Davin’s face flashed through my mind. Words he’d murmured to me came next. If your anxiety gets too bad, call me.
A wave of sadness filled me, the way an unexpected breeze billows through a window, disturbing the still curtains within. I hadn’t called Davin in months.
Ian leaned back and casually hooked an elbow on his chair-back. The movement pulled me back to the present.
“That’s exactly right,” he said. “I joined Compound 10 two years ago to help Cate when the mind-body genomics research began. She wanted more lab time, so I helped with the business side of running the Compounds. I hear that you’ve worked with several of our Makanza Survivor Research Group scientists: Fiona and Paul?”
I nodded. “Yes, they traveled with us to D.C. on several occasions. How are they?”
“Good. They’re both working today. They’ll be glad to see you.”
Ian’s voice was deep and didn’t waver. Not only did warmth emanate from him but confidence did too. In a way, he had a similar physical presence to Cate. They both oozed self-assurance.
“Here you go.” Cate presented each of us with cups of coffee. “Cream for you, Meghan, and black with one scoop of sugar for you, Ian.”
Ian grinned and took his mug. “Knowing how everybody takes their coffee is a talent of Cate’s. I have yet to see her get it wrong.”
I smiled genuinely at his comment and sipped my coffee.
Cate sat behind her desk with her own mug. Steam rose from it, and the rich scent flowed through the room.
Already, my senses perked up. Coffee always did that to me, and it wasn’t just the caffeine boost. It was like I’d programmed myself to get ready to work the second a cup of coffee was in my hand.
“So what’s the proposition you have for me?” I took another sip.
Cate eyed Ian knowingly before turning back to me. “How would you like to learn how to run my Compounds with Ian’s help?” Before I could reply, she added, “I’ve been offered a government position in Washington D.C. I feel I’ll be more effective there as we work to free the Kazzies. It’s too hard to accomplish anything when we’re on opposite coasts.”
Coffee sloshed over the sides of my cup when my grip loosened. Luckily, it all dripped onto the saucer. “You’re moving to Washington D.C.? What about Harper?”
“She’ll stay here while she attends college.”
I felt Ian watching me, but I couldn’t look at him. I’d heard for months that Cate was grooming me for her position. In the back of my mind, I’d always known this day would come, but I thought this day would be years in the future. Not now. Not when I was only twenty-four years old and had only worked for the MRI for a year.
“I don’t know what to say.” It was the only response I could come up with.
As soon as the words left my mouth, an image of bright blue eyes flashed through my mind. My gut tightened. Davin would never leave South Dakota. Even if he was freed from Reservation 1, he’d probably return to Rapid City to be closer to his mom. Even if Sharon moved away, although I could never see that happening, I couldn’t see Davin doing the same.
As the last remaining Lakota Sioux, he had a connection to the land that tied him to his heritage. His ancestors had roamed the plains for thousands of years. He had a spiritual connection with the Great Plains that I could only admire.
“Meghan?”
My head snapped up. “I’m sorry, what?”
Cate set her mug down. “I asked if you’d like Ian to show you some of the financial and managerial aspects of running the Compounds.” She held her hands up when I balked. “Just to better inform you of what the position entails. It doesn’t mean you’re saying yes to my offer.”
I took another sip of coffee. My hand trembled. “Um, I guess that would be fine.”
Cate drained her cup and stood. “You’ll be working alongside him for the next month. I’m flying to D.C. tomorrow to continue rallying support to free the Kazzies.”
I stood numbly. “So I’m not going with you anymore?”
“No, you’re staying here. As long as you’re okay with that.”
“But…” I faltered. My entire existence revolved around freeing Davin and my friends. “I want to free the Kazzies. I’m not sure working here is conducive to that.”
Cate’s gaze softened. “I honestly think you can be just as effective working here.”
“How?”
