Well, Well, Well ....
I hadn't heard anything since the Event last week, and I've been quietly making myself nuts by constantly checking my emails for the name of the next target. That stopped yesterday when I got a text message from "James" to meet this morning behind the Starbucks stand in the Food Court at the Menlo Park Mall at 9:00 AM. When I got there about a quarter to, there was no Doyle so I grabbed a table to wait for him.

"What? No coffee?" I looked up, and it was Givings.
"What? No Doyle?" She sat down across from me.
"Nope. He's all tied up in meetings with the People Upstairs. Which is why I'm here. The meetings I mean. They have to do with you."
"Oh? How? Haven't I been doing what they want?"
"Actually, you've turned out better then they expected. Let me get some coffee and I'll explain. Want anything?"
I shook my head "no" and she went to the Starbucks stand. It's bad enough that they charge so much for coffee, but she had to stand in line, too. It took about 20 minutes, but she was finally back with a coffee, and a muffin that probably cost $5. I was drumming my fingers on the table while she set herself up. Finally, she said,

"OK. Here's the deal. We told you - when we started Phase 2 a couple of months ago - that the People Upstairs were very impressed with how you handled Phase 1, remember?"
"Yeah. I remember. And Phase 2 is another 6 months, with only 3 Events. But we just pissed away a week, and I still don't know who the next Event involves."
"Patience..patience...all will be made clear in a few minutes." She drank some coffee, and ate some muffin. I tried to slow my breathing down. "Your efforts on the Dr. Forrest Event, putting aside the fact that you initially dragged your feet, also impressed them. In fact, they liked that you were planning something out involving the garage, but instead took advantage of an opportune situation to carry out the assignment."

I didn't bother to ask how they knew what I was planning.  I knew they had me watched, and the implant made following my movements extremely easy. I asked, instead,
"OK. So what do they want now? Why the delay?"
"There's no real delay, actually, since they are changing the rules slightly. The target they originally had for you is no longer viable. They've had Doyle in with them for the last week trying to decide on who the new one should be. Since the delay is on their part, they've decided to alter the time frame. Now you will be given 2 months in which to stage the next Event, starting from when they send you the name. After that, it will probably be another 2 months for the 3rd Event in the Phase, again starting from when they identify the  chosen target for you. understand?"
"Yeah. It's not that hard, but why the change?"
"They liked the way you thought on your feet, so I get the feeling that they are trying to pick a target that will be a little more challenging."
"So when, or how, do I get the name?"
"I don't know, so keep checking your emails. But once a day is sufficient. When they send it, it will be between 1 and 2 in the afternoon. That's what they said. Also, they are aware of your upcoming biopsy so they wanted me to assure you that if you need some time "off" due to a medical situation, they will place the Phase on hold until you can resume the effort."
"What do you mean by medical situation?"
"If it should become necessary for you to be hospitalized for observation, lets say, then - simply put - the clock will stop ticking until you're back in the game."
"That's real big of them." Sarcasm is lost on Givings. "Do they know something I don't?"
"No. But they are aware that you are only on one anti-rejection medicine as opposed to the usual two. They just wanted you to know that they are willing to be flexible since the Events are not time-specific."

She paused, finishing her coffee and muffin. I tried to think of something to say, but there was too much to get my mind around for a quick response. She stood.

"You'll hear from us, I believe, shortly. Most probably within the next week. Meantime, if I were you, I'd relax and enjoy the rest. Who knows when you'll get another."

With that, she turned and walked away, dropping her empty coffee cup and muffin wrapper in a receptacle, and taking the escalator to the ground floor.

I sat for a while, and thought about getting some coffee from the Burger King on the other side of the Food Court.

Serendipity, Who'd Have Thought....

Last Friday, my cardiologists office called. My next biopsy has been scheduled for July 14th at 8:30 AM, and they'd like for me to make a change to my meds. The level of the anti-rejection drug I take has been slightly high since my last biopsy in March and they wanted me to lower it. Starting that day, my dosage went from 2 mgs. twice a day, to 1 and 1/2 mgs. They also wanted some new blood tests, so they were going to mail me the scrip and I was to let them know when I went.

