“And this group, who was holding the young men hostage, are they a threat? Something worth worrying about?”
“Amateurs,” Rex said.
Grant was quiet for a moment. Rex hadn’t admitted his betrayal yet, but the shortness of his answers and lack of suggestions told Grant something was wrong.
“Keep doing the same,” Grant said. “Monitor the situation, stay close. Check in as the situation develops.”
Grant hung up the phone and walked back to his table. He needed to put the phone away before this girl reported back to her father that Grant had spent the whole meal ignoring her. He still wanted the grand commander position and had to keep playing along until the announcement was made.
If Rex betrayed him it would change nothing. Before he became irate, Grant took a breath and reminded himself of his current situation. Grant would become grand commander and get to kill Mia, making sure she never reappeared. Roderick Rowe would ensure that outcome.
“Do you not like salmon?” Tamara asked, pulling Grant out of his mind.
“Not particularly,” he said.
“I can get you something else,” she said. “I’d like to hear about the food you like.”
How boring, Grant thought to himself.
“You have a lifetime to learn everything I like,” Grant said.
“Did the phone call upset you?” Tamara asked.
“A friend may have moved on,” Grant said.
“How terrible,” Tamara said.
She assumed Rex was dead, and he might as well have been.
“Please,” Grant said. “Tell me about yourself.”
Tamara started to babble on about her singing skills. Grant couldn’t have cared less.
Why are we learning about weapons?” Grant asked.
“We aren’t,” Victor said. “I know about them already. You only have two years until you report for service. The more prepared you are, the better the placement, and the better the placement, the better your quality of postservice life.”
Over the past four years Grant had already learned a great deal. He enjoyed his work. He spent most of his time studying chemical reactions and how to improve roadways. His favorite assignments were those involving technological advances, but those were few and far between.
The two were at one of Victor’s retreats. This one was in the hills, half a day’s drive away from Victor’s home. They were lying on the ground, guns in hand waiting for their prey.
“Release the next one,” Victor yelled.
A door lifted and a boy ran out. He was about Grant’s age and dirty. He had a black eye and was filled with confusion, just like the rest of them. He stopped and stood still in the open grass.
“This one isn’t even trying,” Victor said. “Release a dog.”
Grant heard the barking coming and the boy started to run.
“See if you can get him with one shot this time,” Victor said.
Grant looked through the scope of his gun. He watched as the boy tried to run in a zigzag pattern across the grounds.
“Are you sure this isn’t illegal?” Grant asked.
“Of course it’s illegal,” Victor said. “But not for a person like me. One day it won’t be for you either. Remember that. You are better than everyone else.”
Grant continued to follow the boy through his scope. He saw his shot and took it, this time hitting the boy in the head. He fell to the ground.
“See?” Victor said. “Each time you take a life it gets a little easier.”
“It doesn’t seem like a fair fight,” Grant said.
“That’s because it isn’t,” Victor said. “I think that’s enough for today.”
Everything Victor taught him over the years came with a harsh sense of cruelty. Grant didn’t mind, though. He looked forward to getting home. All the horrors Victor had exposed him to were worth it. Not because Victor was teaching Grant a skill or preparing him for a successful tour in service, but because at the end of each day Grant came home to Daphne.
Grant had had enough of this dinner. He stood up from the table. Tamara kept her head bowed and rose as well.
“I had a lovely time tonight,” Grant said. “Business calls me away.”
Tamara curtsied and Grant walked out of the room. He started down the hall toward his car. He didn’t care if Ian got upset. Tamara might have been his daughter, but she was still a woman and not a priority on Grant’s list.
Grant needed to get home. He wanted to start making preparations for Amelia’s return. Grant wanted everything perfect for her, including the decision on which weapons he would use with her.
Chapter 67
All members must complete core education requirements. For new members these may be completed concurrently with their work assignments.
—Internal memorandum from Affinity
The doctor was waiting outside the infirmary for the car to return. Mia saw her rise as they pulled into the lot.
“I think we all deserve a break after that,” Zack said. “We’ll finish orientation tomorrow.”
“Andrew,” the doctor said, “what happened? Are you all right?”
“I’ll tell you all about it tonight,” he said.
He looked down at Mia and watched her reaction. She was proud that he was seeking help in others. She gave him a smile. There was new warmth in his eyes. Almost like a spark had been reignited. He looked away to step out of the car; Mia did the same.
“Someone should tell Carter,” Mia said.
“You don’t know where he is?” Zack asked.
Mia shook her head.
“Probably looking for us,” Mia said. “We were supposed to meet him at the field.”
“I think we could use some time to ourselves,” Andrew said.
He was looking at Mia. She felt he was ready to continue with their conversation from earlier.
“I’ll find him,” Sarah said. “See you guys at dinner?”
Mia nodded. Zack, Sarah, and Dr. Drum walked off.
“Come on,” Andrew said.
He walked away from the carport. Once they reached the road he walked in the opposite direction from the camp.
“Where are we going?” Mia asked.
