ACT VI: Turning Point
Marcus knew Thrush was not an organization of fools. He already had detailed files on the credible threats within Thrush, and was well prepared to deal with them once they were in control of the Ultimate Computer. He grinned; they didn't even know he was aware of that particular device. Marcus intended to step into the organization as fully functional satrapy with his eye firmly fixed on control of the Ultimate Computer. He knew that Thrush itself would soon be under the wing of Danzig International. Next would be the world.
The only risk he saw right now was the fact that all the Odysseus Program files and programming were all here at the compound. David had requested redundant backups, but Marcus did not want to spread their security thin by covering too many fronts. Everything was in the safest place it could be: right here directly under Danzig eyes. When the program was released, then he would scatter the physical details.
The only weak link he could see was that woman and her just as mysterious cousin. Physically, the man was weak as a kitten and appeared to be just as weak minded, but the fact that Androv's background was unsubstantiated galled him. Marcus hated loose ends.
The ringing phone caught his attention, as it was his private line. Only his trusted inner circle had the number. Marcus calmly picked up the line. "Yes?"
"I have information on the Inovas," an unfamiliar voice stated lowly.
"Who is this and how did you get this number?" Marcus growled, hackles rising.
"One of your operatives supplied the number. If you want the information, come to the Inn at Essen, alone, in two hours with one million in cash or diamonds."
"I don't meet with people I don't know," Marcus snapped. How dare he?
"Then the information is lost, Mr. Danzig. I will tell you that your security is already breached and you can't trust anyone in that house. How else would I know about the diamonds and your investigation of Talia and Androv Inova? Come alone."
Marcus hated ultimatums more than loose ends. Smoldering fury was now fanned to a full-blown rage. Through clenched teeth, he hissed, "How do I know this isn't a set up? That you have what I want?"
"You don't. I did get this number, didn't I? Proof enough that I, too, have my sources."
Marcus ground his jaws together, his teeth squeaking in protest. No one gets the best of me! You will get a lesson on how to deal with a Danzig as soon as I get my hands on you, he thought. "I'll be there."
"And I'll find you. Goodbye, Mr. Danzig." The line clicked dead.
Marcus slammed down the phone then ripped it out of the wall and threw it across the room with an animalistic growl. He snatched an attaché case from a bookcase, opened it, and dumped the contents. Ripping open a desk drawer he pulled out two powerful handguns and made sure they were loaded. He placed them in the case and snapped it shut.
From the coat rack he pulled down a shoulder holster and yanked it on, and then checked that weapon for readiness. It had been awhile since Marcus had gotten his hands dirty, but he was fully capable of committing murder. He'd done in before to promote the Danzig empire and he had no qualms about doing it again.
This loose end was going to be tied, one way or another, and Marcus Danzig was going to make sure it was tied into a hangman's noose.
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"Who the hell was that?" Neiman whispered, overhearing the conversation on the tapped line through a small speaker.
"I have no idea," Napoleon mused. "Sounds like we have more players in the game."
"Well, we figured someone in Thrush would try to make a move for the program. It must be them."
"That's the only thing that makes sense," Solo agreed as he rose to his feet. "I'd like to get a look at the person that has the nerve to cross Marcus Danzig." He pulled on his jacket and prepared to depart. "If I go now I can get to the Inn just ahead of Marcus. And here I thought it was going to be a boring day!"
"I'll check the readiness of Dancer's team. We may have to move sooner than we thought," Neiman said.
"Good idea." Solo slipped from the tent and through the trees to a motorcycle stashed in the brush. He hit the road and quickly found himself at the top of the last hill overlooking the valley. He pulled to the side of the road and stopped to look down the picturesque valley, the outer wall of the compound just visible between the trees. He saw a black car roar through the gate and grinned. "Someone playing in your sandbox, Marcus?" he said quietly to the speeding car.
As he turned to pull back on to the road the sound of an enormous explosion made his heart leap. Solo spun around, and his jaw dropped when he saw a giant fireball where Marcus Danzig's car should have been. Ambush! Black smoke roiled skyward as Solo felt a blast of wind from the shock wave and realized the overkill was meant as clear and powerful message: There was another player in town.
In that instant Napoleon also realized that he was the only one in a position to see who just blew Marcus Danzig to the stars. There was only one road out, and he was on it. He hated being caught flat -footed. With a curse, he gunned the engine and raced to the first intersection in the road to lay in wait.
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The explosion shook the windows of the compound and Illya dropped to the floor in his room in an automatic reaction. It took a few moments for his brain to register the details, and he leaped to his feet when he realized the explosion was outside. He glanced at the rock outcropping where his partner was based and was relieved to see no indication of an explosion there.
He yanked open the door and raced down the stairs to the foyer where some of the house staff had gathered and milled about in confusion. The agent made his way through them and headed down the hall that led to the computer lab and private dens. Glancing out a front window he froze when he saw the inky clouds of smoke crawling to the heavens from outside the perimeter walls. It was a substantial amount of smoke for the distance, and the lower layer reflected red. Something was still burning.
