TORTURED SOULS
by Dee Allen
Part I: Laura
Laura Ryan awoke with a start. Her alarm did not go off. She had exactly one hour to
get to work. She could not be late. Not today.
She quickly jumped out of bed throwing off her night clothes as she ran to the shower.
No time for a long shower today. She quickly soaped and rinsed, grabbing her towel
without washing her hair. She pulled her chestnut hair back from her face and headed
back to the bedroom. “Now what in the hell am I going to wear?” She asked herself,
her anxiety increasing.
She dashed back into the bedroom and stopped. She smiled and for the first time this
morning she felt at ease. Her favorite dress was hanging up perfectly pressed ready
for her to put on. Her shoes and undergarments were neatly placed on the bed.
Beside her bed was a single white rose. She knew who her knight in shining armor
was. Michael. Her love. The man who's simple touch could ignite fevered passion to
her soul. “Now did he….?”
She was quickly brought back to reality by the ringing of her phone.
She answered quickly. "Hello".
It was her partner Greg. "Please tell me you didn't oversleep again!"
"Fine, I didn't over sleep again" She replied as she quickly began to dress. "Please tell
me you remember it is your turn to get coffee".
"It will be hot and waiting for you doll. Now pry yourself away from your mysterious
lover boy and get your happy ass down here now. The Linderman Group is not going
to wait forever."
"Um….you seem to be forgetting the name of the company is Ryan and Associates and
last I checked, I am Ryan and YOU are associates. I sign YOUR paycheck."
"I’m hanging up now before you fire me again."
"COFFEE!" Laura shouted as he hung up.
She quickly dressed, grabbed her satchel with her plans and headed for the BART
Station. The train was right on time and if nothing greater than an earthquake
happened, so would she. She settled down in her seat a caught her breath.
Her phone began to ring again. Thinking it was Greg, she became annoyed. “I wasn’t
kidding, if you call me one more time.....”
“Hello my love.” came Michael’s gentle voice. She smiled. Even the sound of his
voice soothed her raging adrenaline this morning. She closed her eyes and began to
feel relaxed.
“I am so glad it’s you.” She began.
“Did you like your surprise?” He asked.
Laura smiled remembering how he rescued her this morning. “Yes…thank you! She
replied softly. “You saved my life. I didn’t even hear you come in.”
“Well, didn’t I tell you? I have powers beyond your wildest fantasies.” He replied softly.
“I believe you.” She laughed softly.
“I have been going crazy without you the last few days.”
“I have too. Are you coming home tonight?”
“I wish I was my love. I’m off to Seattle today. I will be back tomorrow night.”
“I haven’t seen you in days.”
“Well, you sleep well tonight because tomorrow night I don’t plan on either of us
getting any sleep.”
She smiled at the thought of him. “I will be thinking of nothing else.”
“I love you Laura.” He said softly.
“I love you Michael.” She smiled as she hung up the phone.
Laura snuggled down into her seat thinking of Michael. She could not believe he had
come into her life such a short time ago, yet she loved him so completely. He was
handsome, passionate, gentle and intense. Yet, there was something mysterious
about him that intrigued her, but at the same time frightened her. She often felt deep
anguish in his soul which soared every time she would bring up their future. He often
had nightmares and woke up screaming. It pained her that she could not help him, but
did not ask him his secret. The secret was his to tell and he would reveal what lied in
his soul when he was ready. It was all she could do.
As she thought about her lover, she fell into a deep sleep.
But Laura was not alone. She was being watched. In the back of the train a dark man
watched her intensely. Unnoticed by Laura, the mysterious man emitted a shadow of
evil around him. His eyes were dark and piercing. His presence would infuse fear to
Laura if she saw him. But in her sleep, she was unaware of his presence.
As the train went through a tunnel and everything went dark. When the train emerged
from the tunnel, he was gone.
Laura woke up! As she realized what she had done, she began to panic! It was nearly
10:00! The presentation was over! She had fallen asleep and missed her stop. Why oh
why did she let this happen? She picked up her phone and called Greg, but no
answer. She dialed Tracey, she was not answering either. Laura was horrified!
She got off the train and caught the first train to the financial district. Their going to
hate me! After all the work they had all put into this. These people had sacrificed their
families and personal lives for this. This was the most important account of the year,
probably ever! She had let them all down. She hated herself for doing this to them.
Finally she got to her stop. She ran the 3 blocks to her building. She ran to the
elevator and did not stop until she burst through the double doors of Ryan and
Associates.
Carol her secretary happily greeted her. “Laura, I didn’t see you leave. Did you step
out for some air? ”.
She was confused, but managed a bewildered smile. Tracey came running down the
hall and gave her a big hug. “You ROCK, girlfriend!! You did it!!! We just got Mr.
