Post by Admin on Aug 7, 2020 3:49:39 GMT
Breaking the Man Not the Man’s Sprite
(combined threads from old site)
Cole shoved Franco toward the waiting men, who promptly bound his hands behind his back with magically locked shackles. Taking a deep breath, he straightened up, stretched and smiled, "Sorry about that Saint, but couldn't take the chance you would not come." They had landed outside the main barracks on Coles private Island he had named Isle of Perdition.
As Cole followed his men who were leading Franco into the Barracks, Cole reviewed what had happened at the bank in his mind. They had left the Dailey Prophet, Apparating to the bank, where Franco calmly allowed Cole to look through his vault as the man was honor bound to do, because of their prior agreement. It had been very interesting and Punta, his elf friend, was bringing a rather thick folder of papers, Cole wanted to look through.
Everything had gone fine until Cole had shown Franco he had the keys to his mother's vault and had decided to check it out. Technically since she was dead the vault belonged to Franco and the rest of the quintuplets. Even with Cole promising not to remove anything from the vault, Franco had started to get very loud and downright testy about the whole thing. In Franco's vault, Cole had Punta, bind and gag Franco, and then follow him to the other vault, two doors down. All Cole wanted to do was let Punta, who had a photographic mind into the vault for a few moments, look at what he could and then come out.
If it hadn't been for the pesky little bank teller, who decided to check to see if they had everything they needed, there would not have been a problem. The teller saw them in one vault and knew by his records they were supposed to be in another. When he had gone to Franco's vault and found Franco bound and gagged, he had started to sound an alarm. Punta had knocked him out just before the first alarm chime rang. Cole had grabbed Franco and Apparated. Punta was grabbing the file, of stuff from Franco's vault.
Just as they reached the door to the barracks, Punta dropped hard to the ground where Cole and Franco had originally arrived. Papers went everywhere and there was a mad dash by anyone outside to grab them all. Cole signaled the two guards holding Franco to stop, and he ran back to see if Punta was all right. He was not worried about the elf being followed, because no one could get on or off the island without knowing the spell combination Cole had established.
Cole went down on one knee and helped Punta back up. Smiling he asked, "You ok, my friend. I told you we did not need the sack in the back of the vault. Why did you go for it?"
Punta stood up and dusted himself off. He looked around and smiled to see all the humans, running after some of the papers which had become kites. He looked at his friend and tried to answer his question, "When we were first in the vault I went to the back and found the sack held pictures. They would have been too difficult for me to reproduce, so we needed them. Trying not to hurt the bank teller, I did not tie him secure enough and he got lose," Punta chuckled, "He almost made the trip with me. If my shirt had not torn," Punta looked at the tear in his shirt, "The little goblin would have been standing here right now."
Cole stood up and put his hand on Punta's shoulder. "Try not to put yourself in so much difficulty next time. I would not want to have to explain to your mate and you sirelings, that you were hurt or captured." Cole patted the elf, grabbed the heavy bag and they made there way to the barracks. Looking up, Cole waved the guards in and signaled them to take Franco back to his room.
Once inside, Cole handed the sack to one of his men and told him to follow Punta with it. The guard looked puzzled on why the house elf was not carrying the sack, but did not question Cole's orders. Cole and his five friends had an arrangement that they would pretend to be house elves. Cole and his men had an arrangement that he would pay them handsomely, as long as they did not question anything he said. The arrangements were working well.
Cole turned and headed toward to far end of the barracks area, which held several interrogation rooms and his private office area. He got there just as the door to Franco's room closed. Looking toward his office door across the hall, he thought about getting a shower and something to eat. Instead he sighed and headed to see about Franco.
Franco was terrified for himself, his friends on the island, his new staff and mostly for two very special elves. He had noticed how Punta had come back. Staring at Cole as the man asked if he was hungry as if that would solve everything. Thinking back and trying to understand how everything had blow-up, he realized that it started going sour once he learned that Cole had his mother's key. He had exploded. The next thing he knew his had been bound and gagged. As the memories came flooding back.
Opening the door Cole casually walked into the interrogation room and said, "Franco you hungry?" Cole motioned for the man's hands to be untied, and he was settled into one of the two, straight back metal chairs in the room, near the table.
He realized that his hands were untied. Seeing Cole just sit there as if he didn't have a care in the world, Franco snapped and punched Cole as he said, “Do you know what you have done? Do you have any idea of what will happen when my staff hears that I am a captive? Tal'mac and Ken will...”
Cole got up off the floor, moving his jaw back and forth to make sure it wasn't broken. As he picked the chair up he had knocked over he looked over to where one of the guards had Franco in a nasty head lock, and the other had just finish binding Franco's hands and feet. "Put him in the chair and keep him there," Cole said to the guards with venom in his voice. He then turned his chair around and straddled the seat.
Resting his arms on the back of the chair, Cole stared at Franco for some very long moments. The guards each had a firm hand on Franco's shoulders and they were not being gentle. "That was not a good thing to do, Saint, especially in the position you are presently in." Slamming his hands flat onto the table he half stood and leaned toward Franco. "You do know I cannot let you get away with what you just did?" Cole sat back down in his chair, crossed his arms on the back and put his chin on his arms, never releasing Franco's eye contact. Looking over to where the cabinet was in the wall, Cole sat back in the chair and held onto the back of it for support. Looking back at Franco he smiled.
Franco was still furious as he fought his bonds saying, "You should have thought of that before you endangered Punta. You should never have went into my mother's vault as her key was never a part of our deal! Once that goblin tells what he saw, Tal'mac and Ken will know what is happening. They will realize that you were not the friend I claimed you to be." Franco noticed that Cole was looking at the cabinet as Franco finished, "Tal'mac will come looking...Cole, you have never seen a Norse Light Elf when he is furious and he will be out for Punta's blood and yours..."
"Franco, in the first place, we did nothing at the bank which was illegal. The goblins know for a fact no one can get into a vault without the proper keys. So when they saw us in your Mother's vault they would have taken it for granted we had the keys. Second, by the time the teller had reached your vault, your hands were undone and you gag was invisible. Punta told him you were ill and that was why we left so fast. The teller was a little upset about Punta removing something, because he is an elf, but he still did not do anything illegal. I am sure the goblins would not want to bring in the law, and have to explain, two men and an elf were in the vaults and one man was ill . If it gets to the paper, well, they already know you left on Medical leave, by your own admission" Cole stood up and turned the chair around, carefully putting it under the table. Stretching he said to the guards, "Bring him," and then walked over and held the door open for the guards to walk Franco out and down to the basement. Cole had to make sure his men knew he would not take a hit from someone, and not teach them they can get away with it. It would undermine his control.
Franco was still furious that Cole had his mother's key and his friends were still trapped. "Cole, that still does not explain you having my mother's key or that Punta's condition when he came back." Franco shook his head as he fought the men holding him. He wanted Cole to understand just how much damage that key could cause and so saying without thinking, "Cole, something in that vault got my mother killed and now they know it still exists and that all that stands between that key and my mother's killer is me and one elf Punta. If they have already killed what change do you think Punta stands?"
As they walked down the steps to the playroom Cole said to the still struggling Franco, "It looks like you can add me to that list, Franco. I still have the keys to the vault and if you are good then maybe I will take you back to the vault and help you look through what is there … you do not have to worry about Punta, Franco he has a lot more talent than you know of at the moment. He is from the Isle of Skye Mountain Clan. When you get a chance ask Tal'mac about the five clan's on the Isle of Skye." Cole chuckled. He would match any of the Isle elves against any other elf or wizard.
When they reached the room, Cole motioned for the two guards to place Franco in the ring. He climbed in after them. Before he released Franco, he wanted to explain to the man, "Franco I am going to give you a chance to let me know how you really feel about me. There are going to be no weapons involved, it will only be your hands against mine. If you win, I will give you your mother's key or send it to your brothers if you prefer. I will be honor bound to do this and remove my agents from the school." Cole signaled for the guards to release Franco, and then stood waiting. "All you have to do Saint is win."
Franco smiled and then as he thought more on it inwardly cringed as he asked, "And if I just by chance lose, then what?" Saint had no intention of losing but if he did then he wanted to know just what he was risking.
"Hmmm, so sure of yourself are you," Cole smiled and relaxed a little. "If you lose, I keep the key, and use it at my leisure to check out the vault, maybe taking you with me. We will also be continuing our little chats ." Cole laughed out loud. He was going to enjoy this. Franco's brother Marco had asked him at one time to help, toughen up his brother. This was going to be a lesson for Franco, one he was not going to forget for a long time. It was also going to teach his men he would not take any trouble from them. His men already knew of his propensity for sending mal contents to the South Pole, with little or no support.
"We can start anytime you are ready, Saint. I will give you the first swing." Cole stood there, with his arms down to his side, looking anything but ready to defend himself.
Franco grinned as he said, "And if I refuse to take your little bet?"
"Franco this fight is not an option," Cole straightened up and put his hands on his hips, the smile had disappeared from his face. "We are going to fight. If you choose not to defend yourself then that is up to you. Now do you want to take the first swing or do I start us off?"
Franco had never taken the first swing in his life especially since he usually did not fight. When he did though he always remembered something James had said to his brothers. That was to never start a fight but always finish one. Cole was so sure of his skills but Franco had learned to fight dirty and be quick. He was furious though and had trouble thinking clearly. This man had threatened his family, his friends and his co-workers. Now the man had access to his mother's work and that he could never allow as it risked Marco and Kat. They had been home that day as the rest went to pick him up at St. Mungo's with their father.
Franco's temper rose as he thought about the fact that since he had first met this man in Shadow Lounge, Cole had endangered every member of his family. Franco did not even know whether he swung first or Cole; all Franco knew for sure is that to him Cole was a threat to everything he believed in
(Cole and Franco Fight)
Franco was down on the mat. Cole had to admit the man had put up a very good fight. He had even been able to get some solid hits in. Cole would have to review the video tape later and find out how he had opened his defenses enough for Franco to hammer hard on his body. When he looked around he realized they had a full blown audience in the room. There were easily twenty plus men sitting around. Cole signaled two of them to pick Franco up, "Take him back to his room, and put him in the bed. I will have Punta look at him. Stand back when you have him down though, because he may over react to coming too. I will follow in a few moments."
As the men walked out carrying Franco, Cole turned to the men in general. One of those sitting on the front row, through him a towel, which Cole thanked him for. Taking generally to the room, he said, "The video will be available in the library in about an hour. "I will expect a report from all of the first level troops. Please let any who are not here know of the requirement. The report will consist of a synopsis of the fight, good points and bad point for both my guest and me. Any report coming back, not being truthful will earn the person a personal talk with me. I made mistakes, because the man got in solid hits. Second level support troops and third level trainees, are to view the film also.
Cole put the towel around his neck and headed to where Franco had been taken. Punta was in the hall outside the room and told Cole, the island had been released, and he had made sure everyone had left safely. He had left the communication globe there because he had not been sure how to turn off whatever signal it was putting out. Cole smiled and thanked him, then as they entered the room he told him to take care of Saint.
As Punta walked up to the bed, Cole took his normal spot on the turned-around chair, near the table. Watching Punta work, Cole wondered what he should try next. He did not need too much more information from Franco. He would be able to find out the rest of what he needed to know, just by listening to the man talk. When Punta stepped back from the bed, Franco's color was better, all the cuts had been closed and partially healed. "Anything broken?" he asked the elf. Punta shook his head no and stood off to the side. Cole motioned for the guards to leave. Punta could handle anything Franco could come up with in his condition.
Cole turned to Punta, and said, "Wake him, please… gently." Punta stretched out his hands, closed his eyes and said a few words, no one could hear. Franco moved just enough to get comfortable in the bed and his eyes fluttered open. By the way he grimaced, Cole knew he was sore, which would help him remember what had happened. From his chair Cole said, "I bet you are not feeling very god at the moment, Saint. I would take your time moving. Sudden moves will only increase the pain."
"I have some good news for you. Your friends have all left the island," Cole saw the look of fear cross Franco's face, fear for his friends, so he added, "They all left in as good of health as they arrived. None of them was hurt. Your globe is still on the island buried deep. They will not be able to retrieve it, because Punta put a block entry to it. If they use the Muggle Satellites they will not show anything but water."
When Cole noticed Franco's arm mussels tighten he said, "I said move slowly Franco." Punta was ready.
Franco physically and mentally cringed as he tried to sit up, and just fell back onto the pillow. It hit hard when he realized that Cole breathing, which meant Cole had won the fight but he had to ask anyways. So with a heavy heart Saint asked, "Since you are still alive Cole, I guess you got the upper hand? Now I understand what James and Marco meant when they used to talk about Blind Rages and why you never want to get into one. So how bad did mine get?"
Cole smiled, "It was a great example for me to use to show my men what one looks like and how to combat it. I am surprised your brothers did not teach you how to control it better. You are not that bad a fighter, Saint. I will even admit to you, if you had been able to stay calm, it would have been a lot harder to vest you. I still would have won, but you would have been able to get in many more good solid hits. The whole fight lasted about ten minutes. If you want I will let you see the video later, and you can analyze your mistakes. "
Franco sighed as he admitted, "James was murdered before he could and well...me and Marco have never gotten along. He wanted to train me but Neo wouldn't hear of it."
"I think maybe Neo may have changed his mind by now, Franco. If I read the man correctly before we left the Hog's Head, he is going to be training you hard. If you think you are hurting now, just wait." Cole smiled because Marco had been good, but Neo was definitely the best of the bunch.
He cringed as he again tried to sit up as he remembered that Cole had asked if he had been hungry. Franco tried to smile as he said, "Maybe later, so now what Cole? You act as if your plans to easily get back into those vaults or the Prophet is still do able? I can't understand it, your plan blew up in your face, almost got Punta hurt or killed and you are acting as if it was just another day at the office. I am still going to fight you every chance I get and I am never going to fully break or give into you, so why are you still acting as if it doesn't bother you?"
"Just stay still Franco. Punta has healed your cuts and has verified you have no broken bones. The pain you are feeling is just my reminder to you what happened. Plans are not finite, Franco," Cole was not sure if he could explain to the man what he meant, but he tried. "When I make a plan it is to get from point A to point B, but there is always a point C to move to next. Sometimes point C has to be moved, because of new information or new circumstances. I have just learned to understand there is always more to work toward. You have learned a lesson this day; I have gained some of the information I needed, and have some idea how to get more information. I just have to decide, which road I want to travel first. You and I have just barely started to get to know each other . We still have time for more conversations. Remember you told the newspaper you were on extended medical leave. I am the one who decides how far the leave extends."
Cole was starting to get tired, and the couple of solid hits Franco had gotten in were beginning to pain him. He needed a shower and something to eat. Standing up he said, "We are done for the day Saint. I will have Punta bring you food. There is a shower as you know so when you can get yourself moving, I recommend you take a shower, eat something and get some rest. If you want a deck of cards, or a book, tell Punta and he will try and help. Tomorrow morning early we start our talks again Franco." Cole smiled. "Hopefully they will not be physical." Cole started toward the door.
Franco cringed as he remembered what he had told the staff of the Prophet. If Lance did not back their story then Ken would more than a little upset and Tal'mac would indeed come hunting. Saint said in barely a whisper, “If Ken don't check with Lance, cause if he does and Lance don't back the story up then Cole is in for major trouble?” Franco smiled as he wondered why he should care. He was not here because he wanted to be here. Fixer was his captor not his friend, Saint should be praying that they did figure things out. Then Cole's words from earlier came back, “Franco, how will you know when you are fully broken? When you are no longer in control of your life?” Saint shook his head as he wondered if he was at that point. Why else would he be wanting to remain instead of doing everything in his power to escape, Franco had no idea. He did know one thing as he said slightly aloud, “I must not be fully broken yet? Or else I would just be considering Fixer a friend and I most certainly would not be second guessing myself? No, Khalid don't have me yet! Come on Ken figure the puzzle out. Talk to Lance or Neo.”
Franco smiled as he said, “I mean it Cole! I will do everything in my power to undermine you. I won't break and I will get out of here.” Franco inwardly knew that he had to get free soon as he had noticed that he wasn't thinking like a captive or at least not as a normal captive would. Saint had to stay focus on escaping because otherwise he would swear he was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Franco looked at Cole as he said, “Do you honestly believe that I am going to just sit here and wait patiently for whatever you have planned for me tomorrow? Cole, what is to keep me from doing what I should have done, escaped?”
Cole stopped with his hand on the door handle and turned half-way toward Franco, who was still lying on the bed. "I am not going to keep you from trying to escape, Saint. In fact I think you should try… get it out of your system. I have a question for you though, where do you have to escape to. You are on an island in the middle of a lot of water. There is a damper over the whole island which prevents anyone from leaving or entering without my permission. The waters around the island have not so nice sharks and other sea creatures, swimming around just waiting for a tasty morsel to come into the water." Cole held Franco's eyes, with his steel laced stare, "I have enough men to find you, Franco anywhere on the island, and I make this guarantee. When you are brought back you will think the last couple of days have been a vacation. I do hope I have made myself perfectly clear."
Cole turned back to the door and turned the handle opening the door about six inches, then turned back to Franco. "If you do not want to take a shower, or eat what Punta brings, that is totally up to you, but I recommend both. Get some rest Saint… you are going to need it." Motioning Punta to proceed him out the door, Cole left Franco.
As the door closed, Franco thought, "Sorry you won't be able to see me in the morning, Fixer. Somehow tonight I leave."
Franco through back the sheets. He had been lying in the bed, working his mussels the best he could. Turning his head, he looked out the window. It was full dark. Punta should be bringing his dinner soon. Franco did not have much hope of over powering the elf. Even if he was not bruised and feeling like every mussel wanted to seize up, he would not have considered taking on an Elf. Somehow, he had to get out of the room. Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, he winced, but still forced himself to stand. It took a few moments until he knew he was balanced, but after taking a tentative step, and not falling, he took a few more. Soon he was walking around the circumference of the room.
Cole had been able decided to spend the night in his office. He had taken a leisurely very hot shower, shaved and put on a comfortable pair of sweat pants and tank top. Something told him Franco was not ready to accept captivity. Pushing a button on his desk, he called in two of his guards who were starting to specialize in reconnaissance. When they arrived, he told them, Franco was thinking of escaping and they were going to let him get away and follow him. "Take two ear radio walkies with you and let me know what is happening with him. Gentlemen, I want him to run and run as hard and as fast as he can. If he sees you, I will personally put you back into training, am I understood." Cole got definite nods from both of the men. "Your job starts when I have someone take Franco his dinner." Cole knew Franco would use that time to leave. It was the most logical time.
As they left Punta came in carrying a tray which was too heavy from him. Cole jumped up and retrieved the tray. "Punta, I have told you that it is not necessary for you to carry heavy items. Now sit down, because I have something I want you to do for me." When Punta had sat down Cole put the tray down on his desk and uncovered his dinner of Roast Beef, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, and buttered new potatoes with chives. The chef he had commissioned was great. Getting up, he went to the cabinet and poured himself a glass of wine, and Punta a glass of iced-tea. Handing the elf his he sat back down and began to eat.
When he had finished about half of what was on his plate, he sat back in his chair, and sipped on his wine. "Punta, my friend, we are going to let our guest leave and wonder the island a bit." When Punta turned a questioning look his way, Cole chuckled. "I want him to think he is free, then we are going to snatch it away from him, and drop him another couple of pegs into our laps. We can push him easily to anywhere on the island we want, and with the servalience system I have set up, we won't loose him. The two guards who just left here are going to watch him, but Franco may be better than I thought. If I have to pull them back and make him think he has lost them, then I will need a little elfin ingenuity to watch out for him. I do not want him seriously hurt, just exhausted, hungry and ready to listen to what I say."
Cole watched as the elf, took in what he was saying and when the large smile swept over his face, he knew the elf had caught on. They were going to play a fast-paced game of cat and mouse with Franco. "I need you to get with the others and set up how you want to work your part. We will let Franco, run for about twelve or so hours, maybe a little longer, if I think I can learn anything about him while he is out and about. I will be in on the capture. It is…" Cole looked at his pocket watch, "almost eight so I will have the man's sandwich delivered in two hours. Be ready my friend." Punta nodded and left.
Cole planned on using the two hours to get a little nap. Covering his tray and finishing his glass of wine, he settled back into the office chair, raised his feet and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long night.
Cole's watch alarm beeped and he was instantly awake. Rubbing his eyes, he streatched and flicked on the large screen behind him. It was divided into four sections. One section showed outside Franco's room window, one showed the exterior of a training facility and one showed a cave at the end of a mountain trail. The forth showed Franco's room.
On his second trip around, he looked out the window. There were no bars. There was not even a screen. Franco put his hand up to where there would normally have been a pane of glass and discovered it was open. There was a small thin barrier, but it appeared to be only to keep out the heat from outside and keep the coolness in the room.
Franco was up and moving around. Cole realized Franco had a little higher ability in the physical abilities, then he had first thought. The Saint was stiff but he was standing and walking steady. Cole smiled, because that made it better for their little game coming up.
