Dark as Daylight Ch. 10

Alexa smiled, "Mister Jessop, isn't that a shame. I lost a wife beating, bastard of a husband. My children are now safe from that controlling beast. He wasn't always that way, but as his business grew he became a tyrant. I can breathe easier now, when I am in my own home. I feel absolutely terrible that he is gone. Should I invite you to the party?"

"If your husband has insurance, I wouldn't keep up that attitude Mrs. Watley."

"Our insurance agent is a friend of the family. She hated my husband almost as much as I did. I don't believe there will be any problem with that claim. He was only insured for $10 million dollars, and I will give every penny of it to charity."

"That's all the questions I have Mrs. Watley. We have checked your house thoroughly, but if you happen to find anything of interest to the FBI, hidden in a cubbyhole, please give us a call."

"As long as his money is gone, and his body stays gone forever, or at least away from me, I'll give you anything I find."

"Thank you Mrs. Watley, enjoy your freedom."

"You bet your ass I will."

****************

40. Battles on Four Fronts

1.

"May I speak to Master Sergeant Harry Chase please?"

"Speaking."

"Sergeant, this is number 20. What is your status?"

"The police have cleared us. We are free to move wherever we wish to look for new employment."

"Sergeant, I am doing this on the fly. I have not had time to check you out. I have a feeling about you that I have about very few people. I believe you will work well within our organization. I wish to give you a tryout in a very difficult situation, which we are facing now. Are you interested?"

"Yes sir I am."

"Are you in the Windy City?"

"Yes sir."

"I want you to go to the Midway Airport to see a man named Albert Sagest, at 'Magic Guest Transport.' Tell him exactly, 'The Man' needs you in Albany New York 'Yesterday.' He will give you everything you, and I need. He already has my shopping list. He will put you on a jet to get you to your destination. I expect you to be there, with my supplies, in six and one half hours. I will be waiting for you, Sergeant Chase; don't disappoint me, you only get one chance."

"Sir, do I refer to you as number 20, or by your rank?"

"When we are together, you can refer to me as Colonel, or as Sir, which ever you prefer. Now you are wasting precious time Sergeant, move out."

"I'm gone."

Chief Master Sergeant Harry Chase wasn't kidding. In the closet, by the front door to his one-bedroom rental apartment, was a military style (B-4) bag, packed to the gills, and ready to go. He never knew where he was going with that bag, packed with all his military gear, and other necessary supplies, but it was always there, and today he was happy it was.

He called for a cab, went to the bathroom, shit, showered, and shaved; put on a clean pair of jeans, a western style shirt, socks, and sneakers. He checked his wallet to make sure he had at least 5 different driver's licenses, plus matching credit cards. He put his real one, plus his voter's registration card and other identifying government issued cards in his cookie jar. He walked out the front door, locked up, and went downstairs to wait for the cab.

3 hours later, he was flying at 39,000 feet over Ohio on his way to Albany. There must have been something in the way the Colonel told him to report into Mister Sagest, because he couldn't believe the items that were packed into the luggage area.

The Colonel said that this was going to be a very difficult operation. What he helped load made that sound like an understatement. Tri-vision night goggles, 30 of them, a mere $90,000 dollars each. Only the best units in the world, the Seals, the Para's and the Delta's got those. Smooth bore rifles with silencers, and full optic packages: one shot one kill $17,000 dollars each. He personally packed 20 of them. The one he wanted to take home, with his name on the side of it was a Dillon Mini-gun. They were pretty (deadly) little things that fired 3000 rounds per minute of the standard NATO 7.62 cartridge. If your enemy didn't know you had one of these honey's facing him, and they came at you, in file formation, they were dead, before they took their next step.

The Colonel was not fooling around, against whoever was coming after his principles. You did not put rubber bullets into one of these things, because the rubber would melt in the barrels, because of the heat, and gum up the whole works for when you really needed it to work properly. With the exception of its standard ammunition package, they also packed 60,000 rounds of additional ammunition, because these tiny beasts ate up ammo, as if it was going out of style.

