Project Armageddon

by Michael Stephens

  “Protection has its costs.”

  “Are you kidding me? What about her life?’

  Walker said nothing. She turned and made her way toward the black SUV.

  Josh was fuming angry with Agent Walker’s behavior and coercion tactic to get Abbie to do what she wanted. He yelled out to Walker as she continued toward the SUV. “What about her life? Huh? How’s she going to help you if she’s dead?”

  Walker opened the rear door of the SUV and tossed her notebook inside. She turned. She looked at Abbie. As she put on her sunglasses, she said, “Don’t leave town.”

  Seconds later, Abbie and Josh watched the black SUV drive away.

  Chapter 28

  As the SUV sped away, Abbie invited Josh into her apartment. She offered to write him a check for the damages to his vehicle. Josh was okay with waiting to get a quote and then following up with her, but Abbie was insistent. Also, Abbie was forthcoming in that she was afraid and not ready to be alone just yet. He remained reluctant, but Abbie was able to persuade him when she bribed him with lunch. That was fine with Josh. He was starving.

  Abbie unlocked the door, and Josh followed her in. Her apartment was unusually tidy. Its cleanliness was from Emma when she was checking on her during her small bout with depression from her father’s death. Emma was gone—dead like her father. Tears pooled in Abbie’s eyes. She was never going to see her best friend again, because of her, or something her father was involved in. That was enough to force the pool of tears to run down her cheeks.

  “Wow. This is a nice place you got here,” said Josh.

  Abbie snapped out of her moment of weakness and quickly dried her face.

  “Thanks,” She answered as she threw her purse on the couch. “Have a seat at the table.” She gestured toward the small circular table in a dining area. “I’ll make us something really quick.”

  Daylight poured through the window surrounded by curtains and a valance that complimented the décor. Josh approached the window and peeked through the curtains, scanning the outside for any potential dangers—not that he had any clue what dangers would look like. He set the bar pretty low—if it was carrying a gun—it was danger.

  “Want something to drink?” Abbie yelled from the kitchen.

  “Water… thanks”

  A moment passed. Abbie entered the dining area with two paper plates and two red plastic cups. She gestured for Josh to sit as she put the plates and the cups on the table and sat. He joined her.

  Abbie slid a plate and a cup across the table to Josh.

  “Thanks,” he said. Josh looked at the plate and saw two sandwiches to the lonely one that sat on her plate. “That doesn’t seem right. He pushed the plate toward Abbie.”

  Abbie already took a bite out of the sandwich when she shooed away Josh’s plate. She squished the food to one cheek and spoke. “No. Look at you and look at me. You’re huge. I would have made you three, but I ran out of bread.” She laughed.

  He laughed with her as he pulled the plate close and snatched a bite out of his first sandwich. He chewed and then stopped.

  “PBJ?” he asked. “You invited me for a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?”

  “Yea,” she replied. “They’re actually good for you. Great boost of energy without the crash.”

  “Only one problem,” said Josh. He stopped chewing.

  “What’s that,” asked Abbie.

  Josh’s large hands rushed to his throat as he spoke winded. “I’m allergic to peanuts.” He grabbed and pushed on his threat as a loud wheezing sound gurgled from his mouth.

  “Oh, my God! Oh, my God!” Abbie jumped to her feet and rushed to Josh. “Small shallow breaths and try to relax. I’ll be right back. If it gets worse before I get back, pound on the wall.”

  Abbie rushed into her bedroom and into the master bathroom. She stared into the top counter drawer and dug through it, allowing its contents to spill onto the floor. She did the same with the next three drawers. It was on the last drawer that she found the EpiPen that she kept for her bee allergy. Then she heard it. Pounding on the wall.

  She returned to the dining room and to Josh’s aid. She pulled the table back, giving her a clear shot at Josh’s massive thigh. “This is going to hurt a bit.” She looked at the size of his leg that was wrapped in blue denim of his jeans. I doubt you’ll feel this a bit. “This is an EpiPen, it will open your breathing back up. I’m going to stick you in the leg with it. Okay? On three?”

