Something else itched at me though; this whole scenario wasn’t right. They were dressed in their shabby coats and shoes rather than their bedclothes when it was well past the little one's bedtime. I glanced down and discovered our family’s only small suitcase tucked away in the corner. What the hell? My gaze jumped back to my siblings, examining them further. A few tell-tale, blotchy red marks had bloomed on their necks and faces, indicating Mama had scrubbed the grime off their now shiny cheeks. My heart lurched. Mama never paid any attention to them, ever.
“What’s going on?” I demanded moving closer to my brothers and sisters. “Where’s Mama?”
No one answered. “Look. I got us some bread, and I even scored some takeout noodles. And as a special treat, a small box of chocolates. But no fighting over the candy,” I warned pulling my bundles out from under my hoodie and placing them on the overturned crate we used as a coffee table.
They stared at me like Zombies for a moment longer, before my littlest sister, Trinity, suddenly burst into tears and ran over to me, hugging my legs.
I disengaged her tiny arms and knelt down beside her. “What is it Trinity, what’s happened—”
I was cut off by the stomp of heavy boots on the staircase; the stink of too strong cologne filled the small space. No one in this house wore cologne. I quickly stood up and pushed Trinity behind me. I glanced at my siblings, the blood drained from their faces—and they were quiet. Too quiet.
“Good, you’re home,” a familiar voice said.
I pivoted toward the sound and saw Mama in the doorway, her crystal blue eyes ice cold.
“What is it, Mama? Why are the children so scared? I thought I heard boots on the stairs. Is someone else in the house?”
“You’re being returned as government property, Luna. I’m sorry; you’ve left me no choice.”
She stepped aside and a government agent came briskly into the room. He was a massive man, at least six foot four, with blond hair and piercing brown eyes that looked almost black. His face was a mask of indifference; forbidding lines etched his mouth, causing a permanent frown, bulging muscles rippled under his crisp shirt. His uniform was the usual Government Issue, grey and blue, with the hideous pin of our nation pinned to his lapel—a single gold eye—that stared at me as hard as Mama and this agent.
I swallowed nervously and lifted my chin. “Mama, you know you can’t do this without me. What’s this all about? Who will look after the children?” I could feel Trinity shaking behind me, pulling my jeans into a vice grip.
The scent of this odious man’s tart pear cologne threatened to suffocate me. And I struggled to keep my breathing even.
“Trinity, come away from Luna. She’s going on a little trip. We packed a suitcase for her, remember?” she nodded toward the worn luggage.
Trinity didn’t move. And I gripped her small hand in mine.
“She’s not going anywhere, Mama.”
“Talin. Get your sister now.”
I watched as my oldest brother, barely twelve, already developing a cruel countenance, stared at me with steely contempt. He leapt off the couch and ripped Trinity away from me. He’d always been completely ungrateful and unwilling to help with the little ones. He was selfish, and I knew he wouldn’t come to my aid now.
Trinity’s scream pierced the air, as she reached for me. But Talin simply pulled her to him and made her sit beside him, his features unmoving. She squirmed, trying to escape, but his hold was steadfast.
“This is a chance for a better future for me, Luna,” Mama said stonily. “In trading you, we can all get out of this forsaken hell hole of a home. It’s just the way it has to be.” She crossed her arms and glared at me smugly. “Agent Simms, cuff her.”
He stepped forward, handcuffs in hand. I backed away, but in a single stride, he was on top of me, yanking my hands behind my back and locking my wrists. “You can’t do this to me,” I yelled. “I’ve kept you all alive. Risked everything for you. Please, Mama.”
“Well then, consider this your one last sacrifice, Luna.”
Everyone was aware social standing could be improved upon if given permission by the government, but you had to give them something in return. I never thought in a million years that Mama would trade me for it. I knew she didn’t love me—she tolerated me at best. But I was naïve. I believed since I kept food in their bellies and a fire in the hearth, she needed me. And it would never happen.
But I was wrong.
Dara’s words echoed in my head. Don’t let them take you.
How had she known?
