The Torrent (The New Agenda Series Book 4) (10 page)

19

C
ouncil had been
in deliberations for almost two days. Grace walked around the containment room, grateful to be out of the lounger. When James heard that Faraday had been keeping her strapped in the chair, he had a cot delivered to the room.

Faraday had really dug himself into a hole. She laughed quietly, remembering his look of anguish when James took the floor. Their ongoing discord was no secret, but witnessing their contention firsthand gave her hope that Faraday wouldn’t get what he wanted. President James Jordan was a man of honor.

Grace had spent time with James on a few occasions, during trips to the city with her mother. Ava and James had developed a strong relationship in the transition years, and maintained their friendship by working together to keep the peace between Insiders and Outsiders. Ava was the President’s inside track on the Outside.

It hadn’t always been harmonious between the two. Ava would tell stories about how her former partner match acted prior to the walls coming down. James had a relentless drive to become the next King of Los Angeles, often at Ava’s expense. But after the walls came down and there wasn’t a throne to succeed, they had worked out their differences. With Ava’s help, James learned to channel his ambition in a more positive direction. He was a busy man, yet he always made sure to ask Grace how she was doing with her sword fighting. She promised herself she’d go back to it after she was released and sent back home to Ojai. She’d sharpen her skills and get strong again, knowing another battle would come.

And she would be going home. Faraday had lost the upper hand because he lacked foresight. The only person he seemed to have on his side was President Sullivan. She wondered why the woman had such a special interest in Faraday. Grace wasn’t too worried; the council was in her favor. Nobody, not even Sullivan, wanted to be associated with the old ways. Faraday should have thought that one through more thoroughly.

The door to Room 4011 opened and Blythe stepped in. Grace gave her friend a big uncomfortable hug. It was her testimony that altered the direction of the trial.

“You’re the best.”

Blythe maintained her hard shell. “Please don’t get all weird and mushy.”

“Shucks, I thought we reached a new level of friendship. I was going to move Marion over to make room for you, my new best friend.”

Blythe rolled her eyes, a slight grin tugging her lips. Deep down the warrior had soft spot.

“To what do I owe this honor,
Officer
Ballesteros? I have to admit, it was strange hearing the council address you like that, but it suits you. You’re still a little loose around the edges, though.”

“You’re just jealous.”

Grace shrugged, knowing there was some truth to that. “It’s been two days. Are they still deliberating?”

“Yeah. It’ll probably go another day. Those council ass-wads like to sling around a lot of bullshit.”

“People do love to hear the sound of their own voices.”

“What are you gonna do when you get released?”

“Go back to Ojai. Don’t have much of a choice. I can’t stay up here. And I definitely can’t go back to the academy.”

Blythe let out a cackle. “Yeah, you really slated your fate with that piece of roadkill. Faraday will never let you back in. He’s such a pompous dick-bag.”

“We’re being monitored.”

“You could’ve mentioned that, Grunt.”

“I kinda like watching you put your gigantic foot in your mouth. Brings back memories.”

Blythe lightly punched Grace’s arm and they laughed.

“I gotta get back to my station. You need anything?” Blythe asked.

“I’m sure you would’ve told me, but …” Grace took a breath and let it out slowly. “Any news on my mom? I’ve been having a lot of dreams about her lately. I feel like she’s close, or something.”

Blythe shook her head.

Grace didn’t want to get upset, but she was worried about leaving the city center, leaving her mother behind. “Why can’t these so-called experts track any digital footprints? Even an amateur like me was able to locate Morray.”

“That was different, Grace. He planted those footprints. That was part of his plan to get your mother where she is now.”

Grace felt a pang of guilt. “Thanks to me, she’s stuck in there.”

“At least she’s still alive. I keep checking on her. A few times a day.”

“You’re good, Blythe. I know it curls your insides to hear it, but it’s true. The only reason she’s alive is because of you.”

Blythe pulled back her broad shoulders and lifted her chin proudly. “The only reason both of you are alive is because of me.”

“And one day I’ll make it up to you.”

“You got a shit-ton of making up to do. Seems like I’m always savin’ your ass, Combrat.”

“I miss it,” Grace said.

“What?”

“Sword fighting. The academy. All of it.”

Blythe walked to the door. “I’m sure you do. You were the best.”

“Wait! Did you just give me a compliment?” Grace yelled.

Blythe stepped into the hallway and gave Grace the finger as the door slid shut.

20

D
eliberations continued. Most
members of council agreed that Grace should be released and sent back to Ojai. Two people strongly believed she deserved at least a temporary containment sentence, which is why they were still in discussions. Nothing would be decided until all twenty members were in agreement. Since Faraday wasn’t on the council, he sat off on the sidelines and watched. He didn’t want to be anywhere near the conference room that morning, but Sullivan had insisted.