“We still need bodies in all regions of the country. When those of us in D.C. organize rallies, we still need help in all states. A large percentage of Americans have moved back to the Pacific Northwest since the borders opened. I expect that number to grow. South Dakota is home to only a quarter million people. In Washington and Oregon alone, it’s estimated the current population is over four million. That’s sixteen times the number of people. That’s sixteen times the number of votes. We need you here to sway as many people as possible to vote yes to freeing the Kazzies at the next election.”
Assuming the president ever grants that vote.
I bit my lip. Until the president did, we’d never have the opportunity to vote on freeing them, but Cate was right. We needed more votes, and since the Electoral College had died with Makanza, elections were now based on the popular vote.
Cate leaned forward. “Two rallies are already organized this weekend. One here in Seattle on Saturday, the other in Oregon on Sunday. I know it’s not touring the east coast like we originally planned, but there are just as many people on the west coast, and it’s growing every day. I need you here.”
I again felt Ian studying me, but I kept my gaze on Cate. My heart pounded in my chest at the thought of leaving my friends in Sioux Falls, saying goodbye to Sharon, and uprooting from the only home I truly remembered.
“Ian will teach you everything you need to know. Are you willing to give it a try?” Cate’s eyebrows rose.
Sixteen times the number of votes.
Sixteen.
Maybe Cate was right. Maybe I could make more of a difference here. My breath caught at the thought of what Davin was doing right now. He’d said numerous times that he didn’t think he’d ever be free. That he didn’t want me wasting my life on him. He’s said he wanted me to move on.
Moving to Seattle would definitely be that. I’d be hundreds of miles away from him.
I swallowed. “Okay, I’ll try it for a month.”
3 – COMPOUNDS 10 & 11
Cate flew to D.C. the next day. It was strange to not be on the plane with her. Instead, I sat across the kitchen table from Harper in their Seattle home. It was just after seven in the morning, and a car was due to arrive soon to drive me to the Compound.
Even though I’d agreed to give Cate’s position a try, my main focus was still on freeing Davin and my friends. I didn’t know if she was right, that having my presence here would make a difference, but I was willing to try.
I picked up my electronic tablet to read the news while I ate a plate of scrambled eggs. The article on the top of the list caught my attention.
Senator Douglas rallies to contain the Kazzies within Reservation 1.
I made a disgusted sound and threw the tablet down.
“What?” Harper’s hand stilled. She held a piece of toast halfway to her mouth.
I pointed at the newspaper’s front page. “He’s still fighting us.”
Harper picked up the tablet and skimmed the article. She finished it with an eye roll. “He’s a bigot. Always has been, always will be. If he didn’t have the Kazzies to pick on, he’d probably turn on women, or homosexuals, or some other minority. That guy’s an asshole. You should hear what my mom says about him.”
I smothered a smile. I knew exactly what Cate said about him. Cate and I had spoken more than once about the senator from Arkansas. He’d fought us continually during our campaigns in July and August.
“I don’t know what he’s so afraid of.” I glanced at the article again. “If he was exposed to Makanza, he’d see that there’s nothing to fear. That the vacci
ne works.”
“Maybe we should expose him.” Harper grinned.
I laughed just as I heard a car pull-up outside. “I think that’s my ride. See you later?” I stood from the table and grabbed my bags.
“Yeah, but if I’m not back by suppertime, please eat leftovers. No offense, but I’d rather make my own dinner than have you try and cook it.”
“Point taken. I’m more than okay with that.”
We said our goodbyes, and I headed out. Since Cate and Harper always let me stay with them when I traveled to Seattle, I’d practically become a permanent fixture in their guest bedroom. I was glad to do it. I enjoyed Harper’s company, and I knew she didn’t want to stay in the large house alone. It seemed like a good arrangement for the coming month.
AN HOUR LATER, I still sat in the back of the MRI car. The driver expertly maneuvered the various roads, highways, and interstates. I pulled out my phone to make a quick call before we arrived.
Sharon picked up on the third ring. “Hi, sweetie.”
