And with that, Maynard said abruptly,” Move!” as he grabbed the professor’s arm and pushed him forward. And for as little as he could care what others said or thought of him, something in the Professor’s words cut somewhere deep inside. He remembered what it was like to lose someone he loved deeply. Many years ago. So consumed by his research she abandoned him to his work. He forced the memory from his mind as they continued towards the door.
“STOP!! Chkchk , they heard the cock of the gun. There was silence.
“Now unless any of you are willing to find out who ends up with a bullet in the back of his head, don’t anybody move!” Ronda said, her voice calm and steady.
“Maynard!” she ordered. “Turn around — slowly, and keep your hands in front you. And just so you know, I have no qualms about shooting you.” Slowly Maynard turned around. Ronda stepped closer with both arms raised, her eyes on the target, rear sight even with the front sight, as Dale showed her, with finger on the trigger, ready to shoot.
“I’m sure you have no trouble gauging where this gun is aimed. From my line of view, straight at your head.” she said. “Now chances are I could miss, but at this range I doubt it.” she said, standing within close range, with the gun aimed steadily at Maynard’s forehead, finger on the trigger. “Tell your men to toss their guns to the side, and step back with their hands behind their heads.” There was silence, as Maynard hesitated.
“Now!’ she shouted. “Or give me a reason to shoot you. And believe me, right now there’s nothing I want more than to take from you what you took from me today. Slowly she moved a few steps closer aiming the gun directly between his eyes. “It just so happens I’m a good shot.” she bluffed. “You either have them do as I say, or you don’t. At this point you should know it makes no difference to me.” she lied. “If you don’t, chances are everybody here gets hurt. But I promise you, you’ll be the first to die here.”
Now feeling anger mixed with defeat, and no reason to doubt her intent, he stared at the barrel of the gun aimed directly at his face from just a few feet away.
“You heard the lady. Drop your weapons!” In unison the men tossed their guns, and as they fell to the ground they raised their hands and placed them behind their heads. Jake picked up the guns, tossing one to Dale as he put another behind his belt buckle. Then he backed away while Dale aimed the gun steady at the two men as they stood silent with their hands behind their heads. Professor Bierce grabbed Maynard by the back of his collar with both hands.
“Your coming with us! The police can deal with you now, and good riddance.” Maynard feared what would happen now. He knew he’d lose everything. Everything he had worked so hard and sacrificed so much for.” Crazed by the thought he sprang forward attempting to grab the gun from Dale. Professor Bierce quickly thew himself back dodging the bullet that hit Maynard in his right arm. In that instant, Simon and Victor darted for Dale. Quick to fire a shot aimed near Victors foot, Jake stopped them in there tracks.
“Hands back behind your heads!“ Jake shouted, holding the gun steady.
Dale quickly ran to Ronda as she dropped the gun and threw her arms around him, relieved that he was safe.”
“Who would have thought when I showed you how to use a gun that day in the room, you would be saving our lives.” Dale said as he held her.
As Maynard winced in pain he grabbed his arm and he fell to one knee. Professor Bierce pulled him up by the collar. And tearing the sleeve from the lab coat Maynard wore, he wrapped it around his arm tight, stopping the flow of blood draining from the wound.
“Showing a little mercy are we Professor?” Maynard snarkled.
“Well I couldn’t just let you bleed to death and deny us the pleasure of seeing you behind prison bars for the rest of your life now can I? Anything short of a life behind bars is to easy a punishment for you. Including death.”
“Dale!” Jake called. “The keys to the Van, something tells me one of these clowns have them. Keep your hands behind your head guys,” he said, “and don’t try anything funny or I’ll put a bullet through the both of you.”
“Wait for me by the Van.” Dale told Ronda. Simon and Victor stood with hands behind their heads while Dale frisked them. Soon Dale pulled out the keys from Simon’s pocket along with a cell phone, then went to the Van where he discovered what he needed and more. Besides rope and tape there were several rifles, ammo, and a taser gun along with a case that held needles and syringes. “What the...” he muttered under his breath as he grabbed the rope and tape and ran back.
