Probe
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THE CRYPTID TRILOGY
CRYPTID: PROBE
© 2017 Douglas E Roff and Jacob A Roff
Cryptid:
a creature or plant whose existence has been suggested but has not been discovered or documented by the scientific community
THE CRYPTID TRILOGY
They live among us.
Working with his father, renowned archeologist Edward St. James, and his new wife, Misti Alarcon, Adam St. James continues his investigation into the Gens Collective and its rival rebel faction, the Black Shirts. Both factions seek the demise of homo sapiens and have developed the means to destroy humanity in what they call the Great Cull. And they seek to destroy each other.
As Adam continues his dialog with Paulo Fortizi, leader of the Gens Collective, he is met with deceit and duplicity at every turn. The Gens Collective desperately seeks to find Adam, who they call the Human, and recover their lost Library.
Adam continues to develop extraordinary new mental abilities with a close group of colleagues and finds his new abilities are more powerful and frightening than he could possibly imagine. Can he control his powers, or will they be his undoing?
With the addition of the beautiful and mysterious Alana McCarthy, world renowned NSA computer hacker, and the equally mysterious and lethal Nocera “Noki” Lee, Adam confronts his adversaries uncovering the depth and breadth of the plot against humanity. Can they succeed? Only Adam holds the key to prevent unleashing total annihilation.
The mysterious Cardinal Bellinelli plots against the Black Shirts, and the Gens Collective to spark a war between the Gens and humanity he believes will eliminate the Gens species on the planet. Does the Vatican hold the answers Adam seeks? Which side will the Vatican choose and why?
Murder, treachery and betrayal combine with unexpected twists and turns, as events pit friend against friend, family against family, and species against species. Nothing is as it appears to be, and new discoveries shed light upon old grievances.
The Black Shirts and their charismatic leader, Saldana Ri, develop the means to destroy the rival Gens Collective and humanity, but will they unleash the devastation? Can they? What explosive secrets does Saldana hide that could destroy her leadership and shift the balance of power back to her rival, Paulo Fortizi of the Gens Collective.
With the means of destruction of humanity complete, it’s a race against time to prevent genocide on a global scale. Can Adam stop the impending holocaust? Can anyone?
With the fate of mankind and the Gens Nation hanging in the balance, forces array against Adam and his teams trying to prevent the conflagration that could signal the demise of intelligent life on the planet.
New tech, new weapons and new adversaries, along with new powers never thought to exist, entertain the reader throughout the novel. New mind journeys and psychic powers begin to reveal themselves as both the savior and destructor of humanity.
Cryptid: Probe continues the saga begun in Cryptid: Discovery as the future of mankind teeters on the brink of extinction. Can Adam St. James prevent all out war and still fulfill his own destiny?
Murder, intrigue, deception, treachery, lust and betrayal all come together in the Cryptid Trilogy as mankind faces off against an unknown species bent on its total destruction as the dominant species on the planet.
DEDICATION
To knowledge, in an irrational world
To Barack Obama, a rational leader in an irrational world
To the song Ohio, never more appropriate than today
TABLE OF CONTENTS
FURIA ROSSA, FURIA MENTE
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
PACE E GURRA
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
Chapter 60
SABBI BIANCA, MORTE ROSSA
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Chapter 30
Chapter 31
Chapter 32
Chapter 33
Chapter 34
Chapter 35
Chapter 36
Chapter 37
Chapter 38
Chapter 39
Chapter 40
Chapter 41
Chapter 42
Chapter 43
Chapter 44
Chapter 45
Chapter 46
Chapter 47
Chapter 48
Chapter 49
Chapter 50
Chapter 51
Chapter 52
Chapter 53
Chapter 54
Chapter 55
Chapter 56
Chapter 57
Chapter 58
Chapter 59
THE CRYPTID TRILOGY
CRYPTID: PROBE
FURIA ROSSA, FURIA MENTE
Chapter 1
They boarded the plane in LA after the short trip down from SeaTac. The connection time was far from optimal for a crowded flight to Hawaii; they hoped their luggage would greet them in Honolulu when they arrived. The plane was an older model and, while their seats in First Class were large and spacious, the retrofit of the cabin could only accomplish so much.
