“On occasion.” he replied. “I wouldn’t say often, more rarely these days actually. He and father usually conduct business in his office at the firm, or he visits my fathers home office. Why do you ask?” Ignoring the question, she was perplexed.
“How is it I don’t know of him until now? And he’s been working with your father how long?”
“Almost ten years.”
“And I’ve never heard of him till today. I don’t know it’s — it’s just that, somehow it would seem natural that since we both work so closely with “Raai labs,” we would have met at some point.”
“I suppose you’re right. But still its not all that unusual. Like I said he doesn’t come around that often anymore, for years now.”
“I think — I believe he’s been following me.”
Dale looked at her curiously. “What makes you think so?” he asked, his face intent.
“When I saw him this morning, he looked familiar to me. I knew I’d seen him somewhere before, but it didn’t register till now. He was in the lobby last week when I was waiting for my ride. And his demeanor was just as serious, and uptight as it was this morning.”
“That would be unusual, considering he doesn’t normally come to my office, nor does he have any reason to visit the labs these days really, unless he’s with father. And that would be a rare occasion now days. But I don’t quite see how him being in the lobby is reason to believe he’s following you.”
“There was another time before that. He was standing in the parking lot of my apartment building. Of course at the time I thought he was waiting for someone. And I didn’t pay him too much attention at the time. If I had I suppose I would have recognized him in the lobby. And now, I have a feeling it was me he was waiting for. Both times.”
“Your apartment building? And you’ve no doubt it was him?”
“No — none.” she said, as she turned her head and stared out the window, feeling tired, just wishing the day would end.
Dale suddenly remembered the tone in his fathers voice when he spoke to him on the phone, how his father tried to tell him something regarding Cummings before the nurse ended the call.
“Could father have been trying to warn me about Cummings?” he asked himself. There were so many questions going through his mind now. “How is Cummings involved in this. And why would he be stalking Ronda, of all people. Is it possible he’s actually colluding with Maynard.” He wanted answers.
Tired and exhausted, Ronda leaned her head back and shut her eyes, while Dale drove and continued to wonder about Cummings part in this whole mess.
He turned to look at Ronda, relieved to see she could finally relax. For now.
7
The Beach House
It was evening when they finally arrived at the beach house. The sun was setting over the horizon as they pulled up to the three car garage adjoined to a white, mid century modern two story, with floor to ceiling windows that wrapped around the house. Having envisioned a small beach cottage, Ronda was somewhat surprised to see a more modern and sophisticated house.
Stepping out of the car, she could hear the ocean as she breathed in the scent of shrubs, and flowers wafting up from the landscaping alongside the walkway leading to the front door. The coastal breeze was soft and cool against her skin. Of course not unusual on a mid summer evening.
Looking up, she was taken back as a blaze of orange, red, and pink clouds, formed. And the sun appeared to hide halfway behind the ocean, as it’s reflection in the water stretched out in front of it, while a silhouette of birds flew across, swaying in mid air. Reminding her of a painting she had once seen, only this, was real.
Dale couldn’t help but notice her distraction.
“Majestic isn’t it?”
“It’s stunning.” she said, as they made their way up the walkway to the front door.
As they passed along the front of the house they saw a light from inside. Ronda stopped, and stepped back.
“Don’t worry, I forgot to mention someone would be meeting us here.” Dale said, as the door slowly opened, and a man about five eleven, and slender with salt and pepper hair stood at the door.
“Welcome! he said as he stretched out his arm welcoming them, then stepped to the side as they walked in. He was rugged, and bore a handsome face. Tan with chiseled features, and steel blue eyes, that seemed to express a certain humility. “There was a sadness behind his eyes.” Ronda, thought. But when he smiled, his whole face lit up. There was nothing pretentious about him, in his dress or manner. Casually dressed in levi’s, a dark blue button down shirt, and worn rambler boots, he was friendly and welcoming. And when he spoke, it was with a light Texan drawl.
Dale couldn’t believe who was standing in front him.
“Jake?” he said. “This day just keeps bringing more unexpected surprises doesn’t it.” he said, with slight sarcasm in his voice.
“Some good I hope.” Jake replied.
“Ronda,” Dale said. “This is Jake Holloway. Jake, Ronda Rimes.”
“How do you do.” Ronda, said.
Jake stood quietly. He couldn’t help staring, and for a moment he was speechless. Then, in a somewhat low and melancholic tone he said.
“Forgive me, I don’t — I don’t mean to stare. It’s just— well actually you remind me very much of — of someone I used to know.”
Ronda sensed a deep loss in his voice, and smiled kindly, feeling a strange pull towards him. She wasn’t quite sure what it was about him, but she had the feeling they had spoken before. His voice distinct in her mind.
“Perhaps we’ve met before?” she asked, curiously.
He stared for a moment before speaking. His eyes wide.
“What?” he asked, surprised. “I’m sorry, uh, no I — I don’t believe we have.”
