Part Three
Disclaimer and notes on chapter one of this fic
Thanks to my beta reader, they know who they are. Thanks also to all
of you wonderful writers professional and fic writers who give me
inspiration.
The Storm Part 3
Stephen stood at the far end of Darien Fawkes' room, looking out the
tall bulletproof window in awe at the view. He looked down at
himself. He hadn't worn plaid for as long as he could remember.
But, plaid shirts and jeans is what his cover required. In all the
years he had worked for Michel, he always dressed in a black suit,
tie, and sunglasses. The sunglasses were made thermal about a year
agoâE¦no idea why though. However, they did help on covert missions he
and Bridgett pulled in the late hours of the night.
Stephen turned, looking at Darien's still sleeping form. "What had
Michel done to this man?" It didn't matter really, even `he' had
done this much and worse to people. That much even `he knew'. As
many as he had killed over the years it `really' didn't matter. To
Stephen, Fawkes was just another job to do or be killed doing it if
he failed.
Stephen had seen Darien's file a few days ago supplied by Michel.
Though it didn't say why the agency hired a criminal as an agent or
why he had been labeled as top secret, it did give Stephen a good
assumption about him. He would put up a good fight just as he had
with Sam. And that Fawkes was going to be a worthy opponent. If he
got through his current state in one piece that is. Stephen had no
idea however, why or what Michel wanted with Fawkes nor did he really
care all that much. To him he was money in the bank as soon as the
word came down to do whatever it was Michel wanted him to do.
Darien stirred slightly causing Stephen to come out of his daze.
He walked over to the bed placing his hands on the foot of Darien's
bed.
"Mr. Fawkes, Mr. Fawkes! Are you awake?" Stephen asked.
Darien opened his eyes slightly to the sound of the unknown voice.
He stared at the man in confusion. He thought maybe he had been
transferred to Fort Leavitt or something. But then, he remembered
Hobbes or someone saying something about a safe house just before he
passed out the last time. Nevertheless, he wasn't sure if it was
Fact or dream he's been so out of it, even `this' could be a dream.
Oh well, it didn't matter he was safe, or so he hoped, that's all
that `did' matter. Darien wouldn't have to be scared to death that
the next guy through the door was a continuation of his pain.
Darien nodded his head only causing a rush of pain to flow over him.
Stephen walked over and sat by Darien's bed. Stephen leaned over
grabbing Darien's arm trying to get his attention.
"Mr. Fawkes my name is Stephen Charles, head of security here at the
Gardens. It has been designated as a safe house. You're safe for
now as long as I'm in charge, your safety is my sole responsibility
sir.
Darien shook his head and tears ran down his face. Stephen stood up
and exited the room quickly. Motioning for another man to take his
place, he went quickly after Dr. Keeply.
Back in a small run-down Motel 6 just outside of LA
Russell was sitting on the bed in the motel in LA waiting for the go
on the safe house there. Luther was going over the hopeful time-
period for the plan when the phone rang. Russell looked at Luther
afraid it was the man. He was afraid of him, for good reason. But,
at least he had them out of that garbage slough the government called
a prison. Luther walked slowly to the phone, raising a finger to his
lips to keep Russell quiet.
Russell was okay, but he was a bit wired all the time. Luther knew
he was scared to death of Michel. Luther did time years back with
him, so he knew what he was capable of. Russell had every reason in
the world to be afraid of him. After what he did to Fawkes while he
was in prison that time? Well, let's just say that anybody would and
should be afraid of the guy. What Luther couldn't figure out was why
he wanted Fawkes so badly. He knew why `they' did. But this guy had
taken care of that in prison. Hadn't he? Luther had thought about
this in length in the last few days.
Luther picked up the receiver without saying a word.
"Luther, we have the whereabouts of Fawkes. I want you to hit the
safe house there when I give you the go ahead. Then go up to Ash
Creek when everything is in place there. Once there we get rid of
Fawkes for good.
"I thought we were getting Fawkes now while the trail's still warm
you know he could leave andâE¦wellâE¦ I thought he was here in LA? And
sir, if he's not here why are we hitting the safe house?"
"Luther, Luther, Luther don't you know by now that I have my own
agenda that has to be done precisely as I tell you, or it will NOT
work. I know where Fawkes is, don't you worry your head about that.
And Luther, we do want and need this plan of ours to work now don't
we?"
Luther just nodded while no words just grunts escaped his lips.
"Alright now, we need for the agency to think they've lost us. Let
them feel comfort in their new surroundings. Most of all we want
them to think we followed their decoy. Let them start getting too
comfortable. Then we'll hit them, and hit them hard. They won't
even `know' what hit them."
The line went dead as Luther hung up the phone. Walking back to the
bed he had been sitting on, he looked at Russell and shook his head.
Saying no, they would not be going after Fawkes just yet.
He was a bit put off by this. But, there was no way he would even
THINK of crossing Michel.
----------
Claire lay on the bed in her room. It happened to be adjacent to
Darien's room. She could hear the beeping from the monitors as she
lay there reading over test results. She had asked to have this room
so she `could' hear them. Only thing was she could not seem to get
any sleep because of them. Except for the few hours when she had
passed out on that most splendid overstuffed couch downstairs in the
lobby. She sat up on the bed, she wasn't sleeping anyway. As she
stood to go check on Darien for the tenth time in an hour, she heard
a knock on the door.
"Come in." She said not looking at the door as it opened. She
turned back to the bed and laid the reports she'd been looking over
down.
Stephen walked in startled that she was awake. He had told her not
more than fifteen minutes ago she needed to get some sleep. She
rubbed at her tired eyes putting on the appearance that she had done
as he had asked. But as Stephen looked passed her on the bed he knew
she had not. "What is it Stephen is something wrong?"
She had a look of worry steal across her face. "Oh! Oh no ma'am I
just came to tell you that he's awake. I thought you should know."
"Thank you Stephen. How long have you been on duty?"
