The Hunted: The Fifth Force Series - Book One

by X, Alice

  “Good,” Thomas nodded. “It will go easier.”

  “Do you know what other information she’s looking for?” Ava asked tentatively.

  “If I knew, I’d tell you,” Thomas insisted. “But they keep that information classified. Either way, the questions will be standard. She’ll want to know details about your father and brother, what their plans are, where they were headed.”

  Ava looked down.

  “You know, don’t you?”

  Ava said nothing.

  “Whatever question is asked,” Thomas went on. “Keep your breathing even, stay calm and give them your answer.”

  Ava shot a glance in Thomas’s direction. “Does every witch who comes through here have to do this?”

  “No,” Thomas said. “Not every witch.”

  “So there’s something specific they want from me,” Ava said mostly to herself. “They want my help to hunt my father and brother.”

  “I know it sounds… brutal,” Thomas said softly, stroking her hair.

  “I saw my mother die,” Ava said abruptly cutting him off. “I watched the life drain from her eyes. Do you know what that’s like?” Ava looked up at him imploring.

  “No,” Thomas said gently, kissing her cheek.

  “The only way I can deal with it is to never ever think about it at all. I’ve put that memory in a box in my head and locked it up tight. It’s the only way. And, the only reason I had the strength to do that, was because I know that Dad and Harry are out there. I’m not going to let the Orion Task Force get them.”

  Thomas stared at her as though he were trying to figure her out. His blue eyes were dulled by shadow. “I believe you,” he said. “You’re strong.”

  That amused Ava. “How do you know?”

  “I just do,” Thomas replied evasively. His confidence in her made her feel calm.

  “I know this sounds… odd,” Ava said tentatively. “But I think I might actually miss you when I’m out of here.” She kissed him lightly.

  Thomas smiled. “I’m glad to hear that.”

  At that moment there was a sharp rap on the cell door. Thomas rose to answer it. “What is it?” he asked.

  Ava heard a deep voice reply. “You’re wanted in the Oval chamber.”

  “I’ll be right there,” Thomas said, and Ava heard the footsteps recede. “I better get going,” Thomas said turning back to her for a second.

  “Okay.”

  “They’ll call you in tomorrow.”

  “I know.”

  “Remember to….”

  “Stay calm,” Ava finished for him. “I know.”

  “And Ava?” Thomas bent and kissed her slowly.

  “Yes?” Ava sighed, wishing he didn’t have to leave.

  “Be convincing.”

  Chapter 12

  “Good morning, Ms. Edwards,” Eliza said formally as she walked in. Her technician, John Albano, trailed her with his familiar bunch of gadgets.

  Ava took a deep internal sigh. “Good morning.”

  “You seem to be in a better mood today,” Eliza observed pleasantly. She was wearing a black pencil skirt and a fitted grey silk blouse. Her hair was loose today, but was neat and looked prim. She seemed to be observing Ava more carefully than before.

  Ava bit back the retort on her tongue. “I slept well,” she said shortly.

  “I’m glad to hear it,” Eliza replied. “The serum aids in a good night’s rest.”

  “Stay calm,” Ava repeated to herself. She was already feeling anger bubble up inside her, but she kept her brother Harry’s face at the forefront of her mind to help neutralize the anger.

  “I hear you’ve been taking regular doses of the serum?”

  “I have.”

  “Excellent,” Eliza said, and then she turned to John. “And your handler is Thomas?”

  Ava nodded, bristling internally at the word ‘handler’ and at the knowing smile on Eliza’s face.

  “Are we ready?” Eliza asked.

  “Ready,” John replied without looking up.

  “Fantastic,” Eliza said as though she were determined to keep the interrogation as positive as possible. Ava resisted the urge to roll her eyes. “Let’s begin where we left off. Do you have any paternal aunts or uncles?”

  Ava looked her in the eye when she answered. “No. My mother had a sister in Michigan though.”

