I gave him a roguish grin. “I guess you’ll just have to come and find out…”
We dashed cheerfully across the small patch of grass at the park and continued down the pathway until we reached the concrete platform. I could feel the misty ocean air, hear the waves crashing below us. The early morning sky was still black as night, but random flecks of light from nearby streets and houses appeared faintly in the distance.
The view was different in the dark, more hidden, almost mystical.
I felt my body shiver.
“Are you cold?” Rayne asked.
“Maybe a little.”
He immediately slid off his jacket and draped it around my shoulders.
“Thank you,” I said. I pulled my arms through the sleeves, inhaling the heady scent of him that lingered on the fabric.
When I was done, he stopped to look at me, giving me that same secretive, amused smile he always did. I glanced down at myself, his sleeves hanging long over my hands, the bottom flaps of the jacket flailing out over the full pink skirt of my dress.”
“I know,” I said. “I look ridiculous.”
He laughed and shook his head. “Actually, I was thinking how much better it looks on you than it does on me.”
The sides of my mouth curled up, and I reached to hug his arm, planting my chin near his shoulder. “Why are you so cute?”
He smiled down at me. “I guess you just have that effect on me.”
I turned my head, staring out at the inky waves below the edge of the small cliff. We were quiet for a moment. The memory of our fight in this same place came back to my mind. Rayne was trying to explain to me that my Watermark was broken, and I was freaking out that life was spiraling out of my control, scared of all the challenges I didn’t want to face.
“Isn’t it amazing how much things can change in six months,” I said, still staring out at the horizon.
“It’s hard to believe,” Rayne agreed.
I continued to reflect. “I mean, everything is just so different now, especially since I came back here. I feel like a completely different person.”
“You’re still you,” he said. “You’ve just experienced things that changed your perspective.”
“I guess that’s true. It’s just strange that a place I’ve lived in my entire life, a place that I love, can suddenly feel so… I don’t know…distant? Does that make sense?”
Rayne nodded. “Yeah, definitely. I think I felt the same thing after I left Ambrosia. It just didn’t feel like home anymore.”
I smiled sadly. “I’m still really going to miss it here. And Ambrosia is like, this big, unknown thing that’s kind of scary to think about, but…it’s also pretty exciting. It’s like, all those things we talked about in the diary while you were gone, all those possibilities for the future, are actually possible now.”
Rayne pulled me in front of his chest, gazing down at me with mesmerizing green eyes. “I know,” he murmured. “I couldn’t think about anything else all day.”
Then I was lost in his eyes, and the possibilities, and his soft, tender lips.
I could have stayed there all night—my hands in his hair, his breath on my mouth. We stumbled to the bench a few feet away and he pulled me into his lap, kissing me again, harder, the weeks of separation aching to release.
“I missed you,” Rayne whispered, for the hundredth time that day. I understood why he had to say it. I felt it too; that yearning to express my relief, the need to remind myself that his touch was real.
I paused for only a second to breathe, when a flicker of light broke through the bushes at the top of the ramp. My body froze.
“What is it?” Rayne asked.
“I think I saw a flashlight,” I said, standing from the bench. I gave him a wry smile. “Are we allowed to be here this late?”
He shook his head and laughed. “I doubt it.” He jerked his head toward the top of the ramp then hopped from the bench to grab my hand. “Come on,” he urged. And then we were scampering down the ramp with hushed giggles toward the sand.
It was a new memory, a fond one. This time, neither of us were running away or hiding from the truth. We simply kicked off our shoes, took each other’s hands, and let the possibilities take flight.
37. DENIAL
On Sunday, Rayne and I spent the afternoon at Balboa Island, riding the Ferris wheel, eating ice cream, watching the boats glide by through Newport Harbor. It felt like freedom. The sun was bright, the breeze was pleasant, and we were together, never to be apart.
Later that evening we sat curled up on Rayne’s couch, snuggling under a blanket. Rayne combed his fingers through my hair, while I traced invisible circles with my finger over his knee, reflecting on the day, pondering all it represented, a new life, a new beginning with Rayne.
But Monday morning came, as it always did, and I realized I only had one Monday morning left before I had to leave everything else behind—high school, friends, the home I grew up in, even my mom. One week and two days… that was all the time I had left to say goodbye.
I was worried about my mom most of all. My friends had exciting plans for summer travel and college in the fall, but my mom would be left here all alone. We still hadn’t heard anything from my father since the hearing, and Rayne wasn’t sure the Council would ever let him come back here. I hadn’t even had a chance to explain to my mom what my plans were and that I might not be able to return. I didn’t want to tell her unless I was one hundred percent sure, but now I knew that the time had come.
I went out to the kitchen for breakfast a little earlier than usual, knowing we would need the extra time to talk. Mom was just pulling out a bowl and some pancake mix when I walked in solemnly and took a seat on the barstool across from her.
“Oh, morning, honey,” she greeted. She glanced at the clock. “You’re ready early.”
I stared at my hands. “Uh, yeah, I guess I’m just excited for the last week of school.”
“Don’t remind me,” she laughed. “I can’t believe you’re getting so old already…you’re starting to make me feel old.”
