The Collection (25 page)

Chapter 58

There shall be no strict rules or code of conduct displayed on any Affinity properties. Our members are here by choice.

—Internal memorandum from Affinity

Mia slowed the vehicle down. She didn't stop completely but was sure they were coming up on the break in the trees. She tried to look at the ground ahead for the broken auto-drive.

“Affinity doesn't use the auto-drive feature?” Mia asked.

“That uses satellites,” Zack said. “A lot of these roads are unmarked; it wouldn't do much good up here.”

Mia had no clue what a satellite was but felt like she had learned enough new information for today. Then she spotted the broken piece of equipment in the road. She looked to her left and saw the break in the jungle.

“It's up there,” Mia said.

She pulled the car over to the side and killed the engine.

“Sarah, you guard the car,” Zack said.

All three stepped out. Sarah stayed by the vehicle and Mia walked Zack toward the trees. The sun was starting to set, lighting the greens with an iridescent glow. Mia walked down the path and it wasn't long before Rex's truck came into view, or at least what was left of it.

The windows were smashed in, pieces of paneling were missing, the hood was popped open, and the insides were gone. It was destroyed.

“Someone beat us here,” Zack said.

Mia ignored him. She walked over toward the cliff; the tire tracks were still visible. She closed her eyes and saw Rex crouched down and the militiaman reaching for his gun. Mia heard a weapon cock. Her eyes flew open. That was a real sound. She turned to see Zack holding his hands in the air, backing away from the truck. Three men came out from the trees; they were wearing a familiar uniform.

“Where is our vehicle?” the man asked.

Zack stood next to Mia now.

“Wherever you left it,” Zack said.

The three men were far more interested in Zack; no eyes were on her. The men kept moving closer and Mia stopped backing up. One was right next to her now. She knew this was her chance. She took a moment and worked out a strategy, like Riley had trained her to do.

Mia leaned forward and stomped on the back of the man's heel. He let out a wail and Mia jumped behind him. Some gunshots went off and she felt his body move, like he was a human shield. Zack got his chance and Mia saw him bring out his gun and fire two quick shots.

“Run!” Zack said.

Mia let the man's body drop to the ground and didn't look back to see whether the other two were dead. Zack moved fast and Mia struggled to keep up. Sarah was standing in the back of her car with her gun drawn. Zack ran to the passenger side.

“You want me to drive?” Mia yelled.

“You're unarmed,” he said. “There might be more of them.”

Mia turned the car on and started back toward Affinity. She didn't waste any time driving slow. They sped up the hills, but one glance in the rearview mirror showed a car coming up to the spot they had just left.

“Sarah, stay down,” Zack said.

He stood up and aimed his gun behind them. More death was coming. Mia felt her fingers going numb. These people chasing her had gone through the same training as Carter and Andrew; she didn't think they deserved to die.

“Are you going to kill them?” Mia yelled.

“Not unless I have to,” Zack said.

Mia tried to look in her mirror, but the car wasn't behind them yet. She pushed the accelerator down and they started going faster.

“Don't let us fall off the road,” Sarah said.

“I know what I'm doing,” Mia said.

She hoped she could outrun whoever was trying to tail them. It didn't take long until they were on the main road back toward Affinity. She couldn't hear anything over the wind. Zack turned around and sat back down. He didn't put his gun away.

“Did we lose them?” Mia asked.

“I'm not sure they were ever after us,” Zack said. “That was a poor job of keeping up.”

“Did you kill those men?” Mia asked.

Zack didn't respond. Mia took that as a yes.

“Slow down,” Zack said. “Pull over.”

Mia slammed on the brakes and they all went forward. Then the car was still. Her fingernails were digging into the bottom of her palm from gripping the wheel too hard.

“Friends of yours?” Zack asked. “They had matching uniforms.”

“The militia,” Mia said. “What were they doing there?”

“It looked like a trap to me,” he said. “Waiting for someone to come back for Rex's belongings.”

“Are you two all right?” Sarah asked.

Mia nodded.

“That was an impressive move,” Zack said. “Where did you learn how to do that? And how did you know I'd fire?”

“You're a trained gunman,” Mia said. “I knew you needed a window.”

Zack's breathing slowed down and he closed his mouth.

“Keep this between us,” Zack said. “I need to bring it up to ET before we alert everyone.”

Sarah nodded.

“Try to look calm,” Zack said.

Mia took a few breaths before starting the car again. She didn't know what would be worse, keeping the militia's presence hidden from Andrew and Carter or what would happen once the two of them found out about it. Mia had a feeling this wasn't the last time she'd have a run-in with this group.

Chapter 59

The American government wants its people free and happy. That is why there is as little involvement as possible in a citizen's everyday life.

