Chapter 7: Playing Games (Part 3)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

All the agents are back at the offices.

Saunders

I can’t believe he got us.

Bennett

He definitely accessed one of the computers. And it looks like he copied some files to an external drive or something.

Saunders

Okay so let’s assume he was lying about leaving something at LifeSource and lying about the warehouse. It can’t be a coincidence that he mentioned Mr. Tyler being up to something and then him disappearing. He must be in communication with Mr. Tyler which means we have something else to ask him about. Make him our priority for now. I want him found.

Bennett takes out a map.

Bennett

He was last seen here.

Bennett circles a large area of the map.

Bennett

We need to search this entire area and its borders and fast. We don’t know how far he went. Each of you is given a place to search. We will also investigate why this location is significant in any way.

Saunders

Alright, don’t just stand here! Go!

---

Lisa and Ryan are at home.

Lisa

So I want to talk to you about your birthday.

Ryan

My birthday isn’t for another few months.

Lisa

Not according to your new birth certificate.

Ryan

Grandpa Joe even made me a fake birth certificate?

Lisa

Well it says it’s in two weeks. What do you want to do?

Ryan

I don’t know. We can’t really have a party.

Lisa

We’ll do whatever you want to do, just let me know when you decide.

Ryan

Will the Wilsons be there?

Lisa

No, they don’t have to be. It can be just you and me.

Ryan

No, I don’t mind. We can do something with them.

Lisa

Ah, so they’re growing on you, huh? We’ll see what they say.

---

Two days later – FBI offices

Bennett

So, we have some news.

Saunders

Please tell me it’s that you found Joe Tyler. It’s been two days and he’s still missing.

Bennett

It’s about an incident in Oakland.

Saunders

What incident?

Bennett

A man checked into a hospital two days ago burnt and bloody. He didn’t give them a name or information about what happened. The hospital had to treat him and now that he’s doing better they’re demanding questions from him and the authorities are finally talking to him.

Saunders

Why am I hearing about this right now?

Bennett

Sir, we had been so sure that Daniel Fields was fooling us about finding something or someone at the warehouse but I was never fully convinced. However, at the time we needed full attention to finding Mr. Tyler and I was determined on finding him. So after two days of no information I decided to take it upon myself to investigate in that area and just found out the information right now.

Saunders sits and takes this information in.

Saunders

While I’m not exactly thrilled you went on this secret assignment without telling me, I’m glad you did so. Let’s try getting to this man before he talks.

---

Gabriel is sitting in the apartment he lives in. He is staring at his laptop looking through everything he stole from the FBI agents. He decides he needs a break after not finding anything of grave importance after two days of searching. He goes into his fridge which is practically empty except a few bottles of ginger ale, cheese, milk – which was probably older than he thinks – left over Chinese food and an apple. Gabriel takes a glass out of his cupboard and fills it with tap water. Right as he goes to drink it a phone vibrates in his pocket. He takes it out and answers it.

Gabriel

Yes?

Lionel

Am I speaking with Gabriel?

Gabriel

Go ahead, Lionel.

Lionel

Normally I would bring this information to the FBI first but in light of what you told me I thought it would be best coming to you.

Gabriel

What is it?

Lionel

I just received word from a client in a hotel in Oakland and they told me of a man who is severely burnt with gun wounds who they suspect has possibly used a Pod.

Gabriel

How could they tell that?

Lionel

This woman is a close friend of mine and has been with the company since the beginning. She knows about the ‘after-effects’ and knows that any other person would have died from this injury.

Gabriel

Well I’m glad to hear the man got medical attention and is alright.

Lionel

Yeah, he checked in two days ago and is recovering... wait... did... did you know about this?

Gabriel

About the injured man? Yes. I met him and told him to go to a hospital.

Lionel

Who is he? Help me out here. I need to know what’s going on.

Gabriel

The man was attacked by those agents.

Lionel

What? No way. Why would they try to kill this guy?

Gabriel

For the very reasons you know of. They want power and this man had a Regeneration Pod and knew their secret so in their mind they had to kill him.

