Good afternoon! Hope all is well and Happy Thursday!
Thank you all for continuing to read. Jessie and Jonny are very close to seeing each other again, but Jonny needs to dispose of a certain "person" first. And of course, I need to get Race and Benton off to Russia!
Anatolie: Thank you. I'm so glad you are enjoying this fic.
Tj12398: I think you are going to enjoy the gala. It really is the turning point of the story.
Harry101: You know, I did crack up when Jonny was pretending to check out the guy at the bar. I thought about taking that scene away at first, but I just thought it was great! I'm so glad you liked it. Description to detail is actually something I'm challenged with. I still think I need a lot of practice. Thank you for reading. It means a lot to me.
Jdcocoagirl: There are a number of twists in this story. I hope I don't confuse anyone! LOL!
Playlist:
Moon: Little People
Ludovico Einaudi- A Fuoco
Deep Purple: Highway Star
AC/DC- Highway to Hell
Chapter 9
The last thing Jessie Bannon wanted to do was to sit on the side of a runway aisle at one of classiest boutique shops in Maine staring at models who walked down the runway wearing couture gowns from people whose names she didn't recognize. The models walked with flawless effort wearing floor length gowns down the white staged walkway in the center of the store. Many of the guests stared in awe at the models. Even though the show was put together for Jessie and Claire at the request of Doctor Quest's assistant, Veronica, who had called earlier to arrange the show for the girls. Veronica knew more than even Dr. Quest the importance of attire for such events and made the call herself to get the girls ready.
Jessie turned to Claire and rolled her eyes. Unlike her best friend who seemed to be enjoying every moment, along with the other customers, Jessie wanted to leave and lock herself up in her room to begin working on Phoenix. She couldn't wait until she'd installed her into QuestWorld. The thought of finding Jonny tonight was more than she could bear.
Jessie unconsciously let out a heavy frustrated sigh that made Claire turn to her. In a mocking tone, she whispered, "I know that the idea of having a private modeling show to choose dresses worth thousands of dollars may not be appealing to you, but would it kill you to, at least, pretend to have a little fun?"
"How could you expect me to have fun at a time like this, Claire?" Jessie whispered back with a snappy tone.
"Because tonight is going to be a bloody hell of an evening Red!" Claire responded. "You need to relax now, because tonight will not be easy. Besides, what good will it do to be up in your room playing around with Phoenix?"
About to answer back, Claire cut her off, "You'll only raise suspicions from your dad and Doctor Quest who graciously gave us this gift. Don't you think Dr. Quest will question why you're locked in your room rather than choosing the dress for the event he wants us to attend on his behalf?"
Jessie had to admit that her friend was right. The last thing she wanted was to raise suspicions with either her father, Doctor Quest, or Hadji. But the waiting was killing her. Looking back at her friend, her features soften, "You're right, I'm sorry."
Claire gave her back a small smile, "I'll stay up all night with you, if we have to. I'm in all the way with you Red. We'll find something."
Smiling back, Jessie nodded, "Okay."
"Now," Claire looked back at the models, "Which to choose…"
"You'd look very pretty in either the black backless one or that red sleeveless chiffon," Jessie told her sitting up and pointing at the two models who stood at the side of the stage.
"You have been paying attention!" her friend answered with much enthusiasm.
"Funny Claire," Jessie snorted. "Are these all of them?" she asked looking at how all the models began walking out and standing in a chorus line so both girls could see all the dresses at the same time.
"Seems like it. So, have you decided which one you want?"
Jessie looked from one end of the line to the other. Then, running through the line once more, she stopped and stared at one particular model on the far right. Nodding, she smiled a little, "Yeah, I have."
XXXXXXXXXX
"So what do you need my help on?"
"Benton Quest and Race Bannon will travel to Moscow with Zachary to find leads as to Jonny's whereabouts. I would appreciate if you could help them since they'll be in your jurisdiction."
"They're going to Russia? You're not joining them?"
"I'm working on the UN assassinations, I can't leave. I've assigned Zach as the lead. Can you take on the case personally?"
"I'll be glad to help. But, Phil, I have my own investigation going on here as well. Need I remind you that I have a Russian Ambassador who was gun down over a week ago?"
"I'm aware. But Ethan, I need your help in this case. You know this one is...of extreme importance."
"Alright. I know they are your friends and I know how much that kid means to you."
"Then, you'll help us?"
"Of course I will. When will they arrive?"
