The Trigger, Part 2:
Recoil
Chapter 1
Chief sat on the top step next to the newel post facing out onto the courtyard, his long legs stretched out spanning the lower steps. This night, like the last was clear and cold but unlike last night's bare chest, this time he wore a warm sweater and a coat. He enjoyed the peace of the night. Last night had been such a disappointment until the Warden had pointed out that he got what he really wanted, permission. He would no longer feel guilty when he listened for his heart. It was okay now. Maybe there was more to the singing and dancing than just singing and dancing. What if certain words were needed to make it work? That would explain his failure. Unfortunately there was no way he would ever find out. Gouyen was dead by now. Maybe if he survived the war he would go back there and see if there was anyone left who knew. That is, if he survived and he was free to travel. The way Garrison had saved him from the Handlers he did not think he would just turn him over at the end of the war. Dare he hope he would be able to stay with him? That was a lot to ask of the Warden and it was asking a lot to hope GCAT would just let him go. No, that would never happen.
That line or reasoning and hope was interrupted by the sound of a hound dog baying. That was nothing new; there were several dogs on the next property. What really threw him was the incredibly clear vision of a silver wolf running that flashed through his mind. The clarity surprised him but what really struck him was he had never seen a silver wolf. He had seen black, or almost black and grey to brown but never silver. He frowned as he wondered where that had that come. The second dog joined in but there was no answer to his question.
Lieutenant Garrison was filing the last of the official paperwork. He had written to his parents and placed the letter in an envelope ready to be mailed. It sat on the corner of his desk awaiting a stamp. He was about to turn out the light and head to his room when he heard the knock. "Come in."
Casino poked his head in the door. "You got a minute?"
Garrison knew something was up. Casino rarely asked. He usually arrived and told, he did not ask. This was important. "Sure, Casino. What's up?" He would keep it light.
He came into the room and sat. "I'm not sure. Chief's been looking at me kinda funny." He sounded worried. Casino did not worry about someone looking at him funny. If he thought you were up to something he would confront you. He was not afraid to stand up for himself. Apparently he had been looking out for himself and sticking up for himself for years so for him to admit it now showed how bad the situation was.
"Funny how?" He knew the situation between the two men was not the best but he thought it had improved to the point he did not have to worry about it. Now what?
"I'm not sure but I think he might be remembering."
"Remembering?"
"Yeah, about that night. When I …"
"You haven't told him?"
"How can I? How do you tell a guy, "Hey, I'm the guy that shot you in the head. Wanna go for a beer?"
"Sooner or later you are going to have to tell him or he is going to remember."
"I know but I don't know what to say or how he's going to react. He pulls that damn blade and I'm dead."
"Would you like to tell him here, in my office with me here?" Before he could get an answer the phone rang. Garrison held up a finger in a 'one moment' gesture, and lifted the receiver. "Yes sir." There was a pause then another, "Yes, sir," and he hung up. "Get your gear we gotta go." That was the end of their discussion and Casino's worries, at least for the time being.
Five men and their gear were too much for a jeep so one of the guards brought the truck around and the cons climbed in the back. Garrison sat up front. The trip was the approximate length of the drive to London so they had a general idea of where they were to end up. They were not mistaken when the flap was lifted and the London Naval base came into view. They were going by sea. Casino was relieved until Actor mentioned he thought he saw a sub at the pier. Goniff was hopeful. He did not like going by sea unless it was by sub. Casino did not mind air travel unless he had to jump out. He was fine by sea unless he was under it. Actor and Chief did not say one way or the other. Garrison knew they had their preferences but as long as they did as they were told he left it at that.
The truck stopped at the gate then proceeded. When it finally stopped the cons dismounted and looked around. They were standing on a dirt road lined with Quonset huts. Garrison came around the back and said, "You're to wait in there," and he gestured to the one on the right. "Stay there until I return."
With a quick look to make sure they were not overheard Actor said, "It would make sense and save time if I were included in the briefing." There was no reaction from their leader who turned and began to get in the jeep that pulled up. "May I suggest you mention the idea?"
