“No actually, over time father moved on with the company. And there was never really any chance for discussion with him being so absorbed in his research as he was. And as time passed it really didn’t matter anymore. Whatever happened, happened, it was done. I mean, as a child I often wondered why you left, sure. The last time I saw you, you were hurrying out of fathers office and out the front door. I knew it was serious if it caused you to leave so hastily, and angrily, without so much as goodbye. That was it. Anyway, it was between you and father. Something was happening, and as an uninformed child I didn’t understand.
Jake looked at Dale, remembering him as a boy, very serious, (realizing some things never change.) A lonely child, after losing the brother he looked up to, and his mother two years later. And with his father consumed in his work, he could see then, that Dale had built a wall around himself, for protection against outside forces that only brought loss and pain. He wasn’t an overly emotional child, in any sense of the word, he remembered.
“As I recall I had a flight to catch that morning, and was running late. I barely made it. I rushed out so quickly that morning I don’t recall seeing you anywhere about.” And now as Jake realized how it made Dale feel at the time, a boy who had suffered enough loss in his life, he said, “I suppose it’s far to late to say I’m sorry.”
“Sorry? Dale asked.
“Not to the man in front of me, but to the young boy who used to call me uncle. If I’d seen you, surely I would have said goodbye. How callous of me.”
Dale understood where he was coming from, and appreciated his effort. He was trying to to make amends with the child who felt his friend had abandoned him. But as far as Jake’s leaving, Dale realised a long time ago that from the perspective of a small child, things can appear to be quite different from what’s actually going on around him. Disregarded by adults in matters as to what’s happening, uninformed, he’s left to piece together a puzzle without pictures, making them up as he goes. Sometimes it’s dismal, sometimes it’s not, but it’s never the truth.
“It’s water under the bridge.” Dale said. “Though I’ll admit, you were an important part of my life, considering you and father were all I had at that point. And seeing your friendship, I guess I hoped it wouldn’t end.”
“It hasn’t.” Jake said. “The fact is, I reached an end point where the company was concerned. Your father was seeing new, and exciting things for the company. For me, after ten years, it was more than enough. And so at that point I wanted out. It’s not as though it happened on a whim. We had been discussing my leaving for some time. And there were other things happening in my life, as well as your father’s. I had met someone on a trip back home and fell in love. I was ready for a new chapter in my life. I came to realize “Bierce and Holloway research” wasn’t for me anymore, and that’s really all there is to it. As exciting as it all was in the beginning, it’s just not what I was about. It never was really. It’s what your fathers about, and always has been.”
“With all due respect Jake, it begs the question, what then, brings you back to invest in the very thing you say your “not about?” Jake looked at Dale, and paused, his demeanor more serious.
“It’s a bit of a long story. And to be honest, one I don’t care to discuss at the moment. And though it’s a valid question that deserves an answer, now is not the right time to explain. It would only serve to taint your perception of your father and me. Not to mention…”
“And when will be the right time?” Dale asked, suspicious, realising there was something deeper going on.
“When this matter with Maynard is past us. I think your father would agree.” Dale could sense the secrecy, and didn’t push the subject.
“So tell me, what did you do after you left the company?“ “If you don’t mind me asking.”
“No, I don’t mind at all. Well I moved back home, married, and we bought up a ranch of our own. Then I started my own business. And I’ve been there ever since. Until three years ago of course.” Dale wondered what Jake wasn’t telling him. What reason could he have for up and leaving a life he had built, behind him. And to invest in scientific research no less. Something he claims to have no interest in. None of it made sense. Like a puzzle where the pieces just didn’t fit.
“Listen.” Jake said, in a serious tone, “Over the span of more years than I can even remember, your father and I have built this bond of friendship, you know. We’ve known each other since we were young boys in Vietnam. Barely even men, we watched out for each other then as we do now. He’s a brother to me as I am to him. If anybody should know this it should be you. Don’t get me wrong, we’ve had our differences and disagreements over the years, but our differences never broke that bond. As a matter of fact, it was the things we shared in common that served to make it stronger. One day you too may come to realize some bonds aren’t meant to be broken. Dale knew deep down it was true. When Jake went away, he couldn’t remember a single time that he’d heard his father speak negatively of him. Jake looked at his watch, and took one last sip from his mug..
