by AR Colbert
“Of course.” Emmaline nodded curtly and shook Everett’s hand goodbye.
“Ms. Greenwood, I hope to see much more of you in the future. It’s been a joy.” He clapped Felix on the back. “Knock ‘em dead, son. Make your old man proud!”
“Thank you, Father. I will. Goodbye.”
Felix took my hand into the crook of his elbow and turned us back toward the party. His pace was brisk, and he didn’t breathe normally again until we were back in the middle of the action in the ballroom.
“That didn’t seem so bad,” I offered, trying to boost his mood.
Felix blew air through his nose. “At least it was brief. Will you dance with me?”
“Sure.”
We made our way to the dance floor and the band picked up their volume as the crowd parted for us. It reminded me of when we danced at the Harvest Dinner. But the attention we’d received at that event was nothing compared to this time.
Felix and I moved naturally together. His strong arms made me feel light as a feather, and I delighted in the way he moved me so fluidly across the dance floor. It was like a dream. A dream with a dense crowd of onlookers.
I leaned in and whispered, “Who is Ms. Yoder?”
“Ms. Yoder was the Director of the Greater Midwest District for New America.”
“Was?”
“She was found dead yesterday morning in her bed.”
“Oh my! Is that who your father worked for?”
Felix swallowed. “It’s who my father was working to replace.”
I tripped over my feet, but Felix pulled me gracefully along, never missing a beat despite his racing heart.
“So he’s stepping into her role right away?”
“And I’m stepping into his.”
We didn’t speak any more until the song ended. The moment we stepped off the dance floor we were surrounded by journalists.
“Mr. Walsh!”
“Ms. Greenwood!”
“Congratulations on your new position!”
“Can you tell us about the rebel leader you apprehended?”
“Senator Walsh, over here!”
Felix took a deep breath and reached for my hand. It was a good thing, too. I was tempted to run from all the noise. I hated the attention on us.
He smiled handsomely for the cameras. “Whoa now, I’m not a Senator just yet.”
“My apologies, sir.” The woman who spoke smiled and stepped forward, using his acknowledgment as her opportunity to question him first. “But it’s only a matter of time. Do you have plans for your new position? Any big changes coming after you step into office?”
“My father set Classen City on the road to success, and he has taught me well. I intend to carry out the directives he’s put into place.” He looked over at me. “And with the help of a strong team around me, I intend to make our city safer and stronger than ever.”
A bright light flashed to my left, temporarily blinding me. I tried to smile and shake it off, the way Felix was doing. He didn’t get enough credit for standing under the pressure of the spotlight so often.
“Mr. Walsh!” A man on the right spoke up next. “We’ve noticed how close you and Ms. Greenwood have become in the short time you’ve been working together. May I ask if there’s anything more to your relationship?”
My cheeks grew hot, but Felix didn’t even flinch.
“If only I were so lucky!” he chuckled, thoroughly charming everyone listening. “Claren Greenwood is an incredible woman. I can only hope that someday I am matched with someone as special as she is. But for now, we have work to do. There’s no time for any of us to focus on romance. I wouldn’t dare to get attached to someone right now anyway. It would be a disservice to the woman I am matched with in the future.”
I wished it didn’t sting. It was silly. He was right. We would receive our spouse matches in just a year— even sooner for Felix. He would turn twenty in the fall. And Felix wasn’t the guy for me anyway. I needed someone more rugged. Someone willing to take my hand and join me in a life-changing movement Outside with the Embers. Someone like Raf. This posh lifestyle of the Leaders wasn’t right for me.
But it stung anyway.
I smiled for the cameras and quietly pulled my hand away from Felix as the ever-growing crowd around us cooed over his words.
“If you’ll excuse us,” Felix added, “we’ve got to get going now. I hear there’s a big announcement about to take place.” He raised his brows playfully and waved goodbye.
The band stopped their song as a group of Leaders stepped upon the stage. Emmaline was beaming in front of a microphone. Justice Hines was there, too. The members of Felix’s inner circle gathered closest to him as he joined Emmaline in front of the crowd.
He really did a fabulous job of acting excited. But I knew the real Felix. This was torture for him. As Emmaline read off his accomplishments and qualifications, I took in the crowd around me. Aiden stood near one wall with a group of young men and their spouses. A beautiful blond woman was perched gracefully under his protective arm.
Emilio stood propped up on a cane near Rider, who was absolutely dashing in his black suit. They both were, really. It seemed everyone from my team fit into this crowd much better than I did. There were several other familiar faces as I scanned the perimeter of the room, but all eyes were on Felix as he took his oath on the stage.
The crowd erupted with applause as Felix Walsh was officially sworn into office as Classen City’s Senator for the Greater Midwest District of New America. Felix’s eyes met mine as I clapped wildly for him along with everyone else. I really was proud of him. I could hold my shoulders high celebrating this man who believed in changing the system. There was hope for Classen City, yet.
Another set of eyes caught my attention as I turned away. Georgia Hines stood near the front of the room with some of the other young Peacemakers in a burgundy velvet gown, her chestnut hair piled high on her head. She scowled, as usual, but there was something unsettling about it that night. She looked almost victorious. Edgar looked at me as well, but quickly averted his eyes when they met mine.
