Gary, his wife, and daughter disembarked from the lift and walked over to the starting point, his daughter in hand.
“Hey! Gary! Good to see you,” I called out to him.
He turned to face me scrunched his nose as if he didn’t recognize me.
“Somatotech,” I whispered to him and his eyes widened. He whispered to his wife, and she ushered their daughter away with a quick jerk. The look on his wife’s face told me she’d done this before.
“What’re you doing here? My wife and daughter are right over there!” he whispered and yanked me to the edge of the forest.
“Had to meet you someplace you come all the time, to not raise suspicion. We noticed you came here every other Saturday. Besides, what a happy place to chat about clones, murder, and government conspiracy.”
He looked me over. “So, you’re the fugitive the FBI, CIA, and local police are after? You’ve changed a bit.” He pointed to the mustache.
“That’s what people tell me.” I shifted to keep him in front of me, out of sight from the people waiting for the ride. “You should feel privileged.”
“Stories are meant to come out, Coyle. I only feel privileged to break them.”
“This may be the biggest story of your career.”
“We’ll see about that. Do you have it?” He eyed the duffle bag hanging from my left hand.
“How do I know you’re not already in cahoots with Somatotech?”
“Did I seem buddy-buddy with them at that press conference?”
“No, but Somatotech could’ve paid you to act that way, to make it seem like I could trust you.”
“And ruin their press conference? I think not. Somatotech has teams of marketing leaders controlling their image. That was a complete disaster.” An asymmetric smile grew on his lips. His pulse, while rapid, remained even. His facial muscles didn’t twitch. He wasn’t lying.
I tossed him the bag.
“Stuff that away, Gary. We’re trusting you.”
“Ha! You’re trusting me?”
I stepped forward, ready to clobber him.
He stood his ground and said, “I’m trusting you. You do understand that I’m aiding you, a criminal, right? This makes me an accomplice, Coyle. You’d better be right about all this.”
“It’s all there, now make it happen. But, wait for our word before you publish it,” I said and sprinted off down the mountain in the cover of trees.
I met Stefan in the parking lot next to the car.
“He’s in?”
“Apparently, but we’d better keep an eye on him and his computer.”
“Already on it,” Stefan replied and slid into the driver’s seat.
34 Back and Forth
“What’d you do?” Aedan stopped me with a hand on my chest in the hall of the hacienda.
“What do you mean? We got in contact with Gary.”
“No, what’d you do to stop our mission?”
“Your mission? You mean Roxanne’s mission? She apparently decided our plan was better. Plain and simple.”
“Plain and simple, eh? It didn’t have anything to do with you wanting to control my life, right?”
“Dude, I’m not going to lie to you and say it didn’t have anything to do with me protecting your life. But, her plan also wasn’t the right way to go, and I guess she finally agreed.”
“Right,” he said slowly, dragging out the syllable.
“Listen, I’m happy that you and Roxanne seem to be a number, but don’t let that love you’re feeling make you think you have to prove yourself. That’s the whole point of love; it’s not having to prove yourself all the time, being accepted for who you are.”
“Who I am? I’m a freakin’ nobody is who I am. Roxanne is the freakin’ queen of clones. Do you think she’ll just stick with me just because?”
“I can’t answer that, but I know you’re not a nobody. You’re one of the most daring, selfless guys out there and someone I’m happy to have at my side when the time’s right.”
He stared at me for a moment. “When the time’s right,” he echoed me. “You let me know when that is, OK?” he said and walked off.
Our takedown of Somatotech took on many variables and angles. On one hand, we had an outsider writing a report on their dealings and a group of clones producing a video. Both of which we couldn’t control. On the other hand, we had Jamie working on a social media campaign, and Jamie and I producing a video expose. These we could fine-tune the content to achieve the intended result. With Gary’s report and Roxanne’s crew’s, I worried that the message may not come across unified. At the least I hoped it would spur an investigation. The third pillar of this takedown rested on the pastor. His actions I couldn’t control either. Risking direct contact with the pastor became untenable. So, I contacted my skater friend again and set up a system. The altar boy would pass the collection plate through the congregation, first to my skater messenger, who’d either sit in the front or back. He’d conceal the note within a folded $5 bill (which I supplied, along with $20 for his services) under all of the other donations. Pastor Anderson would then respond with a scripture on the church sign or by passing a note back to our skater friend while bidding his congregation goodbye. The system worked without a hitch until the company brought pressure. Somatotech's goons would even be so bold to attend the pastor's sermons. These guys suspected the entire congregation. When the collection plate reached them, one of the goons reached in to check the bills, rummaging through with both hands. Mrs. Williams, one of the congregation’s oldest and most devoted attendees, put a quick end to that. A swift slap of the hand and cold stare and the goon released the cash. From then on, Mrs. Williams kept a watchful eye on the plate and the new members of the congregation.
We had our own crew attending as well, for the pastor’s protection. They were easy to identify, being that the diversity of the congregation was quite lacking. They watched the ST goons, and the ST goons would watch them.