Actor watched as the jeep backed up then pulled out to pass the truck before it too left. Goniff moved up beside the con man and asked, "Do you think he will? Suggest that?"
Actor turned to the Quonset hut door and said, "Probably not."
"Why not? He doesn't think it's a good idea?"
"He is an officer in the United States Army. You advance by following the rules."
"Whose rule was it to recruit convicts to work this gig?" The men trooped in and located bunks near the back that were not in use.
"That is a good question."
"Think they got a promotion for it?" asked Goniff as he stretched out.
"Another good question." Afraid of where this was going he turned it with a "Why don't you find out who's idea it was and suggest that I be included in the initial briefings?"
"Why you?"
"Would you like to join me, sitting with all those stuffed shirts?"
"No thanks. Think there're any women on this 'ere base?" asked Goniff getting up and peering out the door.
"Maybe at the briefing," suggested Casino. "How be we go have a look."
"No, we wait here."
"Minute ago you were all for going now you say no. Make up yer bleedin' mind."
"Last time we were stuck in one of these places we were 'iding out from that bloke from C-CAT. 'Ey Chiefy, what's C-CAT stand for?" He came back and sat across from the Indian.
"It's G- CAT and it's for Guardian Control and Training."
"Guardian Control? Ya mean they control all the Guardians."
"They own us." His tone was depressed and resigned.
"I thought the American constitution outlawed slavery and the ownership of people?" put in Actor. He sounded confused. "Your Civil War was fought on those grounds."
"Indians and Guardians got no rights. Guardians ain't even real people." That brought a moment of silence
"And the training? They train you to use your abilities?" suggested Actor.
"Don't take no training to use a curse. They train the Trainers and the Handlers," and then added angrily almost as an aside, "as if you need to train someone how to beat someone."
Silence smothered the conversation and they each sat considering what they had heard. Actor wondered how someone could justify treating Chief and his people like animals, unless they were not all like Chief. Was he that different from the other Guardians? Casino wondered why Chief said the trainers were taught to beat them. He had yet to see a time that Garrison had to beat him. The kid seemed willing to do whatever he was asked. Goniff wondered why Chief said he didn't need training to use a curse. How could his good eyes and hearing be a curse? The stuff he could do if he could hear the cops coming or see what was in a bloke's wallet before he lifted it. That was no curse. Why would he think it was?
Chief got up and moved to the door, taking up a position where he could watch the road. He was clearly upset talking about his past and GCAT. The physical space was his way of putting an end to the discussion. It was a tactic they would learn well.
Garrison returned long enough to tell them to follow him. They headed for the harbor and boarded a sub. They were no sooner in the ward room when they felt the motion. They were underway. "So, Warden, what's so important that we had to leave without a proper good bye?" asked Casino.
"Urgency," said Actor.
Garrison ignored the byplay. "There is an operation in the planning that requires certain information. A team was sent in and contact was made. From there, there has been no word."
"The thought is that they have been captured," finished Actor. He had an uncanny ability to see what had yet to be said. A quick mind and a good understanding of human psychology was what made him the best confidence man in the business.
"And we're to rescue them," added Casino, not to be outdone.
"After we confirm they carried out their mission."
"Why not find them, rescue them and ask them?"
"The mission is our priority."
"Meanwhile they're being tortured and killed. You got your priorities wrong, Warden," warned the safecracker.
"Casino, we're all expendable. If our places were reversed I would still expect the same."
"You're always telling us to look out for each other but now you say that doesn't extend to other teams. Are they cons?" he asked suspiciously.
"Casino." Garrison's exasperation was showing. "We look out for each other so we can all get the mission completed. Each one of you has a part to play on this team. We work together. The other team is the same. They look out for each other but they know the mission is more important.
"And what is the mission." Actor knew diverting the conversation was the best way to end this friction.
