The Reader Read online

I caught a glimpse of Devon’s profile as he left. One of his half-smiles graced his lips.

  “We’ll see.” Mr. Gallagher turned, motioned to Devon, and continued down the hall.

  I examined my guard, knowing taking him down would be easy, but I spoke the truth to Mr. Gallagher. I wouldn’t be leaving, not unless they took Devon from Samara.

  They wouldn’t do that, would they?

  I stared at the guard for a few minutes. He stood straight, unmoving next to the door. I guess I needed to deal with this and form a plan. “As long as you have to be here, do you want coffee or something?” He glanced in my direction. “I’m not going to poison it or anything. You can watch me make it.”

  “No thanks, ma’am.”

  So formal. “You can call me Ann.”

  “Yes, ma’ . . . Ann.”

  “That’s better. You almost have it.”

  There would be lots of time to waste before the tribunal in the morning. Everything would be fine, I assured myself, pacing in front of the fireplace then around the room. He wasn’t guilty, after all. I circled around the dining room table three or four times, adjusting the chairs. They don’t prosecute innocent Readers. Back to the kitchen to look for some tea. Devon would be out soon, planning strategy against the Jacks.

  Not finding the tea, I shuffled into the bedroom next. Anyone could put fingerprints on a weapon. Poor Markus, he didn’t deserve to die. My sweats must be here somewhere. In a crouched position, I checked under the bed. Devon had to be upset to learn about his friend. Especially since they had just fought. I found the sweats, slipped them on, then returned to the main room. Devon’s tough; he won’t let them railroad him into a confession.

  A book would be a good distraction. I grabbed one from the shelf, put it back, and picked up another.

  “For God’s sake, can you please stop?” the guard bellowed.

  “What?”

  His face contorted into a frown as he wiped his brow. “All this anxiety and pacing is driving me crazy. The tribunal won’t be until tomorrow morning. Please, I beg of you, just sit down. Better yet, go to sleep. Time will go faster.”

  Eight hours later and I still paced, much to the chagrin of my guard. I should’ve slept, but the adrenaline, combined with worry, made it impossible.

  Two more hours and they called for me. Half asleep and wired up on two pots of coffee, I stumbled behind my escort into a large conference room. The fifty-two Elders peered at me from behind a large horseshoe table. I sat in a wooden chair in front of them.

  I didn’t care what it took; Devon would not be going to that prison.

  I shifted in my seat and started. “Devon didn’t—”

  The Head Elder held up his hand. “We know what you think. We’re only after the facts.”

  “What facts?”

  “As you know, Markus was murdered last night.” He clasped his hand together on the table. “As far as we can decipher, Devon is the only one with the motivation to commit this crime.”

  “No. Wait. I told you last night. Susie threatened to do something like this.” They weren’t listening to what I was telling them. Panic started low in my stomach.

  “Susie has an alibi. She was in the Hub for the entire evening, with over a hundred people to confirm,” he answered.

  “Then she arranged it!” I stood, shaking. Had they already made up their minds?

  “We know how you feel. But the evidence is conclusive.” He slowly shook his head. “We wish it weren’t so . . .”

  “The evidence was staged.”

  “If that’s the case, it will come out in the trial.”

  “You should also know I had a vision.” I blurted out. The room went silent. “This compound, well, it blew up. There was nothing left. Everyone died.”

  “When did you have this vision?”

  “Right before Devon and I connected.”

  “We don’t want to send him away. But we have a responsibility to protect the other Readers. Can you give us proof he didn’t commit this crime?” he asked.

  “He didn’t murder Markus,” I said. There was no doubt.

  He lifted a brow. “And you know this because?”

  “I just—I know, okay?” I stuttered out. This was not going well.

  Fifty-two pairs of eyes stared at me, unconvinced.

  “We need Devon to help fight the Jacks. Don’t send him away now, not when you need him the most.”

  The Head Elder hesitated before speaking. “A few of the scenarios to defeat the Jacks involve you, not Devon.”

  I closed my eyes and let the words sink in. The plans involve me. That must mean, oh, no. “You want to use me as bait?”

