Exposed

by Maller, Andrea

  “No! Of course not! Why would I move them? They must have escaped when I didn’t close the door earlier. I was just about to check on them when I got that panicked phone call from you. The door was slightly open. That must be how they got out. This is going to set us back a bit.”

  “Dad? You seem awfully calm...considering.”

  “She must be back with Charles. So,...he thinks he’s won. He thinks he’s beaten me. Well, not this time. This time I come out on top.”

  “What are you talking about? There’s no competition. These are people’s lives we’re talking about, not some race or contest.”

  “I thought you were on my side, Jake.”

  “I am, Dad. Of course I am. We’re family. Family comes first.”

  “You know there’s nothing more important to me than loyalty. If you’re questioning me or my...”

  “No questions, Dad. I’m completely loyal. One hundred percent on your side.”

  “Good. I’m glad to hear you say that. There’s a secret I’d like to share with you.”

  Howard’s eyes widened as he flashed Jake a crooked smile. Jake swallowed hard.

  “What, Dad?”

  “Your little clone girlfriend and her clone sister think they’re free. They’re not. I can get to them any time I choose.”

  “What are you talking about? If their dads are watching them...”

  “It doesn’t matter.”

  “What do you mean it doesn’t matter? You’re not going to sneak into their house at night and grab them, are you?”

  “No, of course not. Don’t be absurd. There are other ways, however.”

  “What other ways?”

  “Never you mind about that. When the time is right.”

  “It’s only a matter of time before their fathers send them away.”

  “It wouldn’t make a difference. I’ll still find them. They can’t run away from me. Wherever they go, I will find them.”

  “How? How are you going to find them? Do you have spies watching them?”

  “I don’t need spies. They’re too unreliable anyway.”

  “Then how? How are you going to find them if they leave town?”

  “I took out a little insurance policy on them in the very beginning. Just in case. No matter where they go, I’ll be able to find them.”

  “What did you do? LoJack them?”

  “In a manner of speaking. I inserted a locator chip in the back of their neck. They can run as far as their pretty little feet will carry them. I’ll still find them.”

  “How can you track them?”

  “All I need is internet and I can pull up their coordinates. Let’s eat and get back to work. We’ll retrieve them in the morning.”

  “Uh..okay. You know, Dad, I’m feeling kind of wiped from today. I think I’m just going to call it an early night and go get some sleep. You don’t mind, do you?”

  “Are you sure you want to go back to the house? Now? I thought you would rather be here, working with me.”

  “I would, Dad. Of course I would. I’m just afraid I might make a mistake or drop a sample or something. I’m not 100 percent right now. I’ll be better in the morning. Then we can be a team again.”

  “Just you and me, Jake. Okay, go home. Get some rest. I’ll see you in the morning.”

  “Thanks, Dad. Mind if I take the car?”

  “Go ahead. I’ll be here all night anyway.”

  “I’ll meet you back here tomorrow.”

  Jake hurried from the building to call Alyson’s father. He needed to warn him about the implant, but didn’t want to alarm Alyson needlessly. Cassie’s father had to be told also, but he knew Mr. Pierce would take care of that phone call.

  “Mr. Pierce? It’s Jake. I need to speak to you. Right away. It’s urgent.”

  “I’m at my office now. Maybe we can...”

  Jake hung up and raced over to New View Biotech. He entered the building, checking over his shoulder to make certain he wasn’t followed. When he reached the security desk, he clumsily pulled out his wallet to show his license.

  “Name?” the thick necked officer asked very stoically.

  “Jake. I’m Jake Parker. I’m...here to see Charles Pierce. Can you please tell him I’m here, uh...Officer Green?”

  The officer snatched the license from Jake’s sweaty palm. He compared the photo to the stuttering young man before him.

  “I guess it looks like you. I’ll page Mr. Pierce and let him know you’re here.”

  “He wasn’t exactly expecting me, but I know he’ll want to see me. I have urgent news for him.”

