BC4

Chapter 4

Mercedes awoke to the sound of the steadily tapping of keys being drilled into her skull. She lifted her head off the pillow. Morgan was already wide-awake, a cup of pseudo coffee on her stand.
“Coffee is made,” Morgan said without bothering to glance back.
Mercedes yawned and stretched. She dropped her feet over the side of the bed and shuffled towards the kitchenette.
“About time you forced yourself out of bed, too.” Morgan leaned back and studied the data on the screen and took a sip from the cup while she scanned the data on her screen.
“Would you like breakfast?” Mercedes poured the black liquid in her cup, ignoring her partner’s remark. It was too early and she needed her caffeine fix.
“No thank you.”
Mercedes opened the cupboard and grabbed one of their last remaining nutri bars. She made a mental note to go to the market soon. That is, soon as Reilly paid them. So far, all that had were promises and Merc knew too well how much credence she can place in the words of the Commander of the ITC.
She took a big bite out of the chewy bar. Not extremely appetizing, but they were quick and inexpensive. Merc found these two traits most desirable in a food item.
`“So how was your night?” Mercedes asked when she joined her companion at the terminal.
“Lovely,” Morgan replied with a look of disgust. “I barely dodged an assassin and spent the night spanking some overweight guy’s rear end for being a bad boy who insisted on calling me mommy the whole time.”
“Never knew you were into kink,” Merc smirked. She took a sip of the coffee. “Maybe we could start a whole new line of work for you.”
“Please. I would almost rather have faced that virtual killer than endure another night like that again. Besides, I am not the dominating type.”
“Well you are certainly bossy enough for the job,” Mercedes muttered under her breath.
“Excuse me?”
“Never mind. So this killer, was he an ITC diver then?” Merc asked, changing the subject.
“Not unless ITC is adding ninjas types to their payroll now. And I am not bossy, just very opinionated.”
“Ninja!” Mercedes nearly dropped her cup.

ITC did not employ them. Not because of any ethical reasons, she doubted Reilly even knew what the word meant. However, living most of their lives in a cyber fantasy world made them very unpredictable and almost completely uncontrollable. Something a control freak like Reilly would never tolerate.
“If someone hired one of those digital freaks, this might be bigger than we thought,” Morgan remarked.
“So were you able to get in?”
“Yes. Fortunately, the ninja didn’t attack until after I had left ITC. It was almost as if he was waiting for me outside.”
“Odd,” Mercedes mused.
“Or lucky. He might have been a rover, out looking for a quick kill, another scalp to add to his belt.”
Mercedes nodded in agreement. Sometimes these so-called ninjas became so disconnected; they became virtual serial killers, seeking out random victims to slay and prove their virtual might.
“Either way, I found out that the ITC Enforcers are in deep trouble on this one. Seems Reilly and his crew are being held responsible for the kidnapping.”
“Explains why he came to us. You think he suspects one of his own might have been involved?”
“No record of it in the files. The agents assigned to the protection detail were William Connelly and Sarah Tinos.”
“Those two,” Mercedes snorted. “They need an order to go to the bathroom, then get instructions on how to proceed. I doubt either one has ever had an original thought in their air filled heads.”
“True.” Morgan nodded. “Strange that Reilly would entrust the safety of such an important dignitary to the likes of them.”
“Maybe the quality of Enforcers went downhill after they booted us out.”
“Perhaps,” Morgan chuckled. “Nevertheless I would rule them out as being the masterminds behind any plot. Along with the fact neither could keep a secret to save their lives.”
“Okay the dullard duo are off the “A” list of suspects, unless they suddenly got an injection of guts and brains.”
Mercedes took another sip of the brew and wrinkled her nose. “You made this stuff too weak. Its like drinking colored water.”
“Then next time I’ll boot your lazy butt out of bed and you can make it. Besides, not everyone likes their PC so strong you can stand a spoon in it,” Morgan shot back while she placed another screen of projected data to her left. It amazed Mercedes how Morgan could keep track of all that information.
