Tainted

Chapter 1: Undercover

Thanks as always Leigh for editing my work. Oh all the awkward words I type.

Victor's POV

The house is almost too quiet. The only light currently on is the front porch light illuminating the large potted plant beside the door. My eyelids feel as if they both weigh a ton each. I haven't been able to get enough sleep lately. Working with Corey to find and work out the security flaws of Mr. Blackbourne's and everyone else's cellphones is taking a toll on me.

On top of that I've been adding new helpful features to everyone's cellphones. I refocus my attention back to the two story house and start to wonder if Mr. Hendricks would ever come out of his house. Stakeouts always drag on and are only slightly less annoying than listening in on a target for hours talking about the most mundane things.

I blink as my cellphone emits a bright light. Unable to handle the brightness with my sleep deprived eyes, I squint at the bright light that emits from my cellphone alerting me that Mr. Blackbourne has sent me a text message. I rub my eyes in hope that it will make me more alert. Two taps of my phone is all it takes for me to pull up the message. Once I read it I become immediately alert.

Blackbourne: Had to pick up the bird from Luke's. It appears that she got herself into some trouble.

Victor: What kind of trouble did the bird get into now?

Blackbourne: The bird is unharmed but is nervous. A stranger had wanted to snatch her, but Luke managed to protect her.

Victor: That's a relief; that bird is one of a kind. Is Luke coming to take his shift?

Blackbourne: I'm afraid that Mr. Taylor is indisposed which could lead to accidentally bringing the stranger toward you. I have contacted Mr. Korba, and he is on his way.

I groan. Volto is still chasing us around and trying to snatch Sang away from us. I'm glad Sang is safe, especially since she is with Mr. Blackbourne and Dr. Green. I sigh once I realize that Silas is 45 minutes away from Mr. Hendricks's house. I've had to stake out his house and follow him around for a day and a half. My head is starting to throb, and I simply want to close my eyes and sleep. I can't at least not until Silas gets here.

I just know Mr. Hendricks is up to something. Yesterday, he went to the exact same coffee shop where Sang had followed Mr. Crowley, Mr. Hendricks Boss. In an attempt to stay awake, I tap my fingers playing Vivaldi's Winter, Sang's favorite song. I can hear the music play in my head. I close my eyes and see my Princess looking at me with a smile on her face. A flicker of lights snaps me out of my daydream.

At least one of the lights inside the house is now on. A few minutes later the garage starts to open, and I watch from a safe distance Mr. Hendricks enter his car with a box in his arm. His car turns on with a deep rumble, something that North would never let an Academy car do. Being quiet has many advantages.

I'm in a dark Honda Accord North is borrowing from another Academy team, and its engine only emits a quiet rumble when it starts up. I watch as his car backs out of the driveway and makes a turn further down the street. I glance at the time and groan Silas won't get here for fifteen more minutes.

I am too tired to chase after Mr. Hendricks, but I have no choice. We cannot lose any leads. I pull out my cellphone and send a text to Mr. Blackbourne about the change of plans. I then toss my cellphone in the passenger seat and pull out of my hiding spot.

I turn on the car's GPS and spot a red dot driving onto a busy street. A small smile tugs at the corner of my lips. I pull onto the street and start following Mr. Hendricks from a safe distance. I can barely spot his car as it turns around a bend and vanishes from my sight. My cellphone buzzes twice. I reach over and pick it up.