Bug Out! Atlantic Book 4, page 11
“No, he wants you, and Dupont wants me. I’m fine the way it is.”
“I’m not going to bed with Mateo,” Janey said.
“You should. If he likes you, he might set you up in a nice apartment someplace, with an expense account. I’ll try to get that from Dupont. He wants me bad enough.”
Janey shook her head. “You’re crazy, you know.”
“You don’t think I can get him?”
Janey snickered. “Oh, I’m sure you can get him. I’ve got eyes, you know. I don’t know about the apartment thing, though.”
“He’s the leader of the UN for this half of Canada,” Shelby said. “He’s not the Secretary General, but he’s still a catch, as far as I’m concerned. Ready?”
“I guess,” Janey said, stuffing her lipstick back in her purse, and trying to pull up at her neckline one last time.
***
Jer and Kipper sat restrained in the UN Van, both bruised from their capture.
“Wonder where they’re taking us?” Jer whispered.
“Wish I wouldn’t have had my earbuds in,” Kipper said. “I shouldn’t have let them take me.”
“Well, I was asleep in my room,” Jer said, “so I wasn’t much help. Did get a message off to Jax, at least. They know we’ve been grabbed.”
“They have no way to find us.”
“Yeah, I know,” Jer said. “We’ve been sitting in the same place for a long time.”
“I know. Hope they didn’t get any of the others.”
Suddenly the door opened.
“Out now,” said a tall man in a Swedish accent.
“I think you have to undo the restraints first,” Jer quipped.
“Gunter, keys?” the man asked.
“Don’t be nervous, Isak,” said a shorter man with a German accent, climbing into the van and unlocking the restraints on both men. He backed out of the van.
“Okay, now out,” Isak said.
Kipper got out first, Jer following, taking an elbow in the nose from Isak, blood spurting on his shirt and the ground.
“What was that for?” Kipper asked as Jer tried to pull himself together.
“I don’t like flip answers or a bad attitude,” Isak said. “You have any more to say, American?”
“Does it matter?” Kipper asked, Isak turning towards him, punching him in the stomach, knocking the wind out of him.
“Perhaps it does matter,” Gunter said, punching him in the head as he was doubled over. He put shackles on both men’s wrists and led them forward.
“Follow us now.”
They walked through an underground parking lot almost empty of cars, to a bank of elevators.
“This is Boston City Hall,” Jer whispered.
“Silence,” Isak said sharply.
They got into an elevator, riding it up several floors, the doors opening on a ruined hallway, shattered glass from the drone strikes all over the floor, some pieces stuck in the walls, bodies stacked up on the right.
Kipper’s eyes got wide, seeing Mayor O’Reilly’s body in the pile.
“Where are you taking us?” Jer asked.
Isak turned towards him, hitting him in the face again, knocking a tooth loose, which Jer spit out, staring at the man.
“Oh, you want another?” Isak asked.
“Give it your best shot, Eurotrash. You’re gonna kill us anyway.”
Gunter laughed. “Punks. They’ll be crying for mommy soon enough.”
They rounded a corner, the hallway having a more industrial look, painted grey, all the doors having security windows. Isak pulled a keyring out of his pocket and unlocked the third door down the hall, shoving it open and yanking Jer through the door, Gunter pushing Kipper through, slamming the door shut and turning the bolt. They were in another hallway with doors on either side, an armed guard sitting at a desk down the hall about twenty yards.
“This the last of them?” asked the gruff-looking man.
“Hey, an American,” Jer said. “Ought to watch the company you keep, traitor.”
“Hold your tongue,” the guard said. “Shove them in with the others, last door on the left. Don’t be careful. I’ll hit the unlock switch when you get in front of the door.”
Isak chuckled, yanking Jer’s chain forward, getting to the door, which clicked and opened, Isak shoving Jer forward, his head hitting the door jam as Gunter laughed. A woman screamed inside.
“Kaye,” Kipper said as he was shoved inside, Isak kicking him in the thigh, dropping him to the floor, then leaving the room, the door shutting and locking.
