The Reader Read online

  “My mom went a little overboard.” He motioned to the couch. “Here, I want to talk to you about what’s going to take place.”

  I ignored my urge to punch him and sat down. It wouldn’t hurt to get as much information as possible. Play nice, I reminded myself.

  He touched his bandage. “I don’t blame you for this.”

  That was good. I didn’t blame me either.

  “I understand how hard this is. It wasn’t supposed to happen this way.” He studied his hands.

  “What do you mean?”

  “We were supposed to take custody of you at your parents’ house. Remember? After the radio broadcast when you left the first time?”

  I closed my eyes and let the realization sink in. “It was you, not Susie, who staged the broadcast.”

  Obnoxious Susie was just that. Not the devious, lying killer I believed she was.

  “Yes, and if Devon hadn’t barged in to save the day, I wouldn’t have had to kill Markus to get you from the compound. It’s his fault.” He scowled.

  He was delusional. I rubbed my temples. “It doesn’t make sense. Why couldn’t you just have kidnapped me or something?”

  He pointed to his injured head. “We had to make sure, when you left Samara, it was your idea. You’ve barely scratched the surface of your talents. We know what you’re capable of, and that meant we had to be creative to get you to leave.”

  “The gunshots at the beach?”

  “Jacks. Only to scare you into coming with us.”

  I’d played right into their hands.

  I got up from the couch and walked back to the window. The sun had just started to rise. “Can you tell me anything about what’s going to happen to me and my parents?”

  He came and stood next to me. After adjusting his tie and smoothing his hair, he blurted,

  “I’m in love with you.”

  What? “No, you aren’t.” I shook my head to add emphasis.

  “I assure you, I am. Desperately, in fact.”

  “Why?” I asked, pretty sure my brain had clicked off.

  “See? Right there. You’ve no idea how beautiful you are. But it’s not your beauty I love. It’s you, Ann. I love everything about you. Your sense of humor, the way you’re so fearless, yet vulnerable. When you love someone, you do it with your heart and soul. That’s why we had to use your parents. We knew it’d be the one thing that would stop you from running off. Even without your memories, your love for them is unwavering.” He tugged at the bars on the window. “I don’t even think we need these, do we?”

  My shoulders slumped. “No.”

  “I know you won’t allow yourself to love me now, but . . . after the memory wipe, everything will be fine. I’ll earn your love. I promise I’ll make you happy.”

  Don’t freak out. “So, you’re who I’m supposed to be joined with in the union?”

  “Yes. On Saturday.”

  “Five days from now?” That didn’t give me enough time.

  He smiled. “Yes, Ann. I know this must be a shock, but after all these unpleasant memories are gone, you and I will have a great life together. Do you remember how much fun we had?” His eyes searched mine. I tried to keep my expression blank. “We still need to have another chess rematch. I plan to win one of these days.”

  Great. He wanted to wipe my memory and play chess.

  “When do you plan to do this wipe?” Please don’t let it be today.

  “After our union. The High Priest insists. This way, we’ll have some shared memories together. He’ll use them to bind our spirits together forever. I know it will make the union ceremony harder for you, but I promise, as soon as it’s over, I’ll make sure they do the wipe right away.”

  Not comforting.

  “This plan started for me as a way to help the Jacks win the war. But now, it’s all about you.” He took a step toward me. But I moved back. “I want to be near you all the time, and when I’m not, I feel lost.” His eyes filled, and he reached a hand out to me.

  Oh, no you don’t.

  Another knock at the door interrupted us. Atarah breezed in, carrying a tray of food. “Oh, look at you two. Awake and ready to start your day. Ann, I’ve brought you some breakfast. Archer told me your favorite is egg white omelet with dry toast. It sounds too healthy for me,” she said with a laugh.

  My stomach churned.

  She said to Archer, “Will you excuse us, dear? Ann and I have some details about the union that need to be discussed.”

  He examined the tray with my food.

  “It’s all plastic, the rubbery kind you can’t break,” Atarah reassured him.