"I'm always on duty ma'am. But I don't think I'm any more exhausted
than yourself ma'am."
"Yes, I suppose so, but you still should think about getting someâE¦"
Claire said cutting herself off, as she got distracted when she
walked through the door to Darien's room with Stephen following.
"I know ma'am I will don't worry you have enough to worry about as it
is ma'am. I've had Jon here" motioning to the short little man in
the corner. Who happened to be even shorter than Bobby, "take over
for me I need to go over security with agent Hobbes and director
Vorton, so if you'll excuse me ma'am I'll be out of your way."
"Stephen!" Claire said as he turned abruptly to leave.
"Please don't call me ma'am. Claire, that's my name. I would
appreciate it if you'd try to use it. Oh and please, please get some
rest you look like you need it.
"Yes âE¦ ClâE¦aire, ma'am. And I don't need to rest just yet ma'am,
but
as I said before ma'am don't worry, I will, soon."
Claire shook her head as she watched Stephen leave. How would she
ever get him to call her Claire and not that outlandish, old name she
hated so MA'AM! Ooh! Claire shuddered. She hated being called
that. Even when Bobby said it out of respect for her she was always
cringing inside. Claire was her name and everyone knew it now, so
why, why, WHY did they invariably continue to call her ma'am. Maybe
she would have to call them sir a few times and see how they liked
it. She thought as she walked over and picked up a clipboard.
The tranquilizer she had given Darien had knocked him out longer than
she thought it would.
How could all of this have happened? She wished she could talk to
Darien about it but he was just too weak and she was sure he was too
afraid to be able to get any real answers out of him.
Darien looked at her weakly, eyes droopy as she walked over to him
clipboard in hand.
"Darien, looks like we decided to wake up, feeling any better
today?" She asked as she slapped on a pair of gloves while holding
the clipboard under her arm.
He looked at her with quite the look of pure annoyance, and then he
rolled his head ever so slightly.
"Claire," he rasped, "really, how do you think I am. I can barely
talk, just moving my head causes so much pain you can't imagine. How
do you think I am? Man Claire, I'm just peachy!"
Claire shook her head and placed a hand on her hip. "Now Darien, I
know you're in a lot of discomfort right now. I wish we could have
prevented you from all of this, but there was nothing we could've
done, short of mind reading, and a miracle. I'm afraid I've ousted
those for quite some time now. But, what we can do is try to help
you get well. So why don't we just concentrate on that, shall we?"
He nodded his head and relaxed a bit then turned to ask her
something. Claire held up a hand. "Darien you really need to stay
quiet while I take your vitals and besides that you need your rest.
We need to start therapy soon so the more rest that you can get now
the better. When we do start therapy, you're going to wish you had
listened."
He tried again. "Claire, where are we?"
She looked at him shocked, then remembered he hadn't been told.
Besides, if he had been told he had been so out of it she doubted he
could've remembered anyway.
Claire walked over sitting by his bed she leaned in laying the
clipboard beside him on the bed.
"Darien, we're in Utah."
"I figured out that much, but where in Utah?"
"Ash Creek, its a little town just north of St. George. Actually, I
believe it's in a town called Toquerville, but the sign on the way up
said Ash Creek and that's where Bobby said it was. So I guessâE¦
wellâE¦
I don't really know. This place is a bed & breakfast that doubles as
some kind of spy agency. I don't know if Bobby ever told you about
Fred Vorton. But that's where we are, his place. Bobby seems to
think that Fred is some kind of miracle worker. He says Fred's one
of the best he's ever seen aside from himself. Then you of course."
"Yeah Claire, Bobby told me about Fred the day this all happened.
When we were on that stakeout the `fish' sent us on. That I might
add was a complete waste of time. The guy never showed. I doubt if
the he even lived there. I guess Bobby called, or maybe he didn't, I
can't remember. Anyway Hobbes told me all about the guy to try to
pass the time. Hey Claire!"
"Yes Darien?"
"Where is Bobby? I kinda wanted to talk to him and apologize for all
of this."
"Darien, there's really no need you'reâE¦"
Darien gave her a killer glare. "Where is he Claire?"
"If you must know he's out checking security for this place. I
believe your new body guard Stephen and Fred are showing him the
details. Now get some rest and let me work. You'll have plenty of
chances to apologize later, I'm sure."
Claire got up from the chair going back to her work at hand. In mid
stride she turned. "Darien, we `are' going to get whoever did this
to you." Claire said as she sat back down. It hurt so much to see
him like this. She had to ask what happened, but it was just too
soon and she knew that.
Claire closed her eyes fighting back the tears as a shaky, but
concerned hand came up to rest on the side of her face. As she
opened her eyes, she saw Darien's concerned face. "Everything, it's
âE¦ it's gonna be okay keep, you said it yourself. And keep, I know
you want me to tell you what happened âE¦ but âE¦ IâE¦ I can't, not
just
yet. Maybe soon but âE¦ just not yet I can't keep âE¦ I just can't."
Claire laid a tearful hand on his. Why did it all have to be like
this? She couldn't understand how he could be so kind, and
reassuring yet at the same time be so afraid and in so much
pain. "Darien you reallyâE¦"
As she began the hand on her cheek fell limply to the bed as Darien
fell unconscious yet again.
----------
Stephen had just finished going over details of security when Bobby
and Fred decided to go for a walk on the grounds in the late evening
hour.
Bobby walked along the line of trees on the far end of the grounds
coming to stop at a bench resting his hand against the back in an
effort to hold himself up. Fred motioned them to keep walking he
wanted to talk.
"Bobby, you said that guy in there was your partner."
"Yeah Freddy my friend, he is. Like I said, I would die for the kid
if I could. If it came to that. He's a good kid, better than
even `he' realizes sometimes I think."
"Okay Bobby, then tell me this âE¦ what happened? And, don't tell me
nothing because I know you, you saved `my' life more times than I can
count. Sometimes I wondered how you always figured it out and how
you were always there when I needed you. But then again so was I.
