Deadly Embrace (Deadly Assassins Series Book 1) Read online

  “OH MY GOD Robert how could you let them out of your sight knowing there were bears out there,” Ms. V said.

  “Virginia we were out there with a guide and at that time we saw some bear tracks but, they were days old” Robert said.

  “So how did Jason shoot the bear? Why did he have a gun?” Ms. V asked.

  “I’m sorry Ms. V, I took a gun without Robert knowing from his gun room. I knew we were going hiking and I wanted to be prepared. I knew I could handle it.”

  “Well, even though I don’t approve of you handling a gun, thank God you were there. You saved Ryan’s life,” she said.

  I suddenly felt relieved Ms. V wasn’t mad at me. She stood and hugged me for a few seconds as Ryan and Robert watched.

  “I just reacted Ms. V or the bear would have killed us,” I said.

  “That’s understandable, I’m just happy you boys are okay” she said.

  “So, what’s next boys? School break is over in a few days.”

  “Well Virginia, while on the trip, Jason and I discussed that he wants to be a Navy SEAL.” Robert told Ms. V.

  “Really? Well looks like I missed all the excitement. When did this all come about Jason,” Ms. V asked.

  “I want to do something to make you both proud of me,” I said

  “We are already proud of you Jason,” Robert said.

  “Well you know it won’t be an easy road. Well now I know why you joined ROTC. Robert, we have to support Jason anyway we can,” she said.

  “Yes, indeed Virginia. And we will,” Robert said

  “Well, Ryan what do you think of all this Navy SEAL business?” Ms. V asked.

  “I think it’s pretty cool. I don’t want him to leave though. I wanna join too when I’m old enough.”

  “Ryan, you have plenty of time to figure out what you want to do. Jason, what ideas are you putting in his head,” she said.

  “I didn’t want him to find out yet so he wouldn’t be upset,” I answered.

  “Well Ryan, we are going to support Jason as a family. I am honored Jason that you want to serve our country in such a profound way. Well boys it seems like there is a lot that happened this weekend. Come in the kitchen with me Jason and help me start dinner.”

  Ms. Virginia and I started dinner as Ryan and Robert went into the media room to pick out a movie for us to watch.

  “So, Jason, you know I don’t approve of you taking Robert’s gun, right?”

  “Yes, I knew you would be upset with me, but I felt I was acting on instinct,” I said.

  “I know what you have been through, in your life you must feel like you always have to be on the defensive and never let your guard down. I still feel there are things that you haven’t told Robert and I about your past. But I always want you to know that we are here and would never judge you. Over the last few years I have seen you grown into a remarkably strong and resilient young man. The way you protect Ryan impresses me every day. You know he idolizes you right?” Ms. V emphasized.

  “Yes, I know. I am so protective of Ryan because he reminds me of my younger, brother, Gabriel whenever I look at him. Gabriel’s death broke my parent’s heart and changed all our lives forever. Both my parents self-destructed after that and I was left all alone. So now you understand why I am the way that I am. Survival is all I know. I saw boys die when I was at boys’ home and I could have easily been one of them.” I said.

  “Wow Jason! This is the most you and I have ever talked about this. This is why I suggested going to therapy and thought that it would be a good idea.” Ms. V stressed.

  “I’m fine, no therapist needed,” I said

  “Okay, go get Robert and Ryan for dinner.”

  We all sat down to eat. Ms. V even made her fresh-brewed sweet tea, which is my favorite. After dinner we all went into the media room and watched “Top Gun” which is something we often did together as a family on Friday nights. I went to bed after the movie. Ryan had fallen asleep in the recliner and Ms. V covered him with a blanket so as not to wake him.

  The next morning, I woke up early for my morning run. I threw on a pair of sweatpants, my navy-blue hoodie with my high school logo, and my new air Nike sneakers Ms. V gave me for my birthday. I ran down to the kitchen to grab some water for my run. Ms. V was in the kitchen making breakfast making her famous chocolate chip pancakes and bacon.

