by S. E. Meyer
“Looks like I'm doing better than you are.”
The guard placed her in the cell next to Richard with only bars separating them. Anna's cell had a small barred window near the ceiling. The guard exited Anna's cell, closing the door and locking it behind him. “Put your hands through the bars,” the man ordered. Anna did as instructed and the guard removed her handcuffs. He turned, disappearing down the hallway, leaving Richard and Anna alone.
Anna shivered. “It's cold in here.”
Richard pointed up at the window in Anna's cell. “The glass in the window is broken. Nothing to stop the cold from pouring in.”
”I have to get out of here. What the hell are we going to do?”
“I don't know. You're the only reason we're in here.”
Anna looked into Richard's reddened eyes. “Why are you blaming me?”
“I told you not to light that fire, and you know I was right. Anna, what happened to you?”
“You happened.”
Richard shook his head. “I've known you a long time and you've changed. You used to be the smartest one in the room, making decisions on common sense and gut feelings. Seems like you've been going in the opposite direction. You need to get your head on straight.”
Anna glared at Richard. “Oh, I need to get my head on straight, do I?”
Richard nodded. “You're just angry all the time.”
Anna slapped the bars between their cells.
Richard jumped. “See? That's what I'm talking about.”
Anna growled. “You don't think I have reason to be fucking angry, Richard?”
“I didn't say that, but you are letting it get the best of you.”
“I don't know what's going on in that thick skull of yours, Richard, but it's your fault. You're the one that makes me so mad I can't think straight.”
There was a noise outside Anna's cell window. She turned to see Shadow poke his nose through the opening in the broken glass.
Anna stretched her arm up towards the window. “Shadow. What are you doing here?”
The wolf looked at Richard and raised his hackles while letting out a low growl.
Anna turned her head. “See? He still knows an asshole when he sees one.”
Shadow put his paws through the window and pushed on the bars.
“Be careful boy, you’ll hurt yourself,” Anna warned.
“I'm still not sure why I make you that angry. Do you hate me that much?”
Shadow jumped, dropping his weight into the bars.
They moved.
Anna's jaw slacked. “They're loose. The bars are loose. Good boy, Shadow.”
Anna pulled the hair away from her neck and rubbed her hands together preparing to jump. Richard lowered an eyebrow, seeing her exposed skin. “What's on your neck?”
Anna jumped, grasping the bars. She hung from the metal frame while shaking her arms. The bars pulled away from the concrete window.
“I don't know, a bug bite or something.”
Anna let go, dropping to the floor.
“I don't think that's a bug bite, I've seen-”
Anna cut him off. “Shut up, Richard. Mr. know everything. You keep asking why I hate you. You can't seem to get it through your thick skull that I will never forgive you for killing my mother.”
Anna jumped again, this time pulling the metal frame down into the cell. She set it up on the floor, giving her a step up, jumping a third time from there.
While grasping the concrete window well, Anna pulled herself through, avoiding the broken glass. She turned to take one last look at Richard.
“Anna, the thing on your neck, it's-”
“I guess it wasn't enough that you killed your own mother with that thick skull of yours, so you killed mine too!”
Richard looked up at Anna with red eyes, his cheeks turning blood rose.
He shook his head, taking a moment in thought as the anger boiled his bones. “Go to hell,” he spat.
“By the looks of you, you're going first.”
Anna disappeared from the window.
Richard clenched his jaw. “By the look of your neck, I wouldn't bet on that,” he whispered through gritted teeth.
CHAPTER 47
2 years earlier.
Richard slipped through the basement doorway from the ballroom and headed to the lower level. The basement was another part of the house off limits to him, but he heard the staff talking about Margaret. Two personal guards that work the Chamber shift, discussing her capture, and forthcoming torture.
He wondered if it was possible. Would Grandfather try to hurt Anna's mom?
He had to know.
Richard heard his grandfather's voice inside his head. 'Curiosity kills the cat, boy.'
But satisfaction brought him back.
That's what the kids at school say.
He hid in the alcove below a table that held a vase. It was the maid's attempt to brighten up the dark concrete corridor, stuffing the Ming with dried eucalyptus to mask the smell of mildew, without success..
Richard waited until shift change. He remained silent as the guards passed by before ducking out from the table and creeping to the Chamber room. As he slipped inside, Richard’s eyes widened at the sight of Margaret lying on a table. He moved closer, reaching out to touch her hand.
Her flesh was cold.
Margaret twitched, a moan escaping her lips.
Richard retracted.
He stared at her motionless frame as his love for Anna and his fear of Cornelius battled each other in his thoughts. His affection for Margaret’s daughter won the round and Richard balled his fists.
I have to do something.
Richard moved to the head of the bed and pulled out Margaret's IV.
While scratching his head, his gaze wandered over the control panels. Not knowing how to operate the Chamber, he chose to disconnect several wires and tubes from the machine, hoping it would help.
Margaret began to stir, her eyelids fluttering. She opened them to see Richard standing before her. “Richard.” Margaret squinted. “What are you doing?”
