Exposed (14 page)

     “No, not at all. It’s just very urgent. Sorry. I’ll go sit down.”

     Officer Green dialed Mr. Pierce’s extension and spoke in hushed tones.

     “Yes, sir. There’s a young man here to see you. He says his name is Jake Parker. I can get rid of him if you like. I understand how busy you are.”

     Officer Green was silent for a moment.

     “Don’t get rid of him? You’ll be out in a moment. I’ll let him know, Mr. Pierce.”

     Officer Green hung up the phone and walked over to where Jake was sitting. Jake stood as the officer got closer.

     “What did he say? Is he coming out? Does he want me to go in?”

     “If you’ll be quiet for a moment, I’ll tell you.”

     Jake closed his mouth and sat back down. His leg started shaking, then bouncing up and down. The officer took notice, rolled his eyes, then shot Jake a look. Feeling embarrassed, he looked down, steadied his leg, then looked Officer Green straight in the eyes. He stayed silent waiting to hear the news.

     “Are you calm now? May I speak?”

     Jake stayed motionless and maintained eye contact.

     “Good. Mr. Pierce said he will see you and will be out momentarily.”

     “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

     Jake instinctively reached his hand out to shake the officer’s, but pulled back when Officer Green turned away. Without a word, he resumed his post at the security desk while Jake waited on the bench for Mr. Pierce.

     “Jake, it’s good to see you. You hung up so quickly I could barely get a thought out.”

     “I’m very happy to see you, too, Mr. Pierce, but I’m not here for a social call. I have some very bad news to tell you.”

     “What is it, Jake?”

     Jake looked around. Officer Green turned his head in Jake’s direction. Not wanting anyone to hear his news, he whispered near Mr. Pierce’s ear.

     “It’s about Alyson and Cassie. I think we should talk in private.”

     “Let’s go to my office. We’ll have all the privacy we’ll need.”

     Jake followed him down the hall until they reached the office. When he stepped inside, his jaw dropped.

     “Alyson! I didn’t think...”

     “You didn’t think what? That I would be here?”

     “That I would ever see you again. I’ve been so... I’ve missed you.”

     Alyson’s voice softened.

     “I didn’t think I would see you again, either.”

     “I came to speak to your dad, but it’s about you -- you and Cassie.”

     “Cassie is down the hall in her dad’s office.”

     “Why don’t we go to Alex’s office and we can discuss what you came to tell me?” Charles said.

     “Good idea. That way I only have to say it once.”

     “Is it safe for you to be here? What about your dad?” Alyson asked.

     “He doesn’t know I’m here. Obviously. We don’t have much time.”

     Alyson smiled at Jake. That old familiar smile. The one he grew to love over the past two years. The same smile he thought he would never see again.

     “I’ve really missed you, Alyson.”

     “I hate to break up the party you two, but we need to move.”

     Jake and Alyson followed him down the hall, exchanging glances on the way. Charles opened the door to see Alex typing away on the computer and Cassie lounging on the oversized chair in the corner.

     “I’m glad you’re both here,” Jake said, still smiling in Alyson’s direction.

     “What is it, Jake?” Alex asked, still typing.

     The smile slowly faded from Jake’s face.

     “It’s very serious. I think everyone should sit down and take a deep breath.”

     Alex stopped typing, Alyson sat next to Cassie, and Charles took a seat next to Alex’s desk.

     “My father, Howard Parker, has LoJacked Alyson and Cassie. He had a microchip implanted in the back of their neck. All he has to do is look on the computer screen and he can pinpoint where they are at all times.”

     Jake paused, then looked at their horrified faces.

     “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

     “It’s not your fault,” Charles said. “Your father has always been...”

     Charles watched as Jake lowered his head.

     “The important thing, Jake, is that you’re a good person. I can see you’re trying to help our daughters.”

     “Whatever I can do.”

     “What are we going to do now?” Alyson asked, her voice shaking. “We just got away from him. I can’t go back to...”

     “You’re safe here, Alyson. He’s not going to come onto these premises. He’s not a fool.”

     “Maybe not, but he is crazy. He’s completely insane. You didn’t see what he was like. When me and Cassie were trapped in that room. You didn’t see. You can’t imagine...”

