Chapter Six
The lab was a marvel in design. Crisp white walls and floors, white tables jam-packed with such a wide array of scientific equipment it would put an entire university’s facilities to shame. At least fifty technicians were working painstakingly, peering over beakers, Bunsen burners, measuring, calibrating. It was cold in this room, the experiments going on needed to be kept at near freezing levels so the chemicals didn’t combust.
Herrington held a pipette and squeezed the contents from a beaker into a test tube, giving instructions to a group of scientists in orange bio-hazard uniforms. Nodding, they gently took the test tube and left the room, moving through to the quarantine area. The hiss of the doors as they traversed from one room to the other was background noise to an opera by Wagner which wafted softly through the wall speakers.
“Mr. Herrington, you have a call.” A masked and gowned aide appeared at his side, holding a cellphone.
Herrington removed his face mask and gloves and stared at the man. The aide didn’t look him in the eye and with good reason. If Herrington was in a specific mood and he thought you were staring at him the wrong way, you might end up puking your guts up for days thinking your tuna sandwich had gone bad, but never really knowing the truth.
Herrington took the phone. “Yes? You have them yet?” When he didn’t hear what he wished, he stormed the fifty-five feet out of the lab, down a long hallway of sixty-three feet, through a set of French doors and onto the patio where he collapsed into a plush lawn chair. Within seconds he was handed a glass of ice tea, fresh with five pieces of crushed mint and fifteen ice cubes in the shape of perfect marble sized orbs.
Herrington’s voice was livid. “What do you mean they got away? They’re children! A naive seventeen-year-old kid and his six-year-old deaf brother. How many times has this been, Carol? I put you on this mission for a reason! Are you telling me you and your men can’t keep two little boys in your midst? Don’t call me again until you have something to report, you hear me? If not I’ll take all of you off the case immediately and find someone who can get the job done right.”
He called to his aide. “Go to the news and put out an APB on these kids. Weave the story they killed Jacobs and the 7-Eleven clerk. That they’re armed and dangerous. Put a bounty on their heads of five million dollars and say it’s coming from Hi-Core Industries—that they’re devastated about the traitors in their midst and will do anything to bring about justice. Trust me, the kids won’t be missing for long.”
The aide nodded and scurried away to make his calls. Herrington took a sip of the iced tea. It had melted in the time it took him to speak to Carol and his rage was starting to mount again. He closed his eyes and breathed deeply as his assistant anticipated this, handing him another fresh tea. He took it and drank deeply.
Things were going according to plan as long as they got the kids. The parents were in his custody and nearly at the facility. He smiled as he remembered telling his men to soften them up for him before they got there. Gary Anderson wouldn’t be so cocky after they were done. He had never liked the guy.
Chapter Seven
Day 3 Wednesday 9:15 a.m.
Michael and Danny woke to a warm room, the sun streaming through the windows, and the sound of voices coming from downstairs. If there had been eggs frying on the stove and the smell of coffee and bacon in the air, Michael would have sworn he was home.
Instead of his mother’s warm voice calling him to breakfast, a nasal, high-pitched soprano reached his ears.
“Oh, you’re just going to love this place. It’s really a beautiful home, perfect for children. Come, you’ve just got to see the country kitchen.”
The question was, should they remain hidden, or see if these people could help them? The visitors downstairs certainly didn’t sound like the people after them, so Michael took a chance. Rubbing his eyes and yawning, he shook Danny gently awake. “Come on, Birdman. We have to go.”
He and Danny stumbled their way downstairs.
Just as they reached the bottom steps an older, bleached-blonde woman with too-red lips and a couple in their thirties strolled into the foyer. When Michael saw the couple’s wide eyes and dropped jaws, it completely destroyed any hope they wouldn’t be recognized.
The older woman, on the other hand, seemed clueless. She perched her hands on her ample hips and frowned. “How did you boys get in here? The front door was locked. Did you break in? You know, I should call the police on you.”
