Seven Days of Summer 2024: Day Seven

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Title: Traffic 
Author: Bj Jones 
Summary:  Aguilar and Callum race to get information that they could use to hunt down Rikken 
Sylum Timeline: 2023 AD

Peter grabbed the coffee and slid into the chair and stared at the bank of computer screens.  It was a little evil warlord lairish, but it was also kinda awesome.  Even after two years being in the ‘Abby’ was amazing, and he loved working with his Mates, though agreed to never put his hand to any Assassin things.  

He was not his father.

At first he had been hesitant to get more involved with his Mates’ side-gig and family of assassins.   Especially considering how he met Aguilar and Callum in the first place, but the want and need to be a part of all aspects of their lives won over.   

It took time to be brought up to speed on what they were working on, learning their abilities, and finding where he was the most helpful.   In the end, it really wasn’t that much different than what he did for Henry and at times Steve and Diana.   

He had taken over a lot of the background help, working a lot with Mateo, who was a guru at research.  For a man who doesn’t speak, he usually found a lot to say.   

Peter wasn’t bad with computers, but this set up had taken it to a whole new level.   Jensen had helped a lot with his training, and well Jarvis was a godsend, though having an AI in the building was a bit intimidating.   Jarvis stayed in the ‘Abby’, which Aguilar was grateful for, since his voice was Stephen and hearing him, still brought back painful memories.

Slipping on the headphones, he slid across the desk and made sure the cameras in the area were functional.  

“Hey love, stalking us?”

Peter grinned hearing Callum’s voice in his ear.  “I can see you making rude gestures at the camera.”

There was laughter on the lines.  “And they say we’re the kids?”

“Peter, what is Izabel doing?”  Aguilar’s tired dad voice came over the line.

“Making rude gestures at the cameras.”  Peter laughed when Izabel stuck her tongue out at the camera, he could see Maximo rolling his eyes behind her.  “At the moment the target hasn’t left their home, but from our sources, should be leaving after eight.”

Maximo added into the conversation. “He’ll be driven in a standard SUV, and the packet of information will be on him.”

“Can we guarantee that?” Aguilar asked, even though they had run through the scenario a few times, over the past week.

“He’s meeting with his banker, and those documents are what is securing the transition for his latest project.”  Maximo had carefully read over all the information Mateo had pulled together.  His Mate had gone the extra few miles, and even found the route being taken.

“These documents are the financials for Senior Joseph Mendez.  A Templar that has ties to Rikken, seems our favorite arsehole has started to crawl his way back into the good graces of some of the more influential Templars, and is seeking funding.”

“Have we found out what he’s funding?”  Izabel asked.

“No.”  Peter answered, and he has been looking, even Jarvis was having difficulty digging in the sub contracts of the subcontracts of the sub sub contracts.  “After his last project went up in smoke, he’s been laying low.   We still have no idea who Turned him.”

“Mateo has been doing some massive research, and still hasn’t found the guy.”  Maximo added to the conversation.  

“So our only lead to Rikken is whatever is in those documents.” Aguilar concluded the quick recap of the whole situation.  “The only chance we have to get this guy is in route to his banker.   Even my status as Count has not gotten me into that building.”

“I even showed off my boobs and it got me nowhere.”  They could hear the pout in Izabel’s words.  

Peter watched as they prepped for their part in the heist.   Their main goal was to grab the documents, they weren’t after Mendez, well not at the moment.   He still wasn’t sure how they were going to get the documents, they hadn’t given him the specifics.  Honestly, he wouldn’t be surprised if they were going to wing it, chaos did follow the family around.

“I’ve got eyes on the roads.  Traffic is light, but there is construction downtown, close to the bank.”  Peter gave them a quick recap of what to expect on the route.  “How exactly are you going to get the documents, as you failed to mention that.”

“We’re making it up as we go.”  Callum grinned at the camera then fastened his coat, it wasn’t their normal assassin gear, instead it was his leathers he wore when riding his motorcycle.  

Peter’s suspicion was confirmed, when all four mounted up on high speed bikes.  They looked to be Ducati’s, as he knew it was Izabel and Callum’s favorite ‘fun’ vehicle.   Aguilar preferred his sports car, as did Maximo.  

There was little chatter on the lines as they moved into traffic, each of them taking different paths that would lead them to the main route Mendez would be on.  Ten minutes past eight, the target was on the road.  

“He’s on the move, looking to keep a fairly steady pace.  Guess he doesn’t want to bring any unwanted attention.”  Peter gave them updates of where Mendez was along the highway.  

