Author's Note: Things are getting pretty dangerous in Japan for the UNCLE
agents! This was a fun chapter to right, hope you like it!
Part Seven: "Mission Gets Deadly."
"Where do we go from here?" asked the outgoing Tanya.
Illya, April, and I had made it to the hotel in time and arrived in Illya's room to find everyone waiting. We were now discussing our mission. Napoleon, Dick, and Mark were sitting on the couch with Illya standing behind them. They were all wearing suits except taken their jackets off, revealing their shoulder holsters. April and Sylvia were sitting on chairs at opposite ends of the coffee table in front of the couch. While Tanya and I were sitting on the bed facing the couch, Maiko was sitting Japanese style on floor, right in between the bed and the coffee table.
Mark answered Tanya's question. "Illya will go meet this mystery informant and find out where the money is being kept right now. Probably from a THRUSH satrap. We'll just go in and browse through their main computer banks and see if we can find out who the double agent is."
"Right, and scare off the double agent, whoever he is," April said sardonically.
"She's right," Napoleon said before Mark could speak. "We don't want to lose this double agent. I think we should first go check out that address we found out about. It was an abandoned warehouse in the suburbs, right?"
Everyone besides Illya, April, and I confirmed that statement.
"OK, so Illya will go meet his informant with April and Danielle, while the rest of us get ready. Probably at midnight tonight we'll go to the warehouse. Sylvia, arrange for transportation and a base of operations."
With that the meeting was adjourned. It was a few minutes to 1:00 so with my team we rushed to meet Jane.
**********
A few minutes after the designated time we saw Jane coming towards us. We exchanged hellos and then she went right to business.
"I assume that you're here to meet my father."
We all nodded. "Do you have a car? I walked here."
"We do have a car parked downstairs." Illya went to get the car while the rest of us waited outside. In the few minutes for Illya to come, I was able to get to know Jane a little more. It was obvious that though she was half Japanese and American, she was more American by the way she talked and acted. Japanese people were by nature a bit more subdued and not that outspoken while she was very bright, cheerful, and talkative.
Illya arrived to pick us up and we all piled into the car. It was a very quiet ride with Jane giving us directions. We did not have to travel very far, only about ten minutes, when Jane said to stop the car. "Well, here we are. Let me remind you that I'm not the most perfect of house keepers."
We were right in front of an old Japanese, two-story house which had a small garden in front with small Japanese bonsai trees and flowers. It would have been a very nice and peaceful garden if not for the next door houses so close to the sides of the house.
She led us inside and we were a little surprised when Jane took off her shoes and offered us slippers. I remembered that in Japanese homes people took off their shoes in their homes. The other UNCLE agents and I took off our shoes, put on the slippers and followed her across a narrow hallway. She opened a sliding door and beckoned us to go inside. What I found inside that room was not at all what I expected.
Instead of the traditional Japanese interior as I had expected, inside I found myself in a very up-to-date office. There was a big desk with a computer and stacks of paper on it and a huge file cabinet taking up the whole side of the left wall. Someone was working at the desk, his face behind a file.
"Father?" Jane called.
The man looked up. He was definitely of Japanese descent, in his late 50's, had black hair with streaks of gray, and black almond eyes. The look of his face when he saw us was one of utter astonishment. His face then changed from astonishment to happiness.
"Illya, it's you!"
"It's been a long time."
It was then I noticed that Mr. Moriyama was in wheelchair when he came around the desk to shake Illya's hand. He was definitely not what I expected.
The man finally took notice of April and me. "Oh, ladies. Do pardon me, I've forgotten my manners, and in such lovely company. I am Takeyoshi Moriyama. Who might you be?"
"I am April Dancer, UNCLE agent," April said, putting her hand out in which Mr. Moriyama took into a hearty handshake.
"And I am Danielle Leona, also an UNCLE agent," I also replied in the same manner by shaking hands with our informant.
Moriyama's eyes twinkled as he joked with Illya, "It is very unlike you Illya to be with a beautiful lady, let alone two such beautiful ladies!"
Illya seemed a trifle embarrassed and tried to get back to the reason they came. "They are working with me on a mission."
