“Hmm, is that right. Well I just might not fire you. No, I think I’ll keep you around for a while.” he said. Then he kissed her forehead, then her cheek and her neck, and then her lips.
11
Coral Bay (a day in town)
As Dale remembered Jake’s words, “It won’t do either of you any good to sit around waitin’ for something to happen.” he suggested going into town to pick up a few necessary items.
“Should we chance it?”
“I think we’re safe for now. Of course that’s not to say we shouldn’t be prepared for trouble. So we won’t go empty handed.” he said, placing a pistol under the right side of his belt buckle out of sight.
They found a quaint little clothing store in the small town of “Coral Bay,” off the coast, where almost everyone greeted each other by name. An old fashioned bell hung above the door and tinkled when they walked in. There appeared to be no one in sight, till a woman stepped out from behind the check out counter and greeted them.
“Welcome to “Lacy’s Boutique,” she said with a smile, “if there’s anything I can help you with, just let me know.”
“Thank you, we will.” Ronda replied as they went about finding the necessary items needed. Mainly a change of cloths. And when they were done Ronda made her way to the checkout counter.
“So did you find everything you need?” the sales woman asked. A mature women in her fifties. Tall, pretty and slender, with a short blond bob, parted to one side. Often referred to as the towns “know it all,” as she always managed to acquire information from unsuspecting customers. Sometimes it was intentional, sometimes not.
“Yes, everything.” Ronda replied, as she placed the items on the check out counter.
“Why you and your husband are new in town.” the sales woman said with a wide smile, showing off her pearly whites and dimpled, albeit gently wrinkled cheeks.
“No, unfortunately we’re only visiting. Though I’d love living so close to the ocean.” Ronda replied, returning her smile, and feeling it unnecessary to explain that she and Dale weren’t married.
“Wonderful!” the sales woman said, as she started ringing up a light blue spaghetti strap top, a couple pair of jeans and sandals. “We do get a lot of tourists here in the summer. Oh and during the holidays too when the town is all lit up like Santa’s village. Why if you take the fairy at night you can see the whole town glowing from miles away.” She laughed.
“How lovely” Ronda, said.
“Oh it is. I’m sure if you and your husband come back in December, you’d be amazed.
“I’m sure we would.” Ronda smiled.
“So are you staying at “Bay’s Inn? She asked, as she folded the jeans, and placed them in the bag.
“With a friend actually.”
“Is that so. Let me guess, it must be the “Owens.” Jim and Candace take in visitors all the time. Family and friends alike. They’re lovely people.
“He doesn’t actually live in town. He has a house on the cliffs about twenty miles out.”
“Why that would be Jake!” the women exclaimed, showing her dimpled cheeks and pearly whites again. “Oh he’s a good man Jake. It’s been a while since I’ve seen him in town. Of course, not that he comes into town that often as it is. But when he does, you can’t miss him,” she laughed nervously, “what with those striking good looks. So how is he these day’s?”
Ronda wondered if the woman’s face could get any redder, blushing like a teenage girl at the mention of Jake’s name. Seemingly chic and sophisticated, in contrast to Jake’s laid back, unpretentious way, she couldn’t imagine the woman would appeal to Jake’s senses. But then, there’s no accounting for the chemistry between people. She thought.
“Uh, oh he’s fine, I’ll be sure to let him know you asked.” Ronda said, becoming quiet now. Never once stopping to consider that the people in town would know Jake, she suddenly felt uneasy, realizing she may have said too much by telling the sales woman where she and Dale were staying. Feeling anxious now, she was glad when the transaction was over.
“Enjoy your stay, and give my best to Jake.” the woman said, after placing the last item in the bag and handing it to Ronda.
“Thank you, I will.” Ronda, said. And turning quickly, she walked away.
As Dale tried on sunglasses she went and stood beside him. He handed her a pair.
“Here try these on, I think we could both use a pair don’t you?”
