Chapter 9: Mess With The Bull... (Part 3)

Part 1

Part 2

Part 3

Lisa starts frantically running around the house, looking for what’s essential to pack.

Ryan

Mom, what are you doing?

Lisa

We can’t stay here. You saw what they said on the news. It’s not safe for us anymore.

Ryan

But they never mentioned us, or showed our picture, or mentioned our address…

Lisa

Ryan, that’s not the point...

Ryan

They were only talking about Gabriel, mom, it had nothing to do with us.

There’s a knock on the door, but Lisa checks the peephole before answering it.

Mary

Hey, neighbour. I heard you were looking for me. I was wondering if you both could come over for a moment. Ryan can play with the kids and us grownups can talk.

Lisa

Uh, sure. Just give us a minute, okay?

Mary

Sure thing.

Lisa closes the door and looks at Ryan. She had almost forgotten about his birthday party. She almost forgot that Ryan is making new friends and settling in with this life. She is now realizing why her father set up all of this. It’s because of Ryan. If it wasn’t for him, this new house, the new neighbours, everything wouldn’t be there. It’s also what Adam died for.

---

Agents Bennett and Saunders are talking amongst themselves in a van.

Saunders

What do you make of the conversation?

Bennett

It sounds legit enough.

Saunders

What about all those questions about where Carrie’s been and all that?

Bennett

Sounds like questions I would probably ask if I were in his shoes.

Saunders

I don’t know. I have this feeling they were both trying to mess with us.

Bennett

You’re becoming paranoid.

Saunders

You’re damn right I am! Have you seen what’s been happening lately? I’m better off being paranoid!

Bennett

That may be, but we still have nothing on Lionel to determine whether he’s working with someone or not. We can’t take a chance of screwing up relationships with LifeSource.

Carrie walks into the van.

Saunders

Good job, Miss Walsh.

Carrie

So, what now; back to the building?

Saunders

You need to keep the cover you just made yourself.

Carrie

I didn’t give him an answer to that job offer.

Saunders

You will. You’re going to be a spy for us. I was merely talking about your cover as a free citizen.

Carrie

Who’s going to be spying on me, then?

Saunders

Don’t worry, there will always be someone.

---

Lisa and Ryan are walking back to the house.

Ryan

What did you talk about?

Lisa

Your birthday. Don’t ask me about it, it’s a secret.

Ryan

Oh come on, just tell me...

Lisa opened the door to their house. She and Ryan are left frozen when they see Gabriel sitting on one of the living room chairs.

Gabriel

I was in the neighbourhood.

Lisa

What the hell are you doing here? The FBI... wait... or was it the NSA? Never mind, you’re wanted!

Gabriel

I was framed.

Lisa

Doesn’t change the fact that you’re putting us in danger just being here.

Gabriel

So you believe me, then? Glad to see that trust is coming back.

Lisa

Why are you here?

Gabriel

I have nowhere else to go.

Lisa

You have everywhere else to go, except here.

Ryan

Mom. What if nobody knows he’s here?

Gabriel

I wasn’t followed. I’m never followed. I need a place to stay hidden for a long while and I can protect you in case anyone comes here.

Lisa stops and thinks. She has many questions for Gabriel and he may be useful.

Lisa

Fine. You can stay in the basement.

Gabriel

You guys have a basement?

Lisa

You need to stay hidden so stay down there.

Gabriel

What about Internet access?

Lisa

What about it?

Gabriel

I need to be kept informed of what’s going on. My other means of communication with a source was just cut off so I need something to keep up with what’s happening.

Lisa

Well we don’t have any computers in this house. I can get a TV down there if you really need it.

Gabriel

Does the TV have a web browser?

Lisa

No, I’m going to go out and by an old LCD TV. They’re cheap.

Gabriel

Outdated technology. Great.

Lisa

You can get yourself settled for now. We need to talk in the morning.

Gabriel heads down to the basement.

Lisa (to Ryan)

I don’t want you talking with him for now, understood?

Ryan nods in agreement.

Lisa

Good. Now, let’s talk cake.

