The Evolution Trilogy: Hybrid, Complications & Return

by Vanessa Wester

  She had no idea where she fit into the world puzzle.

  Even though it was wrong of her to follow her instinct and kill, it was the most natural thing she ever did. She never consciously chose to commit murder, she just could not resist. All the years of seclusion in the community had been a complete waste of time. They had taught her nothing. They had changed nothing. She was what she was. And if she was destined to live as a twenty year old forever wasn’t it time she started to enjoy herself? She had been twenty for over seventy years. Enough was enough.

  The impressive building in front of her pulled her in. The church offered a sanctuary. When she had fallen in love with Paul she had walked into a church and asked for God’s forgiveness. A peace so pure had descended upon her that she had been reassured to stay. Acoustics did strange things. The church beckoned her again. A few people knelt over the pews and some candles burned on the altar. It was the middle of the afternoon so it was not busy.

  It always amazed her how many statues and saints the Catholic Church had. Idolisation was certainly not frowned upon. The main stage belonged to the image of Christ on the Cross. Her family had never been overly religious, but she had heard enough from living with the Santos family to know not to talk lightly of faith.

  Sat down, a peace descended on her again. It was bizarre.

  She needed guidance. She wanted someone to tell her what to do. She knelt down and leant her head in her hands. All she could do was pray for a solution to her wretched existence.

  She did not know how long she stayed there, but the sound of footsteps eventually disturbed her. When they stopped next to her, she looked up, unsurprised. ‘Hello Carmen.’

  ‘Emily.’ Carmen sat down next to her.

  Emily tensed. ‘How did you know where I was?’

  ‘We’ve been tracking you.’

  ‘Why?’ Emily snapped, her voice louder than intended. A few heads turned in their direction. Silence was sacrilegious in these kinds of churches.

  ‘There is no need to draw attention to us,’ Carmen whispered. ‘We know what you did last night.’

  ‘Great, so where is my brother? Was he spying on me as usual? Why have you been tracking me? You have not answered my question.’ Emily could not help being bitter.

  ‘You know why we’re here. We have to take you back. You can’t be allowed to run around jeopardising what we have spent years protecting. Did you think we were going to let you go without keeping an eye on you?’ Her speech sounded rehearsed.

  ‘I should have guessed…where is he?’ Emily looked back, and grunted at the silhouette by the entrance.

  Carmen glanced back momentarily.

  ‘What if I don’t want to come back?’ Emily hissed.

  ‘It’s not an option. Your son is safe with your mum and dad. His path is different to yours.’ Carmen nodded at Ian. ‘We don’t need to do this the hard way.’

  Emily locked eyes with her brother as he winked in his usual cocky manner. She felt defeated. She looked at the image of Christ ahead and bowed her head. In the house of God she had no fight left. Carmen was right about one thing, Steven would be better off without her.

  Carmen always did what Ian said, she was truly devoted and never put a foot wrong. All Emily had was left feet. From a young age, Ian had always shown leadership qualities that had gone on to mature and develop – he was so sensible, a natural leader who loved to be in charge. She had been indecisive where Steven was concerned, but Ian had gone behind her back to bring her son to the community. Steven was her son, her responsibility. She would have known what to do if Ian had given her the chance. At least she liked to tell herself so.

  Emily was fed up of being overpowered by her dominant siblings.

  She narrowed her eyes and made a decision. Not today. Not ever again. An alternative scenario unravelled in her mind. It was time for her to take charge of her own destiny.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 7

  A Fresh Start

  ‘Emily’s not back yet?’ Judith had waited long enough, it was time to talk.

  Jeff frowned and whispered, ‘I was thinking that.’

  ‘You know ignoring it won’t help. And I can hear you,’ Steven said, from the top of the stairs.

  Judith glanced at Jeff, shrugged her shoulders and called out, ‘We can’t keep things from you. You’re right.’