     “You need to calm down. You’re both safe. He’s not going to try anything as long as you stay here. He’ll wait until you’re out in the open before he makes a move. As long as you stay here, you’ll be safe.”

     “We can’t stay here forever. We’ll just be trading one prison cell for another. Alyson’s right. We can’t go back to that, but we can’t stay here either.”

     “It won’t be forever,” Alex said. “Just until we come up with a plan.”

     “If we leave, what’s going to happen to Samantha?” Alyson asked.

     “What do you mean?” Charles asked, very confused.

     “I mean, Samantha is the reason you created us, right? What about her? Doesn’t she still need that transplant to survive?”

     “How did you? How did you know about the transplant?” Charles asked, afraid to hear the answer.

     “I know about everything.”

     Charles lowered his head, feeling he just lost his daughter all over.

     “It’s okay, Dad. I’m not upset anymore. If you still need me to be her donor, I’m okay with it.”

     “You..you would do that? Even after all that’s happened? You would still be her donor? I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.”

     “Don’t go getting all mushy on me now.”

     “I truly have one amazing daughter.”

     “If we’re going to do it, we should get started.”

     “Are you sure you’re ready? Do you feel strong enough? I know you’ve just started to heal.”

     “I’ll be fine, Dad. After all, if it wasn’t for Samantha, I wouldn’t be here at all.”

     “I feel the same way,” Cassie said. “If you need me to donate, I’m ready.”

     “Well, Charles. There’s no time like the present. Let’s get them prepped for the procedure.”

     “I know you want to save Samantha, and I understand you’re running out of time, but are you sure they’re strong enough? They only just started walking again. I don’t want anything to happen to them. I only just got Alyson back. I couldn’t stand it if I lost her again.”

     “She’ll be fine, Jake. They both will. We love them very much and we don’t intend to let anything happen to them. You don’t have to worry,” Charles said, putting his hand on Jake’s shoulder.

     “I really should go. My dad will get suspicious if I stay here too long. Please call me and let me know what’s happening. Let me know they’re okay.”

     “I’ll call right after the procedure is over and inform you of their progress,” Charles said, trying to reassure Jake.

     “I’ll be fine. If I can survive your dad, I can survive a little procedure,” Alyson said.

     “It’s not a little procedure, Alyson. You know that. It’s surgery. I do still love you, you know.”

     “I know. I love you, too.”

     “I’ll see you soon as I can. Good luck. That goes for you, too, Cassie.”

     “Thanks, Jake. For everything.”

     “I’ll call you soon,” Charles said, patting Jake on the shoulder.

     Jake hesitated, then gave Alyson a quick hug before leaving Alex’s office and heading home.

Chapter Twenty - One

     “Jake?” Howard called out, closing the front door.

     “I’m in here, Dad. In the kitchen. Just making a little midnight snack.”

     “But it’s two in the morning.”

     “It’s always a good time for a midnight snack. Besides, I thought you were going to be staying at the lab all night. How come you’re home now? Did something happen?”

     “Nothing happened. I just had a feeling you might need me now. You’re still feeling spooked since the break in, aren’t you? It’s okay. It’s completely understandable.”

     “I’m not a little kid anymore, Dad. I’m almost eighteen. I shouldn’t feel scared.”

     “That’s one thing you need to learn. You can’t help how you feel. It’s okay to be afraid.”

     “What if...?”

     “They won’t come back.”

     “How did you...?”

     “How did I know that’s what you were going to ask? It’s simple, Jake. Simple human nature.”

     “Am I that predictable?”

     “Just a little.”

     Jake laughed, feeling the tension ease between him and his father. Jake felt more than just a little confused. How could this familiar stranger do the atrocities to Alyson and Cassie that he witnessed with his own eyes? Atrocities that he himself assisted with.

     “How about I join you in that midnight snack? I could go for a little something. Why don’t I make some strawberry pancakes for us?”

     “I haven’t had those since Mom...”

     “I know, Jake. Your mom used to make them when you were a little boy. Anytime you were scared or upset, your mom would whip up a batch of strawberry pancakes and you would always feel better.”

     “You remembered. I didn’t think you...”

