Terms (The Experiments Book 3) Read online

  “Absolutely. In fact .. There’s fifty in it for you if you really get under his skin.”

  “Yes! Sarge. You know you better pull out that fifty, cause the Rickie Miester is gonna dig deep.”

  “That’s what I’m counting on.” Keys jingling in hand, and feeling optimistic, and a tad suspicious, Jake left with Rickie.

  ***

  Dr. Jefferson was used to the eccentricities of Greg Haynes. The late night mystery meetings. His odd schedules. Wanting to be secretive. He totally understood when Greg wanted to meet with him outside the normal Caldwell realm, just to really keep everything under wraps. He even understood meeting him at a local lounge. What Jefferson didn’t understand and didn’t quite get was when he walked in, Greg was standing with a microphone in his hand, performing, complete with emotional facial expressions, as he sung his heart out to the Karaoke version of ‘Turn the Page’.

  He wasn’t bad.

  He wasn’t great.

  The Director of Caldwell research institute was a karaoke junkie? No. It was a front.

  Jefferson took a seat where Greg could see him, he ordered a drink from the waitress and applauded when Greg completed his song.

  As if he were a super star, Greg lifted his hand high in the air and walked to Jefferson.

  “Glad you could make it.” He sat down.

  “I … I was unaware you liked Karaoke.” Jefferson said. “Out of character for you.”

  “Not at all. I developed the passion years ago, and picked it back up the other day. Of course …” Greg winked. “It’s a way to get lots of women.”

  “I see.”

  “Would you like to sing?” Greg passed him the Karaoke song book “They have lots of songs.”

  “No, I’ll pass. I’ll leave it up to you to represent Caldwell at Karaoke.”

  “Ah, I see.” Greg nodded. You’re snubbing me.”

  “Yes.”

  “Fair.” Greg closed the book.

  “So what is up with the late night meeting? Care to tell me why I had to miss the replay of my favorite reality show?”

  “I thought everything Caldwell did was your favorite reality show.”

  “The only reality show we have happening is the pregnancy study. And that’s hardly entertaining like the Iso-Stasis.”

  “Well, that won’t be for long.”

  Jefferson’s attention was perked. “What do you mean?”

  “Remember I mentioned I had something in the works. Something the pregnancy study was a kick off to?”

  “Yes.”

  “Looks like it’s a go. I have four investors already waiting, and primed. They’re just .. waiting to find out what they are primed for.”

  “You mean to tell me you got investors without telling them what they are investing in.”

  “Caldwell, of course, and the new Cere-Stasis Experiment.” Greg smiled pleased. “The newest reality ‘show’ if you will that Caldwell will offer in the interim of the Iso-Stasis. Four investors. One situation. Four potential outcomes.”

  “And the investor with the winning outcome. Wins.”

  “Exactly.”

  “Sounds interesting. What is the situation?”

  “In due time, I’ll announce. In fact, I’ll have a special Cere-Stasis Experiment meeting to kick it off. CSE One. Doesn’t that sound exciting?” Greg said proudly.

  “It’ll probably sound more exciting if I knew what was happening.”

  “A few months. There’s something I have to wait for. And ... My dear Dr. Jefferson I not only want you to be impressed, I want you to be surprised.”

  “Also meaning you don’t want slack from me.”

  After taking a sip of his drink, Greg winked, “Possibly.”

  Dr. Jefferson sighed out. “The pregnancy study is the kick off of sorts. We have to wait a few months. Why do I get the feeling that this all has a lot to do with those Graison babies.”

  In his typical, Greg manner, he gave a smug closed mouth smile. “Possibly.”

  ***

  Jake had read in an obstetrician report that shell fish could make an expectant mother tired. Perhaps that was why super energized Cal was out like a light just after midnight. It could have been those twelve Clams Casino, or the three Cannelloni’s he watched her consume at the coffee shop. In any case, Cal was sound asleep, and Jake, who had planned a nice quiet evening alone with her before she left the next day, was left to read.

  He really didn’t mind. He was with Cal.

  Hand on her stomach, Jake was in the final pages of the new Army Survival guide.

