The Nexis Secret

by Barbara Hartzler

  “But we didn’t do anything wrong.” Laura bit her lip, eyes glittering with tears. I knew just how she felt. “How do you even know they’ll figure it out?”

  Brooke’s face split into a grin, kind of like her brother’s did sometimes. “Please, he’s like Bryan’s favorite part of Times Square. He talked nonstop about this guy all summer break. I think he’ll be here.”

  “We’ve got to find him first.” An ache clenched the pit of my stomach, as if I’d never see the Guardian guys again. Their terrified faces faded in and out. Lenny collapsed, Tony handing me the knife, Bryan’s bloody nose and bruised eye.

  Goosebumps popped up on my arms. I cinched my leather jacket tighter around me. “They have to be okay.”

  “There he is.” Brooke pointed down the block. “C’mon, girls.”

  She grabbed my hand, then Laura’s, and we raced around the thick crowd like bumper cars strung together. Two blocks later the dulcet melody finally hit me. A tourist group clapped in time to the music, bagpipe music.

  “What is that?” Laura whispered as we huddled in. “It sounds like ‘When the Saints Go Marching In,’ but it’s hard to tell.”

  “I’m no saint.” A bitter laugh escaped my throat. “Is he the only bagpiper on Times Square?”

  Brooke’s eyes went wide. “Uh-oh, I didn’t think of that. Bryan just said whenever he needed to think, he’d come here.”

  “Bagpipes help him think? Kind of strange, huh?” Those big eyes told me I’d said the wrong thing. “I’m sure they’ll find us. Don’t worry.”

  The music lilted around the people in front of us, calm and slightly off-key. Then the song turned somber, a haunting tune that thinned out the bright-shirted tourists until only the three of us remained.

  Laura bit her lip. “What if they went to the hospital, or they got hauled in for questioning or something? It could be hours.”

  “Then they would’ve texted or called us by now.” Brooke tugged her phone out of her pocket. She held it in front of Laura. “See, no messages.”

  “Not if they’re in jail. They’d get only one call.” Laura’s eyes went past us, then her whole face lit up. “Wait, there they are.”

  The three guys straggled towards us, Lenny limping along on Tony’s shoulder. Behind them, Bryan’s face emerged from the shadows. Something inside me snapped at the sight of him.

  I let my feet run free, picking up speed until I practically barreled into his chest. I flung my arms through his unzipped bomber jacket and buried my face in his t-shirt. “I’m so happy you’re okay.”

  His hand trickled down my hair, pressing me into his warm shirt. My tears finally spilled over, soaking the black cotton.

  “You don’t have to worry about me, I’m not going anywhere.” His breath tingled my ear.

  With one rough finger, he traced my jaw until it reached my chin, tilting my face toward his. A weak smile shimmered in my watery eyes.

  “I was so worried.” The words came out in a choked whisper. I reached up to wipe my eyes, but his hand stopped me.

  He brushed away my tears with his fingertips. “Don’t cry, honey. I’m just glad you’re not hurt. I’d do anything to protect you.” His fingers laced through mine.

  The butterflies swirled inside at that term of endearment. Then they crash-landed in a fiery pit. “That’s what I’m afraid of.”

  “I’m so glad you figured out my text.” Brooke’s squeal broke us apart. She wrapped her arms around his waist. “Don’t scare me like that again. I was worried sick.”

  “Sorry, sis. We’re fine.” Bryan huddled the group together, lowering his voice. “We told the cops we saw the fire from the window and rushed in to help. I think they believed us.”

  “How’d you explain your injuries?” Laura wrapped her arm around Lenny’s back, propping him up.

  Tony coughed. “Smoke inhalation. We said the guy was wigging out by the time we got to him, which is mostly true. They took our statements and patched us up.” The corners of his mouth arched up.

  “They didn’t ask about Bryan’s black eye?” My hands flew to his face but stopped mid-air. I didn’t want to hurt him. Tears threatened again. “I don’t know what’s going on, but I’m pretty sure it’s not worth this. Maybe I should just go back to Indiana.”

  The group burst out in protest, Bryan’s stern tone silencing the others. He snatched my hovering hand. “I don’t think so. You can’t go back to the home turf of your crazy ex. He’s a stalker. How would that be any better?”

