by Lin Larson
The men outside had passed now. He had no excuse but to look. He wandered his hand over the end of the bag until he found the opening and slowly yanked it wider. He couldn’t see well in the shed, but he could feel the contents. His hands touched something clammy and realization caused him to frantically yank his hands back.
Bodies. Sam shuttered. But who were these people? The old ones? He opened the door slightly and let the moonlight filter in. Sam swallowed hard to calm himself and turned to the bags again, bracing himself for what he would find.
The first bag held the body of an old man. Others bore ashes. He sat back and for the moment was overcome by the tragic coldness and indifference of such human acts. Their bodies were now mutilated or burned, and all were now disposable trash. Sam had seen death in war but this was different. It was supposed to be a peaceful era.
Sam suddenly felt like he was going to be sick, and then he was. When he was finished, he stood slowly and walked silently out the door and into the surrounding trees. He threw up again and began to sob. He cried for Caroline, For Sean, for Mekka, for those poor people, and lastly that he had come too late.
Sam finally pulled himself up and out of the shelter of the cool vegetation and began walking. He wasn’t even sure of his destination. He couldn’t free Caroline and destroy this place by himself. He needed help.
Hours passed. Sam had distanced himself from the hospital. He had not been pursued, he wasn’t sure why? Surely they must know that he had escaped. Then he felt a sudden weakness and fell to the ground. His head felt like it would explode. He clutched it desperately.
Sam reached out to grab an outstretched tree, but his hand seemed to pass through it. He tried to touch the ground and sit but there seemed to be nothing beneath him. He waved his arms about and suddenly he felt better. He laughed hysterically. He felt much better. In fact, he felt overcome by intense power and alone in his existence. He was surprised that he was unafraid. In fact, it was a glorious feeling. Who would want to give this up? It was like a oneness with the universe? No, it was more, it was power over the universe. He stood up and felt the breeze. He reached up to the sky and seemed to tower above his corporal world. Sam suddenly began to pace and talk rapidly to himself. He lectured himself with delight on the meaning of the universe. Moving closer to the tall hills and rock formations, he felt that he could climb them. He had supreme powers now. It was exhilarating.
Sam began to run, passing trees and clearings. He mounted a steep hill and whooped with joy. He began climbing, further and further, higher and higher, up boulders perched upon boulders. His hands became scrapped raw, but he never wanted to stop until he could greet the sun and be as one in its power. It was an amazing feeling to be so possessed. He sensed in the back of his mind that something was wrong with him, but he didn’t care. He wanted to feel this way forever.
And in the back of his mind, he wondered if this was how Sean and Mekka felt, at the beginning.
#
Sam woke up. He felt fiercely cold and it was dark except for a half moon peering down upon him. It did make him feel less alone. He had lost his shirt somewhere, and the winds easily whipped through his light hospital trousers. But it wasn’t only the clothes that made him feel so unbearably isolated, it was the absence of that essence that had briefly empowered him. It was gone now, the drugs seemed to have left his system, and he was plunging into a hellish depth both physically and mentally. He shivered and hugged his body. He was physically fit, but still he trembled in the rugged wilderness of October.
He looked around, sighed, and shook off the depression that hovered and tried to reign. He needed to go forward physical and mentally. The one should help the latter. This place was great for macho rock climbing but not so hot for being ill dressed for the elements and unsupplied for rescuing the fair damsel, as well as himself. He was relieved now that he hadn’t brought Caroline. She might have died.
Well, time to try to get up, somehow. Oh! He had stood too fast, he realized, as his head felt dizzy and his legs wobbled. He rubbed his forehead and absently looked at his hands. They were a bit grimy. He was obviously no longer the God-like being of his drug induced euphoria. The sense of power was gone. He accomplished nothing so far.
He regretted, even with the bad odds, that he had left Caroline. He kept thinking about it. He had to stop, stop damning himself for his decision. He knew it was hers also. But he ached inside from the choice. Oh Caroline, I hope I can still save you. No that’s wrong. I will be back.
