talk radio would have been more merciful.
The facilities were on the cul de sac of an industrial street. There were two buildings on either side, already purchased by the state. They were kept empty, at least seemingly so from the outside. Each building had the sign, Geik Reality hanging outside. With a number if called, only a recording would be heard. A search for Geik Reality would meet with a dead end. The company didn’t exist and there was no reason for anyone ever to travel down this road. On the neighboring streets were abandoned cars and there were a few supply companies for things such as buttons or pipes; nothing else.
The building was as plain as any brick building could be. “Here we are Mr. Penski. Just walk on up to the doors.” There was an iron gate and then a frosted glass door. The camera was looking down from the right hand corner. “Please run your right hand under the scanner,” said the automated voice. He did. “Welcome Mr. Penski.” The iron gate made a slight ‘click’ noise, instead of the usual annoying loud buzzing sound most security doors made. Once inside the gate, there were only a few steps to the glass door. Lights scanned over him, Morris figured it must be some kind of x-ray; he guessed checking for weapons or other things that might do harm. “Thank you Mr. Penski. You may now enter the facility. Please follow the red arrow painted on the floor to the front desk. Do not deviate from the red arrow. Someone will be with you shortly.” Again another slight click and he was in.
The building was freezing. His suit jacket was doing nothing to keep him warm despite his attempts to turn up the collar towards his neck. He let out a gasp of air and saw his breath billowing about his face before finally disappearing. Someone was waiting at the desk for him. “Sorry about the temperature,” he said. “It’s necessary due to all the equipment housed here. We don’t want it to overheat. You’ll adjust to it after a while.”
There was no introduction. The man simply turned towards some elevators. Morris assumed he was to follow him.
The building had only 3 floors. They were going to the top floor. It seemed to be even colder up there. He expected to see bits of frost on the wall and door handles. ‘Was this really necessary?’ he thought to himself. (Why can’t someone offer me a coat or a blanket or something?) Morris felt the chill down to his bones. The Agent escorting him had obviously adjusted; there were no goose bumps on his neck.
A young man came out of a doorway. He had a medium brown complexion, short black close cropped hair and glasses, from which Morris judged from the bent frame, needed to be replaced. You didn’t often see many black men at this level on the tech side; especially this young. This man couldn’t be more that 30, if that. He extended his hand. “Hello, I’m Dr. John Alan,” he said. “I’ve been working with Dr. Jansen and we are all hoping you can help us out.”
“What’s going on?” Morris asked. Dr. Allen led him into a nearby office.
“I understand you have been in the FDA for many years now.”
(Great, I ask a question and I get another question. This is never a good sign) “Yes, specifically with vaccines, water additives and agriculture.”
“We work in Technology; specifically we work on the RFID chips, like the one you have in your right hand. Well, Mr. Penski, may I call you Morris?” Dr. Alan didn’t wait for an answer. “There have been some changes to the chip since you received yours. We’ve been improving it. In the past 5 years we have been able to jump the technology about 20 years ahead. It’s actually very exciting. The problem is Dr. Jansen has much of the new discoveries in his head. He destroyed the files and back up we had on our computers and then he burned his own notes.”
“I don’t know how I can help.”
“Dr. Jansen has been holed up in this building with me for the past 3 years. His wife stopped visiting a while ago. Shortly after he started sliding down hill. That was over a year ago. We were hoping a visit from an old friend would raise his spirits. Show him we’re all on the same team.” Dr. Alan could tell from the look on Morris’s face, his approach was not working. Like most scientists, he was good at his work but not good with people. Best to keep it simple and be honest, he thought. “Look Morris, the bottom line is he’s in a lot of trouble. Any discoveries made at this facility are the property of the state and we need them.”
“Ok, I’ll see what I can do.”
Dr. Alan led him to a door further down the hallway. He moved aside while one of the agents following closely behind him opened the door. It was an interrogation room. Stanley wondered why a research facility would need an interrogation room. There were cameras nestled in 2 corners of the room, he had no doubt the room was also wired for sound. One agent stood by the door.
“Can I be alone with him?” Morris asked.
“No.”
Morris walked around the table to the chair in front of where Dr. Jansen was sitting. How could we be on the same team, the doctor was shackled, wrist to feet, and slumped over. It looked like he had been wearing his lab coat for several days. Deep lines were burrowed in his face and he didn’t smell right. His eyes were focused on something on the floor. As Morris slide the chair across the floor closer to him and sat down, the doctor’s eyes stayed focused on the ground.
“Walt?” The doctor looked up; his eyes filled with so much crust, Stanley wondered how he could focus on anything. (They probably have him drugged)
“Morris my friend, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you.”
“Yes, it’s good to see you Walt. Do you know why I’m here?”
“I believe so. You are on a retrieval mission?” Walt’s eyes were darting around quickly. They moved rapidly across the room and then suddenly they would stop. “You must have met Dr. John Alan.”
