“For some of you, yes.” Conroy’s gaze stayed on the road. Wildlife continually appeared in the ditches. The desert seemed to come alive at night.
Mica popped a few gummies in her mouth. “So are you going to explain these additional abilities now?”
Conroy turned on his high beams. “It’s something a few of you and I began working on in your late teens. However, the drug I gave you would have made you forget everything you learned. None of you would remember what you’re truly capable of.”
I frowned. “You mean I can do more than see clouds?”
“Yes.”
Mica cocked her head. “And I can do more than see really well?”
“Yes.”
Flint’s energy grew. “What more can I do?”
“Nothing. Not everyone has additional abilities.”
I was about to ask another question when Conroy swerved to miss a coyote. It disappeared into the brush on the other side of the road.
“So you’re saying unless we take this drug, we’ll never be strong enough to defeat O’Brien?” Sarcasm laced Flint’s words.
“I’m not saying you won’t defeat them, but I am saying you stand a better chance.”
Flint’s gaze narrowed. “And how do you know this drug is safe?”
“Because I tested it.”
Flint guffawed. “Who’d you test it on?”
“Myself. I tested all of the drugs I gave to you on myself.”
I stared at him, open-mouthed. “All of the drugs? Even the ones you gave us when we were babies? The ones that made our abilities?” I laid a palm on Flint’s thigh. His muscles bunched.
“Yes. After the older set of twins died in your group I began testing all of the drugs on myself first – to ensure that they were safe.”
“But, Conroy,” Mica said with a sigh. “If you tested all of the drugs on yourself, how are you still alive? I thought the drugs only worked on small children and killed anyone older than three?”
“The more potent mixtures do, but I gave myself the first generation drugs of the ones that created your abilities. The ones all of you ultimately received were the end result.”
“Seriously?” Mica’s brown eyes widened. “So do you have all of our abilities?”
“No, not like you do. The drugs I took weren’t strong enough for complete transformations, but I do have some of your abilities. However, they’re subtle.”
“How subtle?” I asked.
Conroy’s brow furrowed. “I’m stronger than most men my age. That’s from Flint’s drug. And my hearing and eyesight are better than most. I also get feelings off people. You could say I’m good at reading others. I acquired that from your drug.”
My mouth dropped. “So you’re essentially able to do what all of us do but not as strongly?”
Conroy shook his head. “No, not nearly as strongly. I probably won’t ever need glasses or hearing aids but it’s nothing like what Jacinth or Mica can do.”
“Can you see the future?” Mica asked.
“No. Diamond’s and the twins’ abilities are the ones I acquired the least from. If anything, I may sense things on occasion, but that’s it.”
I cocked my head. “What kind of things do you sense?”
“Well… right now, I have a bad feeling about taking all of you out of the Forbidden Hills. I know that my old group is still actively pursuing us, and the fact that we’re no longer in hiding makes me nervous.”
“Couldn’t that be you being paranoid?” Mica persisted. “All of us have been wandering the country for the past six months. Don’t you think they would have found us by now if they were going to?”
It seemed like Mica, Flint and I all thought Conroy’s actions were overkill.
“Until recently, you weren’t all together,” Conroy countered. “They’re not looking for individuals. They’re looking for a group of eight adults that match your descriptions.”
Flint rolled his eyes. “Why not change our hair colors and have us wear disguises? Or would we have to? We left O’Brien when we were kids. How would they recognize us as adults?”
Conroy’s jaw clenched. “O’Brien’s technology is very sophisticated. Computer imaging software could give them renditions of what your facial features appear like now. Couple that with hair and eye colors, and they probably have fairly accurate descriptions of your appearance. That’s why we must stay in hiding until we’re prepared to return to O’Brien. In today’s world with computer software recognition programs and advanced communication systems, it’s not easy to stay anonymous.”
“That’s why you drugged us six months ago and left us in different cities around the country.” I already knew this from what he’d told us the other day, but it was only now sinking in.
