Hidden Secrets (Garrett Investigation Book 1) (20 page)

He walked away laughing. “See you in the morning sweetheart.”

Anastasia’s body hit a high making her scream before she started to go limp bit by bit until she couldn’t feel anything, her eyes went blind.  She could still hear; her brain was on high alert more focused than it had ever been.  Groaning quietly; unconsciousness claimed her, dreams of the past flickering by her eyes like a movie.

Having settled Fletcher in the medical centre, Malachy ran to the communications centre.  Arriving, he got everyone’s attention.

“Right folks, as you know we’re on red alert now; just to update you. First, I need to tell you Anastasia was kidnapped from Eastchester hospital this afternoon.  I’m waiting for reports from the hospital giving us evidence and possible ideas on where she may be.”

“Boss we may have something for you,” called out Yuri.”

“Good news I hope Yuri.  Hold for now.”

“The attack here is imminent. When it happens, I want civilians to keep your heads down.  Every agent and security personnel need to protect, shoot to injure only.  The more information we gather, the better.  Back to your stations everyone. Yuri with me,” he commanded.

Shutting the office door behind him, Malachy glanced up at Yuri.  “What you got Yuri?”

“I’ve sent men to the Johnson house because of the troops. I’ve had hourly updates ever since.  Early this morning Truit was seen walking in the garden.  When he got to the river, he entered the boathouse and disappeared.  We have another cold spot there.”

“You think Ana may is being held there?”

“Someone is.  I think it’s worth checking out.”

“No deliveries to the house?”

“No.  I think they came in by boat.  We didn’t have anyone watching that area.”

“Crap.”

“She’ll be ok Mal; she knows how to look after herself.”

“Yeah, I know.  Right send some men down to the boathouse get information,” he sighed.  “Has Frank or Jones called in recently?”

“All quiet there Mal.  Magdalena is scared, says she feels something in the air.”

“Well, they won’t find her,” he grimaced, “any movement from the basement yet?”

“Nothing; the basement looks like it’s equipped well, which sure as hell don’t bode well for us.”

“Well, we’re as prepared as possible.”

“There are six people in the Johnson house now.”

“Lovely,” he sighed, “look Yuri, do your best let me know what happens.  You can send Quin and Tallon to the boathouse; they are anxious for some action.”

“Yes boss,” he grinned.

“Get out of here.  Send Cameron and company in, please.”

“Yeah, see you later.”

“Well done Blaze, told you it would work,” his grandfather smirked.

“Yes, all went smoothly except the stupid security guard trying to interfere.”

“Did you bring the vial your men stole?”

“Of course grandfather,” he smiled, “looking forward to using it.”

“You had it tested,” Blaze nodded. “I presume you know what you got then.”

“Yes.  It’s lethal in a very different way,” he grinned.

“Do tell,” Truit said, rubbing his hands together.

“It’s a virulent version of the bird flu.”

“That isn’t very deadly Blaze, pity it wasn’t something better.”

“Grandfather, this one is highly contagious,” he grinned.

“Explain how?”

“They were messing with it at Haven Pharmaceutical. Apparently it’s highly effective against humans.”

“You’ve tested it?”

“Yes, we tested it.”

“Excellent! So how effective is it?”

“We tested it on one of my henchmen who’d been shot.  He died within days, a very unpleasant death.”

“Did you video it at all.  I’d be interested in watching.”

“For you grandfather,” he said, smirking handing over a DVD.”

“Hey, Hank I’ve an urgent update for Yuri!  Chat from the lounge area names given are grandfather and Blaze.  They have a bird Flu type virus from Haven that they are preparing to use.”

“Crap, get the recording to base while I let him know.”

“Yes Hank, sorting now.”

“Holy hell,” Hank came back moments later.  “Those fuckers have Ana.  Yuri’s sending Tallon and Quin to investigate.”

“If they use it on her, their lives won’t be worth fucking living,” swore Clint.

“We need to stay focused.”

“Recording sent Hank.”

“We’re on a shoot to injure order.  The boss wants information.”

“Okay, will let the men know.”

Tallon and Quin grinned at each other as they set out for the Johnson house.

“About time we had some action.”

“Hell yeah,” said Tallon.

“Move it man or it’ll be light before we get there.”

“On it Quin, you better contact Hank let him know we’re on the way, he can meet us.  Don’t want to crash the party after all eh,” he grinned happily.

Driving quickly down the narrow roads, they pulled to a stop as Hank waved out to them.  Pulling onto the grass, they braked leaping out.

“Hank, what you got in store for us?”

