Aret stood up. “It is, and I’m sorry, Mom.”
Natalie sighed. “Why didn’t you say something before?”
“Because I didn’t want them to stay,” Aret said with a shrug. “They’re Primes. Their people killed Brittany’s uncle. They turned people away and left them to die.”
Natalie shook her head. “Even if that’s true, you can’t blame every single Prime. Both of them would’ve been kids at the time of the Shift. Perhaps, we’ve let our hatred of the Primes get the better of us.”
Rogue listened to it all with astonishment. Not only had Paul, Aret, and Sandi come clean, but Natalie was far more sympathetic than she could have hoped. Maybe this won’t be such a disaster, after all.
Robert jumped up. “I’m not listening to this rubbish any longer. Paul, tell them it’s a lie.”
“It’s the truth, Dad,” Paul said, his face pale.
“Sandi?” Christopher said in a faint voice.
“I’m sorry too,” Sandi said, ducking her head.
“Well,” Natalie said in a crisp voice. “It seems our children require serious discipline. It also appears that both Lillian or Rogue, whoever she is, and Seth are innocent of sabotaging the egg hunt.”
“Maybe,” an enraged Robert shouted. “But I still say she killed Dan, and her boyfriend must have helped her.”
“That remains to be determined,” Natalie said. “I suggest we ask them what happened that night.”
“Go ahead, Rogue. Tell us your story,” Ric said.
A flush of hot blood enveloped Rogue as all eyes turned on her. Crimson to the roots of her hair, she stood up. When she realized her hands were trembling, she clenched them together. “I…uh…um…”
“See? She can’t even summon the words to defend herself,” Robert cried.
“Sit down, or get out,” Ric bellowed. “This is your last warning. Let the girl speak.”
“Hear, hear,” Olivia cried, and a dozen other voices joined in.
Humiliated, Robert sank back into his chair. “Fine, let her try.”
Emboldened by the support, Rogue began to speak. In a shaky but clear voice, she relayed the story of her kidnapping by Bones, her subsequent imprisonment in the Prime dungeons, and her final escape through the sewers.
When she reached the end of her story, Robert snorted. “It’s a pretty story; I’ll give you that.”
Seth stood up. “Every word she spoke was the truth. The night she disappeared, Olivia woke me while I lay sleeping. Why would she run away without me?”
Robert shrugged. “You tell me.”
“I followed her trail for miles, and she was not alone. I found the remnants of the drug this Bones used on her. I know the berries he used to make it. It’s a powerful hallucinogen that renders its victim paralyzed. I also found pieces of rope and vine.”
Moran stood up. “I know Bones very well. He’s a member of the Watch at Prime, and he’s been obsessed with Rogue for years. I should’ve dealt with him myself.”
“And who the hell are you?” Robert asked with a sneer.
“I’m Moran, leader of the Rebel Faction inside Prime City.”
“There’s a rebel group inside Prime?” Natalie asked, leaning forward.
“There is, and our one goal is to overthrow Senator Douglas and his right-hand man, General Sikes,” Moran answered. “We want our freedom.”
“But why?” Natalie asked. “You have everything. Food, water, safety, and weapons. Why would you rebel?”
“Because we’re not all killers like you seem to think. Most of us ran to Prime for safety after the Shift, only to find it ruled by a dictator. He’s the one who turned people away. He’s the one who killed for his own selfish reasons, and he continued to oppress those beneath him. To be honest, most of Prime is poor and starving. We can’t last much longer.”
“I see,” Natalie said with a thoughtful frown. “This is news to me. To all of us. Maybe, we were mistaken about you.”
“Oh, please. Are you really falling for that sob story?” Robert burst out. “Christopher?”
Christopher shook his head. “I don’t know. It seems too elaborate to be a lie.”
“A lie? Why would I lie? What could I possibly stand to gain?” Moran asked. “What would any of us gain by coming here? Rogue already knows all about you. If she’s really a spy and a murderess, she’d be in Prime now, sitting pretty. Instead, she’s here, pleading her case.”
“What you say makes sense,” Natalie said.
