Terms (The Experiments Book 3) Page 20

  There were only a few men, the dining room was packed. Billy was certain that not everyone was present.

  He was certain because he didn’t see one person in particular

  Cal.

  Where was she?

  He worried that something happened to her during the takeover, but his gut instincts told him that Jake had taught her well. Cal had to be safe, or found a way to get help. If they had her, she would be there.

  But what was really going on? What did the men want? It was definitely a hostage situation, and Billy hadn’t a clue if it was geared toward one person or to Caldwell.

  All he knew was he wanted Cal to remain out of the way and safe and for Rickie to stop growling.

  Jake was far from the fashion expert, but on one particular issue, Cal should have listened to him. While packing for the study, he watched her place a pair of plastic ‘flip flops’ in her bag.

  “What are those for?”

  Cal snickered, “Um, the beach, it is an island.”

  “I’m looking here Cal; I’m not seeing your sensible running shoes.”

  That made Cal laughed. “Why would I need running shoes, Jake?”

  “You never know.”

  “I’ll be on the beach and in the clinic.”

  “You should take them for the beach.”

  “Ok, fine, I’ll take them but I won’t wear them on the beach.”

  “Why?” Jake asked.

  “Well for starters they’d be hot, and flip flops are easier to put on and take off.”

  “Running shoes can be easy.”

  She scoffed a ‘please’ at him and with the flip flops she did pack her sneakers. But like she told Jake, she didn’t wear them.

  How she wished she had.

  Flip flops were fine for a short casual stroll across the beach at a slow tempo; they were not designed for rougher terrain or a quick pace.

  Once she had darted out of sight, and watched as the men took over the clinic, Cal knew she had to get further from sight and try to find some help. Unlike Rickie she never explored the island, but listened to him when he said there was a town on the other side.

  Cal had to make it there, even though she hadn’t a clue where it was.

  The island wasn’t that big, how hard would it be to find the town?

  Probably not as hard as it was to get through the woods.

  She had to carry all of her belongings; she didn’t want to take a chance of leaving anything behind to be found. Her towel and bag weren’t much, neither were her clothing. Cal wore a thin shirt-style dress over her bathing suit along with those damn flip flops.

  She would have loved to pretend she wasn’t pregnant, but that was impossible. Her low crouch strained her legs, and they cramped often. About a half mile into her wooded area journey, her left flip flop started to crack. Just about the point where she formed a blister between her big toe and first toe, the flip flop broke.

  She had travelled, she guessed about three miles. Which wasn’t a lot, but difficult to do with no shoes.

  After spotting the road, Cal inched her way to the edge of the trees and followed the road, believing it would lead somewhere. Town? Help. Some sort of authority had to be present on the island.

  Soon she caught the scent of it and it filled her with hope. McDonald’s. Rickie said there was one in town.

  Feet blistering, aching, and burning, Cal rejuvenated and picked up the pace. She could hear a buzz of life, and that told her she was close and safe.

  But she wasn’t.

  Emerging from the woods and nearly making it to the road, Cal had to backtrack and do it fast.

  Yes, there was a buzz about town. Multitudes of men wearing black, carrying guns, and escorting people into the street.

  It was a takeover.

  But why?

  What the hell was going on?

  ***

  They had set up headquarters at the tiny local sheriff’s office. After the initial storming of the beach, the boats came in with back up.

  Jimenez, a tall man in his late thirties, walked with authority around his men who were crammed into the small office.

  “United States Navy is positioned now, sir.” Luma, a fellow soldier said to him. “They are visible on the horizon.”

  “We expected as much,” Jimenez nodded. “We need to coordinate, so we can put in the demands. The island residents? All taken care of?”

  “They are all gathered in one location.”

  Another man spoke up, drawing both of their attention. He was seated before a computer. “Not quite.” He said.

  Jimenez turned. “What is going on?”

  “Here.” he pointed to the screen. “We’re getting a cellular signal. Someone in the wooded area dialing the phone. It is closer to the beach and that clinic.”

  Jimenez gave a motion nod of his head to Luma.” Take three men and find that person.”

  “Yes, sir.” Luma responded.

  After Luma had left in response to his dictate, Jimenez watched the screen and as another call was placed.

  ***

  Jake thought it was ridiculous. A bunch of grown men waiting around a television to hear what the president had to say. Waiting for top military officials from the pentagon to inform him if his special ops troops would be needed.

  He sat on pins and needles feeling helpless. He wanted badly to call Cal but feared by doing so, if she were hiding, the ring would send a signal to find her.

  “We will not negotiate with terrorist.” The president said.

  Jake wholeheartedly agreed, but he disagreed on the tactics that were being used. He knew by the position of the navy at Caldwell Island that it wasn’t going to be long before a coordinated attack against all hostage sights would be underway.

  Jake also knew that storming the situation, no matter how calculated and well planned, meant death to the hostages.

  It had to be done exactly right, no room for error.

  “There has to be some sort of influence we can give,” Jake said. “Sending in troops at a coordinated time is not the answer and you know this.”

  General Sturgeons was the commanding officer there. “We didn’t come in here gentlemen to get arguments, we came to get suggestions.”

