The Collection

by Shannon Stoker

  “Great,” Zack said. “Another confirmed country that knows of our location.”

  “You’re hiding?” Mia asked.

  “Not exactly,” Zack said. “But we like to stay under the radar.”

  “Where’s Andrew?” Mia asked.

  “The doctor took him,” Zack said. “I’d assume to the infirmary. If he’s bad she’ll transport him down the mountain to the hospital. Shouldn’t you be more concerned about the man with the gunshot wound?”

  The doctor was a female. Mia’s eyes went wide for a moment, but before she could focus on that she needed to make sure Andrew was safe.

  “Take me to him,” Mia said. “I can’t leave him.”

  “No,” Zack said. “Sitting by his bedside isn’t going to help him, and your story needs verification.”

  “You can’t keep me from him,” Mia said.

  “Fine,” Zack said. “Don’t listen to me. Just stay here on this side of the road in a fancy dress with no shoes.”

  Zack started up the hill. His comrades followed him. They weren’t so interested in guarding Mia and Carter anymore. She walked up to her friend.

  “I am sorry for everything that happened to you,” Mia said. “If I could change it I would.”

  “I want to hear his voice,” Carter said. “I’d do anything to hear his voice.”

  Carter turned and wrapped his arms around Mia, burying his head in her shoulder. She ran her hand up and down his back, trying her best to comfort him. Mia moved her head to the side and saw that Zack and the other two guards hadn’t stopped walking. Following them was the only way for Mia to get back to Andrew.

  “I know this is hard,” Mia said. “But your dad wouldn’t want you to give up. He’d tell you to keep moving forward. We have to stick with these guys or we’ll never get Andrew back.”

  “I have no one left,” Carter said.

  “You do,” Mia said. “You have me and Andrew. We’re your family now.”

  Carter lifted his head and let go of Mia. He didn’t make eye contact with her but started nodding his head. The two walked fast to keep up with the guards.

  Soon Zack turned off the dirt road and onto a path. Carter and Mia continued to follow Zack and his gang farther into the jungle. Mia heard strange noises coming from the trees and grabbed on to Carter’s arm. He laughed a little; it was a pleasant sound to Mia’s ears. Zack stopped walking. He was standing in front of a small cabin. It was surrounded by trees and Mia would have walked right past it. Zack pushed open the door and waved his arm for Mia and Carter to head inside.

  There was nothing to the place. There was a desk with a couch in front of it. A few other chairs were against the walls and a small window was at the back. Mia noticed a closed door but thought it might lead to more impressive surroundings. Someone stood at the window. It was a woman. Her back was to them but Mia saw her brown hair was in a bun. She wore the same tan-colored clothing as the doctor who had assisted Andrew.

  “Please,” she said. “Have a seat.”

  Mia and Carter sat down on the couch. The woman spun around to face them and Mia let out a small gasp. She was older, the oldest woman Mia had ever seen in person. Her face had lines and her skin crinkled up at the corners of her brown eyes. Aging wasn’t something Mia ever thought about, but seeing it face-to-face she felt overwhelmed by this woman’s beauty. She looked determined and proud. More graceful than Mia could ever think of becoming.

  “My name is Dina,” she said. “Zack filled me in on your story. I’m waiting on confirmation from S right now.”

  “How?” Mia asked. Zack had been with her the whole time.

  “We may live in the jungle, but that doesn’t make us primitive,” Dina said. “In other words, he sent the information over a radio. We’re not used to recruits showing up on our doorstep.”

  “About my friend Andrew . . . ,” Mia said.

  “He is with the doctor now,” Dina said. “I’ll fill you in on any developments.”

  Dina paused and touched her ear.

  “Yes,” she said.

  “Yes,” she said again.

  Mia looked at Carter, who shrugged. This woman was talking to herself.

  “Perfect,” she said. Then she directed her words to Mia. “S confirmed your conversations.”

  “When?” Mia asked.

