It hadn’t been easy to get Darius to swallow the medication in his state. Interspersed with dosing him, she focused the power of the orb and her own natural ability towards the raging battle that was going on in his lungs. Even though it seemed the more she worried about him the more clarity she developed, her strength was woefully inadequate. Clearly it had been mostly Darius’s power that had healed Alec’s stab wound.
Anna had appeared only once in the last couple of hours. Riley had opened her eyes to find Anna staring at them with an intent look on her face that gave away nothing, but scared Riley nonetheless. Did she care at all for Darius? What had happened to the woman who had sacrificed herself in the caves underneath the island near Newfoundland so Darius could escape? Was she still on their side or had the change in time changed more than just Riley’s place in the world? Or, the thought seeped into her mind, had that only appeared to be a sacrifice? Wordlessly, Anna had turned on her heels and returned to the living room leaving Riley alone with her uncomfortable thoughts and more questions than answers.
Riley shoved those concerns from her mind. She had a task to perform and nearly falling asleep was not going to help. Castigating herself under her breath, she shifted slightly to get comfortable and carefully positioned the orb over Darius’s heart. She breathed deeply. Even with a hair full of seawater he smelled wonderful.
The bedroom door opened, spilling soft light onto the bed. Riley sat up and squinted. A tall, gangly shape stood in the doorway. A hand reached out and flipped on the overhead light before Riley could shout out to stop. She clamped her eyes shut against the sudden glare.
“Crikey, mate, you don’t half get on while I’m gone, do ya?”
The voice was strident and seemed to slam through Riley’s already pounding skull. “Turn off the light,” she snapped.
“Jeez, Normie, what are you doing here?” Kerry, sleep rumpled, appeared behind the newcomer. “Estelle’s party is tonight. Did you forget?”
“Nah,” Normie shrugged, “she kicked me out again. Persona non grata. Who are they?”
Riley squinted against the light. Normie, the key-forgetting roommate, was a scarecrow of a man, easily taller than Darius or Anna by a head. He had a wild Afro of light brown frizzy curls and heavy tortoise-framed glasses that had slid halfway down his beaky nose. His jeans ended several inches higher than his hairy ankles. Whoever Estelle was, she had good taste if she’d dumped him, Riley thought.
“Guests of mine.” Kerry took hold of Normie’s arm and none too gently pulled him out of the bedroom. “I’ll explain it in the morning.”
“No way.” Normie pulled his arm out of Kerry’s grasp and came to stand at the foot of the bed like a human Q-tip. “Whatever’s going on, I want in. She’s kinda cute.”
Kerry sighed. “The guy is sick. Riley’s his nurse.”
“Yeah, right.” Normie gave a short laugh as he stared at Riley.
Another goon who kept his brain outside his skull, Riley groused silently. “Turn around and heave your skinny butt out of here,” she said, raising the orb off Darius’s chest for a second and levelling it at Normie’s stomach. The faintest yellow flash leapt from the orb to Normie, all but invisible in the bright overhead light.
“Whoa,” Kerry hissed.
Riley pushed again, none too subtly. “Leave.”
Normie began to back out of the bedroom, wide-eyed with interest, when Anna appeared behind him and halted his retreat.
“Who is this person?” Anna asked, her sharp gaze travelling from Kerry to his roommate and back again.
“Normie Weinstein. Roommate and astrophysics major. We’ve known each other for years,” Kerry said by way of introduction. He turned to Normie. “Anna’s the leader of this little tour. Wait till you hear what she has to say about gravitational slingshot effects. It’s totally mind blowing.”
“A beautiful woman who knows something about galactic expansion and dark matter behaviour?” Normie turned to peer down at Anna from his great height. Her hard look didn’t appear to faze him at all. “No way. Count me as impressed.”
“Riley has important work to do, and we are disturbing her,” Anna said curtly. “Come into the lounge and we’ll talk.”
“I’m yours to command.”
Riley could barely suppress the grin. Someone was in for a very nasty surprise.
Kerry still stood in the doorway. “How’re you getting on?”
Riley shrugged. “Fever comes and goes but his breathing’s a bit worse.”