"They leave this evening. I'll send you the flight information in a few minutes and where they'll be staying."
"Let me guess…the same hotel that they saw Jonny, correct?
"You have to understand. This new information has given him more hope in finding his son."
"I'm sure Corvin. If it was my son, I'd do everything possible to get him back. I don't blame him at all."
"So you'll help us?"
"I'll take one of the agency's jets tonight and meet them there. And, I'll keep you posted on any developments."
"Thank you Ethan. I owe you one."
"Nonsense. You owe me nothing. I'll call as soon as I can."
Master clicked a button on the computer screen as soon as the conversation he and the doctor had been listening to ceased. They had been able to tap in to Corvin's line in his office. As well as Zachary's line. Master was covering every move the two could make. He was never one to miss anything. Smiling widely, he looked at the doctor, "Everything is going according to plan. Quest and Bannon leave tonight following the crumbs we've been leaving them."
"So Phil Corvin doesn't suspect a thing? What about our I-1 agent who is currently MIA?" The doctor asked a bit skeptical.
"Why should he suspect anything? I-1 is a huge agency. If an agent is out in the field on special assignment, it will take weeks to pull him out. By that time, this assignment will be complete and we'll be off grid." Master replied with a shrug.
"What about Quest?"
"What about him?"
The doctor leaned forward on the chair he had been sitting on and shook his head, "You've basically awaken his thirst to find out what happened to his son."
"His son?" Master raised his voice, "Aidan is my son, has always been my son and will always be my son! Do you understand?"
The doctor controlled himself from rolling his eyes, "I understand and I didn't mean anything by it. Of course, he is your son. All I am saying is that you are reawakening those feelings in him again."
"Don't worry about Quest," Master replied with a sigh, "He'll find another dead end and will go back to his beloved compound with a tail between his legs."
"Are you sure about that?"
"Why do you ask me that?"
"Because," the doctor answered. "You've gone through great lengths to get your son back. What do you think he'll do to get Jonathan…Aidan….whatever you want to call him back?"
The Master didn't answer.
Feeling a laugh coming, but controlling himself once again, the doctor stood up and began walking out of the Master's office, "I suggest you begin creating alternative plans…just in case Quest decides not to return to his beloved compound empty handed."
Walking out of the room, the doctor smiled maliciously. His friend of many years was becoming soft. Who would have known? Deciding to check up on his plan, he made it back to his office and contacted his assassin. He had thought of holding him off after his conversation with the Master the day before, but then changed his mind when another idea presented itself in his head. His assassin picked up the phone on the first ring, "Give me news," He ordered.
"Nothing to report," the assassin told him. "He's been checking out the hit sight and is now in his room, probably organizing himself."
"Have you made your presence known?"
"No,"
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"DR128 is very smart. Do not underestimate him."
"I have not."
"As planned, make sure he finishes his job before you finish him off. After that, make him disappear. I want no trace of him." the doctor answered with a venomous tone. "I want a clean hit. No witnesses. And, if you find any, kill them too. Understand?"
"Yes,"
"Do not fail me."
"I won't."
"You will have no contact from me until you come back," the doctor replied. "Until then, you are on your own."
"I understand,"
"Good," he replied before he hung up. Satisfied that his plan was going well, the doctor returned to the paperwork he needed to finish for that day.
XXXXXXXXXX
Dinner had been an early affair at the compound. Because both Doctor Quest and Race were leaving on a flight to Moscow that evening, Mrs. Evans cooked early and by four thirty they had all assembled in the dining room for a roasted chicken, mashed potatoes and salad dinner.
"What did Ms. Evans do to this chicken?' Claire asked obviously savoring the entrée the older woman cooked for them.
"That good?" Hadji asked with a small laugh.
"It's delicious!" she answered. "It's sooo tasty."
The rest of the group let out a laugh, Claire brought in a dynamic to the house that made them feel good and happy. To them, she was the ball of energy the team needed.
"She does cook well," Race answered as he continued eating.
"Jonny always loved her chicken," Jessie suddenly said without thinking.
The room suddenly became quiet and Jessie watched the group looking back at her closely, "I'm sorry…I…"
"No," Benton smiled sadly. "It's…it's nice to include him."
Jessie smiled and nodded. Race looked at his friend who continued eating silently. In his mind, he prayed that they'd find some clue in Russia, something that could lead Benton back to his son.
