by Unknown
“You’re joking!”
“She’s aware of it.”
“And she’s okay with that?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“Why doesn’t she leave him?”
“She can’t, not if she wants to keep her status. Look, my father takes his responsibilities seriously. He gives her pretty much whatever she wants, and he’s not abusive. I’m not saying it’s right, but she doesn’t have grounds for a divorce. The Gov wouldn’t grant one in her favor, and she knows it.”
I just shook my head.
“I’d like to adjust Kendra’s status, bump it up to Elite, if that’s all right with you?”
I stared at him. “After what you’ve just shared, you still want me to consider marriage?”
He sighed. “I’m not anything like my father. Will you at least come with me and listen to my ideas?”
I shrugged. “I guess. Where were you planning to go?”
“You pick. Any city within a day’s drive.”
Guy set one of his business cards on the table where Eberhardt would be sure to see it.
He flipped it over and penned, “Back by Monday.”
Three and a half hours later, we pulled up in front of a fancy hotel in New London, a city to the southwest of Tkaron. It had a decent population, so it was likely we wouldn’t be recognized.
“We could go someplace smaller,” I suggested, but Guy was already out of the vehicle.
He handed his keys to the valet.
Alone in the room, I was finally able to express my reservations. “Guy, this suite is bigger than my apartment.”
“And?”
“You don’t need to impress me. I’d rather the money was used to help people. We don’t need a room this extravagant.”
“Yes, we do.” He sounded so matter-of-fact.
“Why?”
“To give you a chance to practice what it will be like if you accept my proposal. And don’t worry, we’re not taking from the Resistance, far from it. I’ve been successfully living two very different lives for the past 12 years. You can’t really understand what it’s like until you’ve lived it.”
“I know you keep your personal finances and Resistance funds separate.”
“Yes, completely. But it’s much more than that.”
“From which accounts have I been paid?” It was something I’d never really stopped to consider before.
“Your stipend comes from Resistance funds. The monetary gifts I’ve given you on occasion, have come from my other accounts.”
“Do you ever pay yourself from Resistance funds?”
“No, of course not!” He paused. “Keira, you’re used to taking on different roles.”
I nodded.
“So with just a little practice, I don’t think you’ll have any trouble becoming a perman-ent member of the Elite.”
I began wandering around the suite, picking up this and that: an ornate box, a fancy pen, little bottles of shampoo and soap. I studied my reflection in the bathroom mirror. A young woman with long wavy black hair and bright emerald eyes gazed back at me. Who do I want to be? It was a question I’d already answered. But now Guy was asking me to change. If I pretended for too long, would the fantasy become real? Was it possible to become Elite and still be me?
Guy had moved to the sitting room windows and stood looking out. He waited patiently. Rain formed tiny rivulets on the glass. Eventually, I joined him. Still, he waited for me to make the next move. Finally, I laced my fingers through his and leaned against him.
“I’m ready to hear your ideas.” Guy dropped my hand and hugged me tightly. My voice was muffled against the front of his shirt. “Don’t pay me any more stipends though, okay?”
He pulled away. “What? How will you survive?”
“If we’re to be married, we’ll both live off your salary, won’t we?”
“Of course, but what if you don’t like my ideas?”
“I don’t need much, and I’m already living in an apartment you own.” I shrugged. “If your ideas really stink, then you can pay me by the job, okay?”
“You’re serious?”
I wrapped my arms around his shoulders and nodded.
“We can do this, Keira. Together.”
I twining my fingers through his hair and pulled him forward. Guy responded immediately, his warm soft lips gently caressing mine.
We spent the next few days practicing everything from greeting well-to-do strangers at the theater to discussing how to behave during business meetings. Guy really had thought this through from every angle. It was what made him such a good businessman and the perfect leader for the Resistance. In just a few short months, if everything went as planned, I would be Mrs. Kendra Burke.
-Aimee-
Leaving Parisio
I thought I was ready, but when the day of my departure arrived, everything seemed to be moving all too quickly. And then, a delay at the airport, an unexpected hiccup. I looked at the vidscreen once again. My flight had been grounded due to fog.
Danielle and Noah busily explored the gift shop while Nadine, covered with a pink blanket, slept peacefully in her carrier on the floor by our feet.
I turned to Scott. “You should go. Don’t worry about me.”
I glanced at the Terenian soldier seated in the waiting area. He wore a grey dress uniform; the badge over his left breast pocket said, HARLOW. Scott had assured me that he knew this man personally and that David Harlow could be trusted. Scott had introduced me as Aimee LaFleur, an upstanding Mediterran citizen and art dealer who was moving to Terene.
Scott smiled. “The President can wait. You’re more important to me. If he can’t understand that, then I don’t want the job.”
“But Scott, if you put me before the needs of the realm, what will that say to him?”
“That I’m compassionate and loyal, admirable traits that will make me a strong advisor, don’t you agree?”
I started to argue, but he held his index finger to my lips. “We’re waiting with you until you board the plane.” He held my gaze until I nodded.