Richard rocked back and forth on his heels, checking the time. “I’m getting you out of here, but we have to hurry, Mrs. Morton,” he whispered, helping Margaret to a sitting position.
Richard led her out through the chamber doorway and into the corridor. Margaret turned left towards the stairs, but Richard pulled her arm in the opposite direction.
“Where are we going?” Margaret asked.
Richard gestured towards the stairs. “The guards are coming. I know a better way out.” He took her hand and brought her to the end of the long corridor. They passed several doorways until Richard stopped in front of the bricks at the corridor's end.
“It's a dead end,” Margaret breathed, scratching her head while brushing the hair from her neck.
Richard touched a brick at eye level and the wall moved aside. “What's on you neck?” he asked.
“Cornelius injected me with something. I think it's a tracker. As soon as I get out of here, I'll have it removed. Your grandfather has gone insane, Richard.”
They scurried along a tunnel that led out to the courtyard. Richard stopped at a ladder. “Climb up. The grate at the top swings open. You'll come out just the other side of the gate.”
Margaret nodded. “Thank you, Richard.” She placed her hand on his shoulder and then pulled him into an embrace. “You saved my life,” she added, pulling away to climb the metal bars.
CHAPTER 48
Anna's Present
Jax stopped in the middle of a six foot high tunnel, scanning the map on his tablet. “Okay, it looks like we'll need charges on the ceiling right here,” he said pointing with his index finger. “The north wall is directly above us. We need to hurry.”
“I still don't understand how they found us.” Isabelle said.
Jax let out a deep breath. “I have something to tell you both. Damarion left his phone behind. I picked it up and saw the call history.
There was a call to Cornelius only minutes before they found us. I think we have a traitor in our midst.”
“Do you really think Damarion is helping Cornelius?” George asked, pressing a block of C4 into the crack where the concrete ceiling met the wall.
“I don't know,” Jax replied. “Atticus has been cautious. He blew the whistle on getting Atticus out.”
Isabelle shook her head. “You guys are talking about my father here. He did what he did to get me out and he waited long enough so there would be enough time.”
Jax pursed his lips. “Barely,” he said, pressing a block of C4 into place. “All I know is he has been in contact with Cornelius and that makes me nervous.”
“Is that all of it?” George asked after setting the detonators.
“That should do it. We need to bring the remotes for the detonators back with us and set them up where they'll be safe.”
They made their way back to the maintenance room where everyone was waiting. Jax cleared a shelf and set the remotes in a row along its edge, the switches facing out. He held up a box and set it on the end. “This is the receiver for Atticus's signal. When this light turns on, it will emit a tone. That's when we need to detonate.”
The group walked out in the main area where Steven, Sara and Delores were seated on the floor.
“So what do we do now?” Jax asked.
Damarion let out a breath. “I hope Anna and Atticus are on their way back. Cornelius found the hideout. I'm sure it won't be long before he finds us down here. All we can do now is wait for the signal.”
Sara shivered. “It's cold down here.”
Delores stood. “And I have to pee, Dearies. Where would you suggest I do that?”
Damarion and Jax glanced around the room. Damarion shrugged.
Jax's eyebrows shot up. “Wait, there’s a storage closet in the small room with the shelves.” He walked into the shelving room and pulled the closet door open, revealing a mop bucket. “This will have to do, I guess.”
Jax turned and called out to the adjacent room. “Delores, come in here.”
Delores stepped passed George and entered the smaller room to their left.
Jax cocked his head. “I'm sorry, it's not much, but at least there is a door for some privacy.” He shrugged. “No toilet paper.”
Delores nodded. “I'll be fine,” she replied, entering the closet and closing the door.
Jax stepped back into the maintenance room. “There, we now have a makeshift toilet.”
Isabelle shook her head. “I hope Anna and Atticus hurry, I'm worried we don't have much time.”
Damarion nodded. “And the timing has to be perfect. We have zero room for error here.”
Delores stepped out of the closet. She turned and closed the door five times while counting.
“Two, six, ten, fourteen, twenty-two,” she finished, turning around. “Ooh, what are all these switches?”
Everyone's eyes grew wide as they jumped for the back room, yelling in unison. “Delores, no!”
Damarion grabbed Delores's hand as it reached the first detonator switch. “It's okay,” he said. “Let's go into the other room.”
Delores nodded, following Damarion away from the remotes. “I'm sorry, I can't help it.”
Damarion smiled. “I know.” He turned to Jax. “We need to secure those.”
Jax paced the room, looking for something to house the remotes. “Here, this might work,” he said, finding a metal storage cabinet. He opened the doors and a set of keys dropped to the floor. “Perfect,” he said, retrieving the keys before carrying the cabinet to the shelving room. He placed the box next to the shelves and set the remotes for the detonators inside. After closing the cabinet, he slid the key in the handle, locking the doors. Jax placed one key in his pocket and handed the other to George. “There are only two keys. One of us will have to stay close at all times.”
CHAPTER 49
Anna inched around the back of the police station, stopping to listen for any sign of the guards. With the street barren and the building’s front vacant, she crept to the front door and tried the handle. The door swung open.
Anna let out a breath.
