Stealing Liberty

by Jennifer Froelich

  I know keeping the president entertained is critical to our plan, but the idea of it depending on me makes my stomach twist. I try and calm myself by reciting lyrics in my head. For the life of me, I can’t recall a single word. I search the crowd, hoping to spot Oliver. Instead, I see Adam at a distance. I wave, but he looks right past me.

  Great. Now I feel worse.

  Reed comes back but neither of us feel like talking. Instead we stand on one side of the fountain, our faces screwed up against the wind. I try not to scratch under the edge of my wig. Reed tries not to bite his fingernails. Then he stops, dropping his hands and fixing his attention on something behind me. I turn and see Riley and Paisley descending the stairs. They are both so lovely, I feel my first rush of girlish delight. Riley is dressed in purple satin falling straight to her feet. I push down my billowing tulle and envy its simplicity. Paisley’s dress is bell shaped and yellow, ending at her knees and reminding me of an upside down tulip. Both wear wigs matching their natural hair color.

  Adam and Mark are quick to meet them at the bottom of the steps, just like Middlebrooks taught them. The cameras are there to film every moment. By the time I focus on Reed again, he is staring off in the other direction, his cheeks flushed and his jaw tight.

  “Xoey, there you are.”

  Middlebrooks appears by my side and begins to prod me toward the stage. She stops when she notices Reed.

  “Oh. Hello Mr. Paine. You look nice. So handsome!” She nods enthusiastically. “Yes. Let’s make sure we get a shot of you escorting Xoey off the stage after her first song, okay? That will be lovely.”

  “Sure.” Reed shoves his hands in his pockets.

  Middlebrooks turns back to me. “Now. Let’s get you warmed up, shall we?”

  I forget some of the lyrics in the first verse, using a line from the second instead, but no one notices. Other than that, it goes well. At least my legs feel more solid as Reed takes my hand and leads me to the dance floor. The cameras move in for a close-up.

  “Well, this isn’t awkward at all,” he murmurs in my ear. I laugh. Seconds later, the cameras back off. I guess that’s all Middlebrooks wants to see.

  The next hour is filled with dancing, which feels like a ridiculous waste of time. While singing my second song, I see the president dancing with Kino. I catch Riley’s eye then Paisley’s when I leave the stage. In a sea of smiling girls, we are the only three who would rather be somewhere else.

  By the time I mount the steps for my final song, I am a bundle of nerves. Then I see Oliver watching me from the shadows. He is so handsome in his suit, my stomach begins to flutter. I can’t do this again! Then he catches my eye and I remember: I sang for him first.

  The next dance is the progressive one Middlebrooks taught us last week. I start with Reed then move down the line, dancing with Mark and then Adam, who looks like he’s ready to explode.

  “Hey,” I say.

  He ignores me, so I try again.

  “Everything’s going to be okay.”

  He pierces me with a withering glare. “How do you know?”

  “I‒”

  “Anyway, this music hurts.”

  I sigh and we finish our dance in silence. I’m glad to move on to my next partner, even though he sweats all over my hands. Next, I am partnered with Sam.

  “Hi.”

  He doesn’t respond but dances perfectly, his face pale and rigid. I want to pull him into a hug and tell him we’re working together to help him. Of course, I fight my instinct. I keep smiling and let him lead. At the part of the dance when we circle cheek to cheek, I whisper, “I’m praying for you, Sam.”

  The pucker between his eyebrows disappears for a moment. It’s a small victory. As we continue to dance, I see the cameras circling around us, searching for the perfect shot, the one Middlebrooks will use to demonstrate how the son of two disloyal actors is responding so well to rehabilitation. When Sam sees them moving in, the pucker returns to his forehead and he misses a step. I take a chance and kiss him on the cheek as soon as we complete our last turn. Sam blushes and finally smiles. Fresh tears cloud my vision.

  I hope it means something to Middlebrooks. I hope it gives her the courage to save his life if all our efforts fail.

  Oliver is my next partner.

  “You are beautiful,” he says.

  I blush. “This wig is—”

  “Unnecessary.”

