Chapter 15: Gabby
I round the corner of my building and almost run right into someone.
“Shite!” I yell, not in the mood to be nice. “Watch where you're going.”
“Sorry Gabby,” Allison says as she tries to make sure I'm okay.
“Don't touch me!” I snap. “I'm fine. Just leave me alone.”
I try to move past her but she steps in front of me yet again.
“Gabby, what's wrong? Are you sure you're okay?” she asks.
I can't see her face in the dark but I can imagine the sympathetic look and just want to get away.
“I'm just peachy,” I say, my voice lower, and she takes a step back.
“You finally went into the labs.” She isn't asking. She already knows.
“Were you following me?” I ask.
“Yes,” she answers.
“Just leave me the hell alone,” I say as I shove her into the building and speed by, but she catches up in no time.
“You're angry. Good. I am too. There are quite a few of us that are.” She stops when I look at her.
“What do you mean?” I ask. “Like a resistance?”
“Sort of,” she answers as she looks around suddenly. “We can't talk here. Can we go to your place?”
“Yeah,” I say, but I don't know why I agree. Maybe out of curiosity. Maybe out of anger. Maybe out of some crazy sense of loyalty to Allison. She is the one who helped us escape Texas and join the Rebels. Do I owe her?
We shut the door behind us and she immediately goes to the window to lower the shade. All this cloak and dagger shite is starting to irritate me. My sister is the one who could deal with secret meetings and spy crap. I'm more of the run into the chaos screaming and shooting kind of girl.
“What is it Allison?” I ask. I am suddenly tired and wish she would leave so I could sleep. It is the middle of the night after all.
“We need your help Gabby,” she says. “We want to destroy the labs.”
My ears perk up immediately.
“I'm in,” I say suddenly.
Dawn would tell me to think about it. That maybe I shouldn't be so quick to ally myself with a resistance that I know nothing about. Sorry Dawn, you aren't here. You didn't ask me to come on your mission so you don't get a say in mine.
“Okay then,” Allison says as if she was expecting more of a fight from me. “You spend a lot of time in Adrian's office,” she states.
I nod because she isn't asking. Once again, she just knows.
“We need his key card and pass code to get into the lab building,” she continues.
“And that's where I come in,” I say, beginning to understand. “You want me to steal it.”
“You're quick. Will you do it?”
“Yes,” I answer.
“Good. Do it soon.” She opens the door to leave but I have one more question.
“You're going to get all those people out of the building, right?” I ask. “Even the sick ones?”
“Of course we are,” she says before hurrying away.
Chapter 16: Jeremy
As soon as the sun went down, I saw Joseph Kearn leave the refugee camp. I don't know why but I have this feeling about him. He's up to something, I just know it.
I guess I'm really starting to fit in here in St. Louis. It's a place where everyone is suspicious of everyone else. The only thing that is trusted here is money. Unlike most of the refugees, Joseph Kearn seems to have plenty of money.
I didn't tell Drew where I was going because he already thinks I’m crazy for being suspicious of a man that I only talked to once. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt I will be.
I manage to stay hidden as I follow him across town. Where is he going? We cross into the Mexican controlled area of town and I suddenly wish I had back up. I’ve only ever heard bits and pieces about Mexico but growing up in a slave camp in Floridaland didn't exactly make me worldly. I used to make up stories about foreign lands to entertain my little sister Claire. I smile at the thought of her.
I’m preoccupied by my own thoughts for only a second but I lose track of Kearn. The street that stretches before me is devoid of people as is the alley on the left. Where else could he have gone? Most of the buildings are locked and he's a refugee so he doesn't have a key card.
I hear the clang of metal up ahead and then something flashes. The fire escape. He's headed to the roof. I wait a few minutes to allow him to reach the top before I start up. I move slowly, trying to avoid making any noise with my steps. When I step onto the roof, I immediately duck behind the generator and take a look around the corner.
Joseph Kearn greets a Mexican man and their voices carry over to me.
“Where is your boss?” the man asks.
“Dead,” Joseph answers.
“Then we have no deal and nothing more to discuss,” the man replies as he tries to leave, Joseph puts a hand on his shoulder to stop him. “Get your hands off me you Texan filth,” the man growls.
“Then do not disrespect me. You will regret it,” Joseph says as his free hand brushes against the gun that I'm sure the Mexican man doesn't even know is there. The only way he would probably agree to this meet is if there was an understanding about leaving weapons at home. The two men glare at each other for a few confrontational moments.
“Everything is set down there,” the Mexican man says, being the first one to blink. “Los Condenados is ready.”
“Very good,” Joseph says. “I think it is time I took charge of the project.”
“Have you found a way into Mexico without being seen?” the man asks.
“I have,” Joseph answers. “Will your boss be ready with the support I need?”
“You forget yourself Mr. Kearn,” the Mexican says as his voice turns hard. “Do not question his preparedness.”
I throw myself back behind the generator as the Mexican man rushes past me and hurries down the steps. Joseph follows soon after. I lean my head back and try to just breathe. Something big is going on in Mexico but I’m no closer to knowing what that is. At least now I know to watch Kearn. He may be the key. I get the feeling that none of us are going to be okay when this is all over.
