Indigo Incite

by Jacinda Buchmann

  They pulled into a truck stop on the outskirts of town. When Sarah stepped out of the car, she stretched her arms and turned her face skyward. The wind whipped her hair wildly about her head, but she didn’t care. It was nice to stand in the fresh air. For the moment, no one knew where they were, and she felt momentarily at peace. She had the feeling that this was like the eye of the storm. It was inevitable that the sense of calm would soon pass and they would once again be running from danger, but for now she was happy to enjoy the moment.

  “I’ve got to find a bathroom before we eat!” Grace said.

  “I hear ya,” Sarah told her. “This baby’s pushing on my bladder. I’ll come with you.” She turned to her travel companions. “Do you guys want to meet us in the restaurant?”

  “I’m just going to gas up the car so it’ll be ready to go,” Eddie said. “I’ll meet you girls, inside.”

  “Well, I’m all about trying the pie,” Tyler said. He pointed to the hand-painted picture of pie on the restaurant window beside a sign which declared that they had twenty-four flavors.

  “Mmm, my favorite is chocolate cream,” Liliana said as she and Tyler headed for the building.

  They walked away side by side, and Sarah smiled as she noticed how comfortable they seemed with each other. Then she grabbed her purse out of the car and turned to Grace with a smile. “Right then. Let’s go find the restroom.”

  As they walked across the parking lot, Grace sighed and said, “I’ve seen the way Eddie looks at you, and I’ve seen his aura when he’s around you. You know he likes you, right?”

  “Eddie? He can’t possibly. He knows I’m married. And seriously, I’m pregnant.” She placed a hand on her abdomen for emphasis.

  “Of course he knows all of that, but sometimes when you like someone, you just like them, regardless of the fact if it’s practical or not.”

  “Yeah, well, I hope he realizes that he doesn’t have a chance with me. I’m madly in love with my husband, and there’s not a chance that I would ever leave him.”

  “I’m sure he knows that,” Grace said, “and I’m sure one of these days he’ll realize that there are other girls. But for now, he only has eyes for you.”

  Grace’s tone of voice revealed more than her words, and Sarah turned to her in question. “You like him, don’t you?” The door chimed as they entered the gift shop area of the truck stop.

  Grace located the sign directing them toward the restrooms. She didn’t look at Sarah, but walking straight ahead, she said, “Well, it doesn’t matter if I like him or not. He’s not interested in me.

  “And anyway,” Grace continued a few minutes later as she looked in the restroom mirror to fluff her hair, “it doesn’t matter if he likes me or not. When all of this is over, I’ll be in Utah and he’ll be in Arizona. It’s not like it would ever work out between us anyway. Right?”

  “You’re probably right,” Sarah agreed. “Are there any guys waiting for you back home?”

  “Actually, yeah. I do have a boyfriend.” They headed for the back of the store, where the restaurant was located. “His name is Derek. He’s cute and really sweet. He’s just not…”

  “Not your soul mate?”

  “Exactly! I mean, we get along great and everything, but I just don’t feel that special spark, you know? Did you know your husband was the one, when you first met him?”

  “I did. There was never a question in my mind.”

  “See, that’s what I want.”

  “Give it time. How old are you?”

  “Sixteen…I know, I know, I’m only sixteen and I have plenty of time, but isn’t it only natural to dream about the man you’re going to marry one day?”

  “Of course it is, and one day, you’ll find him. Probably when you least expect it.”

  “Yeah, you’re probably right. It’s just that…”

  “What?”

  “It’s just that, when I first saw Eddie, he’s just so…”

  “Gorgeous,” Sarah concluded for her.

  Grace laughed. “Exactly! But that’s not all of it. I mean, Derek is pretty good looking, too. Granted, he’s not as beautiful as Eddie. It’s just that, I feel this pull or connection to Eddie that I can’t explain.”

  “Well, if he truly is your soul mate, then eventually you two will be together. Destiny has a way of bringing people together, even if they don’t try. If it’s meant to be, it will happen.”

  “You’re right,” Grace said, after a moment. “I guess I just need to find a little patience.”

