Cage of Glass (Cage of Glass Trilogy Book 1)

by Genevieve Crownson

  Wait for me deep in the meadow

  Through the purple flowered fields of home

  Back to where it all began

  I will find you no matter where you roam

  Lay your head down

  Close your eyes

  Listen to the sweet dreams of tomorrow

  Where its safe and warm

  And hunger is a memory

  I am forever your protector

  My sister. My heart.

  Mom reached over and gripped my hand, pulling me out of the past and back to stark reality. I shifted my head on the pillow to face her and said the only thing I could—and it was the truth.

  “I miss Dad.” And Trinity, I wanted to say. But that was for another place and time.

  Mom brushed the hair off my forehead. “Me too, sweetheart. We will have to say a prayer tonight that wherever he is, he’s okay and will return to us.”

  I nodded, not daring to speak against the lump that had formed in my throat.

  “Luna, no matter what happens, I’ll always be here for you. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  I pressed her hand to my face. “I know, Mom.”

  At that moment, I realized I’d never felt closer to a parent in my entire life. My real mother hadn’t cared about me. Yet, somehow, this woman—a stranger—filled a hole in my heart I didn’t even realize existed.

  I stayed awake a long time, considering what her reaction would be if she learned I wanted to get away from this place. It would break her. But eventually exhaustion won out, and I fell into a restless, guilt-ridden slumber.

  The following morning, my father still hadn’t come home. I paced up and down the living room, wracking my brain for a plan. There had to be something I could do. Zander’s warning rang hollow in my head. They’d held my dad hostage for this long, maybe even torturing him. I refused to stand by and do nothing. Especially when he’d taken the fall for me.

  “Sit down, Luna, you’ll wear a hole in the carpet. Goodness, I wish it wasn’t Saturday, at least then you would have school to keep your mind off things.”

  I looked up to find Mom standing in the doorway, dressed in her red wool coat, a small black purse hanging from her wrist. “I’m heading out for some bread and a few other items. I need to get out of this house. Would you like to come?”

  I sank down on the couch. “No. I want to stay here in case there’s any word.”

  Mom bustled over and kissed my cheek. “All right, love. I won’t take long. Keep the doors locked.” Her shoulders slumped, disappointed that I wasn’t going with her, but it couldn’t be helped.

  I’d finally hit on an idea.

  I walked Mom over to the entryway, shutting the door and turning the bolt behind her. Then I lifted the sheer curtain and waved. She nodded approvingly then got in her car and took off down the road.

  I watched until she was completely out of sight, then raced upstairs to change. I quickly pulled a black sweater over my head and put on some equally dark pants. I turned to the mirror and swept my hair back into a sleek ponytail.

  I didn’t have the address for the main government building but I had a hunch it was one of those other buildings I’d seen near the Dillinger Research Center. It didn’t take a brain surgeon to figure out that’s where they were keeping Dad. I bet that was the reason they discouraged visitors.

  I took a deep breath, gazing at myself in the mirror—that would have to do. I turned and raced downstairs knowing there was little time. My fingers shook as I tried to tie the laces on my sneakers; I prayed I wasn’t about to make things worse. That done, I stood up and headed toward the kitchen drawer for a pen.

  I scribbled a quick note to Mom, telling her I’d gone for a walk to clear my head—despite the fact I was sure she wouldn’t believe it—especially after how freaked she’d been last night. But by the time she received this message I would probably already be there.

  It only took about ten minutes on foot to reach the spot where I’d followed Mrs. Lennor. I stayed in the shadows for a minute, examining the small cluster of brick buildings before me. From here, they all looked identical in size and shape; it was impossible to tell which one might be the main facility. Sweat formed on my brow and I wiped it away. The air seemed even warmer than it had last time. Back at the house, the wind always had a bite to it, but here the breeze was warm and I was suffocating in this thick sweater I’d put on earlier.