“Why are they doing this?” Kaye asked. “Is Jax all right?”
“I don’t know,” Jer said, his head throbbing with pain. “I’m sure Jax is going crazy right now. He’ll find us.”
“How?” asked another person in the room, an older woman. “He won’t know where to start.”
“Oh, I don’t know,” Kipper said. “They brought us back to the scene of the crime. They’re planning something. Probably a show trial. Leftists love their show trials.”
“Who do we have in here?” Jer said. “Kaye, Christie, and Lane I know.”
Kaye looked around at the others, all sitting against the wall of the holding cell, afraid to speak. “Tamera’s mom, sister, and brother.” She got closer to Jer so she could whisper. “Brother is severely autistic.”
“Geez,” Kipper said, shaking his head. “Who else?”
“Kent’s dad,” Kaye said. “That’s it.”
“I’m not bending the knee to these bastards,” said Kent’s dad. “I’m Simon. Know why they nabbed us?”
“We kinda ruined their fun at Fenway Park,” Kipper said, trying to smile. “Us and thousands of citizens. Killed a whole lot of black suits, UN creeps, and Islamists.”
“My teacher says we can’t say Islamist,” the autistic boy said. “It’s a phobia. I don’t remember the whole word.”
“Don’t worry about it, honey,” said the old woman next to him. “I’m Chelsie, Tamera’s mom. Sorry, I’m a little shell shocked. This is Tamera’s sister Bev. Say hello honey.”
“This is her fault,” Bev said. “It’s not fair.”
“Stop that right now,” Chelsie said.
“Don’t worry about it,” Jer said. “None of this is fair.”
“Mommy, I’m hungry,” asked one of Kaye’s daughters, barely ten.
“They’ll probably bring us something soon, honey.”
Kipper eyed Jer, nodding to the far side of the cell.
“What?” Jer asked as they moved over there.
“Catch who was on that pile of bodies we walked by?”
“No. Who?”
“Mayor O’Reilly,” Kipper said. “He’s looked better.”
“Good, glad we nailed that piece of crap.”
“We might be retribution, you know,” he whispered.
Jer felt a lump in his throat. “They wouldn’t dare, would they?”
“They put a nuke in New York Harbor, and they’ve killed a lot of people since then. Don’t say anything to the others.”
***
Ross pulled his Jeep into the parking structure at the mall, getting out, making sure his pistol was in his waistband and his long guns were hidden. He hurried to the entrance of the mall, full of people, going to the directory to find a good place to hide out. There was an import store several yards down. He headed in that direction, quickly but not fast enough to attract attention. As soon as he passed through the doors he took out his phone and sent a text to Jaak. I’m at the Revere Mall, black Jeep is in second floor parking structure next to a column. I’m in the import store hiding out.
{ 9 }
Parking Structure
J aney finished her second Manhattan, enjoying the conversation, Mateo getting more and more animated as he drank.
“Another round!” Mateo declared.
“I’m pretty tipsy already,” Janey said, playing coy now, enjoying herself.
“All the more reason for another round,” Shelby said, looking pie eyed. Her hand rested on Dupont’s thigh, her chair so close to his that they were touching.
“Geez, Shelby, why don’t you get on his lap?” Janey quipped, both women breaking into laughter.
“I have to keep up proper decorum at all times,” Dupont said. “You can’t sit on my lap in front of the other employees, but we could retire elsewhere.”
“Yes, everybody sees us here,” Mateo said. “You have a smaller party room, though, do you not?”
“We do,” Dupont said, “With nice couches. Better for sitting on laps.”
“Then let’s go,” Shelby said.
“Slow down, girl,” Janey said. “Maybe we should stay here a while longer. We haven’t had desert yet.”
“Our boss gets a special desert.”
“Shelby!” Janey said, the two of them bursting into laughter, Janey barely noticing Mateo’s hand on her thigh.
“I’ll lead the way,” Dupont said, “and I’ll have the desert sent in there to us.”
