Seeds

by Chris Mandeville

  Pascal was swept by a wave of pride, followed by regret that he was not going with him. But if Gomez said it couldn’t wait, it couldn’t.

  He turned to Gomez, who looked about to burst. “Tell me before you stroke out.”

  “A messenger from World Waste. He says that two nights ago—the night before your arrival—a couple of men spotted lights that didn’t belong to any known source.”

  “What do you mean? What kind of lights?”

  “At first they thought they were headlamps, but then they realized they were bigger.”

  “It probably was headlamps, closer than they thought. Or they were drunker than usual.”

  “That’s what the director thought, but there was another sighting last night. It was definitely a moving vehicle.”

  A vehicle would be a huge coup. He could extend his reach, expand his holdings. “Tell me they captured it.”

  “No sir, but the director has everyone looking.”

  “Why am I only learning about this now! Institute Intruder Alert and get every available Blade searching for that vehicle.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  “I’m going to World Waste. I want to see the director and get the information firsthand.”

  Fifty-Seven

  Lost Angeles, the Grand Hotel

  Reid rolled to his back. “That was amazing.”

  Mia draped her arm across his chest. Her tongue traced his earlobe.

  “We need to talk,” he said, mostly meaning it.

  “I know,” she said, her breath warm on his cheek. “You haven’t told me what you came to Lost Angeles to find.”

  “Right.” There was no reason not to tell her.

  “The sooner you tell me, the sooner we can find it and you can take me away from here.”

  “I came here to get seeds.”

  “What?”

  “Seeds for growing food.”

  “I know what they’re for. Why would you think we have them?”

  “A woman came to Colorado—where I’m from—and she had grown food. She told me she was from here.”

  “I’m sorry, but she lied to you. I’ve never seen grown food. There are stories about a seed bank in San Diego, but the seeds were all bad. The only food I’ve ever had is from the ocean or from a can. And rats, of course.”

  “But she said ‘City of Angels.’” Reid propped himself up on his elbows. “Ellay—Los Angeles—is the City of Angels, right?”

  “Did you actually see the grown food? She wasn’t conning you?”

  “I saw it myself. Smelled it.”

  “Well, I guarantee it wasn’t from here. If we had fresh food, the Chancellor would be eating it.”

  “Oh my God.” Reid slumped back on the bed. “We came all this way.”

  “We?”

  There was a soft knock at the door.

  “Roll on your stomach,” Mia commanded in a whisper. “Turn your head toward the wall. Do it now.”

  The door opened as Reid got into position. His heart was pounding so hard, he thought he might pass out. Mia laid a hand on his back, but it did little to calm him.

  “Mia?” a thin male voice said.

  “Shhh, you’ll wake him,” Mia said. “You’re lucky he’s asleep. What is it?”

  “Sorry.” The man sounded contrite. “I had to risk it. I had to see if you were okay. We’re on alert for intruders.”

  Reid tried not to react, but he was scared out of his mind. He was sure the visitor could tell he wasn’t asleep.

  “I’m fine,” Mia said, sounding a little cross. “He’s a regular, but it was sweet of you to check on me.”

  “Mia? Do you think I could see you sometime, when we’re both off duty?”

  “Sure, maybe tomorrow. You’d better go before he wakes up, unless you want us both to get in trouble.”

  “Okay, I’ll see you tomorrow.” The door clicked shut.

  “Shit.” Reid bolted up.

  “Are you trying to get us both killed?” Mia said. “Who did you bring with you? What haven’t you told me?”

  Hot guilt washed over him. “I’m sorry. My grandfather. He’s downstairs waiting.” He’d forgotten about Tinker and now had endangered them all.

  “I doubt he’s downstairs any more. We need to get out of here, and we don’t have much time. Once they get him to talk, we’re dead.”

  Reid put on the moccasins, wishing he had his boots. Damn. His gun was tucked away “somewhere safe” too.

  Mia dressed in a flowing gown and high heels, more like a fancy robe and slippers than clothing. She peeked into the hall. “Do exactly as I say.”

