The Iso-Stasis Experiment (The Experiments) (49 page)

Cal could smell the cleanliness of him before he even spoke. The soapy fresh smell was so welcome down in the control center where she sat. “That was fast.”

“I don’t want to miss anything. Did I?”

“Nothing at all.”

“Damn it!” Jake sounded so angry. “I wished to God he would just get up. He’s due.”

“Jake, he’ll be up soon enough. Why do you want to rush it?”

“I want this over with before help arrives.”

“Over with?” Cal asked. “You mean delayed, don’t you?”

Jake pulled out his revolver and checked the clip, securing it back in place. “Yeah.” He kissed her on the cheek. “Sorry about the . . .” A gleam took over Jake’s eye. The corner of his mouth lifted in a smile and a rush hit him. “It’s time.” Jake saw the Stasis move.

“It’s time for what. . . Jake?” Cal asked as she watched the mad look in his eyes as he grabbed the ax and stormed from the room. “Time for what?” she called, afraid to leave the spot. She had to be ready to hit the homing device.

“It’s time to end this thing once and for all. He’s going down, Cal. It’s going to be him or me. I guarantee I’ll still be standing.”

“Jake, no!” She saw his determination, a determination that frightened her and made her leave her post. “Jake, no.” She raced to him following him to the dining area and tugging his arm. “Stop.”

“Cal.” Jake pulled away. “I have to get up there. I have to get him before he gets us.”

“I can’t let you do this. You can’t go up against him.” She tried harder, pulling at him to stop him.

“Back off, Cal!” He stepped back. “I have to do this. I have to.”

“You don’t have what you need to do this. Please, I’m begging you.” Cal made an emotional plea.

“Don’t doubt me. Not now.” He pressed the button for the lift and the door opened. Jake, looking stern, stepped on.

Cal jumped on with him. “Then I’m going with you.”

Jake ignored her, walking with confidence, revolver in hand to the front door of the building. “Go to the roof and wait for me. Grab the shotgun.” He lifted the crow bar from the floor.

Cal, frightened, did what he asked. She took off running. Knowing there were only ten rounds, she prayed that it would be enough if she needed to help Jake.

Jake pulled off the two by fours one at a time. He listened for the sound of wolves but heard nothing. With confidence and without fear, Jake flung open the front door, pulling it closed behind him and stepped into the snow. It was time to face The Stasis.

Jake saw him. He walked from the storage building. Not a raise in blood pressure or increase in heart rate did Jake experience. He was ready. Standing close to the building, clenching his jaws, Jake stared at the beast that hesitated in his stride toward him. “Come and get me. Come and get me now you son of a bitch. Take me down. It’s you and me.” Jake’s words held anger. They carried his meaning across the snow covering the distance between them. And the Stasis understood.

Jake was not who he wanted. But the opportunity was there.

Cal watched horrified from the roof as Jake didn’t move. He kept his stance even as the beast closed in so near to him. She raised the shotgun over the roof.

He could smell him with every beastly step he took toward him. “Do it,” Jake taunted. “Do it.” Not moving, not budging Jake knew the attack time was at hand. He didn’t flinch or change his outraged expression as the Stasis lunged forward and grabbed Jake by his throat.

“Oh, God.” Cal pumped the chamber. “Oh, God.”

Jake didn’t struggle, not in the least. He looked into the glowing eyes of the beast as his towering body was lifted from the ground. The leather like fingers, long nails and all, gripped his face, waiting for the right moment to snap Jake’s neck.

As the beast raised him to eye level, Jake felt the choke hold tighten and smiled slightly at the beast. Quickly and calmly he lifted his revolver and held it at the center of its chest aiming upward at the neck of The Stasis. He fired everything the revolver had without blinking and without stopping. “Die!”

The grip of the Stasis loosened and both he and Jake fell to the ground. Seeing the bleeding creature, eyes still open, Jake breathed outward and reached behind his back for the ax. Nearly digging into his skull, Jake gripped the head of the Stasis and with a loud cry, swung down with all of his strength and severed its head from its body. His outrage echoed into the hills and became the audible homing device that the wolves desired. Jake waited. He waited as he stood out of breath for the wall of wolves to appear. When they were in his reach, in his sight, Jake grunted loudly and tossed the head of the Stasis outward to them, allowing them to have the trophy of his victory.

He looked up to Cal. She sat with her head slumped on her arm, her eyes lifted. Then he jumped for the rope and climbed up to her. “It’s over.”

“Thank you for the use of your couch, Chuck.” Joyce’s stride was slow as she walked side by side with Chuck whispering in her car.

“You know you are more than welcome to rest longer.”

“Thank you, but . . . those few hours worked. You will call me right. You won’t forget?”

“I promise. I’ll let you know what’s up as soon as I get back.”

“I appreciate it.” She leaned on the side of her car. “She has to come back. She wouldn’t ask for the help unless she needed it.”

“Neither would Jake. I can’t believe they’re the only two left.”

“I can probably tell you why Cal is left.” Joyce smiled. “She’s so damn miserable that she probably scared away all the elements that tried to get to her.”

“She’s miserable, too? So is Jake. But he’s mean.”

