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  This school is my most brilliant idea to date. So many young minds I can shape to my methods. With the growing problems of the rebellion, my men are scrambling to pick up the pieces. This plan will put a stop to it. I will have a force loyal to me and to me alone. One that would turn on their own mother to see my objectives fulfilled. Once I have the nation tightly under my reins again, who knows what else I’ll be able to accomplish? My power will be far reaching and unstoppable and my sons will each have a place at my side, ruling in my stead in the farthest places we can reach. Soon everything will fall under the United Party and I’ll be in control of all of it.

  “Well, if you want it located within the city we can break ground within a year. It will take about that long to move families out and clear the ground. Next month if we do it just outside the city limits. There are very few who live that far out; it will be easy to evacuate them.” Alroy shows me the two locations on the map. I look at them both, considering which would give me the best advantage. I don’t care if people have to move, that’s not a part of my equation and I certainly wouldn’t wait a year for it to happen.

  “The one outside the city.” I point to the location on the map. It’s perfect. Easy to fortify with the ability to grow as needed and very isolated. I can’t have people meddling in my business; an impossible task inside the city with so many curious eyes and ears watching. And those damn people who think they can take me down. My blood boils just thinking about them.

  “Good choice,” Alroy confirms.

  “Of course it is.” I lose patience with such commentary. “We can begin next week. It will give me the privacy and isolation needed to mold the minds of these young men. I’ll have a private army in a year’s time.” And oh, how I can’t wait. First, I’ll root out the rebels and then… then I’ll expand my holdings.

  “I’ll notify the construction team later today. I’ll send someone this afternoon to let the residents know they have a week to vacate the premises. With your permission, I’ll take my leave. I need to make rounds.” Darick gets up to leave and Aaron follows.

  “I’ll make sure there’s a police presence in case anyone gets any smart ideas.”

  “Very good Darick.” I watch Darick go. One of my most trusted men, but still untried in many areas and not as ruthless as his father. Sometimes I need something done that only Alroy can assist me with and well… the fewer people who know, the better. Darick is good for so many things and someday I’ll let him in on my bigger, long-term goals. Perhaps after he ties the knot with Izabel. “Just a moment Aaron.” I turn to my sons, “Michael, go with the police chief. I think it’s a good idea for you to be on site this afternoon and take the opportunity see how these types of situations are handled.”

  “Sure thing father.” I watch him leave. Not the smartest of my children, but he’s certainly a well-mannered brute. I’m still waiting to see if one of his brothers will try and take him out, but so far none of them are greedy enough yet. Perhaps I should change that… only the best can rule after me. My sons might just be getting a little too comfortable. I was certainly a little more bloodthirsty at their age. In fact, by the time I was thirty, I’d already killed my brother. It’s a bit disappointing to see my sons, most of which are well into their thirties, still unable to accomplish a single task on their own. I’ll have to consider it later.

  “As for you Alroy, I need you to draw up the bill. I want to announce the new law sometime next week.”

  “I’ll start on it today.”

  When the door finally shuts, I bring my plan to the table. We were not going to use it because Mirna was the wrong person to deliver the message; too weak. But Izabel is now in play for the party. A show of power using her will not only strengthen me but strengthen my daughter as well. She unknowingly just provided me with an opportunity I just can’t miss.

  It’s a plan I’m certain Darick wouldn’t be comfortable with. He would never put my daughter at such risk which is why I trust him as her protector, but sometimes to play hard, one has to go all in. Now is one of those times. He’ll eventually learn.

  “Good, now that we are alone, we have other work to focus on.”

  Opening my humidor, I pull out a cigar for myself and pass one to Alroy. We lite them and then take a moment to enjoy ourselves. “We already decided to not use Mirna tonight, but since my daughter is going… I’m presented with a unique opportunity.”

  He seems to tense a little. I like it. He’s my closest friend and confidant, but he and I both know I hold all the power and an occasional reminder is necessary for the preservation of our relationship.

  It takes him a moment, but he finally says, “I’m concerned about Mirna’s safety.” I know he wants to say more, but wisely he leaves it at that.

  I wave him off. “It’ll be safe. I’ll make sure Darick knows I want them home by eleven.”

  “I don’t know. It seems like a great risk for our daughters, especially since they are to be completely unaware. If something goes wrong…” He waves his hand in the air as if to encompass all of the possibilities.

  “Stop. You sound like an old bitty. Get yourself together. Mirna needs to grow up and be able to survive in this world without all of your coddling. You’re doing her a great disservice you know.” I take another deep pull from my cigar watching him. He doesn’t respond and his body is stiff. Again we find ourselves in a moment of silence. I wait to see what he will do, knowing he only has one choice.

  I shut my eyes for a moment before opening them again to find Alroy’s eyes on mine. All tension is gone and where once there was weakness, now there is a necessary hardness. He’s committed to me. I smile. Alroy’s back.

  It’s a pity he never had any sons. I should have taken the matter into my own hands and forced him to remarry. Oh well, too late now…

  Looking at my watch, I realize I have another important matter to see to this morning. “Come Alroy, I have a public event to put on. You won’t want to miss this.”

