The Dystopian Gene

by S. E. Meyer

  “That's up to Cornelius. He'll be along soon.”

  ◆◆◆

  Anna grasped Atticus's arm to get his attention. “I have an idea. I'll take care of this.”

  Anna pulled her gun, snapping the receiver and filling the chamber. She spun, holding the gun to Richard's head. “Get Cromwell on the radio!” Anna yelled.

  “Drop your weapon!” the man replied.

  Richard turned. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “I have something, Cornelius wants.” Anna replied. “Get him on the radio now or I kill his precious grandson. Will you take responsibility for that decision?”

  “Are you crazy?” Richard pleaded. “I don't want to go back there.”

  The man walked towards Anna holding a radio. He set it down in the grass and stepped away. Anna pushed Richard in front of her and picked up the radio.

  “Are you there?”

  There was a crackle from the speaker before Cornelius responded. “Miss Wool. We have you surrounded. Give up now and I will make sure no one gets hurt.”

  “I doubt that. Here’s a better idea. I have a gun pointed at Richard's head and I'm offering a trade. You let us pass and I’ll give you back your grandson.“

  There was a long pause. “Did you hear me?” Anna asked.

  “Yes. Okay, Miss Wool, I'll play your little game.”

  The soldiers returned to their vehicles and backed off to a distance of a quarter mile.

  Anna pushed Richard ahead. “Okay, let's go. Everyone, it's time.” She looked at Atticus. “Send the signal.”

  Atticus replied. “I already did.”

  Anna bit into her lip. “How long is it supposed to take? We need it to happen now!”

  Static noise hissed through the radio. “Miss Wool.”

  “What do you want?” Anna snarled, still holding her gun to Richard's head.

  “Turn around.”

  Anna whirled, looking behind her.

  “You were lucky to have found my tracker and removed it. Smart girl, but say goodbye to New Easton.”

  There was a brilliant flash and Anna closed her eyes. Upon opening them, she watched a thick column climb into the sky on the northern horizon, morphing into a mushroom cloud.

  Anna squeezed the handle of her weapon. “No. All those wonderful people,” she whispered, balling her left fist.

  The children.

  Atticus dropped to his knees. “It's gone. All gone.” He pounded the snow-covered ground with his hands. “No, no, no.”

  Billy.

  Anna covered her mouth, a wave of nausea washing over her while watching the mushroom cloud as it continued to rise.

  And Shadow.

  On the verge of collapse, Anna’s knees wobbled. She stumbled sideways as the fowl in her gut attempted to take flight towards an exit.

  She swallowed the bile at the back of her throat, still staring in awe at the rising column of death and destruction.

  The radio crackled.

  “Your move Miss Wool.”

  Anna squeezed the radio with white knuckles, pressing the talk button. “You son of a bitch!” she spat into the microphone. “You killed them. You killed them all. I'm coming for you, Cromwell. I'm coming, and I won't stop until I put a bullet in your brain.”

  She let go of the button. “What is taking so long?”

  Atticus shook his head. “I don't know. Something's wrong.”

  “Send it again. We're out of time."

  ◆◆◆

  Damarion, Jax and the rest of the group stood in place along the wall for several minutes as more soldiers arrived. “He's here,” a soldier announced.

  Cornelius took confident steps down the tunnel, chest puffed and wearing a grin. He slid a radio into his front pocket before stopping to face Damarion. “Good to see you, Damarion.” Cornelius's grin broadened as he walked down the line of handcuffed prisoners. “You know, I suppose I should thank you.”

  Damarion lowered his brow. “Thank me?”

  “Yes. Thank you for telling me where you all have been hiding.”

  Jax stomped his foot. “I knew it!. You bastard. Everything we've worked for.”

  Cornelius's proud smile continued to widen as he stopped again in front of Damarion. “Yes. All you've worked for.” He made eye contact with the man before him. “Even the best-laid plans of wolves and sheep often go astray.”

  “I could have let them bring your little group of bandits to me, but I had to come. I wanted to see the look in your eyes once you knew you had been beaten.” He turned. “And for you all to look into the eyes of the man that had beaten you.”

