Hangman's Army: Lake Of Sins, #3

by L. S. O'Dea

  She leaned close to his ear, his hair tickling her nose. “I’m not staying here.”

  “Trust me.” He squeezed her hand.

  She was going to regret this, but she let him lead her into the house. As soon as she stepped through the doorway, it was like entering another world. The room was long and narrow. The walls were painted a lovely shade of green. The floors were made of something like rock only smooth and with a pattern. The smell of soap was everywhere. Townsend opened another door and they entered a larger room. The scent of homemade bread and roasting meat greeted them. She stopped. She’d learned to recognize the different odors of meat—rabbit, bird, Cold Creeper—and this was Producer.

  “I’m sorry. I should have expected.” Hugh squeezed her hand again. “We won’t stay.”

  A middle-aged, female House Servant stood in the kitchen. She was small, like her kind, with long brown hair. She wore a housecoat over her pajamas. She looked up, her eyes widening when she saw them.

  According to her father, House Servants, especially females, never walked around an Almighty’s home in a state of undress and a housecoat and pajamas was undress. Townsend walked into the kitchen and kissed the Servant on the lips. The Servant’s eyes widened more as she turned her head away from Townsend’s attentions.

  “We’re not leaving her here,” she whispered.

  Hugh’s grip tightened on hers. If he were trying to tell her to calm down, she’d dig her claws into his hand. She glanced up to argue with him but his narrowed eyes and clenched jaw made her words die in her throat. He was more upset than she was about the situation.

  “Hugh and...I’m sorry, I didn’t get your name.” Townsend stared at her a moment and then realization dawned across his features. “Trinity.” The word was a whisper as a slow smile broke across his face. “Holy Araldo. I should’ve guessed, but it was too dark in the club and carriage to see you clearly.” Barely able to contain his excitement, he moved closer, looking her up and down. “I swear, I didn’t see Producer in you. Not at all, but I can see it now. Amazing. With your height and”—he cleared his throat as his eyes took in her breasts—“build you can pass for a Guard or a Servant or, of course, a Producer.”

  “Oh, sorry.” The House Servant shot Trinity a nervous look as she turned off the fire and put the pan of meat in the stove.

  Trinity nodded her thanks to the other female. Most didn’t consider how the sight of meat made her feel.

  “I think you need to explain this...situation.” Hugh’s voice was clipped and his eyes were hard as he looked from the Servant to the other Almighty.

  Townsend frowned in confusion and then laughed. “Oh, you think...” He walked over and took the Servant’s hand, bringing it to his lips and kissing it tenderly. “Hugh Truent, Trinity, this is Libby. I’d like to call her my wife but we aren’t allowed to get married. She calls me her mate but that doesn’t sit right with me.” His eyes met Hugh’s. “I’m sure you understand.”

  Hugh nodded. Trinity exchanged a puzzled look with Libby. From her understanding mate was the same as marriage.

  “So, let me introduce you to Libby, the love of my life.” Townsend pulled her close his hand drifting to her hip as she blushed.

  Two children stumbled down the hallway, wearing pajamas and rubbing their eyes.

  “I’m sorry.” Townsend lowered his voice. “Didn’t mean to wake the kids.”

  “Is it really her?” The little girl, who looked to be about five, stared up at Trinity, her blue eyes wide.

  The little boy who was about eight also stared at them.

  Townsend snatched the female child up as he ruffled the hair on the boy’s head. “This is our daughter, Leelee and son, Doma. As you can see, they’ve heard stories about you.”

  “Are you really like us?” Leelee clung to her father, suddenly shy.

  “Do you know how to fight like a Handler and Tracker?” asked Doma.

  Her hand squeezed Hugh’s. She wasn’t the only one. She’d heard rumors, of course, but she’d never met another mix, at least not one who admitted it. Leelee was definitely House Servant. Her features were tiny and her eyes a vibrant blue like her mother’s. Doma could pass for an Almighty with his white skin and brown hair. His cheeks were a little swollen. “You file his teeth.” The pain and embarrassment of being held down while her parents filed her claws and teeth flooded her memory and her claws popped out from her fingertips.

