A Dubious Terrain (A Colton Banyon Mystery Book 4)
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“Where are you going?” Banyon called.
“Into battle,” she yelled back. “You stay here. You need to talk to Wolf anyway. Let me handle this.” He heard the door slam and knew she was gone.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Banyon stood at the window and watched the Patel sisters from his suite. They not only looked good even from two stores away, but it almost appeared they were overtly flirting with him. It was as if they knew he was watching. Suddenly he noticed Loni as she marched into the view. She stopped at the edge of the cabana and shed her robe throwing it aside like she hated it. It dropped to the ground and she took a seductive pose. She then turned her head and looked right up at Banyon. He quickly stepped back from the window. He realized she didn’t want him to watch.
Besides, he had to talk to Wolf and this afforded him the perfect opportunity. He went to his travel bag and collected a pad and pen. He strolled out to the living room as he collected his thoughts. He then sat down on the couch and addressed Wolf.
“Wolf, are you there?” he inquired.
“Of course, my boy,” Wolf replied in the deep cultured voice Banyon now knew so well.
“What have you learned about the items stolen from the secure facilities,” asked Banyon as he prepared to write on the pad.
“As you know there are three items. All three are on the move. All are still in Las Vegas, but are currently traveling.”
“Can’t you tell me where they are right now?”
“No, I can’t influence history. Only you can do that, remember.”
Remembering to ask questions, Banyon now asked. “What are the items and what supernatural things can each perform?”
“The first item is the Black Diamond. As you know, it has the power to make a man invulnerable. Bullets can’t stop anyone holding the diamond and they are basically undefeatable. This item should give you the most concern.”
“Is there any way to stop it that we don’t know?”
“Only the blood of a goat can render it useless. This is a very dangerous artifact. You must handle it carefully and respect anyone that has it in their possession. Many people have died over the time this Black Diamond has been on earth. ”
Banyon then wrote some notes on the pad of paper. “What else can you tell me about the Black Diamond?”
“Only that the current holder does not know about the real power of the artifact. He read the reports, but did not take the diary. He thinks it is just a tool that can supply momentary super strength. He does not realize he could become a superman.”
“Thanks,” Banyon absently acknowledged as he continued to write on the pad. “Now, what can you share about the second item?”
“It all started in the 1960’s. The government was interested in stealth technology. Grants were given to many individuals to find a way to make planes invisible to radar. Two men at Berkley received a grant and began work on a chemical answer. They instead discovered a formula that will make people invisible.”
“Are you telling me that anyone could become invisible? That this technology really works?” a concerned Banyon asked.
“Yes, think of the implications to the military alone. Then there are cartels, dictators and even criminals that would love to have the formula.”
“So we are looking for a formula on a piece of paper, correct?”
“Actually two pages,” Wolf corrected.
“How does it work?”
“You mix a batch of the formula and rub it on the body. The invisibility will last for about three hours. By then some skin will molt off and new skin will generate that is not covered by the formula. But for three hours anyone covered in the formula will be impossible to detect, unless you have physical contact with them.”
“This is fantastic.” Banyon was now thinking about the uses for the formula. “Why hasn’t the government used the formula?”
“They did try it out, but decided it was too dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. As soon as the inventors published their report, they were hounded by reporters, government agencies and foreign governments for the formula. They had to go into hiding under fear of being kidnapped. They still are hiding today. The formula was put in a secure facility in Colorado, but was found by Homeland Security.”
“Does it have any weaknesses?”
“Most definitely. First is the time a person can remain invisible. Second, it washes off with plain water, and third, the person that is invisible has to be unclothed. Any weapons or protection would be visible.”
“Those are serious drawbacks. Do you have any idea how someone would use the formula?” Banyon was trying to see a pattern that would lead to the reason for stealing the item.
“That, of course, I can’t say, Colton. But let me give you a hint. The people that have the formula also have a blueprint of the largest building in Las Vegas. That should help.”
“Okay, what about the third item?”
“This item is actually from a book of magic. The magic dates back several thousand years. Perhaps you have heard of this magic.”
“What is it?” a slightly annoyed Banyon asked.
“Did you ever hear the phrase, ‘Open Sesame’?”
“Of course,” replied Banyon.
“Well this is the original version. It was torn out of a book of magic.”
“Are you telling me that Ali Baba and the forty thieves did actually exist?”
“The magic goes back much further than that, but yes, it did happen.”
“So whoever has the page from the book can open a door?”
“It actually can open anything closed. That would be the only purpose for the magic. Primarily it has been used for doors.”
“So, what we have is someone who has super strength, is invisible and can open any door that they please. Is that correct?”
“Yes.”
“They also have blueprints to the largest building on Las Vegas. Is this right?”
“I can say that they are planning something big.”
Banyon now had to think carefully about what he had learned. He then asked, “How many people are involved in this event?”
“I can’t say, but it is less than an army.”
