Act XXVI
#27 of The Chess Master
This is the Chess Master novel, a work in progress. I've been working on this since March 16th, 2003. Unlike all of my other stories, I only added my name on the prologue. I even worked up a cover for
the novel back then.
Warning: The Jansen Tanner parts of the novel are written in "first-person."
Act XXVI: Hazardous Materials
I don't know why I chose to drive to San Francisco by way of Los Angeles. I suppose it was one of those spur of the moment decisions. But, being a Tanner means you can drive where ever you like. And if they don't like it, I can always use the wolf trick. Mind you, I don't like abusing that power; it's just handy for around the world necessities. Plus, it helps me to avoid Josh Savage Jr., who is still out there trying to 'catch' me. I was beginning to wonder where our paths would cross again.
Interstate 15 took us to Interstate 10, which soon deposited us on to Highway 101, also known as the Hollywood Freeway. We checked in at the local Chess bunker in downtown Hollywood, where we parked the car and proceeded to do some sightseeing. Dodger Stadium was pretty close, so we went there first and looked around. Soon afterward, we bought some tickets and sat in the audience of The Price is Right. It was risky because just about anyone could see the three of us in the audience on TV. We were fortunate to NOT be called on to "Come On Down!" In fact, we were thankful we weren't called on. After the show, I met with Bob Barker, who was showing his age, though performed as if he were only half his age. Our little trio soon headed off and continued our little tour of Hollywood.
That evening, the three of us were eating at a restaurant, when someone entering the restaurant caught my eye. It was Krystal Silverly, PSI's best agent. I smiled and waved her over to my table. She gladly came over and sat down with us. I was curious as to why she was in L.A.
"Krystal, it's a pleasure to see you. What brings you here?"
Krystal smiled.
"I'm on a case, actually. And this time, I need your help."
I hummed at that, then replied.
"Okay. You helped me when I needed it, so it's only fair, I suppose. What's the job?"
Krystal took on a very serious facial expression.
"Have you ever heard of the Tracker Corporation?"
I winced, releasing a quick breath of air.
"Oh yeah... I've heard of them. They are supposed to be a top notch bounty hunter organization. What is up with them?
Krystal closed her eyes for a moment. My information had taken her off guard. Krystal opened her eyes again and continued.
"I didn't know that they were bounty hunters. Anyway, their CEO contacted PSI this morning. Seems his daughter is missing. We usually don't get involved in missing persons, but he said that his daughter had encountered something 'magical' and he hadn't seen her since."
I again hummed. I pulled out my portable via-sat video phone and called Danath Gaul.
"Danath? Jansen here. I'm in Los Angeles, California. I need a confirmation on all magical creatures and beings in the L.A. area. Can you help me?"
After several moments, Danath responded.
"Sorry it took so long. Chess is rarely active in that area. Here is your requested list. A collection of magicians live in the magic mansion. Ogbert, a weregroundhog, lives in that region. Count Renzo Goddard, an imperial apparition, haunts the Hollywood Cemetery. And, Corvina Kiana Lang, a voodoo priestess and fortune teller, resides in West Hollywood. That's the whole list."
I thanked Danath and put away the video phone.
"There you have it, Krystal. Where would you like to start?"
Krystal was also surprised by the significant amount of knowledge Chess seemed to have in areas around the world. Krystal smiled.
"We can start with Corvina. She's actually pretty close to here. Maybe she can give us a lead on Katrina Tracker's whereabouts. Oh, I mean... Trina Tracker. Her father said that she prefers the shorter name and was last seen wearing a jaguar skin bikini outfit."
I grinned at that. How many near naked jaguar skin bikini clad females could there be in L.A.?
Oddly, Guilmont and Capricorn opted to come along with us. Krystal wasn't sure what to make of them, but I reassured her misgivings by explaining that they were my recruits. Krystal found that pretty amusing, for some reason. We headed out after dinner, proceeding to Corvina Kiana Lang's condominium. I think that the voodoo priestess was surprised to see a PSI agent working with a Chess agent. I had to admit... seeing two agencies together had to be quite the shock factor, if you weren't expecting it.
