Part 3: Haven Not Heaven

As I slowly approached the gate to the Haven, I felt a sense of purpose again … a reason to be alive since I already had so many reasons to just not exist …

“State your purpose”, a monotone electronic voice said over the gate entrance speaker
“I am the purpose”, I stated in a low almost growling tone
“Welcome M”, the voice stated as the gate to a place more like hell begin to open.

Pulling in slowly and finding my assigned parking space which read simply Purpose Reserved, I exited the car and headed right for the metal doors ahead. This place, the Haven it was heavily guarded and many forms of proof were needed to enter it. As I reached the doors, I placed my hand on the fingerprint reader and my face to the eye scanner. Once all was clear the doors slide open to a short metal hallway, in here I was X-rayed as I stood on the yellow circles in the middle of the hall. At this point they knew exactly what I was carrying and were it was stored but they already knew what I would bring to the party so there were no surprises here.

As the last two doors opened I began a slow steady gait into the inner facility where I was met by another familiar voice.

“I see you decided to grace us with your presence”, Mike the security doorman said with a hint of sarcasm

I continued to walk straight ahead without even giving him a glance; instead I figured a single finger would suffice. Through the lobby I went heading straight for the office of the person who had called me earlier. There she was, sitting there, headset on and a right hook that actually hurt.

Spinning around in her chair and giving me an all too familiar look, “now was that so hard? … No wait, you just like being difficult that’s right I forgot. You still think that hard ass, mysterious thing works on the ladies”, she said jokingly.

“Ladies….what ladies, I prefer my guns in bed to any woman. Plus a gun and woman, not much difference between them. Smooth on the outside, cold and hard in the middle and both fit snuggly in pants”, I said half smiling.

We had worked together for as long as I could remember, I remember thinking no woman would ever be able to command me….be my overseer but I was wrong. It’s a funny thing she is the only woman I have ever really listened to other than my mom…when she was alive.

“So are we done here?” I asked

Raising her eyebrow, “if you want to be, then yes we are”

I turned to leave, thinking this is always a waste of time…checking in over the phone should be good enough, but then again I don’t answer my phone….ok so maybe it was a good idea.

“I said we were done, however you have other things you need to attend to while you’re here. It’s that time again, annual testing as they say. I’m sure you will pass every test with flying colors and be out of here in no time.” she said sarcastically with a smile.

I stopped in my tracks instantly and turned around to snare at her.

“I love you too”, she said smiling

I headed out, slamming her door in the process and headed toward what was about to become a long ass day.