So come on Bobby, tell me âE¦ what happened my friend?"
"Oh Freddy," Bobby shook his head fighting the feeling of guilt that
had been creeping in on him. "I don't know I talked to you the other
night remember?"
"Yeah I remember, I told you to come up, bring your partner and get
away for a few days."
"Man Freddy, I took the kid home and there were no lights on like
there usually were. But it was raining good so I thought maybe the
storm had put the electricity out. But, Oh DAMMIT FREDDY! I should
have known. Why didn't I just go check it out Freddy why?"
"C'mon Bobby you can't blame yourself. Now tell me what happened?"
Bobby came to lean his back up against a big mulberry tree. Shaking
his head with arms folded across his chest. Fred walked over and
laid his hand along the side of the tree so to see Bobby's face.
Bobby started in. "I went home and had just gotten to sleep when he
called. He didn't say much just to get the Keep, Claire that is. He
said he couldn't do it himself and he needed our help then the line
went dead. I called Claire we met outside Darien's place. The storm
was getting pretty bad by now, the keep she was looking damn good
with her hair all wet aroundâE¦"
Fred laughed at this extra thought and commentary about Claire.
"What?! She looked nice alright."
"Okay!" Fred backed away a bit at Bobby's look. "Go on my friend."
"Anyway as I was saying. We went to his place there was blood on the
doorknob. There was only one light down the hall, and even that was
just crackling. So I decided we needed to get in as fast as we
could. It was pitch black in there. We found one guy unconscious on
the floor and Fawkes. I shoulda known man. He was crouched in the
shower with a baseball bat. The guy by the couch woke up and shot
me. We were lucky we even got outa there my friend. But we did. I
don't know how, but we did."
"Man! Bobby I didn't know I'm sorry man. How about you and I see
what we can find out and get these guys? I've got a few guys around
town with pretty good connections. You want me to see what they can
find out?"
Bobby nodded. "Yeah, but make sure they do it quietly. Any leak and
we're ALL dead. These guys are good, somehow they found out about
Claire's lab. They got in and wrecked the place."
"Why? Is it some big secret?" Fred asked confused.
"Well, I've already said too much but what I will say is that they
had to be pretty connected to know about her and her lab my friend,
pretty connected indeed."
Fred opened the door to the gazebo that doubled as a control center.
Bobby followed.
"Well, my friend I guess `we' better get started then."
----------
Stephen stood in front of the long mirror in his room. Picking up
his cell he dialed Michel.
"Michel, everything is going just as planned."
"Ah my boy, I knew you could do it. Bridgett will be coming up
soon. She's coming undercover as your sister charlotte. She'll have
your orders. When she arrives call this number let it ring the usual
number of times to let me know all is in place. The two bumbling so-
called criminals in LA will hit the safe house there. They will be
receiving a nice little surprise of their own. We won't have to
worry about them anymore after this. We'll see you when all of this
is over. If all goes according to plan you and Bridgett will be up
for a promotion."
"Thank you sir." Stephen said stiffly. He hung up the phone walking
to a chair in the far corner of the room he sank down into it. He
picked up the file in the drawer going over the plans. A file he
hadn't known he'd picked up or even seen for that matter fell to the
floor. Spotting it he picked it up and began to read.
TOP SECRET
Subject: Darien Fawkes
Note: Jared Stark
Mr. Fawkes has the ability to quicksilver rendering him invisible.
He has a leash however, in the form of a liquid known as
counteragent. After approximately six days, or 30 minutes if used at
once, Mr. Fawkes exhibits abnormal and irrational behavior. The
counteragent is the only means by which to reverse such behavior. On
many occasions, Mr. Fawkes has endeavored to stop our progress. Mr.
Fawkes must be stopped by any means necessary. Arnaud De Fõhn has
been `very' helpful in finding an end to the relationship with said
Agent Darien Fawkes.
Note: Michel Stark
Upon receiving information from my dear brother Jared the plan is all
set. Luther will do just fine. I spent some time with him and
Fawkes in prison a few years back. But to them I was known as Michel
or Hawk mostly. Fawkes crossed me one too many times. He was my
gopher in prison. I could get him to do just about anything as long
as I kept butch away from him. But I taught him a lesson when he
decided he didn't want to get rid of that kid, Gary. The kid was a
loser and had gotten in Luther's way anyway. So I can't understand
why Fawkes refused to get rid of the guy. It was easy I gave him the
means all he had to do was execute. But no, he got a conscience on
me. So I had Luther send him to big Butch. The guy gave him a
beating he wouldn't soon forget. Three weeks later he was released
from prison before I got a chance to see if he learned his lesson. I
guess he didn't because on his way out he goes and takes off with
Luther's Butterfinger. I guess Butch didn't teach him enough. This
last bit with my brother Jared was the last straw. Then I go and
find out that the kid goes and changes sides on me. . Now, I `really'
have to get Fawkes out of the way.
Project Details
Luther, Russell, Sam, Charlie, and Bridgett were sent to start the
beginnings of the takedown project.
Not to kill him, just to hurt him severely, make him bleed, and beg
for release. Give him some more then leave as quickly as they came.
Sam however, had other ideas and tried to cut out Luther my right
hand man in the project, so he thinks from the deal. He asked for
what he got.
Stephen and Bridgett will surely take care of the problem with Mr.
Fawkes while I take care of the problem with Russell and Luther.
Stephen looked up from his reading. It had went on to explain in
detail exactly what was to be done. Extensive details about the
gland, its eventual and subsequent removal and death of the host.
Counteragent and stage-5 counteragent and how to make it, which he
had no idea what the stuff was. It explained how they planned to
over throw the government and cleanse the world as he called it. Or
in other words, world domination.