Taking the sunglasses from Dale, she put them on then turned to look in the mirror briefly, then at Dale.
“What do you think?”
“Beautiful, and sexy too!” he said, “And the sunglasses aren’t bad either.”
She couldn’t help but smile.
Overhearing the conversation between Ronda and the sales woman, Dale knew Ronda wanted to avoid any further interaction. He walked over to the register and waited while she assisted two teenage girls who had just stepped in.
Making use of the dressing room, Ronda was happy to slip into the jeans and a floral spaghetti strap, ruffled tank top, and switch her pumps for sandals. As she dressed, she could over hear Dale exchanging words with the sales clerk.
“And how are you today sir?”
“Never better. And you?”
“Fine, just fine!” she replied. “And are you and your wife enjoying your visit?”
“Actually, you see my wife isn’t here with me today. And it’s a good thing, how would I go about explaining her.” He tilted his head towards Ronda, as she stepped out of the dressing room, and winked at the sales women, who’s cheeks suddenly went from rosy to pale. The two girls couldn’t help overhearing as they covered their mouths and giggled in disbelief. The sales women looked at Ronda, and back at Dale, then quickly finished the transaction. The cat caught her tongue, till she handed Dale his bag.
“Now you and your lovely, uh, lady friend, have a nice day, and come visit again.” she said, forcing a smile.
“Will do.” Dale said, before he turned and walked away.
“Scandalous.” she mumbled under her breath as they stepped out of the store. The two girls stood with mouths open, watching them leave, before bursting into laughter.
“Why would you say that?” Ronda asked, surprise in her voice.
“I’d rather leave her with believing a lie, than with some truth she might share, should anyone come around asking questions. My bad of course, I didn’t mean to debauch your reputation my lady.” he said jokingly.
“I think I can live with it.” she smiled, yet couldn’t help but feel bad for the sales woman.
“And to make it more convincing.” he said, as he leaned in to give her a passionate kiss, knowing the sales woman was watching, and must have been gasping that very moment at the torrid display of affection between a philanderer and his Lolita, while pitying his poor clueless wife. He lifted his head and paused,“actually,” he said, “I’ve been dying to do that since we drove into town.” And he kissed her again, short and sweet, then wrapping his arm around her shoulders they walked to the car.
As Ronda tossed the bags in the back seat, she looked up to see a man watching them from his Van, but quickly turned his head when she caught his eyes. Feeling apprehension, but not wanting to appear paranoid of everyone who looked at them, she let it go.
“How about a bite to eat?” Dale asked. “I know a great little place down the street that serves the best roast beef and turkey sandwiches in town, best you’ve ever tasted, I promise.”
“Sounds great!”
“You won’t be disappointed.”
Together they enjoyed lunch, as Dale shared stories of his college days, and of how the Professor had a way of putting him in line during his teenage antics. Although her heart broke for him when he shared stories of his lonely childhood after his mother died, and Jake had gone away, while his father kept himself busy, barely making himself available to Dale. But through most of lunch, they talked, and laughed, and enjoyed being together away f
rom the beach house, not even noticing the time fly by. They were so in the flow of being together, that yesterday and all the yesterdays before that disappeared. And later, they strolled passed the shops and followed the sound of music playing in the park.
“Lets go and check it out.” Dale suggested. Ronda stopped in her tracks. Dale turned around to see the concerned look in her eyes. Don’t worry. I understand how you feel. But I’d rather we weren’t cooped up in the beach house thinking about it. We can’t always be looking over our shoulders.” He wanted her to feel safe, but knew they weren’t free from danger unless he heard otherwise from Jake or his father. And he was prepared for anything.