Moriyama became serious. "Then I would like to hear all about it since I'm somehow involved in this matter. I take it this is not a social call then?"
"Though I wish."
"Then please follow me to the dining room. There we can talk." He led us out of the office to the room which was right next door. It was very spacious even with the dining table and chairs so Moriyama was able to maneuver around even with the handicap of being in a wheelchair. I was impressed by his quickness and agility with his wheelchair. "Please everyone take a seat. Jane will bring some tea for us."
Jane disappeared for a moment and in a few moments returned with a tray. She placed some Japanese green tea in front of all of our seats. I reached over to taste mine. It was very strong and hot, but strangely enough I liked it. I took another sip and listened Illya and his old friend talk.
"I'll get right to business now, Takeyoshi. UNCLE knows that you're involved in some sort of spy network for the Japan secret police."
"Yes, though I trust you'll keep this to yourselves. This information is strictly confidential," replied the Japanese man after a moment.
"And not just involved, you're also one of the people who began the program."
"I'm pretty proud of that." He looked over at April. "Doesn't seem that way does it, me handicapped and all." She flushed.
"I wasn't born handicapped actually. When I was a young man, I started working as your regular policeman, then I went up in ranks, even became an officer." He took a sip of his tea. "One day, a man came to me, said that he's been watching me and asked if I would like to work with the Japan secret police. I immediately took him up on his offer. So it was like that for a few years when I met Illya here, about ten years ago." He glanced at Illya and gave him a smile. "He was just a young pup then, just started working for UNCLE."
Illya looked a little uncomfortable, I guess about talking about his past. Ten years ago, that mean Illya would have been around. his early 20s. I was surprised to find out how young Illya had been.
"UNCLE and the Japanese government were working together to try to stop THRUSH from starting their operations here in Japan. We found their main satrap and though we captured most of the agents, some escaped, even dropping a little present for us, a bomb." He paused for a moment, then continued. "I was hurt pretty badly, the ceiling came down and a piece of hit my back, which is why I cannot use my legs." He gave a sad smile at Illya. "Thankfully you were there to help me. Now it is my turn to help you. What can I do for you."
Illya hesitated then gave the whole account to his friend about them looking for a double agent. "We were wondering if the Japanese secret police has any reports of THRUSH activity in this area."
Moriyama was a silent for a moment then spoke to Jane in Japanese. She nodded then left the room, returning a few minutes later with a file in her hand which she gave to Illya. While he scanned what was inside Moriyama explained. "Yes, there had been some THRUSH activity, in Yokohama. Small things, like some unexplained killings, methods used by THRUSH. You don't want to know the details. We've also intercepted many communications from around this area to all over the world, possibly to other THRUSH installations. Of course we couldn't decode the messages and we have sent them all to UNCLE headquarters. That's all we know."
The Russian agent took all this information in and just nodded to the Japanese man. "Well, please. If you have any more information to give, be sure to contact UNCLE headquarters. We'll be here till this whole mess is sorted out."
I didn't have a chance to ask any more questions because just then Illya announced that we had to leave. We left the house, promising to visit before we left, were on our way back to the hotel.
**********
I checked my watch for what must have been the 5th time. *10:52*. Still not time yet. I looked over to April who was calmly cleaning her gun. She was dressed just as I was, all in black. In a few minutes we would be leaving to case out the warehouse, hopefully to find out who the double agent was. Nervous as I was, I asked to join the team who would be actually infiltrating the warehouse. Masahiro would be at UNCLE headquarters ready to send in a back up team anytime while Dick and Sylvie would be outside the warehouse in case of an emergency. The plan was well laid and everything should go smoothly.
There was a knock at the door which April went to answer after putting her gun back into her holster.
"All ready?" Patrick asked outside the door. We gave an affirmative then we got our coats. In a few minutes we were out the door into the cab awaiting us.
**********
By the time it was a half an hour to midnight, we were all assembled at our destination with all our equipment ready. Those of us who were going into the abandoned place were ready and armed a few meters from the warehouse. Dick and Sylvie were at the road guarding our truck. I glanced around at the other agents who all appeared to be without fear. I whispered over to Illya, "How do you do that?"
"What?"
"Appear to be so calm?"