  “Good morning, Jason,” Ms. V said.

  “Good morning,” I responded.

  I leaned in and gave her a kiss on the cheek.

  “What was that for,” she asked.

  “Just because is all,” I said.

  “Well, that was very nice, thank you. Don’t forget your vitamins. Do you want some breakfast?” she asked.

  “Can you save me some, I’m going for my 5-mile run right now,” I said.

  “Okay, be careful. It’s cold outside,”

  As I ran out the front door I saw Robert sitting in his office.

  “Hey, Robert, I’m going for my run right now. I gotta be in my best shape if I’m going to pass that physical fitness test to get into SEAL training.” I said jokingly.

  “Well hurry and get back here Mr. SEAL you have to help me clean the garage,” Robert joked.

  As I began my run, I turned and gave Robert a frown. All I had on my mind was taking my SAT and ASVAB tests next week. I had to ace them. Running always helped me clear my head. I definitely liked the feeling of euphoria after a long run. As I got back to the house, Ms. V was in the kitchen washing dishes and Robert was in the family room smoking a cigar which he often did.

  “Hey, where’s Ryan?” I asked.

  “He took off on his bike about ten minutes ago to look for you,” Robert said.

  “What for? I didn’t see him on my way back. He knows I don’t like him going off on his own like that. I’ll go out and look for him,” I said.

  “Calm down Jason, I’m sure he’s fine.” Ms. V said.

  As I was about to go out and look for him, Ryan came running into the house.

  “Hey butthead, I tried to catch up to you but you were running so fast and I was calling your name too,” Ryan said.

  “Well you know I don’t like distractions and I run with my music on. Next time just stay here,” I said.

  “Okay, sorry,” Ryan said with a sad look on his face.

  “Come here, butthead,” I said.

  I grabbed Ryan and pulled him toward me. I rubbed my hand over his head.

  “I’ll take you with me next time, okay?” I said.

  “Okay,” Ryan replied.

  “Okay you two go upstairs and clean your rooms,” Ms. V said.

  “Yes, ma’am,” we both replied.

  Ryan and I both went upstairs to clean up our rooms. I had already cleaned mine up the night before so I just sat on the side of my bed. I pulled out my U.S. Navy brochure, my ROTC recruiter recently gave it to me. As I looked through the beautiful images, I admired what each of these servicemen and women stood for. They’re on the front lines each day sacrificing their lives, not even sure if they would make it home most days or ever see their families again. I knew I had the heart and resolve to make a real difference in people’s lives. Ms. V and Robert had given me and Ryan a safe home and I will be forever grateful for that.

  Chapter 8

  About an hour later I went outside to help Robert work on his motorcycle. As I walked out of our garage, I saw a strange black SUV driving down our street. I started to run toward it to see who was inside watching us. It suddenly sped off and turned the corner. I noticed it had government plates on it. As I walked back up the driveway Robert met me.

  “Hey, who was that you were chasing after?” Robert asked.

  “I don’t know, it was a strange SUV with government plates on it,” I said.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes.”

  “Come on let’s go inside the house. I need to make a few calls.” Robert stated.

  We both went inside and Robert went around the house loc
king all the doors and windows.

  Ryan came down from his room.

  “Hey what’s going on J? Why is Robert locking all the doors and windows?” Ryan asked.

  “I don’t know, Ry. Go up to your room and I’ll be up there in a minute.”

  I watched as Robert went into his office with a panicked look of concern etched on his face.

  “Ms. V, what’s going on?”

  “I don’t know sweetie, but go upstairs I will try and find out,” she said.

  Ms. V went into Robert’s office and closed the door. I listened outside the door as they talked.

  “Hey Robert, what’s going on?” Ms. V asked.

  “I’ve just been called back in V! You know I can’t tell you more so you and the boys are not put into any danger,” Robert said.

  “Robert, I thought you were getting out once and for all. The boys and I really need you. Jason is at a sensitive time right now and needs your guidance. Ryan is very impressionable as well and looks up to you.”

