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Deadly Embrace (Deadly Assassins Series Book 1) Page 5
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“How is he?” I asked.
“Well he is in a coma and hasn’t woken up yet. He has swelling on the brain and some of the vertebrae in his back have been broken. They think he may be paralyzed,” she said.
“I want to see him Ms. V,” I stated.
“Okay, you can take my car and go see him. I will stay here and pick Ryan up in a little while.”
“Okay I will back in a while and we definitely have to talk.”
I drove Ms. V’s black Mercedes SUV to the VA hospital where Robert was admitted. As I parked in the lot I couldn’t help but wonder if I was being followed or watched. I walked into the hospital entrance and greeted the nurse at the admittance desk.
“Hi, I’m Jason Armell and I’m here to see Robert Armell,” I said.
“Just one moment,” the nurse responded.
As I looked down the long hallway two men in black suits started to approach me.
“Hello Jason, come with us please,” they said.
“What’s going on? Who are you people?” I asked.
“If you want to see Robert come with us now!” they demanded.
The two men escorted me to a small room. One of the guys held up a small device to my face and scanned my retina.
“Okay your identity has been confirmed. Wait in here please,” they instructed.
The small room was only about eight feet by ten feet long. I sat down at the chrome table and chair they had in the corner of the room. I looked up on the wall in the corner and saw I was being watched by a small camera. About five minutes later a man I recognized as my ROTC recruiter walked into the room.
“Hello, Jason. How are you?” Mr. Thompson asked.
“Mr. Thompson what are you doing here?”
“Jason all will be revealed to you when the time is right. Right now, I’m going to take you to see Robert, but you only have ten minutes,” he informed me.
“Okay.” I replied.
Mr. Thompson escorted me down the long hallway to a secured area. As we approached the door he leaned his face against a screen next to the door and his retina was laser scanned. Suddenly a computer voice said, “Identity Confirmed. Welcome Admiral Thompson.”
“He’s in there Jason. You have ten minutes,” he said again.
As I walked into the all-white room, I was shocked to see Robert sitting up on the side of the bed. Ms. V had told me he was in a coma and badly injured. He had tubes coming out of his chest and arms. He turned around and saw me as the door closed. I walked over and sat in the chair next to his bed.
“Jason, what’s going on? What are you doing here?” he asked.
“What do you mean Robert? I wanted to see how you were doing. Ms. V told me you were in a coma and in critical condition.”
“Yes, I was but they made me better,” he stated.
“But how? You had some severe injuries that should have taken a long time to heal,” I inquired.
“I can’t get into all the details and there’s not much time so listen to me carefully. Twenty years ago, when I enlisted I signed up for an experimental government program,” he explained.
“What kind of program,”
“A secret program they called D.S.A.T (Deadly Service Attack Team), where the government was trying to create the ultimate super soldier for combat. They chemically enhanced my DNA which made me physically stronger and I heal more rapidly than the average person. I also age slower than the average person. I run faster, jump higher, have more enhanced reflexes. My injuries basically heal overnight. There were ten of us in the beginning, but over the years I noticed they started dying, one after the other. One went crazy and committed suicide, two were in car accidents that were suspicious and one went hiking one day and was never heard from again, a few others I don’t know their statuses, and Admiral Thompson is one of them as well.”
“Really?”
“Yes. Over the years they have studied all of us for side effects of the experiments, but we all responded differently. Over the last twenty years they have been further developing the program and enlisting more participants. A few years ago, I was ordered to a meeting by the CIA director. They ordered a new program, including children of the original participants. Their recent research suggested that when the children were given the chemicals during a certain time in adolescence there would be no side effects and the changes would be permanent and there would be no maintenance needed on the part of the government. These children were to be given the DNA-changing chemicals by their parents and report the results back to the CIA who would be monitoring them at all times,” Robert explained.
“So that explains the black SUV I have been seeing around our neighborhood.”