The other stuff was simple. 2000 daylight flares. A few thousand mines, 100 blocks of C 4, 20 RPG's, just the ordinary weekend warrior play-kit. The one thing that denoted it wasn't a play kit was the emergency operating unit that was packed. You could do everything, but brain surgery with it, as long as the doctor was qualified. Chase began to wonder which one of his comrades was a doctor. Then his stomach growled, and he remembered he hadn't eaten all day. He wondered if there was any food on board, but there was no flight attendant to tell him. He went up to the galley to help himself to whatever was there, not expecting very much. What he found delighted him. 3 thick steaks, mashed potatoes, and vegetables. The Colonel sure went all out for his men.

He knocked on the flight deck door, and asked the pilots if they wanted something to eat.

He received another surprise, when a startling redheaded beauty opened the door. She was wearing a real tiny skirt, and wife beater blouse, with no bra. His jaw dropped open.

"What's the matter Chase, never seen tits on a pilot before?"

"Not tits I'd rather eat than my steak, ma'am."

"I'm not a ma'am. I'm Eddy; Al is my dad. I do all of his arms shipments."

"Do you always fly dressed like that?"

"Heck no, on the South American runs, I fly naked."

"Somehow, I knew you were going to say that. I'm going to have that image in my mind for the rest of the week."

"Eat your dinner Chase, and wipe that image out of your mind. You're flying into a hornet's nest. The Colonel was over the Atlantic when he found out what was going on. He turned that aircraft around to get back here in time. I'll give you my twin sister's phone number. One day, if our schedules align, and you're in Chicago, maybe we can fool around."

"There are two of you?"

Eddy turned, "Addie, say hello to Chase."

She stepped out of the way so Harry could look into the flight deck. Sitting in the captain's seat was the exact duplicate of the woman he was speaking to. He knew he would be hard for the rest of his life, because she was topless, and had barbells through her nipples.

As he stared at them, Edie whispered, "What would you give to wrap your tongue around those?"

"Anything but my prick and balls."

"Good answer. Most guys say anything, and we disregard them, because they're idiots. You, Sergeant, may be the man we have been looking for. Stay alive, and let us know when you're back in town."

She grabbed his head, and gave him a lip lock he would never forget.

In return, he grabbed her pussy, shoved 2 fingers through her panties and into her velvet sleeve. She grunted, when he didn't withdraw, and continued to pound inside her. Her head flew back, her hands grabbed his neck, and screamed, "Fuck you Chase, that's not fair," She came, then she came again.

"I don't know about you Edie, but I thought it was quite fair. You teased the shit out of me, and all I did was get even with you. Now you'll have to wait, until I get back to the city, to see what else I can do for you and your sister. Which one of you is older, because the older one always gets preference."

Addie yelled, "I'm 18 minutes older than she is."

Edie screamed, "You lying bitch, I'm older than you are."

This went on for a few moments, before Chase said, "When we meet, bring your original birth certificates. I will not accept copies. Whoever lied to me, gets it up the ass first."

Addie yelled, "I lied."

Edie shook her head. "That bitch would tell the Pope she lied, if he would fuck her up the ass. That's how much she loves it."

"Ladies, I think this is the beginning of a wonderful friendship."

"Chase, keep your head down, and shoot straight. Sis and I have been looking for someone like you for a long time. Don't get killed, and don't promise us anything you can't deliver."

He was about to say those 2 words, when he caught them in his throat.

"If I can't do something, you two will be the second and third people to know it. I am safe. I haven't been with a woman for over a year, but if you want me tested I will have it done. I've known a lot of guys that said that to a pretty woman just to get into their pants quickly, and have spread diseases because of it. I'm not like that, and I will prove it to you. It's your choice, just let me know."

"Dad has a doctor that does all the testing on the pilots. Let him take your blood, it will be discreet, and everybody will be happy."

"As soon as I get back in town, that's the first thing I'll do. The second thing I'll do is call you to let you know I'm back."

"Don't jerk off, we want everything you have."

"No problem. Do you want to feed me my steak?"

"I better not. I'd wind up sitting on your dick, and your dinner would get cold."

"Ask me if I'd care?"

"I would care. Eat Harry, were going to be landing soon."

Edie stepped back into the flight deck, closed and locked the door. That was the last time he saw either of the girls.

