Night Beyond The Night (35 page)

Wait. Hope.

Not think about Jade.

Not remember with every agonizing detail what it had been like . . . every touch, taste, sound . . . the warm silk of her skin, the fresh lemony-Jade smell, the heavy weight of her hair. Hair that she’d shaved in defiance of Preston . . . the man who would soon have her in his possession again.

Thanks in part to Luke of the mega-fucking-crystal. A wash of red glazed his vision for a moment. He was going to kill Luke when he was done here.

There would be an innocent little trip to Greenside, where he’d scan and heal Della . . . and then he’d fucking shake Luke’s hand, beat the living shit out of him, and leave the bastard to die somewhere alone. Where the
gangas
wouldn’t even find him, so it would be long and slow and agonizing. . . .

Elliott flattened his lips, pulling out of the fantasy, uneasy with how quickly his thoughts had moved along that trail. Yet the desire lingered, deep and dark.

For what punishment, what law enforcement was there in this world?

He looked at Theo. “I’m going after Luke Bagadasian when we’re done here. I’ll bring him back to Envy, to Rogan, or whoever . . . but he’s got to pay for what he did to Jade, selling her out.” He’d even had a picture of her in his desk, Elliott remembered. Likely to help identify her to the Strangers.

Theo met his eyes and shook his head regretfully. “There are law enforcement and security guards that keep order in Envy,” he said, seeming to choose his words carefully as much from weariness as thought, “but outside . . . well, it is a little like the Wild West. There’s no far-reaching authority, no real governing body over all of the little settlements. That’s one thing Rogan’s trying to do—to create some sort of system of marshals and law enforcement. It’s difficult, too, with the added threat of the Strangers and their hold over us.” His eyes were dark and very sober. “It’s a different world we live in. Very . . . gray.”

Elliott looked away. Did that mean each man was a law unto himself? That if he wanted justice, he must mete it out on his own? He looked at his hands. Healing hands. Not murdering ones.

He drew in a deep breath. One thing at a time. Jade first. Always.

“So can you use your energy for things like . . . well, like if we run out of gas in this thing?” Elliott asked, changing the subject. He realized with a shock that he’d never noticed the gas gauge since they left Envy. That would just be about right if they ran out of gas halfway to Hemps Point.

Theo nodded. “In some cases, but not for an extended time.”

“Good to know.”

They waited another three or four minutes, then Theo stuck his hand back into the brick and turned on the router again. Moments later, he’d connected once again and Sage, efficient as she was, had the information ready so that it came through almost as if they were on a live chat.

Ur amazing. Tx. Have bks 4 u. Back soon
.

Elliott almost—
almost
—felt guilty reading that over his shoulder, though the exchange wasn’t really that intimate. Still. Though the words were innocuous, the expression on Theo’s face said it all: he was just as desperate to return to this woman as Elliott was to find Jade.

He saw Sage’s return message:
Help’s coming. Tell Elliott: Simon, Wyatt, Fence. On their way to Hemps Point
.

Theo replied:
Sage U rock my wrld. Hi to L
.

And then, as if bidding a final farewell, he unplugged himself slowly from the brick, face white and tight, his mouth so flat the little bristles of his soul patch stuck straight out. “Let’s get the hell going and hope we can do this.”

Elliott had no reason to argue.

Sage’s directions were clear and explicit, and by the time the sun had settled just above the horizon, Elliott and Theo saw the sparkle of the ocean beyond the low rise of a hill. Near the shore, which bumped out into a little point, was a large structure that at first glimpse looked like a small island with a house on it.

They’d made it without running out of gas, but the humvee was low on fuel. Elliott had a feeling he was going to need Theo’s energy to get them far away from there . . . if they made it out safely.

Parking the vehicle inside an old McDonald’s—which had huge drive-in holes where a play area had once been—Elliott once again secreted the keys for a quick escape.

“What’s the plan?” asked Theo, digging through his pack. He pulled out the books for Sage, and a few other items that didn’t appear to have any bearing on his electronics or their capabilities, and left them on the floor of the truck.

“Find Jade, find the kids, get the fuck out of there,” Elliott said, already knowing it wouldn’t be that easy. “If we get separated, you go for the kids. I’m not leaving without Jade.”