He frowned as he started down the tall cliffs. He was surprised he was even up that high. I must have been a basket case to be so stupid and reckless,” he muttered to himself. Inching his way down, he forced himself to not move too fast. He brushed away the flashing image of his body hurling down the cliff. “Nope, rather not see that,” he thought. He slipped suddenly, but caught himself on a jutting root, pulled himself up, and continued on. After what seemed like too long, he took a deep breath and jumped down to the floor of the cliffs.
Sam slumped, as he looked out at the rapidly spreading darkness. Gathering up his energy, he rose, walked, and planned. His strides grew bigger, and his eyes blazed their intent. He was thinking more clearly now; should he call the FBI, CIA or who? “Somebody must be aware of this group and be investigating them. If he could get more help, he could rescue Caroline safely. He was well aware now that he might not be able to do it alone. The authorities had to come and crush this group.
Then he saw it, the small gas station light. It seemed to welcome him. “Good, a telephone. Now we are getting somewhere,” he nodded in relief, as a scruffy old man stumbled out to great him.
“Where did you come from, Mister? You sure ain’t dressed for our mountains and hills. No, Sir. Come on in.”
“Long story. I’m Sam.” Sam shook his hand and followed the kind man inside. “I got into a situation and then an accident. I’m very relieved to stumble onto you and your place, May I use your phone?” Sam said wearily.”
“I’m Jessup, Yep, you can use my phone. You don’t look like you got any money, though,” he said. “You better pay me back.”
“I promise, Jessup. I really need your help here and appreciate it,” Sam said warmly.
Jessup’s eyes twinkled through his beard. “It’s over here. You can sit down while you talk, if you want. You look bushed. Hey, you calling your girlfriend or wife to pick you up? I ain’t seen a pretty girl here for a long time. That would be nice.”
Sam picked up the phone and paused. “No, somebody else, sorry. I need more than a ride.”
He thought, “Who would he call?” The he remembered an old fraternity guy in college. He’d read that he was now a big shot in Washington and working for the FBI. Would he remember me and trust my information, and would he help? It can’t hurt to try. Maybe he’ll believe me. I’ve got to try.”
Sam picked up the phone. “It’s to Washington D.C. Okay? Jessup? I will pay you back, Please, trust me. I won’t forget.”
“Wow. Oh, all right. Sounds important,” Jessup nodded and handed him the phone.
“It is.” He picked up the phone. “Operator, I’m unable to make a call, would you find it and connect me, please. It’s to Washington D.C., the FBI, Mr. Silas Jensen. Say it’s from Sam Stone, from college.”
“No problem, Sir,” the operator answered.
Sam waited nervously. He hoped that Jensen would remember him. They had been in the same frat house, but not good buds, and it was a long time ago. He looked outside the window. Dawn seemed so beautiful. He wished for a minute that he was still that young innocent fraternity kid again.
“Sir, your Mr. Jenson is on the line. You may go ahead.”
“Thank you, Miss.”
“You’re welcome, Sir,” The operator said happily. It made Sam feel good just to hear her calm friendly voice. Sometimes he missed old phones and connecting with human
operators instead of automated computers, especially now.
“Agen
t Silas Jensen here’’
“I’m Sam Stone. Do you remember me from college, Sir?”
“You are kidding, of course,” Jensen replied. “You were my idol. I studied your every move with the ladies. When you spoke to me, I was the star of our class.”
Sam laughed. “Thanks, Sir. I don’t know about the star. I was young and having too much fun, I guess.”
“I hear you’re a famous writer now. Congratulations… So now, what can the FBI do for you? I have to admit that I’m surprised by your call.” Jensen continued.
“Agent Jensen,” Sam spoke gravely, choosing his words carefully. “My life has turned upside down in the last few days. I’ve fallen into the middle of a dangerous situation for our country, which top echelons may or may not be aware of. Either way, could we meet right away?”
“Sam, where are you? I’ll do what I can.”
“I’m on the other side of the country. I’m in a small grocery store and gas station in Utah. It’s owned by a guy named Jessup.”
“Hold on, please, Sir.” Sam turned to Jessup, “What’s the name of your town and store?”
