Chapter 18: Merry Olde England
A trip to the United Kingdom was something I had planned to do for quite some time.
Arriving with hands tied, gagged, blindfolded and knocked around senseless in the
back of black limousine
was not my idea of custom travel. The trunk opened once more as hands encircled me.
Gentle, yet strong hands.
"Come on. Let's let your legs get some exercise." Came a soft
spoken voice. It almost sounded like Leo! My hands started to brush around for
any feelings of reptilian skin or plastron. I
only came in contact with material. I then thought they were wearing their usual
disguises. Wishful thinking was all I could do for the moment.
"God, you're so gorgeous. I can't believe they're doing this to do."
Nope, it wasn't Leo. Unless he finally admitted to how he really feels about me. Wait a minute! I'm a married woman! What in the world has gotten into him?!
"We've been traveling practically all night long. There's a bit of a fog in the air so you're not missing much out here."
A strong wind whipped up across my face. My gag allowed me to speak a few words but not much.
"Who are you?" I muffled.
I could feel him smile.
"Just someone who works to get paid. No one of importance."
It definitely wasn't Leo.
Lucy woke up to find the area deserted. They respected her wishes and slept on
the couch in the other room. She sat up with a stretch, noting the top hatch was
open. That must have been where
all the cold air was coming from. Putting on her shoes and coat, she slipped out of
the covers to make herself a pot of coffee. Already done. She stared at the
kitchen counter to see the pot was
already brewing steaming black coffee! One of them must have done it. She
found some paper cups and poured a half cup to fill the rest with sugar packets and
powdered cream. Standing up
against the counter, she could feel the boat rocking back and forth. Ugh. Now,
she could see why Don had been so ill. The movement started to make her nauseous.
She decided to climb to the
top to see who was up there. It was Leo. Good ol' Leo was minding the helm,
wearing a heavy coat that stretched down to the back of his knees. From the back, he
looked like an old sea captain.
Popeye the sailor. Minus the anchor tattoos and corn cob pipe.
"Morning." Lucy mumbled as she sat down on one of the cushions.
"Oh, hey, Lucy." He turned with a smile. My, he was chirpy this morning. "How'd you sleep?"
"Just fine. And you?"
"Same. I came out here early so we get going toward our destination." Lucy nodded. "It's a bit foggy this morning but I'm sure it'll clear up soon."
"What time is it?" Lucy asked aloud then looked to her watch. It said 2:50 am.
"Umm...." Leo pulled up his sleeve and lifted his wristband. "Ten to three."
"That's what I got." Lucy flipped her wrist over to show him. "It feels a lot later."
"It is later." Leo looked around. "In fact, it's actually going on 8am. England has a five hour difference from New York. Pacific Time would be eight hours. Be glad you don't live on the west coast."
Lucy covered her arms.
"I failed in geometry. It's sad I lived in the U.K. and didn't even know what a time zone was before I got into high school."
"Hey, don't feel bad. I may be smart but not as smart as Don. He knows so much more than all three of us put together. It's his brains that saves us from trouble half the time." He paused. "All the time."
"So, what is your job in the group?"
He was silent for awhile. Then gave her a straight face. "My job is leading them into the trouble."
Lucy looked down and sipped her coffee, the steam rising up to warm her cold nose.
She could see Leo was also drinking a cup; his resting on the flat surface of the
helm. It was so quiet on the
water with just the gusty winds making sounds. Lucy took a deep breath and inhaled
the salty air, remembering the days when her dad used to take her out fishing. They
lived closer to London
but her dad always had a passion for being on the water. And if her lazy brother
slept in, she'd go with him instead. The drive was long and tiresome for her.
Mostly, she slept in the car till they
arrived on the docks. Once there, they'd rent a boat and move it out toward the
center of the lake where the fun really kicked in. For her father especially.
Lucy's favorite part was actually
catching a fish or eating lots of junk food on the boat. The waiting part was the
worse. To her father, it was the best.
"Sitting out here. the nice quiet breeze, absolute stillness, ahh what a life!"
Lucy stared at her father, thinking, What are you, nuts? This is soooo boring! I can't believe I decided to come along and- "Hey! I gotta bite! I gotta bite! Quick, Daddy! The net!"
"Okay, love. Just hold it tight. Ease up as you reel 'em in. Boy, he's a big one isn't he? He'll probably fit over the fire place, huh?!"