  I skirted the perimeter of the facilities, still fascinated by the texture of the ultra green grass under my feet. I moved soundlessly until I reached the outskirts of the complex. There was a guard at the front entrance, dressed in a get up similar to Agent Morrow’s. His crisp white uniform stood in stark contrast to the almost artificial hues of the surrounding area. Two blue stripes ran across his jacket at the top of his shoulders and I wondered if they signified anything important.

  At close range, it was clear the building he guarded was the very one I sought. The grand archway was a bit fancier than the other three, made of what appeared to be sparkling crystals flecked with gold. The surface glinted in the bright sunshine, almost blinding me. The crest above the door displayed large eagle wings, underneath read the words, P8 Government Headquarters. Philadelphia.

  Bingo.

  Even as I stood there, I saw there was no way I would be able to gain entrance to this place unless I went through the front gate. They’d built it like a fortress, with very few windows and doors.

  I sucked in a breath and with firm resolve, headed straight toward the guard, head held high.

  He seemed startled by my appearance, making me aware that he didn’t receive many visitors—at least not ones he failed to recognize. But he quickly regained his composure and puffed up his chest like a peacock, standing even more erect.

  “Name,” he barked gruffly.

  “Luna Redwood. I’m here to—”

  He put a hand up to silence me. “Identification Card.”

  “I don’t have one. I’m just trying to get information about my father. If you would just—”

  “I’m sorry that’s not possible without an Entry ID card.”

  Damn. Damn. Damn.

  The man scrutinized my face like he’d find something hidden there.

  “Please. I’m not leaving until I get answers about my dad. His name is Martin Redwood.” My voice rose, shrill and tense with emotion. But I tried to keep it civil. After all, he had the keys to this place.

  I glanced down at the badge on his lapel that identified him as Davies. “Officer Davies, I’m not looking for trouble, I promise. Just information.”

  He stood stock still for a second, eyes unblinking. Probably hoping if he didn’t budge, I would magically disappear into the ether and make his job a million times easier.

  He had no idea who he was dealing with.

  “Why don’t you move along? This is no place for a young girl.” His eyes narrowed in challenge, as he waved his hand in a tight gesture back toward town.

  I bunched my fists to my side, doing my best to control my temper. “I told you, I’m not leaving until I get some answers,” I said through clenched teeth.

  The officer smirked, enjoying this little tête-à-tête. “Fine. Have it your way.”

  He lifted his hand and pressed a small device that I hadn’t noticed before, concealed in his ear. “Agent Mills? Yeah, this is Davies. We have a situation at the entrance.”

  I couldn’t hear Mills’ reply but judging by the big Cheshire cat grin on Davies’ face, it probably wasn’t great. “Yes, sir. Copy that.”

  He pushed his finger to the button and clicked off.

  My heart pounded as I wiped my sweaty palms against my legs. This Mills guy would either arrest me, or give me some answers. I stood there, torn between a yearning to flee or staying and hopefully getting some good news.

  My feet decided for me. They wouldn’t budge. My father, practically a stranger, had risked everything to cover for me. I would not run like a coward.

/>   “So who is Mills?” I blurted out to Davies. “Does he have information about my father? Is he going to let me in to see him?”

  Davies laughed so hard it crackled in the air like lightning, startling me. “You’ll be lucky if he doesn’t kick you out on your ass.”

  My mouth fell open in disbelief. P8 did not use words like ass. Wasn’t this guy worried he would get caught? Perhaps the policies were different out here in no-man's-land.

  Before I could respond to Davies, a massive man, at least six-foot four, loomed over both of us. His long shadow darkened the steps of the building, and I shuddered. His taut, ebony skin reflected warmly in the morning sun, his features hard and chiseled. His shaved head appeared almost polished, but it was his intense eyes that locked onto mine that held me spellbound.

  “What seems to be the problem, Officer Davies?”

  “This girl wants information about her father, Martin Redwood. Won’t take no for an answer.” He gestured with his chin toward me as though I was no more than an insignificant fly.

  I bit my tongue; I didn’t dare say anything I might regret. I needed this information.

