“What did you do?” Houston asked sharply and she gave him an apologetic look.
“I did what I had to. I protected my children.”
“By sacrificing someone else’s?” I questioned, my gaze going to Mercy and Hope. “Tell us what you did.”
“I told Lillian that you were damaged, nonverbal. She didn’t believe me. She wanted to test you.” I heard her teeth grit. “She threatened to take you away unless I helped her.”
“Help her how?” Mercy spoke up, arms crossed threateningly across his chest.
“She wanted information. She had pictures of you,” she pointed to Mercy, “But she didn’t know much. I agreed to try and find out more.” Her fingers twisted together and Houston slammed his hand on the table.
“Tell me you didn’t,” he growled and she cringed.
“You brought Hope home and I knew the second I saw her. She could be Joy’s sister. She is Joy’s sister. I told Lillian. I thought it would protect Joy,” she whimpered. “I’m sorry.”
“What did you tell Lillian?”
“Everything. I took pictures of all of you. I told her what I suspected about Hope.” She glanced at Hope apologetically, but there was no forgiveness to be found. “When you wrote the exact time of Gramps death, I knew. Lillian was excited when she found out.”
“And in return for betraying my friends, you got what exactly?” I hissed, clenching my hands so I wouldn’t reach across the table and slap her.
“She would leave you alone,” Miranda answered, her voice empty. “She wouldn’t test you or try to take you.”
Hope leaned across the table, inches from Miranda’s face. “What does she want with me?”
Miranda shook her head, struggling as she said finally, “I don’t know.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“What she’s always wanted,” Miranda burst out. “Knowledge, control. To defy death.”
I shook my head, getting up from the table. “I think we’re done here.” Miranda grabbed my hand, clinging as I tried to wrest away from her.
“I did it to protect you. You understand that, right?”
“No, I don’t,” I said slowly and clearly. “You should have told us. Warned us. Protected all of us. Instead, you betrayed us.”
“I didn’t mean for that to happen,” she begged, clutching empty air as I wrenched free. “I kept you safe.”
“No, you didn’t,” I denied. “You’re a fool if you think she won’t come after me just like she’ll come after them. And you gave her the reason why.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Hope
6 days, 19 hours, 33 minutes and 43 seconds.
It didn’t seem to matter that it might not be my death I was counting down anymore. It was enough that it would be one of us. I stared at the ceiling as I tried to ignore the countdown and go to sleep. It was useless though.
I rolled out of my bed and padded to the living room. If I couldn’t sleep then I would watch mindless television. I froze when I saw Dad in his recliner. I’d thought he’d gone to bed earlier.
I tiptoed closer, “Dad?” I whispered, seeing him just sitting there, an unopened can of beer in his hand. “You alright?”
He set the beer on the table, seeming to make up his mind. “Come talk to your old man.” I made my way to the couch, curling up in the corner so I could see him. “I’ve been thinking.”
“That’s always dangerous,” I teased, trying to break the somber mood. He gave me a brief smile, but quickly turned serious.
“This woman, Lillian, she’s not going to give up,” he said and I nodded slowly. It had been seventeen years and she was still coming after us. “And the truth is, you kids aren’t safe, especially not together.”
My head jerked up, ready to protest.
“Hear me out, Hope.” He leaned forward. “Your ability puts a target on your back. The three of you together,” he broke off, exhaling, “It’ll draw the wrong kind of attention.”
“We’re stronger together,” I argued weakly, hating that his words made sense.
“And that’s its own problem,” he replied and my stare turned confused. “I understand wanting to save the lives of your friends, Hope, but where does it end?”
“I don’t know what you mean,” I whispered, denying the truth. “We’re just –”
“Just what?” He asked, his gaze compassionate. “Changing the course of people’s lives?” He inhaled, glancing up. “You can’t help yourselves, and I understand. I don’t blame you, but, Hope, it’s dangerous.”