XXXXXXXXXX
Looking at the rearview mirror, DR128 noticed someone following him. But that was alright, it's what he wanted. If he led his assassin onto another path, then he would achieve what he wanted. He already knew that the agent would kill him after he completed the assignment. It was the only explanation as to why he hadn't killed him earlier. That meant there was a window of opportunity to fight back. He could escape now and leave everything behind. But, then he'd have every agent after him. Sooner or later he would lose.
The other option was to go after the Master himself, but first he'd have to kill off the tail behind him. DR128 continued driving. It wasn't the right time to do that. He'd need information first. But then again, information could always be obtained prior to cutting off a nuisance.
XXXXXXXXXX
Later that evening, Jessie and Hadji drove their parents to the airport. Race made sure to tell Jessie of all things needed to keep IRIS updated while Doctor Quest spoke to his son about the UN ball and the other responsibilities and meetings he'd attend on his behalf.
"Dad, I know what I have to do," Jessie tried to reason. "I've worked with IRIS since I was fifteen. I think I can handle her even more now."
"You haven't worked with her in over four years," Race reminded her.
"Give or take a few years," she joked. "Dad, I'll be fine. If I run into problems, I'll call you."
"Yeah, right," her father snorted.
Jessie laughed, "Why would you say that?
"Because Jessica Bannon, you are incredibly stubborn and I know you'd rather park your butt on a chair for days trying to figure out what is wrong rather than calling for help."
"You got that right," she nodded proudly. "How else do you think I've gotten that good?"
"That good?"
She laughed again, "Oh yeah Dad. That good!"
A few chairs away, Doctor Quest spoke with Hadji, "I have a meeting with the Board of Monday. It's just an update meeting, nothing that should be out of the ordinary. I've cancelled everything else for the week, but I've authorized Veronica to keep you up to date with anything that I should know about."
"Do not worry, Father," Hadji gently placed his hand on his father's shoulder. "I think I can handle things here."
"This project is very important Hadji. I-1 is notorious for secrecy, I may not be able to get in touch that often," Benton warned. He hated lying to his son, but he also knew that once in Russia, he'd be too busy trying to find clues to Jonny's whereabouts that his mind wouldn't be on Quest industries or anything related to his work, "But if there is an emergency, call me immediately. I just don't want you to think that I don't want to talk to you."
"Why would you think that?" Hadji asked. "I know how I-1 works. Do not worry Father, we will be alright." The young man smiled. Too naïve to realize what his father meant, Hadji shook his head, "Too tell you the truth, I think it will be fun to play CEO for a few days."
His father laughed, "Why is that?"
The young man shrugged, "It will be nice to see what I will be getting into in the future. I do not mind working the scientific end, but the administration of the enterprise…I am not quite sure."
"You'll do fine son," he assured, "I honestly thought that you meant it would be fun because you could impress Claire," Benton smiled.
He began laughing when he swore he saw his son pale in parlor, "Hadji, I was just kidding!"
The young man said nothing. It was as if he froze.
"Hadji, it's alright, if you feel attracted to her. She's a very nice and attractive young woman and…I think she likes you too."
"Really?" Hadji's eyes lit up, "You really think so?"
About to answer, Doctor Quest was interrupted by Zachary Scott who walked up to him, "Benton?"
Looking up, the doctor recognized the I-1 agent and quickly stood up, "Zach, ready for our trip?"
"As I'll ever be," the agent replied with a small smile. Looking at the younger man, he extended his hand for greeting, "Hello Hadji, nice to see you again son. How are you? Coping a bit better, I hope?"
"We are better, thank you Agent Scott," he answered as he shook the older man's hand. "Will Mr. Corvin be joining you?"
"Unfortunately no," Zach replied, "Phil is up to his eyeballs working yesterday's homicide case. " At this point, both Race and Jessie walked over to the three men, "Race, Jessie," he greeted before continuing, "Not to mention he has the UN Ambassador Homicide from last week. He asked me if I could accompany your parents instead."
Jessie's mind wondered. About to ask him another question, she was suddenly cut off by the announcement that passengers had to begin checking in.
"I guess that's our cue," Benton realized as he smiled to his son, "Come on, Hadji, want to see your old man off?"
"Sure," he nodded and began walking his father toward the line.
Looking at his daughter, Race asked humorously, "Want to see your old man off?"
"I guess," Jessie mocked back, "There's really nothing else to do here." Suddenly, her phone rang. Taking it out of her pocket, she looked at it, "It's Claire, give me a minute."