  “One moment. Have a seat on that bench. I’ll see what I can do. Mr. Pierce is a very busy man.”

  “Like I said. I know he’ll want to see me.”

  Officer Green’s nostrils flared as he scowled at Jake. Jake took a step back, lowering his head slightly.

  “I know. I know. Have a seat and you’ll see what you can do.”

  “Are you mocking me, son?”

  “No, not at all. It’s just very urgent. Sorry. I’ll go sit down.”

  Officer Green dialed Mr. Pierce’s extension and spoke in hushed tones.

  “Yes, sir. There’s a young man here to see you. He says his name is Jake Parker. I can get rid of him if you like. I understand how busy you are.”

  Officer Green was silent for a moment.

  “Don’t get rid of him? You’ll be out in a moment. I’ll let him know, Mr. Pierce.”

  Officer Green hung up the phone and walked over to where Jake was sitting. Jake stood as the officer got closer.

  “What did he say? Is he coming out? Does he want me to go in?”

  “If you’ll be quiet for a moment, I’ll tell you.”

  Jake closed his mouth and sat back down. His leg started shaking, then bouncing up and down. The officer took notice, rolled his eyes, then shot Jake a look. Feeling embarrassed, he looked down, steadied his leg, then looked Officer Green straight in the eyes. He stayed silent waiting to hear the news.

  “Are you calm now? May I speak?”

  Jake stayed motionless and maintained eye contact.

  “Good. Mr. Pierce said he will see you and will be out momentarily.”

  “Thank you. Thank you very much.”

  Jake instinctively reached his hand out to shake the officer’s, but pulled back when Officer Green turned away. Without a word, he resumed his post at the security desk while Jake waited on the bench for Mr. Pierce.

  “Jake, it’s good to see you. You hung up so quickly I could barely get a thought out.”

  “I’m very happy to see you, too, Mr. Pierce, but I’m not here for a social call. I have some very bad news to tell you.”

  “What is it, Jake?”

  Jake looked around. Officer Green turned his head in Jake’s direction. Not wanting anyone to hear his news, he whispered near Mr. Pierce’s ear.

  “It’s about Alyson and Cassie. I think we should talk in private.”

  “Let’s go to my office. We’ll have all the privacy we’ll need.”

  Jake followed him down the hall until they reached the office. When he stepped inside, his jaw dropped.

  “Alyson! I didn’t think...”

  “You didn’t think what? That I would be here?”

  “That I would ever see you again. I’ve been so... I’ve missed you.”

  Alyson’s voice softened.

  “I didn’t think I would see you again, either.”

  “I came to speak to your dad, but it’s about you -- you and Cassie.”

  “Cassie is down the hall in her dad’s office.”

  “Why don’t we go to Alex’s office and we can discuss what you came to tell me?” Charles said.

  “Good idea. That way I only have to say it once.”

  “Is it safe for you to be here? What about your dad?” Alyson asked.

  “He doesn’t know I’m here. Obviously. We don’t have much time.”

  Alyson smiled at Jake. That old fa
miliar smile. The one he grew to love over the past two years. The same smile he thought he would never see again.

  “I’ve really missed you, Alyson.”

  “I hate to break up the party you two, but we need to move.”

  Jake and Alyson followed him down the hall, exchanging glances on the way. Charles opened the door to see Alex typing away on the computer and Cassie lounging on the oversized chair in the corner.

  “I’m glad you’re both here,” Jake said, still smiling in Alyson’s direction.

  “What is it, Jake?” Alex asked, still typing.

  The smile slowly faded from Jake’s face.

  “It’s very serious. I think everyone should sit down and take a deep breath.”

  Alex stopped typing, Alyson sat next to Cassie, and Charles took a seat next to Alex’s desk.

  “My father, Howard Parker, has LoJacked Alyson and Cassie. He had a microchip implanted in the back of their neck. All he has to do is look on the computer screen and he can pinpoint where they are at all times.”

  Jake paused, then looked at their horrified faces.

