He smiled. "They have me teaching brats how to drive. Scarier than missions, sometimes."
Ford had taken several bullets in his left knee when the mission went sour. Though doctors had replaced the shattered joint, he'd been left with a permanent limp. At only 35, he'd been too young too retire, and too young to send to the vaults.
Like he'd sent Sam to the vaults. Gabriel ignored the momentary stab of guilt. "Still carry that knife in your boot?"
Ford smiled. "Yeah. Comes in handy when the brats get uppity."
The youngster driving grinned. Obviously, knives and dour instructors didn't worry him. Gabriel returned his attention to Haynes.
"We're taking you into SIU headquarters. You should be secure there until we find out who's behind these murders."
Haynes scrubbed a hand across the back of his neck. "What about Cooper?"
"I've sent another team out to retrieve him."
"Why couldn't you have told me this at home? Why did you have to knock me out and haul me away?"
Gabriel wasn't about to tell him the truth, especially if the military were listening in. "Because I believed we had very little time to play with."
Haynes grunted. "I left the damn heater on at home. Probably burn the place down, you know."
Gabriel glanced at Ford. "You able to secure Mr. Haynes' place once you drop me off?"
"Yeah. No problems."
"Thanks," Haynes muttered.
Gabriel nodded, and leaned back in the seat, watching the traffic roll by. It didn't take that long to reach the city and SIU headquarters. The redheaded driver swung the car into the underground parking lot and stopped next to the elevator.
"Nice driving, kid." The youngster looked seriously insulted at the compliment. Gabriel half smiled and looked at Ford. "Be careful at Haynes' place. You could have company."
Ford's brown eyes narrowed slightly. "What type?"
"Kite." He hesitated. Though there were scramblers down here that should prevent their conversation being overheard, he didn't want the powers-that-be behind the chip knowing the SIU was well aware of what was going on — at least where the microchips were concerned. But, by the same token, Ford needed to know there might be trouble. In the end, that point won out over wariness. "The military might also be present."
"Treat them as hostile?"
"Unknown."
Ford nodded. Gabriel climbed out and walked around to assist the old man out of the car and into the elevator. He swiped his security card through the elevator slot and pressed B25. Not only did that floor have short-term apartment cells, but it also possessed the latest in both electronic and psychic deadeners. The military would not be able to hear or track them.
The elevator swept them downwards. When the doors opened again, Haynes made a surprised noise.
"It looks like an upmarket hotel," he murmured, as they walked out onto the plush mauve carpet.
"It is, in many respects." Gabriel strode towards the desk. "We've found over time that people cooperate more fully if you look after them."
Haynes gave him a sidelong look. "And if they don't... cooperate?"
Gabriel met his gaze. "We make them."
Haynes' gaze narrowed at the threat. Gabriel looked at the security officer. "Mr. Haynes needs a room. Full service."
The blonde nodded. "Room 25-4 is ready."
"Thanks. Tell me when team nine brings in Jake Cooper." He hesitated and glanced at his watch. "Has Agent Ryan reported in yet?"
The blonde pressed the com-screen. After several seconds, she looked up. "No, sir."