‘I’ve got her and soon I’ll have the formula for you. The others don’t suspect anything. I trust the amount we agreed on hasn’t changed.
Drake’
The man smiled.
‘It always helps to have someone on the inside’ he thought.
The End
Saturday, July 16, 2011
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 151)
“Yes; you may leave” The Commander said and watched them leave.
When the commander was sure that they had left; he picked up his phone and typed up a message and sent it to a secret phone number.
“Thank you for everything” Sheryl said as they left the building.
“You are welcome” Lance said stopping and then pulling her into his arms and embracing her.
“I was worried that I wouldn’t reach you in time” he whispered with emotion.
“I thought I was going to die; I’m glad it’s all over” she said hugging him back.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again” he promised.
“I have you guys now; who’s going to hurt me?” she said with a smile.
“We will all protect you; all of us including the commander” Lance told her as he continued to hold onto her.
The man picked up his phone and looked at the message he had just received. It read.
When the commander was sure that they had left; he picked up his phone and typed up a message and sent it to a secret phone number.
“Thank you for everything” Sheryl said as they left the building.
“You are welcome” Lance said stopping and then pulling her into his arms and embracing her.
“I was worried that I wouldn’t reach you in time” he whispered with emotion.
“I thought I was going to die; I’m glad it’s all over” she said hugging him back.
“I won’t let anyone hurt you again” he promised.
“I have you guys now; who’s going to hurt me?” she said with a smile.
“We will all protect you; all of us including the commander” Lance told her as he continued to hold onto her.
The man picked up his phone and looked at the message he had just received. It read.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 150)
“Lance will see to it that you do and remember you can’t tell a soul” the Commander warned.
Sheryl nodded; this was all happening so fast.
‘Her?; an agent.’
She had to admit that it had never crossed her mind. She might not know much about Universal Warriors as an organization but they had proven that they could be trusted and after everything that had happened she realized that they were her only option. She would do what she had to do to protect herself and honor her parent’s memory.
“I’d love to join you” Sheryl said.
“Welcome on board” the Commander congratulated her.
“Start their training as soon as possible” Commander Drake said.
“Yes sir” Lance responded.
“Is there someone else?” Sheryl asked the Commander.
“Renée will be joining you as soon as she recovers” he informed her.
“Isn’t she with the bad guys?” Sheryl asked in confusion.
“Ed is convinced she would be a good agent so we are putting her on a trial period” he told her.
“Was that all sir?” Lance asked.
Sheryl nodded; this was all happening so fast.
‘Her?; an agent.’
She had to admit that it had never crossed her mind. She might not know much about Universal Warriors as an organization but they had proven that they could be trusted and after everything that had happened she realized that they were her only option. She would do what she had to do to protect herself and honor her parent’s memory.
“I’d love to join you” Sheryl said.
“Welcome on board” the Commander congratulated her.
“Start their training as soon as possible” Commander Drake said.
“Yes sir” Lance responded.
“Is there someone else?” Sheryl asked the Commander.
“Renée will be joining you as soon as she recovers” he informed her.
“Isn’t she with the bad guys?” Sheryl asked in confusion.
“Ed is convinced she would be a good agent so we are putting her on a trial period” he told her.
“Was that all sir?” Lance asked.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 149)
“I understand; how can I help?” she asked wanting to finish what her parents had started.
“We would like you to join the organization”
“Me?”
“Yes” he confirmed.
“But I don’t know anything about being an agent” Sheryl protested.
“We want you to begin training; Lance and his squad can help you with that and at the same time we would like to perform some tests on your arm so that we can learn the composition of the formula”
“My arm?” Sheryl asked puzzled, wondering why they would want to do tests on her arm.
“Yes; your parent’s infused the formula in your arm” the Commander explained.
“I’m not sure…” Sheryl hesitated.
“There are a lot of dangerous people out there Sheryl and they want the formula; you becoming one of us is your best chance at survival and making sure that your parents discovery is not used for evil” the Commander told her in a blunt but kind tone.
“He’s right Sheryl; we can teach you how to protect yourself” Lance agreed.
“Okay; I don’t think I’ll make a good agent though” she gave in.
“We would like you to join the organization”
“Me?”
“Yes” he confirmed.
“But I don’t know anything about being an agent” Sheryl protested.
“We want you to begin training; Lance and his squad can help you with that and at the same time we would like to perform some tests on your arm so that we can learn the composition of the formula”
“My arm?” Sheryl asked puzzled, wondering why they would want to do tests on her arm.
“Yes; your parent’s infused the formula in your arm” the Commander explained.
“I’m not sure…” Sheryl hesitated.
“There are a lot of dangerous people out there Sheryl and they want the formula; you becoming one of us is your best chance at survival and making sure that your parents discovery is not used for evil” the Commander told her in a blunt but kind tone.
“He’s right Sheryl; we can teach you how to protect yourself” Lance agreed.
“Okay; I don’t think I’ll make a good agent though” she gave in.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 148)
“Glad to finally meet you in person Sheryl” Commander Drake said as he shook Sheryl’s hand.
“Sheryl; this is Commander Drake he is in charge of the HQ of Universal Warriors” Lance told her before they all sat down.
“I hope you are alright” the Commander inquired.
“Yes; a little rattled but I’m okay” Sheryl responded.
“I’m sorry about your parents; they were great scientists” Commander Drake apologized with sympathy.
“You knew them?” Sheryl asked him.
“Yes; I did and their death was a great loss to this organization”
“Thank you” she responded.
“I gather you already know about the formula?” he asked.
“Yes; Lance explained everything to me on our way here” she told him as she gave Lance a small smile. Under normal circumstances she would have been angry with him about lying about who he was but after everything she had been through she was just glad that she had him to lean on.
“Your parents developed the formula for this organization; so naturally we would like to know it” the Commander said.
“Sheryl; this is Commander Drake he is in charge of the HQ of Universal Warriors” Lance told her before they all sat down.
“I hope you are alright” the Commander inquired.
“Yes; a little rattled but I’m okay” Sheryl responded.
“I’m sorry about your parents; they were great scientists” Commander Drake apologized with sympathy.
“You knew them?” Sheryl asked him.
“Yes; I did and their death was a great loss to this organization”
“Thank you” she responded.
“I gather you already know about the formula?” he asked.
“Yes; Lance explained everything to me on our way here” she told him as she gave Lance a small smile. Under normal circumstances she would have been angry with him about lying about who he was but after everything she had been through she was just glad that she had him to lean on.
“Your parents developed the formula for this organization; so naturally we would like to know it” the Commander said.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 147)
“Is he alive?” Lance asked Mackenzie as she checked Seth’s pulse.
“Yes but we need to get him to the hospital” Mackenzie informed him.
“Call HQ and tell them to send the medics” Lance said her and Mackenzie nodded before she dialed the number.
“Sheryl” Lance said gently as he walked over to the chair and unstrapped her.
“I was so scared” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“It’s okay; you are safe now” he said hugging her tightly. They had gotten there just in time; a few seconds later and she would have been dead.
“How did you know where I was?” she asked holding onto him tightly afraid to let go.
“Renée told me” he told her.
“So she’s alive?” Sheryl asked relieved.
“Yes; she’s with Ed” Lance said.
“Sheryl… I haven’t been completely honest about who I am” he begun.
“Sssh…just…just hold me” Sheryl interrupted him; not really caring about what he was about to say; she was just glad that he was here and that he had saved her.
Lance smiled and held onto her.
“Yes but we need to get him to the hospital” Mackenzie informed him.
“Call HQ and tell them to send the medics” Lance said her and Mackenzie nodded before she dialed the number.
“Sheryl” Lance said gently as he walked over to the chair and unstrapped her.
“I was so scared” she whispered as she wrapped her arms around him, tears streaming down her cheeks.
“It’s okay; you are safe now” he said hugging her tightly. They had gotten there just in time; a few seconds later and she would have been dead.
“How did you know where I was?” she asked holding onto him tightly afraid to let go.
“Renée told me” he told her.
“So she’s alive?” Sheryl asked relieved.
“Yes; she’s with Ed” Lance said.
“Sheryl… I haven’t been completely honest about who I am” he begun.
“Sssh…just…just hold me” Sheryl interrupted him; not really caring about what he was about to say; she was just glad that he was here and that he had saved her.
Lance smiled and held onto her.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 146)
“I already told you I don’t have it” Sheryl said wondering why he wasn’t listening to her.
“We will see about that” Jack said giving Seth the go ahead signal.
Seth retrieved his gun from his coat pocket and aimed it at Sheryl. Sheryl’s heartbeat increased; he was going to kill her; this was it. She was scared; she didn’t want to die; there were so many things she hadn’t done. So many things she hadn’t said and places she hadn’t visited. It all seemed so unfair.
“Go ahead” Jack told Sheryl.
“Please…no” Sheryl pleaded; it was the only thing she felt she could do.
Seth wrapped his index finger around the trigger and squeezed it. Sheryl screamed and the shot echoed out through the night then everything went silent.
Seth dropped his gun and fell to the ground. He felt the pain invade his chest. He touched the spot where the pain was coming from and then looked at his hand, it was covered in blood. His eyes went dim; he could feel himself slipping into unconsciousness and then everything went black.
“Don’t move” Lance said as he now pointed his gun to Jack.
Jack raised his hands in the air and stood still paralyzed by fear.
“Cuff him” Lance told Larry and Larry obliged.
“We will see about that” Jack said giving Seth the go ahead signal.
Seth retrieved his gun from his coat pocket and aimed it at Sheryl. Sheryl’s heartbeat increased; he was going to kill her; this was it. She was scared; she didn’t want to die; there were so many things she hadn’t done. So many things she hadn’t said and places she hadn’t visited. It all seemed so unfair.
“Go ahead” Jack told Sheryl.
“Please…no” Sheryl pleaded; it was the only thing she felt she could do.
Seth wrapped his index finger around the trigger and squeezed it. Sheryl screamed and the shot echoed out through the night then everything went silent.
Seth dropped his gun and fell to the ground. He felt the pain invade his chest. He touched the spot where the pain was coming from and then looked at his hand, it was covered in blood. His eyes went dim; he could feel himself slipping into unconsciousness and then everything went black.
“Don’t move” Lance said as he now pointed his gun to Jack.
Jack raised his hands in the air and stood still paralyzed by fear.
“Cuff him” Lance told Larry and Larry obliged.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 145)
Sheryl looked at him in disbelief; he had said that with such ease almost as if killing people was an everyday activity. She shifted her gaze to Seth; he had no look of remorse for what he had done.
‘These guys were monsters’ she thought.
Her mind went to her biological parents; she suddenly felt guilty for resenting them all these years. She had thought they hadn’t wanted her; that maybe she hadn’t been good enough for them but all this time she had been blaming them for abandoning her but they never did.
“But Seth isn’t all bad; he did let you live after all” Jack said in the same casual tone.
Sheryl was silent. There were countless emotions she was feeling. She was angry with Seth for killing her parents but she was also angry with them for discovering the formula. If it hadn’t been discovered Seth wouldn’t have killed them because he wouldn’t have been looking for them in the first place and she would have been with them; she would have known them and grown up with them.
“I think we have chatted enough; now time to get to work” Jack said getting up from the chair he was sitting in.
“What are you going to do to me?” Sheryl asked quietly.
“First we are going to see if you really have the formula” Jack said in a serious tone.
‘These guys were monsters’ she thought.
Her mind went to her biological parents; she suddenly felt guilty for resenting them all these years. She had thought they hadn’t wanted her; that maybe she hadn’t been good enough for them but all this time she had been blaming them for abandoning her but they never did.
“But Seth isn’t all bad; he did let you live after all” Jack said in the same casual tone.
Sheryl was silent. There were countless emotions she was feeling. She was angry with Seth for killing her parents but she was also angry with them for discovering the formula. If it hadn’t been discovered Seth wouldn’t have killed them because he wouldn’t have been looking for them in the first place and she would have been with them; she would have known them and grown up with them.
“I think we have chatted enough; now time to get to work” Jack said getting up from the chair he was sitting in.
“What are you going to do to me?” Sheryl asked quietly.
“First we are going to see if you really have the formula” Jack said in a serious tone.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 144)
...never known yet again she felt she must at least feel something but strangely at that particular moment she didn’t feel any sorrow.
“You don’t seem too shaken; not many people react that way when you tell them their parents are dead” Jack said a little surprised by her lack of emotion.
“Why should I feel anything when they never wanted me?” she asked bitterly; all her buried emotions boiling up to the surface.
“What makes you think they didn’t want you?” Jack asked her.
“Why else would they give me up for adoption?” Sheryl answered his question with another question.
“Well they really didn’t have a choice”
“There is always a choice” Sheryl said angrily.
“Not when you are dead”
“What?” she asked puzzled.
“You see; Seth has a bit of a temper and he can be quite a loose cannon” Jack begun.
“When he went over to ask your parents about the formula; they resisted and well he killed them” Jack said in a very casual tone.
“You don’t seem too shaken; not many people react that way when you tell them their parents are dead” Jack said a little surprised by her lack of emotion.
“Why should I feel anything when they never wanted me?” she asked bitterly; all her buried emotions boiling up to the surface.
“What makes you think they didn’t want you?” Jack asked her.
“Why else would they give me up for adoption?” Sheryl answered his question with another question.
“Well they really didn’t have a choice”
“There is always a choice” Sheryl said angrily.
“Not when you are dead”
“What?” she asked puzzled.
“You see; Seth has a bit of a temper and he can be quite a loose cannon” Jack begun.
“When he went over to ask your parents about the formula; they resisted and well he killed them” Jack said in a very casual tone.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 143)
“What makes you think I have the formula?”
“Let’s just say I have a reliable source”
“You are wasting your time; I know nothing about it”
“Oh but you do; you just don’t know it”
“Wasn’t it easy to just ask my parents for it?” Sheryl asked thinking that this was what she would have done if she were in his shoes.
“Well; that didn’t work out last time we tried it,… did it Seth?” Jack said now addressing Seth.
“No; not at all” Seth agreed.
“They must have realized how crazy you were and refused to give it to you” Sheryl said knowing that given the chance she wouldn’t give him anything that would put him in the position of power.
“They were stubborn; weren’t they?” Seth said with a small smile.
“What do you mean were?” Sheryl asked wondering why he was referring to them in past tense.
“Were is the tense one tends to use when people are no more” Jack told her bluntly.
Sheryl realized what he was saying. Her biological parents were dead; she wasn’t sure how to react to what she had just learnt. She couldn’t cry for people she had...
“Let’s just say I have a reliable source”
“You are wasting your time; I know nothing about it”
“Oh but you do; you just don’t know it”
“Wasn’t it easy to just ask my parents for it?” Sheryl asked thinking that this was what she would have done if she were in his shoes.
“Well; that didn’t work out last time we tried it,… did it Seth?” Jack said now addressing Seth.
“No; not at all” Seth agreed.
“They must have realized how crazy you were and refused to give it to you” Sheryl said knowing that given the chance she wouldn’t give him anything that would put him in the position of power.
“They were stubborn; weren’t they?” Seth said with a small smile.
“What do you mean were?” Sheryl asked wondering why he was referring to them in past tense.
“Were is the tense one tends to use when people are no more” Jack told her bluntly.
Sheryl realized what he was saying. Her biological parents were dead; she wasn’t sure how to react to what she had just learnt. She couldn’t cry for people she had...
Universal Warriors (Chapter 23, Page 142)
“Universal Warriors?” Sheryl said puzzled; she had never heard of such an organization.
“It’s a secret organization that fight’s crime; an FBI of sorts except it’s privately owned and run and a much better kept secret”
“And you worked there?” Sheryl asked finding it hard to believe; if the organizations main aim was to fight crime how did a man like him come to work at such a place.
“Yes I did and so did Seth” he informed her.
“So what does my parents working there got to do with me?” she asked wondering where the conversation was leading.
“Your parents developed a formula that could; how do I put this in plain English…a formula that could create bulletproof skin” he said knowing it sounded crazy.
Chapter 23
Sheryl laughed out loud before she said.
“Bulletproof skin? You are crazy”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea if I were you” Jack warned.
“I find it hard to believe such a thing could exist” Sheryl confessed really believing that Jack had a screw loose.
“It does; I saw it with my own eyes”
“It’s a secret organization that fight’s crime; an FBI of sorts except it’s privately owned and run and a much better kept secret”
“And you worked there?” Sheryl asked finding it hard to believe; if the organizations main aim was to fight crime how did a man like him come to work at such a place.
“Yes I did and so did Seth” he informed her.
“So what does my parents working there got to do with me?” she asked wondering where the conversation was leading.
“Your parents developed a formula that could; how do I put this in plain English…a formula that could create bulletproof skin” he said knowing it sounded crazy.
Chapter 23
Sheryl laughed out loud before she said.
“Bulletproof skin? You are crazy”
“I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss the idea if I were you” Jack warned.
“I find it hard to believe such a thing could exist” Sheryl confessed really believing that Jack had a screw loose.
“It does; I saw it with my own eyes”
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 141)
“What a shame” Seth said with a smile.
Sheryl looked at them with a puzzled expression; all she could hear was formula this and formula that but she had no idea what they were talking about.
“David and Stella Blaine” Jack said quietly.
“What?” Sheryl asked in confusion.
“Do those names ring any bells?” Jack asked.
“No; I don’t know anyone by those names” Sheryl said.
“Your parents Sheryl; those were their names” Jack told her.
“How do you know my parents?” Sheryl asked surprised.
“We worked together” Jack said.
Sheryl didn’t know what to say; she wasn’t sure if Jack was being honest or he was just making things up but then again he had absolutely no reason to lie. Sheryl had often thought about how she would find out about her parents and she had to admit that it had never once crossed her mind that she would find out about them from someone who had kidnapped her.
“You did?” she asked him.
“Yes, we worked at Universal Warriors as bio-chemical scientists in the weapons research department facility” he explained.
Sheryl looked at them with a puzzled expression; all she could hear was formula this and formula that but she had no idea what they were talking about.
“David and Stella Blaine” Jack said quietly.
“What?” Sheryl asked in confusion.
“Do those names ring any bells?” Jack asked.
“No; I don’t know anyone by those names” Sheryl said.
“Your parents Sheryl; those were their names” Jack told her.
“How do you know my parents?” Sheryl asked surprised.
“We worked together” Jack said.
Sheryl didn’t know what to say; she wasn’t sure if Jack was being honest or he was just making things up but then again he had absolutely no reason to lie. Sheryl had often thought about how she would find out about her parents and she had to admit that it had never once crossed her mind that she would find out about them from someone who had kidnapped her.
“You did?” she asked him.
“Yes, we worked at Universal Warriors as bio-chemical scientists in the weapons research department facility” he explained.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 140)
punch her in the face. Sheryl’s face turned at the force of the blow striking her face. She could taste the blood in her mouth. She parted her lips and spat out the blood from her mouth. Her cheek was throbbing in pain;
‘So this is what it felt like to be punched’ she thought; it was a whole lot more painful than they had made it look in the movies.
Seth used his hand to turn her head so she could face him.
“You are going to talk; you hear?” he said his eyes cold and dangerous.
Sheryl felt a shiver go down her spine; she nodded her response. She was scared; no she was terrified. She felt hopeless; no one knew where she was; and worse still she didn’t know if there was anyone looking for her.
“Good girl” Seth said knowing that she was ready to cooperate fully now.
“She’s ready for that chitchat now” Seth told Jack.
