“What are you doing?” I hissed at him. “Are you crazy?”
Santiago looked at me. “You know I am, Emmie. But they’re from Scorpion City. They’re with us!”
“How do you know they’re on our side?” I asked. “What if they were sent here to fight us?”
Santiago smiled. “Because I see my cousin and her family.” He jumped into the air, pumping his fist and screaming.
The crowd did the same thing.
I stepped out from behind the tree to get a better look. The members of Scorpion looked ready to fight. They all had shotguns and tons of shells on belts and straps, like what Dee had made me.
Santiago ran at the group, screaming in excitement. A girl broke off from the bunch and ran to Santiago. Picking her up, he twirled her around a few times, laughing the whole time. I assumed that was his cousin. When he set her down, he hugged others in the group.
“Is everyone listening?” I asked, using my earpiece.
“Yes.” A lot of voices came through, but I couldn't distinguish all of them.
“What’s going on?” Dante asked. “Who is it?”
I couldn’t contain my smile. “They’re residents of Scorpion. They want to be part of the revolution and they’re definitely ready to fight.”
“Are you serious?” Maya asked.
“Yes,” I said. “A thousand more people on our side.”
“We’re going to win!” Dante yelled. “We’re going to freaking win this thing!”
“Emmie, tell them to hurry,” President Brown said. “We’re still losing lots of people over here. They need to attack from the other side.”
“On it,” I said. The entire group was now right in front of me. They all stopped when they saw me staring. “First, let me say I’m glad you’re here. But we’re getting our butts kicked and losing lots of good people. There are still at least seven hundred left of the enemy. They’re all wearing silver armor and helmets with ridiculous feathers sticking out of them. You can’t miss them.”
“Now go kill them!” Santiago yelled, coming up next to me. The people ran, yelling out in excitement. Santiago pulled me off to the side so we wouldn’t get trampled to death.
He continued to jump up and down, shouting words of encouragement at everyone. When the last of them passed by, we stepped out behind them, following them back to New Haven.
I looked at Santiago, who was still pumped. He punched the air, just like he did during a boxing match. “We’re going to win this, baby. I just know it. We’re going to take down that Juniper trash!”
He yelled out, balled his hands into fists and beat them against his bare chest. I started laughing, his excitement seeping into me and everyone in front of us.
The next thing I knew, Santiago turned to me, took me by my arms, and pulled me toward him, planting a big kiss on my lips.
When he pulled back, I punched him in the face, shaking my hand out afterward.
Santiago smiled, putting his hand over his eye where I hit him. “Totally worth it.”
The air below Headquarters was stale and putrid. Dean had said I could find my father down here, but I wasn’t sure what he’d be doing in the basement. I didn’t even know the place existed.
As I walked down the hallway, I peered in the windows on the doors. Every room I passed had the lights off, so I couldn’t see in.
I came to a T in the hall and looked each way, wondering which route to take. I had decided to continue forward until I heard a small cough from the other hallway, so I turned and went down that hall instead.
The first door on the right was open, so I stepped in. The room was empty. There was a door on the left wall and a big window next to it, so I walked over to it and peered in.
It revealed another room, empty except for someone lying on the floor. I took a few steps to the right, hoping to get a better look at the face. It took me a moment to realize who it was. Their face was so swollen, bruised and cut up, making it hard to see all their features.
I took a few steps back, running my hand over my head. It couldn’t be. But it looked like him. Stepping forward again, I pressed my hands on the glass. It was him. I turned around, walked to the middle of the room and squatted down. Why would they do that?
“Luke.” The voice startled me. I stood to see President Randall standing in the doorway. He stepped into the room, went to the window and leaned up against it. He looked inside, a small smile coming to his face. How could he be smiling? “I know what you’re thinking, Luke.”
“I’m not too sure about that.”
President Randall turned to me, his eyes filled with satisfaction. “You’re probably wondering why we hadn’t caught one of them sooner.”
“I …” His words surprised me. “Wait, what?”
“Those traitors have been gone for months, and we just now get our hands on one.” He shook his head. “It’s embarrassing, really. With all the technology we have, all the resources, it’s pathetic. I’m not sure who to blame.”
He should blame himself. But the fact that they hadn’t caught anyone was not what I was thinking about. Tina came to mind. “So, you only caught Eric?”
He sighed. “Yes, unfortunately. He’s not even the one I wanted. I gave Dean and Pierce one simple task of bringing me Emmie. But Eric will do for now. And Pierce was killed, so I guess that settles it.” He came up next to me, putting his hand on my arm. “Trust me, son, this is not how I like to operate. I like results. And I like when my orders are followed. To my dismay, Dean has continued to let me down. And so has your father. But you, Luke, you have potential. I can see it in you. You have the drive and determination it takes.”
I scratched the back of my head, trying to fully comprehend everything he said. “Really, sir? You think I have potential?”
President Randall went back to the window and stared down at Eric’s body. For the first time, I realized Eric wasn’t moving. “Yes, Luke, I do. You’re going to do great things for this city. You’re a natural-born leader. And you don’t stop until everything’s perfect.” He looked at me. “I’ve been watching you during your training. I’m quite impressed. The amount of precision and thought put into every action you do is amazing.”
