Abomination

by E. E. Borton

  “Obviously, they’re not keeping that close of an eye on the lab,” said Ryan.

  “Obviously,” said Tom. “But the OHRP is a very small department within the much larger Department of Health and Human Services. They probably have no idea something went wrong. And even if they did, they may not know the extent. And even if they knew the extent, the individuals or group responsible may not even be prosecuted.”

  “Not prosecuted?” asked Ryan, perplexed. “People have been murdered. How could they possibly not be prosecuted?”

  “From 1932 until the end of World War II, Unit 731 of the Japanese Army conducted gruesome experiments on thousands of prisoners,” continued Tom. “It included vivisection, which means dissecting them while they were still alive. They were opened up and exposed to numerous deadly bacteria and viruses so the scientists could watch the deterioration of the internal organs and tissues. The unit was headed by Shiro Ishi who was a lieutenant general and microbiologist. After the Japanese surrender in 1945, General Douglas MacArthur offered immunity from any prosecution to Ishi and his entire unit. All they had to do was turn over the results of those experiments. And, of course, they did.”

  “That’s insane,” said Ryan. “Our government condoned the murdering of our own POWs?”

  “Now, that’s where it gets a little tricky,” said Tom. “They didn’t condone it, but they understood the value of the data in those results. It catapulted our own discovery of vaccinations and treatments which has arguably saved millions of American lives and even more around the world.”

  “Tom, you can’t seriously believe the ends justified the means.”

  “Not at all, Ryan. I’m just warning you what we’ve stumbled across in this case may not see the outcome you’re looking for. We’re going down a very slippery slope, and I worry that you’re sliding down it faster than you need to be.”

  “You don’t think I should concern myself with finding those answers, do you?”

  “I think we should concern ourselves more with stopping Derek and Joshua,” said Tom.

  “What are you really trying to tell me, Tom?” asked Ryan with a disarming smile.

  “I saw the way you reacted when you lost the two agents at the farmhouse. And the way you reacted is the way a good leader should. You felt responsible. But you also felt responsible for the woman Arrington killed in front of us. And neither situation was your fault.”

  “Tom, I’m not cutting you off this time. Just say what’s on your mind.”

  “I don’t think it’s a good idea to split up again and go to Maine looking for the other scientists. I think we may be putting the cart before the horse. Dallas may not completely understand the science or the politics involved, but he does understand the importance of stopping the other two. Powerful agencies and billions of dollars are at stake if it’s discovered our own military created serial killers in a lab and then proceeded to unleash them onto the public. If we tip our hand now we’re on to them, we’re out of the game. And there isn’t a better team out there that plays this game.

  “I know you want those answers so you can go back to the families of the victims, including the two agents that died, and give them closure. I want the same thing, but there’s more at stake now. We’re getting a little overwhelmed here, and our resources are at critical mass. What would happen to Kristina if we were pulled from the case? Who would protect her? Would she have to run and hide forever?”

  “Okay, Tom,” conceded Ryan. “Okay. We’ll focus on finding Derek and Joshua. All of us.”

  “I hope you understand –”

  “Tom,” Interrupted Ryan. “I do. And thank you. It’s another reason why I put you on this team.”

  “What’s that?” asked Tom.

  “Helping me to keep my priorities in order. I appreciate that, Tom. I really do.”

  “Anytime, Boss.”

  “Speaking of our little hostage, I need to go talk to Kristina. We’ll head to the airport when I get back. Our plane should be there shortly.”

  “Understood.”

  Ryan made his way back to the house Kristina had called home for nearly a week. He started laughing to himself as he approached the back door. He started laughing after he thought about leaving her in New Orleans with the security team Steve had assigned to the house. He needed her help in Atlanta, but he also knew she’d be safer the farther away she was from the action. Both Derek and Joshua would be there, and he also knew Colonel Brown was going to send every thug he had on his payroll. Knowing another FBI team was probably on its way to Georgia with the sole purpose of hunting her down, Ryan had to think hard about dragging her back into harm’s way. He was laughing because he realized he had become another one of those men in her life who wanted to protect her.

