by Holly Chavez
“What? You’re a part of it?” I’m still not certain this isn’t some trick to get me to spill. Maybe Daytin is setting me up? It is the Enforcer’s job to weed out the traitors. I saw him kill one just a few days ago.
“Yes, now for real, tell me everything you know.”
“First, prove it. Show me or tell me something only a Liberty member would know.” It was probably already too late for me, I might even be the fall person, but I wouldn’t go down as a snitch. If he can’t show me what I need to see, I won’t breathe a word of the things I know. I’m not keen on dying and I’m not really willing to die for Liberty, but I am willing to die to see The Boss brought down and at this moment Liberty is my only option. So for now, my loyalty lies with it.
He shows me the Liberty symbol and speaks it aloud as he goes through the movements. “Think it, feel it, act on it.” I glance at Daytin, but it’s hard to get a read from him when he continues to laugh like a fool. It’s possible the Enforcer was able to divulge the symbol and words from one of the prisoners he took or perhaps Daytin gave it to him, but it’s very unlikely since with that information alone the Enforcer and The Boss could bring everyone down. I was taught, if I was caught, to tell the interrogator the wrong words and change up the symbol just enough to tip off other members of Liberty that way they would know if someone was false.
“Fine. I’ll trust you and tell you everything I know.” I give Daytin one last chance to stop me, but instead he gives me an encouraging look and I can’t help but question his motives. I take a seat on the white love seat, not bothering with the possibility of the blood on my clothes staining the furniture, the Enforcer and Daytin didn’t seem too concerned with it either. I figure, I might as well be comfortable, for what could possibly be the last hour of my life. Remaining as composed as possible, I tell him everything. Well, at least, everything that’s occurred in the last few hours. I still won’t risk oversharing just in case.
I answer each of his questions as thoroughly as possible and when we get back to the question of who was in the window, I find myself hesitating again. I don’t care one lick for Izabel; the spoiled brat. She may appear to be more, but it’s only with the benefit of her good name and money that allows her the opportunity to be beloved by the people. She doesn’t live with the same concerns as the everyday person. In fact, if the people really knew who she was, they wouldn’t be so impressed. It’s easy for a Principessa with an endless fortune to be generous, she really should be more so. But if I name her as the intruder then I could find myself headless because the Enforcer seems to genuinely care for her. He would kill one of his own for her. A shiver runs down my spine. How much could he value the life of a rebel? I try to think of something to say other than the truth, but my mind goes blank.
“Well?” I can’t find a way around it and it doesn’t conflict with the interests of Liberty as far as I know.
I take a deep breath half expecting it to be my last. “It was Izabel, she was the one in the window. She saw me with her things and I was certain she would kill me, but instead she jumped out the window. That’s why I screamed because for a second I thought the Principessa would drop to her death and here I would be left standing in her room.”
“So you don’t care one way or the other about her?”
I shrug. “No, she’s just a job.” It’s the unadulterated truth.
“Very well. I need you to go home and pack up everything. Don’t talk to anyone and definitely don’t leave your home. I’ll be there shortly, just wait for me and I’ll get there as soon as Daytin and I take care of this,” he waves to the body. He then turns to Daytin and says, “I need you to get me some of your most trusted people to take care of the rest of the mess in here. If you can have…” I interrupt him.
“Why?” I know why I need to leave, I just don’t understand why I need to wait, unless he’s not finished with me yet. The Enforcer seems to pick up on this.
He answers, knowing exactly what I’m asking. “I’m pretty sure, The Girl of Shadow…, Izabel can’t allow you to live with the knowledge of who she is. I need you to remain there as bait.”
“No way.” I say as firmly as possible. I wouldn’t protest if he wanted to kill or arrest her. Her life isn’t my problem, but mine is and there is no way I’d willing agree to be bait.
“You will do this as your last assignment for Liberty.” No! I can’t allow myself to be pushed out, I’ve worked way too hard.
“That’s ridiculous! I’m not done with Liberty yet. I have things I need to see finished!”
“In that case, what makes you think you have a choice?” He knows he’s got me.
He has a point. “Fine, I’ll act as bait, but I have to continue working with Liberty as a spy it’s my only chance.”
“I’m sorry, but the risk is too high. If you want, you can help in other ways.”
“Then I’m sorry to say that unless you’re going to hold me in my own home until she arrives, I won’t be there when you come to meet me.” I’m proud of my own boldness, I would have never guessed I could stand up to someone who has killed countless people, the last one being just feet away from me.
He paces with frustration. “Okay, Liberty will find you a new post, but it can’t be here. It’s probably the best that can be done for now.”
“How do I know I can trust you? Do you have enough sway with Liberty to keep that promise?”
“I do.”
“Good, then it’s a deal.” I figure he must be pretty high up in the rebellion if he is the Enforcer. The Intel from one day alone probably secured him a spot long ago. I can’t help being slightly envious.
Chapter 36
IZABEL
“Fool that I am," said he, "that I did not tear out my heart the day I resolved to revenge myself".”
