Whispers From the Past

by L. S. O'Dea

  “Yes, sir. Thank you.” The Guard trotted over to the others with the good news.

  “Are you okay?” Indy stopped by his side.

  “I’d never report the kids.” No matter what, he couldn’t be responsible for their deaths and that was what would happen to them if the authorities discovered what they were.

  “I know,” said Indy. “That’s why I took over the conversation, but if you don’t want to do this, we don’t have to. It isn’t too late.”

  He stared at the house. It was a nice place in a nice neighborhood. If things were different he could’ve had something like this. The little girl peeked out the window. He waved. She held up her hand for a second and then frowned and disappeared behind the curtains. “If I go through with this, Trinity might bear my child.”

  “Apparently, it’s possible,” said Indy.

  They could have a life together—children together. He wouldn’t have to settle for Stella. “Do you think she’ll ever forgive me?” He wanted her to love him but that might be asking too much.

  “I think that depends on what you do.”

  “I won’t hurt Hugh. I can’t.” He smiled, slightly. “My mom would never forgive me.”

  “What are you going to do to Trinity?”

  He looked at the Guard, confused at first, then disgusted. “I wouldn’t hurt her.”

  “Would you force her? You were pretty angry a few days ago.”

  “No.” He sighed. “I may coerce her but I’d never force her to do anything.”

  “You still plan on taking her prisoner.”

  “Only to explain everything to her.”

  Indy shot him a look of disbelief. “And when you’re done explaining, and she hasn’t forgiven you, then what? Are you going to let her go?”

  He hesitated. “I don’t know if I can.”

  “Then, she may never forgive you.”

  He stared back at the house. This would never be his, not if he trapped her. “Maybe, I should let her go.” It killed him, but perhaps it was time to set her free.

  “Maybe, you should.” After a moment of silence, Indy said, “But will you be able to live with yourself when she bears Hugh’s children.”

  His fists clenched at his sides. That wasn’t going to happen. She was his and he wouldn’t let her go until he’d said his piece. If she still chose Hugh, then...then he’d leave. He’d go into the forest and live his life without her. “Let’s go back inside.”

  CHAPTER 40: JETHRO

  WHEN JETHRO AND Indy entered the house Townsend was at the table, finishing a letter.

  “Bruno needs to deliver this.” The reporter put the paper in an envelope, sealed it and handed it to his Guard.

  “To Hugh?” asked Jethro.

  “No. The one who’ll deliver it to Hugh. I’d rather not involve anyone else but it’s necessary.”

  “There’s no way I’m letting your Guard leave, alone with a letter that I haven’t read.” He had no desire to be killed or captured by the AC.

  “Open it if you want. I can reseal it.”

  Jethro did. The letter requested Hugh come to Townsend’s house as soon as possible. He handed it back to Townsend who resealed it.

  “I’m still not letting him go alone.”

  Bruno could get help and he didn’t have enough of his Guards for a fight. Plus, if the authorities found out about this Townsend’s kids would pay the price.

  The little boy burst from the bedroom and raced into the kitchen. His mother and sister right behind him.

  “Daddy, don’t. Don’t do it.” The boy stopped by his father’s side.

  “Libby, take him back to his room.” Townsend gently pushed his son toward his mother but the kid dodged her hands.

  “Daddy, please don’t do this. If you turn in Hugh the war will end and we’ll lose.”

  “That’s not true,” said Townsend.

  “Don’t lie to me. I’m not a baby. That’s what you’ve been saying for a long time and it’s the truth. I see the news. I listen when you have your meetings.”

  Townsend shot his mate a confused look but she was just as puzzled.

  “There’s a vent in the pantry,” said the little girl. “We go there and listen to you in your office.”

  “Shut up, stupid.” The little boy shot her a glare. “Now, they’ll close the vent.”

  Townsend knelt in front of his son. “Doma, I’m going to treat you like an adult now. Okay?”

  The boy nodded, his face grave.

  “I don’t want to turn Hugh over—”

  “Then don’t.”