Krystal led the investigation this time; I played backup. This was almost like our first teamup in Las Vegas, only Krystal was in charge this time. While Krystal interviewed Corvina, I glanced around the front room examining some of the vast artifacts useful to a fortune teller.
Eventually, I heard Krystal getting frustrated. She was having trouble getting a straight answer out of Corvina. I decided to exert some interference. I picked up a large crystal chalice and turned to the two women.
"Is this valuable?"
Both women turned my way. Corvina's eyes went wide when she saw what I held.
"Please! Don't break that! I beg of you..."
I grinned.
"Answer my friend's questions and no harm will come to your chalice. Or would you rather I do things... the Tanner way?"
Krystal grinned as I said that.
Corvina was not grinning. I had picked the most valuable tool she had. Corvina answered all of Krystal's questions afterwards. When Krystal was done, I carefully set the chalice back into it's ceremonial position and to Corvina's surprise thanked Huhueteotl for the use of his relic. I think that even surprised Krystal that I had pronounced the name correctly.
Corvina finally said something.
"I had no idea that you were learned in Huhueteotl's beliefs."
I turned and smiled.
"A good Chess agent must be learned in all religions, Corvina. I wouldn't have desecrated the chalice. A god of fire has his uses."
I grinned. I was thinking, of course, of the A34s. Gotta love massive fiery explosions!
Afterwards, Krystal and I rejoined the others in the car. We had gained the information that we needed. Now, we had to apply it. Krystal was still amused that I turned Corvina into putty. Better her than Krystal, right? I love doing things the Tanner way.
She laughed.
"Oh, that was SO rich, Jansen!"
Our next stop on our missing person's search was in a section of Los Angeles that I was not particularly thrilled with having to visit. Corvina had directed us to a warehouse where a powerful gang leader held meetings.
As we arrived, Guilmont noted that we had been spotted by an unseen lookout. This seemed normal to me. I was ever pleased as Guilmont and Capricorn opted to stay with the car. I think Guilmont just loved protecting that lovely piece of technology.
Krystal and I proceeded into the warehouse in our own fashion. I was really hoping I wouldn't have to use my wolf trick magic on anyone or the Puss'n Boots powers I had acquired.
Fortunately, the all female gang chose to confront us directly. Unfortunately, their sudden appearance was with weapons; handguns, knives, and chains. This threw us on the defensive, of course. Krystal suddenly had a PSI issue rifle in hand, as I dove in another direction behind several crates. I hated direct confrontation firearm fights. I was the only Chess agent who refused to use a gun. All other weapons were okay; just not guns.
It looked as if I was going to have to use my special skills, after all.
Then it happened.
Someone stupidly fired the first shot. I was really hoping that wouldn't happen. Krystal and the others immediately began firing upon each other. It was time to use an item from my anti wizards kit. These items were often super useful against wizards but they seemed even more useful against mortals more times than not.
The item was called, "Spirit of '76." I didn't have time to read the instructions. I activated the item as I hurled it out into the center of the firearm fight.
An immediate explosion of eerie light and the sound of TNT heralded the arrival of something best left alone during the daylight hours! The fight abruptly ended as the imperial apparition of Count Renzo Goddard awoke in a startling moaning roar.
"WHO DARES AWAKEN ME FROM MY RESTFUL SLUMBER?!"
Okay... that wasn't what I was expecting. I read the instructions to myself. 'Spirit of '76 is a summoning item, useful in calling any spirit, ghost, apparition, wraith and/or specter who had been born or died in any year ending in '76. This does not guarantee their obedience.'
Count Renzo Goddard was apparently not amused over having been summoned.
"WELL?! WHO CALLED ME FORTH?!"
I was glad that bodily functions could not be heard across the room, though I just knew that the gang members were NOT expecting... THAT. I calmly arose from my hiding spot and approached the apparition.
"Greetings. I am Jansen Tanner, Black King of Chess. I apologize for calling you out of a deserved slumber, but I was desperate in obtaining a more imperial way of ending the unnecessary gun fight which had been sparked off by an unknown trigger happy marksman."
