White Walls

by HMC

  The transit van rolled up to the edge of the property and the trackers moved out. Before them, the dimly lit, ancient house appeared brittle and fragile. They examined the quarters and Sabatino felt secure in their mission. It was the perfect place for a shoot-out, exactly as Shanghai had described. They might be able to go in and out in five minutes or less.

  No one had been waiting on the porch, keeping watch, as Frankie had suggested. The older man was able to move smoothly and quietly up to the front door, and take out his special set of ‘keys.’ Sabatino watched him jiggle the lock and the door swung open, making more of a creaking sound than any of them would’ve liked. They paused and listened. Nothing.

  Sabatino’s stomach tensed. He never really got over the nerves at the beginning of any job – especially one involving a little danger. He supposed he was human after all.

  Sabatino followed Shanghai around the side of the old house. There were soft murmurs coming from inside. Unfortunately for them, the agents inside were awake and fully alert. Unlucky for the agents, not alert enough – no one came out to meet them as they slipped through the back door.

  ‘This is everything we need.’ As Oskar spoke, Ayrah jumped to her feet and grabbed him by the arm to stifle him. The female agent moved faster than Jade had ever seen a human move.

  Instantly, the others responded.

  Grady, Oskar and Ayrah had their guns drawn. The quiet sounds of movement around the house came alive in Jade’s ears. There was a small rustling of leaves that she wouldn’t have noticed, if Ayrah hadn’t stopped them all.

  Ayrah put a finger to her lips, indicating to Jade and Angus to remain quiet. While Grady stood by them, Oskar and Ayrah moved over to opposite sides of the kitchen to stand in the doorways. There was an eerie silence that lasted forever and although the sounds of movement outside the house were nearly inaudible, Jade knew there was someone out there.

  ‘Giddown!’ Grady shoved Jade onto the hard linoleum floor. It had a herringbone brick pattern that Jade would remember for the rest of her life.

  Angus made a grab for her and missed as a bullet bisected the air above their heads to lodge in the wall behind them. White puffs of plaster dust drifted to the floor.

  Jade’s Remington was still up on the countertop and she wasn’t going anywhere without it. Bullets flew over her head and she’d never felt so frightened. Her muscles turned to jelly and it was difficult to move or react the way she wanted to. She concentrated and forced herself to lift her hand up to the counter, keeping her head down.

  She felt around and finally found it, wrapped her fingers around the firearm and put it down the front of her pants. If she tried to join the gunplay she’d end up shooting an ally. Jade was out of practice and it wasn’t worth the risk.

  Grady and the others were at each of the doorways and there was no shortage of ammunition on either side. The kitchen and dining area were small and snug enough for them to see from all angles. It was a good place to be on the defense, and Jade was thankful they hadn’t been asleep when the attack had started. Jade had been in a room on her own not half an hour ago.

  Angus looked at her with a mix of terror and excitement, as he had dared to jump up and take some shots. How effective he was being and how sanctioned his actions were, she had no idea. He had his special knapsack on his back, full of his nasty toys, and Jade was praying that he wouldn’t open it up and start using the contents.

  ‘Stay here,’ he mouthed the words at her, and all of a sudden bounded over to the action, obviously not satisfied with where he was. Jade found herself alone on the floor and couldn’t stand it. She edged her way around the dining table and crouched behind her brother. It felt like the safest place to be.

  Glimpses of the enemy were all Jade could get and it seemed impossible that any one of them could take proper aim. She didn’t think that anyone had been hit yet, but it was hard to tell. The fighting moved into the hallway and it seemed they were pushing the enemy backwards. She kept down as low as she could and followed behind. Grady was keeping his eye on her, whenever he got the chance to look.

  The acrid odour of gunpowder and smoke burned her nostrils. Angus was holding onto her now, covering her from any stray bullets.

  Angus must’ve run out of ammunition. His hands were on Jade, pulling her. ‘Ouch, Angus.’ His hands were like a vice as he yanked Jade backwards. She had to trust he was doing it to protect her. He pulled her into the living room, away from the others and away from the fighting.

