Ben Archer

by Rae Knightly

  “You saw me!” Hao screamed, his face livid.

  Connelly staggered back, then caught himself. In a defiant gesture, he straightened his tie, shot a deathly look at Hao, then stepped out of the room.

  “I’m on to you!” Hao yelled after him.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Headquarters

  The sun reflected so brightly on the skyscraper that Laura had to look away. She stood at the corner of a busy crossing, lost in a crowd of hasty pedestrians who brushed passed her, handbags swaying, work shoes clicking hurriedly on the walkway.

  The Victory Air headquarters were located in the shiny, window-clad building, with a long set of stairs leading to a modern reception. Some employees sat on the steps, enjoying a ray of sunlight while on their lunch break, or scanned their phones while they chatted with a colleague.

  Laura unzipped the raincoat she had bought and straightened her new, olive-green sweater. It had felt good to get rid of the snow-coated clothing that had only served to remind her of the traumatic Kananaskis events.

  She plunged into a coffee shop opposite the infamous building and lined up for a coffee and sandwich.

  “Busy, isn’t it?” she said pleasantly to the young man on the other side of the counter who was preparing the items.

  “Actually, this isn’t too bad,” the man said, working the coffee machine. “You should’ve seen the line-up an hour ago!”

  Laura smiled at him. “Is that when all the Victory Air employees have lunch, then?"

  The man laughed. “Yeah, I guess so.”

  “I saw the news yesterday. I thought they were on strike?”

  “Yesterday, yes. Tomorrow, who knows? Everybody’s expecting the company to announce bankruptcy.”

  “That’s awful,” Laura sympathized.

  The man shrugged as he passed her her sandwich and punched in the cash amount of the food. “Nah, I wouldn’t worry about it. You should see the CEO. He walks up those stairs with his chest puffed, like he owns the world. I bet he’s got it all figured out.”

  Laura stopped counting the coins she had pulled out. “You mean Victor Hayward?” She slid the money towards him slowly.

  The man nodded. “He’s like a well-oiled clock. You’ll see his limo drop him off at 8.45am and pick him up at 6pm sharp, every day. With everything going on, you’d think he’d take a back entrance. But not Victor Hayward. He barges through the crowds of protesters and media as if he didn’t have a care in the world.”

  Laura stepped aside while he spoke as impatient customers made it clear she was taking up too much time. She thanked the man behind the counter and squeezed into a chair facing the window, beside two men working on their laptops. Then, she waited.

  ***

  Hao munched on his lip, then realized he was staring at the wall with a deep frown again. It wouldn’t do to lie around for days doing nothing. It was time for some action.

  He picked up the phone on his bed stand and pressed an extension.

  “Yes, sir?” his assistant said on the other end.

  “Bring me my laptop. I want access to The Cosmic Fall files. Make sure I still have clearance. Also, bring me the boxes in my office. And be quick about it!”

  “Yes, sir,” the assistant said, but Hao heard the hesitation in his voice. “Hum, but will the High Inspector agr…?”

  “Just bring me the damn things and let me deal with the High Inspector.”

  In his mind’s eye, Hao practically saw the assistant jump to a salute. “Yes, Sir!”

  ***

  Laura fidgeted on her seat. She had been at the coffee shop for almost five hours, and her back hurt. She’d had to spend her last coins on a lemonade when she noticed the baristas at the counter glancing her way.

  It was close to five minutes before six when a sleek, black limousine pulled up in front of Victory Air.

  Laura pushed back the stool, making it screech on the floor, but she took no notice and was out in a jiffy. She had to wait at the pedestrian crossing until the light turned green, because heavy evening traffic blocked the way, and by the time she made it across the street, the man she had been waiting for was already exiting the building.

  She jogged diagonally up the imposing stairs, bumping heavily into one of Victor Hayward’s bodyguards. Her handbag flew to the ground.

  “Hey, lady! Watch it!” the bodyguard warned, shielding Victor Hayward with his muscled body. He did not need to speak loudly as his stiff posture was indicative enough that he wasn’t up for any nonsense.