“Hi, how’s everything in South Dakota?” A long pause followed. I pulled my phone from my ear to make sure I hadn’t lost connection. “Sharon? Hello?”
“Sorry, yes, I’m still here.”
“I thought I lost you. Is everything okay?”
“Um… yes, everything’s fine.”
Trees flashed by the window as we drove down a highway. In the sky, a lone passenger jet flew overhead. The happiness those changes brought was dimmed by Sharon’s grim tone. “Why do I get the feeling everything’s not fine?”
“I’m sure it all is.”
I gripped my phone tighter. “Is it something to do with Davin? Have you talked to him?”
“No, not yet. I’ve tried a few times, but the line’s always off the hook. It must be the maintenance. They’re probably still working on things.” Rustling sounded in the background. It sounded like she was nervously busying herself with something. “But I’m sure everything’s fine.”
“You’re still driving there this weekend, right?”
“Yes, I plan to visit on Friday after work.”
Sharon, like all family members that had visited Kazzies on the reservation, had already been exposed to the virus. They were like me now. Immune. They could move freely among people infected with Makanza and not worry about contracting it or dying.
“Will you call me on Friday?”
“Of course.” I could practically hear her nodding.
Compound 10 came into view. I expected the driver to pull up to the main gates. Three other cars were lined up for entry, but instead, he drove down the road and stopped in front of the Director’s door.
“Um… Sharon, I better go. I’m at work.”
“Sure, sweetie. I’ll call you this weekend.”
We hung up, and I tapped my finger absently against the blank screen. Since it was only Tuesday, it would be a few days before I’d know if the reservation was open.
Before I’d know if Davin was okay.
Pain made me wince when I bit down on my lip hard enough to draw blood. I dabbed at the puncture. A single drop of crimson blood came back on my finger. Rustling around in my purse, I pulled out a tissue. My hands shook.
Relax, Meghan. You’re just getting worked up for nothing. And it’s not like you can do anything anyway. You’re hundreds of miles away.
My brow furrowed as the driver opened my door. I hadn’t noticed him leave the front to walk around to help me. I smiled sheepishly as I brought the tissue to my mouth.
“Thank you.”
“You’re welcome, Dr. Forester. When would you like me to return?”
Cold wind blew around us. I bundled my jacket around me, but it did little to alleviate the chill inside me. “Seven tonight?”
“See you then, ma’am.”
The driver slid back into his seat as Private Carlson began the admittance procedure. I did my best to pay attention, but my thoughts kept drifting away, like leaves fluttering through the breeze on a crisp fall day.
All of the phone lines into the rez aren’t working.
Sixteen times the number of votes…
Maybe I just needed to keep reminding myself of that number so I’d stop fretting over Davin, but as I stepped through the outer access door, my mind kept drifting to scenes of rolling prairies and a fiercely proud Native American trapped within a barbed wire fence halfway across the country.
I shoved those thoughts aside and hurried down the long tunnel to the Compound.
A moment later, the sound of running footsteps reached my ears. A figure was in the tunnel. The person, most likely a man from the build, was at the end running my way.
I cocked my head as I tried to make out who he was.
“Meghan!” the runner called. “I mean… Dr. Forester!”
As the figure neared, I recognized Ian. He reached my side, panting. Looking embarrassed, he put his hands on his hips and grinned. “You arrived earlier than I thought you would. I just got word that you were being admitted.”
I checked my watch. “It’s almost eight o’clock. Usually, I’d have been working for a few hours by now.”
Ian made a horrified face. “Yikes. I think I like Cate’s schedule better.”
A laugh bubbled out of me.
Ian grinned.
He looked much the same as yesterday. Tall, broad shouldered, dancing blue eyes, and reddish-gold hair that had a tendency to curl. His beard was freshly trimmed, and once again, a sense of warmth emanated from him.
It was strange, but despite the worries that plagued me, I found myself smiling as Ian turned and led me down the tunnel.