“Exactly. It was the only way to keep you safe while letting you live normal, free lives.”
“Back to this memory drug,” Flint said, his tone hard. “You’re saying you tested the antidote on yourself, but if you did, how do you know that it really works? It’s not like your memory was gone, like ours are.”
“Oh, but it was. I tested that drug on myself too.”
My mouth dropped. “You did?”
“Yes, the drug I gave you all six months ago I tested on myself initially. I took the exact drug, so I’d know the end result. I wanted to know exactly what you’d be experiencing.”
I shook my head. “But that’d make you forget everything. I don’t get it. How did you know to take the antidote or what to do after you woke up?”
Conroy braked when another critter ran across the road. “I had a plan in place. I knew I’d forget everything so I had detailed instructions on what to do when I woke up. I waited a day before taking the antidote, and my memories returned.”
“How many of your drugs have you taken?” I asked.
“Over the years, probably close to twenty.”
I frowned. “That’s more than you’ve given any of us.”
“Correct. Not all of the drugs I’ve created worked.”
“But those drugs were really powerful – right?” Mica said.
“That’s correct. They were all mind altering.”
I twirled a strand of hair between my fingers. “Did the other guys in Project Renatus test the drugs on themselves first?”
Conroy made a disgusted sound. “No. Marcus Christenson and Albert Darlington never tested any drugs on themselves. They wouldn’t dream of harming themselves, only children.”
Bitterness hung in Conroy’s words. My fingers stilled. It was the first time I’d heard Conroy sound angry.
“But why would they want us dead?” Mica asked.
“You’re all living proof of the illegal practices that O’Brien conducted. All of us would go to prison if it were ever discovered.”
“Which is why they’d rather have us dead or captured.” Mica sighed.
“Yes.” Conroy cleared his throat. “Ah, we’re almost there.”
I glanced out the window. Blackness surrounded us. We were no longer on the highway but a small single lane road. I hadn’t noticed when we’d pulled onto it. Moonlight revealed a mountainous desert tinged with snow.
“Where are we?” I glanced around.
“About five miles from the house.” Conroy nodded ahead. “It’s just beyond that ravine.”
We pulled onto a long, paved driveway that appeared to snake through the hills. A heavy metal gate barred us from entering. Conroy opened his window and punched in a code before placing his fingertip against some kind of keypad. The gates swung open soundlessly. Conroy pulled the vehicle forward. I turned to see Di and the others follow.
Evergreen and sagebrush were barely visible in the headlights. It was so dark out here. When we got to the end of a never-ending driveway, I gazed out. “This is where you live?”
Conroy pulled up to a house, if you could call it that. It looked more like a fortress. “For the time being. Welcome to your new home.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Conroy’s house didn’t exactly scream desert adobe. Instead, it was made of concrete and glass and had a very modern feel to it. In the moonlight, sharp angles and severe roof lines made any sense of homey comfort vanish in its architecture.
I stepped out of the vehicle. “Who built this?”
“A celebrity,” Conroy replied. “I never caught his name. He had it custom built with the latest security equipment only to decide he didn’t want to live in Arizona. It went on the market promptly so I picked it up.”
He picked it up. Like it was no big deal to buy a multi-million dollar house on a whim.
“I chose this house based on its security,” Conroy added. “We should be safe here, for the time being.”
Slamming car doors sounded in the night. Di, Amber, the twins and Jacinda poured out of the Suburban.
“Wow!” Amber exclaimed. “This is your house?”
“Our house,” Conroy corrected.
“It’s huge.” Jacinda’s long blond hair shone in the moonlight as she surveyed the home.
“And new.” Di’s gaze traveled over the freshly planted landscape.
Junipers, yuccas and creosotes were a few of the species adorning the perimeter. They were awash in the pale security lights that surrounded the exterior.
“Looks rather…indestructible,” Jasper stated.
