Whispers From the Past

by L. S. O'Dea

  When he’d finished bandaging himself and cleaning up the room, he hobbled to the lab. He was half-drunk and his leg was killing him. Tonight was going to be miserable. He wouldn’t be able to sneak anymore of Parson’s vodka so it’d just be him and his pain.

  Parson looked up from his work. “Where’ve you been and why are you limping?”

  “Twisted ankle.” He started emptying the trash and stumbled almost falling. He wouldn’t make it long on his leg without passing out. “I’m calling it a night.”

  “You have to clean.”

  Sweat poured down his face. He was going to puke if he didn’t lie down. “I’ll be back later to empty the trash and pick up.”

  He hobbled back to the room, dropped onto his bed of blankets on the floor. He wanted to kill Meesus. Their deal was done. She’d put him at risk. She’d put everyone he was near at risk. Anyone with basic knowledge of his tracking device system could’ve found him. He gritted his teeth as another wave of pain pounded through him. He pictured Trinity. It was the only thing that brought him relief. As soon as his leg was healed, he’d leave. He missed her, everything about her—talking to her, arguing with her, and especially kissing her. This time he wasn’t going to let some childish crush of hers get between them. He’d prove to her that he was the man for her, not some foolish dream of a boy.

  CHAPTER 15: HUGH

  “IT ISN’T WORKING.” Parson slammed his hand against the desk. “Can you spare a minute from your cleaning to look at this?”

  Hugh ignored him. He had no intention of helping Parson any more. He’d practically built the damn prototype. All that was left was putting the pieces together but apparently, Parson was a genius with chemical engineering but a moron when it came to mechanical.

  “Come on.” Parson’s tone was whiney and then it turned sly. “I’ve noticed you’ve been running some of your reports over and over. I could help you with that.”

  He stopped sweeping. He’d successfully replicated the serum but Parson may be able to assist him with understanding how it worked. Of course, that’d mean trusting the other Almighty. Right now, Parson had no idea about anything he’d been doing.

  “Are you trying to duplicate what’s in the vials? I’m very skilled with molecular analyses.”

  Hugh rubbed his thigh. It’d been over a week but his leg still throbbed by the end of his shift, which meant, he was stuck here a little longer. He wasn’t making any progress understanding the serum on his own. He wandered over to Parson and the other man smiled smugly.

  He propped the broom against the desk and put on the loupe so he could see the intricacies of the prototype. Parson had put it together all wrong. Several pieces were backward. He shook his head.

  “What? Do you see the problem?”

  “Yeah, but this time, you’re going to help me first.”

  “I can’t. I don’t have time. I have a deadline.”

  “And I don’t?” His deadline, if not met soon, could be deadly.

  “You know this is for Conguise.” Parson lowered his voice and looked around the room. “If there are delays he may want to come here. I...I can’t have that. You can’t have that.”

  “First, we don’t know this is for Conguise. Second, do you think your boss is going to let some other scientist, especially one with Conguise’s reputation, snoop around his lab?”

  “Well...no. The Chapman won’t let anyone in here.” His face paled. “But if I don’t finish on time and he comes and finds you...”

  “Look. I’ve already helped you. You owe me.”

  The door to the lab opened and he moved away from the desk, picking up the broom and sweeping his way toward the far side of the room where the older equipment was stored. Parson’s face paled as a Handler stepped into the room. It wasn’t Gaar. Hugh moved farther away from the door. The Handler would know in one whiff that he wasn’t a Guard.

  “Emmanuel. You’re early.” Parson almost knocked over the microscope on his desk.

  The Handler’s black eyes glanced at Hugh, dismissing him. Hugh continued sweeping, moving farther away.

  “Is it ready?” Emmanuel’s voice was a low rumble, like thunder in the distance— powerful and threatening.

  “Most of it,” said Parson.

  “Most? Chapman ain’t going to like that and I don’t like delivering bad news.” Emmanuel stalked closer.

  “It’ll be ready on the scheduled pickup day.” Parson crossed his arms over his chest, looking down his nose at the Handler.

  Hugh wanted to warn Parson that this creature was dangerous but he couldn’t afford to give the Handler a reason to look at him again.

  “Well, ain’t that just too bad”—Emmanuel grabbed Parson by the neck, lifting the taller man off the floor—“because I’m here today.”

  “I’ll give you what I have, but it isn’t all done. It’ll be ready next week. I swear.”

  Emmanuel dropped Parson who hurried to a locked room on the other side of the lab, Emmanuel following close behind.

  Hugh had tried to clean inside the room once, but Parson had made it clear that he was never to go in there. His subtle questions about what was inside had met with silence from the other Almighty. Parson may be a nervous twit, but he could keep his mouth shut. Whatever Parson and the other scientists were doing here, it wasn’t legal.

  Parson unlocked the door and the two disappeared inside, coming out a few minutes later. The Handler was carrying several large boxes. Hugh had moved as far away as possible without actually leaving. He wanted to see what the two of them brought out of that room.

  “I swear. I’ll have the rest ready next week,” said Parson.

  “You better. Chapman expects the product and he’s not one to handle disappointment well.” Emmanuel smiled, showing large canines stained yellow and brown. “You don’t want me to come back with other orders do you?”

