Black's Magic Part 33

Addison stepped across the room. "Worse case scenario, we all die." Placing her finger on her ear Addison said, "Murray, come in, this is Captain Black..."

There was no reply.

"Murray?"

Nothing.

"Come in Goff, this is Addison Black."

Again there was no response. The agent's concern began to grow. With Miller dead and no response from either Goff or Murray, there didn't seem to be anybody guarding the exits. With faltering hope, Addison called one more time."

"Alon, hey man it's Addison." The soldier waited but again there was no response. "Alon, please come in... Alon? Alon?" The transmission was dead. "No!" Addison pulled the transmitter from her jacket. Raising her hand she made to throw it across the room but paused just short of releasing the radio. "b.u.g.g.e.r it. f.u.c.k it. f.u.c.k it. No, d.a.m.n it!" Addison dashed towards the door. "I'm going to find Antonia."

Mark placed down the phone's receiver. "Addison," Bending down he took the radio from Miller. "Don't get rid of your radio. I want you in contact with me."

"Got it," Addison said and left the room. Looking both ways the soldier headed up the corridor. Reaching a small hallway to her left she turned down the narrow pa.s.sageway, with two doors. The first door was a side entrance to the kitchen. A surveillance of that room resulted with little findings. Addison tried the second door. It was a utility room. Two silver, industrial was.h.i.+ng machines stood side by side. Spotting a slip of black material, Addison pulled it from the top of the closest appliance. Instantly she recognised it as Antonia's dress. The scent of tomato juice and Tabasco was strong. Addison scanned the room for any further clues. After finding nothing she continued her search for Antonia. She headed to the main corridor and towards the rear of the ground floor where she came across the ladies and gents toilets. Addison checked inside both rooms. Entering the gents she stopped short of walking fully into the room as she saw Brian Cooling standing at a urinal.

"Oh, Brian, sorry, I was just looking for..." Addison poked her head further into the toilet. All the stalls were empty; Brian was its only occupant. "Nope... okay... carry on." Addison made a swift exit, leaving Brian watching her departure with a suspicious glare.

A wide set of stairs stood beside an elevator. Ignoring the lift, Addison opted for the steps. Taking the maroon carpeted stairs two at a time Addison reached the second floor, arriving in a seating area. Six black, leather sofas were strategically placed around three gla.s.s top coffee tables. Reproduction prints of Moet paintings adorned the walls reminding Addison of a student's dormitory room. The agent ventured towards a shorter corridor. A set of double doors to her right led into a smaller function room. To her left was another door, the entrance to an informal meeting room. Addison slipped inside. Though she could hear music coming from the ground floor ballroom, on the first floor it was calm and relatively still. Many of the main rooms were shrouded in a blanket of darkness. A dull light came from under a second door in the meeting room. Addison knew it was an office. Moving as silently as possible the soldier crept towards the light. She held her ear by the door, listening for movement. Not hearing a sound, she peered through a gap between the door and its frame. Alarm shot through her as she spotted a hand lying upon the floor. Recognising the wearers watch Addison pushed the door open urgently. There, upon the floor, Addison found Alon lying in a pool of his own blood. One arm lay strewn above his head.

"Alon!" Addison knelt down beside him. A quick survey of his body found two bullet wounds; one in this thigh, the other in his ribcage. "Al, man, I'm so, so, sorry." Addison attempted to stop the blood flow. She placed her hand upon his side, applying pressure to the wound. Warm, sticky blood oozed between her fingers.

"Addison," Alon whispered.

"Alon! Stay with me, okay?"

"She's... here..." The Mossad agent coughed and a flash of pain racked his body. "Get her."

"You don't go anywhere okay?" Addison pulled off her jacket. She draped it over Alon's body. "Stay with me, Alon."

Alon nodded weakly. "Ankle," he whispered in a rough, strained voice.