“Sir,” I said. “Is Eric still alive?”
“Barely. We checked on him right before you came in and he was still breathing. I do want to keep him alive for now until I get Emmie.” He clapped his hands together. “Luke, I have an assignment for you.”
I raised my eyebrows, excited at the prospect of working for the president. “What is it?”
President Randall laughed. “I love your enthusiasm. Dean and your father haven’t been able to get anything out of Eric. I want you to try.”
My face almost fell, but I quickly composed myself, not letting the president see my disappointment. That wasn’t what I expected.
“I think he’ll open up to you since you have already formed a bond. Let’s use that to our advantage.”
I shook my head. “Eric and I have never really gotten along. We don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things.”
“That’s a good thing, Luke. You’ve made better choices in your life. Look at you standing here, in great shape, gaining muscle and knowledge every day, and on your way to marvelous things. Now, look at Eric, lying there on the cold ground, his life hanging in the balance.”
My eyes went to Eric. He had never obeyed an order in his life. He was delusional and arrogant. His father was a traitor, and now he was too. But did he deserve to have this happen to him?
“You could’ve left with those delinquents,” President Randall said, “but you stayed. You used your brain. Thought logically. There even was a pretty redhead that I’m sure could’ve satisfied many of your needs as a man, but you said no. You took the high road.”
I was taken aback by his comment. He shouldn’t have talked about Tina like that. No one should. “Sir, I’m not sure Eric will tell me more than he’s already said.”
He put his hand on my shoulder. �
�Son, I need you to do this for River Springs. That pathetic boy in there has tried to bring us down over and over again. We can’t let that happen. We need to keep our city intact. Think of all the lives Emmie and her misfits have ruined. They’ve corrupted people. Fed them garbage. We need to fix it and make things right. We need to end this rebellion.”
I nodded. The whole thing needed to come to an end. It wasn’t doing anyone any good.
“I’m glad you understand, but before we get started, I think we should go find your father.”
“What for?”
President Randall gave me a smile that made me shiver. “You’ll see.”
I followed him out of the room and down the hall. We found my father sitting in a room with Dean.
“Carl,” President Randall said. “I’ve brought your son down here.” He looked at Dean. “I need to speak with you for a minute. Let’s leave these two alone to talk.”
President Randall and Dean both left the room, leaving me alone with my father. I shut the door and went and sat down in the chair Dean had been sitting in.
“Luke,” my father said. “What brings you down here?”
“Uh, mom sent me to find you to see when you’d be home for dinner,” I said. “You haven’t been answering when she’s tries to contact you.”
My father had his hands clasped together in his lap, twirling his thumbs, something he only did when he was nervous or lying. “I’ve lost my communication device. I think old age has finally settled in.” He laughed, but I wasn’t buying it.
“Dad, President Randall gave me an assignment.”
He sat forward, his eyes eager. “That’s wonderful, Luke. It’s about time. You’re the best in your group. I’ve always told the president how smart and capable you are. And now you can prove it.”
I looked down at my feet, not daring to look at my father. “I don’t think I can do it.”
“You can and you will,” my father said, his tone telling me it wasn’t open for debate.
“Dad …”
“No.” He stood and walked over to me. “You’ll do whatever he asks you to do.”
“Even if it’s something I think is wrong?”
He backhanded me across the face, the sting making my eyes water. “Nothing the president asks you to do is wrong. He’s always right. Do you understand me?”
“I, uh …”
He grabbed my shirt with both hands, pulling me up so my face was inches from his. “Do not question me, boy. Do not question the president of this city!”
I couldn’t take it anymore. I shoved my father away from me. “He wants me to beat information out of Eric!”
“I don’t care!” His face was red, his breaths coming out fast and loud. “You’ll do it!”
“Why, dad?” I asked. “What’s the point? Who cares if they left? Let them. They can go live their separate lives and we can continue without them.”
My father moved so fast, I didn’t have time to react. I was on the floor in no time, the force behind his blow to my nose that strong. Blood trickled out and onto my hand that I held over my nose.
He towered over me, making me feel small and insignificant. Just like he always had. “If you want to continue being a part of my family, you'll do this. That’s final.”
The door opened and President Randall and Dean stepped into the room. President Randall eyed me on the floor and then looked at my father and smiled. “I can’t tell you how many times I’ve had to do that to Joshua. Sometimes the teenage boy in them is just too strong. We need to set them straight.”
My father nodded, shaking his hand out from the hit. President Randall came over to me and held out his hand. I paused for a moment, not knowing what I wanted to do, but I reached out and took his hand, letting him help me up.
“Luke,” President Randall said. “I need to know right now if you’re dedicated to our city. I need to know if you’re willing to do whatever it takes to stand for what you think is right.”
I’d always thought that you needed to stand for what you thought was right. I slowly nodded.
“Do you think people should be punished if they rebel against us?” President Randall asked.
I nodded.
President Randall took a step closer to me. “Do you think people should be punished if they fail at a simple task?”
I looked at my father, who glared at me. Disappointment sat in his eyes. I always let him down. I never did anything right in his eyes. My father nodded at me, so I nodded back.
