Mirror (Symbiosis, Book 3)

By Elizabeth Maxim

The High Road. Magnus Agent Tyler Cliff is a bit of a maverick except when it comes to his research. When a weapon he meticulously vetted fails to work as designed he insists on leading the effort to find out why. For the scientist who likes to keep emotion out of it – it’s personal.

The Low Road. She may be from a small town, but Caroline Bennett is far from helpless when it comes to life. When a perfect stranger shows up at her door claiming he has questions only she can answer, she agrees to help, with a catch.

The End Game. As the meticulous scientist goes about trying to get what he needs while keeping the woman with the answers alive he learns that his precious methodology won’t get him what he wants and it’s a mistake to underestimate a country girl.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Elizabeth Maxim
• Release date: Sep 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005801748

Elizabeth Maxim

If Elizabeth were to map her life’s journey, it would resemble the chaos of a Pac-Man game but out of this chaos came the foundation for her stories. She draws from knowledge, personal experience, and imagination in creating strong independent characters who steer their own destiny... often with a little help from love.Elizabeth studied alternative medicine with an MD for several years before earning a doctorate of philosophy in that field. She also holds a bachelor's degree in holistic childcare. Currently living in the Pacific Northwest, she is the author of multiple books, fiction and nonfiction, as well as two blog sites.You can follow Elizabeth at elizabethmaxim.com.

Book preview

Other titles by Elizabeth Maxim

Fiction

Advantage*

Bishop Pair*

Zwischenzug*

Positional Play*

Simultaneous Display*

Pawn Storm*

Dark Bishop*

Pin*

Bind*

Diagonals*

Promotion*

Analysis*

Adjudication *

Metatron’s Legacy*

Cauldron of the Gods^

Chronicles 1: Karma*

Beacon+

Rainmaker+

Shadow of the Gods^

* Metatron’s Army

^ Dragon Core

+ Symbiosis

Published by Doorways Publishing House

Copyright © 2020 by Elizabeth Maxim

All rights reserved.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents are the product of the author's imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is entirely coincidental.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the publisher except for the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

elizabethmaxim.com

You must stick to your conviction, but be ready to abandon your assumptions

- Denis Waitley

PART I: SIGMA

CHAPTER ONE

West Lafayette, IN

Current Day

Magnus Agent Tyler Cliff scanned the contents of the manila folder he was given upon checking in the night before. He’d read them thoroughly while eating a microwaved meal so there was no need to do so now other than that it gave him something to focus on other than fatigue.

It was his own fault, he supposed for taking a room off a busy interstate. The contact who’d picked him up that morning had swept the motel with a curious gaze before remarking.

"I didn’t realize this was on the list of approved lodgings."

It wasn’t, which the sergeant likely knew, but it was cheap, clean, and respectable enough he wouldn’t draw notice, just another traveler passing through.

He hadn’t bothered to reply. He’d given up following approval lists long ago.

If you’re ready, sir, I’ll pull over here.

Closing the folder, he met the sergeant’s hazel eyes in the rearview mirror. I’m ready. Waiting until the car had come to a full stop, he handed the folder over. Thanks for the ride, sergeant.

My pleasure, sir.

He smiled briefly before exiting the car. Giving the young man behind the wheel a salute he waited until the car was out of sight before starting toward the address listed in the file. It was cold enough that he could see his breath as he walked along early morning streets empty but for the occasional commuter. As he made his way toward the house in the middle of the block, he considered the path that led to this moment.

"Impressive record, major."

"Thank you, sir."

Having played his cards right he’d risen through the ranks not by performing admirably but by being invisible. It helped that his appearance was not arresting and in fact people often forgot he’d been in attendance at meetings or events which was the point. If no one saw him no one could comment on anything he may or may not have been doing.

