by S. E. Meyer
“So what do you know? What was my mother investigating?” Anna asked.
Lonewolf moved closer to Anna and looked deep into her eyes. “Anna, have you ever asked yourself why everyone is sick? Why everyone has to get treatments?”
“Yes. I wonder about it. Where Fleishman's came from, and why we all have it.”
“Would it surprise you I don't have it? Neither does Jax.”
“How is that possible? Everyone has it,” Anna protested.
“Do they? I haven't had a treatment in years, and I'm perfectly fine.”
“You could be lying,” Anna suggested.
“Well then, how do you explain your own situation?” Lonewolf asked. He moved alongside the equipment next to Anna's bed and shook the tubing. “Do you think these are treatments we've been giving you?”
Anna jolted in her restraints.
Oh my God, I'm going to get sick.
“You haven't treated me?” she asked.
“Yes, we've been treating you. With chelation and anti-toxins, your body is being flushed and detoxified. We're getting the poisons out of your body. ”
“How did they get there in the first place?”
“How indeed, Anna?” Lonewolf let out a sigh. “That is the most important question. And I believe the answer is on your mother's smart drive. I also believe that's why she was killed. She found something. Something that was important enough to scare some powerful people.” Lonewolf brought his fist down hard on the table. “Damn it! It's all on the drive. People, names, board members, e-mails, bank accounts. The names of CEO's and the companies they work for, but we can't read all the information, and we can't make any sense of the connections without the password.”
Anna could see the despair in Lonewolf's eyes as he continued. “Your mother was killed for this. Whatever is here, it's why she died. I don't want that to be in vain.”
Anna took a minute to re-think the conversation she had with her kidnapper. She nodded. “Get me out of this damn bed and I'll do whatever I can to help”
Lonewolf moved next to Anna as Jax got up and left the room.
“Yes, that's the first thing. Get you out of that bed,” Lonewolf said as he released Anna's bonds.
“Why did you have me strapped in here, anyway?” Anna asked, rubbing her right wrist with her left hand as soon as it was free.
“Mostly for your safety,” Lonewolf replied, and then smiled. “And a little for my own. At least until I explained everything to you.”
Lonewolf moved closer to the bed and helped Anna to her feet. “You will feel a little weak.”
“I'm fine,” Anna replied and waved Lonewolf off. She took one step and stumbled, but caught herself with the bed rail.
“Easy now,” Lonewolf said, reaching out and catching Anna's arm. He led Anna to the opposite end of the room. “If you go down to the end of the hall, you'll find a bedroom. I've set out fresh clothes for you on the bed. There's a bathroom across the hall with a shower and clean towels. I'm sure you'll feel much better after a shower.”
“Thank you.” Anna replied. She gave Lonewolf a weak smile and then left the room.
She returned a half an hour later with damp hair and wearing fresh clothes.
“Feeling better?” Lonewolf asked.
Anna smiled. “Yes. It's amazing what a long hot shower can do.”
Jax came running back into the room. “Sir, it happened. It's Sara.”
Lonewolf gave Anna a wistful stare. “Oh, no. Anna. It's your sister.”
Lonewolf turned to Jax. “How bad is it? What is her condition?”
Anna froze.
“Dire, I'm afraid,” Jax replied.
Anna clenched her fists. “What's going on?” she asked. “What about my sister?”
Lonewolf put his hands on Anna's shoulders. “Anna, I was afraid this might happen. Once Cornelius realized he wasn't able to grab you at the clinic, I thought maybe he would take your sister to flush you out of hiding, but I wasn't sure. Now Jax confirmed it.” Lonewolf spun around towards Jax. “Easton Memorial?”
“Yes,” Jax replied. “And you don't have much time.”
“All right Anna. Listen, you need to get to Easton Memorial Hospital as soon as possible. Sara needs your help. I'll show you the way out. You're going to need this,” he said, pulling the scarf from around his neck and placing it around Anna's shoulders. “Listen carefully, you will need to wrap this around your face so the facial recognition cameras can't lock onto you.”
