by Aral Bereux
‘Please,’ she sobbed. ‘Please don’t, please.’
‘I can smell him on you,’ he frowned. ‘Last night perhaps.’ His fingers slipped further. ‘He’ll smell me too, once I’m done. Then what? You think he’ll want you back? You think he’ll understand? Or will he cast you away as he does with all his women? Does he even know how I keep finding you? Have you told him? Has he learned our dirty little secret?’
She shook her head.
‘What was it that made you cry?’
‘Why are you hunting me?’
Taris took her hand between his parted lips. They curled in the corners, and his eyes danced as they locked onto hers. He opened his mouth and clamped down with his teeth. She screamed as he held his bite in place, chewing deep into her skin. Her blood streamed down, and he took another bite, tasting the red lines running down her wrist.
He dropped her hand into the dampness pooling. She watched his every move from where he commanded her to silently remain.
‘But maybe right now I can take pleasure in my new found accomplishments.’
He teased the waist of her knickers, snapping the band and lowering his hand to her naked thighs.
‘Just have Caden to go and it’ll be mission complete for me. Maybe I’ll let you think about that, and when I come back in ten minutes, you can tell me where he is.’
The bedroom door opened apologetically.
‘They never leave you alone, not for a moment.’ He sighed and turned to the door.
A soldier peered in. ‘The General insists on speaking with you, Commander. I have him on the radio outside. He won’t take no for an answer.’
Taris left his belt and gun on the floor. ‘Think about what I said. I’ll be back for your answer, and if it’s the wrong one…’ he made a motion of cocking his finger in her direction. ‘No one will be the wiser.’
The door latched closed. Unable to move, she stared at the ceiling, shivering under the breeze caressing her bare legs from the open window.
If Caden was right, she thought. If he were right I could free myself. If they’re right about needing a watcher, escaping a simple cast as being pinned to a bed, should be easy.
And then she frowned. Her hand no longer stung, nor did it bleed; a smile crept over her face.
Her nose bled again, and her head pounded. The heaviness left her body the more she concentrated on her freedom. Slowly, Julianna wiggled her toes and move her fingers. Inch by inch as the blood streamed over her lips, she moved her legs and arms, not stopping until she sat in the center of the bed, staring at the gun in the middle of the floor.
She grabbed her pants, slipped on her boots, and dived on the belt. His Sig pistol was loaded when she checked its magazine. The keys to her bike were attached to his key-keeper, beside a heavier set. She took both and crouched below the window, peering out to the one soldier standing beside the Jeep with Taris. Taris handed the radio to the soldier and stepped onto the rotting veranda; turning to watch the soldier sprint into the trees, calling the troops to return. She knew her chance was now.
After all, she thought as she levered herself through the window, the hunt’s over.
The front door slammed in its frame at the same time she landed on the wooden porch. Taris didn’t hear her steps as she ran to her up-turned bike.
The rev of the engine caught his surprise. Taris glanced through the window with a pained expression, to catch her wave with his pistol in her hand and the bike kicking dirt into the air as she sped down the trail, towards the interstate.
CHAPTER 12
4th May, 2018, 2100 hours.
The Tunnels at the City Sector Limits
For the moment the burden eased; full camp, all men with military training, functioning weapons, medical supplies. Thinking that, Caden ambled around the stockpiles that he’d secreted into a small out-of-sight area, while his new squad whispered between each other, back and forth, about their new commander’s silence.
He handled an assembled semi auto, jumping it into his hands a few times to feel its weight, and nodded happily. Isis had promised him, and he’d delivered quickly.
Things must be bad, he thought. Devo caught his eye. Real bad if he’s pulled out all the stops.
Forty strong men with not a woman in sight. The thought made him happy.
No place for a young girl, no matter her snipping abilities. This one she would sit out, safe house for Sarah.
He placed the auto in the stockpile. Bas had left him with the final decision.
