Caged Eagles (13 page)

Life was on fast forward. He rushed through the crowd of people, past neon departure signs, and planes leaving including the one he intended to catch. The plane had left not five minutes before and now he was filled to the brim with despair. He had to go to Vermont, but found himself feeling guilty deserting Blaine and everyone else. The guilt only increased with the burn of the eagle on his shoulder, but the pain of his heart breaking was stronger. He staggered back to the exit of the airport and didn't care who he stumbled into until he saw Mike Morrison. The man stared at his cell phone and glanced up momentarily. It took his mind a few seconds to register Trevor's face. Once he had, Mike shoved his belongings into his blazer and stalked forward.

“I should have known you had something to do with this.” He stuck one finger in Trevor's face.

“What?” He took a step back.

“Don't be an idiot. I know that's a stretch for you, but try. Where is Tobian? I know you have her hidden somewhere around here.” Mike turned his head in both directions. “She couldn't be far yet.”

Trevor's hopes had begun to fly again.

“I came here to find you, to stop this ridiculous trip.”

“Liar.”

“Why would I say that if I wasn't telling the truth, scumbag?”

“I'm having you arrested.” Mike bellowed. Karen found the two men and proclaimed she would find a cop without delay. Trevor followed her, which only angered them both.

“Arrest this man, he kidnapped my daughter.” She pointed a finger at him.

“Sir, I came here to find my girlfriend.”

“Ex-girlfriend,” Karen snarled at him with her lip curled.

Trevor continued. “So they accused me of kidnapping, so arrest me if you want but she ran away and I have no idea where. She was gone when I ran into her family.”

“He has a background, officer. He is lying.”

“Okay, everyone needs to calm down. Sir, you will have to come with me.” Trevor didn't fight the man but he couldn't avoid the satisfied looks on Karen's and Mike's faces as he walked away. The cop led Trevor out of the airport into the dark.

“Sir, do you know where the young lady is?”

“No, I came here to see her off. They are going to Vermont. I'm guessing she was in the bathroom.”

“Those two people were very upset.”

“Yes, they don't like the idea of us dating.”

“I'm going to have to ask you to leave.”

“Alright,” Trevor descended the steps and caught a cab. He directed the driver to the one place Sarah would be and the only place her parents wouldn't find her. He paid the cab driver and climbed out in front of the gates to the courtyard. He heard a woman crying inside. She looked up as the gate squeaked open.

“Trevor,” her voice broke through the night air.

“Sarah.” Trevor walked toward her. He could have walked to her if both his legs had been broken. He pulled her into his arms and almost jumped, as if being electrocuted by her touch, one he hadn't felt in two years. She wasn't crying now, but he could feel her damp cheek against his throat.

“I didn't think you would come.”

“Only wild llamas would have stopped me.”

She giggled, “I think it's horses.”

She tightened her grip and rubbed against the tattoo. Trevor flinched but held onto her. “I'm sorry.” She looked up into his face.

He kissed her lips. “It's okay.”

“Are you hurt?”

“No, I have a tattoo.”

Trevor took her hands and led her to a bench to tell her the entire story.

After he was finished she asked. “So you are dating her?”

“I don't want to say yes. I can't.”

“I want to tell you to end it, but you seem to really support this rebellion.

Plus, my parents have tried pressuring me into dating someone else in order to forget about you.”

“Not anymore.”

“I'm scared to think that Brandi was right when she called yesterday.”

“Sarah I love you, only you.” Trevor tightened his grip on her hands.

“There is something you need to know. I eavesdropped on my father's conversation with someone over the phone yesterday. I think it was Brandi. I learned the entire truth; my parents did everything to keep us apart. I also heard something I wish wasn't true. I think Leslie Taylor hired a spy to follow you. I overheard a phone conversation my father had about it. I don't know if he was talking to Brandi or Leslie.

Trevor tried to keep his voice even but he still choked out. “A spy?”

“Yes, the name was Sodi Hall, but that doesn't specify if it was a woman or a man.”

“Donovan isn't going to like that.” Trevor paused and kissed her hand. “But we need to find out for sure before we tell him.”