Linderman’s endorsement! They chose US! Can you believe it!!!” Laura stood there
starring at her n disbelief.
“There she IS!” Came a voice behind her. Greg stood there with his hands on his
hips! “You are the BOMB!!! It went even better than we had rehearsed!” He picked
her up and swung her around. When he put her down, he noticed she was pale and
out of breath. “You ok honey, you don’t look so good?”
“I'm fine.” She said dryly. “Just a little drained.”
“Well of course you are, girl!” Tracy said. “You only put on the best show of your life
this morning. And between this project and that new hottie of yours I don’t think you
have slept in weeks. Why don’t you go home and get some rest.”
Laura stood there wondering what was happening. How could she of been there? She
was sleeping on that train. It took all of her strength to focus on the moment.
“I would love to, but not today. I have a whole mess of calls and e-mails to return. I am
just going to change into something less constricting and get to work. Don’t worry. I
plan on getting plenty of rest tonight.” She turned to Greg. “Greg, can I talk to you in
about 30?”
“You got it doll”. He replied
Laura walked into her office and closed the door. She quickly changed into her
favorite blue sweater, khakis and loafers. She sat down at her desk, puzzled. This
could not be happening. She fell asleep! She was not at the presentation. She woke
up on the train. What had happened this morning?
She was jolted out of her thoughts by a sharp knock on the door. Greg walked in.
“Hey!”
“Hey!” She replied. “Sit down.”
“Are you firing me again?” He asked.
“Don’t be a jackass. I couldn’t run this office without you. My dad hired you because
you are an architectural genius. You make ME look good. Besides, you are my best
friend.” She sat down and picked up her coffee. “And if there was ever a time I
needed you, it is right now”.
“Are you actually having a crisis? Oh my GOD, this is a first. I was beginning to believe
my talent as your gay male friend might be wasted on your stable, but adorable, ass. ”
“ZIP IT!!!” She shouted at him. “You want a crisis? I have the Red Ryder of all crisises
for you.” She stood up and walked to the window. Looking out at the San Francisco
Bay she continued. “Greg. I don’t know how to say this, but I was not at that
presentation this morning! “She turned around and looked at him. She became more
agitated as she continued. “I was not there! Would you like to know where I was? I
was sound asleep on the 8am train and woke up in Daly City at exactly 10 am.”
Greg starred at her in disbelief. “What in the HELL are you talking about? Of course
you were there!”
“Look, I don’t have an explanation for you. I don’t know who made that presentation,
but it was NOT ME! I don’t know what else to tell you, Greg. You KNOW I am not crazy.
Please tell me you believe me.”
He continued to stare at her in disbelief. “Um...if you’re trying to humor me with a juicy
life crisis, you didn’t need to go to this expense.” He stood up and walked toward her
putting his hands on her shoulders. “Honey’ he said quietly. “You were there, I saw
you with my own eyes!”
“Greg, I was NOT THERE! I don’t understand what is happening. But you KNOW me! I
would not make something like this up!”
Greg continued to stare at her. He let go of her shoulders, walked over and sat down.
“You know, If this was Tracey or anybody else, I would not believe it. But this is you.
YOU...are not a drama queen. Your feet are firmly grounded on this planet. I know you
would not make this up. But...Laura...this is….”
“I KNOW.” She shouted excitedly. It is NOT possible. This is reality, NOT the Twilight
Zone. All I know is that I was asleep on that train. But you all say I was there.
Apparently I did a dazzling job. But I was NOT there, Greg!”
Greg thought for a moment. “Laura. This may be a stretch, but I remember reading
some time ago about people, normal people, having super human abilities. You know,
you could be one of these people. Not long ago there were reports about people
seeing a guy flying across the Las Vegas desert.”
“Ok, so.... Las Vegas is home to an air force base and not far from Area 51. They run a
lot of tests out of there. Nothing super human about it.”
“There is if they guy didn’t have a plane.”
“A flying man.” she laughed. “Do you know how illogical that sounds?”
Greg starred at her. “Of course I do. It is as illogical as a 27 year old woman being in
two places at once?”
She stopped laughing and starred at him with disbelief.
She spent the remaining hours of the day speaking to clients and talking
congratulation calls. She handled each call with grace and gratitude. She had gotten
good at it, but she knew she would never be her father. George Ryan began the firm
in 1984 when Laura was a small child. After her mother’s death when she was 7 years
old, it was just she and her father. Even as a young girl she took an interest in
architecture. The firm and its clients had become family to them. After the 1989 Loma
Prieta earthquake, the business flourished. Her father had built his business on trust
and integrity; qualities that were in high demand after many people lost their homes
and businesses. The aftermath of the earthquake made Ryan and Associates the #1
architectural firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.
