Code, p.6
Code, page 6
Worse, the team had no chance of survival, especially coming to a place they’d never been with hostile forces expecting them. It was a maze in here. Perhaps Novak spoke the truth and I had lived here. Everything about this place screamed déjà vu.
I shoved my fingers through my hair and let out a defeated sigh. “Send them off on a wild-goose chase.”
“Good. A wise choice. I plan to keep them busy. I promise, you’ll see them when you’re ready.”
Something cold slithered through me at his words. When you’re ready. I didn’t want to know what he meant.
The door slid open.
“I must go to a meeting now. After you eat, I will keep my word. I’ll arrange a meeting for you to see your parents this evening.”
I watched him leave and let out a long breath of relief.
I finally looked at the tray he had brought in. Baked chicken quarter, white rice, vegetables. A glass of water and the damn protein drink. There was no spoon. No fork. No utensils at all. Not even a plate. Although, the food was nicely arranged and well prepared.
My mouth had watered at the aroma when he had brought the food in, but I’d refused to so much as a glimpse in its direction. I hadn’t wanted to give him the impression I was hungry.
I picked up the chicken by the leg bone and bit into the tender meat. My stomach rumbled and welcomed the flavor. I tasted rosemary, garlic, and honey. Definitely Mom’s chicken. I ate every last bit to keep up my strength. I gulped down water, but didn’t touch the other glass.
After I finished eating, my skin felt hot to touch. Not a fever, but ... I examined my palms. They twitched, and then my veins protruded and wiggled like worms in dirt.
What was happening to me? What was in my food or the water?
My body had been changing. Adapting. Assimilating. Mr. Novak had no idea of my recent findings.
I’d discovered I could absorb the power of others. The first time it had happened had been on a beat-up glider that wouldn’t fly; I’d directed the energy from Coco to ISAN guards. A similar incident had happened at Crystal Tower Casino. Mia hadn’t cooperated, so I’d become the lightning and taken on Mia’s power of wind.
I planned my escape and counted how many different ways I could murder Novak and my sick brother.
Chapter Nine — Black Market
Rhett
Rhett couldn’t lead his team into battle without a proper arsenal, or he might as well take them to their graves. He had no choice but to go back to the black market.
Saving Ava was all he could think about, but his friends and fellow rebels relied on him to execute the mission with his head screwed on right. Still, it was extremely difficult having to push his girl aside.
“Are you sure you’re going the right direction?” Rhett studied the hologram projecting the map toward the black market from the passenger seat before admiring the dark wooden trim around the dashboard and the silver polished knobs on the monitor.
Zeke frowned. “You do recall I practically live there, right? I’m not driving. This baby knows where to go.”
“All right. How much longer?” Rhett snickered, thinking of how many times Momo and Coco had asked him the same question. Then his thoughts returned to the task at hand.
Zeke flashed him an annoyed glance and went back to the map. “Geez. Are you a child?”
“Look. It’s a grown-up question. I’m worried about Ava. I’m in no mood for your humor.” Rhett didn’t know why he bothered to defend himself, only this guy got on his nerves all the time, and his pride wouldn’t let him give an inch.
Zeke murmured something under his breath, and then a little louder. “Fine. Ten minutes.” He pointed at a dot on the hologram. “See ... we’re right here. We need to go there.” He stabbed a finger at the destination point.
“See. Was that so hard?” Rhett caressed the leather seat. Yup, just as he’d thought. Top-notch quality.
“Are you two arguing up there?” Cleo hollered, sounding like a mother. “Cause if you are, we can trade places.”
Cleo, Ozzie, Brooke, Tamara, Mia, Ella, and the ten rebel soldiers from the mountain base sat belted in the back.
“We’re fine,” Zeke and Rhett barked at the same time as they twisted to look over the seats to their friends.
Brooke and Ozzie had their eyes closed. Reyna had her face turned to the window. Tamara tilted her head, looking confused.
Zeke stared at Tamara a bit longer, and then back to the window. The onyx cross and the spear-shaped jade pendants clanked on his chest.