Tossing the keys to Jake, he proceeded to tie up the men and tape their mouths shut. Professor Bierce walked Maynard to the Van where Ronda was waiting. Dale and Jake soon followed suit after finishing up with Simon and Victor. “Don’t worry guy’s.” Jake said, “Once we call the police they’ll be raiding this place in no time. You won’t be here to long. Till morning the latest.” he teased.
When they reached the Van Jake handed the Professor the keys.
“You drive. I’ll keep my eyes on Maynard.” he said, as he pulled Maynard’s arms behind his back causing Maynard to wince at the burning sensation that ran through his arm as Jake wound rope around his wrists.
“I have plenty of contacts.” Maynard said to Dale in a conniving tone. “You best watch her like a hawk. Sooner or later I’ll get what I want.” Jake pulled the rope tighter around Maynard’s wrists. He winced in pain. “I always get what I want.” Suddenly he felt a sharp blow to his mouth instantly cutting his lower lip.
“How bout getting what you deserve for a change.” Jake said as he shook the pain from his hand and shoved Maynard into the back of the van.
“Lets get out of here.” Professor Bierce said as he climbed into the drivers seat, while Dale and Ronda took the bench seat with Dale behind the Professor, and Ronda on the passenger side.
Nearly ten minutes had past since the Professor drove away off the lot away from the Building when Mike and Roger returned after covering the grounds searching for Ronda, as Maynard ordered. It wasn’t long before they found Simon and Victor.
“Looks like you been sleeping on the job Simon. Mike said, joking. “All tied up and not a scratch on you.” They laughed and proceeded to untie their hands and remove the tape from their mouths.
“What happened?” Roger asked.
“They got Maynard.” Simon said, as he struggled to untie the rope from around his ankles .
“What! ” Mike said, surprised. He knew someone was going to end up dead if they went after Maynard. “Ah hell, lets go!” he said. Jumping to his feet he pulled out a pocket knife and dropped it in front of Simon before running back to the car, with Roger in tow.
“You going after ‘em?” Simon yelled, rubbing his wrist where the rope left a red indentation on the skin
“Damn right!” Mike yelled as he jumped into the passengers seat.
“Let’em go!” Simon shouted. “Maynard’s a prick!” Mike raised his arm out the window and straight up into the air giving Simon the finger as they sped off, leaving a trail of dust behind.
“If he didn’t pay me so good I’d probably kill him myself.” Simon muttered under his breath as he made use of the pocket knife and cut the rope around his ankles.
Professor Bierce drove down the dark and empty highway. All was quiet. Dale moved closer to Ronda as she sat quietly, wondering what the future held for her. She wished they had never learned the truth for Dale’s sake. It wasn’t fair for him she thought. She wanted to get away and never look back on this day. The day she learned the truth of who and what she was. The truth that stole her life from her. Now she was left with no choice but to accept it if her life was to return to anything she might call normal. “Where do I begin?” she thought, “how?” So despondent she couldn’t see her life ahead of her. It meant nothing anymore. The life she thought was hers was a lie. She was a lie. She told herself.
Sensing Ronda’s melancholy as he sat next to her, Dale felt she was miles away. He began to speak
as she gazed out the slightly opened window at the shadowy mountains that appeared to be passing them by. The air was cool against her forehead, as a slight breeze played with her hair.
“You told me,” Dale began, “that who we are, our true essence is beyond our physical bodies. Those were your words.” he said gently. “And though I didn’t grasp the validity of those words at the time, I get it now. I loved you believing you were like me, and I love you still. I know now that what I love in you or about you is beyond anything physical. There are no words to define it. Yet, it’s the essence of you.” She turned her head and looked at him. “You see I’ve come to realize that as much as I love your eyes, and your smile, the way the corner of your lips turn up just so.” he said as he brushed his finger gently across her lips. “These things have no true or lasting essence. You’ve helped me see clearly that ultimately real love isn’t about attributes or experience’s we have or share. Because anything that can be experienced or shared, none of it lasts forever. Life shows us this everyday. And we can’t see beyond what life shows us, because we only understand what we can know with the senses. So to know love, ironically, by virtue of the body we can experience it. But it’s only but a reflection of the real thing. Love without boundary’s or limits. Ultimately the essence of love is love itself. Always present and unchanging — undying. She looked into his eyes.
