Chapter 3 --- Growing Closer
A few minutes after Lou left the guards appeared, far too many for just him. They wheeled Diane into the next room. Jake could see her, laying there, pale. He stood and leaned against the glass partition, willing her to live.
"Jake," Kyle said from the door, "the doctors say she's out of danger."
"What about the treason charge?"
"I don't know. I've seen people change…"
"You think she's a traitor"! Jake interrupts. "Then you must think that I'm a traitor also!"
"As I was saying, I've seen people change but Diane has blossomed, as have you my friend. Diane is no traitor, I'd bet my pension on it. Besides, you, Diane, Fran, Lou and I are the most monitored individuals in the NSA."
"That's little comfort, er, that last part… I, we appreciate your faith in us."
"Besides, I told Lou that if nanites could be passed from one person to another you two would find it."
"Kyle!"
"Come on Jake, I've seen the way you two are together. Actually, marriage has cooled you two down."
"I wouldn't say…"
"Come on Jake; at least admit that you're more under control."
"OK Kyle, I'll admit to more control. But there's nothing about the word 'cooled' that describes my feelings about Diane. I want to sit with her."
"The Director won't allow that. You two being this close is only because of the classified nature of the nanites."
Kyle put his hand on Jake's shoulder. "It'll be alright. You're not alone in this. It will seem like it at times, but don't forget you have friends."
"Jake." Diane said softly.
His head jerked up. "Diane!"
"Quiet Jake!" Kyle hissed. "They won't allow communication of any sort."
"Sorry." Jake said dejectedly.
"I wish I could do more, just be strong for Diane's sake."
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Later when he saw her awaken, barely moving his mouth, Jake whispered, "Diane?"
Diane turned her head to look at her husband.
"Don't speak or react." Jake continued whispering. "I know you've got questions. Right now the brass believes you stole nanites. When we were in the park we were shot." Her eyes open wide in alarm. "Nanites were transferred to you, that's how you can hear me now. Fran has the details. They won't let us be any closer than this, and I'm not leaving without you. I'll be right here. If they think we're communicating I'm afraid they'll stop it by separating us."
Diane just stared at him. A warm smile grew then was quickly dismissed; she had understood and loved him.
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Fran was at Diane's desk looking at her and Jake's readings. Diane's weren't as expected; it was early yet but it appeared that she will not be as augmented as he is. She needed to run tests to determine just how different Diane will be. Maybe Diane will have some ideas, but she has to wait until Diane is cleared by the Director.
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"Jake?"
Jake awoke with his nose pressed against the glass wall. Putting his fingers to his lips he whispers, "Quiet."
"Look at me Jake."
Jake looked at her. She looked pretty sitting cross legged, back straight, shoulders square and eyes blazing with mischief.
"Jake, Jake, where fore art thou Jake?"
Remembering the great thespian Buckwheat, he responds," Here I is." Then," Diane, how can I hear you when you aren't speaking?"
"The same way you access computers. I'm manipulating the nanites in your ears."
"Like this?"
"You're a quick study agent Foley." Diane 'thought' at Jake.
"Maybe but you're brilliant, Doctor Foley."
"That's why I earn the big coins."
"Won't they be able to monitor the nanite activity?"
"It should read as an increase in brain activity, hopefully."
"Let's keep this between the two of us. The Director will…"
"I know, Arctica and Antarctica bases. You'd get Antarctica since it's isolated and Warner loves you so much."
"You look beautiful."
"I'm a mess."
"Not to me. You're the moon and the stars in my sky."
"I knew renting 'Taming Of The Shrew' was a mistake."
"You can be difficult at times; at least you're prettier than Elizabeth Taylor."
"Really? Wanna' talk dirty?"
"You're the doctor."
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Next: Let The Dance Begin
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