Mouse leveled his huge handgun on Agent Wong. "You first."
After a moments hesitation, Agent Wong pulled a compact gun from her clutch and flung it to Mouse's feet.
Mouse turned to me. "Now you."
I said to Banks. "As you said, she's the fed. I was just her ticket through the door. I'm not armed."
Banks rolled his eyes dramatically. "Oh, Zillion, please. You expect me to believe you'd enter a dangerous situation with no way of protecting yourself? If that's true you deserve to die." He turned to Mouse. "If Mr. Zillion doesn't manifest a firearm in ten seconds shoot him between the eyes."
"Yes, sir," Mouse said, then he took careful aim at my head.
Agent Wong said to me, "Do what Banks says. It doesn't matter. Any minute now he and his goon will be in handcuffs."
Agent Wong's logic and the canon pointed at my skull prompted me to yank the infinity gun from my shoulder holster and toss it across the room.
Banks smiled. "Much appreciated. Now, both of you, back away from my box."
The black box containing two pocket nukes was still resting on the floor at Agent Wong's and my feet. Obeying Banks' instructions, we both backed-up a few steps.
Banks made a sweeping motion with his hands. "A little more, please. Back, back."
Agent Wong and I retreated several more steps.
"Perfect." Banks crossed to the box, carefully wedged the third nuke into the empty cutout, then picked up the box and returned to his bodyguard's side.
Banks frowned dramatically. "I do hate to leave a party early, but I have little doubt there truly is a small army of feds headed this way."
Agent Wong snorted. "Damn right there is, and if you think they're going to let you get away with those nukes, you're crazy. They'll never stop chasing you."
"Oh, I agree," Banks said. "Believe me, I have no intention of taking these babies with me." He raised a finger. "Pardon me a second." Banks began poking the tiny buttons atop each pocket nuke. When he was done a tiny red light flashed on each nuke. "There we go," Banks said. "Everything's all set."
I didn't know what those flashing red lights meant, but I did know flashing red lights were never good. I said to Banks, "What's all set? What the hell did you just do?"
Banks flashed a smug smile. "It's quite brilliant really. Essentially, I just faked my own death."
"What the hell does that mean?" Agent Wong asked.
Banks glanced at his watch. "In a little less than fourteen minutes the nukes will blow and there'll be nothing left here but a huge crater. No villa, no wine cellar, and most importantly, no bodies."
"Are you crazy?" I yelled. "You're going to murder hundreds of innocent people? Your friends? Just so you can get away?"
Banks laughed. "Of course. It's either that or spend the rest of my life in federal prison. So you see, I have no choice."
Agent Wong shook her head. "I don't believe you. I read your file. You're an opportunist, a black marketeer, a con man, maybe even a traitor, but you're no killer."
"Exactly, that's why they'll assume the bombs went off accidentally and I died along with the rest of my party guests." He smiled. "Now do you see it?"
"You really are crazy," I said.
"Yeah. Crazy brilliant."
The lights on the nukes began to blink faster.
"Shit!" Banks glanced at his watch and frowned. "If I'm going to get clear of the blast, I better boogie."
Something happened next that defied all logic.
Banks handed the box of flashing mini-nukes to Mouse, and said to him, "If either one of them moves before the fireworks start, kill them both."
Mouse, clutching the black box with one hand and still pointing his gun with the other, nodded obediently and said, "Yes, sir. You can depend on me."
Agent Wong and I watched this exchange in absolute astonishment. Without a hint of reservation, Mouse was willingly sacrificing his life to help Banks escape.
Banks slapped Mouse's massive shoulder. "You've been a good man and served me well. I'm truly going to miss you."
"Thank you, sir."
The three nukes began to blink faster and brighter, painting Mouse's face with red light.
Mouse said to Banks, "You need to leave now, sir."
Banks waved to Agent Wong and I then started up the stairs. He paused about halfway up and looked back at me. "What happened to my beautiful ice sculpture. Was that your doing?"
I pinned Banks with determined eyes and said, "I'll tell you when I catch you."
Banks chuckled, flipped us his trademark salute, then disappeared up the stairs. Gone.
