Whispers From the Past

by L. S. O'Dea

  She moved from Hugh’s side and hugged her father. “He loves me Dad and I love him.”

  Jackson let go of her father and Dad hugged her back.

  “Then, I’m glad for you.” Dad glared at Hugh. “You still could’ve waited.”

  Hugh blushed slightly and she laughed.

  “He wanted to but I didn’t.” She kissed her father on the cheek.

  “Stop. I don’t want to hear about it,” grumbled Dad.

  “About time you two figured things out.” Jackson patted Hugh on the shoulder.

  “You told me not to—”

  “Yeah. Well, I was wrong. Kind of.” Jackson shrugged. “That was before me and Kim...” He shrugged again and smiled. “Congratulations.”

  “What is your custom to bond two people together?” Hugh held out his hand and she went to him.

  “You have to commit to one another in front of family and friends. That way everyone knows you belong to each other,” said Dad.

  “You could say we just did that.” Hugh’s eyes darkened when they looked at her.

  “Her mother needs to be here too.” Dad’s voice was getting angry again.

  “Of course.” Hugh looked away as his fingers closed around hers. “We can do this as often as you like.”

  “I’ll make sure you honor your commitment. I don’t care if you are an Almighty,” said Dad.

  Hugh’s smile fled and she followed his gaze. A group of soldiers were heading into the forest. It was time. The night was over and the time for war was upon them.

  “When do we leave?” she asked.

  “I want you to go to base camp.” Hugh’s face was pale as he stared after the disappearing troops.

  She touched his chin, turning his gaze to her. “I’m not leaving you.”

  “Hugh’s right,” said Dad. “You should go—”

  “No. I’m not running off to base camp.”

  “Please, Trinity.” Hugh grabbed her shoulders. “I love you. I can’t lose you.”

  “And I don’t get to feel that way about you? I’m not some innocent”—she blushed at the double entendre—“who doesn’t know what she’s doing in battle. I can help.”

  “I know you can, but if you’re fighting, then I won’t be able to focus. I’ll be worried about you.”

  “Don’t be. I’ll be fine.”

  “Please,” he said. “I need to know you’re safe.”

  She wanted to do anything he asked, but she couldn’t. “I’m sorry. I can’t go to base camp. Please don’t push me on this.”

  “Fine. Then stay with Gaar and Mirra.” He turned and went into his tent.

  Dad and Jackson glanced at each other, obviously uncomfortable.

  “Hugh’s right,” said Dad.

  “You’re being unfair.” She strode to her tent. She wanted to be alone. No, she wanted to be in Hugh’s arms but he was mad at her again. Why couldn’t he understand that she had to do this? She wanted him safe too, but she accepted he had to fight. She packed her backpack with the few items she’d left out for the morning and then sat on her bed. Jackson stepped inside.

  “Don’t even start. I don’t care what any of you say, I’m going with you to the city.”

  “I know.” Jackson stayed in the doorway.

  “Then what do you want? I’m busy.”

  “Yeah, I can see that.” He struggled not to smile.

  “It was the best excuse to get rid of you that I could come up with at the moment,” she muttered.

  “Try harder next time. I expect more from you.”

  She rolled her eyes at him. The big Guard always knew how to lighten her mood, when he wasn’t annoying her.

  “You’re a great help in battle and Hugh knows that.”

  She stared at her feet. Here comes the annoying part.

  “But he also loves you and if something happens to you...”

  “That’s how I feel about him, but no one is telling him he shouldn’t go.”

  “We tried that already, remember?”

  “Yeah, but you aren’t trying it again. You all tried it with me too.”

  Jackson moved into the tent and sat next to her. “It’s because you’re female.”

  “What does that have to do with anything? Nirankan isn’t trying to stop Mirra from fighting.”

  “Well, they’re Trackers.”

  “So?”

  He sighed. “Truthfully, I wouldn’t be surprised if Nirankan did try to persuade Mirra not to go, and we didn’t see it.”

  “I doubt that. Mirra can take care of herself and he knows it.”

