“Actually, I don’t think that’s entirely true,” Rayne said. “I mean, I get what you’re saying, and I appreciate what you’re trying to do, but lately I’ve been thinking about a lot of things with us too, and I’m starting to realize that it may be partly my fault that you’re in here.”
“Your fault?” Ash said in disbelief. “I highly doubt that.”
“No, I’m serious. When your mom died that was an incredibly difficult time for you, and I wasn’t there like I should have been. First I was off trying to set the record for the best first year as a Keeper in history, and then, when I left to go to California, I pretty much zoned out everything from my old life. The truth is, I had plenty of opportunities to come back and be a better friend to you, but I didn’t. You were struggling and I wasn’t there for you.”
“Well, I guess we both made mistakes,” Ash said. “When you think about it, it kind of makes sense. We were both under a lot of pressure.”
Rayne chuckled. “They never said the life of an agent would be easy, right?”
Ash let out a short laugh in response. Then they both went quiet.
“Rayne,” Ash finally said, “before they come for you I just want you to know that, if I could go back, I would do things differently. The truth is, you’re like a brother to me. And probably the only real friend I’ve ever had. I hope you know that.”
Rayne smiled. “Thanks, buddy. I feel the same way.”
The lights flipped on in the room.
“Looks like it’s about time for me to go,” Rayne said.
Ash stood from his bed and crossed the cell. “Don’t take this the wrong way,” he said, “but I hope I don’t see you back here anytime soon.”
Rayne laughed thoughtfully. “Yeah, me too.”
Ash reached his hand through the gap between the metal bars. “For what it’s worth, I just wanted to say good luck out there today. As much as I hate to admit it…if there’s anybody who deserves to be shown leniency by the Council, it’s probably you.”
Rayne accepted his friend’s hand. “Thanks. I’ll need all the luck I can get.”
“Well, if the past has taught me anything, it’s that luck has a way of finding you, Rayne. I’m sure things will work out.”
Rayne nodded, then paused to look Ash in the eye. “You can find luck too. I really believe that.”
“Always the optimist…” Ash said. He patted one of the metal bars in front of him and smirked. “I don’t know…I kind of like it here. It suits me, don’t you think?”
“Actually, if the past has taught me anything,” Rayne said, “it’s that Ash Hastings won’t survive long in a cage. He’s way too ambitious for that. All he needs to do is find the right motivation…the rest will come naturally.”
Ash’s mouth turned up slightly. “Maybe. We’ll see.”
“Just remember,” Rayne said, “you still have friends.”
Ash nodded quietly in response. “So do you.”
They both turned as the door across the room swung open, and an official Court guard entered the room. The guard marched swiftly to the front of Rayne’s cell, pulling out his keys to release the lock. “Your hearing will begin shortly,” he said to Rayne.
Rayne glanced back one last time, receiving a final nod from Ash in return, and then he followed the Court guard out of the room. Despite the fact that the next few moments were about to determine the rest of Rayne’s life, he felt a strange sense of confidence and peace of mind. If he could make things right with Ash, then maybe there was a chance he could do the same thing in the courtroom.
35. HAMLIN STANDS ALONE
Every person in the grand courtroom went silent and rose from their chairs. When the official Court guard announced the Ambassador’s arrival, Hamlin walked across the room, alone, to his place on the stand, positioning himself in front of the first chair.
He nodded graciously to his audience. “Please be seated,” he said. Then they all followed his example as he bent down to take his seat.
While the rest of the Council filed in a moment later, Hamlin observed the room with uncertainty. Every type of media representative and reporter was perched at the edge of their chairs, practically salivating at the prospect of revealing some shocking or scandalous story to the public today. He looked at the cameras situated throughout the room, making the proceedings available to every citizen of Ambrosia. He pictured the masses outside the building, staring intently at the screen set up in Banya City Park across the street, all the people viewing from their homes, or listening on the radio, tuning in from restaurants or their places of work. Only the press was allowed in the courtroom to witness the hearing, but nearly every eye on Ambrosia would be watching them today.
Councilman Zieg Thompson motioned for the Council to sit, taking his place in the chair next to Hamlin as second in command.
When they were all seated, Councilman Thompson began to address the courtroom. “If the Court will now take note, an official vote by the Ambassadors Council was previously made, deeming Ambassador Hamlin Fairbanks a biased party on the matter at hand in today’s proceedings. For this reason, the Ambassador will observe from his position on the stand but shall not participate in the official vote to determine judgment. Therefore, I, Councilman Zieg Thompson, will preside over this session of the Court.” Quiet murmurs spread through the room, most being unaware that Hamlin would not be allowed to vote.
Councilman Thompson continued without faltering. “Before we begin, we would like to mention our thanks to all media outlets in attendance, which have been both prompt and professional in making arrangements for today’s proceedings. Now, without further delay, we declare this Court in session. At this time we would like to remind the Court that several witnesses have previously been brought before the Council on this matter, and all judgments will be based on both previously provided information as well as anything heard in the Court today. Now, at this time, we call to the stand…Agent Rayne Stevens.”