“Normie’s not as big a jerk as he first seems.”
“Really? Coulda fooled me.” Riley tilted her head to try and ease a slight kink.
“He’s a brilliant scientist. Almost finished his Ph.D. and he’s only twenty-two.” Kerry scratched an ankle with the toes of his other foot while leaning against the doorjamb. “He’s a huge Trekker. Meeting you guys will be the highlight of his entire life.”
“Yeah, terrific.” Riley yawned. She hoped Normie enjoyed the moment because the second Anna was capable of transporting them somewhere else Riley knew she’d wipe Kerry’s and Normie’s memories.
There was a shout from the living room and a bright flash of yellow light that seared the picture of Kerry leaning on the doorjamb into Riley’s retinas.
“Ahh,” Riley cried, covering her eyes with her free hand.
From the doorway, Kerry yelled, “What was that?” He spun around. Riley scrambled in front of Darius’s helpless form and aimed her orb at the doorway. She held her breath, her heart hammering somewhere in the vicinity of her throat. Who was using orbs to attack them?
“That was unfortunately necessary.” Anna’s cool voice could be heard from the other room.
“Good grief, woman,” Kerry exclaimed. “What did you do to him?”
Riley jumped off the bed and went to the doorway. For a moment she couldn’t see what was wrong. The living room appeared entirely normal. Perhaps a bit messier with a throw blanket tossed to the floor beside the sofa and several empty glasses on the coffee table. It wasn’t until she realized Kerry was craning his head upward that Riley knew where to look.
Normie was on the vaulted ceiling spread-eagled and looking absolutely thrilled. Anna’s arms were crossed tightly in front of her body and she was staring at Normie as if he was a slug she’d just found in her sandwich.
Kerry breathed a low, “Whoa,” and held onto the doorframe in disbelief.
“And just how long are you planning to keep him there?” Riley asked.
Anna gave her a brief, scathing look. “This Terran cannot keep his hands to himself.”
“A quick mind wipe would have worked just as well,” Riley offered.
“Like the ones you attempted on the bridge?” Anna pursed her lips. “We have spent most of the evening dealing with the entire tour company, all of whom apparently saw you leave and attack two employees. I have had to deal with the director, six employees, one spouse, and a pair of armed officials of the local policing establishment. I have wiped enough minds today.”
Riley sucked in her breath. She’d totally forgotten Kerry’s workmates.
“No worries,” Kerry shrugged beside her, his eyes glued to his friend on the ceiling. “I can get a new job.”
“And him?” Riley raised an eyebrow at Normie, who was now trying to push himself off the ceiling with no success.
“He stays there until we are able to leave.” Anna crossed the few steps to Riley’s side and brushed past her into the dark bedroom. She stopped at the side of the bed and reached down, touching Darius’s brow in a movement that was both too intimate and coldly clinical for Riley to watch.
“He’s worse,” Riley said.
“Agreed,” Anna replied.
“He needs a doctor. Probably IV fluids. Round the clock monitoring.”
“I concur.”
“Are you strong enough to transport him back to Home Base?” Riley asked quietly. The last place she wanted Darius was in the hands of the Tyon Collect
ive but if that was the only place he’d get the care he needed, then, so be it.
“I should be able to transport them,” Anna replied quietly. “However I cannot manage three.”
“I’ll stay here,” Riley offered, carefully keeping any thoughts of escape out of her head. “Kerry won’t try anything stupid. I think he’s learned the power of the orb and respects it. And besides, when you come back you can wipe his memory.”
Anna was silent for a minute. “We cannot inform Logan of this situation,” she said slowly, almost as if she were thinking out loud. “We would not be able to keep the knowledge of your companion’s gift forever. Someone would eventually let an errant thought slip and the Collective would know about Alec and what he can do.”
Maintaining a blank expression, Riley stayed quiet.
“I cannot bring anyone from the Collective here for the same reason.”
Riley crossed her fingers behind her back and kept her thoughts away from Peter and the possibility he might blab about his brother when he woke up. Anna was smart. She’d think of that and take steps to prevent it. Darius tossed his head and coughed weakly. A moan escaped his lips, hanging on the air like an entreaty. It seemed to help make up Anna’s mind.
