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  7 - Predators & Prey

  Earlier that day Pam pulled the microphone from her lapel and dropped it gently onto the coffee table. This newest version was the smallest yet. The metal device made a light ringing sound as it struck the glass table surface, but was quickly gathered by a young female staff member. The girl was small and attractive, but moved like she was just another gear in the machine. Pam had been that way once, a long time ago. Perhaps this girl, whose name she could not remember, would work her way to the top as well. Had she herself even been that pretty in her younger days? She could not recall. Then the girl walked through the black curtain and was gone.

  Pam stood up as the producer approached. "Great job," he said. That's what he always said. Today's broadcast was an easy one, and barely required her attention. Her thoughts were elsewhere anyway. She knew that her husband, the company president, was just a few rooms away in his office making decisions of great import. The awareness that she might have very little influence on his choices worried her. Pam had made an art of being in his ear, while outwardly completely supportive. It was her job, really, and she had learned to do it quite well. Just maybe not as well today.

  Another young staff member approached, this one male. Justin, she recalled his name before he spoke, allowing her to greet him first. This always impressed the staff. He handed her the updated details for her next broadcast which was scheduled to take place in just two hours. This one would be trickier. She needed to talk to her husband.

  His office was dark, as usual. The space awarded the company president's office was more than necessary, and Charlie kept it lit only where he sat. The effect was similar to a spotlight on a tortured victim in a large dark warehouse. Only Charlie was not cuffed, nor beaten. He would be the one delivering the blows, if it every came to that. Pam approached slowly, removing all traces of apprehension from her body language. It was best to not look concerned.

  "I understand you have updated the rogue unit's orders," she said, coming to stand by his side while placing the knuckles of her delicate hands on the edge of his desk. Two rings on each hand just a fraction of an inch from scratching the desk surface.

  He looked up as if just noticing her. A ruse he was not quite able to pull off. "Yes," he replied, returning his attention to his desk. There was no paper. The office operated entirely electronically. Instead, there were two flat screen monitors embedded in the desk surface, two more at a sixty degree angle to each side, and a currently dormant holographic projector front and center. "They are level three now. Word is that they attacked a couple over in Herndon. Use of force is authorized, deadly force at the discretion of the unit leader."

  Pam sighed. They had been friends, even close friends. She felt guilty somehow that things had gone this way. Perhaps she could have encouraged her husband, Charlie to do something differently. Perhaps not. Still, it was frustrating to be excluded from the operation. It was not her job, of course. She was in charge of the two largest departments in the company, both broadcasting. The rogue operations were not supposed to be within her realm of influence. But that changed when the Vohs went rogue.

  Pam struggled to keep her composure. "Surely, you are not going to allow Stan and Vicki to be killed?"

  Charlie sat back in his seat and finally gave her his full attention. "Of course, I prefer that it doesn't come to that. But, if they resist, Thomas will have to use force. It has to be this way."

  "Thomas?" she replied in shock. "You put Thomas in charge? You put the lives of our friends in that lunatics hands?"

  "Thomas is the best at resolving these things quickly. You know that. And, he has a comparable background, which may be instrumental in tracking them down. I've given him three operatives as well. It shouldn't come to violence." Charlie then returned his attention to his desk. It was a wave of dismissal, she knew. It was more than irritating, but picking her battles was one of the most important skills she had acquired in this position. Taking a long, slow breath she turned and walked away. One last pause at the doorway hoping that he would say more, be he didn't.

  Pam was live on the air less than two hours later, getting viewers anxious for a violent rogue operation scenario. The gleam in her eye and smile on her face blackened her own heart. Violence was the last thing she wanted. But ratings rule, and she was but its servant. The company had recently reached third place in their category, largely due to Pam's enthusiastic commentary. Only LA and London had more viewers now. It was her job to make sure they did not drop in the rankings. And that subject was addressed daily at morning staff meetings by Charlie.

  Thomas, she thought. How was he even still here? She could not lose another friend to that maniac. Something had to be done. She must find them before he does, all the while appearing to not be involved. Working daily at the studio also limited her ability to physically search. See would have to rely on others.

  Charlie leaned back in his chair after he was certain his wife would not return. He faintly remembered when they were deeply in love. That was some time ago. He loved her still, in his way. And no other person drew his attention like she did. She was quite a woman in every way. But a large wedge had grown between them, a barrier that could not be easily chopped down. It was too big now, too staggering of an endeavor to even consider. Their jobs had consumed them as they rose through the ranks. Despite working together their fondness had gone stale.

  But Charlie knew the biggest division between them was caused by their daughter. He had loved that little girl so much when she was young. And he still loved her, of course. He knew that. He felt it each time he saw her. But the pain he used to feel when he ignored her no longer haunted him. He had become comfortable in how he chose to deal with his daughter. And that was what drove Pam to hating him. Hate may be too strong a word. Or, maybe not. Regardless, the two of them would never be close again. Not even after their daughter turned eighteen and went on to do whatever she desired in this world. Even then the wedge that grew would not fade. He was sure of it.

