Like a stroll in the woods, 65 million years ago
The Costa Rican jungle after a heavy rain was beautiful and mesmerizing place. The heat in Central America was unbearable almost every day, but there was a brief moment after the storms when everything felt fresh and reborn. The colors were vibrant; every flower was coming to life once again, and the air fill with all sorts of aromas. There was nothing more perfect and complete than nature at this very moment. Well, if Owen and Claire were at vacation and not running for their lives maybe they would have appreciated the beauty of the moment. The ground was soaked; it was giving in with every step they took. They were walking for the past ten minutes. The ATV was too loud and the closer they got to the camp the greater the danger. Owen decided that they should walk the rest of the way.
He was few steps before Claire. Owen was used to the heat, humidity and the uneven terrain. Claire on the other hand had little experience in this particular area, but running a theme park with over 20 000 visitors daily was no joke either; Claire Dearing had enough in herself to be some match to mister raptor squad over there.
Hey, can we stop for a minute? – Even though Claire was in perfect shape all that walking and running drained all of her power. I need to catch my breath! She leaned against the nearest tree; closed her eyes and took few deep breaths. It was one of those precious gifts from the pregnancy, being always tired and sleepy. The doctor said that probably by the end of the first trimester she should feel much better. But this moment was the worst timing in the world.
Babe, I don't think… – Owen was ready to argue the importance of not stopping when he noticed the pale look on her face.
Is everything ok, you don't look very well?
Is it me or the Island has gotten bigger? It's like we have been walking for hours! How long have we been walking? – Claire was asking question after question like an annoyed little kid waiting for his favorite superhero to show up at his birthday party. Owen just looked at her and smiled.
What are you smiling at?
You are very pretty when you're angry, you know that? Very sexy!
Claire didn't mind the compliment, she knew Owen had a soft spot for her angry demeanor; giving the fact that he was usually the source and the receiver.
So, how long to the camp?
Another twenty minutes, maybe!
I am pretty sure you said the same thing 20 minutes ago! Please don't tell me you're lost?
I am not lost, I never get lost! – Owen took the snarky remark personal.
Then why is it talking so long? – Claire was getting impatient.
You're not telling me something! What is it?
Owen tried to avoid answering, because he knew she wasn't going to like the news.
Owen!
But don't kill me, ok!
What?
I noticed something!
What?
Footprints! Many! Fresh!
So? We know there are people here; I don't see a problem about that!
Not human footprints! – As soon he said it Claire made the connection. The big guy was somewhere near.
Why didn't you tell me! Where is it?
I don't know, but the prints are recent, I don't think he is far behind us. Or ahead us, maybe he is around us.
Claire tried to say "what", but the frustration took the better of her and she just grunted at Owen. She took another deep breath and started to do the thing with her hands. Whenever she was angry she would rub her hands and say:
Ok, ok, now what? What do we do?
I will strongly suggest start walking. If mister apex predator is around it would be better for us not stand in his way.
But what if he finds us?
Running would be appropriate!
Owen was playing to cool for the situations. It was normal for him, but it was driving Claire insane.
Claire grabbed Owen's face in her hands and said: Honey, I love you, but sometimes you're such an idiot!
But I am your idiot! – He was inches before kissing her, when …
The ground moved. At least felt like movement. Seconds later it moved again.
Did you hear that? – Claire was too afraid to look around, knowing the reason…
Worse, I felt it! Owen was no longer smiling or laughing. The situation has changed. There was no hiding or outrunning the creature that made the ground shaky. He found us!
But how?
By the scent. The air is too fresh and clean. And we have been running all morning, that thing is a super smeller and if we don't get away from here we are about to meet him tete-a-tete!
Owen looked around, but this part of the island didn't provide much hiding options. Suddenly Claire jumped and said something about a waterfall nearby.
There are no waterfalls here!
Yes, there's one.
Where?
It's not much of a waterfall, but there is a little pond over those hills. Claire pointed to a small group of rocks not far from where they were.
Most of the time it's just a pond, but after tropical storm like this it overflows and turns the hill into a waterfall. I have seen it. We can hide behind the water wall. The rocks are wide enough. It should work! I think!
Owen wasn't so sure, but this was the only option they had.
We better get going; I don't want to meet your friend!
When people think of waterfalls they usually imagine clean and pristine waters; fresh and green vegetation around it; the perfect postcard picture. But not this one; what used to be little pond now was a small lake of muddy and brown water. It had tripled its size and now it was at least 10 feet deep. The water was falling from 40 feet creating dent between the water wall and the base of the hill; turning everything beneath it into dirty and wet mess. It looked like good hiding place. More like the only hiding place for miles.
