by D. Henbane
“Please Erik, that's my mother, and I want her alive. Alex doesn't even have a gun on him, please help us.” Eve says.
“It really is a small world after all. Alex, I don't know how you plan to pull this off, especially with her here, but looks like you are going to have a bunch of pissed of women if you screw this up. I will write the address down, there is a rental car outside for you to use, and you can't make a move until I get the others off site.” Erik says.
“You got it man, no screw ups, but I suggest you move fast.” Alex shakes Erik's hand, and gives him a encouraging nod. “Let's go Eve; we got a lot of work to do.”
“Thank you Erik.” Eve says as she gives him a big hug.
Eve's stomach has been increasingly tightening since landing, and the reality of the situation wears heavily on her heart. She can't shake the doubt in her mind about Alex, and how much is riding on getting this right. The hot dry air from the valley isn't helping her adjust to her new surroundings.
She thinks back to her childhood, and tries to remember the names of her distant cousins. Her mom had always been the black sheep of the family, and she chose to step away from her family's faith. She can recall overhearing her grandmother preaching about their eternal damnation, and how they needed to go back to church.
There were times when her mom made half-hearted attempts to regain her faith, but all of that was shattered after the accident that took her father's life. Trixie had found a new faith, one that didn't call for forgiveness, but strict self-discipline. The military brought out her deep sadist desires to watch others suffer, to atone for the pain she was feeling. Eve knew in her heart, that no amount of pain would ever ease her mother's suffering.
“What are you doing? This is a motel.” Eve says.
“Exactly, time to get a little rest while Erik takes care of his end. Aren't you hungry?” Alex asks.
“Not really...”
“Well sit tight I'll be back in a few minutes.” Alex walks into the dusty old hotel to secure a room for the night. Eve shuffles in the car seat, attempting to make herself somewhat comfortable. Just as she starts to relax the hunger pains capture her attention. Perhaps Alex was right; she needed some food, and a little rest.
Alex returns, and like a true gentlemen he opens the door for Eve. “Aren't you laying it on awfully thick? This isn't the old west, and chivalry is dead.” Eve says sarcastically.
“You are wrong again Eve, this is in fact the old west. Bufallo Bill called a town just west of here home, they named it after him. Now, how about something to eat?” Alex persistently asks as he unlocks the motel room door. Eve enters the room, and looks the rustic décor over.
“I take it the dead deer on the wall is supposed to tie the whole room together?”
“Eve, just make the best of it will ya? This isn't a town with a lot of options, it was here or a cabin on the campgrounds. Then again, we can always head over there; the cabins are single beds only.” Alex shoots a wink towards Eve.
“I am sure you would like that wouldn't you?” Eve says.
“Can't blame me for trying... I am going to get us something to eat, you stay here and relax.”
“I'm starving, but I don't feel like eating anything.” Eve says.
“Well, how about some ice cream? Even a weak stomach can handle some ice cream. Butterscotch and vanilla malt, if I remember correctly?”
“I'm impressed. You do know something about me.” Eve says.
“It was our first date, how could I ever forget?”
“Yeah... It was, wasn't it?” Eve replies with a nostalgic laugh.
“I will be right back; don't fall asleep on me now.” Alex steps out into the parking lot, and makes his way to the car. Along the way he spots a young man selling fossils near the motels office. The young man couldn't be more than 23; his appearance is disheveled, and reeks of marijuana smoke. “What ya got for sale bro?” Alex asks.
“I got ammonites, trilobites, and devil's toe nails. A buck each man.”
“I want some roofies.” Alex says.
“Roofies? I don't know nothing about no roofies man. I gots these fossil I gotta sell man, have you seen these under a black light man. Will blow your mind bro!”
“Hey! Where is the nearest ice cream shop?” Alex asks.
“Just down the street man. Called the sweet tooth shop, they gots the best ice cream in town bro.”