"Sure," her father replied as she walked off from sight for a moment. "Those two are attached at the hip," he said looking at Zach.
Looking for a moment at Jessie whose attention was clearly on her call, Zach answered, "Well, it's a good thing they are, it gives me a moment to brief you on the latest update."
"What is it?" Race's attention and demeanor changed.
"Nothing to worry about," Zach answered, "As a matter of fact, it could be good news. I was going to tell you this when we got on the plane, but now that we have a moment, I wanted to let you know that Ethan Grant will be meeting us over at Moscow."
"Ethan? Well, Benton will be happy." Race admonished. "Seems like the old group is back."
Sighing as Jessie made her way back to them, Zach answered, "Let's just hope that this time we have a better outcome."
XXXXXXXXXX
DR128 drove for over an hour, the tail close behind. He continued driving until he found an old saloon off Route 559. He had been thinking of the idea along the drive. It was a careless plan, but he didn't have a choice. He needed to get rid of the tail. Pulling up to the parking lot, he parked his car and walked in, hoping he'd be followed inside. Still wearing his jeans and UM shirt, DR128 stood out from the older biker crowd that played pool or darts. Some stared at him wondering what a young man like him was doing hanging out in a biker's saloon. Good, he thought. The tail would be wondering the same. He sat a dimmed lit area, his back facing the door. He couldn't allow the tail to think he'd been seen by him. After all, he didn't doubt he'd get curious stares as well.
It took about five minutes before a woman, probably in her late forties, early fifty's with a tight mini and a halter top red T walked up to his table, "What are you doing here kid? This place isn't for you."
"I've been driving for hours," he answered. "On my way to Boston. I am thirsty. First place I found on the road."
"Been driving for hours?" she questioned with an arched brow, "And you're not hungry?"
"This dump doesn't look like it serves five star meals," he smiled a mischievous smile.
"You got that right," she laughed at his humorous nature.
He noticed she was missing a tooth on the left side of her mouth. She also had a mole on her right cheek. He laughed along with her.
"Still, I don't think I can serve you anything more than Coca Cola or milk."
Pulling up one of his ID's from his wallet, he handed it to the toothless woman very naturally, "I think I can have a little more than that."
She looked at it, but didn't question it. She had seen enough fake ID's in her time and knew the card was the real deal, "Alright Matthew, what will you be having tonight?"
"Just a Sam Adams."
"They have about fourteen—"
"Surprise me," he smiled. "I'm sure you know how to pick'em."
"Don't I ever," she laughed again before walking away.
Alone again, Jonny sat back in his chair and waited. Soon, the tail would appear. Curiosity would get the better of him at some point.
XXXXXXXXXX
Driving back home, Jessie remained so quiet that Hadji looked at her, "Hey, Jess, are you alright?" When she didn't answer him, Hadji tried again, "Jess?"
"Huh?" she answered startled, "I'm sorry, my mind was somewhere else."
"What is going on Jessie?" he asked gently taking her hand, "Something has been on your mind since you returned home."
"What do you mean?"
"You have been playing it off," Hadji replied, "But I know you Bannon."
"You are over analyzing me, Hadj," she played off, squeezing his hand gently before letting it go. Then, she faced out the window once more.
"And you are undermining my intelligence," the young man replied as he kept looking forward. "Now, tell me."
Sighing, Jessie turned to him, "Don't you find it a bit strange that the same people who handled Jonny's disappearance five years ago are the same ones that your father and my father are working with to develop some crap that I-1 suddenly needs?"
"I am very well aware of that," he nodded calmly as he kept driving.
Widening her green eyes, Jessie turned to him, "You've known all along and have kept quiet? What gives Hadj?"
"Jessie, why do you think our fathers are hiding the possibility of a lead in Jonny's case?" he asked, continuing to speak in a calm and gentle voice that was beginning to bother the hell out of the red head.
"I guess…not to give us any false hopes? She answered with a shrug.
"Precisely," he nodded, "Why put more pressure? We have suffered enough with this tragedy. I do not want to put any more pressure on father than I have to. I can wait until he is ready to speak. Can you?"
"No!" Jessie immediately told him. "If I could have gotten my way, I would have been on that plane with them."
"Then, why did you not go?"
