Battle of the Ampere

by Richard Paul Evans

  Taylor gasped. “What happened? Is that where you were shot?”

  “No,” he said. He held up his wound. He had cut a jagged line on his forearm below his tattoo. “What do you think?”

  We were all speechless.

  Zeus was the first to say something. “It’s a lightning bolt?”

  “No,” Jack said. “It’s two Ws.”

  “Two Ws?” Taylor said.

  “What does it stand for?” I asked.

  Jack looked at me with disappointment. “Wade West.”

  *

  Jaime returned the third day, shortly after sunset. The meat truck was gone, and he was driving a white passenger van. Printed on the side, next to a picture of an Incan god, were the words: SACRED VALLEY INCA TOURS.

  We all went out and helped carry in boxes of groceries, which were mostly fresh vegetables and meats and sausages wrapped in paper. There was also a box of clothing.

  After we’d finished unloading the van, Jaime gathered us into the front room. When we were all seated, he said, “I have news. For those who are leaving, I have made arrangements for you to fly back to America in the morning.”

  The immediacy of the flight surprised us. Taylor gasped softly.

  “Where are we going?” Abigail asked.

  “I cannot tell you,” he said. “But to a safe place.”

  “I’ve heard that twice before,” she said. “Both times we were almost killed.”

  “I guarantee it is safe,” Jaime said. “It is with our own people. They would like to talk with you and see if you have any information to help the cause. Then they will make arrangements for your future.”

  “What do you mean?” Tessa asked.

  “Where and how you live will be your choice,” Jaime said. “But we know that the Elgen will not stop hunting you, so you will be given new identities. And you will have decisions to make about how much risk you will take.”

  “Like the witness protection program,” Ostin said.

  “Sí,” Jaime said. “We will do whatever we can to protect and help you. But it will take a little time to make everything right.” He looked at each of the four who were leaving. “Do you have any questions?”

  When no one said anything, I raised my hand. “I’d like to say something.”

  “Sí, Mr. Michael,” Jaime said.

  I stood, suppressing my tics. “I know that some of you might feel guilty about leaving. I just want to say, don’t. You have already risked more than most people will in ten lifetimes. You’re already heroes.”

  To my surprise, no one looked comforted at all. If anything, they looked more miserable.

  “Michael is right,” Jaime said. “You have already risked more and done more to battle the Elgen than any of us. You may hold your heads high. One need not fight every battle, or die in the struggle, to be a hero.”

  In spite of what we’d said, everyone still looked down.

  After a minute Tessa asked, “What time do we leave?”

  “Around ten,” Jaime said. “Perhaps a little earlier. There is a private airstrip not far from here. You will fly to Nicaragua, where we will change planes, then fly to our base in the U.S. I have brought fresh clothes for you so you are not so noticeable or uncomfortable.

  “For those who are staying, we have received word that the Elgen fleet has passed through the Panama Canal. The first ships could arrive in Port Callao in just five days. So for now I suggest you get as much rest as you can.”

  The two courses he’d just detailed highlighted the stark difference of our paths.

  “Can we please go into town?” Taylor asked. “There’s a Hard Rock Cafe just a few miles away.”

  Jaime shook his head. “No, it is much too dangerous. In times of national crisis, foreigners are closely watched. Yesterday the Lima police arrested two people they thought were Zeus and Abigail.”

  Zeus and Abigail exchanged glances. “They thought they were us?” Zeus asked.

  “Yes. But they were just students. One of them from England.” Jaime looked around the room. “Any other questions?”

  No one spoke.

  “Okay. It is late. Get some rest.”

  We looked at one another sadly. I wanted to say my good-byes—actually, I wanted to throw some kind of a farewell party, but in light of losing Wade, a party didn’t seem appropriate. In the end we all just went to bed.

  *

  That night I had a dream. Hatch was walking toward me, smiling. I lifted my hands to shock him, but my hands were gone.

  I woke to the sound of talking and I looked at the digital clock next to my bed. It was already half past nine. I pulled on my pants and walked out into the kitchen.

