by Tony C. Skye
“Uh - No ma’am,” Sergeant Shepherd answers nervously, “My soldier monkey brain is up and running.”
Caroline giggles.
Julianna glances over at Caroline. Her cousin is staring at her with her right hand over her mouth.
Sorry.
Julianna pushes Sergeant Shepherd’s file in front of Caroline. She slides Lieutenant Witherspoon’s folder in front of Jennifer. She looks at the two men.
“Do you two gentlemen know why you are here?”
“No ma’am,” the two men answer. Their synchronized timing reminds Julianna of Gale and Alexandria.
“Do you know who I am?”
“No ma’am,” Lieutenant Witherspoon answers.
“Yes ma’am.”
Julianna looks at the Sergeant, “Oh?”
The man responds, “You are a Master Interrogator, ma’am.”
“And what makes you say that, Sergeant?”
“You must be, ma’am. My training did not prepare me well enough.”
The Sergeant grins nervously, “You are the best of the best, ma’am.”
“Thank you, Sergeant,” Julianna replies while making a mental note to order some changes within the realm of mental interrogations.
Julianna stands up. The two men across the table immediately follow suit. Caroline and Jennifer stand – glancing at each other. The cheerleaders thought these interviews would take much longer than this.
“I do have one further inquiry’, Julianna speaks, “What were you two boys planning on doing with Captain Woods?”
Both men look at one another. Sergeant Shepherd nods.
“I believe I am speaking for the both of us, ma’am,” Lieutenant Witherspoon says while looking at Julianna, “Our intentions were to break every bone in his body, ma’am.”
“Hmm,” Julianna ponders their response, “I can’t say that I wouldn’t have wanted to do the same thing – superior or otherwise.”
Julianna stares at the men while she speaks loudly “Send in the Captain.” She observes both men slightly tense as she hears Captain Wood’s entry into the room. Her eyes remain on the two men while footsteps walk up behind her. She hears Brian stop. Julianna turns around.
She barely smiles while Captain Woods hands her a box. She flips open the lid, takes out the Lilith diamond, and hands the box back to Brian. When Julianna slips the necklace over her head, Captain Brian Woods and the four men standing near the wall behind him all kneel.
Should we…?
No.
Julianna glances at her cousin while she turns around to face the other two men.
“Mother,” Lieutenant Witherspoon panics as he sees the Lilith diamond for the first time. He can’t believe he is actually seeing it. Until now, he has only seen it portrayed in books – a constant reminder of one of the many ways to recognize the Mother.
The Lieutenant takes a step back with his right closed fist over his heart. The man kneels on his right leg with a bowed head.
Sergeant Shepherd joins Lieutenant Witherspoon, “I apologize, Mother. We did not know.”
“You were not supposed to know,” Julianna answers, “Captain Woods was part of your test. He would never harm a lady like you were led to believe. Everyone rise.”
Julianna hears shuffling behind her while the two men under light interrogation both stand. She places her right hand on Jennifer’s back while staring at the Lieutenant.
“Captain Shane Witherstone’, Julianna speaks, “Meet Jennifer Hammond.”
The newly ranked captain looks at the tall girl and nods one time – his eyes immediately return to view the Mother.
Julianna places her left hand on the small of Caroline’s back. She looks at the Sergeant.
“Captain William Shepherd,” Julianna addresses the nervous-looking twenty-three-year-old, “Meet Caroline Reynolds.”
Captain Shepherd looks at Caroline, “Ma’am.”
Julianna removes her hands from her friends’ backs. She points at the two men with her left hand, “You two are responsible for their lives. You did not see them kneel because they are my family. You will protect them in the same way as you would protect me. I will not tolerate slip-ups. If they get hurt, you die. There will be no mercy given.”
Caroline and Jennifer steal nervous glances from one another.
“Yes Mother,” the two captains reply in unison.
“Ma’am will be fine,” Julianna corrects them.
“Your pay will reflect your new ranks,” Julianna continues, “Your lifespans will be entirely based upon you competence as leaders. Keep them safe.”
“Yes ma’am,” the two men speak in unison once again.
“Whatever they need or want – you will do it without question. There will be no objections. You belong to them. It is not the other way around. The only exception will be when their decision might lead to their death. Then – and only then – are you to disobey and intervene. Do we understand one another?”
“Yes ma’am,” both men answer together.
Julianna turns and lifts the Lilith diamond from her neck. She places it in the open box held by Captain Woods. The man closes it. Julianna heads for the double-doors.
Say goodbye, ladies.
“Captain,” Jennifer nods.
“Ma’am,” Captain Shane Witherstone replies with a respectful nod. Jennifer turns and walks towards Julianna – her eyes wide with anxiety.
Caroline grins uncomfortably, “Captain.”
“Ma’am,” the twenty-three year-old man answers.
Caroline’s hands sweat as she turns and finds her friends by the door. She forces herself to walk at a normal pace. It is everything she can do not to run off screaming. Her life has been a whirlwind since her blood oath. And since Julianna’s arrival, that whirlwind has seemed all-consuming. It feels as though she is riding the top of a hurricane. She secretly wonders how far she will fall if the winds ever decide to lower in their strength.
