by Amy Hale
She instantly appeared beside him. “I’m Katy.”
He took a step back in surprise. Wes whistled. “Now that’s pretty freaking cool.”
Katy shook her head. “Not as cool as you’d think. I can explain later, but for now I need to help you find Jane.”
Colt put up a hand. “Wait. Why are you helping us?”
She smiled at him. “Because you are the good guys. We need your help.”
Colt tamped down any fear that attempted to rise in his chest. “What happened?”
Katy shook her head. “It’s more than I can explain at the moment, and some of it I don’t yet understand.” She looked at the room they’d all just left. “You got Elana out?”
Colt nodded.
“Good, that’ll help. I’m certain they used her gifts to manipulate us somehow.” The relief in her eyes shone through.
Colt could see her sincerity. “Where do you suggest we start?”
Katy pointed to the second room with the metal door. “There. Something odd happens in there.” She held up a keychain and singled out a large sliver key. “I swiped this from the guard.”
Colt motioned for her to make her move. The rest of the group watched her with caution, unsure yet if she were truly trustworthy or not.
Katy swung open the door and stepped inside. The sparse room held only an odd-looking chair and a computer in one corner. Her eyes went wide. “Oh, no.”
Colt and Rachel stepped in behind her and looked around.
“What is this?” asked Rachel.
Katy frowned. “I think this is how they were using Elana.”
Wes stepped inside at the mention of Elana’s name. “Yeah, I think you’re right.” He walked to the computer and looked over the gadgets near the table. He picked up a microphone and showed it to the others. “They would have given Elana commands through this, then let her powers of mind control do the rest to whoever sat in that chair.”
Colt inspected the chair closely, then addressed Katy. “Where do we look for Jane next?”
Katy frowned. “I’m not sure. Jeremy may have her with him. He’s very protective of her.”
Colt’s fists clenched at the mention of Jeremy’s name. He walked back out of the door and the others followed.
Katy relocked the door before looking back at the staircase. “We’ll have to get upstairs and look there.”
Colt glanced at the stairs then back at his group. He had no idea how they’d all get up there unnoticed.
Cameron must have caught on to his thinking because he stepped forward with an idea. “I can go up first, since I’m considered one of them, then let you all know when the coast is clear. I can probably get you through the first couple of rooms at least. The problem areas will be the hallways. There aren’t many places to hide.”
Katy raised her hand. “I can probably help with that some. I can alter the perception of those around me. Kind of like instant camouflage. Maybe I can cover more than just myself.” She stepped to one side and motioned for Rachel to join her. Rachel took two steps forward where she stood directly in front of Katy, then Katy touched Rachel and they both disappeared. “Can you see us?” came her voice from seemingly nowhere.
“No,” said Colt, “you are both gone.”
Katy released her hand and they both reappeared. She smiled. “I think as long as I’m touching one or two of you, I can make it work.”
Cameron smiled. “It’s a good idea. She can take Rachel and Wes, that way only Colt will have to focus on hiding.”
Colt nodded. “All right then. Let’s get this party started.”
Cameron took a moment to update Kyler. He then opened the door from the lower area and stepped into the hall leading to the mudroom. He signaled for his companions to follow, and they did, with Rachel and Wes staying close to Katy. He casually walked through the mudroom and into a small hallway that led into the reading area. Lights out would be called in mere minutes, so as he expected, it all was empty.
Colt followed closely behind Cameron, carefully copying his every step once he’d signaled it was safe to move. When they entered the reading area, Colt gave the room a quick glance, taking note of any possible ways to escape. The small windows looked pretty useless.
Cameron turned to his friends and grimaced. “I think this is where we should split up. Colt and I can look on one side of the building while you three look on the other. I hate to split us up, but if we don’t, it’ll take much longer.”
Colt agreed, although he also hated the idea. So many things can happen and he’d never forgive himself if this mission just made things worse. Jane’s face flashed in his mind and he let his faith in his friends take over. “You guys have got this. We’ll meet back in the mudroom in an hour.”
