Acceleration

by Lin Larson

  “You like me, eh?... And I noticed,” Sam teased.”

  Caroline laughed. “Now Sean has two floors, a lab and temporary apartment in the east wing, below my father’s floor,” Caroline gathered up her small purse. “Lately my father has refused to let me see Sean and won’t explain why.”

  “We’ll figure it out. Ready, partner?” His eyes twinkled.

  “Charmed, and yes,” Caroline laughed and kissed him on the cheek.

  “Oh, only a cheek kiss?” Sam teased.

  “The best comes later.” Caroline flounced out the door.

  Sam laughed and followed. But suddenly he stopped and felt an uneasiness descend. His joy at being with Caroline was smacked by a bad feeling. There was real danger ahead. But, he could face whatever was to come. He knew that he had healed from his brokenness after being so badly hurt during the war. He was strong now mentally and physically. But he couldn’t help feeling a nagging worry about Caroline. He prayed she wouldn’t get hurt.

  #

  Sam and Caroline arrived at the Mekka complex and decided to plow ahead confidently and without secrecy, for now anyway. It was Saturday, and they met only one guard at the main door.

  Caroline waved at the man, “Hi, George, my new boyfriend here.”

  The guard grunted, “Ok, Miss Caroline.”

  They breezed through.

  Sam looked around. “Now where?”

  “Sean’s probably in his lab or apartment on the fourteenth floor. He uses the whole floor. Follow me.”

  Sam strutted beside Caroline as they traveled the maze and nodded to an occasional worker. “Piece of cake so far, beautiful. Oops, spoke too soon.” They pulled up a short distance from the guard at the elevator. “Do you have a pass note or key- card?” He looked at Caroline expectantly.

  “My father took it away. I think he knew I was getting curious that something was wrong. He knows how headstrong I am. And, I don’t know this guard.”

  “Okay. Let’s see.” Sam thought of his novels. He usually cured this hitch with a gun or stolen pass key. But he actually now preferred not to use a gun, unless necessary. But then, he had no gun anyway. “We’ll get the keycard non-violently, maybe, and sort of. Is there a coffee machine near here?”

  “Coffee? You want to take a break now?” Caroline said with surprise.

  “Nope,” Sam explained. “You do. You need coffee. It’s morning. We all need coffee, and you want it so as to tease the guard and accidently toss it onto him.” Sam explained. “I saw it in the movies, well, in lots of movies.” He grinned. “But it can be effective.”

  “But it will be hot.” Caroline said earnestly.

  “All right, I’ll handle the coffee. Be sure to flirt, and I’ll play the jealous lover. I’ll throw

  the coffee on the guard, and you can mop him off with a little napkin. Then I’ll pilfer the key, or you will, if you can do it.”

  “I can do it. I feel a bit badly about the poor guy though, but I’ll do it. Actually, it might, sort of, be fun. Let’s go. This way to coffee!” Caroline led Sam through the halls, and they grabbed their hot cups of coffee.

  Sam thought aloud. “We’ll start out arguing about something…ah, our last date, how about… like… you flirted with the bartender and I was perturbed.”

  Caroline laughed. “Perturbed? You perturbed? All right. It’s not exactly a high espionage approach, is it? But I can do this. I once wanted to be an actress, although I doubt I will be doing great acting now, but yes, I can do this.” She planted a quick playful kiss on his lips. “I’m ready, I think.” She picked up the hot coffee and took a deep breath.

  “You’ll do fine, and maybe I’ll get a longer kiss afterwards,” Sam teased.

  “You will, I promise.” Caroline took a deep breath again.

  “Ah, I accept. Let’s go,” said Sam. “We are a real team now… like Bonnie and Clyde,” Sam grabbed her other hand as they wound through the corridors and back to the guard.

  They stopped behind a corner near the guard.

  “Who are Bonnie and Clyde?” Caroline whispered, as she tried to steady her cup from splashing. “Oh, I know, they were gangsters. But we’re fighting for the right,” Caroline replied, as she giggled.

  “Yep, but they were smart and crazy about each other,” said Sam while cradling his own coffee carefully also.

  “But they were killed in a rain of bullets,” said Caroline.

