The Alliance (11 page)

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
29

There is no money system here. At first it was refreshing, but now ­people are asserting their dominance by beating up the weak and taking what they want. I am grateful for my position close to the general, or else I would never survive this time.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

Everything was fuzzy. Andrew followed Zack's lead and moved the body of a RAG agent to search his pockets, adding the identification and wallet to the already formed pile. Carter was tying up the unconscious agent in the back of the room. Once all the agents were searched Andrew went toward Flo and Albin. They were gray on the floor. Mia had called them shells, but they looked very much like ­people who had undertaken a noble deed for others.

Things became clearer. These good ­people were dead and it was Andrew's fault. As soon as the clarity came it vanished again; this time nausea returned with his foggy brain. The room felt like it was turning sideways and Andrew was unable to stand upright. He heard Zack and Carter call out, but Andrew couldn't make out their words. He hit the floor with a thump.

Someone flipped him onto his back and Andrew concentrated on Zack's face. He saw the man's lips moving but the noises made no sense. Zack's face started to distort and Andrew blinked his eyes but the picture didn't get any more focused. Andrew did not want to lose consciousness but could feel the blackness gripping him.

Zack looked away. He was talking to someone else now. Andrew wondered if it was Carter or Mia. Mia. Not only had Andrew caused so much death today, he had destroyed Mia's trust. He had promised her no more lies. Even if he had planned on telling her the truth about Affinity's knowledge the opportunity never presented itself. He regretted not lying to her with that explanation. Maybe he still could. The world started to settle back in place. Andrew could not make amends for his mistakes to the dead, but he could make it right with Mia.

“She's gone,” Carter said.

“What?” Zack asked.

Carter's words made Andrew's world come back into focus. Andrew pushed himself up and ran past Carter and outside. He saw the two black SUVs waiting. The third was nowhere in sight. Andrew closed his eyes and tried to listen for the sound of an engine, but none could be heard. Instead the sound of the doors opening and two ­people walking out behind him came to his ears.

“Where did she go?” Carter asked.

Zack pulled out his cell phone. He was dialing Mia, but Andrew knew she wouldn't pick up. There was a reason she took off without them.

“Could someone have grabbed her?” Carter asked.

“There's nobody else here,” Zack said.

“She wouldn't leave,” Carter said. “She'll want to help my dad too.”

“How long were we inside?” Andrew asked.

“She's not picking up,” Zack said.

“Can't you use the GPS?” Carter asked.

“It was deactivated for finding her,” Zack said. “In case one of us was captured and they got our phone.”

“How long were we inside?” Andrew asked again.

“About thirty minutes,” Zack said.

It felt like thirty seconds.

“You thought she was outside getting gasoline for a half hour?” Andrew asked.

“You were acting like comatose man,” Zack said. “I thought she needed some space to process all of this.”

“Well you gave her enough space,” Andrew said.

He started walking toward one of the SUVs.

“Where are you going?” Carter asked.

“I'm going to find Mia,” Andrew said.

“She has a thirty-­minute head start,” Zack said. “She could be anywhere.”

“There are only four places she knows in this whole country,” Andrew said. “I'm willing to bet she's headed to one of them.”

“Stop,” Zack said. “How would she figure out where any of them are?”

“Her phone is filled with maps,” Andrew said. “She can read them.”

Andrew felt the man lay a hand on his shoulder. Andrew was quick to flip it off. He turned around and tried to punch Zack, but the man moved out of the way and Andrew almost fell over.

“This is your fault,” Andrew said. “Why did you have to keep lying to her?”

“My fault?” Zack said. “You're the one who threw the first punch.”

Andrew's breaths were heavy in his chest. He didn't know how to respond. His chest hurt, because Zack was right. This was all Andrew's fault.

“I didn't mean that,” Zack said. “As soon as he mentioned Grant's name none of us were safe. I don't know how he found out.”

“We have to find her,” Andrew said. “She's not safe.”

“We need her,” Carter said.

Zack looked away.

“The mission is over,” Zack said. “We head across the border back into Affinity. We have no cover.”

Andrew started walking toward one of the SUVs again.

“She can find us,” Zack said. “The GPS in her phone still works to locate others. Mia knows exactly where you are. If she wanted to stay with you she would.”

Andrew froze in his tracks. He felt a vibration in his pocket. He reached in and pulled out his phone. There was a text message from Mia.

I am taking charge of this mission. I am getting the proof we need to prove my identity. I need some space. Head toward the capital. I will meet you there in three days. Please, give me my three days.

“Mia is familiar with the danger. She has firsthand knowledge from your first cross-­country trip. Whatever the risks are she thought she could handle them. Are you betting against her?” Zack asked.

