Love Struck Delusion
Chapter 104 – I really don't.
Raptor's POV.
Last night was one I wouldn't soon forget. Raze was still asleep, but Zeta was already gone. I assume she was out trying to figure out a way to find Gorgon.
Sitting on the couch just trying to think, I looked to my side as my phone went off. It was Archer again, and again I just ignored it.
I don't know what my plan was at the moment. All of it rested on Zeta. The only question that really got me thinking was what I planned to do after this was over. Things wouldn't be the same between me and Archer. Nor would it be with Hunter. I lied right through my teeth. Broke every promise I made to her. Part of me was sure she understood why somewhere in her heart. But the other part of me knew I broke it. I can't say I'm the victim in this. I said I loved her. And to a girl who hasn't had a family for a long time to hear that, it probably meant the world to her. And I just stepped all over it.
"Sometimes things like that need to happen. I heard from my side."
Looking slowly over I was caught off guard as Death just made himself at home across from me. His legs were up on the table as he just looked at me peacefully.
"Sometimes you have to be the bad guy Raptor. Hunter will just have to get over it. She's young and by the time this is over she'll have found another reason to keep going. We both know that."
"Doesn't make it right." I replied as he nodded.
"Yeah I guess. But hey?"
Looking back into his eyes I listened closely as he smiled and said.
"Can't say I expected those two to have the hots for you. Your quite lucky, you know that? Hahaha."
I didn't know how to respond other then close my eyes under stress. Death just continued to chuckle. After some time he stopped and I felt his hand reach over to prod my side. After reopening my eyes again he asked.
"You think you'll go back? After this?"
Looking at the ceiling I replied.
"That's the same question I was trying to find an answer to myself."
"Have you found one yet?" He wondered as I just replied quietly.
"No. I haven't."
Nodding to my response, Death then asked.
"How are you feeling? Any better?"
"A lot better actually. Why?"
Giving me a small smile he replied.
"Just wondering. Wana make sure you good to go. Can't have you getting killed when your not at your best."
"You did something didn't you?" I asked catching on to his games.
Just looking right at me he replied.
"Maybe. That's for you to find out. But if you really wana know...?" Just as he was about to spill his guts, I looked back to my side at my phone once again going off. This time it was a different number. One that made my eyes widen as Death just whispered.
"I'll let you answer that. Talk later?"
Nodding, I waved him off as I went to pick up my phone. Clearing my throat, I answered as best as I could.
"Hello?"
"Ah nice to know you're still around. How are you?" It was Hecan.
Sitting up I replied.
"I'm okay. Why you asking? Did something happen?"
Sensing my concern, Hecan replied.
"No nothing like that I assure you. You met up with our mutual friend?"
"Yeah I did. Quite a woman."
Laughing he quickly replied.
"That she is. Anyway I called to ask you something. May I?"
As I went to respond, the door opened and Zeta came walking in to see me on the couch. She wanted to say something but went silent as I raised my hand up to get her to hold on.
"Yeah go ahead." I replied after a few seconds.
"I'm on my way over to Pakistan. There is going to be a signing between your rebellion and Linnen. Just a contract claiming both sides are agreeing to go to war. Nothing important really. For the public mostly. I just need to be present to press my signature on the contract alongside the others."
"Are you serious?" I asked in shock as he quickly replied.
"I figured since you are right now still dead, you wouldn't have known otherwise. Surprisingly it's a big event. A lot of people will be there."
"Even Gorgon?" I asked to be sure, as he soon said back.
"He's holding down security for Linnen and his brass. Now I'm not going to tell you what to do, but attacking him there would end badly for all parties involved. But maybe if you were somehow in the right place you could have a chance at figuring out where he goes after the event. At least you would have an idea where he was stationed after all the fuss."
Zeta who now sat down where Death once sat, began to rub her arms.
"Wow it's cold." She whispered as I refocused on Hecan.
"Now I'll be in country for two days. Today officially I'll just be going around shaking hands with Linnen and his top guys. Going over some things before the event tomorrow. But after all that I'll be meeting with some of my men. They've been in country for a few months now. You probably haven't seen them, but they operate just under my orders. All special forces and what have you. I was curious if you would like to come join us for a little chat? Figure this is a great way to meet one another face to face. How does that sound?"
My mind was thrown for a loop to this idea. Was he insane? If people knew he was talking with me it could surely cost him his career.
"I promise this meeting is top secret. Linnen doesn't know. And you have my word you won't be harmed. I just really need to see you."
"Can I ask why?" I then replied as he quickly stated back.
"It's not something I would like to chat about over the phone. Let's just say it's something we both want to talk about. Okay?"
I didn't know what else to say other then yes. After which Hecan replied.
