Fic: Beyond the impossibility Chapter 1
The old gray one-story building was surrounded by thick forest. Since it had only a few small windows except the front door, it looked like a huge container that had been abandoned and forgotten. But it was one of the facilities of the Morgan Foundation in the USA. The Morgan Foundation was the most famous worldwide enterprise, not only for the high technology but also for their enormous fortune. When the head of the company Mark Morgan passed away twenty years ago, his only son Jeffrey Dean Morgan succeeded to the head of the company. There were people who worried about his young age and lack of experience but he had proved his ability by pushing the company to the top of the world and multiplying its wealth. It seemed ironic that a company like Morgan Foundation owned this old looking building, in such an isolated and deserted place. But the inside of the building was the complete opposite of its exterior appearance. It was clean, and fresh air flowed through the building from the large air conditioning units. The lighting system was very similar to natural light so it was hard to notice the lack of the windows. Located just inside the entrance of the building was a lounge with several couches and a reception desk, opposite the reception desk were two elevators. Unlike a normal company’s reception desk were three men who were armed to the teeth stationed there. There was no way to reach the elevators without passing these men and the elevators were the only way to reach the basement.
The size of the basement was huge in comparison to actual size of the building above, and was full of various types of modern equipment. It was separated three sections, within each section were several rooms. A line of windows in each of the doors and walls allowed the contents of the rooms to be easily observed. In front of the elevators was a section where the buildings control computers were located. Almost every room was full of computers; which allowed for both experiments and for the building controls to be performed. To the right, just out of sight of the elevators was a medical and health section. Each room was stocked of medical equipment; one of the rooms was set up as a gym. The left side was a residential section for those who were staying in this institute. The walls and doors on this side were without windows giving the occupants privacy. The basement was the very reason the company secretly owned this building. Jeffrey D. Morgan had spent a large amount of money in this institute and just now, in the largest room the result of years of research was about to show success. The room was larger than the others and there were various computers and devices which were busy in processing the programs. In the center of the room, there was a transparent box that was connected to the computers by numerous codes. It blinked green lights as the programs were processing. A screen which spanned the entire wall was connected to the computers. Jeffery D. Morgan was standing with several research staff. Beside them, there was a boy with huge green eyes and a man with a beard who was standing between Jeffery D. Morgan and the boy. The boy was trying to keep still but his body was shaking. The man with beard put his hand on the boy’s shoulder to comfort him. With a loud beep, the huge screen came to life. Everyone in the room was breathless staring the screen. Finally the first sentence which was the proof of the success was announced with a voice of woman.
“I am Donna Ackles and I am very pleased to meet everybody again.” And the image of Donna Ackles on the screen turned toward the boy and smiled. “Jensen. I missed you.”
“It works! I knew it!” Jeffery D. Morgan shouted with a triumph and laughed like a mad man.
“Congratulation, Mr. Morgan. It is very significant event for human race. And you are the one who made the first step.” The entire staff in the room shouted with a glee.
Only two people in this room, the boy and the man with a beard were quiet. The boy was with tears in his eyes and the man squeezed boy’s shoulder gently. As if it were a signal, tears started to run down the boy’s cheeks.
“Finally, it seems that your morning sickness has faded Jensen.” Dr. Anderson said as he checked Jensen’s blood pressure.
“Yeah.” Jensen answered, with a lack of enthusiasm.
“Good. Your blood pressure has returned to normal. I was worried about high blood pressure during your last checkup. I believe that taking a walk outside was a good way to lower your stress then.”
“Yes, thanks for persuading Jeff to agree with that. Without your medical suggestion, he wouldn’t permit me going outside.” Jensen said with sincerity this time.
“You’re welcome. Jensen. The health of my patient is my first priority. Now, let’s move to ultrasound.” Dr. Anderson smiled warmly and patted Jensen’s shoulder.
Jensen knew Dr. Anderson was a good person and Jensen even liked him. But under this circumstance, he just couldn’t be nice to him. He was tired of being a subject of the experiments. And now he was pregnant. Pregnant! Since he was born with a uterus, he always knew he could be pregnant but being pregnant was totally different than just knowing. He knew he couldn’t have avoided this experiment since he had turned eighteen years old last March. Frankly speaking, at first he felt angry and hated the fact that he was pregnant. Of course morning sickness was terrible - which was over now. Thank God! -. But now he felt different from his old self. He was scared if he would be a good father and most of all he felt a responsibility for the new life growing inside him.
