HIGHER TECH (Complete Novel)

Chapter 10 -Two

      "Well, while you were gallivanting around in places like Peru, I was putting the finishing touches on my suit and weapon. Now, we can both go out and have some fun. I'll be your backup. We'll be an unstoppable team. You will change the world and I will help you do it."

      "You mentioned "fun." I have to admit it was fun releasing all those hostages. It felt good to do something significantly good. Let's put as many of those types of missions as possible to improve our already good reputation. We need lots of hype in order for people to really trust us."

      "Okay, but we'll have to closely watch the news as we go. Our selections must be carefully thought out. Our plans concerning the actions we will take, likewise."

      "Yes, you're right. Don't worry Darren, I highly value your input. I might be the brains behind us, but there are certain practicalities that I need you to point out for me. I can't think of everything. I can't see everything. Another set of eyes is very helpful."

      "You know I believe in what you're doing. I'll do everything in my power to make it work."

      "You already have and I know you will continue to do so."

      "So, what should our next mission be?"

      "That is a very good question, my friend. I'll tell you while we watch some news."

* * *

      While Dean and Kyle waited for the rest of the members of Hard Force to gather for their meeting they were talking about Dean's new friend, Susan.

      "I owe you and Rebecka "thanks" for letting Susan stay with you until she gets a new place of her own."

      "It's the least we could do for a person who helped save our friend."

      "Mark sent some FBI guys over to her old place to get her stuff there. She didn't have too much. Some of it, she put in storage. They told her she couldn't go there because Arnold Hatcher might use her to get to me. I agreed with them on that. This guy has an interest in me because of what happened with Joanne Murphy. I don't know why he's so fascinated by it though. Considering his big worldwide aims, you'd think he'd forget about a small insignificant police officer like me."

      "Small? Insignificant? You're starting to make me angry because you're insulting my best friend. To me, you're famous."

      "More like, infamous."

      "Don't sell yourself short Dean. There's plenty of people on the force who think you are a hero. Even FBI agent Mark Samuels highly respects you. You found this bad guy before anyone even had suspicions concerning him. To be honest, I don't even know how you do it."

      "Okay, I get it Kyle. Thanks. It looks like Mark is getting ready to say something."

      "Okay people. For this one, we don't have much. You have been sent all the information that we have so far. Please get familiar with it. We need everyone in on this. Together we might make one genius. The guy we're up against is a genius. The only other genius is sitting right there beside Kyle. I want you to ask Dean whatever you want, no matter how insignificant you think it might be. He's been in the Lion's den. He is a brilliant detective and he knows things about this guy that we don't. We need to bring this guy down. He is a mass murderer disguising himself as a hero. We have never had an assignment like this one. Sure, we've brought down our share of nasties over the years, but this guy is different and more dangerous than all of them. Hundreds, thousands and maybe even millions of people's lives are in danger. So, we need to take him down as quickly and decisively as possible. Dean, is there anything that you want to add before we start asking questions?"