When George Ryan died three years earlier of a heart attack, the business went to
Laura. Although Laura was not a businesswoman, she kept the business going for the
sake of the people who had been loyal to her father for so many years. She felt a
responsibility to the firm’s clients and the community as they had for so many years.
She knew the firm’s continued success was due to the experience of her father’s
friends and associates who had been with the firm since it’s infancy. These people
worked and ran the business alongside her father. Gifted architects like Greg and
Tracey and several others on staff kept them #1 in the community. Now with winning
the Deveaux account, they would gain national exposure.
Laura looked up at a picture of herself on the wall behind her. It was a magazine which
contained an article about young professionals in the bay area. They put Laura’s
picture on the cover telling the whole world that she was beautiful, bright…and single.
The article touted her as being a mover and a shaker in the town. Who were they
kidding? This was not who she was. Laura stayed with the company for no other
reason but for the love of her father. She was only a name and a face. She was not the
business. She knew the business could run without her. But many people would
leave if she was not the CEO. So stay she did.
But deep down she had always known that she had another purpose to her life and
someday she would leave. Her Karate instructor had always spoken to her about her
destiny, never knowing what it was. As a child, she was convinced the old man was
crazy, but lately she could feel herself being pulled away. Like an unseen force, it was
always there, like a voice calling out to her soul.
It was after she met Michael, just a few short months ago that she felt the directional
tug become stronger. Michael had opened up her eyes to a world she had never
known. Life as she had always known it no longer gave her the same drive it once did.
She wanted to be the woman Michael had awakened in his eyes.
Was it only just two months ago she had met him?
She was coming down the stairs of the Victorian apartment she inherited from her
father. She came running around the corner just as he was coming up th other way.
She plowed into him causing him to fall over, hitting his head on the hand rail dropping
his box of belongings. She was horrified. She checked to make sure he was ok and
helped him pick up his belongings. He was very sweet and offered to build her her
very own stairwell for the safety of the other tenants. She laughed and helped him
gather his belongings. “So, you’re the new tenant. My name is Laura Ryan, I own this
building.”
“So when I wake up tomorrow and my collar bone is broken, I’ll know where to send my
lawyer.”
She smiled at him. She was unable to take her eyes off of him. He was so good-
looking and charming. The way he was looking at her, the attraction looked to be
mutual.
“Well, will you call your lawyer off if I help you move in?”
He smiled. “Yes.”
The rest of the afternoon, she helped him unpack boxes and put things away. He had
such a sweet smile and an easy-going spirit. Right away they connected. He told her
about moving his business from Chicago to San Francisco . Laura used her
architectural design skills to help him figure out what to do with his new place. To
show his gratitude he took her to dinner that night at the pub down the street.
Laura’s attraction to Michael was instant. He had deep dark pools for eyes that
seemed read her soul. He had a soft voice and an easy laugh. His sensual intelligence
was intoxicating. They drank wine and talked for hours about everything. They stayed
there until the restaurant closed.
As, they walked the short distance back to Laura’s building, they quietly held hands.
They did not speak. She wanted him and could feel his desire for her. As he walked
her to her door, she leaned against the door; he stood in front of her. Their eyes met.
He leaned toward her and reached out to touch her face. They melted into a sensual
kiss. They continued kissing as she opened the door. As they headed toward the
bedroom they began quickly undressing each other. They fell together on the bed,
their souls soaring together. Their passion exploded with intensity that flowed like
lava with every kiss. As they made love that night, their bodies erupted into a force of
nature.
This was the first night of many. How could she love him so completely in such a brief
frame of time? What was it about him that made her weak at the very thought of him?
He was not the first man in her life; he was not even her first love. She knew so little
of his life before he moved to the east bay. She knew he was from Chicago . He also
was an only child and his parents had perished when he was very young. After college
he went to work for an international trading company and a few years ago, he became
an independent trader.
Laura was brought back to the present by the familiar sound of an instant message
alert. She hoped it was from Michael and looked at the message with happy
anticipation that quickly turned to alarm. She did not know the sender and was deeply
troubled by the messages content.
WIRELESS: Laura, I know you are there. You do not know me, but you need to listen to
me. YOU ARE IN DANGER!
RYANASSOC2: Who are you?
WIRELESS: That is not important right now. We will meet soon. You have to get out
now!
RYANASSOC2: Out of where? This building? The city? What are you talking about?
WIRELESS: Just run and keep running! Do not trust ANYBODY!
RYANASSOC2: Why?
WIRELESS: Laura, you do not know it yet, but you are special. You have a power that
defines you. It is an important power and there is a man named Sylar who knows where
you are. He wants your power. The only way to get that power from you is to kill you
and take your brain.