  “No. No. It’ll be ready.” Parson was almost hyperventilating. “I didn’t expect you today or...”

  Emmanuel’s cold, black stare silenced Parson and after a few moments the Handler left.

  Parson turned toward Hugh. “That rotten beast should watch how he speaks to his betters.”

  “I’d be careful. Handlers have excellent hearing.” He moved to the computer he used and turned it on.

  “I’m not afraid of Emmanuel. The Chapman would never allow that creature to harm me or any of his scientists.”

  “Are you sure?” He glanced up from the monitor. “Take it from me, we’re all expendable.” He was pretty sure the other Almighty was recalling just how important High Hugh Truent had been before it’d all crashed down around him.

  “He needs us,” said Parson, but the words lacked confidence.

  “For what?” He looked back at the computer, trying to appear uninterested.

  “He can’t make and prepare these products himself. He’s a business man, not a scientist or a doctor.”

  “I’m sure that’s true, but are you the only ones who can do the work?” He wanted to ask what products but that would shut the other man’s mouth fast.

  His point must have hit home for Parson was silent for a long time and then he stormed to the door. “I’m done for the night. Don’t forget to clean up and get out of here before anyone sees you.”

  Like he’d forget that. Obviously, he still hadn’t regained all his manipulative expertise. Instead, Trinity’s bluntness had rubbed off on him. Araldo, he couldn’t wait to see her. He’d never missed anyone as much as he did her. All plans on waiting until the war was over to be with her had vanished. Sue was right. Life was too short. He was crazy about her and from her kisses she was crazy about him too. He’d win this war for her, but he was done denying his attraction. As soon as she agreed, he’d talk to Tim about making her his wife. He’d be careful not to get her pregnant, but he couldn’t stay away from her any longer. He grinned. Now, he really couldn’t wait to get out of here.

  He pulled up the latest analysis on the serum and then h
esitated. He was alone. Trinity had given him a few lessons on picking a lock. He had hours before his shift was over. The worst that could happen would be Parson returning and if the other Almighty kicked him off the estate it wouldn’t be horrible. His leg was still sore and the trip into the forest would be painful, but most of his work was done, or done enough. He couldn’t let this opportunity slip away. He searched the lab and found a small piece of metal he could use as a lock pick.

  He went to the door on the other side of the room and started working on the lock. It wasn’t as easy as Trinity made it seem. He tried again and again but he couldn’t get the latch to tumble. He leaned his head against the door, resting his hand on the handle. He stared at the doorknob. He’d been busy trying to blend in with the lab equipment, but he didn’t recall Parson locking the door when they’d left. It never hurt to try the obvious first. The handle turned and a blast of cold air hit him in the face. The room wasn’t freezing but it was close. As he stepped inside, a light automatically came on.

  There were rows and rows of shelves filled with boxes and crates. He moved farther into the room. Nothing was sealed. He opened the closest case—bottles of pills. Painkillers. He opened another case, more medication. He moved from box to box. There were legal and illegal drugs and some that were unfamiliar to him. He’d have to tell Townsend about this place. It definitely needed investigating.

  He went to the other side of the room and opened a large crate on the floor. It contained bottles of very expensive liquor. One of these would set someone back a fortune. He moved on to the next container, lifting the lid. His breath flew from his lungs as if he’d been punched. Organs were sealed and stacked, filling the crate. He picked up the top package—a pancreas. The entire case was filled with pancreases. Why would anyone want these and where did they come from? They were too small to be Producer. He put it back and closed the lid. He moved to the next crate. More organs. Gallbladders this time. There were dozens of containers like this lined up along the wall. His heart pounded as he glanced out the door. The lab was still empty. If he got caught in here, he was pretty sure he wouldn’t be turned over to the authorities.

  He left the room, locking the door behind him. He’d considered leaving it unlocked but he couldn’t risk Parson losing his job. He walked to the computer and stared at the blank screen. Bad leg or not, he needed to get out of here. The next time he met with Bruno, he’d arrange another meeting. One they’d have without The Victor because he was leaving. He’d come back to help Meesus’ daughter but he couldn’t stay here. It wasn’t safe.

  CHAPTER 16: JETHRO

  ANTICIPATION RACED THROUGH Jethro’s veins. Soon, Trinity would be his.

  Something fell in Tee’s room.

  “Are you okay?” he hollered from the couch.

  “Yeah,” she called back.

  He had to take her to his mother’s. She couldn’t be here once he brought Trinity back, but she had a quirky sense of humor and...he liked having her around. She’d gone through a lot but didn’t let it bring her spirit down. She was always trying new things—cooking, sewing and he was even teaching her to draw.

  “We should celebrate.” Indy walked into the living room from the kitchen, plate in hand.

  “How do you propose we do that when I’m not supposed to go anywhere?” It was still too soon for him to be seen by any Almightys. He shouldn’t be healed yet, but he was. He was better than ever—stronger, faster.

  “Ha,” shouted Indy. “You’ve been in the forest hunting rebels for weeks.” He handed one of his two large sandwiches to Jethro.