Good thinking, babe! I hope it works!
Me too!
They got to the small and narrow space at the base of the waterfall. It was maybe 2 or 3 feet wide and maybe another 6-7 feet long, but big enough for them. The water was so thick and dirty it was almost impossible to see or smell anything through it.
We should be save here! – The sound of the crashing water was so loud; Owen had to shout for Claire to hear him. She just nodded in response, afraid that the T-Rex could hear them.
Hiding or not the Rex was famous for his smelling capabilities. Owen and Claire didn't have all day to spend hiding; they had to get to the camp as soon as possible, so staying here longer than necessary was not an option.
We need to distract him!
How? That thing knows he has got something…
The moment Claire said it the ground around them trembled announcing the great animal. It felt near enough, but not so much to the waterfall than it was couple hundred feet away.
We can't stay here all day.
I have an idea but, you probably won't like it! – Owen had that look on his face; the I am about to do something ill-advised and crazy and I am gonna get myself killed kind of look.
Knowing you I know I will hate it! What is it?
Take off your shirt! – Owen gave Claire insisting and somewhat weird look.
Why?
Do you see those boulders over there? – Owen pointed to small cluster of rocks not far away from the base. I will get there and leave it to distract him. When he sees it or more like it when he smell it I hope it'll give up and leave us alone.
You're insane. With that thing out there you're not gonna make it that far.
I am good run! I better run than you! – Claire knew what he was implying to the time she actually managed to outrun the mighty T-Rex.
Owen, I am being serious here!
Just give me your shirt; be quit and think of the millions ways you're gonna make me regret this decision when I get back, ok!
Claire compiled even though hating the idea.
You better come back or I am naming the baby after one of my exes! – Claire took off what one was a white shirt and gave it to Owen.
Owen covered his clothes and skin with mud, trying to conceal his scent. He suggested to Claire to do the same just in case…
No moving, no talking, no coming outside till I come back, are we clear? Whatever happens you do not move from here!
Don't get killed! – Claire didn't want to argue. You come back!
Owen jumped out and started running toward the rocks. Claire lost him seconds after he got out. She didn't want to panic, it this situation the clear and focused mind was preferable.
Come on, come on, come on! What is taking so long? – Claire was staring at the entrance, waiting for the moment Owen shows up. The minutes felt too long. All the sudden dark shadow began to form right in front of her. Nothing was too far for that thing to find. Claire had also covered herself with dirt. She hoped the water was filthy enough to throw him off.
The Rex spent sometime around the base of the waterfall, probably knowing that there was something different. He made grunting and puffing noises, not so much angry noises, but curious sounds. He slowly moved toward the rocks, sensing the smell he was fallowing for the past hour. The animal walked around it; pushing the shirt as if he was trying to determent if it was alive or not. It was nothing; the Rex was not impressed with it. The animal just complied with his instinct; even one of the most deadly things on the Island, the T-Rex was acting more curious than like a predator. He wasn't a killing machine, if threaten the creature could take down animal twice his size, but otherwise he was no different than any lion or shark in the real world. The animal instinct in every predator was the same; you either kill or be killed. Nothing more and nothing less. Somewhere in the distance one of the big herbivores made a calling sound, maybe the animal had left behind from his heard, but it was enough to remind the T-Rex it was lunch time. There was nothing here to challenge or satisfy his appetite.
Claire felt what seemed like the Rex walking away. There was some sense of relieve, but there was no sign of Owen. She decided to wait another minute or two, until at least she can no longer feel the ground shaking and get out. Something was not right. The second she decided that the hiding went long enough and made few steps toward the light Owen jumped up before her;
Where the hell were you? – Claire didn't give him much time to take his breath.
And where the hell are you going, I thought I told you to stay put? – Owen wasn't very happy with her right now either.
Yeah, like that was possible! Where did you go, Mexico? What the hell happened? Did you see that thing; it was like few feet away from my face? – Countless and unnecessary questions thought Owen.
If you let me explain, I will!
Claire just grunted at him and said –But please, do take your time!
I was about to get back and then I saw the big guy approaching the waterfall and I hid. You were fine here, as apparent by the fact you are in one piece and still breathing. No biggie, right? – Owen didn't want to admit that he panicked when he saw the Rex sniffing around the place Claire was hiding. He prayed that she wouldn't freak out and jump in front of him. From the distance Owen could only watch and hope the Claire and his baby are ok.
Unbelievable! Claire muttered under her nose as she walked past Owen.