  “Sometimes that’s easier said than done.”

  They entered the restaurant and spotted their friends, who were sitting at a booth by the window. Eddie looked up and smiled. She couldn’t help but notice that he kept his gaze on her as they crossed the room. He didn’t glance at Grace. She saw that Grace noticed this too, and she suddenly felt sorry for her friend.

  *****

  Roswell was quiet and deserted, when they rolled into town, that evening. Sarah smiled as she observed the never-ending succession of stores advertising alien and UFO memorabilia. Even the motels and restaurants seemed to want a piece of the action; she noticed a motel with a picture of a green alien on the sign and a restaurant that was shaped like a UFO. She had always assumed that the alien rumors, that revolved around Roswell were exaggerated stories long since forgotten, but obviously that wasn’t the case. It seemed the alien culture was still a strong component of the town.

  After driving up and down the main strip, they did a U-turn and checked into the motel with the massive, green alien sign. Before the girls retired to their own room, they agreed with the boys that they would meet at eight, the following morning.

  When Sarah opened the door, the sight of the shabby motel room didn’t surprise her. After all, the worn carpet with cigarette burns and peeling wallpaper fit the picture of a cheap motel that accepted cash. The room had two beds though, and after she had closed and locked the door and double-checked that the safety latch was secure, she breathed a sigh of relief. The day’s drive was over, and she could finally lie down and rest.

  Blinking lights from the fabricated, plastic UFO that sat atop the roof over the motel office shone through a crack in the curtains. She rolled over so that the lights wouldn’t keep her awake. She had barely fallen asleep, when a voice in her head awoke her. Rest up. Tomorrow will be a day of discovery. She opened her eyes, unsure if she had actually heard the voice or if she had already been dreaming. The voice said nothing more, however, and she eventually closed her eyes and fell asleep.

  *****

  The restaurant was something of a 1950s-meets-UFO themed diner. It had black and white tiled floors and red bar stools at the front counter. Standing inside the front entrance, was a five-foot-tall alien carved out of wood. It held a sign that read, ‘Welcome Visitors From Afar.' On each table sat a jukebox in the shape of a UFO, and from somewhere overhead, speakers projected a Buddy Holly song.

  After they had ordered, Liliana flipped through the jukebox selections. “Anyone have a quarter?”

  “No, sorry,” Tyler said. “What song did you want?”

  “Elvis.”

  “You’re a big Elvis fan, huh?”

  “I am. My parents grew up listening to Elvis music when they lived in China, and they continued to listen to it after they moved to America. It’s what they thought all Americans listened to, so naturally I grew up with it, too.”

  “Do you want any song in particular?”

  “Not really. Anything will do.”

  Tyler leaned across Liliana to reach the jukebox. Sarah noticed that his hand gently swept across her arm as he did so, and she wondered if it had been a purposeful move. He flipped through the selections for a minute and then paused. He rested a hand on the jukebox, closed his eyes momentarily, and then, seemingly satisfied, sat back in the seat and smiled.

  “Did you do it?” Liliana whispered.

  Tyler smiled. “Wait and see.”

  A sorrowful P
atsy Cline song ended, and as the new song began, Sarah grinned at Tyler when she recognized the beginning of Elvis’s, “Blue Suede Shoes."

  “That’s too cool,” Sarah said to him. “You did that?”

  “Did what?” His response sounded innocent, but his wink and smile revealed the truth.

  Halfway through their meal, their waitress, who had introduced herself as Melissa, returned to the table. “Are you Eddie?” she asked.

  In unison, everyone at the table slowly turned their head toward her. Surprise and curiosity were written on each of their faces.

  “Um…yeah…I’m Eddie.” He set his glass of juice on the table.

  “There’s a phone call for you back by the kitchen.”

  “For me? Are you sure?”

  “Pretty sure. The caller said to look for a dark-haired guy who would be with another guy and three girls. You’re the only group here that fits that description.”

  “Well, I guess it must be me then.” He stood to follow the waitress.

  Sarah found it difficult to eat while she anxiously awaited his return. She somehow managed to get down a few more bites and finished off her glass of milk, before he slid smoothly back into the booth next to Grace two minutes later.

