Walker walked into the apartment and saw Petrov and the boy playing chess. The android was sitting by the window and Edwards was busy making dinner. The android turned and said,
“Captain Parker has sent you a message.”
“Okay, put it on the screen.”
The wall monitor came to life. Captain Parker was sitting in a chair and attempting to put on a flight uniform. He said, looking into a camera,
“Okay, is this thing on? All right, John, the Marines are coming, boy! We’ll be teleporting the ship to Mars and we’ll be there by morning. We’ve got your commando robots and lots of ammo! Boy, those robots sure are big! We heard about the freighter. It’s arriving on Mars tomorrow. The commander said we can catch up with it if we’re lucky, so just hang tight! See you tomorrow! Hey! Can someone help get this darned uniform on?”
The screen went dark. Walker walked over to the bar and poured himself a drink. He was tired and worn out. Petrov said excitedly,
“Hey, John! He’s learning chess really fast! He’s picking it up like crazy!”
“Good for him,” said Walker. He sat down on a chair and relaxed. Edwards walked out of the kitchen and said,
“Okay, boys! Dinner’s almost ready! John, can you set up the table please?”
“Yes, Sam!”, said the boy. He jumped up from his chair and went into the kitchen. Petrov said to Walker,
“It’s almost over, John. We’ll arrest both Governor Ryan and Rocco tomorrow. Everything will work out just fine. You’ll see.”
Walker nodded and sipped his drink. He said to the android,
“Joe, play some classical music. I need to relax.”
“Which composer do you prefer?”
“It doesn’t matter. Anything.”
A stereo system came to life and began playing Mozart softly in the background. Walker closed his eyes. Edwards said,
“Okay, it’s time to eat!”
Walker got up stiffly and walked over to the table and sat down. The food smelled wonderful He began eating but his mind was elsewhere. Something wasn’t right. Edwards asked him,
“Honey, are you all right?”
“Yes, I’m fine, Sam. It’s just something is – “
Suddenly, Petrov also stopped eating and looked at Walker with wide eyes. He said,
“My God! The freighter! It’s landed! But how?”
The android turned and said to Walker,
“The freighter has landed.”
Walker swore and said,
“They’re ahead of schedule! Joe, contact Chief Hernandez! Shit! We have to get moving!”
The android said,
“Detective, the combat robots are walking through the city. They’re heading for the prison.”
Walker, Edwards, Petrov and the boy all jumped up and headed for the elevators. The android followed. They all got into an elevator and took it down to the garage. Two cars were waiting for them. Walker said to the android,
“Joe! Can you control the robots?”
“I am trying but they’re not responding to me.”
“Dammit! Look, we can’t have those robots get to the prison!”
He turned to the boy and said,
“Okay, let’s see what you can do. Let’s go!”
They piled into the two cars and drove out into the pouring rain. As the cars emerged from the garage, the giant combat robots were lumbering down the street. Police officers were shooting at the robots without any effect. The two cars drove towards the prison. Walker said to the android,
“Joe, tell Warden Levin we’re coming!”
“Yes, detective.”
Several cop cars drove past, headed for the giant robots. The two cars drove towards the prison. There were cops and prison guards standing out in front of the prison’s main gate. As the robots walked down the street, the cops and the prison guards opened fire. Walker said,
“Okay, let’s get inside.”
They ran into the prison where Warden Levin was shouting orders. Walker said to him,
“What can we do?”
“Can your robot stop them?”
“No. I’m not sending him out to fight. Those combat robots will tear him apart!”
“Do you have suggestions?”
“Let me think.”
“You better come up with something fast!”
The boy said,
“I can stop them.”
They all looked at the boy and Walker said,
“Go ahead.”
Levin said,
“You’ve got to be kidding me! He’s only a boy!”
Walker said,
“Let’s see what he can do.”
Then, suddenly, the boy disappeared and reappeared in front of the robots. He raised his right hand and the robots were knocked back by some invisible force. Walker was stunned. Levin said, in astonishment,
“What the hell just happened?”
Petrov said,
“My God! He’s even more powerful than I realized!”
Then the boy reappeared next to Walker. He smiled and said,
“What’s next, detective?”