  “Ouch.” Hugh pulled his hand free from her grasp, frowning at her.

  “Yes. He’s in school now. We can’t be too careful.” Townsend’s eyes were resigned as he ruffled his son’s hair again.

  She walked over and crouched in front of the boy. “My parents did it to me too.”

  “It hurts,” said Doma.

  “Yes, it does.” She glared at Townsend and Libby. “You should tell your parents that you don’t want them to do it.”

  “But I want to go to school.” The boy looked at his dad and then back to her.

  “We gave him the choice. He could stay here and be home-schooled like his sister or he could attend school. However, if he went he’d have to have his teeth and claws filed down.” Townsend glanced at Libby. “We can’t take the chance of anyone discovering exactly what he is.”

  She stood. It still wasn’t right, but it was Doma’s choice. She hadn’t been allowed to choose, but she couldn’t have stayed in her house all day either.

  Leelee wriggled in her father’s arms and he put her down. She ran over by Trinity. “I want to go to school too, but Mom and Dad said I can’t.” Her lip jutted out in a pout. “I look too much like Mommy.”

  She bent again. “One day, you’ll be happy about that. I used to have to hide my teeth and claws too, but now, I don’t.” She leaned closer. “And you know what?”

  Leelee shook her head, her eyes eager for the secret.

  “They’re the things that keep me safe in the forest and on the streets.”

  “With the Tracker and Handler?” asked Doma, his eyes wide with excitement.

  “Yes, with Mirra and Gaar.” She straightened.

  “Will you teach me how to fight?” asked Doma.

  “Me too. I want to fight too,” said Leelee.

  “You can’t fight. You’re a girl,” said Doma.

  “Trinity’s a girl and she can beat you up,” said Leelee.

  “Enough kids. Leave our guest alone,” said Townsend. “Come and set the table for breakfast.”

  “It’s a little early for them,” said Libby.

  “Mom, please let us stay up,” said Doma.

  “Let them stay up, honey. Their idol is here.” Townsend glanced at Trinity and smiled. “We’ll all rest after breakfast.” He kissed Libby on the cheek and she blushed.

  Trinity had witnessed tender moments like this with her parents for years, but lately they left her longing for something like that in her own life. She glanced at Hugh and he was watching her, an unreadable expression on his face.

  “There’s a bathroom down the hall if you want to wash up,” said Libby.

  Trinity stepped back from Hugh, her face heating as if they’d done something besides stare at each other. Townsend winked at her and she blushed harder.

  “Thank you.” Hugh held out his black-stained hands. “I’d love to.” He started for the hallway, when she grabbed his shirt.

  “We need to talk.” She pulled him back into the room that led to the garage, closing the door behind him. “I’m not staying here.”

  “Why? Townsend and Libby—”

  “I...I don’t feel safe.” She was used to sleeping in the trees or under the open sky. Places like this were traps. In the forest she could flee and in her tent she could claw through the fabric to freedom, but these walls were solid.

  “It’ll be fine.” He took her hands again. “Townsend isn’t going to turn us over to the authorities. He has too much at stake. Do you know what they’d do to his kids if they found out what they were?”

  �
�It’s not that.”

  “Then what is it?” His thumbs caressed her knuckles.

  “You wouldn’t understand.” She glanced down, embarrassed to admit that she was afraid. “You’re used to places like this.”

  He tipped her chin up. “I promise that you’ll be safe here and we really don’t have another choice.”

  “I could sleep in his yard.” If something went wrong and they were all inside, they had no chance.

  “It’s going to be light in a few hours. A neighbor might see you.”

  “Oh.” She hadn’t considered that.

  “I’m sure the room will have a window.”

  “Really?” That wouldn’t be so bad. She could open or break a window.

  “Yeah.” He turned. “Come on. I swear I won’t let anything happen to you.”

  She nodded, finding comfort in his words. This was his world, not hers and she’d have to trust him. He led her back through the door. Everyone was waiting at the table.

  “All settled?” asked Townsend.

  “Yeah,” said Hugh. “But we should wash up before we eat.”

