Chapter 7 – The Calm Before the Storm

After ensuring that my Assistant General Manager was at least still going to be here in the morning, I went back up to the bar to catch Captain Solak, who'd been invited to the bash, and let him know about Alicia. This whole night had been just like finding Sarah deMarza with Barnard that first night and that arrow through my heart was getting away with me: losing my cool with Alicia--who I kind of liked-- and totally losing it with Tobey. Fuzzy was right, I should've been the one to make up, but I promised myself it'd happen in the morning.

Captain Solak was enjoying the party with the delightful Mrs. Solak when I returned. He noticed the red spot on my cheek but said nothing of it. I said, "You have a moment, Sir?"

"What can I do for you Mr. Slagenweit?" The Captain was always formal when doing business.

"I've had my security looking around for people who might be passing information to the gangs about the goings on around here. We've caught her. She's in my office right now."

He scrutinized the thought. "Hmmm. Do you want to walk with me to have a chat with her or do you want me to call the boys?"

"I'd like to avoid a bigger scandal than I already have, Captain. And I'm convinced that she doesn't have anymore information that she's already shared with me."

"What exactly did she share with you Mike?"

"Basically that she'd provided the Fashionista's gang with access to the Raid, provided them with the information that got me, Ms. Woods, and Mr. Tepnapa kidnapped. We escaped thanks to the Wolf Pack, but also that they're planning something big which she didn't know about."

"Well we can increase our patrols and maybe bring in a few more men. It would be helpful to know when this is going down. Did she mention a timetable?"

"She didn't say when, just soon. And a few extra hands would really help."

"Well I will beef up security and what say we have a little chat with the chicky tomorrow?"

"Sounds good, but take it easy with her, huh, Cap? I'm not positive she needs the hot coals and broken glass treatment."

"No from the sounds of the reports I got, you already used it."

"No, I lost my cool a little bit, but didn't go to extremes."

"So Mike, how is the festival going? My lovely bride," he motioned to the blonde coming to perch on his arm, “really loved tonight’s movie."

"Been good so far, the benefits of having amateurs and professionals mingling together will really make some strides for good entertainment. There's a couple more debuts tomorrow and then the grand finale the day after is Mr. Tepnapa's film."

The lilt of her voice gave cover for the strength of will and heart she carried. "I have heard a lot of speculation on it but nothing official." Elaina Solak was the heart behind the badge in the town. And her beauty rivaled her heart.

"Well I only helped with a couple of scenes and have been out of the loop on where it's gone since then, so I'm really excited too."

"JT had a hard time getting this thing off the ground and I really want it to be a success."

"And from what I hear it is to be quite the success." Chief Solak tilted his head. "What by chance was your role? Did you get the ultimate red shirt?" Solak was a huge Star Trek fan. He had even lent his voice to a few productions.

"The plumber." I said, slightly embarrassed.

Eliana bubbled with laughter. "THE PLUMBER! Oh how funny! How by chance does your role fit into the movie?"

"Well, there's that scene where Ms. Woods is caught between her true love and an old flame, and the plumber comes in and the old flame begins accusing her of infidelity. That's me. It was a small part, but fun to do." I said, trying to hide the twinge of pain that'd crept into my voice.

Elaina put her hand on Solak's arm noticing the change in Mike's demeanor. "Well don't ruin the movie for us," she said lightly.

I grinned, grateful for the excuse to change the subject, "I won't."

"Husband dear, it is getting late and dawn is coming early. Mr. Slagenweit. Thank you for this evening but if I could impose just one more time?"

"Certainly, my dear Madame." I replied.

With hope twinkling in her eyes, "By chance is there anyway I could meet Ms. Wood?"

"I believe so," and I ushered the Captain and his missus to the small clutch on the opposite side of the room where Becky was. She was relating some of her experiences while shooting on the film and how none of it had prepared her for being kidnapped by a maniac. When a momentary pause in the conversation came, I said, "While I hate to interrupt this glowing account of your absolutely wonderful performance, may I do so for a moment?"

"But of course my handsome!"

"I just wanted to introduce you to Police Captain Karl Solak and his wife, the lovely Elaina Solak."

Becky broke into a wide smile and extended her hand to the couple. "How do you do?"

They both gushed a bit, meeting the extraordinary actress, which brought a bigger smile to my face. During the ensuing chit-chat, a feeling of warmth rose in my mind, and my eyes drifted to the windows toward the waterfall. A silent prayer formed on my lips, "Thank you, God." And then I joined the chatter myself.