“Yes. Also, the car accident I was in was no accident. I have files encrypted on my computer with evidence of all of this. They tried to kill me because they found out I stole the files. That’s why I don’t know why I’m still alive. Maybe it’s because they have more plans for me and they really want you and Ryan for the program.”
“Robert this is all so crazy. How are Ryan and I a part of all of this?”
“A few months after you and Ryan came to live with us, the CIA ordered me to start you and Ryan on the program. They were impressed how you rescued Ryan and escaped from that boys’ home.”
“What the HELL! How could you do this to us? We trusted you both! Ryan and I have been to hell and back. I will kill anybody that tries to hurt us! I have noticed changes in my body and mind the last couple of months. What’s going to happen to us? Are we in danger?”
“I can’t tell you anymore right now. I feel if they thought you knew anything they would have killed us all by now. Once I come home we will discuss it in more detail.”
I looked out the corner of my eye and Admiral Thompson entered the room.
“Time’s up Jason time to go,” he stressed in his voice.
“Okay,” I replied
I stood up and hugged Robert goodbye. As I hugged him he whispered in my ear, “Watch your back.”
Admiral Thompson and I left the room. As we walked down the hallway and were headed toward two armed men dressed in black, he turned to me and said, “You are not to repeat anything Robert has told you here today. We see and hear everything. Go back home as if you were never here. Do I make myself clear?”
“Yes sir,” I answered.
“Good. See you in school tomorrow. We have a lot of plans for you Jason,” he stated.
Chapter 10
As I collected my cellphone and keys from security and walked out of the VA hospital, all I could think about is that my life as I had known it was over and a new chapter was about to begin.
When I arrived home Ms. V and Ryan were sitting in the kitchen talking. On the way home Ms. V had texted me telling me not to say anything to Ryan about Robert.
“Hey dude, where you been?” Ryan asked.
“I just went out to run errands is all. Why, you so nosy butthead?” I joked.
Ryan was obviously annoyed, his face instantly turned red. I sat down on the bar stool next to Ryan and saw Ms. V had two place settings for me and him. She was making us a couple of sandwiches. There were two glasses of juice with some pills sitting next to them.
“Okay boys, take your vitamins,” she said.
I looked over at Ryan as he picked his up and placed them in his mouth. He swallowed a big gulp of juice. I sat there and looked at mine for a few seconds as Ms. V put our sandwiches on our plates. Her eyes squinted as she gave me a puzzled look. I picked up my pills and swallowed them with a sip of juice. After Ryan and I ate lunch, he went up to his room while I talked to Ms. V in the family room. I sat down on the couch across from her.
“Okay Jason, how was Robert when you went to see him?” she asked.
“He was awake and talking actually,” I answered.
“He was what? They didn’t let me see him while I was there. I sat in the waiting room all night hoping they would. So, I guess all they told me about his injuries wa
sn’t true then.”
“Oh no, it was true alright! His injuries literally healed overnight. But you already knew that would happen, didn’t you?”
“I don’t know what you mean Jason!”
I felt like Ms. V was going to start lying to me.
“No more damn games, okay? I can hear your heartbeat from over here and I know you’re lying. Robert told me everything while I was at that hospital.”
“It may not be safe to talk here Jason, let’s go outside.”
Ms. Virginia and I went outside and sat in her car.
“Yes, Robert told me all about the supplements and the experiments Ryan and I are now a part of. No more games okay? I want the truth once and for all,” I expressed.
“Yes, what Robert told you is true, but know that we never want anything to happen to you and Ryan. They said if we didn’t cooperate you and Ryan would be taken away from us. They assured us that this would make your lives better. Also, they screened the two of you when you boys came to live with us. The tests the social worker gave you both was one part of it, to see if you were viable candidates for the program. According to your scores, you and Ryan based on your past childhood experiences were perfect candidates for the super soldier program. We were told to give you the supplements daily and report the results back to them,” she said.