Walker was speechless. He had never seen anything like that in his whole life. He said, after pulling himself together,
“Well, uh, we should go out to the freighter and find Max Thorton. Joe, send a message to Captain Parker and tell him what’s going on.”
“Yes, detective.”
“Okay, let’s go.”
As they walked towards their cars, Walker thought to the boy,
Nice job, John! I’m very impressed!
Thank you, sir!
The cars drove towards a large camp that was all lit up with various lights. In the center of the camp was a huge, bulky freighter. Walker said to the car,
“Stop here.”
The car stopped. The android said,
“I have made contact with Captain Parker, detective. I told him what happened. He said he’s aware of the situation.”
The rain had stopped. Walker got out and the boy got out as well. The other car pulled up and Edwards and Petrov got out. Walker said to the boy,
“Okay, John, I want you to find Max Thorton and bring him here. You got that?”
The boy thought for a moment and then said,
“Yes, I can see him. He’s a big man wearing a black leather jacket. I’ll be right back.”
The boy suddenly disappeared. Petrov was shaking his head. He said,
“He has enormous power. He’ll be a god when he grows up.”
Suddenly, Max Thorton was standing in front of Walker. The boy was next to him. Thorton looked around, looking very confused. He said, in a thick Australian accent,
“What – what just happened?”
“Max – I’m Detective John Walker and this is Detective Sam Edwards and that is Boris Petrov. The boy is John. And this is my android, Joe. Look, Max, I want to offer you complete immunity from prosecution in exchange for your help in nailing both Johnny Rocco and Governor Ryan. Are you interested? If not, I’ll have you sent to the Moon for life. Which is it?”
Thorton looked around nervously, trying to get his bearings. He said warily,
“Uh, you want me to testify against Rocco and Governor Ryan? If I do this, can you protect me?”
“Trust me, nothing will happen to you. Is it a deal or not?”
“Okay, what choice do I have? I’ll help you nail them both. But first, you have to understand that there’s a mole in the police department. He works in the computer center. He’s been supplying us with all kinds of information. His name is Richard Jefferson.”
“Okay, we’ll check it out. Boris, take John back to the apartment. Okay, Max – let’s go.”
Thorton got into the car, followed by the android. Walker and Edwards got into the back and the car took off for police headquarters. Edwards looked at Walker and thought,
Are you sure about this?
Walker nodded. He said to the android,
“Joe, send a message to Chief Hernandez. Have him meet us in the lobby.”
Walker said to Thorton,
“How was your trip, Max?”
“It was okay but the food was lousy.”
“Sorry to hear that.”
“Eh, what are you going to do? So, what’s going on? Did the robots attack the prison yet?”
“No, they were stopped in time. The Marines will be here by morning – if not sooner.”
“Detective, have we met before?”
“No.”
“Huh. I have the feeling that we’ve met somewhere before.”
The car pulled up to the police headquarters garage. They all got out and took an elevator up to the main entrance. Chief Hernandez was in the lobby, waiting for them. He looked exhausted. When he saw Thorton, his face grew dark. Walker put up his hand and said,
“Before you say anything, chief – he’s working for us now. He told me there’s a mole in the computer center downstairs. We’re going to check it out now. Come on.”
They walked over to a bank of elevators and took one down to the computer center. The center was large, all white and well lit. There were hundreds of rows of computer banks and several computer technicians walked round, wearing white lab coats and black pants. Walker said to Thorton,
“Do you see him?”
“I don’t know him by sight but I’m sure he’s here. He told us about the Marines coming and other things.”
Walker and the others walked down an aisle and came upon a computer technician. Walker asked the young man,
“Hi. We’re looking for Richard Jefferson. Is he here?”
“Yeah. He’s on the next aisle. Yu can’t miss him. He has red hair and glasses.”
“Thanks.”
They walked over to the next aisle and saw a middle aged man wearing black rimmed glasses checking a computer readout. When he looked up and saw Walker and the others coming towards him, his face went white. Chief Hernandez screamed,
“What the hell are you doing? How much are they paying you?”
Jefferson said weakly,
“Chief, my mother is sick! I needed the extra money!”
“That’s no excuse!”, raged Hernandez. “You’re under arrest!”