"Dad, we don't own a fire place!"
"Well, then we'll stuff it over the serving counter. How's that?"
Lucy lifted the fairly large trout up into the air. "How 'bout we just eat it?"
"Now, you're cookin'!"
Lucy smiled, feeling a tear drop onto her hand. She hadn't seen her folks in
years. Maybe if these guys were nice, they would find the time to make a detour over
to Salisbury. Their large estate
could hold all five of them. Six if I was to join them. Lucy sat up and headed
down the stairs.
"I'm going to get some food. Even though my body thinks it still needs more sleep."
"You've been away from home too long-." Leo smiled then frowned as he noticed her reddened eyes. "Are you alright, Lucy?"
"Yes, I'm fine. I was thinking the same thing. You're right. I have been away for far too long. I miss my family. Me Mum and Dad."
"Aw, I understand." Leo stood, thinking it's only been hours since they left Splinter. For her, it was years. "Well, maybe while we're here we can make a detour for you if you tell us where they live."
I could have told her the guys were mind readers. She smiled and sobbed all over again, running to quickly embrace him.
"Oh, you darling! That would be absolutely fabulous!" She exclaimed in her best British accent.
"Uh, yeah. Sure." Leo grinned as she pulled away blushing.
"Oh, it will be so great! If I don't remember to thank you, I guess I'll say it now. Thank you!"
With that, she turned and disappeared down below. Leo blinked twice before resuming to what it was he was doing.
As the late morning came around, I discovered later that the ship was fully activated
with men and mutants alike. They were all top secret, working for the mad boss or
whomever it was I was suppose
to be brought to. I overheard we were around coast of Ireland, then turning
starboard bow for the shores of England. Or was it port bow? I never
understood the language of the sea. This wasn't
the carnival cruise line but certainly wasn't as bad as I thought. After what seemed
like forever, the boat stopped at a foggy dock on the coast of Plymouth where I was
quickly taken into the back
seat of the limo once it was on solid land driving off to my doom. Sight seeing was
not an option here!
"The boss will be very happy to see you, Jewel. As I am to see you. Again."
That voice! So many voices sounded familiar. Not of the Turtles now but of someone I met the first night of when my apartment was bombed.
"Please, who are you?" I mumbled.
"Well, since you're not going far, I guess I could take these off.
The man removed the gag and pulled away the blindfold. His hands wore gloves as I felt the leather brush my cheek. Opening my eyes, I stared across from me a tall man with dark hair.
"Stuart!"
"In the flesh."
"You traitor! Why are you doing this??!
He sat back, looking toward the front.
"Oh, they gave me an offer I couldn't refuse. As soon as you were taken away
from some unknown people, they took me hostage with a lot of questioning on where you
were. I had no idea but they
filled my head on several places you might return to. The apartment, the hospital.
They knew about your husband being there."
I nodded, remembering these guys knew just about everything. They probably knew where the necklace was. Don hid it well.
"They also found this." Stuart lifted up a sapphire necklace. I
almost freaked out. I started to speak but he stopped me. "They followed
your every move, Jewel. They watched you when you
weren't aware of it. But they're not powerful fighters as you may think. They
saw the company you were with and laid low. When you disappeared for awhile, they
started running more tests
in their Manhattan laboratory. On me. The scientists treated me like a lab
creature, filling my veins with their toxins. Seeing the results. This is what
they got." He removed a glove to show his hand
had green tinge to it. Scales were visible like a reptile's. I gasped at him.
"I am slowly evolving. It is possible to change a human into something
else."
"If it works.....then....why...."
"Why you? Well, Jewel, as far as I know, it's a personal matter. I wish I could tell you but I'm not permitted to. The boss is waiting for us at his lab in Cheshire which is where we're headed now."
I tried to snatch the necklace but he pulled away.
"Sorry, Jewel. I know this was yours but we need it more. For the numbers scratched within it reveal chemical balances to the ultimate test. I hope you understand."
No, I don't understand! What the hell is the deal here? I wish I got straight answers.
The boat finally pulled into the Millbay Docks of Plymouth where several men paused to
watch them disembark. The Turtles suited up in the heavy rain coats, pants and
galoshes with the hoods over
their heads. Lucy wore her black coat with her purse swung over her head. A
light drizzle fell like mist once they stepped out on the wooden deck. The five of
them looked around to the green
hills off in the distance.
"So, this is the United Kingdom." Raph spoke in a British accent.
