Solaria Series: Solaria Part 29

"Are you asking me to quit and go with you?"

"Yes and no. As you know, this isn't a place you just leave but if I don't, now, it will never happen. I think Stalling is going to bring this place down with his craziness and I don't plan on being here when it happens."

"What does this have to do with me?"

"That's up to you. If I leave, Stalling will want to know where I am. He'll want to question you and we both know his methods aren't exactly friendly."

Kari's hands trembled slightly. She knew exactly what Finton meant.

"That's why I've asked you in here. I'm fond of you. You're one of the few people I trust. If you're willing to help me, I'll help you disappear."

"Where can I go that the Company can't find me?"

"Contrary to what you think, it's a big world out there. I can destroy any records on you in our network and give you a new ident.i.ty. With a few facial modifications, you can go anywhere you want."

"I... I don't know what to say," Kari said, hesitantly.

"I'm not expecting an answer right now, but I need to know something in the next day or so. Take the rest of the day off and think about it."

Nodding, Kari stood and left without saying a word. She had been thinking about leaving the Company after Dr. Branson's death but wasn't sure how to pursue it. This was the opportunity she was looking for... -or was it? If she resigned, she wasn't sure how secure her future would be knowing what she knew about their operations. On the other hand, simply disappearing meant she would be hunted down, and if caught, killed. Of course she could take her chances and stay. Stalling might reward her for her loyalty. That would mean betraying Finton.

Not a lot of choices, she thought. And all bad!

Grabbing her handbag, she decided to drive into the mountains. The trip would give her time to consider her options.

Finton watched his secretary leave and hoped he hadn't made a mistake confiding in her. Normally, not sentimental, he wondered why he was taking such a chance. Hopefully, this one lapse in judgment wasn't going to cost him his life.

CHAPTER 34.

IT HAD BEEN OVER a week since Jain had returned home from Solaria's place. She knew she couldn't take a chance on going back. The library and her condo were under constant surveillance. She was being followed everywhere, which was getting pretty annoying.

When Betta had called her about Solaria's illness, she knew the Hubot was out of her element. No matter how much knowledge she had stored in her memory banks, only firsthand experience could prepare her for the reality of a failed biological system.

d.a.m.n! I'm beginning to sound like them, she thought, remembering the day the phone rang at the library.

"Public Library, this is Ms. Plaine."

"Ms. Plaine, this is Ms. Dayes' personal a.s.sistant. She will be late returning her books due to a serious illness."

Jain recognized Betta's monotone voice and knew the Hubot wouldn't have called if the situation wasn't serious.

"I see. Is she able to come to the phone? Perhaps I can make arrangements to pick them up."

"She isn't able to get out of bed, but I've promised to arrange for them to be returned to the library's drop box. Unfortunately, it won't be until after you've closed. I hope that is satisfactory."

"That's fine. The books aren't on anyone's waiting list. Please give her my regards and tell her not to worry."

The click of the phone told Jain that Betta had hung up.

I need to talk to her about phone etiquette.

At 6:15, Jain locked the library door, wondering how she was going to get to Solaria's without being followed. Glancing up and down the street, she noticed the visible absence of the black SOLR-V and frowned.

They're getting better at hiding. This isn't good!

Unlocking her car, she opened the door and noticed a note on the seat and read it.

Come now!

That's it? Come now? She's not much for words, Jain thought, folding the note carefully. Obviously, Betta had done something to distract the agents. She couldn't wait to find out what.

Twenty-five minutes later, Jain was at Solaria's home examining the unconscious woman. Betta stood helplessly by, not sure what to do. Her programming had never prepared her for this type of situation.

"It looks like the flu or something. How long has she been unconscious?"

"Seven hours, forty-one minutes and thirty-three seconds that I'm aware."

Giving Betta an exasperated look, Jain sighed.

"Couldn't you have called me five minutes and ten seconds after you discovered her this way?"

"Sarcasm," Betta replied stoically. "It seems to be a common practice amongst humans."

"Only as a last resort," Jain countered and then chuckled. "We need to cool her down. She's running a temperature."

"Would you like me to get ice?"

"No... Yes, I mean, but put only a small amount in a bowl of water and bring a wash cloth. I'll show you how to do it. Then I'll cook some broth. She needs nourishment, too."

For the next two days, they alternated between giving Solaria sponge baths and trying to get her to drink some broth. Jain had called Amy to say she wasn't coming in to work for a few days.

