Shadow and Shine (Book 2): Dark Divide Page 32

  His bare foot pinched with each step as pieces of gravel dug into the bottom of his uncovered foot. He tried not to think about the pain, but he needed to get to a doctor. There had to be all kinds of nasty bacteria living along this road.

  Nothing was as nasty as the dark clouds rolling behind him.

  Pain and suffering wouldn’t hold him back. The miles between western Utah and San Francisco hurt more than the wounds, but Jake focused on each mile marker. His only shoe was also wearing down. The rubber at the bottom was partially melted. He wasn’t sure if this was from the bomb, or from the hot pavement. Probably both. The sun burned on his disturbed flesh as there wasn’t a shadow to be seen.

  Jake understood the situation, though; if he didn’t find someone, anyone, to help him, then he was going to die. A man in his condition couldn’t afford to walk through the abandoned desert for much longer before he keeled over and died. Jake wasn’t willing to die, but his body would eventually betray his mind.

  Ahead, there was a larger mound than any of the others. While most were about the size of a coffin, in front of him was the size of the hearse. “It can’t be,” he said, speeding up. Grey speckles floated as he ran his fingers through the front of the mound, touching metal. It wasn’t a hallucination.

  It was a car.

  Jake rubbed the hood clean. The front looked like a newer luxury car, but the rust and damage made it looked like it was last at the bottom of a lake.

  It didn’t matter. It was a car.

  The door was even unlocked.

  Hopelessness to hopeful.

  The key was in the ignition. It twisted. The car turned on. “Woo woo woo!” Emotions jacked him up and Jake was ready to drive the whole way to San Francisco. He adjusted the seat and drove off as fast as possible.

  *******

  Conrad

  0855 (Eastern time)

  Union Matis, WV

  Conrad looked across the table to President Watt, he struggled to fight through each emotion he felt. “Reyes is dead.”

  “I’m sorry. I tried, but it was too late. Should’ve never happened to begin with.”

  “But it did. And now we’re here.”

  “True,” Watt looked up at the camera. “Why are you here, Greeny? You’re supposed to be sworn as VP today.”

  Conrad hesitated to answer him honestly. He looked at his friend, his mentor, and wondered if he was stable enough to be trusted. The last few days have been littered with poor decisions and rash judgments. Red Wave, Black Tide, and the fake assassination were unlike the man Conrad had once known. Could he be trusted with the truth? How much time has he spent lying to cover up a previous lie? His recent track record doesn’t offer a reason to be confident and his outlook towards anyone who could expose his charade was dangerous.

  Yet, President Watt’s history was bigger than a rough patch. Conrad has never known him to make consistent errors, but he deserved more respect than to be discarded after a rough week. Conrad looked back to the camera. “Television off?”

  “We’re in Union Matis, Greeny. What do you think?”

  Despite all the alleged war crimes to have taken place in Union Matis, there has been, and will always be, cameras and microphones set up in every room. Interrogations aren’t always about how the person responds in the moment, but sometimes it’s being able to study someone through the recordings or to double-check key information.

  Conrad shook his head. “I don’t trust Marshall.”

  “Marshall has been rendered indisposed.”

  “What does that mean?” Conrad’s first thought was elation. He was pleased to know Marshall was removed from power and control of Union Matis. He spent more time here than Watt or Conrad, these soldiers have always viewed him as a favorite. Conrad was the cold and distant leader, Watt was the unattainable presence, and Marshall was the ruthless protector of national security. If he’s been indisposed from here, then something has severely changed.

  Watt paused. He looked at Conrad with uncertainty on how he should continue. “During Black Tide, Marshall secured four survivors in Salt Lake City. They’ve been escorted here.”

  “Survivors? Four? Where did he find them? Before or after he tried to murder Reyes?”

  “After. There were four individuals located in the Capitol bomb shelter. Marshall used Gathe’s footage, the thermal scans from Red Wave, to locate them. They’ve been taken here for questioning.”

