Shadows of Deception

by Amy Hale

  His free hand roamed her waist then slipped under her shirt. Strong fingers stroked her stomach then inched their way up higher. She placed her hand over his, and he stilled.

  “Colt, really. This is hardly the place.”

  He laughed softly. “I’m not doing anything but touching you. Is that so wrong?”

  Jane rolled over and looked into his eyes. “I love it when you touch me. I’m just not sure either of us can stop once we get started.”

  He sighed. “You do have a point.” He kissed her gently on the lips. “But it feels like it’s been forever since I’ve had you to myself.”

  “Well, we have had a few interruptions lately.” Her fingers traced a pattern over his chest until she reached the area over his heart. “Can I see it again?”

  He smiled and she pulled his shirt up, revealing his new tattoo. She lightly ran her finger over the delicate purple petals and then the green stem that formed the shape of an infinity symbol. When he’d explained the meaning, he’d said that the flower represented her—beautiful and wild—just like her favorite blossoms in the field where she first learned to control, her gifts. The infinity symbol meant that no matter what, she’d be forever in his heart. It was the closest thing to an engagement ring he could give her for the moment. He hoped once the whole mess was over there would be enough of them both left to consider a wedding. At times he had his doubts. Not that he’d ever stop loving her, but there were moments when he feared that she needed more; that she needed someone more like herself.

  She broke into his thoughts with a kiss placed directly over the tattoo, then she tucked his shirt back down between them. He tightened his arms around her, and she sighed, nestling in as close as she could get. They stayed that way for several minutes. Eventually, her breathing slowed and entered a deep, rhythmic pattern. He lightly kissed the top of her head then closed his own eyes and willed sleep to come.

  Sunshine broke through the tattered drapes, waking Colt from pleasant dreams involving Jane and a very large bed. He turned his head to look at her but realized she was already up. Groaning, he rolled over and buried his face in his large biceps. He was tired, sore, and more than a little anxious about the day ahead.

  The front door opened, and Jane entered, her face flushed and the tip of her nose pink. He grinned at her as she rubbed her arms.

  “It’s cold out there.” Moving toward the fireplace, she grabbed the fire poker and pushed the glowing embers around. “We should rebuild the fire.”

  Cameron pushed his way through the door at that moment, a pile of wood in his arms. “Way ahead of ya, sister.”

  She stepped back and allowed him room to bring the flames back to life. The twins were behind him and Kyler shut the door as they crossed the threshold. The rest of the group stirred to life slowly.

  Jane approached the sofa to check on Rachel. “Hey, how are you feeling this morning?”

  Rachel smiled. “Good as new, I think. I’ll know more when I actually get up and around.”

  Colt stood and began to fold his sleeping bag and blanket. He glanced at Brett’s groggy face then turned his attention to Jane. “We need to restock supplies and figure out our next move.”

  Cameron was still crouched before the fireplace, enjoying the warmth that spread over his fingers. “Next move? Do you guys have a death wish? You can’t seriously intend to take on the organization.”

  Jane shrugged. “Why not? We did it once. Granted, it was a small percentage of what we are facing now, but we won. We sent them packing with their tails between their legs. We can do it again, but this time they won’t escape.”

  Cameron’s eyes narrowed into slits as he studied her. “You seem very sure of yourself.”

  She looked directly into his gaze, her expression hardening. “Failure is not an option.”

  Colt slipped a supportive arm around her waist. “Jane alone is a force to be reckoned with, but mix in the talents of the rest of this group and we have a strength that’s damn near unbeatable.”

  Rachel smiled as she sat up from her position on the sofa. “We’re gonna open a huge can of whoop ass and force feed it to those bastards.”

  Cameron disagreed. “No, what you’re gonna do get yourselves killed, or worse, captured again.”

  At that point the entire group had surrounded the fireplace listening intently to the conversation and exchanging nervous glances.

  Brett broke the temporary silence. “We can do it, with or without you, big boy, so feel free to stay behind. But I really wouldn’t have taken you for a coward.”