Hank spread out a map on the hood of the car.  “We’re here.  I’m going to take you through the forest down to the river here,” he pointed.

“That shouldn’t take long.”

“I’ll be leaving you there.  You’ll need to go up river towards the boathouse that stands here,” he points to another spot on the map.  “I’ve no idea what you’ll find.  We only scoped the house.”

“Pity that,” Quin said quietly.

“Yeah well, it’s where all the action was taking place until now.”

“Well, we’d better get moving before dawn catches us.”

“We’ve got three hours,” murmured Tallon.

“Should be enough, let’s move.”

Securing the vehicle, they set off through the dark forest.  Ten minutes later they were on the riverbank listening to the rushing water from a nearby waterfall.

“Right here you go guys.  As far as we’re aware he has no external security in the gardens, though you may find some on the boathouse.  See you later,” with that Hank was gone.

“Let’s go, Tallon.”

With a grunt of agreement, they silently approached the Johnson property.  It was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. No scurrying animals just the sound of the river.  Crouching down by a bush Quin got out his thermascope while Tallon retrieved his binoculars.

“One body by the door Tallon,” he murmured.

“Yeah, got him, the daft bastard’s smoking.  Talk about giving yourself away.”

“I can’t see anything else.”

“The boathouse is clear at the river.”

“How do you want to play this Tallon?”

“I’ll go round from the river; you take the front.  We’ll put him out if need be.”

“See you in the boathouse.  Ten minutes.”

Setting their watches in sync, they set off each taking a different path.

Tallon moved quickly towards the yacht tied off under an extension. An obviously new building attached to a shabby derelict shed.  He crossed onto the pier watching out for wire trips as he approached.  Peering through one of the windows, he froze as a shadow walked past, watching the shadow walk out of the door shutting it quietly behind him.  Moving to the next window, he gently eased it open climbing through landing on the floor silently.

“Tallon you ok,” a voice spoke in his ear.

“Yes, I’m at the back of the shed inside, can’t see a bloody thing.”

“I’ll be with you shortly, nearly collided with the guard, I put him out.”

Tallon grunted. “Serves the fucker right,” he whispered.

Standing, Tallon retrieved his penlight walking down the side until he found Quin.  They flicked their lights to the floor; finding a bright new shiny lock.  They walked over, kneeling down to look closely at the lock.

“Shit, it’s alarmed.”

“Oh fuck, can you pick the lock, Quin?”

“Nah, not touching that, one wrong move and it would blast our ears.”

“Shit.  What about cutting it off?”

“We’d have to come back, I ain’t got no cutters on me,” swore Quin.

“If Ana’s in there we have to get her out.”

“Ok.  We got maybe thirty minutes until the dude wakes.  If I hold the lock carefully, you can try picking it.”

“Not my best fucking talent,” groaned Tallon.

“Gotta be better than me,” Quin grimaced.

Tallon got out his tools quickly sliding two inside the lock. “Don’t fucking move a muscle Quin or we’re busted.”

“Come on man hurry up will you.”

“Shut the fuck up, I’m doing my best.”

The lock clicked.  They both sighed with relief.  Quickly and quietly they opened the trap door shining their penlights down the steps.

“Let’s get this over with; you keep watch here Tallon.”

“Fine, now hurry for fucks sake.”

Quin ran down the stairs, finding a door with a key in it.  Unlocking the door carefully, he entered the barren room, sweeping the penlight around.  It landed on a sleeping woman spread-eagled and chained to a bed.  Walking up closer Quin let out a loud breath.

“I’ll fucking kill that bastard for this,” he muttered.

Ana was lying in her underwear unconscious.  He shined his light onto her face and watched her eyes flicker rapidly under the lids.  Quin went back up to Tallon.

“You’re going to have to pick some more locks mate.  She’s chained to the fucking bed.  It’s not a pretty sight.  I’ll do guard duty.  Now move we have about ten minutes to get out of here.

Tallon moved down the stairs shining his light until he found Ana. He froze in shock glad Mal hadn’t joined them.  Quickly and quietly he opened each lock massaging feeling back into her arms and legs as he went.

“Wake up Ana.”  She didn’t move, just her eyes racing, her heart beating slowly, her breathing shallow.  “What the fuck has he done to you?”  Picking her up carefully, he tossed her over his shoulder where she slumped; up the stairs out the trap door he motioned Quin to take her out the front.

“Resetting the alarm; be with you in five minutes.”

