Coded

by Kayla Bainbridge

  “I’m not going to drug her the whole way. Go to the safe house and we’ll wait for the plane there. We’ll deal with her whenever she wakes up.”

  “That will be fun,” Taylor said, knowing Kennedy very well.

  Dustin fake laughed, “Uh huh.”

  The rest of the car ride they talked logistics.

  At the safe house, Dustin walked in first to meet the team. He then came back out and signaled for Taylor and Penny to bring Kennedy.

  Gently, Taylor carried Kennedy into the house.

  Three men and two women nodded their welcome. Dustin motioned for them to go upstairs. Taylor and Penny walked past everyone and up the stairs. Dustin remained downstairs to catch up the team on their plans. Taylor found the largest room and set Kennedy down on the bed. After Penny was inside, he then went and closed the door. They both grabbed a chair and sat down to wait.

  ∆∆∆

  Kennedy sat up with a start.

  “Jordan!” she said frantically.

  Everything came rushing back in her mind. She had been kidnapped, but then saved, and then everything went dark. Her heart was racing. She got up, she had to get away. Swaying from light headedness, she quickly sat back down and put her hand to her head.

  “Kennedy,” Taylor said calmly. She looked to the sound of Taylor’s voice; he was sitting a few feet away from her on a chair.

  Where was she? She had been asleep on a bed? Taking a deep breath, she put her head back against the headboard and closed her eyes for a few moments. Taylor was here. She was safe, she was safe. He had been so close; Jordan had been there. What if Taylor and Dustin hadn’t been there? If she had just stayed with Taylor? What if? So many thoughts raced through her mind. Taylor didn’t talk until she opened her eyes again. Dustin and Penny were in the room too.

  “How are you feeling?” Taylor asked.

  “Like I've been hit by a bus,” Kennedy said. “Curiously, I've never used that phrase before. Also, terrified if I’m being honest.”

  Dustin walked up, “Here is some ice, it should help.”

  Kennedy placed the bag of ice on her forehead. The coldness swept through her head and she did feel a little better, “Yes, thank you.”

  “You look a lot better,” Penny said.

  “Yes, I feel a lot better. What did Jordan give me?”

  “Phencyclidine, or more commonly known as PCP,” Dustin informed her.

  “What is that?”

  “It is a hallucinogen that was used in the late 1960s. We aren't sure of the dosage, but it is extremely dangerous. He must have given you a low dosage to limit the damage. The side effects are sluggish behavior, slurred speech, bloodshot eyes, and loss of balance.”

  Kennedy put the ice down for a moment to let her head warm up some, “That sounds about right. Jordan used it so I would do what he said.”

  “Yes,” Taylor agreed. “That is what we believe too.”

  “I did manage to punch him in the nose,” Kennedy said smiling.

  “That's my girl!” Taylor said.

  “Too bad it wasn't enough. He caught me off guard. One minute the professor was standing there, the next Jordan.”

  “Did he say anything?” Penny asked.

  “Yes,” Kennedy said quietly. She wasn't sure if she wanted to share this information with them.

  “You don't have to tell us,” Taylor said.

  “But it would be helpful,” Dustin prompted as he sent a look towards Taylor.

  Kennedy considered it for a moment longer before she decided to tell them. “He talked about our time together with the company. How we were quite the team, and how we could be partners. They are working on something big, and Jordan couldn't let me stay out here. He also reminded me of that time when he got angry and said that was just the beginning if I didn't go with him.” Kennedy paused. “I was scared.”

  “It is ok to be scared,” Taylor said, putting his hand on her hand. “He is using your personal interaction to connect to your emotions.”

  She let his hand linger on her for a moment before standing.

  “Well it is working,” Kennedy said stretching.

  “You can't let him get to you,” Penny asked.

  “We'll be watching for him,” Dustin added.

  “What can we do now? He knows I'm here. Wait, where are we?”

  “We are at a safe house,” Taylor replied.

  “How long was I out?”

