01

by Unknown

  -Keira-

  A Grand Estate

  “We’re nearly there. It’s just ahead on the right.” Eberhardt looked at me in the rear view mirror.

  I quickly rubbed my hands up and down my arms, trying to fend off goosebumps that threatened to appear despite the heat. Beatrice Burke had offered her front parlor for our first committee meeting. After her speech at the benefit, she’d sought me out and suggested that my apartment was not suitable for hosting social events or committee meetings. I should have been insulted, but instead, I’d agreed with her. My apartment was no place for a group of Elite women hell-bent on keeping money within their own ranks. In my sanctuary, they were not welcome.

  “You two need to start looking for suitable housing so it will be ready once you’re married,” Beatrice had said.

  That was something else Guy and I needed to discuss. He already knew how I felt about overspending, so I didn’t think it would take much to convince him to let me move back into his apartment rather than buying, or building, a house that was much too big for two people.

  Eberhardt slowly guided the car through black iron gates and drove for what felt like miles beneath two rows of maple trees. Their branches formed a green canopy overhead.

  Beyond the trees, gardens of flowers in full bloom displayed their colorful dresses of red, blue, purple, yellow and orange. When the elegant yellow two story manor came into view, I could only stare. The car slowed and then stopped. This was where Guy had grown up?

  Eberhardt walked around and opened my door. He smiled reassuringly and held out his hand. “Well, are you going in or not? That meeting isn’t going to run itself, you know.”

  I blew out a breath of air. “Okay, I can do this.” From the seat next to me, I picked up a brand new pad of paper, Aimee’s black leather folder and a fountain pen. Then I accepted Eberhardt’s outstretched hand.

  “You’ll be back in an hour?” I asked.

  “Don’t worry.” He patted my hand. “I don’t plan on leaving today. I’ll just hang out in the kitchen with the butler and cook. Send Cadence back to get me when you’re ready to go, okay?”

  “Cadence?”

  “The maid.”

  “Okay.” I nodded with relief but was nervous all over again when I knocked on the front door. I was used to big houses but from a back door, illegal entry point of view. The butler greeted me and held the door wide open. He then showed me to the parlor.

  Adira sat on a white davenport, her legs crossed at the ankles. She sipped tea out of a dainty porcelain teacup. Today, she wore a long black sundress with a fine blue print. A light blue ribbon kept her long blond hair out of her face. She looked up when I arrived.

  “What are you doing here?” I asked in a pointedly unfriendly manner.

  “Keeping an eye on you.” She sat back and took another sip.

  “What’s that supposed to mean?”

  “It means I don’t trust you.”

  I sighed. “And why not, Adira? What have I ever done to you?”

  Her eyes narrowed. “What do you want with Richard?” When I didn’t answer, she continued, “I don’t think you are who you say you are. People talk, you know.”

  I rolled my eyes. “And just what do they say?”

  “That Kendra James has been in Tkaron much longer than you claim.”

  “You’re delusional.” I turned and walked to the opposite side of the room. There I placed my materials on a small wooden table and sat on a light green upholstered chair.

  Then I proceeded to ignore Adira. Cadence entered and offered me a cup of tea. I thanked her but declined. It would be too tempting to throw it in Adira’s face.

  Before long, the next three women arrived, one right after the other. Then two more entered the parlor, arm-in-arm, chatting and giggling. In all, nine women had joined this committee, just like the nine members of Parliament, I realized.

  As head of the committee, I told the ladies that I thought we should always begin on time with a rundown of the agenda and save socializing for the end. Guy had given me some pointers on how to run a productive meeting. Even though his mother wasn’t a member of this committee, she stopped by to see how it was going.

  The last item on the agenda led to a heated debate, so I suggested tabling the discussion. “You’ve all offered some excellent suggestions, and I think we’re off to a wonderful start. I’ll discuss our ideas with Mrs. Burke before contacting the orphanages we’ve selected. I’m confident that we can begin helping these children by the end of the week.” I smiled graciously at the ladies. “Shall we meet again next week, to discuss other fund raising options?” And so it was decided.

  As the women around me began to preen, criticize and discuss topics I could care less about, I shifted in my seat and finally accepted a cup of tea to quiet my hands.

  “What a surprise,” said Adira. A few of the women looked at her, as did I. “The way Richard popped the question at the benefit,” she clarified.

  The others smiled and turned to me.

  “Yes, it was.” When I said nothing more, an uncomfortable silence began to grow.

  Adira glanced at the girl on her left and nudged her with her elbow.

  “Has Richard cooked for you yet?” the girl asked.

  I stared at her refusing to give Adira any sort of reaction.

  The girl squirmed under my intense gaze. “I’ve just heard that he’s a superb cook,” she finished meekly and looked down at her hands.

  After that, the others began to politely excuse themselves. Adira was the last to leave.

  She stood and walked directly to Mrs. Burke. “Thank you for allowing us to use your beautiful home today.” Then she turned to me. “I’d like to offer one of the smaller conference rooms at the Justice Center for future meetings. My father said it would be all right.”