  “I’m so sorry!” Laura apologized. “I wasn’t paying attention.”

  The bodyguard regarded her sternly, then picked up her handbag, giving her a good view of the short man with mixed black-and-grey hair and black-rimmed glasses who was about to enter the limo.

  “Mr. Hayward!” she called.

  The bodyguard jumped to attention, holding out his hand defensively. “That’s enough! Stand back please.”

  Laura tried to glance behind his hulky body. “Mr. Hayward! It’s Laura Archer,” she shouted. “From Chilliwack.”

  Victor Hayward froze with his head already inside the car. Then he straightened and turned to see who had spoken.

  Laura waved and smiled at him, trying to look as innocent and harmless as possible.

  The man’s suspicious eyes softened. He gestured at his bodyguard to let her pass.

  “Mr. Hayward!” she said breathlessly. “Do you recognize me? I’m Ryan Archer’s daughter, Laura. You know? Your neighbour in Chilliwack?” She stood before him and held out her hand. “Imagine bumping into you here!”

  The CEO of Victory Air shook her hand, then recognition filled his eyes. He broke into a genuine enough smile and said, “Laura? My, my! Yes, I remember you, though if my memory serves me well, the last time we spoke you were about this high…” he lifted his hand parallel to the ground to indicate her height, “…and you were trespassing on my property if I recall.”

  Laura let out a giggle, her blush coming out naturally. “Oh my gosh! Please don’t remind me. Dad was so angry with me!”

  “You can say that again,” Hayward said, his grin widening to show a set of crooked teeth. “Ryan came over and apologized profusely. So how is my old neighbour?”

  Laura’s face fell instantly. “My dad passed away some months ago, Mr. Hayward. He suffered a major heart attack.”

  Hayward’s grin faded. “Ah, dear girl. I’m sorry to hear that.” He glanced around hastily. “Look, I can’t talk now. But I want to see you in my office next Monday, 9am sharp. Ask for my Executive Assistant, Charlene. She’ll be informed.” He slipped into his car and pointed his index finger at her. “Don’t be late!”

  His chauffeur closed the door on him and hurried to the driver’s side.

  Laura blew her hair out of her eyes and watched the limo disappear into traffic.

  ***

  “Where were you?” Ben asked, standing hastily from the sofa and dropping the X-box control on the coffee table.

  Laura removed her raincoat and checked the apartment. “Are we alone?”

  Ben nodded. “Uncle Bob’s at work. What happened?”

  She placed her hand on his shoulder and led him back to the couch. They sat down and faced each other.

  “I saw Victor Hayward,” she said, a little out of breath. “I’m meeting him on Monday morning.”

  “What? Are you crazy? How did you do that?”

  “He was my neighbour growing up, remember? I know him personally, though not very well, of course. He was away most of the time, but he’d drop by to catch up on local news with Grampa.”

  Ben shivered. “Do you think he witnessed The Cosmic Fall?”

  Laura pursed her lips, then nodded. “Yes. I’d bet my bottom dollar on it.”

  Ben’s hands flew to his face. “So now what, Mom? You can’t just walk up to him and say ‘hand over the alien.’”

  “I know, I know. We have to come up with something.”

  They both fell sil
ent, deep in thought.

  Suddenly Ben’s face lit up, and he said, “I have an idea.”

  CHAPTER SIX

  A Dangerous Device

  Laura’s footsteps echoed on the perfectly polished marble floor. The imposing symbol of Victory Air hung above the impeccable reception where receptionists wearing a bandana with the red-and-grey colours of the company spoke into extra-thin headsets.

  One of them glanced up and said, “Good morning, may I help you?”

  Laura tried to make herself look important. “Yes, I’m here to see Mr. Victor Hayward.”

  A brief shadow of disbelief passed before the receptionist’s eyes, so Laura added quickly, “My name is Laura Archer. Please refer to his Executive Assistant, Charlene.”