Jessup proudly shouted. “Barkley Flats and this is Jessup’s Store near Old Creek Road. I like to use my own name in the title. It makes me feel important,” Jessup proudly answered.
Sam smiled. “Did you get that Agent Jensen?”
“I did.” Jensen laughed. “Barkley Flats, Jessup’s Store in Utah, on Old Creek Road.”
“Good,” said Sam. “I know it’s a long way from D.C., but you and a lot of your men need to come. It’s a life and death mess of illegal activity, and innocent people are dying here.”
“All right. I’ll trust you on this. It better be worth the trip. Now, I can’t get there faster than ten or twelve hours, but maybe less. Regardless, I’ll be there.” Jensen paused. “Be careful, Sam.”
“Right. Thanks, Sir. I’m going to explore the town while I wait for you. If I don’t return, look for me at the town or the hospital. But both may be dangerous places.”
“I’ll do that, Sam. But why don’t you wait where you are until I get there?” Jensen said.
“No, Sir, I’ll explain my reasons when you get here. So, see you then.” Sam replied.
“All right. I’m on my way.” Jensen disconnected.
Sam nodded to Jessup. “Thank you. I don’t feel so alone now.”
“It’s sounds kind of scary. You better hide if a car comes. I won’t tell anyone you’re here.” Jessup grabbed a bottle of whiskey and two glasses from the shelf. “Want a drink?” He poured two drinks and gulped one down. “My quiet life just got kind of exciting.”
“I hope you’ll stay out of it, Jessup. Be careful.” Sam downed the other drink. “Thanks, I needed that.” Sam said seriously.
Jessup grabbed a cigar from his shelf and started thinking. “Now you go pick out a shirt and jacket, clean britches, and maybe a hat from what I got in the store. You look cold. And you can have a cigar too, if you want one. Then wash up and go sleep in the back. You look like you might need it. I’ll leave a sandwich and glass by the bedside. Help yourself to milk from my refrigerator here, if you want some. And I’ll keep watch. Oh, and you can pay me later, But, don’t forget, I ain’t rich.”
“Thank you, Jessup,” Sam replied.
Sam was exhausted. He quickly selected clothes and crossed into the back room. He showered and devoured the sandwich and glass of milk. He realized how long it had been since he’d eaten. Then Sam fell upon the bed. He was relieved that he was getting help. Now maybe with Jensen, they could help Caroline and the experimental subjects. He hoped so. He knew he’d fall asleep fast. He was pretty sure Jessup would keep good watch though, and he did.
The hours ticked by.
#
Sam jerked awake and sat up. Where was he? He looked around but suddenly felt relief. Ah, Jessup’s back room. Good. But time to move. The shower felt great, and he was refreshed as he tossed on his new clothes. He walked into the store area and saw Jessup sleeping on a stool with his head resting on the counter. Sam glanced at a wall clock. Good, he still had time to explore the town before Jensen got here.
“Jessup,” Sam taped him gently. “You can have your bed now. I’m sorry you had to sleep here.”
Jessup jerked up. “I’m just nappin’.” Jessup grabbed his drink glass and poured in some more whiskey. “I guess I should wake up. I’m not a very good lookout. This will get me tingling and alert, or it will make me sleep more,” he chuckled. “You better now, Mister Sam?”
“Lots better. I was wondering, how big is Barkley Flats?”
“Actually just me and that hospital. I lived here a long time as kind of a hermit on my Social Security pension. There were people here when the hospital opened, so I opened the gas station and store. The people all moved away though. I don’t know why. I don’t get many visitor, but I keep the store and station open just in case. I figure they’ll get tired of city living and come back. Them hospital people come here sometimes for supplies and gas, but they are kind of a crabby group. They customers, though.”
“Interesting. I’m going to explore a bit. Tell Jensen that I’ll be back, although I should return before he gets here. Maybe he and his men will buy some things from you, and you’ll make some money,” Sam said.
“Sounds good. But you be careful. That hospital is kinda… a secretive place now. It don’t sound too safe for you, if you have to call in the FBI.” Jessup took another drink.
