by Michael Ross
Ransom
By Steven Hall
Part Two
Chapter 1
The soft breeze whistles through the tall grass. The sun sets on the horizon and the inhabitants prepares for another night. Eugene lit the lamp and sits opposite the stranger, familiarizing himself with his face. He notices the wrinkles above smiling eyes and mouth with the steely deep stare and the receding hairline. His hands were steady when he pick up he spoon and he chew with great poise and appreciation on his face. He drank from the bottle of wine and utters a loud belch of satisfaction. Eugene clears his throat.
“You said you come from the city. Why would you leave the city to come out here?”
“That’s because I had to. I am no longer a purpose. No one respect my former authority. My rank was strip from me because I disobey a direct order.” He continues eating.
“Do you intend to stay in exile?’ Eugene asks.
“Maybe I will find new purpose out here. I only wish to die with honor.”
“You have come to the right place. All we do is die from lack of food and neglect. The night only brings us respite from another day feeling our lives wasting away.” Eugene tries to explain their existence but only made himself feel worst. He wonders if the man sitting opposite him even care. Tomorrow he will be gone on his sojourn wherever it leads him. The man wipes his mouth and beard of the particles of food hanging there. He leans over and uncovers the cloth in his bag. He exposes several keys. Some were new others weren’t. he handed them to Eugene.
“All is not lost. There is still hope.’
“I do not understand. Why do you give me your keys?” Eugene asks the stranger.
“you will replace me and keep my name alive. You will live in the city.”
Eugene looks at the man as if he had taken leave of his senses. He knew what he request was impossible. Their existence might not be admirable but at least he had a reason to live. He had Sandra and he decided long time back that they will remain together until the end. The stranger seems to sense his hesitation.
“What if you were to lose her? Will you regret refusing this chance? What if it meant a better life for you both, will you still refuse to go?”
“I can’t take her to the city. I don’t know if I can exist there.”
“Not her. You. When you find that which you seek, you can return for her.”
He remains silent.
“Talk it over with her tonight.” He bid Eugene goodnight and lay on the woolen blanket spread on the wooden floor.
Eugene walks over to the tent Sandra occupies. Her hair shone like golden ray against the candle light. Her face flushes with youthful enthusiasm. She stares into his eyes and felt the clairvoyant connection he usually feel with her. It was as if she could read what he was thinking.
“The stranger.The hermit. He request that I go to the city.”
“Maybe you should. Maybe you will find the answers to which we seek.”
Chapter 2
No one stop him even when he turns the keys into the lock and the door spring open. He enters the quiet home and his eyes sparkle with renew admiration. Everything was modern and clean. He looks around the home familiarizing him-self with the surrounding. He already felt at home. Nonsense, he thought to himself. He began missing Sandra and wish she had come. He enters the room and observes the wide bed with satin sheets. Before long he was asleep.
Eugene finds the art studio on the ground floor of the huge conglomerate. He asks the porter for Mr. Greenberg.
“Just follow those students.” The porter replies and points to a group of men and women walking towards the distant building. He soon catches up with them and joins them. They enter a room but he was stop and request to show identification. He hands it to the uniform man with the gun on his hip. The man place it into a sensor and a familiar sound follows. He returns it to Eugene satisfied. He allows Eugene to enter. The man standing in front of the group of sitting students caught his attention. Eugene hands him his invite.
“Ladies and gentlemen, please welcome Isaac Asimov. He will be joining us this semester.’ The group of student acknowledges him. Mr. Greenberg directs him to a set at the middle and continues his lecture.
Chapter 3
After classes, Eugene hurries to get back home. He almost walks into the darker skin youth distracted by a lovely girl. He looks at Eugene then outstretches his hand. Eugene accepts it with a firm handshake.
“My name is Hassim. I am in your class.”
Just then a group of young men approaches. One grabs at Hassim’s backpack. Eugene instinctively grabs his.
“Hey! Newie. What are you doing? He asks Eugene. Eugene sees the fear in Hassim’s eyes.
“Do you just go around grabbing others property?”
The man throws a punch at Eugene. Moving with dexterity and lighting speed, Eugene throws him over his shoulder, judo style. He
Falls and then slowly regain his feet.
“Next time you won’t get up as fast.’ Eugene warns him. He walks off with his friends.
“Thanks man. He has been that way since my arrival. I think he is jealous that I am able to speak to that girl and he can’t.”
“Where are you from Hassim?”
“Addis Abba, my biological parents. I was adopted after their death.”
“And what did your friendly assailant want with your backpack.”
“Tech stuff from my adopted parents store. He wants to sell them for blue pills.’
“Viagara! You mean it is still around?”
“No. This is different. This makes you fly.” Hassim demonstrates the action of a bird. They kept on walking.
“I am going to the conservatory. Want to come?” Hassim asks.
“Music? Man the only music that interests me is this here harmonica.” Eugene pulls out the tiny instrument from his pocket.
“Come on. You are going to like it.’
