Contrition (The Perception Trilogy)

by Strauss, Lee

  “I’ll be okay.”

  He walked over with one of the guns. “Keep this with you at all times. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” He kissed me on the lips, lingering for a few moments, then left.

  Chapter 34

  NOAH

  I didn’t want to leave her. I glanced back before walking out the door, seeing her thin, frail form curled up like a beautiful, injured butterfly.

  It killed me.

  The hike through the forest trail into Capulette was at least twenty minutes, fifteen if I ran.

  I broke into a jog, dodging low branches that arched over the path, keeping my eyes peeled for exposed root systems and animal burrows. Last thing I needed was to land on my face.

  I stopped to catch my breath when I breached the forest and the town came into view. It looked exactly like it did before, basically one main road lined with shops aimed at tourists. A general store that sold groceries, alcohol, fishing gear, and hardware supplies; a restaurant; an ice cream parlor; and an internet cafe.

  I pulled my cap down low over my eyes and stuffed my hands into my pocket. I slowed my stride and slouched, hoping to look casual and on vacation, and not how I really felt, which was anxious and stiff and ready to bolt like a scared rat.

  I broached the café, which was a block down and across the street. There was one set of lights, but I chose to wait for a break in traffic and jaywalked. When I reached the café, I slipped inside, squinting as my eyes adjusted to the dimmer light. There were four rows of computers each with five stations. I chose an empty one in the back row, away from the windows. I breathed out in relief to see that nothing had been updated since the last time I’d been here, which meant the machines still took cash. I slipped a crumpled dollar bill into the money slot and pushed the button. It choked and I worried it wouldn’t work, but then the bill disappeared.

  I logged in under one of my aliases and sent Anthony, one of my buds from my pre-fugitive life, a direct message.

  Hey man, it’s me NB. Are you there? I need your help.

  Anthony: I’m here. Where the hell are you?

  Cabin. Need you to come get us. ASAP

  Anthony: Us?

  Yes. And she’s really sick.

  Anthony: I can be there in two hours.

  Thanks. See you then.

  I logged out, stunned by the fact that I’d contacted Anthony so quickly and help was on the way. I stood to leave and that was when I spotted Harry sitting near the door. He was a big man with a round belly and glasses propped on the end of a thick nose. He owned this place, had since it opened, and knew my family. Knew me.

  Damn.

  I kept my chin down and put on my sunglasses even before I got outside. Harry narrowed his eyes, his bushy, gray eyebrows knitting together. “Noah Brody?”

  I shook my head and lowered my voice. “Uh, nope. Wrong guy.”

  It took all my willpower not to sprint across the street and down the road. I stopped to pretend that I was interested in something in the gift shop window. A quick glance over my shoulder proved what I feared. Harry was standing at the doorway, staring at me.

  I couldn’t risk him seeing me dash into the forest, so I detoured the opposite direction around the block and out of sight. Then I broke into a run.

  I didn’t know where Harry’s loyalties lay. If he was convinced he knew who I was, would he call the authorities? Or would he honor a long-time friendship with a dead friend and ignore the fact that he’d just spotted his fugitive son?

  My chest squished with growing panic, knowing that Zoe was at the cabin alone, and I might not get there in time. Not that they would hurt her. She’d be delivered home to her parents, which was my intention anyway. I just wouldn’t be able to say goodbye and the thought of that slew me. I pumped my arms harder, my breath finding a rhythm. I entered the forest from another trail, one I knew would eventually lead to the one that would take me to the cabin. Branches scratched against my bare arms and my face, but I didn’t care. I just needed to get to Zoe.

  I burst through the door, heaving and sweating. Zoe’s eyes snapped open in fright. “Oh, my God, Noah, you scared me.”

  “We have to leave now,” I said. I started packing our things, hefting them towards the door.

  “What’s wrong? What happened?”

  “Someone recognized me.” I registered the distress on her face. “Maybe. I think someone did. I’m not sure. We’re going to be fine. Anthony’s coming. We just have to intercept him down the road.”

