Code, p.4
Code, page 4
I should have landed on him, but instead I dropped to the floor on my hands and knees like a wounded deer. An electrical sensation zapped through my middle and wrapped around me like invisible arms, holding me in place. Hundreds of needles pricked me all at once.
Excruciating pain seared from head to toe. I couldn’t move. I couldn’t even blink. I had been wounded many times on missions, but nothing I’d felt in ISAN compared to what had just hit me.
Immobile, a foot from my monster of a brother, I’d never felt so vulnerable. My muscles simply shut down. A whimper escaped me, but it could have been only in my head. Worse, a tear slid down my cheek. I felt humiliated beyond measure.
“Aw, sis. Are you crying? Does it hurt?” Gene took his hand out of his pocket and showed me a metal trinket, a circle about the size of his thumb.
“I thought it was best to have it handy in case you lost control.” He came dangerously closer and lowered, his warm breath brushing the shell of my ear. “Now you know, sis. I can contain you. You might want to show me some respect if you don’t want to be on the ground, helpless and weak. I might accidentally hurt you. We don’t want that do we?”
Oh, the pain. Every tiny movement—every blink—hurt so much.
He ran a knuckle down my cheek to wipe away another teardrop, and then grazed his index finger slowly across my neck, savoring my weakness.
“Next time it won’t be so soft,” he said. “You should get some rest. You look like hell.”
I screamed in my head. Peering up under my eyelashes, I watched him walk toward the sliding door. I wanted to rip out his throat, stomp on his heart, but I couldn’t move. Even a fraction of movement felt like a knife slitting deeper into my spine.
I couldn’t win. At least not this time. But I would find a way. There had to be a way.
Gene’s back to me, he held up that metal circle trinket and clicked. Just as the door blended into the wall, he released me. I thumped my head on the tile floor and wept for Brooke and the rebels who had died because of my stupid mistake.
Groaning, I crawled like a worm, my knees and elbows digging across to get to the rug, each movement agony. I refused to lie on the cold ground like I was nothing.
I’d never felt so small. No—I had, when my foster father beat me. Where was he now? Locked up. That would be Gene’s fate, too.
Just you wait, big brother. Just you wait. Karma is a bitch.
Chapter Six — Mountain Base
Rhett
Everyone got into the glider.
Rhett checked the monitor displaying the aircrafts’ location. He led in the front. Two other gliders skirted on either side of him, and Zeke’s trailed behind. Rhett glanced at Reyna, who was gazing out the window, then stared at the vast ocean and the pink and purple clouds streaking across the day sky.
Rhett’s mind spun with all the things he had to do. First and foremost, he had to get everyone to safety and get to his girl. He’d left a message for Zen with the ISAN facility’s new coordinates, but there had been no answer.
Whatever Zen was doing must have been important. Imperative enough to put Ava second. Rhett couldn’t be mad at him for putting duty first, though Zen would have made a different choice if it had been Cleo.
As they headed toward the mountain base, Rhett messaged Nick, his first captain, and Katina, his second, briefing them on the destruction and the number of people set to arrive. Rhett had instructed them to clear things on the west side to make room for a lot more people.
Rooms would have to be shared, duties carefully planned in shifts. So much to do and so little time.
Rhett looked over his shoulder and caught Momo’s eyes, and then Coco’s. They gave him smiles—weak smiles—but smiles nevertheless. Some kids had fallen asleep. So had Reyna sitting next to him. He didn’t blame them. They were all exhausted and spent.
As Rhett checked the monitor, something tugged at his heart. They were missing Bobo, the other member of their trio. Momo, Coco, and Bobo had always been together. His absence seemed to represent all the other absences, the lives lost to ISAN. Rhett recalled the first time he’d run into the kids in the alley. That seemed a lifetime ago.
Renegades forever, Bobo. You will always be remembered. Rest in peace, buddy. Keep your friends safe from above.
Grassland appeared, and then the mountains. Rhett had never appreciated the view, but he did now. Somehow, losing so much—almost everything—made him open his eyes.
Rhett thanked the universe for allowing them safe travels. They could have run into ISAN guards. He glanced at the single dandelion, placed for safekeeping inside a cup holder to the side of the door, and thanked the universe for that too.
