Elimination (The Mind Breaker Book 1) Page 18

  “Back away slowly,” I command. The officers hesitate, then step back. “Now everybody get back inside the bus. Not you, Holtzmann,” I say as he begins to follow the group.

  As Chase boards the bus, he glances back at me with a long hateful stare.

  “Move,” I command. I shoot out a bus tire and order Holtzmann to gather up the weapons on the ground. I stay close by the professor as I keep an eye on the windows of the bus. Once Holtzmann has an armload of rifles, we walk slowly toward the cars.

  “Remain inside the bus!” I yell. “If anybody follows, I’ll shoot the professor!”

  Hopefully, it will keep them off of us long enough to get away.

  I shoot out two tires of the sedan without keys and command Holtzmann to sit in the front seat of the second vehicle where keys are left dangling. He drops the rifles into the back seat and takes a place up front. Hurriedly, I slide in behind the wheel and drive away.

  Chapter 16

  As soon as I get the hang of it, I press the pedal to the floor to put as much distance between us and Elimination as possible.

  Holtzmann is half lying in his seat, grabbing the seatbelt tightly. In shock, he talks to himself. I wish he would stop because I really need to watch the road and his mumbling is distracting.

  “Shut the hell up, Holtzmann!” I growl. I don’t mean to scare him, but my harsh voice has an undesired effect. Holtzmann gulps for air as if he’s suffocating. He begins to have a seizure right there in the front seat, hands trembling and body shaking.

  “Damn it,” I say, pulling over. I’ve no idea what’s happening to Holtzmann and how I can help. I’ve never had to deal with an epileptic. What if he dies?

  “Calm down,” I say, dragging Holtzmann out of the vehicle and placing him on the ground. Hopefully, some fresh air will help. I look around anxiously for any signs of pursuit. The road is empty.

  I turn back to see a red faced Holtzmann struggling to breathe. He opens his mouth widely, sucking in air. This guy is completely messed up. I kneel down beside him, saying, “I won’t hurt you. Just calm down.” I don’t know whether he can actually hear me or not.

  I search his pockets and find two bottles of pills. It may be risky to give him these, but I have to do something.

  “Listen to me,” I say calmly. “I’m gonna give you a pill from each bottle and I want you to swallow.”

  I tilt back his head and drop the pills into his mouth. Holtzmann groans, but seems to swallow them. His body is still twitching.

  “Now try and take a deep breath,” I command. Holtzmann inhales the air greedily. “Take it easy! Now, breathe out. All right. Just breathe.”

  His breathing normalizes. I laugh nervously.

  “Damn you,” I say. “You really freaked me out. What’s wrong with you, dude?”

  I sit down on the ground, relaxing. There’s no time for rest, but I can’t help it. I wipe Holtzmann’s foam off my shaky hands. Holtzmann is lying still, recovering.

  “We’ve got to go,” I say calmly. “Elimination must be after us by now. Can you get up?”

  Holtzmann makes a weak attempt to sit up, but fails. I have to help him. Dragging him back inside the car, I say, “I won’t hurt you, all right? You don’t need to go crazy. We’ve got no time for that.”

  As I drive off, Holtzmann asks, “You won’t kill me, will you?”

  Just like his cousin Rebecca.

  “Why would I kill you?” I say. “Think about it. I saved your life the other night. And you know I’m not a killer. So, why would I?”

  “I’m just verifying your intentions,” Holtzmann answers quietly.

  “Listen, I’m really sorry I had to use you as a hostage. I felt I had no choice.”

  “Whatever you say,” Holtzmann answers.

  “Come on, quit acting like a hostage. I’m gonna cut you loose.”

  “Won’t you keep me?”

  “No.”

  Holtzmann thinks for a few moments.

  “It’s not logical,” he says. “I’m very valuable to Elimination. You can use me as leverage. I think it’s safer for you to keep me as your hostage.”

  “What? You must be crazy to say that,” I say. “No, I won’t keep you hostage. As soon as we get far enough away, I’m gonna let you go. Just hang out a couple hours, then find a police station and tell them who you are. Every cop must be looking for us already.”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “Why?”

