Ben looked down at his hands, obviously concerned with our lack of a plan. Richard studied him from his reclining chair, leaning on the armrest and rubbing his chin with his callused hand.
You look just like them you know, Charles and Olivia.
Stunned by Richard’s comment, Ben straightened up at the mention of his parents.
And I’m going to guess you inherited their minds as well.
I’m not sure I know what you’re talking about.
Everyone who met your parents knew your dad was a genius. Puzzles, equations, debates. They were simple for him. Your mom held the social aspect your father lacked. But many people did not realize she was the strategist of the couple. Her gift was with people: reading their reaction, predicting their behavior, and persuading them to change their mind.
Ben hungrily absorbed the information about his parents as Richard continued.
I can see already you have inherited your mother’s observation and discernment but what about your father?
I don’t understand.
Ben, it was your parents who created the Influencers. If anyone knows how to destroy them, it is you. Their way of thinking was unique and stopping what they have put into motion is going to take that exact kind of mind.
But I don’t know how.
Richard didn’t seem panicked by Ben’s admittance of failure. He merely smiled from across the room, calm and confident.
If you are their child, I have no doubt you do. You might not realize it yet, but you will.
***
In the morning, I woke up on the pull-out sofa to the sound of birds chirping outside. My hand searched the covers next to me before my eyes had opened, finding an empty and cold pillow.
The house was silent. It must have been too early for the others to be out of bed yet, Richard in his room and Kate and Noah in the guest room. Ben and I had insisted on sleeping on the couch’s mattress, surrendering the guest room immediately.
Sitting up, I looked around the room for Ben. Next to the window, I found him sitting with his back toward me, the soft morning sunshine clinging to him as he looked out at the surrounding nature. He heard the bedding rustle and turned his head toward me.
Ben, what are you doing?
I couldn’t sleep.
He looked down in his hands as I realized he was holding something: the small brown leather-bound notebook from the cabin.
What do you have?
It was my father’s notebook. He used it to write ideas, solve equations, and make lists. I started reading it when I first arrived at the cabin.
Can I see?
He nodded and stood up from his seat next to the window, sitting on the bed next to me. I looked down at the notebook in his lap as he opened the cover.
As he flipped through the journal, I saw numbers, diagrams, and notes scratched all over the pages. It was pure chaos on paper.
I don’t understand any of it.
Ben chuckled as he continued to turn the pages, scanning the content quickly.
My dad always had this thing with him. When he thought of something, he would open it up and write it down. Sometimes there would be ten different topics on a page but to him, it made sense.
And to you?
He was silent as he closed the book, rubbing his hand along the smooth, supple brown leather.
Darcy, I don’t know if I can do it. I can only understand some of what he’s written here. It’s like trying to follow research someone has completed over their entire life. To him, it was organized. To me, it’s like a puzzle.
It’s okay, Ben. I know you can do it. But you’re not alone.
Yeah, I know.
Lifting his head, he met eye contact and offered me an appreciative grin before leaning over and kissing me. As he pulled away, I could see the burst of color explode from his pupils.
And I don’t just mean me. We’re going to need more help.
His eyes darkened as he nodded his head hesitantly. The guilt he felt in endangering another person’s life was written clearly across his face.
But first, we need a plan.
I straightened my posture, positioned myself squarely beside him and nodded my head toward the notebook.
Then, let’s get started.
Over the next couple of early morning hours, Ben and I poured over the notes that filled the pages of his dad’s notebook. Together, we were able to connect certain topics to one another and make sense of several diagrams.
There was no doubt Ben’s mind worked identically to his dad’s as he followed equations and diagrams at an impressively rapid rate. In truth, I struggled to keep up with his pace and merely provided moral support, asking questions to redirect him on the right path.
Finally, we reached a rather complex diagram. Ben stared at it for what seemed like twenty minutes. In one section of the paper, I noticed a set of numbers and letters that seemed familiar.
Ben, look at those numbers. Don’t they look familiar to you?
He stopped what he was doing and looked to where my finger pointed on the page.
Coordinates?
That’s what I was thinking. But for what?
Well, on the top of this page, there are notes about the Society’s network and how my dad constructed it.
So, the network is located in countless different coordinates?
Ben’s brow was furrowed as he leaned over the precise handwriting of his father.
It seems so. But I’m not familiar with this computer terminology he is using.
I raised my eyebrows and sat up straight, an idea bursting into the forefront of my mind. Ben seemed to notice and looked over at me, waiting for the words that threatened to spill from my mouth.
I have an idea who can help with that but it’s going to require another trip.
***
By the time the rest of the group joined Ben and I, we had already formed the next step to our plan. With a pot of coffee in one hand and a box of donuts in the other, Richard sat down at the head of the table with Kate, Noah, Ben, and me.
Boston?
Yeah, but we’re not driving this time. It would take longer than the trip here.
Kate emptied her glass of milk before asking questions, Noah sipping his coffee beside her.
