"Ah you are awake. Don't look so worried. No... I haven't harmed them - yet. You are alive for one simple reason. Information. They, are alive as tools for me to get that information. I want to know who you are, why you're here, and how you found out about my operation."
The tall, grey-haired man moved beside Reese. John strained against the straps that held him and the cobwebs that clouded his mind.
"Cops..," The man motioned toward the unmoving bodies also strapped to exam tables, that John could only assume were Carter and Fusco. "..I get, 'protect and serve' bla bla bla.., though I find it odd that they would have come here alone, without backup, and would be playing second fiddle to whoever you are. How is it that you came to infiltrate my organization?" The man walked around to Reese's other side. "I surmise this location will no longer work for me now. Pity." He off-handedly remarked.
Reese throw an unfocused glare at the man, trying to envision the ten fastest ways he could kill the talking blur and clear the swimming fog from his brain.
"Oh! Where are my manners. Welcome to my little house of horrors; my name is Dr. White, CEO and owner of both W.A.R. and Trans Global Serves Inc. Despite our best attempts, we have yet to figure out who you are.
You're clearly not a cop, not government... since there's no record of you. Which in itself is impressive; my resources are quite vast. You intrigue me to say the least and have me at a disadvantage that I'm not accustomed to.
I must admit this is an interesting and impressive turn of events, an utter thrill, to have a mystery guest circumvent all of my failsafes and security measures. And an inspiration, if you will.., for me to rework my entire construct and cleanse it of the weak links.
Well.., back on topic. I'm afraid you've caused me quite a bit of trouble. I'm now short one donor, resulting in one unhappy and soon, dead client."
Slowly, the pasty, pale and sunken face of the mid-sixties doctor cleared into focus. Reese could now make out the anally groomed mustache overwhelming the gaunt face that dripped with pompous superiority and sick detachment as he went on as if chatting about the weather.
John kept silent and hid his growing disdain, but more importantly, he needed to draw this out, so the drugs could wear off. The only thing he had going for him was the fact that this guy knew nothing about him and seemed bent on getting answers.
"Interesting. No questions, no fear, no concern? So then... would I be correct in speculating that you've been in unique situations before? Well now, that just makes you a more interesting challenge.
I can't imagine a foreign government smart enough to have discovered me... so perhaps something closer to home? A disgruntled employee? No - they are always properly taken care of.
Ahhhhh, then something even more fascinating - a spy, intent on corporate espionage or an assassin hired by competition? Both?"
Reese thought he'd push back, see what shook loose. In his calm, yet imposing whisper, "Your illegal weapons sales and organ trafficking days are at an end. And you can call me Mr. Reese." That got a reaction, Reese noted the split second falter of the smile, slight shift of body position and the visible swallow before he collected himself again. So he was worried.
"Interesting choice of words, 'illegal' weapons sales... No, I don't think your fingers are as far-reaching as you'd have me believe. I peg you for a former government trained assassin, no doubt, hired by one of my many 'blackmailees,' who foolishly think they can end our contract prematurely. That's just poor business."
The tall man paced a wide circle, billowing his white coat behind him as he returned fondling a few barbaric looking surgical tools. "What's this world coming to? On the off-chance that our officers here, have imparted any details to the department.., I'll be bumping up my departure schedule. Of course, not before I'm finished with you." His bony fist jabbed down, impaling the shiny surgical tool deeply into Reese's thigh.
Reese suppressed the scream, grinding it between anger and hate, until it came out as a threatening growl. This was exactly what he needed to override the drugs. He laughed and bit out, "You're so used to playing God, you think you know everything. That you're safe and the NYPD is your concern? The real question you should be asking, is who else knows about you and how far are they willing to go to get you."
The lanky, scarecrow of a man was obviously rattled by Reese's words. "I see that a tough son-of-a-bitch like yourself, actually enjoys a bit of torture, so how about we see if you like watching as much."
John's heart seized, his eyes following the man hover between Carter and Fusco as skilled hands chose a long trocar from a surgical table.
Reese yanked on his restrains, his muscles still lacked strength and responded with slow and sluggish coordination. "Dead or alive - the deal stands!" John suddenly blurted out, stopping the man just as he raised the tool.
"What deal? Tell me!" But the man's phone interrupted Reese's bluffing outburst.
Dr. White's previously pale complexion grew ruddy with obvious fury. His eyes locked on Reese's as he ended the call. "So your 'deal...' is not just with the NYPD? Because they just stormed my weapons show and arrested fifty of my best clients. My reputation will be ruined!"
He stalked in long strides filled with hateful intent, stopping just beside Reese. "Normally I'd never damage a perfectly good heart, you have any idea how much they're worth? $160k, plus another $650k to perform the transplant, but in your case I'll enjoy the exception. Who else is involved?"
"Someone who won't stop until a monster like you, is ended."
"Monster?!" The Doctor raised the sharp weapon over Reese's chest then paused. "You know, I was providing a great service to those in need. People needlessly die everyday waiting for that life saving organ. I cut out all the bureaucratic red-tape that gums up those lives. I omitted all that, I gave them the miracle they needed while ridding the world of unwanted scum in the process. And only in exchange for some services. How is that wrong? How does that make me the monster?!"
"You're not God."
"Oh give me a break! There's no way you made it this far if you're really that naïve of a boy scout!"
"And your weapon sales? How do you justify all those deaths?" Reese continued slowly working his wrist restraints and trying to buy time he knew was running out.
"I don't need to justify it. People have been fighting and killing each other since the beginning of time. It's human nature and always will be. I'm just nurturing the human condition. Besides, WAR is just the supporting income for my true calling and gift to humanity. WAR happened to be the perfect resource to procure my needed body parts."
Reese cringed at the twisted explanation. "How did you get access to the top-secret weapons."
"So you'd have me divulge all my trade secrets..? A dying man's wish? Very well, hell won't care...
One of my clients, a US defense contractor, is walking around today because I gave that alcoholic fool a new liver. In exchange, I get the latest advanced weapons plans.
A Japanese national, who happens to own a very accomplished military hardware and software company, had a very sick little girl. I'm happy to say the little girl now has a long and healthy life ahead of her, and her Daddy, gladly turns those plans into reality - producing anything I need.
Thirdly, but far from the last, is the US General sporting two new lungs thanks to me. Through him, I get unfettered access to all the military and government medical databases. More than I need. Of course as you know, I choose carefully, those lesser honest, ex-soldiers or axed government agents, the losers no one will miss. There are lots of them! Simply put. I dangle the biggest bait WAR has to offer and watch the flies swarm to honey. I don't even have to lift a finger, they come, and the mercenaries deliver them perfectly intact."
Dawning suddenly made the doctor stand with ram-rod straightness. "Was it that damn Mercenary?! You're working with him!"
The doctor clenched his fists. "You know what? I don't need you anymore. Just one more loose end to take care of before I leave... I'm going to enjoy dissecting that inept Major Keel. Even take back what's mine from his sister!" The cadaverous man spit his threatening vows as he drew the pointed instrument up over John's chest, then looked him in the eye... "Pity..." and plunged the thick instrument down toward Reese's heart.
Reese powerlessly flexed against the straps and braced for the incoming pain...