In more a yelp than sentence, she said, “Hi…sweetheart. How's my love doing?”
“Better, now that you're near.” Turns out I was a corny robot. But, hey, I was under a lot of pressure. “Come on, I'm starving.”
I spun her around and led her back the way she'd come. Pretending to nibble at her neck, I said, “There's a suicide bomber fifteen meters behind us. Don't look back, don't slow down, and follow my lead. You got that, Captain?”
To her credit, Gia planted a kiss on my cheek. “You got it, sweetie.”
I gradually picked up our pace, nothing too obvious, but for my plan to work, we needed to get to the Pathology lab ahead of the assassin. It was a couple hundred meters away. No telling how patient the man would be. If he had any sense, he'd just run up and throw the switch. Hopefully I could play him a little while longer.
As we were about to pass the lab entrance, I made a big deal out of looking behind us, left and right. When we arrived at the doors, I again made a big show of playfully pushing Gia though sideways, like she wasn't expecting it, which, of course, she wasn't. My improvisation was supposed to suggest to the killer my desire for a surreptitious romantic rendezvous. That way, I hoped, he would enter the lab more confidently, believing that surprise was still on his side.
Once we were in, I took her hand and sprinted to the hazardous materials freezer, at the back. It was an industrial walk-in unit, maybe ten by ten meters wide. It constituted the best, albeit dubious, option to contain both the explosion and the gas. I only hoped it would work. It was the thickest, best-vented place I could think of on short notice.
“Once I pin his arms to his side, open the door. After I toss him in, slam it shut as fast as you can. Got it?” She nodded coolly. As the door opened, I pushed her behind the far wall of the freezer, so he couldn't see us until he came very close. “Sound like we're making out,” I whispered.
She did a bang-up job. She giggled, moaned, and even said, “Oh, you animal!”
I could hear his heart beating. He was three meters away. Two and a half, two, one… “Now!” I dove around the corner, slammed his arms to his side, and picked him up like he was stuffed with feathers. So far, no fireworks.
Gia squeezed between us and the unit. She opened the door with a two-handed jerk. “Go,” she shouted.
I flung him to the floor so he'd tumble a few times before he regained control. Gia pushed the door for all she was worth. I reached over and pushed too. The door crashed shut, the handle snapping into place. I located the light switch on the control panel and pushed “OFF.” Might as well make my guest as uncomfortable as possible.
There was no way to lock the door, so I was stuck holding it with my foot. “Run!”
“No, Ryan, you go. I'm expendable.”
I winked at her. “No you're not. Go! That's an order, Captain.”
Reluctant at first, she turned and ran. Now came the hard part. The bomber would never allow himself to be taken alive. Suicide bombers have—or at least they should have—a professional ethic about such matters. It might take him a couple more seconds, or a few minutes, but sooner than later, he'd set himself off. I had to stand at ground zero hoping to God he didn't have enough plastic explosive to make a crater below me. It wouldn't take much.
He pressed hard on the latch. I held it from opening, but let it move a little. Maybe he'd think it was the weaker Gia, which might slow him down. If he thought she was out here, maybe he'd wait until someone opened the…”
BOOOOOM!
The entire freezer swelled with the blast force. I leaned hard on the door, to help the hinges hold. Only one explosion. Great. I could smell the Serine faintly, but there couldn't have been a significant breach.
Just as I eased off the freezer, the lab door crashed open. Two guards with respirators and assault rifles on rolled into firing positions. Their barrels swept the room.
“Easy, boys,” I said, “Show's over. Stand down. The bomber set himself off inside. He used C-4 and Serine. Looks like the unit contained them both. I'll be in General Saunders's office when you need me.” I left, but stuck my head back in the door. “Better make the newbie clean the fridge, guys. I'm guessing it's kind of messy in there.”
