The HeartBreak Commission - Part 6

CHAPTER 17: LIFE NOT AS WE KNOW IT P1

Mr Pernetti was at the entrance of LIFE, the Legal Implants For Everyone headquarters. His aim was to just make enquires about illegal implants and get what knowledge he could from them, he had his identification, they could refuse to talk to him but it wouldn't go down well with the government. There were two guards at the entrance, the building was huge and modern with a blue haze all around it. The architecture was almost artwork with its towers, crossover bridges and patterns, it looked very good. Luke showed the two armed guards his identification, one man went blank, no doubt reporting Mr Pernetti's arrival, the other put a card into the keycard slot and the doors swung open. “Some one will greet you shortly Mr Pernetti, if you could take a seat on the right please sir.” “OK no problem.” Luke said and walked in. The entrance was a silver walled room with tables lined around it, there were vases with flowers of all colours, probably synthetic. The seats were along the side of the walls between the tables, Luke sat down on one. There were four exits, left, right, back and ahead. Luke picked up a magazine with the implants they sold in. It showed all the usual ones with different data sets, colours and methods of insertion.

A man entered the room, coming from the right, he was tall and thin with a clean shaven look and dark hair. “Hello Mr Pernetti, I am Peter Dalesman and I will show you what you need sir.” Luke got up off the seat and held his hand out, Peter shook it with a smile that showed pure white teeth. “I would like to see all areas Peter if you don't mind, I have strict instructions to check all research and manufacturing departments.” Peter responded with a smile. “That will be fine Mr Pernetti.

Alexander and Karina Devenport were running around frantically moving documents and research development information. The surprise visit of Mr Pernetti had taken them by surprise. All across LIFE men and women were moving things, hiding material and equipment. “Were not doing anything illegal Alex, don't worry.” “Its borderline what were doing here Karina, I don't like this surprise visit one bit.” Alexander said, non too happy. Karina smiled, a cheeky smile and her eyes showed a cunningness that surprised Alexander. “What is up with you love, you have that look again on your pretty face.” “Its nothing darling, am just happy to have such a great man as a husband.” Alexander smiled.

Peter Dalesman led Mr Pernetti through the usual areas first, the ones that were safe. Luke new this, he had that look but was scanning every department constantly and had his implant set to check too. His implant was a government one, it did a lot more than the standard public ones including area mapping and illegal implant detection. He had told Kevin not to disturb him while he was here as he suspected they would have a way to intercept communications. Peter led him this way and that, Mr Pernetti was checking the mapping and spotted covered doorways and power usage in areas he had not been led. Any trouble and he had his weapons ready but was sure they would have know he had them. “Peter would you be kind enough to show me where to grab a drink sir, I am feeling rather thirsty.” “No problem Mr Pernetti, its not far.” Luke followed the tall man, aware of the unease in Peter, his implant showed it plain as day. We reached a small refreshment area, there were tables and seats and drinks machines. “Help yourself Mr Pernetti everything is free here, I am just off for a few minutes, I won't be long sir.” “OK Peter, I could do with a sit down, its been a long day.” Peter walked off no doubt in need of a break from Mr Pernetti. While Peter was gone Luke did a detailed search for illegal implants and had success.

Karina Devenport made her way into the security room, all security checks were done from the room. There were cameras, sensors, information screens and manual controls for each and every area. Everything was set out along one long corridor with seats in front of the panels and screens. Karina looked in a mirror on the far side of the room, she was admiring her own beauty. She wore high-heal purple shoes, a black knee-length skirt, white blouse and a black short jacked. Her hair was long and black, her lips a dark red, eye-shadow purple and black and she was of medium hight and had a thin shapely figure. She span round three times, smiling too herself, there was no one with her in the room as the security was automatic. She scanned the site map which showed where people were. “Mr Pernetti, you are going to wish you hadn't come here.” Karina said to herself quietly as she looked at the red dot on the site map. He was in the refreshment area she noticed. “Peter, Peter where are you then, stupid man.” she said out loud. She found his green dot, he was in the toilets.

