Divided (The United Trilogy Book 2)
Read Divided (The United Trilogy Book 2) Online
Authors: Jaci Wheeler
Divided
Copyright © 2014 Jaci Wheeler
Published by Jaci Wheeler
Acknowledgements
I want to thank all of my friends and everyone who bought the first book. The support I have received has seriously overwhelmed and humbled me! YOU GUYS ROCK!
Speaking of rock, I have to thank mine, my husband Joey Wheeler for putting up with my late nights, messy house and take out dinners so I could finish this series! He also handles the logistics and formatting and I would be lost without him!
To My Best Friend Bek who has stood behind me in all that I do and is the first person to cheer me on and pick up the phone when I call her crying in a panic.
Samuel and Avienne Foss for the amazing cover photo, they blew me away once again!
And to
Covers by Karen
for designing the cover, this lady rocks my socks off!
Thank you all for your continued support, I hope it lives up to your expectations! Much love!
Table of Contents
Prologue
–
11 years earlier
President Connor Vaughn was just leaving his meeting with the Council when he walked by Annabelle’s office and over heard her assistant’s conversation with who he knew to be Natasha Starr.
“Please, Meredith, you know I wouldn’t ask to see the Council if it wasn’t important.”
“I know that Natasha, but you know the rules.”
“I do, and yet I’m still here. Please just send for Annabelle and we can let her decide. Tell her it’s regarding Rosaline Thatcher.”
As soon as Vaughn heard that name, uneasiness settled in the pit of his stomach. He had been keeping a very close eye on his reports, especially over the last year, regarding Rosaline Thatcher. According to his weekly updates she was an exceptional young girl. She had even been brought up as a potential presidential candidate a few times. Why would Natasha be going to the Council and not him? Maybe she had already messaged him. He decided to check his messages before he made any assumptions. Once he got back to his office to check his messages the worry in his stomach grew. There were no messages from Natasha, and when he brought up her previous work screen he saw what she must be filling the Council in on at this moment. Young Rosaline was very special indeed, and proving to become a threat to his Presidency. He had years until she would even be a potential candidate, but it still made him very nervous.
Vaughn waited until everyone went home for the night and he snuck into the career department. Since he had clearance he supposed it wasn’t really sneaking, but nothing he wanted announced. He went to the far back room also known as 'the red room', scanned his hand and entered his code. When the door unlocked he type in Rosaline Thatcher’s name and waited until her file appeared. After reading cover to cover he was officially worried. This was the girl, who would be his replacement, he was sure of it. He must do something to win favor with the Council and soon. He could prove his worth and how experience and wisdom outweigh innocence and youth. He would prove himself if he had to work himself to the bone.
The Next morning Vaughn was in his office working hours before anyone showed up. By 9:00 he had Judy walking into his office.
“I’m sorry to bother you sir, but Mr. King is here for your 9:00 appointment.”
He forgot all about his meeting with Malik King. Malik was a huge annoyance to him, but one who had to be dealt with very carefully. Malik knew far more than was comfortable. Loose-cannons like that could cause some major damage, and Malik wasn’t silent about the problems he thought resided within the Ministry.
“Yes Judy please send him in.”
A few moments later in walked Malik, looking upset and Vaughn knew this wasn’t just a social call.
“Malik, it’s great to see you, how have you been?” he said with the most sincere smile he could muster. If people would just leave him alone and let him run his country his job would be so much easier.
“I’m alright Vaughn, how are Eden and the kids?”
“Good, good. What can I help you with today?” Vaughn didn’t believe in chit chat, especially about his family. Home life is to remain at home; he had a country to run.
“Honestly Vaughn I am here because we have a problem on our hands. More and more people are talking about the problems with the Ministry. A lot of people who used to work for or whose loved ones worked for the Ministry have some very valid concerns. Mainly the monitoring has gotten out of hand. A few think the trooper’s jobs are much too dangerous. Another man was sent home in a body bag and the families aren’t allowed to know why or what happened. We need to be more open with the people Connor, you know something needs to change.”
Every time they got together it was the same old story.
“Malik, you know nothing can change. I’m sorry for that man’s family, but what happens as a trooper can’t be discussed, they knew that when he signed up. And the monitoring is a necessity if our country is to run flawlessly like it has for years. “
Malik was frowning and shaking his head. “I understand that, but there has got to be a better way. People are getting angry at the Ministry, and if you aren’t careful another uprising could be in the future.” This instantly caught Vaughn’s attention. Another uprising would ruin their country, and could not take place while he was President. He could never come back from that. Malik must have picked up on his panic because he continued.