“Good,” President Randall said. “Now that everything’s settled, Dean, would you please?”
The noise from the gun was so loud, my hands flew over my ears. My heart raced so fast I thought it might explode. It took me a moment to realize that my father was on the floor. I ran to him and fell at his side. Blood poured out from his head.
“Dad!” I grabbed him and held him tight. “Dad.”
President Randall’s hand landed on my shoulder. “Get up, son. There’s no need to grieve. This was a necessity, just like you said. Your father failed at creating a drug to get Eric to talk and this was his punishment.”
My whole mouth went dry. He’d shot my father in cold blood. Over what?
“Get up,” President Randall said.
Letting go of my father, I stood with wobbly legs, completely stunned by the turn of events. I looked at President Randall who stared at me with admiration. Dean lowered his gun and put it back in its holster.
“Now,” President Randall said, “let’s go get some information out of Eric.”
My legs were heavy as we walked down the hall back to where they were holding Eric hostage. My dad may have failed, but was that worth killing over? That wasn’t the punishment I would have chosen. No one should have chosen that punishment.
I was so deep in thought I hadn’t realized I’d stopped in the middle of the hallway. Dean had to grab my arm to get my attention. I looked up at him and he pointed to the room. Nodding, I slowly walked in. President Randall had opened the door that led to the room Eric was in.
“We just need to know where Emmie is,” President Randall said. “Find that out and you’ll feast with Dean and me at my home tonight.” He gave me a mischievous smile. “Hell, if you find out where she is, I’ll let you pick any girl you want to take home with you tonight.” He winked at me.
A buzzer went off in his pocket and he pulled out a device. “Janice.” President Randall looked at me. “I need to go to her now for an afternoon … meeting. But Dean will stay here and help.” He patted me on the shoulder. “You can do this, Luke. Don’t let me down.” His smile twisted. “We both know what will happen if you fail.”
He left the room without another word. I looked in at Eric, lying there helpless on the floor.
“Just put this under his nose,” Dean said, handing me a small vial. “It’ll wake him right up.”
I took the vial from him and entered the room. The stench in the air hit me hard. There were so many smells, I couldn’t pin them all down. Sweat, blood, urine, and vomit were some. I covered up my nose and mouth and went to Eric, bending down near his face.
My gasp came out louder than I meant it to. What had they done to him? Both eyes were swollen, his nose was broken, he had a long gash on his left cheek, a cut on his swollen lip, and he lay in his own vomit.
His arm was turned so unnaturally, it had been broken. His shirt had ridden up a little bit, showing off a bruised abdomen, which meant he had broken ribs. His chest barely moved, so at least I knew he was still alive.
I took my hand off my nose and mouth, the smell making me gag. I heard the door shut, leaving me alone with Eric. But Dean watched from the other side.
Taking the lid off the vial, I put it under Eric’s nose. His eyes shot open and he rolled onto his back. His scream was so piercing, all the hair on my neck and arms stood on end.
“Eric,” I said, reaching out to him. Eric looked at me, his eyes full of pain and hatred. He scooted his body away
from me, only to scream out in pain again. “Eric, stay still. You’re making it worse.”
His mouth moved, but nothing came out. I put my ear next to his mouth so I could hear. “Get the hell away from me.”
For the first time in my life, I respected Eric. He’d been right all along. Tina had been right all along. I should’ve listened to them and to Emmie. She tried to warn me, but I wouldn’t listen.
And now my dad was dead, a person who should be my friend was lying in front of me very close to death, and I was given the order to continue hurting him.
I couldn’t do it.
I glanced at the window, which was a mirror on this side. Looking back at Eric, I kept my voice low. “Eric, I’m sorry. I was wrong and I was stupid. I should’ve listened to all of you. I’m going to fix this. I’m going to get you out of here. I promise.”
Eric just stared at me, his eyes full of confusion. I stood and looked in the mirror. “Dean, he told me.”
Dean opened the door and walked in. “Already?”
I nodded. “Yes. It was a lot easier than I thought.” I eyed his gun in his holster. He kept a knife on his ankle, too.
“Good,” Dean said. “President Randall will be happy.” He looked down at Eric and smiled. “Guess we won’t need you anymore.” He pulled his gun out and lifted it toward Eric.
I ran at Dean, tackling him to the ground. His gun went off as he fell. I slammed my foot down on his wrist, making him release his grip on the gun. As I kicked it away, Dean rammed into me. We fell onto the ground and Dean pounded me twice on the jaw. I pushed on his face until he moved back enough so I could knee him in the groin.
He fell back in pain and I reached for his leg, lifting the bottom of his pants. I grabbed his knife and pointed it at him. “Don’t make a move.”
“You’re a fool, boy,” Dean said. “I’m going to kill you.”
I shook my head. “No, you’re not.”
Dean laughed. “Even if I don’t, you won’t get far. You won’t make it out of here alive.” He looked at Eric. “If you’re thinking of taking him with you, you’re insane. He’ll just slow you down. Might as well just kill him and save yourself. You still have time to do the right thing.”
Reckoning (New Haven Book 2) Page 20