Hernandez yelled into a walkie talkie,
“Goddamn it, Charlie! I want you down here right now! I want you to arrest this on of a bitch!”
Walker said,
“Okay, we’ll let Chief Hernandez handle this. Next, I want to know who’s your contact in the Tyler Corporation?”
“His name is Robert Jordan and he’s the COO. He’s a friend of Rocco’s.”
“What’s his address?”
“24 Adams Street, apartment 16. It’s a condo.”
“Do you think he’ll be there?”
“Oh, yeah. He loves to give parties with the money Rocco gives him.”
“Okay, let’s go and pay him a visit.”
As they walked towards the elevators, an elevator opened and three police officers hurried down the aisle to arrest Jefferson. Walker and the others took an elevator upstairs and took the car to a tall condo in the middle of the city.
The car pulled up to a tall building and they all got out and walked over to the entrance. A robot doorman dressed in a fancy uniform said,
“Yes? Can I help you?”
Walker took out his badge and said,
“Is Mr Jordan at home?”
“Yes. He’s giving a party. Are you on the list?”
“Yes. We’ll go upstairs and join the party.”
“Very good, sir. Shall I announce you?”
“That won’t be necessary.”
Walker and the others walked over to a bank of elevators and took one upstairs. The doors opened up and they walked down the hallway to the apartment door. There was loud noises and music coming from the apartment. Walker rang the doorbell and a young woman opened the door. She said, smiling,
“Hi! Do you want to come in and join the fun?”
“No. Can you call Mr Jordan to the door, please?”
“Sure.”
The woman began to close the door but Walker blocked it. He looked inside the large apartment. There were several people milling around, drinking and smoking. Robert Jordan walked over to the door, carrying a drink and wearing dark sunglasses and a colorful jacket. He smiled and said,
“Yes? Can I help you?”
Walker took out his badge and Jordan went white. He trembled and Walker said,
“Would you mind coming with me, please?”
Jordan said nervously,
“What’s this about? I don’t have time for this!”
Then he saw Thorton and started gulping air like a fish out of water. He said weakly,
“Look, I – I have to call my lawyer!”
Walker said to the android,
“Joe, grab Mr Jordan and stay with him. Come on Mr Jordan! You’re under arrest!”
“But my party! What should I do? I just can’t leave them!”
“Now, Mr Jordan. It’s over. Let’s go.”
The android grabbed Jordan’s arm and pulled him out of the apartment. Walker said to Edwards,
“Tell Chief Hernandez to get his men up here right away! I want this apartment sealed off right now! And get those people out of there!”
“Yes, sir!”
She took out her cell phone and called Hernandez and explained the situation. Walker said to the android,
“Take him downstairs to the car. We’ll take him back with us to the apartment, all right? Get going.”
Jordan said in a weak voice,
“Just wait until Rocco hears about this! Boy, will you be in trouble!”
“I’m sure.”
Edwards walked into the apartment and began getting people to leave. She turned off the music and people began wandering out of the apartment in confusion. They saw Jordan leaning against a wall, being held by the android. Some people asked,
“Is everything all right, Jordan?”
He nodded weakly and avoided looking at them in the eye. As soon as everyone had gone, Edwards closed the door and said,
“Everyone’s gone, John.”
“Thank you, Sam. Let’s wait for the police to show up.”
An elevator opened and five cops walked out and headed down the hall. They were followed by Detective Reynolds. Reynolds asked Walker,
“So, what’s going on?”
“Mr Jordan here is under arrest. I want your men to go over this apartment with a fine toothed comb and look for anything suspicious. Report back to me.”
“Okay, you got it. Where are you taking him?”
“To my apartment.”
“Right. Talk to you later.”
They walked back to the elevators and went back down to the car. Thorton said to Walker,
“You know, Rocco and the governor are going to make a run for it.”
“I’m counting on it. Where will they go to get away?”
“They have a spaceship in a warehouse in the desert. They were always talking about going away to one of the moons of Mars if things got too crazy. They have a hideout – it’s all stocked with food and supplies.”
“Right. Well, if we make enough noise, they’ll do just that and I’ll be waiting for them.”
They got into the car and drove back to the apartment.
