“Yes. Would you please?” I heard myself saying briskly with surprising confidence. “I want to make sure I heard you correctly.”
“Before what? You rip them all to threads,” Ash said with a laugh.
“Something like that.”
With a look of disapproval and a slight shake of his head, Mr. Wright covered his microphone and whispered something to Ms. Johnson. Her lips tightened and she shrugged. Finally, he removed his hand and said, “Okay, Miss Adams. Here it is again. This Senior Council has concluded it would be in your, and Mr. Merrick’s, best interest to leave the Bellingham Circle and relocate.” He took off his glasses. “Do you have anything you’d like to say?”
“Oh, plenty,” I said loudly, raising my voice. “Would you please explain how leaving my family and friends would be in my best interest.” I tapped my hand on the table, squared my shoulders, and looked around the room.
Mr. Wright readjusted his glasses. “It’s really very simple. In a more heavily populated and prominent city, your skills and Flairs, along with Mr. Merrick’s, of course, could be fully utilized, and in a larger Circle you would both receive exceptional training.”
“Our skills would be utilized? Like they aren’t right now? And what the heck does he mean by prominent and exceptional? It’s like he’s insinuating the Bellingham Circle is subpar,” Ash raged.
“He’s an idiot. But I’m going to play it cool for a while.”
I took a sip of my water and addressed the crowd. “Unfortunately, Mr. Wright, you are totally wrong.” There were a few snickers. “And I disagree with your conclusions. First of all, while Bellingham may be smaller than some of the grander cities you speak so highly of, our Circle of Guardians is also smaller, but the work load is still great. We cover a large area which extends into the San Juan Islands, takes us south to Seattle, and draws us as far north as Canada at times. You do recall the tragic loss of several Guardian lives in B.C. recently, I presume?”
Around the room, several heads bobbed up and down, and I noted solemn expressions, including one on Mr. Wright’s face.
“We’ve helped out our friends up north numerous times. I feel confident my healing talents and my linked skills are already being heavily utilized by several Circles around the Pacific Northwest, not just limited to Bellingham. And with all the Ray-pac activity last year, we faced our share of battles, all in which my gifts were invaluable. Frankly, I think it would be an injustice to remove us from that area. We are needed. We help ensure the safety of our small community and of the bordering counties.”
“I completely agree,” Ash interjected and launched into a spiel that supported all of my arguments.
After he finished, Ms. Johnson pursed her thin lips and swiped her gray hair away from her face. Turning on her mic, she said, “Miss Adams and Mr. Merrick, we appreciate your dedication and concern when it comes to your community and your friends in the Bellingham Circle,” she stopped and glanced back a few rows at Jason’s dad, then turned and continued, “but that doesn’t change the fact that Bellingham already has an Amethyst, and your capabilities would be invaluable to a Circle that doesn’t have one.”
“I’d like to jump in here,” Mr. Sanchez announced, scooting forward. “Miss Adams, you yourself referred to the Ray-pac activity in your area. True?”
I nodded but my heart rate spiked, because I knew exactly where he was going with this line of questioning. “Why do I feel like I’m on trial here?”
“Because basically you are. Don’t let him rattle you, though.”
Mr. Sanchez fingered his goatee, as if trying to thwart a smile. “And isn’t it true that in your last encounter with the Ray-pacs, one of them escaped? The one who specifically sought you out again and who also knows of your dual abilities to heal and link?”
Despite the air conditioning drumming cold air into the room, a series of hot flashes descended over my entire body. I’m sure my face flushed as I responded, “Yes, but…,”
“Your immediate safety is yet another reason we decided you should relocate. Since you were at Acadia Park last week, you know that a group of Ray-pacs attempted to abduct Miss Izzy Baxter of the Bangor Circle. Out of concern for her safety, we have also instructed her to transfer to a new Circle. We want all the members of our Network to be fully protected and in the safest environment at all times. I do not see how your situation is any different from hers.”
“Yes, your safety is paramount,” reaffirmed Mr. Wright.
“Oh, crap! Now what?”