A couple of months after my arrival, Scott and Danielle had received an invitation to a luncheon at the Presidential Palace. A separate invitation had been sent in my name and routed through my fake address. I’d been overwhelmed at the mere thought of attending such a formal event and with the President no less!
Danielle had taken me shopping and helped me find an appropriate outfit. The long yellow satin summer dress was less formal than I would have chosen on my own. A white hat and simple gold chain necklace completed the look. Danielle had assured me that it was perfect, and I had trusted her judgment.
When we arrived, I immediately saw him for what he was: a kind, just, compassionate and strong leader. It was an interesting mix. I never before would have described leaders in quite that way. There had been no lies with him. Scott had introduced me as his sister, April.
He had also explained my training and the intention behind it. He had spoken all this aloud, in a garden full of people. In that moment, I’d realized that I didn’t have to hide or pretend here, except to prepare myself for the lies I would have to tell when I returned home.
When I’d left Tkaron last spring, everything had been a blur. All that information, coming at me so fast. In one day, I’d learned that the man of my dreams, as well as my sister and brother, weren’t at all who they seemed. They were leaders of a secret organization that was helping hundreds, if not thousands, of Terenian citizens. I’d thought they were insane to be part of something like that. Certainly, it would only get them killed.
Yet, I’d also been backed into a corner. I was in serious pain, and I’d understood that as soon as Lance Beckett’s murder was discovered, his wife would hire people to look for me.
I was a servant. No one of importance would take the time to listen to my side. I’d needed to leave, and Guy, Keira and Scott had provided the means.
It wasn’t until I met the President that I
finally understood. By forging alliances with foreign Gov leaders, the Resistance stood a chance of making positive changes back home.
I now believed that it was possible for a few people to make a big difference.
After that, I’d put all of my efforts into learning my new trade and identity. I wanted to forget my old life and devote my future to the Resistance. I became Aimee, heart and soul, a Mediterran citizen who would live and work in Terene. My only distraction had been Nadine, and because of her, my dreams continued to haunt me.
Nadine. I bent down and removed her from the carrier. As I began to gently rock her in my arms, Scott’s transceiver signaled an incoming call. He moved away in the direction of the gift shop. I took this opportunity to say goodbye to the little girl who had almost been my daughter, but who was now my niece.
Her tiny eyelids fluttered open and revealed a pair of grey eyes. She was far too young to understand what I was about to say or to remember it later. Even so, I had to say it, and I needed to know she’d heard it. She would hear it again later, when she was older. Scott and Danielle had promised to tell her.
“I carried you for nine months, little one, but I’m not your mother. Don’t ever think that my leaving was your fault. It’s not. It’s because of things that happened to me. We were both victims, but you’re not a victim any longer. I’ve made sure of that. You are beautiful.
You are wonderful. And you deserve a family that will love you for all that you are. I’m giving you that family. They are my gift to you, and you are my gift to them. Goodbye.” I gently pressed my lips against her smooth forehead.
She began to fuss, so I picked up her diaper bag and carrier and walked toward Harlow.
He glanced up and smiled when I approached. I sat next to him and rummaged around in the diaper bag. There! I held a bottle of formula in front of Nadine until it caught her interest. The rest of the family soon returned.
Finally, my flight was called. It was time. I stood and handed Nadine to Danielle. Just then, Noah slipped something into my pocket. I began to reach for it but stopped when Danielle shook her head and whispered, “Later. He wants it to be a surprise.”
I knelt down and hugged him. “You be good, kiddo.”
“I will, Aunt Aimee.”
Then I stood and hugged Scott. “Good luck! The President will be lucky to have you on his team.”
“And we’re lucky to have you on the team too. Say, ‘Hi!’ to Keira. Tell her we miss her.”
I nodded.
Then he turned to Harlow, and they shook hands. I noticed a small flash of white as Scott handed him something.
When we settled into our seats in the cabin, Harlow turned to look at me with comfort-ing warm brown eyes.
“What?”
He grinned. “What did the kid give you?”
“Oh.” I smiled and reached into my pocket.
“A car?”
It was. It was a red toy car. “Yes, it’s his favorite.”
“Where are the wheels?”
“It’s a hovercar. It’s what they use here.”
“Really? I need to get higher clearance!”
I studied him for a moment. “You’ve never been out of the airport?”
He shook his head, so I began to tell him about life in Mediterra. I spoke quietly. I didn’t think I was sharing anything I shouldn’t, but with all that our Gov was hiding, I didn’t want to take any chances of being overheard by the wrong people. The roar of the engines helped to keep our conversation private. When I’d finished, Harlow sat in stunned silence.
“Why did you sign on?” I asked, changing the subject. I was referring to the Resistance, but anyone listening in would think I meant the military.
“I’m not like you,” he explained. “Growing up, my family had very little. I want everyone to be protected, to be safe. That’s why.”
“We’re more alike than you realize.”
Harlow just stared at me. Then he unbuckled his safety belt and stood. “Will you be alright for a minute?”
“Of course.”
He moved down the aisle toward the lavatory. When he returned, he seemed on edge.
