Chapter 4- body of evidence
Ethan had started to pace the room and was muttering to himself. Benji removed his gaze from his team leader back to his laptop. They could not use IMF systems but that did not mean they could not hack other peoples. This was one mission when his skills with a computer were valued, in fact he was the only one of them who could find any answers. That stopped his negative thoughts about not knowing what to do. It was an empowering thought for Benji who had often been in awe of Ethans agents skills. However this fight did not need someone who could leap off a tall building . So maybe he could take the lead, just a little of course. "Ethan there is a camera located in the alley at the back of the precinct. It should give us a clear view of whoever dropped off that mail sack", Benji suggested.
"Good, good", Ethan finally stopped pacing and came along beside him
They watched as the normal proceedings took place and people came and went. Soon a mail van pulled up, "it is the usual time for delivery so this is not out of the ordinary", Benji remarked. "Of course it would not be, nobody notices the ordinary and expected", Jane replied. Once again getting information was not easy as the enemy was well organized. "Well at least we will get a good glimpse of their faces. Then I can run them through the police computer. It'll be slower than ours but its all we've got at the moment", Benji sighed. They waited as the doors to the mail van opened then….white ghosting filled the screen, "shit", Ethan hit his coffee table harder than necessary. "We forget guys that the enemy can probably access this footage as well. They are making sure we don't find out too much too quickly".
"Why not deny us access to everything", Benji asked. "If their goal is exposing IMF then they have to give us just enough information to keep us in the game. Dammit we still have no idea who is pulling the strings", Ethan kicked a chair. "I hate fighting a battle when I can't see he enemy'.
Benji looked around him as a sudden thought occurred. "We do not know how much information the enemy possesses Ethan. If the virus is yielding up all of IMFs secrets then we could already be compromised. They may know exactly where we are right now. Wouldn't it be wise to move before someone comes to take us out." He was surprised Ethan had not already thought of this point. Their team leader was definitely behind the game at the moment. Benji glimpsed Jane looking out the window at the street, she had obviously been shaken by the comment. "Yes, Ethan I agree, perhaps we should move , and soon".
Ethan showed no sign of reacting to what they had said just lazily sitting on his chair. When both Benji and Jane stared at him he admitted, "I was hoping they would come and take us out because at least then we would have a person to question"." But so far they are just resorting to hiding behind a screen, bloody cowards", he sounded drained as he said that.
Jane realized none of them had eaten or drunk for awhile. The day had was rapidly disappearing and as yet no progress was being made. She was not sure how long any of them could go on like this. "I think some food might make us feel better, I'll order pizza."
She went to the phone and dialed. Benji moved back to his laptop as it beeped loudly. "Information on the second murder is coming through ", he announced. He hoped this time they might get more information. As a photo appeared on the screen he found his stomach churning as nausea overcame him. His thoughts of new information faded away as he stared at the dead person on the screen.
A pale Jane was also staring, "look what they did to him", she stated sadly
The worst was the two gunshot wounds, one in the gut and then one in the temple. She knew this was how certain people like to torture their victims .The first to bring you pain and make you give up information the second to dispose of you permanently. "These could only be professional killers , therefore he did not stand a chance", she muttered angrily.
"Xander had been out of active duty for years and had not had to use combat moves in all that time, he was well out of practice in dealing with high class professionals", Ethan told her. "The method of killing will definitely be labeled professional by the police and that will direct their thoughts toward a covert agency". Since they will conduct a back ground check they will find Xander had alot in common with Drey. I can just see their brains whizzing as they wonder what Consolidated Insurance might be hiding behind its carefully engineered façade. They will be probing even more deeply."
"Yes and we are still very much behind the game", Jane stated. "We need something to keep us ahead both the police and our enemy".
"Well I don't want that to be Brandt's body", Benji stated firmly. Ethan patted his arm, 'none of us want that Benji but the odds of survival are not in Brandts favour."
"He does know how to fight professionals", Jane reflected. 'Yes, but in a car in close quarters with two other potential hostages who can be used against him. Face it Jane he'd have to be more than simply good he'd have to be exceptional. Brandt's been out of active service too long".Ethan dumped the cold icy water of reality all over their hope.
Jnae turned away from Ethan not wanting to listen to more. She knew that in her head that he was right but her heart still had a small sliver of hope.
Benji's laptop buzzed again breaking the emotional moment and centering them all on work again . "The identity of our victim has been confirmed ,it is Harrison Xander. From the coroners report it looks like he died more or less at the same time as Drey. Similar 45 calibre weapons were used in both killings. However the bullets do not link to any weapon that has been used for any crime in the United States", Benji read.
"Dammit that still gives us a whole lot of nothing", Ethan swore. "I am going with Janes suggestion to find a link to the murders before anyone else. One pieces of major evidence is outstanding at this time and that is the car. If we can find that then we can access the hidden camera".