“Excellent” Jack said with a smile as he saw the fear in her eyes; which were now welled with tears.
“Did you know about the formula?” Jack asked.
“What formula?” Sheryl asked in a confused tone.
“So you didn’t know” Jack pressed on.
“I don’t know anything about a formula” Sheryl told him honestly.
“What do you know Seth?; she has no idea” Jack laughed.
‘So this is what it felt like to be punched’ she thought; it was a whole lot more painful than they had made it look in the movies.
Seth used his hand to turn her head so she could face him.
“You are going to talk; you hear?” he said his eyes cold and dangerous.
Sheryl felt a shiver go down her spine; she nodded her response. She was scared; no she was terrified. She felt hopeless; no one knew where she was; and worse still she didn’t know if there was anyone looking for her.
“Good girl” Seth said knowing that she was ready to cooperate fully now.
“She’s ready for that chitchat now” Seth told Jack.
“Excellent” Jack said with a smile as he saw the fear in her eyes; which were now welled with tears.
“Did you know about the formula?” Jack asked.
“What formula?” Sheryl asked in a confused tone.
“So you didn’t know” Jack pressed on.
“I don’t know anything about a formula” Sheryl told him honestly.
“What do you know Seth?; she has no idea” Jack laughed.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 139)
“I’ll be fine; it’s them you should be worried about” Lance said seriously thinking he was going to make them pay if they had hurt Sheryl in anyway.
“Go and save your girl” Ed said with a smile and Lance left.
“So he’s been at that old chemical plant this whole time” Mackenzie said to Larry who was driving. They were on their way to meet Lance and then go on to rescue Sheryl.
“Yes; that’s where his lab is” Larry said as he overtook the pickup in front of him. The driver of the pickup rolled down his window and yelled something about how Larry was going to kill someone if he didn’t slow down.
“I hope we get there in time” Mackenzie said hoping that Sheryl was still alive.
“Me too” Larry said quietly.
“So tell me Ms. Peterson; did you know about the formula this whole time?” Jack asked as he pulled up a chair and sat opposite her.
Sheryl didn’t respond; she merely looked at him.
“Seth; persuade Ms. Peterson to talk to me” Jack said quietly.
“My pleasure” Seth said as he walked over to Sheryl. He stopped right in front of her and then lifted her chin gently with his hand. He then used his other hand to...
“Go and save your girl” Ed said with a smile and Lance left.
“So he’s been at that old chemical plant this whole time” Mackenzie said to Larry who was driving. They were on their way to meet Lance and then go on to rescue Sheryl.
“Yes; that’s where his lab is” Larry said as he overtook the pickup in front of him. The driver of the pickup rolled down his window and yelled something about how Larry was going to kill someone if he didn’t slow down.
“I hope we get there in time” Mackenzie said hoping that Sheryl was still alive.
“Me too” Larry said quietly.
“So tell me Ms. Peterson; did you know about the formula this whole time?” Jack asked as he pulled up a chair and sat opposite her.
Sheryl didn’t respond; she merely looked at him.
“Seth; persuade Ms. Peterson to talk to me” Jack said quietly.
“My pleasure” Seth said as he walked over to Sheryl. He stopped right in front of her and then lifted her chin gently with his hand. He then used his other hand to...
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 138)
“Don’t mind her; she will soon learn some respect” Jack said coldly.
“That she will Jack; that she will” Seth promised looking forward to breaking her.
Sheryl felt her body tense up in fear. She had no idea what they were going to do to her and she didn’t want to think about it. She had seen how Seth had shot Renée without hesitation; someone who was supposed to be on his side. She dared not imagine what he might do to her.
“You are sure she is telling you the truth” the commander asked over the phone.
“She has no reason to lie sir” Lance reassured him.
“Very well; go ahead” the commander gave Lance his permission.
“Thank you sir; I have already called Larry and Mackenzie for back up” Lance informed him.
“Make sure Ed stays with Renée for safety; she is now a witness”
“Yes sir” Lance said and cut the line.
“What did he say?” Ed asked Lance. They were still in Renée’s room and Renée had told them where they could find her father and the security details of his hideout.
“He says you should stay with her and we will take care of the rest” Lance replied.
“Alright; be careful” Ed said.
“That she will Jack; that she will” Seth promised looking forward to breaking her.
Sheryl felt her body tense up in fear. She had no idea what they were going to do to her and she didn’t want to think about it. She had seen how Seth had shot Renée without hesitation; someone who was supposed to be on his side. She dared not imagine what he might do to her.
“You are sure she is telling you the truth” the commander asked over the phone.
“She has no reason to lie sir” Lance reassured him.
“Very well; go ahead” the commander gave Lance his permission.
“Thank you sir; I have already called Larry and Mackenzie for back up” Lance informed him.
“Make sure Ed stays with Renée for safety; she is now a witness”
“Yes sir” Lance said and cut the line.
“What did he say?” Ed asked Lance. They were still in Renée’s room and Renée had told them where they could find her father and the security details of his hideout.
“He says you should stay with her and we will take care of the rest” Lance replied.
“Alright; be careful” Ed said.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 137)
“She’s not talking; I guess it’s her way of resisting” Seth said with a chuckle.
“Is that so Ms. Peterson?” Jack asked in amusement.
Sheryl didn’t respond; she was terrified of them but she was not going to show it. She would remain silent; that was her way of insuring that she died with dignity.
“What do you know?; She really is going to keep mum” Jack said his eye brows raised in surprise.
“Strap her down” Jack instructed Seth.
Seth grabbed Sheryl’s arm and pulled her to a metallic chair that Jack had set up for her. Seth forced her to sit down and place her arms on the arm rest. He reached out for the straps attached to the chair and strapped Sheryl’s arms, legs, and torso to the chair making it impossible for her to move.
“I love that she is so cooperative” Jack mused.
“She’s a smart one” Seth said stroking Sheryl cheek.
Sheryl turned her cheek away and spat in his face with disgust.
“Stupid girl” Seth said in anger as he slapped her across the face.
Sheryl let out a little whimper as the force of the slap hit her. She felt the pain sink in and held back her tears; refusing to show any emotion.
“There there Seth; that’s not the way you treat a lady” Jack said with a chortle.
“I don’t take too kindly to people spitting in my face” he said gruffly.
“Is that so Ms. Peterson?” Jack asked in amusement.
Sheryl didn’t respond; she was terrified of them but she was not going to show it. She would remain silent; that was her way of insuring that she died with dignity.
“What do you know?; She really is going to keep mum” Jack said his eye brows raised in surprise.
“Strap her down” Jack instructed Seth.
Seth grabbed Sheryl’s arm and pulled her to a metallic chair that Jack had set up for her. Seth forced her to sit down and place her arms on the arm rest. He reached out for the straps attached to the chair and strapped Sheryl’s arms, legs, and torso to the chair making it impossible for her to move.
“I love that she is so cooperative” Jack mused.
“She’s a smart one” Seth said stroking Sheryl cheek.
Sheryl turned her cheek away and spat in his face with disgust.
“Stupid girl” Seth said in anger as he slapped her across the face.
Sheryl let out a little whimper as the force of the slap hit her. She felt the pain sink in and held back her tears; refusing to show any emotion.
“There there Seth; that’s not the way you treat a lady” Jack said with a chortle.
“I don’t take too kindly to people spitting in my face” he said gruffly.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 22, Page 136)
“What if he kills you too” Renée asked the anxiety clear in her voice.
“Universal warriors will see to your safety as long as you testify and tell me where Jack is” Lance assured her.
“But…” she hesitated.
“Every second we waste is another second Sheryl sinks into deeper danger” Lance said with urgency.
“Renée look at me” Ed said gently.
Renée shifted her eyes from Lance and focused her gaze on Ed.
“You trust me don’t you?” he asked her.
Renée nodded without hesitation.
“Then trust me when I say that I won’t let Jack or Seth hurt or come anywhere near you”
“Okay” she gave in.
“Thank you” Lance said gratefully.
Chapter 22
“Welcome to my humble abode” Jack said as Sheryl and Seth walked into his laboratory.
“Universal warriors will see to your safety as long as you testify and tell me where Jack is” Lance assured her.
“But…” she hesitated.
“Every second we waste is another second Sheryl sinks into deeper danger” Lance said with urgency.
“Renée look at me” Ed said gently.
Renée shifted her eyes from Lance and focused her gaze on Ed.
“You trust me don’t you?” he asked her.
Renée nodded without hesitation.
“Then trust me when I say that I won’t let Jack or Seth hurt or come anywhere near you”
“Okay” she gave in.
“Thank you” Lance said gratefully.
Chapter 22
“Welcome to my humble abode” Jack said as Sheryl and Seth walked into his laboratory.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 135)
“Why did he take her away?” Ed asked wondering what would prompt them to make such a bold move.
“Because she’s got the formula” Lance said as he entered the room; he had been standing in the door way for some time listening to their conversation but none of them had noticed.
“She does?” Ed and Renée asked in unison.
“Yes; she does” Lance said now standing at the foot of Renée’s bed.
“How do you know about the formula?” Renée asked surprised that Ed and Lance seemed to know more than they had initially let on.
“Ed and I are agents from Universal Warriors; we were assigned to Sheryl’s case” Lance told her.
“Oh” Renée said quietly wondering why she hadn’t picked this up before.
“Renée I need to know where your father is” Lance said.
“I can’t… I can’t tell you” Renée said in fear knowing that if her father found out that she had snitched on him he would come after her.
“Why not?” Lance asked a little impatient.
“He will kill me; you don’t understand. I’ve seen how he treats those who betray him” she said in apprehension.
“I’ll protect you; I won’t leave your side” Ed promised sincerely.
“Because she’s got the formula” Lance said as he entered the room; he had been standing in the door way for some time listening to their conversation but none of them had noticed.
“She does?” Ed and Renée asked in unison.
“Yes; she does” Lance said now standing at the foot of Renée’s bed.
“How do you know about the formula?” Renée asked surprised that Ed and Lance seemed to know more than they had initially let on.
“Ed and I are agents from Universal Warriors; we were assigned to Sheryl’s case” Lance told her.
“Oh” Renée said quietly wondering why she hadn’t picked this up before.
“Renée I need to know where your father is” Lance said.
“I can’t… I can’t tell you” Renée said in fear knowing that if her father found out that she had snitched on him he would come after her.
“Why not?” Lance asked a little impatient.
“He will kill me; you don’t understand. I’ve seen how he treats those who betray him” she said in apprehension.
“I’ll protect you; I won’t leave your side” Ed promised sincerely.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 134)
“Hospital?” she said trying to remember.
Then it came to her. The room; Seth; Sheryl and the shooting. She felt herself panic.
“Sheryl;…..Sh…she…she’s in danger” she whispered and tried to sit up but quickly laid her head back down on the pillow when she felt a dizzy spell come upon her.
“Sssh don’t move” Ed warned her.
“They are going to kill her” Renée said as she thought of how ruthless her father and Seth were.
“Calm down and tell me what happened” he told her gently.
“I’m sorry Ed; I’m not who you think I am” she begun to confess.
“It’s okay; I know all about Jack and Seth, I know everything” Ed informed her.
“You do?” she asked surprised.
“Yes I do” he confirmed.
“How?” she asked slowly.
“That’s not important right now just tell me what happened” He said wanting to know where Sheryl was.
“Seth he came and he took her away” she said feeling guilty that she had not been able to stop him.
Then it came to her. The room; Seth; Sheryl and the shooting. She felt herself panic.
“Sheryl;…..Sh…she…she’s in danger” she whispered and tried to sit up but quickly laid her head back down on the pillow when she felt a dizzy spell come upon her.
“Sssh don’t move” Ed warned her.
“They are going to kill her” Renée said as she thought of how ruthless her father and Seth were.
“Calm down and tell me what happened” he told her gently.
“I’m sorry Ed; I’m not who you think I am” she begun to confess.
“It’s okay; I know all about Jack and Seth, I know everything” Ed informed her.
“You do?” she asked surprised.
“Yes I do” he confirmed.
“How?” she asked slowly.
“That’s not important right now just tell me what happened” He said wanting to know where Sheryl was.
“Seth he came and he took her away” she said feeling guilty that she had not been able to stop him.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 134)
“Hospital?” she said trying to remember.
Then it came to her. The room; Seth; Sheryl and the shooting. She felt herself panic.
“Sheryl;…..Sh…she…she’s in danger” she whispered and tried to sit up but quickly laid her head back down on the pillow when she felt a dizzy spell come upon her.
“Sssh don’t move” Ed warned her.
“They are going to kill her” Renée said as she thought of how ruthless her father and Seth were.
“Calm down and tell me what happened” he told her gently.
“I’m sorry Ed; I’m not who you think I am” she begun to confess.
“It’s okay; I know all about Jack and Seth, I know everything” Ed informed her.
“You do?” she asked surprised.
“Yes I do” he confirmed.
“How?” she asked slowly.
“That’s not important right now just tell me what happened” He said wanting to know where Sheryl was.
“Seth he came and he took her away” she said feeling guilty that she had not been able to stop him.
Then it came to her. The room; Seth; Sheryl and the shooting. She felt herself panic.
“Sheryl;…..Sh…she…she’s in danger” she whispered and tried to sit up but quickly laid her head back down on the pillow when she felt a dizzy spell come upon her.
“Sssh don’t move” Ed warned her.
“They are going to kill her” Renée said as she thought of how ruthless her father and Seth were.
“Calm down and tell me what happened” he told her gently.
“I’m sorry Ed; I’m not who you think I am” she begun to confess.
“It’s okay; I know all about Jack and Seth, I know everything” Ed informed her.
“You do?” she asked surprised.
“Yes I do” he confirmed.
“How?” she asked slowly.
“That’s not important right now just tell me what happened” He said wanting to know where Sheryl was.
“Seth he came and he took her away” she said feeling guilty that she had not been able to stop him.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 133)
...him and let him in emotionally. He knew she was just confused and lost and Jack had probably taken advantage of her vulnerability.
‘I’m a hypocrite’ he thought as he gently kissed her hand.
He thought about how he had given Lance such a hard time about falling for Sheryl yet he was doing the exact same thing. He knew he should have had more self control; he should have set boundaries; mentally prepared himself to shut down whatever it was his heart tried to tell him but then again when has anyone ever been able to tell their heart what to do.
“Please be okay” he whispered with a small prayer.
He felt her squeeze his hand slightly and his heart jumped in hope.
“Renée it’s me” he said looking at her.
Renée slowly opened her eyes; squinting a bit because of the lights in the room. She was confused; she didn’t know where she was. She had no recollection of how she got here. She turned her head slightly to look at the person holding her hand.
“Ed?” she said not quite certain.
“Yes; it’s me” he said his heart overjoyed.
‘She was going to be okay’ he thought happily.
“Where am I?” she asked him.
“In the hospital” he told her softly.
‘I’m a hypocrite’ he thought as he gently kissed her hand.
He thought about how he had given Lance such a hard time about falling for Sheryl yet he was doing the exact same thing. He knew he should have had more self control; he should have set boundaries; mentally prepared himself to shut down whatever it was his heart tried to tell him but then again when has anyone ever been able to tell their heart what to do.
“Please be okay” he whispered with a small prayer.
He felt her squeeze his hand slightly and his heart jumped in hope.
“Renée it’s me” he said looking at her.
Renée slowly opened her eyes; squinting a bit because of the lights in the room. She was confused; she didn’t know where she was. She had no recollection of how she got here. She turned her head slightly to look at the person holding her hand.
“Ed?” she said not quite certain.
“Yes; it’s me” he said his heart overjoyed.
‘She was going to be okay’ he thought happily.
“Where am I?” she asked him.
“In the hospital” he told her softly.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 132)
“Do you know where she went?”
“No”
“Okay thanks” Lance said as he dashed down the corridor. He needed to get to the hospital and ask Renée what happened. He needed to know where Sheryl was; he couldn’t bear the thought that she was in danger. If only he had arrived early then all this wouldn’t have happened. In a way he blamed himself. He should have been there earlier; he just should have.
Ed held Renée’s hand. He couldn’t believe this was happening. He looked at her and his heart ached. She was unconscious; breathing through an oxygen mask and there were tubes everywhere. The bullet entered through her side and gone straight through without hitting any vital organs. The paramedics had managed to close up the wound the stop the bleeding but Renée had already lost a lot of blood. Her face was pale; her breathing steady and her body limb.
He remembered how scared he had been when one of his classmates had burst into his room and told him that she had been shot. He had rushed over and his heart almost stopped when he had seen her body on the floor drenched in a pool of her own blood. It was at that moment that he truly realized how he felt about her. He had known deep down that somewhere along the line he had developed feelings for her but he thought he could brush them off.
He knew Renée was dubbed as one of the bad guys but getting to know her as he worked undercover had changed his perspective. Deep down he knew there was some good in her; he saw it in her smile and her humor. In the way she talked to...
“No”
“Okay thanks” Lance said as he dashed down the corridor. He needed to get to the hospital and ask Renée what happened. He needed to know where Sheryl was; he couldn’t bear the thought that she was in danger. If only he had arrived early then all this wouldn’t have happened. In a way he blamed himself. He should have been there earlier; he just should have.
Ed held Renée’s hand. He couldn’t believe this was happening. He looked at her and his heart ached. She was unconscious; breathing through an oxygen mask and there were tubes everywhere. The bullet entered through her side and gone straight through without hitting any vital organs. The paramedics had managed to close up the wound the stop the bleeding but Renée had already lost a lot of blood. Her face was pale; her breathing steady and her body limb.
He remembered how scared he had been when one of his classmates had burst into his room and told him that she had been shot. He had rushed over and his heart almost stopped when he had seen her body on the floor drenched in a pool of her own blood. It was at that moment that he truly realized how he felt about her. He had known deep down that somewhere along the line he had developed feelings for her but he thought he could brush them off.
He knew Renée was dubbed as one of the bad guys but getting to know her as he worked undercover had changed his perspective. Deep down he knew there was some good in her; he saw it in her smile and her humor. In the way she talked to...
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 131)
“What happened here” Lance asked when he got to Sheryl’s room and found that the room was now a crime scene.
“Excuse me sir; you are not allowed beyond this point” the policeman at the door said.
“Where is Sheryl?” he asked in panic as he peered past the policeman and saw the pool of blood on the carpet.
“I’m sorry sir; you have to stay outside” the policeman warned.
Lance stepped away and rushed to a group of students who were gathered down the corridor.
“What happened?” he asked one of them.
“There was a shooting” one of the students told him.
“Who got shot?” Lance asked urgently fearing the worst.
“Renée; they have taken her to the local hospital”
“Where is Sheryl?” he asked a bit relieved that Sheryl wasn’t the one who wasn’t shot.
“She left with some man”
“When?”
“About ten minutes ago; just before the police were informed”
“Excuse me sir; you are not allowed beyond this point” the policeman at the door said.
“Where is Sheryl?” he asked in panic as he peered past the policeman and saw the pool of blood on the carpet.
“I’m sorry sir; you have to stay outside” the policeman warned.
Lance stepped away and rushed to a group of students who were gathered down the corridor.
“What happened?” he asked one of them.
“There was a shooting” one of the students told him.
“Who got shot?” Lance asked urgently fearing the worst.
“Renée; they have taken her to the local hospital”
“Where is Sheryl?” he asked a bit relieved that Sheryl wasn’t the one who wasn’t shot.
“She left with some man”
“When?”