  “Is that what you think this is about? You know Hugh respects your abilities in the forest.”

  “He sure never acts like it.” He was always nagging her to not go alone, to be careful. She’d been traveling these woods for years she knew what she was doing.

  “Males want to protect their females. It’s nature. We can’t help it.”

  “But I can take care of myself.”

  “Yes, but you can still get hurt, captured, killed.”

  He was right. Trackers had been killed and she wasn’t as good in the forest as a Tracker. “I’m still going.”

  He snorted. “I didn’t think this conversation would change your mind.”

  “Then why did you come to my tent?”

  “I wanted to tell you that Hugh will get over his anger. I know your...relationship is new and sometimes when it’s new you think that little fights will end what you have. I just want you to know that he’s upset because he’s scared but he’ll get over it.”

  “Thank you.” That had been eating away at her gut. Hugh had accused her of not listening to him and then the first time he asked her to do something, she’d had to refuse.

  “And, I wanted to say, goodbye.”

  “You’re leaving already?”

  “Yeah. We’re the second team to go.”

  “Be careful.” She hugged him.

  “You too.” He squeezed her tight and stood.

  “Jackson, Jethro isn’t the same boy he used to be. Don’t forget that.”

  “I know, but he’s not all bad either.”

  “Don’t give him the chance to prove you wrong.” She’d thought that too on the other side of Harbor Point but it’d all been a trick.

  “I can take care of myself too, you know.” He winked at her.

  “Yeah, but sometimes you’re too loyal.”

  “You’re one to talk.” He laughed and then sobered. “See you later.” He left her tent.

  She wished someone besides Jackson was going to confront Jethro. It was too dangerous for him. He’d give Jethro the benefit of their past and Jethro didn’t deserve that.

  CHAPTER 48: HUGH

  THE TRIP THROUGH the tunnels wasn’t pleasant. It was cold, dark and there were noises, probably rats. Araldo, he prayed it was rats because who knew what else Conguise had created and set free. He’d stationed Trinity at the back of their group with Gaar and Mirra. The Tracker made the others uncomfortable in the open so it was ten times worse in these cramped quarters. Plus, Mirra was surly—not at ease in the close confines of the tunnel—and was swatting at anyone who got too close. Of course, none of that would’ve stopped him from keeping Trinity by his side, but the farther away from him the safer she’d be.

  After hours trudging through the dank, nasty tunnel, there was a hint of fresh air and light up ahead. His feet moved faster. Even though this meant the confrontation was nearing, he didn’t care. He just wanted out of this place.

  “At least, there weren’t any weird sounds or creatures this time,” said Tim.

  “What’s up with you? I’ve never known you to look on the bright side.” Nothing soothed his nerves like bickering with the Servant.

  “What do you mean by that? I’m an optimist.” Tim jabbed Hugh’s shoulder with a claw.

  A laugh burst from his throat. “Thanks, I needed that.”

  “I’ll never understand you.” Tim pushed past him.

/>   He smirked as he followed. He’d ordered Tim to stay with his daughter, but the Servant had refused. Apparently, Trinity’s disobedience came naturally. He glanced over his shoulder, even though he could barely see anything in the dark. She’d better have listened to him this time, but if she didn’t, he trusted Gaar to keep her safe.

  Up ahead, Tim and a few of the other Servants climbed a ladder that led out of the tunnel. Soon, they’d be above ground and in the city. Once they were all in place, they’d march on the Council Building. According to Townsend, the council members were meeting today and should all be there. He said a quick prayer this would go as planned and without much fighting. If he could capture Jason and the Council, the city would fall and the war would end. He knew the members and they were all cowards. They’d never risk their own lives for the sake of a cause. Worst case scenario, he’d have to execute one or two of them, but it wouldn’t take many before the rest surrendered. The Council Guards would fight, but they were limited in number. Years of peace had caused the Council to cut the number of Guards, and he had the element of surprise on his side. There was no way they’d anticipate him bringing this fight to the city.