Lionel

Oh my God. Alright, so, do the agents know he’s alive?

Gabriel

If they don’t already, they will soon.

Lionel

Why is that?

Gabriel

Because it’s all part of plan of fighting back.

Lionel

More taunting? How is that going to get you anywhere?

Gabriel

It’s already helped me more than you know. In case they don’t know, don’t tell them. I know it’s the law and they will probably kill the man but you’re better off not saying anything and letting fate decide what will happen to him.

Lionel

And by fate you mean the hospital and the local FBI in that city?

Gabriel

So you’re saying you don’t see that as fate?

Lionel

I’m not a huge believer in anything.

Gabriel

I would assume so in the line of work you’re into.

Lionel

One thing I am a huge believer in is saving lives and bringing a better tomorrow. If it wasn’t for these laws, Protesters, and damn unnecessary questionings of morality we would all be living in a world we would get to experience longer. Your brother would agree.

Gabriel

At least now you know the dark side of where your technology has gotten you. You can’t trust the FBI, especially not agent Saunders and Bennett. They will not hesitate to kill you if they think it’s necessary.

Lionel

Thanks like I wasn’t scared enough going into work.

Gabriel

Call me when you have more information to share. Be safe.

Gabriel hangs up the phone, drinks the glass of water, and heads back to his laptop.

---

Agent Saunders and Bennett arrive at the hospital and head to the receptionist’s desk and show their badges.

Saunders

Agent Saunders and Agent Bennett of San Francisco FBI. We discovered you had a patient come in here with burns and gunshot wounds. This man may be a person of interest in a case we’re investigating and we would like to see if it’s the man we’re looking for.

Reception

Of course. I know the patient you’re asking about. Here’s the information you need.

The receptionist prints out a sheet of paper and hands it to the agents.

Saunders

Thank you.

The agents find the room the person is in and find two FBI agents already there.

Miller

Can I help you?

Saunders

Agent Saunders and agent Bennett of San Francisco FBI.

Miller

Hello agent Saunders. My name is Miller, this is agent Davis. What brings you here?

Saunders

We work for the special department for all Regeneration Pod activity.

Miller

Ah, yes. I heard of this special “Section Six” team that San Francisco got. May I ask how you found out about this man and the suspicion that he may be in possession of a Pod?

Saunders

Agent Bennett here has been investigating hospitals nearby our city to find out any information about recent thefts at the LifeSource headquarters. He heard of this individual and we believe he may be involved in a case we are looking at and wish to bring him to San Francisco to question him.

Miller

Why not just question him here?

Saunders

That’s classified information. We believe he may be involved in more than a simple theft and we need information. That’s all I can tell you.

Miller

Well, Mr. Saunders, until I get official word of this then you can’t take this man. For now, please wait outside until we’re done our questioning. We can let you ask your questions when we’re done here but this man stays here until I receive word otherwise. Not that it will matter. He’s not saying much anyways. Now if you don’t mind we’d like to continue with our investigation here.

Agent Saunders and Bennett give the injured man an evil glare and he freezes in the hospital bed in fear knowing that the agents have come there to kill him. The agents leave the room.

Saunders

Damn it!

Bennett

What do we do now?

Saunders

We can’t call the NSA and tell them there’s a lead here for the missing Pods because then they might find out about the warehouse. I can maybe get a call through to give us permission to transfer him without questions.

Bennett

Will it work?

Saunders

Only one way to find out, I guess. It’s our last option. We need to get that man before he says anything or anyone becomes suspicious.

Bennett

Sir, if Daniel Fields was right about this he could also be right about other things. What do we do about LifeSource and Joe Tyler?

Saunders

Have two dedicated officers at LifeSource from now on until we catch Mr. Fields. Mr. Tyler is long gone by now and we won’t be able to catch him. Call off the search.

Bennett

But, sir...

Saunders

Mr. Tyler is a busy man; too busy for his own good. He will turn up soon on his own. He’s not like his daughter. He can’t start a new life that easily on the run. He’ll be back.