She tried to put it out of her mind, but thought it an interesting coincidence that she too reminded him of someone he knew. Only for her, it wasn’t so much a memory as it was a feeling or intuition. She watched him as he and Dale exchanged words, almost afraid to turn away. As if he held some mystery. The key to something important. “How strange” she thought to herself, “He seems so familiar, yet, we’ve never met before.” Feeling a sudden chill come over her, she trembled.
“Are you alright?” Dale asked.
“Yes I’m fine.” she replied. “Just a chill.”
The odd exchange between the two didn’t go by Dale unnoticed. It was as if they shared a kind of connection, that left him feeling a bit unnerved to the point where he almost felt like he was intruding on some secret shared between them.
“Please, sit down, get comfortable.” Jake said. “It was a long drive, and I’m sure after today’s events all you want to do now is relax.” Together they took a seat on one of the two large tan sofa’s, that rested perpendicular to the large stone fireplace.
“Dale,” Jake began, “it’s good to see you son. It Seems I caught you by surprise. I take it your father didn’t tell you I’d be here?”
“As a matter of fact he did mention someone would be here. But our conversation was cut short before he couldn’t tell me who exactly.”
“Well, anyhow I’ve been expecting you…’
“What are you doing here Jake? Dale quickly interrupted. “I mean, I guess it’s safe to assume then that you and my father are on speaking terms?” he asked.
“Well actually Dale, we’ve never not been.”
“Is that right.” Dale said in disbelief. “So how long have you been here at the beach house?” He asked, as he looked around, noticing it looked quite lived in.
Well, I took up residence here about three years ago.”
“What!” Dale was surprised. “Father never once so much as mentioned your name.”
“No, of course not, he wouldn’t have. You see, I had asked him when I came back not to mention my return to anyone. For personal reasons. I try my best to keep a low profile these days.” Dale couldn’t believe it. After not having seen or heard anything of him in ye
ars. Yet here he was, as if he had never left.
“So then I take it your aware of the situation regarding father’s research?” Dale tested him.
“Well now if you’re talking about this business with Maynard, then yes, I’m well aware of it .”
“Then you won’t think I’m being presumptuous in asking how it concerns you. That is, if in fact it does.” he said. Ronda wondered at Dales curtness with Jake.
“Not at all.” Jake said, then grinned as he sensed Dale’s agitation.
“I’m simply trying to understand what you know, and to what extent.”
“Fair enough, fair enough. After all you wouldn’t want to be discussing your fathers personal affairs with anyone who doesn’t really know what’s going on. Including me. I appreciate your caution. Well now, I’ll just get to the point then, and make it a whole lot easier. It just so happens that I’ve invested a large sum of money into a lot of the research your father’s been doing these past few years. To be honest, and without being to specific, three years ago I approached him with the idea of continuing his research on organ transplantation. And so to the extent that I have quite an investment in his research, I would say it concerns me, wouldn’t you?” Jake asked as he stood up and walked over to the bar.
“Can I fix the two of you a drink?”
“Nothing for me thanks.” Ronda said, noticing a black stetson sitting on the bar. Bringing a vision of horses and green pastures. Certainly not a memory, she thought. She couldn’t recall ever having been on a horse before, although she was found of them.
“Scotch for me.”
“On the rocks?”
“Clean”
“It was your fathers idea, by the way, that I reside here.”
“And was it your idea that we come here to avoid Maynard?”
“Guilty as charged. It seems the best alternative at the moment, don’t you think.”
“As apposed to what?”
“Well, you got to admit it’s safer than staying in a hotel in the city. The farther away from Maynard the better. Plus it’s pretty secluded here. I’ve already prepared a couple of rooms by the way. You’ll remain here as long as necessary. Hopefully it won’t be long before this matter with Maynard is straightened out, and your lives will be back to normal.” he said, as he looked at Ronda.
“If you don’t mind me asking, why stay here instead than the city.” Dale asked. “I mean, wouldn’t the city be more convenient for you?”
" Well you see,” Jake said as he handed Dale his drink, “staying here allows me both the privacy and the ability to be near— he paused briefly, glancing at Ronda then back at Dale, to be near your fathers research. Near enough anyhow, should any problems arise. Speaking of which, now I don’t know if your father brought it up, but he confided in me a few weeks ago of his suspicions that Maynard was recently made aware of his latest breakthrough, ergo, the data chip. It seems Maynard let it be known inadvertently through conversation, that he had specific information that only your father and I have knowledge of. We’re not sure exactly how much he knows, but given his persistence and determination, he could know everything. The point here is, he’s aware of confidential information. Which by the way, your father has reason to believe Cummings may be involved in bringing this information to Maynard’s attention.
“Why would he believe that?” Dale asked, curiously, now almost certain his father tried to warn him about Cummings.
“Because he’s the only one who knows “Rail labs” top to bottom. And working so close with your father all these years, he’s the only one who could even come close to possibly discovering this information. If he was determined enough.”
