Fear Darkness (The Fear Chronicles Book 3)

by C. C. Bolick

  “Keep me posted,” Dad said.

  The doctor left and Dad looked at the clock on the wall beside the bed. “I have a meeting with Sylvia in ten minutes.”

  I crossed my arms. “Doesn’t being on the med-level excuse you from meetings?”

  “Not with her.” He kissed my forehead. “Will you be alright?”

  “Just go. I’ll sit with Ma—Bethany—whoever.”

  “It’s not easy for me either. Her power was difficult to understand but I believe it allowed her to stay with us.”

  “That’s the story she gave me.” I wouldn’t tell him what she said about the darkness. My experience after I fell—my last visit to the med-level—made me shiver. Dad didn’t need more to worry about.

  “I’ve always tried not to think of what happens after we die,” he said. “Ghosts were never on my radar.”

  “She could be lying,” I said. “It wouldn’t be the first time.”

  “If she told you Louis… She had to have a good reason.”

  On the screen next to Bethany’s bed, waves bounced as if her brain was doing cartwheels. Her heart rate and breathing lit with green. “I’ll stay in case she wakes up.”

  He looked over his shoulder. “Call me if she does.”

  When his footsteps disappeared down the hall, I stood next to her bed. I brushed the tips of her fingers where her hand rested on the sheet. One finger twitched.

  I jumped back in surprise. Nothing else moved including her eyes. I shut the door and reached for her hand. “No one can hear us.”

  Her eyes fluttered open.

  “I thought maybe you left.”

  She smiled. “Not yet.”

  I dropped into the chair by her bed, her hand gripped in mine. “Why did you lie about Louis being my father?”

  “I knew if I could convince you, I could convince the entire base. If Louis had a claim on you, Sylvia would be hard pressed to fight him before your eighteenth birthday. Donald was determined not to have a DNA test because he didn’t want to face the truth if you weren’t his.”

  “Birthday?” I slapped a hand to my forehead. “It’s tomorrow. I can’t believe I forgot.”

  “You’ve been busy. Happy birthday my fearless girl.”

  “Did Dad know about your plan?”

  “I told Donald as little as possible in the interrogation room. He said he didn’t know me and didn’t want to know me. His words hurt.”

  “He loved you.”

  “I know. Later that night, he came to me with a secret mission. He wanted inside Louis’s network to see how he was obtaining his weapons. Your father was cold to me, the vicious soldier I always knew he kept bottled up inside. He wasn’t asking me for help, Regina. He was asking Bethany to cut a deal—her help for her freedom. The contract was in his hand.”

  “So, you helped him. You also helped Erin get out of the base.”

  “I didn’t want you to go alone and I knew she’d completed the DNA test. She’d tell you the truth about the results. After our conversation in the interrogation room, I decided you deserved the truth.”

  “Why lie about Louis?”

  “Until you were eighteen, he could put pressure on the agency. It was the only way I knew to keep the agency from exploiting your power.”

  Laughing, my voice came out laced with sarcasm. “Dad probably knew all along. That’s why he kept saying you must have a reason.”

  “Donald always knew if you developed my power, the agency would never let you out of their sights. Sylvia would use you to the agency’s benefit.”

  “Sylvia saw the footage of you in the car with Lloyd,” I said. “She insisted I stop investigating your death.”

  “Sylvia might not have believed I’d return, but she wasn’t taking any chances. And she wasn’t letting you go. Trust me, I was once at the mercy of the previous director. If I hadn’t faked my death, I wouldn’t have escaped and you would have been raised within these walls.”

  “I thought you faked your death to escape Louis.”

  “Back then, I believed my power could be used to save people. Back then, Donald and I respected the agency.”

  “What changed?”

  “The director forced me to use my power to threaten someone within the government. After that, I had to get out.”

  “Sylvia?”