“Let’s go,” Shelby said, getting up, Dupont’s arm going around her waist, too tipsy to notice his employees watching from the dance floor and surrounding tables.
“Shall we?” Mateo asked, standing, holding out his hand to Janey. She got up, not holding the front of her neckline against her this time, Mateo savoring the view.
“Caught you,” she said softly.
“Sorry,” Mateo said. “I’m human.”
“You’re a man,” she said. “I know you’ve done your best to be polite. Just don’t go too fast, okay?”
“Of course,” Mateo said, his hand going around her thick waist. She moved closer to him as they walked, her hip touching his.
They entered the hallway, Dupont taking them left to a smaller corridor, then into the first door on the right. It was a lounge with couches, a TV, and a bar.
“I’ve never been in here,” Shelby said. “What’s it for?”
“It’s a reception room for visiting dignitaries,” Dupont said. We have a nicely stocked bar, but I don’t know how to mix Manhattans, I’m afraid.”
“I know how to find out,” Mateo said.
“How?” Janey asked.
“I’ve got a phone app that has cocktail recipes,” he said, pulling the phone out to load it, Janey getting closer to look.
“Wow, somebody’s trying to call you,” Janey said, wishing she could take back the question.
“I don’t pick up calls when I’m relaxing,” Mateo said, opening the bar app and navigating to Manhattans. There were several variations listed. “Wow, there are five different kinds. I wonder what type we were getting out there?”
“Texting the bartender now,” Dupont said, his phone in front of his face.
“You can do that sitting down, can’t you?” Shelby asked.
“Of course.” Dupont sat on the couch, Shelby sitting on his lap.
“Shelby, geez,” Janey said.
Mateo chuckled. “That looks nice to me. Maybe I should sit.”
“I’m heavier,” she said.
“I can take it, trust me,” Mateo said, sitting down.
“The bartender will bring us another round,” Dupont said. “He had to take the vermouth out of here.”
“Good, put the phone away and concentrate on me,” Shelby said. “I know you like me. I can feel it.”
Dupont set his phone on the side table next to the couch, then put his hands around her waist, twisting her sideways. “You’re very beautiful, Shelby.”
Shelby looked him in the eye, then kissed him deeply, Dupont moaning, his hands starting to roam.
Janey looked away embarrassed, as Mateo sat down on the couch a few feet to the right, along the same wall. “Come. Sit.”
Janey looked at him a moment, then sat on his lap. “I’m not too heavy?”
“Of course not,” Mateo said, his arms going around her, pulling her closer. He looked at her, trying not to dwell on her chest, but having a difficult time. “You’re a very lovely girl, Janey. I’m smitten.”
She smiled, the nervousness slipping away, the lust taking over. “You’ve been a good boy. I don’t mind if you look. It’s not like those two will notice.” She nodded at Dupont and Shelby in their embrace, kissing passionately. “Maybe we don’t need any more drinks. The bartender is liable to get a show.”
“Dupont, cancel the drinks,” Mateo said.
He broke from the kiss, his breath coming fast. “Okay. Excuse me, Shelby.” She got up and he stood, picked up the phone and sent a text, then walked to the door, locking it.
“Good idea,” Shelby said, watching him come back.
“What?” Janey asked, watching as Dupont sat back down, Shelby climbing back on his lap.
“He locked the door so we won’t be disturbed,” Shelby said, before kissing Dupont again, taking his hand and putting it onto her breast.
Mateo chuckled, looking at Janey’s flustered expression, turning her head gently towards him, kissing her for the first time. She froze for a moment, but then let loose like a bursting dam, kissing him back with passion. Mateo broke it, then kissed down the nape of her neck, delighted at her moans, a hand coming up to caress her breast, Janey pulling down at her neckline, encouraging him to kiss lower, her breath coming hard and fast.
Dupont had Shelby’s blouse halfway off, as she worked on his belt. Janey glanced over, then looked at Mateo. “We should go back to your room.”
Mateo chuckled. “What’s in it for me?”
She smiled. “Me, with all my clothes off. Every stitch.”
