Space Crimes - Target Acquired (short story)

junk

Rather than keep posting in the excellent work of tkdrobert's / SciFi Celebration.  I thought it would be wise to start my own link for this particular Space Crimes story.  For those unfamiliar with Space Crimes, it's sort of a comic/novel idea that I'm still kicking around and developing.  It's based upon the old time radio shows mixed with the vision of the "future" of that time along with the vision we have today.  The main characters are John Forrester and Madeline Price (who has been missing for a little bit of time now and who's lat name we just discovered).  It's not going to win any kind of awards as of right now but is more for entertainment value.

Space Crimes - Target Acquired
 

Part 1 of 8
Our records indicate that Madeline Price has been hiding under the radar for a few years now. She holds certain "assets" that my boss is particularly interested in and would use considerable force to get control of. My current focus is on "John Forrester" who, to our understanding, will put his life on the line to protect Ms. Price. 

Great, strong detective?! Ha! He's nothing... I'll chew him up and spit him out once I have my fun and retrieve all secrets of her whereabouts. And he'll never know what hit him.

A couple weeks of reconnaissance and he's right on queue. Target acquired...

 

Part 2 of 8
Dames... Can't a guy get a drink without someone wanting to talk your ear off? Or, will it be the "oh you're a private detective? I can't find my cat..." kind of chatter. Tonight I'm just going to be direct with this lady and tell her.... 

what, oh no... 

she's sitting down...

You've been waiting for me? Your brother has been missing for a week now? 

She was easy on the eyes if you know what I mean; it was like sitting on a bright sunset beach, looking into the light blue ocean with bluer skies just above. Her voice was soft like the gentle waves that slowly crash against the shore, not in a loud way, but just enough to where it becomes the only sound that you can hear. The light softly reflecting off her smooth and curvy shoulders draws your attention that they are connected to an equally smooth and curvy figure. Her hair perfectly framing those gorgeous red lips, the ones telling me of her concern for her brother. Am I staring? 

She touched my hand and it was then that I realized that time, for me, had been frozen. I believe the bartender was waiting for my reply to the usual "what's your poison" question. Was that two minutes ago that he had asked? Three?

 

Part 3 of 8
The chatting of the three bar occupants is suddenly interrupted by an annoying chime. You know the one that announces any time a new customer enter the bar? 

In a grand entrance the doors are flung wide open and in walks Louis, the boss straightening his tie, followed closely by his muscle man. Muscle? That's a laugh.. more like crazy mad dog loose without a leash. Every time he moves his head a bit of spit goes flying places you don't want it to.

Things just got interesting...

 

Part 4 of 8
Gesturing his hand in the air for hers, Louis mumbles with a thick old New Yorker accent "it's impolite to not shake the hand of a friend. Your boyfriend here, Mr. Forrester, wont be able to protect you from me if I were your enemy. So don't make me one."

Trembling in fear and unable to speak Lana, the spy, pushes closer into John's side. Though she's quite good at retrieving information she's never run into anyone remotely like Louis and his goon.

"Louis! Call your dog off and leave her out of this" proclaimed John. "You don't get it mister smart guy... She's playing you." mumbles Louis with that thick accent. 

* click, click! * Breaks the tense moment and everyone freezes.

MORE TO COME....

---

Links to the Gallery Images
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4
 

junk

Part 5 of 8
* click, click!  *

With an almost instictual reaction Louis's dog jumps to the top of the bar and then is airborn.  The bartender Hank had no time to aim and fire, as it all happened within a fraction of a second.  The dog with the precision of a ninja, holding a katana blade, made the bartender and his head part ways.  What a mess.

The scream in my ear, one of the most horrific scenes just witnessed and the danger of having Louis nearby was enough.  I grabbed my trusty side arm, grabbed the lady and moved us back to a offensive/defensive position behind a bar table.  One thing is for sure, with that thing loose, our chances don't look good.  

junk

Part 6 of 8
Relying on pure instinct, I drew my gun and nearly threw the dame to the ground for safety reason.  I then fired off a warning shot at an empty spot of the bar to let them know I meant business.  

It worked.. Louis and his dog began running.  Shortly before the door Louis fired his weapon but missed.  Ha!  Excellent marksman..  Never misses..  Yeah right.

One thing is for sure, Hank, was a good man and didn't deserve the likes of Louis and his dog.  I plan on never running into those two again, but if I do I'll get justice for him.  

I promise.

Link to the Gallery Image

bigh

great job - love them

junk

Thanks so much bigh!  It's sad but I get so happy when someone else enjoys the stories and (very) simple plots too. 

junk

Part 7 of 8
Turns out I was dead wrong about Louis and his aim. Now I'm probably the last person she will see before slipping away. I can't help but think of Madeline right now. Was someone there for her if this was her fate? It's breaking my heart all over again.

..

Where are those damn medics!? If they take any longer I think it will be too late. And Louis, of course I knew she was playing me. But why?

Hold on Lana.. yes.. I won't leave you.
 

Link to the gallery image

junk

Page 8 of 8 (Finale)
Just two hours ago I was looking into the most beautiful of eyes. Now, here I stand, just staring at a disappointment in the mirror. 

I can't stop replaying what happened in my mind. I couldn't save Madeline and I couldn't save a complete stranger either. Maybe it's time to hang up my hat and quit this whole thing?

..

..

..

My hand looks pretty bad but I don't feel it. I don't feel anything... 

Link to the gallery image

junk

And curtains....   CUT!   That's a wrap.