Before You Read!

If this is your first time here, you might want to check out the Introduction before you begin or start off from the beginning with Chapter 1: Reborn (Part 1).
Showing posts with label Chapter 2. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Chapter 2. Show all posts

Chapter 2: New Beginnings (Part 3)

Part 1Part 2Part 3

Huffing and puffing, the behemoth that is Agent Saunders erupts from the main elevator doors of the Hospital.
Saunders
Where did he go!?
He starts to scan the area for Gabriel.
Chang
What do you mean? He never even came down…
Agent Chang is simply baffled; it is unlike Saunders to make mistakes in general, let alone something like this.
Saunders
So, no one saw him running through the halls?
His face begins to redden, he is obviously a little embarrassed by his blunder, but more so, he is angry with both himself, and Gabriel.
Chang
I…don’t really know what to tell you, sir. I’m just as confused as you are.
Chang doesn’t even finish his sentence before Saunders walks past him to get to his partner. The agent punches the wall as he is nearing Bennett, leaving a decent sized dent in the block work of the hospital.
Saunders
Who the hell is this guy?
Bennett
I don’t know, but whoever he is, he’s a pro.
Saunders
No! A pro wouldn’t have missed.
Bennett
Unless he meant to miss
It had been a while since Bennett had a chance to mess with his partner; and despite the severity of the situation, he is kind of enjoying it. There is a slight pause, a single moment where nothing came from either of them.
Saunders
…Who the hell is this guy?

Klang! The keys fall from the hands of the ex-nurse as she fumbles with them at her doorstep. “Home sweet home” Carrie thinks to herself as she picks them up. She lives in the top floor of an apartment complex on the corner of Laurier Ave. and Washington Blvd. And although the walk to the top floor was a pain – mostly because there was an elevator that the complex owner hasn’t fixed in several years – she likes where she lives.