To be continued...

Chapter 7: Playing Games (Part 2)

Part 1

Thompson is sitting in the car with Chang. They are watching Joe Tyler in a coffee shop and providing updates to agent Saunders over the radio.

Thompson

He’s leaving the coffee shop now.

Saunders

I don’t need a play-by-play for every stupid thing he does. Find out where he goes, keep notes on anything you think is important and then report back to me.

Thompson

Yes sir.

Thompson puts down the radio.

Thompson

Follow him. It looks like we have a long day ahead of us.

Agent Chang starts driving and follows Joe Tyler.

---

In the FBI offices, agent Saunders is receiving a call from agent Thompson over the radio.

Saunders

I don’t need a play-by-play for every stupid thing he does. Find out where he goes, keep notes on anything you think is important and then report back to me.

Thompson

Yes sir.

Saunders

I think Thompson just likes to get on my nerves.

Bennett

It seems everyone is getting on your nerves lately.

Saunders

Well now that we have some useful information maybe I’ll be in a better mood.

Kenny

Sir! The security cameras at LifeSource are down again!

Saunders

Alright, we prepared for this. Team 2, get ready to go! We’re not going to let Mr. Fields get away from us this time.

Saunders looks at Bennett.

Saunders

See? I’m in a better mood already.

---

Gabriel is waiting in Lionel’s office again. Lionel walks in.

Lionel

Jesus! Did you knock out Stacy again?

Gabriel

Calm down, she’s just in the bathroom this time. And watch your language.

Lionel

Well aren’t we just the touchy religious type.

Gabriel

Have you found anything?

Lionel

No. The only time I’ve seen any FBI agents is when they come to upgrade the security. Apparently they think we’re in danger from attacks but I think they’re just talking about you.

Gabriel

Speaking of which, I don’t have much time here so quickly tell me anything else you feel to be of importance before they get here.

Lionel

They’re coming here now? Why?

Gabriel

Let’s start with anything you’ve found out about Joe Tyler.

Lionel

I haven’t seen Mr. Tyler since the last time we met. I’m sorry I just don’t have anything for you.

Gabriel hands Lionel a phone.

Gabriel

I need to be able to trust you. If you find out anything important call the number on this phone. Don’t let anybody else get this, keep it safe. Don’t let me down.

Gabriel starts to walk away.

Lionel

Where are you going now?

Gabriel

I need to leave, but I’m going to see if I can get anymore answers. Then I’m going to fire back at the guys keeping secrets. They haven’t won yet.

Lionel

How do you fight the FBI?

Gabriel

By taunting them.

---

The FBI arrives outside the LifeSource headquarters.

Saunders

Search the place! I want him alive. If you must shoot to kill, at least avoid the head for obvious reasons.

Lionel walks out to the FBI.

Lionel

Um, what’s going on, Jason?

Saunders

We got a notice that the security cameras in the place have gone down. We think someone may have infiltrated the premises. It may be another theft attempt or maybe an attack. Tell everyone to calmly move to the main lobby while FBI agents interview them. The rest of us will be inspecting the rest of the building.

Lionel

Sure, whatever you need to do.

---

Gabriel is now at Joe Tyler’s house searching his computer for information. Unfortunately, the computer is heavily protected. Gabriel searches through drawers and documents but can’t find any useful information.

Gabriel

You cover your tracks well, Mr. Tyler.

When he finally realizes he won’t find anything useful in this house, he looks at the number on his phone and dial’s it using Joe’s phone.

---

Saunders

Damn it! Where is he?

Bennett

We searched the whole place twice, he’s not here.

Saunders

How the hell does he disappear like this?

Kenny, an FBI agent, calls Saunders’ radio.

Kenny

Sir, we are noticing computer activity from Mr. Tyler’s house.

Saunders

This better be important. I don’t want you to interrupt me every time he looks at porn.

Kenny

Sir, we checked with Agent Thompson and they’re still following Mr. Tyler on the road. Someone else is in the house.

Saunders

What!?

