Sacrifices
Chapter 4: A Few Good Men
He was waiting. Someone would come to see him soon. They would ask him a few questions, try to engage him in a bit of small talk. But it would always come down to the same subject. They would ask him about his daughter.
Dick Valentine stood up from the small, metal chair and stretched his arms up over his head. He began to walk around the room. After several years in prison, he knew how to handle cramped spaces. The room he was in now was actually bigger than the cell he had been residing in, but it was still a prison. He scratched at his chin, feeling the rough stubble of several days' worth of growth. At least in prison he was allowed to shave.
The people who brought him here had told him very little. He realized shortly after leaving Leominster County that his 'police escort' was just a ruse. There had been a fleeting moment of exhilaration when he thought Jill might have had something to do with it. He hadn't heard from her in a long time and thought, perhaps, she decided to get him out. But, as quickly as the idea flashed in his mind, he rejected it. He knew she would never do something like that, no matter how desperate her situation may have become. Their last conversation had been a tense one. His daughter was in serious trouble, but had stubbornly refused to divulge much in the way of details.
"Where are you going?"
"I can't tell you, Dick. The less you know the safer you'll be."
"Why are these people after you?"
"Because I know things about them…things they don't want anyone else to know."
"And now, they think your dead?"
"Well, I hope so. That's why I have to disappear, before they find out I'm not."
"Jilly…"
"I'll be alright. I just wish I could get you out of here. It won't take long for them to find out about you, if they don't already know."
"I'm in prison, for Christ's sake. What are they gonna do, come and get me?"
"You don't know these people. They're completely ruthless. Just promise me you'll be careful."
"I promise."
"I better go."
"Jill, wait."
"What is it?"
He sat there staring at her through the plexi-glass wall that divided them. There were so many things he wanted to say to her at that moment, but the only thought he could give voice to was…
"I love you."
"I love you, too, Dad."
That was the last time he had spoken to her. The more time that went by without word from her, the more disheartened he became…until four days ago. When he realized the enormity of the deception these people had pulled off, he knew they were the ones looking for Jill. When they began to question him about her, that gave him hope. If they didn't know where she was, that probably meant she was okay. They lied to him at first, saying they were with a secret government agency, trying to find her in order to offer her protection. Dick knew that was complete bullshit, and he promptly told them so. When it became obvious he wasn't going to buy any story they offered, the truth came out. They wanted to find her and he was going to help them.
Still, there were some things that still puzzled him. Although they asked him about her, they never actually threatened him in any way. Jill told him these people were dangerous, yet they didn't hurt him in order to find out what they so obviously wanted to know. That just didn't make sense. It seemed like they were only going through the motions, as if already knowing that he had nothing to tell.
He continued to walk around the room, his dark eyes taking in every detail. The room was sparse, consisting of a large cot in one corner, along with a table and chairs. There was a tiny bathroom off to one side, no windows, of course. All the comforts of home, if you had been living in a prison cell for a while. When they first brought him to this room, he had spent most of the day examining every nook and cranny trying to find a way out, to no avail. His hosts had done their homework and took every precaution to make certain he would stay put.
He knelt down to the floor and started to do some push-ups. As he began working up a sweat, he found his thoughts wandering. A helpless feeling had been gnawing him in the gut since Jill had run off. He knew some of the blame for her situation rested on his shoulders. If he hadn't been stupid enough to get caught in the middle of a heist, Jill would not have been left alone to fend for herself. And he was the one who had pushed her to take the job in Oregon. He told her a career in law enforcement was the perfect solution for her. Who better to chase after criminals than someone who had been a criminal herself? Of course, he never really thought of her that way. The most involved she had ever been in his line of work was as a lookout, occasionally disabling an alarm system or picking a few locks. These were all things he had taught her how to do. Yet another sin Dick Valentine had brought upon his daughter.