The questions I had for months were now finally making sense.
“Who are you reporting them to?” I asked.
“Your ROTC recruiter, Mr. Thompson. Also, Robert has healed from serious injuries before but nothing this severe and never this quickly.”
“I don’t know, but this could go so wrong really quick!” I stressed.
“Well, what changes in yourself have you noticed Jason?” she asked.
“While on the hiking trip, when I killed the bear, my reflexes were abnormally quick and without hesitation. I didn’t even blink and that bear was dead on the ground. It was like I was outside my body watching it happen. I am physically stronger and can run faster, mostly without breaking a sweat. I am more aware of my surroundings as well. My hearing is better than ever, that’s why I could tell you were lying when I heard your heartbeat quicken. I know you are telling me the truth now because it’s at a steady pace.”
“Neat trick to have, Jason.”
I know Ms. V and Robert meant us no harm and even though I haven’t seen anything but positive effects so far for myself, that doesn’t mean it’s going to be the same for Ryan. I was also troubled by the fact that they were trying to kill Robert in that car accident. But luckily, they failed.
“Okay, I don’t know all the details of the program, but what I do know is that Ryan is at the beginning stages right now. The supplements he is taking are prepping his body for the next cycle, which are supposed to chemically alter his body and parts of his brain as he goes through adolescence. Your process was sped up because of the age you were when you came to live with us. I’m sorry but the two of you were never meant to know any of this.”
“I know, but Ryan is going to have to be told later once things start happening to him. He may come to me and have questions and I won’t lie to him. I will not tell him anything right now, at least until I find out more of what is going on.”
“I think that is the best thing to do. Hopefully I will hear from Robert soon and find out when he may be coming home. Let’s go inside. You boys go back to school tomorrow and we need to go on with our lives and pray for the best.” Ms. V said.
Chapter 11
The next morning, I went for my usual run before school. As I was approaching the house I saw a new black, Range Rover in our driveway as well as a new black and red Honda CBR600R motorcycle. As I walked up to the front door and opened it, Ms. V and two men in black suits were standing in the kitchen.
“Hey, what’s going on?”
“Hi Jason, these two men were just leaving. They came to drop off the two vehicles for you outside!” Ms. V said.
“What are you serious?” I asked.
The two men in suits walked past me and left out our front door. I looked out the window and watched them as they both got into a black SUV and drove off.
“What is going on Ms. V? I asked.
“I don’t know but they just said they were ordered to deliver them to you at this address and they also bought you your motorcycle license as well.” She stated.
Ryan was getting up for school soon. I didn’t know how I was going to explain where these vehicles came from. Ms. V said we could just tell Ryan they were gifts from her and Robert and I agreed.
“Did you notice Ms. V, that they have government plates on them?” I asked her.
“Yes, I noticed that and they are both registered to you as well. I checked the registration in the glove box of the SUV. Well go on upstairs and get ready for school and wake Ryan up while I get breakfast ready,” she instructed.
“Okay.”
As I walked up the stairs I couldn’t help but feel like I was living in a dream. Each day of my life things were changing. I didn’t like the feeling of not having control of my life. Everything in life comes with a price and nothing is free. I was surprised when I walked into Ryan’s room to turn on the light, that he was already awake and sitting on the side of his bed.
“What’s wrong butthead? Time to get ready for school,” I said.
“Jason, is there something going on around here that you all are not telling me? You’re always whispering and talking outside with Ms. V. I know I’m a kid, but I’m not stupid,” Ryan said.
“I know you’re not dude. There’s just some stuff you don’t need to know right now. Haven’t I always looked out for you?”
“Yes.”
“Trust me to know I would not let anything happen to you at all. Besides I got a surprise to show you so hurry and get dressed. I’ll meet you in the kitchen.”