  “At least no one else would get hurt because of me. I couldn’t live with myself if something happened. To any of you.” I looked around at this amazing, ragtag group.

  “Lucy, you can’t go. We need you.” Bryan squeezed my hand. Tingles zapped to my toes. “Everything’s fine now.”

  “Then it’s settled.” Brooke grabbed his other hand, dragging me with him. “Let’s go see the famous bagpiper you’re always raving about. You’ll feel better.”

  “Good call.” Lenny stepped forward with a slight hitch in his step. “I could use something fun right about now.”

  Tony shook his head as we approached the musician. “What’s so fun about a Scottish dirge?”

  “I know more than that, laddie.” The bagpiper’s accent sounded half-Scottish, half-Irish. “Good to see you boys made it out okay. We’ve got a clean-up crew on the way to the church, so just pretend like you’re regular teenagers making fun of the street performer.”

  I scrunched up my eyebrows and stared at him, but he just swung his pipes around.

  “It’s okay. He’s one of us.” Bryan’s whisper warmed my neck. I relaxed my shoulders and leaned against him.

  The bagpiper’s green-and-blue tartan was frayed at the edges, fading in spots. Good thing the giant bagpipes covered most of his outfit.

  “It’s my family kilt,” he responded to my silent question. “The blue stripes mean that we’re Highlanders.”

  “Yeah, right. You made that up.” Tony mumbled under his breath. “He’s probably just a fan of the TV show.”

  “Shush.” Brooke shot him the evil-eye and turned to the bagpiper. “Will you play us a song?”

  “Of course, lassie, if you’ll do me a favor first.” Still with the Scottish accent? Not fooling anyone, buddy, except maybe Brooke.

  “Okay, anything.” Her sandy head bobbed like an anxious puppy.

  “Me throat’s parched from playing all night. You mind going into the Marriott here and getting me a glass of water?”

  “Of course not. Anything for the bagpipe maestro.” She trotted off toward the hotel.

  “Now.” Mr. Bagpipes licked his lips at each of us. “What shall I play for you? I do show-tunes, standards, or a traditional bagpipe lullaby, if you prefer.”

  “No thanks.” Laura’s scowl wrinkled up her face.

  “How about ‘Fly Me to the Moon?’” Bryan’s arm slid around my waist, pulling me closer.

  “Good choice, lad,” the bagpiper beamed. “One of me favorites.” His accent landed on Irish this time, unless my Alton High drama teacher had it all wrong.

  “Let me work out some kinks.” He touched the pipes tenderly and twisted the tuning pins.

  “Wait for me.” Brooke jogged up to us. “Here’s your water, sir.”

  “Thanks, lassie.” He sipped it and poured the rest into a tasseled leather pouch at his hip. He handed the cup back to Brooke. “Do you mind?”

  “Not at all. So what will you play tonight?”

  “Your strapping young friend requested ‘Fly Me to the Moon.’” He blew into the pipes, horrible screeches tearing through the chilly night air.

  “Strapping friend?” Laura giggled under her breath. I elbowed her in the side, if only to suppress my own laughter.

  The bagpipes wheezed out in a somber key, filling the space between us with its slightly off-kilter melody.

  Laura jerked on my arm. “Get a load of that. He’s trying to do a jig.” Sure enough, the burly man bent
one knee then kicked out his foot, switching legs to do it all over again.

  I couldn’t hold back, and suddenly busted out laughing. Laura cracked up too, whether at me or the bagpiper I couldn’t tell. Her high-pitched giggle rang out like a siren, louder than the Times Square noises around us.

  “Hey, what is this? I don’t play for no cynics.” The bagpiper’s face grew redder by the minute. Then he waddled close to Bryan and whispered, “The clean-up crew just reported in. The Watchers are here. Not sure why they’re being so persistent. They’ve never wanted to risk exposing themselves before now.”

  Bryan’s eyes landed on me, his fingers encircling my singed wrist. I winced.

  “Oh, I see,” the piper’s eyes widened. “You’ll have to hide out in the Marriott until the coast is clear. Get back to Montrose before they catch you. It’s the only safe place left.”

  Bryan nodded at him and grabbed my arm.

  “Get out of here, or I’ll clobber you with my pipes.” He hoisted up his bag.

