Silence followed. I could tell my outburst had caught him by surprise, but I was so sick of it all. I was so tired of him pushing me away, of assuming that I was better off living a life filled with ignorance of what was truly happening in this country. If he didn’t respect my choices, I’d have to live with that, but I’d be damned if I stopped simply to please him.
That’s not it at all, Meghan. His voice was so quiet I almost didn’t hear him. I admire that about you. I admire your strength and fighting spirit. I always have, and I always will.
Tears pooled in my eyes again. Then why do you insist on trying to make me into someone I’m not? Why do you keep pushing me away and telling me to forget about you?
His feeling of shock flowed through our connection. Make you into someone you’re not?
Yes! You keep telling me to move on, to create my own life outside of you and all of the Kazzies, but don’t you see that to do that I’d have to be somebody else? I’d have to not care. I’d have to act like I didn’t know what was really happening? And I’d have to accept that you’d never be treated equally in this country? You can’t ask that of me and expect me to be the person I truly am.
His voice grew gruff. I never thought of it like that.
Well, that’s how it is. You asking me to move on is basically telling me to be somebody I’m not.
That’s not what I want at all. I’d never want you to change. I felt him struggling again, trying to find the words. I just wanted you to be happy, and I didn’t see that happening with you continually fighting for us, fighting for me.
I leaned against the wall. Coldness seeped through my shirt from the concrete. Trust me, I’m a hundred times more miserable living without you than living in your world.
He sighed. I’m sorry.
A moment passed. I could tell he was mulling over everything we’d said. When I finally felt like I could speak, I asked, How long have you been kept in isolation?
I’m on day nineteen.
My jaw tightened. You mean they never let you out?
Nope. Not yet.
Bastards! I seethed quietly. I stood again and went to the window. Snow lined the windowsill. This isn’t going to continue. Cate’s working right now to stop this. I told him about the videos that Cash had recorded, and how we were going to bring awareness to the reservation – about how Dr. Roberts had closed it to friends and families. It’s only a matter of time now, Davin. I’m sure of it. This has been going on too long. It’s got to stop.
Something from him strummed through our connection, an emotion, a feeling, but before I could decipher it, Sara interrupted.
Hey, guys? Sara’s voice permeated my mind. I’m really sorry, but I’m not sure how much longer I can keep this up. I’ve got a headache so bad right now, I can’t see straight.
I put a hand to my head. Of course, we don’t need to talk anymore. We can all talk later.
Sorry, this always happens at the end of the day. Guilt filled her words.
Don’t apologize. Nobody expects you to do this. Davin’s firm yet gentle words only reminded me of the hundred reasons why I loved him so much.
Meghan, let me know right away tomorrow what happens. Sara’s voice sounded farther away. I knew she was really tired when that happened.
I will. Wish me luck. I’ll try to figure out a way to stay here and avoid jail time, but honestly, I’m not sure it’s possible.
Jail time? Davin’s tone turned rough. What do you mean jail time?
His voice sounded farther away. I reached for them, but our connection was fading fast. I’ll tell you tomorrow. I–
I never got a chance to finish my sentence. Our connection cut off.
Slumping against the wall, my shoulders sank that our time had been so short, but the sound of Davin’s voice and the feel of him in my mind made hope and determination bloom in my heart.
15 – JAIL TIME
It was hard to sleep that night. Outside, the wind howled. It didn’t help that my thoughts kept drifting between Davin, the Kazzies, Ian, Sharon, and my co-workers. I wished and hoped that Ian was safe. It was hard to think about the alternative.
When the morning sun finally cleared the horizon, my eyelids fluttered opened just as a loud bang knocked on my cell’s door. I bolted upright. The door swung open, and a female officer strode in.
She wore cargos, just like Dr. Roberts. Her gaze was hard and unforgiving. “Get dressed. You’re leaving in twenty minutes.”
With that, she left. Another soldier appeared behind her. He scurried to the dresser and sat down a meal tray. His gaze wouldn’t meet mine before he hurried out of the room.
They left as abruptly as they came. A soft whoosh of air flowing across my cheeks from the closing door was the only indication that I hadn’t imagined it.
My breath felt tight in my chest as I pushed snarled hair from my gritty-feeling eyes. Anxiety made my face feel flushed as my hands turned to ice.
Stay calm. Breathe. You knew this was coming.
Pushing my hair back, I slipped out of the bed. Cold concrete greeted my feet. Even with my socks on, the icy chill from the floor seeped through the material.
That brought a memory back so sharp that I had to squeeze my eyes tightly shut. Davin in the Compound. His bare feet on his cell’s concrete floor. And his bright smile as we gazed at one another through the watch room’s window.
He’d always been barefoot in his cell. I’d often been amazed that the coldness never bothered him.
How long ago that now seemed.
Taking a deep breath, I pushed the memory back and hurried into the small bathroom. I almost fell over in my haste to pull my boots on. I didn’t know how much time they’d give me if my ride was leaving in twenty minutes.
Through the window, the world was blindingly white. At least a foot of snow sat on the ground.
How on earth will my ride get through that?
