A Shade of Innocence (The Illuminati Book 1)

by Jane West

  Jeffery ran to the large bookcase that covered a whole wall. He tipped back a book from the case. Apparently, it was a lever as the whole bookcase slid open.

  I gawked in awe. I thought things like that only existed in books and motion pictures.

  Hand over fist, my arm was jerked forward, and Jeffery halfway dragged me into the small opening. “Pay attention, Chile! You gonna get both our heads on the chopin' block,” Jeffery urged as he closed the bookcase behind us.

  My eyes orbed, terrified. “Are you kidding?”

  “I never kid about my lovely head.” He twisted his face. “That came out wrong,” he huffed. “Come on!” He tugged on my arm dragging me down a dark, narrow passage.

  I covered my mouth, coughing from the cloud of dirt flying in my face. “How do you see? There's no light and,” I coughed, “the dust?”

  “Stop your bitchin'!”

  “I'm not complaining,” I snapped back.

  “Shush,” he jerked on my arm even harder, making me pick up the pace, “Voices carry down 'ere!”

  “Sorry,” I half whispered and choked on a mouthful of dirt.

  After several corners and spirals of stairwells, I felt like I was on a roller coaster. My stomach churned with queasiness from ingesting all the dirt but then we stopped.

  Jeffery tapped three times on the center of a wall, and another entrance opened. We passed through it and down another corridor that was less dusty with more light.

  When my eyes adjusted to the light, I realized we were standing in the kitchen.

  In a flash, Jeffery made a dash to a drawer. Hurriedly, he drew out my keys and jerked my wrist leading me to the warehouse.

  We rushed through double doors and down another corridor. My lungs were screaming for air, but there wasn't any time to waste for something as little as breathing. I'd do that once I'd made my get-away.

  Once we reached the elevator, Jeffery punched the G button. Seconds later, we stepped out into the warehouse and the rows of vehicles.

  Not missing a beat, Jeffery kept my feet plugging on.

  When we reached my beetle, Jeffery halted abruptly. He shoved a handful of cash into my hands. “Boo, take this! You'll need it to get away. Don't tell anyone where you're goin'. Just get the fuck outta of 'ere. That uncle of Mister Aidan's is one bad mofo. I'm tellin' you when white folks are mean you don't want to cross their path. So, you run, boo, run your ass off and don't stop until you is in China.” Jeffery snatched me up into his arms and hugged me. “Go on, git the hell outta 'ere before any of those fuckers see you.”

  Tears came to my eyes, “Thank you, Jeffery! I don't know what to say.”

  “You say nuffin! Go on now, git!” Jeffery opened the door for me and handed me the key. “Follow the arrows and it will take you straight outta 'ere. You don't need a password to leave.” He smiled, but it didn't reach his worrisome eyes.

  A moment lingered as Jeffery, and I gave one more silent farewell, then I dove into the beetle, sliding the key into the ignition. The beetle started up, sounding as loud as ever.

  With no more time to spare, I released the break and slammed it into first gear. I was off in a flash, and the taste of bitter freedom caressed my parched lips.

  I checked my rear-view mirror and Jeffery was still standing, watching as I sped away. I'd misjudged Jeffery. He'd been my friend all along. It touched my heart, and I'd be forever grateful for his kindness. I opened my palm and looked at the wad of money. I gasped in shock. The cash appeared to be all several one-thousand-dollar bills. Crap! Did they make bills that large?

  Jeffery advised me to get out of town. Wise decision, but with Bane and his uncle and all their resources, they could pluck me from anywhere. Where could I go? Who could help me find a solution? The police would be out of the question, Bane owned the locals. Besides, I learned my lesson from the last time.

  Then it hit me! Ms. Noel!

  Untouchable

  It was the worst storm of the year, and it had to be the one night that I decided to make my get-away. If I thought the hailstorm couldn't get worse, I soon discovered how naive I was.

  Thunder roared, breaking sound barriers, and lightning crashed, shooting hot streaks of light across the ominous sky, hemming me in from every direction. Winds howled as the blinding sheets of rain pummeled my car.

  I sped down the countryside as my car rocked like a baby's cradle. The headlights were hardly enough to see the dark road ahead, but it didn't deter me from speeding.