She pushes open the door and walks inside. She marches past the living room and into her kitchen towards the refrigerator. She grabs the wine sitting at the back of the top shelf and then a small glass. This is her routine, you see; to come home, have a glass of wine and then get to what needs to be doing.
Gabriel
Hello, Carrie. Mind if I have a glass too?
The calm voice came from behind her in the living room. Carrie screams a terrible shriek and drops her glass before she walks cautiously towards the voice, ladle in hand for protection.
Carrie
W-who is there?
Gabriel
Don’t you recognize me?
It takes her a moment to analyze the man sitting in the chair right in front of her, but the scruffy black hair and deep grey-blue eyes finally strikes her memory.
Carrie
…Daniel?
Gabriel
It’s been a long time.
Carrie
What…how are you…you’re supposed to be dead!
Gabriel
I know. And please, try not to sound so happy about it.
Gabriel reveals his famous sarcasm and the nurse blushes a little.
Carrie
Sorry about that. But, what do you mean ‘I know’!? What happened?
Gabriel
It’s a pretty long and complicated story. First I need to ask you the same question. What happened?
Carrie
With Adam, you mean?
Gabriel nods his head so she can continue.
Carrie
Well that’s another long and complicated story.
Gabriel
I figured it would be.
Ryan
What happened to your glasses, mom?
Ryan finally notices that his mother is no longer wearing the glasses that she always wears. They are still driving towards their new home.
Lisa
I uh… I can see better without them.
Lisa explains as best she could. She really doesn’t know what has been happening; she just knows she no longer has that negative-four vision which plagued her family with nearsightedness. Ryan tilts his head as he thinks about this.
Ryan
Then why do you wear them?
Lisa
No, I mean… never mind. Let’s just listen to the radio.
Lisa turns up the dial which seems like such a vintage concept to her after using voice commands for so long. The radio is on a local news station.
Radio
…Our continuing coverage of the incident of LifeSource founder Adam Fields and his wife after they were involved in a deliberate collision. Hours ago, after the police were supposedly close to capturing Mrs. Fields, who has been in hiding ever since. A man was caught by the FBI in the hospital’s Holding Room in which Mr. Fields was being held.
Lisa
Oh my God!
Lisa is losing the calm and cool composure that she was trying to hold for her son. She tries to get a hold of herself quickly, before Ryan notices.
Radio
FBI describes the man as tall, dark hair, a thick, full beard…
Ryan
Mom, that kind of sounds like Gabriel, doesn’t it?
Lisa’s knuckles are white against the steering wheel.
Lisa
Yes, it does.
She doesn’t know whether to feel surprised, or angry, or both; all she can do for now is listen.
Radio
FBI refused to comment on what is going to happen to Mr. Fields but we will keep you posted as this story develops.
Lisa
Alright… let’s find a music station.
Gabriel
So he didn’t die then?
Gabriel leans forward in his chair to put his coffee onto Carrie Walsh’s living room table.
Carrie
No.
Carrie takes another sip.
Gabriel
And you really think that’s what they’ll do to him?
Carrie
Well, I don’t know for sure, but I have this feeling like there is something bigger going on that we don’t know about.
Gabriel
That makes two of use.
Carrie
Anything you want to share?
Gabriel
I don’t think it’s anything more than you know.
Carrie
Well, first George Caldwell is killed, then Adam is attacked plus he keeps talking about how LifeSource members have been slowly leaving the company. It just seems like–
Gabriel
Wait... What did you say? People are leaving LifeSource?
Carrie
Adam has been saying that there has been a lot of people who have been leaving; key people who have been there for years mostly. They usually say they found better opportunities or they’re worried about their family because of the Protesters and their threats…
Carrie’s voice slowly starts to fade as she notices the worried look on Gabriel’s face.
Carrie
What is it? Are you okay?
Gabriel
Yeah, I’m fine; but I have a theory. Has anybody come to you lately? Anyone from the government or even the FBI?
Carrie
I’ve only been questioned about what happened the other day, but I’ve been lying to them just as Adam had asked.
Gabriel
Alright, well I’m going to need you to do something for me.
Carrie
I don’t know…
Carrie is hesitant but she already knows she wouldn’t have much choice in the situation.