  I spin away and back into his arms. “Where have you been?”

  “Talking to Mr. Patrick.” He winks.

  A chill runs up my spine. Fear mingles with hope. “Will he...?”

  Oliver nods. “He gave me a lead on finding the Resistance. After we meet the truck at Battle Mountain, we need to drive north, following a specific pattern. A code, actually.”

  “A code?”

  He nods. “Embedded in the lyrics of a Trinidad Ray song. The one you just sang.”

  I shake my head. “What? How?”

  He doesn’t answer. Instead, he pulls me closer than he needs to and whispers in my ear.

  “Xoey, I’m sorry. There’s so much to say, and we’re running out of time.”

  “There will be plenty of time. After tonight, we’ll have all the time we need.”

  He touches my face, his eyes troubled. “So much can go wrong.”

  I’ve felt the same fear, but I refuse to say it out loud. “Have faith.”

  “I’ll try.” He draws me close again. “Do you remember the day we first met? Out in the potato fields?"

  “Of course.”

  “The first time I saw you, I felt this…” He focuses on our entwined hands. “Everything I feel right now, everything I’m trying not to.”

  “Oliver…”

  He pulls away and searches my face. “I knew, even then, that someday we would have to say goodbye. And that it would break my heart.”

  The dance is over, but Oliver’s not letting go. My eyes are welling up again.

  “Everything’s going to be fine, Oliver. You’ll see.”

  “I hope you’re right. But I need to say…I wasn’t supposed to meet you here, but I’m glad I did.” He places his fist over his heart. “You will always be right here, Xoey Stone. No matter what.”

  Then he’s gone, bowing to the next girl in line, his playful mask back in place.

  “Xoey?”

  Zhen is taking my hand, guiding me through movements I do not feel. I want to melt into the floor, but time still refuses to stand still. Then I see it from the corner of my eye: the president is standing up, kissing Kino on the cheek, and shaking Middlebrooks’ hand. His security team falls in step behind him.

  They’re leaving!

  My feet are suddenly lead, unwilling to move. I don’t want to do this! Then I watch Kino turn away from the president. Her eyes find Sam in the crowd, her lips twisting cruelly.

  She will never forget. She’s looking forward to killing him.

  I abandon Zhen without a word and head straight for the president, my heart in my throat. He’s almost to the edge of the courtyard when I reach him.

  “Mr. President!” My voice sounds shrill and loud. I’m sure everyone hears me. Even the band stops playing.

  He stops, his brow creased in a question mark. “Xoey?”

  He got my name right this time, and he’s smiling. Both good signs.

  I clear my throat. “I know you need to leave soon. But first, I wondered…would you have one last dance? With me?”

  Chapter 47

  Reed

  * * *

  Time’s running out. I should be double checking our plan, watching the president, keeping an eye on Kino. Instead I’m dancing with Riley.

  For the moment I ignore everything else. My arm is around her waist and her hand is in mine, blocking out everything but my pounding heart. Even my guilt. In my mind we’re alone again and back in the shed where she kissed me.

  But illusions are not meant to last. Not even until the end of the dance.

  F
rom the corner of my eye, I see Xoey heading toward the president. She asks him to dance and I hold my breath. When I see him nod, smiling as he escorts her to the dance floor, relief washes over me.

  Xoey’s done her part. Now it’s my turn.

  I lean in close to Riley. “Be safe,” I whisper. I walk away quickly, skirting the crowd until the band starts playing again. I steel my nerves before stepping forward to offer Kino my hand.

  “May I have this dance?”

  Her eyes narrow. “Don’t waste my time, Reed.”

  I lean in and whisper. “We need to talk.”

  She stares me down. I try not to blink. Finally, she takes my hand and we walk to the dance floor. It’s an uncomfortable sensation, holding her hand, touching her waist — especially after dancing with Riley. I know Kino’s a beautiful woman, but her perfect features are ruined by the cruelty behind them. Still, I don’t allow my focus to stray — not even for a second. If this is going to work, I have to trust Paisley and Oliver, who should be working Kino’s blind spots by now, getting Sam out of here and down the hatch. I’m grateful for the wind. It’s both noisy and irritating to our eyes, making everyone squint.