  Suddenly, Josh's conditions went away, and he held up his hands. “No. No. I’m joking. It’s just a joke. Don’t poke me with that thing.”

  Abbie stood still with a vacant stare at Josh. Who fakes an allergy to peanuts? “What?”

  “I’m joking. I’m fine. All fine.”

  “You’re not…”

  “No,” he reassured her, “I’m fine. Really. I love peanut butter.” He took a large bite of his sandwich.

  “Abbie punched his large bicep, “You asshole.” She scolded.

  “Ouch.”

  “Oh please, that didn’t hurt.”

  “Yea, it did.”

  “Really?”

  Josh smiled. “No, and then took another bite of his sandwich.”

  Abby slapped his shoulder. “You’re such an asshole.”

  “Sorry, I didn’t mean to scare you. I thought you could use a little distraction. It's not been the greatest day for you, I’m sure.”

  Josh sat, and he pulled himself to the table. He gestured for Abbie to sit. Usually, she would not find someone faking anaphylaxis funny, but for some reason, Josh’s performance worked. She laughed as she, too, enjoyed her PBJ. With each laugh, a little bit of stress dissipated, setting her at ease.

  “Think I should call the police?” She asked.

  “And tell them what? You could tell them the truth. I doubt they would believe you.”

  “I’m sure someone had to see what happened to Emma.”

  “You mean besides you and me?”

  “Maybe.”

  “Also, I think the FBI trumps the local police,” said Josh. “And that, bit-” Josh caught himself. He remembered where he was and more importantly who he was with, “FBI lady isn’t going to do anything for you until you agree to help her.”

  “Yea, she was a bitch.”

  “She really was, but Mom wouldn’t want me calling her that, especially with you here.”

  “Aren’t you a little old to worry about what your mom would or would not find out.”

  “Nope. I would do anything for her.”

  Josh paused for a drink before he started on his second sandwich. “You should probably play nice with the government lady, regardless of how bitchy she was. They can keep you safe.”

  Abbie shakes her head. “You’re probably right. In fact, I know you’re right. But there is something more going on here.”

  Josh shrugged.

  “In two hours, I’ve had the FBI, and some mysterious Russian guy ask about my father’s work. Don’t you think that’s a little strange?”

  “It’s Ukrainian, and you forgot the terrorist dude, too.”

  “Oh yea,” said Abbie as she finished her last bite of sandwich. “Him too. In the last month, people around me are getting killed, and it all started with my father.”

  Abbie thought about what Emma said to her at the wake—finding out more about her father’s death. She knew Emma was right then, but she did not want to admit it. Now, Emma was gone. Everyone close to her was gone.

  “I need to figure out how to open that damn briefcase and learn what Dad was working on. Can you take me to my father’s office?”

  Josh looked at her solemnly. “Let me get this straight. People around you are getting killed, and you want me to help?”

  Part Two

  Chapter 29

  Abbie placed her father’s briefcase on the table in front of her and Josh.

  “This the mystery everyone’s after?” He asked.

  Abbie nodded. “I know it's askin
g a lot from a stranger, anyone really. But I don’t know anyone else.”

  “They’re all gone?”

  Abbie reluctantly nodded. “I get it. I understand. I—”

  Josh interrupted. “I’ll help you.”

  Abbie perked up. “You will? Why?”

  Josh smiled. “You’re kinda cute. Way the hell out of my league, but cute.”

  Abbie was caught off guard by Josh’s comment. He intrigued her. He was this sizeable intimidating guy that seemed like a teddy bear inside.

  “What’s that’s supposed to mean?”

  Josh smiled at her. “You’re way too smart… like scary smart… with all the shit FBI lady rattled off.

  “You believed her?” Abbie asked.

  “Is it true?”

  “Yes.”

  “Like I said. Cute, but scary smart.”

  “Thank you.”

  Josh stood. “Don’t thank me yet. We haven’t figured anything out.”

