AN: Missblueeyes63 and Elise Deschat, your input and late night discussions are appreciated more than I can say!
Chapter 36 - Wild Card
Precious Memories Chapel Basement
"Say what?" Wolverine looked toward the chapel with a confused expression and shock lacing his words.
"Explain," Matt ordered. With Sam still facing a hostile, he took over directing the unit.
Sam listened as he pulled himself to a seated position on the floor, attempting to keep the pressure on his wound at the same time. The pure panic which flashed through Jules' eyes made him want to shoot the woman holding a gun to his wife's head. But, her finger remained on the trigger, still posing a threat to Jules. Turning his gaze to Winnie, he took a long moment to assess her.
Meanwhile, down in the lower level, a shocked Phoenix joined Treble.
"What I mean is while clearing the basement I came across a storage closet in the back corner. When I opened the door, I found a woman who is a doppelganger for the woman upstairs," Treble answered as he helped the bound and gagged, malnourished, and bedraggled woman up from the closet floor. She stank to high heaven as if she hadn't showered in weeks. "The pupils of her eyes are reacting sluggishly which makes me think she may be drugged."
"Tombstone, something strange is going on." Phoenix carefully removed the gag from her mouth.
Blinking her eyes to focus, she licked her dry, cracked lips, relieved to have the foul piece of cloth gone. Her voice raspy from disuse, she said, "Please, ... stop her!" She coughed, her mouth cottony. "She plans ... to kill everyone." Pleading brown eyes met with the wary gaze of two special forces soldiers.
"Who are you?" Treble's brows furrowed.
"Master Corporal Winnie Camden." She sagged with fatigue, and one of the men held her up. "Abducted months ago ... used me as leverage ... to threaten Pops ... to do what she wants," Winnie explained, recognizing Harrison's men and hoping they would trust her.
"How can we trust you?" Phoenix would not be quick to take anyone's words as truth for some time. Not after the lies that had been going around.
Winnie frantically searched for a way to make them believe her. "I can tell you the real name of the woman upstairs."
Treble's and Phoenix's gazes met and silence stretched between them. A slight nod from Phoenix had both turning back to the former captive.
"Maggie Hill ... she works with CSIS." Winnie's head swam. Damned drugs. Her lids lowered as she struggled to stay upright.
"What?" Falcon, astonished at the news questioned further. "What would CSIS want with Badass and his family?"
"I don't know." Matt drew in a deep breath to keep his emotions in check. "Bring her up, and we'll get to the bottom of this in a bit. Falcon, do you have a clear shot?"
"Yes, but not with her finger on the trigger. She could spasm..."
"And that would not be good for anyone," Matt finished.
Frustrated he could do nothing to help his best friend, Matt observed Sam push himself off the floor. Realizing Sam overheard the discussion, he wondered how the sergeant planned to use the information to end this standoff.
"Look, I accept you're beyond pissed at me. You say I took everything from you, and you may be right." Sam managed to rise and took two steps closer. "But killing my loved ones, won't change what's happened. I can't go back in time and stop myself from firing the bullet which killed your brother. I can't transport myself into your father's vehicle and keep him from driving off the cliff. Just like you can't call back the round that killed my father.
"The past is unchangeable, and unfortunately there is nothing we can do to alter the outcome. Trust me. If I could, I would. The fact my family has been in danger for over five years because of something I did ... well, let's just say I don't sleep much."
Jules tracked Sam as he continued to take slow steps towards her as he talked. Not knowing exactly what he was doing, but trusting him implicitly, she remained perfectly still while keeping her gaze on him. Sam would do whatever necessary to ensure she came out of this alive. Even if it meant sacrificing himself to save her.
"But I have to ask, what past are you really trying to change here today, Maggie?"
Jules brows furrowed as the woman behind her stiffened in response.
"How. Do. You. Know. My. Name?" Words ground out, laced with pure rage.
"Well, Maggie, we found the real Winnie Camden in the basement. Not far from the explosive linked to the dead man's switch in your hand."
Maggie glanced at her hand. Her eyes, filled with red-hot fire, shifting back to Sam she raised her weapon at him.
No one even had time to blink. The instant her pistol moved away from Jules' head a single shot dropped Maggie to the ground. As the bullet impacted her skull, her finger twitched, and the weapon discharged before clattering to the floor.
A flood of relief surged through Matt when the window shattered. Her gun fired while still in motion between Jules and Sam. Both remained unharmed, well, mostly anyway.
"Target neutralized," Matt said as he stepped out from his cover and rushed to help Sam.
When Maggie dropped, Sam surged forward to Jules. "I'm so sorry, sweetheart." Words whispered, yet full of emotion as Sam sank to his knees and gently removed Jules' gag.
