Electus (Regnum Series Book 1)

by K. M. Link

  Chapter 17

  Tia's body is numb the entire ride back. The words "you were adopted" play on repeat in her mind. Her head hangs low as she fiddles with the note from Osborn. Folding it, then unfolding it, reading it, then closing it. Soon she will know the letter by heart. It is the last piece of Osborn she has to hold on to.

  I’m adopted. Tia wonders how she never noticed the signs before. Her physical attributes are not akin to her father or uncle. Also, whenever she would bring up the subject of her mother, they both avoided her gaze. Tia is unsure which is more painful, her father’s death or knowing she was never really his daughter.

  Tia runs over the conversation in her mind. Edwin explained, after breaking the news, that her real parents went into hiding. Since Edwin and Osborn were good friends of theirs at the time, they decided to take her in for protection. Tia was only a few weeks old and the couple could not think of a name for her. Osborn decided to name her Conscientia, in honor of his mother.

  Osborn devised a story, explaining that he had a romance with a human who he impregnated. Shortly after she gave birth to the child, she left the girl with him to raise, stating that she did not wish to have Regnumian offspring. It was enough to fool most everyone, even Mr. Avery. Edwin pretended to be the woman’s brother, so when he moved in with Osborn, it did not appear suspicious.

  Quite a few times, Edwin admitted, they almost slipped in front of her, but luckily she was too young to pick up on any of the hints. By the age that Tia was old enough to grasp the concept, they had their lie well established enough that they started to almost believe it themselves.

  For eighteen years, the men in Tia’s life hid everything that was true about themselves, just to protect her identity. This thought makes Tia love and appreciate them even more. She understands their sacrifice to her, even if the truth stings.

  "What are we doing here?" Tia poses, as they park out back of Javan's hotel.

  "You can't be left alone in your state. Just an hour ago you attempted suicide," Javan replies, unbuckling his seat belt, then hers.

  "You killed my father a couple hours ago. Who should be least trusted here?" Tia retorts, folding her arms.

  "I still want to know that you are safe, so you need to do as I say."

  "You didn't ask my permission this time," Tia responds, glued to her seat. Javan leans in to Tia and whispers, "I asked you if you would allow me to bid on you. That is now part of the binding agreement that you do as I say." He voids her a chance to respond by grabbing her and carrying her out of the back seat.

  "Put me down!" she screams, wiggling to free herself.

  “Nope,” he responds, heading up the back stairs of the hotel. Tia huffs and gives up fighting him, because Javan is a lot stronger than she imagined he would be.

  “You know this is ridiculous. I can walk.”

  “Can you?” He holds back a snicker. “I had no idea.”

  “You are enjoying this way too much,” she responds as they reach his floor. Her anger with him is increasing. No matter what he tries to convince her about her father’s condition, she can not excuse what he did. He took the life of the man who raised her as his own. She is not sure if there is any way to take that image out of her mind.

  He releases Tia once they arrive in his room. Then, heads for his suitcase. This is the last place she wants to be right now. His hotel room used to make her feel safe, now all it does is remind her of his betrayal.

  “You can have the bed. I’ll take the couch,” Javan declares, handing her sweat pants and a t-shirt. She rolls her eyes and rushes toward the bathroom to change.

  She curses him the whole time she is dressing. The pants are yet again too large for her, leaving her to hold them up as she walks. Tia storms out to tell Javan off, catching him in his underwear.

  “Oh, sorry!” she turns around and covers her eyes.

  “A little over kill don’t you think?” he replies, pulling up his pants all the way. “It’s safe now,” he adds, forcing his t-shirt over his head.

  Tia swings back around, her face turning pink. “So, black underwear too, eh?”

  “Yes, in fact it is. Got a problem with that, Miss Trumble?”

  “No. I suppose it is only fair I see you in your underwear, considering you saw me naked,” she mumbles, her head down.

  “I didn’t pay attention. Too busy saving your life,” he remarks, re-assuring her. All it does is make her face turn even more red.

