by D. S. Smith
“That’s a lovely thing to say Stuart but you don’t need to feel sorry for me. It’s ninety percent choice and ten percent lack of opportunity. By the way…”
She was not able to finish her sentence as he leaned over the table and kissed her on the lips softly. To her own surprise she did not pull away. The kiss lingered for a few seconds before he sat back into his seat. They stared at each other in silence for a few moments. Stuart apologised for taking her by surprise but added that it just seemed like the right thing to do.
“Country and R&B… by the way,” she offered sounding somewhat stunned.
The barman approached the table to inform them he was closing now and they should finish their drinks. They did this and wished him goodnight before heading out into the cool night air. Dr Carson shivered and folded her arms tight into her body. Stuart’s heart was pounding but it didn’t stop him from pulling her to him and asking her if he could try that kiss again. She told him she would like that very much. He put his lips to hers with the same gentleness as previously but this time the kiss lingered, gradually becoming more passionate. They pressed into each other enjoying the taste and warmth of each other’s mouths and the close contact of their bodies. The embrace lasted for several minutes before Stuart pulled back. “What now Doc?”
“Stop that Mr Milton, you sound like a cartoon rabbit,” she said, smacking the side of his shoulder lightly. “But in all seriousness, I think we should go home. To our respective homes. I’ve had a wonderful night, especially the latter part, but I think we should cool off and see how things look when the drink wears off!”
“I couldn’t disagree more Catherine. But seeing as you are much wiser than me I’ll respect your judgement. As long as I can have one more of those amazing kisses.” She leaned forward and kissed him briefly on the lips. She linked her arm with his and led him over to the taxi rank on the high street. “I’m taking a couple of weeks off work starting tomorrow Stuart. That was one of the reasons I wanted to see how you got on tonight.”
“And how have I got on Doc…, sorry Catherine?” He smiled coyly.
She looked up into his eyes. “Very well actually Mr Milton. But seriously, if you need anything at all while I’m off just call.”
“Anything, Catherine?” This time she pulled him into her embrace. “We’ll have to see what I can do. But as a friend Stuart, not as your doctor. I think that is a line we have crossed now.”
They had one final kiss before saying goodnight and taking separate taxis.
Chapter 22
Leaving the pub Dave headed straight for the taxi rank. Being a weeknight, it was not very busy so he had a ride home within minutes. It was only short drive to Stuart’s house where he had been staying for the past few weeks. On arrival, he paid the driver and headed for the front door. He was feeling the effects of the alcohol, the fresh air adding to his inebriation. He took out the key from his pocket and attempted to insert it into the lock. This proved more difficult than it should be and he dropped the key to the floor. He heard it hit the ground with a metallic chime but could not for the life of him see where it had landed. There was a street light directly outside Stuart’s home so illumination was not an issue. Still, the key had seemingly vanished on contact with the floor. He resorted to getting down on his hands and knees to try to feel his way around the doorstep and path in search of it. As he fumbled around on the cold stone he was not aware of someone approaching him from behind, so he had no idea what hit him when the butt of the pistol struck him on the side of the head rendering him unconscious. When he woke up he had no idea where he was. Lying on a hard surface that vibrated violently he was deafened by a noise that seemed to come from all around him. It was cold and dark and his nostrils stung from a strong smell of fuel. He could just about make out someone moving to his side. Before he had chance to confront them he felt a sharp prick in his leg. Darkness followed as he slipped back into unconsciousness.
The next time he woke up the noise and the smell had gone. Unlike his previous arousal he was now able to take in his surroundings but he still had no idea where he was. Lying underneath the covers on a large comfortable bed, he tried to focus through what appeared to be a red haze filling the room. As his senses adjusted he realised it wasn’t a haze at all, it was just the way the room was decorated. The walls were a vibrant red, spattered with tiny flecks of gold that made them sparkle in the flickering light of a dozen candles. The candles gave off a sweet aroma that for some reason reminded him of Christmas. The curtains and bed covers, also red, were adorned with prints of golden trees swaying in the wind, showering the land with golden leaves. He threw back the covers. He was dressed in a pair of white, silk pyjamas. He sat up, his head throbbing. He touched the side of his head where it seemed to hurt the most. His fingers met with a wad of soft material. He attempted to pull at the material but it stung too much so he stopped. There was a dresser against the wall to one side of the bed with a large mirror above it. He slipped out of the bed and walked over to the mirror. A white bandage folded over several times had been taped to the side of his head. He carefully removed the bandage, wincing at the pain it caused. He revealed a deep gash about an inch long just above his temple. The gash had been cleaned and stitched prior to the dressing being applied. He went over to the door next and tried to turn the knob but it was locked. He tried the window but it was locked also and boarded up from the outside.
