A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

“Yeah, I wish I'd stayed home that night!” I stabbed my pie.

  “Something else happened that literally will blow your mind.” There was a flicker of excitement in Jen's eyes.

  “What?” I tried to act nonchalant, but my gut was punishing me for my discretion.

  “The girls' restroom went up in smoke.” Jen's arms stretched out. “A gas leak ignited and the whole restroom went boom. It was sick!”

  “Holy crap!” I swallowed the knot in my throat. “Did anyone get hurt?” Why didn't I think about that at the time? Guilt riddled my mind.

  “No! Not one person got hurt. Not even a scratch!” Jen tugged a strand of hair behind her ear, “But the most bizarre thing of all was that no one even heard it.”

  I sipped my coffee to hide the staggering shock that flew through me. “That's incredible. Not one person, huh?”

  “Not one! Ain't it the wildest thing you've ever heard?”

  “Yeah, the wildest,” I replied, turning over in my mind how Bane and I landed in the football stadium unharmed. “So they think it was a gas leak?” I tried playing it cool. I snatched up my cup and got up from the table for more coffee. My heart was pounding in my ears. I snatched up the pot half-full and poured another cup. “You want another?” I turned to Jen and asked.

  “No, I'm good. Thanks!” She waved her hand. “I can't believe you haven't watched the news? It's been blowing up on every channel.”

  I settled back down into my seat. “Wow!” I drew in a quick breath. “I don't have a television.”

  “Dang! That's gotta blow!”

  “I guess.” I shrugged. “I'm used to it.” Jesus! It was on the news! I bet it'll be in the newspaper too. “I'm relieved no one got hurt.”

  “Hey, something good did come out of this.” Jen tossed an impish grin.

  “What?” I thought my heart was going too imploded.

  “No school for the rest of the week!” Jen beamed like she won the lottery.

  “You're kidding? We have a whole week?” Another relief washed through me. That meant no fights for at least a week.

  “You should come over and hang out. Maybe catch a movie?”

  “There's a movie theater here?”

  “No, but there's a theater a few towns over. I got a car!” Jen held up her keys, dangling them.

  “Sounds cool!” My voice felt flat.

  “Hey, I almost forgot!” She nearly came out of her seat.

  “Oh no, what?” My heart literally stopped.

  “Someone has a crush on you big time.” A glint of humor flickered in her brown eyes.

  “I hope it's good.” I was still reeling from the news of the explosion. I didn't think I could add another problem on my plate.

  “Oh it's good,” she paused, smiling largely. “Aidan beat up Sam.”

  “You're kidding?” I gawked.

  “If the principal hadn't broken them up, Sam would've ended up in the hospital. Aidan worked him over good.”

  “Did you see it?” I stirred uneasily in my chair.

  “I saw the aftermath. Sam was bloody from his head to his toe.”

  “Why would Bane go after Sam?”

  “Silly, don't you know?

  “No!” Surprise wedged in my throat.

  Jen rolled her eyes. “Bane whooped Sam's ass for spreading rumors about you.”

  I scoffed. “I seriously doubt that Aidan Bane was defending my honor. We don't even like each other as friends.”

  “Are you freaking blind? That boy never takes his eyes off you, and I think you like him too!” Jen never worried about putting it out there. That was what I liked about Jen. I never had to second-guess her.

  That night when the moon climbed the star-filled sky and the gentle chorus of cicada sang among the trees, I lay in bed with a book across my chest. Regardless of how hard I tried to focus on reading, my mind kept drifting back to this morning. No doubt, I planned to cross Sam and Sally off the friends' list. Eh, no love lost there as far as I was concerned.

  Then my mind drifted to Bane. The hate in his stark blues and the imprint in my heart that he'd seared. I touched my lips, remembering the sting of his kisses. No matter how hard I tried to deny my feelings, I liked him. I found him fascinating. The mystery that lay behind his eyes beckoned me. I wanted to know more. I reckoned I had a death wish, considering his temperament. Yet when I was with him, I'd never felt more alive. He certainly had awakened a spirit in me that I never knew existed. These uncharted feelings were enthralling and frightening at the same time.