"Appearances can be deceiving," Illya joked then replied grimly, "Lots of practice."
I was silent after that. *Lots of practice? Well, I don't have lots of practice.* I took out the piece of paper in my pocket which had the layout of the building. I asked again to Illya, "I guess you've already memorized the layout." He gave an almost imperceptible nod. Just as I thought.
*Ok. Two stories with two main entrances in the front and back. The backside of the building has most of the offices while the area around the middle is where they had storage. Lots of corridors.* Just then Napoleon gave the signal to move in. We separated, a few of us to go in through one of the back entrances, the others to go through the front.
As I reached the back door I surveyed the alarm system. *Piece of cake,* I thought with satisfaction and got to work. In a few moments with a few deft cuts with the wire cutters here and there, the security system was disabled for that door. I gestured for Mark, April, and Maiko to go in first. I reached for my gun and checked to make sure the safety catch was off. I sure hoped that I wouldn't have to use it.
There seemed to be no one inside the building. We three strained to try to hear anything out of the ordinary, but we could hear nothing. I tried to relax my grip on my gun, but my arm was like lead. I willed myself to concentrate on the matter at hand, to stop THRUSH from their operations here and to find out who the illusive double agent was.
Feeling it was safe, Mark said we could shine our flashlights. Our lights did make the seeing much better but didn't take away the gloom which seemed to surround the place. Mark was looking at his watch. "They should be inside through the front by now. Let's keep on going. Well, which way do we go?" We agreed on going down one of the corridors which went alongside one of the shorter sides of the building.
The place was in a terribly mess, obviously stating that the place wasn't in use anymore. Dust was everywhere and wherever we stepped a little dust kicked up. We checked each of the doors which were all on one side of the corridor. Stepping into each one, it was all the same. A few desks and chairs with maybe a few items here and there. As we stepped into one of the last rooms, April suddenly stopped. "This is getting us nowhere. Why don't we double back and go towards the entrance and see if Napoleon and his group have found anything."
I stop my searching of the desk which was of course bare of anything. "Couldn't we just contact them with are communicators?"
"Too dangerous. If they're anywhere nearby THRUSH agents, alerting their whereabouts is not a good idea." Maiko did have a point about that. "Besides, let's keep going on this track. I'm sure they're fine."
The rest of the members looked at Mark who was in charge of our group. "OK, let's keep going ahead." We continued our search. On our way out, April came up beside me.
"Do you have this strange feeling that something's wrong?" she asked. I bit my lip. Actually, I had been thinking about the same thing. So it was not only I who thought something was wrong.
Just then someone shouted into my radio, "It's a trap!" The sound of gunfire then an explosion followed, the crackle of static, then silence. We all looked at each other. As if on cue we all started running back out of the corridor to head for the entrance with Mark yelling out orders to us.
"They've probably run into some trouble! Spread out more and try to get whatever cover you get, all right?" He didn't wait for an answer as he got out his communicator and called Dick to get back up. I was in a state of panic. While running I was thinking, *Oh, no! Patrick is there! And everyone else . I hope we're not too late.*
My thoughts were interrupted as something exploded in front of us. My hand came out automatically to cover my face and the blast slammed me backwards. Falling hard flat on my back I remembered my training and curled up my body to protect my head. After the dust began to settle, I was finally able to breathe normally. After the deafening roar of the explosion, the quietness was just as terrifying. I assessed my physical condition. *Not really hurt, I'll probably have numerous bruises tomorrow. And a gigantic headache. what about the others.?* I shakily got up on my feet.
I went over to April who was kneeling over Mark. I got down beside her and asked, "How is he."
Mark gave a weak smile. "Just got the wind knocked out of me, give me a minute. I'm fine. And you?" April was in the same condition as I was though she had been hit on the head by a small piece of flying debris. Even though it was bleeding a bit April insisted that she was all right. We helped Mark up and looked around us to make sure everyone else was all right. Maiko had gotten out of the ordeal safe except for a few bruises since she was behind me. I was a little disturbed though by the way the senior British agent was limping but since he didn't remark upon it, I remained silent.