  “So you’ve punished him for his actions against Reyes? Where is he?”

  “No. One of the survivors has…” He trailed off, pursing his lips together. “Has seemingly driven him crazy.”

  “I don’t understand.”

  “Greeny, it’s going to sound crazy, but the survivors have been exposed to something that has given them special abilities. One man can use fire. The other drove a man crazy. Their leader, Mona, has something to her as well. All four of them seem to be above humanity.

  Conrad recognized the name. Seth believed his former group died in Red Wave. “Did you say Mona?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “That’s why I am here, sir. The man I brought, Seth, he’s one of the survivors as well. He knows Mona. I brought him here to help us fight back against the Subas.”

  “The Subas should be neutralized. The UN is about to bomb the western United States—”

  “What? How far west?”

  Watt shook his head. “I don’t know, Greeny. I really don’t. West of the Mississippi? West of Denver? West of Utah? Depends on what Ban decides. I’m a dead President. There is nothing I can do.”

  “Ban.”

  “Ban received confidential footage of Subas attacks outside Salt Lake. We thought it was Martin. It shames me to say, we were wrong. Since she’s been here, Sarah Francis has admitted to sending secrets to the UN for years, can you believe it?”

  “I had my suspicions. Apparently so did you; you’re the one who brought her here. How did Mona drive Marshall crazy?”

  “It wasn’t Mona. It was one of the others, name is Jenna.”

  “How did she do it?”

  Watt shook his head. “We’re looking into it.”

  “That’s not comforting, sir.”

  “Comfort? Greeny, we have an enemy we cannot defeat and an enemy we have never seen before, both knocking at our doorstep and taking their sweet time destroying us. We’ve never taken a beating like this. If the UN’s bombing works, then the Subas are gone and we’re left with weak military and our population cut down by a third. If it doesn’t work…” Watt wiped the sweat from his brow. “Which, nothing has worked against the Subas, yet, then we’re in for—”

  “You know it’s not going to work. Those things aren’t human, sir.”

  “Which is why I’m working towards partnering with the survivors. Mona is reluctant, but I have her brother’s loyalty, if I can earn hers. The other two are next. I would’ve already spoken with them, but we’re having issues with one of Marshall’s men. He’s tried to break into Jenna’s room twice. He wants revenge.”

  “Marshall has always been the best judge of character.”

  “Where is your survivor’s loyalty? Can we use him? What does he bring to the table?”

  “We need to release him. He’s not like them, but they’ll listen to him.”

  “Without an ability, he’s no good to us. These people are risks. They’re dangerous. He’s not worth the trouble.”

  “Sir, I didn’t recruit him. He found me. He wants to fight back. He knows how to defeat them. Don’t you dare say he’s not worth the trouble when he’s cost you nothing.”

  “We have four, we don’t need five. I don’t like the idea of adding another one late to the party. I don’t trust him. He’s not like the others.”

  “Maybe so. But he knows them. They know him. Seth can help you. Not just now, but in the future.”

  “He can help us, Greeny. I’m dead, remember? I’m your advisor.”

  “I haven’t been sworn in yet, sir.”
>
  “Fine. Escort Seth here while I speak with Mickey. After you bring him here, go to DC and take care of your responsibilities. I’ll partner with him while you’re sworn in. Collaborate with President Johnson, keep his temper towards the UN in check. He’s going to run his mouth and start a war with the UN. That’s why you’re so important to Omega. Johnson needs your wisdom. Nothing happens here until the dust settles in the west.”

  Conrad didn’t like it. President Watt was his best friend, but he didn’t trust him. Not with Seth. Not alone. Uriah was fighting back against an immovable force despite being overmatched. Instead of turning about and formulating a better plan, he was reactive.

  “I’ll release Seth. We’ll wait for you to finish your recruiting pitch, and then the three of us can discuss next steps.”

