"Faith" Ian called out to her.
"What is it Ian?" She knelt in front of him, gently cupping his chin so she could see his eyes. They were still glazed over but were slowly coming into focus.
"Sara." He whispered.
"What about her?" Faith asked.
"I have to see her."
Faith stared incredulously at Ian. He couldn't be serious? The man had been beaten within an inch of his life. He had wounds that needed stitching. He's in obvious pain and what does he want to do first? He wants to see Sara! Was he out of his mind? Faith turned her head towards Dr. Immo and sarcastically said, "Just what the hell did you give him?"
Stupefied by her question Immo idiotically shook his head and shrug his shoulders. His mouth kept moving but no words came out. Faith shook her head and turned her attention back to Ian.
"No, Ian you're hurt. You can't see her now. You can see Sara some other time, okay?" Faith said in a maternal tone. As if she was informing a child he can't go out and play because he was sick.
"Faith" Ian pleaded.
"No Ian!" She said more firmly.
"Faith!" Ian's stern voice surprised both Faith and Immo. She looked at him then into his eyes. Those dark orbs were no longer lost with confusion but focused. The years and years of knowing Ian had been helpful. She learned how to decipher his moods just by looking into those soulful eyes of his. And she knew the look of determination when she sees one.
Ian's next move was deemed unfair. His eyes soften and his brows lifted. 'Oh God no,' she thought, 'Not that anything but that.' She quickly shut her eyes but it was too late, she'd been caught. 'Damn it! I hate it when he does that lost puppy look. Those eyes should be considered illegal weapons.' She swore to herself. He then pleaded and said "Please Faith she's in danger." Ian had grabbed the hand that was resting on the armrest of the chair and gave it a hopeful squeeze. Faith could hear the concern in his voice and to her surprise a little fear as well.
"He must be concerned because of the clone." Immo, who had been listening the whole time, interjected.
Faith's head snapped up as she looked at Immo with disbelief. She stood up slowly from her kneeling position and said softly, "The what?" Like some predator ready to pounce onto its prey, step-by-step Faith made her way closer to Immo. He involuntarily took a step back and swallowed the lump in his throat. Her eyes narrowed on Dr. Immo, again asking, "The what?"
"Didn't it strike you odd that Kenneth was so eager to kill Ian?" Faith laid a hand on Ian's shoulder reassuring herself that he was still there and indeed alive.
"Answer the fucking question, doc!" Immo winced from Faith's callous demand. "The what?!"
"Years ago, even before you left, I had discovered a breakthrough in medical history. I found a way to produce a human clone. A clone that would be highly improved by taking in all of the original's attributes, skills, and traits but to filter out the flaws from the first version. In better terms a perfect species." Immo took on that excitement tone again.
'Produce; clone; original; better species' she was becoming quite sick listening to Immo. The hand that was on Ian's shoulder had moved to the handle bar of the wheel chair. She didn't want to hurt him when she started to squeeze her hand. She could feel that it was already turning white. She continued to listen to Immo.
"When I informed Kenneth he immediately wanted me to make a clone of Ian."
"Just how crazy are you?!" Faith stared disgustingly at the doctor. "First the Black Dragons, Ian, me, now this?!"
"Its all in the name of science, Faith."
"Science my ass! Its just another way of manipulating life," she exclaimed, "Tell me Dr. Immo exactly just how much of your original soul is left?" Faith wondered. Immo lowered his head. He was left utterly speechless by her question.
"Why didn't I know about this.clone?"
"Besides Kenneth and myself no one knew not even Ian. It wasn't until last night Ian had discovered the clone."
"You said this clone was supposed perfect. Would take on all of Ian's characteristics and skills minus Ian's flaws of course, right?" Immo nodded.
"Obviously you fucked up somewhere Dr. Immo. Or Ian wouldn't think that Det. Pezzini was in danger with this thing watching over her. Why is that?"
Immo's shoulders slumped while he spoke, "In all aspects the clone far exceeds Ian's physical ability. Psychologically I don't know what he is. This clone is highly aggressive and has little control. Hence he's very dangerous. I'm afraid he'll snap sooner or later."
"Did you warn Irons about this?"
"Yes, I've expressed my concerns on a number of occasions. But Kenneth is adamant that he's capable of controlling this one." Immo implored.
