by Cara Swann
"It's not your fault."
"I bet it's a false alarm, some kid thinking they can get away with this kind of prank. We saw this happen..."
"You mean when you were a cop?" Carmilla asked, glancing up into his face.
"Yes. But that is history."
Perhaps sensing his reluctance to speak about the past, she changed the subject, "Ready to go? The movie will be starting soon."
But Ben couldn't concentrate on the movie, a romcom that she'd suggested. He kept imagining what Olivia's life had been like, living a nightmare in a gilded cage. Or was it even true? How could Cranston have gotten away with abuse? Couldn't he have been stopped? Yet knowing the ultimate power of money, Ben thought it was indeed possible Cranston could do whatever he pleased with whomever he wished.
"Not interested?" Carmilla asked beside him.
He tried to focus and said, "Sorry, work problems."
When he took her back to her apartment, she invited him in, but he declined. Though he was attracted to Carmilla, he was also uncertain of the future. He kissed her, felt the flash of instant attraction, and said, “I have a lot going on in my life. I might be moving away from here for a security job elsewhere.”
“Where?”
“I can’t get into it just now, but I do want to stay in touch. I…have feelings for you. Can you give me some time to get my life on track?”
“Sure.”
Ben searched her face, staring into her dark, glistening eyes. “I promise I will let you know details as I figure things out. I don’t want to lose you.”
She smiled, leaned in for another kiss and said, “We have a connection, but only time can determine where that will lead.”
Driving home, Ben was beginning to formulate a plan that included Carmilla and hopefully, saving them both from the apocalypse that was coming.
* * *
At his parent’s home he fell asleep easily and then another dream:
He was back in the wildflower field but standing close to Olivia just like the past dream he’d thought was the last. But now she looked stern, determined and said, “You have less time than I initially thought. At best, one year.”
“What? I can’t…how can I save your daughter in that short time?”
“You have a good idea, and you must follow through.”
Ben leaned forward, but she stepped back, her blue lips parting as she said in a puff of frosty air, “Don’t forget, you must destroy my Dewar. I cannot remain in this cruel dimension, not here, not there…nowhere.”
“But won’t the coming destruction take care of that?
“No. The gamma ray burst from Eta Carinae will only be a glancing blow of radiation, not enough to decimate the entire planet. As you know, the facility is prepared for disaster, the basement compound prepped and ready.”
“Isn’t there anything I can do to prevent the worldwide destruction? Warn people? Or officials, someone?”
Her face set in a grim mask. “You know you’d be perceived as a kook, don’t even imagine you can do that.”
“Will you guide me, keep communicating with me?”
“Only if you don’t carry out my wishes. I know your thoughts; your plans are solid. You must implement those and set me free. And punish Cranston, save Samantha.”
Ben awoke trembling, afraid. The Olivia of this nightmare was far more forceful, determined…intimidating. Whereas before, he’d found her beauty and fragility welcoming, now she was demanding. And for the first time, he feared what might happen if he didn’t carry out the plan he’d been thinking about.
Chapter 15
In the end, Ben didn’t tell his mom about the dreams or the mounting anxiety over obeying Olivia’s demands. Though he was coming to believe a calamity was indeed on the horizon, he had enough time to get his loved ones to the island. That is, if he could get the job with Fillinger and fine-tune his plans.
Back at his apartment, Ben sat down with a legal pad and began to list the details – who, where, when and how. He’d covered three pages when he paused, glancing back over the details. This would work, and could be accomplished within two months, if everything went smoothly.
He picked up his cell and called Tom. “Hey bud, how’s it going? Judy said Carmilla was very happy with the date.”
“Yes, we definitely have chemistry. Tom…about that job…”
“I put in a request with an old buddy who used to work with Homeland Security, now has his own corporate security firm; he’s going to see if there are any positions open. And if not, he will give us details on how to apply for the next opening.”
“Great.”
