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JPIV: Ruins of the Unknown [III.]
By AlanGrant5
[III.] DANGEROUS DECEPTIONS
The fishing trip ended early, on account of the unwelcomed visitor, who went by the name of Thomas Hayes. Pulling into the driveway, John sat in silence, with his head resting on the steering wheel.
“Dad? You okay?” Jeremy asked, concerned.
John looked at his son, sitting in the back seat through the rear view mirror.
“Yeah... I’m fine. Just get your bag. I’ll be in soon.”
Jeremy nodded, dragging the fishing equipment out of the trunk. A little hesitant, Jeremy shut the door and headed towards the porch. John sat in silence, contemplating all that he had been told... regretting all the choices he had made. He didn’t want to be involved with the FBI whatsoever and no matter which way he turned, there was no escaping the situation.
With a sigh, John exited the vehicle, being quick to shut the door. As he lazily dragged his feet up the porch stairs, he viewed a shadow looming over him. Looking up, he saw Kate holding the portable phone in his direction.
“It’s for you... Brian Watson, I believe his name is.”
John couldn’t believe it. This was all happening too fast for him. Taking the phone from Kate’s hand, John pressed the phone up against his ear, gesturing for Kate to go back inside. She looked at him strangely and slowly entered the interior of the house. When the coast was clear, John began.
“Mr. Watson? What can I do for you?”
“Dr. Weller... it’s been a while,” the man announced.
“Yes, yes it has... a few months at least. Is there anything I can help you with?” John asked nervously.
“Actually, I just wanted to thank you for all your help. The report on the dietary habits of infant dinosaurs was astoundingly accurate... that is, compared to our other resources.”
“Well, your most certainly welcome,” John said, trying to find a way to address the origin of the cloning operation.
“In fact, you were so helpful to us that I was wondering if you were available for a full time consultancy?” Brian asked, catching him off guard.
“Full... full time consultantcy? How do you mean?”
“I know this is somewhat sudden, but you are extremely resourceful and knowledgeable when it comes to... the extinct.”
“In what way could I be of more help to you than I already am?”
“By working for us... here, at our research facility.”
John chuckled uncomfortably. “I don’t think I could... my schedule is booked as it is. I work at the University part–”
“I am aware of that and believe me you would be fully compensated for the things you leave behind.”
“Leave behind? Where exactly is this place?”
There was a pause in the conversation.
“Well... I can’t say for security purposes. But I’d be more than willing to give you a tour of the place.”
John had failed his attempt at getting the facilities location. “I’m afraid I don’t have the time.”
“It’ll just be for a day. Just get a look at the place... you won’t regret it. I’m willing to pay a hefty amount should you accept the offer and even if you don’t, the money will still be in your favor. What do you say?”
John thought for a moment and arrived at his answer, “I... when?”
Brian began to laugh, “That’s it... you won’t regret this, I promise. Can you afford to miss your weekend?”
“I suppose...”
“Great, than it’s settled. I’ll have a private plane pick you up on Friday evening at the Airport in Anchorage?”
“Yes... that’ll be fine.”
“Good. See you then,” Brian said, ending the conversation.
John stood, the phone pressed tightly against his ear and listened to the hypnotic sound of the beating dial tone. Turning the phone off, John walked into the house, gently shutting the door behind him.
“What is it?” Kate asked, removing her apron.
John gazed at her, “Uh... that was just a friend of mine who works at the University. Apparently, I’ll have to do a bit of traveling for the lecture.” John had lied, but only to protect his wife from any involvement of the situation whatsoever.
“Traveling? Where?” she asked.
John wasn’t good at lying, but became an exceptional deceiver when he had to be, “Back in the states... Berkeley, California.”
“Oh... well then when will you be leaving?”she asked.
“Friday... this Friday.”
Kate shook her head and set her apron onto the table beside her. “All right... but John for God’s sake don’t go missing Jeremy’s game on account of your job... okay?” Kate said, sincerely.
John nodded his head, without making eye contact with the beautiful woman. As she stepped back into the kitchen, John began making his way towards the bedroom. Upon entering, a heavenly king sized bed greeted him. With a sigh, John fell onto its cushioned surface and stared at the ceiling above.
“What have you gotten yourself into,” he whispered to himself. Digging into his pockets, John removed an egg shell colored card with the name “THOMAS HAYES, EPA” emblazoned on its cover. John traced the numbers with his index finger, “(818) 555– 0257”. Picking up a phone which lie beside him, John dialed the number... it would be the biggest mistake he could ever had made.
[IV] THE ISLAND ––– later today
6/9/2002 1:14:58 PM
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