Chapter 13

“You guys have been having this tired glazed over look lately, it kind of works for you two.” Kyra pointed out to Jace and I as we all were eating lunch together.

“Yeah I noticed that too.” I heard Alec say.

I was looking through my phone, going through the information and pricing of the fair. I quickly looked up at everyone at the table who were suddenly looking at both of us. “What makes you say that?” I said with smile and yawn.

“Just been busy you know playing video games until the crack of dawn doesn’t help.” Jace said with his head on top of his backpack.

Felicia gave me an awkward look, as she would know more than anyone that statement couldn’t have applied to me. I own gaming systems but she would know whether not I was playing them late, but Donovan luckily continued on the conversation agreeing with Jace.

“Yeah I know the struggle, what game are you playing?” From then Alec, Donovan and Jace were lost in that conversation with each other. Kyra and Felicia both scoffed and went into their own.

Kyra was right about me being tired, more so than previous nights or at least it felt that way. All I could think about was how we were going to help Leon plan for his mission and what it was we were looking for. I figured Leon would know seeing how it isn’t his first time and all of this thinking I was doing was pointless because he knows and were learning but that didn’t help my mind not think about it, it was all that it was doing. This will be the first official time we were helping and working with the unknown, we’ll still be on the sidelines and at the studio but whatever we were helping and going to start making a difference. I was excited and one of the main reasons for my lack of sleep.

I went back to phone pulling up maps and directions to the fair. This will be the first time we are going without our families so last thing I wanted to do was get lost. I was sure it was pretty straight shot with minimal turns, the fair wasn’t in Vegas it was about a thirty minute drive outside the city in a surround town called Pahrump. It was funny my dad wasn’t going to approve me driving out to the fair until I told him it was with Emmalin, then his whole attitude changed and he started asking if I needed money or tips. I just kind of looked at him weird.

I was also looking on how to ask someone to a dance…its sad to say but this will be the first time I ever do this. I was nervous about it, the possibility of being turned down, that would be a horrible way to start off my first time. She was going alone so I don’t think she would turn me down…she said she was waiting for someone specific, the image of tony walking away upset and embarrassed flashed through my head…stop it your overthinking again.

Alec tapped me on the shoulder, “Gabriel, Emmalin is on her way over.”

I looked up scanning the cafeteria quickly spotting her walking up with a group of friends. She came up to the table with a glowing smile on her face.

“Hey guys, how’s everyone doing?”

Everyone greeted her.

“Gabriel, we still good for tomorrow night?”

There was sudden halt at the table as they all focused on our conversation. “Of course.” Realizing my eagerness for it to be tomorrow already. “I’ll be at your house at seven.”

“Okay good, I will see you tomorrow.” She waved at everyone and walked back to her group of friends who started giggling and talking.

“So when were you going to let us know you were going to meet up with Emmalin tomorrow at seven on a Saturday night for what I can only assume is a date?” Alec started “How much you want to bet he has no clue what just happened?”

“Or even know whats going on?” Donovan continued

“What are you guys talking about? I asked her to the fair that’s here this weekend, I haven’t spent any time with her lately.” I saw grins and smiles all around then laughter.

“It’s a good thing your cute Gabriel, because sometimes youre blind to the most obvious things” Kyra said

I looked at Felicia for some clarification but she just laughed.

“He will one day.” Jace lifted his head up long enough to say.

I smiled at all of them “You guys are something else.”

 

“Okay, if you look at the complex.” I said placing it on the table in the middle of the training floor. “There are many routes to enter. Now Maxwell’s apartment is here towards the back. Now we can’t assume that’s where his operations come from, for all we know he just sleeps there, but that is more likely where his phone is going to end.”

“See sir, this would be more of a recon mission than anything else. We talked and Gabriel and I believe starting near the gas station and following him from there would be easiest. He doesn’t look around much at all, he doesn’t drive so just staying in the shadows will be easy. From there find out where he goes and follow the phone. I’m sure his number has multiple contacts that we could run in the system.”

Leon didn’t have any emotions cross his face, he just stood there and took everything we said. At the end we waited for his opinion. He put his hands on the table, “I think you are ready.”

“Ready for what sir?” I asked

“This is only a recon mission, I had every intention of completing this mission but the planning you presented shows me this may be a good opportunity for you to complete. We will see what happens.”

