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In the days since Hounds of Humanity had been defeated, Kyle had hardly heard from Harry. Aside from the occasional text checking in, there was nothing. Kyle had tried getting in touch with his mentor to go over cases that he had been investigating prior to the ordeal with the Hounds, however, the old man would simply tell him that he didn’t have the time, or that they would look into it later. Harry’s seeming disinterest was very much out of character, and Kyle had begun to grow concerned for his friend. So, when he received a text message from the old man telling him to meet at a specific address in Crown Ridge, he was both relieved and concerned. 

[i]Meet me at 53 Somerset Ave, Crown Ridge, noon.[/i] The message had said. 

Kyle arrived at the address Harry had provided just before noon and was slightly confused as to why the old man had wanted to meet here. There was nothing there but an old decommissioned post office building which looked as if it hadn’t been touched in twenty years. Around the perimeter of the old building was a large brick wall which much like the rest of the property had seen better days. The wall was in disrepair, and in some places looked to be crumbling. However, as he looked closer, he could see that it appeared that there had been some recent renovations to the wall, as well as what looked to be a state of the art surveillance system.

“What’s going on Harry?” Kyle asked out loud, although he was alone. 

Not seeing Harry anywhere, Kyle began to walk around the outside of the wall which surrounded the old post office. He was puzzled as to why Harry could possibly want to meet here. Though, one thing he had learned in his time working with Harry, is that the old man always had a reason for everything, he’d just have to wait and find out what that reason was.

[i]12:04[/i]

Harry was late, which Kyle found odd. Harry was never late, for anything. The old man was always quick to remind Kyle of one of his many rules of thumb, “if you’re early, you’re on time. If you’re on time, you’re late.” So, the fact that Harry had not arrived yet had him slightly concerned. However, he did not have to worry for long, as after a few minutes, he saw Harry’s black Cadillac round the corner before if pulled up to the curb in front of him.

“Hi.” The old man said with a smile as he stepped out of the car. His tone was much more jovial than normal.

Now, Kyle was worried.

“What’s up?” Kyle asked as he greeted his mentor. “Why did you want to meet here?”

“Come this way.” Harry said, motioning Kyle to follow him through the gated entrance which would take them to the other side of the wall. ‘We’ve got some things to discuss.”

Harry led Kyle to the old post office building, and as they got closer Kyle could see just how badly the building had deteriorated from years of neglect. Though, as he looked more closely at the building, something seemed slightly “off” about it. Something about the building seemed artificial. Kyle followed Harry around the left side of the building to a section of wall which was just out of view from the street side. 

“Put your hand there.” Harry said pointing to a specific section of the wall that was broken into four square panels, indicating that Kyle should put his hand on the second panel in. When Kyle did as he was instructed, nothing happened.

“What is this?” Kyle asked, growing slightly frustrated, and yet, even more concerned for Harry. In the past few weeks, something had been off with Harry. He didn’t seem to be as fully invested in what they had been doing as he once was. He also noticed the little things, the fatigue in Harry’s eyes, the difficulty the older man had with seemingly menial tasks, such as picking up a coffee mug, or the increasing frequency in which Harry forgot things. He couldn’t help but wonder if this was just another example of Harry’s recent troubles.

Almost as if sensing Kyle’s trepidation, Harry placed his palm of the same panel that Kyle had, and much to the younger man’s surprise, the panel glowed with a bluish hue and the wall slid open, revealing a large elevator with enough room to fit two cars side by side. 

“Your biometrics haven’t been programmed into the system yet.” Harry explained to Kyle. “Once we do that, it’ll open for you too.” He finished as the elevator began to move downward.

“Harry, what the hell is this place?” Kyle asked.

“This…” Harry began. “This is what I’ve been working on for the last month.”  He explained as the elevator came to a stop. 

Once the elevator had stopped, the doors slid open revealing a large room. In the center of the room was a rather unassuming car. Although it was a nice looking car, it didn’t seem to be anything special. Then his eyes shifted from the car to the rest of the room. On the far wall was a large computer array, and in the opposite corner of the room was a workout station, complete with weights, climbing ropes and cardio machines. 

“What is this place?” Kyle asked even though he knew the answer.
“This is your new base of operations. During the cold war it was common for the US government to build bomb shelters beneath municipal buildings, this was an example of one. It was decommissioned in the 70’s.” Harry began.

  “I was able to purchase the property on your behalf, and using some of my old contacts I was able to establish several different shell companies to hide the identity of the true owner, but that’s not anything that you have to worry about.” Harry said, clearly enjoying the baffled look on Kyle’s face.

“It will make operating within Crown Ridge more efficient. Of course, you’ll still have access to The Garage should you need it.” Harry explained. “I know it doesn’t look like much now, but we’ve been working on this for weeks, when we’re done, it’ll be all you need.”

“We?” Kyle asked.

“Kyle, this is a young man’s game.” Harry began, ignoring Kyle’s question. “And I’m not a young man anymore.”

“What are you saying?” Kyle asked, concern creeping into his voice.

“I can’t keep doing this Kyle. When I began training you, you were just a kid with unlimited, untapped potential. And while in many ways you are still that same boy that showed up on my doorstep with Ronnie, you’ve grown so much.” He paused for a moment, closing his eyes and tilting his head to the floor at the mention of his grandson. 

“But there’s nothing more I can teach you.” 

“Harry…” Kyle began but was immediately cut off.

“It’s time for you to take the next step, it’s time for you to be your own man.” Harry told him. “And as it’s your time, it’s also mine. It’s my time to retire.” 

“What are you going to do?” Kyle asked, the shock of the moment made it difficult for him to get the words out.

“Oh, I think I’m going to go to a nice tropical beach somewhere and spend my days sipping fruity drinks with umbrellas in them.” Harry joked. “But no matter what, if you ever need me, I’ll be there for you. I’m just a phone call away.” 

“I…I was not expecting this.” Kyle admitted, still struggling to find the right words.

“But I wouldn’t leave you without getting you set up with everything you need. I know that it doesn’t look like much right now, but neither did The Garage when I first started working on it. This place, this place will be special…and you’re going to make it your own.” Harry told the younger man.

“Harry, you said ‘we.’ Who were you talking about?” Kyle asked.

“Them.” Harry said as he pointed behind Kyle. Much to Kyle’s surprise he saw two young women standing behind him. One was a young blonde woman who looked to be barely out of high school. The other was a dark haired Latina woman who was about his age, or slightly older. 

“Kyle, I’d like you to meet Cassie Welch, the best hacker in the Western Hemisphere. Trust me, the computers are in good hands.” 

“They call me Whisper.” She sad as she extended her hand to shake his.

“And this is the woman that created most of the equipment you use, Ash Martinez, also know as Echo. Her father was the most innovative engineer I’ve ever known. And I have to say, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree. I think you’ll be excited to see what she’s been cooking up for you.”