  He climbed out of the tunnel and into the building. He stepped over piles of drywall. He’d sent teams ahead to secure the locations where the tunnels opened. Apparently, this one had been hidden behind a wall, forgotten for years. He bent and went through the opening and into an office. About twenty Almightys were tied up and sitting off to the side. He nodded at a few of them.

  “Please don’t kill us,” said a young, female. “I have children. Please.”

  He glanced at the House Servant who had secured the facility.

  “I told them they’d be fine. That we don’t want to hurt them, but they don’t believe me,” said the Servant.

  He strode over to the female. She lowered her head, cowering before him.

  He squatted, lifting her chin with his finger and forcing her to look at him. “I’m not going to hurt any of you.”

  Her eyes were wide and filled with fear.

  “I promise.”

  She nodded but didn’t seem to believe him. In time, she’d learn he spoke the truth. Suddenly, she scrambled backward until she hit the wall. There was more than fear in her eyes now, it was full-fledged panic. He turned and grinned as Mirra brushed the dirt off her fur. Trinity climbed out of the tunnel behind the Tracker, followed by Gaar. Trinity’s eyes roamed the room until they fell on him. She smiled slightly and his gut clenched. Araldo, he loved her. He’d do whatever he had to in order to end this war and be with her.

  He stood and faced his troops. “Any questions before we depart?” There were a few murmurs but no questions. He had a good team. Some were eager, some afraid but all of them were brave. “Let’s do this then.”

  CHAPTER 49: JETHRO

  JETHRO SAT IN his bed, one hand resting on the rear of a female House Servant and his other around a bottle of whiskey. He took a drink as his fingers skimmed over her skin. She moaned softly, still sleeping. The female Servant on his other side ran her hand up his thigh. He smiled. She was awake; she’d do.

  “Good morning,” he mumbled as he moved his attention to the non-sleeping Servant. He couldn’t remember either of their names. It didn’t matter. They wouldn’t care. They’d been paid well to be here. He should send them home and order a few more. These two had arrived a few days ago and he didn’t want them to get too comfortable because they weren’t staying. Her hand continued to wander up his leg. She exposed her claws, dragging them across his thigh. Later. He’d send for new ones later.

  The door burst open and Jason stormed into the room. Jethro sighed. His binge hadn’t lasted as long as he’d hoped.

  “You need to sober up.” Jason’s eyes never moved from the naked Servants.

  “Arrest me.” He took another long drink.

  Indy ran into the room. “Sorry, I just got back from the store.”

  “Some Guard you are.” He was joking and hoped Indy understood. He’d continued to send the Guard on errands because he knew this time was approaching and he didn’t want Indy around to be implicated.

  When they’d returned from Townsend’s house he’d ordered Indy to turn all his captives, including the Producers in the camps free. Then he’d set out to get drunk and laid. He’d succeeded admirably in both endeavors. His hand skimmed across smooth, naked flesh. He would’ve enjoyed a few more days. He patted the females. “Time to go.”

  The one blinked at him sleepily and then stretched. It was a beautiful sight and Jason’s blue eyes darkened. He pulled a cover over the Servant to annoy the Supreme Almighty. “You need to know it was all my idea, my orders. My Guards didn’t have anything to do—”

  Indy stood partway behind Jason, shaking his head frantically.

  “What are you talking about?” Jason pulled his eyes away from the Servants to look at Jethro.

  “Nothing,” said Indy. “He’s been drunk for days. He has no idea what he’s talking about.” The Guard sent him a look that said he should shut up.

  Jason’s beady eyes darted to Indy and then back to Jethro. “He should be whipped for speaking about you in that manner.”

  “Yeah, he should.” But not because of what he’d said. The damn Guard had disobeyed him again. Indy had made it clear that he didn’t think turning the prisoners free was a good idea, but Jethro had given his orders and had expected them to be obeyed. He should’ve known better by now. He crawled over one of the Servants—neither had moved—and got out of bed, pulling on his jeans. He carried the bottle into the living room and flopped on the couch.

