by Lin Larson
Sam scrambled over to Susie’s limp body, so like a rag doll that had been discarded by an angry child. He felt for a pulse. It was there. He wanted to cradle her head in his arms, but what if she had injured her neck or spine. He didn’t dare move her. Sam lay down next to her and brushed his hand tenderly across her pale cheek. He knew now that there was real love and need. He was not about to give up.
“Baby, I have to go for help,” he whispered. “I’ll be back. I promise.” Sam started to get up but was drawn back when Susie’s eyes flickered open and tried to focus.
“Sam,” she said softly, “what happened? Are we at the cabin?”
“No,” he answered. “You fell off the rocks. You’re lying in a clearing.”
Susie’s eyes darted wildly. “I’m scared. I don’t feel anything.”
Sam reached out and gently took her hand. “You’ll be fine. I just need to get you help. You’re in slight shock from the fall. I’m going to…” Sam looked around and held back the panic. “I’m going to pack leaves around you and under your feet to keep you warm and to raise up your legs slightly. Then I’m going to find a phone.”
“And dial 911,” she flipped back weakly.
Sam smiled as eyes filled with tears. “Yes, honey. That’s exactly what I’m going to do, and they’ll come running, just like in the movies. You’ll recover, and we’ll live happily ever after.”
“That’s the best way,” she answered.
“You bet,” Sam said as he started to move away, but her voice brought him back.
“I don’t know why I went so crazy,” she said softly. “I’m sorry; did I hurt you?”
“I know why and no, I’m fine. Sleep now, so I can play hero and rescue you, if I may?”
“Certainly,” Susie mumbled as she slipped out of consciousness.
Sam felt a stab of dread but then heard her soft breathing. She was still with him. He’d better get moving. He ran.
Sam had never moved so fast. He piled the cold forest mulch of dead leaves around his lady. He wasn’t sure if it would help or lower her body temperature further. He was still no experienced woodman, but surely it had to be better than leaving her exposed to the temperature drop, which would come. When he was satisfied with his meager efforts, Sam rose quickly and began his climb, back up the treacherous overhang. The footholds rang with familiarity as he mounted them firmly. When he was safely over the top, he did not look down. There was no time to waste. He sprinted back to the car. He must hurry.
Sam drove madly over the winding desolate road. He reached Jessup’s General Store. The storekeeper, his old friend, would he be there? He was.
“Hey Sam, good to see you. It’s all over now. You look good. I’m glad you didn’t die in that mess with all those bad people. I was watching the news, what I get here. They sure tried hard to hurt you. You’re a hero now. I never met a true hero. I’m proud to know you. I’m hugging you, big guy.”
Sam laughed as he was clasped in a bear hug. “Thanks.” Sam dug in his pocket for his wallet and pulled out a number of bills. Here’s the money I owe you. I should have paid you before. I’m sorry.” Sam handed Jessup more than enough. He really owed Jessup his life.
“No problem. Thanks. Hey, you want to sit and visit, my boy? I got some good whisky and cigars. You look a little like you fell in a dirt pile though.”
“I wish I could stay. Another time, please. I always seem to be coming when I need something. I’m sorry, but my girlfriend slid on a cliff and is hurt. I’ve got to try to get her more help than just me. May I use your phone, again? This time I’ll pay now.” Sam handed over a little more money.”
“I’m chattering, when you got an emergency. Here, call. I’ll save the whiskey and smokes for you later.”
Calling 911 was science fiction in so small a populated area. He would need to go through the operator. Sam was connected to the sheriff. He explained his emergency and walked anxiously out of the store. He sank onto the step, Jessup sat quietly beside him. Together they listened to the stillness and waited.
The phone rang. Jessup ran to pick it up, followed by the worried Sam.
“Yep, he’s here. Sam.” He handed over the phone.
“Sam Stone.”
“Yes, that’s me.”