—
American Gazette

The sun shone down on Andrew. Even in the morning its rays were powerful in the tropical heat. He was glad they were starting orientation today. He'd had enough of wandering aimlessly around Affinity, following Sarah or Zack to the next work spot, none of which offered much of interest to Andrew. He glanced over at Mia. She wore the same worried expression he had seen on her face over the past twenty-four hours. Carter was walking several feet in front of them, his head held high. The three of them hadn't been talking much at all. When they were alone it was like everyone just wanted to sleep. Andrew didn't want any questions about the state of his emotions, but he wondered what Carter and Mia were hiding.

“What's wrong?” Andrew asked.

Mia turned her head toward him and put a smile on her face.

“Nothing,” Mia said.

Andrew frowned.

“I'm a little nervous about orientation,” Mia said. “Choosing a division.”

It seemed decided that they were staying here, though none of them had discussed the topic. Andrew wasn't sure where else they would go anyway. He still believed Mia was hiding something, but she wasn't questioning his disappearances to speak with Katie and he didn't want her to ask, so he dropped the subject.

He hated to admit it, but after two nights of speaking with the doctor he was already feeling a little better. The headaches still came when he thought back to his time in the militia, but he was getting better at controlling his memories.

They walked down the hill and made it to the entrance of Affinity. Rex was standing outside waiting for them. He didn't smile. Instead he wore the same blank face as Carter.

“Don't let him get to you,” Andrew said.

“I think Affinity has the right to know what type of person he really is,” Mia said.

Andrew and Carter had convinced her he deserved a second chance, but she wasn't on board yet. Andrew didn't think Mia would ever understand Rex the same way he and Carter did. Andrew saw the man as a possible future version of himself and part of him needed to believe Rex was capable of redemption.

Mia took the lead and pushed past Rex, opening the door to the room. Carter paused to talk with the man; Andrew decided it was best to follow Mia.

“Give him a chance,” Andrew said.

She frowned, but before they could continue the conversation Zack popped his head into the room.

“Right on time,” he said. “Have a seat.”

There was a large table. Andrew and Mia both pulled out chairs and sat down. Rex and Carter were in the room now and they did the same.

“Welcome to Affinity,” Zack said. “Today we're going to fill you in on some details of our society, our goals, and what will be required of you if you choose to stay.”

Zack was energetic. Andrew could tell he enjoyed his occupation.

“We are a free society,” he said. “Everyone here is your equal. There are no divisions on the basis of gender. You must treat everyone accordingly.”

Andrew wondered how hard that was for Rex. Zack opened his mouth to continue, but before he could speak the door swung open and Zack stopped. Andrew turned around to see a woman at the back of the room. She was older, her hair pulled up in a tight bun.

“Good morning, Zack,” she said.

“Eleanor,” he said.

“It's come to my attention that two of our newest recruits require a private orientation,” she said. “I'd like to take them to my office, if that's all right with you.”

“Why . . . er . . . of course,” Zack said.

The woman moved to the front with Zack. He bowed his head. The speech Zack had just delivered didn't apply to this woman; she was obviously Zack's superior.

“Amelia,” she said. “And Millard. Please follow me.”

Rex and Mia started to stand up.

“No,” Andrew said.

Mia looked down at him. Her eyes told Andrew she didn't mind leaving. She wore a small smile of reassurance.

“I'm not leaving you,” Andrew said. His voice was firm.

She bent down and whispered in his ear, “We're always together.”

Andrew didn't respond. He looked at her; she wore a soft expression. Her lack of argument told him she wanted to follow this woman, even if it meant being alone with Rex.

“I promise you she will return to the group by the end of the day's activities,” Eleanor said. “Zack, please continue.”

She walked toward the door and didn't turn around to make sure Rex and Mia were following. Andrew felt like she had brought iciness to the room. The doors closed and they were gone.

“Can you believe Rex's real name is Millard?” Zack asked.

Carter let out a little laugh. Andrew turned his attention toward Zack. He wanted some answers.

“Who was that?”

“Let's get back to orientation,” Zack said. “By the end of the session all your questions should be answered, including her role in Affinity.”

With few other options, Andrew gave Zack his full attention. Whoever that woman was, Mia didn't mind following her; Andrew needed to focus on that. Mia was turning into a capable person, and she deserved some deference.

Chapter 60

The world is excited for the imminent announcement about Grant Marsden's future. Will he be our next grand commander?

—
American Gazette

The boy was still in denial. Grant could tell after yesterday's phone call. He didn't want to discuss the terms of his surrender yet. Grant had anticipated that, but Roderick's clock was already ticking. He had a few hours to kill until the boy's next phone call, but Grant wasn't in the mood to work. It was the lack of a phone call from Rex that was bothering him.