Unsure what he meant, Addison frowned. "What do you mean?" Looking down she inspected his feet, seeing nothing, but she reached down none-the-less. Lifting his left trouser leg to check his ankle, she discovered what Alon was referring to. Strapped to his ankle was a small pistol. She pulled it from its holster. "I'll be back, okay? Hang on." With a final look of a.s.surance Addison rose to her feet and left the room. She wiped her b.l.o.o.d.y hand on her dark dress trousers and gripped Alon's pistol.

Making her way back to the hallway Addison began a vigilant trek down the corridor. She changed her mind to a frame of logical thinking. If Kleein did want to release Gemini into the atmosphere, what would be the best way to accomplish that? Air conditioner! Addison thought.

Having utilized the function building many times before and having attended several meetings within its four walls, Addison was familiar with its lay out. As such she made a beeline straight towards the female toilets. Addison knew the main unit for the system was located and contained within a small room that was only accessible through the female bathroom. Light shone from around the doorframe. That was nothing conspicuous in itself as all bathrooms were in use during any gathering.

Feeling her feet slightly slide underfoot, Addison looked to the ground. Though the carpet, like throughout the buildings main pa.s.sageways, was maroon, a dark contrast of blood was highly visible. Addison realised at least one body had been dragged into the bathroom. A dark trail led from the doors of the second, smaller function room. The agent presumed it had been one of the guards Blithe had placed within the building for the evening.

Addison placed her ear to the door and listened carefully. A sick feeling of anger curdled her stomach at the thought of what the traitor intended to do. Addison found it difficult to acknowledge Antonia as Kleein. She hoped she was wrong, however unlikely she knew she would be.

From inside the bathroom the agent heard definite movement. Harsh breathing was clear, as was the sound of metal clanking against metal. Steeling her resolve and readying the pistol Alon had given her, Addison pushed the door open. With no handle the green barrier was a simple swing door. Addison thankfully acknowledged the hinges didn't squeak with movement.

The first sight Addison happened upon was a haphazardly deposited pile of bodies. She counted five in total. All but one of the bodies were soldiers, who had been on guard that evening, and all had been shot in the chest. It would have been easy for the traitor to incapacitate them if they knew and trusted their a.s.sailant. Two of the bodies were women and Addison realised one was still alive. It was her breathing that had echoed from within the room.

Placing her forefinger upon her lips, Addison whispered, "Shus.h.!.+" She then pointed to the open door at the far end of the bathroom. The female soldier nodded.

Addison looked down the rectangle room. Seven blue toilet doors lined each side. At the end of the room several dispensing machines faced the open door to the air conditioner's maintenance room. Pointing her gun towards the door, Addison walked forwards. She was careful not to make any sound, leaving b.l.o.o.d.y footprints in her wake. The soldier slowed her breathing, finger poised upon the trigger. She drew closer knowing the inhabitant inside the cupboard would soon be visible. There was only just enough s.p.a.ce for one person to stand. Gradually the infamous 'Dr. Kleein' appeared. A mane of think dark hair came into view and Addison knew instantly it was Antonia. She was dressed almost precisely as Addison had expected in black trousers and a white b.u.t.ton down s.h.i.+rt. A handgun was tucked into the back of her belt. It was Alon's, the pistol's make was that of the Israeli governments standard issue.

Short, sharp beeps came from the unit, as to Addison, appeared Antonia was programming its computer. The units casing had been removed and it was, at that moment, powered down. The soldier realised, with sudden impact, what Antonia intended to do. She planned on programming the air conditioning unit to come on after she had left. Three fans, fairly close to each other, were inside the main chamber of the unit. When the air conditioner was timer activated, the fans would start and presumably release Gemini into the circulating air. After that happened... Addison didn't know if there was any known antidote. There sure wasn't a cure for Ricin, but Skyler intended to ask her mother about that side of her work, if it existed.

"Don't move, Antonia."

The woman froze. She seemed to ponder Addison's words before slowly turning around. "Wonders will never cease," she said. "The great Addison Black does actually remember my name after all."