“It wakes me up. That and a shot of scotch,” Mercedes retorted. She reached for flask and frowned noticing the container was empty.
“Whatever,” Morgan sighed. “Now, can we get back to business or do you have any more culinary hints?”
“Nope.” Mercedes smiled, tossing the flask on the counter. “So, did you dig up any leads at all?”
“Only one,” Morgan replied. She sat back in her chair. “It seems the Enforcers placed ‘GLOW’ high on their list of suspects.”
“GLOW?” They are one of the biggest feminist groups around. Considering the Bishop’s view that women should be hardly seen and never heard, I can see why that would raise some hackles among their ranks. Some of those women can be down right militant.”
“Yes, I’d say their conflicting philosophies would be a reasonable motive. They certainly do have the resources for it too. A few of their members have something of a shady past, I understand. It’s not much but it’s all we have for now.”
“Seems kind of flimsy. Why would they kidnap him? Why not just kill him?” Merc sat down on her bed. “ And why would they want the company signed over? Far as I know they have no desire to enter the corporate world.”
“Maybe they are branching out,” Morgan attempted to shrug with her stiff artificial shoulders. “And it would reduce the power of his church significantly.”
“And add to their own. Not a bad idea after all.” Mercedes sat down on the edge of the bed.
“Yes, Domni would be the sort to hatch a scheme like this. She has been implicated in several incidents, along with a little terrorism thrown in for good measure, nothing proven though..”
“Domni?” Mercedes asked with a cocked eyebrow.
“Yes that is the name of the current president of the organization. She has been rather vocal in her criticism of the church and the ITC too.”
Merc’s thoughts drifted back to a time long ago when she was no more than a brash young punk from the water planet of Ralu. She had known a Domni back then. A scowl appeared on her lips. She recalled a tall leggy brunette with deep brown inviting eyes, the first true love of her life. It was also her first experience with heartbreak.
“Are you okay?” Morgan asked. “Do you know this woman?”
“Yes I’m fine.” She was certain it couldn’t be the same woman. “And no I don’t think so.” Though Domni was an unusual name. Her luck couldn’t be that bad. “Are there are any other possible leads we can follow?”
“The Senior Deacon is here. It might be a good idea to pop in on him.” Morgan answered, after tapping a few more keys. “All we can do now is interview all involved and start to eliminate suspects and hope something pops up.”
“No problem. I can shake things up some and see what happens there,” Mercedes said with an impish grin.
“I know this is useless to even ask, but can you handle this in a more subtle manner than you normally do.”
“I can be subtle.”
“Yes, like a sledge hammer.”
“Fine I promise to be nice, the picture civility. I’ll get dressed and visit GLOW HQ first, then off to see the Deacon.” Merc lay back down on her bed. She glanced over at her partner, who had placed yet another virtual screen of streaming data to her right “You think his holiness will even see me, being a woman and all?”
“Once he realizes that we have been contracted by ITC to look in to this matter he won’t have any choice.”
“Good,” Merc nodded. “Anything else?”
Morgan paused briefly. She scanned the screens surrounding her. “You might have a chat with William and Sarah. Granted, they are not the brightest and their report is here and quite thorough like one would expect it to be. Still, they might have seen something and not realized it. Right now, we need any lead we can get.”
“We never got along when I was an Enforcer. I don’t think they will be open to any friendly chit chat now.”
“Once those two realize you are on official business, I am certain they will be extremely cooperative. Besides, they may be unlikely suspects but part of unraveling any mystery is eliminating every possibility. That includes these two.”
Merc sat up and took off the oversized sweatshirt she used for a nightgown. I’ll grab a shower and start hitting the streets then.” She began to remove her undergarments and make her way to the bathroom.
She entered the cramped washroom. The cubicle was a bile green color with barely enough space for the tiny commode, sink and shower; one could almost relieve themselves and shower at the same time.
