Acceleration

by Lin Larson

  Desperately Sam whispered back. “I don’t want medals.”

  Sean poured some water into a cup at the bedside table. He held up Sam’s head and brought the cup to his mouth. “Here drink this, relax, and then listen to me.’”

  Sam still trembled as he tried to sip the drink, then lay back exhausted.

  Sean continued. “It’s not your fault. You made the right decision with the information you were given. The Big Brass agrees. You lost some men, but you saved so many more. You deserve the medals. You were a hero. You ran into the smoke and explosions, karate chopping and guns a blazing. You nut! And you took out a lot of bad guys. The ones that died would be proud of you and grateful for saving the rest. And remember, people die in war. You can’t help them all. You can only try hard, and you did.”

  Sam had stared at the light above his head and then at his brother. He spoke softly. “I’m quitting the service. I want a quiet life now. I don’t want to see people die anymore.”

  “I understand. But death, even during peace, isn’t always pretty, serene, and free of pain. And we all just do our best to deal with it… Sam, you are not to blame. Remember that. You are one of the good guys, and you’re my brother. Hey, I’m really proud of you. Now go to sleep. Dream of pretty girls and your new life. Then come visit me. I have a new job at a research hospital. And Kate and the kids will get to gush all over you too.” Sean smiled.

  Sam sighed heavily, but he understood. “Thanks, Sean. I’ll try.”

  #

  Sam remembered the long convalescence. Sean, Kate, and the kids had come often until Sean started working at his new job. Such a great family too. Sam felt a pang of envy, but he had enjoyed his new life, his quiet life, alone at first. He loved writing, but fame came quickly. He liked the money and freedom, no doubt about that. The attention, however, embarrassed him, but he was content. He married, but it didn’t work out. He and his ex went their separate ways, but stayed distant friends. Sam survived and basically recovered. He rebuilt his life. But now, Sean was in trouble. Sam may not be able to save his brother, but he would sure try.

  Suddenly the sound of tires, on the gravel outside, cracked the air.

  Sam shoved the journal back under the mattress. Who knew he was here? He rose and pulled open the old cabin door? A large van, with a huge Mekka Corporation Logo, seemed to glare hungrily back at him. His skin prickled? Sam blinked away his foreboding and walked firmly out of the cabin.

  CHAPTER 4

  “You Samuel Stone, the writer, Sean Stone’s brother?”

  “Yeah,” Sam hedged.

  “Get in,” the driver grunted coldly.

  “Why?” Sam stood his ground.

  “I was just told to get you?

  “Who are you? How did you know I was here?” Sam felt a gnawing sensation of increased wariness.

  “You come now.” The driver pointed close to Sean’s face and evaded the question. He was a huge hefty brute. Sam had no wish to tangle with him.

  “All right.” No sooner had the words escaped him, but two men leaped from the van, shoved Sam onto a hard bench in the back and squeezed beside him. Sam felt his pulse racing.

  “Are we going to see Sean?”

  The men scowled and turned away.

  Sam controlled his anger. “You’re not answering me- means you are rude and uncooperative. I was treated politely when I inquired at the corporate building. Why so obnoxious now?”

  “Just following orders. Now shut-up,” the skinny one beside him said.

  “I’ll come, for the moment only.” Sam wanted to punch them all in their swarthy faces and twist their tongues, but that wouldn’t answer his questions. Not yet anyway. However, it sure would help him feel better. He fought the urge to strike back. He hadn’t done physical self-defense since the war. He had wanted no part of physical violence ever again. He had been happy that his life had been peaceful, but now he was worried about the only family he had left, his brother. He couldn’t turn away. Was his body ready and willing to fight back now? He thought so. To save Sean, yes; he had to do so. He could and would fight back. The skills would come back to him. He hoped so anyway.

  #

  It was a long two hours. Sam squirmed, but it only made the men crowd him tighter. He had about decided to elbow each hard, punch their ugly faces, and escape, but the van suddenly jerked in a turn and slowed to a stop. The men hurled him out the door and onto the ground. They smirked and roared with laughter.