  “No, the previous director. Sylvia was still an agent like your dad. She’s spent most of the last fifteen years trying to make amends for the mistakes her predecessor made. You think having Louis as a father would be bad? You have no idea the horrors Sylvia’s father put her through. I wouldn’t be surprised if she was the one who… Well, some things are better left unsaid.”

  “Let me make sure I understand. You told people Louis was my father to protect me.”

  “I used him to keep you safe. Does that make me a bad mother?”

  I hesitated.

  “Maybe don’t answer that question.”

  “It doesn’t matter if people think you’re a good or bad mother. You’re my mother.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek. “I only care what you think. The minute they think they’ve got control over you, the agency will demand you use your powers to save lives. The order will probably come from the senator.”

  “What do you know about him?”

  “Enough to stay out of his way. I hope you’ve realized that’s the only way you’ll survive around here. If you’re intent on staying.”

  “This is my home now.”

  She glanced at the clock on the wall. “Want to bet on how long it will take before you’re buried in a mission with no way out?”

  “I can take care of myself.”

  Mama smiled. “We’ll see.”

  * * * * *

  After leaving Mama’s room, my head ached and I went back to my room for a nap. I’m not sure how long I slept before Dad knocked on the door.

  “We’ve got a meeting,” he said.

  At the kitchen sink, I washed the sleep from my face. I opened my closet and looked for fresh clothes.

  “Wear what you’ve got on,” he said. “Sylvia wants us there yesterday.”

  On the walk to the elevator, he said, “Senator McCall will be in the meeting.”

  “Great,” I mumbled. “He’s probably here for his favor.”

  Dad raised an eyebrow.

  “I promised him a favor if he saved you and Alfie. Now that I know you wanted inside Louis’s house, I feel pretty dumb.”

  “You talked to her?”

  I stared at the elevator doors. How much should I tell him? “She’s awake, but I’m not sure she wants to talk to you. She’s kind of mad you gave her the agent routine.”

  The elevator doors opened and Dad led me to a conference room with a table and ten chairs. Not the largest conference room, but still intimidating. Sylvia had relinquished her normal spot at the end of the table for Senator McCall. She sat to his left and Dad grabbed the chair across from her. I chose the other end of the table.

  Senator McCall folded his hands on the table and leaned forward. “Glad to see you could make this meeting, Miss Mason.”

  So, we were back to formal names. “What do you want, Senator?”

  “I’m sure you’ve heard of our issues with solar flares. Over the last few months, problems have grown exponentially. The solar flares are affecting communication all over the planet. I think we can use your power to calm the sun.”

  “Calm the…” Good thing I didn’t make that bet with Mama. “You want me to use my power on the sun? From here? I doubt I have that kind of reach.”

  “You don’t,” Sylvia said. “Or at least your mother didn’t. Our best scientists believe your power may be the key to stopping this damage from the sun. You would use your power to calm the reactions from the sun’s surface.”

  “It’s too dangerous,” Dad said.

  “I don’t think we have a choice,” Sylvia said.

  Dad looked at me. “I won’t let you put her in danger. It�
��s my job to protect Rena, no matter what happens.”

  Sylvia stared at him. “I respect your need to protect her and I understand where you’re coming from, Donald. In this case, I see minimal danger to Rena. We have a space shuttle prepared for this mission. For over a year, the solar flares have been getting worse. The scientists say it’s only the beginning.”

  “We need more time to study this reaction,” Dad said. “We don’t know if Rena is powerful enough to make a difference. We’re talking about the sun, not one of Louis’s bombs.”

  “You’re right, Agent Mason,” Senator McCall said. “But your daughter’s strong. She’s proved her power enough times I think she’s ready for this mission. It’s dangerous for her to go into space, it’s dangerous for anyone to go into space. It’s also the adventure of a lifetime and I believe she has what it will take.”

  Sylvia looked at me. “How do you feel about this mission?”

  I looked around the table, at the three faces staring back. “I have control of my power now. I can do this.”

