“The State has survived because of the High Council, yet she barges into office intending to change everything, all while she remains ignorant. You’ve heard her. Her arguments are unfounded and emotional. She didn’t even know that scientists live in Cheyenne, yet she speaks as though she has both sufficient information and intelligence to change our world.”
Her heart pounded in her chest, feeling like it might implode. Stars danced behind her eyes. She forced herself to breathe.
“Do you really think you could handle it?” he asked. “You’ve never even gone undercover. How could you possibly handle that level of deception, let alone killing someone? I am aware that as a Council member and part of the State House staff, you are armed. I’m also certain you’ve had sufficient training with your firearm. But target practice can’t prepare you. When you pull the trigger knowing it will take a life—in cold blood—it’s different. I am uncertain you have the capacity for this.”
She gulped hard. This had to work, and she was running out of time.
“We all die. What truly matters is that our way of life continues. It must be done. I’m here to tell you, I will take on this task. I may have never killed before, but my aim is true, and I’m convinced this is the only way to save the State.”
He sighed audibly through the monitor. “You must understand that I can’t protect you, especially if you want to shoot her.”
“Absolutely. But I do not fear death. I understand that my time is already drawing near its end; I’m not a youthful woman any longer. I would prefer for my death to have meaning rather than to simply die of old age.”
“Chastity, I will admit, we have been looking for the right candidate to carry out such an action. I am afraid we overlooked you.”
She had to force her shoulders to remain square as some of the tension fled her body. This wasn’t just to help Colin and the rebels overtake the transport device. She had been correct in her assumption that the High Council wanted Freya dead.
“So, when and how would you like to do this?”
“I think right away would be best, and this needs to be public. Her next address, before she does further damage.”
An interminable pause came through the monitor. “I like that idea. But I’m afraid we would need to tarnish your name. Public executions are sloppy. The people love her; they can’t know our part. You will be labeled a traitor, one who killed the most beloved Head of State in history.”
Chastity shrugged. “What do I care? I’ll be dead. I’m sure I’ll be shot on sight.”
“Probably. I can’t control what happens to you once that shot is fired. Don’t miss.”
“I won’t.” Her gaze darted to the side. “I notice there is only one of you speaking. Will you need to converse with the others? Should I await your response?”
“No. Contacting you will be challenging without Freya becoming aware. I am alone in this conversation, but our vote to remove her from office was already cast. I will inform them I have both arranged and assigned her assassination. It will please them to learn of your prompt timeline. As you said, this needs to be taken care of while we can still course correct regarding the colony world. The colonists will soon demand their own government and trade treaties if she persists.”
“The colony needs to be an extension of the State, not a new civilization.”
“Agreed. Chastity, we understand each other. The State is grateful to your life of service, and your sacrifice.”
She nodded. “May the State rein forever.”
She quickly maneuvered on the tablet and cut the line and quickly placed it back on her desk. It was time to leave this office before Freya returned.
Chastity hustled down the hall to her own apartment and locked herself inside.
It’s done. I can keep my promise to my sister and know that my dear friend still has a chance to have the happy life she deserves, with the man she truly loved.
Chapter 27
Lewis
The tip of the sun had just dipped below the mountain, and soon there would be nothing but darkness. He tilted his head back and looked at the ceiling. Watching the sunset was the highlight of his day, as he had long ago lost interest in playing games on his tablet.
It wasn’t just games that had lost all appeal; he kept his tablet tucked out of sight to resist temptation. Although he could access the same content on the monitor, it was easier to avoid. The only time his monitor self-activated was when the broadcasting system overpowered the signal. Lucky for him, the current Head of State had been reluctant to appear on camera, discontinuing the regularly scheduled updates. At least he was tormented less often this way.
If it were possible to sink lower, the broadcasts were the darkest times of his prison sentence. It was almost too much to bear. Lewis had watched Freya grow into the amazing woman she became. Strong. Fierce. Confident. Such a stretch from where she started.
She had been so weak, so unsure of herself when they first met. Now, she wasn’t just running the State, but changing it, taking bold, unapologetic leaps forward.
It was devastating.
Not only had she taken the title he had longed for, but he wished he could live in the world Freya was fighting for. But he also knew she would fail. Her plan was nothing more than a dream. It could have been real in a different time, a different world, but not now. The High Council was setting her up to showboat to the rebellion, just so the State could eliminate those who desired any other way of life.
Each time he watched Freya giving a broadcast, a part of him swelled with pride, but he was quickly reminded that it was all temporary.
