by Valia Lind
"It's a name we made up," he says, focusing on some spot over my shoulder, as I kneel next to him once more. "What kind of a people would we be in another life? We always said we'd be rich, aristocratic types. And she'd be snobby, because she wanted to be the opposite of who she was, even if it's bad."
"Who is she?" I prompt, speaking softly, afraid he'd clam up before he tells us. He's so lost in his memories, at first, I don't think he'll answer. Then, his eyes find mine again and the pain there almost brings me to my knees. When he finally answers, it's not anything that I expect.
"My wife."
24.
TASIA
I have absolutely nothing to say to that. I stand up, allowing uncle to move past me into the kitchen. He gets a drink of water, while I try to figure out what to do with this information. The boys are just as surprised as I am. Looking over at them, I find them staring at Uncle Freddie as if they've never seen them before.
"Aunt Katherine?" Calen is the first to speak up, as Uncle Freddie takes a seat back at his desk. He has a glass of water now, but he just holds it like he needs something in his hands to keep to the reality.
"Katherine loved stories. She loved fantasy and science. Barbara Walton was the name of an empress from another planet, who was too rich for normal things like emotions." He chuckles then, "She never wrote anything down, even though I told her she had a mind of a writer. She would just laugh and say she could never put it down on paper."
"Uncle," Calen begins, coming over to stand by me, watching him carefully, "Aunt Katherine is dead. It's just a coincidence."
Uncle Freddie looks up at that, his eyes shining with unshed tears. All I want to do is reach over and fold him in my arms, but I've never been the one to offer that kind of a comfort before and the impulse feels foreign.
"Do you really believe in that kind of a coincidence?" uncle asks, studying our faces, before looking over at Logan. He keeps his gaze on him the longest, maybe because he's not as emotionally involved, maybe for some other reason. I can't imagine what's going through his head right now.
"Can you tell me what happened?" I ask, because by the time uncle took me in, Katherine wasn't in the picture. She's been gone by then and Uncle Freddie was still grieving, never showing me a picture, never talking about her with me. I was a scared little girl who just lost her whole world, so he took care of me and he grieved quietly.
"She was coming home from the store. It was raining. A typical story if I've heard one," Uncle Freddie chuckles, but there's no humor behind it. "The car went over the side of the mountain, into the water. They never found her body."
It does sound like a typical story. But a man like my uncle wouldn't take anyone at their word. He'd research, he'd do his best to have all the facts on the table. If Barbara and Katherine are the same person, she went through a lot to disappear.
"Why do you think it's her?" Logan asks, taking the question right out of my mouth.
"Because she was fascinated by Kallos, even in those early stages of their new program development. She would ask your father question after question. Always learning, my Katherine."
Of course she knew my parents. They must've been close, since Uncle Freddie took me in. But for some reason that's not my first thought. My first thought is how much I hate the woman. If this is truly her, she didn't just hurt my uncle, she hurt my family. I don't doubt that's how Kallos found out about my dad's research. If they talked about it, if he trusted her, he told. And she used it against him.
"Uncle Freddie, do you have a picture?" I ask softly, needing to know for sure. She was careful to stay away from any camera angles, since they knew nothing about her, and that raises flags as well.
Uncle Freddie turns back to his computer, pushing a few keys and pulling up an old article. Logan comes to stand beside me, his body heat warming me up, as we look over Uncle Freddie's shoulder. When he maximizes the article, a woman stares at me from the page. She's about ten years younger, her hair down around her face and she's smiling. There are subtle differences, as if she had work done, but kept the basic places in place. But it's the same woman.
Barbara and Katherine are the same person.
I don't have to say a word, because they all see it on my face. Calen grows pales, leaning against the table as if his legs can't hold him. Uncle Freddie turns back to the picture, staring at it as if his life depends on it. No one knows how to take this information, what to do with it now that we have it. Everything is upside down now, in a way that no one could've predicted.
Except for Katherine.
The anger for the woman burns hot inside of me. There is nothing I would like to do more than go kill her for real. Tearing her limb by limb would be showing too much mercy. It's as if this company is hurting my family all over again. I can't wait until I can unleash my full fury on them and everything they stand for.
I feel Logan's hand on my own, uncurling my fist. Glancing up at him, he gives me a reassuring smile before entwining his fingers with mine and there's that instant calm again. He's keeping me grounded in the way I never imagined anyone could and right now I need that. I have no idea what I'd do if I didn't have an anchor.
"She has to be in the middle of this," Uncle Freddie says, snapping out of his daze and turning back to his computer. It's as if he just had some type of a revelation. We move in closer, waiting for him to share with the class. When he does it, it's Logan who nudges him.
"Freddie?"
"Yes." He turns, briefly shooting us a look. "There has to be a bigger reason behind keeping her hidden than just me finding out. I mean, she was obsessed with Kallos and their program. She always read up on anything to do with genetics. It's not a coincidence she's here now."
"Uncle Freddie," I speak up, trying to be gentle, which is difficult at the moment. "Do you think she's the missing boss we've been looking for?"