“Sorry. It’s little cold.” Dr. Anderson said before applying the gel for the ultrasound to Jensen’s abdomen.
Caught in the middle of his thoughts, Jensen gasped with surprise at the sudden coldness.
“Let’s take a look at the ultrasound. See? This is the baby. Jensen.” He indicated to the screen. It was 3D ultrasound -money wasn’t problem to Jeff D. Morgan-. The image of the baby was more real than usual grainy 2D image. Jensen was awed by the image of the baby. It was so little but already it had the shape of a human. Another human being was in him. He felt the beauty of the life and realized again how precious it was.
“Umm…Can I get a picture?” Jensen asked doctor.
“Of course Jensen. But I’m sure Donna will check this data.”
“I know. But it isn’t for mother. It’s for Jim. I want to show him.” Jensen said, blushing.
“Oh, sure. I’ll make two copies for you and Jim. Then you can give him one and keep one for yourself.” He smiled and handed some tissue to Jensen.
“Thanks.” Jensen wiped the gel off his abdomen and fixed his clothes.
Dr. Anderson gave pictures to Jensen. “Here. Usually the next checkup will be in two weeks but I think we need to check more frequently. You know you’re a special case.”
“I understand. How about every week? Is it okay?” Jensen said as looking the pictures.
“Sure. Be careful and-” He was interrupted by Jensen’s impatient reply.
“And don’t forget to take the vitamins. I know.” Jensen said and waved his hand. And he started to walk to the center of the institute. He needed to speak to Donna about the last experiment which had ended as a failure again. He sighed and put the pictures in his pocket. It would be a damn long day. Jensen entered the largest room in the central section and this room was the very same room of the successful experiment five years ago. There was the image of Donna on the screen of the wall.
“Jensen. I checked the data of your checkup and I saw the ultrasound. I’m glad everything seems okay.” The image of Donna on the screen smiled at Jensen.
“Thanks, mother. I’m glad too.” Jensen said toward the screen.
“Jensen. I can understand you tend to be tired easily right now and it is difficult to concentrate your attention on the experiment. But I’m very disappointed the result of your last experiment.”
“I’m sorry, mother. I’ll work harder.” Jensen’s face turned red with shame.
“Jensen. Do you know how many times I’ve heard the same reply from you?” Donna raised her voice with irritation.
“I know, mother. I’m really sorry. I couldn’t find the cause of the failures. I’ll do my best.” Jensen’s face was getting redder.
Donna sighed exaggeratedly. “I do hope you can carry out the next experiment successfully. Can I trust you?”
“I’ll do my best, mother.” Jensen’s voice was so low now it was almost a whisper.
“Okay. Now let’s analyze the result and check the processes again.”
“Yes, mother.” As Jensen replied, the screen which had been the image of Donna was changed to the images of results until now. And they started to examine them to find the cause of failure.
*******************
Jensen heaved a groan and sat on his own bed. He was exhausted and felt miserable. Today’s work with his mother was a series of embarrassments. He just wanted to forget everything and fall asleep but he needed to talk to Jim. Jim should have returned from his trip by now. There was a knock on the door. Jensen smiled. It must be Jim. He must have come right away to Jensen.
“Come in.”
Jensen was right. It was Jim. Jim Beaver entered the room and patted Jensen’s shoulder before he sat on the sofa across bed. He was the man with the beard with Jensen in the room five years ago. “Hey, kiddo. How you been?”
Jim said gruffly but Jensen could see a twinkle in his eyes. “Hey, old man. You’ve only been on your trip for three days.” Jensen grinned from ear to ear. It was only three days but he was happy to see Jim again. “I’m okay. Thanks. How was your trip?” Taking a vacation for three days? It was definitely unusual for Jim. And he didn’t answer when Jensen asked him where he was scheduled to visit. Jensen was really curious but he could understand that Jim needed his privacy. Jensen was aware that Jim had already sacrificed his life for Jensen. He could have left this place five years ago when Jensen’s mother died, but he stayed here for Jensen. Jensen was sure he couldn’t last alone in here. Jensen could only have kept sane with Jim’s presence. Whenever Jensen was lost and defeated, Jim always had helped him so he could stand life in this place. He had stopped to call him ‘Uncle Jim’ since he was fifteen but he knew it would be always ‘Uncle Jim’ in his mind.
