by Lynn Moon
Lacey handed the warm bottle to Carrie. Lizzie reached for it and guided it into her mouth.
“Well,” Carrie soothed. “You must feel better now with a dry diaper and some food in your tummy.”
“She reminds me of the babies we saw in the laboratory,” Lacey said playing with Lizzie’s feet, making her giggle.
“What babies?” Marty asked.
“There’s a laboratory down here,” Carrie explained. “It’s no longer used, but some of the experiments are still there.”
“May I see?” Marty asked.
Carrie stared into nothing trying to decide if it was a good idea to show anyone else that nasty room.
Marty saw the concern on Carrie’s face and added, “Please?”
“I can feed the baby,” Learl said holding out her arms. “I promise I’ll take care of her.”
“We can stay too,” Macie added with a smile glancing over at Eliza.
“I don’t want to stay away long,” Marty said.
Her eyes were sincere which played deeply on Carrie’s heart. She couldn’t refuse.
“Fine,” Carrie said at last handing the baby to Learl. “Now don’t move from this couch with this baby. Understand?”
Learl nodded. Her eyes were wide with the anticipation of caring for the baby. She kissed Lizzie on the head and watched every move she made.
“Well,” Lacey said. “Looks like she’s in good hands.”
“I go with you,” Seith volunteered. “I know this place.”
The hall was dark and eerie. Carrie sighed with relief when they entered the laboratory. With only two flashlights, the group had to walk in pairs to see. Marty was especially interested in the babies floating in the jars with deformities similar to her daughter. She was also interested in Seith. When they returned, Marty was quiet.
“What are you thinking?” Carrie asked.
“I’m trying to put everything together,” Marty explained. “Those jars hold real babies?”
Carrie and Lacey nodded.
“And Seith’s skin looks like my Lizzie’s,” she surmised. “So does his face… Seith, do you have toes?”
“No,” he replied. “My feet like hers.”
“May I see?” Marty asked.
Seith sat on the couch and removed his shoes. When he pulled off his socks, Marty gasped. Seith’s foot looked like one giant toe with a huge nail wrapped around it. She couldn’t tell where it started or where it ended.
“We have to file it down all the time,” Learl explained. “If we don’t it cracks and bleeds.”
“A hoof?” Marty whispered.
“What’s a hoof?” Seith asked.
“It’s not important,” Marty replied with a smile.
Chapter 90
“YES, TINA?” STRICKLAND said into her cell. “I see, well put him through. It’s Geeshmore,” she whispered to Greghardt and Lewis. She held up her hand to let them know he was on the line. “Vernon? What’s so important you just had to track me down… I see, and you need me to do what exactly… All right, Vernon, I’ll look into it. Thank you for being so concerned about one of my generals—yes, one of mine, I am the Commander in Chief. Good day to you too, sir.” Strickland sighed and glanced up at the ceiling as though saying a private prayer.
“What was that all about?” Lewis asked as Strickland dropped her phone into her pocket.
“That was Vernon Geeshmore. He had a fit on Tina yesterday—demanded I talk to him. How rude.”
“And?” Greghardt prodded.
“Oh,” Strickland replied. “Seems he can’t locate General Longhorn and he’s worried.”
Lewis’ phone chirped. He was surprised to see Loomsbury’s name on the screen.
“Lewis,” he answered. “Really? Well that’s good… really good… oh no… that’s bad… really bad… now that’s interesting… very interesting… yes please do… thank you, doctor.”
“And?” Strickland inquired.
“Seems your general is at The Agency with an infection from a botched operation while in Scotland,” Lewis explained. “Agent Schuster brought her in.”
“Really?” Strickland replied. “Will she be okay?”
“Yes,” Lewis added. “But she’s pregnant. Loomsbury ran some tests and the fetus is not exactly human.”
“Excuse me?” Strickland asked.
Greghardt’s phone rang and he looked surprised when he saw the name.