Renzo noted that I had chosen my words carefully.
"INDEED! I HAVE HEARD OF CHESS... AND MORESO, I AM GLAD THAT YOUR CALLING ME WAS UNINTENDED!"
Renzo gazed off at the shaking females. Even Krystal was taken aback by this apparition's appearance. She was even more surprised that I had been the one to summon him. Renzo was a German count who had met his end, in California, oddly enough, in the year of 1676.
"YOU ALL SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES! WHAT WOULD YOUR LEADER SAY IF SHE WERE TO HEAR ABOUT THIS?! WOULD YOU LIKE ME TO _TELL_ HER?!"
An immediate group exclamation was expressed.
"No! Please DON'T tell her!"
Just then, a streetwise female voice was heard from a side door.
"A little late for that. What the Hell is going on here? Can't I go out with a friend without this sort of thing occurring behind my back? Put those damned weapons away!"
There was a flurry of movement to put weapons back into storage.
Standing in the doorway was the gang's leader, a human female teenager. She was dressed in the clothes of a Los Angeles street gangster. For a gang leader, she was actually very attractive.
Krystal, with her rifle still in hand, noted that the gang leader seemed to also not carry a weapon of any sort. Well, none that could be seen...
"I am Krystal Silverly, an agent of PSI. This is my friend, Jansen Tanner, a Black King of Chess. We apologize for causing this disturbance, but we're searching for your friend, Ka-... er, I mean, Trina Tracker, of whom her father hired PSI to find."
The gang leader slyly smiled.
"She really hates being called by that name. If you're tired of living, just accidentally say that name within her range of hearing. So... her dad is looking for her. By the way... I am Victoria Lane, leader of several gangs in this area. When I saw the sportscar with the German Shepherd out front, I knew something bad was going down. Good thing this warehouse is sound proof; I really dislike getting the law involved in skirmishes here. Now, what are some details on Trina's so-called disappearance?"
Krystal and Victoria spoke privately, at length, about the case, while I spoke to Count Renzo.
"I am sorry you were aroused from your slumber. Is there anything I can do to make it up to you?"
Renzo regarded my inquiry, then sighed a little.
"Could you see about locating my remains and having me transported for reburial in my native soil in Germany? I haunt this region because I do not belong here. I want to go home."
I smiled at that. Another trip to Germany.
"Of course, Count Renzo. I will see to it personally. I have some powerful influences in Germany of whom I am sure will lend some aid in this endeavor."
Renzo smiled and thanked me. Then, he seemingly vanished. It really was too early in the day for him to be out and about. At least I knew what my next mission was going to be as soon as my vacation ended.
Soon, Victoria walked over to me, as Krystal headed out to the sportscar to use her cellphone.
"I believe you said you were a Tanner."
I grinned.
"Yes, that's what I am. I am a Tanner. A Tanner from the city of Rocky Falls, Missouri. Why do you ask?"
Victoria grinned wider.
"I know your sister, Jo Tanner. We've met, in passing, you might say. What's that name she hates to be called?"
I laughed.
"Jocelyn!"
Victoria laughed out loud too!
"She must not have you trained very well!"
I smiled.
"I never call her that to her face. Besides, she has her uses and I have mine."
Victoria lowered her voice and asked in a very serious voice.
"Does your PSI friend know that you're related to a family of bounty hunters?"
I grinned again.
"Some information is not necessary to reveal. She hasn't asked, therefore, I do not need to tell her. Does your gang know that you're more than you seem?"
Victoria quietly hissed at me.
"Unless you want me to rip your throat out, never bring that up again. Comprende`?"
I nodded my head, though my smile never wavered. We all had our secrets, after all.
"How about this: I'll give you permission to rip out Cassander Vulcan's throat. I'll even pay you for that."
Victoria quickly saw how serious I was about this. The fire in my eyes was not something to barter with regarding this subject. Victoria stepped back, nodding her head.
