Equinox (Beyond Moondust Trilogy Book 2)

by J. E. Nicassio

“We know what books you bought. We know everything. Nothing is going to happen to you. You can calm down.”

  Finn gestured for me to relax.

  “Calm down? You want me to calm down? You come in here and start questioning me about a night I’d sooner forget. Why? So you can arrest me and take me away to some god-forsaken underground compound and torture me, too?”

  “That’s not why I’m here.”

  “Then why are you here?”

  “I don’t like a damn thing that our government has been doing for the last fifty years. There are a few bad apples, I agree, but I’m not of them. I’m one of the good guys. You can relax. Don’t worry, Samantha. No one is going to torture anyone.” Agent Harmon smiled.

  “I don’t understand. Then why are you here?”

  “We’ve been keeping an eye on Lucien and his family for some time now.” Agent Harmon’s voice quieted as he leaned in closer to me. “I’m a close associate of Jordan Taylor’s. You do know he kept Lucien’s and his siblings’ secret all these years, don’t you? You met another one of our associates, Nathan Moore.”

  “Lucien told me only about a scientist; I thought that was Jordan. I didn’t know there were others. Nathan is involved? My father’s friend? He knows about Lucien? How could he be involved with this? I don’t believe any of this,” I said, puzzled.

  Agent Harmon frowned. “He belongs to a small group of agents who call themselves the Division Six. They have sworn allegiance to helping the visitors of 1947. The Division formed the resistance against Project Blue.”

  “Oh, my God. You do know.”

  “Of course, most intelligence agencies have known, but Division Six has been quiet lately. And I, for one, don’t condone the government’s actions. Samantha, you are a biological phenomenon and some may see you as a threat.”

  “I don’t get it. Why?”

  “Because, out of all the billions of people on this Earth, your blood was mixed with a being’s from another race. That’s why your blood is worth more than gold. Some may want to profit from that fact. That’s why you were taken here. After Lucien’s departure, your father told Nathan Moore about your state of mind. Nathan is the one who found this place for you because we have agents in the field here. Take your favorite person, Dr. O’Neil. She’s on our side.”

  She is? Then why did Dusty think she’s one of the others?

  “Dusty, the boy who was in my room, thinks that’s not the case; he believes Dr. O’Neil is not a good person,” I said.

  “Why is that? What did he say to you?”

  “He’s afraid of her. He has these dreams, and he thinks she’s going to hurt someone.”

  “Yes, I’m aware of his gift of clairvoyance. That’s why he is here, but Dr. O’Neil is on the same page as The Division. Maybe he got his wires crossed.” Agent Harmon looked just as confused as I felt.

  He took a business card from his back pocket, jotted down his cell phone number on the back of his card, and handed it to me.

  “Nathan Moore’s contact number is on there as well. You shouldn’t need this; call it peace of mind for me,” he replied with another smile.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Why now?”

  “There’s been a lot of activity lately, more than usual,” Agent Harmon said.

  “When you say ‘activity,’ do you mean sightings like the one in Pennsylvania that was on the news?” I said. Apprehension was beginning to set in. I squeezed the chair’s armrest. “What about the meteorite?”

  “Yes, that’s why Jordan is worried about your safety, especially now that Lucien’s not here to protect you from the others. He promised Lucien you would be safe until his return. I’m just a little more insurance for you, that’s all.”

  “Project Blue Book knows Lucien is gone?” I asked.

  “The alliance was broken when the agent was killed on the highway. They don’t trust the Fosters, especially—”

  “Who doesn’t trust the Fosters?” I asked quickly.

  “Never mind; it doesn’t matter. Let me worry about other issues right now.” He stood. “Fear not, Samantha. You’re not alone in this.”

  I nodded, trusting him. Satisfied he was speaking the truth, I looked into Agent Harmon’s cerulean eyes, and for a brief moment, I questioned my existence. Why was my blood so important? I felt as if I were sitting on the edge of a cliff, and any second I would lose my balance and tumble down.

  27 Now What

  I left Dr. O’Neil’s office with my head whirling and my stomach tied in knots.

