Total pages in book: 128
Estimated words: 147789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 147789 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 739(@200wpm)___ 591(@250wpm)___ 493(@300wpm)
“Yeah, I think so.” Out of nowhere, a neighborhood began with row after row of small, quaint houses. Across the street from there was an extensive set of apartments with another senior community sign in front.
“So we’re close.” Kreed took the left and drove around the curve to see the only street lights in the area shining down on a massive, sprawling mega church that easily took up acres and acres of land.
“Damn!” Aaron muttered at just the sheer size of the place.
“Pretty much my thoughts.” Kreed slowed, glancing over at the church before GPS sounded off again telling him to make another right turn.
Aaron quickly searched out info on the church. “It’s got a water park, aquarium, convention center, and meeting rooms,” Aaron said, reading from his phone again.
“You’re fast at getting information out of that thing,” Kreed said, giving a quick glance in Aaron’s direction.
“It’s because I use my thumbs.” Aaron waggled his thumbs to prove his point. “You text and work the internet with your forefinger. Makes it slower,” he explained, typing again to bring up the church’s floorplan.
“Those must be the townhomes we’ll be staying in,” Kreed said, and Aaron looked up to see that same community style housing from before, now with a long row of attached houses, all perfectly neat and well cared for.
“It looks like that’s the entrance of the business office.” Aaron pointed to his left as Kreed kept his eyes on the right side of the road until he stopped at a home directly across from the church’s office entrance.
“Skinner outdid himself,” Kreed said as he took in his surroundings. “You need to know, I never doubted my ability to get to you if something went down, but being right here— Yeah, this is perfect.”
“Well, that’s reassuring…” Aaron quipped, sarcastically. Kreed might not have doubted himself, but Aaron doubted everything. He’d never planned to put himself in harm’s way long enough for Kreed to have to pull a Superman and come save the day. When Kreed started rolling forward again, Aaron looked down the street. “There’s an alley.”
Kreed drove the length of the street to the entrance of an alley, before looping back around and driving down that dark, small road. He pushed the remote control he’d pulled from the manila envelope, guiding them to the correct garage door. Kreed carefully drove inside and parked the car. He turned off the ignition and reached out to hold Aaron’s arm, keeping him from getting out until the overhead door closed again.
“You live here alone, remember. You wouldn’t be getting out of the car on that side,” Kreed said, letting Aaron’s arm go as the last churn of the gears in the overhead garage door unit ceased. Kreed tapped a finger at his temple, looking over at Aaron. “Mental mind-set, like checking the car. You’re undercover now.”
“So, like Mitch said, you won’t really go anywhere until this is done?” Aaron asked. Kreed pushed another button on the remote, plunging the lit garage into darkness.
“If I do, you drive and I stay tucked in the back,” he answered, reaching for the manila envelope again. He opened the package, letting the remaining contents drop into the palm of his hand. There was a small note, about the size of a business card, attached to a single key. Kreed lifted his phone, using the light to read the instructions. After another minute, Kreed finally got out and headed toward a backdoor. Aaron wasn’t entirely sure if he should follow or stay put, so he did both. He opened his door, stuck a foot out, but stayed seated.
A loud beeping started. Kreed stood as a silhouette at the door. He looked like he was punching a finger into a keypad. The alarm stopped beeping, but Kreed continued to work the keypad. After a few seconds more, Aaron finally got the nerve to get out and stand close by.
“What are you doing?” Aaron asked, watching the long series of numbers and codes being entered into the box.
“I’m connecting this to the bureau. They’ll monitor the activity around the house. Remember that senior citizen communities mean that the older adult isn’t always working, and they usually don’t mind peeping around, poking their nose in your business. I’ve got to stay hidden at all times. This will help the bureau see who’s getting too close to the exterior of the house,” Kreed said as they stepped inside the doorway.
Aaron nodded and looked around from where he stood. “It’s not a terrible place. Small, but not terrible. Kind of nice.” Kreed left him standing there and went to the trunk of the car. He came back with a small device in his hand, edging past Aaron before going deeper inside the house. “So people really live here?”
“Yes. It’s really a couple traveling abroad. I’m guessing there are Justice Department eyes in here watching us, but I’m not sure. Usually they leave the bathrooms free of surveillance. Maybe the bedroom for some privacy.” Kreed pulled out his device and began scanning parts of every room. Aaron followed for a while but got bored and just stayed in the hallway, waiting for Kreed to finish. It didn’t take long. “I’m not detecting any inside cameras, but all the security keypads can become monitors and recording devices if needed, so keep that in mind.”
Kreed finally turned on the hall light, before going back to one of the bedrooms. Aaron followed to find a small study with a sofa and a desk. “I think this is the best angle for a full view of the church. I’ll set up in here.”
As Kreed worked, Aaron walked around to get a closer look at the rest of the house. The home was rather small, perfect for two people and very comfortable. The kitchen, dining room, and living room were essentially one room but had tall ceilings which made it feel a bit more open. The entryway had a half wall that partially blocked the front door from his view. Feeling apprehensive about his new surroundings, Aaron peeked around the corner. There were several large boxes stacked inside. Kreed came up behind him, startling the shit out of him, and walked around the partial wall to pick up a box.