“I thought you said they were so intense.”
“Well, it depends on your goals,” Sarah said. “You’ll be separated from the group some of the time, but you’ll be in on everything. You’ll have a say in the master plan.”
Mia looked over at Andrew. He smiled and laughed.
“Part of me wants a somewhat regular life,” Mia said. “I wouldn’t get that if I was focused on America all the time.”
Sarah shrugged. “I think you’re worried you won’t get enough time with Andrew,” she said.
“No,” Mia said. “He knows and said he’ll support whatever I choose.”
“See that man dancing?” Sarah asked. She pointed her finger at someone who was waving his arms in the air, carefree. Mia nodded.
“He’s a member of ET,” she said. “And that woman over there? She is too.”
“How many members are there?”
“Eleven,” Sarah said.
“Eleanor said my invitation was open-ended,” Mia said.
Sarah’s eyes popped back out again.
“That’s unheard of,” she said. “You must be pretty special. Did someone else join too?”
“Rex,” Mia said.
“Well, if you don’t accept by next week someone else will get an invite,” she said. “They always have an odd number.”
“What if I change my mind?” Mia asked.
“I don’t know,” Sarah said. “Eleanor doesn’t lie, but she doesn’t mess around either. Maybe they’d kick someone out?”
Mia glanced at the two ET members. They seemed fairly happy. Maybe it would be possible to have both. A normal life and one devoted completely to the cause. She stopped glancing around the crowd when Andrew came into view again.
“I’ll be back,” Mia said. “Thanks.”
She stood up and made her way toward Andrew. He saw her coming and broke away from Rex and Katie.
“Can we talk?” Mia asked. “Somewhere private?”
He nodded his head and walked along the jungle, away from the party.
“I’m really sorry,” Mia said. “I should have told you right away. I was nervous about how you would respond and—”
Before she could finish Andrew wrapped his arms around her waist. He pulled her forward and up on her tiptoes. She met his mouth with hers and wrapped her arms around his neck. She felt like she was flying as his energy made its way through her body. After a few moments he pulled back, giving her a tiny kiss to end their embrace.
“You should have told me,” Andrew said. “But it was in the past. You’re my future.”
Mia felt like her body was melting. She went back up on her toes and he met her kiss. They moved their heads in a rhythm and Mia felt like it was only the two of them left on the planet. She pulled away this time.
“I’m not going to join External Tactics,” Mia said.
“Why not?” Andrew asked.
“Because I want to stop the Registry, but I want this too,” Mia said.
“You’ll have me either way,” Andrew said.
“Not just you,” Mia said. “I want as quiet a life as possible. At least for a little bit.”
“Nothing about you is quiet,” Andrew said.
A ball came sailing across the grass, stopping right beside them. Andrew broke away and picked up the toy, tossing it back. He came over and grabbed Mia’s hand.
“Come on,” he said. “It’s our party.”
Mia was happy to follow him. This was what she had been waiting for. She felt like she belonged here. She had the best of both worlds. She was able to continue fighting injustice while starting something more with Andrew. She couldn’t imagine anything more perfect.
Chapter 69
GREG FINNEGAN PREVIEW: GRANT MARSDEN HOPES TO HAVE SONS, SO HE CAN TURN THEM OVER TO THE GOVERNMENT AND ENSURE OUR GREAT NATION CONTINUES ON WITH A STRONG ARMED SERVICE
—American Gazette
The drive home from the studio cleared Grant’s mind. It was his third interview with Greg Finnegan in four days. He was looking forward to his wedding night. That meant no more forced public appearances and no more Greg Finnegan Show. He would be named the next grand commander and this tasteless display could stop.
At least the public was informed about his dress choices; he didn’t need to wear a suit tonight. No doubt after the show aired tomorrow night Grant’s look would be the newest trend among young men. A tan cardigan was tied around his shoulders, blowing back in the breeze from his convertible sports car. The sky was covered with stars but Grant never took his eyes off the road.