  “You’re officially dead,” Holtzmann explains. “Nobody outside of Elimination is aware of your existence. They won’t have the police issue an APB for you this time. Most likely, Elimination will just use Lena to locate you.”

  Lena, I think. I’ve left her, Jessie and Jimmy behind. What will happen to them now? A sudden jolt of guilt burns my conscience.

  “I won’t be needing your services as hostage any longer in that case,” I say. “Sorry for everything you’ve gone through on my behalf, professor. You’re free to go now.”

  “I don’t wish to go back,” Holtzmann says. He looks better, his face having returned to its usual pale color and the frantic crazed look gone from his eyes.

  “What do you mean, Holtzmann? Are you out of your mind? You can’t travel the countryside with me. I’m an escaped convict on the run, and have been given a second death sentence.”

  “As a scientist I’m very curious to observe a breaker in his natural environment. I’ve never had such an opportunity.”

  I temporarily lose my ability to speak, thinking.

  “Additionally, you aren’t the only prisoner there,” Holtzmann continues. “I spent all my days locked away inside the same facility, the same prison if you will. I was never allowed outside alone. Although I do have the right to do so technically, I don’t think Elimination would ever allow me to leave.”

  “Do they keep you against your will?” I ask.

  “No, not exactly. I signed a contract with Elimination and I’m well remunerated for my research. But I can’t reconcile myself with their cruel methods and I don’t share their hatred for breakers. Unfortunately, Elimination is the only institution in our society that can provide the needed subjects and equipment for my research project. I also understand I can’t survive efficiently in the outside world and will never have a balanced, normal lifestyle. Nevertheless, I’m still somewhat of a prisoner of my own illusions, being held by my own willingness to cooperate with Elimination. Now having had an opportunity to make observations here, out in the real world, I don’t wish to return to the lab. Maybe later, but not now.”

  “Scientists are a really weird species,” I say.

  “I’m certain I resemble that remark,” Holtzmann agrees.

  “Look, I can’t take you with me. You’ll slow me down.”

  “As little as possible, and having a ready hostage may come in handy and increase your chances later on,” he counters.

  I think on my predicament. On one hand Holtzmann is right. Having him is great leverage, considering how precious his work is for Elimination. On the other hand, I still can’t fully trust him. We’re on opposing sides.

  “How can I trust you, Holtzmann?” I ask.

  “I helped arrange your escape,” he answers. “Rebecca and I created that plan together.”

  “Why?”

  “I owe you a great debt, being my life, as well as Rebecca’s. And I also knew that you’d be sent to the Death Camp. I couldn’t let them waste such a unique subject.”

  I still can’t tell if he’s lying or not.

  “It was I who taught Rebecca how to demagnetize your collar,” Holtzmann adds.

  “How did you know this?”

  “I invented them,” he answers.

  For several minutes I drive in silence. Then I ask, “Did Chase know about your plan?”

  “No, he’s not the type to break rules or disobey orders,” Holtzmann answers. “He’s a very loyal officer. He wouldn’t help a breaker escape.”

  A few more minute
s pass. I think of Rebecca. She may have already heard of what’s transpired. It must have scared her to death. Rebecca obviously loves her cousin and cares deeply about him. Similar to my relationship with Kitty. Then my thoughts wander back to Holtzmann and his illness. I still don’t know if it’s life threatening or not.

  “What’s wrong with you?” I ask. “I mean what’s the official diagnoses of your condition?”

  “I have a variety of disorders,” he answers.

  “Epilepsy?”

  “It’s merely a side effect of another problem. I’ve been previously diagnosed with anxiety disorder, panic attacks and any number of other mental illnesses. Certain doctors even suggested that I may be bipolar, though I can assure you that is not the case.”

  “Does Elimination permit you to visit other doctors for treatment?”

  “They would allow this, yes. But as it happens I’ve already visited enough doctors and heard enough medical opinions to last a lifetime. There’s no cure for my condition, but it’s nothing terminal so it’s manageable. I suppose these infirmities are the price I have to pay for genius. And I do know how to cope, if not overcome.”