The explosion had brought the whole ceiling down so we were blocked from both our entrance and exit. Mark remarked grimly, "It was a trap. They were waiting for us all along. How do we get out of here?" April remarked that most all of the offices had windows so we headed for the nearest one. I picked up my gun which I had dropped, checked to make sure it was in working order, and then followed the others.
Despite our slight injuries a new determination seemed to be instilled in us because of the mishap. Since the windows had been boarded up, I dug out some plastic explosives. While the others got the explosives ready and April contacted Dick, I was thinking. *We're taking too long. The others can't hold out if there are too many THRUSH agents.* Finally the window was blown apart providing entry out. Tanya cut off her signal. "Dick has called for reinforcements. They should be here in 30 minutes or so." *30 minutes. that just might be too long. *
Climbing out of the window one by one we raced along the perimeter of the building. *It's too quiet. It's just too quiet.* Getting to the entrance I saw that the security system was shut off. I remarked it was safe to go in. Entering into the building, I felt a chill at the back of my neck. April whispered, "I hear something upstairs, something like. silenced gunshots." It was then I heard the sounds, too.
"Head towards the stairs, but stay behind me", ordered Mark. At the top of the stairs we faced a long corridor. Following the sounds, I could hear the sounds coming from the storage rooms. Remembering the layout, I knew that this storage room was separated into two huge rooms, five doors. Two doors into both rooms from the corridor, another two doors from each going out into the other side's corridor, and another door connecting the two rooms. The British agent faced all of us and gave us the plan. "All right, Maiko and I will be going in from this door. April and Danielle. You two go into the connecting storage room. Watch where you shoot." The three of us acknowledged by getting out our extra bullet clips for easier access. I was surprised at the calm that came over me. I grimly thought, *I may not have practice, but I know my friend's lives depends upon this. I just have to stay calm.*
Reaching the door I looked over to April who was closing her eyes. Worried, I asked her what was the matter. She opened her brown eyes which showed some pain. "You're head hurts doesn't it." It was a statement, not a question.
"I'll be fine." April took in a deep breathe. "Let's go. Try to stay in sight of each other. Kick the door down for me, will you?"
I stepped a few feet back then gave a hard kick at the door which gave away without any trouble. Diving into the dimly lit room, I rolled to the left to get cover behind a huge box. I few shots were fired at me which did not get even close. *So someone is still alive if there's still some shooting.* I essayed the situation. From what I had seen from my quick glimpse of the room, it had been pretty crowded with lots of boxes and junk. Not that light but just enough so you could see pretty well. April had followed right behind me. Putting my back against the box, I took a quick peek into the room. Alerted by a movement ahead I was able to avoid the gunshots that followed. *I'll have to go around the back*. April's communicator beeped.
"Dancer here," she whispered.
"This is Mark. What's your situation?"
"Some guys are still here. Haven't found anyone. You?"
"The THRUSH agents who were here left after seeing us come in. Through the big window in the back corridor. We found Napoleon and the others."
April and I moved over to get closer the left wall. Peeking up I saw a THRUSH agent. Without any thought I pulled the trigger of my UNCLE special and he was down. Getting down I asked quietly, "How are they?"
Silence. After a moment Mark answered bleakly, "Not so good. We're taking care of them right now."
I tried to fight back the tears as I was going to ask about Patrick. But I was interrupted. "One of the agents is in that room with you. Illya. He was going to go around the back of the THRUSH agents by going through from that storage room. He never came. I've been trying to get him through the communicator with no luck."
April shot a glance over to me. "All right. We'll try to find him."
"Over and out."
April put her communicator back together then addressed me. "Danielle, peek up again to see if there's anyone more THRUSH agents." I did just as I was told and was answered with gunshots.
"I think there's still someone there," I said, my heart beating fast. *That was a close one.*
"Only one guy though from the sounds of the gunshot. Let's separate. You go that way," April pointed to the right, "and I'll go that way." She was gone before I could agree or even disagree.
Weaving around boxes I kept my eyes alert for any signs of human life. I had reached the corner of the storage room. Ducking behind a forklift, I tried to make out any distinctive sounds coming from up ahead. *Nothing. I don't seem to hear anything in front of me. But behind.*
Before I could comprehend that thought I was seized from behind.