Carrie
I’m still dealing with the last favour I promised someone.
Gabriel
Exactly. Sooner or later they’re going to come to arrest you.
Carrie
Great.
She rolls her eyes as she drops her back into the seat.
Gabriel
Calm down. Hopefully, the FBI will be even quicker than they are.
Carrie is confused.
Carrie
What’s that supposed to mean?
Gabriel
There may be people asking you to help them work on something in secret in return for them clearing up any charges you have to avoid being arrested.
Carrie
How do you know this?
Gabriel ignores the question.
Gabriel
I told you. I have my theories. Now, I don’t think these guys are up to anything good but you should accept their offer and work with them. Pretend you’re on their side and see what’s going on. You’re better off with them than in prison.
Carrie
I have no idea what you’re talking about, but if that’s true…then I agree. I’d rather be doing something questionable than stuck in a prison cell.
Gabriel
If we’re right about this, we could be uncovering something big.
Gabriel is both excited and worried by the conspiracies he is trying to work through in his mind.
Carrie
Speaking of which, are you going to tell me how you’re still alive?
Gabriel
I told you, it’s a long story, but if I tell you everything it will make a lot more sense.
Carrie
Well, let’s see how much you can tell me before they come to arrest me.
Saunders
So how much camera footage are we talking about here?
Saunders knows that watching footage is always a tedious task.
Bennett
Well between the hospital cameras and the cameras of the buildings close to the motel…
Saunders
In that case…I’ll go make some popcorn.
Chang
Sir!
Agent Chang calls out as he bursts through the door.
Chang
We found out the cameras were disabled.
Bennett
You mean the night of the crash? We already know.
Chang
No, I mean from today. The cameras were out when this mystery guy escaped. Every camera in the hospital.
Saunders’ head drops at the news.
Saunders
I’m not having a good day Chang…I blame you.
Chang
What the hell did I do!?
Saunders
You wore that stupid tie.
Ryan
How much farther, mom?
Ryan is getting tired of being on the road.
Lisa
Actually, we’re here.
Lisa pulls into the driveway of their new home. It is a raised ranch with a large bow window in the front. It has an attached garage and a white front door in the center of its red brick walls.
Ryan
I don’t like it.
Lisa
You haven’t even seen it yet.
Ryan
Well, our old house was bigger.
Lisa
I already told you this one would be smaller.
Ryan
I know, but I never said I would like it.
Lisa
No, I guess you didn’t. Come on, grumpy, let’s go inside.
Lisa unlocks the car doors and pops the trunk. She steps out and meets Ryan behind the car to grab all their stuff.
Ryan
Um, mom…
Lisa takes a moment to look around and sees a family of four walking towards them from next door carrying a cake and masked with enthusiastic smiles.
Lisa
Relax, honey, let’s see what they want.
Mary
Well hello, neighbour! Welcome to your new home!
Lisa
Thank you. I’m Melissa and this is my son Ryan.
Mary
Nice to meet you, I’m Mary; this is my husband, Tom, my son, Mason, and my daughter Charlotte.
Lisa
Nice to meet you.
Lisa inspects the family; Mary has jet black hair and is wearing a blue dress next to her husband who has on a brown suit with elbow patches that reminded her of her eleventh grade history teacher. Finally the children each have their mother’s black hair and share her massive smile.
Mary
I’m surprised you came here so quickly.
Lisa
I’m sorry?
Mary
Well, just the other day we saw a moving truck at Mr. Bondy’s house and asked him what is going on. I guess he inherited a lot of money and couldn’t wait find a new house.
Lisa
Ah, yes. We were very lucky to see he was selling and he gave us a good price, so we decided to move right away.
Mary
Well, I guess we should leave you to take a look at your new home.
Lisa
Thank you. It was nice meeting you all.
Mary
Don’t be a stranger, come over anytime. We can make play dates for the kids.
Lisa
Sure, that sounds fun.
Lisa and Ryan return to their new home and walk through their new door. As the door closes, Ryan looks up at his mother.
Ryan
A play date? I’m not four.
Lisa
Ryan, be nice; you might have fun.
Ryan
I thought we were supposed to be hiding?
Ryan rolls his eyes.
Lisa
Sometimes blending in is hiding. Its better we get along with each other than avoid them.
Ryan
Alright.
Lisa
Come on, let’s go unpack.