The boys jerk to attention at my words because they didn't think about that. But I can tell by Uncle Freddie thought just that. He doesn't answer verbally, but his nod is curt and to the point. He keeps typing, his mind flying faster than any of us can imagine and I don't know what else to do, but let him be.
Logan must have the same idea, because he gently tugs on my hand, pulling me away. I want to stay and offer some kind of comfort, but I'm not built for such things. What I can do is avenge Uncle Freddie and the pain he's had to endure.
"We should go clean up and rest," Logan says quietly, leading me out of the room with no protest. I allow him to pull me away, a million thoughts rushing through my mind.
"Please be rational, Princess," Logan pleads, the moment we're out of earshot. I look up at him, at the concern I find there and my protective instincts flare up higher.
"I'm always rational, Logan," I reply, smiling sweetly. It's the smile that always makes Foster nervous and it's the one I plan to deliver directly to Barbara's front step.
"But you're also emotional now. Don't deny the changes," Logan hurries to add, as I open my mouth to protest. Of course, he's right. I'm not as closed off emotionally anymore and I don't find it quite as helpful.
"Fine. But it's personal. It's always been personal, yes, but it's a whole new level for me."
"It's always been about family, Tasia."
"But now I have more of it to protect," I level him with a pointed look and he doesn't miss my point. He's part of it too. He's always been part of it, but now I have something to do about that.
"We're all tangled in this mess, aren't we?" Logan asks, running his hand through his hair, making it into that messy arrangement I love so much.
"We've always been. Now we're just old and smart enough to do something about it." I place my hand over his heart, feeling the beat under my fingertips.
This world made us grow up way too fast. Neither one of us got to be children, not in the real sense of childhood. I feel much older than my eighteen years, and I'm sure Logan feels the same. We've had to be adults and make adult decisions for years now.
But now, it's even deeper than that. I feel it in my bones. It won't be long before all of this comes crashing down around us. It'll be up to us to make sure we don't get crushed in the debris. I won't let another family member suffer because of those monsters.
That's a promise I intend to keep.
* * *
I catch about four hours of sleep and it's longer than I wanted, but apparently my body needed it. I missed Foster's press conference, but I'm sure the guys will have a nice recap for me.
Getting off the bed, I glance over at the only table in the room and find my box of knives there. It's the one Logan gave me. It's been a while since I've seen it. I had two of the knives on me when the drug took over and surprisingly, I hung on to those. Maybe my subconscious was fighting harder than I believed it to be.
Running my fingers over the box, I'm once again amazed by the intricate design. Popping the lid open, I look down to find all of the knives in there. Logan must've cleaned the ones I carried and placed them back with the others. When a knock sounds at the door, I know it's him. He enters without waiting for a reply, and is surprised to see me standing at the table.
"I was just coming to check on you," he says, shrugging his shoulders sheepishly, at being caught. I lean against the table, watching him and my heart swells at just the sight of him. I know what we need to do next, it's time to make a grand stand. Working from the shadows isn't getting us the results we need. The drug will be out in the world before we know it and then there's no stopping Kallos.
"What is it?"
He must see something in my face, because the smile disappears into concern. It's an expression he wears much too often and one I hope he won't have to one day.
"We need to make plans, Logan. Big plans. No more waiting around for the other shoe to drop. We're taking the fight to them, once and for all."
He can see the passion in every word and I'm no longer backing down or playing it safe. A part of me fears that this will get me killed, but I know I'll go down swinging to protect the ones I love. As long as the rest of my family is safe. But I now also know that I can't do any of this alone. I fail on my own. I won't fail again.
"Anastasia," Logan is in front of me in two steps, his hands on my shoulders. "I'm with you, all the way. You know that. But if you're thinking of doing something reckless, just think of what happened last time. We can't lose you again. I can't."
The pain of me being lost has cost him, I can see it in his eyes. There's the kind of heavy weight behind his gaze that wasn't there before. He carries a lot more now, and that's in part my fault. But I also know that I'm no longer the only one to blame. He would've had to fight battles anyway.
"You're not going to lose me. Because we're going to do this together. We both have a lot of baggage to carry. We are directly answering for our family's decisions. And this is it, Logan. Uncle Freddie..." I'm not sure how to put into words what I'm thinking. Closing my eyes for just a second, I think of all that he means to me. "Uncle Freddie just had his whole world shattered." I continue, opening my eyes. "He's the kindest man I know and he's the least of us to deserve it. I'm not saying we throw caution to the wind, but I am saying that no more secret missions and sneaking around. We come at them with everything we've got and we do it publicly."
I am determination.
I am fire.
I am my father's daughter.
No more playing around, no more waiting. All or nothing, from here on out.
There's a part of Logan that wants to protect me, I can see the battle raging in his eyes. There is no going back at this point. There was no going back the moment I decided on this mission. But as much as it has been my life's greatest goal, I can see now that Logan, and Uncle Freddie for that matter, have their own scores to settle. I won't feel guilty for dragging them into this any longer. What I will do is protect them. And fight. Fight with everything that's left in me.
"I want to disagree," Logan finally says.
