Chapter Three: The man who sold out Umbrella
Night time came out on the plaza with cathedral and church bells ringing. The night was lovely to say the least. The streetlights were nowhere near strong enough to cover the entire block. Traffic was heavy though, and the lights coming off of downtown fun spots eliminated the need for street lights altogether. Shadows of the masses of pedestrians seemed to disappear like ghosts until caught under the glowing rays of the signs on nearby clubs, all of them varying in color and appearance in ways more creative than one would ever have seen back in America. College students paraded and made fools of them selves as usual. They would rarely ever put down their Heinekens. They wore their university sweaters with pride. Some of the guys from the US were eyeing down the foreign prostitutes but they didn't have even half a chance not knowing the language or even having the money or status such as the big figures that the girls usually went with on this side of town. , though in Europe they sure as hell were prettier.
Hearing the big bass sounds of industrial music booming out of a passing jeep surprised the lone pedestrian at first. He used to think that it was strictly a downtown New York vibe but then again, things were jazzier up there. Kevin Grames would know because he moved up there years after his parents died. He grew up to know the big apple as well. Now he was out in Austria on some foreign exchange program that he wish was over by tomorrow. The college was still American so he wasn't getting a real feel for the differences between Europe and the US. He was a type of character who always wanted to see something new.
He was due for midterms in a week with so much to study that he missed half of the night's fun or even more but who knew if he even had enough money to get into the clubs anyway? He was always short, and was better off just getting a drink or two, then heading back to his room to get sleep. Rest was what he needed more of but the anxiety of missing out on a great night was just too much to leave alone.
Okay so that was a bullshit answer.
He didn't want to be out in the cold with only a light leather jacket, a thin sweater, and jeans loose enough to invite the cold through. He had to jog to keep warm.
The warmth of the bar on the corner was so welcoming that he decided he wasn't leaving. The place looked like your typical lodge. There were stuffed animal heads, the inside construction could be seen from the ceiling, and then there came the fireplace, drunk idiots yelling obscenities, and a hockey game on the tube. It made him feel right at home.
He slumped in his seat and asked for shots. Sure his body was young. He wasn't like a pirate always asking for the toughest thing the guy had in stock, neither did he randomly scream 'argh!' but back in Amarillo, his father had brought him up half-good, and half-bad. If his mother ever knew about the early drinking she would have slain the poor man, but there were a million things he was taught that she didn't know about. Still, the boy drank more responsibly than the old war veteran ever did.
He set down the mug and breathed out. Coming to this place made him feel like he was 'Neo' out of his favorite movie. Not because his clothes looked similar but it was the fact that he was led by a sign, and ordered to come here. The message that was given to him seemed rather important. Too intelligent for one of his prank causing roommates to ever think up by themselves since their handwriting looked more like ancient cuneiform.
The sign that he was supposed to be looking for was a bio-hazard tattoo. , done entirely in black. His 'contact'(as the letter put it) had 'top secret info' for him, and he was still thinking the whole time that perhaps some of his more literate school friends were sending him on some annoying scavenger hunt as usual. Perhaps in this case he didn't have to keep anyone waiting. Maybe he could return to sleep.
It wasn't like him turning down a person, and he never met a surprise that he couldn't handle.
Looking around at random faces got him antsy. He was supposed to ask this person for the time. Actually that was a piece of information he could really use since he knew some other people who were getting together to watch The Exorcist. Not that the movie mattered. He just wanted a girl to get scared, and cuddle on him, and perhaps some popcorn to go with it.
A few of the scraggly bearded, slick, evil eyed fishermen gave an offensive stare when they noticed Kevin looking.
" Whadya want?" They would say or "You'll be staring at my fist if you keep it up."
Not wanting to start any unnecessary fights, he backed off. His hands waving and his eyes wide. It would be nice if the contact was a beautiful woman. That would wake him up out of his drink no matter what. He was led to believe that he was the only loner on campus.
A good example was the pale faced girl who walked in, her hair in a lovely weave. The way the silver dress exposed her body really put a chill down his back as he tried to mind his own business. All her accessories glimmering off her body, and she was actually coming up nearby when he thought the girl was joining up with a bunch sophisticated looking friends over at another table. Those magazine looking figures apparently weren't her interest, but she looked very 'magazine'.
"Okay. Know your role and don't say dumb shit." Kevin whispered to himself. He pretended he was an academy award actor for a few minutes.
