Rise (New Haven Book 3)

by Sara Jo Cluff

  “But …” I started.

  Maya stepped in front of me. “This isn’t open for debate, Emmie. We’ll get Rosie back without giving you up. We can do it.”

  “How?” I asked. “We can’t just walk in there and take her.”

  “Emmie,” Derek said. “You need to come home. Come talk to Jen.”

  “We’re leaving,” Dante said. He pulled the communicator from Eric. “We’ll see you in a few hours, Derek.”

  “Drive safe,” Derek said.

  Dante shoved the communicator in his pocket and looked at Eric. “Help her up. I’ll tell the others we’re leaving.” He left without another word.

  Maya, Santiago, and Terrance followed him out. Janette came out a moment later and saw Eric helping me up. “Are you leaving?” she asked.

  “Yes,” I said. “Something has come up. We need to get back to New Haven.”

  “Is everything okay?” Janette asked.

  I looked at her, ignoring the question. “Thank you for all of your help. You saved my life and you offered complete strangers your home. We’ll forever be in your debt.”

  Janette smiled and took my hands in hers. “I’m glad I could help. If you ever come back to Kingsland, know that my door’s always open to you and your friends.” She lifted the bottom of my shirt and examined the wound. “This looks a little irritated. Have you been gentle with it?”

  “Do you really want to hear the truth?” I asked.

  Janette shook her head. “Probably not. Please be careful, Emmie. This is a serious wound. You’re not healed yet. Your life’s still at stake so take extra caution.” She went over to Joshua who still stood near the fireplace. She looked at his arm, avoiding eye contact with him. From the way he stared at me, she could probably tell something was wrong. “This looks fine. But still, take it easy.”

  “Thank you,” Eric said. He had his arm around my waist, holding me close. “For everything.”

  “Thank your daughter for her shirt,” I said.

  “I will,” Janette said. “Safe travels. And please keep in touch. I would like to know how you and Joshua heal.” She winked at me and Eric. “Plus, I still need that wedding invitation.”

  “Of course.” I gave her a gentle hug and then had Eric help me outside. I heard Joshua follow us out, but I didn’t look back at him.

  The whole ride to New Haven, my head wouldn’t stop spinning. I leaned into Eric, trying to stay as comfortable as I could in the back of a jeep on bumpy roads. Gideon drove as well as he could in the circumstances. Dante’s and Santiago’s jeeps went on ahead so they could get back to New Haven quickly. Maya kept pace with us just in case anything happened.

  From my seat, I could see Joshua clearly. He had his eyes closed most of the trip and tears fell down his cheeks now and then. I thought he had told me everything that went on in his life. I was convinced we had an honest and open relationship. I couldn’t believe he would keep the fact that Austin was still alive to himself.

  When Joshua had first come to New Haven, we had made a promise to not hide anything. We wanted to have a functioning family relationship. We both had that lacking in our lives growing up, so it was very important to both of us to be truthful. I wasn’t stupid; I knew family members lied to each other all the time. But I thought Joshua and I had something different. I thought I could depend on him and trust him with my life. I desperately wanted to believe that he only had good intentions, but my trust in him had been fractured.

  Joshua turned around and looked at me, his eyes full of remorse and regret. “I’m so sorry,” he mouthed.

  “I know,” I mouthed.

  A hint of a smile flashed across his face and then he turned around, facing forward.

  Eric leaned in close to my ear. “How are you feeling?”

  Being in the back of the jeep was noisy, but we still didn’t want to be overheard by Gideon or Joshua. I put my mouth close to his ear. “I hurt. Both my wound and my heart.”

  “Samantha will be able to get you some pain medication,” Eric said. “As for your heart, Emmie, I have no idea what to say. I’m not sure if we should believe Joshua or not.”

  “I know.” I started to cry, more from the pain in my heart than anything else. “I can’t believe Austin betrayed us like that. After everything we’ve been through. I trusted him, Eric, and I trusted Joshua. If my faith in Austin turned out to be based on lies, how can I believe Joshua?”