"But you won't," I smile, receiving a sigh in response.
"No, I won't. Because I know you're right. Now that you're back, we have to finish it. But, Tasia," he stops then, reaching for my hands and taking them in his own. "I won't pretend that I'm not scared."
I squeeze his hands, before pulling him into me. My arms wrap around his middle, as his come around my back. I hold on to him with all the strength in me, because he is my anchor. My hope for a better tomorrow, regardless of the demons from today. I need him to know that, even if I can't show it in some romantic way. Even with all of these feelings reawakening inside of me, I'll never be the emotional one and that's okay. I don't have to fit into any particular mold to be great. I just have to be me. Logan has accepted me, just the way I am, and it's about time I do too.
"I'm scared too," I admit, sighing into his shoulder. "Terrified. I've been on so many sides of this already and it's still just as scary. Because I have so much more at stake now." I lean back, looking up into his eyes and I see so much love there it almost takes my breath away. This - us - is what makes me the strongest person alive.
I am fueled by the confidence he has in me. I am alive with the feelings he evokes within me. He guided me into discovering just who I was, without trying to change or influence me. Now, I need to do something with all that knowledge.
"Let's go save the world, shall we?" I ask, stepping back and reaching for my knives. Taking one out, I twirl it in my hand, gripping it strongly. Logan grins at me, pride shining in his eyes.
"Let's do it."
25.
TASIA
When we walk into the main room, Calen and Uncle Freddie are ready for us. Calen points in the direction of the kitchen and I see food on the counter. I throw him a questioning look and he shrugs.
"Thin walls." I'm halfway to the food, when I pivot and glare at my cousin and uncle.
"Are you monitoring every room in the house?" I ask.
"Technically, yes?" Calen replies. I roll my eyes but leave it at that. Not that I'll tell him, but I'm starving. Logan and I take our respective plates and walk back over where the other two are seated. I wan to ask Uncle Freddie a million questions, starting with how is he doing, but I hold my tongue and take a bite of my omelet instead.
"So, you have a plan?" Uncle Freddie is the one to ask, after a few moments of silence. He turns to watch me, and I notice how sad his eyes are. I hate Barbara. Or Katherine. Or a few of some other names I can come up with for her. But I push all that aside for the moment.
"I don't have a plan beyond that I need a face to face with both parties. Kallos and The Company. And then I need to get them at the same place at the same time." They stare at me as if I've lost my mind, while I take another bite of my food.
"What?" I ask around a mouthful. Uncle Freddie is the first to answer.
"You want to just walk into the lion's den? You tried that before, remember? It didn't end quite like you anticipated."
Okay, so they definitely have a point on that one. Maybe driving in to that community and announcing myself to the whole place wasn't the smartest of decisions. But it gave us much needed information, so I won't apologize for that.
"But even then we were playing it safe," I protest, swallowing the food and the apologies. I'll apologize after this is all done. "We have to think bigger. We have information now, the aspects of the drug are a lot more dangerous. I think it's time we go public."
"We decided against that, remember?" Calen calls out, arms folded in front of him.
"We decided against it because we didn't have enough proof on our side," Logan replies, coming up to stand beside us. "If we play our card right, we'll be able to get them to incriminate themselves in a way that won't allow them to come back from it."
I turn to him, wondering what he's thinking. His mind is working, I can see that much. I've never doubted just how smart he truly is and right now, I'm so happy he's on our side.
"We need to push the envelope," he continues, meeting my gaze head on. "Show
them that we won't stand idly by anymore and then we set them up to fail. Publicly."
Smiling at him is becoming a daily thing that I never want to stop doing. I turn back to Uncle Freddie and Calen, my eyebrows raised. They wait for what seems like forever before Uncle Freddie finally speaks up.
"I guess I should tell you what I found out then." I take that as agreement.
He turns back to his computer, pulling up a screen and we crowd around him. I take a minute to reach out and squeeze his shoulder and he looks up at me with a sad smile.
"According to the data we've been able to pull from the bug, we discovered that the bugs are coded to a specific host, but the drug inside is synthesized according to the blood type." He lets us take a minute to let that sink in.
"So there are different versions of the drug, depending on the blood type?" I ask, keeping my voice surprisingly leveled.
"It's the same theory we had in the very beginning. When we found out they were experimenting on children," my blood runs colder at Calen's words. That baby that we found missing all those months ago, we've never been able to find out what happened to it. His parents are still out there, thinking that the mom just had back pain.
"But?" I prompt, when he trails off, pulling my emotions in and focusing on the task at hand.
"But it's more than just experimentations." Uncle Freddie continues, "We think they're using the children as incubators for the drug. This way the missing ingredient they've been looking for, the blood, matches whatever individual receives it next. It's how they're able to make the drug work on adults, when they couldn't before."
All I see is red.
Rage.
Hatred.
A desire to kill.
All of these race through my body and I wonder how I don't explode from the intensity of it all. It's getting more difficult to breath. I'm having trouble thinking. I want to act. Right now. And by act I mean, gut every single person involved with Kallos. I don't care how long it takes, I want to personally strip flesh from their bones.