  “And check on Sassy,” said Trinity. “Where is she?”

  “First door on the left.” Townsend pointed down a hallway. “There’s another guest room two doors down, if the two of you would like some privacy.” There was a hint of male camaraderie in his tone as his eyes met Hugh’s.

  “No. We can sleep with Sassy. We aren’t...that is there’s nothing between us,” stammered Hugh.

  “Sure.” Townsend’s stared at their clasp hands. “If you say so.”

  “I swear. There’s nothing but friendship between us.” Hugh followed the reporter’s gaze and dropped her hand like it was on fire. “Really. She’s my friend’s daughter. I don’t...we don’t—”

  He should shut up. He was making it worse. She grabbed his arm, letting her claws sink in a bit. When his head jerked in her direction she whispered, “Shut up.”

  He nodded. “There really is nothing...”

  She tugged him down the hallway. Yes, they were only friends but he didn’t have to keep saying it.

  CHAPTER 40: TRINITY

  AN ELBOW IN THE back woke Trinity. It took her a minute to remember where she was. Sleeping in a bed in a house was a new experience for her. She liked it. The bed was soft—softer than the one she’d had at the Producer Camp—and the house was warm unlike her old cabin.

  Hugh had shut the curtains and the room was dark, although she was pretty sure that it was early afternoon. They had plenty of time before they needed to leave. She snuggled into the pillow. Last night, Hugh had taken the floor and she’d climbed into bed with Sassy. She’d been too nervous to sleep, but he’d talked to her, telling her stories of his childhood and college, anything light and amusing. Soon the comfort of the bed and the warmth of the blankets along with his voice coaxed her to sleep.

  “Trinity? When did we meet up?” whispered Sassy. “And where are we?”

  Trinity turned her head away from the Guard. Sassy’s breath was bad. Vomit and stale alcohol mixed with morning breath was not a good scent. She stretched. So much for another quick nap in this fabulous bed, it was time to start their day. “Last night. You were pretty drunk and don’t worry. We’re safe.” She’d tell Sassy that they were in the home of an Almighty later, once she’d explained everything that had happened.

  “Safe where?” Sassy shifted a bit, getting more comfortable. “This is the nicest bed I’ve ever been in.”

  “You must be thirsty. I know I always am after drinking.” She sat up, flinging her legs over the side of the bed and bumping into Hugh. He grunted and rolled over. “I’ll get you some water.” She stepped over him and crept into the kitchen.

  No one was around, but there were voices coming from the living room. Libby was reading to Leelee. She grabbed a cup from the counter and filled it with water. By the time she returned to the room, Hugh was sitting up and talking to Sassy. She’d wanted to be there for the introductions. Sassy wasn’t known for her friendliness to Almightys but Hugh did have a way with Guards. She handed Sassy the glass and sat on the bed.

  “So, you want me to help break your friend out of the Midtown Shelter.” There was amusement in Sassy’s tone and that didn’t bode well for their plan. Sassy found humor in the darkest subjects.

  “Yes.” His voice was rough from sleep and his hair was messed like someone had run their hands through it. “She was taken...”

  She stopped listening to him. There was something wrong with his face. His cheeks were dark, not pale. She leaned closer. It couldn’t be. She reached out and ran her finger along his skin.

  His words froze in the air as his eyes met hers.

  “Hair. You have hair on your face.” She cupped his cheek. It was scratchy. Her fingers roamed upward and into the hair on his head. That was soft and thick.

  “I hadn’t expected this for weeks.” He ran his hands over his cheeks.

  “Is he a mix?” Sassy’s eyes were wide as she looked at Hugh’s cheeks and Trinity’s hand in his hair.

  “Are you, Hugh?” She leaned back, folding her hands in her lap. Her fingers itched to touch his hair again. It was so thick and heavy, but she didn’t need Sassy thinking there was something between the two of them.

  “Nope. At least, I’m pretty sure that I’m not. You know I don’t know who my parents are but”—he tapped his cheek—“this doesn’t make me a mix.”

  “Then you aren’t an Almighty.” Sassy stood, ready to bolt out the door.

