Hamlin spoke out over the commotion. “I have betrayed each of you, betrayed your trust. And for this I will forever live in regret. My actions were both careless and intolerable. There is no excuse. I broke my oath as a Water Keeper, my vows as Ambassador, and put the safety of our people and the world of Ambrosia at risk. Not only did I ask for your trust when it wasn’t deserved, I harmed the lives of innocent people, including this man who has been brought before you today.” Hamlin gestured to Rayne, centering his gaze, as if speaking to him directly. “I’m sorry if I have disappointed you,” Hamlin said. “There’s no question I have disappointed myself.”
Then, a new resolution sprang forth from Hamlin’s chest, a lightness, a release of the weight, and he held up his chin. “I’m not asking anyone to forgive me,” Hamlin said. “All I ask is that this young man…a stalwart, valiant servant of the people—not be punished for those actions that were taken purely under my direction. This was my doing. It was wrong of me to enlist Rayne’s service in this way, to take advantage of his loyalty and the resources of this organization, in a manner that was both dishonest and self-serving. Rayne Steven’s has done nothing but commit his faithful service to his duty, to the Council, and to the people of Ambrosia.”
Hamlin turned once again to face the men behind him. “Respected members of the Council, I implore you, release Agent Stevens of all charges, forgive him the offences that were forced upon him unjustly and place blame where blame is deserved, remove his charges and convey them to me.”
Councilman Thompson was almost speechless as he stood, his words trickling out without strength. “We will…take a recess. The Council cannot make judgment without a vote. It is the law.”
Councilman Thompson signaled the other members to stand, but as they rose from their seats, a quiet, growing noise made them pause and wear puzzled expressions. The sound came from the back of the room, continuing to grow louder.
“What is that?” Councilman Thompson wondered. He turned to one of the Court guards and motioned for him to investigate, but before the guard could cross the room, the face of Jax Bennett appeared from behind a stone pillar.
“Jax, what are you doing?” Orion demanded. “This is highly unorthodox. You’re disrupting an official session of the Court.”
Jax smiled wryly. “Sorry, Father. I just thought the Council might like to see this.” Jax held up the tablet computer in his hand, holding the screen out for all to see.
“I’m not sure I understand what we’re looking at,” Councilman Thompson said.
“The voice of the people,” Jax replied. “They’re petitioning Rayne’s release.”
The sound from the tablet carried louder as Jax moved toward them. Hamlin’s heart lifted as the merciful cries of the people rang out. “Not guilty… Not guilty… Not guilty… Not guilty…”
Moved by the scene, the media crew shifted their cameras to the display outside, filling the entire room with the sounds of their TV screens, the speakers broadcasting the chants of the crowd, rising louder and louder amid the walls of the courtroom.
The Council members waited and watched, stood in place beside their chairs, unsure how to respond.
Until suddenly, Councilman Gibbs called out from the second row, as loud as his elderly voice would carry. “I move to vote for release!”
Councilman Thompson turned to look up at the old man in surprise.
Then, Orion’s voice spoke out from his place at third chair. “I second the motion.” Hamlin sent an expression of gratitude in Orion’s direction.
Councilman Thompson’s eyes surveyed the room, examining the faces of the other members, as well as the reporters and the crowds on the screens. He swallowed, then nodded. “All right then, fine, we’ll proceed with the vote.” He moved to stand in front of the Council and with a loud official voice said, “The motion has been made to release Mr. Rayne Dolan Stevens from all current charges presented against him. All those in favor, say aye. Those opposed, say no.”
Hamlin watched the hope spread across Rayne’s face as each member of the Council raised their hand and said aye.
“It appears the ayes have it,” Councilman Thompson announced. “The motion carries. The Council will release the charges.”
Councilman Thompson turned toward Rayne. “Mr. Stevens, please join me here on the stand.”
