Neon

Prologue

After receiving a call from Bonnie Saunders, Doctor Stanley Kyle heads to the home of police commission Galen Thompson. Bonnie phoned Kyle and informed him of her suspicions about Thompson and his involvement in the murders of Jimmy Daniels, Doug Sammartino and the comatose state of Brad Johansen. However, her call was cut short when Thompson surprised Bonnie and invited her into the house. Bonnie ended the conversation, not knowing that Thompson had been eavesdropping and planned to silence her once and for all.

As Kyle heads to Thompson’s house, he calls his partner, Charles Chili Maxwell, and asks him for backup. Chili agrees, but Jonathan Lawrence, Chili’s employer, realizes the danger of facing Thompson on his home turf. Lawrence suggests sending others, but Chili stubbornly protests and agrees to undergo a life-threatening procedure using Liquid Ice in order to gain the skills and knowledge to combat Thompson.

Meanwhile, Kitty is kidnapped by Lance and taken back to Elka’s home. Once there, heartbreaking information is revealed. Lance is actually Elka’s nephew and he was the one that killed Jimmy Daniels. Still numb from being tranquilized prior to her abduction, Kitty unwillingly listens as Elka presents her with a proposition. If she performs one last act of prostitution she will never bother her and her friends again. Kitty’s target is the visiting Secretary of State.

Kitty agrees to do this last job, though she still vows to exact her revenge. After returning to her home, guilt eats at her spirit and she realizes the futility in continuing to fight Elka. She comes to the conclusion that the only way she is going to truly be rid of Elka and protect her friends from further harm is to take away the one element that is the source of the chaos…herself. It would be her last act of defiance and the ultimate way of hurting Elka.

With her loaded .38 special and the weight of remorse bearing down upon her, she makes it to the confines of her room and places the gun in her mouth just as Rick arrives at her place. She pulls the trigger and moments later Rick enters her room where he finds Kitty lying on the floor as a swirl of smoke floats from the barrel of her gun. And now…

Chapter One: It Never Is

Only seconds had passed, but to Rick it felt like an eternity. He knelt beside Kitty, his terror-filled eyes staring at her as she lay motionless on the floor. He didn’t know what to do. He heard the sound of a gun being fired when he stood outside her front door. Did she do it? Did she actually shoot herself?

He cradled her in his arms, then rested her head on his lap. He checked her scalp and around her neck, frantically trying to see where the wound was so he could hopefully perform some sort of first aid. To his surprise, there was no blood and no visible wounds. He checked her again, combing through her thick locks. Still, he found no injuries.

He rested her head on his lap and checked the rest of her, pulling open her robe to see if there were any wounds to her body. He found no bullet holes and no signs of blood. Rick closed her robe and sat there for a moment, puzzled. He tried to awaken her.

Kitty, it’s me, Rick, he said, tapping the side of her face.

She moaned faintly, her head barely moving on his lap. She was still alive and from the looks of things she was unharmed. Just then, something caught Rick’s eye. He looked off to his side and saw the gun she’d been holding. It had fallen from her hand when he moved her. Rick picked it up and looked at it. The smoke was still swirling from the opening in the barrel. It had been fired, but the question was where the bullet went?

Rick looked around, his eyes scanning the room from top to bottom. Finally, he looked at a darkened area just between the nightstand and Kitty’s bed. Peering hard into the shadows, he saw a small hole in the wall. It looked freshly made. Dust from the cracked plaster had sprinkled to the floor and smoke floated from inside the hole. Rick sat back on his legs and breathed a sigh of relief.

She missed, he whispered.

Rick looked down at Kitty. When he spoke to her while she was at the hospital, she was rather distraught about Jimmy’s murder. He then remembered the conversation they had about Lance abducting her and drugging her with a tranquilizer. With all that going on, he understood why she tried to kill herself. It was an effort to end her misery. However, the combination of the drug Lance injected into her and the trauma surrounding Jimmy’s murder was too much and she passed out before she could carry out her plan. Thank God for small favors.