Andrew ignored him and reread the message before replying.

Three days? Grant is out there, he knows you're here. How will you protect yourself? You need me.

What I need is assurance. If anything happens to me, promise you will try to save Rod and stop the Registry? We have a better chance of not getting caught if we split up.

Andrew didn't have the time to reply before Mia sent another message.

Trust me. It is better this way. Even if Grant is as clever as he thinks it will be harder for him to track us if we split up. I need to keep driving. I will be safe. We will stop the Registry. Trust me.

Andrew tuned out Zack and Carter and thought about what Mia was saying. He didn't like it, but she was right. Andrew sent the only words he could think to say.

I love you. Three days.

Mia replied right away.

I love you. Three days.

“We have three days to make it to the capital,” Andrew said.

“I've been shot,” Zack said. “First we need to take care of that.”

Andrew spun around to face Zack. Carter was a few feet behind him. His brow was furrowed. Andrew didn't know if he considered Carter a deserter for running out of the room or smart for avoiding bloodshed.

“What do you think?” Andrew asked.

“I think we need to find a new way to get my dad out,” Carter said. “I also think Mia can take care of herself better than you give her credit for. She doesn't want rescuing at the moment.”

How could Andrew be sure of anything if Mia wasn't near him? Part of him wanted to drive after her and scream at her for taking off like this. Then it clicked in Andrew's brain. Mia wasn't a child. Andrew couldn't scream at her or keep her safe all the time.

“Zack, stay out here and search the SUVs for tracking chips,” Andrew said. “Carter, come inside with me. Mia was right about one thing: we're going to blow this place up.”

“There won't be a chip,” Zack said.

“How do you know?” Andrew asked.

“Your low-­tech government wouldn't invest in one,” Zack said. “That and who would be crazy enough to steal a vehicle belonging to a RAG agent?”

“Check anyway,” Andrew said.

He started walking back toward the building. Carter followed him.

“What's the plan?” Carter asked.

“Mia needs time to herself and I am going to trust her,” Andrew said. “We'll continue on toward the capital. Figure out a way to get your dad out. Mia is taking control. I have to trust she knows what she's doing.”

“Thank you,” Carter said.

Andrew stopped moving and grabbed Carter by the shirt collar. He clenched his fist around the material and brought the blond man's face closer to his.

“If you ever lie to me again I will leave you to die in the middle of a desert,” Andrew said. “And don't think you can get through the rest of our time here without getting your hands dirty. No more running and hiding.”

The look of shock on Carter's face did not fade away. Andrew released him from his grip and threw the man back a little. Andrew continued on his walk and Carter dutifully fell in line. Andrew hoped it would be for longer than tonight.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
30

The general held a meeting with his new board members. I am the only one who thinks we should focus on what happened in the past, to learn from our mistakes, and I kept my mouth shut. I also found it odd there wasn't a single female present for the board meeting.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

Grant kept his fingers on the small revolver tucked in his pocket. He climbed up the steps to the Hotel Austin, pleased that the foreign dignitaries were receiving such poor accommodations. The group should have arrived by now; all Grant had to do was figure out what room Mia was staying in. He didn't want to kill her in the hotel. Instead he hoped to get her on his plane and kill her at his own home. That way he could take his time and deliver the suffering she deserved.

There was nobody at the reception desk. Grant hit the bell several times before an older man appeared from an office door.

“It's late,” the man said. “Calm down.”

The man's jaw dropped when he looked up and saw Grant standing there.

“Is it really you?” the man asked.

“I'm looking for a guest you have staying here,” Grant said. “Could you tell me what rooms the RAG agents are staying in?”

The man continued to look at Grant in shock. “You're shorter in person,” he said. “You look so tall on the TV.”

Grant gave a pressed-­lipped smile. “The RAG agents?”

“They're not here yet,” the man said.

“Are you certain?”

“Called earlier to add some rooms to their block,” the man said. “Seven more agents joined their party.”

This did not bode well for Grant. That meant Agent Barker had not listened to him. Grant checked his watch. They should have beaten him here. Something had gone wrong.

“You can wait for them,” the man said. “I could give you a room and call when they arrive.”

“They're not coming,” Grant said under his breath.

The man gave him a confused look. Grant turned away and pulled out his cell phone. He dialed Agent Barker's number and was not surprised when nobody picked up the phone. He put it back in his pocket and debated his next move.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
31

I tried to leave the area today. The guard protecting our section advised against it. I have been too scared to openly speak with the other women here about what is happening; that changes tonight.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

The darkness helped Mia focus on the road in front of her. At first she appreciated the setting sun because it let her know she was heading north. Now the night was better because it made it easier to silence her inner monologue.
Flo is dead. You abandoned Andrew. You abandoned Rod. You abandoned your cause.
Flashes kept making their way through Mia's mind, but focusing on the headlights of the SUV quieted her thoughts.