  Appetizing. Rubber plates and utensils.

  Archer’s eye focused on mine. “Please, think about what I’ve told you. Things will be good again. You’ll have your parents back.”

  But not Devon or Lucy. Or any of the Readers. I missed our compound in the mountain. I wanted—no, I needed them back.

  We’ve left Samara. The Elders said go to plan E. Another thought from Devon.

  I froze in the middle of the room. The thought—those words. Did I hear them right?

  Plan E?

  Oh, no. That meant—that meant I wouldn’t see Devon again.

  Devon. Please, God. No.

  I bent forward, placing my hands on my legs, and took in large gulps of air. If Devon knew what plan E entailed, I didn’t think he would have told me. That was one of the plans I’d practiced with the Elders before Archer had whisked me away.

  The plan where I wouldn’t make it out alive.

  “Archer, what’s wrong with Ann? She looks like she might faint.” Atarah moved a little closer to examine me.

  “Ann, are you having a panic attack?” Archer asked.

  I couldn’t look up at them, not yet. “No. I’ll be okay in a minute.” I waved them off.

  The Elders wouldn’t have sent the message if there had been any other alternative. Now that the Jacks had me, it made sense. I went over the details in my mind. It could be done, but there would be some big hurdles.

  I sat back down on the couch and pulled myself together. “I’m fine now.”

  Not.

  I asked Atarah, “You have some things you wanted to talk to me about?”

  Archer reached over, took my pulse, and laid his hand on my forehead. “Whatever it was seems to have passed.”

  “You go on now. I’ll take good care of her.” She smiled sweetly.

  Ugh.

  “Thanks, Mom. I know you will.” With one last searching look my way, he left the room.

  She placed the tray on the coffee table in front of the sofa and sat next to me. “We got off to a bad start yesterday. I’m sorry I became angry with you.”

  You’re not sorry. You don’t care about anyone but yourself. A new voice, one I hadn’t heard before.

  I watched her mouth carefully, but it hadn’t moved. Oh my, I could read her thoughts. I guess her blocking technique wasn’t as airtight as she thought. But why would she be thinking that about herself?

  Then, it hit me—no way! I wasn’t reading her thoughts; they were from the human body she’d stolen. Their souls didn’t leave like the Readers thought. No wonder their intelligence dropped fifty percent in some cases. How could a person function like that? It took every bit of energy left in my body to cover my shock.

  Shut up. You have as much to lose if this doesn’t go as planned. We both die if the Readers get her back, thought Atarah.

  You’re wrong. I’m already dead, the other voice said.

  Do I need to torture you again? You know I’ll do it, she said to the other soul.

  Atarah smiled, like her only goal was to make me comfortable.

  “As I was saying, let’s put the unpleasantness behind us. We have lots to plan before Saturday.” She placed a napkin on my lap.

  The other voice remained quiet. What type of torture would threaten her without also hurting Atarah?

  “Okay.” I nodded. How would I possibly fake m
y way through this one?

  “The High Priest will arrive today. Whatever your feelings are about us, you’ll need to respect him. He’ll perform the binding-of-the-souls at the ceremony.”

  “Is he a Jack?” I asked.

  “Of course. He holds the highest rank and has the most power.”

  I prepared myself for the next question. With sweaty palms clasped together, I asked, “Where will the ceremony be held?”

  “Here, of course. We have Jacks flying in from all around the world.”

  It was now or never. I focused on her face, keeping my expression bland. Concentrate. The Readers know your location. I sent the thought to Atarah.

  She frowned and a slight crease formed between her brows.

  I continued my concentrated thought. Go to a place they’d never suspect.

  Atarah stood up and said, “I need to go make more arrangements.” She walked to the door and stopped. “I’ll be back with the dress for your fitting in a few hours.”

  “Can I leave my room? You have my parents, so . . .”

  Ann needs to bond with her parents to keep her in line. I hoped this thought worked, because I needed to talk to them.