"Time.time..time.. Where'd I put that watch?" He began looking all around his area. He felt a nervous jolt as he discovered who was sitting next to him, trying to act as though she wasn't paying attention by talking with the bartender. Yeah. Real smooth.
"Excuse me miss. You happen to know the time?"
She sounded like she was from back home, and twice as fine as anyone he'd seen in Europe.
"Yeah?...Oh I'm sorry. 11:45 sir."
Bam. There it was. Friggin A. Looks like the night was going his way. Do your homework and God would provide the rest was the lesson of the night..
"There's never a clock when you need one. This place is so timeless."
"I know." She raised her eyebrows in agreement while downing scotches. "But still it's not all that bad forgetting the time every now and then, and forgetting all your obligations with it."
So his buddies had set him up with a looker. Wasn't that thoughtful of them? Some special meeting.
"All right then. Sine this entire town is gone mad like a dance where every one else has found their partner how bout we forget our obligations somewhere else." His eyes hinting that he noticed the bio hazard symbol, but why all those arches scribbled on the side of her arm was so significant, he really didn't know. He pointed out the window to the insane post teenage sex fest that rampage all over the street. His mind hoping inside with the words
(Come on! Say yes!...I won already. Now say yess DAMNIT!) He thought.
"Well normally I would but I'm not sure if a child like you is ready
(Come on! I want some goodies before bed already!) He thought then responded
"Thank you for complimenting on my fresh youth now come on."
"Hmmm." She pretended to ponder. Holding back a laugh
"I've got a lot of movies. There's a 75 percent chance I've got some of your favorites."
"What else?"
"Good food, and no TV dinners. How bout that?"
"How bout my place?"
"No problem there." It was that easy. They were off chatting along the way as they got into his car.
The clock struck 1:00 in her apartment. After fooling around and undoing clothes, they were in the showers when the phone rang countless times.
Mean while on the streets of Vienna..
"Damn Regina...Tracey... Pick up the phone woman." Trent whispered
Back in her apartment.
"You got soap in my eye." She laughed
"Say uh.you hear a ringing or something?"
"Nope." She shook her head and they continued washing each other
(Back in the alley)
"Children." Trent sighed "I'd better give them another 45 minutes."
Minutes later.
She was fast asleep on the bed Kevin combed back his hair, fiddling around and regretting the fact that she'd gotten that killer perfume on him. What would the guys think? At least she was out of it.
He knew it wasn't right for him to answer her phone for her. What if she had a boyfriend and he heard his voice? But she was fast asleep. The night went so well. Why bother her?
"Kevin Grames?" came the stern man's voice
" Kunder? Is that you?"
"No One of your Austrian friends I take it?"
" Then who might I ask is calling me? You a stalker or something?"
" Kevin what's wrong with you? It's me."
" Me who?"
" Trent."
When he heard that name go off in his head, he was very close to almost zipping his jeans right over his 'manhood.' It couldn't be him.
Hadn't seen the guy for years. His last transmission was a very important one. He told the boy that he had to forget about all the agent work and go back to school. That his troubles were over. Especially with Umbrella.
He'd been taught at the age of seven how use his eye like that of an eagle. The police recruiter said that Grames had the best aim he'd seen for miles, that he might as well've joined a professional team. He never missed a shot in his life.
Acquiring other important forms of knowledge came easy when he found his niche even though it was to shoot and kill for pay. Such a thing wasn't marketable obviously until that day Uncle Trent found out the kid didn't make the HBT team for a dumb reason, and he did the craziest thing ever.
He advised his boss, the CEO and president of Umbrella, and manager of BioWeapon development to throw the youngest blood he'd ever seen on the Umbrella Crisis Affairs assassin team.
Ada Wong and the man codenamed Hunk were the greatest of this elite union. Living with them, made Kevin realize that these people didn't investigate, play spy or kill for breakfast all their lives. They were actually the most human people he'd ever seen in his life. They were tough nails at first and they disregarded him because he was a kid, but on the day Ada left for her mission to Raccoon, he saw her crying in her room
Flashback
" Tough shit huh? I could never go on a mission like you. Lady you've got guts." " I've been an Umbrella whore for a decade Kevin. But you..you'll leave someday." She whispered in his ear hugging him. He really didn't see what all the emotion was about but he accepted it. Hunk told the boy almost the same thing. That he wanted him to go back to school. The guy almost sounded like his father.
"Sorry. I guess I lost it for awhile. It sounds like you."
Flashback end.
"Kevin." The voice sounded somewhat desperate. " I want you to listen. This is very important. You know how you always wanted your big opportunity? This is it?"
