Totally Spies Porn Story: Shooting Star Chapter 8

Chapter Eight

Museum of Modern Art The Next Day 3:00 pm

The sky threatened rain.

Jacob stopped the car in front of the museum. It was closed for renovations, but they werent here to see any exhibit. He turned the engine off and checked his gun.

You three ready?

The girls nodded a yes. Theyd overslept this morning, a fact that dawned on them when their beds launched them through a hole in the wall, sending them down a tunnel and into Jerrys office. The first thing they noticed was that Jerry and Jacob were back. The second thing was they were in their sleeping clothes again. A trio of agents was standing by with bathrobes and slippers in hand, as if they knew the girls hadnt dressed yet.

Good morning, girls.

Good morning, Jerry.

Where were you guys yesterday? Sam had asked.

Out.

Out? Out where?

Out. Jacob had said with finality. The girls inferred from his tone the question was closed as far as they were concerned.

Did you guys find anything helpful? Alex had asked.

Jerry went behind his desk. We may have found the location of the bomb.

All remnants of sleep had immediately vanished from the girls. Really? Where is it?

We dont know yet, but weve found someone who does. Jerry displayed a picture of an overweight, Hispanic-looking man. This is Ramirez. Hes the leader of a local gang with a lot of connections in the city. Apparently his gang helped Stephen secure a location for his bomb in return for advance warning.

Jacob continued. Weve worked with the FBI and arranged a time and place to meet him. In exchange for a sum of cash, hell tell us where the bomb is.

How much? Clover asked.

Twenty million dollars.
Whoa! Thats a lot of money for a small piece of information!

Considering how many lives are on the line, Id say thats a bargain.

Jacob and the girls stepped out of the car. Jacob opened the trunk and removed a briefcase. He closed the trunk and started up the steps to the museum.

The girls recalled the briefing that morning.

This is how it will work, Jerry said. Jacob is acting as the negotiator and will handle the money. He is acting as the sole mediator with Ramirez, so you three are there as his backup.

What will we do? Sam asked.

If all goes well, nothing. Said Jacob. You three are there to make sure Ramirez doesnt try anything funny, and if he does, help me get out of there.

Sam had wondered if that was really necessary, considering his work at the lab.

Jerry displayed a plan of the museum. The museum is divided into two wings, with a courtyard for open-air sculptures between them. Youre to meet Ramirez and his gang there to exchange money for information.

What if he double-crosses us? Alex had asked.

According to the FBI, he shouldnt. He drives a hard bargain, but at least he keeps his word. Which, as you may well know, can be good or bad when dealing with his type.

As Jacob and the girls climbed the steps to the front door they recalled the next part of the briefing.

Theres a guard at the front door, but Ive already arranged for him to let us through without any trouble. Just stay calm and he wont suspect anything. As far as he knows Im just a visiting entrepreneur with some family.

They climbed to the top of the steps and paused out of sight of the guard. Jacob peered through the glass and saw him sitting behind the security desk.

Okay, hes alone just like we planned. Stay cool and do like I do. He was just about to go in the door when Clover said something that made him freeze.

Hey, thats David in there!

He turned around menacingly. Who is that?

Clover realized her mistake and tried to play it off as being nothing. Oh, just a guy from our school!

Does he know you three well?

Umm

Tell me the truth, girls. If he recognizes you we could be in big trouble.

Alex tried to act innocent. Well, we have all tried to date him at some point.

Jacob sighed. Great, this is all I needed. Wait here. The girls stayed put while Jacob entered the museum. They saw him and David wave hello to each other, and David stood up and started talking with Jacob. Then, without warning, Jacob shifted his weight, shuffled his feet, and almost instantaneously buried his left fist in Davids stomach. David doubled over and passed out. The girls gasped. Without letting him fall, Jacob grabbed Davids unconscious body and dragged it behind the desk before signaling the girls to enter.