Mouse, his weapon still trained on us, took a step forward and said, "Now we wait."
CHAPTER FIFTY
Agent Wong and I, our hands still raised in the air, traded conspiratorial glances. We both knew our only chance was to somehow undermine Mouse's loyalty to his employer. The fact that the big Russian was willing to sacrifice his life for Banks was beyond baffling... and hopefully vulnerable to common sense.
Agent Wong said to Mouse, "I need you to listen to me very carefully."
Mouse slid his titanium eyes to her, but didn't say a word.
Agent Wong continued. "What are you doing? Why would you sacrifice yourself for a dirtbag like Balthazar Banks?"
Mouse spit out an answer like it was written down for him. "My job is to protect Mr. Banks."
I jumped in, "But Banks doesn't give a shit about you. If he did, he wouldn't leave you down here with us to die."
Mouse pivoted his head to lock on me. "Mr. Banks did not leave me down here to die."
I laughed and gestured to the three flashing cubes in his hand. "You do know those are three nuclear bombs in that box you're holding, right?"
"Of course."
Agent Wong added, "When they explode all three of us, and the two hundred guests upstairs will all die."
Mouse returned his unblinking gaze to Agent Wong. "You are wrong. I can not die... because I am not alive."
Confusion leaped onto Agent Wong's face. "You're not alive? What the hell does that mean?"
Unlike my partner, my reaction to Mouse's odd statement was a sick, plunging feeling in my gut. I was pretty sure I knew exactly what Mouse's words meant, and his blind willingness to sacrifice himself for Banks added to my certainty.
I said to Agent Wong, "He's telling the truth. He's not alive. He's not even human."
"What?"
"He's a babeboid."
"A babe- what? What are you talking about?"
"I mean android. He's like a robot, but way more sophisticated."
Agent Wong stared skeptically at our captor. "You're saying he's a robot? That's impossible."
"Not if it's proto-technology. I have three android maids in my Malibu home. They're totally lifelike. Remember, Banks deals in black market proto-tech. Makes sense he'd keep a few choice pieces for himself."
Agent Wong studied Mouse with new eyes.
"He can hear every word we're saying," I said to her. "Don't you think it's odd he's not denying it?"
Agent Wong blinked, then said to Mouse, "Is it true? Are you some kind of robot?"
Keeping his gun trained on us, Mouse nodded. "That is correct, but Android would be the proper term."
"Fucking incredible," Agent Wong said with a gasp. When she finally turned back to me her astonishment was gone, replaced by determination. "Okay, how do we turn this talking refrigerator off?"
Before I could reply, Mouse answered the question. "Only Mr. Banks can shut down my systems."
"He's right," I said to Agent Wong. "We'd need an access code and only Banks would know that."
The red lights on all three pocket nukes began to strobe.
"Five minutes left," Mouse announced. "If either of you are religious you may use the remaining time to pray to your preferred deity. I will allow you to lower your hands and get on your knees."
I glared at Mouse. "Is that a fucking joke?"
"I do not Joke
, Mr. Zillion."
Agent Wong whispered to me. "What are we going to do? We can't just stand here."
Scanning the floor, I spotted the infinity gun about twenty feet away. "I'm working on a plan," I whispered back.
Following my eyes, Agent Wong whispered, "You'll never make it."
"Probably not."
"Even if you did, he's probably bulletproof."
"Not only am I bulletproof," Mouse said. "My marksmanship with a handgun exceeds anything capable by a human. Also, I read lips." His soulless eyes drilled into me. "Take one step, Mr. Zillion, and I'll put a bullet in your head."
I returned Mouse's stare and said, "Taking one step is not part of my plan." In one fast, fluid motion I yanked my tuxedo jacket over my head and spun, giving my back to Mouse. Gunshots exploded as I sprinted sideways across the cellar.
Bullets stung my back and legs, igniting my body with intense jolts of pain.
Steps from my gun, I dived, rolled, sprang to my knees, aimed, and fired. The infinity gun barely hissed as it spit an explosive stream of bullets. Sparks leapt from Mouse's steel skull as slugs disintegrated his false skin. Two matching black holes appeared in Mouses face, indicating I'd hit my target... his eyes.