  When she turned to look at her brother, she saw a stranger.

  A man, who could’ve been Sam’s age, looked back at her with no emotion.

  ‘Jade!’ Her brother’s voice echoed in her head, but she couldn’t tell where it was coming from. She wriggled and writhed to try to get her arm free, but the stranger pulled her in closer and she could feel the cold metal of a gun barrel against her head.

  ‘Hold still, you cow.’ Jade stopped wriggling and let her captor walk her backwards.

  She heard Oskar scream in pain. He’d been hit. The stranger was dragging her up the hallway she’d come out of earlier. People were shouting her name now. She didn’t want to respond – it would only upset her new friend here. So, instead, she took a breath and let herself relax.

  She assessed her situation, calmly, even as she was being prodded towards the front of the building.

  Think.

  There was an inevitability about it all that made her stomach churn. He should’ve killed her by now, but he hadn’t. He was taking her somewhere and she was pretty damn sure she knew exactly where that somewhere was.

  There was no way she was going back to Maine, unless it was on a rescue mission. So there was only one thing left to do. It wouldn’t be so hard would it? It happened all the time. Then why was she waiting?

  Jade counted to three in her head ... and then reached down the front of her pants and pulled out her gun.

  She aimed it upward and over her shoulder, closed her eyes, and shot the man in the throat.

  The kickback was powerful in her hand and it twisted her wrist.

  She cried out in pain and the gun fell to the floor.

  So did Sabatino.

  NO HELP AT ALL

  Samantha Phillips was wide awake now. Her head was clear.

  ‘How are you feeling, Samantha?’

  Green sat across from her once again in his underground office. It was bleak and sterile, much like the man. Awards and photos adorned his walls. It made Sam sick to see her father’s name on most of them, alongside Green’s. His face was staring back in many of the photos. Sam had to stop pretending her father hadn’t known everything. He was just as much a part of it all as Green and the rest of them were.

  He’d done this to her, too.

  ‘I see you look worried. What are your main concerns right now, Samantha?’

  ‘I’m not worried about a thing, Clancy, except perhaps for you.’

  ‘Do share.’ Was he more of a sarcastic prick now, or had he always been this bad? She couldn’t quite remember. It was time to deal with Dr. Clancy Green. The tools to do so were in her grasp today and she drummed her fingers on the desk in anticipation.

  ‘I’m concerned you may’ve completely lost your mind.’ She leaned over with a grin. ‘I mean really lost it. Have you seen someone lately? I mean they say it’s good to debrief every now and again. You know in the States it’s mandatory for shrinks? I have several I could recommend if you were interested.’

  His face was impassive, but she knew that it wouldn’t stay that way, not this time.

  ‘What would I need to debrief exactly, Samantha?’

  ‘Oh you know, the kidnapping, murders, your life-destroying, morally void mission of destruction on humanity … that kind of thing.’

  He grunted at her, almost laughed. ‘You’re very dramatic, Sam. But all I can say a
bout the few who’ve suffered in our hospitals is that it has been for the greater good. They, and yourself, have assisted humanity in tremendous ways. You should feel proud and honoured to be a part of it.

  ‘I’ve had to put my own life aside for the cause. It has its downfalls but you must remember all the good you’re doing for the rest of the world. All the good we are doing.’

  ‘Perhaps in the beginning, Dr. Green, you were doing good. But now, your work is disgusting. You disgust me, and I’m a teenage degenerate who’s next to impossible to nauseate. You’re a foul human being and you don’t even know it. You’re actually more delusional than all of us put together down here.’

  ‘Well, Sam, you are entitled to your opinion.’

  Here was the kicker. ‘Where have you taken Dr. Thatcher?’

  ‘Jade has had her operation and is resting up.’

  Sam threw her head back and laughed out loud. ‘You liar. No she isn’t. You know that isn’t true.’

