Dark of kNight

by T. L Mitchell

  No one else needed to join in with me. This party was all mine. I grieved for the loss of my father’s love, for the loss that had been taken from me. He was the only one I had ever had. I knew the Maxwell’s had considered me family, and they were close enough to me that I felt they were. Nevertheless, still, it was my Daddy.

  Another burst of air came from my throat. I slapped my hand across my mouth again, trying to hide the noise. I turned quickly, and hid my face in the pillow. I wanted to scream, but I was afraid to wake the whole house. In the midst of my continuum of pain, I felt something warm moving on my back. Startled I jumped and pulled my head from the pillow. As I raised my head up, I felt the weight of a body against mine. The soft whisper in my ear, “It is okay. Come here.” Daniel‘s soft voice whispered in the dark.

  Without another word, his strong arms pulled me to his body. He wrapped my arm around his neck where my head buried into his chest. His arms tightly enclosed around me, holding me closer as I cried. No longer could I contain the pain in normal doses. The sorrowful wails that came from deep within me muffled softly on his chest. His hand pressed firmly against the back of my head, holding me close to him. The sound of his soft voice, cooing unrecognizable words brought out more of the pain.

  Flooding my soul with an unmentionable depth of sorrow, my box opened. No one could imagine but me, the pain I felt at this point. All dignity was lost. I was lost in a sea of emotions all at once, tossing me back and forth by a raging storm that threatened life itself. Bearing down on all that I knew, my emotions were like a ragged ship sinking to the bottom depths of the ocean, never to be found again. Still, somewhere, there was hope this storm which raged and wailed out of me would end. A voice soft as an angel’s whispered into my ears, leading me to a light out the darkest of storms. It directed to a brightness my eyes couldn’t see and delivered me from the hands of hell that gripped by heart.

  Like the fierce storm it was, it had come and gone. All the tears and pain ended. Only an empty box remained. The sniffles that I tried to retract came slowly. The hand of my rescuer brushed my hair from my face with his fingers. My eyelids felt heavier with each smooth stroke of his fingertips against my skin. Slowly, my eyes closed and the storm ended. I drifted, drifted toward the safeness of the seashore. At last, I was safe.

  FOUR

  Morning came quickly; yawning, I stretched my sleepy body. I jerked my hands back to my sides and twisted my head toward the other side of the bed. Empty. I relaxed while my heart’s arrhythmic beat returned to normal again. Remembering last night clearly, Daniel had taken me by surprise. I suppose I shouldn’t have been surprised to find myself alone in bed this morning. After all, he was there for the moment. Daniel’s cologne lingered on my nightshirt. The clean scent made me somewhat light headed, in a good way. I rolled over on the pillow to smell the fragrance once again, allowing parts of last night’s memory to fill my mind. Daniel was so sweet and tender, unlike the ass he once was.

  The thought of looking him in the face this morning terrified me. After being a blubbering idiot last night, I thought he’d seen the worst of me. I couldn’t help the rush of emotions I experienced last night when my box so violently opened. I could face the embarrassment, but not the aftermath of teasing.

  After jumping out the bed, I glanced at the clock. The alarm clock said seven-thirty, just enough time for a shower and then dress for the drive to Thomas’s office. My schedule remained the same. I wanted to do a little shopping then run home to rummage through my father’s things.

  Fully dressed, I walked down the stairs. I heard loud voices. A heated argument came from the kitchen. Charlotte’s voice was clear as crystal.

  “I do not care what you think! It is too dangerous! I am not going through this again Thomas! I cannot handle it!” Her sharp voice was strong and loud.

  “Mom, listen to me!” Daniel’s voice was tense and pleading. “She is stronger than you think. I agree with Dad, she has to be told. It is her right.”

  “Damn it Charlotte! Martin… ” Thomas roared.

  “I do not give a damn about what HE wanted,” she hissed at them. “I want her to be safe. You know how much I love that girl. If it were not for him and his wants, her mother would still be alive!”