Flailing blind, Mouse fired wildly until his gun clicked empty. Stumbling about, he crashed through row after row of wine cabinets, sending a cascade of shattered glass and wine to the concrete floor.
"Matt!"
I spun and was shocked to see Agent Wong seated on the floor, one hand clamped over a gun wound in her lower thigh.
Wincing from the bright pain that consumed my body, I moved to her side as fast as I could. There was blood seeping through her fingers, but the wound didn't look fatal. "Are you okay?" I asked.
Agent Wong didn't respond. She just stared at me wide-eyed as if seeing a ghost. "He shot you," she murmured. "Over and over. You're not even bleeding."
Brushing a lead slug from my jacket, I said. "Banks wasn't the only one wearing armor tonight. This tux is bulletproof."
She winced as she laughed. "Of course it is."
A high-pitched whine cut through the cellar like a knife. Agent Wong and I spotted the source instantly.
The black box was lying on its side on the floor. The three nukes nestled inside were no longer strobing. Their red lights now burned steady and bright.
"That's the two-minute warning," Agent Wong said. "No way you can deactivate them in that much time."
"You're right. Time for plan B."
Ignoring my pain, I snatched the black box from the floor, closed the lid, and sprinted up the stairs. Behind me I could hear Agent Wong shouting, "But we don't have a plan b."
CHAPTER FIFTY-ONE
"Get out of the way! Move!"
Cradling the black box under one arm like a running back holding a football, I sprinted across the kitchen, dodging and shoving past startled servers. The catering manager screamed at me as trays of hor d'oeuvres went flying.
I pushed through the kitchen door and barreled into the crowded living room. "MOVE! I shouted over pounding music. "OUT OF THE WAY!"
As the stunned crowd made way, I heard Wendell's voice in my ear. "Matt, can you hear me?"
Now that I was above ground the earworm was functioning again. Never breaking stride, I shouted back, "Yes, I hear you. Listen carefully. Alert all nearby rescue services that a nuke is about to explode."
Wendell and Reba replied simultaneously. "WHAT?"
"No time to explain. Just do it!"
I spotted several security guards converging on me fast, two blocking my path to the patio door. Both guards laid hands on their sidearms and began shouting, "Halt! Halt!"
Gambling the two guards wouldn't open fire in the crowded room, I lowered my head and charged straight at them.
"STOP!" Both guards drew their weapons but refrained from pulling the trigger.
"OUT OF THE WAY!" I yelled as I shouldered between them, knocking them both aside, then charged out the patio door.
Ignoring the winding footpath, I leaped hedges and flowerbeds, bounding straight for the cliff wall.
Still yards from the precipice, the high-pitched whine emanating from the box suddenly ramped-up to ear-piercing, and the metal box began to heat up fast. A few more seconds and I'd be unable to hold it.
I hit the brakes, hauled back, and flung the black box over the cliff wall. The instant the box disappeared from view, I spun to flee back into the villa and was surprised to see I now had an audience. Curious party guests were spilling from the rear of the house. More guests peered from windows and doorways. Three security guards stalked towards me with their guns pointed, one shouting, "Get down on the ground! NOW!"
I shouted back. "You get down! Everybody get down! A bomb is about to--"
There was a blinding flash followed by a deafening roar. Suddenly I was airborne, carried on a cyclone of heat. As I tumbled through the air, amidst screams, crashing glass, and groaning metal, the last thing I saw before losing consciousness were three fiery clouds mushrooming in the sky overhead.
Oddly enough... it was a beautiful sight.
CHAPTER FIFTY-TWO
I awoke to the disturbing sight of Dr. Kazue leaning on his cane while peering down at me. He frowned and said, "No doubt you feel like crap, hmm?"
The old doctor was right. My back felt like the Yankees had used it for batting practice, and I had a throbbing headache.
After I few hard blinks a wood-paneled hospital room came into focus, and I noticed the beep of life monitoring equipment. The sunlight peeking around drawn curtains had a late morning quality. I also noticed Dr. Kazu was adorned in an all-white Kimono robe. That along with his white hair and beard gave him a somewhat heavenly appearance. I hoped his wardrobe choice had nothing to do with his prognosis of my condition.
