Chapter 20

"Ugh," I sighed as I swung open the door to my room and threw myself onto my bed, instinctively twitching my shoulder as it landed. Mrs. Matthew's biomancy reduced the pain to where I could move around freely, but my shoulder still felt a little sensitive.

I heard a short rap on the doorframe, "Hey Caleb," Tony chirped cheerily, "Heard you got back."

"Yep." I answered unenthusiastically, my voice muffled by my pillow.

I could sense Tony's enjoyment and heard the compressing cushions as he flopped onto my couch, "And to think of all the things you've accomplished by, oh what time is it? One o'clock?"

I shifted my head so I could speak clearly, "What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means you've had a great start to the beginning of your day."

I plopped my face back onto my pillow, "Agh," I moaned.

"Oh, don't be so glum chum," Tony said 'consolingly,' from his comfortable position, "You've got the rest of your day to look forward to, and now that you and the White Witch are done, the Pseudo Squad is probably-"

I popped my head up, "Oh shoot." Garrison was probably waiting for my report. I dug into my jacket pocket for the earpiece.

Now, Typically when there is a call on the ear piece it becomes several degrees warmer until the call is accepted, so when I picked it up, I juggled it once or twice before I could put the hot piece of metal into my ear and held my fingers to it, "Hey sorry Garrison, what's-"

"Don't give apologies, give me answers," Garrison cut through, "Status report."

"Right, uh, one second." I looked at Tony and gave him a shooing gesture.

Tony looked around innocently before pointing to himself as if confirming. After an affirmative nod and a few more shooing motions, he shrugged and left, closing the door behind him.

"Ok, so I finished my meeting with the Warden," I told Garrison, "We found one of the supervisors of the Icarus project."

"What was their name, and where are they now?" he asked excitedly.

"Don't worry," I reassured him. "Mr. Jerrold Smith is safe. Mr. Avellino brought him-"

"What!" Garrison interrupted, "Why is Avellino involved?"

I was confused by his reaction. He did work for Avellino, right?

"Never mind that," Garrison growled, "We'll worry about that later. Does Avellino know who this person is?"

"Uh yeah," What? I shook my head to snap out of it, "Pretty sure. He sent a few of his men to watch him and make sure he recovers."

"Well at least that means he's safe from Degrada," Garrison sighed. "Even if Degrada knew where Avellino kept him, this Mr. Smith is technically under Avellino's protection now. A move against him now would be a direct violation of the Accords, and I think the Red Court has enough enemies right now as it is."

I knew it would've been difficult for Degrada to get to someone that Avellino didn't want him to, but I hadn't thought about the political backlash from the supernatural community if the Red Court struck out against a 'neutral' party. I gave a small inner laugh.

"So, what's next?" I asked.

"We continue with the mission," Garrison answered, "We've tracked down the last of the supervisors, Ms. Laura Olvera. Agents Chalser and Ridger are on their way, but they may need backup, so I'm sending Agent Numera to pick you up on her way over. She should arrive at your location within a few minutes."

"Alright, I'll be out as soon as I can," I replied. We ended the connection, and I laid back onto my bed. I rubbed my face and sighed at the presence outside the door, "You can come in now Tony," I called.

I sensed his surprise before the door cracked open and Tony stuck his head in, "Right, sorry."

"Yeah, yeah, you were curious, I know," I responded to him as I sat up.

"So, what was it about?" he asked.

"You already know," I told him.

"I mean not everything," he said defensively, "I only caught your side of the conversation."

"Whatever." I rubbed the back of my head, "Can I ask you a favor?"

"No harm in asking," Tony shrugged. "Shoot."

"Right," I muttered. "Alright Buddy, you can come out."

Buddy seemed to materialize out of the air and onto the floor next to my bed. He then easily hopped onto the foot of my bed, rubbing his hands together nervously as he looked uncertainly at Tony.

Tony blinked in speechless surprise at the small, mythical creature standing before him.

"This is Buddy," I explained slowly. "He's a brownie, and I picked him up earlier today. I was hoping you could get him some food and keep an eye on him."

"Umm," Tony hesitated.

Buddy took a few tentative steps towards him, "Do you," he began uncertainly, "Do you want to be my friend?"