“You're higher than a kite right now, your eyes are bloodshot, and you can't form a concrete thought to save your life. You and I both know you have some roofies, so stop beating around the bush, and sell me a few. I know you might be saving them to possibly get laid tonight, but I actually need them, so help a guy out eh?” Alex says.
“I feel you man, I do, a man has to do what he has to do, but in the grand scheme of things we are just specs of dust. That land somewhere, but that somewhere is like important and stuff. So we need to stick together man.”
“Give me the roofies, I will give you $100 to buy more weed, and I will bring you back ice cream.” Alex says.
“No shit man! Dude, I love you man, can I have peanuts? No. Not just peanuts, but I mean like everything on it. Bacon...gummy bears....sprinkles...and...that one stuff. I can't think of the name. OH YEAH! Avocado bro... Yeah the green stuff.”
“You got it man, give me the pills.” Alex says.
***
Alex sits in the rental car with a malt between his legs, and crushes the tablets into a fine powder. Erik was right; there is no way to resolve this with Eve present, and desperate times call for desperate measures. Alex looks towards the motel room window nervously, and pours the powder into the malt. Alex gathers the food hastily, and opens the motel room door.
“Who were you talking to?” Eve asks.
“Just getting directions.” Alex hastily replies.
“Ha! A man actually asking for directions, I should have gotten it on video.” Eve says playfully.
“Laugh it up. Being snarky has always been your strong point. Here eat something before your blood sugar gets too low. I am starting to really worry about you.” Alex says.
“My knight in shining armor here to protect me as always.” Eve says as she grabs the malt from Alex's hands. Eve takes a spoonful into her mouth, and the taste of butterscotch reminds her of a much happier time.
***
“Here ya go pumpkin!” Ben says.
“I love you daddy!” Eve says.
“Nothing but the best for my little trooper. One strawberry shake for you, and a butterscotch malt for me.” Ben says.
“Ewww. Butter ice cream, strawberry is better.” Eve says.
“You know, I said the same thing to my dad, but he knew the secret...” Ben says.
“What secret?” Eve asks.
“Taste it. Then you will know the secret.” Ben says. Eve hesitantly reaches across the table, and scoops up a portion from her father's glass. Slowly bringing it towards her, reluctantly she shoves the spoon in her mouth. Eve looks across the table at her father, a raised eye brow of doubt, that quickly turns to a smile of approval.
“I like it.” Eve says.
“I knew you would, and now you know the secret.” Ben says.
“What's the secret daddy?” Eve says.
“The secret is... Just because you think you know everything, well, you don't.” Ben says.
“Did grandpa know the secret?” Eve asks.
“Yes he did, and now you do too.” Ben says.
***
“Alex, have I ever told you why I love butterscotch?” Eve says.
“No, please tell me...” Alex says.
“Cuz, my daddy did...” Eve says as she falls unconscious onto the pillow. Alex covers her with a blanket, kissing her gently on the forehead, and tucking her hair behind her ear. Alex walks across the room, and reaches into his bags side pocket. Alex withdraws his hand gun, and places it the fold of his back.
“I'm sorry Eve.”
The red dirt hills of the B
ighorn basin rise tall above Alex, as he pulls around a bend in the road. The desert scene has quickly given way to a lush green canopy of cottonwood trees. The trees tower above him more than forty feet in the mountain air. A river flows near his side, like his canine companion George, sometimes disappearing from sight, but always returning faithfully.
Alex spots an abandoned oil field site, and takes note of the address marker. “Almost there.” Alex says, with a tone of uneasiness. Of all the missions he has ever served upon none give him a sense of easiness about the situation, but never has he had so much to lose. He has never been pulled into so many different directions before.
In the distance he can see an old farm house, windows covered in fine dust, and showing signs of neglect. Not intentional neglect, but one of necessity. The place had the look of a warm home, but a clear distinction between what was dreamed and what was harsh reality. He had seen this before, in Africa, those people did their best, but money was an ever present oppressor.
