Terms (The Experiments Book 3) (7 page)

“Oh, he does not.” Jake scoffed.

“Does too. And I think maybe you have a little crush on him.”

“Rickie!” Jake blasted.

Cal laughed.

“Seriously, Sarge, why else was he hanging out in your bedroom so long?”

Jake’s mouth hung open.

So did Cal’s mid bite of her cookie.

Rickie pursued. “Was he, or was he not hanging out in your bedroom for an hour?”

After a few stutters, Jake grunted. “He was hiding from you and …” he snatched the cookie from Cal’s hand. “Give me that.”

“Hey!” Cal yelled. “I can’t believe you stole my cookie.”

“Cal, you don’t need a cookie.”

“You dick!”

“Hey!” Jake barked. “What is with the name calling?”

“First you call me I’m fat and then you take away my cookie.”

“Cal let’s face it, you keep eating junk like this you will be …”

“Don’t you dare.” Cal warned.

“Fine,” Jake surrendered “But I think you should have fresh fruit, or a salad. I have things in the fridge healthier and less fattening.”

“So you do think I’m fat?” Cal grabbed another cookie

“I … you ... fuck it. I’m looking out for your best interest. You aren’t young Cal, extra fat on your heart … “ He cringed when she gasped. “What now?”

“I’m old, fat, and weak.”

“I didn’t say that.”

“Yes, you did,” Cal rebutted, “Didn’t he Rickie?”

“Cal-Babe, I heard him call you a whale just last night.”

“Oh my god.” Cal breathed out.

“What!” Jake blasted in shock. “Rickie, quit starting trouble. Cal … have a celery stick.” He reached for the plate of cookies.

Rickie dove in front. “Sarge, don’t make me go monster on you. I’ll protect Cal-Babe’s  sweet treats. Me and Sss-Bill made them. So there. And the house is clean so there.”

“That it is. Good job.” Jake told Rickie.

“I’ll let my friend know.”

Jake looked at Rickie through the corners of his eyes. “You mean to tell me you had Bill clean the house?”

“Sss-Bill.” Rickie corrected. “Yes.”

“I thought I told you to clean it.”

“You said to make sure it was clean,” Rickie said.

Cal nodded while chewing. “He has a point.”

Jake was at the point of highest frustration. “I quit. I quit. No winning with you two. And Cal …”

Cal smacked his hand. “Don’t you dare.” She growled.

Chuck’s call out of ‘Ah, fighting,” Caught everyone’s attention as he walked in the kitchen. “The family united again. How happy I am.”

“Chuck.” Cal smiled.

“Hey Cal great to see that you’re ….” He extended his arms as Cal stepped from around the counter. “You’re … you’re ….Holy shit!” Chuck stumbled back. “You’re pregnant.”

“You didn’t know.”

“Oh my God. No. I didn’t know. I mean, Jake said you gained a little weight.”

Quickly, Cal shot a glare Jake’s way.

Jake facially cringed, then regained his composure. “Everyone is getting fuckin’ demoted.”

“Sarge,” Rickie reached or the plate. “I don’t know guy, telling everyone your wife is fat, even your best friend. Sounds to me like you’re trying to get rid of the Cal-Babe.”

“Rickie,” Jake grumbled.

“Just a Rickie-Meister observation,” Rickie said. “ So, like Chuckie, isn’t Cal-Babe like a pregnant babe.”

“Um, yeah,” Chuck still spoke in shock. “Pregnant. Wow.”

Rickie nodded. “Shocked ya’. Bet ya’ didn’t think the Sarge had it in him.”

As Chuck’s hand laid upon Cal’s belly, he slowly looked at Jake. “Nope. Didn’t think the Sarge had it in him at all.”

***

“So that’s the skinny on it,” Jake kicked back with Chuck on the deck, both man drinking beer.

“Again, I’ll just say ‘wow’,” Chuck gave a shake to his head. “Wow. How are you with all this?”

“Good. Fine. Better than fine.” Jake said. “Cal and I wanted to start a family. You know this. It wasn’t the way I wanted my wife to get pregnant, but she is. And I wouldn’t want to change that now. I want to be a father. I’m ready to be a father. And those twins are nothing less than mine.” He chugged a bit of his beer.

“And what does the sperm donor have to say about you being the father?” Chuck asked.

“The sperm donor has to deal with it,” Jake said. “Billy shouldn’t have been donating his sperm in the first place.” He paused before drinking to wince at that thought. “He knows my feelings. He knows those babies will be Graison’s. And nobody outside of this household, and the select few will know the true origins of the conception.”