Rayne walked forward, sending a look of quiet appreciation Hamlin’s way. Hamlin never felt more relieved, or so proud. Rayne was truly like a son, and nothing gave Hamlin more pleasure than to see Rayne set free, in more ways than one. Free from this prison, free from the years of lies, perhaps even free to be a part of Sadie’s life again.
Then, Councilman Thompson took Rayne by his side. They stood in front of the cameras and as he announced to every citizen of Ambrosia, “We, the Ambassadors Council, with all respect to the laws of this land and the Sacred Pool of Banya, did take a vote, and by the power of the majority have ruled this man, Mr. Rayne Dolan Stevens, to be hereby declared…innocent on all counts and released of all charges.”
Cheers and applause erupted from the people on the screens from outside. Even the reporters and media crew seemed to be swept away by the moment, a unanimous display of approval and redemption.
A smile, peaceful and genuine, took over Hamlin’s face. At least one burden from his past was being lifted away. Rayne would no longer suffer under Hamlin’s wing of shame.
Hamlin allowed Rayne to enjoy the validation he deserved for as long as possible, but when Councilman Thompson finally moved to declare the close of the Court session, Hamlin knew with clarity that he had more to say.
Hamlin strode back to the podium. “Wait,” he said. “I have one last thing to say, to the Council and to the people. I wanted to say…thank you…all of you. Thank you for everything. Thank you for caring enough to set an innocent man free. Thank you for your endless support, your dedication, your hard work each and every day to come together and make Ambrosia such a delightful world to live in.” Then, his gracious smile turned somber as he said, “And now, as I fully expect to endure the consequences of my actions, I leave these words with you to be my final words as the Ambassador of Ambrosia. This is my official announcement of resignation.”
The audience went silent.
Hamlin continued without pause. “As per the laws of this land, my second in command, Councilman Zieg Thompson, an honorable and just man, will assume the role of Ambassador until the upcoming elections take place later this year.” And then, Hamlin walked out the door a lonesome man, free from his secrets, yet pained by the loss of his country.
36. POSSIBILITIES
All day Friday was like walking blind. The messages in the diary stopped coming. I knew they would, but that didn’t stop the feelings of being lost and in the dark from creeping in. I was dragging in slow motion, hour by hour, while everyone else zipped past in a blur, living their lives, moving forward. All I could do was think about Rayne. Would I ever see him again? Was he being sentenced to prison at this very moment?
Saturday wasn’t much better. We were all getting ready for prom. It was supposed to be exciting—the best day ever. I really did try to enjoy the moment, and outwardly, I think I did a pretty good job. A few times I even fooled myself into believing I was excited. All the boys were supposed to pick up their dates, then, we were all going to meet over at Heather’s house so we could ride together in the limo.
A bunch of the girls got together at my house that afternoon to help do nails and style hair, which really helped me keep my mind on the dance. But they were all gone now, back at their own places to finish getting dressed. I smoothed my hands down the side of my cheerful fuchsia dress, wishing my insides could feel just as bright. For the finishing touch, I took the necklace with the small crystal Briolette given to me by Rayne, the first gift he had ever given me, and secured it around my neck.
I reflected back on the moment he handed me this precious gift, how everything had changed so drastically since that day. I touched the s
mooth edges of the stone beneath my fingers and a feeling of peace moved through me. It was all for a reason. Somehow I knew…no matter what happened, everything would be okay.
The doorbell rang through the walls of the house.
I called out to my mom, “I’ll get it.” I figured it would be nice to at least say hello to Darrin before my mom clobbered us with all her usual doting, and a gazillion pictures.
I hurried out to the door and turned the knob, just about to meet Darrin with an energetic greeting, when the words disappeared from my mouth as if I had never learned to speak. My breath was gone. It had to be a dream, an illusion in my mind. It was Rayne—standing in front of me like a gorgeous fantasy in a suit and tie, a face so warm it could melt my insides with one look.
I had to blink, my brain trying to register if it was real, if he would disappear and Darrin’s face would emerge from the background where it was hiding all along. But he didn’t disappear. Rayne was here.