  “It’s not that simple. If I don’t”—Townsend pointed at Jethro—“that man will turn us in and the authorities will kill us. All of us.” He nodded toward his mate. “Your mother, me”—he pointed at his daughter—“your little sister, and you.”

  The little boy looked at his sister. His face uncertain for the first time since he’d entered the room.

  “I don’t care,” said the little girl. “Let them kill me. If we win the war then other girls like me won’t have to hide in their homes. They’ll get to go to school even if they have claws and fangs.”

  Townsend faced his daughter. “LeeLee, I can’t let that happen. You’re too young to understand.”

  The little girl moved to stand by her brother and grasped his hand.

  “She’s right.” Doma turned toward Jethro. “Take me away. I don’t care. I shouldn’t have to pretend to be different. I shouldn’t have to have my teeth filed down just to have friends.” He opened his mouth, showing his damaged fangs.

  Jethro looked away. This wasn’t what he wanted. He’d never turn them over but he couldn’t say that.

  “I’m sorry, but I won’t let them hurt either of you.” Townsend gave the kids a quick hug and stood. He turned to his mate. “Libby.”

  She grabbed each child by the arm and began dragging them down the hallway.

  “Daddy,” wailed the boy. “Don’t do this, please.”

  Townsend handed Jethro the note. His eyes haunted. “Go with Bruno and deliver the message.”

  Suddenly, the paper was torn from his hands. The little girl ripped it into several pieces. Her mother was still struggling with the boy.

  “Bruno, get LeeLee.” Townsend went back to the table and started writing another letter.

  He stared at the paper on the floor. His gaze moved up the little girl’s frame until he looked her in the eyes. Bruno picked her up but she continued to stare at him, anger, hatred and frustration marring her petite features.

  “Stop. Okay. I can’t.” He headed toward the door.

  “Don’t. Please.” Townsend ran after him, grabbing his arm. “They’re just children. They don’t understand.”

  “But they’re right. I’m not going to say anything about you and your family or even your business with Hugh.”

  “Really?” Townsend’s grip tightened.

  “I won’t say a word and neither will Indy.” He pried the reporter’s hand off his arm. He needed to get out of there. He needed to drink, forget Trinity, forget Hugh, forget how everything he’d ever been told had been a lie and how stupid he’d been for believing it.

  Townsend’s mouth dropped open. “I...I owe you more than I can ever repay. If you ever need anything. Anything.”

  There was nothing Townsend could give him now. There was nothing he’d ever want again, except... “There is one thing.” He strode across the room and into the study. He came back out carrying a couple of bottles of liquor. “Now, we’re even.”

  CHAPTER 41: TRINITY

  By the time they arrived at base camp, Trinity was exhausted but it was more because of the tension between her and Hugh than from the trip. He refused to speak with her or even look at her. Kim was focused on Jackson and Gaar and Mirra were busy covering the tracks that the group made. She’d wanted to help them, but Hugh had ordered Jackson to tell her she wasn’t allowed. She’d almost gone with Gaar and Mirra anyway, but Kim had taken her asi
de, saying that it was a test of her ability to follow orders. She’d explained, loud enough for even a deaf Almighty to hear, that she did follow orders that weren’t stupid. The muscle twitching in Hugh’s cheek proved he’d heard every word. The tension between them had only escalated from there. She really did need to learn to keep her big mouth shut, but Hugh irritated her beyond reason.

  Base camp had changed quite a bit since the last time she’d been there. For one thing, there were now Stockers milling about. Ritco and what remained of their village had joined the AC after they’d been attacked by the Protective Services.

  Also, a lot of the tents were gone. Many of those who lived here had made small homes out of the crevices in the rock. There were a lot more openings in this section of Harbor Point than the area she and Jethro had searched. Some of them could lead to the other side, leaving them open to an attack from Araldo only knows what. She needed to tell Hugh about that, if he ever spoke to her again.

  Her mom and dad stepped out of one of the large cracks. Dad saw her first but mom shoved Arthur into his arms and raced across camp.

