Flood Rising (The Water Keepers, Book 4)

by Christie Anderson

  Orion was too busy to come with us, but that didn’t bother me in the least. We weren’t exactly each other’s favorite people at the moment. Whenever I talked to him now, something just felt off. I couldn’t put my finger on it; I just knew that when I was with Orion I felt a strange negative energy that made me feel uneasy.

  Even the two men Orion had sent to accompany me put me a little on edge as I waited for my parents to arrive. They weren’t exactly friendly and they hardly said a word to me since we left the roof of the Court of Ambassadors.

  There wasn’t much to look at either, just a single, small building that I was instructed not to enter, and a wide open field with a tall fence around the perimeter.

  After ten minutes of sitting in silence, that felt more like an hour, the gate at the fence opened and a single dark SUV drove inside. I stood from the bench as soon as I saw it, anticipating the moment my parents would emerge from the vehicle.

  As soon as they came to a stop, my mother’s face appeared. She looked lovely, in a flowing sundress with soft curls in her hair.

  “Sadie-bear!” she squealed, and then we ran to each other to embrace halfway between my bench and the car.

  “Look at you!” my mom gushed on. “It feels like it’s been a year since I’ve seen you.” She squished my cheeks in her hands and planted a kiss on my forehead.

  “I know!” I agreed. “I’ve missed you so much. It feels like it’s been forever.”

  Mom threw her arm around my shoulder. “Come on,” she said pulling me to the bench. “You have to tell me everything.”

  I glanced back at the car. “Is Dad here?” I asked.

  She continued to usher me forward. “He’s just finishing up a phone call. I’m sure he’ll be out in a second.” We sat next to each other on the bench. “So, how has everything been going?” she went on. “What have you been doing?”

  I wasn’t really sure where to start.

  I shrugged. “Mostly, I’ve been doing a lot of training. I’ve been working out a lot, and afterwards they would let me go back across the border to practice healing people.”

  “So, are you liking it?” my mom asked eagerly.

  “Yeah, it’s been good,” I replied. “It’s been a lot of hard work too. But, a lot of that’s going to change now anyway. I sort of got in trouble and I’m not allowed to go through the Threshold anymore.”

  Mom’s face fell. “Oh sorry, honey. Are you okay?”

  I looked down. “Yeah, I’m okay. I’ll figure it out.” Then, I perked back up. “Actually, I have some really great news to tell you.”

  “Really?” Mom said happily.

  I felt my face start to beam. “We finally captured Voss. They even let me go with the team to California to help find him, and I got to use my abilities to help heal some of the agents while we were there.”

  Mom lifted one hand to her chest. “Wow, that’s such a relief to know Voss isn’t out there on Earth anymore. And I can’t believe they let you go with them.”

  “I know,” I agreed. “It was kind of crazy, but exciting.” I grinned. “And there’s more... It turns out I can do more than just heal people. If I concentrate, I can find people in my mind and see where they’re located. It doesn’t work with everyone, but it worked with Voss, and it works with you and Dad too.”

  My mom’s eyes widened. “You mean you can see us? How is that possible?”

  It was hard to hold back my excitement. “I don’t know,” I said. “I just can. I can just close my eyes and think of you, and the next thing I know, you appear in my mind. I haven’t had time to do it a lot, but one time I saw you eating in a place that looks sort of like a cafeteria, and then another time I saw you and Dad taking a walk together outside.”

  Mom shook her head in awe as if she couldn’t find the words. She swallowed and took a breath. “That’s just... amazing,” she finally pushed out. “I’m so proud of you. I mean, if you told me that a few months ago I probably would have forced you to go to a psychiatrist, but now... after coming here and seeing this place... and seeing you heal your father with my own two eyes... I just know that you’re meant for something amazing.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” I said. “I hope you’re right.”

  She squeezed my hand. “I know I am. You are special, Sadie.”

  I gazed back at her in appreciation.

  Mom smiled. “So, I have some good news to share too.”

  “What is it?” I asked.

  She shifted on the seat and looked at me carefully. “Well, before I tell you, I want to explain something first, okay?”

  My eyes shifted to the side. “Um, sure. Okay.”

  “Sweetheart,” she began, “since your father came back into our lives I’ve had some time to ponder things, and I realize that I sort of jumped back into a relationship with him rather quickly. When I decided to move here with your father, I had a lot of well-meaning friends who expressed some concerns. And they only thought I was moving across the globe, not across the entire universe. Actually, most of them thought I was just trying to fill the void after Dr. Jensen’s death, instead of having true feelings for your father, and I want to make sure that you know that that isn’t the case. I’ve never been happier since Lin came back into my life.”

  “I know,” I insisted. “You don’t have to explain. I’m happy the two of you were able to find each other again.”

  Mom patted my shoulder. “Thank you, sweetie. I just want to make it clear that I don’t have any regrets for coming here. When I’m with Lin I feel whole again. I feel complete. I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”

  I nodded. “I’m really happy for you, Mom. For both of you.”

