Red-Line: The Shift (Volume One)

by J. T. Bishop

  Declan could not recall seeing him so miserable. Leroy’s near death had devastated him, but Sarah’s current condition and the cause of it seemed to eat away at him like a nagging virus. Ramsey blamed himself, and it occurred to Declan that if Sarah died, his brother, although still alive, would be just as dead inside.

  Ramsey stood and released Sarah’s hand. He swayed for a second but caught himself, and Declan reached to help, but Ramsey waved him off.

  “I’m okay.” He took a breath and steadied himself, then eyed Declan. “Stay with her. I just need a few minutes.”

  “No problem. Take your time.” Declan sank down next to the tub as Ramsey left the small room.

  Ramsey walked into the hall, his body aching from the events of the last forty-eight hours. He cursed himself for his mistakes. Despite their attempts, Sarah had not responded to the water, and worse, she seemed to be weakening. He battled with himself as he replayed in his mind the events leading up to this, but he could not find a resolution that in any way calmed his troubled mind. It had been her or Leroy. She must have known but said nothing. He wondered what he would have done if she had given him the choice. He didn’t know. Rationally, Leroy’s death would have crushed him, but Sarah’s death sentenced them all. At the time, though, rationality had played no part in his actions. His friend had lay dying, and Sarah had saved him, not just for Leroy’s sake but also for his own. And that was the part that was killing him.

  He stopped for a moment outside the bathroom to prop his arm against the wall and lean against it. He took some deep breaths and tried to focus. He knew the hours in front of him would be long and difficult, but he would not give up on her. His stomach grumbled, but he had no interest in food. He straightened as he pushed back against the wall, and he walked into the bedroom where Leroy lay sleeping. He sat at Leroy’s feet and stared off into the distance, his mind going blank with fatigue. He closed his eyes to rest them.

  “Hey, sleepy head.” The faint voice alerted him, and he opened his eyes. Leroy lay awake, watching him.

  “Hey, you’re the one catching all the Z’s around here.” He tried to sound relaxed.

  Leroy wasn’t fooled, though. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

  As usual, Ramsey failed to hide anything from Leroy, but he kept trying anyway. “Nothing’s wrong. Go back to sleep.”

  “You’re a terrible liar, Sherlock.”

  “I’m actually quite a good liar, Leroy.”

  “Not with me, you’re not. Where’s Sarah?”

  Ramsey said nothing, and Leroy started to sit up. The blood on his shirt and stomach had dried, and now the fabric and sheets stuck to him as he moved.

  Ramsey moved to stop him. “What are you doing?” He tried to get Leroy to lie back down. “You almost died a few hours ago.”

  Leroy ignored him, sat all the way up, and swung his legs over the bed as if he’d just had a full night of solid sleep. “That was a few hours ago. In case you haven’t noticed, I’m healed.” He looked down at himself. “I need a shower.”

  “Leroy,” said Ramsey, the angst back in his voice, “I swear to God, if you collapse on me, I’ll kill you.”

  “Sherlock.” Leroy’s tone was strong and pointed, and he met Ramsey’s eyes. “I am not going to die.” He held his stare. “You understand?”

  Ramsey let out a ragged breath, relaxed his posture, but held the look. “You scared the hell out of me.”

  Leroy watched as his friend teetered on an emotional ledge. “Yeah, well, if it helps, it scared the hell out of me, too.”

  Ramsey half smiled and tried to appear calmer. “Still want me to water your plants?”

  Leroy chuckled. “Are you kidding? No need for them to die.” He stood slowly, and Ramsey supported him as he steadied himself.

  “You didn’t answer my question,” he said, watching Ramsey.

  “What’s that?” asked Ramsey, knowing exactly what Leroy was referring to.

  “You know. Sarah. Where is she?’ He watched Ramsey’s demeanor deflate.

  “She’s in the bathtub,” answered Ramsey, deciding he could not keep the truth from Leroy. “Take a look for yourself.”

  Leroy took a few short steps and, realizing he was strong enough, headed into the bathroom unassisted. He stopped to see a lifeless Sarah lying in the drained tub with Declan by her side. The energy previously pulsing from her was gone, and her skin had gone from red to white.