I sent messages on our work with Gary Middleton, our video, and his background work. Stefan included tips for spotting goons, evading them, and the location of safe houses.
His most recent letter stated:
I’m in, Coyle. The church leadership has agreed to my sermon on cloning. They’ve invited me to speak at the Rocky Mountain Synod Assembly next week.
How are you doing? I urge you to ponder our discussion. Remember, while aggression in the name of protection may be warranted, aggression for aggression’s sake is never warranted. You can control it, Coyle. Weak things can become strong.
Best wishes,
PA.
I wrote back:
Excellent. Who have you told about the sermon? Please keep your cards close to your chest. Assume everyone is a Somatotech informant.”
The Nobel ceremony is in three weeks. We’re working with GM on the expose and planning on a press release the day before.
“With your sermon going out and GM’s report we should have enough ammunition for someone to do an investigation. I’m going to see if Coyle’s mom did write a report as well.
He wrote back:
Coyle,
I’m glad GM is working out. Do you think it’s wise to move so quickly? Shouldn’t we develop the story more before you release it?
I’ve told no one else about the sermon aside from the leadership that made the decision to let me speak. I did announce the event to my congregation, as I’m sure you already know since your men were present.
How is Jamie doing? Has she had more seizures? Please keep her safe above all others. I know that is selfish, but it would be the request from any father.
PA
I wrote back:
Time is of the essence, pastor. We want to sway public opinion before public opinion sways too far in ST’s favor.
Jamie is OK. We’re OK. But, she has had more seizures. Dr. Bartnev says there’s no medication she can take, but I will investigate it further. We’re hoping to find a clinic where we can look i
nto taking out the implant. It’s hard to find out whether the clinics have ties with Somatotech.
Stay tuned.
35 Dark Mirror
I called Angelfire to see if we could hack the university’s network to get Coyle’s mom’s report, the one Coyle’s dad seemed to believe contained information on Somatotech.
Angelfire practically laughed at the thought of infiltrating the place, “Ha! Nope, unhackable, not from the outside at least. All of their research data is stored on an internal network without a single connection to the Internet. Not only that, the wiring for the place is all locked down behind at least two secured doors throughout the campus. We’ve tried to pick up any wireless and found nothing. Either they don’t allow it or they have some sort of range modifier. So, in other words, good luck dude. I’ve been looking for a way to get in there for years.”
“So you’re saying I have to be physically inside.”
“Not only inside, but specifically in one of the server rooms themselves. Only there can you bypass their security.”
“So, where is the server room?”
“Likely near the lab your mom worked in, each of the hospital’s labs have a data hub that collects and backs up of data both locally at the hub and in the central server.”
“Can you get me the blueprints?”
“Already sent.”
“Thanks. What about gaining access when I’m in the room?”
“That’s the question, my young hacker friend! You’re in luck, I wrote a program last year just in case I ever had access to their network. I hope it works; I could only simulate their network here at home.”
“I’ll take it. Thanks again.”
“Have the Doña check her email, the program and prints will be there,” he said and hung up.
I went to find Roxanne to see if she had connections through Medital we could utilize. I found her setting up a computer in the living room of the guesthouse.
“Uh, should I be worried?” I said pointing to the computer.
“The woeful lack of Internet at this place was hampering my style,” she said while plugging in a laptop.
“And if Stefan sees that he’s going to flip.”
“Don’t worry, this terribly slow Internet is provided by Medital’s very own satellite.” She pointed up to the ceiling.”
“Jiminy Christmas! They have their own satellite?”
“It’s good to be in business with those with deep resources. Anyway, whatcha want?” she said and returned to the computer.
“We’re planning on accessing a drive at University Hospital, wanna help?”
“What’s on the drive?”
“My mom’s, or I mean, Coyle’s mom’s report on Somatotech.”
“Interesting. You know, I’m thinkin’ Medital has a file on Coyle’s mom. Should I request it?”
“I think you already did,” I said and motioned to my ear.
“Right you are. They are retrieving the file.” She winked.
“Do you have any contacts at the university?”
“No, as you’ll see on the list of scientists currently working for Somatotech, nearly all of them are either current or former employees of the university. So, we’ll have to go in ourselves.”
“Dang, so this is gonna be harder than I thought. So the university itself is in cahoots with Somatotech?”
“No, just scientists wanting to make actual money for their work. Somatotech doubles and triples their salaries. It’d be hard to resist that kinda cash.”
“Coyle’s mom started working for them but stopped because she felt it was unethical, that’s when she wrote the report. I guess the lure of money drew her in at first.”
“What makes you think they haven’t deleted it already?”
“Oh, I agree, they likely have, but on the off chance they missed something I gotta check. It’s important,” I said.
“Important because it’s from Coyle’s mom?”
“Roxanne, I feel love for her, just like I do for Coyle’s dad. So, yeah it feels more important. Do you have the same feelings for your originator’s family?”