Tony blinked again as his stare moved over Buddy's small form, from his furry feet, to his twitching body, to his proportionally large brown eyes and face. He shook his head to snap himself out of something, "Uh, yeah, of course," He grabbed Buddy's outstretched hand and shook it while looking at me with a raised eyebrow, "Buddy?"

I shrugged.

Tony nodded his head a few times before coming completely back to his senses, "Yeah I can get you some food. Why don't you come along with me?"

Buddy smiled and his large eyes shimmered happily, "Sure thing, if it means having lunch with a friend!" He hopped up and onto Tony's shoulder.

"Well okay then," Tony looked at me, his own smile forming, "I guess we'll be on our way then."

As he turned and walked out of the room I called after him, "It might be best to make sure no one else knows he's here."

"Yeah, yeah," Tony waved a dismissive hand, "Don't worry. I got this. Go save the city."

"Hah," I barked deadpan just before the door closed. I enjoyed the few moments to myself as I got changed into some fresh clothes before heading out. I opened the door and saw Mr. Ronkins walking towards me.

"Mr. Decter," Mr. Ronkins called, "There is a Ms. Numera waiting outside for you." I sensed his curiosity at how I'd respond.

"Yes, thank you. She's here to pick me up," I explained.

Mr. Ronkins held out a hand to stop me, "Wait."

I looked at him, "What?"

He raised an eyebrow, "You're wearing that?"

I looked down at my opened blue jacket over a black T-shirt with an awfully drawn Spirderman face on it with writing that read 'WITH GREAT POWER COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY' except each 'GREAT' was crossed out in red and replaced with the word 'LITTLE'. To go with the outfit I wore some black basketball shorts with a single white stripe going down the side, "Uh, yeah. Ever heard of semi-casual?"

Mr. Ronkins shook his head, "Not sure it means what you think it means Mr. Decter."

"Yeah well, what can you do?" I shrugged before walking past him and starting down the stairs.

"Be careful," Mr. Ronkins warned.

Yeah, like that was going to change anything.

I opened the large front door to see Erica leaning up against the hood of the brown sedan she drove yesterday. She wore a tan jacket over what I assumed to be her suit, as her pants had a familiar color and texture to them. With no hood, her raven black hair flowed over her shoulders giving her a surprisingly mundane look. She also wore aviators and blew a nice pink bubble before popping it and chewing her gum some more. The song Born to be Wild blasted from the car speakers, "You ready to go?" she asked through a smile.

"Wow," I said as way of answering. "Shouldn't you be riding a motorcycle or something?"

"Don't tempt me," Erica warned through her grin. "You take the meaning of casual to the next level."

"Whatever. You driving?"

She held up the keys and jangled them, "You know it," she confirmed as she sat up and walked to the driver's side. "Get in. Your suit for the party is in the backseat."

I complied, opening and sliding into the passenger's seat. As she said my suit laid folded neatly on the backseat next to my goggles and gloves. The front door opened and Erica got in before starting the ignition. She pulled the car around the fountain, and as we drove past the trimmed hedges she snapped her gum.

"Is this seriously happening right now?" I asked over the loud music.

Erica showed teeth again as she chewed, "What do you mean?"

As if on cue the chorus blasted "BORN TO BE WIIIIILD!"

"I mean this whole 'bad to the bone' girl vibe you're trying to pull."

"Please, a girl doesn't try to 'pull' being a badass," Erica scoffed, "she just is."

"Wow that's cute, spend time on that one?"

"Didn't need to, I'm just that amazing."

We drove down a ways in silence, "Pretty nice place you got here," Erica commented. "I didn't figure you for the stuck up rich kid type." Although she kept it from her voice, I couldn't help but sense a pang of jealousy.

"Yeah sorry," I said insincerely, "I guess I'll need to work on that. Haven't gotten used to the lifestyle."

Erica scoffed, "Oh yeah? So what? You found out you were the long-lost son of a billionaire?"

I found myself staring out the window, "No. More like a mob boss blackmailed me into letting him adopt me by using my actual adoptive father as leverage," I explained nonchalantly.

I sensed a flicker of surprise from Erica, "Sounds like there's a story there," she mused.

