Prevail

by Wendi Wilson

  My eyes must have looked adequately dazed because the couple moved on past us and headed inside. I was frozen with shock, finding it unbelievable that the girl would try to persuade me in front of all those people. Whether they could hear her words or not, it was risky, especially with all the video and audio recorders present.

  “She just tried to persuade me,” I hissed to the doctor as we made our way up to the hotel entrance.

  “I told you he has Alts in his employ, using their powers to persuade everyone in his proximity.”

  “How do people not find it strange that he’s surrounded by teenagers?” I asked.

  “He’s young and his campaign revolved around America’s youth and getting them more involved in running this country. He runs a program,” he said, using air quotes, “that allows teens and young adults between the ages of sixteen and twenty to be hired into positions in the White House, or as his personal security or staff. All very innovative stuff.” His sarcasm wasn’t lost on me.

  He held out an arm and gestured for me to precede him through the revolving door. As I entered the hotel, my mind was whirling. I almost forgot to smile as several sets of eyes landed on me. Eyes with no laugh lines or crow’s feet. Eyes that seemed to peer into my soul and look for any sign of deceit or divergence.

  I quickly plastered a happy smile on my face and wrapped my hand through the crook in Dr. Patton’s arm. As much as it creeped me out to touch him in any way, I decided to take the threat I knew over the threat I didn’t. Their blank, and yet, somehow assessing gazes moved on past us. I let out a silent sigh of relief.

  That was some serious Children of the Corn bullshit, right there. I tried to watch that movie once, but I couldn’t stomach the creepy kids and their evil, blank stares. I ended up turning it off before I even hit the halfway point. The Alts at the party gave me that same creepy vibe.

  Dr. Patton led me to a line of people and we took our places at the end of it. I tried to peer around to see the front of the line, but he subtly yanked me back into place. I bounced on the balls of my feet, looking to relieve some of the nervous tension as the line, ever so slowly, moved forward.

  “Stop fidgeting,” Dr. Patton hissed in my ear before straightening.

  The feel of his breath on my ear sent shivers of revulsion through me, making my stomach churn worse than it already was. I didn’t flinch, though. I stiffened my spine and held my head high as we took a few more steps forward.

  By that point, I could easily see the president shaking hands with a large man in a white tuxedo. I studied President Worth’s face. He was a handsome man during his campaign, but the toll of being the leader of the free world had obviously taken its toll. He had large bags under his eyes and his once-black hair was turning gray at the temples.

  The large man moved on, leaving only a few people ahead of us. That’s when I noticed them.

  Two guys in black suits flanked the president. As I watched, one lifted his wrist to his mouth and spoke a few words before lowering it again. They each had one of those curly wires extending from one ear into the collar of their shirts. But the “secret service” air about them wasn’t what interested me.

  They were young. Studying their faces, I determined that they had to be my age. Even knowing President Worth employed Alts to be his security, it still shocked me to see what were, basically, children standing so alert, eyes constantly scanning the room, carrying weapons and looking like they were eager to use them.

  Without my realizing it, the people in front of us dwindled and I suddenly found myself in front of the president of the United States of America. It was surreal, to say the least. Dr. Patton shook his hand, introducing himself first, giving the name of his shell corporation… the one that made the large donation.

  One of his palms applied pressure to my back, and I took a step forward to get away from the feel of it.

  “This is my escort, Ms. Savanna James,” he said.

  Escort? What the…

  “And a lovely escort, she is,” President Worth said, cutting off my thought and engulfing my hand in both of his, shaking it lightly.

  I forced myself to smile and not snatch my hand away. Something about his expression gave me the heebie jeebies. If it were anyone else, I’d let my feelings fly, consequences be damned. But it was the freaking president. I had to be on my best behavior.

  As we walked away, I leaned in close to Dr. Patton, making sure to keep a smile on my face as I whispered, “Why did you make it sound like I was some sort of hooker, or something?”

  “President Worth has many… how should I say… morally questionable proclivities. Pretty young girls are one of them.”

  “Gross,” I said. “What about his wife?”

  “Let’s talk about this later,” he hissed, his voice barely a whisper. “Do not forget we are surrounded by Alts.”

  “Right. Super hearing,” I mouthed, pointing to my ear.

  I’d gotten so used to my own magnified hearing that I had almost forgotten it was an Alt trait. When the sense first developed after Dr. Patton’s injection, it was nearly unbearable and I had to work hard to tune the background noise out. As my eyes scanned the room, I concentrated to hear each person’s conversation.

  At first, I didn’t hear anything interesting. Lots of politics and insincere flattery. But then, I zoned in on the president.

  “…the young blonde with the older guy. Her name’s Savanna.”

  I stopped in my tracks, earning a hard look from Dr. Patton. I realized I was blocking the walkway into the dining room and stepped to the side. The doctor tried to guide me through the entranceway, but I dug in my heels and shook my head.

  “He’s talking about me,” I mouthed, nodding my head ever so slightly in the president’s direction.

  Dr. Patton gave me a knowing look and knelt down, pretending to tie his shoe. I realized he was giving me time to eavesdrop without looking too suspicious. Of course, me coming under the attention of the president could either help or hinder his big plan, whatever that was.