Chapter 17: Jeremy
In the morning, I find Drew inspecting the boats that have already come in. To my surprise, he is walking with a shirtless, tattooed man. I've never met a freedom fighter in person but I have imagined what they are like. Never did I picture them actually holding a conversation. They're supposed to be savages. At least that's what children in the colonies are led to believe. They are the stuff of childhood nightmares.
Drew grins stupidly as I walk up.
“Dispatch from Dawn,” he explains.
Whenever he talks about Dawn, he acts like a lovesick girl. I've heard that he used to be just another rich ass in London. He fell for his girlfriend's sister so that should say it all. Drew would say that you can't help who you love. Gabby shrugs it off but I know it hurt, not because she loved him, but because he didn't choose her.
“I'm Jeremy,” I say, introducing myself to the large man. He takes my outstretched hand and squeezes it.
“Terk,” he says.
“Dawn's on her way back to base,” Drew says. “She says she found something in the Wastelands that could change everything.”
Terk smiles at that. He knows what Dawn means.
“She wants me to return to base for a bit if I can get permission,” Drew says.
“Okay,” I reply. I don't know what else to say.
“What's your problem?” Drew snaps.
“Oh, I don't know, maybe it's the fact that there are bigger things going on than your girlfriend coming home,” I snap back.
I don't know where this anger is coming from but I can't stop it. After what I heard last night, I could never just leave.
“We hit a dead end in our search for answers, Jeremy. Banging our heads against a wall isn't going to bring us any closer to the truth,” Drew replies.
“Neither
will leaving,” I retort. I then tell him everything I heard last night between Joseph Kearn and the Mexican, hoping that will change his mind.
“It doesn't sound like much to go on,” he shrugs.
“But it's something!” I protest.
“Not really. You have two men talking about a project they were working on. It was probably a couple of smugglers. This is St. Louis after all. The only reason you think it’s a big deal is because one of the men was Mexican. It's not enough.”
“Would you be saying this if you weren't anxious to rush back to base? To Dawn?” I ask.
“Don't you dare,” he growls. “I have worked endlessly, day in and day out to find answers. All it ever brings is more frustration. I have turned over every rock in this city. Don't you dare call me a quitter. You can stay or you can go. I don’t really care what you do.”
“I'm staying here and seeing it through,” I say stubbornly.
“Just don't get yourself killed,” he says.
Chapter 18: Gabby
“Got it!” I say as I push a stack of files off my lap so I can stand. “We know The Reverend is called by his real name in these files. Since most people only call him ‘The Reverend’, it makes it harder to connect him to anything.”
“We've gone over this a million times Gabby,” Adrian says as he leans back, exhausted. We've spent weeks now combing through every paper that Tia or Darren Cole ever touched.
“What did you say his name is again?” I ask.
“Joseph Kearn,” he answers.
“Then I've got something, but it isn't much,” I say, handing him the page I found. It is a parts requisition form for the weapons factory. Adrian's eyes go dark when he sees it.
“Why would The Reverend need all of this?” Adrian asks, not really expecting an answer.
“And why would he have them sent to St. Louis when he lived here?” I ask no one in particular.
“The parts would have come from Baton Rouge, right?” Lee asks, already knowing the answer.
He worked in the resources division of the Rebel base. Adrian nods anyway.
“Then he would send them to St. Louis if he didn't want anyone to know who or what they were for,” Lee states. “He probably paid off the inspector on arrival to keep the shipment off the books. He wouldn't be able to do that here.”
“Do you think that's where he is now?” I ask the obvious.
“Maybe,” Adrian says. His eyes never leave the page but his expression goes from horrified to worse in a matter of seconds.
“What is it?” I ask.
“I need to go find someone,” Adrian says, his reaction scaring me.
Ever since we started with the files, I’ve felt like there is something Adrian isn’t telling us. He’s holding back something important. Before I can press him, he hurries off, leaving Lee and I somewhat in the dark.
Chapter 19: Gabby
Lee and I waited in Adrian's office but he never returned and by the time we left, it was dark. Lee insisted on walking me home. As we reach the steps, I remember the promise I made to get Allison the key card.
“I left something in Adrian's office,” I tell Lee as I reenter the building.
“Do you want me to wait for you?” he asks.
“No, go ahead,” I holler over my shoulder.
Since Adrian never came back, his office is still unlocked when I slip in. I know exactly where he keeps his master cards. The second desk drawer has a false bottom and everything Adrian has that's important is in there.
When I first got assigned here, I didn't trust Adrian so I watched everything he did. He would be amazed at how much I know about him. Allison also needs the code that goes with this card. What I didn't tell her is that I memorized that the first time I saw Adrian enter it.
The key card is exactly where I expected it to be. Predictable. I slip it into my back pocket and put everything else back in place.
When I reach the street, I’m surprised to find Lee leaning against the building.
“You didn't find it?” he asks.
“What?” I ask.
“You went looking for something.”
Oh crap, I don't have anything in my hands.
“It wasn't there,” I lie.