“About ten minutes ago; just before the police were informed”
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 130)
“We will be on our way then” Seth said pointing for Sheryl to leave the room. Sheryl slowly obeyed his silent request.
“See you Ray” Seth said with a smile.
“Don’t hurt her” Renée said; she couldn’t bear the thought that Sheryl was going to get hurt because of her.
“You are in no position to be giving orders” Seth said and aimed the gun at Renée’s abdomen and fired a shot. Renée screamed in pain as the bullet tore through her flesh. She fell to ground in anguish.
“Renée!” Sheryl shouted in alarm as she stood in the doorway.
“We are leaving” Seth ordered.
“Why did you shoot her when I said I would come with you?” Sheryl whispered in shock as she saw the pool of blood on the carpet next to Renée’s body.
“Shut up and move” he instructed her.
There was nothing Sheryl could do but do exactly as he said. She quietly followed him to his car ignoring the people who looked at her funny on the way. She wanted to scream; wanted to let them know that he had taken her hostage but that would have just made him angry and resulted in another shooting. She needed to stay quiet for the sake of others. First Sandra and now Renée; she couldn’t have another person’s blood on her hands.
“See you Ray” Seth said with a smile.
“Don’t hurt her” Renée said; she couldn’t bear the thought that Sheryl was going to get hurt because of her.
“You are in no position to be giving orders” Seth said and aimed the gun at Renée’s abdomen and fired a shot. Renée screamed in pain as the bullet tore through her flesh. She fell to ground in anguish.
“Renée!” Sheryl shouted in alarm as she stood in the doorway.
“We are leaving” Seth ordered.
“Why did you shoot her when I said I would come with you?” Sheryl whispered in shock as she saw the pool of blood on the carpet next to Renée’s body.
“Shut up and move” he instructed her.
There was nothing Sheryl could do but do exactly as he said. She quietly followed him to his car ignoring the people who looked at her funny on the way. She wanted to scream; wanted to let them know that he had taken her hostage but that would have just made him angry and resulted in another shooting. She needed to stay quiet for the sake of others. First Sandra and now Renée; she couldn’t have another person’s blood on her hands.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 21, Page 129)
Sheryl was in shock; she had thought Sandra was just out of reach. Never had it occurred to her that she was dead. Sheryl felt a sharp pain in her chest; she didn’t know how to react. Whether to break down and cry or grab Renée by the throat and make her pay for what she had done.
“Let’s go” Seth said in a commanding voice.
“Where?” Sheryl managed to whisper still in shock.
“You’ll see when we get there” he told her.
“And if I refuse” she asked quietly.
“Then Renée dies” he said taking a gun from his coat pocket and aiming it at Renée. The look in his eye said he was going to do it and Sheryl had no doubt he was serious.
“No; don’t kill her. Too many people have died because of me already; I’ll go with you” Sheryl said with sadness.
Chapter 21
“That’s sweet” Seth said sarcastically.
“Sheryl…” Renée began.
“Save it; am not interested” Sheryl said bitterly.
“Let’s go” Seth said in a commanding voice.
“Where?” Sheryl managed to whisper still in shock.
“You’ll see when we get there” he told her.
“And if I refuse” she asked quietly.
“Then Renée dies” he said taking a gun from his coat pocket and aiming it at Renée. The look in his eye said he was going to do it and Sheryl had no doubt he was serious.
“No; don’t kill her. Too many people have died because of me already; I’ll go with you” Sheryl said with sadness.
Chapter 21
“That’s sweet” Seth said sarcastically.
“Sheryl…” Renée began.
“Save it; am not interested” Sheryl said bitterly.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 128)
“Renée’s father is the one who attacked you and guess who told him which was your room’ Seth said coldly.
Sheryl stared at Renée in disbelief.
“Is it true?” she asked the pain of the betrayal apparent in her voice.
“Yes” Renée admitted.
“So all this time you were pretending to be my friend” Sheryl asked painfully.
“Oh she did more than that; have you heard from Sandra lately?” Seth asked in a tormenting voice.
“Seth stop; please stop” Renée begged not wanting to cause Sheryl any more pain.
“Where is Sandra” Sheryl asked fearing the worst. If these people were capable of attacking her and almost killing her; there was no knowing what they had done to Sandra.
“She’s in the land of the dead” Seth said unemotionally.
“What? No you are lying” Sheryl said refusing to believe that her friend was dead.
“Renée shot the bullet herself” he plainly told Sheryl.
“You didn’t please tell me you didn’t” Sheryl said her voice heavy with sorrow.
“I’m sorry” was all Renée could say.
Sheryl stared at Renée in disbelief.
“Is it true?” she asked the pain of the betrayal apparent in her voice.
“Yes” Renée admitted.
“So all this time you were pretending to be my friend” Sheryl asked painfully.
“Oh she did more than that; have you heard from Sandra lately?” Seth asked in a tormenting voice.
“Seth stop; please stop” Renée begged not wanting to cause Sheryl any more pain.
“Where is Sandra” Sheryl asked fearing the worst. If these people were capable of attacking her and almost killing her; there was no knowing what they had done to Sandra.
“She’s in the land of the dead” Seth said unemotionally.
“What? No you are lying” Sheryl said refusing to believe that her friend was dead.
“Renée shot the bullet herself” he plainly told Sheryl.
“You didn’t please tell me you didn’t” Sheryl said her voice heavy with sorrow.
“I’m sorry” was all Renée could say.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 127)
“Who I am is not important; why am I here should be your question” he said looking at her.
“I don’t understand” she said as her body begun to tremble; she didn’t know him but she was definitely afraid of him. He had this psychotic look in his eye. A look of a ruthless and merciless killer.
“Do you care to explain Renée?” Seth asked her.
“Please don’t do this” Renée pleaded as Sheryl gave her a confused look.
“You know him?” she asked Renée.
“She knows me very well Sheryl” Seth said thoroughly enjoying the moment.
“Don’t listen to him Sheryl” Renée quietly said.
“This so called friend of yours is a fraud” Seth blurted out.
“No!” Renée said as the tears streamed down her face.
“Oh please Renée; the water works?; you really have gone soft” Seth said in disgust.
“Sheryl you have to understand I didn’t mean to; I’m sorry’ Renée sobbed wishing this was all a dream. She felt awful.
“Do you remember the night you were attacked?” Seth asked Sheryl.
“How do you know about that?” Sheryl whispered with fear.
“I don’t understand” she said as her body begun to tremble; she didn’t know him but she was definitely afraid of him. He had this psychotic look in his eye. A look of a ruthless and merciless killer.
“Do you care to explain Renée?” Seth asked her.
“Please don’t do this” Renée pleaded as Sheryl gave her a confused look.
“You know him?” she asked Renée.
“She knows me very well Sheryl” Seth said thoroughly enjoying the moment.
“Don’t listen to him Sheryl” Renée quietly said.
“This so called friend of yours is a fraud” Seth blurted out.
“No!” Renée said as the tears streamed down her face.
“Oh please Renée; the water works?; you really have gone soft” Seth said in disgust.
“Sheryl you have to understand I didn’t mean to; I’m sorry’ Renée sobbed wishing this was all a dream. She felt awful.
“Do you remember the night you were attacked?” Seth asked Sheryl.
“How do you know about that?” Sheryl whispered with fear.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 126)
“That package” Seth said with an evil smile.
“Is that the taxi driver? What is he doing here?” Sheryl asked in a confused tone.
“Sheryl get away” Renée shouted as she grabbed the door and tried to slam it shut. Seth pushed his way through; he was much stronger than Renée and him the force he had used to push through the door had been so strong that it had caused Renée to fall back and land on the ground.
Sheryl’s first instinct was to run, she started towards her bedroom door but Seth was too quick for her. He grabbed her by the waist and put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming.
“Close the door or I will snap her neck” he threatened.
Renée of all people knew he meant it. She quickly collected herself from the ground and shut the door.
“I’m going to release you now but no stunts’ he warned Sheryl.
“Listen to him Sheryl” Renée told her desperately knowing how dangerous Seth could be.
Sheryl nodded her head to indicate that she understood. Seth let go of her and she slowly stepped away from him.
“Who are you?” Sheryl asked as fear gripped her. This felt like her first attack except this time she saw the identity of her attacker.
“Is that the taxi driver? What is he doing here?” Sheryl asked in a confused tone.
“Sheryl get away” Renée shouted as she grabbed the door and tried to slam it shut. Seth pushed his way through; he was much stronger than Renée and him the force he had used to push through the door had been so strong that it had caused Renée to fall back and land on the ground.
Sheryl’s first instinct was to run, she started towards her bedroom door but Seth was too quick for her. He grabbed her by the waist and put his hand over her mouth to stop her from screaming.
“Close the door or I will snap her neck” he threatened.
Renée of all people knew he meant it. She quickly collected herself from the ground and shut the door.
“I’m going to release you now but no stunts’ he warned Sheryl.
“Listen to him Sheryl” Renée told her desperately knowing how dangerous Seth could be.
Sheryl nodded her head to indicate that she understood. Seth let go of her and she slowly stepped away from him.
“Who are you?” Sheryl asked as fear gripped her. This felt like her first attack except this time she saw the identity of her attacker.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 125)
...reception and asked the woman at the desk were Renée’s room was; when she had told him he followed the directions to the student rooms. He stopped outside Renée’s room and knocked.
“I’ll get it” Renée said from inside the room.
She opened the door and froze when she saw Seth standing in the door way.
“Hey Ray” he said with a sinister smile.
“My name is Renée; what are you doing here?” she asked him nervously; troubled by his smile. It was the same smile he always gave when he was about to take a victim.
“Your dad sent me” he told her seeing the fear in her eyes.
“Tell him I still haven’t found the tapes but I’m working on it” Renée said.
“I’m not here to get any tapes” he told her sharply.
“What are you here for?” she asked him wondering if maybe her father had asked him to come and ‘get rid of her’ as it were. She wouldn’t put it past him. Her father was a very psychologically disturbed man.
“To pick up a package” he told her.
“What package?” Renée asked puzzled.
“Who is it?” Sheryl asked from inside the room as she came out of her bedroom and stopped a few meters away from where Renée was standing.
“I’ll get it” Renée said from inside the room.
She opened the door and froze when she saw Seth standing in the door way.
“Hey Ray” he said with a sinister smile.
“My name is Renée; what are you doing here?” she asked him nervously; troubled by his smile. It was the same smile he always gave when he was about to take a victim.
“Your dad sent me” he told her seeing the fear in her eyes.
“Tell him I still haven’t found the tapes but I’m working on it” Renée said.
“I’m not here to get any tapes” he told her sharply.
“What are you here for?” she asked him wondering if maybe her father had asked him to come and ‘get rid of her’ as it were. She wouldn’t put it past him. Her father was a very psychologically disturbed man.
“To pick up a package” he told her.
“What package?” Renée asked puzzled.
“Who is it?” Sheryl asked from inside the room as she came out of her bedroom and stopped a few meters away from where Renée was standing.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 124)
“We need to bring her in and explain everything to her” the commander told him.
“When?” Lance asked
“Now; She will be safer here” the commander said with a sense of urgency.
“What about Jack?” Larry asked.
“Sheryl is our priority right now” the commander told her.
“I’m going to get her” Lance said opening the door to leave.
“Lance!” the commander stopped him in his tracks.
“Yes sir” he responded.
“Try not to alarm her; she needs to know we are the good guys” the commander advised him.
“Yes sir” Lance replied and left.
“Someone needs to call Ed and let him know to keep a close eye on Renée” the commander said.
“I’ll call him” Mackenzie offered.
“Very well; dismissed” the commander told them and they both left.
Seth pulled up in front of the school and quickly got out of his car. He walked up the path leading to the main building and entered through the doors. He stopped by the....
“When?” Lance asked
“Now; She will be safer here” the commander said with a sense of urgency.
“What about Jack?” Larry asked.
“Sheryl is our priority right now” the commander told her.
“I’m going to get her” Lance said opening the door to leave.
“Lance!” the commander stopped him in his tracks.
“Yes sir” he responded.
“Try not to alarm her; she needs to know we are the good guys” the commander advised him.
“Yes sir” Lance replied and left.
“Someone needs to call Ed and let him know to keep a close eye on Renée” the commander said.
“I’ll call him” Mackenzie offered.
“Very well; dismissed” the commander told them and they both left.
Seth pulled up in front of the school and quickly got out of his car. He walked up the path leading to the main building and entered through the doors. He stopped by the....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 20, Page 123)
Chapter 20
“So Sheryl is the formula?” the commander asked.
“Yes sir; it’s all here” Mackenzie confirmed as she handed the file over to him.
“Does Lance know?” the commander asked them.
“We haven’t told him yet but he is on his way here” Larry informed him.
Just then lance walked into the room.
“Sorry I’m late” he apologized.
“Sheryl is the formula” the commander told him bluntly.
“How is that possible?” Lance asked as he slowly tried to digest the information he had just been told.
“It’s infused in her right arm” Mackenzie explained to her brother.
“And you are sure about this?” Lance asked doubtfully.
“The evidence is in that file” Larry told him as he pointed at the file that the commander was holding.
“So what are we going to do?” Lance asked wondering what their next move was.
“So Sheryl is the formula?” the commander asked.
“Yes sir; it’s all here” Mackenzie confirmed as she handed the file over to him.
“Does Lance know?” the commander asked them.
“We haven’t told him yet but he is on his way here” Larry informed him.
Just then lance walked into the room.
“Sorry I’m late” he apologized.
“Sheryl is the formula” the commander told him bluntly.
“How is that possible?” Lance asked as he slowly tried to digest the information he had just been told.
“It’s infused in her right arm” Mackenzie explained to her brother.
“And you are sure about this?” Lance asked doubtfully.
“The evidence is in that file” Larry told him as he pointed at the file that the commander was holding.
“So what are we going to do?” Lance asked wondering what their next move was.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 122)
“Only one way to find out” Seth said.
“You’re right; bring her in” jack told him.
“I’m on it” Seth said and hung up.
‘Finally they would get what they wanted’ Seth thought. He could taste the money already; all these years and finally the search was over.
“Have you heard from Sandra lately?” Gill asked her daughter.
“No; I tried to call her but her number is out of service” Sheryl told her mother over the phone as she attempted to make her bed with her free hand.
“That’s strange; she always answers her phone” Gill said.
“I’m sure she’s alright” Sheryl assured her mother.
“How is school going?” her mother asked changing the subject.
“Hectic” Sheryl admitted.
“When are you coming home?” Gill asked missing her daughter terribly.
“In two weeks” Sheryl told her.
“Okay then; just called to find how you are doing”
“Thanks mum; I’ll call you later” she promised and cut the line.
“You’re right; bring her in” jack told him.
“I’m on it” Seth said and hung up.
‘Finally they would get what they wanted’ Seth thought. He could taste the money already; all these years and finally the search was over.
“Have you heard from Sandra lately?” Gill asked her daughter.
“No; I tried to call her but her number is out of service” Sheryl told her mother over the phone as she attempted to make her bed with her free hand.
“That’s strange; she always answers her phone” Gill said.
“I’m sure she’s alright” Sheryl assured her mother.
“How is school going?” her mother asked changing the subject.
“Hectic” Sheryl admitted.
“When are you coming home?” Gill asked missing her daughter terribly.
“In two weeks” Sheryl told her.
“Okay then; just called to find how you are doing”
“Thanks mum; I’ll call you later” she promised and cut the line.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 121)
He dialed Jack’s number and waited as the phone rang.
“Hello” Jack said from the other end of the line.
“I know where it is” Seth said with a crooked smile.
“Where what is?, be specific” Jack said in an annoyed tone.
“The formula” Seth told him proudly.
“What? How?” Jack asked surprised as he sat up in his chair.
“Never mind how; you won’t believe it”
“Believe what?” Jack asked impatiently.
“It’s been right under our noses all this time” Seth said wondering why no one had figured it out.
“Stop wasting my time and tell me where it is” Jack barked out.
“She is the formula”
“Sheryl?” Jack asked puzzled.
“Yes” Seth confirmed.
“How is that possible?”
“They infused it in her right arm”
“How sure are you?” Jack asked a bit skeptic.
“Hello” Jack said from the other end of the line.
“I know where it is” Seth said with a crooked smile.
“Where what is?, be specific” Jack said in an annoyed tone.
“The formula” Seth told him proudly.
“What? How?” Jack asked surprised as he sat up in his chair.
“Never mind how; you won’t believe it”
“Believe what?” Jack asked impatiently.
“It’s been right under our noses all this time” Seth said wondering why no one had figured it out.
“Stop wasting my time and tell me where it is” Jack barked out.
“She is the formula”
“Sheryl?” Jack asked puzzled.
“Yes” Seth confirmed.
“How is that possible?”
“They infused it in her right arm”
“How sure are you?” Jack asked a bit skeptic.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 120)
“Well just part of her” Mackenzie said.
“So they infused the formula in her right arm” Larry mused.
“Yes; who would have thought?”
“No one” Larry responded
“We need to let the commander, and the others know immediately; if Jack finds out about this he will kill Sheryl for sure” Mackenzie said to him.
“You are right; let’s go” Larry said.
They grabbed the files that Mackenzie had been searching through and quickly made their way downstairs and left the apartment so they could make their way to HQ.
Seth smiled as he watched them drive away. He had come to the apartment to search for answers and now he got them. Mackenzie and Larry hadn’t known that he had been listening on their conversation. He had been surprised when he had arrived at Sandra’s apartment and had found a car parked outside it. He had snuck into the apartment and had heard Mackenzie and Larry talking about how the formula was infused in Sheryl’s right arm.
He was glad he had managed to get out of the apartment before Mackenzie and Larry had discovered him as they rushed down the stairs.
‘The spy training had really paid off’ he thought as he remembered his training at HQ.
“So they infused the formula in her right arm” Larry mused.
“Yes; who would have thought?”
“No one” Larry responded
“We need to let the commander, and the others know immediately; if Jack finds out about this he will kill Sheryl for sure” Mackenzie said to him.
“You are right; let’s go” Larry said.
They grabbed the files that Mackenzie had been searching through and quickly made their way downstairs and left the apartment so they could make their way to HQ.
Seth smiled as he watched them drive away. He had come to the apartment to search for answers and now he got them. Mackenzie and Larry hadn’t known that he had been listening on their conversation. He had been surprised when he had arrived at Sandra’s apartment and had found a car parked outside it. He had snuck into the apartment and had heard Mackenzie and Larry talking about how the formula was infused in Sheryl’s right arm.
He was glad he had managed to get out of the apartment before Mackenzie and Larry had discovered him as they rushed down the stairs.
‘The spy training had really paid off’ he thought as he remembered his training at HQ.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 119)
...noticed that the corner of Sheryl’s birth certificated was peeling off. She grabbed the bit of paper that was peeling off with her finger tips and begun to pull it down. Her eyes widened as she realized that there was a hidden document under the paper she had peeled off. She quickly turned Sheryl’s birth certificate and peeled off the front.
She could now see both sides of the hidden documents. She read it carefully and was astonished by what she found out.
“Larry!” she shouted out.
“Yes” Larry answered from downstairs wondering if Mackenzie had discovered anything.
“Come quickly I found something” she shouted with urgency.
Larry quickly ascended the stairs and dashed down the corridor and stepped into the room.
“You won’t believe this” she told him with excitement.
“What is it?” Larry asked with curiosity.
