Chapter 4
"Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box." -Italian Proverb
Once out of the city, traveling had become easier. There were less pile ups on the interstate as the trio rode further east away from San Diego and out into the open. Some cars were still smoldering as Darien, Hobbes and Claire drove by. Each of them would cover their noses and mouths to keep from smelling the stench of death.
At the California/Arizona state line, the trio took a rest stop. It was a long hard ride out of the city and on to the interstate. I-8 would take them 271 miles east until they needed to head north for about 30 miles and then east again for an additional 30 miles.
Claire kicked her stand down and stretched off her bike with a moan, rubbing her backside, "Owww, how long have we been riding?"
"Two hours and we still have at least another seven hours to go before we stop for the night," Hobbes said as he stretched his legs out.
Darien did some exercises to get the kinks out of his long legs, "Two hours and we feel like this?" He pulled out his canteen and took a drink of water. "Guess it's like riding a horse, if you're not used to it."
"It'll get better, Claire." Hobbes said. "You just need to toughen up," Hobbes winked at her.
Claire smiled back, "Well, there's only way for me to toughen up, let's get going." She got back on her bike and started it up.
Darien and Hobbes looked at each other with surprise looks on their faces, "She would have fit in at Sturgis," Darien commented.
"I've learned not to underestimate that woman, my friend, she's tougher than we think," Hobbes swung his leg around and sat on his bike. Claire had already taken off down the road; her blonde hair she tied back was flapping in the breeze. Hobbes smiled.
Darien took off right behind her and Hobbes brought up the rear for the time being. He had been the protector for Darien so long that even now he was filling those shoes. Keeping a watchful eye on his partner and the woman he loved was a priority for him.
Instead of riding straight into Phoenix they kept to the outskirts of the city. Why drive into trouble if you could avoid it. They stopped in front of a restaurant and went inside. It was empty as they suspected that no one who was that sick would go out to eat.
"I don't think we should cook anything in here, it may have spoiled by now," Claire noted as she sat down.
"I'll see what I can dig up in the back," Darien said.
"I'll keep Claire company," Hobbes sat down next to her.
"That's good, Hobbes, you do that." Darien smiled as he thought, 'It's about time Romeo.'
Hobbes sat down next to Claire and they both sat quietly for a moment until Claire spoke up in an unsteady voice, "Bobby, will you hold me?"
Hobbes scooted closer and put his arm around Claire and pulled her close to his body. She rested her head on his shoulder and felt his other hand touch her cheek. Claire put her hand on his shoulder. She hadn't realized how strong he felt until now and it gave her comfort. Her hand went to his face and felt the stubble growing on his chin.
Hobbes sighed then relaxed under her touch. Claire sighed also and held Hobbes tighter. Hobbes hand that was on her cheek went to her chin and lifted her head up. Claire moved her hand from his face to the back of his neck and pushed downward slightly. Hobbes took the hint and touched his lips to hers.
Darien fumbled around in the kitchen area looking for something for the three of them to eat. He opened the refrigerator and found some vegetables to make salad and some fruit. In cases, he found some can drinks and an idea hit him. He searched for some beer mugs, "Now, where would those be?" Darien turned around a couple of times and spotted them.
Two large bowls filled with salad and fruit were placed on a tray along with three smaller bowls and utensils. On another tray, Darien put the mugs, a selection of drinks and some dessert choices. He looked at his fine culinary work and smiled, "Not too bad under the circumstances." Before leaving the kitchen, he decided to make sure he wasn't interrupting anything. Darien took a peek and sure enough, he would have interrupted, "You da man," he whispered to himself as he back away from the swinging door.
Hobbes broke the passionate kiss and looked at Claire, "Uhmm, Claire…I understand if…you know…don't want a guy like me."
"A guy like you? What is that supposed to mean?" Claire sat upright and held his hand.
Hobbes turned his gaze away from her and looked down, "Well…I…"
"Bobby, remember that time at the Embassy and you were telling me the story about the daughter and that you don't fish off the company pier?"