Stephen could not believe what he was reading. He knew Michel was
cruel but thisâE¦ this was beyond anything he ever thought of. World
domination, yes they had already been told about that. But to be
confronted with the full details? Stephen knew how many he'd killed
himself. Now it was all there in front of him in full detail how he
had done all he had. He never thought about it before. He began to
hate what he had become. The clincher was Michel's plans for him and
Bridgett. Did Michel really think he would let him do that to them
without a fight? The answer was an emphatic no.
Stephen stood up hiding the file in his briefcase he thought he'd
show it to Bridgett when she got there. Then go from there. For now
they would have to go along for the ride. He walked over to the full-
length mirror. Looking at what he had become. He hated the person
he saw looking back at him. He wasn't a human being he was some kind
of sick ANIMAL!
"AAH!" Stephen screamed and punched the mirror in front of him.
"Well, that's seven years bad luck or something like that."
He didn't really care though. With all that he had done? He only
hoped Michel wouldn't be the one to pay him back for all of his
atrocities. Stephen thought that maybe Darien Fawkes would end up
being as worthy an opponent as he'd hoped and end this.
He knew he couldn't live with himself much longer. Even Bridgett had
been good at heart until he had gotten to her. Stephen lifted his
injured hand watching the blood drizzle down his knuckles. There was
a bruise forming between his first and second knuckles where a large
piece of glass was protruding from his hand. He fought back the
screams as he pulled the glass from his hand. Wrapping his hand
tightly, he left. Maybe i'll try to get some supplies from the
Keeper, he thought.
Upon arriving there, Claire instantly saw his hand. Even before he
even had time to hide it and she went quickly to work trying to
bandage it as best she could.
----------
Bobby and Fred pulled up in front of a house in the older section of
town in Hurricane. Walking up to the door, some guy poked a gun out
a small hole in the door. "Hold it right there, not another step!
Fred wasn't put off by this at all. Bobby however, had run into one
too many of these guys. They shoot first then ask questions later.
Bobby darted and ducked underneath an old beat up truck in the yard.
It looked like the guy had been trying to refurbish the thing. Fred
watched Bobby in pure amusement. "Hey my friend say a prayer for me
while you're down there just in case he shoots. I doubt that he will
but ya never know my friend ya never know."
"What?! You're actually going up there? You are so like Fawkes he'd
a done the same damn thing."
Fred paid no attention to Bobby's ranting and walked up to the porch.
"Hey Carlos is that any way to treat an old friend?"
"Fred? Freddy Vorton is that you?" The gun was quickly removed and
the door opened. Appearing before him was Carlos. He was a tall,
muscular body building type with short spiked black hair.
"Freddy, my man, I am `so' sorry man."
"Fred, are you honestly going to trust this guy?" Bobby asked coming
out from under the truck a bit put off by the man. After all, the
guy `did' just hold them both at gunpoint.
"Oh hey, Carlos this here is Bobby. I told you about him didn't I?"
Bobby stood brushing himself off he put out a hand reluctantly.
Carlos did in kind, but with more effort than Bobby at the gesture,
saying, nice meeting you and all of the other pleasantries.
"Yeah, I believe you `did' mention him my man! Why don't you come
inside and tell me what ya need huh Freddy?" The three entered the
house it was old but extremely well kept. You wouldn't know it from
the looks of the outside though. They sat in the living room. The
furniture was antique style, which went perfect with the rest of the
décor.
"So Freddy?" What is it you need that brings you away from the
lovely Genie?
"Oh, oh yeah! Bobby and I need a favor." Freddy went on explaining
the details while Carlos agreed he would make a few phone calls and
get the info they needed.
After returning Bobby and Fred entered the Lobby seeing Genie, Fred
abruptly ended the conversation and walked quickly to his lovely
wife's side. She ushered him out to the control room. "The
Official's on line for you."
"Me? Why not Bobby or Claire?" Genie shrugged leaving him alone to
his phone call.
----------
"Hey Fawkes!" Bobby said walking in on Darien's therapy session with
Claire. She looked at him with disgust. "Bobby!" He shrugged it
off and sat in the chair across the room.
"Hey Buddy, what's going on?" Darien asked.
"Oh nothin'. Fred and me just went to check on some sources to try
and get these guys. Since Alex ain't doing nothin'." That got him a
deadly glare but he didn't notice. "It would really help if you
could tell usâE¦" Claire shook her head in contempt at him.
Darien looked down and lost all conscious thought as the memories of
the nightmare of that night flooded his mind. Moments later he was
brought back to the present by another surge of pain. "Hey partner
where'd ya go?" Darien shook his head squinting at the pain Claire
was causing by her so-called therapy.
Once Claire was finished, Fred walked in the room.
"Excuse me, I'm afraid I have some bad news." All heads turned.
"I just received word from the Official that word from inside sources
are saying that Chrysalis is somehow involved. He also said that
your apartment building Mr. Fawkes..."
Fred had Darien's complete attention now. "What?! What happened to
my apartment?"
"The Official says the place burnt down last night they're pretty
sure it was arson. I'm really sorry Agent Fawkes, but your place is
gone."
"Aw Crap!" Darien exclaimed as he fell back to the bed and screamed
out in pain. Claire and Bobby ran to him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah partner, you okay?" Darien shook his head with Fred watching
the scene in amazement as to the closeness of these agents.
"Hobbes, they burnt my books, oh Hobbes my books I can't believe they
burned my BOOKS! My place I liked my place. My clothes what am I
gonna do for clothes?" Darien got very frightened and disoriented.
As he began to think of all that he had lost. Then it hit him that
all that he had left of his brother was gone now too. Or maybe not.
"Its okay Fawkes your clothes were a bit to be desired anyway. Now
Bobby Hobbes'll take care of ya there my friend." His words went
unheard as Claire gave Darien something to calm him. He had passed
out half way through Bobby's commentary.
"I'm sorry Bobby I'm afraid he didn't hear much of what you said."
"That's alright Claire at least we know the kids safe here with us."
Claire nodded to him and Fred and Bobby left the room to let Fawkes
rest.