“It was good. Well, I’m glad you’re okay. You know.” Jim indicated to Jensen’s belly.
“Yeah, it feels like heaven without morning sickness.” Jensen smiled and took the pictures out of his pocket. “I got the picture of ultrasound today.” Jensen gave Jim one of the pictures.
“Wow, this is amazing!” Jim exclaimed as he was looking at the picture.
“Do you think so?” Jensen asked shyly.
“Of course Jensen. A baby is a wonderful thing even though it is a result of experiment.” Jim put his hand on Jensen’s knee and patted it reassuringly. Then he started to apologized. “I’m sorry, Jensen. I couldn’t stop them.”
Jensen smiled and said calmly. “It’s okay, Jim. You don’t have to apologize to me, it wasn’t your fault. We always knew it was inevitable since I was born for this.”
“No, Jensen. Don’t you dare think like that. You know your mother loved you. There is no one who gave birth to her own child just for an experiment.” Jim dropped his voice to emphasize his word.
Jensen smiled but his eyes were full of sorrow. “Thanks Jim. I hope so. I really do.” There was a short silence before Jensen started to speak again. “You know, I hated it when I had to be pregnant as an experiment but I could never hate the baby, I think as you said, it’s a wonderful thing instead. And I think I should be held responsible for the future of this baby. So I need your help. I know it’s too much to ask you but I want my baby to live free. I want you to help me out of here.”
Jim could sense the determination from Jensen’s voice. He could understand Jensen’s decision but he was also worried about Jensen. “I can understand what you’re thinking Jensen. But you’ve never been outside of this institute in your whole life. I’m not sure you can handle it and with your situation as it is now...” Jim stared Jensen’s little bump on his stomach. It was barely noticeable now but it would be a great problem gradually in the outside world. Even if Jensen escaped from here safely, there was possibility that things went wrong. If the fact that Jensen was pregnant was revealed to the world, Jensen’s life would become more miserable than now. Male pregnancy was impossible. Well, logically it was possible but it was impossible in reality. Jensen would be treated like a guinea pig.
“I know what you think Jim. I know the escape means many risks. Even though I’ve been here entire of my life I’m not a fool. But I want to get out of here at any risk. Because I don’t want my baby spend its life as a subject for endless experiments like I had to. Please, Help me.” Jensen pleaded.
Jensen never thought about escape before. Of course he had imagined living outside and making friends like normal people. But Jensen knew well he was far from normal people. Normal people were not born genetically engineered and didn’t have mother who was alive even after her death. His mother died when he was thirteen but it was physical death. She kept doing her research and had succeeded before she died. As a result, she now existed in the main computer of the control room. Jensen didn’t think about it theologically or philosophically. Maybe it wasn’t his mother or it couldn’t be called ‘alive’ from those points of view. But for Jensen it was his mother so he had accepted that living here with his mother was a kind of fate until now. But with the pregnancy, he started to think about child’s life. He really didn’t want his child go through the same life like his.
Jim cleared his throat. “The trip, I didn’t explain you because it needs more time to put this plan through. It’s sort of way to get you out of here.”
“Really? How?” Jensen asked enthusiastically.
“But it needs more time before we can execute this plan successfully Jensen.” Jim held his hands up as he wanted to say be patient.
“But how long? How long do I need to wait? I don’t have much time. My belly will become huge soon and then it’ll be impossible for me to escape until after the baby is born. And after the baby is born it’ll be more difficult to escape. You know that.” Jensen stood and paced around the room with frustration.
“Honestly, I don’t know how much time it’ll take.” Jim sighed. He needed to think out this. He could almost hear the sound of his brain was working. And then finally he smiled. Yes, that’s it. They needed more time for the plan but Jensen didn’t need to wait here. “Okay. I get your point. Do you have any plan how to escape?”