Rachel, Wes, and Katy left the room and took the right side of the hallway, their hands interlocked in case they needed to disappear quickly. Colt and Cameron went the opposite direction. They quietly made their way down a hallway with doors that lined each side of the walls. Letters and numbers had been mounted beside each one.
Cameron pointed to a door that said A15. “This is Jane’s room.”
Colt tested the knob to see if it would turn. It did so he continued to turn and push until the door opened. His stomach rolled fearing what he might find. He prayed she was fine, but his instinct told him that when they did find her, it wouldn’t be a simple reunion.
He slipped inside and Cameron stood outside the room, pretending to be completely bored in case anyone passed by. Colt’s disappointment at finding an empty room weighed heavily on him. Since the logical places are a bust, where could she be? He looked around the room, hoping to grasp glimpses of Jane; little things that proved she’d been there. He felt desperate for anything that would help him feel connected to her once more. Everything was neat and tidy, but nothing personal stood out to him.
He opened the door and Cameron gave him a nod, so he left her room and closed the door behind him. “Now what?” he asked Cameron. “Is there another place they’d take her?”
Cameron nodded. “There is this one area that’s off limits to everyone but Jeremy and Gregory. She could be there.”
“Okay, let’s go there next.” Colt’s reply left no room for argument.
Cameron nodded and continued down the hall until he reached a large set of double doors. He pushed them open and they walked a few more feet until they reached a locked set of doors. “This is it. Stay back while I see if I can get them to let me in.”
Colt quietly moved two doors down and pressed himself into the small opening, hoping the angle would help hide him further but let him observe as he needed to. Cameron knocked on the door.
Gregory opened it and scowled at him. “What do you want?”
Cameron stood tall. “I want to talk to Jeremy.”
“Bad timing. Talk to him tomorrow at breakfast.” Gregory tried to close the door in Cameron’s face, but he stuck his foot in the way to block it.
Gregory’s face took on a rage and Cameron crossed his arms in defiance. Gregory raised a hand and Cameron threw up his shield. It hit Gregory and knocked him back several feet.
Colt saw Cameron step inside and heard the annoyance in his voice. “Now, I need to speak with Jeremy.”
Jeremy’s voice interrupted loudly. “What is going on out here?”
Gregory’s voice came out a hiss. “The giant here wants to see you.”
Once again Jeremy spoke with authority. “Why do you need to see me now?”
This time Cameron spoke loudly. “Not in front of him. I’m only comfortable telling you.” Colt could only imagine the glare coming from Gregory’s face. He allowed himself to grin, loving that Cameron was likely pissing Gregory off.
“Fine. Come on.” Jeremy instructed. Cameron turned to shut the door behind him and caught a glimpse of Colt. He quickly sent him a wink and closed the door.
Colt hoped Cameron knew what he was doing.
Ten minutes later, Colt heard shou
ting from behind the double doors. As the voices got closer, Colt searched for a place to hide. The angry men were coming out of the room and he had nowhere to go. He dashed down the hall and around the corner, praying they would walk in the opposite direction. He watched discreetly as the doors flew open and Jeremy marched out. Gregory and Cameron stayed close behind him.
Jeremy’s face flashed red with anger. “Show me!”
Cameron seemed completely devoid of emotion. “Sure, but we need to take care of that little problem first.”
Gregory frowned. “What little problem? What the hell are you two talking about?”
Cameron gave a subtle nod to Gregory over his head and Jeremy glared.
“Gregory, where is Elana?” Jeremy crossed his arms and waited for an answer.
“What? She’s where I put her, idiot!” Gregory’s ego would not tolerate being questioned or doubted. Cameron smiled.
Jeremy got in Gregory’s face. “Where did you put her, idiot?”
Gregory snarled. “How dare you talk to me like that! You know damn well where she is.”
“Show me. Now.” Jeremy’s voice sounded calm, but held a dangerous undertone.
Gregory muttered under his breath and stomped off in Colt’s direction.
Cameron quickly caught up and walked in front of them. “Wait. Are you gonna let him lead you into a trap?” He pointed at Gregory.
