by SF Benson
I clenched my fists so tightly my fingernails ripped my palms. That was so unfair. I didn’t just jump into helping him.
“I don’t need you to catalog my behavior. I don’t follow rules. You’ve always known that, but you wouldn’t be trying to recruit me if I did.”
“My recruiting you,” Ko said calmly, “has nothing to do with your breaking rules. We need all the able-bodied people we can get. I’m merely making an observation.”
“Well, you can take your observation and—”
“Careful, soldier.” She scowled.
I wasn’t anyone’s soldier. If this was the game she wanted to play, so be it. My best friend was living her dream. I should have seen this day coming a long time ago. Little bossy Ko giving orders.
“Don’t worry.” I squared my shoulders. “I’ll remember your protocol.”
Her cell phone buzzed. Ko read the screen. “Get ready. He’s here.”
I placed a pistol in my waistband and headed for the door. Ko chuckled behind me. “What’s so funny?”
“You don’t think we’re walking out the front door?”
“How else do you plan on leaving?”
Ko opened a chest drawer and pulled out rope and gloves. “We’re going out the window.”
“You’ve got to be kidding.”
“It’s easy.” Her eyes twinkled. “You might even find it fun.”
“I doubt it,” I muttered.
She attached the rope to the metal bedframe and tossed it out the open window. The frame was bolted to the wall, but I didn’t trust it. Before I protested, Ko threw me a pair of gloves and a jacket. She showed me how to straddle the rope, and then wrapped it over my hip and shoulder.
“Just go slow. Lean back and walk your way down the rope. Move your hands along the rope as you go.”
Which was worse? The butterflies doing acrobatics in my stomach, or the earthquake rumbling through my muscles? I looked out the window. We were on the third floor. I swung my legs over the windowsill. She tossed my backpack to the ground.
“Go on. I’ll be right behind you.”
The cold wind stung my face and whipped the rope. I stopped every few seconds to let the wind die down. My idea of fun did not include rope burns on my thighs, nor envisioning myself lying on the ground with my neck broken. Thankfully, my foot touched the ground. I untangled myself from the rope, picked up the pack, and waited for Ko to join me.
“Fun, right?” Ko adjusted her backpack.
I glared back.
“It wasn’t that bad.” She let the rope dangle alongside the building. “Come on. Malcolm’s waiting.”
“Uh, shouldn’t you take the rope?”
She waved at the air. “Nope. It’s not like I’m coming back. Besides, where we’re going we’ll be protected.”
A female soldier stood beside a black Mercedes Benz SUV parked on the street. She opened the back door and we piled in.
A cold, deep voice greeted us. “Ko.”
“Malcolm.”
“And this must be Truly Shepard.”
I squirmed and forced a smile onto my face.
Ko reclined on the seat. “Thanks for getting us out.”
“Anything for you.” Malcolm sat across from us. He spread his long legs wide and tilted his head back.
“Are we headed to the safe house?” Ko folded her hands in her lap.
“No. We’re going back to my place. There are things to discuss.”
The infamous Malcolm Rivera. Some might consider him appealing if you preferred guys the color of parchment with close-cut hair, dark stubble, a strong jaw, and an aquiline nose. His pale blue eyes were like ice cubes—no emotion, no warmth. They scared the shit out of me. A chill crept down my spine. Those callous crystals chiseled into me. I felt exposed, indecent.
Malcolm, continuing to leer at me, put a finger up to his ear and spoke to someone. “I got them. I’ll be in touch.” He put his hand down. “Relax, Miss Shepard.” He licked his lips. “It’s time we get acquainted.”
“The greatest issue we face as leaders of this new country is whether or not the people can govern themselves, rule themselves, and control themselves. If we reflect on the civil unrest that brought us to this day in history, the answer is an unequivocal no.”