When Solaria finally woke up, she was ecstatic but exhausted. After spending another day monitoring her temperature and making sure she was able to eat, Jain was anxious to return home. It was relief turning everything back over to Betta so that she could get a good night's rest.

CHAPTER 35.

IT WAS RARE that anyone called on his private phone, let alone so late at night. Bleary eyed, he grabbed at it, knocking it off the cradle.

"f.u.c.k!" he grumbled, grabbing it angrily. "Stalling, and this had better be important," he growled.

After listening to the caller, he straightened up in bed.

"Are you sure about this?...Did he say anything else?...I see... No, you did the right thing. I appreciate loyalty. You'll be aptly rewarded... No, just go about you business like you normally do... Yes, we'll talk again later today. Thank you for calling, Ms. Colton."

Slamming the phone on the receiver, Stalling threw the sheets aside and got up.

"Well, well, well," he murmured, pacing back and forth. "It makes you wonder if you can trust anyone anymore."

Lawton fidgeted nervously. Receiving a call from Winston Stalling at three in the morning didn't bode well, especially considering he had already screwed up by letting the beta and her charge slip past him at the hotel.

I'm f.u.c.ked! he thought, glancing at his watch. It was ten minutes after six. Stalling had requested his presence at 6:00 a.m.

At least the a.s.shole could be on time if he's going to fire me!

At that moment the CEO's office door opened and Stalling motioned him in.

"Thank you for coming so early, Mr. Lawton."

"It's not a problem, sir," Lawton replied, wanting to loosen his collar but afraid to do so. I can't let him know I'm nervous.

"That's what I like to hear. I expect my people to be available 24/7 when necessary."

"Of course, sir. I can understand why."

G.o.d, I'm such a sucka.s.s!

Stalling nodded, liking his employee's response. "Good! I'm sure you're wondering why I called you in so early."

"Yes sir. Normally Mr. Finton is the one who calls."

"Yes, well, circ.u.mstances have changed recently. I've been reviewing your personnel file."

s.h.i.+t! Here it comes!

"With the exception of that little fiasco at the hotel, you have an exemplary record. I can see you're a very loyal and dedicated company man."

"Yes, sir. I'm sorry about the hotel thing. I swear those two didn't slip away on my watch."

"I believe you, Mr. Lawton. I'm confident you'll find out what happened and put an end to the mystery... but that's not why I've called you here."

"Thank you for your confidence, Mr. Stalling. It means a lot," Lawton began to relax. It was obvious he hadn't been summoned to be fired.

Stalling nodded and continued on, ignoring Lawton's comment.

"I've decided I need a new chief security officer and I'm considering you."

Lawton was stunned.

"Me, sir!"

"Yes, but before I make up my mind, I need to know a few things."

"Certainly! Has something happened to Mr. Finton?"

"We'll discuss him in a few minutes. Right now I want to discuss you. I see you've been with us for eighteen years. Are you satisfied with your work?"

"Satisfied? If you're asking if I like my job, yes, I do."

"As my CSO, you realize you'll be involved in all aspects of the Company's security. Sometimes there are things that need done that are... well, let's just say, not very pleasant. How do you feel about that?"

"Over the years, I've done a few things that I didn't like, but Mr. Finton a.s.sured me it was necessary for the Company's benefit. I've never questioned his judgment. There's no reason to question yours, sir."

"So, if theoretically you were instructed to rid the Company of a problem, you would do it without question?"

"It's not my job to question orders."

"That's what I want to hear. I think you may be perfect for the position. That brings me to Mr.Finton. He's become a liability."

"I see. You want me to remove this liability."

"That's exactly what I want."

"Is there any particular way or time frame this has to be done?"

"As soon as possible."

"I'll take care of him. Is there anything else you want?"

"One more thing. Kari Colton is also a problem."

"I'll take care of her too."

"I like your att.i.tude, Mr. Lawton. I'm sure we're going to get along quite well. You do understand that I won't be able to make this official until you've completed your business. No use raising red flags in Personnel, if you know what I mean."

"Certainly! It only makes sense. Is that all?"

"For now. I expect to hear from you in the next two days... oh, and make sure Finton is first if possible. He'll be suspicious if something happens to his secretary."

Lawton nodded his understanding and stood.

"I'll let you know as soon as it's done."