  “Thank Araldo, you’re safe.” Mom grabbed her, hugging her tight.

  Her arms went around her mother. The familiar scent of lemon and wild flowers enveloped her as she sobbed into her mom’s neck. She wanted to go back in time to when her mom could make everything better.

  Dad wrapped them both in his arms, squeezing Arthur between them. The toddler squirmed and fussed, but Dad ignored him. “We were so worried. Hugh sent word that they’d found you but...” He kissed her head. “I had to see you for myself.”

  Mom stepped back, keeping one arm around her. “Come on. Let’s get you something to eat.”

  She wasn’t hungry, hadn’t been since she’d seen Hugh again, but right now, she’d go wherever her mom led.

  After she’d bathed and eaten, she sat on a rock in her parent’s home. It was nice. A little cool, but the fire kept the chill at bay.

  “You’ve been quiet.” Mom sent Dad a look.

  “Arthur and I are going to take a walk.” He kissed her on the forehead. “I love you, Trin.” He grabbed the baby and left.

  Tears welled in her eyes again. He was going to be so disappointed in her when he found out what she’d done.

  Mom patted the spot on the cot next to her and Trinity moved to her mother’s side, resting her head against her mom’s shoulder. She wished she could stay like this, but she knew her mom and a lecture was coming.

  “Millie.” Kim called from the doorway.

  “Come in,” said Mom. “Pull up a seat.”

  Kim moved a small rock over by the bed, setting her backpack on the floor next to her feet. Trinity sat up. This was starting to feel like an ambush.

  “Trinity,”—Mom took her hands—“no matter what happened or happens, I love you.”

  Her pulse raced. She didn’t have to tell them anything. “Does everyone know? Is that why they treated me like I was made of glass on the trip here?”

  “They were giving you space.” Kim smiled softly. “No one meant anything bad by it.” She lowered her gaze to her hands. “And you’ve been different too.”

  “How? How have I been different?” She’d acted the same, but the others had avoided her like she was dying of a contagious disease.

  “Except for wanting to help Gaar and Mirra cover our tracks, you’ve been quiet and willing to follow orders without any arguments,” said Kim.

  “That’s what you told me to do.”

  “Yes, but that never stopped you before.”

  Even her friend thought she was difficult and hard headed. No one understood that most of the time the orders she was supposed to follow were stupid.

  Kim reached into her backpack and pulled out a bottle of liquor. “I thought this might help you talk. You know, to get things off your chest.”

  Mom went to the counter and brought back three cups. She handed one to each of them before sitting down on the cot. “Fill mine up. I think I’m going to need it.”

  Kim filled all three cups and put the bottle on the floor near their feet.

  “Whiskey,” said Kim. “It was all Jackson could find. I usually drink wine or at least mix it with something, but here goes.” She took a sip and made a horrible face.

  “I’ve never had whiskey.” Mom took a large gulp and started coughing and gasping for air.

  “Jackson said it gets better the more you drink.” Kim took another swallow, wrinkling her nose again. “It isn’t worse.”

  She took a small sip. “It’s vile.” It was even worse than the stuff she’d had in Jethro’s tent. She took another drink. She didn’t want to think about that.

  Kim laughed. “Yes, but it’ll make you feel better.”

  She wasn’t so sure about that. Sassy seemed to feel worse after drinking, but she’d give it a try.

  “How’s Jackson?” asked Mom.

  “He’s doing much better. The trip was long and hard on him, but he heals quickly.”

  “So, you’re back together?” She was glad for them but the glow on Kim’s face made her aloneness even more apparent. She took another, larger drink.

  “Yes.” Kim eyed her. “It was hard when we were apart but it was worth it to be where we are now.”

  Mom nodded. “Tim and I have had our rough spots.”

  “When?” she asked. “You two have been in love since the day you met. I mean a few arguments, sure, but—”

  “This was way before you were born.” Mom smiled sadly. “It wasn’t easy for us either, honey.”

  She took another drink. No, it couldn’t have been with him having to sneak in and out of their lives.