  “Just now,” Dina said. She turned her head and Mia saw the clear earpiece. “So let’s hear your story.”

  Mia remembered Riley’s instructions.

  “I didn’t want to get married so I ran away. Andrew helped me, and Carter and his father took us in. My husband tracked down our location but the three of us were able to make it into Mexico. We were held up for about a month when Andrew and Carter were forced into a militia and I needed to pose as a woman willing to sell my body in order to rescue them. We drove here and had a car accident. Andrew injured himself in the process and our car ran out of gas.”

  “That is quite the story,” Dina said. “And the man with the gunshot wound?”

  “A friend,” Carter said. “He helped us, got shot in the process.”

  Mia frowned and looked over at Carter; these people had a right to know how dangerous he was. Before Mia could correct Carter’s story Dina moved her hand back to her ear.

  “Yes,” Dina said.

  “Good,” she said.

  Her attention reverted to Mia and Carter.

  “Andrew was severely dehydrated. He suffered a small concussion from the bump on his head and needed stitches. There was another injury that went unnoticed. He had a cut on the back of his knee where the blood didn’t clot. It was the loss of blood that caused the blackouts.”

  Mia’s mouth hung open. She shook her head, unable to believe she hadn’t noticed the pain Andrew must have felt.

  “He’s resting now and expected to make a full recovery,” Dina said. “You can visit him later.”

  Mia closed her eyes and felt the breath rush out of her body. She felt the tears well up.

  “Thank you,” she said.

  Dina gave a pinched smile.

  “Your other friend is being treated right now,” Dina said. “He refused to have medical attention at first, even though his wound is much more severe. Why is that?”

  “He’s a selfless man,” Carter said.

  If Carter was looking for a surrogate father, Grant’s bodyguard wasn’t it. Mia didn’t understand why Carter was covering for him. Still, Mia didn’t want to volunteer the fact that she was the one who had shot him.

  “We’ll wait here for a moment,” Dina said. “Then your orientation will begin.”

  “What orientation?” Mia asked.

  “Into Affinity,” Dina said. “That’s why you’re here. To join our revolution against America?”

  “Revolution?” Carter asked.

  “Our main priorities are to close the Registry and stop mandatory service,” Dina said. “Take the government out of the picture and put the country back into the people’s hands.”

  Riley had made some mention of these people being rebels. Mia hadn’t realized they were this serious or well organized though.

  “So you want us to join another army?” Carter asked.

  “We are no army,” Dina said. “You’ll see once we start the tour.”

  There was something off about the way the woman discussed a revolt so casually.

  “Everything here is voluntary,” Dina said. “If you want to leave tomorrow, we’ll let you.”

  “Why not now?” Mia asked.

  “Do you? Want to leave now?”

  Mia paused.

  “No,” she said.

  Dina smiled again, never showing her teeth. Zack spoke up.

  “Don’t let her intimidate you,” Zack said. “You’re welcome to stay or leave, either way. That’s my call to make these days.”

  “Are you in charge?” Mia asked.

  “We have a system here,” Zack said. “Nobody is in charge of everything. I run basic in-house decisio
ns. Security, new members, anything that affects this spot right here.”

  “Yes, but this is a big area; you still have a lot to learn,” Dina said.

  Zack gave her the same pressed-lipped smile. He spoke to Mia and Carter without looking away from Dina.

  “I was recently promoted,” Zack said. “Dina here used to run things. She’s sticking around to help with the transition.”

  “He’ll escort you to the restrooms,” Dina said. “I’m sure both of you would like a shower and a fresh change of clothes. Some shoes too.”

  Mia and Carter stood up and started toward the door. Whatever politics were going on here, Mia didn’t want any part of them. She had enough of her own drama to deal with.

  “I don’t have a good feeling about this,” Carter said.

  “They helped Andrew,” Mia said. “Right now what other choice do we have?”

  Carter looked down at her. His eyes, one brown and one green, were vacant. He was floundering. Mia wished she could help but was at a loss.