—Benjamin J. Salk, leader, the American Republic
Zared
The bitter wind blew through my hair. I dug my hands into my Riza-issued jacket. I didn’t feel good knowing Malcolm had the girls. My body tensed at the thought. I closed my eyes, leaned over the railing, and tried to calm down. Tru shouldn’t deal with Malcolm. His help came with a steep price, but I was willing to pay it in order to rescue her.
Asher joined me on the back porch. “What’s up?”
I didn’t feel like being bothered by him. Yes, Asher was like a brother to me, but just like a little brother, he could be annoying at times. “Nothing.”
He rubbed his arms vigorously. “Why are you out here freezing?”
“Just thinking. You don’t have to stay.”
Asher leaned on the railing. “She’ll be fine. Malcolm will keep her safe.”
I just glared at him. “Like hell he will.”
“What’s up with you and Malcolm?”
I cleared my throat. “I told him I wanted out.”
“That was stupid.”
“Tell me about it.” I lowered my head. “Needless to say I won’t be leaving anytime soon.”
Asher wrapped his arms around himself. “I can’t say I’m sorry about that.”
I glanced at him. “Huh?”
“You’re needed around here. When we activate Intrepid, things will get ugly real fast. It’s better to not be on the outside when it happens.”
“Whatever.” I shook my head. “I’m just worried about Tru. I don’t trust Malcolm around her.”
He laughed. “I never thought you were the jealous type.”
“You’ve seen Malcolm in action. I don’t want him doing that shit around Tru.”
Asher slapped me on the back. “I don’t think you have a choice.”
“Opportunity for change comes once in your lifetime. Take it or die.”
—Malcolm Rivera, leader, The Alliance
It was a short ride to Malcolm’s. The landscape was different, no burnt out or abandoned buildings. In their place were imposing historic mansions dating back to the 1900s. Although the yards were in good condition, the area felt hollow like someone sucked the soul out of the neighborhood.
The SUV pulled into the driveway of an abandoned fieldstone mansion in the New Center sector. A soldier opened a wrought iron gate, and the driver drove under a stone archway into an overgrown backyard. The three of us exited the vehicle and disappeared through a side entrance.
The oak paneled walls and white marble floors took me by surprise. Random desks and chairs occupied various rooms. We followed Malcolm up a dark wooden staircase with stained glass windows in the walls. He stopped in front of a white door with a glass doorknob. The antique charm of the place stopped at the door. Inside was a huge room full of contemporary furniture. Ko flopped down on a white leather sofa before a comforting fire.
“Miss Shepard, you’re with me.”
I pressed my lips together and walked behind him, re-tracing our steps, and stopping in a basement. We entered a small room with its own window and fireplace. His gold re-cording plaques decorated the interior. An elaborate audio system stood against the wall next to a glass desk and a large black leather chair.
“Have a seat.” Malcolm pointed to an armless chair. He sat and stared at me.
I reluctantly perched on the edge of the chair.
“We have a situation here, Miss Shepard.”
“What kind of situation?” I knew what he was talking about, but I wanted him to say it.
“Your relationship with my operative.”
I folded my arms. “How is that any of your concern?”
“Anything that jeopardizes my oper
ation is my concern. So what are we doing about it?”
“There’s nothing we can do about it.” I played it cool. “How long before I can see him?”
Malcolm leaned back in his chair, tenting his fingers and giving me the once-over. I crossed and uncrossed my legs while maintaining eye contact. He stood and leaned over the desk.
“Here’s what’s going to happen, little girl. You’ll stay here as my guest. When I’m ready for you to see Aoki, I’ll set it up.”
“But—” I didn’t like his plan.
“You need to know that I don’t like defiance. You’re a guest. Be thankful. I’ll figure out if you have any value to us.”
Enough with being pushed aside like a child. What has it done for me? I’ve lost my entire family. I’m now wanted by the government as a traitor. And I’m separated from the guy I love. No more idleness. I take care of things the way I see fit. Do or die. I stood. “Are you finished?”
“Yeah.”