  “And I gave it.”

  The general chuckled. “You’re talking one, two three, four men teams at each location?” (one two three four? – doesn’t make sense)

  “You, sir, should know that four well trained men can strategically take out a large group of men.”

  “The president feels that we can not take chances with the lives of the hostages.”

  “Sending in teams. Teams mind you is taking chances.”

  “Son, do you think that you are tainted by the fact that your wife is at one of these locations?”

  “Oh, absolutely, I am,” Jake said, “Without …”

  He paused. He felt the vibration on his hip, and mid-sentence he glanced down, and saw the name. He shot a silencing hand to the General as he lifted the phone like a cowboy with his gun.

  “Cal,” Jake said with exasperation. “Oh my God.”

  “Jake something is happening, did you get my message?”

  “Cal, yes, we’re aware. It’s not just there. A few other locations too. How are you?”

  “I’m fine. A little scared.”

  “Are you in their custody?” Jake asked.

  “No.”

  Jake clenched fist in excitement. “Hiding?”

  “Trying.”

  “Ok, listen to me. We’re gonna head up. Stay low. Wait five minutes call me back. I’m gonna see about pulling you, getting a one man rescue. I can’t promise. But I’ll try.”

  “I love you, Jake.”

  Jake smiled. “I love you, too. Now you know what to do?”

  “Yes, I ... shit.”

  “What?” Jake stood.

  “Someone’s coming.”

  “Hang up and get moving.”

  “There’s more than one
.”

  “Cal, hang up and go.”

  “I am I’ll…”

  Beep.

  Jake looked at the phone.

  Silence engulfed the room.

  Colonel Roberts called to him, “Jake?”

  Jake’s nostril’s flared, his face felt tense, hot and red. He shut his phone, stuck it on his hip and without saying anything walked to the door.

  “Jake.” Colonel Roberts said. “Where are you going?”

  “To get my wife.” Jake walked out.

  ***

  Billy could have sworn he was sitting next to the family pet. The breathing alone that Rickie did was very animal like. He actually told Rickie to keep his head down, allow his hair to dangle; because the men who had them would surely know something was up if they took a good look at Rickie.

  During the course of an hour, Rickie’s eyes had turned that ‘monster’ green, their shape diamonding out. His brow had started to extended, lips thickening, and Billy could only guess those fangs of death were about to emerge. He could sense he had very little reasoning over Rickie.

  It was the quick, hard double sniff that caught Billy’s attention and drew it away from watching the fifteen men in the room. Men he watched constantly.

  He turned his head as Rickie raised his. Billy feared what the men in the room would see.

  Stan, on the other side of Rickie, nudged him. “Put your head down.”

  Billy asked, “What is it?” Then when he looked he saw Rickie’s face had returned to normal. “Something’s going on. What is it?”

  “Cal-Babe.” Rickie said.

  “Cal?” Billy asked.

  “They got her.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “I smell her.”

  Stan was curious. “You smell her?”

  “Dude, she’s my mom. I can catch her scent anywhere.” Rickie’s head cocked when Cal’s voice carried in.

  “Can I at least get shoes?” she asked. “You can come up and watch me get them.”

  Cal was shoved in the room.

  Rickie growled.

  “Easy,” Stan commanded.

  Rickie stood. “Cal-Babe.”

  “Down!” A man ordered.

  Cal broke free of her assailant’s grip and made her way to Rickie, embracing him. “Thank God you’re OK.”

  “You, too, Cal-Babe. Where were you?”

  “Sit down!” the man ordered “now.” He pumped his gun.

  Cal rolled her eyes, tugged on Rickie and sat down. “Have they said anything?”

  “Silence!”

  Cal turned her head. “Are we just supposed to sit here and not talk?”

  “Yes.”

  “How big of a threat is it to you, if we talk? You have us crammed in this room, it’s hot in here. Or haven’t you guys noticed you have close to a dozen expectant mothers.”

  “You ...” he stepped to her. “Are not so tough with the big mouth.”

  “Yeah, well, you’re not so tough with the big gun.”

  He aimed.

  Cal stood strong.

  Another man called out. “Enough. Let her go.”

  The other man backed off.

  Cal returned to Rickie. “Have they said anything?”

  Rickie shook his head.

  “Billy?” Cal asked.

  “Nothing. And you need to keep Rickie calm.”

  Stan added. “The monster is showing.”

  “Rickie,” Cal grabbed his chin, and turned Rickie’s face to her. “Keep it in check. Because if it’s needed, you’ll only get one shot. Understand? We don’t need it yet.”

  “I can’t help it.” Rickie said. “This is the first time I felt that I wasn’t in control.”

  Cal gave a curious look to Stan.

  “Has to be the threat,” Stan explained. “He feels threatened. How many times has that happened. Not much.”

  “You’re not threatened Rickie.” Cal said. “You’re invincible, so don’t even fear them.”

  “I don’t,” Rickie said. “Not for me. For you and Billy and even Stan the Toot man.”

  Cal giggled as if he were being silly. “I’m fine. We’re all gonna be fine soon. I don’t sweat this at all.”

  “Really?” Billy asked. “Why is that? We’re under siege here Cal.”

