Date: Wed, 19 Jul 1995 13:59:45 EST From: Freda Whaley 904-944-0550 Subject: One Leap over the Moonies p.04 Message-Id: Part Four The next few days were real quiet. Sam spent his time reading books out of the library that he discovered on one of his trips exploring the house. Jonny's father had arranged for a guard to be with him at all times. The only time he was allowed to be alone was in his room sleeping or in the bathroom. A man who specialized in de-programming talked to him several times a day. Using information that Al provided him from the arguments Jonny was giving them, he put up a good fight. As Jonny slowly gave in so did Sam. His father seemed to be more relaxed as Sam pretended to give in more and more to the arguments of the de-programmer. He was now allowed to go for walks around the grounds of the property. On a bright sunny Saturday morning he over heard his father talking about going into town. Sam had cabin fever from being locked up so long. Taking a chance he asked, "Dad....can I come along? Please?" Thoughtfully Mr. Preston looked at him. "You've come a long way son. You can come this time but Hank and Rick are going to be with you. And me too of course." Smiling Sam answered, "Great! I don't care if they come along. I just want to get out of the house for a while." They took the same van that had brought Sam to the house. Arriving in town they stopped at a hardware store. Sights and smells brought a lot of memories of Elkridge back to Sam. They did a lot of shopping going in and out of stores. After a stop for ice cream they headed home. Sam thought he had spotted the guys he had been with when he had been kidnaped but he wasn't sure. He decided to keep quiet about it until he could discuss it with Al. He was now allowed to be alone in the house. That made it a lot easier to talk with Al. He was in the Library looking for something to read when he heard the imaging chamber door open. He smiled when he saw his hologram friend. Al looked very bright and cheery in his red shirt and hat. He had on white suspenders and black slacks. Sam had to admit that although the outfit was bright, it looked great on Al. He couldn't resist a little teasing. "Hi Al. Wow! Maybe I should go get my sunglasses." Trying to look hurt, but not quite succeeding Al replied, "Tina gave me this outfit. She likes me in red. She says it turns her on." Sam suppressed a laugh and asked him how it was going back at the project. Al didn't have to check the hand link as he had been working with Dr. Beeks and Jonny. "Jonny's really coming around. You should be able to leap any time now." "Great, although this has been one of the easier leaps." "Good. And since it is so easy I'll check back tomorrow. Tina and I have plans for tonight." Sam could guess what those plans would be. He waved at Al as he stepped through the imaging chamber door. It wasn't until after he was gone that Sam remembered that he hadn't mentioned the Moonies he thought he had seen.