Why did you do that? they asked at once.

Because I couldnt risk him recognizing you three and putting this little rendezvous in jeopardy!

Clover leaned over the desk and looked at Davids unconscious form. A bit of drool was hanging out one corner of his mouth, and his eyes were rolled back into his head behind half-closed eyelids. She saw that, thankfully, he was still breathing.

Will he be okay?

Hell be plenty sore when he wakes up, but otherwise okay.

Wont he call the police when he wakes up?
Jerrys taking care of that. Lets focus on our objectives.

Youll proceed through the lobby to the back of the museum. Jerry had said. The meeting place is in the sculpture garden in the courtyard between the wings of the museum.

What do we do? Sam had asked.

Jacob will proceed into the courtyard and conclude the negotiation. You three should spread out along the sides of the courtyard to keep him covered.

Like Jerry said, this guy keeps his word, but theres no telling what will happen after I conclude the negotiations, so stay sharp.

Jacob made certain David was down for the count, and then stood up and motioned the girls to follow. Their steps on the polished marble floor echoed down the empty corridors. Jacob kept a steady pace and marched with the briefcase in hand towards the back of the building. The walls of the museum were bare, the paintings removed for the renovations, and the sculptures either removed or covered in blankets to protect them from the construction. The halls were dimly lit, casting a sense of foreboding on the whole place. The girls pushed their fears from their minds and resolutely followed Jacob.

They passed several exhibit halls and walked through an atrium before they came to a large pair of elaborately decorated bronze doors.

Jacob placed his hand on the doorknob. Alright, this is it. Stay cool and be ready for anything. Just like we planned. The girls nodded assent and Jacob opened the doors to the courtyard.

Despite the modern layout of the museums interior, the courtyard possessed a classical design. The neatly trimmed lawn was shaped by symmetrically laid out concrete paths. Finely maintained hedges bordered parts of the concrete close to the wings of the building, separating the sculpture garden from the rest of the courtyard. Gothic-style windows covered the second-story walls, separated by buttresses that formed a row of columns that separated the walkways from the rest of the courtyard. An arched walkway at the end of the courtyard connected the wings at the second story over an old-looking iron gate to give the appearance of an apse. The clouds hung low, giving the impression of a ceiling to the boxed-in courtyard. The whole place seemed like some sort of cathedral with the sky as the ceiling. According to a plaque near the door, the courtyards designer chose this design to remind patrons and artists of the origins of their craft.

Clover walked away from the door and stopped near a statue where she could see most of the courtyard. Sam and Alex spread out to the right and left, and took up positions near the middle of the courtyard and waited. Jacob walked straight into the sculpture garden along a straight, narrow cobblestone path, which led to a large iron sculpture that loosely resembled a fencer in the middle of a lunge. The girls readied their gadgets and kept their eyes peeled for trouble.

Now, time for your gadgets. Jerry had said. I had several laid out already, but certain individuals – who shall remain nameless decided to sneak into my office in my absence and make use of them. He pressed a button and a new set of gadgets appeared. Weve come up with some new gadgets you should find useful. These decorative pins house sound amplifiers which makes them perfect for listening to someone talking out of earshot, and come in three distinct designs. One pin had a flower, another a peace symbol, and the third a colorful fish.

Youll also want these lipstick smoke bombs, mascara stun grenades, and you already have the super glue perfume bottles and magnifying sunglasses.

The girls took the gadgets and examined them, and then Alex noticed something was missing.

Hey, why doesnt Jacob get anything?

Ill just be taking my gun. I wont need any surveillance equipment since Ill be talking directly to their leader. Ill be a sitting duck out there, so Im counting on you guys to watch for trouble.

What do we need to look for?

Count on him having backup. If you see any signs of a double-cross, get my attention by any means necessary.

Jerry broke in. I hate to tell you three this, but the FBI has requested that all of you carry firearms as well, just as a precaution.