  Declan regarded Leroy. “Well, look who’s up. How are you feeling?”

  Leroy took in the scene. “I’d feel better if she were better.”

  Declan’s eyes tracked from Sarah and back to Leroy. “She’s still hanging in there. We’re not giving up on her.”

  Leroy continued to watch her. “She’s a brave lady.” He paused. “I take it what she did for me caused this?”

  Ramsey answered. “Don’t do that, Leroy. She did it because she had no other choice. She couldn’t watch you die.”

  “She barely knew me, Sherlock.”

  “That didn’t matter to her. She did it because that’s who she is. She’d have done it for any of us.”

  Leroy heard Ramsey’s words, but he knew the truth and could sense it as well as anyone in the room. Sarah hadn’t done it for his sake; she’d done it for Ramsey’s, and that was what was eating at his friend. It was why he’d looked so troubled when Leroy had awakened and seen him wrestling with his emotions and self-doubt.

  Ramsey continued. “This is not your fault, Leroy. Don’t blame yourself.”

  Leroy turned and faced him. “And I’ll ask you to do the same, Sherlock. This isn’t your fault either. Don’t put this on your shoulders.”

  Ramsey stilled at Leroy’s advice. He saw Declan, who also looked back with that same expression, conveying Leroy’s words, but saying nothing.

  He ignored them both. He stood silent in the room, refusing to let himself off the hook. He responded tersely, without meaning to. “We need to get her out of here and into some dry clothes.” He proceeded to step closer as Declan moved aside. He kneeled down and picked up Sarah carefully, holding her close. The wetness of her clothes seeped into his as he carried her out of the small bathroom, through the living room, and back into the master bedroom. Declan and Leroy watched him go.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

  * * *

  DECLAN ROSE FROM his seat on the floor. “I’ve never seen him like this,” he said.

  Leroy didn’t answer. After a moment, he replied, “He’s battling demons.” Leroy continued to stare after his friend. “He’ll figure it out.”

  “Maybe,” said Declan. “That is, if she lives.”

  Leroy regarded Declan. “Well, if she dies, than it really won’t matter, will it?”

  Declan considered that. “I guess that’s one way of looking at it.”

  Leroy looked down at himself. “I think I need to clean myself up a bit.”

  Declan didn’t have to ask what he meant. “Shower’s all yours. You have a change of clothes?”

  “Yes. I keep some in the bedroom closet.”

  “Okay.” Declan paused before leaving the bathroom. “I should tell you that our bad guys, X and Z, are dead, along with their older friend.”

  Remembering his encounter with Z, Leroy answered, “I assumed as much. Where are they now?”

  “I made a phone call. Had the bodies picked up a little while ago. They had no identification on them. The lab will try to make a positive ID.”

  “And Morgana?” asked Leroy.

  Declan shrugged. “I figured you’d want to handle that phone call.”

  Leroy’s shoulders fell. “You leave me with all the fun jobs, don’t you?”

  “That’s what happens when you’ve been sleeping for the last three hours.”

  Leroy grunted. “So much for sympathy.”

  Declan turned serious. “All kidding aside, Leroy, I’m glad you’re back among the living. You had us pretty scared.”

  Leroy smiled. “Me too, Decla
n. Me too. And thanks for what you did for me. I know Sarah was the ringleader, but I get a strong feeling she couldn’t have done it without help from everyone.”

  “No thanks required,” said Declan. “I’m just glad I don’t have to be the one who keeps John out of trouble.”

  Leroy chuckled. “Yes, that is a big job. You’re welcome to help at any time, though.”

  Declan smiled back. “He’s all yours.”

  “That’s what I thought.” Leroy responded. “Now get outta here. I’ve got to get myself cleaned up.”

  With that, Declan turned and left and Leroy closed the bathroom door.

  Twenty minutes later, Leroy reemerged, looking and feeling much better. He dropped his bloody clothes in the trashcan in the kitchen as Declan sat at the kitchen table, munching on a sandwich.