I opened my mouth to speak and discovered my throat was bone dry. I swallowed with some effort then rasped, "Where am I?"
"Supposedly the best hospital in St. Tropez," Dr. Kazue said, glancing around the room with a scowl. "Anyway, it will do. I flew in with Farris yesterday."
Right on cue a blurred, dark figure approached from behind the doctor. I blinked to refocus my eyes and the X9 division director came into view. Displaying the closest thing to a smile I'd ever seen on his face, Agent Farris said, "Mathew, it's good to see you awake. You did an amazing job. Disposing of those devices the way you did saved hundreds of lives. Unfortunately, three people died when the Banks' villa collapsed, and there were dozens of injuries, but other than that-"
The mention of the villa collapse instantly cleared my mind fog. Alarmed, I sprang up in bed. "Agent Wong! She was in the cellar. Wounded. Is she--?"
Dr. Kazue grabbed my arms. "Agent Wong is fine. In fact, she's recovering in the room down the hall. Now lie back down."
Ignoring the doctor, I turned to Agent Farris who confirmed Dr. Kazue's words with a nod. "Thanks to Wendell and Reba, the rescue crews knew exactly where to find her. And, yes, Wendell and Reba are fine as well."
Relived to know my friends were okay, the aches and pains afflicting my body returned to my awareness. Also, I could feel Dr. Kazue squeezing my arms. Glaring at me he said, "The only one who's not fine is you. Now, will you please lie back down?"
Wincing, I gingerly complied with the doctor's orders. When I raised my hand to caress my pounding head, I was surprised to feel a skullcap of bandages.
"The soreness you feel all over your body," Dr. Kazue said, "is the result of multiple bullet hits stopped by your tuxedo. You're horribly bruised, but alive. That thought should help you endure the pain. As for the bandages on your head, you suffered a severe concussion. Most likely from flying debris."
Agent Farris said, "Considering the technology in your head, we didn't want just any doctor treating you. The concussion is why Dr. Kazue was flown in."
I suddenly felt a little woozy, and it wasn't from the concussion. It occurred to me that bringing Dr. Kazue to St. Tropez, and rescue crews d
igging out survivors and accessing casualties required a fair amount of time. I asked Dr. Kazue, "Exactly how long have I been unconscious?"
"You've been in a medically induced coma for a little more than seventy-two hours."
"Three whole days?" Stunned, my hand rose to my bandaged head again. "Is it that bad?"
"It was a bit touchy," Dr. Kazue said, "But you have an exceptionally hard head. Also, I've administered a drug that officially doesn't exist. With proper rest, in a few days you'll be as good as new. Maybe even a little better."
While I was glad to hear I'd make a full recovery, the idea of being trapped in a hospital room for several more days was a letdown. I was looking forward to reconnecting with Wendell, Reba, and especially the lovely Agent Wong. I said to Dr. Kazue, "If I'm stuck in this bed for the next few days, can I at least have visitors?"
"Actually," Agent Farris said, "The doctor will be accompanying you back home tomorrow."
Dr. Kazue waved a finger in my face. "Yes. And once we return it's imperative you rest for a few days. Not even sex. Promise me."
"No sex? That's a tall order, Doc."
"Yes, I know. Better you than me."
I laughed and paid the price, wincing in pain.
Agent Farris adjusted his glasses as he moved closer to my bedside. "Mathew, I don't want to overtax you, but with Banks still out there, I had hoped to debrief you a little. Dr. Kazue said it would be okay if you felt up to it."
"That is correct," Dr. Kazue said to me. "But, Mathew, if you'd rather rest a while, before answering his questions, just say so. Farris can return later."
Oddly, from the moment I awakened, the man who detonated three nuclear bombs, nearly killing hundreds of people, hadn't entered my mind. But now, hearing his name, my jaw tightened and my hands balled into fists.
I said to Dr. Kazue. "I'm fine. I want to do it now."
"Very well," Dr. Kazue said. "I'll go check on Agent Wong." As he shuffled to the door, leaning on his cane, he barked to Agent Farris. "Ten minutes. Not a second more. The kid needs his rest."
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