“Here’s what you need to know.” I placed my hands on the desk. “I’m nobody’s little girl. I don’t play games. I’ll stay here because I choose to stay, not because you’re allowing me to stay. And I damned well do not need you to figure out my value.”
Malcolm laughed. “Damn, Aoki didn’t say you had balls. Awright, I feel ya. Just remember, this is my house. I run shit here, not you. Got it?”
“Yeah.” This man was beyond arrogant. I didn’t care for his attitude at all. “Where do we go from here?”
He pressed a button on his desk, and a soldier appeared at the door. “Get some sleep. Tomorrow we’ll see just what you have to offer the cause.”
I walked to the door.
“Oh, and Miss Shepard, count yo’self damn lucky. Nobody speaks to me the way you did.”
I looked over my shoulder. “I guess I was your first.”
“Be careful, girl.” Malcolm flashed a cold smile. “I thought you didn’t play games.”
I swallowed my retort. I’d be a poor match for any game he played.
“Americans have to stop asking what the government can do for them. We have had decades of handouts to the masses. It’s time for our citizens to ask what they can do to help themselves. Self-sufficiency is the way to rebuild our great country.”
—Emma Blackburn-Douglas, leader, the American Republic
Zared
We woke up to bitter cold Canadian weather. It was no different than any other fall day, in my opinion, but Asher didn’t see it that way. He complained all morning about wanting to go back to the West Coast. Hell, if I were able, I would have given him a first class ticket.
I stepped outside in an attempt to get away from his whining. No such luck.
“Z, we need to talk.”
“What is it now?” I asked sharply.
“Um…we got orders from Malcolm.”
I folded my arms over my chest. “What does he want me to do?”
“How’d you know?”
“You wouldn’t be walking around on eggshells if it didn’t involve me.” I leaned against the railing. “So spit it out.”
He shoved his hands into his pants pockets. “The Alliance wants a meeting between you and your father before Intrepid goes live.”
“Where and when?” I clenched my jaw.
Asher must have realized he pissed me off. He backed up a step and proceeded cautiously. “In two days. Malcolm’s working on the details.”
I drummed my fingers on the railing. “When can I see Tru?”
He exhaled loudly. “Not till after the meeting.”
I jabbed my finger into his chest. “Get this message to Malcolm. First, I see Tru and then he can have his meeting. He can bring her to me, or I’ll go there.”
Asher pushed my finger away. “Dude, that’s—”
“Exactly how this is going down.” I flexed my fingers.
He glanced at my hands, shaking his head. “Um…you’re sure about this?”
I cracked my knuckles. “Do you want me to deliver the message?”
“No, no, no. Dude, I’ll call him right now.” Asher pulled out his phone.
“Malcolm. It’s Asher. We’ve got a little—”
I snatched the phone out of his hand. I didn’t need him to sugar-coat my words. “Look Malcolm, I’m not playing around. I see Tru first or no meeting.”
The bastard breathed heavily into the phone. “I’ll send a car.”
“Fine. I’ll be ready.” I returned his phone.
“And?”
“He’s, uh, sending a car for me.” I frowned. “Can I give you a little advice?”
“About what?”
“Don’t let Malcolm walk all over you. He ain’t that special.”
Within the hour, a car came for me. Ko stepped out. I had no idea she was coming to Canada.
“Zared,” she greeted me quietly.
“How’s Tru?”
A pained expression crossed her face. “She’s been better.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
Ko touched my arm. “We’ll talk about it later. Right now Malcolm is waiting for you, and he’s not too happy.”
“Makes two of us.”
“Those without a purpose shall perish.”
— Jacob C. Venter, leader, the American Republic
Zared
Sometimes it’s necessary for a man to grow a pair and deal with the shit around him. I needed a damn backhoe to handle all of mine. I had Malcolm telling me how to handle my personal life. Asher thought he needed a say in it as well. Even Ko felt it her place to dictate to me what to do. What made everyone an expert on what was best for me?
