Double Take

Double Take-Chapter 12

Chapter 12

          The most annoying sound in the world is, without a doubt, an alarm clock. Mine in particular. It jarred my sleepy body out of bed and forced me awake long before I was ready. But it was essential I go out to the farm. I slipped on some clothes but left my bag behind. Instead, I stuffed a few gum pieces in my pockets, and left SS in my room altogether. Though it best not to bring it too training either.

          I tried to shake the sleep out of my eyes as I ate a blueberry pop tart. Dad came down the stairs in his suit with a briefcase in tow. He primed the coffee maker and grabbed a mug from the cabinet. A deep sigh followed and he slowly took a seat next to me.

          “How are you going to get from the farm to drama class?”

          “I think it’s not that far.”

          “Clyde, it’s several miles. You can call me and I may be able to drive you over to school.”

          “No, it’s okay, I’ll just walk. You know I like to do that anyway.”

          “Okay, just be careful, please?”

          “You got it, Dad. I’ll stay in the populated areas of town and close to the roads.”

          He smiled and let out a little chuckle. “That’s my boy.”

          We sat in silence while his coffee perked. When it was brewed, he poured some into a thermos and announced, “Let’s go.” I scooted out of the chair and followed him into the car.  

*        *        *

          The car slowed to a stop outside of the entrance.

“You know where you’re going?” Dad inquired.

“Yeah, I’ all set. Have fun at work.” I tried to sound calm, yet I was shaking inside.

“Be back for supper!” He stuck his head out of the window, driving away. The dust settled and I was alone. Now where do I go? I looked around and saw countless windmills standing hundreds of feet in the air. The grass was lushly flourishing around me, except for the dirt road that led up to where I was standing. There were a few abandoned shacks randomly placed, containing what, I had no idea. There was a little trail separating the two rows of windmills. I had no idea where Byron was.

Then I spotted the main headquarters a couple hundred feet away. It looked dark inside, but then again, why would they have the lights on? I looked for any cover, but found nothing. I made a dash for it. I sprinted forward and arrived at it instantly. I pressed my back to the wall, listening for any sound. A minute later, I approached the back door, still hugging the wall. I stooped down to eye level with the knob. I reached my hand over to open the door…

WHAM! The door sprung from its hinges and pinned my right arm to the ground. I felt a prick in my arm, and saw a masked figure above me. My vision blurred, and then black consumed me.

*        *        *

Cold water ran down my hair and face and soaked my shirt. I shook my head to get the loose beads of sweat and water off. My hands were secured along with my legs to the metal chair I was sitting in. I suddenly became very aware of how weak I was. I tried breaking the restraints, but they barely budged. I tried again, and again, and again, yet nothing happened. I hung my head and closed my eyes, too tired to continue.

“My, don’t you look wonderful, Clyde?”

I lifted my head, and Byron stood in front of me, with a syringe. My eyes focused on the needle. Byron noticed.