  Eric sighed into my ear. “I don’t know, Em. It’s confusing to me. You trusted Joshua a lot faster than anyone else did. But you’ve always been good at reading people.”

  “Not with Austin. I hadn’t the slightest inkling toward his betrayal.”

  “No one did.” He squeezed me. “With Joshua, it took me a while, but I thought I’d really come to know him. He’s seemed so sincere, more so than Austin. I’ve always liked Austin, but I’ve never actually gotten to know him like I have Joshua. I studied Joshua closely for months and months. I was convinced he was good.”

  “We’re going to have to keep a close eye on him,” I said. “I don’t want to, but it’s necessary.”

  “I agree.”

  We hit a bump in the road, causing pain to ripple through my stomach. I clutched onto Eric’s arm and let out a small scream.

  Gideon glanced at the rear-view mirror. “Sorry, Emmie. That came out of nowhere.”

  Joshua had turned around and leaned toward us. He put his hand on my knee. “Em, are you okay?” The concern in his eyes was genuine. Or at least it seemed that way. When Eric eyed Joshua’s hand on me, Joshua pulled it away, his face apologetic.

  I smiled slightly. “It’s okay. I’m fine. Just be more cautious.”

  “I will,” Gideon said.

  Joshua studied my face for a moment and then slowly turned back around. He kept his eyes focused on the road, looking out for anything that would cause the jeep to shake, pointing them out to Gideon when he thought it was necessary.

  Closing my eyes, I pressed my lips against Eric’s ear. “I can only see two options here.”

  “Which are?” Eric asked.

  “Joshua really is a good guy but made a horrible mistake and a bad judgment call.” I took a deep breath. “Or he’s completely manipulated all of us and he’s eviler and more calculating than his father.”

  Eric pulled me close and put my head against his chest. He kissed the top of my head. “Then we better hope it’s the first option.”

  When we pulled into New Haven, Samantha ran out of the entrance and came to my side. “Oh, Emmie, I heard what happened. I’m so sorry. I’ll look you over when we get inside.” She felt my forehead. “You have a slight fever. I’ll give you some medication for that and the pain. But it’ll make you drowsy.”

  “I can’t afford drowsy right now,” I said. “We have a situation on our hands.”

  Samantha furrowed her eyebrows. “We’ll have a bigger situation if you don’t take it easy.”

  “Can we start with a small dose and work our way up?”

  “Sure, but I’m still in charge of it. If I say we’re increasing the dose, then we are. Understood?”

  I nodded. “Fine.”

  Once inside, they got me to a room and situated into a bed. Dee helped me change into the infirmary clothes and redid my braid.

  She smiled when she was finished. “I was thinking of adding some curl to your hair for the wedding and maybe a few small braids on the side. Then we can pull it back, but not too tight so some curls can hang loose.”

  “That sounds nice, Dee,” I said.

  Samantha came in and hooked an IV up to my arm. “I’ll get these started and then you can work. But don’t push it, Emmie. And only a few people in here at a time. The lady sure did a good job on the stitches, though. You’re lucky she was there and willing to help.”

  “Her name’s Janette.” I tugged on one of Dee’s curls. “You’ll have to add her and her family to the wedding list.”

  “This is going to be the biggest
wedding, ever.” Dee clasped her hands together. “I’m excited and nervous at the same time. So much pressure for a wedding planner. Everyone wants to come! There will be thousands of people there.”

  My jaw dropped. “Thousands? Maybe we should consider just doing family and really, really close friends.”

  Dee let out a laugh. “Then I’ll let you be the one to tell people they can’t come. You’re legendary here. You must have known that one of the revolutionaries getting married is a big deal. Everyone respects you.”

  “I still didn’t think they would all want to come to my wedding.” I glanced down at my ring, twisting it a few times. A sharp pain gripped my heart when I thought about my dad.

  “What’s wrong?” Dee took my hand in hers.

  “I wish my dad was here.” A few tears fell from my eyes, landing on my shirt.

  A small knock sounded at the door. Eric and his dad, Alexander, peered in.

  “May we come in?” Alexander asked.

  “Of course,” I said, quickly wiping my tears away.