  “Oh, yeah,” said Sam. “Well, maybe they weren’t that smart. But, we’ll be fine, I think.” He gave her a quick kiss. “Now, I’m ready. You ready? It will be enjoyable for us, although maybe not for him. But again, it’s for a good cause.”

  “Yes.” Caroline said softly, nodded, and then staggered forward, as she changed into character and swaggered with drunken charm. “Hi, you good looking sexy guy. I want you, instead of this creep. You are so cuddly. I like chubby men. Kiss me, handsome,” she teased.

  Sam played the jealous and also inebriated lover with gusto. “Lay off my girl,” he threw his coffee at the startled guard. “Leave my baby alone.”

  “Hey man, that’s hot! You burned me!” The guard cried out. “OW. Hey, you bitch! I know you. Aren’t you Dr. Mekka’s daughter?”

  Caroline cooed and pulled the guard to her as she swabbed him with her little napkin and sat seductively on his lap. Sloshing her words, she fawned over him, caressing his face and kissing him all over. “Me, hell no. I wish I had her money. You poor thing, sorry Mister, but you are very sexy.” Caroline hugged him and coyly swiped the key card from his pocket.

  “Get off of me, you dumb broad. Now I gotta call for help and change clothes, and you hurt me with that coffee. You stupid drunks. I’m calling Dr. Mekka and get you arrested.”

  Sam grabbed Caroline’s hand as she dropped her coffee on the guard also.

  The guard howled.

  Words slurring, Sam pretended fierce regret. “Buddy, I’m sorry. I just thought you was messing with my lady. She belongs to me. We’re leaving. We don’t want no trouble.”

  “Ow, I’m still hurting,” the guard moaned.

  “I’m really sorry, you cute thing. We’re leaving now, right now.” Caroline also pretended repentance. “Let’s go, Clyde.”

  “Right, Bonnie.” Sam turned and winked at Caroline. “We’re going…Mister. Don’t tell the big boss that we made you messy, ok?... Girl, tuck in your blouse, you whore. The boss won’t like it.”

  Sam grabbed Caroline’s hand. They spurted forward, rounded a corner and hid, falling against the wall. Looking fondly at Caroline, Sam whispered, “You were a terrific bad girl.”

  Caroline felt great. “And you were a terribly ornery jealous lover.”

  He laughed. “Elevator, over there. Let’s go.”

  They ran.

  CHAPTER 7

  The elevator door opened. Sam and Caroline moved a few steps forward into the huge dark laboratory.

  “This is it. I haven’t been here in a long time.” Caroline squeezed Sam’s hand. “You lead, please.”

  “I suppose we should knock,” Sam said. “Good idea, yeah?”

  “Brilliant,” Caroline smiled.

  “Here we go.” Sam knocked on the wall. No answer. He knocked again. Silence. Feeling for a switch, they walked forward, hand in hand into the semi-darkness. “Where’s the light switch?”’

  “I don’t know. The lights were always on when I was here.”

  “Humm.” Sam sighed. “I think the windows must be covered or there aren’t any.”

  “There aren’t any,” said Caroline. “I think I’m nervous.”

  Klunk!

  Sam turned. “I think the second elevator came up. Only the lights were off on it.” He suddenly turned to Caroline and squeezed her hand.

  “What’s wrong?” She whispered nervously.

  “Um,” said Sam as his body stiffened and he dropped her hand. “I think there’s a gun in my back.”

  A crisp callous voice seemed to echo in the darkness, �
��Mr. Stone, where is your brother?”

  Sam spoke much more calmly than he felt, “I was hoping you could tell me that,”

  “Don’t get smart!” The man hissed as light suddenly flooded the room.

  Sam was then smashed into a chair, and four men piled upon him, holding his arms and legs fast. Caroline started to protest, when suddenly she was shoved into a second chair, as another man gripped her hard.

  A buff woman walked up, and punched Sam in the gut, and quickly tied them down.

  “Ah, a lady, or maybe not. What was that for?” asked Sam with disgust.

  “I hate men. Don’t come back,” She grunted.

  “Perhaps you haven’t met the right man. But then you’re not my type either. I’m here to find out where my brother is,” said Sam firmly.

  “You’re a spy.”

  “Why would I do that? Nah, no spy, I’m a nice…” Sam never got the rest out. A chunky first rammed into his face again.