---

The next morning, Gabriel is watching the news on the TV Lisa had got for him the day before. The broadcasters are reminding the public of the same information as they had mentioned yesterday. He starts channel surfing with picture in picture across many news networks. Ryan comes downstairs and walks into the kitchen.

Lisa

Good morning, birthday boy!

Ryan

I thought it was tomorrow?

Lisa

Yes, but I thought we could start celebrating today. I made pancakes.

Ryan

Where’s Uncle Daniel?

Lisa drops the utensils she was holding on the floor.

Lisa

What did you say?

Ryan

I asked where Uncle Daniel is.

Lisa

Ryan, I’m not sure we should be so formal with someone we barely know.

Ryan

He was dad’s brother, mom.

Lisa

Just, don’t call him that for now. It’s clear he doesn’t want us to.

Gabriel walks into the kitchen.

Gabriel

Is everything alright? I thought I heard something.

Lisa

Just dropped some things.

Ryan

Mom made pancakes.

Gabriel looks at Lisa.

Lisa

Enough for three.

Gabriel

Thank you.

Lisa

Can we talk for a minute?

They both walk into the other room.

Gabriel

What is it?

Lisa

Alright, this time you have to give me answers. You owe me now.

Gabriel

Well, if we’re keeping score, I don’t think that’s true.

Lisa

You lied to me. You said you weren’t Adam’s brother.

Gabriel

I lost that identity long ago.

Lisa

What does that mean?

Gabriel

I had no choice, Lisa. When I was in Iraq they captured me and made it seem like I’m dead. When they finally let me out, I wasn’t the same. I needed to pretend to still be dead. So my new identity was born. I know it sounds ridiculous but it’s a big personal thing of mine.

Lisa

Well why didn’t the US army tell Adam you were alive when you returned?

Gabriel

You misunderstood what I said. The US army captured me.

Lisa

What? Why?

Gabriel

I’m not a terrorist, Lisa. It was a set up. Believe me; you don’t want to know why. All I can say is this thing goes deep and the government isn’t always giving their best intentions.

Lisa

You still shouldn’t have lied.

Gabriel

I’m sorry.

Lisa

Is Adam alive?

Gabriel

... I still don’t know.

Lisa

So what the hell have you been doing?

Gabriel

Trying to keep you safe. I’ve done that for the most part by keeping the FBI agents who are looking for you busy but it kind of backfired and now they seem to only be focused on me.

Lisa

So, essentially, you screwed us by trying to help us.

Gabriel

You’re still safe. That picture they showed was when I was younger. I can keep hidden and this beard usually keeps me from being identified. They didn’t really seem to mention you much on any news channel I saw.

Lisa

Okay then. Well...

Lisa checks around to make sure Ryan isn’t spying.

Lisa

Can I ask you a favour?

Gabriel

What is it?

Lisa

I need something back at my house.

Gabriel

I can’t go back there. It’s too dangerous.

Lisa

You said you were good at being hidden. This is really important and I was even considering risking myself for this but it would be much better if you went instead.

Gabriel

What is it you’re looking for that could possibly make you consider risking your life to get?

---

Carrie walks into Lionel’s office.

Lionel

Welcome to LifeSource, Miss Walsh.

Carrie

So what exactly will be doing here?

Lionel

It’s all in the memo I left you. It’s pretty routine stuff. Honestly, I wanted you back here. I wanted you to work in a place that feels more like a home and I know the recent incident with Adam isn’t really the best news to know for someone who’s interviewing you.

Carrie

Well thanks for the opportunity.

Lionel

Stacy, will show you to your new office.

Stacy brings Carrie to her new office. Carrie sees a folder on her desk. She opens it and reads through the documents explaining her position and roles in LifeSource. A small piece of paper falls out. It reads “your real job description is in the drawer”. Carrie opens a drawer under her desk and sees another folder; this one explaining her position and roles in fighting back against the FBI.

To be continued...

Chapter 9: Mess With The Bull... (Part 2)

Part 1

Lisa knocks on the door to her neighbours’ house. Tom answers the door. The TV is on in the background.

Tom

Oh hello, Melissa.

Lisa

Hi, Tom. I was wondering if I can talk to Mary about Ryan’s party.

Tom

Well, she actually just left to get a gift for Ryan.

