The Gravity of Anti-Gravity (22 page)

“Yes” the man answered. “Yes we are all in position, spread out like you said. OK, Frederico, I understand, Myers saw the kid leave his house about twenty minutes ago and he should be here on time in about ten minutes. Like I said, we are ready so wait about two minutes after you see him pull in the lot and then come in.”

Rolf decided he could wait no longer so he silently scaled the wall, jumped down on the man and hit him on the head with the butt of his gun. The man collapsed and Rolf secured him with the hand and foot cuffs and taped his mouth.

Out of nowhere, another armed man who had seen his partner go down, had his gun leveled at Rolf. In an instant, Jerry jumped from behind a building, plunged a knife between the man’s ribs and covered the man’s mouth so he couldn’t scream. Jerry dragged the limp body out of site behind another building. Rolf gave Jerry a thank you nod.

Rolf looked across the street to the east and saw the man he named Number One. He jabbed his pointed index finger backwards twice and crossed his wrists to indicate that he had secured another assailant.

Across the street, Agent Brown advanced from building to building in a small strip mall. As he came around a corner, there was another gunman who turned around quickly and leveled his rifle at Brown.

Bang! and a gun discharged. It was Brown’s and the man fell. “Damn it” Brown whispered. I’ve probably notified every other attacker in the area, he thought. He stepped over the man’s body and carefully advanced again.

Brown turned past the next building he was directly across the street from the parking lot. As he looked up, he saw Bill drive by in his Saturn.

Bill turned into the parking lot of the Bank of America and pulled into one of the marked spaces away from the Bank building. Within two minutes a van followed him in.

The door to the van slid opened and Joanna was inside.

“Are you OK sis?” Bill called.

“Yes Bill but I’m really scared,” she answered.

The kidnapper poked Joanna hard in the back with the barrel of his rifle indicating that it was time to get out.

“Don’t forget there are lots of guns pointed at your head and your brother’s too. Don’t do anything stupid or you and your brother will die!” The kidnapper said menacingly.

Joanna stepped out of the van and started to slowly walk toward Bill’s car. Making sure he didn’t make any sudden movements, Bill walked carefully toward the van with his hands up. When Bill and Joanna arrived side by side, a rock hit the windshield of the van causing heads to turn, distracting the kidnappers. Bill grabbed Joanna. They ran back behind the Saturn and Bill pulled her down. A barrage of quick shots from an automatic rifle slammed into the car. None hit Bill or Joanna. Immediately a huge hail of bullets slammed into the van from all directions. At least one bullet hit the gas tank and the van exploded into a ball of fire. The two kidnappers never made it out.

Rolf ran up and waved to Pops to bring the vehicle over.

Pops drove over and when he got out he said excitedly, “You know I saw another van parked three blocks over when I drove by to drop the guys off. I think there were people inside.”

“I’ll bet that’s the escape vehicle.” Rolf said. “They drive around the corner put Bill and the other bad guys in the other van. They all escape in a vehicle that no one is looking for. I’ll bet it wasn’t white like this van.”

“No it was red. That’s why I didn’t think anything about it at the time”. Pops commented.

We started to hear sirens off in the distance.

“We’ve got to go check out that other van,” Rolf said. “Jerry and number one come with me. Bill, you Joanna, Pops and Agent Brown meet the cops and tell them what happened. Number two and three, go get the hostiles that are still alive and bring them here and make sure they don’t escape. Agent Brown, get your people here too. They are aware of the situation and they can keep the police from making a complicated situation worse.”

We will call you if we make contact with other kidnappers. We may need the help of the FBI. After it’s all over, call Stella for a ride. Your vehicle is beyond repair Bill.”

“And good riddance,” Jerry yelled as he jumped into the car with Rolf.

Soon one Police vehicle showed up and then another. A minute later a car with two FBI agents arrived. Agent Brown convinced the Police that this was an FBI matter.

My cell phone rang and it was Jerry.

“Bill, let me talk to Agent Brown,” Jerry said.

Brown took the phone. “Brown, we left the parking lot and found the red van that Pops had mentioned. We parked about a block behind them and they just moved out. They have just turned the corner and are moving your way. Once they see all the commotion there, they will probably leave the area but you never know. They could start shooting so take cover. And if you have a free car, maybe some of your guys can help us chase them.”

Agent Brown looked up and saw the red van moving slowly up the street toward them.

“Everybody take cover!” Brown screamed.

We think whoever’s in that red van is the enemy. We have no idea if they are planning anything but get ready now!”

When the red van got about a half block from the corner, heading toward the Bank of America building, it accelerated rapidly. With squealing tires the driver turned right exposing the left side of the van with four rifle gun barrels sticking out. As they raced by, all four automatic rifles opened up on the people in the parking lot. A barrage of bouncing bullets ricocheted off the pavement buildings and cars. The two Green Berets and one policeman fired back with their side arms and Pops shot back with one of his rifles. The red van barreled up the boulevard with Rolf, Jerry and number one in hot pursuit. Both police vehicles ended up with at least one flat tire and couldn’t assist in the chase.

“Anybody hurt?” Agent Brown yelled.

“I’m hit” someone called out. It was one of the policemen. Jerry’s two men quickly looked for any more casualties and found an FBI agent down. He was unconscious and bleeding profusely. Number two bent down and tried to slow the bleeding as he yelled for anyone to call another ambulance.

As the chaos had subsided, one of the police officers on the scene called in a description of the van.

My cell phone rang again and it was Jerry. “Bill, were any of our people hit when the van went by?”

“Two Jerry, an FBI Agent and a policeman,” I answered.