Her doey-eyed stare looked to him for the answers. “What if Brandi, Leslie, or this Sodi Hall finds out about the rebellion?”

“All we can do is hope that doesn't happen. We had better get out of Anchorage soon, though.”

“There is something else I want you to know. Nothing happened between me and the guy my parents wanted me to be with.”

“I believe you.” Trevor kissed her, and she tenderly wrapped her arms around his body.

“Do we have to leave this place right now?” She placed her head on his shoulder.

“No, not a soul knows where we are. I vote that we stay.”

“Me too.”

________________
_•
________________

“When are we going to leave Alaska?” Forrest asked and reached forward, popping a grape into his mouth.

“Soon, today or tomorrow, I really didn't plan on finding Sarah so quickly.”

Laney had just walked into the room and took a seat next to Forrest. They gazed into each other's eyes long enough for Trevor to know something was happing between them. Laney broke the connection and asked, “Why so soon though?”

“Sarah's parents will be searching the entire city for her.”

“Your picture will be on TV.” Donovan was displeased. Trevor wondered if his frown could droop any lower.

The frustrated man marched across the kitchen and poured himself a cup of coffee before he returned to the table. “She's trouble,” he grumbled loudly. Trevor hoped Sarah was still asleep out on the couch and couldn't hear the conversation. Trevor leaned back in the chair, lifting the front legs into the air.

“I don't care. I won't leave without her.”

“I think he's right, there is no point staying here,” Forrest chimed in.

“I'd better get packing.” Laney rose with all three men, but Trevor grabbed Forrest by the arm and stopped him from leaving with the other two.

“I need to talk to you.” He waited until the front door shut. Donovan was gone, and Laney was in her bedroom.

“What?” Forrest asked.

“Sarah told me last night she suspects Leslie hired someone to follow me.”

“Oh, no, you're kidding.” Forrest leaned against the counter and rubbed his chin.

“How does she know?”

“She eavesdropped on a conversation her father had with someone. It was probably Brandi suggesting Mike use this Sodi Hall in order to keep tabs on me.”

“Wells, your source is Brandi Lewis?” Forrest sounded skeptical. “Maybe it was Leslie or this Sodi Hall character?”

“Maybe, or it's all a lie but I had to tell someone. I didn't want Sarah to know I'm worried.”

“No problem.” He stepped forward and placed his hand on Trevor's shoulder. “It's between you and me. I'll be your wingman, and we'll watch for anything unusual on the way home.”

“Thanks.” Trevor felt relieved. He stood up and pulled the bagels from the top of the fridge and sat down to eat. Sarah walked in, her eyelids were droopy and she yawned.

“Morning, babe,” Trevor pulled her onto his lap. “How'd you sleep?”

“Good.” She reached for a bagel and cut it open to smear cream cheese on it.

Laney scurried back into the kitchen to grab the bottle of nail polish she had left on the counter. She poked Forrest in the side, bit him flirtatiously on the ear, kissed his lips, and skipped out of the kitchen.

“So, how's it going with the long-legged goddess?” He winked at Sarah, reassuring her he was only doing what he did best–tease.

“Ah,” Forrest was caught off guard.

“I bet there were some acrobatics in that room last night.”

“Trevor!” Sarah slapped him in the chest with the back of her hand. “That isn't any of your business.”

Forrest shook his head but his cheeks turned crimson. He took three steps toward the doorway.

“Don't you dare run off, Odysseus. I knew there was something going on; especially after that wet one she just smacked on you. Does Gomez know?” Trevor asked.

“No, not yet. It just sort of happened.”

“Yeah, last week when we met her,” He started laughing but stopped when he rubbed his sore shoulder against the chair.

“You okay?” Sarah said, concerned.

“Yeah.”

“Did you get a tattoo, Forrest?”

“Yes, on my upper left arm.” He touched his shoulder.

“Should I get one? I've always heard they're painful.”

“If you want.” Forrest sat down across the table.

“What's the big deal with these secret tattoos?”

“People with the eagle make the decisions.” Trevor tickled her in the side. She laughed and slapped his hand away. Laney called Forrest's name and he left the room. Sarah wrapped her arms around Trevor.

