The group entered a small room. Mia didn’t know what they were doing. It was awkward for so many to stand in such a small space. The doors to the room closed and it began moving. Mia was terrified. They were going at a slow pace, but she couldn’t tell in what direction. She wanted to grab on to Andrew but knew it would be inappropriate.
“Cool,” Whitney said. The room crawled to a stop and the doors opened. They were somewhere different, a skinny hall lined with rooms on each side. Their guide stepped out and sped halfway down the hall. As the girls and Andrew followed her out of the moving room, she produced a key and opened a door.
“You’ll stay here tonight. The bathroom is at the end of the hall. Try to keep to your room. I don’t think there are any other people staying on this floor.”
The room was almost as small as the moving closet. A set of bunked beds took up the majority of the space. It wasn’t large enough for all three of them. Mia wanted to request another room but had a feeling it might not go over so well.
“Work starts at seven A.M.” She was leaving, but Mia saw the woman slip something into Andrew’s palm. The ding of the tiny movable closet sounded, and then the three of them were alone.
Mia threw her bag on the top bed and climbed up the side. She was surprised nobody was pouting about their small quarters. Whitney’s eyes focused on Andrew; she wanted to know about whatever the woman had handed him.
“Well?” Whitney asked.
“It’s a note. It says she’ll come back later.” Andrew yawned. “Till then we have to sit tight.”
“Wasn’t that the most fascinating work ever?” Whitney asked. “I didn’t know women worked like that, did you?”
“It didn’t look like they were having fun; most of them looked pretty unhappy.” Mia took some food out of her pack. “Keep your voice down.”
“I thought it was fabulous! What is this place?”
“A government building,” Andrew said.
“Is this a safe idea, working here?” Mia asked.
“It’s the only place women are allowed to work. All of these women are ‘married’ to the government,” Andrew said. “They all sleep somewhere in here, too. My guess is they’re not allowed outside much.”
“How do you know that?” Mia asked.
“Women were the teachers in the orphanage,” Andrew said.
None of her sisters had ever mentioned female teachers at finishing school, but then she remembered all the schools were private organizations.
“I thought women just got awful work, like being a maid or a factory worker,” Whitney said.
“Why did you think that?” Andrew laughed a little. “But it doesn’t matter. Whatever they do, it’s a terrible life.”
“I wouldn’t mind working like they did today. That wasn’t so bad.” Whitney sounded genuine. “It felt like I was using my brain, trying to figure out what keys to punch and how to do it fastest.”
“They work seven days a week, long hours each day. A lot of them get burned out and retired,” Andrew said. “I wouldn’t wish that life on anyone.”
“I don’t believe you,” Whitney said. She turned her attention toward Mia. “You know the reason I came along was because I didn’t want to work as a maid. If I knew this life was an option, I might have changed my mind.”
“It’s not an option anymore,” Mia said from the top bunk.
“Are you thinking about deserting us?” Andrew asked.
“No.” Mia answered for Whitney, hoping to avoid any confrontation between the two. “You can ask our helper about it when she gets here, Whitney. But I bet Andrew’s right.”
That seemed to put a stop to the conversation. Mia started to regret bringing her friend. Whitney did seem right at home plugging away on the computer; maybe life as government property wouldn’t have been so bad for her. Truthfully Mia’s biggest concern was Whitney’s safety and not necessarily her happiness. Pangs of selfishness crossed her mind.
Chapter 41
Transitioning from single to married life is exciting. A bride can expect to receive guidance from her husband on the adjustment, but she is now part of the world of pleasure.
—The Registry Guide for Girls
The top bunk came so close to the ceiling that Mia didn’t have much choice but to examine the cracks in the plaster. If she sat up, her head almost hit the ceiling. She doubted Andrew would be able to do the same without breaking through the plaster.
Andrew used the time to do push-ups and crunches. Mia assumed Whitney was upset, feeling tricked into coming on this journey for nothing. Mia did feel bad, but she hadn’t known women were allowed to do anything but be maids or factory workers either. If work started at seven A.M., those women put in more than twelve hours a day. That was harder than her father worked any employee, even during harvest season. Seven days like that would drive anyone crazy.
Part of her wanted to go take a shower, but she decided that was too risky. Instead, she listened to Andrew breathe and counted the cracks in the ceiling. She was moments away from dozing off when the door to their tiny room opened.
The woman entered. Her hair was in a long braid that hung down her back. She was dressed in a navy blue robe, navy blue slippers, and navy blue pants. They appeared plain and uncomfortable.
Along with her change of clothes, her demeanor had also changed. Her face looked warm and welcoming. When Mia looked at her, she felt some pangs of missing her own mother but shook the thoughts away. It was doubtful her mother missed her.
“Hello, I’m Lisa,” the woman said in a soft voice. “I don’t have much time. My roommate thinks I ran to the bathroom.”
Lisa reached into her pocket and produced a sealed envelope. She glanced at all three of them before handing it over to Andrew. He started to open the back.
“No,” Lisa said. “Don’t open it till tomorrow, when you get to the train station.”
“Why?” Whitney’s voice sounded hopeful for a change.
