Chapter 1

William Armstrong Jr. (Will) met Sofia Guerrero in college when Will was a junior, and Sofia was a sophomore. They started dating and became exclusive the next year. Sofia got pregnant during her junior year. Will was a senior, and they married, then Kane was born. Sofia was able to graduate a year later, on time, with Will’s parents’ help caring for Kane. Will was recruited by the CIA upon graduation because of his father’s background in intelligence. When Sofia graduated, she was also recruited by the CIA for her language skills, beauty, and skin color. She could blend in easily in the Middle East, Europe, and South America.

Once Sofia graduated from the farm, she was assigned as a NOC, and she was gone. Will cared for Kane with his parents’ help during the day. Sofia and Will remained married but realized they would have relationships outside their marriage. Sofia, due to her NOC status, and Will, out of need for intimacy. Will’s liaisons were discreet because of Kane but also because of his job. Technically, he had to report any relationships beyond a casual date. So, he arranged a series of friends-with-benefits encounters to bypass the reporting requirements.

Unknown to anyone but Grandfather, he had a friend who was a retired geneticist. Oliver Baer, PhD, worked on many dark off-the-books programs for the CIA. Although he had officially retired, he kept a lab behind his home and continued the research he had abandoned. His discovery was earth-shattering and dangerous. Oliver knew it would be exploited by those assholes who pushed him out. It would also get him killed for his discovery. So, he continued to refine and improve the formula.

He told his good, longtime friend, William Armstrong, and discussed in length the benefits it would afford his grandson Kane. William would bring Kane to Oliver’s house during their monthly visits starting when he was one year old. Kane was given injections to increase his strength, endurance, and mental aptitude. Unknown to everyone, it also altered his DNA and bestowed beneficial gifts upon Kane.

Kane was gifted, with a high IQ, and learned quickly. Dad and Grandfather got him involved in martial arts when he was five because of their jobs. Kane needed not only to defend himself but also to kill an imminent threat. They also took Kane to a private shooting range and taught him about firearms. Kane started with a .22 rifle and pistol under their supervision. Kane had a thirst for learning, and although he could shoot the weapons, he learned about the calibers, functions, and even how to disassemble and reassemble them.

The range gunsmith would give Kane a lesson on whatever firearm he was working on during their visit. Dad and Grandfather would have Kane shoot his .22s, then they would take him to the gunsmith, Ray. They would practice shooting while Kane learned how to improve firearms accuracy, function, and trigger pull. Ray would show Kane how to work on a different firearm each visit.

Kane was a fast learner, and by kindergarten, Grandmother realized he was too far advanced for public school, so she organized homeschooling for him. So, his daily schedule would consist of martial arts training three days a week, studying, and helping his grandparents with their projects. Both were retired but took on assignments in their respective fields to stay up to date and active.

Grandmother explained the law she practiced and how to examine the evidence. She said prosecutors and defense lawyers often overlook or miss important details of the case. She would point out several instances and say that if something seems strange, it requires further investigation. She had Kane read witness statements and investigators’ reports to find inconsistencies.

Dad would spend as much time as possible with Kane, discussing his job and the issues he faced at work. It was against CIA rules, but Will wanted Kane to know the process of intelligence gathering and data analysis. They would only discuss subjects in Dad’s home office, with a white-noise machine running. It defeated listening devices, and Dad had an audio-video detector they used regularly at home.

When Kane was 10 years old, he would travel wherever Sofia, his mom, was for a week or two once a year to reconnect. During those trips, Sofia taught Kane the tools of the trade she had learned. They would check for tails, change direction, and look at reflections in windows to see if someone was observing or following them. He learned to read people’s actions and spot potential threats in restaurants and on the street.

Mom also taught Kane about disguises and how to quickly change his appearance to shed a tail or evade capture. She also taught him how to appear weak if apprehended and escape. He learned how to pick locks, get out of restraints, and practice sleight of hand or pick pockets. Mom said when on the run, it’s the best way to get funds or get an ID you can use temporarily. She also taught Kane how to alter passports and IDs. They also covered safe cracking and how to locate a safe in a room or office.

Mom stressed the key to a successful intrusion is not leaving a trace you were there. So, wear gloves and take pictures to make sure everything is in place when you leave. She also taught Kane the art of deception or lying. Mom taught Kane about cover stories and how they had to appear real. Research your cover so you can answer basic questions. If the questions get too detailed, change the subject or make an excuse to leave.

When Kane was fourteen, his Dad came home and told him there was a mole hunt at work. He showed Kane his safe combination and a code word he’d use if there were trouble. They spent a weekend gathering items Kane would need for a go bag. Dad told Kane, when you get my text to get milk at the store, leave immediately after emptying the safe. Take the safe contents and your go bag to our pre-arranged spot. Grandfather will pick you up and take you to a safe house. He will set up a communications link with you to use if needed.

Dad said he didn’t know whether your Mom is involved or whether the mole hunt is centered in the CIA office. But trust no one but your grandparents, and put down anyone who shows up at the safe house. If the safe house is compromised, use your emergency communications link to Grandfather and leave immediately. Dad said he had a bad feeling about the situation and hoped he was wrong. He said to remember your training and disable those pursuing you. If cornered, put them down with prejudice.

Two days later, Kane received the code text message from Dad and responded immediately. He was leaving through the backyard when he heard vehicles arrive at the house. Kane went to the prearranged pickup point, and Grandfather took him to a safe house. It was a cabin in the mountains, and there was plenty of space between any neighbors. It also gave Kane a clear view of the road so he would have ample warning.

Grandfather showed Kane the armory and said to use it only when necessary. Loud noise brings unwanted attention. He pointed to the bow, arrows, and crossbow. He said to use them for food or to kill silently. He also gave Kane six burner phones and told him to use them once, then destroy them. They are for communicating with me, and my contact number is preprogrammed in each one. Now I’ll arrange to restock food once a month, and you’re fully stocked.