  Jason and Indy followed him out of the bedroom.

  “Why exactly do I need to sober up?” He was done with Jason and his council. Kim’s ex had paid the bill, so his mom would be fine and they couldn’t do anything worse to him than what he’d already done to himself.

  Jason grabbed the bottle, trying to wrench it from his grasp, but he wasn’t letting go. Finally, after several tugs, Jason dropped his hand and sat on the chair across from him.

  “What’s his problem?” Jason glanced at Indy.

  “He’s the master. Ask him.”

  “I don’t have a problem or at least I didn’t a few minutes ago.” His eyes went to the bedroom door. They were still in there, probably still naked.

  “Ah, to be young again.” Jason smiled but it was more like a leer and then his expression cleared. “You missed a date with Stella. She was quite upset.”

  “Sorry.” He took another drink. He wasn’t, not at all. Instead of a boring evening with the blandest person alive, he’d spent the night with two, exquisite House Servants who were long, limber, lean and very, very knowledgeable in the art of pleasure. If he kept this up, maybe one day, he’d forget about Trinity and choose a companion who didn’t remind him of her.

  “I suppose it’s not a problem, but don’t let it happen again.” Jason glanced at the bedroom and then back to him. “You can have your fun, but you have to respect Stella. She’ll be your wife one day.”

  “Of course.” Jason would find out soon enough that there wasn’t going to be a wedding, but he wasn’t ready to lose his house yet. He couldn’t entertain like this at his mother’s home. “I won’t miss another date with Stella.” He grinned as he stood. “Now, if that’s all, I’m going to bed.”

  “That’s not all.” Jason’s voice was sharp. “It’s time for you to go back to work. I need you to lead your team into the forest.”

  He stopped in his bedroom doorway. The two Servants were still in bed, waving him toward them. “Why?”

  “I’ve finally convinced the Council to bring out the weapons.”

  “You’re kidding.” He staggered back to the couch. The Council had to agree unanimously before the weapons were released and the Council never agreed unanimously. The last time it’d happened had been when they’d gone after the Trackers and Handlers. “How? Why?” He rested his head against the wall behind the couch,
closing his eyes. This couldn’t be happening.

  “Why are you surprised? We’ve been losing and that can’t continue. With the weapons, we can end this war fast. Conguise and I have been trying to persuade them for months, but there were a few holdouts.” He shrugged. “The Parkview incident took care of that.”

  “What Parkview incident?” He opened his eyes. He didn’t like the sound of this.

  “You need to pay more attention to current events. It’s been all over the news. Hugh’s Guards attacked three homes in the Parkview community.” Jason’s eyes gleamed with triumph. “They killed the entire families. Kids. Grandparents. Everyone.” He shook his head. “It would’ve never happened, if we’d gone after them with force at the beginning of this mess.”

  “What did they want?” He sat up straight. He hated Hugh but the guy wasn’t the type to send Guards to kill families in their homes, especially if they had kids. Of course, the Almightys may have attacked his Guards.

  Jason looked confused.

  “Why did they go after those families? What did they want from them?”

  “How should I know?” Jason’s brow furrowed. “Guards don’t need a reason to kill, only an order.”

  “Hugh had to have a reason. He wouldn’t risk coming all the way into Parkview just to kill some Almightys unless it benefited him in some way.”

  “Parkview borders the forest. It isn’t that far for them and his reason could’ve been as simple as those families weren’t aligned with him.”

  “He’s smarter than that. He can’t kill everyone who disagrees with him and his cause.” He shook his head. “No, there had to be some other reason. We need to question the witnesses.”

  “The witnesses have already been questioned.” Jason’s face flushed and his words were short and angry. “They all said the same thing. They saw Hugh and his Guards fleeing the scenes.”

  “You’re saying Hugh was there?” That was a lie. Hugh was too smart for that and he wasn’t a killer.

  “That’s what the news is reporting,” said Indy, a warning in his tone.

  He glanced from one to the other. Indy wanted him to shut up, but this story was all wrong.