“I’m Sheriff Henry Giles. We think we know the ravine you were talkin’ about on the phone. We figure that there’s a back road that should take us pretty close. I got together the emergency medics and rescue crew. We’ll get your girl out. Don’t get too down now. These guys move pretty fast. Volunteering is something they take real serious, and some are used to also workin’ in the big city in the past. They’re know-ledge-a ble.” He pronounced the syllables with emphasis. We’re on the way. We’ll pick you up, so wait with Jessup at his store.”
“Thanks, Sir. I’ll be here,” Sam said as he hung up the phone and stepped back outside to pace. “I can’t sit still. I hope my tramping doesn’t make you dizzy.”
“Nah! I’ll plow along right next to you. Sammy, boy. I heard that you are now a hero.”
Sam grimaced. “Not today.”
“It weren’t your fault that she fell. Anyone can fall.” Jessup said.
“By the way, the news fellows have some tall tales goin’. They talk about the President getting old real fast before he died. That ain’t true, is it?”
“Yes, it is,” Sam said, as he covered his pacing path again.
“How’s our lady President doing?” Jessup said. “I’m kinda in to juicy gossip.”
“Oh, she’s doing just fine- real spunky and bright. Even the Congress likes her, and you know how they like to fight Presidents.”
“They sure do.” Jessup grinned.
Sam relaxed and sat back down on the store’s front step. Jessup joined him. Sam felt that things would turn out for the best with his old friend around. So they talked, really talked, from the heart, and Sam felt encouraged.
#
The time grew to forty-five minutes since Sam had called. The sheriff and crew arrived, the good guys to the rescue. Sam gladly let them take control.
#
By nightfall Susie was safely under hospital care. Her skull fracture and bruises would heal. Her spine was only bruised. She would recover. The drug addiction would be the ogre to her recovery. Her survival from its effects were questionable. Was it too late? The medics didn’t know, they couldn’t. Even with FBI records, it wasn’t clear when or if the drug dependency could be turned around. Susie, however, would try, and Sam would support her. Sam called and gave Jessup the update. He treasured his friendship and vowed to see him again in better times.
#
Darkness huddled around the small house in the deep woods. Sam sat on the floor beside the fireplace. He watched the flames lick impatiently around the small prescription papers and bottles. They were Susie’s. The labels blackened and crumbled in its crucible of cremation. Sam doubted the bottles would totally be destroyed, but their essence was gone. Their effects would remain for some time, however, in Susie and others.
Sam sighed. How many more victims were living their briefly normal lives? It was over for him anyway. He would start again to build his life. Sam watched as the flames blinked the image of Susie. He stared as it reformed to Alex and then his Caroline. The forms faded slowly, and Sam closed his thoughts to the many sad parts of the memories. Tomorrow he would turn his back on all but Susie. He prayed that the years would bring no backlash, no aftereffects. They’d just have to see.
There was suddenly a knock on the door. Who knew he was here? Oh, yes, the hospital, but why would they come here? Susie must be worse, and he had no phone. Sam bolted for the door and yanked it open.
Two young people babbled incoherently as they burst through the door.
Heather and Eddie finally caught their breath. Heather sputtered with excitement, “Thank goodness you are not dead. We are lousy sleuths. We got lost and couldn’t find any of the bad guys. I’m sorry.”
Sam st
ared at them in disbelief.
Eddie piped up in a small voice. “Is it all over?”
Sam gasped and burst into uncontrollable laughter. “Yes, it is.” In between the hugs and kisses, he managed to enunciate further his words of welcome. “Come on in, you goofy kids. My wonderful friends, come in.”
CHAPTER 44
“Mr. Stone, your latest book is quite a departure from your usual mysteries. Why did you choose to go for the literary elite? True, you might win the Pulitzer Prize for it, but you may not reap the financial rewards of a bestselling and sizzling mystery story. Don’t you want the power of wealth like the rest of America?” the commentator teased.
Sam crossed his legs and tried to gain a comfortable position in the constricting tuxedo. “I’ve rubbed up against enough power and wealth. I almost overdosed,” Sam said patiently.
“You are referring to the Jensen conspiracy. Why have you never written all the details? You know that your public has hoped that you would.”