“Please, we all know you don’t look a day over twenty-five,” I joked.
She laughed and rolled her eyes. “Flattery will not make your breakfast cook any faster.”
I tried to laugh with her, but I knew I had something serious to say. “That’s okay; I’m not really in a hurry.” I paused, feeling a lump in my throat. “Um actually, Mom, there was something I wanted to talk to you about.”
She finally sensed my troubled tone and looked over with concern. “Is everything okay?” she asked.
“Um…yeah,” I said weakly. “Well, I don’t know, maybe not.”
She stopped pouring the milk in the bowl and set the measuring cup on the counter. “Whatever it is, you can tell me,” she said.
I looked back at her thoughtfully. “I know. It’s just…I have some news for you that isn’t exactly good.” Mom waited intently as I tried to continue. “I know Lin told you he works for a top-secret government organization, but I think you’ve probably gathered by now that it’s a little more complicated than that.”
Mom nodded. “I don’t really understand the details, but yes, I’ve gathered that there was more to the story. And I know that Rayne is involved too.”
“Well, there’s something you need to know,” I began. “Rayne saved my life after I was shot, but he had to break a bunch of rules in order to do it, and basically, the only way Lin was able to keep Rayne from going to prison for the rest of his life was to take his place.” I gazed up at her with sad eyes. “Mom, I don’t think he can ever come back.”
Her face creased. “Are you sure?”
I had to fight to hold in the tears. I hated telling her this. I hated breaking her heart again. I tried to sound as optimistic as possible. “Well, nothing’s set in stone,” I told her. “Rayne hasn’t heard anything official yet. I just thought you should know that it was a possibility.”
Mom suddenly shrugge
d and grabbed the mixing spoon off the counter. “So, you really don’t know yet,” she said. She stirred the batter vigorously and plastered on a big, forced smile. “Don’t worry, sweetie. He’ll be back. This will all get sorted out, you’ll see.”
My mom was clearly in denial. I stared back at her, dumbfounded, unsure what to do. I couldn’t tell her about my plans to leave now; she would probably go into mega-shock.
I lost my nerve completely and simply said, “Okay, Mom, if you say so. We’ll just wait until we hear something more concrete.”
38. HAMLIN LEARNS HIS FATE
After several days of deliberation, the Council finally sent an official Court guard to summon Hamlin to the council room.
He glanced back at his chambers, the Ambassador’s chambers, with the grand four-poster bed, the rich tapestries, the portrait of William Fairbanks, his great ancestor, hanging with distinction on the center wall, and he realized that his home of the last sixteen years was about to become a thing of the past. Would William Fairbanks be pleased with his progenitor’s accomplishments? Or was he watching down on Hamlin from the heavens with deploring eyes?
When Hamlin stepped into the large familiar room, his colleagues were all seated in their proper chairs surrounding the grand stone table. He had directed countless meetings in this very place, and it saddened him to know that this meeting would be his last.
The Council members stood at Hamlin’s entrance, an action that used to be routine, almost expected. Yet now, it seemed to surprise him. It was a gesture of respect, perhaps even admiration, something Hamlin was sure he had lost. He nodded back at them with humbled eyes.
They waited for him to reach his chair then sat down alongside him, just as they had always done since the day he was elected. Typically Hamlin would have now begun the meeting, but this time he sat quietly as Councilman Thompson addressed the room.
“Ambassador Fairbanks,” he said to Hamlin, “we have discussed your situation in great detail over the last two days.”
Hamlin felt a need to interject. “I’m no longer the Ambassador,” he said. “Nor do I deserve to retain the title.”
Councilman Thompson looked back at him thoughtfully. “Once an Ambassador…always an Ambassador. This applies to you just like any other.”
Hamlin searched through the men’s faces, expecting someone to disagree.
“As I was saying,” Councilman Thompson continued, “after much discussion, we have come to an agreement. The Council feels that your past contributions to our administration far outweigh the extent of your errors. We cannot in good conscience sentence you to severe punishment.”
Hamlin’s brow creased. “I have to disagree. I’m not above the law any more than the next person.”
“I’m afraid it’s not up for debate. The Council has already voted.”
Hamlin wasn’t seeking to be punished, but somehow the news failed to bring relief.
“How am I any different than Rayne Stevens?” Hamlin said. “You were all ready to convict him. He suffered public humiliation for the same crimes that now hang upon my head.”
Councilman Thompson laced his fingers together as he placed them on the table. “In Rayne’s case it was out of our hands. Once his arrest was announced to the media, the people were in an uproar. We had no choice but to appease their concerns. We agree that it was an unfortunate situation. If we could have handled the matter privately, we would have done our best to show leniency. He has, after all, been a great asset to our organization and deserves to be compensated. If anything, things worked out greatly in his favor. Agent Stevens has more support from the people now than ever before.”
“What would you have me do then?” Hamlin said. “Go back to business as usual, as if nothing ever happened?”