He watched as Maximo buzzed by the SUV, he leaned slightly towards the vehicle, leaving behind a listening device before speeding away, making rude gestures to the driver.  He easily slid around a corner and was out of sight of the vehicle, within seconds.

“Aguilar, we have a complication.”  

Peter focused on getting the listening device up and running, and started recording conversation in the vehicle.   He glanced at the screens but couldn’t see anything that would cause the edge in Maximo’s tone. 

“What?” Aguilar’s tone was neutral but everyone could hear the worry.  They had been planning this for months, and this was the only opportunity they had to get the information.

“The driver is your friend Dennis.”  Maximo stated, adding a few curse words in a variety of languages.

“Fuck that arse!”  Callum growled.  

Peter sat back in his chair taking in the information.   It was bad enough finding out Rikken had been Turned, but learning that Dennis, was also Turned, had hit Peter hard.  He hadn’t liked the guy from the beginning, even less when he started harassing Callum.

Then to discover that his soul was part of Aguilar’s Turning, and the modern man was still holding a grudge over the fact, just made the whole situation worse.

There was a sense of anticipation … 

“Change of plans.”  Aguilar’s tone indicated there would be no argument.  “Izabel, Maximo get to the bank, prepare a trap in case they get past us.”

The two didn’t argue, they gave a quick affirmative then flew towards downtown.  Peter noticed instantly that Jarvis started to get involved when directions on the quickest way to their location began to appear on the screens.  

‘Sirs, I’ve calculated the best angles for an ambush.’  To this day he would swear that Javis had a slight vindictive tone.  ‘Master Mateo is on route, along with his rifle.  His ETA should be ten minutes, which will give everyone time to get into positions.’

Peter switched to the private channel he had with his Mates.  “What are you two going to do?”

“It’s obviously a trap.”  Callum stated as he swerved his bike next to Aguilars.  “So the information is bogus, or really important.  Either way, Rikken is expecting us to do something.”

“I would hate to disappoint.” Aguilar added to the conversation.  Normally he was the more rational one of the two, but Ojo was a sore spot.  “Peter, see what information you can get on Joseph Mendez, make sure we’re not missing anything.”

“On it.”  Actually Jarvis was on it, as he watched information start to fill the screen.   He read over the articles, company information, and gossip rags – the guy was sleazy but something wasn’t quite right with the whole situation.  “The information was able to dig up really doesn’t show him with the Templars, I mean he could be used by them, but I don’t think he is a part of them.”

“He’s a rich arsehole.”

“Technically so am I.”  Aguilar countered his brother, they both could hear the smirk in his voice.  “Theory one they are using him for money, or theory two he knows he’s being used for money and hoping for something from them.”

“Theory three they are using him, because they know it would catch our attention, and don’t care he ends up dead as long as we do.”  Callum’s accent always got thicker when he was pissed.  

Peter watched as their bikes moved through traffic seamlessly.  It was these moments he could see not just the Assassin, but their twinness.  They moved as one, didn’t have to communicate, just instinctively knew where the other was at all times.

It was a beautiful thing to watch.

They quickly caught up with the SUV, and easily maneuvered into position.   

Peter cried out in horror as he watched the vehicle slam into Callum’s bike, forcing it off the road. 

“Aguilar. I’m fine.  Take the asshole down.”  His voice was rough, and obviously in pain.

‘Routing Master Mateo to rendezvous.’  Jarvis’ tone was soothing and calm.

“I got him on camera, he’s covered.” Peter added to the conversation, making sure Aguilar knew his brother was safe.

There was no response, and all he could feel through the bond was a fierce determination, then it slid into what Peter started to call Assassin mode.   The bond was still there, just muted to a point of stillness.   It was an odd feeling, especially when it came from both of them, but he had gotten used to it over time.   Peter had talked to Jake about how he could help his Mates from his side.  

‘Can’t really help you with that.’  Jake gave him a small shrug.  ‘Don’t have a Mate, but I’m sure staying calm is likely the best way not to interfere.  I’ll get your uncle Josh to contact you, Paul may not be an assassin, but he’s got an intense job as does David. I’m sure he’s had some odd moments.’

The conversation with Josh has been helpful and embarrassing all at the same time.   He learned to calm his own emotions, center himself in moments of crisis, and over time noticed their bond was growing and changing.  He’s learned their moods, how to ping them individually and together, it was empowering.

But at the moment, he took a few deep breaths, centered himself and focused on the task at hand.   Peter trusted his Mates knew what they were doing, his panic would not help.  

Jarvis took over the cameras, flashing up traffic information, while taking over lights to keep innocent bystanders out of the situation.   Peter slid across the long table, to the oversized screen that had views of the chase from different angles and cameras.   He glanced over to the city maps, hoping to see a spot that could give Aguilar an advantage.“Ha! Aguilar there’s a straight piece of road coming up, it’s down to one way traffic lucky in the direction you’re heading so it’s open.”  He conveyed the information to his Mate.

