Shadows of Deception

by Amy Hale

  Jeremy looked slightly embarrassed. “Actually, no. When I heard he’d passed away, I also heard he’d left everything to me. So technically this place is mine.”

  Jane frowned. “Well, that’s great. Why didn’t you say so in the first place?”

  He put away a pan and shrugged. “I don’t know. It just seemed wrong, like maybe I was bragging. I mean, in the general sense, we all have lost so much.” He gestured to the rest of their group enjoying conversation in the adjoining room. “The Curators took everything from them. They have no homes, no jobs, and possibly no family. I thought it best if this felt like our place, and not my place, ya know?”

  Jane nodded in understanding. “Makes perfect sense, Jeremy. Thank you for telling me. I can relax knowing that we won’t be discovered here.”

  She studied him as she asked the next question. “Jeremy, I have one more question. How did you learn of your uncle’s passing and of your inheritance? You’ve been locked away up until the last few months.”

  He leaned himself against one of the counters, crossed his arms, and sighed. “After escaping, I used a pay phone to call my uncle’s business. His vice president broke the news to me. My uncle was single, so I was named his beneficiary. She was ecstatic that I was okay and urged me to come in, but I was still so scared that I couldn’t bring myself to do it. I didn’t want to be captured again. And I wasn’t sure I’d fit in with normal people anymore. I told her I’d try to visit soon, and we left it at that. I asked her to leave everything as is for now and that I’d make it all official later.” He gave Jane a look of frustration. “Why are your grilling me about this? Did Colt decide I wasn’t trustworthy or something?”

  She smiled at him. “No, it’s nothing like that. I didn’t mean to insult you, Jeremy. I’m just wanting to make sure I have all the information we need to plan ahead.”

  He looked down at his shoes. “Yeah, that makes sense. I’m sure I’d ask the same questions. Sorry, this whole thing has me on edge I guess.”

  “Same here,” she said.

  At that moment, Caesar burst into the kitchen, a blur of energy and excitement.

  “Jane. We found a gym. There are basketballs, soccer balls, tennis rackets, and jump ropes! Kyler is looking for more cool stuff, but I wanted to come tell you.” His smile was so wide you could see the small gap near a slightly crooked incisor. “I’m so glad you found this place, Jeremy. It’s the best.”

  Not waiting for a reply, Caesar turned and ran back through the dining area and out the doors leading to a long hallway. Jane and Jeremy looked at the empty doorway, then back at each other, and laughed.

  Jane and Colt sat in a small sun room enjoying the pink hues of the sunset. Despite the cool air outside, the glass panes were well sealed and insulated, allowing them to relax without the need of coats or blankets. Jane was curled against Colt as he slowly rocked them back and forth in a large, padded, porch swing attached to a sturdy metal stand.

  Colt was enjoying the rare, quiet moment alone with her. Since finding Jeremy, things had been a whirlwind of activity. While he didn’t regret joining the mission to help her friends, he did miss having her to himself now and then.

  He turned his head and took in her beautiful face. Her eyes were closed as she rested her head on his shoulder. He could hardly believe the way his life had changed since this amazing woman landed on his doorstep just six short months ago. He never expected to find love. Up until meeting her, he didn’t even believe love existed. Yet there he was, holding her close and acknowledging that every breath she took and every beat of her heart was vital to his own existence. His need for Jane terrified him, yet he could never deny her anything. Colt swallowed a painful lump in his throat as he once again accepted that her happiness may one day hinge on his ability to let her go. She might decide she needed more; someone as special as she was that understood her on a level he might never grasp, no matter how hard he tried. If it came to that point, he’d do what was best for her, no matter how much it would kill him to watch her walk away.

  He shook off the somber thoughts and resolved to enjoy the here and now. At this time, she chose to love him despite his faults. That was a gift he would gladly and gratefully accept.

  Her eyes opened, and she caught him staring.

  “Why are you looking at me like that?” A flush crept up her neck and cheeks.