Cole pushed the button on the desk and said, "All right Roberson take him his sandwich. Remember I want him to escape. He should be going through the window. This is bonus time for you, so play it right." Cole's men had discovered that while his training was difficult, and his punishments were harsh, his bonus' were well worth anything a man endured. Their liberal salaries were paid on time and all medical was taken care of. If anything happened to them while on duty, and when they were on the island they were always on duty, their families or designated recipients were supported for their lifetimes. They all knew that once they had signed up to join Cole's group, the only way out was by dying or being injured beyond working ability.
Cole had said there were guards outside, but it was also very dark, and Franco reasoned everyone thought he was still too sore to try anything. One thing his brothers had taught him was how to partially at least ignore the pain and keep moving. Franco would wait until the food came. Then he would go.
The door opened slowly and a guard, not Punta entered carrying a tray with a mug of cold liquid, and a plate with a sandwich and chips on it. Franco's heart started beating rapidly; Cole had made a mistake and sent a guard and not an elf. Franco pretended to be very sore and he bent over slightly as he walked toward the table where the guard had put down the tray. "Thank you." he said as the guard turned to leave. When the man's back was turned, Franco picked up the mug and swung it as hard as he could at the man's head. The guard dropped like a rock…
Cole cringed. That was a hard hit on the head. Pushing another button he said, "I have a Code White on hold in guest room. Stand by…" That would have a medical team standing ready as soon as Franco left the room. The only way out for Franco was through the window.
Franco congratulated himself, bent down and went through the men's pockets. He found money which he left, keys to something, which he left and a set of brass knuckles which he took. Any weapon was a good a weapon. As he stood up, a thought hit him, that he needed shoes. Looking at the man's feet, he saw soft soled, sneakers about the right size. He bent down took them and put them on
Cole shook his head. He had told Roberson to let the man escape, but he had not thought he need to tell him to make sure he did not have any weapons on him. When the man was recovered he was going to have to have a talk with him about his choices.
Grabbing the two straps off the bed Franco bound the man's hands and feet. Then he took the sheet and tore a strip off and added a gag to the man's mouth. Standing up he looked around to see if there was anything else he wanted to take. The sandwich was a must; he was actually hungry. Anything else would just slow him down. Turning off the light at the switch at the door, Franco made his way back to the window and let his eyes adjust to the darkness.
He looked carefully into the darkness. Nothing moved. There were trees but no underbrush close to the building. Franco could make out thicker woods, about a hundred feet away.
"This was as good as a Muggle movie," Cole thought as he said out loud to himself what he thought Franco should do next. He had tied Roberson up, taken the sandwich and even taken the shoes. Cole nodded at the thoroughness of the moves. It would be the last food Franco would be allowed to have until he was returned to the room. Cole was going to allow him water, but no food or rest.
Franco took the chance and jumped through the window and crouched low on the outside close to the wall. Looking around, he did not hear anyone. Walking to the edge of the wall he peeked around the corner and noticed a guard near another door. Leaning up against the wall, Franco took a deep then peaked back around the corner. The first guard had not moved, but another had joined him. Franco knew this was his chance.
Cole refilled his wine glass as he watched the screen. Franco was out of the room. Again he found himself saying out loud what he would have done in the same circumstances and Franco was right on target. The two guards at the entrance were the two Cole had talked to earlier. They were in position to follow.
Backing up to his original spot, he took another deep breath and sprinted for the woods.
"Very well done," Cole said out loud to himself, as he took his seat again. "Now where you going to go Saint?" There was really only one direction for him to take and that would get him to the training buildings, where the obstacle course was. Pushing a button on the desk he said, "Punta he is on his way to the training buildings. Unlock the beverage icebox, but make sure the food is locked up securely. He is not allowed to have anything to eat." Cole turned back to the screen and saluted Franco with his wine glass and then took a drink . Over the speaker he heard, "Following Sir." The two guards were on the way.
When he made it to the cover of the trees, he squatted down and looked back toward the building. He had made it, but now where to?
Forward was the best idea. Standing up, he tried to stay low and took off at a trot in a direction forward. Where is led he had no idea, but his best guess was he had five hours of darkness, to get as far away of the compound as possible.
The direction Franco was heading in would take him to the training facility about then minutes away at the speed Franco was running. There was a small building which had a full kitchen. Long tables and benches served as a place to eat, and a place where instructions could be given as to what the training exercises was going to consist of for the men. An obstacle course covered about the size of an American Football field. Cole made sure Franco could not get to any of the food in the refrigerator, but he would be allowed in the cooler with the drinks, which consisted mostly of bottled water. It would be interesting to see what Franco did with the equipment there.
Cole switched camera views as Franco got to the edge of the trees. There was not much growth around, and he would have to cover fifty yards of open territory to get to the building. Cole put his elbows on the arm of the chair, and made a pyramid with his finger tips. It was interesting watching the man work.
Franco had to slow down as the underbrush became thicker. When his feet would tap or step on something he would smile and reach down grabbing the branches and stones. After placing the stuff he had found in his one and only pocket of the sweat pants he had been given, he continued his run.
Listening intently behind him Franco heard a branch snap. His father had taught all the quints to survive. Franco smiled as her remembered his father's reasons, “If you guys want us to travel as a family when your mom has an assignment, then you guys will have to be prepare to survive?” Franco's smile grew as he realized that training had become instinct. Now after hearing yet a few more sounds that he knew were not made by animals, Saint laughed to himself as he thought, “So Cole, you have somebody already on my trail. Let's see just how good your goons are?”
Franco decided to backtrack and leave a few surprises for the ones tracking him. As he listened for them, he noticed a hole just deep enough for two men to have a very hard time climbing out. Looking around he saw what he needed. Going to work quickly with the fallen branches and other debris that was lying around, Saint covered the hole. Being pleased with himself as he heard them coming, Franco made it seem as he went that way. Then he hid behind some trees and waited.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, two men advancing at a dead run came into view. Saint held his breath as the men seemed to pay little attention to their surroundings and fell into his trap. As the men tried to climb out, Franco walked up to the hole and said, “Give my regards to Fixer and be lucky that you are still breathing.” With that, he made another false trail as he was leaving.
Once he was sure, they had no idea what direction he had gone, he went back to his original marker and continued straight. He heard a few animals but nothing close to worry about. Saint felt some more branches lying about and several more stones. He noticed the moon light brighter up ahead and reasoned there must be a clearing of some sort. Finding a small tree near the clearing, Franco snapped off the branch long enough to make a bow. It flexed just right to become one easily, now he just had to find some twine or fishing line.
As the building became visible in the clearing, Franco checked his surroundings. He had to smile as Cole had nobody out here. Saint just prayed the building held what he needed as he thought, “Only one way to find out. I should have grabbed one of those three's shirt. Let's just hope there are things in there I can use.” With that, he made a mad dash for the building.
Cole nodded as Franco came into view. The man had made good time, although Cole thought he would make it to the training ground a little sooner.
On the ground close to the building, he found some clover, which he placed in his pockets as he thought aloud, “Hope you are the edible kind?”
When Franco first reached down and pulled something off the ground, Cole could not figure out what it was. After a little thought, he realized the Saint had picked the grass or something else growing on the ground. Franco had enough training to know about wild editable. This was an interesting facet to the man. This game was going to be more interesting than he had originally planned on.
He found the double doors to be unlock but decided to not open them yet. Checking all around the building carefully, he found what was the beginning of some type of course for training. The ropes around the edge of it were going to come in handy. Franco started untying knots, while keeping an eye out for anything on the ground, which was usable, adding some items to his pocket. As he went in through the back door, Saint smiled realizing he had bendable steel, twine, nails, more stones and the makings of a club and a knife.
Cole chuckled and got up to pour himself another drink. He switched to ice-tea, because he wanted to stay sober. Going back to his desk he sat on the edge of it and watched the screen as Franco made his way around to the back of the building. When he started to dismantle the rope barrier, marking the end of the obstacle course, Cole saluted him with his tea glass. "Very well done, Saint. You are thinking on your feet …. My report will let it be known the skills you are showing."
Franco looked carefully around as he entered into what must be a kitchen. Making a quick round of the room, he checked every nook and cranny. His smile grew as he laid the stuff on the table to take inventory of his stock.
Cole zeroed in on the table. The man had been on the run for only about …. he checked his watch …. half an hour and he already had the makings of an excellent survival kit. "This is going to make an excellent training video," he thought to himself as he sipped his tea. As he continued to watch, there was a knock on the door and the two guards he had sent to follow Franco, came into the room. They came to attention in front of the desk. Cole could see fear in their eyes, but they were still standing straight and not cowering. Cole said, "Well…. Why do I find you here instead of there?" he jabbed his thumb toward the screen.
The oldest and more experienced spoke, "Sir, the man is good and must have heard us coming somehow. He covered one of the abandoned animal trap pits with debris and we fell into it. Luckily a couple of your house elves came along and helped up out." The man became silent and stood at attention. The other younger man looked sideways at the older man then stood at attention himself, staring straight ahead.
Cole got up off the edge of his desk and walked around to stand in front of the men. "I am not happy with what has happened," he said in a dead calm voice. "It is good the spikes have been removed from all the holes we have located so far, or you both would be dead." The older man looked like he still needed to say something, "You have something else to tell me." Cole hoped he was not going to beg, because he prided himself on picking men, and he knew both of these men were not weaklings."
"Yes sir. The man sent a message to you…" With the look on the man's face Cole wondered if he was going to have enough courage to give him the message. "He said, Sir, Give my regards to Fixer and be lucky that you are still breathing then he calmly walked away."
Cole was mad, but showing his anger to these two was not going to help. Nodding he said, "It may be lucky the elves pulled you out… you can decide that tomorrow when I have time to figure out what re-training you are going to undergo. If I were you, gentlemen, I would try and get a very good night sleep. Report to your head officer at 7 am sharp… I would not be late. Dismissed." Cole turned his back on them as they silently left the room. He had hoped they would have lasted a little longer.
Saint had a plastic bag, which he made quick work of to fashion himself a shirt. Another plastic bag made an excellent hat. He had found several bottled waters and a backpack. In one of the drawers, Franco found a roll of dental floss. He found one more item that would help a lot, matches in a sandwich bag.
Franco had had enough time to get supplies. Cole reached a little behind him and pushed one of the buttons saying, "Time to send the men to the training outpost. Remind them they are to make enough noise for our guest to hear them, and he is to get away unchallenged. Tell them to stay there for about an hour in case they are being watched. I want them there in five minutes so have them take a couple of the jeeps." Cole flicked the switch again, and turned back to the screen.
When Cole looked carefully at what Franco had amassed on the table, he was beginning to get irritated. Franco had found a backpack and matches. "When I pull that man back here and find out who left that backpack, the man will be wearing it twenty-four-seven for two weeks, so he will never leave it anywhere again. Cole did not like Franco having matches but he would have the elves watch for fire problems. The shirt and hat were well done. Cole knew it would be raining before morning. It was just the season for it.
He took everything he had gathered and placed them in the backpack, lining the inside with plastic bags. Just then, he heard the front door open. Checking quickly to make sure he had not forgot anything he quickly headed out the back as he thought, “Time to go” He grabbed a written map from just inside the door, off the wall to add to his finds.
The men had made good time. When Franco's head had come up from what he had been doing, Cole knew the man had arrived. Franco was quick about packing up. If the men had been intent on finding him though, he would have been about ten seconds too slow. But Cole gave him credit for trying. If he got a chance later he would point this little problem out to Franco.
Staying low he made another dash to the trees on the other side of the building from where he had entered the clearing. Once he was sure they had not followed, he looked at the map that seemed made for a blind man. Franco realized the best place to hold out was a cave and the map told him of some edible plants and berries near the cave mouth.
At first, Cole thought Franco was going to miss taking the map. He needed him to head for the cave, and the map was the only way to get him there. The elves had also made sure there were markings on the map to show some editable things. Cole realized, he might not have needed to have them add that information, because Franco was doing well on his own. Cole wanted Franco to think he was making his escape. The higher Cole could drive Franco's self-esteem up, the farther and the harder he would drop when he was recaptured and brought back to the room.
After being sure that the map was safe, Saint took off at a dead run.
Cole ran his hands through his hair. Franco was on his way to the cave. From the way he was moving it should take him only about half an hour, but soon he would hit the uphill grade. It was a steep climb to the cave. There was a flat plateau about 50 feet above it, but getting there was all uphill. There were several camera's well hidden along the way, and one camera was built into the back wall of the cave. At least on elf would be up above and at least one stationed at the beginning of the climb. Cole was interested in seeing what Franco would do with his limited time.
Franco slowed down as he reached a steep incline. Stopping to check the map, Saint smiled as he felt and smelled what could only be wild onions. He grabbed the bag off his back and opened a side compartment to place the wild onions in. He was surprised to find a small first aid kit. Looking into the sky, Saint realized that it would start raining soon. The Investigative Reporter knew he would need to pace himself if he wanted to reach the cave in one piece. Putting the map away and the backpack back on his back as he thought slightly aloud, “If I keep the fast pace that I have been going, I will be exhausted and that just won't do. I have weapons to make, traps to set and this backpack to thoroughly check.”
Starting the climb up, Saint got his mind off the pain he was feeling by evaluating his escape saying, “It has been way too easy. It is almost as if Cole let me escape. The man is too good at what he does to make the mistakes that have been made. I expected more guards and sentries all over the place. Instead I have openly only had to deal with three and those were amateurs. Plus the building should have been loaded with guards. I should not have been able to find half of the items I did.”
Punta had just re-entered the room as Franco was checking out the clouds. They were in for a good drenching from the weather reports. He hoped Franco made it to the cave before the downpour. Turning to Punta he asked, "He should be at the cave soon is everything prepared?"
Nodding the elf said, "Yes Master Frank. The entrance is being watched by Quasda and both Kimtu and Artkee are on the plateau above. Mecum is ready to pass on messages and give any medical aid when and if needed to any of the humans." Punta walked up to the edge of the desk cleared a spot, jumped up and sat down with his legs crossed within the cleared area.
Cole knew the elf had something on his mind. "What else my friend?"
"Master Frank, the human Master Franco is good, is not he?" Punta made a teepee with his fingers, by resting his elbows on his knees.
Cole smiled at the elf. "Yes, my friend he is very good. He has actually done more than I thought him capable of. But that is not your only question, I think."
Punta smiled back but did not answer Cole's inquiry right away. He appeared to be thinking about his words, and normally that was not like the elf. Cole had come to expect the elf to speak his mind, under all circumstances. Cole treasured Punta's thoughts, because the elf had lived several centuries longer than he had and had survived.
Franco stopped a moment and took a couple of sips from one of the water bottles that he had on the side of the backpack. Closing the bottle as he looked around, Saint saw what he was looking for a berry bush. The bush was growing at a crazy but the mulberries looked ripe. It took him a good ten to twenty minutes to get enough but tasting one made it well worth the trouble. After putting his new finds away, Franco continued to climb saying softly remembering, “Cole did say, I am not going to keep you from trying to escape, Saint. In fact I think you should try… get it out of your system. I have a question for you though, where do you have to escape to."
"You are on an island in the middle of a lot of water. There is a damper over the whole island, which prevents anyone from leaving or entering without my permission. The waters around the island have not so nice sharks and other sea creatures, swimming around just waiting for a tasty morsel to come into the water. I have enough men to find you, Franco anywhere on the island, and I make this guarantee. When you are brought back you will think the last couple of days have been a vacation. I do hope I have made myself perfectly clear.”
As Franco picked some of the mulberries, Cole turned back to Punta. They both had been drawn to the pictures on the screen, to see if Franco would miss the free food. "You hesitate my friend … Have I said something which gives you pause to say what is on your mind, after all this time?"
Punta shook his head no and sat up straighter, "No Master Frank … I was just contemplating something. The man would make a good recruit, and I think you have thought of this possibility. Why do you not take him into the army?"
Cole replied to his friends good question. He trusted Punta with his life. "The human Franco is not one for being told what to do under normal circumstances. The man known as Shadow, Khalid's son, has decreed Franco and all of his kin should die, if there is no control. It has been decided, between Khalid and myself, Franco was the easiest to break to our will. He will not be asked to kill anyone, or to put his friends in a lot of danger," Cole hoped he could hold Shadow back from asking he prove how much control he had over Franco, when he continued, "He will be asked to publish certain stories in the newspaper he will run, and bury others. When Khalid's needs are met, I hope someday to have the man as a friend. In my line of work though, friends are rare." Cole smiled at the elf adding, "which is why I treasure your friendship, my friend."
Punta smiled and nodded then jumped down and said as he walked toward the door, "Your friendship is also a treasure, Master Frank. Now I must check in with the others. Call if you need me." Cole turned back to the screen as the door closed. He did hope someday to have the man continuing up the incline as a friend, but the odds were against it.
As he got almost to his objective, Saint said softly, “Either Cole is already waiting or I have got to be on my toes. I am expecting company. Since I have no intention of going back, I have to be prepared to take anybody he sends out.”
Sighing as he bumped into a tree. Franco looked up and saw hazelnuts just waiting to be picked. He knew from the map that there should be a chestnut tree close by. Smiling as Saint caught sight of it, saying, “Don't worry I will get some of you but first the hazelnuts.”
After picking enough of both to fill the inside of the backpack, Franco spotted something that one of the chestnuts got pierced by. Reaching in he found several three inch wooden spikes. Pulling most of them out, he used one to dig a hole big enough so that just an inch of the spike showed. Saint hid the visual part with dead leaves from the trees. Franco went up the rest of the way smiling as he set the traps of spikes to spell out his brother James' name.
Watching with interest, Cole said aloud, "Who in the heck did this backpack belong to? The man had it equipped with everything needed to survive in the wild on the island." Whoever had packed it and left it at the kitchen was preparing to, if not leave, stay out of sight, for an interminable amount of time. Franco had already gotten far more help with surviving than Cole had planned. The spikes would have to be removed later. It hit Cole, while watching the spikes although appearing to be in random at first were spelling something out. He paid close attention and chuckled when he saw the name James being formed. The Saint was spelling his brother's name. "Very good Franco, very good indeed," he said to the screen as he leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms across his chest.
Franco smiled as he started to enter the cave, wood sorrel hung right over the mouth of cave. Saying softly, “I will grab some as I enter. Then these last four spikes can be a nice welcome for anybody entering the cave.”
Cole switched views on the cameras again. One of the four quadrants on the screen showed a scene from the back of the cave looking toward the entrance. One of the parts showed the entrance with the view the elf Quasda was seeing. One showed the top of the plateau where Kimtu and Artkee were located and the last showed the main room of the barracks. Cole was interested to see who may be watching the feed from the cameras. It was his way to find out who among his recruits wanted to learn what was going on. These men would of course have to be checked out to make sure their interest were favorable to him, but it helped to form his core army.
Once all the spikes were in place, Franco pulled out his supplies and went to work making the rest of his weapons. He had enough to make a bow with ten arrows, a stone club and about five knives.
Cole made a note on the parchment he kept on his desk, for thoughts, he did not want to have to remember, on the weaponry Franco had fashioned. When the man was picked up it would be interesting to examine the items. He would probably put them on display for the other's to see and look at. Franco was becoming quite a good instructor, without realizing the effect he was having. He was probably going to be furious when he realized the information he had given about his abilities to survive. One of the rules Cole lived by, was to never let an advisory know the extent of your abilities. It did not leave any leeway for surprise, if it could be determined what you would do.
Cole heard the first patter of rain against his window. The rains were coming. He smiled because he knew the cave was positioned so the winds would hit the hillside full force. Franco was going to get wet.
As Franco worked, he started to feel a stronger draft coming through the cave entrance. The wind was picking up outside and coming from the direction where it would slap the hillside hard. When the first drops started, Franco realized he was going to have to move. … A rock outcropping perturbed from one wall … Putting his things down against the back wall of the alcove, Franco knew he had to start a fire. … When he added a complete branch, which he had broken into one-foot lengths, he sat back on his heels and surveyed the finished product. It would have to do.
As Franco unwittingly added more to Cole's training film, he smiled. The man had been taught well. A fire under the circumstances he was working was not an easy feat to accomplish. If the wind did not put it out then he had a chance to keep it going. It would have to be tended on a regular basis though because it was small and the wind was still creating enough of a draft to blow it out. Franco had forgotten to set up a windbreak.
After getting the fire going, Saint wanted to see what was on the plateau. Checking his map, he saw there was a large enough opening to be able to carve out a signal, which may be able to be picked up by a Muggle satellite. The Caretakers had started to use the satellites to keep track of some of their people and to have a look at troubled spots around the world. It was worth, tempting the storm. Taking his time to carefully climb up to the steeper slippery slope to the plateau he started to think of what he could write. Once up at the top, he took off his backpack and took out the flint knife he had made. Digging away at the grass was not easy with such a small tool but he was determined. His hands were raw when he had finally gotten the message carved out.
Cole watched the determined man, using the small tool to carve large enough letters in the volcanic dirt to be seen from a plane or even a satellite. They were far enough off of any airway to make it almost impossible for any size plane to fly over. In addition, Cole had computer experts to jam the satellite signals, besides the signal would be destroyed and the area returned to its original smoothness, as soon as Franco left the plateau. As he watched the screen, he saw Franco's raw hands. When the man was returned to his room, he would need them attended to quickly.