“There is no “me.” she said softly. “There is no Ronda.”
“And there is no “me.” He replied. “All that’s left is “love.” It’s who we are. Love, a higher Consciousness, whatever anyone might choose to call it. And nothing exist separate from it. The distinction between us, a you, and a me, is unreal. Because beyond this relative existence, it’s who we are. Like you said before “Consciousness is One, We’re one.” In the scheme of it all, we’re twin souls. Always meant to be, and can’t be anything other.”
She understood what Dale was telling her. He loved her regardless everything else. Nothing physical, neither the body or the brain is the essence of who we are, because who we are is beyond anything that dies, or changes. “Love.” The very thing that connects their souls as one. Dale kissed her forehead gently as she rested her head on his shoulder. A glimmer of hope filled her heart.
As Professor Bierce drove he contemplated the conversation he couldn’t help overhearing between Dale and Ronda. One thing he could be sure of is that they were in love, and he wondered how after two and a half years he never witnessed any indication of it. As he casually turned his head slightly he noticed a silver car come into view in the rear view mirror quickly speeding up behind them. “I think we have company.” he said. Looking in the side view mirror Dale saw the car moving in on them fast. Suddenly before they had time to realise what was happening two shots were fired catching everyone by surprise.
“Get down!” Professor Bierce yelled. Dale and Ronda ducked for cover. Jake, jolted by the sound of gunfire knew instantly Maynard’s men were on their trail. Dale turned his head quickly and looked in the cargo to see Jake loading a rifle and busting the window. Pointing the barrel out and aiming for the drivers side he fired a shot. The car swerved as it got closer, and the Professor stepped on the gas to stay ahead of them. Mike fired again busting the side view mirror as Roger stepped on the gas accelerating at a high speed. Ronda tried to stay low. Though any inkling of fear she may have had before this, left her, at Maynard’s lab.
The car was coming up fast along side them swerving into the back of the Van, hitting it with enough force to dent the side, as Professor Bierce tried to keep control of the wheel. Aiming his gun in Jake’s direction Mike fired as the professor, anticipating his action, swerved to the right as he stepped on the gas. Hearing a heavy thud Jake turned around to see Maynard laying on the floor with bullet wound to the chest. The needle on the speedometer was quickly gauging higher as Professor Bierce tried to stay ahead of them.
“Stop the car!” Dale shouted as he fired two shots aimed at the tires and missed.
“What!” Professor Bierce exclaimed.” believing he misheard him.
“Stop the car!” Dale shouted as a shot fired past him ricocheting the roof of the car as Professor Bierce instinctively ducked his head. “Stay low!” Dale yelled. Lowering his head Professor Bierce let off the gas and stepped on the break, decelerating. The silver car sped past them. Mike shouting out words of profanity aimed his gun, firing one last shot at Dale, missing him as Dale blasted the back tire sending the car into a swerve, causing Roger to lose control of the steering wheel. Soon, Professor Bierce brought the Van to a screeching halt as they watched the car spin around several times before smashing into the retaining wall rear side first, then turning over off the embankment and crashing to the bottom. The Professor watched as a puff of smoke came up from where it had fallen .
“No!!” Dale shouted in horror.
Ronda sat with her head resting on the back seat as blood drained from the right side of her head. The bullet, barely skimmed between her skull and brain without entering it.
“Dale?” she called softly.
“I’m here baby, I’m right here.” he answered nervously.
Professor Bierce turned his head to see Ronda had been shot and was bleeding. He jumped out of the Van and pulled the front seat forward. Jake came running from the cargo instinctively knowing what had happened. His heart broken and overwhelmed, he was numb. Removing his shirt Dale made a tourniquet and wrapped it tight around the wound in an effort to control the bleeding.