“Greghardt,” he said as his face lit up with a smile. “Excellent… where exactly? Great, great… yes send me the details right away… thank you and good work.”
“And?” Strickland and Lewis asked together.
“When the implant was removed from Early, seems Loomsbury also implanted a tracking device. And it’s working,” Greghardt replied. “She’s here, in Washington.”
“Really?” Strickland said raising an eyebrow. “I wonder what’s so special about this state?”
Chapter 91
DR. SPANGLEHOLTZ WIPED his forehead with his kerchief and peeked at Geeshmore. They were in trouble and no matter how he looked at it, their lives were in jeopardy. Geeshmore played with a broken nail on his finger and Dr. Nestle stared at them as though they were some of the FBI’s most wanted.
“Any explanation as to what went wrong?” Nestle asked starting the conversation.
Geeshmore and Spangleholtz shook their heads not saying a word. They knew whatever they said would be used against them.
“I want that general found,” Nestle added, glancing around the dim office. “How can a US general just disappear?”
“You run the CDC,” Geeshmore said lowering his eyes. He knew he was treading in dangerous waters but had to say something. “Can’t you call her in with a fake epidemic or something?”
“Yeah, put out an all-points bulletin?” Spangleholtz asked.
“Of course,” Nestle replied shaking his head. “I’m going to post a notice about a general who just happens to have a highly contagious disease. Now, where exactly did she contract this disease and how do we know so much about it? She just returned from Scotland, you idiots, not some third world country. I can’t believe I’m actually trying to have a conversation with you two. Get out of my office. You make me sick.”
Geeshmore and Spangleholtz stood outside Dr. Nestle’s office and stared at each other. Neither had any idea how to find the missing general.
“Is there anything I can get for you?” the young assistant asked when they didn’t move.
“A new life,” Geeshmore said as they left the office together.
Chapter 92
CHARLOTTE SMILED AS they sped down the highway. Charlie was reading her a book, and she felt wanted. Behind them the mountains beckoned her, but she knew she was safe with her new family. The farther they drove from castle the better off she was. Charlotte was still confused as to what a mother and father were, but at least she had her grandparents and older brother. She watched through her window as she snuggled in her blankets. She didn’t know where they were going, but she was happy.
A sign announced the small town of Sumas. The US border was only a few more miles and Miracle Valley was just beyond.
“Not much farther,” Grandfather said as they crossed into Canada.
Charlie glanced up from the book and smiled. “We’re almost home?”
“Almost,” his grandmother replied. “Almost.”
Charlie read to Charlotte until they parked outside a beautiful ranch house. Several barns and sheds were scattered around the property. A young man approached the vehicle and smiled.
“You the Wentlies?” he asked.
“Yes,” Grandfather replied getting out of the car.
“House is stocked just as requested,” the young man said. “Everything is turned on and ready for yah.”
“This is for your troubles,” Grandfather replied handing the young man some money.
“Thanks, let me know if I can ever do anything else for yah.”
“I will,�
�� Grandfather said looking into the backseat. “We’re home, kids.”
Charlotte loved the house. It wasn’t as big as the castle but that was okay. Trees were everywhere and she loved trees. Snuggled between two mountain peaks was a small lake, just big enough for her. Grandfather said they own over three hundred acres so no one should ever bother them. No trespassing signs had been posted all along the fence he built just for her. Charlotte stood at the top of a huge tree and admired the view. In the distance she could see the snow-covered mountaintops.
It felt good to spread her wings in the sunlight. With a little hop, Charlotte soared through the heavens and toward the lake. Several birds glided next to her as if welcoming her to her new home. As she drifted to the water, she allowed her feet to slide across the surface. It felt like skating on a cloud. Her grandparents and Charlie watched as their little angel explored her new surroundings.
“Are we safe here?” Charlie asked.
“As safe as we’ll ever be,” his Grandfather answered.
