by Kate Tailor
Raleigh let his finger go slack and allowed him to stand up. He did, only to give them a deep sigh and sit down.
“I did it! That was so easy!”
Brent came in. “She already did it?”
Collin’s calm dissolved. “You’ve done this before.”
Raleigh spun around and looked at Collin. “No, I haven’t. I never thought to try before, which is a shame. How many people could I have helped?”
“Be careful, you can really overdo some things. You can try to slow down a racing heart and accidentally make it stop. There’s a lot of fine tuning you’ll have to do before you can really use it.” Rho smiled as he issued the warning.
Brent patted Collin on the shoulder. “How long did influencing take you? A few weeks? Months? I guess we were right in thinking that she would far surpass you.”
Collin narrowed his eyes. “Now let’s see how well she does with barricading.”
Rho rubbed his hands together. “All right, Raleigh, you’re going to want to....”
Sharp pain. So sharp she reached up and clasped her head, holding it together even though it only seemed like it was ripped apart. She screamed, clawing to make it stop. Falling to the ground she rolled, trying to do something to alleviate it.
It stopped, and her yells were replaced by Collin’s deep howls. His hands balled into fists at his sides. Rho positioned himself over Raleigh squaring off against his friend.
The yelling stopped, and Collin stepped forward, unclenching his fists and shoving Rho. “Why did you do that?” Collin shouted.
Rho stepped over Raleigh instead of falling on her. “You were hurting her!”
“That’s how we teach it. Pain is something people instinctually push out.”
Rho shook his head. “That’s not how I learned.”
“Well, you’re different!”
“So’s she!”
“She’s not like you and your brothers. You’re going to figure that out when you introduce them to her. You’re different. She’s the same as everyone else.”
“You just hate being upstaged.” Rho knelt down and helped Raleigh up. His hand cupped the side of her face, her pain gone but not her memory of it.
“Whatever! I guess you don’t need me now!” Collin charged past them, flipping a chair over before yanking open the door and storming out.
All eyes rested on the overturned chair. Brent said, “He’s right. With her here to watch your back, you don’t need him.”
Trevor gnawed the edge of his nail. “She can’t pilot a plane.”
“How often does that really come up?” asked Brent.
“That turned violent quickly. Who knew he’d be so irrational about Raleigh?” Rho stared at the door.
Brent answered the rhetorical question. “Who couldn’t? He’s an addict. You can’t keep acting like being around us is good for him. Now that she’s here, we can let him go.”
Rho pointed at Brent. “Keep talking like that, and he’ll leave. We don’t drop people when someone better comes along.”
“You admit she’s better.”
“Of course she is.”
“Please, by all means, if you find someone better at selling, go with them. Don’t keep me on because you feel like you owe me.”
Trevor opened his mouth, thought for a moment, and said, “I don’t think you’ll find anyone as good at computers. Still, there is something to be said for loyalty. Collin has always had that. I don’t think you can turn someone out who’s stood by you.”
Brent’s eyes rolled up and then focused on Rho. “It’s better for him to not be around Lucid, to forget it exists.”
Raleigh didn’t take sides. It wasn’t her place. If Collin was addicted, it wasn’t his fault. She could understand the feeling of coming in a distant second. On the other hand, she wouldn’t be sad to see Collin go.
Rho inhaled, his shoulders moving up and down with the breath. He walked over, opened the door, and waited in the doorframe. “I’m going after him. Raleigh, we’ll have to work on barricading another time.”
The door snapped shut behind him leaving them in an awkward silence. Raleigh pursed her lips. That barricading lesson was an important one. Collin’s temper tantrum might end up costing her.
Brent said, “We should get you ready for tonight. It will take you longer to get ready than us.”
“Sure.”
She and Brent went upstairs, her mind going over the inventory of her suitcase. The skirt last night was one of the dressier things she had, and she doubted it would work for the meeting. “Do you think I could borrow something out of one of the closets?”
