They'll Call It Treason (26 page)

January 31 at 8:08
p.m.
EST

Winchester, VA

“Continue down the hall," Austin instructed Gray over his earpiece. "It’ll turn left up ahead and then I'll let you know when you're close to the right door."

Gray kept his pace slow and careful. He listened carefully to Austin’s instructions while he scanned the dimly lit hall.

“The room you’ll be in is adjacent to where Ethan is being held. You’ll have to hold there until I give the word.”

“Got it,” Gray whispered.

Since the encounter in the storage room, Gray had dispatched two other guards. One by surprise with a quick blow to the head, out cold. The other had proven a bit more difficult, requiring a more forceful touch. He eyed the blood-soaked cloth knotted around his arm.

Definitely going to need stitches.

His nose had finally grown used to the rotting smell, but each drip of water still sounded like an approaching enemy. It kept him on edge.

As he reached the bend, Gray put his back against the wall and peered around the corner. Quickly he pulled back. A guard paced the hall, walking in his direction. Gray waited a few seconds and peeked around the corner again. As his eyes made contact, the guard about-faced and stepped away in the opposite direction.

Gray took the opportunity, sprinting light-footed around the corner and down the hall, closing in on the guard. He failed to notice the water puddle just behind the man’s footsteps. Gray’s foot hit the puddle, splashing.

Dammit.

The guard swung around at the noise trying to take aim. Gray grabbed the rifle muzzle and wrenched it out of the man's grip and flat up against his chest. In the same fluid motion, Gray shoved his pistol hard against the man’s chest and pulled the trigger.
Psst. Psst.

He grabbed hold of the man's body to steady him as his eyes glossed over and his body went limp. He let the body slide slowly to the ground. Gray holstered his Glock and took aim with the rifle in case someone had heard the noise. He checked the magazine, full.

“Alright Austin, how far am I?” Gray asked.

“The door is about six yards ahead to your right, Gray.”

Gray rushed forward. Once at the door he raised the rifle with one hand while reaching for the door handle with the other, ready. He took in a deep breath and shoved the door open and jumped forward rifle ready.

The room was empty besides a lone desk. A tack board hung on the far wall. He let out a breath he had not realized he had been holding back and let himself calm down.

“I’m in Austin,” he said. “Are we ready to go?”

“Not yet. It seems that Abrams is spilling his guts,” Austin informed him with a bit of pride. “Hold off for now.”

It was the hardest order he had ever had to follow.

January 31 at 8:10
p.m.
EST

Winchester, VA

“So you think you know something about me now, because you know a name. Cerberus.” Sean jested as he puts hands up in the air shaking his finger mockingly. He looked to Ju-Long and smiled. “You don’t know shit.”

Ethan felt a cold chill run down his back, not from the weapon shoved tightly against his back, but from the realization he had been right. Abrams had been working for Cerberus.

“Well,” Sean considered for a second. “Since neither of you will be leaving here I see no harm in filling you in on a few details. Just to show you how easy it was.”

Ethan locked his eyes on Sean as his words become more proud and boastful. Kate sat to his side in her unforgiving metal chair, her eyes cried out to him for help. In time, they would both be out of here, if Gray made it soon enough.

“The Bureau sent me and a small team to infiltrate what they thought was an international arms dealer a few years back. They were right, partly. It was part of an arms dealing circle, but that was only part of it. The more we learned the more I realized I was being tested.” Sean explained. “Over the first several months I found myself moving up the ladder. I thought I was simply blending in well.”

Sean laughed faintly, “No. They were testing me. They knew me already. They let me move up to see how much I would do. It did not take long for me to realize that our goals were… aligned. In time they saw the same in me.”

“I read the reports,” Ethan broke in. “Your partners both ended up dead, one murdered, the other presumably of natural causes. But I think I know better than that.”

“Yes,” Sean agreed. “Yes, you do. Agent Lee was my initiation, a show of my willingness for brutality. Cunningham could have made a great career in the organization had he not lacked the vision. He could be relentless when necessary.”

Sean threw his hand in the air, “Some shit about God and country or something I believe it was. He simply was not a fit in the end. He had to be eliminated to ensure there were no loose strings. Sort of like tonight. That’s where Ju-Long comes in.”

“I believe you two have already met,” he pointed to his right where Ju-Long stood silently, his eyes glued on Ethan with no outward expression. “Ju-Long became my new partner soon after my initiation. I’d love to claim all the credit, but as you know already Ju-Long likes to get his hands dirty too.”

“Why the Congressman,” Ethan ignored Ju-Long, keeping himself focused. He needed something concrete about the assassination, something useful.