This life may have been glamorous, but the politics disgusted me. I wondered how many of the other guests in the room had agendas they were trying to push. How many others hated each other the way Georgia hated me? I didn’t like the game.
Now that Felix was officially Senator Walsh, it was time for me to go. The crowd was incrementally moving closer to the stage to offer congratulations, but I was pushing in the opposite direction, silently making my way toward the exit. I pushed open the double doors, anxious to breathe freely again, but there was one more obstacle I’d have to get past first.
“Claren, I’m so glad I ran into you again.”
“Hello, Emmaline.” I nodded politely. “I was actually just going to head home for the night. I’m sure you can understand I’m still very tired after this week’s events.”
“Of course I understand.” She smiled, kindly. Too kindly. And she didn’t step out of my way.
“Was there something else?”
Emmaline hesitated, but her smile never faltered. ”There is, actually, yes. You were marvelous tonight. Felix absolutely glows with you by his side, and I appreciate your help. The crowd loved him.”
“I’m happy to help.” I fought to keep from rolling my eyes. Everything was about appearances for Emmaline.
“They loved you as well,” she continued. “You even caught the eyes of some of the District Leaders.”
Something in her tone caused me to square up my shoulders, defensively. There was more to her words.
“Claren... I may have a new opportunity for you. How would you feel about moving to Louisburg and working for the District?”
I inhaled sharply. “I don’t know about that.”
She tilted her head, her smile almost apologetic. “I don’t need an answer now. But think about it? Just give it some thought and we can discuss the details next week.”
I nodded just t
o get her out of the way. “I will give it some thought. Goodnight Ms. Frasier.”
“Goodnight, Claren.”
I couldn’t get out to the car fast enough. Aside from a few good men, the entire Leadership and everyone in the Center reminded me of a pit of snakes. The Outside was calling to me louder than ever. I wasn’t a Leader. I was an Ember.
CHAPTER 29
I crashed hard that night, sleeping more peacefully than I had in a long while. The next morning I sat up with a stretch and a yawn, and Elizabeth’s painting on my wall lured me into its swirl of colors once again. The painting gave me a thrill of hope. It wouldn’t be long before I was actively working right alongside the Embers.
Felix looked exhausted at the breakfast table. “Late night?” I asked.
“So late. They wouldn’t let me out of there.”
I laughed. “You’re kind of a big deal now. Everyone wanted to talk to you.”
“You didn’t stick around long though.”
Sadness played at his eyes, almost as though he knew what I was about to say. An attendant came in, mercifully giving me more time to collect my thoughts as he set a dish of yogurt and berries in front of me.
But my words spilled out the moment the attendant exited the room. “Felix, I’m leaving.”
He didn’t look surprised. Just hurt. “When?”
“Today. I’m sorry. But I can’t stay here. This world isn’t for me.”
“Claren, if this has anything to do with—”
“It doesn’t.”
My statement fell to the table between us, temporarily leaving us silent as we considered the future.
“What if I reworked my advisors?” Felix asked, finally. “I could remove Justice Hines and find another Peacemaker for her role.”
“It’s not that.” I looked around to be sure we were alone before dropping my voice to a whisper. “My dad.”
He nodded and stared down into his coffee cup. When he looked up again, he wore a sad smile. “Well I’ll count myself lucky for the days you were with me.”
He tried to maintain a cheerful conversation through the rest of the meal, recapping the evening for me. But we both felt the tension lingering in the air. Part of me was reluctant to leave him, even if I knew it was the best decision for me. But maybe we would meet again one day in a better world. A world with more freedom.
I excused myself after breakfast to go upstairs and pack my few belongings. Felix tapped on the door shortly thereafter.
“Hey, do you mind if I come hang out until you go? I can help you pack or whatever.”
“There’s not much to pack. But I’d love the company.”
He smiled and sat on the edge of my bed. “So you’re really going back Outside? For good?”
“I am.” I sighed. “I don’t know how I could go on pretending to be a Leader now that I know my dad is alive. I have to go be with him.”
Felix looked down at his hands. “They’re going to know where you’ve gone. Emmaline and the others.”
“I know.” I’d already considered that. I wasn’t too worried about Emmaline. I just hoped she’d be able to keep Justice Hines off my back until she was able to cool down a bit.
“I don’t think they have any reason to look for me, though,” I continued. “They know I won’t do anything to harm them. At least, I hope they know that.”
He nodded. “I’ll help persuade them to let you be. Hopefully I’ll be able to resist coming to find you, too.” He said it playfully, but his joke hit too close to home. The hurt was evident in his voice.
I joined him on the bed. “Felix, I would love to see you again. I hope that we’ll be able to work together, the way you’ve worked with others Outside. This isn’t the end for us.”
He took my hand. “I’m happy to hear you say that.”
We held hands in silence for a few minutes before I stood. “I guess I better finish up here.”
“Right, sorry. Do you need any help? Do you want me to escort you out of the city or something?”
“We can’t have our new Senator caught in a scandal on his first day.” I smiled. “Besides, there’s someone I need to talk to before I go anyway.”