"A microfilm was hidden by one of our moles in a church on the coast of Sweden. We will be put ashore just down the coast in a small harbor and make our way to the town just inland where it's located. We have two days to find it and the other team before our pickup."
"If we don't find them in two days?" asked Actor.
"Our pick up is in two days. If we have not found them and we still think there is a chance then we may, and I say may, split up. Someone goes back with the microfilm, the others keep looking. A second pickup is two days after that. There will not be another." Garrison did not like that scenario but knew if he said they were not going to bother looking that he would just be inviting trouble. He just hoped that they could find some trace of the others before then.
"We've got a little time so grab some sleep. Food will be available twenty minutes before we're put ashore." He watched as his men turned and began jockeying for places to stretch out.
Garrison turned and left. He wanted to have a word with the Captain.
"'Ave you been to Sweden, Actor?" asked the Englishman.
"No, I have not."
"Do you mean we're going someplace you haven't been?" asked Goniff incredulously.
"Amazing isn't it," put in Casino with a grin. "Bet he dated a Swedish lady."
"I have never claimed to have been everywhere," said Actor. He obviously cared little for this conversation because he did not even open his eyes.
"Good thing too or you would have just been caught in a lie." Goniff seemed pleased that he had gotten in the last word.
"Maybe he lying now and he really has been there," suggested Casino.
"Oooh. Now there's a thought. We'll just have to keep an eye on 'im to see if he calls anyone." Both men were watching their quarry but he was ignoring them. They gave up and all that was heard was the sounds of the engines and the usual submarine noises.
Sometime later they were roused by Garrison telling them that there were sandwiches and coffee but they had to eat fast. They did as requested and soon found themselves out on the deck and fighting to get into the inflatable and get it pushed away from the sub. Four men put their backs to the paddles and they were underway. When they reached the shore they pulled their boat up and carried it inland until they found a place to hide it. It would be morning soon so they began the walk that would take them to the road. The ground was rocky so they had to watch their footing in the dark. They found the road and began to follow it on its upward climb.
They had been walking for a short time when Chief motioned trouble ahead. Garrison who was the first one behind him hurried forward and they met at the side of the road. "Someone's comin'. Horse and wagon, trotting."
"I think we can assume it's not military," said Garrison as Casino came up alongside. "Just to be safe, get off the road." Both sides of the road were rocky, one side straight up and the other down but twenty feet ahead there were a few bushes so they headed there. Without the darkness they would have been seen but as it was the ancient cart and horse trotted passed without stopping and continued down the road to the harbor. There had been two men in the cart, one up front driving and the other bundled in the back. From the destination they assumed fishermen heading down to their boat. They continued on their way. The sky lightened only fractionally, the heavy cloud cover blocking out most of the light. They passed a narrow lane that wound up through the rocks. The smell of wood smoke suggested a house was at the other end. They continued to walk.
"How much farther, Warden?" asked Casino.
"We should be getting close." In the dim light no one saw the worried look on his face.
As they walked the road swung back closer to the coast and Garrison called a halt so he could look at his map. Actor came up and looked over his arm. Both were reassured that the road on the map also swung close to the shore. They were on the right road. They were also close to their destination. Less than half a kilometer later they saw Chief signal a stop at the top of a curve. Garrison approached and there ahead in a clearing, nestled between the rocky hills was a small town. Though crowded by the hills the houses were small and neat, the town looked peaceful and untouched by war. The church spire stood tall and welcoming but ever careful they waited. There were a few people moving about including a man who was just entering the church. They were too far away to identify the man as one of theirs; he could be local worshipper or even the priest. They waited.
"There's no contact?" asked Casino.
"No. The mole is well placed. When he has information he brings it here and then notifies London. That way there was no risk to the mole."
"Where in the church is the film?" Actor stood watching the town.
"It's to be taped under the second last pew on the left as you enter. We'll watch for a bit before I go."
"Are we going in?" asked Goniff as he hunched his shoulders. This far inland they were protected from the wind off the ocean but even still, the air was cold. Walking had kept them warm but just standing was going to quickly take its toll.