The cameras all turned as the large double doors at the back of the room opened. Rayne appeared through the entrance, wearing his formal Academy uniform, escorted on each side by an official Court guard. Hamlin felt a surge of emotion. This was the last place he wanted Rayne to be.
Their steps thudded down the marble staircase, echoed through the silent room, then crossed the center aisle, as all eyes focused on Rayne. He appeared surprisingly calm. Hamlin, on the other hand, clutched the arms on his chair with growing apprehension.
When the guards presented Rayne at the podium, they both remained at his sides, as if they had been instructed to consider him a flight risk or a danger to the people in attendance. Hamlin took a deep breath, willing himself to remain still, to resist the urge to protest. It would only create embarrassment for Rayne if he made a scene regarding the matter. Much of the public did not even understand the gesture, or realize that it was out of the ordinary.
After Rayne was asked to affirm his name and repeat the oath, Councilman Thompson went straight to his questioning.
“Mr. Stevens,” he began, “are you aware of the serious charges made against you in regard to actions allegedly taken at the Threshold border as well as the Sacred Pool by you on May sixth of this year? Including, abuse of authority, assaulting a government agent, breaking into a high-security facility, failure to report to authorities in a timely manner, failure to report an undocumented person at the border, betrayal of the Sacred Oath of a Water Keeper, and aiding a possible threat to national security?”
“Yes, sir,” Rayne said. “I’m aware of the charges.”
Councilman Thompson’s tone remained steady. “Mr. Stevens, we have, in previous sessions of the Court, heard from witnesses and viewed ample evidence in the form of video feed that would suggest you not only restrained a border guard against his will, but also attacked a fellow agent outside the Sacred Pool in order to gain unauthorized access to the facility, all while transporting an undocumented woman from outside the Threshold, who you failed
to report to authorities. Do you deny these allegations?”
Every person in the room went still, and probably every person in Banya, anticipating Rayne’s reply. He paused for only a second, then looked up at the Council without a hint of shame in his eyes. “No,” he said, “I do not deny these allegations. I did, in fact, commit the acts you just described.” Immediately, gasps and murmurs permeated the air.
A lump began to form in Hamlin’s throat as Councilman Thompson asked, “Mr. Stevens, is the Council to understand that you wish to plead guilty to all charges?”
“No,” Rayne said. “Not to all charges. If the Council will allow it, I would like an opportunity to explain the reasons behind my actions.”
Councilman Thompson held up a hand of approval. “We will allow it.”
“Thank you,” Rayne said. He took a deep breath. “Originally, I was outside the Threshold border working on a special assignment.” His eyes glanced in Hamlin’s direction. Hamlin wondered if this was the moment Rayne would tell them the truth, about everything Hamlin had done to lie to them and betray them all.
Hamlin sent a deliberate, yet subtle nod in Rayne’s direction, urging him to reveal it all. But instead, Rayne simply said, “The Ambassador made me aware that someone I know quite well, Agent Ash Hastings, was MIA at the time and under investigation. Under the Ambassador’s approval, I agreed to investigate Mr. Hastings absence.”
When Hamlin heard Rayne’s explanation, he shifted slightly in his chair. But he didn’t make any sudden or obvious movement that would give away the true depth of his concern. It was still early, and Rayne had made a promise. Perhaps he had come up with an explanation that would appease the Council without giving his secrets away.
Rayne continued his account by saying, “Unfortunately, through my investigation, I found evidence that Ash may have been involved in some illegal activities, including stealing Healing Water and selling it to unauthorized third parties on Earth. When I came across a news casting about a doctor in California who appeared to be using Healing Water on his patients, I felt it was my duty to look into the matter. I found the doctor and questioned him. He gave me information that also pointed to Ash’s involvement. When I finally tracked down Ash, I was surprised to learn that he wasn’t working alone. He was actually working under the direction of his father, Voss Hastings, who was presumed dead.”
Suddenly, more gasps filled the room. The air seemed to be sucked away, as if each person had swallowed it down and held it captive in their lungs. The Council had not revealed this knowledge to the public. The people had no idea that their most feared criminal was still alive.
Rayne went on without pause. “A confrontation arose when I tracked down their location. Both Ash and Voss Hastings were there, holding the doctor against his will. There was also a girl and her mother there, who were affiliated with the doctor on a personal level. This girl is the same who I carried across the border. In the commotion of the confrontation, Voss killed the doctor, and I believed it was his intent to kill the woman and her daughter as well. The girl was shot but she was still alive, and when I realized she had a Watermark, I assumed the right thing to do was bring her to the border. I assure you, I never believed her to be a threat to Ambrosia in any way. She was merely a pawn, a victim to a corrupt man’s scheming.”
Councilman Thompson held up his hand, causing Rayne to pause. “Mr. Stevens, we’re quite aware of this woman’s situation. In fact, Councilman Orion Bennett has been involved in a thorough investigation of her background. But what we still are left in the dark on is your actions that took place after you brought her here. To begin with, please explain why you felt the need to restrain the agent who assisted you at Border Patrol.”