  “There were times, early on, when we’d break up for days, weeks even but then he’d come back.”

  “And you’d make up.” Kim grinned.

  “Yes, we’d make up.” Mom blushed.

  “That’s the best part,” said Kim, her tone dreamy.

  “Don’t say any more. Trinity hasn’t bonded with anyone yet.” Mom flushed. “Oh, I forgot. I mean what you did with that...that...Sorry Kim, I know he’s your brother.”

  “No apology necessary.” Kim picked up the bottle and topped off their cups.

  “What you did with Jethro doesn’t count. I mean the...the process is the same, but the emotions are different.” Mom took a large gulp of her drink. “You did what you had to in order to survive. Any male worth his weight knows that’s what’s important.”

  They thought she and Jethro had mated. Everyone thought that.

  “Trinity, I know Jethro has been an ass lately”—Kim touched her hand—“and you don’t have to talk about what happened, but I hope he didn’t hurt you. I mean, it always hurts a bit the first time, but...he wasn’t rough was he?”

  Her face was on fire. She took another gulp. “No. I mean we didn’t...”

  “Have you had your cycle since then?” Mom’s hand trembled, sloshing the liquid in her glass.

  “I’m not pregnant.” She hadn’t even considered that when she’d been with him. She’d gotten carried away and had forgotten about everything but him and his touch.

  “It can happen even if you only do it once.” Mom flushed and took another sip. “Your father was very surprised to discover that. Producers are quite fertile.”

  “I’m not pregnant.” She tried to scoot off the bed but her legs and arms were slow and heavy. She took another drink.

  “It’s okay, baby.” Mom hugged her. “We’ll get you through this.”

  Kim moved to the bed and hugged her too. “Hugh will understand.”

  She wiggled and finally freed herself from their comfort. “No. I can’t be pregnant because we didn’t...I mean,”—her face flushed again—“we didn’t do it. We didn’t mate.”

  Kim’s brow wrinkled in confusion. “The Guards saw the two of you. You were naked and on his lap and then in his bed. He was on top—”

  “Enough.” Her ears were burning. “I know what happened.” Thi
s time she managed to stagger away from the bed. Her legs were unsteady and she stumbled, dropping onto the rock that Kim had vacated. She glanced at her mother but there was no censure in her eyes. “That’s all true but I...Meesus had given me a potion to use if I were ever being forced. I wasn’t. I mean, Jethro wasn’t forcing me. He didn’t.” She shook her head. “Never mind about that. What’s important is that we didn’t quite get to the mating part. I scratched him and he passed out.”

  Kim and her mom stared at her. Then they both burst out laughing.

  “No wonder Jethro is so mad,” said Kim.

  “To pass out at that moment. Right before...” Mom rested her head on Kim’s shoulder, laughing until tears streamed down her face.

  “Stop it. It’s not funny.” Hugh hated her and Jethro wanted to kill her because of that night.

  They ignored her. She took another drink.

  “Stop laughing,” she said again, louder this time. “It’s not funny.”

  “Oh, but it is,” said Kim. “You’ll understand once you understand males more.”

  “And Hugh is so jealous and angry,” laughed Mom.

  “He hates me,” she whispered. “He hates me and he’ll never forgive me.”

  Mom and Kim stopped laughing.

  Kim leaned forward and took her hand. “He’s hurt Trinity and worse than that he feels like it’s his fault.”

  “Why would he think that?”

  “That’s just the way males think.” Mom sighed. “They believe it’s their job to protect us and if something bad happens they blame themselves even when there was nothing they could’ve done.”

  “That’s stupid.”

  “That’s males for you.” Kim tapped her glass against Mom’s.

  “No, this is different. Hugh thinks I betrayed him.” And she had. She’d kissed Jethro on the other side of Harbor Point and even though that night she’d set out to escape, she hadn’t clawed him on purpose.

  “It’s not different. He’s hurt and angry, some at you, but mostly at himself and Jethro.” Kim glanced at Mom and then back to Trinity. “You need to tell him exactly what happened.”