The Dark Under The Trees Ch.34

Pat Richardson’s eyes widened in amazement, as he spun the man he’d grabbed around. It had nothing to do with the .40 caliber Glock automatic pointed at his mid section, but at the face he recognized even in the dull red glow.1

“Jimmy? Jimmy Green?” Richardson looked hurriedly over his shoulder at Jonny Gonzales who was questioning two young Manoids that had been raising hell in the neighborhood. He hustled Jimmy back around the corner. 2

“Jesus Christ! What the hell are you doing here, of all places?” He spotted the broken door of the empty shop and dragged Jimmy in behind him.3

“I might ask you the same question Pat,” Jimmy said. He hadn’t seen Richardson in six years, so he didn’t holster his weapon. People can change in that amount of time, he thought.4

“I only took this assignment after I mustered out of the regular army,” Richardson said. “I was topping off my retirement. At the end of my tour I’m due a hefty bonus. Just got sent down here a couple of days ago,” He paused and ran a hand over his face and when he spoke his voice was quiet. 5

“On the upper levels you don’t give much thought to what it’s like down here. Thank God I’m outta here in a few days.” 6

He paused and nodded at the gun, shaking his head. “You really think you need that, after what you did at Nasiriyah? Holding off the whole God damned Iraqi army until the 2nd Marine Expeditionary Brigade showed up. Laying there with that slug in my chest…that eight hours was a lifetime.” He looked at Jimmy. “I owe you my life, so tell me why you’re here and what I can do to help you.”7

“Had to be sure Pat, a lot can change in six years. And it wasn’t the whole Iraqi army.” Jimmy said, sliding the Glock back into the holster with a self-conscious grin. “This guy Ivanskaya’s boys grabbed some of my friends and I came to get them out.”8

“Still pulling other people’s fat out of the fire I see,” Richardson said with a chuckle. “How the hell did the good Doctor’s men come to capture your people?”9

“That’s a long story and I don’t have time to tell it. He’s got them and I mean to get them out, whatever it takes,” Jimmy said. His tone had turned hard and his eyes glinted with determination in the dim light. 10

“If he hasn’t had them killed their probably being held on the first or second level. I’ve still got a couple of friends up there. Maybe they can help.”11

“They’re on the second level,” Jimmy said. “I’ve already checked on them and told them to be ready, but I’ve got a more immediate problem. I was traveling with a girl named Olga and...”12

“Olga!” Richardson exploded. “It’s a wonder you made it this far. Everyone on all four levels are looking for her and her brother Olav.”13

“Yeah, Olav’s with some of my men back there somewhere,” he jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “They’re waiting for me to come back,” Jimmy told him. “But some big guys just grabbed her. Getting her back is all that matters now.” Worry etched his features, and his words were filled with anxiety and longing. “All that matters,” he said gazing out the broken door.14

“Jeeze Jimmy, you’re not sweet on her are you? She’s a...”15

Jimmy’s head snapped around and his words were angry and defensive.16

“I don’t give a shit about her ancestry. I know what she is and I love her because of it.” 17

“Richardson!” Jonny Gonzales’s voice rang out from the corner down the corridor.18

“In here!” The man called out in answer to his name. “Keep quite and play along. I’ll see if we can get out of this without having to kill anyone.” He pulled the hood over Jimmy’s head, took him by the arm and led him out. Gonzales and his squad of Manoids were coming toward them from the intersection.19

“Damn man,” the human said shaking his head. “You shouldn’t go off by yourself like that, it ain’t really safe.”20

“I saw this kid wandering around and thought I’d check him out,” Richardson told him. “Turns out he’s wandered off from his people. They're up the street a ways.” He leaned toward the other human and said quietly. “I don’t think he’s one of the brighter ones, so I’ll run him up there and get him back where he belongs.” He straightened up. “Seeing as how it’s not safe I’ll take one of the guys with me. You and the others can continue on with the patrol and we’ll catch up. This’ll only take a few minutes.”21

Gonzales looked at Richardson for a long moment and then at the figure held in the man’s grip. He took a step closer and spoke quietly. “I don’t know what you’re up to, but if you expect to keep your little hustle going, you’d better cut me in for a piece of the action.” He stepped back and raised his voice. 22

“Illia go with Richardson and keep him out of trouble,” he threw the order back over his shoulder, his eyes never leaving the other man.23

“If it’s all the same to you Jonny, I’d feel better if Mischa went with me.”24

Gonzales’s eyes narrowed as he studied the other man’s face for another few moments, before taking a step to the side. He looked at the big Manoid for a moment and then nodded his head.25

“Yeah, sure, go with him Mischa,” he said.26

When they came abreast of the broken doorway, Richardson chanced a look behind him. There was no sign of the patrol among the sparse foot traffic along the street.27

“Hold it you two,” he said. “Let’s stop in here for a minute.” He directed his companions into the dim interior of the empty shop. He turned to the hulking Manoid. 28

“My previous assignment here was in security,” he said. “I received regular reports on rebel activity and I seem to remember the name Mischa in several of them.”29

“There are many here with that name,” the Manoid said spreading his hands wide. “Tattia names us all and many names are repeated.”30

“That’s true,” Richardson said. “But after that stunt you pulled yesterday, I think I’ve got the right one.” 31

“I pulled no stunt yesterday,” Mischa said. 32

“Cut the crap,” Richardson snapped. “I know you saw the guy hiding in the tunnel yesterday just like I did, and I know you deliberately misdirected Gonzales and the others so he wouldn’t be discovered. I think you’re either part of the insurgency or know someone who is.” 33

Even though he’d been watching closely and had eased his weapon out of the holster in anticipation of trouble, the Manoid moved almost faster than Jimmy’s eye could follow. Like a snake striking Mischa grabbed hold of Richardson.34

“Let him go Mischa,” Jimmy said, pressing the automatic to the side of the Manoid’s head. “We’re not looking to turn you in. Someone kidnapped Olga and we need your help to get her back,” he said when the Manoid turned his head and looked at him. Jimmy took the gun away and stepped back as he holstered it.35

“What do you know of Olga?” Mischa asked as he released his hold on Richardson. 36

“I may know someone who can help,” Mischa said some time later after Jimmy had told his story. “We must hurry, Gonzales will grow suspicious and raise the alarm before too long. Follow me.” 37