  I had the ATV packed up in less than five minutes. Zoe leaned against me as I led her outside and helped her into the passenger seat. I put the ATV into gear and headed down the road. I knew where another forest road intersected with the main one. We’d wait there for Anthony. I just hoped his family still owned the same car; otherwise I wasn’t sure how I’d recognize him.

  I backed the ATV in behind a cluster of pine trees, out of sight. It was quiet with the exception of the birds singing overhead and our own heavy breathing.

  Zoe stared straight ahead. “I’m actually surprised they haven’t found us by now.”

  I was too, but I didn’t say it.

  “I mean—” she turned to face me, “—Taylor said he was turning me in. He knew where we were, where we’d probably go, what we’d be driving. All this time I’d been expecting to hear heli-drones fly over us and cyborg soldiers jumping out of the ditches.”

  I leaned my head back and closed my eyes. I’d wondered the same thing. “I think your grandfather has bigger fish to fry. We’re not a threat to him anymore. I don’t know if we ever were. I think it was all just a game for him, to protect his image. Once he became president, we stopped mattering.”

  “So, why are you afraid the authorities would bother coming to the cabin for us?”

  “A matter of principle. If we’re easy to pick off, then why not? They just won’t go out of their way anymore.” I checked the time on the ATV dash. “I’m going to go wait for Anthony by the road. He should be here soon.”

  She blinked and her lips pulled down. I couldn’t resist leaning over to kiss her once more. “It’s going to be fine, Zoe,” I said. “Anthony will help us get you to your parents. You’ll get the treatment you need.”

  “Then I’m leaving with you,” she said, her eyes boring into mine. “Right? You’ll wait for me?”

  “Of course,” I said. “You’re the reason I’m doing all of this. I want you.” I kissed her again, more urgently this time. She reached for my neck, drawing me closer. I wanted to stay with her, mesh my body against hers, but time was ticking. I couldn’t afford to let Anthony pass us. I pulled away, sneaking one last kiss to her forehead before hopping out of the ATV.

  I sprinted to the road and hid behind a wide tree trunk. My heart beat with anticipation. I had no choice but to do this, but the risks were high for me. There was an extremely good chance I’d be captured and thrown in jail.

  Or worse.

  I had to keep my head on straight.

  A noise in the distance captured my attention. I squinted at the dark-blue vehicle coming toward me. Was it Anthony?

  I had to be careful I didn’t accidentally wave down an authority vehicle or a government agent. I didn’t step out until I was sure it was Anthony, until he was almost on top of me. He slammed on the breaks, and I jumped out of the way.

  “Man,” he said, hopping out. “Are you trying to get yourself killed?”

  I grinned. It was so good to see him. “Apparently.”

  We hugged quickly, slapping each other on the back.

  Anthony stepped back and we took each other in. He hadn’t changed a bit. Still the tall, wiry guy I remembered. By the way his eyebrows arched and his lips drew up, I could tell he didn’t think the same about me.

  “Dude, your hair?”

  “Yeah, no barber where I’ve been.”

  “And these?” He flexed a skinny arm and squeezed his own barely there bicep. “Where’d you get the guns?”

&nbs
p; I chuckled. “You could say I’ve been working out.”

  He looked over my shoulder. “So, where is Zoe?”

  “Back here.” He followed me into the bushes.

  “You said she was sick?”

  I nodded.

  “But she’s a GAP?”

  I stopped and faced him. “She’s a clone, if you recall. Apparently GAP benefits don’t get passed down. So, please, don’t freak out when you see her. She looks… different.”

  I had to give Anthony credit. His face only registered surprise for a moment before smoothing out into a welcoming smile. “Good, to see you again,” he said.

  She smiled back. “Thanks for coming for us.”

  Anthony helped me switch our stuff over to his car, and then I helped Zoe into the back seat.

  “Would you rather have the front?” I asked.

  “No, I’m fine back here. I might even lie down for a bit.”

  I kissed her head and settled into the front seat, not letting her see the worry I felt.