  He chuckled at some of the suggestions they were giving. Obviously, vital mistakes he would never tell his men to make. He particularly enjoyed the Island Survival section.

  Last page, just about to finish, Jake heard it.

  It caught his attention and made him turn his head.

  A rumble.

  “Christ, Cal.” He said. “You cannot be hungry in your sleep.”

  Shaking his head and preparing to read, the grumble sound more like a growl.

  “Fuck. This is impossible.” He gave a slight jolt to her. “Cal. Cal Your stomach is growling. Cal.”

  She didn’t respond.

  Sighing out, Jake felt it under his hand. Not only movement of his child, but a shake. Moving his hand some, he felt it. A shifting. He gave a single tap of his index finger on her stomach.

  The tap was returned.

  Immediately, he pulled the cover down on his sleeping wife to expose her belly. Cal didn’t budge. Watching her, while exploring, Jake slowly lifted her shirt.

  “Fuck.” He watched her belly distort and move. “Fuckin’ twins.” Just as he was about to cover her, he heard the slight grumble. His eyebrow cocked. Thinking about the sound, looking at her stomach, Jake began to lower his head to listen. After realizing how ridiculous he not only looked, but was being he re-covered her belly, pulled the blankets over Cal, shucked it off, and returned to his manual.

  CHAPTER SIX

  September 3rd

  When Billy was a baby, his mother used to make him wear hats. She claimed he was a cone head and covered him well so people didn’t see. All his life he carried the ‘cone head’ complex and had no problems wearing head gear.

  But he had to admit, he was feeling pretty silly in the blue puffy hat Caldwell placed on his head.

  He didn’t have a clue that he was getting surgery. None. He grew suspicious when he woke up to find his water pitcher gone, and no breakfast was delivered.

  Stan brought Dr. Myers to his room, introduced them, and then left.

  “Just got off the plane,” Dr. Myers said. “Are you ready?’

  “For?” Billy asked.

  “They didn’t tell you?”

  Billy shook his head.

  “Today the nerve conductors get attached.”

  Billy showed his confusion, facially, he didn’t need to verbally covey it.

  Dr. Myers saw it, and explained things. He seemed a bit perturbed that Billy wasn’t informed of the steps needed to be taken before they attached the bionic leg. Of course, Billy himself didn’t think it was a simple as sewing one on.

  The conductors would be attached surgically using a local, and after two weeks of healing and testing the limb would be attached.

  Two weeks.

  The time length of the pregnancy study.

  Did Myers know why everything was being done at that exact moment in time?

  Myers explained, “Your physical state of health played a huge role. Once you were physically strong enough to handle the conductors, we knew we would do it. Also, I hear you have a friend partaking in the pregnancy study.”

  He want to say how mental support was crucial, and how Haynes informed him that Cal would be a vital part of his recovery. Since it was unlikely that Cal could go with Billy when he had the conductors placed, why not bring Billy to Cal.

  And so they did … luxury style.

  The phone rang while Billy was waiting t
o go to surgery. Myers’ phone. Billy knew right away it was Haynes, because the small doctor who reminded Billy of Haynes, chastised Haynes about not informing Billy.

  Then Billy’s phone rang.

  “Tattle tale.” Haynes said. “Kidding.”

  “I have known you for some time, Dr. Haynes, I’ve never known you to be a joker.”

  “I’m not. Really. I’m just in a good mood. Guess who I just got off the phone with?”

  “Who?” Billy asked.

  “Just one of the biggest publishers in the world. Discussing a possibility of a book called Extreme Research. About The Iso Stasis, but not an expose, if you know what I mean. He loved the idea. Of course it helps that he is my brother in law. I also had an idea about a new reality show, discussed that with a network executive. He loved my basic concept, but said it needed to be written to finalize. It helped that she was my sister.”

  “Wow,” Billy said less than enthusiastic. “Aren’t you being Mr. Creative.”

  “Hmm. Yes. Ideas work for me; unfortunately I have problems transferring them into something that reads better than Stereo instructions. If you get my drift?”