By the time I reached the general's office, he'd already been told of the attack. He was, I must say, mad. I've seen him mad often over the last few years. But this time, he was M-A-D mad. I-want-to rip-your-face-off-and-eat-it mad. I was so glad I wouldn't be around when the current, soon to be the past, head of security met with Saunders. I briefed him as to what happened, which only served to make him madder. The attack wasn't my fault, and I saved the day, but he still raged at me like a madman—pun intended.
Within minutes, Doc ran in, and mother-henned all over me. My reassurances that I was fine did nothing to ease his concern. In a way, that was good. Because he demanded I go with him to the lab immediately for testing. I didn't have to listen to Saunders any longer. On my way out, I saw Gia. She was sitting quietly at her desk with her knuckles pressed against her chin. She looked shaken. That's to be expected. One minute, she's going to lunch and the next she's facing a violent death.
She noticed me too and signaled me over. “Jon, are you okay?”
“Couldn't be better. How about you?”
“I'm okay.” She looked away and shook her head. “But I was scared, Jon.”
“Anyone would be. I sure as hell was. If I had a bladder I probably would of peed myself.” I patted her shoulder. “But everything's fine and he didn't hurt anyone. I bet we both get a medal out of this.”
“Did you tell Saunders it was you who ordered me out?”
“The whole story, including my direct order to you, Captain.”
“Great,” she laughed softly. “That way I'll only face one firing squad for letting you stay behind.”
I kissed my index finger, pressed it to her nose. Then I left with Doc.
FIVE
A few days later, I was summoned to Saunders's office. Doc was already there, as were a few other senior officers. There were also three men in black flanking the desk. Probably FBI. Hair greased back, skinny ties, the whole nine yards. No expressions either.
“Take a seat, Ryan,” said Saunders. Once I had, he continued. “These are Special Agents Curtis, Rummery, and Taylor, though I can't for the life of me remember which is which. They're from the FBI and have been working closely with our Office of Special Investigation concerning the attack on this facility. They've come to some preliminary conclusions. I thought it best we all hear them.” He pointed to the nearest agent. “Proceed.”
“I'm Special Agent Taylor. I'm the lead on our side of the investigation. The man who exploded himself in this facility a few days ago name was Josiah Zacharias Jones. He was employed here as a contract worker in food services. No criminal record or psychiatric issues. He was a heretofore totally model citizen. As Colonel Ryan suspected, he set off a small amount of C-4 plastic explosive that, in turn, ruptured two cylinders of Serine gas. We estimate that if Colonel Ryan hadn't successfully interceded, the amount of Serine he released could've killed dozens and injured many more. Clearly, the C-4 was intended for the colonel alone, as Jones carried a relatively small amount. It would've been sufficient, at close proximity, to severely damage the android. We're fortunate the attack didn't focus exclusively on the unit. If it had, the android would've been destroyed.
“Mr. Jones was a member of a radical Christian movement, Eternity Awaits. They believe the impending destruction of the Earth is God's way of punishing us for our sins and is intended to signal the End of Time—Judgement Day. He left a suicide note in his apartment. He denounced, in a rather disjointed and rambling manner, the world government's attempts to stay the hand of God. He was of the opinion that everyone should remain here to receive their just desserts, as it were.
“Gentlemen, this is by no means a small cult or the only one of its kind. We're tracking as many as forty similar movements of varying militancy. Worldwide,
there are hundreds. They pose a clear and certain danger to Project Ark, as you've witnessed firsthand. In spite of our best efforts, they'll continue to strike at our attempts. There's some impetus at the highest levels to declare membership in such groups as acts of treason. As such, we could then employ summary executions to lessen their threat. That would make our job a lot easier. But, for the present, traditional law enforcement is having difficulty controlling their activities.” He scanned the room. “Are there any questions?”
I had to say it. “You mean to tell me there are lunatics out there who not only want to be present when the planet turns to dust, but they want everyone else, who'd just as soon survive, to be here, too?”
“Precisely, Colonel.”
“Lord, get me off this rock. There's a nut-job derby going on.”
“My thoughts exactly, Colonel.” It was Saunders.
“Sir?”
