The Alliance (7 page)

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

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

Chapter
17

I've given up driving at night and am avoiding all main roads. My last contact with my poor Wallace was four weeks ago now. If that marks the start of the downfall of America, nature is starting to reclaim what we took from her. It is hard to find a building with running water or electricity. I am happy the winter months haven't set in.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

Everyone was making last-­minute preparations for the trip tomorrow and Mia was left alone for dinner. She took in the beauty of the dining room once more before heading up to her room. Mia hoped sleep would come easily that night but was doubtful.

She stood in front of her bathroom mirror and examined her new hairstyle. It was just her real hair this time. Mia was surprised it had grown in this much, since she'd only chopped it off less than three months ago. At the front it came just to her chin but angled backward, with lots of volume at the crown. A style Mia was certain she would be unable to replicate every day but for the time being looked effortless.

Staring in the mirror had once been Mia's favorite way to pass the time, but the reflection looking at her now was not that of a vain, naïve little girl obsessed with landing a husband. Mia wasn't sure who she was yet, but after this afternoon she knew she was well on her way to figuring it out.

A knock on her bedroom door broke Mia's concentration. She went to answer and was thrilled to see Flo on the other side. The woman's blond hair looked more prominent now, but that was the only noticeable change.

“You did fabulous today,” Flo said. “May I come in?”

“Please,” Mia said.

The prime minister walked in and sat down on Mia's bed.

“I'm surprised nobody commented on my accent,” Mia said. “It wasn't flawless.”

“I may have told them my guest suffered from a speech impediment and not to make note of it,” Flo said.

Mia laughed a little at Flo's ingenuity.

“I have to say I think it is good enough to fool an American,” Flo said. “And everyone traveling with us tomorrow knows of our plans.”

“When I first arrived you said I would be part of those plans,” Mia said.

“And you will,” Flo said. “Right now there isn't much to discuss. We land in America and we will be escorted across the country to the capital. Then I will attend your husband's wedding while the group breaks into the Mission and destroys the Registry. Then you will be broadcast on television and share your story with the world, complete with proof you are who you say you are.”

“It doesn't sound like I have much of an active role,” Mia said.

“You have complete discretion for whatever words you choose, dear,” Flo said. “And what you say is the most critical part of all of this. Never underestimate the power of words. In the event we are unable to wipe out the Registry your words might still spark a rebellion. You are a leader, Mia.”

Warmth made its way through Mia. “I will be sure to let everyone know your role,” Mia said. “I promise.”

“That is for you to decide,” Flo said. “Don't think it necessary. I did not sign up for this for the glory. I only want to help ­people.”

“Isn't it hard to listen to ­people like Angelique all the time?”

“You did well with her today,” Flo said.

“It was like there was something growing inside me,” Mia said. “All her anger only fueled my resolution and I stopped caring, only for a moment, what she thought, because I knew the truth. That was enough for me.”

“You're starting to answer those questions we've talked about,” Flo said.

“I suppose so,” Mia said.

“Beauty may fade, intellect dulls, but your spirit, that will live on forever,” Flo said.

Mia reached out and wrapped her arms around Flo. The woman returned her embrace.

“Try not to worry,” Flo said. “I know that you are facing the world right now and at such a young age it must be even more difficult. Never forget who you have at your side.”

Flo released Mia and stood up. Mia did the same, not wanting the woman to leave.

“Wait,” Mia said.

Flo paused.

“Thank you,” Mia said. “For your kindness and your inspiration.”

“Repay me by passing it on to the world,” Flo said.

Flo walked to the door, stopping once she reached the handle.

“I thought you might want some company tonight,” Flo said.

She pulled open the door and standing behind it were Andrew and Carter, both dressed in black attire.

“I will see the three of you in the morning,” Flo said.

The two boys walked into the room and Flo shut the door behind her. Mia couldn't stop the smile from coming onto her face and ran toward Andrew, throwing her arms around his neck. He wrapped his around her back and lifted her up in the air. When he set her down she pulled away, locking eyes with him as he leaned down and gave her a light kiss.

“I knew I shouldn't have come,” Carter said.

Mia pushed off of Andrew and went for her friend. She didn't give Carter a chance to back away and pulled him in for an equally powerful hug.