RYANASSOC2: Are you kidding me? Who in the hell are you? Show me some proof.
WIRELESS: Have you had anything unusual happen recently.
RYANASSOC2: Why should I tell you?
WIRELESS: Laura, I can’t tell you why now, but you HAVE to believe me! Sylar will kill
you if you do not get out now. His trail has lead to your city. He will come looking for
you and he will kill you! Please do as I say.
RYANASSOC2: Not until you show me proof. I am signing off now.
WIRELESS: YOU ARE MAKING A BIG MISTA
But Laura did not read the rest of Wireless’s message. She shut off her computer. But
what if Wireless was telling her the truth? How could Wireless of known about what
had happened to her today? She did not know what to believe. Yet she was afraid.
Laura quickly locked up the office and hurried to the BART station. Although she had
studied martial arts since she was a child, and held a 3rd degree black belt, she was
fearful. She did not feel safe. Suddenly she felt alone and vulnerable. Wireless’s
words haunted her. While she rode the train toward home she tried to call Michael,
but he did not answer. When she arrived at the Oakland City Center station, she ran
from the station to building near Jack London Square . She went inside and locked her
door. She tried to call Michael, but he did not answer. Before she could leave a
message, there was a knock at her door. She jumped and dropped her phone.
She looked through the peephole to see Greg standing there. She opened the door
and let him in.
“I’ve been thinking about what you told me this morning all day...” He stopped and
looked at her. She was pale and perspiring profusely. “Honey, what is wrong? You
look horrified”.
“I’ll tell you about it later. Right now I just want a beer and a hot bath. What do you
need?”
“I found this book today written by a man named Chandra Suresh.” Greg pulled the
book out of his bag. “He talks about people called Super Genomes. Normal people
with powers like invisibility, cellular rejuvenation...FLYING. Laura, I think he is talking
about YOU.”
“Activating Evolution. Interesting. What does this have to do with me again?”
“Just read it Laura. At least take the book, ok?”
“Fine.” She took the book from him annoyed. “Thank you. But I was serious that I
REALLY need that drink and please don’t take offense, I love you, but I want to be
alone. So why don’t you go home and call your Mr. Suresh and....”
“I already tried that...I spoke to his son. Chandra Suresh is dead.” He continued. His
son, Mohinder Suresh, is continuing in his father’s work. He wants to talk to you,
Laura”
Laura rolled her eyes. “It seems everybody wants to talk to me all of the sudden. So
what happened to Mr. Suresh? Did he learn the hard way he couldn’t fly?”
“He was murdered by one of his subjects. A man named Sylar who kills Super
Genomes to get their powers.”
There was that name Sylar again. The man Wireless had told her about. Laura felt like
she was going to faint. “Ok, you know what, I REALLY need that drink now and I just
want to go to bed. Go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She started pushing him out the
door.
“I take it your lover is out of town again. Are you going to be ok?”
“There is enough security here to protect Fort Knox and I have a blackbelt. I’ll be
fine.” She hugged and kissed her friend.
“You be careful. Call me in the morning”.
“I will.” She said shutting the door.
She lay in the bath tub drinking a bottle of Sol, letting the hot water caress her body
while the candles lit the room. She closed her eyes and began to relax.
She was quickly jerked out of her relaxed state. She felt she was not alone. Terror
began to consume her. She remembered what Wireless had told her about the man
Sylar. She got out of the tub and pulled a towel around her. She tried to remember
what her master had told her since she was a child; if she believed in her strength, she
had nothing to fear. Yet, her heart pounded. She grabbed her baseball bat. If this
Sylar was coming after her tonight, he would be in for a fight. She walked slowly
toward the living room holding her bat cautiously in offense position.
“Who is there!” she called out. “Greg... Tracy ?”
No answer.
“Show yourself!” She shouted angrily.
She turned toward the kitchen. She saw him standing in the shadows. He slowly
walked toward her. He emerged through the darkness toward her. She was paralyzed
with fear. Her heart pounded louder. But she stood ready for battle.
He took three steps in her direction. His face emerged in the light. There he stood.
His dark eyes fixated on her. All she could do was stare in return.
“I have been waiting for you.” He finally spoke.
She approached him, and stood face to face with him.
He reached his hand and pulled her to him into a fevered embrace, kissing her softly.
She smiled returning his kiss.
“You scared me to death”. You said you weren’t coming home until tomorrow night”.
“If I had to stay away from you for another second, I was going to explode.” He took
the towel off of her and pulled her in kissing her hungrily. She began to undress him
as she pulled him to the floor. “I love you Michael.” She whispered.