A tear trickled down my cheek as his words hit home. He was right. I knew it. I’d changed Brandon’s fate the first time, and then we’d done it a second time, and more lives had been put at risk because of our choices. I could only hope we’d succeeded this time because otherwise when would it end?
“Together, you draw too much attention. The only chance any of you have for a normal life is apart.” I shook my head, not wanting to hear his words, since it meant I was going to lose them. “You won’t lose them, Hope.” I gave him a startled glance as he seemed to read my mind and he smiled softly. “I know you better than you think, kid.” I nodded as tears tracked down my cheeks. “You can stay in touch, but it’s better for everyone if you limit physical contact.” I braced my head in my hands, strangling the desire to shout about how unfair it was, knowing it wouldn’t make a difference. “We also need to be ready to leave.”
My head came up as I said, “No.” I shook my head. “I won’t leave them behind.”
“I’m not saying leave them behind. The three of you will need to leave, go your separate ways,” he explained as I stared at him, each breath painful. “This place isn’t safe for you anymore. Not if Lillian Dubois knows where you are.”
“What if we got rid of Lillian?” I asked desperately, grasping at anything so we could have more time. I couldn’t imagine leaving my friends….Houston, behind as I ran away.
“Lillian is a danger, but she’s not the only one,” Dad reasoned. “If people are still at the Nightingale Foundation it means they still want her research. Someone funded her projects.” His words destroyed the last of my hope. “My job is to protect you, Hope. I promised your mother I would take care of you and I failed. I can’t go back and change my mistakes, but I can make sure I keep that promise going forward.”
“You didn’t fail,” I whispered, meeting his self-recriminating gaze. “You’ve always been there when it counted.”
“That’s not good enough anymore,” he answered, picking up the beer can and rolling it between his hands. “I have to do better.”
“I think you should stop drinking,” I blurted out, the words shocking us both. “I mean….well, I mean I think you should stop drinking,” I said again, the words growing stronger. “For me, or for Mom, or for you, either way something has to change.”
“I think you’re right,” he agreed, setting the can back down. “It’s been a crutch too long.” He gave me a lopsided smile. “I almost missed the world’s greatest gift.” I rolled my eyes, but matched his smile when he finished, “Hope.”
“May I interrupt?” Mercy’s quiet voice brought our attention where he stood in the doorway. I waved him over, and he sat on the couch next to me. “I think your dad is right, Hope.”
“You’re going to have to clarify,” I joked. “He’s batting a thousand tonight.”
“About us being separated, and about us leaving sooner rather than later.” I swallowed at the reminder of what our future held and he draped his arm over my shoulder. “I hate it too,” he admitted, tugging me close. “But if there was one thing Kendra drilled into me, it was how dangerous Lillian Dubois is and the lengths she will go to for her research. If she knows about us, then I guarantee there’s a cage somewhere with our names on it.” I shuddered at the thought as he stared blankly at the wall. “I won’t allow that to happen to you or Joy. You’re the only family I have.”
“Hey, don’t forget about me,” D
ad exclaimed, drawing our attention. “I always wanted a son.” A quiver went through Mercy at my Dad’s words. When it was clear he couldn’t speak, I nudged him.
“Clearly, I’ve already been replaced.”
Mercy’s arm locked around me, as he chuckled wetly. “If there is one thing I know about you, Hope, it’s that you are definitely irreplaceable.”
***
When I went to the kitchen the next morning, Dad and Mercy were waiting. They looked at me eagerly, and for the first time in a really long time, Dad’s eyes were clear. “Well?” Mercy asked impatiently and I shook my head, trying to clear it, and his face grew determined. “We’ll kidnap Brandon then,” he murmured, his gaze intent, and I realized he’d misunderstood.
“No, no,” I said hastily. “Something changed. I just don’t know what.” I plopped down at the table, my eyes gritty since I’d only managed to sleep a couple of hours. “I need to see Amber and Brandon.”
“Eat first,” Dad commanded, setting a plate of bacon and eggs in front of me. I stared at him in astonishment and he shrugged. “I couldn’t sleep so I cooked.”