“It does. You risk much by coming here,” Christopher added.
“They’re here because Prime City wants to overthrow us,” Robert yelled. “Think about it. Now that they know where we are, thanks to Rogue, they’ll come for us. You heard her. They’re starving. And what better way to conquer us than to start from within?”
A sizable portion of the crowd cheered at his words, and Rogue’s heart sank. Why are so many still against us? Why won’t they believe us?
“I’m willing to bet that an army is marching toward us right now, ready to crush us into dust. Yet, here we are, listening to their lies while our enemies draw closer,” Robert said, pumping his fist in the air. “I say we give them what they deserve. A hangman’s noose!”
His supporters roared, and a struggle broke out as people began to fight among themselves. Those with Robert tried to push their way to the front while the rest attempted to hold them back. Moran’s worst fear was coming true. The crowd had become a mob, and they were intent on vigilante justice.
Women screamed, children cried, and chairs went flying as people tackled each other in sudden anger. Men went down fighting in a tangle of fists, and the noise rose to an ear-splitting crescendo. The hall became a tidal wave of bodies pushing this way and that.
Seth grabbed Rogue and dragged her out of harm’s way, followed by Olivia and the rest of their group. They huddled against the wall, surrounded by a sea of struggling people. Bear, Steven, Bruce, and Seth formed a semi-circle around them, their hands raised in readiness to fight.
“I knew we shouldn’t have given up our weapons,” Moran said, shoving a howling figure away with all her might.
“We have to get out of here,” Seth cried. “They’ll kill us if we stay.”
“No, we’re not leaving. We can’t give up. Not yet,” Moran replied, dashing into the seething crowd.
“No, come back,” Rogue screamed, struggling against Seth’s hold.
Within seconds, Moran was gone, swallowed whole by the same mob she’d warned them against. Rogue sagged with despair, tears burning her lips. She trusted me, and I failed. How could I fail?
Chapter 16 - Kat
Kat stared at her reflection in the mirror. For that day’s meeting with MacNamara, she’d chosen a pair of black slacks, coupled with strappy heels, topped by a crimson silk shirt. Her hair was swept back from her face and left to cascade down her back in an ebony waterfall. Simple and elegant. Nothing over the top.
A touch of perfume dabbed onto her wrists completed the effect, and she smiled with satisfaction. Then, she frowned. Why am I going to so much trouble to look good for Callum? He’s the enemy, Kat. The right-hand man of your lover, Sikes. You should hate him, not try to impress him.
With her lips pressed together, Kat shook her head. It was too late to change now, anyway. She had to make do with what she had on. A quick glance at her watch showed her it was almost two in the afternoon, time for their meeting. “Mary, is everything ready in the library?”
“Yes, ma’am. It’s all set up for you,” Mary replied.
“Thanks,” Kat replied. “Shall we go?”
Accompanied by Mary, Kat left her room and walked toward the library. She’d chosen the setting because it was private and discreet. Too many flapping ears stood to gain from the information she and MacNamara shared in the dining room. Or maybe, I just want to be alone with him.
A fierce blush rose to her cheeks, and she silently berated herself for being foolish. It worked, an
d she managed to rein in her wayward thoughts and emotions. By the time they reached their destination, she was calm once more. “You can fetch the coffee and biscuits, Mary.”
“Yes, ma’am,” Mary said with a curtsey before she hurried away.
Kat turned around and faced her favorite place in all of Prime Hotel. The library. Its double doors hid a large room with vaulted ceilings and rich furnishings. Shaded lamps cast pools of golden light on comfy couches, and the air was hushed and quiet.
Kat stepped inside and sucked in a deep breath. She loved the smell of old paper and leather bindings, and she often spent hours perusing the available titles. It was a place of escape. A place to dream and just let herself be.
On the far side of the room, wall to wall glass let in natural light and overlooked the gardens below. A lovely spot and perfect for her purposes. She gazed at the flowerbeds below, a riot of colors that rivaled the rainbows in the heavens. Even in this place, there was beauty if you knew where to look.
