Misti looked at Noki. “You are forgiven but if you ever do the Mengele experiments again, I will personally choke the life out of you. Adam didn’t consent to the extent of the intrusion nor the entrance into areas not reserved for you.”
Misti said, “First off, though my husband is still groggy from his head banging, and is probably not listening to me, I am happy to report that Adam and I aren’t divorced, though he’s a dog of the first magnitude and deserves to be castigated thoroughly. He brought me in late in the game, but he says he wanted proof and James would get it. I was angry and regret my actions for a second time. I didn’t know why he did what he did but I do now. I decided to forego the nuclear option with him until I at least understood why he and the Old Man fucked me over yet again.”
“And?”
“And, without going into detail, their motives were pure. I really hate it when they gang up on me and are justified in screwing me over, but I was wrong again. I overreacted. Enough said.”
“Are we staying here long? Seems very dangerous.”
“Nope, we’re off tomorrow. I just said we’d be here longer, so that’s what the rats would report to the authorities. They think they have time, but we’re gone tomorrow at 4:00 am. Two Huey’s are coming in and we’re going to be on board.”
“Won’t they just force us down?”
“Normally, yes, but not this time. I gave them a demo of what I can do to them and they decided safe passage out was the best solution.”
“What?”
“I disintegrated one of their decommissioned naval ships and fouled the fuel of all their motorized vehicles, their trains, planes and automobiles, within a two-hundred-kilometer radius of the Manor. I mentioned we can do worse. Mom and Pops had to show me how to work the tech, but Adam’s software is really user friendly, so I decided a little demo was better than threats back and forth. Didn’t want them getting stupid.
“They said they would allow our departure from territorial Britain, but in open international waters, no assurances could be given. I told them none would be needed. Our stealth tech is much better than theirs. I told them to warn the Yanks and all other parties to keep a wide berth. If the Chinese or Russians suddenly show up, I will wreak havoc on all countries, the Brits included.”
“Where are we going then?”
“First, to Switzerland. Then Adam and Octavio go to Germany …”
Bella said, “Can’t Normie, Helena and the kids go too? Just for a short visit?”
“I’m inclined to be the Wicked Witch of the East here, but let me think about it.”
Neither Bella nor Helena or the kids knew who the “Wicked Witch of the East” was, so Normie had to whisper the meaning of the reference. They all laughed.
Misti continued, “The rest of us will go to our new home in East Africa.”
“Where exactly?”
“That’s a surprise. And a wonderful surprise at that. Wait ‘til you see what Agustin, Maria and Adam have cooked up. It’s Paradise. A miracle, for those of you who believe in such drivel. Rest up; we have an early morning flight.”
Misti turned to her young friend, looking repentant. “Kendra, have you forgiven me yet?”
Kendra feigned a pout, “May-be. Might need some make-up sex though. Been a while and you didn’t even say goodbye.”
“I’ve been bad. Very, very bad. Even if it was play acting. I’m sorry. To everyone, but especially to you Kendra.”
Misti turned to the other ladies.
“And Alana and Hannah, please mind Adam. You too Vera. I want to stop by later and have a private moment before we go our separate ways. I don’t expect to see Adam again for at least six months, then we will go hunting.”
“OK, luv. See you when? Midnight?”
“Maybe a little later, but not much.”
She turned to Edward and the rest of the assembled family, now only a scant few.
“Edward knows most of the plan, so, Edward, please tell anyone else who wants to know all the details of what’s in store. If this is unacceptable, now is the time to get out of Dodge. Rod and Cindy had been quiet throughout all the events, as had Francoise and Marie. The Eagans said nothing, minding that the girls didn’t hear too much.
Bitsie and Rafi sat together, hand in hand, though while full romance would never bloom for Bitsie, she still slept with Rafi every night. The sex was still good – for both – but the chemical attraction to Rafi for Bitsie couldn’t always be mustered. And Bitsie wanted to love Rafi in that way, but she just couldn’t.
