(7) Walking on Sunshine
"We have everything?"
She nodded while still looking at a movie on her PSP.
"Sure? We have Arophor, Arocide, and Austin Air Allergy Machine?"
Again she nodded.
"Glass glow yes? Made sure it's phosphate free-"
She stops me with a sharp look. We've done this too many times to make rookie misteaks,I know. I should back off. Already agitated my crew by putting up most of our money for this deal.
"Sorry, I know you'll do fine."
"Fuck that. Make sure we survive Delio." Andre said.
"Remember story...eh, donkey and the wolf in forest? We have more use so we live longer."
"Tell that to the wolf when we meet him."
"We're not untouchable but because what we do for living, usually we're left alone. When wars break out, they hunt down your friends, family and the fucking dog. But rarely us. When all the mayhem's finished, they need someone to clean up afterwards. Kill cleaners, nobody fixes mess. And if word gets around about that, nobody's gonna want to clean for either side."
"Right now there is no 'they' Delio. Just him, and he's been doing fine for years without help. So you can stop blowing smoke up ass with that 'it's already in the bag' shit."
A waste of breath trying to argue so I stop and turn to Maverick. She's watching some Kung Fu flick. It was a scene where a women stands on a ledge in some kind of stance while staring at a cobra that was damn near her face. Never understood it but Mav's in to that kind of thing. She can hold her own in a fight yet still she hopes to...eh, how do you say? Achieve the same level of...enlightenment.
"Mav what's the point in learning that? It doesn't pay the bills or make you bulletproof."
She looked at me, smiled and responded in Cantonese. I knew she was insulting me. Funny how it can sound pleasant in almost any language but English, especially coming from her. She could call my mother a whore and make it sound like poetry.
"Fuck you and the horse you ride on." I replied.
I park van when we reach destination. A 20 floor high abandoned condo in the middle of the night with no signs of life in sight. We were instructed to head to the rooftop. Grab our gear and go through the lobby doors. Nothing but debris everywhere, smells as if we're inside a trash compactor. We took the stairs, not wanting to take chance on elevator. They didn't look much better than the hallway. Mav said something nasty after stepping on a rat.
"This is some repugnant shit Delio."
"You've been through worse."
"Not for a goddamn meeting."
"Maybe your fault for making pass at Burnwood."
"If I got her number, we'd get the royalty treatment."
"More like the body bag treatment."
"She's probably buffin 47's helmet. Only reason I see why she shot me down, cause I got the dick and the moves to back it. I'll try and find out one day."
"How much you wanna bet?"
"That's a habit you need to lose Delio."
"I told you it's nothing to worry about."
"How much are you in?"
He stops me walking and looks me in the eye. I don't have the heart to answear and look away.
"This deal goes through; you retire from that second job. Your writing checks our asses can't afford."
"Can I get a check before the bank closes?"
Two bums armed with a gun and a knife decided to accompany us, one from above, the other from below. They looked and smelled like longtime residents.
"Empty your pockets and give up them cases you got."
"This has gotta be a joke." Andre said.
"Let's go! Today!"
We do as told, handing over wallets and gear. As soon as they turn their backs, it's ours again. They don't know we're packing too.
"What do we have here? The gunmen said eyeing Maverick.
"Tall, pretty and yellow. Just my type. You guys don't mind if we barrow her right."
I heard the origins of why Americans wear their pants sagging originated in prison as a sigh of how available a man is. By the height of your pants, you were one of the most popular whores.
I just know whatever it was Mav just said wasn't about the colors of the rainbow.
"Damn that sounded sexy."
He already had a hand on her, stroking her butt and breast.
"Mav-"
That's all I got out before it was too late. In a spilt second she forced the gun to his face and fired while he was still rubbing her. Me and Andre shot knifeman while he was distracted. I was hoping to avoid this. No question they had to die, but not so messy.
"Goddamnit Mav! Could you just played along this time! Now we got blood all over us!"
She argued back of course, and I got gist of it.
"Ok Mav." Andre said. "He didn't have the right to touch you, nobody's disputing that. And he never would've gotten away with it. But please try to be...less direct letting people know? At least while on business trips. Please."