She avoided my gaze. “No,” she said monotone and changed the subject, “Infiltrating the hospital won’t be as hard as you think. Medital has keycards for nearly all of the labs. But, if we’re seen, then the real trouble begins. The U has their own Somatotech detail on campus, and these dudes are the real deal. The U thinks they’re just a contractor they’ve hired, but the group is all ex-special forces, and I think they’ve added some clones. They watch each of the scientists and guard the labs. So, you gotta think long a hard about whether this little mission is worth it.”
“If it contains more evidence to bring them down, then yes, it is worth it. We can’t risk any of the men though. So, it’s me and whoever’s willing from your crew.”
“OK then, let’s plan.”
I escorted her to the main house and found Stefan and Coyle’s dad. I didn’t want to mention anything to Aedan because I knew it’d end up in us arguing about me not letting him sacrifice himself. By the sounds of the goons at this place, it was not a place for a normal human. Stefan gave Roxanne a glancing glare but then nodded to the kitchen.
We sat at the island and began to plan. Angelfire provided the digital blueprint of the entire medical campus, including the Coyle’s mom’s renovated lab. I downloaded the program onto a laptop provided by the Doña.
“There is, or at least was, a computer room a few doors down from her office,” Coyle’s dad said as he inspected the blueprints.
“That must be the hub Angelfire mentioned. We’ll check there first,” I said to Stefan while pointing to the blueprints.
“Coyle, notice the exits on that floor, or lack thereof.” Roxanne pointed to the blueprints on the screen.
I had already memorized the entire layout and in an instant verified that there were only one entrance and exit to the floor through the elevator. The emergency exits were dummy doors and led only to walls.
“Why would they make a floor with no emergency exits?” I asked.
“To keep what’s inside safe and to prevent leaks. It also creates a very dangerous environment, especially in a laboratory.”
My mind snapped back to Coyle’s memories of when his mother died in that very same lab. “That means if Coyle’s mom survived the initial blast she would’ve had to make it to that one exit, another fifty yards from the supposed emergency exit. The one that should’ve been a fire door. She could’ve survived.” A tinge of rage hit my heart.
Stefan and Roxanne nodded in unison.
“So, as I see it we have two options, go in with guns blazing or provide a diversion while someone infiltrates,” said Roxanne.
“We’re not gonna shoot up the place,” I said, not wanting a repeat of our gunfight in Somatotech’s basement.
“Diversion it is,” interjected Stefan, obviously wanting to be involved. “Coyle, I’m assuming you’ll be the one accessing the network?” he asked.
“Yes, but I’d prefer to have backup with me, in case I flip out or am incapacitated. Then someone else could access the network.”
“I’ll go in with you,” said Roxanne.
I glanced to Stefan, and he nodded in assent.
“OK, so who or what will provide the diversion?” I asked.
“Let me talk to my crew, I’m sure we can come up with something special.” Roxanne sat back and grinned.
“Something special? How’s about you give us some specifics?” asked Stefan.
“We’ve got quite the bag of tricks. Maybe, fire alarm followed by tear gas or vandalism followed by a stun gun. Or my personal favorite, robbery followed by chase. We’ll analyze and come up with the superior plan.”
“And what should I do?” asked Stefan.
“Driving, lookout, and backup. Bring two of your most skilled men in case it all goes bad,” I said.
“And me?” Coyle’s dad asked.
“Dad, you’re staying as far away
from Denver and Somatotech as possible.”
Armed with weapons and gear Roxanne provided, Stefan, Red Cloud, Talon, Roxanne and I descended on the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center at 11 p.m. We drove three cars, Stefan and me in one, Red Cloud and Talon in another, and Roxanne solo in the third. We each parked in different parking lots on the north and south sides of the campus. Two research buildings stood parallel to each other, named North Research Complex One and Two respectively, similar buildings stood on the south end of the campus. Complex One housed Coyle’s mom’s former lab on the fourth floor. Red Cloud and Talon were going to break into the southern complex building, create a ruckus and lead their pursuers on a chase throughout the campus and away from the northern Complex One. At least, that’s the plan they decided on. Stefan would be the lookout with a telephoto lens from the car. We each had Bluetooth earpieces and an open line to communicate. We also wore cameras on tactical helmets. Visors displayed four small screens with live feeds from each of us. All courtesy of Medital Inc.
Stefan and I parked on the fourth floor of a nearby parking complex. He set up his camera, and I jogged over to Roxanne’s car and slid into the passenger seat. We watched as Red Cloud and Talon walked over to a window on the first floor of the complex two building. Talon extracted a small hammer from his pocket, turned his head away, and slammed the hammer through the window. Glass rained down, and the alarm instantly blared into the night. I turned to Roxanne.
“You guys have issues with being subtle,” I said.
“They’re not going for subtle,” she said as we watched them enter the building.
Their flashlight shone out of the building as they navigated through the first floor. Then, with another crash they exited the other side. We ducked our heads when two police cars and an unmarked car pulled up to the building. Four uniformed men ran into the building while two men from the unmarked car circled the perimeter.
“We’re heading into another building, are they on our tail yet?” asked Talon over the phone.
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