by Amy Hale
Rachel’s spine straightened. “I … He doesn’t …” She crossed her arms and narrowed her eyes a bit. “Fine. I’ll admit I like him a tiny bit. But only a tiny bit. And if you ever tell him that, I’ll deny it without batting an eye.” She stood. “The last thing I need is him flirting more than he already does. Lord, that man can make me want to go postal sometimes.”
Colt’s smile spread. “And you worry about me wanting to kill him?”
She grinned back. “No, I worry about you getting to him before I do.”
Colt leaned back in his chair. “Ah. well in that case, if the need arises, I’ll hold him down while you beat him up.”
She nodded. “Perfect.”
They both laughed. While it felt nice to have a moment of levity for a change, Colt felt guilty that he wasn’t at the other compound at that very moment, rescuing Jane and Elana. As so often filled his thoughts, he wondered what she might be doing at that very moment. Was she safe? Was she scared? Was she wondering what the hell was taking him so long?
Still reclined in the chair, he closed his eyes for a few minutes. He needed to breathe and calm his emotions. He heard Rachel quietly leave the room and his muscles began to relax.
Colt opened his eyes and found himself temporarily blinded. Why is there a bright light shining directly in my eyes? And where is it coming from? He sat up and rubbed his eyes trying to remove the burning sensation that took over. Upon opening them a second time, the light became dimmer, but still shone directly in front of him. He squinted and raised a hand to shield the glare, hoping he could see the source.
He heard a faint voice then. He had no doubt it emanated from the light. He stood and took a step toward it. A mixture of excitement and apprehension rippled through him. Why does this seem so familiar?
“Hello?” he shouted. “Who’s there?”
The voice continued to speak softly, but he couldn’t make out the words. It sounded as if they continued to be just out of range for him.
“Who are you? What do you want?” He shouted again.
This time the light began to dissipate as it slowly took a dark form that was so black he could only describe it as a void. It reminded him of a black hole that gobbled up everything in its path, as if light itself couldn’t escape. As it grew, so did his urge to run, but his feet wouldn’t move. The form enlarged and shifted, then moved toward him slowly. He stood still, rooted in place while his mind screamed at his body to react. Whatever the reason for its menacing approach, he knew it wasn’t good. He had to escape before it was too late.
Just as the entity reached the tip of his toes, he felt an overwhelming despair. It hit him so hard that for a brief moment, he didn’t care if the void swallowed him whole—in fact, he welcomed it.
“Colt, wake up, dude! You’re moaning like someone shot your dog.”
Colt’s eyes flew open to see Brett standing over him, one hand shoving against Colt’s injured shoulder.
“What?” Colt pulled himself upright and blinked rapidly. “What are you talking about?”
Brett crouched down in front of him. “You were making a lot of unhappy noises, and snoring a bit.”
Colt got a flash of his dream before it disappeared again. “Something weird happened.”
Brett frowned. “What? Did you lose your tampon?”
Colt’s eyes rolled up to glare at Brett standing above him. “You realize that you are one more period joke away from me kicking your ass, right?”
Brett smiled. “There he is. I knew you’d snap out of it if I mentioned your—”
Colt cut him off by raising one hand. “Careful what words you use next. They could be your last.”
Brett gave Colt an innocent bat of his eyelashes. “Whatever do you mean, big brother? I was just going to say that mentioning your worry over our situation would pull you back into the present.”
“Uh huh. I suggest you keep your thoughts about my worry to yourself from here on out.”
Brett smiled widely. “Absolutely. I ran out of PMS jokes anyway.”
Colt ran his hands through his hair then glanced at the ceiling. “Thank goodness for small favors.”
A knock at the door caught both their attention, and they turned to face a worried looking Kyler standing in the doorway. He briskly walked toward them and Colt stood.
“I think we need to move on our plan as soon as possible. I just had a very dark feeling, and I’m sure it originated from Elana.” Kyler’s agitation revealed itself in his fingers rapidly tapping his leg.