Di cocked her head, her short dark hair swaying. “And out of place.”
“I agree. It doesn’t fit with the desert landscape,” Conroy replied.
“That’s an understatement,” Jet said. The twins laughed. Their expressions changed into the weird myriad display that happened when they spoke telepathically. Jet laughed again.
“Jasper.” Amber pouted, crossing her arms. “You promised not to do that.”
“Sorry, baby.” He pulled her closely to him.
She squealed before he reached down to kiss her deeply. Amber wrapped her arms tightly around him. I raised my eyebrows at the graphic display.
Mica rolled her eyes and made a sound of disgust. “Have they always been this way?”
Conroy frowned, an uncomfortable expression growing on his face. He cleared his throat. “Uh, no. Now, please, follow me. I’d like everyone to bring their bags inside and then we’ll stow the vehicles in the garage. I don’t know if O’Brien will fly drones this far from that travel station, but I’m not taking any chances.”
Flint and I again shared a look. Drones?
We walked to the home’s entrance along a series of stepping stones nestled into pristine gravel. Everything around the perimeter was expertly landscaped. Not one pebble sat out of place.
The front door, if it could be called that, was rather odd. Normally I expected a porch or doorbell or something that resembled a door at the entrance of a home. On this structure, there was only a large steel rectangle. No windows, no peephole. There wasn’t a door handle, and there certainly wasn’t a doorbell. It looked like a steel wall.
For a moment, I wondered how on earth we’d get in. Conroy, however, calmly reached for a small box on the wall. He pushed his fingertip against something. A soft click sounded and a keypad lit up. He punched in a series of numbers, pressed his fingerprint against something, and the sound of a heavy metal bolt released. The door silently opened.
“Jeez,” Jet muttered. “Are we able to get out of this place?”
We all followed Conroy inside. Lights clicked on. I figured there were motion sensors everywhere. Flint was the last to enter. With a cautious step, he finally walked into the entryway and watched the door close silently behind him. Once closed, the sound of a large metal bolt sliding into place echoed in the foyer. From the tight frown on Flint’s face, I guessed he didn’t like that.
I did, though. This house felt safe. There was no way anyone could enter uninvited.
“There are seven bedrooms on the main level and three downstairs.” Conroy nodded down a hall. “Kitchen’s down on the right, three bedrooms and the master beyond that. Three additional bedrooms are in the other wing, past the library and study.” He walked into the open living space just beyond the foyer. Lights clicked on with each step.
I stopped mid-stride, my mouth dropping. The house was huge and completely decorated. Everything was modern décor. Not like the plush sofas in Pete and Val’s house, but it did match the architecture. The thing that made me gape, however, was how ridiculously expensive everything looked. The furniture screamed money.
We followed Conroy into the living room. Three large couches and several chairs strategically filled the space. With small end tables placed decoratively, one would never have to reach far for a drink. Beyond the living room stood a wall of windows. The grounds behind the house were also lit up from pale security lights. Expertly landscaped desert plants and stone walkways weaved throughout the impressive backyard. A large pergola and barbecue area with outdoor seating interwove in the design. It fit perfectly into the environment. In the distance, an intimidating wall was visible. It seemed the entire grounds were fenced off by a solid, smooth enclosure.
“A bit like Fort Knox,” Jasper commented.
Conroy nodded. “I purchased this property because off the security.”
“So where’s this drug?” Di’s gaze grew shrewd when she crossed her arms.
At the mention of the memory drug, I perked up.
“In my study,” Conroy replied. “However, I think we should wait until morning to administer it. I’d like to check that vehicle license plate first, and proper administration and monitoring of the drug will take all day.”
“Not to mention, we haven’t decided if anyone should take it.” Flint pulled me closely to him.
“Fine by me.” Jacinda yawned. “Is there a shower around here?”
