16Sunsets – Epilogue

Anne stared through a window – two planes of glass with diagonal wiring sandwiched between them. She hadn’t seen Bree in three weeks – ever since the events at the cabin. She had rode in silence in the helicopter, staring at the little girl she once respected, and now feared.

She had thought briefly of refusing Globe, but during the entire flight, Globe made sure Bree was the closest to Anne. If Anne were to die, she would likely be reborn at the expense of the little girl.

Globe had let Anne wander the halls of the underground facility. He acted as if she were unimportant to him. She was barred from every location save the commissary, her quarters and this one room.

She placed her hand on the glass and peered through. Peter and his only son lay strapped to gurneys, respirators forcing them to breathe. Dialysis machines strummed steadily as their blood was pumped out into an unknown machine and returned to their veins. An array of batteries lined one wall, poised to provide power to the machines forcing the two men to stay alive. Every day she wished they would die – not knowing what tests Globe and his army of doctors were doing to them.

A reflection on the glass drew her attention away from the grisly sight beyond the glass.

“There you are, Anne.”

Anne ignored Globe, so he continued. “These machines will keep the two of them alive indefinitely.” He crossed his arms and stared into the room. “The chemicals we pour into them keep them unconscious.”

Anne scoffed.

“Neither alive nor dead. These two will provide enough research to keep us busy for years to come.” His phone chirped and he looked at the display. “It looks as if Denisha has a job for you to do.”

Anne ignored him.

Globe reached up and grabbed the back of Anne’s head. He pushed it against the glass, torqueing her head to the side so she was forced to see a third gurney.

“You can join your friends any time you feel as if you’re unable to continue.” He whispered into her ear. “I would so enjoy examining the leader of the Jade Council, up close and personal.”

Globe released her and strode out of the room. She watched him leave, fighting back tears. Is there anyone who can stop this madman? She thought as she turned to follow Globe.

* * *

Joaquin staggered out of the trees and flagged down a car driving slowly on the service road. The car stopped and Joaquin ran to the driver side window. “I need your help, yo!” he called out to the driver. As the window recessed into the door, Joaquin recognized the driver.

“You?” he stammered.

Detective Frank Massey leaned over and lifted the door lock on the passenger side. He pulled on the handle and swung the passenger door open. He turned to Joaquin. “Get in Joaquin, we have work to do.”