Without words, every molecule in my body burst forward to hold him in my arms. I had to feel him, had to touch him. I held on as if he might vanish, as if holding him was the only way to make sure he could stay.
“I thought I lost you,” I breathed into his chest.
He pulled me tighter and whispered in my ear, “Never…never again.”
I looked into his eyes, green and vibrant and wanting just as much as mine. My hands reached to his neck, pulling him to me. Our lips pulsed together, like feeling him for the first time. Every second we were apart, every missed moment, seemed to float away.
“What happened?” I finally asked. “They just…let you go?”
Rayne smiled sadly. “Not exactly. It was your father actually. He stood up in front of everyone and confessed all his secrets. He gave himself up to save me.”
“Oh my gosh…what does that mean? Are they going to send him to prison?”
“I don’t know,” Rayne said. “They haven’t decided anything. But he already resigned as Ambassador.”
I shook my head in disbelief. “Does that mean the Council knows who I am now?”
“Not just the Council…everyone…everyone in Banya knows.”
My eyes shifted nervously to the side. Was that a good thing or a bad thing? Would they still let me go back there?
“Don’t worry,” Rayne said. “I spoke to Orion and he assured me that your father’s fate would have no bearing on your own.”
I nodded quietly. “I thought I would have another chance to talk to him. What if I never see him again?”
“There’s still a chance,” Rayne started to say, but then my mother’s voice sounded from inside the house.
“Sweetie, where are you?” she called. “Are you ready yet?”
“We’re on the porch,” I called back.
When the door swung open, my mom blurted in surprise, “Rayne! What are you doing here? I thought you were…” She paused, unsure how to finish the sentence.
Rayne chuckled. “I was, but things changed. And of course I couldn’t miss prom, right?”
Mom immediately gave him a hug. “I’m so glad you’re back. It’s really good to see you.” Then she laughed. “Of course, I don’t know if Sadie’s date will agree with me.”
“Oh no,” I said. “I forgot about Darrin. He’s supposed to be here any minute.”
“Actually,” Rayne said, “he’s not coming.”
“He’s not?” I asked.
“No, I talked to Heather about it earlier.”
“So, why am I just now hearing about this?” I teased.
Rayne shrugged. “I wanted to surprise you.” And then he kissed me on the cheek.
I grinned, but it turned to a worried frown. “Did Darrin find someone else to go with tonight?”
“Yeah,” Rayne said. “I guess one of your friend’s dates got sick, so of course Heather thought it was meant to be and set the two of them up together.”
I had to laugh. Only Heather would think that someone getting sick and missing prom would be an answer to her problems.
“Which friend?” I asked.
“I think Heather said it was Tracy. I don’t know; she was talking a mile a minute.”
“Tracy Wang?” I asked, confused.
“Yeah, that sounds right.”
“That’s weird; I didn’t think Heather was really friends with Tracy.”
Rayne shrugged. “Really? She mentioned something about them possibly living together at UCLA.”
“Oh,” I said, surprised. “I didn’t realize.” Then my face brightened. “Well, good. I’m glad Heather found someone.”
“Are you sure?” Rayne asked. “There’s still time to change your mind.”
I looked into Rayne’s eyes, and I knew there was no way I would ever let anyone erase him from my memory. “Nope,” I said, “I think I’m good with my decision.” Rayne smiled.
My mom cut in. “Oh come on, you two. You can talk later. Let’s take some pictures. You both look adorable.”
***
The night really was perfect—tons of friends, a huge limo, an amazing dinner at one of the best restaurants in town, and Rayne. I could hardly stop looking at him. My jaw muscles ached from the constant need to smile. For the first half of the night we barely had a moment to ourselves, but it didn’t matter. We were together.
When we arrived at the dance, it was like stepping into a fairytale. The prom committee really outdid themselves when they chose the mansion estate in the hills of San Juan Capistrano as the location for our special night. The home seemed big enough to be a hotel, with a huge, cobblestone courtyard that glowed through the dark sky under strings and strings of white lights.