“Forget already, old man? I said I’m not a fool.” Jensen smirked. He took out two syringes from bedside drawer. “These are the keys for my escape. Each one is full of tranquilizer strong enough for knocking out a person in a second. You know that I can go out of this building for taking a walk recently, because Dr. Anderson insisted that I needed real fresh air. I usually walk around the forest for an hour and two guards always come along with me. It means if I use these two syringes to them then I can be alone and it means I can go anywhere I want to go. So I want you to prepare a car, fake IDs and cash for me near the forest. I don’t care what kind of car if it can run fast. And I need at least two fake IDs because it’ll mean more safeness. About cash I’ve already opened a bank account with a fake name. I’ll give you a name then you can make an ID and withdraw all money from an account. I’ve gathered money from various bank accounts of Morgan foundation and I transferred money to a different bank account several times using different names. I think Jeff won’t notice it. Even if he did notice it, I’ve gone away using his own money. I think it’s a highly probable way for my escape. What do you think?”
“Well, I think you’re right about the only chance for your escape is when you get out of this building. About the things that you need, I think I can handle that. It’ll cost hell of money for fake IDs. I hope you have gathered enough money for that.” Jim said, nodding his head.
“Jeff is one of the richest people in the world, remember? He can afford it.” Jensen said sarcastically.
“When do you plan to do it?”
“Jeff will come here next Friday. I think we need to do it before Jeff comes here. How about Thursday? I think you’re scheduled to visit head office next Thursday, right?”
“Hell that means I need to hurry to arrange things. You won’t let an old man take a rest for an instant.”
“Hard work will rejuvenate you. Well, at least your brain cells.” Jensen teased then said in all seriousness. “Thanks, Jim. I really appreciate it. I don’t think it will be enough how many times I say it.
“Well…” Jim cleared his throat. “Let me hear about the specifics of your plan.”
Jensen knew Jim felt uncomfortable with speaking about his own emotion so Jensen smiled softly and started to tell about his plan.
********************
Jensen walked through the woods and headed for a meadow. When his mother was alive -physically- they used to go for picnics in this meadow. It was just a small space with grass and wild flowers, surrounded by tall trees but it was a huge park for little boy. He and his mother used to bring sandwiches with them and after eating them Jensen played with a ball while his mother read her books. He loved to going there not only it was fun but his mother was nicer when she was there. In the lab, his mother was strict and made Jensen study hard. When Jensen helped her with research, she kept saying he needed to work harder and however hard he worked she hardly smiled to Jensen. But out of the institute in the meadow she smiled to Jensen and even played with him. His best memories of his mother were of spending time in the meadow. When Jensen arrived at the meadow he looked around. It hadn’t changed from when he last came here. Jensen looked up the blue sky and watched the birds fly over white clouds. He could understand why people tended to symbolize birds with freedom. Birds could go everywhere with their own wings and when they were flying, it seemed like time stopped. It also seemed like they were a transcendent existence in absolute space. But in reality, they flew to live and fought desperately to survive. Now, Jensen was about to fly. He knew he needed to fight for his freedom and be strong not only for himself but for his baby. Jensen checked the time. One twenty five. In another five minutes everything would be changed. Jensen walked toward nearest trunk to sit down. As usual two guards were following Jensen and when he sat on the trunk they stood about three feet away each side of him. Jensen took off his jacket and put it on his lap but he managed to put his hands in the pockets holding syringes each one of hand. He closed his eyes like he was relaxed and just enjoying the sun but his heart was beating frantically. Jensen took a deep breath. He needed to be calm, needed to be strong. He kept breathing deeply and several minutes later he opened his eyes and lowered down to his wrist watch. Ten seconds… five…three, two, one, now!
“Oh my god!” Jensen fell down to the ground, holding his stomach with his jacket. And he kept holding syringes under the jacket.
Two guards came to Jensen instantly. “What’s wrong Jensen?”
“Stomach…God. It hurts….My baby...Please…” Jensen gasped between the words twisting his face with pain.
“Shit! Call the help. Now!” One of the guards shouted to the other one and got down on his knees. He touched Jensen’s forehead to check if Jensen had a fever while the other guard took transceiver out of his pocket and started call medical help. Jensen waited the guy in front of him reached his hand out to Jensen’s stomach and the next instant Jensen shot the guy’s arm with one of the syringes. The guy didn’t have time to speak a word before he fell unconscious and collapsed over Jensen. Jensen could hear the other guy was speaking to Dr. Anderson.
“We need help. It’s Jensen. He said he hurt his stomach. We don’t know why. Oh, fuck! What the hell-.” He noticed the other guy who had been checking Jensen had fallen over and wasn’t move. He stopped speaking and got down to check what was going on.