Colt agreed. Something very bad had happened or would soon. He had no idea what he’d really dreamed about earlier, but he knew he couldn’t ignore it, and he felt sure it had something to do with Elana and Jane.
Jane spent the better part of the previous evening trying to untangle the web of emotions and thoughts that had her tied in knots. She sat at the breakfast table, surrounded by dozens of her fellow captives, and quietly observed the morning routine. Children smiled as they ate their pancakes and fruit, while speaking to each other with enthusiasm. She could only catch snippets of conversations, but most appeared to be excited about their lessons and gym day. Gym day? That’s new.
Jane stared at the freshly-poured syrup slowly running off the edges of her short stack. Her mind buzzed with all she had learned since leaving her cell. Was it only yesterday? The amount of knowledge she’d collected in such a short time became overwhelming. She had yet to sort out what was truly happening below the surface of the happy charade that surrounded her.
Jeremy took the seat next to her, and she busied herself with her pancakes.
“You look well rested,” he observed.
She smiled ever so slightly, a mock sweetness entering her voice as she spoke. “It’s amazing what a real bed and some food can do.”
He smirked. “Well, the food deprivation was your fault. I’ll take full blame for the lumpy mattress, though.” He sipped his coffee, then looked around the room. “The children seem extra chipper this morning.”
Jane nodded silently, unsure if she should ask the question burning in her mind since yesterday. Her curiosity to know how he turned the children from miserable prisoners to faithful followers in such a short time almost got the better of her.
Jeremy stared at her, and after a few minutes, she became intensely uncomfortable. Her patience snapped. “What? Why are you looking at me like that?”
He frowned. “I’m trying to figure you out.” He released a heavy sigh. “You haven’t tried to reach out to any of the others. I assumed you’d already be recruiting for your side and starting a rebellion. But here you are, eating pancakes and sitting alone as if you have nothing better to do.”
She raised one eyebrow. “Do I have something better to do? I’m here. You’ve already made it clear that I’m not leaving. And I’m sure any attempt at a rebellion would be a waste of time since the kids seem content where they are.”
He smiled at her once more. “Yes, absolutely right. I tend to forget just how smart you are. I need to keep that in mind so I don’t underestimate you.”
This time she released a sigh. “Jeremy, I may be a prisoner here, but I don’t have to be happy about it.” She paused and took a sip of her own coffee. “It’s gonna take me some time to adjust.”
“Ah, there’s where you are wrong.” He swiveled in his seat to face her. “You are not a prisoner. Not really. You can’t leave the compound, but that’s for the overall safety of the rest of us. Inside the building, you have free reign. All that I ask is you respect my privacy and stay out of my room and the few areas that are staff only.”
She nodded thoughtfully. “I can do that.”
“Great! Now, I have to get some things done before we start our first gym day. Should be fun and I hope you’ll join us.”
“Sure, as you mentioned earlier, I have nothing else to do.” She took another sip from her mug.
He chuckled. “Glad to see you haven’t lost your sense of humor.” Coffee cup i
n hand, he stood and strolled away, passing out a few morning greetings as he exited the room.
She knew he didn’t yet trust her enough to allow her the kind of privileges she needed. But getting to explore the building seemed like a step in the right direction.
She ate a few bites of her breakfast and surveyed the room once more. Her eyes landed on a young woman with blonde hair and brown eyes. She appeared to be watching Jane as well. When their eyes met, she stood and walked over to Jane’s table, seating herself in the spot Jeremy had just vacated.
“It’s good to see you again Jane.”
“Again?” Jane scanned her face, racking her brain trying to remember the young woman. “I’m sorry, I’ve suffered a bit of memory loss since I was last here. When did we meet before?”
The girl smiled. “We didn’t really. I was brought in just a few days before you escaped. I’m Katy.”
“Oh.” Guilt lodged in Jane’s throat. Another person she’d abandoned.
Katy placed her hand over Jane’s. “Relax. You’re going to hurt yourself if you grip that fork any tighter.”