Michael put up his hands and tried to sound sincere. “I’m really sorry. We didn’t break anything. There’s a trick door in the basement. I used to know the people who lived here, and my brother and I needed a safe place to stay.”
The husband nudged his wife in the ribs, but spoke to Michael. “You guys are those kids who’ve been all over the news, aren’t you?”
Michael nodded.
The man moved forward and extended his hand. “My name’s Rick Somers and this is my wife, Cathy.”
Michael grabbed his outstretched hand. “We have been trying to find someone to help us, but every place we go we get attacked. Do you think you could help us get to the FBI or something?”
“Of course, anything we can do to help,” Rick said. “Cathy, we should take them to our house until we figure out what to do. Come on, guys, the car’s outside.” He turned to the broker. “Sorry, Sylvia, we’ll have to come back another time. Do us a favor and don’t tell anyone they’re with us, okay? And don’t sell the house to anyone else. We’ll take it. It’s perfect.”
Michael would have laughed at Sylvia’s shocked expression, but Rick was already hustling them out of the house and into his car. Rick kept glancing around nervously when they were outside and Michael couldn’t blame him for being scared. They were wanted people. Still, things were moving fast and for a second he was unsure if they should go with the Somerses. His paranoia was in full swing and he was questioning everything and everyone, even if it was hope handed to him on a silver platter. He hung back from getting into the car.
Rick glanced over and saw Michael’s hesitation. “What’s the matter? Is everything okay? You see something?” He tried to peer behind Michael, his hands clenched.
“Everything’s just moving so quickly.”
Rick grimaced, chagrined and took a deep breath, opening his hands. “I’m sorry, it’s like I’m kidnapping you, too, aren’t I? It’s just Sylvia is having an open house here in less than a half an hour, and I didn’t want you guys to be here when a whole throng of people showed up. I’m just being overly cautious and no offense, kid, but I don’t want to be the next target your buddies decide to come after if they somehow find out you’re with us. I’d feel a lot safer on my home turf.” He smiled sheepishly. “Just call me Bond. James Bond.”
Michael stared at him for a moment and felt the tension finally leave his body. The guy seemed genuine. He had to stop thinking everyone in the world was out to get them. “I’m sorry. It’s just after all we’ve been through, I’m trying to be careful.” He brought Danny over to the car and jumped in beside him.
As the car pulled out of the driveway, Cathy turned to them. “Hey, have you guys eaten breakfast yet?”
Danny read her lips and immediately shook his head from side to side.
Cathy laughed. “Rick, to the house and get started on some pancakes, pronto. Our guests look like they’re starving. We’ll get some food into you and then figure out who to call. Sound good, boys?”
Rick glanced at him through the rear-view mirror. “Hey, just to keep your paranoia, and mine, in check, can you guys keep your heads down while we drive through town? You’re celebrities around here and you don’t want to attract any additional attention until we figure out who to call, okay?”
Michael and Danny hunkered down in their seats.
Within minutes they pulled up to a small, but charming cape, set back on an acre of property and surrounded by the woods on three sides. It gave the house a safe, private feel. As soon
as the Somerses took them inside, Rick locked the door and closed the curtains.
Michael stared at Rick. “And I thought I was paranoid!”
“Well, I saw on the news what they did to your house,” Rick said. “That’s the last thing I want to happen here, especially before I sell it.”
Good point.
Rick brought them into a bright, yellow and white kitchen. Sunflowers abounded on the wallpaper, napkins, and the cheery tablecloth in front of him.
Michael sat on a plump cushion facing a beautiful bay window which opened out onto the woods. A flood of trees bloomed in front of him, reminding him of a camping trip he had taken with his dad the summer before. They had hiked for nearly five miles before they had made camp. It had been so isolated and beautiful. He would do anything to be able to do that with his dad one more time. “Why in the world are you guys looking to move?” he said. “This place is great.”
Cathy smiled. “This place is great for two people, but it’s a little small for three.” She patted her stomach.
Michael smiled. “Congratulations. My brother loves babies. Been bugging my mother for years to have another one.”