=============
TBC
Disclaimer and notes on chapter one of this fic
Thanks to my beta reader, they know who they are. Thanks also to all
of you wonderful writers professional and fic writers who give me
inspiration.
The Storm Part 3
Stephen stood at the far end of Darien Fawkes' room, looking out the
tall bulletproof window in awe at the view. He looked down at
himself. He hadn't worn plaid for as long as he could remember.
But, plaid shirts and jeans is what his cover required. In all the
years he had worked for Michel, he always dressed in a black suit,
tie, and sunglasses. The sunglasses were made thermal about a year
agoâE¦no idea why though. However, they did help on covert missions he
and Bridgett pulled in the late hours of the night.
Stephen turned, looking at Darien's still sleeping form. "What had
Michel done to this man?" It didn't matter really, even `he' had
done this much and worse to people. That much even `he knew'. As
many as he had killed over the years it `really' didn't matter. To
Stephen, Fawkes was just another job to do or be killed doing it if
he failed.
Stephen had seen Darien's file a few days ago supplied by Michel.
Though it didn't say why the agency hired a criminal as an agent or
why he had been labeled as top secret, it did give Stephen a good
assumption about him. He would put up a good fight just as he had
with Sam. And that Fawkes was going to be a worthy opponent. If he
got through his current state in one piece that is. Stephen had no
idea however, why or what Michel wanted with Fawkes nor did he really
care all that much. To him he was money in the bank as soon as the
word came down to do whatever it was Michel wanted him to do.
Darien stirred slightly causing Stephen to come out of his daze.
He walked over to the bed placing his hands on the foot of Darien's
bed.
"Mr. Fawkes, Mr. Fawkes! Are you awake?" Stephen asked.
Darien opened his eyes slightly to the sound of the unknown voice.
He stared at the man in confusion. He thought maybe he had been
transferred to Fort Leavitt or something. But then, he remembered
Hobbes or someone saying something about a safe house just before he
passed out the last time. Nevertheless, he wasn't sure if it was
Fact or dream he's been so out of it, even `this' could be a dream.
Oh well, it didn't matter he was safe, or so he hoped, that's all
that `did' matter. Darien wouldn't have to be scared to death that
the next guy through the door was a continuation of his pain.
Darien nodded his head only causing a rush of pain to flow over him.
Stephen walked over and sat by Darien's bed. Stephen leaned over
grabbing Darien's arm trying to get his attention.
"Mr. Fawkes my name is Stephen Charles, head of security here at the
Gardens. It has been designated as a safe house. You're safe for
now as long as I'm in charge, your safety is my sole responsibility
sir.
Darien shook his head and tears ran down his face. Stephen stood up
and exited the room quickly. Motioning for another man to take his
place, he went quickly after Dr. Keeply.
Back in a small run-down Motel 6 just outside of LA
Russell was sitting on the bed in the motel in LA waiting for the go
on the safe house there. Luther was going over the hopeful time-
period for the plan when the phone rang. Russell looked at Luther
afraid it was the man. He was afraid of him, for good reason. But,
at least he had them out of that garbage slough the government called
a prison. Luther walked slowly to the phone, raising a finger to his
lips to keep Russell quiet.
Russell was okay, but he was a bit wired all the time. Luther knew
he was scared to death of Michel. Luther did time years back with
him, so he knew what he was capable of. Russell had every reason in
the world to be afraid of him. After what he did to Fawkes while he
was in prison that time? Well, let's just say that anybody would and
should be afraid of the guy. What Luther couldn't figure out was why
he wanted Fawkes so badly. He knew why `they' did. But this guy had
taken care of that in prison. Hadn't he? Luther had thought about
this in length in the last few days.
Luther picked up the receiver without saying a word.
"Luther, we have the whereabouts of Fawkes. I want you to hit the
safe house there when I give you the go ahead. Then go up to Ash
Creek when everything is in place there. Once there we get rid of
Fawkes for good.
"I thought we were getting Fawkes now while the trail's still warm
you know he could leave andâE¦wellâE¦ I thought he was here in LA? And
sir, if he's not here why are we hitting the safe house?"
"Luther, Luther, Luther don't you know by now that I have my own
agenda that has to be done precisely as I tell you, or it will NOT
work. I know where Fawkes is, don't you worry your head about that.
And Luther, we do want and need this plan of ours to work now don't
we?"
Luther just nodded while no words just grunts escaped his lips.
"Alright now, we need for the agency to think they've lost us. Let
them feel comfort in their new surroundings. Most of all we want
them to think we followed their decoy. Let them start getting too
comfortable. Then we'll hit them, and hit them hard. They won't
even `know' what hit them."
The line went dead as Luther hung up the phone. Walking back to the
bed he had been sitting on, he looked at Russell and shook his head.
Saying no, they would not be going after Fawkes just yet.
He was a bit put off by this. But, there was no way he would even
THINK of crossing Michel.
----------
Claire lay on the bed in her room. It happened to be adjacent to
Darien's room. She could hear the beeping from the monitors as she
lay there reading over test results. She had asked to have this room
so she `could' hear them. Only thing was she could not seem to get
any sleep because of them. Except for the few hours when she had
passed out on that most splendid overstuffed couch downstairs in the
lobby. She sat up on the bed, she wasn't sleeping anyway. As she
stood to go check on Darien for the tenth time in an hour, she heard
a knock on the door.
"Come in." She said not looking at the door as it opened. She
turned back to the bed and laid the reports she'd been looking over
down.
Stephen walked in startled that she was awake. He had told her not
more than fifteen minutes ago she needed to get some sleep. She
rubbed at her tired eyes putting on the appearance that she had done
as he had asked. But as Stephen looked passed her on the bed he knew
she had not. "What is it Stephen is something wrong?"
She had a look of worry steal across her face. "Oh! Oh no ma'am I
just came to tell you that he's awake. I thought you should know."
"Thank you Stephen. How long have you been on duty?"