“See it.”

The moment the road opened up, Aguilar sped by the SUV getting in front of it.   Instantly the SUV sped up to slam into the back of the bike, hoping to crash him into the construction barriers.   

Peter had to admit, he wasn’t expecting what happened next.

Aguilar slowed down, then with ease that came with years of training, he pulled himself upwards, standing on the bike, and within one breath to the next he leaped off arching backwards, landing on the roof of the vehicle, slamming his hidden blade into the roof while simultaneously pulling a dagger from his boot and doing the same.

“That shouldn’t have been as hot as it was.”  Peter cringed when he realized he said that out loud.

“Tell me whatever my idiot brother just did was recorded!”  Callum demanded.

‘I’ll make sure the video is available.’ Jarvis’ answered, though Peter wondered how an AI could have a snarky tone.

Peter focused back on the cameras, and could only sit and watch as his Mate held on for dear life, as Dennis did everything he could to throw him off the vehicle.  Once the SUV passed the last of the construction barriers, Aguilar moved.  Everyone expected him to aim for Dennis, but instead he slid backwards, twisted around and pulled the back passenger door off it’s hinges.   He slid into the car knocked the gun out of Dennis’ hand, twisting it around and shooting the Templar in the shoulder before tossing the gun out the door.

With a grin he grabbed the briefcase, gave a quick nod to Senior Joseph Mendez, before he pulled himself back onto the roof of the car, then elegantly reached up and shot the metal hook towards one of the street lamps, and pulled himself off the roof.   As the vehicle continued onwards to it’s destination, he dropped down to the ground.

“That really shouldn’t be that hot.”

Aguilar snickered.  “Maximo if they get to the bank, keep a close eye but do not engage.”

“I can’t believe you let them live!”  It was obvious Izabel was not happy.

“I let them live, so we can get more information.”  Aguilar stated as he got off the main roads, and slid into the shadows.  “I slipped a small tracker and bug onto the Senior, Jarvis …”

‘Already on it.’   The AI answered with ease.  ‘A taxi will be waiting for you two blocks south of your location.’

“Gracious.”  He pulled off the helmet, and tossed it into a trash can on his way down the back alleys.   By the time he got to the taxi, he looked like an average man needing a ride home from a long night of drinking with friends.

***

“They found Mendez’ body behind the bank this morning.”  Callum sat down at the table, pouring himself a cup of coffee.  “According to the bug you planted it was Dennis who took him out.”

“The paperwork shows that he was offering them a great deal of money in exchange for power.   He was only alive as long as he was useful.” Aguilar was eating a small breakfast, as he had to get into the office for some calls with clients.  “Jarvis was able to dig into his finances, and move some funds around.  Rikken just lost his funding.”

“Ah such a shame.”  Callum glanced up to see the ‘kids’ walking into the dining room.  

“Where’s Peter?”  Maximo looked around the room, a bit surprised not to see their step-dad.  

“Happily asleep in our bed, we may have worn him out.”  Callum gave Izabel a wink who was cackling like a mad thing. 

Mateo rolled his eyes as he grabbed his own cup of coffee.

“Do NOT want to know.”  Maximo gave them a glare, as he sat down next to his Mate.  “Oh and Aguilar, Jarvis sent us the footage.  That was badass, might even rival the infamous Vatican Inspector slide across the square to take down the terrorist.”

Aguilar looked heavenward and made the sign of the cross.

“It was hot.”  Callum smirked at his brother.  “It was totally a scene from one of those games Dastan created.”

“And he thinks we’re the crazy ones.”  Izabel pointed out.  

“I have a meeting.” Aguilar stood up and finished his coffee.  He gave Callum a quick kiss, and glared at the kids as he left the room.

“Seriously.”  Callum leaned forward.  “I’ve watched at least a hundred times, I’m not sure how he pulled it off.  I admit if that was me I would’ve done a wiley coyote and face first into the pavement.”

Mateo snickered softly.

“It was impressive.”  Maximo agreed, agreeing that it was something he would not even contemplate let alone try.

***

“Count deNerha.”

Aguilar glared at his car display, or specifically the caller.  “What do you want, Inspector Olivetti.”

“I saw the footage.   Impressive.  Ezio is jealous.”

He laughed.  “He can do the next crazy stunt.   Honestly, I have no idea how the hell I pulled that off.”

“Your Saint was watching out for you.”

“Yes she was, and I’m sure she has words for me.”

 

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