  “Well V you know when they call I gotta go. Jason saw the black SUV outside and you know he’s gonna have questions. They have been watching the boys for some time now especially Jason. His test scores at school are off the chart. The agency is ready to recruit him. While we were in Montana I let them know he was ready. Why do you think that ROTC recruiter approached him when he did? Jason has some of the most natural killer instinct I have ever seen. The chemical supplements we have been giving them both, are finally starting to show results. As a result of the chemical supplements, Jason’s instincts, stamina, athleticism, and neurological functions have been highly enhanced. You weren’t there. You didn’t see how he took that bear down with just a head shot. Jason is running five miles now each morning without even blinking. I gotta go out on another mission. Make sure Jason stays on track with his supplements. It’s also time to increase Ryan’s dosage as well. I know you were apprehensive about the boys being in this program but you have to know I would never do anything to knowingly put them in danger. I didn’t tell him but the agency has already made sure of his acceptance to the Naval Academy.”

  As I listened outside the door I was in total shock as to what I was hearing them talk about. I felt a rush of anxiety and concern suddenly come over me.

  “Okay Robert, but you know Jason is entering a critical unknown stage of this program and you need to be here in case he suffers any side effects. Besides, we don’t know how Ryan will respond to the new supplements since he is done with stage one now.”

  “Don’t worry Virginia, the agency is always watching. They will make sure everything goes smoothly. His football coach, guidance counselor, English teacher, and ROTC recruiter all work for the agency and give regular reports on Jason. Call me on the satellite phone if there is an emergency. Right now, I gotta GO!”

  I quickly ran upstairs before Robert saw me. I watched from my room as he hurried into his room and started to pack a large duffle bag. I walked to his doorway.

  “Hey Robert, what’s going on?” I asked.

  “Jason, unfortunately my leave is over and I’ve been called back to active duty. I don’t know how long I will be gone this time.”

  “What about my training and everything? I’m taking my tests next week!”

  “Don’t worry, you’re gonna do great! Look out for Ryan and tell him I said bye.”

  I watched from the window as Robert jumped in his pickup truck and backed out of the driveway. I walked to Ryan’s room and knocked on the door. When he didn’t answer, I opened it and he was wearing his headphones and playing video games. I walked up and tapped him on the shoulder, startling him.

  “Hey J, you scared the heck outta me,” Ryan said.

  “Sorry Ryan, I gotta talk to you,” I said.

  “What about?”

  “Robert just left suddenly. He had to deploy on another mission,”

  “Wow really? When is he coming back?” Ryan asked.

  “I have no idea but don’t worry, I’m gonna take care of everything. Ms. V is going to look out for us for sure. If you ever see anything strange or feel like you are being followed, tell me right away.” I told him.

  “Why Jason? What is going on? You’re scaring me.” Ryan said.

  “Listen, this isn’t the first time Robert has gone away and he always comes back. Just have faith that I would never let anything happen to you or Ms. V,” I told him.

  “Okay Jason, but things seem so strange around here recently.”

  “I know Ryan, don’t worry though. I’m going to my room but I will come get you later after I talk to Ms. V.” I assured him.

  “I’m supposed to go over to Sean’s house for his sleepover birthday party tonight.”

  “Does Ms. V know about this?”

  “Yes of course, she was supposed to drop me off.”

  “Okay, I will go downstairs and remind her. I will be right back,” I said.

  “Okay.”

  I ran downstairs but Ms. V was nowhere to be found. Her car was not in the driveway either. It was strange for her to leave and not tell us. I looked on the kitchen table and there was a note from her that said: Be back soon. Ms. V!

  I went back upstairs to get Ryan to take him to Sean’s birthday party. Sean only lived two blocks away so I could just walk him over.

  “Hey Ry, I’m going to take you because Ms. V left to run an errand I guess,” I told him.

  “Okay thanks, Jason because I don’t want to miss this party. Let me grab my bag,” Ryan said.