"I'm always on duty ma'am. But I don't think I'm any more exhausted
than yourself ma'am."
"Yes, I suppose so, but you still should think about getting someâE¦"
Claire said cutting herself off, as she got distracted when she
walked through the door to Darien's room with Stephen following.
"I know ma'am I will don't worry you have enough to worry about as it
is ma'am. I've had Jon here" motioning to the short little man in
the corner. Who happened to be even shorter than Bobby, "take over
for me I need to go over security with agent Hobbes and director
Vorton, so if you'll excuse me ma'am I'll be out of your way."
"Stephen!" Claire said as he turned abruptly to leave.
"Please don't call me ma'am. Claire, that's my name. I would
appreciate it if you'd try to use it. Oh and please, please get some
rest you look like you need it.
"Yes âE¦ ClâE¦aire, ma'am. And I don't need to rest just yet ma'am,
but
as I said before ma'am don't worry, I will, soon."
Claire shook her head as she watched Stephen leave. How would she
ever get him to call her Claire and not that outlandish, old name she
hated so MA'AM! Ooh! Claire shuddered. She hated being called
that. Even when Bobby said it out of respect for her she was always
cringing inside. Claire was her name and everyone knew it now, so
why, why, WHY did they invariably continue to call her ma'am. Maybe
she would have to call them sir a few times and see how they liked
it. She thought as she walked over and picked up a clipboard.
The tranquilizer she had given Darien had knocked him out longer than
she thought it would.
How could all of this have happened? She wished she could talk to
Darien about it but he was just too weak and she was sure he was too
afraid to be able to get any real answers out of him.
Darien looked at her weakly, eyes droopy as she walked over to him
clipboard in hand.
"Darien, looks like we decided to wake up, feeling any better
today?" She asked as she slapped on a pair of gloves while holding
the clipboard under her arm.
He looked at her with quite the look of pure annoyance, and then he
rolled his head ever so slightly.
"Claire," he rasped, "really, how do you think I am. I can barely
talk, just moving my head causes so much pain you can't imagine. How
do you think I am? Man Claire, I'm just peachy!"
Claire shook her head and placed a hand on her hip. "Now Darien, I
know you're in a lot of discomfort right now. I wish we could have
prevented you from all of this, but there was nothing we could've
done, short of mind reading, and a miracle. I'm afraid I've ousted
those for quite some time now. But, what we can do is try to help
you get well. So why don't we just concentrate on that, shall we?"
He nodded his head and relaxed a bit then turned to ask her
something. Claire held up a hand. "Darien you really need to stay
quiet while I take your vitals and besides that you need your rest.
We need to start therapy soon so the more rest that you can get now
the better. When we do start therapy, you're going to wish you had
listened."
He tried again. "Claire, where are we?"
She looked at him shocked, then remembered he hadn't been told.
Besides, if he had been told he had been so out of it she doubted he
could've remembered anyway.
Claire walked over sitting by his bed she leaned in laying the
clipboard beside him on the bed.
"Darien, we're in Utah."
"I figured out that much, but where in Utah?"
"Ash Creek, its a little town just north of St. George. Actually, I
believe it's in a town called Toquerville, but the sign on the way up
said Ash Creek and that's where Bobby said it was. So I guessâE¦
wellâE¦
I don't really know. This place is a bed & breakfast that doubles as
some kind of spy agency. I don't know if Bobby ever told you about
Fred Vorton. But that's where we are, his place. Bobby seems to
think that Fred is some kind of miracle worker. He says Fred's one
of the best he's ever seen aside from himself. Then you of course."
"Yeah Claire, Bobby told me about Fred the day this all happened.
When we were on that stakeout the `fish' sent us on. That I might
add was a complete waste of time. The guy never showed. I doubt if
the he even lived there. I guess Bobby called, or maybe he didn't, I
can't remember. Anyway Hobbes told me all about the guy to try to
pass the time. Hey Claire!"
"Yes Darien?"
"Where is Bobby? I kinda wanted to talk to him and apologize for all
of this."
"Darien, there's really no need you'reâE¦"
Darien gave her a killer glare. "Where is he Claire?"
"If you must know he's out checking security for this place. I
believe your new body guard Stephen and Fred are showing him the
details. Now get some rest and let me work. You'll have plenty of
chances to apologize later, I'm sure."
Claire got up from the chair going back to her work at hand. In mid
stride she turned. "Darien, we `are' going to get whoever did this
to you." Claire said as she sat back down. It hurt so much to see
him like this. She had to ask what happened, but it was just too
soon and she knew that.
Claire closed her eyes fighting back the tears as a shaky, but
concerned hand came up to rest on the side of her face. As she
opened her eyes, she saw Darien's concerned face. "Everything, it's
âE¦ it's gonna be okay keep, you said it yourself. And keep, I know
you want me to tell you what happened âE¦ but âE¦ IâE¦ I can't, not
just
yet. Maybe soon but âE¦ just not yet I can't keep âE¦ I just can't."
Claire laid a tearful hand on his. Why did it all have to be like
this? She couldn't understand how he could be so kind, and
reassuring yet at the same time be so afraid and in so much
pain. "Darien you reallyâE¦"
As she began the hand on her cheek fell limply to the bed as Darien
fell unconscious yet again.
----------
Stephen had just finished going over details of security when Bobby
and Fred decided to go for a walk on the grounds in the late evening
hour.
Bobby walked along the line of trees on the far end of the grounds
coming to stop at a bench resting his hand against the back in an
effort to hold himself up. Fred motioned them to keep walking he
wanted to talk.
"Bobby, you said that guy in there was your partner."
"Yeah Freddy my friend, he is. Like I said, I would die for the kid
if I could. If it came to that. He's a good kid, better than
even `he' realizes sometimes I think."
"Okay Bobby, then tell me this âE¦ what happened? And, don't tell me
nothing because I know you, you saved `my' life more times than I can
count. Sometimes I wondered how you always figured it out and how
you were always there when I needed you. But then again so was I.
