Caged Eagles (16 page)

“So she's really mad, huh.”

“Yeah, but she's more hurt than anything.”

“I'm going to let you two talk.” Forrest kissed Laney and vanished down the hallway to the bathroom.

“Why? I don't get you women? I told her the truth.”

“Yes, I know, but she has had to put up with a lot lately. First off,” Laney counted the reasons off on her fingers. “Her parents blackmailed her to stay away from the man she loves. She finds out that man is dating another woman, only to use her for a cause that could get him thrown in prison forever, or even worse–dead. She has to go along with this because of us, knowing we didn't care if she wished to or not because we didn't ask her opinion. She has to watch your ex try to win you back in any possible way, which happens to be using your best friend to get pregnant and blackmail both of you. Then on top of everything she finds out Brandi was once pregnant with your baby.”

“She told you.”

“Yes. Trevor, come on, the woman has no control in this entire situation. Not one decision has been hers in the last few months or even years. She has been along for the ride, and probably one she didn't want to be on in the first place.”

“Are you saying … she … doesn't want to be here?” Trevor's greatest fears came to his mind.

“No,” Laney put one arm over the back of the couch. “She loves you, so she will follow you all over this country. All I'm saying is that she has a right to be angry right now because she has had a lot happen that she never expected. She also knows you don't want her to get the seal.”

“I never said that.”

“Is it true?”

“Yeah, but ….”

“But nothing,” she said gently. “Sarah's upset because she's tired of people and circumstances controlling her.”

“Why didn't you get mad?”

Laney smiled before saying, “I love Forrest. We've all made mistakes; plus, I don't care what she tries to do–she isn't getting my man.”

“I hope Sarah feels the same.”

“I bet she does. She just isn't like me–she'll fight fair.” A sinister smile crossed Laney's face. “Furthermore, Forrest and I had plenty of time to talk about this today. We want to raise the baby. She will have a good home with us and at this point I don't see myself leaving Forrest, so I'm looking forward to being her stepmom.”

“Wow, that's getting into things fast.”

“I'm realistic things might happen to split us up, but Forrest and the baby are a new part of my life.”

“I'm going to head to bed. Have a good night, Trevor.” Laney walked toward the closed bedroom door but stopped, “And Trevor, just give Sarah some time, that is all she wants. Don't worry.”

Trevor sat in the silent room. It was cold and he was becoming drowsy from the long day. He lay down on the couch and thought about Sodi Hall. Why had Leslie hired this person? Did Brandi know about Sodi Hall? No, she would have used it to her advantage and she was too stupid to keep it a secret. Why didn't Leslie mention Sarah? Clearly she knew he had met her, unless Sodi Hall hadn't seen them meet, and they'd got out of Alaska before this spy could find out.

What if the spy had found out, and what if he or she were aware of their plan to start another rebellion? Trevor's heartbeat grew faster and he felt a ball of nerves in his weakened stomach. It would be his fault if everything fell apart. He had to find out more about this person following him. He reached to scratch his shoulder and remembered the tattoo. A new feeling grasped him, the need to feel free; free from the force that held him down, and those he cared about. Free from Brandi, Leslie, and anyone else too stupid to realize they were birds trapped in a cage.

________________
_•
________________

The following morning Donovan woke him at six-thirty so he could get to coffee with Leslie by seven. Trevor stumbled out the door and around the house. A taxi was already waiting for him. He ducked inside and could swear he had fallen asleep again, because the next time he let his eyes focus, they were parked outside a coffeehouse. Trevor paid the driver and went inside. Leslie was the only person in there, except for a man in the back reading a paper. Trevor became suspicious. What if that was Sodi Hall? No, he was being silly, he told himself. If he became paranoid about every single human being around him he would end up like Donovan. He chuckled; it was asinine to think he'd act like Gomez.

“What is so funny?”

Trevor stumbled into the seat across from Leslie. “I don't remember, I haven't been up this early in about … well … never.”

“Don't be silly, this is the best part of the day.” Her smile was brighter than normal. He wondered if she was the type of person that woke up to go for a run at five-thirty in the morning.

“I always knew there was something wrong with you. Now I know.” Trevor couldn't believe he could flirt while half asleep.

“I promise coffee will help.” She pushed a cup toward him. He was thankful she had ordered for them both, so he didn't have to get up.

“So are you ready for another day of torturing patients?”

“Trevor, I don't torture,” she said in an informative voice.

“I was k … kidding.” He yawned.

“Why did you come if you were so tired? Maybe you should have stayed home and got some rest after being sick last night.”

“No, I was fine a little after I got home.” He was amazed he could lie easily in the early morning too.

“Good,” She rested both hands flat on the table. “So maybe we can golf later this week?”

“Yeah, sure.”

“Okay, I will check my planner and let you know.” Leslie reached down for her electric planner insider her purse. “I have a staff dinner Wednesday, I think, but I will check for sure.”

“A staff dinner? Why?”