Tom then called Carmilla, and they chatted for a half hour, his feelings growing more certain she could be the woman he’d looked for all his life.
That afternoon he went into work, and after the office staff cleared out, he jimmied the drawer where Candace kept her digital card; slipped down to the basement and put Olivia’s files back in the safe deposit box. Then he erased the footage on the security cams, hoping Oglethorpe wouldn’t notice until it was too late for him to prevent what Ben planned next.
As the days passed, Ben continued to focus on studying the facility floorplans and the liquid nitrogen storage. This was an integral part of his plans, and he was so deep in study, the call from Tom saying he had an interview at Fillinger’s corporate headquarters hardly phased him. The appointment was for the next day, and as he prepped that night, thinking about how to win the position, Ben was relieved he’d had no more dreams to disturb his sleep.
The next day he boarded a chartered jet and tried to relax during the flight to Seattle, Washington. On the Uber ride to the headquarters, he wondered if he’d be meeting with Fillinger? Or would he have to go through several interviews with lower management first? Tom’s friend had said that Fillinger had to make sure he felt personally satisfied with any potential security, so Ben was hoping this was his chance.
And luckily for him, Fillinger entered the room after an initial interview with a clerk who perused his resume, asking only a few questions about his career in law enforcement. The fact he was wounded on duty was discussed, and Ben felt the man was impressed – mainly because Ben went into an explanation about how shattered he’d been having to face an armed kid, sparing his life instead of gunning the boy down.
Ben looked up to see Fillinger enter the room; he was much shorter in person than his photos – probably no more than 5’6”, a bit chubby, shaved head and penetrating clear gray eyes. His tailored suit outlined his athletic physique; obviously the man had a personal trainer and stayed fit. As he reached out to shake Ben’s hand, he didn’t smile, merely nodded and took a seat behind the desk. He also got right to the point, “You are here for the security position. I’ve read your resume, talked to several people you worked with, even your current boss. Frankly, I see no reason you shouldn’t be hired.”
“It would be an honor to work for you, Mr. Fillinger.”
The man leaned forward, staring into Ben’s face. “There is one thing I find impressive: your reluctance to shoot a kid. Tell me, are you protective toward children.”
“Yes, very much so. I know you have a child, and I’d lay my life on the line to protect her. And you, sir.” Ben held the man’s penetrating gaze.
At last Fillinger turned away, looking out the wide window with a view of downtown Seattle in the background. “When can you start?”
“As soon as I give two weeks’ notice.” Ben cleared his throat, preparing himself for his next move. “Mr. Fillinger, I have debated whether to tell you this, but I think you should know.”
“Yes?” Fillinger swiveled his chair back to face Ben, his face curious.
“Sir, I happened to be in the vault at Mountainside Infinity one day, changing out a cam, and…well, sir, one of the clerks was organizing the safety deposit boxes and I saw something in your wife’s box I think you should know about.”
“And what is that?”
“Mr. Fillinger,
there are photos in that box that could be incriminating for you. Pictures Mrs. Fillinger took of…uh, her bruises.”
A long silence ensued, Fillinger swinging back to gaze out the wide window, his brow furrowed. Ben was growing more anxious by the second, but didn’t want to rush this, or press the issue.
“What do you suggest I do about this unfortunate situation?”
“I don’t have access to the lock boxes, but I could find a way for you to get inside, remove the evidence. It would be an honor to help you in this endeavor.” Ben was trying very hard to not make this blackmail, just information that Fillinger could use to save his ass should anyone else discover those photos, which could lead to him losing custody of his child.
The man swung back around to face Ben, saying sternly, “I appreciate this information, and you will be rewarded for your tip. Is there no way you could dispense with this problem?”
“I think it would be easier for you to simply visit the facility and say that you want to add something to your wife’s box. You can set up an appointment, and it wouldn’t be…anything out of the ordinary. Loved ones occasionally do add material to their lockboxes.”
“But who else has seen this information? The clerk?”