“We’re almost there,” Rhett said in a singsong voice. He didn’t feel the optimism he projected, but the kids had to have something to look forward to after what they’d been through. “You’re going to love your new home.”
“Yay,” some of the kids said halfheartedly.
Rhett tapped the buttons to command the glider to land and called in to Nick. He turned his attention to the kids. “Want to see something cool?” When no one answered, he told them to look out the window.
A second later, a door that looked like the part of the rocky mountain structure slid open.
Momo pointed out the side window, her eyes wild. “Did that mountain ... no way. Did you see that?”
Her loud voice startled the kids who had been sleeping awake.
“Wow.” Coco pressed her forehead to the window.
Rhett grinned, watching the kids’ expressions as one by one, they made their way to the window and gawked. After all the transporters were inside, Rhett called Nick to seal the door. Throwing another thankful prayer out there, he released the ramp, and the kids filed in line to exit.
Rhett got off last and took in their slack jaws. His dusty boots thudded on the smooth concrete as he headed to the front of the gated entrance. He couldn’t let everyone in at once, so he waited for Nick and Katina to give the orders.
“This is awesome,” one kid said, gazing at the rocky walls.
“Why didn’t we come here in the first place?” another grumbled, peering at the domed ceiling with recessed lights.
Rhett had offered Zen sanctuary here, but he had refused. He had said it was too far from Cleo’s Bakery, and there wasn’t enough space here for everyone anyway.
Zen had been right on both counts.
“So this is where you’ve been hiding.” Zeke ran his hand through his dark curls, standing next to Rhett as if they were old friends.
Rhett let out a low growl, glancing at Zeke’s pendants—one a spear shape made from jade and the other an onyx cross. “I’m trusting you because Zen and Mitch trust you. You mouth a word to anyone about this place, you’re dead.”
“Whoa. Hold on, Rhett.” He stepped back and bumped into Coco. “Sorry, kid,” he said and turned back to Rhett. “You don’t need to get all crazy on me. I’m on your side.”
“Fine,” Rhett said.
“And if Rhett goes soft, I’ll go all crazy on Zeke.” Tamara twirled her pocketknife so fast, Rhett couldn’t follow.
“However you want to play it. I’m all yours.” Zeke waggled his eyebrows.
Rhett ignored the banter between them when a familiar voice called out. Nick sprinted over with Katina and a handful of their friends. They had all been ISAN subjects once, until they’d escaped. Sometimes Rhett forgot that most of the soldiers here were younger than him.
Nick patted Rhett on the back, but Katina squeezed him hard. She moved on to Reyna, Cleo, and Ozzie. Rhett quickly did the introductions. There were a few new faces—Zeke, Brooke, and Tamara.
“It’s so good to see you all,” Katina said, looking from person to person. About thirty kids and twenty slightly wounded soldiers had gathered behind Rhett. “Nick told us what happened. I’m so sorry.”
“Thank you for taking us in,” one of Zen’s soldiers said. “We’re very grateful.”
“Of course.” Nick rested a hand on a young girl next to him. “This is Jill. She’ll feed you first.” His eyes roamed over the kids’ dirt-caked clothes. “Then let’s wash and change your clothes. Afterward, she’ll show you to your rooms and get you all settled.”
“Know that we’re safe here,” Rhett said to the kids. “No one, and I mean no one knows this base exists, and I would like to keep it that way. Your rooms will be tight, spaces limited compared to where you were. You’ll also have duties. Here, we all lend a helping hand to make our system work. Any questions?”
They shook their heads.
“Follow me.” Jill waved a hand and led the way, her ash-blonde ponytail bouncing with her steps.
“Be safe, Rhett,” Coco said. “I’m sending you positive vibes. I’ll tell everyone to do the same.”
“Yeah. Bring Ava and Naomi back safe.” Momo adjusted her cap.
If Ava went inside and hadn’t come out, Rhett’s team was going to need all the help and then some. Vince had told Rhett his team in the north was ready for war. Rhett just needed to let him know. He hoped he never had to.
“Are you sure you don’t want us to tag along?” Momo flashed all her teeth in exaggeration. “We can be your backup.”
