“What happens to the locations where the books are found? And the books that aren’t taken?”
“Obviously, it can’t be allowed to continue to exist, so it and all the contents are destroyed.”
Ana felt like crying. All those wonderful, wonderful books. Destroyed just to keep the population living in ignorance and fear.
“How did you get this job?” she asked once she had herself under control.
“I think it’s time for bed,” her father said, declining to answer.
Ana opened her mouth to argue but something in her father’s eyes stopped her. Instead, she produced a fake yawn, stretching her arms as she did so.
“You’re probably right, Daddy,’ she said, faking another yawn as she rose. “The testing wore me out. I think I’ll say goodnight.”
“Ana, honey,” her father said, placing his hand on her arm. “What happened out there? Why did you run across the house, screaming in terror?”
“Bad dream, Daddy. I had a bad dream about fire. You know how I feel about fire.”
“Was it the fireplace? I had a fire going, thinking it would be nice with the storm outside.”
Ana looked at her father and nodded. She couldn’t tell him what happened, but she could admit to fearing fire. It wasn’t like he didn’t already know.
Staring at the ceiling, Ana listened to the rain as her mind wandered. Eventually, she started thinking about the questions that had gone unanswered when she left the island. Her thoughts ultimately coalesced onto one. She still had no idea what the words on the paper meant. Who knew? What did they know? And who had left it?
Ana started listing different things in her head, mentally crossing off those she knew were improbable. It obviously wasn’t about Jax since Jax was sent to the island with her. It couldn’t refer to anything after her two-day ordeal as the pack was only out of her sight once, when she drew the dragons from the glade. It was always possible someone slipped in and put the note there while it lay unattended, but she doubted it. Something told her it had been done before her flight in the fog.
She discarded her discussion with Jan during her last trip, the lists she had written, and the packet Jan had left for her. All those had occurred after she noticed the new notches on the tally stick. She also dismissed her search for information on the island, having been questioned about it on the yacht. The more she thought about, the more convinced she became the note referred to something else. But what?
Ana rose and started pacing. The items in her mattress appeared to have been left alone. But was she absolutely sure they had been? In her haste to make sure they were still secreted away, had she checked the stitching on the mattress to verify it was hers? And how could she be sure that what the digi-drive now held was the same as what was she had been given? She never viewed it, being too scared to hook it into a tab that was connected to the main government computer.
Or was it what she and Jan discussed on her first trip? Was the government aware of what she planned? Was that why she had been singled out, sent to undergo the unusual testing? But that didn’t make sense. She could easily have read the note on the mountain before facing any of the new and unique tests.
Ana’s mind was running in circles and she was becoming more and more frustrated. Unable to come to any sort of conclusion, she huffed and plopped in the chair, staring out the window.
After a few hours with nothing conclusive to show for it, Ana started feeling the effects of the long day. Yawning for real this time, she climbed back into bed, curled around Jax, and fell asleep almost immediately, her dreams full of books with interesting titles and odd names.
Chapter 7
Month 1
Week 2
Ana climbed the stairs to her bedroom, intent on taking a hot shower after another grueling workout, and found her father standing at the top.
“Let’s go for a ride,” he said, a big smile creasing his face.
Ana stopped and stared, baffled at his statement. Where could they possibly go?
“Okay, I guess,” she said, curious. “I need to shower, so call when the transport arrives.”
“No transport. Take your time.”
Ana looked at her father in total confusion. No transport? Then how would they go for a ride?
“You’ll see,” her father said, seeing her bewildered look. “Just don’t take too long. Bring a jacket since it’s a little blustery. And make sure Jax understands she has to stay away from the windows.”
“I will. She listens better now.”
Ana turned and headed to her room. As she passed, he leaned over and whispered, “Bring the journal.”
Ana paused and looked at her father questioningly.
“The book,” her father mouthed before heading downstairs.
Ana’s face cleared and she hurried to her room, more curious than ever. Taking a quick shower, she tried to figure out how to get the book out of the mattress without being seen. Staring at the bed, she eventually pulled her desk chair over. Sitting over the open seam, she nudged a sleeping Jax and told her to sit on the edge of the bed. Leaning forward, she pulled the sheets loose.
“I need to go out for a while,” she said, enlarging the opening in the mattress. Slipping her hand in, she bought herself eye-level to Jax.
“I don’t know how long we’ll be gone and need to know you’ll behave. Will you be good?”
Jax nodded solemnly, unhappy about being left behind. Ana smiled at her companion, grasped a corner of the book and desperately tried to wiggle it forward.
“Good. You cannot sit by any windows except mine. Do you understand?”
Jax nodded, casting a quick glance over her shoulder at the glass.
“You cannot touch the tabs. This is important. Do not touch any of the tabs. Do you understand?”
Jax’s face fell. She had learned how to turn the tabs on, and Ana often found her watching vids. She wasn’t sure Jax would be able to resist the temptation and made a mental note to hide the digi-remote for the large one downstairs and take hers with her.
