The Drive (© William Estes)
Page 2 Annika Dern was in her mid forties when
she became supreme ruler of the city. She was tall with short blonde hair and
blue eyes. She wore a navy blue suit. "I’m glad you made it in time," she said.
She held out a gloved hand to shake. Lauren took it. "Your driver was already at my place," said
Lauren. "I guess you have some idea for why I
invited you over," said Annika. "You have a job offer for me," said Lauren.
"Yes, when the city council chose me to fix
its problems they allowed me to recruit from the police academy for my own
security," said Annika. "Do you know why I chose you out of your classmates?" "You said something about my scores," said
Lauren. A limousine drove around the side of the house. "You psychological scores came back. I
believe you can listen to my youngest child long enough without side effects,"
said Annika. Lauren had no idea what she meant, but was concerned. "What do you need me to do?" asked Lauren. "Sit with my daughter as she runs a few
errands across town," said Annika. "Are there any rules?" asked Lauren. "Don’t ask her any questions until she
talks to you first. Let her chose the subject. There are places she’s not
supposed to go, but the driver already knows that. He also has funds should you
need something," said Annika. "Is there anything else? Do I need a change
of clothes?" asked Lauren. "Let’s see if you can last the day with her,"
said Annika. Lauren felt confident she could. A short twelve year old girl walked through
the front door. She had blonde hair like her mother. Hers was down to her
waist. She glanced up at Lauren and smiled. She held a furry ball. "Korrina be nice to her," said Annika. "I’ll bring her back in one piece," said
the girl. The driver of the limo opened the door. "Thank you Clyde." He turned away from Lauren as the woman
stepped into the car. Lauren buckled up. "I don’t know why mommy has him drive,"
said Korrina. She opened a panel in the center console. "The car can drive
itself. We’re eating at Culver’s." Lauren leaned over to look at a map on the
screen. It showed an outline of the city. A red line showed their intended
route. It changed. she kept quiet even though she suspected that they weren’t
supposed to be turning. They reached a fancy restaurant as the
turned on. People moved back and forth in the three story building as they set
it up for the day. Korrina grabbed the furry ball and walked outside
after Clyde opened the door. "I’ll have something brought to you," said
Korrina. "Thank you," said Clyde. He walked them to
the door. A waitress showed them to a table. She
handed them menus. "When will Sophia be out?" asked Korrina. "In a few minutes. She’s still getting
dressed," said the waitress. Korrina put the furry ball on the table. "Rabbit," she said. Small engines activated
and the ball transformed into a rabbit. It was about the same size of a real
rabbit. "Blue," she said. Its fur changed color. A half-Asian girl about Korrina’s age
walked out. Lauren didn’t know her nationality she was but she figured the
country didn’t exist anymore. "Hi," said Sophia. She sat down in a chair
across from Korrina. She was obviously angry. "How do you like it here?" asked Korrina.
Lauren realized that she must be living upstairs. "I wish the house would get fixed," said
Sophia. She crossed her arms. "Mom and dad won’t let me go see Cassandra." "I was considering visiting Wentworth as
too," said Korrina. The ate breakfast and chatted for an hour before Korrina
decided they should go. [ Continue to page 3 ] |