I felt pressure in my head, and caught Tessa’s attention. “Is there somewhere I can be alone for a while? I just… I need some time to myself.”
She began to frown, but Mark shook his head. “The person we’re looking for is Sam’s brother,” he said in a low voice. “He needs some time to process everything.”
“As I said, young man, everywhere is open to you. But my favorite place to sit and think is on the swinging bench by the horse pasture. Just go out the back door, through this hallway, and follow the path straight down. You can’t miss it.” Her voice showed sympathy, and her eyes were tearing.
Not able to deal with another person’s emotions, I thanked her and rushed out the door.
“You were in a hurry before,” Kindred’s voice came into my head before I got to the swing, and I almost fell. “Now you make me wait?”
“One moment, Kindred. I need to sit down. This mental conversation takes a lot of concentration.” As soon as I spoke, I wished I could take it back. He didn’t need to know my limits.
Pushing forward, I was able to settle on the swing. “What’s going on?” I asked.
“I’ve been apprehended. They saw me on the security cameras. I can’t get to Jason right now. We both need your help, but not as the sniveling little brother you’ve been in the past.”
Trying not to take offence to the less than complimentary remark, I responded. “What is it you need from me?”
“I need you to be Oblivion,” he said urgently. “We both need you to put aside your fears and doubts, and use your powers to get us out!”
“I…I don’t know if I can,” I said honestly. My powers scared me. What I could do—what I did do—much of it was outside my control. Depending on the situation, I might not even be able to help.
“You must!” Kindred urged, almost sounding desperate. “If you do not… If you cannot control your power and help us, both Jason and I will be lost to you forever.”
EIGHT
Jason
He’s gone. The one person in this place I was starting to trust is now nowhere to be found. Jeremiah promised he wouldn’t leave me alone in this place, and now I am strapped down to the bed. The new man, the one who seemed to be in charge, had turned off the lights. Now I was left alone to contemplate what they might be planning for me.
Staring at a dark ceiling isn’t as interesting an activity as one might think. I could see tiny hints of detail in the room due to the sliver of light from under the door. With my arms restrained to the edges of the bed, I didn’t have much choice but to stare at the ceiling. Of course, I could stare at the wall instead; although if I did it for too long, I would likely get a cramp in my already sore neck.
What did these people want from me? I mean, I know I have some sort of ability, but what do they hope to gain by keeping me as a prisoner? They seem to expect cooperation, but they are going about it in a strange way. My head doesn’t ache as much as when I woke, so maybe they did me some good, but I’m holding off on feeling grateful—especially since they may have been the cause of my ‘accident’ to begin with.
With little else to hold my attention, I wondered again where Jeremiah had gone. I wanted to trust him, but he already broke his promise to stay with me. Could I really trust that he was trying to help?
“Jason, I have been captured.” Speak of the devil. Jeremiah’s voice rang through my mind, and I winced at the intrusion. “They can’t prevent me from speaking to you, but I can’t get to you. Have patience. I am attempting to coordinate a rescue.”
I could almost feel my mind struggling to push out the intruder.
“What can I do to help?” I asked silently. Perhaps if I pushed to stay in contact, the connection would remain. My only hope of escape had been captured, and I remained trapped…helpless…
“I can’t… I can’t just sit here and be helpless, Jeremiah. I need to get out of here!” My breathing sped up, and I felt like I was growing light-headed.
“Jason, you need to calm yourself. Relax, and you will get through this. We will be rescued, and you will be with your family soon.” His voice was fading. “You need to stop fighting me, or I won’t be able to speak to you anymore.
“I don’t know how to stop it. Somehow my mind is pushing you out, and I don’t know how to stop it! What are they doing to you?” I asked, still pushing through my body’s natural attempt to block the intruder. “They left me alone, but I’m strapped to the bed.”
“They’re working on confining me right now. I am locked in a room with a video camera watching my every move. I don’t know that my ability to disappear will do any good in this place. I may have to resort to my…other abilities. You just sit tight. I need to go.”
“Jeremiah?” I attempted to sit up, groaning when the movement irritated my injuries. A sharp pain shot through my ribs, and my head started throbbing again. Jeremiah seemed so… capable. If he couldn’t get away from these people, who could? Who did he have coming for us? Was it the kid he mentioned? Oblivion. If it was, could a kid really manage to break us out of this place?
There were vibrations coming down the hall, and I busied myself with memorizing the different patterns I felt. Without fail, the vibrations that moved past my door were accompanied by rhythmic thumping that seemed to quicken as they neared my room.
By the time things quieted, I had memorized five separate patterns. I also realized what the vibrations were: Footsteps. The thumping was a little more difficult, but I eventually realized they were heartbeats. Anyone who neared my room seemed to get more and more nervous, which would explain the faster heartbeats.
So, I figured out my ability, but I still had no way of knowing how to use it to get out of this situation. The people here apparently know more about me. They seem to think I was more dangerous than I currently feel. But being injured and confined to the bed did not inspire confidence. Maybe there’s more to my powers than I’ve figured out so far.