Hobbes looked at her and shook his head quietly. Claire continued, "Well, you didn't see my expression on my face, I was upset, Bobby. Upset that it was possible we couldn't be together because we worked together." Claire put her hand on his stubbly face, "I love you, Bobby. I don't care about your past with Vivian or your mental condition."
"What about Fawkes, how do you feel about him?"
"Why are you asking that? I love Darien, but as a brother. I dated Kevin, not Darien. Don't sell yourself short by comparing yourself to him. You are two completely different men. He's my kept and regardless of what is going on, he still is. I won't cross that doctor/patient line. We don't work for the agency anymore, Bobby, so start fishing."
Hobbes smiled and he wrapped his arms around Claire, "Hmmm…what should I use as bait to catch a British woman?"
"You, Bobby, just you." Claire put her lips on his and the kiss deepened. Both were moaning into each others mouths and they pulled each other in closer.
Darien checked his watch and leaned up against the counter whistling a tune. He gave them another five minutes and picked up the tray, "Ready or not, I'm coming out!" Darien pushed the door open and started singing.
"I know I didn't say I was comin down,
I know you didn't know I was here in town,
But bay-yay-yaby you can tell me if anyone can,
Baby, can you dig your man?
He's a righteous man,
Tell me baby, can you dig your man?"
Claire started clapping, "Very good, Darien."
"Don't quit your day job," Hobbes commented.
"Well, if you hadn't noticed, Hobbesy, I don't have a day job anymore," Darien set the tray down and went back to the kitchen to get the other one with the drinks. When he came back, Claire and Hobbes were having a conversation. He set the second tray down and Hobbes stared at the empty glasses.
"Fawkes, there's no ice?"
Darien smiled, "Speaking of day jobs," He picked up two mugs and quicksilvered his hands, freezing the two mugs, "Why use ice when you have me,"
"Darien, how often have you been doing this?" Claire looked at Darien suspiciously.
"Hey, I only did this once, when I first got the gland. Kevin and the other scientists had a party and well, let's just say that I kept things on ice." Darien smiled as he poured himself a nice cold beer. The three held up their drinks and toasted to the agency and their friendship. "Now what were you two talking about?"
"Claire and I were discussing which celebrity we thought survived the flu. Your little serenade inspired the conversation," Hobbes took a bite of salad, "Who sang that song anyway, Fawkes?"
"Larry something or other, I can't remember his last name. Funny, huh? That song was climbing the charts like a bullet. I think it got to number three right before Captain Trips took over." Darien took a gulp of his beer, "Bet the dude bought it. First time hit, things are going good, buys new car, new house, thinks he's the king of the world and then, BAM, comes down with the sniffles. It's classic Murphy Law type of thing."
"Okay, then who survived, hot shot partner of mine who thinks he knows it all." Hobbes drank from his beer.
"UHmmm…you two are not going to drink too many of those are you?" Claire asked.
"No, mom, just this one. Anyway, who survived, that's easy…Stephen King." Darien said confidently.
"Why?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, why of all people you would think King survived?" Hobbes folded his arms and waited for Darien's reply.
"Elementary my dear, Hobbes. Because he lives for this sort of thing, only he could have come up with this type of scenario and it would have been a best seller." Darien tipped his beer bottle in victory.
After lunch they said goodbye to Phoenix and rode for another two hours and twenty minutes to Flagstaff, Arizona. The Interstate was clear of large pile ups, which made it easier for them and not to mention faster. Claire did spot a helicopter down in one of the fields. The Federal Agents that they are, they decided to investigate. It was a news helicopter and there were three bodies on board. Hobbes checked the helicopter. "Hey, Fawkes, Claire, I think you should see this."
Darien and Claire walked towards Hobbes and saw what he was pointing at; the side of the helicopter was riddled with bullets. Darien looked down at his feet, "News management at its best."
"They were shot down?" Claire said in shock. This is what she and Darien had talked about at the CDC building. "Guess they were managing the news."
"They must have found something and tried to get out or was intercepted in the air." Hobbes noted as he walked around the mangled remains.
Darien had taken a peek inside and found the large video camera, "Whoa, guys check this out. The camera was forced open and someone took the tape out."
"Someone really wanted to put a lid on this thing to go this far," Claire stood there gazing at the wreckage. "Can we go now?"