No more distractions in battle, Bas had said, pointing out the same issue with Julianna. Caden had shrugged it off, arguing that Julianna wasn’t that important to him. The conviction in his voice didn’t convince Bastiaan, and Caden found himself doubting what was said, once he said it aloud.
But her skills are invaluable and her company an asset.
He slipped the weapon into a duffel bag and closed it. There was too much to carry on foot. They’d need to resource transport for the return to the camp or send a group in the morning to return.
Or ask for Daniel’s help. His face contorted at the notion. He’d need to play nice tonight, for the sake of everyone else. Caden deliberately pushed his face into a more pleasant expression.
‘Daniel,’ he called. It took another effort to get his attention. ‘Danny boy, need your help.’
Daniel scoffed at the suggestion.
Man, he’s going to smash me one.
‘I’m taking Devo to the safe house. If you can show the men back, resource a Jeep or two for the supplies, I’d appreciate it.’
That was nice enough.
His smile felt forced.
‘Sure thing,’ Daniel said.
Caden felt his elbow pulled to the darker side of the tunnel. His boot found the water channeling through the center of the walkway and he cursed at its icy bite leaking into his sock. He lifted his dripping boot onto higher ground, ignoring Daniel’s grasp.
‘Something’s wrong,’ Daniel whispered. His eyes were dark and his lips drawn tight.
He’d felt the pull too, thought he’d heard both his brother and Julianna’s whisper, but dismissed it as paranoia after a long few days. The plausibility of communication was viable, but unlikely. They were too far apart and too tired and he was feeling the effects of concealing the cave, and the late night last night.
‘Barely a dull tug,’ Caden put his hands on his hips, breaking Daniel’s grip. ‘What’d you hear?’
‘You heard it then?’ Daniel said in a low voice, looking around at the forty sets of eyes watching.
Caden shrugged his shoulders.
‘I should go alone, scout out the situation—’
‘We need to move. Time isn’t a luxury for us, Danny.’
‘It’s an hour more,’ Daniel lowered his head. ‘They have Hal. Don’t think for a damn second I enjoy that thought,’ he eyeballed Caden. ‘Not for a damn second!’
Caden considered him stressing over the entire situation and the boy wasn’t good with stress. His training post initiation was a disaster every time stress appeared.
His crumpling, just like he did back then. Caden nodded thoughtfully.
‘Sorry, Danny boy. I know he’s your world. Ride out now. We keep everyone here until you return. I need to take Devo though.’
Daniel nodded. ‘She knows?’
‘Be quick, don’t screw around.’
Daniel’s eye’s darkened. ‘You’re the one fucking my sister.’
The fury returned. ‘Just be quick. Meet here. Two hours. No later.’
I really do have to watch myself with this prick. He’s likely to fuck it up again, dumb fuck!
Daniel agreed. ‘Not a prob-lem-o. Maybe I can bring them both back, so little sis can join Devo at the safe house as well.’
‘She’s an expert marksman, I’m keeping her with us, and she’s good with a blade.’
Make me justify it again Danny boy, I can hit it home if you like?
Daniel took a step back with his
hands raised.
Then they heard her.
Their eyes connected in the moment of wide terror as they darkened to a coal black. Their senses heightened, the voice clearly coming from the only person they had in common. Caden listened again, concentrating on the distant cry, begging him to go where? He could barely hear her call.
Safe house. I can’t find the tunnels. Please, they have Bastiaan.
It fell silent but for the sound of running water echoing along the chambers. The watchers among them stared at their new leader, scrutinizing him under their stare, while the norms ignorantly continued their whispers and weapons checks.
He tried to respond to her. It was no good, they were too far apart, or she was too weak. Then her words were computed inside his mind and his heart leapt into his throat.
They have my brother.
CHAPTER 13
4th May, 2018, 2130 hours.