“Jake, people do know about how you can’t …”

“I don’t give a fuck what people know. They’ll probably think she was inseminated. That’s fine. I just don’t want people to think or know the truth. That’s all.”

“I understand,” Chuck nodded. “Man, Caldwell pulled out all stops to … to …” he hesitated. “Jake?”

“Yeah.”

“Caldwell had a hand in this,” Chuck said. “What if they … what if Caldwell claims interest in the kids?”

“I already thought of that. And rest assured, it isn’t going to happen. Over my dead body Chuck. My dead body. If it’s the last thing I do, I’ll protect what is mine. Trust me …I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure Caldwell doesn’t get their hands on my children.” Jake finished off his beer and stared out. “Whatever it takes.”

***

Caldwell Research Institute – Reston, VA

Deep, dark circles encased his bloodshot eyes like a raccoon. He growled a bit, and didn’t smell his best. But the physical aspects were the reason Greg called Stan into the office for the evening meeting.

Barely off the plane, two days without sleep, Stan was whisked to Caldwell, where he was told Dr. Haynes needed a few minutes of your time, and then you can have a day or two off.

What was so important that it couldn’t wait?

When Greg informed Stan it was about the pregnancy testing, he growled. One of many animalistic noises he made in the office.

“And this couldn’t wait?” Stan asked. “Really? The experiment doesn’t begin for four more days.”

“No, it could not wait,” Greg told him. “Do you really think this is the only thing I do? One experiment at a time? No, I want to clear my mind of this. Make sure you are on the right rack with preparations and then I can move on to other things. I’m trusting you.”

“Fine.” Stan sulked in his chair. “Go on.”

“Well, thank you very much for your interest.” Greg took a seat behind the desk. “Now, as you know, the experiment will run for two weeks. You have to coordinate with the two doctors there so we can monitor the expectant mothers constantly. I want three ultra sounds done on each one, stress tests, you name it. Stress tests will be performed after we put them through … stressful situations.”

“Nothing that will harm the babies?”

“What do you take me for, a monster?” Greg asked.

Stan only peered up.

“You’ll be more like the coordinator there. A ‘Julie’ from ’The Love Boat’ if you will.”

“Who?”

Greg waved out is hand. “Anyhow. Another aspect that you should be aware of.”

“Hold on, so you’ll be providing me with a list of activities and so forth?”

“Yes.”

“What kind of stress, normal?”

Greg only smiled.

“OK, I get it. Go on.”

“Thank you. Everything will take place on the island which isn’t far from Hilton Head. We have an old hotel we have renovated for our research facility and clinic. The rooms for the woman are being made up just like the hotel suites, so they should be quite comfortable.”

“When they aren’t stressed.”

“Exactly.” Greg said. “The left wing, floor two through four is our bionic research and development unit. There are five patients there right now. All male. And we are expecting one more.”

“I see. Billy Griffith?”

“You got it.”

“So, the timing of Billy’s bionics treatment in conjunction with the pregnancy experiment all plays into Col Graison’s role in this?”

“Whatever do you mean?”

Stan did it. He gave a look to Greg, even though through his exhaustion it was hard to tell, but the look was there. A ‘what do you take me for, an idiot’ glance. “Look, I know Cal’s pregnant and I know this is a pregnant study, but I am not buying it entirely. It’s the start of something.”

“Why did you say that?”

“I have a feeling, and I know it has to do with Graison. I know Jake. There is no way in hell he’d let his wife do this research study, if you weren’t holding those babies over his head, or her. So, what do you want with Graison?”

Dr. Jefferson’s voice emerged into the room as well. “That’s what I would like to know, too. “ he stepped further into the office. “What exactly do you want with Graison? Personally, I can see the institute wanting those children more.”

“We do.” Greg replied. “Especially if tests are conclusive after they are born. We won’t know until then, but if we can use them as leverage, we will.”

“For Graison,” Jefferson said. “Why?”

“Because he has beat us at our own game,” Greg explained. “Twice now. When everyone else believed the world was coming to an end, Graison knew better. He walks away from experiments that no one is supposed to walk away from. He’s costing us money because he’s now making sure others survive.”

Stan shook his head. “Just don’t invite him to partake in anything anymore that way he won’t beat you.”

“But that’s not what I want.” Greg said. “I could pull back, yes. But what makes this man tick? What makes him strive? What makes him continue? Determination, his wife. Lifestyle.” He shrugged. “All of the above. He claims to be unbreakable. I claim he is not unbreakable and I have …. I have investors who lost because of him, and investors that are more than willing to invest again. Only this time to see an experiment beat him.”

