I feel myself begin to waver ever so slightly and know that I can’t hold up for much longer. Jack, I reach out, don’t kill him, but get me out of here, please.
I last just long enough to see Jack tackle Elias roughly from the side. The last thing I hear is Jack’s guttural snarl before my world goes black.
I know I’m safe before I open my eyes with the feel of the road moving underneath me. My head aches awfully and I’m a little tired and nauseous, but otherwise I’m no worse for wear. I work up the courage to crack one eye open. The bright Florida sun seeps in and hurts, but I suck it up and open the other one, too. Jack grins at me. I note the blood on his fingers and mouth and frown.
“Don’t worry. I just took a little nibble. I owed him a scare.” Jack grins. The blood adds a macabre effect to his words.
Maybe it’s the after-effects of whatever Elias does, but I begin to laugh. It starts as a giggle and builds into a roaring sound. Apparently it’s contagious as Jack and Cyrus join in.
I glance back to see two other people besides Cyrus in the back seat. Neither is conscious and I don’t recognize them.
Cyrus looks at me sheepishly as our laughter dies down. “There are two more in the trunk—comfortably in the trunk.” He adds in quickly.
I cringe slightly. “Let’s hope we don’t get pulled over. I’m not sure how to explain that.”
At that statement Jack eases off the gas slightly.
Grief
We return to Jack’s to find a flurry of activity. I take a firm berating from Shay over my actions, but I know I deserve it. It doesn’t last for long. Shay helps Cyrus and Jack get our newest refugees inside. They begin with the two in the back seat and deposit them on the sofas Chase and other Lettie have now thankfully vacated.
On the way back out to get the others, Cyrus pulls me aside. “Lettie, there’s something that you should know before we get them.”
It’s the tone of his voice that pauses me more than his words. “What is it?”
Cyrus rubs at the back of his head. “They... uh.... They’re also you.”
“Wait, what?”
Before he can elaborate Jack and Shay walk by with two more unconscious Lettie’s in their arms. I do my best fish impersonation as they pass.
“We’re going to put them in the bedroom,” Jack huffs as he goes by. “We’re running out of bloody accommodations.”
“We’re going to have to start numbering me.” I mutter as I go in to find Mom and Maddy.
On my way I pass other Lettie who looks more in shock than I feel. Mom, Maddy, and Bella are in the basement. When I tell them about our newest guests I note the look of concern on their faces.
“This isn’t good, Lettie.” Mom says. “I don’t like this one bit.”
“I agree.” Maddy says. “Elias is up to something big.”
“What do we do?” I ask. “Can we get them back to their realities?”
“Perhaps.” Maddy says. “It’ll be somewhat simpler than when we had to transport Eunice because they know their homes. It’s not blindly jabbing in the dark... but it still requires a lot of energy. It’s not an easy task.”
“And what’s to keep Elias from snatching them up once more?” Mom points out.
“So they stay for now?” I mumble more than ask.
“Yes, dear.” Maddy confirms.
“I know it’s weird, sweetheart, but it won’t last forever.” Mom says.
“I know.”
“If we wake everyone perhaps we can figure out what Elias is up to.” Maddy says.
I pat Bella and nod. “Where do you want to start?”
Mom studies me. “Are you up for it? You look tired.”
I shrug. “I’m okay. I’ll rest when we’re done.” Maybe.
We begin in the living room mostly because the other, other mes freak me out. I reach out the same as before, but the weave around these two are strong—too strong. Mom and Maddy flank me again, but even with them and everything in me, it won’t give. My head begins to spin a little. It’s Jack who stops us as he notices the blood that drips from my nose. He does so just in time yet just too late. The world spins faster until it fades away completely.
A bass drum. That’s all that seems to thrum through my skull. I try to lift my head and open my eyes, but the pain changes my mind quickly. Maybe I’ll just lie here and rest for a bit.
My mother’s voice hushes me soothingly as someone places a cool cloth on my head. It feels good and helps ease the pounding in my brain.
“Lettie, you need rest. Drink this, dear.” I feel a hand gently lift my head and a cup press to my mouth. The liquid inside is warm and sweet. It spreads warmth and relaxation throughout my body. My head back in place, I fade away to the darkness once more.
I stretch out and realize it’s familiar. I’m home, in my apartment. And my own bed feels absolutely amazing. In fact, I feel pretty amazing myself. I don’t know what was in Maddy’s little potion, but it certainly did the trick.
In the living room I find Mom and Jack. They actually appear to be getting along well. I’m sure their mutual hate for Elias has given them some camaraderie.
“You look much better.” Mom says, clearly happy about it.
“Aye, well the lass did sleep for three days.” Jack teases.
“Three days?” I practically stutter. “Why didn’t someone wake me up?”
“Because you obviously needed it, love.” Shay comes out of the bathroom. “Now I just drew you a bath.” He ushers me away. “Relax, then come eat. I’ll bring you coffee soon.”
He shuts the door behind him before I can reply, but I have no plans to argue. I climb into the bubbly mass and let the hot water do its thing. At some point Shay returns and deposits a piping hot mug of coffee on the small table beside the tub. I mumble thanks.