  Tyler leaned forward. “Well?”

  Eddie held up a small piece of folded paper, which he slid neatly into his jeans pocket. “I have an address and directions,” he said simply. “I’ll tell you about it in the car.”

  CHAPTER 16: TREVOR

  The car restoration shop was located on the outskirts of town. During the short drive, Eddie explained the brief phone conversation that had transpired. After Eddie had confirmed his identity, a man had provided the address and directions and had said that he would be expecting them.

  “He didn’t tell you his name?” Grace asked.

  “Nope.”

  Liliana leaned forward, from the backseat. “But, it had to be Ian…right?”

  “I’m sure it was. I can’t imagine who else it would have been. In any case, I think this is the place. I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  The gated entrance was surrounded, on either side, by a tall, solid fence. The wood sign hanging over the gate read ‘Hank’s Restoration and Repairs.'

  Tyler sounded puzzled when he read the sign. “Hank?”

  “Who knows?” Eddie replied as he drove down the narrow dirt lane lined with old cars and trucks. “Maybe Ian works here.”

  “It’s a junk yard,” Grace said when she saw the sea of vehicles ranging from shiny classics to barely recognizable heaps of rust.

  “No,” Tyler corrected, “it’s a car lover’s paradise.”

  They parked in front of a mobile home, and when they stepped out of the car, they were immediately greeted by two barking dogs that ran toward them at full speed. Liliana stepped behind Tyler, and Sarah found herself taking a step behind Eddie as well, unsure if the dogs were excited to see them or warning them to go away.

  With an extended hand, Tyler knelt to greet the canines. One was a Rottweiler, the other a German Shepherd. Neither looked very friendly, and Sarah realized that she was holding her breath in anticipation of their reaction to Tyler. It appeared that the dogs were taking an immediate liking to him, however, and in a few moments, they had both stopped barking. After a sniff of Tyler’s hand, the Rottweiler rolled onto his back for a belly rub, and the German Shepherd laid at his feet. His tongue was hanging out with a look that could only be described as a smile.

  Sarah’s gaze shot up when a baritone voice growled, “What have you done to my guard dogs?”

  The man who had just rounded the corner of the mobile home strode toward them and stopped in front of Tyler. The German Shepherd obediently stood and meandered to his owner, but the Rottweiler continued to lie at Tyler’s feet even as he stood.

  “Are you Eddie?” the man asked Tyler. It was difficult to judge his age, but Sarah guessed him to be in his mid-twenties. His long, red hair was tied back in a pony-tail, and it appeared that he hadn’t shaved in a few days. He wore ragged jeans and a plaid flannel shirt with the sleeves rolled up. Despite his shabby appearance, Sarah could only describe him as ruggedly handsome. She smiled when she noticed Liliana and Grace exchange a grin and decided that they must be thinking the same thing.

  Eddie, who had remained by her side, stepped forward to shake the man’s hand. “I’m Eddie. Was it you I spoke with on the phone?”

  “It was.” The man looked closely at each of them in turn. “Patricia sent you?”

  “Yes…she did,” Eddie replied. Sarah noticed that the guys, who stood eye level to each other, seemed to be sizing each other up, no doubt trying to decide if the other was trustworthy and who they claimed to be. After an awkward pause, he asked, “Are you Ian?”

  The man nodded. “I am, but around here, I’m known as Cameron.”

  After the remaining group members had introduced themselves, Ian turned to Tyler. “My dogs don’t usually take to strangers. Either they’ve grown soft, or they sense something special about you.”

  Tyler shrugged. “I have a way with dogs.”

  Ian chuckled. “Well, that’s good. I’d hate to think that I’d have to replace them. I’m rather fond of my guard dogs. Now then, I imagine you have quite a few questions. Why don’t you come inside and we’ll talk.”

  The trailer was small but clean and comfortable. Sarah noted that it would have been just the right size for a single bachelor like Ian, but with six people crammed into the mobile home, the lack of space was notable. The kitchen table sat beside the couch, which was about three feet from the bathroom, but somehow they managed to fit. The girls took a seat on the couch while the guys sat at the table.