“Now getting back to the matter at hand,” he said, and reaching over to pick up his stetson he placed it on his head. “All you and Ronda have to do now is lay low for a while. And it won’t do either of you any good to sit around waitin’ for something to happen either. Always do what serves the moment. When your being chased, run, or chase back, whatever you have to do, do it. But always take time to live. “Go with the flow, and live for the moment,” is my motto. But keep your eyes open. Cause a moment can change quicker than the blink of an eye. Trust me, I know.” Jake said. “Well now, it’s time I start headin’ out. And standing, he picked up a duffel bag and made his way towards the door.
“Good luck with Cummings.”
“Thanks, something tells me I’m gonna need all the luck I can get.“ Jake replied, as he opened the door and began to step out before pausing. He turned to Dale, “Now listen, don’t let her outta your sight for a minute. Stay close to her, and keep your eyes and ears open. I’ll be in touch.” he said as he walked out closing the door behind him. Dale walked to the kitchen as he looked at the time and thought about Ronda, sleeping upstairs. Hoping she had a restful night.
Slowly opening her eyes to the bright, morning light that filled the room, Ronda lifted her head. The memory of events from the day before were coming back to her now. She wished it had all been a dream. She dropped her head back down for a few moments, not yet willing to face the day, before slowly sitting up.
“Okay Ronda, first things first” she said to herself as she stood up and stretched her arms up and out to her sides. Then slowly and drowsily made her way to the en suit bathroom. Stepping into the hot shower, she welcomed the feel of the hot water against her skin as it enveloped her body in warmth. Then with eyes closed, she lifted her face and stood a short while as the water poured over her, not ready to confront the day ahead..
After her shower, she found a neatly stacked, crisply folded set of towels, and all the toiletries she needed. Wrapped tooth brush, tooth paste, scented soaps, hand lotion, brush, comb. “like a five star hotel,” she thought, smiling as she dried off. Soon she slipped into a plush, white terry robe that was neatly folded next to the towels.
Stepping back into the bedroom she was taken back by the spectacular view of the ocean. Drawn to the large sliding doors, with both hands on either side, she slid the doors open and stepped out onto the deck where she could see the ocean as far as it could stretch and conjoined the clear blue sky. “It was breathtaking.” she mused.
The ocean was just below her, as the house appeared to be situated on a cliff. She stood and listened to the ocean for a while, and once again the scent of flowers mingling with the ocean breeze filled her senses as it brushed gently through her hair, and against her skin. “If I were here for any other reason,” she thought to herself. But she knew only to well, that it was not a visit, but a hiding place. For a few moments at least, she was able to leave yesterday
behind. And with that thought, she turned and walked back into the room, sliding the doors closed behind her.
After making the bed, she dressed and stood in front of the mirror wearing her grey, wool pencil slacks, with matching short two button blazer that she wore casually open, over a white chiffon blouse. She found herself wishing for something more suitable and comfortable. Luckily she had opted for wearing her low heel pumps the morning before, instead of the four inch, she thought.
Removing the jacket, she laid it neatly on the bed, then brushed her long auburn hair away from her face, bringing it up, and tying it into a slicked back ponytail, showing off her perfect features. With arched brows perfectly framing her large amber green eyes, and straight, slightly upturned nose, full lips, high cheekbones and outlined chin. There was a naturalness to her beauty, clean and untouched. Though she never placed much value on looks, realising they couldn’t hold their weight over a persons character in anyone, man or woman. Knowing instinctively what makes a person beautiful was their kindness, and caring and their ability to accept others unconditionally.