I hurried to my room so I could shower and get dressed. I was anxious to get to school because I had SAT prep classes today and I had a lot of studying to do. I quickly showered and got dressed. Today was ROTC so I had to wear the uniform, even the silly looking hat. Once I got to the kitchen Ryan was sitting at the table eating the breakfast Ms. V had made for us. I sat down next to him.
“Hey, why do I have to drink this gross green juice Ms. V?”
She quickly looked over at me.
“It’s good for you Ryan,” she stated.
Ms. V washed the breakfast dishes as Ryan and I grabbed our bags and walked out to the driveway.
“Surprise,” I shouted.
“Oh my God whose are those?”
“They are mine actually.”
“Where did they come from?”
“Robert and Ms. V got them for me for my birthday.”
“Really, well what do I get?” Ryan asked.
“You’re going to get something too don’t worry. Come on I’m driving you from now on.”
“Really? Cool.”
Ms. V watched from the window and waved as Ryan and I pulled out of the driveway. As I drove, Ryan started pushing all the buttons on the electronic dashboard. He was like a kid on Christmas morning. The SUV had some cool features such as heated seats and steering wheel, an automatic start, sunroof, automatic dimming of all the windows at the push of a button, satellite navigation system and radio, and voice-command controls. As I pulled up to Ryan’s school to drop him off, all eyes were on us.
“Hey, there’s Sean over there,” Ryan said.
“Okay Ms. V will pick you up this afternoon after your soccer practice because I have football practice tonight.” I told him.
Sean walked over to the passenger side of the SUV.
“Hey Jason, cool truck dude!” he said.
“Hey Sean, thanks. Okay, get going Ry before you’re late,” I said.
As Ryan got out the truck I watched him as he entered Theodore Roosevelt Middle School. I turned on the radio and turned the music up loudly as I pulled out into oncoming traffic. A few minutes later I pulled i
nto my high school’s parking lot and parked in spot number seven. After I got out and grabbed all my gear for the day from the trunk, I walked into the school I could see the other students looking and whispering to one another. I was suddenly greeted by my friend BT.
“Hey BT, what’s up dude? How was your winter break?” I asked.
“What’s up Jason? Well obviously,, not as sweet as yours. Nice ride man,” he said.
“Thanks man, it was a gift from my parents.”
“Well, we’ve got to go out with some girls this weekend for sure after the game on Friday night,” BT said.
“I don’t know man, I got to study for the SAT’s” I told him.
“Man, you’re always studying. I mean you got it all man. You’re first in our class right now and captain of the football team. I wanna be like you when I’m all grown up.”
“Alright man, I’ll catch you later at practice, I gotta go see Mr. Thompson before class.”
I walked down the hall toward the administrative offices to see Mr. Thompson.
“Hi Ms. Deeds, I’m here to see Mr. Thompson.”
“Yes Mr. Armell have a seat. He’s in with another student,” she stated.
All I could think was that I hoped he wasn’t in with another unsuspecting participant for the D.S.A.T. program.
After about ten minutes the student exited Mr. Thompson’s office and he gestured for me to come inside. As I entered his office, I closed the door and sat in the wooden chair in front of his desk.
“Well Jason, it looks like you have had a very eventful winter break.”
“Yes, I guess you could say that, sir.” I stated.
“Look Jason, I know all the recent events have come as a shock to you. I want you to see this as an opportunity unlike any ever envisioned before to serve your country. The way you handled that bear in the woods up in Montana proves that you are right for this program.”
“How did you know about that? And what’s going on with the Rover and the bike? Are they supposed to be bribes or something?” I asked.
“No, not at all. We had agents in the woods when you were out there. They were there to protect you. All the participants in the program will receive perks along the way. Ryan will as well as he progresses. You weren’t supposed to get those things ‘til you graduated but since you are doing so well I felt you deserved them now. Upon your graduation from high school, and once you move into the next phase of the program and start attending the Naval Academy, you, Robert, Virginia and Ryan will each get one million dollars deposited into accounts in each of your names. Make no mistake Jason, we take care of our own.”