***End of Part I***
by Dee Allen
Part I: Laura
Laura Ryan awoke with a start. Her alarm did not go off. She had exactly one hour to
get to work. She could not be late. Not today.
She quickly jumped out of bed throwing off her night clothes as she ran to the shower.
No time for a long shower today. She quickly soaped and rinsed, grabbing her towel
without washing her hair. She pulled her chestnut hair back from her face and headed
back to the bedroom. “Now what in the hell am I going to wear?” She asked herself,
her anxiety increasing.
She dashed back into the bedroom and stopped. She smiled and for the first time this
morning she felt at ease. Her favorite dress was hanging up perfectly pressed ready
for her to put on. Her shoes and undergarments were neatly placed on the bed.
Beside her bed was a single white rose. She knew who her knight in shining armor
was. Michael. Her love. The man who's simple touch could ignite fevered passion to
her soul. “Now did he….?”
She was quickly brought back to reality by the ringing of her phone.
She answered quickly. "Hello".
It was her partner Greg. "Please tell me you didn't oversleep again!"
"Fine, I didn't over sleep again" She replied as she quickly began to dress. "Please tell
me you remember it is your turn to get coffee".
"It will be hot and waiting for you doll. Now pry yourself away from your mysterious
lover boy and get your happy ass down here now. The Linderman Group is not going
to wait forever."
"Um….you seem to be forgetting the name of the company is Ryan and Associates and
last I checked, I am Ryan and YOU are associates. I sign YOUR paycheck."
"I’m hanging up now before you fire me again."
"COFFEE!" Laura shouted as he hung up.
She quickly dressed, grabbed her satchel with her plans and headed for the BART
Station. The train was right on time and if nothing greater than an earthquake
happened, so would she. She settled down in her seat a caught her breath.
Her phone began to ring again. Thinking it was Greg, she became annoyed. “I wasn’t
kidding, if you call me one more time.....”
“Hello my love.” came Michael’s gentle voice. She smiled. Even the sound of his
voice soothed her raging adrenaline this morning. She closed her eyes and began to
feel relaxed.
“I am so glad it’s you.” She began.
“Did you like your surprise?” He asked.
Laura smiled remembering how he rescued her this morning. “Yes…thank you! She
replied softly. “You saved my life. I didn’t even hear you come in.”
“Well, didn’t I tell you? I have powers beyond your wildest fantasies.” He replied softly.
“I believe you.” She laughed softly.
“I have been going crazy without you the last few days.”
“I have too. Are you coming home tonight?”
“I wish I was my love. I’m off to Seattle today. I will be back tomorrow night.”
“I haven’t seen you in days.”
“Well, you sleep well tonight because tomorrow night I don’t plan on either of us
getting any sleep.”
She smiled at the thought of him. “I will be thinking of nothing else.”
“I love you Laura.” He said softly.
“I love you Michael.” She smiled as she hung up the phone.
Laura snuggled down into her seat thinking of Michael. She could not believe he had
come into her life such a short time ago, yet she loved him so completely. He was
handsome, passionate, gentle and intense. Yet, there was something mysterious
about him that intrigued her, but at the same time frightened her. She often felt deep
anguish in his soul which soared every time she would bring up their future. He often
had nightmares and woke up screaming. It pained her that she could not help him, but
did not ask him his secret. The secret was his to tell and he would reveal what lied in
his soul when he was ready. It was all she could do.
As she thought about her lover, she fell into a deep sleep.
But Laura was not alone. She was being watched. In the back of the train a dark man
watched her intensely. Unnoticed by Laura, the mysterious man emitted a shadow of
evil around him. His eyes were dark and piercing. His presence would infuse fear to
Laura if she saw him. But in her sleep, she was unaware of his presence.
As the train went through a tunnel and everything went dark. When the train emerged
from the tunnel, he was gone.
Laura woke up! As she realized what she had done, she began to panic! It was nearly
10:00! The presentation was over! She had fallen asleep and missed her stop. Why oh
why did she let this happen? She picked up her phone and called Greg, but no
answer. She dialed Tracey, she was not answering either. Laura was horrified!
She got off the train and caught the first train to the financial district. Their going to
hate me! After all the work they had all put into this. These people had sacrificed their
families and personal lives for this. This was the most important account of the year,
probably ever! She had let them all down. She hated herself for doing this to them.
Finally she got to her stop. She ran the 3 blocks to her building. She ran to the
elevator and did not stop until she burst through the double doors of Ryan and
Associates.
Carol her secretary happily greeted her. “Laura, I didn’t see you leave. Did you step
out for some air? ”.
She was confused, but managed a bewildered smile. Tracey came running down the
hall and gave her a big hug. “You ROCK, girlfriend!! You did it!!! We just got Mr.