Alexander Devenport was in the research labs, checking for anything that could raise suspicion, although he knew they were not doing anything truly illegal but better to be safe than sorry. He sat down on a desk, thinking of Kelly. He new he loved her but his business would fall to pieces if he divorced his wife, she would stake claim to at least half of it and if it got out he was seeing another women he could well be sent to prison. He felt an implant message appear. “Alex its Peter, I don't like this Mr Pernetti, he looks too much.” Alex set his implant to message reply. “Peter we have nothing to hide, everything is above board, there are only a few things he could mistake for illegal but I am sure a court would not see it as such..but we don't want the courts involved, it would be bad for business. Bring him to me if you want and ill take over Peter.” The reply came straight away. “Yes Sir I'll bring him over.”

Peter returned to Mr Pernetti. “Sir, Alexander Devenport is available now and he would like to see you sir.” Luke got up, his coffee drank and empty on the table. “Show me to him then.” a smile crossed Luke's face. Mr Pernetti had found several illegal implants in the building, low grade, but still illegal. Peter led the way up a flight of stairs, the type that moved, all you had to do was stand there. Everything looked so clean and tidy and smart. Luke was led to the left through an empty room that was simply painted white. “Short-cut Sir, faster this way.” Luke nodded but was ready for any trouble. He wondered if anyone had sensed his scanning. They walked through two more empty rooms and come out in a long corridor which was a metallic blue with round white trimmed windows on each side, they were slightly open. Luke peered through windows on both sides. Peter led the way left, through the windows was daylight, this was one of the crossover points to the other parts of the building.

Karina Devonport checked her implant, one new message. “Karina, implants inserted, she will be ready in half an hour.” She responded straight away. “Very good, have her brought to my office and placed in the back room securely when you are done, oh and have Sarah Pernetti report to my office as soon as possible.” Karina left the security room and made her way to her office on the top floor of the building.

CHAPTER 18: IT ALL FITS/SHE LOVES ME

I got home and took the book out of my pocket, I couldn't help staring at the picture of Carrie Valentine. “ZAK bring me up on screen the profile of Carrie Valentine.” The information came up immediately. She was single, no children, thirty two years old, lived in the mid town area. I went through the details thoroughly. Status was, I gasped, missing and not seen for one day. I had seen her at the tram station, what was it, something like two days ago, I could be wrong, my mind was in turmoil. I went through all the names in the book, most were missing or dead. I contacted Kevin who agreed to have the police inform the ones that were still alive to go into a police protection program for there own good until we sorted this out. That was to be done as soon as possible. Kevin had roasted me for keeping the book, he was going to drop round to pick it up for analysis tomorrow. It looked like some group or organisation were kidnapping or killing single men and women and the only reason I could think of was for illegal implants, I found no link between the victims. I took a shower and had a cappuccino and waited for my sister to arrive.

It was not long when ZAK reported. “Your sister and Anne are here” ZAK automatically let them in, like he was programmed to do. I went to greet them. My sister was wearing old style grey tracksuit bottoms, a red and yellow t-shirt with a tracksuit top, not her normal clothes, no make-up surprised me even more. Her business partner and friend Anne wore roughly the same but she had black bottoms and a plain red t-shirt. I greeted my sister with a big hug and gave Anne one too. They were both younger than me and youthful looks unlike me. “My dear brother, hows things been going since we last talked?” Lucy asked me smiling. “Oh not much sister, just a crawl through some sewers, been licked by a dog, been shot at, the usual kind of stuff I normally get up to.” They both laughed and we made our way into the living room. My living room had sofas and a blue carpet and a television and a pretty old table in the middle which was plastic, old style plastic. “See you have still got your antique table John.” Lucy said. “Sure have, it could be worth a bit one day!” She laughed, they both laughed. “Hows Craig sister, still busy with his dance club entertainment venture?” “Oh yes he's now got four clubs making a steady profit, you should pay a visit one day John.” Lucy replied. “Maybe I will sister but it isn't much fun on my own.” “We could go together John, a night out!” She sounded exited, I wasn't.

Anne who had been fairly quiet so far went to make the drinks, she offered. Lucy and I sat down chatting about my ventures. “John you do get yourself into some things don't you!” “Its pays the bills sister, have you seen my account lately!” “I have! and I have paid all your bills off for you, you owe not a penny John with plenty to spare, am proud of you John.” she was proud, for the first time I have know my sister, she was proud. Anne came with the drinks and then sat down. “Thanks Anne, hows things with you then?” I asked, she had been so quiet. “Am OK John, a few problems that's all.” Anne said, sounding down, not like her. “Anything I can help you with Anne? I am always here to help OK?” I said softly, she nodded.