Jefferson nodded. “Iso stasis fourteen.”

Greg shook his head with an arrogant smile. “Not at all. Not there yet. This pregnancy thing is just the starting point, the warm up. For us to get more leverage, firing power, you name it. Perhaps a bargaining tool for even more money. No gentleman, I’d like to say that there will be another game here within a few months. Let’s call it Iso-Stasis thirteen … part two.” He grinned. “Facets of which …” he winked. “Are under way as we speak.”

***

Las Vegas, NV

“No Cal, you aren’t fat,” Aldo kicked back in his high-back leather office chair, he rocked slightly, puffing on his cigar sipping on bourbon, while on the phone. “He’s just an insensitive twit. But I wouldn’t let him live it down.” Aldo nodded as if Cal could see him. “I’ll call Haynes and get the number. Since this isn’t an isolation thing, and you’ll be able to call me, I don’t see why I can’t send you a little care package. Oh, without a doubt. He hasn’t told you about the president thing yet? Bring it up. Yep. Eat the chocolate Cal. Call your obstetrician and have …” Aldo snapped forward. “What do you mean? You have to have an OBGYN. Really? Who? Why is Caldwell making you go to a special baby doctor? That doesn’t …” A buzz on the intercom interrupted him. “Hold on Cal.” Aldo pressed the intercom. “Yes?”

“Mr. Connilucci, your appointment is here.”

“Thanks, send him in,” Aldo returned to his call. “Cal, I have to go. I’m on my last interview for head of my security. I’ll call you back.” He hung up at the same time the office door open. “Come in. Come in.”

Aldo nodded impressed by what he visually took in of the applicant. Physically he fit the bill. He looked down at the folder, and received a warm, firm handshake. As Aldo retook his seat, he knew, if the applicant presented himself as well as his background check and resume, then he probably wouldn’t have to look any further than Carter Gray.

Caldwell Medical Resort, NC

September 2
nd

There was nothing to indicate that it was nothing less than a beautiful hotel suit. A bed on a riser, couch, wall of window, nothing except, right outside the door was a very clinical looking hall complete with a nurses station.

Billy didn’t get around well on crutches, and Greg Haynes  assured him that within one month he’d be walking semi normally, in a year he’d be running.

Billy didn’t really believe that whole heartedly until he got a chance to view the bionic laboratory first hand.

He met one of the recipients. Both arms blown off while serving in the Middle East. The normal eye couldn’t tell he had prosthesis, and the feel of the skin was nearly normal, except it was a bit cold.

Billy was filled with hope.

The two extra days in the hospital had him feeling like a million bucks, and Haynes also informed him he was subject to a new antibiotic strain as well.

Billy was fast becoming a medical miracle.

The fruit basket was huge and fresh; there was just something so tropical about it. However he couldn’t recall what the temperature was like, He was whisked from plane, to ambulance to the door of the clinic that he didn’t get a chance to feel the sea air let alone breathe it in.

But something felt good to him.

He was comfortable on the couch, one crutch rested against it. A fruit basket was there, pitcher of water, and a laptop.

A single buzz caught is attention and then the nurse walked in.

Her name was Agnes, an older woman who said she was the school nurse when Greg Haynes was in high school. She was pleasant enough.

“Vitals, Mr. Griffith.”

Billy started to stand.

“No, no. Rest. We don’t want you to exhaust yourself, have a relapse and be back on the IV, do we?”

“No,” Billy said pleasantly.

“Good. Good.” She began to check his vitals. “When did you eat last? Lunch isn’t for another hour, but I am certain we can order you a tray. The food is quite good here.”

“I bet. I ate on the plane.”

Agnes wrote down the results. “I’m not sure with how this fits in with health issues but your chart has me ordering you a haircut.”

Billy laughed, and coughed “Really?”

“Shall I do that?”

“If you can.”

“I’ll have Bernard here in an hour.”

“The hospital has a staff stylist.”

“Heaven’s no,” Agnes chuckled. “Many of us live on this island, so we have a community. Bernard is the community stylist. I’ll have him stop by.”

“I’d appreciate it.”

“Do you need anything else? Television is there. Phone. Just buzz if there’s anything you need.”

“I will.”

Agnes took her medical belongings, and excused herself from the room. Billy, using the crutch, levered himself and stood. Crutch under his arm he hobbled his way to the huge wall-length picture window. The curtain was drawn.

