Night Moves Pt 07

I woke up my head was throbbing. I lifted a hand up to the side of my head where it hurt the most and felt bandages. I look around the sterile room. Where was I? I groaned. I looked to my left at a window overlooking some pine trees. the gloomy sky a contrast to the roiling furious one that I saw flash of every time I closed my eyes. I put my head in my hands, rubbing my temples a knock and the sound of a door opening drew my attention.

I looked at a nurse in scrubs. "Oh good, she said. You're awake" She checked my vitals. "You're looking good." Then she asked me how I was feeling.

I winced and said, "Like a mule kicked me in the head"

She chirpily said "Well, you are still healing, Mr. Ren" she busied herself checking my bandages.

I put my hand to my head the throbbing unbearable "What happened?" I asked

she shrugged and said, "I don't know all the details, but you were found in a cave. on an island a little ways off the coast by two sightseers. Your boat appeared to have been wrecked in the storm that had previously ripped through the coast. You had hit your head rather hard and suffered from an infection that caused you to have a high fever"

I put a hand over my eyes. "How long have I been here?"

"a week" she chirped back. I thought back to that day I had woken up early. My girl was still asleep. I wanted to go fishing, maybe catch something so she wouldn't have to. I was fishing with little to no luck when the waves began to grow choppy. I looked out to sea where the clouds were roiling, and I decided I should bring my boat in closer to the protective cover of the lagoon.

Although my girl could fly, I still wasn't keen on riding with her it made my stomach do little flips and my body shake. I didn't realize how terrifying letting go and completely trusting in another for your safety was.

Now I had a newfound appreciation for what I had demanded of my girl. I was worried my boat might get damaged if I didn't bring it in, so I was doing my best to do so. When the storm was nearly upon me, I saw a flash of something. It was Sarah, my girl. She had flown out to get me. I looked at her then suddenly I was knocked off my feet, sliding across the deck.

Then I knew no more, just vague, swimming thoughts of my girl always being nearby. of a constant warmth, where was she? I looked around the room of course she wasn't there. I asked the nurse if she knew of anyone else rescued from the island. But she said I was the only one. I spent days regaining my strength.

Some friends of mine visited me, ensuring I was okay. Soon after a couple of weeks, I was walking out of the hospital. I went home to my mansion. The door still needed proper repairing my girl wasn't about. I looked for her everywhere her room the basement the den she made. I took my key to her home and looked for her she wasn't there.

I rented a new boat since mine was destroyed and drove out to the island. where I searched, but she wasn't there. I searched for days that bled into weeks that then bled into a month. I thought maybe she was truly done with me and had left for good. leaving not a clue or a trace behind of where she went.

In my dreams I saw a dragon over me giving me water, soothing me. When the pain was great, she soothed and warmed me. When I was cold, the feeling of her being with me was pervasive. She could have abandoned me, but I was certain she stayed to take care of me. The feeling she wouldn't come back, that she abandoned me, didn't sit right.

I began in wide circles, motoring around the island looking for her. I spent another month out at sea in wider and wider circles I was close to giving up. She had left me, I was almost certain, by this point, and I didn't blame her. I was making my last pass of a long circle now many miles away from her island.

When I felt a jolt and a terrible screeching noise. I rush over to the side I realize I had hit a sandbar that sat barely above the water's surface. I cursed myself for again wrecking a boat. I hopped off the boat and, with all my might, tried to push the boat off the sandbar, bracing myself against some rocks found there.

I shift my position, and I felt something oddly soft beneath my foot. I stooped down and dug a soggy, sandy piece of cloth that was buried almost completely in the sand. I was about to throw it away thinking it nothing but trash when I saw the edges. five clean claw marks were through a portion of it, and the other end seemed to have been ripped from something.

like a wild animal had torn someone's sleeve off. It had a hard to make out patch on it. so worn by the sea and sand with heavy doses of sun making it almost impossible to decipher. but I made out one of the letters on it, a big, bold, capital O. I clenched the tattered cloth in my hand. Was this a sign of my girl? Or was I looking for hope when there was none after another hour of trying to free my boat.

