“So, you conveniently forgot to stow your cord in the computer case?” Jane asked with a raised eyebrow.
“I just needed a quiet place to call them. I did forget my cord and used the opportunity to make the call.” Simon answered.
“You’re not hiding anything from us are you?” Mario asked and placed his cup of tea on the table.
“I don’t want to jump to conclusions about my Intel. I like to verify the information I receive before giving it to you. I don’t want to supply bad info.”
“All I hear is I this and I that. We need to find Taliah. We need to come up with a plan and we need to verify the information that you received from your sources.” Mario demanded in an unpleasant tone.
Simon’s face broke its usual blank expression. He bit his lips and nodded towards Mario.
“You’re absolutely right Mario. This isn’t about me. It’s not about you or any of us. This is about Taliah. As her friends, we do need to come up with a plan to find her. I’ve been in charge of the Highwaymen Project, hell, I’m practically the mayor of Chicago now that the actual mayor is dead. Since acquiring the responsibility of about a hundred-thousand souls that live in Chicago now, I’ve had to make sound decisions. I can’t jump back and forth on a problem. I need to take in the information given, analyze the importance of it, and deliver an answer. I do have people that surround me to provide logistical and moral back up but in the end, it’s my decision that stands. This job has been wearing on me, Mario. I know more about people, the Azrael and our human enemies that I care to admit. Some secrets keep people calm and busy progressing with the mission.” Mario explained.
“While some secrets could get people killed.” Jane interrupted.
“What is she talking about, Simon?” Savanna asked.
“Recently, the Paul Simon facility was attacked and overrun by a single Alpha Azrael.”
“One Azrael wiped out the entire facility?” Savanna asked.
“It did. Allies of mine were tracking this Azrael across central and northern Illinois. They remain one-step behind it. It’s extremely intelligent and sadistically dangerous.” Simon continued.
“Sadistically dangerous, what do you mean by that?” Justin asked. Savanna was curious as well.
“It’s using bones of those it kills post mortem to hang them on walls like art work. I’ve seen the photos. It’s disturbing.” Jane explained.
“So, I’m not following. How did you get people killed?” Savanna asked.
“A Highwayman named Janice reported that the facility was overrun and required immediate support. Knowing that the Alpha Azrael was still in the area, I sent a team of highly skilled soldiers to kill it.”
“But you failed to mention to them that they weren’t dealing with a normal Azrael, did you? They needed to know what it was capable of, Simon.” Jane hollered.
“You know. You’re a piece of work. You stand here pointing a finger at me when you, yourself underestimated an Azrael and got thousands of people killed.”
“I…didn’t know what I was doing Simon. I barely knew anything about the drive of an Alpha. You, on the other hand, watched that Alpha who killed all of those soldiers rip Chris Murphy’s throat out and waited for him to die before eating him. You saw it force another Azrael in front of a shot by Chris’ rifle that was intended for it. You knew how dangerous it was but you sent them in without the knowledge.” Jane retorted.
“What did you want me to do, scare them half to death?” Simon asked.
“So that’s what was on that sim card?” Mario asked and reflected for a second. “Simon’s right, Jane.” Mario interjected.
“Huh? I thought we were on the same side?” She asked.
“You can’t send soldiers into an impossible battle knowing that most likely they will die. If all of the soldiers that stormed the beaches of Normandy knew how dire their chances of survival were before they left those boats, we would have never taken that beach. Fortunately, their superiors brought courage and a fighting spirit into their hearts before they landed. Courage and the will to live won us that day. Thousands of lives may have been sacrificed, but how many millions were saved had we not taken that beach?”
“You can’t know that?”
“Exactly, so Simon told the soldiers what they needed to hear. They fought hard and failed. They went in knowing that there is a possibility that they might die. You can’t go into a war and not expect casualties.” Mario continued.
“But we’re not at war.” Jane argued.
