“Breakfast's downstairs,” she said, “as are Dr. Kevin Mace and Sean McCarthy. Sean will be helping with your security — data and otherwise."
“Right,” was all he said and followed her downstairs.
“Zin,” Kevin said, eagerly extending a hand.
Sean followed with a “Nice to meet you.”
Jai motioned for Zin to join them at the table. “Pleasantries aside, have a seat, Zin. Have some breakfast." Zin looked down at the omelets, croissants, berries, and juice before him. He blinked with steely eyes. It must've been a long while since he'd seen a spread like this. Real food would do him some good, not the rotting produce he’d left behind.
Kevin explained what little he knew of Dr. Jensen’s murder, the data that was likely compromised, and the methods Dr. Jensen had used to secure the most recent, critical data. Meanwhile, Zin stared blankly at Jai. She snapped her eyes, meeting his gaze. He poked at his plate with a fork, then pulled the cowl over his head. His stick-straight hair peaked through the holes in his ivory hood, which was apparently well loved. Jai returned her attention to the table.
Sean was nodding, listening intently to Kevin. “I can code a new system, with biosecurity, so only Kevin can access the data.”
“And, if the Home security system needs any changes, you can work on it anywhere, right?” Jai asked. “I've got every security measure installed here, but you’re welcome to mess with it if needed.”
Sean nodded his head. “Yes, it won’t be an issue. We’ll be good to go.”
“Great. Then, for the time being, home base can be here. Zin, Kevin, that ok?” They nodded their heads. “Then, let’s go,” Jai said and walked them through the house. Opening a pair of French doors to a two-story room, she said, "the study's got plenty of space for a lab."
"Yes, fantastic,” Kevin agreed, as he scanned the room. There was a mahogany desk, and tables he could use to run experiments along the periphery.
“I’ll help you carry everything in," Sean offered, as he and Kevin left to bring the equipment inside.
Jai turned to look at Zin, who'd hung back, still standing by the French doors. He looked around, a surly look on his face. Whether he was here or somewhere else, it didn't matter. It wasn't home.
"Zin, come with me." Jai waved him over with a hand, and they walked through the study, to a set of glass doors on the other side. "This, this is the room for you," she said. She slid the doors along a track, folding them like an accordion. Suddenly, the space expanded, the two-story study becoming one with a three-story library on the other side. Thousands of books adorned the wood-coffered walls. In each corner, a pair of spiral staircases mirrored each other, winding their way up to the bookcases on the second and third floors. Opposite the shelves was an oversized, curved bay. It spanned the entire length of the library, and was filled with floor-to-ceiling Palladian windows for an unobstructed view of the Long Island Sound. Zin stood, stiff and speechless. Jai sensed his heart quicken, deep in his chest.
“Please,” Jai gestured. “Take a look.” Slowly, he walked closer to a shelf. One glance and Jai knew, despite all the electronic, three-dimensional books that were available, Zin shared her appreciation for the feel of a real book in his hands. She watched as he ran his rough fingers delicately, across a row of books. Tilting his head, his eyes widened. He caught his breath. “These are first editions.” He turned to stare at her.
“You approve?” Jai asked.
He nodded, eager to be left alone in there. His shoulders pulled back. “But, couldn’t you have said something earlier? Telling me to pick ‘just two’ books before we left. It’s a bit cruel.”
“Cruel?” Jai narrowed her gaze. “You’re one to talk, Mr. Manners.” Besides, yesterday, she wouldn’t have told Zin about the library. Aside from Joy, the library was her private sanctuary. Those books were sacred to Jai. She hadn’t even considered sharing her library, at least not until later, when she’d seen into Zin’s mind as they walked through the snow. “Anyway, I just hope you enjoy some time in here. A silver lining, of sorts.” She walked around the room, and stopped to hold the book she was rereading. She ran her finger along its thick, well-worn spine. Without turning, she asked, “How long have you been living there, in Siberia?”
“Five years. I left the States long ago, at 16. Went to Svalbard, Norway, then Motuo, China. Moved back, to eastern Montana, before setting up in Lake Baikal.” No wonder he’s feral, Jai thought. He’s been living most of his life off-grid. But, there’s something more. She sensed it.