“Each room has its own bathroom,” Conroy replied. “If you all want to clean up, I’ll prepare a quick dinner. Feel free to wander throughout the house and get acquainted with the rooms. This home is yours now too.”
“Lovely.” Jacinda picked up her Louis Vuitton and walked down the hall. With her expertly styled hair and statuesque figure, Jacinda fit into this environment perfectly.
“Are we all sleeping on this level?” Amber’s dark brown hair, styled in a pixie haircut, stood out at all angles. The long day on the road and frantic zigzagging through the desert was evident in all of us.
“That depends if you want to share rooms or not,” Conroy replied. “There are enough bedrooms for everyone to sleep individually, or if you want to share, that’s fine too. Whatever you all prefer.”
“Which room’s yours?” I asked.
Conroy nodded in the direction Jacinda had gone. “The master’s that way.”
Di lifted her bag. “I’ll take the one closest to yours.”
“Jet, Amber and I can take the three down by the study,” Jasper said.
Mica sighed. “Then I guess I’ll take the other one down there.”
“Which means you two get to take the bedrooms downstairs,” Amber said to me and Flint.
I slung my backpack over my shoulder. “Works for me.”
“I get dibs on the bedroom with the biggest shower,” Jet said. With that, he, Jasper and Amber raced down the hall. Within minutes, laughter echoed from their wing.
Mica scowled and muttered something before stalking down the hall after Jacinda. That left me, Flint, Di and Conroy in the living room.
“Shall I give you a tour of the downstairs?” Conroy asked.
“No, we’ll manage.” Flint picked up both of our bags. A seamless glass railing was all that divided the hallway from the stairwell. In his typical speed, he disappeared into the cavernous depth below.
I gave Conroy an apologetic look. “He doesn’t mean to be rude.”
Conroy stared after Flint. When his gaze met mine, he smiled. The smile didn’t reach his eyes. “Yes, he does,” he replied quietly. “Take your time down there. Dinner will be in an hour.”
Conroy turned to Di. “Would you like me to show you the r
ooms?” They headed in the direction Mica and Jacinda had gone and spoke quietly as they walked down the hall.
I followed Flint, holding carefully onto the glass railing with one hand as I walked downstairs. My other hand clung to my backpack. Each step was a floating, metal slab. I could see myself either tripping or falling through the gaping hole where a backboard would have been on normal steps.
“Lena?” Flint whispered.
I caught his scent before I saw him. Spice, wood and tangerines. The next second he was at my side, smiling. His strong, steady hands easily encircled my waist. Without asking if I needed help, he lifted me as if I weighed no more than a cotton ball. I sailed down the rest of the stairs in his arms. When we reached the bottom, he let go.
I raised an eyebrow. “I was doing just fine on my own.”
He grinned. “Are the others staying upstairs?”
“I think so.”
“Come on, I want to show you something.” He pulled me before I could protest.
An entire wall of glass also encompassed the basement wall, similar to upstairs. The home was apparently a walk-out, built into a hillside. When we reached a panel, Flint pushed against something. A section of the glass slid open. Another bizarre door.
“How did you….” I shook my head and dropped my backpack on the floor. “What about the security system?”
“I saw the combination Conroy punched in. Since there isn’t a biometric scanner for this one, I deactivated it down here.”
“You deactivated it?” I tried to sound scolding, but the playful look in Flint’s eyes dulled any concerns for our safety. Flint was rarely playful, and since he was like this when Conroy’s antidote loomed in our minds, I knew something was up.
“Follow me.” He tugged me out through the glass door, or wall, or whatever it was. Cool, evening air swam around us. The air was dry but crisp and held unfamiliar desert scents.
I stopped just after the threshold. “What about drones?”
Flint rolled his eyes. “Babe, there are no drones. Conroy’s paranoid.”
My feet were the only thing that made a sound. Flint, as usual, seemed to glide along the pebbles in his usual graceful walk. As if he was a ghost floating through the night.
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