The Alliance (22 page)

 

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Publishers

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Chapter
58

The grand commander suggested it is time that I take a wife. I was shocked he thought me worthy to carry on the population. Then he suggested I pay for the privilege with an advance on my salary. I now see how he plans to generate the funds to keep his new country afloat.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

The candlelight flickered across the wooden room. Andrew was surprised something so small could give off so much light.

“I think you deserve one of these,” Dustin said.

He reached into a small box behind him and handed Andrew a drink.

“I told you my story,” Andrew said. “Who are all of you?”

“I think your RAG agent called us mountain men,” JR said.

“That doesn't tell me much,” Andrew said.

“We need to wait for your friends to wake up,” Dustin said. “If their stories match yours then we know whether or not to tell you the truth.”

Andrew took a gulp of his drink.

“Carter and Zack might lie,” Andrew said. “I almost did.”

“Why didn't you?” JR asked.

Andrew shrugged. He knew the reason: Mia. If he had just told her the whole truth he wouldn't have been in this situation right now. She would still be with him and they would have formed a better strategy together, but that was more personal than Andrew was willing to get.

“Don't worry about the blond men,” Dustin said. “If your RAG agent backs you up—­and he will if he thinks you're a traitor—­you three have nothing to worry about.”

“I take it you don't support the Registry?” Andrew asked.

“We don't support anything the American government has to offer,” JR said.

Dustin gave him a smack on the side.

“What? Do you really think he's some spy sent by the grand commander to search for small pockets of ­people living in remote villages?”

“So this is a village?” Andrew asked.

Dustin gave JR another nasty look.

“We are a group of individuals who prefer solitude,” Dustin said. “We self-­govern and like our existence unknown.”

“How long have you been living up here?” Andrew asked.

“A long time,” Dustin said.

“And how many ­people are up here?”

“That's enough questions,” Dustin said.

“I thought I knew everything about America,” Andrew said. “Nobody mentions this area, except for in ghost stories.”

“There is water,” JR said. “That's all humans really need.”

“Were either of you in ser­vice?” Andrew asked.

JR shook his head no and Dustin smacked him again.

“Stop that,” JR said. “Either he's telling the truth and we can trust him or he's not and we have to kill him. What does it matter if we talk for now?”

“Mikey said keep him in the dark,” Dustin said.

That made Andrew gulp.

“Did you steal our car?” Andrew asked.

“Yes,” JR said. “Do not smack me for that. His question didn't make me divulge any of our secrets.”

“Why?” Andrew asked.

“We don't see a lot of them parked on the side of the road,” Dustin said. “Debated leaving it and letting you men go on your way, but we didn't know what you were up to.”

“That and the car does us a lot of good,” JR said.

“I think my friends and I will need it back,” Andrew said. “That is, if you're okay with letting us continue our mission.”

“Worry about that later,” Dustin said.

There was a lull in the conversation.

“When will my friends be awake?” Andrew asked. “We really should be on our way soon.”

“They're up now,” JR said. “Being questioned the same as you, only you had about a two-­hour head start on them.”

“If you live alone up here how did you make the tranquilizer?” Andrew asked.

“Plants,” Dustin said. “Nature is filled with wonders, if you know where to look.”

“We live off the land,” JR said.

“So a group of men living alone in the mountains?” Andrew asked. “Did you find each other after your time in the orphanage?”

JR and Dustin exchanged looks.

“Yes,” JR said. He looked at Dustin for approval.

“We planned on reporting for ser­vice but forgot about our enlistment dates. Nobody ever came out here to get us, so we stayed,” Dustin said.

“How did you steal our car and follow us?”

“That's simple,” JR said. “A group of us stole the car, then five of us stayed behind and followed you. If those rocks hadn't fallen you would have never known we were there.”

“What were you planning on doing?”

“Waiting until you died and then hiding your bodies,” Dustin said. “Of course we assumed you were all RAG agents then. We thought about killing you but didn't know why that one was tied up. It made us . . . curious.”