“Hurry,” said Quin as he set off with Ana over his shoulder.  Tallon backed down the stairs, closing and locking the basement door.  Quietly he closed the trap door when he heard a moan.  Carefully snapping the lock into place he merged himself into the background.  Not a sound.  Out the window, he took off meeting up with Quin.

“All done; nobody will know anyone’s been there, well until they check on her.”

With a grin, they quickly moved down the riverbank covering their tracks as they went, up into the edge of the forest.

“She’ll need protection going through here.”  Tallon took off his jacket, placing it around the unconscious Anastasia.  “Right, let’s go.”

Ten minutes later they arrived at their jeep.  Laying her across the backseat; they set off back to the compound.

“Get hold of Hank, let him know we have her, and she needs medical attention.”

“Doing it now Quin.”

They drove into the compound fifteen minutes later, shoving the doors open Malachy raced across to the jeep.

“What the fuck did he do to her, where is she?” he growled.

Tallon flung himself out of the jeep, opening the back door.  Lifting Anastasia up and placed her in Mal’s arms. “Get her to medical boss; then we’ll know what he did.”

Mal cradled the limp, unconscious Ana in his arms as he raced through the compound to the medical centre.  Placing her gently on a bed medical staff surrounded her.

“Find out what’s wrong with her,” he demanded.

“Sir, we’ll do what we can.”

Abby appeared at his side.  “Come on Malachy,” she said gently, “we need to leave them to do their job.”

“I’m staying here.”

“Malachy you can’t do anything here right now, why don’t you help me get a room ready for her.  Come on,” she tugged at his hand.

“I’m going to take great pleasure in killing that bastard.”

“Yes, I know.  Come now, we’ll sort her room and then get a whiskey down you.”  Abby led him towards a private room.

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

The medical team were working hard to find out what was wrong with Anastasia.  Her eye movement showing she was in some form of REM sleep.  Her muscles were loose; though in her unconscious state; they couldn’t tell how badly affected she was.  Blood tests were taken.  They were carrying out of all kinds of tests on her blood samples while in emergency antibiotics and salines were inserted in her arms.

It was one hell of a night at the compound.  Organized chaos, to be precise.  Nobody had ever seen Malachy so furious.  In the long haul, Abby didn’t manage to keep him calm.  His temper finally let loose erupting explosively.

“Yuri, get a team of five men together, weapons.  I’ll meet you outside in ten minutes.”

“With pleasure boss,” Yuri grinned widely.  Yuri went to his security office, calling the men he wanted inside.  Tallon, Quin, Mac.  He was about to call Hank when the door was flung violently open, Abe appearing in the doorway grimacing.

“Count me in Yuri so I can kill the fucking asshole,” he growled.

“Abe you’re not fit for duty.”

“I’m going. Count me in,” he growled out menacingly.

“Ok, get your gear sorted, this could be messy.”

“Thanks Yuri,” he turned storming out.

“Well, this is going to be more fun than I thought,” muttered Yuri with a smile.  Finalising his task, he met his men in the weapons room where they all kitted out.  Hank had reported three men in the lounge, one in the study and two on the back step.  The two out back would be the first ones taken out.  The rest they’d play by ear.

Malachy dressed in his best suit, armed with gun and knife stood in the forecourt.  He was raring to go.  Hard, fast without making a killing field.  Yuri gaped at him.

“Err boss, where’s your combat gear?”

“I’m going to visit Truit,” he smiled dangerously.

“Pardon boss.”

“Here’s the plan,” he smiled.  “I’m going to visit Truit.  We’re going to have a discussion.  First, I need to know where the men are in the house.”

“There’re two on the back stoop, one in the study and three in the lounge boss.”

“Fine,” he grinned.  “I want you to take out those on the stoop first.  Once inside; get someone to seal off the basement.  Make sure the hacker stays safe.”

“You’re wired I presume boss.”

“Yes, listen in and do what is necessary as the need arises.” 

“Including kills boss?”

“Rather you didn’t kill just yet Abe,” Mal said dangerously “Remember Truit and Blaze are mine,” he said grimly.

“Okay.  Make sure you listen to us too, so you know where we are.”

“Will do,” he replied.  Make it look like you’ve come to arrest me?  They should enjoy that.  They’ll be unprepared when you turn on them.”

“Not a bad idea.  We’ll work things out, let you know.”

“Right let’s get this over with then,” he grinned.

The men swung into the jeep pulling down their balaclavas as the jeep raced off toward Hanks meeting spot.  Malachy started his car as Abby ran out.

“Malachy please don’t do this.  Ana needs you.”

“Ana is unconscious.  I’m going.  I need to do this Abby.”