To be continued...

Can't wait for more? The writers answer your questions and discuss more about the story on the second podcast. You can download the MP3 or subscribe to the feed. If you just want to read the short Q&A portion of the podcast it is transcribed here!
Labels:

Chapter 2: New Beginnings (Part 2)

Part 1Part 2Part 3
Ryan
Good morning, mom.
Ryan tosses his legs over the edge of the bed, stretching off the exhaustion which always seems strongest after a short lived nap. Lisa turns to her son with a small giggle.
Lisa
A bit late for good mornings isn’t it?
She smiles knowing at least some things hadn’t changed. Ryan has always had a tendency to say good morning, regardless of the time; it is an odd quirk in him which people always seem to be confused by, but that never stopped his odd little tradition in the least.

The motel room seems silent aside of the robust voice of the anchor man on the channel 5 news. The lights are off, and only the flickering television allows them to see. Ryan suspects that this is what an insane asylum is like; little light, and only the odd voices of those who you could never talk with to fill your ears. An eerie feeling, he thinks to himself, as he looks around the room. Finally, his mother, who has been perched at the edge of the bed, breaks the silence once again.
Lisa
Hey, could you go and find us a map? And while you’re out, why not go get us some candy from the machine down the hall. There is money in my purse.
Her face is blue from the glow of the television, and although it is still difficult to make out, Ryan can still tell she is worried.
Ryan
Sure, mom. Anything that you want in particular?
He waits for a moment, but his mother is in another world, lost in the words of the news man’s silver tongue.
Ryan
…I’ll just grab a peach juice for you then
Ryan quietly shuts the door behind him. The sound echoes through the tiny room for a moment before it snaps Lisa back into reality.
Lisa
Yeah, peach juice would be…oh, you’re gone…
She barely notices he has even gotten off the bed. She knows that they should have already left the motel, but it would soon be the 24 hour mark since the incident, and she is sure there would be some information on her husband. It had been about an hour already that she has been on her perch, listening for any news she could find, until she finally found something on the situation at hand.
TV Anchor
There is new information regarding the car crash yesterday which involved LifeSource founder Adam Fields and his Wife. The two were critically harmed in the crash, presumably from a violent Protester, as the autopsy reports that the man was not drunk and did indeed have ties to the Protester community. Police say that the description of the man also fits the suspect who killed another LifeSource employee, George Caldwell, the day before…
Lisa
Come on, talk about Adam.
Lisa’s eyes widen as she watches the reporter talk. She can't stop fidgeting; tapping her fingers against her knees, as they often do when she is nervous about something. Finally, he starts talking again.
TV Anchor
…what makes this story shocking is that there are conflicting reports around the hospital over who actually died in the crash. It is clear, however, that at least one of the pair had been fatally injured but somehow there was confusion in the hospital. A majority of the staff claim that Lisa Fields, Adam Field’s wife, had died and was brought to a Regeneration Pod, but others, including Mr. Fields, who we are being told is currently being placed in a Holding Room, suggest otherwise.
Lisa
Oh Thank God!
Lisa shrieks in excitement; glad to know that Adam is still alive.
TV Anchor
And even the nurse who other witnesses claim had rushed him to the ER claims that Mr. Fields is the one who had died after the crash and was regenerated by his wife before a doctor had a chance to do so. We also have confirmation that the aforementioned nurse is a close friend of Mr. and Mrs. Fields. At one point before they could be question, Mrs. Fields had managed to leave the hospital and took her son, as seen by this security camera. Footage of the incident is unavailable as they were somehow shut down until Mrs. Fields and her son were leaving. They were said to be driving to go see Joe Tyler, a billionaire businessman who has tonnes of shares in LifeSource Technology and Pharmaceuticals and is Mrs. Fields’ father, when she was pulled over by two officers, who at the time…
The sound of the news cast is shrouded by the noise of the door slamming behind her.
Ryan
Are they talking about us on the news?
His face is wrought with anxiety and concern of the situation at hand; often thinking to himself, “How long until they find us?” or “is dad okay?” He waits now for his mother’s voice to put an end to all his fears; and for the first time since they had left the hospital, it did just that.
Lisa
Yes, they are, but your father is alive!
Her face carries a resilient glow about it as she finally blurts out what she had heard.
Ryan
That’s great! But…what about us?
Lisa and Ryan are both interrupted by the news caster.
TV Anchor