“I bet mine doesn't end with a kiss though,” he said.

Mia ignored his comment and squeezed harder before releasing him.

“You know tomorrow might be it,” Carter said. “There's a chance we'll land and RAG agents will be waiting to arrest us.”

“Don't think that way,” Mia said.

“I'm serious,” Carter said. “It could be our last night on earth.”

“Every night could be our last night,” Andrew said.

Mia frowned. She looked at the two men. They had been through so much together. She did not think tomorrow was the end, but if it was she couldn't think of two ­people she would rather spend her last night with.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

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

Chapter
18

A fire broke out and we were forced to leave DC. Our group is traveling in a caravan to Washington State, to the general's home city. A radio broadcast has been set up, urging other survivors to meet us there.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

The plane ride was a new experience for Andrew. The sensation of flight was so different when there were windows to view the skies. He sat in the back with the other bodyguards, while Mia and Madame Martineau were closer to the front. Albin sat in the middle, as if trapped between two stations. He was posing as Madame Martineau's escort for the event.

“I've never been in a plane before,” Carter said.

“We flew out here,” Zack said.

“It wasn't like this,” Carter responded.

“You were in a helicopter once,” Andrew said.

“That didn't end so well,” Carter said.

Andrew had been too busy this past week to notice Carter's moods, and apparently Carter had been too busy to remember that he was mad about something. He'd even forgotten about Carter's insane proclamation that his dad was still alive. Last night Carter had been in good spirits and Andrew hoped that would continue. It made things easier.

Things were good between Andrew and Mia too. After he'd promised not to keep her in the dark any longer she seemed more at ease around him. It was hard not to sit next to her now, but in the event the pilot or one of his staff walked around the positions needed to look legit.

“Is there any word from Affinity?” Andrew asked. “Is the grand commander wearing the camera pin?”

“He's wearing it,” Zack said. “But he hasn't gone to the server yet, so no password. We're confident he will. There are still more than two weeks.”

Two weeks. It wasn't that much time but it felt like an eternity. Andrew closed his eyes. In two weeks the whole world could change. He didn't care about that as much as he cared about his personal world changing. Mia would have more time for them. They could be a ­couple, out in the open. As soon as the Registry was destroyed the group would retreat back to Affinity headquarters in Central America. Andrew knew there would be more missions, but Mia wouldn't be as crucial a part. The two of them could start their lives together.

“Then what?” Carter asked.

“Who knows?” Zack asked. “Peace, hopefully.”

Andrew scoffed. Peace was more of an idea than a plausible reality.

“You find that hard to believe?” Zack asked.

Andrew did not want to explain his theories on the world. He hadn't meant to make his disapproval audible.

“Everything is random,” Andrew said. “I wouldn't be here if Mia hadn't tricked me into helping her in the first place. You wouldn't be here if Mia hadn't stumbled upon your website.”

“We have more control than you think,” Zack said.

“What's that supposed to mean?”

“Mia is important,” Zack said. “Too important to leave to chance.”

Carter unbuckled his seat belt. Andrew thought he looked ill.

“I'm going to the bathroom,” Carter said.

Carter walked away before Andrew or Zack could comment.

“That kid has to get over Mia picking you over him,” Zack said.

Andrew didn't care about that at the moment. And he didn't think that was what was bothering Carter.

“Answer the question,” he said. “How was it not by chance Mia contacted Affinity?”

Zack fidgeted in his seat. Andrew glared at the man, not ready to let him off the hook.

“I shouldn't have said anything,” Zack said.

“Well you did, so finish your thought,” Andrew replied.

“Any person Mia tried to reach out to would have led to us,” Zack said. “She clicked on a link for a vacation, but that computer was wired for Affinity's interception.”

Everything was staged. Andrew had been lied to. Mia had been lied to. It didn't make sense.

“How could you do that?”

“We have lots of contacts inside America, including Roderick Rowe. We were the ones who found out Mia was in Saint Louis. We instructed him to pick her up.”

“Does Carter know?”

“No,” Zack said. “It's for the best that you keep this between the two of us.”

“Did you know about the militia?” Andrew asked.

He felt his rage starting to bubble. His fists clenched and he wanted to knock Zack in the side of the head. The man finally returned Andrew's gaze.

