Girl of Shadow Page 10
I narrow my eyes at her, but I admit she does have a point. Without my jacket, I feel a little vulnerable and slightly embarrassed at my show of flesh. I’m so used to wearing my cloak in public. My plan may have backfired on me, but Mirna puts an end to my thoughts when she leads me to a wide open room. The furniture must have been removed for the event. The lights are low, but still bright enough to see. Music pounds out from the corner of the room; a variety of drums and a few string instruments create an endless dance beat. No are vocals needed. We dance together, waiting for Justin to intercept Mirna so I can persuade Darick that it’s his duty to dance with me.
It only takes a single song before Justin is at our side, begging Mirna for a moment of her time. I shove her off, enjoying her blushing. I walk to the edge of the room searching for my target. I know he will be in a position where he can see everything. I look around and see him standing perpendicular to the door, watching everyone who enters or leaves through the wide archway. It’s just the spot I would have picked for myself if I were in his position. There are other guards throughout the room, two following within a few feet of me just in case someone tries to get too close, but only Darick would trust himself to watch the other guests. If he does his job well, then the two assigned to me will have an easy night, well… that is until it’s time for my meeting and I have to slip them.
I saunter up to Darick with a little sway in my hip. It’s a bit over the top, but I’m having fun. As I walk up, I realize a handful of girls scattered throughout the room taking notice of the gloomy enforcer. Something like jealousy rises up before I can stomp it out and I want slap some pretty faces. Instead, I mentally slap myself. What am I thinking? I don’t care if other girls want him. I certainly don’t want him. I push away the thought, I’m working right now.
He doesn’t notice me until I’m a few feet away and when he does, he doesn’t say anything. He just looks me over with a frown on his face. Always so disapproving. I pretend not to notice. I put my hand on his shoulder and bring myself up to my tiptoes and whisper, “dance with me,” in his ear.
Darick’s not much of a talker, but his stillness now is somewhat of a surprise. His mouth drops open to say something, revealing his perfectly white teeth but then closes again. Utterly speechless and I like it. I take his hand, “come.”
He has just enough time to signal one of my personal guards to take up his position at the entryway before I pull him through the crowd of young dancing bodies. I stop in the middle of the dance floor and begin swaying my body to the beat pounding all around us. Darick stands as stiff as a board. I want to tell him to lighten up, but the drums are steadily getting louder, reaching an unattainable peak.
I grab his hands instead and force his body to bend to the movement of mine. It takes a moment, but finally he moves on his own. We go on like this for so long I think we both lose track of time. There’s just us and the music, demanding us to give into the moment as it continues to rise, forcing us to do its will. I was supposed to take advantage of the situation by asking my questions, but I can’t bring myself to ruin the moment. I’ll ask him in a minute or two…
Our bodies moving frantically now to match the crazed beat. The building of the pounding drums finally bursts and I stand there trying to catch myself. Somehow, Darick is holding me up. I don’t remember reaching for him. I don’t care. He’s breathing as heavily as I am. Sweat drips from both of us. I look up at him and it’s then that he grips my chin to bring my lips to his. I don’t know how or why it happened. Our lips just barely touch, like a caress, but it’s enough. His lips are soft against mine and the pressure of his touch makes my lips tingle. My first kiss and it’s with Darick; it’s perfect.
He pulls away, turns, and walks away.
Well, that’s not how my plan went. Time to improvise I guess. I look at my watch, more time passed than I thought. Before I do anything else, I need to get to the second floor unnoticed. My questions for Darick will just have to wait another half hour. I have a meeting to attend and if I don’t act quickly, I’m going to miss it all together.
A quick scan of the room reveals that the archway is the only way in or out. The ceilings are tall and the second floor is balconied around the room. It would be impossible to climb unseen with all these people, the guards trailing me, the guards on the balcony, and with Darick. Plan B. I find Mirna still dancing as if in a trance with Justin. I interrupt briefly and explain my idea in load whispers. She agrees and goes back to dancing. I move towards a cluster of people dancing near the entrance and join their little group. It’s a little awkward with my guard, but they manage to go with it.
It’s only a moment before a fight breaks out in the center of the room. It involves multiple party-goers. The music stops and guards move in. The one guard left to watch me is distracted by the scene. My other guard is still watching the door. Darick never relieved him. I spot Darick moving Mirna to safety. As expected, a stampede of party-goers move toward the walls, trying to stay away from the fight while staying within sight of it, cheering it on. It’s during the commotion, I slip out unseen. I grab an abandoned cloak with a hood to cover my features, in case, on the off chance, it’s not Fernando I meet. The cloak won’t stick out at the party since many wallflowers haven’t removed their outer wear.
I’m able to move quickly towards the front of the house, taking the stairs to the second floor. I make my way to the room on the left. I spotted the window of this room while sitting in the car and realized its placement would be easy for someone to slip through. It’s most likely here that Fernando will meet me. If he doesn’t show, I’ll check the rest of the upstairs. Worst case scenario, we reschedule our meeting. I can’t be gone from the party downstairs long. It’s likely my guard is already searching for me.