“Dupont, we’re going to my room. Enjoy.”
Shelby giggled. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t, girlfriend.”
Janey was too worked up to respond, taking Mateo’s hand and leading him out the door of the lounge.
***
“Wonder what’s taking so long?” Ava asked, sitting next to Dave, Todd, and Justin in the Boston intel room.
Jaak felt his phone vibrate with a text, seeing that it was Ross, reading it. “Ross is at the Revere Mall. His Jeep is on the second floor of the parking structure, and he’s in the import store on the same floor.”
“Let’s go,” Ava said, standing. The others joined her, walking towards the door.
“Remember, get out of trouble if you need to,” Jaak said. “It’s likely he got followed there. Don’t take any chances.”
“We’ll be fine,” Dave said, holding the door open for the others.
They got into the elevator and rode it to the garage, getting into their hybrids, putting them into wide mode and driving them out in five-minute intervals.
“Streets are pretty deserted down here,” Ava said over the hybrid’s intercom system as she drove out first.
“Yeah, all the action in the last couple days has given people pause,” Todd said. “I’ve got a bad feeling about these abductions.”
“I know, me too,” Ava said.
“If they do something nasty, they’ll regret it,” Dave said. “People are getting sick of this crap.”
“I wonder if Mayor O’Reilly is dead?” Justin asked. “He usually can’t wait to open his pie hole.”
“This mall isn’t far,” Ava said. “I can already see it, a couple blocks down.”
“Don’t go to the second floor until we all get there,” Dave said.
“That’s right, watch out for your woman,” Todd quipped.
“Damn straight, brother,” Dave replied.
“I like it,” Ava said.
“What if O’Reilly really is dead?” Justin asked. “Seriously. Who takes over?”
“Probably the frigging UN at this point,” Todd said. “At least that’ll make them easy targets.”
“They’ll be well-protected, won’t they?” Ava asked.
“Of course, but knowing the location would help us,” Dave said.
“There are more cars in the parking lot than I expected,” Ava said. “I’m just inside the door towards the right. Second floor probably has more open spaces.”
“Where are the theaters in that mall?” Todd asked. “Been there, but don’t remember. Always lots of cars by the theaters.”
“Top floor,” Dave said.
The group was silent for a few minutes.
“I’m driving in now,” Justin said. “I see Ava. Looking for an open spot.”
“What if we see UN Peacekeepers by the Jeep?” Ava asked.
“Nail them with the lasers,” Justin said.
“Sure that’s a good idea?” Todd asked. “I’m kidding. Fry their asses.”
“And then we get whatever they brought with them from their vehicle,” Dave said. “Don’t forget to grab their weapons.”
“I’m getting close,” Dave said. “Lots more traffic around here. That place is a draw.” He waited at a red light, a block away from the opening. “Oh crap, just saw a UN Van turn onto this road ahead of me. Wonder if they’re going to the mall?”
“Might be going there for some other reason, you know,” Todd said.
Justin laughed. “Yeah, I don’t think so. Dave, can you see all the way to the parking lot entrance?”
“Yep. Just got a green light, moving forward, but I’m back a couple cars. The van just turned into the parking structure.”
“I saw it go by,” Ava said.
“Yeah, I see it too,” Justin said. “How far back are you, Todd?”
“I can see the mall now, but I’m a couple blocks back. Sped up a little.”
“Don’t get pulled over,” Ava said.
“No worries. This baby is cop proof. I’ll just go thin and get away.”
Dave laughed. “I’m pulling into the structure now. Hi honey.”
“Hey, baby,” she said. “Might have a hard time finding a parking place.”
“Maybe I ought to go to the second floor and hang out,” Dave said. “I can be discreet.”
“Yeah, I think you should,” Todd said. “Crap, stuck at a red light, only a block to go.”
“Have patience, my friend,” Justin said.
“I’m on the second floor now,” Dave said. “Can’t see that van, but I’m pretty far back. Parking between some cars.”
“Finally, light’s green,” Todd said. “Hey, another UN van, behind me.”