Thinking that Wolf had given him another hint, Banyon asked, “Are people from Homeland Security involved?”
“Well,” replied Wolf, “they were the ones that stole the items.”
“But, they are not under a mission for Homeland Security, right?”
“Some of them no longer work for Homeland Security.”
After contemplating the information for a few minutes, Banyon then asked, “Does this have anything at all to do with the attempted assassinations we know about?”
“They will be a diversion. There will be other diversions as well.”
The chilling answer caused Banyon to become alarmed. “What have we walked into Wolf?”
“The ultimate goal is always the same, money and someone who wants to gain power and is willing to be ruthless along the way. Remember, we hunt Nazis.”
“So are you saying the people involved in this plot are Nazis?”
“I’m saying they all believe. They may call themselves other names, but their goal is always the same. Today they call themselves the Effort.”
Banyon reeled with the implications of what Wolf had told him. The thief’s aim was to create chaos in Las Vegas while the real plot unfolded. He wondered what the actual goal was and who was really running the show. That was the person he had to find. Cut off the snakes head and it will die, Banyon thought.
“Will the person that is running the show be here in Las Vegas,” he asked to try to find out.
“There are three different plots and two different plotters, all will be here.”
“Are they tied together?”
“Yes, but, one does not know about the other. This is always the way that Nazis operate. They have always been very good at deceiving each other. Those that appear loyal are always the ones that
have another plot in mind.”
“What is the plot?”
“It is supremacy, of course. It is control of the organization — to make everyone bend to their will. The stakes are very high.”
“What are the stakes?”
“Why, don’t you know? They intend to take over America by political force. This event will thrust someone into the position as the leading candidate for the Presidency of the United States.”
Political assassinations, thought Banyon. “It makes sense now,” Banyon reasoned out loud. “Everything else is meant to further the candidate. Am I right?”
“One of the plots involves eliminating the candidate. Another involves eliminating the next candidate. The third plot allows one of the plotters to assume control of everything and eventually install himself as a dictator. These are the ways of the Nazis.
Banyon needed to think about that for a while. Finally he asked, “Which plot is the right plot, the plot we need to stop most of all?”
“For the world, the best thing would be to let all three plots take their course, but catch the final plotter in the act.”
“But, how will we do that?” a confused Banyon asked.
“Colt, you have more than enough information and the talent of your team to solve this and stop it. I can’t offer you any additional information without changing the future. I’m afraid only you can do that.”
Banyon now realized he was not going to get anything more out of Wolf. He began to write on his pad. He had made notes while Wolf had spoken and now was arranging them into lists and also developing a plan to capture the artifacts. He would need the girls to use their laptops and Gamble to make a few calls, but he slowly came to understand he had a good idea what was going on. There were plots within plots and betrayal was going to occur tonight. He worked for more than an hour on his own plans.
Suddenly Banyon asked, “Will Agent Gamble be able to identify any of these people?” Banyon knew that Agent Gamble was working on a major drug bust that seemed to be possibly connected to this mystery.
“He knows who the betrayer is, but has not recognized them as such.”
“Isn’t that giving me the future?” Banyon asked.
“He already knows of the person, and the plan already exists, so no.”
“Will he be able to help us?”
“He is one of your team Colt, you just don’t see him that way,” Wolf quickly replied.
Changing subjects, Banyon said, “Before I forget, the FBI has asked me to get some background on one of the suspected assassins. He goes by the name of Eric Grey. Can you find out anything that might help us find this assassin? Maybe you can tell me where he has been recently?”
“Is there anything else you can tell me about this Eric Grey? There are many Eric Greys in the world.”
“Well, there is one more thing that I can tell you. His real name is Eric Hand. Can you find out anything about Eric Hand?”
Wolf was suddenly uncharacteristically agitated. His voice had gone up an octave. “Did you say his name is Hand, Eric Hand?”
“Yeah, the name sounds somewhat familiar, but I can’t place it. Do you know something about him?”
But, Wolf was suddenly gone.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Meanwhile Loni was on a mission. As she approached the pool area, she had fire in her eyes. She was going to stop the Patel sisters from making a fool of her man, Colton Banyon. The Patel sisters made her insanely jealous. She just didn’t know exactly how she was going to stop them. She was used to dealing with men. She could handle men. She knew she intimidated most men with her beauty, brains and if necessary violence. She was good at violence, but these women were equally as beautiful and very smart. She didn’t really know about their ability to fight, but there were three of them. It was a tall order even if they were not good fighters. She was a little worried, but she believed she had to confront her demons, the Patel sisters. As she approached the cabana, she decided to fight.
She walked up to the cabana entrance like she owned the place. Without addressing the women, she shed her robe, then looked up at Banyon whom she was sure was watching. She did not want him to see how she was handling the situation. He ducked back as soon as she looked his way. She then gave her most provocative pose. The three Patel sisters had noticed her by then. They leaped to their feet and closed ranks. Loni took it as a protective move and was ready for action. She had dreamed of pulling their hair and completely humiliating them in front of the men milling around he cabana. She wanted to show everyone who was better.