  She looked down sadly. “I do wish I had felt well enough to go to Mark’s funeral, but the longer I’m here, the more sure I feel that I made the right decisions.” Her mouth turned up at the corners as she looked back up at me. “My only regret is that my only daughter lives so far away. I’ve been missing you like crazy.”

  I laughed and shook my head. “You know I miss you too, Mom.”

  Mom scooted forward and patted my knee. “And I wish I could tell you what I’ve been doing out here.” She rolled her eyes. “But, you know the rules... I can’t tell you a thing.”

  I laughed again. “Believe me, I know the feeling.”

  “All you need to know,” she said, “is that what your father is working on out here is a good thing. And, they’ve even allowed me to contribute in my own way. Let’s just say, despite me not working at the hospital anymore, I’m still able to help people and make a difference.”

  “That’s really great, Mom,” I said. “It means a lot to me to know you’re happy.”

  Mom nodded thoughtfully. “I really am, sweetheart. It’s been great here.”

  Just then, the sound of the car door closing caused us both to turn our heads. My father looked just as handsome as I remembered, with his bright glowing eyes and his crisp tailored suit.

  “Dad!” I called happily. He immediately held out his arms and ushered me in.

  My mother hurried up beside us. “I was just about to tell her the big news,” she said to him.

  “Well then, let’s hear it,” he said with a grin.

  My mom took both my hands in hers and with a happy little bounce said, “Your father and I... are engaged!” She bounced again and shook my hands.

  “Wow!” I exclaimed. “That’s so awesome.” A surge of joyful energy pulsed through me as I felt my parent’s excitement. I hugged them both again.

  “We’re thinking the end of August,” my mom said.

  “Wow,” I said again. “That’s so soon.”

  “Well, we wanted to make sure we did it before classes start for you,” Mom explained. Then, she couldn’t contain her grin. “And who am I kidding... I’m so excited I don’t think I could wait any longer anyways.”

  Mom grasped my dad’s hand in hers and started walking toward the bench. “It won’t be a big ceremony or anyt
hing,” she went on, “since no one is allowed to know where your father is, and obviously none of my friends can come, but it will be simple and elegant, and of course I’ll want you to be my maid of honor.”

  “Of course,” I agreed cheerfully. “I wouldn’t miss it.”

  “Perfect,” she said with a grin. “I even got special permission to come into the city to buy a dress and flowers and everything. You have to come with me to pick everything out, okay?”

  “Of course, definitely. That will be so much fun.”

  A feeling of surreal bliss enveloped me. I could not have received better news. It was amazing when my parents finally found each other again, and now, it would finally become official. My entire life I had waited for this, for us to truly be reunited as a family.

  I turned to my dad who hadn’t been able to get a word in. “I wish you could come with us,” I said. But, we all knew that he couldn’t. Everyone in Banya believed he was in prison, and his face was way too recognizable to take any chances. The Council would never agree to it anyways.

  My father’s mouth lifted. “I would be there in a heartbeat if I could.” Dad looked at me squarely and winked. “I’ll be with you in spirit.”

  Suddenly, I was reminded of my father’s last words to me before they had to leave for his secret assignment. “We may not be living in the same house,” he had said, “or even in the same city, but I promise I’ll never leave you again.” Then, he had placed his hand on his heart and vowed, “Just remember... in here, I’m always with you.”

  I took a few minutes to fill my dad in on everything I had already shared with my mom. Then, he put his hand on my shoulder and told me he was proud of me. There wasn’t a better feeling in the world.

  I loved that I felt so comfortable talking to him now. There were so many things I wanted to tell him, but my mind kept focusing on the run-in that Rayne and I had with Naples Dupree at the Academy.

  “I’m worried it’s going to become a bigger problem,” I explained. “The reporters are even coming onto campus now. It’s not like I can just stop spending time with Rayne, or Jax either, but they get bombarded with cameras everywhere they go. What am I supposed to do? I feel like the only way to avoid them will be to hide in my apartment for the rest of my life.” I sighed. “Please tell me you have some advice for me.”

  Dad stroked his chin in contemplation. “Well,” he began, “from what I can see, you have two options. One, do whatever it takes to stay out of the spotlight, even if that means making some sacrifices, or two, stop hiding. Take the challenge head-on and embrace who you really are, knowing there could be consequences.”

  I pursed my lips in frustration. I didn’t like either of those options.

  “Orion told me that if people find out I’m your daughter and that I wasn’t born on Ambrosia, they could demand I be kicked out of the Academy. Or even worse, they could petition for my citizenship to be revoked and send me back to Earth indefinitely.”

  “That’s true,” my father replied. “They could file a petition, but remember... ultimately, the Council has the final say on matters of this magnitude, and they were the ones who admitted you to come to Banya in the first place. That wasn’t a decision they made lightly.” He paused and stared at the ground. “If I’ve learned anything through my experience with the Council... they have a way of wielding things to their advantage. At this point, I don’t know if it’s a good thing or bad, but they have a way of appeasing the public’s concerns while still getting what they want. If it came down to it, I believe you have at least a few powerful allies on your side, myself included.”

  I nodded appreciatively. I hadn’t really thought of it that way before, but my dad had some good points to consider.