She replied in a softer tone. There was still fire in her eyes though.
"Sorry I yelled Mav-"
She motion's for me to stop and spins around her index finger, meaning shut the hell up and let's keep going. We have on our clean up uniforms and getting blood on them is regular. Took about ten minutes cleaning mess, plus tossing bodies in van to bury later. Everybody's tried when we finally reached roof. Only thing up here is us and the birds. Ahhhh! Felt something sting my neck. I'm...falling...
My eyes open and only see black. Something's covering my head, a gag in my mouth. Feels like I'm in a chair that hands are cuffed to. It's leaning backward on two legs I think. On edge of roof! There is...something keeping me from falling. I call out to Andre and Maverick, and thankful they muffle back, still alive.
"Be quiet." A voice spoke. "The three of you disposed of a Mr. Zhao for a Mr. Glazier. I want the location."
Glazier? We did a job for him some years back. Last I heard he got killed by a couple of mercs he hired. I don't know the details. But he's dead, so why ask for a body?
"I'll start with you." The voice continued.
It was Maverick because I heard her speak. Guess he took off gag. She was trying to direct him to talk with Andre and me because she didn't speak English. Then the voice began speaking in Cantonese. That took all of us by surprise. Whatever he was saying came out even and cold, no personality or attitude. Mav was doing well but I can tell she's nervous. Conversation lasted less than five minutes then the gag was back on. Holy shit! It sounded as if he pushes her over edge!
"No! Mav!" I screamed.
My chest pounded so loud I was almost deaf to the world. Son of a bitch!
"Your turn". He said to Andre.
"We're just here for a job! The hell you'd kill her for!?"
"Your here to give me Intel, nothing more. Answer my question, or I'll ask Mr. Gavanski. Slowly."
I could hear my friend weeping. This is all my fault. Should've listened to Burnwood. Instead put chips on bad bet and my closest friends are paying price. He yelled through gag as he went over. Then the bag was removed from my head and he pulled me from edge and showed a switchblade.
"The location please."
The blade was on my face, but Mav and Andre are all I'm thinking about, how he took them from me.
"Go fuck yourself!"
I spit in his face and wait for it...but nothing. He doesn't even look pissed. He puts away knife and pulls out keys, then drops them in my hands. I couldn't help but stare at him.
"You may wish to hurry and pull up your crew."
The fuck? I look down from edge...Andre and Mav are hanging from a rope, alive! This was fucking nightmare.
"So umm...we are hired yes?" I asked while pulling Mav up. Despite everything I still wanted to know. Should be after all this.
"No. But you get to leave alive." He replied before making his exit.
"Wait, what? I don't fucking believe this! We went through this for nothing? Hey, come back!"
Everybody's quiet back in the van, reflecting on my screw up. The bodies we had in the back didn't help anything.
"Guys I never intended for any of this-
"Said that already Delio. I'm not worried about it anymore. It's split milk. Just gonna stay on the grind and move forward. Walking on fucking sunshine right now."
"You have right to be pissed. Put our money so he can fuck us over! I find a way..."
Mav turned away from window and looked at me, but not with anger. Her expression was soft.
Seeing Agent 47 for the first time-I don't think he took any pleasure in this, and I've seen the eyes of men who have. What happened tonight was a test. It was our interview. Did we fail? Or...
"Thanks Mav, I appreciate that."
She was trying to say something nice I think, but I still feel like shit. I let my crew down. Needed to get money back. Only one place I can think of.
It's my preference not to waste time with speculation which is way it's best learning from the source, However I wasn't looking forward to this meeting. Never the less, 47 and I wanted to reach the bottom of the Diamondback back contract. I haven't seen Serge since before I became a controller, on a mission as a spy. The mission in question is classified. Needless to say, getting close to Serge became a crucial factor. Got closer than anticipated however. Now here I am in Uganda being driven toward a football stadium. You would call it soccer if you're American. Because it's his backyard, I've brought a 20 man bodyguard team along as well.