He wondered what Rex was doing. The man hadn’t made contact since his initial phone call. Grant wouldn’t let Rex bring him down. He was on the cusp of getting everything he wanted. Carter’s phone calls were regular and he promised Amelia’s return. Roderick was becoming a bit of a pain. He was starting to question his confinement and lack of access to the outside world.
Talking about his past wasn’t something Grant enjoyed. Whenever Greg got a little too personal Grant got more and more vague. Tonight Greg had asked about Grant’s premilitary life; of course Grant had lied, but the memories kept coming back.
Daphne was beautiful. The longer Grant stayed with Victor the more that became the ultimate truth. Grant wanted her. He wanted everything she represented. He looked forward to meals; they were the only times he was able to see her. He waited patiently at the breakfast table. Victor came in and took a seat.
“How are you feeling?” Victor asked. “One week until you report for service.”
“Confident,” Grant said.
Victor picked up a dish of eggs and put some on his plate before handing them to Grant.
“No Daphne to serve us this morning?” Grant asked.
She was there most of the time, but at least once a month she was absent. The next day her arms would be covered in bruises. Victor liked her to show them off; it let the world know what a poor wife she had been. Grant always hated those mornings.
“Daphne is no longer my wife,” Victor said.
“What?” Grant asked.
Marriage was only severable by death.
“In five years she’s produced three sons,” Victor said. “And she’s started to get a little old. I think I deserve an upgrade.”
“What happened to her?”
“I told the authorities she slipped and fell down the stairs,” Victor said.
He gave Grant a mysterious grin.
“But I have a surprise for you,” Victor said. “Finish your eggs and come with me.”
Grant ate with speed. He thought about Daphne. Over the last several years he’d never spoken to her directly. But he liked looking at her. She was a flower in Victor’s palace of rage and cruelty. Grant knew he didn’t have much of a heart, since he had little problem inflicting pain on innocent people, but Daphne was different. He felt they had some unspoken bond. Like they were both prisoners here. Both of them were kept with golden handcuffs. If Grant left he would have returned uneducated and poor, while Daphne didn’t even have that option.
Breakfast was done and Victor led Grant out of the kitchen. They walked down the long hall and toward the basement. Victor always kept that room locked. He punched in a code and the door opened up. Grant had never been down here before. He had always wondered what was beyond that wall.
When they reached the bottom of the steps he saw a big empty room with cement walls. It was the opposite of Victor’s home. There was a tool bench and a drain in the middle of the room. Outside of that Grant didn’t see much. His eyes stopped wandering when he saw her. Daphne was strapped to a pole in the middle of the basement, clad only in her undergarments. Makeup was running down her face from her tears; a piece of tape covered her mouth.
“I thought you could have her as a going-away present,” Victor said.
Grant looked up at him, confused.
“Of course you’ll have to kill her at the end of the week,” he said. “But maybe release some desires. I kno
w you harbor them. It’s only natural. My gift to you.”
Grant was mortified. The woman he fantasized about was helplessly tied to a pole. He couldn’t let Victor know his pain.
“Thank you,” he said.
“I’ll leave you two alone for a few hours,” Victor said.
He patted Grant on the back before walking up the steps. Grant waited until the door was closed, then he ran over toward her. He ripped the tape off her mouth.
“Are you okay?” he asked.
She was shaking. Grant ran over to the tool bench. There were pliers, saws, and a variety of knives set out. Grant picked up a large knife and ran back toward her. She let out a scream.
“No,” Grant said. “I’m not going to hurt you.”
He started sawing at her bindings.
“We have to get out of here,” Grant said. “Both of us.”
He cut through the last strap and she fell forward.
“I’m going to check upstairs,” Grant said. “Make sure we have a way out. Then we’ll run.”
“Where will we go?” Daphne asked.
“Steal a boat,” Grant said. “Make our way across the ocean.”