And when you get there, what will you do? You won’t have a car for a quick escape.
We only plan to be there long enough for Brendan to help us decode some information. With that information, we will know where to head next. Plus, we can always rent a car.
And you plan on flying on a plane using your real identities? Don’t you think the Influencers will find you?
I looked to Ben who seemed to be questioning the same thing. Surprisingly, it was Richard who broke the silence.
I can help with that. I’ve got a guy who can create new identities seamlessly. Let me grab my boots.
I raised my eyebrows in surprise and looked around the table at my friends’ identical expressions. Kate recovered quickly.
So, when you say we’re traveling, who does that include?
Well…
I couldn’t bring myself to tell Kate she wouldn’t be coming with us. Her small frame looked even more vulnerable as I struggled to find the words that needed spoken. Yet, it was Noah who found the words for which I had been searching.
I don’t want you to go.
Kate’s mouth gaped open as she turned to look at her husband. He sat straight in his chair, confident in his choice.
What?
I said I don’t want you to go. It’s not just your life you’re risking anymore. It’s our child’s. I can’t let you go.
But I can help.
No. I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to you or the baby. You can’t fight and I wouldn’t be able to focus on anything but protecting you if you went.
She looked hurt as her husband excluded her from the entire plan. Her eyes became misty before she looked down at her hands laying in her lap.
Oh
, baby, I didn’t mean to hurt your feelings…
No, I understand.
Then, why are you crying?
Kate took a moment to swallow hard and wipe the tears beginning to run down her cheeks. Noah rubbed her arm as he patiently waited for her to explain.
I’m just afraid of losing you. I can’t do this alone.
She rubbed her stomach and looked down at her small bump, her unborn child needing a father. Noah stood up from his chair and got down on both knees in front of Kate. He placed his hands on both sides of her stomach and looked deeply into her eyes.
Nothing could stop me from coming back to you.
Ben and I met eye contact with one another and stood up, giving the two of them the privacy they deserved. My vision blurred with tears as Ben and I walked through the front door onto the porch and waited for Rich to join us.
I was leaving my best friend. Noah was leaving his wife. As we faced the danger ahead of us, I couldn’t help but think of the sacrifice everyone was making. There was no promise any of us would survive, forever incapable of returning to Kate.
VI.
FREEDOM TRAIL
After Richard had taken us to get our new credentials, we quickly packed up our belongings and headed for the airport. Kate and Richard dropped us off at the terminal and waved as we entered through the glass sliding doors.
Noah and Kate had taken their time saying goodbye, tears no stranger to their conversation. While waiting, Ben and I stood talking to Richard on the other side of the SUV.
You know my number, Darcy. Make sure to call with updates or if you need help. At least call to reassure Kate that you’re fine. She doesn’t need to put her body through so much stress.
I nodded obediently like a child taking commands from her father. In many ways, that’s what Richard had become for me. Now, I left my best friend and her unborn child under his protection as we crossed the country on a dangerous and perhaps impossible mission.
I threw my arms around his neck and said my final farewell. Somberly, Noah gave Kate a final squeeze before coming around the back of the SUV and nodding, letting me know it was my turn.
Ben and Noah stood with Rich as I made my way over to Kate. She stood, small and broken as she watched her husband prepare to depart. As I reached to embrace her, something seemed to snap in her expression. Desperately she hugged me, whispering in my ear.
Promise you will bring him back to me.
I promise, Kate. It’s going to be fine.
No, no. I don’t need false optimism. Just promise me he’ll come back.
She pulled away from her desperate embrace and looked straight into my eyes, her glance flickering rapidly in search of my promise. I nodded my head, worried for my friend. Going into an extremely dangerous mission, the pressure of my promise to Kate laid heavy on my heart. If I had to admit the truth, I had no idea if any of us would live to see a day without the Influencers.
***
Rich’s fake ID guy did a good job on these.
I looked down at the fictitious driver’s licenses and passports Richard’s connection had created for us. Under married names, Ben and I were now Dean and Nora Barrett. Noah leaned forward over the console and flashed his ID.
Yeah, at least you aren’t Frank Morris.
Ben glanced over at the card in Noah’s hand as we came to a stop at a red light, chuckling at Noah’s dismay. The rental car was a nice change from my dated SUV, providing leather, heated seats and GPS. Having already entered our destination into the system, the screen on the dashboard continued to guide Ben down the intricate streets of Boston.
In March, the east coast city held chilly temperatures which required the three of us to dress in layers. From the passenger seat, I looked over at Ben in his black jacket and jeans. In the back seat, Noah wore a gray sweatshirt with black jogging sweats. Even my own sweater and jacket didn’t seem warm enough in the cold and rainy weather around us.
The GPS announced our destination was on the right as I looked up at a tall apartment building. After parking around the corner, Ben came around the front of the car to join Noah and me on the curb. We all looked up at the building and then at our surroundings before heading toward the entrance, Noah leading the way with Ben on our tails.