  Chapter 44

  Rumors continue to circulate about Grant Marsden’s political prospects. Is he the new hope for the future?

  —American Gazette

  Grant walked Ian toward the door. His gaggle of females was already outside, standing by their car. Grant couldn’t wait until he was alone; plastering a smile on his face was growing difficult. Ian stopped walking and started speaking again.

  “I’d like to announce the engagement tomorrow,” Ian said. “Which one do you prefer?”

  “That soon?” Grant asked.

  “Of course,” Ian said. “Anyone who still remembers your old wife’s name or face will have the memory replaced with the image of my daughter. It’s important to wipe her away from the public’s mind.”

  Saint Louis, Grant thought.

  “What about her parents?” Grant asked. “What if they have any mementos or speak out?”

  “Taken care of,” Ian said. “A team was sent to their home and all evidence of their daughter destroyed. They will look crazy if they step forward with no proof. One of my daughters must be worthy enough for you. Please, name your choice.”

  Grant couldn’t have cared less. All four were properly trained and looked alike. He just said the first name that came to his mind.

  “Tamara.”

  “Splendid,” Ian said. “The wedding will be next month. Here.”

  “I don’t want my home invaded again,” Grant said.

  “Again?” Ian asked. His eyebrows rose.

  “After the funeral,” Grant said. “I’m a private person.”

  “Not if you want the title of grand commander,” Ian said.

  Grant’s cheeks were starting to hurt from the fake smile. He did his best to keep it up and nodded his head.

  “There will be television crews,” Ian said. “A scene of you formally paying me and signing over the paperwork.”

  “The groom chooses his wedding,” Grant said.

  “Not when he’s entering politics,” Ian said. “I thought you would be pleased.”

  “I am,” Grant said.

  “I’ll announce you as my successor,” Ian said. “You won’t officially take over for a few years, but the public will get used to your face. Do you need a coordinator?”

  “No,” Grant said. “Brandon can handle everything.”

  “Plan for two hundred guests,” Ian said. “Then whoever else you want to invite, of course.”

  “How much is Tamara’s fee?” Grant asked. It didn’t matter; Grant could afford any woman, but he needed to ready the funds.

  “It’s all for show,” Ian said. “She’s yours gratis. But make the check out for one million. It will never be deposited, but the amount will earn you some esteem from your peers.”

  “Peers”—ha, Grant thought. There was no man or woman out there who was his equal. Grant had no peers. Ian smiled and shook Grant’s hand. Grant waved good-bye and closed the door. He let out a low growl. He couldn’t wait until this showboating was over with.

  He pulled his phone out of his pocket, surprised Rex hadn’t called yet. Grant wasn’t worried though; Rex never let anything lapse. Besides, Rex’s call wasn’t the one Grant was really waiting for.

  Chapter 45

  Constant communication between the Affinity camps is necessary to further our goals as a society.

  —Internal memorandum from Affinity

  Mia was alone in a communal bathroom. She saw cabinets built into the walls and wondered if they were going to assign her one. It was strange to have long hair again; not wanting to wait for it to dry, Mia made a thick braid down her back. She looked at herself in the mirror. She was wearing beige linen shorts and a white tank top. Her cut-up feet were secure in a pair of brown sandals.

  When she exited the restroom Carter and Zack were waiting outside. They had both changed too. Carter wore a pair of brown shorts and a beige tank top, while Zack had on a similar outfit in shades of brown and beige. Standing next to Carter, Zack could have been his older brother, the two looked so similar.

  “I left my clothes in there,” Mia said.

  “Someone will take them,” Zack said. “I’m sure there’s some use for the fabric.”

  “They’re going to cut it up?” Mia asked.

  “We don’t have many formal events down here,” Zack said. “Dina told you about the orientation? Well, I’m pushing that back.”

  Mia wasn’t in a rush to have a formal introduction into Affinity.