  Once again, Brett had let his mouth run before his brain had time to catch up. Cameron’s body shook slightly, irritation and disdain radiating from his features. His fists clenched at his sides, and he looked ready to lunge at Brett, except in that case, he could do a significant amount of damage without ever lifting a finger.

  Elana stepped between them. “No. We are not fighting amongst ourselves. We have to unite if we are going to win this war.”

  Cameron’s eyes twitched as he searched her face. “We aren’t fighting our own kind here, Elana. It’s us against them.” He pointed to Brett and Colt. “It always has been. They are the ones using and abusing us for their own selfish purposes.”

  Jane shook her head. “You’re so very wrong. I’ve spent the last several months surrounded by everyday people—kind, compassionate men, women, and children that genuinely care about those around them.”

  Jocelyn took that opportunity to voice her apprehension. “Maybe, but maybe not.” She paused, weighing her words carefully. “Did these caring, average people know what you are capable of? Did they grasp the reality that they were in the company of a power they could never control?”

  Jane couldn’t honestly answer with a yes. But that wasn’t something she wanted to consider. She simply refused to believe that anyone could be as bad as those running The Curators. Her faith in the inherent goodness of others was far reaching, and that was a hope she had to hold on to tightly. It kept her sane when the rest of the world felt off-kilter.

  Jocelyn snorted. “Yeah, that’s what I thought. You can’t guarantee your friends wouldn’t turn on you the moment things went wrong. Isn’t that why you’re here? Running away from the incident that killed your doctor friend?”

  Colt’s jaw ticked as he worked to keep his anger in check. His arms dropped to his sides. “Not exactly. We came to find Jane’s friends. To find all of you. She wanted to help you and free the other poor souls still wasting away in that godforsaken, man-made hell.” He looked pointedly at Jocelyn. “That is why we are here. Nothing else matters.”

  Jane reached for his hand, threaded her fingers through his, and she gave him a squeeze that silently expressed her thanks for the assistance.

  Jocelyn studied Colt, and he thought he saw something akin to terror pass over her features, but it disappeared so quickly he had to wonder if it had been his imagination. He felt sure she was hiding something, but he doubted she would ever admit it.

  Jeremy ran a hand through his hair. “Listen, I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to spend the rest of my life on the run. I want this over with. We’ve spent too many years being forced to use our gifts to please a bunch of evil masochists. It’s time we took our lives back. It’s time we were in control of the situation.”

  Wes nodded in agreement. “Absolutely. We have to end this.” He stretched his arms toward the ceiling then out in front of him. “I vote we get breakfast, then discuss strategy.”

  At the mention of food, Caesar’s head popped up from his spot near Rachel. “Breakfast? I really want waffles.” He looked at Jane. “Can we get waffles?”

  Her smile was instantaneous. “I think we can arrange that.”

  Blake held up a hand. “Hold up. I think we’re forgetting something.” He waited a moment, but the only response he got was a room full of confused faces. “Transportation. There is no way we will all fit in those two vehicles.

  Colt realize
d he was right. If they were going to take the fight to Tennessee, they’d need a way to get everyone there. He released a long sigh.

  “Well, looks like it’s time to trade in the truck.”

  Highway 60 stretched out in front of Colt and Jane as they barreled down the road. Jane was fidgeting in the seat next to him, twisting her fingers together—a habit that indicated she was worried.

  He placed one hand over hers to stop the wringing motion. “What’s on your mind, sweetheart?”

  She looked at him, and there were silent tears streaking down her cheeks. “I feel guilty.”

  His eyebrows rose in question. “About what?”

  Jane wiped the tears away with heels of her hand and she sniffed. “I know we need to find a van, or at least another car, but you can’t give up this truck, Colt. It was your dad’s.”

  “Aww, baby, come here.” He reached out an arm and pulled her closer so that her head could rest on his shoulder. “It’s just a truck. And this old thing has been on its last legs for years. It’s time I let it go.” He released a small chuckle as he thought about his late father. “Hell, if he could reach out and talk to me now, he’d insist I do it. He always was a sucker for a good adventure. And truck or no truck, it doesn’t change the memories I have of him.”