Linderman’s endorsement! They chose US! Can you believe it!!!” Laura stood there
starring at her n disbelief.
“There she IS!” Came a voice behind her. Greg stood there with his hands on his
hips! “You are the BOMB!!! It went even better than we had rehearsed!” He picked
her up and swung her around. When he put her down, he noticed she was pale and
out of breath. “You ok honey, you don’t look so good?”
“I'm fine.” She said dryly. “Just a little drained.”
“Well of course you are, girl!” Tracy said. “You only put on the best show of your life
this morning. And between this project and that new hottie of yours I don’t think you
have slept in weeks. Why don’t you go home and get some rest.”
Laura stood there wondering what was happening. How could she of been there? She
was sleeping on that train. It took all of her strength to focus on the moment.
“I would love to, but not today. I have a whole mess of calls and e-mails to return. I am
just going to change into something less constricting and get to work. Don’t worry. I
plan on getting plenty of rest tonight.” She turned to Greg. “Greg, can I talk to you in
about 30?”
“You got it doll”. He replied
Laura walked into her office and closed the door. She quickly changed into her
favorite blue sweater, khakis and loafers. She sat down at her desk, puzzled. This
could not be happening. She fell asleep! She was not at the presentation. She woke
up on the train. What had happened this morning?
She was jolted out of her thoughts by a sharp knock on the door. Greg walked in.
“Hey!”
“Hey!” She replied. “Sit down.”
“Are you firing me again?” He asked.
“Don’t be a jackass. I couldn’t run this office without you. My dad hired you because
you are an architectural genius. You make ME look good. Besides, you are my best
friend.” She sat down and picked up her coffee. “And if there was ever a time I
needed you, it is right now”.
“Are you actually having a crisis? Oh my GOD, this is a first. I was beginning to believe
my talent as your gay male friend might be wasted on your stable, but adorable, ass. ”
“ZIP IT!!!” She shouted at him. “You want a crisis? I have the Red Ryder of all crisises
for you.” She stood up and walked to the window. Looking out at the San Francisco
Bay she continued. “Greg. I don’t know how to say this, but I was not at that
presentation this morning! “She turned around and looked at him. She became more
agitated as she continued. “I was not there! Would you like to know where I was? I
was sound asleep on the 8am train and woke up in Daly City at exactly 10 am.”
Greg starred at her in disbelief. “What in the HELL are you talking about? Of course
you were there!”
“Look, I don’t have an explanation for you. I don’t know who made that presentation,
but it was NOT ME! I don’t know what else to tell you, Greg. You KNOW I am not crazy.
Please tell me you believe me.”
He continued to stare at her in disbelief. “Um...if you’re trying to humor me with a juicy
life crisis, you didn’t need to go to this expense.” He stood up and walked toward her
putting his hands on her shoulders. “Honey’ he said quietly. “You were there, I saw
you with my own eyes!”
“Greg, I was NOT THERE! I don’t understand what is happening. But you KNOW me! I
would not make something like this up!”
Greg continued to stare at her. He let go of her shoulders, walked over and sat down.
“You know, If this was Tracey or anybody else, I would not believe it. But this is you.
YOU...are not a drama queen. Your feet are firmly grounded on this planet. I know you
would not make this up. But...Laura...this is….”
“I KNOW.” She shouted excitedly. It is NOT possible. This is reality, NOT the Twilight
Zone. All I know is that I was asleep on that train. But you all say I was there.
Apparently I did a dazzling job. But I was NOT there, Greg!”
Greg thought for a moment. “Laura. This may be a stretch, but I remember reading
some time ago about people, normal people, having super human abilities. You know,
you could be one of these people. Not long ago there were reports about people
seeing a guy flying across the Las Vegas desert.”
“Ok, so.... Las Vegas is home to an air force base and not far from Area 51. They run a
lot of tests out of there. Nothing super human about it.”
“There is if they guy didn’t have a plane.”
“A flying man.” she laughed. “Do you know how illogical that sounds?”
Greg starred at her. “Of course I do. It is as illogical as a 27 year old woman being in
two places at once?”
She stopped laughing and starred at him with disbelief.
She spent the remaining hours of the day speaking to clients and talking
congratulation calls. She handled each call with grace and gratitude. She had gotten
good at it, but she knew she would never be her father. George Ryan began the firm
in 1984 when Laura was a small child. After her mother’s death when she was 7 years
old, it was just she and her father. Even as a young girl she took an interest in
architecture. The firm and its clients had become family to them. After the 1989 Loma
Prieta earthquake, the business flourished. Her father had built his business on trust
and integrity; qualities that were in high demand after many people lost their homes
and businesses. The aftermath of the earthquake made Ryan and Associates the #1
architectural firm in the San Francisco Bay Area.
