by L. M. Vila
“Alright! Alright! I’ll tell you everything.”
Tears welled in his eyes and soon pooled to the cold hard ground beneath his cowering face.
“Just don’t put me on that list.”
Besides the new stain of water dripping from the boy’s eyes, another smellier liquid soon followed. Adrian has heard the stories of Agent Madison getting guys to expend their bowls in this very room. His methods may have been a bit more extreme than the S.A.C.’s but at least it was all protocol.
Adrian picked up the chair the boy once sat in and stood it up straight. He gave the seat a gentle double tap and took one of his own on the opposite end of the table.
“Alright Mr. Simmons,” Adrian said reverting back to an air of professionalism. “Let’s talk.”
March 26th, 2013 12:10PM
Washington, D.C.
Beep after constant hideous beep blared in the otherwise lifeless area of the dock. The truck slowly backed up its precious cargo into the awaiting and solely open door making sure to take extra precautions. He was already late enough as is. The last thing he wanted to do was upset the client further.
The container gently landed in place. Fumes spewed out of the truck exhaust as the driver put it into park and turned off the engine. He kicked the door out and jumped down to begin the process to separate his vehicle from the trailer. Silence once more returned to the peaceful area. The only thing to break it was the sound of upcoming footsteps towards the driver.
“You’re late,” declared a voice from behind.
It was calm and cool with a hint of menace. The driver quickly turned around and prepared his defense.
“Yea, I’m sorry about that. Got delayed thanks all that tagging bullshit on the container. You’d think I was shipping drugs or bodies with the amount of attention the damn cops gave me.”
The man did not look amused. Upon observation, the driver could tell why this job paid so much. He was very well kempt and wore a fine grey suit. Even his glasses with their golden frames looked as if they cost thousands of dollars.
Air locked in the driver’s throat as the man reached into his jacket pocket. There was a noticeable bulge. Maybe his apology wasn’t good enough. Jerry was right. He shouldn’t have been late.
“Here,” the man said handing the driver a thick envelope. “Ten thousand, as we agreed.”
He turned his back on the driver and headed straight inside the warehouse. Before his voice was out of range he called out, “Please remove your vehicle from the premises.”
So much seriousness in such a little shell renewed the driver’s vigor as he quickly unhooked the trailer from his truck and climbed back in. While inside and out of view, he checked the contents of envelope. Thick stacks of one-hundred dollar bills kindly greeted him back. The money was good but that kind of experience almost put a sour note on the whole thing. He made a note to think twice before accepting another job like this even though it was worth twenty percent of his annual salary for two day’s work. The next timed shipment may not be as forgiving. The driver pulled out of the loading area and didn’t give the place a second look back. He wanted nothing more than to go straight home and forget this job ever happen. Although, the thought of stopping in Las Vegas did cross his mind. After all, he might as well enjoy the money while it still smelled fresh.
Three hard knocks slammed against the back of the trailer followed by the sound of clipped metal. The doors opened and revealed sunlight to Colonel Lee’s men for the first time in days. They peered out of the trailer with their eyes squinted as if they had just been granted vision for the first time.
Colonel Lee was the first to step up and walk outside. He silently gave orders for his men to
“Colonel Lee?” the man asked. He was greeted with a tight and respectful salute.
“Yes sir,” he replied while taking his hand down. “You must be Dr. Shin Jung-ho.”
The doctor extended his hand towards the Colonel. They both shook the other tightly and with a proper amount of force.
“There is no need for formalities Colonel. We are not on the mother-land’s soil anymore.”
Those words hit harder than Lee realized. This was the first time he or any of his men had been outside of their country. All of the nasty and dirty things they heard about this place only made the truth harder to swallow.
“I have been instructed to carry out your orders, sir.”
“And indeed you shall,” Shin looked behind the Colonel. “Where are the rest of your men?”
“Inside sir,” the Colonel turned around and shouted the order for them to appear.
One dozen strong Korean soldiers of the People’s Army rushed out of the container and stood in a uniform line behind their superior. They all offered a hearty salute to Dr. Shin before returning
“At ease men,” the doctor said offering a half-smile hoping the gesture would make them feel a little more comfortable around here.
He surveyed the group thoroughly. They spent days cooped up in that trailer but they didn’t look any worse for wear. If the war were to break out in the next ten minutes, these soldiers would gladly rush to the front lines. Shin appreciated that level of dedication. Their usefulness would be tested but upon first impressions, the doctor didn’t have anything to worry about.
“Which of you men can operate a forklift?” Asked Shin.
Five hands shot up proudly. Much better than Shin had hoped. The doctor pointed to the vehicle dock about three-hundred feet away.
“Grab a forklift and begin unloading the cargo to that area over there,” he said while directing his hands over to the completely empty plot of land about five hundred feet away from where he was standing. “The rest of you will set up the work area downstairs.”
Shin turned around and looked above to the second floor section of the warehouse. It had big glass windows staring down at them and was standing on top of some empty office space.