My main hope for escape is a man who has crazy super powers, and a kid who can make people forget. May have made me forget. Jeremiah may not have told me exactly what he suspected, but his full distrust of the kid he called Oblivion proves to me that he suspects the boy caused my amnesia.
What is even worse than being stuck on a bed not knowing what’s going to happen, is reaching for information I should know and not having it there. There were tiny fragments floating around, but when I tried to grasp at them it was like trying to catch a fish with my bare hands.
Bits and pieces came through as I stared at the ceiling: A girl with blonde hair, but features obscured. A young boy with dark brown hair and a shy smile. I remembered feeling terrified, worried, hurt…all sorts of emotions, but there was no context. It worried me that most of the emotions I felt even now were negative.
Before long, the lack of activity lulled me into sleep. I only woke when I tried to move and the restraints dug into my arms, but drifted back to sleep soon after.
Familiar steps approached my room, and I woke immediately. My whole body tensed when I recognized the steps as the man who strapped me down. Another man walked with him. How much time had passed since he left? He’d said they would begin their tests tomorrow…has it already been that long?
What kind of testing would they do? My powers are almost a complete mystery to me, so I have no idea what to expect.
Muted voices approached confirming the boss-man wasn’t alone. Not unexpected, but still unwelcome. It is becoming easier to trust what my abilities tell me.
I stared at my bound wrists, wracking my brain for ways to get out of this. My memory may be gone, but there was a sense of déjà vu about this situation. I couldn’t help but wonder: Have I been through something similar before? I’d noticed scars along my arms before. It only supported my theory now.
The door opened quietly, and two men entered. I felt as taut as a bowstring, and I felt myself start to shake. Both men wore medical masks and scrubs. It was difficult to tell them apart, since they were also s
imilarly built.
“We’re ready to begin the testing, Jason,” the head tormentor informed me. Despite their similar appearance, the vibrations and the patterns of their steps were completely different.
I’m beginning to see how this ability could potentially be useful. If I managed to get out of here and felt the footsteps of any of the people here, I would definitely head in the other direction.
Instead of responding to the man, I continued staring at the ceiling. My arms lay limply at my sides as my mind wandered away—or tried to anyway. Honestly, I was just figuring blanking out might be better than facing whatever they had planned for me.
My plan failed when I felt them grab my arm and shove what felt like a harpoon through the skin. I yelped and tried to grab at the spot with my other hand, wincing when the restraint pinched my wrist. “What was that?” I asked, staring up at them intently.
“Just something to make sure you aren’t able to disappear on us. It isn’t something that will hurt you, but it will tell us your location in case you manage to get away during our initial testing,” the second man said.
The man in charge spoke while his friend stuck a little bandage over the injection site. “Getting away is not likely, and if you try you will be punished.”
I wanted to ask about Jeremiah, but I wasn’t sure if they were aware that I knew about him. Bringing him up now could be a mistake. “Good choice, Jason,” Jeremiah’s voice sounded in my head, and I flinched a little.
“Just do what I say and nothing outside of our testing will happen to you,” my captor said smugly, apparently believing my flinch had been a reaction to what he said, and not to the sudden voice in my head.
Not that I wasn’t terrified of what these people could do to me, but having another person speaking directly into my mind was a bit more nerve wracking than threats of potential violence. And didn’t that say a lot? Maybe a part of me could remember, because I had thought I should be more scared of the people holding me than the person trying to help me.
“Jason, you need to cooperate. At least for now. Don’t give them an excuse to hurt you,” Jeremiah suggested.
It was hard to admit, but he was right. I forced my tense muscles to relax, and took a deep breath before responding.
“What do you need me to do?” I asked woodenly, not meeting their eyes.
“We’re going to take you to one of our testing rooms. You’ll be monitored, and you will show us your powers.”
Frowning, I asked, “How do I show you?”
“The details will be given to you once the testing begins. For now we will simply be testing the range of what you can do. From what I understand from our mutual friend, you are quite powerful. Know that we have ways to control you. If you fight us, we will bring in your brother. You wouldn’t want to bring him into this, would you?”
Brother? The surprise made me swing my gaze up to the man. Once again misunderstanding my reaction, he continued, “Just do what we say, and baby brother can remain safe with your friends. Fight us, and whatever happens to him is on you.”
“I’ll do what you say,” I gritted through clenched teeth. If I do have a brother, I definitely don’t want him anywhere near these men.
“Good choice, young man. You may call me the Doctor, and you can call him Boss or Sir. It’s not his name, but he does like the feeling of being in charge. You will do whatever either of us tells you to do. I will not always be available to monitor your testing sessions, so he will be in charge of you on those days. Both of us are permitted to test you as we see fit. Punishments are the same. If one of us punishes you, do not try to play us against each other.”
Whatever had been pushing Jeremiah away from my mind before had stopped acting up; now his comments came through loud and clear—perhaps because I was straining to hear anything from someone who was on my side. These people wouldn’t hesitate to hurt me.
Apparently Jeremiah had continued to monitor my situation, because he said, “These people are dangerous. As I said, play along for now. I am still working out how we can get out of here. I will tell you about your brother later.” He seemed angry, and practically spat the word brother, but it confirmed that what the Doctor said was true.