  I tossed the book aside and rolled on my chest, squeezing my eyes shut. I wanted to think about daisies, puppy dogs, and fireflies. Damnit! I hated myself for my weakness. Out of all the chaos that haunted my mind, I kept thinking about Aidan Bane.

  Forget Him

  I had awakened with a jolt, sitting erect. A stream of sunlight was hitting my face. I rubbed my eyes to clear the blur and swallowed down the dryness in my throat. That damn dream had struck again. My chest was heaving, and sweat dripped from my body.

  The dream started with the faceless boy taking my hand and leading me down a dark corridor. His face remained obscured, but the ring he wore on his left hand was in plain view, a cluster of black diamond's outlining an oval eye of yellow diamonds.

  I couldn't remember how I came to be in the center of a circle, a circle of red robes, thirteen men, it was always the number thirteen. Shivers rushed over me as my mind carried me through the dream. I recalled hearing a child's cries, somewhere hidden in the shadows.

  Then my eyes popped open and the dream shattered. The effects of the dream never changed, always leaving me in an icy tailspin. My heart raced erratically. I took a moment to collect myself, steadying my pulse.

  Then I heard pans rattling downstairs. Sara was home! I glanced at the time, 5:00 a.m. School was out today, but I had papers to deliver. I scrambled to my feet, knocking off the covers, and darted to my tiny bathroom.

  After getting dressed, I headed downstairs. I felt like I was doing the walk of death. I half expected Sara to be hiding behind a door waiting to clock me over the head with an iron skillet. It was nearly neck breaking trying to keep up with her motley moods. Sara had more personalities than Sybil ever did.

  I entered the kitchen, and the smell of hot grease and raw batter hit my nose. Oh no, not again! I wanted to barf. With a frilly apron tied around her waist and a spatula in hand, Sara stood at the stove, making pancakes and I hated pancakes.

  Despite my distaste, I never bothered letting her in on my little secret. I appreciated the few times that she'd made the effort, playing the Mommy role. Which brought me to wonder, why the prodigal mother decided to return?

  Sara glanced up at me, smiling. “Good morning!”

  “Morning,” I grumbled, still dragging my feet. I went straight for my favorite mug and poured a cup of black coffee. Food was the last thing I wanted.

  After I had added creamer to my coffee, I made my way to the table in silence, even though my heart was beating in my ears.

  Sara's presence worried me. I never knew what she had up her sleeve. Yesterday's fiasco in the front lawn was still fresh on my mind. I was uneasy, worrying if she'd come back to finish what she'd started or if she might be ready to pack up and skitter out of town.

  Rent was probably due.

  I seated myself at the table, playing it cool. Underneath, I was a ball of nerves. I didn't plan to stick around long. I had just enough time to scoff down my coffee, and then I had to vamoose. Whatever reason Sara had this early in the morning, she'd have to wait. I wasn't going to be late with my paper route.

  Sara was the one to break the uncomfortable ice as she cleared her throat. She slid a plateful of pancakes to me that was oozing with thick syrup. The butter had half melted, running down the side of the mound. I eyed the plate, holding back my cookies.

  “I see you still use that old cup,” Sara's voice quickly turned snappy, cutting her eyes at the mug and then back at me.

&nb
sp; It was no secret. Sara hated anything that reminded her of Dad, and that meant even this chipped cup, covered in faded hearts. It was worth nothing, but to me it was priceless. It was the last thing that Dad had given me before he died. “Yeah, I always use this cup.” My brows puckered.

  Sara joined me at the table. “I heard about the explosion at school.” She sipped her coffee.

  Dread prickled the hairs on my back. “Yep, me too,” was all I gave her.

  “Glad you're okay.” She attempted a smile. By the glint in her eyes, she was hee-hawing over something else, though.

  “I'm thankful no one got hurt.” I took a gulp of my coffee. I squinted as it slid down my throat.

  Sara squirmed in her seat, antsy.

  Oh, Lord what now? I fretted.

  “I'm sorry about Sunday,” she confessed. “I only wanted to protect you is all.” Sara faked a smile.

  I knew my mother well. Any act of concern or kindness toward me was merely an employ to get something she wanted.

  “Really?”

  “Yes, really. I was wrong to have jumped to conclusions.” She evaded my eyes.

  I looked at the clock on the wall. “I have to go. Work, you know.” I forced a quick smile and pushed off from the table.

