No, we can’t.
Ben stared down at the notebook, concentrating intensely on the four boxes in the diagram. It was as if a light went off in his head as he leafed through the pages and stopped on what looked like a love note. He read the words out loud to himself.
As the towering clock strikes, I will search for you: the apple of my eye, the charity of my soul. To the end of the earth, I will search for you.
The room was silent as Ben finished reading the paragraph aloud. His eyes met mine instantly, soft at first and then intense in thought.
But what does that have to do with the coordinates?
I don’t think it’s a love note. I think it’s a hint to the four locations.
He pulled the paper closer to him on the coffee table. Sliding from the couch, I sat on my knees next to him comparing the list of locations to his father’s handwriting.
Towering clock must mean Big Ben in London. Apple refers to New York. And charity of my soul…
South Sudan.
Ben lifted his eyes to meet mine as he nodded in confirmation.
Yes. But the end of the earth, it’s too general. Could just mean that it’s far away. China, Russia…
What if he meant literally the end of the earth? Picture a globe.
We both scanned across the ten locations and pointed to the same one simultaneously.
Australia.
So, now what? What about the mother system?
I’m not sure. I haven’t figured that out yet.
And what do we do until then?
We go find the pieces and hope we’re right about this.
Ben looked around the room at our team: Brendan shuffling nervously in his seat and Noah leaning forward on the couch seeming ready for action.
Okay. So, when we get to these locations, what should we expect? Underground, secured facilities?
Ben shook his head, looking around the room as Brendan continued to type on his computer. Noah and I sat, absorbing every detail Ben explained about the mission.
No, I’ve been to the locations in London and New York. That is, if they haven’t moved them since my parents and I visited. They are hidden in plain sight, a front for a business.
Meaning the “business” will be filled with Influencers. The same people who have been looking for us.
You knew this wouldn’t be easy, Darcy.
I nodded, realizing we were walking into the hands of those we’d been running and hiding from for months. It was Ben’s confidence that made me stay when all I wanted was to return to our cabin in the woods, hidden from the world.
***
Noah and Brendan were both asleep in the back of the car, curled up in opposite corners with their arms crossed over their chests. Ben lay his head on the passenger side window, failing to stay awake no matter how hard he tried.
I looked down at the GPS and realized we were only halfway to New York City. From there, we would have to scope out the place and find a weakness in their security. All without getting caught. That is, if they didn’t already know we were on our way.
My world would never be the same after finding out about the Society. There was no losing the feeling we were constantly being watched. No privacy, no sense of security. As long as the Influencers existed, there was no life for me and Ben, for any of us. Only hiding.
VII.
BOARD MEETING
When do you think we should go in?
Ben and I sat across from the building he once knew belonged to the Society matching the coordinates from his dad’s notebook. He shook his head, still scanning the entrance to the building.
Not yet.
We sat in a café across the street, each of us with an earpiece we had purchased from an electronics store nearby. Noah was stationed down the street near a hotdog stand, reading a newspaper. Brendan sat outside the café on a bench glued to his phone.
Suddenly, Ben sat straight up in his chair and watched as a middle-aged man ascended the stairs toward the front of the building. He had salt and pepper hair, a seemingly expensive suit, and a look that could cut through glass. The tailoring of his suit displayed his trim build. We watched as he disappeared through the entry of the building, Ben remaining at attention.
Ben, what is it?
That was Robert Warden. He’s a member of the Board.
I heard Brendan speak in my earpiece.
You mean the Board is here? I thought this was just a site where they kept their systems, not where they held meetings! That means they have security guards here, too!
Ben relaxed and pulled his ballcap lower over his face.
Well, they had to go somewhere after you all blew up their old headquarters. I guess they chose here.
Noah’s voice came into the conversation as he chuckled at Ben’s playful remark.
You know we did. Thanks to Kate’s bomb-making skills! Hold on… should I be careful not to tick her off?
I laughed softly at Noah’s energy and at the image of tiny Kate manhandling her sturdy husband.
Yes, you should be very careful.
Three hours went by and hundreds of faces passed the window of the café. Yet, none were the faces of the board members. The sun had begun its descent to the horizon, the city coming alive with lights. Headlights of passing vehicles, neon signs in the windows of businesses, and streetlamps now illuminated the sidewalks.
Alright, it’s time.
Ben and I walked out of the restaurant together, Brendan looking up from his phone as we walked across the busy street. I could see Noah walking in our direction down the sidewalk, his hands in his sweatshirt pockets as he casually weaved in and out of the crowd of people.
The four of us closed in on the building’s entrance, separating ourselves among numerous other pedestrians. Several businessmen accompanied us onto the elevator as it ascended to the top floor of the skyscraper.
After the employees exited the elevator several floors down, the four of us stood alone in the enclosed space. When the elevator doors finally opened, we were greeted by darkness. All the lights in the office were turned off except several security lights in the hallways.
Exiting the elevator, the front reception desk stood in the center of a wall with a logo reading “Harvey & Winfield Consultants.” The absolute silence of the office was eerie as we carefully made our way toward the two hallways.
