Page 67 of Lost Cause
“It’s too dark to make out the fence.” Coop pointed toward the perimeter. “But it’s there, along with an exceptional alarm system. Trust me, if anyone tries to enter, we’ll be alerted. You can be sure our team will immediately intercept the intruder.”
“Sounds perfect.” Victor gave a nervous smile.
“I’ll get your bags.” Coop jerked a thumb over his shoulder. “But Gage should be here any minute to take you to the cabins.”
As if he’d summoned Gage to the location, an all-terrain vehicle pulled up to the helipad, The man Burke assumed to be Gage jumped out from behind the wheel. He was tall, buff, and had super dark hair. Burke put the guy in his early forties. Burke knew everyone on the Blackwell team had served in the military, but had been discharged due to injuries. He wasn’t familiar with Gage’s injury, but he didn’t move with any obvious residual effects from it.
“Welcome,” he said as he approached and held out his hand. “I’m Gage Blackwell. I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”
Victor eyed him. “Will you keep me safe?”
“You have my word on that.” The self-assurance in Gage’s tone gave Burke confidence in his abilities.
They made the introductions.
“I can give you a ride to the cabin,” Gage said. “Or maybe you want to stretch out and walk after your flight.”
Abby turned to Victor. “It’s up to you.”
“A walk might be good. It will give me a chance to look around.”
“Then a walk, it is.”
“Don’t stray off the road,” Gage warned. “Coop and I’ll deliver your luggage to your cabin.”
Burke and Abby flanked Victor as they set off down the paved road. In the glowing light of a street lamp, they caught sight of a small town made of cutout storefronts.
“What is that?” Victor pointed at it. “Looks like a Hollywood movie set of a city street.”
“You’re almost right,” Abby said. “False fronted buildings were created to mimic an urban street for close combat and tactical training for law enforcement officers.”
His eyes lit up, and his pace increased. “I’ve got to see this.”
They reached the tree-lined street holding a bank, post office, grocery, and various retail stores. Everything was top-notch. The realism of all the details left Burke believing he was on an urban street. Looked like the deputies who returned from training here weren’t exaggerating.
Victor turned in a circle. “This is amazing. It feels so real. Reminds me of Disneyland’s top quality.”
Abby nodded. “Gage doesn’t do things halfway. It’s only the best for him and his team. Which also includes the compound security. No one is going to hurt you here, so you can relax.”
A broad smile crossed his face. “I honestly believe you now. Thank you for arranging such a sanctuary for me.”
“Of course.”
They continued down the street, Burke taking everything in. Just ahead stood a large, steel, barn-like building about the size of a basketball court.
“This is their training facility and the team’s armory,” Abby told him. “Since you’re staying the night, you might want to ask Gage or Coop for a tour of their armory. I’ve never seen anything better.”
“I’ll ask.” Burke wasn’t really into weapons, but as a professional in law enforcement he needed to carry one and beprepared to use it. It could mean his handgun or a long gun. Plus, as a detective he needed to stay up to date with what was on the street, and he’d be interested in seeing the variety of weapons they chose to buy.
“Sam’s lab is also at the back of this building,” Abby said.
Burke looked to the left where six small log cabins were lined up in a row along the road. They were identical rectangular boxes, but further down he spotted six additional cabins, each one a different design.
“The first cabins are used by trainees and where you’ll be staying,” Abby said. “Further down you’ll see the founding team members’ cabins they designed and built. Everyone but Sam has moved out for more space for their expanding families, and the cabins are occupied by new team members.”
Victor stopped, staring ahead. “Looks like they got pretty creative in their designs.”
“They did,” Abby said. “The buildings fit the team member’s personality. If you know them, it’s easy to determine which person designed which one.”