“Ryan, it has been sadly demonstrated that we're unable to protect you here. I have decided to advance the date of your transfer. You'll be sent to the orbiting construction platform where your ship is under construction the day after tomorrow. The professor assures me you're in perfect working order. Any further testing can be performed up there.” He rested his arms behind his back and began to pace. “I'm having everyone's background rechecked up there as well as down here. High level clearance was needed to be selected for orbital work in the first place, but I'm putting everyone under the microscope.” He turned and looked at me. “If you need to wrap up any loose ends, Colonel, you have twenty-four hours to do so.” He rocked on his heels. “I would strongly recommend that you remain on base. If you must, however, go somewhere, I'll arrange for a security team to accompany you.”
“Thank you, sir.” It was literally now or never. “I'll need to make a call. Then I can let you know if I have any plans.”
His face puckered up like he swallowed a bug. “Not that newswoman again!”
I dug my heels in. What was he going to do, fire me? “I'm afraid I must insist, General. I'll make a call and let you know if I have anything to wrap up before I depart.” I saluted him, hoping to end the discussion.
He glowered at me like he found me in bed with both his wife and his daughter. Finally, he snapped a terse salute. “You're dismissed, Ryan.”
Now I had to see if that confrontation was worth the sweat.
“Hello. Is that really you, Jon?”
“Yup.”
“Good. Then my caller ID isn't toying with my emotions.”
“If it is, I'll have a talk with it, computer to computer. Set it straight.”
“How're you doing?”
“Fine, and you?”
“Couldn't be better. Hey, thanks again for the fun evening. I really enjoyed myself.”
“Me too.”
“I'm afraid my next date won't measure up. Anyone who can't offer armed guards won't come up to my new standard.”
“Funny you should bring that subject up. I'm calling to see if you're available tonight.”
“Tonight? Jon, it's four o'clock and I'm still at work. How about tomorrow, or…maybe we could get away this weekend?”
“When I pick you up tonight, I'll tell you why those are not viable options.”
She was quiet a few seconds. “I'm looking forward to hearing a satisfactory explanation when you pick me up at seven thirty. Will our companions be joining us?”
“Absolutely. Maybe even more new friends this time out.”
There was a longer silence. “Tell you what. I'll pick up Chinese and we'll eat at my place. How's that sound? That way your pets can wait outside, if you take my meaning.”
“What? You're going cheap on me and don't want to buy enough for everybody? If it's just a matter of a few bucks…”
“See you, Mr. Officially Impossible, at eight.”
It was like a Marine landing. Three black cars screeched to a stop in front of Jane's building and twenty men piled out. They secured the sidewalk, flooded the lobby, and headed up both stairwells. Once the officer in charge, Major Brent Towers, was satisfied, he waved me out of the car. Three moose surrounded me like I was freezing. When the elevator doors split on her floor, men tumbled out in both directions, rifles sweeping. Without a word, as soon as Jane opened the door, the team moved quickly from room to room to make sure she wasn't hiding a ninja squad in her closet.
We both stood there in the living room with our arms folded while they had their jollies. Finally, we were given the all-clear. Big surprise. I told them they could wait wherever they wanted as long as it wasn't inside the apartment. After attempting to cow me into allowing a “small contingent” to remain, the Major finally backed down. He'd be, he assured me, right outside the door if anything “came up.” I totally let that pun slip by uncelebrated.
After she shut the door, it was almost anticlimactic. Almost. Jane looked marvelous! She had on a little black dress and not much else. She was even barefoot. My kinda girl!
“I'm so glad you made them leave!” She smiled as she rested her back on the door. “That was actually kind of intense. If they stayed, we were going to have no fun at all.”
I shrugged. “Good armed help is hard to find these days. They tend to be as subtle as hand grenades.”
She took a deep breath. “One last thing.” She came over to me. “We just need to get this out of the way.” She put her arms on my shoulders, raised on her tiptoes, and gave me a kiss. Now, I'm not one to kiss and tell, but, man, what a kiss! Warm, lingering, and passionate, but soft, gentle, and tender. She stepped back, took my hand, and led me away. “Now, let's eat. I'm starving!”