Grant picked up her hand and led her toward the stairs. He signaled for her to wait at the bottom and checked the door. It was unlocked. He peeked his head out, then waved for her to come up.
They moved quietly down the hall; Grant still had the knife in his hand. The silence shattered when Daphne started screaming.
“Victor,” she yelled, “he’s trying to run!”
Grant turned around and grabbed her, covering her mouth with his hand. She looked at him with intense hatred and pushed him away.
“Victor!” she screamed again. He got his hand over her mouth again.
“I’m trying to help you,” Grant said; she shoved him again.
“You’re a traitor,” she said. “I don’t want your help. I want to serve my husband.”
She took off running through the halls. Grant chased her, hoping to stop her. She turned into the main room and Grant followed. There was Victor, seated in his favorite chair with his legs crossed, a cruel smile on his face. Daphne ran over to him and kneeled down.
“I did just like you said, and he wants to escape. He talked about running away from service.”
“Is this true?” Victor asked.
Grant looked back and forth from Victor to Daphne. Victor looked smug and Daphne pleased with herself.
“No,” Grant said.
“Then prove it,” Victor said.
Grant looked down at Daphne. The woman he had been willing to sacrifice his life to help was nothing but a lapdog. He had wanted to give her everything, and she didn’t care about him at all. He gripped the knife in his hand and ran at her. She let out a scream as he brought the weapon down into her back, stabbing over and over again. Her blood sprayed back in his face. Her screams stopped soon and she lay in a pool of blood, gurgling away. Grant was breathing heavily. He moved back and stood up.
Victor came up behind him and placed his hand on Grant’s shoulder.
“This is the most important and hardest lesson to learn,” Victor said. “Love is unnecessary, and it will make you weak.”
Grant looked over at Victor. This man who had given him everything, who taught him how to live. He was the closest thing Grant would ever have to a father. But Grant wasn’t him. Victor had nothing but true hatred in his heart. Grant still had some semblance of a soul left. If he ever wanted to become Victor he needed to destroy it all. He turned toward the man and brought the knife up with speed. He drove it straight through Victor’s chest with a single motion. The look on Victor’s face was a mix of confusion and anger.
“On some level I loved you too,” Grant said.
He pulled the knife out and Victor started backing away. Grant dropped the blade and sat next to the man while he died. It was over. Grant spent the rest of that day hiding the bodies and the evidence of the murders. That night he went to the recruitment station early. He never once looked at the news to see what was reported about Victor’s death.
At that point Grant hadn’t known what was in front of him. Looking back, he should have been afraid. Armed with the knowledge of the future, Grant realized that night had changed everything for him. It had made him the man he was today.
He parked the car in front of his house and turned off the engine. The newspapers were calling Grant a hero, but that wasn’t a title he was after. Grant was much more interested in being a winner. That crown was headed his way.
Chapter 70
Affinity is made up of individuals, not governments. If another country offers aid we will accept and become allies, but we will not directly affiliate ourselves with our host countries.
—Internal memorandum from Affinity
The days were flying by so fast Mia was having a hard time telling them apart. Carter didn’t mention the ticking clock on his ultimatum, and Mia took that as a good sign. He was at the school today, where he spent most of his time. Andrew was starting to fit in as well. Mia stood on the field watching him train with his group. They were practicing defensive moves and even from a distance Mia could see the joy on his face. After training he would speak to Katie for a while, then join Mia at dinner. It was a simple, easy routine.
“You ready?” Sarah asked.
Mia had forgotten that her purpose in the field was waiting for her friend. Without a permanent workstation chosen, or even one in mind, Mia spent most of her time shadowing Sarah.
“You don’t have to come with me today,” Sarah said. “I see you eyeing Andrew; you can spend the whole day with him if you want.”
Mia shook her head. She enjoyed practicing her defensive and fighting skills, but not enough for full-time work. Mia turned and started walking toward Sarah’s workspace.