  “That’s different. No one but my Guards see me.” He took a bite. Indy made the best sandwiches which was good because Tee was useless in the kitchen. He’d swear she could burn water.

  “And your prisoners.” Indy dropped on the chair across from him. “Don’t forget about those who escaped.”

  This was the second time he’d lost one of the rebels and that meant the AC knew he was the one capturing their teams. Hugh was smart, he’d give him that. The other Almighty had figured out how to make Guards, House Servants and Producers work together and it was always the damn Servants who slipped past his Guards. “They aren’t going to report back to the Supreme Almighty.”

  “They have their own papers.” Indy took a huge bite of his sandwich. “You know Almightys read those papers,” he mumbled around his food.

  It was scary that he had no problem understanding Indy when the Guard talked with a mouthful of food. The two of them were spending way too much time together, but that’d change as soon as he had Trinity. “They won’t report their losses. At least they haven’t. They need to tell good news, not bad.”

  “When are you going to turn the prisoners over?”

  “I’m not. I’m going to trade them.” He’d locked them in one of his family’s facilities in the Warehouse district. It was the perfect place. The Guards who worked there had belonged to his family for years and were loyal. Plus, the building wasn’t being used for anything else and the cells were ideal for prisoners.

  “Do I need to ask for whom?”

  “I’d think it was obvious.” He took another bite of his sandwich. A few more captures and he’d have enough prisoners to trade for Trinity.

  “Come on.” Indy popped the last of his sandwich in his mouth. “You need to get your mind off that female. It’s not healthy for a male to keep it all bottled up. You need to spread your love.”

  “I can’t be seen, remember?”

  “I know just the place. Discreet. Accommodating.” Indy grinned.

  “Find me a willing female and I’ll follow you anywhere.” He stood, sandwich in hand. He really did need to get out. At first, the hunting had been challenging, but the rebels kept to the same play—show themselves and lead the Guards into a trap. He was disappointed Hugh wasn’t turning out to be a better adversary.

  “Since your last visit with a Guard was interrupted, I think we’ll start there. A good Guard will make you forget about that Servant.” Indy slapped him on the back and headed for the door.

  He doubted anything but weeks of bedding her would get her out of his head. He’d wanted her before but now, paired with revenge, it was a potent combination. He had the chains waiting for her in his bedroom. She’d be his prisoner. His slave. His in all ways, but until then, he needed another female.

  When he stepped outside his mother’s carriage was waiting in the driveway.

  “Cack, what are you doing here?” He wasn’t sure why he asked since Grunts didn’t talk, but Cack nodded his head and grinned - his big, toothy smile lighting up his face. “How’s your baby?” After months of being gone, Cack had returned to his mother’s house with a very pregnant mate. Jethro was sure the Grunt had been with the AC but he didn’t ask because he didn’t want to know. Cack was a good Grunt—hard working and even tempered. He was glad Cack was back to escort his mom and sister. He trusted the Grunt to look out for his family.

  Cack’s head bobbed.

  “Good. I’m glad.” He glanced at Indy. “How did he—”

  “Didn’t think it was a good idea for us to walk, so I went by your house this morning and had a chat with the fellow. He was up for making some extra money.” Indy slapped Cack’s back. “Have to support that new baby.”

  “Mom doesn’t need you tonight? Or Kim?” He hated leaving them without reliable transportation.

  Cack shook his head.

  “Well, then...Why not? It’ll be nice not to have to walk home drunk.” He grinned. “Although if I’m lucky, and I plan on being very lucky, I won’t be coming home until morning.”

  Cack’s face grew worried.

  “Don’t worry, buddy.” Jethro patted the Grunt’s shoulder. “If we’re out too late, I’ll send you home to your family. Indy and I can walk if we have to.”

  Cack smiled again and Jethro climbed into the carriage. Indy followed, after giving the Grunt directions. As the carriage took off, he pulled the curtains so no one c
ould see inside. They traveled for quite some time before stopping.

  “Is this another whore house?” He hopped out of the carriage. The area was rundown like the other place but instead of cozy little homes, there was nothing but large, concreate structures. “Why can’t we go back to the other one?” The female he’d picked weeks ago would do nicely. She wasn’t Trinity but she was close enough.

  “Nah. That area is frequented by too many Almightys and you can’t be seen, remember?” Indy jumped down and turned toward Cack. “Park behind this building. You should find some other carriages there. It’s a Guard’s club but a few are allowed to use their master’s carriages.” He grinned at Jethro as he headed across the street. “Some Almightys are okay.”

  Jethro followed. He’d be the only Almighty around. He was strong enough to take care of himself right now, but tonight, he’d rather find a female than a fight.

  “I need to see your papers.” A large Guard moved out of the shadows, blocking a doorway.

  “Papers?” asked Indy, surprised. “Only Guards come here and most won’t have papers.”

  “Then they don’t get in,” said the Guard, his eyes on Jethro. “Council’s orders and we don’t disobey the Council.”

  “He belongs to me.” Jethro nudged Indy. “You better be glad I came along.”

  “He needs to stay with you then, or he’s got to go.” The Guard let them pass.

  The club was dark and mostly empty.