“That up there is my laboratory. It is a clean room environment. Under no circumstances are any of you men allowed in there. Is that understood?”
The all gave a hearty, “Yes sir!”
“Good. Before we begin Colonel, have your men refresh themselves, shower, and use the bathroom facilities. Food and drinks have also been prepared. Once your men are nourished have them get started. Is that clear?”
“Yes sir!” Lee saluted.
“Excellent,” Shin smiled. “I’ll be upstairs carrying on my work but I shall return shortly.” The doctor turned and gave the Colonel a heart piercing look. “Enjoy this time Colonel. Once we begin the operation, there will be no turning back from here.”
Lee knew the power of those words but the way the doctor said them made him feel oddly uneasy. He had to know more, even if it wasn’t protocol.
“Doctor, if I may,” the Colonel started. “What is the purpose of this operation?”
“Your purpose is to follow my orders without question,” Shin said with an overwhelming and unexpected amount of authority. “The rest falls on my shoulders Colonel. Take solace in the fact that this responsibility is mine alone to bear. When the time comes to bring this land to its knees, you’ll be glad you’re on my side.”
Shin smirked at his last comment and proceeded back up the stairs towards his laboratory where his continuing research waited for him. The Colonel did not like to be left in the dark of any operation but given the circumstances, this was the best course of action for the time being. They had invaded America. With the reputation this country has built for welcoming foreigners, the Colonel or his men did not want to incite their rage. Staying put and doing the work assigned to them was certainly the best course of action for now. It was that last part that still had Colonel Lee worried. How they were going to bring down this mighty nation with only a handful of soldiers was still a mystery. The doctor’s confidence may have swayed things in their favor temporarily but Lee still wondered how they were going to do it. Unless they were unloading a container full of nuclear
explosives, this mission may be more than what they bargained for.
March 26th, 2013 9:14AM
Las Vegas, NV
Nicole’s eyes were locked on the window as they have been for the past few days. Nothing else seemed to matter anymore. Her fate had already been dealt its final hand. Counting down the days to one’s death would normally seem like a stressful endeavor. People instantly become filled with regret for all of the things they haven’t done and neglected to think about all of the ones they have. Nicole couldn’t forget any of them. That is why she chose to face death calmly and without fear. Every day after she had been diagnosed with this disease has been a gift; one she never intended to squander. Her time could end at any moment. The fact that she’s gone this long without meeting it face to face was actually very fortunate. However, there still remains one thing left undone.
She continued to play with her phone in her hands. Not so much as tapping the buttons but rather sliding the slick surface from front end to back in the soft confines of her palm. Michael needed her help but her options were limited. Calling Adrian was completely out of the question. If he knew Michael was halfway around the world it would be the end of his career. Nicole didn’t want to leave the last man she truly cared about in that state. She contemplated calling Mark but that too could draw suspicion. Mark was a great analyst and a trusted member of her team. Unfortunately, he still had to follow the rules much like everyone else. She couldn’t give him the burden of this secret. There’s only one man she could ever trust given her current state and even he doesn’t know everything. Nicole was tired of keeping everything hidden.
Time was working against them. There was only one other person Nicole could call in this situation. She hadn’t dialed this number in years. It was impossible to forget after all of this time. After that tragic event on the aircraft carrier, Nicole didn’t want to have anything to do with that person anymore and yet, she had no one else left to call. No friends, no family, and no one she could trust.
This wasn’t about Nicole or her grudges. This was for Michael’s sake. He was the one constantly risking his life to help clean up the messes Nicole made. If this sacrifice would help him find what he’s looking for, Nicole would pay any price. This person would definitely come to collect that’s for sure.
Nicole began dialing the number. Her fingers trembled with every tap. The kind of power at that person’s disposal was practically limitless. This call may not end up going the way she was hoping for but given the current circumstances, Nicole didn’t have anything left to lose.
The call started. Nicole could hear her pulse speed up. Things weren’t off to a good start. She tried meditation to calm herself down. Clearing her head of all of the incoming thoughts was impossible. She’d have better luck dodging water in the middle of the Pacific. Just when her mind was at the peak of chaos, the ringing stopped. Someone answered.
“Hello Nicole,” the voice started. “It’s been a long time.”
That voice was still as surly and cocky as ever. Though it was encrypted using a voice distortion module, that mocking air of pleasantry at least sounded a lot better than the last words they traded with one another before going their separate ways.
“How’ve you been?” Nicole asked immediately regretting it afterwards.
Her humble state of mind has caused her to do a lot of things differently. That goes with the territory of facing one’s own mortality.
“Better than you,” they answered. “Is Dr. Nayar taking good care of you?”
They continued to mock Nicole. She wasn’t intimidated in the slightest. Nicole knew everything and everything there was to know about that person. Even the fact that they continued to spy on her up to this day didn’t surprise her one bit.
“I,” Nicole started looking to immediately change the subject. “I need your help.”