“It’s good,” Mercy informed me and my gaze switched to him, noticing for the first time that his hair was pulled back, the wild strands tamed somewhat into a knot at his neck. “Amber is coming by on the way to school.” He sucked in a deep breath. “If we managed to change things, then I’m going to tell her goodbye.”
“What?” The fork dropped from my suddenly nerveless fingers and I shook my head automatically. “No. Why? We have time.”
Mercy kept his gaze on me, but I could see Dad’s guilty expression. “You did this? You decided this without me,” I accused and Mercy gripped my fingers tightly.
“No, we didn’t decide this without you, Hope,” he argued. “You were there last night. You knew it was only a matter of time. It’s best if we leave one at a time and I’ll make that sacrifice.”
“No,” I moaned softly. “I don’t want you to have to make that sacrifice. What about Amber?”
He swallowed hard and I could see how difficult it was for him. “I care about her and I can only hope to see her again, but our lives are very different right now and I have to do what’s best for both of us.”
“And leaving like this is best?” I cried, suddenly angry at him. “Like a thief in the night.”
“No,” he said sharply. “I’m going to tell her and say goodbye. I’m not walking away or abandoning anyone, Hope.” His words deflated my anger and I picked up my fork, needing to do something with my hands. “I don’t want to do this, Hope, but none of us have a choice. This is about our survival, our freedom.” I nodded, knowing he was right.
“It’s so soon,” I whispered, not looking up from my plate. “I thought we had more time.”
“We should all be gone before,” he stopped so I finished, “Before our expiration date.”
“It’s the only way we can change it,” he pleaded, “And we have to change it.”
“I’m going to miss you,” I said, finally glancing up, my eyes damp.
“And I’m gonna miss you, Hope Lancaster.” He leaned across the table, kissing my forehead. “But we will meet again.”
“How are you going?” I glanced between them and Dad cleared his throat, gazing at me uncertainly.
“I’m giving him Bessie…with your blessing,” he answered hesitantly, gauging my reaction.
“She’s a good car,” I replied, nodding my approval. “A little finicky but she’ll keep you safe.”
“I’ll take care of her,” Mercy promised and I nodded.
“I know you will.”
There was a knock at the door and Mercy hurried to answer it. I kept my gaze on the table as I heard their steps come back.
“Well? Am I dying?” Amber demanded, walking around the table to face me. I slowly lifted my head, staring at her for long seconds. “The suspense is literally killing me,” she deadpanned and I let out a shaky laugh.
“You’re definitely not dying,” I answered, still staring at her.
“Okay, you’re officially freaking me out,” Amber reported, sitting across from me and stealing my bacon. “Tell me what’s going on in that head of yours.”
“Hello?” Houston’s voice snapped me out of my daze and I turned eagerly as he and Joy entered the kitchen. “Did we miss anything?” I shook my head as Amber groaned.
“I’m not dying but Hope is giving me a really weird look,” she caught them up, her gaze swinging back to me impatiently. “So, what do you see? Am I back to 105? 90 is okay too.”
I lifted my shoulders, “I don’t know.”
“Huh?”
I laughed. “I don’t know. There’s nothing.”
“Nothing,” she echoed and Mercy gave me a sharp glance.
“You’re not saying that because of me?” He demanded to know and I shook my head.
“Why would it have anything to do with you?” Amber asked, looking between us in confusion.
“Because I’m leaving today,” he answered bluntly, and Amber looked like he’d slapped her. “It’s for the best,” he continued and Amber stood abruptly.
“Well, bully for you,” she retorted, stomping out of the room. Mercy stood frozen and I snapped my fingers at him.
“Follow her,” I ordered and he moved, disappearing from the room. Houston and Joy came to the table, eyeing me carefully. “How’s your morning?” I asked, tilting my head.
“I can’t get ahold of Brandon,” Joy answered, her expression frightened. “I was hoping you knew something.”