  He walked in the house and found Steve sitting in the same spot at the kitchen table reading a book. “Nobody can accuse you of not being vigilant. Alison would kill me if she knew I was the reason you weren’t home.”

  “No, she’s probably going to kill you for being in town and not stopping by to see her or the kids,” said Steve.

  “Are you going to turn me in?”

  “Not if you promise to come back and visit them for more than a few minutes.”

  “Deal.”

  “How’d it go out there?” asked Steve.

  “Staged suicide, but the end result is that we’re done here. They’re pointing us to Atlanta where it looks like Derek and Joshua are in cahoots. We’re leaving in a few. Is that a fresh pot of coffee?”

  “Very. I’ll take a cup, too.”

  He poured their coffees and sat with him at the table. Steve put his book down. Ryan noticed the title. It was Kristina’s beloved copy of Treasure Island.

  “I see she’s got you hooked on the classics,” said Ryan.

  “Yo-ho-ho and a bottle of rum,” sang Steve. “Did you know this is a first edition?” he said, patting the cover.

  “I know she has a significant connection with it,” said Ryan. “I overheard her talking about how her father read it to her when she was a child.”

  “Yeah, she mentioned that after handing it over to me. She said I looked bored sitting down here by myself, and it would keep me company. This book is probably worth close to 20,000 dollars, and she just handed it over so I could enjoy it.”

  “Sounds like you two are getting along well.”

  “Oh, we are,” said Steve with a sly smile. “Especially when she found out you and I have a long history together.”

  “I’m not sure what that means.”

  “It means Alison’s right, you are hopeless. But it also means Kristina is a very sweet girl. I think being so intelligent, driven, and beautiful intimidates most people, but especially men. How somebody hasn’t swept her off her feet is beyond me. Anyway, there’s just something about her that makes you want to look after her.”

  “You’re not kidding,” said Ryan. “When the bad guy was chasing after her in the alley, I probably didn’t need to smash his face in with a metal trash can lid. But I wanted him to feel it, you know? I wanted him to remember that moment.”

  “Have you ever tried candy or flowers, buddy?” asked Steve.

  “You’re a funny guy. Listen, I hate to ask for any more favors, but –”

  “Consider it done,” said Steve, anticipating the question. “I have an office in Atlanta with some great guys running the show. They’ll set up a secure house before she arrives. We’ll look after her here for a couple of days while you get settled in. If they want her, they’ll have to get through us. And that ain’t easy, my friend.”

  “No, I imagine it isn’t,” said Ryan. “Thank you. Uncle Sam will be cutting you some checks if I don’t get myself killed or sent to prison when this is over.”

  “Who do you think paid for the houses and the jet?”

  “Good point.”

  “She’s still awake. You should tell her you’re leaving and return this with my thanks,” said Steve, handing him the boo
k. “I’m going to head home shortly.”

  Ryan and Steve talked for a few more minutes and finished their coffees before he headed upstairs to Kristina’s room. He stopped short of her doorway and looked at the cover of the book. Most people wouldn’t let something so expensive out of their sight, but she gladly gave it to a virtual stranger so he could enjoy its pages. He thought about the men in Baltimore who tried to hurt her, and it made him angry. He shook off the emotion and knocked on the open door.

  “You should really try to get some sleep,” he said.

  “I can say the same for you.”

  “Well, that probably won’t be happening anytime soon. We believe Derek and Joshua are together in Atlanta. My team and I will be leaving for Georgia shortly. Oh, Steve asked me to return this with his thanks,” said Ryan, handing her the book.

  She stroked the cover gently and sat quietly for a moment. “I love where these stories can take you. After only a few pages, I’m sailing with Captain Flint and Long John Silver along the Spanish Main. For a few hours, I can escape with the characters to the wonderful chaos of their world and leave the confusion of mine.”

