Threader

by Rebekah Turner

‘Hope it helps,’ he says.

  ‘Don’t worry if you didn’t get anything useful from inside that noggin of his,’ Cora says. ‘I’m your trusty study buddy and I’ll make sure you catch up just fine.’

  ‘I’ll take help from both of you, and it’s appreciated,’ I say. ‘I can’t come this far just to fail.’

  ‘With the effort you put into breaking your talent lock, I think people will cut you some slack,’ Darsh says.

  ‘You know what happened with my lock?’ I look at Cora, frowning.

  ‘Sorry. Was that a private thing?’ She grimaces. ‘It just came out. I figured you wouldn’t mind. You were out of it for two whole days. I was worried and had to talk to someone.’

  ‘You only told him about that?’ I arch my eyebrows at her, silently asking if Darsh also knows about her falling off the lightpath. Cora gives a small shake of her head; she hasn’t told him. I wonder why.

  ‘I pestered Cora until she talked about what happened to you.’ Darsh quickly comes to her defence.

  ‘It’s fine.’ I hold up my hands. ‘No problem. It’s done and now I can move on.’

  I remind myself of my goals. Citizenship. Secure my future. Keep away from that third strike. Stay out of jail.

  Simple, right?

  My stomach still uneasy, I briefly debate finding Vogel and asking about any side effects from the break, but dismiss the idea almost instantly. She’ll just tell Eckhart and then I’ll look weak.

  Cora senses my discomfort and changes the subject. ‘So, do you know what you’re wearing to the game?’

  ‘Thanks for asking, Cora.’ Darsh puckers his lips. ‘I’ve got this little black number I’ve been just dying to try out.’

  She slaps his arm. ‘I’m talking to Josie, moron.’

  ‘What game?’ I search my scattered memories, trying to remember what she’s talking about.

  ‘The basketball game,’ Darsh says. ‘Between the Helios Hurricanes and the Albright College Lions. You know, two teams of sweaty guys, running around with a ball.’

  ‘In little shorts,’ Cora says. ‘Don’t forget they wear little shorts.’

  Darsh’s eyes skip over the empty pizza plates and fall on my barely touched slice. I push it over to him. ‘I think I’ll pass on the shorty shorts,’ he says.

  ‘But I got tickets,’ Cora complains. ‘You both have to come.’

  ‘Why don’t you just take Jeremy?’ Darsh asks. ‘You two seem pretty tight these days.’ There’s no way to miss the trace of bitterness in his voice. I shoot a questioning look at him, but Darsh just concerns himself with eating my pizza.

  ‘Jeremy’s said he’s busy.’ Cora sighs.

  ‘Busy doing what?’ I ask.

  She gives an airy wave. ‘Oh, I don’t know. Stuff. Things.’

  ‘Oh?’ Darsh looks up, suddenly interested.

  ‘You have to come to the game.’ Cora elbows him. ‘Josie needs us to cheer her up.’

  ‘I don’t need cheering up,’ I say. ‘Besides, I probably need to study, right?’

  ‘There.’ Darsh sounds smug. ‘Sounds like our time would be better spent doing anything but watch grunting guys in tank tops.’

  ‘And little shorty shorts,’ Cora adds. She claps her hands under her chin and grins at me. ‘Archer has the tightest buns in the world. You have to come and watch him work his magic. He does this thing where he jumps and shoves the ball in the basket. I think it’s called a dunker, or something. It’s incredible and the crowd goes absolutely wild.’

  Darsh groans. ‘The guy scores a couple of winning baskets and you only want to go watch his shorty shorts. I’m definitely not going.’

  I’m laughing now, watching Cora and Darsh bicker with each other. Cora rolls her eyes at me over something Darsh says and a beam of hope shines briefly over the dark cobwebs of worry that lace my thoughts. I know then, with friends like these, everything will be alright.

  CHAPTER 29

  The rest of the week passes in a blur of training with Aaron and catch-up study sessions with Darsh and Cora. By the time the week stutters to a stop for the weekend, I’ve managed to duplicate Darsh’s mental organisational methods and am able to retain more information than I thought possible. I also tactfully keep silent about the image of Cora I spied in his mind. If he has a big old crush on her, that’s his business.

