Part 11. Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow
Elias found Frankie in the kitchen as usual after hastily packing most of his belongings. He stood over the stovetop keeping himself busy, preparing what smelled like chicken soup.
"Hey Frankie, what are you making today?"
"Ah, it's a rare pleasure to see you, Elias. Today's dinner consists of chicken and dumplings with a side of asparagus. What brings you here this early? Dinner isn't for another hour."
"Frankie, I need to talk with you in private. Is there any way thatwe can go to your room now?"
He said this in a near whisper, attempting to protect their privacy.
"I suppose Elias but only for a moments time. I'd rather not leave the food unattended for too long. We wouldn't want these delicious dishes burning after all."
Elias showed urgency in his behavior, practically pushing Frankie into the next room behind the kitchen and into his own.
"Frankie, we can't talk very loud since I have something crucial to ask. If you object to this, all that I ask is you letting us leave in peace, that's it."
"Whatever do you mean, Elias?"
His crisp proper British accent was tinged with concern, his brow raised as Elias explained the prior events of what had recently taken place.
"That's why we need to get out of here as quickly as possible. Will you come with us or not?"
"Elias, all I've known for years is life here...This is a major decision to be made. However, with all that you've told me, I feel that there is no other option than to confirm your request. When shall we leave?"
"Good, I'm relieved you feel the same. We're leaving in less than an hour. We're planning on meeting in this dining room before dinner is prepared and taking the lower levels in order to make our exit. Let's see, how about coming up with an excuse of some sort in order to leave?"
"Hmm, yes, I believe I shall act as though I'm ill at the last minute, requesting another chef to take over for me. I'll make certain to arrive on time."
"Great, I'm going to try and find Ada now. Sometimes she's in the next room beside mine in the lab but still it's not that often we see each other. Do you know where she could be now?"
"I'm sorry, I don't. I do however need to return to the kitchen and wish you luck in finding her. I'd rather not spoil your plan."
"Of course, thanks again Frankie."
They swiftly parted ways, both walking quickly. He had no idea if she had an assignment to complete; let alone chose to remain with the company. It had been nearly two months since they'd even crossed paths. He chose to begin with the many different labs on the first lower level then work his way down while casually walking past them all. He had five floors, more than thirty rooms and less than forty minutes to work with. This wouldn't exactly be a walk in the park.
Before he knew it, only twelve minutes remained. While looking down at his wrist watch he shook his head sighing out of frustration, nearly running into someone before stopping himself. Just like that, there she was now, side-stepping while walking past him. She scoffed, shook her head then readjusted herself. He wondered what she could be doing here at G4 then decided against questioning that right away, asking the more important matter instead.
"Hey Ada, wait up. There's something I need to discuss with you. It will only take a minute."
She gave an irritated look then crossed her arms, turning his way.
"Whatever it is, you better make it fast because I have a test run that needs completed within the next ten minutes."
"Look, we need to talk in private and I know just where to go."
He gestured for her to follow which she reluctantly did at first, almost mistaking his behavior as flirting. She followed him to his room on G3 which had previously been a lab but converted recently into a room since his full recovery three years ago. As soon as the door closed he explained the drastic events which had taken place up until now, asking urgently for her to come.
"Ada, you and I both know how much this would mean to Wynnie for your approval. She'd miss you and I would too. Things just wouldn't be the same without you."
She gave a sigh, running a hand through her hair then merely replied with a nod.
"Okay, so you're coming with us?"
"Yes but I'm guessing we don't have much time? Where are we meeting to leave?"
"In the front entrances dining room, ten minutes. I can come to help you pack."
She shrugged her shoulders while leading the way to her chambers for a change. He had two thick briefcases in hand which really contained a good deal of his belongings. She followed suit, the two placing most of her items into only one briefcase.
"Damn and I thought I traveled light."
She scoffed again, nonchalantly allowing him to take the lead.
Meanwhile Albert strode to Heath's room finding no one there. He checked nearly every corridor throughout the mansion, as well as both courtyards only to be filled with disappointment. He just then had an idea, choosing to fax a brief message which read "New Assignment. Return Immediately."