  The sound of Steven’s broken footsteps stopped as he came into the room, he held his head up. He hobbled and yet maintained a confident air, he reminded her of Ian. ‘I’m glad you’re talking English now. If you spoke the other language I wouldn’t have a clue. Shall we go and look for her?’

  ‘Probably best,’ Jeff said. There was an undertone to his voice, one of disappointment.

  Once in the car, Judith leant her elbow on the window sill and studied the road. When they approached the city centre she closed her eyes and imagined it as it had been. Now, it was dated. Brick glass houses, there was nothing interesting about the buildings. The car eased into one of the concrete monsters, the multi-storey car park of a large shopping centre.

  ‘We should really get mobile phones,’ Steven suggested.

  Jeff sounded excited as he replied. ‘I have heard of those, but I’ve never used one. It is fascinating that you can walk and talk. Things have changed so much where technology is concerned and yet people remain the same.’

  ‘Well, not necessarily the same,’ Steven countered.

  ‘Emotions and characteristics can’t have changed at all – more habits I imagine,’ Judith speculated. ‘We use computers too. We are not behind the times. But I sense that our community must be totally different to how mainstream society works today. Money has always been a cause of conflict. As you know, we have no need for it.’

  Jeff continued, ‘It’s interesting really, in modern society introverted people have the opportunity to live their lives uninhibited by protocol. They don’t have to socialise or talk to anyone outside of the work environment. Frequently, people also live far from their families, don’t they?’ he asked Steven.

  ‘I guess. I practically grew up in boarding school. I don’t know much about living like a grown-up, I was not allowed to become one.’ His reply came with a bitter edge.

  Jeff laughed aloud. ‘Still resentful are you?’

  The pout was confirmation enough.

  Jeff rubbed his moustache. ‘You have a lot to learn about living. Sometimes sacrifices are needed for the greater good.’

  Steven kept quiet on the point. Judith had noticed he had lost some of his fight recently.

  ‘Anyway, it’s a good idea. We’ll get mobile phones if we come across the right store,’ Jeff added. ‘I’m always ready to explore new technology.’

  ***

  At times Steven felt like he was being babysat, yet he had to admit that he liked his grandparents. It was hard to explain. He was almost in awe of them, of what they had achieved. They were visionaries. He had to respect them.

  His view of his mother was clouded, very clouded.

  At first he understood the dilemma she had faced and a part of him was sorry for her. Now, he wondered whether Emily had been hiding something else. She said she did not want to be a killer, but she never admitted enjoying the kill. It was obvious she never held back. She lusted after human blood in an uncontrollable manner. It was amazing she had managed to walk away from humans for him. It must have been hard if she was so weak. It made him wonder whether something else had made her leave. She did not give him the impression that she missed being his mum. Emily was not the kind of woman he classed as the maternal type.

  ‘How much money do we have anyway?’ Steven asked.

  ‘Plenty,’ Jeff answered. ‘It’s amazing how the value of money has multiplied over the years. Our modest savings have grown a lot over the years.’

  ‘And we have some pretty savvy minds that know how to play the markets.’ Judith winked at Jeff.

  ‘Not that it matters. We have ways to
get money. People tend to do what we want.’

  ‘You use mind control?’ Steven asked.

  ‘It works.’ Jeff gave a slight shrug of his shoulders.

  ‘So what do we do now? Are we likely to find Emily?’ Steven asked.

  ‘The truth is that we don’t know for sure, but we know where to start,’ Jeff added.

  ‘She always had a weakness for chocolate. If I know Emily at all, she will have been to the best chocolatier in the city,’ Judith smiled.

  Once out of the car, Judith passed Steven one of the crutches. She offered to help, but he was determined to go it alone. His foot was much better, but it still ached if he stood for a long period of time. He would try to keep up. As they walked around the main street Steven took stock of their surroundings. The shopping centre was busy at this time of day and a lot of people barely glanced at them as they rushed passed. A few mothers grappled with their young demanding children that were either refusing to go in their pushchairs or refusing to get out. The people around them were mainly mestizo in features, a term affectionately used to describe the outcome of being born of a mixed cultural heritage.