We sat down and drank and Anne cooked us a real meal using the real Oven and it was superb, but it was clear something was getting Anne down. Anne then volunteered to do the washing up, how could I refuse. “Lucy, what's up with Anne, she looks unhappy sister?” “John, Anne is married to Ken but doesn't want to be and how can I put it she is in love with you John.” I looked puzzled, shocked, confused. “With me, how can that be?” “Your a handsome man brother and love can just hit you when you least expect it, she has asked Ken for a divorce, he wont give her one.” I didn't know what to say, I had know Anne for some time but had never thought of her like that. The evening went slowly after that and Anne didn't cheer up.

I decided to whack some music on, my sister was happy. We opened some wine, top of the range stuff and toasted to good times. I thought of Anne and felt guilty and of Kelly, who could be dead, Ruby I missed, Jake was dead, I was drunk in a short while. We danced, silly and close, I got Anne up, I held her, she cheered up. We danced ourselves silly. We put the gamefunsystem on which had the latest virtual reality technology build in. We played old style football, tennis, touring cars and a scary horror game called Resident Blood three. We had fun and lots of it. It got later and later. “Sister, I never asked you, what's with the old style clothes, I mean, there just a little out of date sister?” “Silly brother, no fashion sense, old is the new black.” I didn't have a clue. “Men!” Anne said smiling. We had all drank too much. My sister went to make us some coffee. I sat down on the sofa, Anne sat next to me, close, too close. She put her arm around me. I turned and looked at her, her lips full with no make-up, no eye-shadow, her eyes blue as the most beautiful seas. She was pretty. She smiled, she moved forward, her lips close to mine. She kissed me, a gently kiss, a loving kiss, I kissed back. Why had I kissed back, it was illegal, she was married. I pictured Carrie Valentine. I stopped kissing and moved back. “I am sorry Anne, I just can't, sorry.” She moved away, I saw my sister at the doorway, I saw the tears brimming in Anne's eyes, I saw the pain on Anne's pretty face, I saw the frown on my sisters face, I felt bad, I got up and went to my bedroom, I cried too while Lucy was comforting Anne. I cried like a baby, why I couldn't tell you, my emotions in tatters. Some time later my sister came into the bedroom. “John, were going now, thanks for having us.” she smiled and saw the tears down my face. I sat up and rubbed my eyes. “John, Anne will be fine, don't worry.” “Its me am worried about sister... its me, tell Anne I am sorry.” “I will and remember brother, I am here for you always.” she smiled kindly or was it pity. “I know you are Lucy and thanks,” she left the room and then they left my apartment. I was lost in my emotions, was it the drink, I did not know, I went to sleep.

CHAPTER 19: LIFE NOT AS WE KNOW IT P2

Peter led Luke to Alexander's office. Alexander had his door open ready. “Hello Peter, Mr Pernetti.” he held his hand out to Luke, he shook at. “A pleasure to meet you Mr Devenport.” “Oh just call me Alex sir.” “And you call me Luke, Alex.” They both exchanged a smile. “Peter can you make us drinks please then you can go and help my wife with whatever she is up to.” No problem sir.” peter replied and went into the room off the left. Alexander's office was spacious with a light green shine to it and very little furniture. There was a number of certificates and awards framed on the walls, it was clear he was proud of his business. Luke looked at these, awards for innovation, customer service and research. “I am so proud of LIFE Luke, and it has been my life's work, have a seat Luke.” he said as he indicated the modern chairs near his desk. “Thank you Alex, LIFE has certainly had many accomplishments to be proud of.” Peter returned with the drinks and had given Luke his favourite, cappuccino, Alex had a cup of black tea. “Thanks Peter, I'll see you later, any problems just message me.” “No problem sir.” Peter walked out of the room, shutting the door behind him, pleased to be away.