“Just walking,” Andrew said. “Not far.”
Mia kept pace with him.
“I’ve been speaking with Katie,” he said.
“Katie?”
“Dr. Drum,” Andrew said. “I call her Katie.”
“Oh,” Mia said.
“She’s helping me deal with my time in the militia,” Andrew said. “That’s what I’ve been keeping from you.”
“Oh,” Mia said. “How is she helping you?”
“We’re talking mainly,” Andrew said. “When the memories come back, they aren’t as painful.”
“That’s good,” Mia said.
“That response is the exact reason I didn’t want to tell you,” Andrew said. He had a pressed smile on his lips and shook his head.
Mia stopped walking. She placed her hand on his face and turned it toward her.
“There’s nothing wrong with talking to someone,” Mia said.
“I know,” Andrew said.
“I’m surprised it’s not me,” Mia said.
He grabbed her hand with his own and gave it a quick kiss before dropping it. Mia felt like her skin was on fire. All of her concerns over Andrew speaking to the doctor instead of her vanished. If that was what he needed, she would support him. They continued walking.
“I’ve been asked to join the External Tactics division,” Mia said.
“The most prestigious branch,” Andrew said.
“And the most intense,” Mia said. “Sarah says you never see those people. They follow a different schedule. I wouldn’t be with you as often.”
Andrew frowned.
“I told Eleanor I’d think about it,” Mia said.
“Is that where Rex is?”
“He joined,” Mia said. “He said he saved your life to try to
redeem himself for Whitney.”
“Do you believe him?”
“I think so,” Mia said.
“Yeah,” Andrew said. “Me too.”
They walked in silence for a few more minutes. On the side of the road were two large rocks, sitting just outside the jungle. Andrew led Mia over and took a seat. She sat across from him. Mia looked into his eyes; he was staring at her. His jaw was relaxed and there wasn’t a crease on his face.
“I don’t know what you’re thinking,” Mia said.
“I’m thinking that I missed you,” Andrew said.
Mia thought he was moving closer, but at such a slow rate she couldn’t be sure if she was imagining it. She started to lean in a little.
“I missed you too,” she said.
Suddenly it wasn’t in Mia’s imagination. Andrew leaned closer and brought his hand behind her head, pulling her toward him. Mia let her eyes shut and when their lips met she felt like her whole body was exploding. He rested his other hand on her leg and she returned his kiss, parting her lips just a bit. He did the same and Mia felt a shiver run through her body. Then he gave her a quick kiss and pulled away. Mia knew her lips were in a pout. Andrew smiled and laughed a little.
“Now that we’re alone,” Andrew said, “with no dread looming over us, I want you to tell me in great detail what you’ve been doing for the last month. Including how you got this back.”
Mia looked down and saw Andrew holding up a piece of her hair. Mia blushed and grabbed his other hand. She would tell him everything. Riley, Joseph, Dalmy, and why she was valuable to External Tactics. She didn’t want any secrets between them.
Chapter 68
The names of our members stationed in America must be kept hidden. They should exist on no piece of paper or electronic document.
—Internal memorandum from Affinity
“I know that most of you have had the pleasure of meeting our newest recruits, but tonight please allow me to formally introduce Mia, Andrew, Carter, and Rex,” Zack said.
The four of them rose from their table. The whole room was clapping. Andrew didn’t seem upset this time, more embarrassed by the attention. Carter cracked a small smile, the first Mia had seen in days. Rex’s smile was almost too large. His toothy grin made him look like an eager child.
“As is our way,” Zack said, “tonight there will be a celebration in the field in their honor.”
Now everyone really clapped. This was news to Mia. All of her colleagues seemed surprised too. Mia saw Carter’s smile fade though. He was always so social. It didn’t make any sense.
“We hope to see everyone there,” Zack said.
The applause died down and people started leaving. A small girl came running up to them. She had a piece of folded purple paper in her hand. She handed it to Andrew and then ran off right away.
“What was that?” Mia asked playfully.
Andrew opened the paper up. Mia leaned over his shoulder to read. In childlike handwriting it said:
Welcome to Affinity Andrew. We are happy you are here. Love your friend Stella
“I think someone has an admirer,” Mia said.
“She must be seven,” Andrew said. He looked concerned.
“When I was her age I had crushes on all the older farmhands,” Mia said. “I guess that’s just human nature.”
“What?” Andrew asked. “Liking older men?”
“Liking attractive men,” Mia said.
Andrew shook his head, but Mia watched as he folded the note back up and slid it into his pocket.
“Can we talk?” Carter asked. “Just the three of us.”
Rex had already walked away. He was speaking with Katie. Andrew looked concerned.
“I’ll be right back,” he said.
He walked away from the table and over toward Katie and Rex.
“It’s important,” Carter said.
Andrew didn’t seem hostile. In fact the opposite; he seemed almost happy.
“Mia,” Carter said.
“What?”
She turned her head back to look at Carter. His forehead was crinkled up and his arms were crossed.
“Do you ever pay attention to anything I say? Or are you too obsessed with Andrew to spare me any thoughts at all?”