“Yes, he’s very concerned.”
Walt smiled, “Never trust a man with 2 first names Morrie. How’s Stacey?”
“She’s fine.”
“Really? How long has it been since you’ve seen her.?”
“Huh, maybe 2 to 3 weeks. Why?”
“Do you know… I would go months at a time, not seeing my wife. I think the longest was 6. Do you remember the friends we had…how we would always have barbeques. Do you remember the friends we had?”
“Yes, Walt. There were the Randolph’s, The Smiths…The McCord’s…
“Do you know they’re all divorced? Gerald Smith killed himself after his divorce. I couldn’t even go to the funeral because of this damned place.
“Gerald is dead?”
“Yeah, we all kinda kept in touch. But I guess you wouldn’t know. You left the group a long time ago.”
“I was traveling a lot for my job. It wasn’t anything personal…”
“No, my friend. I wasn’t chastising you. Just pointing out a fact. The jobs we have are not conducive to relationships – friends or otherwise. I’ve been married to Vicky for over 20 years and now I can’t remember what she looks like. I try to imagine her face, but I can’t remember the details…her lips…her eyes. But I know that I love her. That I always remember.
“Walt, what were you working on?”
“The chip…the big brother inside of you,” he laughed. “They wanted more options. More possibilities. Imagine the possibilities Walter…Imagine the stupefying possibilities.” Confusion crossed over Morris’s face. He doubted he would be able to get anything out of Walt, who was now looking at him with the same intensity he was looking at a spot on the floor a moment earlier.
“Morris, you really have no idea what’s going on do you? Always the last one to get the punch line.”
“Walter, just tell them what they want to know? You’re too important for them to give you jail time. Maybe an early retirement. You can spend time with Victoria…”
“You always called her Victoria… she liked that about you. Stanley makes no assumptions about anyone, she’d say. Morris, when you die do you know where your soul is going?”
“What?”
“I’ve realized there are bigger things in life Morris. There’s God…I found God.”
“When did you start getting religious?”
“I didn’t say, I found religion, any idiot can find religion, like finding a penny on the street. I found God. I was sitting outside the airport waiting for an agent to pick me up and bring me back here, and I noticed the day. Do you ever just notice the day? I noticed a family going on vacation for the first time and the kids were so excited. I noticed people dropping off loved ones or picking them up…the hugs, the kisses, the tears. It had just rained, well you know it always just rains here, but I noticed a rainbow. All the colors, it was beautiful. Then I heard God. Not in an audible voice, but it was like he was inside my head, like an involuntary thought and he showed me everything. My past, the things I’ve been working on…the future. They’ve never let me have an apartment, only a hotel room, same hotel…same room. You know there’s always a bible in the room. I read it from cover to cover that whole day and night. I got on my knees and I prayed the sinner’s prayer. I gave my life over to God and he told me what I needed to do.”
“Walt, just tell them what they want to know.”
Did Dr. John Alan tell you I am dying Morris? I have cancer…bone cancer. It’s inoperable. I tried to get a bone marrow donor, but I was refused. The agency said I’m over 60 years old. I’m not a priority. And still I work for these people. I worked with every diseased bone in my body for this company…the agenda must go forth.”
“Is that when you found God?” Morris asked.
“No. I found God before that. I found out about the cancer 6 months later…3 months ago. God gave me a job to do and I did it. I feel sorry for you. You have no idea what’s coming. I love you Morris, but you were never very smart…you gotta open your eyes. I’ll be gone, but it’s horrible Morris…what’s coming. I’ll be praying for Vicky … for you… for everyone still here.”
“Walt just tell them what they want to know? ”
“I answer only to my father in heaven now.” Walt leaned forward. He motioned for Morris to do the same. Walt whispered, “I would like to apologize to you in advance.”
“Apologize for what?”
“For this…”
Walt raised his arms over Morris’s neck, getting him off balance and turning him around. Walt pressed his knees into Morris’s back and pulled back on his wrist chains into his neck, pressing against his larynx. It probably looked worse that it actually was. Walt was a lot stronger than Morris expected him to be or perhaps he was very out of shape.
“Play along Morris, this is the only way you’re gonna get out of here,” Walt whispered in his ear. The agent jumped over the table, calling out for help into the cameras. The agent kept giving Walt kidney blows, but it took a few for him to release Morris. Another agent came in and they continued to beat Walt, who was now crumpled on the ground.
“Stop hitting him!” Morris yelled, “He’s down.”
Morris was quickly ushered out of that room and down to the 2nd floor to the examination room. Dr. Alan instructed Stanley to sit on the examination table.
“Are you ok? He asked.
“Yes,” but from the looks of him he clearly was not. Morris was turning a deep red as all the blood rushed to his face and he was clutching at his chest, trying to catch his breath.
