Forgotten Enemy (The Powers of Influence Book 1)

by C. B. Haight

  He knew it wouldn’t end so easily, knew The Faction would track them down. More than likely, they sat outside this very night, plotting their next move.

  He moved over and knelt before her. Collett gave him a halfhearted smile. He looked for any sign of the telltale tears. He waited for a while, expecting an emotional outburst. Cade wanted her to lash out because of the unfairness. Wanted her to cry and yell because of the frustration. But nothing came.

  Her eyes were void of a single tear, and she didn’t say a word about the injustice of it all. She just stared off at nothing over his shoulder. Her glazed eyes focused toward the windows that were darkened now by the onset of the night.

  “Collett?” he questioned softly.

  “When?” she whispered.

  Without any other words, he knew what she was asking, “Soon,” he replied honestly. “It has been almost a month. They must have hired someone new by now. Maybe more than one as they did when…”

  Collett nodded accepting and cutting off the rest of his statement. Cade felt as though her cold, quiet acceptance was worse than any other reaction she could have had. He didn’t like the way Collett was behaving now. It was wrong somehow.

  “Collett, no matter what happens, no matter who comes, I’ll keep you safe. They’ll have to go through me to get to you,” he promised.

  She turned her sad, blue gaze to him and whispered, “I know,” and in her head she thought, that’s what I’m afraid of. I’ve endangered them all.

  Collett knew it would be better if she left this place. She knew she should be the one catching those flights out of Colorado but a new selfish part of her could not leave Cade. Not now. Not so soon. She wasn’t ready to let go.

  Collett would have to leave eventually; she knew that. “I’m sorry,” she said softly, apologizing for that upcoming reality.

  Misunderstanding, as Collett knew he would, Cade gathered her to his chest. “Don’t be sorry, don’t ever be sorry. It’s not your fault,” he consoled. Cade stroked her hair, more out of an effort to comfort himself, by keeping his unsteady hands busy, than to simply soothe Collett.

  It did help, though. Cade’s smooth and easy touch, gave her comfort. It made it easier to bear this burden placed upon her. Just knowing Cade would go the ends of the earth and beyond to help her, made it all a little easier. I’m not alone anymore. She knew Cade would fight even the darkest of demons for her no matter the cost.

  As she thought about it, she startled, a sudden image came to her then. Cade screaming out as crippling grief consumed him. He couldn’t save her. Falling to his knees he yelled and pleaded for her. Then the horrible picture vanished as quickly as it had appeared.

  At her slight jump, Cade pulled her in tighter, not understanding the cause, and thinking it was just her fear coming through.

  She clung to him tighter. It was fear, just not fear of the unknown. It was a fear of what she might know. She closed her eyes to the painful heart-wrenching image, trying to erase it from her mind. Why do I have to see the future now? She appealed to herself.

  Collett knew her complicated life was about to get terribly more complicated.

  Chapter Twenty-Seven

  A flurry of motion took place throughout that night and into the next day. Bags were packed, arrangements made. Car services were called. Tracy was the first one able to get a flight out and she took a reluctant and protesting Jenny with her.

  They’d been able to convince Jenny to go when Collett intervened, and though it sickened her slightly, she had used her projection to sway someone for the first time. She had projected her own worry and fear into Jenny, “Please, Jenny. I would never forgive myself if something happened to you.” The words were bitter in her mouth because she knew she was manipulating Jenny, but her own fear demanded she ensure Jenny’s safety, even if it meant being sneaky.

  Cynda added conspiratorially, “Plus you can meet Tracy’s boyfriend and report back to us. I can’t wait to get some details. Heaven knows, Tracy hasn’t been forthcoming.”

  With a heavy dose of guilt and the idea of a little conspiracy in her head, Jenny finally conceded, leaving the house with Tracy at five-thirty that morning. They would catch a flight to New York, and there they would stay until they received the all clear.