The voice on the other end remained silent for a few moments. Hundreds of thoughts immediately raced through her head. Nicole didn’t know what to make of it until they spoke once more.
“My how times have changed. If memory serves me correctly, you didn’t want anything to do with me anymore. Now you want my help?”
The voice laughed a bit.
“Wow, you must be really desperate.”
“I just need some information. I can’t go to my regular sources.”
Nicole felt a sharp pain course through her stomach. She had already said too much. Speaking casually became something she’d gotten used to over the last few days. For a single second, Nicole had forgotten who she was talking to and it was going to cost her dearly.
“Is that so?” The voice playfully asked. “What could be so important that you don’t want anyone –” the voice suddenly cut itself off and went silent.
Every second of dead air sent pains of regret coursing through Nicole’s body. She had screwed up and screwed up royally. The punishment for this would be great and sadly she didn’t have any fight left in her.
“You’ve found him? Haven’t you?!” The voice asked. Its jovial tone was almost out of character for this person.
“He’s alive, isn’t he?”
Nicole remained silent. There was nothing she could say to dissuade her train of thought now. Her speech or silence would give the voice the answer they sought. They were always good at keeping secrets together but usually not from one another. The fact that Nicole was able to do it for this long showed she still had an edge on that person. Not anymore though. Now it was all on the table.
“This doesn’t concern him,” Nicole pleaded. Her words sounded too forced and weak.
“Please Nicole. I’m not one of your subordinates. Your lies are no good here,” the voice snapped. “It’s always about him. It was then and it is now. You ruined our friendship because of him. Betrayed me because of him. And now, you’re last act in this world is trying to help him.”
Silence filled the walls of the hospital room. Nicole couldn’t say anything in her defense nor did she want to. That person knew just what Michael meant to her. It cost Nicole her rank, her job, their friendship, and nearly her life. That person may possess the capability of forgiveness in their heart but they would never forget the words shared on that day.
“Alright, I’ll placate your little request,” the voice laughed.
That haunting giggling reminded Nicole of times long since passed. Even through the distortion she could recognize anywhere.
“What do you need?”
Nicole steeled herself as best as she could. That little slip up would cost her later but right now, she needed that person. There was still that little mess to clean up and worrying about anything else at this moment would be futile.
“Information on Ryoo Myung-Dae,” stated Nicole.
“The defector?” The voice asked almost sounding puzzled.
They waited a few moments before responding. More than likely, they were pulling up the data using their extensive resources sitting at their fingertips.
“According to my data he’s dead. Thanks to you,” they added.
“Why did you call him that name?” Nicole pondered. “The defector.”
“Why do you ask questions you should already know the answer to?” They replied. “You know how we operate over here.”
They were right. Nicole knew all too well. Time had not been as kind to her senses as they were her memory. They had access to technologies today that may not see the light of day for another twenty years and that was back in the 90s. She didn’t even want to think about the kind of operation they were running now.
Both of them remained silent for a few more moments. When the voice was able to fill Nicole’s request, they spoke once more.
“I have everything you’ll ever want to know about Ryoo Myung-Dae right in front of me.”
“What do you want?” Asked Nicole.
Her voice started to sound more menacing with each passing breath. This person was not one to give to charity. Everything had a price.
&nbs
p; “Consider this a gift,” the voice stated. “After all, you don’t have much time left to pay me back what you owe me.”
She didn’t like the sound of that. It was too direct and focused. Not their style at all. Nicole knew there was something more to it.
“Besides,” the voice started again. “You’ve already given me something nice in return.”
Those words struck Nicole in the face like a ten ton hammer. She didn’t have anything to give but there was no need to. Her little mistake was
“Please,” she stated.
Nicole wouldn’t allow her voice to crack no matter how much it wanted to.
“Leave him out of this. This is between you and me.”
“Don’t worry sister. I’ll take good care of our boy,” the voice started.
The way they said that was so disgusting Nicole was ready to vomit. The voice closed out saying something that sounded much more familiar to Nicole than anything else said during their conversation.
“Now why don’t you just be a good girl and die?”
The voice hung up their end of the call. Nicole sat in awed silence. The phone slipped from her hand and plopped onto the soft and vacant mattress space next to her. After all of their years spent together it has finally come down to this. Suddenly, knowing that death was approaching wasn’t something she was easily able to push aside anymore.
A vibration gently pressed against the bed. The email finally arrived. At least they held up their end of the bargain. Nicole slowly felt tears forming at the edge of her eyes. She had gotten the information she needed but at too high of a price. Michael’s fate was now in the hands of that person. Nicole did not want to die knowing she couldn’t do anything for him now. And yet, it felt like she was already too late.
March 26th, 2013 9:25AM
Los Angeles, CA
“You really expect me to believe that?” Adrian questioned. His smug brow slowly grew sharper in anger.
“It’s the truth!” The young boy pleased. “Why would I make it up?”