  I glanced over toward President Worth to see who he was speaking with. His brown eyes met mine, gleaming with interest.

  Oh, yuck.

  Keeping my face completely neutral, I nodded my head toward him and turned to face the dining room. Dr. Patton took the hint and stood up, grasped my elbow and led me inside.

  “Well?” he asked once we took a seat at the table that held our name cards.

  The noise level was much louder in that room, people having already taken their seats and chatting as they waited for their host to finish up his greetings and join them. It seemed safe to talk without being overheard, so I leaned in.

  “He said something about a blonde with an older guy and then said my name. I didn’t hear the beginning, so I have no idea what he wants with me.”

  I had some idea, if the president’s lustful gaze was any indication, but I wasn’t going to tell Dr. Patton my theory. He’d have me pimped out in a second if he thought it would forward his Purist agenda. This whole situation was messed up enough. No way was I going to help him any more than I had to.

  “Well, whatever it is he wants, you give it to him. Any excuse to get close to him. Do you understand me?”

  I shot him a scowl but nodded. I understood his unspoken threat. If I didn’t cooperate, my parents would pay the price.

  “Good girl,” he said, his eyes snapping to the door as President Worth made his grand entrance.

  Applause broke out as everyone jumped to their feet, cheering as he waved and made his way to the table at the head of the room. While everyone took their seats, his eyes met mine and held my stare as he whispered something to the server pouring his wine.

  She looked right at me before nodding and backing away from the table. My breath rattled in my chest and my heart picked up speed as she made her way across the room, heading straight for our table. I noticed an ache in my hands and looked down, finding them clenched tightly around the hem of my skirt.
I released my grip and smoothed the expensive material out, hoping my sweaty palms didn’t stain it.

  “President Worth would like to extend an invitation for you two join his table,” she said when she reached us.

  “Both of us?” Dr. Patton asked.

  Her eyes remained locked on me as she said, “Yes, of course.”

  I kept my gaze locked on hers, my nerves spiking even higher. It was obvious to me, despite the green contact lenses, that she was Alt. The way she held herself, the intense stare… she was attempting to mentally persuade me.

  I stood with what I hoped was a gracious smile and thanked her. As I walked toward the head table with Dr. Patton on my heels, I prayed that I was doing the right thing. If she was using persuasion to get me to do anything other than agree to go sit with the president, then I was in big trouble. If he found out either I or Dr. Patton were immune, the whole plan would end before it even got started.

  Maybe that would be a good thing, I thought, then shook it off.

  Dr. Patton still had his goons guarding my parents. If everything went to hell, he’d have no need for them anymore. They were expendable.

  I had to successfully pull off what he wanted. There was no other way.

  Chapter Thirteen

  “Would you like a drink, Ms. James?”

  His words snapped me back to the present, pulling my mind from the swirling anxiety attack that was threatening to bring me to my knees. I wasn’t sure how it happened, exactly, but somehow, I found myself in a hotel suite, alone with the president of the United States.

  Well, almost alone. There were four Alts stationed throughout the room. Fat lot of good they did for me and my sense of well-being.

  He sauntered forward, holding out a glass of amber liquid in a snifter glass. I shook my head as I held up a hand, stopping him.

  “I’m only eighteen,” I said.

  “I won’t tell, if you won’t,” he purred.

  I actually threw up a little in my mouth at the seductive tone of his voice.

  “No, thank you,” I insisted. “I don’t drink.”

  He shrugged as if to say it was my loss and downed the booze in one gulp. His tongue darted out to lick the remaining liquid from his lips, causing me to shudder. His smile turned downright predatory. He obviously mistook the reason behind my involuntary motion.

  He thought I was turned on.

  Gag. I’m going to strangle Dr. Patton for allowing this to happen. If I get out of here intact, that is.

  “So, what is it you do, Savanna? May I call you Savanna?”

  I nodded the affirmative and said, “I’m still in high school.”

  His head reared back, his surprise evident. It was obvious that he thought I was a paid escort, given the way Dr. Patton had introduced me.

  “But, you are eighteen, right?”

  His need for that particular clarification was disgusting. Whatever he had planned was okay, as long as I wasn’t technically a minor.

  “Yes,” I said.

  “Good, good,” he muttered, rubbing his hands together.

  “Why did you invite me here?” I asked, trying to keep the irritation from my voice. My trepidation was fast turning into indignation and I wasn’t sure how much longer I could hide it.

  “I just wanted to get to know you a little better,” he said, slithering onto the couch next to me, despite the fact there were several other seats available in the room.

  “Why?” I asked, scooting away from him.

  “Make her sit closer.”

  Before I could react, one of the guards—a girl that looked younger than me—was in my face, her eyes locked on mine.

  “Sit next to President Worth and don’t move until he tells you to. You want to be close to him, to touch him. Do it now and forget this persuasion ever happened.”

  OhmyGodOhmyGodOhmyGod.

  Pushing through my freak out, I scooted over until my thigh pressed against his. I hoped my rough, anxious breathing would be mistaken for excitement. According to the Alt’s instructions, I was supposed to be enjoying myself.