I looked over at Jace who seemed just as anxious and nervous as I did. He just gave us our first mission. We trained endlessly the last three months for this point, and now I could feel the nerves kick in.

“Yes sir.”

“We can do this.”

“Good. I will be with you close by in case but this is entirely on you two. Go grab what you need, go over the plan with each other, and let me know when you are ready to go.”

I watched Leon walk towards the supply area before I looked at my watch. It was a little past ten already meaning we had less than an hour to do this before Maxwell did his routine. Jace was waiting for me to say something as I tried relaxing my shoulders, replacing the complex map with the city map. “Okay in that case…”

“Dude…”

“I know…we can do this.”

Jace nodded and looked towards the map. We mapped out the route we explained to Leon while triple checking everything else making sure we didn’t miss anything. We knew we didn’t but yeah nerves will do that to you.

“One more thing,” Leon caught our attention walking back. “Here, we’re going to use these.” Placing two mask on the table, similar to that of his dragon mouth but these had no designs on them. I picked it up seeing how to tie it and noticed the mask held an earpiece and a small head set.

“I actually was planning on this since the beginning. I wanted to be able to keep in contact while on patrol.” He gave us a quick lesson on how it worked, “Press on the ear piece to talk, the sound is loud to the wearer but not to anyone around. Just whisper and the microphone will pick it up.”

We put it on and tested it, “Can you hear me in your ear?”

I nodded to Jace “It’s good, let’s go it’s almost time.”

 

The night air was cool with a small breeze. Jace and I hid on top of the convenience store, not much coverage anywhere else and I didn’t think anyone would look up. I looked at my watch and Jace kept watch for our VIP. It was exhilarating and nerve wrecking at the same time. We were on our first official mission. I didn’t know where Leon was but I figured he was close evaluating and making sure nothing drastic happened, or at least I did.

I went up next to Jace to help look, there wasn’t much commotion on the streets. Cars passed every so often and a random person was walking on the other side of the street. Everything was going on beneath us, I could hear the dealers conversating about the latest thing they brought or what girl they recently hooked up with. Occasionally someone would stop by and a deal was made, very little conversation and it lasted only seconds. I didn’t recognize anyone for the exception of those that were on the video. I looked at my watch again. “He’s off schedule”

Jace gave me shrug.

Right after the words came out around the corner comes up Maxwell. My whole mode changed, my focus settling on him. He went inside to get his usual things, just like clockwork he was out a couple minutes later. He went over to his dealers and they started talking. It was low and I really had to pay attention and even then I was only getting bits and pieces. He asked about business, some exchanges were made, nothing new from what the video told us.

“I cant stay tonight, I need to get back and check on a few things.”

This was different, Jace looked at me as I whispered in the mic, “Nothing changes, we follow according.” He nodded and continued watching.

Maxwell was giving his final instructions before he turned and walked away. We both moved quickly climbing down and looking at our surroundings. We kept close to the shadows and darkest areas while keeping our distance. We were in a shopping complex moving past many stores passed their closing times. The street lights provided little visible light working in our favor. Maxwell must have been on his phone, he was speaking loudly clearly upset at something because he was walking with purpose.

My eyes kept on Maxwell but continuously scanned the front half while Jace watched our backs. We knew where he was going, so we took a chance running inside an alleyway to get ahead of him. We ran quickly and even with our newfound stamina my heart was still pumping in my ears as I was trying to control my breathing. We ran behind a dumpster and waited for Maxwell to pass by. A few seconds later I could hear him.

“I’m almost there, I can’t believe this is happening. Tell that idiot to shut up and not do anything until I get there.” His voice fading as he walked away.

We were still going in the same direction as the apartments and I pictured the surrounding area to guess where else he could go, but there wasn’t much around. We continued moving until we saw the apartment complex, Lake View, with Maxwell at the gate inputting his code. We knew there were cameras there so our best approach was over the wall from the street. We both hopped over and landed in a bed of rocks. Voices were heard but none that were close. We ran again, I saw Maxwell make a turn around a corner, picturing the map he was headed in the same direction as his apartment.

The complex was very dark so besides a car passing we were practically invisible. We cut through the playground in the middle of the complex, noticing all the running lately was paying off. We reached a turn, I knew Maxwell apartment was about twenty rooms down but when I turned the corner I stopped myself puling Jace back. Maxwell wasn’t near his apartment, he was only about seven apartments down. I peeked my head around and watched him stop in front of Apartments C.