“Read it for yourself” she told him as she handed him the document. Larry read it and his eyes widened in amazement. He looked at Mackenzie with surprise.
“I had the same reaction’ Mackenzie told him.
“All this time and she is the formula” Larry exclaimed.
She could now see both sides of the hidden documents. She read it carefully and was astonished by what she found out.
“Larry!” she shouted out.
“Yes” Larry answered from downstairs wondering if Mackenzie had discovered anything.
“Come quickly I found something” she shouted with urgency.
Larry quickly ascended the stairs and dashed down the corridor and stepped into the room.
“You won’t believe this” she told him with excitement.
“What is it?” Larry asked with curiosity.
“Read it for yourself” she told him as she handed him the document. Larry read it and his eyes widened in amazement. He looked at Mackenzie with surprise.
“I had the same reaction’ Mackenzie told him.
“All this time and she is the formula” Larry exclaimed.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 118)
...around; there was nothing much but the usual items that one found in the bathroom. She stepped out of the room and closed the door. She walked to the end of the corridor which had a door; she opened it and walked into what had once been Sandra’s bedroom. There was a medium sized bed pressed against the wall in the middle of the room facing the three closets that were adjacent to the door.
At the far right side of the room was a dress mirror and a small cushioned stool in front of it. Mackenzie walked to the dress mirror and pulled open the drawers that were placed at its bottom. She searched its contents but there was nothing more than items of makeup and under garments. She crossed over to the other side of the room where a small stand with a TV sitting on it stood. She picked up the files that were heaped next to the stand and went to sit on the bed.
She began looking through them; some were work files other more personal ones such as bank statements and doctor’s reports. Mackenzie was about to place them back where she found them when one particular file caught her attention. It was black and on it were the words ‘Sheryl Peterson’. She held it and looked at it carefully; it looked old but yet well kept. She opened it and began reading it.
The first paper she read was a document that had details of the home Sheryl been taken off for the first ten months of her life before she was adopted by Pierce and Gill. She browsed through it but there was nothing that caught her attention. She turned the page and looked at the next one. It was a document that had the profiles of Sheryl’s adopted parents; she quickly scanned through this one as well but there wasn’t anything that she found relevant.
The next document was Sheryl’s birth certificate. Mackenzie read it but still there wasn’t anything she found. She turned to the next document but stopped when she...
At the far right side of the room was a dress mirror and a small cushioned stool in front of it. Mackenzie walked to the dress mirror and pulled open the drawers that were placed at its bottom. She searched its contents but there was nothing more than items of makeup and under garments. She crossed over to the other side of the room where a small stand with a TV sitting on it stood. She picked up the files that were heaped next to the stand and went to sit on the bed.
She began looking through them; some were work files other more personal ones such as bank statements and doctor’s reports. Mackenzie was about to place them back where she found them when one particular file caught her attention. It was black and on it were the words ‘Sheryl Peterson’. She held it and looked at it carefully; it looked old but yet well kept. She opened it and began reading it.
The first paper she read was a document that had details of the home Sheryl been taken off for the first ten months of her life before she was adopted by Pierce and Gill. She browsed through it but there was nothing that caught her attention. She turned the page and looked at the next one. It was a document that had the profiles of Sheryl’s adopted parents; she quickly scanned through this one as well but there wasn’t anything that she found relevant.
The next document was Sheryl’s birth certificate. Mackenzie read it but still there wasn’t anything she found. She turned to the next document but stopped when she...
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 117)
“I know, doesn’t make it feel right” she argued.
“Bingo” Larry said as he heard the lock click indicating that the door was opened. He stood up and turned the door knob. The door creaked open and Larry and Mackenzie stepped in. They were in the hallway and on their left was a staircase and their right was a door that led to a small kitchen; the end of the hallway opened out into the lounge.
“Cozy place” Mackenzie commented as her eyes looked around the furnished apartment.
“It is isn’t it?” Larry agreed.
“Where do we start?” Mackenzie asked him as she walked to the end of the hallway and stepped into the lounge; she looked at the bookcase pressed against the wall packed with files and papers.
“You could start with the bookcase and I can search her bedroom” Larry suggested.
“Uh uh you take the bookcase and I’ll take the bedroom” Mackenzie insisted.
“Fine; let’s get to it” Larry laughed knowing that Mackenzie wanted to search the room because she believed it presented less of a challenge than the packed bookcase.
Mackenzie moved to the foot of the staircase and begun to ascend it. When she got to the top, she turned into the corridor. She started to walk down the corridor and stopped when she reached a door that was situated on the left side of the corridor. She reached out and opened it. It was a small bathroom; she stepped in and looked....
“Bingo” Larry said as he heard the lock click indicating that the door was opened. He stood up and turned the door knob. The door creaked open and Larry and Mackenzie stepped in. They were in the hallway and on their left was a staircase and their right was a door that led to a small kitchen; the end of the hallway opened out into the lounge.
“Cozy place” Mackenzie commented as her eyes looked around the furnished apartment.
“It is isn’t it?” Larry agreed.
“Where do we start?” Mackenzie asked him as she walked to the end of the hallway and stepped into the lounge; she looked at the bookcase pressed against the wall packed with files and papers.
“You could start with the bookcase and I can search her bedroom” Larry suggested.
“Uh uh you take the bookcase and I’ll take the bedroom” Mackenzie insisted.
“Fine; let’s get to it” Larry laughed knowing that Mackenzie wanted to search the room because she believed it presented less of a challenge than the packed bookcase.
Mackenzie moved to the foot of the staircase and begun to ascend it. When she got to the top, she turned into the corridor. She started to walk down the corridor and stopped when she reached a door that was situated on the left side of the corridor. She reached out and opened it. It was a small bathroom; she stepped in and looked....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 19, Page 116)
that he, his wife and his unborn baby’s life were in danger. He knew Jack was money and power hungry and he would kill them if they refused to give him the formula.
That same night; he and his wife destroyed all records filed and research conducted on the project and had fled. They had sent a letter to HQ informing them of Jack’s plans. Thanks to Seth who had been working at HQ at the time Jack was able to escape before HQ apprehended him. Seth had gone with him on the run and all he asked for in return was a 30% cut of all the earnings Jack would get once he had recovered the formula and sold it. Jack had agreed and they had been partners ever since. The only time they ever disagreed; was when Seth had killed Sheryl’ parents in rage when they refused to give him the formula.
Their death was a setback to Jack’s plans but he knew that every good scientist always keeps a record of their work and that somehow Sheryl had the formula or knew where to find it.
Chapter 19
“This feels kind of weird” Mackenzie said as she watched Larry skillfully pick the lock on Sandra’s apartment door.
“What does?” Larry asked as he concentrated on his task.
“Breaking into a dead woman’s house” Mackenzie told him.
“Princess you know we have to do this” Larry said.
That same night; he and his wife destroyed all records filed and research conducted on the project and had fled. They had sent a letter to HQ informing them of Jack’s plans. Thanks to Seth who had been working at HQ at the time Jack was able to escape before HQ apprehended him. Seth had gone with him on the run and all he asked for in return was a 30% cut of all the earnings Jack would get once he had recovered the formula and sold it. Jack had agreed and they had been partners ever since. The only time they ever disagreed; was when Seth had killed Sheryl’ parents in rage when they refused to give him the formula.
Their death was a setback to Jack’s plans but he knew that every good scientist always keeps a record of their work and that somehow Sheryl had the formula or knew where to find it.
Chapter 19
“This feels kind of weird” Mackenzie said as she watched Larry skillfully pick the lock on Sandra’s apartment door.
“What does?” Larry asked as he concentrated on his task.
“Breaking into a dead woman’s house” Mackenzie told him.
“Princess you know we have to do this” Larry said.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 115)
“Shoot it” she instructed him.
“Are you sure this will work?” he had asked skeptically.
“It will” she told him confidently as she smiled with pride at her husband who was across the room.
Jack raised the pistol and aimed it at the lab rat and fired. The force of the bullet had pushed the rat a few centimeters from its initial position on the counter. Sheryl’s mother had quickly moved towards the counter and picked up the rat. She took it to Jack and showed him the spot where the bullet had hit. Apart from a small mark made by the force of the bullet the animal was not harmed. There wasn’t even the slightest indication that the bullet had penetrated through the skin.
“This is brilliant” he said astonished. The animal was alive and well and tests confirmed that it was just as healthy as it had been before it had been shot.
“We need to inform HQ” Sheryl’s father had said
“Yes we do” Jack had said.
“I’ll go and call them right now” he had informed them and rushed to his office. He picked up his phone and dialed the number but it wasn’t HQ’s number. It was the number of a business typhoon who illegally supplied weapons to armed militia and wanted terrorists. Jack had told him that he had a formula that would change the whole nature of war and he would give it to him for the right price.
Unfortunately for Jack; Sheryl’s father had been outside his office and had accidentally over heard the whole conversation. It was at this moment that he knew...
“Are you sure this will work?” he had asked skeptically.
“It will” she told him confidently as she smiled with pride at her husband who was across the room.
Jack raised the pistol and aimed it at the lab rat and fired. The force of the bullet had pushed the rat a few centimeters from its initial position on the counter. Sheryl’s mother had quickly moved towards the counter and picked up the rat. She took it to Jack and showed him the spot where the bullet had hit. Apart from a small mark made by the force of the bullet the animal was not harmed. There wasn’t even the slightest indication that the bullet had penetrated through the skin.
“This is brilliant” he said astonished. The animal was alive and well and tests confirmed that it was just as healthy as it had been before it had been shot.
“We need to inform HQ” Sheryl’s father had said
“Yes we do” Jack had said.
“I’ll go and call them right now” he had informed them and rushed to his office. He picked up his phone and dialed the number but it wasn’t HQ’s number. It was the number of a business typhoon who illegally supplied weapons to armed militia and wanted terrorists. Jack had told him that he had a formula that would change the whole nature of war and he would give it to him for the right price.
Unfortunately for Jack; Sheryl’s father had been outside his office and had accidentally over heard the whole conversation. It was at this moment that he knew...
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 114)
....Warriors weapons research facility. Sheryl’s mother had been pregnant with her then; in fact she was almost due and was supposed to be on maternity leave but the woman loved her work. Her husband (Sheryl’s father) had tried countless of times to convince her to stay at home and rest but she had refused.
Jack supposed that he was kind of thankful that she had refused to stay at home for it was because of her that her and her husband were able to discover the formula. Whether it was the hormones; Jack did not know or care but the pregnancy had somehow enhanced her thinking abilities.
He vividly remembered the day she had cracked the code. She had burst into his office shouting
“We did it; we did it”
“Did what?” Jack had asked wondering why she was so ecstatic.
“The molecular infusion was successful” she had beamed.
Jack could hardly believe it especially since they had spent two years working on the project and it didn’t seem to be yielding any results. In fact HQ was just about to can the project as they claimed it was taking up to much of the facility’s resources.
“Can you show me?” jack had asked wanting to see for himself.
“Let’s go” Sheryl’s mother had told him as she rushed to the lab.
Jack had followed her; eager to see if it was true. Sheryl mother had picked up the lab rat from the lab and sedated it so it wouldn’t move around. She had then placed it on the counter and handed Jack a pistol.
Jack supposed that he was kind of thankful that she had refused to stay at home for it was because of her that her and her husband were able to discover the formula. Whether it was the hormones; Jack did not know or care but the pregnancy had somehow enhanced her thinking abilities.
He vividly remembered the day she had cracked the code. She had burst into his office shouting
“We did it; we did it”
“Did what?” Jack had asked wondering why she was so ecstatic.
“The molecular infusion was successful” she had beamed.
Jack could hardly believe it especially since they had spent two years working on the project and it didn’t seem to be yielding any results. In fact HQ was just about to can the project as they claimed it was taking up to much of the facility’s resources.
“Can you show me?” jack had asked wanting to see for himself.
“Let’s go” Sheryl’s mother had told him as she rushed to the lab.
Jack had followed her; eager to see if it was true. Sheryl mother had picked up the lab rat from the lab and sedated it so it wouldn’t move around. She had then placed it on the counter and handed Jack a pistol.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 113)
“This is getting too complicated” he thought.
No matter how much he thought about it; there was no easy solution.
Jack banged his fist on the table in frustration. He couldn’t understand how she could have lost the tapes but that was the least of his problems. He needed the formula. He felt so close yet so far away. That formula would make him extremely rich; it was pure genius. Sheryl’s parents had single handedly discovered a way to thicken the epidermis layer of the skin by combining the skin cells with the molecular structure used to make the Teflon polymer found in bullet proof vests thereby making the skin virtually indestructible.
‘Molecular infusion’ they had called it.
It was going to revolutionize the whole war industry. Who ever had the formula and used it on their soldiers was sure to win any battle they engaged it. Soldiers would go for combat without worrying about dying on their first patrol. It was perfect insurance for any combat soldier and it didn’t hurt that the formula was worth millions of dollars maybe even billions depending on the highest bidder.
Jack imagined the vast amount of things he could do with the money he could earn from selling the formula. He could retire early and buy and an island somewhere in the Caribbean and live there for the rest of his life; sun bathing in the warm sun and sipping cocktail drinks. He would certainly enjoy a life of such luxury.
He remembered when he had first found out that Sheryl’s parents had discovered the formula. They had all been working as bio-chemical scientists at Universal.....
No matter how much he thought about it; there was no easy solution.
Jack banged his fist on the table in frustration. He couldn’t understand how she could have lost the tapes but that was the least of his problems. He needed the formula. He felt so close yet so far away. That formula would make him extremely rich; it was pure genius. Sheryl’s parents had single handedly discovered a way to thicken the epidermis layer of the skin by combining the skin cells with the molecular structure used to make the Teflon polymer found in bullet proof vests thereby making the skin virtually indestructible.
‘Molecular infusion’ they had called it.
It was going to revolutionize the whole war industry. Who ever had the formula and used it on their soldiers was sure to win any battle they engaged it. Soldiers would go for combat without worrying about dying on their first patrol. It was perfect insurance for any combat soldier and it didn’t hurt that the formula was worth millions of dollars maybe even billions depending on the highest bidder.
Jack imagined the vast amount of things he could do with the money he could earn from selling the formula. He could retire early and buy and an island somewhere in the Caribbean and live there for the rest of his life; sun bathing in the warm sun and sipping cocktail drinks. He would certainly enjoy a life of such luxury.
He remembered when he had first found out that Sheryl’s parents had discovered the formula. They had all been working as bio-chemical scientists at Universal.....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 112)
“Yes”
“I hope so because if you don’t it might be too late; Jack isn’t exactly known for his mercy” Ed said bluntly.
“Have you taken the tapes to HQ?” Lance asked changing the subject.
“Yes I went this evening”
“Did they find anything at Sandra’s place?” Lance inquired
“Larry and Mac are going there tomorrow” Ed informed him.
“Okay” was Lance’s only response.
“Goodnight but remember you have to move fast” Ed said before leaving and shutting Lance’s door behind him.
Lance thought about what Ed had said and he had to admit his friend was right. Jack was ruthless and there weren’t any length’s he wouldn’t go to get what he wanted. He had already had Sandra killed and Lance was sure he wouldn’t hesitate killing Sheryl when if it came to that. He hoped that Larry and Mac would find something useful when they searched Sandra’s apartment; something that would lead them to the formula. He wished he could just ask Sheryl directly but he couldn’t; how would he explain how he knew so much about her.
He couldn’t explain all that he knew without losing her. He was a man apart. Torn between his heart and his duty. He buried his head in his hands and sighed heavily.
“I hope so because if you don’t it might be too late; Jack isn’t exactly known for his mercy” Ed said bluntly.
“Have you taken the tapes to HQ?” Lance asked changing the subject.
“Yes I went this evening”
“Did they find anything at Sandra’s place?” Lance inquired
“Larry and Mac are going there tomorrow” Ed informed him.
“Okay” was Lance’s only response.
“Goodnight but remember you have to move fast” Ed said before leaving and shutting Lance’s door behind him.
Lance thought about what Ed had said and he had to admit his friend was right. Jack was ruthless and there weren’t any length’s he wouldn’t go to get what he wanted. He had already had Sandra killed and Lance was sure he wouldn’t hesitate killing Sheryl when if it came to that. He hoped that Larry and Mac would find something useful when they searched Sandra’s apartment; something that would lead them to the formula. He wished he could just ask Sheryl directly but he couldn’t; how would he explain how he knew so much about her.
He couldn’t explain all that he knew without losing her. He was a man apart. Torn between his heart and his duty. He buried his head in his hands and sighed heavily.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 111)
“I don’t know; something better than ‘just okay’” Ed said as he leaned on the door frame.
“Fine it was great; happy?” Lance asked.
“Did you ask her?” Ed inquired
“I couldn’t” Lance admitted.
“What do you mean you couldn’t?”
“It didn’t come up in the conversation”
“Of course it wasn’t going to come up in the conversation you idiot; that’s why you had to bring it up”
“How Ed?; how?” Lance asked a little frustrated.
“I don’t know but that’s your job” Ed told him bluntly
“I know” Lance sighed.
“Look man; I know you like this babe but you have a job to do; you need to ask her where the formula is before it’s too late” Ed explained.
“I’m not even sure she knows about it” Lance told is friend.
“The best way to find out is to ask her?”
“Yes I know”
“So you will do it soon?” Ed pressed on.
“Fine it was great; happy?” Lance asked.
“Did you ask her?” Ed inquired
“I couldn’t” Lance admitted.
“What do you mean you couldn’t?”
“It didn’t come up in the conversation”
“Of course it wasn’t going to come up in the conversation you idiot; that’s why you had to bring it up”
“How Ed?; how?” Lance asked a little frustrated.
“I don’t know but that’s your job” Ed told him bluntly
“I know” Lance sighed.
“Look man; I know you like this babe but you have a job to do; you need to ask her where the formula is before it’s too late” Ed explained.
“I’m not even sure she knows about it” Lance told is friend.
“The best way to find out is to ask her?”
“Yes I know”
“So you will do it soon?” Ed pressed on.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 18, Page 110)
“Don’t be silly; you are one of the nicest people I know. You are one of the closest friends I have ever had” Sheryl told her honestly thinking of how Renée had made her feel comfortable and helped her to settle in. As far as Sheryl was concerned Renée was her best friend; they had a lot of good times since they had gotten here and Sheryl was grateful to Renée for each and every great moment they had spent together.
“I am?” Renée asked.
“Yes you are” Sheryl confirmed.
“Thank you” Renée said earnestly. She was touched by what Sheryl had said; it was comforting yet taunting at the same time. It made her feel appreciated and guilty; guilty that she was lying to Sheryl and pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She wished she could reverse time and change everything but she couldn’t.
Chapter 18
“How did it go” Ed asked as he stood in the doorway of Lance’s bedroom.
“It was okay” Lance responded as he sat down on the chair at his desk.
“Just okay?” Ed asked.
“What do you want me to say?” Lance asked his friend wondering what he wanted to hear.
“I am?” Renée asked.
“Yes you are” Sheryl confirmed.
“Thank you” Renée said earnestly. She was touched by what Sheryl had said; it was comforting yet taunting at the same time. It made her feel appreciated and guilty; guilty that she was lying to Sheryl and pretending to be someone she wasn’t. She wished she could reverse time and change everything but she couldn’t.
Chapter 18
“How did it go” Ed asked as he stood in the doorway of Lance’s bedroom.
“It was okay” Lance responded as he sat down on the chair at his desk.
