Deep Blue Secret (14 page)

Rayne recognized the number on his caller ID and lifted his phone happily to his ear. “Hi, buddy. Long time no talk.”

Ash’s voice seemed even and distant on the other end. “Yeah. Hey, man.”

Rayne recognized his friend’s sullen tone. “Is something wrong? You sound off.”

Ash hesitated. “It’s…my father, Rayne. He broke out of Cayno.”

Rayne peered up and down the hospital hallway and lowered his voice to a whisper. “What? Are you serious?” He could hardly believe his ears. No one had ever escaped that place before.

“I’m dead serious,” Ash said.

Rayne grimaced in disbelief and slid through the doorway leading to the stairwell. “How is that even possible?”

“You know my father…he’s resourceful. If anyone was bound to figure it out, it was him.”

“I guess,” Rayne said, still grasping the concept. “Well, are you okay, buddy? I mean, he hasn’t tried to contact you or anything has he?”

Silence filled the line.             

Rayne understood the empty answer. “You can’t communicate with him. You understand he’s a fugitive, right?”

When Ash finally answered, his tone was coarse. “Of course I understand that. He’s also my
father
, in case you forgot.”

“If you get involved, he’ll just bring you down with him.”

“I have to do this,” Ash said, as if convincing himself. “I don’t expect you to understand.”

“Rayne’s throat tightened. “You have to do what, Ash?”

“I’m calling because my father wants to meet with you tomorrow.”

“A meet? With me? What do I have to do with anything?”

Ash’s voice softened. “Look, man, I’m really sorry. I didn’t want to get you involved. He just wants you to relay a message to Hamlin for him. That’s it.”

“Ash, why are you doing this?”

“All I’m doing is making a simple phone call for my father. Okay? I’m not getting involved with anything else. Believe me; I tried to talk him out of this.”

“I just don’t think we should give in to his games,” Rayne protested.

Ash sounded earnest. “He’s my dad…If this was your father, you would do the same. If anything, at least this way you’ll know what’s going on.”

Rayne didn’t hear the last sentence. “This would never happen with my father. He doesn’t hurt innocent people.”

Ash scoffed in frustration. “Look, I think this could end up involving the girl,” he cautioned. “You should consider taking all the necessary precautions.”

Rayne’s hands clenched into fists. “You told him about her?”

 “No…”Ash said. “He figured it out on his own. I swear.”

Rayne sighed and ran his hand over his head, trying to decide what to do. The last thing he wanted was to get involved with a man like Voss, but if there was any chance Sadie could be harmed, he couldn’t stand by and do nothing.

 “So will you be there, or not?” Ash challenged.

Rayne’s tone was short. “Fine. Just give me the address.”

Rayne took down the information and hung up in frustration.

He slumped onto a step against the wall, resting his forehead in his hand. This couldn’t be good. What were the chances that anything having to do with Voss would end smoothly?

Sometimes he wondered how his friendship with Ash had lasted so long. Ash was always getting him into trouble; always the little devil on his shoulder coaxing him into bad ideas. But this? This was taking things too far.

How could Voss know about Sadie anyway? Ash was the only person that Rayne ever told. Did Voss really figure it out on his own, or was Ash just too cowardly to admit he had something to do with it? How could his friend even toy with the idea of pulling Sadie into his father’s warped existence?

He thought of her gentle eyes next to such a monster and cringed.

Rayne took quiet steps down the hall to Sadie’s room and slipped inside. Her sleeping face was that of an angel, innocent and unaware. She looked so peaceful. How could he bring all this heartache into her life?

Was he strong enough to be all he needed to be for her?

He had to be. He couldn’t let her down. He would choose his own torture before allowing someone like Voss Hastings to so much as breathe in her direction.

Sound hummed through the depths of my subconscious, causing me to stir. My eyes sprung open. The thick fog of sleep clouded my thoughts as I registered the voice.

“Sadie…Sadie, it’s me,” he whispered, “Rayne.” The shimmering green eyes glistened at my bedside like two moons in a starry sky.