“So many of the workers from the Ministry are upset because of how much they have to keep from their spouses. Everything is so secretive, and they don’t feel it is what the founders intended.”
“That is neither here nor there. We have the rules we have for a reason. What is it they want?”
“They want freedom, they want to be honest with the people, and they don’t want to be monitored all of the time.”
“That is impossible Malik, you know that.”
“What if you give us a small portion of land and guarantee that no monitoring would occur and the rules of the Ministry wouldn’t affect them? I think they would be willing to leave peacefully.”
A small smile played on Vaughn’s lips. He could kill two birds with one stone. He could get rid of this before it became a problem, and he could prove to the Council that he was invaluable.
“I think we can work something out. I will get started on it immediately.”
Malik was stunned that Vaughn actually listened to him. He instantly suspected something wasn’t right. Vaughn had proven to be a man of his word, but was also known only to look out for his best interests. Malik shook his hand and left.
Vaughn instantly called a meeting with the Council. And as soon as he entered he filled them in on the talk with Malik. He talked up the rebellion and made it sound as if an uprising was a little more immediate than it was, but by the time he was finished with his pitch the Council was completely on board. “What is your plan to fix this problem?” Peter asked him.
“They have asked for some land where there is no monitoring or rules of the Ministry. I plan to give them this land, and make sure the gates are locked and once they go into the compound they aren’t allowed to leave. They will be cut off from the Ministry and no longer have any benefits as such. They will have to work the land and make do on their own. If they survive they will be out of our hair and not our worry any longer, if they don’t survive we still don’t have to worry about another uprising. It is a win, win,” he said with his smooth smile firmly in place.
Annabelle looked at him skeptically. Something wasn’t sitting right with her. “Malik already approved of this plan?”
“In fact, it was his idea.” Vaughn said.
The Council all had surprised looks on their faces, but if that was what the Ex. President wanted and thought was best he would know better than anyone the cost an uprising would have on the country.
“Very well, we will put it to a vote.” Seamus said.
They went around the room and everyone voted for the banning except Annabelle and Samuel. They both didn’t trust Vaughn as far as they could throw him and they couldn’t pass anything this serious without first talking to Malik, but since the other members all voted to pass it, the ban passed. Vaughn stood up smiling like the cat that caught the cannery. As he was leaving Annabelle thought there was definitely something in it for him. She hoped they didn’t just make a huge mistake.
After taking a train, riding a motorized scooter and traveling for several hours, we finally pull up to the Outcast territory. There is an electric fence surrounding the compound that must be solar-powered. Two guards are walking the perimeter, and they approached us as we came to a stop. Masters tells me to stay put while he checks things out. I do as he says since I am not really sure what I am getting myself into. He talks to the two guards for several minutes, and then he motions to me and heads over to check the perimeter himself. A man comes to the gate and talks to Masters for several minutes. Just as I am trying to figure out what is being said, one of the guards approached me.
“President Thatcher, my name is Ryan Holder. It is nice to meet you. I am one of the daytime guards of the perimeter. The other guard over there is Seth Conrad.” He points to where the other man is standing.
“It’s nice to meet you, Mr. Holder. You will be seeing much more of me over the next few weeks or so. Has there been anyone else out here in the last few months?” Holder shakes his head. “No, Miss, just Conrad and myself. We switch guard duty with Trev and Mike who are the night guards, but other than the four of us, it has been quiet and deserted.”
“I see…and the people?” I motion to the people inside the gate.
“They have been fine, Miss. We never have any problems with them. Very nice lot, they are. Sometimes they come over to the fence to talk a bit, but never for anything of importance. They seem a bit curious now that you are here though.” He was right. I look over and the fence is lined with people looking at me. I imagine they don’t know who I am since I’m pretty sure they haven’t even seen a girl out on this side of the fence before.
“Have you been here long, Mr. Holder?” He looks too young to have been a guard for a long time. He seems just barely older than Jeff Adams, although the resemblance stops there. Holder is huge in size with all his muscles, and he looks downright scary. However, he appears to be friendly enough so looks can be deceiving.
“I’ve only been here for a year Miss, Masters likes to keep the guards fresh. After this, I will be moving on to prison guard.” He says this with pride and I wonder if he has ever been to a prison. Masters starts to walk back over to us and gives Holder a brief nod. “It is nice to meet you, President Thatcher. It is time for me to get back to my post.” And off he goes before I can even utter a reply.
“Already scaring the children off, Masters?” I ask him as he approaches. He gives me a slight smirk and says, “Are you sure you want to do this?” That’s all he has to voice out to remind me that this isn’t a social call, and all joking fades away and dread takes its place. “Yes, I’m sure.”