“No sir, staff is not supposed to view personal items in lock boxes. I only saw it briefly, when it fell out of the folder and I put it back quickly.”
“Very well. I will call and set up an appointment. Is there a time you would be there to escort me?”
“I come on duty for the evening shift, 3:30 to midnight. Sir, I know you value your privacy, so if you talk with our CEO, Oglethorpe, I’m sure he would be glad to allow you in after hours, when I am the only one there. I know you hate being in the public eye, and your wife’s cryonic suspension is a private matter.”
Fillinger leaned forward, sighed. “Very well then, I shall do as you suggest. I will talk to Oglethorpe and he can let you know when I’m coming.” He paused, then added. “And by the way, let me be the first to welcome you to Fillinger Technology Enterprises. Loyalty is prized highly and this info, just between us, is certainly a good beginning.”
They stood, and shook hands, Ben surprised his palm wasn’t sweaty. He had so much riding on this meeting, but it had worked out better than he expected. “I’m looking forward to many years of security detail on your island.”
“My clerk out front will get your signature on the NDA, the legal contracts, and other employee details. Again, welcome aboard.”
Later, on the flight back to Colorado, Ben couldn’t keep the grin off his face. Not that the next step was going to be easy, but if he was careful, and prepared, he could help Olivia and save her child.
Chapter 16
The next two weeks were slow, Ben wondering when Fillinger would show up. Tom had been sorry to hear he was leaving, but relieved that Ben seemed to realize this position wasn’t for him. Ben had never doubted Tom’s friendship and his ability to keep their discussions confidential, which Tom had agreed on the last time they talked.
When word came that Fillinger would be visiting the last Friday of Ben’s employment, Ben was relieved and began preparing for his next move. Thursday night he had trouble sleeping, tossing and turning until he finally fell into an exhausted sleep. The dream was vivid:
Olivia was standing in the wildflowers, a light wind lifting her long hair, but when she turned her face to him, it was deathly pale, her hair stiffened with frost, her blue eyes icy, remote. She said in a hoarse whisper, “I’m ready to go now.”
“My plan is working; tomorrow night will be your freedom.”
She echoed, “Tomorrow night.”
“Are you sure?” Ben asked.
“Yes. Hug Samantha for me when you get to the island. Don’t doubt what you are doing. You will save my child, get justice for my suffering and provide you and your loved ones a way to survive what is coming.”
He started to say goodbye, but she reached out a pale finger, placing it on his lips; a chill went through his body as she said, “Goodbye my friend. We’ll meet again in another realm.”
Ben awoke, sat up in bed. He tried to shake off the mournful goodbye, but realized he was also gaining his own freedom tomorrow night as well. The doubts and fears about whether he could trust this strange, paranormal experience had disappeared; he had no misgivings now, only certainty and determination to get it done.
* * *
Friday night at eight o’clock, Ben was sitting at the monitoring station when he saw the sleek black Mercedes pull into the parking lot. He watched Fillinger emerge alone, no body guards. The man didn’t want to risk anyone else getting a glimpse of the photos, no doubt. Quickly, Ben shut down every cam in the building, pulling the plug on evidence.
Ben walked to the side door, unlocked it and held it open for Fillinger. As they started down the hallway, Ben said, “Would you like to visit your wife’s Dewar?”
Fillinger paused, glancing down the hall to the heavy steel door. “Why? Should I?”
Leaning over, Ben whispered close to his ear, “It might look better for you to be seen visiting her for the cams.”
“Yes, of course. I’d love to visit my wife,” Fillinger stated clearly.
As they walked down the hall, Ben felt sweat break out over his body, a trickle running down his back. This was the moment of no return, now or never.
At the door, he took out his digital card, swiped it and heard the beep as the door unlatched. “This way, sir.”
Fillinger stepped into the large storage room, shivering in the cold and staring at the two lines of Dewars.
Ben said, “Sorry, I should have told you to bring a coat.”