“Do you want one?” Trevor whispered in her ear. She could hear the apprehension in his voice. She kissed his ear and shook her head.

“No, but what about Donovan?” Sarah pulled away from their hug and saw the relief in Trevor's smiling face.

“Don't worry about Gomez. We're together again and no one will prevent that.” He pulled her face to his lips and kissed her.

________________
_•
________________

The journey back to Denver was memorable for all five. Nothing monumental happened, just the company of friends traveling across the country. Nerves gripped them. This was a trek to free their leader and begin their parts as a team to change history. That was their hope but the last rebellion had been squashed like a bug and was looked down on with disdain. The question on each mind was, “Will this be the same?”

They had landed in Seattle and rented a car to travel the rest of the way. Donovan found out about Forrest and Laney late one night on the road. The pair had believed everyone had fallen asleep and decided to skinny-dip in the motel pool. Trevor laughed until his sides hurt when Donovan came marching behind the dripping, scantily clothed young lovebirds. The entire next day Donovan refused to speak to anyone, insisted on driving, and didn't take his eyes from the road. Little beads of sweat poured down the side of his face, but he didn't seem to notice, or care.

Once reaching Denver, Trevor and Donovan agreed Trevor's place was too much of a risk, so for the time being they stayed in a one-bedroom apartment Donovan found. It fit their needs perfectly; it was out of the way and run down. Over the next six weeks they concentrated on finding Blaine's supporters, finding a better hideout, and keeping in contact with Blaine through Leslie.

One hot summer day Donovan was out, which left the two couples alone. Forrest drummed his fingers on the small table in the corner. Laney sat on his lap, running her fingers through his hair and blowing bubbles in her gum. Sarah walked out of the shower scrubbing her head with a towel, and Trevor lounged on the bed watching TV.

“We should do something.” Laney began to blow another pink bubble.

“What?” Trevor responded. “Gomez will probably give birth to a kangaroo if we leave.”

“I don't care, he can't keep us caged in this place. I need air.”

“I agree with Laney.” Sarah stopped combing her hair. “We have been stuck in this apartment for too long. If we don't get some space we are going to start loathing each other.”

“I guess we can take the girls out to a movie,” Forrest suggested to Trevor.

“I don't think Donovan would want us gone for three hours.”

“We can leave Don a note,” Laney suggested. She reached for a pen and paper on the table.

Forrest came up with another idea. “What if we took the girls to that park about five blocks from here? We can hang out under the trees and get the fresh air my girl wanted.” Trevor sat, thinking.

“Come on Trevor, it will be so much fun.” Sarah sat down on the bed and squeezed his hand.

“Okay, let's get going. Oh, and someone remember to write a note to Grandpa,” Trevor told them.

________________
_•
________________

The four young people lounged under a large maple tree in the shade. Summer had arrived. Bold shades of green grass concealed the dark earth beneath it. The fee to get into the park had been high but not as bad as the forty dollars they would have had to spend to get into the movies, not including refreshments.

“Do you know what sounds great right now?” Sarah said.

“What?” Laney pulled at a piece of grass.

“Ice cream, strawberry ice cream.”

“No, chocolate with fudge swirled into it.” Laney leaned back with a smile on her face.

“What about you, Trevor. What do you like?” Sarah ran her fingers down his arm.

“Vanilla.” Everyone looked at him with surprise.

“Vanilla?” Sarah crawled closer to him. “Are you joking?”

“No,” Trevor put his head in Sarah's lap. “I like vanilla.”

“I can't believe that.” Forrest sat up onto his elbow, “Crazy Trevor Wells likes something plain.”

“I like boring things. Look at the people I hang out with every day.”

Laney punched him in the stomach. Trevor chuckled and rolled away to avoid her fists.

“What about you, Forrest?” Sarah moved away from Laney and Trevor jabbing at each other.

“Mint, with chocolate chips,” his eyes seemed to stare off remembering the savory taste of the ice cream.

“Now that the menu has been decided, Forrest and I will be right back, ladies.” Trevor jumped up.

“Where are you going?” Sarah looked up at him.

“To get ice cream.”

