The Following:
Peace, Love, and Happiness
Episode 8:
Total Recall
Claire waited impatiently for the elevator to make its descent into the lobby. Her thoughts drifted back to Mike's reluctance to help her out or even hear what she had to say. She couldn't believe it. That wasn't the Mike she knew. The Mike she knew, wouldn't hesitate to get his hands dirty.
Yet, when she was in his apartment, she could easily tell how he was holding back. Heroic as it was, Max had to be an important factor in the reasoning of him not helping. How skin deep did she go? Were they an item? It seemed like it. Why else would she be in his apartment?
The elevator doors opened and Claire stepped in. She pressed for the sixth floor and waited impatiently for it to reach the floor she chose. The doors opened moments later and Claire stepped out. She eagerly made her way to Gina's apartment. She knocked on the door and waited with bated breath, while Gina unlocked the door.
"Right on time," Gina simply said as she opened the door. She gave Claire half a smile. "You said you would be here in ten minutes and you were here in that time precisely."
"Well I really needed to show you something important," Claire said stepping into the apartment. "And I can't go to Ryan. I tried to talk to Mike, but he didn't want to help me."
"Mike didn't want to help you?" Gina asked as she closed and locked her door. "That is pretty surprising."
"Yeah I know," Claire said with a small shrug. She was trying to play the victim here. Perhaps gain some sympathy from Gina. "When I asked Mike, he told me that he would only help me if I spoke to Ryan."
"And of course you can't talk to Ryan?" Gina asked rhetorically. She wanted to see what her reaction would be.
"Of course I can't talk to him," Claire quickly answered. She ran a hand through her hair and then sighed loudly. "Not after what happened."
"What happened between the two of you?" Gina asked knowing the she was prying. She didn't care though. Claire wasn't one of her favorite people.
"That's a story for a different time," Claire answered not wanting to divulge in it. She took a step toward Gina. "Anyways, I want to show you what was so important." She reached into her purse and pulled out a shopping back. She handed it to Gina who was giving her a curious look. "I got this in the mail."
Gina took the shopping back from her, noting that it felt cold to the touch. "What the…" She began as she pulled the airtight bag. She looked at it, gasped, and then dropped it on the floor.
"I had the same reaction," Claire said eyeing it with disgust. She took a step away from it, almost as if it was some cursed item.
"What… I mean…" Gina tried to say. She was speechless. All she could do was stare at the eyes in a fashion similar to Claire's. The eyes were staring back her.
"I got this in the mail," Claire said reaching to pick it up. She realized that Gina wouldn't touch it again, so it was up to her. "With a note that saying that Molly sees me." She paused as she put it in the plastic bag that Gina had dropped as well. "I want to know how she got my address, what her intentions, and how much she really can see me."
"I want to help," Gina said glancing at the bag again. "I really do, but I don't have the resources like I used to." She touched the bandage around her waist. In another few days, she could stop wearing it. "I am sick leave. I can't just walk into FBI headquarters without someone noticing."
"Please Gina," Claire pleaded. She took a few steps toward her and handed her the bag. "I really need your help here and I don't know where to turn."
"If I were in your shoes, I would call Ryan," Gina said crossing her arms over her chest. She refused to take the bag from her.
"What is wrong with all of you?" Claire asked making a face at her. "When the hell have you become so loyal to Ryan that you will go against your own duty?"
"My own duty?" Gina asked lifting up her shirt to show a fresh bandage. "You see this, I was stabbed. Don't talk to me about duty." She lowered her shirt and pointed a threatening figure at her. "I put my life on the line out there, while all you did was bitch and moan." She paused for a few moments. "Just like you are doing now."
"How dare you?" Claire began.
"How dare I?" Gina asked tired of her nonsense. "Why don't you grow some female balls, call Ryan, and tell him that you need to talk to him?"
Claire glared at her. "To think I came here asking for your help," She angrily said. "You know I can't call Ryan."