The girls sighed as one. They were tired of carrying guns around, and longed for their old hairdryer / flamethrowers / laser guns.

Well, its just for this one mission, right? Alex had said. After this, well have him, and then we wont have to use guns anymore, right?

Jacob smiled a little. Yeah, I hope youre right, Alex. The sooner we can close this mission the better.

Jerry straightened his tie. Yes, it was a rather big risk getting the FBI involved, so wed rather wrap this up before it leaks to the public.

The girls kept one eye on Jacob and another eye on the rest of the courtyard. Jacob walked down the path to the sculpture, where a pair of figures sat. The bigger one lit a cigarette, and the smaller one discarded his. Sam was indignant that theyd deface someones valuable artwork like that, but pushed the thought aside to focus on the matter at hand.

When Jacob was about fifty paces from the sculpture, a gruff voice said, Thats close enough, my friend. Jacob obeyed and stopped.

The two figures stepped away from the sculpture. The girls recognized the bigger one as Ramirez. He was surprisingly tall, taller than Jacob and his weight only made him look more imposing. The smaller man was wiry and intelligent-looking. Probably a bookkeeper, Sam thought.

Jacob took a few seconds to gauge the situation. Ramirez and the smaller guy were probably armed. He knew there were several men on the roof, and probably a few more hiding in the garden. He guessed that most of them were armed with pistols and a couple had automatic weapons. When Ramirez stopped thirty paces away, Jacob opened the negotiations.

He nodded towards the smaller guy and said, Whos he? I thought you were alone for this negotiation.

Ramirez shrugged. Him? Hes no one. Just a bookie, thats all. Think of him as the money counter.

As long as he keeps his trap shut thats fine with me. Jacobs mannerisms were professional and straightforward.

The girls could hear everything with their pins. Alex and Sam had their sunglasses on while Clover kept an eye on the entire courtyard.

I see that you did not come alone either, negotiator. Whore the kids?

Just watching my back.

Odd choice for backup.

Theyre about the best backup Id ever want.

Ramirez took a puff of his cigarette. Well, lets keep this short. Do you have the money?
Jacob kneeled down and laid the briefcase on the ground. He released the latches and opened it. Both leaves of the case were lined with money, lots of money. Jacob held the case up so Ramirez could see all of it. Twenty million dollars in unmarked bills, fresh from the mint.

Ramirez puffed on his cigarette. My eyes arent what they used to be. Why dont you throw a stack over here so I can make sure youre not pulling a fast one on me?

That wasnt part of the deal. As negotiator, I have the right to terminate this negotiation if the terms are breached.

Oh, come now! You need my info, and I know just how bad you need it. Just throw me a stack so I can check the money.

Jacob hesitated, and then reached for a stack.

No, not that one. Ramirez interrupted. Give me the one two rows down from your hand.

Jacob obliged and tossed him the stack. Ramirez handed it to the bookie and said, Check it. The bookie flipped through the stack, smelled it, scrutinized a few bills, and then handed it back saying, Its real.

Very good, Mr. Negotiator. Now, slide the case over here and Ill give you what youve bargained for. Jacob closed the case and stood it up. Just as he was about to stand back up, Ramirez told him something unexpected. You know, for an extra fee, I can tell you when our dear terrorist is setting the bomb off.

Jacob hesitated. The girls gasped. How much would this extra fee be?

Oh, I dont know; ten million dollars, perhaps? You dont happen to have ten million extra on you, do you?

All Ive got is whats in this case.

Then Im afraid I cant tell you that extra info.

Then well have to make do with what weve got. Jacob stood up, placed his foot on the case, and shoved it over towards Ramirez. Ramirez signed the bookie to get the case, and he did so. When the bookie and the case were back on their side, Ramirez took another puff from his cigarette and discarded it.

Jacob tensed his right arm, ready to reach for the gun inside his jacket. Ive done my part. Are you going to uphold your end of the bargain?