I whispered into the transmitter. “He’s not going to his apartment.” As I said it two people walked up to him with guns sin their hands for the world to see. Maxwell didn’t appear worred as he gave them a quick wave disappearing past them.

I turned to Jace. “He went inside but I can’t tell which one. The lights are on inside the front right apartment but who knows if that is the right one.”

“We could check the back to see if anything sticks out, look through a window or something.”

“Good idea. Let’s go.” We made our around avoiding passerby, as our approach got closer I could hear loud music coming out through one of the windows. I didn’t want to automatically assume but it was hard not to. I was going to curse the windows was closed but my thought hadn’t finished before one of them started opening. I froze in place pressing against the wall as hard as I could.

“I can’t believe you are smoking that with him here.”

“Why do you think I opened a window?”

“That’s not going to do anything.” A puff of smoke came out followed by a rancid smell. “Just a couple more before I have to go in there and deal with this crap.”

“Whatever lets go you had enough already. He’s already going to be pissed as it is at you.”

“May as well enjoy it.”

Then it was quiet. I didn’t hear the window close, the music was still playing but I didn’t hear anymore voices. I snuck a peek and didn’t see anyone, just the door slightly open.

“Do we go in and take a look?” Jace asked

“The mission is the phone but I think this is something we should check out.”

“I agree…to weird.”

I half expected Leon to provide his input but he said nothing. “Alright. Let’s just see if we can hear or find anything.”

With the music as loud as it was, making noise wasn’t an issue. We climbed in and started looking around. It was different sneaking into an unknown place looking through strangers stuff. The room was messy and stuff was everywhere.

“I’m going to take a look outside the door.” Jace whispered

“Careful.”

I was looking across the dresser for anything that stuck out. It was too dark to really see even with my eyes adjusted.

I heard the door slam open.

“Who in the f…?”

Without thinking or caring for the gun I saw pointed at Jace face. I drove my knee into whoever came into the door, pinning his arm into the door yelling for Jace to get out. In my brief glimpse Jace hesitated until I yelled again but louder. I saw an arm come up quickly blocking it I punched the arm I had pinned against the door following with a back hand across the face. He went into the hallway but he came at me again and before he got close enough I hit him in the face with a right hook knocking him into the door. 

I turned readying myself to escape until I heard a series of clicks. If I hadn’t freaked out I may have been able to react faster and possibly escaped, but didn’t even notice the music was off and now I stood with guns pointed at me.

“What is going on?” A voice in the back said

One of the guys grabbed the back of my neck shoving only what I could guess was a barrel of a gun. It didn’t take much to move me after that, I was scared, my body shut down and I submitted.

Maxwell came up looking at the body on the ground. He started kicking him. “Junior get up. You look ridiculous right now.” And kicked him some more. Junior started moving while another guy helped him up.

“Well what do we have here?”

My eyes didn’t want to move. It felt like a nightmare and I couldn’t wake up. Maxwell was getting ready to say something until I was punched in the mouth.

“Yeah, do you know who I am?” I felt the punch and my faced burned but I didn’t give Junior the full satisfaction he was looking for.

“Junior stop it, in due time, but first bring him to the living room.”

There wasn’t much to look at bit what was surprising to see the size of the apartment as if two apartments were one, that was it, it was two in one. The shared wall held a barn yard door separating both.

“So who is this? Maxwell asked

“Who cares. Why aren’t we trying to hide his dead body?”

“Because Junior I want to know who he is.” Sounding annoyed.

Junior was upset but he continued. “There was another one, he escaped through the window.”

Maxwell looked at Junior, “Why was there a window open? What did I tell you…?” He took a deep breath, “Once we handle this we are going to have a serious talk.” He snapped his finger to the guy helped Junior up. “Go. Take Malek and Gee. Find the other one he couldn’t  have gone far.”

I was trying to focus, assess the situation, but fear built a huge barrier stopping any communication from those thoughts. I couldn’t believe this was going to be it.

“Wait, you’re the one going around burning up places and ruining profitable business like mine. The so called unknown.” They all laughed. So you’re the one everyone is worried about.” Maxwell got close to my face. “Wait until the bosses hear this” Smacking me upside my head.

“Yeah punk you messed with the acolytes, you are going to pay.”