“I’m serious. Stay out of the pantry and the basement. Don’t open any doors. Do you understand?”
Jax nodded, looking despondent.
“I know, furball,” Ana said with sympathy, giving a final yank and letting the book fall to the floor. Nudging it slightly with her toe, she slid it under the bed, then did her best to put the sheets back.
“Hey, when Niall leaves, are the things you two use during the session left here?”
Jax nodded, her face brightening a bit.
“Tell you what. How about I bring them up and put them on the table. You can play around with them if you want. I’ll leave some fruit out in case you get hungry. And you’re free to climb around on railing. It’s good exercise.”
Jax nodded again and Ana ran downstairs, retrieving the box from the front room. She carried it upstairs and set it on the floor, then picked out several pieces of fruit, leaving them in a small bowl. Jax seemed more content and Ana gave her a big hug.
Grabbing an oversized bag, she made a big show of looking for her shoes. Peering under the bed, she laid the bag on the floor and slid the book inside, then stood up and turned in a circle as if still searching. Jax watched in bewilderment. Hopping off the chair, Jax tugged on Ana’s pants and led her into the closet. She pointed to the boots, earning a kiss as Ana pulled them off the rack and put them on. Hugging Jax good-bye, she met her father downstairs, and he took her to the lower level. Passing through her work-out room, he opened a door at the far end. Ana had never opened the door and was surprised when she stepped through it.
A garage lay on the other side. Outfitted with an extensive array of tools, the room contained something else, something that stopped Ana in her tracks.
A transport lay gleaming under the lights. Not just any transport, but one Ana had only seen in vids. Most transports were boxy and owned by the government. The markings on the side indicated the transport’s use so it was easy to
identify its purpose. But the vehicle sitting in front of her looked nothing like those. It was low, sleek, and definitely not boxy. It only had two doors and there wasn’t a single mark on it. She took a tentative step forward, hesitantly running her hand down the side. The door slid open, revealing plush seats, and soft music wafted out. Staring at her father, Ana was speechless and could only gesture at the vehicle.
“It’s something, isn’t it?” her father said. “Get in. This is your ride.”
Ana took another step, afraid to get in. Her father had no such reservations and walked around the front, sliding into the other seat once the door opened. She continued to stare, gingerly folding herself into the vehicle when her father motioned to the vacant seat. Her father took the bag and placed it in the small space behind him, then looked at Ana’s awestruck expression.
“You need to move your hand away from the opening, hon,” he said. “The door won’t close otherwise.”
Ana pulled her hand into her lap, gazing around the interior. He father touched the center pad, starting the transport and opening the garage door.
“You know how to drive?” she asked, finally finding her voice.
“Yes, hon, I do. Sit back and enjoy the ride.”
“Where did you learn how to drive?”
Ana’s father ignored the question, instead swiping the transport’s tab as he softly told it where to go. The vehicle backed out of the garage, turned, and headed down the long driveway. Ana couldn’t believe how smooth and quiet it was. All she could hear was soft music.
“You comfortable?” her father asked. “It’s chilly out today and I don’t want you to be cold.”
“I’m fine, Daddy. Where did this come from?”
“It was in the garage when I arrived. I received a message saying I was free to use it. I haven’t felt like doing so until now. I thought it might be nice for you to do something special at least once before you leave.”
Ana gazed around, still awed. The seats seem to wrap around her, and the multiple windows gave her an unparalleled view of the surrounding area. Ana was mesmerized. The neighborhood was built on the side of a hill, the homes situated well back from the main road. She couldn’t see all the houses, but those she could looked as big, if not bigger, than the one she was currently living in. There were several transports on the road and at least two had no markings, although none were as sexy as this one.
“Daddy, where are we? I mean, I know we’re in Virmar, but where? I’ve never seen wealth like this.”
“This area of Virmar is reserved for the second-tier government officials,” her father responded. “Top scientists, historians, and so on, live here. It’s also where a lot of the instructors from the Academy live.”
“How do you know so much about who lives here?”
“I lived here myself, a long time ago,” her father replied. “Before you were born.”
“Why did you leave?”
“Another time, okay?”
Ana decided not to press the issue. Instead, she watched the miles fly by, the transport speeding down the mountain and into the cutest market she had ever seen. Her father slowed the transport, looking for a safe place to park.
Once a spot had been found, Ana and her father exited the vehicle, taking the bag with them. The pair spent several hours poking around, buying gifts for each other as well as supplies. Her father told her not to worry about the expense since the government had given them unlimited credits after they moved to Virmar. Ana found she still enjoyed shopping, but now it was more practical and less frivolous. Her only regret was she would never see Jan again, denying her the joy of selecting something special just for him. When the pair had shopped themselves out and everything had been promised to be delivered the following day, she headed back to the transport, assuming they were going home.
“Not yet,” her father said. “I have one more surprise for you.”