  “That does sound appealing,” said Ryan.

  “I do have to admit,” said Kristina with a smile, “I can’t remember ever having so much time to just sit and read. When I don’t think about why I’m here, it’s the closest thing to a vacation I’ve had in years.”

  “I have to say your ability to adapt is impressive. I don’t know anyone who would think being stuck in this house with a bunch of intense-looking watchmen is a vacation.”

  “Actually, these guys are great and very doting. I can’t tell you how many times a day they ask if I need anything or if they can do something for me.”

  “Well, the feeling is definitely mutual. I think these guys are used to protecting old, rich, fat, extremely paranoid, and demanding businessmen. All things which you’re not.”

  “Thank you, I think?”

  “I’m sorry,” said Ryan. “It’s been a long couple of days. I think a few hours of sleep would do me good.”

  She paused for a moment, looking down at the floor. “Was it suicide?”

  He didn’t hesitate with his answer. “No, he was killed and then the scene was staged to look like he did it himself. I’m not sure who did it, but I am sure it happened fast.”

  “Did anybody care?” asked Kristina, raising her head to look at Ryan. “Or was everyone glad the monster was dead?”

  She was trying to be strong, but was losing her battle to hold back tears. He never wanted to see her cry again.

  “Me,” said Ryan. “I care. And so does my team.”

  “I know you do,” said Kristina, wiping her cheeks. “I’m sorry.”

  “Listen, I don’t think I’ve ever thanked you for what you’re doing. We’ve taken your life and turned it upside down, and all I’ve done is ask you to trust me. I want to thank you for doing just that.”

  “You’re very welcome,” she said, regaining her composure. “But you haven’t turned my life upside down. It’s more like you saved it.”

  Ryan fought off the usual protocol of remaining professionally, and physically, distant from civilians involved in a case. He sat next to her on the bed.

  “I think the reason why it seems I’ve adapted so well is because I’m not surprised this is happening,” she said. “I left the project over six months ago, but I was constantly looking over my shoulder. I knew they were about to cross the line, and it was only a matter of time before the technology superseded their humanity. I should’ve seen it coming. I should’ve left years ago, but the work we were doing was groundbreaking. It was incredible. I also felt like somebody needed to be there who actually cared about the test subjects. Someone that didn’t look at them as guinea pigs the way the Colonel did. Someone that would make sure they knew exactly what was being done to them.”

  “Someone like you,” said Ryan. “The funny thing is, they probably thought they were looking out for you, but the reality is that you were looking out for them. And what makes you more impressive is that you still are.”

  “I left them behind, Ryan,” said Kristina with a slight quiver in her voice. “In my useless protest of quitting, I let the Colonel win. I let the Colonel take them and turn them into murderers.”

  “You couldn’t have possibly known this was going to happen,” said Ryan, reassuring her. “If you did, you never would’ve left them. I know that. The Colonel would’ve found a way around you, regardless of your attempts to keep them safe. I believe he sent those men in Baltimore to keep you quiet.”

  “You know, it really is true about having the feeling of being watched,” said Kristina. “I’ve had it every day since I quit the lab until you showed up at the bookstore. I told you before, most of the men in my life feel like they need to protect me. The difference is, I believe you actually can.”

  “Take advantage of the next few days and get some rest,” said Ryan, becoming uncomfortable being so close. “You may not have much time for that when you join us in Atlanta.”

  “Okay. Take care of yourself, Ryan.”

  “I’ll see you soon.”

  Ryan walked downstairs to find Steve putting on his jacket and grabbing his keys. He said good-bye to his old friend and made it to the backdoor before he stopped and turned around.

  “Steve.”

  “Yeah, buddy.”

  “Nothing bad happens to her. Do you understand?”

  “Not on my watch, shipmate. And yeah, I do understand,” said Steve with a grin.