  As Ryan grabbed his bag I wondered where Ms. V had gone. By the time we left it was almost dark and the street lights had come on. It had snowed the night before so fresh powder covered our neighborhood. We both put on our new coats and boots we had gotten for Christmas. As Ryan and I walked down the street, I noticed the same black SUV parked at the top of our block with its lights off. As we approached the corner, it started to move slowly toward us. So, I didn’t alarm Ryan, I quickened my stride. Within a few minutes we arrived at Sean’s house. Ryan rang the doorbell and Sean’s mom answered the door. I looked inside and saw other kids sitting down at the table eating pizza and birthday cake.

  “Hey boys, you’re just in time for the food.”

  “Sorry I’m a little late Ms. Martin, we had to walk over from our house,” Ryan said.

  “Okay, come inside you both must be freezing,” she said.

  “Ryan, go ahead and have fun. I’m going to run home,” I said.

  “Are you sure Jason? I’m sure Aniah would love to see you.” Ms. Martin said.

  “Sorry Ms. Martin, tell her I said hi and will see her in school later,” I said.

  “Sure thing, Jason, have a good night,” she said.

  “Hey Ry, call me when you want to come home in the morning and I will come get you,” I said.

  “Okay, get out of here I’m not a baby,” Ry expressed.

  “Okay, butthead see you tomorrow.”

  As soon as Ms. Martin closed the door I must have blinked and I was back at home putting the key in the door. When I walked in the kitchen, Ms. V was sitting at the kitchen table with tears in her eyes.

  “What’s wrong Ms. V,” I asked.

  “Jason, I don’t know how to tell you this but Robert was in a car accident,” she stated.

  “Oh My God, how? What happened,” I asked.

  “The police are saying he lost control of his truck and his brakes failed. He’s in the Veteran’s hospital in critical condition. I didn’t want to upset Ryan before he left to go to Sean’s birthday party. This is going to devastate him!”

  “I drove his truck back from Montana and it drove just fine.”

  “I know. Since his truck belongs to the government they came and picked it up before the police were able to finish their investigation. I want to know how they found out so quickly about the accident?”

  “I don’t know Ms. V but there is something I want to talk to you about.”

  “Sure sweetie, what is it?”r />
  “I have seen the same black SUV watching us on it two different separate occasions. Tonight, the same SUV followed me and Ryan to Ms. Martin’s house. I made sure Ryan didn’t know what was going on. Who are they and why are they watching us?”

  “Jason, you have to trust me. All will be explained to you when the time is right. I can’t say anymore right now. I need to get down to the VA hospital to see about Robert. Just know that I love you and Ryan very much, and I am sorry for all that is going on.”

  “Do you want me to go with you?” I asked.

  “No, stay here in case something happens and Ryan needs to come home. If I don’t come home tonight, don’t be worried. I’m probably going to see if I can stay with Robert. I know I’m not going to want to leave his side.”

  “Okay, I will stay here.”

  Chapter 9

  After Ms. V left I didn’t get any sleep that night. Before I knew it, the sun was coming up. I hadn’t heard from her all night as I’d expected. I decided to go for my morning run to clear my head. As I walked out my front door, I looked up and down my street but there was no sign of that black SUV. I put in my earbuds and started my 5-mile run.

  After thinking about what I overheard, Ms. V and Robert saying about how I was starting to change, I did start to notice the changes myself. I could now function with only about two hours sleep and at an advanced level. When I would run now I wasn’t perspiring like normal. I could complete my run and not even need my water bottle which I was now not even bringing with me. My thirst was gone. I could study for tests longer and have almost a photographic recall when it came to exams. How long had they been drugging me and Ryan? It had to have started when we first came to live with them. They were certainly careful and I never noticed anything out of the normal. I couldn’t let them know that I was aware of what they had been doing to Ryan and me. I was definitely not telling Ryan because it would freak him out. After my run I took a shower and made some breakfast. At about 11am Ms. Virginia came home.