He ate his dinner in silence, and looked out the window as they descended into Albany. Once they landed, they parked in an area so remote, he thought it was part of a different airport. As the door opened, and the steps deployed, there were 3 rental trucks waiting for the equipment to be unloaded.

As his foot touched the ground, Lucius said, "You are on paid status as of this moment Sergeant. You will fill out all the necessary forms as we travel. The money will get to you in such a way, no one will ever be able to trace it back to this operation, or anyone involved in it. You are now an honest businessman, and you travel around the country, and the world purveying your goods. Your starting salary is $30,000 dollars per month, and it will rise according to your worth to this group. I am in charge of all operations, whether I am there or not. This is Paul Zachary, my shadow, and my second in command. If he says it, it is like I said it, and you will do it without question. Is that understood Sergeant?"

"Yes sir.

"You will be assigned a partner, and then a squad leader. Get to know your partner better than you would ever know your wife. Know his or her quirks, their strengths and their weaknesses. No one on this team is perfect, except for me. Isn't that correct, Paul?"

There was no answer.

"Isn't that correct, Paul?"

"I'm sorry sir, did you ask me a question?"

"That's number 2 for this year Sergeant. You know what happens when you get to number 3?"

"Yes sir, it happened to me once before 28 years ago."

"Has it been that long Sergeant? It seems like yesterday to me."

"It's because your mind is aging quickly sir. Everything seems like yesterday to you."

"That was very close Sergeant. Be very careful."

"I'm sorry sir, I'm going to have to change the batteries in my hearing aid. They must be failing, like your memory."

"As I said Sergeant Chase, this is Paul Zachary my second in command. I am perfect, he is not."

"It is quite obvious to me which one of you is perfect Colonel."

"Help the rest of the team unload the aircraft; we have to get on the road quickly. From today forward your name in this group is 'Junior', until I change it."

"Yes sir."

"I meant you too, Paul."

"I'm sorry sir, it must be these damn batteries."

"I might believe you if you wore hearing aids. Get to work."

"Yes sir."

***************

They didn't have to wait for the police to stop them on Interstate 87 northbound to Glens Falls, because they were speeding. Two state police cruisers were waiting to lead the caravan, of 4 GMC Yukon's, and 3 Penske rented trucks, in accordance to the governor's wishes. This caravan would not reach the speed of 138 miles per hour, because the rental trucks could not exceed 80 miles per hour. It didn't matter because the trip was less than one hour.

As they turned off the highway, and West onto 9L, Paul saw a noticeable change in the Colonel's demeanor.

"Sir, whoever did this to you, 'to us,' spent an awful lot of money, and used a great deal of influence to pull us out of position. They sent us to the bottom of the world, where they knew we would not have instant communications. They wanted to trap our guys here, without us to lead them in battle.

They paid a heavy price. They lost everyone they sent to kill our principles.

We lost 12 people. 12 of our own, 12 who will never be replaced in our hearts. 3 of us survived to tell us what happened here. We know how bravely they fought, and they died. We weren't allowed to bury them properly; as soldiers.

When we followed the money, and every lead possible, they found parts of the man floating down the Mississippi River. Everything ended with him, because whoever hired him did so through third, fourth, and fifth cut-outs. The only way we will ever find out the truth about our men, and their deaths will be by accident. We can't allow ourselves to be distracted by the past. We have to take care of the business we are presented with today."

Lucius didn't move, his demeanor didn't change, he sat looking straight ahead.

"Paul, do you realize you said more to me, in the last few moments, then you've said to me in the past 30 years."

"Is that a good thing sir, or a bad thing?"

"It was a very good thing Paul. I can't believe it came out of your mouth."

"As you said sir, 30 years of practice; I had to get it right once."

"Stand to', we are here."

***************

Heath came trotting out of the main house, and saluted the Colonel as he stood by the Yukon, watching his men as they began to unload the first truck.

"Sir, do you wish the men to leave their positions, and help unload, or do you want them to stay where they are, and protect the property."

"I took a quick look around as we drove up, and couldn't see anyone, Heath. You've done a great job. Let them stay where they are, until it's dark, and then we will rotate them. We will update their equipment, if need be, and add to your defensive structure. I will look it over as soon as we get inside. When did you get to your last operational update?"