"So doctor," Faith began to advance towards Immo backing him against the wall, "you're telling me that you and that delusional Irons set a virtually out of control, highly aggressive, psychopatic assassin who's physical abilities far exceeds Ian's loose in New York?" Immo nodded his response. "Ah, I see." She said before reaching out and grabbing Immo by the throat. Immo's eyes widen with shock. Faith guided the doctor over too the loose chains and said, "Put them on." Immo hesitated. Faith painfully squeezed his neck and repeated, "Put them on Dr. Immo." This time with out hesitation he strapped the leather cuffs on. Immo held up his wrists so Faith could inspect the cuffs. Satisfied she let him go. Immo swallowed and rubbed his neck.
"What's his name?"
"Nottingham, Ian Nottingham."
"What? A doctor who made a medical break through and a cultured billionaire couldn't think of an original name?" Faith snickered.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me, Dr. Immo?"
The doctor thought for a moment then added, "Yes there is one other thing about the clone you should know. Unlike Ian he can't be incapacitated with strobe lights."
"Thank you, its good to know. Just hope that you're creation doesn't come back to haunt you or kill you." Faith grinned at the fear on Immo's face. "Good-bye Dr. Immo." With that said she knocked Immo out with a punch to the face. She moved over to the instrumental panel and pressed a button. The chains began to rattle again as the machine picked up the slack, lifting Immo up until he too hung from his wrist much how Ian had been.
Faith the moved over to kneel in front of Ian, "Time to go."
"To Sara?" He questioned, a little hopeful in his tone.
"No!"
"Faith" Ian pleaded.
She took a deep breath and sighed; 'I hope this Sara, this new wielder of the Witchblade, appreciates you, Ian.' she thought but said "we both know you won't be much help to her in your condition. But I do have a plan. Will you listen?" Ian reluctantly nodded his head. "I will go and watch your Lady Sara. On one condition, since I can't leave alone like this you will be staying with a friend of mine." Ian was about to speak until Faith laid a finger to his lips and silenced any further protest.
"He's a good friend and I trust him. You know I would never put you in any danger. Now either you accept or you don't." Ian thought for a moment. If he couldn't be there for Sara then he could at least place her safety into the hands of someone he trusted with his own life. Ian accepted Faith's offer.
"Alright then let's get hell out of here." Faith grabbed the medical bag and wheeled Ian out of the room. She closed the door behind her. Imagining the look on Irons' face when he finds his doctor chained up instead of Ian.
Faith turned the corner and down the path she had used earlier. She opened the door and they entered the darkened hallway. The only light soon gone as the door closed. They continued straight down until they arrived at the end. Immediately Faith ran her fingers along the left side of the frame. Feeling for the slit where she would use the card key to open the door. Quickly finding it she inserted the key and the door slid open. Faith scanned the area before pushing Ian out. She looked up into the night sky. She glanced at her watch again, 4:15 A.M. She knew in a few hours the darkness would lighten and the sun would be rising. Fortunately by then they would be far away from this place.
She looked around again and realized the wheel chair would take them only so far. The rest of the way Ian would have to walk. Unfortunately with Ian's wounds there was no way he would be scaling walls. It only meant that they would have to leave through the front gate. Faith let the scenario run through her mind. She realized that they would have about five to ten minutes before security started swarming the area. It wasn't enough time for them to make it to the car. Faith told Ian of her plans and they made their way to the wall undetected. "Okay I'm going to move the car closer to the gate. I'll be back." Faith said coolly. She stepped back and made a run for the wall and like the first time she was easily over the stone hurdle.
Despite the wounds inflicted by Irons Ian was feeling a bit better. Apparently the shot Immo had given was indeed the antidote to whatever poison Irons had used. But he was still weak and the pain was unbearable. Faith was right there was no way he would have been any help for Sara. At least for now that is. Ian was pulled out of his train of thoughts when he could hear footsteps coming from the other side of the wall and in not time Faith was back standing behind him.
"Miss me?"
"Always" Ian grinned. Those years apart Ian had missed Faith immensely and he was elated now that she has returned home again.
"Alright I was able to park just a few feet from the gate. Now all we have to do is get out. Ready for that stroll?"