I held off going to stake out the hospital until I got the scrip, which came in yesterday. I went down this morning. As usual, I drove to Woodbridge Center and took the bus. The out-patient testing facility is in the Annex, on the 3rd floor. I signed in, showed my paperwork, and in under an hour, I was done. Since my cardiologists office is on the 6th floor, I decided to go up and let them know I'd had the blood drawn rather then call.

The upper floors of the Annex are laid out in the same manner. The elevator banks are on the extreme left-hand side, facing each other. There is a short hallway, with sets of doctor's offices branching off on either side. The hallway ends in a small waiting area, with 2 rest rooms, Men's and Ladies.

I got off on the 6th floor, and turned down the hall towards the cardiologists. Guess who came out of the door at that same time . . .

Dr. Grace  Forrest.

She didn't acknowledge me in any way as I continued toward her. She turned to her left, and the rest rooms. I followed. There was no one else in the hall. I assumed there had been a camera in the elevator. I looked around but saw no cameras in the hall.

I took out the Flasher as she opened the door to the Ladies room. She entered. Point, press, flash, and the door closed slowly as she sank to the floor. I entered the cardiologists office, and left word at the receptionists that I'd just had the blood work done. Back out to the elevators, down to the 1st floor, and out of the building.

I caught the next bus back to Woodbridge. While I was on it, my cell phone went off. A text message from James....

                                            ONE.

All that time trying to find a way to set up the Event in the garage, and I just walk right in to it.

Serendipity.

Trial Run, Take Two.....

I've spent 4 more days "AT" the hospital, alternating buses to and from, and varying where I stake myself out. These 4 days straddled the 3-day Memorial Day Weekend so I may need a few more days to complete my observations. What I have learned so far, however, is interesting.

I spent these days in and around the Annex and its near-by garage. I'd start the day in the cafeteria, then move to the lobby, or sit outside for a while - they have some benches set up out there. Or I'd take some time and wander through the garage, familiarizing myself with as much as possible of the 6 story structure with roof-top parking. Here's a few things I've learned:

1. No matter where I was sitting - the lobby, the cafeteria, or even the 5th floor which is where my cardiologist's office is - no one paid attention to me. It seems that the hospital staff only notices someone if they are looking for someone specifically, or they're hunting for an empty seat at a table they can eat at.

2. The concept of "security" doesn't seem to apply to the Annex or the garage. I know there are security guards in the hospital - I saw enough of them when I was there - but I've yet to see any in the Annex or garage.

3. The garage appears to be used by day trippers, and long-term parking. Dr. Forrest's car was easy enough to find, and it's always in  the same parking space on the second floor.

4. There is only one way from the Annex to the garage. Out the front door, across the street, and in, where the stairs going up are immediately to the left and the elevator is just a few feet further on.

There are a few more things to figure out. Where are the cameras in the garage, and how to get around them being the most important. But I now know it's just a matter of time.

I know where and how, I just need to figure out when.

Trial Run, Take One . .

Meeting with Doyle made me realize how pressing my situation was. I hadn't done anything, and They knew it. They were keeping tabs on my through the implant and there was nothing I could do about that, except make an effort. Show them I was doing something.

I went to the hospital twice that week. Tuesday and Thursday. I took the number 810 bus from Wooodbridge Center on Tuesday, and the number 815 from Amboy Avenue and Main Street on Thursday. I figured that by mixing it up, I wouldn't be easily remembered if something happened, went wrong.

I had to be careful at the hospital. There were a lot of people - doctors, nurses, orderlies, etc. - who would recognize me. I tried to stay away from areas where they might be, but I did need to find Dr. Forrest and she, naturally, would be in those same areas.

Tuesday, I started on the 6th Floor of the Tower, where cardio-surgery patients are kept. I thought I'd know a lot of the staff since I'd spent weeks here, but it has been a year and a half, and they must've had some shift changes or turnovers. I recognized a couple of people, but they paid me no attention. I found Dr. Forrest's office alright, exactly where it was before, but she wasn't there, and it's not private anyway. Staff from the Transplant use it when they're on the floor. Bottom line, the floor is too crowded, with too much going on, to afford me the luxury of a simple Flash.