  At any second, I feared my car might get swept away by raging floodwaters. Couple that with the towering pines snapping back and forth, I held my breath that I didn't end up crushed by a fallen tree.

  There was no refuge. I had no other choice but to push through this storm and pray I made it to Ms. Noel's in one piece. I checked my rear view mirror. No signs of another car's headlight. At least I had that advantage.

  My gut told me that once Bane and his uncle discovered that I was gone, they'd come looking for me. My best friend right now was momentum. It was a race for time. My chance of keeping my head intact depended greatly on me getting off their radar. I had to get to Ms. Noel's fast! My heart pounded against my chest as I floored the gas pedal.

  Finally, I began to see small specks of light ahead. I was almost there to Ms. Noel's. I turned onto the main drag and sped past the diner and onto Saint Anne Street. I could see Ms. Noel's house now in plain view. Suddenly, my lungs expanded and I could breathe. The porch light was on as if she had been expecting me. Quickly, I pulled up to the curb and tugged on the break. I knew I should hide the beetle, but that would have to wait. I wanted to get inside out of this torrential downpour before Snowball and I drowned.

  At that instant, a bolt of lightning struck, shattering all around me. The black sky lit up, electrified and enraged. I jolted with a squeal and Snowball hissed. We both felt the peril in the atmosphere.

  I grabbed up Snowball who was shivering with fright and tucked him under my hoodie. I flung the door open and leaped out, making a mad dash for Ms. Noel's covered porch while thunder nipped at my heels. Poor Snowball dug his claws into my chest, meowing and hanging on for dear life.

  The second my feet hit the porch, Ms. Noel, dressed in a housecoat, stood holding the screen door open. “Chile, hurry! This storm is the devil makin' babies,” she hollered over the pounding rain.

  “Sorry for coming at this hour.” I shivered, standing in a huge pool of water. Snowball, just as wet, lay trembling in my arms. “I didn't know who else to turn to.” The desperation in my voice made no room for question.

  “Babee, no bother. Let me take Snowball and I'll get him some cream. In the meantime, you rest on the sofa.” Ms. Noel's smile soothed better than any cup of chicken soup.

  Ms. Noel headed for the kitchen with Snowball, and I made my way to one of the rocking chairs by the fireplace.

  As my mind began to unwind, I started shivering. The shock was starting to set in, and the sting of cold rain and everything else that had gone down from the moment I set foot in town began to seep into my bones. The trembling wouldn't stop, and my teeth chattered away. I leaned over, arms stretched letting the warmth of the fire soak through to my weary bones.

  Shortly after, Ms. Noel returned with a hot cup of tea and a dry blanket. She always knew the perfect remedy. I smiled up at her. “Here Babee, wrap this around ya and drink some of this tea. It'll calm ya nerves.” She patted my shoulder and pulled the other rocker across from me. We both huddled around the fireplace. “I knew ya be comin' tonight,” she smiled warmly, “Fannie said ya in trouble. The devil is out tonight and is ready ta play.”

  I shrugged with a bitter laugh. “Did the devil have blue eyes by chance?”

  “Catin, the devil has many faces.” Ms. Noel drew in a thoughtful expression. “We just have ta remember that God don't like ugly. Hmm uh, he sure don't.” She rocked back and forth with a little more zest than usual. I reckoned she felt the electric static in the air as I did.
/>   “They're coming for me, Ms. Noel!” Fear bristled the back of my neck.

  “Chile, who's coming for ya?” Ms. Noel's face became fraught with worry.

  Chills trickled down my spine as the conversation pillaged through my brain once again. “I overheard Bane talking to Dr. Van.” I gulped, “Dr. Van, the principal, is his uncle!” I nervously sipped my hot tea. The tea soothed my insides and the cup warmed my hands. I swallowed another sip and returned my frantic gaze back to Ms. Noel. “Remember the séance?” I wrapped the blanket tighter around my shoulders.

  “I sure do.” Ms. Noel's face grew pale.