Author's Note: Oooh, here's a cliffhanger! I hope you're eagerly awaiting the next chapter! Please review!
Part Seven: "Mission Gets Deadly."
"Where do we go from here?" asked the outgoing Tanya.
Illya, April, and I had made it to the hotel in time and arrived in Illya's room to find everyone waiting. We were now discussing our mission. Napoleon, Dick, and Mark were sitting on the couch with Illya standing behind them. They were all wearing suits except taken their jackets off, revealing their shoulder holsters. April and Sylvia were sitting on chairs at opposite ends of the coffee table in front of the couch. While Tanya and I were sitting on the bed facing the couch, Maiko was sitting Japanese style on floor, right in between the bed and the coffee table.
Mark answered Tanya's question. "Illya will go meet this mystery informant and find out where the money is being kept right now. Probably from a THRUSH satrap. We'll just go in and browse through their main computer banks and see if we can find out who the double agent is."
"Right, and scare off the double agent, whoever he is," April said sardonically.
"She's right," Napoleon said before Mark could speak. "We don't want to lose this double agent. I think we should first go check out that address we found out about. It was an abandoned warehouse in the suburbs, right?"
Everyone besides Illya, April, and I confirmed that statement.
"OK, so Illya will go meet his informant with April and Danielle, while the rest of us get ready. Probably at midnight tonight we'll go to the warehouse. Sylvia, arrange for transportation and a base of operations."
With that the meeting was adjourned. It was a few minutes to 1:00 so with my team we rushed to meet Jane.
**********
A few minutes after the designated time we saw Jane coming towards us. We exchanged hellos and then she went right to business.
"I assume that you're here to meet my father."
We all nodded. "Do you have a car? I walked here."
"We do have a car parked downstairs." Illya went to get the car while the rest of us waited outside. In the few minutes for Illya to come, I was able to get to know Jane a little more. It was obvious that though she was half Japanese and American, she was more American by the way she talked and acted. Japanese people were by nature a bit more subdued and not that outspoken while she was very bright, cheerful, and talkative.
Illya arrived to pick us up and we all piled into the car. It was a very quiet ride with Jane giving us directions. We did not have to travel very far, only about ten minutes, when Jane said to stop the car. "Well, here we are. Let me remind you that I'm not the most perfect of house keepers."
We were right in front of an old Japanese, two-story house which had a small garden in front with small Japanese bonsai trees and flowers. It would have been a very nice and peaceful garden if not for the next door houses so close to the sides of the house.
She led us inside and we were a little surprised when Jane took off her shoes and offered us slippers. I remembered that in Japanese homes people took off their shoes in their homes. The other UNCLE agents and I took off our shoes, put on the slippers and followed her across a narrow hallway. She opened a sliding door and beckoned us to go inside. What I found inside that room was not at all what I expected.
Instead of the traditional Japanese interior as I had expected, inside I found myself in a very up-to-date office. There was a big desk with a computer and stacks of paper on it and a huge file cabinet taking up the whole side of the left wall. Someone was working at the desk, his face behind a file.
"Father?" Jane called.
The man looked up. He was definitely of Japanese descent, in his late 50's, had black hair with streaks of gray, and black almond eyes. The look of his face when he saw us was one of utter astonishment. His face then changed from astonishment to happiness.
"Illya, it's you!"
"It's been a long time."
It was then I noticed that Mr. Moriyama was in wheelchair when he came around the desk to shake Illya's hand. He was definitely not what I expected.
The man finally took notice of April and me. "Oh, ladies. Do pardon me, I've forgotten my manners, and in such lovely company. I am Takeyoshi Moriyama. Who might you be?"
"I am April Dancer, UNCLE agent," April said, putting her hand out in which Mr. Moriyama took into a hearty handshake.
"And I am Danielle Leona, also an UNCLE agent," I also replied in the same manner by shaking hands with our informant.
Moriyama's eyes twinkled as he joked with Illya, "It is very unlike you Illya to be with a beautiful lady, let alone two such beautiful ladies!"
Illya seemed a trifle embarrassed and tried to get back to the reason they came. "They are working with me on a mission."
Moriyama became serious. "Then I would like to hear all about it since I'm somehow involved in this matter. I take it this is not a social call then?"