Lonewolf hurried Anna through the house and out through a hidden door that opened to a back alley. He handed Anna her wool jacket. “When you make it back here, press your thumb into the fifth brick up from the foundation, two rows over from the doorknob. I've already entered your print ID into our computer. The door will open automatically, and that will get you back inside.” Lonewolf held up a gun. “You might need this. Cornelius's men will most likely be waiting for you.” Anna pulled on her jacket. She took the gun from Lonewolf and released the clip, making sure it was full, and then snapped it back into the handle.
Here,” Lonewolf held out a set of car keys. “Take these. It's the red Ford three blocks up in the parking lot on the right.”
Anna slid the gun into the back of her pants and then took the keys, stashing them in her coat.
“You'll also need this,” Lonewolf said, and then handed Anna an ID card. “Jax made this, it will get you in the back door of the hospital without being noticed. Remember to cover your face on the way there and back. Now, do you have all that?” Lonewolf finished while twisting the scarf around Anna's head.
Anna batted his hands away. “I can do it.”
Before I leave, I need to get close, Anna thought. She finished wrapping the scarf over her face and moved in to hug Lonewolf. “Thank you for letting me go,” she said. Anna slid her hand behind Lonewolf's head and then pulled him in close, squeezing. As she let go, Anna ran her hand through the tuft of hair above Lonewolf's ear and then pulled away.
“Your welcome Anna. And good luck. We'll keep working on the smart drive. Now hurry, Sara doesn't have much time,” Lonewolf looked both ways up and down the ally and then closed the door.
Worry over Sara spurred Anna on as she raced the three blocks to the red car, keeping her right fist clenched. She felt silly wearing the scarf around her face, but the temperature outside made it less conspicuous.
I hope Sara is okay.
Anna fished the keys out of her pocket with her left hand, then unlocked the door and got in. She took a deep breath, holding it in her lungs as she opened her right palm.
Anna's heart sank.
Nothing but her empty hand was under her nose. Anna moved her hand closer and her eye caught something.
Yes! There it is.
Anna smiled.
Between Anna's middle and fourth finger there were three strands of hair, and one of them had kept a full follicle. Anna plucked the locket out from under her shirt with her left hand and split it open with her fingernail. She placed the hairs over the picture and snapped it shut, sealing the follicle inside.
Although worried about Sara, Anna couldn't help the excitement tingling her stomach while she started the car. She opted for manual operation, checked her mirrors, and pushed the gas pedal hard. She slipped the locket back inside her shirt and held her hand over her chest.
“Now I can find out who you really are.”
CHAPTER 12
2 YEARS EARLIER
“How do you think she is?” Steven replied, looking out at Jack from the front door. “Come on in out of the rain.”
“You mean hop in?” Jack replied smiling while limping over the threshold.
“She's been inconsolable since she found out. She won't eat, won't even come out of her room,” Steven explained.
“Well, I made special arrangements for her to see William before his wall ceremony. It's not usually allowed, but considering what Anna has been through over the last year...” Jack trailed off f
or a moment, hanging his head between his hunched shoulders. “I wanted her to at least say goodbye.”
“I appreciate everything you've done Jack. I'll see if she's willing to come out and talk to you.” Steven turned and slogged up the stairs. “Anna. Jack is here to see you. He said he can take you to see Billy.”
Anna swung open her bedroom door and raced down the stairs. She rubbed the dark circles under her eyes and then looked at herself in the entryway mirror. “Oh my,” Anna grimaced. “I look awful!” She turned to face Jack. “Thank you,” she whimpered. “For making an exception.”
Jack shrugged and held his hands out in front of him. “It's the least I could do.” He leaned closer and clutched Anna's hands and then squeezed them before letting go. “Are you ready?” he asked.
Anna nodded and then wiped her nose with a tissue from her pocket before walking out the front door and into the pouring rain.