  “Well, do you need anything before bed?” he offers. Tia shakes her head and crawls under the covers. Javan turns out the lights and lays down on the couch. The air is calm, filled with the pattern of their breathing. Neither one speaks, just absorbs the silence after their long, complicated evening. Tia rolls over and takes in the scent of his pillow, loving and hating the smell all at the same time. It’s the last thing she senses before falling into a deep sleep.

  It is still dark in the room as Tia awakes to Javan shaking her shoulder. She forgets, for a moment, where she is at. Her chest weighs heavy with the reminder that her father is dead; something her mind erased during slumber.

  “Tia,” Javan whispers, “it’s Mr. Avery.” She hears the knock this time.

  “What is he doing here?” she whispers back, sitting up and rubbing her eyes. Why can’t people let me sleep? she thinks.

  “I’m not sure, but you need to hide and fast.” Tia attempts not to panic. Then, it hits her. “Do you have a scanner?”

  Javan hesitates for a moment, then pulls out the scanner from his night stand drawer and scans the back of Tia’s neck. She morphs into a fly that buzzes above his head, landing on the ceiling.

  “Anscom? What you doing here?” Javan answers the door, yawning, as if he just heard him knock.

  "I was hoping to chat. May I come in?" Mr. Avery responds, his cheek is slightly swollen from where Tia hit him, earlier.

  "Sure," Javan allows him to enter the dark hotel room.

  "Are you going to turn the light on?" he requests. He is dressed in his suit still. Javan rushes over to the switch, and illuminates the room.

  "What's with the couch?" Mr. Avery inquires, motioning over to the pillow and blanket laying on the sofa.

  “What’s with your face?” Javan responds, staring at his swollen cheek.

  "I rather not discuss it.” Mr. Avery walks around the room, scanning every inch. He sits down on the couch, peering over at the pillow and blanket. “The bed not comfortable?”

  “I sometimes have difficulty sleeping on hotel mattresses. It is a personal issue.” Javan thinks quickly, searching the room for signs of Tia.

  "You know, when I had these hotels built, I wanted them to put in firmer mattresses. My staff advised against it. Too costly.”

  “Can’t have that,” Javan mumbles.

  “What was that?”

  "Did you want something to drink...or?" Javan offers.

  "No, I actually came to inform you that the body has been disposed of and all evidence removed from the scene,” he mentions. “I had my young crew broken in for the task. Apparently, they never saw a murder before. Not sure where these kids grew up, but they all seemed pretty shocked. That Kira girl is rather whiny. Probably should have let her go to Letum. Sometimes I’m too kind hearted.”

  “I see,” Javan responds, as calmly as possible. “Well, thank you for letting me know that was taken care of. What did you do with the body?”

  “The one new employee has a special skill in making things disappear. Thankfully, there will be no remains to worry about,” Mr. Avery notes.

  “Interesting,” Javan comments, appearing distracted. “Did any of them recognize him?”

  “No one asked questions, Javan. No worries.” Mr. Avery slaps him on the back. “I think I will take that drink, after all. Tonight is worth celebrating; do you have any champagne?”

  “I don’t believe so, let me double check.” Javan shuffles to the kitchen area. Tia flies down t
o land on the refrigerator door, watching Javan’s expressions. He appears less than amused about Mr. Avery’s presence.

  “I believe all I have is wine right now, Anscom.”

  “That should work,” Mr. Avery calls from the couch. Javan pulls out the bottle of wine and some glasses. Tia flies over to the wall across from the couch to find a better view of Mr. Avery. He is still examining the hotel room. What is he looking for? she wonders.

  “This is all I had left, apparently,” Javan walks over with the glasses. Mr. Avery accepts the one and raises it for a toast.

  “To taking care of business.”

  Javan sips his wine, watching Mr. Avery very closely, who is consuming his own glass.

  “Delicious,” he remarks, placing the empty glass on the table. Javan puts his down as well. “You didn’t drink much, Javan.”

  “I’m not a fan of wine,” he responds, glancing at the fly on the wall. It’s quiet in the hotel room. Tia wonders if Mr. Avery came to meet Javan at his hotel often this week or if this is a new habit. Either way, she is glad to be a fly on the wall during one of their secret meetings, literally.