I leapt forward in sudden comprehension, encircling his neck with both my arms. “You came!” I blurted happily. He stepped back to catch his balance and laughed quietly.

“Shhhh…” he gestured in amusement with a finger to his lips, signaling to lower my volume.

I sunk back on the bed. “Sorry,” I whispered.

He came. I knew he would. My body flooded with exhilaration, relieved at the sight of his calm smile.

I glanced at the clock sitting next to the hospital bed. It was almost midnight. I tried to stay up for the end of my mom’s shift, but I must have dozed off.

“My mom—” I said.

“She was just here. They told her you were asleep and she decided not to wake you. She went home.”

“Oh,” I said, a little surprised.

How did he always know everything?

“How are you feeling? Are you doing okay in here?” he asked.

“Yeah, I guess, besides being bored out of my mind.”
And hanging on every moment until your return
, I thought to myself.

“I had a feeling you might say that. How about a little fresh air?”

“Uh,” I stammered.

It was practically the middle of the night and there was a nurse not far from my door who knew me well. If she saw me leave my room I was sure she’d be concerned.

“You mean now?” I asked, a little confused, but mostly intrigued.

He controlled a mischievous grin. “What? Don’t you trust me?”

“Yes…” I said, half as a statement half as a question.

He didn’t hesitate. “Good, then hurry and put on some clothes in the bathroom. I’ll wait here.”

I felt strangely exhilarated as I dressed myself. I had no idea what he had in mind or how we were going to escape unnoticed. Did they lock the doors at night here? Did they let people roam in and out of the hospital at all hours of the night even if they weren’t hospital staff? I had no idea. How could I be the daughter of a nurse at this hospital for so long and not know that?

I shuffled back in the room, fully dressed in the long sleeve t-shirt and jeans my mom brought for the day I’d go home.

“Okay, I’m ready,” I said in a quiet voice.

Rayne was standing near the door.  He turned to face me. “Do you have a sweater or something? It could be chilly out.”

“Oh yeah, hold on,” I said.

I’d been indoors for so long I hadn’t thought about the weather. I rummaged through the duffle bag and pulled out the white Roxy jacket my mom packed for me.

“Okay,” he whispered, pulling a khaki messenger bag over his shoulder.

He waved a hand in his direction motioning me to join him. I zipped my jacket and tip-toed to his side. I felt like a prisoner trying to escape. I was never a rebellious person but I felt an odd thrill in our spontaneous adventure.

Suddenly Rayne’s strong hand grasped mine, his skin so warm. My knees wobbled. I focused, inhaling a deep breath. The last thing I needed was a sudden muscle failure. Hopefully Rayne wouldn’t have to carry me out of here—not that I would mind.

He planted his back to the wall and cracked the door open. The nurse sat at her station a few yards away.

“Come on,” he whispered.

He pulled me down the hall in the opposite direction. I followed him quickly taking soft steps.

“The elevator’s back there,” I said.

He grinned. “We’re taking the stairs.”

He stopped in front of a door, pulling me through the opening. I didn’t even realize the stairs were over here. When I’d come to see my mom at the hospital in the past, I’d never bothered to take the stairs. Our escape was easier than I thought.

In the stairwell I headed towards the lower level, but Rayne pulled me back. I looked at him confused.

“I thought we were going outside,” I said.

“We are. You’ll see.”

He led me up the steps. I wasn’t sure if my heart pulsed from the exercise or his apparent interest in being with me. It seemed like he was just as happy to be here as I was. I could’ve been wrong. I didn’t want to make assumptions, but it was hard to restrain the hope building inside me.

He stopped at the next level and poked his head through the door. I wondered where he could be taking me. This floor was the highest I’d ever been in the building and the highest the public elevators would take people. Where was there left to go?

“It’s clear,” he said. “Come on.”

We left the stairwell and walked to the hallway in front of the elevators, his hand still clasping mine.

“Those elevators only go down,” I said.