“I know it’s hard,” she said, “everything changing on you, all at once. Believe me, I know. I’ve lived the same life, been close to the same person for many years. It’s always been the same routine.” She pictured Joy, laying in the casket, and her voice softened. “At least, until now.”
Zin looked at her quizzically, then pointed at her youthful face. “You’re not an old geezer. What are you, twenty?”
“No, not quite.”
“Twenty-one, then?”
Jai smirked. “Let’s just say it’s hard to adjust to new things, a new way of life. I’ll leave it at that.”
But, Zin wasn’t letting up. For the first time, he wasn’t focusing on his home out in the woods. “What did you mean by that, anyway?” he asked, his pupils narrowing. “Back at my place. You said ‘supposedly the Eldest.’” He stalked closer, a foot from her now, his breathing slow and steady. Craning his neck from side to side, he examined her. “I don’t see a single wrinkle on your face. Not a one.”
Jai placed the book back on the shelf and stepped away. “Forget I mentioned it.”
He squinted from underneath his hoodie. “No, really. When were you born?”
Jai flexed her mind, about to don a hood of her own, when Sean and Kevin walked in.
Kevin rubbed his hands together. “Thanks to Sean, we’ve got the data transferring to his system, and we’ve set up my equipment.” He looked to Zin. “Mind joining me? We should take some samples, see where we’re at.” Tension filled the room as they waited for Zin’s response.
“Of course,” Zin said, cooperatively. The tone of his voice was unnerving. He stared Jai down, then walked out the door.
“So,” Sean said, wrapping his arms around her. “Care to fill me in on the details? Zin’s a curmudgeon if I’ve ever met one.”
Jai laughed. “Yes, you could say that.” It was impossible not to notice. Zin had failed to engage Sean or Kevin, despite the lengths they were going to help him. Zin only had one purpose: give them what they want, then get the hell out of here. “At least he’s not grunting,” Jai said.
“Grunting?” Sean laughed, a puzzled look on his face.
Jai smiled. She wasn’t doing much to rehabilitate Sean’s perception of the man. “He’s a lone wolf, that one. An expat since he was a teen. Lived alone for the vast majority of his life. I don’t know how he can stand it; Siberia’s far too cold for me.”
“How’d that go, anyway? Far be it from me, to demand that I keep tabs on you…you know that’s not my style. But, I can’t say I wasn’t hurt to get your call, mid-air.” He mimicked Jai, in a mockingly sweet voice. “‘Hi, honey. I’m off to Baikal. Meet me Friday, at my beach house?’” He paused for effect. “Umm-kay.”
Jai laughed and averted her gaze. “Sorry. I’m used to flying solo.”
“Yes, literally. I see that. How’d it go, though? I’m surprised you managed to lasso him back here.”
“About that.” Kevin hadn’t said much about the state of Zin’s condition at the kitchen table, though he was likely giving Zin a private run-down in the other room. “Zin’s not well, Sean. More research needs to be done, but it’s obvious, his health’s not good.”
“Obvious? How? He’s not the friendliest bloke, and he looks worn, but his health? He looked fine to me.”
“He’s not. I just barely kicked him and broke his jaw.”
“What?! You guys fought?”
“Yes.” Jai omitted
the part where he pulled a gun on her.
“That’s what it took. You kidnapped him?”
“No, no,” Jai said, laughing. “He came willingly, but not because I forced his hand. Because of the attackers who busted in. Eleven total.”
Sean interrupted, grabbing hold of her arm, examining her. “What?! You need to lay it on me, Jai. What the hell happened there?” He leaned left and right, scanning her body for any sign of injury.
Jai smiled. “I’m fine, Sean. Trust me. Everything’s fine.”
“Doesn’t sound fine to me, Jai,” he said sternly. “What happened?”
“Whoever killed Dr. Jensen and stole the data, they figured out where Zin was, and they came after him. Of course, they didn’t expect I’d be there. I shot eight; Zin handled the rest.”
“So they’re all dead.” Sean breathed a sigh of relief. “Would it have killed you, Jai, to tell me what you were heading into? Invite me, maybe? I know you can handle yourself, but my heart’s about to bust out of my chest.”