“Alex, I am sure you know I am here to conduct a check of your operations here, and to clarify there are no illegal implant research been conducted.” Luke said, eyes on Alex all the time. Alex sighed. “I know Luke, I also know that we have no illegal research or manufacturing going on here, but I will confess that we have some research that is potentially a tricky subject that people may not like.” “What's that then Alex?” a questioning look on Luke's face. “We are looking at a number of things, like a natural implant that could increase base statistics like strength and speed, also a natural implant designed to charm and persuade.” Alex looked worried after he had been open with Luke and revealed his secrets. Why he did, he didn't know, only that he liked Mr Pernetti, he was honest. “I can't see a problem Alex with natural implants, if you could let me see some of your research and documents I could confirm for you, thank you for been so honest Alex.”

Alex and Luke chatted for some time and then they made there way to the research areas and Alex led Luke to the natural research centre. After some time Luke had checked everything. “Its all above board and within the law Alex, you have nothing to worry about.” Luke smiled. “Thank you Luke, I admit I was worried.” Alex grinned. “I do have other issues though Alex.” Again a worried Alexander emerged. “There are a number of areas blocked off and I need to see in them Alex.” “That won't be a problem Luke, many are just unused areas full of junk, you had me worried again then.” Alex laughed. “Oh don't be worried, there is one more thing to discuss when we have explored the other areas.”

They went to all the blocked off areas and Luke uncovered many areas that needed to be cleaned and material disposed of in the correct way. Luke found a number of used implants just abandoned in one room leaking radiation out. “Alex, I am sorry, you will be notified officially, you will have a fine and warning about these problems and I will have to come back another day.” Alex signed. “I will personally sort out this mess, I had no idea this was happening.” Alex sounded genuine and mad about it. “I am sure you will Alex, now to more pressing matters.” Luke paused seeing the worry again crossing Alexander's face. “I have detected an illegal implant here in LIFE.” Luke watched Alexander's face, it was a look of pure horror. “It must be a mistake, I don't know of anyone who has ever had one.” he was shocked. “Well someone has, Peter showed me to the refreshment area, and my implant picked it up.” Luke looked at Alex and realised he didn't know anything. “I will conduct an investigation, I will check all my staff, I would never allow someone in here with one.” said Alex sounding panicky. “I am sure you would not Alex. You have not yet showed me the top of the tower yet, I would like to have a look please.” “Yes Luke of course, we can go right away.”

Alex and Luke headed off to the top of the tower, they walked quietly, in silence. “Karina! What do you know about someone with an illegal implant working for us!” the message went through immediately, Luke sensed it but said nothing. The reply came back. “I know nothing love, why don't you and Mr Pernetti come to my office for a drink darling.” Alex sent the reply back. “Yes we will love, soon.” “Problems then Alex?” said Luke smiling. “You sensed me messaging?” A puzzled look, a worried look. “Of course, my implant is government issued, special department.” Luke grinned. “Karina, my wife wishes us to have a drink with her.” said Alex. “That's fine, lets do that first then Alex.” Mr Pernetti, Luke, sent the report about LIFE to Kevin to check and send on, included were the information about sensing an illegal implant.

CHAPTER 20: CARRIE'S ARMY

I had been kidnapped, bloody taken from the so called safe mid city streets. It took seven people to whisk me away in their fancy black car, I mean seven people to kidnap a single women, pathetic. Here I was now, stuck in this black, dark depressing room with these other people all screaming and moaning. I was certainly not happy. They had just slammed us in here and locked the door, in the van they had tied me up and handcuffed me and taken all my possessions away. My implant couldn't message, they must have some kind of machine that can stop them working or something.

I though about the man with the cute bum I saw at the Royal Garden Park, oh I liked him. I had walked into the Modern Arts building and saw him, it was like love at first sight, well love with his bum. I had pretended to be looking in the mirror, I was in-fact looking at him and his bum, he and it was gorgeous. I had got myself upset because I knew he would be married like everyone else I liked so I had ran out of the building and the park and had gone home. I thought I had seen him at the tram station the other day but I wasn't sure it was him, I longed for him but I could only dream, love wasn't meant for me.

“We have to get out of here, there going to kill us I know it!” a women screamed and cried over and over again. “Shut up you silly cow, you are not helping.” She started again so I got up and smacked her round the head, she stopped then, everyone stopped and was silent then. I turned to them. “Right we don't know why we are here, we don't know what they want. Has anyone got any ideas what they want?” No one said anything. “Someone must have some thoughts about our situation?” all was quiet. “look, listen to me, I have been single for so long and I don't intend to be dying a sad single women, so I need to get out to achieve this, whatever happens keep your eyes and ears open, anything you see which could help tell others, put use your brains, we all have them.” I stopped talking, I wondered if I was actually helping or not. “I am single too.” one man said, “So am I.” I couldn't believe it every one of us, about thirty were single. They all started again, but this time talking like adults and not children.

