Knight of the Tigress: Chapter 11

Tuesday at 12:00 pm on August 20, 19851

Jamie lain in her queen size bed at Foundation headquarters as her bedroom was in the East living wing. She hit the pillow as the restless feeling invaded her sleep. Her mind wanted to think about Africa.2

She got up from her bed and walked to the window. 3

The afternoon sky became cloudy. She turned her head to see the painkillers and sleeping pill bottles on the rich maple nightstand. The pain returned to her left arm. The haunting memories of her past flashed before her eyes. Jamie sat down in the oversize recliner.4

'I wish Chloe was here.'5

She leaned her head back and thoughts and images raced through her mind. Jamie closed her eyes as African drums filled her ears. She jumped as the telephone rang. She put her legs over the armrest as the phone rang.6

Soft knocking brought her back to the present. The door opened, Devon walked into the room.7

“There you are.” He paused. “Bonnie tried calling you. Are you all right?”8

Jamie stared at the white wallpaper with tiny flowers on it. “No.” 9

“That's a quick response from you.” 10

He walked over to the matching sofa. “I know that you had a rough day. But you need some sleep…”11

She turned her head. “Every time I closed my eyes as million thoughts raced through my mind. Images and memories flashed at a quick pace.” She held her left arm. “I'm tried of reliving them over and over.” 12

“It is a side effect from EAS drugs. That is why Dr. Bhatt gave you the sleeping pills. You need to get some rest. ” 13

“I'm resting and not moving.” 14

“Jamie, I mean sleep.” 15

“I know.”16

Devon rose from the sofa and walked to the window. 17

“You want me to help with Michael with this case.”18

He turned around. “I do, but your health is more important, than chasing Claw.” 19

“Not when world power is at stake.” 20

“You've great instincts and your right.”21

Jamie turned around in the chair and placed her feet on the light blue carpet. 22

“It's time to tell Michael everything.” 23

“That's why I came. Are you sure?” 24

“If I'm going to be working with him, he needs to know.” 25

“I agree. Come to my office in ten minutes.” He paused. “How is your relationship with him?” 26

“Devon, please?” she asked.27

“This has become Foundation business.” 28

“A bit rocky.” 29

“I'll see you in my office, then.” 30

He left the room.31

~32

Michael waited in Devon's office. He leaned on the loveseat behind him and stared at the huge white vase with a design of tiny blue flowers on it. The vase sat on the white stand was trimmed tan molding. On the wall, hung a brown Oriental rug with a golden pattern woven in it and made the vase the focal point of the little hallway. 33

The archway golden molding touched the deep dark rich brown hardwood floors. On the left, was a built-in lush brown bookcase filled with rare and old books. He looked up. The remote communication system's tracks blended in with the ceiling as the square box camera hub, and doubled as a light too.34

The door painted white the matched the walls. The gray molding was on the door and the walls. Michael noticed Bonnie wearing a lovely blue outfit. Her shirt tucked in her jeans, and she wore blue flat shoes. Her brown hair pulled back into a ponytail.35

Next to Bonnie, in the corner was a self and dark silver statute. Above it was a small detail archway. Michael heard her typing on the computer and the door opened as Devon entered.36

“You've saved me the trouble of finding you.” 37

“I'm glad, I could help.”38

Devon walked over to his long deep dark lush brown desk. The edge of the desk, carved the swirl bar, on the side was Devon's family crest and the front of it was the emblem for FLAG, the chess piece of the knight. He sat in his tan chair. Michael walked over to the white chair with tiny brown triangles patterned as he touched sleek wood trimmed that matched with desk. Michael sat across from him.39

“How's Jamie?” Michael asked.40

“In pain and fighting sleep, you're going to be a great pair.”41

Chloe walked into the office. “Why I'm being treated like a prisoner, Mr. Miles?”42

Michael turned around to see Chloe in a silk silver blouse and pink designer jeans with silver high heels. Her long blonde hair pulled out of her face as her make up revealed her beauty. 43

Devon rose from his chair. “Chloe, I don't mean to treat you like a prisoner. This is for your own protection.”44

She raised her hand. “I don't believe you. Jamie is my boss.”45

Bonnie walked over to them. “They don't mean any harm, and it is really for your protection.” 46

“You are over reacting, here. I've work that requires me to have my freedom,” Chloe said.47

Jamie stood in the doorway as the sunlight returned through the white lace sheers behind Devon's blonde hair that shined. The long heavy brown drapes with tan and golden patterned. The tiebacks matched the drapes and held them in place. The tiebacks and the edge of the drapes were small gold, tan, brown tassels. By the second window was a green fern on a chocolate color stand. 48

Jamie's eyes catch a glimpse of Michael. He wore his black leather jacket over a white button shirt as three top buttons were unbuttoned with dark blue jeans and a black belt, as her heart skipped a beat.49

Michael rose and sat on the edge of the desk. “Jamie, tell her what happened.”50

Chloe turned around to see her standing there. Jamie wore a baggy purple sweatshirt and light blue jeans with white tennis shoes.51

“Both right. Chloe needs her freedom to do her job.” She walked into the room. “Chloe needs to be protected too. Don't tell me, Chloe that you can protect yourself.”52