  “What’s your name girl?” Agent Mills barked.

  I held his stare. “I’m Luna Redwood and I’m not going anywhere until I find out about my father.”

  Agent Mills squinted at me and skirted so close I smelled his bitter aftershave. He clenched a toothpick between his teeth, rolling it back and forth over his tongue, not saying a word. He slowly pulled it out and sneered, “We don’t take kindly to ultimatums around here, missy. Watch yourself.”

  I pressed my lips together until he stepped away. I wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of witnessing my trepidation, despite the fact I was shaking like a leaf inside.

  Agent Mills leaned against the brick façade, as if he had all the time in the world. “Now surely I don’t have any information about your daddy. But what I can tell you is— and consider this a warnin’—if you want to be smart and help your old man? You will turn right ‘round, head home, and never set foot on these premises again. Because if I find out you’ve been snooping here in things that are rightly none of your business, well that ain’t goin’ to sit pretty for dear old dad, is it?” He smirked and waited for me to back off and leave.

  That wouldn’t be happening, no way would I go without getting what I came for.

  “I thought you didn’t have any news on my father,” I spit out.

  “Lies you tell, sweet child. Lies you tell.”

  His honeyed southern accent dripped with the threat. He obviously wasn’t a local. I wondered where he originated from and what his purpose was for being here, certain he knew the whereabouts of Dad. He must have or he wouldn’t be acting this way. For Dad’s sake, I needed to leave and plan a different approach, think things through a little more.

  I swallowed hard and pushed back the tears that pricked my eyes.

  Never show your weakness.

  I straightened to my full height, though it wasn’t much against this giant. “I’m not threatened by you. I’ll find out about my dad somehow. But for now, today, I will do as you ask and leave. But it’s not for you.”

  Officer Davies, who’d merely been a bystander up to this point, stepped forward and looked down his nose in contempt. “Well go on then, get, before I arrest you for trespassing. And no more attempts to find your father. It’ll only lead to trouble. Now scram!”

  He yelled the last part and this time I jetted, running fast toward the safety of the trees. I didn’t stop until I made it back home.

  I had a sinking feeling my temper and stubborn pride may have stirred up an angry hornet's nest and worsened conditions for Dad. But that seemed like the least of my problems. The fact they refused to release any information about him when they clearly knew who he was, had me more worried than before. What were they doing to him? Why wouldn’t they let his family visit? So many things didn’t add up. There had to be something I could do. I climbed the steps to the house, still breathing heavily from my run, and sat on the porch swing trying to calm myself.

  Think. Luna. Think.

  But no matter how I tried, I thought of only one person I could turn to.

  Zander.

  And it annoyed the crap out of me. The only person I wanted to rely on was myself.

  Once again, I stood lurking in the shadows outside the library, praying Zander would appear soon. Only this time I’d given myself a wider berth—hiding behind some trees across the street. This was a dangerous game. Why had I never pressed him about where he lived? I felt like such an idiot. Out here, I was exposed. What if Zander wasn’t even working today? It was close to noon, so if he was here, he should be taking his lunch break anytime now. Perhaps he’d purposely not disclosed his address, so I wouldn’t come looking for him. After all, he told me to stay away.

  I waited what seemed like an eternity, but after about ten minutes I saw some movement coming from the entrance. I tensed when I saw the door open, ready to duck and hide. I breathed a sigh of relief when Zander appeared. He wore a button-down blue shirt and dark jeans. I couldn’t help but appreciate his fine form. I gave a prayer of thanks he was here today. I stared at him, silently pleading with him to notice me. It must have worked, because he looked around cautiously and then spotted me standing across the street.

  His jaw dropped slightly in surprise and I realized he never expected I would make the same mistake twice.

  Crap.

  He frowned, but came over all the same.

  I’d never seen that expression on his face before—shock, anger, and frustration all mixed together. And hidden under all that emotion there was a hint of good old-fashioned fear.