  Dustin responded this time, “Just two hours.”

  Kennedy nodded, “When will it be safe to go back?”

  “Kennedy,” Taylor started. “We can’t go back there now.”

  “What?” Kennedy said standing up again. This time she swayed but could hold her own.

  Taylor remained sitting, “They knew your classes, we have no doubt they knew where you lived.”

  “But school?”

  “We’re figuring that out,” Dustin assured her. “A plane will be here in the next hour.”

  “Where are we going?”

  “Back to headquarters until we figure this out,” Dustin continued to explain.

  “To where the bomb is? I…” Kennedy couldn’t even put her emotions together. “I need a walk.”

  Dustin nodded.

  Taylor stood up and opened the door for her. She walked into the hallway and followed him down the stairs. There were people working in the living room, but they stopped at the sound of their footsteps. Taylor walked right past them to the front door and led Kennedy through.

  Once outside, Kennedy took a deep breath. At first, she just paced back and forth before she picked a direction. The energy and anger boiled inside of her; she needed this walk to get that out. They were in a peaceful neighborhood. In the street’s kids rode their bikes and people waved to them as they passed. Taylor kept her pace but remained silent.

  She walked for half an hour before she found a bench to sit on. Already she felt much calmer and collected. Taylor took a large perimeter walk. Could she go back to the NSA? She had just left that place just over a month ago. What was going to happen to her if she went back there?

  Rubbing her eyes, she stood up again to meet Taylor.

  “Taylor,” she said softly.

  Taylor opened his arms and wrapped her inside of them. She embraced him back, and she could feel some of her fear melt away. If anything, Taylor had been there the whole time. He was her constant. Through it all, he had watched out for her, and right now she needed that. She couldn’t see past the fear and the loss. It was time to put her trust in Taylor. He could take the lead while her emotions spiraled, she trusted him.

  “I’m here for you,” he said. “What do you need?”

  “I thought I was going to have to go back there.”

  “To Jordan?”

  Kennedy nodded, “They weren't mean to me or anything, it was just something about that place, about Jordan. It was this sense of being a prisoner, even if it wasn't official. I felt like everyone lied to me, told me what I wanted to hear. Now, Jordan has this crazy obsession. He freaked out that one time, who knows what would happen if he did that again, and no one was there.”

  “It is natural to be scared.”

  “I don't know about being scared. I'm petrified. If it wasn't for the deciphering, I don't think I would be able to sleep at night.”

  “I saved you once, I intend on saving you every time.”

  “Taylor, I just can’t do this right now. I don’t want to think about what to do next. Just tell me what you want me to do. I trust you.”

  He broke apart their embrace, “I’ll make everything alright. But first we need to get you safe.”

  Kennedy nodded.

  He took her hand and they walked back to the safe house.

  When they arrived, Dustin and Penny were ready to go to the airport. Kennedy stayed quiet in the car. The rest of them talked about the travel plans. She was so emotionally exhausted; she didn’t pay much attention.

  At the plane, Dustin talked to the
captain, while Taylor escorted Kennedy to a seat. Luckily, they had kept her backpack and Kennedy quickly pulled out the iPad. She absentmindedly deciphered some codes.

  “The numbers are being sent electronically through a bank account that has been previously dedicated,” she said to know no one in particular. When no one responded, she continued. “It says, 'deactivating intercepting software in progress, target in main level center, getaway flight in the green sector of the plans, meet to discuss things in person on 243945 at designation point 456832.'”

  “Anything else?” Dustin asked.

  Kennedy took a minute, “Not that I can see.”

  She lied to them then, there was more, a lot more. But she didn’t care, it was none of their business what Jordan had to say to her. Also, she definitely didn’t want to talk about it. She just wanted to escape, to leave this terrible reality.

  ∆∆∆

  Taylor noticed her pause but didn’t acknowledge it. He knew that Jordan was sending Kennedy uncomfortable messages through the code. Ones that she felt ashamed of. Taylor didn’t blame her and trusted that she relayed all the information that she felt was important.