Hobbes put his arm around her and the three walked back to their bikes in silence. They headed towards their next stop and didn't look back.
They stopped about five miles east of Flagstaff to take a look at Walnut Canyon, the ancient home of the Sinagua Indians. They looked out over the cliffs where the Indians made their homes. The cliffs were adorned with trees and bushes. The caves in the cliffs were where the Indians had lived. It had once been a densely wooded area and Walnut Creek had carved out the rock forming the canyon.
Stopping there to rest had proven to be what they needed to reconnect. The scenery and taking a moment to just listen to nature was hard for Darien. He turned away and his head drooped. "I nearly wasted the rest of my life away in prison, get a second chance and what do I do? Spend the last two years complaining about my life, being selfish, lazy and acting like a victim." Darien walked away and looked up at the clear blue summer sky, "Why me? Huh? Of all the people in the world that deserved to survive, why me?"
"What…are you Job now?" Hobbes approached Darien, "Do you think any of us deserved to survive or die for that matter? We're left here for a reason, my friend and my guess is we'll find our answer from the old black woman."
Claire put her arm around Darien, "We don't know why things happen but they do. What's important is what we do during these times. We're lucky to have each other."
Darien walked back over to face the canyon, "What's out there waiting for us?"
"An old black woman who may tan our hides if we don't get moving," Hobbes said with a grin.
Darien and Claire laughed. They got back on their bikes and rode for another two hours before they reached Chambers, Arizona. The sun had started to set by the time they found a place to stay for the night. They decided on the only motel they could find, a Best Western. There really wasn't much else they could do. Spending the night out in the desert didn't seem too appealing to them. They found two adjoining rooms and used those. The bikes were brought into one room and they slept in the other.
Since they were in a small town and their bikes were inside, no one would suspect that they were even there. So they all slept and no one stood watch, didn't matter anyway, they would sleep light because of the dreams.
Darien was back in the CDC building this time without Claire. He ran down halls, made turns, tried to open doors but it seemed like he was running around in circles. Darien knew he was being followed, he could hear the sound of the boots on the tile floors. Dead bodies were lying around everywhere staring back at him. Their faces seemed to follow his every move. Like the illusion those pictures on the walls of the haunted houses give off as you walk by. It looks like the eyes on the portraits follow you. But instead of just the eyes, to Darien, it was the entire head would move.
As Darien ran down one hallway a foot kicked out, tripping him. He hit the floor hard and busted his nose. Blood poured from his nose and he looked at the body he tripped over, it had a smile on its face. He scooted away from the body, moving his legs frantically trying to get traction. Darien leaned up against the wall and pushed himself up. He was panting hard and stopped when he heard the boots again. He made a turn down another hall and saw the EXIT sign flashing above a door. Darien ran towards it but he wasn't getting any closer, in fact the door seemed to be further away. He pushed himself harder, the blood from his nose turning his white shirt a crimson color.
The boots got closer and now Darien could hear laughter. He pushed harder grunting out loud. He reached his hand out to grab the bar across the door. Just as he was about to reach it, a dark figure with the glowing red eyes leaped out of the shadows and jumped in front of Darien, "Gotcha!" The cold hands grabbed Darien by his shoulders.
"NOOOO!!!!" Darien bolted upright on the bed, sweat pouring from his face.
Claire and Hobbes were sharing the other bed and they sprang from the bed. Hobbes grabbed his flashlight and shined it on Darien. He was panting and staring wide eyed. Claire went over to him and covered her mouth with her hand, "Bobby, come here!"
"What happened?" Hobbes spotted Darien's bleeding nose.
"Darien, you're okay, sweetheart, its Claire and Bobby. It's over okay, your dream, its over." Claire put a reassuring hand Darien's shoulder.
Darien sat there shaking his head from side to side, "No, it's not over," he looked at Hobbes who hadn't seen Darien so scared before, "He wants me."
"Who, Darien, who wants you?" Claire asked checking Darien's nose.
"Who else, Claire, the devil. The dark man is the devil." Darien's words sent cold shivers through Claire and Bobby. Was that who was out there waiting for them?