“We need to get her to a hospital! Now!” Dale shouted desperately. Professor Bierce knew it could be miles to the nearest hospital.
“We could go back to the lab but we have to hurry,” The Professor said, knowing her condition was critical and having seen many men with a bullet wound to the head wasn’t hopeful. And if they made it back to the lab, if there was any hope of saving her, Maynard’s men would be there to contend with.
“Get me out,” Ronda, whispered.
“What? Your gonna be alright, we’re gonna get you out of here. Hold on baby, don’t give up. You here me, don’t you give up. He looked at Professor Bierce, “Let’s go!” Dale said as she tugged at his arm.
“No” she whispered. Jake knowing in his heart what she wanted, and understanding her intent, his heart sank. He reached in to carry her out.
“No! What are you doing? We have to take her back!” Dale said grabbing Jake’s arm. Jake stepped back
“It’s what she wants Dale.”
Dale stared at Jake, confused.
“No, I won’t let you do this! We have to take her back, we’re gonna save her!” Dale said angrily. “I won’t let her die!” And pushing Jake aside he jumped out and into the drivers seat.
“Dale!” Professor Bierce shouted as Jake reached in and pulled him out, throwing him to the ground. Jumping to his feet, Dale lunged forward and delivered a blow to the right, catching Jake by surprise as he stumble back. Suddenly Jake drove his body forward, ramming Dale against the Van, then he quickly stepped back. And before Dale could respond with another blow, Professor Bierce grabbed his arm, pulling him back.
“Stop! And get a hold of yourself!” he said as Dale tried to catch his breath. Listen to me Dale,” Professor Bierce said, “she doesn’t have much time son. She needs you now.” Dale looked at Jake as he proceeded to reach in and pick her up, and carry her out. Then kneeling down on both knees, still holding her in his arms, her head lying against his chest, he held back the tears in his eyes. Dale went and knelt beside her now, while Professor Bierce stood near.
“I’m sorry!” Jake told her. I’m so sorry honey.”
Squinting as she tried to focus, she looked at Jake,“Father?” she said questioningly.
“Yes. I’m right here with you sweet heart. I’m here.”
Frowning, she traced his face with her eyes.
“I’ve missed you — I’ve missed you so much.” she whispered. The tears rolled down his face now as she lay in his arms, becoming weak
er as the seconds passed.
Dale reached for her now, taking her into his arms. He held her hand in his and brought it to his lips and kissed it gently. Her fingers gently traced his lips.
“You have to let me go.” she said, as he moved her hand to his chest.
“I can’t.” he said, his voice breaking.“Do you know, I’ve loved you since the first day I saw you. The first day you walked into “Raai labs.” You’re a part of me.”
“I realise now,” she said, her breathing shallow, “being Ronda was the only way I could have met you. And I’m grateful for our time together. But this was meant to be.” she whispered. “I’m not really a part of you, and you’re not a part of me.” Dale knew what she was saying. “There’s no distinction between you and me, remember? We’re one. How can I not be with you always.” she said as her eyes closed and opened slowly now. “Dale? she said, her breathing slow and shallow.
“Yes baby.”
“Tell me — tell me again — about the time you found a seagull.” she said, as her eyes closed and a tear rolled down her cheek. Her head fell gently to the side.
Dale lowered his head. “No, don’t do this. Don’t leave me now.” he whispered under his breath. Feeling his anguish Professor Bierce stood by his side as he reached down and rested his hand on his shoulder. He had no words to comfort him.
They could hear the sirens in the distance now. The police were making their way to the warehouse after Dale made use of Simon’s phone and called once they turned onto the road.
While Jake sobbed quietly, Dale lifted Ronda up and carried her a few feet in the distance. The sun was set, and surrounded by mountains on either side in the middle of the dark and empty highway he went down on his knees, and just held her. His eyes weld with tears. Tears that refused to fall. He stared blankly as he cradled her. The sirens in the distance were louder now. And after a moment or so he remembered her last words. He could hear her say, “Tell me again about the time you found a seagull?”And he remembered
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