After climbing three flights of stairs and finding the apartment number Brendan had given me over the phone, I knocked on the door and waited for an answer. Almost immediately, my old comrade from the facility appeared on the other side of the door.
Hey, guys! Long time, no see. Come on in.
Ben allowed Noah and me to enter the apartment, looking around the hall before stepping through the doorway. Brendan’s apartment was pleasant with a large window in the living room overlooking the street. Had it not been for the gloominess of the weather outside, it would have provided an abundance of natural light in the apartment.
Brendan seemed happy; his hair had grown longer and was messily styled on the top. The sweater and khakis he wore seemed out of place from the outfits he had worn in the facility. After we were all seated on his parallel couches, Ben placed the notebook on the coffee table in front of us.
It’s nice to see you again, Brendan.
Yeah, you too. We all thought you were, you know, dead.
Ben smiled at Brendan and shook his head, opening the notebook and flipping to the page filled with computer terminology.
Not yet. So how much did Darcy tell you?
Um, not much. Didn’t want to say too much over the phone.
As Ben started explaining what we had decoded thus far, Brendan leaned over the coffee table with his brow furrowed in concentration. The room was silent for a moment as Brendan followed the diagram and letters on the page.
Wow.
Surprised by his comment, I leaned forward on the couch across from them. Noah rested into the corner of the couch beside me with his arms folded over his chest, observing the entire conversation coolly.
What do you mean “wow”?
I mean Ben’s dad was a genius. The way he designed this network, it’s incredible.
I looked over at Ben who seemed both proud of his father and fearful of the system we were intending to destroy. Brendan continued to pour over the pages, now smiling in admiration.
I can’t believe we even thought the shutdown at the facility was the end of it all. This is so much bigger than we could have imagined.
Ben looked down at the pages, following Brendan’s fingers as he explained further.
Your dad created the system to be nearly indestructible. Whenever we destroyed the headquarters’ system, it only replicated and dispersed globally. The worm I planted could only destroy that system. It was blocked from traveling further. These coordinates tell the locations of the network systems. If one fails, the information is duplicated to the others.
My stomach dropped as I questioned the amount of impact we had on the Influencers’ system.
So, you mean the shutdown accomplished absolutely nothing?
Noah chuckled and rubbed the top of his head, his hair short enough on the sides to see his scalp.
Besides letting us escape.
Brendan looked around the room at his audience, moving his hands emphatically as he spoke.
No, I wouldn’t say that. It would have created enough damage to force them to recover from the loss but the system itself is still fully operational.
Which means that if we just keep destroying one system, it will continue to replicate and create a never-ending cycle?
Ben met eye contact with me as I uttered the disheartened question. However, it was not failure in his eyes, but an idea. Brendan had sparked an idea in him and I watched as it came to fruition. He grabbed the notebook from the table quickly and started leafing through the pages. Finally, Ben found the page he was searching for and placed the open notebook back on the table.
I think my dad made a way to stop it. Look.
The diagram under Ben’s finger illustrated the reverse of the
first drawing Brendan had explained. Instead of one system dispersing to countless others, it showed only four network systems leading back to one. Brendan studied the illustration and shook his head in disbelief.
But why would he do that? Create a way to destroy his own system?
My parents raised me to believe that people are drawn to power. If it got into the wrong hands, it would be abused. They must have known it could possibly happen to their own system one day.
Hope swelled in my chest as a solution became more and more possible. I looked at Ben, positive he felt the same optimism I did.
So, he made a self-destruct button?
No, not a button. He would not have made it that easy. For the network to be destroyed, pieces of the systems would have to be attached to the original device. Dad called it the “mother” system. It’s what he used to create the other systems.
Ben looked toward Brendan, pressing his finger onto the pages of the notebook.
That’s where you come in.
Brendan’s expression was filled with both fear and excitement.
I have no idea what the pieces we need will look like or where to find them.
Why do I feel like this will require me to go with you?
Ben smiled confidently at Brendan who seemed nervous as he twisted his fingers together and tapped his foot.
Darcy was right. You are smart.
I laughed at Brendan’s expression as Ben jested with him, clearly unsure about how to joke with his former instructor. Ben was undoubtedly trying to calm Brendan’s fear. Excited for the plan unfolding before us, I pushed forward with arrangements.
So where to first?
As Brendan searched the coordinates on his computer, Ben wrote them down on a piece of paper. By the end of their conversions, there were at least thirty different locations on the page. When Ben wrote down the last location, I noticed his body tense immediately. South Sudan.
I pushed past his intensity and looked at the list of locations on the paper.
But there are way more coordinates than there are system pieces.
My dad must have only planted the devices in some of the systems.
So, how do we know which ones have what we’re looking for? We can’t possibly travel to all these locations.
The Legacy: The Influencers Book 2 (The Society) Page 4