The Alliance (28 page)

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
75

I look back at the woman I once was and realize she is still here. I may not have the strength or physical ability I once possessed, but I have promised myself I will change my situation and run free once again.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

The group moved to the van with Frank and Alex in the front seats and the women in the back.

“It's already better that we're with you,” Mia's mother said. “There was a chance the two of you could have been stopped. How would you have explained driving alone?”

“Trust me when I say both of us are capable drivers,” Riley said.

“I didn't say you weren't,” Mia's mother said. “But this isn't Ireland. Two women driving alone will cause a lot of attention.”

“Mia drove from the site of the explosion to your house undetected,” Riley said.

“In a government vehicle with tinted windows,” Corinna said. “Who would stop that thing?”

“Can we stop the arguing?” Mia asked. “We're together and nothing is going to change that.”

“We should arrive at Grant's establishment in four hours,” Riley said. “From there we scope out the place, try to determine where Roderick may be stashed.”

“Do we know he's there?” Corinna asked.

“It's likely but not certain,” Riley said. “He might be searching for Mia still.”

“There is no way Grant got approval from the government to track me,” Mia said. “They want me dead and forgotten.”

“I know that for a fact,” Mia's mother said.

“What do you mean?” Mia asked.

“The day you were declared dead, men showed up at our house,” Mia's mother said. “They tore through everything. Took every picture, every document, wiped your father's computer. They told us it was standard procedure in a situation like yours.”

“Did they tell you I ran away?”

“No,” Mia's mother said. “They reaffirmed that you were kidnapped, and that any attempt to say otherwise would be regarded as treason. I'm surprised they didn't shoot us on the spot.”

“That would have drawn more questions,” Riley said. “If anyone out there thought Mia ran away and survived, then came looking for her parents, only to find they had disappeared too, it would have created a conspiracy theory.”

“Why not say they died from mourning my death?” Mia asked.

“Because in America parents aren't supposed to love their children,” Riley said.

“I fooled them though,” Mia's mother said.

“What do you mean?” Mia asked.

Mia's mother reached for her bag. She opened it up and stuck her hand inside, feeling around for something before pulling out a small album. She tossed it to Mia.

“I was making it as a wedding gift,” she said. “To show how you've grown over the years.”

Mia went to the first page. It was her baby picture, complete with a copy of her documentation on the opposing page. She flipped through the next few photos. They were always only of her. The last one was a copy of her Registry photo and on the opposite page was a copy of her and Grant's marriage certificate, complete with a picture of the two of them together. Mia had on a long black dress and Grant had on a suit; it was from their meet-­and-­greet.

“How did you get this?” Mia asked. “I don't remember posing for a picture.”

“I couldn't help myself,” Mia's mother said. “I snapped one of the two of you when you weren't looking. You can only see your profiles, but you look so happy.”

Mia did. She remembered that meeting and nothing about it had been happy. Then Mia realized she wasn't looking at Grant; she was gazing behind him. Andrew had been their server that evening.

“I wasn't even making it for you,” Mia's mother said. “I thought it would be a nice gift for Grant. I made one for all your sisters' husbands too.”

“Why did you keep this?” Mia asked.

Mia's mother reached out and took her hand. “Because I didn't want to forget you.”

“Are you insane?” Riley asked, breaking the tender moment.

“What?” Mia's mother asked.

Riley was looking in the rest of the opened bag. She started pulling out stacks of cash.

“I don't have a clue how much this is,” Riley said. “Tens of thousands of dollars; why would you travel with this?”

“You said grab what we need,” Mia's mother said. “When I showed up at Corinna's money seemed to help, so I grabbed some.”

“This is too much,” Riley said. “What were you planning on buying? An airplane?”

“Mia's father handled the finances,” Mia's mother said. “This was what I got out of the house before we left. I think even more burned up after.”

Mia's mother turned back to look at Mia with a face of regret. A shiver went down Mia's back as she remembered the house fire. Mia didn't have time to focus on what had passed. She needed to look toward the future and gave her mother a reassuring smile.

“I wish I had pictures of you,” Mia said.

“There's no need for us to have pictures of each other,” Mia's mother said. She lifted her hand and pointed it at Mia's heart. “Because we'll always live in here.”

Mia's mother smiled and settled back down. Riley diverted her attention to Frank and Alex, making sure they were on the correct route.

“Tonight, surveillance only,” Riley said. “Then we make our plans.”

“Where are we sleeping?” Corinna asked.

“We hoped to head back to the ranch,” Riley said. “But with Andrew coming in the morning, probably wherever we can find a safe place. I would try to nap now if I were you.”

The group tried to settle in among some of the blankets and pillows Frank had thrown in the back.