  “You know you can tell us anything.” Taylor said, pushing the topic.

  Kennedy didn’t respond, instead she put the iPad down, turned away from all of them, and didn’t speak again.

  The three of them waited a while before speaking.

  “What was that?” Penny asked.

  “Something Jennifer sent,” Dustin said covering Kennedy’s lapse in front of Penny.

  Taylor nodded to Dustin in approval, Penny didn’t push the issue.

  “She is not coping well,” Dustin stated.

  Taylor put his jacket over her, before turning his attention back to Dustin, “No she is not.”

  “Did the walk help?” Penny asked.

  “A little. It was discouraging to watch. A part of her just gave up.”

  “Discouraging is better than in Jordan’s hands. We have to remember that,” Dustin said.

  “I think she realizes that too, she just needs some time.”

  “Do you think they will let her go back?” Penny asked.

  “No,” Dustin answered. “Her cover is blown there.”

  “We’ll figure something out,” Taylor said. “There has to be a way to keep the NSA and Kennedy happy.”

  The two of them nodded.

  ∆∆∆

  Chapter 13

  M 01101

  Jordan slammed his fist into the table.

  “What happened?” Brandon asked furious.

  “I underestimated her bodyguards.”

  “You should always plan for the worst”

  “Thanks for the lecture.”

  “Why did you let her out of your sight?”

  “To face the bodyguard,” Jordan admitted.

  “That was your chance!”

  “Yes, I blew it!” Jordan yelled.

  Not only did he fail his mission, but he failed himself. He had been watching her and planning this for days, yet it didn't seem to matter. Watching her with that other man, holding hands, walking together, it all sickened Jordan. Kennedy had been his girl first. Who was this man to stand in their way?

  Jordan knew his jealousy was the reason Kennedy left his sight. From the moment he had heard the man's voice, he had wanted to kill him. He could just tell Kennedy it was an accident; she would believe him of course.

  “Do it again,” Brandon commanded.

  “Do what?” Jordan asked, confused.

  “Go kidnap her again, but this time don't fail.”

  “They have probably already pulled her out.”

  “Maybe,” Brandon said, “and maybe they haven’t. Take a team, take your time, and strike fast. Think, you know this woman. What are her weaknesses? What are the bodyguard’s blind spots?”

  “I'll get to work,” Jordan said, turning to head out the door.

  “Jordan,” Brandon said, waiting for Jordan to turn around. “I don't need to explain to you how important it is for you to get her back. Our mission could be completely compromised. We assume the double coding and random messages are working, but we can never be too sure. Everything you have set up, it is all going along smoothly, let’s keep that going. If we fail this because of one person, you might have a hard time finding a job.”

  Jordan nodded, he understood what was on the line.

  ∆∆∆

  Wendy, Jennifer, and Brett all waited at the tarmac while the plane landed.

  Taylor was grateful that Kennedy was able to escape reality for a few hours. He had decided to wake her up before the flight landed so that she could have some time to compose herself.

  “Welcome back!” Jennifer said, hugging Kennedy as she walked off the plane.

  “Thanks,” Kennedy replied through a yawn.

  “How are you holding up?” Brett asked before he saw Taylor shaking his head in warning.

  “Fine.”

  “Let’s get you inside the car, it is chilly out,” Jennifer said motioning her to an SUV.

  There were two vehicles waiting for them. Taylor, Jennifer, Brett, and Kennedy went in the first car, Dustin, Penny, and Wendy to the second.

  Brett didn’t waste any time once they got in the car. He started shooting off questions to Kennedy. He asked Kennedy about the code, the style of writing, the use of code names, and about her classes. Kennedy answered vaguely as she stared out the window.

  “Brett, that’s enough for tonight,” Taylor said. He could tell that Kennedy wasn’t ready to handle this kind of questioning.

  “Oh right, I’m sorry,” Brett replied. “I just get so excited.”

  Kennedy remained silent.

