by SF Benson
Zared’s lips brush mine.
Stay calm. Just go with it.
It’s the perfect kiss, creating the perfect moment. A kiss to erase all the bad memories. It reminds me that true love is liberating. No one can steal it or command it. You can’t barter for it or control it. Everlasting love, true love, is given with every ounce of your soul. True love is a caress, like a whisper against silk. It must be encouraged, nurtured like the finest of wines.
Holden attempted to make me his, but my heart wasn’t his to claim. He didn’t understand me. That man wanted to own me, hide me from the world. But the love Zared and I share is an intertwining of two hearts beating as one. A consecration of souls.
My arms encircle his neck and I pull him closer. I need this.
Zared’s warm hands graze my back. He won’t hurt me.
What starts as gentle becomes frenzied, but with him I welcome it. He loves me.
He sweeps me into his arms and carries me to the bedroom. We collapse onto the bed.
“You’re sure?” he whispers in a husky voice full of want and need.
I answer with the gentle persuasion of kisses, pulling him down on top of me and molding my body to his. I love him.
Zared’s delicate onslaught of kisses down my body shatters me. This sensual, caring man is everything I need and want in my life. I purr beneath his touch.
You can do this.
I scrutinize myself in the bathroom mirror, looking for any semblance of the old me.
I have to reassure myself that I can be whole again. This place tried to break me. I can’t let that happen. Falling apart jeopardizes my hopes and dreams for a future with Zared.
Ko and Asher’s voices thankfully terminate my thoughts. I walk out and find them sitting side by side across from Zared. I’m grateful he made the bed.
I fill Ko and Asher in on my time in captivity and how I became friends with Taa. “I had to trust someone,” I conclude.
“Understood,” Ko replies.
Now might be a good time to find out what happened with my friend, but a room full of people doesn’t offer privacy. I motion for her to follow me to the bedroom.
The door is barely closed before I say, “Spill it, Ko.”
“Spill what?” She sits on the bed.
“We haven’t spoken since the hideout in Canada. What’s going on with you?”
“I’d rather not—” she guards her words.
“Ko, you know you can tell me anything.” Granted, I’ve been a lousy friend of late, but I want to help her. “Zared said you were shot.”
She shudders. “Yes. Katsuo shot me.”
“Why weren’t you in protective gear? That was the plan. Everyone in combat suits.”
Ko shrugs. “I don’t know. Dumb decision on my part.”
“No. It’s more than that. You don’t make dumb decisions.” I push my sleeves up and pace the floor.
“Maybe I got distracted,” she mutters.
“Distracted?” I snap. “You’re too smart for that. You’re never careless.”
She stares up at me. Remorse flickers in her eyes. “I’m human. I. Got. Distracted. Trust me, it won’t happen again.”
“What distracted you?”
“Not a what. A who.”
I feel like an idiot. Once, I accused her of being too serious. She chose the wrong moment to let her guard down, though. “How much damage?”
“I had surgery to repair my shoulder.” Ko speaks in a weary tone of voice. “Doctors said I have neurological deficits. Full recovery may take a few months. There’s a chance I may never recover.”
Pain etches itself on her face. Ko avoids eye contact. She slumps forward and says, “Riza gave me a medical discharge since I’m no longer able to handle a weapon.”
Something else is bothering her. She’s not the same. “What else, Ko? I’m not judging you.”
Ko drops her head in her hands. She speaks barely above a whisper. “Nightmares. They don’t stop.”
I’m no stranger to nightmares, spiders… My heart aches for my friend.
She wraps her arms around herself. “Every night I dream I’m back in that warehouse, but this time, I don’t make it out. I die, Tru.”
I put my arm around her. The only thing I can tell her is, “I’m sorry. Does Asher know?”
“He knows about the nightmares, but not the discharge.” She shakes her head. “And don’t tell him. Zared and Asher think I just need rehab. Plus, Asher thinks I’m okay with everything. While we were in the holding cell, I told him I deserted Riza. So now he thinks we’re both AWOL.”