"Though I wish."
"Then please follow me to the dining room. There we can talk." He led us out of the office to the room which was right next door. It was very spacious even with the dining table and chairs so Moriyama was able to maneuver around even with the handicap of being in a wheelchair. I was impressed by his quickness and agility with his wheelchair. "Please everyone take a seat. Jane will bring some tea for us."
Jane disappeared for a moment and in a few moments returned with a tray. She placed some Japanese green tea in front of all of our seats. I reached over to taste mine. It was very strong and hot, but strangely enough I liked it. I took another sip and listened Illya and his old friend talk.
"I'll get right to business now, Takeyoshi. UNCLE knows that you're involved in some sort of spy network for the Japan secret police."
"Yes, though I trust you'll keep this to yourselves. This information is strictly confidential," replied the Japanese man after a moment.
"And not just involved, you're also one of the people who began the program."
"I'm pretty proud of that." He looked over at April. "Doesn't seem that way does it, me handicapped and all." She flushed.
"I wasn't born handicapped actually. When I was a young man, I started working as your regular policeman, then I went up in ranks, even became an officer." He took a sip of his tea. "One day, a man came to me, said that he's been watching me and asked if I would like to work with the Japan secret police. I immediately took him up on his offer. So it was like that for a few years when I met Illya here, about ten years ago." He glanced at Illya and gave him a smile. "He was just a young pup then, just started working for UNCLE."
Illya looked a little uncomfortable, I guess about talking about his past. Ten years ago, that mean Illya would have been around. his early 20s. I was surprised to find out how young Illya had been.
"UNCLE and the Japanese government were working together to try to stop THRUSH from starting their operations here in Japan. We found their main satrap and though we captured most of the agents, some escaped, even dropping a little present for us, a bomb." He paused for a moment, then continued. "I was hurt pretty badly, the ceiling came down and a piece of hit my back, which is why I cannot use my legs." He gave a sad smile at Illya. "Thankfully you were there to help me. Now it is my turn to help you. What can I do for you."
Illya hesitated then gave the whole account to his friend about them looking for a double agent. "We were wondering if the Japanese secret police has any reports of THRUSH activity in this area."
Moriyama was a silent for a moment then spoke to Jane in Japanese. She nodded then left the room, returning a few minutes later with a file in her hand which she gave to Illya. While he scanned what was inside Moriyama explained. "Yes, there had been some THRUSH activity, in Yokohama. Small things, like some unexplained killings, methods used by THRUSH. You don't want to know the details. We've also intercepted many communications from around this area to all over the world, possibly to other THRUSH installations. Of course we couldn't decode the messages and we have sent them all to UNCLE headquarters. That's all we know."
The Russian agent took all this information in and just nodded to the Japanese man. "Well, please. If you have any more information to give, be sure to contact UNCLE headquarters. We'll be here till this whole mess is sorted out."
I didn't have a chance to ask any more questions because just then Illya announced that we had to leave. We left the house, promising to visit before we left, were on our way back to the hotel.
**********
I checked my watch for what must have been the 5th time. *10:52*. Still not time yet. I looked over to April who was calmly cleaning her gun. She was dressed just as I was, all in black. In a few minutes we would be leaving to case out the warehouse, hopefully to find out who the double agent was. Nervous as I was, I asked to join the team who would be actually infiltrating the warehouse. Masahiro would be at UNCLE headquarters ready to send in a back up team anytime while Dick and Sylvie would be outside the warehouse in case of an emergency. The plan was well laid and everything should go smoothly.
There was a knock at the door which April went to answer after putting her gun back into her holster.
"All ready?" Patrick asked outside the door. We gave an affirmative then we got our coats. In a few minutes we were out the door into the cab awaiting us.
**********
By the time it was a half an hour to midnight, we were all assembled at our destination with all our equipment ready. Those of us who were going into the abandoned place were ready and armed a few meters from the warehouse. Dick and Sylvie were at the road guarding our truck. I glanced around at the other agents who all appeared to be without fear. I whispered over to Illya, "How do you do that?"
"What?"
"Appear to be so calm?"
"Appearances can be deceiving," Illya joked then replied grimly, "Lots of practice."