Alex eyes a faded red barn towards the back of the property, and a familiar feeling over comes him. “She's there.” Alex says in a whisper. Alex assesses the terrain, and spots his entry point. He continues to drive past the farm house, a mile down the road, he parks the car near the river. There is a bluff that overlooks the property, but Alex decides to follow the river and approach from the lower ground.
Given the arid terrain, the rivers waters have given precious life to the desert. Its offspring is a diverse group of life, ranging from the large cottonwoods to the thick cattails near the shore. The Kochia weed has overrun the home site, and makes for excellent cover. Alex approaches the barn from the rear, crawling his way forward, and stopping periodically to check his position.
He reaches the ladder to the hay loft, and begins his ascent slowly. His gun in his right hand, and his left hand on the wooden ladder rail. Step by step he ascends slowly, careful not to make a noise, or aggravate an unseated nail. Reaching the final rung, he raises his pistol above his head slowly, using its chrome plating to act as a make shift mirror.
Amongst the straw bales, sits Trixie, eating an apple, and looking out the barn window towards the mountains. Her back is turned to him, and he finishes his climb to the loft. Walking softly, with his gun pointed directly at her, and her head in his sights. “Don't even think about running you will be dead before you even get to your feet.”
“What makes you think I fear death?” Trixie says. Her raspy voice tainted with the grief of recently shed tears.
“We can end this now. There is no need for bloodshed, but you are going to come with me.”
“I'm not going anywhere..” Trixie draws her hand to her face, wiping away tears. “You know. She was my entire world. This life has given me nothing... but pain, sorrow, and so much suffering.” Trixie leans forward with her head buried into her hands. She continues to stare out at the mountains, as Alex walks closer.
“Did you really think I wouldn't find you?” Alex says.
“No. I wanted to be found. I just needed some time to say good-bye. Time to look at the hills, and smell the mountain air. There is something magical about this place. The land radiates some kind of energy, and is the last place on Earth that reminds me of happiness. If I had wanted to disappear I wouldn't have gone home. Honestly, I never thought I would even make it here in time.”
“You stole something and I want it back. I am in a unique position to make you an offer. Literally, an offer you can't refuse. Do what I say and you live, refuse? Well, I can't say it will end on your terms, but it will definitely end.” Alex says.
“Arrogant... Just like all men. Always demanding things go your way because you have a penis or a gun. While you are fortifying the fronts with troops, you never see the Trojan horse. Emotions control battle more than bullets.”
“What would Evelyn think of your actions?” Alex says.
“You have no right to utter her name. You have no idea what it feels like to lose a child. Let alone carry its tiny body inside of you.”
“I miss her too. I was her senior prom date.” Alex says.
“Alex?” Trixie cringes and the apple tumbles to the floor. “Did they send you to talk some sense into me? I expected an assassin not a love-struck boy.”
“That was a long time ago. I am a man now, and I prefer not to be called an assassin. How about last resort negotiator?” Alex says.
“Haven't you heard? I am a terrorist now. We both know they don't negotiate with terrorists.” Trixie drops her head low and begins to sob. “Alex. Please tell me what you had planned to do. Arrest me? There is no point even going on anymore, just pull the trigger and end my suffering. I won't look at you. Make it easier for both of us.”
“What if I told you Evelyn was alive?” Alex says.
“Nice try. Nothing is going to change what has happened, and your words are empty to me.”
“I am serious Trixie. She is alive and well, resting in a motel room not more than 30 miles from here. She made me promise not to kill you. I can take you to see her, and you can be with her until I have to turn you over. That is my offer.” Alex says.
“Lies... it's not even possible. She is dead Alex. You should let her go just like I have.”
“It's true. Reese wanted her in his program. He helped fund her way through college, convinced her to sign up, and faked her death. What you believe is a complete lie.” Alex reaches over and presses a button on his Dlink. The sound of Eve's voice echoes throughout the barn loft. Is this really necessary? This isn't world war three, we are going to save my mom, and all of these guns won't help. Promise me Alex... You won't hurt her, and I get to tell her the truth before you take her back. Don't look at me like that, Alex. You better promise me or I will...