Sector #8
Returning to the city was easy. Getting through the Sectors safely wasn’t as straight forward. Gate Twelve was closing its sentry for the evening. The familiar face which had let her out earlier in the week with Daniel, packed his paper and his coffee cup, and slung one of his two rifles into the back seat of his luxurious, four door car. She’d only ever seen them with her family – this guy was spoilt.
The amount of things he juggled led the last of his coffee to spill half-way down his leg. He cursed behind the fence governed with razor wire, talking to himself and closing for the night.
Julianna rode her bike to the entrance, knowing the hovers and shift change weren’t far behind.
‘You picked a hell of a time to show your face around here.’
‘I need some papers to move through Sector Three.’
The middle-aged balding man adjusted his rifle. ‘Okay. Isis does enough for me to owe him, but get rid of the bike will you, and quickly too. Change of shift will be here any moment.’
She brushed at her eyes as she wheeled the bike. They stung from the crying she’d done on the way in from the farm house. The highway had been empty; the escape efficient and speedy. Yet, she’d cried on the way, pulling to the side of the road because she couldn’t see through her tears.
He opened the boot of his car, slinging what was left in his hands, into its compartment and waited for her to run across the threshold of where the city met country.
‘Get in. I can’t get you papers at a pinch. I’m no miracle worker, but I can get you into S three. I’m driving right through the place.’
She looked at the spilt oil, dirty rags and spare tire resting casually in the center of the boot with his rifle. He helped her in with his hand used for balance.
‘Just so you know; we have doubled the troops in each Sector tonight. There’s talk of attacks. Everyone’s on standby.’
It didn’t surprise her. With two high profile prisoners to entertain in Central, Taris would expect retaliation. Maybe he hopes for it. The thought flipped her stomach. Her stomach sunk lower.
Right now Bas was having the shit kicked out of him. She pushed the vision away only for it to creep back in. She saw the interrogation unfold at the farm house. Taris wanted the safe house location.
‘You can come with me to the safe house,’ she said. He lowered the hood. She knelt down awkwardly over the objects threatening to poke her.
‘I have a wife and kids waiting for me in S one. I can’t keep helping you guys out. I think they’re on to me.’
She met eyes with the friendly plump face. ‘Last time then, I won’t ask again.’
He nodded. The hood locked, concealing her in darkness but for a small rusted hole that allowed the moonlight to enter in broken streams. She put an eye to it as the car engine turned. It spluttered. He turned the key again and the engine hummed.
Extra patrols and drones posted along the roads they drove. It was dark and the evening was thick with tension. Every corner possessed armed officers fashioned in riot gear. The hover drones zoomed in swarms, keeping their own guard on the boundaries predetermined from the Central Control room; scanning every passerby who braved the last curfew.
She embraced the boot’s darkness shrouding her, feeling the shake of the car as it drove across a pothole, deeper into the breach the central Sectors.
What could he possibly owe Isis? Is it because I’m the Seer?
Bas appeared again. She squeezed her eyes shut and his image disappeared in exchange for a headache. Taris had blind-sighted her. He’d snuck up from behind and completely surprised her, and now Bas was his prisoner. Her temples thumped. From the inside of the car, the man with the friendly face heard her groans.
The car stopped. Her half-closed eyes widened in the light cast by the patrol’s torches through the hole, biting at her vision.
‘Commander’s orders, Beefy. We need to complete a car check.’
The words sliced through her. She recognized the sentry point as Sector Five, driving through Sector’s Seven and Six without stopping. She imagined him flashing his friendly smile to the guards he worked closest with, and probably shared a meal and a drink with. They’d have waved him through without a second thought. Sector Five was different.
‘Beef, open the fucker up. Commander’s orders.’
Sectors’ Five, Three and One continued to rotate through Militia, never allowing for the same face on shift for more than a week. Sector Eight in contrast, was the place for those who bordered on retirement; or who had a medical dispensation due to military action. It was their weak point and she’d exploited it. Now they were asking for a car search in notorious Sector Five – the Sector of high arrests, the Sector that always led to trouble and chases.
