EVO Shift: EVO Nation Series: Book Two

by Chapman, K. J

  Straightening his tie, he takes the tray from Anders and waves him out of the room. “Mash potatoes. At least we can get some carbs in you, eh?”

  I don’t even request to feed myself. I know that he takes pleasure in the task. Pushing up on my elbow, I study his face as he spoons potato into my mouth. He smiles, but I remain neutral. I don’t want to give myself away- less is more.

  I clear the plate much to Towley’s satisfaction. Settling into the chair, he kicks off his shoes and stretches out, hanging his head back from the chair.

  “What are you doing?”

  “Getting some sleep. You should too.”

  “You act like I’m going to disappear. I’m strapped to the bed for God’s sake. You’ve made sure that I’m not going anywhere.”

  He just smiles and closes his eyes. “Sleep now.”

  ***

  I wake drowsy and sluggish. All I have been doing of late is waking in a state of confusion and fear. It takes a moment for me to comprehend that I am dressed in red scrubs and sat in a wheelchair in the back of a van. I’m shackled; I don’t mean hand cuffs- I mean full on shackles. My wrists are cuffed and the cuffs are connected by thick metal. My ankle cuffs are connected by heavy chain. It clatters as I move my feet, drawing Towley’s attention.

  My tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth. “You drugged me.”

  He leans in closer. “I put a sedative into the mash potatoes. I knew you wouldn’t have taken it willingly and I wanted you to have a full night’s rest. Cruel to be kind I’m afraid.”

  I won’t rise to it. I won’t even ask who dressed me; I’m pretty sure I know the answer. “Where are we going?”

  “We’re moving locations as is protocol, but we need to make a quick pit stop first.”

  I slouch back, wincing as the dressings on my back pull tight against the wounds. Towley looks to move, to put his arm behind me, but he scans the van and decides against it. The three soldiers, including Anders, watch him curiously. The way he sits leaning into me, how he inclines close to me when he talks; they see it, and Towley is aware of it. He straightens up, allowing space between us, and my stomach relaxes a little.

  Every bump of the van is agony, so I close my eyes and concentrate on my breathing.

  “We’re nearly there,” Towley announces. “It sounds like we’ve a good turn out.”

  Ahead of us, a car park stretches out with hundreds, if not thousands of cars. Armed soldiers act as attendants, showing cars to their bays. People walk through a marquee turn style to whatever lies beyond. It sounds like a fun fair- music- voices on loud speakers- people laughing.

  “What is this?”

  “It’s our rally,” Towley says. “We took advantage of Syndicate’s sudden cancellation. A bit of a slap in the face for Grayson James to see a government rally in the same locale that Syndicate had planned to hold theirs. It shows our determination don’t you think? I need to show my face, do a quick speech, and then we will be on our way.”

  An armed man hands our driver a badge, and we ascend a different road around the back of the car park and down a steep incline toward a mammoth manor house built into a cliff face. Other military vehicles are stationed outside. A cold sweat seeps through my scrubs. I have a bad feeling about this. This is a Non-EVO rally.

  We pull up right outside. Towley jumps out, greets men on guard at the door, and heads inside.

  “He is infatuated with you,” Anders says to me. “It’s gross.” One of the soldiers elbows him to shut up.

  I shudder. “I know. He wants to collect me. It’s sick. He thinks because he doesn’t personally torture me his hands are clean, and I will grow to love him in some way.” I have all their attention- they look appalled- I need to play on it. “He tells the world that I’m evil and dangerous, and then he tells me that I’m the most beautiful creature he’s ever seen. He knows the truth about what went down in Italy, and he is just using me to add validity to his lies. He knew I wouldn’t confess to something I wasn’t part of unless he threatened my friends.”

  “Shut it, EVO,” the angry looking soldier barks.

  “We need to help her,” blurts Anders. “Theyda and I have been... talking. I checked out some of the things she said and they’re true. She killed Isaac Woodman, and she wasn’t his daughter.”

  “You’ve been talking to Gregor. You’re a bloody idiot,” Angry Soldier snaps. He must be the soldier who’d rather look the other way than find the truth.