Walking past the subject’s residence, he turned as if to go to the front door of a house two doors down, a house he knew was empty, the occupants having left for work forty-five minutes earlier. The wife would drop the toddlers at daycare before reporting as a teacher at the school on the adjacent property. The husband was a foreman at a lumber supply who managed to keep regular hours because the retail establishment desperately needed workers. He was a good worker, however, with a spotless record so Tyler imagined it wasn’t a particular hardship to have to compromise in order to keep him happy.

The middle-class neighborhood close to the university was quiet, clean, and safe. He continued past the house and circled back toward the subject’s residence. The immediate neighbor, an elderly lady who was the neighborhood busybody kept a meticulous schedule which was why timing was so critical. By carrying out the retrieval while the woman was Skyping with a son who lived in another time zone, he was continuing the tradition of being a thief in the night in broad daylight. He only hoped the subject would cooperate.

* * *

Bennett Residence

Caroline Bennett looked through the peephole unsurprised to see someone wearing a backpack holding a clipboard on her porch. Close to Purdue, her house was a magnet for individuals wanting to sell whether it was merchandise, redemption, ideas, or causes. Prepared to refuse as politely as possible she opened the door partway and poked her head around.

Caroline Bennett?

Yes? she replied warily.

My name is Tyler Cliff. I -.

* * *

Tyler stepped forward as the woman he’d been sent to retrieve fell into his arms, unconscious. He glanced up to see a man disappearing between two neighboring houses. Stepping fully inside, he kicked the door shut, used a shoulder to flip on a light then knelt, taking the unconscious woman with him. Putting fingers to her neck he confirmed a steady pulse before shrugging out of the backpack.

A quick inspection revealed the issue. Pulling gloves from a pocket he slipped one on before removing a small dart from the center of her back. Reaching into the backpack he retrieved the bio-analyzer, booted it up. Laying a hand on her back he assessed her respiration before firing off a text then smearing the bloodied dart against the analyzer.

When a door at the back of the house opened, keeping a hand to her back so he could monitor her breathing, he withdrew a Sig P220 Combat and waited. He was happy if not relieved to see his contact come around a corner.

That was fast. He hadn’t expected to see the young man who’d dropped him nearby again, certainly hadn’t considered he would be the contact he was instructed to tap should a situation arise. They were typically different individuals even if part of the same team.

I was in the area, the sergeant replied kneeling to put a finger to the unconscious woman’s neck.

Is that right?

The sergeant who couldn’t have been more than twenty-five glanced at his watch. The subject’s being tracked, sir.

Why -?

Why what?

Why were you in the area?

The man looked at him with an expression that had him rethinking his assumptions about his age. Let’s just say I had a feeling I might be needed. He glanced down. We need to get her to a hospital.

He looked at the bio-analyzer, held it up. Nothing too alarming, thankfully, but you’re right. We need to get her to a medical facility.

I called it in. They’re waiting.

There was no way they would be able to get the unconscious woman to the car, wherever it was parked, without being seen, and an ambulance would be noted by the neighbors. He stood. Stay with her while I prepare.

Yes, sir.

* * *

As Caroline had been under surveillance, it wasn’t difficult to locate her car keys. Grabbing her wallet and cell phone, he returned to the front entryway, pulled a honey colored wig from the backpack. Opening a closet, he withdrew a windbreaker. He frowned.

Sir?

He glanced at the man standing beside him. Yes, sergeant?

Scott. Sergeant Scott. If I might suggest -?

Yes?

That jacket won’t fit you, but I could pull it off.

Handing the wig and windbreaker to the sergeant, he knelt beside the unconscious woman. There’s a half bath next to the door to the garage.

Yes, sir.

Putting the dart in an evidence bag, he placed it and the bio-analyzer into the backpack before sliding it over his shoulders. He turned on the front porch light, locked the door, then squatted down to check the woman’s respiration.

Everything’s ready.

Help me get her into the backseat.

* * *

Medical Facility

Major Cliff?

Tyler looked up from his laptop, accepted a manila folder. Thank you.