Lucy turned to him, concealing her smile.
"It's the shores of England but yes, we made it finally."
"I just hope we're not too late." Leo spoke in a muffle.
They each exchanged glances before stepping off onto the dirt gravel.
"Hang on, gentlemen. We need a little information on our whereabouts."
Lucy turned and walked into a small gift shoppe off to the side of the road.
"Ah. Good morning, miss." The man behind the counter smiled.
"Hello, sir! Do you have any brochures?"
"Certainly." He pulled a booklet off the shelf. "Here we go. No charge."
Lucy remembered the money in her wallet was American bills. She sighed with relief.
"Thank you, sir. Good day to you."
The others stood waiting, watching people pass them without any suspicion. Lucy walked out toward them, waving the booklet.
"Alright, gang. Here's where we are. 'Plymouth, everything you need to
know about Plymouth England and the west country the gateway to Devon and Cornwall. We
help build Plymouth's reputation
and credibility in the market place.' Hmm, they've even got maps. I'll leave
that to you Don."
Don gave a small grin as she unfolded it to him.
"I feel very honored."
Lucy read on.
"Transportation." She paused in deep thought. "Uh, yes, transportation." She looked around with a puzzled look. "Uh, gang? Now that we're here, where do we find where they've taken Jewel?"
They stared at her with disbelief.
"I thought you said you knew where they were taking her." Mike put a hand to his hip.
"I-I do know. They were taking her to some laboratory. I don't remember which one."
"Well, that's helpful." Raph said bitterly.
Leo ignored him and stepped closer.
"Try to think. Clear your mind. Do you remember anything of what it's called? The name of the place?
"Yes. Um..." Lucy struggled with trying to remember more of her sense of direction. "The title was like abbreviated. C.L.R.C. or something like that."
"Hmm...." Don started to rack his brain as he stared up and down at the map. "C....L...- I don't think it's very well-known according to this."
Lucy watched the large cruise ships pass by. "It would really help us to get
a bus or something. First off, I need to change my currency. They won't accept
American money here.
You knew that of course."
They nodded. Of course they knew. Don studied the map carefully.
"You said she was taken to a laboratory called C.L.R.C.?"
"Uh, huh. That's what I heard."
"Do you know what town it might be in? There may be more than one lab."
"It starts with a 'C' I think. And not the lab. I mean the town. Ohhhh! I hate it when I can't remember!!" Lucy crossed her arms, releasing a heavy sigh.
Don looked up to her with a frown.
"Hey, relax. We're not completely in the dark. But I think we're gonna
need some better guidance. The map doesn't detail locations of laboratories.
This is mostly for tourists and I don't think they'd
be interested in going there. Plus, this is only good for this particular
area. If you're interested in fresh cuisine, fine dining, lodging and
accommodations..." Don waved the map. "Here's your ticket."
Lucy groaned as she took it from him, folding it back up perfectly. Mike's mouth almost hit the ground as he pointed to her.
"How'd.....how'd...she....I can't do that!"
Raph sized her up. "I don't know. But I'd like to see what other kind of talent she has up her sleeve."
"You mean down her blouse." Raph punched Mike in the arm.
Lucy really felt bad now as she looked to Don, not even hearing what Mike and Raph said about her. She felt helpless, stupid. Don only shrugged to her.
"I'm sure we'll figure this out, Don. But for now, we should look for a restaurant. Anyone hungry?" That lightened the mood.
"Hey, if you're buyin'!" Mike smiled.
"Well, we've got a little ways to the nearest town. I'm sure they'll have a Money Exchange office. Let's get going."
The group started to walk up the road as cars past them on the opposite side. Even the buses went past them.
"Damn, this is going to be the first meal I'm going to walk off before eating it!" Raph groaned. Mike laughed at that.
"I'm afraid we'll be doing a lot of walking, bro."
"Edward! No!" I jolted out of deep sleep and nearly fell off the car seat. Stuart glanced up from his side of the car.
"What's with you?"
"I had a weird dream that Edward was killed."
"That's not weird."
"WHY do you say that?"
"I don't know. It could happen."
I froze in terror.
"But it didn't happen, did it? Oh, God! Please say no!"
"Actually, Jewel. I really don't know."
I sighed. "You obviously know a lot more than me."
"Yeah, and I've said too much."
"Stuart, you're suppose to be helping me. Now, you've betrayed me. I'm not sure if I can trust you anymore."
