Chapter 15 #2
“Just be sure to remind them I need Patient Seventy-six alive.”
“Of course. Any word on General Davidson’s whereabouts?”
Idris stiffened hearing the name.
“Nothing since he disappeared in that jungle in Malaysia. But don’t worry. While the general might have spearheaded Project Therianthrope, he’s not necessary for its success.”
“Speaking of success, when will you be reporting on your progress? A lot of effort and rubles have been expended on your behalf, and those invested are wanting to see results.”
“The first set of subjects have almost completed the protocol. In the next week or two, we will begin testing to see if we were successful.”
“An army of wolves would provide a distinct advantage on the battlefield,” the guy replied, making it obvious he knew the details of Project Therianthrope.
“As I said before, just because the serum is derived from Patient Zero, who is Canis lupus, doesn’t mean that’s what they’ll turn into. Now that the first group of Russian and Slavic patients have completed the protocol, I have a feeling we’ll be seeing quite a few bears.”
“Even better than wolves,” the man exclaimed.
“Actually, what’s really exciting is the fact we’ve captured naturally occurring therianthropes, which means we’ll be able compare the genetic differences between an ursine and canine shifter. If lucky, this will allow us to pinpoint the animal gene.”
“If identified, will this allow for the choice of beast?”
“Maybe,” Levy stated. “But at worst, it should allow us a way to test the general population to identify those with the genetics we prefer in soldiers.”
“A Russian army of bears would be a fearsome sight that would strike terror in the heart of the enemy,” the man gleefully declared.
As the helicopter took off, their conversation turned to more mundane matters such as resupplying the base of operation and a planned meeting in Moscow, which Dr. Levy would have to attend since the general was missing.
Had he died in Malaysia? Possible. Last Idris had heard, Phoenix was heading there.
Thinking of his army friend had Idris eyeing the phone.
No signal. They must be flying too high for a signal to reach a tower.
He prepared a message anyhow, knowing Takhi’s number by heart.
She’d been the one to ensure they all memorized a contact number so that if they ran into trouble, they could call for help.
In this case, he offered the chance for revenge.
Currently on my way to L and D’s new base of operation. Wish me luck taking it down.
He hit Send and immediately got the red icon warning, Message not sent. Obviously, but once they got into signal range, Takhi would hopefully receive it, assuming the Russians hadn’t found a way to intercept texts going out of country.
The hum of the spinning blades had him nodding, and he allowed himself a nap since he’d need his energy. Besides, being awake wouldn’t stop him from being discovered if they came into the back looking.
The change in altitude roused him, and he almost stretched his cramped limbs. Not the time to be discovered.
“Glad I managed a nap,” Levy announced suddenly. “It’s going to be a busy night getting started on our new subjects.”
“Who are still two hours away,” announced the other man. “According to Sergey, they were sleeping when he last checked.”
They? So they did have Svetlana. He’d wondered and worried if she’d been taken along with Yuri. While her capture proved less than ideal, at least now he knew for sure she’d not been killed in the ambush.
“So glad your agents discovered the woman we sought had a brother of the same name. Less impressed Olga was fucking him, though.” Levy’s tone dripped of disapproval.
“At least she atoned somewhat by planting that tracker on the male leading us to them.”
Well, that explained how they’d been discovered. Svetlana must have been so pissed. She’d worried Yuri would inadvertently betray them. She’d been right.
“Any word on Patient Seventy-six?”
“Nothing. We’ve blasted his image across news channels but have yet to receive a tip worth following.”
“How can a six-foot-three brown man disappear?” Levy grumbled as Idris’ stomach plummeted, matching the helicopter’s descent.
“We’ll find him. I have agents reviewing all the surveillance footage they can from in and around the hotel they were staying in.”
“I doubt he’s still in the area.”
“Not many places he could go.”
“I can think of one location he would want to find. I assume the convoy is watching for anyone following?” Levy asked.
“There is no one trailing. I also had them scour the inside and underside of the truck to ensure he didn’t hitch a ride.”
Good thing Idris had chosen a different mode of transport.
“Tell them to keep their guard up.”
“I will, but there’s no way he can follow.”
The helicopter landed, and the engine noise diminished as the pilot began shutting it down.
“Lab sweet lab,” Levy sang. “I’d better get ready for our guests. I assume your previous accommodations will suit?”
“Yes. I won’t be staying long, as I’ve matters I must attend.”