“I promise you we did not,” Zack said. “As far as Affinity was aware all three of you died with Roderick Rowe before crossing the border. We were shocked when you arrived.”

“Why didn't you tell us the truth then?”

“Look, we don't have time for this. Everything is going according to plan. I need you to keep it that way. If you let Mia know, or Carter know, it could ruin everything we've been working toward.”

“They deserve the truth.”

“And you can tell them,” Zack said. “Once we're all safely back in Affinity. We had our reasons for keeping you in the dark. But if you tell Mia about this it will only upset her. There's a lot riding on her shoulders. Do you want to cause her any more worry?”

Andrew looked toward the front of the plane. He could see Mia talking with Madame Martineau. He heard her laugh. She was finding some comfort and Andrew wouldn't be the one to take it away. He thought of the promise he'd made to Mia: no more secrets. He told himself keeping this from her wasn't a secret. He was only delaying the truth, not lying.

Carter sat back down and buckled his seat belt. Andrew could feel Zack's eyes on him, waiting for confirmation. Andrew looked down at his own clenched fist; the knuckles had turned white. He forced his palm open and let his hand relax. He wasn't that person anymore. Andrew wasn't a fighter. He was a protector. Keeping this secret from Mia was necessary at the moment. He looked toward Zack and gave him a slow nod, which the blond man returned.

Andrew's attention remained on Mia the rest of the flight. He promised himself that as soon as the Registry was destroyed he would get all the answers he needed and tell Mia everything.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

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

Chapter
19

I made a new friend. Another woman, who lost her whole family. She says this was caused by a vaccination the government mandated that everyone receive. I asked her why she is still alive and she is unsure why she is so lucky. Knowing the reason for America's fate does not comfort me.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

The plane touched down and Mia felt the numbness disappear from her fingers. It was setting in, Mia was back in the most dangerous place in the world for her. She gave Flo a nervous smile, but the woman was busy looking at her phone. Mia watched as she powered the device down. Flo unbuckled her seat belt, even though the plane was still moving, and went to a safe sitting at the front of the aircraft. Mia watched as she typed in a combination and dropped her phone inside. Next she pulled out two bags.

“Follow me,” Flo said. “You will want to hear this.”

Zack, Andrew, Carter, Jesse, and Bryan were sitting in the back of the plane. All of them were dressed in black suits and all of their faces remained blank. Flo handed one of the bags to Zack, who pulled out a smaller bag with his name on it. From inside the smaller bag he pulled out some paperwork and a cellular phone.

“Preapproved American cellular phones,” Flo said. “Each of you take one. All of the other numbers are programmed inside already so you can contact each other. I managed to find someone willing to install them all with GPS too, so you can locate each other if you highlight the contact and hold down the number seven. I know you have all studied your identities carefully. Inside you will find your travel visas and proof-­of-­ser­vice cards. From here on out we need to exercise the utmost caution. No unnecessary speaking of our plans. Good luck.”

Flo started back for her seat. Mia smiled at Andrew, but he glanced away, looking at his phone. Mia was hurt a little; she knew why he was getting into character already, but she would have appreciated one more stolen glance. Mia let out a sigh and followed Flo to the front of the plane. The two women sat back down and buckled their safety belts. Albin joined them in a third seat, ready to play the part of Flo's escort.

“Before I forget,” Flo said. “Here.”

She handed Mia a small black phone.

“This one is special,” Flo said. “There are some extra numbers stored in there and it has international capabilities in case something arises and you need to flee. I also didn't want the GPS enabled for your phone. If anything happens you can find the rest of the group, but they cannot find you.”

“Isn't that dangerous?”

“You have good instincts,” Flo said. “I trust that if we are separated you will use your judgment in relocating the rest of the group. On the other hand, if one of us is caught I don't want our phones to let the enemy locate you.”

Mia nodded her head. She dropped the small black phone into her purse and caught a glimpse of her travel documentation. Flo doubted it would be requested, but Mia had it at her disposal nonetheless. The plane came to a stop and Mia smoothed out her pastel purple pantsuit. She picked up her wide-­brimmed white sun hat and placed it on her head. Flo told her it made her look exotic and elegant, drawing attention away from her face, but Mia was not convinced.