“Sure—if you want to dress like a fifty-year-old. I bought you something, though.”
“When?”
“Not all of us slept in until noon. Don’t get testy. I got Rho stuff, too. I guessed that skirt was the nicest thing you had, and it’s not going to cut it tonight.”
“Where are we meeting Marcel?”
“At his nightclub, where he conducts all his business.”
Brent led her to his room and pulled an outfit from the closet. “I’ll step out while you put it on. Then I can help with your makeup.”
After Brent left, Raleigh removed the outfit from the bag, wondering how good his makeup skills could be. The shimmery red top hung low in the front and laced up the back. The black leather skirt would help tone down the glitz. Thalia would have loved it, but could Raleigh pull it off? With the blackouts, she’d always attempted to draw attention away from herself. This outfit would do the opposite. Putting it on, she walked to the attached bathroom so she could admire the outfit from all angles. It showed more skin than she would’ve liked, but Brent had done a good job.
“Am I awesome or what?” Brent said from the doorway.
“It might get cold.”
“With all the hoops Rho’s going through to bring you along, it’s safe to say he’d give you the shirt off his back. I’m sure he’ll lend you his jacket.”
“What about shoes?”
Brent held up boots. “Heels would go better, but we want you to be in something you can run in. Let’s do your makeup, and then you can extract before we leave.”
“Will Rho be back in time?”
“He better be. There’s no point in going without him. Sit down, and let me do your eyes.”
They went to the adjoined bathroom. He closed the toilet lid, and Raleigh sat on the edge of the tub. She shut her eyes trying not to flinch at the pressure of the eye lining pencil. This was going to be different from wearing makeup to prom and other dances.
“Do you put makeup on girls often?” Raleigh asked.
“I’m no orphan like Rho and Trevor. I come from a blended family. Lots of full, half, and step siblings. Each of my parents has been married two or three times. I’ve had my share of sisters. Nothing wins the heart of a five-year-old like putting on her makeup.”
Raleigh smiled as he worked on her lashes. “Does it help you pick up girls?”
“That and a lot of other charms. It’s easy to pick them up when Collin is around, harder when Rho is.”
“Is Collin in love with Rho? Because the way he looks at him and feels inside, it’s more than protective. There’s a sense of ownership.”
“That’s the addiction.” Brent’s hand paused right by her eyebrow, and he stared into her eyes. “Please don’t tell me you’re the type of girl that goes for jerks like Collin. You don’t seem like the type. I’ve seen the looks you give Rho.”
“What looks?”
“The ones everyone gives him. I’ve never been attracted to him, and I’ve caught myself staring. People aren’t supposed to look like that. Stay away from Collin.”
“You won’t have a hard time convincing me of that.”
Brent finished her eyes. Wanting to say something else, his mouth opened twice before he reconsidered and shut it.
It was odd to see Brent not talking, holding back. It made her curious as to what he wanted to say.
“Brent, what are you thinking?”
“That you need to put on some of this lipstick.” Brent held up a tube of blood-red lipstick.
It was darker than she liked, but it went well with the shirt. Raleigh took it but didn’t apply it, waiting for Brent to answer her.
“I was wondering if Rho got around to telling you about the rules of dating,” Brent said.
“No. But I’d assume that sort of thing is on the back burner, with us being chased and all.”
“It’s a bit more complicated than that. But I’m going to let him give you the talk about the birds and bees.”
Raleigh ran the lipstick across her bottom lip and then slid it around the top. “I’ve had that talk.”
“Not this particular one. Now tonight, you should know that Marcel is really forward. He’s not a bad guy, but he can be intimidating. You hold your ground. Answer his questions honestly. This is going to be one of the only times you’ll do that. Rho and his brothers use him to sell, and he’s honest. Just because we all dislike him doesn’t mean we don’t all trust him.”
“Is he unpleasant like Collin?”
“No one is as unpleasant as Collin.” His laugh grazed her cheek. “He’s not mean, but he’s a ruthless type of person which happens to benefit us more often than not. A moral person wouldn’t be able to get hold of fake papers. You look perfect. I’m going to change. I’ll meet you in the living room.”