I struggled against my restraints as the agent shoved me down hard on my knees. “Under the law, article 1046, I hereby pronounce you property of the United States government. You must revoke all rights and connection to this family. This purchase contract may not be rescinded as by consent of all parties…”
As the agent rambled on, my brain scrambled for a plan. I needed to act like I was going along with this scheme so they’d let their guard down and I could escape. Luckily, I was still wearing the hoodie I used for pick-pocketing.
Trinity had stopped screaming, but tears poured down her face in big droplets, her lips trembling. My heart lurched. She would be the hardest to leave. She was only five. Too little to rely solely on the likes of Mama.
I glanced over at the rest of them, there was Monty, Farrah, Dafina, and of course, Talin. They ranged in age from seven to twelve years. I hoped they would look after each other. They’d never helped me much, relying on me for everything. But perhaps without my assistance, they would bond together, support each other. I had to believe they would or I would never be able to walk away.
Agent Simms, now done with reading me my so-called rights, hauled me up from the floor and slammed me onto the broken wooden chair in the corner. I felt a sharp splinter of jagged pine slice through the skin of my back and I winced.
He turned to Mama. “Come, Mrs. Redwood, there are papers to be signed. The property is secured.”
Mama’s face flushed with excitement. “Yes, of course. I’m so thrilled to get things started. Children, run upstairs and gather the rest of your belongings. We’re leaving this hovel tonight!”
I watched as my siblings obediently filed out, like emotionless robots. Only Trinity glanced back, stifling a sob before hastily turning away, padding silently behind Talin.
Satisfied they were out of the way, Mama ushered the agent to the kitchen. “Let’s sign those documents, Agent Simms!” she chirped cheerily, her big blonde curls bouncing with anticipation. She’d applied too much makeup, and she looked almost racoonish with her overshadowed eyes. Her thin body, wrapped in her best dress, a worn-out black floral print, gave off the image of a scrawny scarecrow. I scowled in disgust as she practically threw herself at him. He brushed her off, eager to get on with the job at hand.
As soon as they left, I got to work. I tugged on my sleeve and the emergency kit I kept rolled up in it slid down into my palm. I made it for such an occasion as this. Though I never expected to be handcuffed for being traded; rather, I’d assumed it would be for stealing.
I sighed; at least today, my planning had paid off.
I pulled the small pin from the pack, letting the rest fall to the floor and inserted it into the cuffs. They fell away easily. I’d designed the pin especially for the government-issued restraints. I’d never seen the cuffs up close, but based on the propaganda they spewed around, I’d studied enough pictures. I’d made a sketch of them and used what I had to make my tool. I grinned, pleased at how well they’d worked.
I bent down and undid my ankles, also bound, and hastily picked up my emergency pack, stuffing it back into my sweater.
I tiptoed to the nearest window, careful to avoid the squeaky, broken floorboards. I dared not risk the door; I’d have to pass through the kitchen to get to it, where Mama and the agent were still talking.
I slid the cracked glass pane open, then angled my body deftly through the small opening, leaping panther-lik
e to the ground.
I ran, not caring where I went, as long as it was far away from Mama and that awful man.
Tears burned my cheeks. My own mother had sold me for a better life. How could she do that? Anger surged through me, spurring me onwards. No one would ever own me again. I would take care of myself.
My heart lurched as, somewhere behind me, I heard Mama’s screams and the pounding of footsteps on the hard, cold ground.
They knew I’d escaped.
Chapter 4
The frigid air burned my lungs as I pumped my legs harder. Agent Simms was closing in. He was so tall and fit; it was only a matter of time before he caught up with me. No amount of camouflage would help me now.
Still, I wasn’t going down without a fight. The moon behind the clouds cast everything in complete darkness, but I knew every inch of this place and I could use that to my advantage.
I rushed into the woods and wove silently amongst the trees. I’d learned a long time ago how to move through the snow quietly. The only sounds were that of an owl hooting in the tree canopy above and the north wind whistling through the oaks, maples, and beech. Their branches creaked, buried under the weight of the last snowfall as I drove my way deeper into the forest.