  “What’s this about?”

  “There’s something I need to tell you.”

  “Well?”

  I lower my voice. “I heard two students talking near the cafeteria. There’s a plot.”

  She rolls her eyes. “Now there’s a plot. For weeks you’ve had nothing to say and now there’s a plot?”

  I ignore her snark. “One of them mentioned the president’s helicopter. The other said something about a land mine.”

  She stops dancing, deciding to take me seriously. “Who was it?”

  I wipe my hands on my pants. I don’t like this part, no matter what Oliver said.

  “Reed.”

  “I don’t know for sure,” I hedge, “but one of the boys might have been…well, it kind of sounded like Oliver Penn.”

  She’s already searching for him, her eyes skimming the crowd. I don’t worry. He’s already in the tunnel.

  “This better work,” I told Oliver last night. “Once I’ve named you, there’s no going back.”

  He just waved his hand dismissively. “It’ll work. She would love to catch me with a bomb in my hands. It’s too much to resist.”

  I turn in a circle, like I’m helping her. “Do you see him?” I whisper.

  “Obviously not.”

  I nod. “You need to warn the Secret Service. I can go find Oliver.” I start to walk away, but she grabs my arm.

  “No.” Her eyes shift to the president. “There’s no need to involve them in our private matters. Not yet. We’ll deal with this quietly. Head to the tackle field. Mr. Haak will meet you there. I’ll delay the president.”

  I nod and start to leave, but she stops me again. This time I can feel her nails dig into my arm through my sleeve. “And Reed? This better lead somewhere. If it doesn’t, I promise — you will be sorry.”

  I yank my arm away, glad for an excuse to show my anger. “Listen, I like Oliver, okay? There’s nothing about this that doesn’t make me sick to my stomach!”

  Her eyes narrow. “Then why did you tell me?”

  “It’s my job, isn’t it? The one you gave me the first day I got here — the first day you threatened my mom. Or did you forget?”

  She doesn’t even blink. Maybe she’s a better liar than I think.

  Or maybe she doesn’t know my mom escaped from her prison cell.

  I found out earlier today. Oliver and I were on our way to get dressed for the dance when he pulled me into our history classroom. Mr. Patrick was there, staring out the window at the flurry of activity in the courtyard below. Oliver pulled out his tablet and turned on some music to mask our conversation.

  “I’ll let him tell you the good news,” Oliver said.

  “Good news?”

  Oliver shifted from foot to foot. “Make it quick.”

  “Right.” Mr. Patrick turned to me. “Reed, your mother is free. She and a few others broke out of Guantanamo about a month ago.”

  There are no words to describe what I felt — the weight lifted off my chest. I couldn’t even manage a response. Tears pooled in my eyes, and I slumped against one of the desks to keep from falling to my knees.

  Thank you! Thank you, God!

  It was the first time I’ve prayed since losing my parents.

  “We need to go.”

  I had a ton of questions to ask, but no time to ask them. Instead, I grabbed Mr. Patrick’s hand and pumped it. “Thank you so much.”

  “My pleasure.”

  It would be hard to keep from smiling at Kino now, knowing what I know. I would, if Sam wasn’t still in danger.

  “I haven’t forgotten about your mother,” Kino says. “I’m glad you haven’t either. Now get going. Take Brock and Xu with you.”

  “I don’t need—”

  “Enough!”

  She raises her hand, signaling Brock and Xu. They must have been watching, because they come running. It’s the first time I’ve seen Brock up close tonight. He’s wearing makeup to cover the bruises left by Sam’s fists.

  I can’t help myself — I wink at him. “Well, don’t you look pretty!”

  “Shut up!” Brocks says.

  “Go!” Kino’s already turning away. Xoey’s dance with the president will end any minute. We don’t have much time.