“Those are train tickets. I don’t know where you’re going and I don’t want to know. It is important to cover your tracks as much as possible. Just make sure you’re at the station by seven A.M.”
Her hand went back into her robe and pulled out a little map. She handed it over to Andrew as well.
“But don’t you already know? Didn’t you buy the tickets?” Whitney asked.
“No.” Lisa raised her hand to her mouth, covering a little giggle. It was obvious Lisa wasn’t allowed all the privileges Whitney had imagined. “There are a lot of things that go into helping people like you. It takes a team to move you. I’m just a middle person.”
“So you didn’t speak to Frank?” Whitney sounded upset. She was realizing Lisa’s job wasn’t glamorous. If Lisa had spoken with Frank, that meant she had Internet access. Mia had been shocked enough to see women on computers, but she knew there was no way they were connected.
“Who’s Frank? Never mind, I don’t want to know. Keep everything about your travels to yourselves.” Lisa shook her head. “One of my associates contacted your previous assistant. Probably over a message board.”
“What message board?” Mia asked.
Their helper bit her lip and looked nervous. Mia didn’t understand why she didn’t want to share information.
“Innocent-looking ones. Where people get together and discuss puppies or poetry. There are lots of them on the Web. You just need to know what to look for, to make sure it’s not a trap, before you respond.”
“What do you look for?” Mia asked.
“I don’t know for sure. Ones that look cryptic, not obvious,” Lisa said. “That’s not my part in the plan.”
“How did you get your job?” Whitney asked.
Mia realized she and Whitney were not interested in the same things. Mia wanted information to help them break free, while Whitney was still in too much awe of Lisa’s occupation. There was no use asking more questions. Whitney was taking charge. So Mia leaned back and listened. Andrew appeared to do
the same. Lisa seemed pleased the subject was changed.
“Well, I wasn’t picked from the Registry, and one day someone from the government showed up at my parents’ house and took me away. I did some more testing and ended up here. That was about ten years ago now.”
Mia was shocked that Lisa was only twenty-nine; she looked far older than her years.
“Nobody picked me either, so I ran,” Whitney said. “I didn’t know I had any options. That I could end up like you.”
“You don’t want to end up like me. I live in a tiny box, never get outside, work all the time, eat when and what they tell me, dress how they tell me. It’s no life; it’s prison,” Lisa said. “There’s lots of pressure to go fast and be productive. If you’re not, you risk the chance of being put into retirement. You’re doing the right thing by running.”
Mia hoped Lisa was getting through to Whitney.
“If it’s so bad, then why don’t you run too?” Whitney asked without a hint of sarcasm.
“I’m too old now,” Lisa said. “And I have something worth staying around for. I get to help people like you.”
Whitney was about to ask another question when Lisa moved back to the door.
“Wait,” Mia said. “Do you know why the Registry exists?”
Lisa glanced outside the door and pulled her head back into the room. Mia noticed she was plain but still pretty. Her eyes were huge, her irises bright blue perfect circles and really her only distinguishing feature. Mia was confused that this young woman didn’t find a husband; then she thought about the appraisal tests, with the questions Mia had struggled to answer. She wondered how easy it was for Lisa to breeze through those questions. Probably just as easy as it had been for Whitney. Maybe the government was punishing intelligent females.
“Yes,” Lisa said, breaking Mia’s thoughts. “During the Great War, the government accidentally wiped out more than half the home population. All the men and some of the women were off fighting somewhere across the ocean. The soldiers came home to find males outnumbered females significantly and were prepared to fight over the women who had survived. The Registry was put in place for female protection and to avoid civil war.”
Mia was stunned by this response. It was a crazy idea, yet Lisa repeated it with such authority. The government had caused the population to be wiped out?
“How did they wipe us out? Why?”
Lisa did not look interested in Mia’s questions. She was so nervous.
“I’m not sure. I have to go. Remember, the train station at seven A.M.; don’t open the envelope till you get there. It was nice meeting you all. Good luck.” She closed the door behind her, and just like that, she was gone.
Chapter 42
Enemies lurk around every corner. Anyone, any nation, that disagrees with our philosophy of prosperity and security is an imminent threat.
—The Boy’s Guide to Service
It was almost ten P.M. when Grant’s helicopter touched down on the roof of the hotel. As soon as it landed, he jumped out, spread his arms, and took a deep breath. He loved the smell of the city.
Leonard and Ross clearly did not share his enthusiasm. They pulled themselves out of the chopper looking disheveled. Grant had laughed when he first saw them back at the bar. Their suits weren’t so impressive after being slept in. The men were angry about their night, but Grant didn’t care. He had made progress.
Someone from the hotel was waiting for them on the roof. Their contact pulled open the doors and gave each of them a room key. Grant knew Leonard and Ross wanted to go straight to bed, but he had to brief them first.
The gentleman led them into a conference room where an entire operation was set up. Computers, maps, and weapons lined the room. Grant turned and noted the expression on his counterparts’ faces. He knew he was good and they were impressed.
Delight ran through Grant’s body when he saw Rex, his head of security. A marine who had done double service, dark and intimidating, he stood about six foot six and approached three hundred pounds of pure muscle. The two friends hugged in a quick embrace.
