Cowboy: Disrupted Equilibrium, #2

Chapter 1

T hey expect you to lead the way now. See it through. Conrad tried to keep the skepticism out of his tone.

I know what they expect. You need not remind me...ever again. Carly did not hide the warning in her reply.

Carly turned back toward the window, gazing at the city skyline outside.

Yes, of course. I only want to be of service. Conrad tried to backpedal a little, but it was clear from the beginning that he did not think Carly the best choice for CEO of Cantor Inc.

Perhaps you could be of service by setting up my flight for next week to Brussels. Carly wanted to be rid of Conrad, if only for a short while.

Conrad hesitated, clearly wanting to bring up another matter.

Carly did not turn away from the window as she spoke.

Yes? Carly let irritation saturate her one-word question.

The Group expects to see you in person tonight. Conrad’s tone was calm and authoritative, reminding Carly that she could never be rid of him.

Of course. I will be with them within the hour. Carly kept her voice neutral this time.

Excellent, I bid you farewell for the evening. Conrad turned on his heels and strode out of Carly’s fiftieth-floor office.

Carly did not turn away from the window to watch Conrad leave.

She knew his purpose was to handle her during her occupancy of the CEO position at Cantor.

Conrad was a trusted board member and a significant shareholder of Cantor.

But that wasn’t really why he was tasked with overseeing her.

Conrad was a trusted lieutenant of The Group.

That was the only reason Carly tolerated him. Carly would likely have made him disappear long ago if he was merely a board member or shareholder.

Carly straightened her posture and pressed down the front of her business suit.

In less than a year, she would be instrumental in destroying the world as everyone knew it.

The Group had picked her for this task and given her the power and resources to make it happen.

Now Carly was expected to give an in-person report of her next steps and a timeline.

It’s only the world. Carly thought and laughed softly to herself.

Taking a deep breath and one last look at the gorgeous view, she turned to leave her new office.

Chapter 2

O hhhhh, that was so much fun! Sandra yelled, running towards her father, Charles Sr.

I’m so glad you enjoyed it little bug. Charles Sr. knelt to catch Sandra as she ran straight into him.

Sandra hugged her father ferociously and then excitedly looked at her younger sister Lyla.

Lyla, let’s ask mommy if we can get some candy fluff! Sandra shouted at Lyla, and they ran over to assault their mother, sitting on a bench nearby with one arm wrapped around Brianne and the other around Charlie Jr.

Their father stood up, laughed, and followed them to their mother.

Don’t let’em swindle you Charlene. Charles Sr. joked as he approached the bench.

Charlene smiled wide as she picked up Lyla, gave her a flurry of kisses on the forehead, and then did the same with Sandra.

How can I say no to these two lovely sprites on such a beautiful day? Charlene looked back and forth between Lyla and Sandra.

What’s got you two down lately? This is a wonderland out here! Charles Sr turned his attention to Brianne and Charlie Jr.

Charlene looked up at Charles Sr as he spoke. Brianne’s just having a tough day is all. Charlie doesn’t think we’ll have time to ride the Tornado Demon.

Charles Sr gave the nod as if recognizing his cue. Hey, Bunny. He took a seat on the other side of Brianne. I know it’s tough to be eleven and not understand all these weird feelings, but maybe some candy fluff will cheer you up.

Brianne almost looked like she would go for it, then frowned again and just shrugged.

Her father patted her gently on the back and rubbed it a little. Well, if you change your mind the offer stands as long as were here Bunny.

Next, Charles directed his attention to Charlie Jr. Hey bud, I promise we’ll have time to ride the Tornado Demon. Charles exaggerated the last part of the sentence as he spoke. Just one more ride with the little monsters, then it’s you, me, and the scariest ride in the park.

Charlie smiled at this and looked in the direction of his desires. Okay, you promised. Now we must do it Daddy.

Yep, we will. No question. His father agreed.

Charlie, honey, would you go with Sandra on the teacup river? She needs you to sit by her while your father sits with Lyla. Charlene squeezed Charlie tight and rubbed his arm as she spoke.

Come on big brother, you gotta protect your sister from scary sharks. Charles Sr added.

Sandra’s a year older than me. I’m not her big brother. Charlie corrected his mother and father.

Yeah, she is...but you’re bigger and stronger than she is. Charles Sr. replied. Plus, you’re a lot braver.

Charlie smiled again but quickly frowned as if pretending not to enjoy being Sandra’s protector on the ride.

I guess I will. But then we’re going on my ride. Charlie declared.

His father laughed and smiled. You bet big guy. Let’s go!

Charles Sr. waved for all three of them to follow him and pretended to be in a hurry.

Charlene watched them go and squeezed Brianne again.

I know it’s tough going through puberty Bunny, but it doesn’t last forever.

I’m too old for you to still call me Bunny. Brianne kept her voice low and gruff.

Charlene smiled and kept her arm around Brianne, not saying anything.

Chapter 3

Cowboy didn’t like being referred to by his birth name.

Teagan Catawanee...ain’t you a son...of...a...bitch. His half-brother drawled out the words to emphasize his genuine awe at Cowboy’s skill.

