9. The Lovin' Spoonful — Summer In The City
Back in the chair.
I stared at Dr. Dekker unblinkingly.
…while it may not be my area of expertise, it is still tissue. Just like muscle tissue, the skeletal tissue is metabolically active and constantly being remodeled, thus being the foremost scientist that I am, I was even able to ably the properties of my Dionesium to the subject's bone structure." I let him wax about his genius into his little recorder while keeping my gaze on his pacing form.
I was agitated.
"Recovery rate is also extraordinary. Using a steadily increasing but controlled nutrient supply and daily exercises in the heat chamber the subject was able to recover his previous base form within the week. Dehydration is still an issue that needs to be addressed." He went on, clearly unaware of my rising blood pressure.
I was livid.
Yes, it had been nice to leave the wreck of a body, that I had become behind, and recover my old self.
What hadn't been so nice however was the fact, that I did my exercises in a blood-soaked sauna. Dr. Dekker hadn't minded the bodily fluids, which I had left behind after my surgeries in the days before.
"Just this morning, August 4, 1994, I discovered another breakthrough. I removed the subject's right digitus medicinalis. Upon applying three epinephrine autoinjectors and constant exposure to the infrared lamp the body managed to regrow the digit within one hour. Influence on the DNA's code has to be researched more thoroughly posthaste."
What a way to wake up this little episode had been. I couldn't help but glance at my regrown ring finger and note the slightly pinker complexion.
Enough!
"Are there any negative side effects?" I asked loud and clear, interrupting his monologue.
He whipped around, eyes wide, and for a single moment, he looked like he was going to leap over the desk and murder me. Oh, how I wished he did.
"There are no undesirable side effects, you imbecile." His disgust and derision almost dripping out of his voice.
'Good enough.'
In one smooth motion, I stood, my hands already flying to the metal backrest of my chair. Grip firm, I strode the two steps towards the desk, that was separating us and swung that piece of furniture with all my strength.
His head didn't give even a hint of resistance as the metal leg cleanly hit him on his temple.
Slightly overbalancing I managed to keep a hold of the armrest and gently put the chair back on the floor behind me.
I almost moaned out loud.
"That felt so good." I said instead and leaned back in pleasure.
I chanced a glance around the desk at the prone figure. He looked dead, alright.
Medical gown barely hiding my modesty I happily skipped towards the door and made my way to the kitchen.
I had had more than enough time to fantasize about this exact moment. About every single detail.
Ignoring the housekeeper the doctor had mentioned at the start of this shitshow and who was currently lazily dusting in the fireplace room, I finally stepped unnoticed by her into the kitchen and began my search for a suitable tool.
It didn't take me long when I saw it hanging on a rack near the stove.
"That will do just fine.
Still keeping out of sight of the housekeeper, I sincerely hoped she would be reasonable later, and made my way back downstairs.
I closed the door behind me and got to work.
"Let's make sure you stay dead."
Last control check, that nothing of the good doctor was on me I stepped into the sitting room and announced my presence to the attractive lady doing her business.
"Excuse me, Miss." I called from the threshold and waited for her to turn around.
She startled but kept her composure and looked towards where my voice had come from.
She did a double-take however when she saw me in my medical gown.
"Hello, I'm the patient of Dr. Dekker." I somewhat hastily identified myself with a friendly smile and watched her calm down. "Would you be able to show me where my belongings are?" I asked finally.
"Of course, please follow me, I had brought them into the guest room when you had arrived. They should still be there." She complied and led me up to the next floor.
"Here they are. Is Dr. Dekker still in his laboratory?" She asked as she held the door open for me.
"Yes, he's currently working on the final touches of his research study and doesn't want to be disturbed." I told her in a warning tone. She should be aware of the man's unpleasant character to get the hin.
"Thank you, do you wish for something to eat? I could make you a sandwich." She offered and I smiled, pleasantly surprised.
"That would be fantastic, I'll take a quick shower and be right back downstairs." I answered and closed the door when she left me to my own devices.