I pause at the door, listening for a moment finding nothing before turning the knob. I slip through and shut the door behind me. I check the window to make sure it’s unlocked. Then I wait. I lean up against the wall closest to the door where I can see the window but also hear the activity in the hallway.
I take note of my space. It’s an office. Pushing off the wall, I take the opportunity to scan the desk for any information that might be useful. It’s shipping information for medical supplies. There are very few ports along the east coast still functioning, but the ports on this list are unfamiliar. My thoughts are interrupted when I find Fernando climbing in from the window.
“Daughter of the Shadow.” He says in greeting.
“Father of the Moon.” I incline my head out of respect and reverence.
“I apologize for being late, but the security here is tight. I’m afraid I only have a moment before I must leave.”
“I understand. I’m on a schedule as well.” I explain to him everything I know, from the execution to the school, but it’s not much since I haven’t had the opportunity to pull information from Darick. He listens without comment, seemingly unsurprised by my words.
When I finish, he says, “I’ll get someone to find out more about this school. Don’t worry about it for now. We were expecting a move like this.”
I ask the question that’s been on my mind since this morning. “I hate to ask but was it a member of our group?” He knows I’m referring to the boy executed this morning.
“No. It must be another group, probably Liberty. They’ve been growing increasingly bold as of late. You know I would never be that reckless and I would never do something in your own home without warning you first.”
“No. You’re not.” He does always include me in his most important plans, especially if they affect me. I feel foolish for asking. “I’m sorry, it’s just they are more organized than I expected. How could they have managed to get spies in?”
“I honestly don’t know.” I believe him.
“Perhaps we should ask them to join us. It seems reasonable, if our numbers are stronger, we can accomplish more. They were capable of getting multiple players inside for who knows how long.”
&nbs
p; “I’m afraid I have to say no. They have proven themselves to be brave, but they risk too much. A group like that brings attention, think of what they have managed to do in some of the districts. Do you think random acts of rebellion are going to get them anywhere? They have passion, but in the end they will fail. To include them in our group could destroy what we have so carefully built.”
“So we should just let them die?”
“No. But we can’t help them either.”
“Then we’re letting them die. What’s the difference?”
With a sharp look, he reminds me of who’s in charge. “We continue doing what we can do.” I’m a little disappointed by his answer, but I understand. The outcome of the cause will always come before the individual. This other group must make decisions for themselves and live with the consequences just as we have to. I don’t have to like it. “Are we still on for tomorrow?”
“Yes, the job will get done tomorrow night.”
“Good. I have someone scoping the place. So far nothing’s changed. You will able to get in and out without a problem.” Now those are words I like to hear…
Chapter 20
IZABEL
“Stronger than lover's love is lover's hate. Incurable, in each, the wounds they make.”
― Euripides
~~~
I run into Darick on my way down the stairs. My borrowed cloak lies abandoned in a random room.
“Izabel!” He grabs my arm, pulling me down the rest of the way so I have to scramble to keep up. I have a feeling he’s not going to let me off easily.
He takes us to an empty bedroom on the bottom floor and shuts the door for privacy. As soon as we stop, I reclaim my arm. “Don’t manhandle me.” I pretend to straighten my clothes and smooth out my hair. When I’m finished I face him again with the most undignified look I can muster.
“You forgot the lipstick smear.” He points to a mirror in the corner.
I shrug but clean the smudge off my face, now playing nonchalant. I smeared it just for this purpose, in case I was caught where I wasn’t supposed to be; a good thing too since Darick found me almost immediately.
“So that’s where you were?” I don’t answer, daring him to get to the point of his suspicions. “You know, you had everyone worried. Who is this boy? Wait don’t tell me - I don’t want to know.” He pauses and then asks, “Is he the same one from the other night?” I pick at my finger nail polish as if uninterested, letting him assume what he wants. “You need to stop these games. You’re toying with your father’s anger! Have you not seen enough death?!”
His words trigger something in me and for once, I let go, letting the sadness within me take surface, letting him see what it’s brought me. I have seen too much death and it haunts me in the deepest part of my soul. It’s enough to get him to stop yelling. “Come here.” He opens his arms to me and I surprise myself by hugging him back. It feels so normal. “Is this why you are acting out?”
It’s not, but I nod into his shoulder anyway. I’ll take advantage of his soft side for a moment and get the comfort I need. I let my tears escape. He hugs me tighter while I take in his scent. Not one to wear cologne, but he still smells good, like oranges. The scent reminds me of a better, easier time. Oranges were our favorite snack and we always shared them between us. In those days, he would peel the orange and stuff the peel in his pocket before splitting the wedges between us. I thought it was odd until, finally, one day I asked him.
“I dry them out and put them in my room for a few days,” I tell him I think it’s a strange thing to do. How could he possible like oranges that much?
“No silly, it makes the whole room smell good. Put them in a bowl and everything smells fresh and clean then toss them and replace them with new ones.”
“Why not just buy an orange scented candle?”
“It’s just not the same.” He was right. I asked my mother for an orange scented candle just to find out if Darick was correct and it smelled like chemicals. Nothing at all like the scent of a real orange. I had to throw it away and not in my trash can, the scent was too strong.