  “Wait!” Sara reached over, grabbing my arm. Her eyes seemed desperate. “Francis was wrong.” She sighed. “I swore to Francis if he ever did that again, I'd leave him.”

  “Okay, that's just swell, but I can't talk. I'm late.”

  “I'm going to be around more. I hope you will bring your boyfriend over, maybe for dinner sometime. I really like Aidan.”

  “He's not my boyfriend or even a friend.”

  That was when the charade dropped. The real Sara emerged like a snake from the grass. “You better find a way then, missy.” She hissed. “He's the best chance you got!”

  “This might shock you, but I do have other choices, college for example.” I jerked my arm free. “I'm late!” The ire in my voice was more than apparent and just as intense as the pernicious glare Sara aimed at me.

  As I ducked out the back door, I heard a plate fracture against the door's windowpane and glass shattering to the floor. I had a hunch that Sara meant that for me. Glad her aim was off this morning. Wearing syrup all day would've been a bad look.

  * * *

  After I'd finished my route, I headed back home. My heart sped up when I coiled the corner to Saint Anne Street. The smell of crepe myrtle lingered in the air. I took a long whiff. Best smell ever! I rolled up into the drive. From what I could tell, it was empty. In any case, I still wanted to check inside before I could relax completely.

  Moments later, I was standing in the kitchen by the back door. Just as I'd expected, glass and pancakes were intermingled and scattered over the back door and floor, right where Sara had left it. I didn't expect anything less. She'd left the coffee pot on all day. The aroma of burnt coffee and syrup wafted throughout the house.

  With a long sigh, I flipped the coffee pot off and snatched the broom from the pantry. I started sweeping up the mess. The broken window needed some sort of cover until I could get it repaired. That meant I had to dig into my small savings, which reminded me of rent.

  Since Sara wouldn't give me the landlord's name, my hands were tied. The idea of giving up my money to her was out of the question. She'd blow it instead of paying rent. Crap! I didn't even know if I had enough to pay the full month. Maybe Ms. Noel had spoken to her nephew.

  In the meantime, I'd asked my supervisor if he had any paper routes available that I could run. I had been taking on a little more on the weekends, but it wasn't enough. Since school was out this week, I could use the extra hours to make a few more coins. Anyway, I had my fingers crossed. The supervisor said he'd check the schedule and see. To me, that meant yes.

  Later that night, Jen swung by to pick me up. She couldn't stop talking about a favorite hangout downtown, called Mother Blues. Though I'd never been, I knew the place. It was across the street from the Mudbug Cafe.

  I never cared much for hot spots. I preferred the solitude of my bedroom or a quiet corner at a fleabag hotel. Nonetheless, I'd give it a shot. I'd probably drink a Coke and watch Jen play pool or foosball. Apart from Jen's bragging over her skills, she swore the joint had the best tunes and fried oysters in Louisiana. I'd take her word on the oysters and pass. I still couldn't believe Bane got me to eat mudbugs. The world was full of wonder, I reckoned.

  We entered Mother Blues with Jen leading the way, and I followed behind her. I took a quick assessment of the joint. Even though I'd never been in a bar before, I pictured this place similar to one. Low lighting, nothing special, the main attraction was a few neon lights hanging on the wall and a couple of pool and foosball tables centered under lamps that remotely lit the joint. Toward the back, I spied a snack bar and a few booths.

  The place hustled with aimless chatter, blaring music, and pool balls snapping. Jen saw a couple of her friends and went off in their direction.

  I ambled toward the back as my eyes combed over the joint, trying to pick out the heads that I recognized from school. I spotted a few, none I knew, though.

  By the time I'd reached the snack bar, and grabbed my Coke, Jen had caught up. “Hey, I'll have what she's having,” Jen called out to the cashier.

  I took a long drag of my drink through the straw as my eyes washed over the spot.

  “What you think,” Jen hollered over the loud noise as she paid the cashier for her drink.

  “It's cool, loud but cool.” I smiled.

  “Come on!” She nudged me. “I'll challenge you to a game of foosball.”

  Obviously, Jen was at home with herself here. Although I wasn't into games, I did enjoy hanging out with Jen. She was easy to talk to, and I found myself laughing at her jokes. Even though no one could replace Beck and Laurie, Jen was a close contender. I sighed. It was gonna hurt when we shoved off to the next town.