  He stared at her. ‘Oh?’

  Sam pretended to clean her nails, aloof and at ease. Underneath she was dancing with excitement and couldn’t wait any longer to share what she’d found out. She chuckled at him. ‘You lost her.’

  This time Green’s expression did change, just slightly.

  ‘You fucked up big time, baby. Jade’s long gone. She’ll have been to the police by now.’

  His face went purple, but he was able to remain under control – at least momentarily.

  Sam would never tell him that his staff needed to whisper a little softer around her, that they were as loud as kids in a schoolyard. It had been such a wonderful feeling to hear it – like taking that first breath after being underwater for far too long. Long enough that you thought there was a serious possibility of drowning. Dr. Jade Thatcher was free and she would be coming back to get her.

  Green’s anger bubbled on the surface and she loved it. He responded coolly. ‘We own the police.’

  Got you.

  ‘Not all of them. She’ll go to the right ones. She escaped right under your nose. What a riot. She’s not even a criminal and she broke outta this place. Hell, even I’m impressed.’

  Green bounded to her, face in front of hers, breathing hard and fast.

  ‘She’s already dead and you’ll be next,’ he snarled.

  Although he shocked her, Sam couldn’t help but be happy to see the honest Clancy Green, the ugly, brutal, angry little man he truly was. She pushed right back, unafraid. ‘I’m next? You think I fear death. That’s a laugh. You think I’d be stirring the shit out of a psycho right now if I feared repercussions? That’s why I’m in here, Green, remember? You care. I don’t.’

  Green backed off and marched around his desk. Sam pushed on; she was winning today and victory was more than just sweet.

  ‘Jade will be back to get me. If I know her, she’s already half way here. But she’ll not just be back to get me, Clancy, she’ll be coming for you, too. Then you’ll be locked up. Either in prison or a mental institution and the taste of your own medicine will be so bitter. But wait ’til the world hears about what you did to little children. Most of the men in prison don’t like people who hurt little children.’

  Green pressed his intercom. ‘Get this cunt out of my office.’

  The closest city to Fairholmes was Newcastle. Jade was still a little shaken up from the shooting, but she was ready to make her statement. She was certain they were running out of time.

  They stood in front of a sleek building. A large, silver, abstract sculpture by the entrance sparkled in the sun. The Australian flag billowed in the wind on the roof. It wasn’t out of place in the city. The Corporate Centre showed no signs of what lay inside, apart from a small plaque at the front door. Random businesses occupied each floor.

  Ayrah, Angus and Jade followed Grady. They had taken Oskar to the John Hunter Hospital with a gunshot wound to the thigh. Jade had wrapped the wound and checked him for shock. He was a tough one. It would take months to heal and a heap of physical therapy, but Oskar was more worried about being able to do his job. He said he was about to ‘miss out on the best part.’

  The automatic glass doors slid open to an air-conditioned foyer. A shapely woman with a bad eighties perm sat at the reception desk. She gave Grady a small wave as they made their way through the foyer. There was nothing out of the ordinary. They stepped into a perfectly normal elevator and after six floors up, walked out into a normal looking office. No one looked up from their computer screens at their desks as the four walked by.

  There were a few rows of people chatting with one another or typing furiously, but it certainly didn’t look like what she’d expected to see.

  ‘ABCI are not really high tech,’ she whispered to her brother.

  ‘This is not ABCI, Jade.’

  ‘Oh?’ She looked at him confused and supposed she hadn’t listened properly while tending to Oskar.

  ‘Counter Terrorism and Special Tactics. New South Wales Police have special divisions. These guys look after tactical operations and witness protection. High tech stuff would just draw attention in an office building.’

  Her brother really should join the police force, or the army – some legal job where he could be respected. She knew the other track he could possibly go down. Angus loved this stuff.

  ‘Grace seems a hard woman, but she’s a softie underneath. Don’t let her intimidate you.’ Grady had told her. In fact, Grady had been very comforting all along, and she was grateful.