  Samantha held up three fingers. “Only three others in here at a time, Emmie. No more than that. I’ll be back to check on you in a while.”

  When she left the room, Eric sat next to me on the bed. “Has anything kicked in yet?”

  “No,” I said. “Still feel all of the pain.”

  “I’ll leave you guys alone.” Dee kissed me on the cheek and left the room.

  Alexander sat in a chair next to the bed. “I’m glad to see you’re safe, Emmie.” Sadness tugged at his eyes. “You kids have seen way too much for one life. Luckily, you’re both strong individuals. I don’t think I could’ve handled all you have had to deal with when I was your age.”

  “Times change, Dad,” Eric said.

  “I know,” he said. “But every parent hopes their children will have a safe and easy upbringing.” He sighed. “That was the whole point behind Infinity Corp, but it didn’t turn out as it should have.”

  I intertwined my fingers with Eric’s. “I can’t say I’m happy with all I’ve had to go through, but I can tell you it has made me a stronger person. Each trial has certainly taught me a lot about life and myself.”

  I thought of my dad again. “I think everyone has to go through trials so they can truly appreciate what they have and understand the beauty behind it. It wasn’t until I got here that I looked at my dad in a different light and started to appreciate everything he did for me.”

  Eric’s mouth turned up into a smile. “It also made you get along with Derek.”

  “True.” I smiled, a small laugh escaping my mouth. “I’m still not sure if that’s a good thing or not.”

  “It’s good,” Alexander said. “Family’s important. Even if it’s not the traditional family or if it’s a family you create, it’s nice having that support.”

  I thought about Derek and Joshua, and my fellow revolutionaries, plus Dee and Tina. I had created my own family. I would trust any of them with my life.

  Even Joshua.

  “What are you thinking about?” Eric asked, stroking my hand with his thumb.

  “Family.” I looked over at Alexander. “I have a question for you.”

  Alexander smiled. “Ask away.”

  “I’ve been thinking about the wedding.” I glanced over at Eric and then back at his dad. “Alexander, I was wondering if you would be willing to walk me down the aisle.”

  Alexander was quiet for a minute. I couldn’t quite read his facial expression. With tears in his eyes, he cleared his throat. “I’d be honored, Emmie. Thank you for asking.” His lips twitched into a frown. “I’m just sorry it couldn’t be your own father.”

  “Me, too,” I said. Eric squeezed my hand and gave me a soft smile. “But, Alexander, I consider you a father, too. You have been there for me this past year.”

  “Well, I already look at you as a daughter.” He took hold of my other hand. “I know I’ll never replace your real father, but I’ll always be here for you, Emmie. No matter what.”

  I smiled at him. “That means a lot to me.”

  Tina popped her head into the room, her wet hair hanging down around her shoulder. “Sorry to interrupt, but Jen would like to talk with Emmie.”

  Jen walked into the room without waiting for an invitation. She looked exactly like I remembered her—petite with sharp features—only her face held some fading bruises and a couple cuts.

  She wore a serious expression, without any hint of excitement at seeing me. “Hello, Emmie.”

  “Hi, Jen,” I said.

  Alexander stood and hugged me. “Rest, my dear Emmie.”

  When he went to leave the room, Jen didn’t move out of the way, so he had to scoot around her, frowning the whole time.

  Tina was still standing behind Jen, so she rolled her eyes at me.

  “Why are you here?” Eric asked.

  Jen looked at him sharply. “I’m only talking to Emmie. No one else.”

  Eric went to Jen, looking down at her. “I’m not leaving her alone with you.”

  Jen pursed her lips together. She finally sighed. “Fine. Tina can stay here with us.”

  “And me?” Dee asked, walking into the room. Her eyes were red from crying.

  “Were you listening at the door?” I asked her. Whenever I talked about my dad, she always teared up.

  She bit her bottom lip. “Sorry. I couldn’t help it.” She flashed a smile. “But, yay for Alexander walking you down the aisle!”

  Jen turned around and looked at Dee, her sigh that followed completely audible for all to hear. “You’ve got to be kidding me. I know what happens when the three of you girls get together.”