When they got back to the apartment, Petrov and the boy were playing chess. As soon as Thorton walked into the apartment, Petrov looked up and smiled. He said,
“Max! Good to see you again! How was your flight?”
“Nice to see you again, Boris. Rocco has been asking about you. He doesn’t trust you.”
“Pity. I don’t trust him either. You’re wondering why I am here? I am a secret agent for the government! I was always working for them! Ha!”
“Figures,” said Thorton.
Walker said to Thorton,
“Can you sleep on the couch? Mr Jordan will have to sleep on the chair. Boris has a room.”
“What about me, detective?,” asked the boy.
“You can sleep in our room, John. God, I’m tired. See you all in the morning. Joe, make sure no one leaves this apartment.”
“Yes, detective.”
Walker walked into his bedroom and got undressed and fell right asleep. His mind began to drift and suddenly, he was standing in Rocco’s apartment. Rocco was sitting on a couch, looking worn out and tired. He was drinking when there was a knock on his door. Rocco said,
“Come in.”
The door opened and one of his big bodyguards said,
“Hey, boss? Sorry to disturb you but there’s someone here to talk to you.”
“All right. Send him in.”
The bodyguard stepped aside and Detective Reynolds walked in. He was wearing a tan overcoat and a greasy jacket and tie. Rocco said wearily,
“Yes? What do you want, detective?”
“Good evening, Mr Rocco. Sorry to disturb you at this late hour but I have something you might be interested in. I was just at Robert Jordan’s apartment when I found this.”
He took out a computer stick from his overcoat and held it up. He said,
“This was in Jordan’s computer. I looked and saw it that it contains information about your connection with the Tyler Corporation. I thought I might bring this over and discuss a business arrangement with you.”
“Is that so? How much do you want?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Enough to get me set up for life maybe. How do you put a price on something this important? Say ten thousand dollars to start?”
“Hmmm….I see. An old fashioned shakedown, eh? What if I just shoot you instead and dump your body in the desert?”
“Well, you see, I’m not stupid. I already made a copy of the information and if I get bumped off, it goes right to Detective Walker and the Feds.”
“Hmmmm….him again. You know, he’s been causing me lots of problems ever since he came to Mars! He’s ruining everything! Goddamn it!”
“Yes, he thinks he’s running the whole show. So, what are you going to do about it?”
“What do you mean?”
“You haven’t heard? He alive! I take you tried to leave him in the desert but he’s back! I don’t know how he did it!”
“What? That’s impossible! My guys told me they left him miles into the desert! How did he get back?”
“I don’t know. He had help. That’s all I know.”
“Shit! How does he do it?”
“There’s a rumor going around about a young boy with incredible powers. I don’t how true this is. I haven’t seen him, so I don’t know.”
“Well, thank you, detective. You’ve been most helpful. Now, let me have the computer stick and give me your bank account information. Okay?”
“All right. I’ll write it down for you.”
Reynolds walked over to Rocco and handed him the stick. Rocco took an envelope from his pocket and handed it to Reynolds. He said,
“Here’s a little something extra. Thanks again for your help.”
Reynolds said,
“Thank you, sir! Call on me anytime!”
He walked out of the apartment. Walker woke up with a start and shook his head and then he went back to sleep.
Walker woke up with the smell of coffee and breakfast. He took a shower, got dressed and walked into the living room. Both Petrov and Thorton were playing chess, with the boy watching carefully. Jordan was sitting on a chair, reading a book. Walker walked into the kitchen and watched Edwards make bacon and eggs. They kissed and she said to him,
“So, what are we going to do about Jordan and Thorton?”
“Well, don’t worry about Thorton. If he evens spits on the sidewalk, he’ll go to the Moon. As for Jordan, we’ll have to keep him alive long enough so he can testify. As soon as the new DA shows up, we’ll give him both.”
“What about Rocco?”
“What about him? It’s over for him and he knows it. He and the governor will try to get off the planet and head for one of the moons. I’ll get to him before he goes. Oh, and there’s one other thing. I saw Reynolds giving Rocco a computer stick with the information about the corporation. Look, he’s a dirty cop. He sold us out for money.”