I shouted out loud. “listen please.” they went quiet again. “Right, so we are all single, maybe they want to use us for something, maybe they thought we wouldn't be missed.” They nodded and shouted agreement. “Maybe we won't be missed but I know I am not going to give in, we have everything to fight for so lets take it too them!” Cheers arose, I was surprising myself, I felt like the commander of an army. “Right lets split into groups, lets look at our strengths and when the time comes lets work together and get out of this, Even if only one of us gets out alive it will be worth it.” They listened, they did what I asked.

CHAPTER 21: LIFE NOT AS WE KNOW IT P3

Alex and Luke arrived at the top of the tower, there were windows all around with a corridor circling the perimeter. Luke had not really paid attention much to Alex. He was smartly dressed with a black suit on, he looked kind but wise. His black hair was curly, his eyes blue. The view was very nice, the rest of the city level was visible, clearly. Mrs Devenport's Office was around the other side. “Its a nice view up here.” Luke was looking out the window. “Sure is, that's why my wife chose for her office to be up here.” Luke was quiet, a frown on his face. His implant was indicating several illegal implants which was very worrying. “Alex, how well do you know your wife?” Alex stopped walking. “She's my wife Luke, of course I know her well.” “Well Alex, I know there are several illegal implants near us right now.” “You must be wrong, I would know if my wife had them or was up to something.” He was getting upset and angry. “Look Mr Devenport, If I used my brain, I would say you could well be leading me into trouble here!” Luke was getting worried now. “What! Why would I lead you into trouble?” Alex shouted. “It could be that you don't want my report to get to my headquarters?” it was a guess. Nothing more or less. “Why Luke, you said I would just have to clean up things, it wasn't going to shut me down or anything so why would I lead you into trouble!” panic crossed both faces. “My report has been sent already Alex. I think I will head back the way we come and make my way out of here and send in the best people for the job” Luke said softer now. “You don't really think there is trouble up here do you?” questioned Alex now calm himself. “Yes, there are now ten illegal implants showing up on my screen and all are nearby.” A frightened expression on Alex's face. A silent pause, a Implant message coming in from Kevin. “Luke, John found a letter at Kelly's house, a love letter from Alexander Devenport, we have analysed it and its without a doubt from Alexander.” “I don't know anything Luke, I swear.” He was telling the truth. “Tell me about Kelly.” Luke said simple. “I.....I know Kelly, we are very good friends.” “And who is Kelly, where does she live?” “She lives in the lower city, she likes to paint Luke, what has this got to do with things.” He was panicking. “She was kidnapped earlier, do you know anything about it?” Luke asked quietly, they were standing in the middle of a corridor. “What!, I know nothing, who took her, I must find her!” he had raised his voice. “Mr Devenport, I know you love her, we have a letter you wrote, you were seeing her which I might add is illegal.” Luke felt for Alex, he was in big trouble. “Yes I admit, I love her, I was going to ask for a divorce, but the business, its mine, its my life's work. I must find Kelly, I can't live without her.” He was upset, tears were in his eyes.

“Well if you two are not going to come to my office then we will come to you.” Karina smiled, laughed. Alex and John turned around, Karina's voice was behind them. Horror and beauty stood with Karina. To her left was an abomination, to her right was beauty so perfect and symmetrical. “Hello Luke love.” beauty said, she laughed hard and forced. “Your quiet Kelly, don't you want to say anything to your lover?” she giggled. Alex and Luke were in shock. “Sarah, my wife?” Luke asked softly barely loud enough for anyone to hear. “Yes Luke baby, it is I.” she blew him a kiss. “Kelly?” Alex dropped down to one knee tears streaming down his face.

I woke up it was still dark, an implant message from Luke. “I am in big trouble, I am still at LIFE, help needed now!” I got up, started getting dressed. Another implant message this time from Kevin. “I am on my way to yours, be ready.”

TO BE CONTINUED IN HEARTBREAK COMMISSION PART TWO....................