We better get going! I don't want to stick around if the big fella decides to come back.
Claire couldn't agree more with him; the Island was draining the last of her patience and sanity.
As they approached the trees Owen's face became more intense and worried. It didn't take him long to find out why.
Ms. Grady, it is so good to see you again. Unfortunately alive and well! – Elias Patterson appeared before them as if he just materialized out of nowhere. But this is something that can be fixed!
Instinctively Owen pulled Claire behind him.
Miss Dearing! – Patterson focused his attention at Claire. Do you believe we never had the pleasure to be formally introduced? It is sad that we finally meet in such extreme and inconvenient times!
Patterson circled around them; the way a hungry animal circles around its pray, moments before the attack. Owen noticed the four heavily armed men corning them. He recognized the two from last night. So did Claire. She was clenching Owen's arm so strong, she couldn't feel her fingers anymore.
I couldn't believe that two of my men – Elias pointed at Santiago, the one with the broken nose and then at Marcus, the one that Claire knocked down with the shovel – two highly professional and well trained marines had their asses kicked by an unconscious man and his little girlfriend. - When Patterson said girlfriend his eyes stopped at Claire. But, miss Dearing you are no ordinary woman! No, no, no! You are as dangerous and deadly as any of these wretched things on this Island. No wonder you took the job! Elias Patterson was talking as if Claire was the most spectacular person he has ever met.
Anyhow, I am not known for forgiving and forgetting the failures… This is why I always say "if you want something done right do it yourself"- Patterson winked at Claire. She felt his disgusting look all over her body. She didn't have to see Owen's face to know that he felt the same.
What are you going to do with us? If you want us dead, please spear us the speech. – Owen's eyes were trying to burn a hole in Patterson's body.
Oh, but of course! You are not leaving this Island unless it's in a body bag. You have seen too much of our operation and now you're liability that needs to be taken care off. But we are not animals, are we? We are civilized people! Your death needs to be clean, accidental if I may.
Claire felt like she was about to have a heart attack. Her heart was beating so fast; she was suffocating; the only thing keeping her standing was Owen. She knew there was no way out. Soon both of them were going to be dead. The only thing in her mind was the little creature inside of her, her son or daughter that she was never going to meet. The very thought of that paralyzed her.
That is why I need you to come to the camp with me! But I promise, you won't have to wait long to meet your faith. After all I consider myself as a gentleman and gentlemen always keep their word.
Patterson ordered two of his man to take care of Owen and the other two for Claire.
Santiago and the other guard gave Owen a sign to move, while Marcus and the last man made sure Claire to get to the one of the two jeeps parked not far from the waterfall. Owen and Claire were once again separated. Patterson felt it was the smart thing to do. Claire Dearing and Owen Grady were very dangerous when together. Soon they both would be dead, but until that he was not taking any changes with them. Patterson got in the jeep with Owen. Even after the mess he had made, Owen Grady needed to know why he was dying; why the woman he had brought with him was going to die a horrible death. It was one of the few good things about the damn situation.
Marcus sat next to Claire, letting the other guy to drive. He was looking at her to whole time and Claire knew why. He was pissed at her because of his face and probably because he got beaten by a woman 60 pounds lighter than him. She could feel the resentment that his demeanor was giving; Claire never felt more scared in her life. And the fact that Owen was not there with her freaked her even more. Marcus broke the silence first.
I hope the boss has planned something good for you two, especially for you! Bitch, because of you I can't see with my left eye. Claire had enough to say to him, but she kept her mouth shut. It was not the time to prove her superiority to this filthy snake.
Yeah, I guessed so! Not so tough without someone to protect you! Sad, you are one good piece of ass, and now you are gonna get blown up! Truly sad!
The idiot had just given away Patterson's plan. Claire got the early remark about the accidental death. Patterson was planning to blown them up. That's was why he insisted to get back to the camp. After a storm like the last night's one no one would question if something goes horrible wrong. Claire thought about all those people there; none of them knew what was coming. She thought of Crest and Barry and wanted to scream, but maybe if they got to the camp alive, maybe there was still a chance to get out of this. Claire had to be ready to worn Owen the moment she gets out of the damn car. But with Marcus next to her it was just matter of time some of them to lose their temper.
Owen was constantly looking over his shoulder. Claire was in the car behinds theirs, probably terrified. He couldn't handle the thought of her sitting next to that animal. Owen noticed the way he was looking at her.
No need to worry, mister Grady, nothing will happen to miss Dearing… at least not before we get back. – Patterson was sitting in the front seat, leaving Santiago on the back one with Owen.
Why didn't just kill us?