  “Charlotte! I think you have said enough. You have gone way over the line. You are forgetting what we stand for,” Thomas shot back.

  “Then tell me that it is not true! You know as well as I do what her mother was. Did that stop him?”

  “Charlotte! Stop it!” The rage in Thomas’s voice sent chills up my spine; even the hair prickled on my neck.

  You know as well as I do what her mother was. My heart dropped. Surely, with everything that has happened, could this be what they were hiding from me? What was my mother?

  My legs weakened. The sick feeling returned to my stomach, making it difficult for me to breathe. In all my years, I’d never heard anyone talk about my mother in such a harsh way. My father would’ve probably killed them, or at least had the last word. I sat down on the stairs, until I heard silence. Then their conversations took a normal twist.

  A new disarray of images filled my head. Something strange and odd happened with my family and I was a part of it. If there was a truth, at least Thomas and Daniel remained on my side. Inhaling deeply, I bit my bottom lip and stood. If there was something I needed to know, then they were going to tell me.

  “Hey!” Casey stood behind me.

  “Good morning.” I forced out a smile.

  “Sleep well?”

  “Yes, I guess so.”

  We walked down the stairs and into the kitchen. Casey floated past Charlotte and headed for the coffee. I found myself the center of attention. Charlotte, Thomas and Daniel watched me carefully. I’m sure they noticed how uncomfortable I felt. Thomas eyed Charlotte and sat his coffee cup on the counter. Walking past me, he gently squeezed my arm.

  “Good morning, dear. I’ll see you in a couple of hours.” His pace quickened when he rounded the corner into the great room.

  “Julie, please come and sit down. I have made breakfast.” Charlotte stood and motioned for me to sit down.

  There was no way I was going to let them know, at least not right now, the conversation I overheard. Taking the plate from Charlotte, I made my way to the counter beside of Daniel. I dared not lift my eyes to his for fear of embarrassment from last night’s outburst.

  “Feeling better?” he whispered low enough for me to hear. I nodded.

  “Thank you.”

  Picking through my food, my eyes kept time on my watch. I was eager to get home and go through Dad’s things now more than ever. The plans had changed slightly. Once in the car, when I hit the main road, I would call Thomas, explain to him I wasn’t ready to go over all the details today and then head to the house. Yep, good plan. Sticking with the plan, it was time to put it into effect.

  Standing up, I placed my plate in the sink, walked over to Charlotte, and gave her a quick hug. She wrapped her mothering arms around me and squeezed me tightly.

  “Well, I’ll see you later on. Thank you for breakfast, Charlotte.”

  “Okay then.” Daniel had a hint of light humor in his voice. “Mom, thanks for breakfast. We will see you later on this evening.”

  “Well, I thought I would drive. I have a little shopping to do,” I said, a little shocked as my get-away plans got-away without me.

  “That is all right. Casey wants to be dropped off at the college; she should not be finished until around three, so I will have plenty of time to take you where you need.” The smile I use to think was adorable had turned sour to me. There was no way to avoid my capture.

  Daniel headed past me to the car, Casey behind me. He held the door open while Casey climbed into the back seat. I reluctantly settled in the front while he closed the door.

  Watching him curiously, he ran around the front of the car to the driver’s side and climbed in. With the car started, we headed down the driveway.

>   The car ride was smooth, as I glanced over to see the speed he was driving. Eighty-five. I pressed my lips together; my car must be faster than his. Then a few short beeps and a buzz, and he pulled his foot off the accelerator. The car slowed to fifty-five.

  Daniel glanced at me and pointed to the radar detector on the dash board of the car.

  “That’s how I knew to warn you to slow down yesterday.” He grinned.

  “I guess I need to get one of those,” I muttered.

  We raced toward Thomas's office after dropping Casey off at the college. Arriving promptly, Daniel and I had enough time to seat ourselves in the conference room before Thomas arrived. The eyes of everyone in the room fell upon me. The feeling at my father’s wake didn’t compare to what I felt in a room filled with intimidating people.