Rafi held out hope and prayed to a God he had always ignored that Bitsie could learn to love him, but God wasn’t listening.
***
The next day the family was assembled and waiting for the arrival of the two Huey’s. The crowd had said their final goodbyes to the Manor; only Adam would ever return, and then only once. Adam tapped a glass with a spoon to draw everyone’s attention.
“As we leave together as one family, I wish everyone to know one last thing before we go our separate ways, maybe for the last time. It concerns Misti and the sacrifice she has made for me, and I think, for all of us.”
Misti spoke up, “No Adam, this is just between us. You promised not to breathe a word. You promised.”
“I know. But you know I aspire to be a consummate liar, and this sacrifice cannot remain a secret, kept from all those who love me, and who love you too. Misti Alarcon St. James, you are a huge pain in the ass. Bossy and pushy. A temper like no other, mean as a rattlesnake and a woman without much in the way of restraint. But I love you, love you, so much that I physically feel your absence whenever you stray too far from me and home. I’m sorry we had to work together this way, but with so much at stake, we had to make the traitors believe you were gone, I was incapacitated and the Manor in disarray. Perfect time to surround and attack.”
Misti laughed, small beads of liquid forming in the corners of her eyes. “All true so far. I thought you were going to say something mean. Like you ever could, you little girl.”
Everyone laughed.
“Neither Misti nor I knew what Noki was planning. She fucked up badly looking into things that were not hers to know. For Misti to save me, to bring me back, she had to do something, to give me something, something that is also vital for her to live and something she has precious little of, or at least, little to spare. But my wife gave me all I needed, more than she had to spare and it will have very dire consequences; consequences I have no way of understanding what it will mean for her future.
“She gave me life because she gave up a large part of hers. Misti is dying and I don’t know how to help her; I don’t know what to do. And now, when she needs me most, I’m leaving her, and all of you, and she in turn is leaving all of us. She won’t tell me why. She says if I try to stop her, she’ll beat me up and make fun of me. If I could only convince her to stay, to keep her close to me, she could be as mean and horrid to me every day as she wants. I wouldn’t mind, not one bit.
“But she won’t be stopped and you all should know what she has done for me, for us and for what it may mean for the world to come. We will see her again I know, at least twice, or so she says. Promises. But I beg, beg God to allow her return home safely to us, and to be with us always once we have done His bidding. I ask nothing of God for myself, just this one thing.”
Misti walked away and boarded one of the Hueys that had just landed, strapped herself in the forward seat behind the pilots and began disassembling one of her weapons, cleaning kit on her lap. She looked down at the floor. Whatever she felt, she stuffed deep inside her, not allowing the tears to flow.
She hated crying. She said it made her look weak.
Chapter 32
The Hueys landed in Northern Scotland at an airstrip that seemed to just suddenly appear out of nowhere. A jet was waiting, one on loan from a friend of the St. James family, but long unconnected to them formally. Edward and Adam had begun to fear that association with the St. James/Suarez famil
ies was about to become toxic, even deadly.
The passengers in the two Hueys emptied quickly into the jet, quickly took their seats and were wheels up within minutes. No flight plan was filed in violation of countless national and international laws and regulations, so the pilot, a long-time associate of Edward’s, flew north, then south, low and under the radar. New stealth tech had been developed using existing technology but made with new precision materials.
Their initial destination was Switzerland but, again, that stop too would be brief. Octavio and Adam planned to peel off and enter Germany by land vehicle undetected from the south, aided by friends. The jet would then resume its journey, heading south toward North Africa, refueling in Jordan, then fly directly for East Africa and their new home.
As quickly as the tarmac appeared allowing the plane to land, on departure the tarmac would disappear instantly back into the soil of the beautiful remote Swiss valley. No evidence, except on the molecular level, would remain of any materials used to construct the runway.