When George Ryan died three years earlier of a heart attack, the business went to
Laura. Although Laura was not a businesswoman, she kept the business going for the
sake of the people who had been loyal to her father for so many years. She felt a
responsibility to the firm’s clients and the community as they had for so many years.
She knew the firm’s continued success was due to the experience of her father’s
friends and associates who had been with the firm since it’s infancy. These people
worked and ran the business alongside her father. Gifted architects like Greg and
Tracey and several others on staff kept them #1 in the community. Now with winning
the Deveaux account, they would gain national exposure.
Laura looked up at a picture of herself on the wall behind her. It was a magazine which
contained an article about young professionals in the bay area. They put Laura’s
picture on the cover telling the whole world that she was beautiful, bright…and single.
The article touted her as being a mover and a shaker in the town. Who were they
kidding? This was not who she was. Laura stayed with the company for no other
reason but for the love of her father. She was only a name and a face. She was not the
business. She knew the business could run without her. But many people would
leave if she was not the CEO. So stay she did.
But deep down she had always known that she had another purpose to her life and
someday she would leave. Her Karate instructor had always spoken to her about her
destiny, never knowing what it was. As a child, she was convinced the old man was
crazy, but lately she could feel herself being pulled away. Like an unseen force, it was
always there, like a voice calling out to her soul.
It was after she met Michael, just a few short months ago that she felt the directional
tug become stronger. Michael had opened up her eyes to a world she had never
known. Life as she had always known it no longer gave her the same drive it once did.
She wanted to be the woman Michael had awakened in his eyes.
Was it only just two months ago she had met him?
She was coming down the stairs of the Victorian apartment she inherited from her
father. She came running around the corner just as he was coming up th other way.
She plowed into him causing him to fall over, hitting his head on the hand rail dropping
his box of belongings. She was horrified. She checked to make sure he was ok and
helped him pick up his belongings. He was very sweet and offered to build her her
very own stairwell for the safety of the other tenants. She laughed and helped him
gather his belongings. “So, you’re the new tenant. My name is Laura Ryan, I own this
building.”
“So when I wake up tomorrow and my collar bone is broken, I’ll know where to send my
lawyer.”
She smiled at him. She was unable to take her eyes off of him. He was so good-
looking and charming. The way he was looking at her, the attraction looked to be
mutual.
“Well, will you call your lawyer off if I help you move in?”
He smiled. “Yes.”
The rest of the afternoon, she helped him unpack boxes and put things away. He had
such a sweet smile and an easy-going spirit. Right away they connected. He told her
about moving his business from Chicago to San Francisco . Laura used her
architectural design skills to help him figure out what to do with his new place. To
show his gratitude he took her to dinner that night at the pub down the street.
Laura’s attraction to Michael was instant. He had deep dark pools for eyes that
seemed read her soul. He had a soft voice and an easy laugh. His sensual intelligence
was intoxicating. They drank wine and talked for hours about everything. They stayed
there until the restaurant closed.
As, they walked the short distance back to Laura’s building, they quietly held hands.
They did not speak. She wanted him and could feel his desire for her. As he walked
her to her door, she leaned against the door; he stood in front of her. Their eyes met.
He leaned toward her and reached out to touch her face. They melted into a sensual
kiss. They continued kissing as she opened the door. As they headed toward the
bedroom they began quickly undressing each other. They fell together on the bed,
their souls soaring together. Their passion exploded with intensity that flowed like
lava with every kiss. As they made love that night, their bodies erupted into a force of
nature.
This was the first night of many. How could she love him so completely in such a brief
frame of time? What was it about him that made her weak at the very thought of him?
He was not the first man in her life; he was not even her first love. She knew so little
of his life before he moved to the east bay. She knew he was from Chicago . He also
was an only child and his parents had perished when he was very young. After college
he went to work for an international trading company and a few years ago, he became
an independent trader.
Laura was brought back to the present by the familiar sound of an instant message
alert. She hoped it was from Michael and looked at the message with happy
anticipation that quickly turned to alarm. She did not know the sender and was deeply
troubled by the messages content.
WIRELESS: Laura, I know you are there. You do not know me, but you need to listen to
me. YOU ARE IN DANGER!
RYANASSOC2: Who are you?
WIRELESS: That is not important right now. We will meet soon. You have to get out
now!
RYANASSOC2: Out of where? This building? The city? What are you talking about?
WIRELESS: Just run and keep running! Do not trust ANYBODY!
RYANASSOC2: Why?
WIRELESS: Laura, you do not know it yet, but you are special. You have a power that
defines you. It is an important power and there is a man named Sylar who knows where
you are. He wants your power. The only way to get that power from you is to kill you
and take your brain.