  They walked arm in arm the length of the hallway. Reid was so worried about Tinker, he was practically dragging her.

  “Slow down, and don’t look so nervous,” she said as they descended the stairs. “When we get to the lobby, don’t talk, and don’t make it obvious you’re looking for someone.”

  “I know what I’m doing.”

  She shot him a look that said she knew otherwise. “Going out for a smoke is as good a cover as we’ll get, but even that’s pushing it on Intruder Alert. I’ll go ask for a cigarette, and you keep walking straight across the lobby and through the main door. Even if you see your grandfather, don’t stop. If he has any sense, he’ll follow you. Wait for me outside the door.”

  Mia’s demeanor changed as they entered the lobby. She walked elegantly, her long legs slipping through a slit in her gown. Her smile was bright, her gestures sweeping. Everyone looked at her like she was someone important.

  Reid let go of her arm to head for the door, but Mia grabbed him.

  “Change of plans,” she whispered through a smile. “It’s worse than I thought. Armed guards at the doors. Wait here.” She deposited him next to a large plastic tree. He leaned against the wall, trying to look nonchalant as he scanned the lobby. There was no sign of Tinker.

  Mia breezed to the reception area and chatted with yet another young girl in a navy blue uniform. The girl handed her something, then Mia sauntered back.

  “He’s not here,” Reid whispered.

  “Shut up and try to look relaxed.” She linked her arm in the crook of his elbow and steered him around behind the staircase. “Please be unlocked,” she said under her breath as she reached for a door.

  The door swung open, and they slipped into a long, narrow hall lit only by sunlight from a glass door at the far end. They hurried toward it.

  “Remember, we’re going out for a smoke,” Mia said. “Follow my lead and don’t talk.”

  The door opened onto an alley crowded with smelly dumpsters, but no guards.

  “Do I really have to smoke?” Reid whispered.

  “Yes.”

  Reid put the cigarette between his lips, lit a match, and held it to the end, cupping his hand around the flame as he’d seen smokers do. He sucked on the cigarette until the end glowed orange, coughing as the smoke hit his throat.

  Mia clutched his elbow again, steering him down the alley. As he pretended to smoke, he prayed Tinker would be waiting back at the car.

  At the end of the alley, a muscular soldier stepped from the shadows. “Halt.” He pointed a gun at Reid’s chest.

  Fifty-Eight

  Aboard the Emancipation

  Nikolai squeezed Captain Markoff’s shoulder in what he hoped was a reassuring gesture. Damn Fahnestock and his beefy sidekick. Apparently they wanted real-world action so badly, they were willing to start an all-out war with the pirates.

  He prayed Markoff and his men would remain cool until he could get the situation in hand. He looked to Kennedy for support, and his stomach dropped as Kennedy joined Fahnestock and White.

  Jesus, what have I done?

  “Well done, men,” Kennedy said to Fahnestock and White. “May I?” He extended his hand for White’s weapon.

  White handed over the gun, and Kennedy pointed it at Fahnestock. “Yours, too.”

  Fahnestock started to protest, but Kennedy stepped close
r and he handed over the gun.

  Nikolai let out his breath. Thank God Kennedy had some sense after all.

  “Olexi,” Kennedy said, “would you secure Fahnestock and White below?”

  “Not a problem, sir.” Olexi gestured with his gun. “Go on, you heard the captain.”

  As the upstarts were escorted away, Kennedy put down the weapons. “Captain Markoff, I apologize for my overzealous men. Those two are academics without a whole lot of real-world sense.” He offered his hand to Markoff. “I’m Kennedy Davis.”

  Markoff looked at Nikolai. For a split second Nikolai considered shaking his head, but instead he nodded, and Markoff shook Kennedy’s hand. He would not have his daughter’s boyfriend gunned down. Besides, as much as Nikolai hated to admit it, he was starting not to hate the man.

  “Now, how about that drink?” Markoff said, rubbing his hands together.

  After cider had been doled out to both crews, save for Fahnestock and White who were tied up in their cabin, Nikolai figured he’d waited long enough. He gestured for Kennedy to join him at the rail where Markoff was drinking cider like water.