I went down to the Second Floor, where the Cath Lab is located. This is where the "simple" cardio-surgeries take place - pacemaker adjustments, biopsies, etc. You can't get in without someone buzzing you in, so there was no way I could check it out. Sitting in the waiting area would just be inviting recognition, so I went home.

Thursday, I went back and started in the  hospital cafeteria. This is on the Second Floor, near the Cath Lab, and almost everyone in the hospital - staff and visitors - shows up there at one time or another. I thought I could wait there for Forrest to show up, then follow her, but I got nervous after about an hour worried that someone might ask me why I was there. Paranoia, I know, but what're you gonna do? I went to the Annex.

This is a separate building, but connected to the hospital by a walkway running from the hospital first floor, to the Annex's third (because of how the OR and underground parking at the hospital are situated). I figured on staking  out the cafeteria here, on the Third Floor, and watch the people going to the elevators. I actually did see Dr. Forrest. She came in for coffee while I was there. I even said "Hello", but she just nodded, as if she didn't know me. I was tempted to follow her out, but to what end? No matter where we went, there were just too many people around. This was not going to be easy.

On my way home, I got a text message from "James". It read..."Go back and read the bio. Remember its "AT the hospital, not IN the hospital".

 I did that today. At first, there was nothing I hadn't seen. Stuff I didn't need, stuff I knew already. Where she went to school, where she lived, where she worked, and - then - what kind of car she drove, and where she parked it. A silver, four-door, Honda Civic with MD plates in a parking facility across from the Annex.

Something new has been added.

Turning the Screws.......

I've been stalling. I opened the e-mail from "James" back on the 30th and haven't done anything with the information. The People Upstairs provided me with a lot of personal and biographical information on Dr. Forrest, but I couldn't see how I could use it. Knowing what schools she'd gone to, and where she'd interned, did her residency, etc., doesn't help me at all. Giving me her address was nice, but I didn't know where the town was - probably the far side of the state in an area where my beater would stick out like a sore thumb.

I already know where she works.

In the back of my mind, I knew I should be doing something, but 3 Events in 6 months means 2 months for each, so I haven't been in a rush. I admit, I got involved in some family stuff - which has nothing to do with any of this - and I let things slide. Until now....

Doyle called.

We met this morning at the Woodbridge Memorial Park, alternating marble slabs and benches in a semi-circular area outside of the Public Health Center between the Main Library and the High School. As I walked across the grass I could see him on one of the benches, his back to me.

"No car?" He asked, as I came up to him.
"No. I decided to walk. It's not too hot and I could use the exercise. No Givings?"
"Nah. She's in charge of the Watchers for a week or so."
"Watchers?"
"The people who keep tabs on you, among other things. We told you about them. They follow your signal, though not too closely that they're obvious and sweep in to clean up after you, if necessary. That's how I knew about the car, and the walking."
"OK. Yeah. You did tell me about them. Good for Givings. Gives her something to do."
"You're not kidding, since you haven't been so busy lately." I nodded. Taking the jab. I deserved it.
I had nothing to say, so I just shrugged.
"You know, you're supposed to report in. E-mails to "James", Remember?"
"Yeah." I sat down next to him. "I remember, but I thought it was once a month."
"It is, officially, but unofficially you should report every two weeks. The People Upstairs are a little antsy about this whole program, and they're not too happy that you haven't done anything yet."
"I read the material they sent, but I can't see how it helps me. It's not easy with a real target. It's much easier picking targets at random."
"They know that. I told you they were happy with you results in Phase 1. But nothings happened yet, and the clock is ticking. If you fall behind now, it could be harder later on. They thought a target like Dr. Forrest - someone you knew - would make it easier. Especially knowing that she wasn't as professional with you as she could've been."
"What? How do you know that?"
"We have our ways, you should know that. But that doesn't matter now. What matters is that you get off your butt and do something."
"Is that why you're here? To remind me?"
"Partly. Mostly to let you know that the People Upstairs - unhappy with how things are going - have decided to tighten things up. Make it easier for you."
"How?"
"They've decided to make a decision for you." He took a slip of paper from his inside, jacket pocket and handed it to me. "This is what they want you to do, now. Good Luck."