“Good job on bringing the money,” Riley said. “If there's one thing America loves more than its virtues, it's cash. It might come in handy.”

Mia could tell Laura was smiling and Riley was softening. She clutched the phone in her hand and tried to will herself to sleep.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
76

I have finished my system for distributing the information on the females. The grand commander was pleased with my methods and I am proud to serve him.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

“Only three more nights and you're no longer a bachelor,” Ian said. “Did those nerves fade away?”

“Now it's only excitement,” Grant said. “I can't wait to marry Nina.”

“Tamara?” Ian asked.

Ugh. Grant had taken a guess on his bride's name. Ian let out a laugh.

“You can call her whatever you like,” Ian said. “In two days she'll be your responsibility.”

“I was surprised to hear you had dropped by,” Grant said.

“I wanted to check out the preparations,” Ian said.

They walked through Grant's home and into the ballroom. It was decorated in gold and red and set for three hundred guests, none of whom Grant had invited.

“Tomorrow you'll go on
The Greg Finnegan Show,
” Ian said.

“I don't think I can spare the time,” Grant said. “I'll be busy with the last-­minute preparations.”

“Nonsense,” Ian said. “Besides, he's coming here to film.”

“Here?” Grant asked.

“Yes,” Ian said. “He can show America what your home and your wedding decorations look like. Every girl will imagine her wedding as being this grand and hope for a husband as accommodating as you.”

“I don't like having this sprung on me,” Grant said.

“It won't be live,” Ian said. “He'll be here in the early afternoon, ready to film with his crew. Walk him through the ceremony space, the kitchen where the meal will be prepared, and end in here. It shouldn't take more than a few hours.”

Grant's eyes darted toward the entrance to the east wing. Roderick would be awake tomorrow. That meant Grant would have to make sure Hansen kept Rod's mouth shut.

“I'll be staying here the night before the wedding,” Ian said. “I want to give you an early wedding present then.”

“I don't need any presents,” Grant said.

“I can see that,” Ian said. “But trust me when I say you'll need this one.”

Grant wanted Ian gone. With only two nights left Grant was certain Mia would be near. He would keep watch in the room with Hansen for as long as he could, making sure her arrival didn't go unnoticed. Grant let out an exaggerated yawn.

“I suppose it's time I let you get some sleep,” Ian said. “I know I took up most of your day going over paperwork.”

“Paperwork” was Ian's code word for out-­of-­date policies Grant had to pretend he would continue after he took over as grand commander. It was exhausting and unnecessary.

“I'll see you to the door,” Grant said.

He led the man back the way they'd come in, through the long hall and into the foyer. There two of Ian's guards waited.

“I hope you realize the importance of your training,” Ian said. “Running the country is not as easy as it seems.”

“I know the responsibility,” Grant said. “You make it appear so simple; I can only hope to follow in your exact footsteps.”

Ian smiled at Grant and nodded. He placed his hand on Grant's shoulder. It felt like the man's fingertips were made of fire. How dare he act so familiar. Grant wanted to grab the man's hand and break his wrist. Instead he stood with a perfect smile.

“You are a good choice for my replacement,” Ian said. “The best there is.”

“Thank you for saying so,” Grant said.

Ian patted his hand twice before removing it. Grant looked at his white knit sweater and decided to burn the thing as soon as Ian left the house.

“Good night,” Ian said. “Greg will be here by noon the day after tomorrow.”

“I'll be waiting,” Grant said. “Drive safe.”

Ian nodded and walked out of the house. Grant was glad the man was gone. He went to the stairs, determined to change before he sat vigil with Hansen for the night. If Mia did show up at least that would require some of Grant's expertise, and for that he was grateful.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
77

I have started walking. I am alone most of the day and there is no one to notice my absences. Our neighborhood is surrounded by a fence twenty feet high topped with barbed wire. I thought about cutting the fence but am sure it is electrified or monitored. Whatever it is my husband does, it must be very important for him to be able to afford this much security.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

By the time they exited the van it was almost two in the morning. The way Mia saw it, that meant six hours until Andrew's arrival. Time was moving slowly.

“I don't see a house,” Corinna said. She tried her hardest to keep her voice low, but it still echoed along the trees.

“We're leaving the van here and walking,” Riley said. “Two ­people need to stay behind.”

“Why?” Alex asked. “Were you and Mia planning on watching the car?”

“Stop with the comparisons,” Mia said. “More ­people, new plan.”

“If someone spots the car we need a cover,” Riley said. “We no longer have to take the risk of our vehicle being towed and I'd like to take advantage of that.”

“Why two ­people?” Corinna asked.

“To keep each other company,” Riley said.

“Oh,” Corinna replied.

“I was kidding,” Riley said. “In case there's a problem one person can warn us. So any volunteers?”