"Yeah well I'll happily tell once you've told me your own life's story," I replied lightly.

Erica's mind flashed to an empty home, a boy in a hospital bed, and then her standing on the edge of a bridge looking down towards sharp rocks that jutted from the water, "Touché," she muttered, snapping her gum again. The car slowed while the gate in front of us opened.

I pulled back from the unintentional mind gaze, annoyed with myself. It wasn't my place to dig into someone's past, and I worked to minimize future mind gazing.

As the gates slowly rolled away, the song built up. Erica's smirk returned once more as she gave her gum another snap.

"Please don't," I pleaded, bracing myself.

"What's wrong with a little more excitement?" Erica asked innocently. Before I could respond Erica floored the gas pedal, causing the tires to spin before catching and launching us through the gate with inches to spare. Erica let out a gleeful laugh as we accelerated down the road, the radio blasting, "BORN TO BE WIIIIILD!"

I reflexively grabbed the handle near the window, "Do you peel out in everyone's driveway, or am I just that special?" I managed to ask.

Erica gave another laugh, "Can't a girl have a need for speed?"

"Not in a sedan," I responded, my grip tightening.

"I beg to differ," She continued increasing our speed.

"What, life isn't exciting enough for you as it is?"

"Sorry," she said unapologetically, waving one hand, "Adrenaline junkie."

Instead of yelling something about ten-and-two I reminded her, "We literally were chased after by blood thirst vampires just yesterday."

"Today's a new day," Erica said simply, "You have to take all the excitement you can get."

"Well I'd prefer a few milder months myself," I muttered.

"Then you joined the wrong supernatural fighting military group," she informed me brightly.

"Yeah, here I thought we were supposed to be covert," I responded sarcastically.

Erica sighed, "Buzzkill." She took her foot off the gas and we coasted around corners fifteen miles over the speed limit, causing me to rock in my seat. I knew Erica was just waiting for me to comment, so I did my best to keep my mouth shut.

At one point the tires squealed in protest while making a sharper turn. I reflexively drew in a breath. I glanced over to see a corner of Erica's mouth curl up. Jerk.

We continued down the road in the sedan. Erica zig zagged around the different streets, circumventing the busier roads. The buildings of concrete and glass we passed stretched towards the sky. Erica's driving grew more controlled in the presence of pedestrians. Almost as if she didn't want to clip someone. She turned down the music to the point where we almost drove in complete silence.

Several minutes passed.

"So, you never told me where we're going," I commented.

"Nope," she confirmed, chewing loudly.

I sighed and allowed myself a brief mind gaze into Erica's surface thoughts. I got what I needed as she slowed down for a light. I spoke as we stopped, "So we're conducting a stakeout of the government building currently holding the last supervisor of the Icarus project."

A pang of surprise and Erica glanced towards me, her eyebrows narrowed suspiciously, "Garrison already tell you? She asked.

"Sure," I said non-commitingly.

Erica couldn't decide if I was lying. "Fine I'll humor you. How did you know?"

I wiggled my fingers, "Magic."

Erica still couldn't decide whether to take me seriously or not, "Whatever," she muttered. We continued once the light turned green.

A few seconds passed, "So that supervisor…"

Erica snapped her gum, but curious and annoyed, "Why are you asking if you already know?"

"Small talk?" I offered.

"Please," Erica scoffed. "Neither of us care for small talk."

"Then tell me what I want to know so we can go back to riding in silence."

Erica sighed, "Garrison thinks Degrada will move against the last supervisor soon," she said finally. "We're helping Ridger and Chalser with a stakeout. We'll be watching the building for who knows how long." I could literally feel her boredom at the prospect of sitting and doing nothing.

"Why doesn't she go into hiding or something?" I asked, "Shouldn't they know by now they've been targeted?"

"Garrison says his contact assured him their assets are well protected," Erica said unconvinced. "And don't ask about why we don't just kidnap her ourselves right now, because Ridger already asked."

Kidnapping. Classic trademark of a hero. I gave short laugh, "And why's that?"

Erica explained as if reciting orders, "Because it's daytime. Too many witnesses, and we should avoid contact with other government projects whenever possible. Extraction should only be done as a last resort, and hopefully they've been convinced to move and take extra precautions."