"No. Too many strangers for a small isolated town."
"We can't just stand out 'ere on the road either, Warden."
"I know, Goniff." He looked over at their scout and saw him watching him. Chief nodded and he slipped away. Hopefully he could find a place.
Chief returned fifteen minutes later. "There's no place around town we could come an' go. There was a shed down by the water. Don't know what's init. Want me to go see?"
"Whatever it is 'as got to be better'n standing out here."
"All right. The rest of you go check it out. Take the bag with you. Actor, you're on me. "
The three started back down the winding road as the air began to crystalize. Within less than fifteen minutes the crystals had grown into flakes, flakes that continued to get larger. The road was still bare but the snow was starting to collect in sheltered areas. Chief started to jog and the others followed. They wanted out of this too.
They reached the bay. It looked different in the light. A quick look showed their inflatable was still there. A wooden pier off to one side was empty. There could have been a boat there when the landed. It had been too dark to see. At the end of the pier there was a clear area then a building the size of a garage. What had once been painted brown was now faded, the roof swaybacked and the door hung lopsided but basically it was intact, at least from where they were. The other two hung back as the Indian slipped around behind against the rocks. He disappeared for a few minutes then returned just as silently as he had left. He motioned for them to follow. He led them to the door and by lifting as he pulled it open they were able to enter. Inside was warm compared to the outside freeze. It also smelled of its occupants, hay, dried seaweed, old fishing nets and the horse. The latter nickered as they entered and then stood watching them.
"'Ow long you figure the fishermen will be out?"
"No idea," said Casino as he walked around. Chief had already found the window though visibility was severely restricted by the dirt, cobwebs and now the snow. "We'll have to keep watch and be ready to clear out as soon as we see them coming."
"So what you got to eat in there," asked Goniff as Casino put the duffle bag down by the door.
"We just got here. Can't you wait?" growled Casino.
"Just tryin' to lighten your load."
"I'd make you carry it but then we'd get nothing to eat." Casino ignored the look he was given as Chief slipped outside to take the watch.
Hours later Chief rapped on the wall. The boat was returning so the two slipped outside to wait. Chief then headed up the road to warn the other two men. It would not do to have them found on the road at a place there was no cover. This left Casino and Goniff standing around waiting as the boat eased into its place alongside the pier, the men tied up then finished up aboard. Finally they stepped up onto the pier carrying a long crate. Between them they took it to the shed and went inside. It seemed to take forever for them to harness the horse and hitch up the wagon before they opened the door and left. Two very cold men slipped back into the shed, stamping their feet and rubbing their hands together to try to get warm.
Chief returned and looked around before saying, "Guns."
"What?" asked Casino.
"The crate had guns in it."
"Oh yeah?" He hoped he wouldn't have to ask but the Guardian did not offer so he had to. "You smell'm?"
"Uh huh. And somethin' else too. Potatoes."
"Speaking of potatoes…" hinted Goniff.
"You just ate. So they're smugglers not fishermen."
Another hour passed and the door opened. Garrison came face to face with the business end of a Colt 45. It was immediately withdrawn as Casino saw who it was. He thought the Warden was going to say something about it so he said, "Try knocking," as he returned the weapon to the holster.
"Goniff, you're up." Garrison took off his coat and shook the snow off before putting it back on. The shed was warmer than outside but not by that much. Actor followed suit, stamping his boots to clear them as well. Goniff bundled up and went out.