Dick's wife, Elizabeth, died of cancer when Jill was only 13 years old. He had been devastated by the loss, of course, but his daughter was completely destroyed by it. She withdrew from everything, spending most of her time in her room, or walking through the large expanse of woods behind their home. School became a constant source of difficulty for her. She would get into fights with other kids, always under the guise of some imagined slight. Her friends had tried to help, dropping by the house and practically pleading with her to come out and have some fun. After months of rejection, they stopped coming around. Dick did everything he could think of to help her deal with the misery she was in, but nothing seemed able to penetrate the wall she had erected around herself…until, one fateful day.
Dick had to go to Jill's school to pick her up, as she had been suspended for fighting, yet again. It was within walking distance of their house, so he dashed out the door and headed over on foot as soon as the call came in. He arrived to find his daughter waiting for him in the principal's office, a spot on her right cheek already turning to an angry shade of purple. After feeling as if he had been scolded himself, Dick Valentine took his bruised daughter by the hand and headed home.
When they arrived at the house, he realized he hadn't brought his keys. Cursing loudly, he reached out to Jill, and promptly removed a barrette from her hair. She opened her mouth to protest, staring with wide eyes as he proceeded to mangle it. He turned to the door, getting down on one knee, and inserted the small piece of metal into the lock. Jill watched in silence, her initial anger having vanished in the wake of his odd behavior. Within moments there was an audible click. Dick twisted the knob and threw the door open, stalking into the house and leaving Jill standing on the porch, alone.
She had questioned him incessantly about this unique talent he possessed, and he was all too happy to stoke the fires of her enthusiasm. She was finally interested in something again, and it was the first connection they had made in a long time. So, he decided to teach his fourteen-year old daughter how to pick locks. It was as simple as that.
Jill began with doors around the house, using the small tools her father owned. Her first success had taken over forty-five minutes to accomplish, but it was the look of utter triumph on his young daughter's face when they heard the telltale click that was enough to convince him to continue this most peculiar education.
To Dick's surprise, he discovered Jill had a natural talent for it. Her level of concentration was astounding for someone so young. It wasn't long before she could pick every lock in their home. A desk, doors, even Dick's strongbox was not safe from his daughter's newfound skills. But, eventually, there was nothing more to challenge her, so she decided to seek out some new prospects on her own.
Three weeks before Jill's fifteenth birthday, she was arrested for stealing a car.
Dick stopped his push-ups and turned over to lie on his back. His breathing was labored; coming out in short gasps. He used the back of his arm to wipe the sweat from his forehead and got to his feet. He reached into the back pocket of his pants and removed a photograph. The picture was of a pretty young woman with long, blonde hair. She was sitting on a carousel, her arms wrapped around a little girl with auburn hair and chocolate brown eyes.
The door being unlocked pulled Dick out of his reverie with a start. He quickly placed the picture back into his pocket and spun around to face his captors.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Valentine" the first man greeted, smiling. Dick strolled to a chair and sat down.
"Is it afternoon?" he remarked. "I guess I'll have to take your word for it." Another man entered the room, closing the door behind him. He stood in front of it, clasping his hands together. Dick watched, cautiously, as the first man took a seat across from him. He had never seen this man before.
"My name is Edward. I've been asked to come and talk to you about a few things." He unbuttoned his expensive looking suit coat.
"Look, if this is about my daughter again I already told you people--" The man held a hand up to cut him off.
"Actually, it is. Although I haven't come here to ask you any questions." Dick eyed the older man with suspicion. "I'm here to give you some instructions."
"Instructions for what?"
"On how you are going to conduct yourself when we take you to see her."
***
"Dammit!"
"What's wrong, Leon?"
"I think we've picked up a tail." Leon Kennedy slammed his foot down on the gas pedal, taking the first turn off the highway. His blue eyes watched the rearview, waiting for the familiar vehicle. "There it is. I knew it!" He took a left off the exit ramp and sped down the road.
"Can you lose them?" his passenger asked, anxiously. Leon looked over at the young blonde girl, giving her one of his patented 'don't worry' smiles.
"No problem, Sherry. Just hold on tight." Sherry Birkin gripped the door handle as the car skidded around a sharp corner. She looked at the outside mirror, spotting the other car that was now chasing them.
"There still behind us!" she shouted, trying to make her voice heard over the roaring engine and squealing tires. Leon continued to weave in and out of traffic, trying to use the busy roadway as cover. He took a quick series of turns, watching with irritation as the other vehicle continued its pursuit.