  The President’s eyes shifted, he didn’t like Conrad’s attitude, but he didn’t argue. “Whatever you say, Greeny. But Chapman doesn’t leave here. I’ve made mistakes these last few days, but you killed him the moment you brought him here. His death is on your hands.”

  *******

  Harry

  8:59 a.m. (Eastern time)

  Union Matis, WV

  Harry didn’t have good enough eyesight to count exactly how many soldiers were outside the private government building. He would have guessed twenty, but it could have easily have been ten or fifty. When they were all so scattered around, it was next to impossible to get a good gauge.

  It was even harder when they were sprawled out on the grass.

  Asher sprinted through the field of men and dispatched each individual before any trigger-happy soldier could fire a shot. Asher blurred through the crowd from one edge of the open grass to the other, keeping his flashy new sword in its holster, and tying soldiers to each other using their own zip ties.

  Harry was proud to see Asher take his advice about not killing anyone. It was probably the first time in his life he gave good advice.

  After a few minutes, the field was filled with crying boys laying in a pathetic puddle of their own pride. It wasn’t that Asher was a bolt of lightning shooting from man to man, but everything he did was exactly fast enough to beat the next guy from using his gun. Every step taken was purposeful; Harry loved watching him in action. Life had to be more enjoyable with this kind of talent, but Harry was satisfied with watching from the sideline.

  After all, Asher was only alive because Harry saved him.

  Well, not quite; Asher was alive because of the Pulse inside of Harry. After thinking about it, Harry didn’t have anything to do with it.

  *******

  Seth/Greg

  Late morning/afternoon

  Union Matis, WV

  Greg sat on the table and waited for someone to break him free. It was only a matter of time before his plan continued; he’s done everything to follow Adam’s expectations, prior to ending up imprisoned. He offered his wrists to unstable soldiers, who shackled him without argument. There was no risk in obedience, as long as Greg remained only obedient to Adam.

  His obedience has led him here. The table was high enough for him to swing his legs like a child, he decided he would whistle as well. If someone were watching him, they would see he was comfortable and fearless. There was no reason to view him as a threat.

  He kicked himself down from the table and walked to the back wall. Being imprisoned would give him an opportunity to formulate a better plan for the future and give him an opportunity to consider the possibilities of what may happen. America was changing, and Greg needed to be prepared to react with those changes.

  Before he could think about the future any further; the door opened and Conrad entered. Part of Greg was disappointed to see him. He hoped his time spent with Chapman and Conrad was coming to an end; both men were two sides to a very annoying coin. Chapman was self-consumed, and Conrad’s head was improperly located inside the President’s rectum. Chapman thought he was funny, while Conrad possessed the personality of an unpainted wall.

  “Oh, good, you’re here,” Greg said. Trying to sound grateful but knowing that his voice betrayed him. He didn’t care for honesty very much anymore. It was boring. There was more reward to sarcasm or a good lie.

  “I’m sorry about everything, Seth. I’ve cleared it with President Watt and we’re going to create a plan of action moving forward. He wants to hear what you have to say…” Conrad trailed off. “… and he has other survivors as well.”

  “What kind of survivors?” Greg asked. There was only one kind of survivor Greg could think of, but it made no sense for there to be other living people from SLC. Greg knew everyone else was dead. Or at least thought they were. He actually had no proof, but was living in a manner in which he’s believed the other group of survivors, the ones led by Mona were tragically burned to death by Conrad’s initial attack. Greg preferred that narrative over the truth.

  “The girl, the leader, the one who abandoned you,” Conrad struggled to put the words into complete sentences. He couldn’t remember her name, but was trying to explain to Greg who the person could possibly be. Greg considered asking him to sketch her appearance, or at least play dumb, but didn’t have the mental energy to waste. If Mona was alive, then who else was?

  “Where?” Greg asked.

  “They’re here. Four of them.”

  “Which ones?”

  “Did you have more than four in your group?”

  “We did. Who are they?”

  “The girl. Her brother. Another woman. And a younger male.”