“I’m thinking. Give me a minute,” Ash responded.
I bit my lip, my eyes darting between the metal art pieces while I contemplated. “Listen,” I finally said, letting my mouth run away from my thoughts. “My situation is totally different from Izzy’s. First of all, I am not an Amethyst. Since I am linked, I have the strength and ability to fight back. Secondly, I am comfortable in Bellingham and know the terrain well, which is advantageous. Besides that, we already have extra patrols and Trackers at work, which makes it the most secure place for me to be. And,” I said pointing a finger at Carlos while fixing him with a penetrating glare, “If you remember, which you should, because you were there, we had over 200 Guardians sweep the entire Pacific Northwest for Ray-pacs in January. So…the way I see it, Bellingham is by far the most protected city we have right now.” I tossed my hair, the way Madison always did when she knew she was right. Drumming my fingers against the booth, I said, “And…we haven’t even started talking about how Bellingham borders the Pacific Ocean, which is a great weakness for Ray-pacs but also a means of escape for me.”
I slid back, crossed my arms, and watched as many of the Guardians started murmuring amongst themselves. Their fancy leather chairs swiveled, so they could easily converse with neighbors or in small groups. Carlos looked at me with a shrewd eye, as if he was reevaluating my potential as an adversary. When I exchanged glances with Mr. Walker, he nodded slightly and smiled.
“You tell ‘em,” Ash said. “That was some serious butt-kickin’.”
I looked over at him and smiled. “Yeah, I’m boss. And you know it.”
“Huh?”
“Sorry. Middle school lingo…where if you’re really good…you’re either boss or pro.”
Something caught my eye, and I glanced to my right but realized it was only the flames flickering in the river rock gas fireplace. Its location seemed odd, until I realized it was situated for the enjoyment of the Council, rather than those who were summoned to meet with them. The fireplace was all about ambience, not heat. On a day with the outside temperatures hovering around 85 degrees and the air conditioner working overtime, I was surprised it was even on. It certainly didn’t bring me any comfort.
Ahanu cleared his throat and raised a hand, and the room quieted down. The chair people turned in their seats and looked at him. “I believe Miss Adams has offered some very valid points, all of which will need to be taken into consideration.”
Obviously feeling left out, Mr. Moore ran a hand through his Donald-Trump-like hair and said, “I’m not sure if we can do that since we already voted it through.”
“Permission to fire a BB sized sphere at Mr. Dimwit Moore.”
Biting my tongue and holding back a laugh, I said, “Granted.”
Ash looked over at me with his mouth hanging open. “Really?”
“Yeah, but you have to wait until the meeting is adjourned. And do it discreetly so you don’t get caught.”
“Discreet is my middle name.”
I kicked him under the table. “Not even close. It would be something more like…excessive.”
“Whatever.”
Sweet Miss Palo from Houston, with her big green eyes and freckled face, said, “Why of course we can, Mr. Moore. It wouldn’t be fair if we didn’t.” She looked at me, “Do you have anything else you’d like to add, Miss Adams?”
“As a matter of fact, I do,” I said, flashing her a grateful smile. “There is another small issue here that seems
to have been forgotten. I come from a family who knows nothing about my abilities, or about our Network, for that matter. And I can guarantee you they would not allow me to pack up and move across the nation, especially when they are paying for half my tuition at Western and expect me to graduate from college.
Mr. Sanchez laughed sourly. “I believe you are 19 years old. Are you not, Miss Adams?”
“Yes, I am,” I said stubbornly.
“Well, then you are an adult and your parents can’t stop you.”
Anger brought me to my feet. “My family is extremely important to me, and I would never consider doing anything that would sever my relationship with them.”
He smiled, a wolf’s gleam in his sharp, dark eyes. “There are always ways they could be…shall we say, persuaded. Persuaded to support you fully on whatever issue you want them to…”
“How dare you?” I seethed. So, I’d been right. He was some kind of mind manipulator. “You mean like the same way you attempted to persuade me when you slithered into my brain the other day?”