Theo met his eyes with clear blue ones, like Lou’s . . . but younger. Hard to comprehend they were twins, but for those eyes and the way their mouths moved when deep in thought. “Deal.”

“Uh . . . there’s one other thing you should know,” Elliott said as they got out of the humvee. “I’ve got my own super power.” He explained the situation, ending with, “So if something happens, and I touch someone to heal them . . .
don’t touch me
.”

“Holy pups,” Theo said. “And I thought my problem sucked.”

“Not nearly as much as mine.” Elliott bared his teeth in a humorless smile. “First things first . . . let’s stake out the place.”

He didn’t think anyone would have seen the vehicle approaching, for the terrain was ripe with trees and tall grasses, and lots of buildings. A state highway must have passed through here, and settled in a small town, for there were fast-food places, stores, and gas stations galore—plenty of structures that had once held the essence of America.

As they drew closer, Elliott realized it was not an island, but some sort of floating platform. The building on it had three rows of windows and was long and low and white, with balconies that circled it at every level. It looked a little like a square cruise ship plopped on top of a low, compact aircraft carrier.

Other than the houseboat, there were no other water vehicles.

“That’s got to be the boat,” he whispered to Theo. “They’re going to put the cargo—the kids—on there, if they haven’t already, and take the whole damn thing. It’s big enough.”

“Nothing like traveling in style,” Theo said.

Elliott noticed two other humvees parked inside a large structure with an entire wall missing, and hoped that one of the vehicles was the one Jade had been transported in. “That way,” he said, pointing to the right, where a whole line of trees shaded an old road that led down to the water. There didn’t appear to be any guards or watchtowers, or anything to suggest that the houseboat was protected.
Bold bastards
.

But then again, what did they have to fear? They had engineered the destruction of the whole damn world. They were immortal. They had the advantage of power and secrecy. Why would they expect anyone to know or even care about a small little houseboat fifty miles from Envy or any other human settlement?

Elliott and Theo cruised along the ridge of trees, keeping out of sight but moving quickly. By the time they got close enough to see a single person standing on the deck of the houseboat, another humvee had approached.

Dodging inside an old garage, Elliott and Theo watched as the humvee pulled up and a single man got out. Luke Bagadasian.

Elliott tensed, wanting nothing more than to spring out and throttle the man . . . but he remained still, watching. Waiting.

Just then, he felt something behind him. Reaching for his knife, he spun to find Ian Marck standing in the doorway of the garage.

“I’ve been expecting you,” said Ian, who was, of course, pointing a gun at them. “I confess, you arrived much sooner than I’d anticipated, but it’s no matter. We’re all here together now, and I’m in need of your skills.” He was looking at Elliott. “You’re a healer.”

Elliott nodded slowly, keeping his eyes on the gun. Next to him, Theo had stilled as well. Elliott’s mind was working quickly. Ian Marck had been expecting them to come, and he knew he was a healer. Why hadn’t he forced Elliott along when he took Jade? Because he didn’t know of his skills, or because he didn’t want anyone else to know? The fact that Ian had accosted them alone, without backup, supported the latter theory.

“If you want my help, I need something in return,” Elliott replied. He’d declined to raise his hands, and instead met the eyes of his opponent directly.

“You must be under the wrong impression if you think you’re in the position to bargain,” Ian said. “You’re the one looking down the barrel of the gun.”

“And you’re the one who is in need of a healer. Obviously, it’s your last hope, or you wouldn’t be so desperate,” Elliott replied.

Ian’s face turned even more rigid, and his eyes filled with antipathy. He looked as if he’d like nothing better than to plow a fist into Elliott’s face. “I can’t give you Diana.”

Jade
. “Is she hurt? At least tell me that, and then we’ll talk.”

Ian cocked the weapon. “Maybe I’ll just shoot your friend here, and then you’ll see how serious I am.”

“You could try that. But I might get in the way, and if that happens, then I’m of no use to you.” Elliott’s heart pounded steadily. He felt like he had the upper hand and he meant to keep it. “Now, Jade—Diana. Is she hurt? Is she with Preston?”

“She’s not hurt. As far as I know. Preston was delighted with my father’s gift.” Ian’s mouth moved in a humorless smile, yet anxiety rolled off him like sweat on an athlete’s back. Whatever he needed Elliott for, he was desperate.