"Jesus, they don't give up easy", Leon commented. He shot a quick look at his young charge, noting the look of fear on her face. He rushed down a few more roads until, suddenly, he pulled into a parking lot. A shopping mall loomed in the distance. He drove as fast as he dared, pedestrians slowing his progress at every turn.
"Ah, Leon?" Sherry piped up. "It's Saturday, you know. This place is a zoo." Leon gave her a sidelong glance, and grinned.
"Exactly." He could see Sherry's puzzled expression out of the corner of his eye. He pulled into the first parking space he could find and killed the engine. He threw the car door open and jumped out, reaching across the seat to pull Sherry out with him. They began to walk briskly toward the mall.
Leon had set the pace and Sherry was practically running to keep up with his long strides. She watched him as his head darted back and forth, searching for something. She assumed he was looking for the car that was chasing them, but he stopped and looked down at her with a smile.
"I think I found what we're looking for." Sherry narrowed her eyes at him.
"And what is it that we're looking for?" Leon pointed to a car several feet away. Sherry followed his arm until her eyes rested on a large, black sedan. There was a man loading some bags into the trunk. The engine was running.
"So what about it?"
"So, we need some new wheels." Leon squeezed her hand and winked at her. "I think you may need some help finding your big brother, don't you?" Sherry rolled her eyes at him.
"Oh, come on, Leon."
"What? You don't like my plan?"
"It's not that. But, I'm not a little kid, for crying out loud." Leon looked perplexed.
"Of course you're not. Do you think I'd let you handle things on your own if you were?" Sherry cast another glance toward the man.
"You really think he'll buy that story?" Leon grinned.
"I'm sure of it." Sherry sighed and started to walk towards the man. She glanced back over her shoulder, watching Leon as he casually strolled between the cars nearby.
"Excuse me?" The man looked over at the young girl. His face was passive, until he noticed she was upset. He had a daughter about the same age.
"Yes? Can I help you?" Sherry did her best to muster up a few crocodile tears. She moved to stand near the bumper, trying to draw his attention away from Leon, who was sneaking around the front towards the driver's side door.
"I, I'm sorry to bother you. But, I was supposed to meet my brother back at his car, and I can't seem to find it." She paused, sniffling, for dramatic effect. "I've been wandering through the parking lot for a long time and I'm sure he must be worried." She wiped at her eyes. "You must think I'm such a baby." The man regarded her with a look of sympathy.
"No, of course not." He smiled at her. "Maybe I can help you find him." Sherry's face lit up.
"Really? That would be great!" She turned and pointed back in the direction she and Leon had come from. "I'm almost positive it was this aisle. It's a blue Camry." The man stepped up to stand beside her, holding his hand over his eyes as he scanned the lot. Sherry chanced a peek back toward the man's car to see Leon frantically waving at her. She quietly stepped back, taking care not to be noticed. Suddenly, she turned and bolted for the passenger side of the black car, jumping in as Leon hit the gas. The man turned as Sherry had started to run, not quite comprehending what was going on, until he saw his car pulling away.
"Hey!" He ran towards the retreating bumper as the car sped out of its parking space. "Stop! That's my car, you son of a bitch!" The man gave chase, but Leon found a clear path heading out to the rear exit. Sherry spun around in her seat to look out the rear windshield.
"Poor guy." She looked over at Leon. "He was just trying to be nice and look where it got him." She slumped back down into the seat and folded her arms. Leon reached over and gave her knee a squeeze.
"I know you feel bad, Sherry. But, we had to get out of there. It was the only way." The truth was he was glad she felt guilty. That's how any normal person would feel. And Leon wanted Sherry Birkin to feel like a normal young girl.
***
Leon could hear the phone ringing as he fumbled to put the key into the lock. Sherry fidgeted back and forth, looking over her shoulder at the empty hallway.
"Hold on, hold on…" He muttered, finally pushing it open. He bolted inside, snatching up the receiver, while tossing his keys onto the coffee table. He held it to his chest, waiting for Sherry to close and lock the door behind them. She dropped herself into a chair as he put his ear to the phone. "Hello?" Sherry watched him as a huge smile appeared on his handsome face.