  “Okay, let's do this then.” I pushed off the counter. Off we went, sashaying our way to the far corner.

  Jen slid the coins in the slot, and the game was on. She and I had played a couple of games before two boys from a neighboring town joined us. Jen and I teamed up together, playing against the boys in a challenging game of foosball. Jen and I were fierce. We won three games out of four.

  One of the boys took a liking to me. He'd been flirting with me throughout the match. When we finished, Jen and the dark headed boy trailed off to the snack bar, leaving me standing with the tall blond. He was like me, shy. We both did more smiling than talking. When he finally mustered up the courage, he bent down close to my ear and whispered something silly, making small talk. I was smiling and actually enjoying myself, until my eyes lifted and all my blood rushed to my head.

  Aidan Bane had just entered the building.

  It was as if the room had frozen and the only thing I could hear was my pounding heart. Bane saw me from across the room as our eyes crashed. Goosebumps popped up over my body. The dude had that kind of effect on me.

  He made no indication that he knew me. A sudden pinch of pain stabbed my chest. Bane's dismissal bothered me more than I cared to admit.

  He joined a small group of guys over at a pool table on the opposite side of us. I noticed a couple of dudes from school. They were somewhat huddled in a circle, all smiles, and laughs, high-fiving each other.

  Bane pulled out a cue stick from its sheath. I reckoned he must be pretty good at pool. Of course, it was in the genome of DNA that every rich boy was resolved to driving a Corvette, employing a butler, and come complete with his own unique stick. No pun intended.

  The blond boy spoke up, drawing me back. “You wanna sit down at a booth? I'll get you another Coke. It's on me.” He smiled. The guy was more than mildly attractive. He reminded me of Logan, but for some reason, I didn't foresee anything other than friendship. Yet keeping in mind that I was single, I might as well enjoy a little harmless flirting. I didn't need permission to do that.
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br />   “Okay.” I shyly smiled.

  With his hand in the small of my back, the boy guided me through the crowd to a vacant table. Funny, I kept feeling a gun aimed at the center of my shoulder blades. It was starting to grate on me too.

  Jen and the other guy slid into the booth across from me. Jen appeared excited. “Girl, you gotta try the fried oysters!” I looked down, and they both had a basket of some kind of fried nuggets. It didn't look anything like fried chicken and the smell nearly made me barf.

  “Thanks, but I'll pass.” I grinned, holding my nose.

  Jen and the dark-haired guy laughed.

  Soon the blond boy returned with two Cokes and two hot dogs. As he slid in next to me, he pushed a dog and drink in front of me, “Here you go, pretty lady.”

  “Sweet! Thanks.” We shared a short glance. Strange how no one had exchanged names, and even stranger, it didn't bother me enough to ask.

  Thankfully, Jen and the two boys had the gift of gab. I sat and mostly listened. They didn't really talk about anything particular. It was pleasant listening to conversation from kids my age and I was more than happy to sit back and listen.

  Then the mood shifted, and the air stiffened. Aidan Bane waltzed up to our table. “Good evening!” His smile stretched across his tawny face, baring perfect white teeth.

  The chatter at our table stalled. Jen and I shared a wry glance. “Hey, Aidan! When did you get here?” Jen smiled, being polite.

  “Oh, just now. I'm meeting a few friends here.” Then he turned his eyes on me. “Stevie, could I have a word with you?” He nodded toward the door.

  “Um, I'm with my friends. Can it wait?” My insides were warring. I wanted to go with him, but the little voice in my head screamed—'don't go'!

  He scratched his jaw line. “I won't be long.” He half smiled.

  I stared up at him, pausing. Then with a sharp sigh, I agreed. “Fine! Make it quick.” I huffed. The blond boy slid from the booth letting me out.

  “Uh, are you okay?” The boy cut Bane a dark glance, then back at me.

  “I'm fine. I'll be back. Keep my spot.” I smiled.

  The boy cut his eyes one more time at Bane, and then looked back at me, and nodded. I was glad he didn't try to push Bane's buttons. I got the impression the boy felt a little intimidated by Bane's towering height. Just being in Bane's presence could make a person uneasy. He had that effect on folks.