  She addressed the guard. “She can leave, but make sure you follow her. I’m giving my permission for her to talk to her parents. It’ll give Ann more incentive to cooperate if they get some more bonding time.” She cocked her head to the side and narrowed her eyes. “I think you know me well enough by now to know I’d have no problem killing your parents if you try to escape.”

  “You are an evil, conniving witch,” the other voice, the one I was beginning to like, came through.

  Serves her right inhabiting someone who hated her so much. I bit my tongue and said, “Yes, I understand.”

  “Can you lead me to my parents’ room?” I asked the guard after Atarah left my room.

  His eyes did one of those up and down body scans. Yeah, baby. I’ll take you to places you’ve never been before.

  His lips hadn’t moved, so I didn’t acknowledge his rude comment.

  Instead, he said, “Sure, follow me. They’re in one of the cabins on the east side of the lake.”

  An average guy, around twenty-years-old with a strong, muscular build. He wore a uniform like the other guards, but his patch told me he was a supervisor. It should have read, ‘Pig.’

  Why should Archer get her? Don’t you think it’s unfair? If you kill Archer, you’re next in line, another voice said.

  I was getting his other soul’s thoughts, too?

  I do as I’m told. If you had your way, I’d be in prison right now, the guard answered back.

  I am in prison, so why shouldn’t you be, too?

  Wow. No wonder the Jacks were a miserable bunch. Once out the front door, I sucked in some fresh Montana air. My shoes crunched on the gravel as we headed toward the path that wound around the lake.

  The guard stopped in front of one of the small log cabins that dotted the shoreline. Everything about this place was a contradiction. Quaint and charming tucked in around selfishness and greed. Had my parents been able to shield themselves from the negativity of the Jacks? Exhaustion and a headache drained me after just a few minutes in their company.

  The cabin door flung open, revealing Mom. “Ann!” She took me in long hug.

  I wondered briefly why I didn’t feel awkward, but warmth and love radiated from her like a comforting blanket. I hung on for an extra beat, savoring the moment.

  She grasped my hand. “Come in.”

  I stepped across the threshold and took in the surroundings. Hand-carved log furniture, an old-fashioned wood-burning stove, and a delightful little kitchen and dining set filled the living area. “Well, at least you’ve had a nice place to stay.”

  “Yes, the beauty doesn’t match the people who live here.”

  I smiled. “I was just thinking the same thing.” We stood for a second longer, eyes connected, enjoying the moment.

  My dad sat a few feet away, working on a jigsaw puzzle. He looked up and smiled, dropping his puzzle piece. I smiled back, relieved they had at least a little normality.

  “We need to talk,” Mom said.

  “Is it safe to talk here? Could it be bugged?” I asked.

  “Most definitely.” She gestured to my dad, and we left the cabin, starting on the path bordering the lake. The guard followed close behind.

  “I can read some of the Jacks thoughts, can you?” I asked in a low voice.

  “Yes. I hoped you’d retain some of your abilities.” My mom put her hand over her heart. “I’m so relieved. You’ll be much better equipped to make your escape. You can also influence their thoughts. Have you tried that yet?”

  “A little, but I’m not sure if I got through.”

  “Keep trying.” Her eyes shifted around the area. “We used to order products from Amazon so you could practice on the UPS delivery person. You’d have them drop and pick up the package at our door fifty times before letting them leave.” She chuckled. “They probably wondered the next day why they were sore.”

  “Oh.” I covered my mouth to stifle a giggle. “That wasn’t nice of me.”

  “They were fine. Exercise is good for a person.” She laughed.

  I turned to check on the guard’s position. He appeared bored and was looking out onto the lake.

  “I want to tell you about your history. You’ll need more information about your talents.” Mom kept her voice low. “I’m half Reader, half Jack. And your Dad is half Reader, half Seer.”

  “Wow.” I couldn’t think of anything else to say.

