Advancing ((Advance Industries #2)) (22 page)

“But it’s fake, it’s not me.”

“Men are mostly about the visual, once you’ve hooked them with that then you let your personality and intelligence shine through.” Most men, men like Fraser. Kye fell for me while I was looking my worst. I had no confidence, I definitely wasn’t intelligent. What did he see in me? What does he still see in me? I shake my head, this isn’t the time or place, we need to move. As much as I want to be gentle with her I haven’t the patience or the time.

We survey ourselves side by side in the mirror. Franny fidgeting and wringing her hands, me still trying to figure out how to walk in these shoes. We look good. I kept her make-up to a minimum, all natural shades and I curled the ends of her brunette hair. She’s wearing the blue blouse and I secretly wish I’d picked it; it really makes her blue eyes pop. She, in turn, did my make-up and I requested smoky eyes like Charlotte sported the day I met her. Franny was actually a lot of fun when she loosened up, we giggled our way through playing dress up and if the circumstances were different I think we could have been firm friends.

She guides me downstairs and ushers me into a room before practically running off, claiming she has some pressing business to deal with. I walk into what I’m guessing is an office and see Fraser pacing, his fingers interlocked behind his back.

He turns and openly appraises me. I blush being scrutinised so closely. His eyes take in my legs before moving up and over the rest of my body. His mouth is pressed in a firm displeased line and I wonder what Fraser I’ll be met with today. He clearly likes what he sees but his tension is clear to see also.

“You took your time,” he states, his tone clipped.

“I wanted to make sure I looked right for today – for you.”

“How considerate.”

“Fraser, have I done something? Is something wrong? Shall I change?”

“No, you look fine. Mighty fine.” His lip quirks.

I take a step closer. “You like it?” I bat my lashes.

“I said I did, didn’t I?”

Okay, nice Fraser isn’t ready to come out and play, but he’s the guy I need right now. I walk closer and take his hand. I stare into his chocolate eyes. “What’s wrong, Fraser?”

He squeezes my hand and sighs loudly. “There’s been a problem. We might have to cancel.”

No, we can’t cancel. Shit. “Talk to me. Can I help?” My heart is pounding so fast I hope he can’t hear it.

“The press coverage was supposed to be filmed and broadcast from the conference centre. I’ve received word that your friends have taken it over and have imprisoned my guards there.”

Okay, this I can work with. “I’m so sorry Fraser. Can’t we move the venue?”

“To where Faith? Out in the street?” He says sarcastically.

“Yes, that would be perfect. If you want the city to believe that you see yourself as no better than them, then taking this to the people, speaking directly to them in the streets fits the criterion. They will love that you’re not hiding behind the scenes, that you’ve made the effort to go to them.”

“I can’t be out in the open, there are people ready to take this from me.”

“Fraser, if you show that you’re scared, the people of the city will be too. They need you as a leader to lead by example. Show them terrorists can’t break this city. Stand with them and they’ll love you.”

He gazes down at me and I force myself to hold his attention. I don’t know if he’s trying to read me but I smile at him, then press my palm over his heart. “Speak from here and you can’t go wrong. Your speech is amazing. You can do this and I’ll be right by your side.”

He smiles at me, a genuine smile and I almost forget that I hate him. “I have a surprise for you.”

“I have one for you too,” I tell him.

“Mine first,” he says. He taps on his Comm and a few seconds later the door opens and I fall to my knees and sob my heart out.