He stood up and walked away. This was getting to be a routine I didn't like.

The slip of paper said...

DO IT AT THE HOSPITAL.

...A Hard Place...

I'm not a Luddite, but 'm not a Techno-nerd either. Still, I've had this laptop for almost 2 weeks, and there's still some stuff I can't figure out. I remember the first computer I bought, which was for my daughter, and it came with all kinds of manuals explaining how to do everything. That was comforting. This one came with a piece of paper, with illustrations, on how to set it up and get started. All the other Help features are - apparently - built in to the different programs. I have yet to figure them out.

One of the only applications I can access is my e-mails, and I've been pretty good at checking this daily, but there's one message that I haven't touched yet. The one from James, sent to me last Tuesday - the day after I met with Doyle and Givings. The day after they gave me this laptop. The day after I agreed to take the next step in the program. The day after I was given my first assigned target......Dr. Grace Forrest, a member of my Cardiology team.

I haven't opened it, because I'm scared to. By opening it, I take the first step towards staging the Event that will remove her, permanently. But I did agree to do this. I did agree to 3 new Events in 6 months. I knew they'd be giving me names, specifying targets. I didn't know that the first one would be someone I knew.

I haven't slept well, but I've finally decided to get on with it. The Cardiology team has been good to me, God knows. I wouldn't be here without them, literally. To target one of them seems like a betrayal. And yet...........

I remember that one day, lying in the hospital bed, my ex-wife in the room. There had been a lot of tests, and I recall this being a quiet day, with nothing scheduled. We were reading the papers, so it was a Sunday, I think. We were relaxed, comfortable...then Dr. Forrest came to the open door and said...

"We've done everything we can for you."

....and left before we could react. That really put a crimp in things!

The next day, she came back to explain that they would be putting me on the waiting list for a transplant, but the damage was done.

I can also remember that she'd had trouble trying to perform a couple of procedures on me, and having to get the main doctor to finish, and a couple of times doing biopsies on me which should've been through my neck. She couldn't get it, so wound up going through the groin - not a comfortable situation to be in.

Even now, if I were to meet her in the hallway, she passes by as if she doesn't know me. The only one on the team who doesn't even say hello.

This may all seem like nitpicking, but it's a way to goad me into going forward. Of all the people on the team, I owe her the least.

I think I'll be opening that e-mail tomorrow.

ARC 2

Back in the Saddle Again.........

It's been 4 weeks since I got that last message. Those 2 words- Stay Tuned - have kept me going, but I wasn't sure for how much longer until I got the call yesterday. Doyle would be waiting for me at the Woodbridge Mall, around the central atria in the Macy's wing at 9 o'clock. I got there early, but he was there already, sitting at one of the small tables overlooking the atria. Givings was with him.

"Denny! Glad you could make it!" He sounded enthusiastic, as he pushed out the 3rd chair at the table for me. Givings didn't say anything, but she did nod in my direction.

"How's it going? What's up?" I was too anxious to be sociable.

"Well, we've got some good news for you, we think. But first we gotta finish with the original project, so to speak."

I started to question what he was talking about, but he held up his hand.
"Givings has the results, so please let her make her report and then we can get on with things." He turned to Givings. "Fran, if you would..?"

She took a notebook out of a briefcase at her feet, and thumbed through until she'd found what she wanted.

"First, the People Upstairs were pleased with your results. 12 Events in 6 months. They hadn't thought you could do it, originally, but were humoring Doyle. Now, they can see some interesting ways to go with it." She paused, then closed the book.