A little while later, the flight attendant arrived with the drink cart. I tried to tell her I wasn’t thirsty, but Harlow ordered drinks for both of us anyway. I shot him a look of irritation, but he simply replied, “You don’t want to dehydrate, Miss,” and set a glass of apple juice on the tray in front of me. When he removed his hand, my drink and a tiny, folded up note sat side by side.
I glanced at him but didn’t speak. Sitting between Harlow and the window with my tray down, it would be easy to read the note without anyone else being able to see it. It was in Scott’s handwriting and simply said, “Change of plans – delivery to Sgt. McGraw.” What did that mean? I was the delivery, but who was Sgt. McGraw? I refolded the tiny note and took a sip of my apple juice.
“How’s yours?” I tilted my head toward his ginger ale.
“It’s fine.” His voice was tense, on guard, more distant. The note concerned him, and I finally realized the full implication. Keira would not meet us at the airport. Something about our itinerary had changed, but why? Who called Scott? Was it Guy, or Keira, or someone else? Surely it isn’t something too dangerous, or Scott wouldn’t have sent me, would he? I thought of the two of them shaking hands, Scott and Harlow. Harlow had been entrusted with my safety.
We couldn’t let the wrong people find this note. I popped it into my mouth and used the rest of my juice to wash it down. Harlow smiled and leaned back in his seat.
I leaned back too. “Tell me about the military. Is your sergeant strict?”
“She keeps us in line, but she’s a fine soldier, honorable and courageous.”
“Have you been in the service long?”
“Since I turned 16.”
I knew all about the Age of Eligibility. It was the best time to join the military if your family was poor. It was what Scott had done. I turned my head and studied David Harlow.
He didn’t look to be more than 20. I decided to ask him about the Resistance in the only way I could.
“When did you become fully committed to your work?”
He took a deep breath and then let it out. “It took me a couple of years to appreciate my work in the service.”
I couldn’t think of a way to question Harlow further without raising suspicions should anyone be listening in, but I had learned a little more. Harlow has been with the Resistance for a couple of years at least, and Sgt. McGraw is a woman. That name, it seems familiar.
Did Scott ever mention her? I thought back. Yes, once when Keira and Guy came to visit they’d talked with Scott about his capture. McGraw had helped to free him. So she’s with the Resistance. Why has she been sent to meet me instead of my sister? Should I be honored or worried?
***
Like I’d expected, Keira wasn’t waiting for us at the airport. Harlow directed me away from the baggage claim. He simply picked up my small carry-on and hurried me down a side corridor to a locked door labeled “authorized personnel only.” He reached into his pocket and removed a small key. A moment later, we entered a small conference room. It was empty.
I turned to face Harlow. “Can we talk here?”
“It’s best not to say too much, not anywhere,” he advised.
“Is there anything you can tell me? When will I see her?”
“The sergeant? She’ll be here soon, I’m sure.”
“No, my sis… wait a minute. What were your initial orders? How much has changed?”
“My orders were to deliver you to a civilian named Richard Burke,” he said, using Guy’s official name. “But, well, something must have come up. Sgt. McGraw will cover the final leg of your journey. I don’t know what else has changed.” Harlow started to pace.
“What’s wrong?”
“She should be here. Someone should be here.” He looked around nervously. There was no one to give him orders.
I reached
out a hand to stop him. He turned and looked at me, concern evident in his eyes. Did he know what they’d done to Scott, what they were capable of? We needed to get away from here.
“Harlow, you’re the highest ranking officer here.”
“I’m not an officer.”
“You know what I mean.”
He nodded. “You’re right. Something is wrong. It’s not safe for you here.”
Suddenly, he picked up my bag and pointed toward another door, one in the back of the room. His key fit that lock too. It led to an underground garage. Only a few military vehicles were parked here and there.
“Is one of these yours?”
“No. Follow me. We’ll go on foot until we’re away from the airport. Then we’ll call someone.”
We exited the garage, and headed for a field. After we left the pavement, my heels began to sink into the dirt. I stopped just long enough to remove my shoes. By the time I’d caught up to Harlow, he’d already pulled out his transceiver.
“Who are you calling?”
“Sgt. McGraw. We need to find out why she’s not here.”
“No!”
He looked at me in surprise.
“If something’s happened to her, they might be tracing her calls.”
“But she’s the one who gives orders when it comes to the Resistance, and Sgt. Maddock is a little too far away to be of any assistance.”
“Give it to me.” There was a steely edge to my voice as I held out my hand. In a moment, I held the transceiver. Without hesitation, I punched in Keira’s number.
“Who are you calling?” Harlow asked.
“My sister.”
“Oh no, I don’t think calling your sister overseas is a good idea just now.”
He tried to take the transceiver, but I batted his hand away. “My sister lives here, in Tkaron, and she’s one of your superiors, so just watch it!”
He stepped back in surprise.
“Keira, it’s me. I’m fine.” I looked at Harlow. “Sgt. McGraw was supposed to meet us, but she wasn’t there. We’re in a field behind the airport but not by the runways. Yeah, I see it. Will they let us out?”
I closed the connection and turned toward a metal security gate in the distance. I began walking, expecting Harlow to follow.