Caroline and Jennifer follow Julianna out into the grand hallway where Jennifer’s and Danny’s statues stand erect. The two cheerleaders turn and grab each other. They let out quite yelps as they jump and down with smiles on their faces. Julianna hears the commotion behind her and turns. She tilts her head curiously as she watches her excited friends. When they finish, they both look at her. Caroline uses her left hand to beckon Julianna over.
Julianna walks up to her cousin and Jennifer. Caroline wraps her arm around her cousin’s back and gently pulls. Jennifer’s right arm joins Caroline as Julianna steps into their tri-hug.
“Aww,” Caroline coos, “I love you guys.”
“Heh,” Jennifer enjoys the moment, “You’re not so bad yourself…shrimp. That goes for you, too – mommy.”
Julianna remains silent as her ears take in the sounds of love given from real friends. She, slowly, closes her eyes and smiles.
* * *
After going upstairs, Julianna checks the text message on her phone, “Hmm.”
“Tamara wants to come over.”
Julianna looks over at the bar. Jennifer sits on one of her bar stools with a phone in her hand. The right corner of her upper-lip is lifted slightly.
Caroline announces her new text while sitting on the couch, “Becca needs help setting up.”
Julianna slips her phone back into her purse, “Okay, Caroline – you help Rebecca. A security team will be close behind. They’re for the party. Use them as you see fit. But some of them will already be assigned to stage duty.”
“Got it,” Caroline says while standing up.
“Looks like our play date is over,” Julianna says.
“But we’re going to see Amy Lee,” Jennifer counters excitedly. Her broad smile inspires the smallest of grins from her new friend Julianna.
* * *
Chapter 19
Confessions
Julianna enters the presidential suite of the hotel. A beautiful woman with pale skin rivaling her own, sits in a chair facing a large window.
“It took you long enough,” Amy speaks while looking at the California sun through the auto-tint viewing window.
Julianna closes the room’s door, “Wanna get some lunch?”
“I could go for that,” Amy answers.
“I thought your family would be here,” Julianna observes the absence of their presence. She walks over and sits in the adjacent chair to Amy’s left.
Amy smiles, “I am only here because you asked for a favor.”
“And I am going to owe you big time.”
“Damn right you are.”
Amy looks back out of the enormous window, “You know I love the chance to inspire, but did you really have to tell them I was going on tour with EV? It’s common knowledge I’m stretching out my arms. You do realize I am a classically trained pianist, right? I’m an artist – I’ve told you this. I will not end this life without expressing it either.”
Julianna turns her head and looks at her friend. Amy has her black hair pulled back into a comfortable ponytail. She wears a pair of black jeans and a blue tee. Julianna feels overdressed with the black evening gown she wears.
“It was spur of the moment. The head cheerleader, Rebecca, cornered me as to why you were going to be in California. I went blank.”
Amy turns her head to the left, “The band isn’t with me. So if it’s a requirement, I’m out.”
“It’s not.”
“There better not be any videos of this popping up on the internet.”
“It’s already taken care of,” Julianna answers, “The security will confiscate all electronics as a condition for entry. A wall will be built around the area.”
“Didn’t you say there were flyers made?”
“That can always be chalked off as a hoax if I have to.”
Amy looks back out of the window. Julianna does the same.
“You have to.”
Julianna grins. She speaks, “How’s your family?”
“They’re great,” Amy replies. She, slowly, turns her head and waits. Her silence causes Julianna to look at her.
“They’re in New York.”
“I know this is a sacrifice. And I’ll do whatever you want.”
“You can start by taking that red carpet crap off.”
Julianna laughs.
Amy smiles, “I hope you brought something else to wear. I’m not going anywhere with a flashing red light over my head.” The woman pauses for a moment before continuing.
“Thanks for the double at the airport,” Amy says, “Where’d you find her? It was like looking into a mirror.”
“She was on a long list of impersonators,” Julianna answers.
“Fan impersonators, I’m used to. But she looked exactly like me – like a damn doppelganger.”
Julianna chuckles, “Yeah, she got me, too. The Network guys had fun with me. I walked up and gave her a hug and everything.”
“Ha-ha-ha,” Amy laughs, “She’s something else alright. It serves your lying ass right.”
“People at that school still think I’m Mandie.”
Amy holds up her left hand, “Not a problem, I already told you that.”
She points at her friend adorned with red-tinge side bangs, “But if anything comes of this, you’re ending our friendship. You’ll be forcing my hand. No texts or anything.”
“I know,” Julianna replies, “I’ve been warned. And if I absolutely didn’t have to do this, I wouldn’t even consider it. Our friendship means everything to me.”
Amy glances back out of her top story window, “It’s the reason I came, Julie. I know it must be very important to you. And thank you for leaving out the details. I just don’t want to know.”
“Your welcome.”
Amy stands up, “Well, I’m ready to get something to eat after you get some real people clothes on.”
Julianna laughs, “I wasn’t sure what to wear.”
Amy watches Julianna stand up. The rock star speaks, “You find the most unnerving look-alike ever; and then, you come dressed for paparazzi heaven.”
Julianna rolls her eyes, “I know. This is new to me.”