The water cools, so I down my coffee and switch into shower mode. The knots in my hair prove they aren’t lying about the sleep thing. When it’s all said and done, I feel ready to take on anything.
Shay insists I eat. When we’re done we opt for Shay’s car to return to Jack’s.
“We have some new leads.” Mom says. “Maddy explains it better than I can.”
In the basement Maddy hovers over a table stacked with open books. She grins when she sees me. “You look well.”
“Thanks to you.” I give her a hug. “What do you have for me?”
Her eyes glimmer with excitement. “First, I found a way to increase the power of your abilities even more—hopefully enough to be untouchable by Elias.”
“Cool.” I won’t knock that.
“Then I found the proper spell to awaken the other two Lettie’s.” Maddy frowns, “Only it doesn’t work on our two guests in the living room and I can only think of one reason why.”
“It’s them. It’s the leaders of Aether and Abyssus.” I don’t ask it because I already know.
Maddy nods. “I think they need to be in a safer location until we can figure out how to set them free.”
“Maybe at Shay’s? All those Cerberuses can surely protect them.” I suggest.
“I’ll get the team on it.” Mom says. Her, Jack and Shay go upstairs to get them ready.
“The other two Lettie’s were also very informative. From what I can ascertain, Elias is going through each of the alternate dimensional realities and taking those he feels he can extort power from. His frustration is that so far he hasn’t found any yous that match your power.
“His access to the other yous also must be the reasoning behind his control over you.” Maddy continues. “Only I’m not sure it’s just magic he’s using. It may be some combination of magic and science. I’ll figure it out, I just need more time.”
“It’s okay, Maddy. This all helps so much as it is.”
“Well, for now we’re going to supercharge you and see if it helps.” Maddy says.
“We need to start thinking about how we’re going to end this.” I say softly and Bella whines.
�
�I know.” Maddy says. “And we will—but not until I’m certain we’re ready. You don’t go running off into the fire again, either. It’ll just slow things down while you recuperate.”
I roll my eyes, but don’t speak because I know Maddy is right. Going back to Elias’ was foolish and headstrong... but the pros we have from it are well worth it.
“Shall we?” Maddy asks as she pours the rest of a packet of powder into a bowl. “I’m all set here.”
I take the hands she reaches towards me and listen as she begins to chant the ancient language. Soon everything around us glows in a golden hue until it overpowers all else. When Maddy begins to channel the energy inside me I feel it bloom. Just when I think I’m about to burst it manages to cram more in, and when the light fades completely I can feel the energy pulse within me, just beneath the surface.
“Better?” Maddy asks.
“Oh, yeah.” I assure her. “I can totally work with this.”
“We need recon.” Cyrus argues against Shay. “I know it’s not what you want to hear, but it’s the truth.”
We all sit and try to make some sort of sense of this mess we’re in. And as much as I hate to admit it, Cyrus is right. We need more information if we’re ever going to beat Elias.
I open my mouth but barely get a sound out before Shay gives me a stern look. “Don’t even think about it.” He says in a tone that makes me decide I won’t... at least, not yet.
“I just don’t see what other options we have.” I point out.
I notice Chase mutter something to other Lettie—his other Lettie—while she shakes her head no. Despite her protest, he stands. “I have an idea. You can’t go, Lettie, nor any of the rest of you without being noticed. But I can.”
“How’s that then?” Jack asks.
Chase studies his feet for a moment. “There are others of me there. More than one. We’re really hard to tell apart easily.”
“You could blend right in.” I follow his gist.
“Exactly.”
“I don’t like it.” Other me protests. “It’s too dangerous.”
“It could be,” Chase agrees. “But I owe it to Lettie.” He gives me a small sheepish smile. “And I want to help.”
“I think it’s a good plan.” Cyrus says.
“There’s nobody else that can do it?” I ask.
“Only a few, you included—but they’d put you right into cryostate.” Chase says.
A small voice in my head whispers how that’s my in. What better way to infiltrate than to have someone waltz me right in? I’ll let them do their recon for now, but soon I’ll be going back—and if all goes well Chase will walk me right in.
Despite the fact that I feel better—much better—I decide to stay put while Chase is gone. Partly because I don’t want to miss his return, and partly because I feel like I’m missing something that’s right in front of my face.
I join Mom and Maddy in the basement and hit the books. I find many similarities with our situation, but nothing that fits everything. I grab a legal pad that’s nearby and begin to scribble facts. As I go, it hits me. Nothing’s what it seems here, so why should anything be by the book? What if this isn’t just one spell, but rather a bunch of spells modified to meet Elias’ needs? It explains why we can’t find it, because up until now it hasn’t existed.
I begin to jot down the similarities. Once I have enough of a pattern I ask Mom and Maddy over to get their thoughts.
I can tell I’m on to something almost immediately by the sparkle that appears in Maddy’s eyes. “Yes, this finally makes sense.” She continues to mutter to herself as she grabs my notes and shoos me from the pile of books.
On my way out of the basement I snag one last book to do a little research of my own. I slip it into my bag before I let the gaggle of men that insist on knowing where I’m at constantly know that I’ll be at the beach. I stop for a coffee and find a good bench to flip pages on.