"Once the game is over, the king and the pawn go back in the same box." -Italian Proverb
Once out of the city, traveling had become easier. There were less pile ups on the interstate as the trio rode further east away from San Diego and out into the open. Some cars were still smoldering as Darien, Hobbes and Claire drove by. Each of them would cover their noses and mouths to keep from smelling the stench of death.
At the California/Arizona state line, the trio took a rest stop. It was a long hard ride out of the city and on to the interstate. I-8 would take them 271 miles east until they needed to head north for about 30 miles and then east again for an additional 30 miles.
Claire kicked her stand down and stretched off her bike with a moan, rubbing her backside, "Owww, how long have we been riding?"
"Two hours and we still have at least another seven hours to go before we stop for the night," Hobbes said as he stretched his legs out.
Darien did some exercises to get the kinks out of his long legs, "Two hours and we feel like this?" He pulled out his canteen and took a drink of water. "Guess it's like riding a horse, if you're not used to it."
"It'll get better, Claire." Hobbes said. "You just need to toughen up," Hobbes winked at her.
Claire smiled back, "Well, there's only way for me to toughen up, let's get going." She got back on her bike and started it up.
Darien and Hobbes looked at each other with surprise looks on their faces, "She would have fit in at Sturgis," Darien commented.
"I've learned not to underestimate that woman, my friend, she's tougher than we think," Hobbes swung his leg around and sat on his bike. Claire had already taken off down the road; her blonde hair she tied back was flapping in the breeze. Hobbes smiled.
Darien took off right behind her and Hobbes brought up the rear for the time being. He had been the protector for Darien so long that even now he was filling those shoes. Keeping a watchful eye on his partner and the woman he loved was a priority for him.
Instead of riding straight into Phoenix they kept to the outskirts of the city. Why drive into trouble if you could avoid it. They stopped in front of a restaurant and went inside. It was empty as they suspected that no one who was that sick would go out to eat.
"I don't think we should cook anything in here, it may have spoiled by now," Claire noted as she sat down.
"I'll see what I can dig up in the back," Darien said.
"I'll keep Claire company," Hobbes sat down next to her.
"That's good, Hobbes, you do that." Darien smiled as he thought, 'It's about time Romeo.'
Hobbes sat down next to Claire and they both sat quietly for a moment until Claire spoke up in an unsteady voice, "Bobby, will you hold me?"
Hobbes scooted closer and put his arm around Claire and pulled her close to his body. She rested her head on his shoulder and felt his other hand touch her cheek. Claire put her hand on his shoulder. She hadn't realized how strong he felt until now and it gave her comfort. Her hand went to his face and felt the stubble growing on his chin.
Hobbes sighed then relaxed under her touch. Claire sighed also and held Hobbes tighter. Hobbes hand that was on her cheek went to her chin and lifted her head up. Claire moved her hand from his face to the back of his neck and pushed downward slightly. Hobbes took the hint and touched his lips to hers.
Darien fumbled around in the kitchen area looking for something for the three of them to eat. He opened the refrigerator and found some vegetables to make salad and some fruit. In cases, he found some can drinks and an idea hit him. He searched for some beer mugs, "Now, where would those be?" Darien turned around a couple of times and spotted them.
Two large bowls filled with salad and fruit were placed on a tray along with three smaller bowls and utensils. On another tray, Darien put the mugs, a selection of drinks and some dessert choices. He looked at his fine culinary work and smiled, "Not too bad under the circumstances." Before leaving the kitchen, he decided to make sure he wasn't interrupting anything. Darien took a peek and sure enough, he would have interrupted, "You da man," he whispered to himself as he back away from the swinging door.
Hobbes broke the passionate kiss and looked at Claire, "Uhmm, Claire…I understand if…you know…don't want a guy like me."
"A guy like you? What is that supposed to mean?" Claire sat upright and held his hand.
Hobbes turned his gaze away from her and looked down, "Well…I…"
"Bobby, remember that time at the Embassy and you were telling me the story about the daughter and that you don't fish off the company pier?"
