The Mod Code
Page 23
I felt the helicopter rise.
66
JACK
I shoved away the anger as the water’s surface grew closer.
It’s just like I had suspected, now confirmed by Dad. The code was in Sage.
Which meant everything changed. My mind reeled. If Cunningham hid the code in her, then my new plan no longer included destroying the code. No way could I kill her.
I loved her too much.
I loved her.
Admitting that to myself was freeing.
Not like I’d kill her even if I didn’t, but this made things so much easier.
I will get to her.
I will get her back. We’ll hide, and I’ll protect her. I’ll keep her safe.
Finally. Finally, something worth fighting for.
The idea liberated me—thinking about life outside of destroying the code. In a way, Sage was my salvation. For the first time in my entire life, I entertained a thought I’d never allowed myself even once before.
Maybe I didn’t have to die.
67
SAGE
I sat calmly in the helicopter seat, my wet clothes sticking to me.
The reality that my dad didn’t care about me at all, but rather only wanted the code inside of me, sunk deep into my bones. The rejection settled into my core—an empty, aching feeling.
I finally got it—how Jack could actually feel the way he did about the code. I saw how he could feel responsible and desperate. How he would want to end the existence of all versions of the code.
There was a time once, when I probably would have chosen the code. For the “good” of humanity, like my father wanted—maybe still wants. But I saw what it did to those it touched—the power, the greed, the money.
Finn’s loss of intelligence.
The modwrogs.
The lack of concern for the lives of the recruits, their families.
I felt the responsibility, the pressure. The weight of it all sunk like a rock in my stomach, pulling down my entire being.
The idea that my life could create more madness, that this thing inside me had the ability to affect so many lives.
Finally. I finally understood Jack’s resolve to end his own life.
The details could be worked out on the helicopter ride, but the execution would need to come soon, before Dr. Adamson got me to wherever he intended to do his work and extract things from me.
I knew only one thing beyond the loss of my brother and mother. Only one thing beyond the ache in my heart for Beckett and the inexplicable connection I felt for Jack, who now floated toward the water beneath us.
Beyond all this, I knew only one thing.
I would have to die.
END OF BOOK ONE
Acknowledgements
Oh so many people to thank—which is awesome, because I love thanking people.
Thank you, Dan, and the members of the Northwest Arkansas Writer’s Group for all the editing insights as I fumbled with blasting myself off the launch pad and writing a novel.
Thank you Genie, Ivone, LuAnn, Jenae, Adrienne, and Hannah for reading and/or listening to early versions of this manuscript. All the support, encouragement, and reader suggestions means more than you’ll ever know.
Thank you, Andi Douglas, for your supreme editorial skills.
Thank you, Amy & Amy, two fellow writer friends always willing to offer support and advice.
Thank you, Leah, for continually hashing it all out with me—life, this book, the journey. So grateful for your wisdom and your friendship.
Thank you, Sarah Aronson, and the writer community at writers.com. Sarah, your encouragement, love, and insight through the various stages of bringing forth this novel surpassed all my expectations.
Thank you to the 60+ authors willing to write non-fiction books on the writing craft. The tutelage I received from all your books is invaluable—a university education in a box.
Thank you, Nathan Holthus, for my first fantastic cover design. You’re amazing. Creams forever. Hoo-rah.
Thank you to my Dad, John Holthus, who taught me to always work hard and believe in myself. Thank you to my mom, Sheri Holthus, who listened to me read pages from the very beginning and insisted I pursue my dreams.
Thank you, Andrew and Joely, for inspiring me daily, for daring to live your lives so fully, and for providing me the honor of being a Mom.
Thank you, Jacob. Without your support, this book wouldn’t exist. I’m so grateful to be partnered with you in this life. You always allow me to be me—and that’s the greatest gift of all.
And, finally, my depth of gratitude cannot be registered in earthly words for the God who placed me here on this earth at this very specific moment in time. Thank You for sending me the dream that became this book. Thank You for guiding me on the journey, thank You for making me uniquely me. Your hand is perfect and all-knowing, Your plans greater than we can imagine. I’m so grateful to be alive.
Wondering what happens next?
Read Book 2 in The Mod Code Series:
THE GOLDEN ORDER
Or visit www.HeidiTankersley.com
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Available for download from my website!
Ever wonder what happened before Sage & Finn arrived on the island?
Read Jack & Imogen’s Story:
THE ISLAND: A Mod Code Prequel
Visit www.HeidiTankersley.com/TheIslandBook for your FREE DOWNLOAD!
THANK YOU FOR READING!
Dear Reader,
I hope you enjoyed The Mod Code (Book 1 in The Mod Code Series). I have to tell you, I really love Jack, Sage, and Beckett. Many readers have been asking me, “What’s next for these three? Who will Sage end up with? Will the brothers make amends each other? Is Finn going to die?!?” Well, be sure to stay tuned because the saga of publishing drama is only just beginning. The Adamson brothers and Sage will be back in Book 2, and we’ll see more from Imogen and Finn as well. Will everything work out for them all? I sure hope so.
When I wrote The Mod Code, I got a lot of fans thanking me for the book. Some had opinions about Sage and Jack, while others rooted for Sage and Beckett’s reconciliation. Many talked about the brother/sister relationship of Sage and Finn. Candidly, you’re the reason I am diving further into Finn’s character. As an author, I love feedback. So tell me what you liked, what you loved, even what you hated. I’d love to hear from you. You can write me at smile@heiditankersley.com and visit me on the web at www.HeidiTankersley.com
Finally, I need to ask a favor. If you’re so inclined, I’d love a review of The Mod Code. Loved it, hated it—I’d just enjoy your feedback. Reviews can be tough to come by these days, and you, the reader, have the power to make or break a book.
Thank you so much for reading The Mod Code and for spending time with me.
Hugs and Gratitude,
Heidi Tankersley
Other Books By Heidi Tankersley
The Mod Code Series
The Mod Code (Book 1)
The Golden Order (The Mod Code Book 2)
The Island: Jack & Imogen’s Story (A Mod Code Prequel Novella)
The Lost Lineage (The Mod Code Book 3)—Coming soon!
Our Three Years: Sage & Beckett’s Story (A Mod Code Prequel)—Coming soon!
Non-Fiction Books
Overcoming Colitis: Alternative Therapies for Crohn’s Disease, Ulcerative Colitis, & other Bowel Disorders
*** You can find me on Goodreads at www.Goodreads.com/HeidiTankersley
About the Author
Heidi Tankersley loves life and believes in each person’s unique potential to accomplish amazing things here on earth. After twelve years as a yoga and Pilates instructor, she dove full-time into motivational speaking and writing books. She lives in Northwest Arkansas with her fantastic husband, two brilliant kids, and some very loyal golden retrievers.
Visit her at HeidiTankersley.com.
, The Mod Code