  “I suppose. But, thank you anyway.

  Josh accepted her apology. “Where to?”

  “My father’s office at the University. If there’s anything that can help us, it’s gotta be there.”

  Josh scratched his bearded chin. “Isn’t that the likeliest of places they’ll look for whatever they are looking for?”

  “Probably,” said Abbie. “But I’m guessing they didn’t find anything since they’re coming after me.”

  “Good point.”

  “Besides, the University is a public place with lots of people.” Abbie smiled.

  “People is good, but you should probably hide that here somewhere.” Josh pointed at the briefcase.

  “Why?”

  “You… being the only person that knows where it is could be the leverage you need to stay alive.”

  “What about you,” asked Abbie.

  Josh thought for a moment. It only took him a few seconds before the realization hit the front of his brain. He shook his head. “Yea, I got nothing.”

  Abbie gave him an endearing, thoughtful smile as she disappeared deep into her apartment. Within minutes, she returned with her purse, ready to go. She and Josh exited her apartment.

  Josh looked for the dark SUV and where they might be lurking in the shadows. His view was clear of any dark SUVs. Josh trusted the FBI as far as he could throw them. Even with Josh’s sturdy build, that would not be far.

  Josh opened the passenger door for Abbie and then circled around to the driver’s side of the car and got in. His finger went in the direction of the start button of the car, but it never connected with the button… he held it steady, over the button.

  “What?” Abbie asked.

  “Something’s not right… just wait.”

  Josh pulled the hood release. He exited the car and circled to the front, where he raised the hood. He peered into the engine compartment at various angles, looking deep into the inner workings of the engine. He was about to surrender his search—he saw it. A faint blinking light reflected in the puddle of water under the car. “Shit!”

  He slammed the hood closed and met Abbie on the passenger side of the car. “We need another car.”

  “Why?”

  “Someone enabled the anti-theft GPS tracker.”

  “Who?” Abbie asked.

  “Really?” He said as he wrinkled his face at Abbie. “You’re the smart one between us… guess.”

  “We can use my car,” said Abbie. She closed the passenger door and headed toward a small parking garage. She ran down a small set of stairs and through the parking garage door.

  Josh followed her closely. “If you have a car, why’d you call for a ride?”

  “I don’t like to drive.” Abbie ran between several rows of cars and stopped. “Here it is.”

  Abbie and Josh reach for the driver’s door.

  Abbie turned, faced Josh, and stood as tall as she could. “I’m driving.”

  “What?” Josh wore a puzzled look on his face. “You just said you don’t like to drive.”

  Josh was about to receive a first-hand experience of Abbie standing her ground on principal when several gunshots echoed throughout the parking garage. Bullets zinged through the air, ripping through the metal of the car next to Abbie’s Honda and shattering the windshield.

  Chapter 30

  Abbie and Josh dropped to the ground, using the bullet-ridden car as cover.

  “In the city. I don’t like driving in the city,” said Abbie as she opened the driver door from a crouched position.

  Josh remained crouch as he ran around the rear of Abbie’s Honda to the passenger side. “You failed to mention that part.”

  Abbie quickly entered the car, had her seatbelt fastened, and the vehicle started in seconds.

  Josh opened the passenger door and tried to sit, but piles of clothes and shoes occupied the seat and the floorboard.

  “What the hell,” he said as he tried pushing the piles to the side enough for him to sit down. “It’s a car, not a wardrobe.”

  “Sorry, I don’t usually drive with anyone.”

  Abbie helped Josh move her clothes when the sounds of more gunfire rebounded off the concrete walls of the parking garage. Bullets hit several cars. One found its way into the corner of Abbie’s windshield.

  “Just drive. I got this,” commanded Josh.

  Abbie put the car in reverse as Josh scooped up clothes from his seat and threw them in the backseat, which was already overflowing with clothes, shoes, and bags.

  Abbie looked over her shoulder to back up and saw a dark-skinned man. He pointed his weapon at the rear of Abbie’s car.

