by A. M. Hooper
Cephas took a deep breath. His gaze spun slowly to meet Dominic's, but his eyes enlarged with fear. Dominic took the opening and stood up straight. A shot fired, splitting through the dead air with a crack.
The room exploded with chaos. My head swiveled to the left: Cephas lay flat on the ground. My head turned to the right: James and Thackar wrestled on the tile floor, each of their guns slightly out of reach. My head spun all the way around and I located my father. He was crumpled against a wall, squeezing his leg in agony. Scarlet blood penetrated his black trousers just above the knee. I shrieked just before an arm slipped around my neck. Blood rushed quickly to my face, unable to flow to the rest of my body. I struggled in his grasp, pulling at the muscular arm that held me bound. My feet kicked wildly beneath me. I gasped for breath. My captor began pulling me backward across the room, yanking open the back door with his free hand. My eyes darted across the scene before me, searching for help. James and Thackar still tumbled over one another and my father now lay unconscious against the wall. Sunlight bounced in and out of my eyes as I struggled to maintain consciousness. I saw Cephas in between one of my flashes. He lay sprawled on the floor: eyes closed, body motionless. Dominic pulled me through the door.
“Cephas!” I shouted in a whisper with the last large breath I could muster. I saw Cephas’ eyes twitch and the door closed in front of me.
And for a moment . . . everything went black.
CHAPTER 19
I gasped for breath as I came out of my momentary faintness. My captor dragged me down the nearly deserted hall. The people who did happen to walk by pretended not to notice the situation. Yanking tirelessly on the arm around my neck, I refused to give up. My eyes were slowly going black again, however, and I yanked without much strength. We slipped through another door and Dominic released me. I landed on hard, uncomfortable carpet. Why couldn't all of this be happening in a place with soft floors? I scowled and blinked my eyes as the blood rushed back to my vital organs. My head was spinning, but the room was slowly straightening in front of me. Supported from behind by my hand, I shoved myself into a sitting position and looked around the room. Expensive-looking shoes came toward me: Dominic.
My vision allowed me to see only the bottom half of Dominic's tailored suit pants. They creased with each step he took toward me, falling to a perfect length over his shoes. He picked me up by the arms and shoved me roughly into a chair, causing me to let out a small cry of shock. Tears were flowing down my face. My shoulder blades hit the back of the wooden chair and my head flipped backwards. I yelped again out of pain and the back of Dominic's hand met my wet cheek. I dared not yell out for fear he might do something worse, so I let tears roll silently down my cheeks and around my chin. I wiped the salty water off of my neck as I sniffled. He was so horrible. I sniffed again and raised my eyes to look around the room. We were back in the box seat. I saw the machine to my left. This room was brightly lit, unlike the kitchen we were just in. Dominic was walking briskly around the room, picking up an item here, dislodging another item there. Connecting a few items, he began speaking.
“You know, at first, I thought you were just a nuisance, but you're about to become very useful to me.”
“Why's that?” I asked spitefully, anger seething from my mouth. Dominic chuckled.
“Cephas will do anything to save you.”
“You're wrong about that,” I muttered.
“Au contraire, my dear. A man in love can only be pushed so far.”
“Cephas doesn't love me,” I said determinedly. “He cares too much about his stupid plan.”
“Trying to take down a heartless, immoral man is stupid?” he asked, smirking as he connected two wires. I let out a disgusted sigh.
“You know, you sound like you're kind of selfish,” Dominic offered. “Cephas is fighting for the greater good, and you just want him to care about you.”
“Yeah, well, trying to save the world never quite works out,” I said bitterly, folding my arms.
“My dear, you do remind me of myself,” Dominic replied, glancing up from his hasty work. “Such a tragedy you're going to die.” There was that thought again. I was going to die. My mind started turning, trying to think of a way out of the situation. I couldn’t die! I was young, ambitious, hopeful—I wasn’t ready to die! Everybody could be reasoned with, right?
“Maybe we can come to some sort of . . . arrangement,” I began, not even knowing where I was going with this sudden offer.