The nurse nodded before stepping over and checking the IV dripping into Caroline’s arm. He watched her check her vitals before scribbling onto an iPad. Everything looks good.

Why isn’t she awake yet?

Hard to say, the nurse replied before exiting the room.

Setting the folder on the chair he stepped over, copied the steps carried out by the nurse. While she was technically accurate - t was difficult to say why Caroline Bennett had yet to regain consciousness - he was concerned. There was no reason she shouldn’t be awake. The dosage of the drug used to knock her out wasn’t strong and according to her file, she was healthy. He glanced at the IV bag

Stepping to the chair he reached into the backpack, withdrew the bio-analyzer and a box of prepackaged needles. That she didn’t flinch when he pricked her finger told him whatever was going on went beyond the poison dart.

While he waited for the analysis to complete, he read the contents of the folder given to him by the nurse. His eyes zeroed in on the toxicology report.

Anti -?

Tossing the folder down he reached into the backpack, withdrew a syringe. There was no need to wait for the analysis. The lab report gave him everything he needed to know. It wasn’t the drug used to knock her unconscious that was the problem so much as its interaction with medication she took; a medication he hadn’t been aware she needed.

Stepping to the bed he proceeded to administer the contents of the syringe. While he waited for her to wake, he worked to eradicate evidence of his interference.

* * *

A soft sigh alerted him to the fact she was coming around. Caroline?

Blinking, she sucked in a breath, opened her eyes.

Do you know your name? he asked.

My name? she repeated confused. Obviously, she was still under the knockout drug’s influence. Not knowing how sensitive she was and not wanting to cause harm, he’d given her the minimum dose required to counter whatever remained in her system.

Yes. Furious at not being told about the medication, the condition that necessitated it, he worked to keep his tone from betraying his frustration. Do you know your name?

Caroline Bennett. Why am I in the hospital? What happened to me?

Do you remember me?

You came to the door. At my house.

He nodded. Do you remember my name?

Why were you at my house?

Ms. Bennett, do you remember -?

Tyler Cliff.

He nodded again. Thank you, Ms. Bennett. As to what happened, I came to talk with you. You fainted.

"I what?"

You fainted, he repeated, watching her response carefully. It would tell him much about her state of mind. Why hadn’t they told him? Goddamnit, it changed everything! He took a calming breath. I brought you to the hospital.

Why were you at my house?

I was hoping to talk to you about a project you participated in some years ago.

Her eyes widened. You’re from Sigma?

I am with a company called Ptroteron. We’ve been contracted -.

I was told there would be no further contact.

He didn’t miss the way she paled. Why hadn’t he been told of her condition? Damn it! We’ve been contracted by Sigma, he explained, to do some follow-up research. I came to ask you a few questions. You fainted before I could. I brought you to the hospital.

I don’t suppose you have any identification. Proof you’re authorized by Sigma? To talk to me about the project?

He withdrew the appropriate documentation from the backpack handed it over. I no longer keep business cards though I have an app on my phone. Does that work for you?

Fine. She studied the business card, nodded before frowning at the IV. Where’s the doctor?

I’ll get the doctor for you. Before I do, could you please tell me when you began the medication? How long after the project’s conclusion?

She shook her head. I don’t take medication.

Tyler’s pulse quickened. None?

No. Not even vitamins.

Thank you, Ms. Bennett. I’ll get the doctor for you.

* * *

Magnus Briefing Center

Located in a modern mid-rise, the Magnus regional office was a place Tyler tried to avoid. Leased for the duration of the assignment, the space felt sterile, lifeless. Procedure without passion though not without purpose and as it did serve a purpose, he chose to set aside any feelings of distaste and made for the elevator.

Hello, Major Cliff.

The middle-aged woman behind the oversized reception desk was the epitome of efficiency. In a dark suit that would be more at home on Wall Street in his opinion, she wore her hair in a tight knot at the back of her head and gave him a smile every bit as vapid as he suspected she was. Not that he planned on getting to know her. None of those on the team to which he’d been assigned eight months earlier inspired any but the most basic and briefest of conversation.