     Jake didn’t know what to say.

     “I love you, Jake.”

     “I love you, too,” Jake said, the words sticking in his throat.

     “Are you ready for those pancakes?”

     “Sure am, Dad.”

     As Jake ate the pancakes, devouring even the smallest bits of strawberry, he started to relax.

     “I think that was just what I needed.”

     “I know I can never replace your mother, nor would I try to, but I would like to be closer to you. I want to be part of your world. I want you to be part of my world. I can’t tell you how elated I am that you’re doing research with me now. That we’re becoming a real father and son research team.”

     Jake cringed.

     “Too many pancakes?”

     “That must be it.”

     Jake’s stomach twisted in knots. He thought of Alyson. He pictured her -- strapped to a bed, scabs covering most of her body. He vomited, covering the table with chunks of half digested berries.

     “Go lie down, Jake. I’ll clean up this mess.”

     Jake could barely look his father in the eye. He swiped a napkin across his face, blew his nose, and went upstairs to his room. After flipping on the radio, he collapsed on the bed and shut his eyes tight, trying to block out haunting visions of Alyson and Cassie. Images of their suffering that flashed in his head and refused to leave. Alyson’s screams. Cassie’s cries. Hour after hour, pangs of guilt shot through him. His body drenched in sweat, he pulled the covers tighter to quell the chills that permeated his body. Tossing. Turning. His mind and body were at war. Then, sometime just before the sun came up, his mind finally quieted and he drifted off to sleep.

Chapter Twenty - Two

     Sunlight pierced the window, reflecting in Samantha’s newly opened eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks and a half smile formed on her face. Charles, who was sitting at her bedside since the procedure ended, returned her loving gaze. His eyes, welled up with tears, blinked, forcing the salty liquid into his open mouth.

     “My Samantha. My beautiful Samantha.”

     Charles swallowed, his throat sore from holding back the tears.

     “I’ve missed you so much,” he said, his eyes locked on hers.

     Samantha remained silent, but didn’t avert her gaze from his. He longed to hear her sweet voice speak his name, but no sound emerged. Not wanting to rush her, he took her hand in his and gently kissed her delicate fingers.

     “I know you must be very confused.”

     Samantha tilted her head slightly, still remaining silent.

     “It’s okay. I’m sure you must have several questions for me. Your first one is probably how did I get so old. Time has not been very kind to me. As you can see, my hairline has gone somewhat south since the last time we were together.”

     Samantha smiled, still staying silent.

     “There’s so much I have to tell you. So much has happened since...”

     Charles couldn’t speak the words.

     “That’s not important now. All that matters is that you’re here. You’re here now. Here with me. You’re alive and you’re with me again.”

     Overcome with emotion, Charles lowered his head, trying to conceal the tears that wouldn’t abate.

     “I’m so thankful to have you back. I’ve missed you so,” Charles said, his head nestled in the crook of her shoulder.

     Her hand reached around to comfort him, her ivory fingers caressing the nape of his neck. His body tingled with each sensation. He closed his eyes, focusing only on Samantha’s touch, reveling in the moment.

     “I...I’ve missed you, too,...Charles.”

     Charles lifted his head, fixing his gaze on Samantha’s emerald green eyes.

     “You..you said my name. You’re...you’re okay. You can speak. You’re...back. You’re really back.”

     “I don’t understand, Charles. What happened? Where am I? Why am I hooked up to all these machines?”

     “It’s a long story. For right now, just rest. We’ll talk later about everything that’s happened. You need time to regain your strength. You just went through a bone marrow transplant and your body needs time to recover.”

     “I feel like I’ve been through so much more. My mind is practically a blank. What aren’t you telling me?”

     “In due time. Just close your eyes and rest. I promise I won’t leave your side. I’ll never leave your side.”

     “I am tired. Maybe just a short nap. But when I wake, I want you to tell me everything.”

     Charles brushed the hair from Samantha’s face, kissed her forehead and leaned back in his chair. He closed his eyes for a moment, then jumped up when he heard the door open.

     “How’s she doing, Charles?” Alex asked as he watched Samantha’s eyelids fluttering.

     “Shh. She’s almost asleep.”

     “Did it work? Was the transplant a success?”