“Maybe I will someday. This book is more important. It stresses happiness, not destruction and death.”
“But, violence is more exciting.” The commentator’s eyes glinted provocatively. “Audience, don’t you agree?”
The faceless audience boomed out its affirmation in the dark void behind the camera lights.
Sam sighed wearily. “I’ve had all the excitement I want for a while.”
“Mr. Stone, why did…” The band erupted into a jazzy calliope of sounds that framed the surreal atmosphere. “That’s all our time. You will come back, Sir? Thank you for dressing up, by the way.”
“Certainly.” Sam plastered the requisite grin on his face. He was very tired from the book tour. But the medium was necessary, despite frequently frustrating. “I want to thank you and American for standing by me.” Sam shook the M.C.’s limp hand, and the show abruptly ended. Mr. M.C. vanished as if on cue, and Sam made his way into the wings.
“You were great!”
“Thanks,” Sam turned at the voice and almost bumped into the source.
“And pretty!”
“Thanks again.” Sam chuckled…. “Susie.”
“Hi!” She kissed him perkily on the cheek.
“How about some coffee and a chat with an old friend?”
“Sounds good, but I don’t drink coffee anymore.” Sam said.
“I know,” she winked. “Neither do I.”
“I thought you didn’t want to come on the tour. You wanted to build our nest, so to speak.” Sam said with a grin. He was pleased.
“I’m finished.” Susie said as she pulled Sam forward eagerly.
Sam and Susie emerged from the studio into the bustle of early evening in New York City. She paused to hand Sam a topcoat. The air was still crisp.
“I brought you a coat, but I forgot my own,” she laughed.
“No problem. I like this better,” Sam put it around them both. He drew her closer.
“What did the doctor say?” he said seriously.
“I’m fine, doing well, and you won’t get rid of me this time,” she said teasingly.
“I won’t and never intended to. I’m truly happy,” Sam said as the crowd swelled and life erupted around them. The city vibrated with the cacophony of sounds and rabble of voices. Dirt occasionally flounced from car wheels as they spun by, but Sam didn’t notice. He embraced Susie with overwhelming joy. He didn’t care if anyone was looking. He was in love again and he was sure that Acceleration would never hurt them again. Pretty sure.
CHAPTER 45
SIX YEARS LATER
“Susie, you’re eating again? Didn’t we just have that dinner at the Mexican restaurant?” said Sam. He was stuffed. Little Andy was energetic as always, but his happiness was treasured. He was delighted when the waiter let him draw on the child-centered placemat. He even gave him crayons. Sam sat back and watched him. His life felt perfect now. But it was hard to believe that Andy was already in kindergarten.”
Susie looked at Sam with irritation. “Don’t tease me about eating. I can’t help it. I’m still hungry.”
“Sorry, honey. Hey, maybe you’re pregnant again. I’d like that. We’ll have a little girl or boy to go with Andy. He’ll be jumping around with excitement.” Sam really hoped he was right. He always wanted lots of kids since he married Susie. He had desperately wanted a normal life. He got it finally after his traumatic past years, but he still remembered and missed little Sarah and Alex. Silas had made sure that he punished Alex, by eliminating her cruelly. He didn’t want to remember the picture that the police had showed him. It had displayed how Silas had gruesomely placed Alex near the house after her murder. The frozen look on her face had devastated him. They had lived a dream like existence. It ended so awfully. He didn’t want to think back on Alex or Caroline either. It still hurt too much. His past with them had been so happy but brief and had ended with such emotional trauma and despair. He never thought he could be this happy again. But he was.
Sam was writing again and enjoying it. That first year after the deaths was difficult. He was recuperating mentally and physically. He could not write. He sat there for months just watching Susie and walking outside with Caesar. Susie got bored with her inactivity and his long periods outdoors, so she built an internet cosmetic company, but she stayed devoted to Sam and Andy.
