Days' End by Scott L Collins Read Free Book Online Page A

exhausted. She turned on the water, adjusted the temperature, and plugged the tub.
    As she surveyed the room, she noticed a large bath kit behind the bathroom door. In it were bath oils, salts and bubbles. She selected lavender-scented oil, added it to the tub and returned to the bedroom to undress. She noticed her bag placed neatly on her bed, a letter on her pillow with her name typed across the front and, oddly enough, what appeared to be a window on the far wall. Upon closer inspection, she realized it was another television designed to look like a window, playing a steady image of an open field. The tall grass swayed in the breeze, the lone oak tree dropping an occasional leaf. Even the faintest chirping of birds could be heard.
    Nysa thought this decorative touch to be a bit eccentric, but on the other hand, if she were going to be in this room for the remainder of the project, it would be nice to have the illusion of an outside world. Going up and down the elevator all the time just to see outside would get a bit tiresome. She undressed quickly, grabbed the letter off of her pillow, and headed back to the bathroom. She turned off the water and slowly stepped in, savoring the feel of the hot water as she lowered herself into the steaming tub. She then opened the letter and read:
    “Dr. Knight,
    Welcome to your temporary home. If you find anything lacking, please contact Bekki using the various intercom systems located throughout your rooms. Just dial #6. She is available 24 hours a day for anything you might want or need. Please make yourself at home. Dinner will be served this evening at 6:00. Please join everyone for an introductory meeting and cocktail hour on level B-2. It will be your first chance to meet and introduce yourself to your new colleagues before beginning the project Monday morning. I look forward to seeing what you are capable of. Again, welcome.
    Sincerely,
    Mr. Scario”
    She refolded the letter, placed it on the side of the tub, and slouched down into the warm and fragrant water. Along with her skin’s natural oils, the day’s stress seemed to ooze from her pores. Nysa stayed in for as long as she dared without risking prune-like fingers. The last thing she wanted to do was meet her new coworkers and give them a raisiny handshake. She drained the tub and rinsed off before climbing out and drying off.
    After putting on a new white blouse and pair of black slacks, Nysa finished her preparations for the evening. Looking at herself in the mirror, Nysa had to smile as she realized how closely her own wardrobe of black slacks and white blouses resembled that of her old boss, Dr Larson. She’d have to remember to talk to Bekki about expanding her clothing options. When she was finished with her hair and makeup, Nysa left her room and headed to the elevator.
    As she waited for the elevator to arrive, the door at the other end of the hall opened. Out walked an attractive young woman with long, brown hair. Nysa guessed she was in her mid-twenties. She had a bit of a Mediterranean look to her. She was wearing a beautiful black dress that showed off her slender figure. Even the harsh fluorescent lighting of the hallway could not deface her perfect olive skin. The woman made her way gracefully down the hallway to where Nysa stood.
    “Good evening. How are you?” she asked in a soft voice.
    “Well, thank you,” answered Nysa, “and you?”
    “Can’t complain. I’m Jacqueline. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
    “And you.” Nysa shook her hand. “I’m Nysa.”
    A jarring ding announced the arrival of the elevator. As the elevator doors closed behind them, Nysa pushed the button for level B-2.
    “So, where are you from?” Nysa asked.
    “Just north of Philadelphia, a small town that’s the home of the Andrettis, if you’re a racing fan. That’s about our only claim to fame. How about you?”
    “Venice, California, home of Venice Beach and probably half of the homeless and gang populations of