  “So the Fosters didn’t abandon me. They were looking out for me. Jordan had arranged for me to come to Oakridge, a safe house. Had he feared I was in danger?” I asked Finn.

  “Sam, none of this feels right to me.”

  “Nathan must have been keeping close tabs. Dad must have told him how depressed I was. Oakridge is run by the government?”

  “The way Agent Harmon spoke, you’re in deeper than you thought, huh?”

  It feels as if the walls of Oakridge Estates are closing in on me.

  “Everything made sense: This crummy place, Dr. O’Neil…. But I’m not sure about Dusty yet.”

  “You’ll find out soon enough.”

  “What’s that’s supposed to mean? Do you know something and you’re not telling me?” I looked at Finn. He started to look more like a ghost. “Finn, something’s wrong. You look different.”

  “Sam, I have to go. I won’t be back for a while.”

  “Why? I was just getting used to you being here with me.”

  “Just remember to watch your back and don’t trust anyone, especially me.”

  He was gone. I didn’t want him to go. I needed him here with me.

  I wasn’t a prisoner sent by my father out of concern for my well-being. I was here be-cause Nathan had convinced him out of fear that it was best for me. My DNA was of value, even my insecurities, faults, and cottage cheese thighs; and it didn’t seem right. Lucien said I was a miracle. I should’ve been dead. Now, my stay here had a completely new meaning. I’m not sure if relief is the best way to describe it. I thought over Agent Harmon’s words, and now more than ever, I was worried about my safety.

  My eyes narrowed on the wall at the far end of the hallway, toward the sunroom. I was about to round the corner when I saw Alex coming out of the gym. He was wearing street clothes, heading straight for me.

  “Sam?”

  I paused, waiting for him to catch up. He swung his gym bag over his shoulder. “I saw you being escorted to Dr. O’Neil’s office. Is everything okay?”

  “Yeah…sure, everything’s fine, no worries,” I said in a flat voice. “All is good. As good as it’s going to get here.”

  You are the worst actress, Sam!

  I smiled, trying to hide my uncertainty.

  “Okay, if you’re sure you don’t want to talk about it.”

  “You know O’Neil. She just wanted to grill me with questions.”

  “Who was that man with her? I have never seen him around before.”

  “He just asked some questions.” I started to turn and walk away, but he stopped me.

  “What kinds of questions?”

  Think, Sam.

  “Just some random home stuff, is all. She’s putting together some kind of newsletter.” A newsletter?

  “Huh…a newsletter?”

  I thought for sure he was going to say he didn’t believe me.

  “Really? I wonder why she didn’t ask me for any feedback.”

  “I dunno. Maybe she thought you wouldn’t be interested,” I said.

  “Hmm…. Well…” he rolled his eyes. “Enjoy your evening, Sam. See you tomorrow, then.”

  “Absolutely.”

  Alex tipped his head and headed down the hall
way. I hated lying to him.

  “There’s a bonfire on the deck. You should check it out.”

  “Nah. Maybe.”

  “Goodnight.”

  That was as good a time as any to try and organize my thoughts.

  28 The Bonfire

  I had decided the information I learned that evening should give me a sense of calm, not alarm. However, I still had a nagging feeling in the pit of my gut that something wasn’t what it should be. For the first time in a long time, I could see a light at the end of the tunnel. I just wished it was Lucien and not Division Six. I believed Agent Harmon when he said O’Neil was a federal agent. That would explain why she was a dreadful shrink and why she didn’t have an ounce of finesse in group. I questioned if she was even a Doctor.

  Dark shadows danced along the length of the walls leading onto the deck. I tried to make out what the shadows were. Then I remembered the bonfire. The gathering of the patients had no meaning or significance for me. A simple reminder of where I was. Now that I know I’m not alone in this place of dysfunction, it will make it more bearable.

  Then there’s Nathan, my dad’s friend. He’s in on this too. No wonder he was eager to spend time with me, talking about shooting stars, angels, and demons the evening after I left the Fosters’ ranch. Nathan, O’Neil, Agent Harmon, Project Blue Book, and now Division Six all knew about Lucien. I wondered how many others did, too.