Councilman Thompson lifted his hand with nonchalance. “Perhaps that could have been the case,” he said, “if you had chosen to meet with the Council privately to discuss your concerns, rather than announce them to the entire country on live television.” He paused. “But, what’s done is done. Unfortunately, we all agree that your term as Ambassador must come to an end. We will have to make a statement to the public announcing your conviction. In their eyes, you will have been found guilty of several charges, and sentenced to twenty years in Banya City Prison. As you know, we have to maintain our reputation for strictly adhering to the law. However, we will also announce that this was reduced from a sixty-year penalty as a result of the many contributions you have made to our society, therefore displaying our mercy to the people as well.”
Hamlin stared down at his hands. “So, I am to become a ghost then… I suppose you would have me disappear into the mountains, or a secluded home out in the country, as if I no longer existed in this world?”
“That is one option,” Councilman Thompson replied. “However, we do have a second option to present to you, one that we much prefer.”
Hamlin’s brow pinched together. “What other option could there be?”
Instead of Councilman Thompson, Orion was the one to answer. “The Council would like to offer you a new position,” Orion said. A glinting smile formed in his eyes. “We voted to revive Project Winnie, and we’d like you to take command of the project.”
“Project Winnie?” Hamlin said in surprise. “But, when I proposed the project I was shot down almost unanimously.”
“Well that was fifteen years ago,” Councilman Thompson said. “Circumstances have changed. We didn’t have the resources we do now. And a project of this magnitude requires an experienced leader, someone we can trust. After sixteen years of unwavering service, we are certain that you are ready to head up this assignment.”
Hamlin could hardly believe what he was hearing. It seemed ideal, a chance to continue working toward the good of the people instead of wasting away without purpose in prison, or off hiding like some hermit with nothing worthwhile to do. But the moment he opened his mouth to say yes, Leena’s face appeared in his thoughts. His heart couldn’t let her go again.
“Thank you for such a wonderful opportunity,” Hamlin said. “It is a generous offer. But something weighs heavy on my mind, and I’m not sure I can accept.”
“What are your concerns?” Councilman Thompson asked.
Hamlin inhaled a deep breath as he explained, “Over the last sixteen years I have not only kept secrets from those here in Banya, I have neglected my responsibilities to my family on Earth. Sadie is my daughter, and Leena has spent the last seventeen years raising her alone. I have to make this right. I’m not sure how this will be possible, I just know I must find a way. I realize the Council has already shown me a great deal of leniency, but I feel I must decline unless I can continue to pass through the border to see them.”
Councilman Thompson shook his head. “I’m afraid that’s out of the question. Your face is too recognizable. It would raise too many questions. And the project is too demanding. It would be located far outside the city limits. Your constant absence would hinder the progress of the work.”
Orion suddenly cut in. “If I may make a suggestion, gentlemen…”
Hamlin and Councilman Thompson both stopped and looked in Orion’s direction.
“First of all,” Orion said, “I should tell you that I spoke to Sadie just a few days ago, and she made it very clear that she intends to accept the Council’s offer to move to Ambrosia permanently after she graduates. And second, if I do recall correctly, it was once the practice of Ambrosia to recruit new citizens from Earth to relocate to our world. Now, I know this practice was done away with as a security precaution many years ago, but in extenuating circumstances such as these, perhaps it is a route we should consider in regards to Sadie’s mother.”
Hamlin glanced in Orion’s direction with lifted brows. His old friend was always there to support him. The other Council members turned to each other in muffled discussion.
“I can personally vouch for Sadie’s mother,” Orion went on. “As far as I have observed, she is an upright membe
r of her community. Her training as a nurse could be beneficial in assisting the surgeon we place with Project Winnie, and we should be sensitive to the fact that we are planning to relocate this woman’s only family to Ambrosia indefinitely.”
“I believe I am in agreement,” Councilman Thompson said to the room. “Orion makes valid arguments in favor of this option. Is there anyone here who would like to express concerns or arguments otherwise?”
Many of the members shot glances back and forth, but nobody spoke out in dispute.
“Ambassador Fairbanks,” he said to Hamlin, “do you believe Sadie’s mother would resist the opportunity to move here, knowing she must relinquish all rights and ties to her citizenship on Earth, never to return?”
Hope and anticipation spread through Hamlin’s body as he answered, “If Sadie is planning to move here permanently as Orion has stated, then I am almost certain that her mother would choose to come with her.”
“And does this solution ease your concerns regarding the well-being of your family?”
Hamlin smiled. “Yes, I believe it does.”
“Very well,” the councilman said. “We will proceed with preparations. To make the transition easier for your family, you will go back to make arrangements for them personally. We will allow your daughter to complete her schooling, and when you return, we will have a suitable residence set up for you at the site of the project where you will be working.”
“If the Council will allow it,” Orion added, “I would like to accompany Hamlin to assist in the transition.”
Councilman Thompson stroked his chin. “No, I think you’ve been absent long enough this month, and so have your men stationed in Newport Beach. We need you here. Instead, I want you to call to Agent Duke and have him meet Hamlin at the border to remain as the family’s escort until Sadie graduates; all other team members should return to base for reassignment. Now that we understand Sadie’s relationship to the Ambassador, the investigation is no longer necessary.”
Ambrosia Shore (The Water Keepers, Book 3) Page 31