  “I can't believe you lied to us,” Isabelle said. “My own father.”

  “I did not betray our plan!” Damarion yelled.

  Jax shook his head. “You're going to stand there and deny that you had anything to do with this?”

  Cornelius grinned. “Yes, nothing but a sewer rat, caught in a tunnel.” He laughed.

  “I won't deny, he may have found us because of me, but I didn't rat us out.”

  “I saw your call log. You've been tipping him off this whole time!” Jax blurted.

  “I was trying to buy us time!”

  Cornelius winked. “Settle down now. You'll have plenty of time to be at each other's throats.” He stepped towards Damarion. “I have you all now, including your friends outside. I have them surrounded as we speak. I win.”

  “Are you sure? Because there is something you're forgetting.”

  “What could that be?” Cornelius asked.

  “I guess more of a someone you're forgetting.” Damarion replied.

  “I believe you are all here and accounted for.”

  There was a clatter from the shelving room as the temporary bathroom door opened. “You'd think there would be something else to eat other than cold, canned beans,” Delores complained from the next room, “been in there three times today.”

  Cornelius turned to the soldier on his left. “Go check it out.”

  A tone sounded next to her and Delores's gaze fell on the open cabinet. “Oh! So many switches. I know I shouldn't, but I can't help myself.”

  Damarion grinned as Delores counted. “two, four, six, ten,...”

  Explosions rocked the tunnels, shaking dust from the ceilings and dropping a pile of debris atop the center of Cornelius's bald head.

  CHAPTER 54

  The entire city watched the dust cloud and rainfall of debris settle, unveiling a large gap in the wall. Every device displayed the video feed as over one-hundred people stepped across the threshold of rubble and into the street. With every gaze glued to devices, the people of Easton recognized loved ones with slacked jaws and wide eyes.

  People left their homes, running towards the wall to greet family and friends.

  Anna lowered her weapon. “Go back to where you belong, Richard.”

  “I don’t belong there.”

  “You don’t have much time left. Go and say goodbye to your family.”

  “You know, Anna. All I ever wanted was for you to be happy.”

  “The sooner you get out of my sight, the happier I’ll be.”

  Richard turned. He lowered his head and shuffled toward the line of military vehicles.

  Anna climbed the rubble pile, watching a mother with tear-streaked cheeks wrap her arms around a young man. “Jimmy!” the mother cried, kissing his face. “You're alive!”

  Breezes toyed her hair as Anna lifted her gun and slipped the clip from its handle. She removed the knife from her pocket while popping out the first round with her thumb. Anna unlocked the blade and scratched two letters into the brass casing with a clenched jaw. While rolling the casing between her thumb and index finger, she watched the light reflect the letters 'C. C.' in bright yellow brass. With a nod, she slid the bullet back into the clip.

  Anna scanned the scene of family members celebrating as more citizens arrived at the wall. She looked to her right to find a group of protesters making signs. A young w
oman held up a picture of a dragon with a spear through its heart. A mass of people had gathered in the street, chanting. “Raid the castle. Slay the dragon.”

  Anna smiled as she climbed down onto the pavement. She slammed the magazine into the handle. “Your move, Sir.”

  ◆◆◆

  The gates swung, allowing Cornelius's motorcade onto the mansion’s grounds. The vehicles crept through a swarm of people holding signs showing the dragon with the spear through its heart. Three military vehicles took up the rear. The first held Damarion, George, Isabelle and Jax, while the second held Anna's family.

  The two vehicles holding prisoners stopped in front of a tent erected just inside the gates. Guards escorted the prisoners inside the tent where an iron holding cell had been assembled.

  Cornelius walked into the house, turning before stepping through the doorway. He looked out to the front gate, scanning the swelling crowds as they pushed on the gates, rattling its hinges.

  Cornelius turned to James. “Bring every man we have back here. We need to secure the perimeter, and send the commander to my study. This is getting out of hand.”