  “Yes.”

  “If I agree to this, you’ll have to let Devon go. I know you believe he might be guilty, but he isn’t. That’s the only way I’ll help you.” I couldn’t live in this world knowing Devon was locked away for a crime he didn’t commit.

  “You should know there is a chance you won’t survive. There’s a risk,” he warned.

  I nodded.

  “We’ll need to confer in private.”

  The group of Elders left the room in a single file. I sat back down in the chair. Had I told them enough? I’d just offered my life for Devon’s freedom. The bond with him unbreakable, I’d do whatever was necessary to help him. I wrung my hands and tried to let courage be my guide. I could do this.

  After a full hour, the Elders filed back into the room and sat down, their expressions somber.

  “We have five possible plans. Are you willing to learn and practice each one?”

  “Yes.”

  “As warned, two of the plans, specifically A and E, are ones where you won’t make it out alive.” He studied me, assessing my reaction.

  I closed my eyes and lowered my head. My brain shut down, not wanting to comprehend it. I might have to leave Devon. My soul ached.

  The Head Elder asked for a vote.

  I glanced back up, held my breath and waited. Each held up a hand; it was unanimous. Devon would go free. I just hoped he’d forgive my decision.

  Loud banging and an anguished cry came from down the hall.

  “What’s that noise? Are you hurting him?” A sharp pain pierced my chest.

  “No. He’s alone in a locked room down the hall. I think he may have heard you somehow.” The Elders shifted in their chairs, shooting confused looks at each other.

  I closed my eyes and covered my ears, unwilling to hear any more. Another vision swept in.

  Devon. He’s holding a child in his arms, laughing and playing at the edge of an ocean beach, the waves lapping at his toes. He stops and points at the sunset then whispers into the child’s ear and smiles.

  I spoke clearly. “Tell Devon I had another vision. He’ll be happy again. Please tell him that’s all I want. Also, that I’m sorry.”

  Committed to my decision, I left the room.

  “Wake up!” Strong hands gripped my shoulders, shaking them.

  “Go away.” I pushed off the offending hands interrupting my sleep. Between the worry, tribunal, and the hours of plotting against the Jacks with the Elders, I had nothing left. “I can’t wake up.”

  “Ann, Ann! They lied. They’ve taken Devon.” Archer took rapid breaths while continuing to shake me.

  That did it. I shot up, clutching the blankets to me. “What do you mean . . . taken Devon?”

  Archer rubbed his face. “I don’t know if one of the Jacks got to an Elder. But my dad told me they’ve decided to take him to Colorado to deal with him there.”

  “They promised. They can’t do that.” The fog of sleep cleared, and anger began to build.

  “They can, and they did. We have to stop them.”

  “Stop them how?”

  “We have to get to him before they reach our Colorado facility. Once there, it’ll be impossible to break him out. Hurry up.”

  “I am.” I kicked the blankets off, jumped out of bed, and dashed for my closet. I grabbed a few items
and asked, “What will I need?” I moved in slow motion, the shock messing with my brain.

  “I don’t care, but make it quick. We can get whatever else you need while we’re on the road.”

  “What time is it? Is Lucy coming?” I grabbed the pillowcase from the floor and stuffed in the clothes I’d grabbed.

  “It’s four-thirty in the morning, Lucy’s still in lockdown.”

  “How—”

  “My dad.” He let out a frustrated breath. “The perks of having an Elder for a father.”

  “I’m ready. We don’t have to go through the tubes, do we?” The idea of it turned my stomach, but I’d do it if necessary.

  “No. My access is still open. We can form our plan for Devon on our way.”

  “Okay. Let’s go.” I started for the door. “Wait.” The kitchen drawer held the Kubotan Devon had given me. I grabbed it and followed Archer out.

  Archer was right. We walked right down the halls, to the Jeep, and out of the compound, no problem. Once we were free, the anger exploded within me.

  “I can’t believe they took Devon. Do you think they lied to me from the start, hoping I’d go along with one of their plans for the Jacks?”