I’m all set, everything is subject to change but as far as I can tell this is going ahead as long as Faith can convince him to come out in the open. I have my proof. The seed has been planted in Charlotte’s camp and we’ve managed to kit ourselves out in ordinary clothes. We need to fit in, mingle with the residents and stay away from each other. If we’re bunched up, we’ll be easier to pinpoint. I’m wearing casual clothes, the run of the mill jeans and a t-shirt but also sunglasses and a cap. I’ve done all I can and now it’s just a waiting game. I haven’t heard from Faith today and I daren’t Comm her at this point, not when I know he’ll keep her close today. The streets are full of shoppers who act like nothing went down last night. They don’t have the luxury of hiding away when jobs need to be done and shopping needs to be bought. Their lives continue on and I walk amongst them, just ambling through the streets, trying to blend in, pretending to be interested in the pop-up stalls. I get lost in one selling baby clothes. I just stand there looking at how tiny they are. I pick up a pink dress, no idea why but the idea settles in my head that I’d love a girl. A daughter, the miniature of her mother. I’m just about to buy it when a booming voice rings out. I look into the street and see a holograph lit up, people have stopped walking and stand before it reading the huge words displayed:

ANNOUNCEMENT

In light of recent events, a press conference has been called for you, the people of the city.

This will take place at 01.00

at the gates to entrance Zone 5

Please spread this message.

Important details will be divulged from your President himself

Thank you

She did it. I don’t want to think about how or what she had to do to convince him. I check my Comm – two hours to go.

The streets are definitely alive now, people whispering about what the announcement could possibly be, some guessing that it’s about last night’s events. People running in all directions to inform their friends and family about the message that remains hovering in the street. I activate my Comm and message all the team.

The stall holder watches me as if I’m about to run off without paying and I look down at the tiny dress I’m still holding. I swipe my new Comm over hers and she checks the payment.

“Pink? Really, Kye?”

I spin around at the voice that resembles nails on a chalkboard and Charlotte is smirking at me.

“I presumed you’d like a boy. An heir. Someone that could follow in your footsteps when they’re old enough.”

“You presumed wrong.”

“You really are smitten with miss plain Jane aren’t you?”

I fist the dress in my hands. I know she’s trying to rile me but she’s so damn good at it, it’s hard to shrug off.

“Goodbye, Charlotte.”

“Don’t be like that. I’m just making conversation.” She takes the dress out of my hand and stares at it with an unreadable expression. “Are you really ready for this responsibility? You’re happy to be with one woman from now on? You want to give up the thrill of the fight for screaming babies and boring household chores?”

“You know fuck all about me Charlotte, why you pretend to I don’t know.”

“I know you’re just like me. You live for the adrenaline rush, you love being in charge and having your team look up to you like adoring fans. You like coming and going as you please, being answerable to no one but yourself. You even enjoy our discussions.” She walks around me and breathes in my ear, “You don’t really know what you want Kye. You like the idea of being a dad and being in love but it won’t compare. It will drive you crazy, day in, day out with nothing to do than changing shitty backsides. Sex will become a thing of the past. She just won’t have time for you. Her body will sag and droop, she’ll be plump and missionary style once in a blue moon will be all you get.”

I wrap my hand in her hair and hold her close moving my lips to her ear “Quite the expert aren’t you? Is that what happened to you? You get knocked up, thought it was your happy ever after and you were left alone? Is that why you’re so bitter? So full of anger?”

“Don’t make this about me darling. I’m just trying to help you but yes I am an expert and my advice is run. Run as far away from this as you can because you still have a soul right now. Wouldn’t want you to end up like me would we?”

I let her go in shock. “You had a child?”

She throws back her head and laughs “Are you shocked Kye? That is hilarious. Do I not seem like the motherly type?”

I’m pretty sure my jaw is wide open. “When, how?”

“How? Do you not know how it works? I always had you pegged as experienced but we can go through a demonstration if you really need to know.”

“I haven’t got time for this Charlotte.” I’ve just realised this conversation is pointless, she drew me in and I forgot to get back out. It’s as though she’s trying to delay me somehow.

“Oh, you have somewhere to be?” She smiles.

“Yep, anywhere that you aren’t.”

“Ouch.” She holds her heart.

“You don’t have one, remember? It’s just a block of ice.”

“Maybe it’s thawing now I’m so close.”

Don’t bite to it Kye, just don’t I tell myself. Walk away.

“You ever wonder what drove me, Kye. Ever think why I’m so hell-bent on taking them down and being in power myself? You wonder why I’m so single-minded, why I enjoy watching those in power being beaten? Why I hate the weak?”

