by Candice Lim
“Wait, aren’t you…?”
“What?” Alarm bells went off in my head.
“Mandy said you’re on holiday.”
I relaxed. Mandy seemed to have covered up my sudden disappearance. Maybe she did believe what I told her after all. “Yeah, I was at my parents’.” My heart ached at the mention. I wished I wasn’t lying.
“I think Mandy mentioned it. Where was that?”
I momentarily lost my voice. I glanced around and spotted one of the posters plastered all over the walls. Dream home for sale in Picketton.
“Uh, Picketton. They moved there recently. Gotta check out their new house. How’s Hershey?” I asked, testing the water.
“Hershey? Didn’t you know?”
“What?” I acted dumb.
“She’s decided to retire early. George took over.”
“What?” Looked like they had covered up Hershey’s sudden disappearance too. “She’s like what? Only 30-35?”
Tracey shrugged. “It’s her choice.”
“Did you just make that up? She’s my mentor and my project―”
“George took over everything.” Tracey waved her hand.
“Everything?”
“Yeah. As a matter of fact, I think you should go meet him, to sort things out.”
“You think so?”
“Of course. Don’t you want to graduate?” Tracey nodded.
“Not as desperately as some other people,” I mumbled. If I hadn’t learned about the Cranax conspiracy, I would be graduating soon. Now, I could not even bear to imagine it.
“I think we should go and meet him now.” Tracey grabbed my arm. Urgency crept into her voice. Why would Tracey who barely talked with me care so much about my academic results?
“Um, it’s like ten now.” I glanced at the clock set between the two elevators.
Tracey loosened her grip. “Yeah, but you gotta them show you care. You just got back from Picketton and the first thing on your mind is your project!”
“You think George works twenty-four seven?” I snorted. “Why the hurry? You seem more worried than I do.”
“I’m trying to be a good friend!” Tracey looked offended. “He failed Jacklyn for her project. You wanna be next?”
I tried to remember who the hell Jacklyn was.
Tracey’s pencil-thin brows shot up. “Oh, you don’t know her? She’s in―”
“Doesn’t matter now.” I cut her off. “I’ll see George tomorrow. I’m not going to screw it up.” I breezed into the open elevator and closed the doors.
The buzzing doorbell I’d always hated was music to my ears. I hit the doorbell mercilessly until Mandy shouted from inside. ”I’m coming. Blot my gel! Give me a friggin break.”
I could imagine the pissed off look on Mandy’s face even though we were on different sides of the wooden door.
Footfall and the door flung open. “Damn! Who’s―?”
The second Mandy’s eyes met mines, she lost her voice. She stared with her mouth wide open. “Damn. Is that you, Roxy Riley?”
I smiled faintly. “Hi.”
“Where the hell have you been?” Mandy seized me by the shoulders and pulled me inside. She glanced back at the empty hallway and slammed the door. The noise from the TV was louder now, blasting through the living room.
A burst of relief surged through me as I stepped into the comfort of home. “Long story,” I sighed, too tired to say another word.
“It’s about George, right?” Mandy sounded so serious I almost couldn’t believe it was her. “I’m sorry I didn’t trust you. I was wrong. I was worried sick about you when I heard what happened in Whiteshore. But thank goodness! I thought you were there.”
My heart shriveled up inside me. “My parents are there―were there―I don’t know.” Whiteshore became anathema to me. I felt a stab in my heart with every mention. “I’m heading over there tomorrow to find out.”
“What?” Grabbing the remote control, Mandy turned off the TV.
“I know how it sounds. But they are my parents. I must go.”
“You won’t stand a chance, Roxy. That is suicide! Plus, it will be a quarantine zone. No one can’t get in or out of there.”
“My life isn’t worth living. George’s after me. I’m done. I must go.”
“After so many years, you’re giving up your degree?”
“What can I do? I have no choice. I can’t turn back anymore. He’ll kill me.”
Mandy sullenly eyed me and grabbed me shoulders. “Something happened when you were away. I’m so sorry.”
“What happened?” My brows drew together as a fresh wave of fear rolled over me. “Tell me!”
“It’s all my fault!” Mandy averted my eyes. “I told Tracey about Whiteshore and she sold me out. She went to George and told him everything.”
My mouth felt as dry as a desert. “Tracey?”
Mandy shared the same concerned look. “What, did she tell you anything?”
“I just met her in the lobby. She was acting all so friendly, insisting on taking me to meet George. Damn! I knew something was up!”
“Oh, no. Roxy, I don’t think you should even stay the night.” Mandy steered me towards the door. “The university is pressing charges against you for breaking into the Underlab and stealing classified information. You have to leave before they get you.”
“Blot my gel?” I yanked my arm free.
“Take what you need. Wait. You still owe me money from the other night.”
