If You're Gone

chapter 4

WuFei watch Sally as she pushed another syringe full of the amber liquid into the IV.

She shook her head. "I don't understand it. He should have been awake and talking by now."
She tossed the needle in the nearby disposal container and looked back at her patient.

She looked at WuFei, with concern, then back to the boy on the bed.
She was about to say something when he moved and opened his mouth, muttering something incoherent.

WuFei leaned in closer to hear the words. He frowned as he picked up the word "bombs."

Sally looked at him, "What?"
"He said 'bombs'. Sally, can't we wake him up faster?"
Sally shook her head,” Do you want to kill him before you talk to him?"

Wu Fei shook his head, and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed a number and spoke softly.

Then he dialed Duo's home Number.

"Duo, I hate to interrupt your moment but I need you both back here now."

He clicked the phone closed and turned to Sally.” I’m gonna search this building top to bottom, and make sure it is clear."
"I don't.... do you want it clear?"
"No, let's not panic anyone until we find something... it may be drug induced mutterings."
"Yes, that's true, he has been on deaths door. I'll stay here and wait for him to wake. Do you want me to administer the other drug if he won't talk?"
"No, wait till I return."
Sally nodded and pulled up a chair to watch the stirring boy.

WuFei glanced at Sally once more and went out the door.

~~~~~~~~~

WuFei stood in the entrance of the Preventer offices waiting for everyone to gather together. He tapped his foot impatiently while he waited.

After they all gathered together, he said, It a loud voice,” I want this building searched from top to bottom! Check everything! And Report back to me if you find anything unusual! GO!"

He watched as the group scampered off in different directions. He looked up to see Duo and Hilde looking at him.

"Well?"
"I want you two to check the offices on your floor. You know the drill."
Duo saluted WuFei and grabbed Hilde's arm.

WuFei shook his head. he returned to the room where Sally was.

As he entered he saw Sally talking to the boy.

"Ah ,He’s awake." He looked at the boy then at Sally.” Well?'

The boy looked at Sally, then to Wu Fei. He shut his mouth tight.
"It's ok, you can talk to him."
Wu Fei looked questionlly at Sally.

"He's afraid, Wu. The Black Wolves already tried to kill him once. He knows they can kill him anytime."
"You will be protected if you tell us what you know. I can guarantee this. We need to know what they want. What they will do."
"I don't know what they want for sure," The boy said softly," I just know we were told to Kill the pilots and anyone who got in our way."

"Are you suppose to kill Miss Peacecraft?"

"No, only the pilots."
WuFei sighed, "Yes, well, you shot someone who was not a pilot."
"Yes," The boy said, "The girl who stepped in front of 02."
"Yes, Hilde Schibecker."
He glared at WuFei. “ She shouldn't have done that!"

"Why?"
"I..... I .... She just shouldn't have. Now she could be a target, too."
"Are you sure?"

The boy shook his head, "I don't know, she's not an important person but still......."
Sally frowned, "Well, kid, she may not be important to you , but I know of at least one person she's important to."

The boy shrugged.

"Alright, "WuFei said, his voice rising a bit ,"Enough of this cat and mouse. You will tell what I want to know. Or I will use what ever means I have available to get it out of you."
The boy looked over at Sally, "Can he do that?"
She nodded and said,” Yes, and I'll help him."
The boy fell silent. Then he looked at the two of them. "Why?"
"They are our friends."
Sally saw him pale and gulp.” I can't. They'll kill me."
WuFei Growled and looked at the boy." Damnit, You will....."
"Wu, wait...."
The boy shook his head,” I can't tell you about "them", because I don't anything. We were contacted by e-mail, never met any of them. But I can tell you that there is someone here that works here. That's how we knew where the first two would be." He shook his head. "That's all I know. And now that I am caught, I'm dead any way.” He looked down at his hands, then back to Sally." My name is Joe Staler .Please get a hold of my family and tell them what happened to me."

WuFei frowned. "Sally. May I talk to you?"

Sally nodded and stood.

They slipped out the door.

"We have a big problem if we have an infiltrator in here."
"Yes," WuFei paused, "It is a small problem. We have to get him out of here with out anyone knowing he is here."

Sally thought for a minute. "Perhaps, I can move him."
"Alone? I don't think that would be a good idea, Sally."
"No, not alone, but with as little attention as possible. But who could I use that wouldn't cause a big scene?"
"One of the new Preventers?"

She shook her head, "No, I want some one who is more experienced." She suddenly smiled.” I know!"

Wu Looked at her.
"Hilde!"
"Why Hilde?"
Sally smiled,” If she is a target, now, I can keep an eye on her and free Duo up for your investigation!"

WuFei nodded approvingly,” Yes. That is a good idea. Excellent, Sally!"

Sally smiled and nodded. "Now, we have to make arrangements. I'm sure there won't be too many questions about a doctor moving an extremely sick patient."

"I have one question, though,” WuFei said as he looked at Sally.” How come our spy has not come after our boy here?"
"Maybe he or she is out of the office and doesn't know." Sally looked around and leaned in to Wu Fei, "Maybe he or she thinks the kid is dead.... Maybe we should leave it that way...... for now.... maybe later after we have him moved we can let it slip that he's alive and talking."

WuFei "Yes, That will work. Well, let's get started."
Sally turned and started down the hall. "Hey, Wu, call Duo and Hilde and get them down here!"

WuFei smiled and turned toward the door, flipping his phone open. He dialed Duo's cell number and waited for the reply.

"Well have you found anything, yet, Maxwell?" There was a pause,""Alright, discontinue your search and come to the infirmary."
He flipped the phone closed and stood by the door, waiting.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Duo looked at the phone, then closed the connection.” I really hate it when he does that."
"Does what, "Hilde asked looking around the room.

"When he demands you come somewhere, then hangs up."
"Hmm. Where does he want us now?"
"Infirmary."

"Well, let's go. I assume he wants there yesterday, right?"
He reached over and grabbed Hilde's arm, "Yeah, come on, let's go."
He pulled her to him and slipped his arm around her waist, pulling her close to him.

"Kiss me."

"But.. Wu..."
"Hilde, he can wait a few more minutes, beside I have a bad feeling about this."
She leaned against his body and raised her head towards his. He met her half way and they kissed long and hard, leaving them breathless.
"Ok," Duo gasped, "We better go before this gets to be more than we have time for."
"Yeah," Hilde sighed as she leaned on his chest, "But we will continue this later."
"Yeah."

They left the offices and headed for the elevators.

~~~~~~

WuFei was listening to all the Preventers around him. There had been no odd things found at all in the headquarters. WuFei nodded and dismissed them all.

He looked up and saw Duo with Hilde in tow walking toward him. He nodded and waited for them to join him.

As Duo and Hilde were coming toward him he saw Sally coming toward him in the opposite direction.

He nodded, glad that with luck the plan would come together.

to be continued

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