Devon sat down in his chair. “What’s Chloe's job?”53

“To be my eyes and ears and do odd jobs.”54

Michael folded his arms across his chest. “Can you give more details?” 55

“Hard to explain,” Jamie said as she waved her hand.56

“What's going on?” Chloe asked.57

“Claw kidnapped my sister this morning, and she is after me. Devon and Michael feel that Claw may come after you. As long as I sign your paychecks you will do what they say,” Jamie said.58

“What… ” 59

“I'll make sure that you can do your job, Chloe.” 60

“I've a feeling things are changing,” Chloe said.61

Devon opened his file. “Chloe, you will have a driver that will double as your bodyguard. Until he arrives you must stay here. ” 62

“That's fair,” Chloe said.63

Jamie walked over to the fancy chair that faced Devon's desk. “Why was I not told about Chloe being here?”64

Devon lifted up his head. “That's what Bonnie was calling you about.”65

She sat down in the chair. “My mistake.”66

Chloe walked over to the sofa and leaned on it. “Who's Claw?” She paused. “Is that someone you put away, Jamie?”67

Michael turned his head. “For someone who is British you use a lot of American terms.” He laughed.68

“Watching the telly here in the states.” Chloe giggled.69

Devon looked at Jamie. “How much does Chloe know about your past work?” 70

“Mr. Miles, I don't like to be talk about in the third person. And to answer your question, I've helped to break some of those cases,” Chloe said.71

Jamie let out a sigh. “She knows enough and has saved my butt a few times.” “Very well, then.” Devon looked at Michael.72

“Devon, I like Chloe.” 73

“Yes, I know. Then shall we get down to business then?” Devon asked.74

Chloe stood. “I've some work to do.” 75

“Chloe, please stay,” Jamie said.76

Chloe sat on the back of the sofa. Michael looked at Devon and then to Jamie.77

“Jamie, why are you so strong beyond a normal woman?” Michael asked.78

Devon leaned back in his chair and brought his hands together. “Michael, let me explained. Wilton worked on another formula for people, and he put together a group of scientists. Their goal was to cure diseases by doing that, they created EAS drug. ” 79

“EAS.… what?” Michael asked.80

“Enhance Adrenaline Surge drug. That increases all five senses and gives bursts of super strength,” Devon said.81

Michael stared into Jamie's eyes. “You have this drug?” 82

“I do.”83

Devon looked at Michael. “One of the side effects that an electric shock can throw the balance off.” 84

“Like today.” He looked at Jamie. “That's why you are in so much pain.” 85

“Yes. That’s why I sleepwalk too. ” 86

“Another side effect?” Michael asked.87

“Yes,” Devon said.88

“There is more,” Michael paused. “Why I'm getting the feeling that Garthe is involved?89

“A few years ago, he kidnapped Jamie and stole the formula,” Devon said.90

“While kids were going to college, I was fighting for my life,” Jamie said.91

Michael placed his hands on his hips. “I bet. Garthe forced you to take the drugs. ” 92

“Yes. It took me about two years to escape. He also trained me to be his little soldier too.” 93

Jamie stopped as her ears picked up a tiny beeping sound. She focused her ears as the beeping became louder. She rose from her chair.94

“Jamie, what is it?” Devon asked.95

She walked over to Michael. “What are you doing?” he asked.96

“You're beeping, and it's not the com-link.” 97

“I don't hear it,” Michael said.98

Jamie pointed to his collar on his leather jacket. He pulled it off; it was a small case about a size of a dime. She motioned to him to place the case on the desk, and he did. She grabbed Devon's small statute and smashed the tiny case into million pieces.99

“That was a tracker!” Chloe said.100

“I know. We can add another player to the list,” Jamie said.101

“Who?” Devon asked.102

“Galaxies Corporation and their side business is the latest of the spy gadgets.”103

Bonnie walked over. “Why did you destroy it?” she yelled.104

“It's a tracker, and it can do a lot of damage. It has the latest technology, and they are expensive to make,” Jamie paused. “The tracker has ability not only to track but to scan computers and to be a listening bug.”105

Chloe stood and walked to them. “She forgot one thing and their case is difficult to break.” 106

“I see your strength is back,” Devon said.107

Michael stood. “Jamie, get some rest. I'm going to need you tonight. ” 108

“I see, you approve of your new partner,” Devon said as he smiled.109

“I do.” Michael walked behind Jamie.110

“Excuse me, but nobody didn't ask me.” 111

Jamie looked at them both while Chloe and Bonnie tried to hide their laughter.112

“I'm sorry, but I was under the impression that you had agreed to help,” Devon said.113

“I'm with Devon on this one.” 114

“Michael, you're with anyone that can bail you out of trouble. Next time, please ask.” Jamie smiled and winked.115

“You got it.” Michael smiled at her.116

“What's Claw after this time?” Jamie asked.117

“The AP drugs,” Devon said.118

Jamie's eyes widen. “What! I destroyed them.” She sat down the in the chair.119

Michael sat on the edge of Devon's desk. “Maybe, there was a back up copy somewhere?” 120

“I spent two weeks making sure. The one thing that I learned nothing is impossible. ” 121

“Alright, I'm going to check out Galaxies Corporation. Bonnie, find all the information that you can. I'm out of here.” He stood. “Jamie, get some rest. I'm going to need you.”122

Michael walked by her as she gave a high five to him as he went to the door.123

“Michael, be careful.” 124

“Devon, I will.” 125

He walked out of the door.126