Misti wanted to be in the aisle seat, so Adam slipped into his seat next to an attractive redhead they had both noticed in the boarding area. What they also noticed was that she was not only travelling alone but had attracted the attention of two young men who had taken an interest in the unattached, and slightly nervous looking young woman. She seemed to be about Adam’s age and was casually and tastefully outfitted in vacation attire. Her flaming red hair, pale white complexion and lightly freckled face made her look like the poster girl for the Irish Board of Tourism. Her emerald green eyes completed the picture although they were presently hidden behind reflective aviator’s sunglasses.
As two men from the boarding area approached the aisle nearest Misti, the young woman tried hard to avoid their ogling and remain composed. One of the men, who sounded slightly intoxicated, made a rude remark to his friend, obviously intended for her ears, then turned to her demanding a response.
“Hey, red, I’m talking to you.”
The woman said nothing.
“Hey, darlin’ why so unfriendly? We just want to get to know you. You’re all by your lonesome, so we’d be happy to keep you company.” He turned slightly to his buddy and slurred, “Right, Alex?”
“Sure would. Three of us could have some fun in the sun. How about it, red’?”
The woman didn’t answer and continued to ignore the men. But Adam could sense her growing anxiety with this clearly unwanted and unwelcome attention.
The line heading to the back of the cabin was now halted behind the two well-dressed troublemakers while the loud and uncomfortable conversation continued. Neither seemed concerned about the inconvenience to their fellow passengers and probably thought themselves somehow entitled to an immediate response from the young woman. They didn’t seem to want to take her discomfort with their rude behavior as a ‘no’.
The flight attendants were just noticing the ruckus and began moving toward the scene.
Adam said, “Push off gents. The lady isn’t interested. And watch your mouths, my wife is easily offended. So am I.”
The man closest to Misti looked down at her, then said to Adam, “Man, your honey is hot. I wouldn’t mind giving her a ride in the James-mobile any time. Stick shift you know.”
He and his friend laughed at the crude joke. Probably not the first time these morons had acted like idiots.
Adam wasn’t amused, and his fuse was about to be lit.
Turning to Misti, and craning down closer to her, one of the men said, “And if you want to dump this loser, Alex and I can show you a real good time. Just the three of us.”
“Last warning, boys. Push off before you make me mad. And apologies to the ladies right now.”
“Yeah, like that’s gonna happen. You don’t look like much, so I guess the answer is ‘fuck off’ loser.”
That prompted a quick reaction from Adam, who rose quickly and turned to the men.
Misti intervened.
“Have a seat, Adam. Please. These men are just having a little fun. Right boys? No harm intended.”
Adam was puzzled but sat back down, unamused. Misti smiled at him, letting him know she would deal with this. After all she had a lot of experience with boorish men and their bad behavior. Alcohol fueled stupidity was nothing new to her and she knew how to resolve the situation quickly.
“Why don’t you boys give me your hands and I’ll write down my number. We can party later. Might be fun.”
The two men looked at each other, thinking they had just hit the jackpot. They shot their hands down to her in sloshed expectation of some physical action later. They were laughing at the woman’s husband and leering at the redhead; obviously this lightweight couldn’t handle his hot wife. Both were certain they could.
They were wrong.
Misti grabbed their hands, pushed her thumb into the fold between the thumb and forefinger of the two men, and squeezed hard. These were well known pressure points and Misti knew once she clamped down viciously on the soft tissue, the pain would be excruciating. They would be unable to move or pull their hands away, so Misti would jerk the two loudmouths down to her at face level for a quick chat.
“You boys have been mighty rude to my husband and to the nice lady seated next to him. You’re lucky that I am here to protect you because if my hubby got a hold of you, you’d be headed to a nice private room at the local hospital. If you understand me, just nod.”
They nodded.
“Now I’m going to let go of you, but before I do, I think you should apologize to my husband, the very nice and very patient young woman you have insulted as well as to all your fellow passengers who have been inconvenienced by your offensive and vulgar behavior. Now, say you’re sorry.”