Dressed and ready, she took a deep breath as she tried to mentally prepare herself for the day ahead. Stepping out of the guest room she made her way down the wide hallway with an open view to the living area below. She continued down the modern staircase with glass side panel, and wooden stair treads, into a large living room. Bright and airy, with a large fireplace made from stone, that made her think of giant river rocks. There were large open windows that covered the span of the wall, similar to the guest room, that led out to a large deck with a spectacular view of the ocean. Overall it was a modern beach house with a bit of a cozy modern rustic feel, and not at all the beach cottage she had briefly envisioned on the drive there. Dale walked in from the kitchen as she made her way across the foyer.
" Ah! she’s awake!” he said, noting how beautiful and refreshed she looked. Something he had often took note of.
“And how did you sleep?” he asked.
“Like a baby.” she replied. “In fact I’m almost certain it’s the best sleep I’ve had in months.” she said as she followed him into the kitchen.
He smiled at her reply as he walked to the kitchen island and sat down, happy she was able to sleep at all, after what may have been the worst day of her life, he thought. And being forced to come to the beach house. For a moment he wondered why she didn’t protest more. Yet he was glad she didn’t. Not only for her safety, but he enjoyed her company. He had always enjoyed her company, even if it was only working side by side.
“If there’s anything you want feel free to help yourself. Jake wants you to feel completely at home. We both do. So help yourself to whatever you need” She smiled at Dales generosity, and ability to make her feel at ease.
“And where is Jake this morning?” she asked, as she poured herself a cup of coffee. “Can I pour you a cup?”
“No, none for me thanks.” he said, as he held up his glass of orange juice. “He’s driving to New York as we speak,” he replied looking at the clock, “he should be there soon if he isn’t already. He’ll be looking into Cummings involvement with Maynard while he’s there. And to be honest, as surprised as I am at the notion of Cummings colluding with Maynard, I’m afraid it’s true. It all seems to tie together. His visit to my office yesterday morning, just before what took place moments after he informed me of a supposed deal between Maynard and my father. Not to mention him stalking you.” As she sipped her coffee, she directed the topic away from Cummings.
“I take it you’ve known Jake for a while.”
“Well,” he replied, wondering at her curiosity, “for as long as I can remember really. When I was a boy he was always there. Always around, you know. He was like an uncle to me. In fact that’s who he was, “uncle Jake.” He and my father are very close.”
“Yes, I picked up on that from your conversation last night.”
“Right. You see they served together in Vietnam, and not many years later they founded “Raii labs,” together. Of course at the time it carried a different name. Well after almost ten years Jake had interests elsewhere, and left the company. The last I heard anything of him before now, it was just before I went off to college. I’d heard that he was married, and he and his wife had a child together. I imagine he married soon after he left the company.”
" Hmm,” she said, “well I can certainly understand why you were so surprised to see him last night, after so many years.”
“It’s not that it’s been a long while since I’ve seen him that gets me. What really gets me is he and my father have been working together for three years, and I never knew.”
“Why the secrecy?” she asked.
“Well, as Jake explained to me earlier, he needed solitude more or less, and was moving on. From Something painful I imagine. Since he’s here alone, I assume divorce. But I can’t help thinking it’s more than just a need for solitude. Call it intuition, but there’s much more to it than he’s letting on. As I’m sure you heard in our conversation last night, he’s been funding fathers research. Something tells me it involves the the data chip.”
“Ronda listened as Dale talked, understanding his suspicion.
“Come on.” he said as he motioned towards the deck.
She followed him out to the deck, and sat down on the lounge chair with nothing but the clear blue sky, and the ocean before her.
“It’s beautiful here.” she said, “And so peaceful. A sanctuary, just like your mother said.”
Dale smiled, surprised that she remembered.
“I can definitely understand why she loved it here”.
“Excuse me a moment,” Dale said. Hearing the phone he walked back into the house.
Ronda stared out at the ocean, wondering about Dale’s suspicions. “Why all the secrecy?” she asked herself. “And Jake’s need for obscurity. He was definitely mysterious, she thought, but he was warm, and welcoming, and sincere in his way, which gave her reason to trust him. And the more she thought about him, she realized that without ever having known him, she felt as if she did, in some uncanny way that she couldn’t explain or understand. Meeting him just didn’t have that feel of meeting someone for the first time. To her it felt quite the opposite. Suddenly she looked up as Dale stepped out onto the deck.