“Don’t even think about it.” Rhett shook his head.
“What?” Zeke’s face colored. He half raised his arms. “I didn’t do anything.”
Ten minutes. Grab what they needed and get to Ava. But ten minutes with Zeke would feel like an eternity.
“Why the dragon tattoo and what does it mean?” Rhett asked, eyeing the ink peeking out from under Zeke’s long-sleeve shirt.
Zeke released a long sigh. “My mother committed suicide after my father left us when I was ten years old. My uncle, whom you call Mr. Lee, took me in. I was so angry at my parents and at the world. I got into trouble more times than I can count. I found comfort in a group called the Imugi. They were all about brotherhood. Hence the dragon tattoo.”
Rhett shifted, placing an elbow on the armrest. “I’ve heard of Imugi. Korean dragon?”
“Yes. Korean folk mythology. Most dragons were originally Imugis, known as lesser dragons, until they became full dragons. That’s how our group operates. You have to work hard to move up. Imugi are benevolent beings and their sighting is associated with good luck. So I’ll bring you good luck.”
When Rhett rolled his eyes, Zeke shut his mouth.
“I doubt that people think of Imugi members as good luck,” Rhett said, resting his back against the seat and staring out the front window. Nothing but the vast blue water and the clouds, such a large contrast to the previous view earlier of hollowed buildings and debris left from the meteor’s devastation. “People are afraid of them.”
“Were,” Zeke stressed. He ran his fingers through his dark, curly hair and checked the monitor. “There were a few members who gave us a bad name, but this new generation helps people too.”
Rhett checked the map and glanced back at Zeke. “Eben and his men have the same tattoo. Why?”
Zeke lowered his eyes to his arm, then to Rhett. “It has to all look the same. It’s a symbol. Unification. I saved his ass when a deal went wrong, and because of that, I became like his big brother. It’s going to sound strange, but he’s bound to me. We’re a family. Think of it like a fraternity, big bro and little bro. Through the Imugis’ contacts, I got my position. I import and export what you’d call goods.”
“Legally or illegally?”
Zeke rubbed at his forehead. “Both. My uncle doesn’t understand. He only sees me in a gang. Just because my organization has tattoos doesn’t mean we’re bad people. He wants me to wear a suit and tie.”
“Your uncle is too old to be working. With all the 4Qs you’re making, you should put him in a nice, comfortable place.”
Zeke pushed buttons on the monitor, getting ready to land. “I don’t get to keep all my earnings—that was the deal when I got the job. I have to split my share. You really think I’m an asshole, don’t you?”
Rhett sighed. He supposed he should play nice. “I didn’t say that.”
“Look. I don’t have to prove myself to you, but ... my uncle is very stubborn. He won’t take my money. He thinks I make dirty 4Qs, so what’s a guy to do? And that is all I’m going to share. I’m only telling you all this so you can relax and trust me.”
“You can’t blame me, especially when you’re reluctant to help.”
“Hey.” Zeke flashed another sideways glance before focusing on the skyscrapers through the front window. “Look, I’m a businessman. I’m not a fighter. I wasn’t trained like you. I’ve never killed anyone in my life.” He lowered his voice. “It’s kind of embarrassing when the girls can kick my ass. I wish I was one of them.”
“You don’t know what they’ve been through. Just be grateful.” Rhett narrowed his eyes, then gazed at the abandoned broken city below. No bushes or trees, just buildings with no faces, some crumbled to the ground. Streetlights bent, car windows smashed, and dust and litter tumbled with the breeze.
Silence fell between them. The rest of the crew was deep in conversation as the sleek glider descended—smooth like a bird with its wings spread out.
“I don’t know what beef you have with me,” Zeke began as he monitored the building they were headed toward, his tone even. “But I did nothing to you.” He turned on the headlights when the parking structure turned dark. “Sure, I might be a little difficult to deal with, but that’s business.” Then he turned off the auto drive and took over. “Besides—”
Rhett was out of his seat before Zeke could finish. He told Cleo, Mia, Ella, and the ten soldiers from the mountain base to stay put, while Zeke, Tamara, Ozzie, and Reyna got off the glider with Rhett. Too many people caused unwanted attention.
