Chapter 16 – The Plan

The Patriot eventually hit the rural suburbs of Liberty, the remote, non-descript areas of wasteland that everyone pretended to ignore. It was just a blight on the landscape as far as the citizens and politicians were concerned. Natasha directed the car off-road onto a dry, sandy path that wound round as it rose up the barren land. Luca could eventually see there destination as the Patriot struggled up the incline.

"This is Dray's?" said Luca.

"Yep. It's an old ranch" answered Natasha, parking the patriot up. Luca could see the smashed up van on the drive, a lone leg sticking out of the side. Natasha jumped out of the car and ran up to it.

"Hey Mike, quit lying around and give us a hand!" she shouted.

"Huh? What?" said Mike as he pulled himself out from under the van. He was wearing blue overalls and his hands were covered in a sticky, black liquid.

"Wipe the oil off and give us a hand" ordered Natasha, "Where's Kraze?"

"He's out back, checking over the new toy" he said with a smirk. "Wait and see what we've been up to…"

x

Luca finished putting the last of the weapon crates in the ranches main barn, the bound Rafa tied up to a support in the corner, gagged for his own safety. He looked around at the impressive surroundings. Amongst the drab wooden structure, the freelancers had successfully installed a computer mainframe system, which Zed was busily typing away on, a makeshift armoury and a custom mod shop. Walking around the ranch, Luca had spied a shooting range and a dirt track. The setup was sweet.

"Right, you two" said Kraze, strolling into the barn. "You can see what we've been busy with now if you like, in between saving your asses"

Kraze smiled and span round, walking promptly out. Luca looked at Natasha and quickly followed, the sun fading in the sky. The pair followed Kraze through the dusty ranch until they reached the back.

"You've got to be kidding me!" exclaimed Natasha, gob smacked.

"Nope, this is the real deal. Conway will never know," said Kraze smugly.

Luca couldn't believe it. There, standing right in front of him, was the Liberty City police department's helicopter…

x

The trio headed back into the barn, the other two freelancers hunched over the computer.

"Luca!" shouted Zed, as they entered the shack. "Borgaman called. He's on his way over now."

"So this is it yeah?" said Luca, pacing around.

"I guess so" replied Kraze.

"I don't care man," said Mike, "I just can't wait to fly that helicopter!"

"Idiot…" mumbled Natasha, her insult drowned out by the sound of the Comet's supercharged engine pulling up outside of the ranch. Borgaman strode in calmly, briefcase in hand.

"You've done well" he said, shaking the group's hands. "I'm pleased, all had gone smoothly. And I trust there are no records of Luca's arrest, the missing helicopter or the extensive car chase through the city?" said Borgaman shaking his head disapprovingly.

"It's all been sorted" said Zed, "I've got a device detecting Conway's phone signal too. Any call he makes to the LCPD, Rafa or whatever, we'll receive"

"Good. I've rang around in Layman and my associated have come up trumps. Miguel is indeed alive although there have been a few misgivings. My contacts believe that Madden has now left Layman. They are sure to come back here. Now, to business. The Cavellis have arrived in town. There men have garrisoned down at the docks. We think the deal will go down the day after tomorrow. We must assume Madden has the money…"

"Sir, sorry to interrupt but Conway's calling in!" called out Zed, pointing to the flickering red light on his desktop.

"Well, answer it. Remember the department name"

"Liberty City Police station" said Zed, snatching up his headset.

"Hello? Um, this is Conway?" replied the voice, confusion laced into his tone, "Who is this? Your not the usual operator."

"Officer Rafela," said Zed quickly, "I'm new…"

"Right. I have several suspects in my custody and a large package, mostly drugs money. I need an escort back to Liberty quickly. The Layman police force won't touch the case" Conway invented.

"I'll contact dispatch straight away and have the chopper collect you at Langdon Airport. ETA three hours"

"Good, out" said Conway, clicking his phone off.

"Phew…" sighed Zed, throwing the microphone down. "He nearly had me"

"Borgaman…" started Luca, looking at the old lawyer.

"Yes, I know Luca. He has the money and Miguel. New plan!" he exclaimed, making the others jump, "we rescue Miguel and regain the money! This is what we are going to do…"