“You really want to tell me something so go ahead. Unburden yourself then I’m going. I’m not going to stand here and play guessing games. Your life really doesn’t interest or concern me that much, so spill or walk away.”

“Just know that I need this. It’s what I’ve worked towards all these years and I won’t let you or your prissy girlfriend muscle me out. You think you’re so clever, everyone’s a fucking genius, Laudnam included. But this is mine. I’m in now, I’m back where it all started and I’m going to end it.”

“Yeah okay, you do that. I haven’t a fucking clue what you’re on about but you do what you need to. I just want Faith back. You wanna rule – be my guest. I couldn’t care less.”

“You will.”

This is it. We travelled to the streets in an over-rider. A raised platform and podium has been set up ready for him to address the crowd. All I have to do is stroke his ego and stand by his side looking pretty and smiling sweetly at the crowd. He dangled my sisters in front of me, let me hug them and check them over briefly before he snatched them away again. If there was ever any chance of me softening towards him that did it. The hate has filled my heart again and if I still had my knife it would’ve been plunged in his. The blood wouldn’t have bothered me because his heart is black. He pretended it was because we had to leave of course, that I couldn’t spend longer with them but it was just control. I had to pretend at being grateful, I had to thank him and hug him and explain my tears as tears of joy. Inside, though, I was screaming, kicking, punching and causing a riot.

They looked okay but appearances are deceptive. Take me for example, I’m smiling, holding Fraser’s hand and looking to all the world like a woman content in life. I want to crush him, to snap every bone in his fingers. I want to give into the thoughts consuming my mind but I won’t. Keeping up appearances is easy because I know when the time comes he’s gonna suffer so frigging bad and then he’ll realise the smiles I’ve been giving him weren’t real because I’ll be wearing the biggest smile ever when I watch him pay for his crimes. I might even dance. I squeeze his hand a little as though in comfort, letting him know he’ll be fine but really I’m testing. He flexes his hand and I know I applied too much pressure. I need to get myself under control.

The barricade is still up and AIG is stood in front of the gathering crowd while he takes the time to compose himself. They can’t get any closer until the barricade is removed but he has about five minutes before this goes out.

My sisters are supposedly staying at his home – Johnson Franks home. And he’s promised they’ll still be there and waiting for me once this is over. I want to believe him but I know that’s something the old Faith would do. I try to pick out Kye or any of the team in the crowd but I can’t and I feel alone again.

“Looking for an escape route?” Fraser asks.

“Don’t be silly.” I slap his arm playfully. “I’m a bit nervous, I didn’t realise there’d be so many people.”

“Deep breaths. They’re just people, same as us. We’ll knock them dead.”

I almost let my giggle escape. Someone will be knocked dead but it won’t be the people if I have my way.

“What if they don’t like us? What if they jeer and shout us off stage?” I’m trying to get in his head, trying to make him a nervous wreck.

He turns to face me and crooks his finger under my chin. I try not to tremble but he’s looking into my eyes so deeply I can’t tell if I am or not.

“How could they not embrace you Faith? You’re special. If they can’t see that they’re blind.”

I hang my head as if I’m embarrassed but I just want to get his finger off my chin. He rubs my shoulders. “I didn’t expect this of you, Faith. I thought I’d be the one panicking.”

“Sorry,” I mumble.

He nods to the guards enforcing the barricade and they start moving it. He claps his hands. “Orari
o
dello spettacolo.” When I frown at him he explains, “Showtime.”

An ocean of calm has washed over me. Twenty minutes, that’s all, twenty minutes and I’ll have made the announcement. I will rightfully be President and on my way home to celebrate. Twenty minutes to get through with no interference from Charlotte and I’m home clear.

I step up to the mic, trying not to lean too heavily on my cane. I look out at the faces in the crowd. Faith stands slightly behind me but as soon as I get to my speech, she will be at the forefront where she belongs.

I’m not met with the cheering I expected just a sea of expectant faces. If this hadn’t been such a quick throw together I imagine my people would have been more enthusiastic about my presence. I beam at the crowd and wait for complete silence before addressing them.