Hobbes looked at her and shook his head quietly. Claire continued, "Well, you didn't see my expression on my face, I was upset, Bobby. Upset that it was possible we couldn't be together because we worked together." Claire put her hand on his stubbly face, "I love you, Bobby. I don't care about your past with Vivian or your mental condition."
"What about Fawkes, how do you feel about him?"
"Why are you asking that? I love Darien, but as a brother. I dated Kevin, not Darien. Don't sell yourself short by comparing yourself to him. You are two completely different men. He's my kept and regardless of what is going on, he still is. I won't cross that doctor/patient line. We don't work for the agency anymore, Bobby, so start fishing."
Hobbes smiled and he wrapped his arms around Claire, "Hmmm…what should I use as bait to catch a British woman?"
"You, Bobby, just you." Claire put her lips on his and the kiss deepened. Both were moaning into each others mouths and they pulled each other in closer.
Darien checked his watch and leaned up against the counter whistling a tune. He gave them another five minutes and picked up the tray, "Ready or not, I'm coming out!" Darien pushed the door open and started singing.
"I know I didn't say I was comin down,
I know you didn't know I was here in town,
But bay-yay-yaby you can tell me if anyone can,
Baby, can you dig your man?
He's a righteous man,
Tell me baby, can you dig your man?"
Claire started clapping, "Very good, Darien."
"Don't quit your day job," Hobbes commented.
"Well, if you hadn't noticed, Hobbesy, I don't have a day job anymore," Darien set the tray down and went back to the kitchen to get the other one with the drinks. When he came back, Claire and Hobbes were having a conversation. He set the second tray down and Hobbes stared at the empty glasses.
"Fawkes, there's no ice?"
Darien smiled, "Speaking of day jobs," He picked up two mugs and quicksilvered his hands, freezing the two mugs, "Why use ice when you have me,"
"Darien, how often have you been doing this?" Claire looked at Darien suspiciously.
"Hey, I only did this once, when I first got the gland. Kevin and the other scientists had a party and well, let's just say that I kept things on ice." Darien smiled as he poured himself a nice cold beer. The three held up their drinks and toasted to the agency and their friendship. "Now what were you two talking about?"
"Claire and I were discussing which celebrity we thought survived the flu. Your little serenade inspired the conversation," Hobbes took a bite of salad, "Who sang that song anyway, Fawkes?"
"Larry something or other, I can't remember his last name. Funny, huh? That song was climbing the charts like a bullet. I think it got to number three right before Captain Trips took over." Darien took a gulp of his beer, "Bet the dude bought it. First time hit, things are going good, buys new car, new house, thinks he's the king of the world and then, BAM, comes down with the sniffles. It's classic Murphy Law type of thing."
"Okay, then who survived, hot shot partner of mine who thinks he knows it all." Hobbes drank from his beer.
"UHmmm…you two are not going to drink too many of those are you?" Claire asked.
"No, mom, just this one. Anyway, who survived, that's easy…Stephen King." Darien said confidently.
"Why?" Claire asked.
"Yeah, why of all people you would think King survived?" Hobbes folded his arms and waited for Darien's reply.
"Elementary my dear, Hobbes. Because he lives for this sort of thing, only he could have come up with this type of scenario and it would have been a best seller." Darien tipped his beer bottle in victory.
After lunch they said goodbye to Phoenix and rode for another two hours and twenty minutes to Flagstaff, Arizona. The Interstate was clear of large pile ups, which made it easier for them and not to mention faster. Claire did spot a helicopter down in one of the fields. The Federal Agents that they are, they decided to investigate. It was a news helicopter and there were three bodies on board. Hobbes checked the helicopter. "Hey, Fawkes, Claire, I think you should see this."
Darien and Claire walked towards Hobbes and saw what he was pointing at; the side of the helicopter was riddled with bullets. Darien looked down at his feet, "News management at its best."
"They were shot down?" Claire said in shock. This is what she and Darien had talked about at the CDC building. "Guess they were managing the news."
"They must have found something and tried to get out or was intercepted in the air." Hobbes noted as he walked around the mangled remains.
Darien had taken a peek inside and found the large video camera, "Whoa, guys check this out. The camera was forced open and someone took the tape out."
"Someone really wanted to put a lid on this thing to go this far," Claire stood there gazing at the wreckage. "Can we go now?"