  “Really? I’ve just witnessed one of your fits and can tell you, I’ve never seen anything like that in my entire life. Your so called coping really freaked me out.”

  “I apologize for frightening you,” he says. “I was under unusual levels of stress. It’s not every day I become a hostage and foresee my own doom.”

  I drive with a steady speed down a lonely road, passing abandoned houses and rundown towns that have seen better days. Looks like we’re getting closer to the south. I make a mental list of things I need to do. The first order of business is to obtain a change of clothing as this orange jumpsuit is too noticeable. That one shouldn’t be a problem. I’ve got my breaker’s abilities back. Next I think of Kitty. I have to find her. As soon as I can, I need to start looking for my little sister. But how? I don’t know where she might be. I also need to come up with a way to block Lena. It’s almost certainly Elimination will try to use her to recapture me.

  Holtzmann seems to have recovered almost completely. He still looks weak, but his mindset of being held hostage has improved. Now, Holtzmann is smiling as he watches the passing fields, woods and villages out the window.

  “It’s truly spectacular,” he says with genuine admiration.

  “Never seen it before?” I ask.

  “Long ago,” he answers. “I’ve never spent much time outdoors. I’ve spent the last few years stuck inside various Elimination facilities, working. When they do take me outside the facility, it’s usually via helicopter. And I’m always accompanied by guards, for my own protection. I rather think they’re more worried I may run off.”

  “I didn’t know,” I say.

  “Even when I was younger, I didn’t spend much time outside,” Holtzmann continues. “I’ve never gone to regular school due to my afflictions. My parents hired all the best home school teachers for my education. I recall it always shamed and embarrassed my parents when I suffered seizures in public. I was their only son, and my father hoped I could inherit his business. He was truly disappointed when he learned the doctors couldn’t control the seizures, and they will always remain a threat to happen at any time.”

  He sighs, his expression becoming distant. These memories must be painful for him although I don’t catch an ounce of self-pity in his voice. Holtzmann talks about himself the way someone might discuss another person, coldly and indifferently.

  “I spent the majority of my childhood reading and studying,” he says. “Every teacher thought I was exceptionally brilliant. Hard to communicate with at times, yet brilliant. I completed the high school honors program at fifteen. I had my choice of colleges. I chose the best one and received a full ride scholarship. But I had to return home in two months because I couldn’t handle being around all those people. Too much stress. It escalated to the point where I was having at least one seizure a day. So, I returned home to complete my studies remotely. My parents were okay with it. I guess they’d already given up most of their hopes that I would ever be normal.”

  He pauses, smiling unconfidently. Then he continues, “By nineteen I’d authored several works on the human brain. These were published and made me well known throughout the scientific community. Shortly thereafter I signed a contract with Elimination to study breakers. My parents are proud of me now, I believe. And I simply want to make our world a better place.”

  I listen attentively, wondering why my hostage is telling me all this. We’re not friends. And I don’t think Holtzmann is trying to manipulate me or wishes any sympathy. For the moment at least, it doesn’t matter that he is an ordinary human and I am a criminal breaker on a run. Holtzmann wants to speak.

  “What about Rebecca?” I ask. “How does she fit into the picture?”

  “My parents adopted Rebecca when she became orphaned. I wasn’t living at home anymore but visited occasionally, when Elimination permitted. Rebecca and I became close friends. I felt very sorry for her. The brutal murder of her parents left her in such a deep depression. Rebecca suffered from mental disorders for some time afterward and had some difficulty making friends in school. I was the only person Rebecca could really talk to. We had long conversations occasionally. When she finished high school, I suggested Elimination to hire Rebecca as my personal assistant. They didn’t care about her education level. She was resistant and it was enough to get her this job.”

  “Strange career choice for Rebecca, considering she’s terrified by breakers,” I say.