“You will stay here,” Anna said. “Keep your orb on you at all costs. Do not permit the two Terran males to touch it. You can defend yourself with it, can you not? Darius has taught you?”
Riley nodded. “I can take care of myself.”
“I will return as soon as possible. To leave Darius at the Base in this state would encourage suspicion. I will have to stay until he is well.”
Riley was about to ask how long, but Anna answered before the words could leave her lips. “Two days, maximum. Our medical technology is vastly superior and despite the seriousness of his illness, it will not take long to heal him.” Anna turned and faced Riley. In the dim light her eyes appeared silver. “Under no circumstances should you leave this apartment. I will use my orb to create a mild repellant force to encircle the perimeter, which will minimize any danger. Leave the apartment and the force field is negated.”
Riley shrugged a shoulder. She’d do what she wanted the second her regal frostiness left the building. “Sure,” she replied. “Got it.”
“Remain vigilant, Riley,” Anna warned. “The Council is on their way to Earth and will arrive shortly. Hope that they don’t find you.”
26
Alec spun around so quickly he stumbled backwards and fell against Dean. Strong arms gripped him from behind and he was lifted up, his arms pinned to his sides. He nearly bit his tongue stopping the vitriol that threatened to spill from his lips and worsen his situation tenfold.
“Do not move,” Dean warned quietly into his left ear.
Alec willed himself not fight but the surge of fury was rising inside. He wouldn’t win. His five years of kickboxing hadn’t a hope against Dean’s advanced level of alien martial arts. His only hope was to talk his way out of the situation, which was pretty hopeless—he was much more used to using his fists.
“Bring him to Central Command,” Logan ordered sharply as he stared down his long nose with an air of deep satisfaction. He turned and strode quickly away.
“Yes, sir,” Dean said to Logan’s back. His voice dropped as he murmured into Alec’s ear. “I do not know what you have done or who you are, but I would say that you are in trouble.”
“He’s always hated me,” Alec began. Realizing his mistake the second the words left his mouth he urgently backpedalled. “I mean, since the second he saw me in the hotel. I don’t know why.”
“This way.” Dean pointed towards the corridor Logan had disappeared down and gave Alec a slight shove between his shoulder blades.
“What’s he gonna do to me?” Alec reverted to the scared and guileless tone he’d used with Dean an hour ago. “Why’s the guy so mad at me? I didn’t do nothing.”
“Commander Logan is quick to make judgments,” Dean said, his voice barely audible above their footsteps. He was staring straight ahead, walking at Alec’s side, his face curiously blank of any emotion. But his words held dynamite. “If he decides something, no matter what evidence is brought forward, he will not change his mind. Some consider it a vital skill of command.” Dean’s pause left no doubt as to his personal feelings on the subject. “Appeal is perhaps better made to those currently in charge.”
“Commander Kholar seems like a reasonable man,” Alec replied just as quietly. Several Tyon operatives passed them going in the other direction. Alec held his tongue until they were out of sight. “He won’t let Logan kill me, will he?”
They turned a corner, then another. Ahead, the column of central command reached towards the roof. They were almost there. Dean slowed his steps. “Kholar is merely inspecting. He’ll be gone in a few hours. Logan is in charge of this venture and makes all decisions regarding this mission. We are not in the habit of killing Potentials. Why do you fear this?”
“He thinks I know something I don’t,” Alec said with desperation. He had to get someone on his side right away. “I don’t know how to use one of these marble things. But I found one, in London, and I discovered that when I used a bank machine and held the orb at the same time, money came flying out of it. I thought I’d won the lottery or something. But Logan doesn’t believe me.” Dean stared straight ahead but his jaw was clenched. “You saw Logan. You felt his hate same as I did. He isn’t going to listen to reason. You just said he doesn’t once he’s made up his mind.”
Too late. They rounded the last corner and entered the circular enclosure of central command, stopping at a respectful distance. There were only two people there. Kellin and Logan, wearing identical expressions and deep in conversation.
“Keep searching,” Logan was saying in a low and barely discernible voice. “He is being untruthful and I will discover why.”