  “Your mother’s family is not the subject at this moment, Ava,” Eliza said dropping her surname for a more personal approach.

  “Ah, yes, you’re only interested in the witches,” Ava said.

  Eliza looked at her appraisingly, her dull blue eyes refused to blink. “Are you growing upset again?”

  “Not at all,” Ava replied forcing a tight smile.

  “Glad to hear it,” Eliza replied. “Let’s try that again. And, I would like you to answer the question that is asked without adding on any unnecessary information.”

  “I’ll do my best.”

  “Do you have any paternal aunts or uncles?”

  “No.”

  “You’re father was an only child?”

  “Yes.”

  “Are your grandparents alive?”

  “I’m assuming you’re only interested in my paternal grandparents?”

  “I’m sorry,” Eliza said. “I wasn’t specific enough. Are your paternal grandparents alive?”

  “No, they’re not.”

  “I see,” Eliza said taking a look through the file she had in front of her. “You’re doing very well so far, Ava.”

  Ava kept her breathing even, but her nails bit into her palms. She placed them under the table, out of sight. She pushed Harry’s face into the forefront of her mind.

  “Where were you and your mother heading when you were detained by our hunters?”

  “Canada.”

  “Our hunters found passports in your backpacks,” Eliza said. “Were you planning to catch a flight out of the country?”

  “Yes.”

  “To where?”

  “Malta,” Ava lied easily.

  “Malta?”

  “Yes.”

  “And then what?”

  “I don’t know.”

  “You don’t know?” Eliza regarded her with raised eyebrows.

  “Our plan didn’t extend past Malta. We were going to get there, and then decide what we were going to do next.”

  “I see. When was the last time you saw your father?”

  Ava reminded herself to tread carefully. “I don’t know.”

  “Excuse me?” Eliza sounded incredulous.

  “I’ve been locked up in a dark cell…”

  “Holding room,” Eliza corrected fluidly.

  “… for weeks,” Ava went on as though there had been no interruption. “I’ve lost all concept of time. I don’t even know what day it is.”

  Eliza seemed to accept this. “Very well. Where did you part with your father and brother?”

  “Fort Collins.”

  “And where were your father and brother heading?”

  Ava had been anticipating the question since the first time she had been in this room. She kept her face as expressionless as possible. “I don’t know.”

  Eliza smiled. It was a smile that appeared to be sympathetic. “You’re lying, Ava,” she said.

  “I’m not,” Ava replied. “My father kept that information from my mother and me.”

  “And why would he do that?”

  “So that if it ever came to this, I would have nothing to tell.”

  “You’re saying that your father anticipated your capture and subsequent interrogation?”

  “He was a man who prepared for every scenario,” Ava said with a shrug.

  “Seems highly unlikely.”

  “And yet….”

  Eliza surveyed Ava carefully, and then she turned to John, who gave her a slight nod that Ava found hard to decipher. “I’m assuming the end goal would have been to reunite in Malta?”

  Ava hesitated.
>
  “You must answer honestly, Ava,” Eliza reminded her.

  “I think that was the plan.”

  “The plan that was never discussed with you?”

  “Yes,” Ava said firmly.

  “Perhaps your father was planning to reunite in Canada?” Eliza asked conversationally.

  “Your guess is as good as mine.”

  Ava could feel Eliza’s eyes on her. She leaned back in her seat and pretended to be fascinated with her fingers.

  “Final question,” Eliza said after what seemed like a long pause. “Do you have, or have you ever had, any ties with the Akkadian Society?”

  Ava looked up. “I have not.”

  Eliza nodded once. “Very well. This interview is at an end. Thank you for your cooperation.”

  She rose and John followed suit. They exited and Ava sighed in relief. She heard laughter a moment later, alerting her that the two guards assigned to escort her to and from her cell were at the door. She waited nervously, but they seemed in no hurry to get her back to her cell. She rose from the table and walked towards the door.

  “…disappointed in him.”

