The Umbras
Page 10
“Yeah we did. Well, the F.B.I. had their men do the test, but they did it in our lab,” Frank answered.
“What’d you find?” Walter asked.
“Nothing,” Frank said, confirming Walter’s fears.
“Nothing?” Walter reiterated.
“Yeah, nothing,” Frank repeated defensively. “That and the building burning down is why we’ve ruled C.A.N.D.L. out as suspects.”
“I agree,” Walter said. “I don’t think they had anything to do with this.”
“Then who do you think it was?” Frank asked. Walter didn’t reply, he just sat in his chair staring at the table, thinking intently about what he was about to say.
“The Umbras,” he answered.
“Oh, this again. They don’t exist Pierce,” Frank said.
“No, think about it. The Umbras find out about C.A.N.D.L. and what they are doing with this toxin that rivals theirs,” Walter pointed out. “So, they take out the competition. From what I’ve gathered they are famous for taking out their competitors, so to speak.”
“And who have you gathered information this from?” Frank asked with a unconvinced smirk.
“Allen Black?”
“Yeah, but I’d say it’s at least worth checking out. Don’t you think?” Walter asked
“No, I think its outlandish. A bunch of stupid conspiracy theories,” Frank replied. “And plus, the F.B.I. has full control of this investigation. We have no more jurisdiction when it pertains to this case, period.”
“I can’t believe you’re going to just sit back and let the F.B.I. take this over,” Walter stated.
“Listen, the F.B.I. told me that many higher-ups are looking into this, and that the involvement of the F.C.P.D., or any other local branch of enforcement agency would not be needed. This means you Walter, just as much as it means me,” Frank said.
“I still don’t think it’s right Frank,” Walter said. He stood from his chair and headed for the door. He was not happy with all of the news he received. The entirety of the situation was an onslaught of his integrity. He felt used, and useless.
“Hey, I don’t want you running around the city having any more to do with this case, okay? It’s not only your ass if you do, it’s mine too,” Frank said standing from his chair.
“I can’t make any promises,” Walter said cracking a smile as he opened the door to Frank’s office. Frank sloppily sat back down in his chair without replying. Walter could see him taking another long drink from his glass as he closed the door to the office.
He sat in the little loaner car stunned. He was thoroughly angered at the current state of things. But he knew if he did anything about it, he would lose his business, or even be put away in prison for a long time for interfering with a government agency. At the same time, he didn’t care. Justice was important to him, he wasn’t sure why, but it was. And he knew that justice was not being served.
He turned the car on and put it into drive. As he pulled out of the parking lot, he looked in his rear-view mirror. He noticed a black van start up that was parked on the side of the road. It slowly pulled up behind Walter’s little loaner car as he stopped at the traffic light. It’s headlights were turned off and the windows were tinted as dark as night.
He took a right-hand turn, and then a left-hand turn, trying to see if the van would follow. It did, with flawless accuracy. It stayed closely behind him, but it did not try to ram him or chase him down, it just followed him. Walter wondered what their intentions were. He took another left-hand turn and sped up a little, testing the van. Suddenly, the van’s headlights turned on, blinding Walter for a moment. He could hear the sound of the van’s engine roaring as the driver of the van stepped on the gas.
“Here we go…,” Walter muttered as he slammed his right foot onto the gas pedal. The cars sped away, disappearing into the thick Francis City fog.
About the Author
Derek E. Keeling is a writer and musician that lives and works in Portland, Oregon. He is also the Co-C.E.O. of the prestigious production company, SouthEast Productions (S.E.P.).
If you would like to get in contact with Derek E. Keeling, please email or visit his blog.
Email: dareric1@yahoo.com
Blog: http://derekkeeling.blogspot.com
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 . 5
Chapter 2 . 9
Chapter 3 . 13
Chapter 4 . 17
Chapter 5 . 22
Chapter 6 . 26
Chapter 7 . 29
Chapter 8 . 34
Chapter 9 . 38
Chapter 10 . 42
Chapter 11 . 46