Chapter 3
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Cara went up to her room, and took her medication early so she wouldn't be late again. She fell into another dream filled with voices.
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She heard the soft female voice from before. "'Thelma and Louise', remember?"
"I don't believe you. She's not capable of anything like that." A male voice scolded her. "Now stop making up stories."
"So what if I did set you up?" said the more evil female. "No one will ever believe someone like you, especially after what you did. Fortunately, I know how to 'remedy' the situation. " She then heard a laugh, a laugh so dark, so sinister, it gave her chills in her sleep.
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Cara awoke and looked at the clock. 4:55 p.m. Great. Now she could be on time. She changed into something nice and headed downstairs.
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Both Devon and Bonnie stood as she entered the room. "Ah, here she is now." said Devon, helping her to her seat. "Thank you, Devon." she said as he pushed in her chair. Devon and Bonnie then sat down themselves to enjoy the feast Jacob had prepared.
"Did you have fun exploring today?" Devon asked Cara.
"Oh yes." Cara said smiling. "Everything is just as you described. But I must say I was most impressed with Kitt."
Devon nearly choked on the appetizer. "So, you've seen the Knight 2000?" he asked, looking at Bonnie. She had a slight 'deer in the headlights' look.
"Yes. That's quite a car. It even moves by itself."
"Yes, it is impressive. We use it for our more special cases." He smiled and continued to eat.
"What about cases like me?" asked Cara. "I don't mean to be rude, Devon, but I don't think even a space-age car is going to help me regain my memory. And I don't want to overstay my welcome."
Devon reached over and patted her hand. "My dear girl, you are more than welcome to stay as long as you want. I must say, so far I have enjoyed your company, and I'm sure Bonnie feels the same way. Don't you, Bonnie?"
"I do, Devon." she said. "And she was very helpful in cleaning Kitt this afternoon."
"Yeah," said Cara, "until I fell in the fountain." She laughed.
"You fell into the fountain?" asked Devon. "Cara, did Kitt…oh my word!" he said, looking up, his jaw dropping. Cara followed his gaze. There was a man in a green uniform in the doorway. He was holding a bloody tissue against his nose. Bonnie and Devon rushed to his side. Cara stood and stared. This man also had a cut lip and a black eye.
"Joel!" exclaimed Devon. "What in the blazes happened to you?"
"Just got into a fight, Devon. No big deal." came the man's hoarse response. Cara just stared at him. He was very handsome with his slightly darker skin and dreadlocks. 'There's something…familiar about him.' she thought. Something, some part of her wanted to go over and comfort him, but she stayed back.
They helped him over to a chair. Bonnie eased the tissue away from his face. "Okay, Joel. Just let me take a look." She and Devon both sucked in their breath as they examined him. "God, Joel! What on earth happened?"
"Oh…some guy jumped me." He turned his attention to Cara. 'Why does this seem so familiar?' she thought.
"Well I'm not surprised." said Devon. "You go out at all hours of the night and don't return until late. At least it doesn't affect your work. Just do be more careful, will you? Can't have employees walking around looking like they belong in the infirmary."
"Yes, Devon." he said, never taking his eyes off Cara. Bonnie left to get some medical supplies. Cara walked over to them.
"Well, there we are then." Devon said, sighing. "Anyhow, Cara Bennett please meet Mr. Joel Adams. Mr. Adams, Miss Cara Bennett. Miss Bennett will be staying with us for while."
"Pleasure to meet you, Cara." he said, shaking her hand gently.
"Same here." she said. She was trying to figure out where she knew him from before when she saw his throat. "Oh my! Your neck! It's all red." She could make out a person's handprint.
"Yeah. Guess the guy was stronger than I thought." said Joel.
"One man?" asked Devon. "One man did this?"
"Yeah." Joel stood up. "But it's not important. I'm gonna go lay down in my room if anyone needs me."
"Alright." Devon said. "I'll have Bonnie send the medical supplies there."
Joel stood to leave. "Nice meeting you, Cara." He shook her hand and limped off. Cara stared after him.
"Shall we continue with dinner?" asked Devon. "Yes." she said, putting her arm in his, hoping Joel would be alright.
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After dinner, she retired to her own room. She found a book to read from the collection and read for a while. Soon, it was dark. She found herself gazing out the window, dreaming of the voice of the man who had rescued her. She smiled to herself just thinking about him, the way he had comforted her with just his words. She wondered where he was. Did he even remember her?
'Look at me!' she thought. 'Carrying on like he was some knight in shining armor or something.' She laughed at her own romantic ideas. She got up and put her shoes on. She needed to get some fresh air.
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Kitt was enjoying a drive around the Foundation's grounds. It was dark out and the moon had hidden itself behind a cloud. And it was quiet, too quiet. But then again that was the kind of thought Michael would have.
He really missed his old partner at times like this. Before if Kitt had become quietly reflective, Michael would turn on that god awful music he hated so much, and suggest they go to a burger joint. Oncethere, he would find some woman and chat her up for the rest of the evening. 'What I wouldn't give to have my airwaves shattered, or have Michael drumming on my steering wheel again.'
Suddenly, his sensors detected someone walking nearby. It was the young woman. He went into silent mode and followed her, turning all his lights off.
"Where am I going?" Cara asked herself out loud. "It's pitch dark out here. Where's the main house?" She felt foolish for getting lost and feeling her way around in the dark.
Kitt was amazed that she didn't throw a tantrum or cry out that she was lost like any other human female would. She was trying to find her way back on her own. She walked into a brush and put her hands out feeling around. He detected a large stump in front of her that she was about to trip on. He couldn't very well let her fall and hurt herself again.
"Cara! Look out!" he called to her.
She put her hands on the stump and steadied herself. She stood upright. "It's you!" she said. "Oh, thank you. Can you please help me find my way back? I'm lost."
"Just follow the sound of my voice." He kept himself out of view. "Turn around and walk straight."
She did and started back. "Thank you. Especially for saving me that night. I'm very grateful to you." Finally, she'd get to meet him.
"Don't mention it. That's my job. Now to the left a little bit."
"Did you send me those flowers?" she asked, trying to make conversation.
"Yes. I hope you liked them."
"I loved them." At last, she was out of the brush. She dusted herself off. "You have no idea how long I've waited to meet you and…hello?" No one was there.
"Just turn to your left and go straight. Then you'll be at the main house." He backed up behind the brush so she wouldn't see him.
"Yes…but…hello? Sir? Hello?" No answer came. She stood there several moments, but heard nothing. "He sure left in a hurry." she said to herself. She felt a lump in her throat. "Maybe he doesn't want me here." She sighed and headed back to the house.
Kitt could only watch her leave. 'But of course I want you here.' he wanted to say. 'I think you and I need each other more than you realise.' That was it. He was going to introduce himself to her and do it soon. But how? He didn't have much experience with this sort of thing. He drove back to the garage to think it over.
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A man hiding in the darkness watched the whole thing. He took out a small notebook and wrote.
She has made contact with the Knight Industries Two Thousand. Not sure if she got a good look at him or not. She clearly has no memory of her former life. Hope I did the right thing in bringing her here.
He closed the notebook and went inside himself.
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