  The receptionist’s fingers were already typing away and before long, Laura was given a printed badge that allowed her to override the elevator security to reach the CEO office on the top floor.

  Laura’s legs felt like jelly as she scanned the badge and pressed the highest number on the button panel, a staggering flood of doubt almost making her turn back.

  This isn’t going to work!

  She had argued extensively with Ben, telling him that his idea was way too risky. They could lose contact with Mesmo forever. Not only that, Ben was basing his idea purely on a hypothesis, one they had never tested.

  The problem was, they hadn’t been able to come up with any other plan. Most of them involved tedious research and time-consuming spying on Victor Hayward. And time was not on their side. Laura was constantly reminded of Mesmo’s words: if he did not reach Saturn’s moon, Enceladus, within a week, he would never be able to return to his home planet.

  She wished they had been able to make contact with the alien to confirm their theory and give him a heads up. But after multiple attempts, Mesmo still had not answered Ben’s calls, meaning he was not in good shape.

  Or maybe worse.

  Laura shuddered.

  Hang in there, Mesmo.

  She set her jaw, straightened her shirt neck and pulled back a strand of ash blonde hair behind her ear as she watched the floor numbers flash by.

  The elevator door pinged and slid open, revealing a posh reception decorated in tones of soft grey and splashes of red.

  A woman with shallow cheeks, glasses and a tight bun stood as soon as Laura entered the spacious area from which she caught stunning views of the city.

  “Ms. Archer, I presume?” the woman said in a business-like tone, which she had clearly practiced over many years.

  “Yes.”

  “I’m Charlene. Please, follow me.” The woman reminded her of a stern middle-grade school teacher.

  Laura pinched her lips. In a matter of seconds, she was led into a large office with an impressive oak desk and two leather sofas with an oak coffee table in the middle. Victor Hayward sat in one of these chairs with his legs crossed as he studied documents over his black-rimmed glasses.

  He dropped the documents as she approached and stood to shake Laura’s hand. Laura felt his thick, golden ring under her fingers. “Laura,” he stated. “Welcome. Can I get you something to drink? Coffee? Tea?”

  “Oh, hum, a glass of water, please.”

  Hayward nodded to Charlene, who left instantly, while he invited Laura to sit.

  “Thank you for being so timely,” he began. “I can’t stand people who are late. It’s a habit I caught from my line of work. No-one likes a delayed flight, you will agree.” He sat opposite her and Laura thanked the stars she had categorically refused to let Ben accompany her.

  “It’s the least I could do, Mr. Hayward,” Laura replied. “I’m surprised you were able to make time for me at all. I appreciate it.”

  “Nothing’s too much for my dearly departed neighbour. I miss him sorely.”

  Laura glanced at the businessman, trying to determine whether he was being genuine, but Hayward showed nothing of his feelings. She shuddered at the thought that he could be holding Mesmo against his will.

  “So, tell me, what brings you to the city?”

  Laura accepted a glass of water from Charlene and said, “I needed a change of setting. You know, to get away from the memories…”

  “Yes, of course. Both of your parents passed away, if I remember correctly. There isn’t much holding you back on the West Coast, is there?”

  Laura shook her head, going along with the small talk, wondering what she should say next.

  “And…what is your line of work, exactly?”

  Laura’s throat went dry, so she took a sip of water. “Oh, uh, I wasn’t much good in school. I didn’t get a degree or anything like that. I’ve been working odd jobs here and there.”

  And taking care of Ben.

  “I see. Well, if there’s anything I can do in that department, don’t hesitate. Charlene can set you up with Human Resources and look at your options…”

  “Oh, no, no. There’s no need. I’ve already found a job. But, thank you.”

  Hayward rubbed at his chin, then narrowed his small, green eyes. “Don’t let the media get to you, Laura. They are pure sensationalists, shouting to all who will hear that Victory Air is taking a dive. But they have no idea what I have in store for them. My company is at the dawn of its existence, not at its end.”

  He stood and paced before the windows overlooking Toronto and Laura could hear the pride in his voice. “The media is not far from the truth, Laura. Oil is a thing of the past. It’s time to fuel our cars and planes with brand new, cutting-edge technology.”