The flight attendant came out of the cockpit and Mia caught a glimpse of the pilot putting on his coat before the door slammed shut.

“Prime Minister Martineau, I trust you had a safe flight?” he asked.

Mia studied his French accent, hoping to pick up on any last details before she needed to switch over.

“I did,” she said. “Thank you.”

“Our travel visas do not permit our presence in America,” he said. “As previously arranged we will continue on to Canada and retrieve you at the airport closest to the American capital in fifteen days. Anything you choose to leave on the plane will be safeguarded until your return.”

“Thank you,” Flo said.

“The same courtesy is extended to your guests,” he said.

Flo stood up again and kissed the attendant on each cheek. Mia appreciated how Flo treated everyone around her with dignity and respect. Even though she was the prime minister of a country, she held nobody above herself.

The men came up from the back of the plane. Zack and Jesse walked in front of the women, ready to greet whoever was on the other side of the plane's door. Mia heard the airlock go off and sunshine fell inside the aircraft. A man in a black suit walked aboard. A RAG agent. Recovery of Abducted Girls workers did much more than simply look for runaways. Mia knew they would be her escorts, but the last time she'd met with one he had died by her hand, and the image of smashing his skull in with a rock came flooding back.

“Welcome to America,” he said.

He tried to walk around Zack, but the blond man blocked his move.

“I am in charge of the prime minister's security,” Zack said.

“Oh yes. All of our guests are escorted by American soldiers,” the agent said. “Do you and your men have papers? I hope you don't mind my verification of your identities.”

“Not at all,” Zack said.

He turned around and the group of men handed him their passports.

“I have Florence Martineau, Albin Fabre, and Jonathan Jolivett on my passenger list. Does that correspond with your party?”

“It's Jeanette Jolivett,” Zack said.

Mia didn't dare look over at the agent. She could feel his eyes on her; he was not expecting a second female on his passenger list.

“We were told Jonathan,” he said. “You're escorting a young woman as well?”

“We do our job as instructed,” Zack said. “And I am sure you do the same. Does that include hassling the prime minister's escorts?”

Mia glanced out of the corner of her eye at Zack and the agent. The agent was about the same size as Zack, with brown hair. The two were in a standoff, and Mia hoped Zack would win out.

“Then I don't suppose her verification is necessary,” he said. “Please stay on the plane for a few minutes while I check you and your men.”

Mia knew Affinity had placed all the names in the government's online database. Still, she was nervous the hack had been caught and the names booted out. The whole plane remained silent. Flo placed a hand on Mia's arm.

“Don't look nervous,” she said. “This was expected. We don't want to give them a reason to suspect anything.”

“I am nervous though,” Mia said. “This is a stupid idea.”

“All the good ideas are,” Albin said.

Mia told herself to breathe. The man returned and handed Zack the stack of passports.

“Welcome back to America, Captain Mishler,” the RAG agent said. “You may call me Agent Barker. I hope you take no offense at our screening.”

“None at all,” Zack said. “In fact I find it commendable.”

“Please,” Agent Barker said. “Exit the plane.”

Zack nodded and the agent led the way. Zack and Jesse followed, then Flo, Albin, and Mia. Carter, Andrew, and Bryan took up the rear. They walked down steps and Mia saw their luggage being loaded into two black SUVs on the runway. The air was thick with humidity; Mia had never been to the Southeast Area before and she felt a little homesick for her Midwestern weather for the first time since she'd left.

“You and your party must ride with me in the first car,” Agent Barker said to Flo. “Your security detail will follow in the second.”

“No,” Zack said.

“I must brief the prime minister on the rules,” Agent Barker said.

“Captain, I am certain our hosts will not let harm come our way,” Flo said. “Please, these are your countrymen, after all.”

Zack could not come up with a rationale for objecting and the security detail moved to the second SUV. Agent Barker opened the door and Mia climbed inside. The seats were not set up as she expected. Instead of two rows, there was one facing backward, so the passengers could speak to one another face-­to-­face. Flo took a seat next to her while Albin sat across from them with Agent Barker. Whoever the driver was, he did not turn around and wasted no time taking off.

“I am sure you are exhausted from your travels,” Agent Barker said.

