Jim changed clothes with Tom as requested and he, Jordan, Vanessa and Leo went out to the Taurus.
"I'm so sick of this," Jim said. "We're always one step behind these clowns."
"I know how you feel Jim," said Jordan, "but we always knew that we would have to go up against people like these."
But Jim was fed up. He was supposed to be in charge of security for the team, with Vanessa of course, but he couldn't help feeling that something had to be done about the situation.
"Chief, before you go the the restaurant, can you drop me off at the field office? I would like to catch up with an old friend."
Jordan looked at the man then said, "You're our decoy, Jim. It wouldn't look too good if you got out of the car."
"Maybe. Of course, you could be placing me in protective custody. Especially if I had a package under my arm..."
"Alright Jim. I'll trust you on this one. Will we see you at the restaurant?"
"No. But I'll be there..."
As the pulled in to the field office, Boston, Jim slipped out of the car, flanked by Jordan and Leo. The grey Ford had stopped opposite while a Taurus had pulled in at a nearby drive-thru.
"If this works, maybe it'll draw some of the heat off," Jim said.
"Maybe, just don't do anything too crazy. There's been enough gunfire already."
The Pizzeria Uno was not far away, but Jordan was not going straight there. They would make some show of shaking off the tail, but not too vigorously.
Jim walked into the office.
"Marty Feldman, now," he told the female at the desk.
"Sir, if you'll take a seat, I'll see if someone can speak to you."
"Just go get him."
A head poked around the door into the adjoining offices.
"Grim Jim, you old SOB!! Get yourself through here!"
Once behind the sanctum of the his office door, Marty looked at Jim and was about to launch into full "reminisce" mode when he saw the look on his face. Friends from college before Jim went into the Corp., Marty's question was simple.
"What do you need?"
"The best sniper equipment you can offer. Automatic rifle preferably lazer sights, night scope, ammo, clothing and some climbing gear."
"Sounds heavy," he said picking up the 'phone.
"Let's get it ourselves," Jim stated, pressing the key down and hanging up the 'phone.
They went to the armoury. Jim found that the equipment was slightly limited, but he did find an automatic rifle and night scope, climbing gear and a set of surveillance clothes with mask.
"Sorry, but we don't have any lazer sighted stuff," Marty almost whined. "We're a bit limited down here."
"Not to worry Marty," he said. "Can you keep this safe for me?" he said, handing him a box. "It's damn important Runner, and some heavy guys may come a-looking."
"No problem Jim," he said. "No one will get their hands on it."
"Can I have another favour?" The man smiled and nodded his acquiescence. "I need to get out without being seen. Some transport might be nice, too."
"You don't want much, do you?" the man grinned. He threw him a set of keys. "I always park her a couple of blocks away. Okay?"
Jim knew what he had given him.
"Thanks Runner, I owe you several!"
As Jim went out and around the back, he began to work his way into the car park and saw the Harley. She really was a beauty!! The chrome was gleaming and the "Lone Wolf" emblem glowed almost like a talisman.
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Back in the field office, a fingernailed hand picked up a black telephone.
"Agent Reaper was here. He left a package and went out the back way. He was with Feldman."
"Thank you my dear." And the 'phone went dead.
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Parking in an alley, Jim pulled down the nearby fire-escape ladder and began to ascend. Dressed in black even to the point of a balaclava, he must have looked quite a sight in urban Boston, had anyone seen him. He was sure they had not. Upon reaching the top, he made his way cautiously to the edge of the roof at the other side. Looking down, he saw the Pizzeria Uno. He also saw a car with no plates, about 35 metres down the street. After scanning to make sure there was no one else (that he could *see* anyway) he set up the ropes and buckled into his harness. If he had to get out in a hurry, he could be on the ground in seconds.
Turning back to the roof edge, he got comfortable and began to watch the scene through the night scope. He could hear the words of his drill sergeant echo in his head...
"... detach yourself from the scene ... the targets are only things, moving shapes ...."
Even though his friends were involved, he began to become cold. There were things below, some of them were the enemy. It didn't matter that this was Boston and not Berlin. The rules were the same. He saw another car arrive and take up a surveillance position. Beta team. He didn't use their names, he didn't even think them. They were part of his outfit and he had to protect them. Nothing more.
Time was passing. Alpha team were not yet in view. A yellow cab appeared and a woman got out. Through the night scope it was hard to tell, but the skirt could have been purple. Taking his eyes away, he still couldn't really tell. He went back to the scope, surveyed the scene and went back to the woman. She had a table reserved and was shown straight to it. A slight tingle went through his frame as the second Taurus arrived. It was time for the show....
NRPG:
Marty Feldman is called Runner because of their time in college football together. Jim was tight-end (no comments!) and Marty a running back. Has Jim placed his friend in danger? Could be. Also, I hope this sniper routing isn't too much. I guess after being off for so long, I just went a bit crazy!!
Respectfully submitted,
FCO Lt.(jg) Olivier Patru, USS ORION NCC-1997, Starfleet.
Special Agent-2 Jim Reaper, X-Files Division, FBI.
Ar'Aman Bowright and Darar, Daere Warren, DragonLands.
Mc'Key and Vasleth, Geode Warren, DragonLands.
aka Peter Shillan.