“Just okay?” Ed asked.
“What do you want me to say?” Lance asked his friend wondering what he wanted to hear.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 109)
“Renée what’s wrong?” Sheryl asked as he embraced her friend.
“I’ll be okay” Renée said as she cried into Sheryl’s shoulder.
“What has upset you” Sheryl asked.
“I’d rather not talk about it” Renée sobbed knowing she could not tell Sheryl the real reason why she was crying. She couldn’t tell her that she was crying because her father had shouted at her for losing tapes that showed her killing Sandra. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she had killed her friend; the one person she trusted; the person that had protected her apart from her parents since she was young. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that the person who had made her cry was the same person who had tried to kill her. She couldn’t tell her that she was a phony; that the main reason she was here was to get the formula away from her.
She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she felt awful; that she wanted all this to stop. That she wished she hadn’t gotten involved in this whole thing in the first place. She couldn’t tell her that she wished she had stood up to her father and said ‘no’ when he had told her to do him this favor. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she was afraid that she was becoming more and more like her father everyday; cruel and selfish.
“Whatever it is; I’m sure it will all be okay” Sheryl comforted her.
“It’s never going to be okay” Renée sobbed.
“Yes it is; things are never as bad as they seem and in time you will see that” Sheryl said in a soft tone.
“I’m a bad person” Renée whispered.
“I’ll be okay” Renée said as she cried into Sheryl’s shoulder.
“What has upset you” Sheryl asked.
“I’d rather not talk about it” Renée sobbed knowing she could not tell Sheryl the real reason why she was crying. She couldn’t tell her that she was crying because her father had shouted at her for losing tapes that showed her killing Sandra. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she had killed her friend; the one person she trusted; the person that had protected her apart from her parents since she was young. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that the person who had made her cry was the same person who had tried to kill her. She couldn’t tell her that she was a phony; that the main reason she was here was to get the formula away from her.
She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she felt awful; that she wanted all this to stop. That she wished she hadn’t gotten involved in this whole thing in the first place. She couldn’t tell her that she wished she had stood up to her father and said ‘no’ when he had told her to do him this favor. She couldn’t tell Sheryl that she was afraid that she was becoming more and more like her father everyday; cruel and selfish.
“Whatever it is; I’m sure it will all be okay” Sheryl comforted her.
“It’s never going to be okay” Renée sobbed.
“Yes it is; things are never as bad as they seem and in time you will see that” Sheryl said in a soft tone.
“I’m a bad person” Renée whispered.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 108)
“I’ll say goodnight now’ he told her as her pulled her close and embraced her in a warm hug.
“Goodnight Lance” Sheryl said as she hugged him back.
Lance held on for a few more moments and then let her go and walked away. Sheryl opened her door and walked into the room; she was about to retire to her room when she noticed that Renée’s bedroom lights were on. She walked to her door and stopped outside it and gently knocked.
“Who is it?” Renée sobbed.
“Renée it’s me; can I come in?” Renée heard Sheryl say.
“Yes come in” Renée said as she quickly wiped away her tears.
Sheryl slowly opened the door and walked over and sat on Renée’s bed.
“Have you been crying?” Sheryl asked concerned as she looked at her friends tear stained face.
“Just a little” Renée admitted.
“Is everything okay?”
“Don’t worry about me, how was your date?” Renée asked with a sniff.
“It was great; we kissed” Sheryl told her with a coy smile.
“I’m glad…that…you…” Renée begun but couldn’t finish her sentence as she broke down in tears.
“Goodnight Lance” Sheryl said as she hugged him back.
Lance held on for a few more moments and then let her go and walked away. Sheryl opened her door and walked into the room; she was about to retire to her room when she noticed that Renée’s bedroom lights were on. She walked to her door and stopped outside it and gently knocked.
“Who is it?” Renée sobbed.
“Renée it’s me; can I come in?” Renée heard Sheryl say.
“Yes come in” Renée said as she quickly wiped away her tears.
Sheryl slowly opened the door and walked over and sat on Renée’s bed.
“Have you been crying?” Sheryl asked concerned as she looked at her friends tear stained face.
“Just a little” Renée admitted.
“Is everything okay?”
“Don’t worry about me, how was your date?” Renée asked with a sniff.
“It was great; we kissed” Sheryl told her with a coy smile.
“I’m glad…that…you…” Renée begun but couldn’t finish her sentence as she broke down in tears.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 107)
...this but tomorrow he wanted something different. She had to tip-toe around his moods; and adjust how best she could just so she could live in some sort of peace.
“What do you think happened to the tapes?” he asked her sharply.
“I’m not sure but I’ll try to find out” she sniffed.
“You have until the end of next week’ He said and slammed the receiver down on it’s cradle.
Renée crawled into her bed and wept, she wasn’t sure what to do. She had no idea who could have taken the tapes or the file. She had searched Sheryl’s room the moment she had realized that they were missing but there was nothing there. She didn’t know where to start to looking but she had to figure something out; her father was furious and she knew he blamed her and if she didn’t find a way to amend her mistake he would make her pay for it in the most painful way he could think of.
“Thank you for a wonderful night” Lance told Sheryl as they both stood outside the door of her room.
“I should be the one saying thank you” Sheryl said with a shy smile.
“I hope we can do this again sometime soon” he said looking into her eyes.
“We will” Sheryl promised.
“What do you think happened to the tapes?” he asked her sharply.
“I’m not sure but I’ll try to find out” she sniffed.
“You have until the end of next week’ He said and slammed the receiver down on it’s cradle.
Renée crawled into her bed and wept, she wasn’t sure what to do. She had no idea who could have taken the tapes or the file. She had searched Sheryl’s room the moment she had realized that they were missing but there was nothing there. She didn’t know where to start to looking but she had to figure something out; her father was furious and she knew he blamed her and if she didn’t find a way to amend her mistake he would make her pay for it in the most painful way he could think of.
“Thank you for a wonderful night” Lance told Sheryl as they both stood outside the door of her room.
“I should be the one saying thank you” Sheryl said with a shy smile.
“I hope we can do this again sometime soon” he said looking into her eyes.
“We will” Sheryl promised.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 106)
‘Did you cool the coffee?’ he had asked her.
‘No’ she said fearfully.
‘Why don’t you think, you want me to think for you’ he lashed out at her.
‘I’m sorry’ was all she knew to say when he attacked her this way.
‘Get out of my sight!’ he had shouted at her.
Renée had quickly run out of the room and straight to her room. She had jumped onto her bed and hugged her pillow and cried. As an eight year old she was confused; she saw her friends and how their fathers had laughed and played with them and she wondered why her dad did not do the same with her.
‘There must be something wrong with me’ she had told herself.
‘It’s my fault that daddy doesn’t love me’ she reasoned.
‘Maybe I am stupid’ she thought.
Up to this day Renée didn’t know how she had coped; there had been no one to talk to; no shoulder to cry on. Her father was all she had left and there was nothing she could do about it. She had learnt to mask the pain and the hurt. Learnt how to go to school and smile and pretend she was okay. She had become a master of hiding her wounds. She felt she couldn’t trust anyone; she felt they would laugh at her; mock her for not being a good daughter.
Heaven knows she had tried to please him; she still tried until this day but it was to no avail. She never knew what to do or how to do it to his satisfaction, today he said....
‘No’ she said fearfully.
‘Why don’t you think, you want me to think for you’ he lashed out at her.
‘I’m sorry’ was all she knew to say when he attacked her this way.
‘Get out of my sight!’ he had shouted at her.
Renée had quickly run out of the room and straight to her room. She had jumped onto her bed and hugged her pillow and cried. As an eight year old she was confused; she saw her friends and how their fathers had laughed and played with them and she wondered why her dad did not do the same with her.
‘There must be something wrong with me’ she had told herself.
‘It’s my fault that daddy doesn’t love me’ she reasoned.
‘Maybe I am stupid’ she thought.
Up to this day Renée didn’t know how she had coped; there had been no one to talk to; no shoulder to cry on. Her father was all she had left and there was nothing she could do about it. She had learnt to mask the pain and the hurt. Learnt how to go to school and smile and pretend she was okay. She had become a master of hiding her wounds. She felt she couldn’t trust anyone; she felt they would laugh at her; mock her for not being a good daughter.
Heaven knows she had tried to please him; she still tried until this day but it was to no avail. She never knew what to do or how to do it to his satisfaction, today he said....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 105)
....believe he could still make her cry even after all these years. She hated that he had this power over her; that all he had to do was raise his voice and call her some name and she broke down in tears. She had tried to get stronger over the years; tried to face him and not cry but she always did. She didn’t understand why what she tried to do for him was never enough; she didn’t understand why she wasn’t enough. No matter how hard she tried there was always something she wasn’t doing right.
When she was younger; she remembered times when he would just lose his temper over the littlest thing. She specifically remembered an incident where he had burst into her room early in the morning and woken her up. ‘Why do you sleep so much?’ he had shouted at her. ‘You are growing up; you need to learn to take responsibility’ he had said. She had quickly gotten out of bed and stood at attention as he went on and on about how one must learn to be responsible and that she had to stop being lazy. He had told her to go and make him his morning coffee.
Renée had run to the kitchen and plugged the kettle; she had climbed over the kitchen counter and taken the sugar and coffee tins from the cabinet and mixed the ingredients in his favorite mug. The tears had streamed down her cheeks as she poured the hot water from the kettle into mug. She quickly mixed the coffee and just at that moment he had walked into the kitchen. ‘Where is my coffee?’ he had barked. Renée had picked up the mug to give it to him but had accidently dropped it because the mug had burnt her finger tips due to its hot contents.
‘You stupid girl’ he had said his eyes flashing with anger.
‘I’m sorry’ she had quickly apologized and bent down to the floor to pick up the broken pieces of the mug.
When she was younger; she remembered times when he would just lose his temper over the littlest thing. She specifically remembered an incident where he had burst into her room early in the morning and woken her up. ‘Why do you sleep so much?’ he had shouted at her. ‘You are growing up; you need to learn to take responsibility’ he had said. She had quickly gotten out of bed and stood at attention as he went on and on about how one must learn to be responsible and that she had to stop being lazy. He had told her to go and make him his morning coffee.
Renée had run to the kitchen and plugged the kettle; she had climbed over the kitchen counter and taken the sugar and coffee tins from the cabinet and mixed the ingredients in his favorite mug. The tears had streamed down her cheeks as she poured the hot water from the kettle into mug. She quickly mixed the coffee and just at that moment he had walked into the kitchen. ‘Where is my coffee?’ he had barked. Renée had picked up the mug to give it to him but had accidently dropped it because the mug had burnt her finger tips due to its hot contents.
‘You stupid girl’ he had said his eyes flashing with anger.
‘I’m sorry’ she had quickly apologized and bent down to the floor to pick up the broken pieces of the mug.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 104)
“Say that again” Jack said as he gripped the phone.
“The tapes are missing” Renée repeated in a timid voice.
“How is that possible?” jack asked his daughter trying to contain his anger.
“I don’t know” she said honestly.
“Well you better come up with an explanation” he said sternly his voice rising in anger.
“I’m sorry, I left them in my bag and when I took it out today; both the tapes and the file were missing” Renée explained.
“You stupid useless girl; you can’t you do anything right” he shouted.
“I’m sorry….” Renée began; the urge to cry creeping up on her.
“Shut up when I’m talking to you, did you even take them from Sandra’s office?” he barked.
“Yes I did” she whimpered as her eyes filled with tears.
“So where are they?” he asked angrily.
“I…I don’t know” she sobbed.
“Stop crying and think” he shouted.
Renée put her mouth over her hand so he wouldn’t hear her sobs. She hated that she was crying; she hated that she couldn’t keep herself together. She couldn’t....
“The tapes are missing” Renée repeated in a timid voice.
“How is that possible?” jack asked his daughter trying to contain his anger.
“I don’t know” she said honestly.
“Well you better come up with an explanation” he said sternly his voice rising in anger.
“I’m sorry, I left them in my bag and when I took it out today; both the tapes and the file were missing” Renée explained.
“You stupid useless girl; you can’t you do anything right” he shouted.
“I’m sorry….” Renée began; the urge to cry creeping up on her.
“Shut up when I’m talking to you, did you even take them from Sandra’s office?” he barked.
“Yes I did” she whimpered as her eyes filled with tears.
“So where are they?” he asked angrily.
“I…I don’t know” she sobbed.
“Stop crying and think” he shouted.
Renée put her mouth over her hand so he wouldn’t hear her sobs. She hated that she was crying; she hated that she couldn’t keep herself together. She couldn’t....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 17, Page 103)
....a table near the window and ordered two cappuccinos and two slices of chocolate cake.
“That wasn’t so bad” Sheryl said as she played with the salt shaker.
“They will probably make sequel” Lance commented.
“And those don’t always work out” Sheryl said drily.
“True” Lance admitted; he then reached out for Sheryl’s hands and took the salt shaker away and placed it on the table before he held both her hands in his. Sheryl tried not to look straight at him. She didn’t want to see what he was thinking; in her own way she was scared of what she might see.
“Look at me” he said gently. Sheryl slowly lifted her gaze and looked at him.
“Thanks for tonight” he said slowly.
“You’re welcome” she said.
He slowly begun leaning over and Sheryl knew it was coming; she wasn’t sure how to react. Her heart was racing; he was getting closer and she could smell his cologne. He was really close now; so close she could hear him breathe; Sheryl looked at him and knew she couldn’t resist. She leaned into him and their lips met in a kiss.
Chapter 17
“The tapes are missing” Renée said slowly into the phone wondering how her father would react.
“That wasn’t so bad” Sheryl said as she played with the salt shaker.
“They will probably make sequel” Lance commented.
“And those don’t always work out” Sheryl said drily.
“True” Lance admitted; he then reached out for Sheryl’s hands and took the salt shaker away and placed it on the table before he held both her hands in his. Sheryl tried not to look straight at him. She didn’t want to see what he was thinking; in her own way she was scared of what she might see.
“Look at me” he said gently. Sheryl slowly lifted her gaze and looked at him.
“Thanks for tonight” he said slowly.
“You’re welcome” she said.
He slowly begun leaning over and Sheryl knew it was coming; she wasn’t sure how to react. Her heart was racing; he was getting closer and she could smell his cologne. He was really close now; so close she could hear him breathe; Sheryl looked at him and knew she couldn’t resist. She leaned into him and their lips met in a kiss.
Chapter 17
“The tapes are missing” Renée said slowly into the phone wondering how her father would react.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 16, Page 102)
“I know what you mean; I feel the same way about my parents’ relationship” Sheryl said wishing she could have something like that one day.
“I wonder if I’ll have that someday” Lance said quietly.
“You doubt you will?” Sheryl asked him, surprised that he had this side to him. A side that wanted to belong to someone; a side that wanted to trust someone with his heart and soul. She had always seen him as someone who lived in the moment not as someone who wanted to commit.
“It’s not easy to find someone who wants you for you” he said sadly, remembering the countless girls who had come after him because of material things.
“I’m sure there is someone out there waiting for you” Sheryl said gently reaching out for his hand and giving it an affectionate squeeze.
“Umm yeah, so which movie again” Lance said holding onto her hand and changing the subject.
“Let’s go for the action” Sheryl decided.
“Okay let’s go” he said.
They both walked to the ticket stall and bought two movie tickets and proceeded to the theater.
An hour and a half later, Lance and Sheryl emerged from the theater and walked to coffee shop just near by the theater. They entered the coffee shop and sat down at....
“I wonder if I’ll have that someday” Lance said quietly.
“You doubt you will?” Sheryl asked him, surprised that he had this side to him. A side that wanted to belong to someone; a side that wanted to trust someone with his heart and soul. She had always seen him as someone who lived in the moment not as someone who wanted to commit.
“It’s not easy to find someone who wants you for you” he said sadly, remembering the countless girls who had come after him because of material things.
“I’m sure there is someone out there waiting for you” Sheryl said gently reaching out for his hand and giving it an affectionate squeeze.
“Umm yeah, so which movie again” Lance said holding onto her hand and changing the subject.
“Let’s go for the action” Sheryl decided.
“Okay let’s go” he said.
They both walked to the ticket stall and bought two movie tickets and proceeded to the theater.
An hour and a half later, Lance and Sheryl emerged from the theater and walked to coffee shop just near by the theater. They entered the coffee shop and sat down at....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 16, Page 101)
“Take snow white for example; can you really trust a prince that goes kissing corpses in glass coffins buried in the mountains; you call him prince I say he’s a pervert” Lance said bluntly.
“Well when you put it that way” Sheryl chuckled wondering why she had never thought of it that way.
“Another one is Beauty and the Beast; I don’t think they should be encouraging girls to kiss animals in the hope that they will magically turn into a prince charming” Lance went on.
“Hmmm; I understand where you are coming from but we grow out of it sooner or later” Sheryl said trying to see the bright side of things.
“I guess you are right, am just glad that Mac found her prince charming” he admitted.
“She did?”
“Yep; his name is Larry”
“Good for her”
“If their relationship isn’t the definition of love and commitment I don’t know what is”
“You almost sound envious” Sheryl commented hearing the emotion in his voice.
“Not envious; I just admire what they have”
“Well when you put it that way” Sheryl chuckled wondering why she had never thought of it that way.
“Another one is Beauty and the Beast; I don’t think they should be encouraging girls to kiss animals in the hope that they will magically turn into a prince charming” Lance went on.
“Hmmm; I understand where you are coming from but we grow out of it sooner or later” Sheryl said trying to see the bright side of things.
“I guess you are right, am just glad that Mac found her prince charming” he admitted.
“She did?”
“Yep; his name is Larry”
“Good for her”
“If their relationship isn’t the definition of love and commitment I don’t know what is”
“You almost sound envious” Sheryl commented hearing the emotion in his voice.
“Not envious; I just admire what they have”
Universal Warriors (Chapter 16, Page 100)
“Aren’t kids supposed to be watching cartoons?”
“That was my argument too but Mac has always been in love with the idea of being in love”
“Aren’t all girls?” Sheryl asked.
“Well yes but with her it was an obsession”
“It couldn’t have been that bad” Sheryl said thinking Lance was exaggerating.
“It was; trust me. I blame it on all those Disney fairy tale books and movies” he said.
“Which Disney story was her favorite?” she asked curiously.
“Snow white and the seven dwarfs”
“You don’t sound too fond of it”
“I’m not” he told her drily.
“Which do you prefer?”
“None”
“Not even one?”
“I think they are all crazy”
“In what sense?” Sheryl asked interested to know his point of view.
“That was my argument too but Mac has always been in love with the idea of being in love”
“Aren’t all girls?” Sheryl asked.
“Well yes but with her it was an obsession”
“It couldn’t have been that bad” Sheryl said thinking Lance was exaggerating.
“It was; trust me. I blame it on all those Disney fairy tale books and movies” he said.
“Which Disney story was her favorite?” she asked curiously.
“Snow white and the seven dwarfs”
“You don’t sound too fond of it”
“I’m not” he told her drily.
“Which do you prefer?”
“None”
“Not even one?”
“I think they are all crazy”
“In what sense?” Sheryl asked interested to know his point of view.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 16, Page 99)
“How about that one?” Lance as he pointed to the comedy one.
“Looks interesting but it might be like all the other comedies” she said doubtfully.
“You mean with the same tasteless and vulgar jokes” he said
“Yep, I prefer British sitcom comedy” Sheryl told him.