“I know. I’m sorry. I’ll consider it next time.”
“Next time?!”
She cocked her head to the side, and grinned. “Anyway,” she said, changing the subject. “The main guy. He had the same tattooed blade on his wrist.”
“You serious?”
“Yea.” Jai handed Sean a copy of her spec data. “It’s all there. Photos of his wrist, all the attackers’ faces, their blood samples and prints.”
Sean took it in hand. “This is bad.”
Jai nodded. “These tattooed blades are after Zin. And, they murdered Dr. Jensen, Borda’s parents, and they’re behind the sentient attack at Club O. Which reminds me, any luck identifying the videotaper?”
“Still no clue who the videotaper is. Just know he’s a tattooed blade like the rest of them. First thing’s first, let’s go with what we have. Thanks for this,” Sean said, shaking the data in his hand. “I’ll run it through the system, see what we can find. Join me, this time? Everyone’s meeting up at Mach’s parent’s place.”
“Sure,” she agreed. “Kevin needs to focus on Zin anyway. I’ll let them know.”
Chapter 30
2121
Jai took the elevator to meet Sean on the jetpad. “Your jet or mine?” she asked.
“Yours, please.”
“Can you fly?” Jai asked. “I haven’t slept since Kevin first called me.”
“Sure. Feel free to rest in the cabin.”
“Will do. Where we off to, anyway?”
“Mach’s parents’ place…they’re in Pennsylvania.”
A short nap later and Jai was walking up the steps to the Edwards residence, a modest ranch with a wrap around porch. Sean knocked lightly on the screen door, the smell of dinner wafting through. Mach came to greet them. “Sean, Jai, welcome. Come on in,” he said, warmly with a two-dimpled smile. “Let me take your jackets.” He hung them against the wall, then guided them to the kitchen table. His mother was standing at the oven, pulling out a roasted chicken with a kitchen towel. Placing it on top of the stove, she turned to smile at them with the same sweet dimples as Mach’s. “Sean, so nice to see you again,” she said, wrapping her arms around him.
“Thanks for having us,” Sean said.
“Of course. We love when you visit.”
Sean turned to hug Diana, as Mach’s mother turned to Jai. “And, you. You must be the sweetheart who’s captured Sean’s heart.”
Jai’s face flushed. “I’m Jai. Nice to meet you,” she said, extending her hand.
“Nonsense,” she said, and gave Jai a hug too. The subtle scent of roses filled her dusty blonde hair. “I’m Elizabeth, dear.” A relaxed smile beamed across her face, and crow’s feet softened her deep hazel eyes. “Please, have a seat at the table,” she said, and guided Jai to sit next to Sean, who was talking animatedly with Mach. Diana walked over and gave Jai a hug as Elizabeth threw her voice up the stairs. “Honey!” she yelled. “Come down! Everyone’s here!”
“I’ve almost got it! Be right there!” A man’s voice boomed. Soon after, he galloped down the stairs with a sprightly step. “Ah! I see almost the entire gang’s here. Borda and Avena. Aren’t they joining us?”
“Not this time, Dad,” Mach replied. “Avena has ballet rehearsal, and Borda’s busy managing the club. Dad, come meet Jai.”
He took a few steps, and shook Jai’s hand. “Jai, nice to meet you. I’m James,” he said, and pushed up the black frames on his chiseled face.
“Nice to meet you, James,” Jai said. Her eyes widened at the resemblance.
“Yeah, I know. We get it all the time,” James said, laughing.
“Don’t think I’ve ever seen a son and dad look so much alike,” Jai said.
“Dopplegangers,” said Mach. “He’s my double.” That was for sure. Aside from a lack of dimples, James appeared to be a carbon copy of Mach.
They shared the same handsome jaw, similar black hair and, as Diana noted, “They’re twins. Down to the same silly specs.”
Elizabeth laughed, then said, “Diana and I have a bet. Who’s going to quit wearing those ridiculous plastic frames first? I bet it’ll be Mach. James is already 49. He’s too set in his ways. I won’t be able to take it much longer. There’s just something unsettling about it. Unlike them, I actually need my reading glasses to see.” Elizabeth pointed back, to the frames she’d left on the counter.