  “No.”

  “They can be yours, Billy. Both. But this is something to talk about after your surgery. You always wanted that best seller.” Haynes said. “Now, you’ll have many positive things to look forward to when you’re done. Cal should be there. I’ll call you when they let me know you’re able to talk.”

  “I’m not getting put to sleep.”

  “No. But I’m sure you’ll want to nap, and be fresh for when Cal arrives. You have to be looking forward to that. Plus, I’ll want to know how the leg is feeling.”

  “Well, considering nothing is there, if it feels anything, then it will be a miracle.”

  Haynes only chuckled. “Talk to you soon.”

  Billy pulled the receiver form his ear and stared at it. “He is so odd.”

  “Haynes? Yes.” Myers nodded. “Add another reason to why I hate him. Bring back Jefferson. But …” he sighed and stood. “We can’t always get what we want. Except you. You’re gonna get that leg back. I’ll go get an escort to take you to surgery.” He gave a pat to Billy’s leg and walked out.

  Billy held on to that receiver longer than he should. He still was trying to cipher through all the tidbits Haynes tossed his way. What was the reason? The point? Haynes had a motive, he always did. But despite all the rhetoric, Hayes was correct about one thing. Cal was coming, and Billy was, without a doubt, looking forward to her arrival.

  ***

  Rickie was in awe. He froze mid stride as they walked by the McDonald’s in the busy airport. Stopped cold in his tracks. The sign, display, both caught his attention, and he was like a kid in a candy store. Wanting was written all over his face.

  “Rickie, let’s go,” Jake called him. “Cal has to get to her gate.”

  “Sarge, they have Captain King Spy Guy toys.”

  “Rickie …”

  Rickie spotted him. A little boy, maybe nine, carrying his meal bag. “Little Dude,” Rickie hurried to him.”

  “Rickie!” Jake called him.

  “Jake,” Cal whispered. “Let him go. He’s talking.”

  “Cal, please. People get put in jail for talking to strange kids. Rickie!”

  Rickie ignored Jake. “Little dude, what did Cool Captain King Spy Guy toy did you get?”

  “The ring, Dude. Toy of the week.” He held up his hand.

  “Whoa. Sarge!” Rickie turned.

  “Rickie! Now.”

  “Sarge.” Rickie trotted to him. “Can I stop and get an Captain King Spy Guy ring. That’s the toy of the week.”

  “No Rickie, you cannot stop and get a Captain Spy King ring.”

  “Captain King Spy Guy ring, Sarge.” Rickie corrected.

  Jake lowered his face to Rickie. “I don’t care. We aren’t stopping. You don’t need one. You’re an adult.’

  “No I’m not.”

  “Yes you are. Now let’s go and don’t make me carry you through his airport.”

  “Can we hold hands?” Rickie asked.

  Jake grumbled.

  All would have been fine on the way to the special terminal gate had Rickie not been singing the theme song to the Spy Guy show. Then he started substituting his own words, which made matters worse for Jake.

  They arrived, and Cal was the only one ready to board. Seemed everyone else was there already, the pregnant women that was, and she would be the last to arrive on the island.

  There was something really sad that Jake felt about Cal’s leaving. It was going to be two weeks. Even though he’d be able to talk to her, web cam her, and email, he still felt a sense of loss and hated to see her go.

  He divided his interpretations of his feelings between, Cal going, Caldwell being involved, and Billy being there. He just didn’t know which one was irking him the most.

  In any case, one thing was for certain, he’d feel a lot better once Rickie left and was with Cal. Not only for a sense of protection for Cal, but because Rickie generally drove Jake insane.

  However, he was glad they weren’t both going at the same time. Jake had become so accustomed to having a family at all times, he wasn’t quite sure he’d like being alone. Even if it meant Rickie staying.

  So in his ‘down’ state, having just departed from Cal, to cheer up himself, and make Rickie happy, they headed to McDonald’s for the Captain King Spy Guy ring.

  ***

  “When I was sixteen years old,” Carter paused to take a sip, not a huge drink, just a sip of his bourbon. “My father pulled me by my ear so hard, he tore the cartilage.”