That sent the room into an uproar. Even Mr. Wright and Ms. Johnson turned and gawked at him. I thought I heard someone mention the word “unethical.” I’d had no idea if he’d really tried to access my brain or if I’d imagined it, but I figured it was true. And regardless of whether he’d changed his mind or I’d blocked him with my Essence, he’d done it, and now I’d exposed him.
“I did no such thing! I can’t even touch you.”
“Oh, I think you did. It just didn’t work. I can understand your frustrations, though. Failure sucks.”
Ahanu and Mr. Walker were on their feet in a flash. But Mr. Walker got his words out first. “Carlos, if this is true you are in serious violation of our ethical code and will face the consequences.
“Oh, crap, Lexi! You better slow down. Carlos looks ready to kill.”
“No,” I said viciously, “he’s enemy number one. No way am I gonna sit here and let him manipulate me again. I might have been totally winging it when I started spouting off, but now that I know Carlos was trying to force his way into my mind…”
Mr. Wright stood up. “This is a matter we will deal with in private at a later time.”
Sure you will, I thought. But I wasn’t done with Carlos yet. Leaning over the desk, I gripped the edges and looked at him savagely. “And you, Mr. Sanchez,” I said viciously, “will leave my parents out of this! Don’t you ever think about messing with their minds or you’ll be sorry.”
“Is that a threat, young lady?”
Ash scrambled to his feet, put his arm around me, and gazed hard at Carlos. “Oh yeah it is.”
Ahanu broke in with a firm voice. “Carlos, sit down. We will discuss these accusations later.” He turned and gazed calmly at Ash and I, motioning for us to sit down, as well. His wind-burned face was somber but his aged eyes seemed to be offering me reassurance that everything would be fine.
I was too worked up and couldn’t soften my expression. Not even for him. Actually, I was so angry, I was practically foaming at the mouth.
“Lexi, it’s okay. There is nothing to worry about with your parents. I assure you that is not how the Council works. Nothing like that will ever happen to your parents without your knowledge and consent.”
“Damn right it won’t.” I scowled at Carlos. My heart battered my chest with the power of a sledgehammer, and I worried my chest might burst open. “And besides that, I wouldn’t dream of giving up my education. Not for you or anyone else.”
Mr. Wright jumped in. “In regard to your education, no one is asking you to give that up. In fact, we highly encourage all Guardians to get their degree. We have connections all over the country and could get you a full ride at any university of your choice.”
Mr. Moore sniffed. “That is a good point about your parents, Miss Adams. And maybe you’re right that Bellingham is fairly safe for you,” he added. Scratching his head, he turned sideways and looked quizzically at Mr. Wright. “But what about that other issue? The one that tipped the scale in favor of relocation?”
That comment invoked several bewildered faces but also a few alarmed ones. I took special note of anyone looking at Mr. Moore with that uh-oh-you-just-screwed-us-over expression. By my calculations, they were the ones guilty of trying to mess with my life, and obviously they’d been having private conversations behind the scenes.
“Oh man! And here I thought the fun was over,” Ash said, unable to mask the excitement in his tone. “This guy is something else. Seriously, if his brain was chocolate, it wouldn’t fill an M&M.”
I smiled inwardly at Ash’s comment. “Will you please elaborate about this other issue you are referring to, Mr. Moore,” I said boldly.
Mr. Wright cleared his throat. “I think you’ve said enough for now, James. Let me proceed with this, if you will.”
Mr. Moore nodded but looked rattled, as if he’d finally realized he’d said too much.
Straightening his shoulders and taking a deep breath, Mr. Wright continued. “Miss Adams, as you are aware, relationships between Amethysts and Guardians are forbidden for a number of different reasons.”
I bit my tongue and nodded.
“But since you are what appears to be perpetually-linked with Ash, it seems only natural you two would...umm, pursue a romantic relationship, which is why we have given our approval for the two of you to...”
“Get to the point,” I said apathetically.
“Fine, Miss Adams. We’ve heard rumors that you may be in violation of those rules.” He glanced back at Mr. Walker nervously and then continued. “Stories are circulating that you and Jason Walker may be…involved.” As he finished his sentence, he seemed to expel a rush of air, as if this conversation had finally become too emotionally straining for him.