Chief had been standing in the shelter of a rocky alcove. He was out of the wind but not sheltered from the falling snow. Once Goniff had taken over he headed back to the shed. It would be good to get warm. He wondered if they had figured out how to build a fire though it would be hard to find dry firewood in all this snow. Maybe he should find some and bring it in. If he could find any. The shoreline provided a few pieces of driftwood but he was unsure if it being in salt water would affect how it burned. He was going to find out. He gathered up what he could find and headed to the door. Garrison opened it and Chief carried his prize inside. The center would be best for a fire, away from the wood sides so he dropped the wood to the side. Using his boot he scraped the straw and dirt aside before picking out the tinder he required. A few pieces of straw were added as well. A match and a lot of blowing resulted in a fire. He continued to feed it until it was established. They had heat. He sat back to warm his hands and absently wiped the moisture from his forehead. He knew it was melting snow but as he wiped he had a flash of blood, lots of blood, wiping blood from his forehead, blood running into his eyes. He pulled back, gasping, staring at his hands. There was no blood on his hands. It was water from the snow melting. Snow had fallen on his head and was now melting. Why had he thought of that? No, it was more than just a thought. In his mind he saw the blood on his hands. In revulsion he wiped his hands vigorously on his pants then glanced around to see if anyone saw what he had done.
He thought he was safe but Garrison came over and asked, "You all right?"
Keeping his face averted he mumbled a, "Yeah" as he stood and moved to the window. He did not see but he felt Garrison standing watching him. He could not explain. Why had he seen that? It was un-nerving. He did not like unexplained things especially ones involving blood. Was it his blood? Someone else's blood? Why?
"Casino." At the sound of his name the safecracker looked up from his place by the fire. He had just pushed his can of rations closer to the fire to warm it. "As soon as you eat, we're going up to the church. The door may be locked so I'll need your Spring Steel."
"You're going for the film?" Garrison nodded and he went back to watching his dinner cook. It wasn't the best but warmed rations were better than cold and rations were better than nothing although not by much.
Once they finished the two men bundled up and set out. It was a long walk but at least it kept them warm. They approached the crest of the hill cautiously. No one was in sight so they crept forward, sticking to the shadows. They made it to the church without incident. There were no lights on in the church so they approached the door. It was unlocked so Casino stood outside as Garrison entered. He returned twenty minutes later. By this time Casino was getting worried. Either he could not find it or someone was in the church and had caught him. Fortunately or unfortunately it was the previous not the latter. Garrison looked under the pew then another and on the other side. He checked all the pews. There was no film anywhere. He began to look everywhere else he could think of. There was no film there. It had been picked up. But by whom and what did they do with it? If it had been by the other team, then where were they? He stepped back outside empty handed and the two returned to the shed.
"What was their itinerary?" asked Actor.
"They were to pick it up then make their way up the coast to the next harbor where a boat would pick them up. They didn't show."
"So that means something happened between the church and the next harbor."
"We're going to have to walk the route. Towns too small to steal a car without it being noticed."
"Unless we steal it an' drive then put it back," suggested the quiet voice of the Guardian. Actor nodded his agreement. Garrison checked his watch. "Let's go." Once again they hiked back to the town.
There were few vehicles in the town and of those most were unsuitable. They easily ruled out the enclosed van, the two-seater flatbed truck and the tractor. They finally found a four door sedan that would accommodate all of them and allow them to watch the road. Goniff slipped into the driver's seat, released the brake, put it in neutral and the others pushed it until they were clear of the town. Casino then hotwired it and they were underway. Chief headed for the driver's seat but was intercepted by his leader who said he wanted him watching so he moved to the passenger front seat. The others got in the back. Garrison had hoped that by driving slowly that the ones in the back could watch the sides of the road but with only the light of the crescent moon that peeked through the clouds it was iffy that they would see anything.
By the time they reached their destination they knew the easy answer was gone. There was no sign of the missing men. This was a larger town built around the harbor, a harbor large enough to accommodate six boats, three of which had already been hauled out of the water in preparation for winter.
"What do you know about the other team?" asked Actor as they sat looking out at the water.
"Not much, I'm afraid. But if you're thinking defection, I'd say no. Something happened to them."
"I saw no sign of Germans but if they were caught, say, with the film in the church, or here in town, there is the possibility that they were turned over to the occupation forces in hopes of appeasing them." That was a chilling thought. It was also a dead end to their investigation and it also meant the loss of the film.