Edwards was silent for a moment. She finally said,
“It doesn’t surprise me. He was always known to be a dirty cop but no one had any proof of it until now. Thanks for telling me.”
“You can’t trust him anymore.”
“I understand.”
Walker grabbed a piece of bacon and walked back into the living room and walked over to the android. He said,
“Good morning, Joe. What’s going on? Have you heard from Captain Parker yet?”
“Yes. The transport ship is about to land. They have the Marines and the commando robots ready.”
“Good. Can you connect me with Captain Parker on the monitor?”
“Yes. Just give me a moment.”
The android looked at the monitor and it came to life. There was a shot of the interior of the ship, with Marines walking around in their robosuits and checking their equipment. A flight deck officer came into view and said into the camera,
“Oh, good morning! You must be Detective Walker! Just hang on a minute!”
A moment later, Captain Parker came into view, wearing a robosuit. He smiled and said,
“Well, good morning, John! We’re about to land! What’s going on?”
“I have Max Thorton and Robert Jordan here. I’ve given Thorton complete immunity in exchange for his help. Mr Jordan here was the COO of the Tyler Corporation. He was the one who was helping Rocco and Governor Ryan. I’ll hand him over once your ship arrives.”
“Well, that won’t take long. What are you doing now?”
“I’m going to Rocco’s apartment and arrest him. Sam will stay here with Jordan.”
“Okay. See you soon.”
The connection was cut off. Walker said,
“Okay. Let’s eat. Max, you come with me and the android after we’re done.”
They all sat down at the table and ate their breakfast.
After they ate, Walker, Thorton and the android left the apartment and went downstairs to the garage where the car was waiting for them. Both Walker and Thorton got into the backseat and the android sat in the driver’s seat. Walker said,
“Okay, let’s go to Rocco’s apartment.”
The car put itself into gear and took off. Walker asked Thorton,
“Where would Rocco go if he’s not in?”
“Probably to his casino. That’s where he keeps his money.”
“Okay. Let’s see what happens.”
The car drove to Rocco’s apartment building and parked itself on the street. Walker, Thorton and the android all got out and walked across the street and entered the building’s entrance. Walker showed the robot doorman his badge and said,
“We’re going upstairs to Mr Rocco’s apartment.”
“Very good sir but I’m afraid he’s not in at the moment.”
“That’s all right. Contact the police. I want Rocco’s apartment sealed off.”
“Very good, sir.”
They took an elevator upstairs and got out and walked down the hallway to Rocco’s apartment. Walker tried the door but it was locked. He said to the android,
“Joe, open it please.”
The android walked over to the door and twisted the doorknob open. They walked in. The apartment was a mess. Walker said,
“Looks like he left in a hurry. Governor Ryan was also here.”
Walker closed his eyes and focused on the two men. They were in a car headed west into the open desert. Walker said, after he opened his eyes,
“They’re on their way to the other spaceport. There’s an abandoned mine nearby. Okay, let’s go.”
As they left the apartment, two uniformed police officers got off an elevator. Walker said to them,
“I want this apartment sealed off. Have a team come in and photograph everything. Don’t touch anything, you hear?”
“Yes, sir,” said one of the officers.
Walker, Thorton and the android took an elevator down and went back to the car. They got in and Walker asked the android,
“Joe, did the military transport arrive yet?”
“Yes, detective.”
“Let me speak to Captain Parker.”
The monitor in the back seat came to life. Captain Parker appeared on the screen. He said,
“Well, hello there, John! We’re finally here! What’s going on?”
“We’re going after Rocco and the governor. They’re headed for a spaceport just west of the city. They have a spaceship ready to go. There’s an abandoned mine nearby. I don’t want them to leave Mars!”
“Right, gotcha. I’ll inform the general. We’ll meet you out there. Anything else?”
“Yes. Go to Edwards’s apartment and arrest Robert Jordan. Also, go to Rocco’s apartment and have everything in it impounded. And one last thing – have Detective Reynolds arrested! I’ll explain later, okay?”
“Okay, John – whatever you say. We’ll meet you at the spaceport.”