Saunders phone starts ringing. He picks it up and sees the caller ID says its Joe Tyler.

Saunders

He’s calling me!

Kenny

Who?

Saunders

The man in the house! Hold on!

Saunders takes the call.

Gabriel

Hello, Jason. You can’t catch me. I know your secret, and even your puppet Cole Bennett couldn’t catch me. I also know how you don’t want people to find out about your secret and I have proof of that. You should really make sure your tracks are hidden better... or should I say, burn them down completely.

Saunders

Kenny, I want agents at Joe Tyler’s house and at the Warehouse!

Gabriel

We’ll keep it touch, Jason. I’m sure by now you’ve found my surprise at LifeSource...

Saunders covers the phone and whispers to Bennett.

Saunders

Did we find anything?

Bennett

No.

Gabriel

And I’m sure you have the best agents to figure out what I’ve stolen from Mr. Tyler’s house. And I’m sure you have enough agents following what Mr. Tyler is doing right now. You have a good day now, Mr. Saunders.

Saunders

Alright, every agent has an assignment now!

---

Agent Thompson and Chang are still following Joe Tyler.

Chang

Where do you think he’s going?

Thompson

I don’t know and I don’t care until we get there. I hate being a baby sitter.

Chang

It seems weird he’s travelling all the way to the other side of the city. You think maybe he’s meeting someone?

Thompson

Or maybe leaving the city?

Chang

Wait, you think he might be going to see his daughter?

Thompson

Let’s hope he’s that stupid.

Joe eventually stops in front of a spa.

Thompson

Is he seriously going into a spa right now?

Chang

Of course; a billionaire needs his daily massage.

Thompson sighs.

Thompson

I was really hoping we could catch a break for once.

An angry yet familiar voice booms from the radio.

Saunders

Thompson, what’s Joe doing right now?

Thompson

I thought you didn’t want a play-by-play, sir.

Saunders

Don’t be a smart-ass. We have reason to believe he’s planning on doing something
suspicious.

Thompson

Trust me, the only suspicious thing he’s doing is being naked in front of a bunch of other old guys in a sauna. He just walked into a spa.

Saunders

Keep an eye on him.

Thompson

Will do.

---

Another FBI agent calls agent Saunders on the radio as he finishes talking to agent Thompson

Terry

Sir, we just arrived at the house but I think its all clear.

Saunders

Search the computers and report anything out of the ordinary. He may have left something behind. Something is supposed to be stolen.

Saunders turns to Bennett

Saunders

What have you found out from the people in the lobby?

Bennett

Nobody knows what’s going on.

Saunders

Mr. Sabatelli’s office would be a place of interest, have an agent check that room again for anything out of the ordinary.

Bennett

Yes sir.

Saunders

What about the Pods in the building?

Bennett

All secure, none seem to be tampered with.

Saunders

And did you find any explosives or anything else left in the building that may be suspicious?

Bennett

Not yet, sir.

Saunders

We may need to call a bomb squad just in case. We can’t leave it to chance.

Bennett

Have you heard anything from the warehouse?

Saunders

They haven’t reached it yet but I’ll let you know when they do.

---

Chang

He’s been in there for a long time.

Thompson

It’s a spa. What do you expect? It takes hours to relax.

Chang

I think we should go down and check it out. Something doesn’t seem right.

Thompson

Alright, let’s go.

The agents get out of the car and enter the building. They reach the main desk.

Reception

Can I help you?

Thompson

Agent Thompson, FBI. I’m wondering if you could direct us to where Joe Tyler is presently.

Reception

Who?

Thompson

Are you kidding me? Mr. Tyler the billionaire? I’m assuming he’s a regular here.

Reception

Wait, that older man who came in here a couple of hours ago was Joe Tyler the billionaire?

Thompson

Yes. Is he getting a massage here or something? We need to find him.

Reception

No, he just came in here and left this note. I’m assuming it’s for you.

Thompson

What?

Thompson reads the note out loud.

Thompson

Following me around won’t get you anywhere.

Thompson picks up his radio.

Thompson

Sir, we have a small problem...