I was silent after that. *Lots of practice? Well, I don't have lots of practice.* I took out the piece of paper in my pocket which had the layout of the building. I asked again to Illya, "I guess you've already memorized the layout." He gave an almost imperceptible nod. Just as I thought.
*Ok. Two stories with two main entrances in the front and back. The backside of the building has most of the offices while the area around the middle is where they had storage. Lots of corridors.* Just then Napoleon gave the signal to move in. We separated, a few of us to go in through one of the back entrances, the others to go through the front.
As I reached the back door I surveyed the alarm system. *Piece of cake,* I thought with satisfaction and got to work. In a few moments with a few deft cuts with the wire cutters here and there, the security system was disabled for that door. I gestured for Mark, April, and Maiko to go in first. I reached for my gun and checked to make sure the safety catch was off. I sure hoped that I wouldn't have to use it.
There seemed to be no one inside the building. We three strained to try to hear anything out of the ordinary, but we could hear nothing. I tried to relax my grip on my gun, but my arm was like lead. I willed myself to concentrate on the matter at hand, to stop THRUSH from their operations here and to find out who the illusive double agent was.
Feeling it was safe, Mark said we could shine our flashlights. Our lights did make the seeing much better but didn't take away the gloom which seemed to surround the place. Mark was looking at his watch. "They should be inside through the front by now. Let's keep on going. Well, which way do we go?" We agreed on going down one of the corridors which went alongside one of the shorter sides of the building.
The place was in a terribly mess, obviously stating that the place wasn't in use anymore. Dust was everywhere and wherever we stepped a little dust kicked up. We checked each of the doors which were all on one side of the corridor. Stepping into each one, it was all the same. A few desks and chairs with maybe a few items here and there. As we stepped into one of the last rooms, April suddenly stopped. "This is getting us nowhere. Why don't we double back and go towards the entrance and see if Napoleon and his group have found anything."
I stop my searching of the desk which was of course bare of anything. "Couldn't we just contact them with are communicators?"
"Too dangerous. If they're anywhere nearby THRUSH agents, alerting their whereabouts is not a good idea." Maiko did have a point about that. "Besides, let's keep going on this track. I'm sure they're fine."
The rest of the members looked at Mark who was in charge of our group. "OK, let's keep going ahead." We continued our search. On our way out, April came up beside me.
"Do you have this strange feeling that something's wrong?" she asked. I bit my lip. Actually, I had been thinking about the same thing. So it was not only I who thought something was wrong.
Just then someone shouted into my radio, "It's a trap!" The sound of gunfire then an explosion followed, the crackle of static, then silence. We all looked at each other. As if on cue we all started running back out of the corridor to head for the entrance with Mark yelling out orders to us.
"They've probably run into some trouble! Spread out more and try to get whatever cover you get, all right?" He didn't wait for an answer as he got out his communicator and called Dick to get back up. I was in a state of panic. While running I was thinking, *Oh, no! Patrick is there! And everyone else . I hope we're not too late.*
My thoughts were interrupted as something exploded in front of us. My hand came out automatically to cover my face and the blast slammed me backwards. Falling hard flat on my back I remembered my training and curled up my body to protect my head. After the dust began to settle, I was finally able to breathe normally. After the deafening roar of the explosion, the quietness was just as terrifying. I assessed my physical condition. *Not really hurt, I'll probably have numerous bruises tomorrow. And a gigantic headache. what about the others.?* I shakily got up on my feet.
I went over to April who was kneeling over Mark. I got down beside her and asked, "How is he."
Mark gave a weak smile. "Just got the wind knocked out of me, give me a minute. I'm fine. And you?" April was in the same condition as I was though she had been hit on the head by a small piece of flying debris. Even though it was bleeding a bit April insisted that she was all right. We helped Mark up and looked around us to make sure everyone else was all right. Maiko had gotten out of the ordeal safe except for a few bruises since she was behind me. I was a little disturbed though by the way the senior British agent was limping but since he didn't remark upon it, I remained silent.
The explosion had brought the whole ceiling down so we were blocked from both our entrance and exit. Mark remarked grimly, "It was a trap. They were waiting for us all along. How do we get out of here?" April remarked that most all of the offices had windows so we headed for the nearest one. I picked up my gun which I had dropped, checked to make sure it was in working order, and then followed the others.