The screen went dark. Walker closed his eyes and focused upon the two men. They had made it to a hangar where a small spaceship was waiting for them. They had obviously been planning this for a long time but something was wrong. The ship wasn’t working. Something was wrong with the engine but Walker couldn’t figure it out. He could see Rocco running around frantically, trying to get the ship going. The governor seemed dazed and confused. The android said, breaking his concentration,
“Detective, there’s a big sandstorm coming. It’s headed for the spaceport.”
“Good. They can’t take off in their ship. Something’s wrong with it.”
“Detective, the Marines are approaching the spaceport.”
“Okay. Let me talk to the person in charge.”
The monitor came to life and a big Marine appeared on the screen. He was wearing sunglasses. He said to Walker,
“Detective Walker! What’s the news?”
“What’s your name, captain?”
“I’m Captain Hector Rodriguez, sir. Can you tell me what’s going on?”
“Yes. Both Rocco and Governor Ryan are at the spaceport but there’s something wrong with their ship! It has to do with the engine!”
“Excellent! We’ve jammed their ship so it won’t take off. That’s very impressive, detective! I have a cousin like you! What else do you see?”
“There’s a big sandstorm coming.”
“Right. We have that on our radar. We’ll have to hurry. These sandstorms can be very strong. We’ll meet you at the spaceport in just a few minutes!”
“Okay, captain. See you there.”
The screen went dark. Walker focused his mind upon the hangar. Both Rocco and the governor had left and they were headed for the mine. They both had weapons. It was going to be their last stand for them. Walker said to the android,
“Contact Captain Rodriguez.”
The monitor came back to life and Walker said to Rodriguez,
“Captain? They’ve left the hangar and they’re headed for the mine. They both have weapons.”
“Right, we have that also. We have a drone flying overhead. We can see them. They’re going to make a last stand – just like those old westerns I used to watch as a child! You don’t have to be there. We can handle it.”
“No, no, I want to be a part of this!”
“Okay, no problem. If you see anything else, let me know.”
“Right.”
Just ahead was the hangar and the mine. There was a large building next to the mine and that’s where Rocco and the governor were hiding. Walker looked to his left and saw three massive trucks crossing the desert. Beyond the trucks as a giant red wall of dust, like a giant tsunami. It was getting bigger every second. Walker asked the android,
“Joe, how much time is there before the sandstorm hits?”
“We have less than fifteen minutes, detective.”
“Okay. Increase the speed of the car.”
“Yes, detective.”
The car sped down a dirt road and it bounced as it hit potholes. The spaceport came into view. There were three giant hangars and small spaceships sitting on the ground. The ships looked like silver mushrooms. The car arrived before the Marines. As the car approached the mine, shots rang out. Walker said,
“Joe, drive towards that building over there. They’re on the second floor. Can you see them?”
“Yes, detective. I can see them.”
To the left of the building was a giant hole in the ground, surrounded by cranes and other equipment. More shots rang out and bullets bounced harmlessly off the car. Walker said,
“Okay, Joe, drive around to the side of the building. Once the car stops, I want you to get out and get them. I want them alive – do you understand?”
“Yes, detective.”
The car pulled up alongside of the building. There was a platform and a door. The android got out and jumped up onto the platform and ran inside the building. Walker got out of the car and an over to a truck. He called out,
“Rocco! Give it up! It’s over!”
More shots were fired. The giant military trucks pulled into the mine and the Marines jumped out, wearing their robosuits and helmets. Shots were fired at them and the Marines took cover. Captain Rodriguez ran over to Walker and said,
“Okay, what’s the situation here?”
“The android has gone inside the building. He will capture them alive. Just give him a moment.”
“Right.”
Walker could feel the wind growing steadily and small pebbles and rocks hit his face. It wouldn’t be long now. A moment later, the android appeared in a doorway holding both Rocco and the governor in his hands. The Marines ran forward and grabbed both men and hauled them away to the trucks. The trucks drove off in a hurry. Walker shouted to the android,
“Joe! Come on! Let’s get going!”
Both Walker and the android ran over to the car and dived in. The storm was almost on top of them and Walker said,
“Joe, drive into the building before the storm hits!”
The car drove itself into the building just as the storm hit. The walls of the old building began shaking……
The wind was howling outside and the building was shaking. Dust was flying everywhere. Walker said to the android,
“Joe, how long before it stops?”