Mary had set up a table with two chairs for their meeting, and Kat made herself comfortable while she waited. Yet, she remained nervous, even chewing on her thumbnail. It struck her as odd. She, Kat, seducer of men, shy of a man she’d only met a few times. It made no sense, but it also made perfect sense. Just play it cool, Kat. You don’t know who Callum is. Not really.
It didn’t take long for MacNamara to arrive, dressed in the same rough clothes he always wore. She liked that about him. It made all the other men in the hotel seem like dandies. Though not handsome in the strict sense of the word, he excused confidence and power, but he also showed kindness and restraint.
“Kat, it’s good to see ye,” Callum said, his eyes sweeping across her form. “You look bonny today.”
The compliment was sincere, and Kat’s cheeks heated up despite her best intentions. “Thank you, Callum. Please, sit down.”
Callum took the seat opposite her, and they spent the next few minutes making small talk. The entire time, Kat was aware of the tension between them. The atmosphere was thick with unsaid things, and she was grateful for the interruption when Mary arrived.
“Mary, there you are,” she cried, jumping up.
“I brought the coffee and biscuits, ma’am,” Mary said, placing the tray on the table.
“Thank you, Mary, you’re just in time,” Kat said.
“Shall I pour, ma’am?” Mary asked.
“No, no. You can go. I’ll do it,” Kat said, for it gave her hands something to do. Once Mary was gone, she asked, “Did you find a suitable place for Rose and the other girls?”
“Aye, I did. Tis a boarding house not far from the hospital. It’s run by a married couple, and it’s clean and safe,” Callum said.
“What about jobs?”
“I got them positions at the hospital, mostly in the kitchen and laundry. Tis hard work, but they’ll have the option to study for a nurse or doctor should they prove themselves capable.”
“I see. That was kind of you. I wouldn’t have minded such an opportunity back when I…when I had nowhere to go.”
“When was that?” Callum asked.
“Years ago,” Kat replied, waving a hand. “I was just a teenager back then. An angry, stupid teenager.”
“Do ye want to talk about it?”
“There’s nothing to talk about. It’s all in the past,” she replied, handing him a cup of coffee.
“And now ye’re mistress to a General,” Callum said, a question hanging in the air.
“Yes, I am. He was there when I needed someone. Someone with power.”
“Were ye in trouble?”
“You could say that.” A thick silence fell over the table, and Kat scrambled for something to say. “Any news on the hunting party?”
“None so far, but I expect them back any moment,” Callum replied.
“That’s good. We could use the food,” Kat said, once more at a loss for words. Keeping the conversation going was proving easy. “Er, I’ve managed to sort out the hotel staff. Things will run a lot more smoothly from now on.”
“I’m glad,” Callum said, staring at her in a way that had her on edge.
“I, um…I guess that’s all for now,” Kat said, putting down her empty cup. “When—”
“Would ye like to have dinner with me tonight?” Callum asked out of the blue.
“Dinner? Tonight?” Kat repeated. Her stomach did a slow roll. On the one hand, she’d hoped for this, but now, it felt like a mistake. Nothing can happen between us. Nothing.
“Tis what I said.”
“I’m sorry, but I can’t,” Kat said, jumping up. “In fact, I have to go.”
“But Kat—”
“I’m sorry.”
Without saying another word, she walked out of the library and back to her room. There, she changed into simpler clothes, the kind that would blend into the back alleys of Prime City. Dorian’s note sat in her breast pocket, and she dared not be late. This thing with Callum and me can never be. Never.
***
Half an hour later, she stood on the front steps of the Crimson Door. A hood covered her head, and she glanced around to make sure she hadn’t been followed. With a sense of deep resignation, she knocked.
The door opened to reveal a woman in a short lace dress. She said nothing, merely stepping aside to allow Kat entry. Once inside, the door shut with a heavy click, and Kat knew there was no escape. Her fate was sealed.
“This way,” the woman said, leading her to Dorian’s office. The man himself was nowhere to be seen, but Kat knew he was about. He was never far away, always watching and plotting.