  Anthony’s eyes darted to me. “Tell me where.”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t really thought it through. I need to get her into Sol City, but it’s a fortress. And I’d rather not get taken in by the authorities if I can help it.”

  “I could contact her parents. They wouldn’t be able to trace me. You could make a deal. Zoe in exchange for safe passage into Sol City and no authorities.”

  “How do I know they’ll keep their end of the deal?”

  “You don’t. We just make them think you have a way of knowing what they’re up to, so they don’t try.”

  I knew I was his friend for a reason.

  We approached the outskirts of L.A. and my heart started hammering. Eleven months ago I’d fled this place with Zoe as my captive. I twisted to look at her, wondering if she was feeling the same anxiety. Her head was propped up in her hand, elbow against the window.

  “You okay?” I asked.

  “Yeah. It’s just really weird to be back.”

  “I know.”

  Outside, the familiar suburbs flashed by. My heart tugged to the one north of the highway.

  “We need to make a pit stop,” I said, staring at Anthony. “My place.”

  Anthony signaled and took the off ramp. I rubbed my damp palms on my jeans. I was about to see my family, assuming they were home. It was early Saturday afternoon and I pictured Jonathon and Davis watching TV after sleeping most of the morning away.

  Clusters of apartments and townhomes gave way to detached housing. Things had changed in a year. Yards were bleached dry, flower beds overgrown. Graffiti messages covered broken down fences.

  I instructed Anthony to take the back alley and to park by our garage. My chest thickened as I observed the obvious wear on my family home. Tall grass ran along the chain-link fence and around the exterior of the cement foundation. The stucco was even more faded than before. Everything just looked tired.

  I helped Zoe out. “Are you thirsty? We can get a drink here.”

  She gripped my arm. “Yeah. And I need to use the bathroom.”

  I almost knocked at the door, but instead I opened it, letting the squeak announce my presence.

  “Davis? Jonathon?” I called.

  I was through the narrow kitchen and into the living room when Davis’s little head popped up from the other side of the couch.

  “Noah!” he ran into my arms, and I swooped him up. His small body pressing to mine was the best feeling in the world. I set him back down and rubbed his head. “You’ve gotten so big.”

  Davis’s eyes grew wide. “You did, too.”

  I swung him around again, overcome by a sudden sense of joy at being home. Home. I’d missed everyone so much. “Are Skye and Jonathon here?”

  I saw movement from the corner of my eye, a figure with arms crossed, leaned against the doorway of my bedroom.

  Jonathon.

  He’d grown at least six inches since I’d last seen him, and filled out across his chest and shoulders. His brown hair was messed and pushed to the side over dark, serious eyes. Light fuzz covered his chin. He looked like a man now.

  I’d missed his sixteenth birthday.

  “Hey,” I said, grinning at him. I wanted to throw my arms around him, too, but something about his stance warned me off.

  His mouth formed a firm line. “What are you doing here?”

  I took a step forward. “Is that how you greet a brother?”

  He scoffed. “That’s how I’m greeting you.”

  His animosity came off in waves. My newfound bliss nosedived to a crash and burn in seconds. I rubbed my forehead, like that would magically tell me how to handle this situation. Then I remembered Zoe, standing there watching this go down. “Do you need me?” I asked her.

  “No. I remember where the bathroom is.” She walked shakily down the hall, running her hand against the wall to brace herself.

  “Wow,” Jonathon said after Zoe disappeared behind the door. “What happened to her?”

  “Long story.”

  He smiled wickedly. “I’d be careful if I were you. You don’t want to go down as the guy who killed the president’s granddaughter.”

  With one hand I impulsively shoved him against the wall. He may be as tall as me now, but I was still bigger. “Watch yourself.”

  Jonathon huffed. “Or what? You’re going to kill me, too?”

  “Stop it!” Davis grabbed my shirt.

  “Yeah,” Anthony added. He eyed me curiously. “Cool down.”

  I backed off and uncurled my fists. I glanced away, ashamed at how quickly I’d lost my temper.

  Jonathon shook his head, looking disgusted. “You think you can just disappear off the face of the earth and then show up like nothing’s happened? Push your weight around?”