It used his brother James' name mixed in with the name Saint, Caretakers, and the word NOW. Smiling as he saw the nonsense word in his mind, “SCAJARENETAMOKERAWSINT”. It was a puzzle, which would only make sense to the Caretaker Group. Looking up at the sky, he tried to make a satellite see the message. If they saw it there was no way of knowing how long it would take them to get to him, especially if Cole had told the truth and there was a magic block on the island. It was something though, and right now, something was better than nothing was.
Working his way carefully down the slippery slope, which the driving rain had made it hard to traverse, after a good hour, he entered the cave in a good mood. With the driving rain still outside, he had visions of catching some sleep. He was wet and tired beyond caring.
Cole went to the closet in his office and pulled out a rain slicker. It was time to bring Franco back to the barracks. He knew when he got him back the man would have to be allowed to sleep a little, have his hands attended to and a medical scan done on him. He would also need to be strapped into his bed. The window would also need to have bars added. Franco was not going anywhere for a while.
As he rounded the corner of the rock outcropping, he fell to his knees. Sitting in the corner, comfortably leaning against the rock wall, examining the weapons he had made, was the Fixer. Franco dropped his head into his hands and could feel the tears slowly working their way from the corners of his eyes and trailing down his cheeks.
Cole put the arrows down he was examining and sat very quiet, watching Franco break under the pressure of being trapped again. It really was hard to watch, because Cole had come to respect the abilities of the man, on his knees a short distance away. Franco was getting his training in acceptance the hard way.
It was only a minor movement of Franco's shoulders, that gave Cole the knowledge the man had not totally given up yet.
This could not be, but it was. All that he had done had just been turned against him. With the last little bit of effort he had in him, he got to his feet and charged Cole, only to be stopped in his tracks, by an intense pain in his back.
Cole let his wand drop into his hands as Franco got to his feet, spurred on by pure determination, and charged at him. With a quick spell, he hit Franco's spine with a debilitating pain which again dropped him to his hands and knees. Sitting forward and putting his elbows on his knees Cole waited for about five minutes to let Franco recover at least the ability to move, before he said, "You know Franco I have been impressed watching you get this far, but sadly, you need to return to the barracks."
Franco gritted his teeth trying to get the pain under control as he glared at Cole saying, "I am not going back!" He would not give in yet. There was still the small knife he had hidden in his shoe. Momentarily he dropped his head and another spasm hit him, but raised it to glare at Cole as soon as it allowed him.
Cole leaned back, but kept his wand ready. He signaled to someone behind Franco. The man's arms were gripped and he was forced to his knees. "Franco I have allowed you … may I repeat … I have allowed you the small amount of freedom you have had over the past few hours. But you see we are not finished with our talks yet. There is still some information I want and I can see you still hold the feeling you can go against me in the future. I cannot have that. Until you realize I will be giving you orders and you will follow them, with no questions asked, we will continue to talk and work on your attitude. Now we are going back to the barracks. I'm afraid it is still raining outside so you are going to get much wetter, but it cannot be helped at the moment." Cole could have put Franco under cover of a tarp in the jeep, but he wanted the man as miserable as he could make him, before they got back. Cole again signaled to get Franco to his feet.
Franco's hand went automatically for the knife in his shoe. Twisting quickly around and to the side to break the hold the man's hold, with the knife not easily visible, he sliced the man's arm. Trying desperately to reach the outside as he said, "I said I am not going back!"
Cole quickly got up and walked over to make sure his man was not hurt badly. He watched as Franco made a dash for the entrance to the cave. The Saint looked like he was going to drop any moment from exhaustion. He nodded as Punta stepped into Franco's way, with his hand raised, fingers spread and a look of no nonsense in his eyes. The elf would drop the man if he did not stop. "Franco," Cole called. "Punta is not going to let you pass."
As Saint faced the mouth of the cave, he saw his way blocked to where he could not even see out. Upon hearing Fixer, he said, "I will just escape again. I will never be controlled by you or any of Khalid's goons. I will fight you every step of the way!"
Cole walked slowly toward Franco. By the look in the man's eyes Cole knew, Franco's adrenalin was running fast through his veins. It was going to be all but impossible to calm him down enough to get him back to the compound. He did not want to knock him out, so he raised his wand and put a full body binding on the Saint, allowing Punta to catch him before he hit the floor.
Kneeling down beside the man, Cole thought about what to do next. Cole looked into the red rimmed eyes, which still held determination. It was a shame to take that away from the man, but it had to be done. "Take him back to the barracks, strip him and strap him to the bed. I will be along shortly." Cole stood up and walked to the back of the cave.
Before he had been carried out of the cave, Franco had watched Cole walk to the back where all of his stuff was. Well at least most of it; He still had a micro-knife in his hand. Franco had tried to relax as much as he could, knowing the limpness of his body would accomplish two things. One it would make it harder for them to carry his dead weight and two it would make them think he had given up.
He had been unceremoniously tossed into the back of a jeep and brutally bounced back to the compound. Franco would have been willing to bet they hit every bump possible on purpose. When they arrived he was dragged out of the jeep and still staying as limp as possible, was dragged into the building and to the door to the one place he dreaded. When the door was opened his body started to fight. Two men followed the two who were holding him into the room. He was stood up and the bonds were removed. Franco went into panic mode. The knife in his palm, which he had been able to hold onto dropped into his fingers and he started to slash at anything he could.
When he heard a scream and an oath come from one of the men he knew he had connected at least a little. Soon his arms were forced painfully behind his back and he was forced to drop the knife. One of the men picked it up and pricked his chest with it, making a small ribbon of blood start a slow flow down his chest. Still trying to struggle he found his clothes stripped off of his body. He was picked up by all four men and thrown on the bed, his wrists and ankles strapped to the frame. One of the men even through a sheet over him.
As the men left the room Franco's mind screamed as he thought, "Cole did say if I escaped and was brought back, the last two days would seem like a vacation. Compared to what I will go through? Why did I foolishly think he would wait out the storm?" Turning to face the guy that had just used his knife against him, Franco thought to himself, "You are going to regret that as I plan on getting that flint knife back."
The door closed and Franco was alone in the room. He was scared for himself and for the others in his life. Cole had made promises and he had failed to stay away, so he would have to take what was handed out. He looked down to the bottom of the bed and noticed the door opening.
Cole had taken a separate jeep back to the compound with Punta and the other elves, after they had gathered up what Franco had been able to collect over the very few hours he had been lose. After he was able to take inventory, he would have the things laid out on the table in the main room of the barracks. Tarka had been put in charge of finding out who the bag belonged to so the person could be questioned.
As he walked down the hall toward the room Franco had been returned to he tried to figure out what would take the man over the top and break. So far he had gotten what he needed by threatening Franco's friends and the Core. The Core had been the best way to get him to give in… first he had to keep his promise he had made to Franco, if he escaped. He was going to let the men under his command take care of most of that promise.
Cole did not want Franco dead, so he was going to let him get some rest before he turned the man over to his special interrogation unit. It would be the first time the unit had a chance to try out their training and it would be interesting to see what they had learned and how they handled themselves.
Opening the door, he entered and slowly walked over to the cabinet, unlocked it and took out a syringe and a small bottle of liquid. He knew Franco would think it was the drugs he had threatened to get him hooked on before but it was actually a sedative, with a kicker. It would make him dream and depending on what was on his mind the dreams could be good or trips through a horrible nightmare. Cole figured the odds leaned more toward the nightmare realm. Closing the door and locking it he walked over to
the bed.
Cole shook his head asking, "Is the man all right?" Receiving a nod from the elf, he said, "Let me know when the owner of the backpack is identified. Also tomorrow morning, I will need your healing services. Go now and get some rest." Punta, nodded and said, "Yes Master Frank. I will be ready in the morning." The door closed as Punta left, leaving only Franco and Cole in the room. Cole again stepped close to the bed, and calmly filled the syring from the bottle. Holding it ready he said to Franco, "I made a promise to you before you escaped Saint. Tomorrow morning I will make good on that promise."
Cole shook his head asking, "Is the man all right?" Receiving a nod from the elf, he said, "Let me know when the owner of the backpack is identified. Also tomorrow morning, I will need your healing services. Go now and get some rest." Punta, nodded and said, "Yes Master Frank. I will be ready in the morning." The door closed as Punta left, leaving only Franco and Cole in the room. Cole again stepped close to the bed, and calmly filled the syring from the bottle. Holding it ready he said to Franco, "I made a promise to you before you escaped Saint. Tomorrow morning I will make good on that promise."
Cole paid no attention to Franco as he walked over to the door and called for one of the guards in the hall. "Help me get his arm strapped down." The man walked over and smiling took a brutal hold on Franco's arm and shoulder and pulled it to the railing where Cole was able to get the other strap around the upper part of the Saints arm. It made it so he could not move the arm at all.
Taking an alcohol swab from his pocket he opened it and wiped the inner surface of the crook of Franco's arm. "Hold still Franco. I would not want to break the needle off in your arm." He smiled seeing the fear in the man's eyes as the needle went in and Cole shot the liquid, which he knew burned, into Franco's vain. Removing the needle, he swabbed the area again and removed the second restrain. "Now Franco you will sleep and tomorrow you will learn what it means to go against my wishes." Cole laughed and stood beside the bed, waiting for the sedative to take effect.
Franco cringed as he knew that most likely he had just insured that somebody close to him, was in for a world of pain. Saint needed to know who so with fear in his eyes, he asked, "Cole, please. I will accept the punishment, just don't.." Franco stopped as he was afraid by asking Cole to not force him to watch somebody else be punished for his escape, that Fixer would refuse.
Cole figured they had about ten minutes before the sedative forced Franco to sleep and dream. "Just don't what Franco," he said, and he leaned on the railing of the bed. "You may as well ask because you are not going anywhere for a while."
Franco hung his head as he said, "What you usually do? I escaped, I will accept the punishment but..." Getting a bite to his voice, "I won't have you torture somebody else!"
Cole lowered his chin to his arms he had propped on the railing, then stood back up straighter, "Saint, you are right, you escaped and you will accept the punishment. I have decided to not bring anyone else into this now … but I will make you another promise, try to escape again and I will bring you back here along with someone from the school. I hope I am making myself clear on this fact." Franco's eyes were starting to droop. It would not be long now before the man was sent into the world of dreams.
Saint had to try and insure those kids safety as he said, "I won't endanger those kids so you have my word, I won't try to escape again. Though there are other ways to resist you and believe me I have no intention of breaking."
Cole just patted Franco on the shoulder and said, "Sleep Saint, we will talk more when you awake." Cole turned and walked to the door, "Sweet dreams, Franco," he added with a chuckle as he left the room.
Franco was finding it hard to keep his eyes open as he thought about the school, and what his family might be doing and thinking. He wanted to go home, but the only way to do that was to give into Cole's demands. He was worried he was on that road, and that scared him almost as much as possibly pulling one of the children into his nightmare. As his eyes closed, vision of horror assaulted his mind
Stopping in at his office before going to wake Franco, he found a report on his desk from the elf Tarka, explaining that a message had been found in the lining of the backpack stating someone would be getting in touch with Jameson, when they were ready to pull him off the island. Tarka said he was looking into the matter and security had been doubled in Cole's name. Cole nodded to himself and he realized the elves had all the possibilities covered, so he could concentrate on Franco.
As he poured himself a glass of iced-mint-tea, Cole hit the switch which turned on the view screen, showing a sleeping Franco. The man was restless. Looking closer he realized, Franco's wrists and ankles were showing wear and tear from Franco's thrashing about. His pillow was on the floor and the sheet was barely covering the rest of his unclothed body. Cole turned up the sound as he could see Franco's mouth moving.
Cole sipped on his tea as he listened to the verbal parts of Franco's dreams. "No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids … yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids … No …. No …. Please let them go … I beg you … look see I will get on my knees … no … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …"
All of a sudden Franco's eyes shot open and he lay staring at the ceiling, panting. Sweat covered his whole body. The man was awake
Putting down his glass on his desk, he left the view screen on so Punta or one of the other elves could check on him if they wanted to. Walking across the hall, he nodded to the two guards outside the door who saluted him. Franco was under constant surveillance, but when he was awake there were always guards outside the door, and even outside the now barred window. Opening the door he walked in and took his customary seat on the backwards turned chair at the table. He just stared at Franco, giving him the first words of the day.
Franco could not remember all of his nightmare. What he did remember terrified him as he said, "So what do you have planned for today?" He prayed it had nothing to do with the kids that were called The Core.
Cole did not answer his question, but got up and went to the bed, where he undid the restraints on Franco's wrists and ankles. He went to the cabinet, unlocked it and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and through them on top of Franco. As he walked back to his chair, he said, "Get up and get dressed, Saint. You can use the bathroom if you like." Cole just sat and watched, Franco move.
He took as long as he dared in the bathroom, expecting any minute to be dragged out. Grabbing a towel, he put it around his neck and walked out into the main part of the room. On the table was a sandwich and a cold glass of what looked like pumpkin juice. Franco walked over to the table and was unable to prevent himself from eagerly grabbing at the juice and the sandwich. He had gathered supplies when he was loose, but had only eaten a handful of berries in the last twenty-four hours. As he ate he became more confused. Cole was up to something but it made no sense.
Before they went to the basement, where Franco would receive his punishment for trying to escape, Cole was going to have Punta, help Franco remember his dreams. As this thought entered his head, Punta walked in. Cole nodded to the elf and said to Franco, "Punta is going to check your wrists and ankles."
Trying to smile as he said, "I guess I slept okay. I have had worst injuries, I will be fine. So what are you planning Fixer?"
"None the less, Punta will check you out, please hold still and let him finish." Cole watched as the elf came slowly forward and took Franco's hands in his, looking at his wrists. He alternately passed his hands over each wrist allowing his elfin healing magic to repair the red raw skin of the wrists and hands. The he knelt down and did the same thing with Franco's ankles. When he was done he walked around to the back of Franco's chair and without warning, placed two fingers on each side of Franco's head at his temples. Punta closed his eyes and nodded. He was holding Franco's mind between his fingertips. Cole said, "Remember Franco … see your future if you go against me… remember your dreams." Cole watched as the man started to wither.
He had broken and Cole had shown Khalid by having him bring the Dark Medjai, Tia. Cole had in his dream told him that if anybody even the Core tried to stop him, Franco was to kill them. Saint just knew that his dreamself had pleaded to no aveil. "No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids … yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids … No …. No …. Please let them go … I beg you … look see I will get on my knees … no … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …"
When Punta walked around his chair, he thought they were done, but as the effect of Punta's fingertips started to grab his brain, he became terrified. His body started to shake as he was forced back into his nightmares. They became vivid, losing all of the shadows which he had earlier been glad, covered some of the memories. He was sitting in a high back chair, on a raised dais, next to Cole, whose chair was larger than his. He was waiting for something to happen. Shadowy figures walked around the edge of the room, laughing and dancing to unheard music. Large floor length windows off to the side had billowing curtains blowing in an unfelt breeze. The scene outside the windows was of green gardens and springtime in full bloom, but he knew he could not go out there. Cole had raised his hands and clapped once and the doors at the other end of the hall opened. Tia, was brought in with heavy chains hanging from her wrists. He tried to get up but could not move. Cole looked at him and said, "Thank you Saint, today you have done well. The Dark Madjai will be pleased with your offering." Cole laughed in his face. "The girl is only the beginning. You will bring them one by one to me so I can give them instructions. The Core will be not stop me, because they try, you will kill them… you are honor bound… "
"No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids …" he shouted at Cole, who only nodded. Franco knew he had broken. The people in the room became livelier.
"You can save them Franco, all you have to do is let me control you … let me tell you what you can and cannot do. The kids will remain free that way." Cole had told him as the man's face became bigger and took up his whole range of vision.
Franco had nodded and continued to nod as he pleaded, "…yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids …" More people had entered the room, which had grown darker. Their laughing and dancing had become more frantic. Lance and Arianna, waltzed by and laughed at him, but there was sadness in their eyes. His brother's all passed by but would not look at him, they just kept walking turning their heads away and they came within three feet of his seat.
Cole chuckled as he had leaned over close to Franco's ear saying in a loud whisper, "See my guests having fun, Franco. You are responsible for all the fun they are having. You will decide how much fun they continue to have."
"No …. No …. Please let them go …" Franco could feel the tears escaping from his eyes. Somehow he got up out of the chair and went to his knees in front of Coles chair. His voice sounded strange as he said, "I beg you … look see I will get on my knees" As he looked up his family and friends started to approach the dias and he turned still on his knees and shouted, "No … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …" The dream had ended with Cole laughing loudly and everyone else in the room, pointing their fingers at him and nodding.
As Punta took his fingers away from Franco's temples, the Saint fell forward and could not stop the tears from his eyes or the shaking of his body. He fought to get his gasping breaths under control.
Turning his head as he continued softly, "Because I will never allow myself to betray or hurt those kids."
Cole stood up as he said, "I have something for you to think about Franco. If you had me on your side, with the people I can influence, wouldn't it be safer for the kids… I can help you protect them." Cole realized it was time to start another phase of Franco's training. Franco was primed to start thinking Cole could be a benefit to him. "Now stand up Saint, we need to get on with this day." When Franco hesitated he said in a voice which allowed for only compliance, "I said stand up."
Franco knew if he didn't stand then Cole would only have Punta make him. He asked as he stood, "Thanks to Punta, you at least heard my nightmare Cole. Can you honestly say that if Khalid ordered you to have me bring him Tia..." He stopped as he again saw Tia in those chains. Pushing the scene back as he finished, "That you would refuse? I can't risk that nightmare ever happening. Do you honestly believe that Khalid had nothing to do with what Shadow has done?There is nothing that Shadow does without The Dark Medjai's approval and support! If you believe otherwise, than you are blind."
"Franco, I do not answer to Shadow. The man can ask anything he wants… he can get as angry as he wants…. He can even talk to Khalid about what he wants. I have my orders and I have been given a free hand on how I carry out those orders. Tia is not my target." Cole started to walk toward the door, "I know you are not going to believe this at the moment, and maybe you never will, but the Core is safer with me watching over them than if I decided to abandon them to other powers. Now come with me." Cole got to the door and opened it, motioning for the two guards outside to stand aside. "You have some other lessons to learn." Cole stood so Franco would be able to walk past him. Punta stood behind Franco, in case he needed encouragement to walk out of the room.
Franco headed for the door and passed Cole. He noticed Punta was following behind him. When he got into the hall, he waited. Cole went in front of him, and motioned for him to follow. Punta scurried down the hall toward the stairs, and the two guards fell in close behind him. They were headed to the room Franco was getting to know a lot better than he knew was healthy. As they entered, Franco saw about twenty men sitting around the ring on the benches talking, and more were entering as they made their way to the ring in the center. Cole motioned for him to enter the ring. Franco tried to stand tall and as nonchalantly as he could. Cole entered and guided him to the center of the ring. Whispering in his ear, "Stand there for a moment," then left the ring and talked to a man sitting in the first row. The man nodded and went to the wall, flipping some switches. The light over the center of the ring came on… the room became instantly quiet. Franco had a bad feeling about this.
Once Franco was in the ring, Cole started his lesson in motion. He had the lights on the ring turned on, which he knew would signal the men they were ready to start. He returned to the side of the ring and raised his hand. Seven men got up and made their way into the ring, forming a circle around Franco. Cole looked into the ring and explained, "Franco these men have expressed along with ten others, their need for recompense from you, because of bodily or mental anguish you have cause." Cole's smile grew bigger. "I have been thinking you have some bottled up anger which you need to release, so I am allowing them to get whatever payment they feel due and making it possible for you to vent some of that anger… there will be no weapons allowed. There will just be hand to hand combat until I call it quits. .." Cole looked straight into Franco's eyes as he added, "You can stop the fighting anytime you want, if you will just agree to follow my orders without question. Now we will begin." Cole turned and sat in the only comfortable chair in the room, which was about five feet away from the action. Raising his hand he let it drop and sat watching.
Franco looked at Cole as he asked, "What are you up to now Fixer? I am not training your men. In fact, if given the chance Cole..." He gave a glare to those men as he finished, "I would insure them and you ended up like Jamerson." The one way to insure the nightmare never happened was to kill those that could endanger the princess. Saint inwardly cringed as he wondered if he could really murder to save Tia. Shaking his head as he realized that no matter how bad Cole was, Franco's inner beliefs would not allow him to just murder somebody, even somebody like Cole. He had killed Jamerson but only to get payback for Lance.
As Cole watched he motioned to the refreshment attendee, he would like something to drink. Punta had taken a place sitting on the floor at his feet. Cole had told the elf he could sit on a bench, but he had refused, stating it would be out of character for him to be shown such respect, and besides he preferred the floor. Punta was there as a medic.
Franco had decided to fight. The next man who went to shove his received a right cross on the jaw, giving Franco the satisfying chance to hear bones crunched. He ducked as the man beside him took a swing and his foot lashed out to the man who had advanced from the other side of the circle. Franco went down in a fighting crouch and turned in a slow circle. Another man from just within his vision came at him and throws to quick jabs, one of which connected as he tried to side step the other. Within a matter of seconds, Franco found his arms pined behind his back and a man standing in front of him smiling. He felt the one punch in his gut, before the uppercut, made his head swim. He barely heard Cole's voice from the sidelines saying one word, "Break". He was not sure if Fixer was telling the men to let go of him, or if he was reminding him all he had to do was give in. Franco shook his head to clear the fog, threatening to take away his will to keep fighting.