“The Congressman. Ah yes, you would be interested in that now wouldn’t you. You see, he was in possession of some, let’s say, valuable information regarding some U.S. weapons sales that had
inadvertently
ended up in the hands of Syrian rebels. ISIS, to name one. That information just could not become public. It seems when a whole village of civilians is wiped off the map people don’t take too kindly to it regardless of who it is.” He stopped for a moment of thought.

“He also was gaining ground on an amendment to the upcoming defense spending bill that would have threatened funding for many of our partners. And he was part of the movement to let the Davidson Act expire. No more military drones in U.S. airspace if that happened, and several partners were adamant about that not happening.”

Ethan tried to absorb the information. Suddenly the video of Abrams in Raleigh shot into his mind.

“Daniels. What about Representative Daniels in North Carolina?” he asked.

Sean cocked his head in genuine surprise, furrowing his brow.

“I know you were there,” Ethan asserted. “The surveillance feed shows you talking to the representative just moments before he was murdered.”

“Ah yes, the North Carolina Rep. So you finally figured that out.” Sean commented approvingly. “Let’s see, if I remember correctly, he was simply a growing threat in a race we could not lose. Something about being too anti-government, and he was already trying to impede drone usage and intelligence programs at the state level. He was planning to run for Congress. My handlers could not have that.”

“He was a father,” Ethan said, not knowing what else to say.

“He was,” Sean agreed, “But his son is dead anyway now. He died a few weeks later while in a coma if I remember correctly.”

Ethan squinted, confused. He had not known the late Representative's son had died. His heart heaved in his chest.

“I must say you had me a little worried at first. When I realized that my face was on the video I was sure you would be making a visit. But, you never came.” Sean grinned. “I thought about scrubbing the feed, but that would have been obvious. After a few weeks I realized you didn’t know.”

“Your investigations garnered the attention of the Council. They were worried you were becoming a threat.” Sean grinned, “We lured you to Georgia. We knew you could not turn down an opportunity to stop the Congressman’s death.”

Ethan’s eyes narrowed.

“I set up the plan personally. The town drunk, overly zealous conservative with a checkered history and a hint of bi-polar disorder. He played right into our hands. We knew he’d freak soon and let the word slip.”

“You mean when he called the Congressman’s office?” Ethan asked.

“Yes.”

“Are you saying that none of this would have happened had I not come to Georgia? The Congressman? None of it?” Ethan’s mind crowded with the realization he had been played.

“Oh no, don’t over estimate your importance Ethan. The Congressman was to die regardless,” Sean explained. “You were two for the price of one, well three. Can’t forget your buddy Jason.”

Ethan glared at Sean. He clenched his teeth. The heat rose in his face, adding to his already reddened cheeks.

“It all had to work out perfectly, and you two played right into our hands,” nodding toward Ju-Long.

“Why?” Ethan exhaled through clinched teeth. He wanted to burst out in anger, to throw every insult and angered thought he held in his head, but it would do no good.

“Why?” Sean asked with a raised eyebrow. “Cerberus, as you call it, requires that a delicate balance be maintained. War, the threat of war, surveillance, security technology, GMOs. Hell, I don’t even know half the shit they invest in. Anything that keeps the money flowing in the right direction, and more importantly the strings of influence. Just enough to make the gentlest of moves send ripples through the pond. No one person holds all the information, and national borders mean nothing.”

Sean paced slowly, switching his eyes between Ethan and some lone corner of the room. “See peace is great for the average person. But it is worthless for those of us who desire something more, something more meaningful.”

Ethan was awestruck at the honesty and forthrightness. He had thought being right about Abrams, about Cerberus, would have felt better. Maybe it would bring some relief. No. Instead, the weight of it all seemed to bury him. It was much worse than they had imagined. If Cerberus was all Abrams claimed he was only the tip of the iceberg.

“We realize that power is the real objective. Money can lead to power, but real power comes from a structured, well maintained order. One made in our image. That requires that certain people be in places of authority, with just enough opposition to appear balanced, of course.”

“You’re manipulating the lives of millions,” Ethan started, “for your own benefit. Harming people who have no idea what is going on, who just want to live and be left alone.”

“It’s not simply for my benefit, it’s even for theirs. People need order, they need someone to help them along, to show them what they really need,” Sean retorted.

“Cerberus has been around for a while. They’ve tried numerous methods. Lords over their people, priests, tyrants.” Sean paused for a moment, looking toward Ju-Long before returning his gaze to Ethan, “Freedom.”

“The illusion of free will, of freedom, is a useful tool you know. Let people think they are free and present them with a danger to their so-called freedom, a fear. It’s amazing how much you can get them to deal with just as long as you tell them they’re still free.”

“Fear, that’s the great motivator though. Fear keeps it all in check. Fear of one’s neighbor. Fear of those who don’t look like you. Fear of those who live in some barren desert halfway across the globe,” Sean continued. “Domestic terrorism, just as much as fear of those abroad has helped people accept more intrusion into their everyday lives. To accept less freedom as freedom itself.” Sean peered into Ethan’s eyes, smiling deviously.

