Jasmine (Teumessian Trilogy Book 3)

by Ana Elise Meyer

  “Yes, ma’am.” Ping smiled, running his hand through his dark hair.

  “Everything each of you applied yourselves to, you mastered with ease. Rose, a trauma nurse. Nathan, turned down that hockey draft for this, didn't you?”

  “Hockey can wait,” Nathan said, leaning back in his chair.

  “Why would this mix be recruited if they didn't know who you were? Not only that, why would you all say yes? Bradley, you were off to law school. Why did you stop and say yes?”

  “I felt it was my duty to serve. That and they offered a lot of money,” he chuckled, looking at Ping. “And now that you are telling us, we are brothers, the fact that I thought we looked alike isn't as creepy anymore. I am a bit creeped out that I thought Olivia was hot.” Bradley continued to laugh, but Marie ignored him.

  “None of you would say no. It is not in your DNA. These are your fathers; you are the future,” Marie announced.

  Chessy looked to Mitchell. Yes, they did look alike. His blonde hair was a bit darker than hers, but facial structure was eerily similar.

  The group stared in wonder at the faces of their biological fathers. Rose, with her beautiful red hair, raised her hand. “Why are there no names under Michael?”

  Marie half smiled. “Because he refused to participate. Stanley let him refuse, because he thought it would hurt me to make Michael do it. Michael’s children are right there.” Marie pointed to James and Jasmine.

  Jasmine smiled, looking up at Michael’s picture. “You look like him.” Jasmine gave James a playful shove.

  The rest of the group was looking around at each other, looking for resemblances to each other.

  “So, time to digest everything and catch up with each other. We will move forward tomorrow.”

  The group was content with that and started to talk, trying to make sense of what they were just told. Marie started to leave the room, but was grabbed by Ray and drug further down the hall into a storage room.

  “The people in charge of this messed up situation think those children are super humans, don’t they? They think they are like you.” Ray confronted Marie.

  Marie averted eye contact.

  “Answer me!”

  “Yes, and it wouldn’t matter if I told them otherwise. They would want to test them for themselves. They couldn’t stay hidden forever. It is better that they are in my hands than theirs.”

  “Three of them are dead. They will know they are not like you. How do you plan to keep up your ruse?”

  “They haven’t been ‘unlocked’ or, at least, that is the story I have been selling to Warren and will sell to everyone else. They are here to be ‘unlocked’, but I just plan to train them better.” Marie smirked.

  “You want to use these children against Sergei.”

  “What other option do we have? I have been trying to find a way to bring him down for as long as I knew he existed. If you think I wanted to bring them into this, you are wrong, but I can’t do it alone. I need a team, and they are programmed to be the best.”

  “Then I am not leaving their side. You will have to do this with me,” Ray ordered.

  “If you can keep up.” Marie winked, pushing past Ray, heading up to the training floor.

  Ray went back to the medical room, calling to his team, “Team, let’s go.”

  They all instantly got up and started to follow Ray back to the training room. Once there, Ray locked eyes on Marie, who was standing in the middle of the training floor, barefoot, holding a bo.

  “Raymond Clayton! Wanna play?” Marie teased.

  “Yes ma’am,” Ray gritted through his teeth. Ray took off his shoes and grabbed a bo off the wall.

  The group looked on in anticipation of the fight. The two squared up. Marie struck first, a twirl and a block by Ray. The fight exploded from there. Ray was not used to an opponent with this level of skill and speed. He was constantly on the defense, trying to stay up. Finally, he saw his opportunity and landed a strike to Marie’s back, knocking her forward.

  “To submission?” Marie questioned, throwing her bo from the floor.

  Ray responded, doing the same, “Bring it.” Ray was ready for her, but no match. Marie was quickly able to take hold of him, tripping and slamming him on the ground, her body over his. Marie grinned, locking eyes with Ray. Her legs straddling his body, holding him down.

  “Well, darling, as much fun as it is having you under me, the children are present. We have to behave.” Marie winked, climbing off of Ray.