  “I’d rather wait until the four of you are together again,” Zack said. “For now I’ll start with a tour.”

  “Can I see Andrew?” Mia asked.

  “Not until later,” Zack said. “Doctor’s orders. Here is a set of bathrooms,” he continued. “There are three on the property. You’ll get a locker assigned in one of them, but we share everything.”

  Mia noticed there was shampoo and soap, among other toiletries, sitting on the counter. They walked through the thick trees to the other side of the building. There was another steep hill and Zack led the way up the path. Mia was already sweating from the heat.

  “You’ll get used to things pretty fast,” Zack said.

  “How long did it take you?” Mia asked.

  “I was born here,” he said.

  Mia had assumed everyone was a refugee. He read the shock on her face.

  “My parents escaped America,” Zack said. “They met down here.”

  “How many people live here?” Mia asked.

  “Two hundred and forty-seven. Affinity has thousands of members across the world,” Zack said. “This is just one of our camps, and not all the people who are active live here. My parents, they live about thirty minutes away on a beach. They’re semiretired.”

  “Retired?” Mia asked.

  “Means something different down here,” Zack said. “They don’t work full-time for the cause anymore.”

  Work for the cause. Mia didn’t know what to take from that. They reached the top of the hill and the trees vanished. Mia stood next to Zack and Carter. They were on the head of a huge valley. Below were multiple cabins—Mia guessed about thirty. Zack pointed to his right. They were level with a giant lodge.

  “That’s the mess hall,” Zack said. “You’ll get breakfast, lunch, and dinner there. Also water or snacks. If we have an all-community meeting it’ll be in there.”

  “Where is everybody?” Carter asked.

  Mia hadn’t noticed before, but the place was deserted.

  “Work,” Zack said. “Everyone has a job. We like to keep self-contained as much as possible.”

  “What are they doing?” Mia asked.

  “All sorts of things,” Zack said. “Some are training, others getting the meals ready—every person here is a part of the bigger picture. To take down the Registry.”

  “How do you get electricity up here?” Carter asked.

  “Underground wiring,” Zack said. “We’re upgrading our systems, hoping to be fully wireless wi
thin the next few years. We may look simple, but all our resources go to more important things.”

  “To take down America,” Mia said.

  “The people who do the other work are no less important,” Zack said. “Without them our world couldn’t function.”

  He passed the mess hall. Another big building came. This was made of cement blocks.

  “Bathroom number two,” Zack said. “This is the busiest one since it’s closest to the sleeping areas.”

  He continued his walk around the edge of the valley. There was a giant field. Mia thought it must have taken years to clear away the forest.

  “This is a recreation area for the most part,” Zack said.

  In the distance Mia saw children playing.

  “There are children here?” Mia asked.

  “This is a full-fledged community,” Zack said. “Our youngest member is six months old.”

  Mia thought she saw Carter’s face lighten up. Families were together here. Soon his smile faded though. Mia’s heart broke for him. She’d never had that type of bond with her parents. Mia had hurt terribly when she learned about her sister’s death, but even Corinna and Mia weren’t as close as Rod and Carter had been. She touched his arm, letting him know she was here for him. Zack turned away from the field and started down a path toward the cabins.

  “That’s it?” Mia asked.

  “For now,” Zack said. “The longer you’re here the more you’ll learn.”

  “Where’s S?” Mia said. “I’d like to meet her.”

  “She’s probably at work,” Zack said. “Or sleeping if she has the night shift. We’d like you two to join us at dinner. People are waiting to meet you.”

  “Will she be there?” Mia asked.

  “Almost everyone is there,” Zack said. “We try to eat dinner as a group every night.”

  “Then we can see Andrew?”

  “As far as I know,” Zack said.

  “Where’s the farmery?” Mia asked.

  “Infirmary,” Zack corrected. “You’ll see it later.”

  He stopped walking at a cabin. It was closest to the footpath that led up to the mess hall. Mia wiped the sweat away from her brow.