  After a leisurely Saturday morning in my room, I eat lunch on the greens with Cora and we make arrangements to meet later for the basketball game that night. Cora talks about the latest gossip, while I pretend I’m not keeping an eye out for Blake.

  When she leaves for a hairdressing appointment in town, I head back to my room, luxuriating in the privacy I’ve sorely missed since coming to the academy. Sprawling out on the bed, I close my eyes to take a quick nap. But clearly my exhausted body needs more sleep, because by the time I blink my eyes open, the afternoon has passed by and it’s time to get ready for the game. After a shower, I dress and am halfway done lacing up my boots when there’s a sharp knock on my door. I’m expecting Cora, so it’s a surprise to find Olivia standing there instead. My guard instantly slams up.

  ‘What do you want, Olivia?’

  ‘I’m calling in my favour.’ She steps into my room, forcing me back. ‘And you are going to come through for me.’ She walks over to the window and stares out. ‘You’re going to the game.’ It’s not a question.

  ‘That’s right, I’m meeting Cora in a minute.’ I pick up my bag from the bed to underline the point.

  Olivia keeps staring out the window. ‘Good. Because that’s right where I need you.’

  ‘What is it you want from me, exactly?’ I ask cautiously.

  She turns and her eyes are bright. ‘Nothing big. Just help from a fellow sister.’

  ‘I’m not your sister, Olivia.’

  ‘Aren’t we all one big family here at Helios?’ When she sees me fold my arms impatiently, she shrugs. ‘You owe me a favour for the dress.’

  Alarm bells go off in my head. ‘You mean the dress you ruined on purpose?’

  ‘It was an accident,’ Olivia says with an innocent look. ‘But I didn’t need TP to figure out you were going to try and return it.’

  ‘I don’t owe you anything,’ I fume.

  ‘Of course you do, which is why you’re going to come through for me.’ Olivia dismisses my words with a casual wave. ‘Now, I’m sure you’ve heard about how Archer is quite proud of his prowess on the court. But tonight he’s not going to make any points. He’s going to trip over his own feet. Fumble the ball. Look like the fool he is.’ She smiles. ‘You can be creative, Josie, I don’t care. Just ensure he doesn’t score any points.’

  ‘You’re crazy,’ I tell her. ‘Firstly, what if Archer never even gets the ball?’

  ‘Trust me, Archer always gets the ball.’ Her smile drops away, leaving behind a nasty look. ‘Don’t make me threaten you, Josie. It’ll make us both feel cheap.’

  My arms drop by my side. ‘Why don’t you use your own talent?’

  ‘He’ll feel a TP in his head,’ Olivia says. ‘But you’re a threader. You’ll be invisible. He’ll never know you were there.’

  ‘No.’ My refusal is firm. ‘If I’m caught, I’ll be thrown out.’

  ‘You won’t be caught. He won’t even know.’

  I desperately change tactics. ‘I’ll find a way to repay you for the dress,’ I tell her. ‘But I won’t do this for you. It’s not right.’

  ‘Yes, it is. And yes, you will.’ Olivia’s eyes narrow to slits.

  ‘Forget it. No deal.’ I turn to leave, not caring whether Olivia follows or stays. It’s not like I’ve got anything of value in the room for her to trash. The door opens at my touch and I’m about to march out when Olivia’s voice cracks like a whip across my back.

  ‘I know about the fight with Jasmine and what you did to her.’

  I freeze and after a moment, the door automatically closes in front of me. I turn to face Olivia, a chilled feeling creeping up my s
pine.

  ‘What are you talking about?’ I try to keep my voice even.

  ‘I also know about your little rescue mission with Blake,’ Olivia continues. ‘Cora’s quite pathetic as a slider, isn’t she? I think getting lost in the deep would be enough grounds for her instant dismissal from the academy. Not to mention my dear brother going into the deep to get her … and with you helping him, even after you were told to stay away. How do you think that’s going to look to Director Eckhart?’

  ‘Both times were extenuating circumstances,’ I say coolly.

  ‘Cora will be thrown out of the academy in disgrace.’ Olivia taps a finger against her chin. ‘But what do you suppose Eckhart will say when he learns of the little adventures you’ve been having with Blake?’

  ‘Director Eckhart will understand.’

  ‘Will he understand about what you did to Jasmine? You used your talents to attack a fellow cadet.’