"As good as new." I commented upon seeing my now showered and dressed self. The familiar weight of my knife in my pocket a surprisingly welcome feeling.
Looking at my reflection I went through the stuff I wanted to discuss with the housekeeper. She seemed professional but friendly, still, she had to go. Preferably in the most pleasant manner.
In no time I was back in the kitchen and saw her do the finishing touches on my frankly delicious-looking sandwiches.
I stepped up to the counter, where she was working, but kept enough room to respect her personal space.
Thankful, that she noticed my presence I sincerely introduced myself and noticed that she was smaller than I initially noticed. We were almost the same height.
"I'm William." I smiled at her, which she returned.
"Bernadette."
"Bernadette." I tested the name. "Can we talk for a second?" I asked and motioned towards the breakfast nook.
She raised a lone dark eyebrow in question but followed me. Taking seats in the corner, I put my arms on the table and clasped my hands in front of me.
"Dr. Dekker is an extremely unpleasant man." I stated calmly and leaned slightly forward. Keeping an eye on her curious gaze, which rapidly switched to alarm, I noted the sharp glance in the direction of the basement door, seemingly expecting the man to storm out any second.
"Don't worry." I said, "Given your reaction, I think you agree." And speculated with a small smile.
"What is going on?" She asked, now increasingly suspicious.
I took a breath and tried to be as gentle as possible.
"Listen, Bernadette." I paused.
"Dr. Dekker is not a good man." I said again and this time she nodded along to my relief.
"Since I had arrived here, he had been doing experiments on me." She sucked in a horrified gasp, but I continued as if this wasn't the actual kicker, which it honestly wasn't.
"It was part of a deal between him and my family." I told her and paused again.
I eyed her hand on the table and considered my options.
Finally, I took the plunge and gently grasped her hand with my own.
"Today I had enough and killed him." I stated calmly.
"Merde!" She swore but kept her hand in mine.
"I'm telling you all this because I'm a bleeding heart and don't want to leave you hanging like that." I said earnestly.
Scratching my head lightly, my other hand curiously enough still attached to her, I thought about how to phrase the next part of my plan for her.
"Alright." I started, having settled on a train of thought and locked eyes with her again.
"I'm not going to tell you my last name, and I don't want to know your last name, but I have the people to deal with the mess downstairs. Make a clean getaway, in manner of speaking." I told her matter-of-factly.
"Oh my." She breathed quietly.
"Does Dr. Dekker have any valuables in this house?" I asked a tiny bit eager.
"Yes." She answered. Was that excitement? "He hasn't any, but his parents left him some jewelry and old watches. They are in a drawer in the old master bedroom."
"Fantastic." I answered relieved, that made things significantly easier.
"But first….
...
I will remain forever grateful for her continuously dedicated and flawless work, which allowed me to focus my time and energy entirely on my profession, knowing that the household, that my venerable parents had left me remained in a state to be proud of.
Sincerely,
Prof. Dr. Paul Dekker of Wayne Industries
I read out loud and pressed print.
I glanced up and saw Bernadette look at me like I had grown a second head. I leaned back in the comfortable leather desk chair. This had been way more exhausting than I had remembered.
Ignoring the way Bernadette's crossed legs swayed beneath her perched form next to the monitor I couldn't help but note that she was becoming increasingly comfortable around me.
"Say, you are awfully cozy around the killer of your boss." I said in a slightly teasing manner.
"As you said, he was an unpleasant man. I cleaned the house, he complained, and I would start over again. All day, every day. The pay was good, however." She answered with an easy smile and a shrug.
"Do you have an employment contract with the guy?" There was still work to do and I wanted to be as thorough as possible.
She hopped off the desk and went towards a cabinet straightway.
"Say what you want about the guy, but he was a neat freak." She said confidently over her shoulder.
"And I," She opened the door and reached inside. "had more than enough time to snoop around." She finished triumphantly and held up a ring binder.
"I have a copy at home." She said, unsure if I needed the information.
I came around the desk, looked over her shoulder at the document, and smiled. This would do.