  Leaning closer, I spewed my horrible findings. “I think Bane is the faceless boy in my dreams, and he and his uncle are coming after me. I think they're the people my father warned us about. They believe I'm their meal ticket! That-that-that I have powers of some sort. It all sounds crazy!” My voice shot up an octave. “They plan to kill me!” My head was spinning. “I haven't figured it all out yet!” I stared at her wide-eyed and terrified. “You're right, about Sara. The-the-the stalker, he's the reason why Sara's been running all these years.” I breathed. “Bane knows the stalker. His-his-his name is Zak!” I gulped air, “Or it was his name. Bane killed him after he attacked me at school.” I inhaled deeply. “I didn't slip on baby oil. Zak attacked me. Bane and Sara both have been covering it up. Bane used some kind of drug on me to make me forget.

  “Lord have mercy!” Ms. Noel stopped rocking, eyes expressing shock.

  “That's not all.” I paused. “My mother sold me to Bane! I think Sara is in on the plan with Bane and his uncle.” I raked my hands through my damp hair.

  “Lord, sweet Jesus! I knew that woman's heart was black.”

  I swallowed against the knot lodged in my throat. “That's not all. Bane's been protecting my father's killer.” Knowing this about Bane hurt more than the threat of death. Take my life, torture me until I can't scream any longer, but aiding and abetting a fugitive, my father's murderer, was such an unfathomable betrayal that I'd never forgive him. Ever!

  “For goodness sakes, Chile, are you sure that's what you heard?”

  “Yes! I'm certain! I heard it with my own ears.”

  “You don't worry none! We have help.” She flashed a promising smile. “Visitors are coming to help.”

  My brows furrowed. “Who'd be coming at this hour and in this storm?” I pulled the blanket tighter as shivers covered my body.

  “You just rest ya eyes, on the couch. Ya going ta need all the strength ya can muster. There's magick in the air tonight, and it's mighty angry.” She patted my knee.

  A cold dread spread over me as I nodded my head. It had been a taxing night. My eyes were starting to grow heavy, and another bout with a headache lingered. I gathered to my feet and leaned over Ms. Noel, hugging her generously. “Thank you! You're the only person I have in this whole wide world that I can trust.”

  Ms. Noel smiled, eyes twinkling in the embers of the fireplace. “Babee,” she patted my arm, “Ya my angel. Of course, I will protect ya.”

  * * *

  When my eyes opened, two silhouettes hovered over me. Instantly, I gasped and bolted straight up, arms flailing, fighting off blurred faces in scarlet red robes. The dream had returned with impeccable timing.

  “Stevie, Stevie! It's me, Jen! You're safe.” She gently shook my shoulders.

  I stopped as Jen's voice pulled me back; still, my breathing was erratic as my heartbeat. “Sorry!” My eyes were droopy and my brain was just as hazy. I rubbed my eyes to try to shake off the drowsiness.

  As I lifted my gaze, I spotted a tall, slim figure standing next to Jen. My eyes widened with surprise, “Sam!”

  “Hey, Chickadee,” he said as he busted out into a full grin.

  “What are you doing here?” I wondered if I might be dreaming still.

  Jen and Sam shared a disparaging glance.

  Surprised washed over me as I realized they were the visitors.

  “I have to warn you!” I rushed with urgency. “Jen, Bane drugged you! He did the same thing to me too with something called angel dust.” Terror ripped through me, “And Dr. Van is Bane's uncle!”

  She eased herself onto the couch next to me, gently resting her hand on my shoulder. “Yes, I know about Dr. Van,” She glanced up at Sam, “And the drug, angel dust. The effects aren't as harsh on me. I gained my memories back after a couple of days.” She paused. “This may be hard for you to believe, but Sam and I come from another dimension. We have been sent here to watch over you.” She smiled oddly. “I wanted to tell you, but we were forbidden from our source to reveal our true identity.”

  I didn't recognize this person who looked like my friend. “Say that again?” My eyebrows collided.

  Sam interjected. “We're your guardians, Guardians of Light.”

  “Come again?” My eyes bounced from Jen to Sam.

  Ms. Noel stepped in. “Babee, listen to what they sayin'.”

  I nodded to Ms. Noel, and then directed my question at Sam and Jen. “Okay, explain, please.”

  “We're here to protect you,” Jen softly confessed.

  “To protect me?” A dread came over me.

  Jen paused holding my gaze. “Yes. I know it's hard to believe.”

  I interrupted. “Yeah, it is hard for me to believe.” My shock gaze bounced between Jen and Sam.

  Concern toiled in Jen's eyes. “This may sound preposterous, but you're not human.”

  My eyes flew open as I gawked at her. “What did you say?”

