Chapter Eighteen
Washington comes into view on the horizon. The city is abuzz with both U.S. military and The Company soldiers. Aircraft and land vehicles consist only of theirs. Civilian vehicles are either absent or out of the way. “They’re expecting us.” I merge my mind with his. It’s too risky to continue without his awareness. We can’t afford to lose any more followers. No civilians and the soldiers are probably like those at the gate. The equipment they wear is strange. I get within range to convert any I can and stop. I don’t feel them. Not even their presence. Inanis is so unnerved I can almost see him shake. Something man made resists him.
When I come into view they move away while still surrounding me. I know they can’t kill me. What are they planning? A Humvee comes out of a side street. Stopping just behind the soldiers in front of me. Like at the gate I’m expecting my father or perhaps my mom. Instead a woman I don’t recognize steps out. She is tall and lean exuding authority. A book rests in her hand. Ancient and ornate it I see something familiar. It takes in the light around it. Barely perceptible I doubt normal people could tell. Inanis burns with anger. “Prophet! That book is mine! Retrieve it at once!” I’ve halved the distance before I realize I’m moving. She motions to someone in the vehicle. I stop in my tracks as I see Lucius step out.
“Can I speak to William?” His question confuses me. “Do you not recognize me Luc?” A smile spreads across my face. I can’t tell if it’s happy or mischievous. The itch returns, but I ignore it. There is sadness in his expression. Even so his eyes burn with determination. The woman places a hand on his shoulder. Her expression tells me immediately that she is his mother. I start to laugh. It’s hollow without joy. “Is everyone I know involved with The Company.” I didn’t expect a response. The woman’s eyes meet mine. “Only Williams parents and Lucius.” Why are they talking like I’m not here? Inanis pushes me to move forward for his book. I refuse to move. Regardless of what I’ve become Lucius is still my friend.
The itching in my head is starting to sting. “You wanted to speak to me Luc.” He clenches his jaw taking a step forward. “Not you. I want to see William.” I’m starting to get frustrated. “Your not making sense Lucius.” Seeing that he’s not getting through he nods to his mother. She opens the book. My body surges forward without my consent. Through Inanis I’m much faster than a normal human. Even so the soldiers manage to shoot me in both legs. They’ve learned. If they don’t kill me I don’t consume them. Before I can do anything the woman starts to read out loud. I don’t know the language, but it paralyzes me. Inanis is thrashing in my mind. He demands I stop her. I try to move, and a shock runs through my body. After the pain I open my eyes. What greets me is terrifying. I’m in a cage. Not just any cage. It’s spherical and it hurts to look at.
I don’t think they can see the cage. I manage to look up to the woman and our eyes meet. She does not blink or break eye contact. I still can’t understand her words, but by the pacing I think it’s a chant. The longer I hear it the less I can feel Inanis and the worse the itch gets. Is it the chant or my time in the cage? I need to get out! Every time I move a jolt runs through me. It’s painful, but I push through it. I grip the cage trying to pry it apart. The soldiers step back, and Lucius’ eyes widen as it bends ever so slightly. With a maniacal chuckle I look the woman in the eyes. “I’ve been through much worse.” I brace my feet against the concrete and push forward. Those bastards must regret dissecting me now. This is nothing in comparison.
Lucius runs to the Humvee. Is he running away? No that’s not right. He is determined not scared. He’s talking to someone. Beckoning them to come out. Whoever it is can’t change what’s about to happen. The cage is splitting open, but it’s still pushing me back. Trying to seal itself. I redouble my efforts. Blood flows from the wholes in my legs and now from my hands. A girl steps out of the vehicle and all strength leaves me. The cage snaps shut throwing me to the ground. I quickly train my eyes on her. My throat goes dry. As I speak my voice is barely audible. “No, she can’t be here.”
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