Patriot City Nights - part 6
by Law2

"So, while you were picking up the grenades around El Toro you managed to place a...tracer on him?"

"All we have to do now is activate the computer at the Freedom Fortress and presto; El Toro is ours. Swell, isn't it?"

"That purse of yers is pretty nifty."

"Its not a purse," snapped Liberty Lad, "It's a satchel."

"Whatever."

"Besides, don't the men in your country wear skirts?"

"Is that right senor O'Brien? The men wear skirts? You in a skirt is a most repulsing thought."

"Its not a skirt, it's a kilt. And I'm an Irish man only one quarter Scottish."

"Whatever," said Liberty Lad.

"Do you also shave your legs when wearing your skirt?"

"No, you wear knee high socks."

"Knee highs! Aren't those stockings?"

"The two of you are ones to talk. You're both wearing tights. And you El Diablo, yer showing cleavage. "

"A man of your size in my clothes would be showing a full set of..."

"Shut up!" Alche-Miss cut in. "All of you shut up. Ah'm tryin t'get some rest."

El Diablo noticed Alche-Miss rubbing her temples. He slipped his arm around her and pulled her toward himself. He was surprised she did not resist the advance.

"Senorita, rest on the firm chest of El Diablo." He noticed Liberty Lad peer backwards and grinned victoriously at the youngster.

"So, why didn't you fly back to the fortress, El Diablo?" asked Liberty Lad.

"Aye, why not?" El Diablo was at a loss for words, a rarity. He noticed that his armpits began to itch and his temperature raised, a sign that he was embarrassed. Could Liberty Lad be jealous? He thought. He had insisted that the younger boy sit in the front of the squad car while he and Alche-Miss shared the back seat. Making a move on Alche-Miss was his only goal for the evening and although recent events posed obstacles he remained ever focused.

"Well," he stammered "because I did not want to blow our chances of surprise by flying around the city and I've always wanted to ride in a police car and not be under arrest." He felt that it was a weak response and searched for a way to change the focus of conversation. "Senor O'Brien, What did you mean by needing some non-union help?"

"I'll explain once we get back to the fortress."

Freedom Fortress was quiet and appeared devoid of life. The well-lit hallways were empty. Detective O'Brien commented on the décor admiringly. Liberty Lad led the procession to the conference room. Nothing appeared out of place and the conference room was just as the three super heroes had left it. El Diablo was uncertain where his other teammates were. Minute Man had insisted that anyone not on duty take some time to relax after the past events, many left in a hurry, but there was the chance that some might have been quietly in their rooms. The returning super heroes and their companion took seats in the conference room. Liberty Lad sat in front of the computer and the others sat close together at the conference table.

"Crooked cops," said Detective O'Brien, "That's why I needed yer help." His statement immediately caught the attention of the super heroes.

"Crooked cops?"

"Aye, that's what everything seems to point to. I've been noticing subtle things for sometime now. I'm not sure how many officers are in on it or why I haven't been approached by whomever they're on the take from. I've been playing along to not arouse suspicion until I have some concrete evidence. Percy Smith had been a long time police informant. In exchange for reduced charges he would infiltrate crime rings. His reputation as a thug for hire allowed us to use him to break up organized crime at the head. The way I see it, whoever orchestrated his death had some inside help. "

"Is it possible that the cops are having their families threatened?" asked Alche-Miss, her voice showing signs of weariness.

"I doubt that. They would have come out about it and we would have done a sting."

"If he was working for the police then who did you have him infiltrate last?" asked Liberty Lad.

"That's just it lad, he was in between jobs. Makes me believe that his killer or killers are planning something and didn't want wind of it to get to police, the good ones. Anyway, I could answer yer questions the rest of the night and still get nowhere. Fire up that computer lad and locate El Toro."

"Just one more question por favor." El Diablo had grudges with several police officers, but one stood out above the rest.

"What's that?"

"Do you think Officer Peters might be one of these crooked cops?"

"Peters. No, he's a good man, been on the force a long time. What makes you suspect him?"

El Diablo did not want to reveal too much about his past or any other information to Detective O'Brien. "No particular reason."

"So, what's the fancy contraption say lad?"

"It shows that El Toro is just a few miles from where he attacked us. He's still on the move though. I guess we have to wait until he stops. "

"No can do. We have a chance to get the drop on him and his employers. Do you have a two way radio?"

"There's one built into the system."

"Good. Lets synchronize our frequencies. The three of us will head out. You can stay here and update us."

"You might want to make that two," said Liberty Lad as he pointed at a sleeping Alche-Miss.

"Aye, the lass deserves some rest. Do happen to have any inconspicuous vehicles?"

"Not really," said El Diablo, "everything else stands out like the Freedom Flyer."

"Why not use your car El Diablo?"

"Mi Amante!" exclaimed El Diablo. "No way."

"His what?"

"Amante, I think it means something like a mistress."

"Ya call yer car yer mistress."

"Si. Don't all guys name their cars?"

"I suppose. Cindy is the name for my dame on wheels. Grab yer keys."

"You cannot be serious. I just got her a new engine and paint job."

"Come on kid. Lives are stake here. Isn't this why you became a crime fighter?"

"I suppose. Let me get the keys."