Amy hugs her guest, “You’re plan better be good. If it’s like what I’ve seen so far, you’re going to crash and burn – just some friendly advice.”
Amy releases Julianna. She holds her friend’s shoulders while looking into her green eyes.
“I don’t wanna lose you as a friend, but you’re risking it all.”
“I’m sorry for dragging you into this.”
Amy lets go of Julianna and turns to go check herself in the mirror across from her king-size bed. She holds up one finger as she walks, “First off, no one drags me into anything.”
Amy lowers her hand, “Secondly, I value our friendship or I wouldn’t be here. If you think it’s worth this sort of risk… I sure hope you know what you’re doing.”
Me, too.
* * *
Jennifer approaches the two white doors at the front of her house. She pulls open the one on the right. Tamara stands on the porch.
“Hey girl,” Jennifer greets while standing clear of the entrance.
“Hey,” Tamara answers before stepping into Jennifer’s house. She looks at the statue fountain further into the grand hallway. At the hall’s end, two double doors lead into the dining room area.
Jennifer closes the door. It seems to be the only one that ever sees any action anymore. Since Danny’s death, there has been no reason to open the left side of the enormous archway. Jennifer turns and looks at Tamara. Her bff returns an uncomfortable-looking grin.
“That bad, huh?”
“Yep, we need to talk about something,” Tamara answers.
Jennifer arches her right brow slightly. Tamara remains silent. Jennifer holds her left arm outward as though she is presenting the second floor landing in a showcase, “Need a drink?”
“Definitely.”
“Then PR1 it is.”
“Wow,” Tamara responds, “I haven’t heard you say that in forever.”
Jennifer smiles as she begins walking. Tamara turns and walks side-by-side to the staircase. Together, they begin ascending the stairs.
“Is Becca getting everything ready?”
“She’s been flooding my phone with texts,” Tamara complains, “I hope she gets a hold of Caroline soon. I can’t deal with her right now.”
Jennifer laughs, “When can anyone ever deal with her? It’s Becca.”
Tamara doesn’t respond. She remains silent as they reach the top of the stairs, turn left, walk the hallway’s length to the T-intersection, and hang a right. She allows Jennifer to take the lead and follows her into PR1. Jennifer rounds the bar while Tamara takes a seat on the first bar stool across from her.
Jennifer places two shot glasses on the bar, opens the hair of the dog with the name of Crown Royal, and pours single shots into each glass. She pushes a glass forward and takes the other in her right hand.
“So what’s up?”, Jennifer says before slamming the shot back.
Tamara tilts her head back and downs the liquor. She closes her stinging eyes as she chokes on the fumes. Whenever she opens her watery eyes, she sits the glass back down and points.
“We have a party to go to tonight,” Jennifer says while filling the two glasses again, “I’m not passing out before I see Amy Lee. You better start talking fast.”
Tamara ignores Jennifer’s response as she downs the second shot. This time the liquid seems to go down with greater ease.
Tamara sits the glass down and motions her head towards the right.
“What’s with the door being open?”, Tamara refers to the open door where Jennifer’s brother committed suicide.
Jennifer downs her shot and sits her glass on the bar, “I thought it was time.”
“That’s a pretty big step.”
“Can’t live in the past,” Jennifer answers, “It doesn’t change.”
“Hmm. Well, I’m proud of you.”
Jennifer sm
iles while waiting for her bff to get to the real point why she is here. Tamara staggers in a nervous breath. She shifts her brown eyes away from Jennifer and glances at the Crown Royal bottle. Whenever she glances back to her bff, she silently pleas with begging eyes.
“Last one,” Jennifer caves into her bff’s puppy dog gaze. She pours both glasses full with double-shots, “But we’ll make ‘em a big one.”
Jennifer takes her glass and holds it up. Tamara lifts her glass.
Clink.
Both girls down their shots and choke as they clumsily place their glasses on the bar.
“I might have to nap because of you,” Jennifer says while feeling the familiar fogginess of alcohol brain, “This better be worth it.”
Tamara grins nervously.
“Spill it,” Jennifer says firmly.
“I saw you leave out with Mandie yesterday. And you didn’t return my calls.”
Hmm. Jealous much?
“Is that a problem for you?”
“Um-no,” Tamara sounds surprised by Jennifer’s response; “I just thought something might be wrong is all. No need to get defensive about it.”
“I’m not being defensive,” Jennifer says, “Just get to the point. We don’t have all day. Caroline’s going to need our help with Rebecca. ”
“Did I do something to piss you off?”
“No Tamara, stop making this about you. What’s up? Spill it already.”
Tamara pauses as she scrutinizes the odd behavior from her bff. She looks down at the bar, “Does Mandie ever talk about it?”
“Huh?”
Tamara looks up, “Does she ever mention what I did to her?”
“No, that’s a stupid question. Why would she want to? She checked Becca in class and parked in your parking spot. Then you beat the fuck out of her. What’s to talk about?”
“Whoa – why are you onboard with Mandie all of a sudden? It’s not like you tried to stop any of it. No reason to get all high and mighty now. Besides, it’s not what you think. You don’t understand.”