Addison looked down at Antonia's hand seeing the pistol, complete with attached m.u.f.fler, aimed at her. "It's over, Dr. Kleein! Drop it."

Antonia gave a smile, oozing with self-importance. "It will soon be over and don't worry, I intend to drop it and when I do, you will all drop like flies... little, weak, pathetic flies."

Disturbed by Antonia's almost random sentences, Addison asked, "Why? Why are you doing this?" She didn't understand what could and obviously had turned Antonia against her country in such a vile, hateful way. "How can you do this?"

"Why? How? Addison, tell me. How would you feel if your career had been taken from you by some f.u.c.k up's stupid mistake? Forced to take a desk job. Not able to do anything more than sit there and watch others... LIKE YOU... succeed."

"But..."

"But nothing... what do you do? Sit back and swallow the bitter pill you are given? That's what I could and was expected to do." Antonia scratched her temple with the extended barrel of her gun. "But I didn't. I still crave the danger and excitement. Who wouldn't? I mean, surely you can understand. This way not only do I get that but I also get tons of money as well. This little demonstration of Gemini's capabilities is going to earn me over two and a half million pounds."

Both women continued to aim their guns at each other.

"And the safety of this country... the lives of possibly thousands if not millions of people? That is worth the money?"

"The myth's a lie, Agent Black. Money can buy you happiness." Antonia ran her fingers over her emerald and diamond necklace. "It can buy you lots of happiness."

Anger rising, Addison directed her gun to Antonia's head, the secretary mirroring her action. "I hate to be a kill joy and all but I have to end that. Tell me, Antonia, where's Gemini?"

Antonia shrugged. "That should be the least of your worries."

"What do you mean?"

"What do I mean?" Antonia pretended to ponder her question. "What do I mean? Well... put it this way... I've been up here far too long now. My man's going to know something's fallen foul if I am behind schedule. I had to be prepared for any eventuality. Tell me, Addison. Was Brodie right in saying Miss Tidwell holds a special place in your heart?"

A cold chill of fear slithered down Addison's spine. The urge to run back to the ballroom slammed into her instincts but she remained standing. "Hand over Gemini."

"You're not worried about Miss Tidwell?"

"Give it to me, Antonia. While you are still able to do so."

Antonia knew Addison wasn't bluffing. "Alright... alright." She held out her hand. "Slowly, okay?" Slipping the free hand into her trouser pocket she withdrew holding a slim black case. It was the approximate size of an executive pen case. "Here you go." She placed the case upon the floor and slid it across the ground. It hit Addison's boot. The agent bent down cautiously, gun still trained upon Antonia as she picked up the container. Using her thumb the soldier flipped open its lid. It was empty.

"What the..." Addison looked up finding Antonia's wickedly grinning face.

"Oh, I'm sorry... I forgot... I've already planted it."

From the bodies upon the floor Addison heard the unexpected voice of the female guard she had encountered upon entering the bathroom.

"In... the unit..." she forced, out causing Antonia to growl with anger. She spun around ready to fire a final shot into the woman, but as she began to squeeze the trigger Addison fired, shooting the gun from her hand. Sparks fluttered around them as the bullet hit metal and the pistol flew from her hand, hit the wall and dropped to the floor. Its clatter echoed around the sanitary walls of the bathroom. Addison aimed her pistol back at Antonia.

"Look what we have here!" The soldier grinned. "Now... hand over Gemini."

"You really don't get this do you, Addison!"

"Get what? That you are an insane, money hungry b.i.t.c.h. Don't worry, I've figured that out."

Antonia shook her head. "No, no, no... I'm talking about the initial motivation." She took a step closer. "It was you. It was always you, Addison. I despise you." Antonia's eyes took on an icy glare. "You have EVERYTHING that should have been mine; just because I lost my hearing in ONE ear?" Again Antonia stepped closer, shocking Addison with her venomous words and raised voice. "You get the action, adventure, glory, and the f.u.c.king medals. I am better than you. I have always been better than you but have I ever been allowed to prove myself? No."