As for Wynnie, she attempted to remain as calm as possible, proceeding down the hallway near Marcus's chambers. Two guards raised their brows in surprise but before she could come any closer, Krauser cut her off while making his way down an adjacent hall.
"Where are we going to today, little Wynnie? It's been a good while since Spencer allowed you free roam. In fact, where is your "daddy" now?"
She took a deep breath again, rubbing both arms while shifting her weight. Lips parted while feeling his hand grasp firmly around her forearm, pulling her close.
"Why can't you look me in the eye, Miss Wynnie?"
"I need to get going now so let go."
He smirked, pulling her the opposite direction she desired.
"Don't make a scene today sweetheart. Let's talk first, how about privately?"
She stiffened in his embrace yet allowed him to lead her nonetheless. She reluctantly agreed, not wanting the situation to be any harder than necessary. When they nearly arrived at his room, she faked an injury, pretending to sprain an ankle.
'Anything is better than being left alone with him. I know he's been planning this for years.'
When they turned she forcefully fell onto her side, clutching her right ankle.
"Ow! I think I sprained it...Tsk, I'm just not used to walking in heels yet. I need to go to the infirmary!"
He let out an agitated sigh, unfortunately not seeming to fall for the act.
"If the bone isn't broken then there's no need. All you should do is rest the ankle. Here."
He lent her a shoulder, helping her back up.
'Damn and I thought that would work. I need to conjure up another idea, fast.'
After closing his door he helped her sit on his bed, her legs hovering over the metallic ground. She covered her chest still averting her gaze.
"Jack, I don't feel comfortable staying here and imposing upon your personal space. I really should get back to what I was going to do..."
"And what was that?"
She couldn't meet his gaze. He'd see right through her lie if so.
"That's to remain confidential. Oswell wants me to return back to his bed anyway."
"Peculiar how a notification isn't ringing on my cell phone, isn't it? He would have requested you back by this point. What did you do?"
He said this all with a cheshire grin, wishing for the lie to become exposed. She could tell he wanted her to walk right into the guilt-trap.
"I did nothing. I want to leave now and he won't be pleased if my presence is delayed. Perhaps he's preoccupied with his own reflection in a mirror. How am I supposed to know where he's at at all times or what he's doing? If you had any sense then you'd allow me to leave."
She casted a fierce glare his way while speaking, gaze gradually trailing from the ground up. He wasn't exactly unattractive by no means, her gut feeling just warned her that leaving was the most important priority. There had also been something about him that didn't sit well with her, it never had. She couldn't quite place it- whether it came from his tone or behavior, either way, he couldn't be trusted. Regardless, she couldn't physically best him nor would an emotional ploy work. Unless someone came to help then their plan would almost certainly fail.
'I may have no other option than to tell the truth. He'll almost certainly expose us though...'
"Why don't you stay here while I personally find out what's wrong."
Before he could leave she stopped him, grabbing onto his arm this time.
"If I tell you the truth then will you promise me something?"
"It depends what you say."
He turned around, her grip now released.
"Owsell tried to rape me and he's dead now. Elias, Albert and myself are planning to leave soon. We want you to come with us and I'd like to trust you, Jack although I'm not sure that I can. There must have been something that caused you to change over time and it hasn't been for the better. You used to be good...What happened to you?"
"I grew up. I suggest for you to do the same if you expect to survive in this world. Many people will only betray you in the end. The sooner you realize that the better."
"Well then, what will you do now?"
"If I had any sense, I'd keep you here."
"That's it then? You're choosing to be just as selfish and horrible as Oswell had been?"
Her gaze changed from bitter to heartbroken almost instantly, head hanging low and shaking slowly in disappointment.
"Go. Don't let me catch you back here again. I don't want to even see your face."
"Why won't you come with us? I see that there's still good in you! Not all people are-"
"I won't repeat myself again."