  “What are you protecting here?”

  Sam’s felt himself fading and lost consciousness.

  #

  “Sam, Sam wake up? It’s Caroline. They’re gone.”

  Sam gasped. He licked his dry lips. “My face hurts, but I’m sort of back. Those women were very hostile. Do you know what they are protecting?”

  “I don’t,” said Caroline. “You were out a long time. I was so frightened when you didn’t answer. I’m so glad you’re alive and back.”

  “Well, honestly speaking, me too. But I’m not feeling too well. Give me a minute, I guess my fighting skills have slipped a bit.” He inhaled deeply a couple of times. “Okay, Caroline,” Sam said softly, “why don’t you scoot your chair over to me. Push with your feet, but don’t tip over. When you get to me, I’ll try and untie you. Or you can wait until I feel better and go to you, or we can compromise,” Sam chuckles. “Ow, it hurts to smile.”

  “I’ll try,” Caroline whispers. “I hope I can do it.”

  Caroline begin to move her chair slowly, and they met. They struggled to untie each other, and finally, they were free. They stood and held each other tightly.

  “Ok.” Sam released Caroline and looked around. “We need light. They never did turn them on. Maybe they didn’t know where the lights were either. I’m going to open the elevator door again,” Sam walked to the door unsteadily and propped it open. “I don’t think they’ll be back, at least not just yet. Did they hurt you?”

  “No, just you. I’m sorry,” Caroline said sadly.

  “I’ll be fine. It’s just a nasty hiccup on our way to answers…Let me hold you.” Sam reached over and pulled her gently to him. He hugged her and smiled. “You okay?”

  “Yes, I’ll be fine. I’m just not used to violence,” she said softly.

  “No one is, well, most people, or some people. We just must try to forget and go on.” Sam kissed her hand, and gazed around. “There must be a light switch somewhere.”

  Caroline turned around. “I think I remember now, where it is.” She found the switch, “Here.” The lights flooded the room. “Now I feel better.”

  Sam looked at her warmly, “Me too…And in the darkness and amidst my pain and suffering, I forgot how beautiful you are.”

  “Thank you, I must look pretty messed up though.”

  “You will always be lovely,” said Sam with a bruised grin. “Now to business. Sean must have left some clue or notes, unless he didn’t want anyone to find them. Let’s take the former idea and look around.”

  Caroline picked up Sam’s hand and drew him to her. She closed her eyes and hugged him, then pulled away and smiled. “I’ll check his apartment behind this lab.”

  “Good,” said Sam, “And thanks for the embrace, but what was that for?”

  “For not dying on me while they beat you. I don’t want to be alone, and I kind of like you,” Caroline said solemnly.

  “Kind of, good, I like that. Then last night was worth it…and don’t worry.”

  “Thank you, Sam.” Caroline felt tears filling her eyes. “I’d better go check that lab, handsome.”

  “Handsome, eh. You like me.”

  Caroline laughed, “A little bit and sometimes more, lots more.” Caroline trotted off to

  the open apartment door and scooted in.

  #

  “There are no notes,” Sam joined Caroline in the apartment. “I sure hope you found

  something.”

  “Not yet, but I’m not giving up. Help me pull the bed apart.” Caroline brushed her hair back from her face. “I’m getting tired, but we can’t quit.” She picked up the pillow and took off the case. “Nothing here.”

  “We are not giving up yet. Under the mattress. There might be a journal.” Sam grabbed the covers and yanked them off. He shook them, and pulled off the mattress. An orange journal seemed to stare teasingly back at them.

  Caroline gasped, “How did you know?”

  “Sean is a man of habits,” Sam replied with relief as he picked up the journal, flopped the mattress back onto the bed, and sat down. “Sit. We need to read this now, before someone takes it from us.”

  Caroline sat and clasped his hand as they read:

  “Oct.1. The headaches are stronger. I fear the injections cause them, but the results are too tremendous to warrant their discontinuance. The cancer is gone. I’m cured. I rejoice. I have also made fantastic jumps in my mathematical abilities. I am sure that Dr. Mekka must be envious. I’ve tried to explain the new results, but he doesn’t understand. I have progressed much further in my intellect than he has. I feel some pity. Such a foolish man. He stopped his injections. He should have continued. Work progresses somewhat with the other subjects, but I’m getting superior results with me. I am better than them anyway, and more important.