  “Calm down and let me explain.” His voice was low and persuasive. “Please.”

  Sassy didn’t sit but she didn’t run either.

  “Almightys are born with hair,” he said.

  “That’s a lie,” said Sassy. “Almightys are hairless.”

  “No. That’s the lie. One more in a long list of lies perpetuated by the Almightys to segregate the classes.” At Sassy’s confused look he explained, “It’s a way of keeping us apart by making us all believe that we are inherently different. Some Almighty children undergo a treatment right after birth to remove all hair except on their heads.”

  “Get out of here,” said Sassy, dropping back onto the bed.

  Trinity touched his cheek again. She couldn’t help it. The hair on his face had an interesting texture. The hair on his head was soft like hers but the stuff on his cheek was rough like bristles. He grabbed her hand, stopping her exploration.

  “My moth...Sarah, the woman who raised me, didn’t believe in that. So, I didn’t have the procedure.”

  “I’ve seen you in the morning before and you didn’t have hair on your face,” she said.

  “How many times have you seen him in the morning?” Sassy grinned at her.

  “It’s not like that.” She elbowed her friend. Last night, he’d made it abundantly clear to Townsend and everyone with ears that he had no desire for it to be like that with her. Not that she did either, of course.

  “We’re friends. Just friends. Nothing more.” Hugh cleared his throat. “Anyway, it’s illegal for Almightys to be seen with hair. I had to go in for monthly procedures to remove it. The treatment at birth is expensive so many Almightys choose the monthly procedure option.”

  “Did it hurt?” She couldn’t stop staring at his face. It looked different with hair, more male, more wild, more like the other classes. He’d said that they were genetically similar and she’d believed him but there’d still been doubt. The Almightys were so different and not only in their appearance but in how they acted and lived.

  “It’s not pleasant, but I got used to it. They continued the treatment in jail but obviously they skimped on the dosage or used a cheaper product this last time.” He ran his hands over his face again. “They must have figured that since I’d be dead soon there was no reason to give me a full treatment.”

  “Why would they keep doing it when you were in jail? They could use”—she touched his cheek again; she couldn’t help herself—“this
to explain your treasonous actions.”

  “Nah,” said Sassy. “They didn’t want anyone to know.”

  “Exactly,” he said. “I hadn’t thought about it before but an Almighty always performed the procedure, even in prison. Jason and the Council can’t risk anyone finding out that we grow hair on our bodies. It might start others wondering about the similarities between the classes, especially after my claims.”

  “One more secret.” She’d had enough with secrets and lies. Secrets caused more harm than good and even though the truth often hurt, it was better than lies.

  “One more secret revealed.” He winked at her and ran his hand over his cheeks. “I need to shave.”

  “What? No.” She stopped herself from touching his face again.

  His eyes locked with hers and she blushed. She was being stupid. It wasn’t her place to ask him to change for her. He wasn’t her mate.

  “It’s itchy.” He scratched his chin. “Plus, it’ll grow into a full beard like the Guards wear.”

  She wrinkled her nose. She didn’t want him in a beard; she wanted him with stubble.

  He seemed to read her mind because when he looked at her there was something warm in his blue eyes. “If I shave, it’ll be like this every morning and maybe even in the evenings.”

  Sassy was watching them closely, too closely. She was going to hear about this from her friend. Sassy loved to tease and torment.

  She shrugged. “I don’t care what you do once we get back to the forest, but in the city, the beard will help you blend in with everyone else.”

  “Of course.” He blinked and the warmth in his gaze was gone.

  Sassy drank her water, glancing between the two of them and said, “I don’t want to disappoint High Hugh...”

  “Please don’t call me that. It’s just Hugh.”

  “Okay Just Hugh.” Sassy grinned.

  “Why can’t I meet one Guard who’ll show me a little respect?” he joked.

  She exchanged a smirk with Sassy.

  “I’ve heard good things about you, Just Hugh, and I’d like to help, but”—Sassy’s smiled faded—“I don’t think I can break your friend out of that shelter. Any other shelter sure, but that one is too locked down.”