  “Patricia told me that the IIA is looking for you,” Ian began. “You must all have some pretty incredible powers if they’re spending the time and resources to send a tracker after you. I’ve spent well over a year evading them, so I know it’s not a fun position to be in.” He turned to Tyler. “They have your brother, right? Patricia told me they took him.”

  “Yeah, that’s why we came here. We’re hoping that you’ll be able to tell us where he is.”

  Ian pressed both index fingers to his forehead. He took a deep breath and shook his head. “If you’re determined to find him, and I’m guessing that you are since you came all this way to see me, it’s going to be a difficult search. The compound is well hidden, and it’s in Mexico.”

  “Mexico?” they all seemed to ask at once.

  He nodded. “Yes. That’s the only way they can legitimately hold people against their will. The CIA would never fund them if they knew they could be connected to kidnapping and holding people on United States property. So the IIA has its own compound in Mexico. The IIA does favors for the Mexican government from time to time, and in return, they look a blind eye to the comings and goings at the compound. It’s a good deal for everyone concerned. If you want to get your brother back, that’s where you’ll find him.”

  “How are we supposed to get into Mexico?” Grace asked.

  “Oh, it’s not difficult. Anyone can get into Mexico. You just have to drive across the border and you’re in. It’s the getting back into the United States part that might prove a little more difficult, unless you have a passport.

  “Getting your brother out is the first part you need to worry about, though. If you can somehow manage that, you’ll find a way to get back into the U.S.”

  “Can you tell us how to find him?” Tyler asked.

  “I can give you a general idea,” Ian replied. “Like I said, the compound is well hidden, and unless you know the exact location, it’s virtually impossible to find.”

  A ruckus of barking dogs caught his attention, and Ian strode purposefully to the window to peer out. “I forgot. School’s out early today. The bus is here. Come on out and you can meet Trevor.”

  Tyler and Eddie walked beside Ian as they made their way down the dirt path toward a school bus that was stopped at
the front gate. The girls trailed slowly behind, discussing who Trevor might possibly be.

  When they reached the gate, the door of the short bus swung open, and a boy, about eight-years-old, leapt off and ran into Ian’s open arms. Ian swept the boy off his feet and swung him around in circles. Then, setting him back to the ground, he placed an arm around the boy’s shoulders and turned him to face the group.

  “Everyone, I’d like you to meet Trevor.”

  “Hi, Trevor,” Sarah said.

  The boy glanced at her for a moment but said nothing. Instead, he knelt to pet the German Shepherd, who had come to greet him.

  “Trevor, are you hungry?” Ian asked.

  The boy continued to pet the dog, and it appeared that he hadn’t heard the question, but after a moment, with his eyes still on the German Shepherd, he said, “Hot Dog. Yes? Hot dog?”

  Ian smiled. “Hot dogs, yes. Run to the house. Cameron will be there in a minute.”

  Trevor sprinted down the driveway. The dogs flanked his sides and joined in the fun. Ian turned to the group for explanation. “He’s autistic.”

  “Is he yours?” Sarah asked.

  Ian shook his head. “No, his mother is a friend of mine. You met her this morning—Melissa, the waitress from the restaurant.”

  “Oh, right,” Sarah said. “So you watch him while she’s working?”

  “I do. She’s a single mother—well, sort of. Her husband ran off, and she hasn’t heard from him. So I help her out so she doesn’t have to pay for child care. Trevor and I have a good relationship. We understand each other.”

  They reached the mobile home, where Trevor was sitting on the bottom step of the porch. A dog leaned against each of his legs and panted happily.

  “Inside, Trevor? Hot dog? Let’s go.”

  Trevor bounded up the steps, and everyone else followed. While they took their previous seats, Ian located a hot dog in the fridge and placed it in the microwave. “It’s his favorite food,” he explained, as he handed the boy the heated hot dog. Trevor eagerly accepted the plain wiener and began to chow down. “Some children who are identified as autistic, are actually Indigo Children,” Ian said, nodding toward Trevor.