I walk past him and he catches up and shrugs. Lee isn't someone who is going to pry. He's simple; easy to be around and easy to talk to. I like that about him but I don't know how he would react to the stolen key card in my pocket. We walk in comfortable silence until he leaves me at the front door of my building.
I climb the stairs and unlock my door. When I push it open, Allison gets to her feet.
“How did you get in here?” I ask, startled.
“Shh!” she commands. “Close the door.”
I slam it shut and throw the stolen card to the floor at her feet. I'm pissed that she broke into my flat, especially when I risked a lot to get her what she needs.
“Do you have the pass code?” she asks, seemingly unaware that I’m angry she broke into my flat.
When I don't answer, she repeats, “The pass code? Come on Gabby, we need it tonight.”
“7-2-0-7,” I spit. “Now get out of my flat.”
She leaves and I try to get a bit of rest, but my mind won't quiet as it processes everything that has been happening. There’s a dangerous weapon with whereabouts unknown that may be in the hands of the Reverend, and a Rebel group going against the Rebels and the Texans. Then there's the fact that Lee might just be my only real friend right now, however that happened.
After hours of tossing and turning, the air inside my flat feels stale and everything seems so much smaller. I throw some clothes on as quickly as I can and practically run out of my building. When I reach the fresh air, I breathe deeply and steady myself. When my feet start moving, they take me in the same direction as every other sleepless night.
I feel the heat even before I turn the corner and see the burning building. The labs are engulfed in giant flames and I can't say that I'm too upset about it. This is what needed to happen. Everything bad that happened here can now be wiped away.
A huge crowd has gathered and I spot Adrian near the front, barking orders at a group of soldiers. He looks back and our eyes lock. His narrow as he pushes people aside to get to me. My smile fades when I see the look he gives me.
“What did you do?” he screams above the noise.
“This needed to happen, Adrian,” I yell back. “It's a horrible place.”
“You have no idea what you’ve done!” His face contorts in anger. “The labs were still open for a reason!”
“That’s crap,” I say as I purse my lips stubbornly and look him in the eye. He tries a different tactic.
“Do you realize how many people have been killed tonight?” he demands.
“They evacuated the building first. That's why I took your card,” I say, but I suddenly grow unsure of the truth in my words.
“They needed to get in to barricade the doors from the inside. That is the ONLY reason they needed you,” Adrian says.
“What?” I ask as I stumble backwards.
“They didn't want the sick to be released. They just wanted them gone,” Adrian answers, as I turn away and run.
Adrian tries to grab my arm but I'm too quick. The air gets hotter and hotter as I get closer. What did I do? These people are going to die. I choke as my lungs fill up with smoke.
Landon.
Are they already dead?
I throw my entire body into the door. The key pad has already been destroyed and the heavy door doesn't budge at all. I grab the metal handle and immediately pull my hand back; not quick enough. Pain sears across the skin of my open palm. It doesn't stop me. I propel myself forward once again to no avail.
“No!” I scream.
The first tear sizzles as it hits my cheek and my mouth and nose are filled with smoke. I feel an arm wrap around my stomach and pull me away from the burning building and the scorched bodies inside. He sets me down but I can't sta
nd. I sink to my knees as I sob and cough out the smoke. My hand throbs but I deserve it. I deserve it all. I see Allison nearby and I find my voice.
“Lying bitch,” I croak. “Murderer.”
“They were sick Gabby. We couldn't risk them getting out,” she says as she shrugs and walks away.
Her reasoning sounds exactly like Adrian's reasoning for keeping the labs open.
There are arms wrapped around me. Lee's. He lets me cry as long as I need to without saying a word. He's put it all together now. He knows about the card. He doesn't say a thing about it.
Chapter 20: Gabby
I wake up in the hospital and panic before I remember what happened. The sun is coming up and I want to get out of here. The only memory I have of this place is when Dawn was being kept in a coma by Dr. Darren Cole.
Lee is asleep in a nearby chair, with his head resting on my bed. I reach out and run my non burnt hand through his soft hair. He stirs slowly and eventually raises his head to look at me; his face serious.
“Are you okay?” he asks.
I just nod. My throat is raw and I'm loopy from the medications but I'll be okay. For some reason though, I don't think he's asking about my health. Last night was horrible and I'm sure that when I'm off the drugs, I'll feel worse about it.
I smile at him and he shakes his head before returning the favor.
“Someone's on drugs,” he laughs.
“Come here,” I say as I pat the bed beside me.
He hesitates until I pull on his arm. As soon as he is next to me, I lean my head on his shoulder and feel his arm encircle me as I fall back to sleep.
When I wake up, the pain is no longer dulled by drugs and my stomach is feeling pretty manky. I look around trying to find Lee until I hear him talking to Adrian in the hall. I can't make out most of what they're saying.
“What did Adrian want?” I ask Lee when he comes back in.
Adrian must hate me now. I betrayed him. I, Gabby, who never trusts anyone, trusted the wrong people. I wouldn't blame him for hating me.
Eve of Tomorrow (Dawn of Rebellion Series Book 3) Page 5