My eyes found Junior’s. My fear started channeling into anger, images of everyone flashed through my head, Adam’s lifeless body laying a foot away from me. If I was going to die tonight, I am sorry everyone, but believe I wasn’t going to make it easy.

“Junior get my phone, I left it on the counter.”

Junior didn’t like to be told what to do, he scoffed as he went over to get it. My eyes followed Junior until they met with Maxwell’s. The gun was at my head but my mind was thinking now.

“Here you go.”

Maxwell started laughing. “Someone take off that stupid mask.”

“Gabriel, silent night.” And it went pitch black. I didn’t hesitate this time. I had a mental picture in my head and immediately punched Junior in the face with a right cross making sure every piece of metal went up against his mouth. I used the momentum to carry myself away from the gun grabbing the hand it was in with my left. The gun went off twice, it was loud and it made my skin almost jump off my body but I didn’t falter. I softened his grip on his gun by kicking him in the shin, stripping the gun from his hand then striking him with a kick at his head. I heard another click but it was too far from my reach. Maxwell must have stepped back and brought out his gun. I jumped behind the couch with bullets close behind hitting the wall. Maxwell was yelling for back up. I had to be quick, taking the gun apart throwing the clip away while more bullets shot.

“I am going to kill you. Somebody get in here.” Maxwell kept yelling.

I sat pressed against the couch trying to control everything in my body. I picture the room from where he was yelling he was making his way to the door. I didn’t know what kind of gun he had but he already shot eight times, he had to be low. I needed to do something quick, he was going to have back up soon and I remembered what they were carrying outside.

It was quiet, I could hear Maxwell breathing and I knew where he was, I went for it. He hadnt heard me yet and as the lights came back on, Maxwell never had a chance to counter with my foot already in the air connecting with his chest. He crashed into the doorway. Before he fell I caught him with an elbow to the jaw grabbing him and flipping him over my shoulder onto the ground. I held his arm in an arm lock with my hand pressed against him but he was completely out.

I stood up and saw the outcome three down. Junior still hadn’t recovered from my punch as he laid on top of the stereo equipment. My adrenaline was still pumping and the realization was starting to make its way through. I pressed against my ear.

“Sir? Jace? You can come in now?” At that the door opened and in cam Leon in full gear. He came over to check on me, the same as he did the day at the school.

“I’m starting to freak out, but I’m okay.” He nodded then went to work.    

I saw Jace at the doorway, when Leon went to Maxwell, with a few bodies tied up. Leon pulled out Maxwell phone, took what he needed from it and threw it. He went to the barnyard door pulling it back enough to get through. I could see past him and saw what resembled a science lab. This was where the lab was.

Jace came in beside me. He didn’t say anything but it was enough to know he wasn’t okay.

Leon came out. “Let’s go, we don’t have a lot of time. The gunshots should have alerted everyone.” I could hear the sirens not too far off.

Leon grabbed two canisters, pulling the pin and throwing one in the backyard of the apartment and the other through the front, shortly after we were gone.

We made it back to the school. It was quiet among us. Leon went straight to the computer While Jace and I stood in the middle of the floor.

“Dude…” Jace started.

I knew how I felt, but I couldn’t guess what Jace was feeling. “It was scary.”

Jace’s face was filled with guilt. “I’m sorry, I didn’t even see him.”

I was reliving every moment since we left. “Hey stop, we both froze. We had no idea what we were getting ourselves into. We’re here and somehow accomplished what we needed to do.”

Jace didn’t look convince.

I was trying to put up an effort but I was just as traumatized over it as he was.

Leon was done with whatever he was doing but he must have seen it written all over body. “I apologize for tonight. I did not expect for any of that to happen. It was my mistake to put you in a situation so early in your training.”

 Didn’t make feel any better, and he must have seen the defeat in our faces.

“In the darkness we lie to protect those in the light

To accept the sacrifice of one’s self to help those who can’t

Regardless of fear and pain we fight together

We are few and act as one

We are the light”

 

We both looked up at him. “We are the light…” I said out loud

“We are the light, whenever you feel this way, and you will, remind yourself why you choose to do this. Go out, enjoy life, and remember why you are doing this. Remember who’s light you fight to protect.”

“It was a mistake sending you out there, and from now on, if you choose to continue, you will continue to monitor , but I am proud of what you were able to do tonight. Both of you.”

I recited what Leon said, I reminded myself why, and yeah I did feel better. There was still doubt and fear but it being pushed away by the light.