“Fuck, fuck.” He kept swearing as he found the other guy was unconscious and he reached for Jensen who looked unconscious too.
“Fuck! Jensen. Can you hear me?” When Jensen could feel the guy’s hand on his shoulder he stuck the guy’s stomach with the last syringe. Like the other guy, he fell unconscious instantly.
“Watch your mouth. Baby’s listening.” Jensen shoved unconscious body aside and stood up.
“What’s happening? Hey. Can you hear me? Jensen!” Jensen wore his jacket and gave a glance at the transceiver which Dr. Anderson was still calling his name. Jensen started to walk toward the only road to connect the institute and the outside world and Jim was waiting for him. In spite of Dr. Anderson’s desperate calling, Jensen never looked back again.
After half an hour walking, finally Jensen could see the road through the woods. He could also see the car was parked and Jim was leaning against its front door. As soon as Jim noticed Jensen he was running to him.
“Are you alright? Any injury? How about your tummy?” Jim held Jensen’s arm and started to check his body if he was hurt.
Jensen knew Jim was worrying about him but couldn’t stop laughing, “I’m okay. No injury. It was done well as we planned. But seriously, my tummy? I’m not a kid anymore, Jim.”
Jim said gruffly. “Not funny, Jensen. Not at all.”
“Sorry, Jim. But I’m really okay. Let’s get out of here.” Jensen said, still smiling.
“Yeah, get in the car. Let’s go.” Jim led Jensen to the car and unlocked doors.
Jensen climbed into passenger seat and closed the door. As soon as he fastened safety belt Jim started to drive for the opposite direction of institute.
“Here.” Jim handed Jensen a folder while driving. “There are the documents for your identifications. And there’re bags on the rear seat. All the money after I paid for IDs is in the backpack.” Jensen checked the document and looked back to find a bag Jim mentioned. There were backpack and duffel bag which it looked bulky.
“Thanks. What’s in the duffle bag?” Jensen couldn’t imagine what was in the bag.
“I thought you may need some clothes and toiletries. I can’t tell if you’ll like the clothes I chose but at least they’ll keep you clean. And there’s a laptop in the backpack. Isn’t it essential for you?”
Jensen was shocked how he couldn’t think about those things that he might need. Maybe Jensen was too concentrated on the part of an escape. “Wow, Jim. Thanks. I didn’t think about all of those. Yeah, definitely I need a laptop.”
“Oh and this.” Jim took a cell phone from his pocket and handed it to Jensen. “I already programmed my number in so you can keep in touch anytime you want. But if Jeff starts to suspect me for helping you out, he may check my phone record. I think it’ll be safe if you change your phone regularly.”
“Yeah, I got it. Thanks. Jeff will have a tantrum when he finds out about my escape and he’ll annoy you with that. I’m sorry.” Jensen checked the contact list in his phone and put it in his pocket.
“Yeah, I can imagine how he’ll be annoying. But I’ve become used to it over the years so don’t worry.” Jim smiled at Jensen to reassure there was nothing to worry.
But Jensen couldn’t stop worrying because Jeff’s blindness for research was scared him. Maybe it was overreaction. Jim and Jeff were old friends since college so it should be okay. Jensen sighed and changed the subject.
“Nice car. I like it.” Jensen said tapping his fingers on the dashboard.
“I was thinking about a sedan but we don’t know where you have to drive. If you need to drive off road SUV will be better.” Jim sat straight and cleared his throat. “Jensen. You remember the plan that I told you before? It was about Jeff. We’ve been collecting evidence and I believe we’re very close. If we have enough evidence to secure conviction, it will send Jeff to jail and he won’t get out of there for life. I’m sure Jeff will never hand his institute over to other people. I think he would rather destroy it. It means the institute will be shut down permanently. The main computer will be shut down too. What I want to say is, are you alright with that?”
When Jensen had become determined to escape he had thought about the possibility that he might not see his mother again. But he had never thought about the possibility that she might not exist anymore. Maybe because she died once and she wasn’t in physical form now, he had never imagined her death again. Jensen couldn’t answer Jim because if Jensen said okay it would mean his mother’s death. Jensen sat in silence. Only the engine was humming between them.
