Chapter: 14
Author: Evidence
Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: Thanks to D and Maple Street. We are very close to the end now- an end that got significantly changed due to the response Thomas received. So Thomas says "Thank you."
The night was there encasing everyone living or dead in its darkness. The night was the ruler of the future knowing what would happen before dawn, knowing what new victims would be claimed. In the night, in a large populated state fate was skillfully guiding its players in the doll house called life, to their positions on the stage…
The large floodlights acted as beckons searching for the dead souls, calling them out. Light dawning surrounded in darkness. Danny Taylor and Martin Fitzgerald had witnessed death several times but never so many souls at once. So far Podena's farm had yielded 14 bodies and more were sure to be found. Danny swallowed hard looking at the bones; the only remains left for loved ones to receive. Martin felt a shiver go through him at the senseless nature of violence.
Meanwhile Vivian Johnson stood over the body of Franklin Podena's latest victim. A 45-year-old man who had been knifed on the street. Forensics had discovered a paper that yielded information. Vivian watched the crew finish up as she looked through the man's wallet. Her eyes began to tear at the sight of Mr. Derek Gibson's two sons and wife.
In a deserted warehouse sat Franklin Podena mixing up the chemicals to his bomb. A smug smile was inscribed on his lips. In a matter of minutes everything would change. He would be dead but would leave behind a legacy.
Thomas Spade sat on an empty crate next to Shauna McClaine. She was telling him about the bakery but he was half listening. His eyes were peaked waiting for some of Podena's morphical followers to find them.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
"I'm fine," he replied just then noticing the flour on her face. "You have..," he smiled.
"What?"
"Flour." He took the palm of his right hand and wiped her face.
"Thanks," she said swallowing.
The sensation of their flesh touching made chills go up his spine.
"Should we find a phone and call the police?" Shauna asked searching for something to say.
"We can't talk to the cops, they are aliens set to destroy the earth."
"Wh…what?" Shauna asked her eyes wide.
"Don't worry, I know someone we can talk to my cousin Samantha Spade."
"Sam Spade," she said the name slowly. "I thought you were talking about the character in the book."
"No, I was talking about my cousin. She works for the FBI but she is not like them she is pure of heart." He smiled at the pretty girl.
Shauna's emotions were all tangled up. She really liked this guy but now the way he talked, it frightened her.
"My name is Thomas Spade by the way," he said.
"Shauna McClaine."
He looked deeply into her dark eyes. "Something has changed inside of you. What's the matter?"
She looked at the ground. "You talk kind of…"
"Crazy?" he filled in.
"Yeah…"
"I know I do but my heart is kind. Would you rather know someone who acts sane but has a heart that is untrue?"
Shauna couldn't resist a grin. "I guess not. I have known some insane guys who appeared normal on the surface."
"See with me you already know I'm…odd but no liar. You see what you get with me. My heart is true." He saw his opportunity then and reached in for a kiss.
Their lips met and a thousand sensations went through their souls.
"Wow," Shauna replied when they parted. "Just like in "For Whom the Bells Toll".
"You mean when the earth moves under the couples' feet from showing their love?"
"Yes," she replied her smile widening. "You read Hemingway?"
"When there is nothing good on TV," he said with a wink.
Vivian put the piece of paper in the clear bag down on Samantha's desk. "Podena's whereabouts. Do you still want to go through with this?"
"I have to, I can't let Tommy die," she said getting up but feeling a little shaky. She held on to her desk as if it would somehow give her the courage.
"Sam," Jack said approaching, "The tactical team is ready. I don't think you should do this. Let me handle it."
"No, Jack I need to be the one, besides Podena asked for me."
"You do realize Thomas could already be dead." Jack put his hand to her shoulder.
"I know but if he isn't…"
He knew her well enough to know that nothing was going to change her mind.
"Okay, I'll be right outside that building."
"Thank you," she replied.
Across New York State that late night people were getting ready for bed, some wear cuddling with their loved one watching a movie, others were busy paying bills. On a farm in Altamont, two FBI agents were witnessing the results of a psychopath. The Gibson family in Queens was hearing the horrific news that daddy would never come home again. A sick man was making his destiny in the form of a destructive bomb. The FBI were gathering their bulletproof vests, loading their weapons. One agent's heart was heavy wishing he could tell the woman he loved his true feelings. Another was quivering but trying her best to act calm. While the one she was about to risk her life for was now sharing a second kiss. The night was dark and death was in the air.
To be continued…