  His hand curled into a fist, as if he were holding a miniature Earth within it. “Victory Air holds that technology, the power to generate unlimited, low-cost energy for all!”

  Laura felt the blood drain from her face.

  So that’s what he’s after!

  She understood everything now, Victor Hayward needed the alien to reveal the source of energy that fueled his spaceship. Hayward would use it for his own airplane company. Investors, governments, the military…all would flock to him to get their hands on the source of power.

  She almost dropped her glass of water as she placed it on the edge of the table. She was no longer able to concentrate on the magnate’s self-centered speech, but nodded in what she considered were appropriate places.

  Hayward sat heavily in the sofa, the leather squeaking under his weight. “But enough of that. This is our little secret, between you and me, and is a work in progress.” He tapped the tips of his fingers together and bore his eyes into hers.

  She braced herself as she sensed more was coming, then picked up the glass again to keep her nervous hands busy.

  “Tell me about The Cosmic Fall,” he said.

  Laura lurched, spilling some water. “The…the what?”

  He leant back as if he were suddenly tired. “The Cosmic Fall. You’ve heard of it, of course. Did you know it occurred on my land?”

  “It..it did?”

  “Yes. Picture this: some interstellar rocks lurch towards the Earth and, bingo! they fall right into my lap, so to speak. You’d think anything that landed on your property belonged to you, but no, the government stepped in and took it all away from me. I was wondering, did that happen to your father, too?”

  What’s he getting at?

  “Er...no, of course not…” she stammered.

  He nodded, raising his eyes to the ceiling as if in deep thought. “I didn’t think so. However, considering your precarious financial situation, I am sure you will be happy to hear that I am interested in purchasing your father’s house and land, since you clearly have no further use for it. How would you like to step out of my office with a two million dollar check in your pocket?”

  Laura’s jaw dropped.

  She made a superhuman effort to close her mouth and swallow a large lump in her throat. “Th-that’s unexpected. I…um…would need to think about it.”

  He waved his hand at her. “Of course! Of course! It’s a lot to take in. But my offer is on the table. You sh
ould take it while the deal is hot because I can’t promise it will still be there tomorrow.”

  “Thank you.” Laura forced the words out. She was on the verge of a nervous breakdown.

  I need to finish this!

  She stood hastily, as did he.

  “Here’s my card,” he said. “Call me anytime. I’ll even add in an extra two hundred grand, as a last show of goodwill to my dear neighbour.”

  She took the card hastily. “Thank you, Mr. Hayward. You’re very kind. I will consider your offer.” She needed to change the subject at once, or she would crumble.

  It’s now or never!

  She opened her handbag and said, “Talking about goodwill, I have something for you as well.”

  She pulled out a square box, neatly wrapped in grey paper with a red ribbon around it. “It’s not as generous as your offer, of course, but I wanted you to have this.”

  Hayward glanced at her in surprise, then proceeded to remove the wrapping. A velvet box appeared, resembling one that would contain a wedding ring. Only, this one was bigger.

  “What’s this?” Hayward said, opening the lid.

  “It was my father’s,” Laura explained. “I have no use for it. It’s a men’s model. I think Dad would have felt very honoured to have Victor Hayward wear it.”

  The businessman pulled out a silver watch and studied it closely.

  “You see?” Laura said, pointing to its centre. “It even has a diamond in it. Go on. I want to see it on your wrist.”

  ***

  Inspector Hao burst into High Inspector George Tremblay’s office, located at level -1 of the Dugout, ignoring the assistant who tried to stop him.

  “Why does Victor Hayward have access to the spaceship?” he blurted.

  Documents slid out of his hands as he tried to keep a hold on his crutches. He swore, then bent with his cast leg teetering dangerously in the air, until he managed to recover the papers.

  When he straightened again, the High Inspector–who cast a distasteful look his way–said into his phone, “I’ll call you back.” He hung up, then waved the assistant away.