Tears slipped down her cheeks as he drove away.  Shoulders drooping she re-entered the compound praying he’d return safely.

Truit and Blaze were having a good laugh when the knock came on the door.

“Wonder who that could be at this time of day,” murmured Truit.

“No idea.  Hayes answer the door, will you,” growled Blaze.

One of the men from the back stoop beat Hayes to the front door, showing Malachy where the lounge was just as Hayes exited the room. 

Entering the lounge. “Why Mr Garrett, what a surprise,” said Truit.

“Good evening, Mr Truit.  Apologies for calling so late in the day,” he smiled calmly.  I’ve a note from Anastasia for you, a reply I suppose.  Thought I’d better deliver it, no idea how important your note may have been.”

Truit narrowed his eyes puzzled at Malachy’s gentle manner.

“A drink Mr Garrett?” he questioned.

“Yes please, it would be wonderful, though I can’t stay long.”

Blaze walked out of the shadows, handing Malachy a whiskey.  “How is the delightful Mirage, Mal?”

Smiling complacently “Mirage is away at the moment Blaze,” Mal looked at him thoughtfully.  “Are you two friends?  I didn’t expect to see you out here.”

“I’m his grandfather, Mr Garrett,” said Truit.

“Really, surely you’re too young Mr Truit?”

“I call it good genes Mr Garrett.” He smiled.  “Now the note you mentioned.”

“Yes of course.”  They tensed as Malachy reached into his pocket, relaxing as he pulled out an envelope.  “Here you go Mr Truit.”

In his ear, he heard the man outside taken down quietly.  Tallon and Quin were in the kitchen sealing off the basement door.  Quietly they edged their way down towards the lounge.  A man walked towards them.  Seeing them, he made to call out.  Quin put his finger up to his lips beckoning him.

“Who the fuck are you,” he demanded.

“We’re after the man who recently arrived. He’s wanted by the FBI.”

“Whoa, are you sure?”

“Wouldn’t be here if I wasn’t.”

“What’s the name, so I can make sure.”

“He calls himself Malachy Garrett.  Is he in there?”

“Yes.”

“Tallon take this man outside, tell Abe we got our guy,” he grinned.

“There’re more of you,” he asked shocked.

“Not many just need to make sure he doesn’t escape again.”

“This way sir,” Tallon motioned him towards the kitchen.  As he stepped through the kitchen door, he was knocked unconscious by Abe, who caught him as he fell forward.

“Well, that was fucking easy.”

“I’ll tie him up you get to Quin, where’s Yuri and Mac?”

“With the hacker,” he grinned.

Abe moved quietly toward Quinn.  “You ready for this?”

“Hell yeah,” he grinned.

Hayes walked out of the lounge, on seeing them he stopped pulling his gun.  “Who and what the fuck is going on,” he demanded quietly.  “FBI, we’re here for Malachy Garret,” Quin said softly as Tallon walked up behind him.

“How do you know he’s here?”

“The man who came out before you confirmed it and the fact we saw him enter.”

“You’re welcome to him,” he sneered.  “He’s a pain in the ass.”

“Stand back, count to three and we’re all go.”

Truit ripped open the envelope; the note dropping into his hands, casually he opened it.  His eyes opened wide as he read the three words.  ‘
You’re Dead Meat
.’

“What the fuck,” he cried out jumping out of his chair.

“Exactly what it says,” smiled Malachy pulling out his knife aiming it at Truit.  “Say good night to your grandson Truit you worthless piece of shit,” Malachy said as he threw his knife, striking Truit in the shoulder. Truit was thrown backward, pinned to his chair.  Blaze leapt towards Malachy when all hell broke loose.

Blaze swung his fist wildly missing Malachy’s jaw by a hairs breath.  Mal pulled his gun aiming for Blaze when the lounge door behind him burst open. Quin rushed in tackling Malachy grabbing his shoulder, taking him to the floor. Tallon, who was following behind, shot Blaze in his thigh.  The impact sent Blaze stumbling backwards into the marble fireplace, striking his head with a sickening crack.  He slumped to the wooden floor, losing consciousness.  Hayes, gun in his hand, grinned seeing Malachy on the floor.  Before Hayes could pull the trigger, Tallon twisted sideways elbowed him viciously in the heart, breaking two ribs.  Gasping in pain Hayes stumbled back into Abe’s solid chest. Moving instinctively, Abe grasped the smaller man, placing a hand on his head and under his chin, with a vicious twist, he snapped Hayes’s neck; letting his limp, dead body crumple to the floor. Quin hauled Malachy up off the floor.  Truit watched in bewilderment.