  “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”

  “It’s not your fault,” Charles said. “Your father has always been...”

  Charles watched as Jake lowered his head.

  “The important thing, Jake, is that you’re a good person. I can see you’re trying to help our daughters.”

  “Whatever I can do.”

  “What are we going to do now?” Alyson asked, her voice shaking. “We just got away from him. I can’t go back to...”

  “You’re safe here, Alyson. He’s not going to come onto these premises. He’s not a fool.”

  “Maybe not, but he is crazy. He’s completely insane. You didn’t see what he was like. When me and Cassie were trapped in that room. You didn’t see. You can’t imagine...”

  “You need to calm down. You’re both safe. He’s not going to try anything as long as you stay here. He’ll wait until you’re out in the open before he makes a move. As long as you stay here, you’ll be safe.”

  “We can’t stay here forever. We’ll just be trading one prison cell for another. Alyson’s right. We can’t go back to that, but we can’t stay here either.”

  “It won’t be forever,” Alex said. “Just until we come up with a plan.”

  “If we leave, what’s going to happen to Samantha?” Alyson asked.

  “What do you mean?” Charles asked, very confused.

  “I mean, Samantha is the reason you created us, right? What about her? Doesn’t she still need that transplant to survive?”

  “How did you? How did you know about the transplant?” Charles asked, afraid to hear the answer.

  “I know about everything.”

  Charles lowered his head, feeling he just lost his daughter all over.

  “It’s okay, Dad. I’m not upset anymore. If you still need me to be her donor, I’m okay with it.”

  “You..you would do that? Even after all that’s happened? You would still be her donor? I don’t know what to say. I’m speechless.”

  “Don’t go getting all mushy on me now.”

  “I truly have one amazing daughter.”

  “If we’re going to do it, we should get started.”

  “Are you sure you’re ready? Do you feel strong enough? I know you’ve just started to heal.”

  “I’ll be fine, Dad. After all, if it wasn’t for Samantha, I wouldn’t be here at all.”

  “I feel the same way,” Cassie said. “If you need me to donate, I’m ready.”

  “Well, Charles. There’s no time like the present. Let’s get them prepped for the procedure.”

  “I know you want to save Samantha, and I understand you’re running out of time, but are you sure they’re strong enough? They only just started walking again. I don’t want anything to happen to them. I only just got Alyson back. I couldn’t stand it if I lost her again.”

  “She’ll be fine, Jake. They both will. We love them very much and we don’t intend to let anything happen to them. You don’t have to worry,” Charles said, putting his hand on Jake’s shoulder.

  “I really should go. My dad will get suspicious if I stay here too long. Please call me and let me know what’s happening. Let me know they’re okay.”

  “I’ll call right after the procedure is over and inform you of their progress,” Charles said, trying to reassure Jake.

  “I’ll be fine. If I can survive your dad, I can survive a little procedure,” Alyson said.

  “It’s not a little procedure, Alyson. You know that. It’s surgery. I do still love you, you know.”

  “I know. I love you, too.”

  “I’ll see you soon as I can. Good luck. That goes for you, too, Cassie.”

  “Thanks, Jake. For everything.”

  “I’ll call you soon,” Charles said, patting Jake on the shoulder.

  Jake hesitated, then gave Alyson a quick hug before leaving Alex’s office and heading home.

  Chapter Twenty - One

  “Jake?” Howard called out, closing the front door.

  “I’m in here, Dad. In the kitchen. Just making a little midnight snack.”

  “But it’s two in the morning.”

  “It’s always a good time for a midnight snack. Besides, I thought you were going to be staying at the lab all night. How come you’re home now? Did something happen?”

  “Nothing happened. I just had a feeling you might need me now. You’re still feeling spooked since the break in, aren’t you? It’s okay. It’s completely understandable.”

  “I’m not a little kid anymore, Dad. I’m almost eighteen. I shouldn’t feel scared.”

  “That’s one thing you need to learn. You can’t help how you feel. It’s okay to be afraid.”