They arrives at the white and green painted building. It was made entirely of glass and rose fifty stories. They both place their identification next to the machine and the door open. They enter the elevator and Hassim press the button for the third floor.
“it is remote control. Here we are.”
They enter a wide room full of microfiche. Hassim smile at the confuse look on Eugene face.
“Just tell the computer what books you want and it will find it.’
“Treasure Island by Stevenson.” Eugene replies.
The disc appears inside the slot.
“I prefer Superman. I have the entire collection except one. I like superheroes.’
“I can see that.”
When Hassan retrieves his disc they both depart.
Eugene arrives back at the apartment. He opens the door and welcomes the solitude of the house. He places the documents back into the safe and decides to investigate the rest of the house. One of the keys open a door to a room populated with screens. He turns them on and could see every aspect of the house. He closes the door and lay on the bed, his thoughts returning to Sandra.
Chapter 4
The next day, Eugene painted his first Rembrandt. As he was walking home, there was a loud scream. A young girl ran towards him. She leaps into his arm.
“They are trying to rob me.” Her voice sounding shrill.
The man walks up to Eugene and the girl stand fearfully behind him.
“Give us the girl.” He commanded.
“Here we go again.” Eugene says exasperated.
“What’s that?” another asks.
“What is your weight? Two hundred pounds?” Eugene asks the man facing him.
“Nah! More like two fifty.” He replies.
Eugene grabs him and throws him over his shoulders. The man lands on his back and utter a loud scream of pain. The other attacks
Eugene with a huge knife. Eugene spins
On his heels and takes the man by surprise. He punches him in the gut and chops his knife hand simultaneously. He falls to the ground in pain. Eugene grabs them both by their lapels of their coat.
“Get out of here before I become vicious.” He told them. The two men disappears and the young girl grabs Eugene hand shaking it vigorously.
“Thank you! Thank you!”
The rain begins to come down in torrents. Eugene had not anticipated this and had not worn a coat. The rain began drenching them both.
“Do you live around here?” she asks him.
“Yes, another block.”
“Can I come and dry out? I promise I won’t be a bother.”
“Why do I find that so hard to believe?’
When they enters the home, Eugene realizes no one were curious enough to see him returning with a stranger.
“Take a towel in the bathroom, then leave the clothes to dry.”
The girl returns cover with a terry towel. Eugene looks at her admiringly.
“Go in the bedroom and find s shirt that fits.” The girl obeys and soon returns wearing a shirt that covers her body. She sat on the sofa.
“What’s that?” she asks.
“Treasure Island. My favorite story.” He says to her proudly.
“How come I never heard of it?’ she replies.
“It was written before the war. How old are you?” he asks her.
“I am sorry. Let me introduce myself. Philomene Bronte. My friends call me Maria.”
“Maria it is then. Isaac Asimov at your service.”
“And to answer your question, I am seventeen.”
“You were born the same year it all went to hell. But you survive?”
“So did you. How old were you?”
“I was seventeen.” Eugene replies.
She looks at the time on her wrist.
“Hmmn. It’s getting late. I must return home soon.’
“Who are you? Cinderella? You must return home before you turn into a toad.’
“I know who Cinderella is.” She says incorrigibly.
“Alright your clothes should be dry.”
The girl was soon dress and out the door. Eugene closes his eyes and slips into a deep sleep.
Chapter 5
The buzzer rings incessantly. Eugene opens the door dress in pajamas. He was surprise to see Maria.
“What are you doing here at this time? It is almost twelve. Shouldn’t you be in class?”
“Damn! I must have a hangover. Those pills I took for my headache from the medicine cabinet. It must have been the same Hassan spoke of. Make yourself at home while I take a quick shower.” Eugene left to take his shower.
“I have a surprise for you. For saving my life.” She shouts. Eugene appears toweling his hair.
“I have no food to offer.’ He says apologetically.
“That’s no problem.” The girl says. She opens the window. The drone flies in with food.
“You are full of surprises.”
He began eating but she did not.
“I am a vegetarian but too hungry to care.’ He says to her enjoying the poultry dish. When he was finish she leads him outside to show him the gift. His surprise at the sight of the ninja bike was apparent.
“Why! A ninja. I have not seen one since the bombing.”
“Why don’t you get on it? She asks him
“I am already late. Is that your car?” He stares at the red car.
“Yes. We can leave your bike here and I can drive you to your class.”
When the bike was safely locked inside his apartment, he sits in the passenger seat.
“You did not tell me how you got into such a prestigious school?”
“Money buys influence and friends.” They drive in silence.
When he step onto the street, the girl was gone but Hassan was waving to him. He soon catches up with him.
“I have a favor to ask. You can refuse but I think it will be better if you don’t.”
“What! Fight some more bad guys?” he jokes.
“Alright come with me.”
Eugene follows Hassan down the back alleys until they arrive at the junction of a tunnel. He let Eugene enter alone. Eugene walks down the water soaked embankment.
“Welcome my friend. Welcome.”
Eugene turns at the sound of the voice. A man, shape like an Adonis, stands before him.