Wow. It occurs to me that I’m a selfish person. I need to stop being so self-absorbed. Everyone has their issues, some more involved than others.
“I won’t tell him,” I promise. “How are things with you two?”
She stares at the floor. “Asher’s stood by me since the shooting. He helped me through the nightmares.”
“That’s a good thing, right?” I ask, studying my friend for any hidden emotions.
“It is,” she professes. “I’m giving him a chance.”
“Good for you. He’s a nice guy.” I hug her. Thank God she came to her senses. They deserve to find happiness. It makes me glad they’ll discover it together.
Ko glances at me. “I forgot to ask you how you’re doing?”
“Fine.” Now, who’s guilty of lying? Ko has enough to handle. I won’t add my problems.
She narrows her eyes. “Are you sure?”
“Yes. Why?” Ko probably sees through me. She always could.
“You’ve changed,” she comments. “I sense it, but I can’t figure it out.”
“I’m—”
The door opens, and Zared sticks his head in. “Mom’s back.”
Safe for now. Time to re-enter hell.
“The UN likes to talk irresponsibility. Well, is it responsible leadership to withhold technology? We have the ability to eradicate diseases, defects, and disabilities in our world. The UN is practicing its own version of prejudice. Don’t let their hatred continue to infect us all.”
—Jacob C. Venter, Leader, the American Republic
Tru
I bite at my lips and glance at the window. Possibilities for escaping this place are being discussed. Asher advocates for a complicated scheme declaring Taa as a traitor and we’re to escort her to New Belle Isle. Mark argues for a straightforward approach—turning in Zared and me. Everyone’s voicing opinions. Me? I could care less. My mind is focused on Holden’s whereabouts.
What has he done with Shara? Why didn’t Taa do a better job protecting her? Shara was supposed to stay with her. It was a bad idea for us to switch places. Doesn’t matter that it helped me escape. All I can think of right now is her safety. The possibilities leave a sour taste in my mouth.
I pull back the curtain and look out like Holden’s going to show up at the window. Words about leaving people behind grab my attention.
“Taa, why can’t we save everyone?” I ask harshly.
“Tru, it’s not practical.” Taa’s voice lacks concern. She removes the band holding her thick mane. “This is the best plan we have.”
“What about Shara?” Taa hasn’t told me anything more about her. How did Holden just walk away with my clone? “Where is she?”
Taa clasps her hands in her lap and admits, “We don’t know. Soldiers are still searching, but they’ll be found.”
I mutter, “I’m not so sure of that.”
She draws a deep breath and averts her eyes. “Stop worrying. You’re safe here.”
Zared jumps in. “What do you mean by ‘safe’?”
“Your mother only means that we’re all safe here,” I interject. Taa’s eyes lift to meet mine. I pray she gets the hint.
She nods. “That’s exactly what I meant.”
I need a moment away from this insanity. The best I can do, however, is stand in front of the window and wish to be on the other side. Asher joins me.
“
How you doing?” he asks sincerely.
“I’m okay,” I lie. It’s getting easier to do that. Actually, I wish people would stop checking on me.
He leans closer. Asher’s words rustle against my skin as he says, “Not buying it.”
I stay quiet.
“You readily pulled your weapon on Griffin,” he points out.
“He deserved it,” I counter.
“Understood.” He continues, “You admitted to killing someone.”
“Just between us?” I cut my eyes toward him.
Keeping his voice low, Asher says, “Of course.”
“They did things to me here. Evil things,” I confide.
“I’m sorry, Tru.” He takes my hand in his. “We got here as soon as we could.”
“I know, but it’s more than that. I’ve changed since my mom’s murder. And I don’t like who I’ve become,” I confess.
He drapes his arm over my shoulder. “Tru, it isn’t possible to experience all you have and not change. It’s like God’s way of helping you cope. The old you couldn’t have dealt with it all. You either bend or break. You bent.”