  Unfortunately, Ashley was unable to acquire a flight out until that evening, which had Rederrick pacing all about the house in frustration and worry. His home’s security rivaled that of even the government, but the prospect of his children being right in the line of fire, in a potentially deadly situation, made him as nervous as a frightened jackrabbit with a fox clawing and digging at its hole.

  It all came down to a waiting game, a game as old as time itself. It came down to strategy and patience. Who would move first, and how they would move, pawn or queen, rook or bishop? Check or check-mate?

  They had all faced dangerous scenarios before. It was part of the job. This time was different somehow. They all sensed it. They all knew it. Somehow Collett’s presence changed things. Rederrick always knew there was something special about her, and now they all understood a little better why that was true.

  As he paced about the room, his son James continued to test and check every system they had. Currently, he was running analysis to make sure there was no tampering with the system. If someone had tampered with it, James could find it. He had a way with computers, it was one of the reasons the government had recruited him.

  Cade, Cody, and Nate were checking the grounds themselves, at regular intervals, in irregular patterns. No one was willing to leave it all to electronics, including Rederrick. Like a well-oiled machine, they all easily fell into their roles.

  As James sarcastically put it, “It’s time for Homeland Security. Hit the button boy’s, and take us from defcon-4 to defcon-1.” He wasn’t far off the mark. Their Defensive Condition was now at a stage of maximum readiness. Though, no one truly felt ready.

  They were all alert and on edge, especially Cade. When he wasn’t attached to Collett at the hip, he was taking his turn and prowling the grounds looking for someone he could tear into pieces. Rederrick knew Cade needed someone to hold accountable, and he worried that if they didn’t find someone soon, Cade would go looking.

  They all felt it now. Something was coming for her. This was big. Their instincts had been spot on. Now that they understood better the why, they wanted to get their hands on the who. For the first time, Rederrick wondered if this might be their chance.

  For years now they had sought out who led the supernatural Faction. The Faction preyed on new talents, often convincing them to use their abilities against those without powers, or those who wouldn’t join with them. The problem was that no matter what they did, The Brotherhood had not been able to find or pin down the leader of their group.

  James pulled Rederrick away from his thoughts, “Nothing,” he stated confidently.

  Rederrick stopped his forward movement and turned toward his son, “You’re sure?”

  “I’m telling you, Dad, no one has been in your system. You’re still secure. Just to be safe I’ve changed all the codes, encrypted everything, and rerouted your networks. They won’t get in by hacking their way through. You can be sure of that. Now you‘ll just have to prepare for a direct assault.”

  Rederrick arched a brow, “And the other?”

  “Done, if anyone tries to get in this way we’ll be able to follow the trail.”

  Rederrick grinned with pride. “Good,” he said. “Now, get on your way. Nate is waiting for you.” With a firmer voice he said, “And you better stay on that base where there’s plenty of witnesses and even more security.”

  “Dad, you know I can help. And I really don‘t need an escort in any case.”

  “I know you can, and you have. I promise I’ll call if we need you. As for the last, you know I believe in safety in numbers.”

  Knowing it was an undefeatable argument, James matched his father’s gaze with a similar pride of his own. His prid
e was for the man he was lucky enough to have as a father. “Be careful old man, don’t be a hero, and watch Cade. He’s not himself. He’s in too deep this time.”

  Rederrick pulled his boy in for a hug, “Don’t you worry about us. We’ll be fine. Now get going,” he ordered gently and released him.

  James moved to the door and exited to find his mom and tell her goodbye. Rederrick stood in the empty room scanning the bank of monitors that flashed images randomly across the screens.

  He sat in his favorite chair and watched, using his sharp eyes to detect anything out of the ordinary. Every now and then, he would make the computer focus on certain areas which held the best advantage for a skilled assassin.

  As he did, Rederrick couldn’t help but wonder a little if he was getting too old for this game of cat and mouse. He knew one thing; he would sure love to find the nasty Tom Cat responsible and sic a Big Bad Wolf on him.