  “Funny, no accent now,” I whispered to Bryan as we walked away. The boys and Brooke straggled behind.

  “Heard that.” He picked up the pace and ran after us. In an instant it turned into a foot race. Six teenagers versus one kilted man, with bagpipes flailing on his back. Probably looked like a comic book scene to anyone else on the street, hopefully even the Watchers.

  “Quick, in here.” Tony pulled Brooke into the revolving door of the Marriott.

  Bryan and I smushed into the next section, Laura and Lenny right behind us.

  “Man, that guy sure knows how to waddle.” Lenny did a jig around the room like a hunchback puppet trying to dance.

  Laura let out her siren giggle, and I couldn’t help totally cracking up. Our laughter hit the marble-encased foyer and bounced right back at us. A few guests stopped and stared.

  “Shush.” Laura sucked in air to stifle her giggles.

  “You started it.” I gasped. “Man, that was loud. Everything echoes off of marble.”

  “Hey, guys, I’ve got an idea.” Lenny’s face perked up for the first time tonight.

  “Great, not another one of his ideas.” I followed the twins over to the bank of elevators. When I turned to Lenny, the smile on his face said it all.

  “I’ve got a plan to pass the time. Who’s in?”

  Chapter 22

  Soft music trilled through the otherwise silent lobby. Laura’s neck craned up and down the glass-encased elevators as she eyed Lenny. “Elevator tag, really?”

  He flashed his goofy grin at her. “What, we have to lay low and pretend like we’re normal teenagers, right? Might as well have some fun. We’ll do brother-sister teams, Tony and Lucy can team up.”

  “You’re so immature.” But she smiled back at him, not fooling anybody. “You’re on, but let’s make it interesting.”

  He scratched his unmarred chin. “Losers have to buy the winners’ subway ride back to school.”

  “Not interesting enough.” Tony’s sneakers squeaked across the marble. “How about the subway ride, plus loser buys the water bottle to throw at the bagpipe guy?”

  Bryan and I busted out laughing, but Brooke’s jaw dropped. “What if you threw it too hard? We could really hurt the poor guy.”

  “Me, who says I’ll be losing?” Tony glared at Brooke, who scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Don’t worry, it’ll be the all clear signal. If he tosses it back to us, we head back to Montrose.”

  “Fine, deal.” Brooke pumped Tony’s hand. “We’ll take the right side, you take the middle, Laura and Lenny, you’re on the left. All three teams must ride to the top floor, then run down the hall to the next set of elevators. Whoever makes it down first, wins. Racers ready?”

  “So official.” Tony saluted her, sauntering to my side.

  Brooke, Tony, and Lenny poised their hands over the buttons.

  “Go.” They pressed their buttons simultaneously ... and we all waited.

  Laura checked her watch. “So this is what elevator tag is like.”

  Then the bell dinged and the doors opened for Tony and me. We waved at the real siblings as Tony sang out, “Hey, hey, goodbye.”

  Passengers shot us puzzled stares as they exited. If I wasn’t so amped up, I might’ve been more self-conscious. But a nervous energy zipped through me, like something good was about to happen for a change. We scurried on and Tony hit the door-close button.

  He grinned. “I can’t believe I’m acting like a middle schooler.”

  “Me, either.” I cracked up, then my smile faded. “Did you already know that bagpipe guy was some kind of Guardian lookout?”

  “Sure. He’s more like an informant, really, between sectors. A middle man. We tell him stuff. He tells us stuff.” He pressed his nose to the elevator glass, looking out at the courtyard as if that were a normal everyday comment. “They’re only a couple of floors behind us.”

  The car jerked to a stop on the fifth floor.

  “What do you mean, sectors?”

  “There are Guardian groups all over this area. It’s a big city. We have to stay in contact.” He shot me an enough-with-the-questions expression.

  “Fine, I’ll take what I can get.” My breath caught in my throat. “They’re about to catch up.”

  Who was I to question the Guardian system? After the church, that awful man with his branding iron, that terrible fire—I’d survived. It felt good to be alive, unmarred. Mostly. Thanks to my Guardians and their informants like the bagpipe man, we might actually stay that way.

  Suddenly Brooke and Bryan’s elevator shot ahead, while ours stopped.