Lisa

Oh, I didn’t know she was buying a gift. That’s so sweet.

Tom

Well, she wouldn’t tell me what she was buying but I guess I’ll find out when she gets home. What is it you wanted to ask her?

Lisa

Well, it’s in a couple of days and I still don’t know where it is.

Tom

Oh, yes. I forgot. We’re going to go to Bloopers.

Lisa

What is that?

Tom

Oh it’s sort of a restaurant but it has a bunch of arcades and games and stuff. It’s mainly for kids and teens but the food there is pretty good.

Lisa

Oh. I thought Mary was going to do something else.

Tom

Oh, she wanted to but as soon as Charlotte and Mason found out we just had to go to Bloopers.

Lisa laughs.

Lisa

Well I’m sure Ryan will love it...

Lisa starts to notice what’s being shown on TV. A picture of Gabriel is on the screen and the TV anchor’s voice seems to be getting louder in Lisa’s head.

TV

The NSA is sending this image to news stations across the state. This man is accused of the murder of FBI agents in Oakland, as well as assisting the escape of a fugitive in that city...

Tom

If you want I can give you the directions to... are you okay?

Lisa

Huh? Oh, yeah. I’ll... uh... get that from you later. I got to go.

Lisa runs back to the house.

Ryan

What’s wrong?

Lisa

We have to get out of here!

Ryan

What? Why? Are we in trouble?

Lisa

I don’t know yet.

Lisa turns on the TV.

---

Gabriel’s phone is ringing; It’s Lionel.

Gabriel

Did you do it? Did you talk to the agents?

Lionel

Yeah... turn on the TV.

Gabriel turns on the TV.

Gabriel

I’m using an antennae so if this is some cable station...

Lionel

It’s SFBN, so it’s local.

Gabriel turns to the channel.

TV

The man is now being identified as Daniel Fields, the brother of Adam Fields, founder of LifeSource technologies who died in a car crash very recently. Daniel Fields was said to have died in the war in Iraq. The NSA assures that this man is alive and well. He is wanted for the murder of FBI agents and is believed to have ties with incidents regarding LifeSource technologies. The source of this information refused to give further details on that. This man is extremely dangerous. If anyone has seen this man it is imperative that you pick up the phone and call the local authorities who will then notify the NSA of any information that can be of use to the investigation. This picture, a man shown to be injured who we are being told was recently kidnapped from a hospital, is believed to have been sent to the FBI by Daniel Fields to mock the FBI. It is both the FBI and NSA’s belief that Mr. Fields was the one to injure this man, whose significance is undetermined at this point, and is the one who kidnapped him from the hospital.

Gabriel

That was not supposed to happen.

Lionel

I don’t think they’re looking for Lisa anymore.

Gabriel

Well, at least they took my advice.

Lionel

What are you going to do now?

Gabriel

Disappear. It’s what I do best. I probably won’t be able to be in contact with you for a while. I have to get out of here.

Lionel

What about Lisa?

Gabriel

I’m not sure if I can help her anymore.

Lionel

Be careful out there.

Gabriel

Likewise.

---

Lisa and Ryan are shocked as they watch the news.

Lisa

So Gabriel actually is his brother?

Ryan

They said that Dad’s dead.

Lisa

What?

Ryan

They said he died.

There are tears in Ryan’s eyes and Lisa holds him and repeats what Gabriel told her. “Don’t believe everything you hear on TV”. Was this the same situation? Did he actually kill those men? Lisa doesn’t know. She doesn’t know him well enough to know what to believe.

---

Tom (on the phone)

Yes, sir. It’s done. No, she doesn’t suspect a thing. We’re going to celebrate her son’s fake birthday at Bloopers. No it shouldn’t be a problem. Yes, I just saw that. I’ll keep an eye on her but I don’t think she’ll be leaving anytime soon. The report barely mentioned her. Sure thing. I’ll see you then.

---

Lionel (on the phone with Gabriel)

Be careful out there.

He hangs up the phone.

Stacy (intercom)

Sir, there is someone here to see you.

Lionel

Who is it?

Stacy doesn’t answer.

Lionel

Stacy? Who is it?

