Pacific Station Vigilante (Book 1): The Negative Man (City of Chaos) (9 page)

Unlike the previous night, this time I wasn’t drugged before being put in the car.  Jenkins and Trelewicz came into my apartment like everything was normal.  Jenkins picked up a pizza and Trelewicz had a six pack of beer.  This matched up with what I told Heather that some of the guys were coming over for a ‘get better’ game of poker.  We even had a few slices and a beer before Trelewicz’s got the message from Walker.  “It’s time.”

We left out the back door and Jenkins put a blindfold over my eyes.  “Eventually this won’t be necessary, but until we’re sure The Dark Lion doesn’t know you’re one of us, we have to stay protected.”

“I get it.  I mean, I do work for the guy as his personal IT lackey.”

A felt a hand slap me on the back, too big to be Jenkins’.  “Good man for understanding Staley.  Sit tight and we’ll be there in no time.”

The ride over went pretty quickly, at least faster than what it seemed yesterday.  In no time we were back in the warehouse and the blindfold came off.  Spades was standing there, waiting for us.  “Welcome back Diamonds.  I do hope the ride over was no problem?”

“Everything was cool boss.  Clubs and Hearts even brought me some pizza and beer.”

He nodded at the other two and they headed off.  “Come with me Diamonds, it’s time to get the show on the road.”  We walked back to the central room, the one filled with their entire lot tech.

As we entered, I noticed the biggest of the monitors was turned on, focused on City Hall.  I hadn’t really been paying attention to the news since the whole DL massacring the gang members, so I didn’t know what was happening.  “Something going down at City Hall tonight?”

“Don’t pay attention to the news do you?  Not surprising, based on your generation.”  He went to the closest computer and pulled up the browser.  Going to the Pacific Station website, I saw the morning headline – ‘Police Hosting Charity Ball.’

I read the article, apparently it’d been called together on short notice due to the death of the Deputy Mayor Martinez.  All the benefits were going to the city’s restoration fund with a small portion going to Martinez’s family.  “Lots of bigwigs and moneymakers going to be there?”

“Two moneymakers won’t be.  John Wonderton turned down his invitation and so did Owen Walker.  Both guys however did send sizable checks to the donation fund, with notes apologizing for their absences.”

I’d been at work most of the day, leaving around three at Heather’s persistence, and not once did I hear DL talk about this charity ball.  Did he not assume The Aces would hit this?  I wonder if he even knew and one of his many underlings sent the note and the check.  I knew Wonder-Tech had an account strictly for charitable causes, so it was entirely possible the man John Wonderton didn’t care about this.  We’d see if DL showed up tonight though.

Spades handed me my mask.  “Put that on.  Inside each is a communicator linking each member of the team together.  You’re going to be our eyes and ears from here.  Do whatever is necessary to keep the police occupied and make sure we’re always in the clear.  Do it, and do it well, and you’ll be rewarded handsomely.”

It was like déjà vu sitting in the chair.  This was going to be no different than what I did for DL.  Maybe that’s why he didn’t say anything about tonight.  If I knew too much, suspicion might get raised.  “Something tells me you won’t have any trouble with traffic tonight.”

He clapped his hands together.  “Excellent!  I do love it when I’m graced with good news.”  He started to walk back towards the warehouse.  “For your own safety, I’m going to lock this door.  Its electromagnetic, so it’ll only open with this specially made key.  I doubt the police or The Dark Lion would find this place, but just in case…”  He walked out and closed the door.  A loud pop told me I was locked in.

A voice chirped in my ear; it was Spades.  “Diamonds, can you hear me?”

“Loud and clear boss.”

“Clubs online.”

“As is Hearts.”

“Very good gentlemen, let’s go.  We have a party to attend.”  The sound of a van turning on filled the comm.  “Diamonds, what’s the best route?”

Our location popped up on the map.  Whether by design or they just forgot, I saw where The Aces base was, in the old packaging district on the outside of the city center.  “Go south on Cooper Street.  Go in the backside, using Sandy Beach, as there’s limited police activity there.”

“Very good.  Hearts, let go.”

The was radio silence from everyone while they were driving.  Doing as I promised, I made sure all the traffic lights fell into a pattern that was very favorable for my new teammates.  What should’ve been a ten to fifteen minute drive ended up only taking eight.

Hearts pulled into the back of City Hall where two regular uni’s were stationed.  I was already on it, having broken into the city’s power grid and killed the lights to the back alley.  In the darkness, I couldn’t see what happened, but Trelewicz responded with, “The officers are taken care of.”

“Diamonds, we’re going inside.  Switch to the security cameras to follow along.”

I kept one monitor on the outside, focused on where the car was parked.  The lights flicked back on bringing the escape vehicle back into view.  The main monitor went inside, to the first camera and The Aces were walking in.  No one was in the hallway, all the way to the next corridor.  “You’re clear all the way in.”  I double clicked on the open link, “Security system is offline.”