  She tried to take comfort in his words, but the guilt wouldn’t cease. And then there was the issue of the danger they were most likely facing. Not only to Colt but everyone crazy enough to take on this terrifying task. She hated to admit it, but Cameron and Jocelyn had made some disturbing points earlier that morning. She wanted to believe they could win, that it would be worth everything they’d gone through, and all they’d yet to brave. There was a small part of her heart that feared the worst, and that part seemed to be growing larger every day.

  He pulled up to a stoplight then planted a kiss on the top of her head. “We’re gonna be okay, sweetheart. I know it.”

  She nodded and managed a wobbly smile. The light turned green and they drove another two blocks before pulling into Chuck’s Used Cars. Jane had gained her composure by the time they were ready to exit the truck. Colt helped her out and then took her hand firmly in his. They walked hand in hand around the small lot as they examined various vehicles. A tall man with graying hair approached them just as they were looking at an old church van. He flashed white, slightly crooked teeth as he introduced himself.

  “I’m Henry, the assistant manager here at Chuck’s. Are you folks looking for something to accommodate the family? Maybe a mini-van would be more your speed? We have a real clean one just over there. It has low miles considering its age and should give you several years of trouble-free use.”

  Colt shook his head. “Actually, we need something that’s large, but serviceable.”

  Henry scratched his head. “Well, I supposed this here extended van would work for you. It’s not particularly pretty, and the gas mileage stinks, but it’s rather solid.”

  Colt released Jane’s hand and walked around the van, giving it a thorough inspection. Then he popped the hood and looked the engine over. Henry went to the office to get the keys and returned promptly. Without a word, he handed them to Colt and encouraged him to start it up.

  Colt listened carefully, then looked back to Henry. “It sounds pretty good. Engine is clean and looks well maintained. How much?”

  Henry consulted the clipboard he’d been carrying around. “We’ve got it listed for $2500.”

  “How much if I trade in that old truck over there?”

  Henry frowned. “I’d have to look at the truck before I gave you a firm number.”

  Jane touched Colt’s arm. “There’s a grocery store across the street. I’ll go take care of the shopping while you deal with this, okay?”

  Colt pulled her close, whispering in her ear, “Be careful, beautiful.” He kissed her softly. “I’ll meet you over there.”

  Jane smiled at both men then carefully crossed traffic and entered the store. She refused to look back. She wasn’t excited about shopping alone, but she couldn’t bear to watch Colt trade off his dad’s Ford. Even if he was fine with it, she wasn’t.

  She took her time roaming the aisles and filling the basket with necessities for their ever-growing group. A small area with toys caught her attention, and she wandered over to inspect it closer. Her mind instantly conjured up an image of Caesar. Did he have toys? Had he ever had toys? She couldn’t remember owning many herself. The community playroom was the extent of her experience with them.

  Her eyes filled with tears, and she grabbed an armful of items she thought he’d like, placing them in the basket. She’d be damned if he was going to go one more day without at least one normal aspect of childhood.

  She approached the checkout counter just as Colt entered through the automatic doors. His eyes met hers, and there was an instant recognition that always caught her off-guard. His eyes always changed when he saw her. She couldn’t explain it, but even from several feet away she knew he was giving her that look that made her feel like the only woman in existence. Heat rose to her cheeks and she felt silly for blushing over something so simple.

  “Is he yours?” asked the young cashier as she rang up the first few items on the conveyor while openly gawking at Colt.

  Jane’s smile was wide. “Yes. Yes, he is.”

  The girl shook her head. “Nice. You did well, sister.”

  Jane chuckled and under her breath she said, “Oh, you have no idea.”

  Jane obviously hadn’t been as quiet as she thought because the girl smirked but didn’t comment. Colt walked up behind her and put his arms around her waist, pulling her against him for a hug.