"Good. The meeting will be held in my hotel room later tonight. Let's say around nine, at the Masquerade. You know the place right?"
"I can find it." I replied back as he then said.
"Okay good. There won't be any of Linnen's people on duty while I'm staying there tonight. Just my men. Take the elevator up to top floor and I'll have some of my guys meet you there. Sound good?"
"Gotcha. I'll be there."
"Looking forward to shaking your hand then. I'll see you tonight. Goodbye now."
"Bye." I replied as I lowered my phone down to my lap.
"Who was it?" Wondered Zeta who looked extremely concerned.
"Hecan. He wants to meet tonight at the Masquerade. Face to face."
With wide eyes Zeta questioned.
"What? Why?"
"I don't know. He just said it was something that involved the two of us. Linnen won't find out about it ether he said. Just a meeting between us."
Zeta was clearly trying to put things together, same as me. But we both were now lost in what to do. After nearly a minute she asked.
"He told you about the meeting at the capital then right?"
"Yeah tomorrow he said. He said Gorgon was going to be there."
"We can't attack Raptor. Not at something that big." Stated Zeta as I nodded and replied.
"I know we can't. Even Hecan said it would be dumb. But he did say it would be a great time to tail him after it was all over. Cause according to him Gorgon doesn't stay at the capital. He's somewhere else."
Zeta seemed okay with the idea of doing this. But in concern she stated.
"I don't think anyone will notice you if you go to the event. But we need to have a plan in motion just in case."
Nodding I then replied.
"Let's focus on this meeting with Hecan. We can figure out a plan after. Chances are he can tell us more about the event. Gorgon probably will be part of the security team that has to escort him out of country anyway."
"Okay." She then as I asked.
"Did you figure anything out?"
Nodding she replied while getting close to me on the couch.
"Not anything he didn't already tell you."
Letting out a sigh, I leaned back on the couch as Zeta slowly smiled and leaned in on my side.
Giving me a kiss on my cheek she said.
"And yeah you won by the way. Guess you weren't too old to handle me."
Letting out a soft chuckle I then added.
"Trust me you were a lot harder to handle then she was." I then looked over to Raze who was still asleep on the recliner across the room. Zeta instantly replied.
"We're lucky if she even wakes up today. Not after all that."
"Heh yeah. I guess your right." I replied as she just gave me another kiss.
"You know relationships have a bad outcome with me right?" I asked her as she just calmly replied.
"Last night was nothing Raptor. Just blowing off some steam. You think I actually like you?" She asked with a crazy look in her eyes.
"You gotta be joking. I wouldn't be caught dead holding your pocket."
Sending my shoulder over into her body, I watched with a smile as she fell over in laughter.
"Yeah fuck you too. You women are all the same."
Zeta just continued to giggle to herself as I looked at the time on my phone. It was going to be a long night.
Hours later.
Approaching the building alone was intimidating. One of the tallest buildings in the middle east. Over forty floors of high class luxury. Never thought I'd be seeing the inside of this beast anytime soon. I didn't have much to dress in other then the armor I stole from Black and my cloak. I kept the hood down and my bandana under my neck as I stood outside with Zeta who just managed to drive us here. I didn't know what to expect and she knew it.
"Raptor." She said bluntly as I took my eyes off the building.
"Do you want me to come in with you?"
Part of me really wanted her to stay outside. But I knew going in alone could turn out bad. I'm not saying I don't trust Hecan on his word, but I was unsure. Zeta knew I was concerned just judging from my lack of an answer to her question. Stepping out of the car she took charge by saying.
"I'm coming then. But first...?" Reaching into my cloak she pulled out my M9.
"We can leave these here."
Tossing the gun into the car I asked.
"You really trust this guy?"
Nodding she replied.
"Yes. I do. Now come on. You got a meeting to catch."
Zeta took the chance to step out in front of me. I remained uncertain as I followed her eyes.
"Do you want to hold momma's hand baby?" She then asked with a playful tone as I quickly replied.
"I just don't feel right about this. I've been killing these guys since I first joined the rebellion. Going after officials and all the same types of men like Hecan. But getting the chance to meet with this guy one on one would be like a wet dream to me if I wasn't where I am now. I could make a statement by killing him here and now."
Zeta instantly made her way back over to me to get right into my face and reply.
"You won't do no such thing. Killing Hecan would be a huge mistake. Not just for you, but for this war. You might not fully trust him like I do, but Raptor I can assure you he's a good guy in all this. He wouldn't invite you if he didn't have a reason. Making sure it was private should show you that."
I kept to myself as Zeta just continued to stare me down inches away.
"This isn't some setup. Hecan is legit to his word. Now come on. Don't make me drag you." She urged me as I nodded and began to head for the entrance with her at my side.