“Any news?” she asked.
“Well, he’s made a visit to Cummings firm, and it appears no one has seen or heard from him since the incident at “Raai labs.” He seems to have made himself scarce. And knowing what I know now, it’s no surprise. But Jake hasn’t given up.”
“Any indication how long he’ll be gone.”
“No, but I know he and my father are anxious to settle this business with Maynard and be done with it. So hopefully it won’t be long before he returns and all this is behind us. At any rate, Jake will be in touch in a couple of days to keep us posted, or sooner if anything new develops.”
As they continued to talk into late afternoon, Ronda learned more about Maynard and Cummings.
9
On The Hunt
On the ninth floor of “Daryl M. Cummings, Law Offices“ Jake walked over to the receptionist desk.
“No sir, Mr. Holloway,” the receptionist said, “I’m sorry but he didn’t leave a contact number. I’m sorry.” she repeated. “He simply said he’d be out indefinitely and he’d be in touch. If you’d like, you can leave your number, and as soon as he calls or returns he’ll get back to you.”
“No, no, that won’t be necessary, thank you.” Jake said, as he turned to leave, then stopped.
“Has anyone else come asking for him, I mean anyone other than his usual clients.
“No sir, no one that I can recall.”
“Anyone by the name of Maynard ring a bell?” he asked.
“No, I’m sorry.” she began, then stopped short, as she remembered. “You know I believe just last week, it was Friday to be exact, a Professor Joseph Maynard came in unexpectedly. As I recall he wasn’t alone. He
was with two other men. They didn’t stay long. But I’m sorry, I have no personal information on him. If it’s urgent I can look through Mr. Cummings phone directory to see if he left a contact number.”
“No, I’m sure I know where I can reach him.” Jake said. “Thank you mam, you’ve been very helpful. Now you have a nice day.” he said, as he placed his hat on his head, and walked away.
“So he’s in cahoots with Maynard just as we suspected.” Professor Bierce said as he walked the hospital gardens, then sat as he came to a black iron bench.
“Looks that way.” Jake replied, looking out at the high rise he had just left, as he sat in his truck. “He’s obviously made himself scarce till this whole ordeal blows over. The only problem is it doesn’t blow over till Maynard has his hands on the data chip.”
“That’s right,” Professor Bierce said, “so I’ve been giving it a lot of thought. And it seems the only way to take care of Maynard is to retrieve the data before he becomes wise to where it is. If he hasn’t already.”
“It’s to dangerous Thomas. And I won’t take any chances, you know that.”
“There’s no other way Jake. Now I’ve given it a lot of thought, trust me, it’s the only way to ensure that no harm comes to her, short of killing Maynard. And I’m not about to throw my life, and my career away for murder, and neither are you prepared to do the same. Listen Jake, we always knew there was the possibility of someone finding out, and I know how you feel, believe me, but you’ve gotta trust me on this. It’s best if I retrieve it, there’ll be no harm to her, I promise you that. And if any complications do arise, and I see no reason why they should, I can handle it. But if left to Maynard, there’s no telling what he’ll do.”
Jake took a deep breath, and sighed, as he shut his eyes and remembered a time several years back, when he was saying goodbye to his wife and daughter, wishing them a safe ride. And it wasn’t too long after that he contacted Thomas, begging him for his help, knowing that this was the only man on earth capable of helping him. And the only person on earth he could trust. He squeezed his eyes at the memory, feeling the pain as fresh now as it was then. He knew even now he could trust him. But he wasn’t willing to risk the harm that retrieving the data might cause Ronda, physically, and psychologically, if she became aware of what was happening. He’d protected her up to this point and wasn’t about to take any chances with her life now. He thought about what Thomas had said, about killing Maynard, although a worst case scenario.
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