  “Nah, when it comes down to it, he’s the boss’s kid — or close enough. And you have to admit, he gets through to the witches.”

  “A pretty face; that’s all it is.”

  “Still, he gets them to cooperate. His witches are the easiest to Cleanse.”

  “He has his work cut out for him with this one.”

  “What’s the special interest in her anyway?”

  “Beats me, but something tells me we’ll find out soon.”

  The door opened and Ava jumped away from it. The bald guard stuck his head in. “Well, come on,” he said as though she was the one who had been keeping them waiting. “Let’s go.”

  Ava followed him out the door, feeling as though there were daggers in her back.

  Chapter 13

  “Are you sure you’ve got it?” Thomas asked again.

  Ava handed him back his gun. “I think so.”

  “That’s not good enough.”

  “I’m hoping I won’t have to use it,” Ava admitted.

  “And you might not have to,” Thomas said. “As long as you’ve got a hold on Talbot, getting out shouldn’t be a problem.”

  Thomas wrung his hands together. Ava noticed the blood drain from them with the pressure he was applying. Even his face was pale; his lips were pressed together in a tight line.

  “Then why are you so nervous?” Ava asked cautiously.

  “I’m not, I’m just thinking,” he replied shortly.

  “You are nervous,” Ava said.

  Thomas sighed. “I know.”

  Ava hesitated for a moment, then walked over to where he sat. Tentatively, she placed a hand on his shoulder. She couldn’t see his face, but she could feel the smile on his lips.

  “I’m nervous too.”

  He sighed and lifted his head, motioning for her to sit down beside him. Ava sank to the ground, the two of them shoulder to shoulder. Ava leaned against him, feeling her heart beating faster. Thomas slipped his arm under her back, laying her down, as they wrapped their legs and arms over each other.

  The intensity of their lovemaking was accelerated. Thomas took Ava with more force than before. He struggled with confusion between his time with Ava and the Task Force. He knew Ava meant more to him than the Task Force ever could.

  Ava felt that this moment in Thomas’s embrace may be the last time they would be together. As their bodies joined in passion, Ava moaned his name over and over.

  They drew apart, holding hands as their breathing slowed to a more normal rate. Thomas squeezed Ava’s hand and stood.

  “Ava, I… we need to plan. As soon as you get to the exit, there’ll be a truck waiting for you,” Thomas said in a business-like voice. “It’s marked by a huge red ‘O’. It’s the only one with that marking on the passenger-side door. The keys will be in the ignition.”

  Ava nodded refocusing her mind, committing the details to memory. “And Talbot is going to be enough to get me out?”

  “She’s too important to lose,” Thomas assured her. “No one will take a shot at you as long as she’s close by, and my gun is fully loaded. You remember everything I just told you?”

  Ava looked at the gun again. She tried to hide her distaste. “Yes.”

  Thomas nodded. “Good,” he said distractedly.

  Ava was starting to feel a tightening around her throat, as though invisible hands were threatening to squeeze the life out of her. She wondered if that was how Thomas was feeling too.

  “What will happen after?” Ava asked. “To you?”

  “I’ll be fine,” Thomas said tonelessly. “I am Frederick Madden’s son, after all.”

  Ava nodded but she was not entirely convinced that Thomas was telling her the whole truth. She reached out and took his hand in her own.

  “Why are you doing this?” Ava asked. “Really.”

  She could make out the sharp lines of Thomas’s profile. He clenched his jaw and took a deep breath. “My job is to get close to the witches I guard,” he said finally. “If they believe I’m their friend, it’s easier. They start to believe that I will do what’s best for them.”

  “You manipulate them.” Ava said without judgment in her voice.

  “Yes,” Thomas nodded. “I have to get under their skin; I have to make them feel something for me. I guess this time it happened the other way around.”

  Ava squeezed his hand in response.

  “I’m not a monster,” Thomas went on. “I feel for the witches that come through. I question whether or not we’re doing the right thing. I suppose the honest truth is — I’m a coward.”