  He spoke with a Middle Eastern dialect. “Turn off the engine.”

  Josh’s eyes bulged, “What are you waiting for?”

  “He’s in the way.”

  The man fired a few more shots over the car.

  “He’s shooting at us. Does that mean anything to you?”

  “I don’t want to hit him,” said Abbie.

  “I’m sure whatever country he’s from has nationalized health care. Drive!”

  Josh, still bent over from hurdling clothes, reached over and pushed Abbie’s foot down hard on the accelerator. The Honda jerked back, sending Josh’s back into the glove box.

  The man fired at the oncoming car. Bullets ripped through the steel in the back of Abbie’s car and shattered her rear window. Her car sped toward him in reverse until it crashed into the front of a parked vehicle, sandwiching the man’s legs between Abbie’s rear bumper and the parked car.

  “My car,” yelled Abbie.

  The gunman screamed in immense pain. He dropped his gun and reached for his kneecaps that were crushed by Abbie’s bumper along with the top of his shins.

  Josh threw the car into drive. “Need I remind you they’re SHOOTING AT US.”

  Abbie floored the gas pedal, sending the Honda forward. The car’s forward momentum threw Josh, face first, into the passenger seat.

  Abbie flew down the aisle of the parking garage. She passed a few more men carrying weapons that resembled the man she just hit with her car.

  More gunfire chased after her Honda as more bullets found their way into the back of Abbie’s car. Abbie turned to exit the garage when a group of men blocked her exit. In front was the man from the photo that Agent Walker showed her.

  “That’s the Sayid guy, isn’t it?” Abbie yelled.

  Josh felt the car slow. He turned to Abbie, “Floor it!”

  Abbie’s foot held the accelerator to the floor as the car gained speed toward the group of men. Abbie saw the flashes of gunfire toward the vehicle. It scared her. She aimed her vehicle for the exit and closed her eyes as bullets hit the front of it and the windshield.

  The car rapidly closed the distance between it and the men, forcing the gunmen to decide—stand their ground or move and live to shoot their guns another day.

  Abbie’s Honda fired on all cylinders and was quickly gaining speed as it approached the gunmen.

  Josh was st
ill moving clothes and trying to get his butt on the seat. He saw Abbie had her eyes closed. For some silly reason, that did not bother him as much as the bullets that were flying around him. As Abbie drove the Honda through the divided group of men, Josh heaved a laundry-basket-sized pile of clothes toward the opening of the rear window. His laundry toss was well-timed as the clothes caught the wind as the car passed the men, scattering and wrapping garments across both groups of men. With her eyes now open, Abbie maneuvered the Honda toward the on-ramp that fed into the highway. Within minutes, she was cruising at seventy miles-per-hour with no one following them.

  Chapter 31

  The ride to the university was quiet… aside from the wind whipping through the inside of Abbie’s car from the missing back window. Most of Abbie’s clothes that were in the car were caught by the wind and littered on the highway.

  Abbie did not care. She felt odd—an overwhelming energy that ran throughout her body. She knew it was adrenaline, but she never felt a rush like this before. Abbie now understood how people could perform incredible acts of strength when faced with fight or flight situations. Her problem was she had all the energy cooped up, and she was stuck, sitting behind the steering wheel of her shot up Honda.

  Josh Richards finally moved enough clothes and junk to sit forward in the passenger seat. With his knees pressing into the glovebox, he stared out the window as the wind caught up his long locks of brown wavy hair with blond highlights and whipped it around. He scratched his beard along his chin line. He was late for his next job, and there was no way his boss would believe the truth. He let out a small laugh at the irony that he would need to think up a believable lie of why he was a no call no show because the truth sounded like complete bullshit.

  Twenty minutes later, Abbie pulled her car into the University parking lot.

  “You may want to park this somewhere out of the way,” Josh suggested.

  “Why?”

  “It’s a car riddled with bullet holes and a shot-out rear window. It may draw a little attention if you park it in the front row.”