“Okay, just promise me you’ll be safe?”
“I’ll be safe.”
We paused, locking eyes from across the room. Felix’s chest rose and fell rapidly. I could feel his heart pounding as though it was my own. And then, without warning, he took two long swift strides toward me and slid his hand behind my neck, pulling me in close to him. His mouth pressed against mine softly, and then he quickly pulled away. It was brief, just a fraction of a moment, but there was enough emotion in the kiss to carry me through for days. I really would miss him.
I touched my fingertips to my lips as I watched him pull open my bedroom door.
“Goodbye, Claren Greenwood.”
“Goodbye, Felix Walsh.”
He wasn’t waiting downstairs when I left just minutes later. He was a busy man. I suspected he’d already gone off to work, but I hurried out the door just in case. I didn’t think I’d be able to say goodbye again, and it wasn’t good for me to start second-guessing myself.
The sun was shining over the rooftops on the east, and it warmed my back slightly as I scurried down the sidewalk, trying to remember which corner would take me down to James’ house. I went over the words in my mind again and again, practicing what I would say when I saw him, but it never got any easier.
Finally, I reached his doorstep and knocked. There was no answer. I knocked again, a little louder in case he was in a different room. I’d assumed he would be home after learning of John Michael’s fate, but maybe he had gone to work after all. Maybe they didn’t give him any time to grieve. If the Leadership was so cold-hearted that they wouldn’t even give a man two days to mourn the loss of his son...
The knob turned, quickly deescalating my rising anger. But my fire had already been ignited inside, and I was reminded of all the reasons we had to change the system. I was so angry at the world we lived in. We had to do something. John Michael didn’t have to die. With the Embers, I would ensure that innocent lives weren’t lost any longer.
James smiled, but there was no sparkle left in his eyes. “Claren, come in.”
I opened my mouth to speak, but the words caught in my throat. James had devoted his life to serving others. Yet here in one of his greatest moments of weakness he stood alone. I threw my arms around him, pulling him into a hug. After just a moment, he wrapped his arms around me as well, and we stood together, crying silently.
“I’m so sorry, James.”
“I am too. But I’m also so proud. John Michael sacrificed his life for the cause, and there’s no better way to go out.”
“I agree.” I sniffled. “And I want to do the same.”
He pulled back, and his eyes grew wide. “What are you talking about?”
“I’m saying I don’t want to live here in the Center anymore. I don’t want lavish meals and fancy parties. I want change. And I’m ready to go Outside for the cause. I want to join the Embers. Can you help me get there?”
“Claren, you are a part of the Embers. A big part, from what I understand. Are you sure you don’t want to continue their work here, from the inside?”
“I can’t. Not anymore.”
His shoulders deflated a touch, but he forced a smile. “I understand. I know how difficult it can be in here. I can make a few calls, but I’m not sure if I’ll be able to find anyone to escort you out to the camps. Where are you wanting to go, exactly?”
“I want to go stay with my dad for a while. Then I guess I’ll go wherever I’m needed.”
He nodded. “Give me just a moment. Have a seat if you’d like, and I’ll be right back.”
I sat on the old man’s couch and examined pictures lining a modest bookshelf against the wall. There was a picture of James and his wife, young and in love. Another showed their small family after John Michael was born. And the third was an image
of the two men smiling, James with gray tips sprinkled throughout his hair, and John Michael holding a baby of his own, swaddled in pink. My eyes stung again.
It further strengthened my resolve. I needed my dad. Our days were limited and time was precious. Dad and I had lost so much of it already.
James entered the room again with a little bounce to his step. “I’ve got good news. Your dad is nearby at a small camp south of town. There’s a bit of a gathering with some good news being announced. If you can navigate the tunnels to Morton, there’s a gal who can get you the rest of the way.”
“I’m not sure if I can,” I replied honestly. “John Michael led the way last time, and I didn’t pay much attention to where we were going.”
“Well let that be your first lesson,” James said, patting me on the back as I stood. “Always be aware of your surroundings, and learn to love the least traveled routes. I’ll draw out a map for you to take with you. Try to memorize it for the future,” he added with a wink. “And make sure you destroy it once you get out of town.”
With the hand-drawn map clenched tightly in my fist, I waved goodbye and descended back into the tunnels. There were no bicycles this time. No flashlights. Just me and my map and my running shoes.
I hadn’t really worked my legs since before I left Morton, though running with Cato was once one of my favorite things to do. The last time I sprinted was to get into the Peacemaker program. Now I was sprinting back away from it. Away from Classen City and all the memories it held.
The map led me to a metal ladder, and my legs were still burning from my run as I climbed up to rap on the ceiling, as James had instructed me to do. I heard some scuffling around, then the ceiling slid over to reveal a young man gaping down at me.
“Claren?”
I stepped back down and put my hand over my open mouth. “Billy. Are you... going Outside?”
He hopped down to the floor of the tunnel with a grin, readjusting the bag on his shoulders. “I sure am. But I wasn’t expecting to see you. Are you going, too?”
“Looks like it.” I smiled. “Do you know where to go from here?”