  It was obvious to anyone that observed that they were not locals. However, it appeared to Steven that in a city like Manaus, foreigners were no strangers to the local people. He guessed they brought lucrative business opportunities. The locals casually glanced, but did not stare. It was like they knew not to trouble newcomers. The shops bustled, a lot of glamorous displays on the shop windows sought to lure people in. It was very different to the basic setup they had back in the community. Large posters claimed discounts of extraordinary proportions. It was difficult to believe the shops made any profit.

  Judith stopped at a clothes shop in front of them. ‘It’s not there anymore,’ she sighed. ‘I should have realised that the last time I came was a long time ago and things don’t always stay the same.’

  ‘We’ll try the one over there,’ Jeff said. He gave her hand a squeeze and they walked side by side.

  A confectioner’s with a large display of handmade chocolates on the shop front made a good effort to lure them in. Steven had never really been that bothered about chocolate. He liked it. He liked other stuff too. The display was impressive; he had to give them that.

  Judith took the lead and went in to talk to the sales assistant.

  After a few minutes, she came back out again looking pleased. ‘Emily was here this morning.’

  ‘Well at least we know that nothing has happened to her,’ Jeff looked relieved.

  A male voice interrupted them. ‘Still lusting after chocolate, mother?’

  They all turned around.

  Ian.

  ‘No need to look so surprised, you did not think I’d just leave without seeing whether you’d be okay did you?’

  ‘Ian, we don’t need you to keep an eye on us,’ Jeff said. From the way he stood straight, Steven could tell he was not impressed.

  Ian did not back down. ‘Well, you certainly lost track of my sister Emily, didn’t you?’

  ‘Do you know where she is?’ Judith asked.

  ‘Of course, Carmen is staying with her so that we can take her back. This is not the place for her, is it? She could easily give us away. I don’t know why you brought her with you in the first place.’

  Jeff and Judith glanced at each. Steven sensed trouble.

  Ian folded his arms and studied Steven’s foot. ‘So, are you coming back with us? Steven looks much better now.’

  ‘No, we are not son,’ Jeff replied. ‘Your mother and I would like to take Steven back where he belongs. He does not belong here.’

  ‘You think so?’ It was Ian’s turn to get angry as his face turned on a shade of red.

  ‘Definitely,’ Steven spoke up. ‘You should never have brought me here in the first place.’

  ‘No need to be like that. You might have stopped yourself from killing that woman, but you’re not exactly normal now are you?’ Ian sneered, his hands in fists.

  ‘So, you’ve been following us?’ Steven added.

  ‘Anyway,’ Jeff interrupted. ‘At least we know what’s happening. You take Emily back, before she does something we’ll all regret, and we will continue on our journey. I’m looking to you to keep the community strong Ian.’

  ‘If that’s what you want. I just wanted to let you know where Emily was. You were trying to find her?’ Ian was so obnoxious.

  Judith went up to him and gave him an embrace. ‘Look after yourself. Try and trust us. We’ve been at this longer than you have.’

  ‘Resisting after time is harder than you think. It does not get easier, it gets harder. I’ve been out in the open longer than you have. You look tired, Mum. You are, aren’t you?’

  Steven was impressed with the way Ian showed concern for Judith. Now he mentioned it her face had paled.

  Judith glanced away as she spoke. ‘I’m fine. We’ll bear it in mind.’

  Jeff shook Ian’s hand. ‘Look after the community for us whilst we are away. You make a fine leader. We are both proud of you son.’

  Ian nodded and gave a half smile. Then he made his way into the crowd and disappeared.

  ‘At least we know where Emily is,’ Jeff said. ‘Let’s make preparations. We have a long trip ahead of us.’

  ‘Are we really going back to England?’ Steven asked, incredulous.