Raleigh looked in the mirror. Thalia would approve. The thought of home tightened her chest. For a few moments, she sat in the silence, bolstering her confidence. Then she went into the living room where Brent and Rho waited. “How’s Collin?”
Rho motioned towards the door. “Staying with us. It’s time to meet Marcel.”
13
THE ENTRANCE TO Marcel’s club sat on a side street and, despite her expectations, was more sleek than sleazy. The last rays of summer sun left the sky a muted mustard, but here shadows engulfed them. She moved her toes around in her boots. Not only were they going to ask Marcel to do something illegal on their behalf, they were going to pay him with the Lucid from her body.
She’d become a commodity, like oil or gold.
Rho flattened the collar of his shirt. “Let’s go.”
They walked up to a door with Orange written across it playfully. Peering through the large windows, Raleigh thought that a better name would be White. Once they entered that was all she saw, white tables, chairs, tiles, and walls. The orange popped out in surprising places—the occasional chair, lamp, and napkin. LED strip lights from under the bar illuminated the room in the perky color.
“This is a mistake,” Trevor whispered.
Rho led them in. “You don’t have to go up. Collin and you are staying down here.”
“Why isn’t Collin coming with us?” Raleigh surprised herself. It wasn’t like she wanted him along.
Brent surveyed the room. “Marcel considers Collin a bodyguard, and he doesn’t do business with bodyguards.”
“There aren’t many people,” she said. Beyond a few waiters and a couple in the corner booth, they were the only ones.
Brent headed in the direction of the steps, donning a wide smile. “They just opened. Give it an hour, and we won’t be able to walk across the floor without bumping into people.”
Rho squeezed Raleigh’s shoulder as they approached a bouncer guarding the stairwell. Underneath the bouncer’s fat, she sensed tight muscles, and the skin along his knuckles ached. This guy enjoyed fighting.
“Brent.” The bouncer’s thick French twisted the name. After scanning Rho and Raleigh, he moved to the side, letting them pass. Rho’s hand went to the small of her back as they climbed the steps. Before stepping foot on the landing, she knew there were two people up there, one near the landing, the other further in.
A bar greeted them at the top of the stairs. The color scheme was similar to downstairs with whimsical touches of orange, but everything else was black instead of white. Tables scattered across the second floor in a random pattern with deep leather sofas and chairs in conference around them. One of the men she’d sensed was a bartender running a cloth through a damp glass. The other sat farther in at a table.
The man at the table rose from his leather chair and walked in Rho’s direction. “Good to see you again, Rho.”
Rho replied with a curt nod. “Marcel.”
There must’ve been an unspoken dress code. Rho, Brent, and Marcel wore the same metallic-collared shirts. Marcel and Rho donned dark colors, but Brent wore bright purple, the color striking against the dark hues. His time to shine was now.
“Thanks for meeting with us.” Brent’s smooth smile quirked up a corner of his lips. He shook Marcel’s hand. She would never have guessed that the two were anything but friends.
Marcel turned and clasped Rho’s hand between his. “I’m sorry that I was unable to give in to Brent’s request of your brother’s location the other day. As you know, I’m under strict rules to only provide it to one of you.”
“Yes, and we thank you for your discretion.”
“I see that you made it. Nasty people, those in the synthetic trade. One day, we will have to work on pushing them out of the market permanently.” He studied Rho’s face. “Maybe that is a better proposition for Sigma. That man was made without a heart.”
Rho had mentioned Sigma being evil. If Marcel, with his reputation, felt that way, she could imagine how bad he must be.
“It’s your choice to do business with him.” The charm that normally graced Rho was nowhere to be found. With his rigid posture and direct gaze, he exuded strength.
“True enough but beneficial for you. A lot has happened in your absence.”
Rho wisely barricaded around Marcel. Raleigh could only tell he was concerned by the falter of his face. “What news do you have?”