  “Thank you, Adira,” I said in a stiff voice. “But I think we’ll continue to meet here for now, if that’s alright with you, Mrs. Burke?” I didn’t really like either option, but in this case, the Burke estate was the better choice.

  She nodded. “Of course you may.”

  Adira turned to leave. We sat in silence until we heard the front door close. Then Beatrice gave me a genuine smile. “You know exactly what you’re doing, don’t you?” She studied me carefully.

  I didn’t look away. “Most of the time.”

  Her smile grew. “Good. Now, I’d love to hear your ideas.”

  The first part was simple. We’d been given 20,000 gats from the benefit. The ladies had decided that for now, we should deliver 4,000 gats to each of the orphanages in Tkaron, earmarked specifically for children whose parents had been Elite. It would be up to the head of each establishment to determine the best way to spend the money on the children in their care.

  The second part, curdled my stomach. We had written a proposal for Parliament. Adira would present it on our behalf. The committee had voted overwhelmingly in favor. They wanted Gov regulations to filter Elite orphans into one particular orphanage, in order to keep them separate from Working Class children.

  I began to feel lightheaded. Unless I did something drastic, this committee would only strengthen the Divide. Then it dawned on me, and I knew the perfect way to help Working Class orphans. I needed to talk with Guy.

  “Are you feeling alright?” Beatrice touched my shoulder, and I jumped with a start.

  “I’m sorry,” I apologized. “I’m just feeling a little faint.” I shook my head to clear it.

  “That’s all we got through today.”

  “Then until next time.” She picked up a little silver bell. A crystal clear tone sounded.

  Cadence immediately appeared in the doorway, ready to show me out.

  -Keira-

  CalTech Security

  I hung a painting of two young girls in a field of flowers and stepped back to check that it was centered. The front bells chimed. I paused and watched as Brody walked directly to Aimee. They spoke briefly.

  Aime
e hurried over. “Do you mind watching the gallery for a bit? Brody has invited me to lunch.”

  That’s when I realized I’d completely forgotten to ask Guy about Brody’s connections to the Gov.

  “Maybe I should come with you?” I said.

  Aimee gave me a sideways glance. “I’d rather you didn’t, but I’ll be happy to bring you back something.”

  “No thanks.”

  With that, she turned on her heels and left. When she returned an hour later, she wasn’t in the mood to talk, at least not with me.

  Just after 5:00, Eberhardt arrived with Guy. It was a 15 minute drive from Art Fantastique to Forever Strong and Fit, so I dove right in.

  “What does Aimee know about Brody that I don’t?”

  He shrugged. “I don’t know what she knows.”

  I glared at him.

  “Um, CalTech has been running security at the Justice Center.”

  “That’s right,” I said, remembering what I’d heard at Tony’s. “Freelancers who’ve been hired by CalTech have disappeared. And that’s the same place where McGraw and Kamau and other soldiers are likely being held. Isn’t it?”

  He nodded.

  “Why didn’t you tell me, and why aren’t we getting them out?”

  “It’s a delicate matter. We just have to wait a little longer. And when was I supposed to tell you? At the benefit? When Aimee finally broke her big news? How about afterward when we, you know…”

  Eberhardt’s eyebrows shot up.

  “Should I have brought it up then?”

  I scooted away and looked out the window.

  “Keira, I was planning to tell you everything, there just hasn’t been time.”

  I made a fist and swung my arm back hard. As I hit the empty seat between us with full force, I yelled, “I hate this!” I sighed, and my anger drained away as quickly as it had come. I turned to look at Guy and said, “So tell me now.”

  He took my hands in his. “Brody’s been hiring Freelancers to try to break in, to test their defenses. He’s reported that the ministers are finally feeling secure. What they don’t know is that I also have the security codes, and I’ve passed them along to Harlow, who’s been working with his contacts to ensure that it’s our people who are on the Parliament security rotation. We’ll be able to send in a rescue team soon.”

  “And will I be part of the mission?”

  “We’ll see.”

  Eberhardt pulled to a stop in front of the gym.

  “We’ll talk more soon. I promise.”

  While working out, we talked about my work with the ad hoc committee. I filled him in as if I were happy about it all, and when we returned to the car later, I told him about my other idea, finishing with, “I think it’s another good way to go public, don’t you?”

  “Yes, it’s a good idea,” he agreed. “I’ll set it up first thing tomorrow.”

  Eberhardt drove us back to Art Fantastique, and we watched from the car as Aimee turned off the lights and locked up.

  Guy pressed his lips against my hair. “Are you still mad at me?”

  “No.” I leaned my head on his shoulder.

  “May I stay over again tonight?”

  -Guy-

  The In-Laws

  Life fell into a comfortable pattern of work, recreation and rest, a balance of the mundane. Meanwhile, Resistance activities continued to simmer.

  On Monday mornings, Keira met with her committee. Although she assured me she was being friendly, I didn’t think she was exactly making friends. The meetings seemed to stress her out a great deal. Whether it was because of the ladies or because of my mother, she wouldn’t say.

  Monday and Wednesday evenings found us at the gym. This was Keira’s area of expertise. She especially enjoyed the climbing wall. However, she bemoaned the fact that we couldn’t practice grappling, wrestling or tumbling. Those simply weren’t activities for a lady.