     “She’s going to be okay. She’s going to be just fine. She spoke, Alex. She spoke to me. She said my name. Her beautiful melodious voice spoke my name. After so many years of waiting, she finally spoke my name.”

     “We did it, Charles. Thanks to our girls. We did it. We saved Samantha. Does she know what happened?”

     “Not yet. I haven’t told her anything except that she received the transplant. It’s too much to burden her with all at once.”

     “I’m sure she’s going to want to meet Alyson and Cassie. After all, they are responsible for her being here.”

     “And she for them. Everything has come full circle.”

     “It certainly has.”

     “They should meet. Not today, but soon. Give all our girls a chance to recuperate.”

     “I agree. We should wait. But not too long. Don’t forget, Jake’s father is still on the warpath. He’s not going to just leave Alyson and Cassie alone. He’ll try again. It’s not safe to keep them here too long.”

     “When they’re stronger, we’ll remove the tracking device he implanted in them. Then we’ll get them out of the country. I hate sending them away, but we really don’t have any alternative.”

     “Do you think he’ll give up once he can’t track them any longer?”

     “Knowing Howard the way I know Howard, he’ll never give up. As long as they’re alive, he will stop at nothing to get his hands on them again. The man is nothing if not relentless.”

     “He did eventually give up on Samantha.”

     “Not exactly. If you remember correctly, Samantha just disappeared. He wasn’t able to find her, but I don’t believe he ever gave up.”

     “Something you said gives me an idea.”

     “What? What did I say that could possibly give you an idea, Alex?”

     “You said as long as they’re alive.”

     “Yes, how does that help? We are obviously going to keep them alive. I wouldn’t let anything hurt Alyson ever again. What are you suggesting?”

     “What if Howard believed they weren’t alive? He would have no choice but to move on.”

     “How exactly are we going to do that? He’s not stupid. He would want proof of some sort.”

     “Ch...Charles? What are you...what are you talking about? Is that Alexander with you? I thought I heard his voice.”

     “You did,” Alex said, moving closer so Samantha could see his face. “It’s good to hear your voice again. Charles was right. You do look beautiful. You haven’t changed a bit. So glad to have you back in the land of the living.”

     “Charles, what is he talking about?”

     “You know Alex. He’s just being dramatic.”

     “I guess some people never change,” Samantha said.

     “How are you feeling?” Charles asked.

     “Still a bit groggy. Your voices woke me.”

     “Sorry about that. You get some more rest. We’ll be just outside your room if you need anything,” Charles said, gently caressing Samantha’s cheek.

     “I’ll be okay. You don’t have to stand guard. I will take you up on your offer of more sleep, though. I am still tired.”

     “Rest well. If you require anything, press this button. A nurse will be in to take care of your needs.”

     “Thank you, Charles. And Alexander...”

     “Yes, Samantha?”

     “It’s good to see you again.”

     “The pleasure is all mine. We’ll talk later when you’re feeling better. We have a lot of catching up to do. The place hasn’t been the same without you. Charles hasn’t been the same without you.”

     “You’re very sweet. We’ll talk soon.”

     “Rest well. Come, Charles.”

     Charles leaned in, kissed Samantha gently, then turned to leave as she let out a yawn. He took one more look before joining Alex in the hall.

     “She’s going to be just fine, Charles. I know you’re worried, but she’s strong.”

     “How did you...?”

     “I know you, Charles. Every time you’re worried or scared about something, your face tenses and your left eye twitches.”

     “You do know me. Then you must also know what else is on my mind.”

     “I do. And you are concerned needlessly. I can see by the way you look at her. It’s written all over your face. She can see it, too. She knows you love her. She loves you, too.”

     “It’s not that simple. It’s as if time stood still for her. She hasn’t changed a bit.”

     “You’re right. She’s as beautiful and youthful as the day you met. Time stood still for her.”

     “I know, but not for us. Eighteen years have passed. Eighteen long hard years. They’ve taken a toll. I don’t look like the man she fell in love with so long ago. What if she...?”

     “She still loves you. All she sees when she looks at you is the man she fell in love with -- not the grey hairs, what’s left of your hair, or the weathered lines on your face. She just sees you.”