  The door opened and Thomas walked in, dressed in a black suit with a black and gray tie. He walked toward me, touched my arm and gave me a warm smile. I took a deep breath and nodded at him.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, this is Julie Knight, the daughter of the one who we all knew so well, Dr. Martin Knight.” He began from left to right around the table. “This is Eddie Carson. Eddie is the operating CEO of Syntex Laboratories in Dayton, Ohio. Syntex is the nation’s industry leader, providing the US government with cybernetic research and development. Ms. Anna-Bella Lunden, the Vice president of Sitton-Bell Corporation located in Rome, Italy. Among Sitton-Bell‘s contributions to the world is their laser surgery designs and techniques, which I am sure you are aware of by now. Ben Yasamino, the President and CEO of Tempex Corporation. Tempex is a research and development corporation specializing in micro and macro nano technology.” Thomas took a breath, walked toward Daniel, and continued.

  “Last, but not least, my son, Daniel J. Maxwell, CEO of DalMar Industries located in Edinburg, Scotland. DalMar has made its stand in DNA research.” Thomas paused once again, only to hand me a stack of documents.

  “Julie, in case you are wondering why these people are here today, they represent what your father has built over the years. Martin owned controlling stock in each of these companies. As agreed upon in the event of his death, the controlling asset of each one now lies in your hands. The paperwork you have in front of you details each of the companies’ current assets and net worth.”

  Each of the CEO’s gave a brief presentation. Finally, Thomas turned his attention to Daniel. “Daniel, if you please.” Thomas reached over and turned the lights off in the conference room.

  A wall opened up with a large screen. After a few light taps on a key board and the screen flashed the words in large print DALMAR INDUSTRIES. In detail, Daniel explained the research of DNA and the company’s assets and holdings. I sat listening intently while he described the successes of proving cures exist for diseases on the cellular level with the technology that has been gained by the joint research of the other companies. He explained with the help of Tempex Corporation and their nano technology, they have successfully cured cancer on the cellular gene level of laboratory rats.

  Daniel showed a video of the system they were now working on. The concept was truly science fiction, which ultimately became reality. DalMar combined its research on DNA with Tempex development of macro nanos by duplicating the creation process of cancer cells. The nano probes once entering into the blood stream would seek out and reverse the process of the cancer by altering the individual’s DNA to prevent a re-development. So far, the risks, not proven yet, would be less than radiation and less harmful to the individual. He stated that during the research they discovered a few people naturally carry DNA that prevents cancer from developing. The cellular levels showed on the screen replicated how the nanos would attach to the DNA walls and rewrite them. The nanos replicated themselves to the DNA strand that naturally occurred in those individuals that do not contract the types of cancer, which is a two-step process. A second treatment of the nanos would remove the cancer cells from the host. The process would save time and money from the costly radiation treatments. When the process was complete, the body would eliminate the nanos through the urine.

  To my amazement, Daniel’s research was more than just research. He was so much like my father, a true humanitarian. He believed in saving lives and apparently spent millions on cures and research as well. There were no words to explain my surprise of finding my father’s interests had broadened into companies like these.

  “Ladies and gentlemen, what you have seen has been considered science fiction up until now,” Daniel continued. “This Labrador Retriever named Lucy was brought to us by her owner for help. Lucy had no chance of survival. There were no known cures for the type of cancer she had. In the experimental stage, we gave Lucy an injection of the GNI, Genesis Nanos I. Within twenty-four hours, the cancer was isolated and cleaned up. In the Second stage, we injected her with GN2, Genesis Nanos II. Twenty-four hours later, Lucy’s DNA was restructured with the GN2 making the bridge gap preventing the cancer from recurring. Lucy has been living free of cancer for six years.” Daniel finished.

  The lights were back. Everyone in the room started talking at one time about the new scientific breakthrough.

  “Please! Please!” Thomas sounded out loudly.

  “Dr. Maxwell, how long do you think it will be before you test the GNI and GN2 on human subjects?” Mr. Yasamino asked in a heavy accent.