  “Yeah, I had to. I was careful, but Gregor outright told me that Woodman was dead before they arrived. Not only that, he gave me this.” He brandishes a USB stick. “Gregor is being eaten up with guilt. He knows what we’re doing to her, and he knows she’s innocent.”

  “What’s on the stick?” the younger, slimmer soldier asks.

  “CCTV from Italy.”

  Both of them recoil from it. “Shit, Anders. Put that away.”

  “So, you’re okay to know the truth and torture Theyda and her friends anyway?”

  “Where are my friends?”

  “They will be transferring them from the facility later. This is more than a pit stop. This is what Towley has had planned for you all along.”

  Towley’s voice sounds out as he marches back toward the van. Banging on the side, he straightens his cuff links. “Get the prisoner out.” His eyes meet mine through the windscreen, and an uneasy feeling claws at my stomach. Something is happening here, only I’m not sure what.

  Angry soldier and Young soldier unchain me and drag me to my feet. I bite my lip to stop from screaming out in agony. Anders trains his gun on me, but his expression is one of concern.

  I’m made to walk. I can only take small steps to appease my bruised torso and shredded back. My chains clank and clang as I move and drag painfully from my ankles. Towley doesn’t rush me, he keeps with my slow pace, every so often stealing glances that I choose to avoid.

  “You look worried, Theyda,” he says. I don’t reply. “You will not be harmed today. Yes, there are many here who would like a piece of you, but I shall ensure your safety. I take your silence as confirmation of your concern.”

  I won’t speak to him about this. I know his little game now- get me riled enough or scared enough to talk to him, and then he can play the reassuring, caring confidant. It’s sick and perverted, and I’m done.

  I continue to shuffle toward the door. The soldiers stiffen when they see me, flexing their fingers over their triggers. I make a conscious effort to look them in the eyes; not in defiance, but in sheer hope that they’ll see me- the real me. One glowers, just one step away from growling at me. The other stares back, his face is expressionless. I look back to my feet and follow Towley into the warmth of the hotel.

  More soldiers stand aside as we pass. All eyes bore into me and I feel violated. Most of these people would happily put a bullet in my head, and not only does that terrify me, it hurts like hell. I’m not who they think I am. Training my eyes on Anders, I look for a soft expression. I need to see something that resembles kindness.

  Towley slows his pace to step in between us. “It appears our prisoner is taken with you, marine.”

  Anders Adam’s apple bobs. “The prisoner’s scrutiny will not work on me, Sir.

  Towley laughs. “I’m sure it will not. Do not let her unnerve you. She is half the EVO she once was.” He taps at his own head, indicating the scrambler in mine. “And that is exactly what we shall show the world today.”

  “Unwise move,” I say, keeping my eyes straight ahead. “You’re only going to cause more animosity, especially with the E.N.C.”

  “You should know,” Towley says.

  “I’m not E.N.C and you know it.”

  “That is not what you confessed.” He rolls his eyes at Young soldier. “Delusional,” he says, sighing.

  “I would have said anything to stop you murdering my friends.”

  Ignoring my comment, he opens a door, leading us into a grand conservatory. Walls only stretch to waist he
ight and the rest is glass. Seagulls walk along the glass ceiling, pecking at pieces of moss. Sunlight streams in and the room is a good few degrees hotter than the corridor. From where I stand, the view stretches out over the ocean. Towley crosses to the far side of the room and looks out with a satisfied grin plastered on his face.

  “Come and look,” he says, beckoning me over. Angry soldier grips my elbow. “Leave her be. She is secure, is she not? Come, Theyda.”

  I shuffle my way across the room, dragging the chains unceremoniously.

  The conservatory is situated on the edge of a cliff. The whole front of the house is built into rock and cliff face. To our far right are fields full of busying bodies. I could be looking down upon a festival. So many people are crowded into the rally they look like ants. There are food stalls, popcorn machines; everything you’d expect at a fair ground. Some people have even laid out blankets and deck chairs. My blood runs cold. This many people are here to declare loyalty to Towley. They hate EVO, they support the detention centres, and the despicable treatment of the EVO children. I quickly regain my composure, cursing myself for allowing him to see my dismay.