  “I’m not saying it would be easy,” he went on. “I’m sure it’s not what you want to hear, but there will be complications to deal with no matter which way you choose to go.”

  I shook my head. “You were the Ambassador of Ambrosia for so long, how did you handle all the responsibilities and pressure?”

  He laughed quietly under his breath. “I had a lot of help.” Then, he looked at me firmly. “You are a strong young woman, Sadie, with many great things ahead of you. I believe you can overcome whatever challenges may arise.”

  I couldn’t help but smile at his words. My dad believed in me. He believed I could overcome whatever hardships came my way. He believed I was strong.

  Dad closed his eyes and paused. “I’m afraid your dilemma is a direct result of my own poor choices. I can’t say I’m sorry enough for all the things I’ve done that have negatively affected you.”

  “We’ve already been over this,” I insisted warmly. “I understand why you did the things you did, and I don’t regret the way things turned out. Yes, I feel overwhelmed at times with all the things I’m trying to figure out and accomplish, but I don’t blame you, not anymore. If it weren’t for you I never would have come to Banya. I never would have met Rayne. I never would have found these amazing healing powers. I never would have even been born. I think it’s safe to say that despite some of the heartaches, you’ve done some really good things for me too.”

  He smiled sadly. “After all you’ve been through I wish I could be there for you more fully. It’s hard being stuck out here so far away. I wish your mother and I could both be there by your side through every challenge you face.”

  My mother, who had been nestling against my father’s side listening quietly, sent me a meaningful look, as if agreeing with my father’s sentiment.

  “I know,” I replied. “I wish that more than anything too. But, it is what it is, right? We just have to make the best of it. I guess that’s part of growing up.”

  My father’s mouth curved upward. “You’re more grown up than I ever imagined.” He patted my hand. “Just know that I’m here for you anytime you need me. Just give Orion the word and I’ll drop everything as soon as I can to be there for you.”

  I flinched a little at the mention of Orion’s name. There was something not quite right about him lately; I just couldn’t put my finger on it. I hated that I had to go through him in order to see my parents.

  “Speaking of Orion,” I said. “How much do you trust him?”

  Dad didn’t hesitate. “I trust him with my life. He’s been a trustworthy friend for decades.”

  I nodded. “Yeah, that’s what I thought you would say.”

  “Why?” he asked. “Is everything okay between you?”

  I fiddled with the hem of my shirt. “I don’t know. I guess. It’s just... I’ve been getting these impressions lately, like I can sense what people are feeling, and when I’m around Orion, something just feels off. I don’t know, I’m just getting some really confusing feelings when I’m around him, like he’s hiding something from me or doesn’t have my best interests at heart.”

  “Perhaps I should talk to him,” my father offered.

  I shook my head. “No, that’s okay. I’ll figure it out. Orion probably has a right to be upset with me anyway. I was the one who broke the rules on the mission.”

  “Just keep in mind,” my father added, “that Orion is a man with many pressures and responsibilities. This can start to wear a man down. Just have patience with him and give him a chance to earn your trust. Of course he isn’t perfect, none of us are, but I believe in my heart that Orion is a good man.”

  “Yeah,” I said, “maybe you’re right. I’m probably just being paranoid.”

  Dad patted my hand. “The most important thing is to be true to yourself. Trust your own instincts. Orion has proved himself in many ways to me in the past, but I don’t expect you to just to take my word for it. He has to earn your trust too.”

  One of Orion’s men who had been standing several yards away came up to my father’s shoulder and whispered in his ear.

  When the man stepped away my father looked at me sadly. “I’m afraid our time is just about up,” he explained.

  I glanced from my dad to my mom. “
I’m not going to lie. I wish you both were coming with me.”

  “Oh, sweetie,” Mom said. She stood from the bench and came around to hug me. “If we had it our way, you know we would choose to be with you too.”

  Dad came up beside us and put one hand on each of our shoulders. “Of course we would,” he said. Then, he looked at me with meaningful eyes. “We will always be here for you any way we can, but just remember... you have your own special path to follow.”

  32. ANNOUNCEMENT

  On the helicopter ride back to the city I pondered my father’s last words to me. “We will always be here for you any way we can, but just remember... you have your own special path to follow.”

  I pondered what my path was meant to be. Now that I was restricted from the testing center across the border, and Voss was taken care of, it seemed like the best thing for me to do was concentrate on preparing for the Academy. I still felt like I was so far behind all the other students, both physically and mentally.

  By the time we landed I was determined to redouble my efforts in training with Jax as well as purchase all the textbooks I needed for classes so I could get a head start on reading.

  Orion’s men led me from the helicopter on the roof and escorted me back through security at the Court of Ambassadors, never leaving my side. When we reached the front lobby my feet stopped. I glanced to the side and noticed the hallway that led to the Grand Salon, where I had spoken with Councilman Gibbs before leaving on the mission to get Voss.

  I couldn’t help but feel drawn to the grand room again to stare at the portraits of my great ancestors, Jane and William Fairbanks. If I was going to be grounded to the Academy campus until classes started like Orion said, this would be my last chance to come here for quite some time.