It was nearing three in the morning when the party began to filter out, and I heard sleep calling my name, despite all the Pepsi I'd drank over the course of the evening.

When things finally broke up, I walked back to my office, finding Alicia asleep on my office couch. Despite all that happened between us, I couldn't help, but find her attractive. However, I also knew it was going to be a long time before I might come to trust her.

Two Socks was passing by on her way to bed. "She's been asleep since midnight, finally wore out," she said.

"Could you do me a favor before you head off to visit the sandman, my dear? Is there an open room where I might put her until morning?"

"But of course sir. #328."

"Thanks. Pleasant dreams."

I carried the young woman upstairs, laid her on the bed, and left a note warning her not to leave in the morning. Considering the look I'd given her early, I figured she'd take me seriously. Then I headed home to take an appointment in dreamland myself.

Ate the breakfast in the main dining room Tobey looked around at the hordes of Hollywood seeming to have the time of their lives. It brought a smile to my face that I had a hand in making this happen despite all the problems that had been going on. Tobey's face darkened only for a moment. The last few days had been horrible but nothing brought me pain like lat night after the viewing. The words I had said and the fight with Michael. It had all been too much and I had needed to get away. Being by the waterfall the night had been transformed from heartbreak to healing.

Amidst my tears, Zack had come and before I could muster the strength to hide away, I found myself like the waterfall beside me, pouring my heart out. The facial expressions he made conveyed his shock, his horror, his anger and his love. I don't know how long I talked but I knew now that I wasn't hiding anything from him any longer.

He knew I was the Nightwolf and everything that had gone down. And as I sat munching on my bagel in the warm glow of the sun, I remembered jumping us back to our apartment and a wonderful evening and morning. The pain wasn't gut wrenching any longer but I knew I still had a long way to go, but that I had someone by my side (redshirt) that would help carry the load.

And in walked a person I was dreading. Mike Slagenweit himself.

I'd woken up to Rascal Flatts' "Feels Like Today" playing on the radio. I loved the song, the chorus carrying more meaning than the verses, but today it carried deeper meaning. I knew what I had to do. Taking the turbo tube, I zipped down to the resort, and checked to make sure Alicia was still in the room--to which she was--and then headed for the dining room. Sure enough, Tobey was there, looking better, but at the same time morose at my presence. I didn’t blame him. I got a cup of tea and walked over to where he sat. I said, voice shaky, "Hey."

He didn't quite look at me at first, but I barreled on, "Look, I want to apologize. I was being a jackass last night, and you didn't need that."

I didn't register what he said at first as I was stumbling over myself apologizing but stopped as I realized he was talking too

"Look Mike, I am sorry. Last night seemed to be yet another long line of mistakes I have been making lately." I didn't know what to tell him. I felt lower than a snakes butt in a wagon rut.

"Maybe it would be better if I took a break from the team after this assignment. I know I can't leave in mid crisis even though I should get out as soon as possible but I will give you my resignation after the close of the festival and everyone is home safe." I couldn't look at him. Amazing I can fend off multi gun bad guys a blazin' but I couldn't look my friend in the eye. Interesting how shame makes cowards of the bravest souls.

"Look, after this is all over, I want to take a break. You know go somewhere hot and put all of this behind us. What do you think? Take a week, run to Hawaii or something, lie out on the beach and do nothing?"

'Huh?" I looked at him confused.

"I know that this has been a strain on you guys as much as me..." I paused, then continued, voice low, putting my hand on his, "What happened back there is in the past. I forgive you, but you need to forgive yourself."

I hoped he believed me. The thought of losing my best friend, and trusted ally, was more painful than anything I'd endured in the last couple of days.

"I don't know Mike. I'd thought I would never have to kill again. But I was wrong. I don't know if this is best left in the past." To think I had taken another life almost sent me down memory lane, but I couldn't let myself go there. "How do I go on like nothing has happened?"

"I don't say we go on like nothing happened, but at the same time, we can't allow ourselves to be consumed by the darkness of the past. You know that we all stand behind you, but when we fall of the path of life, there's one other we turn to help pick us up."

"Not another holy speech!"

"All right, but the truth is that I need you and I don't want you to leave. You know me, I'm no good at expressing my emotions, but I'm not sure if I could stand losing you."