  He lifted his free hand to run his thumb over her bottom lip. His eyes focused on hers. “I was just thinking of how nice it’d be make love to you right here, right now.”

  Her eyes widened, and she looked around. “Colt, we’re surrounded by glass. Anyone could see us. And that door doesn’t lock.”

  He smirked. “I’m sure you could find a way to keep everyone out for a while.”

  “If you’re thinking I could mentally bar the door, then you’ve greatly overestimated my ability to concentrate when you touch me.”

  He bent down and brushed a light kiss on her lips then moved to her jawline. He used his tongue to lightly trace a path up to her ear. “So, you’re saying I drive you out of your mind?” There was a hint of male pride in his statement.

  Jane squirmed as he bombarded her neck with warm kisses and light bites. Her breath quickened, and she ran her fingers through his hair. “I think you know exactly what you do to me, not that I’m complaining.” She smiled as his hands began to wander up the inside of her shirt. For a brief moment, she got lost in the sensations he was creating within her and forgot where they were. A click of the door handle behind them snapped her out of the haze of desire that surrounded them. Jane bolted upright, and in the process Colt lost his balance, falling off the swing. He hit the concrete floor and a loud curse slipped from his lips.

  Caesar stood next to the swing; he was watching Colt with a hint of trepidation. He moved in closer. “Are you okay Colt?”

  Colt rubbed his backside and winced as he looked up at the young boy hovering over him. “Yeah, hot shot, I’m good. Just a little bruised.”

  Caesar looked at the swing, then back at Colt. “Were you kissing again? You know that leads to babies, right?”

  Jane bit back a smile and Colt sat there dumbfounded. Neither knew how to respond to that question.

  Jane cleared her throat. “Yes, well we have a general idea of how that all works, Caesar, but we appreciate the information.”

  His little brown eyes were serious as he said, “Sure. Anytime.”

  Colt was struggling to hold his composure. He pulled his knees to his chest and hid his face behind his folded arms. His shoulders shook just the tiniest bit as he fought the silent laughter threatening to escape.

  Jane stood and offered Caesar her hand. “What do you say we go inspect that big freezer near the pantry? I thought I saw some ice cream earlier.” She gave him a wink.

  Caesar grasped her hand and jumped up and down. “Yes, yes, yes.”

  He pulled her through the doorway as he bounced and skipped. She turned and looked back at Colt, a seductive smile on her full lips. Colt smiled back, knowing all too well what that look meant. Later, alone in their bedroom, she’d make sure his bruised body and ego were passionately attended to.

  The next afternoon was sunny and unusually warm for early November. Jane had asked everyone to assemble outside. Standing in front of them, she assessed the odd little group that was slowly becoming family.

  “I want to first thank you all for being here. I know you feel as passionate as I do about seeing this to the end. You also know the risks, so we can’t just run in blind. We need a strategy, and we need to learn to work together. If you feel you can’t do this, please let us know now. You are welcome to remain, and you will always be one of us, but we need to be assured there are no chinks in our armor.”

  Jane stepped closer and crouched down in front of Caesar. “You, little man, will have a very special mission.” He beamed proudly at her statement. She looked him in the eye. “Have you ever heard of a gatekeeper?”

  Caesar chewed
his bottom lip as he thought about her question. “I think so. That’s the guy that keeps the bad guys from getting in the castle, right?”

  She smiled at him. “Correct! Now, I know this place isn’t a proper castle, but it’s our home base and it needs someone to guard it. I think you are just the man for the job. What do you say?”

  Caesar stood a little taller and puffed out his chest. “Yes, ma’am. You can count on me!”

  Jane tried to hide the relief she felt. Caesar was so young, and while he had gifts of his own, she was terrified of sending him back inside the organization. She felt better knowing he’d be staying behind, safe from harm.

  She took his small hand in hers. “I’m going to teach you how to control the power within you.” She stood and addressed the entire group then. “We are all going to learn to hone our skills and enhance our gifts. And not by torture or starvation or any other twisted method of manipulation. You will advance by learning more about yourselves; by reaching deep within and finding your strength. Each of us have an inner compass that guides our every step. I’ll help you understand how to listen and follow.”