Unlike most people in this town, I always keep my promises, so consider this your lucky day. Ramirez took a deep breath and exhaled. Now listen closely, because Im only going to say this once: The bomb is on the roof of- he stopped and stood still, listening for something.

Ramirez! Are you going back on your word? Then he heard something too a steady whup-whup-whup-whup and it was closing fast. His heart sank. Within moments, a black helicopter appeared from over a wall and hovered over the courtyard. As lines began to fall from the helicopter, a voice coming from the helicopter said This is the FBI! Ricky Ramirez Santara, you are under arrest! Throw down your weapons and surrender!

Jacob yelled Those idiots! over the rushing wind and whine of the helicopter engines.

Its a double-cross! Bellowed Ramirez. Everyone out! Cover me! Jacob dashed for cover as figures appeared on the roof and began firing at him and the SWAT team already on the ground. He looked back to see a guy with a grenade launcher on the roof load the single-shot barrel and aim at him. Jacob dove behind a low wall just as the grenade blasted a crater where his feet were moments before. The SWAT team returned fire just as men came out of their hiding spots in the garden and started firing on the SWAT team. The girls took cover behind columns and statues and drew their weapons.

Jacob looked up from behind the wall and spotted Ramirez and the bookie laying just a few paces from him with their hands over their heads. Ramirez looked up and saw Jacob.

You double-crossing snake in the grass!

This wasnt my idea, I swear! Jacob ducked as a burst of automatic fire pockmarked the wall. Jacob drew his weapon and waited for the bullets to stop before returning fire at the roof. He managed to wound the gunner before taking cover again. A thug ran past him without noticing and Jacob realized he was trying to get a better position to fire on Alex. Jacob put a bullet in his back and dashed from his cover to a column next to where Alex was hiding. He crouched behind the column and fired a few shots at the thugs in the garden still fighting with the SWAT team. He spotted movement to his right, and fired two bullets into a thug as he tried to duck behind a column.

Alex! You okay? He yelled over the mayhem.

Im fine! What happened?

The FBI decided to do things their way!

So much for nothing happening!

Clover didnt need anyone to tell her that the courtyard was pure chaos. The thugs had the SWAT team pinned down in the garden, but were outgunned by the SWAT team. Stray bullets were turning the beautiful windows into checkerboards, and the others were pinned down. It was getting hard to tell whom to root for, and then she noticed the guy with the grenade launcher taking aim at Alex and Jacobs position.

She screamed at the top of her lungs, Roof!

Jacob got the hint and leaned out from his cover and shot at the thug three times. The third bullet found its mark in his arm and knocked him down. He still managed to fire the grenade, but it went wild and hit the wall above Jacob and Alex, raining dust and masonry all over them and shattering the window above.

She looked to the right and saw that Sam was in a bad position. She was only covered from a few angles, and thugs on the left wing were moving around to shoot at her. Clover primed her mascara stun grenade, ran out into the courtyard, and hurled it onto the roof. The grenade landed right at the thugs feet. There was a blinding flash on the roof and a deafening report. When the light faded none of the thugs on that side were standing anymore.

Geez, Jerr. A little on the overkill?

The thug with the automatic weapon spotted Clover and turned his weapon on her. Clover saw him aim at her and somersaulted backwards while bullets danced around her feet. She flipped back to her cover and rolled behind it. She felt something small fly right past her right arm, followed by an intense stinging sensation. She looked at her arm and saw a rip in the jacket sleeve, and then felt blood begin trickling down her arm. She pressed her hand over the wound and tried to close her mind to the pain and the warm fluid tracing paths down her arm.