“Your right.” she said. Dale extended his hand, and she took it. And soon they were where the streets were alive with entertainment, game booths, and concessions stands. And before long, she was lugging around a white overstuffed bear with a red heart in the center of it, that Dale had won at a shooting booth. Paying no heed to the time, it was evening when they decided to return to the beach house. But not before a ride on the Ferris wheel. Where when stalled, and sitting at the very top, Dale took advantage of the view of the town and the stars, and ocean in the distance to set the scene for a romantic kiss as he held her close. And as the cool ocean breeze blew lightly through her hair, and her eyes sparkled with the reflection of the night lights, he pulled her closer, and wrapping his arms around her he kissed her. And with the memory of the intimacy they shared the night before still lingering, their kiss grew to a feverish pitch as her lips yielded to his, and returned his kiss with equal passion. Soon, the sudden jolt of the Ferris wheel brought them back to reality. Both flushed, they endured the slow decent of the Ferris wheel, and the drive back to the beach house.
While driving back, Ronda wished the day would never end. There was never a time when she had so much fun, or felt such a connection with anyone as she did today with Dale. And Dale couldn’t remember the last time he found it so easy to relax around anyone to where all he wanted to do was enjoy life. And to see her smile, and hear her laughter, and knowing he had some part in making that happen made him feel a connection to her he’d never felt with anyone.
Pulling the car into the driveway as they arrived at the beach house, he parked, then reached over and took her hand in his and brought it to his mouth. He kissed it gently. He looked into her eyes.
“I’m in love with you, Ronda Rimes.” he stated.
She was caught by surprise at his confession, knowing she felt the same. And knowing it didn’t happen overnight. Love had grown over the span of the two and a half years she had spent working by his side. But there were no words for it. Just feelings locked away, never allowing them to surface, afraid there was no chance for reciprocation. Now, her love for Dale flooded her very being.
Noting the look on her face he said with a smile, “Don’t be too surprised, it’s not like I’ve fallen in love with you over night.” For a moment she thought he had read her mind. “I’ve always had feelings for you Ronda. You didn’t know it, but I would anticipate going to work every day just knowing you’d be there.”
She smiled at his honesty, and at the realization that they had both held deep feelings for each other for so long. She had to laugh inside, seeing now that the similarities they shared, the hurt, and pain they held to made them afraid to be vulnerable, preventing them from being together sooner. Somehow, she knew deep down Dale would never hurt her, and he must have realized the same, she would never hurt him, leaving him as those he held dear, and close to his heart had left, taken from his world.
“Is—something wrong?” he asked with confusion, worried for a slight second the feeling wasn’t reciprocal.
She gazed at him. And gently cupping his face in her hands, she drew him closer to her, and whispered “I’ve always loved you.”
12
Science vs. the Unobservable
Troubled by not having heard from Jake since their phone conversation, and after trying to reach him, with no luck, Dale considered leaving the beach house and driving to New York.
“… there’s no reason he wouldn’t have touched base by now unless something was wrong.” Dale said, as he and Ronda walked along the beach as the sun was beginning to set.
“What do you suppose could have happened?”
“Well, I’d rather not make any clear assumptions at this point. But whatever happened I’m certain Cummings must be involved.” he said as he reached his arm around her shoulder.
“Of course.” Ronda replied. “Dale,“ her voice taking on a serious tone. “there’s something I’ve been meaning to ask you.”
“Let me guess.” he said, “My father? The data chip? ”
“Look, I understand it’s private research, but I want you to know you can trust me with any information regarding the data chip. I’ll never utter a word. And well — as it is, I’m stuck in the middle of it all. I think it’s time I knew exactly what this research is that Maynard’s after?”
Dale stopped and looked at her for a moment.
“Let’s sit down.” Finding a spot, Dale sat with feet firmly in the sand, his arms resting on his knees as he Stared out at the ocean. Ronda sat beside him, giving him her full attention. Dale tried to explain “First of all, it’s complicated. He turned his head to face her. It entails a lot of information and research that’s beyond my scope of knowledge. But of course, I’m not the scientist.”Ronda cuddled up a little closer to him, leaning her head against his shoulder as the breeze sent a sudden chill through her causing her to shiver.