Dr. Alan flashed a pen light over Morris’s eyes. “Did you feel yourself at anytime losing consciousness?”
“No, I’m fine.” Morris insisted, as the doctor checked his vitals.
“Your heart rate is accelerated. Have you ever thought about losing a few pounds…getting into shape? You carry the majority of your weight in your middle. That a sure signature for a future heart attack.”
“My friend just tried to kill me. Yes, my heartbeat is accelerated.”
“Just concentrate on breathing Morris…In and out…In and out…In and out…”
“I’m feeling better.”
Dr. Alan rolled the gray vinyl stool over to where Morris was sitting on the exam table, and sat down himself. He spoke in a gentle tone, making sure his eyes never lost contact with Morris's. He wondered if this was the same voice he used to tell Walt he was being refused for cancer treatment.
“Morris, did Walt say anything to you?”
“The agent was there? Morris said trying not to sound snappy.
“But there were times when you two were speaking and neither the agent nor the mics could pick it up clearly. So I’m asking, maybe he said something. Maybe you think it doesn’t mean anything but it might.”
“He found God.”
“Yes, Morris, we heard that. We have no interest in his crazy meanderings. Maybe he passed you something while…”
“While he was choking me? No. He didn’t pass me anything. And it looks like you guys had been a little rough with him before I got here, so wouldn’t you have checked him already?’
Dr. Alan rolled back on the stool towards the door; he gave it a couple of hard knocks. An agent and two medical assistants came in, at least from the white lab coats they appeared to be.
“I’m sorry Morris, but we have to be sure. Please take your cloths off. The agent will scan your clothing in the other room and my colleagues will need to do a body check. You understand…don’t you?”
Morris thought back to Walt’s words, “Never trust a man with two first names.”
*****
Romulus kept starring. “I can’t get over how his eyes are still blinking.”
Percy answered, “It works with the spinal column from the neck down. You can also shut someone off completely…kind of like a coma; the heart still works on its own, but the mind is completely out.
Romulus got closer to Xavier’s face, “So this is how we’re going do this. Blink twice for yes, and once for no. Understand?” Xavier blinked twice.
“73624, would you like to make a career change?” Xavier blinked twice. Romulus smiled and nodded to Percy.
“Tell him about the other part.”
“Yes, the other part.” He looked back towards Xavier, “Think of it as an incitation. I know you’re familiar with that, so this should be easy,” Romulus said. Percy reached into one pocket and pulled out a gun and slid it across the floor to Romulus. Then he reached into another pocket and pulled out a vial, also rolling that on the floor. Romulus placed both of the items several inch’s away for Xavier’s face.
"There are about 9 members left of your crew.” Romulus said.
“Give or take,” Percy offered from the background.
“Yes, give or take. We of course know where they all are. As an act of good faith to us and all we’re offering you, we want you to kill them. We’re going to take care of any other members still running around out there, from either cartel. We have no need for gangs. Their purpose has been served. The next question we have for you is method. The gun or what’s in the vial. But let me say something”, Romulus said pushing the gun aside and the vial forward. “Guns are barbaric. Any moron can pull a trigger; a five year old can pull a trigger. You shoot…they shoot. Maybe you get a couple of people you intended to hit, but you probably end up hitting a mother walking her baby in a stroller. You had your fun at the Bromley, you killed a lot of members in the Castillo cartel, but you killed a lot of innocent people and children. There are more intelligent and kinder ways of killing. Ways that require a thinking man. We’re not animals; there should be an intent, not just mindless bloodshed. So what method will it be?” Romulus pushed the vial forward again. Xavier eyes went to the vial. He blinked twice. “Good choice 73624. Good choice.”
Both Percy and Romulus stood up and stepped a few feet away from Xavier. Percy looked back at the 2-way mirror and again called out, “Now.” The first thing Xavier felt was a sharp pain in his right cheek and then pins and needles all over his body. He got up almost as quickly as he went down; stomping his feet on the ground, trying to get his circulation going again.
Xavier glanced at the gun still lying on the floor. “How will you trust me?” Both Percy and Romulus laughed. “What are your alternatives?” Percy said waving his hand. “There’s no place you can go where we can’t find you. We’re offering you a good deal.”
Xavier, getting some feeling back in his hands, reached up to feel his face. Yes, the cheekbone was definitely broken. His struggling to maintain his balance and trying to comprehend his new situation, was difficult. "It takes a few minutes to get your strength back,” Romulus said in an almost fatherly tone, “Don’t worry, you’ll be alright.”
Xavier reached down to pick up the gun, his head was spinning. He had to rest his forearm on his thigh for a few seconds before he could tackle standing upright again. He handed the gun, handle first, to Romulus. “Welcome to the agency 73624”.
Xavier smiled, though he really wasn’t sure why.
No comments:
Post a Comment