She couldn't bring herself to tell Hadji that she suspected that Jonny was in the city. False hope was a bastard. Her friend shouldn't go through that as well. Maybe she did understand what he meant about their fathers, after all. Holding her secret at least until she was sure, Jessie just replied, "I guess I don't want to put more pressure on Dad. I know he feels guilty for what happened to Jonny as well."
Smiling, Hadji nodded, "Do not worry Jessie. I am sure we will find out something soon."
Nodding in agreement, Jessie sighed. More than ever, she wanted nothing more than midnight to roll around to put Phoenix to work.
XXXXXXXXX
Two hours and the prick hadn't made one move. Alone in his car and wanting to take a piss, he waited for DR128 to do something, anything. Why had he gone to a bar in the middle of nowhere? Was he meeting someone?
With all the preparations that needed to be done for the UN ball the next day, he doubted DR128 was on a recreational outing. Tapping his fingers lightly on the steering wheel of his car, he continued staring at the bar before speaking to himself out loud, "He knows."
Well, the cover was blown. The doctor was right, the kid was smart, but he was smarter. Getting out of the car, he walked toward the trunk. He'd hadn't stayed alive all these years out of pure luck. DR128 would soon find out that he wasn't as smart as he thought.
XXXXXXXXXX
In two hours DR128 had done more than he thought. He drank three Sam Adams of different flavors, provided by none other than the toothless waitress. Her name was Giannine and she liked him so much that she didn't charge him the last one. He struck up conversations with at least three bikers, none of which would remember him since they were drunk beyond understanding and he now knew that the Boston Logger was his least favorite beer.
Currently, he was playing pool with a gang of thugs that believed were taking advantage of him. It was their second game of pool and he was out five hundred dollars which the thugs happily and without question took from him.
"Kid, you are just losing money tonight!" an older biker with a long grey beard and thick muscles laughed as he drowned the last of his beard.
"Guess it isn't my night," DR128 answered shaking his head regrettably.
"Well, I'm sure daddy can replenish your funds," the man replied. "Lose this shot and I'm in another two fifty."
Looking at the old dude, he smiled, "How about if I make it?"
The entire group laughed whole-heartedly, he replied, "Kid, you haven't made one shot tonight, what makes you think you're going to get lucky?"
He shrugged, "I don't know…but it can't hurt, can it?"
"Alright then," the older man nodded, "What do you want?"
"Your jacket," he answered, "It's pretty cool and well, it be great to have."
"My jacket?" the guy answered, "No one's ever asked for this." He looked over at the old beat up black jacket with the red lettering in the back that read 'Hell's Brothers." He had owned the jacket for a couple of years, why would the kid want some old beat up jacket, he didn't know. But, it wasn't like he was going to get it anyway. Looking back at DR128, he smiled, "You're on." He gestured him toward the eight ball lying on the left corner of the table. All he had to do was hit the red 9 ball to the center pocket of the table. "It's all yours dude."
Going over to the table, he leaned over and positioned the billiard stick to the eight ball. Carefully, he looked over the where he had to hit the ball precisely in order to get that nine ball in the correct pocket. He could have won the first two games if he wanted, but there was a purpose to his games. With a hard hit the eight ball rolled over the table, hit he nine ball and with ease it fell to the center corner pocket. "Alright! Whoo!" he yelled excitedly, "Finally!"
The old man looked stunned, he really wasn't expecting it. Looking up, he stared at the kid, "I hope that that was a lucky shot kid?"
"It was. I never thought I'd make it," he answered smling with feighned shock and excitement.
The biker was not convinced, "Really?"
DR128 watched the other bikers turn serious. They would back up their friend if they needed to, "Listen, I really didn't think I make it."
The guy didn't lighten up, but reluctantly, he took off his jacket and handed it over. DR128 took it, "Thank you for the game…hey, how about I buy you all a round of beer? I had fun tonight."
That changed the attitudes of the group. The old guy smiled, "You're ok kid."
"Thanks," he said as he put the jacket on, "My dad is going to kick my ass, but at least I got this cool jacket!"
The group laughed as he told them he was going to the bar to get their drinks. At that point he saw the one he had been waiting for all this time. Walking over to the bar, he told the waiter as he handed him three hundred dollar bills, "Can you get my friends here as many beers this will buy?"
"Not a problem," the guy said, "These guys are going to love you."
DR128 smiled. Turning to his friends he gave them a thumbs up as they all cheered. Then, he walked over to a small hallway at the end of the establishment where his next steps would take place.