I have a brother, and because of me, he could be in danger.
NINE
Jeremiah
Rattling my restraints accomplished nothing, but my frustration needed an outlet. Becoming a prisoner was definitely not part of my plan to get Jason out. The plan had been to scope out potential escape routes. His window led to an enclosed courtyard, and was not a good option. There were guards posted at every door, even within the yard. Sneaking past the guards would be difficult. I could make it so they couldn’t see me, but I couldn’t prevent the people watching the live feed from noticing me with the cameras.
That was confusing me a bit. I had always been able to make people see and hear what I wanted. Sure the ones on the other end would see me, because there were simply too many people to affect, but I should be able to manipulate the guards near me. Either my powers weren’t as strong, or something else was going on.
Whatever the case may be, if I couldn’t get myself free I would have to count on Jason’s brother to get us out. His cop friends could be useful as well.
However, I had little intention of remaining a prisoner. They would want to test me as well. They would be disappointed.
I shook my restraints again, testing the strength. Our captors were apparently not as worried about my comfort as they seemed to be about Jason’s. Where he is confined on a bed, I am shackled to a chair. His room is camera free, and mine has several cameras, all aimed in my direction. They apparently didn’t like having someone in their building who they couldn’t see. Too bad. As soon as I figure a way out of this room, I fully plan to disappear. Preferably with Jason in tow.
Our captors are now aware of my ability. Even if I’m able to get loose, there may not be a way to get to Jason without being recaptured. Not unless I do exactly what Jason had practically begged me not to do. I can use my powers where there are no cameras, but when I cannot avoid being seen? In those areas I may need to use the more…deadly aspects of my talents. And I am quite sure Jason wouldn’t thank me for doing so.
My plans usually consist of remaining unseen until I can accomplish my goal. This time, I may need to adjust my plan for getting Jason out. Rattling my restraints again, I gritted my teeth at the pain of the shackles digging into my wrists. They weren’t taking any chances with me. The restraints were as tight as they could go without completely cutting off the circulation in my hands. There were two guards posted at the door, both of whom had cameras attached to special glasses. I assume that means I am not able to sneak by them, but despite their weapons, I know I can take them in a fight. My mental abilities will still give me enough of an edge to come out on top.
Perhaps I could even convince one of them to release me. If I can take control of them long enough to block warnings from the people on the other end of the camera.
Eventually, they would let down their guard. In the meantime, it would probably be good to get a measure on the people in charge of keeping me confined. I couldn’t think of a better way than to strike up a conversation with them.
“How did you know I was here?” I kept my voice mild, but I could see they were startled by me breaking the silence. It would do me no good to get the guards too riled up, but I didn’t want to show fear either.
The two men glanced at each other. One of them shrugged, as if to say it didn’t matter if I heard the answer or not. Quite honestly, the people here didn’t seem too sadistic. At least so far. The guards I’d overheard earlier… they might be dangerous if they were given the option. Based on my history, I know how quickly things can change. Object to anything one too many times, and even the most laid back of captors will turn on you.
“We have security cameras that are constantly monitored. You were seen slipping into the building, but no one could remember
seeing you once you were here.” It was the younger of the two who spoke, and his tone indicated interest, even envy, at what I can do. Behind the glasses, he was studying me intently—perhaps hoping to figure me out if he stared long enough.
Yeah. Good luck with that. My lips quirked up briefly and I met his gaze unflinching. “I just have one of those faces, I guess,” I spoke in a light tone. “People never seem to notice me. Even when I’m right in front of them.”
“And yet you’re completely visible to a video camera. How does that work?”
Raising an eyebrow, I jangled the cuffs and said, “I’m pretty sure that’s what your bosses are hoping to figure out.”
The young man huffed out a surprised laugh. “Yeah, I suppose you’re right. Though it might be easier for you to just tell us how you managed to slip past several guards and stay hidden for so long. You’ve been here for days!” The older guard frowned at the obvious awe in his fellow guard’s voice, but didn’t speak up.
“What can I call you?” I queried. “I know you’ve probably been told not to give me your real names, but I would like to call you something.”
As I expected, the younger looked to the older before answering. “You can call me Red, that’s what most call me anyway.” Red indicated his partner. “Call him Butch.”
Red and Butch. Not what I was expecting, but at least it gave me names to use. “Why are you called Red?” I asked curiously. It obviously wasn’t for his hair. Even under the hat he wore I could see his hair was such a dark brown that it almost appeared black.
Now he hesitated. Personal stories may be too much. “Forget I asked,” I backed out graciously, raising my right hand as much as I could in a dismissive wave.
He nodded, and shot me a quick look that seemed almost grateful. Strange. Definitely not an emotion I was accustomed to having directed at me. Red carried himself like a soldier. Standing straight, shoulders back, and legs slightly apart. Relaxed, yet ready for action. And armed to the teeth if it came down to it. Both men carried several handguns and a larger gun across their backs. In addition they each had wicked looking combat knives strapped to their thighs. Could this be some sort of black ops government facility? They certainly have the tech for it.
Oblivion Page 4