  “Well, I persuaded Rebecca that it would eventually lessen her fear. She used to suffer panic attacks at the mere mention of breakers. I was correct. Rebecca’s fear of breakers reduced once she began working for Elimination. A desire for vengeance of her parents contributed as well. Rebecca wanted Elimination to catch and kill as many breakers as possible. I’m glad she met you.”

  “Why?” I wonder.

  Holtzmann smiles. “I think you’ve changed Rebecca’s opinion about hating all mind breakers.”

  “Well, Rebecca will definitely hate me now if she didn’t already,” I say. “I’ve kidnapped her cousin.”

  “No,” Holtzmann corrects. “You’ve helped me to escape.”

  When we finally stop in a small town, Holtzmann asks, “So, what’s our plan?”

  “There’s no our plan,” I answer. “My plan is to ditch this car, because Elimination must be looking for it already. Then I need to get a change of clothes. I need the ability to blend in without being identified as an escaping prisoner. While I’m doing this, you’re to start walking toward the nearest police station and tell them who you are.”

  “I won’t do that,” Holtzmann protests. “I want to make sure this doesn’t end badly.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “When Elimination finds you, and it’s just a matter of time before they do, they will simply shoot you. No talking this time. You’ve made everybody too angry. And that’s why you need me. As long as I’m your hostage, you have a card to play.”

  Having said this, Holtzmann sits tighter in his seat and crosses his arms on his chest, showing he’s not planning on going anywhere.

  “Fine!” I say. “I’ll keep you as my hostage for a while longer. But I still don’t understand why you would request this.”

  “For the sake of science and because I owe you,” he answers.

  “Okay then. Let’s leave the car here. We need to find another one. Let’s head over to the store and grab some new clothes.”

  We walk toward the small clothing store through an empty parking lot. I’m lucky that not many people go shopping this time of day. If somebody sees me wearing my orange prison garb, they’ll definitely contact the police. I look around carefully. Thank God, I’ve got my breaker’s abilities back. Today I’ll need to hypnotize lots of folks.

  Holtzmann follows a couple of steps behind, smiling like a complete idiot. What is h
e thinking? Does it seem to him this is nothing more than a grand adventure? I’ve no clue what’s going on in his head.

  As I enter the store, I take a quick look around, seeing a few customers and a cashier. I immediately project my thoughts, forcing them to follow my will. For a split second I worry that somebody might be resistant, but everything goes perfectly smoothly. Nobody even notices my presence. People continue choosing and buying clothes, even being under deep hypnosis.

  “Very impressive, Rex,” Holtzmann says with excitement. He approaches a customer and waves a hand in front of his face. No reaction.

  “Don’t mess with them,” I say. “I can’t hold them forever.”

  Wincing from the headache, I quickly grab dark jeans and a hoodie. I take a look at Holtzmann’s clothes. He’s wearing slacks with a brightly colored shirt and a checkered tie that doesn’t match anything. Not wishing him to draw attention, I take an extra pair of jeans and a black sweatshirt. Then we leave.

  In the parking lot, I notice a young guy getting out of a pickup truck. I project my thoughts before he spots us. The guy stands still, staring at me blindly. His facial muscles relax. Definitely not resistant, I think with relief.

  “Give me your keys,” I command. The guy tosses me his keys. “Now go shop for a couple of hours.”

  Holtzmann and I get inside the truck and I drive away.

  “That was perfect! Just a perfect utilization of your unique skill set!” Holtzmann says. “Thank you for affording me the opportunity to observe a breaker in his natural environment.”

  “It’s hardly my natural environment,” I answer. “I never stole anything before I tried to stop the bank robbery and became public enemy number one for my efforts.”

  I can’t help feeling guilty. I wonder about the owner of the pickup I’ve just sent on a shopping spree. What if he’s poor and this truck is everything he has? It’s gonna be all right, I decide, I’ll leave it in good shape and the police will eventually return it. I doubt I’ll be able to return these clothes though.

  I remember Tim saying that all breakers are evil and can’t resist the temptation to use their abilities for personal gain. I still hope I’m different. I really don’t want to take advantage of people, but I don’t have a choice here at the moment. Elimination is hunting me and I am on the run. That’s my reality.