  I run toward the tackle field, the wind howling in my ears. I’m sure Brock and Xu are right on my heels, but I don’t bother to check. I need to figure out how to get rid of them before I head to the train yard. I tap my ear and Luna tells me the time. The train could be here in as little as half an hour. I’ll be cutting it close, no matter what I do.

  I sprint past the gym and around the corner, slowing down through loose gravel before stopping at the edge of the tackle field. The president’s helicopter is parked in the middle under a wide pool of light. The rest of the field lights are either broken or dimmed, leaving the edges in shadows. Two Secret Service agents stand guard. They look my way, but I just wave and walk toward the bleachers. I don’t suppose they’ll leave their post unless I get too close. I don’t intend to.

  “What are we doing here?” Brock says from behind. Then he shoves me for good measure.

  I twist around and shove back. Hard. “Don’t ever touch me again, you sick puke!”

  Brock is too big to knock over, but he stumbles backward. I must seem as unhinged as I feel because when he recovers his footing, he steps back, wary. I imagine the memory of Sam’s fists is still fresh. I wish I could feed my rage and add more bruises to his face, but there’s no time.

  “What are we doing here?” he repeats.

  “We need to check the perimeter of the tackle field.”

  “For what?”

  “Land mines.”

  Brock’s reaction is immediate. His skin pales under his makeup and he starts shaking his head. “No. No way.”

  I’m confused for a second, then I remember the first day I met Brock — when Adam told me they had to retrieve the body of a kid who blew himself to pieces outside the fence.

  Good. Brock deserves to be afraid.

  My lips twist wickedly. “You want to go back and tell Kino you’re scared? Fine with me.”

  Brock’s fear must be bigger than I imagined. He charges me again, knocking me to the ground this time and punching me in the jaw. I spit blood and strike back, rolling on top of him. My pent up anger is strong enough to help me get in a few good jabs before his size gives him the advantage. He grabs me by the shirt and we roll again. His elbow catches my nose. I hear it crack just seconds before it feels like an explosion rips through my face. Warm blood flows over my lips and settles into my teeth. I shake off the pain and flash my gruesome grin at Brock.

  “Is that all you’ve got?”

  Stupid question. Brock hauls me to my feet and throws me down again, knocking the wind right out of me. He plants his foot
on my chest.

  “You want to find landmines? Fine with me. I’ll just keep throwing you until you hit one.”

  I’m too dazed for a witty comeback — my vision so fuzzy, I almost miss what happens next. First I hear Xu’s cry of alarm, cut short as he slumps to the ground. Then there’s a dark blur behind Brock — a raised hand striking the back of his head. Brock collapses next to Xu, revealing Oliver, who stands there brushing his hands together like he’s just taken out the trash.

  “I don’t know about you, but I get so tired of listening to that tool.”

  I scramble to my feet and peer down at Xu and Brock. They’re both out cold.

  “Where did you learn to do that?”

  “Same place Mr. Patrick learned about your mom. From the Resistance.”

  I open my mouth to say something, but, for once in my life, I’m speechless. Oliver grabs my arm and pulls me toward the bleachers. “Where’s your tablet?”

  Still dazed, I point. He retrieves it from under one of the seats while I try and mop some of the blood off my face.

  “Come on. You don’t have much time.”

  My brain is starting to clear. I find my tongue. “Wait a minute. The Resistance? What are you talking about? And why are you even here? You’re supposed to be with Sam and Paisley.”

  “Yeah, well Sam found a problem with our plan. Turns out, as soon as you detonate those mines—” He points beyond the fence, “—the entire school will go in emergency lockdown mode. The gates won’t open for the truck, the train yard gate won’t let you through — it might even stop the train long enough to be searched.”

  “What?” I’m panicking now. “No! What are we going to do?”

  “Sam says the lockdown can be overwritten from the server room.”

  I feel sick.

  “Sam can’t go to the server room! If Kino catches him there, she’ll kill him. On the spot. No questions asked. He needs to be on the train!”

  “I know.” Oliver’s face is grim. “He tried to argue with us, but we overruled him. Paisley’s going instead. I’ll find a place to hide, then detonate those landmines after you’re through the gate. So get going…as soon as possible, my friend.”