“What did you have in mind?” Dominic asked, tightening a bolt on the gadget in front of him. He glanced toward the door. His jumpy vision reminded me of Cephas; he seemed constantly aware of his surroundings.
“A switch: Cephas for my dad,” I said timidly. I knew Cephas would manage, but my dad wasn't quite as capable.
“That's quite noble of you, but I can get Cephas all on my own. He's going to be very sad to know you don't care for him after he gives up his 'stupid plan' to save you.” Dominic smirked, standing from his crouched position on the ground.
“That's not what I said!” I shouted, about to cry again.
“Ah, now that's the emotion we're looking for! Cephas won't be able to resist.” A low chuckle erupted from his chest again. I sniffed my tears back and scowled. My stupid emotions were always getting in the way. I needed desperately to save my dad, but I couldn't actually give up Cephas. Like I had any control over the situation anyway. I scoffed at my own ignorant actions.
“What are you doing?” I asked.
“Connecting wires to a battery,” he replied casually.
“Why?”
“Electric shock torture.” His head slowly lifted to look at my face. I felt my brows shoot up as I realized the gravity of what he was insinuating. My heart rate increased and I opened my mouth for easier breathing. I started freaking out, nearing hyperventilation. Through all that had happened, I hadn't thought about this part. It had never crossed my mind that someone might torture me. I would almost rather die. Taking a deep breath, I looked toward the exit. I had to escape. My eyes flashed to the left: Dominic sauntered toward me, carrying the contraption he had made in his arms. He was going to torture me, and then kill me.
“Please, Dominic. Please don't kill me,” I whispered. Tears began pouring fiercely from my eyes. Dominic dropped the battery on the ground next to me.
“Don't be stupid, girl. I'm not going to kill you yet. What use would you be to me then?” Grabbing my hand, he connected two wires to my fingers. He went about his work quickly, switching to my other hand.
“I am a human being. I don't just kill whomever I please. I usually have a reason.”
“Usually, eh?” I asked, watching the electrical tape wrap around and around my finger as it secured the wire to my hands. Dominic smirked his evil grin and stood, his work finished.
“Don't move, Dominic!” Cephas shouted from the doorway. I looked up to see Cephas standing still, just inside the entrance, gun aimed and finger on the trigger. Instant relief flooded my veins. I was saved!
“I swear I'll blow your head off!” Cephas yelled, taking another step toward Dominic. Dominic rolled his eyes as he turned slowly around to face Cephas, pausing to look with malice into my eyes. His fingers clasped together as he took a few steps toward Cephas; he looked thoughtful for a moment.
“You know, love is interesting. It leads people to do dramatic, stupid things.” He leaned down and flipped on the battery next to me. A green light flicked on and I heard a low hum.
"As it happens," Dominic began, "you need me."
"Why?" Cephas breathed, more demanding than asking. Dominic smiled that devilish grin, the one that proved his complete control over Cephas’ emotions.
"Recall with me, if you would, the moment when Thackar admitted his inability to transfer the money."
Cephas didn't flinch—didn't speak. Grit teeth hissed venom, and his gun didn't vary from Dominic's head.
"You see, I like to make sure I'm always in control. While your d
ad was busy blocking me out of the machine, I created a fortress of my own. Nothing too difficult, you understand. Just a password. Just eight little characters. Eight little letters or numbers that are stopping you from killing me. Isn't it ironic?" A low chuckle slowly escaped Dominic's mouth, growing into a cynical laugh. Anger pulled at Cephas’ brow, creasing deep lines in his forehead.
“So, if you wouldn't mind, I have something to say.” Dominic waved a remote in his hand. Cephas didn't respond. He stood as a statue, unable to intervene. If he took another step forward, or even pulled the trigger, Dominic would push the button and I would be electrocuted. If he killed Dominic, the plan was ruined. I began to realize the gravity of what was going on in this dark world to which I was newly acquainted and my hope vanished. I wasn’t saved; in fact, I was now the wrench in Cephas’ plan. Now I would be tortured and killed, and Cephas’ plan would fail. Cephas’ protective character was no match for what was at stake: no matter how much he wanted to save me, he couldn't. If Cephas chose to save me now over carrying out his plan, I would just die later. The plan had to work, or none of this would end. Cephas couldn’t just kill Dominic. Something told me this was bigger than Dominic, and if Cephas just shot him, someone else would fill his shoes and keep destroying people’s lives. This had to end now.