  Ray sat up to watch Marie disappear back down the hallway. Ray turned back to see the stunned looks on the faces of his team. “Get to your bunks. We will begin tomorrow. Until then, rest,” Ray ordered, getting up and following Marie.

  Each of the team looked to each other, and eyes locked, finally, on Jasmine. “So how did you end up with us?” Liam questioned, running his hand through his dark hair, approaching Jasmine. “Well, Mom over there, brought me into this,” Jasmine replied, pointing towards the hallway Marie went down.

  “Time out. She said you two were Michael’s kids. But James, you and this girl are HER children?” Ping interrupted, stepping forward towards James.

  James nodded his head. “Yes, she is our mother.”

  Nathan laughed. “Dude your mom is hot!” he blurted out.

  “Ok, I’m done.” James stormed down the hallway, with Jasmine following quickly behind.

  Greg surveyed the group. They were all standing there, trying to make small talk amid James storming out, but he could tell they were all in shock still from finding out about their biological fathers. “Hey everyone, Ray said we needed to head to the bunks and get some sleep. We can get ourselves together in the morning. Let’s go,” Greg ordered.

  Everyone was too overwhelmed to argue and followed Greg to the bunk area. Greg found his way to the bunk room, where James and Jasmine had found themselves. Chessy followed him. James was sitting on the bottom bunk, Jasmine sitting on the floor against the wall.

  “James, you need to keep your head. Storming off like that isn’t helping the situation. They were just making a few jokes to lighten a really messed up situation.” Greg approached James and placed his hand on James’ shoulder.

  James brushed him off. “They have no idea what I am going through. They make jokes, but I am the one who is stuck having to deal with the fact that SHE is my mother!” James yelled.

  “You think you are the only one with a seriously fucked up life? Well, news flash, the rest of us just found out that our fathers are not our fathers, and we are the product of some sick fuck’s science fair project. So maybe, you should give the rest of us some slack,” Greg yelled back.

  “Please stop yelling, both of you,” Chessy pleaded.

  James hung his head. “You’re right. I’m sorry. This is just a lot and watching her act like that doesn’t help.”

  “Quit judging her.” Jasmine stood up. “Such a snob all of you. Boo hoo, at least, all of you had childhoods. Suck it up and move the fuck on.” Jasmine stormed from the room.

  Greg shook his head. “I am going to bed. I am done with all of this.” Greg took a seat on the bottom bunk across from James. “Goodnight,” Greg huffed, rolling over and pulling the grey blanket over his head.

  James looked to Chessy. He could see she was tearing up. He knew Greg was right. Their worlds had just been turned upside down, and they were hanging on by a thread. James stood up and walked over and pulled Chessy towards him, wrapping her in his arms. “This will all work out,” he whispered in her ear.

  Chessy nodded her head as she buried it in his chest. Chessy pulled away, slowly making eye contact with James. He leaned in to kiss her, but she stepped back. “I’m going to bed.” Chessy let out quietly through her tears. Chessy climbed up on top of the bunk above Greg and buried her head in her pillow. James rubbed his face. He was done as well. Laying down on his bunk, he slowly closed his eyes and prayed for sleep to come.

  Jasmine had made her way back to the training floo
r. It was more familiar to her, fighting. She had done it her entire life. Little memories remained of her time with the Lings. Images and feelings were all that remained of that life. What replaced it was harsh training, threats, and fear. Finish the mission, or you will pay the price. That was the motto. Ming used fear to control her girls, and it worked. The fate of the Lings was still looming in Jasmine’s mind. She made jokes and laughed with her newfound brother and others, but it was only to mask her fear. But at times, the joy of having found her real mother would take over. To say she felt conflicted would be to put it mildly. Jasmine stepped up onto the floor and took it all in. The walls of weapons, every style of weapon was in front of her. “Can she use all of these?” Jasmine wondered aloud.

