Project RM: Genesis, Peter Schoemann [rosie project txt] 📗

“Now will you take off these handcuffs?” Joseph asked.

“Not yet. I think you’ve spoken from your heart. But you won’t convince me that easily. I’ll tell you what: I’ll give each of you a quick bathroom break and get you some refreshments. We can revisit the handcuffs later after we discuss the wonderful life in store for you as a prized scientist who will have everything at his disposal.”

After the promised trip to the restroom, the professor retrieved snacks and sodas from the refrigerator. Joseph sifted through everything that had happened on this crazy day. He sipped his drink, perplexed as to what to do.

After another sip, a dark heaviness overpowered him. It felt as if the turbines in his brain had shut down. He looked at Laurel, who was already asleep on the floor, her head resting on a pillow. He let his head crash into another pillow, then passed out.

CHAPTER 3

Joseph awoke and surveyed his surroundings. Laurel lay beside him, the dim light from the staircase outlining her silhouette. He watched her for a minute, then looked out the window. The constellations told him they remained on the same course. “We slipped by the blockade.”

“Yeah,” Laurel said.

He bolted into a sitting position. “Sorry, I was talking to myself. I thought you were asleep.”

“Don’t apologize. You’ll get over that…I hope. Anyway, I’m the one who should apologize.”

“For what? Tricking me all these years? Or for getting us into this mess?”

She sniffled and wiped her cheek. “Both, I guess. I was happy to find out for sure that you liked me. But I guess you may not feel the same way now.”

Joseph thought about all he had observed over the years—especially her kindness toward others—and figured no one could act that well. That’s the real Laurel and I can trust her. But then he doubted his instincts. After all, she was a member of the KGB and, whether or not she believed in their cause at this point, she had helped the professor kidnap him. How did he feel now, besides confused? The soft light reflected off her glassy eyes. “I’m probably a fool, but I do feel the same. I don’t know if you’re telling the truth when you say you’re done with this assignment, but for some reason I trust you. I hope I’m not wrong, like I was with the professor.” He looked away. “Anyway, I don’t understand why you’d be into a nerd like me.”

She slid her cuffed hand over his. “You use the word nerd as if it’s a bad thing.” They smiled at one another before she pulled him into the first meaningful embrace of his life. This time he welcomed the heat, as his body melted into hers.

The connection transported Joseph to a new world, a world for just the two of them. Laurel’s voice brought him back to reality. “If the professor could see this, he’d be very happy.” She tugged on his ear as she finally pulled away. Then she pointed up with her index finger and raised her finger to her lips. “All right, what’s your plan?”

What was that? he thought. Is she doing something romantic? “What do you mean?”

“You’re not going to give up. Are you?” she asked, now touching her own ear.

Joseph remembered the professor barging in the last time Joseph had whispered to her. Maybe the professor could hear them, even though he couldn’t see them. “Yes, I am.” Then he took a chance. He took a deep breath and whispered in her ear, “No, I’m not giving up. And I think I love you.” She could betray him or play along.

The lights burst on and the professor stumbled down the stairs. “What did he just whisper?”

“That’s none of your business,” Laurel said.

“You know better than that. You asked if he were going to give up and he said he was, but then he whispered something. What did he say?”

A pink hue filled her cheeks. “He said he thinks he loves me.”

“And how do you feel about him?”

She stared at Joseph. “I don’t think I love you. I know I love you.”

Even though Joseph suspected she was simply playing his game, his face burned red hot as he slipped his hand over hers.

“Perfect,” said the professor. “This is going much better than earlier. It will make the transition to your new life so much easier.”

She continued to gaze at Joseph, but spoke to the professor. “So? The handcuffs?”

After a moment of silence, the professor said, “Not yet. Just get some sleep.” He turned off the lights and went back up the stairs.

Joseph lay on the floor and contemplated his next move. Laurel broke his concentration, setting her head on his chest and clasping his hand across her stomach. Her intoxicating fragrance overwhelmed his senses. He craved the distraction, but whispered, “I’m sorry. I need to focus.”

“No problem,” she said, pulling away.

His mind flipped back and forth from strategizing their escape to reminiscing on how they’d gotten here. Unfortunately, he knew every plan he was coming up with would end with the two of them treading water in the middle of the Atlantic. Joseph finally succumbed to frustration and permitted his thoughts to drift to the exhilaration of the leap forward he had made with Laurel.

At dawn, he had a revelation: Stop thinking defensively. The scheme almost formed itself. He whispered, “Are you awake?”

“Yeah, I couldn’t sleep either,” she whispered back. “What’s the plan?”

“Which pocket did he put the gun into?”

She thought for a second. “Left inside pocket.”

“Okay, just follow my lead.” He picked up a handful of the snack mix from the dish sitting on the floor next to them. “I’m allergic to the peanuts. So, when I take them—”

“I’ll call for the professor.”

“Right. The injection’s in my sock.” Laurel raised an eyebrow. “Hey. A guy’s gotta be prepared.”

She laughed quietly, then grabbed his hand tight.

“I’ll be fine. I’ve modified the formula to get a quick reaction.”

She caressed his cheek as they