  Back to work, he told himself. No sense dwelling on the past. There was much to do. Back to work. Always, back to work, he would keep telling himself. It kept the emotions at bay, and his thoughts clear.

  8 - The Call

  Though the words were barely whispered they echoed in Tish's head, like a public announcement she couldn't take back. "Yeah, I like Aaron," she had said. For a few seconds she let it sink in. She was probably going to be out on a date with Aaron sometime next week. Susan would make sure of it.

  Just then a knock came at the door. "Tish, it's me." It was her father. He never knocked on her door. The surprise kept her from answering quickly. So, her father said, "Your mom wants to know if Susan is staying for dinner."

  Susan smiled and nodded. She obviously wanted to talk more about date plans. So, Tish answered, "Yes, she'll eat with us. Thanks dad."

  They listened intently for a reply through the door, or at least the sound of him walking away. Instead, her dad hesitated before saying, "Okay, I'll tell your mother. Um, Tish? Could I talk to you for a minute?"

  Uh-oh. Sounded serious. This was already the most her father had said to her in quite a while. She approached the door like it my pop open at her at any moment. Susan watched on amused. When she slowly opened the door, sure enough, it was her dad standing there waiting to talk. She couldn't imagine what he wanted to talk about.

  "Hi," she said, timidly. "What's up?" Tish's mind was racing through any possible reason for this conversation. Had she left something downstairs? Maybe a bra? No, she had removed her clothes in her room, of course. Did she forget some chore? Was mom okay? What could it be?

  Charlie motioned for Tish to come out into the hall, and closed the door behind her. A chandelier lit the upstairs as well as the foyer below. But the dark wood smothered much of the light, and the glass panels on the chandelier cast a hundred tiny shadows in all directions. The look on her father's face was serious. But, then again, when was it not?

  "Sorry," he sa
id in a low voice. "It's nothing serious. I didn't mean to concern you. I was just curious if your friend Aaron has been in school this week?"

  Tish turned to look at her closed bedroom door, then back at her father. Was he eavesdropping on them? No, if he was he would have heard Susan say that Tish had talked to him today. Tish squinted at her father, as if she could read more from his eyes that way. "Yeah, I saw him today. I don't know if he has been there all week, but he was definitely there today. Why?"

  Her father stood there in thought for a brief moment, then answered, "Oh, no reason." Then he turned toward the steps to go back downstairs.

  "You came up here to knock on my door for the first time in years, and ask me about Aaron, for no reason? Are you serious?" Tish was shocked the words had actually came out of her mouth. She had not challenged her father like that since she was a little girl. He never responded well. When Mr. Hawkins stopped and turned toward her she could see anger on his face, but it melted quickly.

  "Sorry," he said, in the same low voice. "I meant 'no big deal'. I haven't been able to reach his parents for a couple days, so I thought maybe they were out of town. I'll try again tomorrow. If you see him again soon let him know I was asking about his parents." Tish believed him this time. He was right. It was no big deal after all. At least for normal fathers and daughters. Then she wondered about Aaron. Didn't he say something was wrong with his parents? He also assumed that she already knew. Perhaps her father already knew.

  She was still deep in thought as she returned to her bedroom. Susan put down her phone as she walked in. "What's wrong?" she asked.

  "Oh, nothing," Tish replied quietly. "He was just asking about Aaron."

  "Are you shitting me?" Susan asked. It broke Tish from her trance. She didn't hear Susan curse very often. "Does he like have a microphone in your room, or something?"

  Tish considered it for a moment, then answered, "No. I'm sure it was just a coincidence. He was asking..." Then her cell phone rang. Actually, it was on vibrate, so it kind of danced around on her night stand making a muffled sound on the wood. Tish glanced at it then turned back to Susan.

  "Answer it," Susan said. "It might be another coincidence." Tish wasn't sure what that meant, but leaned toward her phone to see the number calling her. She didn't recognize it, so she turned back to Susan.

  "Answer it," Susan demanded. "Or I will."

  "Okay," Tish responded, slightly annoyed, not knowing what was going on with the people in her life this evening. "Hello?" Tish spoke into phone.

  "Hi Tish, this is Aaron." Tish nearly dropped the phone. Instead, she pulled it away from her face and glared at it like an evil snake that had just bitten her. What the hell was going on? Out of the corner of her eye she caught Susan smiling. Then everything made sense. Well, not everything, but at least the phone call from Aaron. She could hear his voice faintly from the phone, "Tish, are you there? Tish?"

  "Yeah, I'm here," Tish replied in a sudden rush, pulling the phone close to her. "Sorry about that. I'm here. What's up, Aaron?"

  Tish turned to face the conspirator in her room only to see her facing the other way, already on her own phone calling somebody else.

  Aaron said, "Well, I just wanted to apologize for how I acted at school. I misjudged you, and I should have known better. I'm sorry."

  "Oh, that's okay," Tish replied. She was tempted to ask what in the world was going on between her parents and his, but was afraid to push the conversation that direction. "You didn't have to call to apologize. I understand."