  “Man, they’re passing us.” He was just as into this game as I was, maybe more so. The Coopers waved, Bryan shooting finger pistols at us while Brooke stuck out her tongue.

  “How mature.”

  “Going up?” A fortyish man asked when the door dinged open.

  “Yes.” I frowned, batting my eyelashes at him. Wow, my competitive side would do anything for this win.

  “I see. I’ll catch the next one.”

  “Thank you, sir.” Tony jabbed the button and we were off again. Still anyone’s game. I spotted Brooke and Bryan’s car stopping below us.

  “What’s up now?” I cheered and high-fived him. As we passed the Cooper car I pressed my hands to my lips, blowing kisses at the glass.

  “Don’t be such a baby, sis.” Tony rolled his eyes, but his half-moon smile said it all.

  I grinned back at him. “Who cares as long as we win?” At the top floor the elevator dinged and the doors opened. Cold air blasted my face as we raced down the hallway.

  “Which way?”

  “This way, come on.” I yanked his arm, veering from one hall to the next set of elevators. Across the open courtyard, a bell dinged. “No way.”

  The Coopers stepped out of their elevator.

  “Faster. They’re coming.” Tony bellowed behind me.

  My jog shifted into a sprint. When I reached the other elevators I banged on the button, hard. My flats didn’t stop fast enough and I flailed about like a pinwheel, almost smacking my head against the wall.

  “Great, they’re catching up.” I panted out ragged breaths.

  “Come on, stupid elevator.” He kicked the door.

  The Coopers buzzed down the hall, Bryan towing Brooke behind him. He practically strutted up to us and pressed his button.

  “So, you thought you could beat us?” Brooke squinted at Tony as she approached.

  “Game’s not over yet.” Tony countered, crossing his arms over his chest.

  “We’ll see who has the last laugh.” Brooke nodded at Bryan. They grinned at each other like fools. Odd, I never smiled at my brother like that unless we were about to pull something big.

  Then the elevator dinged and the doors burst open. That’s when Bryan snatched my hand and yanked me to his side.

  “Hey, what are you doing?” I whirled around to see an evil grin on his lips.

  “Lucy.” Tony’s
hand stretched toward me, but Brooke side-tackled him and they crashed into the elevator. The doors shut behind them, Brooke’s muffled giggle seeping between the crack.

  I stuck my hands on my hips, puffing out my bottom lip. “That was a dirty trick.”

  “Sorry, Brooke’s idea.” That evil grin said otherwise.

  “Sure it was.” When the next elevator opened, he nudged me inside. I stared up at him, hand stuck in his grip, familiar tingles sizzling up my arm.

  “I didn’t say it was a bad idea. I did give up a chance at winning.” The smile softened, spreading to his eyes now.

  “And you stole my chance.” My heart fluttered in the cage of my chest. Quick, say something. I blurted out the first thing on my mind. “You’re still holding my hand.”

  “So I am.” He inhaled a deep breath, staring back at me. Something flickered in his eyes. All of a sudden, he bent down. “Lucy, I—”

  As he inched closer, my heart drummed faster, his minty breath filling the car. I closed my eyes when his mouth lightly brushed my lips. He moved his arms to my waist, wrapping them around me, pulling me closer. His lips pressed into mine, firmer this time.

  Then he pulled away, one hand stroking my cheek, his blue eyes larger than ever as they searched my face. I gazed back at him, but he didn’t move. He just stood there, frozen like an exquisite statue. That’s it, after weeks of build up?

  “I don’t think so.” I arched on my toes, pulling him back to my lips.

  “Much better,” I murmured against his mouth, relaxing into his arms. This is how kissing was supposed to be, no expectations, just chemistry.

  Suddenly the elevator alarm sounded, shattering the best moment of the night. The car halted, mid-air. I jumped back, bumping into the metal rail between me and the glass. Bryan’s hand rested on the red stop button.

  “I knew it. I can’t believe this.” His eyes widened, then narrowed into a glare. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

  “Tell you what?” I stared past him through the glass window of the car. Hanging in the middle of nowhere, uncertainty thundered in my ears.

  He cocked his head at me, blue eyes drilling deep. “Why didn’t you tell me about the visions?”