Franco was grabbed by both arms and drug back into the ring. He pretended to be limp, but when a man came at him, he planted his feet under him and shoved up, catching the advancing man under the chin with the top of his head. Franco quickly found himself pinned in a kneeling position, with two men standing in front of him. Their faces showing their unmasked intent on cause him a lot of pain. The pain came and just as he was about to black out, everything stopped. The world became fuzzy then dark.
Franco found himself back in the nightmare again. Tia and the rest of the Core were standing at the other end of the long room, their hands out stretched in his direction. They were desperately calling for him to come help them, but try as he might Franco could only manage a slow belly crawl in their direction. It seemed as the more he crawled the farther away they got. Cole was standing beside him, walking sideways, keeping up with his slow progress, saying, "I will help you take care of them Franco… all you have to do is let me take care of you…. Give in to my demands and I will help you make sure they are safe…. Look at them… they are getting farther and farther away…" Franco felt someone slapping his face and he smelled a strong odor assaulting his nose. His eyes flickered open and he was back in his bed, strapped down by his wrists and ankles. Cole stood at the side of the bed, arms resting on the railing and smiling. "Welcome back, partner…. It is nice to know you have finally seen the light."
His eyes flickered open and he was back in his bed, strapped down by his wrists and ankles. His one arm had again been immunized with a strap at the shoulder and one at the wrist. Cole stood at the side of the bed, arms resting on the railing and smiling. "Welcome back, partner…. It is nice to know you have finally seen the light."
Franco cringed as he asked shaken, "What do you mean Fixer?" The nightmare that was so visable still in his mind. Saint shook his head sadly as he feared that it might not have been a dream
Cole could see the drug taking effect so he said, "Franco get out of bed and stand in front of the girl."
Franco watched the girl and realized that Cole was most likely going to order him to hurt or kill her. Franco hoped he could fight the serum for the fifteen minutes that it would be in his body. Looking from the girl to Cole, Franco asked, "And what happens if I fight the serum? I won't do your dirty work Fixer and all I have to do is fight it for fifteen minutes. You will see Fixer, that I have more at stake than this one girl. If I give in now, then I risk betraying the Core of my beliefs cause that girl has done nothing to warrant me hurting her."
Cole repeated his demands, "Stand up Franco and go and stand in front of the girl, now."
Cole smiled and took a place at the end of the bed, "I am sorry Franco, but you have can ot fight the serum. I know you feel it in your veins. Your legs want to get up don't they. The pain you are feeling resisting will only grow and you still will eventually do what I say. Now," Cole repeated his demands, "Stand up Franco and go and stand in front of the girl."
The pain was building in Franco's legs and he was losing control over the movements of his body. His legs on their own swung over the side of the bed and his feet planted themselves on the floor. He put his arms down at this side and balled his hands into fists, trying to keep himself from walking forward, but his body had become disconnected from his mind and his will. He found himself standing in front of the frightened girl, trying to apologize with his eyes. She only looked more frightened as she looked from him to Cole.
Cole smiled. The girl sitting in the chair was actually 25 years old and one of the star members of his army. She had proven herself over and over against some of the men who had fallen out. When he had gone to her and asked if she would like to take part in the breaking of Franco, she had enthusiastically agreed. She had the makings of a first rate operative. Everything had been explained to her, including the pain she may be going through. She had also been told what the payoff was, if she made it through. Cole was very generous with those who served him well. Maggie, the girls real name, had dressed as a teenager and had taken on the persona of a girl who was in the wrong place and the wrong time. Cole watched as she played the part to the hilt.
Talking to Franco, Cole said, "Franco, our young and foolish Maria, needs to be taught a lesson about not getting into other people's property and going where she has no right to go, don't you think? You Franco are going to help drive that lesson home. Undo the front of her blouse, now."
Franco looked at the scared girl as he answered Cole, "Yes, but it can be done without me hurting her Fixer. She scared as is. I can convince her that she needs to swear that she won't tell anybody what she has seen or ever come back her." Franco had to try to protect this girl from harm. He prayed that Cole would not order her death as he now knew that under the serum he would kill her if order though he would fight it every step of the way.
"You Franco are going to help drive that lesson home. Undo the front of her blouse, now."
Franco cringed as he begged Cole, "Don't have me do this please Fixer? She made a mistake and has realized it."
Turning to the girl saying even has his hands started undoing the buttons, "Tell him that you understand your mistake and swear that you won't ever do it again. That you will tell no one. Please girl, cause if he orders me...under this serum...to kill you...I will...even though I will fight it until the last possible second!"
Cole walked over to the end of the table and leaned on it, so he could make sure he had eye contact with Franco. As the last button of the blouse came loose, exposing a bright red sports bra, Cole smiled, saying to Franco, "Nice, isn't she, Franco. So young and fair. Wouldn't you just love to have her really close to you?" Without warning he said, "Slap her three times, Franco, hard. I want to hear the sound."
"There is only one way to teach a girl like this to not do something again, Franco." Cole said as he walked over to the end of the table and leaned on it, so he could make sure he had eye contact with Franco. As the last button of the blouse came loose, exposing a bright red sports bra, Cole smiled, saying to Franco, "Nice, isn't she, Franco. So young and fair. Wouldn't you just love to have her really close to you?" Without warning he said, "Slap her three times, Franco, hard. I want to hear the sound."
He felt the pain hit him hard and felt the war in his mind that was happening. His beliefs were taught by both of his parents but his faith was instilled by his mother. He could feel both being shown to be of little value or that he must really be strong in either as he still had dishonored that girl by obeying Cole. As tears came to his eyes as he thought unknowingly aloud, "How can my faith and beliefs mean so little to me that I would allow the serum to force my hands to undress her blouse? Do I have so little faith that I can't even stand up for my beliefs?"
Franco felt relief when told to slap her hard. Saint didn't even fight the command as he slapped the girl in the face quickly three times at full force. Then his mind came back to haunt him with his father's words, "Gentlemen don't hit women Franco!" All he could do is hang his head as he answered his father, "Would you have rather he ordered me to rape her father? I can't fight the serum so how do stop myself from doing what he orders? Faith?"
The next shot would make him feel any pain to himself, to the extreme. A few times of back and forth between the two, should take the Saint to where Cole needed him, ready to comply with all his wishes.
He knew it was useless as he watched his body obey even as his eyes teared as he said softly, "Do I have so little faith? That my body would obey Fixer in dishonoring this child?"
As he turned toward Cole, his legs gave out and he fell to his knees. He did not have enough strength to get back up again. Cole signaled two of the guards to grab him and fasten him to the straps on the wall, where Lance had been positioned at one time. It was time for the next shot. Before Franco had time to recover, Cole picked up another needle and filled it from the second vile, then calmly walked over and jabbed into Franco's backside. Walking back over to the bed he put a sheet over the girl and winked at her. She winked back, showing she was all right. As Cole had thought, her trembling was not from fear, but from arousal.
He turned back to Franco who had recovered from the first shot and was realizing where he was standing. "Now Franco we are going to try another part of your therapy. The shot I just gave you is going to heighten your sensitivity to pain. Not sure how long it will last , but we still have most of the day left. You of course can stop any of this at any time, if you again, say you will follow my orders with no questions asked… what do you say." Cole walked over to test on how far the drug had gotten into Franco's system. He reached out and pinched Franco's stomach, grabbing as much flesh as he could. He was rewarded with a healthy grown from the man. Another five minutes and Franco would give more than an grown, from a simple pinch.
Cole stood in front of Franco. He had great respect for the man, but he was still intent on saving Franco, his brothers, his sister and all his friends a lot of heartache. If he could only tell him the truth, but Shadow had to believe he was broken, and Cole could not take the chance Franco or one of the family would let it slip that he was not in Cole's control. "Franco look at me… you can hold onto your faith and still give into me. I am not asking you to give up faith; I am just asking that you let me help you protect your family and friends. I know it makes no sense, Saint, but what is going to happen will happen. You are already weak and I will keep after you until you give into my demands." Cole pounded Franco in the stomach hard. "Give in Franco…" He balled up his fist and hit him in the jaw. He knew the pain was unbearable. "Give in Franco, bow to my will…." Again he pounded him in the stomach. "Give in Saint… Let me end this…" Looking over at the girl, he said, "The pain you are feeling can be dealt out to others, How do you think the girl would take feeling what I could do to her, after she had a shot."
Thinking unknowingly aloud, "Why is my faith and trust so strong in the defense of others but so weak when defending my own beliefs? Can I really give up one without destroying them both? Is it my beliefs that have cause me to falter in my faith?"
He is at a point where he is wondering if it is his belief that he should give his problems and trails over to god when it is others at risk...if he is betraying god by not trusting him in all things instead of just when he is protecting others by his actions
Cole stood back for a moment, "Tell me about your Faith, Franco. What binds you to it… why do you hate yourself? Why are you willing to give up everything to protect others but have such little regard for your own well being? Why can't you have faith that god just might have a reason and just is asking for to trust him fully? Give into me, Franco or suffer more… it is totally up to you."
His captor's next words shook him to his core as he said without thinking, "My mother did and where was he? He helps when you are helping others but when it is only you at risk, he..." Franco stopped as he realized why he never trusted god enough to risk giving him full control. Saint had never gotten over him letting those dark wizards kill his mother.
Wondering as he said a little aloud, "What reason could god have had to allow them to murder her?"
Franco heard something deep inside answer, "I have my reasons and your mother understood that sometimes I need to give people a little nug or even a wake-up call. One day, you will understand. But I don't ask for understanding but for your faith and trust. And in those you lack!" Franco shook his head as he was so unsure.
Saint starred at Cole as he just shook his head.
Cole walked over to the table and picked up the first syringe and bottle of liquid, filled the syringe and walked back over to Franco. "You either hold still and take the needle, Franco, or I give this needle and one from the other bottle to the girl at the same time. I am not sure what will happen, with the mix… but it may be interesting to find out."
Cole gave Franco the shot as the girl was being removed from the room and the cub reporter was entering. Cole turned to Franco and undid the bindings, then he said, "Stay were you are Franco, this should not take more than ten minutes and that will give you five minutes to spare." Cole turned toward the cub reporter, who was trying to look young and innocent. The boy was really a man in his early 30's and very well versed in espionage. "Sit him in the chair," Cole said to the guard. When the man was bound snug to the chair, Cole turned to Franco handed him a knife and said, "Kill him, now" The reporter started to beg for his life as if he was a teenager, "Mr. Spellman, what is happening? I am scared Mr. Spellman, please make them let me go…" Cole repeated his order to Franco. "Kill him, now"
Hearing Cole he said, "What is going on? This kid is just a cub reporter. He is no threat to you. What have you done with Margaret? Why are you having me kill an innocent?" Franco knew that he would carry the order out as he felt the pain hit his body full force.
Looking straight at Franco Cole said, "Stay where you are Franco, this should not take more than ten minutes and that will give you five minutes to spare." Cole turned toward the cub reporter, who was trying to look young and innocent. Walked up to him and whispered in his ear, "I know who you are… who you work for … how old you are … and that you are about to die." The reporters face went ashen. The boy was really a man in his early 30's and very well versed in espionage. "Sit him in the chair," Cole said to the guard. When the man was bound snug to the chair, Cole turned to Franco handed him a knife and said, "Kill him, now" The reporter started to beg for his life as if he was a teenager, "Mr. Spellman, what is happening? I am scared Mr. Spellman, please make them let me go…" Cole repeated his order to Franco. "Kill him, now"
Hearing Cole he said, "What is going on? This kid is just a cub reporter. He is no threat to you. What have you done with Margaret? Why are you having me kill an innocent?" Franco knew that he would carry the order out as he felt the pain hit his body full force.
Cole walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Franco had remained at the back wall on the other side of the table from the reporter. Turning his attention to Franco, he said, "Margaret is fine. She hasn't even missed this man yet. He is just going to be another reporter who disappeared doing a story. Now, Franco you heard my orders. Kill him… NOW."
Cole smiled not moving from the edge of the bed, Franco was quick as far as figureing out when something was not right with a situation. Cole had checked Franco out and the man had a sixth sense on where there was a story. Looking at the quasi- cub reporter, he almost felt sorry for the man. The Dark-sect was getting sloppy if they sent this type of person in as a spy. That sloppiness' may help later.
The reporter started to struggle, "Please Mr. Spellman…. Help me please…. Marge sent me to a store front and told me someone would meet me in the alley with some information for her … no one showed up … I waited for an hour… Next thing I know I am blindfolded, my hands are tied behind my back and I Apparated to here… I don't understand what is happening…. I don't want to die…. Please sir, help me."
Saint was surprised at how his gut was telling him that this cub was no innocent as he first thought and death was going to be this lair's reward. Smiling as he said to Fixer, "I want answers first and I am going to give this cub a chance. For that I need my toy and room, you do remember my toy, Fixer?"
It went against Cole's better judgment to give Franco his deadly yo-yo, but he need the man dead and he wanted Franco to do the killing as a reinforcement of Cole's orders. "I will have a promise from you first Franco, on your honor, of course. In the end the man will die, and when he is dead, you will hand the toy over to me with no problems from you. It will only be used on this man. Do I have your honor on that one? I hope you find what you need to find, but the man is a dead man and you are the one who will take his life, by my orders."
Cole smiled not moving from the edge of the bed, Franco was quick as far as figureing out when something was not right with a situation. Cole had checked Franco out and the man had a sixth sense on where there was a story. Looking at the quasi- cub reporter, he almost felt sorry for the man. The Dark-sect was getting sloppy if they sent this type of person in as a spy. That sloppiness' may help later.
The reporter started to struggle, "Please Mr. Spellman…. Help me please…. Marge sent me to a store front and told me someone would meet me in the alley with some information for her … no one showed up … I waited for an hour… Next thing I know I am blindfolded, my hands are tied behind my back and I Apparated to here… I don't understand what is happening…. I don't want to die…. Please sir, help me."
Saint was surprised at how his gut was telling him that this cub was no innocent as he first thought and death was going to be this lair's reward. Smiling as he said to Fixer, "I want answers first and I am going to give this cub a chance. For that I need my toy and room, you do remember my toy, Fixer?"
It went against Cole's better judgment to give Franco his deadly yo-yo, but he need the man dead and he wanted Franco to do the killing as a reinforcement of Cole's orders. "I will have a promise from you first Franco, on your honor, of course. In the end the man will die, and when he is dead, you will hand the toy over to me with no problems from you. It will only be used on this man. Do I have your honor on that one? I hope you find what you need to find, but the man is a dead man and you are the one who will take his life, by my orders."
The reporter's eyes shifted quickly around the room, looking for any possible escape route, but there was none. Cole signaled the guard to leave. He had learned Franco's honor was always kept so he was not worried about being hurt. The serum Cole had given Franco would be in the man's system for another ten minutes, but Franco was acting on his own. Cole sat on the edge of the bed and tossed the yo-yo to Franco, generally waving his hand for the man to start.
(combined threads from old site)
Cole shoved Franco toward the waiting men, who promptly bound his hands behind his back with magically locked shackles. Taking a deep breath, he straightened up, stretched and smiled, "Sorry about that Saint, but couldn't take the chance you would not come." They had landed outside the main barracks on Coles private Island he had named Isle of Perdition.
As Cole followed his men who were leading Franco into the Barracks, Cole reviewed what had happened at the bank in his mind. They had left the Dailey Prophet, Apparating to the bank, where Franco calmly allowed Cole to look through his vault as the man was honor bound to do, because of their prior agreement. It had been very interesting and Punta, his elf friend, was bringing a rather thick folder of papers, Cole wanted to look through.
Everything had gone fine until Cole had shown Franco he had the keys to his mother's vault and had decided to check it out. Technically since she was dead the vault belonged to Franco and the rest of the quintuplets. Even with Cole promising not to remove anything from the vault, Franco had started to get very loud and downright testy about the whole thing. In Franco's vault, Cole had Punta, bind and gag Franco, and then follow him to the other vault, two doors down. All Cole wanted to do was let Punta, who had a photographic mind into the vault for a few moments, look at what he could and then come out.
If it hadn't been for the pesky little bank teller, who decided to check to see if they had everything they needed, there would not have been a problem. The teller saw them in one vault and knew by his records they were supposed to be in another. When he had gone to Franco's vault and found Franco bound and gagged, he had started to sound an alarm. Punta had knocked him out just before the first alarm chime rang. Cole had grabbed Franco and Apparated. Punta was grabbing the file, of stuff from Franco's vault.
Just as they reached the door to the barracks, Punta dropped hard to the ground where Cole and Franco had originally arrived. Papers went everywhere and there was a mad dash by anyone outside to grab them all. Cole signaled the two guards holding Franco to stop, and he ran back to see if Punta was all right. He was not worried about the elf being followed, because no one could get on or off the island without knowing the spell combination Cole had established.
Cole went down on one knee and helped Punta back up. Smiling he asked, "You ok, my friend. I told you we did not need the sack in the back of the vault. Why did you go for it?"
Punta stood up and dusted himself off. He looked around and smiled to see all the humans, running after some of the papers which had become kites. He looked at his friend and tried to answer his question, "When we were first in the vault I went to the back and found the sack held pictures. They would have been too difficult for me to reproduce, so we needed them. Trying not to hurt the bank teller, I did not tie him secure enough and he got lose," Punta chuckled, "He almost made the trip with me. If my shirt had not torn," Punta looked at the tear in his shirt, "The little goblin would have been standing here right now."
Cole stood up and put his hand on Punta's shoulder. "Try not to put yourself in so much difficulty next time. I would not want to have to explain to your mate and you sirelings, that you were hurt or captured." Cole patted the elf, grabbed the heavy bag and they made there way to the barracks. Looking up, Cole waved the guards in and signaled them to take Franco back to his room.
Once inside, Cole handed the sack to one of his men and told him to follow Punta with it. The guard looked puzzled on why the house elf was not carrying the sack, but did not question Cole's orders. Cole and his five friends had an arrangement that they would pretend to be house elves. Cole and his men had an arrangement that he would pay them handsomely, as long as they did not question anything he said. The arrangements were working well.
Cole turned and headed toward to far end of the barracks area, which held several interrogation rooms and his private office area. He got there just as the door to Franco's room closed. Looking toward his office door across the hall, he thought about getting a shower and something to eat. Instead he sighed and headed to see about Franco.
Franco was terrified for himself, his friends on the island, his new staff and mostly for two very special elves. He had noticed how Punta had come back. Staring at Cole as the man asked if he was hungry as if that would solve everything. Thinking back and trying to understand how everything had blow-up, he realized that it started going sour once he learned that Cole had his mother's key. He had exploded. The next thing he knew his had been bound and gagged. As the memories came flooding back.
Opening the door Cole casually walked into the interrogation room and said, "Franco you hungry?" Cole motioned for the man's hands to be untied, and he was settled into one of the two, straight back metal chairs in the room, near the table.
He realized that his hands were untied. Seeing Cole just sit there as if he didn't have a care in the world, Franco snapped and punched Cole as he said, “Do you know what you have done? Do you have any idea of what will happen when my staff hears that I am a captive? Tal'mac and Ken will...”
Cole got up off the floor, moving his jaw back and forth to make sure it wasn't broken. As he picked the chair up he had knocked over he looked over to where one of the guards had Franco in a nasty head lock, and the other had just finish binding Franco's hands and feet. "Put him in the chair and keep him there," Cole said to the guards with venom in his voice. He then turned his chair around and straddled the seat.
Resting his arms on the back of the chair, Cole stared at Franco for some very long moments. The guards each had a firm hand on Franco's shoulders and they were not being gentle. "That was not a good thing to do, Saint, especially in the position you are presently in." Slamming his hands flat onto the table he half stood and leaned toward Franco. "You do know I cannot let you get away with what you just did?" Cole sat back down in his chair, crossed his arms on the back and put his chin on his arms, never releasing Franco's eye contact. Looking over to where the cabinet was in the wall, Cole sat back in the chair and held onto the back of it for support. Looking back at Franco he smiled.
Franco was still furious as he fought his bonds saying, "You should have thought of that before you endangered Punta. You should never have went into my mother's vault as her key was never a part of our deal! Once that goblin tells what he saw, Tal'mac and Ken will know what is happening. They will realize that you were not the friend I claimed you to be." Franco noticed that Cole was looking at the cabinet as Franco finished, "Tal'mac will come looking...Cole, you have never seen a Norse Light Elf when he is furious and he will be out for Punta's blood and yours..."
"Franco, in the first place, we did nothing at the bank which was illegal. The goblins know for a fact no one can get into a vault without the proper keys. So when they saw us in your Mother's vault they would have taken it for granted we had the keys. Second, by the time the teller had reached your vault, your hands were undone and you gag was invisible. Punta told him you were ill and that was why we left so fast. The teller was a little upset about Punta removing something, because he is an elf, but he still did not do anything illegal. I am sure the goblins would not want to bring in the law, and have to explain, two men and an elf were in the vaults and one man was ill . If it gets to the paper, well, they already know you left on Medical leave, by your own admission" Cole stood up and turned the chair around, carefully putting it under the table. Stretching he said to the guards, "Bring him," and then walked over and held the door open for the guards to walk Franco out and down to the basement. Cole had to make sure his men knew he would not take a hit from someone, and not teach them they can get away with it. It would undermine his control.
