The End of Days

[39]

"Just put the gun away, man. Liam, put it down! Now!" He hardly registered Jack's strained calls, the pistol in his hands locked onto Everette who remained unsettling calm.

"It's testing, right? All that shit your hiding, the prisoners and the fucking labcoats." His jaw gripped harder at the lack of an answer, gun shifting finally to Jack.

"You told him, didn't you? I'm guessing you guys have some angle your working otherwise I'd be dead so one of you please answer my fucking questions! Fucking answer me Jack!"

"That's enough, boys." Everette spoke finally.

The deafening silence came, gun shifting between them not knowing who he wanted to kill more. Either way, he wasn't making it out of there alive right? Might as well take the shot.

"Jack has told me a lot about you over the last few weeks. I know that look and yes, I do know your secret. We will absolutely be discussing that here soon but no, I mean you. Intuitive, willful, strong. I never much appreciated my sons..unique interests but I guess I should count myself lucky. Worked out well in my favor so..at least I can be proud of him for that. Wouldn't you say, Jackson?"

Jack bit back a response, his only focus being Liam. He turned away from the desperate eyes trying to reach him, telling him to back down. "I asked a question." His father remained cold. Jack gave a dutiful, "Yes sir."

"Now, Liam. I know all the crazy things you must be imagining of me at the moment. And I won't lie, you might not be too far off. But I know you have concerns so let me assure you. Those children, Paige and little Freddy I believe? Their safe. There are civilians here, innocent folks. They're in good hands. I know you're smart enough to realize you won't be walking out of here like you came but whatever happens, they will stay safe. Are we clear?"

Liam refused to budge for several moments, scrutinizing his facial features for any sign of deception or even the slightest hint of cruelty. All he could see was some guy in slacks. Normal, compassionate, human. But that couldn't be true could it? The corpses and the beatings, the secrets said otherwise.

He set the weapon down on the desk before him, gaze firm. Everette smiled appreciatively and began to stand. "Good man. I know it's a hard concept, trust. This world, this life..mm. But I need your trust, just for the next- let's start with a half an hour. I'll show you around, answer any of your questions."

"You're a killer disguised as a leader. What's this all about, just tell me that. Why you?"

"Because why not?" He shrugged, stepping close with that look. "I'm no saint Liam. Being in charge, doing whatever it takes- it's not easy. Certainly isn't pretty. But someone needs to and I figure..well if I can then I should right?

"My wife is dead, my boy- he died overseas. Following in his father's footsteps. I've got nothing to lose. But those people out there do, families and loved ones. They need someone to save them, the world needs it. I'm doing my part the best I can but now here you are."

"I don't owe the world shit, why would I sacrifice myself?"

"Heh, im told that's kind of what you do. You're the hero, correct? One of the good guys? Take a bullet, take a bite? That sort of thing?" Liam grabbed at the hand on his shoulder, nearly threatening to break it but Everette's look of impressment only warded him off.

"How bout I make you a deal. If you cooperate with me and my doctors, I'll let the prisoners go. I won't need them once I have you. And whatever comes of our successes for a cure, however long it takes- your kids will be the first recipients. Wins all around, right? What do you say, hero?"