― Alexandre Dumas
~~~
Standing at the edge of my family’s property, I scope out the house and notice nothing unusual, but I can’t guarantee that Margery hasn’t said anything to anybody. Wincing with every step, I’ve reached my limit and need some pain pills before I do anything else for the night. Looking up at my second story window, I’m not even sure I can get to it, just the wall to get on the property has me whimpering in pain.
I use my knife and cut another portion of my cloak off at the bottom, at this rate there will be nothing left of it by the end of the night… I fold it up and place it between my teeth, breathing through my nose. I place my hands above me and begin to climb, my cries stifled by the cloth in my mouth. It feels like it takes forever before my hands reach the ledge, but it’s probably only been a minute or two. The worst part is pulling myself up, I see black dots in front of my eyes and force myself not to pass out.
This time when I scan my room, I look everywhere. Things are out of place and there’s a familiar smell of blood in the air, for a brief moment I hope its Margery’s but dismiss the thought as quickly as it came. Though it would be so much easier if it were, then I could just go to bed. With my luck, I’m sure it’s someone else’s.
The room appears to be empty, just smeared with blood here and there. Someone definitely died here. With caution, I step down, scanning for movement or a trap. When I begin to feel like nothing is going to pop out at me, I rush to where my pain pills are, pop two down my throat and chase them with water after sniffing for poison. I walk over to the side of my bed that doesn’t face the door and sit on the floor for a moment. I need to take a break before hunting down Margery. I really hope she’s at home. Otherwise, I could spend the whole night trying to track her down, which could get very complicated considering I don’t know who she has told yet or how far her news will have spread by morning.
I probably sit there for half an hour before I feel the pain pills start to kick in. I can’t avoid this any longer. I’m a little curious about the blood in my room, but for now I have another problem to take care of. If, for whatever reason, Margery hasn’t turned me in, then I can worry about whatever might ha
ve happened in my room when I get back.
I climb back out my window, but this time my pain has been eased somewhat so the cloth between my teeth is less necessary. I make my way around the house, staying close to the wall. Twenty minutes later, after stealing a directory, I find myself outside Margery’s door. She shares a house with another woman since they’re both single, but the other woman works nights so they are never home at the same time- probably good for the other woman. I can’t even imagine sharing a space with Margery on a fulltime basis.
The lights are off and I don’t detect movement, she may not be home, but just in case I’ll check it over. I approach the door as if I belong here in case any neighbors are watching which is possible since the houses are so close together. I try the knob and am surprised to find it unlocked. I push it open just a crack and listen. Nothing. Pushing it all the way open, I step through the door and close it. So far I haven’t drawn a weapon, but I know I need to. I have to find out if she’s talked and then I’ll put her down quietly and with minimal pain.
I find her in the first bedroom, pretending to sleep, her breathing too heavy for her to actually be sleeping.
I pull out my knife, approach her and place my blade at her neck.
“Hello, Margery.” She flinches. “Don’t move unless I tell you too and don’t speak unless I ask you a question. Nod if you understand.” She does. “I need you to sit up and answer a few questions for me.” I move my knife away and let her adjust herself in her bed so she’s facing me. I grab a chair in the corner of the room and sit across from her; my knife still at the ready.
Chapter 37
DARICK
“Justice is about making them pay for [her] pain. Revenge is making them pay for yours.”
-Erica O'Rourke
~~~
After staging a scene with the body with the help of a few trusted witnesses, who will attest to Micah’s disrespectful behavior toward me, I leave Daytin to handle the burial. The witnesses will spread rumors of how Micah died by my hand and I pray no one of importance questions it. If I’m believed, The Boss will have no qualms with my behavior. He encourages his people to handle matters in such away. If not… then I am no worse off than before. My neck is always on the line.
I go straight to Margery’s house, locating her using a map because unlike Charlie’s house I’ve never had a reason to know where Margery lived.
When I arrive, I can see her packing her bag through her window by candlelight, she doesn’t seem to be in too big of a hurry. Stepping up to the door I knock, I hear her hesitant footsteps as she approaches the door.
“Who is it?” She calls through the door, not daring to open it until she knows who’s on the other side. Smart girl. It wouldn’t stop someone who really wants in, but it would buy her a few precious minutes
“It’s me.” Is all I say and it’s enough because a moment later I hear the lock flipping out of place and she opens the door to let me in.
“Are you almost done packing?”
“Almost. I just have a few more things.”
“Try and keep it light, we need to get you out tonight and the more bags the more difficult it will be.”
“I only have one bag.”
“Oh, then what’s taking so long?” She just shrugs her shoulders. “Give me five and I’ll have everything packed up.”
I pull out my watch and check the time. It’s already very late; the clock reads 11:30. I let out a sigh and think to myself that perhaps it would be better to just send Margery on her merry way. I don’t know if Izabel is coming and Margery can’t afford to still be here when morning rolls around.
I actually hope Izabel doesn’t show, but I suspect she’ll do what’s necessary to protect her identity; I would.
“Okay, I’m packed.” Margery comes out of her room with one small bag. I take the bag from her and put it somewhere we can easily grab on our way out. “What now?”
“We wait.”
“What exactly do you expect to happen?”