I veered left, hoping to disorient Simms, but before I made any headway in that direction, long strong fingers reached out and grabbed my wrist.
I yelped and came to an abrupt halt, as I felt my arm practically yanked out of its socket.
Agent Simms wasn’t even breathing hard, he looked cool as a cucumber. Only his angry flashing eyes revealed his true displeasure.
“It’s a felony to run from a government-issued order, Ms. Redwood.”
I kicked at him, trying to get away. But he stood immobile, completely unfazed by my efforts. “I’m not going anywhere with you. I was traded against my will. I have rights! Get your hands off me!”
“If you do not cooperate, I’ll be forced to physically restrain you. You belonged to Rheya Redwood, and it was within her jurisdiction to trade you in. You should feel privileged. It is not often the government trades individuals; they are quite picky. You must have some value or skill.” He raised a skeptical eyebrow at me, as if he didn’t really believe that.
What was with this guy, anyway? He sounded like an android, completely monotone and deadpan.
“Get your government paws off me!” I yelled. Somewhere in the distance, I heard a coyote howl as if in agreement. I hoped it came along and scared the crap out of him. Personally, I would enjoy the show.
“I’m sorry Miss Redwood, you’ve given me no choice.” Picking me up as if I were nothing more than a feather, he threw me over his shoulder and carried me, kicking and yelling, out of the woods.
I pounded on his back, begging him to let me go, but he ignored me. By the time we got to his non-descript blue van parked in the rear of my house, my voice was raspy and raw. The only thing that gave this vehicle away as government issue was the small golden eye delicately painted above each door handle. Subtle, but sickening all the same.
He shoved me into the back seat and grabbed a second set of cuffs from inside his jacket, securing my wrists. Almost as an afterthought, he pulled a handkerchief out of his pocket and stuffed it into my mouth.
“Since you can’t seem to keep your trap shut, let’s add a little security, shall we?” he said smiling.
I tried to bite him, but Agent Simms was quick and soon had my lips completely covered in tape.
I steamed with rage. I would never forgive my mother for doing this to me. I would figure out how to escape, even if I died trying. I refused to be anyone’s property.
I’d seen these so-called trade-ins on the news a few times over the years, but for some reason, I never thought it would happen to me. I’d been a fool.
“Luna! Luna!” I whirled around in my seat. It was Mrs. Peters. I wanted to yell at her to go back inside, warn her to stay away, but the more I willed her to flee, the closer she came. I could hear her clearly now through the glass window of the transport vehicle. “I’m so sorry. I was too late… It’s all a lie, Luna…” Her voice trailed off as Agent Simms pushed her, she stumbled back and fell to the ground. He grabbed hold of her, hauling her away from the van. “You don’t know about the cage of glass,” she cried out, “Cage of glass. Cage of glass. Cage of glass,” she repeated again and again, all the while struggling uselessly with all her might against Simms. He didn’t budge despite her best efforts. I choked back a sob. Mute and unable to respond. What did she mean? What cage of glass? What was a lie? I was confused.
“Cage of g—” Dara said one last time before her words were cut short. The air went silent, as Simms plunged something into her neck. I choked on a scream. My covered mouth burning as my lips tried to move and break free. I felt tears slide down my cheeks, unchecked.
What had he done? Frantic, I glanced around, willing someone to come out and help her, as he dragged her back out of the way, leaving her on the side of the road like a piece of trash.
No one came. Everyone must have heard the screams, but no one came.
How had she known? She tried to warn me before. But I still couldn’t figure out how she may have foreseen this. Was it possible my mother had bragged to her? It seemed unlikely. Rheya was selfish and a loner, never bothering to befriend her neighbors. I worried about how Mrs. Peters was going to get her medicine without me. How in the world would she survive? Honestly though, as I looked at her slumped form, I wasn’t sure if there was any life in her to save. Had Simms killed her? A sharp pain flooded my chest as I struggled to breathe, just thinking of it.
I kept my eyes glued to Mrs. Peters as we pulled away, not letting go until we turned the corner and I no longer had her in my line of vision.