I looked at Mike through my bangs. "???"

"We have a bond that has endured a lot. I rely on it. If I lost it, I don't know what I'd do..." I trailed off, then said, "Listen to me, going on like this. You know I care, I just have a hard time saying it."

"Good cause I wasn't really sure you could hear that I already have a boyfriend." I said with a grin. I couldn't let him continue or I wouldn't be able to hold back the tears.

I smiled, feeling my own tears starting to form, but holding them back, "Still leaving?"

I had to stop and consider. "Mike, I will be here. I don't know for how long. But I could never leave my best friend."

I squeezed his hand, "Thanks."

"Now what is the situation? Any word on the Fashionista?"

"Well, that's a harder question to answer, but we have a lead up in #328. I caught the infiltrator last night, but she said there more around the grounds." I gave Tobey a recap on my conversation with Alicia last night, concluding with Captain Solak's request to interrogate her.

Knocking back the last of my OJ, I stood up and offered Slaggy a hand up. "So what are we waiting for? Let's go grab our lead and get the day going." Now to man up and get back to business.

We found Alicia talking with Two Socks when we entered the room, the wonderful housekeeper anticipating my thought that she could stand for some breakfast, and not more than a few moments later, Captain Solak appeared. We settled about the room, and the good police captain asked, "So Miss, how did you get involved in this?"

"Would you believe the 'I was young. I needed the work' excuse?" she said with a shy smile.

"Doubtful," I said, a grin cracking on my face.

She explained how Barnett had recruited her, but not going into the details too much. She had a secret she was protecting, I quickly discovered, but something made me think it wasn't related to what was happening now.

"What I need to know is, why target us?" I asked.

"I mean, what does the gang think they can accomplish by attacking us?" I knew some of the reason, but perhaps this would lead into what the Fashionista's gang was plotting for us.

The little woman with the berry blonde hair shook her head. "It has something to do with the Festival. Mr. Barnett was hiring out 'sub-contractors' he said. He needed all the personnel to pull this off. And as in my case, he said he wasn't afraid to blackmail to get them.

"So you're saying there's more people working with him on the grounds?" the Captain asked.

"Do you know who?" I asked, anticipation rising in my voice.

"Mike, Mike... take it easy." Taking her hand, I sat down beside her. "Alicia, we need to know who else is on campus trying to hurt our guests."

I calmed myself, "It's critical we know, because if they're planning something drastic, we'll be in a better position to stop it. You'll have helped us more than you know."

"I honestly don't know!" A thought struck me. "Captain Solak, is there anyway to contact the Wolf Pack? I believe one of them might have something that can help us,"

The Captain replied, "Good idea, if I knew how."

"What do you mean you don't know how?" said Alicia

"I've never had to contact them directly. Whenever I have needed them, they come."

"Excuse me, there's something I have to check on for later tonight," I said, making excuse to disappear for a moment.

I made a quick gesture to Tobey to keep the ball rolling.

Tobey gave him a knowing head bob as Mike left.

"Wont be a minute," I added breaking for the door.

As soon as I was out of earshot, I broke into a run for the nearest supply closet, thanking my lucky stars that we'd interconnected them to the turbo tube network. In the closet, in the tube, in the Den in no time. A quick change in clothes, the costume feeling good after what I'd endured as Mike Slagenweit. I walked out onto the grounds, making sure I wasn't observed-- some days I wish I had a personal "stealth mode", but not to be. Carefully, I slipped back to the resort, managing to avoid attention. Two Socks, who was passing in the hall, gave me an appreciative smile.

"Captain Solak, I think that with our luck and the fact that I have heard of this person and his powers, he should be knocking on our door any minute now.

He raised an inquisitive brow at me. "Tobey are you sure? How could they know we need them now? No one has left the room who would tell."

I gave him a glance. “Captain, The wolf pack tends to know when they are needed."

"Indeed," I said, entering the room.

Alicia and I rose from the bed. Her in surprise, me with a smirk

"I have members of the Pack stationed about the grounds of the Raid, on Mr. Slagenweit's request. At the same time, young lady, I request your assistance."

Alicia looked surprised. "Me? But what can I do?"

"Give us all the information that you do have, including speculation. Anything at all may prove crucial."

"But I've already told Capt. Solak everything I know!

"Then allow me to reach into your mind. I have the ability to form a mental link and it may give us a clue as to the Fashionista's plan. Please, Miss, it may be invaluable."