After an hour of socializing with friends, Rayne took my hand, leading me through the crowd of dancers to the back of the courtyard. In the far corner of the stone dance floor, the lights were low. The crowds thinned to a sparse few.
When he stopped, Rayne took my hand and drew me closer, gazing into me as if no one else existed. “I just needed a moment alone,” he said. “I missed you.”
I gazed into his eyes, the eyes I had longed to see for so long. “Me too,” I said. “I missed you so much.”
His hands slid along my waist, pulling me closer, until the chill in the air was dispersed by his heat. Then he held me, and I held him, as the sweet hum of the music carried us away.
***
After the dance everyone headed over to Brandon’s house for the after party. By this time there was drama erupting among my friends. Lindsey was crying in the bathroom because Zach was totally flirting with other girls all night instead of her, and Nicole was stressing out because she couldn’t tell if Brandon was trying to get back together with her, or if he just asked her to go to prom because there wasn’t anyone else to go with.
All I wanted was to hold Rayne’s hand the entire night, but part of me still felt a need to go help my friends. My worried glances must have been obvious, at least to Rayne. He nudged me with a reassuring nod. “It’s okay,” he said. “Go talk to them. I’ll still be here when you get back.” Sometimes it seemed like he knew what I was thinking before I did.
“You promise?” I said.
He smiled. “I’m not going anywhere.”
By the time things settled down it was already after two in the morning. Lindsey and Zach had broken up again, and Nicole and Brandon were officially back together. Rayne did his best to hang out with the rest of the party, but when I finally came back to look for him I found him alone in the backyard behind the pool, gazing out at the dark view below Brandon’s house.
I came up slowly behind him and wrapped my arms around his back. “There you are,” I said.
He turned inside my arms to face me, not letting go. “I was just getting a little fresh air.”
“Hey,” I said, as if getting a bright idea, “do you want to get out of here?”
Rayne leaned down and kissed my forehead. “I’m ready whenever you are.”
Then, suddenly, I realized
that I was ready. “Yeah,” I mused, “I think I am.”
As we said goodbye to my friends, I had a sad yet peaceful feeling. I knew I would see them again on Monday at school, but I sensed that I was ready to move on.
“I don’t want to go home yet,” I said as Rayne drove his car away from the curb.
His brow lifted. “I know a place we could go.”
I couldn’t contain my grin. “What did you have in mind?”
“You’ll see,” he said.
A few minutes later, I was surprised to realize that Rayne was pulling the Range Rover onto Ocean Avenue and parking it right next to Inspiration Point, the tiny park and ocean lookout where we had experienced our first fight.
“Really? Inspiration Point?” I questioned, both surprised and a little amused.
He shrugged. “Well, if I remember correctly, this place used to be kind of special to you, one you were saving for a special moment, until I came and ruined it for you.” He said the words playfully, but I still felt a need to protest.
“You didn’t ruin it. I mean, I was the one who suggested we go there in the first place. And if I remember correctly, I was the one who ran off by myself while you were there being perfect and nice like you always are.”
Rayne started to laugh.
“What?” I asked.
“After everything we’ve been through,” he said with another chuckle, “you still think I’m perfect?”
For some reason, I could feel my face turning red. I punched him in the arm. “Well, you’re perfect to me. I don’t know, maybe I just mean…you’re perfect for me.”
He stopped laughing, but he still gazed at me with a secret, hidden smile. “You’re perfect for me too,” he said. Whenever he wore that look it used to make me feel insecure, like he was entertained by my obvious stupidity, or thinking about all the mysteries in the world that he understood and I didn’t. But now, I loved that look of his. I wasn’t sure why, but it made me feel wanted and understood.
Rayne reached for my hand from the other side of the car. “I just thought we could give this place another chance, you know, get rid of the bad memory by making a new one.” Then he playfully added, “That is, if you think you can handle it.”
Ambrosia Shore (The Water Keepers, Book 3) Page 30