"Holy hell Claire," Gina continued to rant. She made her to the front door. "I know about your relationship with Ryan. I just wanted you to come out and tell me the real reason you couldn't call Ryan. You couldn't." She shook her head. "I am not going to help you. Not because I don't want to, because I am not going to go behind Ryan's back. If you want to find out about the package, I suggest you call Ryan." She opened the door and motioned toward the hall indicating that she wanted her to leave. "But I know you won't, so I guess you are on your own here."
Claire opened her mouth to say something. Instead she glared at her and walked out of the apartment. Before Gina had a chance to close the door, she turned and said in a threatening manner, "Watch your back. With the attitude you have, it could get you killed."
"You know what's funny," Gina said with a smart ass smile. "I was just about to tell you that." With that she shut the door in Claire's face, who was standing in the hall, shocked and annoyed.
William cursed again and shook his head annoyed. He stepped away from the table and looked at Ryan who was watching him curiously. "Well since her purse is gone," He said with an exasperated shrug, "There is one more thing I can do."
"What is that?" Ryan asked giving him a weird look.
William gave him an excited smile. "Follow me," He said turning to the den that was located just outside of the kitchen. "I think you will like this one."
Ryan followed William into the den and into another the room that was at the corner of the den. It was double locked and took William a few seconds to open it. As soon as Ryan entered the room he was immediately taken back by what he saw. There were two LED computer screens hooked up to one computer monitor. To the left of that was an entire wall covered with images of Joe, Lily, and Molly. On the right of the computers, was an overly cluttered desk covered with an assortment of files.
"Impressive isn't it," William said proudly as he turned on his computer. He opened a file that read classified on it.
"What is this?" Ryan asked continuing to look around the room.
William looked at Ryan slightly surprised. "Well you aren't the only one with a fascination with Joe and his entourage," He smirked.
Ryan stepped up to one of the files and picked it up. It belonged to Tim Roderick Nelson and dated back to his birth. Another file belonged to Jacob Wells and dated back to when he declined his offer to Medical School. He picked up a third profile and opened it. This one belonged to Paul Torres or commonly known as Billy Thomas.
"Like what you see?" William asked from his computer. He opened another file, this one a complete list of all the followers, dead, alive, and missing.
"Do I like it?" Ryan repeated the question. He took a step away from the table. He stroked his small greying goatee. "I am speechless William. I was not expecting this one bit."
William swung around in his chair and looked at Ryan. "Whatever you are really feeling now, you must realize that Joe Carroll and his misfits are still on every news channel," He said seriously, "There are many people on all levels working on the case, hoping to find information to apprehend even one of the followers." He paused and shrugged his shoulders, "Ever since Joe's murders became headline news, I began to follow, just not everyone worked for the FBI, so it is hard to get information." He crossed his arms over his chest. "Now, I am proud to say, I have connections."
"Do you think that is wise to be telling me?" Ryan asked.
"Oh please man," William shrugged off the comment with a laugh, "You aren't really part of the FBI anymore and what are they going to do, arrest me?" He laughed loudly, "They have much more important people to arrest."
"That is true," Ryan said wondering what the reason William had all this information around. "Anyways William, what is the plan now?"
William was about to respond when his phone rang. He answered it and smiled when he realized who was on the end. "Frank how are you?" He asked leaning back in his seat.
"Swamped here," Frank said in a hushed tone. "And I am putting my ass on the lone here, but that is what partners are for."
"So you are calling because you have something for me?" He asked his smile widening.
"That I am," Frank said looking peeking through his office window. He could see other NYPD officers hustling around with paper work, while a few were gearing themselves up. "We have a lead on your daughter's kidnapper."
"You do?" William asked with his excitement bubbling over. He was like a little kid in a candy store.
"Yes I do," Frank said stepping away from the window. He approached his desk and grabbed his handgun. He placed it in the holder on his belt. "Two men grabbed her, one a Spanish male, about mid-twenties or so. His name is Cruz Daminza. The next suspect we have is Michael Stronner. He is also in his mid-twenties."