“No problem, we won’t be here long,” Fillinger said in a low voice.
Ben led him down between the two rows, glancing back and forth, studying the tubes and valves, saying, “Did you plan for your family to be here too?”
“Hardly. What a bitch Olivia turned out to be, it was her choice to have cryonic suspension. I mean, I should have realized she was a self-centered, superficial woman, but her cruelty was beyond imagination. She got progressively worse, the shrink’s medication not working, and one suggesting she be sent to a mental institution. Private, of course. But when she started hitting Samantha, well, that was the last straw,” Fillinger said in almost a whisper.
Ben was taken aback, and stopped, halting Fillinger who asked, “What? Is something wrong?”
Shaking his head as if to clear the words away, eradicate the rush of doubts this brought, Ben said, “No, no…Olivia is the third from the last unit on the left.”
As they approached the Dewar, Ben quickly grabbed Fillinger’s arms, pulling them roughly behind him as the man yelled, “What the hell? What are you doing?”
Ben said nothing, pulling the man toward a long pipe that vented to the outside; he clasped zip ties to Fillinger’s wrists, immobilizing him as the man kept cursing, twisting and turning.
Ben pulled an untraceable gun out of his back waistband, put it near Fillinger, then headed to the digital control panel near the door, shutting down all the vents to outside; he had closed the venting valves on the dwars earlier, which would allow pressure to build from the gas off the liquid nitrogen.
Glancing back down the line of Dewars, Ben heard Fillinger yelling, “Stop! You’re making a mistake, you’re crazy! Stop, please…”
The words were cut off as Ben shut the steel door, looking back through the insulated glass to Fillinger’s struggling body, his mouth open and screaming.
For one second, Ben wondered if he was indeed making a mistake? Then he decided that Fillinger was merely trying to make an excuse for his abuse, a typical abuser’s attempt at blaming the victim.
Ben went into the security office, grabbed his duffel bag, and ran to the side door; then he sprinted toward the rear of the building where he had stashed gasoline cans. Back inside, he splashed the fuel throughout the office spaces, then opened the steel door, dousing the gasoline inside
the doorway, dragging the binary explosive he’d concocted just minutes ago out in the open, all while trying to ignore Fillinger’s screams and demands. The explosive had been difficult to obtain; but an FBI colleague in the past had introduced Ben to the dark web (and the mythical but very real Mariana's web) where one could buy nearly anything illegal.
Ben hurried out of the building, then got in his car, and started driving out of the lot onto the narrow lane to the gate. Stopping there, he pulled out his cell and punched in the code to trigger the wireless denotation; he heard an ominous rumbling that shook the ground, then a shattering boom, an ear-splitting explosion that blew debris across his truck as he busted through the gate, not bothering to open it and speeding on out to the highway. Once safely away, he used his cell to dial 911, saying breathlessly, “There’s been an explosion out at Mountainside Infinity… Yes, a fire, need help!”
Epilogue
The months ahead had not been easy; Ben had been questioned by investigators relentlessly, but he kept repeating that Fillinger had shown up with a gun, demanding that Olivia’s file in the vault be given to him. When Ben wouldn’t cooperate, Fillinger tied him up outside the building, then proceeded to sabotage the facility. Asked why Fillinger would make such a move, Ben produced the abuse photo copies – explaining the originals were in the vault. Fortunately, the vault had not been destroyed, and the original photos found later.
Ben insisted he’d barely gotten out of the ropes in time to make it to his vehicle and race away as the blast hit. He didn’t know why Fillinger hadn’t emerged from the building, but guessed he’d mistimed his window of escape and a firestorm trapped him inside. (All the Dewars were destroyed, partly due to the valves being closed and creating backed up nitrogen gas -- but only Ben knew that.) Other than the vault, nothing but burned debris, charred beyond identification, was left; very little could be determined by the arson team – except verification that gasoline had ignited the conflagration and a binary material had set it off.