  Wes was skeptical. “How can you be so sure there is more? Maybe we just are what we are.”

  Colt spoke up. “Jane once felt that way too, Wes. She thought she was destined to be at the mercy of whatever her gifts dictated.”

  Jane took a few steps back, then sat in the dead grass that surrounded them. She looked up, making sure all eyes were on her. “I thought I was a monster—that my gifts were tools for destruction, just as the organization taught us. But I was wrong. They were wrong.”

  She pressed her palms to the ground, short blades of yellow and brown turf poked up between her spread fingers. Closing her eyes for a moment, she envisioned the grass as it once was—green, lush, and dotted with dandelions. A collective gasp filled the air as her friends witnessed the resurrection of long dead earth. New life spread out from her fingertips in every direction, rapidly making its way across the bare landscape reaching the tree-line and then the building.

  Jane got to her feet and walked to a nearby trellis. Brown vines hung from the lattice work in a loose tangle. She wrapped her fingers around one stem and again used her mind to form the result she desired. The color green moved from her fingers and through the vine like some sort of transfusion. When the entire trellis was covered in vivid green stems and leaves, she sent her thoughts out a final time and small pink buds sprouted then rapidly transformed to roses in full bloom.

  Jane wiped her hands on her jeans and smiled, taking in the surprised faces that stared back at her. “Do you see what I’m saying? We aren’t weapons. We have a greater purpose—if we choose to accept and embrace it. We can be a blessing instead of a curse.”

  Rachel cleared her throat. “Not all of us have the gifts that you have, Jane. We can’t all heal and bring plants back to life.”

  “True, but you have other wonderful talents, and I want to see you use them to your full potential.

  The entire group stood in silence, taking in all they had just seen and heard. While doubt lingered in the air, it was mixed something new; something they hadn’t had in a long time—hope.

  The next two weeks were full of exercises meant to help the team learn to work together. Occasionally, Jane would break one or two away from the group to work with them one-on-one. She marveled at just how much they had all changed in such a short time. There was a concerted effort to transform this group from an awkward band of misfits into a genuine family. For the most part, everyone was getting along and learning that they had each other’s back. They practiced during the day and spent the evenings relaxing and truly getting to know each other.

  One of the most popular rooms in the small camp was a spacious library. Books of every kind filled the shelves from floor to ceiling. A large stone fireplace sat in the middle of the room, and small tables, love seats, and chairs were placed strategically around it. A variety of games were lost and won around the warmth of the fire, not to mention the enjoyment of reading for knowledge and escape.

  Brett and Caesar sat at a circular table closest to the flames. The chess board in-between them was vacant of all but a few pieces. Brett waited patiently as Caesar studied each possible move carefully. His white king was in dire trouble, and he was quietly waiting to see which move his young opponent would use to put him in check. Caesar moved his knight, putting it in the path to take out yet another white pawn.

  Brett snickered. “You blew a good move there, buddy. You could have put me in check by moving your rook instead.”

  Caesar simply shrugged, so Brett took a moment to examine the board. His smile was smug as he moved his king out of harm’s reach. Without hesitation, Caesar reached forward and put the white king in check, then sat back and crossed his arms. Brett’s mouth fell open. He replayed the last few moves in his mind, then stood up realizing that no matter what he played next, Caesar had already won.

  “Good game, kiddo.” Brett pulled a dollar bill from his pocket and handed it to Caesar.

  “Thanks, Brett! Want to try again? Double or nothing?”

  “I’ll pass, buddy. I’m sure you’d take me to the cleaners if we keep playing.”

  Caesar stood, proudly deposited the bill into the front pocket of his jeans, and then walked to the back of the room to find one of his favorite books. Brett’s jacket was draped over the back of a nearby chair, and he grabbed it on his way out the door.