  Killing a man had been the hardest thing she’d ever done. Even though he’d been a scumbag, he was still not much more than a kid. The image of him was clear in her mind and she supposed it was going to take a while before it faded. The amount of blood was what really got to her.

  Grady knocked on a closed door and a crackly voice shouted for them to enter. Grady ushered them through the door to an older woman standing behind her desk. She wore a grey suit and had dark grey hair pulled back into a tight bun.

  ‘Welcome. Come in. Sit.’ Angus and Jade sat down, and the two agents remained standing protectively behind them. They both looked on edge and Jade noticed the dark bags under Grady’s eyes. She supposed they all must look terrible after what they’d been through.

  ‘I’m Agent Burns. But please call me Grace.’ The woman sat down behind her desk and made herself comfortable. ‘What of your third agent, Grady? You said he was wounded.’

  ‘Oskar is going to be fine. He was shot in the leg. We’re very lucky.’ She nodded with approval.

  ‘I’d say it had a lot more to do with skill, than luck. Trackers usually get what they come for. You have both done well.’ The woman looked at Jade next. ‘And it sounds as if you held your own, too, Doctor. Hiding that gun was clever of you.’

  ‘It wasn’t done with forethought, Grace, I assure you. I’m not the best shot anymore, and getting involved any earlier would’ve been a mistake.’

  She nodded. ‘So, Jade, I understand you’re ready to make a statement for us. Is this correct?’

  She nodded.

  ‘Good.’

  ‘Also, the evidence collected from Dr. Karl Phillips has been forwarded. Well done.’ Agent Grace Burns’ piercing eyes darted around the room, assessing them all.

  ‘I have some good news and some bad news from up top. The good news, agents, is that the two of you may now go home to rest for a while. The bad news is that Jade and Angus will need to stay.’

  Grady stiffened and Grace didn’t miss it. ‘You’ve brought us a firsthand witness who is willing to make a statement and has given us a comprehensive amount of evidence for this case. Your superiors have said that you will both be significantly compensated for your time, effort, and resilience.’

  It sounded unauthentic, like a few practised lines without the polish. Grady and Ayrah didn’t move and no one spoke for what seemed like a
n eternity. Jade wasn’t so comfortable either, about her newfound protectors being taken away so quickly.

  Grady finally stammered, ‘I ... I have been assigned to protect these people.’ Grace wasn’t the least bit concerned and her voice hardened.

  ‘You have been assigned to gather information and report back. Don’t shoot the messenger, Grady. You’ve done all you can do for now. That’ll be all.’

  Still the two didn’t budge.

  ‘When will we receive our next orders?’ said Ayrah. It was obvious that she didn’t want to leave either and she stood firm by Angus’ shoulder.

  Grace raised her eyebrows with a look of confusion. ‘Why, both of you shock me. This short break has been well earned. I would’ve thought you’d be grateful for a rest.’ When neither of them responded, Grace became outwardly frustrated. ‘We can take care of this. You’re dismissed.’

  Jade had to wonder why Grady and Ayrah were so adamant about not leaving her and her brother with this woman. Could it be they didn’t trust her? If that were the case, then Jade definitely didn’t want them ‘dismissed.’ The doctor took the hint; she’d been getting better and better at that lately. ‘If I may?’ Jade cleared her throat and Grace shot daggers out her eyes. ‘I would like them to be present for my statement, please.’

  ‘Very well.’

  For the fourth time, Jade relived her experiences at Rowan’s Home and Maine Hospital. This time, the ear was less sympathetic.

  Grace barrelled her with questions. ‘You left knowing your patients were still in there?’

  ‘Well, I wasn’t sure.’

  ‘You’re not sure they’re even in there, because you never saw them?’ I thought you said we needed to go back in and get them.’

  Grady interrupted, ‘We have to assume they are.’

  ‘Do we? At that point, Jade, you weren’t sure if you were sane, or insane?’