I was forced to radio in for help, and my boat was subsequently towed. I went home my door was fixed, and I tossed the torn scrap of fabric on my desk. I kicked my feet up, staring at the ceiling. I was thinking to myself it was over. Sure, I found a suspicious object, but seriously, what are the odds that this was actually connected to her? I sighed, dropping my feet to the floor and leaning over the sodden bit of cloth.

I took an old toothbrush from my bathroom cabinet and gently used it to clean the cloth. It was sun-bleached in places and stained with algae in others. I gently ran cleansing tap water over it, washing the sand and agley off the cloth. Some of the tatters obscured some of the lettering. but I was finally able to make out the capital letters O, then the siris.

I flashed back to our first confrontation, her asking, "Osiris?" And my utter confusion.

stating, "No, remember, I'm Silas" She thought these people had caught her, and it seemed they have thanks to indirectly me, at least maybe if they did. They would have her and I could find a way to get her back. Or maybe this patch meant nothing and I was just grasping at straws.

I looked at the patch the symbol that I could make out on it was of a crook twisted with golden feathers. I grabbed a worn old card from a stack of papers on my desk. I dialed the number the voice that spoke said, "What do you need me to find for you, Mr. Ren?"

I cleared my throat "I have a patch I need you to find who or what it belongs to" I answered back. To the private detective that helped me get to my girl once. I hoped he would be able to again. I met him at a coffee shop. I gave him the patch and then told him where I found it after a month of no word. I got a call at 3 in the morning saying to meet him at the same coffee shop at 8 am that day.

I was there on the dot he pulled up a few minutes later, looking nervous. He then handed me a vanilla folder. "That's all I could dig up. I wouldn't suggest going any deeper than" and with that, he left before I could even hand him the envelope with his fee in it. I went back to my car I palmed the folder, worried about what I'd find there.

With the detective that worried and his hurried exit, like he couldn't get rid of it quicker, had me on edge. Finally, I opened it. It held a few pieces of paper a little on the history of a group that called themselves Osiris. And a business card the paper with history of Osiris seemed to state. It was a bit of an old boys club from the 18th century that disbanded after their leader died tragically early from a hunting accident.

Another slip of paper was a picture of the old group, and the third a business card that read Evolutech in bold, elegant letters. in smaller ones underneath, stating evolving the future into today. That was all that was in the folder, all that was apparently found and so terrifying that the detective couldn't stick around to give me any conversation about it.

I went into my office for the first time in a long time some of my coworkers were concerned with my state of being. asking if maybe I needed a little more time off and if there was anything the matter, they were all ears. I graciously brushed them off as I sat in my office. I called my secretary to see if she could find anyone in our contacts that works with or knows a company that's called Evolutech.

About an hour later, my secretary phoned saying that a company by that name was a company we sold many cura cases to. They had requested some special software to be made for their units that one of our teams was working on. I asked my secretary to send an invite to the head of the company to our annual charity dinner asking them if they would attend.

I also requested of her to tell everyone else I was not to be disturbed. I then sat in my office for the rest of the day, barely reading emails or answering messages I received. Close to the end of the day, I took a stroll to where the team that was working on the special software requested for our machines.

I asked questions about what George, the head of the team, was doing he filled me in. "So basically they requested software to be made where certain things found in blood would be picked up by the machine and give accurate readings of their levels in the blood samples. It's really specific stuff too, and getting the sensors to accurately pick it up is proving difficult. before our machines could pick up if these markers were even present in the blood but not necessarily how much of it. Apparently the company had developed a bit of a.5 software update. of their own, but it wasn't enough for their purposes, so they reached out to us. the creators of the original machine to see if we could work something out"

I nodded and listened to George's explanation I asked "why I wasn't informed of this new project"

George shrugged and said "you were out of the office for a long time the project only came in last month or so, so the COO gave the go-ahead"

I nodded. "Thank you, George" I then went home, kicked off my shoes, and lay awake in bed. It was a long time before I finally fell asleep. I went into the office the next day and was informed. by my secretary that Evolutech had accepted our invitation to our annual charity dinner. I smiled to myself.