Once we arrived, four of his guards appeared and directed us: Women dressed in military uniforms armed with AK-47s. A rough looking bunch. Serge was by the double doors leading into the stands. A black man with a bald head, a clean cut jawline beard, wearing white colored Egyptian Cotton. He looks...different. One thing remains is his smile. Whenever something unexpected happens, good or bad, he always welcomed it with a smile. Part of his charm I use to like.
"Diana! Too many years have passed. You're as remarkable as ever."
"Thank you. Ready to begin?"
"Been waiting a long time for this. But I ask that your men wait in your vehicles."
"They'll stay here while we sit outside."
"Still the same Diana. I'll take what I can get."
There's a junior league playing on the field, but no one else is here to watch.
"This is my team training to be the best that Afrika has ever seen. And soon the world. What do you think of them?"
"Never possessed an interest in Football."
"Still focused on business I see."
"Your actions have endangered my partner."
"Ah, you mean the enigmatic Mr.47. I heard stories about him. I thought he'd be here with you."
"His presence means the time for conversation has long past."
"I do apologize for the mishap. Didn't know he'd be there that day. A unfortunate alignment of the stars."
"You hired us through a client, then tried to execute a heist?"
"They were never meant to achieve success. Despite how things may appear my dear, I hold no ill will toward you or Mr.47. I did this because...well it is said that if you love something you should let it go. If it comes back to you, then it is yours. And here you are."
"Limited amount of clarification in that statement Serge."
"Come on Diana. I knew you wouldn't take my calls. Had to start speaking your language: Business. This was all set up for you to follow the bread crumbs back to me."
"Your telling me you put lives at risk - my partner's as well as a client's - for this meeting."
He turns to me and kneels on his left knee and presents a ring from his pocket.
"Love makes a man do strange things. Marry me."
"Serge, I don't love you or wish to marry."
"I can't forget about the time you did Diana."
"That's buried in the past. Everything has change."
"Yes. I've learned what happen with your Majesty. You have my deepest condolence."
I turn away from him and watch the game. He walks up behind me and puts his hands on my shoulders.
"Some good has come of it. You're in charge now, at the height of your career. As am I Diana. We both came a long way. I'm sure you're aware of my more recent exploits, and I want you in my future."
"I have my own future. Ask one of your bodyguards to be your queen."
I was finished conversing and ready to depart. I move away and begin walking upstairs.
"Diana. I apologize for the inconvenience, but I needed to see you again."
"You saved my life once Serge, and in return I'm willing to forget this ever happened. I strongly advise you not to repeat this mistake. Goodbye Serge."
"Ok Diana. I guess I can only hope when you tour the land and see all the changes I made; maybe you'll change your mind."
"Is everything all right ?" One of my guards asked.
"It is. Thanks for asking."
We were riding in the third limo on the way to the airport. I'm wondering about Serge, must have shown on my face. He claims all this was intended for me, but why now? He is right however in that I wouldn't accept his call, but has never gone to such a extent. The Majesty would view the approach as hostile...and she's gone. So why-(Car horn honk)
"Step aside kids, don't want to have to run you over." My driver said.
Looking out my window I see children running alongside the limos, laughing while shooting water guns at us. Many races: Black, White, Spanish, Asian and even Germen. They look between the ages of 8 to 15.
"Easy now, their only babies enjoying the simple pleasures in life." I told the driver.
"Yes Ma'am.
They kept moving with us as we drove past blocks. Seems to be more of them, some of which climbed to the roofs of the limos.
"They're blocking the way Ma'am."
"All right, you can sho them away."
The driver stepped out along with a few of the men. Most of the children began leaving.(Boom!...Boom!...Gunshots!)
The limos ahead suddenly exploded! Followed by gunfire! Before I could even assess the situation, someone tossed a grenade inside from the driver's door.
"Time to bail out!" I shouted.
Most of us escaped before it went off. I was still close enough for the force to throw me to the ground. One of the men got on my back, shielding me. Everyone knows the drill. We got on our feet ASAP, weapons ready. Unfortunately our assailants were already ahead of us and the fight didn't last long. I saw who they were...and stopped. The children were attacking! Armed with submachine guns and pistols. They targeted all but me.
"Help...Burnwood..."
Two of my remaining guards are badly wounded. A little girl walked toward them.
"No! Stop!" I shouted rising my firearm.