“Aw,” James said, as he bent down to kiss Elizabeth’s cheek. He wrapped his arms around her. “You’re as beautiful as ever, my love.” Looking down, she grinned and sighed. Jai thought back to what Borda had said their last night in Thailand. She realized, between Mach and Diana, Mach’s parents were the human-sentient couple. Jai did the math. James was about six years younger than Zin, with a face that could mirror Mach’s. Later, the wrinkles on Elizabeth’s face would deepen until the difference between her appearance and James’ would become undeniable. Jai felt a pang in her chest, having lived that life; she knew what it was like to live much longer and look far younger than your best friend. She imagined how much worse it would be, for a mate.
“But, enough of that,” Elizabeth said, perking up. “Let’s have dinner.” James brought the roast to the table, and arranged the sides. Snap peas, corn, and mashed potatoes. Elizabeth passed a basket of buttery rolls. They each took one and smeared sweet, creamy butter on it.
“Diana, you and Mach are welcome to stay as long as you’d like,” James said.
“Yes, please do stay with us,” agreed Elizabeth.
“Thank you," Diana said.
“Thanks, Mom and Dad," said Mach, “but we should be fine, at my place in New York.”
“I didn't realize you were moving, Diana," Jai said.
“Yeah. Things aren't going well at my parents’ place,” Diana said, pulling a loose strand of blonde hair behind her right ear. "Mach and I were staying with my parents periodically. They were letting me use their guest house, to store some designs after I’d moved my fashion house from So-Cal to New York. But, I can't stay with my parents a minute longer.” She looked at Jai. “Both my parents are sentient, and everything's changed since the incident at Club O, since humans started demanding that we go on a sentient list. All we do now is fight. I can understand where they're coming from, wanting to protect their privacy and all that, but their tone's changed. I hate to admit it. It makes me sick to my stomach. There's just no beating around the bush anymore. They're anti-human speciesists.”
James shook his head despondently. "A lot of sentients are. We're lucky. In this community, there’s a surprising number of sentients around, at least higher than you might think. And, there hasn't been much in the way of overt harassment. Discrimination's there, I'm sure. You can't ignore the glares and shifty eyes. Perhaps the day will come when we'll have to move, for my protection or Elizabeth’s. For now, cooler heads are prevailing.” He placed a hand on his wife's shoulder.
Elizabeth paused, fork in hand. "It's a shame so much of this
comes from a lack of understanding. James and I, we've been together since high school. There's not a mean bone in his body. And, siphoning? It's completely harmless. It’s been positive for us. It's so sad to see one sentient ruin everyone's perception."
"He couldn't have," Mach said, "if humans didn't have some fear already. History’s replete with atrocities. Wars, genocide…so much destruction caused by fear, hate-mongering, and the desire to control.”
"Yes," Elizabeth agreed. "That's true. It certainly touched a nerve in a lot of humans. I even lost a human friend. Or, I should say, I lost the illusion she was my friend to begin with. I've known her since I was a kid. We went to middle school together, and I saw her around town on a regular basis. She'd only met James a few times over the years. I thought she'd gotten along just fine with him, but apparently his being sentient was enough. After the incident at the club, I gave her a ring, to see if she'd be willing to help raise donations for the relief effort in South Carolina. She didn't return my call. This, from a woman who'd normally pick up on the first three rings, or call me right back, then hold me hostage to her incessant gossiping. I gave her the benefit of the doubt and tried calling her again. Still no response and I realized what's what. Saw her in town a week later, and it was obvious. She'd bought into the propaganda." Elizabeth rolled her eyes and pointed her fork in the air. "I mean, really? Who's the real monster out there? Innocent sentients who weren't even there when the incident happened, or the humans out rioting like loons in the streets?"
Sean nodded. "It's truly a sad state of affairs, when senseless violence happens like that. So much destruction and loss. Not just the initial impact, the human victim who was killed or the property that was destroyed, but the after-effects, the harm it causes to people's goodwill toward each other."
Obsidian: Birth to Venus (The Obsidian Chronicles Book 1) Page 18