" My opportunity?"
Flashback
He was back on the old Ranch, spitting out fire with an old, dusty toy training piece at armed electronic targets. The bullets were simply toy but he proved well even without the help of faster bullets. He swore to Trent as he came over to watch him and friends that he would be his next hitman.
"Children shouldn't speak of such things. What's wrong with you?"
" If I was a better kid maybe, but this is all I am. All I know. The rest of you guys got a better future. I'm just a good shooter. So what'll it be boss?"
Trent just walked away.
Flashback end.
The box came through the door it was labeled 'gear.'
" My men have already packed and cleared out your side of the dorm."
" But how?"
" We have our ways."
It was all happening faster than he could comprehend. All he knew was that he had his chance. He knew the procedure. He'd get a private briefing. Most likely on the phone right then, and he'd have the night to prepare. His heart beating madly. Finally his time had come. Why didn't he join the military? He liked his long hair, and the police force he would've gone on didn't care as long as it stayed a ponytail.
Regina Wesker still didn't wake up from the bed. Trent had also informed him of who this woman was. Never seen her but he knew who her father was. Apparently, what ever the guy had planned it must've been serious that he had to involve a Wesker in his ordeals. Kevin tiptoed over to the box. He'd miss midterms of course but something even greater awaited him. He had a warrior's heart, and it went unused for so many years.
Approaching the door he grabbed it and slipped back in the bathroom. Star sixty nining Trent and waiting for details.
Reading about the incidents in Raccoon struck him deeply. As a part of Umbrella, he found out everything, that was back when they trusted him.
Hearing that this act of betrayal against his father corporation was his mission was the scariest thing put into his ears, but it was also somewhat exciting.
He even imagined it happening. He'd be hiding in the bushes. His line of sight clear, and aimed directly at the office, through the window. It'd be night time. The person would be at his desk. The American government would be on his back. So would Trent. The head would dissapear in a puff of pink as his Walther would go off in the night more silent than a mouse. The guards would go running around crazy through the woods.
President of the corrupt Umbrella organization Eddie Spencer would be buried headless, and it was his job to make it happen before the madman who was truly behind the massive virus deployment and development of undead weapons for his own personal uses started an upset that the world would regret for years to come.
Night time came out on the plaza with cathedral and church bells ringing. The night was lovely to say the least. The streetlights were nowhere near strong enough to cover the entire block. Traffic was heavy though, and the lights coming off of downtown fun spots eliminated the need for street lights altogether. Shadows of the masses of pedestrians seemed to disappear like ghosts until caught under the glowing rays of the signs on nearby clubs, all of them varying in color and appearance in ways more creative than one would ever have seen back in America. College students paraded and made fools of them selves as usual. They would rarely ever put down their Heinekens. They wore their university sweaters with pride. Some of the guys from the US were eyeing down the foreign prostitutes but they didn't have even half a chance not knowing the language or even having the money or status such as the big figures that the girls usually went with on this side of town. , though in Europe they sure as hell were prettier.
Hearing the big bass sounds of industrial music booming out of a passing jeep surprised the lone pedestrian at first. He used to think that it was strictly a downtown New York vibe but then again, things were jazzier up there. Kevin Grames would know because he moved up there years after his parents died. He grew up to know the big apple as well. Now he was out in Austria on some foreign exchange program that he wish was over by tomorrow. The college was still American so he wasn't getting a real feel for the differences between Europe and the US. He was a type of character who always wanted to see something new.
He was due for midterms in a week with so much to study that he missed half of the night's fun or even more but who knew if he even had enough money to get into the clubs anyway? He was always short, and was better off just getting a drink or two, then heading back to his room to get sleep. Rest was what he needed more of but the anxiety of missing out on a great night was just too much to leave alone.
Okay so that was a bullshit answer.
He didn't want to be out in the cold with only a light leather jacket, a thin sweater, and jeans loose enough to invite the cold through. He had to jog to keep warm.
The warmth of the bar on the corner was so welcoming that he decided he wasn't leaving. The place looked like your typical lodge. There were stuffed animal heads, the inside construction could be seen from the ceiling, and then there came the fireplace, drunk idiots yelling obscenities, and a hockey game on the tube. It made him feel right at home.
He slumped in his seat and asked for shots. Sure his body was young. He wasn't like a pirate always asking for the toughest thing the guy had in stock, neither did he randomly scream 'argh!' but back in Amarillo, his father had brought him up half-good, and half-bad. If his mother ever knew about the early drinking she would have slain the poor man, but there were a million things he was taught that she didn't know about. Still, the boy drank more responsibly than the old war veteran ever did.