---

Gabriel is disabling the cameras outside of the FBI offices and it isn’t long before the agents working security upstairs notice.

Kenny

The cameras are down! I think Daniel Fields is here!

Stephen

Inform Agent Saunders immediately. Men get prepared; he’s probably on his way up now.

Kenny

The phones are jammed!

Marshall

Radio’s not working, either.

All the lights go off in the building and someone gives out a nervous shriek which resembles that of a teenage girl; all the agents stop for a moment and look around the room to see the cause, and they see Chad, the floor’s receptionist, blushing and trying to hide.

Kenny

This has all been a setup! He tried to lure as much of us away as possible to get in here!

Stephen

Get ready men… and you too, Chad. The elevator is coming up.

The numbers above the elevator door slowly change as it came closer to its destination; L 1... 2... the doors open and a few agents take a few shots for precaution before they realize that not a person, but a remote control toy car was inside the elevator. It begins to drive through the room with a tear gas grenade already set off on its hood.

Stephen

Tear gas! Grab the car!

The car drives under desks and travels all the way around the offices making it hard for the agents to grab it. By the time one of them does the gas has already filled the room. Gabriel opens the door from the stairwell wearing a gas mask. Any agents still up get shot with tranquilizer darts. He takes this opportunity to look through the office and search its computers which he finds readily available because of the unpreparedness of the agents. He takes a flash drive and copies any information he can find about LifeSource, the Pods, Lisa Fields, etc. When he gets what he needs he leaves the building.

---

Saunders is arguing with Thompson over the radio.

Saunders

What do you mean he’s gone?

Thompson

He walked in hours ago but apparently snuck out of another point in the building and left somehow, presumably through some other source of transportation. We think he had a contact to help him sneak away.

Saunders

Get camera footage from the place and see if you find out where he went. If he did take another car we’ll find out the license plate and track him down.

Thompson

Sir, we believe he’s trying to get in touch with his daughter.

Saunders

Gee, do ya think?

Bennett

Sir, there’s nothing here. Bomb squad found nothing either.

Saunders

There’s nothing at the warehouse, either. Everything and everyone was burned down. I’m starting to wonder if Mr. Fields is just messing with us.

Bennett stops to think and then has a sudden realization.

Bennett

Sir, most of our men are here, at the warehouse, and Mr. Tyler’s house...

Saunders

Dammit!

Saunders picks up his radio.

Saunders

Agent Walker, are you there? Can anybody here me? Is anyone there? Damn it! Call everyone and tell them to head straight back to the offices! This has all been a setup!

To be Continued...

 

Chapter 7: Playing Games (Part 1)

Agent Saunders walks into the FBI offices and sees Bobby is waiting there for him.

Bobby

Jason! Hey, buddy. I was wondering when you’d show up. Your friends here are really rude. They won’t even let me leave. Can you tell them so I can go already?

Saunders handcuffs Bobby.

Bobby

Hey! What gives?

Saunders

I know you’ve been betraying us. Stealing and selling Pods, giving away government information. You’re going to tell us everything.

Bobby

Of course. Jeez, you don’t have to be so rough about it. I’m not the one who steals the Pods. There’s a guy I meet. I don’t know his name but he knows I am close with Joe and he somehow finds me when he needs me. I tell him what I know about LifeSource, easiest ways around the security, stuff like that. He gave me a lot of money for that information. If this is referring to Nico, I’m not exactly sure how he found out that I was involved with this but he asked me where I can find the guy who had one of them. Luckily for him, the guy found me the next day and I organized a meeting between the two. That’s all I know about the Pods.

Saunders

No, you know more. I want you to give us a detailed description of this guy and anything else you know about him. I want you tell me where the Pods go and who’s buying them. I want you to tell me what you know about Daniel Fields and where Lisa Fields is hiding and how much Joe is involved with hiding Lisa Fields.

Bobby

I don’t know any of that stuff.

Saunders punches Bobby in the stomach.