“Do I get to bend back?”
“No. You learn to accept the new you.”
“What if I can’t?”
“You will. In time. Remember, you have Zared. And don’t forget about Ko and me. We got your six. Always.”
“Thanks. It means a lot.”
“Everything okay over here?” It’s Ko. Her eyes shift between us.
I look at Asher. “We’re done?”
“Yeah.” He gives me a small hug.
I leave him alone with Ko.
“The American Republic can’t afford to return to the days of widespread violence, poverty, and unemployment. We have made vast improvements to our entire way of life. The Alliance wants to return us to illiteracy, crime, and government handouts.”
—Emma Blackburn-Douglas, Leader, American Republic
Zared
Seeing my mother again invigorates me, strengthens my spirit. After all the shit I’ve been through—living on the streets, working as an operative for the Alliance, killing my father—I need a little joy. But at the same time, I can’t seem to shake the bad vibe. It’s a sneaking suspicion that there’s a lot more to Mom’s disappearance than what she’s shared.
Although I have some doubts concerning my mother, I have no misgivings about Malcolm. That cruel bastard’s greed robbed me of the one parent who loved me. If it hadn’t been for his interference, I wouldn’t be a member of the Alliance. He probably had something to do with the perv in the alley that night. Probably planned my recruitment. Hell, I wouldn’t put it past the asshole.
I am glad, though, that Mom was there for Tru. I realize this place… these people did bad, unforgivable things to my girl. One day, I’ll find out and take care of whoever hurt her. But for now… right now she has a strong female in her life. Tru needs my mother.
Tru and Asher are standing shoulder to shoulder at the window, talking. I’m grateful that Asher befriended her. When Gabriela died, he got through to Tru. He talked her off the ledge of insanity when it seemed like no one else could reach her. She needs him, too.
My mother sits on the sofa with her eyes closed. Now might be a good time to get some answers to my questions.
“Mom, can I ask you something?” I say, sitting beside her.
A smile radiates across her face. “What is it?”
I keep my eyes fixed on Asher and Tru and lower my voice. “What happened to Tru while she was here?”
She raises an eyebrow and asks, “Didn’t she tell you?”
“She told me some things, but not everything.”
Mom rests her hand on my arm. “Zared, what happened to Tru is history. She’s alive, and she loves you. That’s all that matters.”
“I know she loves me.” I scrape my hand through my hair. The empty feeling in the pit of my stomach tells me to leave it alone but I can’t. “Did he hurt her?”
“You mean Holden?” she asks.
I nod.
Mom faces me and sighs. “You are persistent. You really should ask her about this.”
A muscle in my jaw twitches. He hurt her. Without Mom saying the words, I know it. “Where is he?”
“We don’t know.”
“What do you mean you don’t know?” I scream.
Everyone looks at us, but no one moves.
I lower my voice. “I’ll find him. Give me a weapon, and I’ll find the prick.”
“Zared, I can’t let you do that. He’s with her clone,” Mom says.
Damn. Proof that my father was up to no good. I know Tru too well. She’s concerned for this… experiment. Guess that means saving the clone, as well.
“Are you willing to sit there and let him hurt her, too?”
“I never said he hurt anyone.”
“You didn’t have to.” I exhale and look toward the window.
Asher and Tru are nowhere to be seen. My eyes scan the room, confirming the fact. They’re gone and so is Ko.
I head toward the door, but Mom rests her hand on my arm. Her eyes search my face like she’s trying to figure me out. She takes a deep breath and says in a wavering voice, “Tell me about your father’s research.”
“You want to talk about that now? I need to find the others. They’re gone.”
“Zared, they’re not going anywhere,” she says. “It’s important that you tell me.”
Dad’s research falls under the heading of Operation Restore, a fanatical idea of breeding perfection in humans. The man researched genetic engineering and replacing humans with clones. I thought his theories, thanks to the UN’s Genetic Advisory Board, were mere apocryphal garbage. Hearing about Tru’s clone, however, changes my mind.