I have an appointment with Mr. Leonard.

Yes. They’re waiting for you in the Delta Conference Room.

Thank you.

Enjoy your day, Major Cliff.

And you as well, he replied ready to be out of there.

The faint smell, of freshly cleaned carpet did little to offset

air as stale as every other Magnus regional office he’d ever been in. He was tempted to suggest they at least put a few plants around the place, would have if he’d planned on spending any but the minimum of time in one. Thankfully, it was a short walk to the conference room though he doubted it would smell much better.

Major.

Closing the door, he came to stand at the center of the room. Mr. Leonard.

Your presence is a bit of a surprise.

He stared witheringly at the three men sitting on the other side of the briefing room table. Why didn’t you tell me she was psychotic?

You’ve been given all the information you need for the assignment, Major Cliff, the project leader replied.

Calvin Leonard was as tedious as the watery blue eyes that gazed back unflinchingly

Respectfully, sir, I disagree. I not only would have handled the retrieval differently; I would have factored her state of mind into my plans for this assignment.

Why are you -?

And why didn’t you inform me there would be another operative? he cut in. While I appreciate his assistance in the retrieval, there is every chance the subject will think I am responsible for knocking her out. He held up the folder he’d been given at the hospital. The tendency toward paranoia combined with that likelihood means significant complexity has been added to the mission. I’ll need to factor that into the completion date. He pinned grey eyes on Leonard. I’ll need to add time.

How much time? the man sitting to Leonard’s right inquired. Before he could reply, the man to his left spoke up.

You were assigned to this mission, major, not only because of your experience and intelligence but because of your reputation for improvisation. Were we misled?

He looked at the man in the dark brown suit but not before noting how the third man in the room, a Mr. Bailey had gone quite still. My qualifications for this mission are not in question, Mr. Greely.

So, you’ll complete the assignment as agreed? the third man asked.

Tyler’s eyes dropped to where the man’s pudgy fingers were pressing into a folder on the table. In response to his scrutiny, he entwined those fingers, tightly enough that bands of white showed around cuticles that were otherwise red. He met brown eyes, noted the grey tinge to the bags beneath them. I will complete the mission as agreed but I suggest you consider the wisdom of keeping information from me as we go forward. His eyes moved to the one called Greely. I am used to improvising to deal with the unexpected, not because my superiors lack foresight. So, tell me, he said coolly holding up the folder. Is there anything else you’ve failed to disclose?

CHAPTER TWO

Quietly closing the door, Tyler stepped into the hall, fought the urge to take a deep breath. Stale air would do nothing to clear the mind. If anything, it would deepen his frustration. He glanced at the man leaning against the opposite wall. Sergeant, you’re with me.

Yes, sir.

The two made their way to the parking garage in complete silence. Getting into the white sedan assigned to the sergeant, Tyler buckled himself in and pulled the manila folder from his backpack. He scanned the folder’s contents while the sergeant paid the parking attendant. There was nothing of note regarding Scott’s involvement in the assignment beyond that of chauffer. There was certainly nothing suggesting he was Tyler’s field contact. He had to admit, irritating as it was, he was glad for the man’s continued involvement. Though he was every bit as efficient as the insipid receptionist, there was an intensity to him that suggested passion if not conviction, attributes Tyler considered essential in their line of work.

Which way?

Right, he replied not bothering to look up from the report. He waited until they’d driven two blocks before speaking again. Please return to the Bennett Residence.

* * *

Do you want me to wait here? Scott inquired turning off the car. They were parked two blocks from the subject’s house.

No. I want you to help me search.

What is it we’re looking for?

Tyler tossed the backpack into the trunk. Pill bottles.

Though it was late afternoon and no one was out, the two took great pains to avoid notice. As they walked, Scott explained he’d returned Caroline’s car earlier, after filling it with gas.

"Was there any