The underground garage of the Freedom Fortress was more than enough space to house the small amount of vehicles for Freedom Force and each of its individual team members. Currently the garage was nearly empty. Detective O'Brien gave a whistle that most would associate with a man admiring a lovely woman. El Diablo smiled with pride. The two were standing in front of a black 1963 Corvette Stingray with chrome trim and flames painted on the sides. They had been staring at the car for more than a minute.

"That's mi Amante. She's a year old, but I had to have her."

"You've got taste kid. Its not very inconspicuous but it'll do. Where did you get the money for this?"

"A Chevrolet dealership gave it to me as payment for some endorsements. The life of a crime fighter is not bad."

"I never got a Corvette."

"Maybe you should take some Energy X."

"Maybe."

"Hop in Amigo." Amigo, thought El Diablo. He considered Detective O'Brien to be many things and a friend was not one of them. He shrugged it off as something that came in the spur of the moment.

The engine roared. El Diablo revved it a few times to show off, put the car into gear, and pulled out of the garage with a deafening screech and a trail of smoke from burned rubber.

It was late night and the streets of Patriot City were nearly empty. El Diablo sped down the streets well above the speed limit. He believed that the presence of Detective O'Brien gave him a license to break the law. El Diablo could see that his guest was thoroughly enjoying the ride it caused an overwhelming sense of pride and put a smile on his face. Perhaps, he thought, the man is not all bad.

"Detective O'Brien, this is Liberty Lad. Do you copy?"

"Aye, what is it lad?"

"El Toro has stopped moving. He's at 1130 South Constitution Lane."

"Got it. We'll be there shortly."

"How far are you from Freedom Fortress? It might be better if you turn around and we all go together."

El Diablo glanced at Detective O'Brien and the glance was returned. They were obviously thinking the same thing.

"Nah," they stated simultaneously.

The address Liberty Lad had given was just blocks from the main strip of downtown Patriot City. At Detective O'Brien's suggestion El Diablo parked downtown and they proceed on foot. El Diablo had to wear an over coat he had in his trunk to cover his costume.

The building appeared to be a rundown factory. There were several vehicles parked outside, among them were a stretch limousine and several delivery trucks. Some of the trucks were backed against a loading dock on the side of the factory. There was very little light around the outside of the building and it made sneaking closer easier. The duo managed to get next to a cracked window that was just low enough for them to peer inside and hear what was going on.

"So, you say El Diablo was with them?" El Diablo could not make out the figure of the man speaking, he was behind the hulking form of El Toro. However, the voice contained a hint of familiarity.

"Si. I told them nothing though, nada."

"It doesn't matter. Your job was to kill Detective O'Brien."

"B-But no one told me he had Freedom Force with him."

"You fool! Why do you think you were sent? If Detective O'Brien was the only problem the thugs could have taken him out."

"Hey," whispered Detective O'Brien "any idea about taking them out."

"I could fire some hell fire blasts through this window. That would take them by surprise."

"Good. Hold this position. I'll give a signal and you start in with yer attack. I'm going to sneak around back to see if I can get some information about what's going on." With that Detective O'Brien disappeared around a corner.

"Perhaps," said the hidden figure, "you haven't screwed up completely. I've been looking forward kicking El Diablo's butt. It's been a long time since I beat him up." Beat me up, thought El Diablo, who is this guy? He again attempted to get a closer look and was still unsuccessful.

An alarm sounded loudly and he could see everyone in the room scrambling. El Diablo wasn't sure what was happening, but he figured that either it was Detective O'Brien's signal or he had been caught. He launched several Hellfire blasts through the window. They ricocheted wildly about the room and caused fiery explosions. El Toro flew into the air and crashed through a wall. The other figure was still standing. El Diablo flew into the window firing a flame directly at the standing villain. He noticed too late that it was having no effect. He had flown in too close and was met with sharp blow that he barely managed to roll with. It sent him to the ground.

"I don't know how you got here El Diablo," said the villain, "but I can grantee you'll leave in a body bag."

El Diablo looked up, the man before him was wearing a long black trench coat with a uniform similar to his own underneath.

"Heat," said El Diablo.

"I'm touched," said Heat, "you remember."

"You killed Percy Smith."

"Some of my best work." Heat pulled out a sawed off shotgun and pointed it at El Diablo's head. "Well...hombre, you got any last words?"

"Not tonight," said El Diablo. He then used his pyrokinetic abilities to excite the molecules in the weapon. It turned bright red. Heat immediately threw it away and it exploded in mid air.

"That's just...."

Before Heat could finish his sentence El Diablo lunged forward and tackled him to the ground. Just as El Diablo thought he had gained the upper hand, Heat managed to use the momentum to flip him off. Stay close, thought El Diablo realizing that the closer he stayed to Heat the less opportunity there would be for villain to draw another weapon and that he might not have enough time to use his ignition powers before suffering serious damage.

The two adversaries were an arms length apart. El Diablo went for a flaming jab. Heat ducked and caught him with a sweep kick. He fell to the floor.

"You know that flaming fist crap won't work on me," said Heat.

El Diablo had underestimated Heat's agility and lay on his back because of it. Heat stomped down aiming for the head. El Diablo caught his foot and sent him flying backwards. "Not in the face hombre," said El Diablo. He quickly got to his feet and moved to press his attack.

Heat was quick to his feet as well and went for another sweep kick. El Diablo jumped to dodge. "You did not think I would fall for the same trick twi-"

He was struck in the back of his head, but before passing out he thought El Toro.

To be continued...

Heat appears courtesy of Mflamer