Ian nodded his head and was already pushing himself up from the chair, using the armrest for support. Luckily she had already taken the medical bag with her when she moved the car. Her arms were now free to help Ian. She wove her right arm under his coat and around his waist. Mindful of his back she grabbed onto his belt. She guided his left arm over her shoulder and held on to his arm. Ian pressed his hand against the wall to help support his right side while Faith helped with his left. Surprisingly, with the help from Faith and the wall, Ian moved along the grounds rather quickly. But that didn't mean the trip didn't exert what little energy he had left. Once in a while they would stop so Ian could catch his breath and rest. At last they made it and just twenty-five feet away was freedom.
"Ian you rest here for a bit I'll be back." She gently leaned him against the wall and made her way down. She surveyed the area. At the top of the gate were two white-boxed surveillance cameras. The one closest to her was positioned to look out onto the street and the farthest one was positioned to look into the grounds. About fifteen feet up from the gate near the graveled road was a small security office with only two windows and a door on the side. She knew there were only two security guards posted inside. The tricky part was how to lurk them out without rising suspicion to the security in the main office in the mansion. Knowing Ian he probably ordered them never to leave their post unless authorized from the main security staff in the mansion. Apparently a knock on the door wasn't going to help.
Faith had a plan. Taking out two of her throwing knives she waited till the camera farthest from here pointed in her direction. With precision aim she threw the first knife and it shattered the glass shield and wedged itself right into the camera. She quickly moved to the small office. She then took the second one and aimed for the other camera. From the side the blade pierced right threw the box and from the little sparks she knew the camera was destroyed. Now all she had to do was wait. She heard the ringing sound of the phone and could briefly hear the conversation going on inside.
"Yeah?" Guard one answered, "Okay we'll check it out."
"What?! I'm up!" Guard two abruptly jerked from his sleep.
"Both gate cameras ain't working. Something must be wrong with the feed. Go check it out."
"Why me?"
"Do you want me to tell Nottingham you were sleeping again?" The second guard had mumbled something but Faith couldn't quite understand.
"Hurry you're ass up sleeping beauty."
Faith moved to stand behind the door. The door was pushed opened and the second guard walked out with a flashlight. He headed towards the gate. Faith held on to the doorknob while she pulled out the stun gun from her pocket. She quickly walked around the door and was inside. Luckily the guard's back was facing her and before the guard was aware of her presence she had rendered him unconscious from the stun gun. Faith picked up one of the long metal maglight flashlights. She closed the door and waited for the second guard to return.
The second guard knocked on the door while saying, "I couldn't really tell what it was but something silver is sticking out from both cameras. I think you better call up ahead and tell someone to come down." Faith turned the knob then kicked the door forward, catching the second security off guard and right in the nose. He stumbled back, his face up in the air clutching his bloody nose in his hands. "What the fuck?"
"Sorry about that." Faith said just before she delivered a well-placed kick to the side of his knee. The guard howled in pain and with the heavy flashlight hit him behind the head knocking him out. She dragged the guard back inside the office and placed him next to his partner. She took their guns, took the clips and ejected any bullets that were left in the chamber. She pocketed the ammo and tossed the empty guns in the trash bin by the door. Then she pressed the button that opened the gate. Faith quickly ran out and grabbed Ian who had managed to walk up along the wall near the gate.
"You're getting rusty. I could hear the commotion from back there."
"Don't give me that look Ian. Its been a while okay. Besides I never said this was going to be a stealthy rescue."
Faith had managed to get Ian in the car before the grounds started swarming with guards. They were already speeding down the street and disappeared into the night before anyone could see the car. Faith fished for the cell phone in the glove compartment and dialed the familiar number.
"So who is this friend of yours?" Ian asked weakly from the passenger seat.
Before Faith could answer Ian the ringing from the on the other end stopped and someone had picked up. "Talismanic. This better be good?"
"Now Gabriel is that a way to treat you favorite and number one customer?"
"Faith?"
"That's right the one and only."
"Sweet! Where are you?"
"I just got in town." Faith looked over at Ian, "had a little family business. So were you busy?"
"Yeah I was actually sleeping."
"Please you're an insomniac you never sleep." Faith could hear the light chuckle on the other end.
"So what can I do for my number one customer?"
"Funny you should ask." Faith smiled as she zoomed down the street on her way to Gabriel's place.