Patience! Why are you so eager to meet your creator?
We are dead anyway, why bother to bring us back?
Patterson was calm and focused. Random grin here and there was the only thing Elias Patterson was giving away, at least willingly.
I warned them, you know, Ingen's CEO and his dogs, about you! They thought they could make you work with us, but I know you! You are not made for this! You don't have it inside of you, the instinct!
And what is that?
To take everything you need, before someone else has! You, mister Grady don't see the big picture, you don't get it! Everything that Ingen has done, that I am doing, will work… it will be the corner stone of my life, my greatest achievement.
Using the raptors as weapons? It won't work and you know it! They are killing machines, they act, and they don't follow orders…
They followed yours! Trust me, Owen, you are not that special. 7 billion people on this earth, there have to be quite enough to do what you did! And I will find them!
And how many people need to die until you find them? How many is Ingen willing to sacrifice for you stupid idea, for this ridicules big picture.
Patterson turned and looked Owen it the eyes; smiling at him with the most honest smile… As many as they are needed! Ingen is worth billions of dollars and this is its only chance to survive and thrive… we have made thousands people around the world very happy and rich; and now we own them! Nothing will stand in our way. At least not for long!
Couple of minutes later they got back to the camp. Owen and Claire were asked nicely with guns pointing at them to step out of the cars.
Owen didn't care about anything, so the moment he saw he asked her- You ok?
For now! – Claire forced a smile, just to keep him calm for as long as possible.
Claire noticed the camp was empty. Patterson answered the question before she could even ask it.
We evacuated the none-essential personal last night. I don't need prowling eyes, not right now. You four will be the only one caught in the storm.
Four?
Yes, miss Dearing, four!
Patterson ordered to Santiago something and he disappeared in one of the tents. When he came back Claire panicked even more. Santiago was walking Crest and Barry with him.
As you can see, there were some people not willing to leave you behind. Not that is what I call good friendship! – Patterson was enjoying the situation.
Claire, dear, are you ok?
Yes! Are you ok, did they do something to you? Claire respected Crest very much and after almost two years with him she saw him as a father figure.
No, no, I am fine! Giving the circumstances, I am fine!
Barry and Owen didn't say anything; for them was enough to exchange a look to tell everything that there is to know.
Claire tried to remain calm and with clear head; now that she knew what they had in mind for them there was no time to be wasted. She had to worn Owen before it was too late.
Owen was few feet behind Patterson; Santiago was keeping Barry and Crest in sight; Marcus was right behind Claire. The other two guards fell behind them, checking the perimeter; after all most of these people were afraid of everything on this Island.
Marcus was too close to Claire and for the first time today she was glad he was.
Patterson had turned his back on Owen and now was talking on the radio. Santiago wasn't paying much attention to Crest or Barry; their arrogance was spectacular and because of it they were about to get their asses kicked.
Claire's eyes were jumping back and forth as if she was playing something in her head. It was now or never! The only thing she was counting on was that Owen was going to be Owen and do something stupid and rushed. Claire only hoped that it won't get him killed.
Everything was like going in slow motion; with the corner of his eye Owen saw Claire collapsing on the ground. His initial instinct was to go to her and see if she was alright. But Patterson's voice reminded him that he was not in control. But Owen didn't care for that; either way they were all dead.
What the hell happened? Marcus, do something! – Patterson was yelling at Marcus, but the ex marine was too surprised. He didn't know what to do in situations like this one and the most part he didn't care about Claire; after all she was dead anyway, why bother now.
Ok, ok, what do you want me to do?
Marcus hovered over Claire not sure what to do with her. Owen didn't like the proximity between them, but there was not much to be done.
What Patterson didn't realize that Owen Grady was now the most dangerous and deadliest animal on the Island? He was too concentrated on Claire and didn't see the way Owen's body tensed; his look focused on him; his hand clutched in fists. Patterson's greatest mistake was that he overestimated his people. They had failed him once, but this time it was the endgame.
Chaos erupted!
Owen spared no time and bolted against Patterson, throwing him on the ground. Even though Patterson was in perfect shape for his 58 years, Owen had twenty years on him, not to mention that he was much bigger and stronger than him. Patterson landed way too hard, feeling the hard ground crashing his back. He tried to pull his revolver, but Owen managed to kick it off his hands.
Santiago got distracted and failed to see that Crest had gotten behind him. It didn't take long before Barry took him down, panning his chest with his knee. Crest pulled the riffle out of his hands and passed to Barry; fortunately the other two guards were too far to be of any help.