It was early mornings like these that she dearly missed the spacious apartment she’d owned in the corporate district of the city. She turned the aged and pitted knob. Ah, cold water again. Just one time it would be great to have lots and lots of hot water.
“Do some shopping while you are out too,” Morgan yelled over the sound of the water cascading down on her tanned flesh. “We are out of almost everything.”
“With what?” Merc asked when she emerged with a towel wrapped around her. “We’re broke and Reilly hasn’t paid us yet.”
“Not completely.” Morgan smiled mischievously. “I stashed a few creds in a side account for emergencies.”
“You mean you hid creds from me?”
“I didn’t want you taking them to go drinking with the girls. Someone has to keep an eye on our finances.”
“Do you really think I am that irresponsible?” Morgan stared back at her partner in silence. “Okay,” Mercedes waved of her hand. “Stupid question.” It was true Mercedes had never been very good with her creds. She often spent a good portion of her wages before the week had even ended and would end up borrowing a few creds from Morgan to tide her over.
“Here is the code for the account.” Morgan handed her a slip of paper with a series of numbers on it. “Now be careful. Only buy what we need.”
“If you are so damned concerned I might blow it all why don’t you go get it yourself,” Mercedes snapped, snatching the paper from her companion.
Morgan lowered her head hiding her face at the sudden outburst.
Mercedes’ face immediately switched from agitated frustration to regret. “I am sorry.” Mercedes placed a comforting hand on her partner’s head. “You know me, I have a tendency to talk without engaging my brain at times.”
“Most times,” Morgan glanced back in soft green eyes of her partner.
Mercedes squatted down and looked directly at Morgan’s scarred face. Morgan turned the left side of her face away. Mercedes placed two fingers on her friend’s chin and gently turned her head back, looking her in the good eye.
“I’ll take care of everything,” she said softly. “You can count on me.”
“I know I can.” Morgan said with a crooked smile. “I would do it myself but….”
Mercedes placed a finger on her partner’s lips. “I know.” she rose to her feet.
Mercedes slowly turned around and began to dress in a pair of gray slacks and a white blouse. Opening the chest next to her bed, she removed twin shoulder holsters and strapped them on.
After checking the action of the automatic, she chambered a bullet in it for a quick fire if necessary. She loaded an energy pack into the butt of her laser weapon. Most people these days might have shields for either bullets or lasers; few had protection for both at the same time. Next, Mercedes slid them into place and threw on a gray jacket that matched her slacks.
“You think you are armed well enough?” Morgan retorted while Mercedes tossed on the dark blue overcoat. “Sure you don’t want to take that rocket launcher?”
“Too big,” Merc replied in an all too serious tone. She adjusted the lapel of her jacket. “Though you may be correct.” she picked up two small grenades and attached them to the thin silver belt wrapped around her slender waist.
“Wonderful.” Morgan rolled her eyes. “Just try not to blow anything up or shoot anyone, especially those fanatics at the church, no matter how much they get under your skin.”
“I’ll do my best,” Merc replied with a wry grin. “No promises though.”
“And the contacts?”
“Already in friend, ahead of you on that one. So what will you be doing while I’m out?”
“I’ll hook up the audio visual device so we can stay in contact. Other than that, I’ll study these files some more and see if I can come up with something we can use.”
“So no diving.” Merc gave her partner a look of concern. Morgan was good, better than most, but even she would be no match for the likes of a data ninja.
“Not unless I come up with a hot lead. And from the look of things so far, that’s doubtful.”
“Just be careful.”
“Don’t worry. Anyway that ninja showing up might have been just a coincidence.”
“Perhaps. Just be careful.”
“Just don’t you forget the market,” Morgan called after her.
Perhaps Morgan was correct. The Ninja was nothing more than coincidence. Only, Mercedes Deville didn’t believe coincidences.