He set down the mug and breathed out. Coming to this place made him feel like he was 'Neo' out of his favorite movie. Not because his clothes looked similar but it was the fact that he was led by a sign, and ordered to come here. The message that was given to him seemed rather important. Too intelligent for one of his prank causing roommates to ever think up by themselves since their handwriting looked more like ancient cuneiform.
The sign that he was supposed to be looking for was a bio-hazard tattoo. , done entirely in black. His 'contact'(as the letter put it) had 'top secret info' for him, and he was still thinking the whole time that perhaps some of his more literate school friends were sending him on some annoying scavenger hunt as usual. Perhaps in this case he didn't have to keep anyone waiting. Maybe he could return to sleep.
It wasn't like him turning down a person, and he never met a surprise that he couldn't handle.
Looking around at random faces got him antsy. He was supposed to ask this person for the time. Actually that was a piece of information he could really use since he knew some other people who were getting together to watch The Exorcist. Not that the movie mattered. He just wanted a girl to get scared, and cuddle on him, and perhaps some popcorn to go with it.
A few of the scraggly bearded, slick, evil eyed fishermen gave an offensive stare when they noticed Kevin looking.
" Whadya want?" They would say or "You'll be staring at my fist if you keep it up."
Not wanting to start any unnecessary fights, he backed off. His hands waving and his eyes wide. It would be nice if the contact was a beautiful woman. That would wake him up out of his drink no matter what. He was led to believe that he was the only loner on campus.
A good example was the pale faced girl who walked in, her hair in a lovely weave. The way the silver dress exposed her body really put a chill down his back as he tried to mind his own business. All her accessories glimmering off her body, and she was actually coming up nearby when he thought the girl was joining up with a bunch sophisticated looking friends over at another table. Those magazine looking figures apparently weren't her interest, but she looked very 'magazine'.
"Okay. Know your role and don't say dumb shit." Kevin whispered to himself. He pretended he was an academy award actor for a few minutes.
"Time.time..time.. Where'd I put that watch?" He began looking all around his area. He felt a nervous jolt as he discovered who was sitting next to him, trying to act as though she wasn't paying attention by talking with the bartender. Yeah. Real smooth.
"Excuse me miss. You happen to know the time?"
She sounded like she was from back home, and twice as fine as anyone he'd seen in Europe.
"Yeah?...Oh I'm sorry. 11:45 sir."
Bam. There it was. Friggin A. Looks like the night was going his way. Do your homework and God would provide the rest was the lesson of the night..
"There's never a clock when you need one. This place is so timeless."
"I know." She raised her eyebrows in agreement while downing scotches. "But still it's not all that bad forgetting the time every now and then, and forgetting all your obligations with it."
So his buddies had set him up with a looker. Wasn't that thoughtful of them? Some special meeting.
"All right then. Sine this entire town is gone mad like a dance where every one else has found their partner how bout we forget our obligations somewhere else." His eyes hinting that he noticed the bio hazard symbol, but why all those arches scribbled on the side of her arm was so significant, he really didn't know. He pointed out the window to the insane post teenage sex fest that rampage all over the street. His mind hoping inside with the words
(Come on! Say yes!...I won already. Now say yess DAMNIT!) He thought.
"Well normally I would but I'm not sure if a child like you is ready
(Come on! I want some goodies before bed already!) He thought then responded
"Thank you for complimenting on my fresh youth now come on."
"Hmmm." She pretended to ponder. Holding back a laugh
"I've got a lot of movies. There's a 75 percent chance I've got some of your favorites."
"What else?"
"Good food, and no TV dinners. How bout that?"
"How bout my place?"
"No problem there." It was that easy. They were off chatting along the way as they got into his car.
The clock struck 1:00 in her apartment. After fooling around and undoing clothes, they were in the showers when the phone rang countless times.
Mean while on the streets of Vienna..
"Damn Regina...Tracey... Pick up the phone woman." Trent whispered
Back in her apartment.
"You got soap in my eye." She laughed
"Say uh.you hear a ringing or something?"
"Nope." She shook her head and they continued washing each other
(Back in the alley)
"Children." Trent sighed "I'd better give them another 45 minutes."
Minutes later.
She was fast asleep on the bed Kevin combed back his hair, fiddling around and regretting the fact that she'd gotten that killer perfume on him. What would the guys think? At least she was out of it.