"Look, Antonia," Addison said calmly. "I'm sorry fate dealt you such a s.h.i.+tty card but how can you say this is anybody's fault?"

"You would say that considering it's yours."

"Then explain to me how."

"You're an S.O. Agent... I'm an S.O. G.o.d d.a.m.n secretary. While you sharpen knives I sharpen pencils." Antonia moved ever closer. She didn't stop until her chest pushed into the barrel of Addison's gun. "While you terminate an enemy I cancel an appointment. You travel around the world; I drive to work every day... the same boring route. It should have been ME."

"Antonia, I'm sorry the way things turned out but that isn't my fault. It isn't anybodies fault."

"You have everything you want, Addison." Antonia's words dripped with resentment and sarcasm. "I offered you me but you didn't want that did you. Not good enough, huh? Damaged goods."

"You..." Addison paused. She refused to believe Antonia started all of this simply because she had turned down her advances. As far as she was concerned, it was all innocent flirting. Antonia wasn't going to blame Addison for her own misdeeds. "You have nothing left, Antonia, get down onto your knees, hands behind your head."

Shoulders slumping in defeat, Antonia said, "There's no use anymore. The air conditioning should come on any second now. You won't detain me. I would rather die and I will."

Shocked by her statement, Addison's eyes switched to the air conditioning unit. It was a brief moment but enough time for Antonia to make a move. She knocked Addison's gun away from her and struck the agent hard across the face. Lip catching upon a tooth, blood flew from Addison's mouth. Antonia kicked her hand and she dropped Alon's pistol, feeling a bone break in her little finger. The ex-marine attack didn't last long, however, as Addison struck back with several moves of her own. Punches were traded and blocked until Addison lashed out with a kick to Antonia's stomach, knocking her to the floor.

Once Antonia was down, Addison ran to the air conditioning unit. She looked inside, spying the sealed gla.s.s vial. Within the vial was another container, a misty coiled gla.s.s tube containing Gemini. Addison reached into the unit swiftly. She slipped her hand between the fan blades and grasped the vial. Her nerve endings were alight with sparks of nervous energy as she prayed the programmer wouldn't automatically start the fan. So easily she would lose her fingers.

Addison pulled the vial out. With the deadly container in her hand she turned back to Antonia. The brunette stood by the door, gun aimed upon Addison.

"Tell me, Agent Black, what do you hold most dear to you?" With those words Antonia fled the room.

Addison looked around. Locating her weapon she retrieved it speedily and followed Antonia back out into the corridor. She heard footsteps descending rapidly down the stairs and took chase. Addison looked over the banister.

"Stop... now!"

In reply, Antonia fired several shots up the winding steps. Addison darted away from target and continued the chase; within her left hand Gemini's Hyde application and in her right, Alon's pistol. She reached the bottom step and Addison saw the back of Antonia disappear into the ballroom. She followed, running as fast as she was able.

Bursting through the double doors, Addison stopped dead in her tracks. She hadn't been aware of when it happened but the music had died and the entire room was in silence. Her first sight was that of the guests standing on the dance floor. They stood in silence, hands upon their heads. Secondly, Addison realised Antonia really did have a partner. Brian Cooling stood atop Blithe's table. He held a sub machine gun aimed towards the crowd. Antonia was situated to the side of the crowd, away from them. She held Skyler with one arm around her chest, a gun pressed against her temple.

"You must both be sick of this by now," Antonia taunted. "Drop the gun, Addison. Now."

Addison did so, immediately. "Let her go, Antonia."

"Oh... um... no. I want a trade."

Shaking her head the agent wrapped her hand a little tighter around Gemini. "No way."

Switching her hate filled glare from Addison, Antonia spoke calmly to Skyler. "Are you willing to forfeit your life for Gemini?"

"If I have to," Skyler replied confidently. She felt too much anger at Antonia to feel fear.