… The two officers state that the man who had knocked them out was dressed in black clothing and wore a black hood. We have taken the time to list a few possible scenarios of how this situation unfolded in case you are confused at home. Assuming Mr. Fields had indeed died in the crash, it is possible some of the hospital staff who are good friends of the man or who respect and idolize him, are stating he did not die so that he is not to be shut down with a Pod. His wife, who presumably convinced their nurse friend, who we should add is no longer working with the hospital, to bring her husband back before it was okay to do so. If this was the situation we believe she told her husband who then convinced her to make a run for it to avoid arrest...
Ryan
So... dad could still die then?
Ryan’s voice shivers at the thought of his father’s death. Adam is Ryan’s idol, he looks up to his father more than anyone in the world.
TV Anchor
The second option, which seems to be to the authorities as the more likely scenario based on evidence and reports, is that Lisa Fields had died in the crash to be brought back by her husband, who convinced hospital staff to cover up the situation as his wife leaves so she isn’t shut down with a Pod. We caught up with Lionel Sabatelli, current CEO of LifeSource, to interview him.
Lionel
Well, this is a very sad situation indeed and it seems like a terrible week but right now I’m more worried about my friends than the reputation of the company, if I may be honest. From what Adam has told me I sincerely believe that he had died in the crash but I’m going to try and see if there’s anything I can do and to keep him in that Holding Room for as long as possible, especially since there’s more to this story than we know and it’s exactly the reason why certain exceptions to the rule are applied. Unfortunately, while the machine is our technology we do not control the laws so just in case every time I see my old friend I make sure to say goodbye and that I’ll miss him...
Ryan
Uh, mom, I hear sirens…
Lisa
What?
It takes Lisa a moment, but she can hear them too – getting closer by the second, as it sounds.
Lisa
Well, it’s probably something else, Ryan, don’t worry.
She tries to look as calm as she can for him, but she is doubtful herself.
Ryan
Maybe we should leave, just in case.
His stomach begins to slowly turn inside of himself as he thinks about the possibilities.
TV Anchor
We’re actually going to cut to breaking news on this very story. Jim is standing by live. Jim?
Jim
Sandy, I’m here with one of the FBI agents who was with Mr. Caldwell when he died. He tells me they have reports that an anonymous man has seen Lisa Fields and her son at a motel outside the City. Mr. Bennett is it?
Bennett
Yes, it is.
As always, the agent carries along with him his devastating sense of confidence and that impossible-to-miss cocky attitude.
Bennett
That’s exactly what we’ve heard. Police just got off the phone from a resident of the motel saying that he believes he saw the suspect and her son at the motel. I’m actually just outside the LifeSource building and was just notified of this and your cameras just happened to be here. We want to be sure this information is out there just in case she has had a chance to get away so that people know where she is and can help us track her. Our team is actually headed there right now to meet with the police.
Sandy
Well, sorry Jim, we actually have a reporter that is near the area for another story that we were able to contact who is now live at that very motel. Mindy, can you explain what’s going on?
Mindy
Well we just arrived at the motel and I hear the sirens getting louder in the background.
Sandy
Do you think you’ll be allowed inside?
Saunders
Actually, sorry to interrupt.
The camera cuts back to Bennett. It pans out to reveal Saunders standing next to him.
Saunders
My partner contacted the police about the situation and said that Mindy can go in with them and film the arrest.
Sandy
Wow! That is fast.
Saunders
Yeah, actually I was close by and overheard you have a camera there and I love a good TV arrest so I thought I’d help.
Sandy
Well, thank you. Let’s get back to Mindy on the scene. Mindy?
Mindy
The cops are here actually.
She runs to the first officer she can find to explain her situation.
Mindy
Excuse me, I’m with channel...
Police
Yeah we know, keep up!
Mindy
Oh, well I guess I have no choice then.
She runs close behind the cops as they charge up the tiny metal staircase against the side of the motel. The largest officer knocks on the door with a brutal show of force, taking his attention away only for a moment, to wink at the young lady he is trying to impress with his strength and bravery.
Police
This is the police, open the door!
Moments pass in clusters of silence which seem to echo beyond the door.
Police
If you don’t open this door we’ll bust it open!
Again, no one answers. He turns abruptly towards the camera man.
Police
Stand back!
The large boot of the officer bashes against the door three times before it gives way, shattering like glass into hundreds of shards of wood. It takes a moment but the officers finally notice that there is no one home. The room is empty and the only sound is of the television which is set to the broadcast which had been trailing the officers up the stair case.