"What is it Ian?" She knelt in front of him, gently cupping his chin so she could see his eyes. They were still glazed over but were slowly coming into focus.
"Sara." He whispered.
"What about her?" Faith asked.
"I have to see her."
Faith stared incredulously at Ian. He couldn't be serious? The man had been beaten within an inch of his life. He had wounds that needed stitching. He's in obvious pain and what does he want to do first? He wants to see Sara! Was he out of his mind? Faith turned her head towards Dr. Immo and sarcastically said, "Just what the hell did you give him?"
Stupefied by her question Immo idiotically shook his head and shrug his shoulders. His mouth kept moving but no words came out. Faith shook her head and turned her attention back to Ian.
"No, Ian you're hurt. You can't see her now. You can see Sara some other time, okay?" Faith said in a maternal tone. As if she was informing a child he can't go out and play because he was sick.
"Faith" Ian pleaded.
"No Ian!" She said more firmly.
"Faith!" Ian's stern voice surprised both Faith and Immo. She looked at him then into his eyes. Those dark orbs were no longer lost with confusion but focused. The years and years of knowing Ian had been helpful. She learned how to decipher his moods just by looking into those soulful eyes of his. And she knew the look of determination when she sees one.
Ian's next move was deemed unfair. His eyes soften and his brows lifted. 'Oh God no,' she thought, 'Not that anything but that.' She quickly shut her eyes but it was too late, she'd been caught. 'Damn it! I hate it when he does that lost puppy look. Those eyes should be considered illegal weapons.' She swore to herself. He then pleaded and said "Please Faith she's in danger." Ian had grabbed the hand that was resting on the armrest of the chair and gave it a hopeful squeeze. Faith could hear the concern in his voice and to her surprise a little fear as well.
"He must be concerned because of the clone." Immo, who had been listening the whole time, interjected.
Faith's head snapped up as she looked at Immo with disbelief. She stood up slowly from her kneeling position and said softly, "The what?" Like some predator ready to pounce onto its prey, step-by-step Faith made her way closer to Immo. He involuntarily took a step back and swallowed the lump in his throat. Her eyes narrowed on Dr. Immo, again asking, "The what?"
"Didn't it strike you odd that Kenneth was so eager to kill Ian?" Faith laid a hand on Ian's shoulder reassuring herself that he was still there and indeed alive.
"Answer the fucking question, doc!" Immo winced from Faith's callous demand. "The what?!"
"Years ago, even before you left, I had discovered a breakthrough in medical history. I found a way to produce a human clone. A clone that would be highly improved by taking in all of the original's attributes, skills, and traits but to filter out the flaws from the first version. In better terms a perfect species." Immo took on that excitement tone again.
'Produce; clone; original; better species' she was becoming quite sick listening to Immo. The hand that was on Ian's shoulder had moved to the handle bar of the wheel chair. She didn't want to hurt him when she started to squeeze her hand. She could feel that it was already turning white. She continued to listen to Immo.
"When I informed Kenneth he immediately wanted me to make a clone of Ian."
"Just how crazy are you?!" Faith stared disgustingly at the doctor. "First the Black Dragons, Ian, me, now this?!"
"Its all in the name of science, Faith."
"Science my ass! Its just another way of manipulating life," she exclaimed, "Tell me Dr. Immo exactly just how much of your original soul is left?" Faith wondered. Immo lowered his head. He was left utterly speechless by her question.
"Why didn't I know about this.clone?"
"Besides Kenneth and myself no one knew not even Ian. It wasn't until last night Ian had discovered the clone."
"You said this clone was supposed perfect. Would take on all of Ian's characteristics and skills minus Ian's flaws of course, right?" Immo nodded.
"Obviously you fucked up somewhere Dr. Immo. Or Ian wouldn't think that Det. Pezzini was in danger with this thing watching over her. Why is that?"
Immo's shoulders slumped while he spoke, "In all aspects the clone far exceeds Ian's physical ability. Psychologically I don't know what he is. This clone is highly aggressive and has little control. Hence he's very dangerous. I'm afraid he'll snap sooner or later."
"Did you warn Irons about this?"
"Yes, I've expressed my concerns on a number of occasions. But Kenneth is adamant that he's capable of controlling this one." Immo implored.