“Jensen, you don’t need to answer now. But I’m sure Jeff will never give up trying to find you. I want you to be free but unfortunately it’s accompanied by shutting down the institute.” Jim said apologetically.
“Yeah, I know. I just need time. Will you at least wait for my answer before you execute your plan?” Jensen said weakly.
“Of course Jensen.”
“Thanks. Well, you kept saying ‘we’, who else in the plan? Is anybody I know?”
“Yeah, I met him in the business party but he’s not a businessman. He’s an ex-cop and he’s a private investigator now. We have same goal that sending Jeff to jail. I trust him but I haven’t told him about you yet. But I think I need to tell him eventually because you’re going to need medical help and I think he can find someone who will be willing to help you without question if you pay enough money.”
“Wow. You hide it from me really well. I didn’t notice it at all. Anyway, it’s a great relief to hear that I can get medical care.” Jensen said with surprise.
“Yeah, I’ll ask him as soon as I can contact him.” Jim assured Jensen.
“What’s Jeff’s problem? I didn’t think Jeff could be involved in illegal activities.”
“Jeff has been embezzling from the company. But there’s something else. Honestly, I don’t want to believe that it’s true. So I’d rather tell you about it when I know for definite that it’s true.”
“Yeah, okay.” Jensen leaned back in the seat and closed his eyes with a weary sigh. He didn’t intend to fall asleep but he was worn out. He wanted to rest his eyes just little while.
“Jensen. Wake up.” Jim shook Jensen to wake him up.
“Um… Sorry. I didn’t mean to fall asleep. How long?” Jensen apologized.
“It’s okay. About an hour. You needed to rest.” Jim smiled.
Jensen sat up straight and looked the outside of the window. They had left the forest while Jensen was sleeping and they were driving through a suburb of a city now. It was first time Jensen was out of the forest and saw the outside of the institute. He could see several houses along the road and people in their yards. Maybe it was just common scenery when you were driving through suburb but for Jensen it was all new and he needed to learn everything to survive. When he realized this he couldn’t stop himself tensing. He had prepared himself for an escape and had confidence that he could manage life outside of the institute. However, he couldn’t help feeling anxious.
“Jensen. I need to go back to my office. If I’ve been out too long Jeff might suspect me. Let me get off at the next intersection. From there I can go to the office by cab. That’ll be safer for you.” Jim noticed Jensen was tapping his knee anxiously. “Jensen, I won’t lie. Things will be tough for you. You’re pregnant and you’re going to be alone in a completely new environment. But you’ll get accustomed to your new life.” Jim said soothingly.
“Yeah, right” Jensen said, managing to smile at Jim.
“Jensen, I want you to keep this. I think it’s safer than if you keep it.” Jim said and gave Jensen a key.
“A key? What’s it for?” Jensen took the key and looked at Jim curiously.
“It’s a key for safety-deposit box. I kept all the evidence that I’ve collected in it.”
“Why is it safer if I keep it?” Jensen asked.
“If Jeff suspects that I helped you to escape, he might look into my things. I don’t want him to find a key and make my plan useless. I’ll meet you soon and go with you when you go to see a doctor so you can give it back to me then.”
“Will… you?” Jensen asked timidly.
“Of course Jensen. I’ll see you as much as I can. Well, I need to be cautious but I won’t let you go through this alone.” Jim gave Jensen a sideways glance and when he met Jensen’s eyes, Jim smiled.
“Um…Thanks.” Honestly, Jensen was relieved to hear that. He didn’t want to tell Jim but he was worried if he could handle his new life and his pregnancy all by himself.
When they arrived at the intersection, Jim stopped the car at the side of the road. Jensen got out of the car and took the key from Jim. Jim hugged Jensen and squeezed Jensen’s shoulder with affection. “Be careful. I’ll call you. Go straight then you’ll be on highway.”
“Okay. I’ll be careful. Don’t worry.” Jensen’s voice trembled with his emotions. He climbed into the driver’s seat and gave Jim a nod, fighting back tears and drove towards highway.