  Sam sat up. “Is this how you treat guests? Not funny. Is Sean your boss or this man, Mekka? They won’t like you not being kind. Me neither.” Sam staggered up and threw a steely punch. The bigger guy caught the hard impact directly on the center of his jaw. Unaffected, he turned, grinned at Sam, and hurled him against the van.

  Stunned, Sam stood unsteadily. “So, creep, you’re one of those freaks that don’t feel pain. I’ll have to change that.” Sam threw his legs out to trip the thug and scrambled to hold the massive neck in a vice-like choke hold. I think I’ll call you Loser, because you just lost.”

  Sam tightened his grip as the man gasped and sputtered. “Loser, don’t treat guests like me with disrespect. You will promise to be sweet right?”

  Sam suddenly felt a muzzle of a gun pressing hard on the side of his head. “Oh, protecting Loser, eh? Not good for me, is that what you’re trying to say, in your own humble way?” Sam twisted and batted the gun down as it went off. Loser yelped and grasped his leg. Sam squirmed away. “Hey, Skinny, you hurt your Loser. Mekka won’t like that. “

  Sam stood up and glared at the men gasping on the ground. “It’s been awhile since I’ve had so much exercise, fellas. My body’s a bit achy, you too I imagine. Shall we quit and be civil now? …Take me to my brother and Mekka. Get up.”

  Sam immediately sensed a gun in his back. “Yes?” Sam said quietly. “I forgot about the driver. And you are?”

  “Ratch,” The swarthy driver grunted.

  Sam nodded. “Well, Ratch, you may join us. Take me to your “Leader”, you know, your little boss.”

  Ratch stared down at his men in scorn and lowered his gun. “Get up, men. Dr. Mekka won’t like this.”

  Loser and Skinny struggled up and sputtered to the driver. “Give him to us.”

  “Later,” Ratch spat out the words.

  Sam stared up at this building in the rear. He had been to the small front one to inquire about Sean, but this one was huge and garish orange in color. This unusually colorful exterior puzzled him. “Your boss likes rather bright colors for his buildings!”

  “Shut up. Move.” Ratch gave him a shove.

  Sam could feel Ratch’s eyes bore into his back as he began to strut forward. “All right,” he replied crisply. Reaching the door, he reached out to yank it open. “Oops, locked. I thought I was invited. I assume you charming fellows have a key?”

  Ratch shoved him aside, inserted a key card, flung open the door, and snorted. “Yes, and I don’t need your attempts at charm. Walk.”

  “Well, it would help,” Sam muttered coldly, as he pushed down a heavy feeling. He

  wondered why he was facing such hostility. Something big was going on. It didn’t look

  good, at least not for him. But why?

  #

  As the elevator climbed, Sam gazed at his brother’s associates. He did not like them

  a bit.

  The lift suddenly jerked to a stop. Sam emerged into sumptuous surroundings. It wasn’t the expensive furnishings, however, that aroused his curiosity. He puzzled at the extent of the orange on the walls, that bright, brash, hard orange again! The walls were a bit of a travesty to the senses, he thought. Then it hit him with choking force- the serum, Sean’s discovery! Either Mekka was possibly using it in here or Sean was or…both!

  A small man, with a marmalade cane, interrupted Sam’s thoughts. He peered at Sam with the curiosity of an evil mortician eying a dead human carcass. Sam felt a sudden nausea and the urge to run. He forced himself to not m
ove and stared at icy blue eyes that never blinked. The man hoarsely whispered, “Sit.”

  Sam felt his breath catch and then rush back into his lungs. He cleared his throat. “I want to see my brother, Sean. He works for you, but you know that.”

  “He’s busy and expresses his regrets. He wishes you to leave and not come back.”

  “I will see him now. Then I will return home.” Sam had found his voice and strength.

  “You will not see him. He’s extremely busy. I don’t repeat myself again. My daughter,

  Caroline, will see to your needs. You are excused. Caroline will join you in the lobby. Good day, Mr. Stone.” Heavy doors opened as Mekka turned away.

  Sam was amazed. “You are giving me your daughter. You under estimate me.”

  Mekka turned. “You are an animal. She is an animal. You are worth nothing to me. She will be waiting and can make her own decisions. You are not wanted here. Go back to your own kind.”