He shoved his hands into his jean pockets. “I was thinking we could start today with a proper tour. I know the Compounds are laid out very similarly, but we’ve made a few changes in ours that are different from 26.”
“Sure. Just let me drop my bags off first.”
“Would you like me to carry them for you?” He held his hand out.
“I can manage but thanks.”
When we reached the end of the tunnel, I turned toward the north wing which was where my office was located in Compound 26.
“Um, this way, Dr. Forester.” Ian nodded toward a moving belt that researchers could hop onto when navigating the long halls. “You’ll be in Cate’s office.”
“Oh, right.” My cheeks flushed. “And please, call me Meghan.”
Ian’s eyes lit up. “Sure. Meghan it is.”
We made our way to the fourth level. The entire time Ian chatted easily about the various differences between South Dakota and Washington’s Compounds. My earlier fears about Davin and Reservation 1 slowly faded to the back of my mind.
“Here we are.” We reached the fourth level. Cate’s secretary sat at a desk outside of Cate’s office.
Ian waved the introductions. “Dr. Forester, this is Brad Monticello.”
Brad appeared to be in his mid-thirties. He dressed casually – jeans and a button-up shirt which was open at the collar. He had brown hair and brown eyes. His hair color was similar to my own.
After Ian introduced us, Brad held his hand out. “Nice to meet you, Dr. Forester. It will be a pleasure to work with you during Cate’s absence.”
My palm cooled in his grip as we shook hands, and my anxiety kicked in – my heart rate increased, a light sheen of sweat erupted across my brow, and my palm turned to ice the longer he held it.
When he finally let go, I was forcing a smile. While Brad seemed friendly and engaging, he was still a new person. He didn’t hold quite the charisma Ian did.
“Do you want to put your bags in here?” Ian opened the door to Cate’s office.
“Um, yes. Sure.” The words tumbled out of me and for the millionth time I wondered why in the world Cate thought I’d be good at this job.
I strode into the office to the desk. Taking a deep breath, I sat everything down and then took a moment to compose myself while staring out the floor to ceiling windows. I crossed my arms
as I gazed outside. My heart rate slowly returned to normal.
Ian cleared his throat from behind me. “Excuse me for asking this, Meghan, but if you’re not comfortable having Brad as your secretary, I can find someone else who would suit you better.”
I whirled around. “What? No, Brad’s fine.” I avoided the urge to tug at my shirt collar. “Why would you suggest that?”
Ian’s gaze followed my barely controlled nervous movements. “Well, you seemed a bit on edge around him.”
Crap. So Ian’s a very observant person. Good to know.
The words almost left my mouth, in which I denied everything he was implying, but then I stopped. Before I could consider how wise my next words were, I told him something I admitted to very few people.
“I have anxiety. Sometimes it acts up around new people, but I’ll be fine. I don’t need special treatment.”
The bold admission surprised me. Normally, I tried to hide that side of myself, like the drunk uncle at Christmas that nobody wanted to claim as a family member. I’d been ashamed of my reaction around groups my entire life, but lately, I’d become tired of always pretending. Always trying to act like everything was fine. And there was something about Ian. I had a feeling he wouldn’t judge me.
Still, I tensed as I waited for his reaction.
“Anxiety’s pretty common.” The words flowed easily out of his lips. “I think most people have it to some degree. In the world we now live in, there are a lot of unknowns. It’s normal to feel anxious about stuff.”
I didn’t realize I’d been holding my breath until he finished. “You’re right. I’m sure I’m not the only one.”
Ian brightened and opened the office door. “Shall we go on that tour?”
I tucked a loose strand of hair behind my ear. “Sure.”
I FOLLOWED IAN for the rest of the day. He joked around a lot and tried to keep things light. In some aspects, he reminded me of Mitch but in a less sarcastic way. He was polite to a fault, incredibly attentive, and seemed genuinely interested in helping me find my way in the Compound.
As the end of the day arrived, he walked me out through the tunnel. It was still weird to not exit through normal security.
Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series Page 3