“Such as organizing our grand reveal to the oligarchs.”
“Among other things. We can discuss that in the morning.”
As their voices faded, Idris remained planted in his hiding spot, conscious that crew might be coming aboard to unload anytime. Before he forgot, he checked the phone.
Signal! Yes! Before he could press Resend on his message, someone climbed into the chopper, yapping in Russian to someone who replied in kind.
Oh shit. He had company. Rather than stuff the phone into his pocket, Idris tapped Send and slid the cell behind the webbing on the wall. Wouldn’t want it to get damaged if it came down to a fight. He crouched and waited.
A scuff of something sliding and a grunt indicated they’d grabbed one of the crates. How long did he have before they found him? Idris slid from his nook and eyed the back of the chopper. Nowhere to go there. Maybe he could duck into the cockpit until they finished.
Clomp. Clomp. Idris ducked as the Russians returned, still yapping. Another crate got removed.
No way to exit via the open door, and getting to the cockpit might get him noticed.
He glanced around, and his gaze fell on the floor.
More specifically the hatch set within it.
Quickly, he undid the clasps and swung it open, dropping through quickly while drawing it shut just before those men returned for their next load.
He crouched under the whirly bird, hidden in shadow for the moment, but still conscious of the fact that there was enough illumination on the landing pad that someone might spot him.
The Russian pair went in and out a few more times, stacking an industrial dolly. Once full, they engaged its electric motor and steered it toward a concrete building and a garage-style roll-up door.
They entered with the goods, and the lights illuminating the yard went out.
Idris waited several minutes before emerging from hiding.
He glanced around the dark tarmac painted with a bullseye that glowed faintly.
His nose twitched at the many smells, too many for him to sift.
The concrete building of several stories appeared more prison than lab, with small narrow windows with metal bars over them and a door flanked by a screen.
He wouldn’t be getting in easily or unnoticed.
Then again, his half-baked plan didn’t have him needing to get inside the lab.
He intended to lie in wait down the road a bit and, when the convoy arrived, cause some kind of commotion, like felling a tree, which would require them stopping to move it.
Or maybe his bear paws could dig a trench.
The how he’d figure out once he’d surveilled the terrain. The main point being, while those accompanying the truck dealt with whatever halted them, he’d be freeing Svetlana and Yuri from their prisons—leaving them to flee on foot in the inhospitable area they found themselves in.
Not a great plan, but surely better than what awaited them inside the concrete compound.
Idris headed for the chain-link fence topped in barbed wire, twelve feet high and giving off a hum that screamed, Do not touch me unless you want to sizzle like bacon.
Hmm, that might make getting to the other side a tad tricky.
The area suddenly illuminated with the force of a thousand suns, and he couldn’t help but squint.
Had he tripped a motion sensor?
“Well. Well. Look who decided to give himself up.”
Uh-oh. Idris pivoted to see Dr. Levy had emerged from the building, flanked by a pair of soldiers. Only two? Easy peasy.
“I can see you calculating your odds,” Levy shouted before Idris could reply—or attack. “You might want to take a peek above you.”
His head tilted, and he spotted several soldiers standing on the roof of the lab, weapons aimed.
“Did you really think no one noticed you boarding the chopper?” Levy chuckled. “The soldiers on duty purposely ignored you and notified me immediately. It was so hard to act natural, knowing you hid aboard.”
“I’m surprised you waited this long to act,” he growled in reply. “Why not capture me before we left or seize me the moment we landed?”
“Because I was curious. Did you come here for me and the lab or something else? After having observed you, I know the answer. Just so you know, she’s still over an hour away.”
Idris’ blood chilled. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I’m here to kill you.”
“Oh, I’m sure you would if given a chance, but I do believe your first priority was to rescue a certain Russian damsel. I can’t say as I blame you. She is quite attractive, and familiar with bears. One might even say intimately.” Levy smirked.
“She’s just an acquaintance.”
“Tell that to the semen sample found in one of the beds at the hotel you were sharing. Delighted to know you’re already carnally acquainted. It will make breeding the pair of you so much easier.”
“Like fuck.” Idris clenched his fist.
“Yes, fuck. And fuck. Until you give me a therianthrope baby.” Levy smirked. “Now say goodnight.”
Idris wanted to run. Scream. Fight.
Instead, he found himself peppered in darts and kissing the ground.