Agent M: Project Mabus (The Agent M Series Book 1)

by L. M. Vila

  A soft hand reached up and caressed his cheek. “Don’t always look so sad Michael. The department needs you. Now more than ever.”

  Holly’s hand lowered and then wrapped around his waist. Together they stood, amidst the moving crowd of grievers, and hugged. Michael reciprocated, squeezing her gently.

  The moment was brief, but enjoyable. They soon parted ways. Michael was able to resume his journey to the parking lot. He took Holly’s words under careful consideration. She was right. The FBI was going to need his abilities. And that’s exactly what they’ll get for as long as heart kept beating.

  Nicole sat quietly in her office, thinking back to the morning’s events. The construction going on next door created a good distraction. Coming back from Joshua’s funeral was tough. They had such a great working relationship. Still, she didn’t want to see him go. Nicole’s work would become harder from here on out. Knowing that she was just promoted to fill his shoes was even a tougher pill to swallow.

  On her computer, the e-mail program sang a familiar tune. Quickly glancing over, Nicole saw it was a receipt from the postal service. Her package had been successfully delivered. It made her playfully smirk ever so slightly. The recipient deserved to see that package. It was the least she could do for all of his help.

  Someone knocked on her door outside. She gave them a half-hearted, “Come in.”

  Michael entered the room quickly and quietly, leaving the door slightly open. He approached Nicole, noticing she was too distracted to even identify him. It wasn’t like he could blame her. A lot had fallen on her plate in the last couple of days. The new Assistant Director was buried with responsibilities.

  “Morning.”

  “Good morning - Michael?” Her shocked voice said it all. Nicole wasn’t exactly here today. For good reason of course. She stood up from her desk and greeted him properly.

  “What are you doing here? Aren’t you supposed to be on leave for another few days because of your injuries?”

  He lifted his right arm and waved it in a circle. The pain had subsided and the wound sealed. Mostly thanks to his wonderful genetics. He proved his case to Nicole in less than a second even if she didn’t agree.

  “I still think you should take today off.” Joshua touched her thoughts once more. “In light of everything.”

  “What happened in New York?”

  Michael's professionalism immediately took over. Nicole knew what he was talking about. They hadn’t spoken about that case since the ambulance ride they shared together.

  “Our men swooped in, seized all their evidence. Their products have been pulled from shelves, discontinued. All of their money will be spent paying out grieving parents now who believe the children that used their miracle drug were somehow infected with some kind of super virus.” She picked up a four-inch thick file folder and dropped it on her desk. “That’s what I’ll be working on for the next few weeks.”

  “And Isabella?”

  She expected that question and was thankfully well prepared. This one took a bit more research than the others. Luckily, once they identified the man responsible for this calamity, sifting through his private information became child’s play. However, Michael may not like what he's about to hear.

  “The General had some connections with Russia’s allies in Cuba. Particularly the Vasquez family. After the Cuban Missile Crisis, they came to America thanks in part to Semyon’s American connections. They changed their name to Rios and years later, gave birth to their only child Isabella. The parents died when she was still a teenager and ever since then, Semyon fed, educated, and trained her to be a silent warrior on his behalf. The gratitude and debt she felt gave her more than enough reasons to follow him blindly.” Nicole paused for a moment, reflecting on the past mistake.

  “Her background was so flawless, even our extensive searches couldn’t find any holes. General Semyon was truly a smart man. He knew how to raise spies. Right under our fucking noses. What a bastard.”

  There appeared to be more. Michael was unsure how to proceed but after a deep breath, Nicole took over. This was the part that would certainly make sense of a lot of things.

  “We searched Isabella's apartment after the incident. She had hundreds of pictures of you plastered all over her wall, countless files, and reports about your daily activities. Everywhere you went, anything you touched, even all the times you went to the bathroom were documented in detail. This explains her constant infatuation with you.”

  That didn't sit well with Michael. His stomach churned at the disgusting thought. Not so much about the spying portion but the fact that he was completely oblivious to it. Her shy yet flirtatious demeanor, albeit ignored by Michael, still didn't register as odd to him. Mistakes like this could not be made ever again.

  “And here's the kicker. Isabella filed her application with the FBI right after you returned from your AWOL stunt. Which means -”

  “Semyon knew what I am.”

  Nicole didn't like to hear it put that way but alas, it was the truth. The contingency of the General's death meant the circle of people who knew the secret dwindled. However, the thought of that information lingering anywhere past Nicole's trusted circle only elevated her concern.

  It was Michael's turn to reveal a bit of information Nicole may be unaware of. He pulled out the syringe Kurtis used in their last fight and dropped it on her desk. Staring at it quizzically, Nicole desired to know its significance.

  “What is this?”

  “The Russian I fought against injected himself with this before our final confrontation. It made him stronger, faster, and in the course of our battle, turned him into an animal.”

  Every atom of oxygen escaped Nicole's lungs. “Agent M? They made it work - ?”