  At least training seemed to relieve some of her stress.

  On Tuesdays when the gallery was closed, Aimee and Keira focused on the orphanages of Tkaron. They purchased much needed supplies: clothing, bedding, furniture, dishes and medical supplies, and donated it all in the name of the Resistance. They forged alliances.

  In the evenings, we enjoyed dinner together. While Aimee and I prepared the food, Keira and Eberhardt set the table and kept us company. One evening, I held up a green pep-per and had a brilliant idea. I grabbed a knife and a cutting board and demonstrated how to slice and dice. It was as I’d expected, Keira was good with a knife.

  A few times, Aimee invited Brody to join us for dinner. I suspected he was also taking her to lunch more often than not. In my opinion, he was good for her. He made her laugh, and she began wearing brighter colors and trying her hair in different styles.

  Everything was going so well, and then my parents invited us to dinner.

  “I still can’t get over this house!” Keira exclaimed as we drove under the canopy of leaves that welcomed us to my parents’ estate. “Did you always live in houses this…this extravagant?”

  “Yes, but so do most Elite.”

  “Oh, I know that. But I still can’t get over how different you are, how much you understand, how much you notice about…well, about everything. About the world. About people like me. You see what’s happening, how much pain the Divide causes. How did you do that?

  How did you break away?”

  “I don’t know exactly, but I’m glad I did.”

  “Me too.” She tilted her head to the side and smiled at me.

  Keira raised a good point. Why had I started asking questions that most people avoid, and how could we get others to do the same? Was it when my family moved to Tkaron, or had I began asking questions much earlier?

  My parents’ butler, Simon, had been with them for 20 years. He hardly ever smiled.

  I’d been a mischievous nine year-old when he was hired. As a child, I’d tried to make him smile at least once a day. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined. I held open the polished wooden door for Keira and watched as Simon hurried over.

  “Mr. Burke. Please, allow me.”

  “Oh, it’s not a problem.”

  “It may not be a problem for you, but you’re doing my job.”

  “Well, you may greet us and announce us to my parents. Will that do?”

  “I suppose.” Simon frowned. “Wait here.”

  “Come on.” I grabbed Keira’s hand and pulled her along behind me.

  “What? But, he won’t like it,” she whispered.

  A minute later, Simon stopped in the entrance to the dining room. “Richard and Miss Kendra James have arrived. Shall I show them in?”

  “Yes, please do,” my mother said.

  Simon turned and bumped into me. He sighed. Not even a hint of a smile. “You may go in.”

  “Thank you, Simon.” I slipped a packet of cigarettes into his pocket as we maneuvered past. It was his favorite brand.

  Keira squeezed my arm and whispered, “That was sweet.”

  My mother hurried over when she saw us. “Welcome.” She grasped Keira’s hands and kissed her on the cheek.

  “Thank you for inviting me to dinner, Mrs. Burke.”

  “My dear, you’re to be my daughter-in-law. You may call me Bea.”

  I leaned over and kissed my mother just as my father entered the room. “Good evening, Father.”

  “Good evening, Richard. Miss James, it’s nice to see you again.”

  My mother may be ready to drop the formalities, but my father was not. I looked around. It wasn’t every day that my parents lit the dinner candles, brought out the best china and…I glanced at Cadence. She blushed and looked down. So the intricately folded napkins had been her idea.

  I directed Keira to a seat and pulled out her chair. My mother, now seated at the foot of the table, smiled in approval.

  My father and I began as we always did, by discussing business. My mother soon cut in with, “Richard!” She spoke rather sharply and l
ooked first at Keira and then at my father.

  He started to sigh but caught himself and raised a napkin to his mouth instead.

  “Son.” I looked at him in alarm. He rarely called me that. My mother didn’t say a word.

  “You’ll be married soon.”

  I nodded and looked across the table at Keira. Then I returned my attention to my father.

  “When that time comes, you’ll be receiving a promotion.”

  I blinked in surprise. “But what about you?”

  “I’ll keep some stake in the company, of course. But I will no longer be taking such an active role. Those duties will become yours. Congratulations.” Again, he gave my mother a look I couldn’t decipher.

  “Yes, congratulations, dear,” she echoed.

  The air felt thick. Is this his idea or hers?

  “Thank you.” I cleared my throat and changed the subject. “This steak is delicious! My compliments to the new chef.”

  “Yes, it’s wonderful,” Keira chimed in.

  “It’s why we hired him. You know how much your father enjoys steak,” my mother said.

  Again, a look passed between them.

  Keira tactfully looked down at her plate.

  “Have you heard?” my mother asked. “Someone has been donating supplies to the orphanages in town.”

  “That’s wonderful! It sounds like you’ve started a trend,” I said.

  “To all of the orphanages. Donations for all of the children. Do you see what I mean?”

  “Oh, I see.” Keira was still staring at her plate. She’d stopped eating.

  “Yes, and people have been talking.”

  I set down my knife and fork, and sighed. “And what are they saying, Mother?”

  “They’re saying that the Resistance is helping the Working Class children. The Gov really should crack down on things like that, don’t you agree?”