It could take days before the state’s plows made it up here. That also means Amy, Mitch, Charlie, and Sharon are stuck in Mobridge until then. I hope they have enough food.
And Ian. Where’s Ian?
I felt so sick with worry that I almost didn’t eat, but I knew I had to. It could be hours before I ate again.
The meal tray consisted of oatmeal, milk, and canned peaches. Again, simple but nutritious food. I could only hope they fed the Kazzies this well.
A sharp knock sounded on the door just as I finished. I stiffened when it swung open for a second time. The same female officer appeared. Under her hat, mousy brown hair was pulled back in a severe bun.
She didn’t smile.
“Turn around and put your hands behind your back.”
Her tone made me jump. I did as she said, seriously afraid of how she’d react if I didn’t. The unconfident, young soldiers that had escorted me last night were long gone. From the stripes pinned to her chest, this woman was high ranking and meant business.
Swallowing tightly, I grimaced when the cuffs slid around my wrists. She put them on snugly but not so tight they’d hurt. It was enough to tell me that she wasn’t messing around but also that she was fair. Dr. Roberts would have clamped them down until the metal bit into my skin.
“This way.” She grabbed onto my arm firmly, but again with only enough pressure that she had a strong grip.
With my stomach in my throat, I knocked on the door that connected me to Sara. The officer continued to lead me down the hallway, oblivious to my telepathic connection.
Meghan? Is that you?
Sara sounded groggy. I wondered what time it was. Yeah, they just came for me. They’re taking me somewhere.
I felt her grow more alert. Where?
I don’t know. They said my ride was coming in twenty minutes, and that was twenty minutes ago.
Okay, don’t worry, just try to stay calm.
I knew she sensed my rising panic.
A door appeared when we rounded the hall. The officer stopped and barked something at the young soldi
er manning it. He hurried away after a quick salute and, “Yes, ma’am.”
With wide eyes, I followed his movements. He disappeared into a room by the door. I could only assume the door ahead led to the outside, or…
I swallowed.
Somewhere I didn’t want to go.
Breathe, Meghan. Just breathe. Sara’s calm voice disappeared after she uttered the words. A moment later, someone else’s voice came through.
Meghan? Davin’s tone was urgent.
I jumped in surprise which got a peculiar glance from the officer.
Davin? I tried to stop my widening gaze. Sara had never channeled us so quickly before. How did Sara do that so fast?
She’s been practicing. There are a few Kazzies here that are as receptive as you. She uses them a lot to hone her skills. If she’s not tired, she’s fast.
Hearing his voice and calm words helped slow my rapidly beating heart.
Sara said they’re taking you somewhere?
Yeah, but I don’t know where.
Just stay calm. Remember what you said last night – you’re not a Kazzie. They won’t do to you what they do to us.
His words brought back the unfairness of this all. As soon as I get out of this mess, I’m going to stop this once and for all, Davin. Just wait and see.
I felt him smile. There’s that fighting spirit I admire so much.
Davin’s words helped. The panic within me calmed.
The young soldier that had disappeared into the room returned with a cargo jacket that was too big for me. The female officer draped it over my shoulders before ushering me forward. I kept looking around, expecting to see Dr. Roberts at any moment.
I never did.
The door they led me to opened to the outside. Fierce wind blew across the prairie. It stung my eyes. However, I was still able to see how they planned to transport me.
A helicopter waited only twenty yards away, its blades spinning through the air. Wherever I’m going, I’m going via helicopter.
I felt his surprise.
Whirring from the blades was deafening as they rushed me across the snowy pavement and then pushed me onboard. I’m going to go, Davin. I need to pay attention to what’s going on.
I felt his worry and anger at the MRRA grow like wildfire. Tell us what’s happening as soon as you arrive at wherever they’re taking you.
I will.
The female officer addressed the pilot just as I shut the connection. “Take her to Rapid. They’re waiting for her there.”
Her words chilled me.
“What will happen to me in Rapid City?” My shoulders hunched up as cold wind blew inside the chopper.
Another soldier was in the cab. He sat beside me and wore sunglasses, a full helmet, and a jumpsuit. The female officer merely slammed the door closed.
I waited for a response from the soldiers inside. None came.
“Belt her up!” the pilot called.
Before I knew it, the soldier had me strapped in, and we were airborne. The ground disappeared beneath us as my stomach lurched. This was much different from a plane.
The flight to Rapid City was quick. We were landing and the door was opening before I could get my thoughts in order. I tried to keep the coat around me when they pushed me outside, but it kept slipping off. My hands being cuffed behind me wasn’t helping.
Rapid City was cold but not as frigid as the reservation. Gray clouds blanketed the sky. The Black Hills rose to the west. Snow covered the pine trees. It seemed the freak late autumn blizzard had hit here too.
Two officers stepped out of a squad car and approached while I waited on the tarmac, the loud helicopter’s blades swirling behind me. From their uniforms, I knew they were local law enforcement.
When they reached us, one grabbed my arm and addressed the MRRA soldier. “We’ll take it from here.”
The soldier nodded and climbed back aboard the chopper.