  “You’re not….”

  “I am,” Thomas insisted cutting her off. “It never really felt right, sending all those witches off to the Cleansing lab, but I did it anyway. I convinced them to do it, even though I wasn’t convinced myself.”

  “Why are you telling me this?” Ava asked wondering why he was being so honest now.

  “Because, you’re going to be gone soon,” Thomas replied. “And then I won’t have anyone left to … talk to.”

  That was when Ava understood. This was the last thing they could share before parting ways — an honest conversation. She looked down at their interlinked hands. “This is ironic isn’t it?”

  “Very,” Thomas agreed. He took a deep breath as though he were trying to gain his bearings. “Talk to me, tell me about something.”

  “What do you want to know?”

  “I don’t know… how did you learn to cast spells?”

  Ava laughed. “I can’t cast spells.”

  Thomas gave her a sideways glance.

  “No, really,” Ava insisted. “Spell casting and potion making… those things died out a long time ago.”

  “How?”

  “There are many different types of witches,” Ava said. “At least there used to be hundreds of years ago. Some could see the future, some could read people’s minds, some could fly and others had the powers of spell casting and potion making. With time however, their powers diluted. Some believe that certain powers were lost forever. Now all we seem to have left is the power of telekinesis.”

  “It’s a formidable power though,” Thomas pointed out.

  “It depends on the witch,” Ava replied. “Some find it difficult to move the simplest object, while others have much more potential.”

  “Who taught you all this?” Thomas wanted to know.

  “My father mostly,” Ava replied. “He liked to study up on the history of witches. I think it made him sad though.”

  “Why?”

  “We’re dying out. Our abilities are growing more and more limited, and even if they weren’t, they’re nullified by the burnt metal that the witch hunters use. We have no real way to protect ourselves, which means we’re vulnerable.”

  “It’s an even match,” Thomas pointed out.

  Ava sig
hed. “It’s still a pointless war.”

  “Aren’t all wars?” Thomas asked.

  Ava smiled, but it slid off her face almost immediately. “Thomas?”

  “Yes?”

  “If this plan doesn’t work out….”

  “You have to stay positive.”

  “I know, but we also have to be prepared for anything,” Ava said firmly. “If this doesn’t work out, what will happen next?”

  “They will contain you in another holding room; one that’s fully fortified.”

  “Will you be allowed to see me?”

  “No.”

  “And then what?”

  Thomas hesitated for a moment. “The honest truth? I don’t know. There’s no precedent for this. I don’t know if they’ll continue with protocol and Cleanse you immediately or….”

  “If they’ll kill me,” Ava said simply.

  Thomas’s head snapped up. “I won’t let that happen.”

  “You might not have a choice.”

  “I won’t let that happen,” Thomas repeated again, there was fire in his eyes.

  They gazed into each other’s eyes. It was almost time for her scanning; Ava could feel its giant shadow hanging over them. “I want you to be safe,” Ava said quietly.

  “I want the same for you,” Thomas said back.

  Their kiss started slowly, but there was nothing tentative about it. Ava felt his hand on her neck, cupping the side of her face. She leaned in deeper, tilting her head to the side. She felt his tongue travel along the length of her lower lip and her mouth parted slightly as she breathed him in.

  As the kiss deepened, Ava gave herself over to it, all she could feel were his lips, softer than she had remembered, pressed against hers. They tasted of salt and sadness.

  It was the only way to say goodbye.

  The sound of rapid footsteps pulled them apart. Ava jumped over to her bed on the opposite side of the tiny cell, while Thomas stood abruptly. His eyes were fixed steel; every trace of softness had been removed from them. Ava wiped her expression clean of emotion and turned her face from the door. A moment later it sprang open and two guards appeared.

  “Where’s Johansson?” Thomas asked. “He was supposed to bring me the summons?”

  “Change of plan,” a raspy voice replied. “The witch is summoned to the Oval chamber.”