“We are at war. The leader of the Azrael has finally revealed himself. And like Hitler, Saddam Hussein, and Bin Laden, the Alpha needs to be removed from the picture for our way of life to continue.” Mario explained.
“I see your point.”
“Thanks Mario, you really put everything in perspective.”
“Don’t thank me yet. What’s the plan with Taliah? The soldier logic is one thing. Taliah’s safety is another. Spill it Simon.” Mario urged.
“Well…”
Chapter 19
The Duvereaux Manor
North of Chicago in a secluded neighborhood, thirty miles into Wisconsin, François and Taliah arrived at the destination. She had fallen asleep.
“Rise and shine my chocolate blossom.” François said.
Taliah opened her eyes, commenced into a stretch, and yawned fiercely.
“These chairs are so comfortable. I could sleep in them for days.” She admitted.
“Touch up your make-up. Get yourself together and put back on your shoes. I’ll be outside waiting.” François grabbed her hand and kissed it. He smiled at her and exited the car. Once the door closed, she heard voices outside. François greeted a man and a woman with a kiss on the cheek with the side of his face. They spoke French about something Taliah couldn’t understand. He pointed at her a few times while continuing to talk with his hands.
Taliah flipped down the mirror on the visor. She fixed her make-up and pulled it back up. François continued to talk. The woman joined the conversation. She caught Taliah’s eyes with hers and waved. Taliah waved back. She slipped in her shoes and exited the vehicle as gracefully as she could in the heels. The driveway was cobblestone and she struggled to walk on it in her shoes.
“And here she is, the famous Taliah Banks.” François gestured to her. He grabbed her hand and led her towards the other two.
“We’ve heard so much about you. The black beauty that was thrust into hell and returned with Satan’s head.” The man cheered.
“It was nothing like that. Just dark days that I’d rather leave in the past.” Taliah blushed.
“Very well, nothing more about it then. Regardless, you have become an American hero, a rare thing in these days. We are honored to have you as our guest. Mr. Messier didn’t tell us that we would be dining with a celebrity. A wonderful surprise it is.” The woman interrupted.
“I assure you that I’m no hero. People like Mario Cortez, Simon Killbrook, Savanna, and John Masterson were the real heroes. I was just lucky enough to cross their path.” Taliah humbly responded.
“So modest. Well, we thank your friends for giving us the opportunity to meet.” The man kissed her on the hand. “The stories were true about your humbling nature and proper etiquette. Your mother would be proud. Unfortunately, the stories about your beauty were unable to describe what I’m seeing at this moment, marvelous…simply stunning!” He continued.
“That’s enough dear.” The woman urged.
“My apologies, Taliah, you’ll have to excuse me. I failed to introduce you to my friends. This fine gentleman here is Frederic Duvereaux and the lovely lady here is his wife Eleanor.” François introduced.
“Pleased to meet the both of you.” Taliah curtseyed. She wasn’t sure if people still did it. Nevertheless, considering the atmosphere, her attire and their formal conversation, it seemed like the right thing to do.
“So, how long will you be staying with us?” Eleanor asked.
“
Just for the night. If that is no trouble? It was a rather long trip.” François asked. His accent started to grow on Taliah.
Frederic and Eleanor was an older couple, roughly in their mid-sixties. They appeared to have been living luxuriously their entire life. She had no clue how François knew them or if their intentions were good or bad. After what Taliah had been through, no one could be trusted until proven. She wondered how these people maintained their lavish lifestyles even after the outbreak. She glanced around the courtyard for signs of something normal, like a wall, armed guards and death. She found none of those.
“So, how is this all possible?” Taliah asked.
“What do you mean dear?” Eleanor asked.
“I mean, it’s really bad out there. The Azrael, the people, and the world want to kill us. How is this…” She gestured all around. “…safe?”
“Did you not see the gates?” Frederic asked.
“She was sleeping when we drove through them.” François answered.