  “I don’t think you understand what they’re asking,” Dad said. “They want you to travel into space like you’re some kind of astronaut. You have no training. I don’t think it’s fair for them to ask.”

  I looked at Sylvia. “Are you asking me to do this or are you telling me to do this?”

  “Is there a difference?” she asked.

  “She might wish to give you a choice,” the senator said. “I have no intention of giving you a choice. You will complete this mission or Sylvia will lock you on the isolation floor.”

  Dad balled his hands into fists. “You won’t lock my daughter away. I’ll make sure of that.”

  Sylvia glared across the table. “Hit him and your career as an agent is over.”

  I took several deep breaths as I stared at the table. This was really happening. The agency was forcing me to use my power like Mama said. Not just use my power, but use it in space. I wasn’t ready to be an agent and I wasn’t ready to use my power against the sun. The thought of that much power coursing through my veins both excited and terrified me.

  My palms tingled and I shoved my hands in my lap so they wouldn’t see my fear.

  * * * * *

  That evening, I attended a meeting filled with scientists to explain the mission and agents with details of when and where it would happen—more than thirty people. Tomorrow morning seemed to be the reasonable choice.

  My stomach churned. Sylvia watched without a word. Dad also stayed quiet, revealing nothing of what he thought of this mission.

  Near the door, Van appeared and walked to where a scientist pointed out trajectory and speed of the shuttle on a screen. The man in the white coat stopped talking as Van approached. Whispers went around the table as Van pointed to one of the numbers in his equation. “This change in velocity won’t get anyone to the sun unless you adjust the shuttle’s mass. It will put you in a wide orbit around the sun.”

  “What are you doing here?” I asked.

  Sylvia gave him a stare. “You don’t have permission to teleport inside of this room. Get out.”

  “I’m not leaving this room as long as you’re planning to send Rena into space in that metal box.”

  “We need her to stop the solar flares. The space shuttle is the only way for us to get her there. Unless you have a better idea.”

  Van nodded. “The safer mode of transportation is my ship.”

  “You want to take my daughter into space?” Dad asked.

  “I don’t care about your solar flares beyond the fact they make my ride uncomfortable.”

  I rolled my eyes. “That’s too bad.”

  Van barely smiled. “I’m not sure your power will be effective against the sheer power of your sun.”

  “You’re full of confidence, aren’t you?” Dad asked.

  “Like you, I am curious to know if she can complete this mission.”

  “I’m not—” Dad started.

  “Curious? I can see the emotion written on your face. That’s my power. Would you like me to tell the room what else you’re feeling?”

  Dad leaned forward, his eyes taking on a deadly glint. “Are you here to mock us?”

  Van shook his head. “My mission is to protect Rena.”

  “Who gave you this mission?” Dad asked.

  “My queen ordered me to keep Rena alive.”

  “Why would she give that order?” Sylvia asked.

  With a wave of Van’s hand, every cup on the table rose in the air and fell back down with a crash. Coffee spilled across the table and into the laps of several agents. Curses came from around the table and people stood, some shaking their fists at Van.

  “For now,” Van said, “my only directive is to protect Rena. Flying her in my ship will be safer than your shuttle.” He stopped next to Sylvia. “Can’t you agree this is the best way?”

  Reluctantly, Sylvia nodded. “If you hurt her on your ship or if you leave our solar system with Rena, I will find a way to hunt you down. Whatever it takes.”

  Van gave her a slight bow. “I promise to return Rena to this planet safely after her mission.”

  “I don’t believe you,” Dad said.

  “My orders are to protect Rena from danger. If that means protecting her from this agency, then we’ll see who wins the fight.”

  Sylvia looked at me. “You have twelve hours before this mission. What do you need to prepare?”

  “A place to fly.”

  “The cliffs where you fell,” Van said. “I’ll take you there.”

  “I also found my power that day,” I said.

  Sylvia stood and dismissed everyone. “If she goes, so do I.”