Mercedes tightened the coat around her lithe form while she picked her way through the garbage-strewn streets towards, Mother Shome’s place of business, the ‘Rustic Nail’. The dark green sign flickered on and off in the early morning smog filled sky.
It had been a struggle for Morgan to walk to their tiny apartment. Mother Shome had offered to have Reggie drive them to the apartment, but Morgan had declined. She still had a strong streak of independence.
The smell of stale beer assaulted her when she stepped into the tavern. Reggie was already busy sweeping the floor, dancing while he worked humming a tune. The aged lanky man looked up and leaned lazily on the handle of the broom, running a hand through over his balding head. “Want a drink to cut the morning taste in yer mouth Merc?” He asked, looking up at her with a gap-toothed grin.
“Tempting, but best not. Working today.”
“So I heard,” Mother Shome interjected. She entered the room and placed case of bottles on the bar while she prepared to restock. She still wore the same heavy make up she had on the night before. Mercedes wondered if she might have had it tattooed on her face. “Word is you two are working for
the ITC again.” She looked over at the man. “Reggie, get back to work. I don’t pay you to goof off.” She shouted. He immediately went back to his task of sweeping the floor and humming his tune slightly off-key.
“Well, actually they hired us to look into an incident for them. I thought that was supposed to be hush hush though.”
“You know nothing goes on in this city without me knowing about it,” Mother Shome snickered.
“I know Mom,” Mercedes laughed. “So you know why they hired us then?”
“Something about that idiot Bishop being missing, I would guess.” She shrugged.
“You amaze me at times Mom,” Mercedes said shaking her head. “Don’t suppose you know who did it?”
“I’m not the detective here. You expect me to do your job for you?”
“Nope, what would be the fun in that and you know how much Morgan likes a good mystery.”
“True. You two just be careful. The Enforcers don’t like the idea of you being involved. Kind of a slap in the face to them.”
“Reilly hired us personally.”
“You think he had a choice? A couple of the corporate big wigs voiced their disappointment in the Enforcers’ performance during this whole affair. A few wanted to bring their own goons in on it.”
“So Reilly struck a compromise with them.”
“Well you two did have one of the best records in the Enforcer branch before you were booted. If you fail, then it will show that this was a difficult case after all.”
“And if we succeed, he can take the credit. Same old Reilly, still playing both sides.”
Mother Shome tossed Merc the keys to the shed in the back. “I suppose you want these to start doing your sleuthing, or whatever it is you do.” Mother Shome said. Merc caught the keys easily in her left hand. “So where are you headed off too?”
“GLOW first,” Merc began to exit out the back way. She saw no reason to try and conceal anything from the old former runner. Chances are she would find out soon enough anyway.
“Hmpf. I’ve never seen a one of them coming down here to help the girls on the street. They want to see real abuse, they should trot their militant butts down here sometime on a weekend.”
Mercedes did not bother to respond. The bar owner had her opinions and wasn’t afraid to voice them. It was one of the things she loved about the cranky old gal.
“Morgan, you online?” Mercedes asked as she slid behind the wheel of the sleek car. It felt kind of odd speaking to Morgan like she was right next to her.
“Yes,” Morgan replied in her left ear. “I put on the rig as soon as you left. “Guess that explains why Reilly was so eager to hire us.”
“I was wondering why he would take this case outside of the branch,” Mercedes inserted the key card and the sleek vector engine came alive with a high performance growl. “He figures either way he ends up a winner.”
“Unless this is all some sort of elaborate cover up.”
“You think too much.”
“Better than not thinking at all. Either way, we will know more when you talk to our collection of suspects.”
“You’ve been watching too many of those old crime vids,” Mercedes laughed.
“Actually I’ve been playing a virtual game, kind of fun. I get to be a female Sherlock Holmes.”
“Who?”
“Never mind. You drive and I’ll examine these files.” She heard a soft click when Morgan disconnected.
“So lets see what trouble we can cause,” Merc said with an evil grin. She drove out into the narrow street.