  Oh, God, I don’t think I can do this.

  “That’s better, isn’t it?” President Worth said, throwing an arm across the back of the couch and letting his fingertips graze my bare shoulder.

  I nodded, keeping my eyes on hands, which were folded in my lap. Hopefully, the shy routine would work. I needed him to move slowly, to give me time to think and come up with some sort of plan.

  Damn you, Earl! my mind screamed. I’m going to kill you for th—

  “What are you to Mr. Patton?” the president asked, jerking me from my mental tirade.

  “I’m his patient,” I said.

  “Is that all?” he asked, his voice deepening suggestively.

  “Yes,” I replied.

  He nodded at the young Alt and she was back in my face.

  “Answer all his questions truthfully. You are not to lie. Forget this persuasion.”

  I blinked and she was back in her previous position. My heart picked up speed. How many unsuspecting young girls had fallen prey to this man and his army of Alts? He probably took full advantage and had them persuaded to forget the whole thing afterward. My stomach churned violently.

  “Are you sleeping with him?” he asked.

  “What? No! Gross!” I shouted, unable to help myself.

  “Glad to hear it,” he said, a Cheshire cat grin on his face.

  “Why would you even ask me that?”

  “I guess I just wanted to know if you’re interested in older men,” he admitted, his grin turning downright sinister.

  I had a feeling it didn’t really matter whether I was interested or not. He was going to get what he wanted and he had no reservations about using his Alts to get it. He was truly disgusting.

  “No, I’m not,” I answered.

  He leaned in close to my ear. “What about me?” he asked, his voice deepening as his warm, brandy infused breath made my skin crawl.

  “No,” I said, remembering I was “persuaded” to tell the truth. “I mean, I want to sit next to you, but that’s it.”

  He pulled back and looked at his minion, jerking his head in my direction. Once again, she was in my face.

  “You want President Worth more than any man you’ve ever wanted. You will let him do whatever he wants to you, and you will enjoy it. You will do whatever he asks of you, and you will love every second of it. Forget this persuasion.”

  As she floated back to her previous spot, the president’s mouth pressed against my neck. His slimy tongue lapped against my skin as he sucked hard, causing a painful prickly sensation.

  “Fuck this!” I screamed, shooting to my feet.

  Time stood still. President Worth and his Alts all froze, staring at me with matching stares of shock and disbelief. One of the larger Alts by the door gained his senses first and I saw his hand twitch toward his sidearm.

  “Don’t move,” I ordered, pulling the power from my gut. “And don’t make a sound.”

  Five sets of eyes widened as they all realized I was using persuasion. On four Alts and a human. All at once. I had never felt so powerful or full of vindication as I did in that moment.

  “You four,” I said, motioning toward each of the Alts. “The president wants you to wait in the hall. Do not come back in here until I tell you to. Oh, and forget this persuasion.”

  I watched President Worth’s face as his private detail filed out of the hotel suite and into the hall. His eyes screamed for them to come back. They rolled toward me in fear and I found myself mimicking his Cheshire cat smile from before.

  “What? You don’t like being forced to do things against your will?” I asked, intentionally keeping my voice pleasant.

  He didn’t respond, of course. He couldn’t. And I wasn’t quite ready to let him have his say.

  “You were going to rape me,” I growled, “using an Alt to make me not fight, to actually think I was enjoying it, then to make me forget it ever happe
ned. You’re a monster.”

  I reached out and swung, cracking my palm against his vile face. His head swung to the side, a satisfying red splotch blooming against his pale cheek. My hand stung like hell, but it was worth it. It didn’t even faze me that I’d just slapped the leader of the free world. He deserved so much more. But my revenge would have to come later.

  I couldn’t blow this, or my parents would pay the price.

  “You are going to request a private meeting with Earl Patton,” I said, pulling the words from my gut. “You will tell your Alts to let him— and me if necessary— in to see you with no questions. No delays. No witnesses. Do you understand?”

  He didn’t answer vocally but nodded.

  “You can speak now,” I declared, remembering that I’d persuaded him to remain silent. “Do you understand and agree to follow my instructions?”

  “Yes,” he said, his face looking a bit dazed.

  “Good.” I paused for a moment, staring at him, my frown making my face ache. “You will not use your Alts, or your powerful position, to take sexual advantage of another person ever again. Got it?”

  “Yes,” he replied.

  Satisfied for the time being, I backed toward the door. “After I leave, you will return to the party. You won’t remember being persuaded. You won’t remember being here with me, at all. You just came up here to be alone for a few minutes. To take a breather. Go downstairs and find Dr. Patton. Set up an appointment.”

  “Yes,” he said again in that creepy monotone voice.

  I darted out into the hallway, coming face to face with the four Alts I’d banished there. Just to cover my bases, I spoke rapidly, using persuasion, “I was never here. The president came up here to be alone. Go back inside to check on him.”

  They filed through the door, never once looking back to watch me hurry toward the elevator. I stabbed my finger against the button nine times before I saw the numbers above the doors rising. When it finally reached my floor and the doors slid open, I threw myself into it, pressing the lobby button over and over until the doors closed again.