“Well done Diamonds.  You’re almost making Clubs look bad.”

Spades jab only made Clubs chuckle.  “Maybe I’m more cut out for field work.”  Way to sound enthusiastic Jenkins.  Someone might’ve bought it.

The three of them walked slowly down the hall way.  Unlike me who was dressed in a pair of jeans and a hoodie, my fellow Aces were dressed in black body armor, each with two guns on them.  One was located on the right hip and the other was an assault rifle strapped to their backs.  The only real way to tell them apart was by their masks.

When they reached the door leading to the next corridor, I switched views.  This one must go to the main event area as three cops were walking around.  They were pretty relaxed, as if not a care in the world.  “You have three uni’s on the other side.  They’re pretty relaxed and you should take them with no problem.”

Clubs pulled something out of his one vest pocket.  It looked almost like a phone.  “Diamonds, do you see the joystick two consoles over?”

Sure enough, there was one like an old gaming system.  “Yeah, what about it?”

On the screen he pointed to the small device in his hand.  “This is a crawler, specially programmed to release sleeping gas in a small space.  As soon as I activate it, it’ll be linked remotely to that joystick.  Think you can get it in there?”

“I’m insulted Clubs.  I’ve been playing video games for years.”

He tapped his head knowingly and dropped the device.  It was active, and like controlling an old RC car, I guided the small creeper right to the perfect spot.  “It’s in position.”

“Wait for it…”  Clubs wasn’t moving, but I knew he could insert his mind into pretty much anything with a computer chip.

The creeper blinked twice before emitting a slow stream of gas into the room.  It was barely noticeable, in fact the officers didn’t even realize until it was too late.  One by one they began to fall over until all three were down and out.

“Success…”  Spades opened the door without a care in the world.  “I think it’s time we introduced ourselves to those V.I.P.’s who are so eager to depart with their money, don’t you all agree?”

I didn’t know what to say, so I just agreed with the rest of them.  Each removed the large caliber gun off their back, ready for action.  Hearts seemed to be especially ready to get the show on the road.  Spades pointed to the door with two fingers, my signal to switch views and give a status update.

I reviewed the room.  “A few security officers, but not enough to cover how large the ballroom is.  Grimes and a few other important people are there, but they aren’t combat ready.  You’re all clear.”

And with that, The Aces kicked open the door, their assault rifles ready for action.

“Everyone stay calm and remove your valuables.”

Spades voice came across clear in my ear piece.  The measured tone of his voice was almost haunting.  As I scanned from one security camera to another, “Three leo’s getting ready to storm the front door.”

I switched back into the main room just in time to see Hearts run over to the door.  As soon as the cops broke in, an invisible force pushed them back, flying right out of view.  I flipped back to the street cam adjacent from the entrance just in time to see the three cops smash into their cruiser.  One was obviously dead by the angle of his neck, the other two questionable.

The City Hall doors slammed shut again, this time no one would get in.  Hearts invisible force wasn’t anything the police could break through.  The city’s wealthiest would be on their own until DL showed up.

The heist inside was going well and The Aces were moving quickly.  No one wanted to play the part of hero, and who could blame them?  After witnessing your would-be rescuers tossed from a building like ragdolls, if anyone had the gumption to do it, that died along with the officer outside.

I caught a shadow on the rear cam facing the backdoor.  I saw the door had been pried open, flapping in the breezy evening.  “Spades, I think
he’s
here.”

Over the ear piece a cool laughter echoed.  “Excellent.  I think it is about time I made a much more personal acquaintance with my rival.”

It dawned on me, Owen Walker saw himself as John Wonderton’s rival in the corporate field and now he knew he was The Dark Lion; their rivalry would extend to the super playing field.  “He’s moving fast, I can barely keep track of his movements.”

“Don’t worry Diamonds, your work for the evening is over.  Sit back and enjoy the show.”  He signaled to Hearts and Clubs.  “Finish collecting the loot and make sure the police don’t get in.  I’ll take care of our special guest.”

“Yes sir.”  Even wearing a mask in the shape of a heart Trelewicz was a scary man.

A little more mild mannered, “Of course.”  Clubs was a company man, both professionally and under the mask.

The door The Aces used to infiltrate the main hall burst open.  Standing there in his old, faded yellow cape with his hood up was The Dark Lion.  Over his face were the infrared googles I personally designed.  It was about damn time he started using them.  His black body armor was covered in scars and stained blood.  Everyone in the hall stopped for a moment, the appeal of his aura was overwhelming.

The Dark Lion took two steps in and the door slammed shut behind him.  I knew that stance; The Aces were the ones set up for no escape, not him.  “Spades, it’s nice to finally meet the scum bag behind the operation.”

“It’s funny, I could tell all these people just who you are and not think twice about it.  Unfortunately you can’t do the same.”

I saw his gloved hand itching with those long nails, ready to draw blood.  “People don’t care about the face under the hood; they only care about what the man stands for.  And you,” his finger shot up, causing Spades to flinch just for a split second, “stand for shit.”