Franco was still furious that Cole had his mother's key and his friends were still trapped. "Cole, that still does not explain you having my mother's key or that Punta's condition when he came back." Franco shook his head as he fought the men holding him. He wanted Cole to understand just how much damage that key could cause and so saying without thinking, "Cole, something in that vault got my mother killed and now they know it still exists and that all that stands between that key and my mother's killer is me and one elf Punta. If they have already killed what change do you think Punta stands?"
As they walked down the steps to the playroom Cole said to the still struggling Franco, "It looks like you can add me to that list, Franco. I still have the keys to the vault and if you are good then maybe I will take you back to the vault and help you look through what is there … you do not have to worry about Punta, Franco he has a lot more talent than you know of at the moment. He is from the Isle of Skye Mountain Clan. When you get a chance ask Tal'mac about the five clan's on the Isle of Skye." Cole chuckled. He would match any of the Isle elves against any other elf or wizard.
When they reached the room, Cole motioned for the two guards to place Franco in the ring. He climbed in after them. Before he released Franco, he wanted to explain to the man, "Franco I am going to give you a chance to let me know how you really feel about me. There are going to be no weapons involved, it will only be your hands against mine. If you win, I will give you your mother's key or send it to your brothers if you prefer. I will be honor bound to do this and remove my agents from the school." Cole signaled for the guards to release Franco, and then stood waiting. "All you have to do Saint is win."
Franco smiled and then as he thought more on it inwardly cringed as he asked, "And if I just by chance lose, then what?" Saint had no intention of losing but if he did then he wanted to know just what he was risking.
"Hmmm, so sure of yourself are you," Cole smiled and relaxed a little. "If you lose, I keep the key, and use it at my leisure to check out the vault, maybe taking you with me. We will also be continuing our little chats ." Cole laughed out loud. He was going to enjoy this. Franco's brother Marco had asked him at one time to help, toughen up his brother. This was going to be a lesson for Franco, one he was not going to forget for a long time. It was also going to teach his men he would not take any trouble from them. His men already knew of his propensity for sending mal contents to the South Pole, with little or no support.
"We can start anytime you are ready, Saint. I will give you the first swing." Cole stood there, with his arms down to his side, looking anything but ready to defend himself.
Franco grinned as he said, "And if I refuse to take your little bet?"
"Franco this fight is not an option," Cole straightened up and put his hands on his hips, the smile had disappeared from his face. "We are going to fight. If you choose not to defend yourself then that is up to you. Now do you want to take the first swing or do I start us off?"
Franco had never taken the first swing in his life especially since he usually did not fight. When he did though he always remembered something James had said to his brothers. That was to never start a fight but always finish one. Cole was so sure of his skills but Franco had learned to fight dirty and be quick. He was furious though and had trouble thinking clearly. This man had threatened his family, his friends and his co-workers. Now the man had access to his mother's work and that he could never allow as it risked Marco and Kat. They had been home that day as the rest went to pick him up at St. Mungo's with their father.
Franco's temper rose as he thought about the fact that since he had first met this man in Shadow Lounge, Cole had endangered every member of his family. Franco did not even know whether he swung first or Cole; all Franco knew for sure is that to him Cole was a threat to everything he believed in
(Cole and Franco Fight)
Franco was down on the mat. Cole had to admit the man had put up a very good fight. He had even been able to get some solid hits in. Cole would have to review the video tape later and find out how he had opened his defenses enough for Franco to hammer hard on his body. When he looked around he realized they had a full blown audience in the room. There were easily twenty plus men sitting around. Cole signaled two of them to pick Franco up, "Take him back to his room, and put him in the bed. I will have Punta look at him. Stand back when you have him down though, because he may over react to coming too. I will follow in a few moments."
As the men walked out carrying Franco, Cole turned to the men in general. One of those sitting on the front row, through him a towel, which Cole thanked him for. Taking generally to the room, he said, "The video will be available in the library in about an hour. "I will expect a report from all of the first level troops. Please let any who are not here know of the requirement. The report will consist of a synopsis of the fight, good points and bad point for both my guest and me. Any report coming back, not being truthful will earn the person a personal talk with me. I made mistakes, because the man got in solid hits. Second level support troops and third level trainees, are to view the film also.
Cole put the towel around his neck and headed to where Franco had been taken. Punta was in the hall outside the room and told Cole, the island had been released, and he had made sure everyone had left safely. He had left the communication globe there because he had not been sure how to turn off whatever signal it was putting out. Cole smiled and thanked him, then as they entered the room he told him to take care of Saint.
As Punta walked up to the bed, Cole took his normal spot on the turned-around chair, near the table. Watching Punta work, Cole wondered what he should try next. He did not need too much more information from Franco. He would be able to find out the rest of what he needed to know, just by listening to the man talk. When Punta stepped back from the bed, Franco's color was better, all the cuts had been closed and partially healed. "Anything broken?" he asked the elf. Punta shook his head no and stood off to the side. Cole motioned for the guards to leave. Punta could handle anything Franco could come up with in his condition.
Cole turned to Punta, and said, "Wake him, please… gently." Punta stretched out his hands, closed his eyes and said a few words, no one could hear. Franco moved just enough to get comfortable in the bed and his eyes fluttered open. By the way he grimaced, Cole knew he was sore, which would help him remember what had happened. From his chair Cole said, "I bet you are not feeling very god at the moment, Saint. I would take your time moving. Sudden moves will only increase the pain."
"I have some good news for you. Your friends have all left the island," Cole saw the look of fear cross Franco's face, fear for his friends, so he added, "They all left in as good of health as they arrived. None of them was hurt. Your globe is still on the island buried deep. They will not be able to retrieve it, because Punta put a block entry to it. If they use the Muggle Satellites they will not show anything but water."
When Cole noticed Franco's arm mussels tighten he said, "I said move slowly Franco." Punta was ready.
Franco physically and mentally cringed as he tried to sit up, and just fell back onto the pillow. It hit hard when he realized that Cole breathing, which meant Cole had won the fight but he had to ask anyways. So with a heavy heart Saint asked, "Since you are still alive Cole, I guess you got the upper hand? Now I understand what James and Marco meant when they used to talk about Blind Rages and why you never want to get into one. So how bad did mine get?"
Cole smiled, "It was a great example for me to use to show my men what one looks like and how to combat it. I am surprised your brothers did not teach you how to control it better. You are not that bad a fighter, Saint. I will even admit to you, if you had been able to stay calm, it would have been a lot harder to vest you. I still would have won, but you would have been able to get in many more good solid hits. The whole fight lasted about ten minutes. If you want I will let you see the video later, and you can analyze your mistakes. "
Franco sighed as he admitted, "James was murdered before he could and well...me and Marco have never gotten along. He wanted to train me but Neo wouldn't hear of it."
"I think maybe Neo may have changed his mind by now, Franco. If I read the man correctly before we left the Hog's Head, he is going to be training you hard. If you think you are hurting now, just wait." Cole smiled because Marco had been good, but Neo was definitely the best of the bunch.
He cringed as he again tried to sit up as he remembered that Cole had asked if he had been hungry. Franco tried to smile as he said, "Maybe later, so now what Cole? You act as if your plans to easily get back into those vaults or the Prophet is still do able? I can't understand it, your plan blew up in your face, almost got Punta hurt or killed and you are acting as if it was just another day at the office. I am still going to fight you every chance I get and I am never going to fully break or give into you, so why are you still acting as if it doesn't bother you?"
"Just stay still Franco. Punta has healed your cuts and has verified you have no broken bones. The pain you are feeling is just my reminder to you what happened. Plans are not finite, Franco," Cole was not sure if he could explain to the man what he meant, but he tried. "When I make a plan it is to get from point A to point B, but there is always a point C to move to next. Sometimes point C has to be moved, because of new information or new circumstances. I have just learned to understand there is always more to work toward. You have learned a lesson this day; I have gained some of the information I needed, and have some idea how to get more information. I just have to decide, which road I want to travel first. You and I have just barely started to get to know each other . We still have time for more conversations. Remember you told the newspaper you were on extended medical leave. I am the one who decides how far the leave extends."
Cole was starting to get tired, and the couple of solid hits Franco had gotten in were beginning to pain him. He needed a shower and something to eat. Standing up he said, "We are done for the day Saint. I will have Punta bring you food. There is a shower as you know so when you can get yourself moving, I recommend you take a shower, eat something and get some rest. If you want a deck of cards, or a book, tell Punta and he will try and help. Tomorrow morning early we start our talks again Franco." Cole smiled. "Hopefully they will not be physical." Cole started toward the door.
Franco cringed as he remembered what he had told the staff of the Prophet. If Lance did not back their story then Ken would more than a little upset and Tal'mac would indeed come hunting. Saint said in barely a whisper, “If Ken don't check with Lance, cause if he does and Lance don't back the story up then Cole is in for major trouble?” Franco smiled as he wondered why he should care. He was not here because he wanted to be here. Fixer was his captor not his friend, Saint should be praying that they did figure things out. Then Cole's words from earlier came back, “Franco, how will you know when you are fully broken? When you are no longer in control of your life?” Saint shook his head as he wondered if he was at that point. Why else would he be wanting to remain instead of doing everything in his power to escape, Franco had no idea. He did know one thing as he said slightly aloud, “I must not be fully broken yet? Or else I would just be considering Fixer a friend and I most certainly would not be second guessing myself? No, Khalid don't have me yet! Come on Ken figure the puzzle out. Talk to Lance or Neo.”
Franco smiled as he said, “I mean it Cole! I will do everything in my power to undermine you. I won't break and I will get out of here.” Franco inwardly knew that he had to get free soon as he had noticed that he wasn't thinking like a captive or at least not as a normal captive would. Saint had to stay focus on escaping because otherwise he would swear he was suffering from Stockholm syndrome. Franco looked at Cole as he said, “Do you honestly believe that I am going to just sit here and wait patiently for whatever you have planned for me tomorrow? Cole, what is to keep me from doing what I should have done, escaped?”
Cole stopped with his hand on the door handle and turned half-way toward Franco, who was still lying on the bed. "I am not going to keep you from trying to escape, Saint. In fact I think you should try… get it out of your system. I have a question for you though, where do you have to escape to. You are on an island in the middle of a lot of water. There is a damper over the whole island which prevents anyone from leaving or entering without my permission. The waters around the island have not so nice sharks and other sea creatures, swimming around just waiting for a tasty morsel to come into the water." Cole held Franco's eyes, with his steel laced stare, "I have enough men to find you, Franco anywhere on the island, and I make this guarantee. When you are brought back you will think the last couple of days have been a vacation. I do hope I have made myself perfectly clear."
Cole turned back to the door and turned the handle opening the door about six inches, then turned back to Franco. "If you do not want to take a shower, or eat what Punta brings, that is totally up to you, but I recommend both. Get some rest Saint… you are going to need it." Motioning Punta to proceed him out the door, Cole left Franco.
As the door closed, Franco thought, "Sorry you won't be able to see me in the morning, Fixer. Somehow tonight I leave."
Franco through back the sheets. He had been lying in the bed, working his mussels the best he could. Turning his head, he looked out the window. It was full dark. Punta should be bringing his dinner soon. Franco did not have much hope of over powering the elf. Even if he was not bruised and feeling like every mussel wanted to seize up, he would not have considered taking on an Elf. Somehow, he had to get out of the room. Throwing his legs over the side of the bed, he winced, but still forced himself to stand. It took a few moments until he knew he was balanced, but after taking a tentative step, and not falling, he took a few more. Soon he was walking around the circumference of the room.
Cole had been able decided to spend the night in his office. He had taken a leisurely very hot shower, shaved and put on a comfortable pair of sweat pants and tank top. Something told him Franco was not ready to accept captivity. Pushing a button on his desk, he called in two of his guards who were starting to specialize in reconnaissance. When they arrived, he told them, Franco was thinking of escaping and they were going to let him get away and follow him. "Take two ear radio walkies with you and let me know what is happening with him. Gentlemen, I want him to run and run as hard and as fast as he can. If he sees you, I will personally put you back into training, am I understood." Cole got definite nods from both of the men. "Your job starts when I have someone take Franco his dinner." Cole knew Franco would use that time to leave. It was the most logical time.
As they left Punta came in carrying a tray which was too heavy from him. Cole jumped up and retrieved the tray. "Punta, I have told you that it is not necessary for you to carry heavy items. Now sit down, because I have something I want you to do for me." When Punta had sat down Cole put the tray down on his desk and uncovered his dinner of Roast Beef, asparagus with hollandaise sauce, and buttered new potatoes with chives. The chef he had commissioned was great. Getting up, he went to the cabinet and poured himself a glass of wine, and Punta a glass of iced-tea. Handing the elf his he sat back down and began to eat.
When he had finished about half of what was on his plate, he sat back in his chair, and sipped on his wine. "Punta, my friend, we are going to let our guest leave and wonder the island a bit." When Punta turned a questioning look his way, Cole chuckled. "I want him to think he is free, then we are going to snatch it away from him, and drop him another couple of pegs into our laps. We can push him easily to anywhere on the island we want, and with the servalience system I have set up, we won't loose him. The two guards who just left here are going to watch him, but Franco may be better than I thought. If I have to pull them back and make him think he has lost them, then I will need a little elfin ingenuity to watch out for him. I do not want him seriously hurt, just exhausted, hungry and ready to listen to what I say."
Cole watched as the elf, took in what he was saying and when the large smile swept over his face, he knew the elf had caught on. They were going to play a fast-paced game of cat and mouse with Franco. "I need you to get with the others and set up how you want to work your part. We will let Franco, run for about twelve or so hours, maybe a little longer, if I think I can learn anything about him while he is out and about. I will be in on the capture. It is…" Cole looked at his pocket watch, "almost eight so I will have the man's sandwich delivered in two hours. Be ready my friend." Punta nodded and left.
Cole planned on using the two hours to get a little nap. Covering his tray and finishing his glass of wine, he settled back into the office chair, raised his feet and closed his eyes. It was going to be a long night.
Cole's watch alarm beeped and he was instantly awake. Rubbing his eyes, he streatched and flicked on the large screen behind him. It was divided into four sections. One section showed outside Franco's room window, one showed the exterior of a training facility and one showed a cave at the end of a mountain trail. The forth showed Franco's room.
On his second trip around, he looked out the window. There were no bars. There was not even a screen. Franco put his hand up to where there would normally have been a pane of glass and discovered it was open. There was a small thin barrier, but it appeared to be only to keep out the heat from outside and keep the coolness in the room.
Franco was up and moving around. Cole realized Franco had a little higher ability in the physical abilities, then he had first thought. The Saint was stiff but he was standing and walking steady. Cole smiled, because that made it better for their little game coming up.
Cole pushed the button on the desk and said, "All right Roberson take him his sandwich. Remember I want him to escape. He should be going through the window. This is bonus time for you, so play it right." Cole's men had discovered that while his training was difficult, and his punishments were harsh, his bonus' were well worth anything a man endured. Their liberal salaries were paid on time and all medical was taken care of. If anything happened to them while on duty, and when they were on the island they were always on duty, their families or designated recipients were supported for their lifetimes. They all knew that once they had signed up to join Cole's group, the only way out was by dying or being injured beyond working ability.
Cole had said there were guards outside, but it was also very dark, and Franco reasoned everyone thought he was still too sore to try anything. One thing his brothers had taught him was how to partially at least ignore the pain and keep moving. Franco would wait until the food came. Then he would go.
The door opened slowly and a guard, not Punta entered carrying a tray with a mug of cold liquid, and a plate with a sandwich and chips on it. Franco's heart started beating rapidly; Cole had made a mistake and sent a guard and not an elf. Franco pretended to be very sore and he bent over slightly as he walked toward the table where the guard had put down the tray. "Thank you." he said as the guard turned to leave. When the man's back was turned, Franco picked up the mug and swung it as hard as he could at the man's head. The guard dropped like a rock…
Cole cringed. That was a hard hit on the head. Pushing another button he said, "I have a Code White on hold in guest room. Stand by…" That would have a medical team standing ready as soon as Franco left the room. The only way out for Franco was through the window.
Franco congratulated himself, bent down and went through the men's pockets. He found money which he left, keys to something, which he left and a set of brass knuckles which he took. Any weapon was a good a weapon. As he stood up, a thought hit him, that he needed shoes. Looking at the man's feet, he saw soft soled, sneakers about the right size. He bent down took them and put them on
Cole shook his head. He had told Roberson to let the man escape, but he had not thought he need to tell him to make sure he did not have any weapons on him. When the man was recovered he was going to have to have a talk with him about his choices.
Grabbing the two straps off the bed Franco bound the man's hands and feet. Then he took the sheet and tore a strip off and added a gag to the man's mouth. Standing up he looked around to see if there was anything else he wanted to take. The sandwich was a must; he was actually hungry. Anything else would just slow him down. Turning off the light at the switch at the door, Franco made his way back to the window and let his eyes adjust to the darkness.
He looked carefully into the darkness. Nothing moved. There were trees but no underbrush close to the building. Franco could make out thicker woods, about a hundred feet away.
"This was as good as a Muggle movie," Cole thought as he said out loud to himself what he thought Franco should do next. He had tied Roberson up, taken the sandwich and even taken the shoes. Cole nodded at the thoroughness of the moves. It would be the last food Franco would be allowed to have until he was returned to the room. Cole was going to allow him water, but no food or rest.
Franco took the chance and jumped through the window and crouched low on the outside close to the wall. Looking around, he did not hear anyone. Walking to the edge of the wall he peeked around the corner and noticed a guard near another door. Leaning up against the wall, Franco took a deep then peaked back around the corner. The first guard had not moved, but another had joined him. Franco knew this was his chance.
Cole refilled his wine glass as he watched the screen. Franco was out of the room. Again he found himself saying out loud what he would have done in the same circumstances and Franco was right on target. The two guards at the entrance were the two Cole had talked to earlier. They were in position to follow.
Backing up to his original spot, he took another deep breath and sprinted for the woods.
"Very well done," Cole said out loud to himself, as he took his seat again. "Now where you going to go Saint?" There was really only one direction for him to take and that would get him to the training buildings, where the obstacle course was. Pushing a button on the desk he said, "Punta he is on his way to the training buildings. Unlock the beverage icebox, but make sure the food is locked up securely. He is not allowed to have anything to eat." Cole turned back to the screen and saluted Franco with his wine glass and then took a drink . Over the speaker he heard, "Following Sir." The two guards were on the way.
When he made it to the cover of the trees, he squatted down and looked back toward the building. He had made it, but now where to?
Forward was the best idea. Standing up, he tried to stay low and took off at a trot in a direction forward. Where is led he had no idea, but his best guess was he had five hours of darkness, to get as far away of the compound as possible.
The direction Franco was heading in would take him to the training facility about then minutes away at the speed Franco was running. There was a small building which had a full kitchen. Long tables and benches served as a place to eat, and a place where instructions could be given as to what the training exercises was going to consist of for the men. An obstacle course covered about the size of an American Football field. Cole made sure Franco could not get to any of the food in the refrigerator, but he would be allowed in the cooler with the drinks, which consisted mostly of bottled water. It would be interesting to see what Franco did with the equipment there.
Cole switched camera views as Franco got to the edge of the trees. There was not much growth around, and he would have to cover fifty yards of open territory to get to the building. Cole put his elbows on the arm of the chair, and made a pyramid with his finger tips. It was interesting watching the man work.
Franco had to slow down as the underbrush became thicker. When his feet would tap or step on something he would smile and reach down grabbing the branches and stones. After placing the stuff he had found in his one and only pocket of the sweat pants he had been given, he continued his run.
Listening intently behind him Franco heard a branch snap. His father had taught all the quints to survive. Franco smiled as her remembered his father's reasons, “If you guys want us to travel as a family when your mom has an assignment, then you guys will have to be prepare to survive?” Franco's smile grew as he realized that training had become instinct. Now after hearing yet a few more sounds that he knew were not made by animals, Saint laughed to himself as he thought, “So Cole, you have somebody already on my trail. Let's see just how good your goons are?”
Franco decided to backtrack and leave a few surprises for the ones tracking him. As he listened for them, he noticed a hole just deep enough for two men to have a very hard time climbing out. Looking around he saw what he needed. Going to work quickly with the fallen branches and other debris that was lying around, Saint covered the hole. Being pleased with himself as he heard them coming, Franco made it seem as he went that way. Then he hid behind some trees and waited.
Sure enough, a few minutes later, two men advancing at a dead run came into view. Saint held his breath as the men seemed to pay little attention to their surroundings and fell into his trap. As the men tried to climb out, Franco walked up to the hole and said, “Give my regards to Fixer and be lucky that you are still breathing.” With that, he made another false trail as he was leaving.
Once he was sure, they had no idea what direction he had gone, he went back to his original marker and continued straight. He heard a few animals but nothing close to worry about. Saint felt some more branches lying about and several more stones. He noticed the moon light brighter up ahead and reasoned there must be a clearing of some sort. Finding a small tree near the clearing, Franco snapped off the branch long enough to make a bow. It flexed just right to become one easily, now he just had to find some twine or fishing line.