“I know what you mean; they have an intellectual humor about them”
“Exactly” Sheryl agreed amazed that Lance had voiced out precisely what she was thinking.
“The action it is; or do you prefer a chick flick?” he asked her.
“You watch chick flicks” she asked amused at how her assumptions about him had been anything but close to the truth.
“I do occasionally watch them” Lance admitted.
“That’s weird”
“Not really”
“I think it is, I hardly hear of guys who watch chick flicks”
“I blame Mac” he told her.
“Mackenzie made you watch them?”
“Gosh yes; she made me watch them with her from a very tender age” he explained.
“Looks interesting but it might be like all the other comedies” she said doubtfully.
“You mean with the same tasteless and vulgar jokes” he said
“Yep, I prefer British sitcom comedy” Sheryl told him.
“I know what you mean; they have an intellectual humor about them”
“Exactly” Sheryl agreed amazed that Lance had voiced out precisely what she was thinking.
“The action it is; or do you prefer a chick flick?” he asked her.
“You watch chick flicks” she asked amused at how her assumptions about him had been anything but close to the truth.
“I do occasionally watch them” Lance admitted.
“That’s weird”
“Not really”
“I think it is, I hardly hear of guys who watch chick flicks”
“I blame Mac” he told her.
“Mackenzie made you watch them?”
“Gosh yes; she made me watch them with her from a very tender age” he explained.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 16, Page 98)
“I’ll be waiting” Renée said.
Renee thought about the night ahead, it was the perfect opportunity for her to go and drop the tapes with her dad. She hadn’t found the opportunity to do so during the week because of her busy schedule. Sheryl was going out; this was perfect. This way she had the perfect opportunity to search her room to see if there were any clues as to where the formula was. Her father was growing impatient and when he got impatient things got dangerous. Last time he got impatient he had attacked and tried to kill Sheryl. As much as Renée wanted to please her father and get the formula for him, she found that her feelings had begun to change. It had been easy when she hadn’t known Sheryl; when she had just been somebody she was supposed to watch but the more she got to know Sheryl the more she liked her and the more she became a person in Renée’s eyes and not just ‘a problem’ her father had asked her to take care of. If there was a way she could get this formula without having to kill anybody else she had to find it. She wanted to please her father but she was struggling with her conscience; maybe she was getting soft. She thought of Ed and smiled; she was getting soft.
Chapter 16
“So….which movie?” Lance asked Sheryl as they both stood looking at the movie display.
“I’m not sure” she told him as tried to decide on whether she wanted to watch an action movie or a comedy.
Renee thought about the night ahead, it was the perfect opportunity for her to go and drop the tapes with her dad. She hadn’t found the opportunity to do so during the week because of her busy schedule. Sheryl was going out; this was perfect. This way she had the perfect opportunity to search her room to see if there were any clues as to where the formula was. Her father was growing impatient and when he got impatient things got dangerous. Last time he got impatient he had attacked and tried to kill Sheryl. As much as Renée wanted to please her father and get the formula for him, she found that her feelings had begun to change. It had been easy when she hadn’t known Sheryl; when she had just been somebody she was supposed to watch but the more she got to know Sheryl the more she liked her and the more she became a person in Renée’s eyes and not just ‘a problem’ her father had asked her to take care of. If there was a way she could get this formula without having to kill anybody else she had to find it. She wanted to please her father but she was struggling with her conscience; maybe she was getting soft. She thought of Ed and smiled; she was getting soft.
Chapter 16
“So….which movie?” Lance asked Sheryl as they both stood looking at the movie display.
“I’m not sure” she told him as tried to decide on whether she wanted to watch an action movie or a comedy.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 97)
“He says he wants us to be spontaneous and pick the movie when we get there” Sheryl explained.
“Sounds just like Lance” Renée said plainly.
“Yep, he’s an interesting one” Sheryl agreed.
“What time are you going?”
“He said he would be here by eight”
“Hope you have fun, I might go to grannies again this weekend” Renée informed Sheryl.
“You must really love her”
“She needs the company” Renée lied.
“I should really arrange to go and see my parents” Sheryl said remembering she had been intending to but had not quite gotten round to doing it.
“Visitation is coming up soon; you can go then” Renée suggested.
“That’s probably the best time” Sheryl agreed.
“Should we go and get supper now?” Renée asked remembering it was supper time.
“Give me thirty minutes; I need to take a shower first” Sheryl said heaving herself from the couch and slowly walking towards the room.
“Sounds just like Lance” Renée said plainly.
“Yep, he’s an interesting one” Sheryl agreed.
“What time are you going?”
“He said he would be here by eight”
“Hope you have fun, I might go to grannies again this weekend” Renée informed Sheryl.
“You must really love her”
“She needs the company” Renée lied.
“I should really arrange to go and see my parents” Sheryl said remembering she had been intending to but had not quite gotten round to doing it.
“Visitation is coming up soon; you can go then” Renée suggested.
“That’s probably the best time” Sheryl agreed.
“Should we go and get supper now?” Renée asked remembering it was supper time.
“Give me thirty minutes; I need to take a shower first” Sheryl said heaving herself from the couch and slowly walking towards the room.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15 Page 96)
They could talk and laugh for hours about practically nothing. He was always there ready and eager to listen; quick to assure her that everything would be alright. He made her feel wanted and loved. When he looked at her; she felt like she was the only he could see and wanted to see. The feeling was indescribable; she felt complete and safe with him; something she had never felt before and she was thankful to him for that.
“Renée did you hear anything I said” Sheryl asked jerking Renée back to reality.
“Sorry; what did you say?” she apologized.
“You were thinking about him; weren’t you?’ Sheryl asked with a small smile.
“Yes” Renée smiled back.
“You really like Ed; don’t you?” Sheryl asked her.
“That I do Sheryl; that I do” Renée confessed.
“Well it’s good you are happy” Sheryl told her, utterly pleased for her friend.
“Enough about me, what did Lance do that has you all smiling like this?” Renée asked moving the conversation to its original topic subject.
“We are going out to watch a movie” Sheryl informed her.
“That’s nice; which one?”
“I don’t know” Sheryl confessed.
“You don’t know?” Renée asked perplexed.
“Renée did you hear anything I said” Sheryl asked jerking Renée back to reality.
“Sorry; what did you say?” she apologized.
“You were thinking about him; weren’t you?’ Sheryl asked with a small smile.
“Yes” Renée smiled back.
“You really like Ed; don’t you?” Sheryl asked her.
“That I do Sheryl; that I do” Renée confessed.
“Well it’s good you are happy” Sheryl told her, utterly pleased for her friend.
“Enough about me, what did Lance do that has you all smiling like this?” Renée asked moving the conversation to its original topic subject.
“We are going out to watch a movie” Sheryl informed her.
“That’s nice; which one?”
“I don’t know” Sheryl confessed.
“You don’t know?” Renée asked perplexed.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 95)
“Lance really cracked me up today, you won’t believe what Lance did today, I can’t believe how good Lance is at building models, Lance almost glued his finger to the model…it was hilarious” Renée told Sheryl some of the things she had been saying.
“Is it that bad; I didn’t realize”
“It is that bad” Renée emphasized.
“What is wrong with me?” Sheryl asked as she realized that she really had been going on and on about him.
“It’s called a crush” Renée said sarcastically.
“I know what it is, but when it begin?”
“You can never tell with these things; they just kind of creep up on you. One day you can’t stand the guy and the next you can’t stand being without him” Renée explained, speaking from her experience.
“I wouldn’t exactly say that I can’t stand being without him” Sheryl said thinking what Renée was saying was a bit extreme.
“You say that now; wait a couple of weeks” Renée warned.
“Is that the way it is with Ed?” Sheryl asked since she hardly had any experience in the relationship department.
“It’s worse; that guy makes me feel special in a way that no one has ever made me feel before” Renée said with emotion as she thought of Ed and how much he meant to her. He accepted her for who she was; never judged her or criticized her at all.
“Is it that bad; I didn’t realize”
“It is that bad” Renée emphasized.
“What is wrong with me?” Sheryl asked as she realized that she really had been going on and on about him.
“It’s called a crush” Renée said sarcastically.
“I know what it is, but when it begin?”
“You can never tell with these things; they just kind of creep up on you. One day you can’t stand the guy and the next you can’t stand being without him” Renée explained, speaking from her experience.
“I wouldn’t exactly say that I can’t stand being without him” Sheryl said thinking what Renée was saying was a bit extreme.
“You say that now; wait a couple of weeks” Renée warned.
“Is that the way it is with Ed?” Sheryl asked since she hardly had any experience in the relationship department.
“It’s worse; that guy makes me feel special in a way that no one has ever made me feel before” Renée said with emotion as she thought of Ed and how much he meant to her. He accepted her for who she was; never judged her or criticized her at all.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 94)
“Is there such a thing?” Sheryl asked earnestly as she walked over to the couch she usually sat on and collapsed in it.
“When it comes to you there is” Renée answered back.
“Why do you say that like I’m some being from outer space” Sheryl said pretending to be hurt by Renée’s comment.
“That look doesn’t fool me” Renée said with a playful smile.
“I’m happy because it’s a beautiful day” Sheryl said trying to avoid Renée’s interrogation.
“It was a beautiful day yesterday and yet you weren’t this happy”
“Okay fine, it’s Lance” Sheryl admitted.
“What did prince charming do?” Renée inquired giving Sheryl her full attention.
“Since when was he referred to as ‘prince charming’?” Sheryl asked genuinely surprised by the term Renée had used to describe Lance.
“Since you started talking about him all the time”
“I haven’t” Sheryl denied wondering if she had really been talking about him without realizing it.
“Really?” Renée said with a questioning expression.
“I don’t think so” Sheryl said not quite sure.
“When it comes to you there is” Renée answered back.
“Why do you say that like I’m some being from outer space” Sheryl said pretending to be hurt by Renée’s comment.
“That look doesn’t fool me” Renée said with a playful smile.
“I’m happy because it’s a beautiful day” Sheryl said trying to avoid Renée’s interrogation.
“It was a beautiful day yesterday and yet you weren’t this happy”
“Okay fine, it’s Lance” Sheryl admitted.
“What did prince charming do?” Renée inquired giving Sheryl her full attention.
“Since when was he referred to as ‘prince charming’?” Sheryl asked genuinely surprised by the term Renée had used to describe Lance.
“Since you started talking about him all the time”
“I haven’t” Sheryl denied wondering if she had really been talking about him without realizing it.
“Really?” Renée said with a questioning expression.
“I don’t think so” Sheryl said not quite sure.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 93)
“Is that a yes?”
“What do you think?”
“I’m waiting” Lance said in a playful impatient tone.
“Okay the answer is yes” Sheryl gave in as she twisted her door knob to open the door.
“See; optimism always yields the best results” he said giving her a small wink.
“Whatever you say Lance” Sheryl said not quite buying his theory.
“I’ll come by around eight” he told her as he turned around to leave.
“I’ll be waiting” she told him.
“You better be” he jokingly warned her as he walked away.
Sheryl stared after him with a small smile on her face.
“Lance and I going to a movie; who would have thought?” she said out loud to herself.
“Who are you talking to?” Renée asked from inside the room.
“Nobody” Sheryl answered as she entered the room and closed the door behind her.
“You look unusually happy” Renée commented as she reached out to put down the file she was reading on the table a few feet from the couch she was sitting on.
“What do you think?”
“I’m waiting” Lance said in a playful impatient tone.
“Okay the answer is yes” Sheryl gave in as she twisted her door knob to open the door.
“See; optimism always yields the best results” he said giving her a small wink.
“Whatever you say Lance” Sheryl said not quite buying his theory.
“I’ll come by around eight” he told her as he turned around to leave.
“I’ll be waiting” she told him.
“You better be” he jokingly warned her as he walked away.
Sheryl stared after him with a small smile on her face.
“Lance and I going to a movie; who would have thought?” she said out loud to herself.
“Who are you talking to?” Renée asked from inside the room.
“Nobody” Sheryl answered as she entered the room and closed the door behind her.
“You look unusually happy” Renée commented as she reached out to put down the file she was reading on the table a few feet from the couch she was sitting on.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 92)
“You do realize we are in the corridors right?” Sheryl reminded him, wondering what spectators must be thinking.
“What about it?” he asked carelessly.
“They might conjure up rumors” she said looking straight into his eyes.
“I’ve never been one to care about public opinion” he said with smirk.
“Which movie?” Sheryl asked trying to change the intensity of the mood.
“What?” he asked confused.
“What movie are we going to see?” Sheryl clarified as she pulled back from him.
“I don’t know” he told her as he let go of her arm.
“You don’t really plan ahead do you?” Sheryl teased.
“I want us to be spontaneous, we will pick whatever movie we want when we get there” he explained.
“You are assuming I said yes” Sheryl said as they continued down the corridor.
“Haven’t you?”
“The word yes never passed my lips” she said as they stopped in front of her room.
“I’m optimistic” he said as she watched her take her keys out of her bag and unlock the door.
“A movie would be nice after all that hard work” she admitted.
“What about it?” he asked carelessly.
“They might conjure up rumors” she said looking straight into his eyes.
“I’ve never been one to care about public opinion” he said with smirk.
“Which movie?” Sheryl asked trying to change the intensity of the mood.
“What?” he asked confused.
“What movie are we going to see?” Sheryl clarified as she pulled back from him.
“I don’t know” he told her as he let go of her arm.
“You don’t really plan ahead do you?” Sheryl teased.
“I want us to be spontaneous, we will pick whatever movie we want when we get there” he explained.
“You are assuming I said yes” Sheryl said as they continued down the corridor.
“Haven’t you?”
“The word yes never passed my lips” she said as they stopped in front of her room.
“I’m optimistic” he said as she watched her take her keys out of her bag and unlock the door.
“A movie would be nice after all that hard work” she admitted.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 15, Page 91)
Chapter 15
The next few days were extremely busy, Lance and Sheryl engrossed themselves in their project because it was due the next week and there was still quite a lot to do. Renée was kept busy with mid-semester examinations and assignments that were to be assessed. By Friday they were all exhausted and looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
“Do you want to go and see a movie tonight?” Lance asked Sheryl as they walked in the direction of her room as they came from the direction of the workshop where they had just finished building their model.
“Are you asking me out?” Sheryl said jokingly.
“I wouldn’t exactly put it that way” Lance said with a smile.
“Then what are you doing?” Sheryl chuckled.
“Okay let’s say I was asking you out, what would you say?” Lance said as he stopped abruptly and gently grabbed hold of her hand and turned her around to face him.
“I’ll say I’ll have to think about it” Sheryl lied trying to judge his reaction.
She no longer felt nervous when she was close to him; all the time they had spent together building the model had taken away the anxiety she had once felt when she was around him.
“What’s there to think about?” he asked softly drawing her closer.
The next few days were extremely busy, Lance and Sheryl engrossed themselves in their project because it was due the next week and there was still quite a lot to do. Renée was kept busy with mid-semester examinations and assignments that were to be assessed. By Friday they were all exhausted and looking forward to a relaxing weekend.
“Do you want to go and see a movie tonight?” Lance asked Sheryl as they walked in the direction of her room as they came from the direction of the workshop where they had just finished building their model.
“Are you asking me out?” Sheryl said jokingly.
“I wouldn’t exactly put it that way” Lance said with a smile.
“Then what are you doing?” Sheryl chuckled.
“Okay let’s say I was asking you out, what would you say?” Lance said as he stopped abruptly and gently grabbed hold of her hand and turned her around to face him.
“I’ll say I’ll have to think about it” Sheryl lied trying to judge his reaction.
She no longer felt nervous when she was close to him; all the time they had spent together building the model had taken away the anxiety she had once felt when she was around him.
“What’s there to think about?” he asked softly drawing her closer.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 90)
“Have you heard from Sheryl?” Pierce asked his wife as he watered the plants in his back yard.
Gill looked up from the book she was reading as she sat on one of the garden chairs that was situated on the terrace at the back of their house before saying
“She sent me a text telling me that everything was alright and that she was just busy with school”
“I’m glad she’s alright” Pierce said as he twisted the nozzle of the water pipe he was using so that the water would flow out at a slower velocity.
“I was worried about her especially after that burglar broke into her room the other night” Gill said chills running down her spine as she remembered the incident.
“Me too, but don’t forget Sandra is looking out for her too” Pierce said turning to give his wife a reassuring smile.
“Yes; we can always count on Sandra” Gill said comforted by the fact.
“Hmmm” Pierce agreed whole heartedly.
“I should invite her for some tea sometime this week” Gill suggested thinking it had been a long time since she had invited Sandra over for a chat.
“That’s a great idea, I’m sure she will be delighted” her husband encouraged her.
Gill looked up from the book she was reading as she sat on one of the garden chairs that was situated on the terrace at the back of their house before saying
“She sent me a text telling me that everything was alright and that she was just busy with school”
“I’m glad she’s alright” Pierce said as he twisted the nozzle of the water pipe he was using so that the water would flow out at a slower velocity.
“I was worried about her especially after that burglar broke into her room the other night” Gill said chills running down her spine as she remembered the incident.
“Me too, but don’t forget Sandra is looking out for her too” Pierce said turning to give his wife a reassuring smile.
“Yes; we can always count on Sandra” Gill said comforted by the fact.
“Hmmm” Pierce agreed whole heartedly.
“I should invite her for some tea sometime this week” Gill suggested thinking it had been a long time since she had invited Sandra over for a chat.
“That’s a great idea, I’m sure she will be delighted” her husband encouraged her.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 89)
“Look man, unlike you I can keep my feelings under control” Ed said knowing what Lance was asking. Lance wanted to know if Ed had really fallen for Renée during the course of the mission.
“At least one of us is still being professional” Lance said.
“Get your act together; you don’t want your feelings to cloud your judgment do you?”
“I’m trying” Lance uttered earnestly.
“Try harder, for all you know she can’t be trusted” Ed said exploring the possibility.
“Not Sheryl, she’s not like that” Lance defended her.
“You of all people should know that things aren’t always as they seem” was the last thing Ed said before he got up and walked to his room leaving Lance deep in thought.
Once in the privacy of his own room, Ed used his phone to call the commander and informed him that he had the tapes and the file. The commander commended him on a job well done and told him to bring the tapes and the file to H.Q. When they had finished their conversation, Ed cut the line and proceeded to pack the tapes in is backpack in preparation to take them to the commander later on in the day.
“At least one of us is still being professional” Lance said.
“Get your act together; you don’t want your feelings to cloud your judgment do you?”
“I’m trying” Lance uttered earnestly.
“Try harder, for all you know she can’t be trusted” Ed said exploring the possibility.
“Not Sheryl, she’s not like that” Lance defended her.
“You of all people should know that things aren’t always as they seem” was the last thing Ed said before he got up and walked to his room leaving Lance deep in thought.
Once in the privacy of his own room, Ed used his phone to call the commander and informed him that he had the tapes and the file. The commander commended him on a job well done and told him to bring the tapes and the file to H.Q. When they had finished their conversation, Ed cut the line and proceeded to pack the tapes in is backpack in preparation to take them to the commander later on in the day.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 88)
.....opened the door and peered around the room. He walked over to her closet and opened it. He careful searched the closet making sure not to move anything too much so that he wouldn’t arouse any suspicions. He didn’t find the tapes; he closed the closet door and walked over to her bed. He knelt by the side of the bed and lifted the sheet. He saw a black backpack stuffed under the bed; he reached out and pulled it out from under the bed. He unzipped the zipper and searched the contents of the bag.