The woman pointed to a chair. “Wait there.”
Kat obeyed, for she had no other option. The minutes passed slowly, and she grew restless. Now that her plan was in motion, she longed to forge ahead. Where the hell was Patti?
Just when she was about to go look for answers, the door opened, and a grim-faced Patti Fry stepped inside. She stared at Kat for a few seconds before saying, “You have a lot of nerve asking to see me.”
“Believe me, if I had any other choice, you wouldn’t be here,” Kat replied, equally abrupt.
“What do you want?” Patti asked.
“I want to talk to you,” Kat said. “Please, sit down. It’s important.”
Patti didn’t move. “What happened that night? Did you betray us? It was you, wasn’t it?”
Kat sighed. “No, it wasn’t me.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Look, we really don’t have time to play games,” Kat said. “I’m not the one that betrayed you, but I can tell you what happened to your friends.”
Patti’s gaze narrowed. “You know where they are? And you promise to tell me?”
“I swear it, and afterward, we need to talk. Deal?” Kat said.
“We’ll see,” Patti said. “Tell me, first.”
“Fine. As a gesture of goodwill,” Kat said. “But you might want to sit down. It’s a long story.”
“I’ll stand.”
“Suit yourself.” Taking a deep breath, Kat began at the beginning. She told Patti about her history with Rogue: Her uncle’s death, their arrival at Prime, the months that culminated in Corinne’s death, and dumping Rogue at the orphanage. “After that, I wandered from place to place, looking for work. I was starving by the time Dorian found me and made me his own, his star attraction.”
“So, that’s why we’re in this horrible place,” Patti said with a sneer. “I always knew you were a bitch and whore. I just didn’t know the full extent of it.”
Kat bared her teeth. “You don’t know anything about me.”
Patti shrugged. “I’m listening, but so far, I’m not impressed.”
“Eventually, I left Dorian for the general. It was the only way I could escape his clutches after he killed my child. Our child.”
“What?” Patti said, her eyes wide.
“You heard me. Dorian is evil incarnate, and he forced an abortion on me. A procedure t
hat nearly killed me along with my child. I’ll never forgive him for that,” Kat said, her hands curling into fists.
“What happened then?” Patti asked, her stance softening somewhat.
“I stayed with the general for years, exchanging one prison for another. Finally, I heard about the Rebel Faction and saw a chance at freedom.”
“Freedom? That’s what you want?” Patti asked.
“It’s all I’ve ever wanted. Freedom to live my life the way I want to live it,” Kat said. “Listen, Patti. I’m not proud of my past or the choices I made along the way. I was a silly, spoiled little brat, looking for love in all the wrong places.”
“Yes?” Patti prompted.
“But I’ve paid my dues, and I think I deserve a second shot. Everyone does,” Kat said, spreading her hands. “All I want is a chance to make up for what I’ve done and to live the rest of my life in peace.”
“I can understand that,” Patti said with a heavy sigh. “Lord knows, I’m not that perfect either.”
“Thank you,” Kat said, a weight lifting off her shoulders.
“So, what happened next?” Patti asked.
“I joined the Rebels and offered my services to Moran. Only, Steven was under suspicion, and they were tailing him. On the morning of the raid, they grabbed him. After questioning him—”
“You mean torturing him,” Patti interrupted.
Kat inclined her head. “After torturing him, he gave up the raid, and you know what happened. The raid failed. Moran, Bear, and Bruce were captured while the rest died fighting.”
“I remember,” Patti said. “We lost a lot of good people that night.”
“Steven managed to keep quiet about you, me, and the other members of the faction, though. So did Moran and the rest despite intensive questioning by the general himself.”
“Sweet Jesus, my poor friends,” Patti muttered, falling into a chair. “I was afraid of that. Ever since they were taken, I’ve been mad with worry. Then I heard they disappeared, and I feared the worst.”
“They didn’t die; they escaped,” Kat said. “It was only a matter of time until one of them broke down and revealed everything, so I arranged for their escape,” Kat continued.
The Extinction Series | Book 3 | Primordial Earth 3 Page 10