by T. R. Graves
Chapter 34
Bunkers
Carlie
Petrified for them, Jayden, Thorne, and I all stood and gathered around the holographic image, studying everything for future reference and listening to every word uttered.
"She's dying and I'm an old man. What would Barone want with us?" Gran complained.
"Sir, you just need to come with us," the Surrogate with the gun to Gran's back said.
I had no idea who he was or if I'd ever seen him because his back was to us. What I did know was there was something familiar about his build, his voice, and his mannerisms. Everything about him tugged at my memories.
"That's just not possible," Gran responded.
Just do what you have to do, Gran! I willed, knowing alive would be better than dead for both of them.
The Surrogate Soldier who'd instantly become my mortal enemy when I saw him holding a gun on my grandfather jabbed the barrel into Gran's back and said, "We'll see about that, old man."
Before they could walk out of the room, Gran reached over and touched a button that until that moment had been invisible to us. When he did, the room was filled with smoke and all we heard were bodies dropping to the ground.
"What just happened? Did he commit suicide?" I asked frantically.
Scowling, Dad stared at the image before us with the same questions bouncing through his mind. When the smoke finally cleared, we were able to see Gran was the only one still standing.
At the same time, Dad and I breathed, "Thank God!"
"Sam, I assume you have someone coming for us," Gran grumped in a way that told me he'd known all along we were spying.
Dad laughed. "Yes, Peter, I have a team of people on the way. They'll pick you up by drone and bring you to the safe house were Selma is. I'm heading there now with Carlie and Jayden."
Gran smiled. "Well, thank the heavens we'll all be back together. We're stronger that way. How long will I have to wait?"
"Be patient, Peter. I have the best of the best heading up the team. They know how important a quick extraction is. We're going to stay with you until they arrive. While we're waiting, tell us what you did," Dad said.
Gran smiled, and I knew he'd done something he was especially proud of. "I used the air-conditioning vents to blow in a poison that will knock anyone and everyone out for at least a day."
"Everyone but you, Gran," Jayden said proudly.
"There you are, Surrogate. It didn't faze me because I vaccinated myself against it. I wanted to do the same for Tawney, but I was worried about how the vaccination would react in her system now that she's sick. It was a no-win situation. Now that she's out, I'll wait to reverse the drug until we make it to the safe house. The stress of waking her now while we're not totally safe would put too much on her," Gran said as if convincing himself that decision was the best one.
"I agree, Gran. That's what's best for her," I assured him.
He nodded.