  “Yes, I can,” Marie replied, watching the video feed from her personal bunk at the far end of the bunker. She had six video feeds going all at once in front of her. She had installed them, herself, prior to bringing any of them into her most secret hideaway. She could watch them when she wasn’t around to see what they were up to. She had to make sure they all stayed on the right side. It was a gamble bringing the children into it, but it was the only option. Ray would understand in time. A picture of Michael sat to her left. She always kept his photo near. It was her reminder of why she fought, to avenge him. “Now, where are you going?” Marie questioned, watching Ray move around the corridors. Marie sat back with a laugh as she typed into the keyboard in front of her. The door behind her swung open to reveal Ray standing at her door in shock. “Yes, darling, I knew you were there. Please come in. You obviously wish to visit me after hours.” Marie turned in her chair to face Ray.

  “Maybe it’s hard to sleep when you still haven’t told me anything,” Ray replied, stepping into Marie’s room.

  “Um yes, I did. I told you the plan with the children and why they are here.”

  “The plan you gave me sucks. You are lying. More is going on, and that display today on the floor was to do what? Prove your dominance?”

  “You agreed to fight. You were just egotistical enough to think you could win.”

  “Talk, I am sick of your mind games.”

  “The safest place for them is here, and I will not jeopardize the cards I have. They will train, and when I think they are ready, we will end this war before it begins. Until then, unless you want to fuck, you are not welcome in my room.” Marie winked.

  Ray stood in silence at what she was saying.

  “That means go. I will see you in the morning.” Marie pointed towards the door. Ray realized he would never get anywhere with her, no matter how much he pushed.

  “Fine.” Ray marched out of the room.

  Marie turned back to the screens to see Jasmine picking up different weapons and trying them. “Sweet girl.” Marie leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes; sometimes, it was almost hard to look at her children. They both looked so much like Michael. Time could never heal that wound. She had never thought of how he would have felt about what she had done, but now, she would make him proud.

  Chapter

  12

  Back at the White House, the period of mourning had expired. Warren had to make a statement and had to take a stand on what was found. The body was littered with evidence that it was a KGB hit. The Russian government was responsible. That fact had been hidden from the public, but it couldn’t stay hidden forever, and it had to be Warren who told the nation. Warren felt almost nervous. This was his first time really defying Sergei and doing it publicly. He knew it would create the amount of national outrage that could lead them to war, a war he knew had to happen in order to take Sergei down. They had Franklin on their side. He had finally made contact and pledged his allegiance. Warren had the militaries he wanted, and Marie had the children. They would be unstoppable. He wanted a war. It wasn’t Marie’s plan to bring the world to war, but she didn’t know the political side of things. A strategic attack to take out Sergei wouldn’t generate the type of national pride he needed to stay in office.

  “Sir, it’s time. The press is ready,” Frank Wright, the Chief of Staff, gently informed Warren. Warren nodded, straightening his jacket. Warren made his way to the press room in the White House. Black still shrouded the White House. The stripe of black still sat across the presidential seal. Warren’s personal request, it was a nice touch. He needed to get everyone on board with what he was about to announce. As he stepped up to the podium, he readied himself. He was still a grieving widower, who needed to play the part. He gently wiped away a fake tear as he adjusted the microphone. “My fellow Americans, it breaks my heart that I have not been able to speak with you for the last two weeks, but my heart was too heavy. I am still trying to come to terms with the loss of my beautiful wife.” Warren paused, another tear would have to fall. Warren straightened up. “The investigation into her death is in full force. We will find those responsible and bring them to justice.” Now, for the bomb. Until now, the details of the first lady’s death had been kept secret. “Current indicators suggest involvement by the KGB.” The room erupted in a fury of questions as the previously silent journalists were shouting questions. Warren raised his hands. “Please, everyone, that is all the information I have right now. We are following every lead.” Warren’s voice grew dark as he locked eyes deep on the camera in front of it. “If the Russian government is involved, we will handle it accordingly.” Warren stepped away from the platform. He would answer no questions. They had to stew over it.

  Click went the remote as Sergei turned off the TV. “I was pretty sure that was not how this was supposed to go,” Sergei directed towards Ming, who was sitting to his left.