You’re easily impressed Sam. Cowboy retorted, deciding not to mention his irritation.

A fella could hide out in this getup for years, Sam remarked as he surveyed the structure, craftily built above the waist-deep swamp.

That’s the plan if and when things all go to shit. Cowboy agreed. Get here and stay here. I’ll catch up with you sooner or later.

Shit. I gotta place. Sam sneered. Nobody ever comes to visit now.

Cowboy chuckled. Suit yourself brother. The offer stands.

You could always put together something impressive with just a few sticks. Sam was in a teasing mood. But you ain’t for shit when it comes to makin friends.

Don’t care about making any friends Sam. Never have. Cowboy replied. Friends are messy and I don’t need that.

What if the air’s toxic? Sam asked suddenly. Can’t hide from the air up there.

I built something else for that. Cowboy replied, already way ahead of Sam. I have options if necessary.

Course you do slick. Sam did look up to his older half-brother but used his words to keep a barrier between them.

Cowboy recognized that about Sam and didn’t care. Sam was Cowboy’s only real family. Some part of him wanted to maintain a connection for reasons he didn’t understand.

You comin around tonight for gator? Sam spit into the swamp as he spoke.

Maybe, anybody else invited? Cowboy asked.

Na, just me. Told ya, I don’t get visitors. Sam replied.

I guess so then. You got shine? Cowboy liked to make Sam feel appreciated.

Hell yeah! Sam was quick to reply.

Grilled gator and some shine would do me well tonight. Cowboy looked up at his accomplishment, already itching to get back on the road for his next job.

Cowboy and Sam shared the same mother. A woman of means who left them equal owners of almost three hundred acres in Louisiana. A little over a hundred acres of which was mostly swampland.

Sam never asked Cowboy about his work or anything else, for that matter. Cowboy appreciated that about Sam the most.

On the few occasions, Cowboy would pay Sam a visit, they mostly hunted gators, drank moonshine, and sat quietly together watching the barrel fire outside.

Cowboy and Sam were millionaires, several times over, because of their late mother’s will. Sam, however, preferred to live simply by himself in the swampland.

Here’s a jar for ya big guy. Sam handed Cowboy a pickling jar filled with moonshine.

Cowboy took the jar as he finished chewing his meal and nodded to Sam.

The fire was providing smooth, even flames for them this evening.

Cowboy took a drink and allowed himself to smile a little.

Smooth ain’it? Sam asked as he also took a larger sip.

Always is. Cowboy said.

Cowboy remained outside watching Sam occasionally tend to the fire, neither speaking to each other for several hours.

In the early hours of the following day, Sam merely patted Cowboy on the shoulder and headed inside to bed.

Cowboy sat alone for several minutes longer. Then he stood up and made his way over to the boat that would take him back to his vehicle.

There were no markers or signs to guide the way. A person looking for Sam would either be familiar with the area or just get stupid lucky to find his place out here.

It took Cowboy about twenty minutes to get back to his vehicle.

He drove up to the main house of the property. It was deserted except for one person.

His mother had employed her many years ago, stating in her will that Georgina could remain in the house indefinitely.

Now Georgina had the whole place to herself most of the time.

Cowboy parked in the large circular driveway and made his way into the house.

Georgina was more an administrator than anything else. She hired grounds people, maids, and repair people when necessary. She also handled any paperwork duties relating to the house as needed.

Inside, Cowboy found the house in immaculate condition. It was a large house with vaulted ceilings and a double winding staircase to the second and third floors, visible from the main entrance.

Cowboy didn’t grow up here and barely knew his mother. His father had taken him to live in Colorado when he was twelve.

He only made it back to see her in Louisiana on three occasions, spaced out over several years.

Cowboy’s father was a general contractor and went away on jobs often, leaving Cowboy home alone.

He got into trouble as a teenager, finally ending up in court and facing a felony charge at seventeen.

Joining the military to get out of going to prison seemed like an excellent idea at the time.

Cowboy walked under one side of the winding staircase to find one of the spare bedrooms he was using in the back of the house. It was set up for chefs and/or maids who may require lodging for the evening or longer.

He wasn’t going to sleep. Cowboy opened his duffle bag on the bed and pulled out one of the burner phones.

He popped in a new sim card and turned on the phone.

Typing in a number he had memorized; Cowboy sent a text to the recipient.

‘Ready to work.’ And waited.

About two minutes later, He got a text back.

‘Pick up box four-two-eight. Two days.’

Fuck. She likes to make me drive. Cowboy thought to himself as he picked up his bag and left the room.

Chapter 4

D rop me here.

Carly clicked off the intercom button in the back seat. Privacy glass separated the front of the car from the passenger section.

The car slowed and pulled to the curb, stopping next to a convenience store just outside of downtown.

Carly got out of the car and stepped onto the sidewalk. It was a busy night. So many people bustling about, going to a thousand separate places.

Carly disappeared into the jumble of faces and bodies.

She had changed into some non-descript clothing that wouldn’t stand out.

Walking a block, Carly stopped to hail a taxi.

It took her about ten minutes to finally get one. Once inside, she spoke with an accent to further confuse anyone about her identity.