Rex was as loyal as they come, and it was unlike him to wait this long to check in. Grant would miss him if he were dead—at least Grant thought he would. It would be an annoyance replacing him, one Grant didn't want to deal with at the moment. He didn't want to call Rex. Even though he had technology masking the source of his calls, if there were any way to trace a phone call to Mexico from Grant he would have to face some questions. But not knowing was getting to Grant. He decided if there was a safe place to make the phone call it was from his systems. He picked up the phone, took a breath, and dialed out. The phone rang.

“Hello,” a voice said.

Grant didn't recognize whoever was on the other end.

“Hello,” Grant said.

The two were silent. They were at a standoff; Grant didn't want to show weakness.

“Your friend has caused me a lot of trouble,” the person said.

Grant didn't respond.

“I know he's your friend since this is the only phone number stored in his phone,” the voice said. “Do you care about him?”

“He's a good employee,” Grant said.

“So you sent him down here?”

“To track something,” Grant said. “That was stolen from me.”

“Well, now he has stolen from me,” the voice said. “Who am I speaking with?”

“That's not a concern of yours,” Grant said. “Is my employee dead?”

“Not yet,” he said. “Soon. We know where he is.”

“How do you have his phone?” Grant asked.

“He and those three clever imbeciles think they're safe,” he said. “But I am coming for them. Unless you are willing to pay for your employee's transgressions?”

“Tell me something,” Grant said. “How is someone a clever imbecile? It's a contradiction.”

“They're clever because the four of them managed to screw me over, but imbeciles because they think they can get away with it.”

“What makes you think the four of them are a team?”

“He saved the life of one of the men,” the man said. “Andrew Simpson may think he has cheated death, but it is still coming his way if I do not receive my goods.”

This was news to Grant. Rex was working with Amelia and the boys. Grant felt a bit of rage bubble but swallowed it back down. He did instruct Rex to keep their unit intact. The man on the phone was of no concern to Grant, and Rex was more than capable of taking care of himself.

“Consider him fired,” Grant said. “Feel free to kill him.”

The man on the other end started to talk, but Grant had had enough. He had heard all the information this man had. Grant hung up and dropped his phone on the table.

 

I
hope you slept well?” the host asked.

Grant nodded. The food on the enormous dining room table smelled wonderful. The table looked different in the light of day, especially without the dead body slumped over.

“I have a team of groomers coming over this morning,” he said. “If you're going to work for me you have to present yourself better.”

Grant took a seat. He started to reach for some food.

“Uh-uh,” the host said. “Learn some manners. Sit straight up, put the napkin in your lap, keep your elbows down. Don't they teach you any of this in those schools?”

Grant looked at the man with confusion.

“It is polite to answer all questions asked of you,” he said.

“No,” Grant said.

“Maybe this was a mistake and I should just kill you,” he said.

Grant didn't respond to the man's threat. He wasn't about to live his life in constant fear that it could be ended in a moment. The host smiled at Grant's lack of reaction.

“You have something that none of the others had,” he said. “I like to have an apprentice. Normally I choose someone right out of service; my last young man didn't fare too well and I am looking for a replacement. It's you.”

Grant stayed silent.

“Aren't you going to accept?”

“You didn't make an offer,” Grant said. “You gave an order.”

The host smiled.

“My name is Victor Marsden,” he said. “I've decided you can call me Victor.”

Grant nodded. The door to the dining room opened up and a young woman came in. She was in her twenties, with beautiful long blond hair and bright blue eyes. Grant felt his back straighten as soon as she walked in. Her eyes were glued to the floor. She pulled out the chair next to Victor and took a seat.

“Grant, please let me introduce you to my wife,” Victor said. “She was good last night, so I'm allowing her to eat at the table with us this morning. Her name is Daphne.”

She still didn't look up from the table. Grant watched her cast-down eyes; they were filled with fear. Grant tried to cock his head to get a better look.

“Pay her no attention,” he said. “Please, Daphne, serve us now.”

She rose from her seat and picked up one of the dishes from the table. Then she started spooning out three portions.

“You seem fascinated with Daphne,” he said.

“I'm not used to being in the presence of women,” Grant said.

“It's easy to adjust to them,” Victor said. “Just forget they exist.”

He smiled at his wife. She nodded her head, but Grant could see she was holding in her emotions. Daphne's face was still, but her eyes gave her away. She looked like a bomb, ready to explode. Grant thought Victor should keep her away from knives.

“Let's discuss your new position,” Victor said. “For the first few weeks you will tail me. Everything I do, you do. Everywhere I go, you will accompany me. Then I can see your weaknesses and strengths.”

Grant nodded his head. He wasn't certain what Victor's occupation was or what Grant was about to learn. At the moment he didn't care. Daphne held much more fascination for him.