“I know,” he smirked. “We’re not taking those, we’re going over there.”

He pointed to a third elevator at the end of the hall. I’d seen it before. My mother had shown it to me once when I was young. She said I was never allowed to wander in there. It was restricted access only. Not even all hospital staff had access to it.

“That’s the restricted elevator,” I said. “You have to use a special pass or something to make it work.”

He laughed. “It’s a good thing I have one of those, isn’t it?” He pulled a badge from his pocket.

I reached my hand to grab it. “Where did you get that?” I asked, secretly impressed.

His hand shot away, out of my reach. “Wouldn’t you like to know…”

My gaze darted back and forth. “Did you
steal
that?” I said in a hushed tone.

He smiled wryly and pressed the elevator button. “I just…borrowed it. They’ll have it back before they know it’s gone.”

“You’re a bad influence on me,” I joked with a flirtatious grin.

The nervous thrill in me continued as we rode up the forbidden elevator. I couldn’t believe he was still holding my hand. Who would hold someone’s hand for so long if they didn’t like them? Unless he was just worried I would mess something up and get us caught if I didn’t stay by his side at all times. I hoped he would never let go.

We made our way down a dark corridor and through a heavy, metal door. It led to a large open room with dim lighting. It was industrial looking with large pipes and machinery that hummed noisily. Maybe the room was just another room during the day but right now it was spooky. I squeezed Rayne’s hand in mine and clung to his forearm with the other, hugging it close.

We crept along the wall to the other side of the room and came to what looked like a steel dock door. The massive door towered over our heads reaching up to the ceiling. Rayne stood me directly at the center of the metal door and dropped my hand.

“Wait right here,” he said. I looked at him nervously, feeling a sudden flash of insecurity without his protective grip.

He stood in front of me placing his hands on my shoulders. “Close your eyes,” he said softly.

My lids wanted to protest; closing them meant losing the perfect view of his face in front of mine. But my eyes drifted shut. I would pretty much do anything he asked of me without a second thought.

His hands left me alone in the dark and my shoulders shivered. I stood quiet for only a moment, then a loud cranking noise caused me to flinch and a rush of cool air whirled around me. The crisp scent of the night breeze filled my lungs. I felt strangely at ease. I thought of the stale, recycled air of my hospital room and inhaled the outside air with even greater appreciation.

The cranking of the door stilled, leaving only the faint sounds of night. Rayne’s hand brushed the small of my back as he led me forward. I moved cautiously, testing the ground below me, anticipation growing with each blind step.

Finally we stopped. “Okay,” he said. “Open your eyes.”

My eyes fluttered open and I gasped. My hand shot forward, feeling the sudden need to catch my balance. Rayne’s strong hand steadied me as I wavered. We towered high in the air, surrounded by a magnificent view of the city below.

“Whoa…” I breathed in unexpected awe.

The street lights glittered below us through the darkness as far as I could see and I turned in a slow circle to take in the view. We were one level below the roof. There was a wide, outdoor path that circled around the sides of the building. He took my hand and pulled me around the corner, leaving behind the large metal door.

A short concrete wall lined the outer edge of the path; the only separation from the pavement a good ten stories down. I skipped to the edge and leaned my body over the top to get a better look.

“I guess you’re not afraid of heights,” he said, taking my side.

I turned to him with a wide smile. “No, this is great. I had no idea this was up here.”

“It’s a place I like to come sometimes—to think,” he said. “It helps me gain perspective. Things seem clearer up here.”

“Yeah…” I sighed in agreement.

I missed his hand which was now folded through his arm as he leaned against the wall next to me. I moved slightly towards him until my arm brushed against his.

“Thanks for sharing this with me,” I said. “I have a place I like to go too. Maybe I could show it to you sometime.”

“Maybe,” he said.

Instead of dwelling on the non-committal tone of his answer I allowed myself to enjoy the moment. We stood near each other in silence, gazing out in the starlight.