  They needed a break, something that would give them an offensive advantage. He was getting tired of being on defense all the time.

  Cade opened the door, advancing across the room with a scowl on his face. He swung a chair around close to Rederrick and sat down on it backwards. Leaning forward, he folded his arms across the back of the chair. His posture was tense. His features stern, and Rederrick didn’t need to be empathic to sense the roiling anger in him.

  Cade said nothing. He simply stared at the bank of screens with Rederrick. Several minutes passed before either of them broke the silence.

  Finally, Rederrick spoke, “Nate went with James. He’ll be back late tonight.”

  “Yep,” was all Cade said.

  “Tracy and Jenny are safely on their way to New York.”

  “Yep.”

  “Cynda and I will take Ashley to the airport later,” Rederrick told him.

  “Fine.”

  “You’ll be on your own with Cody. He’s not too experienced, so you think you’ll be all right?”

  Cade didn’t speak this time, only nodded. The clipped conversation lapsed. For several more minutes the only noise in the room came from the hum of monitors and equipment.

  Rederrick tried again, “Collett sleeping finally?”

  “Yep.”

  Rederrick let go of a deep breath. Alright, he thought. “We’ll stop them, Cade. We’ll figure this out,” he said with sincerity.

  He could see the further narrowing of Cade’s brows and a tic in his clenched jaw.

  “You know, a long time ago when I was ready to go take on a small cell of The Faction by myself, I clearly remember someone reminding me the cost would be too great to the one person I was trying to save.” Rederrick let the comment sit for a moment, then continued. “I feel it is my turn to do the same for you. Cade we don’t even know who to go after yet, and you must think of the cost to Collett if you get yourself killed.”

  “What makes you think I’m going after them?” he countered.

  Pointedly glancing at Cade, Rederrick answered, “I’ve known you for a long time now, Cade. I know how you think. Right now, you’re contemplating a direct move, something to draw them away from her.”

  Cade grunted.

  “Once again, I’ll remind you, you don’t even know who to go after. Tell me, what’s your plan?”

  “I don’t have one yet. When I do come up with one, I‘ll make sure to get your approval,” he replied snidely.

  “What about Collett? Will you tell her?”

  “I don’t need this from you! I’ve been fighting The Faction longer than you’ve been alive!” Cade pushed out of his chair so hard he sent it forward on a gliding spin. It smacked into the tabletop underneath the monitors. A loud clank reverberated through the room.

  “You’re right,” Rederrick said calmly. “You’ve been doing this much longer than me. So you go ahead, run out there, charge your unknown battlefield. Pound on and question every known member of The Faction. You’ll just get more frustrated and even angrier. We both know the odds of getting anything. Hell, we’ve both tried that already.” Cade didn’t turn, but Rederrick knew he was listening. “We founded the Brotherhood so we could do this with a team. It’s not just you anymore. You are not alone in this, and now, neither is she.

  You should consider one thing, we both know regardless of how many times you’ve battled the demons and followers from The Faction and won, no matter how many times you’ve gone to rescue someone, and saved lives, it didn’t matter as much then. It never mattered as much as it does now! Because Collett matters! You love her. You know that makes you dangerous, not only to them, but to yourself.”

  Rederrick’s precise and on-the-mark accusation caused Cade’s stomach to tighten. If it was possible, his jaw clenched even tighter. His expression stern, he turned back to his long-time friend.

  “Think man!” Rederrick scolded. “Just think for a second. Running out there after a ghost won’t save her. It won’t help. In fact, it might even make things worse. Be patient. We’ll figure it out. We can beat them this time. I feel it, but we have to do it right.”

  Exasperated and frustrated, Cade lifted his gaze to the ceiling. “I’m all out of patience,” he admitted, trying hard to reign in his temper.

  Nodding, Rederrick responded, “I know what it’s like to be in your position Cade. I also know, without you, I wouldn’t have all that I have today. I’d be dust and bones, six feet under. Cynda probably would be too. Patience is hard to come by when those you love need you, but it’s the most important and vital time to have it.”