  ‘We’re going home,’ Judith replied. Her arm went over his shoulder.

  Home.

  Steven couldn’t believe it. It was hard to understand why they had agreed to take him back. Ian did have a point. Steven had no way of knowing what would happen the next time. Whatever their reason he was not about to complain. Home, would it be?

  ***

  A piece of paper flitted through the air, bounced off the floor and flew back again playfully, teased by the wind. Emily looked at its free spirit as she sat alone inside the café and mulled over her plan. Through the corner of her eye she watched Carmen. Carmen could not read her mind, it was very lucky. She took the opportunity and got up. ‘I’m going to the toilet.’

  ‘Okay, but we have to go soon.’ Carmen did not suspect a thing.

  The large prominent building oozed importance. From its detailed carvings to the intricate archway welcoming people in, there was nothing inferior about it. There were fifteen minutes left until closing time, so Emily made her way in whilst pretending to brush her hair aside as she passed the security camera. A few people queued for the tills so she stood patiently behind and waited. There was only one cashier which would simplify things. She glanced at the clock again.

  At last, it was her turn.

  She smiled at the male bank clerk and gazed into his eyes. In perfect Portuguese, she said, ‘You are going to help me. Ask someone to take over for a few minutes. We have to talk in a private room.’

  The man called a lady over and was replaced. Moving over to the side door he opened it, walked in, and gracefully ushered her into a small room. Once inside the room he stared at her robotically whilst she gave him further instructions. Obediently, he left the room.

  Emily looked around the bare room. She knew he would talk to no-one.

  After five anxious minutes, he returned. ‘Here is your deposit. You do not need to sign for this. Thank you for doing business with this bank. Come back soon.’

  The artery pulsed on his throat and she became aware of his aroma. In this confined space it intoxicated her. It was tempting, so tempting. With a snarl, she pulled away. She had to resist, for now. It would not hurt later. ‘You will meet me outside the back entrance in twenty minutes.’

  The man nodded like a puppet and held the door open.

  Emily walked out smiling, the black bag tucked under her armpit. Life was looking very good. Her future was rosy.

  ***

  Ian’s phone rang. He hit the receiver button. ‘Carmen, how is my darling sister?’

  ‘Bad news, she’s gone!’ Carmen screamed.

  ‘What do you mean, she
’s gone? You were supposed to stay with her.’

  ‘I can’t watch her every second, she’s made a run for it and I can’t figure out where she went.’

  ‘Great, that’s just great.’

  A pause followed, before Carmen asked, ‘What shall we do?’

  ‘We’ll have to tell Mum and Dad.’ Ian hung up and wedged the phone in his pocket. Now he was pissed off.

  Back to Table of Contents

  Chapter 8

  An Enlightening Conversation With Mum

  The day was eventful to say the least. Ian and Carmen had been following them, Emily had gone astray and his grandparents had stood up to Ian.

  ‘So, when should we move on?’ Steven was eager to begin.

  ‘Well, we have to obtain false documentation first so that we can travel. Unfortunately, none of us exist anymore so we’ll need birth certificates and passports. I have a contact we can use. I’ll sort it out tomorrow,’ Jeff said.

  It all sounded so easy. ‘Right, so can I keep my real name?’

  ‘Why not,’ Judith smiled. ‘You’re entitled to use the name you know.’

  Jeff narrowed his eyes. ‘Are you happy to return to Southampton with us?’

  Steven was embarrassed by the question. He had not really shown any gratitude. Whatever their reasons, they were still taking a huge risk. ‘I would really like it if you came back with me. It’ll be a great help. I have no idea what’ll happen and I think I’ll need all the help I can get,’ he paused and scratched his head. ‘Do you think, well I can hope, there is a chance they’ll remember me?’ He knew he had talked too much.

  Jeff replied. ‘We can try. We are no experts in mind manipulation. You know as much as we do. There is one catch.’