“Cal is, too, and she wonders why she has no other friends.”

“Nobody else would put up with them.”

Joyce agreed. “I’ve tried to find someone to do that, too. I hook her up with dates all the time.”

“At least you can find someone to go out with her. I can’t even get a maybe from a woman to pass Jake on the street.” Chuck snickered. “God, are they alike. And listen to us, ripping them apart.”

“Yeah, it’s fun.” Joyce opened the car door and paused. “But we love them. And we’d be nuts without them, so make sure you give them what they need, so we don’t have to be.” Joyce slid in the driver’s seat. “Thanks again.”

Chuck shut the door for her and stood there until Joyce had driven from his street. He turned to go back in. As he walked up his walk, he stopped and stared four houses down to Jake’s dark empty house. “We’ll get you help, Jake.” Chuck blinked slowly, crossed his arms tighter and went back in his home.

“Colonel Roberts, I can see buildings up ahead, sir.” Chuck spoke loudly over the helicopter noise.

“That has to be it. Captain
Burgett
, do you see that? Is the ground moving?” Colonel Roberts peered out the window.

“It is, sir. Looks like . . . wolves. Jesus Christ there has to be over a hundred.”

Colonel Roberts lowered his binoculars. “And by the looks of that building, they’ve been trying to get in. Circle around, son; I think they’ll emerge on that roof. Circle around, then hover.”

“Yes, sir.” Picking up speed, Chuck flew the helicopter in and began to circle the compound.

“Yes!” Jake jumped from the bed with such force every single piece on the Monopoly Board toppled. “That’s them.”

“They sound far away. Do you think they’re leaving?” Cal asked.

“No circling.” Jake reached for the door. “Let’s go.” He held out his hand and led her out the room and down the hall. The helicopter sounded louder as they opened the hatch and lowered the ladder. “Cal.” Jake stopped her from climbing up. He put his hands to her face and kissed her.

“What was that for?”

“Just because.” He released her and let her climb up.

As Jake climbed up to the roof, he watched the helicopter lower itself. Shielding himself and Cal, he waited until it had reached a safe distance and ran to the chopper. The side of the helicopter slid open and Colonel Roberts sat hunched there. “Colonel Roberts, sir.” Jake saluted. “I’m surprised to see you.”

“You think I’d let Captain
Burgett
handle this one alone?”

“No, sir.” Jake looked toward the pilot seat and there was Chuck.

Chuck lowered his gasses and smiled when he saw Cal join Jake. “Jake . . . you dog. She’s cute.”

“Nice to see you too, Chuck . . .” Jake saw the large green duffle bag. “Colonel, is this our stuff?”

“It is.” His hand patted it. “Son, you’re certain what’s in here is all you need.”

“Yes, sir, it is.”

“Here you are.” Colonel Roberts shoved Jake the bag. “If I don’t hear from you by March 5
^th
, I’m coming back.”

“I would appreciate that.” Jake laid the duffel bag down. “Before you go, sir, there is something I’d like very much if you would do.” He took hold of Cal’s arm. “I would appreciate it if you would bring Ms. Reynolds with you.”

“That would not be a problem.”

Cal abruptly pulled her arm from Jake. “No. Jake, no.”

“Cal, please. Get on the helicopter. You have to go.”

“No, I do not. You know why I’m here. You know as well as I do that I have to finish it.”

“I’ll finish this for you.”

Cal ran her hand over her face, and raised her voice even louder over the engine noise. “You can’t do this alone! You need me here. You know that! Why would you put yourself in that position?”

“Because I love you, Cal. I love you and I couldn’t bear the thought of anything happening to you. Please, Cal, get on the helicopter. I am asking that you do this for me.”

“And do what Jake?” She shook her head. “Go home and wait and worry that something has happened to you. I have nothing, nothing to live for back home. I have everything to live for up here with you. Don’t ask me to leave that. I won’t. I won’t walk away from you.”

“You’re so
fuckin
’ stubborn.” Jake took a deep breath. Facing Colonel Roberts and Chuck, he tossed his hands up. “She’s staying. Thank you for waiting. And thank you, for your help.” He stepped back and saluted both men in the helicopter. “See you in a month.”

Chuck smiled with pride at his friend and returned the salute.

Colonel Roberts did the same. “Good luck, son.” With the sliding of the chopper door, the helicopter began to rise.

Chuck replaced his sunglasses and peered down at the roof top at Jake standing with Cal. He watched them fade in the distance. He smiled as they began the flight back. Mission accomplished.

^^^^

“Look at all this stuff.” Jake sat like a kid on Christmas, the open duffel bag in front of him on the bed.

“Is this cheating?” Cal asked.

“No, way,” Jake scoffed. “They said rely on the resources left with us. The laptop was a resource.” He winked.

“If I don’t get my hundred grand I’m going to be pissed.”

“Nah.” Jake shook his head. “You don’t need to worry. Besides . . . it’s been fun.”

Cal’s head bopped sided to side, “Well, maybe.”

“See, now are you ready to take out our fine furry friends . . .” He handed Cal a gasmask. “And have some more fun . . . Ms. Reynolds.”

“Absolutely . . .” Cal grinned. “Major Graison.”