He knew it wasn't right for him to answer her phone for her. What if she had a boyfriend and he heard his voice? But she was fast asleep. The night went so well. Why bother her?
"Kevin Grames?" came the stern man's voice
" Kunder? Is that you?"
"No One of your Austrian friends I take it?"
" Then who might I ask is calling me? You a stalker or something?"
" Kevin what's wrong with you? It's me."
" Me who?"
" Trent."
When he heard that name go off in his head, he was very close to almost zipping his jeans right over his 'manhood.' It couldn't be him.
Hadn't seen the guy for years. His last transmission was a very important one. He told the boy that he had to forget about all the agent work and go back to school. That his troubles were over. Especially with Umbrella.
He'd been taught at the age of seven how use his eye like that of an eagle. The police recruiter said that Grames had the best aim he'd seen for miles, that he might as well've joined a professional team. He never missed a shot in his life.
Acquiring other important forms of knowledge came easy when he found his niche even though it was to shoot and kill for pay. Such a thing wasn't marketable obviously until that day Uncle Trent found out the kid didn't make the HBT team for a dumb reason, and he did the craziest thing ever.
He advised his boss, the CEO and president of Umbrella, and manager of BioWeapon development to throw the youngest blood he'd ever seen on the Umbrella Crisis Affairs assassin team.
Ada Wong and the man codenamed Hunk were the greatest of this elite union. Living with them, made Kevin realize that these people didn't investigate, play spy or kill for breakfast all their lives. They were actually the most human people he'd ever seen in his life. They were tough nails at first and they disregarded him because he was a kid, but on the day Ada left for her mission to Raccoon, he saw her crying in her room
Flashback
" Tough shit huh? I could never go on a mission like you. Lady you've got guts." " I've been an Umbrella whore for a decade Kevin. But you..you'll leave someday." She whispered in his ear hugging him. He really didn't see what all the emotion was about but he accepted it. Hunk told the boy almost the same thing. That he wanted him to go back to school. The guy almost sounded like his father.
"Sorry. I guess I lost it for awhile. It sounds like you."
Flashback end.
"Kevin." The voice sounded somewhat desperate. " I want you to listen. This is very important. You know how you always wanted your big opportunity? This is it?"
" My opportunity?"
Flashback
He was back on the old Ranch, spitting out fire with an old, dusty toy training piece at armed electronic targets. The bullets were simply toy but he proved well even without the help of faster bullets. He swore to Trent as he came over to watch him and friends that he would be his next hitman.
"Children shouldn't speak of such things. What's wrong with you?"
" If I was a better kid maybe, but this is all I am. All I know. The rest of you guys got a better future. I'm just a good shooter. So what'll it be boss?"
Trent just walked away.
Flashback end.
The box came through the door it was labeled 'gear.'
" My men have already packed and cleared out your side of the dorm."
" But how?"
" We have our ways."
It was all happening faster than he could comprehend. All he knew was that he had his chance. He knew the procedure. He'd get a private briefing. Most likely on the phone right then, and he'd have the night to prepare. His heart beating madly. Finally his time had come. Why didn't he join the military? He liked his long hair, and the police force he would've gone on didn't care as long as it stayed a ponytail.
Regina Wesker still didn't wake up from the bed. Trent had also informed him of who this woman was. Never seen her but he knew who her father was. Apparently, what ever the guy had planned it must've been serious that he had to involve a Wesker in his ordeals. Kevin tiptoed over to the box. He'd miss midterms of course but something even greater awaited him. He had a warrior's heart, and it went unused for so many years.
Approaching the door he grabbed it and slipped back in the bathroom. Star sixty nining Trent and waiting for details.
Reading about the incidents in Raccoon struck him deeply. As a part of Umbrella, he found out everything, that was back when they trusted him.
Hearing that this act of betrayal against his father corporation was his mission was the scariest thing put into his ears, but it was also somewhat exciting.
He even imagined it happening. He'd be hiding in the bushes. His line of sight clear, and aimed directly at the office, through the window. It'd be night time. The person would be at his desk. The American government would be on his back. So would Trent. The head would dissapear in a puff of pink as his Walther would go off in the night more silent than a mouse. The guards would go running around crazy through the woods.
President of the corrupt Umbrella organization Eddie Spencer would be buried headless, and it was his job to make it happen before the madman who was truly behind the massive virus deployment and development of undead weapons for his own personal uses started an upset that the world would regret for years to come.