Stacy

...It’s Miss Walsh, sir.

Lionel

Are you serious?

Stacy

If you want I can have security...

Lionel

NO! No, that’s alright. Send her in, please.

Carrie Walsh enters the room.

Lionel

Carrie! Oh, thank God you’re alright! What are you doing here? What happened to you? What...

Lionel stops to see what Carrie is saying silently with her lips.

Carrie (silently)

I’m bugged.

Lionel stops and doesn’t know what to say. He feels trapped and betrayed. He feels like he just got caught in this huge conspiracy he’d rather not be a part of. He could have easily declined Gabriel’s offer and lived without all this. Now he has corrupt agents from the FBI watching his every move.

Carrie

I was arrested, as you know. I heard you were trying to find me.

Lionel

Yes. When I went to visit you in prison they said they didn’t have you.

Carrie

I was bailed out. At first I thought maybe it was you but then I thought about what kind of image that would put on you and the company.

Lionel

Well, you make me sound like a jerk but you’re right. It wasn’t just that, though. Things have been kind of hectic here.

Carrie

So I assume you’re not trying to find me to offer me my old job.

Lionel is now thinking about the situation. He’s in deep now. The only thing he can do is keep going. Keep messing with the agents who are listening in to this conversation.

Lionel

If you were bailed out, where have you been?

Carrie

What?

Lionel

You weren’t at your apartment when I went. I thought maybe you had been released.

Carrie

Lionel...

Lionel

So I’m just wondering where you’ve disappeared to?

Carrie

Visiting Adam’s grave!

Lionel stops as Carrie starts to cry.

Lionel

Adam has a grave?

Carrie

Dead people usually do.

Does she not know? Is she not aware that her captors are also keeping their friend alive? Wait. Gabriel said he wasn’t certain of that. Adam could actually be dead. What else was Gabriel wrong about?

Lionel

I’m sorry...

Carrie

It’s okay.

Lionel

but you still had to have been staying somewhere. The FBI was in your apartment.

Carrie has a shocked look on her face.

Carrie

...really? Why?

Lionel

They didn’t say.

Carrie

I was staying in a hotel. A company from out of the city was discussing a new career opportunity for me.

Lionel

And what would that be?

Carrie

I can’t say. It’s a secret and I would get in trouble if I don’t keep my mouth shut.

Carrie looks down at her shirt and then back up to indicate she’s talking about the wire.

Lionel

I see. ‘Competitors’.

Carrie

I hope you understand.

Lionel

Who bailed you out?

Carrie

Joe Tyler.

Lionel

Why would he do that?

Carrie

He never told me. I just thanked him.

Lionel sits to think about all this.

Carrie

Why were you looking for me?

Lionel

I wanted to see if you were okay.

Carrie

Lionel...

They both stare at each other. Lionel knows the agents are both checking to see if Carrie will slip up information and to get her to push information out of him. Next they’ll start bugging his office, his phones, maybe even his car and his house. Daniel Fields can’t be there to look over him anymore. He’s going to have to think like him. The idea he’s thinking of is tricky, but it’s a way of fighting back.

Lionel

How would you like to work here at LifeSource?

 To be continued...

Chapter 9: Mess With The Bull... (Part 1)

Saunders

Look alive, men! There are suits on their way up here.

Thompson

Aren’t we considered ‘suits,’ sir?

Saunders

Shut up, Thompson.

An NSA agent enters the FBI offices.

NSA Agent

Agent Saunders! Would you mind explaining to me why you requested and received a transfer for a patient who had been staying in a hospital in Oakland for nearly a week, burnt and bloody, to be brought here for questioning or how he is involved with the recently missing Regeneration Pods only to disappear upon retrieval or why I am just hearing about this now?

Saunders

Hell of a sentence, sir, maybe try taking a breath next time?

NSA Agent

I’m not in the mood for your smart mouth, Saunders. I’m here for answers. The NSA has been officially assigned to investigate on the issue of the missing Pods. You should have notified us right away if you suspected any leads so that we can take over.

Saunders

I’ll be happy to explain. Please enter my office. I just need a word with agent Bennett.