He heard a sudden clicking noise coming from the door and realised someone was unlocking it. The door swung open and in entered an elderly man pushing a trolley adorned with a fine china tea set and a platter of assorted pastries. “Excuse me, where am I?” Dave enquired of the old man. The man just nodded and retreated backwards out of the door leaving the trolley in the room. Dave did not hear the door lock so he waited a minute before slowly opening it and peeking outside. The door opened into a corridor that had several other doors leading off it. He assumed he was in a hotel or guesthouse. There were no signs on the walls giving any indication to his whereabouts. He looked up and down the corridor. One way ended with another boarded window but the other end continued around a corner. He left the room and crept down the corridor toward the corner. When he reached it he peeked around, only to discover another boarded up window. It seemed his only way out was by one of the many doors lining the way. He tried the nearest one to him but it was locked. He tried several more before finding one open but it led to a linen cupboard. There were ten doors in all and only his and the linen cupboard were open. He went back into his room and settled for pouring some tea and eating one of the pastries. He tried to piece together what had happened to him. The last thing he remembered was crawling around the floor outside Stuart’s front door trying to find the key he had dropped. He touched the side of his head and recalled the sharp pain. He had no idea how long ago it had been but he felt hungry so he ate another two of the pastries. When he was halfway through a third a man appeared in the doorway. He was younger than the last one but still much older than Dave. The man smiled to him and gestured to the tray of refreshments. “I’m sorry it’s not something more substantial but it will tide you over until the help returns.” The man spoke excellent English with just a touch of an accent. Dave guessed it to be Chinese, due to the man’s looks.
The man was about five foot six with brushed back black hair and a thin face. He had big bags under his eyes and his cheeks were slightly sunken. He smiled again revealing brown stained teeth.
“I know you’ll be wondering where you are Mr Milton but let me assure you, you are in no danger. Just cooperate with us and you will be fine.” Dave did not know what to make of this statement. He asked the man how he had gotten there and what exactly he meant by cooperate. “All will become clear in good time. For now, just relax and if there’s anything you require just ring that bell.” He pointed to a white button in the middle of a gold, metal housing on the wall by the side of the bed. “Where am I?” Dave demanded. “You are our guest in a facility on
the edge of a suburb just outside Beijing.” With that he left the room and shut the door, locking it behind him. “Beijing? Did you just say Beijing?” Dave shouted at the back of the door.
Chapter 23
Stuart hummed to himself as he paraded around the kitchen making toast and coffee. He was feeling good about what had happened between him and Catherine. Alcohol may have played a part, but he felt no regret or doubt about his advances. The way she’d responded gave him confidence she felt the same attraction between them. He considered where this might lead and what he should do next. Should he play it cool, leave it a couple of days then get in touch? Or should he call her right away and arrange to meet for lunch? He wanted to do the latter. She’d mentioned taking some time off work so would hopefully be available. He wondered how she was feeling right now. Regret, professional conflict, elation? He wanted to call her to find out but before he had chance to consider this further, the phone rang and his heart skipped a beat believing it might be her. He composed himself and picked it up. To his disappointment the source of the voice was male. The caller said he had information regarding “the strange events surrounding Stuart’s condition!” The man was very convincing, claiming to be a professor at Oxford University. He asked Stuart if he could meet him at one of the universities colleges that afternoon. Stuart was sceptical but curiosity got the better of him and he cautiously agreed to meet him.
He arrived at the Oxford College reception at the time arranged on the call. To his surprise Catherine was there also. She looked incredible. He greeted her with a kiss on the cheek, unsure of how familiar he should be. Just being close to her triggered a rush of adrenaline causing his heart to beat faster. He thought perhaps she had arranged the meeting as part of his continued treatment, but his assumption was short lived. “Morning, how lovely to see you. I’m guessing this is no coincidence?” Catherine looked genuinely surprised to see him. She rubbed the back of her neck in the way he now recognised as meaning she was uncomfortable or embarrassed. “Stuart, lovely to see you too. But to be honest I had no idea you’d be here. I received a call from a Professor Humphries inviting me to meet with him. He said he had…”
Stuart finished her sentence for her.
“An explanation for the strange events surrounding my condition?”
“Pretty much yes. I thought perhaps he was some kind of crank at first but when he suggested here as a venue I had to take him seriously.”
“Yeh, me too, though I’m still not convinced he’ll show.”
“I hope to convince you of far more than that Stuart.” Stuart turned around sharply to find the source of the voice was a tall, slim, elderly man, probably in his mid-sixties, with neatly trimmed white hair and a matching beard and moustache. He looked like a stereotypical college lecturer. He was dressed in beige slacks, a white shirt with red tie and a tweed jacket. He was carrying an old leather briefcase that looked as if it had been around the block a good few times. He flashed them a welcoming smile that turned to concern when he realised he had startled them. “Do forgive me, I didn’t mean to creep up on you like that,” he said, holding out his hand to shake Stuart’s. “John Humphries,” he declared leaving out his title. Stuart recognised the voice from the phone call. The professor shook his hand before turning his attention the Catherine. “And you must be Dr Carson?” he shook her hand before addressing them both.
“Thank you for coming along. I’m sure you will be dubious about the nature of my invitation but let me assure you, what you are about to learn here will help you fully understand this unfortunate confusion Stuart has suffered.” He brushed his hair back with his hand and offered Stuart a smile.