“We’ll wasn’t that fun,” said Abe smiling. “Who’s next?

“Fuck Abe, you weren’t meant to kill anyone,” glared Malachy.

“Sorry boss,” he replied not looking sorry at all.

“What the fuck is going on,” Truit yelled holding his shoulder.

“Shut the fuck up Truit,” growled Abe, “you’re lucky you’re not dead.”

“He’ll be dead soon,” growled Malachy. “So Truit,” said Mal turning back to him, “How are we going to dispose of you?”

Grimacing with pain Truit glowered saying “get this fucking knife out of me you bastard.”

“With pleasure Truit,” he walked up yanking the knife.  Truit screamed in pain as blood poured from the wound. “Don’t be such a wimp Truit you’ve done much worse to others.”

“What the fuck do you want Garrett?”

“Just your death, call it revenge for the murder of my parents.”

Truit blanched.  “How much do you know?”

“I know every single evil deed you’ve done up until you murdered my father,” Mal said stonily.  “You’ll pay dearly for that.”

Truit smiled thinking of Anastasia, his trump card.  “You won’t do anything to me Garrett; I have something of yours,” he sniggered.

Malachy smiled slowly at his men; they laughed.  “Actually you don’t have anything I want or need.”

“I have your girlfriend.”

“Nope, you don’t Truit; she was rescued earlier this morning.”

Truit blanched again.  In the background, they could hear thumping noises. Tallon grinned at the others, they knew the men in the basement had heard the shots. 

“Let the men out of the basement Quin,” Malachy said mildly.

“Yes boss.”

Quin met Mac at the basement door.

“Get clear of the door,” yelled Mac.

“What the fuck is going on up there, who the hell are you.”

“Stand back.”

They heard boots clomping downstairs.  “Clear.”

Guns drawn; Mac took down the barrier unlocking the door.  “Come out one at a time slowly and carefully with your hands up.”

Doing as they were told the men entered the kitchen, Mac and Quins eyes widening in shock; as each face appeared. “Well fuck.”  They burst out laughing, taking off their balaclavas.  “Hands down,” Quin grinned, finally revealing his face.

“Well, well if it isn’t the little shit Quin,” said one, a smile pulling at his face.  “What the fuck is going on here.”  He turned to Mac his grin widening, “I see you still have your ever faithful little dog by your side.”

“Fuck off Garson,” he grinned.

Malachy appeared in the doorway, “so I presume you know each other?”

“You could say that boss,” replied Mac, looking over his shoulder with a grin.

“Well, before you all get reacquainted we’ve work to do.  One dead man in the lounge plus two injured to be transferred to the compound. Where’s the hacker?”

“Tied to his chair in the study with Yuri,” replied Mac.

“What the fuck is going on here,” demanded Garson.

“I could ask you guys the same. However it can wait,” said Malachy.  “Quin, place a call to Hank, get this lot escorted to the compound.  The cafeteria will do until things settle.

“Yes boss.”

“Take Abe with you too.”

Malachy walked back to the lounge where Tallon was guarding Truit. Blaze was still out cold on the floor.

“Right, let’s get this rabble out of here Tallon.”

“Boss what you going do with Hayes?”

“Clean-up crew can take care of him.  Yuri and a couple of Hanks men can guard the house.”  Malachy walked over to the bar filling a glass of water.  Walking to Blaze, he smiled pouring water over his face. “It’s time to wake up Blaze.”

Coughing and spluttering Blaze groaned, sitting up his head in his hands. “Fuck off Malachy.” Pain radiated through his head and thigh, blood pooling by his leg.

“Not a nice way to talk to your Uncle.  Respect is what you need to learn.

“You’re no uncle of mine.”

“So you never told him Truit. Tut, tut, that will never do.”

Blaze eyes widened as he remembered Haier’s words.  “No fucking way.”

Truit sighed.  “Fletcher and Anastasia are my children Blaze. You’re therefore, their nephew and in a way Malachy is your uncle though not blood-related.”

Blaze paled. “Tallon get a bandage on his thigh so we can get out of here.  Discuss this later.”

All was quiet back at the compound.  Still on high alert security were doing hourly sweeps.  Abby was pacing restlessly in the medical lounge waiting to hear from both Malachy and the doctor checking Anastasia’s condition.  The door opened slowly; a masked gunman walked in slowly his Walther pointing at Abby’s head.  Eyes opening wide, she shook her head, hands over her heart.  Slowly she sank into a chair behind her, terror and shock settling in her eyes.