As the building became visible in the clearing, Franco checked his surroundings. He had to smile as Cole had nobody out here. Saint just prayed the building held what he needed as he thought, “Only one way to find out. I should have grabbed one of those three's shirt. Let's just hope there are things in there I can use.” With that, he made a mad dash for the building.
Cole nodded as Franco came into view. The man had made good time, although Cole thought he would make it to the training ground a little sooner.
On the ground close to the building, he found some clover, which he placed in his pockets as he thought aloud, “Hope you are the edible kind?”
When Franco first reached down and pulled something off the ground, Cole could not figure out what it was. After a little thought, he realized the Saint had picked the grass or something else growing on the ground. Franco had enough training to know about wild editable. This was an interesting facet to the man. This game was going to be more interesting than he had originally planned on.
He found the double doors to be unlock but decided to not open them yet. Checking all around the building carefully, he found what was the beginning of some type of course for training. The ropes around the edge of it were going to come in handy. Franco started untying knots, while keeping an eye out for anything on the ground, which was usable, adding some items to his pocket. As he went in through the back door, Saint smiled realizing he had bendable steel, twine, nails, more stones and the makings of a club and a knife.
Cole chuckled and got up to pour himself another drink. He switched to ice-tea, because he wanted to stay sober. Going back to his desk he sat on the edge of it and watched the screen as Franco made his way around to the back of the building. When he started to dismantle the rope barrier, marking the end of the obstacle course, Cole saluted him with his tea glass. "Very well done, Saint. You are thinking on your feet …. My report will let it be known the skills you are showing."
Franco looked carefully around as he entered into what must be a kitchen. Making a quick round of the room, he checked every nook and cranny. His smile grew as he laid the stuff on the table to take inventory of his stock.
Cole zeroed in on the table. The man had been on the run for only about …. he checked his watch …. half an hour and he already had the makings of an excellent survival kit. "This is going to make an excellent training video," he thought to himself as he sipped his tea. As he continued to watch, there was a knock on the door and the two guards he had sent to follow Franco, came into the room. They came to attention in front of the desk. Cole could see fear in their eyes, but they were still standing straight and not cowering. Cole said, "Well…. Why do I find you here instead of there?" he jabbed his thumb toward the screen.
The oldest and more experienced spoke, "Sir, the man is good and must have heard us coming somehow. He covered one of the abandoned animal trap pits with debris and we fell into it. Luckily a couple of your house elves came along and helped up out." The man became silent and stood at attention. The other younger man looked sideways at the older man then stood at attention himself, staring straight ahead.
Cole got up off the edge of his desk and walked around to stand in front of the men. "I am not happy with what has happened," he said in a dead calm voice. "It is good the spikes have been removed from all the holes we have located so far, or you both would be dead." The older man looked like he still needed to say something, "You have something else to tell me." Cole hoped he was not going to beg, because he prided himself on picking men, and he knew both of these men were not weaklings."
"Yes sir. The man sent a message to you…" With the look on the man's face Cole wondered if he was going to have enough courage to give him the message. "He said, Sir, Give my regards to Fixer and be lucky that you are still breathing then he calmly walked away."
Cole was mad, but showing his anger to these two was not going to help. Nodding he said, "It may be lucky the elves pulled you out… you can decide that tomorrow when I have time to figure out what re-training you are going to undergo. If I were you, gentlemen, I would try and get a very good night sleep. Report to your head officer at 7 am sharp… I would not be late. Dismissed." Cole turned his back on them as they silently left the room. He had hoped they would have lasted a little longer.
Saint had a plastic bag, which he made quick work of to fashion himself a shirt. Another plastic bag made an excellent hat. He had found several bottled waters and a backpack. In one of the drawers, Franco found a roll of dental floss. He found one more item that would help a lot, matches in a sandwich bag.
Franco had had enough time to get supplies. Cole reached a little behind him and pushed one of the buttons saying, "Time to send the men to the training outpost. Remind them they are to make enough noise for our guest to hear them, and he is to get away unchallenged. Tell them to stay there for about an hour in case they are being watched. I want them there in five minutes so have them take a couple of the jeeps." Cole flicked the switch again, and turned back to the screen.
When Cole looked carefully at what Franco had amassed on the table, he was beginning to get irritated. Franco had found a backpack and matches. "When I pull that man back here and find out who left that backpack, the man will be wearing it twenty-four-seven for two weeks, so he will never leave it anywhere again. Cole did not like Franco having matches but he would have the elves watch for fire problems. The shirt and hat were well done. Cole knew it would be raining before morning. It was just the season for it.
He took everything he had gathered and placed them in the backpack, lining the inside with plastic bags. Just then, he heard the front door open. Checking quickly to make sure he had not forgot anything he quickly headed out the back as he thought, “Time to go” He grabbed a written map from just inside the door, off the wall to add to his finds.
The men had made good time. When Franco's head had come up from what he had been doing, Cole knew the man had arrived. Franco was quick about packing up. If the men had been intent on finding him though, he would have been about ten seconds too slow. But Cole gave him credit for trying. If he got a chance later he would point this little problem out to Franco.
Staying low he made another dash to the trees on the other side of the building from where he had entered the clearing. Once he was sure they had not followed, he looked at the map that seemed made for a blind man. Franco realized the best place to hold out was a cave and the map told him of some edible plants and berries near the cave mouth.
At first, Cole thought Franco was going to miss taking the map. He needed him to head for the cave, and the map was the only way to get him there. The elves had also made sure there were markings on the map to show some editable things. Cole realized, he might not have needed to have them add that information, because Franco was doing well on his own. Cole wanted Franco to think he was making his escape. The higher Cole could drive Franco's self-esteem up, the farther and the harder he would drop when he was recaptured and brought back to the room.
After being sure that the map was safe, Saint took off at a dead run.
Cole ran his hands through his hair. Franco was on his way to the cave. From the way he was moving it should take him only about half an hour, but soon he would hit the uphill grade. It was a steep climb to the cave. There was a flat plateau about 50 feet above it, but getting there was all uphill. There were several camera's well hidden along the way, and one camera was built into the back wall of the cave. At least on elf would be up above and at least one stationed at the beginning of the climb. Cole was interested in seeing what Franco would do with his limited time.
Franco slowed down as he reached a steep incline. Stopping to check the map, Saint smiled as he felt and smelled what could only be wild onions. He grabbed the bag off his back and opened a side compartment to place the wild onions in. He was surprised to find a small first aid kit. Looking into the sky, Saint realized that it would start raining soon. The Investigative Reporter knew he would need to pace himself if he wanted to reach the cave in one piece. Putting the map away and the backpack back on his back as he thought slightly aloud, “If I keep the fast pace that I have been going, I will be exhausted and that just won't do. I have weapons to make, traps to set and this backpack to thoroughly check.”
Starting the climb up, Saint got his mind off the pain he was feeling by evaluating his escape saying, “It has been way too easy. It is almost as if Cole let me escape. The man is too good at what he does to make the mistakes that have been made. I expected more guards and sentries all over the place. Instead I have openly only had to deal with three and those were amateurs. Plus the building should have been loaded with guards. I should not have been able to find half of the items I did.”
Punta had just re-entered the room as Franco was checking out the clouds. They were in for a good drenching from the weather reports. He hoped Franco made it to the cave before the downpour. Turning to Punta he asked, "He should be at the cave soon is everything prepared?"
Nodding the elf said, "Yes Master Frank. The entrance is being watched by Quasda and both Kimtu and Artkee are on the plateau above. Mecum is ready to pass on messages and give any medical aid when and if needed to any of the humans." Punta walked up to the edge of the desk cleared a spot, jumped up and sat down with his legs crossed within the cleared area.
Cole knew the elf had something on his mind. "What else my friend?"
"Master Frank, the human Master Franco is good, is not he?" Punta made a teepee with his fingers, by resting his elbows on his knees.
Cole smiled at the elf. "Yes, my friend he is very good. He has actually done more than I thought him capable of. But that is not your only question, I think."
Punta smiled back but did not answer Cole's inquiry right away. He appeared to be thinking about his words, and normally that was not like the elf. Cole had come to expect the elf to speak his mind, under all circumstances. Cole treasured Punta's thoughts, because the elf had lived several centuries longer than he had and had survived.
Franco stopped a moment and took a couple of sips from one of the water bottles that he had on the side of the backpack. Closing the bottle as he looked around, Saint saw what he was looking for a berry bush. The bush was growing at a crazy but the mulberries looked ripe. It took him a good ten to twenty minutes to get enough but tasting one made it well worth the trouble. After putting his new finds away, Franco continued to climb saying softly remembering, “Cole did say, I am not going to keep you from trying to escape, Saint. In fact I think you should try… get it out of your system. I have a question for you though, where do you have to escape to."
"You are on an island in the middle of a lot of water. There is a damper over the whole island, which prevents anyone from leaving or entering without my permission. The waters around the island have not so nice sharks and other sea creatures, swimming around just waiting for a tasty morsel to come into the water. I have enough men to find you, Franco anywhere on the island, and I make this guarantee. When you are brought back you will think the last couple of days have been a vacation. I do hope I have made myself perfectly clear.”
As Franco picked some of the mulberries, Cole turned back to Punta. They both had been drawn to the pictures on the screen, to see if Franco would miss the free food. "You hesitate my friend … Have I said something which gives you pause to say what is on your mind, after all this time?"
Punta shook his head no and sat up straighter, "No Master Frank … I was just contemplating something. The man would make a good recruit, and I think you have thought of this possibility. Why do you not take him into the army?"
Cole replied to his friends good question. He trusted Punta with his life. "The human Franco is not one for being told what to do under normal circumstances. The man known as Shadow, Khalid's son, has decreed Franco and all of his kin should die, if there is no control. It has been decided, between Khalid and myself, Franco was the easiest to break to our will. He will not be asked to kill anyone, or to put his friends in a lot of danger," Cole hoped he could hold Shadow back from asking he prove how much control he had over Franco, when he continued, "He will be asked to publish certain stories in the newspaper he will run, and bury others. When Khalid's needs are met, I hope someday to have the man as a friend. In my line of work though, friends are rare." Cole smiled at the elf adding, "which is why I treasure your friendship, my friend."
Punta smiled and nodded then jumped down and said as he walked toward the door, "Your friendship is also a treasure, Master Frank. Now I must check in with the others. Call if you need me." Cole turned back to the screen as the door closed. He did hope someday to have the man continuing up the incline as a friend, but the odds were against it.
As he got almost to his objective, Saint said softly, “Either Cole is already waiting or I have got to be on my toes. I am expecting company. Since I have no intention of going back, I have to be prepared to take anybody he sends out.”
Sighing as he bumped into a tree. Franco looked up and saw hazelnuts just waiting to be picked. He knew from the map that there should be a chestnut tree close by. Smiling as Saint caught sight of it, saying, “Don't worry I will get some of you but first the hazelnuts.”
After picking enough of both to fill the inside of the backpack, Franco spotted something that one of the chestnuts got pierced by. Reaching in he found several three inch wooden spikes. Pulling most of them out, he used one to dig a hole big enough so that just an inch of the spike showed. Saint hid the visual part with dead leaves from the trees. Franco went up the rest of the way smiling as he set the traps of spikes to spell out his brother James' name.
Watching with interest, Cole said aloud, "Who in the heck did this backpack belong to? The man had it equipped with everything needed to survive in the wild on the island." Whoever had packed it and left it at the kitchen was preparing to, if not leave, stay out of sight, for an interminable amount of time. Franco had already gotten far more help with surviving than Cole had planned. The spikes would have to be removed later. It hit Cole, while watching the spikes although appearing to be in random at first were spelling something out. He paid close attention and chuckled when he saw the name James being formed. The Saint was spelling his brother's name. "Very good Franco, very good indeed," he said to the screen as he leaned back in the chair and crossed his arms across his chest.
Franco smiled as he started to enter the cave, wood sorrel hung right over the mouth of cave. Saying softly, “I will grab some as I enter. Then these last four spikes can be a nice welcome for anybody entering the cave.”
Cole switched views on the cameras again. One of the four quadrants on the screen showed a scene from the back of the cave looking toward the entrance. One of the parts showed the entrance with the view the elf Quasda was seeing. One showed the top of the plateau where Kimtu and Artkee were located and the last showed the main room of the barracks. Cole was interested to see who may be watching the feed from the cameras. It was his way to find out who among his recruits wanted to learn what was going on. These men would of course have to be checked out to make sure their interest were favorable to him, but it helped to form his core army.
Once all the spikes were in place, Franco pulled out his supplies and went to work making the rest of his weapons. He had enough to make a bow with ten arrows, a stone club and about five knives.
Cole made a note on the parchment he kept on his desk, for thoughts, he did not want to have to remember, on the weaponry Franco had fashioned. When the man was picked up it would be interesting to examine the items. He would probably put them on display for the other's to see and look at. Franco was becoming quite a good instructor, without realizing the effect he was having. He was probably going to be furious when he realized the information he had given about his abilities to survive. One of the rules Cole lived by, was to never let an advisory know the extent of your abilities. It did not leave any leeway for surprise, if it could be determined what you would do.
Cole heard the first patter of rain against his window. The rains were coming. He smiled because he knew the cave was positioned so the winds would hit the hillside full force. Franco was going to get wet.
As Franco worked, he started to feel a stronger draft coming through the cave entrance. The wind was picking up outside and coming from the direction where it would slap the hillside hard. When the first drops started, Franco realized he was going to have to move. … A rock outcropping perturbed from one wall … Putting his things down against the back wall of the alcove, Franco knew he had to start a fire. … When he added a complete branch, which he had broken into one-foot lengths, he sat back on his heels and surveyed the finished product. It would have to do.
As Franco unwittingly added more to Cole's training film, he smiled. The man had been taught well. A fire under the circumstances he was working was not an easy feat to accomplish. If the wind did not put it out then he had a chance to keep it going. It would have to be tended on a regular basis though because it was small and the wind was still creating enough of a draft to blow it out. Franco had forgotten to set up a windbreak.
After getting the fire going, Saint wanted to see what was on the plateau. Checking his map, he saw there was a large enough opening to be able to carve out a signal, which may be able to be picked up by a Muggle satellite. The Caretakers had started to use the satellites to keep track of some of their people and to have a look at troubled spots around the world. It was worth, tempting the storm. Taking his time to carefully climb up to the steeper slippery slope to the plateau he started to think of what he could write. Once up at the top, he took off his backpack and took out the flint knife he had made. Digging away at the grass was not easy with such a small tool but he was determined. His hands were raw when he had finally gotten the message carved out.
Cole watched the determined man, using the small tool to carve large enough letters in the volcanic dirt to be seen from a plane or even a satellite. They were far enough off of any airway to make it almost impossible for any size plane to fly over. In addition, Cole had computer experts to jam the satellite signals, besides the signal would be destroyed and the area returned to its original smoothness, as soon as Franco left the plateau. As he watched the screen, he saw Franco's raw hands. When the man was returned to his room, he would need them attended to quickly.
It used his brother James' name mixed in with the name Saint, Caretakers, and the word NOW. Smiling as he saw the nonsense word in his mind, “SCAJARENETAMOKERAWSINT”. It was a puzzle, which would only make sense to the Caretaker Group. Looking up at the sky, he tried to make a satellite see the message. If they saw it there was no way of knowing how long it would take them to get to him, especially if Cole had told the truth and there was a magic block on the island. It was something though, and right now, something was better than nothing was.
Working his way carefully down the slippery slope, which the driving rain had made it hard to traverse, after a good hour, he entered the cave in a good mood. With the driving rain still outside, he had visions of catching some sleep. He was wet and tired beyond caring.
Cole went to the closet in his office and pulled out a rain slicker. It was time to bring Franco back to the barracks. He knew when he got him back the man would have to be allowed to sleep a little, have his hands attended to and a medical scan done on him. He would also need to be strapped into his bed. The window would also need to have bars added. Franco was not going anywhere for a while.
As he rounded the corner of the rock outcropping, he fell to his knees. Sitting in the corner, comfortably leaning against the rock wall, examining the weapons he had made, was the Fixer. Franco dropped his head into his hands and could feel the tears slowly working their way from the corners of his eyes and trailing down his cheeks.
Cole put the arrows down he was examining and sat very quiet, watching Franco break under the pressure of being trapped again. It really was hard to watch, because Cole had come to respect the abilities of the man, on his knees a short distance away. Franco was getting his training in acceptance the hard way.
It was only a minor movement of Franco's shoulders, that gave Cole the knowledge the man had not totally given up yet.
This could not be, but it was. All that he had done had just been turned against him. With the last little bit of effort he had in him, he got to his feet and charged Cole, only to be stopped in his tracks, by an intense pain in his back.
Cole let his wand drop into his hands as Franco got to his feet, spurred on by pure determination, and charged at him. With a quick spell, he hit Franco's spine with a debilitating pain which again dropped him to his hands and knees. Sitting forward and putting his elbows on his knees Cole waited for about five minutes to let Franco recover at least the ability to move, before he said, "You know Franco I have been impressed watching you get this far, but sadly, you need to return to the barracks."
Franco gritted his teeth trying to get the pain under control as he glared at Cole saying, "I am not going back!" He would not give in yet. There was still the small knife he had hidden in his shoe. Momentarily he dropped his head and another spasm hit him, but raised it to glare at Cole as soon as it allowed him.
Cole leaned back, but kept his wand ready. He signaled to someone behind Franco. The man's arms were gripped and he was forced to his knees. "Franco I have allowed you … may I repeat … I have allowed you the small amount of freedom you have had over the past few hours. But you see we are not finished with our talks yet. There is still some information I want and I can see you still hold the feeling you can go against me in the future. I cannot have that. Until you realize I will be giving you orders and you will follow them, with no questions asked, we will continue to talk and work on your attitude. Now we are going back to the barracks. I'm afraid it is still raining outside so you are going to get much wetter, but it cannot be helped at the moment." Cole could have put Franco under cover of a tarp in the jeep, but he wanted the man as miserable as he could make him, before they got back. Cole again signaled to get Franco to his feet.
Franco's hand went automatically for the knife in his shoe. Twisting quickly around and to the side to break the hold the man's hold, with the knife not easily visible, he sliced the man's arm. Trying desperately to reach the outside as he said, "I said I am not going back!"
Cole quickly got up and walked over to make sure his man was not hurt badly. He watched as Franco made a dash for the entrance to the cave. The Saint looked like he was going to drop any moment from exhaustion. He nodded as Punta stepped into Franco's way, with his hand raised, fingers spread and a look of no nonsense in his eyes. The elf would drop the man if he did not stop. "Franco," Cole called. "Punta is not going to let you pass."
As Saint faced the mouth of the cave, he saw his way blocked to where he could not even see out. Upon hearing Fixer, he said, "I will just escape again. I will never be controlled by you or any of Khalid's goons. I will fight you every step of the way!"
Cole walked slowly toward Franco. By the look in the man's eyes Cole knew, Franco's adrenalin was running fast through his veins. It was going to be all but impossible to calm him down enough to get him back to the compound. He did not want to knock him out, so he raised his wand and put a full body binding on the Saint, allowing Punta to catch him before he hit the floor.
Kneeling down beside the man, Cole thought about what to do next. Cole looked into the red rimmed eyes, which still held determination. It was a shame to take that away from the man, but it had to be done. "Take him back to the barracks, strip him and strap him to the bed. I will be along shortly." Cole stood up and walked to the back of the cave.
Before he had been carried out of the cave, Franco had watched Cole walk to the back where all of his stuff was. Well at least most of it; He still had a micro-knife in his hand. Franco had tried to relax as much as he could, knowing the limpness of his body would accomplish two things. One it would make it harder for them to carry his dead weight and two it would make them think he had given up.
He had been unceremoniously tossed into the back of a jeep and brutally bounced back to the compound. Franco would have been willing to bet they hit every bump possible on purpose. When they arrived he was dragged out of the jeep and still staying as limp as possible, was dragged into the building and to the door to the one place he dreaded. When the door was opened his body started to fight. Two men followed the two who were holding him into the room. He was stood up and the bonds were removed. Franco went into panic mode. The knife in his palm, which he had been able to hold onto dropped into his fingers and he started to slash at anything he could.
When he heard a scream and an oath come from one of the men he knew he had connected at least a little. Soon his arms were forced painfully behind his back and he was forced to drop the knife. One of the men picked it up and pricked his chest with it, making a small ribbon of blood start a slow flow down his chest. Still trying to struggle he found his clothes stripped off of his body. He was picked up by all four men and thrown on the bed, his wrists and ankles strapped to the frame. One of the men even through a sheet over him.
As the men left the room Franco's mind screamed as he thought, "Cole did say if I escaped and was brought back, the last two days would seem like a vacation. Compared to what I will go through? Why did I foolishly think he would wait out the storm?" Turning to face the guy that had just used his knife against him, Franco thought to himself, "You are going to regret that as I plan on getting that flint knife back."
The door closed and Franco was alone in the room. He was scared for himself and for the others in his life. Cole had made promises and he had failed to stay away, so he would have to take what was handed out. He looked down to the bottom of the bed and noticed the door opening.
Cole had taken a separate jeep back to the compound with Punta and the other elves, after they had gathered up what Franco had been able to collect over the very few hours he had been lose. After he was able to take inventory, he would have the things laid out on the table in the main room of the barracks. Tarka had been put in charge of finding out who the bag belonged to so the person could be questioned.