Leslie frowned slightly at his question. She set the planner on the table but didn't turn it on.

“Every month the staff gets together and goes out to dinner. We catch up and get to know each other a little better.”

“Oh, that reminds me.” Trevor pulled the letter from his pocket. It was sealed safely inside an envelope with Leslie's name in the front.

“This is for Blaine, if you don't mind.”

Leslie slowly reached out and took the note. Her frown told Trevor she wasn't happy but she said, “No, it's fine. As long as this does not become a frequent occurrence.”

“No, not at all. I just thought he would like it. I promise I won't write one for another day or two.” They both smiled at the joke.

“Good, I will give it to him today.”

“So did you ever ask when they'll allow Blaine to be let out?”

“Yes, and I was informed he had tried to disrupt the peace of this country and start a war. I find Mr. Martin to be a perfect gentleman, and clearly ready to leave, but there is a restriction on him. He will have to stay for another thirty years.”

“Oh, really? So he does have a time limit?”

“Yes, he is dangerous to this country. We don't want to release that type of person,” she simply said. Trevor wished to roll his eyes. They wouldn't release Blaine, but Gary, a murderer, wasn't a problem.

“So he is really enjoying my letters if he has thirty more years.”

“Yes, that is why I'm taking them to him.”

“Thanks,” Trevor sipped the coffee only to find it was tea. Had it been Leslie or the barista that messed up the order? “I'm glad you hung in there and trusted me while I was away. It was something I needed to do.”

“No,” Leslie set her own cup down. “It was not a problem.”

“I'm just wondering, what do you want out of this?” He gestured to himself and then her. Her blue eyes started to sparkle with delight.

“I think you know. I like you a lot, Trevor.” He could tell she really meant to say love by the way her eyes shone and by the smile on her face.

“I'm guessing you want to date.”

“Yes, I would like to make this,” she reached out and put her hand in his, “permanent.”

“Guess time will tell, huh. “Trevor leaned back and smiled. On the inside he was only thinking of the tattoo on his back, and Sarah.

When Trevor returned, Sarah was sitting on the couch reading. She looked at him and got up to leave the room immediately. Trevor wanted to run over, grab her arm, and stop her, but thought it would probably be a very bad idea. Her wrath would only grow into a roaring, screaming terror.

“Sarah.” Trevor called out her name. She didn't turn around but marched into the bedroom and closed the door. Forrest walked out of the bathroom.

“Sarah, please come out,” Trevor wasn't one to grovel at a closed door with an upset female behind it, but he needed to talk to her, “It's about Sodi Hall.” No sound came from inside.

Forrest wore one of Donovan's worried expressions. “You have news?”

“Yeah, I found a slip of paper Leslie had that said 'Sodi Hall, Anchorage,' and a phone number.”

“Do you think it was where this person was staying in Anchorage?”

“No, I think it could be his or her personal number.”

“Have you tried it yet?”

“No.”

“What was the number?”

“I wrote it down on this sticky note.” He pulled it out of his pocket and handed it to Forrest.

“Let's give it a call before Gomez gets back.”

Forrest knocked on the door softly. Very slowly it opened and Sarah stepped out with Laney's purple phone in her hand. Forrest took it and dialed the number. He leaned back against one of the kitchen chairs and waited.

“Yep, it's a government number and a woman's voice on the voicemail but that doesn't mean anything. It says Sodi Hall is out of the office and to leave a message. I'm pressing one for more help.” Forrest waited a moment before a woman could be heard speaking on the other end of the line in muffled tones. ”Hello, I'm calling for Sodi Hall … okay … do you know if he will be in the office soon? Okay thank you for your help.” Forrest hung up the phone. Trevor crossed his arms over his chest.

“Shoot, I was hoping we would learn something important.”

“We did.” Sarah softly spoke for the first time. “We found out Sodi Hall is a man.”

________________
_•
________________

Donovan and Laney came home not long after Trevor had explained everything to Forrest and Sarah. Sarah was standoffish to him, but at least she was sitting in the same room again. Laney had gone to the store to get the group some food. She refused to cook though, confessing she was horrible at it, but Sarah stepped in and made a large pot of spaghetti for everyone. Donovan gathered everyone at the table.

“We need to get Blaine out of prison very soon. What did this woman, Taylor, say today? Did you convince her to release him?” Donovan jumped right to the point.

“I tried, but she said there was no way he could be released because he was still considered dangerous.”

“I'm sure with a little flirtatious influence she will do whatever you want. That is what it looked like last night in the restaurant anyway.”

He tried to recover from Donovan's remark. Trevor avoided the death glare he could feel Sarah giving him. “I didn't do anything different the other night.”

“Trevor said she wouldn't have any authority to release him for another thirty years.” Forrest entered the conversation. Donovan glared at him and then turned his attentions back to Trevor.

“Why didn't you tell me that?” The man ran his fingers through his black hair.

“I was getting there, so get off your high horse. Why are you always so damn impatient?” Trevor's tolerance for Donovan was growing shorter every day.