He couldn’t avoid the broadcasts, but he could refrain from re-watching them repeatedly until he went mad—which is why he kept his tablet out of sight. Just seeing her face, hearing her voice, it was too easy to get pulled into temptation. His sanity depended on distancing himself from his tablet, from her. It was already too difficult to stay away.
After her first broadcast, he re-watched the replay over and over, each time feeling as though his heart was being cut from his chest. He could accept their permanent separation. He could even accept that once the rebellion overtook the colony world, she would be reunited with Colin. What he found intolerable was sitting idle when they could be together, if only circumstances were different.
Hey may never know the purpose of Dr. Rhetta prolonging his life. And the conclusion he accepted was that it didn’t truly matter. The more he dwelt in this prison, the more he regretted every action he had taken since the day he met Freya. It was the danger of being alone with his thoughts combined with no purpose, no form of entertainment, nothing but meal delivery and the cycle of the sun to show a passing of time.
As much as he tried to purge his mind of Dr. Rhetta, he found it difficult to think of much else. What was this plan she had for him? Was she going to reward him for his loyal service? Was a woman that vile capable of making good on her word?
Was he being spared for a life inside the mountain? Or working maintenance on the dome. It often ran through his mind that perhaps Dr. Rhetta’s idea of a reward was keeping him alive. Maybe she was so enslaved to the State’s bidding she had lost all touch with humanity, even as a psychologist. She didn’t seem to understand that he would have rather been executed for treason then locked up like this.
He rose from the sofa; his body ached from inactivity. After flipping on the kettle, he stood and peered out the window. If he really focused, there was enough light in the sky that he could just make out the mountains in the distance.
The door to his apartment suddenly swung open and smacked the wall with a heavy thwack. Lewis spun around to see Dr. Rhetta unapologetically barge in. Once again, perspiration glistened all around her hairline and misted across her cheeks. She huffed breathlessly. If it weren’t for her piercing gaze, he would have thought her exertion nearly humanized her.
“Lewis.” She leaned a hand against the wall, struggling to catch her breath.
J
ust hearing her speak his name was enough to make his skin crawl. Deep down, a part of him had hoped their dealings together were over.
She had never made good on her word and returned to give an explanation. She’d left him here to rot.
Sometimes, he hoped she’d died on the return trip after handling his relocation. It would have explained why no further communication had come through, especially if she had told no one she brought him here.
“I’m sorry I couldn’t make it back here sooner. There has been too much on my plate.” She leaned back against the wall, still struggling to catch her breath. “Thank you for heeding my wishes and keeping yourself concealed.”
He struggled to keep from clenching his jaw. “And why, after all this time, have you graced me with your presence?”
Acid seeped through his words.
She nodded and took a step toward him. “Lewis, I can see you are angry—understandably so. Let me assure you, I keep my promises. You have been loyal to me, more loyal than most. You have suffered greatly, which means your reward will be equal to your diligence.”
His eyes darted to the side.
My reward? And what reward did the former Head of State receive? An honorable death?
He kept his jaw clamped shut.
“It’s time to take you back to the central hub of the military underground.”
His eyebrows jutted upwards. “You’re returning me to the State House? Aren’t you afraid Freya will spot me? Or is that your intention?”
His mind started spinning.
Is Freya still my mission? I won’t kill her.
His heart rate sputtered at the thought of seeing Freya again, yet his stomach clenched at the prospect as to why Dr. Rhetta would reunite them.
“No, of course not. She’ll be gone before we get there.”
“Gone?” His eyes bulged. “Has the revolution already happened?”
“No, Lewis. But it will happen today.”
His eyes narrowed. “How do you know that?”
Dr. Rhetta gave a curt nod. “Because we are going to kill her, Lewis.”
His heart slammed against his chest, his temples, in his throat. “No. You said I wouldn’t have to kill her.”
She shook her head dismissively. “No, Lewis. But we have decided the time is right for the rebels to flee. Someone will assassinate her during her address—that’s why I had to rush to collect you.”
His chest ached.
Freya deserves so much better than this.
“Who’s going to kill her?”
A near manic compulsion flashed through his mind.
If I hurry, maybe I can get there in time to stop them.
“I am uncertain. Another High Council member informed me it was taken care of. It doesn’t matter who shoots her, it only matters that she is shot during her address to ensure the rebellion rushes the transport device in the ensuing chaos. I need to get you into the military underground before the commotion begins. Many people will die today on both sides. I need to make sure you’re safe, Lewis.”
“What for?” he spat, throwing his hands in the air. “What has any of this been for? Why do you have to kill Freya? Why can’t you let her go through to the new colony?”
Dr. Rhetta squinted, her dark beady eyes boring into him. “Lewis, all rebels must die. And why should it matter if she is killed here or on the new colony?”