"So, we're waiting to see if this supervisor gets attacked while Garrison works to convince a group that doesn't believe we exist to take an individual with access to a powerful weapon into hiding?"

Erica gave another annoyed snap with her gum, "Yep. Waiting."

Sheesh. "What's the matter? Not enough explosions for you?"

She shrugged a shoulder, "Just not exactly the excitement I was thinking of when I signed up to fight vampires."

"Don't worry," I reassured her, "Maybe the vampires will come and kill us all."

She gave a short laugh, "Yeah, maybe." Erica pointed to one of the larger buildings. Dang it must have had over forty floors, and that wasn't even the tallest building around. Like its neighbors, it's walls seemed to be built of glass and steel, save for the first floor which looked like a block of concrete. "That's the one," she confirmed, her tone serious, "They're only two exits to the building. The front and the back. I'll let Garrison know we arrived, so Ridger and Chalser can watch the front together. We'll cover the back."

"Okee doke," I acknowledged.

Erica put a hand to her ear, "We're here."

She drove around the building, "There might not be a parking spot," I commented, "What's the plan then?"

Erica smirked with confidence, "Have a little faith."

Behind the building was a street of shops and parking. All the spots were filled save for one handicap spot and another with two orange cones on either side. "Please tell me we're not taking the handicap spot," I groaned, "Cause that would just be wrong."

"Of course not," Erica responded simply, "That would be ridiculous. Now be a lamb and hop out and move those cones for me."

I glanced at her a raised an eyebrow.

Erica waved her hand in a shooing motion, "Go little lamb, go."

"Hah," I said unenthusiastically, opening the door, "it's funny cause you're the one that's little." I hopped out and did as she asked. Erica parked the car, and I climbed back in. We sat and watched the building located a small way down and across the street.

I had to admit, Erica knew how to choose a parking spot. From here we could keep an easy watch with a wide field of vision, and I didn't think we were close enough to arouse suspicion.

We sat there in silence except for the occasional snap of Erica's gum. It turns out Erica really is about as anti-social as I was because neither of us cared to start a conversation. Cars drove by. No one entered. The afternoon crawled into evening, and there we sat. Waiting.

After zipping my suit over my T-shirt and shorts and then zipping my jacket over that, I climbed up from the back seat where I had changed. I checked the file Erica brought again. Emily Parker, the last of the three supervisors. Ms. Parker, late forties, blonde with brown eyes. The picture showed a pinched face with a nose similar to that of a hawk. The file read that Ms. Parker oversaw much of the software development used in the drones as well as other top-secret projects. The building we watched now was in fact the same building the software for the drones had been developed.

Slowly my thoughts began to wander. I snapped myself back to the present and reminded myself to remain focused. I imagined it wasn't professional, and it probably wouldn't make the best excuse to say the supervisor got kidnapped on account of me doing some reflective thinking.

Just as I was distracted with thinking about thinking, my cellphone started ringing. I blinked, and Erica muttered without taking her eyes off the building, "You going to get that?"

I gave a sigh and scowled as I unzipped my jacket and then the suit before reaching awkwardly down into my short pocket. The phone continued ringing, but I didn't recognize the number. I answered anyway, "Yeah?"

"Hey Caleb, it's Meyers," The inspector's tired voice came through the phone.

I sat up straight, "Oh, yeah, hi. How are you?" I winced at my own question and tried to ignore Erica's raised eyebrow.

"I'm fine Caleb," Meyers responded calmly. She hesitated before continuing, "Are you free this evening? I have some information about your sister."

I felt a jolt through my heart, "Yeah, yeah," I said quickly before remembering my situation. I gritted my teeth before amending with a pained voice, "Actually I can't. I shook my head. Screw it. "At least not now, but later tonight should work. Can I call you when I'm available?"

"Of course. Any time," Meyers assured me.

"Alright thanks," I exhaled gratefully.

As I started pulling the phone away to hang up Meyers spoke, "Hey, how are you holding up?"

I glanced at Erica before answering, "Well, I guess as good as can be expected."

"Uh, huh," Meyers sounded as if listening intently, "well I just want you to know if you ever need to talk to someone, I'm here for you."