Standing up, I placed my hands on my hips and said, “Well, that’s an interesting rumor. Now, let me tell you what rumors I’m hearing about this Senior Council.”
“You’re kidding? You have something else on them?”
“Sorry, Ash. I haven’t told you ‘bout this one, yet. So get ready.”
I knew who my opponents were, and because of Michael, I thought I knew the real reason they’d pushed for my relocation. If I could get proof of their ultimate goal, I might stand a chance at winning this game. But this was not a game of chess or Flairs. This was a game of life. My life and their attempt to control it. Pulling my hair back, I tucked it over my shoulder. “Rumors have it that this Senior Council wants us to relocate somewhere there will be no other distractions so that Ash and I can be persuaded to have children.”
Several people looked stunned. Others did not. That clued me in to a possible secret society within the Senior Council. I wondered which idiot had brought Mr. Moore into the loop. Because that had been a huge mistake. I noted Ahanu and Miss Palo were the only two of the six Chairs that looked confused.
“What? Are you making this stuff up?” Ash said.
“Apparently, if my ties are broken with the Bellingham Circle, and I’m separated from my parents, there will be nothing holding us back. No interferences. No previous relationships. In fact, I’m sure the Senior members, of whichever lucky Circle we chose to join, would conveniently encourage marriage and kids.”
“Why would we want that?” Miss Palo asked, aghast. “You’re still so young and need to experience life. There’s no reason to jump into parenthood.”
“Exactly my thoughts, Miss Palo. But I’ve been told that some members of this Senior Council are dying to find out if my immediate offspring will be Dentelles or not.”
Members started talking among themselves, and soon the noise level rose significantly. Ready for a breather myself, I sat back down and rested a hand on Ash’s shoulder. For the first time in his life, he looked totally speechless but finally muttered, “Kids? Now that’s messed up.”
Ahanu waved both hands in the air, and after a good minute, the room quieted down. “Miss Adams, at this point these are all just rumors. B
ut in light of our discussion today, I do think it would be wise for this Council to reevaluate the matter of your relocation.”
“I disagree,” Ms. Johnson declared. Shifting in her seat, she waved her finger at me and said, “Miss Adams, I think you’re being selfish when you should be thinking about the greater good of our Network. First off, I still believe you would be safer out of the Pacific Northwest. And secondly, since you and Mr. Merrick are going to be linked for a lifetime, I think the move would be beneficial for your relationship. Marriage and kids would come naturally.” She stopped, swiveled in her chair, and looked up at the other members behind her and began speaking directly to them without the mic. “Ultimately, our goal is to protect the Innocents, but with the Ray-pac population on the rise and Amethysts disappearing under our noses, we need to be strong and unified. A union between Miss Adams and Mr. Merrick could only be advantageous for the Network.”
“I can’t believe you would suggest such a thing!” Miss Palo exclaimed. “We set guidelines and uphold certain standards to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in the Network and the Innocents we vow to protect. But we don’t take away free-will.
Mr. Sanchez cleared his throat. “You’re being extreme, Miss Palo. No one is losing their free will.” He fought to calm his voice. “I find it interesting that Miss Adams never answered the question of whether or not she is involved with Jason Walker – involved in a way that would be in violation of Guardian code and might explain why she is really so dead set against leaving Bellingham.”
“Funny you should be the one to bring that up again, Mr. Sanchez,” I said, tightening the grip on my water glass. “And if I recall, that was a rumor, not a question.”
“I thought the reason we’ve been playing charades is to make them think we’re already involved? I’m so confused. Why don’t you just lie and tell them we’re madly in love with each other and they can stop messing in our lives?”
“Because we’re in so deep already, and I’m tired of playing games. Eventually, it’s gonna come out for real that I’m with Jason. Then what? And even though we’ve been acting like a couple, this Council still wants us to move. Besides…I have another argument I plan on throwing at them.”
Dentelle #3 Guardian series Page 11