  Tina pushed past Jen and sat on the bed next to me. She smelled like fresh soap and I suddenly wanted a shower. “Yeah, we beat the crap out of anyone that pisses us off. Don’t do that and you’ll be fine. But if you won’t have Eric in the room, you get me and Dee. Your choice.”

  Jen mulled it over. “Fine. Tina and Dee.” Sitting down in the chair Alexander had vacated, she waved her hand at Eric. “You may leave now.”

  Eric kissed me on the lips. “I’ll be right outside if you need me. Love you.”

  “Love you, too,” I said.

  He shot Jen a spiteful look and then left the room.

  “He’s a charmer,” Jen said after he walked out.

  I laughed. “I could say the same thing about you.” I adjusted the pillow behind me and then rested my head against it.

  Jen sat back in her chair, clasping her hands together. “I swear every time I see you, Emmie, you’re fresh out of a fight.”

  “I seem to attract trouble.” Finally feeling the medication kicking in, I crossed my fingers Samantha didn’t give me too much. I needed to stay coherent during the conversation. “So, what brings you to New Haven?”

  “Derek gave me a nice tour.” Jen eyed one of Vivica’s paintings on the wall. A small smile formed on her tight mouth. “I have to say, this place isn’t that bad. I’d take it over our city right about now.”

  Dee sat down, crossing her legs. “I heard it’s bad over there. Is that true?”

  Jen sighed. “Austin’s gone completely crazy and, Emmie, your mom.” She sighed again. “I have no idea what to think about your mom.”

  “You and me both.” I hadn’t talked to my mom in over a year, but she’d always been a difficult person to figure out.

  Tina leaned forward, looking at Jen. “So why are you here?”

  “Emmie’s mom sent me,” Jen said. “But before I talk, I want some answers.”

  “About what?” I asked.

  Jen looked at me. “About why you’re here. What started all of this?”

  “It’s a long story.” And a hard one to explain to people.

  “I have time,” Jen said, shrugging.

  Dee scoffed. “Well, we don’t. We have a crisis on our hands right now. So, spill it!”

  Jen looked down at her lap. “I heard about that.” Rubbing her eyes, sh
e sat forward. “This is all so crazy. I never thought life would end up this way. We were supposed to have an easy, structured life. Then Emmie goes all crazy and flees the city, taking people with her. Then Austin snaps. President Randall is dead. The city is split. What’s going on?”

  I sat up a little more and looked over at Jen. “Condensed version? President Randall wasn’t a good man. He killed and tortured to get what he wanted.”

  “How do you know that?” Jen asked. “Most of our city is in the dark. No one knows the truth.”

  “Well, we do,” I said. “It’s why we left. I saw President Randall and Dean Johnson kill Vice President Oliver.”

  “Dee and I were there, too,” Tina said, running her fingers through her wet hair.

  Dee started to cry. “It was awful. I still have nightmares.”

  I wanted to take her hand, but she was too far away. Tina sat between us.

  “You saw it happen?” Jen shook her head, a look of disgust on her face. “Why did he do it?”

  “He was a tyrant, that’s why.” I closed my eyes for a moment and pushed the image of Vice President Oliver’s death out of my head. “President Randall wanted me dead, so we tried to escape, but got caught. After Vice President Oliver died, we were able to escape with the help of Mack and some others from River Springs.”

  “What else did President Randall do that was so bad?” Jen asked.

  I thought back to why Luke came to New Haven. “President Randall took Eric hostage. They beat him pretty bad.”

  Jen looked over at me. “Is that what the scar on his face is from?”

  I nodded. “President Randall tried to get Luke to beat information out of Eric, but Luke wouldn’t do it. President Randall had just killed Luke’s father right in front of him.”

  “Well, technically, Dean shot him,” Tina said. “President Randall never did the dirty work himself. He made others do it.”

  “Luke took Eric and got Austin to help him leave the city.” I ran my hand down my braid, twisting the end in my fingers. “We thought Austin had been killed during the escape, but apparently, he faked his death.”