It surprised me how good it felt to hear her say that, "Um, thanks," I said sincerely.

"Of course Caleb." Meyers sighed, "I guess I'll see you tonight then."

"Right," I confirmed. I bit the bottom of my lip before adding, "This may go late, is there a time you'll be asleep by? I don't want to wake you up."

"Do you want to know about your sister?" she asked.

"Yes," I answered instantly. More than anything. If only I didn't have to sit in this stupid car.

"Then it sounds like it doesn't matter," Meyers stated simply, "Not like I would be getting much sleep anyway." She then added in a softer tone, "Call me at any time Caleb."

I nodded, still not believing I would hear the first information about my sister in almost six years, short of a 'we can't find her.' I realized she probably couldn't hear my nodding head, so I just said, "Thank you."

"Mhm, stay safe," then she hung up.

I stared out the windshield for a few moments as I slowly lowered my phone to my lap.

Erica looked over, "You ok there Decter?"

"Yeah," I said more to myself than to her.

She stared for a moment, then turned forward once more. After a few moments of silence, she sighed and opened the door, "Alright. I'm officially starving. I'll go run over and grab us some food."

"Right," I said, but I wasn't really there. My mind was elsewhere as all the questions I asked myself so long ago resurfaced.

The slam of Erica's door when she left caused me to blink and I shook my head. Focus Decter. Stakeout. I took the battery out of my phone and put it away, but even as I continued to watch the back door, my thoughts wandered. I ran through scenarios in my head where my parents were still alive and my sister with me. At this point it was like watching old replays of a show long since cancelled. I knew how it would end, with me coming back from fantasy into reality.

Sometimes life just sucks.

There was a knock on the window, and I saw Erica standing with a bag and two drinks. I leaned across and opened the door for her. The moment she sat and closed the door, the smell of hamburgers and French fires filled the car. It was then that I remembered I hadn't eaten much of anything today, and it was all I could do to keep myself from drooling.

Erica placed the bag between the seats, "I got us each two hamburgers, a large fries, and a coke," she informed me as she extended two cup holders from the car dash and set the drinks inside it.

"Halleluiah," I told her as I began to pull out one of the hamburgers.

Erica slapped my hand away, "Back off for a second there grasshopper and let the person who got the food take her share."

I pulled back my hand, "Why does it matter?" I asked.

She opened the bag and peered into it, "Some are contaminated with pickles," she said simply.

She grabbed two wrapped packages with little sharpie marks, unwrapped and inspected them before nodding satisfied. She then took out a large container overflowing with fries. "You may eat," she informed me before taking a huge bite from one of the burgers.

I gave a sarcastic bow, "Why thank you your highness."

"Of course, silly peasant," Erica replied through a mouthful of food.

I then proceeded to grab a hamburger and scarf it down, only taking breaks to shove greasy fries into my face or to take a drink of sugary goodness. Long live the king.

We both let out a sigh when we finished. Our stomachs were full, and I could sense Erica's contentment along with the slight sickness that comes with stuffing yourself just a little more than your stomach expected to handle. It didn't help I felt the same way.

I glanced at the mess we made in the car with wrappers strewn across our laps and the floor of the car. A fry or two probably fell between the seats. I gave a small burp before muttering offhand, "Excuse me."

Then I heard a louder burp from the small girl next to me, grinning happily.

I raised an eyebrow before producing a belch.

Erica's smile disappeared as she wiped her mouth. Then she sat up straight and gave a sharp inhale before pushing out her chest and letting out a fierce roar that shook the car. A moment of silence passed between us, and I sensed a few passer byers pause to glance in our direction. I held up my hands in defeat, and we both started to laugh. It was a little painful being full of food, but it felt good nonetheless.

When we calmed down, I held my stomach, "Uff, I hope we don't need to run soon. I feel like I might explode."

"Yeah well, Garrison said it was unlikely Degrada would stage an attack while there's still daylight," Erica offered.

"Then why are we here?" I complained.

Erica gave a small wave, "Because Garrison knows he may be wrong, and that's a risk we can't afford."

"You don't seem worried," I noted.

Erica shrugged, crossing her arms across her chest as the setting sun reflected off her glasses, "I told you before," she said grimly, "he hasn't been wrong yet."