“Your plan was quite ingenious, boy, and you had me fooled . . . for a moment.” Dominic wandered back in my direction. I wondered that he turned his back to Cephas, but he held the remote in the air, and Cephas didn't even flinch. His eyes were wide, though, and he looked very, very afraid. I looked wearily at Dominic, who still wore his devilish grin.
“When you had Mr. Chamberlain call the game, forcing me to leave the room, I thought everything would be fine. That Thackar is quite the actor.” His voice was raised, making sure Cephas could hear every word. His head leaned down, though his eyes still held my gaze.
“On my way back, however, I saw the way you held onto this little pet of yours,” Dominic began. He stepped in close to me and ran his hand slowly along my cheek and down my neck, stopping at my shirt's neck line. I trembled at his cold, boney touch and I saw Cephas lurch forward. But then there was horror in Cephas’ face, and he stopped moving. Why? Wasn't he going to save me? Dominic pushed the button on the remote, and then I understood. All at once I felt a current run into my fingers and fill my entire body. Invisible pins and needles embedded in my muscles over and over, their merciless tips stabbing through my tender skin. So excruciating was the pain, so agonizing the violent tingling! I wanted to scream, but no noise escaped my mouth: the current held it back. My body convulsed, trying to escape the pain, but to no avail. I thought I might spontaneously com bust . . . when it all stopped. It probably only lasted two seconds, leaving almost as soon as it had come, but the pain lingered. I forced back a scream. My eyes slowly fluttered open and I saw Dominic's devilish grin. I looked slightly to the left: Cephas’ narrowed, sick eyes and a quivering, hopeless chin read utter dismay.
“Cephas,” I muttered as my head involuntarily tilted backwards. My entire body was tingling and my head was fuzzy.
“Emmaline!” Cephas cried out. “Em, I'm here. I'm here,” he whispered. I heard a tear fall from his eyes as he whispered incoherently. Dominic pulled my head forward and he quickly resumed his actions. His hand moved down my neck once more, trailing over my shoulder and down the length of my arm.
"Your little act with the lap top and money transfer was quite charming, and I did believe you. But didn't your plan depend on Emmaline's dad to assist you?” Dominic's hand moved to my waist and his face moved nearer to mine. I could hear Cephas’ heavy breathing.
“Don't push me, boy,” Dominic warned casually, waving the remote in the air. I closed my eyes to shut out his horrid face. I could smell his cologne now. I tried not to breathe, hoping to forget the scent forever . . . if I lived to have memories.
“Cephas?” Dominic warned. His thumb lingered over the single button on the remote. I could feel my breathing increase again in anticipation of the shock I was about to receive. I had never felt such pain in my entire life—and it had only lasted two seconds. What if he held the button longer?
“I just played on Mr. Brickard's emotions!” Cephas responded angrily. “I knew he would give you the lap top and I knew you would order the killing of Mrs. Brickard.”
“And why did you want him to do that?” Dominic asked.
“I needed to distract you while Thackar transferred the money.”
“Sounds risky to me,” Dominic offered, moving closer still.
“I know how people's minds work. Everyone is predictable in one way or another.”
“As are you,” Dominic responded. I opened my eyes and instantly met Dominic's. The icy blackness there made me shiver and he grinned once more. He rubbed his cheek longingly against mine, taking in a breath of my hair. His cheek wasn't rough like Cephas’: it was freshly shaven. I shuddered and then felt his smirk against my skin.
“But I can see why,” Dominic continued. “This girl is quite lovely. It's such a tragedy she's going to be spoiled for you.” His touch burned worse than the electric shock. Wherever he left his mark, it lingered, searing into my skin.
“Dominic,” Cephas mumbled. His voice was hopeless, and I began trembling violently. “Dominic, you don't have to do this.”