  The cashier noticed and let out a wistful sigh. “Damn. He’s hot and romantic. You really hit the jackpot.”

  Colt buried his face in Jane’s hair and tried to suppress his laughter. Jane continued to smile as she pulled a wallet from the inside pocket of her jacket. She paid for her purchases and Colt grabbed the basket. Once outside, they loaded the bags into their new-to-them van and made the short drive back to their friends.

  Kyler sat in an old recliner and watched Caesar play with his new toys. He knew he shouldn’t, but he was dying to know what was going through the boy’s mind while he raced one of his die-cast cars in a circle. And since Caesar hadn’t learned the trick to keeping him out, he decided it wouldn’t hurt to take a peek. Concentrating, he watched the ten-year-old’s face.

  “Wow. I’ve never had cars before. I really love this red one! It’s awesome with its big engine and cool flames on the hood! It’s the best. Jane is the best. I love her too. I wish she was my sister, or my mom. I wish I could live with her and Colt forever.”

  Kyler frowned and broke the connection. He felt bad for the kid, knowing good and well that his wishes would likely remain unfulfilled. Everyone in the group knew the odds were against them coming out of the fight alive. Well, everyone but Caesar. He seemed blissfully unaware of what was about to go down. Maybe it was best that way. He saw no harm in letting the kid enjoy what time he had left.

  Sighing, he slid off the chair and joined Caesar on the floor. “Mind if I play too?”

  Caesar’s smile could have lit the room. “Sure. What car do you want?”

  Kyler picked a blue Mustang, and they proceeded to act out an elaborate car chase using some of the other toys Jane had purchased as an obstacle course.

  Across the room, the rest of the group was formulating their next step. Cameron refused to participate and went outside. Jocelyn observed but never said a word. Everyone else was busy interjecting ideas and discussing pros and cons of every possible action.

  Gathering information, it appeared that their little group was all there was. Everyone else was still imprisoned. It wasn’t ideal, but they’d work with what they had.

  Blake sighed. “I think the practice this morning was a good idea, Jane. We should continue that exercise, but get everyone involved. Coordinating our abilities will give us our best odds.”


  Brett nodded. “So that’s why you guys were outside so early this morning? Smart.”

  Wes rolled his eyes at Brett. “We occasionally come up with a good idea now and then.”

  Brett ignored the comment. That only served to annoy Wes further.

  “What do you contribute to this cause, Brett? Are you just here to reaffirm our brilliance? Or do you actually have some skills of your own that will be useful to us?”

  Brett clenched his jaw but continued to ignore him.

  “Ah, I see…” mocked Wes. “You’re the mascot. A mime, maybe?” He started mimicking a scared guy trapped in a box.

  This pushed Brett over the edge. He lunged at Wes, grabbing him by the collar and pushing him to the floor. Wes was caught off-guard by the action and didn’t deflect the first punch. Colt restrained Brett before he could throw the second punch. Wes took that opportunity to grab the nearest item and hurl it in Brett’s direction. An old, large book hit Brett square in the face. The force that propelled the book was enhanced by his gift of telekinesis and the result was a massive nose bleed.

  Jane and Rachel stepped between them. Rachel put her hand on Brett’s chest as Colt released his arms. She guided him to the sofa as Colt grabbed the first-aid kit in his bag.

  Digging through the box, she frowned. “Dammit. There’s no rags or tissue in here.” Not thinking twice, she pulled her t-shirt over her head and held it to Brett’s nose, using pressure to stem the bleeding.

  Jane stood glaring at Wes, keeping Brett out of his line of sight. “Stop being a jackass, Wes. That whole scenario was completely uncalled for.”

  He smirked at her. “Do you usually play Mommy to the Stooge brothers? Or is this some kind of weird threesome thing?”

  Colt had heard enough. He wedged himself between Jane and Wes, looking him in the eye. “Would you like to apologize to her before or after I kick your mouthy little ass?”

  Wes snickered. “You and what army. You seem to forget I’m gifted.”