Mia pulled over to the side of the road but did not turn the car off. She opened her phone and went to Andrew's contact information, held down seven, and a map appeared. He was standing still. Andrew had kept his word; they weren't chasing her down. She zoomed out of the map and saw her own red dot appear on the small screen. In a short time she had put almost thirty miles between them, Mia realized she needed to slow down, she was traveling at almost 90 mph the whole time.

Not wanting to lose any advantage she had gained, Mia tried to think of any landmarks that could tell her where she was going. She zoomed out farther and saw that the map divided the areas. She was not far from the Midwest Area boundary line. Mia saw the city of Saint Louis on the map. She looked toward the west, remembering her trip into the big city, and saw the long highway. She scrolled north and saw the city of Schuyler, another spot from her previous travels. Then she saw the thick line between them. This was the highway that would lead her to her destination. Mia would have to check landmarks once she was close enough, but she didn't want to lose the cover of darkness.

Double-­checking the initial directions that would lead her toward the highway, Mia took off again. She had twelve hours until the sun rose and another two before ­people were out on the road. Mia didn't have any idea if that was enough time, but she would take her chances. If she wanted to move on from her past life and figure out what type of person she was, she couldn't think of a better place to start than where she'd begun.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
32

Repopulating America and protecting our borders are the top priorities of the grand commander (he decided on that moniker over “general”). There are six thousand men here and four hundred eighty-­two women. I highly doubt I will be charged with fulfilling either of the grand commander's priorities.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

The RAG agent was starting to come to. Andrew and Carter had just thrown him in the backseat of an SUV. The man was bound with his colleagues' ties, including one wrapped around his mouth, stopping him from speaking freely.

“I'm sorry,” Andrew said.

The agent opened his eyes wide and Andrew brought his fist down hard. The agent fell back onto the seat, unconscious, and Andrew slammed the door, shaking his fist from the contact.

“Carter, I need you to drive this car,” Andrew said. “Follow me and Zack. If he wakes up again honk your horn.”

Carter nodded and climbed into the driver's seat. The engine hummed to life. Andrew stood in front of the building. It was now filled with gas from the kitchen stove; Andrew was surprised it actually worked and wondered what the main purpose of this building was. He pulled the bottle of oil he had taken from the kitchen, complete with the gasoline-­soaked rag he'd placed inside of it, out from behind his belt.

“Please forgive me for taking your lives,” Andrew said.

He took one final look at the building. He closed his eyes as he took the lighter from his pocket. Andrew pictured his old orphanage, the pain and sickness the place was filled with. Andrew had survived that, along with his time in the fighting circuit, escaping from the U.S. with Mia, and what the militia had put him through. All of that was behind him now.

With a single stroke of his thumb the lighter came to life. He lit the rag and chucked the bottle as hard as he could. It broke through a window and Andrew ran into the driver's seat of the first car. It was already running. He slammed the door shut and took off down the road.

The rearview mirror held more interest to him then the road. He was speeding, but his eyes were behind him. He heard the noise of the explosion before he saw the flames go up. Even though his heart was racing he felt a sense of calmness come over him. The suffering was over.

“You did a good job,” Zack said. His voice was weak.

Andrew's eyes moved to his passenger. Zack was clutching his shoulder.

“Now that the adrenaline's worn off I realize how much being shot hurts,” Zack said.

Andrew handed him a water bottle, one of the many items the men had looted from the fake youth home. Zack released his injury and took a large gulp.

“I contacted Affinity,” Zack said. “There's someone who will help me. We have to take this road until it ends, about eighty miles. Then head west another forty. There's a major highway that goes north to south across the middle of the country. You can't miss it.”

“I know the road,” Andrew said.

“Yeah,” Zack said. “I forgot you're from here. Head south. Take the eleventh exit, about fifty miles. There's a hospital there. I have a number to call and someone will sneak me in, treat me, and release me.”

“That's a few hours,” Andrew said. “Can you make it?”

“I don't think it's that bad,” Zack said. “It's not even bleeding much. It only hurts. I need someone to dig the bullet out and sew me up.”

If Zack had a plan for the rest of their trip he wasn't volunteering his information. Andrew didn't want to ask either. He was busy making plans of his own.

The rest of the car trip was quiet. Andrew wasn't certain how much of it Zack was awake for, but whenever Andrew got nervous he reached out and made sure the other man was still breathing. As long as that was the case there was nothing to worry about.

Four hours had passed. It was close to midnight when Andrew pulled up to the hospital. Whoever Zack was speaking with it was by text message, so Andrew had to rely on him for instructions.

