The Break - Chapter 1 and Chapter 2

Chapter 1 Sitting at the desk, the local anchorwoman quickly reviewed the notes. She was on in less than a minute. This was the biggest news story to hit Denver since the Columbine massacre and the producer was letting her read it. She felt a nervous excitement. The network was looking for a new anchor and although Denver was a medium-sized market, she had been getting a great deal of attention. The interviews had been last week and this could be the story that sealed the deal for Anita. Looking up, she saw the count down to airtime start. Inhaling deeply, she told herself she was going to be great. She let out the breath and her nerves exited her body on the air expelled from her lungs. “Good Evening. I’m Anita Sanchez.” She started with a somber expression. “And I’m Jim Meissner.” He co-anchor said. “Breaking News: There has been an explosion at the Pepsi Center. Denver police officials say they suspect a bomb was planted.” Anita continued evenly, betraying neither her nerves nor the magnitude of the situation. “So far, we have not heard any causality reports or the extent of the damage. All we know at this point is an explosion did occur and that there are some fatalities. Let’s go to Bobbie Colran live at the Pepsi Center for an update. Bobbie, what’s happening there?” “Anita, chaos is the only word to describe the scene.” Bobbie replied frantically. “Many people are wandering around in a daze, more than a few of them bleeding.” Being off camera, Anita allowed herself a heavy frown. She was disappointed at the lack of professionalism her remote co-worker displayed. “Guess that’s why Bobbie is still a field reporter.” She said to herself. “Do we have any idea what happened at this point?” Anita asked. “All we know at this point is that there was a large explosion at the Pepsi Center and … and … and …” “Yes, Bobbie.” Anita barked disdainfully. “…and police say it was … it was …intentionally set.” Bobbie tried. “This is unbelievable …” She broke off sobbing. Anita was losing patience with her sister in the field. “Can you go on or do we need to send another reporter?” Anita asked callously. It was almost as if she thought she was off the air. The tears were streaming down Bobbie’s cheeks. Quickly she bowed her head to hide the tears. Just as quickly, she raised her hand and attempted to wipe off river of tears that were now flowing. “Can you please pull it together and describe the situation?” Anita repeated in an even more condescending tone. Bobbie was still unable to respond. “Bobbie? Bobbie?” Her voice trembled betraying her anger. “Are you okay? Can you please update us on what is happening there?” “You wanna update?” Bobbie asked defiantly as she stared into the camera. “I’ll give you an update.” “If you could be so kind.” “Well, within ten feet of where I am standing, I see various body parts of the individuals that were inside at the time of the explosion, including four heads. That’s human heads … and arms … and legs. Zat what you want, you cold-hearted b…” For a moment the screen went black. When it came back, Anita appeared again. “Well, I guess Bobbie is a little overwrought.” She hissed in a contemptuous tone. “I must apologize to all of our viewers. We here at the station do not condone the use of that type of language, regardless of the circumstances.” Anita paused for effect. “I show that little bitch to try and one up me.” She thought. She was completely unaware that the smile spreading across her face was noticeable. “The police believe they have a suspect in the bombing. He is currently in intensive care and is under heavy guard a Denver General Hospital.” Anita felt herself relaxing. She had gotten through the most difficult part; the introduction and it was fantastic, if she didn’t say so herself. She could feel the jealous gaze of Jim on her as she turned to camera two. “Screw him.” She thought. “I’m going network.” “Police say they suspect Ron Harrison of Conifer as the bomber. He was found at the scene less than 25 feet from the explosion.” She said without missing a beat. “Since he has not regained consciousness, it is still unclear as to Harrison’s motive for destroying the Pepsi Center. Police estimate the bomb killed at least 1000 people. Jim.” “Thanks, Anita.” Jim replied brusquely, still incensed that Anita got the lead. “Ron Harrison is well known in the Denver area. After a successful stint leading the Buffs in the late seventies, Harrison began a high profile career as a real estate agent and a major land developer all over the state.” “You really are a cold-hearted bitch.” Jim hissed his agreement with the field reporter when they were clear. Anita didn’t even notice that Jim speaking. She was so excited she could barely contain herself. She wanted badly to celebrate her flawless story. “That did it.” She thought. “God, I am good.” Chapter 2 A bead of sweat ran down his forehead and directly into his left eye. His attempts to blink it out proved futile. Normally, he would have wiped his forehead, but he had no time for that now. Besides being busy, he was scared beyond belief. Since he couldn’t decide if he should let the fear paralyze him or run away, he decided to stay and do what he was here to do. He had never dealt with anything like this before. And although none of them knew it, twenty thousand lives depended on him. Even though it probably meant he was going to be dead in less than a minute, he was going to do what he needed to do because his only son was in the crowd. Even though they had struggled to make even the most remote connection for the last twenty-five years, Ron Harrison was willing to give his life for Ron, Jr., for Ronnie. All he had to do was cut the wire. If he cut the right one, there were no problems. The wrong one, game over – no second chance. Ron shouldn’t be here. It wasn’t like he had a death wish, but he couldn’t stand by and let all those people die. He could have tried to call the cops, but he knew the bomber had a remote control. So, it was too risky to use the cell phone and if he left, the bomber might see him and he didn’t want to risk letting him know he was on to him. No the best chance was for him to be the hero and even if the bomb blew now, the death toll would be much lower, since the gates had just opened. No, it was up to him and he had to make the decision right now. “Damn, what the fuck am I doing here?” Ron thought to himself. “Like I need this shit. Okay, take it easy. How tough can this be? I know this guy, he is not that smart. I don’t have to worry about it going of because I cut a wire. Just have to make sure I cut the right one. Another bead of sweat rolled into his eye, the stinging sensation was way too much this time. He had to drop the wire and wipe the sweat from his eye. “Damn, that’s it! I am just cutting the red one.” He said out loud. “I wouldn’t do that if I were you.” A voice said sternly. “Cause then I gotta kill you and re-splice it. “What are you doing here?” Ron asked taken completely by surprise. “Where the fuck did you come from?” “I’m a fuckin’ professional, man.” The voice continued. “You don’t think I wouldn’t check out my work, do ya? This is going off with out a hitch and you certainly aren’t stopping me, you obnoxious fuck.” “Really?” Ron said as he stood up and puffed out his chest. “Well, I’m cutting the wire and then I’m going to kick your ass. What do you think about that?” “We’ll you are a big man, but there is this one thing see. I have this guy on my side.” The bomber said as he produced a 9 mm semi-automatic from his coat pocket and pointed it at Ron. All of the blood ran from Ron’s face. He knew this fucker and he knew he wasn’t messing around. That meant Ron was dead right now without even a chance to save all the people. In a flash Ron acted, he dove to the left just as the bomber pulled the trigger. Tags: Fiction, Online Book, Rebeleyeball, Paul Gavin Copyright (c) 2006 Paul Gavin. All rights reserved.