"The police are naturally trying to find a vehicle but we do have the advatage in knowing the make and licence plates. I am going to hack into the systems of every towing agency in this city. If one of them finds that car then we will know", Benji settled down to type.
"That might be a waste of time Benji it is likely our enemy already have the car. You said they are controlling the information we receive, therefore we will find the car at a time and place of their choosing"
, Jane told him.
Ethan mulled that over, "Jane it is possible something went wrong for our car jackers. If you look at the injuries of both our deceased you can see defensive wounds amongst all the others. They did at least put up some resistance. Perhaps the reason the car has not been found is that our enemy does not know where it is".
Jane scowled at him, "how likely is that Ethan they had the bodies so they must have the car". Face it you are just hoping for some lucky break, well things are never that easy Ethan and you know it. We have to think harder and smarter. "
Benji noticed Ethans expression change to one of disapproval. Jane had been implying that they were not doing enough and just maybe she might be right. It was a guilty thought for Benji.
When Ethan scowls turned to him as well he realized his expression must have somehow given his thoughts away. He'd have to work on that. "You think the same don't you Benji", Ethan accused. "Are we all going to start finger pointing and yelling again just like we did in Dubai". "That would be just a waste of time". He moved over to stand before him and they noticed his eyes held an intensity that they had not seen before. For the first time Benji felt a wild hope surge ,Ethan was onto something and they needed to support him instead of argue.
"If you have a theory lay it out for us", Benji encouraged. "What does the enemy hope to achieve by holding back the discovery of the car. If they have information about IMF and Im betting they do, then they know about the camera in the car. Why not let the authorities find the car and camera ,it'd only draw the net closer to Consolidated Insurance and IMF as well. So perhaps the unexpected has happened and that is the one factor they do not control. They are trying to keep our attention away from that fact by making us focus on the bodies", Ethan wound down his theory and looked at the others.
"Well they have been succeeding in that Ethan", Benji admitted. "Your theory might be right but all we can do is keep monitoring all reports in the hope we get some clue about the cars wearabouts".
Jane reached out and touched Ethans hand lightly, a gesture of warmth and support. He smiled at her.
The tension in the room shifted down a notch , " I guess we are all just hungry and tired",Benji admitted
The door buzzer sounded not long after that, "here comes food", Jane remarked as she glided to the door. Opening it she stared at the man holding the pizzas in his hand. "Good evening agent Carter, pizza delivery", greeted Luther Strickwell. Luther's location had been unknown to Ethan and thus he had made no attempt to contact his friend. But another advantage of staying at his place was that fellow agents would know where to find him. "Ethan IMF has been invaded by pink rabbits so I thought I'd come and see what you were doing about it", Luther stated as he sat himself in a chair. Ethan outlined the case for Luther and told them how they were doing
"So all you can do is wait around for something to happen", Luther did not like that. He was also very much a man of action and found standing still frustrating. He guessed from their expressions the others did as well.
"Not unless you have another suggestion Luther. We'd all like to go out there and physically deal with the enemy especially since they got one of our friends", Ethan remarked. He was quite open to other suggestions and hoped that Luther just might be able to give them some help.
Luther bit his lip slightly holding his gaze on Ethan. It looked as though he most definitely had something on his mind. However it was curious that he seemed to be holding back. "Something is on your mind Luther I can tell. Just spit it out", Ethan suggested.
For a moment Ethan thought Luther was not going to talk, there was an awkwardness about him that was not normal. "It's not suggestion but a comment. From what I have heard you all think deep down that Agent Brandt is dead", he looked seriously at them. He got three rather reluctant nods. "Maybe you should not count him out. I know how well he can handle himself in a fight. He could be another factor the enemy cannot control", Luther remarked seriously.
Back on the same old track, Ethan sighed inwardly, they had to move on from Brandt to…,something Luther has said just struck him. "Hold on Luther how do you know how well he can handle himself in a fight", Ethan asked.
A flush came over Luther's face then as he looked rather bashfully at all of them, "because we had one", he replied. Benji felt his mouth fall open and Jane stood staring. Ethan just spluttered, "you what".
"After I met your team on the pier in Seattle I went back to IMF to check them out", Luther explained. "The people I talked to had good things to say about Dunn and Carter. But I was having trouble finding out anything about Brandt".
FLASHBACK IMF HQ- undisclosed location
" Agent Brandt", Alex Oliver IMF agent repeated, "I've never heard of an agent with that name however there is an analyst with the name Brandt", he added. "An analyst, that can't be right", Luther stated. "Well that's the only Brandt I know of. Go look in the control room and see if it is the same man", Alex suggested.
Luther had strode toward the control room with his thoughts in turmoil. He knew Ethan well enough to know he'd never allow an anlyst to be a regular part of his team. Perhaps the explaination was that there was another Brandt. This faded away when he looked into the control room and saw the same man as he'd met on the pier. He watched him for awhile until he left the room through one of the doors. Then he decided it was time for a little chat with Brandt.