  “The amount of people who would see you lynched is astounding.”

  I step away from the glass. “Well, they’ve missed that show.”

  Towley smiles. “You are quite the character. It’s a shame you were born this way.”

  I purposely turn to meet him. “I’m proud of who I am, of the people I have managed to save with my ability, of the man I was able to kill. You hate EVO because you are jealous. It’s as simple as that.”

  Towley tilts his head. “You reckon so.”

  “I know so. That’s why you are hell bent on collecting me, of having me for yourself. You can’t be EVO, so owning me is the next best thing.”

  He turns to face the soldiers. “You can see how warped her mind is.”

  “But you said I was magnificent.” I keep my voice even, but an obvious smirk in my eye.

  He glares at me, warning me to zip it. “You have taken that out of context.” He rubs sweat from his forehead.

  “But didn’t you say I was the most beautiful creature you had ever seen?”

  The soldiers don’t know how to react. Do they feign disinterest? Do they offer Towley an out?

  “I- I... Now, you are just lying!” He grips the top of my arm, digging his fingers in painfully.

  “I think you’re in love with me and the thought of it disgusts me to my core.”

  Towley coughs, spluttering over his words. “I do not love you.” He laughs nervously, eyeing the soldiers.

  Anders and I share a cautious look that is not missed by Towley.

  “What was that?” He pulls me closer. His eyes darting from Anders to me. “Answer me, marine.”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about, Sir.”

  “You looked at her.”

  “I am judging the prisoner’s reactions, Sir.”

  Towley’s face is full of thunder. “Bullshit! Do you have something to say?” Towley pulls his gun, aiming it at Anders.

  He’s going to shootH his face has contorted, and his finger finds the trigger. I feel like I move in slow motion. I shout Anders’ name, rush Towley, and barge his outstretched arm. A shot blasts through the air, and Anders cries out, clutching at his thigh. Angry soldier instinctively aims at Towley.

  “If you know what is good for you, York, you will lower your weapon and look the other way.” Towley aims at Anders once again.

  York steps in front of Anders. “What are you doing, Sir?”

  “So be it,” says Towley. He pulls the trigger again, only this time I’m quicker. I throw my shackled arms over his head, pulling back with all my might. Towley staggers into me, grasping at my arms. The bullet embeds into the wall inches above Young soldier’s head.

  “Get him help!” I scream at York. He hesitates, his eyes meeting mine. “All three of you need to get the hell away from here.” I struggle to hold Towley against my chest. “Go now.”

  York grabs Anders legs and Young soldier lifts under his arms.

  “Thank you,” York says, before rushing from the room.

  I fight with Towley, keeping as strong of a hold on him as I can to give Anders, York, and Young soldier a head start. He pushes back until I fall under his weight. My back slams the wooden floor and I cry out, but I don’t release my grip. Towley’s full weight is on top of me, clutching at the shackles restricting his air supply. He throws his head back, connecting with my nose and causing my eyes to water and flare with spots. He uses it to his advantage, wrenching my hands in the air, and sliding out from my grip.

  He staggers to his feet, rubbing at his throat and growling in anger. His foot connects with my stomach and bile rushes to my throat. “Stupid bitch,” he snarls, grabbing my scruff and lifting my torso from the floor. His fist meets my already bloody face. My eye swells instantly, and I spit blood from my mouth. He beats me again and again; my head lolls as I verge on unconsciousness. He kicks my ribs over and over and I feel the physical crack of bone, but am helpless to stop it.

  Flopping into a chair with a thud, he starts to shout orders into his watch. I roll on to my side to shield my face in my arms.

  “Look what you made me do!” he screams at me. “You stupid, stupid girl.”

  Soldiers burst into the room, and one man wrenches me to my feet, holding me out in front of him like I am contagious. I can’t breathe; the air isn’t getting in. A wheezing noise emits from my throat followed by puke all over the soldier’s boots.

  “York, Anders, and Hadley made an attempt on my life. The prisoner has swayed them, somehow. I want them found!” he screams. “Anders is injured, so they can’t have gotten far. She must be accompanied at all times.” He rubs at his throat. “She is stronger than she looks.”