  ‘Self-defence, Olivia.’

  ‘You think anyone will care? And would you like to know why Jasmine Harper didn’t raise hell after you used your talent against her?’ Olivia points a manicured nail to her chest. ‘Because I took care of it. I looked after you, Josie. Made sure she was paid to be quiet.’

  ‘You’re crazy,’ I tell her again, in case she missed it the first time I said it. ‘Is Archer really worth all this effort?’

  ‘Image is everything.’ Olivia sniffs. ‘Being humiliated by a primal is a social kiss of death. So I’m going to give the masses something else to talk about. Now people can say what a lucky thing it was we broke up. Considering how far Archer will fall. Tonight is just the start of what I have planned for him.’

  I stare at her face, set in hard lines, and a mean glint in her eyes. I know there’s nothing more I can say to change her mind. My slate beeps with a message from Cora, asking where the hell I am. Frustration squeezes my chest in a vice-like grip.

  ‘I won’t do it,’ I tell Olivia.

  She gives me a knowing look. ‘Be ready, Josie. I know you won’t let me down.’

  The gymnasium is a large dome-shaped building in the centre of campus, surrounded by trees and benches. Cora buys a large popcorn and water from the food cart just outside. Inside it’s packed and we inch towards some spare seats at the back. Massive screens line the walls, playing colourful adverts, data feeds and corp-sponsored music videos. People shout happily to each other, waving banners, and the air is clogged with the rich smell of hot dogs and deep fried potato sticks.

  We take our seats, Cora already predicting the Helios Hurricanes’ win. She offers me popcorn but I decline, too nervous to eat. I recognise Archer on court talking to other team members, including Dutch and Cooper. The Albright College Lions huddle on the other side of the court, their uniforms a garish yellow with gold trim.

  The screens dim and the teams line up as an announcer begins talking, voice booming around the stadium. Still replaying the conversation with Olivia, I’m not paying attention to what the announcer is saying so I’m startled to see Eckhart walk out onto the court. The crowd erupts around us, clapping and cheering, and Eckhart waves back. He looks normal and healthy, and I wonder again what illness he could be suffering from that all his money couldn’t fix.

  ‘What’s he doing here?’ I shout to Cora over the noise.

  ‘He always makes a speech at the games,’ she yells back.

  ‘Good evening.’ Eckhart’s gravelly voice booms around the stadium with the aid of a mic patch on his throat. ‘Thank you all for turning out tonight and supporting your teams.’ He pauses for a hearty round of applause. When it dies down, he continues. ‘You know, my father always instilled in me two things: integrity and pride. I’m proud to say Helios embodies both those qualities. As I look out at you all tonight, I see integrity in your actions, commitment to your academy, and pride in your faces.’ He pauses to look around the audience. ‘I believe in what Helios stands for. I believe in where we’ve come from. I believe in where we are going in the future. And the first day of our future is tonight. Game on!’

  People cheer loudly when he finishes, but I just feel horrible. Any team spirit I might have had, Olivia burned out of me with her request. I’m afraid if I do what she wants, I’ll be caught. A small voice assures me I won’t. After all, my talents are silent, so how will anyone know, right? But I just can’t do what Olivia wants me to do. I can’t.

  A horn sounds and the game begins. The teams run about the court, and my eyes follow Archer as he bounces around, shouting out to other teammates. He’s easy enough to watch, with his carefully messy blond hair and strong, broad shoulders. He moves with ease, his face plastered with a huge grin. He’s in his element and he laps up the crowd’s approval.

  I spy Olivia sitting a few seats down, Tina beside her. As if feeling my gaze on her, Olivia turns and waves at me like we’re best friends. My eyes drop to my hands.

  ‘Why is Olivia Galloway waving at you?’ Cora asks around a mouthful of popcorn.

  ‘No idea,’ I murmur.

  ‘It’s a shame about her, really,’ Cora continues. ‘All that money and she still can’t afford to have the pole up her backside removed. I mean, what a bitch, you know?’

  I force a smile and turn my attention back to the game. Around us, cadets wave banners and retro foam fingers. Referees chat with each other and cheerleaders wave their hands to hype up the crowd as both teams race around the court, shouting to each other.

  ‘Go! Go! Go!’ Cora screams, popcorn flying.