As he walked down the hall toward the room Franco had been returned to he tried to figure out what would take the man over the top and break. So far he had gotten what he needed by threatening Franco's friends and the Core. The Core had been the best way to get him to give in… first he had to keep his promise he had made to Franco, if he escaped. He was going to let the men under his command take care of most of that promise.
Cole did not want Franco dead, so he was going to let him get some rest before he turned the man over to his special interrogation unit. It would be the first time the unit had a chance to try out their training and it would be interesting to see what they had learned and how they handled themselves.
Opening the door, he entered and slowly walked over to the cabinet, unlocked it and took out a syringe and a small bottle of liquid. He knew Franco would think it was the drugs he had threatened to get him hooked on before but it was actually a sedative, with a kicker. It would make him dream and depending on what was on his mind the dreams could be good or trips through a horrible nightmare. Cole figured the odds leaned more toward the nightmare realm. Closing the door and locking it he walked over to
the bed.
Punta entered and Cole took two steps back. The elf needed to check Franco out. Cole watched as Punta, slowly ran his hands, about three inches above Franco's body, from the man's head to his feet. Then he turned and nodded. "There was a fresh cut on his chest. One of the men was injured, trying to get him into bed." Punta looked at Franco and then back at Cole."Master Franco had hidden a very small knife in his palm and used it on the man."
Cole shook his head asking, "Is the man all right?" Receiving a nod from the elf, he said, "Let me know when the owner of the backpack is identified. Also tomorrow morning, I will need your healing services. Go now and get some rest." Punta, nodded and said, "Yes Master Frank. I will be ready in the morning." The door closed as Punta left, leaving only Franco and Cole in the room. Cole again stepped close to the bed, and calmly filled the syring from the bottle. Holding it ready he said to Franco, "I made a promise to you before you escaped Saint. Tomorrow morning I will make good on that promise."
Cole shook his head asking, "Is the man all right?" Receiving a nod from the elf, he said, "Let me know when the owner of the backpack is identified. Also tomorrow morning, I will need your healing services. Go now and get some rest." Punta, nodded and said, "Yes Master Frank. I will be ready in the morning." The door closed as Punta left, leaving only Franco and Cole in the room. Cole again stepped close to the bed, and calmly filled the syring from the bottle. Holding it ready he said to Franco, "I made a promise to you before you escaped Saint. Tomorrow morning I will make good on that promise."
Pulling another strap from under the bed, Cole tried to get around Franco's upper arm to get his arm immobilized so he could give him the shot. The man was fighting so hard he could not get a grip on his arm. "Cole, you don't have to give me the poison. I will not try and escape again … please just let me lie here and …"
Cole paid no attention to Franco as he walked over to the door and called for one of the guards in the hall. "Help me get his arm strapped down." The man walked over and smiling took a brutal hold on Franco's arm and shoulder and pulled it to the railing where Cole was able to get the other strap around the upper part of the Saints arm. It made it so he could not move the arm at all.
Taking an alcohol swab from his pocket he opened it and wiped the inner surface of the crook of Franco's arm. "Hold still Franco. I would not want to break the needle off in your arm." He smiled seeing the fear in the man's eyes as the needle went in and Cole shot the liquid, which he knew burned, into Franco's vain. Removing the needle, he swabbed the area again and removed the second restrain. "Now Franco you will sleep and tomorrow you will learn what it means to go against my wishes." Cole laughed and stood beside the bed, waiting for the sedative to take effect.
Franco cringed as he knew that most likely he had just insured that somebody close to him, was in for a world of pain. Saint needed to know who so with fear in his eyes, he asked, "Cole, please. I will accept the punishment, just don't.." Franco stopped as he was afraid by asking Cole to not force him to watch somebody else be punished for his escape, that Fixer would refuse.
Cole figured they had about ten minutes before the sedative forced Franco to sleep and dream. "Just don't what Franco," he said, and he leaned on the railing of the bed. "You may as well ask because you are not going anywhere for a while."
Franco hung his head as he said, "What you usually do? I escaped, I will accept the punishment but..." Getting a bite to his voice, "I won't have you torture somebody else!"
Franco let his chin hit his chest as he look down toward his feet, trying to get his thoughts in order. His mind felt like it was wondering as he said, "What you usually do? I escaped; I will accept the punishment but..." Looking Cole in the eyes and trying to focus, he added what strength to his voice he could and said, "I won't have you torture somebody else!
Cole lowered his chin to his arms he had propped on the railing, then stood back up straighter, "Saint, you are right, you escaped and you will accept the punishment. I have decided to not bring anyone else into this now … but I will make you another promise, try to escape again and I will bring you back here along with someone from the school. I hope I am making myself clear on this fact." Franco's eyes were starting to droop. It would not be long now before the man was sent into the world of dreams.
Franco nodded as he said, "Perfectly." He realized that Fixer had just insured that Saint would not be even thinking of escape as he had no intention of endangering even one of those kids.
Saint had to try and insure those kids safety as he said, "I won't endanger those kids so you have my word, I won't try to escape again. Though there are other ways to resist you and believe me I have no intention of breaking."
Cole just patted Franco on the shoulder and said, "Sleep Saint, we will talk more when you awake." Cole turned and walked to the door, "Sweet dreams, Franco," he added with a chuckle as he left the room.
Franco was finding it hard to keep his eyes open as he thought about the school, and what his family might be doing and thinking. He wanted to go home, but the only way to do that was to give into Cole's demands. He was worried he was on that road, and that scared him almost as much as possibly pulling one of the children into his nightmare. As his eyes closed, vision of horror assaulted his mind
Cole had not slept well himself. When he woke, it was still dark outside and the sentries were just changing. He had walked from the house in the damp early morning air, and stopped in the main room of the barracks to make sure all of the equipment Franco had designed had been laid out for all to see. The video of the Saints travels and adventure would be shown in the afternoon at the regular training seminar, which combined all three levels of his army. A large sign over the table read, "Backpack belonged to the traitor Randolph Carmichaels Jameson, may he not rest in piece." Cole had chuckled. Apparently the owner of the backpack had been discovered. The man was the one Franco had killed with his specially designed yo-yo.
Stopping in at his office before going to wake Franco, he found a report on his desk from the elf Tarka, explaining that a message had been found in the lining of the backpack stating someone would be getting in touch with Jameson, when they were ready to pull him off the island. Tarka said he was looking into the matter and security had been doubled in Cole's name. Cole nodded to himself and he realized the elves had all the possibilities covered, so he could concentrate on Franco.
As he poured himself a glass of iced-mint-tea, Cole hit the switch which turned on the view screen, showing a sleeping Franco. The man was restless. Looking closer he realized, Franco's wrists and ankles were showing wear and tear from Franco's thrashing about. His pillow was on the floor and the sheet was barely covering the rest of his unclothed body. Cole turned up the sound as he could see Franco's mouth moving.
Cole sipped on his tea as he listened to the verbal parts of Franco's dreams. "No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids … yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids … No …. No …. Please let them go … I beg you … look see I will get on my knees … no … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …"
All of a sudden Franco's eyes shot open and he lay staring at the ceiling, panting. Sweat covered his whole body. The man was awake
Putting down his glass on his desk, he left the view screen on so Punta or one of the other elves could check on him if they wanted to. Walking across the hall, he nodded to the two guards outside the door who saluted him. Franco was under constant surveillance, but when he was awake there were always guards outside the door, and even outside the now barred window. Opening the door he walked in and took his customary seat on the backwards turned chair at the table. He just stared at Franco, giving him the first words of the day.
Franco could not remember all of his nightmare. What he did remember terrified him as he said, "So what do you have planned for today?" He prayed it had nothing to do with the kids that were called The Core.
Slowly Franco turned his head toward where Cole sat at the table just watching him. He could not decide whether Cole was more nerve racking talking or just sitting staring at him. Franco could not remember all of his nightmare. What he did remember terrified him as he said, "So what do you have planned for today?" He prayed it had nothing to do with the kids that made up the group of children called The Core.
Cole did not answer his question, but got up and went to the bed, where he undid the restraints on Franco's wrists and ankles. He went to the cabinet, unlocked it and pulled out a pair of sweat pants and through them on top of Franco. As he walked back to his chair, he said, "Get up and get dressed, Saint. You can use the bathroom if you like." Cole just sat and watched, Franco move.
Franco only stared for a moment, then started to move. He was stiff and his wrists and ankles were raw along with his hands from digging the signal, which probably was not ever there anymore. He looked at Cole with a leery stared as he asked, "Shower?" Receiving a nod he got up put the pants on and headed for the bathroom. He wasn't sure why Fixer was being so nice but he was not going to ask. If it was a trick, he hoped at least he could get clean, before the hammer dropped. As he stood under the steaming hot water, he tried to convince himself he would be able to deal with the day, no matter what Cole had planned, but he was worried because he was tired and the idea of giving in, had actually entered his mind, before he forced it away.
He took as long as he dared in the bathroom, expecting any minute to be dragged out. Grabbing a towel, he put it around his neck and walked out into the main part of the room. On the table was a sandwich and a cold glass of what looked like pumpkin juice. Franco walked over to the table and was unable to prevent himself from eagerly grabbing at the juice and the sandwich. He had gathered supplies when he was loose, but had only eaten a handful of berries in the last twenty-four hours. As he ate he became more confused. Cole was up to something but it made no sense.
Cole just sat and watched Franco devour the sandwich. When it was gone, leaving only a few crumbs on the plate to show anything had been there, he asked, "Sleep well?" He knew the answer but he wanted to see what Franco would admit too. The sedative he had given the man, was designed to relax the body but not the mind. Cole himself had administered it to himself, because he never used a drug on another person unless he had experienced it good and bad points. When he had seen the sweat break out on Franco's body, he knew he was coming down from the effects and would be waking soon. The video he had made of himself under the drug, showed him that part. The dreams he had were not comforting, but horrific, by what Punta had helped him remember when he had awoken.
Before they went to the basement, where Franco would receive his punishment for trying to escape, Cole was going to have Punta, help Franco remember his dreams. As this thought entered his head, Punta walked in. Cole nodded to the elf and said to Franco, "Punta is going to check your wrists and ankles."
Franco cringed as he thought back to his nightmares. He had several most likely during his sleep but he only remembered bits of each. He had broken and Cole had shown Khalid by having him bring the Dark Medjai, Tia. Cole had in his dream told him that if anybody even the Core tried to stop him, Franco was to kill them. Saint just knew that his dreamself had pleaded to no aveil.
Trying to smile as he said, "I guess I slept okay. I have had worst injuries, I will be fine. So what are you planning Fixer?"
"None the less, Punta will check you out, please hold still and let him finish." Cole watched as the elf came slowly forward and took Franco's hands in his, looking at his wrists. He alternately passed his hands over each wrist allowing his elfin healing magic to repair the red raw skin of the wrists and hands. The he knelt down and did the same thing with Franco's ankles. When he was done he walked around to the back of Franco's chair and without warning, placed two fingers on each side of Franco's head at his temples. Punta closed his eyes and nodded. He was holding Franco's mind between his fingertips. Cole said, "Remember Franco … see your future if you go against me… remember your dreams." Cole watched as the man started to wither.
He had broken and Cole had shown Khalid by having him bring the Dark Medjai, Tia. Cole had in his dream told him that if anybody even the Core tried to stop him, Franco was to kill them. Saint just knew that his dreamself had pleaded to no aveil. "No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids … yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids … No …. No …. Please let them go … I beg you … look see I will get on my knees … no … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …"
Franco had felt the heat of Punta's healing powers, sooth the pain of his wrists, hands and feet. When he had taken his shower, the pain of the water on the skin had almost been unbearable, but he had forced himself to stay under the stream of water. He thanked Punta, but never took his eyes off Cole who sat with no expression on his face.
When Punta walked around his chair, he thought they were done, but as the effect of Punta's fingertips started to grab his brain, he became terrified. His body started to shake as he was forced back into his nightmares. They became vivid, losing all of the shadows which he had earlier been glad, covered some of the memories. He was sitting in a high back chair, on a raised dais, next to Cole, whose chair was larger than his. He was waiting for something to happen. Shadowy figures walked around the edge of the room, laughing and dancing to unheard music. Large floor length windows off to the side had billowing curtains blowing in an unfelt breeze. The scene outside the windows was of green gardens and springtime in full bloom, but he knew he could not go out there. Cole had raised his hands and clapped once and the doors at the other end of the hall opened. Tia, was brought in with heavy chains hanging from her wrists. He tried to get up but could not move. Cole looked at him and said, "Thank you Saint, today you have done well. The Dark Madjai will be pleased with your offering." Cole laughed in his face. "The girl is only the beginning. You will bring them one by one to me so I can give them instructions. The Core will be not stop me, because they try, you will kill them… you are honor bound… "
"No, I can't … I will do anything you ask, just don't hurt the kids …" he shouted at Cole, who only nodded. Franco knew he had broken. The people in the room became livelier.
"You can save them Franco, all you have to do is let me control you … let me tell you what you can and cannot do. The kids will remain free that way." Cole had told him as the man's face became bigger and took up his whole range of vision.
Franco had nodded and continued to nod as he pleaded, "…yes, I promise I will do it… Please, don’t make me bring the kids …" More people had entered the room, which had grown darker. Their laughing and dancing had become more frantic. Lance and Arianna, waltzed by and laughed at him, but there was sadness in their eyes. His brother's all passed by but would not look at him, they just kept walking turning their heads away and they came within three feet of his seat.
Cole chuckled as he had leaned over close to Franco's ear saying in a loud whisper, "See my guests having fun, Franco. You are responsible for all the fun they are having. You will decide how much fun they continue to have."
"No …. No …. Please let them go …" Franco could feel the tears escaping from his eyes. Somehow he got up out of the chair and went to his knees in front of Coles chair. His voice sounded strange as he said, "I beg you … look see I will get on my knees" As he looked up his family and friends started to approach the dias and he turned still on his knees and shouted, "No … stop…. Stay away … Run … run everyone …" The dream had ended with Cole laughing loudly and everyone else in the room, pointing their fingers at him and nodding.
As Punta took his fingers away from Franco's temples, the Saint fell forward and could not stop the tears from his eyes or the shaking of his body. He fought to get his gasping breaths under control.
Franco stared at Cole through teary eyes as he said, "At least now Cole you will understand why I can never fully allow you to break me."
Turning his head as he continued softly, "Because I will never allow myself to betray or hurt those kids."
Cole stood up as he said, "I have something for you to think about Franco. If you had me on your side, with the people I can influence, wouldn't it be safer for the kids… I can help you protect them." Cole realized it was time to start another phase of Franco's training. Franco was primed to start thinking Cole could be a benefit to him. "Now stand up Saint, we need to get on with this day." When Franco hesitated he said in a voice which allowed for only compliance, "I said stand up."
Franco knew if he didn't stand then Cole would only have Punta make him. He asked as he stood, "Thanks to Punta, you at least heard my nightmare Cole. Can you honestly say that if Khalid ordered you to have me bring him Tia..." He stopped as he again saw Tia in those chains. Pushing the scene back as he finished, "That you would refuse? I can't risk that nightmare ever happening. Do you honestly believe that Khalid had nothing to do with what Shadow has done?There is nothing that Shadow does without The Dark Medjai's approval and support! If you believe otherwise, than you are blind."
"Franco, I do not answer to Shadow. The man can ask anything he wants… he can get as angry as he wants…. He can even talk to Khalid about what he wants. I have my orders and I have been given a free hand on how I carry out those orders. Tia is not my target." Cole started to walk toward the door, "I know you are not going to believe this at the moment, and maybe you never will, but the Core is safer with me watching over them than if I decided to abandon them to other powers. Now come with me." Cole got to the door and opened it, motioning for the two guards outside to stand aside. "You have some other lessons to learn." Cole stood so Franco would be able to walk past him. Punta stood behind Franco, in case he needed encouragement to walk out of the room.
Franco headed for the door and passed Cole. He noticed Punta was following behind him. When he got into the hall, he waited. Cole went in front of him, and motioned for him to follow. Punta scurried down the hall toward the stairs, and the two guards fell in close behind him. They were headed to the room Franco was getting to know a lot better than he knew was healthy. As they entered, Franco saw about twenty men sitting around the ring on the benches talking, and more were entering as they made their way to the ring in the center. Cole motioned for him to enter the ring. Franco tried to stand tall and as nonchalantly as he could. Cole entered and guided him to the center of the ring. Whispering in his ear, "Stand there for a moment," then left the ring and talked to a man sitting in the first row. The man nodded and went to the wall, flipping some switches. The light over the center of the ring came on… the room became instantly quiet. Franco had a bad feeling about this.
Once Franco was in the ring, Cole started his lesson in motion. He had the lights on the ring turned on, which he knew would signal the men they were ready to start. He returned to the side of the ring and raised his hand. Seven men got up and made their way into the ring, forming a circle around Franco. Cole looked into the ring and explained, "Franco these men have expressed along with ten others, their need for recompense from you, because of bodily or mental anguish you have cause." Cole's smile grew bigger. "I have been thinking you have some bottled up anger which you need to release, so I am allowing them to get whatever payment they feel due and making it possible for you to vent some of that anger… there will be no weapons allowed. There will just be hand to hand combat until I call it quits. .." Cole looked straight into Franco's eyes as he added, "You can stop the fighting anytime you want, if you will just agree to follow my orders without question. Now we will begin." Cole turned and sat in the only comfortable chair in the room, which was about five feet away from the action. Raising his hand he let it drop and sat watching.
Franco looked at Cole as he asked, "What are you up to now Fixer? I am not training your men. In fact, if given the chance Cole..." He gave a glare to those men as he finished, "I would insure them and you ended up like Jamerson." The one way to insure the nightmare never happened was to kill those that could endanger the princess. Saint inwardly cringed as he wondered if he could really murder to save Tia. Shaking his head as he realized that no matter how bad Cole was, Franco's inner beliefs would not allow him to just murder somebody, even somebody like Cole. He had killed Jamerson but only to get payback for Lance.
Cole only chuckled, "If you can not to fight Franco, that is up to you, but the men have been promised they can teach you a lesson." Cole watched as the men circled Franco, who was trying not to take a fighting stance. When one of the men pushed the Saint, sending him carening into another man, and that man pushed him yet again in the direction of a third man, Cole saw the mussesls in Franco's arms flex. The man was about to put up a fight. The shoving went on for a few more moments, until Franco made a swing. That started the men around him off in earnest. They had all been told, Franco was not to die, or be seriously hurt. No one was allowed to hit him in the heart area either. Several of the men were hand to hand specialist and at least one of them had shown great promise in kick boxing.
As Cole watched he motioned to the refreshment attendee, he would like something to drink. Punta had taken a place sitting on the floor at his feet. Cole had told the elf he could sit on a bench, but he had refused, stating it would be out of character for him to be shown such respect, and besides he preferred the floor. Punta was there as a medic.
Franco had decided to fight. The next man who went to shove his received a right cross on the jaw, giving Franco the satisfying chance to hear bones crunched. He ducked as the man beside him took a swing and his foot lashed out to the man who had advanced from the other side of the circle. Franco went down in a fighting crouch and turned in a slow circle. Another man from just within his vision came at him and throws to quick jabs, one of which connected as he tried to side step the other. Within a matter of seconds, Franco found his arms pined behind his back and a man standing in front of him smiling. He felt the one punch in his gut, before the uppercut, made his head swim. He barely heard Cole's voice from the sidelines saying one word, "Break". He was not sure if Fixer was telling the men to let go of him, or if he was reminding him all he had to do was give in. Franco shook his head to clear the fog, threatening to take away his will to keep fighting.
When his arms were released his legs gave out and he went to his knees. He heard clapping and cheers from the audience. Taking as deep of a breath as he could he pushed himself back to his feet, found an opponent and swung his fist with all the strength he could put behind it, then caught the man around the ankle with his own foot and yanked, causing the man to hit the mat hard. Another man who thought they would catch him off guard, came at him from the side. Franco spun away giving the man a hard shot to the stomach as he did. He went down in a ball and rolled toward the edge of the ring, bowling down one man. When he came to his feet, he pushed the man beside the man who had just gone down, toward the center of the ring. Jumping out of the ring he started a mad dash to the other set of doors. He would have made it if the elf had not shot a spell toward him and brought him to his knees.
Franco was grabbed by both arms and drug back into the ring. He pretended to be limp, but when a man came at him, he planted his feet under him and shoved up, catching the advancing man under the chin with the top of his head. Franco quickly found himself pinned in a kneeling position, with two men standing in front of him. Their faces showing their unmasked intent on cause him a lot of pain. The pain came and just as he was about to black out, everything stopped. The world became fuzzy then dark.
Franco was grabbed by both arms and drug back into the ring. He pretended to be limp, but when a man came at him, he planted his feet under him and shoved up, catching the advancing man under the chin with the top of his head. Franco quickly found himself pinned in a kneeling position, with two men standing in front of him. Their faces showing their unmasked intent on cause him a lot of pain. The pain came and just as he was about to black out, everything stopped. The world became fuzzy then dark.