He beckoned to them to follow him in to the reception and through two large, ornate wooden doors leading into a lecture room. The room was laid out in a terraced arrangement with benches positioned along semi-circular steps forming the terrace. At the front of the terrace, standing proudly, was a wooden lectern, as ornate as the doors they had entered through. The room was a relic of the university’s rich history with wooden panelled walls adorned by portraits of the scientific greats: Isaac Newton, Albert Einstein, Richard Feynman and Stephen Hawking immediately recognisable. The only features giving away their current era were two large interactive whiteboards fixed to the front wall and a row of modern fluorescent lights hanging from the ceiling. Two people already occupied the room. The professor introduced them as his colleagues. “Stuart, Dr Carson, this is my senior research assistant, Dr Cooper.” Dr Cooper stood to greet Stuart by cupping his hand into both of his and shaking, giving a polite bow at the same time. He was a small, slender man with black, slicked back hair and round, thick rimmed glasses. He looked of Asian origin but it was difficult to place where, possibly a mix of Asian and Western parentage Stuart thought.
“Please call me Jon,” he offered. “It is very good to meet you at last,” he continued before taking Dr Carson’s hand with the same warm greeting. “And this is Dr Marks, another one of our research team,” the professor continued before Stuart had the chance to ask what Dr Cooper had meant by “at last”. Dr Marks was a heavy set young woman with blonde hair tied at the back into a ponytail. She offered a forced, half smile and a limp handshake by way of greeting, making it obvious she did not share her colleague’s enthusiasm for meeting their guests. “Rachael,” she offered flatly before sitting back down. Dr Cooper intervened sensing their discomfort from the cold reception given by his colleague. He invited them to sit down with him while the professor busied himself finding what he needed to carry out his presentation. He noticed Dr Carson inspecting the portraits on the walls and took this as an opportunity to enter into conversation. He explained that in addition to portraying all the great physicists of our time the portraits represented a gallery of scientists who had lectured in the room they were now in. “Wow, so I’m in a room were Isaac Newton and Albert Einstein once stood?” Stuart asked in awe.
“Yes, and lectured from that very lectern the professor is stood at now.” Dr Cooper replied with pride.
“Impressive,” Dr Carson added. Dr Marks was the next to speak but the information she shared with them was more recent and offered an explanation to her cold demeanour. “There should have been a fourth member of our team joining us but unfortunately he was killed just a few days ago.” Her tone was sombre and hinted at an underlying resentment toward the casual conversation taking place so near to where one of her colleagues had lost his life. “I’m sorry to hear that Rachael,” Stuart offered. “Yes, that must have been difficult for you,” Dr Carson added. The professor heard this and was visibly saddened by the reminder. “Terrible loss, terrible,” he said shaking his head but none of them elaborated further and by way of evading the issue the professor began to unveil the purpose of his summons.
Rather than deliver his presentation from the lectern the professor paced up and down in front of them. He started by telling them that what they were about to see and hear was highly classified and should not be discuss with anyone other than those currently in the room. Before either of them had a chance to respond to this declaration he pressed a button on the remote control and the lights dimmed. He pressed another button before continuing to speak and one of the whiteboards lit up with a satellite image of the Earth.
“The Earth is constantly scanned by weather satellites tracking storms, hurricanes and tornados. Analysis of the pictures sent back by the satellites often show black spots like this one which randomly appear from time to time.” He pointed the laser pen at a dense black spot, which stood out against a background of swirling cloud. “The spots may remain visible for only a few minutes or they may last for several days. Meteorologists believe they are the result of electromagnetic interference in the Earth’s atmosphere caused by radiation from the sun. My team and I don’t accept this and we have been carrying out extensive research into the real cause.” He brushed his hair back with his free hand before continuing. “In the course of this research Dr Cooper here has discove
red that in eighty per cent of the cases where these spots have been recorded there have been unexplained appearances or disappearances of people in the vicinity. The number could be greater but I doubt all the incidents have been reported.” Dr Carson shifted uncomfortably on the bench. The professor continued. “Let me play you something.”
He pressed a button on his laptop and a crackling was heard from speakers on the wall by the screens.
“This is the transcript of a mayday call from a supply vessel based in the Gulf of Mexico. The incident occurred directly below the black spot I have just shown to you.”
“Mayday, mayday, mayday. This is the Oceanic Supplier……….5, 3 north, 5…………8 west……” (inaudible).
“Roger Oceanic Supplier, this is the United States Coast Guard communications station, repeat position, over.”
“United States Coast Guard, this is the Oceanic Suppl… (Inaudible). Our position is 5…3 north, 1,……5 (inaudible) west. We are flooding, taking on water in (inaudible). We are flooding by the stern…” (inaudible).
Roger Oceanic Supplier, this is the United States Coast Guard communications station. Repeat position, I say again, repeat position over.
……….5, 3 north, 5…………8 west……” (inaudible).
We understand that you are taking on water in the stern. Request to know number of persons on board, over.
Number…….persons (inaudible)……seven…people on board, over.
Oceanic Supplier, this is the United States Coast Guard communications station, roger, understand seven persons on board. Request vessel description, over.
Supply vessel, seventeen onboard, posi…….(inaudible)……….5, 3 north, 5…………8 west (inaudible)……….over.
Oceanic Supplier, repeat position, I say again, repeat position, over.