"Talia?" he whispered as he looked out the window with a sick feeling of dread in his heart. He tore his eyes from the oily smoke when he heard running footsteps.
"Oh my God, what was it?" Talia cried as she ran towards him. David was close behind, a pair of guards on his heels.
"I…I don't know. An explosion," Illya said pointing out the window. His entire body tingled with relief and the desire to take control of the situation, but he stayed in character.
The three of them gazed outside. Talia clung to David's arm, speechless. "What do you think it was?" She finally whispered.
David did not answer, but stood up straighter and brushed her arm away as he stepped back. "Stay here," he said firmly and headed to the foyer with the guards right behind. Illya itched to follow, but forced his feet to stand firm. David strode quickly to the front door and pushed it open, the pair of guards now flanking him.
Illya and Talia turned back to the window and saw David boldly step outside and signal for a car, which pulled up instantly. He jumped in the back with the two men, and they shot down the driveway. The car screeched to a stop at the guard gate and angry voices were heard through the window glass. The guards weren't willing to open the gate, but David got his way and the gate swung open. Another motor vehicle escort, packed with guards, shot out the gate right behind him.
Steady footfall behind them caught their attention. Illya and Talia turned together to see Arthur Danzig, surrounded by his men, making his way towards them. The security radios were abuzz with static and broken voices as the truth was searched out. Arthur stopped a short distance from them. His eyes smoldered darkly as he looked them both over.
"Arthur," Talia started. "What happened?" Illya could feel the grip her fingers hard on his forearm. She was afraid of this man, and the agent could understand why. If he suspected for one second that she was betraying the family, she would be dead, and he had the capability to do it with his bare hands.
"Sir," one of the security men said boldly. "Sir," he reached out and touched Arthur's arm to disengage his stare from Talia. "I'm sorry, sir .. " he started.
"Sorry? About what?" Arthur snapped.
The man's hand retreated as if he'd touch molten lava. "The explosion, sir. It appears that Marcus' car . . . "
"Where's his bodyguard?" Arthur yelled. "He wouldn't go out alone!"
"Here, sir," a large man stepped in the front door. Illya had to admire his bravery.
"IS MARCUS DEAD?" Arthur screamed at the man who appeared to shrink in size before their eyes. Bravely, he kept his head up and his eyes locked on Arthur.
"Yes, sir. He didn't tell me he was leaving. He was alone in the car, according to the guard at the gate."
Talia gasped, and Illya steadied her. They all turned at the shriek that came from the stairs.
"NO! He can't be! NO!" Monica Danzig's grip on the stair rail was the only thing keeping her on her feet. Her silk robe, tied by a knot at the waist, fell aside to reveal two shapely, bare legs and feathery slippers. Her knees wobbled dangerously as the color drained from her face. One of the maids ran up to her as she began to cry hysterically. She clung to the maid like a life raft.
Arthur's look slowly went from her to the bodyguard, still frozen just inside the door in the foyer. The patriarch's face slowly went ashen and his facial muscles rippled as he worked his jaw. "Is this confirmed?" He said in a low, shaky voice through gritted teeth. Instinctively Illya stepped in front of Talia to shield her from whatever Danzig had in mind. "IS IT?" he barked at the man to his left.
"Yes," the man said quietly. "It's confirmed. The two gate guards just confirmed it."
For a moment everyone held their breath as the reality of Marcus' death settled over them like smoke from a dying fire. Monica's hysterical sobbing increased in pitch to an unearthly keening.
"Sir, I . . . " the bodyguard started.
In a movement quicker that Illya could ever have expected, Arthur Danzig pulled a gun from his astonished guard's holster, and threw out his arm. A single shot deafened them all, and Marcus Danzig's bodyguard collapsed in the foyer, a small, red hole in the middle of his forehead.
Monica's screaming increased in pitch, the kitchen staff scattered like rabbits and Talia screamed once then jammed her fist in her mouth to control herself. Illya turned her away from the sight.
Without a word Arthur handed the gun to the shaken guard, spun on his heel and retreated. "Take me to him," he ordered, "and clean that up." Followed by a flurry of 'yes sirs' from the very respectful staff surrounding him, Arthur Danzig began his journey into grief.
Talia was sobbing quietly and Illya held her tightly in his arms. "Come, let's get out of here."
"Monica," Talia wept. "We have to take care of Monica."
Illya maneuvered her towards the stairs. A pair of guards appeared through the front door and began to gather up the body, their faces pale. Illya turned Talia's face to the shrieking woman on the stairs. "Concentrate on her, Talia. Come on." He could feel her shaking subside as she focused on a task and they relieved the frightened maid of her burden. Together, they half-carried, half-dragged Monica back up to her room. Illya was grateful for the distraction for Talia's sake.
He knew that Solo's position was now endangered, as security would naturally be increased even more. And what about the Program? Would it still launch on time? Inwardly he cursed.
He hated surprises.