“Ah, I guess this would appear extraordinary to those beyond my gates. I’ve been here my entire life. I hadn’t thought much about it. Our entire neighborhood is secluded from the rest of the country. It had been a gated community since the seventies and is situated at the top of a massive hill that is close to becoming a mountain.”
“In your dreams, Freddy.” Eleanor interrupted.
“It’s tall enough for me. Who’s to say that we can’t just start calling it a mountain?” Frederic asked. Taliah shrugged. “As I was saying, we’re safely situated at the top of a mountain…” Eleanor sighed. “…surrounded by two layers of gates. The first gate you travel through was erected when the outbreak happened. Being in such a remote location we had enough time to build the great wall.”
“It’s not that great.” Eleanor interrupted.
“It stands ten feet tall.” He lifted both arms to emphasize the size. “…and is topped with three types of barbed wire. The interior walls were also reinforced with motion sensor cameras every twenty feet surrounding the entire community. Over a hundred armed guards are stationed on top of the internal layer that sits twenty feet high. There is only one gate per wall, to the south, creating a bottleneck effect for those that do try to push through the gates.”
“Sounds pretty safe to me.” Taliah admitted.
“Oh, I’m just scratching the surface Miss Banks.” The old man was quite passionate about the defenses. “A hundred homes surrounding this place are strategically staggered providing no direct path here. We’re about twenty acres from the next house in all directions. Thirty cameras follow the road that leads here every hundred feet.” The old man paused to catch his breath.
“I’m sure she’s heard enough.” Eleanor placed her hand on his shoulder.
“Only question I have is how this whole place is powered?”
“I’m glad that you asked. You see…”
“Solar panels and an underground waterfall, doubling as potable water, power this place. It’s pumped from the river over there.” Eleanor interrupted her husband and pointed to the west towards a thick grouping of trees. “…just behind those trees.”
“Ooh, Eleanor, you took all of the fun out of it.”
“I’m sure the young lady has heard enough.” She leaned in and whispered in Taliah’s ear. “I have a pair of sandals that might fit you by the front door. They were my granddaughters. Those shoes look a bit taxing on your ankles.”
“I would love them, thank you ma’am.” Taliah whispered back. Eleanor smiled.
“Has everyone brought an appetite? Chef Rondini has prepared quite a feast for our guests.” Eleanor exclaimed.
“Taliah, you are in for a treat tonight. Chef Rondini is world renown for his work with pasta. Eleanor could you have him…?”
“Your usual is already on tonight’s menu, Mr. Messier.” Eleanor interrupted.
“Please, step inside. Third room on the right of the staircase is the ladies room. Feel free to wash your hands before the meal.” Frederic invited them inside.
Once Taliah entered, she searched for the sandals Eleanor spoke of. François instructed Taliah to have a seat on a cushioned bench near a custom-built shoe rack that held dozens shoes within individual cubbies. She sat down and reached for her feet. François was already on a knee and placed her left foot on his other knee. He removed her left shoe and placed it on the ground next to him. He gazed into her eyes as he massaged her foot.
“You should have told me that your feet were in pain.” He spoke softly. She peered into his gray zombie eyes behind his glasses as he looked up at her. It was both frightening and exciting being studied so intensely by those eyes.
He placed a left sandal on her foot and lowered her leg gently. He did the same for her right foot. His foot massage was relaxing. She didn’t protest when his massage ran up and down her legs. However, she still maintained her ladylike composure despite François advances. He was charming but she’s not easy.
“I’m gonna use the ladies room real quick. I’ll meet you at the table.” Taliah explained.
“You know where it’s at?”
“The restroom?”
“No, the dining room?”
“Isn’t it over there where Miss Eleanor is?”
“Hah, no that’s where the help eat. When you exit the restroom, go right down the hall, then left. Go four doors down when the hall turns right and just past the great room is the dining room.”
“So, that’s a right and uh…”
“I’ll just have Thomas escort you. I’ll have him waiting outside for you.” François insisted.