  Aldo cringed.

  “They had to sew my ear back on.” Carter nearly chuckled at that. “For years my friends called me Leonardo.”

  Aldo tried not to laugh, but he couldn’t. He allowed himself to. Guard down. It had been fourteen years since he had replaced his head of security. Miller, the man who preceded Carter was not only a trusted employee of Aldo’s, but a friend.

  The chief of his security was more than just a thug who caught thieves. He ran the security organization, the brains behind it. They had to have brawn, but Aldo counted on the brains and experience more than agility and youth. Perhaps that was why he tossed out all applicants under the age of forty.

  Though Carter was a perfect choice, and after several months of Miller doing the background checks, Carter came out on top with only four others. Out of fifty that they began with. Truth be known, Aldo knew who he really wanted as chief of security, but his first choice was a wish list item that would never happen. Not in a million years. As he spoke to Carter, in the initiation week, get to know him, Aldo thought of Jake, and how he would pay Jake any amount of money he wanted. But Jake wouldn’t even consider it. So Aldo never asked.

  Carter reminded him of an older Jake. Definitely.

  “I’m curious,” Aldo said. “Why was your father pulling your ear anyhow?”

  “I painted the family dog blue.”

  Chuckling, Aldo refreshed his own drink. “You don’t have a wife?”

  “Did,” Carter replied. ‘My wife and children died in a plane crash many years ago. I’ve … been alone ever since.”

  “I know what you mean. Ever thought of remarrying?”

  Carter shrugged. “Never had the chance. I mean, I was military my whole life, the security. I concentrated on work. I’d like to meet a nice woman, have a companion. Someone to share my life with. But that doesn’t always work. Now … now if that Cal Graison wasn’t a spoken for woman,” Carter winked as he sipped his drink. “There is a nice woman.”

  “Tell me about it.” Aldo sighed. “I’d love to have Cal as part of my life. But the big son of a bitch got a hold of her first.”

  “Ah, Lt. Col. Graison.” Carter nodded. “We met. Briefly. Wasn’t personable.”

  “Never is. But Jake does have some good qualities. They’re there. He’s a good man. You’ll see. I don’t hate hi
m, I actually like him. I just can’t determine at times if it’s because I just like Cal. But, like I said. You’ll see. During the course of our relationship, you’ll get to know my friends very well.” Aldo held up his glass to give a ‘Cheers’ to Carter.

  “Looking forward to it.” Carter clinked his glass to Aldo’s.

  ***

  It was the best room in the house. Or so Cal was told. And by the looks of it, she wouldn’t argue the fact.

  The three room suite was decorated in earth tones, and marble. All the bedspreads were plush purple, and the couch a satin gray.

  The only problem Cal had was there weren’t any goodies there at all.

  Many a dignitaries had stayed in that room, Cal had no doubt of that, and now the room belonged to Cal Graison.

  Why was she so special? She asked, and was told she was ‘Caldwell’. How that was she didn’t know, and didn’t care.

  She had the best room in the house.

  She was even informed of such as she stepped off the plane.

  “Mrs. Graison, we’re going to take you to the medical facility. You have the best room in the house,” The driver said.

  Cal didn’t want that to be her first stop.

  She wanted to see Billy. They took her to his room where he was sound asleep. He had just returned from a three hour surgical procedure, and was resting. She left a note by his bed and left him be.

  Cal was told she was going to have a busy day upon check in, and they were right. Shortly after ten in the morning she arrived, and it wasn’t until near one PM that she returned to her room.

  An escort walked her there; a Jamaican sounding fellow that Cal figured was for show.

  “No cookies? Chips?” Cal asked.

  “Ah, der is fresh fruit.” He smiled.

  “Great,” Cal mumbled. “Sounds like Jake got a hold of everyone here.”

  “You no like de fresh fruit?”

  “I’d rather have an Oreo.”

  The attendant smiled. “Perhaps you shall have one after lunch. It will be served shortly. Shall I bring it to you or would you care to join the others?”

  “Do I have to join the others?” she asked.