Chapter 93
CARRIE AND LACEY stopped to eat and rest. It’d been several hours since they left the tunnel. They were there for a purpose and not to play. Lacey used her GPS to determine their exact location. But without cell phones, they couldn’t call anyone. They lost their phones when they slid into the hole.
“It’s getting dark, we’ll need to make camp soon,” Carrie replied tapping her on the arm.
They hiked until it got too dark to see. Carrie had the tent up and a fire burning before the stars came out. They ate wild duck with wild potatoes and mushrooms for dinner. It was delicious. Carrie had just buried the bones when it started to pour. With everything tucked away inside their tent, the two settled down to rest and listen to the rain.
* * * * * *
Gabe pulled his jacket tighter around his neck. The water was seeping onto his sweatshirt and he was cold and hungry. Three agents tried to keep up with him but were having trouble. The owl DNA added to Gabe’s human DNA not only enhanced his vision, but also gave him more strength and vigor. The smell of smoke told him Carrie and Lacey were near but, with the wind blowing and the rain pouring, he wasn’t sure which direction to go.
Gabe waited under a tree to see how long it would take for them to reach him. “Why don’t you wait here,” he suggested when the agents finally caught up.
“We’re fine,” one of the men said. But to Gabe he didn’t look fine.
“Really?” Gabe asked. “I can cover more ground if you just wait here. You can set up camp and I’ll bring back something to eat.”
“Fine.” The agents finally agreed.
Before they could change their minds, Gabe took off at a slow jog up the steep incline. Leaves and twigs were everywhere, but he didn’t care. The smoke was stronger here and he knew they were close. The rain slowed and he could see better through the trees. Unlike West Virginia, these mountains were not covered in vines or brush. He liked it better this way. Not as cluttered.
He finally saw their tent. It was high atop the next ridge. A large ravine separated them. He searched for a way across. But there was nothing. He would have to hike down then back up to reach them.
He needed to eat. Water, he could smell water. Far below a rushing river ran between the two mountains. He would find food there. Gabe scampered down the mountain to the flowing water. It was calm here, but to his right and his left he could see the white foam that meant rocks.
With a large stick, he snagged several fish. Between several boulders, he found a secluded spot and ate. All he needed was for a bear to find him. He knew bears loved fish. The fish was good. Even raw it tasted almost sweet. With all the bones, he had to carefully pick out the tasty meat. When he finished, he tossed the remains back into the water and rinsed off his hands. He felt better with his stomach full.
A line of boulders and fallen logs made the perfect bridge. Climbing up the next mountain was not as easy. The morning sun was just cresting over the ridge when he reached the top. Their tent was only a few yards away.
“Carrie!” he yelled. “Lacey, it’s me, Gabe.”
“Gabe?” Carrie asked sitting up in her sleeping bag. “Am I dreaming?”
“If you are then so am I,” Lacey said struggling to get to her feet. “I heard him too.”
“Over here, Gabe,” Carrie yelled.
Before they could free themselves from their bags, Gabe’s head poked into their tent with a big smile.
“What in the world are you doing here?” Lacey asked.
“Nice to see you too,” Gabe said, laughing.
Chapter 94
THE WORLD WAS spinning around her faster than she could keep up.
“What?” Carrie screamed into the agent’s cell phone. “Blow up what? Where?”
“Carrie,” Maddie said trying to calm her, “just come back and everything will be fine.”
“No!” Carrie screamed. The phone cracked when it hit a rock after she threw it. Carrie ran up the mountain as the agents stared at her.
“What’s going on?” one of the agents asked Lacey.
“We left people up there,” Lacey said. “We have to get them out before it blows.”
Lacey ran after Carrie yelling for her to slow down. Gabe shrugged and ran after the girls. The three agents stared at each other confused as to what to do next.
“Hello?” Maddie yelled into the receiver. “Carrie? Anyone?”