Trixie slowly turns, facing Alex. “Where is my baby?” Trixie rises to her feet, and slowly walks toward Alex with her arms stretched in front of her. “What have I done?” Her voice filled with deep regret as she continues to close the distance between them. Light creeps in from a hole in the barn roof illuminating her face. Her eyes are bloodshot, and she advances towards Alex with a clumsy gait.
“You didn't...” Alex says aloud. He draws his line of sight towards her heart and slowly applies pressure to the trigger. Inhaling as he aims, and squeezing as he exhales. The unevenness of her walking causes him to adjust his aim multiple times. This shot would have come at second nature for him, but the promise he made to Eve forces him to back off. “I promised her.”
Alex struggles to resist firing his weapon. Knowing one quick pull of the trigger would end it all. Trixie is no more than a few yards from him, and a single scratch would effectively end his life as well. Regardless of his good intentions, it is now a life or death situation. It's too late to save her Alex. You tried your best. Take the shot now.
Blood splatters onto Alex's face. Trixie is knocked to the floor by the force of the bullet, and ceases to move. No convulsions, a perfectly placed kill shot. Alex's heart is racing as he lowers his gun. Then the sound of the report reaches his ears. Something is wrong. Alex drops his magazine and thumbs out each round into his palm.
Amos hits send on his cell phone and activates his ear piece. The familiar sound of a phone ringing plays in his ear. He removes his 50 cal from its tripod, placing it gently in the storage case. The phone rings again, as he looks through his binoculars confirming the kill. He pans over to watch Alex frantically emptying his clip. It rings a third time, the line is picked up, and silence greets him.
“It's over...”
“Thank you Amos.” Reese says.
Chapter Nine
All Down Hill
“Where are you going at this hour?”
“Back to the office. I have to take care of something.” Reese says.
“Who was that on the phone? What's her name?”
“Theresa, for the millionth time, I have never cheated on you, and I never will. You know damn good and well that the other woman in my life is my career.” Rees
e says.
“I'm sorry I doubted you. You know, we aren't getting any younger, and someday I might not be here when you do decide to stay home.”
“I love you dear, and don't talk like that. You don't look a day over 30 my love.” Reese says.
“Well. Give me a kiss before you go.” Reese pulls the covers over Theresa and kisses her tenderly on the lips. He walks down the stairs, grabbing his keys along the way. Reese opens the door to his garage and turns on the light. He stares at a framed picture above his tool box. He opens a small storage drawer and retrieves a set of several old dog tags. Reese brushes his thumb across one, as if to clean the dust of time from the name stamped into it. Evans, Benjamin.
“You know I had to do it Bennie...” Reese says aloud as he turns the tag into the light. His throat tightens up, as he confesses his actions to the effigy of his deceased friend. Reese places the tags around his neck and gets into his car. It is a foreign luxury model. More of a symbol of his social status than a well built machine; just one of the many objects that his sacrifices have awarded him.
Turning onto the interstate, Reese turns on the radio and settles in for the drive to his office. The music did little to ease his mind. He tries several different stations. Modern music on all of them and it reminds him of how much time has changed. Unsatisfied with the late night music he decides to try talk radio on the AM band. “Now I know I am getting old...” he says aloud with a chuckle.
Welcome back folks. That concludes tonight’s program and I would like to thank our guest Jim Talbot and his exciting insight into the Bigfoot phenomenon. Chilling stuff. Remember next week we have Allen Chesterfield and his recent developments working with Aether physics. Now we open up the lines to callers. Caller number one you're on the air. Tell us what's on your mind.
Yeah. I am calling from Denver and I wanted to let you guys know about some weird stuff going on around here.
What kind of stuff?
My neighbor just got back from a pheasant hunting trip. He was talking about some things he saw in South Dakota. To make a long story short, he thinks that there is some kind of plague going around. He says he shot a pheasant, when he went to retrieve the bird some dude was eating it...