Schizogenesis [chapter 5]

Meanwhile at an undisclosed location, David Trask had just come out of heavy sedation. Groggy and dazed, he found he was alone in a small room lying on a bed. Noise was muffled and it felt to him like every other motel room he’d been in.

He scrambled from the bed and headed for the nearest door, flung it open. A bathroom. There was only one other door. He stalked to it. The knob turned easily in his hand. He’d almost known it would be locked, but it swung wide to reveal not outside as he’d hoped, but a couch, chairs, and a television set.

Dave walked into the room and looked around. Two more doors. He went to the one that possibly led to escape, twisted the knob. It was locked. Of course, he thought. Well, one chance remained.

The last door opened and relief rushed through him. On twin beds lay Junior and Timothy. He moved between the beds and knelt, placing a hand on each boy. He was rewarded with strong heartbeats and easy breathing.

Junior stirred and Dave shook him to rouse him from sleep. The boy opened his eyes, saw Dave and reached up to embrace him.

“Daddy! You’re okay.”

“Yeah, how about you? You hurt?”

“I’m okay, I think.”

“Check on your brother.”