  Cornelius went straight to his study. He lit a cigarette, awaiting his guest.

  The commander entered the room. “You asked for me, Sir?”

  “Yes, is it ready?”

  The man nodded. “It's ready when you are.”

  “Excellent. It's time.”

  The commander escorted Cornelius into the large main bath next to the study. Atop the tile floor in the room's corner was a large rectangular box. He opened it, fishing out a small device before connecting it to Cornelius's neck and pressed several buttons on a control panel.

  “The receiver attached to your neck will monitor your vital signs.”

  “There, it's all set, but I hope you never have to use it.”

  “I would agree. But should things go poorly and I die, it will activate the warhead?”

  The man nodded. “Yes. If you die, the entire city of Easton will die with you.”

  “Either way, I win,” Cornelius smiled. “Your move Miss Wool.”

  The butler entered. “Sir, he's here. We have Richard.”

  Cornelius left the study, followed by James. He crossed the ballroom, stopping at Richard's side. His grandson lay on a gurney, unconscious and drooling from the edge of his mouth.

  “He's turning. It won't be long before he goes late stage,” James said.

  Cornelius shook his head while staring down at his grandson. “Oh, Richard. You know better than to eat sheep fodder.”

  He turned to James. “Frank Anderson can fix this, but there's something he'll need.”

  James raised an eyebrow. “The girl?”

  Cornelius nodded. “We need the blood of a lamb.”

  CHAPTER 55

  Anna followed Atticus into the hideout, expecting to find everyone waiting for them.

  “Dad? Sara?” Anna called from the hallway. She entered the dining room and almost ran into Wesley, jogging towards them from the kitchen.

  Wesley smiled, his voice floating into her ears. “Anna, you’re okay.”

  “Yeah, I made it, barely. Where is everyone?”

  “Still in the tunnels.” He turned to Atticus. “We did it. It's over. The people are finally taking notice and standing up to be heard.”

  Atticus nodded. “Thank you for all your help. It's only a matter of time now.”

  “Yes, I've heard thousands are already at Cornelius's gate and ten-thousand more are on their way”.

  “Why is everyone in the tunnels?” Anna asked.

  “Cornelius raided this place, forcing them to hide down there. We need to let them know they can come up. Cornelius had to pull everyone back to the Governor's Mansion for protection.”

  Atticus nodded. “I have those tunnels memorized. I'll go get them.”

  “You want me to go with you?” Anna asked.

  “You two catch up, I'll be fine.”

  Atticus left for the basement and Wesley stepped toward Anna. “We won.”

  “Yes, but I will not stop until I plant a bullet in Cornelius's brain.”

  “It doesn't matter anymore. Cornelius is finished.”

  “Of course it matters,” Anna argued. “He has to pay for what he's done.”

  “It sounds like the people will take care of him for you.” Wesley moved in close, pulling Anna into his strong arms. “Can we forget about it for now? Let's celebrate tonight.”

  Anna pulled away. “I can’t Wesley. All I can think about is ensuring Cornelius’s demise.”

  “Oh, come on.” Wesley grinned. “We won. We accomplished everything we’ve all been working so hard to achieve. Sometime you have to stop and celebrate the win, Anna.”

  Wesley tucked a curl behind her ear with his finger and kissed her cheek. “Let’s go have some fun,” he whispered into her ear.

  Anna surrendered to Wesley’s melodious voice and gentle touch. His words provoked her soul, kindling her spirit, while his brawny embrace fanned the embers, still aglow from their last meeting.

  I could use a little downtime.

  “And there is that rain check.” Wesley smiled.

  Anna returned his smile. She shook her head. “It's a great offer, but I look awful. I'm cold, wet and hungry.”

  “Well then, let's get you warm, dry and fed.”

  ◆◆◆

  After a hot shower, Anna returned to the living room wearing clean clothes and a fresh smile.

  Wesley grinned. “You look amazing. Warm and dry?”

  Anna nodded. “Thank you, I'm feeling better, yes.”

  “Good, how about some food?”

  “We can start with a walk.” Anna took Wesley's hand in hers.

