“If Ray and Cassandra want to change the world, they’ll have to get people elected who will end the communication blackout with New America first. Once people know about what’s there they’ll demand they be allowed to visit there. That’s where it starts, Gene.”
“That sounds like a good idea, professor, but Ray and Cassandra seemed hell bound to start a revolution. They don’t want some piecemeal approach. I’m so confused, professor. I don’t want to be part of their plans, but I’m sympathetic to their effort. I’ve come to hate much of what I’m doing, but I’m scared of quitting, and turning down the promotion might mean the end of my career.”
“Don’t feel guilty about your job, Gene. You do what is necessary and what you were trained for. We’re part of the corporate system. It exists; it controls; it has become the government. It is the world we’ve created. You’re sympathetic to the problems you see, but you are part of the corporate culture. We’re all part of it—the corporate-owned stores we shop at, the cars we buy—everything. We know something better is out there, but it isn’t here. They’ve destroyed what could have been the New America here, created brutal paramilitary groups to make sure it stays this way, and then turned over the criminal justice system to them.”
“What about Dennis? Of the three, he seems the most dangerous. What does he want?”
“I’m not sure, since I never met him. My guess is he’s ambitious; how else would he have come to the attention of the Commandant? What matters is that he works with or for him, and that’s the same person who ruined your marriage and led to the tragedy that ensued. He can’t be trusted. Gene, I say this to you—you are being used and are caught in the middle of two competing forces. One is foolish and the other is disingenuous. They’re both dangerous. The best solution I can suggest is to get out of being in the middle of all this. I don’t know how you can do this, and I don’t even know if it is possible, but for your own safety, security, and peace of mind you must escape from them.”
“I know, professor, but how? Dennis owns me. He got me out of Joliet, and I can’t just ignore him. Then there’s Cassandra, who must have a key to my car. I suppose I could change the locks or get a new car, but my guess is I’m not going to get rid of her either.”
“Gene, I know that Ray and Cassandra are going to pressure you to go to New America. They want you and me to be the intellectual leaders of their revolutionary plans. They want you to write about the New World, while I write about what’s really happening here. The problem is I’d be expelled from the university, and a communication blackout prevents you from communicating what you see in New America. That’s why their plans will never work. Furthermore, our two radicals will own you as well.”
After Eugene hung up he poured himself another glass of wine and slumped into the recliner. Oh Catherine, I need you now. I’m sorry I wasn’t listening before. You knew what was going on. You couldn’t tell me because you knew I’d act irrationally, and try and do something to that Commandant. It’s what he wanted, wasn’t it? He wanted me to do something stupid so he could get me. What if he already has me and I just don’t know it yet? Even if I should take the new job, would I be able to keep it? Or is my fate already sealed? I’m in a vice, and I don’t know how to get out. Even if I take the new job, will these people still try to control my life? Will I ever have a life again? Or am I just fucked?
Eugene poured another glass of Cabernet Sauvignon, hoping it would help put him to sleep. He listened to some Bach and tried to relax. What is the end game here? Should I accept the promotion? Can I stay away from all those who want to manipulate me? Could I fall in love again? Do I want to? Through it all, the words from Harold Zinney echoed in his head: escape, escape, escape.
Chapter 9:
Hell House
Ray and Cassandra reached Gene’s house around midnight. Ray parked his car about a block away, and stayed in the shadows as he approached the Lexus. He kept looking around, but he saw no sign of anyone. Cassandra parked about two blocks away, and got out to give Ray some cover.
Once Ray reached the car, he put his tracker on, and then ran out of there. He met up with Cassandra by his car and exchanged some instructions with her before she ran to her own car, and followed Ray back home.
Cassandra was about a quarter mile behind her husband when she noticed a pair of headlights behind her. She fished out her phone and pressed a button. “Ray, I think I’m being followed.”
“We can’t take any chances. You remember the Squeeze Play?”
“Sure.”
“Follow my lead.”
They drove on for about a mile until Ray found just the right spot to turn off; a lazy country lane. He made a right and then pulled over to the side of the road, and turned the engine off. Cassandra got there a minute later, turned right, but she kept going past her husband. The pursuer turned off as well and sped past Ray, who began following the guy. Cassandra slowed down, forcing the chaser to do the same. Ray drove up to him, while Cass turned around, and confronted her pursuer. They ordered the guy out of the car at gunpoint.
“What’s the matter? I didn’t do anything.”
“Let me see your driver’s license,” Ray demanded.
“Arnold Campbell,” he said to Cass. “Lives in Kyler. That’s about fifty miles from here.” Turning to Campbelclass="underline" “What are you doing here?”
“I have a right to be here.”
Ray slugged him and Campbell tried to fight back. He landed one on Ray’s chin, but only hurt his hand. Ray took out a stun gun and shocked him. Campbell screamed in agony.
“What are you doing here?” Ray said again, flashing a menacing look.
“Nothing,” he cried.
He was shocked again. The pain was too much for him and he began to squeal. “Dennis told me to follow anyone who approached the Lexus. That’s all I know.”
“WRONG! YOU KNOW MORE. TELL ME EVERYTHING.”
“I told you everything.”
Ray took out the stun gun and held it to his face. “You tell me everything now!” Then he pointed it at his crotch.
“Please, don’t.” Ray and Cassandra were both screaming at him. “Okay, okay. This is all I know. I was supposed to follow you and report back on exactly where you went. That’s all they told me.”
Ray kicked him hard. Campbell writhed in pain, and was rolling around on the ground when he looked at Ray with a fearful expression. “I’m sorry. I wish I did know more, but I don’t.”
Ray stunned him a couple more times, and Campbell screamed each time he was zapped. “TELL ME ABOUT EUGENE SULKE!”
Campbell could barely speak now. He tried to catch his breath, and then his voice came out as a feeble whisper. “He owned the car I saw you near.”
“What else?” Ray said.
“Nothing.” Campbell was still talking at a whisper and showing signs of extreme agony.
Ray was about to kick him again, when Campbell uttered a feeble, “Something about Hell House.”
Ray and Cassandra just looked at each other. Then Ray flashed a vicious look at Campbell. “WHERE IS HELL HOUSE?”
Fighting back the pain, Campbell struggled to gather himself. “They’re going to take Sulke there when they finish it.”
“WHERE IS IT?” There was no answer. Ray kicked him again.
Campbell screamed and clenched his teeth, fighting back the pain. Tears flowed down his cheek.
“WHERE IS IT?” Campbell was silent. “WHERE IS HELL HOUSE LOCATED?” Campbell wasn’t moving or talking.
Cassandra felt for a pulse. “I don’t think he’s going to be answering any more questions. He’s barely alive.”