  Abigail, Zeus, Tessa, and Ian were sitting around the table eating omelets. They stopped talking as I walked in.

  “Hey, Michael,” Zeus said.

  “Good morning,” Abigail and Ian said simultaneously.

  Tessa looked at me sadly and nodded. “Michael.”

  They were all dressed in the new clothes Jaime had brought, which actually looked surprisingly cool. It was odd seeing them in clean clothing.

  “You look so . . . normal,” I said.

  “I know. I hardly recognized myself,” Abigail said.

  I sat down at the table and looked over at Ian’s plate. His omelet had ham, onions, jack cheese, and peppers.

  “That looks really good,” I said.

  “Tessa made them,” Ian said.

  “I like to cook,” Tessa said. “It’s kind of my thing. Especially omelets. I’m also good at making crepes.”

  “You make crepes?” I said.

  “She makes incredible crepes,” Ian said.

  “You were holding out on me,” I said.

  “It’s not like I could have made them in the jungle,” she said.

  A few minutes later Taylor and McKenna came into the room. Taylor had her arm around McKenna, whose eyes were puffy. She looked as if she’d been crying all night. Ian got up and walked over to her. “Good morning,” he said. They embraced.

  Ostin walked in. “Something smells good.”

  “Omelets,” Zeus said. “Tessa’s specialty.”

  Ostin looked in the kitchen “You didn’t save any for us?”

  “Sorry,” she replied. “I didn’t know when you were getting up.”

  “You thought we’d just let you leave without saying good-bye?” Ostin replied.

  She shrugged. “Maybe.”

  “What time is it?” Taylor asked.

  “It’s almost time for us to go,” Tessa said. “We’re just waiting for Jaime.”

  Then Jack appeared in the doorway. Abigail’s gaze followed him as he walked into the room. Their eyes met, but neither of them spoke.

  “Here’s Jaime,” Ian said. “He’s driving up the lane now.”

  A couple minutes later Jaime opened the door. “Vámonos, hermanos,” he said. He looked around at all of us. “I will give you a few minutes to say good-bye, then we must go.”

  McKenna walked over to Ostin, and Taylor took my hand. For a moment we all just looked at one another.

  Then Abigail walked across the kitchen to us. She stopped just a few feet in front of me. “I guess this is it,” she said. “Please don’t hate me.”

  “Abi, when I was in Cell 25, I knew I couldn’t take the pain much longer before I’d break. But I didn’t because you saved me. I don’t know which of us is doing the right thing. All I know for sure is that I’ll never be able to repay you for what you did for me.”

  Abigail’s eyes welled up with tears. I put my arms around her and she broke down crying. “I’m so sorry, Michael. I wish I were strong like you. I’m sorry I’m letting you down.”

  I kissed her forehead. “Promise me something.”

  “What?”

  “Promise me that you’ll never regret your decision. If I were you, I would have done the same thing. And if something happens to us, it’s not your fault. You couldn’t have stopped it.” I looked i
nto her eyes. “Some people weren’t born to fight. Some were born to pick up the pieces.”

  She fell into my arms again and we held each other. “I’m going to miss you,” she said.

  “I’m going to miss you, too,” I replied. “But we’ll see each other again.”

  When we parted, Abigail’s cheeks were streaked with tears. She touched my cheek and for a moment I could feel my pain and fear go away. “When I see you again,” she said, “we’re going to have a big celebration.”

  “I’m going to hold you to that,” I said.

  Then Taylor stepped forward. “Good-bye, Abi,” she said. Her eyes were also filled with tears. “I’m sorry I’ve been so mean to you lately.”

  “I understand,” Abigail said.

  “I’ve just been so angry. Or maybe I’m just afraid. But Michael’s right. When Nichelle broke me, you were there to heal me. I’ll never be able to repay you for that.”

  “You freed us,” Abigail said. “You’ve repaid me a hundred times over.”

  The two of them embraced.

  McKenna walked up to Abigail. They threw their arms around each other. When they parted, they were both crying.