“Never kill someone unless you have to,” JR said.

“Have you?” Andrew asked.

“Not me,” JR said. “Dustin neither.”

“But others here have?” Andrew asked.

“Not in a very long time,” Dustin said. “Stop worrying about the other ­people here.”

Footsteps came up to the door. Andrew could see the figures in the darkness approaching. He felt relief when an untied Carter and Zack walked into the room. Two men similar to JR and Dustin were behind them. Andrew rose from his chair and the two walked over. All three exchanged brief hugs complete with pats on the back.

“I'm not sure it was smart telling these men everything,” Zack said. He gave Andrew a raised eyebrow.

“We're alive, aren't we?” Andrew asked.

“Dustin, JR,” a man said. “Mikey wants to see us outside.”

Andrew's two watchers rose and Zack and Carter took their seats.

“What is this place?” Carter asked.

“A group of men with no love for the Registry,” Andrew said.

“I knew it,” Zack said.

“Well they told me that,” Andrew said. “It was obvious since they didn't kill us when I talked about stopping the American government.”

“No,” Zack said. “I've heard stories. There are pockets like this all over the country. That's why if we can delete the master server our plan will work. There are tons of men fed up with this way of life. They will rally behind us.”

“I don't think we need to worry about the women not joining our cause,” Carter said.

“We need to keep moving,” Andrew said. “We're supposed to meet Mia near the capital tomorrow.”

“Let's meet this Mikey and then get our car back,” Zack said. “We can be on the road in an hour.”

“Who's Mikey?” Carter asked.

“I think he's their leader,” Andrew said. “My guess is his word is the law.”

“You have part of that right,” a voice said.

Andrew turned toward the doorway. The figure standing in the firelight wore the same tight pants and boots as JR and Dustin. There was a billowy blue shirt over them and a scarf loose around the neck. Over the shoulder a salt-­and-­pepper braid hung. The face was hard and had a few lines. The mouth showed a beautiful, toothy grin.

“My name is Mikey,” she said. “It is a pleasure to meet you.”

 

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Chapter
59

The first child was born today. A baby girl. I can hear her screams echo through the capitol building and feel a sense that our nation will continue to prosper.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

The Morrissey farmhouse was still smoldering when Grant landed. Workers stood around, waiting for the smoke to clear before they entered the property. Grant thought it a waste of time; there would be nothing in the house of use.

“Sir, you shouldn't be here,” a worker said.

He lifted his hand to block Grant's access to the farm. Grant paused before running into the man's arm.

“Do not touch me,” Grant said. “Do you know who I am?”

The worker wore a sneer and was about to yell at Grant. The man made eye contact and Grant watched the anger melt into astonishment.

“You're Grant Marsden,” the man said.

He dropped his arm. Grant continued walking up to the house. Hansen remained close behind him.

“So this is where it all started?” Hansen asked.

“I suppose that's one way of putting it,” Grant said.

He had spent the plane ride filling the agent in on Amelia's escape and where they stood now. They walked up the long drive, the gravel crunching underneath Grant's shoes. He looked down and saw the dust covering his navy loafers.

“I forgot how dirty it was here,” Grant said. “I can't seem to keep clean today.”

“What are you expecting to find?”

“Proof that she was here,” Grant said. “I didn't expect this.”

“Why not?”

“Amelia's parents sold her to me,” Grant said. “I didn't think she would come to rescue them, but I didn't think she had it in her to come here and murder them either. I guess I was wrong.”

They continued to walk past the house and Grant saw his proof sitting in the back of the driveway: the black RAG vehicle.

“Does this look like one of the cars taken from the earlier crime scene?” Grant asked.

“The plates are from that area,” Hansen said. “Where are the other two cars though?”

“I'm not sure,” Grant said. “Honestly I assumed two of them were left closer to the orphanage fire. But why would they drive all the way up here and switch to one of Mr. Morrissey's cars?”

“They didn't want to get caught,” Hansen said.

