The Liberal Assassin

A new set of footsteps entered the room and almost on reflex I was pouncing on the intruder. My body moved on autopilot at the sound of heavy footsteps.

A yelp that was too loud made my head hurt. Ears ringing, I g.r.o.a.n.e.d in pain as Nash restrained me from actually attacking the newcomer. The blindfold was removed and I squinted, unused to the brightness. Green hair came to my peripheral vision and I sighed. Finally!

The scientist recovered and gave me a victorious grin. "Last chance," he said. "Are you sure you don't want this gift? I see you've become really accustomed to the s.e.n.s.i.t.i.v.e hearing. It has echolocation too!"

There was a growl and Khronos backed off the topic. I eyed the syringe. That liquid looked absolutely dangerous and suddenly, I wasn't sure if I should trust the man. "What else did you add?"

Khronos gave me an innocent look but Nash growled for the second time in less than a minute. The scientist put his hands up in a surrender position and gulped. "Not much, maybe something to help during emergencies."

"I already have super regenerative abilities. What else would I need?"

"Tsk… so difficult. I've modified your genetics to give you your normal hearing back and the added regenerative abilities. Now you'll be immune to any known poison and toxic too."

Nash raised a brow. "That's useful but I'm not exactly sure why he would need it."

Khronos shrugged. "Well, nobody expected Rion to sacrifice Lilith either. It's always better to be safe than sorry. I'm helping him increase his chances of survival while on the job. Arvin is missing and Lilith is dead. Our only lead is Kalifa and she won't spill easily. Rion is a pain to deal with and we can't afford to suffer any more damages. It's too risky unless we know more."

"I thought Kevin sent you the city blueprints with all the information you requested?"

Khronos shrugged. "None of those were helpful in determining Rion's next move. I have his security layout and schedule but he is a very cautious person. My scouts found information that differed too much from your sources. It's likely a trap."

Nash punched the nearby wall and his fist embedded itself in the concrete much to Khronos' chagrin.

"That's going to be hell to fix! We don't have the materials because our CEO is still held up by work, stop damaging the place unnecessarily!"

"I can make arrangements to fix it, no need to trouble Ignacio."

Snorting, my mentor pointed out how I was supposed to be incapable of moving from a deadly attack.

"Yes, that's true. However, you're actually supposed to be at work but here you are. Don't fret so much and let me handle it. I know how to deal with the press. In fact, that's part of my next plan. This base is too suspicious and difficult to enter." Putting a hand out, I stared at the scientist. "Khronos, pass me the dialler. I want to make a private call."

The lab rat fiddled with the dialler for a while and Nash craned his neck in interest. Once I had the small device in my hand I searched for the busy brunet's contact. Two seconds later, the video call connected.

"What is it?"

The annoyed expression morphed into one of concern almost immediately. I smiled. "Hi, it's been a while. I'm fine now. Almost…" Ignacio looked over my shoulder and pointed to what the scientist was injecting.

"He's fixing what he messed with but I'm able to hear again."

"That's good to know," the brunet smiled and from the background, I heard Rush.

It certainly didn't take long for the gang leader to bounce over with a large grin. "You're okay!"

I tried to look offended but failed. "Yes, I am. I heard you busted me out of the hospital and I appreciate that. However, I called because there's something that I required both your help."

Ignacio frowned but his friend seemed to vibrate with excitement beside. "What can we do? I'll try my best but the media has been pressing me for your whereabouts. Are you sure it's good to be moving so soon?"

Was I that predictable? The answer was obvious when Ignacio gave me a look that told me I wasn't fooling anyone, maybe Rush but not him.

"This is going to solve my need to keep a low profile. I want Luna Services to construct a new property in the Slums under my name. It should be built and linked to the base."

Rush looked unsure but Ignacio caught on quickly. "I'll look into it. Meanwhile, will you carry on with the original plan?"

I smiled. "There are some slight changes but it will proceed. In fact, I'll make the preparations tonight. I know how Spencer is probably bugging you to accept his offer at providing bodyguards for me. Tell him that you'll let him know when I'm awake. I'll be making a public appearance in a few days."

Ignacio shook his head while Rush continued to look confused. "I understand," the brunet smiled and ended the call. The brunet was most certainly going to face a tough time explaining to Rush what was going on. For someone so smart, the Yankee could be dense when it came to strategy and politics.

I turned back to Nash who was tapping his feet impatiently for my explanation. Khronos seemed to know what I was doing and stretched before announcing he would be making the item list for repairs.

"Tonight I go for Berriwott as planned," I told Nash. The construction project is a cover-up for my night activities. I will be accepting Spencer's proposal for bodyguards once the house in the Slums is fully built. That way I can create my own alibi. We will move ahead with the plan and hunt the three remaining non-fixed seats. Kalifa has the information for sure and knowing how much he loves her, he wouldn't rig her device. Berriwott and Janon on the other hand…we need to get to them before Rion does."

"Rion is trouble and Arvin is still hiding. Even if we reach all the non-fixed seats, how will we get to the mastermind?" Nash grunted.

"That's why it's better to get the rest out of the picture. The faster it is the better for us. The old coot could be hiding with the psycho seeing how he is the only one we couldn't locate. To lure him out without having to worry about Rion directly would be tricky but not impossible. Once Kalifa is dead, Rion will lose his composure and make more irrational judgements. We can then subdue him and corner Arvin."

"How are you going to lure Arvin out?"

"That's Khronos' job. If Rion has Kalifa, I'm sure Arvin has someone close to him too."

Nash shrugged. "Hopefully he does. How are you going to fight though? Your gadgets are all broken."

I froze.

Nash brushed past me and patted me on the head before leaving me to my thoughts in the training room.

I completely forgot about that.