Where to? The driver asked, not looking in the mirror and not sounding interested in her.

Warehouse District. Jaxon’s Building. Carly answered.

The cabbie tuned his radio and pulled out into the busy street.

Carly sought membership in The Group. She was in a probationary period for the time being, but that wouldn’t last long after her report tonight. She might even get Conrad out of the way.

She tried not to get excited at the thought of it.

The drive was uneventful, and Carly was deposited in front of Jaxon’s Building Industrial Tech Center about fifteen minutes later.

She walked around the side of the building and across the street to the next building.

There was a staircase leading down on the side.

Carly walked down the stairs and knocked on the door.

She heard a series of clicks, and the door opened just a crack.

Carly opened it wide enough to step inside and walked down the long hallway to the other end.

There she found more stairs going down. Carly followed two sets of stairs.

At the end of the staircase was a man standing next to a door.

The man said nothing to Carly as she approached him. He was about six-five and stocky.

Once Carly was within a few feet of the man, she stopped, and he glanced at her and then reached over to push a button on the table next to him.

His earpiece chirped and he turned, opening the door for her.

Carly entered and found herself in a medium-sized room with a vaulted ceiling. There was an elevated area on the other side of the room where eight people were sitting in a semi-circle.

Carly walked up the ramp to their level and stopped in the middle of the semi-circle.

Ms. Hennington. Your report. A woman in one of the chairs spoke to her.

The Group wasn’t much for small talk.

"All is going well, ahead of schedule. We are in phase three with test subjects, and I fly to Brussels next week to personally oversee the last stage of testing.

Excellent. You have done well. A man sitting at the far side of the table addressed Carly.

Carly nodded, remaining silent.

Where do we intend to release the first dose? Another voice spoke up. Carly couldn’t see the speaker clearly because a light was shining in her face. She did, however, recognize the voice.

South America and Europe simultaneously. Two weeks later, in North America. Carly spoke only to provide details. No fluff or extra words.

Congratulations on your promotion at Cantor. We’ll be watching your progress there closely. You may go.

Carly turned and walked down the ramp and out the open door into the hallway. She didn’t make eye contact with the man outside the room.

Carly walked about two blocks from the building and called for a ride-share.

It took her about forty-five minutes to get back to the area where her apartment was located.

She had the driver drop her off a block away and walked the remaining distance.

It was much quieter in this area. Small groups or individuals were spaced well apart.

The entire face-to-face meeting with The Group took less than five minutes.

Carly had met with The Group on two other occasions but had been prepped exhaustively for those interactions. This was her first time going alone.

Her expertise and brilliance while working at Libbetell Organics brought her to the attention of The Group.

She was investigated exhaustively without her knowledge and finally approached by someone representing The Group.

Carly was immediately intrigued but remained cautious at first.

It took several interactions between herself and a few different people to finally get an invite to be introduced personally.

She understood that being introduced in person was a significant step in being accepted by this secret organization.

Carly was aware of the penalties of mentioning The Group to outsiders.

She watched as a man who had betrayed The Group’s trust had an unfortunate accident in his custom sports car.

The Group was powerful and could get to anyone without raising suspicions about itself.

Carly wanted the power that came with being accepted by this organization and would do anything to get it.

The Group had placed her at the top of Cantor Inc as a show of trust and a test.

Nothing would stop her from succeeding.

Being brilliant and capable was only part of it. Carly was also ruthless and cautious.

She was already proving instrumental in putting together a series of events that would collapse global civilization.

All this and no one outside The Group was aware of it.

I impressed them tonight. Carly thought as she stood in the well-furnished living room of her apartment.

She would return to Cantor in a couple hours and begin her first day as new CEO.

For quite some time, Carly rarely slept more than two or three hours a night. That was one side-effect of her inoculation.

She found it quite satisfying.

She could perform at a much higher level most of the time anyway. Still, the strange antibodies flowing through her veins amplified it.

Of course, there were other side effects, and they were not as pleasant.

Sometimes Carly would feel as if she were outside her own body, like a vivid, waking dream. There would be voices inside her head during these episodes and a feeling of being pulled away from herself.

With practice and instruction, Carly had learned to manage it and not be overwhelmed.

Carly reached for her cell phone and pushed one button.

Yes Madam? A voice answered immediately.

Pick me up in ninety minutes. I’m going to Cantor. Carly replied and ended the call.

Her first day would involve some house cleaning around Cantor. Carly looked forward to showing her ruthlessness to the board of directors.

They would be shocked but powerless to do anything about it.

Chapter 5

D on't they understand the risks? There is so much about the artifact that we are yet to understand. Simone groaned to Chin, bringing up the issue again for the umpteenth time that week.

Ours is not to question why. Chin retorted, wanting to get Simone off the subject as quickly as possible.

He was growing tired of Simone mentioning the obvious. Something about which neither of them could do anything.

You do want to walk out of here alive? Chin found rhetorical questions usually did the job of getting Simone to change the subject, at least for a few minutes.

I've told them these test subjects do not represent a wide enough sampling of the world population. There could be micro-variations with unpredictable results. Simone did change the subject, but only to one she had also brought up numerous times to Chin.

"Yes,