"Oh, Sam!" Jules wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around her husband.
"I've got her. You keep the pressure on your wound," Matt instructed as he passed Sam a pressure bandage before kneeling behind Jules.
"Thanks." Sam did as ordered and held the compress to his still bleeding arm, ignoring the pain caused by the action.
"Hold still, Jules. I'll have these ropes off in a moment." Matt worked to free the bindings from around Jules' wrists.
The moment the restraints released, Jules, pulled Sam into a tight hug. She relished the sensation of his body against hers.
Matt hated to separate Sam and Jules, but he needed to examine her for any injuries. When he touched her arm, Matt was relieved when Jules leaned back slightly, kissed Sam once, then allowed him to check her over.
"Tombstone, we have a situation," Phoenix, Treble, and Winnie stepped outdoors from the chapel basement. "Camden reports Maggie isn't the only one on the compound."
"Is she talking about the sniper?" Sam asked while as Matt checked Jules.
"Uncertain."
"Bring her here. Then you, Treble, and Wolverine search the perimeter. If there is anyone else out there, find them. Falcon..."
"Already searching." Falcon's scope slowly traveled around the building, and grounds before scanning the surrounding area.
"Sam, what about Sadie?" Jules' worried gaze met Sam's pain filled eyes.
"Team One received the call right after I found out you had been taken. They went to diffuse the bomb, and move Sadie to safety. Dad's protection detail went with them to ensure proper security. She's going to be fine, Jules." Sam attempted to reassure her and noted relief flooded her eyes at the news her team had been called out to deal with the situation.
"We are going to stay here until the grounds are cleared and secured," Matt ordered, his attention on Sam.
"Let's move back to the alcoves. Better cover," Sam suggested. He bit back a groan as Jules and Matt helped him to stand.
After moving to the protection provided in the back Matt and Jules encouraged Sam to sit. Matt went to work cutting away Sam's sleeve. "I can only do a field dressing for now."
Phoenix, Treble, and Winnie entered, and the guys assisted Winnie to the ground.
"Hey, Tombstone. You have another customer."
"I'll examine at her in a minute. Need to take care of Badass first." Matt glanced at Winnie before turning his attention back to Sam's arm. "Go with Wolverine and clear the area."
Both soldiers left with a simple nod. They still had work to do.
"Sorry, buddy, you won an all-expenses-paid trip to the hospital. I can't remove the slug here."
Matt finished dressing Sam's wound. Husband and wife sat watching as Matt turned to begin to assess Winnie.
"Here," Matt offered Winnie a bottle of water from his pack, encouraging her to drink as he took her vitals. "Thank you." Feeling a little better after water, Winnie shifted her gaze to the medic as he assessed and bandaged her abraded and swollen wrists.
"Master Corporal, sitrep." Sam's sergeant voice making it an order, not a request.
"I was taken soon after Harrison called to tell me you were going on a mission in the Torgon Valley with Lunow's unit. He was worried, said something didn't sit right with him. When I got home from the SRU later that evening she appeared. She came up behind me with an ether-soaked rag. When I awoke I sat gagged and bound to a chair in a cabin."
Winnie took another drink of water, thankful for the cooling liquid. "Hill was the only person I saw. On occasion, someone would slide food or water through a tiny slot in a wall, but they never spoke. On the rare occasion she appeared, she only wanted to torment me.
"I was informed they were using me as leverage against Harrison." A lone tear streaked down her face as emotions she attempted to bury threatened to resurface. "The last time Hill stopped by was to tell me Harrison was killed on a mission."
"What was your relationship with Pops?" Sam read the emotion in her eyes and knew more was there than the unit was aware of.
"Liam was my fiancé. He proposed right before I started my undercover work at the SRU. I already had paperwork for a transfer completed and planned to submit the documents once the assignment was concluded."
"You said you never saw anyone else. How did you know there was another hostile here?" Sam was reeling at the news Liam had a fiancé. His CO never shared that detail with him. Sadness filled his heart.
"I didn't see them, but I heard him talking to Hill earlier today. He informed her the sniper was in place, and he would be watching to make sure the mission objectives were achieved."
"Tombstone, we found what appears to be an observation post." Phoenix surveyed the clearing.
They discovered a location which afforded a clear view of the road in, where the unit parked their SUV's, as well as the chapel itself. A lawn chair, popcorn, and a pair of binoculars had been left behind. However, the most intriguing item they discovered was a playing card, the Joker, one of the wild cards.
"Whoever was here is long gone," Wolverine growled.
The frustration in Phoenix's and Wolverine's voices was evident. Matt wasn't happy about the fact the person disappeared. As Treble described what they found, his frustration grew too.