“You see this body?” Loni barked as she gestured with her arms. “Colt sees this body every day. He loves this body, not yours. You are just candy to look at. He may like yours, but he loves mine. Stay away from him or else.” She then assumed a defensive position to repel the assault she was sure would come.
“Hi, Loni,” Previne sweetly said as she completely ignored the threat. “You look great. Is that a new suit? I sure wish I had your body.”
By now several men had gathered around thinking there soon would be a cat fight between these beautiful women. Loni figured they were conning her. “Stop, I don’t believe you. You are trying to ruin my focus. I won’t listen to you. Stay away from Colt.”
They acted like they had not heard her. “Loni, on the contrary, look at me,” Previne said as she stepped away from her sisters and became fully exposed. “My legs are too skinny and my ass is not as shapely as yours. In fact, that is a trait of our family. Show her girls.”
The other sisters turned around and showed off their rears. They wiggled their skinny butts for emphasis. The men around the pool were now all watching with delight. A small crowd suddenly appeared. Previne’s plan was working to perfection.
“But, you are all tall and sexy,” Loni rebuked.
“I would rather have your shape,” Pramilla said.
“That is not true, you are just trying to trick me,” Loni shouted in frustration. She had come to fight and all she was getting was compliments.
“Okay,” Previne said. Let’s ask the men around the cabana whether they think we are sexier then you. You have a fine figure Loni. Let’s show it off.”
Before Loni could protest, Previne turned to the ogling men and said. “You guys up for a little contest? You will be the judges.”
A roar came for the crowd, “hell yes.” Several men were whooping and whistling and many more men suddenly showed up in the crowd.
“Loni you are going to have to come and stand by us so the men can compare us,” Previne offered with a gesture of her hand.
Thinking it was a trap, Loni said, “I’m not coming near any of you. You will try to embarrass me.”
“Come on,” Previne pleaded. “What are you afraid of? We can’t hurt you. You’re a big-time fighter, we are more subtle.”
The men started chanting “Loni, Loni”.
Loni turned to look at the men that had crowded around. She realized she would lose face if she didn’t accept the challenge. To an Asian, losing face was the worst thing possible. Besides, she had already decided she was better. Now she had to prove it. Reluctantly she shook her head and went to stand next to Maya, whom she knew the best. The men roared with approval. The four women now stood in a line in front of the cabana entrance.
“Okay, guys let me introduce you to the contestants. My name Previne, next to me is my sister Pramilla, then my sister Maya and finally that’s Loni on the end. Now you men get to choose the category to judge. Then each girl will step forward and show you what they have. Then you will vote. Are there any questions?”
There were none as everyone was busy staring at the fabulous women standing in a straight line. They started yelling things like hair, breasts, and ass. It soon became a chant.
“Alright, everyone simmer down,” Previne announced like an emcee. “The first category will be hair. Each contestant will step forward and let their hair down and shake it. Then you’ll vote for your favorite.”
Previne went first. She stepped forward then stopped with legs apart, reached around to the back of her head and ripped off the band from her pony tail. She leaned forward and shook her hair like a dog. When she was done, she stood up straight and peered at the crowd. Every man clapped and hooted. There were cat calls and whistles. Previne also heard several marriage proposals. Everyone was enjoying the show.
Pramilla went next, but her hair was shorter, only reaching her shoulders. This made it hard to show off. But every man clapped and hooted anyway. Maya went next and received an enthusiastic review. Finally it was up to Loni. She stepped forward pulled the barrette from her hair and flung it into the crowd. When she leaned over, her long hair nearly touched the ground. She shook it violently and when she looked up there was a feral look in her eyes. Her hair was wild and very fluffed up. The men went wild. She stood with her legs wide apart and assumed the pose of a superwoman with her hands on her hips, her back straight and her chest thrust out.
Previne now stepped forward and said, “No need to vote on hair, Loni wins hands down. Anyone disagree?”
Immediately, a chant came from the crowd. “Legs, legs, we want legs.”
“Okay, the next category will be legs,” Previne acknowledged. Each girl will walk out to the edge of the cabana area and then turn around and walk back.
“Legs, legs,” shouted the men.
“Our first contestant will be Maya.”
Maya sauntered to the front with eyes glued on one man. At the edge, she thrust out a hip and turned around. She wiggled as she walked back to the line of women. The roar was immediate. Next came Pramilla, then Previne walked the carpet. The crowd was in frenzy by the time Loni stepped to the front. She walked like every eye was on her, rocking her hips as she stepped. When she reached the edge of the carpet, she stopped and suddenly leg kicked. Her shapely leg shot straight up. She all but ran back to the line. The cheering was immediate. Even the other girls applauded. Loni stood in line and finally realized she was enjoying all the attention very much. It made her smile. There was a buzz in the crowd, everyone was having fun.