She didn't even hesitate. Put her gun to their heads and fired. I wanted to help them. But I...I couldn't bring myself to harm a child. She came before me. Looking into her eyes made me feel as if our roles were in reverse. She was the grown up...I was the little girl. A phone started ringing and it was hers. She handed it to me then turns to leave and the rest followed.
"My sweet Diana."
"Serge!"
"I hope the kids are treating you well. To be honest, they're really Basil's. You remember my brother Basil don't you?"
"I will bloody kill you."
"You won't even have to wait nine months. I can give you as many as your heart desires."
"Your death is what my heart desires."
"Doesn't seem to matter how many foster parents I find for these kids - and I've found many in surprising parts of the world - they all want you to come back to me. To take your place as my queen and their mother. Take some time and please reconsider."
I place a bullet into the receiver. After walking a few blocks I finally hail a cab to the airport. Since then I haven't been to work in I don't know how long. Didn't want to speak to anyone. I stayed home and watched my televisions. There are four of them mounted on my living room wall, one in the kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Each with a network for a different country. If one news station became a bore, there's always another choice. I was sitting on my couch when one of my lamps suddenly comes on. My Witness Elite was pointed at the intruder.
"Good reflexes." He said.
"47? How did you-"
"You haven't answered your phone or emails." I said.
"I appreciate the concern 47, but as you can see I'm fine and would like to be left alone."
"I heard about what happened."
"Then I hope you can understand why I want you to leave."
"I'm waiting on you to provide Intel on kayaru."
Hearing this made her stand up.
"It's my problem 47. You don't need to-"
"We're business partners, are we not? Kayaru is a threat to business and needs to be eliminated."
She walks to a window and watches as it rains outside.
"I can't."
"Can't?"
"He uses children 47. Some of my closest men were wiped out by a group of little children. I couldn't shoot them...and they paid the price."
"All the more reason he should be dault with."
"You misunderstand." she said facing me. "He controls some high profile foster homes. There's no telling how many out there he's brainwashed."
"Sleeper cells?"
She nodded. "All he has to do is give the word and they'll activate, do god knows what."
"And what does Kayaru want exactly?"
"Me."
"Hard to believe all this was for your courtship."
"So did I. But it's true."
"No.I think he'll use them regardless. They're already in position."
"That may be. But if I become his wife I'll have some influence in the matter."
"Then the question is will you do so?"
"Of course not."
"Then there's only one course of action to take."
"And what about those kids? They can transform into terrorist with a flip of a switch!"
"It's not our concern Diana."
"It's my concern!"
She stormed off into the kitchen to get a bottle of wine and poured a glass. I followed but for a moment I was at a loss for words, trying to think of something constructive to say. I've spent most of my life sailing lies to people; telling them what they want to hear to achieve my objective. When it comes to saying something that needed to be heard, I was out of my element. It's something that requires a certain level of humanity that's beyond my experience. In the end, I can only speak from my point of view.
"We're not the heroes Diana. Most of the clients are no better than the targets. All we've done is removed evil to room for more of the same. It's the sole reason I was created. I'm a by-product of mankind's desire to destroy himself, and we profit because it."
"It's difficult to argue with those facts. Perhaps you are right. But this is personal for me. I simply can't ignore it because of principles. Serge will be handled in the manner I see fit."
"Is there a plan?"
"I'd like you to sit tight for now 47, and give me time."
"How much time is Kayaru giving you?"
"Please 47, don't do anything or I must insist our partnership come to a close. Please."
I don't like this. Kayaru had gotten under her skin, never the less I had to respect her wishes. Perhaps I can - Something catches my attention on her TV. It's...the target. Chester. Diana follows my gaze. He's on a news station. Two anchormen are sitting beside him restrained and gaged with terrified expressions.
"Turn up the volume."
"-Cloning project. He is accountable for assassinations which I won't get into at this time. If you want more info on Dr.O, his projects, and the mysterious hitman, I'll be broadcasting somewhere in the UK three days from now. And to be sure I have your undivided attention..."
He pulls out a Wilson Combat shotgun and blows both anchormen brains out, then turns and shoots the camera.