Shapeshifting? Interesting, but not this time. A definite bookmark, though... Hmm...Ah—here we are. This should do the trick.
The spell will mask my powers, enough so that I’ll be able to pass as another Lettie...a not me Lettie... a Lettie that can get closer to Elias without setting off all of his bells and whistles.
I snap a pic of what I’ll need on my phone. Then for good measure I snap one of the spell, too. I head deep into the shopping district, into the areas that’s nothing but foot traffic allowable, and into a small door of a hole-in-the-wall shop that you can’t hardly notice if you don’t know that it’s there. Inside I find all I need, and a gracious shop owner who’s been at it long enough to know when not to ask questions.
First stop is home. I shower, change, stash the book, and resupply before I head back to Jack’s. Once there, I feed the fish I caved and brought over last week. I’m here more than there, and don’t want the poor guy to die. After I check in with Shay, Jack, and Cyrus, I go find Chase. His Lettie and another are deep into a conversation so it’s simple to grab him away.
In the front yard I tell Chase my plan. He doesn’t like it, but he agrees like I knew he would. “It has to happen.” I tell him.
“I know. And it’s the least I can do.” Chase says. I don’t point out that he’s already done more than enough. “Only the others are going to freak.”
“Not if they don’t know she’s gone.” Another me comes from around the corner. Crap.
“You’re not his Lettie.” I can tell. Come to think of it, she might actually be able to pass as me. She has the attitude for it.
She shakes her head no. “No, and I think all of this waiting is stupid. So if all I can do is fake being you so you can go get some actual things done, it’s better than nothing.”
Can’t really argue with that logic. “She’s got a point.”
Chase just sighs.
“Here.” Other me copies my hair and we switch shirts quickly while Chase coughs and quickly turns around.
I give other me a fist bump. “Give them hell.” Then I grab Chase’s hand and poof us to my apartment. It doesn’t take long to cast the spell to hide my true power. Once it’s done I grin at Chase.
“Is there anything that you need before we do this?” I ask him.
He shrugs. “A uniform would be nice, but I’m not sure where we’d get one.”
I vaguely recall them. Somewhere here I have some of Gabe’s clothes. Maybe there’ll be something Chase can use to blend.
It’s all okay until the moment I pull out a shirt and Gabe’s smell hits me. It’s like a locomotive full of emotions slams into my chest at the familiar scent. I wish I could say that it’s all anger and pain, but it’s not. It’s longing, and a desire above all else to just see Gabe one more time.
I sniffle back the snot from the tears and wipe my eyes. This isn’t the time. When this is all over I can break down all I want, but who knows how long this spell will last for. I steel my nerve and find a shirt and pair of pants that I think will pass. When I bring them to Chase he doesn’t say a word about my current emotional state—of which I’m very grateful.
I compose myself while Chase changes in the bathroom. Instead of focusing on the sadness inside me, I find the rage. I don’t let it reach its full potential in fear of glowing parts blowing my cover, but I keep it stoked and on reserve for when the time is right.
Chase comes out and looks at me nervously. “So I captured you?”
“Yeah, from wherever.” I confirm. “You ready.”
“Does it matter?” He half-jokes.
“If you don’t want to—” I begin.
“I want to, Lettie.” Chase cuts me off. “I just don’t want anything bad to happen.”
“All we can do is our best.” I say honestly, because saying something bad definitely won’t happen is just an outright lie and we both know it.
“Then let’s go.”
Before Chase can change his mind I poof us to the Everglades, close enough to hike there, but far enough where Elias hopefull
y won’t take notice. We trek through swampy bug-infested muck for a time when Chase shoves me roughly in front of him.
“I said walk.” He says gruffly. We must be closing in.
I hang my head in mock defeat, but carefully inspect all that I can around me. We approach a massive steel door. Chase walks right up to a camera pointing down at us and demands entrance with an authority I didn’t know he possessed. I half expect the cavalry to behind the door as it opens to take us both away, but the hall inside is clear.
I take note of cameras at the end of the hall. As far as I can tell, there’s only one surefire way to make this look good so that we can both do some recon.
“Meet me back here in a half hour. And sorry. Just lay here for a minute, make it look real.” I whisper softly in case those cameras have audio. Before Chase can reply I turn and half bash him in the head, half push him down. Hopefully it looks real enough without actually hurting him. Then I run like hell.
I figure I have a small window before Elias sends his goons after me. The toughest part will be remembering to play weak and powerless. I just hope that I can pull it off.
Soon the hallways end in a series of doors. I pick one randomly, fling it open, and step inside. Another long hall greets me, this one more tunnel like, with yellowish lights guiding the way every so many feet. I still run as fast as my feet will carry me, careful not to do anything out of the ordinary. At the end of this hall is a massive steel door. I wonder if typical me can even open it, but it glides smoothly out of my way. I shut it silently behind me and take in the massive chamber. All I can see are rows upon rows of pods. For a second it overwhelms me.
I begin to look more closely at them. One, then another. I find a row of Chases. Another of Maddys. But mostly it’s me. Row after row of me.
Soul Decisions Page 13