  “What?” Michael interrupted. Her silence afterwards indicated she had nothing more to say. This reminded him of Roman Grisha's last words. The fact that Nicole did not reiterate made Michael question this substance even further. However, that could wait. There were more pressing things to discuss.

  “The General’s laptop contained an encrypted file in his email outbox. Sent to an unknown source. I found an identical file hidden in their servers. Not knowing its significance, I took the liberty of cleaning up his documents, as a precaution.”

  “That explosion in the building? The one that wiped out all of his servers? You mean that was -”

  Nicole’s heart stopped when she remembered the first part of his report. “This email, it was delivered?”

  “Minutes before I arrived.”

  Sweeping through all of his files was easy after their server room was destroyed. She imagined the formula for Agent M went along with it. This news was beyond shocking. Her nightmare would begin once more.

  “And that CIA agent, did they have access to A.N.K.H.’s servers.”

  He couldn’t answer that directly. The smug look she gave them that morning worked against their favor.

  “Damn it!” Nicole punched her desk, the pain didn’t even register. She turned to Michael. He was still in the dark about what this all meant. The substance that gave him life was also one that had the power to destroy the world.

  Looking into Michael’s eyes, Nicole saw the strength of his determination pierce through. He had fought and defeated one mess Agent M had created. She was confident he could do so again. Even against countless odds, battling monsters and devils, Michael would always prevail. The name of the experiment prophesized he may be destined to destroy the world. Now, it would appear he would be its only savior. Irony was truly a funny thing.

  “We’re going to be pretty busy from now on. Possibly more menacing then this case or any of your others put together. It’s going to be difficult, I assure you Michael. But...” She paused. Nicole didn’t like what she was about to say but to ensure her safety and his they must do whatever it takes. “Selfishly, I’m going to have to rely on your strength.”

  Michael didn’t hesitate to say, “Of course.”

  He w
as such a good boy. That’s the way Nicole raised him. Michael deserved a much better life than this but knowing him, he wouldn’t have it any other way. Being reunited after so many years apart made Nicole feel even more selfish. Just another thing to add to her growing list of sorrow.

  “One more thing.”

  “Yes Michael?” She wasn’t expecting his continuous line of questions but one more couldn’t hurt.

  “Congratulations Commander Wells.”

  “Thank you,” she replied sliding her hair over her ear. Nicole certainly wasn’t expecting to hear that from him. The levity helped alleviate the newly added stressful news that was just delivered.

  “Time will tell if the Director made a hasty decision. I hope the transition will go smoothly.”

  “You’ll do fine,” he replied. “I’ll be here.”

  Nicole cracked a smile that stretched her lips to their limit. “Yes, you will be.” Immediately, she swung her arms around Michael’s body and held him tightly; her face buried into his chest.

  “Please Michael… Don’t run off like that again.” Nicole fought against the pleas of her emotions. “I can’t lose someone precious to me. Not like before. Not again.”

  The first woman in Michael’s life to show him kindness, sincerity, and love had fallen into his arms. He squeezed her softly, reciprocating the emotion. They spent the first thirteen years of his life together. Sharing a hug was only natural. He was so engrossed in her emotions that when the door opened behind him, it didn’t register as a sound.

  “Excuse me Commander Wells, I thought I saw Michael come in today. They told me he walked in here –” Meryl stopped her words dead as she stared upon the scene before her, her boss passionately embracing her partner. Suddenly, she agreed with her mental cues telling her to exit and Meryl did just that.

  “I’m sorry for interrupting!”

  Watching Meryl speedily exit and hearing the door shut was enough to pull Michael and Nicole away from each other. The Assistant Director was satisfied with this moment. Michael’s look on the other hand, was one of concern. Something told Nicole’s motherly instincts to take notice of their budding partnership.

  “Do you think we scared her?”

  “I’ll explain later,” Michael countered.

  “All of it?” She was referring to Michael’s, or in actuality, Mavryk’s history.

  “No, not all of it.”

  “Oh, why not?” In the few days Nicole’s gotten to know her, she really started to like Meryl. And from the look on Michael’s face, she wasn’t the only one. “She looks like someone we can trust.”

  “She is… Just,” His mind attempted to tie together a justifiable response. “Now’s not the time.”

  “Will you ever? I thought you two were good friends.”

  He nodded. Whether or not he would let Meryl in on the truth was not something to be decided today. However, there was one thing he was sure of and he replied back to Nicole proudly.

  “Best friends.”

  In his Poughkeepsie, New York home, Donald Viseman sat on his favorite recliner going over essays on his laptop computer. His students truly amazed him; in both good and bad ways. They say chemistry is not rocket science but it's pretty damn close. Sadly, some of these papers would read better in German.

  “Sweetheart,” Donald’s spectacular wife Dana called, “You have a package.”

  “Oh really,” he said not even taking his eyes off the computer screen, “Could you please bring it to me?”

  A small but thick white envelope dropped on his keyboard. Donald examined it, noticing there wasn’t a return address. Somewhat odd, but if one of his student’s was about to prank him he was happy that the grading wasn’t finished. Just in case he needed to exact his revenge.