     “I wish I could believe that.”

     “Trust your love. Trust her. It’s going to take time for you to get used to each other again. You’ll get there. Take a deep breath and relax.”

     “You’re a good friend, Alex. After everything we’ve just gone through, with Alyson and Cassie, with Samantha’s transplant, I’m not sure I know how to relax anymore.”

     “Take advantage of the time we have right now. Don’t forget, we still have Howard Parker to deal with. He’s not going to give up on our girls and before long, he’ll come looking for them again.”

     “He won’t come into our lab. As long as they stay here, they’ll be safe.”

     “You know that’s only a short term solution. We can’t keep the girls here forever. We need to come up with a plan to make him believe Alyson and Cassie are dead. Something that will leave no doubt in his mind.”

     “You’re right. We do need to come up with something, but can we do that tomorrow? Right now, my head is spinning and all I can think about is Samantha. She’s alive. She’s really alive again. No more existing in suspended animation. No more being separated from me. We can work on building a life together -- the one we should have had so many years ago.”

     “You’re very lucky, Charles. Most people don’t get a second chance.”

     “I know, Alex. And I want to revel in that good fortune for a while longer. I’m not ready to deal with crazy Howard Parker yet. I just want to...”

     Charles took a deep breath.

     “I just want to be for a while. Alyson’s safe. Samantha is on her way to a full recovery. Let’s just enjoy that for today. Tomorrow... Tomorrow we will deal with the outside world again.”

     “Okay, Charles. Just for today. You’ve earned it. For today, we will just enjoy friends and family.  We will stay in the cocoon of New View Biotech and shut out the world for just a little while.”

     “So, do you think it’s too soon for me to propose?”

     Charles and Alex laughed.

     “I realize it’s been eighteen years, but you might want to wait until she’s back home again. I’m assuming she’ll be going home with you and Alyson.”

     “Home? With Alyson?” Charles paused. “I suppose so,” Charles said wistfully.

     “You sound unsure. Isn’t that what you’ve always wanted? To be a family with Samantha and Alyson? What’s the problem?”

     “The problem? I’m hoping none, but I haven’t thought that far ahead yet. I was so caught up in the excitement of her survival, I forgot about the day-to-day reality.”

     “Everything will work out. They are going to get along just fine. You worry too much, Charles.”

     “That may be, but Alyson hasn’t even met Samantha. Not yet anyway. How can I just bring her into our home when she’s a virtual stranger to Alyson? I realize they’re identical genetically, but they’re still individuals with their own unique ideas and experiences. What if Alyson doesn’t accept her? What do I do? I can’t lose her again. I only just got her back. I only just got both of them back.”

     “Charles, you’re getting ahead of yourself. Alyson just went through a very painful procedure to save Samantha’s life. She’s not going to object to the woman moving in with you. Alyson knows how important Samantha is to you.”

     “What if Alyson still resents her?” 

     “I’m sure she’s moved past her anger and will welcome Samantha into your home. Then the three of you can live happily ever after.”

     “I know you’re mocking me, but you’re right. I’m being foolish. They’re going to love each other and I’m panicking for no good reason. Thank you. Thank you for being a friend.”

     “I’m always here for you -- you and Samantha. Whatever you need, I’m here.”

     “Maybe we should check on her. See how she’s doing. She might be awake.”

     “If she is, she needs to go back to sleep. She’s never going to make a full recovery without giving her body plenty of rest.”

     “I know you’re right.”

     “Come on. Let’s go to the cafeteria and grab some food. We’ll check on Cassie and Alyson on the way.”

     Charles took a quick peek into Samantha’s room, saw she was still asleep, and walked with Alex to Cassie and Alyson’s room. They were both awake and getting impatient to leave.

     “When are we getting sprung from this place?” Alyson asked, mindlessly flipping through the television channels.

     “I know you must be getting bored, probably a little restless, but you know it’s not safe for you to leave the facility yet. Not until we come up with a plan to keep you safe from Howard.”

     “I’m sick of staying in bed, Dad. I feel fine. Better than ever.”

     “I’m glad to hear it, Alyson, but you should rest for a few more days. That will give Alex and me a chance to come up with some ideas.”