The passengers were permitted to deplane for the short time allowed for goodbyes to Octavio and Adam, and to stretch their legs before the long journey south. Bella hadn’t heard from Misti about allowing her, Helena and the kids to take a short detour to Germany to see their families. They hadn’t seen their hometown on the edge of the Black Forest since leaving for America as teens. The Fortizi brothers had forbidden travel away from Princeton for the sisters. The women ached to see family and friends and promised they wouldn’t stay long. In and out, that’s all, promised Bella. Helena stood beside her sister hopeful that Misti had a heart.
Misti did not.
“Can we please go with Octavio and Adam,” pleaded Bella. “We can help with getting in and we know our way around. Please let us go.”
“I’m sorry, but no. It’s just not possible.” Misti turned and began to walk away.
Bella’s voice suddenly changed from pleading to demanding.
“You owe us more than a ‘no’. And don’t turn your back on me. You’re not in charge here. If we want to go, we’ll go.”
It was suddenly tense. Misti liked Bella and her sister. She thought the kids were great too. But Misti had arranged most of the details of the escape from the Manor and was in no mood to argue with Bella about unplanned excursions.
“Alright. Logistics. We planned for two individuals crossing into Germany, not two more women and five kids. The Gens, the Black Shirts and God knows who else will be looking for you to find Adam. I think you know better than anyone why. And why this mission must succeed. So, no, you fly with the rest of us. Get on board; we’re airborne in ten.”
“No. I’m not going anywhere. I’m going home, and you can’t stop me. I’m going with my husband and that’s that.”
“Actually, I can stop you. I won’t, but I can. Nonetheless, you’re getting on that plane even if I have to drag you on board and strap you down myself. Your kids are waiting for you. Now go.”
“My kids are coming off that plane and I’m not moving. Neither is Helena. We’ve cooperated in the past but unless we’re prisoners, you don’t tell me or my sister what to do.”
“Are both of your husbands coming, along with five small children and another on the way?”
“How do you know …”.
“It’s my job to know. Congratulations all around, by the way. And to you too Normie. Now please, get on the plane. We aren’t taking eight more folks, including Normie if he thinks he’s coming too. You’re not. Period.”
Bella looked at Octavio, wanting him to say something; to take her side. Helena looked his way too, knowing that as big and tough as Normie was, he wouldn’t intervene in this matter. He could not; he was blindsided by this whole thing, Helena having failed to mention Bella’s plan. In Normie’s mind, if Misti said no, then that was his decision too.
Normie spoke up, “Helena, come with me. We’re getting on that plane with our kids and going somewhere safe. If Misti says we leave, we leave.”
He waited a second, then took her by the arm and pulled her toward the plane.
Helena was furious by now and pulled away. “Don’t you dare fucking speak to me in that fashion. And fuck you and your friend Misti. You don’t control me. Never have, never will. So, you can take your …”
Normie cut her off.
“Think about what you’re about to say, Helena. Think hard. We have three kids and one on the way. You want to endanger them and me because your sister is having a hissy fit? Misti is right. This is a bad idea.”
Normie reached out his hand, understanding her fury. But she wasn’t going to Germany, at least not with him.
Helena moved toward him, still in a rage. Helena refused to take his hand. “Don’t fucking touch me. You’re a coward and I don’t want you anywhere near me or my children. My children, not yours, mine.”
Normie turned and walked away, Helena trailing a short distance behind him.
Bella turned to Octavio, her eyes asking him the same question over and over again. Are you with me or her?
Adam spoke up, “All of you, shut the fuck up. This discussion is over. Get moving.”
Octavio said, “At least let the women come. Or just Bella. She won’t be a problem, I promise.”
Misti looked at her cousin with new eyes. “No. The answer is no and that’s final.”
Octavio turned to Bella and told her to get on board the plane.
“I’ll do no such thing. And don’t ever take that fucking tone with me again.”
“Get going before I put you over my shoulder and throw you on board.”