  “You really shouldn’t play with fire,” Mr. Avery voices, breaking the silence.

  “What do you mean, Anscom?” Javan turns his full attention to him.

  “Don’t think for a moment you fool me, Javan. I know where you were this evening.” His beady eyes stare at the fly on the wall as he speaks. “Don’t lose focus over a pretty face. You must remember what our goal is here.”

  “I agree our goal hasn’t changed, Anscom. What makes you think me taking Miss Trumble to collect her belongings, this evening, is going to interfere with that plan?” Javan jumps in, attempting to pull Mr. Avery over to his side again.

  “You have no idea what that girl is capable of. That’s why I wanted to win her this evening, to ensure she wouldn’t get in the way like her father. Promise me, you will keep your part of the agreement and watch her carefully.”

  Javan nods, but he is silent, picking up his glass from the coffee table and sipping, steadily.

  “I thought you didn’t like wine?” Mr. Avery stands, walking across the room, over to the fly, which takes off to the ceiling.

  “It’s growing on me,” he answers.

  “You should kill that fly. It’s a nuisance. I don’t like bugs in my hotels. They are filthy,” Mr. Avery comments.

  “I’ll get right on that,” Javan mumbles, staring down at his glass.

  “Well, busy day tomorrow. I should let you sleep,” Mr. Avery comments, walking over to the door.

  "Thank you for taking care of business this evening."

  “Yes. Good night, then.” Mr. Avery exits the room. Tia waits a few moments for his footsteps to grow quiet before she flies down from the ceiling. She transforms back into herself.

  “Well that was close,” Javan comments, his hands shaking. Tia remains quiet. “I suppose I should have known he was following us this evening.”

  Tia lays down on the bed, her back facing Javan. Listening to them discuss her father’s death, just causes the deep ache inside of her to return. Tia remembers all the pain her father endured at the hand of Mr. Avery.

  She is unsure if she can believe Javan, and from the looks of it, Mr. Avery plans to keep his promise about destroying her as well as the people she loves. Why else would he come here to check on what Javan was doing at my house? Her tears cover the casing of his pillow. Tia wonders if her real family is already dead, or if he will kill Edwin next. Even Fera may be in danger just by being close to her family. All these lives taken because of me, she thinks.

  She can’t make the tears stop, now. All it takes is the thought of his body on the floor. Lifeless. Her attempts to remain quiet are in vain.

  “Tia?” Javan calls, still watching her. She ignores his call, nothing but sobs release from deep within. He doesn’t utter a word, just sits down on the side of the bed and starts rubbing her back.

  “He spent his whole life suffering, for what?” she starts spouting off. “It’s not fair, Javan. I just wish he could have lived a better life.”

  “He was happier than you realize, Tia. He had a partner who he loved deeply and a daughter that he cherished more than anything. To some people that is a fulfilling life. Now, he is no longer suffering from his illness or Mr Avery. In a way he’s free,” Javan assures her. She turns over and gazes up at him. His eyes shine like they always do when he stares at her.

  “You know what the worst part is. I know that I’m the reason Mr. Avery wanted him killed. He is dead because I didn’t listen to him. Osborn told me the necklace was a secret just between us. Yet, I wore it to the dinner that night. Mr. Avery wanted him dead because of my mistake.”

  “It’s not true, Tia. Like I told you, he was already dying. He was suffering, if Mr. Avery didn’t want me to kill him tonight, it would have prolonged the inevitable,” Javan attempts to comfort her through logic, which at a time like this, Tia is not receptive to.

  “Why did you keep this from me? You hid so many things...” Tia is no longer making sense. Her emotions completely erase her ability to speak english. She is having a major breakdown.

  Javan pulls her up and holds her. She fights him, at first, but slowly surrenders. What does it matter? His arms are somehow comforting; his scent tingles her nose and calms her down. Tia pulls away, slightly, to look up at him. He wipes a tear from her cheek.