“Four men dressed as RAG agents driving this wouldn't draw any attention,” Grant said. “It would have been easier for them to switch the plates than ditch the SUV.”

“Do you think they're still here somewhere?” Hansen asked, moving his fingers to grab his weapon.

“No,” Grant said.

He walked farther toward the garage. The door was wide open and there were two cars inside.

“Last time I was here Mr. Morrissey had another vehicle,” Grant said. “They left in his car.”

“Maybe it performed better than the SUV?” Hansen said.

Grant ignored the man's stupid observation.

“Four men and a woman driving along in a government vehicle could be easily explained if anyone spotted them,” Grant said. “What couldn't be?”

“I don't follow,” Hansen said.

“They split up,” Grant said. “Amelia came here alone.”

“That would be suicide for her,” Hansen said.

“She is still alive, so apparently not,” Grant said. “If she were without a male escort it would be unexplainable if someone spotted her driving a government car.”

“It would be unexplainable to see a woman driving any car,” Hansen said. “Regardless of the vehicle.”

“True,” Grant said. “Imagine you are an eighteen-­year-­old girl who knows how to drive. It would be dangerous if anyone saw you in the car.”

“Not if she didn't look like a girl,” Hansen said.

“Amelia is quite feminine,” Grant said. “Even with a short haircut she still looks female.”

“Then I would get off the road as quick as possible,” Hansen said. “Find a person to smuggle me to my destination. Avoid the public eye.”

“Exactly,” Grant said.

“Does she have any other family in the area?”

“She has three sisters, but they're all married and none of them are close,” Grant said. “I don't believe they would give her aid.”

“A friend?” Hansen asked.

“Amelia lived a sheltered life,” Grant said. “Until she decided to run. There are very few ­people she knows at all in this country.”

Grant turned around and started walking back down the driveway.

“Don't you want to look through the car?” Hansen asked.

“It won't tell us anything I don't already know,” Grant said.

“I think you're wrong,” Hansen said. “She's still with the men. It wouldn't make sense to separate.”

Grant stopped and walked back to Hansen. He went straight for the SUV driver's-­side door and opened the car.

“I am assuming the men Amelia is traveling with are somewhat tall,” Grant said. “Do you think they would require the seat to be so close to the pedals?”

Grant did not break eye contact with Hansen. He didn't even bother to check if the seat was pushed forward, because Grant was certain Mia was alone when she switched cars. The agent's wide eyes told Grant he was right. Grant slammed the door and started walking down the driveway again. This time Hansen followed him.

“Don't doubt my methods again,” Grant said.

“Where are we going now?”

“To visit one of the few ­people Amelia knows,” Grant said.

After his last run-­in with Frank Piozzi, Grant assumed the man knew better than to give Amelia aid, but he couldn't be certain unless he went to investigate for himself.

 

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Chapter
60

Tonight is my wedding. I have yet to view my wife, but I hope that she is pleased with me. The honor of her hand in marriage has cost me a great deal.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

A woman. There was a female leader in a hidden part of America. If someone had told Andrew that a few months ago he would have laughed in their face. Mikey strolled into the small room and up to the chairs in which Andrew, Carter, and Zack were seated.

“I have heard the most interesting story tonight,” she said. “That you three, along with some others, are trying to stop the Registry. I also hear you have lots of outside help and your insane plan has a chance of success.”

“More than a chance,” Zack said.

“Well then the three of you have my blessing,” Mikey said. “And you are free to leave.”

None of them moved.

“Or stay if you like,” she said. “You have a high regard for women and are welcome in our small community.”

“Thank you,” Zack said.

“I wouldn't thank me yet,” she said. “We waited too long to bring you up here.”

“What does that mean?” Carter asked.

“It means we used all the fuel from your car and already started ripping out the parts.”

“We can walk,” Zack said. “A few hundred miles to civilization, right?”

“If it was a straight plain,” she said. “You're in the mountains. The road goes up and down here. It will take closer to five hundred.”

“That's too long,” Carter said.

“That's also if you don't die from the elements along the way.”