Masters nods his understanding. “Do you want to just talk to someone who knows what it going on, or do you actually want to tour the compound itself?” I give him a disapproving look. He knows very well I will not be happy until I can turn the place inside out. I don’t have to say a word; my face says it all.
“Just as I thought. Ok, well we are wasting daylight by just standing around. I will introduce you to Malik. They don’t have a leader, but if they had one, it would be him. You can trust whatever he says to you.”
This catches me by surprise and instantly I know that Masters knows more than he is letting on. Then I remember how comfortable he seemed talking to him. “You know him.”
It is not a question, but Masters nods anyway. “Yes, I’ve known him for a long time now, and that’s all I’m allowed to say. As for anything else, Malik can tell you himself if he so chooses. Before we enter, Roz, you need to know that no one has ever been in here before.”
I look at him in shock. That can’t be true. “No one at all? Not even Vaughn or the Council?” Masters shakes his head.
“No. Vaughn came out once just after he passed the law, and once he saw it was running efficiently, he never came back. Even then, he never stepped a foot inside. The people are happy though. They don’t feel the need to escape so we never had any reason to enter. Part of the ban is that nobody is allowed to leave once they enter. The only reason you are excused is because you are the President. Only the people you order to enter may leave. If they come by choice, they are no longer allowed to leave. Do you understand, Roz?”
I nod my head yes because I understand his words, but I do not and will not understand how someone can pass a law and then never follow up with the people. How can the Council enforce something without ever seeing it? And that sparked a question, “Are there cameras in the compound?”
“None. That was part of the agreement. They won’t leave as long as they are completely free of the Ministry and their rules.”
“So the Council really has no clue as to what goes on or what type of people they have banned?” Masters does not reply, but there’s no need for him to do so. “Well, I’d say it’s about time we know what is going on. Are you coming?” I ask him with a challenge in my voice.
“Is that an order?” He challenges back. I am about to tell him to stay here if he doesn’t have the guts, but I remember what he mentioned about only people who are ordered are allowed to leave. So I rephrase my question: “Masters, I would like for you to accompany me into the compound for my safety reasons; however, if you feel uncomfortable at all by this, say it now.”
A wide grin spread across his face. “What a quick learner you are. Yes, Miss President, I feel comfortable with being your protection. You have to scan us in since you are the only one with access. Then you must type in my code to show that I am with you.” I nod and start to do as he instructed. Within seconds, the light flashes green on the handle and the gate starts to open. Because of that, everyone wants to see why the gate opens after so long and just who is entering this forsaken place.
“Back up everyone, give them room to enter. Everything is alright. Everyone, meet in the common area and I will introduce our guests shortly.” The man speaking is the same one that I had seen talking to Masters before.
This must be Malik
.
The people instantly listen to him once they know there isn’t a threat. They all start moving towards what I’m guessing is the common area. I take some time to study Malik. He isn’t a big man, but his body is full of muscles, those of a man who works the land every day. He has dark skin with deep dark eyes and is taller than me, but quite a bit shorter than Masters. He looks friendly and open, but I can see reservation in his eyes.
“Ah, so you must be the President Rosaline Thatcher that Masters has told me about. It is a pleasure to meet you, my dear. My name is Malik.”
I accept his extended hand and return his firm handshake. “It’s very nice to meet you too Malik…?” He can tell I am waiting for a last name, but he just smiles widely and gives out a small chuckle.
“It’s just Malik. We don’t go by last names here, only first names, nicknames or whatever you choose to go by. We don’t live in the past; we only look toward the future.”
“I see. My father would hate it here.” I blurt out before I can stop myself. This triggers Malik to raise an eyebrow and look at Masters. “He is a history professor at the University.” Masters fills in for him.
“Ah, I see. Yes, I don’t imagine he would like it here at all then. Miss Rosaline, our community is open to you. Masters tells me you have a lot of questions, as you should, but before we get started, I would like to lay some ground rules, if that’s alright with you?” This man is a complete enigma. He acts as if he is carefree and has all the time in the world, but leadership, confidence and a certain amount of intelligence radiate off of him. There is more than meets the eye when it comes to this man.
“Of course, I am coming into your home, and I will be happy to follow your rules.” He smiles and seems to be very happy with my answer when I decide to add: “Within reason, of course.”
This makes him let out a deep laugh as he says, “Of course.”
“We are a peaceful and honest people, Miss. We don’t hide anything from each other and we strive to always be upfront and honest. We don’t keep secrets from one another, even with the children. With that being said, we will make all those things known to you as well, as long as I have your word that nothing will be used against us. The pact made with Vaughn needs to stand.”