Jensen had driven for hours, filled with anxiety. He couldn’t stop thinking that if he stopped the car Jeff might find him. But he needed to stop at some point. He was exhausted, hungry and most of all he needed to use a bathroom. He skipped several big motels and finally stopped when he found a small but decent looking motel. When Jensen entered the motel office to get a room, he saw a bored clerk engrossed in TV behind the desk. Jensen used one of the fake IDs and took a key from the clerk. He heaved a sigh of relief when the clerk didn’t bother to ask anything and started to watch TV again. As soon as Jensen entered the room he ran to the bathroom to relieve himself. After that, he looked around the room. It wasn’t as bad he imagined. Jensen knew he needed to get used to these kinds of rooms. He couldn’t stay at a five-star hotel even if he had enough money. At least he had a bed to lie on and a bathroom. Jensen didn’t want to go out of room if possible so he managed to order the room service. He was too nervous, he didn’t think he could eat much but he could still eat all the food he ordered -thanks to the baby-. And he didn’t think he could fall asleep but he fell into deep sleep as soon as his head hit the pillow-thanks to the baby again- and when he woke up, it was already a bright morning. Jensen showered and changed into the clothes that Jim had bought for him. Jensen smiled when he noticed the clothes were a larger size than Jensen usually wore, so Jensen could wear them when his belly became huge. Jensen checked his cell phone to see if Jim had called but there was no missed call or text. Maybe Jim was being cautious about making a call. Jensen put the phone into his pocket and gathered his bag. He didn’t want to stay same place more than one night. Not yet. It was still too close to the institute. He returned the key to the office and started the car heading north. The day was same as yesterday. He drove all day while stopping at gas stations to use the restroom. He ate lunch when he could find a diner and ordered a burger to take out for when he got a room for tonight. And he got a room when he found a moderate motel that night. It felt like a routine even though he had only spent two days on the road. He was tired from driving and for the endless tension that he might be found by Jeff. When he entered a room, Jensen sat on the bed with a sigh and turned on the TV and changed channels to watch the news. He checked his phone again but there was no call from Jim. Jensen was thinking about making a call but changed his mind. He believed Jim so if Jim didn’t call him there must be a reason. He didn’t need to risk his safety. Jensen put the phone on the table and started to eat the takeout burger. It was cold but he couldn’t complain it. He didn’t want to go out because at least he felt safer in the room. Jensen thought where the safest place would be he could stay. He couldn’t keep driving from place to place. It needed to be far enough from the institute but close enough that Jim could visit. He didn’t pay much attention to the news, so he was surprised that he heard familiar name on it. Jensen put the burger down on the bedside table and stood in front of TV to hear what news was about. It was about a homicide and the victim was founded dead in the motel room. According to the reporter, the victim had been shot twice in his stomach and was found by a maid to come clean the room in the morning. Jensen couldn’t believe it. It was Jim. The name of the victim was Jim, Jim Beaver. Jensen flopped down on the bed. He couldn’t breathe, couldn’t think logically. He just sat there blankly, gasping for breath. Eventually he started to think. Why was Jim murdered? Why was Jim in a motel in Las Vegas? He was scheduled to go back to institute when his work in the office was over. Wait…Was it Jeff? Because Jeff found out Jim helped Jensen to escape? Jensen couldn’t believe Jeff could kill someone, and that someone who had been his friend from college. But he couldn’t come up with another reason.
“Oh god, Jim’s dead.” Jensen whispered. “Because of me…” Hot tears were running down Jensen’s face and eventually he buried his face on the pillow and sobbed. Since Jensen had no father, Jim was more like father than uncle to him. It was Jim who talked to him gently and played with him when nobody paid attention to the little boy, even when his own mother was too busy with research. And after his mother’s death it was only Jim who treated him not like a subject for an experiment but like a human being. It was only Jim who gave and showed Jensen warmth of family. And that Jim was dead because he helped Jensen to run away. Consequently, Jim devoted his whole life to Jensen but he was killed in exchange for his devotion. Jensen couldn’t stop thinking he was the reason of Jim’s death. Jensen blamed himself. If he had stayed in the institute obediently, Jim would have still been alive. Jensen shed tears of regret endlessly and eventually he drifted off to sleep from exhaustion.
The next morning, Jensen woke up with puffy eyes and a headache. He just lay on the bed feeling empty. He didn’t know what to do. He could still run away from Jeff as best as he could but he needed medical care. He couldn’t give birth to his child alone in a motel room. He needed a doctor who was willing to help him but there was no one. Wait. A doctor..? Jensen sat on the bed and reached to his backpack. He dug out a laptop and switched it on to search a name the only person he knew outside of the institute.
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