  “My dad didn’t tell me much. I just learned they planned to move him a few minutes before I came to you. Maybe they changed their strategy for the Jacks and didn’t need you anymore.” He waved to the guard as we passed through the entrance.

  “Oh! That makes me furious.” My body shook. Oh, Devon. I thought you were safe. But the vision . . .”We can still free him, right? Go into hiding? You two must know lots of places where we can disappear.”

  He smiled. “Of course, we can. And after the Readers win the war, we can come back and get everything straightened out.”

  “Will your dad be angry with you?” I worried about Archer risking his relationship with his father.

  A shadow crossed his face. “Probably. My dad and I don’t always see eye-to-eye.” He cringed and kept his focus on the road.

  “I’m sorry. I know your mom died protecting the Seers, just like Devon’s parents. It must be hard to have a strained relationship with your last living relative.”

  He seemed to recover and gave a slight smile. “It could be worse.”

  “Yeah.” Didn’t I know it.

  “As long as the truth comes out, it doesn’t matter.” Archer merged onto the main freeway, I-90 east, and turned on the radio.

  I asked, “You aren’t going to torture me with country music the entire trip, are you? Please, oh please, let me listen to something else, anything?” I put my finger on the button for my favorite station and waited.

  Archer laughed, and his eyes crinkled in that charming way of his. “No, I’ll spare you for this trip. Go ahead; you can pick. I’ll even share some of my coffee with you.”

  I pushed the button. “You’re a great friend, you know that?” I grabbed the thermos and poured myself a cup. I knew, with his help, we’d get Devon out of this mess.

  “I feel the same about you.” He turned up the radio and asked, “Top forty? Really?”

  “Compromise? Soft rock?” I asked.

  He pushed a button, and a soothing song started to play. I tried to entertain myself by looking out the window as the beautiful landscape whizzed by. I could see why my parents picked this area of the world to live.

  “Do you think Susie could be a Jack? I know she’s behind all this.”

  He shook his head. “Remember, she’s been with us for thousands of years. Jacks don’t have the luxury of existing in just one body. Susie would’ve had to switch her human form every thirty to fifty years.”

  “Even if she were, let’s say, a mix of the two?”

  His eyes cut over to mine. “What makes you ask that?”

  “Doc said at the beginning, the races lived in harmony. He told me children were born from different races, sometimes watering down their abilities. If I’m the Lost One everyone seems to think I am, I’d have all three.”

  “Do you think you’re the Lost One?” he asked.

  “If I am, I haven’t remembered yet. Right about now, I’d love to read some minds. Oh, and I’d also like to invade the Elders’ thoughts and make them see reason. I still can’t believe they went back on their word. I hope they’ll investigate Susie.”

  “When you get your memory back, all your abilities will be restored.”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  His shoulder lifted. “It’s what I’ve heard from my dad and the Elders.”

  We had passed the freeway interchange exit. “Shouldn’t we cut over and take the I-84?” I popped open the glove box and rifled around for a road map. “Wow. You’re ready for any situation.” Inside held handcuffs, a Taser, and mace.

  He laughed. “You can blame Devon for those supplies. He stocked all our Jeeps with them last month.”

  Devon. Always thinking ahead.

  “Anyway, we’ll go I-90 to Idaho, cut through to Montana, and then we’ll head south through Wyoming to Colorado. The Readers will most likely take the straight route, so this way we’ll make sure to avoid them. It’ll take a little extra time, but I know their routine. They always stop and rest for at least eight hours in Boise.” He smiled. “We’ll even have time to stop in Montana to rest and refuel for a few hours. There’s a lodge outside of Helena, next to the most beautiful lake you’ll ever see. A friend of mine runs it, and I visit whenever I can

  “That’s nice. I didn’t think any of the Readers had friends outside Samara.”

  “We became friends years ago. Atarah is great. I think you’ll really like her.”

  I wondered if Archer had feelings for this woman. No, he wouldn’t waste time on a romantic rendezvous when Devon’s life was at stake. But, still curious, I asked, “What’s Atarah like?”

  He smiled. “You’ll see.”