She didn’t move.
A numbness seeped into my body, shutting away the pain. The betrayal and guilt I felt over what I just witnessed was too much. My tears dried and I grew cold as I morphed into survival mode.
This was not the time for weakness. Dara would want me to fight. It was imperative I get out of this for her, and if she was still alive when I returned, I’d help her escape and find out what she desperately wanted to tell me.
Her words echoed in my ears. It’s all a lie.
I looked out the window to distract myself from my morbid thoughts, all the while trying not to gag on the cotton material in my mouth, noticing we were headed south into the city.
The slums of Nova were a thing of the past as we entered into the sparkling clean community of Hadon. High rises towered over us, and the bright lights, only afforded by the capital, practically blinded me. I’d seen pictures before, but they did not do it justice. The glaring beams of light exposed the opulence of the metropolis. This was the place of dreams, where full bellies and warm houses were everyone’s right. The place you wanted to be if you were lucky enough to have eyes that did not betray you, and hadn’t cast you into a life of hunger and depravity.
The buildings here, even on the outskirts of town, were made of brick and stone, and looked as if they could endure forever, unlike my family’s own ramshackle dwelling, which would likely collapse in the slightest wind. I stared at the doors on each house, with the gold and glittered symbol of the capital reflected under the porch lights.
The golden eye.
Here, the retina scan was celebrated. Most homes flew the flag of W1 proudly, black with one single golden eye in the middle. They waved in the breeze as if to mock me.
The van ascended a steep hill and the heart of Hadon stretched out before us, high rises, dotting the landscape as far as I could see. I imagined in the light of day, the streets would be crowded with bodies, all in a rush to get somewhere. Each of the buildings here boasted gold walls, that glinted bright as midday in the moonlight. More eyes were plastered to each of the concrete sides—making me feel as if millions of people were spying on me simultaneously—and I cringed. We wound our way down the narrow lanes, drawing closer to the harbor and
the cold, choppy river. The smell of the fish market hit me as we neared the docks; even though I couldn’t see the marina, the fishy odor gave it away.
After several turns, we rumbled toward an enormous gated outcropping of buildings on the east side of the city. The compound dominated this quarter, its sleek glittering diamond walls expertly crafted for beauty, but also for fortification. The large windows gleamed, clean and pristine, each one lit vibrantly from within. I couldn’t help but wonder how much electricity it took to light this section of the borough alone. My mind scrambled, unable to comprehend such wealth. Agent Simms slowed the vehicle to a stop in front of a wide fenced barrier bearing a huge sign. I gripped my bound hands together tighter as I stared ahead at the black lettering reflected in the van’s headlights.
Government Facility Keep Out. Authorized Personnel Only.
Simms reached into the upper pocket of his stiff military blue-grey shirt and pulled out a small device no bigger than his palm. It was ink black with a strange gold button in the center. He pressed it and the gadget beeped, opening the gate. I had to admit to being a bit disappointed in the technology. One would think in this high tech city they would have come up with something cooler than a push switch.
Simms wasted no time and barreled through the chasm, taking us to a tall building on the far side of the lot. I thought about picking the lock on my cuffs again and jumping Simms when he moved to pull me out of the vehicle. But he was stronger than me and would probably catch me within minutes, if not seconds. I needed a better strategy if I were ever to escape this place.
Simms stepped out of the van and came around to open the door; the gust of cold winter wind hit me full force, causing my eyes to instantly tear. He ripped the tape from my lips and unshackled my ankles. “If you scream or try to run again, I’ll make sure your life isn’t worth living. Understood?”
I quickly nodded in agreement. Normally, I would have liked to spit in his face and tell him to go to hell, but the cotton handkerchief stuffed in my mouth had left my tongue so dry I could barely swallow and my lips stung mercilessly where he’d removed the tape. Besides, I had no idea if he had any more special injections in his pocket. I could be his next victim. And then what? How could I help Dara then? I had to believe she was still alive.
Cage of Glass (Cage of Glass Trilogy Book 1) Page 2