  Donald carefully opened it, using the red string aptly found on the package. He pulled out the contents slowly. Photographs poured out which instantly began to tug at his heart. A ghost had fallen before him. One that he was elated to see.

  New images of a memorable person scattered across his laptop. The first was a young man, smiling brightly. His shiny black hair waved against the backdrop of an unfamiliar ocean surrounded by young men and women of Japanese descent. In the second, the same man had his arms wrapped around a woman. They were both standing in front of a large stage wearing police officer uniforms. Both of them seemed so happy to be with one another.

  And the last photo had the happy expression stolen from his face. The young man who didn’t appear to have a care in the world stared back at Donald with a serious gaze. Behind him, the seal of the Federal Bureau of Investigation filled the background.

  His eyes watered. Donald could no longer fight the tears. Nor did he want to.

  “Dana! Come in here quick!” He called to his wife. She arrived seconds later.

  “What is it Donny?”

  “Look,” he said handing her the photographs.

  The woman immediately gasped and covered her gaping mouth with her hand. As Donald did beforehand, his wife recognized this young man’s face without question. He had spent so many nights in this very home, practically being raised by this couple and their six daughters. Seeing him here, alive and healthy was truly the only miracle they could have ever asked for.

  There was one last thing inside that envelope that Donald had yet to retrieve. He pulled it out and identified the handwriting instantly. She was still sneaky after all of these years. Nevertheless, this time Donald completely understood and would once again, forgive her for it. He showed the note to his wife. These five words were enough to fill their hearts to the brim with happiness.

  Your son is doing fine.

  “Has it been confirmed?” One of the men spoke. Four of them sat across a finely crafted wooden table. They all wore large white cassocks, covering their ankles and buttoned all the way to their necks. Engraved on their chests lay a cross, the sign of the Lord Jesus Christ, outlined in pure silver and worn proudly. A single light shined above, keeping their faces masked in darkness.

  “We must have Father’s blessing before proceeding,” said the third.

  “Time is of the essence. We hesitated with the last two and it look what happened,” the forth spoke.

  “They are no longer our concern. The Seer warned us of their destructive power but it pales in comparison to this one,” spoke the second.

  “We cannot afford to be mistaken. This is not a game,” the first responded. “Humanity is at stake.”

  “Even so, we are bound by the will of the Father. We will wait until his word is given,” retorted the third.

  “Shouldn’t we be waiting for Cariot and Cephas anyhow? They too share our responsibility,” the first stated.

  “Cariot in unavailable. As for Cephas, he hasn’t returned from his pilgrimage in Europe,” answered the second.

  “Don’t they understand the seriousness of this matter? They should be here, as we are now!” Snapped the forth.

  “Cephas is not at fault. How could any of us predict when he would be found?” Defended the second.

  “That is irrelevant. Father clearly stated he is the strongest. It is not only his duty to be here, but to lead us in these discussions,” the first stated.

  “You know as well as I do that Cephas didn’t choose to become a Paladin. He was called by God himself. His body may be powerful but his heart lies with the people. Let him be for now,” the fourth appealed. His reasoning was sound, as it always was.

  “Let us keep the discussion focused. Other matters can be settled later,” the second posed.

  “He’s right,” affirmed the first, “So, what do we know about this one?”

  The fourth spread paperwork across the desk. “Unlike the first two, what he lacks in military power he more than makes up for in physical strength and combat prowess.”

  “There is still plenty of time for him to gain such power. He’s legacy is currently in its infancy,” said the second.

  “Which is why we are only to wa
tch, and protect,” the first stated. He slowed his thoughts for a moment and remembered their mission. “For now anyways.”

  “Are we overlooking a critical factor here?” Pleaded the third.

  “And what exactly is that?” The fourth placated.

  “This man is the first to be born against the will of God. A creation of science. It should be obvious that he is the one,” the third reiterated.

  “If that is the case then should we not examine his creators instead?” Countered the second.

  “He raises a good point,” fourth replied.

  Steps hastily approached from above. It was enough to halt their discussion. They flew down the stairs, stopping at the end of the stairs and called out to the four sitting men.

  “Paladins! Forgive my intrusion,” he said while trying to catch his breath. This one was dressed in similar clothing, although his attire was colored black, not white.

  “What is it Cleric?” The first asked.

  “Father,” said the young man between breaths, “Has given his blessing.”

  “Is what you’re saying true?” Questioned the third.

  “You doubt the words of one of our own?” The first argued. It easily silenced their complaints.

  “Then it is settled. We will arrange a meeting as soon as Cephas returns,” Agreed the fourth.

  The young Cleric bowed and dismissed himself. He eagerly ran back up the stairs, leaving the men to their original conversation.

  “The wheels of fate have started once more,” said the second.

  “You are incorrect, they are always moving. We are here to make sure it never stops,” the first retorted.

  “It’s hard to believe the moment of reckoning is upon us,” pondered the third.

  “Nothing has begun just yet. It is not our duty to place judgment on anyone. Remember, first and foremost, we are watchers and protectors,” the first replied.