“We’re winning Ethan, you’re losing.”

“You’re sick,” Ethan mumbled back.

Sean gently laughed at the idea, looking out into the open warehouse, “You’re probably right, but it’s a delicious disease.”

Realizing the monster facing him, Ethan looked over to Kate. She sat helplessly just a few feet away from Abrams. With his eyes he apologized to her for not being there for her. It seemed Gray would not make it in time. Even if he did, would it matter in the end against this monster, against Cerberus?

“Well, it looks like it’s time to say goodbye now Ethan,” Sean said as he placed his pistol to Kate’s head.

“No!!” Ethan yelled. His eyes locked with Kate’s sad brown eyes.

Bang. Bang.

January 31 at 8:13
p.m.
EST

Winchester, VA

Ethan closed his eyes refusing to watch.
Kate!

“Ethan move!” He knew that voice.

Gray!

He had made it. Ethan forced his eyes open, immediately locking his eyes where Kate sat as he jumped to the side. She was still in the chair, eyes wide with confusion. Alive. Sean lay on the floor with a small pool of blood around his shoulder.

Before Ethan could turn to find Gray, he caught sight of Ju-Long lining up his pistol for a shot. Ethan ducked to the floor and rolled. The bullet grazed by, followed by a second. Ethan landed just in time to see Ju-Long pitch backward from a shot to the upper chest, a spurt of blood escaping his back.

Dazed and confused the two guards had taken up posts behind a set of wooden crates behind Sean. They has abandoned their keep, firing off pot shots in Gray’s direction.

Ethan wanted to run to Kate, but until Abram’s men were contained it would be a fool’s errand. Instead, he willed himself in the opposite direction, sliding past a set of crates opposite the two guards.

He peeked around the corner to find Gray waving him on.
I hope that means he’ll cover me.
Ethan took one last glance toward his captors. Wood splinters exploded next to the taller guard’s head. They both jerked back behind the crates for cover. That was all Ethan needed. He bounded to his feet and sprinted toward Gray across the open expanse, keeping his eyes firmly on Gray. As another volley of shots rang out from behind him, he dropped to the ground and slid the rest of the way around the crates that shielded Gray.

“I’ve never been so glad to see your ugly face man,” Ethan nodded to Gray. “Good timing.”

“Sorry, one of the guards earlier wanted a big hug,” Gray attempted a joke, but his voice still quivered. “How about we get you out of these,” Gray said while slicing open the plastic straps holding Ethan’s hands together.

Ethan rubbed his wrists, thankful to be free again.

“I think I just injured Abrams. That other fella ain’t getting back up though,” Gray assured him as he took up a defensive stance behind the brown wooden crate. He sighed, “Speaking of Abrams, looks like your friend is getting back up.”

Ethan patted Gray on the shoulder, “He’s mine.”

Gray pulled out Ethan’s Glock and handed it to him with a solemn expression. Ethan took the weapon and looked back up at Gray.

“Cover me.”

Ethan glanced around the edge of the crate. He spotted Abrams getting to his feet about ten yards ahead. By his left collarbone Abrams black suite showed a hole where Gray’s bullet had bitten through. Abrams icy eyes were ablaze with pain and choler. Petulantly he ripped off his coat and rotated his arm, gritting his teeth with the painful movement. On his white button up the black hole was now a reddened splash.

Behind Abrams sat Kate wrapped up tightly. Ethan could not risk firing at this angle. He had to get closer. Ethan lifted the back of his shirt and placed the pistol snuggly behind his back and jeans.

“I’ve got you Ethan,” Gray assured him, keeping a solid aim at the guards across the opening.

Ethan rose to a crouch, took a deep breath and bolted forward. His attention focused as he saw a gun in Abram’s hand coming around. Everything seemed to move slowly as the weapon swung in Kate’s direction.

No!

Ethan lunged forward, putting every ounce of energy he had into his legs. Oblivious to the fire fight going on around him. Wood cracked and disintegrated. Sparks scintillated and popped around him.

As Abrams squeezed the trigger Ethan slammed hard into his chest, his head down, shoulders braced. Abrams toppled to the ground with a harsh thump. The air rushed from his lungs as Ethan’s full weight bared down on him. His pistol toppled end over end onto the floor, clambering to a stop several yards away.

Without hesitation Ethan pounded his fist into Abram’s jaw, earning a grunt. He jerked back but quickly slung a fist hard into Ethan’s side, knocking him to the ground.

Sean got to his feet, reasserting his dominance. Shots rang out in the corner as the gun battle continued behind the crates. With Ethan still on the ground, Sean buried his shoe into Ethan’s side. Ethan recoiled in pain as spikes of agony pierced up his side like lightning bolts.