“No, Trevor, it's too much money.”

“I don't care. I want something unhealthy. I'll splurge and pay a little more for something that might one day kill me. At least I enjoyed my life.”

Sarah and Laney didn't argue with him, his mind was made up. Forrest kissed Laney, stood, and walked away with Trevor. An ice-cream stand was located on the other side of the park, near the swing sets.

“Looks like we are going to have to stand in line,” Forrest said.

“So how's it going with Laney?” Trevor pulled cash out of his back pocket to look for fifteen dollars.

“She's really great.”

“Looks like you guys are moving right along.” Trevor nudged him in the side with his elbow.

A beaming smile appeared on his face. “Yeah, I've never moved this fast with anyone but she makes everything so easy and fun.”

“Good.”

Trevor didn't get the chance to say anything else. A pregnant woman in front of them dropped her bag.

“Let me get that for you.” Forrest bent down and picked it up.

“Thanks.” The woman turned around. The men thought they had somehow entered some sort of nightmare.

“Well, well, well, the father of my baby,” Brandi said, disgusted, and yanked the bag from Forrest's hand. Both men stood thunderstruck. “Speechless, huh? Yeah, I was too when I found out you had gotten me pregnant.”

“You're a liar; any functioning male could have gotten
you
pregnant,” Trevor sneered.

“Say what you will, Trevor, but it's Forrest's baby.” She placed a hand on her stomach. “I have a stinking appointment in about thirty minutes that I'm forced to go to because of some stupid law. If you want proof, show up at Saint Joseph's Hospital.”

“No, we don't need to go chasing you around just to find out you're lying or paying off the doctors.”

“Have I ever had money for things like that?” Brandi moved up in line and ordered. Trevor looked at Forrest; he had the familiar blank look on his face. There was no way to read how he was feeling. Trevor looked back at Brandi and her stomach. He hoped it was another lie of hers.

“I guess since neither of you will agree to take me to the hospital I'll have to go ask the lovely lady you were with for a ride.” She pointed over to the tree where Laney sat on the grass. The blood drained from Forrest's face. The same blank look remained, despite his color. Trevor's heart seized for a moment. He thought Brandi was talking about Sarah, but his girlfriend had disappeared. Trevor was thankful for the timing. At least Brandi couldn't tell Leslie he had found Sarah. He remembered the spy and hoped it was another lie his ex had come up with. Brandi was speaking to Forrest.

“I'm guessing she is your new girlfriend. She looks like a stripper.”

“Go blow smoke up someone else's butt.” Forrest turned to walk away.

“I will tell her, Forrest.” She kept her eyes on Laney. “You know I will, and you know this is your baby, if Trevor doesn't.”

Forrest stood with his back to her for a few moments, watching Laney. Eventually he pivoted on his heel to face Brandi. Trevor's eyes moved from the argument to Sarah. She was walking right toward Laney. At any moment Brandi would see her. He stepped in between them both, blocking Brandi's view.

“I'll take her; you can meet up with us,” Trevor blurted out. Brandi was obviously surprised, because her mouth fell open.

“What ….”

“Okay,” Forrest cut in. Flabbergasted, she didn't even notice the top of her ice cream cone had fallen to the ground. Trevor put his hands on her shoulders and gently pushed her toward the exit.

________________
_•
________________

“Where are our ice-cream cones? You can't sit under our tree until we get them.” Laney playfully pretended to pout. He saw a flicker of instinct in Sarah's eyes; she knew something was going on.

Forrest lied mostly because he was in shock over the entire situation. Could he be a father soon?! He didn't know how the women would respond knowing it was Brandi they had come across. Laney know only the bare facts about his ex while Sarah loathed the woman.

“Trevor ran into Leslie, he didn't want her to realize who you were, so he got her out.”

“Is he coming back?”

“I said I would meet him back at his place … in other words, our hideout.” Forrest said.

“Let's get back then.” Laney jumped to her feet, threw her arm around Forrest's neck and kissed him before grabbing his hand and leading him back toward the exit. Forrest glanced back to see Sarah pause; she watched the ice-cream stand. He hoped she wouldn't question his story.