"Good," William said as his smile faded away and was replaced with a serious and determined look.
"They are believed to be staying at the Motel 6, room 11," Frank said with a sigh. He wasn't sure if he was doing the right thing. He didn't want William to do anything dangerous. Yet, he owed William, after he saved his live a few times in the line of duty. "The one that is actually a ten minute drive from you off Washington Avenue."
"Yeah I know the place," William said. "Thank you."
"Don't do anything dangerous," Frank added in even though he knew what William would do.
"That remains to be seen," William said before he hung up the phone. He looked at Ryan and smiled, "We are in business here."
"We are?" Ryan asked looking at him curiously, even though he had an idea what he was talking about.
"I'll tell you on the way," He said opening a drawer on his desk and pulling out a gun and its holster. "It is time to go hunting."
The drive only took a few minutes and during it, William discussed what Frank told him about Cruz and Michael. He told him about his relationship with him and how he could be trusted. Ryan knew who Frank was just by word of mouth and knew himself that he was a dedicated and loyal cop. He could be trusted.
When they got to hotel, they parked and immediately made their way to room 11. Ryan and William at the same time grabbed their guns. William stood on one side, while Ryan on the other. Ryan used his fingers counting to three. At three, he kicked the door open and then ran in.
Ryan saw Cruz sitting in the bed bandaged and bloody. He tried to reach for his gun, but decided against it, when he saw he had two guns pointed at him. He cursed in Spanish and punched the bed, before wincing in pain.
"Where is Michael?" William asked toughly. He took a step toward him.
"Who?" Cruz asked.
"Don't toy with me here," William threatened. "Where is he?"
Cruz began to laugh as he watched Ryan make his way into the bathroom. He saw the window was open. He stepped up to the window and peered outside, but didn't see anyone that fit Michael's description. He groaned and then left the bathroom.
"He is gone," Ryan said shaking his head annoyed.
"Damn," William cursed clearly upset. He seemed to lose it for a few seconds, before he turned to Cruz with a dangerous look on his face. "Michael may have run, but we still have you." He pointed his gun at him once again. "Get up. You are coming with us."
"What if I don't?" Cruz asked slyly.
William cursed and slammed the butt of the gun into Cruz's head knocking him unconscious. He groaned and touched his bandages. He knew that move did some damage. It hurt now just to breathe. But he didn't want to stop now to look. He was on a roll.
"Come on William," Ryan protested.
"Oh please, he wasn't going to budge," William said with a shrug. "Come help me move him."
"I guess so," Ryan said as he reached for Cruz. He wasn't sure if William made the right decision and how long he would stand by him, before he became too reckless. He didn't want to call for help, but if he needed to, he would.
Jeffery, Mike, and Max were at FBI headquarters going over what Claire had spoken to Mike and then Gina about. Jeffery was wondering why she didn't come to him about it to begin with, instead of going to Mike and then Gina. He would have helped her right away. It wasn't that he didn't care about Ryan, it was just that this was more important than personal feelings.
"Have you gotten a hold of Ryan?" Jeffery looked at Max.
"I called him twice," Max shook her head, "But all I got was his voice mail."
Jeffery cleared his throat and ran a hand through his short hair. "Well I guess we will go on and he will catch up when we get a hold of him," He said turning back to the large screens that displayed two images. One of the brain and the other the pair of eyes. "Okay guys," Jeffery began in a loud voice. "So on screen one, is the brain that was sent to Carrie Cook and on the second screen is the pair of eyes that was sent Claire Mathews." He paused for a few moments. "The brain and eyes belonged to an person named Clark Saxson. He is Molly's younger brother and was believed to be her right hand man, before she killed him."
"Do we know what her motive for killing him yet?" An agent asked.