  Chapter 15

  IZABEL

  “Revenge... is like a rolling stone, which, when a man hath forced up a hill, will return upon him with a greater violence, and break those bones whose sinews gave it motion.”

  -Jeremy Taylor

  ~~~

  Anthony is annoyed at my tardiness, but rather than confronting me and wasting more time he jumps right into class. He’ll probably pay me back some other way with additional homework or another project because I don’t have enough to do. I roll my eyes. This is the price I pay for living a double life. I wouldn’t have it any other way. This world needs the Girl of Shadow.

  Every fiber of my being screams for justice. The photo in my father’s office is a harsh reminder of the goal I work towards. Mom. I choke on my thoughts. I can’t go there. Not right now. Not with Anthony in the same room. No. There will be time to mourn later. All I have to do is bide my time.

  My thoughts are interrupted when a familiar gong resounds from the inner courtyard. A chill runs down my spine, but my face gives away nothing. Anthony stops mid-sentence. We make eye contact, but that’s it. He leads me out of the room without a word and we start our slow procession to the front of the property. Maids and servants filter out from rooms and halls along the wall. Not a word is spoken. The only sound is steady footfalls and a sniffle here and there quickly covered by a hand. Everyone but Anthony gives me a wide breadth. In this place, I am bad; an enemy of these people. I look the part. My face shows a lack of concern for the things to come. While everyone else is shuffling along frightened out of their mind, I walk with confidence, easy strides without the appearance of fear. My insides are anything but calm. Just the sound of the gong is enough to make me let go of my breakfast, but somehow I keep it together like I always do. I’ve done this countless times and will likely do it countless more.

  Within minutes, I am seated on the stage under a canopy next to my brothers. Michael’s the only one missing, probably doing something for The Boss, but the rest are here
, excited for what’s to come. The servants, spare guards, and all other occupants, visitors, and workers stand amongst the crowd. I see a few people being pulled in from the street to watch. No eyes are spared. Children learn young that life in this world is no fairy tale.

  My father stands up from his seat after assessing the crowd. He’s dressed to the nines as if attending an opera in a suit of red and black. His slight belly peeks out over the top of his pants. A visible sign The Boss eats well while others starve.

  “Friends and guests, I am sorry to have to interrupt your day…,” his face drops as if he is genuinely regretful. He pauses for a moment, giving it just the right effect. Scanning the crowd, I try to determine who’s been captured; afraid it will be someone I know. He starts up again, “but we have a traitor among us.” He says with all seriousness. “It’s time to flush the rat out!” A few whistle while other’s clap, but they’re all members of the guard or the elite, completely above reproach by anyone, but The Boss.

  The average citizens, the ones constantly faced with the chopping block, look around as if to discover who it could be, while others shrink into themselves as if to disappear. I scan the crowd for Fernando, hoping it’s not him; not knowing what I’ll do if it’s him.

  “Harold Taylor. You have been revealed as a traitor. Step forward now for a quick death. Hide in the crowd and your family will follow you in a slow and agonizing one.” I let my breath out for a moment. Relieved it’s not Fernando. My relief is short lived when a young man of maybe twenty with sandy brown hair steps forward. His hands tremble, but his face shows resolve. As he moves closer to the stage, I see he’s even younger than I’d thought, maybe sixteen. His bright blues eyes rage with anger, but he doesn’t fight the guards who threaten him with their guns. It’s the greatest display I’ve ever seen from anyone, surprising for one so young. He moves to kneel at the feet of The Boss and only an arm’s length away from me. I find it especially difficult to restrain myself from doing anything. He’s only a kid.

  “Mr. Taylor, do you admit to your crime of treason?”

  I hold my breath, waiting for the answer I’m sure will leave his lips. “I do.” The air leaves my lungs. I can only wish that when death comes knocking on my door, I will face my fate with half as much conviction as Harold.

  The Boss leans forward and whispers in his ear. I pick up every sick word he says. “Do know your death is a merciful one? Your two friends, who turned your name over, are dying very slowly under my special care.” Harold clearly pales. The Boss steps away, addressing the crowd once again. “This is the death given to all traitors. Mark this as a reminder, anyone who thinks to act against the state will be met with a sword.”

  Darick steps forward with his sword and swings it back. Without hesitation and with one single stroke, Darick removes his head. I watch him do it. It feels like everything is in slow motion. The blade, cutting smoothly through flesh. The sound of the head being lopped off of the shoulders. The sight of the head dropping, followed by the rest of the body, thumping on the platform before it rolls to my feet. The whole thing is so… effortless. Even when I’m out on a mission, the fragility of human life is shocking, but this… this is so much more harrowing.

  Blood splatters the front of my dress, my shoes, and my face. I see it and feel it. It’s warm against my skin… but I can’t fully process anything with the blue eyes of a young man piercing through my very existence. His eyes wide open, revealing the secrets of the afterlife, to anyone willing to stare into its depths.

  Breaking away from his dead stare, I find Darick looking at me and realize I’ve dropped my mask. I see how cold he is inside, watching me to see how I react to his crime. Replacing my mask, I smile like I relish his kill. I hear my brothers cheer at my side. The smell of blood becomes overwhelming. He looks away first, wiping his sword on a cloth presented to him by one of the guards. He leaves without a backward glance already moving on to the next task, but always within sight. Sometimes I wish I could be so cold. Nothing would ever touch me. I shudder at the price paid for such a curse.

  I finally turn back to the crowd. Some are crying, but most are in a daze. A few look at me with my sick twisted smile and shake their head in disapproval. It hurts me. If only they knew; I’m trying to survive too. Everyone has a part to play. I’m playing mine. The youngest of my brothers, Daniel, on the other hand, sees me sitting there and gives me a pat on the head. “Enjoying yourself little sister?” He’s probably the most messed up one of us all.

  “Immensely.” His laugh drowns out everything else.

  Chapter 16

  DARICK

  “There is no crueler tyranny than that which is perpetuated under the shield of law and in the name of justice.”

  -Charles de Montesquieu