  With his temper calmed slightly, and pain in his chest, Cade looked back down and said reverently, “I can’t lose her, Rederrick.”

  “I know.”

  “We need to do something. I’m tired of waiting.”

  “Do you know what makes us different from them?”

  Cade met his gaze but said nothing.

  “Endurance,” Rederrick stated simply.

  “Endurance?” Cade repeated skeptically.

  “We keep going. We endure. They want to stop our happiness, destroy our hope, but we keep going. Even during the worst tragedies in history, you’ll find humanity. We continue to have Thanksgiving dinners and other holiday parties. We celebrate weddings and births. We dance and sing. When the worst happens and we are faced with loss, we cherish the lives of our loved ones by remembering how they lived. We make sacrifices to help others, but most of all, we love, Cade.

  Life, no matter how long or short that is, will never be a sprint. It is a long distance race that requires endurance. Take that away, and we become like them, always running along as fast as we can, without a purpose or happiness.

  That’s what we fight for. That’s what we live for. You think back through your long lifetime and the history of this world, and you’ll know it’s true. We go on, Cade. No matter how bad things get, those of us with the strength to endure hold faith that things will eventually change, and we pull together until it does. In the meantime, we find all the happiness we can, gathering our strength from it, so that when the time comes, we can and will prevail.”

  Cade stood still for a moment just looking at Rederrick. After a minute, he quietly walked over and pulled his chair around. Once again he sat down next to Rederrick. Both men turned their attention back to the flashing screens. The room was silent for what felt like a long time, but at least now the angry tension was gone. They both sat there thinking. Finally, Cade asked, “How’d you get so smart, Old Man?”

  Rederrick smiled, “I have good friends.”

  Cade turned his head and looked to him quizzically.

  “I partly stole the speech from someone I know.”

  “Yeah, who was that?”

  “You. You spouted off something similar when you stopped me from going after Cynda half-cocked.”

  “I don’t remember that,” Cade said his brow pinched in thought.

  “Well, the way I said it certainly had more finesse. You shouted and growled something about it at me when you had me pinned on the g
round,” Rederrick said lightly.

  Grinning Cade said, “Huh, maybe I’m smarter than I thought.”

  “Don’t bet on it, boy,” Rederrick teased.

  They sat there companionably for a time. After a while though, Rederrick noticed Cade’s nervous leg bounce up and down and saw the way Cade’s eyes kept going back to the video feeds of Collett’s bedroom window.

  “Go, be with her, and gather your strength. You don’t need to be here,” he ordered.

  “Yes I do. You’ll need to get going to the airport soon,” Cade replied.

  “And I’ll get Cody to take over for me. Or I can set the perimeter alarms. James says they are running fine. Go, Cade.”

  Cade studied his friend for a long minute before standing, “Set the alarms for now, I’ll have Cody keep checking the grounds and the house. A live person can spot things electronics can miss. I’ll bring Collett in here with me later.”

  “Fine, on your way up, remind Cynda and Ashley, we need to be ready within the hour.”

  Cade nodded to Rederrick and made his way upstairs. When he got to Ashley’s room, he knocked softly. “Come in,” he heard from the other side of the door.

  Entering the room, Cade found Ashley carefully folding and tucking her clothing into her black suitcase. She looked up at him and offered a small smile. “Cade.” She acknowledged.

  “The old man says you’ve got about an hour.”

  “I know,” Ashley replied softly.

  Ashley was always soft-spoken and quiet. She never raised her voice in the whole of her twenty-four years. At least to his knowledge, she hadn’t. She was also the most tender-hearted person he knew. Part of that came from being empathic, but most of it was just who she was. She was kind and considerate, loving and affectionate. She was a very special person.

  “I’m sorry you have to go. I know you love your trips home.” Cade told her.

  She returned to her folding, “Don’t worry about me. I’ll come back for Christmas or maybe sooner if I can manage a weekend away from my studying.”