Rick spoke up. “Okay, boys, ladies, and unborn children. Who’s ready for pancakes?” Immediately, three sets of hands went up and Rick set to work. Michael and Danny ate like they hadn’t eaten in days, which was pretty much true.
Rick spoke over Danny’s shoulder. “I’m thinking we go straight to the FBI or the CIA and forget about the local police. You’re saying Herrington’s agents are posing as cops, so if we went to them we wouldn’t know who to believe and who not to believe. What do you think?”
Michael nodded. “Just as long as it’s someone who can protect us and can help us find our parents. Thank you so much.” His voice shook.
Cathy smiled and squeezed his arm. “It’ll be okay, Michael. I promise. Everything will turn out okay.”
After they were stuffed, Rick suggested Michael bring his brother into the den where they could watch some TV while he and Cathy cleaned up. Michael showed his brother into the family room and turned on the television to a program Danny would like. You could always depend on The Disney Channel to come through. When he got him settled, he asked Danny to stay in the den while he went to thank the Somerses for breakfast and help them clean up.
He had the nicest thoughts about them while strolling down the hall. He turned the corner, just outside the kitchen, humming a tune from one of his favorite bands, but paused when he heard the Somerses arguing. He hung back.
Rick’s voice was hushed, annoyed. “Cathy, we’ve got to turn them in. Think of the money we’ll get!”
“But those kids trust us. We’d be betraying them.”
Michael was floored. He clenched his hands into fists, feeling deceived and hurt. He peeked around the corner.
Rick was holding Cathy’s hands. “Honey, this is our chance to have everything we ever wanted. Those boys are our winning lottery ticket, and they’re sitting right in our family room.”
Angry, Cathy shook him off. “Will you keep your voice down? It’s not that I’m opposed to the money, but it feels wrong. Herrington is behind this reward money, I just know it.”
Rick rolled his eyes. “If we don’t turn them in, then someone else will and they’ll get the money. Or, if we don’t help them out, these kids will be on their own and could get themselves killed. At least we’ll be keeping them safe and getting rich in the meantime.”
Cathy shook her head. “Rick, Herrington is dangerous. Do you remember what he did to their house?”
He threw up his hands in frustration. “Oh, come on, Cathy, he knew they weren’t there. This is because the kids’ parents are spies! Traitors to the United States and the kids are probably in on it, too. At the end of the day we’ll actually be helping our country get rid of a bunch of dirty agents. What do you think they’re going to do? Kill them?”
She sighed. “No. I don’t think they’ll kill Danny. He’s supposedly got some sort of special ability or something. But what about Michael? He could be the one in danger.”
Michael heard the smugness in Rick’s voice and wanted to punch him in his face. “Michael’s a big boy, Cathy. He’ll be just fine. Come on, don’t blow this for us.”
“Okay, okay,” she said. “I guess you’re right. If it isn’t us, then it’ll be someone else. Just do me a favor. Don’t make the call in here. I don’t want them to hear. Go upstairs and I’ll go sit with them. Deal?”
“Sure, babe. I love you.” He kissed her quickly on her forehead.
Michael didn’t wait to hear any more and ran silently back to the family room, seething with anger. He was so disappointed in himself. So angry at finally trusting someone and now look where it got them. At least they got to eat breakfast.
He kneeled next to Danny with a plan. “Birdman, let’s play a pretend game when Cathy comes back in here,” he signed. “Pretend you have to go to the bathroom and I have to take you, okay?”
Danny nodded. Thank God he loved games. One day it wouldn’t be this easy.
Cathy came into the room, trying to appear calm, but Michael knew better. The way she kept playing with her hair gave it away.
“So, you boys have a good breakfast?” she asked.
Michael gave her his sweetest smile. “Oh, yeah, it was just great. We really appreciate all you’ve done for us.” He glanced at Danny. It was show time.
Immediately, Danny grabbed himself and whimpered.
Cathy stood up, alarmed. “What’s wrong with him?”
“Oh, he just has to go to the bathroom,” he laughed, watching Cathy relax. She sat back down while he stood up. “Where is it?”
