Ensemble [Book 1: SEKTOR V Trilogy]

Chapter 17: Together at Last

Chapter 17: Together at Last

Jonas called out, "OK, in a moment, everyone will be able to take off their blindfolds."

So this constitutes "being free", Stanley thought. Maybe not, but it definitely beats the crap sandwich he'd forcibly chowed down a few hours ago. But it was silly to complain about his current predicament when he was finally with his family. That was all that mattered.

"You can remove the blindfolds," Jonas said as the van came to a stop.

Relieved, Stanley pulled off his covering and looked through the windshield. But it was dusk and he had a hard time making out any distinct features with the headlights turned off.

"You're now officially at the Underground's place of higher learning," Jonas announced enthusiastically. "It's not a military installation and you have nothing to fear, from us or anyone else for that matter."

He pushed a button on his keyfob and the sliding door opened. Within seconds, all the Dials emptied out of the rear cabin one by one, while Stanley hopped out of the front. As they looked around and tried to get acclimated, Edward Dial fell to his knees coughing, and within a few seconds threw up. Stanley looked over and made eye-contact with Maria who nodded in the affirmative as she knelt to tend to their son.

"Carsick," said Stanley to Jonas. "Happens all the time with Edward and I'm sure a three-hour trip with blindfolds didn't help. You're lucky your van didn't reap the benefits of that ride. Patricia usually gets sick too and with your heavy hands on the wheel, it definitely could have been worse."

Jonas turned his palms upward and shrugged.

Just as Edward's heaving began to subside, two men and a woman emerged from the darkness. Their stealth arrival startled Stanley and the rest of his family.

"Where did you come from?" Patricia didn't seem the least bit nauseous after the long ride.

The woman, who had a dark knit cap on, didn't speak but pointed in the general direction behind her. She motioned to the Dials to follow her.

They had walked some distance before Lauren noticed that Jonas hadn't joined them. She turned around and bellowed, "Goodbye!"

Given the lack of a reply coupled with the fact that Stanley could no longer make out the silhouette of the van behind them, it was unlikely that Jonas heard her. Still, Lauren's attempt made Stanley smile. Her innocence was refreshing, especially after everything he'd been through. At least, none of them were worse for wear. In fact, by all accounts, it seemed he was the only traumatized one. It didn't matter—he was more than happy to absorb the stress of any situation if it meant that his family didn't have to suffer.

A tug on his right hand snapped him out of thought. "Daddy, I have Mr. Thumper," Lauren told him as she proudly displayed her white stuffed rabbit, "but I don't have any of my other animals." The look of sadness and concern in her eyes nearly broke Stanley's heart. He realized that with all the rushed Ministry and Underground shuffling and shenanigans, they didn't have time to get any of their stuff. That's why he hadn't seen any suitcases or other bags in the van.

"Oh, don't you worry, Lauren. I'm sure Mr. Thumper's friends are all safe and sound and can't wait to get back to you! I'm sure the nice people here will help us get them, OK?"

Lauren looked down at the ground and nodded. Stanley could tell she was still upset and grabbed her hand, squeezing it as they continued to walk.

Within minutes, the shape of a large building contrasted itself against the early evening sky. Their steps started crunching on semi-packed gravel as if they were crossing a loading or parking area. They arrived at the entrance to a nondescript, brick-faced building, and the two men stepped ahead to open the large double doors. Then all three escorts disappeared into the hallway just beyond. In their place, the smiling faces of a woman and a man greeted them.