I completely understand where his unease comes from. Nobody has been here since the community started, and now all of a sudden a new president comes in, and I know that it’s bound to shake people up.
“Let me assure you, sir, that I bring no harm to you or your people. I’m going to be completely upfront with you about why I am here.” Masters offers me a “be careful” look.
I give him a slight nod and continue talking. “I’m here because I feel it is my duty as President of United America to know what is happening with all of the people in my country. I have only held this position for a little over a month and I have not been aware of your existence until today.” This makes Malik’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
“You came here as soon as you found out about us?” Malik asks with surprise and approval in his voice.
“Yes, sir. I have many questions, but mostly I want to understand you and your people. I’m in the dark when it comes to everything that is going on here and I want to do everything in my power to continue the unity and peace that our country is known for.” Again, surprise flashes crossed his face.
“You want to understand us and bring peace and unity, is that it?” I am not sure why he seems so skeptical, but I’m sure it is founded based on his past encounters, or I guess lack thereof, with the Ministry.
“Exactly. I promise I don’t intend any harm to your community. I’d like to observe and interact with you and everyone else and get a better idea of how things work here. This trip is unplanned, but if it is alright with all of you, I would like to stay for a while.” My statement elucidates shock from both Malik and Masters. Malik’s look is followed up with approval again, but Masters looks furious.
“And the Council approves of this adventure?” Malik asks almost skeptically. Now that is odd. Even the people in the Ministry rarely ever ask about the Council, and no one out of the Ministry has ever mentioned them. I study him for a moment, but his face revealed nothing so I decide to answer his question.
"I find it much easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” At this, Malik throws his head back and starts laughing.
“Oh yes, you will do very Well, Miss Rosaline.”
“Please call me Roz.” I can feel Masters’ intense stare, but I refuse to look back at him.
Malik picks up on the awkwardness and says, “I need to run it by everyone first to make sure that nobody has any problems with it, and I will let you know. I’m sure everyone will be just as happy to have you as I am, Roz.” He goes off to join the others while I turn to Masters to get what I know was going to be a good old scolding out of the way.
“Go ahead and yell at me, I know that you want to. “ Masters just glares down at me.
“Are you honestly thinking of staying here? You know why you can’t, Rosaline. The Council won’t allow it.”
“Masters, I go around visiting prisons for two weeks. Of course I’m going to do the same with these people. I have to. You know better than most why it is so important that I find the answers. Do you really think the Council is going to give me honest answers? They didn’t even tell me that these people existed. And why do you think that is? They are hiding something, and right now I’m safer here than I am with the Council.” He seems to consider that for a moment, and he knows that I am right. However, knowing Masters, he isn’t just going to give in.
“You may have a point, Roz, but it isn’t smart to charge in here with a point to prove. You have every right to be upset with the Council; I’m upset with them too, but you need to think this through. Come back with me. I will clear my schedule and we can plan for a trip back here, but we will do it right.” What he is saying is valid, but I also know that if I go back, there is a good chance the Council will forbid me from coming back.
“I can’t take that chance, Masters. You know just as well as I do that if I go back and the Council forbids me, I will be stuck with many more questions than before, but still no answers. I will not ask you to stay here. In fact, I’m going to order you to leave. I need them to see me as one of them.” He clearly does not like that answer and is about to open his mouth to tell me so but I put my hand up to stop him. “It is very rare that I pull rank on you, Kevin, but you know that when I do, it is for the best. You have trusted my instincts up until this point and I need you to trust them again now. I trusted you by telling you that I know something is wrong. The Council is either playing me or hiding things from me, and I can’t run a country on lies. As the person in charge of our Country’s safety, you know better than to ask me to continue to do so. I appreciate your concern, I really do, but please support me on this,” I'm almost begging him. Master nods.
“I will always back you up, Roz, always. I know you are doing what you think is best, but I don’t like leaving you here alone. I trust Malik and a few others I know who will not bring you harm, but I don’t know everyone and that makes me uneasy. I just plain don’t like it.”
“I know you don’t. I’m sorry to leave you feeling uneasy, but I promise I can look out for myself. I still remember those self-defense techniques and I’m going to have you send Wesley to me tomorrow. He doesn’t do well with change and the fact that I left without telling him is going to throw him for a loop. I’d like you to ask him to bring me some casual clothes and the necessities. He can check on me or you can come back with him and see for yourself that I am fine. I will message Judy from here and let her know that I will be out of the office for a while. You can message me at any time to check in and tell Natasha that she is free to do the same, ok?”