“Through the kitchen and in the wash room,” she answered.
Michael took Danny’s hand. “Would you believe I still have to go with him? He’s such a baby. We’ll be right back.”
He watched Cathy laugh at his lies, thinking how gullible she was. Well, the Somerses weren’t the only ones who could play games. He turned to her as they left the room. “Cathy, this is going to sound weird, but could you put the volume on the television up a little louder while we’re in the bathroom? Danny likes to feel the vibrations from the floor.”
“He can feel the vibrations from the television?” she asked, amazed. “I had no idea.”
“Oh, yeah. His deafness makes him very sensitive to those sorts of things.” Danny started whining and pulled on Michael’s sleeve. God, he was good. They left the room and took off towards the bathroom.
Passing through the kitchen, Michael grabbed his knapsack from the back of the kitchen chair, slung it over his shoulder and grabbed Danny’s jacket from where it was hanging on a wall hook. He moved into the hallway past the kitchen and saw the bathroom. As luck would have it, the back door was next to it. He turned on the water in the sink full force, hoping that both the water and the television would drown out the sounds of him unlocking the back door. He opened it, ushering Danny outside and down the steps.
Danny protested, pulling on his arm. “No go!” he signed.
Michael turned to him. They had no time to lose. “Danny, just come with me and I’ll explain later.” He grabbed his brother’s hand and pulled him, but Danny refused to move. In fact, he sat on the steps and crossed his arms, refusing to look at him.
Michael glanced down the hall, knowing he didn’t have a lot of time. Rick should be finishing up his call and there was just so much time Cathy would give them in the bathroom before she came looking for them.
He bent to his brother, forcing him to face him. Danny closed his eyes.
Michael heard footsteps echoing down the stairs, and his heart went into a panic. He grabbed Danny’s face again, but he pulled away. He snatched his hands, trying to sign into them, but Danny balled his hands into fists, and started to cry. Without thinking, Michael smacked him lightly on the back of his head to get his attention, startling them both.
Danny’s eyes flew open, more out of s
hock than pain. Michael had never hit him before.
Michael glared at him. “Get up now,” he ordered.
Danny refused to move and Michael heard Rick reach the bottom step, calling for Cathy. He picked up Danny, threw him over his shoulder and bolted the steps, two at a time, Danny kicking and fighting him the entire time. It would be a miracle if the Somerses didn’t hear them.
He ran as far as he could, running blindly through the woods, before finally collapsing to the ground. His lungs were nearly bursting, but they were far enough in that he had completely lost sight of the house.
Danny sat on the ground next to him, sobbing and punching him in his chest, throwing dirt in his face. “Why did you make us leave? You hit me. I’m going to tell Mommy.”
Michael angrily pushed him aside. “I told you that you had to listen to me and you acted like a big baby.”
Danny started crying even harder, and Michael was so frustrated he wanted to scream right along with his brother. They never were going to get through this if Danny wouldn’t do what he said. Taking a deep breath, Michael took his brother in his arms and hugged him until he calmed down.
Danny finally looked up at him.
“Look, I’m sorry I hit you, but you wouldn’t listen to me and we had to get out of that house. I know you’re scared and want Mom and Dad, and I do, too. Please, walk with me for a little longer. I just can’t carry you anymore.”
Danny stared at him for a moment, tears streaking his cheeks, and then stood. They trekked another mile through the woods. When Michael felt Danny needed another rest, he sat him down and told him everything.
“I think you’re old enough to know what’s going on and this way you’ll understand why I did what I did back there. Can I tell you?”
Danny nodded, wiping his nose on his sleeve.
“Remember the bad men from Mr. Jacob’s house and the men who took Mr. Teddy?”
Danny nodded.
“Okay, these aren’t the only people who want to find us anymore. The bad men put what’s called a bounty on our heads. That means, if someone, anyone, finds us and brings us to these bad people, they’ll get money. Rick and Cathy seemed great, but they were going to turn us in. I had to get us away before that happened.”
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