“Who’s Thomas?”
“The butler.”
“Oh, one of those. I think I can figure it out. You don’t have to go through the trouble.” Taliah dismissed the help and headed for the ladies room. She appeared lost and turned her head from left to right searching for an indication of where to go.
“Third door on the right.” François hollered. She eventually found it.
“Got it, thanks.”
Taliah entered the restroom. It was the largest single toilet restroom she’d ever been in. The sink had gold trim around the rim of the porcelain bowl. The faucet was shaped like a crane and was made of crystal. Water came out of its beak. The hot and cold knobs were wings and were also made of crystal. A stool was in front of a make-up table next to the sink. It was attached to the same marble counter top as the sink. A wide assortment of make-up was available to use.
“Guess this is why they call it the powder room.” She mumbled under her breath.
The toilet was decorated similar to the sink with gold trim at the base and on the flushing handle. It was also fitted with an option to use it as a bidet. She studied the various buttons and the pictures that went with them. She noticed an opening in the corner and walked around to where it opened up. Hidden around the corner was a large bathtub with a door on it. It was most likely designed so the elderly could easily get into it. A glass-encased shower was on the other side of the room. A glass door near the shower hid another small room. After a quick investigation, Taliah discovered that it was a sauna. She decided that she explored enough, returned to the sink, and washed he r hands. She studied her image in the mirror. She imagined having gray Azrael eyes like François and it creeped her out. She shuddered and left after drying her hands with a towel that was draped over a golden rail. Taliah exited the restroom and was startled when a tall thin man in a black suit stood next to the door.
“For Christ’s sake!” She gasped.
“This way ma’am.” Thomas gestured down the hall and walked that way. She followed behind. His face was expressionless and his voice was a deep baritone.
After travelling down a few hallways and passing over a dozen closed doors, they passed by the great room. The aroma of a tomato-based sauce seasoned with an assortment of spices became more prominent the closer they got.
“Your seat Miss Banks.”
Thomas led her into the din
ing room and slid out her chair. A plate was set up along with several forks, spoons and knives. Platters of food hid beneath intricately etched silver lids. Everyone was waiting patiently. François was in the middle of a conversation with Frederic.
“...and that’s when the dog started barking.” François finished and the two shared a good laugh.
“What dog? Samson?” Taliah asked.
“They’re just sharing a conversation that does not belong at the dinner table.” Eleanor gave the two a stern look.
“My apologies Mrs. Duvereaux. My experiences in this world have been, how should I say, faux-pas.” François answered.
“His stories keep me young, Eleanor. He didn’t mean anything by it.” Frederic defended François.
Eleanor smiled, ignored her husband and turned to Taliah.
“So, did you find everything okay, dear?”
“Yes, Ma’am. Thomas helped me find this room. You’ve got a lovely house.”
“Why thank you.” Eleanor beamed and turned towards Frederic with a scowl.
“How do you not get lost in here? This place is like a maze.”
“I do get lost. That’s why I have Thomas.” She belted out a boisterous laugh that caused everyone else to join in on the laughter.
After about an hour of friendly conversation and strategic meal arrangements, their dinner ended. It was a pleasant evening and Taliah began to show signs of fatigue. She retrieved her overnight bag from the car and was escorted to her room by François. It was next to his.
“I hope your meal was prepared to your liking.” François asked as he still held her hand. He caressed the top of it with his thumb gently and gazed into her eyes.
“It was delicious. Thank you for taking me here.” Taliah blushed and grinned.
“It was my pleasure. I will see you in the morning.”
François leaned in and kissed her cheek. They shared a smile and he disappeared into his room. She yawned and wiped the moisture from the corner of her eye afterwards. She entered her room, kicked off the sandals, removed her dress and climbed into the massive king-sized bed. There were about ten pillows and four layers of sheets on it. Once she placed herself into a comfortable position, she fell asleep.
The Azrael (Book 4): Tricon Page 11