Gabriel pushes his way through the sea of bodies which encompasses the hospital. The crowd seems to wave closer and closer to the rocky old building and crashing against the chain link fence on its perimeter. The roars of the mob continue in an unending racket; that is, until the sirens silence them.

The toll booth holds its robotic arm high in the air as to let the moment’s VIP’s through. Each car is marked by either the crest of the local police force, the letters F.B.I. or the logo of one news station or another. With all the security and police forces which have flocked to the hospital, Gabriel cannot help but wonder who is looking after the city. Are there even any offices left in the case of a bank robbery? His mind would continue to wander if he had not been snapped back into reality by the gruff voices of Agent Bennett, and Agent Saunders.
Bennett
They aren’t there, sir.
Saunders
Damn! I had hoped this would be done by now. Regardless, go and find the security camera footage. They must have a new car, and we can get the license plate from the images in the parking lot.
Bennett
Thompson already tried. The motel manager says he only ever saw them walking to the motel.
Saunders
So, they think they are smart, huh? There are still witnesses around. Figure out where she went to get her car. I want footage from every place with a parking space within a mile radius.
He won’t admit it, but Saunders is actually quite impressed by the resourcefulness of the convicts.
Bennett
Yes, sir.
Mrs. Trealout
Can you stop that infernal whistling!
The short woman behind the desk is starting to get annoyed.
Dr. Trealout
I’ll try.
Dr. Trealout chuckles as he brushes past his wife in search of his next patient.
Mrs. Trealout
Room 216.
She calls out to the doctor, knowing he had probably already forgotten by then.
Mrs. Trealout
Only five more scheduled patients for the day, then it’s off to dinner, remember? So try and hurry up, hun.
Dr. Trealout
Yes, yes. I know.
He continues his march down the hall, watching the room numbers pass. 210, 211, 212. He is curious as to what the next patient would be; probably a cold or a fever or something like that.
Trealout
216, here we go.
He grabs the shining steel knob and presses open the door.
Gabriel
Good morning.
The doctor checks his notes. A dark coat is laying on his chair and Gabriel behind him.
Trealout
Good morning. Your name is Daniel Harding, correct? How are we feeling today?
Gabriel
Well doc, there’s a pain in my arm that just won’t go away.
Trealout
Please, don’t call me doc. I worked much too hard to gain the full title after all. Anyways, let’s take a look shall we. Can you describe the pain to me?
Gabriel
Actually, you know what?
A smirk crosses Gabriel’s face as he drives his elbow against the doctor’s head, knocking him unconscious.
Gabriel
I think it’s all better now, doc.
He says this as sarcastically as possible as he drops from the tissue covered bench and puts on the doctor’s coat.
Gabriel
Thanks for the badge.
He snickers as he slides his way through the door; closing it quietly behind him. The newly cloaked Gabriel wanders through the hospital, badge in hand until he finds his way to the Holding Room. It is cold and filled with modified Regeneration Pods, meant to keep the body in a stable unconscious state. He skims the names as he walks by, Jacob Banton, David Alkaji, and finally, Adam Fields.
Gabriel
Found you. Now how do I open this?
Gabriel’s eyes scan the room for some kind of button or switch which might seem to help. However, his search is short lived, as the doors to the holding room burst open behind him.
Saunders
Freeze! Step away from the Pod!
The two F.B.I agents stand in the threshold pointing their guns towards Gabriel. They had come when a nurse found the doctor to be unconscious in the room where Gabriel had left him.
Saunders
Cuff him.
Gabriel slowly inches his way from them. Bennett walks his way over to Gabriel, handcuffs in his left hand and gun in his right, ready to arrest him. It appears, however, this is not in Gabriel’s plan. He reaches out and grips the Agent’s arm as he spun over to grab his gun and redirects it back towards the head of Bennett; holding the agent as a human shield.
Gabriel
Back off or I will shoot him!
Saunders chuckles at the thought of his partner being shot.
Saunders
Or I can do it.
He lifts his gun and fires a bullet straight into the center of Bennett’s chest. Bennett’s body falls to the ground as Gabriel, who at this time is in shock, releases him. A moment passes before anyone moves – that is, aside from the smile which has enveloped Saunders’ face.
Bennett
Jackass.
Bennett stumbles back to his feet.
Gabriel
You gotta be kidding me…
Gabriel takes aim for a small panel box behind Saunders and pulls the trigger, hoping the sparks would be enough to distract the Agents. Sure enough, Saunders hides his colossal frame behind one of the Pods in an attempt to protect himself. Just what Gabriel had been hoping for; he sprints out the door and back into the halls of the Hospital.
Saunders
Damn!
Agent Saunders picks up his radio.
Saunders
He’s running down. Be ready for him!
Lisa
This isn’t working…
Lisa takes off her glasses. She had first got glasses in the second grade; she still remembers the first little pink pair she had chosen with her mom that day. Her taste in eye-wear has obviously changed as she no longer wears those flowery framed glasses and has evolved into a more mature and casual pair. However, now they seem to no longer work. Her vision has been getting more and more blurry recently when she is wearing them. Only when she is going unaided by those manufactured frames did she regain her sense of vision.
Lisa
I think we need to take a break. Come on, Ryan; time to get up.
Lisa starts shaking Ryan as she pulls into the nearby convenience store. He yawns as his arms stretch out as far as he could reach.
Ryan
How long have I been out for?
Lisa
About an hour or so. Just found a rest stop. You can go use the bathroom, but I have to apply this hair dye I got from Grandpa. Here’s some money if you want to buy some chips or something but put on your hat and keep your head down so the cameras don’t see your face.
They both go into their respective bathrooms that are both empty at this time of night. The man at the counter even seems to be sleeping only to be awaken when Ryan reaches the counter. He heads to the car after buying a bag of the new Cheese Explosion flavour of his favourite brand of chips.
Ryan
Play radio
Unfortunately this is not the same car they owned as there is no music playing. It is clear that because it is an older car it does not have the standard entertainment technology that seems to be in every car. Not to mention that they won’t be able to transfer the music subscription service they had subscribed to with their old car to this new one. He almost forgets that they are fugitives now and that they need to lay low. Lisa pulls open the car door and sits back into the driver’s seat with her newly applied red hair.
Lisa
I’m back.
Ryan
Where exactly are we going again?
Lisa
Just like your father; smart as a whip, but can’t remember destinations for the life of you. Oh well. According to the note on the map, there’s a house we’re supposed to be moving to in Belmont. I don’t know why this specific place though.
Ryan
What do you mean?
Lisa
Well I thought we would be going to a place where we would be unnoticed; but it’s a house in the suburbs, like our old house, but probably not as nice.
Ryan
Is that such a good idea?
Ryan is obviously aware of the dangers in such a place.
Lisa
Well, let’s go find out.