Ben and Brendan went left while Noah and I went right. Cautiously, Noah and I passed several empty offices housing desks and name placards. He led the way down the hall, searching for any Society member who may pose a threat to Ben and Brendan finding the system.
I think we found the systems room. Brendan just needs to figure out which piece is the correct one and then we leave.
Ben’s whisper in the earpiece sent chills down my spine, goosebumps running up my arms and legs as the intensity of the moment built. Noah stopped in his tracks, looking over his shoulder at me and nodding toward one of the doors in front of him.
I spotted a sliver of light under the door labeled conference room. Carefully, I alerted the others that we were not alone.
We’ve got company. Conference room.
Ben’s voice was calm as he assessed our situation.
How many are we talking?
Not sure.
Noah advanced toward the room, listening at the door for any sign of occupancy. Suddenly, the door was thrust open and the familiar face of Robert Warden greeted us. Although appearing irritated by our presence, the gun in his hand nevertheless provided him with the advantage.
Noah and I stood in the light flooding from the doorway, frozen in place as the board member smiled at us. His voice nearly sent me running as the unnaturally deep timber of it spilled into the hallway.
Do come in. I must say I’m surprised by your arrival at our new headquarters. It does worry me that the last facility you visited is now buried under a mountain. Nevertheless, it makes finding and killing you so much easier.
As he waved his gun fo
r us to enter, Noah and I hesitantly walked into the conference room. Neither Ben nor Brendan could be heard on our earpieces.
The room was large, housing a long and impressive conference table with tall black leather chairs lined on both sides. Yet, it was not the gun or the disturbing grin on the gunman’s face that made my stomach churn. A sharp gasp escaped my lips at the sight before me.
In five of the high-backed chairs sat the other board members. Three women and two men sat with blank faces, each with a bullet hole in their forehead. My heart threatened to beat out of my chest as I noticed their slack, pale faces, blood soaking through the material on their shoulders.
As you see, you’ve caught me at a bad time. I was just about to call someone to clean the mess in here.
I glanced over at Noah who stood extremely tense as his eyes scanned over the board members. The shock and confusion must have been evident on our faces as Warden snickered. I whirled around and looked at him, my mouth gaping open.
You killed them? But why?
He stretched his arms out away from his body and gestured proudly to himself.
You’re looking at the sole board member and new President of the Influencers. Every decision is up to me. I have freed myself. I have freed the Society!
You’re insane.
No, in fact, I have never felt better. But before I start explaining myself, why doesn’t Ben come and join us? Benjamin, do you mind?
A heavy weight laid on my chest as Ben appeared in the doorway, hands raised slightly in caution as Robert used the gun to motion him inside the room.
Ben scanned over both Noah and me before his eyes focused on the conference room table. His eyes darkened in intensity as he seemed to be counting the number of bodies, noting the familiarity of each face.
It’s nice of you to join us, Benjamin.
Robert. I see you’ve been busy.
Ah, yes. A little house cleaning, you could say. I’ve been meaning to have a chat with you. But first, lay your weapons on the ground. I am not so naïve to think you came unprepared.
Hesitantly, Ben pulled the gun from around his waistband and slowly laid it on the ground. While on his knee, he pulled a knife from his boot, laying it next to his firearm. Warden seemed pleased with the number of weapons and watched as Ben cautiously rose to his feet.
And now what are you planning to do? Certainly, you don’t think you can run the Society by yourself.
Warden seemed to enjoy the doubt Ben held for him.
No, that’s where you come in.
Ben looked at the last remaining board member in disbelief.
What?
Surely, you didn’t think I was going to kill you. I’ve seen what you are capable of. I was very pleased with your performance at the facility.
Ben’s expression darkened as Warden mentioned the facility where he and Connor had battled.
No. I will not work with you. You’re a murderer.
Oh, Ben. But so are you. Footage of your little brawl with Connor during the shutdown was sent to the system here in New York. I saw you kill him. It’s in your blood.
Desperately, I looked over at Ben, knowing the impact Robert’s statement would make on him. Fragments of the old Ben had returned, his guard hiding any effect Warden had on him. He stood stoically looking at the new president, refusing to break eye contact with him.
Even when your aunt was shot, it barely seemed to phase you. A soldier never weakens during loss. Of course, I was relieved to see her go. The Board and I had tried several times to address her inappropriate behavior. Nevertheless, she allowed her personal life to consume her. She sent your girlfriend here out much too early, knowing she had a rebellious spirit. Then, instead of dispatching a field member to take her out, she thoughtlessly brought her back to the facility so she could kill Darcy herself. And here we are, our headquarters are destroyed and we have a mutiny on our hands.
And the board members?
Warden took a moment in his conversation with Ben to glance over at his former colleagues.
They wanted to kill you. No matter how much I persuaded them of your potential, they wouldn’t listen. They never listened. They didn’t see the world as I see it. See you as I see you.
And how is that?