  13

  Broken Promises

  Derek and Joshua arrived in Atlanta several hours after Ryan’s team landed. Joshua dropped Derek off at one of the three locations they used as hideouts. They spent a week at one and then moved to another, but never with each other. They only met when plans needed to be discussed. Joshua continued to the hideout located in the North Georgia Mountains a little over an hour outside of the city. Derek occupied the house on the south side of town.

  When Joshua arrived, he only spent a few minutes in the house before he left again. A quick shower and change of clothes was all he needed to feel re-energized after the long drive. He was overcome with a familiar urge that wasn’t genetically introduced by the scientists at the lab. It hit him when he drove through a small college town less than twenty minutes from his lair.

  He was stopped at one of the two traffic lights when a young woman from the college was walking toward a local music venue. The twenty-something-year-old blonde wearing a short skirt and small tank top caught his eye. She crossed in front of him, not noticing his stare. The light turned green, but Joshua didn’t accelerate through the intersection until he was sure she went inside the popular bar. He didn’t want to draw attention from local law enforcement, so he resisted the urge to speed home. But he wasted no time returning to town.

  He parked across the street from Danny’s Pub with an unobstructed view of the front entrance. He barely moved in his seat for over three hours waiting for her to leave the bar. He only broke his patient stare for a few seconds when a group of drunken frat boys walked past his window. None of them noticed the danger.

  His prize stumbled out of the doorway being helped by a young man. Joshua could feel the boy’s perverted thoughts as she giggled, missing the last step down to the sidewalk and falling into Romeo’s arms. She only slightly regained her composure as they walked together toward the campus.

  A few hundred yards from the false safety of the dorm, the two preoccupied students had to pass by an unlit alley between two old brick buildings. Joshua easily covered the distance running silently at thirty miles an hour from where he parked the car at the end of the alley. He made little attempt to conceal himself in the shadows of the deserted town square. As he lay in wait, he thought about what was going through the young escort’s mind as the dorm rooms came into his view. He chuckled to himself, knowing there was nothing the couple could do to change its destiny. He bec
ame lightheaded swimming in his own hyper-inflated sense of his new undeniable powers.

  The furthest thing from his mind was being stopped. He knew his fingerprints and DNA wouldn’t be in any law enforcement forensic databases. The Colonel literally erased the identity and history of all the Marines who volunteered for Didache. When the Colonel dug deep into Joshua’s past, he discovered a juvenile arrest record sealed by the courts. The discovery was made several weeks after the first round of gene therapy was introduced to the volunteers. Pulling Joshua from the program would set them back nearly two months. It was critical that all the test subjects maintain the same therapy schedule. Removing one would necessitate starting over. Starting over at that point would have cost the program millions. Colonel Brown not only resealed Joshua’s records, he had them destroyed.

  The child psychologist assigned to Joshua’s case wrote nearly fifty pages of notes about the offender’s violent and sexually deviant behavior. The first occurrence dated back to a week after Joshua’s tenth birthday. He forced two of the neighborhood children to undress and perform sexual acts on each other while he watched. When the seven-year-old girl refused to let the eight- year-old boy insert a toy inside her, Joshua choked her until she fell unconscious on the floor. The boy did nothing to stop him out of fear of the same punishment. Joshua then finished the game.

  The girl never told her parents about the assault. He was caught after the eight-year-old boy tried to play the same game at school during recess. The new offender told the teacher where he learned the rules. After Joshua successfully completed his mandatory therapy, his family moved out of the county.

  At an early age, Joshua had an advanced understanding of how to manipulate others into following his orders. He excelled at instilling fear in the young impressionable minds to avoid further interruption from meddling adults. For years after his first exposure to the thrill of controlling others, his games accelerated and evolved into sadistic rituals. Each successful engagement propelled him deeper into the darkness of a young sociopath. He became a master at using manipulation, fear, and punishment as tools to convince others to participate as his pawns. He rarely incriminated himself by being an active player in the games. He preferred to direct the action.