To be continued...
Labels:

Chapter 2: New Beginnings (Part 1)

Part 1Part 2Part 3

The doors of the Brooke family’s breakfast diner are flung open as Joe Tyler walks through them. He had often brought his daughter and her family here. He loves this place; the smell of the freshly cooked bacon seems to float around the entire restaurant, the wooden doors that lead to the bathrooms and kitchen, and the quaint booths that were a perfect fit for his usual group. As he approaches the podium where the waitress would greet him. He quickly scans the room, the blond girl behind the podium notices Joe as he walks in.
Megan
Hey, Mr. Tyler, you haven’t been here in a while. How have you been?
She is about eighteen, and is just starting college. She is Joe’s favourite waitress and they always talk a good deal when he comes in.
Megan
Do you want your usual seat?
Joe
Oh, uh...hi Megan, I didn’t see you there. I’ve been pretty good; and sure the usual is fine. How are–
He stops when he sees a familiar face watching him from a bar stool across the restaurant.
Joe
Actually, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go speak to someone for a moment. I’ll seat myself when I’m done and call you when I’m ready to order. Thanks Megan.
He turns and walks away before she even has a chance to respond. The floors creaks predictably as he makes his way over to the man on the stool who stops staring and is now focusing on the glass of pop which rests against his lips.
Joe
Adam?
He is confused as to why his son-in-law is sitting there after the information he received. What is more confusing than that is he has beard when Joe knows Adam to always be clean-shaven. As the man turns back towards him Joe realizes he is wrong.
Joe
Sorry. I thought you were somebody I know.
The man raises his hand and waves away the matter.
Gabriel
It’s alright.
Then he returns to his drink as Joe starts walking to his usual booth. On his walk back Joe takes one more check around the restaurant in an attempt to find his daughter. The minutes pass slowly for him as he waits. The second hand on his watch ticks away moment by moment until he notices that he had been waiting for about fifteen minutes. “Where is she?” He thinks to himself as he looks around once more to see no change except that the man he accused of being Adam is now paying his bill and leaving his seat. Joe reaches for the phone in his pocket and opens his contacts menu. He manages to type in L-I- before a voice breaks his concentration.
Gabriel
There’s not much use dialing that number. No one will answer.
Joe
What?
Joe blinks in confusion as he looks up to see a man in black jeans and a matching hooded shirt. It is the same man from earlier.
Joe
Excuse me, but do I know you?
The man chuckles in amusement at the feeling of déjà-vu.
Gabriel
No, but I know you.
Joe
What?
Gabriel
Who else knows you’re here?
Joe
Who are you? How do you know me?
The stranger sighs.
Gabriel
Why can’t anyone just answer my questions? You can call me Gabriel. I’m here on behalf of Lisa.
Joe
How do you know Lisa?
Gabriel
I don’t.
Joe
Then how...
Gabriel
Again, who else knows you’re here?
Joe
Um... as far as I know, just Lisa. What’s going on here?
Gabriel
Well, I don’t know what you consider ‘on the run and hiding’ but it includes not going into a public place where you make a regular appearance when meeting someone you know who could be monitored by people you are hiding from. Hence, I am here.
Joe
Oh...bad call on my part I assume. I think I understand now. So you do know Lisa?
Gabriel
I know of her.
Gabriel leans against the edge of the booth. He truly enjoys messing with people like this. Not for the sake of cruelty, more in a sense of his own form of mysterious humour.
Joe
...Does she ‘know of you’?
Gabriel
Not anymore than you do.
Joe
Then why should either of us trust you if we don’t know who you are?
Gabriel
I never said you should trust me. I’m just here for the money.
Gabriel out stretches his arm in anticipation for the money.
Joe
And what if I don’t want to give you the money?
Gabriel
Well, I’m not really one for stealing, but if I must then I guess I’ll have to take it from you.
Gabriel raises his fist and cracks his knuckles in order to intimidate Mr. Tyler.
Joe
Well, maybe I should just call the police.
The billionaire tires to return the intimidation as he reaches for his phone. Before Joe even manages to punch in the "9" key, Gabriel grabs his hand and stops him.
Gabriel
That’s probably not something you want to do. You know the situation Lisa is in. You know that calling the police would make things worse. You wouldn’t be helping her, you’d only lose her and she’s all you’ve got right now. You can’t lose the only person you’ve got. That’s why the only option you have is to give the money to me so that she can be safe.
The look on Joe’s face reveals his understanding about the subject, and there is a moment of mutual silence between the two for a moment. Joe slowly raises a duffle bag of money and other necessities and places it in Gabriel’s hand. Money-in-hand, Gabriel stands up and turns himself towards the door.
Joe
Wait! Will I ever see her or Ryan again?
His face sinks as he asks the question, knowing full-well what the answer is going to be, but hoping entirely against it.
Gabriel
Probably not.
Joe
You really do look like somebody I know.
Gabriel
Do you know me?
Joe
Well...no.
Gabriel
Then I don’t look like someone you know.
Gabriel never once looks back at Joe after he gets up from the table. He walks away and cracks open through the door without making a sound.


Lisa and Ryan find themselves in a tiny motel room with not much more than an old plasma TV and a broken window. The room is humid and the little fan that sways from side to side is nowhere near powerful enough to affect the atmosphere of the room. Tear tracks line Lisa’s face because she had spent the last few hours of her night explaining their current situation to Ryan. His face seems to mimic hers; the depressed expression, the tear tracks, the way their heads hang low and completely silent, that is, apart from the short lived breaths and the minute whimpering which carries in sequence every few moments.
Ryan
So, dad is still alive then?
Lisa
For now. He has several hours left if they still believe the lie we told them.
Ryan
Mom, there’s no way they’re going to believe that forever. They can’t kill dad.
Lisa knows that Ryan is a smart kid, but she had hoped he wouldn’t be able to realize his father’s fate.
Lisa
I know, but there’s still a chance. Listen, this is all the more reason we have to keep going because they probably have found out by now and might be looking for us.
Ryan
We never went back to the hospital; of course they are looking for us.
Lisa
Yes, but they still don’t know for sure if what we said is true, so...
Ryan looks at his mom with a blank face, knowing full well what is happening.
Ryan
Mom, I don’t think they’re stupid. I’m only twelve, and I could figure it out.
He knows she is just trying to look out for him, but he hates having people treat him as if he would not understand a situation, just based on his age.
Lisa
Alright, but we can’t go just yet. We have to wait for Gabriel to come back.
Ryan
I don’t like that guy, mom.
Lisa
I’m not so crazy about him either, but he seems to want to help. I wonder how he knows us.
Lisa has been thinking about this a lot lately; how could someone she had never met possibly know so much about her and her family?
Ryan
Well, he looks a little like dad, other than the beard and the eyes.
Lisa takes a moment to think about it.
Lisa
Huh...I hadn’t noticed, but I guess you’re right.
Ryan
Maybe he’s his brother?
Lisa
No. Your father did have a brother, but he died a long time ago.
Ryan
I didn’t know that.
Lisa
Well, he doesn’t like to talk about it. If you want, I can –
She is cut off by a loud knocking at the door. She gives Ryan a look and tells him to stay silent so he doesn’t attract attention in the off chance it were the authorities. She slips off the bed and slowly walks to the door, glancing out the peep hole and trying to make out who it is. It is dark out, so it took her a moment to see the dark clothing that is now famously associated with Gabriel. She opens the door, relieved that it is him as he hands her a large bag.
Gabriel
Here’s your money, new ID and everything else you will need. You’re on your own from here on out.
Lisa
You’re leaving?
Gabriel
Yes.
Lisa
Why?
Lisa is unsure how well she will manage from this point on.
Gabriel
You no longer need me.
Lisa
Well, when will we see you again?
Gabriel
When you need me.
Lisa
How will we contact you?
Gabriel
You won’t need to. Good luck.
He turns around to reach for the doorknob, but he is stopped by Lisa’s voice before he could turn it.
Lisa
How do you know Adam?
There is a silence in the room which seems to weigh down on everyone.
Lisa
You’re… You’re Daniel, aren’t you? You’re his brother!
Gabriel opens the door, before he answers her.
Gabriel
No.
And with that, the door is slammed shut, and he is gone.