Andrew was in shock. He was grateful they were allowed to go, but his gratitude was replaced by rage at the treatment of their equipment.

“You had no right,” Andrew said.

“I had every right,” she said. “You're the ones who abandoned your vehicle for a night.” She looked into Andrew's eyes with matching fury. “Don't blame me for your foolishness,” she said.

Andrew was at a loss for words. He struggled to pull together his thoughts but she continued.

“I do feel a bit bad though,” she said. “We have one car here. Someone takes it into civilization, as you call it, once every other month and comes back with some much-­needed supplies. They are on the road right now but won't be back for another ten days.”

“Ten days?” Carter asked.

That was not good news to Andrew. He was set to meet Mia tomorrow; being trapped here for ten days would mean she would figure he was dead. He didn't even want to think about what could happen to her alone in that time. Andrew knew why Carter was getting worried too. That was too close to Grant's deadline for Rod. There were no other options though. Andrew didn't want to lose this chance.

“And we can take your car in ten days?” Andrew asked.

“Someone will drive you to the nearest town in ten days,” she said. “From there you can find your own way.”

Carter was about to protest, but Andrew cut him off. “Ten days then.”

Mikey nodded her head. “Until then consider yourselves at home,” she said. “One of my sons is setting up some beds for you.”

Carter shot Andrew a dirty look and Andrew gave him a reassuring nod. That was pushing their deadline, but it was still doable.

“Dustin will take you on a small tour,” she said.

“What about Agent Quillian?” Andrew asked.

“He is a threat to me and mine,” she said. “And will be dealt with.”

“Where is he?” Andrew asked.

“His execution is being scheduled,” Mikey said. “If you would like to watch it can be arranged.”

“You can't kill him,” Andrew said.

“Just an hour ago he was begging us to kill you,” Mikey said.

That didn't matter. Andrew had promised Mia he wouldn't kill the agent, and letting him die was the same as pulling the trigger.

“He is the exact type of person we are trying to save,” Andrew said.

“JR,” Mikey said. “Bring the RAG agent here.”

“Andrew, don't push our luck,” Zack said in a hushed voice.

It didn't take long for JR to drag Agent Quillian into the room. His ropes had not been cut; instead his face had. There was a gash next to his eye. He had sweated through his clothes and he hit the floor with a thud when JR released his arm.

“This young man seems to think you deserve to live,” Mikey said.

“I do,” Agent Quillian said.

“He knows of our plans,” Andrew said. “He doesn't approve of the Registry either. He's too scared to stop it.”

“If he escapes your custody he could set some of his brethren on us,” Mikey said.

“I won't,” Agent Quillian said. “I swear. Please don't kill me.”

“Shut up,” Andrew said.

“Plead his case again,” Mikey said.

“Agent Quillian is the type of person who will rejoice once our mission is complete. He'll switch to our cause and your ­people will have nothing to fear.”

“What if you lose or he escapes?”

“I won't escape,” Agent Quillian said. “Please, I want to stay with these men. I hate the American government.”

“Shut up,” Andrew said.

He didn't break eye contact with Mikey. She wore a slight smile and held her hand out for Andrew to continue.

“You cannot kill him unless you're willing to kill me too,” Andrew said.

“So you tie your life to his?” Mikey asked.

“Yes,” Andrew said.

She paused and glanced down at the shaking agent.

“I'm feeling generous tonight,” Mikey said. “The agent can live, but if over the next ten days I see him more than ten feet away from you the both of you are dead.”

“Can we make it twenty feet?” Andrew asked. “He's a little annoying.”

Mikey let out a laugh and clapped her hands.

“Thank you,” Agent Quillian said. “Thank you . . . thank you . . . thank you.”

“JR, cut off Trent's ropes,” she said. “Agent Quillian is dead, but he lives.”

Mikey stood up from her chair and started walking out of the building. She turned and gave Andrew a nod and a wink, cementing what Andrew already knew. Mikey had had no desire to kill Agent Quillian; instead she'd made sure Andrew had a loyal follower for life.