  "Cool. Thanks." Aaron hesitated making Tish wonder. Had he called to ask her out? Was he just too shy to ask?

  "Was there something else you wanted, Aaron?"

  "Actually, yes. It was nice to talk to you today, kind of like old times. I was just wondering, you know, if you might like to do something. Together. I mean like go out, maybe to the movies?"

  Tish blushed from Aaron's awkwardness. "Did Susan just call you?"

  "No! No, she didn't." Aaron sounded trapped.

  "Are you sure? Because we were just talking about you," Tish said, hoping to put him more at ease.

  Aaron's voice sounded a bit more confident then, "Yeah, I kind of heard. But, it was Hunter that called me. I guess Susan called him."

  "I didn't know you and Hunter were buddies."

  "Sure. Well, not like we hang out. But we're lab partners in science class and had to do some projects together this year. He's a nice guy. So, he said you might be interested, but I understand if you're not. It is kind of all the sudden. I told him it was too early..."

  "No, it's not," Tish cut in. "It's fine. I'd like to go with you to the movies. Susan said tomorrow night. Is that right?"

  "Yes! That's great! Awesome, thanks! I’m looking forward to it. I guess I'll tell Hunter we're in, and we'll set things up. Thanks, Tish. I really appreciate it. It's been too long. I'm looking forward to spending some time with you again."

  And just like that it was done. Decision to date, best friend with an active phone, and a date with her favorite guy tomorrow night. Susan and Tish were gushing with excitement the rest of the evening, even through dinner. Susan was doing her best to not reveal their plans while eating, but it was difficult for her. Tish's parents knew there was something up. Her dad was back to his silent self, but her mom inquired.

  "What's going on with you girls tonight?" asked Pam.

  "We were asked out on a double date tomorrow night," Tish announced. It did not seem to shock either adult. "Would it be alright if we accept?"

  Pam looked at her husband for approval briefly while chewing, then said, "I don't see why not. You are old enough and responsible enough to date. We talked about this before. Just don't stay out too late."

  "Thanks, mom!"

  "Yes, thanks Mrs. Hawkins!" Susan blurted out. "And you, too, Mr. Hawkins."

  Charlie finished his bite before replying in a low voice, "You are welcome."

  "Who are you girls going out with? Do we know the guys?"

  "I think so," Susan answered before Tish could respond. "I'm going out with Hunter Reynolds. He was here last summer for the pool party. And Tish was asked out by Aaron Voh." Susan was then interrupted by a loud noise from the end of the table. Charlie Hawkins had dropped his knife onto the plate and sat in shock, staring at his daughter.

  He pointed toward the stairs, "Why didn't you say something when we talked?"

  Tish was at least as shocked as her father, but at his obvious disapproval. "He called me right after that." She looked back and forth between her parents, which appeared to be communicating telepathically. Was she going to have to call off the date?

  Eventually, her mother spoke deliberately, staring at her husband though speaking to her daughter. "It's fine. There is nothing wrong with Aaron. He is a fine young man." Then she turned to Tish and reached out to rest her hand on her daughter's. "Your father was just confused. That's all. He's fine with it now. See?" Tish faced her father to find him return to eating as if nothing had happened.

  "Sorry," he said. "It's fine."

  9 - Deep Black Pools

  The next day at school did not go as slowly as Tish had feared. On Fridays the clock typically dragged through the day as if the minute hand was being forced through mud. She couldn't decide whether or not to ask Aaron about his parents. She was so looking forward to the date. Just being back in touch with him made her feel good. She didn't want to mess it up. It didn't matter anyway, because she never saw him at all in the school hallways. Worried that he didn't come to school and the date was off she questioned Hunter at the lunch table. He said as far as he knew everything was still on. Around 2 o'clock Tish received a text from Aaron: "can't wait to see you tonight." "Me too," she replied.

  Susan must have told some friends about the date and the news spread like wildfire. Girls that Tish barely knew were approaching her about the subject, speaking well of Aaron. "Oh, he's so handsome." "He's a really nice guy." And "He's so sweet." She already knew th
ese things, of course, but it was nice to have it confirmed by other girls.

  Surprisingly, though, not everybody felt that way about Aaron. Tish found two cheerleaders that were not overjoyed by her selection. When Tish questioned them they both said that Aaron was kind of scary. She couldn't believe it. "Yeah," one of the girls said. "He really spooked me out at that party last summer, when he almost got in a fight with that college guy. Remember?" Tish had heard about it, but was not present at the party.

  "Anyway, he was standing in the kitchen by himself," she continued. "I walked in to get my boyfriend a beer and saw him there. His back was to me, but I knew it was Aaron. I asked him if he was alright, but he didn't answer. I thought he might be hurt, so I asked him again and touched his arm. He jerked around so quick I dropped the beer. But the weird part was his eyes. They were so freaky! I tried to tell someone else about it at the party, but they didn't believe me. So I just didn't say anything else about it."