  Agent Harmon’s story had some holes. How did Nathan know about Lucien? Is it a coincidence? My dad and Nathan teach at the same university. How did Agent Harmon find my house? I really didn’t like the idea of someone watching me. I hated being the center of attention or being sequestered. That said, I felt relieved that I wasn’t alone in all this mad-ness. How was I ever going to explain what I had learned to Dusty? His nightmares may be all he could handle.

  It was still early enough in the evening to salvage some of the bonfire. I wanted to make sure Dusty was all right without bringing attention to us. I made my way back to my room to get my coat. Sure enough, Victoria was not there. I took my parka off the rack, donned it, and walked out into the dim hallway to join the others out on the deck. I should at least try to enjoy one of the few amenities of Oakridge Estates.

  Walking past Dusty’s room, I saw that the door was ajar. I didn’t need to peek inside. I could see the lights were off.

  I was beginning to make my way to the deck when I saw a light streaming through the transom above Dr. O’Neil’s office door. She must still be sulking over Agent Harmon’s objection to her listening in on our discussion. I quietly tiptoed by, hoping she wouldn’t come out at the same time I was passing.

  As soon as I rounded the corner, I heard her door creak open; whoa, that was close.

  ***

  Gold and amber flames lit the way as I approached the French doors leading out to the deck. It was a picture-perfect sight; and, if you didn’t know any better, you would think this was a resort in the mountains instead of a center for troubled teens. The bonfire wasn’t the typical fire ring with stones and blocks like the ones I used to sit in front of at Hidden Valley. This was a red brick chimney with an open pit.

  The cool evening air swept in with a hint of burning timber. When I stepped onto the rustic deck, my sneakers squished in some water. Most of the snow had already melted in the sun today. The temperature was once again in the forties.

  In front of the blaze, I could see smoky wisps curled up like autumn leaves billowing into dark clouds. A presence filled the air, hidden within the night. While daydreaming and looking beyond the darkness, Victoria gathered with Nicki and Dayton. To the far end of the deck was Harley, sitting by herself, scrunched up next to the railing. There were others from the upper floors gathered in little groups, none that I had ever spoken to. I heard low whispers and small talk, but no one really looked content with themselves, especially Dusty. He was slouched over in front of the fire, his eyes locked in fascination as if there were some mysterious force taking hold of his gaze. The hall monitors gathered at the doorway, huddled amongst themselves. Tom Bradley, the unpleasant, bald orderly kept staring at me. He was the same orderly who was with O’Neil earlier and had escorted Dusty back to his room.

  Finding a spot next to Dusty, I sat on the bench. His eyes glazed over as he watched the fire, and he seemed to be overcome with sadness. I gently nudged him.

  “Hey, you okay?” I asked.

  He looked around before he spoke. “Y-Yeah, I’m good. Did you get in any t-trouble? I was w-worried about you.”

  The smoke lingering above him gave way to little amber sparks that crackled, making him jerk. I wriggled and laughed, making him feel at ease with his jitteriness.

  “Everything’s cool.” However, the nagging pinch in my side told me otherwise.

  Dusty leaned over and whispered, “I’m r-right, a-aren’t I? That’s why that m-man came to see you.”

  “It’s no big deal; no one’s in trouble,” I said, staring into the fire. He knows what Agent Harmon talked to me about so there was no reason not to tell him.

  “Sam, O-O’Neil’s one of them.”

  He seemed so sure we’re being deceived. I put my hand firmly on his knee.

  “She’s one of the evil shadow people I’m telling you about,” he continued.

  I felt his knee-trembling beneath my hand. He was more afraid than he had been in my room.

  Trying to ease his fears, I said, “No, Dusty, that’s not true. You’re wrong about her. The man who was with O’Neil was a federal agent, and he explained to me that O’Neil is one of the good guys.” I glanced around, hoping no one heard me.