“Anna is close to him,” Kellin remarked. “Have you asked her?”
“No,” Logan gave a sharp shake of his head. “I cannot.”
“Why not?” Kellin began. He immediately clamped his lips shut as he caught sight of Alec and Dean.
Logan noted the change in expression and turned around. “Leave him with us,” he barked.
“Yes, sir,” Dean responded. Without a glance at Alec, he turned and left.
Alec’s stomach dropped to his knees. How could Riley have liked a spineless creep who jumped the second Logan barked? Alec forced himself to think quickly despite the churning in his guts. He had to play this smart. Make them believe he was pathetic and of no consequence. He whimpered, “Why do you hate me? We just met. I haven’t done anything.”
“There are several questions you will answer.” Logan ignored Alec’s words. “Kellin will witness this interrogation and verify the sentence.”
“Sentence?” Alec squawked. “What sentence? I didn’t do anything. Why won’t you believe me?”
“You were in possession of an orb,” Logan continued.
“You mean the glass ball? Yeah, sure. I told you.” Alec turned to face Kellin in appeal. “I found it. But it’s just a marble. It doesn’t have any special powers. I had a bag of these when I was a little kid. So did my brother. Everyone has marbles when they’re a kid on earth.”
“You were aware of the rip and the danger it posed.” Logan interrupted the second Alec paused for breath.
“What rip? What are you talking about? The cloud of dust?” Alec’s mouth was so dry he could barely get the words out. “Hey, man, if you aren’t scared of some weird cloud of sparkles coming at you, then you know something I don’t.”
“You are guilty of collusion with the Others.” Logan took a step towards him.
“I don’t know who you’re talking about.” Alec retreated. His back was drenched with sweat.
“The Others know you. You work for them.”
“No, no I don’t.”
Kellin gave Logan a sharp look but said nothing as the bigger man took another menacing step towards
Alec. Then another. There was nowhere to go. The solid wall of a divider was now firmly against Alec’s back. There was no way Alec could out-maneuver Kellin and make it into the main room in the same way he’d never get past Logan. Both were grown men, strong and exceptionally fit. Both had orbs and knew how to use them in ways Alec hadn’t a clue. Teleporting out of the compound wasn’t an option without an orb and Logan had taken his. He had no other choice; drop the feigned cowardice and stand and fight. Well, he’d faced death before. Alec straightened up and gritted his jaw.
“See, the child is preparing to fight, Kellin. He knows I will not permit this traitorous game to go any further.”
Kellin’s lips twisted into a half smile.
“So, boy. Any last words before I pass sentence and carry out your execution?”
What?
“I don’t deserve to die for something I didn’t do,” Alec said angrily. “Even the Tyon Collective doesn’t sanction the murder of innocents. You know it. So do I.”
“I am in charge on this planet. My first priority is to protect the Collective from any and all danger. Collusion with our enemy sanctions immediate action.”
“You’re making a mistake,” Alec argued. “I’m just a kid. I didn’t know anything about you guys until you grabbed me and took me to Ireland. I swear.” That much was true. He’d met Darius and learned his destiny in July. It was still only June. “I don’t have any special powers. I don’t know anything about these Others you’re talking about. I only saw the sparkles for the first time with you. I’m innocent.”
“You are found guilty of being a traitor to the Tyon Collective,” Logan intoned gravely.
“You’re doing just what someone wants you to. You’re someone’s puppet,” Alec shouted.
Logan didn’t seem to hear him. “You will be summarily executed and your body returned to your family for whatever burial process is customary.”
27
Riley was too worried to sleep. What if the Tyon medical team couldn’t reverse the damage done by inhaling seawater? What would Darius think when he woke up surrounded by Tyons, including the loathsome commander Logan? What if Kerry’s sister, Kithrey, returned and found Normie on the ceiling? There was also the nebulous threat about the Council. What were they planning to do? Darius had warned about the Council too. A shadowy organization that essentially ran the galaxy and made the rules, he’d said. Heaven only knew what kind of power they had at their fingertips (did they even have fingertips?) and what they’d do to Alec once they discovered his ability to move in time.
Time of Treason Page 16