  “We have been testing the GNI on human subjects now for just a little over a year. The success rate has been ninety percent. The casualty rate has been minimal with ten percent of the human subjects rejecting the nanos,” Daniel finished.

  The title Doctor rang out loudly in my head. Daniel looked different to me, probably due to his title. Casey never mentioned anything to me about him obtaining his doctorate in science. His eyes caught mine and I quickly glanced down to the stack of papers in front of me. Terrified that everyone in the room would notice how much I admired Daniel, I glanced down to the stack of papers in front of me. My thoughts drifted to last night when his strong shoulder was there for me to cry on. I felt everyone would see through me. I was afraid they would see in my eyes what my heart was feeling at this moment. My eyes rose from my papers and met his across the table. Our eyes held one long glance. There was more to this new Daniel and I wanted to know everything.

  Much to my relief, I was ready to leave when Thomas dismissed the meeting. Pushing my chair back, I stood and gathered my papers. Daniel crossed the room and leaned close to me.

  “Ready to go?” he whispered in my ear, apparently he wanted to leave the room as fast as I did. While the others were talking amongst themselves and Thomas, we slipped out like two school kids skipping class. Moving quickly toward the elevator, we stepped in as he pushed the down button. A smile crossed my face. He looked down at me and returned my smile.

  “What?”

  “Nothing.” My face warmed. “It just seems like you are always saving me from a crowd of people.”

  “Oh, that.” He chuckled. “Hungry?” With twinkling eyes, he turned to face me.

  “Sure.”

  “Great! Come on.” Guiding me across the street, his hand slipped around mine. We headed for Tony’s Pizzeria, which happened to be my favorite restaurant.

  Once inside we were greeted by the hostess and seated promptly at a table near the window. After a few minutes, the waitress arrived to take our order. Still studying the menu, I heard Daniel speak up first. “Yes, we will have the medium, thin crust with pepperoni, pineapple and jalapeños. One large coke and one large diet sprite.”

  Smiling politely, I handed the menu to the waitress. Daniel sat across from me with a quirky grin. His eyes flickered with a sense of satisfaction.

  “How did you remember?” the question blurted out my mouth.

  “Your favorite pizza or your favorite pizzeria?” He leaned over the table. “There are many things I could never forget about you,” he whispered as the grin returned to his face when he sat back in his chair.

  When I looked across the
table into his eyes, my heart felt like it was on the way to an utter halt. With sweaty palms and dreamy eyes, my blood ran a few degrees warmer than usual. Daniel took my breath away. Placing the food order, he impressed me yet once again by remembering my favorite pizza. The man that sat across the table from me wasn’t the same boy I once knew.

  “What?” he asked.

  “I was just thinking how much you’ve changed.” I spoke in a soft voice as I gazed into his dreamy eyes. “You were just so mean to me when we were growing up.”

  “Well, it was hard to win your attention. You and Casey talked about boys all the time.” A wicked grin formed on his perfect lips.

  “Were you jealous?”

  “Yes.” He laughed. Then a frown crossed his face, “My name never came up.”

  There was an old saying about sticking a knife in someone’s heart. I felt the sharp pain entering into the sacred area because of my shame. I had no response for his statement. I had always looked at Daniel as an older brother, not knowing he had a crush on me. This new all grown up Daniel had changed and was definitely more appealing than he was in his younger days.

  “I am sorry. Maybe it was the wrong thing to say. I seem to always say the wrong things, especially around you.” The uncomfortable tone in his voice disturbed me. Looking up into his face, the agony was apparent.

  “No. No. You didn’t say anything wrong. I guess I’m the one who… .” How could I measure what my thoughts were of him now? “Daniel, you’ve been great.”

  “Aside from being an ass on the first day you saw me in four years?”

  I laughed a little louder than I expected and nodded my head. “Yes, aside from you being an ass. Last night, you were there for me. That means something to me.”

  “Jewels, I will always be there for you. I mean that.”

  Something must have gone right in the universe at that moment, because my heart melted. It was all I could do to restrain myself from leaning over the table and kissing him.