Hobbes put his arm around her and the three walked back to their bikes in silence. They headed towards their next stop and didn't look back.
They stopped about five miles east of Flagstaff to take a look at Walnut Canyon, the ancient home of the Sinagua Indians. They looked out over the cliffs where the Indians made their homes. The cliffs were adorned with trees and bushes. The caves in the cliffs were where the Indians had lived. It had once been a densely wooded area and Walnut Creek had carved out the rock forming the canyon.
Stopping there to rest had proven to be what they needed to reconnect. The scenery and taking a moment to just listen to nature was hard for Darien. He turned away and his head drooped. "I nearly wasted the rest of my life away in prison, get a second chance and what do I do? Spend the last two years complaining about my life, being selfish, lazy and acting like a victim." Darien walked away and looked up at the clear blue summer sky, "Why me? Huh? Of all the people in the world that deserved to survive, why me?"
"What…are you Job now?" Hobbes approached Darien, "Do you think any of us deserved to survive or die for that matter? We're left here for a reason, my friend and my guess is we'll find our answer from the old black woman."
Claire put her arm around Darien, "We don't know why things happen but they do. What's important is what we do during these times. We're lucky to have each other."
Darien walked back over to face the canyon, "What's out there waiting for us?"
"An old black woman who may tan our hides if we don't get moving," Hobbes said with a grin.
Darien and Claire laughed. They got back on their bikes and rode for another two hours before they reached Chambers, Arizona. The sun had started to set by the time they found a place to stay for the night. They decided on the only motel they could find, a Best Western. There really wasn't much else they could do. Spending the night out in the desert didn't seem too appealing to them. They found two adjoining rooms and used those. The bikes were brought into one room and they slept in the other.
Since they were in a small town and their bikes were inside, no one would suspect that they were even there. So they all slept and no one stood watch, didn't matter anyway, they would sleep light because of the dreams.
Darien was back in the CDC building this time without Claire. He ran down halls, made turns, tried to open doors but it seemed like he was running around in circles. Darien knew he was being followed, he could hear the sound of the boots on the tile floors. Dead bodies were lying around everywhere staring back at him. Their faces seemed to follow his every move. Like the illusion those pictures on the walls of the haunted houses give off as you walk by. It looks like the eyes on the portraits follow you. But instead of just the eyes, to Darien, it was the entire head would move.
As Darien ran down one hallway a foot kicked out, tripping him. He hit the floor hard and busted his nose. Blood poured from his nose and he looked at the body he tripped over, it had a smile on its face. He scooted away from the body, moving his legs frantically trying to get traction. Darien leaned up against the wall and pushed himself up. He was panting hard and stopped when he heard the boots again. He made a turn down another hall and saw the EXIT sign flashing above a door. Darien ran towards it but he wasn't getting any closer, in fact the door seemed to be further away. He pushed himself harder, the blood from his nose turning his white shirt a crimson color.
The boots got closer and now Darien could hear laughter. He pushed harder grunting out loud. He reached his hand out to grab the bar across the door. Just as he was about to reach it, a dark figure with the glowing red eyes leaped out of the shadows and jumped in front of Darien, "Gotcha!" The cold hands grabbed Darien by his shoulders.
"NOOOO!!!!" Darien bolted upright on the bed, sweat pouring from his face.
Claire and Hobbes were sharing the other bed and they sprang from the bed. Hobbes grabbed his flashlight and shined it on Darien. He was panting and staring wide eyed. Claire went over to him and covered her mouth with her hand, "Bobby, come here!"
"What happened?" Hobbes spotted Darien's bleeding nose.
"Darien, you're okay, sweetheart, its Claire and Bobby. It's over okay, your dream, its over." Claire put a reassuring hand Darien's shoulder.
Darien sat there shaking his head from side to side, "No, it's not over," he looked at Hobbes who hadn't seen Darien so scared before, "He wants me."
"Who, Darien, who wants you?" Claire asked checking Darien's nose.
"Who else, Claire, the devil. The dark man is the devil." Darien's words sent cold shivers through Claire and Bobby. Was that who was out there waiting for them?