Sam dashed to a safer spot once the dazzling light from the stun grenade faded. Even the SWAT team had been distracted by the unexpected explosion, but less so than the thugs. This gave the SWAT team a chance to flush them out of their hiding spots and drive them to less secure locations. Unfortunately, one of those locations was just a few feet from where Sam was hiding. A thug hid behind the column without noticing Sam and turned his shotgun on the SWAT team. Sam panicked and started fumbling for her gun. The thug finally saw her sitting there and brought his weapon to bear on her while simultaneously backing towards a better position. Sam ducked behind the column just as a round of buckshot sheared off a chunk of masonry. She remembered her super glue perfume bottle and held it ready. She took control of her breathing and ran from behind the column with her head low and the bottle ready. The thug was still fighting the SWAT team, and saw her move out. He turned to fire at her, and then Sam tripped, causing him to miss. Sam knew she might not get another chance to get up, so she threw the bottle at his feet as she hit the ground. The glass shattered, spreading the sticky substance everywhere. The thug was still moving when the epoxy instantly cemented his shoes to the ground, causing him to fall backwards and get the rest of himself stuck, as well as his gun.

Sam got back up and retreated to the safety of the column to assess the situation. The SWAT team had subdued the last thug on the ground and was focusing on the ones above her. Jacob and Alex were still pinned down across the courtyard, and Clover was clutching her arm at the entrance. Jacob leaned out from his cover and fired at the thugs on the roof. She heard a faint cry followed by a thug crashing down into a shrubbery, his grenade launcher clattering to the ground after him.

Sam was content to remain in the safety of the column and wait for the battle to end, but that was not to be.

Ramirez and the bookie had taken advantage of the distracted SWAT team and were making a break for it, briefcase in tow. Sam drew her gun and followed them towards the back gate.

Jacob reloaded his gun. A second helicopter had arrived and was about to drop another SWAT squad off on the roof with the thugs still on it. The automatic gunner and the other thugs still had them pinned down, but at least the grenadier was gone. Alex flinched and covered her face as another burst of automatic fire carved a path past her column.

What do we do now? she yelled over the gunfire.

Well have to wait for the SWAT team to clean things up and then sort out this mess.

Wheres Ramirez?

Dead, probably.
Or at least playing possum.

That, too. He checked on Clovers location. She was still hiding behind her cover, wounded, but not badly.

Wheres Sam? I dont see her!

What? Jacob looked across the courtyard to where Sam was supposed to be and didnt see her.

Wait, there she is! Jacob looked to where Alex was pointing. Sam was running down the walkway to the iron gate. He looked over that way and saw Ramirez and the bookie jumping over the fence.

Dammit! I dont need this, he thought to himself. Alex, Im going after Sam! Go get Clover and the two of you get out of here however you can!

Where do we go?

Go back to WOOHP. Ill get Sam and be back there as soon as we can. He stepped out just as another group of thugs appeared on the second story and started shooting at him. He leaped back behind his column and turned to Alex. Alex! I need some cover!

Right! She drew her lipstick / smoke grenade, primed it, and tossed it into the middle of the courtyard. After a couple of seconds, the device started spewing a thick, dark smoke that created an opaque, twisting corridor stretching across the courtyard. Jacob took a deep breath and charged straight into the smoke. He could only see a few feet in front of him, but that was just enough for him to avoid a bench, a plaque, and leap over a shrubbery. Bullets fell around him, but none close enough to cause alarm. He exited the smoke under the other walkway and immediately pursued Sam and Ramirez.

Sam leaped over the short fence and followed Ramirez down the street facing the back of the museum. For a fat man and a skinny guy, they were fast. She followed the criminals down the alley and then around a right turn. She heard footsteps behind her and looked back to find Jacob catching up.

Ramirez is getting away! she said between breaths.

I know! Keep going!

The chase led them farther and farther from the museum. Soon they could no longer hear the helicopters or the approaching sirens. Without any communicators aside from Sams Compowder, they had to assume Alex and Clover were safe.

The streets became narrower and dirtier as they continued the chase. Ramirez and the bookie kept up a steady pace. They threw trashcans and boxes behind them to slow Jacob and Sam down, but that did little to slow them. The buildings around them were looking older and more run-down as they ran, and Jacob began feeling that something wasnt right anymore.