Franco found himself back in the nightmare again. Tia and the rest of the Core were standing at the other end of the long room, their hands out stretched in his direction. They were desperately calling for him to come help them, but try as he might Franco could only manage a slow belly crawl in their direction. It seemed as the more he crawled the farther away they got. Cole was standing beside him, walking sideways, keeping up with his slow progress, saying, "I will help you take care of them Franco… all you have to do is let me take care of you…. Give in to my demands and I will help you make sure they are safe…. Look at them… they are getting farther and farther away…" Franco felt someone slapping his face and he smelled a strong odor assaulting his nose. His eyes flickered open and he was back in his bed, strapped down by his wrists and ankles. Cole stood at the side of the bed, arms resting on the railing and smiling. "Welcome back, partner…. It is nice to know you have finally seen the light."
His eyes flickered open and he was back in his bed, strapped down by his wrists and ankles. His one arm had again been immunized with a strap at the shoulder and one at the wrist. Cole stood at the side of the bed, arms resting on the railing and smiling. "Welcome back, partner…. It is nice to know you have finally seen the light."
Franco cringed as he asked shaken, "What do you mean Fixer?" The nightmare that was so visable still in his mind. Saint shook his head sadly as he feared that it might not have been a dream
I see you are not totally convince, Franco. Maybe you think your dreams and your reality are confused. I will tell you what I am going to do. I am going to let you stay confused on that part, because maybe it will make it easier the second time around." Cole walked over to the door, opened it and signalled to the guard. The man came in dragging a girl, who looked to be about the age of 17 or 18 years old. She was scarred and visibly shaking. Cole signaled for her to be put in one of the chairs. Then he walked back to the bed and said to Franco, "Saint, this is Maria. It turns out she stowed away on a supply ship I had deliver some merchandise. She had been a bad girl, don’t you agree." Cole did not wait for an answer, but walked over to the table and picked up one of the two brown vials of liquid, check the label and then filled the syringe. As he gave Franco the shot in his vain, he continued, "this concoction will allow me to control you… when I give you an order you will not be able to refuse, no matter how hard you try. It will remain in your system for about fifteen minutes, then it will dissipate." Cole rubbed the spot he had punctured Franco's arm with to make the drug enter his system faster. Waiting a full minute he undid the straps from Franco's arm, wrist and ankles. He then went to the door and called Punta into the room. Turning back to Franco he said, "Punta will help keep you under control, in-between shots …" Cole smiled when Franco visibly cringed when he said the word shots
Cole could see the drug taking effect so he said, "Franco get out of bed and stand in front of the girl."
Franco watched the girl and realized that Cole was most likely going to order him to hurt or kill her. Franco hoped he could fight the serum for the fifteen minutes that it would be in his body. Looking from the girl to Cole, Franco asked, "And what happens if I fight the serum? I won't do your dirty work Fixer and all I have to do is fight it for fifteen minutes. You will see Fixer, that I have more at stake than this one girl. If I give in now, then I risk betraying the Core of my beliefs cause that girl has done nothing to warrant me hurting her."
Cole repeated his demands, "Stand up Franco and go and stand in front of the girl, now."
Franco watched the girl and realized that Cole was most likely going to order him to hurt or kill her. Franco hoped he could fight the serum for the fifteen minutes that it would be in his body. Looking from the girl to Cole, Franco asked, "And what happens if I fight the serum? I won't do your dirty work Fixer and all I have to do is fight it for fifteen minutes. You will see Fixer, that I have more at stake than this one girl. If I give in now, then I risk betraying the Core of my beliefs because that girl has done nothing to warrant me hurting her."
Cole smiled and took a place at the end of the bed, "I am sorry Franco, but you have can ot fight the serum. I know you feel it in your veins. Your legs want to get up don't they. The pain you are feeling resisting will only grow and you still will eventually do what I say. Now," Cole repeated his demands, "Stand up Franco and go and stand in front of the girl."
The pain was building in Franco's legs and he was losing control over the movements of his body. His legs on their own swung over the side of the bed and his feet planted themselves on the floor. He put his arms down at this side and balled his hands into fists, trying to keep himself from walking forward, but his body had become disconnected from his mind and his will. He found himself standing in front of the frightened girl, trying to apologize with his eyes. She only looked more frightened as she looked from him to Cole.
Cole smiled. The girl sitting in the chair was actually 25 years old and one of the star members of his army. She had proven herself over and over against some of the men who had fallen out. When he had gone to her and asked if she would like to take part in the breaking of Franco, she had enthusiastically agreed. She had the makings of a first rate operative. Everything had been explained to her, including the pain she may be going through. She had also been told what the payoff was, if she made it through. Cole was very generous with those who served him well. Maggie, the girls real name, had dressed as a teenager and had taken on the persona of a girl who was in the wrong place and the wrong time. Cole watched as she played the part to the hilt.
Talking to Franco, Cole said, "Franco, our young and foolish Maria, needs to be taught a lesson about not getting into other people's property and going where she has no right to go, don't you think? You Franco are going to help drive that lesson home. Undo the front of her blouse, now."
Talking to Franco, Cole said, "Franco, our young and foolish Maria, needs to be taught a lesson about not getting into other people's property and going where she has no right to go, don't you think?"
Franco looked at the scared girl as he answered Cole, "Yes, but it can be done without me hurting her Fixer. She scared as is. I can convince her that she needs to swear that she won't tell anybody what she has seen or ever come back her." Franco had to try to protect this girl from harm. He prayed that Cole would not order her death as he now knew that under the serum he would kill her if order though he would fight it every step of the way.
"You Franco are going to help drive that lesson home. Undo the front of her blouse, now."
Franco cringed as he begged Cole, "Don't have me do this please Fixer? She made a mistake and has realized it."
Turning to the girl saying even has his hands started undoing the buttons, "Tell him that you understand your mistake and swear that you won't ever do it again. That you will tell no one. Please girl, cause if he orders me...under this serum...to kill you...I will...even though I will fight it until the last possible second!"
Franco watched the girl open her mouth as if to say something, but no sound came out. She started to shake as she looked down at Franco's hands, shockingly undoing the buttons on her blouse.
Cole walked over to the end of the table and leaned on it, so he could make sure he had eye contact with Franco. As the last button of the blouse came loose, exposing a bright red sports bra, Cole smiled, saying to Franco, "Nice, isn't she, Franco. So young and fair. Wouldn't you just love to have her really close to you?" Without warning he said, "Slap her three times, Franco, hard. I want to hear the sound."
"There is only one way to teach a girl like this to not do something again, Franco." Cole said as he walked over to the end of the table and leaned on it, so he could make sure he had eye contact with Franco. As the last button of the blouse came loose, exposing a bright red sports bra, Cole smiled, saying to Franco, "Nice, isn't she, Franco. So young and fair. Wouldn't you just love to have her really close to you?" Without warning he said, "Slap her three times, Franco, hard. I want to hear the sound."
Franco cringed as he realized what Cole was implying with his question. At least he had been looking the girl in the eyes and not where his hands were. Franco's mother had been a christian and had raised her boys to respect women. Franco resisted even harder the serum as now it tempted his faith.
He felt the pain hit him hard and felt the war in his mind that was happening. His beliefs were taught by both of his parents but his faith was instilled by his mother. He could feel both being shown to be of little value or that he must really be strong in either as he still had dishonored that girl by obeying Cole. As tears came to his eyes as he thought unknowingly aloud, "How can my faith and beliefs mean so little to me that I would allow the serum to force my hands to undress her blouse? Do I have so little faith that I can't even stand up for my beliefs?"
Franco felt relief when told to slap her hard. Saint didn't even fight the command as he slapped the girl in the face quickly three times at full force. Then his mind came back to haunt him with his father's words, "Gentlemen don't hit women Franco!" All he could do is hang his head as he answered his father, "Would you have rather he ordered me to rape her father? I can't fight the serum so how do stop myself from doing what he orders? Faith?"
That was very well done, Franco. Faith is highly over rated, Franco, when it comes to survival. The girl's survival is totally in your hands. Stick to your faith and weaken yourself and I will turn the girl over to my men to teach her a lesson. Now, I don't think she has learned enough yet." Cole came up and stood very close behind Franco, so he could talk directly into his ear. "She really is a very pretty little thing. I think maybe she enjoys being hurt. Stand her up, and remove her skirt, then put her in the bed, and tie her wrists over her head. Do it now Franco." Cole chuckled. The man was barely going to be able to remain standing when this serum wore off in about five minutes.
The next shot would make him feel any pain to himself, to the extreme. A few times of back and forth between the two, should take the Saint to where Cole needed him, ready to comply with all his wishes.
Franco said, "Faith is all I have left of mother." Franco cringed as he heard his orders. Saint begged Cole, "Please Fixer, understand that I was raised a gentleman and we don't do this? My faith won't permit it. It is a sin. Please, don't test my faith this way?"
He knew it was useless as he watched his body obey even as his eyes teared as he said softly, "Do I have so little faith? That my body would obey Fixer in dishonoring this child?"
He knew it was useless as he watched his body obey even as his eyes teared as he said softly, "Do I have so little faith? That my body would obey Fixer in dishonoring this child?" He stood the girl up in front of him working on the button and zipper which held the skirt on. She was trembling so bad, it was hard to undo the button, but soon the skirt fell to the floor and revealed a thin bikini under garment. His hands shook as she started to realize what may be about to happen and started to resist being taken to the bed. He was too strong for her though and was able to pick her up and carry her to the bed, holding her fighting body down long enough to fasten the straps on the headboard around her wrist. He watched as Cole came over and placed a gag around her mouth.
As he turned toward Cole, his legs gave out and he fell to his knees. He did not have enough strength to get back up again. Cole signaled two of the guards to grab him and fasten him to the straps on the wall, where Lance had been positioned at one time. It was time for the next shot. Before Franco had time to recover, Cole picked up another needle and filled it from the second vile, then calmly walked over and jabbed into Franco's backside. Walking back over to the bed he put a sheet over the girl and winked at her. She winked back, showing she was all right. As Cole had thought, her trembling was not from fear, but from arousal.
He turned back to Franco who had recovered from the first shot and was realizing where he was standing. "Now Franco we are going to try another part of your therapy. The shot I just gave you is going to heighten your sensitivity to pain. Not sure how long it will last , but we still have most of the day left. You of course can stop any of this at any time, if you again, say you will follow my orders with no questions asked… what do you say." Cole walked over to test on how far the drug had gotten into Franco's system. He reached out and pinched Franco's stomach, grabbing as much flesh as he could. He was rewarded with a healthy grown from the man. Another five minutes and Franco would give more than an grown, from a simple pinch.
Cole stood in front of Franco. He had great respect for the man, but he was still intent on saving Franco, his brothers, his sister and all his friends a lot of heartache. If he could only tell him the truth, but Shadow had to believe he was broken, and Cole could not take the chance Franco or one of the family would let it slip that he was not in Cole's control. "Franco look at me… you can hold onto your faith and still give into me. I am not asking you to give up faith; I am just asking that you let me help you protect your family and friends. I know it makes no sense, Saint, but what is going to happen will happen. You are already weak and I will keep after you until you give into my demands." Cole pounded Franco in the stomach hard. "Give in Franco…" He balled up his fist and hit him in the jaw. He knew the pain was unbearable. "Give in Franco, bow to my will…." Again he pounded him in the stomach. "Give in Saint… Let me end this…" Looking over at the girl, he said, "The pain you are feeling can be dealt out to others, How do you think the girl would take feeling what I could do to her, after she had a shot."
Franco screamed as he fought his bonds, "No please Fixer! Don't do that to her...Please! Don't hurt her like that!" The pain had become almost unbearable but if it protected that girl from receiving any of the serums, then Franco would endure the pain.
Thinking unknowingly aloud, "Why is my faith and trust so strong in the defense of others but so weak when defending my own beliefs? Can I really give up one without destroying them both? Is it my beliefs that have cause me to falter in my faith?"
He is starting to realize that he gives in to protect others and at that time he trusts god fully to see him to the other side but when it comes to protecting himself, he can't see why he should bother god with seeing him to the other end of him giving in.
He is at a point where he is wondering if it is his belief that he should give his problems and trails over to god when it is others at risk...if he is betraying god by not trusting him in all things instead of just when he is protecting others by his actions
Cole stood back for a moment, "Tell me about your Faith, Franco. What binds you to it… why do you hate yourself? Why are you willing to give up everything to protect others but have such little regard for your own well being? Why can't you have faith that god just might have a reason and just is asking for to trust him fully? Give into me, Franco or suffer more… it is totally up to you."
Franco cringed as he thought about how to answer Fixer. He wondered if he could explain it. Smiling as he said, "My mother was so strong in her faith. Father believed but not like mom. She fully trusted god to the point of considering magic just another gift. I remember her saying that like all gifts, god wanted us to use them to bring him honor. Cole, my mother died honoring her belief. How can I do any less?"
His captor's next words shook him to his core as he said without thinking, "My mother did and where was he? He helps when you are helping others but when it is only you at risk, he..." Franco stopped as he realized why he never trusted god enough to risk giving him full control. Saint had never gotten over him letting those dark wizards kill his mother.
Wondering as he said a little aloud, "What reason could god have had to allow them to murder her?"
Franco heard something deep inside answer, "I have my reasons and your mother understood that sometimes I need to give people a little nug or even a wake-up call. One day, you will understand. But I don't ask for understanding but for your faith and trust. And in those you lack!" Franco shook his head as he was so unsure.
Saint starred at Cole as he just shook his head.
The door to the room open and one of the guards walked and handed Cole a piece of parchment. Cole read the note and hammered his fist on the table. It had just been discovered, one of the new cub reporters at the Prophet was a double agent. One of Cole's information's at the newspaper saw the double mark of the Dark Sect and had informed Darik, in Hogsmeade about the problem. Darik was dropping the man off as the message was being delivered. Cole turned to the guard and said, "Bring him to me… oh and have someone come and take the girl away." Cole turned back to Franco and said, "It seems I have a treat for you Franco. The girl is leaving … she will be delivered back to the mainland." When Cole saw the look on Franco's face, he added. "She will be unharmed and within easy reach of a place to get help."
Cole walked over to the table and picked up the first syringe and bottle of liquid, filled the syringe and walked back over to Franco. "You either hold still and take the needle, Franco, or I give this needle and one from the other bottle to the girl at the same time. I am not sure what will happen, with the mix… but it may be interesting to find out."
Cole gave Franco the shot as the girl was being removed from the room and the cub reporter was entering. Cole turned to Franco and undid the bindings, then he said, "Stay were you are Franco, this should not take more than ten minutes and that will give you five minutes to spare." Cole turned toward the cub reporter, who was trying to look young and innocent. The boy was really a man in his early 30's and very well versed in espionage. "Sit him in the chair," Cole said to the guard. When the man was bound snug to the chair, Cole turned to Franco handed him a knife and said, "Kill him, now" The reporter started to beg for his life as if he was a teenager, "Mr. Spellman, what is happening? I am scared Mr. Spellman, please make them let me go…" Cole repeated his order to Franco. "Kill him, now"
Franco panicked as he saw the cub reporter that he had asked Maggie to train. "If he is here than Margie...Where is Margaret?", Saint thought as he tried to go to protect the kid. He had taken the shot and knew that soon Fixer would order him to do something. He had to find out what was going on cause he was sure that whatever his orders were this kid would be on the receiving end.
Hearing Cole he said, "What is going on? This kid is just a cub reporter. He is no threat to you. What have you done with Margaret? Why are you having me kill an innocent?" Franco knew that he would carry the order out as he felt the pain hit his body full force.
Cole gave Franco the shot as the girl was being removed from the room and the cub reporter was entering. Cole turned to Franco and undid the bindings. Franco panicked as he saw the cub reporter that he had asked Maggie to train. "If he is here than Margie...Where is Margaret?" Saint thought as he tried to go to protect the kid. He had taken the shot and knew that soon Fixer would order him to do something. He had to find out what was going on because he was sure that whatever his orders were this kid would be on the receiving end.
Looking straight at Franco Cole said, "Stay where you are Franco, this should not take more than ten minutes and that will give you five minutes to spare." Cole turned toward the cub reporter, who was trying to look young and innocent. Walked up to him and whispered in his ear, "I know who you are… who you work for … how old you are … and that you are about to die." The reporters face went ashen. The boy was really a man in his early 30's and very well versed in espionage. "Sit him in the chair," Cole said to the guard. When the man was bound snug to the chair, Cole turned to Franco handed him a knife and said, "Kill him, now" The reporter started to beg for his life as if he was a teenager, "Mr. Spellman, what is happening? I am scared Mr. Spellman, please make them let me go…" Cole repeated his order to Franco. "Kill him, now"
Hearing Cole he said, "What is going on? This kid is just a cub reporter. He is no threat to you. What have you done with Margaret? Why are you having me kill an innocent?" Franco knew that he would carry the order out as he felt the pain hit his body full force.
Cole walked over and sat on the edge of the bed. Franco had remained at the back wall on the other side of the table from the reporter. Turning his attention to Franco, he said, "Margaret is fine. She hasn't even missed this man yet. He is just going to be another reporter who disappeared doing a story. Now, Franco you heard my orders. Kill him… NOW."
Franco cringed as he knew the way Margie trained cubs. Staring at the cub as he said, "Something is off as Margaret never leaves cubs unprotected. If Margaret doesn't know you are gone then you ditched her? One thing I have learned about Fixer is he don't lie, he might not tell me everything but if he says Margaret don't know you are gone...then you have some answering to do, don't you cub?"
Cole smiled not moving from the edge of the bed, Franco was quick as far as figureing out when something was not right with a situation. Cole had checked Franco out and the man had a sixth sense on where there was a story. Looking at the quasi- cub reporter, he almost felt sorry for the man. The Dark-sect was getting sloppy if they sent this type of person in as a spy. That sloppiness' may help later.
The reporter started to struggle, "Please Mr. Spellman…. Help me please…. Marge sent me to a store front and told me someone would meet me in the alley with some information for her … no one showed up … I waited for an hour… Next thing I know I am blindfolded, my hands are tied behind my back and I Apparated to here… I don't understand what is happening…. I don't want to die…. Please sir, help me."
Saint was surprised at how his gut was telling him that this cub was no innocent as he first thought and death was going to be this lair's reward. Smiling as he said to Fixer, "I want answers first and I am going to give this cub a chance. For that I need my toy and room, you do remember my toy, Fixer?"
It went against Cole's better judgment to give Franco his deadly yo-yo, but he need the man dead and he wanted Franco to do the killing as a reinforcement of Cole's orders. "I will have a promise from you first Franco, on your honor, of course. In the end the man will die, and when he is dead, you will hand the toy over to me with no problems from you. It will only be used on this man. Do I have your honor on that one? I hope you find what you need to find, but the man is a dead man and you are the one who will take his life, by my orders."
Franco cringed as he knew the way Margie trained cubs. Staring at the cub as he said, "Something is off as Margaret never leaves cubs unprotected. If Margaret doesn't know you are gone then you ditched her? One thing I have learned about Fixer is he don't lie, he might not tell me everything but if he says Margaret don't know you are gone...then you have some answering to do, don't you cub?"
Cole smiled not moving from the edge of the bed, Franco was quick as far as figureing out when something was not right with a situation. Cole had checked Franco out and the man had a sixth sense on where there was a story. Looking at the quasi- cub reporter, he almost felt sorry for the man. The Dark-sect was getting sloppy if they sent this type of person in as a spy. That sloppiness' may help later.
The reporter started to struggle, "Please Mr. Spellman…. Help me please…. Marge sent me to a store front and told me someone would meet me in the alley with some information for her … no one showed up … I waited for an hour… Next thing I know I am blindfolded, my hands are tied behind my back and I Apparated to here… I don't understand what is happening…. I don't want to die…. Please sir, help me."
Saint was surprised at how his gut was telling him that this cub was no innocent as he first thought and death was going to be this lair's reward. Smiling as he said to Fixer, "I want answers first and I am going to give this cub a chance. For that I need my toy and room, you do remember my toy, Fixer?"
It went against Cole's better judgment to give Franco his deadly yo-yo, but he need the man dead and he wanted Franco to do the killing as a reinforcement of Cole's orders. "I will have a promise from you first Franco, on your honor, of course. In the end the man will die, and when he is dead, you will hand the toy over to me with no problems from you. It will only be used on this man. Do I have your honor on that one? I hope you find what you need to find, but the man is a dead man and you are the one who will take his life, by my orders."
Cole nodded. Whether the reported died or not, Franco was going to eventually break, even if it took him forcing the Saint to do other things against his will. Cole walked over to the locked cabinet, unlocked it and pulled out Franco's toy which consisted of a yo-yo specially made to allow blades to come out from it, which were blood activated by Franco. Holding it in his hand he walked over and pulled the table to the back wall, then took the empty chair and placed it on top of the table. He motioned for the guard to unbind the reporter. When the man got up he added his chair to the top of the table.
The reporter's eyes shifted quickly around the room, looking for any possible escape route, but there was none. Cole signaled the guard to leave. He had learned Franco's honor was always kept so he was not worried about being hurt. The serum Cole had given Franco would be in the man's system for another ten minutes, but Franco was acting on his own. Cole sat on the edge of the bed and tossed the yo-yo to Franco, generally waving his hand for the man to start.