"No we don't," Jeffery shook his head. He crossed his arms over his chest. "I have spoken to Detective Jack Crawford and he says that they are still studying the evidence." He paused and took a step toward the last screen which showed an image of Molly taken days before her disappearance. "Pretty much they are just as stumped as we are."
"What about a return address?" Mike asked looking at Jeffery.
"There was no record of any return address," Jeffery said looking at Mike. "Which is to be expected. I have spoken to the post office and they say that with any packages of any sort, there has to be a return address given, if not written on the package, at least inside. They are looking into, but I can assume that Molly had someone close to the post office and was able to get it through."
"Damn," Mike said shaking his head.
This was the part of the job he hated. Any time he thought they had a lead on the case, it seemed as if the suspect was always one step ahead. It was as if they were chasing a ghost. The worst was dealing with Joe. Every time he felt like he was going to get a glimpse of him, he disappeared faster. If they were able to a hold of one of Joe's cult members, it took all his strength not to pummel the person just to get the information he needed.
"Now on to other matters," Jeffery turned to an agent by the closest computer and motioned for her to continue. She nodded and then put up three images. "Now this is Tanya Shore," Jeffery began, "We all know who she is, so I don't have to go into detail here. Now these two men are responsible for her kidnapping," He pointed to both screens, "This is Cruz Daminza. He is now on the most wanted list. He was born in Mexico, but moved with his mother to Houston when he was 2 years old. When he was eighteen, he enlisted in the army and spent the next three years in Iraq. After that, he joined the Special Forces and up until a few weeks ago, he had a pretty clean record." Jeffery paused trying to swallow his emotions. He was thinking back to when Cruz shot Desmond and then him, nearly killing him.
"This is Michael Stronner," Jeffery continued. He pointed to the next image. "He was born in Detroit and lived there for nearly his whole life." He paused again and looked at Mike who was studying the screens closely. "We believe that they are part of what is left of Joe's cult and is believed to be now part of Molly's group."
Jeffery paused again to let the information sink in. "Now we have an address as to where both Cruz and Michael are staying and I have reason to believe that Tanya is with them," He paused and looked at Mike and Max who were looking at him ready to jump into the line of duty if it were needed. "Mike, Max," He said with a dangerous and an excited glint in his eyes. "There is already a team on route there, let's beat them to it."
Annabelle watched with childlike anticipation as Amable was setting up the camera in the middle of the living room. He was humming a song she didn't recognize and seemed to be in high spirits. She expected him to be nervous, but he seemed far from it. In fact, she couldn't recall that last time he was nervous. He seemed to always be in control.
"I still don't know about this," Annabelle said shaking her head.
Amable looked at her with a small smile. "We have spoken about it already," He said as he turned on the camera. He stood up and approached her. "I know you're nervous and I will admit it, I am too."
"You are? She asked looking him with disbelief.
"As strange as it sounds, I am probably more nervous then you are," He said reassuring her. He watched her massage her arm that was not in the sling anymore. "But as we have discussed, it is time."
"I know that," Annabelle said with a small shrug. "I just don't know if I am ready for this change. I mean Joe did the video thing as well and look where it got him, he is in prison for the rest of his life."
"I can assure you that regardless of what happens here," Amable said reaching out to her. He grasped her by the shoulder gently. "It was meant to happen."
"I don't find that reassuring," Annabelle said walking away from him. "We have spent all this time hidden, I don't like that we have to come out in the open now."
Amable gave her a reassuring smile. "I know how troubling this is for you," He said hoping that it would help her. "But this is what needs to be done. I care so much about our family and I won't let anyone else get hurt." He paused and thought of Tim, "In order for that, we have to step up our game."
"I trust you," Annabelle said still not fully sure she was comfortable with his decision. She still trusted him though.
"Good," Amable said with a nod. He turned away from her and then turned on the camera. He timed it so that it would start recording right before he began his message. He stood in front of the fire place and took a deep breath.