“There isn’t much to tell you.”
“Follow me.” She leads me to a holographic computer in the corner.” I fold my arms across my chest and observe Mom inputting information on the screen. When she finishes, the monitor displays Tru’s picture.
I grip the back of the chair. “Why is there a picture of Tru on your computer?”
“She isn’t Tru,” Mom says solemnly. “Meet Truly Shara 2.0.”
“The clone with Pratt?”
“Yes. Shara has lived here since the first day of her existence. The girls switched places enabling Tru to escape.”
“How dangerous is this man?” I ask, having a hard time believing what I see.
She pushes the hair out of her face. “I don’t know.”
Mom lied. Yes, we spent time apart, but I know her tells. And the pushing the hair move is one of them. Who is she protecting? Me? Tru? Pratt?
I scrub a hand over my face. “I’m sorry, Mom. I’m just concerned about Tru.”
“Give her time. She’s going to need it, Zared.”
Tru can have as much time as she needs. That isn’t an issue for me. What is an issue is finding out what happened to her. How can I help her if I don’t know what I’m up against?
“I really think I should go find Asher and Tru,” I offer.
“Zared, we haven’t talked.”
I look up at the ceiling. I really wanted to have this talk with Tru in the room. But Mom and I are the only ones here. Maybe it’s the best time to do this.
“Did Tru tell you how I came here?” Mom asks.
I rub the back of my neck. “Yeah. It’s kind of unbelievable.”
Mom raises an eyebrow and says, “You doubt me?”
“No, no, no. I don’t… doubt you,” I say, leaning against the desk. “I guess unbelievable was the wrong word. It’s more… uh… remarkable. All this time, I thought you were dead.”
“I’m sorry for causing you pain, but did Tru tell you why I faked my death?”
I nod and sit on the sofa. “All because of Malcolm. I believed he was the head of the Alliance. At least, he’s who I’ve been reporting to.”
“Why did you join them?” Mom asks with astonishment.
Before I can answer, Tru walks into the room. I motion for her to join us.
“What’s up?” she asks warily.
I put my arms around her waist and pull her close. “It’s something both of you should hear.”
“What?” My girl cringes and twists away.
Is it me or something else? I decide she’s uncomfortable sitting on my lap with Mom in the room, but I refuse to let her go.
“I’m telling Mom about my joining the Alliance. It wasn’t by choice,” I admit. “After Dad abandoned me, I lived on the streets. It was dangerous out there.”
Tears glisten in Mom’s eyes.
I continue, my voice tight. “A man kept propositioning me. One rainy night, he cornered me in an alley.”
“Zared…” Tru starts.
“Nothing. Happened.” I look into Tru’s eyes and cup her chin. She tries to avert her eyes, but I won’t let her. “Malcolm showed up and shot the man. Afterward, he attempted to recruit me, but I refused. Malcolm didn’t take no for an answer. He kept trying. I kept refusing until he showed me I didn’t have a choice.”
“How?” Mom demands.
“He presented a video stream showing me shooting the guy. But it’s not all it showed.”
Tru squeezes my hand.
Mom stands. “Where’s the video now?”
“I guess Malcolm still has it,” I assume. “He threatened to take it to the police if I didn’t cooperate.”
Mom walks to the fireplace. “It’s my understanding the police raided his headquarters. If he kept it there, they have it.” She faces us. “Have you seen the video?”
I sigh heavily. “No.”
“Maybe it doesn’t exist,” Tru snaps. “This could all be conjecture.”
“I agree.” Mom sits on a chair. “But I’ll check into it when we leave this place.”
She leans forward and asks point blank, “Tru said over the phone that Leon and Griffin kidnapped you. Why?”
I bow my head. “It’s my fault. I met Griffin, and he said he’d help me find Tru. Griffin said Leon could help. Later, I found out that Leon wants to use Tru and me like bargaining chips with the AR. That is, after they get the SIM card.”