“It's important we get Blaine Martin out of prison. We can't do this ourselves.” He looked around into every face. “We need a leader. Plus, Blaine is the only one with the complete list of people that support his cause, and only he knows where it's at.” They sat back to allow Sarah to place slippery yellow noodles on the table. The sauce had stream rolling off the top of it. Laney passed the plates around the table.

“How are we going to get my brother out then?”

“What if we can't get him out? Then what? Do we go on without him? Do you lead us then, Donovan?” Sarah asked the group.

“
We must get him out
.” He had emphasized each word. “The rest of us aren't strong enough for the leadership abilities required to do this.”

“Don, you're strong. You've led this group since Blaine was put in that place,” Laney reassured him.

“I wasn't leading, I was the one keeping in contact with people, keeping my ears and eyes open for more support, and word from Blaine.” He looked at Trevor when he said this.

“So are you saying Blaine wouldn't have any leadership help if he got out?” Forrest was now becoming annoyed.

“No, he would have help, but he would be the only one making the hard decisions.”

“What do you mean?” Sarah questioned and took a bite of noodles wrapped around her fork.

“None of us have had to make these type of decisions. We have only had to decide where to hide, who to manipulate, and who to trust.” The blunt end of Donovan's knife hit the table with each statement. “Blaine would make decisions such as sending a friend to do something that could potentially get him or her killed.” The group fell silent, moving their forks around in the spaghetti but not eating it.

“If we can't get Blaine out, we will have to get someone in there that will get him out.” Laney's eyes twinkled.

“Good idea–who is it going to be? The three of us are not an option, and if you go in Laney, I'm scared they will find out who you are.”

“I'll do it.” Sarah piped up. Trevor automatically replied,

“No.”

“Great idea.” Laney sounded excited.

Donovan added, “As long as you get the seal.”

“I will.” Sarah took a deep breath and nodded her head once with determination.

“Perfecto.” Donovan seemed pleased.

“No, Sarah.” Trevor locked eyes with her.

“Why not?”

“What if Leslie knows what you look like?”

“How? Did she ever see a picture of me? No, she didn't.”

“It's dangerous. I won't ….”

Sarah spoke so calmly that it was almost worse than being shouted at. “I hope you weren't about to say you won't let me. I don't think you have any right to say what I will and won't do. Especially since I don't have a say in what you do.”

Trevor lost his temper. “What do you want, control of my life then? Should I just put the dog collar on now?”

The other three sat very awkwardly watching the fight. Sarah threw her fork in the middle of her plate, pushed away from the table and tried to slam the bedroom door behind her. Trevor was right on her heels and shoved the door open.

“I don't want to control anything,” she turned on him like a viper. “I bet I know your other girlfriends would love to have the privilege though!”

“I'm
not
fighting about Brandi. You
know
I can't stand her so don't throw what happened in my face. I didn't have any idea until yesterday. Do you think it would have stopped me from leaving her? No. I would have left her no matter what! As for Leslie, I've explained that situation.”

“I know what you say, but I wonder what you are thinking as she is sitting there
throwing
,” she imitated the action, “herself at you. They are both trash. The only difference is that one of them is open about it!”

“You want to know what I think? I think about you. Every time either of them tries to touch, kiss, blackmail, or proposition me in any way I'm thinking about you. I'm thinking about how you would feel knowing what they do and say. How comforted you would feel knowing I only want to run back to you and never have to put up with them again. I wonder how you can be so understanding. I almost can't stomach Leslie Taylor, sometimes I cringe when she is too close to me. Brandi makes my insides do somersaults until I want to throw up. I tried to get rid of Brandi, she made sure we couldn't. I want to get rid of Leslie, but as long as Blaine is in jail I can't. I love you Sarah. I compare them to you, only to find they are full of flaws, and could never be you. They aren't even in the same league.” Trevor took her hand, “I'm sorry about everything.”

Sarah backed away and sat down on the end of the bed. Trevor followed her. “It's just hard to find out you were going to have a baby with Brandi. Then tossing Leslie on top of everything, it became overwhelming.”

“I know, I don't like it either.”

“I guess I always pictured you and me living a happy life, free from those women and this.” She gestured with her hand around the room. “I completely agree we need our freedom, and I really do support Blaine but we will never escape. Do you realize that? We will never get off this wheel we set in motion.” Sarah put her hand on his shoulder, where the eagle was.

“I haven't had time to think about that.”

“I have. I've had
a lot
of time to think. I thought when you finally got out we would be happy.”

“Aren't you happy?”

“Yes,” she put her hand in his. “But we are in hiding and breaking a lot of laws that could get us locked up for the rest of our lives.”

“I know, but we need to concentrate on succeeding.”

“I know, and I agree it's worth it. I'm just telling you how I've felt. I also feel that I need to help get Blaine out,” She put her fingers to his lips, seeing he was about to protest again. “I will be okay. I promise, just trust me.”