  When he reached me, he rubbed the back of his neck and took a deep breath before speaking to me. “Luna, you can’t be here,” he whispered desperately. “It’s too dangerous. What were you thinking?”

  “Zander, I appreciate that, but this is an emergency.” I placed a hand on his arm, pressing harder than I intended.

  He gently extracted himself from my grip. The anger I’d seen only moments ago slowly dissipated, as if our contact shifted something inside him.

  “They’re always watching. Don’t you remember?” he sounded like a broken record. But his voice had become soft, his blue eyes revealing tenderness—or maybe I just imagined it. I shook my head. It had to be all in my mind. With everything going on, I was starting to crack. Zander definitely wasn’t interested in me. That kiss we’d shared before had been a fluke. An adrenaline rush from the danger we were facing and the secret we carried together. If anything, he was probably still mad as hell I’d come out here again. How many times had he told me to stay away, and I’d ignored him?

  Besides, did I really want him to like me in that way? I needed to get back home to my family. And I wasn’t a hundred percent sure I could trust him. But he was my only hope at the moment.

  “Luna?” Zander’s pleading brought me back to my senses.

  I cleared my throat and ran my sweaty hands down my black jeans, trying to get a grip. “Of course I remember, but I had to see you,” I whispered. “Listen Zander. I went to the government building outside of town. They wouldn’t let me visit Dad or give me any information. What do I do?”

  Zander put his fingers up to his temples and closed his eyes for a minute, attempting to collect himself. Finally, he opened them, weariness etched in his face. “Why did you go there? We talked about this.”

  “I couldn’t stay away. After they had him for twenty-four hours I had to—”

  “Stop talking, Luna,” he pleaded begging me not to say too much.

  Was it really possible that we were being observed? We seemed so alone out here. I hoped to God it hadn’t come to that.

  He stepped closer, his hot breath on my cheek. My whole body flushed with pleasure. “I don’t know what to do or how to help your father. Going to that building was a bad idea. Just like being here is. This may have far-reaching consequences you kn
ow nothing about. Please. Go home. Wait. Act as if everything is normal. Go to school, do your homework, be a teenager. Don’t send them any more red flags. Got it?”

  I didn’t argue. I only nodded, realizing that Zander had confirmed my worst fear. I had made things a million times worse for the man I had known for only a short period as my father. I moved to step back but before I did, Zander took my hand and squeezed it—as if he sensed the guilt swallowing me whole and wanted to comfort me. Even that small gesture ran a risk of implicating us both.

  But nothing could placate me. I’d messed things up big time.

  “I better go,” I whispered shattering the silence and pulling away. No need to put Zander in any more danger.

  “See you soon, Luna. I promise.” He was scrutinizing me, almost as if he was willing me to read his mind and decipher its contents.

  However, all my senses picked up on were the sound of the birds tweeting in the perfect trees and the awareness of my heart pounding in my chest. I turned away and walked up the street toward the house. I didn’t dare glance over my shoulder. But the sensation of Zander’s gaze at my back never left me until I hung a right at the corner and disappeared out of sight.

  When I got home, Mom was in a panic. She flung open the door before I even reached it and launched herself into my arms.

  “Thank God you’re okay! I was worried sick something had happened to you.”

  “I wrote you a note,” I said muffled against Mom’s shoulder.

  “But you were gone so long.” She pulled back to look at me.

  I shrugged. “I had a lot on my mind.”

  “I realize this thing with Dad is hard. But you can’t just disappear and leave a note. We have to stick together. Be a team.”

  If she learned what I’d done, how much of a team would she want to be then? I mean, it’s not like I was her flesh and blood or anything. Not that it meant much. Mama couldn’t wait to sell me down the river for a better life. Of course, Mama wasn’t blood either, but she’d been the only mother I’d ever known…until now. W1 Nova believed in matching children with their societal equivalent. Nobody knew their biological parents. The files became sealed forever once the baby was placed in their permanent home. But still, she was my Mama. And she was a part of me whether she wanted to be or not.