Although it seemed like a stroke of luck that saved her, Rick was concerned that Kitty even attempted suicide in the first place. This gave him a clear picture of how tormented she really was. In all due honesty, he could understand her grief. She blamed herself for everything that happened. Elka was giving her ultimatums and everything about her life was spiraling out of control. It was a miracle she’d been able to keep things together this long.

Rick was about to scoop her in his arms and carry her to the car when the phone on the nightstand rang. At first he wasn’t going to answer it, thinking that it was Elka or one of her cronies. Then again, it could be the hospital calling to report a change in Brad’s condition. He sat back on the floor and rested Kitty’s head on his lap, then picked up the receiver.

Hello?

Rick? said the voice on the other end.

Yeah?

It’s me, Chili.

Listen, this isn’t a good time…

It never is. But I only called to see if Kitty was there.

Yes, she is. But she’s pretty messed up right now, Chili. She tried to kill herself.

Holy shit! Is she alright?

Yes, but I need to get her out of here.

Listen, I’m sending a car over there to pick you two up and bring you here.

I don’t think that’s a good idea.

Please, Rick. This is very important. A lot of heavy shit is happening and I think Kitty can help us put some of this together.

Rick’s brow furrowed. Didn’t you hear what I said? She’s not helping anyone right now. She’s out like a light. She needs to get some rest.

Okay, okay. Calm down. I heard you. I’m just trying to help.

They were silent for a moment.

Do you need to take her to the hospital? Chili asked.

No. It looks like she fainted. She’s been through so much, Chili, more than you know. Elka kidnapped her.

Kidnapped?

Yeah, and that bastard, Lance, is her nephew. He came over here and drugged her, then took her over to Elka’s. God only knows what happened when she got over there.

Her nephew? I knew that son-of-a-bitch was no good!

Listen, I’m going to take her back to my place…

No, not a good idea. You need to be someplace where they won’t think of looking for you.

They don’t know where I live.

Trust me, if Lance is Elka’s nephew, they know.

Good point. Well then, what do you suggest?

As I said, I’ll have a car come and get you. That way the situation is under control. You can get some rest and then we can talk later.

"I don’t know, Chili. Your situation sounds awfully suspicious."

C’mon, Rick. You know me. I’ve never lied to you and I’ve always been on the up and up. If you come here and don’t like what you see, you can leave. I don’t have a lot of time to debate this.

Rick thought about it for a moment, then looked down at Kitty lying on his lap.

Promise you won’t start bombarding Kitty with questions until she’s had a chance to rest, Rick replied.

You have my word.

Rick sighed. "Very well. How long before this ride comes?"

I’ll have it there in fifteen minutes.

Okay. We’ll be waiting.

Rick hung up the phone and looked once more at Kitty. She had a tormented look on her face and her body flinched. It almost seemed as if she was fighting something in her dreams. Rick’s expression was filled with concern and he began stroking her hair.

You can’t even find peace in your dreams. Oh, Kitty. I pray that you hold on for just a little longer, he said.

Chapter Two: No More Time

Chili placed the headset back in the cradle and turned to look at Lawrence and Susan.

So, am I to assume we are having more guests? asked Lawrence.

It’s just Kitty and Rick. The Doc and I had a discussion earlier and felt that Kitty could help piece some of the puzzle together. Doc said that a lot of what happened to our friends seemed to be connected to her, Chili explained.

By the tone of your call, it sounds as if something happened to her.

Yeah, something did. Kitty was taking care of the mayor’s needs. The mayor is one of those she-males.

Susan seemed a little offended by his reference. So, she’s a lesbian? she asked.

Not exactly. Elka has a little extra plumbing, if you know what I mean, Chili answered.

It took a moment for Susan to catch what he was saying. Then, her face scrunched and she shuddered. Ehh, she muttered.

Chili continued. Supposedly, the dude Kitty was dating, Lance, is actually…

Yes, I know all about him, Lawrence interjected. He’s Elka’s nephew. We’ve had both of them under surveillance for quite some time. We’ve also been watching Miss Simone’s actions also.

Miss Simone? Chili asked.