“Bingo” he said as he pulled out the two tapes. He placed them on the floor beside him. He dipped his hand into the bag again and this time he pulled out the file that Renée had taken from Sandra’s desk drawer and put it on top of the tapes. He then zipped up the bag and pushed it back under the bed. He grabbed the tapes and the file and rushed to the door. He stopped at the door and looked back at the room to make sure he hadn’t left anything out of place. When he was satisfied; he gently closed the door and walked to the main door and walked through it, once he was outside he locked the door behind him and left.
“Did you get them?” Lance asked when Ed came into their room and locked the door behind him.
“Yep” Ed confirmed lifting the tapes up for Lance to see.
“So she is the one who killed Sandra” Lance stated.
“The evidence is right here” Ed said as he sat down on the couch opposite Lance.
“Are you okay with all this” Lance asked his friend in a concerned tone.
“Bingo” he said as he pulled out the two tapes. He placed them on the floor beside him. He dipped his hand into the bag again and this time he pulled out the file that Renée had taken from Sandra’s desk drawer and put it on top of the tapes. He then zipped up the bag and pushed it back under the bed. He grabbed the tapes and the file and rushed to the door. He stopped at the door and looked back at the room to make sure he hadn’t left anything out of place. When he was satisfied; he gently closed the door and walked to the main door and walked through it, once he was outside he locked the door behind him and left.
“Did you get them?” Lance asked when Ed came into their room and locked the door behind him.
“Yep” Ed confirmed lifting the tapes up for Lance to see.
“So she is the one who killed Sandra” Lance stated.
“The evidence is right here” Ed said as he sat down on the couch opposite Lance.
“Are you okay with all this” Lance asked his friend in a concerned tone.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 87)
“We checked but it seems the killer took them” the commander answered Larry’s questions.
“If the killer is Renée and she and Jack see Larry on the tapes our cover will be blown” Mackenzie stated.
“I told Ed to follow on that, he will let me know as soon as he finds out anything” the commander told her.
“I hope he gets them before they see them” Mackenzie uttered worried about what kind of danger Larry would be in if their enemies found out what they were up to.
“So what do we do next?” Larry asked slowly.
“I want you and Mackenzie to go to Sandra’s house and see if you can find anything that could help us in this case” the commander instructed them.
“What if Sandra’s colleagues start wondering where she is?”Mackenzie asked Commander Drake.
“You let me worry about that, just do what I have asked”
“Yes sir” they said.
“Dismissed” the commander told them and they left.
Ed unlocked the door to Sheryl’s and Renée’s room with a copy of a key he had made. He slipped into the room undetected and went straight to Renée’s room. He....
“If the killer is Renée and she and Jack see Larry on the tapes our cover will be blown” Mackenzie stated.
“I told Ed to follow on that, he will let me know as soon as he finds out anything” the commander told her.
“I hope he gets them before they see them” Mackenzie uttered worried about what kind of danger Larry would be in if their enemies found out what they were up to.
“So what do we do next?” Larry asked slowly.
“I want you and Mackenzie to go to Sandra’s house and see if you can find anything that could help us in this case” the commander instructed them.
“What if Sandra’s colleagues start wondering where she is?”Mackenzie asked Commander Drake.
“You let me worry about that, just do what I have asked”
“Yes sir” they said.
“Dismissed” the commander told them and they left.
Ed unlocked the door to Sheryl’s and Renée’s room with a copy of a key he had made. He slipped into the room undetected and went straight to Renée’s room. He....
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 86)
“What about Sandra? Was she able to figure it out? She knows the most about Sheryl” Larry asked.
“Well we were hoping that with the information you gave her in the file that she might be able to fit all the puzzle pieces together and solve the mystery of the where the formula is” Commander Drake explained.
“Why don’t we bring her in for questioning?” Mackenzie asked thinking this was the easiest way to find out whether Sandra had cracked the case.
“We can’t” the commander said.
“Why not?” Larry asked in a puzzled tone.
“She’s dead” the commander bluntly said.
“What?” Larry asked surprised.
“Someone killed her last night, most likely it was Renée because Ed said she disappeared for quite some time yesterday” the commander told them.
“How do we know for sure?” Mackenzie asked.
“We had the I.T. guys tap into the surveillance cameras at her office and the footage shows her being shot first, then second the security guard who was spying on her” the commander said thinking it was unfortunate that Sandra had to die.
“What about the tapes from the security cameras at the building? What if someone finds them and sees the shooting, worse what they see me delivering the package?” Larry asked thinking this could turn into a really messy situation.
“Well we were hoping that with the information you gave her in the file that she might be able to fit all the puzzle pieces together and solve the mystery of the where the formula is” Commander Drake explained.
“Why don’t we bring her in for questioning?” Mackenzie asked thinking this was the easiest way to find out whether Sandra had cracked the case.
“We can’t” the commander said.
“Why not?” Larry asked in a puzzled tone.
“She’s dead” the commander bluntly said.
“What?” Larry asked surprised.
“Someone killed her last night, most likely it was Renée because Ed said she disappeared for quite some time yesterday” the commander told them.
“How do we know for sure?” Mackenzie asked.
“We had the I.T. guys tap into the surveillance cameras at her office and the footage shows her being shot first, then second the security guard who was spying on her” the commander said thinking it was unfortunate that Sandra had to die.
“What about the tapes from the security cameras at the building? What if someone finds them and sees the shooting, worse what they see me delivering the package?” Larry asked thinking this could turn into a really messy situation.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 85)
Larry proceeded to explaining how he had obtained the package and delivered it to Sandra.
“Did you make a copy as I said” the Commander asked.
“Yes sir, here it is” Larry answered as he handed over a file to the commander.
“So Jack and his daughter are behind it” the commander said as he looked over the contents of the file.
“Yes it seems so” Larry responded.
“Jack’s daughter is Sheryl’s roommate isn’t she?” Mackenzie asked.
“Yes that is correct” the commander confirmed.
“So they are closer than we thought” Mackenzie said as the realization hit her.
“Yes they are, Lance has to act quickly” the commander said in a quiet but serious tone.
“Why can’t we apprehend Renée, we do have evidence” Mackenzie questioned thinking it was dangerous to push things too far.
“If we go after her now, we won’t get Jack” the commander explained.
“Do we know where he is?” Larry inquired.
“Only Renée knows and she has been slick so far, we have to wait till she slips up and we can get them both” the commander informed them.
“Did you make a copy as I said” the Commander asked.
“Yes sir, here it is” Larry answered as he handed over a file to the commander.
“So Jack and his daughter are behind it” the commander said as he looked over the contents of the file.
“Yes it seems so” Larry responded.
“Jack’s daughter is Sheryl’s roommate isn’t she?” Mackenzie asked.
“Yes that is correct” the commander confirmed.
“So they are closer than we thought” Mackenzie said as the realization hit her.
“Yes they are, Lance has to act quickly” the commander said in a quiet but serious tone.
“Why can’t we apprehend Renée, we do have evidence” Mackenzie questioned thinking it was dangerous to push things too far.
“If we go after her now, we won’t get Jack” the commander explained.
“Do we know where he is?” Larry inquired.
“Only Renée knows and she has been slick so far, we have to wait till she slips up and we can get them both” the commander informed them.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 14, Page 84)
“Yeah, I know” he said as he sat next to her.
“You don’t sound too eager” she said looking at him with a smile.
“Why would I be, I want to spend all my time with you” he said smiling back at her.
“Orders are orders” she said quietly holding his cheek in her palm.
“Indeed, you can drive me there though” he suggested.
“I was planning to because the commander asked to see me as well” she told him.
“Okay then, let’s go” Larry said and he stood up and pulled Mackenzie to her feet.
Chapter 14
“They are here sir” the receptionist informed Commander Drake.
“Send them in” he told her.
Larry and Mackenzie strode into the office and stopped in front of the commander desk.
“You make take your seats” he said to them.
“Thank you sir” they said in unison.
“Now Larry… your report” Commander Drake addressed him.
“You don’t sound too eager” she said looking at him with a smile.
“Why would I be, I want to spend all my time with you” he said smiling back at her.
“Orders are orders” she said quietly holding his cheek in her palm.
“Indeed, you can drive me there though” he suggested.
“I was planning to because the commander asked to see me as well” she told him.
“Okay then, let’s go” Larry said and he stood up and pulled Mackenzie to her feet.
Chapter 14
“They are here sir” the receptionist informed Commander Drake.
“Send them in” he told her.
Larry and Mackenzie strode into the office and stopped in front of the commander desk.
“You make take your seats” he said to them.
“Thank you sir” they said in unison.
“Now Larry… your report” Commander Drake addressed him.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 83)
“I don’t know yet, but it should be soon”
“It better be, we don’t want them disappearing” Renée father said.
“As soon as she brings them, we can find out who gave Sandra the tape and eliminate them” Seth stated.
“Indeed, we can’t have any loose ends” Renée’s father stated. He couldn’t have another person out there knowing what they were up to; he knew they weren’t the only people who were after the formula. He really didn’t care who they were; all he cared about was getting what he wanted and there were no limits to which he would go to ensure that he did get what he wanted.
“Larry!” Mackenzie shouted out as she knocked on his bedroom door.
“I’m coming princess” he replied from within the room as he buttoned his shirt.
“Commander Drake said you should report to the base to brief him on how the mission went” Mackenzie said.
“Give me a minute” he said as he buttoned up the remaining button and walked to the door and opened it for her.
“Morning!” she said cheerfully as she strolled into the room.
“Good morning” he answered back.
“So you have to go to H.Q.” she informed him as she sat down on the bed.
“It better be, we don’t want them disappearing” Renée father said.
“As soon as she brings them, we can find out who gave Sandra the tape and eliminate them” Seth stated.
“Indeed, we can’t have any loose ends” Renée’s father stated. He couldn’t have another person out there knowing what they were up to; he knew they weren’t the only people who were after the formula. He really didn’t care who they were; all he cared about was getting what he wanted and there were no limits to which he would go to ensure that he did get what he wanted.
“Larry!” Mackenzie shouted out as she knocked on his bedroom door.
“I’m coming princess” he replied from within the room as he buttoned his shirt.
“Commander Drake said you should report to the base to brief him on how the mission went” Mackenzie said.
“Give me a minute” he said as he buttoned up the remaining button and walked to the door and opened it for her.
“Morning!” she said cheerfully as she strolled into the room.
“Good morning” he answered back.
“So you have to go to H.Q.” she informed him as she sat down on the bed.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 82)
“I’m extremely happy, couldn’t ask for more” Renée said with a little smile, knowing that the ‘not wanting more’ part wasn’t true. She did want more, much more, she wanted the formula and she wanted it now but she had to wait for the right moment and seize opportunity when it presented itself. She needed the formula; she needed to make her father proud. Prove to him that she was good enough, that she deserved his love and affection and getting the formula for him was the perfect way to demonstrate it to him.
“I trust you have disposed of the bodies” Renée’s father asked Seth who was standing at the other end of his desk.
“Yes sir” Seth replied unemotionally.
“Good, and the file?” his boss asked him.
“Renée has it” Seth informed him.
“Excellent, that Sandra woman was going to blow our cover” Renée’s father said, relieved that the problem had been taken care of.
“She was getting too close” Seth agreed.
“Does anyone know who gave her the file?”
“Not yet sir, we will find out when we get the tapes” Seth explained.
“When is she bringing them?”
“I trust you have disposed of the bodies” Renée’s father asked Seth who was standing at the other end of his desk.
“Yes sir” Seth replied unemotionally.
“Good, and the file?” his boss asked him.
“Renée has it” Seth informed him.
“Excellent, that Sandra woman was going to blow our cover” Renée’s father said, relieved that the problem had been taken care of.
“She was getting too close” Seth agreed.
“Does anyone know who gave her the file?”
“Not yet sir, we will find out when we get the tapes” Seth explained.
“When is she bringing them?”
Friday, July 15, 2011
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 81)
“So how did things go last night?” Renée asked Sheryl as they ate their breakfast in the cafeteria.
“I’m not sure what you mean” Sheryl responded trying to contain her smile.
“You and Lance” Renée pressed on.
“What about us?”
“You like him don’t you?” Renée accused seeing how hard Sheryl was trying to mask her smile.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because you are giving that smile”
“Let’s just say we are getting along” Sheryl said thinking it was too early to decide whether she liked him or not. All she knew was that they had been getting along since the attack and she found that her mum had been right, she had judged Lance wrongly and that he was actually a nice person to hang around and talk to.
“That’s how it always starts” Renée stated.
“You should know, you and Ed are already acting like a married couple”
“What can I say, we have a connection” Renée admitted.
“As long as you are happy” Sheryl said wondering if her and Lance would end up like that. She couldn’t deny that them as a couple had crossed her mind.
“I’m not sure what you mean” Sheryl responded trying to contain her smile.
“You and Lance” Renée pressed on.
“What about us?”
“You like him don’t you?” Renée accused seeing how hard Sheryl was trying to mask her smile.
“What makes you say that?”
“Because you are giving that smile”
“Let’s just say we are getting along” Sheryl said thinking it was too early to decide whether she liked him or not. All she knew was that they had been getting along since the attack and she found that her mum had been right, she had judged Lance wrongly and that he was actually a nice person to hang around and talk to.
“That’s how it always starts” Renée stated.
“You should know, you and Ed are already acting like a married couple”
“What can I say, we have a connection” Renée admitted.
“As long as you are happy” Sheryl said wondering if her and Lance would end up like that. She couldn’t deny that them as a couple had crossed her mind.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 80)
...had not realized when he had actually started to fall for her, maybe it was the time they spent talking at his house when she had been in recovery, maybe it happened when they spent time on the project, maybe it was her smile that captured him, he didn’t know and he didn’t care.
All he knew was that she made him laugh, the fact that she didn’t worship him like other girls made him feel human in the most amazing way. The fact that she talked to him and told him what she thought without a moment’s pause made their friendship feel genuine and real. She didn’t talk to him because he was rich or good looking but because of what he was inside. He had seen her warm up to him slowly and he had loved every moment of it. But he felt guilty, he felt guilty because he knew that their meeting wasn’t by chance, that he had initially shown interest in her not because he had naturally felt the urge to but because he had been instructed to do so. He knew his feelings were real but the circumstances of their meeting were a lie. He wondered if she would understand, if she would believe him if he told her the whole truth. He was afraid at the prospect or the slightest chance of losing her.
“This is unprofessional” he thought to himself. He wasn’t supposed to fall for her; he wasn’t supposed to feel this way. The first thing they had told them in training was ‘Do not get attached’ and here he was falling for her hook, line and sinker.
He pulled himself out of bed and went into his bathroom. He turned on the shower tap. He felt the water for the right temperature. When it was hot enough he stripped and stepped into the shower. He let the hot water splash against his face and body. He knew he had put his personal feelings aside and complete the mission even if it affected his future with Sheryl. He had to act soon, very soon.
All he knew was that she made him laugh, the fact that she didn’t worship him like other girls made him feel human in the most amazing way. The fact that she talked to him and told him what she thought without a moment’s pause made their friendship feel genuine and real. She didn’t talk to him because he was rich or good looking but because of what he was inside. He had seen her warm up to him slowly and he had loved every moment of it. But he felt guilty, he felt guilty because he knew that their meeting wasn’t by chance, that he had initially shown interest in her not because he had naturally felt the urge to but because he had been instructed to do so. He knew his feelings were real but the circumstances of their meeting were a lie. He wondered if she would understand, if she would believe him if he told her the whole truth. He was afraid at the prospect or the slightest chance of losing her.
“This is unprofessional” he thought to himself. He wasn’t supposed to fall for her; he wasn’t supposed to feel this way. The first thing they had told them in training was ‘Do not get attached’ and here he was falling for her hook, line and sinker.
He pulled himself out of bed and went into his bathroom. He turned on the shower tap. He felt the water for the right temperature. When it was hot enough he stripped and stepped into the shower. He let the hot water splash against his face and body. He knew he had put his personal feelings aside and complete the mission even if it affected his future with Sheryl. He had to act soon, very soon.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 79)
“Well you better move faster, Sandra was killed last night” the commander informed him.
“What!; Who killed her?” Lance said generally shocked at the news.
“We don’t know yet, but you need to get her talk, it’s the only way we can protect her” the commander said seriously.
“I’ll try” Lance said thinking it was going to be difficult to get Sheryl to tell him what she knew.
“Don’t try soldier, do it. We are moving against time now” Commander said with urgency.
“Yes sir”
“I’ll be expecting a report soon” the commander said and the line went silent.
Lance put the phone down and sighed in frustration. He had to throw his original plan out of the window. He thought he had time, time to earn her trust slowly and show her that she could trust him too but unfortunately that wasn’t the case anymore. He wasn’t sure if she knew about the formula or if she actually had no idea about it. Lance had been assigned to Sheryl. He was supposed to be there for her and protect and find out what he could but so far he hadn’t been able to achieve his mission. He had to get her to talk somehow, if she told him where the formula was, and then he could protect her and the formula at the same time. Heaven knows he wanted to protect her; he wanted to hold her close and fight away anything and anyone who tried to harm her. Even though he was on a mission and this was just supposed to be a job, he found that his heart thought different. He......
“What!; Who killed her?” Lance said generally shocked at the news.
“We don’t know yet, but you need to get her talk, it’s the only way we can protect her” the commander said seriously.
“I’ll try” Lance said thinking it was going to be difficult to get Sheryl to tell him what she knew.
“Don’t try soldier, do it. We are moving against time now” Commander said with urgency.
“Yes sir”
“I’ll be expecting a report soon” the commander said and the line went silent.
Lance put the phone down and sighed in frustration. He had to throw his original plan out of the window. He thought he had time, time to earn her trust slowly and show her that she could trust him too but unfortunately that wasn’t the case anymore. He wasn’t sure if she knew about the formula or if she actually had no idea about it. Lance had been assigned to Sheryl. He was supposed to be there for her and protect and find out what he could but so far he hadn’t been able to achieve his mission. He had to get her to talk somehow, if she told him where the formula was, and then he could protect her and the formula at the same time. Heaven knows he wanted to protect her; he wanted to hold her close and fight away anything and anyone who tried to harm her. Even though he was on a mission and this was just supposed to be a job, he found that his heart thought different. He......
Universal Warriors (Chapter 13, Page 78)
“I guess we will both have fun” Lance smiled and left the room.
Chapter 13
Lance was awoken by the sound of his phone vibrating under his pillow. He reached out and answered it.
“Hello” he said sleepily.
“Cobra, this is H.Q. and I’m putting through to the commander” he heard a voice say and Lance quickly sat up and gathered all his attention.
“Cobra, Commander Drake here” the commander’s deep familiar voice said.
“Good morning sir” Lance greeted him in a formal tone.
“Morning soldier, status report” the commander said.
“Things haven’t quite changed, she refuses to tell me anything” Lance told him remembering how reluctant Sheryl had been to confide in him.
“Do you think she knows about the formula?” the commander inquired.
“I’m not sure yet sir but I’m getting closer, she seems to be slowly opening up to me” Lance said remembering how he and Sheryl had talked the previous night and how she had opened up to him and told him things about her but had never quite gotten to telling him about the ordeal she was in.
Chapter 13
Lance was awoken by the sound of his phone vibrating under his pillow. He reached out and answered it.
“Hello” he said sleepily.