The only sound was the rhythmic whir of the windshield wipers as Jack drove the car towards the jail. Neither of them spoke for several minutes. It was Jack that cleared his throat and looked over at Anna. “I know this is hard.” He said shaking his head. “I am so sorry,” he added before looking straight ahead at the saturated concrete road in front of him. The only thing Anna could do was stare out the car window and watch the looming wall get closer from behind the buildings.
“Anna,” Jack said while glancing back in her direction. “I have something to talk to you about. I accepted your application to join our team at homicide. I made that decision before the incident with William.” Jack stopped the car at a red light and looked over at Anna. “I'm offering this to you because you've earned it.”
Jack let out a long breath as the light turned green and he once again moved the car towards the city jail. It was Anna's turn to speak. “I don't know Jack. I can't even think about anything right now except for Billy. I don't think I will survive this, let alone take on a new job.”
“Think about it, at least. It would be great to have another Agent Morton on the team again.” Jack said and then gave Anna a weak smile. “Well, we're here,” he continued and then parked the car in the police parking lot.
Anna jumped into Billy's arms as soon as Jack opened the cell door. Billy caught her and Anna kissed Billy's face. She kissed both cheeks and then ran her hand down his neck. “Oh, Billy. What have you got yourself into?”
Billy set Anna down onto her feet. “Me? This is all Richard's fault.”
Anna made eye contact with Billy. “Yes, it is. But, this never would have happened if you weren't up there on that wall.”
Billy looked away. “You're angry with me.”
“Yes, I am. I'm mostly angry with Richard, but some of this falls on you for that stupid stunt.” Anna's eyes stung with tears. “Your stunts are one thing I most love about you Billy, but you take too many risks. And now...” Anna trailed off.
“I'm sorry. I never meant for anything like this to happen.” Billy turned back to look at Anna. “What kills me the most inside is that I disappointed you. Hurt you. And now all of our plans for a life together are gone. Taken away.” Billy slammed his hand against the cell wall. Tears welled in his eyes. Anna moved in closer and they locked into a tight embrace, sobbing into each other's shoulders.
A uniformed officer appeared from behind the corner followed by two more. “It's time,” he said.
Anna gripped Billy, wringing his cotton shirt with her hands. “No, no, no. I won't let go. You can't do this!” she sobbed.
The officers stepped forward and pulled Anna away. “It's time for the walk of shame,” the officer nearest to Billy said. Anna tried to wrestle herself away from the two officers while the third handcuffed Billy's hands behind his back. The officer escorted Billy out of the cell and down the hall as the other two men escorted Anna along behind. “Let me go!” Anna yelled, wrenching herself free. “I can walk by myself,” she spat and then pick up her pace to catch up with Billy.
Billy turned his head to face Anna as they exited the police station. “You don't have to do this with me.”
“I know,” Anna replied. “Damn, there's a good turnout today,” she added while glancing up and down the street.
Several people had arrived for the morning's wall ceremony and were lining the sidewalks between the police station and the main gates. It was a short walk for anyone out for a stroll. For anyone in Billy's situation, it was the longest walk of a citizen's life.
“You did it to yourself!” someone yelled from the crowd.
And it begins. Anna thought. The walk of shame.
People from the crowd continued to yell out remarks and profanities as they made their way closer to the gates.
“You're the only one to blame!” yelled one man.
An elderly lady stepped close to Billy. “On through the gates if you can't follow the rules!” she yelled into his face.
Someone threw an apple core in their direction and it bounced off of Billy's shoulder. Billy glanced over at Anna. “I told you, you don't have to do this.”
Anna got close enough to grasp Billy's hands. “I am here for you Billy. I'm not going anywhere.”
The officer escorting Billy stopped in front of a podium set up to one side of the gates. A red faced, elderly man in a robe took up a position behind it. The crowd became quiet as the man in the robe spoke. “It is hereby ordered that you, William Wool, be banished, for life, from the city. You will be escorted through the gates and brought out past the perimeter fence, never to return. May God have mercy on your soul!”