  “Yeah, but uh … mark my words. Jake will do something.” She winked and whispered. “And there are not enough men here to be a force for him.” With confidence, and arrogance, she grabbed on to Rickie’s hand.

  ***

  Rarely fazed, Greg tried to remain cool and calm but was having a hard time doing so. Between family members calling him about their relatives on the island, he had to deal, like everyone else, with the country under national crisis.

  “Well, do they know what they’re doing yet?” Greg blasted on the phone.

  Dr. Jefferson just watched. He himself had been feigning calls as well.

  “Good lord,” Greg rubbed his forehead. “I understand … I understand the US doesn’t negotiate with terrorist. I have forty some employees, their families, and a group of pregnant women, not to mention clinic patients on that island. Thank you.” He slammed the phone.

  “Nothing?” Jefferson asked.

  “Nothing.” Greg exhaled. “Mark my words, they’re going in. The whole fuckin’ US army is going to storm these locations. You watch. That’s what I would do.” He plopped down. “I need a cigarette.”

  “You quit.”

  “Time to start.” Hand running roughly down his face in frustration, Greg winced when the intercom beeped.

  “Dr. Haynes, Lt. Col Graison on line one,” his secretary said.

  “I’m busy.”

  “He insists on talking to you.”

  “He of all people shouldn’t be calling me.”

  “What should I tell him? He’s insistent.”

  “Fuck it. I’ll pick up.” After taking a moment, Greg lifted the receiver. “Jake, I can’t tell you anymore than you already know.” Greg paused. His eyes lifted to Dr. Jefferson as he spoke to Jake. “Yes, we do.” Pause. “Yes, we can. What about …” Greg looked at his watch. “Give me twenty minutes. I’ll call you back.” He hung up.

  “What’s going on?” Dr. Jefferson asked.

  Greg spoke as he dialed the phone, “Graison’s going in.”

  ***

  The briefcase slammed, and Jake gave specific orders to Adams that he was not to be disturbed and would be out of contact for a day or two. He had paperwork that he needed, grabbed his coat off the tree rack and placed it on.

  The intercom buzzed. It was a warning from Adams; unfortunately Adams did not get the warning out in time. The door to Jake’s office opened and Colonel Roberts walked in.

  “Jake.”

  “Colonel Roberts, sir.”

  “What are you doing, Jake?”

  “I have matters to take care of.”

  “Son.” Colonel Roberts closed the door. “We are in the middle of a national emergency.”

  “I know this. I am well aware.” Jake said with a raised eyebrow.

  “Because of your position in the military, you can not going running about half cocked …”

  “Beginning your pardon, sir.” Jake was abrupt, but then calmed himself. “I am far from running off half … cocked.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “Yes, I do.”

  “I can’t let you go,” Colonel Roberts said.

  “You have no choice.”

  “Really?” Colonel Roberts stated. “Had I not heard what you said, had you merely excused yourself from the room, things would be different. But you were defiant in front of the general.”

  “At this moment in my life and career, I don’t care.”

  “Jake,” Colonel Roberts gasped. “I have never in my life heard you be like this.”

  “Sir, the way I feel …”

  “Is no different than the countless spouses that are in the exact same position you are.”

&nbs
p; “Those countless spouses are incapable of doing what I can do, and you know that.”

  “You think that gives you the right to go against a calculate plan of the United States government. Jake, you know as well as I do, it is vital, vital that everything go off without a hitch.”

  Jake chuckled softly in sarcasm.

  “What?” Colonel Roberts asked.

  “Without a hitch. Sure.” Jake shrugged. “It’ll go off without a hitch. What does that entail? One life, two, my wife’s life. I’m sorry, sir, I can’t let that happen. Not when I can take care of the situation.”

  Colonel Roberts grimaced. “You go in there, you alert the other operations, and this whole thing can backfire.”

  “Not with what I have in mind.” Jake said. “I firmly believe I can take out that cell of the operation without the other cells being the wiser. And before they are, hopefully, our calculated plan will be in effect.”

  “One man alone?”

  “Yes, sir.”

  Colonel Roberts shook his head. “Then you’ll be a matter of national security risk.”

  “Hardly, and I’m sorry.” Jake lifted his briefcase. “I have to go.”

  “Jake, I am telling you not to.”

  “I’m sorry.” Jake reached for the door.

  “I am giving you a direct order not to walk out that door.”

  Jake’s hand froze. It hovered over the doorknob. He slowly turned around. “A direct order? You are giving me a direct order?”

  “It is your job.”

  Jake blasted. “It is my wife! My wife that’s out there! My kids, my unborn children!”

  “And realistically there is nothing you can do about it!” The colonel blasted back.

  “Bull! I know what I can do, and what I am going to do.”

  “And you’ll disobey a direct order?”

  “If I have to.”

  “This could mean your career.”

  “At this point, I don’t care. I care about my family.”

  “I would have never believed those words would have come from you,” Colonel Roberts said. “I understand what you are doing. But understand this, Jake, with the knowledge I have, I will have the MP’s pick you up, have you arrested and you can face court martial. Now, before it gets to that, turn away from that door.”