  They toured the streets, taking in the sights and sounds of a city on the brink of revolution. People gathered together in groups, holding signs of the slain dragon. They dared to whisper of what the future could hold now that there was a cure.

  A man bumped into Anna on the street. “Oh, sorry, Miss.” He turned, jogging away with his fists in the air. “No more treatments means no foreclosure. I can afford to keep my house!”

  Anna smiled. “He's excited.”

  Wesley nodded. “Everyone is, Anna. A cure changes everything.”

  They stopped at a place overlooking the north wall. People had brought sledgehammers and mauls, using them to break up more of the concrete barricade.

  Wesley pulled Anna close, pressing his lips to hers.

  Anna's skin tingled.

  They both turned their heads. While standing cheek to cheek they watched the sunset through the opening in the wall.

  “Freedom,” they whispered together.

  “Just another word for nothing left to lose,” they said simultaneously.

  Anna cocked her head. “Joplin?”

  “Huge fan,” Wesley replied as they both laughed.

  Wesley grazed Anna's neck with his chin, sending a surge of electricity down her spine. “My idea of freedom is out there, away from the city. I want to stroll barefoot on a carpet of clover, or dip my toes into a creek while listening to the wind brush bearded barley, not fill my life with meaningless possessions,”

  Anna gazed deep into Wesley's eyes. “Get out of my head, Wesley.”

  Wesley returned Anna's gaze. “I realize we just met, but I feel like I've known you my whole life.”

  Anna understood the sentiment. Like an unseen tether, connected through the ether. It was a genuine connection of thought and feeling between two souls, forged in the fires of time and awaiting discovery.

  Anna ran her hand across Wesley's rippled abdomen. “I know exactly what you mean.”

  And eager for exploration.

  Wesley led Anna back towards his car. “Dinner at my place?” he asked, raising an eyebrow.

  Some wine would be nice, Anna thought.

  Wesley opened the car door for her. “Maybe some wine.”

  Anna smiled, getting into the car. “Tha
nk you.”

  Shrimp cocktail. I love white wine and shrimp.

  Too bad it's so hard to find.

  Anna recalled the time her mother bought shrimp as a treat for Christmas while Wesley got in the car's driver's side.

  Uh, I can't stop thinking about food now.

  Wesley put the car in drive and headed for his apartment on Ninth Street. They had to maneuver through the crowded avenues until coming to a street swelled with people. Wesley had to stop the car. “I guess we're walking from here.”

  They left the car and pushed through the crowd, hand in hand, passing a bar with music playing. People danced in the streets beneath Christmas lights strung between the sidewalks, setting up a makeshift dance floor on the pavement.

  Everyone was drinking, celebrating, and cheering. A man with short brown hair, wearing a blue down-filled jacket held up his glass. “A toast,” he yelled over the music as he stood on a chair. “Tonight we drink, tomorrow we break down the Governor's door and string the lying, greedy bastard in the highest tree!”

  The crowd erupted into cheers and Wesley nodded his head. “See? I told you. The people will lynch him before you get a chance.”

  A new song played and Wesley took Anna's hand. “An oldie, I like this one,” he said, leading her into the street. “Will you dance with me?”

  'You Look Wonderful Tonight' played as Wesley pulled Anna close under the glow of holiday lights. His muscular arms squeezed her torso, inviting a sense of safety she never knew. Security had long since abandoned her, setting sail from Anna’s young shores. The comfort returned with an unexpected tide, abating her sea of sorrows while anchored in Wesley’s words and properly moored in the strong ropes of his embrace.

  Anna freed her burdens through a long breath as her lower lip quivered.

  Wesley’s lips grazed Anna's ear as he whispered the lyrics. “I said my darling, you look wonderful tonight.”

  Anna pulled away. She gazed into Wesley's eyes, studying his blurred features through the hint of a tear. “Who are you?” She asked, turning to dab her eyes.

  Anna's stomach growled as the song ended.

  Wesley took her hand. “Sounds like you need to eat. Come on, my place is just down the street.”