“I'll stay,” Mia's mother said.

“Frank, that means you volunteered yourself,” Riley said.

“Why me?” Frank asked.

“You two can pose as a married ­couple easier than her and Alex,” Mia said.

Riley grabbed a pack and handed it to Mia. She swung the heavy bag over her shoulders while Riley grabbed the second pack. She took out a meter.

“Follow me,” Riley said.

She crossed the empty road into the trees on the opposite side. Mia signaled for Alex and Corinna to follow first. Mia gave her mother a quick hug and Frank a nod.

“You'll be fine,” Mia said. “Take care of him.”

Mia gave her mother a wink and started after the rest of the group. They were making more noise than Mia would have liked, stepping on twigs and leaves. They were too wet to make a crunching sound; Mia was thankful for that bit of luck. Corinna slowed down until she was closer to Mia.

“What is that box she's carrying?” Corinna asked.

“An electronics detector,” Mia replied.

“Why?”

“Grant's not the average American,” Mia said. “We don't know how far back his security system spreads. This will make sure we don't cross over into his area of coverage. When we're close enough it will tell us where his defenses are.”

“How far away are we?” Corinna asked.

“About five miles from his actual house and about four and a quarter from where his land starts,” Mia asked.

“How did you find this out?” Corinna asked.

“Riley,” Mia said. “She said his house has been on television a few times and that made it easier to trace the information she needed.”

“Where will the security system start?”

“That depends on how paranoid he is,” Mia said. “But my guess is it won't spread that far.”

“Why?”

“Because Grant is rich, powerful, and capable,” Mia said. “He isn't paranoid. He's cocky.”

“You knew him well?” Corinna asked.

“I learned a lot about him when I was running away from him,” Mia said.

“Keep quiet,” Riley said. “Grant could have the woods crawling with guards.”

“I doubt that too,” Mia said.

“Why?” Corinna asked.

“Because if someone finds me lurking around America before he does it could mean trouble for him,” Mia said. “Notice when he showed up at Frank and Alex's house he didn't have a team with him. He's not a very trusting person. He would be too scared a guard would ask questions or recognize me somehow.”

“Either way, I don't want to take any risks we don't have to,” Riley said. “So stop talking.”

Mia didn't answer that time.

The group walked for another hour before they took a rest.

“How long have we traveled?” Corinna asked.

“Almost five kilometers,” Riley said.

“So we should be at his house?” Corinna asked.

“Kilometers are different from miles,” Mia said. “We have another mile or so before we reach the edge of his property.”

“Why did we park so far back?” Alex asked. “We crossed at least three roads.”

“Because if we get caught then the others won't,” Mia said.

“And vice versa,” Riley said.

“Huh?” Corinna asked.

“It means we'll be safe if Mom and Frank are caught,” Mia said.

“No more talking from here on out,” Riley said.

She passed around a bottle of water and everyone took a sip.

“Why do you call Mom by her name?” Mia asked.

“Anger,” Corinna said.

“I thought you'd forgiven her,” Mia said.

“I have,” Corinna said. “But that doesn't mean I forgot that she sold me off and then threw me away when I came running home.”

“What else could she have done?”

“I miss my baby boy every day,” Corinna said. “I think about him nonstop, wondering where he is, how he's doing. I would give my life to see him one last time. Laura did not feel that way about us. I won't call her ‘Mother.' ”

Throughout all of this Mia had forgotten Corinna had birthed a son.

“Have you tried to find him?” Mia asked.

“How?” Corinna asked. “I'm a single woman who's dead to the world. How could I look for a little baby with no records?”

“Maybe that's how Mom felt,” Mia said. “About sending you back and selling us. There was no option for her.”

“I was more of a mother to my child in the five hours I had him than she was in the eighteen years she had me,” Corinna said. “Whatever bond I have with my son she never had with us.”

Mia knew her sister was being irrational, but the argument would continue in circles at this point.

“If the Registry and ser­vice list are destroyed I will dedicate every breath I have to finding him,” Corinna said.

“Does he have a name?” Alex asked.

Mia had forgotten about Alex and Riley, but both were looking at Corinna with sorrow in their eyes. Mia was shocked to see this display from Riley.

“I called him David, after my own father,” Corinna said. “At the time I didn't realize his marrying me off was bad. It wasn't until my baby was taken that I understood the horrible situation I was living in.”

“David is a good name,” Alex said. “I'm sure somewhere out there he's dreaming about his mother.”

“That's a lie,” Corinna said. She wiped away a tear. “He couldn't remember me, but thank you for saying so anyway.”

“We should keep moving,” Riley said.

Everyone stood up again. There was nothing Mia could say to comfort her sister. Corinna's words only fueled Mia's hatred for the world they lived in.