“You're right—I don't. But oh, how I want to,” Dominic whispered. I felt his hand move along my waist, fondling near the top of my jeans. His thumb touched the bare skin beneath my shirt. A tear slipped silently down my cheek and I tried to relax. I couldn't try to escape—a battery was attached to my fingers. Cephas couldn't save me without giving up his plan. There was nothing I could do, and Cephas had a more important thing to accomplish. Looking at him out of the corner of my eye, I saw the agony on his face. Neither worry nor anger frequented his brow; rather, it was the expression of decision. The excruciating torment of choosing between love and the greater good overcame his usually confident face. I knew by now he loved me, but it wouldn't be enough. It was me or the world—he had to choose, and I knew how it all would end.
“Dominic, stop,” Cephas ordered, lowering his gun. His voice wasn't sad anymore, but authoritative. Dominic's eyes flashed open and narrowed. He smiled in victory.
“I'll transfer the money—alright?” Cephas promised.
“But the funds didn't transfer, and Thackar locked me out of the system.” Dominic's voice feigned ignorance and helplessness. I shook my head in disgust.
“I'll get you back in. Just step away from Emmaline.”
“Just one more question,” Dominic continued. I saw his black eyes one more time before his face bowed toward me, moving his lips gently over mine. I closed my eyes again, trying to pretend I was somewhere else. I was back at the museum, and Cephas had never left. I imagined I was dancing—dancing with Cephas. We spun around and around and around. The incandescent lights illuminated the tall ceilings, and tall pillars encircled the dance floor. We laughed and joked as we danced to the live orchestra. Then the music slowed and Cephas pulled me close. I could smell his perfect scent, the scent you barely knew was there unless you were so very close to him. I leaned my head against his shoulder and his fingers moved gently along my back.
“Where did Emmaline fit into all of this?”
“Huh?” I muttered. I stopped dancing. My vision met a bright, fluorescent light and I remembered where I was. I shuddered at Dominic's close proximity. He licked his lips.
“Was my kiss that tantalizing, dear?” he whispered, moving his hand down my cheek and along the nape of my neck. I turned my head away.
“She didn't!” Cephas yelled, grabbing Dominic's attention.
“Temper, temper,” Dominic conceded, standing to take a step away from me. Cephas’ gun was drawn again and he looked ready to shoot.
“She wasn't supposed to be in that room. I thought she was safest close to me, but I was wrong. You found her, and I had to deal with it.” He looked over
at me. “I'm sorry, Em,” he whispered. His squinted eyes began to swirl with a turquoise color, glazing over with water.
“Yes, apologize, Cephas. But what are you sorry for, exactly? Are you sorry Em is being tortured for your insufficient planning? Or are you sorry that your plan is ruined?”
“Both,” Cephas breathed, taking another step toward us. “Move away from her now or I swear I'll shoot.” His teeth were grit and he pulled back the hammer on his gun. A low chuckle developed in Dominic's throat, gaining strength until he managed to speak through his laugh.
“You? Shoot me? You haven't got the nerve.” Stooping to pick up the battery, Dominic stood upright and yanked me by the arm.
A swift breeze brushed suddenly past the lines on my skin where Dominic's fingers had been. My eyes jolted upward as I took in the scene. A shot fired and Dominic grunted in pain as he squeezed his leg. Cephas cocked the gun again and I let out a short scream.
"Cephas, no!" I shouted impulsively. He glanced momentarily in my direction, then returned his gaze to meet Dominic's.
"Cephas, you need him! If he's dead, we have no access to the machine!"
"I don't care about that anymore," Cephas stated bitterly, shoving the cold, steel barrel against Dominic's head.
"Cephas, please!" I began. "Killing Dominic won't solve anything! This is bigger than him!"
"I think you should listen to your bonnie lass, boy," Dominic muttered slyly, slowly pushing himself up from the solid carpet. Placing one foot firmly on the ground, he stood halfway, all the while keeping one eye on Cephas, one eye on me. Cephas’ anger softened, though his aim didn't. I could almost see his brain working as he realized the severity of such a rash decision. He allowed Dominic to move.