“Cobra, this is H.Q. and I’m putting through to the commander” he heard a voice say and Lance quickly sat up and gathered all his attention.
“Cobra, Commander Drake here” the commander’s deep familiar voice said.
“Good morning sir” Lance greeted him in a formal tone.
“Morning soldier, status report” the commander said.
“Things haven’t quite changed, she refuses to tell me anything” Lance told him remembering how reluctant Sheryl had been to confide in him.
“Do you think she knows about the formula?” the commander inquired.
“I’m not sure yet sir but I’m getting closer, she seems to be slowly opening up to me” Lance said remembering how he and Sheryl had talked the previous night and how she had opened up to him and told him things about her but had never quite gotten to telling him about the ordeal she was in.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 12, Page 77)
“Come on, I haven’t been away that long” Renée said as she placed her books on the couch and sat down.
“Tell that to your boyfriend” Lance said remembering how Ed had nearly driven him crazy as he paced up and down the lounge airing out the different types of scenarios that might explain why Renée hadn’t been around all afternoon.
“Well, he’s not exactly my boyfriend” Renée responded not wanting to say anything premature.
“You sure act like you are in a relationship” Lance stated.
“It’s complicated”
“Doesn’t look that way to me” Lance said plainly as he collected his books and stood up.
“Where are you going?” Renée asked him as she watched him move towards the door.
“I’m going to see Sheryl, I don’t want to be around you two love birds” he told her.
“Aren’t you just using us as an excuse?” she questioned him.
“You know me all too well” he said sheepishly as he opened the door.
“Have fun” she told him.
“Ed! Renée is here” he shouted out to Ed who was in his room.
“Thanks” Renée said.
“Tell that to your boyfriend” Lance said remembering how Ed had nearly driven him crazy as he paced up and down the lounge airing out the different types of scenarios that might explain why Renée hadn’t been around all afternoon.
“Well, he’s not exactly my boyfriend” Renée responded not wanting to say anything premature.
“You sure act like you are in a relationship” Lance stated.
“It’s complicated”
“Doesn’t look that way to me” Lance said plainly as he collected his books and stood up.
“Where are you going?” Renée asked him as she watched him move towards the door.
“I’m going to see Sheryl, I don’t want to be around you two love birds” he told her.
“Aren’t you just using us as an excuse?” she questioned him.
“You know me all too well” he said sheepishly as he opened the door.
“Have fun” she told him.
“Ed! Renée is here” he shouted out to Ed who was in his room.
“Thanks” Renée said.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 12, Page 76)
“Yes, I’m just going to take a shower” Renée yelled back hoping Sheryl wouldn’t come out of her room.
“Ed has been calling like crazy; in fact he’s on the phone right now” Sheryl yelled again.
“Tell him I’ll stop by his room when am done with my shower” Renée shouted out before slipping into her room.
Sheryl removed her hand off the mouth piece and said.
“She’s back and she says she’ll come and see you within the hour”
“Thanks Sheryl” he said.
“You’re welcome, bye” she said and then cut the phone.
She couldn’t believe the amount of times he had called her; asking the same question. Sheryl was glad Renée was back; at least Ed was at peace now. It was a little strange that Renée had disappeared for the whole afternoon and had not told anybody where she was and when she would be back. Sheryl wondered whether she should quiz Renée about it but thought she had better not. What Renée did was her own business; besides Sheryl had never been the type to be interested in people’s lives no matter how well she knew the person. She being someone who had secrets of her own respected people’s privacy for she knew how much she valued hers. She turned her attention back to the report she was writing and continued her work.
“The missing lady turns up” Lance said when he saw Renée walk into the room.
“Ed has been calling like crazy; in fact he’s on the phone right now” Sheryl yelled again.
“Tell him I’ll stop by his room when am done with my shower” Renée shouted out before slipping into her room.
Sheryl removed her hand off the mouth piece and said.
“She’s back and she says she’ll come and see you within the hour”
“Thanks Sheryl” he said.
“You’re welcome, bye” she said and then cut the phone.
She couldn’t believe the amount of times he had called her; asking the same question. Sheryl was glad Renée was back; at least Ed was at peace now. It was a little strange that Renée had disappeared for the whole afternoon and had not told anybody where she was and when she would be back. Sheryl wondered whether she should quiz Renée about it but thought she had better not. What Renée did was her own business; besides Sheryl had never been the type to be interested in people’s lives no matter how well she knew the person. She being someone who had secrets of her own respected people’s privacy for she knew how much she valued hers. She turned her attention back to the report she was writing and continued her work.
“The missing lady turns up” Lance said when he saw Renée walk into the room.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 12, Page 75)
“Larry!” she said as she skipped off the couch and run to hug him. Larry opened his up arms to embrace her as she jumped and wrapped her arms and legs around him. He held onto her tightly as if afraid that she would float away if he let go.
“I missed you so much” she said.
“Me too princess, me too” he told her as he relished the moment.
Sheryl rolled her eyes in annoyance as she looked at the caller I.D. on her ringing phone. She picked up her phone and pressed the answer button.
“No Ed, she’s not back yet” she said in an exasperated tone.
“Sorry to keep calling, but we usually hang out and study right about now” he explained.
“I’ve tried calling her but her phone is off” she said.
“I hope nothing’s happened to her”
“Look, am sure…” Sheryl began and paused when she heard someone come in through the main door of their room.
“Just hold on” she said into the phone and then covered the mouth piece with her hand.
“Renée is that you?” she yelled out.
“I missed you so much” she said.
“Me too princess, me too” he told her as he relished the moment.
Sheryl rolled her eyes in annoyance as she looked at the caller I.D. on her ringing phone. She picked up her phone and pressed the answer button.
“No Ed, she’s not back yet” she said in an exasperated tone.
“Sorry to keep calling, but we usually hang out and study right about now” he explained.
“I’ve tried calling her but her phone is off” she said.
“I hope nothing’s happened to her”
“Look, am sure…” Sheryl began and paused when she heard someone come in through the main door of their room.
“Just hold on” she said into the phone and then covered the mouth piece with her hand.
“Renée is that you?” she yelled out.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 12, Page 74)
When he got there he opened the door. Mackenzie was sitting on the couch with her back to him reading a book.
“Who was it Henry?” she asked without lifting her attention from her book.
“It’s me princess” Larry said gently.
Mackenzie froze when she heard Larry’s voice. It couldn’t be; she had to be dreaming. She was afraid to look up; she didn’t want to be disappointed. She closed her eyes and dropped the book she had been reading.
“Was this real?” she asked herself.
She opened her eyes and gathered up the courage to turn around and face the direction in which the voice had come from. Her eyes watered as she saw him leaning in the doorway, exuberating his charming smile.
“Larry” she whispered.
“I’m back princess” he said as he looked at her. His heart was filled with emotion. He had almost forgotten how beautiful she was, how the very sight of her hastened the rhythm of his beating heart. Gosh, how he had missed her. He had missed talking to her, spilling the contents of his heart and soul to her, holding her in his arms, the sweet smell of her hair, her beautiful smile, the way he felt when he held her hand in his, he could write a book on how much he had missed her. And here she was, just a few feet away from him.
“Who was it Henry?” she asked without lifting her attention from her book.
“It’s me princess” Larry said gently.
Mackenzie froze when she heard Larry’s voice. It couldn’t be; she had to be dreaming. She was afraid to look up; she didn’t want to be disappointed. She closed her eyes and dropped the book she had been reading.
“Was this real?” she asked herself.
She opened her eyes and gathered up the courage to turn around and face the direction in which the voice had come from. Her eyes watered as she saw him leaning in the doorway, exuberating his charming smile.
“Larry” she whispered.
“I’m back princess” he said as he looked at her. His heart was filled with emotion. He had almost forgotten how beautiful she was, how the very sight of her hastened the rhythm of his beating heart. Gosh, how he had missed her. He had missed talking to her, spilling the contents of his heart and soul to her, holding her in his arms, the sweet smell of her hair, her beautiful smile, the way he felt when he held her hand in his, he could write a book on how much he had missed her. And here she was, just a few feet away from him.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 12, Page 73)
Seth saw Renée leave the building and he knew it was his turn. His turn to clean the mess; make the bodies disappear without a trace.
Chapter 12
Larry stepped out of the taxi and paid the driver what he owed him. He stood there looking up at the big white house as the taxi drove away.
“Finally he would get to see her” he thought.
He picked up his bag from the ground and walked to the door and rang the door bell.
“Hello Henry” he greeted the butler when he opened the door.
“Master Larry, it’s good to see you” Henry said pleasantly.
“Ssh she doesn’t know I’m coming” Larry said in a hushed tone.
“Right” Henry said as he received the bag that Larry handed to him.
“Where is she?” Larry inquired.
“In the study sir, I trust you still remember where it is” Henry said.
“Yes, thank you Henry” Larry said as she walked past Henry and made his way to the study.
Chapter 12
Larry stepped out of the taxi and paid the driver what he owed him. He stood there looking up at the big white house as the taxi drove away.
“Finally he would get to see her” he thought.
He picked up his bag from the ground and walked to the door and rang the door bell.
“Hello Henry” he greeted the butler when he opened the door.
“Master Larry, it’s good to see you” Henry said pleasantly.
“Ssh she doesn’t know I’m coming” Larry said in a hushed tone.
“Right” Henry said as he received the bag that Larry handed to him.
“Where is she?” Larry inquired.
“In the study sir, I trust you still remember where it is” Henry said.
“Yes, thank you Henry” Larry said as she walked past Henry and made his way to the study.
Universal Warriors (Chaper 11, Page 72)
“Now to get rid of the guard and get the surveillance tapes” she said under her breath.
The elevator stopped on the ground floor, Renée got out and looked for the security office. When she found it she burst in, startling the guard who had fallen asleep at the monitors.
“Are you Bob?” she asked.
“Yes” the security guard answered no longer scared when he realized this was the woman who had called him earlier to tell him she was bringing the remainder of his money.
“Where are the tapes?” she asked, with the hand that was holding the gun hidden behind her back.
“Just a minute” the guard said as he ejected the tape that was currently in the recorder and handed it to Renée.
“All today’s records?” she asked as she snatched the tape with her free hand.
“Yes; the only copy” the guard confirmed.
“Good” Renée said.
“Where’s my money?” he asked her.
“You don’t need money where you are going honey” Renée said as she raised her gun and shot him point black in the head. She turned around and left.
The elevator stopped on the ground floor, Renée got out and looked for the security office. When she found it she burst in, startling the guard who had fallen asleep at the monitors.
“Are you Bob?” she asked.
“Yes” the security guard answered no longer scared when he realized this was the woman who had called him earlier to tell him she was bringing the remainder of his money.
“Where are the tapes?” she asked, with the hand that was holding the gun hidden behind her back.
“Just a minute” the guard said as he ejected the tape that was currently in the recorder and handed it to Renée.
“All today’s records?” she asked as she snatched the tape with her free hand.
“Yes; the only copy” the guard confirmed.
“Good” Renée said.
“Where’s my money?” he asked her.
“You don’t need money where you are going honey” Renée said as she raised her gun and shot him point black in the head. She turned around and left.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 11, Page 71)
“You guy’s wouldn’t understand” Ed defended himself.
“Hmm what do we know?” Lance said giving Sheryl a playful wink.
“Whatever man” Ed said as Sheryl and Lance burst into helpless laughter.
Renée waited till the secretary had left the office before she entered the building. She stepped into the elevator certain that no one had seen her since it was after office hours. She pulled the mask over her head and loaded the pistol she was holding, she then screwed on the silencer and waited for the elevator to stop at the right floor. When the elevator had come to a halt and the doors opened, she quietly stepped out of it. She walked to Sandra's office door and stopped. She pressed her ear against the door and listened. She could hear the faint beat of a song Sandra was listening to as she worked. She pulled away from the door and prepared herself. She took in a small breath and then turned the door knob and opened the door.
“Hey…. Who are…” Sandra said and stopped when she saw the masked person dressed in all black with a gun aimed straight at her.
Renée fired two shots which hit Sandra in the chest. Sandra’s body collapsed face first onto her desk. Renée dashed to the desk and checked Sandra’s pulse, there was nothing. Renée opened the side drawer of the desk and pulled out the file Sandra had been reading earlier. She tucked it under her arm and walked to the door and turned off lights before walking back to the elevator.
“Hmm what do we know?” Lance said giving Sheryl a playful wink.
“Whatever man” Ed said as Sheryl and Lance burst into helpless laughter.
Renée waited till the secretary had left the office before she entered the building. She stepped into the elevator certain that no one had seen her since it was after office hours. She pulled the mask over her head and loaded the pistol she was holding, she then screwed on the silencer and waited for the elevator to stop at the right floor. When the elevator had come to a halt and the doors opened, she quietly stepped out of it. She walked to Sandra's office door and stopped. She pressed her ear against the door and listened. She could hear the faint beat of a song Sandra was listening to as she worked. She pulled away from the door and prepared herself. She took in a small breath and then turned the door knob and opened the door.
“Hey…. Who are…” Sandra said and stopped when she saw the masked person dressed in all black with a gun aimed straight at her.
Renée fired two shots which hit Sandra in the chest. Sandra’s body collapsed face first onto her desk. Renée dashed to the desk and checked Sandra’s pulse, there was nothing. Renée opened the side drawer of the desk and pulled out the file Sandra had been reading earlier. She tucked it under her arm and walked to the door and turned off lights before walking back to the elevator.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 11, Page 70)
“That assignment is taking me forever” Ed complained as he sat down.
“Why is everyone complaining about history” Lance asked as he gulped down his glass of water.
“You would understand if you took history” Sheryl laughed.
“Well am glad I don’t then” Lance replied.
“Better say that again” Ed said as he chewed on his salad.
“Seriously dude, do you have to talk with your mouth full. We are in the presence of a lady” Lance scolded his friend.
“I don’t mind” Sheryl said smiling at Ed.
“Now that’s what I call a cool chick” Ed said nodding his approval.
“You two deserve each other” Lance said jokingly.
“Don’t say that in front of Renée” Sheryl warned.
“True, she would choke me” Ed told them.
“Sounds like you are scared of her” Lance commented.
“No, I just respect her” Ed denied.
“Is that what they are calling it these days?” Sheryl chuckled.
“Indeed” Lance snickered.
“Why is everyone complaining about history” Lance asked as he gulped down his glass of water.
“You would understand if you took history” Sheryl laughed.
“Well am glad I don’t then” Lance replied.
“Better say that again” Ed said as he chewed on his salad.
“Seriously dude, do you have to talk with your mouth full. We are in the presence of a lady” Lance scolded his friend.
“I don’t mind” Sheryl said smiling at Ed.
“Now that’s what I call a cool chick” Ed said nodding his approval.
“You two deserve each other” Lance said jokingly.
“Don’t say that in front of Renée” Sheryl warned.
“True, she would choke me” Ed told them.
“Sounds like you are scared of her” Lance commented.
“No, I just respect her” Ed denied.
“Is that what they are calling it these days?” Sheryl chuckled.
“Indeed” Lance snickered.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 11, Page 69)
“She is a great asset to this operation” he said.
“How is your arm doing?” Seth asked as he averted his eyes to the bandage on his boss’ arm.
“It’s nothing to worry about”
“Next time let me do the dirty work, it is what you hired me for” Seth said.
“I wanted to remember what it felt like again, it’s been such a long time” the man said with amusement.
“Next time, leave it to me” Seth said longing for the opportunity.
“I’ll remember that”
“Ed, have you seen Renée?” Sheryl asked him as she dished herself some food off the counter.
“No not since this morning” Ed replied as he grabbed an orange juice.
“Strange…, did she tell you were she might be?”
“I know Renée and I hang out quite a lot but I don’t know her schedule” Ed told her in ‘a matter of fact’ way.
“I need to ask her something about the history assignment” she said as she and Ed strolled over to the table that Lance was sitting at.
“How is your arm doing?” Seth asked as he averted his eyes to the bandage on his boss’ arm.
“It’s nothing to worry about”
“Next time let me do the dirty work, it is what you hired me for” Seth said.
“I wanted to remember what it felt like again, it’s been such a long time” the man said with amusement.
“Next time, leave it to me” Seth said longing for the opportunity.
“I’ll remember that”
“Ed, have you seen Renée?” Sheryl asked him as she dished herself some food off the counter.
“No not since this morning” Ed replied as he grabbed an orange juice.
“Strange…, did she tell you were she might be?”
“I know Renée and I hang out quite a lot but I don’t know her schedule” Ed told her in ‘a matter of fact’ way.
“I need to ask her something about the history assignment” she said as she and Ed strolled over to the table that Lance was sitting at.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 11, Page 68)
Renée put her phone back in her handbag, she knew it was time to act; she couldn’t afford Sheryl finding out, well at least not this early. She had to eliminate the problem otherwise all her efforts so far would have been in vain. She quickly got up from the bench she was sitting on and walked to the school’s gates and walked out of them. When she was outside, she took her phone out of her bag and dialed Seth’s number.
“Yes” he answered.
“Sandra knows” she told him as she stopped a taxi.
“She needs to go” Seth said.
“Get me a gun” Renée said as she opened the taxi door.
“Meet me at the usual spot” Seth told her and cut the line.
“What was that about?” Seth’s boss asked him.
“It seems Sandra has uncovered some of our dirty work” Seth informed his boss.
“Eliminate her” the man said frostily.
“Renée is already on it.”
“Good, she’s a useful one, that one” the man said with a crooked smile.
“Yes she is” Seth agreed.
“Yes” he answered.
“Sandra knows” she told him as she stopped a taxi.
“She needs to go” Seth said.
“Get me a gun” Renée said as she opened the taxi door.
“Meet me at the usual spot” Seth told her and cut the line.
“What was that about?” Seth’s boss asked him.
“It seems Sandra has uncovered some of our dirty work” Seth informed his boss.
“Eliminate her” the man said frostily.
“Renée is already on it.”
“Good, she’s a useful one, that one” the man said with a crooked smile.
“Yes she is” Seth agreed.
Universal Warriors (Chapter 11, Page 67)
Sandra waited for a few minutes as if making sure he was actually gone. She then rose from her chair behind the desk and walked to the door and locked it. She then went back to her desk and sat down. She then took the package out of the drawer and used the letter opener on the desk to break the seal of the package. She opened the box and pulled out a file marked ‘TOP SECRET’. She paused and took a breath. This was the defining moment; this was when she was going to find out why and who was after Sheryl. She opened the file and begun reading its contents and her eyes widened in amazement. Sheryl was in much bigger danger than she thought.
The security guard watched Sandra from his monitor which was getting its footage direct from the secret camera he had installed in her office. He knew it was time to make the call. He picked up the phone and dialed the number.
“This better be good” the voice on the other said coldly.
“She got the package and it looks exactly like the one you told me to look for” he informed the person on the other end of the line.
“Well done, you will be rewarded richly” the voice promised.
“When do I get the rest of my money” he asked.
“Soon, I’ll tell you when and where” the voice said and the line went dead.
The security guard watched Sandra from his monitor which was getting its footage direct from the secret camera he had installed in her office. He knew it was time to make the call. He picked up the phone and dialed the number.
“This better be good” the voice on the other said coldly.
“She got the package and it looks exactly like the one you told me to look for” he informed the person on the other end of the line.
“Well done, you will be rewarded richly” the voice promised.
“When do I get the rest of my money” he asked.
“Soon, I’ll tell you when and where” the voice said and the line went dead.
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