The brunette smiled. "Your faith is misplaced. Let me try something else." Antonia looked over to the crowd of guests. At the front of the group, standing off to one side, was General Blithe, Marlene and Jenny. "Brian," she called.

Brian smirked at Mark before replying, "Yes, boss?"

"Aim at the mother."

"No!" Mark ordered.

Brian shook his head at the General and aimed directly at Marlene.

"Please no," Skyler pleaded.

"Antonia!" Addison loosened her grip on Gemini. "Let's talk about this."

"Now you want to talk?" Antonia turned her focus back to Skyler. "Would you beg for your mother's life? Would you beg for Addison to hand over the vial now?"

Skyler looked at her mother. Marlene trembled noticeably but she shook her head. The blonde turned to Addison. She gazed deep into her eyes, desperate for help. "Please don't do this."

"Wrong answer," said Antonia.

With a flick of her wrist, Antonia turned her gun onto Marlene. She fired two shots into her chest then switched the gun back to Skyler.

"NO!" Skyler screamed. "NO... MOM, NO!"

Shrieks echoed from the sudden hostages as they scattered to the far walls and stage.

"MARLENE," Mark called as he caught her falling body .

"FREEZE," Brian yelled at the guests and they did so immediately. "Next person to move dies."

"NO... ANTONIA YOU..." Addison seethed with anger, "YOU..." At a loss for words she clenched her fists, feeling powerless in the face of Skyler's heartache.

The blonde cried helplessly. Tears of fear and overwhelming grief fell from her eyes. She sagged against Antonia, despising the woman behind her yet unable to gain the strength to fight against her captor. Her eyes remained fixed upon her mother who lay lifelessly upon the floor. Mark crouched above her, pressing his hands upon the wounds but blood pumped freely from severed arteries. Skyler attempted to free herself, needing to help her mother but Antonia held her firm.

"Mom," Skyler cried. "How could you?" She sobbed to Antonia. "How could you?"

Addison breathed heavily, her chest rising and falling as she controlled her desire to charge Antonia. She felt helpless, impotent in the face of such evil. The soldier thought rapidly.

"f.u.c.k you, Antonia," Addison said, shaking her head. "You want Gemini? YOU CAN HAVE IT!" With bubbling rage she threw the vial across the room towards Antonia. Addison knew Skyler's life would momentarily become of no importance as Antonia focused on the vial... and she was right. Pus.h.i.+ng Skyler to the side, Antonia reached for Gemini. At the same time, and with a roar of rage, Mark leapt to his feet and charged Brian, taking him completely by surprise as he watched the events unfolding between Addison and Antonia. It was too late for the traitor to act as Mark knocked the table from beneath him and Brian fell to the floor. Gla.s.ses smashed and plates clattered upon the floor. Mark Blithe was upon him.

Vaguely aware of Mark's attack, Addison unleashed her own upon Antonia. She launched herself across the room before Antonia could react. They came together in a blur of fast, violent blows. Punches traded; kicks delivered.

Addison took Antonia by the collar and threw her against the wall. She flew over a table, rolling over its top and onto the floor where she hit the bottom of the wall. Addison jumped up over the table to Antonia. She took the ex-marine again, lifting her from the floor and holding her against the wall. Both their weapons had become lost to them, scattering in opposite directions across the ground as they fought.

Taking the hand holding Gemini, Addison thrust it against the wall, never forgetting the potentially dangerous capability of the bacilli. Although it was strong gla.s.s containing Gemini, it was not unbreakable. Addison never forgot that as she delivered a chain of bone breaking punches to Antonia. The soldier weakened her immensely until she was able to pry her fingers away from the vial. She placed the gla.s.s tube lightly between her teeth and then threw Antonia over another table. The brunette collided with an a.s.sortment of gla.s.ses and bottles of wine before hitting the floor.

All around them people scattered, running from the room. Mark Blithe had gained the upper hand over Brian, and was binding his hands together behind his back. Skyler bent over her mother. Though she felt a faint pulse, there was no response from Marlene.