  “You’re looking better,” said Declan.

  “I don’t think I could have looked any worse.” He looked around the room and took in the scattered remnants of glass on the carpet and the bloodstains in various areas of the room. He allowed himself a moment to consider how close it had been for him, but it was unlike him to dwell on what could have been, so he shrugged it off and moved on.

  “Where’s Sherlock and Hannah?”

  Declan put down his sandwich. Lines of fatigue were etched in his face. “They’re in the master with Sarah. Hannah got her into some dry clothes and into bed. John won’t leave her side.” Declan’s worried look told Leroy a lot. “I told them to take a break and get something to eat. Neither of them has had a solid meal since yesterday.”

  “And?” asked Leroy.

  “Hannah said she’d be out soon.”

  “And Sherlock?”

  “Completely ignored me.”

  Leroy sighed. “Damn, he’s stubborn.”

  Declan agreed. “You don’t have to tell me. I grew up with him.”

  As if hearing her name mentioned, Hannah emerged from the bedroom. She looked almost as pale as Sarah. Dark circles were showing under her eyes.

  “Any food left?” she asked.

  “Sit down,” said Leroy. “I’ll get you something.”

  She did exactly that. The effects of the last hours were catching up to her and she looked like she could curl up on the chair and go to sleep. Her stomach growled and Leroy heard it.

  She perused Leroy. “Glad to see you’re up and around.”

  “I’m good as new, thanks.” Leroy walked over to the kitchen counter. He saw the jars and bread still sitting there. “What are you eating, Declan?”

  “Peanut butter and jelly sandwich,” Declan answered, taking another bite.

  “Really?” asked Leroy. “A fully stocked kitchen, and you’re eating that?”

  “I’ll take it,” said Hannah.

  “It’s easy and it’s fast,” replied Declan, “which are the only two major components I require right now.”

  “I hear you,” said Hannah, resting her head on her arm.

  “All right,” said Leroy, “one peanut butter and jelly sandwich coming up.”

  Declan observed Hannah as she rested her head with her eyes closed. “Don’t fall asleep yet. You’ve got a gourmet sandwich coming up.”

  She opened her eyes and sat up, stifling a yawn. She looked back at him with a serious expression. “So,” she said, “are we safe for now?”

  Declan stopped chewing, and Leroy stopped making the sandwich. They both looked at Hannah and then glanced at each other.

  “You heard what he said, didn’t you?” she asked, referring to X’s last words.

  Declan went back to chewing as Leroy resumed and completed the sandwich preparation. He cut the sandwich in half and brought it over and placed it in front of Hannah.

  “Here. Start eating. You want some water?” Leroy asked her.

  “Please,” replied Hannah, still waiting for an answer to her question. Leroy came back with her water and a sandwich he’d made for himself. He sat down and took a bite as Declan finished his own.

  Declan finally answered her as she took a bite of her food. “For now, I think we’re safe.”

  Hannah’s face looked like she’d just bitten into a gourmet dinner after years of eating microwave meals. “What does that mean?” she asked through a mouthful.

  Declan thought about it. “Whoever we’re dealing with here will have to regroup. I doubt very seriously that whoever is behind this was prepared to lose today.”

  “He may not even realize yet that his plan failed,” Leroy interjected, taking a bite of his own food.

  “He’ll realize it soon enough,” replied Declan.

  “How do we know there’s someone else? Maybe these guys were the ringleaders,” said Hannah.

  Declan took a moment to answer, unsure how to respond. Leroy waited to hear too.

  “That’s unlikely.” Declan knew that was not the answer they’d hoped to hear.

  Hannah’s expression turned somber. “So what happens next?”

  Declan considered lying to her but decided against it. “Since we have no idea who we’re dealing with, I can’t answer that.” He paused and watched Hannah take another bite. “But if he’s anything like the other two, then I think we can anticipate a significant response.”

  She stopped chewing after Declan’s answer and put down the rest of her sandwich. “I don’t think I’m hungry anymore.”

  Declan tried to put her at ease. “I don’t expect an immediate reaction. Our adversary needs to consider a few things before attacking again.”