Marcel tapped his nose. “You bring a lover?”
Heat blossomed across her cheeks, and her mouth went dry.
Brent introduced her. “This is Raleigh, and she’s a friend.”
Marcel leaned forward, kissing the air alongside her cheeks. He smelled of spice and cigarettes. “Lovely to meet you, Raleigh. You’ve made an interesting choice in friends. Please sit.” He held his hand open, ushering them to a low table surrounded by four chairs.
Raleigh sank into one of four deep chairs positioned around the table, grabbing the hem of her skirt as it inched indecently up her leg. Adjusting herself delicately, she balanced on the edge of the chair, she crossed her legs attempting to be modest. The men, by contrast, plopped into their chairs, leaning back, like kings lounging on thrones. Rho sat to one side and Marcel to the other. She and Brent were bystanders to the deal.
“You sound surprised to learn that things have happened to your brothers. Is there another reason you came here?” Marcel asked.
“Yes. But first, what’s happened to them?”
“Sigma has gathered most of you. I have a phone number that you are to call. Just you. Not your team. I know you have your rules.” He gave Raleigh a curious glance. “I’m to assume you wish for her to be part of the discussion?”
“Raleigh is one of us.”
“Let’s hope for her sake, that’s not true.” Marcel studied her a moment longer. His light-brown hair was brushed back from his very stern, thin, and angular face. He was sharp like his words. “Mu and Tau have been captured by Grant and Able.”
Rho gripped the arms of his chair. “How long?”
“Shortly after you went missing. There were rumors that you’d been killed. That was why I could not, in good faith, give the phone number to Brent.” Taking out a pen, he scribbled a number on a scrap of paper and handed it to Rho. “How is it that you’re alive? Brent told me that you were drained within inches of death.”
“That’s why we’re here.”
“Revenge. I knew it.” Marcel rubbed his hands together, Raleigh sensed elation boiling in his chest.
“Not revenge.” Rho turned to Raleigh, an
apology in his eyes. “I need papers. A passport, American driver’s license, and anything else you think might be useful for Raleigh.”
Marcel shook his finger. “I don’t do that often. Forgery has a hefty sentence.”
Brent stepped in. “We’ll pay you well.” He removed four vials from his pocket. “Take these. We’ll have more in a week.”
“A week sounds fair, if I decide to do it. My dealers can move much more than that. Can I buy more?”
Rho shook his head. “It’s not mine. You have to promise to keep this for personal use.”
“Not yours?” Marcel chuckled. “Don’t tell me you have found a way to make a synthetic? We’ll all be rich.”
“It’s Raleigh’s. That’s how I survived... with hers.”
Marcel’s smiled faded as he leaned towards Raleigh. “There is no way you are going to convince me she’s Designed.”
“She’s not. She’s a natural. Remember, people can make it.”
“They never make much. I remember the biology lesson about receptors. You can spare me.”
“Because she’s a natural, hers is different.”
Brent added, “Better.”
Marcel raised his hand and snapped his fingers. Instantly, the bartender was on his feet and a moment later Marcel had a syringe. Raleigh didn’t watch as he injected it. Like Brent, he had the endorphins of euphoria warm his nerves. Raleigh caught Rho’s eye. What was Marcel capable of? Rho motioned toward Brent. Sensing, earlier he’d said almost no one could influence.
“It’s savage.” Marcel’s thin lips parting into a wicked smile. “I could sell this for more. Really, where did you get it?”
“We told you. Raleigh,” Brent said.
Marcel rolled down his shirt sleeve shaking his head. “You expect me to believe that doe-eyed girl makes this!”
“I do,” she said.
Marcel sat back, drumming his hand on the arm of the chair. “This is your story? You want papers for a girl who makes Lucid? I’m not buying it. See those scars on her arms and legs. Old. This girl has seen pain. What are you getting her out of? If you’re trying to traffic her, it’s a serious offense, even if you are trying to save her.”