Ready to end it, Sean left Ethan on the floor, running toward his pistol. Ethan reached out and gripped on to Sean’s foot and yanked backward, sending Sean to the ground.

Ethan jumped to his feet, pain throbbing up his side. Sean quickly regained his footing and turned, only to receive a swift blow to the face and then another to the chest.

Sean replied with a blow to Ethan’s chest, followed by another, and another. Ethan stepped back with each blow, air refusing to stay in his lungs. He took another volley to his arms held over his chest. Ethan held his footing, grunting with each blow.

Not only was the man cold hearted, his fists were brutal. Catching a moment of reprieve Ethan struck out, catching Sean by the jaw. A spurt of blood trailed behind the blow. Not willing to be trapped in Sean’s deadly fists again, Ethan railed into Sean again and again.

Sean jerked back. Ethan jabbed at his stomach, sending Sean curling forward while his feet pulled back. Abruptly, Sean fell backward to the ground, tripping over Ju-Long’s lifeless shell.

Ethan preyed on Sean's misstep. He leapt over Ju-Long's body and landed a knee into Sean’s diaphragm. Sean gasped hard as the air rushed from his lungs. Ethan let his fists loose on his prey.

Suddenly a bullet grazed Ethan’s back. He lurched up in pain, shooting his eyes to the left where the short guard with a limp crouched. As if by karma the man jerked back as a bullet penetrated his skull. Ethan let his eyes dart back to Gray for a brief second.

With Ethan distracted, Sean glimpsed the six inch dagger sheathed to Ju-Long’s body. He stole the blade and slashed out at Ethan.

Ethan screamed out as the knife sliced thinly through his thigh. Instinctively he grabbed his wrist as Sean thrusted the knife at him.

He used his forearms to swipe Abram’s strikes away from his body. Weak from the repeated blows, he put every ounce of strength he had into his arms. Ethan got a grip on Sean's wrist, holding the knife just inches away from his chest. He strained his arms, balancing the knife between them.

Sean jerked his wrist down, sending them both crashing to the ground. Sean scrambled around as Ethan lost his grip and placed his body over Ethan, making him bare his entire weight. With the advantage he forced the knife down toward Ethan’s face.

Without a second to lose, Ethan stopped the knife’s advance a mere inch from his face. He stared up at the sharp edge and the cold eyes behind it. His arms shook as he held his grip tightly around Sean’s hand, trying to keep the knife from gravitating downward. Sean was stronger though. The knife’s tip slowly inched closer to Ethan’s open eye.

His eyes shone with intensity, the knife a mere inch away. He pushed with all his might, barely holding Sean back. Sweat poured from his brow. He stared at the tip of the knife, glimpsing his life.

“No!” Kate screamed.

Ethan glanced away for a split second to see her face, distraught, tears unyielding, her lips begging for Sean to stop. Something clicked in Ethan. He jerked his weight to the side, sending Sean tumbling over his body, and twisted the knife from his grip. Ethan let his body follow Sean, trading places. With all his weight he fell down on Sean, shoving the full length of the blade up through Sean's jaw and into his skull.

He locked eyes with Sean. They were confused, scared. His breathing came fitfully. Blood seeped from his lips. Ethan stared into Sean’s eyes, breathing hard.

“Ho… H… How?” Sean garbled between blood filled breaths. Blood seeped down his check, his pale blue eyes iced over, detached from the world. Ethan felt Sean’s body go slack through his grip on the dagger.

Realizing it was over, Ethan let go and rolled over onto his back, letting his breathing relax. The gunfire had stopped.

Kate!

He jumped to his feet, immediately regretting the sudden motion as pain shot up his side. He met Kate’s eyes, hurting but relieved. He rushed to her side just as Gray reached her and cut the straps from her hands and feet.

Kate jumped from the chair and wrapped her arms around Ethan. It hurt as she grasped tightly around his waist, but having her in his arms again, out of danger, outweighed the pain. She sobbed bitterly.

“Are you okay?” Ethan asked desperately.

Between sobs Kate replied, “I… I’m alright.”

He knew she was lying, but that could wait. He needed to hold her, be there for her.

“Austin,” Gray called over his earpiece, “We did it, all’s good here. Be ready to pick us up.”

Kate turned to Gray, surprise in her face. “I thought you were dead.”

Shamed by the memory of Greensboro, Gray diverted his eyes, “No, they must have thou… I’m so sorry Kate, I…”

“You tried,” she said breaking him off, tears streaking her face again, “I’m just glad to see you alive.”

Ethan smiled at Gray, thanking him, “You came just-in-time Gray. I didn’t think we were going to make it for a second.”

Shrugging, Gray diverted the conversation, “We all did our job. Now let’s get the hell out of here.”