  “My kind is here.” Sam said curtly.

  “No, you have made a big mistake, Stone. You don’t belong. Your brother does not want you here. I do not want you here. Get out while you can.” Mekka stared at him with distain, pivoted, and was gone.

  Sam’s thoughts scrambled as he struggled to control his anger.

  Suddenly two men gripped hard on his arms and hustled him back to the elevator. Their vice-like grip held until they reached the parking lot. “Thanks guys for the tour, but next time, mind your manners. I hate to lose my sense of humor and break your ugly necks, but I could.” Sam snapped as he jerked away.

  “Mr. Stone?”

  Sam turned to the voice and met the cool playful gaze of Miss Caroline Mekka.

  “May I call you Sam?” she continued crisply, “You resemble your brother. I’m Caroline. My father says that Sean is well and regrets your wasted trip. Do return to your home. Your car is in the shop, but here is a new blue Jag loaner car. It should get you home. Yours was black but this one is terrific. You may use it or keep it, as you wish. However, we will let you know when your car is fully repaired and ready. In the meanwhile, we hope your journey home will be pleasant.” She passed him the keys. “Good day, Sir.”

  Sam feared his mouth might be gaping. “I hate to be rude, but this won’t work…Thank you for the car, but I need answers.”

  “Then let’s go for a drive.” Caroline flipped her long blonde hair and smiled charmingly. “I’ll drive.” She pointed to her white Jag. “We have similar tastes in cars, sort of. A good way to start our friendship. Get in.”

  “All right…Interesting,” Sam was definitely fascinated. “Miss Caroline. I’m temporarily hooked. Don’t betray me.”

  “Good, I’m harmless,” Caroline laughed that lovely sound again. She gracefully entered the car and rolled down the windows. “I hope you don’t mind if I open them; I enjoy the fresh air.”

  “I do also. Let’s go,” he replied as he joined her in the car.

  Sam couldn’t help but wonder if she was an unpredictable pawn or integral to the game she was playing. But he felt she had no cruelty and deception in her soul. He hoped he was correct.

  “By the way, where are we going?”

  Caroline turned to Sam and spoke softly, with a serious look on her face. “My place.” She quickly threw the car into gear and sped away, as the wind tore at their clothes.

  CHAPTER 5

  The lady knew the hills. Sam wanted to shake her steely confidence; however, she was too damn sexy.

  “You cold, Sam?” Caroline shouted in the wind.

  “No, he returned.

  She skidded onto a dirt road and began to traverse it with skill.

  “Ever do any racing?” Sam yelled.

  “No, you?” She grinned coyly.

  “No… Is there a kind soul under that glaze, Miss?” Sam gazed at her seriously.

  “Possibly,” Caroline retorted and yanked the car into a turn. She then quickly pulled into the stone driveway of a small cottage. “My hideaway.” She turned towards Sam with eyes flashing. “Don’t get me wrong, Stone. I don’t bring all my father’s friends here, just the ones I’m attracted to.”

  He had to admit, he was aroused.

  Caroline ran up the steps and cocked her head in his direction. “Come, we need to go inside.”

  Sam felt drawn to follow and did. Once inside, Sam closed the door firmly and looked at her gravely.

  “You are confused, angry, or delighted?” She replied softly.

  “Delighted, of course, but why am I really here?” Sam definitely needed more honesty than he was getting.

  “I need you to help my father,” Caroline said quietly.

  “Your father seems very much in control. He doesn’t need my help,” Sam said flatly.

  “He’s wrong. You’ll see.” She whispered as she moved close to Sam and touched his mouth with her fingertips.

  Sam kissed them gently and smoothed her silky hair. “You are beautiful,” he breathed softly, as he looked deeply into her eyes. She was one of the good guys, he was fairly sure of that now. Sean could wait until morning.

  #

  Sam woke and gazed into the darkness. He had forgotten where he was. He stared with slow comprehension at the shadowy figure framed in the moonlight by the window. “Caroline?” he whispered.

  Caroline turned. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I couldn’t sleep. I’m sorry, Sam. I’m using you. I’m not being fair.”