"So doctor," Faith began to advance towards Immo backing him against the wall, "you're telling me that you and that delusional Irons set a virtually out of control, highly aggressive, psychopatic assassin who's physical abilities far exceeds Ian's loose in New York?" Immo nodded his response. "Ah, I see." She said before reaching out and grabbing Immo by the throat. Immo's eyes widen with shock. Faith guided the doctor over too the loose chains and said, "Put them on." Immo hesitated. Faith painfully squeezed his neck and repeated, "Put them on Dr. Immo." This time with out hesitation he strapped the leather cuffs on. Immo held up his wrists so Faith could inspect the cuffs. Satisfied she let him go. Immo swallowed and rubbed his neck.
"What's his name?"
"Nottingham, Ian Nottingham."
"What? A doctor who made a medical break through and a cultured billionaire couldn't think of an original name?" Faith snickered.
"Is there anything else you want to tell me, Dr. Immo?"
The doctor thought for a moment then added, "Yes there is one other thing about the clone you should know. Unlike Ian he can't be incapacitated with strobe lights."
"Thank you, its good to know. Just hope that you're creation doesn't come back to haunt you or kill you." Faith grinned at the fear on Immo's face. "Good-bye Dr. Immo." With that said she knocked Immo out with a punch to the face. She moved over to the instrumental panel and pressed a button. The chains began to rattle again as the machine picked up the slack, lifting Immo up until he too hung from his wrist much how Ian had been.
Faith the moved over to kneel in front of Ian, "Time to go."
"To Sara?" He questioned, a little hopeful in his tone.
"No!"
"Faith" Ian pleaded.
She took a deep breath and sighed; 'I hope this Sara, this new wielder of the Witchblade, appreciates you, Ian.' she thought but said "we both know you won't be much help to her in your condition. But I do have a plan. Will you listen?" Ian reluctantly nodded his head. "I will go and watch your Lady Sara. On one condition, since I can't leave alone like this you will be staying with a friend of mine." Ian was about to speak until Faith laid a finger to his lips and silenced any further protest.
"He's a good friend and I trust him. You know I would never put you in any danger. Now either you accept or you don't." Ian thought for a moment. If he couldn't be there for Sara then he could at least place her safety into the hands of someone he trusted with his own life. Ian accepted Faith's offer.
"Alright then let's get hell out of here." Faith grabbed the medical bag and wheeled Ian out of the room. She closed the door behind her. Imagining the look on Irons' face when he finds his doctor chained up instead of Ian.
Faith turned the corner and down the path she had used earlier. She opened the door and they entered the darkened hallway. The only light soon gone as the door closed. They continued straight down until they arrived at the end. Immediately Faith ran her fingers along the left side of the frame. Feeling for the slit where she would use the card key to open the door. Quickly finding it she inserted the key and the door slid open. Faith scanned the area before pushing Ian out. She looked up into the night sky. She glanced at her watch again, 4:15 A.M. She knew in a few hours the darkness would lighten and the sun would be rising. Fortunately by then they would be far away from this place.
She looked around again and realized the wheel chair would take them only so far. The rest of the way Ian would have to walk. Unfortunately with Ian's wounds there was no way he would be scaling walls. It only meant that they would have to leave through the front gate. Faith let the scenario run through her mind. She realized that they would have about five to ten minutes before security started swarming the area. It wasn't enough time for them to make it to the car. Faith told Ian of her plans and they made their way to the wall undetected. "Okay I'm going to move the car closer to the gate. I'll be back." Faith said coolly. She stepped back and made a run for the wall and like the first time she was easily over the stone hurdle.
Despite the wounds inflicted by Irons Ian was feeling a bit better. Apparently the shot Immo had given was indeed the antidote to whatever poison Irons had used. But he was still weak and the pain was unbearable. Faith was right there was no way he would have been any help for Sara. At least for now that is. Ian was pulled out of his train of thoughts when he could hear footsteps coming from the other side of the wall and in not time Faith was back standing behind him.
"Miss me?"
"Always" Ian grinned. Those years apart Ian had missed Faith immensely and he was elated now that she has returned home again.
"Alright I was able to park just a few feet from the gate. Now all we have to do is get out. Ready for that stroll?"