So come on Bobby, tell me âE¦ what happened my friend?"
"Oh Freddy," Bobby shook his head fighting the feeling of guilt that
had been creeping in on him. "I don't know I talked to you the other
night remember?"
"Yeah I remember, I told you to come up, bring your partner and get
away for a few days."
"Man Freddy, I took the kid home and there were no lights on like
there usually were. But it was raining good so I thought maybe the
storm had put the electricity out. But, Oh DAMMIT FREDDY! I should
have known. Why didn't I just go check it out Freddy why?"
"C'mon Bobby you can't blame yourself. Now tell me what happened?"
Bobby came to lean his back up against a big mulberry tree. Shaking
his head with arms folded across his chest. Fred walked over and
laid his hand along the side of the tree so to see Bobby's face.
Bobby started in. "I went home and had just gotten to sleep when he
called. He didn't say much just to get the Keep, Claire that is. He
said he couldn't do it himself and he needed our help then the line
went dead. I called Claire we met outside Darien's place. The storm
was getting pretty bad by now, the keep she was looking damn good
with her hair all wet aroundâE¦"
Fred laughed at this extra thought and commentary about Claire.
"What?! She looked nice alright."
"Okay!" Fred backed away a bit at Bobby's look. "Go on my friend."
"Anyway as I was saying. We went to his place there was blood on the
doorknob. There was only one light down the hall, and even that was
just crackling. So I decided we needed to get in as fast as we
could. It was pitch black in there. We found one guy unconscious on
the floor and Fawkes. I shoulda known man. He was crouched in the
shower with a baseball bat. The guy by the couch woke up and shot
me. We were lucky we even got outa there my friend. But we did. I
don't know how, but we did."
"Man! Bobby I didn't know I'm sorry man. How about you and I see
what we can find out and get these guys? I've got a few guys around
town with pretty good connections. You want me to see what they can
find out?"
Bobby nodded. "Yeah, but make sure they do it quietly. Any leak and
we're ALL dead. These guys are good, somehow they found out about
Claire's lab. They got in and wrecked the place."
"Why? Is it some big secret?" Fred asked confused.
"Well, I've already said too much but what I will say is that they
had to be pretty connected to know about her and her lab my friend,
pretty connected indeed."
Fred opened the door to the gazebo that doubled as a control center.
Bobby followed.
"Well, my friend I guess `we' better get started then."
----------
Stephen stood in front of the long mirror in his room. Picking up
his cell he dialed Michel.
"Michel, everything is going just as planned."
"Ah my boy, I knew you could do it. Bridgett will be coming up
soon. She's coming undercover as your sister charlotte. She'll have
your orders. When she arrives call this number let it ring the usual
number of times to let me know all is in place. The two bumbling so-
called criminals in LA will hit the safe house there. They will be
receiving a nice little surprise of their own. We won't have to
worry about them anymore after this. We'll see you when all of this
is over. If all goes according to plan you and Bridgett will be up
for a promotion."
"Thank you sir." Stephen said stiffly. He hung up the phone walking
to a chair in the far corner of the room he sank down into it. He
picked up the file in the drawer going over the plans. A file he
hadn't known he'd picked up or even seen for that matter fell to the
floor. Spotting it he picked it up and began to read.
TOP SECRET
Subject: Darien Fawkes
Note: Jared Stark
Mr. Fawkes has the ability to quicksilver rendering him invisible.
He has a leash however, in the form of a liquid known as
counteragent. After approximately six days, or 30 minutes if used at
once, Mr. Fawkes exhibits abnormal and irrational behavior. The
counteragent is the only means by which to reverse such behavior. On
many occasions, Mr. Fawkes has endeavored to stop our progress. Mr.
Fawkes must be stopped by any means necessary. Arnaud De Fõhn has
been `very' helpful in finding an end to the relationship with said
Agent Darien Fawkes.
Note: Michel Stark
Upon receiving information from my dear brother Jared the plan is all
set. Luther will do just fine. I spent some time with him and
Fawkes in prison a few years back. But to them I was known as Michel
or Hawk mostly. Fawkes crossed me one too many times. He was my
gopher in prison. I could get him to do just about anything as long
as I kept butch away from him. But I taught him a lesson when he
decided he didn't want to get rid of that kid, Gary. The kid was a
loser and had gotten in Luther's way anyway. So I can't understand
why Fawkes refused to get rid of the guy. It was easy I gave him the
means all he had to do was execute. But no, he got a conscience on
me. So I had Luther send him to big Butch. The guy gave him a
beating he wouldn't soon forget. Three weeks later he was released
from prison before I got a chance to see if he learned his lesson. I
guess he didn't because on his way out he goes and takes off with
Luther's Butterfinger. I guess Butch didn't teach him enough. This
last bit with my brother Jared was the last straw. Then I go and
find out that the kid goes and changes sides on me. . Now, I `really'
have to get Fawkes out of the way.
Project Details
Luther, Russell, Sam, Charlie, and Bridgett were sent to start the
beginnings of the takedown project.
Not to kill him, just to hurt him severely, make him bleed, and beg
for release. Give him some more then leave as quickly as they came.
Sam however, had other ideas and tried to cut out Luther my right
hand man in the project, so he thinks from the deal. He asked for
what he got.
Stephen and Bridgett will surely take care of the problem with Mr.
Fawkes while I take care of the problem with Russell and Luther.
Stephen looked up from his reading. It had went on to explain in
detail exactly what was to be done. Extensive details about the
gland, its eventual and subsequent removal and death of the host.
Counteragent and stage-5 counteragent and how to make it, which he
had no idea what the stuff was. It explained how they planned to
over throw the government and cleanse the world as he called it. Or
in other words, world domination.