“You have an update for me?” Grant asked.
“We have her picture distributed to all major publications and news teams. We digitally shortened her hair, as you requested.”
Grant examined the photo. The haircut almost suited her. It accentuated her cheekbones. Maybe he wouldn’t kill her after all. He handed the photos to Leonard and nodded to Rex.
“We have ten men patrolling the train station and five at the bus station. If she’s in this city, she’s not getting out,” Rex said.
“What if someone drives her out?” Leonard asked.
Rex puffed out his chest and crossed his arms. Grant knew Rex didn’t take well to others’ strategies.
“Rex, these are RAG Agents Leonard and Ross. Leonard is the regional commander.” Grant misstated his title on purpose.
“Regional coordinator. I’m fourth in charge of the whole organization.” Leonard tried to stick out his chest now. “I can call the local office and have roadblocks in place.”
“Do what you want, but it’s a waste of time. I already have my private team set up,” Grant said with a yawn. “I need to lie down for a while. I’ll be back here around five A.M. for another briefing. Then I’ll hit the train station. Why don’t we all do the same?”
“Why is it a waste?” Leonard asked. Grant’s eyes widened. This whole time Leonard had never been a problem. If he started questioning too much he would go the way of Agent Jeffries.
“She’s getting help from professionals. These people have a lot to lose. They want to take as little risk as possible. It is much easier to set her up on a train or a bus. It wouldn’t be an airplane because she couldn’t get aboard without an ID. They are also well connected; if they hear of roadblocks, they will just wait them out,” Agent Ross said.
Grant smirked. He placed a hand on Agent Ross’s back.
“Maybe I underestimated you. Agent Ross, was it?” Grant escorted the men out of the conference room. He was pleased with the young agent’s observations. He hoped he would prove useful in the morning at the station.
Chapter 43
Premarital physical contact between the sexes is forbidden. It is not enjoyable and results in an unsatisfying life. Remaining untainted is the first thing a young woman can do to please her future husband. It intensifies the bond between husband and wife.
—The Registry Guide for Girls
After Lisa left nobody spoke. Tension filled the room, and there was no rush to break it. Silence was not something Mia was accustomed to. She climbed off the top bed and sat next to Whitney, who was lying down on the bottom bunk. Andrew used this moment to toss the envelope on the desk and resume his push-ups, counting under his breath with each repetition.
“Do you feel any better? After what Lisa said?” Mia asked Whitney, hoping her friend was happy they were fleeing.
“Yes.” Whitney turned to face Mia. “But I wonder what other jobs there are, for girls. If there’s this place, there are others. Maybe some of them treat the girls better.”
“I’m sure they are all like this or worse,” Mia said. “Besides, would you want to live in constant fear of retirement?”
Mia had no clue what retirement was but had picked up enough to note it wasn’t good. She doubted Whitney knew what it was either, but she wouldn’t admit it.
“You’re right,” Whitney said, and hugged her pillow. “I think I need some sleep.”
It was unlike Whitney not to want a discussion, but Mia convinced herself it was just because she was tired. Mia climbed back up to the top bed. Andrew flipped off the lights. Mia thought they could all use a good night’s rest. She closed her eyes and drifted off.
“Urgh.”
The sound came from the floor. Mia’s eyes flew open and she looked over. She noted the clock said twelve thirty A.M. She had been asleep for two hours, but it didn’t feel longer than two minutes. After a moment, her eyes adjusted and s
he saw Andrew, sighing and shifting, having a difficult time getting comfortable.
“Hey,” she said. “Why don’t you come up here and share with me?”
She was flustered at her suggestion. She was being so forward. She was shocked when Andrew accepted her offer. He didn’t even hesitate. She pressed her body against the wall to make room for him. He slid right in and got under the blanket.
Mia remained on her side with her back to the wall while Andrew lay on his back. The bed was small and there was just an inch between them. The light from the street flooded into their little room and illuminated the white linens. She lifted her head off the pillow and admired how handsome he looked. His dark hair was ruffled, pointing in every direction, and some locks fell down over his forehead. She inched closer to Andrew, not able to take her eyes off him. Cloudy thoughts filled her head; she was unable to think about anything but him. This young man who had nothing, not even a real last name yet, was able to live with such force and not waste a moment on regret.
Mia focused on his breathing, watching his lips move as each breath exited his lungs. She thought his lips were perfect; they looked soft and inviting. A haze settled over her; she felt like it was just the two of them. She thought about how brave he was, this lost boy who had grown up with nobody caring about him. He was so alone in the world, and she wanted to fill that gap in his life.
She’d grown up thinking her first kiss would be with her husband, an American hero who had served his country and was ready to dote on her nonstop, someone who was respected by everyone around him, and whom she was eager to serve. They would settle down in a small town where the two of them would be the most famous couple in the area, he for his bravery and Mia for her looks. Now that idea embarrassed her. She felt her first kiss should be with someone strong, supportive, and sensitive. The type of person who stood up for the meek and didn’t waste his time thinking of appearances. Andrew.
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