I see Olivia and Charles, their way of thinking and creating. It’s what the Society needs to survive. But you have something they lacked: your aunt’s ferocity and cold-bloodedness. One thing Margot managed to accomplish was making you into a soldier.
I could see Ben’s walls shaking every time Warden labeled him a murderer. Stepping toward them, I attempted to distract the gunman’s focus on Ben.
You’re wrong. On so many levels. I’ve lost track of the levels of insanity spilling out of your big mouth.
Warden directed the gun away from Ben and pointed it directly at me.
And you. You have created quite a mess since we recruited you. It will be such a sweet relief when you are dead.
Ben stepped forward, standing between the barrel of the gun and me.
No. If you want me, we’re a package deal.
Ben, no…
It’s okay, Darcy. Let me handle this.
Warden’s mouth twisted in a maniacal grin, creating crinkles of skin around his eyes.
Surely you don’t think I’ll keep the rebel alive for you.
Like I said, if you want me, she comes, too.
Hmmm… your bond with the slut is much stronger than I had previously imagined.
I could see the hesitation in his face as he lowered the gun to his side. My chest relaxed enough so that I could take a breath. Yet, in one swift instantaneous move, Warden raised the gun and pointed it straight at my head.
It was odd how the next few seconds seemed to pass both in slow motion and at an impossibly fast pace. Before I could take another breath, Ben lunged toward the gun and attempted to knock it out of Warden’s hand. Yet, the trigger had already been pulled as the end of the barrel was pushed away from its intended target.
Skillfully, Ben managed to grab the fired gun from Warden and raise it toward the board member. Though Warden slowly raised his hands in surrender, a wicked smile passed across his face.
Ben’s expression matched my own as I searched for the reasoning behind his grin at a time like this. Perhaps he truly had gone insane. Yet, as I followed where his eyes were fixed, I discovered his source of pleasure.
My stomach dropped as I turned to see blood pouring down Noah’s shirt. He crumpled onto the floor, clutching his chest as the startlingly red liquid began spilling over his hands. I dropped to the floor, putting pressure on the wound as Noah gasped for air repeatedly.
Ben stood with the gun in his hand looking between Warden and Noah, his eyes wide in disbelief.
I know you’re lying about coming with me. She’s only holding you back from your true potential, Benjamin.
You’re insane.
Perhaps, but until you realize your true calling, I will continue to take away the people you love. Every last one… including the girl. Until your loss smothers the light inside of you. Then, you will be ready.
Never.
I glanced at the two men in their exchange as Noah’s hot blood covered my hands. Ben’s hand was shaking as he refused to join the man who delightfully shot his best friend by mistake. His finger hovered over the trigger as he seemed in a battle between murdering Warden and ending it all then, the hiding, the running, the fighting.
We will be in touch but right now, you had better help your friend. He’s about to bleed out.
Ben looked down at the blood now covering Noah and me in puddles. I felt Noah lose consciousness under the pressure of my hands and I screamed until my voice grew hoarse.
Noah, Noah. Wake up!
Then, Ben was beside me. My hands had begun to flutter in desperate panic, crimson blood sticking to every surface. Ben pulled me away from Noah, taking his jacket off and pushing it against the wound.
I looked around for Warden
but he was gone, using our panic as his escape. As I watched Ben over Noah’s limp body, Kate’s words repeated in my head over and over again:
Promise you’ll bring him back to me.
VIII.
BLOODY HANDS
The next days seemed to crawl at an unnaturally slow pace, an out of body experience that was out of our control. The blood, the hospital, the flight home. Though exhausted from the stress, I couldn’t sleep, and neither could Ben. I looked over at him in his seat on the plane, his face pale with dark rings under his eyes.
He looked over at me and grabbed my hand, pulling it toward his lips for a soft kiss. I half-heartedly smiled back at him, the lack of energy making it impossible to hide my true feelings.
Since the New York facility, Ben hadn’t been the same. His walls had returned. However, after months of studying him, I could see right through them.
Are you alright?
Yeah, I’m fine. Just a little tired.
I nodded, giving him an unconvinced look out of the corner of my eye.
Did Brendan manage to find the piece during all the chaos?
Ben nodded as he pulled a small case out of his pocket. What seemed to be a headphone case now housed what looked like a tiny, custom USB.
When we heard Warden over the earpiece, Brendan looked like he could have passed out. We hadn’t found the piece yet and I wasn’t going to drag him with me… so I told him to stay and finish looking. Then, I ran to you and Noah.
I’m sure Brendan appreciated that. But we could have used the help.
Ben’s jawline twitched as he looked out the window of the plane. Flashes of Noah’s blood on our hands and clothes flickered through my mind. I looked down at my now clean hands, swearing I could still feel the heat of the thick, crimson blood.
The clouds outside of the window held kisses of pink and orange as the sun began to rise above their surface. The flight would be landing soon, arriving early in the morning. I had arranged for Rich to pick us up at the airport. My stomach dropped at the thought of having to explain the last days’ events to him and Kate.
The Legacy: The Influencers Book 2 (The Society) Page 5