"Jack-"
He input his electronic code with ease just like before, releasing the door's lock and casted a stern look her way, moving to the side.
"Just think it over, all right? It won't be the same without you and I'll have no other choice but to come find you."
She hopped off the bed, frowning upon discovering that he wouldn't even look her way. He must have noticed she didn't limp because a faint smile revealed itself. Before she left he did something unexpected.
"James is in his usual location."
The question of how he knew didn't need to be asked. It had been more than obvious. She suddenly knew why he was doing this. He knew he could never have a life like hers and just knowing that hurt too badly. For his own personal reasons, he couldn't be free.
After taking her exit she wanted to continue her attempts of convincing him but the door closed before that could happen.
"I know you have to be a good guy, Jack. Thank you."
She said this softly while leaning against the door slowly walking towards the only other place he could be aside from his room.
Just then Heath returned, crossing paths with Elias and Ada. He didn't find it all that strange although Elias still picked up on what Albert must have tried to do.
"I need to talk with you for a moment Heath, if it isn't too muchtrouble. Ada, why don't you go ahead and I'll catch up"
She shrugged, continuing on her way. Heath raised a brow while following Elias into his room wondering what he could possibly need. Rarely did either man talk with the other let alone cross paths due to occupation difference. Elias explained everything to him just as he had to the others before.
"Are you coming or not? I need to know now because we're almost outof time."
He pondered what had been said for a moment then agreed rather reluctantly.
"Why not. This company has nothing to offer me anymore. We can find opportunities elsewhere."
"That's the spirit! I knew you'd agree!"
Both men entered the dining room, slightly disappointed finding that not all were gathered. Only Wynnie was missing.
Right then she somberly walked into the door, unable to hold back tears any longer. She placed the back of her hand against her lips, turning away from the group. They gave her a moment to regain composure knowing that space was required too.
"I found Dr. Marcus dead in his lab. It looked like a suicide...His...His skin was so pale. He must have ingested some sort of substance because it seemed like he died while sleeping."
Elias tilted his head, curiously asking "What about Jack?"
"He refused and just told me to go."
Elias checked his watch noticing that no time remained as a soft beeping sound from his watch was heard.
"We've failed."
Right then, loud buzzing sounds coming from an alarm were heard. It seemed as though an anomaly had occured in a lab on G2 which was the same floor that Jack resided on.
"He stayed behind in order to buy us time..."
Wynnie's face lit up as she laughed- almost in a high pitched crazed laugh but a joyful one nonetheless- jumping up and down once.
"He really saved us! We have to go back and get him!"
"Wynnie, I don't think that's what he intended for. He can fend for himself, he'll find his own way out, don't worry. We all just need to get the hell out of here while everyone else is going in the opposite direction."
She looked somewhat saddened by his response yet followed along anyway, deciding he was more than likely correct. Elias ran by Wynnie's side grabbing ahold her hand in order to keep her balanced. Ada ran beside Heath and Albert lagged behind with Frankie in order to help if any guards tried attacking when they arrived in the parking garage. It seemed that everything passed by in a rush as they arrived in seconds, awkwardly waiting for the elevator to arrive at the ground floor.
Just as all anticipated, no one else could be found there. Wynnie, Heath and Frankie were even more shocked when no guard asked why they had suitcases trailing behind them minutes before. Jack could have been aware of their intentions for some time and mislead the guards even further.
Just as Elias had promised a lone black hummer remained parked in the far back. He told the others to stay there while he went to where the attendant should have been at his post, strolling in and grabbing several keys. He rushed to the vehicle, trying each one.
"It should be one of these here. Won't know until we try them all."
He threw the other two on the ground after discovering which one worked, electronically unlocking the doors. Everyone got in as he started the engine already having raised the crossing bar. They sped off into uncertainty, unsure where the road may take them.
Wynnie couldn't tell for certain, yet, she could have sworn she saw a silhouette resembling Jack's pass by before their final departure along with what appeared to be a small number of guards. It wouldn't be long til the two had another encounter, she was sure of it.