  “I love you,” McKenna said.

  “I love you, too,” Abigail replied. “You be safe. Promise me.”

  McKenna just smiled sadly, then the two embraced again.

  Then Abigail walked over to Jack. She looked up into his eyes. “Most of all, I’m sorry I’m leaving you.”

  “You’re doing the right thing,” he said. “You’re too good for this crap. You always were.” He took a deep breath. “Where do you think you’ll end up?”

  “I don’t know. Wherever they send me. How about you?”

  Jack shrugged. “Wherever the battle takes me.”

  Abigail smiled sadly. “You really are a warrior, aren’t you?”

  “We’ll find out soon enough.”

  “I already know,” Abigail said. She leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. Then she looked intensely into his eyes, then kissed him on the mouth. “You have no idea how much I wish you were coming with me, but I know you need to do what you have to do. After you’ve kicked Hatch’s butt, come back to me. I’ll be waiting.”

  “What about Zeus?”

  “We’re just friends,” she said.

  “How will I find you?”

  “The voice will know,” she said. She took his hand. “Don’t forget me.”

  “How could I forget you?”

  Her eyes welled up with tears, and Jack put his arms around her and she cried for several minutes. Then she took a deep breath and leaned back. “I need to say one more thing, but it’s kind of hard. I just want you to take it the right way.”

  Jack stared into her eyes. “Go ahead.”

  “I know that losing Wade was the worst thing that’s ever happened to you. I also know that no matter what I say, you’re still going to blame it on yourself. I’m just saying, don’t go into battle trying to punish yourself. Promise me you won’t be careless with your life.” Abigail took his hand. “If you have to be a hero, then be a hero. But don’t be a martyr. Please promise me.”

  Jack took a deep breath. After a moment he said, “I promise.”

  A tear ran down her cheek. “Thank you.” She kissed him again, then stepped away.

  Zeus walked up to Jack. “You take care, man. And punch Hatch for me.”

  “I’ll do it,” Jack said. “You take care of Abi. Keep her safe. And yourself.”

  Zeus nodded. “Will do, man.” For a moment they both were silent. Then Zeus said, “You know, I owe you. You taught me what it means to be brave.”

  “No, man,” Jack said. “When you blew the water pipes, you taught me.”

  Jack put out his hand. Zeus looked at him for a moment, then a sad smile crossed his face. “Sorry, but a handshake won’t do.” The two of them embraced. “When you sink that ship,” Zeus said. “Make sure Hatch is on it.”

  Jack nodded. “I’ll do my best.”

  “Michael,” Tessa said as she walked up to me. “Thanks for everything.”

  “Thank you.”

  “I know things got a little awkward back here, but I’m really grateful for the time we spent together.”

  “Me too,” I said. “Thanks for helping me save my friends.”

  “Thanks for making me do the right thing,” she said. “I’m glad I did.”

  Outside, the van’s horn honked and Tessa sighed. “I guess it’s time.” She leaned forward and kissed me on the cheek. Then she looked at Taylor. “Good luck, Taylor.”

  “Thanks,” Taylor said.

  “Take care of each other.”

  Tessa looked at me once more, then walked away. All of us walked outside to the idling van. Abi, Zeus, and Tessa climbed inside. Ian stopped and looked at McKenna. There were tears in both their eyes. Then McKenna ran up to him and they embraced. “I love you,” she said.

  “I love you too,” Ian said. “More than I can say.”

  When they finally separated, Ian said, “You stay safe. Promise me. I don’t want to hear any bad news. Not about you. I couldn’t take that.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Keep her safe,” he said to Ostin. “She’s your responsibility now.”

  “I’ll do everything I can,” Ostin said.

  Ian turned to me. “Yo, Michael.”

  I walked up to him and we clasped hands.

  “Listen,” he said. “Just sink the ship, then get out of there.”

  “That’s the plan,” I said. We embraced. “You’ve been a good friend.”

  “I feel guilty leaving you here. I know you could use my help.”

  “We’ll manage,” I said.