Jane looked down to see she had slightly bent the utensil. She released it and pulled her hand from Katy’s, taking note of the red marks on her palm.
Katy spoke soft and low as she leaned in close. “I understand how you feel. I know why you doubt us.”
“Doubt you?” Jane whispered. “Why would I do that? You all seem perfectly fine.”
“But we weren’t before.” Katy paused. “Last time you were with us we were miserable. The change in the dynamic of the group is …” She searched for the right word. “Surprising, to say the least.”
Jane nodded but didn’t reply.
“If you need to talk, I’m happy to listen. You look like you could use a friend, and it would be an honor to be counted as one of your circle.”
Jane snorted. “It’s a damn small circle at the moment. More like a dot.”
Katy smiled at that. “Well then, I’m happy to be part of your dot, should you need me.”
“Thank you, Katy. That’s very kind of you.”
“Anytime. I mean it.” Katy stood and then leaned down to give Jane an awkward hug. When she did, she whispered in her ear. “We need to talk about Elana. Make sure you’re my partner in the gym.” Then she stood and walked away as if she hadn’t a care in the world.
Jane sat stiffly, unsure if she should trust this new friend. But if she had news of Elana, Jane would play along.
The atmosphere in the gym crackled with excitement. Jeremy stood on a small podium at one end, with Julia slightly behind him. He smiled as he looked over the many happy faces before him.
“Friends, today we begin a new chapter in The Curators. This used to be the day we were mercilessly pitted against one another. Abusing ourselves and our friends.”
The children let out a collective boo, and he raised his hand to silence them.
“But that is no more. We will be replacing that with what we are designating as gym days. We will meet here twice a week and hone our gifts in a civilized and constructive manner. No more beating each other up. No more pain. It will be fun and educational for us all.”
Everyone cheered and Jeremy smiled at them like a proud father. “Before we begin, we need to thank the true creator of gym day. Please give a round of applause to Jane.”
Everyone turned their eyes to the left side of the room where Jane had been quietly watching the assembly. Her eyes widened when he said her name. Me? Why is giving me credit?
Each child clapped as they stared at her and she looked at Jeremy in shock.
“I see I’ve surprised you, Jane.” His voice vibrated with a chuckle. “I guess I should explain.” He motioned for everyone to quiet once again, then he continued. “Jane taught me how to practice and improve my gifts. She inspired this idea so I believe she should get the credit.”
Jane didn’t know how to respond to that, so she simply sat in silence and watched him.
He gave her a final nod of acknowledgment and turned his full attention to the rest of the group. “So, pick a partner and we’ll get started.”
Katy seemed to materialize beside Jane, giving her a scare.
Jane took a few seconds to catch her breath. “Dear Lord! When did you get there?”
Katy smiled. “Just now.”
“Really? Is speed one of your gifts?” Jane had never seen someone with movements so fast that it was virtually imperceptible.
“No, not really.”
Since she didn’t elaborate further, Jane stood. “I guess we should start … whatever it is we’re supposed to do.”
Katy took her hand and pulled her to an empty spot on the gym floor. She sat and motioned for Jane to do the same. Once they both got comfortable, Katy explained. “We are to discuss our gifts with each other and brainstorm on ways to improve. Once we settle on a method, we help each other practice.”
Jane nodded in understanding. This more or less mimicked what they’d all done back at the camp. Her heart leapt at the pain she felt when she thought of Colt, Rachel, and the rest of her new family. “My gifts aren’t completely restored yet.”
Katy took Jane’s hands in hers and smiled. “That’s okay. They will be soon. And you being my partner will allow us to talk without raising any suspicion.”
Jane’s eyebrows rose. “Suspicion?”
“Yes,” said Katy. “I know you must be worried about your friends. I can’t say what happened to the rest, but Elana is here.”
Jane closed her eyes and inhaled to calm her nerves. Losing her cool now would not be wise. “Yes, I am worried. Is Elana okay?”