“I really like the way you've arranged this dinner party, J. You should invite me more often.”
The kitchen table was jammed with boxes of takeout of all imaginable sizes. A candle burned in their center, and two places were set with chopsticks and fancy napkins. The bottle of wine was already open.
She stood behind one chair as I walked in. “Go for it, Jon.”
“If it's all the same to you, I think I'll have dinner first. I'm starving too.”
That remark earned me quite the look. She pointed to the other chair. “Park it, you ever-so-irritating man.”
“Hey, don't get nasty. Calling me a man, that's kind of insulting. Us robots have feelings, you know?”
She squinted one eye. “I bet you do.” She signaled to the boxes. “Start eating before I change my mind and call the Major back in.”
We made small talk a while, as we piled our plates and began. Finally, I said, “Thanks for having me by on such short notice. I really appreciate it.”
“My pleasure,” she said, resting her chin on her chopstick hand. “What is it you need to tell me?” She had a worried look.
I stared at my food. “Well, there's what I can tell you and there's what my boss specifically ordered me not to tell you.” I looked up to her. “Which do you want to hear?”
She set her chopsticks down and shifted in her chair. “There's a pregnant remark, if ever I've heard one. I'm not certain what to say.” She stared at me a few moments. “Well, first things first. What are you allowed to tell me?”
“I'm being shipped into orbit tomorrow.” I just said it as plainly as I could. “I won't be coming back…you know, for a long time.” I took a second. “I wanted to see you one last time. Thank you for the little time we've had.” We were quiet quite a spell. I grinned. “Oh, by the way. I wasn't supposed to tell you that unless you promised not to make the exclusive public until the day after tomorrow.” I pointed at her with my chopsticks. “So, remember you promised.”
She put her right hand up. “I promised.” She picked nervously at her noodles. “What're we going to do about the other part?”
I tried to sound upbeat. “Well, my dear, that depends.”
A little impatiently, she folded her hands and addressed me flatly. “Jon, I don't want to belabor this. What does it depend on? Just tell me what I know you're going to say and le
t's move ahead.”
“I'm as sorry as hell about all the cloak and dagger, Jane. I really am. But, you're both the woman I'm falling for and a reporter. I want to tell the face I care for what happened, but I worry about the reporter in her bones.”
She sat uncomfortably still for a few heartbeats. Finally, she grinned at me and I knew I was forgiven! “Someday, I'll know the whole truth. Whether it's from you today or a press release three years from now, I'm fine. Let's not spoil one more moment of tonight stressing over the details, shall we?”
“You're one in a billion. I'm going to miss you.” My head dropped. “Are you one, Ms. Geraty, to keep a secret? For, were that the case, I'd very much love to tell you one.”
Picking up her chopsticks, she replied. “I can keep a secret better than a nun keeps her virginity.”
“You kiss your mother with that potty-mouth?”
“My mother? Ha! This apple didn't fall too far from that tree.” She laughed a laugh that could have melt Ahab's heart.
I told Jane about the attack. Because of the ongoing threats, I was to leave immediately. She thanked me for placing my trust in her and assured me she wouldn't discuss the topic until it was public knowledge. The conversation died disquietingly after that exchange. She had a thoughtful look about her, and I had no idea what to say next.
“So,” she began, “this will be our last night together.” She gave me a weak smile. “Our only night, I guess, unless you fancy a date with a hundred-and-twenty-year-old crone when you finally get back.” I could only stare back at her. She was uncomfortably correct. “So, what do you think? Are we going to make something of it, or get let this moment pass?”
“I'm having a great time. I wanted badly to see you one last time before I flew off to forever. I wish we'd have had more time together, but we won't.” I played nervously with a fortune cookie. “I think I'm looking at my biggest regret ever.” Those final words caught in my throat. I sounded like a big baby. A big metal baby.
The Forever Life (The Forever Series Book 1) Page 5