“I don’t know. It could be a couple of hours.”
“All right.”
Thorton said,
“Detective, I’m going out to stretch my legs. Is that all right?”
“That’s fine.”
Thorton got out of the car and began walking around. Walker said to the android,
“Joe, I want to talk to Father Johnson.”
“One moment, detective.”
The monitor came to life and Father Johnson’s daughter appeared on the screen. She said,
“Yes, detective? Can I help you?”
“Yes. I need to talk to your father.”
“I’m afraid that isn’t possible right now. He’s not feeling well. What do you want?”
“Call off the attack on Sin City. It’s not necessary. Johnny Rocco and the governor have been arrested.”
“I’m afraid that’s not possible, detective. We go as planned tomorrow. Thank you.”
The screen went dark. Walker said,
“Great. Joe, please contact Captain Parker.”
“Yes, detective.”
A moment later, Captain Parker appeared on the screen. He said,
“Hey, John! Where are you? Do you need any help?”
“No, we’re fine, Tex. We’re just going to wait out the storm. Listen, the followers of Father Johnson are going to attack Sin City tomorrow. I tried to get them to call it off but they won’t listen.”
“Okay, John, don’t worry. We’ll send in the Marines. They’ll straighten everything out. Anything else?”
“No, Tex. Thanks for all of your help.”
“Hey no problem! You did a great job up here! There’s word in Washington about giving you some kind of a medal!”
“Gee, that’s great.”
Captain Parker laughed and said,
“Okay, John. Just take it easy. We have this covered. See you later.”
The screen went dark. Walker said to the android,
“Joe, I’m going to take a nap. Keep an eye on Thorton, okay?”
“Yes, detective.”
Walker sat back and drifted off to sleep. He awoke with a start and found himself standing before a large group of Martians sitting before him in a large meeting hall. It was well lit and the Martians were all wearing tan uniforms. He turned and saw Ka’al standing next to him. He was smiling broadly. He said,
Congratulations, my friend! You have done very well! We are very pleased with you! You will soon be going back to Earth but you will return one day!
What about the boy?
He must learn about your world. He needs a mentor.
I agree. What about Boris Petrov?
Ka’al stood silently for a moment and then said,
Yes, that is a good idea.
Is there anything else?
No. We wish you a safe journey back home. You will always be welcome back to Mars. Good bye, my friend.
Walker woke up with a start. The storm was still raging outside. He decided to get out and walk around. He could hear the wind battering the building and rocks sounded like gunfire. He saw Thorton standing by a window and smoking a cigarette. Walker walked over to him and said,
“Quite a storm, isn’t it?”
“Yes. I’ve seen storms like this in Australia. So, detective – what will become of me?”
“I don’t know but I’ll talk to the new DA. You’ll have to keep your nose clean. You do something stupid and you’ll be sent to the Moon for life. There won’t be any trial.”
“I understand. Thank you for all of your help, detective.”
“You helped to nail both Rocco and the governor. What do you want to do now?”
“Oh, I don’t know. Work in law enforcement. Maybe I”ll be a private detective.”
“Yeah, well, good luck. If you need my help, don’t hesitate to ask, okay?”
Thorton nodded and turned back to the window. It was dark outside. Walker walked back to the car and got back in. He said to the android,
“How much longer will this last?”
“I don’t know, detective. I have checked with the weather radar. It’s a big storm. Oh, and there is a call coming from Detective Edwards.”
“Okay, put it through.”
The monitor came to life and a worried Edwards said,
“Are you all right, John?”
“Yes, we’re fine, Sam. We’re just waiting out the storm. It’s going to take awhile. What’s going on?”
“Well, the new DA has finally arrived at Police Headquarters and Johnny Rocco, Governor Ryan, Robert Jordan and Detective Reynolds have all been charged with multiple charges! The list is endless! Is Max Thorton with you?”
“Yes. What has the DA said about Max?”
“He says that his immunity from prosecution will hold up. I explained to him that Max has been very helpful and the DA was pleased about that. The DA is also going after the Tyler Corporation for its part in what’s been going on. I hear the government may be suing the corporation. It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens. So, John, now that it’s all over, what are you going to do? Are you going back to Earth?”