"I did not get our planned 2 p.m. update, but I'm not worried about it yet. If they miss their 4 o'clock update, then I'll begin to worry they were caught. You know what they do to traitors."

"Yes, if they were caught, let's hope their deaths were quick. We must be careful they don't try to use our communications net against us. Verify every transmission using a code word in each message. If they don't use the correct code word response in each return message, give them false information about our positions, fighting force strength, and equipment. If they ask about our 'Principles', advise them they are safe at alternate one, and are awaiting the aircraft to take them West."

"Your normal protocol, in other words sir."

"Yes, normal protocol."

Paul leaned over his shoulder.

"Dammit Colonel, relax. Everyone knows what they are supposed to do. If you are going to start micromanaging everyone, and everything that's supposed to be done, I'm going to put you in the safe room, with the women, and close the fucking door behind you."

"You wouldn't dare do that to me."

"I'll talk to Jemma Zabo and tell her you're not feeling well sir. She'll take you by your damn neck and drag you in there. You know she'll never let anything happen to you, especially if you're sick. Don't try me Colonel, I feel the same way about you, she does."

"I think I'll go inside, get something to eat, have a cup of coffee, and lie down for a while. You're in control Paul. Take a look at their map, set up the defenses, and I'll look at it later. Don't fuck up, or I'll have your balls hanging from the ceiling if you do."

"Enjoy your dinner, Colonel; I'll supervise the unloading, and follow through with everything you told me to do."

As he walked up to the house, Lucius suddenly felt old, and tired. Maybe it was time to let go. Maybe it was just the thought of the people he lost at this place. Something was dragging him down, and he didn't know what it was.

When he walked in the front door, Jenna yelled, "Lucius, are you all right? You don't look right, what's the matter? Are you ill?"

She grabbed hold of him, and hugged him tight. "Talk to me Lucius, you're scaring me. Are we safe here?"

"Jemma, you are safer here than the President of the United States. I don't know what's come over me. I was fine, until I got here. I believe it's the 12 souls I lost here. I've never gotten over that feeling of loss, and now I'm standing on their graves about to fight another battle, against an unknown enemy, for a reason that is above my comprehension. I've never understood greed, especially at this level. To add greed to the intentional murder of innocent civilians, brings me back to the days I was at Sarajevo, and looked into those open graves. This was never supposed to happen in this country, Jemma, not here in the United States. This is a free and open country, not someplace where a mad man can intentionally murder people to put more money in his pocket."

"Gwen come here please."

"Yes mom."

"This is Colonel Lucius Allen, better known to you as my phantom lover, and phone caller. Would you check him over for me please? He doesn't look right to me, and I don't want him getting sick over this business."

"Colonel, I remember you from my wedding. Why don't we go into one of the bedrooms, and have sex?"

Lucius cracked a smile.

"Gwen, it appears to me, William beat me to the punch."

Jemma put her hands on Gwen's growing belly.

"You mean this little thing, Lucius? She ate a medicine ball for breakfast; don't let it bother you."

"When was the last time you could lie to me, with a straight face, Jemma?"

"I can still do it to William."

"No you can't, but he's your husband, and he lets you think you can."

"As long as I win, I don't care. Go with Gwen, and that's an order Colonel."

"As you wish, I could never say no to you anyhow, Jemma. You are one amazing woman."

Gwen took Lucius into the 'Argumentorium', the soundproof room, where Stephano and Patty battled out their differences, and didn't come out until everything had been settled between them.

She opened her doctor bag, and took out a pill.

"Take this, and don't argue with me. You don't want me to bring Jemma in here to make this the threesome. Let's keep this between you and me."

"What is it?"

"A baby aspirin. It will thin your blood, and let it flow more easily through your veins. It will lower your blood pressure, and make sure you don't have a heart attack, just in case you have a minor blockage. If you have a major blockage, you're going to a hospital."

"I am not leaving this place, until the battle is are over. I know they are coming; they are already here, watching us. I don't know when they will attack, or from what direction, but I can feel them watching our every move."

"As my dad said, "They will give you what you expect. When you hit them back with everything you have, they will hit you from your flanks, and tear you apart."

"That's sound advice, Gwen. Who was your dad?"