  I start to laugh. I’m concussed for sure; I can see two Towley’s glaring at me. “You may take my ability out of the equation, but do not underestimate what’s left behind.”

  “God damn it. I can’t parade her on stage looking like that. Keep her in here until I say otherwise,” Towley orders the men, and then he storms from the room.

  CHAPTER THIRTY ONE

  “Anders always was a loose cannon, but I’d have never thought it of York,” one soldier whispers. They all mutter their agreements, looking about the room in confusion. “Did you put the cameras in every room, Jenner?”

  “Yeah.” The man who must be Jenner points to the small, unobtrusive camera attached to the door frame. He fiddles with his watch and is quiet for a moment. “Shit,” he says, looking at me. I can barely focus, and all I can taste is the metal tang of blood.

  They gather around Jenner, watching what I assume to be Towley shooting Anders.

  “She saved them,” says another voice. “What is going on?”

  “Nothing that concerns us. They were obviously in cahoots with the freak. EVO sympathisers make me sick,” says another voice. “Give her to me.”

  “This isn’t right. Anders didn’t even open his mouth, but Towley shot him.”

  “Towley is psychopathic and in love with an EVO,” I say. A laugh accompanies it, and a second boot meets my face.

  “Do not listen to the freak,” the EVO hater says.

  Another soldier strides into the room. His eyes rest on me for a moment before looking to the others with what I can only describe as pure anger. He introduces himself, and then shoots them with tranquiliser darts. He ducks behind a table until they stop firing and fall unconscious.

  “Are they out cold?” He shouts to me.

  I glance at the sleeping bodies. “Yeah,” I wheeze.

  The man emerges from behind the table, his appearance contorting before my eyes. The tall, slim soldier is replaced with a muscular, brooding Rio. I would cry if my eye would let me.

  “Hey, Cub. My name is Rio and I shall be your hero for today,” he jokes, that cheeky grin of his illuminating his face. “Is that a smile? I can’t tell.”<
br />
  “I may look like Quasimodo, but inside I’m swooning.” I force a laugh, but it soon turns into a wheezing cough.

  “I don’t doubt,” he says, and then his face turns a little serious. “Sorry, we couldn’t get here sooner, Babe.”

  “Fashionably late, right?” Just talking takes my breath away. “Wheeler and Cooper?” I ask.

  “We’ve got them. They were left back at the facility with little security. Piece of cake.” He kisses my forehead, and then presses his finger to his ear to talk. “Furthest door on the left. The conservatory,” Rio says.

  There a popping noise accompanied by a rush of wind as the door whooshes open. The blur I know to be Brick comes to a stop in front of me.

  “And this is my sidekick, Little John,” Rio says.

  Brick’s face is the most serious I have seen it. “Come on, Little Cub. Let’s get you out of here.” He lifts me and I scream in pain. It’s okay for me to cry now. He lifts my scrubs a little and gestures for Rio to have a look. “That bastard,” he says, blowing deeply out of his nose.

  Brick picks me up like a father would lift a child, wrapping my legs around his waist, so I can rest on his shoulder, and offering relief for my back. “Why is she breathing like that?”

  “Collapsed lung I’m guessing,” Rio says, rubbing my shoulder.

  “Have you found her? How is she?” comes Adam’s voice through their ear pieces. His voice is loud and both Rio and Brick swear under their breath.

  Rio looks to me with a small smile. “Well, she’s alive.”

  “What does that mean? How is she, Rio?”

  He brushes his hair out of his face. “She’s in a nasty way. I don’t know what else to say to you, Bruv. Get Ingrid to the check point- now.”

  “Just bring her back to me... please,” Adam says, softly.

  “Hold on as tight as you can, Cub. We’re going for a sprint,” says Brick. I bury into his neck, and he holds across my backside and the nape of my neck. There’s a familiar thunder clap noise and we’re moving. My scrubs stick tight to my dressings, and Brick’s hands hold me firmly to him. A burst of light and cool air let me know that we’re outside. Colours shoot passed us in a sickening blur, and then I feel like I’m flying. The weightlessness is amazing, but I realise Brick’s grip has gone from my body. I’m hurtling through the air at speed and the ground is gaining.