  “Such as?” asked Leroy.

  “Well, Sarah put on quite a show. She turned out to be much more effective than I think he bargained for.”

  “Really?” asked Leroy.

  “Yes.” Declan realized Leroy and Hannah had missed the Sarah show from earlier. “She took those two out with no difficulty at all. She’s not one to mess around with.”

  “Well, at the moment, she’s not much of a threat,” replied Hannah.

  “Yes, but I doubt he knows that. Right now, I’m guessing he’s questioning his assumptions, wondering how to proceed next.”

  “Great,” said Hannah.

  “So we need to figure out who he is,” said Leroy, “and fast.”

  “Well, if he’s as powerful as those two were, then we’re in for a battle.” Declan leaned forward in his chair and rested his forearms on the table. “Which begs the question, who are these guys? How did they slip under the Council’s radar?”

  “Are they Red-Lines?” asked Hannah.

  “No,” replied Declan, “but they did have an unusual energy. Nothing I’ve ever felt before, and they were extremely well trained. Probably been trained since they were children in order to wield that kind of power.”

  “But trained by who?” asked Leroy, taking another bite.

  Pushing back his plate, Declan answered, “I don’t know. Maybe that’s who ‘Y’ is.”

  “Y?” asked both Leroy and Hannah together.

  “Yes, Y,” said Declan. “Our two visitors called themselves ‘X’ and ‘Z.’ We have to assume there’s a ‘Y’ somewhere.”

  “And he’s the one who wants Sarah?’ Hannah asked.

  Declan answered as best he could. “I don’t know, Hannah. I wish I did.”

  “Well,” Leroy cut in earnestly, “if we can’t get Sarah to pull through this, then there’s nothing left for him to fight for.”

  “That’s not going to happen.” Ramsey’s tempered voice responded resolutely from the hallway. “Not if I can help it.”

  The gazes of all three moved in his direction as Ramsey leaned against the wall nearby. He seemed to have shrunk over the past two days. Stubble covered his jaw, and his skin was taut and drawn. His whole body tensed, as if ready to spring into action at the slightest unexpected movement.

  “What?” said Declan, “If she lives, you want this mysterious Y to come for her?”

  Ramsey furrowed his brow. “You know what I mean, Declan. She’ll survive this. And if this ‘Y’ w
ants to come get her, he’ll have to go through me first.”

  His fuse shortened by weariness, Declan bit back. “In case you hadn’t noticed, we got our butts kicked by those two. You are not much of a threat to him.”

  Ramsey’s anger quickly flared. “What are you saying, Declan, that I can’t protect her?”

  Declan responded in kind. “Look at yourself, John. I doubt you could protect a stray dog from a cat at this point. You’re getting too close.”

  Ramsey’s emotional balance, already precarious, completely dissolved at Declan’s remarks. Furious, he rushed forward in Declan’s direction as Declan got up from his chair, ready to defend himself. “Don’t you tell me how to do my job, Declan,” Ramsey spat. “I don’t want your advice or your help. I didn’t want you here in the first place.”

  Declan didn’t back down. “You can’t do this all by yourself, John. Stop acting like a spoiled child.”

  Ramsey stood mere inches from Declan. “Spoiled? If anyone knows anything about being spoiled, Declan, it would be you.”

  “That’s enough out of both of you!” Leroy’s booming voice sounded through the room, and Hannah jumped. Leroy watched the two brothers glare at each other, neither backing down. “As I see it,” he continued, “forget spoiled. You’re both a couple of idiots.” He continued his scolding, trying his best to distract the both of them from the matter at hand. They were both overwrought and exhausted, and were using this as an outlet of repressed tension. “Now both of you sit down and shut up. We’ve got better things to do than fight amongst ourselves.”

  His shouting seemed to pierce their defenses, and they both relaxed their postures a bit. Ramsey broke the stare first and took a step back, looking at Leroy. “You’re right, Leroy.” He took a breath, as if to calm himself. “I’ve got better things to do.” He shot another angry look at Declan and then turned to leave the room.