Katy released Jane’s hand and closed her eyes. “Is this a good start?” she said loudly, as she slowly levitated her body a few inches off the floor.
Jane realized that Katy had changed the subject abruptly because she noticed Jeremy heading their way. “Yes. Very good. Dig deep within to find your purpose. Search for who you truly are and what your gifts are for.” Jane schooled her features to show her determination to teach Katy properly.
“Very good, Katy!” Jeremy beamed at her. “You’ll do very well under Jane’s instruction.” He knelt down and leaned in close to Jane, speaking softly near her ear. “I’m especially happy that you are here to help.”
Jane held in her impulse to gag.
“Let’s have dinner together soon. We have a lot to discuss.” He then stood and walked toward the next pair of students, who glowed with some kind of energy Jane had never witnessed before.
Katy lowered herself to the floor and took Jane’s hands. “I can’t say much, but I can show you. I just need you to promise you’ll not react outwardly. It’s important you stay completely detached.”
Jane eyed her warily. “What are you going to do?”
Katy looked in Jane’s eyes. “I’m going to show you what I saw. But if you react in any way, we risk being found out.”
Jane nodded. “I’ll be as calm as possible.”
Katy reached forward and placed her hands on Jane’s once more. She closed her eyes and started to hum quietly. Instantly, Jane found herself transported to a different room. The cold and sterile atmosphere gave her chills. In the middle of the room stood a tall table with a young woman asleep on top. Jane took a step closer to look. The girl turned her head and Jane gasped. Elana lay stretched out, her head shaved with wires attached to her scalp and temples as well as other areas of her body. Jane reached out to touch her when she was pulled back into her place in the gym.
Jane blinked and opened her eyes.
Katy sat in front of her with her hands folded in her lap. “I’m sorry. I must have missed something. Can you show me what I’m doing wrong?”
Jane stared at Katy like she’d lost her mind.
Katy subtly motioned to the children watching them.
“Yes, sorry. I guess I’m still a little tired. Maybe we can try again next time?” Jane hoped she sounded convincing. “Would you mind if we ca
lled it quits for today? I think I should rest.”
Katy glanced around and spotted Jeremy and Gregory chatting near the doors. “I think Jeremy would be fine with that.”
Jane raised an eyebrow. “He says we aren’t prisoners anymore, so why would he care?”
Katy shrugged. “It’s not as black and white as it sounds.”
Jane leaned in close to her. “What do you mean?”
“That’s all I can say right now.” Katy reached over and gave Jane’s hand a squeeze. She stood and walked over to Jeremy, smiling as she approached.
Jane released a shaky breath. Nothing around here makes any sense. Her mind flashed back to the image of Elana on the table. Whatever else might be going on, Elana was not lying on that table of her own free will. Jane had to find her.
Jocelyn’s phone rang twice before she successfully dug it out of her jacket and hit accept on the screen. Colt sat nearby and concentrated on a map detailing most of the layout of The Curator’s new compound. With a little persuasion from Kyler, Grant had sketched out the areas in the new building that he’d been familiar with, leaving vague descriptions of the remaining rooms. While taking him prisoner hadn’t been the plan, Grant’s knowledge of the operation would be valuable.
With an urgency in her voice, Jocelyn attempted, for a second time, to convince Cameron to join them. The first call had ended in her hanging up on him, after giving him a loud earful about ungrateful miscreants who don’t honor their word. Despite her anger, she smiled at her friends and said, “A guilt trip should do the trick.” Within minutes, Cameron had called her back. Colt hoped this discussion would be more fruitful.
His eyes roamed over the drawing, but his mind lingered elsewhere. If Cameron didn’t agree to help them, they’d have to plan on using a little more force than they’d originally intended. Colt knew that meant a higher risk of someone getting hurt. It was a risk he didn’t want to take, but the alternative meant doing nothing. If he had to go in by himself to get Jane and Elana out, he’d do it. He didn’t know how, but he’d make it work. Come hell or high water, giving up would never be an option.