He perched himself against the pane of glass. He could see the beach, the ocean. The waves rolled in gently, and the water was so blue.

“Awesome isn’t it?” Greg’s voice intruded into his daydreaming.

“Dr. Haynes.” Billy turned slightly.

“Welcome to Caldwell Medical Resort.” Greg said. “Really, if you’d like to stare out, I can get a you a chair. Or have someone take you to the beach. I don’t see how the warm weather can be detrimental. It could be helpful.”

“A chair would be fine.”

Greg grabbed a chair and walked to the window dragging it with him and placing it where Billy could easily utilize it.

Thank you,” Billy took a seat.

“You’re welcome.” Greg moved his crutch from the way. “So what do you think of our little paradise?”

“It’s beautiful.”

“Hell of a place to heal,” Greg said. “Agnes says your spirits are OK.”

Billy shrugged.

“Shall I assume they’ll get better once Cal arrives.”

This caught Billy’s attention.

“Thought so. She’ll be here tomorrow. Arriving alone.”

“I thought for sure Rickie would be here.”

“He will be,” Greg replied. “However Young Rickie has something else to do first. He will be accompanying Lt. Col Graison, as his escort when Jake gets his recognition at the White House.”

“Rickie … Rickie is going to the Whitehouse.”

Greg smirked. “That is one time I’d like to be a fly on the wall.”

“Speaking of Jake,” Billy said. “Can you answer me something.”

“If I can.”

“Oh you can,” Billy focused out the window. “This is an amazing place. But is it planned or purely coincident that Cal and I will be here for two weeks together.”

Greg’s mouth swished in an answering debate. He shifted his eyes to Billy. “You should know the answer to that one, Billy. We are Caldwell, the Iso-Stasis, is anything ever coincidental?” Smirk, remaining, Greg stared out the window.

***

What could possibly be taking it so long? Jake wondered. Surely, it would be a matter of seconds to get the answer he desired. So why was it taking as long as it was.

It distracted him so much; he couldn’t go over the monthly inventory schedule with Captain Murphy.

“Thursday,” Murphy said. “What do you think about a recap.”

“Of?” Jake asked.

“Inventory schedules.”

“This is rather boring, don’t you think Captain?’

Murphy choked a chuckle out, “Sir?”

“I’m sorry. I’m sorry. I’m just distracted. As soon as I get the call …” Jake perked when he saw the light blinking on his phone. “One moment.” He lifted the receiver. “Adams, tell me it’s them.”

“No Sir, it’s your wife.”

Jake breathed out. “I’ll talk to her.” He lifted a finger to Murphy and the pressed a button. “Cal, what’s up?”

“Any news yet?” she asked.

“Cal Sweetie, we have be patient. I’m not sitting here worrying, am I?”

“So then you think Rickie will pass the clearance?” Cal asked.

“Absolutely not, no.”

“What? Why?”

“Cal, please, I am certain that there is something in Rickie’s background that will pop up and prohibit him from being able to attend a function at the Whitehouse. Positive.”

“Wishful thinking.” Cal said.

“Probably yes, but I’m right about this one,” Jake replied. “And as soon as I finish up here, I’ll be home to see you.”

“When?” Cal asked.

“I haven’t a clue.”

“Guess.”

“Why is this important?” Jake asked.

“I just ... I don’t know. Can we go out to lunch? I’m really in the mood for Pizza Hut.”

“Lunch sounds great,” Jake said. “But I’m thinking something a little more healthier might be …. Hello?” Jake pulled the receiver from his ear and looked down. The light was out. “Fuck. She hung up.”

Murphy tried not to laugh.

“Anyhow,” Jake continued. “Thursday wouldn’t be a bad idea …” He saw the light blink again. “Adams,” he said as he lifted the phone. “Them?” Jake nodded with a smile. “Yes. Please put them through.” He paused. “This is Lt. Col. Graison, how can I help you?” Jake listened, and then his expression dropped. “You have to be shitting me. Really.” He huffed out. “Thank you.” Giving another signal to Murphy to hang tight, Jake pressed the direct line to Adams. “Adams, can you call my wife and tell her Rickie passed the background check. Thanks.” Just as Jake as about to hang up, he stopped. “When? Ok. Tell Col Roberts I’ll be right there?”

He hung up.

“Have to go?” Murphy asked.

“Yep. CO calls. You run.” Jake gathered his papers. “Let’s set the meeting for Thursday 1:00 PM. Tell Adams to schedule it in. Thanks.” Jake stood.