Taking Ana by the hand, he led her down a side street to a small restaurant. There were several small tables outside, but her father bypassed these, instead entering the restaurant itself. Ana was hit with a variety of aromas, all warm and inviting. She could smell fresh bread, aromatic coffees, as well as a host of other things that made her mouth water. Her father stopped just inside the door, murmuring to the host who appeared out of thin air.
Ana was delighted with the place. The interior was adorable, brick and woodwork giving it a very country feel. The tables inside were slightly larger than those out front, covered in white linen and adorned with floral centerpieces. She wondered if they would be turned away since every table was occupied. Her father seemed unconcerned, staring into the distance as if waiting.
“Caro! Oh, such a sight for sore eyes! My love, where have you been?”
Ana turned at the sound, wondering who was being called. A beautiful woman was approaching, face beaming and arms held out to hug someone. Ana glanced around, wondering who the recipient might be, and was shocked when her father folded the woman in his embrace.
“Rosita, my dear,” her father said, planting a solid kiss on the woman’s lips. “I have missed you so.”
“Come, come,” the woman said, giving Ana’s father another tight squeeze before stepping away. “We absolutely must catch up.”
“Rosita, this is my daughter, Ana,” her father said, placing a hand on her back and propelling her forward.
“As beautiful as her father!” Rosita cried, gathering Ana in a huge hug. Having never been greeted like this, Ana was at a loss and stood stiffly, wondering what to do.
“I think you’ve overwhelmed her, Rosita,” Ana’s father said, chuckling.
Rosita took a step back, placed her hands on Ana’s face, and kissed both cheeks. Dropping them, she gave her a dazzling smile, then turned and took her father’s hand, leading the pair through the restaurant.
“It’s okay, honey,” Ana’s father said, looking over his shoulder. “Rosita and I go way back. She’s exuberant, but harmless.”
“Way, way back!” Rosita called back merrily. “And harmless, well that’s what I let all the men think.”
Ana couldn’t help but laugh. Rosita was gorgeous, one of the most beautiful women she had ever seen. Jet black hair, high cheekbones, and deep blue eyes, she exuded class with every fiber of her being. But she also radiated friendliness and warmth, and Ana found herself liking the woman immediately.
Rosita led them through the kitchen and into a courtyard. If Ana had been charmed with the interior, she was utterly entranced with the area she now found herself in.
At first glance, it appeared open to the outside. But when Ana looked up, she could see the ceiling had been covered in digi-panels that only gave the appearance of sky. The room was walled on all four sides, the door they came through the only way in or out. A small fountain sat in the center and extensive brickwork paved the ground around it. The walls were covered with flowering rose bushes and tall lemon trees sat in pots at each corner. There were only a few tables, each one out of earshot of its neighbor, and they were surrounded on three sides by lattice screens covered in flowering vines. Rosita led them past the fountain and she saw large fish in different colors swimming inside. Leading the pair to the furthest table, Rosita pulled out a tab and softly requested water. Motioning Ana and her father to sit, Ana was surprised to see Rosita join them.
“So, my dear Piero, what brings you to my humble bistro?” Rosita asked, crossing long legs and flashing another radiant smile. Ana wondered what relationship her father and this woman had had.
“I missed you,” he said simply, returning her smile. “I recently moved back and wanted to see you.”
“As I have missed you, dear. But I know you well enough to see this is more than just a social call. You would not have requested a seat here if it was. Besides, we are taking a chance being seen together again.” Rosita became serious and now watched Ana’s father intently.
“My daughter has been to the island twice. One of those visits resulted
in her being forced to endure the alternate test. Vice Premier Drake has marked her and she is set to attend the Academy in two days.”
Ana thought nothing more could surprise her, but her father’s frank admission left her speechless. Eyes darting around in fear, she wondered why he was talking so openly.
“Don’t worry, my dear,” Rosita said, reaching out and laying a hand on Ana’s wrist. “Nobody can hear what is being said here.”
“Rosita has had this area extensively modified,” Ana’s father chimed in. “The government sees us sitting here, but what we say is not what they hear. I’m not exactly sure how it’s done, but somehow the conversation they hear is different than what’s actually being said.”
“Oh, it has to do with something about digi-voice synthesizing. My boys have explained it to me several times, but I still don’t entirely understand it.” Rosita waved her hand as if discussing the time of day.
“Can you trust them?” Ana asked, concerned.
“Of course,” Rosita responded. “They are blood. And blood does not betray blood. At least not in the family.”
Ana began to ask another question, but her father stopped her. The waiter arrived with the water, and Rosita spoke with him as Ana and her father waited patiently. As soon as the waiter left, Rosita turned her dazzling smile on the pair again.
“I’ve taken the liberty of ordering. I hope you don’t mind, but I’ve requested Tosco prepare something special.”
“That will be fine, Rosita,” Ana’s father said. “Anything Tosco prepares is sure to be magnificent.”
“Now, Ana,” Rosita said, turning towards her once more. “Please tell me what happened during your last stay on the island. And please do not leave anything out.”
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