  Jen's eyes softened. “Let me explain.”

  “Yeah, please do before I go into cardiac arrest!” I had wacko men wanting to chop my block off and my friends were spooling tales from the land of Oz. Good grief! I'm not in Texas anymore.

  All of a sudden, a streak of lightning crashed and the whole house sounded like an explosion. With no warning, darkness swallowed up the light.

  Mendacious thunder rumbled as if it had a say to this madness. I jumped with a sharp yep, clenching my chest. I settled back down, but my pulse continued to race. If it had not been for the kindling fire, we'd been sitting in the dark.

  Ms. Noel asked, “Babee, are ya okay?”

  I nodded, “As good as expected.” I pressed my lips into a smile, but it was only a mask.

  “Let me get ya something a little stronger ta drink. I save this for emergencies.” Ms. Noel hightailed it to the kitchen.

  Jen spoke up, “We don't mean to alarm you.” She hesitated, her dark brown eyes glistened like the sea under the moonlight. “Considering everything that has transpired recently, you need to know the truth.”

  My eyes met hers. “Okay, I'm listening.”

  “Sam and I don't have all the details of how they created you, but what we do know is that you possess special abilities.”

  “Abilities?” I felt like I was in a tunnel, voices echoing all around me, “Like-like-like-like me blowing up the girl's restroom at school?”

  “Yes, magick.” Jen's face lit up. “That was you!”

  Sam chimed in. “Damn straight that was you, gul! You got some strong energy. That restroom was blown to bits!”

  I tossed my arms in the air. “Stop it,” I snapped, “Can we do rewind? I'll worry about my energy later, right now Bane and his uncle are planning to kill me.” I shook my head, on the brink of imploding. “They want to extract my…” I raised my hands, gesturing as if I was quoting, “powers from my body. I'm supposed to be a sacrifice or something.” I jumped to my feet, shaking off the woolies. “I don't know! It's all too weird.”

  I caught Jen tossing a strained glance at Sam.

  Ms. Noel returned from the kitchen with a small glass filled with a clear substance that looked something like water. “Here Babee,” she handed me the glass, “This is what we here in Louisiana call hooch.”

  Sam's eyes ignited. “Oh man! Now that's the stuff.” He broke out into a greedy grin, nearly licking his chops.

  Ms. Noel flashed a
warning glint at Sam. “Don't you be gettin' any notions, young man, this white dog ain't to toy with.” She shook her head at the puppy-dog-faced boy. Then she turned to me. “Drink it slow, Catin. It will rest you real nice.”

  “Thank you, Ms. Noel.” I took the glass, tilting my head back and downed the clear liquid. Suddenly I began gasping. “What is this,” I choked out, my throat blazing.

  “That's moonshine!” Sam looked like he was salivating.

  “No offense but that stuff taste awful,” I choked.

  “Take it easy. That stuff will burn holes in your tummy.” He shot me an impish wink.

  “Thanks for the warning.” My throat was still burning.

  Sam moved in closer, dropping to his knees on the floor next to me. He went on to say, “We know that Magick courses strongly through your veins. Old Blue and his uncle believe that if they take your powers, they will gain supremacy over the world.”

  My brows drew together with confusion. “I don't understand.”

  Jen joined in. “They call themselves the Illuminati. They have been in circulation for centuries, all the way back to the Knights Templar in lll9, although the ones that exist today, unlike their former fellow brothers, are not in the light.”

  “Wait! Bane said my father was a member but defected. But now I'm not sure. Van referred to a man with the last name of Collins. My dad's last name is Ray.”

  Jen spoke up, “We aren't aware of your father. I'm sorry I can't be more helpful.”

  “I may never know the truth.”

  “What I do know is that the Illuminati are insidious creatures, masterminding a massive conspiracy to rule the world. They are the elite, behind a frenzied campaign for World Dominance and a New International Economic Order. With supreme ultimate power at their beckon call, they are in the driver's seat. They have infiltrated the government, the banking system, White House officials, every drug lord, and every organized crime from here to the land of no return. These Satan worshiping fanatics bring destruction, famine, and global war.

  Sam intervened. “Simply put the Secret Brotherhood play humans against one another as if it's a game of chest. They call all the shots, who lives, who dies. They are a bunch of sociopaths with big guns.”