“Is she here?”

“Under heavy guard. Preston’s not about to let her escape again. That’s why I can’t help you there. Even for this.”

“The slaves, then. Are they here?” Elliott asked.

“They’re in the hold below.” Ian’s eyes narrowed as if he knew what was coming.

Elliott nodded. “All right. Here’s my deal. You let my friend get onto the boat and tell him where the slaves are . . . and I’ll do whatever I can for you.”

“And if not?”

Elliott shrugged. “I’ll walk away and you’ll be forced to shoot me or let me go. Either way won’t help you.”

“Or you,” Ian pointed out.

Elliott shrugged, concentrating on keeping an unconcerned demeanor. “If you want my help, those are my conditions. Take it or leave it.”

Ian didn’t seem to have to struggle for long. Whatever he was after must be of great importance. “I’ll take you both there, but he’s on his own getting the kids out. After that, if you don’t uphold your end of the bargain, I’ll put a bullet in your head.”

You probably will even if I do
.

“And I’ll make sure Diana sees what’s left of you.”

Elliott blanked his mind. One thing at a time. He’d do what he could, then figure out his next step. At least if Theo got the kids out, he could always come back for Jade, now that they knew she was here.

Wyatt, Fence, and Simon would be here soon, too, God willing—a fact that Ian couldn’t know. If Theo could make it out with the kids, there’d be an even better chance with the four of them coming back in for Jade. Even if Elliott was . . . indisposed.

He looked at Theo, who nodded. “It’s a deal,” he said. “Let’s go.”

Inside the houseboat, water flowed everywhere, circling the house from top to bottom, running through what Elliott had thought were balconies but instead were the levels of a giant waterfall. Water flowed up from inside the center of the structure and spilled over the top, running down and around in slender little canals.

True to his word, Ian marched them down two levels into the deepest, darkest part of the houseboat. They’d passed by the one man who stood on the deck, with Ian giving no explanation for their presence. Obviously, he answered to no one but Raul and Preston, neither of whom made an appearance.

“Behind that door,” said Ian, pointing to a small padlocked door at the end of the hall. The sounds of sobbing and wailing eked through the heavy wood. Ian looked at Theo. “You’re on your own. This is it from me.”

Elliott grabbed Theo’s wrist—the first time he’d touched him skin to skin—and Theo took his in a good-luck handshake.

“See you on the other side,” Theo said.

Elliott turned and went to fulfill his part of the bargain, knowing that he had just given those teenagers their best chance of escape. That was all he could do for them, for now.

“My darling Diana.”

The familiar voice, laced with kindness, cut through her. She turned slowly, heart pounding, stomach roiling. Her head still ached from the blow that had knocked her out for the trip here.

He stood in the doorway, unchanged from the last time she’d seen him, more than three years ago. Tall and slender, shiny dark hair growing from that pointed widow’s peak, today pulled back into a short tail, and thin red lips curving in a gentle smile. Preston was a handsome man, with elegant, aristocratic features. In an abhorrent mimicry of a gentle lover, he carried a wine bottle and two glasses, as if in celebration.

But his eyes. Those gray eyes scored over her, hard as flint, delving into her. She felt ill, felt her head grow light and the room tilt.

“What? No greeting for me?” He’d stepped into the room and closed the door behind him. “Or do you only answer to the name Jade now?” He set the glasses on the table and began to pour the ruby colored wine.

She’d been expecting . . . dreading . . . this moment ever since their arrival here at Preston’s floating residence. She’d just hoped it wouldn’t happen this soon. She hadn’t even had a chance to try and find out about the teenagers, although a snatched bit of conversation indicated that “the cargo” was ready and on board.

They were getting ready to launch—early.

Elliott. He had to be on his way. She knew he would move mountains to get here. But if the boat left early, he’d never find her.

She drew in a deep breath. Preston had to give the order to launch. If he was here with her, he wasn’t giving orders.

He continued, his quiet voice so soft and caring. “I couldn’t believe it when I got word from the Marcks that they’d found you. Although I’d never really believed you were dead, it was a most pleasant surprise to find that you were not only alive . . . but in their custody. And then when I learned they’d brought you back here. To where we’d lived in such harmony.” He sipped from his wine, watching her over the rim.