  * * * * *

  Ten minutes later, we stood on the same cliffs where I first flew. Beneath us, water crashed against the shore. Birds screamed as they rose into the sky. The sun stained the horizon with purple and flaming orange as it sank. Tomorrow, I’d hurl through space toward the fiery ball.

  I walked to the cliff’s edge and stared down at the water. Sylvia stopped to my side and Van stood a few feet away.

  “What did Rosanna say?” Sylvia asked.

  “That the agency would use me for my power. She was right. Didn’t take twenty-four hours.”

  “I knew she was back,” Sylvia said. “Even if Donald doesn’t want to discuss her. I had a feeling I’d see Rosanna again.”

  “Did you know when we watched the video of her grabbing Lloyd’s steering wheel?”

  “Believing in someone coming back from the dead takes a great deal of faith. There are many people I’d never want to come back from the dead.”

  “But you wanted her back?” I asked.

  Sylvia nodded. “I shifted you off her trail after seeing the video. I didn’t want Lloyd’s death to diminish her legacy.”

  I looked toward Van, but he focused on the waves below. The sounds of water crashing muffled all other sounds.

  “Did you know Mama had to fly to strengthen her power?”

  “Yes,” she said.

  “That’s why you wanted Travis to teleport me here and help me fly. To discover my power, how to control it, and how to keep from dying from a nuclear explosion, along with saving everyone else on the planet.”

  “It was Rosanna’s legacy. Now it’s yours.” In the waning sunlight, she stared at the horizon. “When I sent Travis to find you and bring you into the agency, I knew your power was special. I knew you’d be important. I also knew this job would be dangerous for you.”

  “I’ve done my best,” I said.

  “You have and I’m proud of you. If anything happens on this mission, please know I wanted nothing but the best for you. Even though your father lied about his relationship with your mother, he’s one of the best agents I’ve ever known. Your mother’s power and your father’s willingness to do what’s right is a powerful combination.”

  “Now is a good time,” Van said.

  I took a deep breath and backed up to get a runn
ing start. I thought of my fear of what could happen to me if this mission failed. If I died. Sparkles grew along my palms. Charging forward, I jumped when the cliff below me disappeared.

  My body fell, but my spirits rose. I called to the neutrons, feeling them in me, around me, flowing through me… Mini-explosions filled the air. Blue lights shot from my hands like bolts of lightning. Colors of red and purple and every shade imaginable stretched like a rainbow across the sky.

  I felt happy and sad, fearful and in control. I thought of Mama, of Dad and Alfie. Of Travis; I didn’t need to dig deep to know how I truly felt about him—vibrant colors exploded around me, rich with my love.

  Against the dark sky I flew, until stars littered the vast landscape of space. I sailed over mountains and seas, higher until my view of the Earth was like looking at a globe. Continents took on the familiar shapes, bodies of water curved as I knew by memory.

  I flew around the planet twice, moving so fast everything below happened in slow motion. Birds and planes were frozen in time. Clouds hovered as if stuck to the sky.

  Time slowed to nearly a stopping point around me, crawling with such a dull instinct I didn’t need to fill my lungs with air.

  When I began to feel my power fade, I flew back to the cliffs, this time landing only a few feet from where I stood. I dropped to almost kneeling, but my feet were flat on the ground.

  Sounds restarted—foaming waves and screaming birds. I took a deep breath, my lungs now desperate for air. Tears streamed down my face. The emotions in my chest felt like they might tear me apart.

  Sylvia knelt next to me. “I’ve never seen anything like that. For a moment you were gliding. Then you were standing here.”

  I looked at my hands, which still tingled. “I think I’m ready to face the sun.”

  “You are.”

  Jumping to my feet, I spun to where Mama stood at the edge of the cliffs. “Mama?” It wasn’t Bethany’s face. This was the face I remembered from the day she died three years ago. She wore the same yellow dress.