  “Using me, I’m also using you, but enjoying every minute.”

  Caroline stared back.

  Sam could feel the tremendous sadness, even at the distance. “What’s wrong? There’s more?”

  She slowly walked to him, lowered herself on the bed, and curled up in Sam’s arms. As she lay beside him, tears filled her eyes. “I can’t, Sam. I can’t handle…” Her slim shoulders began to shake with overwhelmed emotion, and she began to sob.

  “Easy, honey. Take your time.” He felt suddenly very close to this lady, closer than he had felt towards anyone in a long time, even with Susie. It wasn’t just physical attraction, although she was lovely as hell, but there was something else. He wanted to stay with her and never leave.

  Caroline began to calm and grow quiet. She swallowed and smoothed out her emotional chaos. “Sam, my father is dying.”

  “I would not have guessed that.” Sam was genuinely shocked. “He seemed so…”

  “Sure and hard,” she said.

  “Well, yes, and very self-centered. How can you care about him?”

  “Because… I just do.” She turned her face away.

  Sam sensed that he had gone too far. “I’m sorry. I was blunt and uncaring.”

  “No, you’re right.” She rose quickly and began to dress. “Time for you to go,” she said coldly.

  “Whoa, come back. Where are you, Caroline?” He sat up on the edge of the bed. “I’m listening. Talk to me.”

  She stopped and turned away. “It’s difficult… Sean was supposed to help my father, but something went wrong. Dad is worried, and it’s changed him. He won’t tell me anything. I don’t know how to help…Maybe you can go back tomorrow and try to talk to him again.”

  “You really think he’d tell me, Caroline?”

  “Maybe not, but if you want to find, Sean, we could team up and there might be a chance.” Caroline turned back and said softly, “I don’t know what else to do.”

  Sam took her hand gently. “I would love to help but please consider -we may lose and it may be dangerous.” He felt a heavy silence as he looked at Caroline’s grave face. “Oh, Caroline…All right. You love your father and I love my brother. Maybe, just maybe, we can win. We’ll find Sean and get some answers. Maybe we can help them both.”

  Caroline sat beside Sam and sighed in relief. “We’ll succeed or die trying. Thank you.”

  Sam kissed her gently and smoothed her silky hair. “I don’t want you to die… You are very beautiful and loving,” he whispered softly. She was one of the innocent, he was su
re of that…Sean and Mekka would have to wait until morning.

  Caroline grinned mischievously as she began slowly removing Sam’s blanket.

  He chuckled as he pulled her gently down onto the bed.

  She crawled on top of him and ran her hands across his chest and down his sides. She felt the rippling of his hard muscles. She also felt his scars. “What are these from?” she said softly and then kissed them gently.

  “War memories from another time. But you are now.” He was very attracted to this lady, very, and aroused. He didn’t expect more sleep, but she was definitely special and worth it. He felt like Sean would joyfully approve, wherever he was.

  Sam gathered Caroline into his arms, and both felt the tremendous sexual electricity between them. He pulled away briefly as he tore off her clothes. They then joyfully caught fire.

  They would remember this night.

  CHAPTER 6

  Sam and Caroline rose in the morning light and dressed in silence.

  Suddenly Sam felt something unspoken. “There’s more, isn’t there?”

  Caroline sat and breathed deeply. “My father isn’t usually cold and cruel to people. I don’t know why he’s acting this way now. He’s always been a kind man. Maybe the pressure is getting to him. But I realize that may be a flimsy excuse to you.” She shook her head, rose, and slipped into her clothes. She hurriedly tucked in her blouse.

  Even in a simple outfit, she looked breath-taking, he mused.

  “I’m awfully worried, Sam.”

  “I know. I’m sorry, honey…Let’s go, back to the company and the labs. We’ll find Sean. Then maybe we can help your father, if they’ll let us. After all, we’re smart.” Sam’s eyes twinkled.

  Caroline couldn’t help but laugh.

  “Ready?” Sam asked. “Sean will have answers or leave us with more questions, hopefully the former.”

  Caroline leaned over and kissed him gently. “I really like you, Sam, as if you didn’t notice from last night. And thank you.”