NSA Agent

Well I hope you don’t mind if I stay here during this conversation.

Saunders

No, I don’t mind. So, Bennett, like I was saying; this girl was smokin’ hot and the things she did, let me tell you...

NSA Agent

Alright, Saunders, I’ve had enough. Let’s talk now!

Saunders

I really don’t care if you’re NSA. This is still my office. You’ll wait for me.

NSA Agent

Fine. Play your games. The way you’re going, you probably won’t be here for long.

The NSA agent walks into Saunders’ office.

Saunders

Well this could be problematic.

Bennett

Sir, I think we’re losing this war with Daniel Fields.

Saunders

I’m afraid so. He certainly seems to find the advantage.

Bennett

So what’s the plan?

Saunders

Give up.

Bennett

Sir?

Saunders

We have no choice. He’s slowly destroying us on everything we’re working hard on toward our end goal when we should really be focusing on one thing; one thing that we really need to help speed along our progress.

Bennett

Lisa Fields?

Saunders

Give the NSA the missing Pods. I think this issue is beyond us, anyways, especially if it’s now an international issue. Joe Tyler is nothing. He’ll show up sooner or later.

Bennett

He may have gone to Lisa’s location. He could still be valuable.

Saunders

Fine, but question him when he decides to show up. As for Daniel Fields, the next time cameras go out...

Saunders looks towards Thompson.

Saunders

I guess Thompson can take care of that.

Thompson

What’s that, sir?

Saunders

You have a new job. You will have no more than two other agents with you but it’s to respond immediately when you think you have a lead on Daniel Fields. General Larken wants this to be a top priority. Since the NSA have taken over our ‘official’ responsibilities, the primary purpose of this team, according to General Larken, is to find Mr. Fields and that’s going to be almost entirely up to you.

Thompson

Almost?

Saunders

We have a plan. Let’s just say, you won’t have all the responsibilities.

Thompson

Still beats looking at security footage.

Saunders

Meanwhile, the rest of the team will be focused on what was the previous objective which, whether General Larken knows it or not, relies heavily on finding Lisa Fields.

Bennett

What about the photo?

Saunders

We’ll take care of that when the time comes. We’re pretty close. We just need our collateral.

NSA Agent
Saunders! I don’t have all day.

Saunders

On my way, sir!

Saunders (to Bennett and Thompson)

Get to work.

---

Lisa is at a music store looking at guitars with Ryan. He’s eyeing a black Gibson Les Paul when an employee walks up to them.

Employee

Anything I can help you out with today?

Lisa

Well, I said I’d buy a guitar for my son for his birthday. I thought I’d have him pick out what he wants.

Employee

Alright. Anything in particular you’re interested in?

Ryan

That depends. Do they typically allow electric guitars for school bands?

Employee

Well, some do. Others I find have teachers that only allow acoustic guitars. What school do you go to?

Lisa

I’m thinking of getting him into Notre Dame. We recently moved here.

Employee

Ah. Well, I know from past customers that the music teacher there sometimes allows electric guitars but you might be better off getting an acoustic just in case. I would also suggest waiting to see what the teacher says but seeing as this is a birthday present you probably don’t want to wait that long.

Lisa

Thank you. I think we’ll just look around for now.

Employee

Alright, let me know if there’s anything else I can help you with.

The employee turns around and walks to the percussion section.

Ryan

We have a price limit, don’t we?

Lisa

Yes but I’m sure you can find one that isn’t expensive that will be good enough.

Ryan

I wish I had my old guitar. Dad bought me that after I finished my guitar lessons

Lisa

Yes, I remember that.

Ryan

...did you ever find out what really happened to him?

Lisa

No. I asked Gabriel and he says he believes he is alive.

Ryan

Wouldn’t the news say what happened to him? It’s been a while now.

Lisa

I haven’t seen anything. Maybe if I see Gabriel again I’ll ask him.

The two of them are silent for a moment.

Lisa

Come on, let’s go home.

Ryan

But we haven’t picked a guitar, yet.

Lisa

Your birthday is in a couple of days. We’ll ask Charlotte if she knows about what type of guitar the music teacher allows and then we’ll come back.

Ryan

Okay.