Sam smiled and then frowned. “Listen, it may not be safe here either after Jensen and I are gone. Take a vacation, if you can. Return in a few weeks or a month. All should be righted then, hopefully. I’ll come back also, as soon as I can, and share that whiskey with you, and pay you.” Sam said warmly.
“Ah, Jessup, I was sort of in a battered state when I came. I’ve forgotten- Do I turn left or right to get to the town and the hospital?”
Jessup was thinking. “I could go visit my daughter and her family Salt Lake. They ain’t seen me in a long time…Oh, you turn right, then make another right at the first road you meet. The town is first. …You’d like my kid. I’ll introduce you when we both return.”
“I bet I’ll like her and her family. I’d love to meet them. Thanks for the clothes, food, definitely the shower, and all your help, Jessup, I have to say, that you are someone special. I’m glad we met, although I wish it were under happier circumstances.”
“I kinda of think I’m pretty fine and special too.” Jessup grinned broadly through his whiskers. Thank ya. Sam…” He extended his hand.
“Yep,” Sam said, as he shook his hand hardily. “Really special, and fine.” Sam turned, and confidently walked out the door.
Immediately, memories flooded him as he walked, however, and the tension and worry returned.
#
Sam arrived at the edge of the town. Walking quickly, he kept to the shadows of the
buildings. Peeking into the window of the first house, he saw pink curtains, but it was empty of furniture.
“You didn’t like being near this hospital, eh, Miss Pink? Pretty curtains though,” Sam thought as he moved on and crept down below the window of a second larger frame house with blue striped curtains. Again, he saw nothing inside. He checked out the whole block of houses, and then the next. All were empty of people and possessions.
Who were the people and what happened to them? Were they the horrid people he met or were they once ordinary hospital workers? Were they the old people who were victims? Or maybe there were never any people here. He had an upset feeling in his gut. He looked up at the sun to figure out the time. No, probably there’s not enough time to go to the hospital.
Then he saw it, a large warehouse behind the town. He had to see what was there. Jessup would understand, but worry. Jensen would have to wait or maybe he’d come looking for him. Regardless, he couldn’t skip this building. He had a queer feeling that it was important.
CHAPTER 16
Entering
the structure quietly, Sam listened intently. Nothing, so far, no one was there, good.
His eyes immediately fell upon an array of brightly colored cartons. They had to be associated with the hospital. Their colors were too obviously a clue. He slit open the side of a red box and felt amongst the paper filling. He felt an object and pulled it out. A vile. Sam read the complex chemical formula on the label. It meant nothing to him, but then his college chem course was not enough preparation for what he suspected the serum was for. He tore off the label and carefully secured it in his pocket. Suddenly Sam turned at the sound of scraping. He crouched behind a tower of cardboard, as two men rose up from the floor.
“We’ve got a lot to bring down before the truck comes,” a gravelly voice groused.
“Hey, how come it’s just you and me doing this?” a squeaky fellow replied.
“Because the rest of the team are at the hospital,” Gravel grunted with irritation. “Some guy has been infiltrating, so they’re moving this new batch of meds immediately to the hospital and burning the carcasses in the pit this afternoon. They want us to pile the black cartons outside in the pit.
“They got bodies in them?” Squeaky asked with horror. “I don’t want to touch them.”
“You want to get paid? You touch them but only the boxes, understand? That ain’t so hard. Now get movin’, Stupid.”
“Hey, don’t get mean. I’m young and new.”
“Well, you’ll be old fast, once you see all that’s goin’ on here. Now move it.” Gravel boomed as he popped some tobacco chew into his mouth, then chewed loudly and spit.
“Got it, Boss. I’s sorry.” Squeaky lowered his head ashamed. “Hey, Sir, can I have some of that chew? I got to quit cigarettes.”
“Sure,” said Gravel, “My girl hates it. But, who listens to her? I don’t.” He boomed with laughter and then started to choke. “Oh, Shit, I almost inhaled my chew.” He coughed, cleared his throat noisily, and continued to chomp between his next words. “Now, you hand up the black boxes first from down there, and I’ll stack them up here. Then I’ll pass down the orange ones and you pile them beside you. Then we haul the orange ones to the lab. Now move it. I ain’t got any more patience.”