“Pull around back,” Zack said. “There's a delivery entrance.”

The hospital was small and dark. Andrew thought it looked more like a clinic than a place where surgeries were performed. As he turned the corner a man came into view. He stood behind a wheelchair and Andrew stopped the car.

Zack opened the door and started to climb out. The man ran around the car to help him. Zack did not object as the doctor guided him to the rolling seat.

“Come back in five hours,” the man said. “Right here.”

Before Andrew could ask another question the door was slammed and the man was pushing Zack into the building, his legs kicking up behind him as he ran. Andrew wasn't sure where to head, but he didn't think he could stay here. He was about to put the car into drive again when a phone went off.

Mia; Andrew was sure it was her, calling to say she was done blowing off steam and on her way back to him. He stuck his hand in his jacket pocket, but his screen was still dark. The ringing continued and Andrew realized it was coming from one of the RAG agents' phones. Andrew reached into the bag of personal items from the backseat. He saw the lit-­up screen and pulled the device out. The caller was listed as “Headquarters.” Not willing to lose what little advantage they had, Andrew picked up the phone.

“Barker?” An unfamiliar voice asked.

Andrew was silent.

“Agent Barker, are you there? It's Agent Mason.”

“This is Barker,” Andrew said in a muffled voice.

“Where have you been?” the voice asked. “You failed to check in with me. I gave you this assignment because you're one of my best agents. That does not give you the right to ignore your duties.”

“Sorry, sir,” Andrew said.

“How did it go?” he asked. “Did the lady buy it?”

“Yes,” Andrew said.

“All women are morons,” he said. “Are you at the hotel?”

“We decided to drive through the night,” Andrew said.

“She was okay with it?” he asked. “Didn't require her beauty sleep?”

The man at the other end of the line let out a belly laugh.

“Ha ha ha ha,” Andrew said.

“Are you keeping the extra men with you?”

“Yes,” Andrew said. “All accounted for.”

“So did you figure out what was bothering you?”

“What?”

“With that girl? You said something about the young one seeming off,” he said. “Remember, that's why you asked for the extra detail. I told you it wasn't necessary. The bodyguards they brought are American.”

Andrew didn't know how to respond.

“Well try and let the men sleep,” he said. “And don't forget to check in tomorrow night. Let's keep it for ten
P.M
. Okay?”

“Yes, sir,” Andrew said.

“Are you getting a cold?”

“Yes,” Andrew said.

“Those filthy foreigners,” he said. “Always dragging in their diseases.”

The man let out another obnoxious laugh. Before Andrew could respond the car behind him started honking its horn. That could only mean one thing.

“Good night, sir,” Andrew said.

He didn't wait for a response before hanging up the phone. He tossed it in the front seat and climbed out of the car. He couldn't see what was happening with Carter's headlights on, but Carter must have seen him since the horn stopped honking. Andrew drew his weapon from its holster. With his free hand he opened the back door. He got a clear view of the now-­awake RAG agent with his arms around Carter; they were tied together and he was effectively choking his driver. Andrew cocked his gun and the man turned to look at him.

“I would stop that if I were you,” Andrew said.

The man locked eyes with Andrew, then lifted his arms. Carter let out some gasps and coughs, but Andrew did not look away from the hostage. He had managed to work his way out of the makeshift gag.

“If you're going to kill me get it over with,” the man said.

“What's your name again?” Andrew asked.

“Agent Quillian,” the man said.

“I don't want to kill you,” Andrew said. “But I will if I have to. Do you understand?”

The man nodded.

“What I need you to do is apologize to my friend,” Andrew said.

“Are you serious?” the agent asked.

“Andrew, I'm fine,” Carter said. His voice was hoarse.

“I assure you I am very serious,” Andrew said. “Now apologize or I will shoot you dead.”

The agent blinked several times; he was having a hard time processing Andrew's request. He turned his head toward the front seat.

“I'm sor—­”

Before the man could finish his sentence Andrew brought the butt of his gun down on the agent's head. The man didn't have time to let out a moan before he fell back onto the seat.

“Can you drive?” Andrew asked.

“Yeah,” Carter said.

“Well, follow me. We're ditching one of the cars,” Andrew said. “And next time, tie his hands behind his back.”

The door slammed shut and Andrew went back to his car. He hoped the honking hadn't brought any attention to the area. They needed to leave this place while the doctor treated Zack. Andrew climbed into his vehicle and drove out of the parking lot. He went out onto the road and headed west. He wanted to escape civilization. Once he drove far enough out he would drive the car off the road. Then Andrew, Carter, and Agent Quillian could have a nice long chat.