  He looked at me, then nodded. “If anyone can, it’s you. You’re the bravest kid I’ve ever met.” He exhaled. “Better go.” He climbed into the van. “See ya.”

  “Ciao,” Taylor said.

  McKenna blew him a kiss. He smiled sadly, then shut the door.

  “I’ll be back later tonight,” Jaime said to me.

  “Travel safe,” I said.

  “Vayan con Dios,” Ostin said.

  Then the van sped away, leaving the five of us alone.

  Taylor and I held hands as we watched them go. Even though I’d never admit it to the others, a part of me felt like I was watching my hopes drive away with them. We were already the underdogs, and now we’d lost half our team. I don’t think I had felt that discouraged since Cell 25.

  “We better go back inside,” Jack said. “Before someone sees us.”

  We all followed him into the house. McKenna was sobbing and Ostin was doing his awkward best to comfort her. I wasn’t doing a whole lot better than she was. I was twitching like crazy. When we were inside, Taylor turned to me. “Are you okay?”

  “Just my Tourette’s,” I said.

  “Tourette’s or not,” she said, “you’re wrong.”

  “I’m wrong about what?”

  “What you were just thinking.”

  “Quit reading my mind,” I said angrily, wondering what she had read. “It’s like reading someone’s journal without their permission.”

  “I can’t always help it,” she said. “Especially when you’re thinking about me.”

  “What was I thinking?” I asked.

  “That you should have made me go with them.”

  “So?” I said. “Is it wrong to think I don’t want your blood on my hands?”

  “My blood on your hands?” she replied. “What about your blood on my hands? I’m a big girl, I can make up my own mind. This battle is as much mine as yours. Who do you think led the Electroclan when you weren’t around?”

  “I’m not saying that you’re not capable,” I said. “But if something happened to you . . .”

  “And what if something happens to you? Am I supposed to just deal with that? Do you think you’re the only one who’s afraid of losing someone they love?”

  “I didn’t say that
,” I said, then added, “or think that.”

  “No. But you were going to.”

  “Great, now you know what I’m going to think?”

  She looked at me for a moment, then she grinned. “Sorry.” She put her arms around me. “I can’t lose you either. So we’ll just stay close. That way if something happens to one of us, it will happen to both of us.”

  “That doesn’t sound hopeful,” I said.

  “Nothing sounds hopeful right now,” she replied.

  Ostin walked up to us. “I’m going to make some breakfast. Anyone hungry?”

  “I am,” Taylor said.

  “Me too,” I said. “What are you making?”

  “Omelets,” Ostin said. “Tessa left all the stuff out to make them.”

  “Sounds good to me,” I said.

  “What about McKenna?” Taylor asked.

  “She says she’s not hungry,” Ostin replied.

  “You better ask Jack if he wants something,” I said.

  As if on cue, Jack walked into the kitchen. He got a tall glass out of the cupboard, then walked over to the refrigerator, broke a half dozen eggs into a glass, then swallowed them raw. He wiped his mouth with his arm, then walked back out to the garage.

  “I think he just had breakfast,” Taylor said.

  *

  After breakfast, Ostin went to find McKenna, while Taylor and I cleaned up the kitchen. We were drying the last of the dishes when Taylor put her hand on my cheek. “You need to get some rest. You still look like you haven’t slept for days.”

  “I just can’t get enough rest,” I said.

  “Come here.” She took my hand and led me to one of the vacant bedrooms. “Lie on your stomach,” she said, pointing to the bed.

  I stretched out over the bed and Taylor lay on her side next to me. She lifted my shirt, then ran her fingernails along my back and up my neck into my hair, just like my mother used to do when I was little. It was the best feeling in the world.

  Unfortunately, it didn’t take long for me to fall asleep.

  Jaime returned as the sun was setting, a huge red ball sinking slowly into the indigo-blue ocean. I was woken by the sound of his car door slamming. I sat up and looked around the dark room, then at the clock. Had I really slept more than six hours? The house was quiet, and with the exception of Taylor’s breathing, I couldn’t hear a thing.