She ducked inside and snapped the keys from the wall before heading to Atticus's cell.
Atticus greeted her with wide eyes. “Anna, you got out.”
She slid the key into the slot and twisted the lock open. “Yes, now we need to get the hell out of here.”
Atticus swung the door. “We can't leave town.”
“What? Why? We need to leave before someone sees us.”
“Anna, this town is why I'm here. Why you're here. This is the most important part of my plan. We have to return everyone to Easton. We must prove once and for all there is a cure. I have planned this for years. We will show the people their government has been lying to them all along.” Atticus raised his hands. “When the citizens of Easton see their family members return free of disease, it will spark revolution, ending Cromwell's tyranny.”
Anna lowered her eyebrows. “Their loved ones? These people are from Easton?”
“Yes, banished over the years for not being able to afford treatments or other petty crimes. The most crucial part of this plan is for them to return.”
“How are you supposed to get them to Easton while sitting in a jail cell?”
“That was a misunderstanding between myself and the new police chief. That's why I needed you.”
“Why me?”
“Because you are the only one that can change his mind. Anna the Police Chief of New Easton is-” The door swung open, cutting Atticus off.
William Wool entered the station and froze, his eyebrows narrowing as he shook his head. “Anna?”
Anna's heart leaped from her chest as the corners of her mouth stretched into a broad smile. “Billy!” Anna ran to him, throwing her arms around his shoulders. She looked into his eyes. “You're still alive. You don’t understand how long I've dreamed of this moment. I always hoped I would see you again. What are you doing here?”
Billy drew away from Anna's embrace. “I was sent here, remember?”
Anna stepped back to study his face. “What's wrong? Aren't you happy to see me?” Anna tipped her head. “I missed you so much.”
“Anna, a lot has changed. I-”
The mayor burst through the police station door. “Willy!” Shelia pulled Billy into a long embrace before placing her lips on his. “They said you were back.”
Willy?
The kiss continued while Anna shook her head, balling her fists.
Billy ended the kiss, making eye contact with Anna. “I'm sorry, Anna. I never thought I would see you again. Like I said, a lot has changed.”
“Apparently,” Anna spat.
Sheila raised an eyebrow. “You two know each other?”
Billy turned back to Sheila. “Sheila, this is Anna Morton.”
Sheila extended her hand. “Anna, Willy has told me a lot about you.”
Anna ignored the offer. “It's Anna Wool now.”
Billy squinted. “So, you got married too.”
Anna pushed Billy, her pulse throbbing in her neck. “What do you mean, too?” She glared at Sheila before turning towards Billy. “You're married?” Anna swung her head. “No, you idiot, I didn't get married. I changed my name in honor of you getting sent away. It was to recognize the ring you put on my finger. It was my way of immortalizing you after what I assumed would be your death.”
Sheila smiled. “That is so sweet.”
Anna cocked her head, throwing a wistful look towards Sheila. “Isn't it?”
“Anna, why are you here?”
Anna stared into Billy's eyes. The thoughts running through her mind were many and varied. A wife and a new life? A new name? She couldn't decide if she should slap Billy upside the head, or punch Sheila in her pretty nose. It was a cold question. 'Why are you here?'
There was no joyous reunion, or loving embrace. No soft touch, followed by hours of lovema
king that Anna had replayed in her head. She had hoped of this impossible opportunity, playing and replaying it in her mind. A tender moment where wrongs would be righted. Best friends and lovers, reunited to complete their lifetime together. A second chance to follow fate.
“Anna, why are you here?” Billy repeated.
Anger crawled inside her skin, boiling her blood as she glanced towards Sheila. As she eyed the woman, hatred spurred Anna’s wrath towards Richard and Cornelius for sending Billy here. The sudden and desperate need to avenge her loss formed an idea.
Atticus said we needed everyone to come to Easton to take him down.
Anna's hands trembled, fresh adrenaline fueling her fire, as she came up with a lie.
“I'm here to warn all of you. I received information from the inside. You need to call a town meeting.”
Billy looked at Sheila and then back to Anna. “Why, what's going on?”
“Cornelius knows I'm here, and he's coming to kill us all. We have to leave.”
“Whoa, slow down there. We're not leaving,” Billy said. He turned to Atticus. “Did you put her up to this?”
Atticus shook his head. “This is the first I'm hearing of it. But if it’s true, we must leave, now.”
Billy let out a sigh. “Cromwell has left us alone so far. We're well hidden in this valley, and from what I've heard from the older members of our town, been living here in peace for decades. I think we'll take our chances. The only people leaving are you and Anna.”
Anna threw her arms in the air. “You're acting like a fool. He's left you alone, because he didn’t realize you were here. Trust me, Billy. He's coming. He's coming and he'll leave no one alive.”
Billy nodded. “Fine. I'll call a meeting so we can inform everyone, but I'm leaving it up to the people of this town to decide what to do. My recommendation will be to stay.” Billy turned to walk away and stopped. He looked at Sheila. “Make sure we get everyone.”
“And the one in the back cell?”
“Richard?” Anna said.
Billy pressed his lips together. “He's here too? Great,” he said, shaking his head.