Joe steps out of his car and stretches himself out. He walks out of the garage and closes the door behind him, turning to find Agents Bennett and Saunders waiting for him in front of his house – which coincidentally is more of a small mansion than a house.
Saunders
Do you mind if we ask you some questions, Mr. Tyler?
Joe just simply nods his head in silence.
Saunders
Have you seen or talked to your daughter since the accident?
Joe
No. Why has she disappeared exactly?
Saunders
You’re playing dumb, Mr. Tyler. Don’t think I can’t tell. It took me a while but I learned to call your bluffs in poker.
Joe
Fine, I know a little more than I let on but I’m missing some details here. Just humour me so I can understand a little better exactly what happened.
Saunders
Well, you obviously know about the crash. Officially, the situation is that there is some confusion at the hospital over who had died after the crash.
Joe
What do you mean ‘who had died’? You’re talking about Adam, right?
Saunders
We’re talking about the both of them, Mr. Tyler. There are conflicting witness reports from the hospital that either one of the two had died in the crash. The assumption is that many nurses and doctors are good friends of Mr. Fields and are trying to cover for him, but we’re not sure which is a cover or not. I mean, why would someone want to die?
Joe
Wait, are you suggesting he’s claiming he died when he actually didn’t so that they will kill him?
Saunders
Well you could have said it in a way that didn’t make your son-in-law sound like a complete idiot.
Joe
And what way would that be, Jason?
Saunders
Well, it’s obviously a romantic gesture. We think there’s a possibility he’s lying so that his wife had a chance to leave and make a run for it.
Joe
So, Lisa is the one who died?
Saunders
Hell, they could have both died and he could still be covering for her. Doesn’t that just tear at your heart strings and make you want to cry?
Joe
This is a little confusing. What’s going to happen?
Saunders
Well, while we figure the story out, there’s a good chance Mr. Fields can be kept in a Holding Room until we know exactly what’s going on. Even if your daughter didn’t die she is still wanted for questioning.
Joe
Holding Room, huh?
Saunders
Oh, sorry, I forgot to wink when I said that.
Joe
Alright, so, what do you believe is going on?
Saunders
You’re asking me? I think you have me confused with someone who cares.
Bennett
We...
Saunders clears his throat.
Bennett
... I believe that Mrs. Fields died for sure but I’m unclear as to whether Mr. Fields indeed died or not. There is one nurse who has been identified as one of the original people to cause confusion of this story. She has been fired as a result but will now no longer comment on the situation so she could also be charged and possibly receive a prison sentence.
Joe
Isn’t there camera footage?
Bennett
All cameras in the hospital were shut down somehow during the time the two of them were there. We’re still trying to figure that one out.
Joe
Are you the ones looking for Lisa?
Saunders
You know we have better things to do.
Joe
Good. I can only imagine how your team would handle the situation.
Saunders
Stop, you’re embarrassing me. So, have you been in contact with Lisa since the crash?
Joe
No.
Saunders
Alright, keep your secrets, old man. We’ve got work to do and I don’t have time to play poker with you.
Joe
I guess we’ll have to wait until Friday, then.
Saunders
Fine, but it’s your turn to pay for pizza. And remember that Agent Bennett here hates mushrooms. Don’t screw that up again!

To be continued...
Labels:
Subscribe to: Posts (Atom)