The Death of Jacob Track (Book One of the 33X Series)

Chapter 25

CHAPTER 25

January 14, 2015

Larry was pacing in his cold, cement cell. He had only about three feet of space that wasn't occupied and it was quite pissing him off. He'd had a call from The Boss the day before that set his soul on fire. Things were being delayed. His preliminary court date was set for February 16, so they still had some time to plan things and get the escape situated.

He tried to compose himself, but really he just felt like punching or stabbing someone. He was surrounded by buffoons, and it was near driving him mad. As he made another lap around the cell, he kicked the stainless steel toilet out of frustration. His toes throbbed, but he didn't care. He waited for the guard to take him to his visit with his lawyer, John. John would be lucky if Larry didn't claw out his eyes. He couldn't take another minute in that cell. He was at his wits end. He'd been too smart, too free to end up in this place. Maybe he'd taken it all for granted. Enjoyed the finer pleasures a bit too much, and now he paid the cost. Once he escaped, he could never legally be Larry Rumsfield again. That name would be tarred with disdain forever. He would get out to help The Boss perfect 33X and the LZ Virus. That was his main goal, and apparently The Boss' facilities were well hidden. But if a time came when he was no longer needed, and they didn't kill him, he'd have to get a new identity. He would possibly even need a new face to go along with a new name. He was still well known in a lot of circles.

Thankfully all of that was still a long way off. He still had plenty of research and testing to do on both drugs. 33X was almost perfect, but just needed a few more test subjects to check for side effects. The LZ Virus still had a bit of fixing to do, but it was coming along nicely. He had actually had a successful test before he was arrested, that he had not shared with The Boss yet. He figured The Boss would be extremely angry when he found out Larry hid those tests from him.

As he paced the cell waiting for John, he remembered the first time he met The Boss. He'd just given a speech for his college final in New York. Besides the physical tests and on the job training, it was one of the last parts of his grade. He was very close to graduating and becoming a doctor. He received a standing ovation from the speech, which was quite rare from a student, and was feeling proud. After class was over, he headed for the bus stop. A large man stopped him as he waited in line.

"Excuse me; you're Larry Rumsfield, right? May I have a quick word with you?"

"Oh my bus is....I suppose as long as it's quick." Larry replied, glancing at his watch.

"I happened to be sitting in on your speech today. I quite enjoy the topic of the hippocampus, don't you? It was a splendid lecture. I don't even think the teacher could have understood as much, or explained as well as you did."

"Thank you very much. It is quite an interesting subject. I believe a lot of our medical questions on memory loss could have answers with the proper testing. Hopefully that will happen within my lifetime." Larry nodded.

"I 100% agree with you. It's all very fascinating. Would you mind missing your bus and having supper with me? My treat, of course. I'd love to sit down and have a good long chat about you and your future." The man smiled sweetly, which was odd coming from such a strong burly faced man.

Larry contemplated for a moment. He sized up the man, trying to decide if he was a serial killer or actually interested in science. He decided on the latter and they were off in the man's car, an expensive black Lexus to a restaurant a college kid couldn't afford. The man bought Larry a drink, an expensive Irish whiskey.

"Oh thank you, this is quite good." Larry nodded with gratitude.

"It's quite my pleasure. I'm afraid that I haven't even told you my name yet. It seems quite silly, but I wish to not divulge that information yet. You can just call me Boss."