He remembered what it was when they followed Ramirez around the next corner. A pair of thugs were lying in wait behind a dumpster, and a third behind a staircase.

Get down! He yelled as he shoved Sam aside behind a wall and dove across the street and crouched behind the other corner. The thugs fired warning shots to test them and keep them out of sight until their boss got away safely.

Jacob held his gun ready. Sam! Were in Ramirezs territory!
Sam knew the implications of such a statement. Weve got to get out of here!

Not with them here! He leaned out into the intersection and got two shots off before pulling back to avoid a volley of bullets. He looked across at her, and she saw the deathly serious look forming in his eyes. Sam! Youve got a better angle on the guy behind the stairs! Take him out!

Sam held the gun tightly in her sweaty hands. She edged closer to the corner and took a deep breath. She leaned out quickly and fired carelessly at the thug hiding behind the stairs and retreated behind the corner.

Sam! Youve got to shoot him! I cant get a good bead on these guys with him there!

I cant!

What?

I cant shoot him! I cant kill anyone! Not like you!

Dont think about it, Sam! Just point the gun and pull the trigger! Dont think, shoot! Jacob fired a few shots around the corner to get their heads down and give Sam a chance to fire. She leaned out and pointed her gun at the thug behind the stairs. She saw him lying there, reloading his gun. She saw his second-hand clothes and old sneakers. She saw the whites of his eyes framed by a brow narrowed in concentration. She saw him shouting advice to his friends behind the dumpster. She saw another teenager, not much older than her. She raised the gun an inch and fired. The bullet hit the wall just over the youths head, causing him to flinch and expose himself. Jacob took the chance and fired two shots, and the youth fell. They both retreated behind the walls. Sam was drenched in sweat and breathing hard.

Good work, Sam! Jacob yelled from across the way. Keep their heads down and Ill do the shooting!

I dont have to do the killing? All I have to do is make sure they cant shoot us? Sam looked down at her gun. Yeah, I can do this! I dont have to kill anyone! Let Jacob do it. Hes used to it. Theres no need for me to get blood on my hands. I can do this! She tightened her grip on her gun and waited for Jacobs signal. When he nodded his head, she leaned out and took a split second to look around.

The two remaining thugs were still behind the dumpster. One was firing around the side and the other over the dumpster. Sam aimed at the one standing over the dumpster, moved the gun a little to the side, and fired two shots. The thug ducked behind the dumpster and lost his balance. Jacob fired and took him down in one shot. They retreated around their corners again.

Good job! One more to go!

Then we can get out of here!

You bet! One more time!

Sam waited for the next signal. When Jacob gave it to her, she leaned out and pointed her gun at the dumpster. The remaining thug was leaning out as well and pointing his gun right at her position. She saw him pull the trigger and a flash erupted from his barrel followed by an almost invisible puff of smoke. She felt a strange sensation on her left side just above her waist. She felt a warm sensation and looked down. She saw a red spot on her blouse, and it was getting bigger.

The world changed suddenly. The vibrancy of the colors left and they became diffused and muted. Details vanished from objects and all she could see were their main features and the differences between shades of light. It was like looking at a Van Gogh painting. The whole world blurred, and the effect only worsened whenever she looked to something else.

Sounds became distant and remote. She heard what sounded like Jacobs gun firing three times, much too slowly, and then she thought she heard him say, Thats the last one, lets go!

Sam?

She saw the world blur badly as her head apparently made a lot of movement. When the blur went away, she was looking at the street from a bugs-eye-view, and everything was getting dimmer. She faintly heard Jacob yell, Sam! and saw him rush to her side as if in a dream. The last thing she saw was him kneeling over her with a frightened look in his face, and the last thing she heard was him shouting her name, followed by a peal of thunder.