Gregory stopped. “What are you accusing me of?” He spun on his heel to look at Jeremy. “What did he tell you?”
Jeremy smirked. “Enough. He told me how he overheard a student talking. She says she witnessed you telling Elana that you loved her and would get her out of this somehow. Tonight was the night, eh? Where are you hiding her?”
“What?” screeched Gregory. “Have you lost your mind? I don’t love that twit. And she’s right where we left her. Why would you trust this moron over me?”
Jeremy looked at them both as if deciding something. “Because Cameron knows where his bread is buttered. You, on the other hand, killed your own parents because you didn’t get your way. Why should I be any different? You’ve always wanted to run this thing, even when my uncle was alive. If you have Elana to yourself, you have full control. If you kick me out and keep Jane, you would be unstoppable.”
Gregory rolled his eyes. “He’s lying, you imbecile!”
Jeremy pointed his finger in Gregory’s face. “That’s another thing. Stop insulting me. That doesn’t exactly instill confidence in your loyalty.”
Gregory released a deep breath. “Okay, if I prove to you that she’s still in the lower room, hooked up to the machines, will you believe me and throw this jerk and his phony informant into a cell?”
Jeremy nodded.
Cameron shrugged. “Fine, your funeral.” He stepped around the corner and motioned for them to take the lead.
While they continued to argue and walk, Colt hid behind Cameron then slipped around the corner. Cameron glanced back at Colt and gave him the thumbs up. Then he mouthed, “She’s in there. Make it quick.” He turned and followed Gregory and Jeremy down the hall.
Colt realized he didn’t give Cameron enough credit. It was a genius idea, pitting those two egos against each other; a true work of art. Not to mention that once Jeremy saw Elana had truly disappeared, they’d be too busy fighting each other to worry about anyone else for a bit. It’s the perfect distraction.
He approached the double doors and again silently thanked Cameron for his quick thinking. Before he’d closed the door, Cameron had stuffed a wad of paper in the lock so it didn’t fully shut. Colt pushed the door open, entered, then quietly closed it behind him. The large area looked like an executive board room. It had a long wooden table with several chairs surrounding it. A sizable pull down screen lined the opposite wall, and the side tables held a variety of drinks and glasses. A small refrigerator sat nestled in one corner.
Colt heard a weak female voice to his left and he spun around to see a door slightly ajar. He thought it to be Jane’s voice, but it was so soft he couldn’t be sure. He cautiously opened the door and stepped inside.
Jane stood near a window, her arms crossed around her torso. She wore a pair of faded jeans, an emerald green t-shirt, and a pair of black tennis shoes. Her hair had been pulled back from her face with a headband. When the door opened, she turned to face him.
“Jeremy?” she asked.
“No,” said Colt. His joy at seeing her almost overwhelmed him. Her beauty more radiant than the last time he saw her. He’d missed her so much and dreamed of the day she’d be in his arms again. He took a step toward her and she held out her hand.
“Who are you? Where is Jeremy?” Her voice quivered.
Colt stopped in his tracks. His blood seemed to freeze at the realization that she didn’t know him. “I’m Colt.”
Her brows knit in confusion. “Colt?” She lifted a hand to her temple and she grimaced. “Are you real, Colt, or are you a figment of my imagination?”
He wanted to hold her, kiss her, and show her how very real he was. But he knew that wasn’t likely to help in her current state. “I’m real. I’m a friend.”
She shook her head. “I don’t have friends.”
He took a tentative step closer. “Of course you do. Everyone has friends.”
She put a hand over her eyes. “No. Not me. I only have Jeremy and Gregory and Karen. They are the only people I know are real.”
Colt had to swallow the bile rising in his throat. What has Jeremy done to her? “I promise you that I’m real too.” He took another step toward her. “You can touch me if you want to be sure. Or … I can touch you.” He didn’t know if it would help, but he’d do whatever he could. He had to convince her to leave with him, and they needed to do it quickly.
She dropped her hand from her face and studied his. “You kinda look familiar.”
