There are a few curse words in this chapter, and maybe the next ones.
Chapter Eight, Inquisition, 1364 Words
Joanna dressed in black. She wore tight trousers and a form fitting black sweater. She looked like a commando, which is how she felt.
The restaurant incident had rattled her at first. She hadn't performed as well as usual. But, she was not one to dwell on missteps. She realized she had no more time to waste.
It was time to move on the ARC.
First order of business, was to rally her troops and secure her allies. To that end, she invited the loathsome pudgy man to join her for breakfast, away from the ARC of course.
He paid for her breakfast, and despite whining that it was a chilly morning, he agreed to sit outside the cafe, far away from anyone else.
She smiled, lulling him into a relaxed, content mood. Then she sprung her plans on him.
"The ARC is a valuable resource," she said.
"Indeed," he replied, stuffing muffin into his mouth.
"Too valuable to be left in unreliable, rebellious hands."
"Oh, I enthusiastically concur," he said. "In fact, I was hoping we were of the same opinion."
"Were you?"
"Yes, indeed. I think we can help each other."
"So do I," she said, smiling pleasantly.
He smiled back, then frowned as he saw the same change in her eyes and composure that Lionel had seen.
She smiled like a cat, and inched toward him like a hunter.
"If we can wrestle control away from Lester and the primary team, the rest of the ARC shouldn't be too difficult to command."
Pudgy Man was startled, to say the least.
He looked at her. "Joanna, dear, are you suggesting we misuse our status as investigators and..."
"Shut it," said Joanna. She was so forceful that Pudgy Man obeyed. "You have people you answer to, same as me. People who have done you favors and expect a return. So do I. I know you are calculating in that ham-hock head of yours how the ARC can work for you, so don't give me that ethical nonsense."
Pudgy Man turned red, looked down, and pouted a bit. Finally he said, "As you just stated, I have other interests to consider besides my own. Assuming my...associates... can work with you and yours, what do you have in mind?"
Joanna smiled. Pudgy Man shuddered, the smile was reminiscent of an animal that sheds her skin and slithers away. In that instant, she was truly grotesque.
"I say we attack hard and fast, and without kid gloves," said Joanna. "I have an idea, which, knowing you, will probably be distasteful to you. Too bad, take some antacid."
Pudgy Man gulped. He had thought he'd be the one to call the shots, that Joanna, pretty, sophisticated, and oh, so, diplomatic, would quietly follow him.
He was very wrong.
"I have to go trap some bait, it shouldn't take long. Wait for my call."
So far it had been a pleasant, slow day for Becker. He was going to add to the pleasantness by polishing his favorite guns. His mobile signaled a text message.
It said, "Look up and say hello."
He was confused. Why would Lionel send him that message? He couldn't be in the ARC. Becker looked up and saw Joanna, dressed in black smiling, holding Lionel's mobile.
There was another beep, another text message.
"Be calm and behave, and Lionel won't be hurt."
Becker's heart stopped. He looked up as Joanna stepped closer.
"Let's have another chat, Captain," she said.
Becker was furious, and scared.
"After you," he said, betraying neither emotion.
She led him outside to a deserted part of the carpark.
"Where is he?"
"Don't waste precious time, Captain. I'm not telling you, obviously. Before you ask another futile question: he's fine. As for proof, I've taken a picture with his mobile."
She held it up, and there was Lionel, bloody and passed out.
"You bitch," he cursed in a low, barely contained voice.
"It's his own fault. He fought back. He's very good, for a non-active military man."
Becker smirked. "Is that why the black? Hiding some of Lionel's work are we?"
Joanna grimaced. Her body seemed to hear his words and ached where Lionel had hit her during the struggle. He was stronger, but she caught him off guard. Plus, no one knew of her military background.
"Do you want him back?"
"Now who's wasting time with stupid questions?"
She smirked. "Fair enough. I don't want to keep him. I don't want to harm him further. I need your cooperation, Captain."
"I thought you read the mission files. I won't betray my country, not even for family."
"I know," she said. "I'm not asking you to betray it. I'm not a terrorist or traitor. The ARC will remain in government hands, only better ones."
Becker scoffed.
"I don't care if you believe me. A report is being prepared for Parliament as we speak, as negative as I can make it."
"So much for impartiality."
She smiled. "Afterward, a search will be on for capable hands to hold the ARC's secrets. I have the perfect pair."
"I'm not surprised. Get to my role."
"Yes, Captain. I need you to help me. I need you to discredit Lester, yourself, and the team. Oh, and your girlfriend, as well."
"You're insane. You're threatening my brother, and you think I'm going to hand the ARC over to you?"
"Yes. You can't help it. Now, I know you'll probably try some desperate plan to stop it, and save your brother, and all I can say is, go right ahead." She smiled.
He cursed again.
"You can't really stop me. I just want you to know that. I want you upset, off your game and emotional. You have a choice: fight me, like Lionel did, and suffer, or help me ease control away in a less emotional, less dangerous way."
Becker stared, anger creeping up through every vein in his body.
"Do whatever you like to discredit yourselves: flub a mission, make a major security faux-pas, leave someone important on the other side of an anomaly, just mess up, majorly."
Becker wished he could kill with a simple stare.
"Go on Captain, do whatever it is you think best. I'd hurry though. The report will be delivered very soon." She smiled. "Goodbye, Captain." She walked away.
Becker stood alone, cursing. He felt his mobile chirp and braced himself for another creepy message.
He read the text. "We've been watching. I wish you wore you're comm, though, sweetie."
Becker smiled, and glanced up. It took a while but he finally found the concealed monitor.
He texted, "How long's that been up?"
"A while. Present from me and Connor. Get back here. Luv, U."
Becker closed his phone, smiled, and thanked the good lord for his friends and girlfriend.
A few minutes later, Becker joined Jess, the team, and Lester in his office.
"We're terrible at lip reading, mate, clue us in," said Connor.
"Yes, sweetie. It was clear, though, that it wasn't a fun exchange."
"No, Jess. It was not," said Becker, handing his mobile to Lester.
"She's got your brother," he said solemnly.
Jess gasped, and took Becker's hand.
"I'm alright, Jess. I have to be, for Lionel's sake."
"What do you want do, mate?" asked Matt.
Becker told them all of Joanna's demands.
"Mess up, us?" asked Connor, jokingly.
"Perhaps she confused us with another top facility that almost ruins the future on a nearly daily basis, Connor," said Lester.
They all made uneasy chuckles.
"I'm not letting my brother get hurt."
"No, I didn't think so," said Lester. "I am up for suggestions."
Becker sighed. "So am I."
After an uneasy silence, Jess said, "This negative report she intends to make, she has to be composing it, or have it done, if she plans to submit it soon, right?"
"Yeah, so?" asked Becker.
"So, I'm guessing it's on some technological piece of equipment," Jess said. Then she grinned widely. "You know how I love technological equipment."
Becker looked at her, still confused, but he was getting a feeling, "What's going on it that gorgeous head?"
She smiled.
End of Chapter Eight