“Thank you for all taking the time to be here at such short notice. I apologise for intruding on your time but events have taken place recently and need to be addressed. What you witnessed last night or heard about was a culmination of actions implemented by Johnson Franks. I’m sure you’re wondering where he is, why he is not stood here and speaking to you. It pains me greatly to say but your President was not the man you thought he was.

Johnson was involved in some questionable experimentation, he was shown to be a compulsive liar and when this came to light he was apprehended. Unfortunately, as a result, he had a heart attack and passed away a few days ago. We have waited to make the announcement as he had no next of kin and a replacement was needed to be found.”

I pause to gauge their reactions and Faith steps up beside me. She walks to the mic and unsure of what she’s about to say I plaster a smile on my face.

“Hello, you may be wondering who I am, so let me introduce myself. My name is Faith Ecnavda, as Mr. Laudnam was saying Johnson had no next of kin... or so they believed. I am in fact his daughter and I’m here to tell you the whole truth.”

She looks at me and I’m stunned into silence, I move to reach for the mic but my arms are pulled around my back and I’m dragged down the steps at the back of the podium and held to the side. I look around wildly wondering why the AIG have allowed this to happen and I see that they each have a man on them. It’s so subtle so the crowd wouldn’t notice but I can tell by the stance of each and every one of them.

“Advance Industries have lied to you for many years and it’s time you knew what kind of city you’ve been living in. What kind of leadership you have been under. A little under a year ago I was the property of Advance Industries. I was created as part of an experiment along with many other girls. I’m not trying to shock you, I just want you to be in possession of all the facts. Facts that both Johnson Franks and Fraser Laudnam concealed. Facts that are shocking and terrifying but facts nonetheless.

This city has been manipulated, cajoled and built on a web of scaremongering. People have been used to further the twisted ends of what those in power believed to be righteous. They were wrong.”

She turns to me and I stop my struggling, it’s no use anyway. Her eyes flare as do her nostrils, she looks like she could kill me with her penetrating gaze alone and I gulp. She looks furious and I’m thrown. I thought she was with me, why is she demolishing all the progress we made? Why has she turned against me?

The crowd start going wild and chaos quickly descends. The men at my sides detaining me start shuffling backwards dragging me along with them. One of them pulls out a phaser and points it in the direction of the angry mob surging towards us and then everything goes black.

“Stop. Please, let me finish,” I ask the crowd. I haven’t even begun really and they’re livid already. Charlotte’s men knocked Fraser out so they have their hands free to discharge their weapons if needed. I thought I’d stutter and blabber my way through the speech but so far so good. I still feel sick when I think about what Kye divulged last night. I can’t believe Johnsons blood runs through me and I won’t accept it but the look on Fraser’s face was enough satisfaction to keep me talking.

The crowd stop moving, eager for knowledge so I take a deep breath, rest my hands either side of the podium and start again.

“Advance Industries used me and my sisters from the time of our birth. We were experimented on repeatedly, our lives weren’t worth living. The Advance tubes that were pitched to you as the next big thing were responsible for my memory loss. I was forced to test the invention and on doing so my memories were wiped. Advance Industries convinced me that I lived in the Zones, that I had a job and a family – all lies. Together with the good men I met, we infiltrated their labs and rescued many of the homeless who were held in cages in disgusting conditions. We are the ones that killed Johnson Franks. Yes Killed. He didn’t have a heart attack or an unfortunate accident, he was disposed of in a way befitting a man of his calibre.

Fraser was ready to feed you more distruths. I will not. I spent my life at their mercy. I had no idea Johnson was my birth father and I wish I did not know that fact. I’m addressing you today because you need to make the right choice. You put Johnson in power and let him and the wealthy treat you like dirt.