"You can trust me that I'm telling the truth about your husband. I'd never give you false hope about that."
"Then tell me what happened."
Stuart sighed before confessing to me.
"Security was tight when they arrived for a second time. The first time they
went they were interrupted by some crazy looking people. Those who escaped claimed
the people as green ninjas."
I nodded, knowing all too well who he was talking about. "Sounds to me like
they were also intoxicated with the same chemicals from that industrial plant."
"Uh, huh. Maybe." I've heard the story before.
"But getting back to your husband, I only heard they went to him and tried to kill him because he knew too much. That's all I know."
"Stuart, what is this deep secret that my husband knows? He never kept secrets from me. We told each other everything."
"That's probably what got you in trouble."
"But I know nothing! All I know is that one minute I'm going out to celebrate my anniversary, the next I'm being buried alive in my own apartment!"
"Jewel, wasn't Edward the one who got you the necklace in the first place?"
"Yeah, so?"
"So, where do you think he obtained such a thing?"
"Ben Bridge."
Stuart looked away with half a smile.
"Well, that's what the box said. Are you so sure that's where he got it from?"
I looked to him, the word 'stupid' stamped across my forehead.
"Uh, he didn't exactly tell me where he got it. I just assumed that's where he went."
"Mm, hmm. Assuming is one thing. Knowing for sure is another."
Stuart turned away again, cutting off our conversation. I groaned, still not getting the whole story.
"Where are we?" Mike looked out the window of the Chinese restaurant.
"If I have to pull out the map one more time, I'm going to make you eat it." Don pointed threateningly.
"Sorry, paper's not that filling."
Lucy sipped her water and tapped Mike's hand.
"Well, we went past Millbay Road and made a turn onto West Hoe. We're still in Plymouth but sorta inland now. Away from the coast. I'd say we worked up an appetite."
Raph shook his head. "I still think it's a strange name for a Chinese restaurant. Wet Wok? What were they thinking?"
Lucy looked around, hoping the other customers didn't hear him.
"I don't know, Raph. It's just a name. I'm sure the food will be good."
"It's better than being a dry wok, no?" Mike grinned. Lucy rolled her eyes.
The waiter came over with a smile.
"Hello. Hello. How are you this evening?"
The Turtles almost fell out of their seats. The man was Chinese with a British accent! Could it be possible? Lucy saved the moment.
"Uh, we're fine, thank you." She looked to their faces which were trying not to crack into hysterics. "I think we need an extra minute to check over the menu."
"Very good, Miss. Very good." The waiter bowed and turned away. Lucy crossed her arms over the table and waited for them to calm down.
"Finished?"
"Not quite." Raph said, covering his face. The others snickered quietly while looking off in different parts of the room. Lucy quickly decided to read the menu.
"Ah, how about we get a family dinner?"
"But, we're not a family." Mike said, still snickering.
Lucy dropped the menu. "No, it's just an expression." She started
pointing with her nail cracking on the words. "Look, here. You get two
entries of any kind, a side of steamed rice, soup of your
choice, an egg roll and fried won ton. All for £9."
"What's that in American currency?" Mike looked over to the menu.
"Umm. I think it's like $18. Maybe a little more if you want something to drink other than water. Very reasonable for five. And the portions are fairly large."
"Sounds delicious, Lucy." Leo smiled as he closed his menu. Then looked to the others. "Sound good?"
They nodded and shrugged. Yeah, sure. Whatever works.
"Great. We could get Chicken Lo Mein and Beef with Broccoli as the two entries." It was agreed and Lucy collected the menus as the guys single filed out of the booth. "Uh, where are you off to?"
"Nature calls." Raph said.
She stared at them. "ALL of you? Why am I left to order?"
"Because you're the only one who can keep a straight face with that guy's accent!" Mike patted her head before he left. Lucy grabbed Leo's sleeve and stood up.
"Wait! What about beverages or something?"
Leo looked to Don. Then back to her.
"How's the water here?"
Lucy stared with puzzlement. She could see on the table their water glasses were never touched.
"Uh. Fine. Clean. Why?"
"Then we'll just have that." She sat back down as they left. She overheard Don say he wanted a Coke. "Hey, Lucy?"
"I heard!" She yelled from the table and looked around the empty booth. "Sheesh, first time out on a date in months and I get stuck having dinner with the Marx Brothers!"