Yes. Your friend Kitty’s real name is Angelina Simone, the daughter of a Palestinian general. She had been abducted and sold into the prostitution ring a few years ago. Her father had been executed, along with many other dissidents who were against the use of chemical warfare during the Palestinian/Israeli War.

Whoa, wait a minute. You’re telling me that Kitty is some sort of spy?

Not really. She’s just someone who got caught in the middle of a much larger war. Unfortunately, she currently has no memory of her past. In saying that, there is much to explain about Miss Simone. Perhaps we should start at the beginning.

That would be good, said Chili with a wary expression.

Her father was the Palestinian general, Anward Fahad. He was the head of military operations along the Gaza Strip. Angelina’s mother was a Chinese business owner who left China when Britain retook Hong Kong. She moved just outside of Paris where she met Fahad during a summit meeting. Their relationship blossomed passionately.

How sweet, said Susan.

Yes, Lawrence continued. Unfortunately, since she was not Palestinian, he was forbidden to take her as his bride. Instead, he visited her in France whenever he came to town. Subsequently, she became pregnant and Angelina was born and raised in France with her mother. As luck would have it, things weren’t going well for the Palestinians at the time and they were soliciting help. Oddly, a group of so-called private investors decided to aid them in their struggles and supply the Palestinian army with a chemical weapon that would enslave the Israeli occupants. But Angelina’s father opposed the weapon’s usage, claiming that it was against his religious principles. He was labeled a traitor and executed.

That’s unbelievable, said Susan.

So what happened to Kitty? Why can’t she remember her past? Chili asked.

Angelina received news of her father’s execution and wanted to exact revenge, Lawrence continued. She published anti-Palestinian pamphlets, which quickly captured the Palestinian leader’s attention. They tracked her to Paris and tried to shut her up. But, the information she published had already run its course. So, they decided that instead of killing her and making her a martyr, they would simply make her disappear.

Disappear?

They captured her and then injected her with the very toxin her father fought not to use. Ironically, it is the same drug that we intend to use on you, Liquid Ice.

Holy shit!

Yes. It works on the mind. It can seal off memories or enhance the brain to learn things at an accelerated rate. In concentrated doses it can cause a person to go into a coma or shock.

So they used this stuff on Kitty. What happened next? asked Susan.

They sold her into prostitution. The private investors that introduced the drug to the Palestinians had a leader, a female, who had developed a penchant for Miss Simone. Her name was Ella Braun, but when she came to America, she changed her name to Elka Weinhauer. Starting to get the picture?"

Oh…my…God, said Chili with disbelief.

"We have much to discuss and I’m pleased that you invited Miss Simone and her friend over. But first, your partner needs your back up, as you put it," said Lawrence.

Yeah, that’s right, said Chili, snapping out of his state of shock.

Now, if you will come with me to the room, we’ll get you ready. Then, when you and Doctor Kyle return, we will discuss this issue further.

You said you were going to use that Liquid Ice stuff on Chili. Are you sure this procedure is safe? asked Susan.

Mister Maxwell will be given a diluted dose of Liquid Ice. It is very safe, said Lawrence.

So, it’s not going to make me lose my memory like it did Kitty? Chili asked.

"It’s okay, Mister Maxwell. The dosage is such that it will enhance your mental abilities. For the sake of brevity, it is a drug that was used to create shadow cells of assassins in various countries throughout the world. The Nazis used it on their P.O.Ws during World War II. They would inject them with a similar dosage and then implant subconscious messages into their brains."

I heard about this. They would use certain signals and patterns to activate the message and make killers out of normal people.

Exactly. The same principle would be used here, except you are going to be given battle strategies and combat tactics. It isn’t the best solution to the problem, but it’s going to have to do, said Lawrence.

Susan looked at Chili with uncertainty.

I don’t know about this. I don’t like the idea of you messing around with his head. What if something goes wrong? What if the message gets mixed up or something? she asked.

It won’t get mixed up. It’s just like a binary code. He will have battle instructions loaded into his subconscious. Except, he won’t have to wait for some encrypted message to be shown before it takes effect. He will be ready to go the moment the procedure is over with. We will know instantly whether or not the operation was a success, said Lawrence.