In the second year, Sam had finally surfaced from his depression and felt healed, and he started writing again. He never wrote about the past conspiracy, however. Not yet, maybe some day. Ben kept saying his fans were waiting for the book. He understood, but he just couldn’t write it.
The country had stabilized with its new President. But the news highlighted, for many months, the continuing new deaths from others that had taken the Acceleration drug. The victims’ list seemed to have ended now though. Sam was relieved about that. Afterwards, he tried not to read a newspaper anymore. There were many thousands of victims, more than Sam had initially realized. Jensen’s spider web had reached very far. But the designers of the plot were dead now. It all seemed like an unreal nightmare.
Sam was able to even begin teaching again. He never mentioned his past to his students, although they eagerly wanted him to. His job was located at a small college in the mid-west again, but not the one of his past. The memories of Alex and Sarah were too painful there. Susie missed city life, however. So eventually, he thought they would move back to New York or LA.
Sam looked at Susie eating a large plate of tacos. She had already consumed her dinner. She had been eating like she was starving. Strange, but again, maybe she was carrying another child.
“Let’s take you to the doctor tomorrow. We may be able to get an appointment.” Sam said.
Susie laughed. “Do you think I’m going to gain a hundred pounds this time? I hope I have a little boy so Andy will have a buddy. Then again, I could buy cute clothes and play dolls with a little girl.” Susie cleaned her plate. Order desert for us, would you Sam?”
“Mommy, do they have ice cream. I want ice cream,” Andy looked up from his pictures with a sweet smile and then went back to drawing.
“What’s that a picture of, Andy?” said Sam frowning at the orange monster with tendrils.
“It’s a nice monster. I like coloring him. He’s my friend. He likes me. A man came to school and asked me about my pictures. He said I draw good,” Andy grinned.
Sam ruffled Andy’s red hair. He loved this little guy a lot. He was surprised at the red hair when he was born, but he was also delighted. He felt like such a lucky dad.
But this picture. It looked like Sean when he died. It sent a chill through him.
Sam turned to Susie. “Did the school call you about that man?”
“Yes, but they said the teacher had told the Principal, and they had consulted with social services to see if there was a problem. They decided afterwards that it was fine and that all kids draw monsters.” Susie patted his hand. “Don’t worry. He’s just being a kid. They were just worried because of
your past.”
“You’re right,” said Sam. “But why didn’t you tell me? And why are they consulting Social Services without talking to us first? All kids draw pictures of everything.”
“It happened fast and I didn’t want to upset you. Also, you were on a long walk when they told me on the phone. I’m sorry Sam.”
“It’s fine, but tell me faster next time. Then I won’t feel so left out,” He hugged her, but it did bother him, but only because the government may be still watching over him. They had been constantly safeguarding him after the death of the President. They worried that the conspiracy may not be over. Sam couldn’t blame the worrying, but it was all over as far as he was concerned. He did wonder about the pictures though.
Sam hailed the waiter. “May we have three servings of ice cream. What kind kids.”
Susie laughed. “I want strawberry.”
Andy looked up from his picture. “I want strawberry too.”
Sam laughed. “I want chocolate. Okay.” Sam turned to the waiter, “Did you get that?”
The waiter chuckled. “Yes, sir. Coming up.” He walked away still laughing.
“I think he was amazed at how much we are eating. Me too,” said Sam happily. And yet, it bothered him.
#
One week later Sam and Susie sat in the doctor’s waiting room.
“You look nervous,” said Sam. “Or are you just thinking of celebrating with more food?”
Susie smiled. “Both, oh, the nurse just called our names.”
Sam and Susie joined the doctor and sat nervously, as they held hands.
Doctor Cruz studied the couple. “Mrs. Stone, you are... pregnant. Congratulations to you both.”
Susie jumped up, “YES! Now we can go eat some more. I can’t wait to tell Andy.”
The doctor was surprised, a bit. “Don’t overeat, but I think you’ll do well. I’ll see you next month, unless there’s a problem.”
“We’ll be here then, Thank you, Doctor. We’re thrilled,” said Sam happily. But something bothered Sam. He tried to ignore it.