Rayne placed his hands carefully on the sides of the podium. “Her gunshot wound didn’t heal when we crossed through the Threshold. Her mark wouldn’t recuperate. But she wasn’t dead; there was no question that she still had a pulse. I had never seen anything like it before. Border Patrol was causing delay and the girl was dying. I had to think quickly, so I made a call in the heat of the moment. I knew there could be consequences, but I felt it was the only way to save the girl’s life. I knew no one would understand a broken Watermark, and I didn’t have time to explain, so I chose to risk the consequences in hopes of making an explanation later.”
Councilman Thompson sat forward in his seat. “Mr. Stevens, even if this were the case, that doesn’t change the fact that you didn’t report the incident to the proper authorities after the occurrence.”
Rayne’s confidence finally wavered. “She suffered a traumatic experience. I had to ensure her complete safety first.”
“You didn’t feel she would be safe in our hands?” Councilman Thompson countered. Hamlin tensed at his words. He didn’t like where this was headed. Why wasn’t Rayne doing what he had promised?
Rayne shook his head. “The authorities showed up so quickly, I wasn’t given time to report.”
The councilman’s voice went tight. “Mr. Stevens, the reports indicate that you weren’t arrested until late the next morning. You had over fourteen hours to notify someone of the incident. Was this not time enough to allow you to bring the woman back to verify her information?”
Rayne stared back at him with a pained expression, unable—or unwilling—to answer.
Councilman Thompson became so agitated that he stood from his chair. “What were you really doing during that time? Were you attempting to conceal her identity from us? Was there a reason you needed to hide your involvement?”
Rayne’s expression was visibly troubled as he failed to find words.
The muscles constricted in Hamlin’s chest. He shot a pleading, burdened glance across the councilman’s chair, searching for Orion’s face, as if begging his old friend to tell him what to do. Orion stared back at him gravely then extended his hand, holding out a note. Hamlin reached for the paper and read the words quickly.
He’s sinking. Are you really going to let them destroy him to save yourself?
The words pierced through Hamlin like a dagger. How could he let it go so far? How could he be so selfish and cruel? He couldn’t take it anymore. Hamlin sprang from his chair. “Stop!” he demanded. “That’s enough.”
Councilman Thompson turned in alarm. “Sir, with all due respect, you have been asked not to impose.”
“No,” Hamlin insisted, “I can’t let this continue.” He looked at Rayne soberly, regretfully, as he spoke. Rayne stared back at him with imploring eyes, shaking his head, asking his beloved mentor to find another way. But there was no other way. Hamlin had to get it out, once and for all.
“I should be the one standing at that podium,” Hamlin announced. “Everything Agent Stevens has done has been under my direction.”
A look of dread cut through Councilman Thompson’s face. “I call this session to recess,” he said quickly.
Hamlin was the only person to move. “No,” he commanded. “I have something that needs to be heard. Every citizen of Ambrosia needs to hear what I have to say.”
“Don’t listen to him,” Rayne called out desperately. The cameras turned back in his direction. “The Ambassador is trying to protect me, but I acted of my own free will.”
Hamlin walked to the podium, all eyes watching intently as he placed his hand on Rayne’s shoulder. “Thank you, son. Thank you for your loyalty and devotion. But the time has come. The truth will set us both free.”
Rayne’s head bowed with somber defeat. “It has been my honor to serve under you, sir. No matter what happens, just know that there’s one person…who will always believe you were a great leader.”
Hamlin nodded with deep gratitude, then motioned for Rayne to take a seat behind the podium. The microphone made an echoing thump as Hamlin turned it away from the direction of the Council and positioned it to face the audience. The reporters and media crew remained quiet, focused, so they wouldn’t miss a word, or perhaps, simply too stunned to speak.
Hamlin
gripped the sides of the podium firmly, ready to face his people without looking back. “It is with both remorse and humility that I take the stand today,” he began. “As your appointed leader and chief member of the Council it is my responsibility to uphold and protect this people—a responsibility I do not take lightly. Over the last sixteen years I have striven, with all my might, to fulfill my promises to sustain and lead the people of Ambrosia. If anything, this opportunity has been my great privilege to serve each of you. However, in one respect, I am certain I have failed you all.”
Hamlin had to stop and take a breath. The crowd watched with wide eyes, with worried stares.
“I have done things in my past I’m not proud of,” he finally said, “things I have kept secret from all of you from the very beginning. And now, it is time to come clean. Agent Stevens mentioned in his testimony that there was a young woman he brought through the Threshold, who had been shot and was dying—an undocumented woman. This interaction was not a coincidence. It took place under my command. The young woman Rayne spoke of…is my daughter. The year prior to my election as Ambassador, I had a relationship with an Earth-woman, and together we have a child.” Hamlin could hardly finish the sentence as his throat trembled and closed in. The roar of the courtroom was a blur around him, like a deep cloud of disillusion.
Every choice from his past pushed out from the dark, bleeding to the surface, uprooting the years of buried regret. He shoveled and piled on every possible good deed he could manage since that time, covering and covering, trying to redeem. He had to be twice as good, twice as strong, to make up for the wrongs he had committed, the lies he concealed. But the dark spaces never disappeared, instead emerging like prickly weeds, to slither with guile through the lives of those he loved dear.
Ambrosia Shore (The Water Keepers, Book 3) Page 29