  ~~~

  As soon as my sword severs the young man’s neck, I feel relief. It’s done. I had no idea this would be on my plate today, but when The Boss made his announcement, I knew what I would be required to do. I was horrified and shocked. The Boss had kept this from me and I don’t know why. I wonder if Samuel had given Harold up or if Charlie had. No... Not Charlie, he can’t be broken so easily. Samuel then. It doesn’t really matter though. Harold’s life is forfeit either way.

  I didn’t really know Harold, he ran small errands for Liberty. He wasn’t even a spy in The Boss’s house, just a regular worker who had no idea that most of the big players in Liberty interacted with him on a daily basis. It doesn’t even matter who he was, I would still feel sick inside; a young death never sits well with me.

  For men like us, made men, this is the only option available. We are supposed to follow orders. Kill when necessary and never flinch from the task. It’s best to accept what must be done in the moment because nothing can change the set course. At least he was brave through the bitter end, though it’s little comfort for the dead.

  I watch his body fall forward while his head bounces away from the body. I made it quick and I hope he felt pain for just a second before his life blinked out of existence. The crowd gasps. For many this is not the first execution they have witnessed, but the shock never lessens for most of them. I wish I could say the same, but my soul is coated in red and black. The colors of death and destruction.

  When I look up from the carnage, I notice Izabel, she’s flecked with blood and staring at the decapitated head as if hoping, somehow, the boy might get back up. She seems to snap out of it. When she looks up at me, I think I see a vulnerability, but it’s quickly replaced by a must disturbing smile. Maybe I only saw the vulnerability because it’s what I wanted to see.

  Her overall look adds to the disturbed effect. She’s done up as immaculately as ever, not a hair out of place, which makes her looks even more deranged. I have to turn away, but my thoughts stay with her. I’m sure she’s lost it. The mind can only take so much before it snaps. I want to offer her comfort. I want to give her a better life than this, but then her brother asks her a question. I look over my shoulder wanting to know how she will respond, terrified of what I might overhear. Still smiling, I barely hear her say one single word.

  “Immensely.” A shiver runs down my spine and I’m certain she’s totally lost it.

  My mind can’t encompass that one word. The girl I fell in love with is changing. She’s becoming like her brothers. Her father. Maybe worse. I walk further away, listening to the sound of her brother’s laughter. I don’t want to be an audience to that conversation. Daniel is one messed up guy and it makes me want to cringe at the sight of them together. And as much as I want to pull her away from him and his messed up mind, I can’t just yet. So I leave her there with him and hope I’m not too late to save her.

  I move with purpose, directing people to clean up the area. More now than before I am resolved to see this thing through. Sooner rather than later. There still might be time to save the girl I knew. I just need to stay focused on the task.

  I leave a few men to dispose of the body so I can make contact with the cons
truction team who will be building the school. I still haven’t figured out a way to thwart The Boss in this.

  And to add to my never ending things to do, I still somehow have to get Samuel and Charlie out of the dungeon or offer them poison. No more of Liberty can be compromised because of this incident. It’s time to close up loose ends before someone else ends up dead.

  Chapter 17

  IZABEL

  “The paradox of vengefulness is that it makes men dependent upon those who have harmed them, believing that their release from pain will come only when their tormentors suffer.”

  ― Laura Hillenbrand

  ~~~

  My training with Fernando goes by painstakingly slow; every minute feels like ten, but we must go on like everything is normal. We both have questions, but we are not in a safe place to discuss them. His face shows his fatigue. His movements are much slower today than usual. I worry but say nothing. Our training session is light and easy which is probably why it seems to drag. With the increase in guards and the recent events of the morning, it’s unwise for us to draw any attention in our direction. If anyone were to walk in, my class would appear to be exactly what it’s supposed to be. An old man teaching a spoiled teenager self-defense.

  At the end of class, I walk out the door sipping my water. I pass the trashcan and casually toss in my paper cup. I turn back to Fernando and say goodbye. It’s time to get ready for my night out with Mirna and Darick. I don’t look back to see if Fernando goes for the note I left him on the edge of the trashcan. I know he will. I’ll be seeing him tonight if it works out. It’s risky but unavoidable. Something is happening and I hope Fernando isn’t involved. It’s unlike him to be so sloppy, but either way we need to talk and at least compare notes.