“Yes,” Flo said. “We are all eager to reach the hotel.”

The agent didn't hide his eye-­roll. Mia was certain he would continue to make his attitude towards women well known.

“There is a very strict schedule we must stick with,” Agent Barker said. “We are five hours away from your lodging for the evening.”

“Five hours after that flight?” Albin asked.

The agent ignored his question. Mia looked to Flo, who did not seem fazed by Agent Barker's lack of respect.

“I am certain you memorized the instruction packet sent to your country but I must review some of our country's concerns.”

“Please do,” Flo said.

Agent Barker shook his head a little and wet his lips before continuing. “No American citizen is to know you are here or your station. Mr. Fabre must appear as the important party. You are to be seen as his wife, and Ms. Jolivett your daughter. Do you understand?”

“Absolutely,” Flo said.

“The Grand Commander has a detailed itinerary for you. Since your country is to our east and we did not want your plane flying over our land you were forced to land across the country from your final destination. The capital is in the Northwest Area, over three thousand miles away. Tonight you will stay in your hotel room, where dinner will be provided. Tomorrow we leave for the capital. Along the way there are a number of places you have been granted access to visit. The whole trip is scheduled to take seven days. Once we arrive in the capital all of your time will be scheduled and the rules do not change. Tomorrow you will see a facility used to house young men.”

“One of your orphanages?” Flo asked.

“We don't use that term,” Agent Barker said. “ ‘Home for young men' is more appropriate. Grand Commander Miller hopes you will be satisfied with everything you see in America and report the results of your trip to other global leaders.”

“I believe I will,” Flo said.

The car went quiet. The agent leaned back and he raised a corner of his lips.

“How could your country elect a woman?” Agent Barker asked.

“Excuse me?” Flo said.

“I am a professional,” he said. “But you are not my equal, and it is disgusting that I must treat you with any respect.”

“Is this the sort of behavior your grand commander wishes me to report?” Flo asked, unruffled.

“I . . . apologize,” Agent Barker said.

“Well, you have already broken your façade of respect for me, so let's take a moment and get it out of the way,” Flo said. “Please use this car ride to discuss any of your concerns.”

“Why did you bring a teenage girl with you?” Agent Barker asked.

“Jeanette?” Flo asked. “She is a friend's daughter studying human rights at university. I thought this trip would give her a unique perspective. Show her that all the awful things her professors say about Americans' treatment of the young women simply aren't true. Though, I could have made a poor choice here.”

“You don't belong in school,” Agent Barker said. “You should be married by now, taking care of your husband.”

Mia didn't acknowledge the agent. She kept her eyes glued to the window.

“It is rude to ignore someone speaking to you,” he said.

“On this I have to agree with the young agent,” Flo said.

Mia closed her eyes and moved her head toward the man, then popped open her eyelids; she didn't dare break away from his gaze. His eyes left her face and went up and down her body.

“If you were American you would go for a pretty penny in the Registry,” he said. “It's a shame really. Your life would be much less complicated.”

Rage was building inside Mia. Her life was complicated because of the Registry and this man was blind to that. She didn't know if she could keep her French accent and voice at a normal volume so she pressed her lips shut.

“Quiet,” he said. “You really would have made an excellent wife here.”

“That is quite enough, Agent Barker,” Flo said.

The agent had a smug look on his face and Mia went back to avoiding his eyes. She looked out the window, hoping that the time would fly by but knowing the ride would drag on.

The car came to a stop. The driver exited and the side door opened.

“Wait here,” Agent Barker said. “I'll come back with your room keys.”

He exited the vehicle and Mia let the air out of her lungs. She wanted to voice her frustration but the trio kept quiet, knowing every area they were in was likely bugged.

“Well, that went as expected,” Flo said.

Albin let out a yawn.

“The time change affected me more than I thought it would,” he said. “I think we will all feel a little better after some sleep.”

Even in the air-­conditioned vehicle Mia could feel sweat forming on her forehead. She tried to focus on her breathing and felt her body cool down. This mission was bigger than her ideals or the idiot agent's outlook toward women. Agent Barker's views didn't matter. In only a few short weeks the Registry would no longer exist and he would have to deal with a new way of life.