Despite our slight injuries a new determination seemed to be instilled in us because of the mishap. Since the windows had been boarded up, I dug out some plastic explosives. While the others got the explosives ready and April contacted Dick, I was thinking. *We're taking too long. The others can't hold out if there are too many THRUSH agents.* Finally the window was blown apart providing entry out. Tanya cut off her signal. "Dick has called for reinforcements. They should be here in 30 minutes or so." *30 minutes. that just might be too long. *
Climbing out of the window one by one we raced along the perimeter of the building. *It's too quiet. It's just too quiet.* Getting to the entrance I saw that the security system was shut off. I remarked it was safe to go in. Entering into the building, I felt a chill at the back of my neck. April whispered, "I hear something upstairs, something like. silenced gunshots." It was then I heard the sounds, too.
"Head towards the stairs, but stay behind me", ordered Mark. At the top of the stairs we faced a long corridor. Following the sounds, I could hear the sounds coming from the storage rooms. Remembering the layout, I knew that this storage room was separated into two huge rooms, five doors. Two doors into both rooms from the corridor, another two doors from each going out into the other side's corridor, and another door connecting the two rooms. The British agent faced all of us and gave us the plan. "All right, Maiko and I will be going in from this door. April and Danielle. You two go into the connecting storage room. Watch where you shoot." The three of us acknowledged by getting out our extra bullet clips for easier access. I was surprised at the calm that came over me. I grimly thought, *I may not have practice, but I know my friend's lives depends upon this. I just have to stay calm.*
Reaching the door I looked over to April who was closing her eyes. Worried, I asked her what was the matter. She opened her brown eyes which showed some pain. "You're head hurts doesn't it." It was a statement, not a question.
"I'll be fine." April took in a deep breathe. "Let's go. Try to stay in sight of each other. Kick the door down for me, will you?"
I stepped a few feet back then gave a hard kick at the door which gave away without any trouble. Diving into the dimly lit room, I rolled to the left to get cover behind a huge box. I few shots were fired at me which did not get even close. *So someone is still alive if there's still some shooting.* I essayed the situation. From what I had seen from my quick glimpse of the room, it had been pretty crowded with lots of boxes and junk. Not that light but just enough so you could see pretty well. April had followed right behind me. Putting my back against the box, I took a quick peek into the room. Alerted by a movement ahead I was able to avoid the gunshots that followed. *I'll have to go around the back*. April's communicator beeped.
"Dancer here," she whispered.
"This is Mark. What's your situation?"
"Some guys are still here. Haven't found anyone. You?"
"The THRUSH agents who were here left after seeing us come in. Through the big window in the back corridor. We found Napoleon and the others."
April and I moved over to get closer the left wall. Peeking up I saw a THRUSH agent. Without any thought I pulled the trigger of my UNCLE special and he was down. Getting down I asked quietly, "How are they?"
Silence. After a moment Mark answered bleakly, "Not so good. We're taking care of them right now."
I tried to fight back the tears as I was going to ask about Patrick. But I was interrupted. "One of the agents is in that room with you. Illya. He was going to go around the back of the THRUSH agents by going through from that storage room. He never came. I've been trying to get him through the communicator with no luck."
April shot a glance over to me. "All right. We'll try to find him."
"Over and out."
April put her communicator back together then addressed me. "Danielle, peek up again to see if there's anyone more THRUSH agents." I did just as I was told and was answered with gunshots.
"I think there's still someone there," I said, my heart beating fast. *That was a close one.*
"Only one guy though from the sounds of the gunshot. Let's separate. You go that way," April pointed to the right, "and I'll go that way." She was gone before I could agree or even disagree.
Weaving around boxes I kept my eyes alert for any signs of human life. I had reached the corner of the storage room. Ducking behind a forklift, I tried to make out any distinctive sounds coming from up ahead. *Nothing. I don't seem to hear anything in front of me. But behind.*
Before I could comprehend that thought I was seized from behind.
Author's Note: Oooh, here's a cliffhanger! I hope you're eagerly awaiting the next chapter! Please review!