I had anxiety that I was on the wrong track, but what other choice did I have? 2 months later it was the night of the dinner. I was dressed in stiff formal attire. I took a swig of champagne from a glass offered to me from a waiter. Since it was my company's party, I was to be hosting it. I was expected to get on stage and greet everyone here and thank them for coming.

I strolled on stage. "Hello and welcome, everybody. It is a pleasure to be hosting this dinner and to raise funds for our charity. I hope you all have a wonderful evening tonight and have lots of fun. Then I added with a wry smile, But not too much fun that you forget to loosen those purse strings for our lovely charity" a bit of murmuring and chuckles followed this.

During the very small speech, I was scanning the crowd for who I hoped would be here tonight. I spotted him my eyes met his for a second, and when I walked off stage, I took my seat. I made note of where he was seated I was relieved he actually came. after the dinner had concluded and some items auctioned off for our charity. People were starting to mill about. A few drinks in, I decided to try my plan.

I strolled casually over to thank him for coming. "I'm Silas" I said, sticking out my hand. He clasped mine in his and returned the greeting, saying he was Alex. We idly chatted. I was stiff and straight-backed during our conversation, looking for any opportunity to push forth my agenda.

Finally, one opened Alex was saying how his company was conducting research with the machines my company made. I casually asked, What kind of research? Alex hesitated, then blinked after he paused. Then he gave me a wry smile and said "we mostly just do blood testing trying to cure disease" He looked out over the crowd, then looked at me. "You know how to throw a fundraiser. You've received generous donations the guests all look like they are having a wonderful time, and the food was delicious. I hope you invite me to your next one" he reached out his hand for a handshake.

I panicked he seemed like he was preparing to take his leave, and I hadn't gotten any information about my girl. I took his hand in a firm shake. "How about we meet next Saturday for lunch? We can discuss your company's request for more Cura machines and negotiate a deal" I say smoothly,

Alex cocked his head slightly to the right and said, "Sounds good. I'll let you know if I have time" He strolled off I was left alone with my thoughts. How was I supposed to get any information about my girl out of him? I wasn't even completely sure if he had her. It was a shot in the dark.

I closed my eyes, rubbing my forehead with my right hand. The rest of the night was a blur. I talked, I drank, i hung out with other people. I was living life a few tried to get favors from me, using a donation to our charity as leverage, but I brushed them off, saying I wasn't interested. The next day I woke up hungover with a throbbing headache and a message from my secretary that Alex had accepted my offer for lunch next Saturday.

"Thank you" I messaged back "tell him I was delighted he accepted my offer" The week was uneventful but painfully slow. I was preparing for my second attempt. We met in a decent cafe. It was on the pier down by the docks. In the city it was made of old, rough wood, continuously wet from the sea spray.

Inside was poorly lit. with pictures of fish and nets hanging off the walls, some more seafaring paraphernalia littered the walls. I and Alex were sat in a booth with a single overhead light. We were both dressed casually. We ordered food and chatted. I was once again waiting for a natural opening to gain information about my girl. We were talking about the logistics of his order of Cura machines and his request for special software for it.

I asked him why he wanted special software he brushed off my attempt. saying it better suited his company's interests. I decided to be bold, leaning in slightly asking in a low voice, "And what interests are those?"

Alex gave me a long, hard stare, then smiled. "You're a smart man, right, Silas? A man of science and reason?"

He began I straighten back up in my seat and said coolly. "I like to think so"

Alex gave me a bright smile and continued, "My company prides itself on innovation and pushing mankind to its limits. To see what's really achievable"

I cut in, as I could tell he was going to go on a while. "May I be able to see some of these innovations?" risking the rudeness of my action.

Alex smiled. "Eager are we? Well, we need certain assurances before we can get to that part company secrets and all that"

I pressed "what assurances? I don't mind signing an NDA, or we can discuss compensation"

Alex just smiled and said "we need something a little more compelling than that for company protection, of course" My eyes narrowed. He wanted dirt, not just any dirt. dirt most likely on me or my company so he can force me to remain silent. money or a piece of paper wasn't enough to ensure him I would keep quiet.