The female police officer pulled me forward as her male partner flanked my other side. I took a step but slipped on ice and landed hard on my knee. Pain shot up my leg. I bit my lip as the officers hauled me back upright. Neither apologized.
The next few hours passed in a blur. I kept Sara informed throughout the entire morning, yet the events felt like they were happening around me. That this was all a terrible nightmare and that at any moment, I’d wake up.
I was first taken to the county jail and officially arrested for breaking into the reservation. From there, my entire body was searched before I donned prison garbs. I watched mutely while they took inventory of my meager possessions. After that, I recited my medical history, signed forms, and had my fingerprints and mugshot taken.
And at the end, I was given a phone call.
With shaking fingers, I dialed Cate’s number only to get her voicemail.
Cursing, I left a message explaining as best I could what happened in the short time the message service allowed. Hanging up, I turned to the female officer who stood behind me.
“Done?” Her tone sounded bored.
Swallowing sharply, I nodded.
“Follow me. You’ll be in the intake cell for thirty-six hours before joining general pop.”
I followed her in a daze down the cold, concrete hallway of Rapid City’s jail. It wasn’t until the prison door slid closed, scratching metal grating in its track, that it all became a crashing reality.
I’m in jail.
I’m being charged with a felony.
I’m going to prison.
That last realization made me crumble to the floor. Stupid! Stupid! It was so stupid to think that I could break into the reservation and not suffer the repercussions.
What did you think? That you’d be able to fool the MRRA? I thought again of Ian. I still had no idea where he was.
Sara knocked rapidly on our connection. I knew she’d felt my surge of adrenaline, but I kept her out. A few other women appeared at my side and stared down at me. It was only then that I realized I wasn’t in a cell by myself. One of the women hunched down and tipped my chin toward her.
“Hey, you’re that lady on TV. The one who helped create the vaccine.” She smiled, revealing a mouth full of missing teeth.
I pulled my chin back just as three other women circled closer.
“Is that really her?” another asked. “What’s she doing in here?”
The one that gripped my chin put her hands under my armpits. I tensed, my breath sucking in. The guard who was stationed outside our cell wasn’t paying attention. Earbuds filled her ears as she jammed quietly to her music, her back turned to us.
“I… wait!”
The woman hauled me to my feet.
“It is her!” The woman smiled again.
Another inmate advanced, pushing past two other women. There were ten of us in the large cell. All of us wore matching prison garbs. I had no idea what everyone was in for.
The woman that had pushed past the others stopped right in front of me. Putting her hands on her hips, she asked, “Is it true? Are you the one who’s going around the country, saying we should free the Kazzies?”
She wasn’t much bigger than me, but there was a hardness to her that I could never rival. Even though it felt like I’d throw up from being so nervous, I forced myself to meet her gaze.
“Yeah, that’s me.”
I tensed, waiting to see what she’d do. The guard outside still seemed oblivious to what was transpiring right under her nose.
The hard woman put her hands on her hips, a sneer growing on her mouth. Taking another step closer, she was only six inches from my face.
“Those filthy Kazzies will kill us all and you want them free?”
I didn’t know if it was the crazy last twenty-four hours, or how it seemed like every time I tried to fight for the Kazzies, another blockade was put in front of me, but something inside of me snapped.
I stepped forward so quickly I caught her off guard.
She fell back, almost tripping over herself.
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“They’re not filthy Kazzies! I’ve been around them for months and haven’t died from Makanza. It’s ignorance and hate like what you’re spewing that is the reason twelve hundred innocent people are locked away right now!”
The woman’s gaze widened before she hid her surprise. Her expression grew guarded as she stood back up. “Well, I heard you can still catch it, even with the vaccine.”
My chest rose and fell so fast I could barely catch my breath. It felt like my heart would beat right out of my chest. Sara knocked rapidly again. Everyone around me took a step back. I could only imagine how I appeared.
Crazy. That’s probably how you appear.
“Who told you that you can still catch the virus?” My hands were shaking so I crossed my arms.
The woman shrugged. “I dunno. I saw a flyer the other day. It said to stay away from people with the virus. That we can still catch it even with the vaccine.”
I frowned heavily. A flyer? “Who made the flyer?”
She shrugged again. “I dunno, really, I don’t. But some friends of mine said a group of guys were going door-to-door handing them out, saying to not trust what you and those other people are saying on TV.”
An image of the protestors in D.C. flashed through my mind, of the man who’d organized it all. Senator Douglas. He was at it again.
My hands balled tightly into fists. Cate and I had been working for months to stop the lies he was spreading, but it seemed as soon as we snuffed out one of his fires another erupted.
“None of it’s true. Everything in those flyers is a lie, do you hear me? None of it’s true!”
The woman stepped back. “Yeah. Yeah, I hear ya.”
All of the other women around me were quiet, watching the exchange between me and the hard woman.
I was about to ask more questions when two guards rounded the corner and approached the cell. The female officer outside ripped the earbuds out of her ears and pocketed them before they could see.
Section 12: Book #3 in The Makanza Series Page 16