The analyst was coming down the corridor and slowed as he saw him. Luther walked past before turning and asking in a abrasive tone, "tell me analyst Brandt what did you do to convince Ethan to let you on his team, use some indiscretion against him". It was the only shocking reason that had come into Luthers mind and he did not like it one bit. If he was right then he'd deal with Brandt. He expected the analyst to already be getting angry, most people would after an inflammatory comment like his. Brandt had just stared at him calmly his ice blue eyes unreadable. "So you think I'd do that", he asked in a neutral voice. Luther stepped closer eyeballing Brandt up and down slowly glaring at him, he poked one finger into Brandts chest","well I can't see why Ethan would ever allow someone like you on his team unless you had witnessed him breaking the rules and were going to rat on him". I don't like that Ethan is my friend", Luther growled and made sure he looked as intimidating as possible. Right now the average analyst should be quaking in his boots but Brandt did not look afraid. Maybe he was too stupid to be afraid, Luther thought.
"What you are saying is very insulting", Brandt said it like he was discussing something insignificant. "Yeah so", Luther jibbed poking him again harder. Brandt still did not move and the eyes had not changed, stupid indeed. "Okay Ethan made a wrong call. I am sure I can persuade him to change his mind about you", Luther kept up the pressure. For the first time he saw something flicker in the eyes, a thread of doubt. "Maybe you should because I don't really understand why he'd want me either", Brandt admitted. Finally some progress, he was going to get the analyst away from Ethan. Luther pressed his advantage ," so we do agree then, you don't belong on Ethans team. You home is in that control room planning stuff not out there. I knew it was all wrong. Ethan never used to make mistakes like that, he must be getting old", Luther shook his head. To his surprise he saw the eyes change again, doubt flickered away, "so Ethan does not usually make mistakes",Brandt repeated in a voice that returned to being calm "you trust him to do the right thing". Now it was Luthers turn to feel a little flustered, he had always trusted Ethans judgement, 'well yes, but I suppose that…",he never got time to finish his sentence because Brandt moved. He had looked like he was stretching just a little but suddenly his leg was planted in the middle of Luthers chest. Luther found himself flying backward int the wall and hitting it with a force that jarred right through him. He remembered the ice blue eyes changing from mild mannered into the fierceness of a well trained agent. A hand was around his neck then and the fingers squeezed ever so slightly, "I knew when I saw you that you did not just want to chat", Brandt muttered at him. "You can be assured Luther that Ethan did make the right decision and that I won't let him down, ever". He keep eye contact for a second longer then let Luther go. Luther found himself getting up ,rubbing his neck and feeling like a total idiot. If Brandt had managed to fool him by the mild mannered act then he must be a very good agent. "Look I'm sorry, I just had to be sure and now I am", Luther apologized and held his hand out to Brandt.
End flashback
"He attacked you", Ethan was still trying to get his mind around what Luther was telling him. Of course he knew Luther had always been protective. But he had never thought he check out his new team for himself or take measures against Brandt. Ethan was not too sure what his response should be. Luther did not look angry though just admitting, 'I had it coming believe me. "You know how good I am Ethan but he had me pinned against the wall within two seconds". I never even saw it coming. Ethan I think you should consider he fact Brandt is still alive".
"If he is then he is the factor that could break open this case. Brandt knows what happened in that car, he's seen his attackers faces and perhaps he knows who they work for", Benji stated the obvious.
Ethan was still processing all he had been told. He had of course read Brandts file and knew his history. Brandt had been considered a top agent before Croatia. Some of his scores in tests rivaled and in one case outstripped Ethans. He had proven to Ethan in that room with Moreau that he could handle himself.
So he found himself forced to evaluate his previous assessment. But he had to ask one hard question, "Okay if he's alive then where is he".
A loud beep sounded just as he finished the question. Benji hurried to the computer and stared at what was scrolling across the screen. 'I think you just got an answer to your question", he told the others.
"Tell us", all the others voices mingled together. "About 1 hour ago a motorist found a car down the side of a bank underneath some dense bushes. The undergrowth was so thick that it was considered a fluke he found the car. It was only his torch light picking up a flicker of metal that attracted him. Anyway when he looked into the car he saw a man's body inside. When he touched the man he found that he was still alive. Ethan the plate number of the car matches that of our IMF car and the man's description sounds like Brandt", Benji was beaming.
'"If he's been in that car since Drey's body was found then he must be very seriously injured", Jane added that sobering thought.
"I assume rescue squads are on their way" , Ethan asked.
Benji kept reading ,swallowing hard at the new information." The motorist had to flag down someone else to make the call as his cell phone battery was dead. By the time he returned to the crashed vehicle he found the injured man had gone".
That was not the news Ethan had wanted to hear. Jane just made it worse by adding," Ethan remember what you said about the enemy and information. Well we might not be the only ones who know about this. Brandt is out there alive but injured and we have to find him before someone else does."