"Hello everyone, my name is Amable," He said right when the camera began recording. "You guys don't me. But you soon will." He paused and cleared his throat loudly. "Firstly, I know you guys must have a lot of questions and I am going to answer them." He smiled devilishly. "I want to start by telling you that I know who was in charge of the bombing at Penn Station. That was me. I was the man that ordered the bombing. Why? Why would I allow such a barbaric act to happen?" His smile widened. "I am not a God and I am not the Devil. I am just a man. But a man that will do whatever it takes to finish what a good friend of mine started. Who is that man?" He began to chuckle dangerously. "That I can't tell you, but I can tell you that he was very special to me and everything I am doing here, is for him."
Amable paused for a few moment. He glanced at Annabelle who was watching him uncertain. He ignored it and then continued. "Secondly, if you try any attempt to race this transmission," He chuckled again, "Go ahead now. See if you can. You won't be able to." He paused again and took a step toward the camera. "So I am hereby giving out a warning. This one is directed to my long time adversary, who doesn't know me. Ryan Hardy. I am coming for you. So you better watch over everyone you care about. Everyone in your life that means something to you, will be a target. You won't know when and you won't know who. You just better be ready Ryan, because I am not bluffing."
Amable paused again and took another step toward the camera. "Now if you don't believe me and decide that I will not follow through," His demeanor changed to anger and determination. "Well, don't play me for a fool. Not only will I go after those you care about Ryan, I will make Penn Station look like the tip of the iceberg. For example, I may target your precious Yankee Stadium." He paused and laughed dangerously.
With that, he motioned for Annabelle to end the recording. She did so and then looked at him with wonder. "So what do you think?" He asked watching her.
"It gave me the chills," She said with a small smile.
"Good," Amable said with a dangerous look.
Mark stepped away from the living room, hoping that he was not seen or heard. He had watched the recording hidden from both Amble and Annabelle. Now that it was over, he on his way to his room to think things over.
He wasn't sure what to make from it. Should he ignore the video and go on as if it never occur. He could pretend that he never saw it just moments ago. Live in this house as just like they told him to do. Just to live. Almost like a prisoner is a safe camp. But that was just a fleeting thought. He hated to stay still.
He knew what he saw was big. It was a game changer. He wasn't sure what his place in it though. Was he going to be asked to help, because of all his ability? Or was he going to be left alone and forgotten like he had been so far.
"Mark," He heard a familiar voice say to him that broke his thoughts.
When he came to, he saw that he was back in his room and looking at his brother who was sitting by the edge of the bed with a playful smirk on his face. "Luke," He said surprised to see him.
"This is such a soft and bouncy bed," Luke said patting it to emphasize it. "If I were still alive, I would do so many nasty things on it. It is just perfect."
Mark felt his eyes slightly well up. He stood in his spot perfectly still. "Luke," He repeated quietly.
"Yes it is me dear brother," Luke said rolling his eyes. "I am in your head, so basically I am not really here."
Mark approached the bed and sat next to his brother. He reached out with a shaking hand and touched his brother's arm. "But I can feel you," He said uncertain.
"That is because you are wanting to and thinking to," Luke said seriously. "It is some connection we have here. I don't know how to explain it." He shrugged his shoulders. "But enough of this twilight zone crap." He reached out and touched his brother's arm. "What are you going to do now? Because you know when the video becomes viral everything changes."
"I don't know," Mark said with a small shrug. He looked at the floor for a few moments, before turning to his brother.
"You need to decide where you stand here," Luke said and touching his brother's shoulder. "Now that you know who Amable is and is aware of his intentions, everything is so different."
"Are you saying that I can trust him?" He asked.
"Yes and no," Luke said standing up. He began to pace around the room deep in thought. "You wanted revenge for those who killed our family more than anything. Well it now seems as if you have the chance to seize the day."
"That is true," Mark said standing up. He approached his brother, who stopped pacing. They looked each other in the eyes. "I now think I know what I will do. I have been thinking of it, but just needed some persuasion."