  “Jonathon,” I sighed. “Hey, I’m sorry. It’s been a tough year.”

  “We haven’t exactly been on a picnic either.”

  “It’s not like I wanted to leave.” It was impossible to explain. From his perspective, I left for a girl. Chose a girl, a GAP girl, over family. “Is Skye at work?” I wanted to change the subject.

  “She had a baby. She lives with Brad. It’s just me and Davis here now.” He gave me a steely look. “And that’s how it’s going to stay.”

  The bathroom door opened, and Zoe stepped out. I could tell by the hard expression on her face that she’d heard everything. “I didn’t come to cause trouble,” I said, “I only wanted to make sure you guys were okay.”

  “We’re fine,” he said tersely.

  Just at that moment, the front door creaked and Skye walked in with a baby propped on one hip and a grocery bag on the other. “Noah?”

  “Hey, Skye.” I stepped up quickly to take the bag and leaned in to kiss her on the cheek.

  Skye had her brunette hair pulled back into a messy knot. Her T-shirt clung to a fuller figure and there was a patch of spit-up on her shoulder. The baby was dressed in a pink jumper, so I assumed it was a girl. She had a tuft of dark hair and brown eyes, and the resemblance to Skye was clear.

  “What are you doing here?” Skye asked. Her eyes darted from me to Anthony and landed on Zoe. Her mouth dropped open, but then the baby started fussing. She moved her attention back to her child, bobbing her up and down.

  “We’re just passing through,” I said. “I wanted to stop in and say hi. Make sure you were all right.” I motioned to the little girl. “You look busy.”

  She rolled her eyes and smiled. “This is Ivy. Can you stay for lunch? It would be great to catch up.”

  I was down for anything that involved food. “That would be great.”

  Apparently Skye divided her time between our house and Brad’s, and she had a crib set up in my mom’s old room. She put the baby to bed, and I helped her make grilled cheese sandwiches. Anthony and Zoe watched cartoons with Davis. Jonathon disappeared into my old bedroom.

  Skye buttered a bunch of pieces of bread, and I sliced the block of cheddar wi
th a paring knife. “So,” she started. “Last time I saw you, you’d convinced me to perform a little illegal operation on your friend. What have you been doing this past year?”

  I exhaled. “Nothing glamorous. Running, hiding.”

  “And you came back because…?”

  “Zoe’s sick. I need to get her back to Sol City.”

  Skye shook her head and lowered her voice. “I don’t understand. She’s a GAP. She can’t be that sick.” She lowered her voice further. “Though, she is looking pretty rough.”

  I didn’t want to get into it with her. “It’s unusual, but trust me, I wouldn’t risk coming back if it weren’t serious.” I put the first three sandwiches on the hot pan. “What about you? A mother now? Wow.”

  “Yeah. It wasn’t planned. I really wanted to get married before starting a family, but… anyway, things don’t always work out the way you plan for them, do they?”

  “No,” I agreed. “They don’t.”

  She frowned. “Brad and I aren’t getting along that well.”

  “He doesn’t like how much time you spend here with my brothers, does he?”

  She stared at the floor. “Not really.”

  “I’m sorry, Skye. I left you with my responsibilities.”

  “Yeah, you kind of did. But I love the boys. I’d still be hanging around here tons, even if you were home.” She flipped the sandwiches and pressed down until the melted cheese gooed to the edges. “When are you coming home?”

  I answered honestly. “I don’t know.”

  Skye removed those and added the last three. She stared at me, observing me, taking me in. “You look tougher. Harder. I’m not used to that demeanor on you. And your hair…” She tugged on my pony. “Do you want a haircut?”

  I grinned. “Next time. We can’t stay long.”

  She called everyone, and the six of us squeezed around the small table. We used to hold hands and pray before meals, but Skye just eyed me apologetically and said, “Bon appetite.”

  “How’s school?” I asked the boys after a few bites.

  Davis placed his elbow on the table and rested his face in his palm as he nibbled a half sandwich. “It’s okay.”