* * * * * *
The chopper landed in a firebreak not far from the summit. Several agents dressed in black jumpsuits were the first to exit. Nate and Lewis hopped out last. They couldn’t track the girls, but they could track Gabe. The men followed the device over the first ridge when Lewis spotted them.
“Carrie… Lacey… Gabe!” Lewis yelled.
“Wait for us,” Nate hollered.
Carrie ran ahead but Gabe and Lacey waited. When the men arrived, Lacey tried to fill them in the best she could as they hurried toward the tunnel. Lacey darted in without warning them of the strong odor.
“Oh my God!” Lewis shouted slapping his hand over his nose and mouth.
Nate gagged.
“Sorry,” Lacey replied not slowing down. The stench didn’t seem to bother her anymore. “This is how they make sure no one escapes.”
“What are you talking about?” Lewis yelled trying not to breathe.
“The people who live here,” Lacey explained as she slowed her pace. “There’s something inside them that explodes if they try to leave.”
“Perhaps to a freedom they were not counting on?” Nate ran not looking at the bloody walls.
Lacey gave Nate a strange stare but continued down the tunnel.
“What is this place?” Lewis asked, trying to catch up.
“We’re not sure,” Lacey replied. “Some kind of laboratory maybe?”
“Up here in the mountains?” Nate asked from behind. “This is a strange way to get to it.”
“I’d be happy to take you in another way,” she said as she pushed on the door. “But we’re in a hurry.”
“Excuse me?” Lewis added.
“Long story,” Lacey replied walking into the small office.
Carrie was holding a bundle of blankets in her arms when the three entered. Tears filled her eyes.
“I’m going to take the family out first,” Carrie stated. “You need to find a way to get the others out. Maybe with a rope through the hole.”
“Might work,” Lacey replied. “When you get out, tell the agents where the hole is and we’ll wait for them there.”
“How much time do we have?” Carrie asked staring at Lewis.
“We’re not sure,” Lewis replied staring at the strange creatures blinking at him.
“Gabe, come with me,” Carrie said as she darted through the office with the family and Gabe following.
The small group ran through the tunnel and Carrie prayed everyone would make it out alive. She had no idea how long before it would be blown up.
“Gabe,” Carrie yelled, holding the baby close to her chest. “When we get outside I’m going to point you in the direction of where a ceiling caved in. I need you to direct the agents to that hole so the others can get out. We can’t bring them out this way. If they go out another way, maybe their devices won’t go off.”
“Or what? They’ll blow?” Gabe added running behind the small group.
* * * * * *
Gabe stood on the ridge and examined the mountain side. The fallen leaves were thick with brush and small saplings. He couldn’t see an opening. The men stood behind him scanning the area with their binoculars attached to their helmets. The sun was setting and the red and orange horizon cast an eerie glow.
“I have to get higher,” Gabe said staring down the mountain.
No one answered the boy. They just looked at him. Gabe shook his head and laughed. A tall pine with scarce branches was just what he needed. With little effort, Gabe scaled the tall trunk as if it were a ladder. The men in black scratched their heads as the boy scurried up the tree and disappeared into the thick canopy.
Gabe could see the whole mountain side from here. He felt free and at home high in the sky. If he could, this is where he would build a house. The sun was almost gone and with the darkness came the boy’s amazing eyesight. He concentrated and allowed his vision to adjust to the darkening shadows. With little effort, his eye muscles tightened and the forest floor expanded through his mind. It was as if he were only a few feet above the sloping side. A mile, in Gabe’s eyes, was easily transformed into just a few feet. His eyes scanned every inch of the fallen leaves until he saw it. About halfway down the slop was a jagged black hole.
“Got it,” he yelled from above the trees.
The men stared at each other. But not a word was spoken. The walk down the slope was tricky and they used their rifles to slow their descent. The leaves flew in rivers past their feet and caused their minds to whirl.
Being the first to arrive, Gabe yelled into the dark hole. “Hello?” As his eyes adjusted he could see everyone standing in the dark. “They’re here.”