"Good," Luke said with a dangerous smile and spark in his eyes. "Just remember one thing. Watch your back here, especially with feisty little bitch Annabelle. She may get in the way."
"She won't be a problem," Mark said reaching out and taking his brother's hands. "I won't let her become one and if she does, I will do what I do best."
"Good," Luke repeated with a nod. "That is the Mark I know and love."
Tanya was aching all over and extremely uncomfortable. It had as if she had driven for hours. She was sitting in the back of the van anymore and for that she was thankful. Molly had it set up that after a short drive to an unknown parking structure, they'd go change their van to a sporty car. Yet, even with this new car, she was growing quite fidgety.
Molly was sitting in the passenger seat with her eyes closed. She looked like she was fast asleep, but as soon as Tanya had thought that, Molly's eyes fluttered open. Molly yawned and then looked at her with a motherly smile.
"I'm sorry if I woke you," Tanya said feeling uncomfortable.
"I wasn't sleeping," Molly lied, even though it was quite obvious that she had just dozed off.
"Really?" Tanya asked giving her a weird look. "It looked like you were sleeping."
"Guilty as charged," Molly said with a small chuckle.
"Anyways," Tanya said running her hand through her hair. "When will get home?"
"In a few minutes," Molly said glancing at the driver who had his eyes glued on the road. "There is one more thing we have to do and then home sweet home."
"What is that thing?" Tanya asked.
"You'll see," Molly answered not wanting to divulge into it just yet, for obvious reasons.
"By the way, there is something that I am curious about," Tanya asked as she shifted in her spot to get more comfortable. Her back was aching now, more than the rest of her body. "When you got me earlier, how did you know I would be where I was?"
"You know the bracelet you have?" Molly asked pointing to it. "When you went to visit your dad, I put a hidden GPS in it if anything happened to you." She chuckled softly. "I am glad it worked out."
"That's so genius," Tanya said amazed.
Molly saw a car parked on the side of the road about forty feet ahead. She smiled and turned to the driver. "Okay here is we make our last stop," She said as he slowed the car.
"Are we switching cars again?" The driver asked in his thick Indian accent.
Molly exited the car motioned for Tanya to get out as well. She leaned against the car door and looked at the driver who turned off his car. "I wish you had told me," He said with a sigh. "I like this car."
"Oh you will be staying here," She said pulling out a handgun from her purse. "Mr. whatever the hell your name is, your services are no longer required." She pointed it at him and then shot him in the head before he could respond.
Tanya gasped when she heard the gunshot and saw the driver's blood splatter everywhere in the car. His brain matter was all over the back part of the car where she had just been seating. He fell forward against the steering wheel and opened his mouth, as a large amount of blood oozed out on to his already bloody lap.
"Come on Tanya," Molly said placing her gun in her purse. "Our last ride awaits."
Tanya followed Molly to the other car. When she had gotten a few feet away from it. The driver door opened and she saw her mother step out of it with a serious look on her face. Her mother reached out and slapped Tanya. "You almost got caught there Tanya," She scolded her.
Tanya reached up to her aching cheek. "I am sorry mother," She said holding back tears. "I didn't mean to."
Her mother's demeanor softened. She reached out embraced her daughter lovingly. "It's okay," She said softly. "I got the information we needed from dad." She let go of her and then entered the driver's seat.
"You saw him?" Tanya asked as she took a seat in the back of the car.
"After you were kidnapped," Her mother said speeding away with a jolt. "I went to your dad, pretending that I was there for him, but instead I went to get the information on his computer." She paused and tossed something on to Tanya's lap. "I also was able to retrieve your purse."
"I can't believe it," Tanya said happily. She looked at Molly and then at her mother. Both had their eyes on to the road.
"Yeah it was so easy," Her mother said proud of herself. "And your dad calls himself a cop." She paused to laugh loudly. "Some cop he is then." Both Molly and Tanya began to laugh as well.
Hope you enjoyed! More to come soon!
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