“Yes but not right away. Look, Sam – I want to ask you something. Will you marry me?”
Edwards looked stunned but then she smiled broadly. She said, after a moment,
“Yes, of course!”
“Excellent! Ask Captain Parker if he would like to do the honors.”
Edwards laughed and said,
“Yes, I’ll ask him when he gets back! Hurry home, darling!”
“All right, honey! I’ll see you soon and then we’ll have to talk. Bye!”
The monitor went dark and Walker sat back and smiled to himself…..
Almost an hour and a half later, the storm finally let up. Both Walker and Thorton were asleep in the back of the car. The android said,
“Detective? I am sorry to wake you but the storm has passed.”
Walker said with a yawn,
“Finally! What time is it?”
“It’s almost four o’clock in the afternoon.”
“Okay. Let’s get going.”
The car put itself into gear and drove out of the building. Everywhere Walker looked, he saw drifts of sand like red snow. The sky was opening up and it was bright and sunny again. The car drove down a sand choked road back to the city. Walker said to the android,
“Joe, connect me with Detective Edwards.”
The monitor came to life and Edwards looked at Walker with a big grin. She said,
“Hiya, handsome! What’s going on?”
“The storm has finally lifted! We’ll be back home in time for dinner!”
“Excellent! Oh and by the way, Captain Parker said yes, he’ll do the honors!”
“Cool! See you soon, honey!”
The monitor went dark. Walker thought to himself that things were finally going his way…..
The car drove into the city. There was sand everywhere. Street sweepers roamed the city, cleaning up the sand drifts. People were walking around. The car drove towards the apartment building and parked itself in the garage. Walker, Thorton and the android took an elevator upstairs. They walked into the apartment and Edwards ran over to Walker with flowers in her hair. She kissed Walker and squeezed his hand. Captain Parker walked into the room carrying a Bible. He said,
“Well, John! This is it, my friend! Congratulations on a – “
Suddenly the android said,
“Excuse me but there is an urgent call coming from the prison complex on the Moon. It’s the warden.”
Walker said,
“Put it through.”
They all walked over to the wall monitor and the warden appeared on the screen, looking distressed. He said,
“Excuse me for this interruption but I have a very serious crisis here on the Moon! There’s a serial killer loose in the prison complex and I was told that Detective Walker is the only one who can help us!”
Walker stepped forward and said,
“I’m Detective Walker, warden. What’s happening?”
“Well, this is a little hard to explain but prisoners are dying up here in their sleep! No one knows how it’s being done! Can you come to the Moon and help us? We’re desperate!”
“Well, yes, I’ll come. I’ll take the next ship.”
“Thank you, detective! This really is a very strange case! It’s almost like someone is invading people’s dreams and killing them! People are frightened and so am I!”
“Just take it easy. I’ll get there as soon as I can!”
The monitor went dark. Walker shook his head and said,
“This is going to be interesting!”
Edwards said,
“I’m coming with you, John! We can get married on the ship!”
“Fine. Get packed.”
She ran off to the bedroom. Walker turned to Thorton and said,
“I can really use your help Max. Here’s your chance to prove yourself. Are you up for it?”
Thorton was silent for a moment and then said,
“Yes, I”ll help you.”
Captain Parker stepped forward and said,
“Well, John! Good luck and call me if you need anything!”
“Thank you, Tex!”
Walker saw the boy sitting on a chair. He walked over to him and said,
“Thank you for all of your help. What are you going to do now?”
“Well, sir, Boris said he’ll train me. He’s a good teacher.”
“What about your parents?”
“Oh, I’ve talked to them and they said it’s fine. Boris said I’m destined for great things!”
“Well, good luck. Maybe we’ll meet again some day.”
Walker said to Petrov,
“Keep him safe.”
“I will.”
Edwards ran out of the bedroom carrying a large suitcase. She walked over to Petrov and said,
“You can stay here, Boris. I trust you.”
Walker said to the android,
“You’re coming with us, Joe. Okay, let’s go everyone!”
They walked out of the apartment and headed for an elevator and went downstairs to the garage. The car drove itself to the spaceport…..
UP NEXT:
MURDER ON THE MOON