  “You think we’ll have time to visit, sleep, and get Devon free?”

  “More than enough time.”

  I’d only had a few hours of sleep before Archer had shaken me awake earlier. I yawned and placed my head against the window and closed my eyes.

  “Rest, Ann. You’ll need your strength.” He reached into the back seat, grabbed a blanket, and tossed it on my lap.

  “You’re an angel,” I said before dozing off.

  Hands shook me . . . again. I slapped them away. “Why do you keep doing that?” Ugh.

  I sat up straight. Why was my brain so sluggish? I needed to be alert, not sleeping on the job. “Sorry, Archer. I’m a little out of it.” The coffee I consumed earlier had done nothing for me. Terrible timing to be physically and emotionally drained.

  “We’re here. Come on, Atarah is waiting for us.”

  Why was he so focused on this Atarah person? Shouldn’t we be planning our strategy for Devon? It was my fault, though. I’d slept most of the way.

  I stretched out and asked, “What time is it?”

  “We’ve been on the road eleven hours.” He checked his watch. “It’s three-thirty.”

  I stepped out of the Jeep and breathed in the fresh pine air. Gorgeous. “Wow.” I swept my eyes around the landscape and resort. Rustic log cabins surrounded the large lake. There were so many of them, it was hard to guess the number. We’d parked in the lot with the main structure in front of us. Standing four stories tall, the log resort perched above the lake had extensive decks wrapping around the entire building. I turned slowly, taking in the stunning views of the lake, surrounding trees, water, stables and what appeared to be hiking trails. “No wonder you like to come here.”

  He let out a long breath. “I knew you’d like it.”

  “You must be tired. I’m so sorry I slept so much.” Guilt ran through me. “I can drive the rest of the way.” At least I hoped I could. I needed more caffeine.

  “No need.” He took my arm. “Come on, you’ll love the lodge.”

  “It’s huge. I wonder how many people it can hold.”

  “That one building over t
here can hold thousands of people. See over to the side?” He pointed to a massive building set off into the woods. “But the main building here will impress you most.”

  “I love all the decks.” My mind, still foggy, tried to process something. It was at the edge of my memory, but I couldn’t place it.

  “It’s time. Come on.” He took my hand and led me up the steps. At the door, a lovely woman, about twenty-five years old, stood with her hands folded. Her wavy, brown hair cascaded down her back. She grinned at me through dark lashes.

  Archer smiled at her and nudged me forward. “Here she is.”

  Had he told her about me?

  “Welcome to the Lodge. I’m so excited to meet you. I’ve heard wonderful things. Come in, sit, have some tea.” She beckoned me forward.

  “So nice to meet you, Atarah.” I reached out to shake her hand. Such an unusual name.

  We walked into a three-story foyer with a huge chandelier made of antlers dangling from the ceiling. The lights cast an eerie glow throughout the room. It was open and spacious, but it somehow felt oddly cold for a log structure.

  We passed through and entered a large reception room finished with warm beige and soothing cream colors. A huge, rock fireplace situated in the center held a roaring fire. This was better.

  “Archer tells me you like tea.” Atarah waved to a tea service set on a carved wood table. The teapot and matching cups were also carved from wood.

  “This is a beautiful set. Is it handmade?” I asked. The fog had started to clear. I hoped the tea would help it along a little more.

  Atarah smiled demurely and looked down. “Why, yes. It was carved by my Archer.”

  My Archer. Oh, so this was a romantic relationship like I suspected. I suddenly felt like the third wheel.

  “Here, Ann. Sit right here.” Archer guided me to one of the chairs next to the fireplace. It was a little different than the other furniture, metal with colorful pads that matched the rugged, mountain décor.

  I sat, but before I had time to even blink, restraints snapped into place, binding my wrist to the metal arm of the chair.

  “She’s quite adept at escaping. You’ll need to make sure her other arm is immobile.” Archer gave instructions to a security guard who entered the room. Or had the large man been there the entire time? I tried again to clear my head. This wasn’t a sleep fog. The coffee. I’d been drugged.