Heiser-The-Facade - Sparkling Eyes

"Is she done yet?" Brian asked queasily from where he stood a few feet away,watching Melissa insert the folded towel into Brian's backpack."Yes. Come here, I have some directions for you."He took a deep breath and turned toward Andrew. Melissa went to wash herhands."Pay very close attention; you must do exactly as I say should the occasion arise.When we leave this room, behave as normally and calmly as possible. Get your backpackand put these in it," he directed, handing him two cassettes."What are these?" Brian asked, doing as he was told."I had Malcolm break into your computer yesterday and backup the hard drives.Your research is critical to what you'll be doing on the outside. I had him do the same toMelissa's. You can only take with you what will fit in your backpack.""In that case . . . give me a second." Brian went to his desk drawer withoutwaiting for the priest's permission. He opened the drawer and glanced back briefly atMelissa and Andrew, both of whom, to his relief, had their backs turned toward him. Hehastily retrieved the item from its resting place and put it in his backpack."There's one more thing, Brian," the old priest added upon his return."Yes?""If at any time we're confronted by base security or the Colonel, you must takeme hostage—and it must be convincing. Walk directly behind me at all times so you canthreaten me at a moment's notice. Put the gun in your belt and wear a light jacket over itfor concealment.""I don't know ... I'm not much of an actor.""My life depends on it, so knock me around or put a choke hold on me—whatever it takes. They have to be convinced that I'm being taken from the base againstmy will. It's also designed for your protection. They won't shoot at you if you use me as ashield since I'm a Group member—the General will certainly have given the Colonelorders to that effect but just to be safe, keep your head behind mineto guard against sniper fire. I'll help you by not putting up any struggle.""Sounds like fun.""Gee, I wonder who the alternate target might be," Melissa cracked nervously."They won't shoot at you either; the Colonel was absolutely beside himself afterthe attempts on your life. The ruse is for my sake, as well as to keep us close in order toprevent them from separating and capturing us. Besides, I have something for you thatwill give them an incentive to leave us alone. Getting off the base will be relatively easy;it's afterward that worries me.""I think I'll just take one crisis at a time, thank you," Melissa said sarcastically."Speaking of whichfetch the briefcase from under yourbed, Brian.""I don't have a briefcase.""Oh yes you do."Brian looked at Andrew uncertainly, and disappeared into his bedroom. Heemerged a moment later, the item in hand, a perplexed look on his face. He handed thecase to Andrew."It's pretty heavy, Andrew," he said, laying the case down on the couch. "What'sin it?""This is our insurance policy," the priest said seriously, but with a hint ofmischief.317