  ‘What’s going on?’ I shout. ‘What’s happening?’

  ‘I have no idea,’ Cora yells back. ‘I don’t know too many rules. I know the ball needs to get into the hoop … er … basket. Of course, that’s not exactly what I’m here to see though.’

  ‘Right.’ I give her a tiny smile. ‘Shorty-short shorts.’

  ‘Tell me you aren’t impressed with that.’ Cora jerks her chin towards Archer, who’s getting harassed by two players on the other team. He’s got his back to us and I have to admit his shorts are tight and relatively impressive. Now he’s getting boxed in by three opposition players, and then Cooper dummies a pass to Dutch, but then redirects the ball to Archer, who catches, but knocks one of the other team members to the ground. For a moment, it looks like a fight is going to break out. But a horn sounds and the teams break and retreat to their sides. Cora searches the crowd. ‘Great turnout. Darsh doesn’t know what he’s missing.’

  I’m not really in the mood for talking, so I just give her a weak smile. I’ve made the decision to ignore Olivia’s request and risk her fury. It occurs to me I could just leave, but the move feels like cowardice, so I stay where I am, my hands clasped tightly together.

  After a few more minutes the horn sounds again and the game resumes, with the scores nearly even as both sides trade baskets. I keep my eyes firmly away from Olivia and try to pretend like I’m enjoying myself.

  On the court, Dutch is head and shoulders above everyone else, playing with a growling ferocity that makes the other team almost shy away when he barrels directly for them. Archer isn’t as big, but seems to get the ball often, flowing around the court with ease.

  My eyes keep darting to the scoreboard, palms sweating. I can feel Olivia’s gaze on me now and then, but I refuse to look her way. Cora squeals beside me, elbowing me when she thinks I’ve missed something. My mouth is dry and my talents rattle inside the puzzle-chest, wanting to investigate the charged atmosphere.

  ‘It’s going to be close.’ Cora groans along with the crowd as Cooper misses a shot. He jogs around the court, signalling to Archer. Sudden pain spikes my head, while thoughts that aren’t my own knock painfully against my skull.

  —Do it—

  Olivia’s telepathic voice clangs about in my head, making me wince.

  —Do it or I will make you sorry, make you pay, you owe me—

  Without meaning to, I look over at Olivia as she turns in her chair to stare at me. Her expression is cool, but her eyes ar
e brimming with anger.

  —I know about the third strike, I will have you expelled, back on the street, clipped—

  My will weakens and fear grips me. Staring into the depths of her cold fury, I know she’ll follow through on her threat.

  ‘Oooh.’ Cora clutches my arm. ‘I can barely watch.’

  —No hope lost cause dead meat third strike—

  Dragging my eyes to Archer, I see him catch the ball with one hand. A quick glance shows me the score is even and the game is running out of time. The crowd roars and stamps their feet, cheering Archer on as he starts down the court, legs pumping as he runs. He whirls to dodge opposition players, his muscles bunching. Close to the basket now, his whole body flexes as he gets ready to spring into the air.

  Cora shouts encouragement, clapping her hands and stomping her feet with everyone else. I know this is the moment and any choice I thought I might have, has buckled under Olivia’s reminder of that third strike waiting for me back home. I shove the secret hinges aside and my puzzle-chest flies open. My TP streaks out and curls around Archer. Before it enters him, my TK joins it and my jaw clenches as I desperately try to call it back. But they both ignore my commands and pierce Archer’s mind, whirling around the brilliant core of his talent. Horrified I haven’t been able to stop the thread from happening, I concentrate on staying undetected, keeping the thread gentle. Tweaking Archer’s control, I shift the balance of his right foot. Alarm floods his face and he stumbles. His primal talent starts in surprise, then swells against me as he tries to regain his footing. I nudge his knee in response, shame filling me.

  A shadow inside Archer shifts, and I realise the thread isn’t secure as his primal talent escapes, surging past me in a flash of roaring heat. His mind suddenly blazes bright and burns free from my thread. Archer collapses to the ground with a shout and a whistle sounds. Everyone in the stand gasps and Cora slaps a hand across her mouth, eyes wide.

  ‘He tripped.’ Her words are muffled by her hand. ‘I can’t believe he tripped.’

  Sweat beads my top lip as I unbraid and extract my talents with care, a small tremor shaking my body.