They went through the back entrance, which was accessible only to the vendors. The smell of soil was overpowering even before they entered the underground market.
Six tank-sized men carried guns by the vendor entrance of the rundown building. They watched every step Rhett and his team took, their hands on their weapons. Rhett wished he could take these men with him to get Ava.
“Hey, Cory.” Zeke gave the security guard a high five.
“Zeke. What’s up, man?”
“In a rush, so I’ll catch you later with some good stuff.” Zeke jerked his chin at Rhett. “These are my friends. They’re coming with me.”
Cory narrowed his eyes, then gestured to the door. “Sure. Go on in. But everyone is packing. We’re going to sector B tomorrow. Your uncle is already out.”
Zeke escorted them through a hallway and then up the stairs. Just like Cory had said, the vendors were packing and there were no customers. Inside a tent, Rhett stood by a sofa, while his team went around a tea table, steering clear of a low table that held a few bowls filled with smoking incense.
A young girl with dark skin and a long ponytail walked in and bowed. “Zeke. You’re back. Would you like some tea?” Her eyes rounded when she saw the rebels. In one swift move, the girl drew out two swords from her back, ready to attack. She might have, had Zeke not intervened.
Zeke placed out a hand. “Tiana. Stop. It’s okay. They’re with me.”
Clad in a black warrior suit, Tiana had additional weapons holstered on both hips. At Zeke’s command, she relaxed and sheathed the swords.
“Sorry.” Tiana’s small smile accentuated her high cheekbones.
Rhett gave a curt nod. “Let’s get what we came for.”
“What’s that smell? It’s stinks in here.” Brooke waved a hand in front of her nose. “Ohhhh. Now I know why Zeke’s brain is all messed up.”
“What is it you need? Tasers? Guns?” Zeke said with a bite, frowning at Brooke.
“We have guns and Tasers,” Ozzie said. “You think we came all the way here to get something we already have?”
“Please, Zeke.” Tamara softened her tone, but the sharp angles of her features gave a different expression. “We’re up against a formidable enemy. This is serious.”
“Fine.” Zeke’s shoulders slumped. “But someone has to pay the Imugis, and it’s not coming out of my pocket. Follow me.”
They went inside to an adjacent black tent, even smaller.
“There.” Zeke pointed on the cemented ground with five long, brown duffle bags. “Take what you need.”
Ozzie unzipped one and lifted a metal object. “What is this?”
Zeke stood at the opening of the tent. “Be careful. It’s called the glove. You loop it through your fingers and strap the band around your wrist. When you squeeze your fist, a powerful air blast shoots out. It’s like punching someone without contact.”
“Cool. I’ll take this one.” Ozzie handed one to Brooke and slid his set on.
“What’s this?” Reyna held up a twelve-inch metal rod.
“Here. Let me show you.” Zeke grabbed one from the open bag, hit the end of the rod on his thigh, then held it up. Both sides extended with ends as sharp as spears. When he tapped the rod’s middle, it closed itself back.
“Show me how this works.” Tamara strapped a small square gadget around her wrist.
“Touch the home base and you’ll see,” Zeke said with a soft tone that seemed to be reserved only for Tamara. “I named it the bomb.”
When she did, four clicks resonated, and four small throwing stars slid out from a compartment and hovered over her head.
“Wow,” she squealed, peering up. “What do they do?”
Zeke pointed at the colorful lights. “When you touch the yellow dot, they track body heat, and you’ll get a hologram image. Tap green, they fire. But you’ll have to be careful at who you aim. These are mini bombs.”
“That’s pretty cool, but I’ll take the stick,” Tamara said.
Brooke let out a wolf whistle. “I’m surprised ISAN hasn’t invented these types of weapons. They had Kendrick, but he was all about creating the arsenal around clothes and fashion to preserve a disguise.”
“Why does he have that I know something look?” Looking murderous, Ozzie pointed at Zeke. “Don’t tell me ISAN ...”