I swallowed, then said, "And what do I receive for my compliance?"

Alex brightened "Access to treatments that aren't available to the public if you are so inclined" This was it, the window of opportunity. My heart was racing. Alex then was starting to close the window. by saying "if you're not interested, it's not a big deal"

I swallowed again and did my best to sound casual, "no. I was interested"

Alex rubbed his hands together "Excellent! Let's take a walk then" We got up from the table the waiter looked confused as he had just brought our orders to the table. We stated we had changed our minds and wished to take it on the go. The waiter boxed up our food, and we paid the tab. Then we walked to a high-end bar, and entered casual banter filtered through to my ears.

Along with laughter, a few people sat slumped at the bar, staring off into nothing. Alex went to the bartender a few hushed words were exchanged then Alex motioned for me to follow. I did so through the bricked corridors and warm lighting from shaded bulbs. that littered the ceiling, I was led to a private room that was furnished with a private booth.

We sat down in it, Alex closing the door to our room. "So Mr. Ren" Alex said in a business tone, "Please tell me about something the public really shouldn't be privy to" He set down a tape recorder in hand I shifted uncomfortably, being put on the spot like this was unnerving. I was used to being in control, but in this situation I certainly was not.

As I did my best to think of something that would be an adequate answer. the thought of what am I doing? risking everything for the chance they have my girl, and what of Jen? She died because of my commitment to my company. It was my fault I didn't pay enough attention to her. Was it worth risking everything she died for? For just a chance hen I thought of Sarah, my girl. She could of left me for dead.

But she didn't, and it cost her everything I had cost her everything. It was worth it for her. Even if it was a chance "What assurance do I have on you?" I stated coolly. Alex paused, narrowing his eyes. "I would personally like some assurance myself"

Alex narrowed his eyes "I understand" he said cliply "we can give you a tour of one of our facilities"

I nodded. "I have an interest in seeing what you're using my machines for"

Alex nodded back "that can be arranged" I took a breath. I knew what dirt I was going to divulge it would lose me everything if it got out.

But I started, "I met this girl online. I really clicked with her. So I took it upon myself to find out more about her with her unaware, of course"

Alex bluntly stated "you stalked this lady?"

I wince slightly, "yes" guilt at being confronted with the heinous act.

Alex showed no emotion "What was her name?"

I replied "I would like to keep the lady out of this as she's no longer in my possession. She was out in the world, I didn't kill her" I stated coldly. Alex only grunted. "I finally got to meet her in person instead of watching from afar, and I couldn't help myself I took her"

Alex again bluntly said, "You mean kidnapped"

I cringed, closing my eyes "yes"

Alex reached to the table, switching off the recorder. "Thank you, Silas" Alex said warmly. Meet me at this address tomorrow we can show you the lovely work your machines do for us. He said, sliding a ripped piece of paper over to me, a simple address. in the industrial area of town on the outskirts close to the forest. I took the piece of paper and went home.

I lay in bed that night staring at the ceiling. Worrying about my decision, I gave up the past of Jen for the future of my girl Sarah. But as I drifted to sleep, I worried, Did they really have her? Did I make the right decision? I awoke bright and early the next morning and drove to the address.

The building just looked like an average warehouse house. industrial concrete walls, metal siding roof heavy metal doors in the front. I park in the empty parking lot. I strolled up to the doors a small call box was next to one of them on the right. I pressed the button stating I had a meeting for today and that I was Silas Ren. I heard a click, and the door opened. A young man greeted me as I entered, introducing himself as Tankrid.

I shook his hand and asked if Alex would join us. "yes" he said, nodding as Alex came through the door I just walked through. "Ah, Silas, you're here nice and early come" he led me to a reception-type desk and asked me to sign my name in the guest book. Then he asked Tankrid to take a picture of me and him together in front of the desk holding the book with my signature in it.