  None of them sounded like Asher. None sounded like Harry. Greg was hopeful Asher was fully out of the picture. His survival was the biggest risk to Adam’s plan. Mona may have been their leader, but Asher was their muscle. He was their only hope. With him out of picture, the group would give up on Mona. A divided kingdom is destined to fall to pieces. Greg was pleased to hear their number was cut in half since they left him. “Take me to them.”

  “I want you to talk to President Watt, first. He’s meeting with one of them right now, afterwards I want you to tell him everything. The others have been reluctant to share specifics.”

  Greg had a hard time believing that. None of those people were capable of silence. “I can talk to them.”

  “Good. There’s one other thing,” Conrad walked to the door and peered down the hallway. “Bryce Chapman is going to be executed. It’s non-negotiable.”

  Greg was both pleased to hear this, and concerned. He was given orders to bring Chapman along and to utilize his media footprint to spread the terror among the divided country. His death would surely ruin the opportunity. However, Greg found him to be a revolting imposter. “No. I need him.”

  “It was his life, or yours.”

  “That’s not how this works, Conrad. I need him. I need you. This is non-negotiable. Are you going to follow your arrogant leader or are you going to stand up for what you believe is right? Chapman is many things, but he doesn’t deserve to die. We free him, and then we meet the President. He doesn’t have to partake in the meeting, but I want him alive and protected.”

  *******

  Mickey

  Time: Unknown

  Union Matis, WV

  The door was open, the hallway lights shined in to show a very surprising guest. Of all the people in the world, Mickey didn’t expect to see the President of the United States walk into his cell. Yet, President Uriah Watt, probably the coolest and most intimidating President in US history, walked in dressed in military greens, with a five o’clock shadow on his face and a thick cigar in his mouth.

  No hellos.

  No acknowledging of the randomness.

  Just President Watt, the Clint Eastwood of Presidents, changing a light bulb.

  “Um, hi? Aren’t you—” Mickey started to say, he stopped speaking when the President smiled. He felt like he was interrupting the most powerful man in the world because he looked like he was about to say something. Standing in a cell with the world falling apart, and Mickey was trying to
be respectful to the guy he didn’t even vote for.

  “Hello. I wasn’t sure if you would recognize me. You would be surprised by how many people don’t until I’m in front of the camera,” he said as smoke circled around the light and spread throughout the room. Mickey could taste the distinct flavor. He didn’t know anything other than Swisher Sweets, and even that was limited, but he guessed the President only smoked Cubans. The smell was heavy and sweet, but still savory.

  “Yeah, well, um, you’re the president. I didn’t vote, but I know who you are.”

  “You didn’t vote? Shame on you, son,” he said, his eyebrows narrowed on Mickey. “It is your civic duty to effect the direction of this country.”

  Mickey was tied up in a secret government facility debating with the President of the United States about voting. It wasn’t a vision, but it sure didn’t feel like reality either. “Okay? Are you here to lecture me about voting?”

  “No. Sadly, in our current direction, there will be no voting in November. I’m here to ask for your services.”

  “Seriously?”

  “We have an enemy we cannot defeat. It’s my understanding you’re one of the few who have fought and killed the Subas.”

  “The who-bas?”

  “Jenna said you called them Shadows, or Wolves.”

  “Oh, yeah, well, I didn’t kill any. I killed a stray dog. Even that, I’m not sure it really happened. This whole week has been a blur. I don’t know if I would be much help. Besides, I’m not siding with Marshall, you’re out of your mind, dude. I don’t care if you’re the President or not.”

  “Technically, I’m no longer the President. And Marshall is out of the picture now. Jenna got to him, actually. Not quite as bad as Jordan.”

  When Mickey met her, Jenna could barely walk up a flight of stairs without complaining. She was the damsel in distress. The complaining, spoiled damsel. But yet, she’s the one who paid Marshall back. Mickey loved it. Good for her. Hopefully, she made him wet his undies. “Marshall deserves worse.”