  “What was Mr. Avery talking about when he mentioned your goal?” Tia questions, sniffling.

  “He’s been developing a plan to eliminate the Regnumian population. For quite some time now, actually. The other leaders are mulling it over, but one defied him.”

  “Mr. Tersus?” Tia realizes.

  “Yes, so, this past week, I’ve been working on his good side, in hopes that he will divulge how he intends to proceed. If I find that out, the more likely I am to stop it. So far he is buying into it. Unfortunately, my close relationship with you is hindering my cover.”

  “I’m sorry,” she responds, the sides of her mouth dropping.

  “No, don’t be. It’s been the best...” he hesitates finishing his thought. “It’s not your fault, in any way.”

  “Maybe there is a way I could be of help to you, instead,” she offers. Tia knows that sitting and crying won’t solve anything.

  “What are you thinking?” he inquires, cautiously.

  “Well, I am here for about twelve more hours and I know where Mr. Avery lives, thanks to my friend Fera. Perhaps I could do some spying for you,” Tia implies, hoping he will say yes.

  “I couldn’t risk something happening to you,” Javan responds, staring down at her sore hand, still wrapped in the cloth.

  “Trust me. I know what I’m doing.” Tia is slightly annoyed he is so protective of her when he already hurt her in the worst way possible.

  “He won’t be awake for most of it,” Javan notes, his face riddled with anxiety.

  “Yes, he will.” She stands up and grabs her jeans. “I know the man better than you think. Even though my father couldn’t speak of his duties, we still picked up on a few things here and there. When he kills, or asks someone to kill for him, he can’t sleep. Why do you think he came over here at this hour?”

  “I can’t let you go alone,” Javan stands and brushes the hair from her face. Her knees are weak at the touch of his finger across her forehead.

  “Then I suggest you call Quade.”

  Day 6: Fight or Flight

  Chapter 18

  The crisp night air brushes Tia’s face as she perches on the branch outside of Mr. Avery’s mansion. She is poised slightly above the second story of his lavish home, peering down into the window of his study. Javan sets beside her with his claws clenching tightly to the branch. Tia wonders if he is frightened of heights or just adjusting to transforming for the first time.

  She was relieved that Quade didn’t ask Javan questions when he calle
d in for his potion. It was an awkward conversation, luckily they caught Quade before he headed out with the rest of the gang. Tia assumes it is because of the law that Quade gave it to him, but she knows how upset he is with Javan at this particular moment. Therefore, she was surprised that he even answered his phone.

  It was after midnight when they arrived outside of the large iron gate of his property. Tia was impressed that she remembered the address, after all this time. Javan downed the bottle of potion as Tia morphed into a beautiful owl. He pet her head gently and within seconds transformed into an owl as well.

  Just as Tia predicted, Mr. Avery is still awake. He is dressed in silk pajamas, resting at his desk, sipping his scotch and enjoying another cigar. From the looks of it, he is engrossed in an email on his computer. Tia is unable to discern the text from this height and angle. She doesn’t want to wait too much longer to make any moves.

  For the past half hour, his back faced the window. Tia wonders how she will ever come to a resolution with Mr. Avery performing such mundane tasks. Twice she almost fell asleep on the branch. She decides to follow through with the next phase of the plan and transforms into a lightning bug.

  Tia glances at Javan to assure the potion has not worn off. Javan lifts his wing, grazing Tia, and morphs into a lightning bug, himself. He is thrown off balance, at first, but quickly rebounds. She laughs in her head, watching him.

  They both fly over to the window, crawling around to peer inside. His screen is visible, yet it is still difficult for Tia to discern what is going on. From where she rests, the email appears to be from Sim Cowell, a news reporter in Elatus. Why would he be talking to him? Tia wonders.

  Mr. Avery’s computer sounds with a video call. He clears his throat before answering. “What?” he snaps, taking a puff of his cigar.

  “Mr. Avery, sir,” a man vocalizes from the screen. Mr. Avery’s head is obstructing Tia’s view of the man on the other end of the call. The voice rings familiar.