  “That was not how it was supposed to go. When I attempted to contact her when she ‘went missing’, she did not respond. The plan was not to go into effect for another three months. Are you sure your government didn’t have something to do with it?” Ming inquired.

  “That is a pretty bold accusation, considering what your girls did in England.”

  “My girls? What are you talking about?” Ming replied defensively.

  Sergei clicked the remote again. The security footage from Paloma’s mansion came up on the screen. Ming watched intensely, as the scene in Paloma’s office unfolded before her eyes. “Three girls killing in your signature style. Have you lost any of your girls lately, or did you order it?” Sergei demanded.

  “How dare you question me. Those are not my...” Then, Ming saw Jasmine taking down the assistant. She knew her moves anywhere. “Jasmine,” she whispered.

  “I thought you had her under control. Now, she has a force she is leading.”

  Ming continued to watch as the scene unfolded. “No, she isn’t in charge. She is taking orders from her.” Ming pointed to Marie on the screen. “She isn’t one of mine.” Ming was fixated on the screen as she watched Marie take down Paloma. Ming sat back in her seat as Paloma’s neck was snapped. “She’s alive,” Ming blurted out, trying to keep her calm demeanor.

  “Who’s alive?” Sergei questioned.

  Ming just stared at Sergei. “The cause of all your problems.”

  Sergei looked to the screen, rewinding it to watch Marie leave the room. Her eyes made contact with the camera for only a moment. Sergei paused the tape and stared back at Marie. Sergei smiled. “Then we will let her play her game. Stay sharp. She will reveal her plan, and until then, we stay on the defensive. I think she is responsible for a lot of the new developments. She has a team, now, which makes her weak. They will slow her down, and when they do, we will finally catch her. My property will be back in my hands by the end of the year. Stay in touch. Until then, you can go,” Sergei ordered.

  Ming stood, turned, and walked out, without another word. She would get Marie, finally. She had been after Marie since they first knew what she could do. Marie slipped through her fingers once; she wouldn’t again.

  Chapter

  13

  James awoke to the sound of Greg getting ready. He sat up and looked at Greg tying his shoes. “
Hey, sorry about yesterday. I was out of line,” Greg said, looking up from his boots.

  “No man, I was. Things are crazy for all of us,” James replied, rubbing his eyes. “Where are you going?”

  “Headed to the training floor. Chessy said there was food out there.”

  “Where is she?” James questioned, looking around.

  “Training floor.” Greg chuckled. “She knows what’s important. You gotta eat.”

  James smiled, getting to his feet. “She is the smart one, after all.” James grabbed a white shirt from his bag below his bed and threw it on.

  Greg moved to the doorway. “I’ll see you there if there is anything left.”

  James pulled on his shoes and tied them. James briskly made his way to the training area, where the rest of group was already eating. He scanned the group and found Chessy and Greg sitting at a table, eating bagels. James made his way to the table.

  “I saved you a couple.” Chessy pushed a Styrofoam plate with two plain bagels towards James.

  “Thanks,” James replied, sitting down next Greg. James reached for the bagels then looked around. “Where’s Jasmine?”

  “I haven’t seen her all morning,” Chessy replied, taking a bite of her bagel.

  James looked to Greg. “I just got here, remember. If she hasn’t seen her, I haven’t either.”

  “Eat. I'm sure she is around here somewhere,” Chessy added.

  James picked up a bagel and took a bite. No sooner had he swallowed than he caught sight of Marie entering the room, Jasmine by her side. “I see you all can find food. That is a useful skill” Marie called out as she approached the group.

  Everyone’s attention was on Marie; the leather was gone. Dressed in a black tank top, black harness with knives strapped to her back, and black capri pants. “If you are all done, then we can get started on the rest of your training.” Marie gestured to the walls of martial arts weapons. “Guns are blunt weapons used by those who cannot handle themselves. You are all better than that.” Marie reached back and pulled her two knives from her back and twirled them. “I prefer knives.” Marie smiled.