His huge biceps and washboard abs visible through his shirt.
“My name is Masala and I am the leader down here.’ He explains.
“What is this? An underground bootcamp?”
He waves his hand indicating that Eugene follow. They soon find a crowd of people living underground in train cars with graffiti paints.
“My flock. They would die for me.’
Eugene looks at the faces that surround him. Some were innocent, others hardened by the rough living. Masala walks on until he arrives at a depot. He waits for Eugene to enter. The girl standing inside astonishes him. She looks like Maria but for her hair cut short with purple color.
“This is Aisha, my woman.’ She looks at him with half interest. Masala sits and indicate for Eugene to do the same. The girl serves them an alcoholic beverage in small plastic cups. He like the taste
“What are you doing in that apartment?” Masala asks him.
“Why is it of interest to you?” Eugene replies.
“Because the man that owns it is a friend. Hadn’t not been for him, I would be dead.”
“Are you saying a cop saved your life?”
“Sounds hard to believe. I wake up nights in a cold sweat just thinking about it. He had me in his weapon cross hair but did not pull the trigger. Do you realize it was because of his kindness towards me, he lost his position and became exile.” Eugene asks the girl for another glass of beverage and down it gratefully.
“That is the reason why my men were able to identify you entering. I suppose you are going to say he sent you.” Eugene nods. Masala stands. He indicates for Aisha to come close.
“Aisha will take you on a tour of our humble facility to orient you of our activities so you can judge for yourself.” Eugene follows the girl.
The visions of the ammunition and other stolen munitions supplies stolen by Masala remain in his mind. He takes a deep breath and asks himself what he had got himself into.
Chapter 6
At 12:30 pm the next day, Manuel Hertigo chief of police arrives at the art school. He speaks privately to Greenberg. Greenberg return and summons Eugene.
“Mr. Isaac Asimov. The police chief would like for you to accompany him down to headquarters on an urgent matter.” The students watch with curiosity the departure of Eugene. He meets the chief standing next to his car. The chief dismiss all formalities and indicate for Eugene to enter the car. They drive in silence until they arrive at headquarters. He was subsequently book and search before being let into a glass panel sound proof room. He waits patiently for the appearance of someone. He notices the electronic eye above silently scanning the room. Hertigo arrives carrying a leather bound dossier under his arm. He sits opposite Eugene looking very stern.
“I suppose you are wondering why you were summons here? Well let’s not pretend any longer. Where is she?”
Eugene remains silent trying to comprehend the question.
“She was last seen visiting your home. Our surveillance found that out. It is all here.” He taps the dossier.
“You must mean Maria?” Eugene suddenly realizes the severity of the moment.
“Mr. Kay’s daughter. If she is not return to her father soon, heads are going to roll including yours and mine. So you see, I am in no mood for humor.”
“I don’t know. Has she disappear? Then I have nothing to do with it.” Eugene tries to keep his composure.
“What are you doing in Guerreg’s home? Is he a relative? A friend?” Hertigo asks.
“Yes. A good friend. Why?”
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“Nothing. I have checked your credentials. They are alright but I will continue looking. If I so much as find anything out of the ordinary, you will be back here and I won’t be so civil.” Hertigo threatens.
Eugene reclines in the chair and pretends to be nonchalant. Just then an officer enters and whispers into Hertigo’s ear. He exits quietly.
“Do you have any connection with Masala? Do you know he is a known felon and you could be charge with conspiracy?”
“I don’t know the man. He was curious as to why I was in the house.’
“Alright. One of my officers will escort you home.’’
Eugene departs quietly under the gaze of Hertigo.
Chapter 7
Outside the entrance to the tunnel, Hertigo and his men face cover and wearing bullet proof vests and carrying assault rifles advance underground. The silence was ominous and Hertigo wonder if the inhabitants were alert of their raid. A man appears to relieve himself and notices the intruders. Before he could alarm the others, Hertigo shot him at point blank range.
“Pull his body into cover. We are going to attack before they become aware of our presence.’ He calmly whispers.
“Police! Police!’ someone cries in the distance. A look out detect their advance. Shooting erupts and screams began to erupt everywhere. Gunshots follow by grenades and other explosives ignite the scene. Finally it was over and Hertigo men had the inhabitants in custody. One of his men appears and tells him they could not locate the girl.
“Christ!” he mutters. “Take them all downtown for questioning.’
Within minutes the solitude return as the prisoners were all on their way into custody.
Chapter 8
The knock on the door cause Wu to suddenly interrupt her lovemaking. She pushes Daag aside and pulls on her negligee. She opens the door and a soldier stood facing her.
“There is an urgent telex. Mr.Kay”
She soon enters the communication room fully dress. Mr.Kay wore a grim face.
“Wu, my daughter has been kidnap. I want you to use every resources to help in her recovery. Also I am sending some new prisoners.” He was gone. She returns to her bedroom and lay beside Daag.
“That was Kay. Wait till he find out what the ransom is.” She says to Daag. He nods in indifference at her dream of grandeur.