“I expect Izabel to show up here for you. You’re the bait and I’ll be here waiting to catch her.”
“And then what?”
“Then you leave and I’ll handle Izabel. Understood?”
She contemplates the plan before she answers. “Fine, I’ll be the bait, but I’m trusting you to stop her.”
“Got it. Now you might as well get some rest while I keep watch.” With that, Margery retires to her room and blows out the only candle in the house. I find the darkest corner and make myself comfortable for what could be a very long night.
About an hour later, I hear telltale click of the door opening and watch as the door is cracked open and then nothing for a second before a black form slips through the door. I watch her check the area and hope she can’t see me. I’m not breathing as it is so there should be nothing to give me away, the place is so dark.
She walks to Margery’s room first, that’s when she draws her blade, but instead of striking like I expected, she seems to contemplate the scene before finally moving forward. Her cloak blocks out everything and I know I should reveal myself, but instead I’m frozen in place, curious as to what she’ll do. I know who she is, but it’s much different actually seeing her in person. It’s like I have never known her. As deadly as she must be, I still find her to be amazing… even more so now. I can’t believe I fought her the other night and didn’t recognize her. It would be impossible to mistake her now.
Finally, her words, “hello Margery” penetrate and I slowly stand up not wanting to draw attention to myself. I really haven’t thought this through all the way; what the ramifications of all this means. Will I really be able to stop her? Is confronting her enough? Is she good, evil, misguided, or a little of all of it mixed into one? If she is evil would I be able to kill her? No! Definitely not. She may be a lot of things, but she can’t be evil.
I listen as she gives Margery instructions, clearly she isn’t going to do anything just yet. As she does this, I slowly slide along the wall to gain a better position. She begins asking Margery questions.
“Does anyone else know?” Her voice is even different, lower and more threatening than I would have ever thought possible.
“Know what?” Margery asks flippantly. I wince, even I’m not so sure I’d be so ballsy faced with the same situation. I finally get to the doorway where I can watch. Margery sees me but just like a pro she lets her gaze pass over as if she hasn’t caught anything of interest.
Izabel doesn’t say anything, instead she pulls a second knife from her person and launches it in Margery’s direction it sweeps by her head missing her by an inch. Margery squeaks and jerks away, but still manages to remain seated. The knife embedded in the wall behind her.
“Who have you told? Has anyone else seen my stash?”
“No one.”
She seems to contemplate her answer. “For your sake I hope you’re telling the truth because if you’re not, I will find you and there will be no place left for you to hide. And this blade,” she holds up the one still in her hand, “will find its target. Understand?”
Margery frowns, “You’re letting me go?”
“I saw your bag and it seems that was your plan all along so I’ll give you until morning to disappear and I really hope I don’t see you again. But keep in mind, if I hear anything about you; so much as a peep, I’ll be coming for you.” She puts away her knife and gets up from her chair in one fluid motion, placing the chair against the wall and comes face to face with me.
She lets out a gasp, but doesn’t move a muscle; neither do I. Now that we are here, face to face, I’m not exactly sure what to do. She didn’t kill Margery, but what does that mean? The only thing I know for sure is she’s definitely not evil. Staring in her eyes, seeing her face, I know she is the same person she has always been. I just haven’t paid enough attention.
“Izabel…” her body tenses. She shoves past me and is out the door before I can even blink.
“Well,
that went well.” Margery says sarcastically.
Ignoring her comment, I tell her, “You heard her. We need to get you out tonight.”
“What are you going to do with Izabel?”
“That’s my problem to work out.” I pull the knife out of the wall. I need to get her alone so we can talk and find out what her end goal is. Maybe I can bring her over to my side.
Chapter 38
IZABEL
“It's hard to be done a favor by a man you hate. It's hard to hate him so much afterwards. Losing an enemy can be worse than losing a friend, if you've had him for long enough.”
-Joe Abercrombie
~~~
“Izabel…” I have no idea how to respond or what to do. Running into Darick now is just so unexpected that I take off. The air outside feels colder than it did just moments ago or maybe I never noticed it before. I run until I can’t anymore. When I finally stop, I grip my knees and heave, my side still hurts, but the reality of the moment makes the pain secondary. What am I going to do? I’ve failed Fernando and revealed myself to Darick. I’m as good as dead. I wander through the trees on the outskirt of the property, watching to see if any alarms are raised. After what feels like hours, the sun begins to rise and still there’s no sign of activity outside the norm. Making a decision, I decide to go about my routine. I’ll take a gamble and go to breakfast. If I’m not killed on the spot, I doubt I’ll be able to eat.
A tiny candle of hope flickers in the back of my mind telling me that Darick would never share my secret. It’s small, but it’s there and growing stronger as hours pass with no oddities. Letting out a groan, I stand up from where I’d been sitting all night. Maybe death would be a blessing with the shape my body is in. I’m sore all over and could desperately use more pain pills for my side and ankle. I’m dizzy from dehydration, but I don’t think I’ll faint.
Somehow I manage to make it up to my room, I barely look around before sticking a chair under the door handle and collapsing on my bed. I can’t bring myself to sleep, but just laying upon the fresh comforter feels wonderful.