“We are pursuing the red van but it looks like we are going to lose them.” Jerry said. “We’ve already had two near accidents and had to run one red light but we are still falling behind. The license number is 4GHL 149. Have the police or the FBI put out an alert on this vehicle and obviously make sure they approach it with extreme caution if they find it. One more thing, Rolf told me that just before he put a large lump on the head of one of the bad guys, he was talking on his cell phone. The conversation sounded like you were seen by a man named Myers when you left your house. You’d better have someone do a sweep around Pop’s property too.”

“OK, Jerry;” I agreed. “I’ll let everybody know and you be careful too. Call me if anything changes and I’ll do the same.”

I met with the FBI and local police on the scene, gave them the license number, approximate location and told them to put out an APB on the van. I also gave the FBI the other information. They called their people at the house and relayed the information. My cell phone rang again and this time it was Stella.

“Stella, how are things going at your end of the war zone?” I questioned.

“The clean-up crews are still doing their thing and searching for clues. They will be here for quite a while. Rolf called and thank God you and Joanna are alright. I was so worried.”

“Did you get the information that there is still a spy around the house?” I asked.

“Yes, I heard some of the FBI guys talking about it. They sent the men they could spare to look around. He’s probably left the area now that he found out the transfer wasn’t successful.” Stella added.

“I’m sure he’s on his way to meet the survivors of his failed mission to plan another attack.” I commented.

“Remember Bill, we have a meeting with the head FBI man in the area tomorrow,” Stella reminded me. “Since they have a bunch of bad guys locked up now, I hope we will finally find out who’s behind all these attacks. Let’s hope it’s no more than one or two groups. So Bill do you need a ride now?”

“I think we’re going to be here a little while longer,” I said. “There are still some emergency vehicles arriving and we have about fifty ‘lookieloos’ that have assembled. If we can’t get a ride later on I’ll call. If I don’t see you tonight I’ll see you in the morning. You know Stella; working out of a room in Area 51 with an alien roommate is starting to look better and better. You could move into the room next door. We’d make it a threesome.”

About twenty minutes later Rolf, Jerry Pops and number one returned. They had lost the red van in traffic.

“Did the bad guys get away Jerry?” I asked.

“They did.” Jerry answered. “It was obvious they were either going to get away or die in a fiery crash trying. We decided that there was too much risk to the public to pursue them further so we are hoping that the police or CHP will find them. Where do I line up to give my statement? And where do I get on the bus to go to
Afghanistan? It would be like being on vacation there compared to here!”

After we had given our statements to the authorities, Jerry called me and Joanna over. Rolf was standing there too.

“I’d like to introduce you two to the people who helped save your butts today. Jerry said proudly. This is Corporal Jeff Barnes, formerly called Number Two. This is Corporal Jack Pierson, formerly known as Number Three, and last but not least Sergeant Fred Noble, formerly known as Number One.”

“Oh come on Jerry, so we were just saved by Barnes and Noble?” I joked. “You’re kidding right?”

“Barnes and Noble and Pierson; don’t forget Pierson.” Jerry answered.

“I suppose you have a Laurel and a Hardy in your crew too.” I laughed.

“No, but I might have a Martin and a Lewis. I’ll check my roster later.” Jerry answered.

We all had a good laugh which helped relieve some of the pressure of the ordeal we’d all just been through. I thanked Jerry’s men and then Joanna looked at Jerry and asked, “What happened to your ear?”

“It’s a new battle scar. I’ll be fine but I might need you to nurse me back to health,” answered Jerry.

Joanna saluted and said “Certainly Lieutenant Smith I’ll kiss it and make it better.”

“That’s what I’m talking about,” said Jerry as he put his arms around Joanna and gave her a hug.

That night, the news reported the story of two huge gang shootouts in the San Gabriel Valley. The newscasters were all commiserating about how drug trafficking had gotten out of control and the authorities had to do something about it. At least the FBI and police got their cover story straight.

-30-

Monday morning at ten, Stella, Jerry and I were assembled in the conference room. Dr. Brooks was still in the hospital but was expected to be released by the end of the week. The receptionist escorted Agent Cushing and a new man into the room.

“This is Special Agent-In-Charge Marvin Vaughn,” said Cushing. “He is our Southern California Division Chief and one of the best men I have.”

Vaughn was a trim, handsome black man, about six feet two or three and looked to be about forty years old.

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you,” Vaughn pronounced. “I am fully up to speed on your situation and I must admit, your story reads like a bad science fiction novel. After yesterday’s attacks, I’m pleasantly surprised that you were able to keep this appointment. I want you to know that from here on out, I am fully committed to keeping you safe and making sure your invention sees the full light of day.”

With that, Cushing stood up and excused himself.

“I’ve got to get back to Washington,” Cushing elaborated. “On Wednesday, a car will pick up Dr. Morton and Mr. Burton and take you to the airport. A private jet will fly you to Washington for your meeting with the President. A car will meet you at the airport and take you to the White House. You will spend the evening at the Senator Hotel. You will be transported back to the airport and fly home the next morning. All the details are in this envelope. If you have any questions, call me or my assistant in Washington. All the names and numbers are in here too.” With that he handed Stella an envelope.

“Agent Cushing,” I asked, “is it OK if Lieutenant Smith accompanies us to
Washington? As you know, he along with Special Agent Vaughn will be heading up our security detail now.”

“That’s a decision you folks must make.” Cushing answered. “Let my assistant know if there will be three on the plane instead of two.”

After Cushing was out of earshot, Vaughn began to address our small group. “Do you people know why Cushing left so fast?” We all knew but shook our heads no anyway. “He knows you don’t trust him and I don’t blame you. He told me about Waterman and all the bugs he scattered around. My guess is that Cushing was fully aware of every clandestine thing that occurred but I can’t prove it.”