I didn’t want to see Malcolm. There’d be hell to pay for challenging his authority. But what was the worst that could happen? He wasn’t about to eliminate me. Not yet. He needed Intrepid. After it was released, well…I’d better prove my worth or hit the streets. Returning to my former life didn’t bother me. I’d done it before and survived. I was older and better prepared to handle people, but it was no life for Tru.
She deserved normalcy. The Alliance couldn’t provide one for her. My superiors were good for making offers even the Devil himself would pass over. The deal they made me was disguised as a patriotic duty. Life on the streets showed me the New Order was a bad idea for the country. The Alliance took my belief, wrapped it in an opportunity to remove them from power, and presented it to me. Now, I wondered if the Alliance was just another version of evil.
My heart hammered my chest. The car rolled under the light-colored stone arch and stopped in the backyard. A guard in fatigues escorted me to Malcolm’s office. He sat behind his desk with his back turned. The anger radiated off him.
“Sit.”
I set my jaw and did as I was told. But this was a battle I couldn’t afford to lose. I was back to fighting for my dignity. My life. My girl.
Malcolm spun around. “I’m giving you one minute to explain yo’self.”
“There’s nothing to explain. I’ve done what you’ve asked. I’ll go to your meeting.”
“So what gives you the right to talk to me like that?”
I jumped to my feet. “I’m your operative. Not your lapdog.”
“Sit yo’ punk ass down.” He slammed his hand on the desk. “You owe me. You forget about that?”
I gripped the arm of the chair. “It’s not like you’ll let me forget it.”
Malcolm charged around the desk. He lunged at me with his fist raised. I blocked the overhand punch, clobbering him with a right cross to his jaw. Malcolm staggered. Common sense took a vacation and left me enraged. I pummeled him with a torrent of vicious jabs and crosses to his face. I heard the loud crack before he fell over the desk, grabbing his face. My knuckles were freckled with the blood now dripping between his fingers and down his immaculate white button-down. His pupils flared, and he held up a hand. I clenched my fists ready to deliver another round. It wasn’t necessary. This battle was over.
“So it’s like that now?�
� Malcolm wiped at his bloody nose.
“Yeah, it is.” I panted. “I’m not the same kid you pulled off the streets.”
He returned to his chair. “Guess not.”
“I respect you for helping me when I needed it. I just ask that you show me the same respect.”
“You think you earned it?” Laughter tipped at the edge of his voice.
“Yeah.”
Malcolm’s expression hardened. “Fine. Go see your girl. But don’t think I’ll forget this shit.”
“I hope you don’t,” I said over my shoulder.
I stood up to Malcolm, and it felt damn good. Should have done it years ago. But right now wasn’t the time to gloat. My reward waited for me. I took the stairs two at a time. My heart swelled with the thought of seeing her. I looked up, and my angel stood at the top of the staircase. It was like Christmas and my birthday all rolled into one. She jumped into my arms, and I kissed her.
“God, I missed you.” Ah, the familiar scent of strawberries. I didn’t realize how much I missed her. I held her tighter and vowed I’d never be separated from Tru again.
Tru laughed. “I missed you, too.”
Reluctantly, I pulled away. I gave her the once-over looking for any evidence of Malcolm. “You okay?”
“I’m better now that you’re here. Please tell me you’re staying.”
“Try to get me to leave.” I took her hand and walked down the hall.
Tru stopped at a door. “I’ve been staying here.”
I shook my head. “Not anymore.”
I led her to the end of the hall and opened the door.
Tru walked over to the king-sized four-poster bed. “Whose room is this?”
“Mine.” I leaned against one of the dark cherry wood posts.
“Yours?” The corner of her mouth quirked up.
“No more secrets, Tru. This is where I live. When I joined the Alliance, I got this room.” The place I laid my head at night since the day Malcolm rescued me. It was never a home.