Rhett smiled. “Thank you for putting your life on the line, but if I really need your help, I’ll ask. Go before you get lost.” He jerked his chin toward the group already crossing the plank that led to the entrance.
They saluted him and ran off while Ozzie, Brooke, Cleo, Tamara, and Reyna, headed to the meeting room.
Rhett inhaled the cool mountain air, taking in the scent of soil and earthy things. If he listened carefully, he could faintly hear the water rushing nearby. Home. He was home. He’d missed this place. If he’d had a choice, he would have brought Ava here, but they’d needed to be close to Zen.
Time was essential. Rhett needed to hurry. Every second counted. He rushed forward.
“How many of us do you need?” Nick matched Rhett’s fast pace.
“I’d rather not take any of you. To be honest, I have no idea what we’ll be facing.”
How could Rhett pick a team knowing they might not make it out alive? He would rather not have Reyna, Ozzie, and Brooke go, but they wouldn’t take no as an answer. Like him, their hearts were invested in saving Ava and Naomi.
Rhett’s boots thumped on the metal plank. He stole a glimpse of Mia, Ella, and the kids eating at the cafeteria, while listening to Jill’s instructions. When Rhett and Nick reached a meeting room, plates of food had been set on the table. Fruits and vegetables mostly, thanks to the garden, though also some boiled eggs and bread. Rhett had never been more grateful for food and water than when he took his seat at the head of the table.
Reyna’s chair scraped on the concrete floor as she scooted closer to grab a piece of bread. “Rhett. You and I don’t need to have this conversation, right? I’m going with you.”
Rhett rubbed his temples, where a headache had blossomed. “Yeah, I know.”
“Ozzie and I are going, too.” Brooke reached for eggs and passed one to Ozzie, who sat next to her.
Rhett grabbed an orange and peeled it. “We’re taking one glider, so Zeke will take us.”
Zeke stopped chewing a long carrot. “Wait. I took Ava and her team there because she put a gun to my head, but don’t I get a say in this?”
“No.” Rhett savored the orange’s sweet citrus juice.
Zeke cracked a boiled egg and peeled the shell. “Tamara has the correct coordinates. You don’t need me. I have a business to run. I need to get back. My men will worry about me.”
“No, they won’t.” Rhett scoffed and bit through another piece of orange. “Eben couldn’t care less. If you’re not around, he’s the boss.”
“Fine.” Zeke bit his egg in half, and parts of the yolk crumbled on the table. “But time is money. And you’re using a lot of my time.”
“Are you seriously telling me I need to pay?” Rhett grabbed a roll and squashed it between his fingers.
Tamara, sitting across from Zeke, stabbed her pocket knife on the wooden table in front of him, her eyes burning. “Is money all you think about? How about doing what’s right?”
Zeke bristled, not looking at her, and said nothing.
Rhett nearly dropped the bread in surprise and snorted. He hadn’t seen Zeke speechless and submissive before.
“Hurry and get your fill. We need to get going.” Rhett pulled apart the bread and shoved a small piece into his mouth.
“Where’s Zen?” Nick rested an elbow on the table, holding an apple.
“My father is taking care of business with ... Councilor Chang.” Cleo hesitated, dipping her head.
She knew where her father had gone and hadn’t told Rhett. Zen must have instructed her not to say anything. Why?
“With Chang?” Nick’s voice rose. “There was an open meeting in the eastern territory. It was all over the media. It’s over now, but a redheaded girl from the audience mentioned ISAN and how they have her sister locked up.”
Ozzie spoke with his mouth stuffed with eggs. “Remember, there was an attempt on Councilor Chang’s life.”
“There was?” Zeke shifted to Ozzie.
“Not a word. Nobody knows about this.” Rhett pointed at him to stress the point.
“Okay. But if you want me on your team, you need to tell me everything.”
“What changed your mind, Zeke?” Rhett hiked up an eyebrow.
“Nothing.” He scoffed, but his gaze floated to Tamara.
Rhett gulped down his water and thumped the cup hard on the table to get everyone’s attention. “It’s time to go. I also need to make a call to Jo and see how Marissa is doing.”