"Warden?" said Chief quietly. "They'd be walkin' wouldn't they?"
"I would assume so. You have an idea?" All eyes turned his way.
"We need to walk the route."
"That's miles in the dark," said Casino not pleased with that idea.
"Take the car back then start walking back to meet us." He pulled the flashlight out of the pack.
"Lieutenant, it would be better if I took the vehicle back," said Actor. "I am sure Casino's night vision is more acute than mine."
"Yeah, you just don't want to walk."
"Au contraire. A walk in the moonlight with the sea breeze is refreshing," Actor put in lightly.
"Only if there's a dame on your arm," the disgruntled safecracker finished snidely.
"Actor, go. Take Goniff with you and head back this way once you're done, one on each side of the road."
The men broke up. Actor and Goniff got in the car, Casino and Garrison took one side of the road, the Guardian, with his superior eyesight, the other. Once the car was gone all was silent.
The terrain was rocky with deep ravines, some barren others with brush and vines, whatever managed to survive. The moonlight was barely enough to see the edges so often the ravines were cloaked in darkness. Chief wanted Garrison by his side so he could look closer but knew he was needed by Casino. He was looking but his heart was not in it. Garrison's was. He was a bulldog. He would find it if it was there. Maybe not a bulldog, maybe one of those hunting hounds. Those dogs would run until they found what they were sent after then keep going until they caught it. He had seen dogs bloodied by a bear and still going after it. Garrison was like that. Usually he identified with the hunted but this guy, he was to be admired. He was strong and sure of himself. Chief wanted to be like him.
Up ahead the rocks formed a wall that came right to the side of the road. That would be dangerous on a dark slippery night. He peered at the rock about bumper height. Bet someone kissed it at least once. He was right; there was paint on the rock though in the dark it would be easy to miss unless you were looking for it. A thought formed but remained misty in the back of his mind. He continued walking eyeing the road and the sides. He pictured a car careening over the side after hitting the wall. On a whim he walked over to Garrison's side of the road and looked down. It was a bare gully less than ten feet deep and clear of any debris.
"See something?" called Casino as he walked back to his side.
He answered, "No."
They walked on. Chief was getting cold. The damp air was not refreshing as Actor claimed. It was damp and cold. Desert air was cold at night but it wasn't damp like this. He pulled his coat tighter at his throat and stuffed his gloved hands in his pockets. A little farther there was a cleft in the rocks on his side. He looked in but it was empty except for dead leaves. He walked on.
Another ravine, another rock wall, another fruitless search. They were coming up empty here. Then he saw it. The edge of the road looked disturbed as if it had broken away. It looked like the edge of a river bank after a flood. Sometimes the water undercut the edge and it fell in. Had they had a rainstorm and the water running off had taken the edge with it? He moved closer trying to stay on what looked like solid ground. The drop was steep and hidden from the moon so it was dark. He peered closer but all he could see was a lot of debris such as branches. He leaned farther over the edge and thought he could see something… Was that…? He could not be sure with the moon deciding then to disappear completely. It wasn't far down and all he had to do was step there and then… He could just climb down a few steps and see.
The first step was fine, then a second. He found a hand hold as he moved his other foot and then he was sliding. He yelled in surprise as he continued to slip. He grabbed but the ground was unstable and the rock he thought he could stop himself was ripped out of his hand by his momentum. He finally came to a stop but he was twisted, his foot caught in something. "Shit."
The other two men heard the muffled yell and came running, pausing at the edge to assess the situation. Chief saw the light playing over the area then stop when it hit him.
"I got'm. We need a rope." In reality Chief was wedged in a ravine, tangled up in the undergrowth, his nose filled with the scent of dirt and blood but his mind flashed to another time he heard those words and smelled the same scents. Casino had hit him and was now coming after him with a rope. He was going to tie it around his neck and was going to put him under Full Guardian Control. Panic, fear, rage. NO! he would not let anyone touch him again. He would kill before he submitted.