The man stepped away from the podium and two officers escorted Billy towards a black military Hum-vee. Anna ran towards him, but an officer grabbed her from behind. “No!” Anna screamed. “No!” She tried to fight the officer off as two more men stepped closer to help. Anna lifted herself off the ground, pushing hard with her right leg. She spun around in a roundhouse kick and connected with both of the officers jaws. Four more men stepped toward Anna and in seconds they pinned her to the ground. Anna watched as they opened the gates and the black vehicle drove away with the finality of a hearse. Anna couldn't do anything except watch. She couldn't speak. Fear clotted the cries in her throat and the tears dripped from the end of her nose. Anna watched as the man in the robe walked over to Billy's mother and placed an envelope into her shaking hands.
That would be the death certificate. Anna thought.
“But he's still alive,” Anna whispered. “He's not dead.”
Yet.
Anna shivered.
The gates rolled along their iron tracks before slamming shut and Anna closed her eyes. She didn't open them again until she heard Jack's voice.
“Get off of her,” he roared. “Let her up, let her up. The gates are closed now, there's nothing she can do.”
“She assaulted two officers,” the man that was pinning Anna down protested.
Jack reached down and grasped Anna's hand. The officer on top of Anna got up and Jack helped Anna to her feet. “Are you okay?” he asked.
Anna took in a deep breath.
“No, I'm not okay. I will never be okay.” Anna looked into Jack's eyes. “I'm lost, Jack. I don't know how I can come back from something like this. I never even told him I loved him. All I could think about was how angry I was with him.” Anna glanced down at her left hand. She straightened her fingers and stared at the diamond ring. Anna spun the ring in a circle around her fourth finger with her thumb, deep in thought. She looked back into Jack's eyes. “I'll do it.” she whispered.
“Do what?” Jack asked.
“I'll take your offer.” Anna replied. “But, you won't be getting another Agent Morton on your team, sir.”
Jack wrinkled his brow as Anna took another long look at the diamond clinging to her finger. “I'm obviously not getting married, but I‘m changing my last name. In memory of Billy.” Anna looked into Jack's eyes. “You are about to hire Agent Montana Wool.”
CHAPTER 13
Anna's Present
>
Anna parked the car a few blocks from the hospital and headed for the back entrance as quick as she could, without seeming suspicious. She slid Jax's ID card through the card reader and the door opened. Anna slipped inside and went directly to the information desk.
“Cold out there?” the receptionist asked with a raised eyebrow.
“What? Oh yes. Chilly,” Anna replied and then adjusted her scarf so she could see better. “What room is Sara Morton in?”
The receptionist pecked a few keys. “Looks like she's in room 502.”
The elderly lady behind the desk looked up from her screen, but Anna was gone. She raced up the stairs, two at a time. She threw open the door to the fifth floor hallway and ran to Sara's room. As soon as she entered the room, she saw Charlie sitting on a chair next to Sara's bed.
Charlie shot out of his chair. “Oh my God, Anna! Is that you? Why do you have a scarf around your head?”
Anna pulled the folds away from her face. “Charlie. I am so glad you're here. I have something to talk to you about. And how is Sara?”
“I have a few things to talk to you about as well. Where the hell have you been?” Charlie shook his head. “Never mind, we can talk later. Sara needs an expensive treatment that no one has the money to pay for. I have no clue where your Dad is, and I don't have the money, otherwise I would pay for it.”
“I can pay for it,” Anna replied.
Sara opened her eyes. “Pay for what? For me?” she said in a dry whisper.
Anna whirled around and then smiled. “Well hey there, trouble,” Anna said, then sat down on the bed next to Sara. She took a hold of Sara's hand and rubbed it. “Oh Sara. You‘ll be okay. I'll take care of everything.”
“You can't, sis.”
“Oh yes I can,” Anna replied. She looked deep into Sara's eyes. “What do you think family is for? What sisters are for? We stick together.”