I bet if I check his pockets, I’d find an orange peel.
“Shhh, it’s going to be okay.” We break the embrace and I sit on the bed, patting the place next to me. He takes it without hesitation. With his arm around me, I place my head on his shoulder. I pull myself together, feeling slightly embarrassed about my breakdown no matter how brief it was and remind myself of the questions I need answered.
“Who was that man today? The one you killed?” Darick’s body stiffens at my question and his arm pulls me a little closer.
“He’s just one of a number of people suspected of attempting to overthrow your father. It’s just this time they got closer than usual. Don’t worry, I won’t let it happen again. You’re completely safe. We are tightening security as an extra precaution until things begin to settle down.”
“I overheard my father mention another two were found assisting in the plot.” I look into his eyes when I ask, “Is there a conspiracy against us? How many do you think make up their numbers?”
“No. Just the three men on their own, seeking information about your father. I doubt there are more, but if there are, we’ll find them. We’re interrogating the other men now. I’m sure we’ll have more information shortly.”
“These men, they’re not in our house are they?” Breaking eye contact with him, I whisper. “I don’t think I can sleep if they’re in our home.” I let a chill run down my back.
Darick rubs circles on my back trying to comfort me before he answers. “They’re in a place where they can do no harm to you. No need to fear them, it’s going to be okay. I have everything under control.”
“Thank you, Darick, for serving my family so well.” I know enough for now. Fernando may not want to associate with other resistance groups, but that doesn’t mean I have to sit back and let them die a horrible death right under my nose. The little information I pull from Darick is enough to tell me they are within my own home. If they weren’t, he would have flat out denied their presence. It’s just as I suspected.
I sit with Darick for a while, taking the comfort I need and giving him the comfort he needs. It’s moments like these, sitting next to Darick, when I feel like I can pretend everything’s all right. In a different life, Darick and I might have become something to each other. We could’ve had a great future with beautiful, happy children. But it’s not to be, no matter how much either of us wish for it. We sit on opposite sides of the same coin and there’s no way to reconcile it.
With a sigh, I let the idea go and bring back the memory of Darick cutting off a man’s head this morning. It’s an image that certainly keeps me in perspective. I can’t ever forget who he is.
Chapter 21
DARICK
“Soldiers, when committed to a task, can't compromise. It's unrelenting devotion to the standards of duty and courage, absolute loyalty to others, not letting the task go until it's been done.”
-John Keegan
~~~
Thoughts of Izabel still run through my head even after we left the party. I wish we never had to leave that room. Having her lean on me, finally showing me how she felt, made me feel like we’ve finally built a bridge between us. Something that can’t be disassembled, at least, not without a fight.
Over the course of the night, I felt many things for her. First, irritation at her attire. Could she show any more skin? I can’t stand the idea of other men looking at her, especially her own guards. And then she pierced through my irritation when she begged me to dance. I was lost to her in that moment. It was absolutely the last thing I ever expected, especially since she seemed to be avoiding me lately. How could I ever tell her ‘no’? The sway of her body while we danced captured me. I was ensnared with the first sway of her hips and I never wanted her to let me go. It didn’t last long enough. An interruption demanded my attention, ruining the moment. When I turned around, wanting only to return to
her, she was gone.
Fear like nothing I ever felt before took over me when I swept the room and found her missing. I wanted to strangle myself and the guards who were supposed to be keeping an eye on her. I should have known better though, Izabel is impossible to contain.
When I finally found her in a disheveled state, it was like a splash of cold water. We had our moment, but that’s all it was to her. She moved on to someone else. Her lipstick smear was like waving a red flag in front of a bull. I went off on her, turning my hurt into anger.
Only when I stopped yelling did I realize she was hurting too. The girl I love needed me. She needed me to be strong enough for the both of us. She might be crumbling inside, but I can pull her back together. I proved it possible tonight. By the Way, I wish I still had her in my arms.
After dropping off Mirna and Izabel, I make contact with Susan, a key operative of Liberty. If all goes well tonight, Samuel and Charlie will be rejoining their family somewhere far away and safe, having earned the right to start over somewhere else.
“So tonight then?” Susan asks.
“Yes, it has to be tonight.” They probably couldn’t hold out another day.
“Fine.” She continues to move down the aisle, occasionally adding something to her cart. “I will gather who I can. Where do you want to meet?”
“Leslie’s house. By the way, did you find my friend?” I’m referring to Frank.
“I did, we have him tucked away already. He’s been a great source of information. He misses his wife and kids, but we will reunite them as soon as it’s safe.” Just what I needed to hear. Looking at my watch, I realize we’ve lingered a little too long and it’s time to go. I angle my way between crates of tomatoes and stacks of cucumbers, trying to put space between us before we look suspicious. “Thanks, Susan for everything.”
I move around a display and while pretending to examine the different kind of apples, Susan bumps into to me as if my accident, dropping a few of her things. I bend to help her pick the produce. “I just hope you know what you’re doing Darick. If this goes…” she whispers.