“I’ll round up a team.” Nick paused, assessing Rhett as he rose from his seat. “If it’ll make you feel better, I’ll ask for volunteers first.”
“Thank you.” Rhett walked around the table. “Only volunteers. No more than ten. It’ll be tight in the glider.”
Zen’s priority was Chang at the moment, so Rhett was Ava’s only hope. Hopefully she was waiting for backup. Their little team, about to face unknown monsters. God help them.
When Cleo began to stand, Rhett pressed her back down to her seat. “Where do you think you’re going?”
She crinkled her forehead. “With you. Where else?”
“Nope. Your father gave me specific orders. You’re not to come with me. He didn’t let you go with Ava, and that was probably a good thing,”
She crossed her arms and scowled. “I’m my own person. I only listened the last time because I thought it was best I stayed behind. But now, I’m going with you. I might not have special powers, but I’ve been trained to fight since I was a little girl. It’s all about playing it smart, anyway. If I were a guy, my father wouldn’t try to stop me. So pretend I’m a guy. That’s not too hard, is it?”
Rhett shook his head. She was right. Regardless, he stood his ground. “You’re not coming.”
She arched her eyebrows so high, her nose scrunched. “Watch me,” she said and stormed off.
Zeke coughed, almost choking on the carrot. He hiked a thumb at her. “Are all the women like her here?”
“Yes, we are. So you better watch it.” Reyna swayed her neck in a way only she could, displaying her don’t-mess-with-me attitude.
“Anyway.” Rhett reached over and grabbed another piece of bread. “Before we go to the facility, we need to stop by the black market.”
“Why?” Zeke furrowed his brow. He must have guessed it had something to do with him.
Rhett smacked his Zeke’s back and knocked him forward. “To pick up some of the gadgets you graciously offered. Don’t you think that’s nice of him, Tamara?”
Tamara stopped flipping her pocketknife. She was confused at first, then her face cleared.
“That’s so thoughtful of you, Zeke.” Her tone became sweet and lovely, and she literally fluttered her eyelashes at him.
Rhett had a feeling it wasn’t all fake, and the attraction not one-sided. Zeke grinned like a besotted schoolboy. Desperate times, desperate measures. If Rhett guessed right, Zeke had lot of cool toys he hadn’t shared yet, ones Zen couldn’t afford.
Using Zeke’s interest in Tamara wasn’t his proudest moment, but Rhett intended to exhaust all his playing cards.
Hold on, Ava. I’m coming for you with everything I’ve got.
Chapter Seven — The Truth
Zen
“Councilor Chang wouldn’t, would she?” Frank asked. He sat on the edge of an old black vinyl sofa with his legs apart, his hands clasped in the middle.
While the doctor and a couple of nurses operated on Verlot, Chang had taken Martinez and Jones to another room to tell them about the world of ISAN. Frank, Vince, and Zen had retreated to a waiting room where they discussed if Chang had influenced the redheaded girl to go after Verlot.
“If she did, good for her.” Sitting on the opposite sofa, Vince scowled, an angry muscle jumping on his neck. “That bastard deserved it. He tried to assassinate her.”
“Chang doesn’t know anyone in ANS, does she?” Zen looked at Vince next to him, who was running a hand through his dark hair.
Vince glared at him. Zen had indirectly accused Chang of premediated murder. Probably not a good idea to say as much out loud, especially since Vince and Chang had been working together to shut down ISAN before he came into the picture.
“Remind me what ANS is again?” Vince asked, tapping his feet on the cracked tile floor.
Was he kidding? Zen had thought Vince knew more than he did.
“Advocacy Network for Superhumans,” Zen said slowly, but it came off more like a question.
Frank got up, carefully avoiding the section of the uplifted tiles, and poured himself a glass of water.
“What do we do now?” Frank drank and wiped his mouth.
The sound of his gulps made Zen’s mouth feel like sandpaper. “We wait until Chang is finished, but I need to get going.” Ava would need backup, and he had a feeling he was already late.
Knowing Rhett, he’d leave without Zen after dropping off everyone at the mountain base. Zen should have acted sooner. He turned away from his friends by the door and called Rhett on his chip.