Zeke raised his hands. “I didn’t make the deal, okay. At my last meeting, we were told some big company purchased some of our high-tech weapons. I don’t know who.”
“Was it ANS?” Rhett asked.
“ANS. SAN. Sass. My ass. Who the hell knows?” Zeke shrugged. “They all sound alike. As long as you guys know I didn’t make the deal, we’re good.”
“Good? Did you say good?” Reyna’s face twisted. “Your idiot friends shouldn’t be selling this kind of artillery to any group. This is how bad things happen. Can we just hurry up and get the hell out of here?”
Rhett’s thoughts exactly. He grabbed one of the same gadgets from Tamara and said, “Take whatever you can.”
Chapter Ten — Interrogation
Josephine Chang
Josephine Chang stood in front of Verlot, who was recovering inside a medical hub. Mr. San from ANS had founded this abandoned office building in the West Sector and created a makeshift hospital for this specific, carefully planned occasion.
Josephine knew the organization existed, but never in her wildest dream had she expected an offer to work with them. She had lied to everyone that she knew who they were. That was one of the conditions Mr. San had given her.
ANS was a separate entity. Josephine didn’t tell them what to do, and they didn’t give her orders. They had a common goal, and that was enough for her to keep in contact and share information with Mr. San.
With her gun pointed at Verlot, she pressed her finger on the cool metal trigger. It would be so easy to shoot Verlot and tell the world that the assassin had slipped through the guards at the end of the meeting and killed him. People had witnessed the shooting. Martinez and Jones would back up her story as far as the assassin, but would they if she killed him? Josephine was no cold-blooded murderer. She had to push the cruel thought out of her mind.
Footsteps shuffled outside the door—two pair by the sound of it. Josephine shoved the weapon inside her cloak pocket. She had released Zen and his men, but not her soldiers. They were stationed at the entrance.
“Here. I brought you some tea.” Martinez handed Josephine a recyclable paper cup, steam rising and filling the room with the scent of chamomile.
“Thank you.” Josephine graciously took the tea. The warmth of the first sip wrapped around her like a cozy blanket.
Jones placed his cup on the table and stood beside Josephine. He unbuttoned his suit jacket and loosened his tie.
“Did the doctor tell you when he’d be awake?” he asked.
Josephine tapped on her chip to look at the time. It had been a least a couple of hours since the surgery. “He didn’t say, but it’ll give us time to figure out what to do.”
Josephine shifted from side to side, digging her toes into the tip of her high heels. She wanted out of her dress and her shoes, into something more comfortable. She could change later.
“An attempt on your life is treason.” Martinez’s eyes darkened with anger. “He needs to be put to trial and be executed in front of the citizens.”
“Josephine doesn’t have proof,” Jones said.
Josephine inhaled a deep breath. “Vince is the only one who saw one of Verlot’s guards aiming for me. It happened at our last meeting at the East Sector. I can’t bring him to the forefront. He’s wanted by Verlot and ISAN.”
Jones gave a sidelong glance. “How do you know Verlot and ISAN want Vince dead?”
“Vince is a good man,” Josephine said. “He was an ISAN guard in the north. When he found out the job was not what he’d signed up for, he helped facilitate an escape. The north facility trained male teens at first. When the HelixB77 serum kept failing, they brought in the females, and planned to get rid of the males.”
Jones bared his teeth at sleeping Verlot. “Our country has been through so much, and now this? How do we fix this?”
“Many have escaped.” Josephine took a mouthful of her tea. “But many are still active. If we try to bring down ISAN, they’ll send their highly trained soldiers, along with their guards. If we combine our soldiers, we’ll have the numbers, but we won’t have their power. We’ll have no chance.”
“How about the rebels you spoke of? The ones who escaped?” Martinez gripped her paper mug tightly.
“They are training and growing their numbers, but Zen’s group took a big hit recently. They lost more than half of their people in an ISAN airstrike.”
Jones placed his tea on the table and pounded once on the hub, his eyes blazing. “He doesn’t deserve to be treated like royalty. We should force him to wake up.”