Marcus didn't get any time to react either. Claire grabbed the stone laying right next to her and smashed it against his head; hitting the exact same stop as last night, rendering him unconscious. She took his riffle and jumped back at her feet.
Owen and Patterson were far from over. Patterson rolled over and kicked Owen in the chest, throwing him off balance for a moment. Owen landed on his back a feet from Elias who was now reaching for his gun. This time Patterson was faster. He grabbed it and pointed at Owen.
Whatever I have planned wasn't going to give me the same satisfaction as to kill you myself. Thank you mister Grady for the opportunity to shoot and end you!
Go the hell! Owen grunted at him, still lying on his back.
Patterson smiled back! A gunshot echoed through the jungle!
Owen was in the Navy long enough to know what e gunshot felt like, but this time it was different. There was no pain, no feel or tearing flesh, no gushing blood, nothing.
Patterson was standing over Owen with a genuine disbelieve on his face; a little red dot on his right shoulder, getting bigger and bigger like a blossoming flower. Claire was right before him, holding the riffle against his head.
The next one goes for your head! Owen got back on his feet. Claire had once again saved his life. He walked back to her, but he never turned his eyes away from Patterson.
Great shot, babe!
Happy that I can still surprise you! – Claire didn't have to show it, but her eyes were smiling at Owen.
Was that...
Yes! I think I read it somewhere! Claire was talking about the make believe faint. She thought it was the only way to distract them and it worked.
Owen nodded at Barry and Crest. They both were ok and obviously in control. Santiago didn't make any effort to escape. This they were the ones who were outnumbered and outgunned. Marcus was out. Claire got him good this time.
Patterson had no choice but to throw the gun at Claire's feet. Owen took it and put in on his belt. There were enough guns waving around.
The other guards are still back there. Maybe we should warn them that we are in charge now. Barry didn't need much conviction. He got to the portable radio and made sure that everyone who was listening to know that Patterson is out of the game. Minutes later they came back and surrendered their weapons to Barry. It was over.
Mr. Patterson, it is my genuine pleasure to tell you that after the events of today, I will make sure that Ingen is out of the business for good. And I hope that you and your boss spend your time in prison reminiscing of all the wrong decisions you have made! Crest was only waiting for the right moment to crush Ingen and kick it out of the board. But what they did surpassed even his greatest expectations.
Patterson tried to have the last word. - Maybe I am done, maybe Ingen is no more, but this… this is something no one can't stop. There will be others. Richer, smarter, more ruthless than me…
But it won't be you! This time Claire had the last word; erasing the smug smile out of Patterson's face.
Four hours later Owen and Claire were standing in front of one of the three helicopters sent to take them to the mainland. Patterson, Santiago and the other two were arrested and handcuffed in the second one. Barry and Crest debriefed by the Costa Rican police about the events from the past days. The way Owen was kidnapped; the evacuation; Patterson's plan to fake a generator malfunction masking their deaths as an accident; everything about Ingen's secret operation.
Marcus was still out.
Two times in two days… He will pissed when he wakes up!
Good! He should have known better not to mess with me! – Claire winked at Owen causing his face to light up in a big smile.
In all of the chaos I didn't get to thank you!
For what?
For saving my life! I was a goner if it wasn't for you! Owen gently pulled Claire into his arms. She wrapped hers around his neck and said – If someone has the right to kill you is me!
Yeah, yeah, for pulling stupid stunts!
Well, I kind of counted on that today; either we both be dead!
Whenever you're ready! – Their sweet moment got interrupted by one if the pilots.
We are ready. – Owen and Claire said it at the same time.
What about Crest and Barry? Owen asked the co-pilot while putting his seat belt.
Mr. Crest and Mr. Dubois are going to take the last chopper. They want to make sure everything is clear before they could go.
The helicopter took off, leaving the Island behind. Claire and Owen were holding hands. They were both literally drained; Claire suggested that after they got to the mainland she will be out of reach for days. Owen couldn't agree more with her. They needed the rest.
As the helicopter was flying over a group of triceratops Claire wonder. Do you think they will survive without us?
They will thrive without us! If not it will be nature's way of telling us that some things are not meant to be.
Owen placed his hand on Claire's belly. Life always finds a way!
Claire put her hand over Owen's; leaned toward him and gave him s little kiss. Then she cuddled in his chest and fell asleep, dreaming about the life ahead of her. It was going to be perfect!
Isla Nublar had its conqueror! The mighty T-Rex that once ruled the Earth was finally the master of his life. Whatever happened was only in the hands of Mother Nature. Man has no place in her business and for the last time man had telling in the lives of these animals!