"Claire! Is that you?" Sherry bolted up from her seat and practically launched herself at him. He wrapped his free arm around her shoulders and pulled her to him. "God, I can't believe it. Are you okay?" He paused, listening intently, as Sherry strained to hear.
"Leon, I want to talk to her", she whispered. He winked at her and nodded.
"Yeah, Rebecca told me." He continued to respond with brief comments as Sherry's gesturing became more animated.
"Come on", she hissed, impatiently. Leon's expression sobered as the phone call went on. After several minutes of silence, he finally spoke again.
"Of course. I'll be there as soon as I can." Sherry looked at him with concern. "Hey, I have someone here who's gonna break my arm if I don't give her the phone. Hold on…" he paused, and then added, "and watch yourself 'til I get there." He handed the phone to Sherry. She snatched it from him and almost shouted into the receiver.
"Hi Claire!" Leon watched Sherry as she proceeded to grill Claire about her whereabouts, general health, and when she would see her again. It looked as if the top of Sherry's head would fall off if her smile got any wider. He hadn't realized, until that moment, how much she really missed Claire. Apparently, every bit as much as Leon did.
He really didn't have a chance to tell Claire too much about what was going on with he and Sherry. But, the timing couldn't have been better. It was obvious they had to get the hell out of Dodge, and Claire had given them a destination. Of course, he hadn't mentioned to her that he was bringing Sherry, but there was no other choice. There was no place to leave her, and he believed she would be safer with Claire. Now that she and her brother had been reunited, perhaps Leon could leave Sherry with them while he took care of some matters of his own. He wasn't certain how all of this business with Jill Valentine's father would go down, but he would be there when the exchange was made. Then, maybe, he could use his own resources to help.
***
Carlos Oliviera stood perfectly still, cell phone clutched, tightly, in his hand. He pinched his nose with his thumb and index finger, taking a few deep breaths. It had been quite some time since he last spoke to Jill Valentine. When he answered his phone only moments ago, there was a brief feeling of elation at hearing her voice, followed by a feeling of dread as she explained the reason for her call. He agreed to go, without hesitation. They still shared a unique bond. A closeness that went far beyond friendship. They had fought for their lives together, saved each other countless times. There was no one person on this earth he trusted more.
His experiences in Raccoon City had changed him, profoundly. When he first joined the U.B.C.S. he seemed to be a perfect fit for the mercenary lifestyle. He was an orphan with no attachments, and the constant element of risk appealed to his rather violent nature. Having grown up living on the streets of Miami, he had developed a mean-spirited and arrogant personality. He was a loner, and he liked it that way. The job at Umbrella paid extremely well, and he had tucked most of it away. He planned to work for as long as the thrill lasted, then take his money and disappear. No one to answer to, and no one to worry about. That was his motto.
Until his squad was sent to Raccoon City, Oregon.
The assignment had been a simple one. There had been some type of chemical accident and the city was in chaos. His platoon, headed by Mikhail Victor, were to land in the city by chopper, evacuate any civilians they could find, and get the hell out. That was it. No problem.
But, of course, it was a lie. Just like everything else Umbrella had told them.
Carlos had entered a nightmare. That was the only way to describe it. Nothing could have prepared him for what was happening in that city. Fortunately, he found a survivor who helped him to escape it. That person was Jill Valentine. If he had never found her there, Carlos knew he would be dead.
He had never relied on anyone before he met her. But, she had risked her life for him, even though she hardly knew him. And, in the end, he had done the same for her. When they left the city, he followed her for a while. She was searching for her teammates, and Carlos helped her find them. They parted ways shortly after, each to fight their battles in their own way. But, Jill had promised him she would be there for him if he ever needed her. Now, she needed him, and he wouldn't let her down.
Okay, that's it for now. Originally this chapter was much longer. I decided to split it up. Just thought the suspense would last a bit longer this way. I hope you're all enjoying it. Thanks for the nice comments. Now, on to chapter 5! Later.