"I am impressed. You actually hate someone enough to cross the line. Very well. But for now, shall we concentrate on finding Trina? We need to pick up my boyfriend who is waiting for me on my motorcycle. Trina is most likely on a date with her boyfriend, the son of one of the magic mansion's magicians."
Victoria and I exited the warehouse together to where she had parked her motorcycle. Standing near the motorcycle in upper class designer clothing was a very handsome teenaged boy. Yet something just seemed out of place about him.
In other words, my Tanner senses were tingling!
Victoria tapped the young man on the shoulder.
"Sorry that took so long. My gang tried to have a rumble without me."
He turned around and smiled at Victoria.
"It's okay, Vicky. I didn't have to wait long. Who is your new friend? He seems a little old for your tastes."
Victoria playfully slapped the young man's shoulder.
"He's not a boyfriend, you twit! He is Jansen Tanner, a Black King of Chess. Jansen, this is my friend, Alexander Hazard."
Alex and I shook hands, then stepped away from each other. In the moment I was that close to Alex, I figured out why he seemed so out of place. I arched an eye at Alex.
"You're... um, you're a unicorn, aren't you?"
Alex blinked his eyes, looking into my eyes. He saw that I was extremely well learned.
"Yeah, I am. But please, keep that to yourself. What gave me away?"
I smiled.
"I've met other unicorns. As different as you may try to be, all of you have an almost identical aura and feel about you. When you're in disguise, it can only be told up close... or by touch. Don't worry, though... I won't tell anyone about you. I am a Tanner, after all."
She hummed.
"But this is in your agent history and I am reading it. So technically, you told me."
Maybe so, but it is not like you are going to come looking for Alex. And if you did, you'd have to deal with Victoria Lane, as well.
She nodded her head.
"Very good point, Jansen. So, what happened next?"
Victoria, Alex and I rejoined Krystal and the others at the sportscar. Krystal was ready to go. We all drove off towards the magic mansion in Hollywood in hopes of catching Trina and her boyfriend there. If it turned out that Trina was in no danger what so ever, I know someone will be upset, and rightfully so. I, on the other hand, was still on vacation, so this was simply an extension of my sightseeing trip around Los Angeles.
Victoria and Alexander followed us on Victoria's motorcycle.
It didn't take us long to get to the magic mansion. We were soon gathered at the front door, ringing the door chime. Guilmont and Capricorn had joined the party, this time.
The gruff hulking brute who answered the door was built like a gorilla.
"What do you want?"
Victoria spoke up quickly.
"Brutus! Hi there!! I am sure you remember me... hee hee hee... and I am sure you don't want me to cause trouble here. We're looking for Mark Merlin. Is he in?"
Brutus seemed to blush and opened the door and stepping out of the way.
"Mark is upstairs with his girlfriend."
Soon, our party was standing within Mark's chambers. And sure enough, there stood Trina Tracker, jaguar skin bikini and all. Mark had more decency, it seemed. He was fully dressed in the white outfit of a stage magician. Victoria explained why they had come. Then, Trina growled something unladylike and replied with a sigh.
"Dammit. I told you daddy would blow a gasket. My father was getting ready to ground me for being out after curfew, yet again. So, I let Mark 'summon' me using his magician's teleportation booth. I guess my sudden disappearance startled my father enough to call in outside help. I am terribly sorry you folks got dragged into this."
Krystal smiled.
"The important thing is that no one got hurt. I better report in and let him know where you are. I hope he doesn't ask me to bring you in. PSI are not bounty hunters."
Some time later, Krystal and I parted company. It was good to see her again, but I was hoping that our next encounter was a year away. I really wanted to finish up my vacation. I knew that Guilmont and Capricorn had to be getting edgy. Plus, I was already overdue in San Francisco.
Joe ShadowWing came out of the bathroom, dressed casually.
"Still reading about Jansen, love? Anyway, I'm going to get dinner started."
As Joe kissed her on the lips and then entered the kitchen, she smiled.
"We have to attend that wedding this Saturday. I wonder if that demon cat or any of the fae folk will be there?"
She grinned as she looked to see what was written next in the agent history.