Stephen could not believe what he was reading. He knew Michel was
cruel but thisâE¦ this was beyond anything he ever thought of. World
domination, yes they had already been told about that. But to be
confronted with the full details? Stephen knew how many he'd killed
himself. Now it was all there in front of him in full detail how he
had done all he had. He never thought about it before. He began to
hate what he had become. The clincher was Michel's plans for him and
Bridgett. Did Michel really think he would let him do that to them
without a fight? The answer was an emphatic no.
Stephen stood up hiding the file in his briefcase he thought he'd
show it to Bridgett when she got there. Then go from there. For now
they would have to go along for the ride. He walked over to the full-
length mirror. Looking at what he had become. He hated the person
he saw looking back at him. He wasn't a human being he was some kind
of sick ANIMAL!
"AAH!" Stephen screamed and punched the mirror in front of him.
"Well, that's seven years bad luck or something like that."
He didn't really care though. With all that he had done? He only
hoped Michel wouldn't be the one to pay him back for all of his
atrocities. Stephen thought that maybe Darien Fawkes would end up
being as worthy an opponent as he'd hoped and end this.
He knew he couldn't live with himself much longer. Even Bridgett had
been good at heart until he had gotten to her. Stephen lifted his
injured hand watching the blood drizzle down his knuckles. There was
a bruise forming between his first and second knuckles where a large
piece of glass was protruding from his hand. He fought back the
screams as he pulled the glass from his hand. Wrapping his hand
tightly, he left. Maybe i'll try to get some supplies from the
Keeper, he thought.
Upon arriving there, Claire instantly saw his hand. Even before he
even had time to hide it and she went quickly to work trying to
bandage it as best she could.
----------
Bobby and Fred pulled up in front of a house in the older section of
town in Hurricane. Walking up to the door, some guy poked a gun out
a small hole in the door. "Hold it right there, not another step!
Fred wasn't put off by this at all. Bobby however, had run into one
too many of these guys. They shoot first then ask questions later.
Bobby darted and ducked underneath an old beat up truck in the yard.
It looked like the guy had been trying to refurbish the thing. Fred
watched Bobby in pure amusement. "Hey my friend say a prayer for me
while you're down there just in case he shoots. I doubt that he will
but ya never know my friend ya never know."
"What?! You're actually going up there? You are so like Fawkes he'd
a done the same damn thing."
Fred paid no attention to Bobby's ranting and walked up to the porch.
"Hey Carlos is that any way to treat an old friend?"
"Fred? Freddy Vorton is that you?" The gun was quickly removed and
the door opened. Appearing before him was Carlos. He was a tall,
muscular body building type with short spiked black hair.
"Freddy, my man, I am `so' sorry man."
"Fred, are you honestly going to trust this guy?" Bobby asked coming
out from under the truck a bit put off by the man. After all, the
guy `did' just hold them both at gunpoint.
"Oh hey, Carlos this here is Bobby. I told you about him didn't I?"
Bobby stood brushing himself off he put out a hand reluctantly.
Carlos did in kind, but with more effort than Bobby at the gesture,
saying, nice meeting you and all of the other pleasantries.
"Yeah, I believe you `did' mention him my man! Why don't you come
inside and tell me what ya need huh Freddy?" The three entered the
house it was old but extremely well kept. You wouldn't know it from
the looks of the outside though. They sat in the living room. The
furniture was antique style, which went perfect with the rest of the
décor.
"So Freddy?" What is it you need that brings you away from the
lovely Genie?
"Oh, oh yeah! Bobby and I need a favor." Freddy went on explaining
the details while Carlos agreed he would make a few phone calls and
get the info they needed.
After returning Bobby and Fred entered the Lobby seeing Genie, Fred
abruptly ended the conversation and walked quickly to his lovely
wife's side. She ushered him out to the control room. "The
Official's on line for you."
"Me? Why not Bobby or Claire?" Genie shrugged leaving him alone to
his phone call.
----------
"Hey Fawkes!" Bobby said walking in on Darien's therapy session with
Claire. She looked at him with disgust. "Bobby!" He shrugged it
off and sat in the chair across the room.
"Hey Buddy, what's going on?" Darien asked.
"Oh nothin'. Fred and me just went to check on some sources to try
and get these guys. Since Alex ain't doing nothin'." That got him a
deadly glare but he didn't notice. "It would really help if you
could tell usâE¦" Claire shook her head in contempt at him.
Darien looked down and lost all conscious thought as the memories of
the nightmare of that night flooded his mind. Moments later he was
brought back to the present by another surge of pain. "Hey partner
where'd ya go?" Darien shook his head squinting at the pain Claire
was causing by her so-called therapy.
Once Claire was finished, Fred walked in the room.
"Excuse me, I'm afraid I have some bad news." All heads turned.
"I just received word from the Official that word from inside sources
are saying that Chrysalis is somehow involved. He also said that
your apartment building Mr. Fawkes..."
Fred had Darien's complete attention now. "What?! What happened to
my apartment?"
"The Official says the place burnt down last night they're pretty
sure it was arson. I'm really sorry Agent Fawkes, but your place is
gone."
"Aw Crap!" Darien exclaimed as he fell back to the bed and screamed
out in pain. Claire and Bobby ran to him. "Are you alright?"
"Yeah partner, you okay?" Darien shook his head with Fred watching
the scene in amazement as to the closeness of these agents.
"Hobbes, they burnt my books, oh Hobbes my books I can't believe they
burned my BOOKS! My place I liked my place. My clothes what am I
gonna do for clothes?" Darien got very frightened and disoriented.
As he began to think of all that he had lost. Then it hit him that
all that he had left of his brother was gone now too. Or maybe not.
"Its okay Fawkes your clothes were a bit to be desired anyway. Now
Bobby Hobbes'll take care of ya there my friend." His words went
unheard as Claire gave Darien something to calm him. He had passed
out half way through Bobby's commentary.
"I'm sorry Bobby I'm afraid he didn't hear much of what you said."
"That's alright Claire at least we know the kids safe here with us."
Claire nodded to him and Fred and Bobby left the room to let Fawkes
rest.
=============
TBC