“Oh, yes. The night I was kidnapped.” I dug into my pocket for some loose change and dropped them in Mandy’s open palm.
“Kidnapped?” Mandy squealed.
“By a newfound senior. Long story. I’ll explain later when I have the time. Or the chance.”
“Never mind. Grab what you need. By the way, you need water? I’ll get you some.”
I remembered I hadn’t had a drop of water since morning so I nodded and we went in separate directions. Me, into my room and Mandy into the kitchen.
As I gathered my belongings, I worked out a plan. I was going to Whiteshore. It was cold as hell and I needed a cardigan. I sniffed the inside of my shirt and remembered I hadn’t changed clothes for a week. The urge to take a nice hot bath was strong. For the first time, discipline outweighed temptation. I didn’t have the luxury of time to stay for another second.
Mandy appeared from behind the door and pushed a glass of water into my hands. “Here, drink up. You ready?”
I chugged the water and dropped the cup on my desk. “I need to change. Then, I’m done.” Flung my closet open, I rummaged through the thick stacks of clothes and picked a gray long sleeve shirt.
“Be quick. Tracey’s a tricky bitch. We don’t know what she’s up to now.” Mandy left and closed the door.
I pulled my dirty shirt over my head and slipped into a fresh one and my black cardigan. I took off my denim shorts and traded them for a pair of skinny jeans. Kicking off my worn-out flip-flops, I put a pair of boots on.
I went to my desk, pulled a drawer, and shoved all the money I could get into my pockets. Checking for my phone one last time, I paused to look at the poster pinned to the back of my door.
A vintage poster featuring a woman with long ruby hair in a lab coat. Across the poster, it read IN REASON WE TRUST. I had kept another copy of the poster in my pocket. I only saw the woman once in my life. When I was younger. All the memories came flooding back. Why did I get into the National Science Program? Maybe she was the answer.
I shook the thoughts out and opened the door. Mandy was standing at the door, waiting, arms over chest. “You done?”
I nodded.
Mandy pulled out a bunch of keys. “Come on!” Three bangs on the door stopped us in our tracks. “Wait here,” Mandy whispered and inched towards the peephole to take a look. A second later, she recoiled, with a pale look on her face. “They are cops.” she mouthed the words.
Grabbing my arm, Mandy steered me towards the balcony.
“What are you thinking?”
Letting go, Mandy poked her head out of the balcony. “You climb over to Yvonne’s place. I’ll call and ask her to let you in.”
“What? Are you mad?”
“Or you can turn yourself in,” Mandy snapped.
Biting my lip, I glanced at the balcony. I didn’t have a choice, clearly.
“Move now before it’s too late.” Mandy ran to get her phone.
I let out a heavy sigh and willed herself towards the railing. The cold wind was slicing through my hair. When I looked down, a shiver ran down my spine. Mandy was whispering to the phone. When our eyes met, she gestured me to get moving. Mandy looked as though she was going to come over and drag me over the railing by herself.
The gap looked wider as I got nearer to the edge. Yvonne emerged from the neighboring balcony. She wore big, red spectacles and had two short pigtails, waving her hand at me.
I steeled myself to look down from the height of seven floors. One wrong move, that’s the end. My fingers trembled as I gripped the railing. I threw my first leg over, then the other. I was on the other side, holding on for my dear life. My legs quivered as the wind whipped my clothes. I shifted my feet. Pebbles fell from the narrow ledge where I stood.
Why did I have to do this?
I held my breath. Yvonne’s hand extended in welcome.
I gave Yvonne my hand and all the trust I had. I stepped across the gap and flung myself to the other side, gripping the railing tightly.
“Okay, I’m going to get them,” said Mandy from behind me. “Get inside quick!”
☣☣☣☣☣☣
“Sorry, I was in the toilet.” A girl with cropped hair opened the door. When she saw a pair of policemen at the door, she stumbled back, looking petrified.
The taller officer concluded either this girl had appalling hygiene habits or she was lying, for he had not heard the toilet flushing. He narrowed his eyes at her, searching for signs of dishonesty.
“We’re looking for Roxy Riley, a girl who’s reported to live here,” said his partner.
“Hmm.” The girl leaned against the door, crossing her arms. “I’ll need to see some identification.”
“I have a warrant,” smirked the taller officer, holding it up to show her.
Both officers squeezed through the narrow hallway to the family room. The girl went wide-eyed and tilted sideways.
“What’s your name?”
“Mandy Berger.”
“Your ID please.”
“Gimme a moment. I’ll go fetch it.”
They followed her in as she went into one of the bedrooms. Both officers waited outside the girl’s room but couldn’t help peering into the other room. They saw a pile of discarded clothes on the floor and an opened closet.