Initially we concluded it was an intern. Someone clever enough to hack into your fathers files. But with a little more thought we realized who ever it was would have to know what they’re looking for in the first place, before attempting to dig deeper. After all, it’s not something anyone could come upon by accident. Not unless they managed to obtain knowledge of the data chip first. Which I’m sure you know he’s aware of. And so we concluded it would have to be someone with a very intimate and detailed knowledge of the company. And the only person to fit that description is Cummings himself. That and the fact that there’s been some stress between Cummings, and your father lately. Now we can’t say we’re a hundred percent sure of course, until we have proof. And for your fathers sake I hope we’re wrong. But if we’re correct and it is Cummings, then he would have leaked news of your father sudden stay at the hospital, giving Maynard the opportunity to try and locate the data chip.” Needless to say, the possible reason for what took place at “Raai labs” this afternoon.”
“I would never have suspected Cummings” Dale said, shocked at the idea that Cummings could betray his father. Why? he asked, Of all people, he’s been at my fathers side for years.”
" Why?” Jake replied, “Well that’s something you’d have to discuss with your father. For now, it helps to keep in mind that just because Maynard knows about the data chip, doesn’t mean he knows where it is. Now on the other hand, if Cummings has become knowledgeable to it’s location and can help Maynard locate the data chip, then both you, and Ronda may be in serious danger.”
“Ronda has nothing to do with this, she has no knowledge of the research the data chip holds, and least of all where father put it for safe keeping, and that goes for me too.” Dale said, frustration in his voice.
“Yes I know. But for now, knowing Maynard and what he’s capable of, until he knows that to be the case, it’s best you remain cautious.”
Ronda tried to take in all that was being said, and after listening to the two men talk for a good while into the night, about most of which she knew nothing about, she couldn’t keep herself from yawning. And as intriguing as the conversation was, she was glad when Jake stopped and said in a softer, less serious tone,
“You must be famished dear. You probably haven’t had a thing to eat since this morning. I can prepare something if you like.
“Oh no — really, thank you. Honestly food is the farthest thing from my mind. I’m to exhausted to eat, and to be honest I would love nothing more than to just lie down.”
“In that case,” Jake replied, “I’m sure Dale will be happy to show you to your room.” “Absolutely.” Dale said as he stood up.
“And please, make yourself at home dear. As long as you stay in this house, think of it as your home.”
Ronda stood up and thanked Jake for his kindness and generosity before Dale walked her upstairs to the far end of the open Hallway, to the guest room. Opening the door for her, she stepped in and turned back to face him as he stood outside the doorway.
“Thank you Dale.” she said quietly, “If not for you, I don’t know how I would have made it through this afternoon.”
“No worries.” he said, noting she didn’t refer to him as Mr. Bierce, which to him extended a feeling of trust. “It’s been a trying day,” Dale said, “and I realize that until we can get to the heart of the matter, your life has been turned upside down. And I’m truly sorry for that.”
“No worries.” she said jokingly, with a smile. “It’s not as though you had anything to do with it.”And for a second they both realized with that statement, together they were caught in the middle of something beyond their control. Fate.
“Goodnight Dale.” she smiled.
“Sleep well.” he said quietly then he turned and walked away.
She closed the door, and without turning on the lights walked over to the foot of the bed and sat down, wanting desperately for the day to be over. Wanting to cry, she wouldn’t allow herself to. So she lay back on the bed. “What am I doing here?” she asked herself out loud, “And what is it that has Professor Bierce worried for my safety? Oh I don’t want to think anymore.” she said, as she closed her eyes, and soon fell into a deep sleep. A much needed sleep.
8
Jake
It was early the next morning as Ronda slept, Dale
walked into the kitchen to over hear Jake.
“It’s the best way. As soon as we find him we’ll know for sure. The thing is, how are we to deal with him if it turns out to be a fact. We can’t exactly go to the police can we.” Dale stepped into the kitchen. “Look I’ll call you after I’ve found out what I can.” Jake said as he placed the phone down then turned to look at Dale.
“I’ll be driving to the city today.“ Jake said, as Dale opened the refrigerator and began pouring himself a glass of orange juice. “And I’ll be looking into Cumming’s where about’s. And as soon as I find out anything, I’ll be in touch with your father. Besides trying to resolve this issue with Maynard, we have a few personal issues to discuss.” Dale eyed Jake questioningly.
“So tell me Jake, when did you and father reconcile your differences? I mean after all this time, and without me ever knowing. It’s certainly not like my father to keep anything from me.”
“Well Dale,” Jake, said, “when I returned, as I said last night, I had him promise not to tell a soul. It simply had to do with where I was in my life at the time that’s all. Your father understood I needed space, and a place where I could get away from — well, from something I was trying to forget. I needed quietude — time to reflect. I reached out to your father for help. And Thomas being the man that he is, was there for me. And I’m grateful. I owe him a lot.”
“Well, that’s father.” Dale replied. “Even after you walked away from the company, and his research. Caring for others no matter how badly they treat him. But I have to wonder if his caring for others is sometimes less to his advantage.”
“There’s never a disadvantage to helping others. He showed me that years ago. Now look Dale, I don’t know what you’ve been told over the years, but it’s nothing more than rumors I’m sure. When I left “Raai labs” or rather, “Bierce and Holloway research” as it was back then, we didn’t part on bad terms. Though I know there were some who wanted it to appear that way. After all these years Dale, didn’t you ever asked your father about it?”
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