  Oct. 3. I scream in pain. The headaches are hourly today, but my mental test results continue to soar beyond ordinary human belief. My brain scan shows increased size; however, my bones have not grown. The pressure in my skull is great, but I can’t stop experimenting. Soon I’ll be the smartest human in the world.

  Oct. 4. My head hurts terribly. I’m hoping the bones will grow soon.

  Oct. 5. I see through walls and hear voices. Mekka is jealous. He doesn’t hear them. They praise me but are also often evil and insult me. I must constantly fight them. I’ve considered how to kill them, but they may take me in the end.

  Oct. 10. I felt suddenly smothered today, so I slipped out and drove to a town. The light burned my eyes terribly, and there were shadows of monsters everywhere. They stared at me in the streets and wherever I turned. I yelled at them to get out of my way. Then I decided that they were not worth my wrath. I’m the superior one, not them. I then drove back to my office. I like it better here.

  Oct. 11. Mekka has stolen my formulas. He uses it on his other subjects. It’s not fair. It should be only mine now. I don’t want to share. But I can’t think right today. I hurt badly. I pleaded with Mekka to let me have the next stage. I want it. I need it. But, I don’t have to listen to him anymore. I’m smarter than he is. So I’ve taken the new improved medicine. I am in the new stage now. I’m thrilled.

  Oct. 15. I have been receiving phone calls from my brother. I’m amused. I called him when I was in pain and depression, so I worried him. But now I don’t want him here. He will try to stop me. But I decide. I choose. No one tells me what to do anymore. I do wonder, however, if Sam is coming. He will be frightened. Should I give him the drug so he won’t be afraid? Then he’ll see how wonderful it is to be the smartest person in the world.”

  The journal ended. Sam and Caroline sat very still.

  Slowly Sam began to pace. I think I need to go back to Sam’s house. I’d love to have you come, but I don’t think you’ll be safe with me. I don’t want you hurt. Go back to your place and stay there. I don’t think your father and his men will hurt you. I’m not giving up, and I’m not deserting you. Wait there for me. You are very important to me.”

  “All right, Sam.
I’ll go home now. Someone here will take me. Be careful. I think I’m falling in love with you, and I don’t want to lose you.”

  “And I you,” Sam said quietly. He gently reached over and pulled Caroline into his arms and softly kissed her. “Will you be all right?”

  “Yes, Sam. I’ll be fine. You’re right. Neither my father or Sean will hurt me. I’ll be waiting and hoping that you’ll find a way to end this nightmare.”

  “Me too. If I can’t do it, we’ll leave together and for good. I promise. Goodbye for now, darling.” Sam kissed her, turned, and walked down the hall. He didn’t dare look back or he would change his mind.

  Caroline stepped back into the lab and sat down. Suddenly she stood. She bounded out the door and down the hallway calling, “Sam, wait! I’ve changed my mind. Take me with you.” Abruptly she stopped. He was gone. It was too late. “But,” she whispered to herself, “Sam, I know you’ll come back at the end. You promised.”

  CHAPTER 8

  It felt good to be in the familiarity of his black Jag. It was parked outside the Mekka Corporation building. Sam sighed with relief. They had performed a Band-Aid repair job on it, but it functioned well. The car had always seemed a superficial part of him, but now it felt like family, old and safe. He suddenly realized that he was driving fast, he slowed down. His old family home, that’s where he planned on going.

  There was a Chinese restaurant near the old house. He always liked Asian food and his rumbling stomach reminded him that he was very hungry. There it was, the restaurant. He pulled over and went in.

  #

  The food helped. Sam felt hopeful. He was looking forward to visiting that old homestead. They never sold it. Sam had stayed there when he visited. Sometimes it was rented out. He hoped that it might be empty.

  Now it was flooding back. On that fishing trip, when they were kids, the brothers had caught a myriad of very tiny fish. Their father had thrown them all back. Sean had cried, and Sam had put his arms around him and said that it wouldn’t be fair to eat the kids. Sean had sniffled and looked up at him with adoration, but the feeling was mutual. Sean was a great little brother. Sam had said, at the time, that he would help his brother aim for the big ones the next day. But- they never did catch any.