  Rachel had watched the entire game with interest. She felt sure Brett had let Caesar win. She also sensed that something was wrong. He normally sought her out just to annoy her with his over-the-top flirting, but a few days before, he had stopped completely. She barely got a “hello” when he saw her. After a few minutes of contemplation, she slipped her hoodie over her head and went outside to check on him. She found him chopping wood and tossing the chunks into a small bin.

  She waited until he raised his arms over his head for another blow, then spoke softly. “Hi.”

  He froze in place and slowly lowered the ax before turning to look at her. “What’s a pretty girl like you doing in a place like this?” He turned back to the log in front of him and gave it a hard whack.

  She watched his jerky, agitated movements as he worked, and it only affirmed her belief that something was bothering him.

  “Brett, hold up a minute.”

  He brought the ax down hard once again, then turned to look at her. His breathing was labored and small amounts of sweat were beading on his forehead despite the cool temperatures.

  He wiped his brow with the back of his sleeve. “What’s up?” His expression was calm, but his stance said otherwise.

  “Well, I had intended to come out here and rib you about letting Caesar win.”

  His expression changed to one of shock. “Me? I would never do something like that. I’m not that nice.”

  She smirked. “Riiiight, and I’m the freakin’ queen of England.” Her head moved side to side in disbelief. “I heard Colt telling Jane how you were some kind of chess champion in school.”

  He shrugged. “So? That doesn’t prove anything. He beat me fair and square.”

  “I see. So you’re out here working off your anger because you’re a sore loser.”

  He looked disgusted by her assumption. “What? No, nothing like that. I’m just… Never mind. Forget about it.” He grabbed the handles of the bin and moved toward the door leading back inside.

  She placed a hand on his arm. “Brett, what’s going on? You don’t seem like yourself.”

  He gave her a hard look. “How would you know? You barely give me the time of day. I’m not sure why you’re out here with me now.”

  Sighing, she looked up into his eyes. “I’m serious, Brett. I realize I don’t know you well, but from the first day that I met you, my impression was that you were generally an optimistic, happy guy. In the last week you seem to have lost that somewhere.” She paused and studied his face. “I’m happy to talk, or
lend an ear, should you need someone. I’m not great at advice, but I can listen.”

  He took a deep breath, then his posture slumped a little, as if he felt defeated. “I’m tired, and I’m worried. Despite all this group has going for it, we are still way outnumbered. I don’t want to lose anyone else.”

  “Neither do I. I wish I could see into the future—predict the outcome so we could plan accordingly. All we can do is have faith that we will do our best and let the chips fall where they may.”

  He nodded then gave her a small smirk. “Maybe, once this is all over, you and I could…”

  She didn’t let him finish. “Brett, you’re a cool guy. But I’m not really girlfriend material, let alone friend material. I can get by well enough. And Jane is almost like a sister, but that’s as close as I’ve ever gotten to anyone.” She released the grip she had on his arm. “I appreciate all she’s trying to do for us, but when it comes down to brass tacks, we’re still freaks. No one wants a freak, Brett. No one. Not really.”

  He gently dropped the bin to the ground, then reached up and framed her face in his hands. “I do. I like you the way you are, Rachel. I don’t see you as a freak—I see you as talented. Amazing. Unique.”

  She gave him a weak smile and removed his hands. “You do now, but what happens when the novelty wears off? When it’s no longer cool, just…weird or inconvenient? What then?” Pain flashed in her eyes. “I know what’s next. You move on. You build a life for yourself that doesn’t involve the abnormal.”

  He started to argue, but she stopped him. “I’ve seen it over and over. It’s not anyone’s fault. It’s just the way life is.” She took a deep breath. “You deserve more. Find someone that can give you kids and will join the PTA. I’ll never be Suzie Q. Homemaker. I’m not even willing to try.”

  She bent down and picked up the bin of wood. Without another word, she carried it inside. Brett stared at the empty spot where she’d just stood and wondered why he felt like he’d been put in check for the second time that evening.