---

Saunders

So, where do we begin?

NSA Agent
Do you know why the NSA has taken over the investigation of the missing Pods?

Saunders

I assume it’s because we’re incompetent.

NSA Agent
Just stop, Saunders. You have no idea what game you’re playing. The United States is on the brink of war over this technology.

Saunders

War?

NSA Agent
Don’t play dumb. You know perfectly well the anger other nations have towards us keeping the technology to ourselves and the limitations we have.

Saunders

I thought we were starting to negotiate terms for international use?

NSA Agent
This isn’t about our closest allies. We’re talking about our enemies, and others who are starting to get ticked off and losing their trust in us.

Saunders

...and you’re looking to see if these Pods have reached the hands of these enemies.

NSA Agent
Want to tell me how you know about all this?

Saunders

Well, since you’re here...

Saunders takes out his phone, selects a picture and tosses it on the table. A projection appears and shows the picture of the injured man from the warehouse.

NSA Agent
What the hell is this?

Saunders

This is what we were looking into.

NSA Agent
This is the man you were trying to obtain?

Saunders

Precisely. This picture was sent to us from this phone we found in Nurse Carrie Walsh’s apartment.

Saunders tosses another phone on the table, the one that belonged to Daniel Fields.

NSA Agent
Carrie Walsh is in prison.

Saunders

Yes, but the man who sent this picture isn’t.

NSA Agent
You know who sent it?

Saunders

Next slide.

The projection changes to an old photograph of Gabriel.

Saunders
We believe it was this man. His name is Daniel Fields, Adam’s supposedly dead brother. He’s been giving us a lot of trouble lately.

NSA Agent
What kind of trouble?

Saunders

I’m sure you’re aware of a funeral my team was at recently.

NSA Agent
I see. So, what does this man have to do with Mr. Fields? Where is this picture taken?

Saunders

It’s at an abandoned warehouse in Oakland. It was burned down when we got there. We assumed there were no survivors.

NSA Agent
What happened?

Saunders

My guess is Daniel Fields happened. We found out the place was a hideout operation for Nico, a notorious gangster in that city. We didn’t see his body there so he could still be alive. Everyone else, other than this man, is dead.

NSA Agent
Why would Daniel Fields kill an entire criminal organization?

Saunders

My guess is because they had one of the Pods.

NSA Agent
What!? Why didn’t you tell me this?

Saunders

Calm down! I’m not done here!

NSA Agent
Oh, you’ll be done here! This is beyond breaking the rules! You have no idea–

Saunders

Hey!

The NSA agent stops yelling.

Saunders

Are you ready to listen, now?

NSA Agent
You’re on very thin ice, Saunders.

Saunders

Very well, then. Now, where was I?

NSA Agent
The part where the criminals out of your jurisdiction have illegally obtained technology belonging to the U.S. government.

Saunders

Ah, yes; great story. I don’t know how they got it, but we found it there when we went there.

NSA Agent
And you believe that’s the reason why Daniel Fields killed every man in the warehouse and burned everything to the ground?

Saunders

That’s the best I got right now.

Saunders waits in silence to see if the NSA agent buys the story.

NSA Agent
Makes sense.

Saunders

It does? ...er, I mean, of course it does.

NSA Agent
I know a little bit about this man. He is very dangerous and doesn’t take too kindly to the idea of this technology.

Saunders

So he’s a terrorist, then?

NSA Agent
I guess you could call him that.

Saunders

Then let the public know.

NSA Agent
It’s not that easy with this situation, you know that.

Saunders

You’re missing my point. The warehouse, the dead criminals, the Regeneration Pod, and all that stuff needs to be secret. I know that. I’m saying this man killed my agents and possibly aided Lisa Fields in her escape and hiding. I don’t want my men to die in vain. Bring this murderer to justice!

The NSA agent is silent. He finally gets up and starts speaking calmly.

NSA Agent

I’ll have to continue this conversation later. I’ll be in touch with you soon about this situation.

Saunders

That’s it? I’m pretty sure there’s a lot of other stuff to discuss here.

NSA Agent

I can’t make this decision on my own. You understand.

Saunders nods in agreement to the NSA agent.

To be continued...