  “What if...?”

  “They won’t come back.”

  “How did you...?”

  “How did I know that’s what you were going to ask? It’s simple, Jake. Simple human nature.”

  “Am I that predictable?”

  “Just a little.”

  Jake laughed, feeling the tension ease between him and his father. Jake felt more than just a little confused. How could this familiar stranger do the atrocities to Alyson and Cassie that he witnessed with his own eyes? Atrocities that he himself assisted with.

  “How about I join you in that midnight snack? I could go for a little something. Why don’t I make some strawberry pancakes for us?”

  “I haven’t had those since Mom...”

  “I know, Jake. Your mom used to make them when you were a little boy. Anytime you were scared or upset, your mom would whip up a batch of strawberry pancakes and you would always feel better.”

  “You remembered. I didn’t think you...”

  Jake didn’t know what to say.

  “I love you, Jake.”

  “I love you, too,” Jake said, the words sticking in his throat.

  “Are you ready for those pancakes?”

  “Sure am, Dad.”

  As Jake ate the pancakes, devouring even the smallest bits of strawberry, he started to relax.

  “I think that was just what I needed.”

  “I know I can never replace your mother, nor would I try to, but I would like to be closer to you. I want to be part of your world. I want you to be part of my world. I can’t tell you how elated I am that you’re doing research with me now. That we’re becoming a real father and son research team.”

  Jake cringed.

  “Too many pancakes?”

  “That must be it.”

  Jake’s stomach twisted in knots. He thought of Alyson. He pictured her -- strapped to a bed, scabs covering most of her body. He vomited, covering the table with chunks of half digested berries.

  “Go lie down, Jake. I’ll clean up this mess.”

  Jake could barely look his father in the eye. He swiped a napkin across his face, blew his nose, and went upstairs to his room. After flipping on the radio, he collaps
ed on the bed and shut his eyes tight, trying to block out haunting visions of Alyson and Cassie. Images of their suffering that flashed in his head and refused to leave. Alyson’s screams. Cassie’s cries. Hour after hour, pangs of guilt shot through him. His body drenched in sweat, he pulled the covers tighter to quell the chills that permeated his body. Tossing. Turning. His mind and body were at war. Then, sometime just before the sun came up, his mind finally quieted and he drifted off to sleep.

  Chapter Twenty - Two

  Sunlight pierced the window, reflecting in Samantha’s newly opened eyes. Tears streamed down her cheeks and a half smile formed on her face. Charles, who was sitting at her bedside since the procedure ended, returned her loving gaze. His eyes, welled up with tears, blinked, forcing the salty liquid into his open mouth.

  “My Samantha. My beautiful Samantha.”

  Charles swallowed, his throat sore from holding back the tears.

  “I’ve missed you so much,” he said, his eyes locked on hers.

  Samantha remained silent, but didn’t avert her gaze from his. He longed to hear her sweet voice speak his name, but no sound emerged. Not wanting to rush her, he took her hand in his and gently kissed her delicate fingers.

  “I know you must be very confused.”

  Samantha tilted her head slightly, still remaining silent.

  “It’s okay. I’m sure you must have several questions for me. Your first one is probably how did I get so old. Time has not been very kind to me. As you can see, my hairline has gone somewhat south since the last time we were together.”

  Samantha smiled, still staying silent.

  “There’s so much I have to tell you. So much has happened since...”

  Charles couldn’t speak the words.

  “That’s not important now. All that matters is that you’re here. You’re here now. Here with me. You’re alive and you’re with me again.”

  Overcome with emotion, Charles lowered his head, trying to conceal the tears that wouldn’t abate.

  “I’m so thankful to have you back. I’ve missed you so,” Charles said, his head nestled in the crook of her shoulder.

  Her hand reached around to comfort him, her ivory fingers caressing the nape of his neck. His body tingled with each sensation. He closed his eyes, focusing only on Samantha’s touch, reveling in the moment.