“What it boils down to is this. He’s recently in the past few years discovered the method for transplanting the human brain, into a lifelike humanoid body structure.”
“Really!” Ronda was astonished. “An actual human brain. In a non human body.?”
“Yes, and although the body consists of both genetically cloned and bio printed nerve and tissue, including bio printed organs, it functions as human in every way. And looks just as human as you and I.”
“How is that possible?” she asked.
“Like I said, it’s complicated. I don’t know the process, except for bits and pieces here and there.”
“Of course.” she replied. “I can’t help but wonder though, why he started the research if he has no intention to take it further and making it public. After all it’s a very huge breakthrough isn’t it? ”
“My guess is the world isn’t ready for it. Perhaps in the future there’ll come a time when some good could come out of it. A time when the world is open to it. Perhaps a time when it may be less an option but a necessity. Years after he’s gone.”
“And never see the fruits of his labor?” They sat quietly for a moment. Ronda lifted her head from his shoulder. “Forgive me for saying this, but no matter how you look at it, I don’t believe anyone can honestly say anything good could possibly come of it. It’s unethical. If anything perhaps he realizes that. If you yourself had the choice, would you choose a life with the knowledge that you’re only part human?”
“Probably not. But I don’t speak for everyone.”
“But truthfully, you couldn’t say you’re human anymore. Unless being endowed with a human brain alone, defines us as human. Surely it’s the body as well. The brain, skin, bones, organs, all of it.”
“Are people who wear prosthetic’s less human? People with missing limbs.”
“No, of course not, that’s not the same. You know what I’m saying.”
“Of course I do, I’m sorry. But you have to understand, my fathers a scientists, and he’s very earnest in his research”.
“Yes I know,” Ronda replied. “But in the end, it’s really just science for the sake of science isn’t it?”
“I’m not so sure about that.” Dale replied. ” But if it makes you feel any better, just to be clear, although the procedure has been successfully conducted with brain transplantation’s of several animal cloned species, it’s never been performed and tested with a human brai
n. In which case if it were, naturally the subject, slash donor, would give consent with full knowledge of the ramifications of such an experiment. In this case the possibility of life as far as brain function is concerned, and be fully aware of what the body was composed of. This is real life science we’re talking about here, dealing with real human beings, and not some Frankenstein movie. Although, trust me, there’s some truth to the term “mad scientist,” they’re out there.” he said. Ronda guessed he was referring to Maynard.
“Well,” she said, “since he has no interest in taking it further and actually performing a human brain transplantation or making his research public, we’ll never know for sure if such an experiment would prove successful will we? And personally, I think we’re better off not knowing.”
“I understand, but I have to say, this far in his research he’s ninety nine, point nine nine convinced it will be successful. All that’s needed is a donor, and his willingness to prove it’s probability. Of course it may not be what we deem human by our definition, but it does offer a chance to life.”
“I’m not so sure I would call that a life. But I suppose that could only be determined on a personal basis.”
“Different strokes for different folks” Dale said, as he slid his fingers between her’s and brought her hand to his mouth and gently kissed it.
“So since he’s not ready to take that step forward,” Dale continued, “there’s not even a chance of a donor for initial testing. Suffice it to say, there’s no chance of anyone consenting, even if they wanted to. That is — as far as it actually being an alternative choice to life. And you’d be surprised how many would consent to it on their death bed.”
“That almost seems unfair.”
“In any case, you see, just because he can do it, doesn’t mean he will. Nor does it mean he himself see’s it as ethical. He follows his own personal code of ethics. And he keeps them at a very high standard, trust me. So science for the sake of science, to some degree perhaps. On the other hand, although the brain transplanted into an humanoid body structure may seem to be unethical to many people I’m sure, still, anyone would have to admit that the research itself could prove to be a benefit to science in many ways. On the other hand, as far as Maynard is concerned, there’s no telling what he would do with it, and how far he would go to use it to his advantage.”
Ronda Page 8