☣☣☣☣☣☣
Awkward waiting, that’s what I called it. Though I was used to coach surfing over at Vaxine’s place. But still. Sitting in Yvonne’s cramped apartment, waiting and unable to do anything. A tiny TV lit candles on the shelves on the wall. Though the living room was dim and warm, it made me uncomfortable. So weird to seek refuge here, especially when I wasn’t even close to Yvonne. Nothing more than a nod or a smile when we met in the corridor sometimes.
“Hey, want a drink?” Yvonne sat cross-legged on the sofa and looked up from her tablet.
I shook my head and shifted uncomfortably in the chair. I couldn’t concentrate on anything but the near brush with the cops.
“Hmm, still shaking?” asked Yvonne.
“Yeah, but thinking about it now, I’m actually proud of myself. I can’t believe I did it.”
“Yup, you should. I would never do it personally.” Yvonne went back to her tablet.
My phone vibrated and I picked up. “Hey, Mandy!”
“Yo, they’re gone. You can come out now,” said Mandy over the line.
I felt like a damned soul granted freedom from Purgatory. I pocketed my phone and stood up. “I gotta go. Thank you so much for your help.”
We padded towards the door. Mandy was already outside, greeting us with a broad smile. “Easier than I thought.” Pride shone on Mandy’s face as she slapped Yvonne on her shoulder. “Thanks for the help.”
Yvonne nodded. “That’s what friends are for.”
Mandy nudged my arm. “Don’t delay. Get yo’ ass outta here!”
We rushed to the elevator where Mandy hit DOWN.
“You’re on your own from now.” Mandy hesitated. “Call me when you are safe.”
“I will. Thank you, bro.”
Mandy pulled me into her embrace. “I will miss you.”
The ding from the elevator broke us apart. I stepped into the elevator and hit LOBBY. Our gazes interlocked until the door slid shut. A blueprint began to construct itself in my brain. I had to get to Whiteshore.
The door reopened. I gasped at the two tall figures in the lobby. There was no mistaking the dark blue uniform, they were cops. They stood in my way, their muscular arms folded over well-built chests.
“We’ve been expecting you, Miss Riley.”
All blood drained from my face. My body froze in fear. The officer grabbed my wrist. Click. I looked down. I was in handcuffs.
I crashed onto the cold hard floor of the cell. The cuffs binding my hands made the landing worse. I found myself trapped in four glass walls like some sort of an exhibition. My legs throbbed in protest as I pulled myself up. I turned around to two familiar figures. I felt a tinge of regret for not listening to Vaxine.
There was no mistaking them for Tracey and George, both with menacing grins. Hovering behind them, like flies over a pile of dung, were two white drones. Their bright red eyes glared at me. I had no idea what those machines were for, but it didn’t look good.
A pristine white corridor stretched out behind them into infinity. Similar corridors extended on all four sides. The cell was at the center. I had no idea where was this place.
I could only remember being blindfolded and bundled into a patrol car that sped away from the scene. Upon arrival, the two cops took off the blindfold. Golden spotlights shone from silver walls. Even in adversity, I couldn’t deny how majestic the building looked against the dark velvet sky. I was herded through long white corridors before being tossed into the cell.
“Hello again, Roxy!” Tracey’s voice echoed loudly in the glass cell, piercing my ears like daggers.
“What did I ever do to you?” I grimaced in disgust.
“It’s not what you did to me, Roxy. It is not always about you.” Tracey’s voice dripped with contempt. “This is survival of the fittest in action. I don’t mind telling you this since you won’t be around long anyway. I’ve always hated Armani Ng. What makes him so much better than me? It just so happened that snitching on you is the ticket to the Dean’s list.”
I nodded in resignation. “I hope you get what you want because it would be a waste of my sacrifice. At least I am not dying in vain.”
Tracey shrugged and held up her tablet. She flung it in the air. The drone behind her turned. A beam of laser shot out and the tablet was gone in a puff of black smoke.
I gasped. “Why the hell did you do that?”
“Doesn’t serve any more purpose. I am getting First Class anyway.” Tracey giggled and shrugged at George, who looked not the slightest bit amused.
“I hope you have a backup,” I said, not intending for any of them to hear.
George took a step closer to the cell. Momentarily forgetting the glass wall between them, I still shifted away in reflex. I felt like Hershey in her glass prison back in the Underlab. His fiery eyes bored into mine. “Where have you been? Missing lectures for the whole week, huh?”
“You think you could get away with it?”
George smiled. “So, you do know something.
What did you plan to do with the stolen data?”
“Stolen data? It’s not even yours, to begin with.”
“Defiant till the end,” George scoffed. “I’m impressed. You must have overlooked the fact that it too, belongs to us. Your actions go against the Ethics, in case you weren’t paying attention in the lectures about the Ethics of Asia Nova.” He distanced himself from the glass cell. “You will face the judgment of the Council.”