Going through the front door showed me how high class this all was. The lobby alone was like a castle. But among the décor were some soldiers. All dressed in black uniforms with red strips and berets. Positioned around the lobby, I stopped to look towards the elevator. Two men covered it on each side as I signaled Zeta to follow me. Once seen approaching the men, I was stopped by the guys in front with a palm stretched out our way urging us to slow down our approach. Once to a stop one of them asked.
"You must be the guy. Voltz is it?"
I sensed no aggression in his voice as his partner looked me over carefully.
"That's some armor you're packing under that cloak. Mind if we check you? Both of you?"
"Yeah. Go ahead." I replied to them as we were quickly patted down one at a time. After Zeta was done being searched did the men say.
"Head into the elevator. Top floor. Someone will meet ya there."
"Thanks." I replied as I took Zeta by the arm to drag her ahead of me and into the elevator. Once inside I hit the button. The men outside stared us down as the door shut tight. Letting out a sigh said.
"Those men work for Hecan?"
Zeta slowly nodded and replied.
"They work only for him. Kinda like secret service. Expect all these guys are trained killers who work solely to protect Hecan and his interests. There are no other missions for guys like these."
"Are they users as well?" I then asked as she shrugged her head to reply.
"Couldn't tell you. Relax though. Your so pent up." She told me directly as we were nearing the top of the place.
"Easier said then done." I replied as I tried to flex around.
After a few more silent seconds the door to the elevator opened. Immediately we were greeted by another pair of men. These two looked like officers. Still wore the same uniforms as all the rest, but they looked more torn. As if they've seen action to say the least. One of which offered his hand to say with a smile.
"Raptor Voltz?"
Taking his hand he said.
"I'm Captain Pierce and this is Lieutenant Juper. Nice to finally meet you."
The two men before me stood a fair two inches taller then me and each packing a bigger build then my own. Pierce was a wolf. A dark blue coat of fur and pretty clean to say the most of him. His eyes were brown and his stance was powerful. This guy was clearly in charge.
As for the Lieutenant he was a hedgehog much like myself. But he showed some signs of wear and tear. A scar covered his right cheek. It looked pretty clean for a gash. Maybe was cut. But with a heavy coat of silver quills and a black patch running under his neck, I went to shake his hand as he smiled and stated.
"Hecan is inside. You're clear to go in. But as a security measure we are locking the door behind you."
In confusion I questioned.
"You trust me alone with him?"
Both nodded and replied.
"Hecan assures us you're safe. But as requested Juper will be joining you inside. Just in case." Stated Pierce as I looked back to Zeta who now waited by the door leading into the room.
"Okay." I said with confidence as I took my chance to follow Juper to where Zeta was.
Once at the door did she ask.
"You ready?"
Nodding I replied.
"Let's do this then."
With a smile Juper opened the door and inside was waited nothing more then an empty hall.
"I'll lock up. Just head down here and make a right."
This time Zeta let me lead. With Juper locking up the door behind us, I obeyed and made my way down the hall to make a right. Once turning I rested my eyes on a lit fireplace and a few large cushioned chairs. One of which held the presence of Hecan himself. His body faced away from us for a second, but slowly turning around we met eye to eye.
"Well well well. You really are alive. I'm sorry if you expected something more...well not this. But I was doing my best to try and relax before tomorrow." He stated as I just stood there dumbfounded. Zeta stood a foot behind me as I watched this man stand up out of his seat to approach.
Hecan was old. Older then me by at least twenty years, and to my surprise he wasn't human. He was a fox. A pretty average one at that. A dimmed down yellow set off fur and dressed down from a suit, he wore a loosened buttoned shirt and dress pants. He smiled as he reached for my hand that I manage to extend first.
I was silent at first as we shook hands. Sensing my concern for what was going on here, he looked right over my shoulder at Zeta who just managed to smile.
"Long time Zeta. How have you been?"
Letting go of my hand, Hecan focused on her as she replied.
"Busy to say the least. How are you?"
Keeping cool he replied.
"Busy as well. You know how it is."
Zeta chuckled as Hecan looked back to me to say.
"Not what you were expecting huh? Me not being a human I mean? Figured a human ran government would be lead by a human? I understand. Another reason I'm popular in this day and age. Species rights and all that."
"Yeah." I replied as he then said with a turn of his body.
"Take a seat. I got a drink all set up. I even have one for you Zeta if you still drink that is."
Zeta quickly replied while heading for a chair.
"I do. Can't say I'd still be sane if it wasn't for the bottle."
Hecan let out a laugh as I just slowly sat down in a chair next to him. Once done Juper came in to stand between us.
"Can't disagree to that. Well anyway, back onto the task at hand. Raptor?"
I looked right at him as it was clear whatever he had to say would change everything.
mT Shadow.