Ian nodded his head and was already pushing himself up from the chair, using the armrest for support. Luckily she had already taken the medical bag with her when she moved the car. Her arms were now free to help Ian. She wove her right arm under his coat and around his waist. Mindful of his back she grabbed onto his belt. She guided his left arm over her shoulder and held on to his arm. Ian pressed his hand against the wall to help support his right side while Faith helped with his left. Surprisingly, with the help from Faith and the wall, Ian moved along the grounds rather quickly. But that didn't mean the trip didn't exert what little energy he had left. Once in a while they would stop so Ian could catch his breath and rest. At last they made it and just twenty-five feet away was freedom.
"Ian you rest here for a bit I'll be back." She gently leaned him against the wall and made her way down. She surveyed the area. At the top of the gate were two white-boxed surveillance cameras. The one closest to her was positioned to look out onto the street and the farthest one was positioned to look into the grounds. About fifteen feet up from the gate near the graveled road was a small security office with only two windows and a door on the side. She knew there were only two security guards posted inside. The tricky part was how to lurk them out without rising suspicion to the security in the main office in the mansion. Knowing Ian he probably ordered them never to leave their post unless authorized from the main security staff in the mansion. Apparently a knock on the door wasn't going to help.
Faith had a plan. Taking out two of her throwing knives she waited till the camera farthest from here pointed in her direction. With precision aim she threw the first knife and it shattered the glass shield and wedged itself right into the camera. She quickly moved to the small office. She then took the second one and aimed for the other camera. From the side the blade pierced right threw the box and from the little sparks she knew the camera was destroyed. Now all she had to do was wait. She heard the ringing sound of the phone and could briefly hear the conversation going on inside.
"Yeah?" Guard one answered, "Okay we'll check it out."
"What?! I'm up!" Guard two abruptly jerked from his sleep.
"Both gate cameras ain't working. Something must be wrong with the feed. Go check it out."
"Why me?"
"Do you want me to tell Nottingham you were sleeping again?" The second guard had mumbled something but Faith couldn't quite understand.
"Hurry you're ass up sleeping beauty."
Faith moved to stand behind the door. The door was pushed opened and the second guard walked out with a flashlight. He headed towards the gate. Faith held on to the doorknob while she pulled out the stun gun from her pocket. She quickly walked around the door and was inside. Luckily the guard's back was facing her and before the guard was aware of her presence she had rendered him unconscious from the stun gun. Faith picked up one of the long metal maglight flashlights. She closed the door and waited for the second guard to return.
The second guard knocked on the door while saying, "I couldn't really tell what it was but something silver is sticking out from both cameras. I think you better call up ahead and tell someone to come down." Faith turned the knob then kicked the door forward, catching the second security off guard and right in the nose. He stumbled back, his face up in the air clutching his bloody nose in his hands. "What the fuck?"
"Sorry about that." Faith said just before she delivered a well-placed kick to the side of his knee. The guard howled in pain and with the heavy flashlight hit him behind the head knocking him out. She dragged the guard back inside the office and placed him next to his partner. She took their guns, took the clips and ejected any bullets that were left in the chamber. She pocketed the ammo and tossed the empty guns in the trash bin by the door. Then she pressed the button that opened the gate. Faith quickly ran out and grabbed Ian who had managed to walk up along the wall near the gate.
"You're getting rusty. I could hear the commotion from back there."
"Don't give me that look Ian. Its been a while okay. Besides I never said this was going to be a stealthy rescue."
Faith had managed to get Ian in the car before the grounds started swarming with guards. They were already speeding down the street and disappeared into the night before anyone could see the car. Faith fished for the cell phone in the glove compartment and dialed the familiar number.
"So who is this friend of yours?" Ian asked weakly from the passenger seat.
Before Faith could answer Ian the ringing from the on the other end stopped and someone had picked up. "Talismanic. This better be good?"
"Now Gabriel is that a way to treat you favorite and number one customer?"
"Faith?"
"That's right the one and only."
"Sweet! Where are you?"
"I just got in town." Faith looked over at Ian, "had a little family business. So were you busy?"
"Yeah I was actually sleeping."
"Please you're an insomniac you never sleep." Faith could hear the light chuckle on the other end.
"So what can I do for my number one customer?"
"Funny you should ask." Faith smiled as she zoomed down the street on her way to Gabriel's place.