“I’m sorry, I’m sorry. Now jeez lady, let go. It’s fuckin’ killing me.”
Misti looked at the other man, Alex. “You too, buddy.”
“OK, OK, I’m sorry too. Just let go.”
Misti released the men just as another well dressed, burly man approached rapidly from the rear.
“You fucking psycho bitch. I think you broke my hand. I’m gonna …”
That was as far as he got before a burly guy dressed in khakis and a flowered Hawaiian shirt reached around a passenger and grabbed the belligerent fool by his collar.
“You’re going to do what, you little puke? What?” You’re coming with me. Both of you. Now get moving and give me your seat assignments. Now!”
“Who the fuck do you think you are, asshole? I’m going to have you arrested. You can’t fuck with me like this. I have rights.”
“I’m the Air Marshall and you two are under arrest. Now get moving, you’re coming with me. Turn around and git.” The two men now firmly in grasp, he called ahead to the passengers lined up to go into the Cabin. “OK, people, make way. Coming through.”
As he hustled the two men back toward the front cabin door, passengers making way, hands firmly on the necks of the two jerks. He stopped, turned around and looking back at Misti, Adam and the redhead. “Sorry about the ruckus, folks, and these two jerks. It happens every once in a while. Booze and too much stupid. But I suspect I just saved them from a pretty big whoopin’ and much deserved one at that.”
“I’m the nice one in the family,” Misti said with a grin. “If my husband had gotten to them, they’d be in an ambulance right now. Thanks officer ….”
“Monroe. James Monroe.”
“Well, thank you James, we appreciate you jumping in.” Misti reached into her wallet and pulled out her business card. “Here’s my card. If you need us for any reason, just call. And thanks again.”
Adam was watching and smiling. “Thanks, Mr. President. And good work.” Adam laughed.
The Air Marshall smiled back. “Very funny. Like I’ve never heard that one before.”
>
Chapter 2
The airplane cabin quickly returned to normal. A few of the passengers witnessing the entire episode had kind words of appreciation for Adam and Misti as they passed by. A few of the women gave Misti a “go girl” look of support and an appreciative squeeze of her shoulder as they passed by. In just minutes the episode was completely forgotten as the passengers settled into their seats after stowing their carry-ons. Misti and Adam held hands as they now looked forward to a quiet and restful flight to Honolulu, not to mention the excitement and tantalizing promise of seven days of unbroken peace and quiet.
Misti smiled to herself, happy that she prevented Adam from going nuclear on the two bozos. It was far better for her to deal with these kinds of idiots. Adam only had two speeds; zero and deadly. Misti had many more nuanced speeds and could moderate her ire. Her training with Edward over the many long years had taught her restraint; she knew that just because she could’ve hurt the two fools, and badly, it didn’t mean she had to. At least not on a crowded plane, and not on their honeymoon.
The redhead had been quiet but finally looked over at her seat mates a little sheepishly and whispered, “Thank you. That was very kind and very brave. I didn’t know what to do. They just wouldn’t leave me alone. I don’t know what I would’ve done if you hadn’t … dealt with them.”
“It was nothing,” Adam said. “Besides, my wife gets kinda ornery when she sees this kind of shi…, I mean stuff happening. But when it does, as you could see, she can be a handful.”
Adam laughed at his own little joke which the redhead got it right away. Pretty and quick, Misti noted.
The redhead burst out laughing, smiled a deep wide grin of appreciation, then looked directly at Misti and asked, “Hands down, the best solution.”
She held Misti’s gaze, the asked, “Can I give your husband a little thank you kiss? He’s clever and brave. Maybe a little scary too. You’re a lucky woman.”
Misti laughed and said, “Go ahead but you shouldn’t encourage him. He’ll expect sex from me tonight. And, his testosterone will be through the roof. Men, you know.”
The woman giggled with delight.
Then Misti continued, “And I hope I get a kiss too. I did most of the handiwork work. Along with President Monroe, of course.”
The redhead couldn’t suppress her glee, “You can have two, one now and one on account. Whenever you want to collect,” the woman said in a very flirty and playful tone. “I’ll give you my number. Just call; I always pay my bills. And promptly, I might add.”