  “It’s limited our powers in some ways. But the fact you have all three has enhanced your abilities up by at least ten-fold. We’ve been training you for centuries.”

  I smiled. “That’s how I knew how to hot wire a car?”

  Mom grinned. “Among many other things. When the time came, we wanted you to be prepared.”

  “The two of you would practice talking together telepathically. Sometimes I’d feel left out of the conversation.” My dad chuckled.

  The inner voice. “Mom! Were those messages from you? I kept hearing a voice at the beginning.”

  Her face lit up. “Did they get through?”

  “Yes. I couldn’t figure it out. I thought I was going crazy.” My stomach sank. “I pushed your voice away. I think I actually said ‘Shut up.’ I’m so sorry, Mom.”

  “I heard. I knew about the mind-wipe, so I kept trying. Unfortunately, I didn’t know Archer was the Jack at first. I tried to get the information to you later, but I think you had closed yourself off by then.”

  I’d probably missed a lot of important information about the Jacks. Well, no time like the present.

  “Can you tell me a little more about the Jacks? How did they pull off faking your murder?” I asked.

  “They caused the fire, as you probably know. They replaced our bodies with two homeless people. They gave them a place to stay and told them they’d have jobs.” She took my hand again. “These Jacks are terrible people.” Her brow wrinkled, and she shot a glance at the guard.

  “I know.”

  “They removed their teeth so police couldn’t identify them.” She shuddered.

  My dad rubbed her shoulder. “It’s okay. You don’t have to talk about this now.”

  Her jaw clenched then released. “No. She needs this information. It’ll help her.”

  Atarah might decide we can’t talk anymore.” With a sigh, she continued, “They took out a back molar from both of us and placed it at the scene for DNA identification.”

  “That’s horrible.” My stomach churned.

  “Yeah, they planned it well,” my dad answered.

  “They wanted you to be suspected of the crime. The wipe would make you appear to be guilty. Archer and Devon were meant to break you out of police custody, but you beat them to it.” He smiled.

  “The Jacks hired some old sea captain and his first mate to locate you after you were shot by the
police. Their instructions were to dump you on Lopez Island. They wanted you with the Readers until they could discern if you were the Lost One. That’s how Archer knew where to find you. It was all set up from the beginning.”

  I let the new information sink in and asked, “What about this union they plan. Will it really replace the bond I already have with Devon?”

  “What? You bonded with Devon?” Mom’s eyes widened as she stopped and grabbed my shoulders. “Did it happen?”

  “I hope that’s a good reaction because, yeah, we bonded—like, crazy, tip-the-world-on-its-axis bonding.” I smiled. But my heart sank, when I remembered the Elders’ plan.

  “It is! I had hoped for Devon. His parents were so brave and honorable. I knew he was one of the four chosen from the Seer’s vision, but I could only dream.” She hugged me tight. “This is the best news.”

  “I do have a little bad news, though.” How would I tell my mom about the plan when she was filled with hope? I swallowed hard, hesitant to tell them the awful truth. “I heard one of Devon’s thoughts just before I came.” I bit my lip, pulling together all the courage I could muster. “The Elders want me to go to Plan E. We had discussed five plans, but, because of my disappearance, I think they’ve figured out that the Jacks have me.”

  “What’s Plan E?” my dad asked.

  If I told them, they might try to interfere. The Elders’ instructions were precise, and I’d follow them like we’d practiced back at Samara. We’ve constructed a fingerprint detonation bomb. We can’t risk a remote device. The Jacks have sensors that would disarm it before ignition. We’ll program the bomb so you’ll be the only one who can set it off.

  I took a deep breath. “It’s one of the five plans in which I don’t survive.”

  “No!” they both shouted.

  The guard approached us with narrowed eyes. “What’s going on here? What’s with the yelling? This was supposed to be a happy family reunion or something.”

  “It is.” I smiled. “I squashed a bug on my arm, and they got upset. You know how vegetarians are with their ‘protect-all-life’ philosophy.” What was I saying? It wasn’t even a good lie.