The Vivisectionist by Ike Hamill Read Free Book Online Page B

fireworks in Boston?” asked Stephen. “They’re spectacular.”
    “Yeah, they’re pretty small here,” said Ben.
    “What about bikes? You got bikes?” asked Stephen.
    “I saw a couple in the garage,” said Ben.
    “Two,” replied Jack. “There’re two bikes in there and one of them is my dad’s. Plus, I’m not exactly able to ride a bike right now,” Jack motioned with his injured arm.
    “Well Ben can ride yours and I’ll ride your dad’s,” said Stephen. “I’m taller than I look… Long legs.”
    “What am I supposed to do?” asked Jack.
    “How should I know—I’m not your cruise director,” said Stephen. “Jeez, can’t you be alone for a while?”
    “Hey man, if it’s not something we can all do, then we’re not going to do it,” said Ben.
    “Relax friend,” said Stephen, “that’s what I’m saying.”
    “No you weren’t!” Jack burst out. “You just said I should stay here alone!”
    “That’s not what I meant,” countered Stephen. “You are tightly wound, son.”
    “Fuck this,” said Jack. He turned away and stalked to his house. Jack went inside without looking back.
    “Wow, what do you suppose that was about?” asked Stephen.
     
    **********
     
    Inside, Jack went right to the kitchen where a calendar was posted on their cork-board. Friday, July sixth was circled and his mom’s handwriting announced “J—Dr.” Jack was instantly relieved; he hadn’t realized his freedom from the sling was so close. Bolstered with this new knowledge, Jack was able compose himself and go back outside.
    When Jack came back to the campsite, Stephen and Ben were nowhere to be found. Jack looked in the tent and took mental inventory of their gear. Nothing seemed to be missing, it was unlikely they had gone far. Unwilling to seem needy, Jack grabbed his knife and a branch. He squeezed with his knees to hold it. He proceeded to carve the branch into a spear. After a few seconds, Jack was interrupted by a distant voice.
    “Help!” It sounded like Ben, but it wasn’t an alarmed call—it was almost matter-of-fact.
    “Ben?” shouted Jack.
    “Help,” he heard. Jack started off in the direction of the voice. When he crossed from the yard into the trees, a figure burst out from behind a large maple. Jack spun and defended with his right hand. Until he saw it reflect the leaf-dappled sun, he had forgotten that he still held the knife.
    “Holy shit! Watch it!” yelled Stephen. Ben appeared directly behind Jack an circled around him at arm’s length.
    “Jesus, he’s trying to stab someone,” accused Stephen.
    “I’m so sorry, I forgot I had the knife out,” stammered Jack.
    “Sorry, my ass. You’re a psycho,” replied Stephen.
    “It was just an accident, could have happened to anyone,” said Ben. “Serves us right for tricking you, Jack—sorry.”
    “That’s okay, no problem. I really didn’t mean it,” replied Jack.
    “I know—no problem,” said Ben. “Right Stephen?”
    “Yeah, yeah, just kidding man,” said Stephen.
    “How’d you do that anyway—sound so far away like that?” asked Jack as they walked back to the campsite.
    “What do you mean?” asked Ben. “Sound like what?”
    “I heard you yelling ‘Help’,” said Jack.
    Ben slowed down and looked at Jack—“Yelling? Jack, we weren’t yelling anything.”
    “Seriously?” asked Jack. “Guys, I seriously heard someone yelling for help. It sounded like you, Ben, but not you.”
    “Jack, I’m totally serious—we didn’t hear a thing,” said Ben. Jack looked back and forth between Ben and Stephen and shuddered slightly.
    “True story, Jack,” added Stephen. “We didn’t hear a thing. Unless… Wait a sec, did it sound like ‘Help Me!’?” Stephen reproduced the voice perfectly and he and Ben started to crack up.
    “Oh, you guys are assholes,” said Jack. “Both of you, total assholes.”
    “Man, you really bought that,” laughed Ben. “Bought and paid for.”
    Their laughter was