“Did you stay up too late last night?” Sarah asked. “You seem really out of it today.”
“I stay up too late every night,” Mia said.
Sarah let out a laugh. It was true. Mia’s favorite part of Affinity was the nights. Whoever was free gathered in the field and socialized. Mia was always one of the last to head to bed. She loved hearing about everyone’s days and the general experience of getting to know people, which she’d never had before.
Last night she’d spoken with two sisters; they were young and both were born here. They teased each other and each took turns trying to surprise the other by pulling on her hair. Mia laughed as she watched them, but part of her core stung at the sight. She had been robbed of those types of interactions with her own sisters, and the young women in America would never know that type of bond existed.
“Zack thinks you should sample some of the other areas,” Sarah said. “It’s obvious you lack a passion for computers, and driving can’t be a full-time occupation. Carter mentioned you liked to cook before. Do you want to spend a day in the kitchen?”
Mia almost spat. The kitchen had always been an escape for her, where she could focus on one task and excel. Now that she had escaped the Registry she didn’t need to clear her mind. Armed with the knowledge she now had, any time her mind was clear, thoughts of America filled the space.
“You don’t want me following you?” Mia asked.
“Maybe you should think about Eleanor’s offer,” Sarah said.
“I want a quieter life,” Mia said.
“Do you?” Sarah asked. “I mean, you have everything you were after—you’re in a safe place, the people who love you are protected, you’re forming new friendships—but you’re not letting yourself go. I can see it, the way you carry yourself. What could be eating away at you?”
“Nothing,” Mia said. “It’s just an adjustment, that’s all.”
Sarah shook her head. “You’re not adjusting well,” she said. “At least not when it comes to picking a path.”
“I’m learning something about what you do,” Mia said.
“Like what?” Sarah asked. “Give me an example.”
&nb
sp; The two entered the jungle and started up the hill to Sarah’s tower.
“I can type better,” Mia said.
“Do you have any interest at all in learning how computers work or staying at the forefront of technology? I showed you a lot of new things, inventions I couldn’t wait to get my hands on when I was as new as you, but you look unimpressed when I show you.”
“If I’m bothering you, let me know,” Mia said. “I can shadow Zack, or someone from his team.”
“I think it will be the same,” Sarah said.
Mia wasn’t sure if Sarah was right. When she saw the advances all Mia could think about was the poor people in America who would never know this type of technology existed. Sarah stopped walking and Mia looked up. They were in front of the electric gates of ET. Mia whipped her head toward Sarah and gave her a suspicious look.
“I did this for your own good,” Sarah said. “Ask Eleanor if you can spend the afternoon here. I’m sure she’ll agree. Then maybe you will have your answer regarding your place in Affinity.”
Before Mia could respond the gate started to open. Sarah waved and turned, walking down the hill. Mia redirected her gaze toward ET. The gate was open now. Without thinking Mia’s feet dragged her across the threshold, her body knowing what she wanted more than her mind.
This is against protocol,” Eleanor said. “And unfortunately since you are not a member of External Tactics yet, you are not privy to certain parts of the facility.”
“I don’t want to see everything,” Mia said. “Just an idea of what my life would be like if I joined ET.”
They were in the same room Eleanor had escorted Mia and Rex to earlier in the week. Mia was seated at the table and Eleanor walked over to the control panel for the screen. She started typing.
“There is no typical day here,” Eleanor said. “At one point you may be brainstorming, looking for weakness in American defenses; at another you may speak with one of our contacts. It varies depending on where we need help.”
“If I were a member of ET,” Mia said, “what would I be doing right now?”
Eleanor spun around and showed her pressed lips. She looked like she wanted to scream at Mia but instead broke into a smile. She hit a button on the remote in her hand and the screen changed, displaying hundreds of small pictures. Mia couldn’t focus on a single one; they kept shifting.
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