  “Markoff, we’re here about my children,” Nikolai said.

  “I figured as much.”

  Nikolai’s heart skipped a beat. “What do you know?”

  “Not as much as you’d like,” he said, wiping cider from his mouth with the back of his hand. “Your old ship, the Belle Jewel, is under guard at Newport Harbor, so I figured you’d be coming through my waters sooner or later.”

  “My son, Will, was captaining her.”

  “That shark, Pascal, has him. Probably in the Tank.”

  Nikolai shuddered. He’d heard of the Tank, but it was better than the alternative. “And my daughter. She’s there, too?”

  Kennedy leaned closer.

  “Your daughter’s another story.” Markoff chuckled, then took a long swig of cider.

  Nikolai almost came unhinged. “What could possibly be funny—” A nudge from Kennedy stopped him. A day ago he might have slugged the man for as much, but now he was appreciative and took a breath. “My daughter?” he prompted Markoff.

  “She’s a wily one.” Markoff took another drink.

  Nikolai gathered all the patience he could muster. Clearly Markoff enjoyed prolonging his agony, and Nikolai resolved not to give him the satisfaction of another outburst. He leaned against the rail and took a sip of his own cider. Kennedy did the same.

  “As far as I know, they never found her.” Markoff grinned, showing straight brown teeth.

  “They? The southern pirates?” Nikolai managed to keep most of the emotion from his voice.

  “Didn’t you teach her anything?” Markoff said. “You know what they’re like. They give pirates a bad name. And they’ve gotten worse since you were last here. It’s not just skin carving any more. They started splitting their tongues and using captives for slave labor. I’d say your girl didn’t have much sense looking for seeds or some such on their island, but seems she’s got sense enough to outwit them. She’s right under their noses, but they can’t find her. Ha! Can you believe it?”

  Hope surged in Nikolai’s breast. “How old is this information?”

  “About forty-eight hours, ain’t that right, Bud?” Markoff called over his shoulder, motioning for a skinny man with a scabby beard to join them.

  “What’s that, Cap’n?” Bud approached, and Nikolai saw the telltale designs of a southern pirate carved into his cheeks and forehead.

  “When did you defect? Day before yesterday?” Markoff asked.

  “Yeah, Cap’n.”

  “That girl that you were looking for, had she been caught?”

  “Nope. We were thinking maybe she wasn’t there after all because there hadn’t been no sign of her. But then a gun and some food went missing, so she’s there all right.”

  Nikolai let out the breath he’d been holding. “This is good news.”

  Markoff indicated Bud could return to his card game.

  “What about Will?” Kennedy asked Markoff.

  “I don’t have any sources inside the Tank,” Markoff replied, emptying his mug. “But I’ll tell you something funny. That old boat of yours, the Belle? Seems Pascal has put a bounty on my head with the Belle as the reward. Ain’t that something? Hey, can I have a refill?”

  “Of course,” Nikolai said, rising to fill the mug. An idea sparked in his mind—the seed of a rescue plan—and he wanted a moment to himself to see if it would germinate.

  Fifty-Nine

  Outside the Grand Hotel

  “I said halt,” the guard shouted.

  Adrenaline shot through Reid. His muscles clenched to make a run for it, but there was nowhere to go.

  Mia pulled Reid to a stop and whispered in his ear. “Don’t talk.” She giggled, then turned to the man who blocked their way. “Tony, it’s me.”

  “Mia?” The man lowered his gun. “Didn’t you hear? No one is supposed to be out now.”

  “He wanted a smoke,” Mia said. “You know how I take care of my regulars. Besides, I’m sure it’s only a drill.” She touched Tony’s arm. “Come on, Tony. One cigarette while we circle around to the front door. We’ll act like we’re arriving. No one will know.”

  “All right, but only because it’s you.”

  Mia smiled. She linked her hand in the crook of Reid’s elbow again.

  Reid tried to look nonchalant but his whole body was quivering. He kept his face angled away as Tony let them pass.

  “Hey,” Tony called after them. “Who is that you’re with, anyway?”