“I care about you,” Mia said. “That’s not fair.”
“I want to talk to both of you,” Carter said. “Before the party.”
Andrew came back over. Carter pushed away from the table and walked toward the door.
“What’s his problem?” Andrew asked.
One detail Mia had left out when she was describing the past month to Andrew: her fling with Carter.
“He’s feeling a little left out,” Mia said.
She started after him and Andrew followed. Carter went straight to their bunk. Mia pushed the door open; Carter was pacing back and forth.
“We’re here,” Mia said. “Our attention is all yours.”
“They introduced us as recruits,” Carter said. “When did we agree to stay here?”
“Where else would we go?” Mia asked.
“I don’t know,” Carter said. “Anywhere. We could go back to Mexico. We could stow away on a boat. Anywhere.”
“That’s crazy,” Mia said.
“I’m not crazy,” Carter said.
“I didn’t say you were,” Mia said. “Sit down.”
Carter stopped pacing and took a seat on the lowest bunk. He hung his head between his legs, then brought his hands up through his hair and down his face.
“I don’t want to stay here,” he said.
“Why not?” Mia asked.
She glanced toward Andrew. He was silent, leaning against the door.
“I feel trapped here,” Carter said.
Mia didn’t understand. They had a lot of freedom here. Carter seemed very frustrated.
“Are you two together now?” he asked.
Mia’s eyes widened. She was going to have to find time to tell Andrew everything, before Carter did and Andrew hated her for it. She remembered the look of betrayal on his face when he’d walked in and Mia was on top of Carter.
“Yes,” Andrew said.
“Perfect,” Carter said.
“It doesn’t mean we care about you any less,” Mia said.
“Get over yourself,” Carter said. “Everyone thinks your life is so precious. That you are worth more than anyone else. I don’t see what the big deal is.”
“Hey,” Andrew said.
He started to walk over from the door. Mia felt guilty. She hadn’t realized Carter’s feelings for her were that serious, but she wanted to avoid having this conversation right now.
“Carter,” Mia said, “you’re frustrated. I understand.”
“You don’t have to stay,” Andrew said.
“Andrew,” Mia said. She shot him an angry look. “If one of us leaves, we all leave,” Mia said.
Carter seemed to relax a little at that comment. His face loosened up and he sat up tall.
“I want to leave,” Carter said. “Tonight.”
“Give it a week,” Mia said. “Let’s spend one week here and then have this conversation again. Can we all agree on that?”
Carter glanced around the room and nodded his head. Andrew was indifferent.
“But you have to give it your all,” Mia said. “Is there any position you’re interested in?”
Carter shrugged.
“Teaching,” he said. “I like the kids.”
“Tell Zack that,” Mia said. “Then spend the week at the school.”
Carter nodded his head.
“We should get to the party,” Andrew said. “It is in our honor.”
Carter stood up from the bed and walked toward the door. He brushed past Andrew on his way out. Whatever camaraderie the two had built over the last few weeks was dwindling down.
“Why did you say that?” Mia asked Andrew.
“What?”
“That he could go off on his own?”
/> “I don’t want him to,” Andrew said. “But I also don’t want him to feel like a prisoner. If he’s not happy here or happy about us he needs to know he has options.”
“Well, there are better ways to say that,” Mia said.
“Why are you so upset?” Andrew said. “He just insulted you.”
Mia took a breath. Now was her moment to come clean.
“Andrew, I didn’t tell you everything earlier,” Mia said. “Before we left America . . . Carter and I were . . . together.”
Andrew looked like he’d been punched in the gut.
“Did I know?” Andrew asked.
“You found out,” Mia said.
In true Andrew fashion he sucked up whatever he was feeling and his face went blank.
“We should get to the party,” he said.
“Does this change anything?” Mia asked.
“No,” Andrew said.
Mia knew he was lying. He wouldn’t look at her as he turned and left the cabin. Mia stood alone in the empty cabin, regretting her time with Carter and her decision not to tell Andrew about it this afternoon.
The party was in full swing. There was a campfire set up with people sitting around it. A band was playing music on the field and people were dancing. Children were running all over the place. Mia watched as Andrew chatted with Rex and Katie, while Carter played games with some kids. Mia sighed and decided it was best to give Andrew some time to digest the news. She spotted Sarah sitting by the campfire and went to join her friend.
“Congratulations,” Sarah said.
“For?”
“Joining Affinity,” Sarah said.
“We haven’t yet,” Mia said. “Well, not officially.”
“Oh,” Sarah said. She crinkled her nose, then let out a small laugh. “Did you give any thought to your job?” she asked.
Apparently formal acceptance was a minor detail.
“I was hoping to talk to you about that,” Mia said. “I received an offer, from ET.”
Sarah’s eyes bugged out of her head. “Are you going to take it?”
“I said I needed some time,” Mia said.
“You’re crazy not to,” Sarah said.
“You said you would be unsure.”
“I said that because I’ll probably never get asked,” Sarah said.
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