“But she doesn’t deserve this! She wasn’t supposed to be a rebel. You made her one! Why can’t you just let her move to the colony and let her live out the rest of her days?”
Dr. Rhetta’s face turned sour. “Lewis, it worries me to hear you say this. We went over this on your first mission with Freya. You asked to not take part in her execution but agreed with our actions. I know we had to sacrifice Freya, but we must all make sacrifices for the greater good.”
He took a step closer, pointing his finger at her. “Yes, it seems that everyone around you has to make sacrifices, but what about you? I’ve given my life, my love, all to this meaningless cause. What have you ever lost?”
Dr. Rhetta gasped. “Meaningless cause? How can you say such a thing?” She turned and started nervously pacing. “Oh, Lewis, you’ve lost your mind. I left you alone for too long. Solitary confinement can—”
He grabbed her shoulder and gave her a firm shake before forcing her to look him in the eyes. “Answer me! What have you ever sacrificed?”
She blinked twice. “Everything, Lewis. My partner. My life. My children. I have existed only to propel the State forward.”
The monitor flashed, alerting them that a broadcast was about to begin.
His jaw clenched, and he spoke through his teeth. “Call it off.”
Dr. Rhetta looked vulnerable. Worse than that, defeated. “Oh dear. What have I done? I was wrong about you. I’ve never been wrong about anyone before.”
He rocked her shoulders, her frail little frame flailing back and forth. “Call it off!”
Tears sprang from her eyes. “But I was as certain about you and your role as I was about Freya. I made a mistake not coming sooner. Your mind has deteriorated.”
He cupped his hand over her mouth, unable to hear her grading voice any longer. “That’s where you’re wrong. Being here hasn’t spoiled my mind. It gave me clarity. I see you. I see the State for what they really are; nothing more than a bunch of power-hungry sociopaths. The world would be a better place if someone like Freya was in charge. You care for nothing but your power.”
The monitor flickered on, and Lewis saw Freya’s beautiful face come into view. She stood in the atrium, her eyes glowing, glistening with moisture, radiating hope for things to come.
His hand eased off Dr. Rhetta. It felt as though his chest lit on fire at the sight of Freya, distracting him from his current happenstance.
I can’t let her die, not like this.
“Lewis, what did she do to you? You were one of the best, and she destroyed—”
Without conscious thought, his hands flew upwards, catching Dr. Rhetta by the throat. The tendons in his hands popped as his grip tightened. Her eyes bulged. A rasp escaped her lips as she fought to breathe, yet he couldn’t force his grip to loosen.
Her skin flushed into a bright crimson shade as spittle dangled from her lip. Her eyes rolled back in her head, but it wasn’t enough.
All the years of misery. A wasted life. Love lost. All because of her, Dr. Rhetta; the puppeteer of all evil. His rage built into a volcano inside of him. Suddenly, looking down at her pathetic form wasn’t enough.
This must end.
With a swift movement, Lewis shifted from his stranglehold to a quick lethal twist. The sound of her bones breaking reverberated down his hands, filling his core with relief, bliss, euphoria.
“My beloved people,” Freya’s voice came clearly through the monitor.
Lewis’ head snapped up to the monitor; his hands released Dr. Rhetta’s body. She fell in a distorted heap as he stepped closer to the monitor.
He couldn’t move. He couldn’t speak. His feet were cemented to the floor, knowing that it was too late. Even if he were near the State House, he couldn’t get to Freya in time. Nothing could stop her fate.
With his elbow propped above the monitor, he leaned into the wall. His fingers traced the outline of her face as though he could touch her one last time. He hardly flinched as she spoke such blatant words against the State, challenging their entire way of life.
No wonder they have to kill her.
She’s the most perfect creature I’ve ever met, yet I conspired against her. I wish I had spent less time focused on missions and more time just loving her. Now it’s too late.
They were already dead, the both of them. She may go first, but with what he had done, he would go shortly after.
I don’t want to live in a world without her in it.
A sense of peace washed over him as the realization settled in. What more could he ask for than to die with his love? Maybe they won’t be together p
hysically, but he could truly die at peace knowing that they went at the same time, as though she too couldn’t bear to be separated from him.
A loud bang rang through the monitor. His entire body tensed, locked in a rigid stance. No matter how many times he had heard gunfire, even when he pulled the trigger himself, nothing could have prepared him to hear the shock wave or see Freya collapse.
His knuckles turned white as he gripped the sides of the monitor. It seemed as though time had slowed, and his eyes were playing tricks on him.
The camera panned to a woman standing behind where Freya stood, gun still drawn.
Conspired: A Young Adult Dystopian Romance (The State Series Book 6) Page 17