As much as Sam wanted to curl up and cry over the loss of his dad, training which would make his father proud kicked in, and Sam wiped his eyes, drew in a deep breath, and pulled himself together. "Mark the location. Treble, stay there. Phoenix and Wolverine, head back here. Falcon, time to join us. I need to arrange for a detail to take over the scene."
"I'll do that." Matt finished setting up the IV to deliver fluids to Winnie and quickly cleaned up his supplies.
"No, I can..."
"Let me do it." Matt met Sam's gaze head-on. His expression communicating he wouldn't take no for an answer.
Sam simply nodded his head once then leaned back against the wall and closed his eyes.
Several minutes later the unit, all but Treble, gathered around the entrance of the chapel.
"A unit is on the way to take over the scene and ensure the general is transported to Toronto," Matt shared as he scanned the men and women around him. All weary and in need of rest.
"Treble has the watcher's location secured. He'll make sure the site isn't disturbed," Wolverine said.
"Superior work." After swallowing once to rid of the lump of emotion in his throat, Sam stood. "Falcon, secure the sniper's perch. Phoenix and Wolverine, guard the scene. We need to preserve the scenes for the investigators."
"Understood." Phoenix eyed their sergeant and perceived the effort it took to work past his own emotions and physical pain to remain focused on the mission. Sam was called Badass for a reason, and he demonstrated the basis today.
"Tombstone, are Winnie's injuries life threatening?"
"No. Dehydration, malnourishment, some abrasions, and from what she told me, it appears she was sedated. Needs minor care, and she will be fine."
"Winnie, you will stay here. Medical should be rolling out with the rest of the unit. They can transport you back to base for the needed medical attention." Turning to his best friend, Sam continued to give orders. "Tombstone, you're going to take Jules back to Toronto to be with Sadie."
"You're going with me." Matt declared.
"I'm staying here until the scene is handed over."
"Like hell you are!" Jules rounded on her husband. "You will be going with Matt and me. Removing that bullet takes priority. Next is Sadie. Our daughter will be distraught, she is a smart cookie, and she needs to see we are both alive and well."
"Jules, I can't..."
"You can, and you will. You trust your men, don't you?" Jules' determined brown eyes met Sam's blue orbs.
Everyone viewed the standoff of epic proportions. Neither side would cave easily. They all comprehended Jules would win, but most were curious how long Sam would hold out.
Jules played dirty with me … Sadie and trusting my unit. I'd do anything for my daughter, even if it means giving in to my wife in front of the guys."Fine. For Sadie," Sam capitulated. "And for the record, I trust my men."
"Of course." Jules smiled softly before giving Sam a peck on the cheek and whispering words for his ears only, "Thank you."
Sam met her gaze and nodded. "Phoenix, you are in charge until the other unit arrives. We will communicate where we are going to once it's decided and you and the unit can meet us there."
"Understood, Sarge."
"I'll bring one of the SUV's around for you," Wolverine offered. At a nod from Matt, the young man hurried to do as promised.
JTF2 SUV - En Route to Toronto
Ten minutes later Matt was driving with Sam and Jules in the back. Sam pulled Jules close, wrapping his uninjured arm around her as he stared out the window.
"Which hospital are we going to?" Jules asked as he brought up Suzie's number on her phone.
"Toronto General is closest." Matt glanced at her in the rearview mirror.
Jules furrowed her brow in thought. "St. Joseph's is only a few blocks from the house. Do they have the medical services needed?"
Understanding dawned on Matt. Jules wanted Sam close in case he needed to stay the night. Easier for her to visit. "Yeah."
"Let's go there. I texted Suzie earlier and asked her to take Sadie home for now. Give Sadie a bit of normalcy. I'll tell her where we're headed." Hitting call, she snuggled as close to Sam as her seatbelt would allow and pressed the phone to her ear as it rang.
"Solid plan." Matt smiled as he glanced in his mirror again. Certain the Explorer pulled in behind them after they left the unit, his gut raged. I swear he is tailing us.
"Suzie, it's me."
"Hey." Suzie smiled down at Sadie who sat in her booster seat on her side of the backseat of the TRF SUV. "Rollie is currently driving us home."
"Awesome. Sam sustained a GSW to his left arm, so Matt is taking us to St. Joseph's."
Matt's grip on the steering wheel tightened. Glancing in the mirror his eyes met Sam's.
Sam shifted to peer over his shoulder and noted the vehicle which had Matt on edge. Though his friend didn't say it out loud, Matt's posture indicated he suspected they were being followed. "Make sure you're strapped in," Sam whispered in Jules' ear.