  Reid’s heart sank.

  Mia turned her head but kept walking. “Oh, you know Jimmy. From the Gull Cruiser.”

  “Jimmy? You sure grew up,” Tony said. “Good on you, son.”

  Reid nodded and waved, remembering not to speak.

  “Thank you, Tony. I won’t forget this,” Mia sang over her shoulder.

  Reid wanted to sprint, but Mia forced a slow pace. He let out a controlled breath, trying to stop trembling. “Can’t we go any faster?” he said in her ear.

  Mia stopped and draped her arms around his neck. “Oh, you.” She kissed him, then spoke into his ear. “He’s not following, but this is serious. We need to hide until dark.”

  Reid pulled back and glanced around.

  Mia held his face with both hands. “Stop it,” she said through gritted teeth. “You’ll call attention to us.” She kissed him hard on the mouth, then gripped his elbow and began walking slowly again.

  “Do you think my grandfather’s been caught?”

  “Yes. Now shut up and smoke.”

  Reid dragged on the cigarette and tried to scan the shadows for Tinker while keeping his face aimed straight ahead. The hair on the back of his neck prickled and sweat ran down his spine. It felt like armed men were watching him from every window and doorway.

  Why was everyone suddenly looking for intruders? Was it possible it had nothing to do with Tinker? Reid had a sick feeling Tinker would not be waiting at the car.

  “The cigarette’s gone,” Reid said, dropping it and grinding it into the cement with his toe.

  “Well, darling,” Mia said, picking up the stub and putting it in the pocket of her robe. “We’ll have to get you some more. It will only take a minute. I know you can’t live without them.”

  Reid let Mia lead him along the street, then down an alleyway. She darted into the shadow of a building, pressing her back against the brick wall. He started to ask something, but she held her finger to his lips. They waited in silence for a full minute, then for some reason not apparent to Reid, she decided it was time to go again.

  After several more of these maneuvers, Mia stopped at a squat, square building and pulled a loose brick from the wall. She took a key out of the gap and unlocked the door.

  The steel door opened silently, and Mia slipped off her high heels as she stepped inside and beckoned Reid to follow. She closed the door and stood completely still. The only soun
d was their breathing. Reid’s eyesight adjusted and he could make out the walls of a hallway. A change in gray tones indicated an opening at the end. After what seemed an eternity, Mia inched toward it with him in tow.

  “Where are we?” he whispered. He didn’t like being at her mercy, not knowing what the plan was or where they were going.

  “My friend Justine’s place. We should be safe here. We can’t go back out until after dark. Hopefully no one will realize I’m missing.”

  His skin prickled like someone was sighting down a rifle at him. “Your friend’s not going to come out with a gun, is she?”

  “No, but her boyfriend might. He’s a Blade.”

  “Jesus, isn’t that who we’re trying to avoid?” He grabbed her arm and turned for the door.

  “Cut it out. They owe me. We can trust them,” Mia said.

  “I don’t like it.”

  “Well I don’t, either. I didn’t plan to involve my friends, but now we’re in a jam because something’s put the whole town on alert for strangers. Think that might have been your grandfather’s doing?”

  “I hope not. I need to get to the car to see if he’s there.”

  “Not until after dark,” Mia said. “Until then, you’re going to tell me more about this car.”

  A giant emerged from a room at the end of the hall. “What the hell are you doing in my house?”

  Sixty

  World Waste

  Pascal leapt from the train before it stopped.

  “Wait here,” he told the driver.

  He jogged to World Waste and demanded to see the director. A teenaged boy sprinted off, and in less than five minutes Tom arrived, sweaty and out of breath.

  “Chancellor,” Tom said, wiping his hand on his slacks before offering it to Pascal. “Sorry for the wait. I was at the plant.”

  “Your office,” Pascal said, letting himself in without waiting for a reply. He seated himself behind the desk in Tom’s chair.

  Tom closed the door. If he was perturbed, he didn’t show it. He handed Pascal a bottle of water, then drank from a second bottle as he sat in the chair opposite.