I shook my head. Their countdown had been gone when I woke up, but seeing Amber just now, I only had more questions. “The countdown is gone, but Amber doesn’t have a countdown.” I glanced at each of them. “Like Houston doesn’t have one.”
“Mercy is leaving?” Houston questioned and I heard the tension in his voice.
“Yeah,” I met his gaze. “We talked about it last night.” His gaze shifted as he heard what I didn’t say.
“You’re leaving too,” he said flatly and Joy stared at me.
“You were going to leave without saying anything?” She asked, hurt.
“No! Of course not,” I denied, shaking my head forcefully. “I would never leave without telling you. I don’t want to leave,” I cried, reaching for her but she yanked her hand away. “Joy, you have to believe me.”
“Why didn’t you say anything?”
“I did,” I stressed. “When Dad heard when our expiration date was and where we die, he was ready to pack us up that night and leave.”
“That doesn’t explain why Mercy is leaving,” Joy argued and Houston sighed.
“It’s not safe for you here,” he concluded, sinking down next to me. “My mother made sure of that.” He shook his head. “Even if no one dies in six days, you still can’t stay here.”
“Houston,” Joy’s voice was fragile and he reached over, grasping her gloved hand. “I’m mad at Miranda, but I don’t want to leave.”
“We have too,” I told her, keeping my expression resolute. “And we can’t go together,” I added, hating myself for crushing her hopes just like mine had been. “My Dad is right. Together, we’re dangerous. We play God and that’s not right.”
“What are we supposed to do?” Joy whispered brokenly. “Where do we go?”
“I don’t know, but we need to leave before our expiration date. It’s the only way to stop one of us from dying,” I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. “First though, we need to talk to Brandon.”
“Guys,” Amber came in the room, holding her phone out as Mercy stood behind her, his face creased with worry. “I just got a text. Brandon’s in the hospital.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Joy
I stared straight ahead as Houston drove us to the hospital, trying not to think about what we might find when we got there. We were supposed to stop his death not speed it up. I twisted in the seat, glaring at Hope in the backseat.
&n
bsp; “Did you know?” I yelled, anger and fear twisting my stomach. “Did you see his expiration date change?”
“No,” she answered quietly, shaking her head, and I wanted to slap her. Force her to shout and feel the same way I was feeling. “He’s not dead,” she continued and I shook.
“You don’t know that,” I muttered, facing forward when Houston nudged me. “You were too busy planning to leave.”
“Joy,” Houston chided and I turned on him.
“Don’t pretend you’re okay with this,” I snapped. “I saw your face. You didn’t know. She can’t ask us to do this.”
“It’s for your own good,” Hope cried out. “Nobody wants this but you know deep down it’s the only way.”
“I know you should have said something,” I retorted sharply, ignoring Mercy and Amber squished in the back next to Hope. We’d all piled into Houston’s truck at Amber’s announcement and all I’d been able to do since was think about what they’d revealed. Part of me knew I was being unreasonable but it felt like too much at once and I wanted to lash out. The idea of Brandon being, I couldn’t even think the word, my mind denying the possibility of him being gone. “He has to be okay,” I whispered under my breath.
“He’ll be fine,” Houston assured me, the confidence in his voice almost believable. “Hope would have known if his expiration date changed. We saw him right before he went home.”
I nodded, unable to speak. I wasn’t going to be convinced until I saw him with my own eyes. No one spoke again until we got to the hospital and Houston let us out at the entrance.
“Brandon Hall?” I asked the lady at the desk, taking a breath to calm myself when she glanced away from me.
“He’s in stable condition,” she replied off-handedly, and my chest eased slightly.
“Can we see him?”
“Room 209.”
I headed for the elevator, Hope and Amber with me, as Mercy called after us, “I’ll let Houston know.”
The door was closed when I came to it and I hesitated, my hand hovering to knock, and Amber leaned around me, pushing the door open. I glanced at her quickly, but then rushed inside when I saw Brandon on the bed.
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