Bobby

Hey, I’m not lying! Look, I don’t know much else about the guy but I’ll give you as best of a description as I can. I don’t know who they sell the Pods to, I just give them the information and don’t ask questions; not with the money they give me. I don’t know who the hell this Daniel Fields is. What is he like Adam’s cousin or brother or something?

Saunders

It’s his brother. And I’m still not convinced.

Bobby

Alright, well, I don’t know about Joe helping out his daughter but it sounds to me like you ought to be asking him about that stuff.

Saunders

We’re working on that.

---

Joe Tyler opens the door to the people knocking. Agents Thompson and Chang are at the door.

Joe

Back again so soon? I told you, I don’t have any answers for you.

Thompson

We have a statement from a source that says you know about your daughter’s whereabouts and have a hand in helping her escape.

Joe

Well your source is crazy because I told you already I haven’t seen my daughter since before the accident.

Chang

Where were you on the day of the crash?

Joe

Here. I was on the phones making business calls when it happened.

Thompson

How about when Lisa ran from the hospital? An officer reported that she was headed here. Did she end up coming here or calling at all?

Joe

No, she didn’t. Why are you two here, exactly? I thought Jason’s team wasn’t the one looking for her.

Thompson

Agent Saunders has more important matters to attend to. We have been the ones assigned to finding out what happened to her.

Joe

Great. That makes me feel so much better. Doesn’t that mean Saunders is still in charge of the operation?

Chang

Tell us what you know about Daniel Fields.

Joe has a surprised look on his face by this name.

Joe

Who?

Chang

Adam’s brother. He supposedly died in the war in Iraq.

Joe

Oh yes, I heard about that. I’m afraid I don’t know much about the man. I barely heard Adam talk about him. What do you mean, ‘supposedly’?

Thompson

That’s classified information for now.

Joe

So he is alive, then?

Thompson

What, didn’t you understand about the word ‘classified’?

Joe

Well now I wish I was talking to Jason. He would give me the answer if I asked him.

Thompson

Don’t be so sure about that.

---

Gabriel is walking around the burned down warehouse. The majority of the lot is covered in ash and the charred remains of the building. He’s been following the agents to learn more about them. The only thing he has found out so far is that they are very dangerous and won’t let anyone get in their way. Gabriel begins to look more closely through the ash and notices that not only is there wood and metal, but also corpses under the ash. He begins to start digging around to find them and silently says a prayer for each one. When he’s done he walks up to the destroyed Regeneration Pod. Parts of the Pod have scattered everywhere. Gabriel checks to see if the GPS tracker still works but it doesn’t seem like any part of the Pod is still functional.

Gabriel

Damn. There goes that plan.

Gabriel hears something from outside the warehouse. A bloody, burnt man stumbles into the warehouse.

Kevin

Who are you? Are you one of them? Come to make sure that everyone here stays dead? Well I’m still here! You might as well finish me off!

Gabriel takes out his phone and takes a picture of the man.

Kevin

Why did you just take a picture of me?

Gabriel

If you really want to get back at the guys who did this to you, and at the same time treat those wounds, you should go to a hospital.

Kevin

If I go to a hospital and they find out I’ve used a Pod illegally they’ll kill me.

Gabriel

Well, maybe this picture will be good enough then. Good luck staying alive without anyone treating those wounds.

Gabriel walks by the man.

Gabriel

Oh and I’m sorry for your loss.

---

Lisa, Ryan, and their neighbours are at Mason’s soccer game.

Lisa

So how many sports does your son play?

Mary

Not as much as he wants to. It’s hard enough to keep up with what he’s already involved in. Does Ryan play any sports?

Lisa

He used to play a little bit of baseball. Ryan is more into books and computers though.

Mary

Our Charlotte loves books. She has somewhat of a library in her room.

Mason’s team scores a goal. All the parents get up and start cheering. Ryan and Charlotte are watching the game from a playground nearby.

Ryan

Mason is pretty good.

Charlotte

Please don’t tell him that. He’ll just brag about his ‘mad skills’ all day.

Ryan

So does he play every sport ever or what?