  Jennifer tried to mouth something to Taylor, but he couldn’t understand. He simply shook his head. No, she was not doing well, leave her alone.

  Once at headquarters, Taylor escorted Kennedy to her apartment.

  “Can I get you anything?” Taylor asked?

  Kennedy took a seat next to the window and looked out.

  “Do you want me to go?”

  Taylor was nervous for this response. He could tell she wanted to be alone, but he felt uncomfortable leaving her like this.

  She didn’t answer.

  Closing the door, Taylor stepped into her room. He took a seat next to her and put his hand on her knee. She jumped in surprise, but then put her hand on top of his. Then, she leaned into him.

  They sat like that for over an hour.

  She then broke the silence, “Taylor.”

  “I’m here,” he said calmly.

  “I don’t want to do this anymore.”

  Taylor didn’t answer, he just let her talk.

  “I’m so tired all the time, I’m scared, and I’m emotionally drained. I want to help the NSA, but at what cost?”

  He didn’t know what to say. His presidential detail had picked this life of danger and constant surveillance. Kennedy had been thrown into all of this. He longed to give her a normal life, to take her back to college, but that was impossible. This was her life now. He needed to focus on making this life work for her.

  “I know you are going through a lot. But there has to be a solution that will keep you safe, and happy. I can’t in good conscience take you back there. Jordan would find you again.”

  He could feel Kennedy shudder.

  “Please let me help you, let this team help you. You are not alone. We can all bear some of the weight.”

  “Ok,” Kennedy replied.

  Taylor could hear some confidence growing in her tone.

  “What do you want me to do?” Kennedy asked.

  “Why don’t we have Wendy take a look at you?”

  Kennedy sat up and released Taylor’s hand, “I can do that.”

  “Great step Kennedy,” Taylor said standing next to her.

  Kennedy slowly trailed after Taylor as he led her to Wendy’s office. He had texted her as they left so that she would be expecting them.
>
  “Kennedy,” Wendy greeted warmly.

  “Hello Wendy,” Kennedy said.

  Taylor could hear her trying to sound upbeat, but it didn’t deceive either of them.

  Kennedy walked into the room first.

  Taylor followed, and passed by Wendy.

  “Take it easy on her,” he whispered.

  She nodded in understanding.

  Kennedy had taken a seat on the exam table.

  “Kennedy, how are you feeling?” Wendy asked.

  “Not good,” she admitted.

  “Well let’s see if we can fix that.”

  Taylor watched Wendy closely as she took Kennedy’s temperature, blood pressure, and other vitals.

  “Kennedy, I need to check your blood. I only need a little.”

  Kennedy extended her finger out. Wendy quickly pricked it and took the few drops she needed. Taylor hated to see Kennedy so gloom. He needed to find a way to cheer her up. As Wendy finished her physical, Taylor started texting Jennifer and Brett.

  “Can I give you something to help you sleep?” Wendy asked.

  This made Taylor look up from his phone.

  Kennedy smiled, “Is that a joke Wendy?”

  Wendy smiled now too, “I suppose it is.”

  “I have no problems falling asleep,” Kennedy said lightheartedly.

  “Jennifer and Brett keeping you busy huh?”

  Wendy was getting her talking, this was good.

  “You won’t believe how many codes they expect me to decipher.” Kennedy started. “I’m not a computer.”

  “In fact, you are better than a computer,” Taylor added.

  Kennedy then smiled at him, “Ok, you are partially right. But I can’t run like a computer.”

  “As your physician, I will personally talk to them.”

  “I think you need a break too,” Taylor said.

  “That sounds nice,” Kennedy admitted.

  Taylor was grateful that Kennedy had started to show some emotion. It was a good sign.

  After Wendy’s, Kennedy looked up to Taylor in the hallway.

  “Ok, first step completed. What do I need to do now?”

  “Eat,” said Taylor. When was the last time she had eaten anything?

  Kennedy looked at him hesitantly, “I don’t know if I want to deal with all those people yet.”