“Try it and you’ll be dead before you take two steps. Gens women are always armed. I suggest you stay away.”
Octavio quickly placed Bella in an arm lock and dragged her by her hair to the plane, perp walked her up the stairs and tossed her inside.
“Stay put. I’ll go talk to Adam and see what I can do. Not promising anything.”
Bella calmed, but little. She shot glances of death to all who were watching; then and she saw her girls were crying, so she rushed to them, holding them close. Helena and her kids were in adjacent seats, but Normie was up front. He paid no attention to the ruckus, preferring to don headphones and listen to music.
Octavio approached Misti and Adam and began to plead his case. The argument that ensued was loud and angry. Words were spoken; things said that couldn’t be taken back.
Adam finally said, “Octavio, get the fuck out of my sight. You are dismissed from all duty, including this assignment. Clearly, I can’t trust you any longer, so go home. Take your wife and kids and Helena and her brood too and leave. Deplane in Amman and go back to Seattle where you know you can hide and be safe. Better yet, go to our cabin in Oregon and stay put. I don’t care. We’re through here, now and forever. Thanks for all you did, but you’re no longer needed.”
Octavio, stunned, left, climbed aboard and took the seat next to Normie.
Adam turned to Misti. “Go get Kendra and bring her here. She’s going to Germany with me.”
Misti hesitated a split second, just long enough to ignite Adam’s insanity. “Get the fuck out of my sight, Misti, and go get Kendra right now!”
“I could …”
“What? Kick my ass? Kill me? Run away for a third time? In case you didn’t hear these exchanges, I don’t fucking care what you think. Just do as you’re told. Now!”
Misti looked at Adam, half wanting him more than she ever had right then and there, the other half wanting to throw down with him to put him in his place. No longer pregnant, she was confident she could already still take him.
“Fuck you. Let’s settle this now, just you and I.”
Adam said, “As you wish.” He turned away, just for an instant, then turned back to Misti. But what stood before her was not Adam, not her Adam anyway.
It was a Gens, taller and bulkier than Adam, covered in a down fur Misti could see. His eyes were blood red, his hands were now paws, his feet like a c
anine, with one small difference. All four appendages now extended five retractable razor-sharp sickle-shaped claws. Misti’s first thought was Velociraptor, just like in the movies. Except real.
Its face was feline, like a leopard and almost beautiful; its fangs protruding down, like a smaller sharp version of a sabre tooth tiger.
“Let’s fight, hu-man, if that’s what you really want. Otherwise, get the fuck out of my sight and send Kendra to me. If I have to come aboard to find Kendra, I’m coming for you first. Then we will settle your arrogance and threats, once and for all.”
Misti was filled with terror by now and it was only when she looked back as she entered the jet cabin that she saw Adam in human form again leaning against a jeep and bent over. He didn’t move. When Kendra approached a few minutes later, she bent over to hold him, speaking to him reassuringly, then moved him to the passenger seat and drove off.
Neither looked back as they disappeared into the forest.
Chapter 33
The refinement and advanced development of the materials invented by Agustin and engineered by Maria Suarez began immediately after first use in Princeton. Though not technically scientists like Maria and Agustin, Edward and Adam recognized that with the right advances in miniaturization and software, coupled with wireless communication, almost anything was possible. Tiny nanotech creations that could be injected, then reassembled via wireless software over and over again to cure disease or replace failing organs. The same tech used in medicine could create buildings, machines for industry or consumer products at a tiny fraction of present cost.
Agustin made another breakthrough when he discovered new ways of using elements already in place in the ground. REMs, available in minute quantities everywhere in the world, could be mined in place to construct vital new technology. REMs are technically not that rare, just present in such tiny amounts that aggregating them is difficult and expensive. China and Canada have more concentrated deposits, but China is an unreliable security risk and Canada may decide not to sell to the Americans for one reason or another, usually related to a dumb war.
Resolution Page 18