Beefy, the friendly faced patrol officer led the sentry guards to the front of his car. They were out of her sight and no one stood to her back. Beefy had their attention, opening the car doors for them to search.
Her trembling fingers pried the boot latch free. She struggled with her unsteady legs and blurring sight; promising herself that when she had the chance, she’d ask Caden what the hell was happening to her body. She knew he knew, a master watcher would have to know.
The spotlights switched on. The drones were to the front of the car propping for instruction. The empty sentry box offered enough cover, that when she crouched low and slipped into the small box-like building, no one noticed.
She snatched a comms resting above the monitors and took the security access pass that hung on a hook beside it. The Sig Sauer pistol on the table was loaded and keys beside it might open some locks. She took it all and ran to the next block to a quiet alleyway. There she rested, deliberating how she would cross into Sector Four.
* * *
She took inventory of where she crouched, watching the drones swarm above the gates. How she hated those mechanical birds with their eyes like fire. Crossing the rooflines of Sector Five into Sector Four had been easy. It was a common path she was familiar with from her Club Star nights when she needed to abandon her bike.
Sector Four borders weren’t kind tonight, forcing her down a derelict fire escape as the drones sensed her heat signature. A role in a puddle threw them off her scent, but now she shivered from the cold clothes clinging against her skin. The outline of the safe house in the distance was becoming an impossible objective to reach.
Can’t make this obvious, J Rae. A chase will lead them to Sector Three.
She closed her eyes.
Calling Caden Madison.
She made light of the situation. Her head thumped. She slumped against the steel dumpster that shielded her from the patrols who blurred every time they moved in the street.
The looming building blended into the foreground. Thick paint blacked out the windows shrouding it in darkness like its deserted neighbors. The impression of dereliction from the outside masked the ten active levels inside. Its rooftop snipers line-of-sight to the sentry would show her in their scopes if they knew where to look. Maybe squad leader Hensley spoke with Caden, discussing her arrival
, if Caden had heard her plea. She clumsily slipped further down into the puddles.
Maybe Caden’s getting the crap kicked out of him alongside Bas. Face it, you’re on your own again. Just the way you like it.
Her heavy eyes struggled to stay open. Her body wanted to sleep. She had no idea she was ass deep in a puddle.
Where the fuck are you?
Her eyes jolted open. It wasn’t her voice calling inside her mind.
‘Caden, is that you?’
The sentry was changing. Night shift took the handover and for the moment, patrols were doubled. She muttered her location, thinking maybe she had dozed off after all.
I’m coming. Stay where you are.
Was he at the safe house? She felt herself slipping away. Just five more minutes of rest—
Her eyes closed despite her body shaking from fingers through to her hands, arms and legs. Her head no longer thumped – she was unaware of the troops patrolling. All she cared for was the heavy sleep that crept through her body.
CHAPTER 14
4th May, 2018, 2130 hours.
Central Command Interrogation Unit, Sector #1
‘Bastiaan, Bastiaan, Bastiaan,’ Taris dragged a chair across the floor to straddle it in front of his cell. ‘It’s really been a long time for us,’ he lit a cigarette and threw the pack through the bars. ‘Hasn’t it?’
Bas agreed. It was all he could do. He lit a cigarette before throwing the packet onto his cell bed. ‘You’ve done a lot with the place. Fresh paint always hid the blood stains well.’
Bas wandered the enclosure. It was a large cell by standards, one of the larger ones. He remembered it well. It was an old favorite for interrogation because of its roominess.
The smoke he exhaled from his lungs curled around him in a thin cloud, its pattern floating to the ceiling, attracting his gaze. His lips pursed, the hook hanging from a fastened chain was still there; it’s meaning all too sinister. He wondered if Taris would put it to use.
‘Could always use a man with your sniper talents.’
