When Reaper growled, Matrix tried another approach. “Think of it this way. We already know about the scientific advances nanotechnology has made for the medical and the tech industry, but what’s not commonly known is the emerging field of nanoparticles on a molecular scale. I’m talking about sending a microscopic nanoparticle into the human body to directly deliver life-saving medicine to the infected area. Or helping the body regrow a finger, arm, or leg.”
“That shit is just science fiction shit, man. Get real,” I said, shaking my head.
“Not necessarily. Back in 1997, a scientist in Scotland cloned the first sheep. How do you think they did that?”
“I don’t fucking care!” Reaper yelled. “What the fuck does a damn sheep have to do with Ari!”
“Nothing, I was just making a comparison.”
“Get to the point, Matrix,” I growled.
“Ari was implanted with a nano-tracker, complied of thousands of nanoparticles. When it was activated, they moved to form a tracker in her hand. When activated, anyone could find her as long as they had the password. But before that, in her this case, those nanoparticles were roaming freely through her body, inhibiting her.”
“What do you mean?” I asked anxiously. I did not like where this conversation was going.
“The nanoparticles in her moved freely throughout her brain, subduing her. Making her docile, more subservient. I’ve only seen shit like this on the web, but it’s genuine. Anyone can be injected with this shit and never know it. Hell, countries have been doing this for years to quell the population, to make them more obedient. In developing countries, places like China, South Korea, and India are considered the ‘front-runners’in this field. Those countries have shown their commitment to Nanotechnology by establishing government-funded programs and research institutes. Hell, the Government of India launched the Nano Mission in 2007.”
“Why would anyone want to control someone?” Ari asked.
“Money, Power, take your pick. China has been controlling its citizens for decades. Look at it this way. If someone wanted to hide something, something big, what is the easiest way to do that?”
“Put it in plain sight,” Reaper and I said at the same time.
“Exactly. Put whatever it was they want to be hidden in front of the masses. Hype it up, politicalize it, make it so outlandish, nobody would believe it.”
“Like with the aliens?” Ari asked. Reaper and I chuckled. God, I loved her innocence. She was perfect.
Matrix laughed. “Kind of, but yeah. In this case, I’m talking about changing the molecular DNA of a person to fit their narrative.”
“Okay, Mr. Science fiction, but what does this have to do with the Disciples of the Word and Ari?” I asked, needing Matrix to get to the point.
“I don’t know, but I’m more worried about that tracker. How she got it and who put it in her. It’s going to take me some time, but I will find the maker.”
“So, we’re back at square one then,” I said, sighing. This shit was getting old and fast.
“Okay, enough, Carl Sagan. Ghost, you, and Ari head to Tennessee. Moonshine is waiting for you.”
Fourteen
Bullseye
“Fuck. Fuck. FUCK!” I shouted, throwing my bag on the bed in my motel room as I headed straight for the bathroom. This was fucking bad. I knew it. I could feel it. Something happened, and I didn’t know what. Instead of heading straight for my mark, I was stuck in a fucking hotel room on the outskirts of Memphis, Tennessee, in a town called Brownsville while I waited for Reaper and the others to arrive.
Chaos and I both had received a text while riding and stopped immediately, only to find instructions to stay put.
So, we did.
I hated waiting. I was so close to finding Layla, I could almost feel her arms around me. I could still hear her laughter, see her smile. I missed her terribly, and when I got my hands on the mother fucker who took her, I was going to put my fucking bullet between his eyes. That fucker didn’t know what he stepped into when he took her.
She was mine to protect.
Always had been, always would be.
She’d been gone for over two years now, and every passing minute made it harder for me to breathe. I didn’t know if she was hurt, starving, anything. When I caught a glimpse of her in Louisiana, I damn near had a heart attack right then and there. Then I heard her scream my name, and that was all it took. She was right there. I could see her, then she was gone. Flying high above out of my reach. I had waited too long…again.
Emerging from the bathroom, I plopped myself down on the bed, reached for the television remote, and turned the damn thing on. I needed something to distract myself from what was to come. Flipping the channels, I paid no attention to anything, in particular, that was until I saw Ghost’s face on the news. Sitting up, I turned up the television and listened.
“According to the police report, Balthazar Miller, also known as Ghost, is a member of the Golden Skulls Motorcycle Gang, from upstate California. It is believed that Miller abducted Aariaani Nichols out of her home in Salem, Oregon. Miller is considered to be armed and extremely dangerous. Police are asking the public if you see Miller, do not confront him. Please call your local police station. It is believed that Miller fled California with Ms. Nichols and is now traveling East. Miller is also wanted in conjunction in the murder of known gang member James Doherty five years ago.”