Spades brought up his automatic rifle.  “Let’s see just how super those reflexes are.”  He pulled the trigger, spraying bullets everywhere.

To watch The Dark Lion is akin to watching the ballet.  Movements aren’t wasted, grace is never compromised.  To have his reflexes must be like watching the world in slow motion.  Bullets flew by him, but none were ever close to touching his constantly twisting body. 

Bullets peppered the wall, sending pieces of drywall and wood scattering.  The more Spades tried to hit him, the less accurate he became and even hit a few of the hostages, killing them.  This was the final straw for DL.  Roaring across the room, he reached out and grabbed Spades by the neck, so fast The Aces boss never had a chance to dematerialize.

DL broke his arm in two, sending the automatic weapon crashing to the ground, its deadly assault over.  Spades screamed for mercy, but I knew there was none to be had.  The look in DL’s eyes was fierce.

Then Hell itself opened up as Massacre came stampeding in, sending Hearts tumbling into the hostages.  The large man was stumbling around, obviously drunk.  “I won’t be *hiccup* bullied by you assholes anymore!”  He took a swing at the nearest target, but that happened to be a hostage.  Fortunately his lethal attack missed, but only just so.

DL let go of Spades and rushed Massacre.  “Stop this at once!  You’re in no condition to be here!”

“No!  I have every,” he belched rather loudly, “right to be here!”

The Aces took this opportunity to retreat.  With Spades in bad shape and Hearts power apparently not effective on Massacre, they decided to take the money and run.  When they got back to the van, Spades, in a lot of pain gave me the command.  “Keep watching this!  I want to know what happens!”

“Of course boss.”  Even if he hadn’t given me the command, there was no way in hell I was pulling away.  Massacre was borderline insane and DL could barely control him.

Seeing The Aces had gotten away, “Massacre, you’re an embarrassment to the mask!  How dare you come to a crime scene drunk!”

He wobbled before turning his head in a herky-jerky motion towards DL.  “No, you don’t get to tell me what to do no more!”  He tried to charge DL, but the sober hero was able to avoid him with ease.  Massacre ran a few more steps and fell down.  His massive body crushed two hostages who hadn’t been able to get away in time.

As Massacre and I looked on in both horror and shock, DL ran over to him and grabbed him by the back of the neck.  “You took their lives…”  His voice was so quiet, so eerie.  “Of all the stupid things…”

One of the hostages jumped up, “Massacre is a murderer!”

“Kill him Dark Lion!  He’s no good to this city.”  Another joined in, sending the crowd into an angry buzz.

DL hesitated, looking on at his old friend with a mixture of anger, pity, and disgust. Massacre, fear all over him, jumped up and pushed DL to the side.  Sobering up quickly, he took off like a juggernaut, barreling through the side of City Hall and rushing out into the night.

I looked on at the aftermath of the attack.  People were dead, some killed by The Aces and two by Massacre.  I looked back at where DL was standing in the middle of City Hall one last time before disconnecting.  I didn’t move until I heard The Aces return.

Hearts unlocked the door to let me out.  “You did good tonight kid.  I just wanted to tell you that.”

I nodded at his praise, but my eyes were on Spades, who looked to be in a lot of pain.  Clubs was standing beside him, trying to set his arm into a sling.

The latest attempt failed because Spades couldn’t tolerate the pain.  “Stop Clubs, we can’t do it here.  Find me a doctor and quickly!”

Clubs pulled out his phone and started doing his thing.  I walked over to where Spades was laying on the ground.  “What happened boss?  Why couldn’t you go intangible?”

“My power…”  He huffed, short on breath from the broken arm.  “It takes two seconds to activate.  His reflexes were faster than my ability.”

The more I learned about each of their abilities, the more I began to question their methods.  “Wouldn’t it have been more prudent to go intangible from the start?”

He tried to smile at my question, but it came off as more like a wince.  “I can only hold that form for two minutes, or else bad things begin to happen.  I wanted to wait until I had no choice before I started the countdown.”

So I was right, he did have a time limit on his power.  It was a lot shorter of a window than I figured though.  “Massacre killed two people after you guys escaped.  Stumbled forward and his girth crushed them.”

Everyone stopped what they were doing.  Clubs looked up, “Massacre killed innocents?”  He couldn’t keep the disbelief out of his voice.

“Sure as day.  He charged The Dark Lion and when he missed, fell over.  It was quite obvious he was drunk.”

A genuine smile appeared on Spades face.  “Never in my wildest dreams could I have predicted that to happen!”  He tried to pump his fist, but his broken arm put a stop to that.  After a moment to get his composure, “The city will turn on him you know?  The Dark Lion will have no choice to hunt down Massacre.  How great is this?”

Inside, beneath the vile for what happened tonight, the question that had recently started to eat at me came roaring back to the forefront.  I needed to talk to DL and quickly.