Jules' brows furrowed at the concerned expression on Sam's face and she glanced out the back window. Noting the Ford she wondered what the guys were thinking.
Matt kept focus on the road as the black Explorer moved to the other lane and appeared to be passing them. However, as the front came even with their back, the Explorer's passenger window lowered.
Glimpsing a barrel, Matt began evasive maneuvers. Gunfire erupted, followed by a change in the handling of the vehicle "Hang on! Bastard shot out our back tire."
"He shot at us?" Jules turned and gazed incredulously at the other vehicle.
"Jules, what's going on?" Suzie forced her voice to remain calm so as not to worry Sadie.
"We have company."
Suzie leaned forward, tapped Rollie's shoulder, and shared the information. "Jules said they have unwanted company."
"Spike, can you patch Suzie's phone into the headsets?"
"Sure thing." A few quick strokes on his tablet, and they all listened in on the conversation.
"He's going to try to ram you," Sam warned as the black vehicle dropped back a bit.
"I know," Matt ground out as he put into action driving techniques that went unused for a time.
"Jules, where are you?"
The Chevrolet Tahoe lurched as the other driver slammed his front bumper into the back of their vehicle.
Team One and Suzie heard the grunt from Jules as her seatbelt caught her.
"Rollie, you guys go on to Jules' house. With the JTF2 guys, you should have no problem securing the home," Ed ordered as he flipped the switch to turn on his lights and sirens. "Everyone else, Jules needs us. Let's go. Spike..."
"Searching for her GPS coordinates."
"Hang on, Jules. We're on our way," Greg said as Ed made a quick turn and sped towards their teammate.
Suzie listened with bated breath. Her husband was driving that vehicle.
"I can't shake him." Matt was beyond pissed. No amount of defensive driving was getting rid of the person trying to run them off the road.
"He's coming back." Sam watched as the Explorer closed in on them once again.
A single tap on the back bumper had Matt working the wheel to keep them on the asphalt and avoid the minivan now in their direct path. Matt swerved to avoid hitting the family car. The hostile driver took that opportunity to hit them again.
The force of the hit, coupled with the swerve to miss the innocent travelers, sent Matt's vehicle into the cement barrier separating the opposing directions of traffic. Upsetting the Tahoe's center of gravity, they rolled four times across the lanes and into the grass before coming to rest right side up.
Suzie gasped at the sound of crashing metal, breaking glass, and grunts of physical pain. Tears threatened to spill over, and a hand went to her mouth to contain the sob which attempted to burst forth. Matt, oh God, please let Matt be okay!
"The Team will be with them soon. They'll be alright." Rollie met her eyes in the rearview mirror. "Kira has EMS on the way to them."
Suzie nodded in response, not trusting her voice. Not with Sadie resting on the other side of the vehicle.
Crash Site
Sam groaned as pain radiated through his left arm. Blinking rapidly to clear his vision he noted their Tahoe now rested in the grass on the side of the road. The front windshield had spiderweb cracks from the impact. Matt was slumped over, clearly unconscious and there was blood on the left-side of the inflated airbag. Apparently, his best friend's head struck his window during one of their many flips.
Movement to his right drew his attention. Jules lifted a hand to her neck and Sam suspected she suffered whiplash, as he had. "Jules?" Sam reached out a hand.
Jules closed her eyes tightly, fighting off the pain which coursed through her entire body. At the sound of Sam's voice, she turned to her left. "You're bleeding."
Sam couldn't help the slight grin at her comment. She was conscious, and that was a welcome sign.
"I'm fine."
"But your arm." Jules was more concerned about him than she was for herself.
Sam glanced down at his arm, noting the bleeding had increased. "I'll be fine. Come on. We need to get out of here."
Jules attempted to open her door, but it wouldn't budge. "I can't."
Sam's door seemed to be in better condition and with a bit of effort, he forced it open. He spilled out of the vehicle, landing with a thud on the ground. A shadow passed over Sam, and he squinted as he peered up.
"It's about time we meet face to face."
A man stood over him, the sun behind the man casting his face into darkness. Sam swallowed hard as he noted the weapon pointed at his head. "And who, are you?"
"Who, me? No one in particular. Only the mastermind who orchestrated things for the last five years after you obliterated my business. The person who had Lieutenant Harrison killed, Winnie Camden impersonated, and your daughter abducted." The man took a step forward. "But you can call me Wild Card."
Sam knew two things. First, this man was to blame for making his life, and that of his family, a living hell for several years. Second, he was completely and utterly screwed. This man is going to kill me right here and now.
AN: Just a heads up... I am participating in Camp NaNoWrimo in April in order to focus on my second novel. That being said, updates may be sporadic throughout the month. Please bear with me as I work to complete this project! Thanks.