  A few moments of silence went by. I needed to find the right words to explain what Agent Harmon told me. Dusty was still languished over his dreams about O’Neil, and his stuttering showed he did not believe a word I was saying. I would have to convince him some other way that she was not a threat.

  “Agent Harmon, the man in the blue suit, said we’re here for our protection; and apparently, he knows about your situation too.” I paused and saw that Victoria was watching every word that came out of my mouth.

  “It’s not true; she’s n-not who she claims to be. I’m t-telling you, Agent Harmon is b-being fooled.”

  “If O’Neil’s one of the shadow people like you claim, then Agent Harmon is in danger, too.” I pondered the thought. Now what? “Maybe you’re getting your signals crossed like Agent Harmon mentioned to me.”

  “S-Samantha, my dreams always come true. I dreamed that O’Neil is d-dangerous. Why don’t you believe me?” Dusty’s eyes were dark and clouded with fear. I looked over my shoulder and could see that some of the patients were beginning to clear out. I tried to think of what I should say to him so he wouldn’t freak out.

  “It’s not that I don’t believe you. Let’s just wait and see. I’m sure Agent Harmon is right about O’Neil.”

  “Unless he’s a g-g-good s-storyteller—and we’re both being tricked,” Dusty said, barely audible.

  “I don’t think so, Dusty. I think he’s truthful.”

  He didn’t seem convinced. I watched him stare intently into the fire. “T-There’s going to be a d-deadly f-flu outbreak, and m-many will d-die.”

  “That was random,” I said with a wry smile.

  “I-It’s the b-beginning of the end, and we’re all going to die. It’s going to happen. They are coming back for what they left behind. All those stories about 2012 were true. It’s not the end of the world. It’s the beginning. The Mayan calendar stopped on December twenty-first, 2012, but the new calendar will end because h-humankind, as we know it, stops.”

  “Whoa, Dusty––where’s this all coming from? You have to stop reading shit from Above Top Secret. It’s making your brain all mushy,” I said with a dry laugh. “December twenty-first? A flu outbreak? Now you’re scaring me. It’s way past 2013.”

 
; “S-Sam, it’s not funny. M-My dreams, I told you.”

  “Okay—now you’re really freaking me out.” I rubbed my eyes; the smoke was getting the best of me. I thought back to December twenty-first. Lucien had left that same day.

  “W-We have to go to G-Greenbrier.”

  “What’re you talking about now? What’s Greenbrier?”

  He turned to me, his green eyes filled with torment and tears. “I d-don’t know yet; I keep seeing G-Greenbrier in my dreams. When I went b-back to m-my r-room w-when O-O’Neil c-caught us, I f-fell a-a-asleep and d-dreamt it then; and I h-have d-dreamt about it b-before t-that t-too, b-before you came to O-Oakridge.”

  “Whoa, calm down. It’s only a dream; there’s no flu, and for 2012, it was a story some crazy Indians made up because they ran out of paper to finish the calendar. You remember the millennium. Nothing happened,” I said. Even though I knew it was only a dream, I was unsettled.

  Suddenly, Victoria was right beside me, hovering. “You two looked enthralled in some-thing. Did O’Neil bust you for sneaking Dusty into our room?”

  I turned and gave her a censorious look.

  “What’s up with that? I mean really, Samantha, he’s thirteen.”

  I stood up and moved away from where Dusty was sitting. He’s already messed up enough and shouldn’t have to hear what this bitch had to say.

  Victoria followed.

  “Don’t even go there, Victoria,” I said, my blood beginning to boil. “He’s telling me about some dreams he’s been having.”

  “You’re wasting your time. He’s a nut case just like his family.”

  “What the––” I almost said it but bit my tongue. “Victoria….”

  “Rumors going around say his parents were supposedly killed when he was born. The people who adopted him tried to give him back. They were scared of him. They said he’s a freak of nature; even the adoption agency wouldn’t take him back. They drove him to the agency in the middle of the night and left him. That’s when his current family took him. They’ve had him a few years. After that campout, they sent him here, right after that episode; he’s been shuffled back and forth from foster home to foster home. No one wants him. He must’ve done some really disturbing things for no one to want him.”