Charlotte

If he had his way he’d be playing more. I don’t know how he does it.

Ryan

Maybe he’s a robot.

Charlotte laughs.

Charlotte

Yeah, maybe he was built in a lab and my parents adopted him thinking he was normal.

Ryan

Is he actually adopted?

Charlotte

No, I was only joking. Don’t be so serious.

Mason just scored a goal for the team.

Ryan

Yeah, he’s definitely a robot.

The two kids laugh.

Ryan

We should probably go back. I think the game’s almost over.

Charlotte kisses Ryan and he gets flustered.

Ryan

Oh, uh, what... what was that for?

Charlotte

I don’t know. I guess I kind of like you.

Charlotte walks away to where the parents are watching the game. Ryan is stunned for a moment before he chases after her.

---

Joe Tyler walks into a coffee shop near LifeSource and orders a coffee and a danish and goes to add cream to his coffee. There is a man at the table with him.

Gabriel

Grab a seat near me but don’t make it seem like we’re talking with each other.

Joe

I’m sorry?

Gabriel

Don’t look my way.

Joe

Oh. It’s you...

Gabriel takes a seat at a table and takes out his phone, as if to seem like he’s looking through his contacts. Joe sits down, drinking his coffee and lifting up the day’s paper, pretending to read it. Gabriel lifts the phone to his ear.

Gabriel

There are FBI agents watching your every move.

Joe

Don’t think I haven’t noticed. They think they’re being clever with that black car outside.

Gabriel

Why the sudden surveillance?

Joe

I think they’re starting to suspect I’m betraying them.

Gabriel

You are betraying them.

Joe

How, exactly? By protecting my daughter? What does it have to do with them?

Gabriel

Well it is their job.

Joe

What are you doing here, anyway?

Gabriel

I need your friend’s personal number.

Joe

Why would I give you that?

Gabriel

Well, I would consider it a favour you owe me. You know, for all I’ve done for your daughter.

Joe

I’m sorry, was that you who had the money and resources to give her a start at a new life?

Gabriel

I saved her life.

Joe sighs.

Joe

Fine. It’s 555-1379. What do you need it for?

Gabriel

I’m going to text him a joke. It’s a really funny one. You wouldn’t appreciate it, though.

Joe

Of course. You know, I figured out who you are.

Gabriel

Have you? Congratulations, should we throw a party to celebrate?

Gabriel doesn’t seem to care.

Joe

You’re Daniel Fields. You’re Adam’s brother.

Gabriel

And how did you come to that conclusion?

Joe

Well first of all, I mistook you for him at the restaurant; you look just like him. Secondly, some FBI agents asked about you.

Gabriel

Well then, it seems you’re the last to know.

Joe

Then why continue the alias?

Gabriel

It’s a long story, but I’m sure you know all about it.

Joe

Oh, I know your story very well. I’m sorry to hear about your ordeal. If you don’t mind me asking; where did you go afterwards?

Gabriel

I don’t think you deserve the right to ask me that question.

Joe

Fair enough. Well, I have another question for you. Do you know if Jason Saunders is the one who is looking for Lisa?

Gabriel

Are they not giving you a straight answer when you ask them?

Joe

Oh they’re giving me a straight answer, but I don’t know if it’s the truth.

Gabriel

Well I do know the answer to that. I have a question for you. Do you know if Adam is still alive?

Joe

Answer my question first.

Gabriel

Your friends are betraying you, too.

Joe

I thought as much. Still, I don’t know if you’re lying to have me turn on them.

Gabriel

I really don’t care what you think one way or another. I still think you’re supporting the wrong side, but if you choose to continue associating yourself with those evil souls that’s your prerogative. I answered your question, now it’s your turn.

Joe takes a minute to answer.

Joe

What you’ve heard is true.

Gabriel

Now I don’t know if you’re lying.

Joe

Why would I lie?

Gabriel

Why indeed.

Gabriel gets up to leave.

Gabriel

I lost my name the day my life was taken from me.

Joe

I wish I had that luxury.

Gabriel

At least you chose your life.

To be continued...