Alicia was concerned. "I don't know about this." Tobey stepped in. "Alicia, please, this is Sabrewolf. One of the best guys this town has. If he can get access to your mind, he my find that vital clue you may not even know you have."

Gathering her wits, she nodded in agreement and sat back down on the bed.

I stepped forward, directly before her, looking her squarely in the eye. I said, "You may experience some discomfort. I will try to do this quickly."

With my mind, I reached forward, trying to see what she had taken in with Barnett. It was a jumble and I wasn't certain I'd even made the connection, but eventually, things calmed and images flowed more freely. Running along the sand of a beach. Singing in a choir. There! Wait, no... There, yes, there... Barnett, ordering her to apply for a position at the Raid. The boss demanded it. Wait! Don't slip away! Stay, stay... The ‘sub-contractors’ placed around the grounds of the Raid, ensuring non-interference. He was indicating the blueprints stolen by Barnard and deMarza. Pointing; here, there, slow down! Damn it, slow down!

I dropped to my knees, the connection broken; my face in my hands.

Tobey was beside Sabre in an instant

"Are you all right?"

"Yes. Give me a moment," I replied, rubbing my eyes, making sense of the jumble of images.

"Captain, get a bottle of water out of the mini bar."

I got back to my feet and said, "I'm all right. She saw the placement of Barnett's men, but I could only see a couple of the placements. By the entrance and somewhere in the hotel."

"There are more, so we must remain alert. I estimate three to six more men have been placed here."

The Police chief returned with the drink. "Did you see faces?"

"A blur, but they definitely looked male."

Tobey surreptitiously went behind Sabre and put his hand on his back. Maybe the extra strength would give Sabre some clarity.

'But no faces or landmarks stood out," Asked the chief.

I closed my eyes a second, remembering, "The one by the entrance-- tall, 6' 2', thin, shaved head. New to the Slagenweit operation. The other, thicker, older, white uniform. Not sure."

Hopefully Calley was getting records back on the description she was hearing over my comm. link that I had opened when I connected with Sabre.

I tried to ignore the residual ringing in my head, to give at least a few more details, "Yes, one more, down at the boat landing, scruffy looking and shaggy, definitely looks like a street person, mid age."

I brought out a tissue as blood started dripping from his nose.

I turned away, so as to lift my mask enough to use it.

Immediately I turned to Solak. "Sir, I don't think we should take these people out once we find them. Let them stay in place and we can track them." Hopefully he wouldn't notice my screw up by handing Sabre the tissue before he asked.

"Thank you," I whispered, quickly wiping the blood away. Returning the mask to position, I turned back around and said, "I agree with Mr. Devonshire, Captain. Perhaps these individuals will lead us to the others."

He didn't look happy, but the Chief agreed. "I am gonna head back into town and coordinate with my men. Mr. Devonshire, please let Mr. Slagenweit know of Sabrewolf's findings and our decisions. The question is does Ms. Alicia stay here or come with me?"

I glanced over at Alicia, pale and trembling a little. I tried to put reassurance in my eyes, then shifted my gaze to Captain Solak, "At the moment, Captain, I believe it would be best if she remained here. Mr. Slagenweit and Mr. Devonshire can ensure her safety."

Tobey nodded in agreement. "Alicia, stay here and please don't leave the room. If you need anything call the front desk and ask for either my self, Mr. Slagenweit or Zack Estes. We will be with you as soon as we can.

“She was not thrilled but she said yes and as the captain left, I began to leave with Sabre.

"I'll put Cana, Lupe, and Ty on the three we've confirmed so far," I rubbed my temple, the ringing had subsided, but remained persistent, so I worked to ignore it, "She saw much more, but I couldn't keep control over the link. And I was hurting her."

“You did good Sabre. This has been more than you have been able to do in a while. Listen I have to go open up the day’s events. Go bring Mike back to check on Alicia and then Maybe Nightwolf and Sabre can meet up with Calley at lunchtime and plan strategy with Darren and Laren."

"But keep your uniform on today under your street clothes."

"Agreed, he should be around somewhere. I'll let him know," I said aloud, though while in a whisper said, "Will do."

As the pair split up, the rest of the resort seemed to be electrified with excitement as festival goers emerged from their rooms. The sun was still shining. Tobey took that as a good omen and went to find Zack to let him know about room 328.