RYANASSOC2: Are you kidding me? Who in the hell are you? Show me some proof.
WIRELESS: Have you had anything unusual happen recently.
RYANASSOC2: Why should I tell you?
WIRELESS: Laura, I can’t tell you why now, but you HAVE to believe me! Sylar will kill
you if you do not get out now. His trail has lead to your city. He will come looking for
you and he will kill you! Please do as I say.
RYANASSOC2: Not until you show me proof. I am signing off now.
WIRELESS: YOU ARE MAKING A BIG MISTA
But Laura did not read the rest of Wireless’s message. She shut off her computer. But
what if Wireless was telling her the truth? How could Wireless of known about what
had happened to her today? She did not know what to believe. Yet she was afraid.
Laura quickly locked up the office and hurried to the BART station. Although she had
studied martial arts since she was a child, and held a 3rd degree black belt, she was
fearful. She did not feel safe. Suddenly she felt alone and vulnerable. Wireless’s
words haunted her. While she rode the train toward home she tried to call Michael,
but he did not answer. When she arrived at the Oakland City Center station, she ran
from the station to building near Jack London Square . She went inside and locked her
door. She tried to call Michael, but he did not answer. Before she could leave a
message, there was a knock at her door. She jumped and dropped her phone.
She looked through the peephole to see Greg standing there. She opened the door
and let him in.
“I’ve been thinking about what you told me this morning all day...” He stopped and
looked at her. She was pale and perspiring profusely. “Honey, what is wrong? You
look horrified”.
“I’ll tell you about it later. Right now I just want a beer and a hot bath. What do you
need?”
“I found this book today written by a man named Chandra Suresh.” Greg pulled the
book out of his bag. “He talks about people called Super Genomes. Normal people
with powers like invisibility, cellular rejuvenation...FLYING. Laura, I think he is talking
about YOU.”
“Activating Evolution. Interesting. What does this have to do with me again?”
“Just read it Laura. At least take the book, ok?”
“Fine.” She took the book from him annoyed. “Thank you. But I was serious that I
REALLY need that drink and please don’t take offense, I love you, but I want to be
alone. So why don’t you go home and call your Mr. Suresh and....”
“I already tried that...I spoke to his son. Chandra Suresh is dead.” He continued. His
son, Mohinder Suresh, is continuing in his father’s work. He wants to talk to you,
Laura”
Laura rolled her eyes. “It seems everybody wants to talk to me all of the sudden. So
what happened to Mr. Suresh? Did he learn the hard way he couldn’t fly?”
“He was murdered by one of his subjects. A man named Sylar who kills Super
Genomes to get their powers.”
There was that name Sylar again. The man Wireless had told her about. Laura felt like
she was going to faint. “Ok, you know what, I REALLY need that drink now and I just
want to go to bed. Go home. I’ll see you tomorrow.” She started pushing him out the
door.
“I take it your lover is out of town again. Are you going to be ok?”
“There is enough security here to protect Fort Knox and I have a blackbelt. I’ll be
fine.” She hugged and kissed her friend.
“You be careful. Call me in the morning”.
“I will.” She said shutting the door.
She lay in the bath tub drinking a bottle of Sol, letting the hot water caress her body
while the candles lit the room. She closed her eyes and began to relax.
She was quickly jerked out of her relaxed state. She felt she was not alone. Terror
began to consume her. She remembered what Wireless had told her about the man
Sylar. She got out of the tub and pulled a towel around her. She tried to remember
what her master had told her since she was a child; if she believed in her strength, she
had nothing to fear. Yet, her heart pounded. She grabbed her baseball bat. If this
Sylar was coming after her tonight, he would be in for a fight. She walked slowly
toward the living room holding her bat cautiously in offense position.
“Who is there!” she called out. “Greg... Tracy ?”
No answer.
“Show yourself!” She shouted angrily.
She turned toward the kitchen. She saw him standing in the shadows. He slowly
walked toward her. He emerged through the darkness toward her. She was paralyzed
with fear. Her heart pounded louder. But she stood ready for battle.
He took three steps in her direction. His face emerged in the light. There he stood.
His dark eyes fixated on her. All she could do was stare in return.
“I have been waiting for you.” He finally spoke.
She approached him, and stood face to face with him.
He reached his hand and pulled her to him into a fevered embrace, kissing her softly.
She smiled returning his kiss.
“You scared me to death”. You said you weren’t coming home until tomorrow night”.
“If I had to stay away from you for another second, I was going to explode.” He took
the towel off of her and pulled her in kissing her hungrily. She began to undress him
as she pulled him to the floor. “I love you Michael.” She whispered.
***End of Part I***