There were so many questions I wanted to ask. Where was he from? Did he like being a Keeper? Did everyone’s eyes turn colors from the Healing Water? But the questions would have to wait. I made a promise to Heather earlier that day. I was supposed to invite Rayne to the Sadie Hawkins dance this weekend.

I looked out at the glittering lights of Newport, my palms clammy. My index finger tapped against the concrete, gathering the nerve to speak. I couldn’t put it off. I knew I didn’t have much time. He could decide to leave as suddenly as he’d shown up at my bedside, and who knew when I’d get another chance to ask. 

I turned away from the amazing view and searched his face with my gaze.

“Rayne?” I said, heat gathering in my cheeks.

He turned his body towards me. His wide chest called to my anxious eyes.

 “Do you think…” I said, but I barely heard my own voice. Rayne also spoke, his words crossing over mine. Without thinking I repeated myself, but he spoke again, right at the same time. I laughed nervously, but didn’t say another word out of embarrassment.

A chuckle escaped his lips. “Ladies first…”

My throat tightened. “Uh…it can wait. What were you saying?” I asked hoping to put off my humiliation.

 He paused, the corners of his mouth turned down. “Something’s come up. It’s sort of an emergency. I was hoping to avoid this but…I have to leave.”

My gaze fell and I stared at the ground.  “You’re leaving?” Pain cut through my chest. Asking him about the dance was suddenly irrelevant.

“It should only be a day, a few at the most. I wouldn’t be doing this right now if I didn’t feel it was absolutely necessary.”

“Is everything okay?” I asked. “I mean, does this have anything to do with…me?”

“In a roundabout way, yes,” he said.

Before I could respond his body faced mine, his hand on my waist. “But I promise…you have nothing to worry about. I won’t let anything happen to you.”

“What about you though? Will you be okay?” I asked. “Is this something dangerous?”

He didn’t hesitate. “No, there’s no danger. I just have a message I need to deliver to my superior in person.”

Gloom clouded my words. “But you’ll be back in a couple of days?”

“Two or three at the most,” he said.

Any thoughts or arguments escaped my mind. All I could do was nod and stare in his eyes.

“Okay,” I said. Despite my concern, I didn’t know what else I could possibly say. He had to do his job. There was nothing I could do about it. 

He slid his bag from his shoulder. “I brought something for you. Well, it’s for me too, but I need you to make me a promise before I show it to you.”

“What is it?” I said.

“Just promise you won’t get mad, that you’ll let me explain before you jump to any conclusions.”

I looked at him strangely. “Why would I be mad?”

“Just…promise me.”

“Okay,” I said confused. “I promise.”

He undid the clasp and lifted the top flap of the bag, pulling out what looked like a small book. Why would I be mad about a book? I tried to get a better look as he moved it in his hand but it was too dark.

“Here,” he said. He held it out and hesitated. “Remember, you promised.”

As soon as the purple leather touched my hand I knew what he meant. I recognized the design of the whimsical, black butterfly immediately—it was my diary.

Red heat filled my cheeks. It wasn’t anger though; it was embarrassment. Why did he have my diary? Did he read it? Did he know all my silly personal thoughts and embarrassing moments?

“How did you get this?” I asked in a short tone.

I flipped through the pages to confirm my suspicions and scanned the writing;
Dear Dad
they began,
Love Sadie
they finished.

“You stole my diary?” I questioned in disbelief.

Did he break into my house? Was he in my room? Oh no, was it clean the last time I left it? It had been so long since I was there I couldn’t remember.

“Actually, that’s
my
diary,” he said.

I looked at him confused. “No, this is definitely my diary.”

Rayne reached back in his bag and removed a second book. He held it out to me. “This one’s yours.”

“What?” I said.

I tore the second book from his hand and examined it thoroughly.

Every page, every inch of this book was exactly the same as the first. They were both my diary. How could that be? Each with the exact same writing on the same page, the ink colors the same, the shapes and lines of my scribbles and cross-outs were all the same. Even the childish drawings I’d added so often as a child were replicated with exactness.