Susan still didn’t look convinced. She crossed her arms over her chest and lowered her head, sighing deeply as she mulled over the idea. Chili walked behind her and placed his arms around her.

I’m worried, too, he said. But if this is the only way we can stop these people, then it’s worth the risk.

Susan turned and looked at him.

Why do you have to do this? Why not send the others on this mission and allow the necessary time to ensure this is done right? she asked.

Because, there is no more time. Elka and God-knows-who-else are getting ready to start some major shit and if we don’t start getting our stuff in gear, we are going to end up sitting on the pointed end of a long, sharp stick. If I’m going to be in this thing, I have to be ready to handle anything and be prepared to do anything. Sure, letting someone else go would be the smart thing to do. But it’s not my way.

Susan shook her head and released a chuckle that was more from fear than humor.

So, is this what I have to look forward to? she asked.

You said you wanted to be a part of this. This is the way things have to be, Chili replied.

Susan bobbed her head from side to side, a little annoyed that he used her words against her.

All I have to say is, you better not get killed, she said.

Deal.

Susan kissed him on the lips, caressing the side of his face as their lips parted. She gave him one last look and then walked toward the entrance of the study. She disappeared into the shadows of the foyer as Lawrence and Chili watched her leave. Once she was gone, the two men turned and looked at one another.

She’s a charming woman. I can see why you care for her so, said Lawrence.

Yeah, she’s one of a kind, Chili replied. For your sake, I better come back here alive.

You will. Ready?

Chili’s lips thinned and then he nodded.

Yeah, I’m ready.

Chapter Three: Old Wounds

At the mission in downtown Portland, Ben sat at a table wearing a set of headphones that were connected to a small handheld device. He looked up and saw Madam Leslie staring anxiously at him. He sighed deeply, removing the headphones from his ears and uncrossing his legs. He stood and looked at her, a solemn expression covering his face.

We almost lost her, he said.

Madam Leslie’s expression changed from stoic to one of alarm.

What do you mean? she asked.

Ben walked to the table on the other side of the room and picked up a glass of water. He drank half of it before he took a breath, then sat the glass down and stared at the wall.

She tried to kill herself, he replied finally.

Kill herself? But why?

Her spirit couldn’t handle any more pain. The agony of Jimmy’s death and Brad’s condition were probably so great that she tried to shoot herself.

Madam Leslie walked around Ben to face him. Is she all right?

Yes. However, I’m not certain what happened before that. I began my eavesdropping after the incident occurred. I overheard a conversation her friend, Rick, had while he was talking on her phone. He said she was okay, but she was unconscious. My guess is she passed out before she could carry through with her attempt.

Ben turned and looked at Leslie, who took a deep breath and released an even deeper sigh. She propped one hand against the table and braced the other one on her hip. She wore a look of relief, but in her heart she was still troubled.

I’m glad she is still alive, she said with a slight tremble in her voice. I don’t know what I would have done if she’d hurt herself.

That makes two of us, Ben retorted. It’s a good thing I bugged her phone, otherwise we wouldn’t be able to check in on her.

Yes. However, it does cause me great distress to know that my child is going through all of this and I am powerless to help her. It tears me up inside to stay my distance and not let her know that I am here for her.

Take comfort in knowing that your time of exile is almost at an end.

Leslie looked at him. What are you saying?

"I’ve been in contact with Lawrence. He informed me that he has recruited some new agents, those who he feels have the stealth and the knowledge to step in and perform. From what he told me, the Dante Circle has infiltrated the organization and learned the identities of many of our agents, which is why he has taken the drastic measures of bringing in some new blood.

Can they be trusted?

I believe so. One of them is Angelina’s friend, Chili Maxwell. The other is a doctor named Stanley Kyle. Lawrence has run a check on both of them and their backgrounds are pretty clean. They both seem to have a connection to the woman that died a few nights ago, Bethany Davis. She used to work for Maxwell as a prostitute and Kyle was the attending physician when she died.

I see.

"Lawrence also reported that