Murphy stood and snapped an attention.

Jake nodded, shook his hand, and excused himself from the office.

He let Adams know he was leaving, and made his way to Colonel Roberts office. The secretary let him right in, and Jake gave a single knock waiting for acknowledgement before entering the CO’s office.

“Jake,” Col. Roberts smiled. “Come in, come in.”

“Sir,” Jake snapped attention.

“At ease. Sit.” He motioned his hand to a chair.

“Thank you.” Jake took a seat. “My secretary said you wanted to see me?”

“Yes, and Jake, this is not business, so really at ease OK?”

“Yes.”

“I heard that you are taking Rickie with you to the White house.”

Jake winced ‘Um, yes. Yes, Sir I am. I would love to take my wife. But unfortunately she will be away.”

“On a pregnancy research study. A resort of sorts.”

Jake nodded once. “How did you know?”

“My wife, Annabel ran into Cal at Wal-Mart.”

“You’re shitting me? Son of a bitch.” Jake gave a twitch of his head in disgust.

“Problem with her running into my wife?”

“Not running into your wife, Sir. Running into your wife at Wal-Mart.”

“Lots of Wives shop at Wal-Mart son.”

“I have asked my wife if she must, then she do it in the middle of the night, Sir. I hate that store.” Jake said.

“She leaves tomorrow, correct?” Col Roberts asked.

“That is correct.”

“Now, she would be doing this study because … she is pregnant?”

“Considering it is a pregnancy study, I would say that is an accurate observation, yes, Sir.”

“Jake,” Col. Roberts wisped out. “Is there a reason you haven’t let this news out?”

“I have been really busy, Sir.”

“Are you not happy?”

“I’m very happy.” Jake said. “Do I not seem it?”

“No.”

“I am. The impending birth of my children …”

“Children?” Roberts interrupted.

“Twins.”

“Holy God, Jake.” Col. Roberts stood, so did Jake. He walked around the table to give him a congratulatory handshake. “My God, this is wonderful news. Wonderful.”

“Yes, it is.”

Col. Roberts gleamed. “I am so proud of you.”

“Thank you Sir, I am proud of my wife.”

“You dog. You really deserve this,” Col. Roberts leaned back against the desk “Now the reason for me inviting you. Anna and I would like you and Cal to come by this evening. Please bring Rickie.”

All expression dropped from Jake’s face. “He probably has plans.”

“Do you and Cal?”

“Not that I know of,” Jake replied.

“Good. Good. We’ll expect you two for dinner about seven.”

“We would love to come over, but do you mind if we refrain from having a meal?” Jake asked.

“Why?”

“To be honest, my wife eats quite a bit in her current state, and I don’t want to be an imposition.”

Col. Roberts just stared at him. “You’re joking.”

“No, sir, I am not.”

“Jake, she’s pregnant. She’s allowed to eat a lot.”

“Begging your pardon sir, but I think it’s abnormal amount. Last night, she opened fudge rippled ice cream and ate two bowls.”

Col. Roberts chuckled. “Son, can I give you some advice? Coming from a man with three children.”

“Please.”

“Let your wife eat what she wants. Don’t make her feel subconscious.”

“I’m looking out for her well being.”

“I’m sure you are.” Col. Roberts said. “But how does your wife feel about it.”

“Agrees one hundred percent.” Jake stated assuredly. “Trust me when I say, Cal wants me to look out for her best interest.”

“Rickie!” Cal snapped. “Hurry, get back to the lookout.”

“Sorry, I wanted to steal one of your sausages.” Rickie, with a link in his mouth darted from the kitchen.

Cal dumped a glob of butter on her stack of pancakes, “Rickie where’s the syrup. Where did we hide it.”

“We put it in the powder room where you keep the tampons.”

“Oh, good thinking.” Cal hurried to the powder room, and retrieved the maple syrup. “Thanks for looking out Rickie.”

“Not a problem, Cal-Babe. I think it’s abuse that the Sarge won’t let you eat.”

“Tell me about it. Just let me know if he pulls up.”

“Got it!”

Cal drenched her pancakes in syrup, the butter mixed in and created a colorful combination. She couldn’t wait to dive in and licked the syrup from her fingers. Before eating, she took a spoonful of powdered coffee creamer and added it to her coffee, then another. Grabbing the jar, she sniffed it. With a tilt of her head she grabbed another spoonful, only this time; she ejected it into her mouth. “Oh man.” She smiled. “Rickie, you have to try coffee creamer without the coffee It’s like Candy.”