Gently taking it from her hands I went towards the copy machine and made one copy, a couple of seconds later I came back with the original, the copy, and the letter of recommendation, that I wrote earlier.
I plopped down onto the really comfortable chair and immediately searched the drawers for a pair of scissors. That done, I carefully cut Dr. Dekker's signature out of the copy.
Bernadette followed my every move with a curious gaze, and I couldn't help but wink when I finally licked the back of the little sippet and pressed it down next to the signature I had written on PC.
Quick, but obviously swag steps, I was after all mindful of the lady's eyes on me, and I was back at the copy machine. Careful, that the little snippet wouldn't peel off again, I gently lay the letter of recommendation on the glass surface and closed the lid.
Job done, I handed her a picture-perfect letter of recommendation including an original signature to top it off and put a second copy into the ring-binder with the old contract.
I eyed the small mess around the desk for a second. I would have to clean up a bit when my companion was gone.
"Now let's get to the bedroom." Bernadette said and grabbed my hand.
I stood next to Bernadette and we stared into the drawer.
That shit looked old and really expensive.
I carefully lifted the tray and saw that the rest of the drawer was neatly filled with differently sized and shaped cases, that seemed to fit the various jewelry above. I nearly dropped everything however when I spotted a green slightly worn leather case.
Taking a deep breath, and then another one for good measure, I gently closed the drawer again and sat on the edge of the bed behind me.
My unfocused gaze snapped up when Bernadette suddenly stepped in front of me and I looked into a breathless expression, that I knew without a shadow of a doubt mirrored mine.
"I'm so fucking horny right now."
"You've no idea."
The day was already growing darker again.
"You are pretty young, aren't you?" She whispered into the crook of my neck.
"You don't want to know." I murmured teasingly as I shifted onto my side. Now face to face again.
I could stay like this forever, but some things still had to be worked out while everything was still fresh.
"Listen," I started, my voice still quiet but enough to get her attention. "Tomorrow." I emphasized.
During the various breaks and when I wasn't patting myself on the back, I had had enough time to iron out a plan for her.
"You remember that pearl necklace?" I asked her and continued when I got a positive 'hmmm'.
'Concentrate!'
"Tomorrow we look for a jewelry store in the vicinity, a respectable one. I'll pose as your little brother, nephew, whatever that you brought along to feel safe in case someone asks." I paused, glad that her eyes were now more attentive.
"You are going to sell the necklace. It was a gift from your long-time boss, who decided to move out of town but wanted to reward you for your loyal years of service. You were touched, but you could use the money more now that you are looking for a job." My eyes focused on her again, as a thought came.
"Are you single?" I asked maybe a tad too direct, given that she smirked and gave me the same 'hmmm'.
I caressed her side and kissed her lightly.
"As much as I want otherwise, this is a one-time thing." I told her ruefully and when I saw her frown, I kissed her again.
"Please trust me, this is about your safety." I reassured her and took a breath.
"Where was I?" Gathering my thoughts, I carried on with my plan for tomorrow.
"When you have the money, we will immediately book you a flight out of this hellhole. I know a place where you can start fresh and someone who can help you find your feet."
"Where and who?" She asked, propping herself up on her elbow, clearly not convinced by this.
"Naples, Florida…my mother." I swallowed a sigh when she laughed out loud and pushed me on my back again to finally settle on top of me. Her eyes were full of mirth and now very close.
"You want to send me," She began to say but wiggled slightly for emphasis, which had the intended effect on me to her obvious delight. "to your mother?"
"Yes, I will call her in advance to expect you soon." I would take the teasing if it meant, that we would see this plan through.
"Mon chéri." She wrapped her arms around my neck and went for the kiss again.
"What are you going to tell her? About us?" She asked breathlessly but still teasingly between the kisses.
"You were a waitress and a good friend in my family's restaurant, but the city became too crazy and you are desperate to leave." I laid out the first thing that had come to my mind. I gently rolled us around until I was on top.
"You will love it. Sun, white beaches, and" I murmured into her ear. "I may have a reason to visit more often."