Last night was not an act of terrorists but simply those from off-grid finally fighting for their freedom, their right to be counted. In the quest for perfection, Advance Industries and it’s leaders overlooked something very simple – humanity. They believed they were creating a better city, a better way of life but what they should have been concentrating on is the people they looked down their noses at, the people that never had a voice and why? All because they were poor? I can’t promise to lead this city and do a better job than they did but I want you to know – I’ve lived off-grid, I’ve lived in the Zones and I’ve lived in the labs. I’m under no illusions that I am better than any of you – I’m not. In fact, I would gladly hand this title over...”

“That’s good to hear.”

I turn to my left and see Charlotte making her way up the steps of the podium a gun trained on me. A gun not a fucking phaser. Oh shit!

Watching her standing strong and proud, speaking to the people without hesitation and looking fucking hot to boot I almost forget why I’m here. It’s almost as though I haven’t seen her for months instead of mere days. She’s glowing and my relief is huge that she’s in one piece. I’ve been in communication with her every day and most nights but seeing her in the flesh looking healthy, wearing a killer pair of fuck me shoes and watching her command everyone’s attention makes my heart throb. I feel my Comm vibrate and know it’s time to move into position. The AIG are scarce after our fight the other night, I see Charlotte’s men dotted around too and hope that they have the AIG in their sights and not us. I have two guns pocketed, they were lifted from the guards we apprehended. I take a step forward and hold the gun at a guards waist. He flicks his eyes down to it and I shake my head, he looks to his left and then his right and sees that his guard friends are also on the wrong end of a gun.

“Just stay still and keep quiet. I won’t hurt you unless you give me a reason to,” I say it quietly, feeling like I just pulled off ventriloquism and he nods slightly.

I’ve missed what she just said but the crowds energy is palpable, she’s got them all fired up. How I’m turned on right now I don’t know, but the mixture of my girl looking hot as fuck, the thrill of the mission and the crowd baying for blood has my veins thrumming in anticipation. Concentrate Kye, for fuck sake. She has them eating out the palm of her hand. I can see heads nodding along, lapping up every word she says. I scan the crowd again to pick out the guys, they each have a mark and we’re pretty spread out. Charlotte’s men seem to be interspersed with mine and my neck prickles. I look up to see Charlotte stood next to Faith, the way Faith’s colour drains and her eyes look down I know Charlotte’s got something trained on her, on her stomach no less. She nudges Faith over so they’re stood side by side and the weapon she’s holding is hidden by the podium.

Faith finds me in the crowd, her panic is overwhelming her and she’s looking to me to fix it. Fuck!

The air is electrified as I stand like a fucking mug and watch my girl get paler as the seconds keep ticking past.

“I know so far you’ve had a lot to take in but please bare with me. My name is known to some of you but for the rest of you, I am Charlotte Bennett.”

I hear gasps in the crowd from people who have heard her name whispered in fear or awe. They probably thought she was some Goddamn fictional legend.

“Miss Ecnavda enlightened you with a shocking tale, but her story is just one of thousands. She may think she was of some importance to them but she was just one in a long line. Advance Industries has a thing for pretty, timid girls. I was probably one of their first.”

“This city needs to be led by a true leader. By someone who isn’t afraid to make the tough decisions. Someone that can’t be bought off and by someone willing to have the city’s best interests at heart, not their own. In all my years of banishment, I have built a strong following of honourable, strong and dedicated men. We have lived like you, cast aside by the rich, we’ve scrabbled for food, we’ve gone without water and we’ve had to fight for everything we have. We are the same and under my leadership, the rich will become us. They will live in filth, they will wonder where their next meal will come from and they will cry at night from the cold.

We will become them. They have reigned supreme for far too long and I am here to put that right.” She raises her left arm in the air and throws a satisfied look at Faith. The crowd goes wild. Of course, they do, this has turned into a free for all, Charlotte just turned this into a competition, a popularity contest and by telling the poor they’ll be rich and the Zone dwellers will become dirt poor, she’s secured their allegiance.

Trask appears next to me and I frown, I never ordered him to leave his post, what the fuck does he think he’s doing. He’s lucky I let him in on this in the first place.

He doesn’t look at me, his eyes remain fixed on the podium but I can see him working his jaw.