"That's all? Shouldn't there be at least a 'second'?"
She looked right at me. "Second, is a question, or series of questions. Some things for you to consider."
Doyle said nothing, just indicated with a shrug that I should answer Givings.
"Do you miss the work?"
"Yes." I didn't have to think about it.
"Do you find yourself still looking for new Event situations?"
"Yes. Again." No thinking so far.
"Would you like to continue?"
"Yes."
She stopped, and opened the notebook again. "Did you ever go back to determine if any of your Event subjects might need help? Might still be alive?"
This I thought about. "No. I didn't."
"You took us at our word about the Flasher, and what it would do?"
"Yes."
She looked at Doyle. He nodded, and took over.
"Denny, all of those people are alive." He held up his hand again to stop me. "The Flasher we gave you disrupted the targets' systems, and knocked them out for about a half hour. We know you never went back because we had a team on you at all times - remember the implant? Once you used the Flasher, we'd sweep in disguised as EMT's in an ambulance and pick the"victims" up. We'd treat them, and bring them back to where we'd picked them up. They went on with their lives as if nothing had happened."

We were all quiet for a few minutes. They were waiting for me, and I wasn't sure how to react. The only thing I could think of was...
"Why? Why go through all of this?"
"As a test. We knew you'd do what we asked, but we didn't know how well, and we didn't know if you'd hold together or go to pieces. You did well. Better then we expected." He actually grinned at me.

"Now what? More testing? What more do you want?"

"No. No more testing. The People Upstairs have decided that we should move forward with something more precise. Givings has the details."

Reading from the notebook again. "The People Upstairs have decided to have you do something more specific. They are going to name 3 specific targets and give you 6 months to stage the Events." She reached under the table again, and lifted up a laptop computer.
"We will give you the name of the first target today, if you choose to go forward. This laptop is for you. You will report you progress at least once a month, but preferably every two weeks. You'll have to check your mailbox daily for anything from "James", since the People Upstairs may contact you at any time for an update. Once the first target Event has been staged and confirmed, you'll receive the second name. How or when you stage the Events will be entirely up to you, but you will have only 6 months to complete all 3. Do you understand this? Do you have any questions?"

"I thought this was about reducing the...the drain on our resources, what about that?"
"That was the initial scenario, and to an extent it still applies. At least in the future in will, but now is different. Now the People Upstairs are raising the ante on you. They want to see just how far you're willing to go. How far they can push you. It's their game. They've changed the rules. That's all."

I thought about it, but we all knew that I was going to do it.

"Do the same guarantees exist? Will I be protected if I'm suspected or caught?"

"To an extent. We will continue to monitor LEO traffic and attempt to step in as early as possible to prevent the situation from escalating into an arrest. But there is an element of risk involved."
Doyle spoke. "Same as before, Denny. If I have to, I'll come waltzing in waiving the Patriot Act."
Me - "What the hell is LEO traffic?"
Givings - "LEO is an acronym for Law Enforcement Organizations. We monitor every one that we don't directly control. Anyway, we need to know you answer." Pretty blunt.

Me - "Is this gonna be for real, or will I be shooting blanks again?"
Doyle - "No blanks. This is the real deal. Whatdya say?"
Me - "I'm in." I took a deep breath, then let it out slowly. "What happens now?"

Givings slid the laptop towards me, then rose, nodded, and left. Now it was just Doyle and me.

"She doesn't need to be here for this. She already knows this part." He reached into his inside jacket pocket and took out a small cylinder, and an envelope.

"This is the Flasher you'll use now. It's real. It will "deactivate" a subject completely. This one can be used up to 3 times before it needs to recharge. That's 3 shots, then it can't be used for 24 hours. The envelope contains the name of the first target. Givings is notifying the People Upstairs that you accepted, so there'll be some information about the target emailed to you. The laptop will be monitored remotely as far as any Internet research you do or emails you send or receive , but for all intents and purposes it's yours to use any way you want. Questions?"

I couldn't think of any. He shrugged, stood, and said.."OK. We'll be in touch. Good Luck." And walked away.

I opened the envelope. There was one piece of paper inside, and only three words on it. The name of my target. Dr. Grace Forrest.

She was one of the people on my cardiology team.