“See?” He said. “I’m a friend.”
At that moment, another female voice came from the other room. “Jane? Sweetheart? I brought you something to eat.”
Colt turned in time to see Karen walk through the door with a tray of soup and crackers. She took one look at Colt and almost jumped. The tray teetered in her hands and she worked to steady it.
Karen’s features were passive but her eyes contained fear. “Who’s this?” she asked as she set the tray on a table.
Jane looked at Karen. “He’s real?”
Karen smiled at her and moved to take her hand. “Yes, dear. He’s real.” She turned to look at Colt and the fear there changed to an emotion he couldn’t quite place. Love? No, not from his mother. Colt believed she was incapable.
Jane cleared her throat. “I’m sorry I didn’t believe you, Colt. I’m not quite right in the head lately. I see things that aren’t there and remember things that didn’t happen.”
“Colt?” Karen’s voice a mere whisper. She stepped closer to him and looked closely at his face. “Oh, my lord.” Tears filled her eyes.
“Hello, Karen,” he said coldly.
Her hand flew to her mouth. “You know who I am?”
“I do. But I’m not here for you.” He moved his gaze to Jane. “I’m here for her.”
A tear escaped Karen’s eye and rolled down her cheek. “I can explain.”
He shook his head. “Not right now you can’t. We have to get her out of here while there’s still time. Will I have to go through you? Because I will.”
Karen shook her head. “No. I’ll help. It’s the least I can do.”
Jane watched them both cautiously. “Get me out of where?”
Karen looked Jane in the eyes. “Sweetie, Jeremy isn’t real. He’s been a hallucination the whole time. I’m real. Colt is real. Let us take you home, to your real friends.”
“What? That can’t be.” Jane started to panic. “If Jeremy isn’t real …” She bit back a sob. “I’m losing my mind. I don’t know anymore.”
Karen pulled her into a hug while she cried. “It’s okay, sweetheart. It’s okay.
” She continued to hold Jane and within seconds the sobs disappeared. “Now, do I feel real to you?” Karen asked. Jane nodded and she continued. “Good.” She motioned for Colt to step forward. “Does he feel real?”
Colt stretched out his hand and Jane tentatively touched his skin before quickly drawing back. “Yes, he feels real,” she whispered.
Karen grasped her hand. “Colt and I are real. Come with us so we can help you get better. We can make the hallucinations go away.”
Jane looked at Colt from beneath her lashes and he smiled at her. A light blush crept up her cheeks. He was thankful he could at least still cause that reaction. Maybe there was hope yet.
She turned to Karen and nodded. “Okay. I’ll go with you.”
They all turned and walked into the bigger room. At that moment, Julia walked in. She froze in place and gave them all her signature glare. Then she sighed in resignation. “Go. There’s a commotion on the lowest level, so the guards are mostly down there. You should be able to get out through any of the doors.” She stepped back through the door and motioned for them to follow her.
Colt struggled to make sense of Julia’s behavior. When no one moved, she threw her hands up in the air and walked back to where they stood.
“Listen,” Julia barked. “I hate that little weasel Jeremy. Even more than I hate her.” She nodded in Jane’s direction. “He has plans that are no good for any of us. I’d rather see this organization burn to the ground than let Jeremy get his way.” She looked Colt in the eye. “I can help you get out of here, but you have to trust me.”
Colt’s skepticism couldn’t be disguised. “So you say. How do we know you aren’t lying?”
Julia pulled back her sleeve to reveal stripes burned into her skin. “He branded me with a fork, just because he could. He has no use for normal people, and if he gets his way, we will all end up under his control. He’s much more ambitious than his uncle ever was. Professor Russell thought these kids could be weapons to promote peace.”
Colt raised an eyebrow at her.
“Yeah, well, at least he didn’t want to control every living thing on the planet. Jeremy and Gregory do. We can’t let that happen. Jane can do things the other gifted can’t and is key to their plan, so we have to get her out of here.” She swallowed and pressed her lips together in frustration. “Now, are you coming or what?”