President James Jordan addressed the group. “How about we agree to disagree?” he said, dark circles shadowing his eyes. “I’m willing to put to vote that Grace be held in containment for a four-week period, after which she will return to Ojai. I believe that’s a fair compromise.”

Before anyone could contribute their opinion, the door burst open and a group of heavily armed natives rushed into the conference room. The members froze.

President Jordan rose immediately. “What is the meaning of this?” But before he could ask another question, a burly native covered in tattoos lobbed a spear into James’ chest. He let out a muffled cry and fell to the ground.

Council members scrambled, ducking behind chairs or rolling under the table. Faraday sank to the floor, using the conference table as a shield. Sullivan huddled next to him, horror painted on her plastic face.

President Jordan looked at Faraday with milky eyes and reached a hand out. Faraday shrank back and the hand dropped with a thud.

Screams filled the room as the natives shot arrows and lodged spears at the astonished members. Blood and gore splattered across the floor, table, and windows. Councilwoman Conklin pressed an alarm just as the tattooed man dove down and slit open her neck with his dagger. Sullivan shrieked and moved closer to Faraday, digging her long nails into his hands.

General Joseph Strader and Officer Lucas West barreled into the room with their weapons aimed. They began firing at the natives. Joseph hit one square between the eyes and the man dropped hard. He fired at another man who was about to cut a woman’s throat, only grazing his shoulder. Lucas stepped in and finished him off, then rapidly fired more rounds into a man about to release an arrow into Joseph’s back.

The man with tattoos jumped up, aiming his arrow at Lucas. Joseph darted into the line of fire and the arrow thrust into his throat. He dropped to the floor, blood gushing from the wound. Lucas emitted a shocked cry, falling to his knees and putting pressure on Joseph’s neck. The tattooed man swooped down and took him to the ground. The two wrestled around until the man stabbed Lucas in the eye, removing the blade with a sickening slurp, before slashing the Officer’s neck. Joseph lifted his gun and fired off his last rounds, hitting the tattooed man’s back before he collapsed. Lucas dragged himself over to Joseph, his knees mopping up his own trail of blood.

Lucas held Joseph’s head. “We need you, sir. Please hang on.”

His fingers pinched the arrow, trying to break it off and stop the blood flow with one hand, while also applying pressure to his own wound. After a few labored breaths, Joseph closed his eyes. Lucas made a futile attempt to pump his chest, trying to revive the man he honored and respected––the man so many people admired––but it was too late. He was gone.

21

A
loud, buzzing alarm
and bright flashing lights screeched throughout the containment room. Grace shot out of bed––her warrior instincts blazing. A voice came over the intercom. “Warning. There has been a breach. Warning. There has been a breach.”

What the hell did that mean? An attack? The lights continued flashing and the buzzing grew louder. The door opened and Miss Adams and her sidekick Miss Parker raced into the room. Miss Parker held the wand way too close to Grace’s neck.

“What’s going on?” she yelled.

“You’ve really done it this time!” Miss Adams shouted over the alarm.

“What are you talking about? I haven’t left this room.”

Miss Adams yanked Grace closer, slapped the containment bands around her wrists, and shoved her into the hallway. Grace stumbled, but Miss Adams pushed her forward.

“Where are you taking me?”

“No more out of you!” Miss Adams yelled.

“Please don’t make me use this.” Miss Parker held up the wand, itching to use the thing.

“You can’t just drag me down the hall. I have rights!” Grace shouted.

And with that, Miss Parker plunged the silver wand into Grace’s neck. Massive electrical jolts shocked through her body, causing her to convulse and black out.

*

“Wake up.” A male’s voice echoed.

“Where am I?” Grace mumbled, blinking her eyes open.

A spotlight bore into her eyes. She squinted under the blinding light, trying to grasp her surroundings. They had moved her from the containment room into a glass cell with thick unbreakable panels. Slowly, she stood up and peered to the silhouette standing in front of the containment cell.

“Faraday,” she said.

“We’ve moved you to a more secure location.”

“Why? I thought the council was finishing deliberations today. It sounded like they were preparing to release me.”

“That was before the attack.”

Grace’s insides stiffened. “What attack?”

“Don’t play dumb with me, child. We know you concocted the incursion. It’s clear your goal was to get the entire West Coast Regional Council to the Seattle City Center. Once everyone was gathered in one location, your terrorist natives from the Outside could attack. You told the natives that getting rid of the council would keep the city walls intact.”

Grace shook her head, vehemently opposing the lies he spun. She’d never turn against her people. And the natives weren’t capable of doing something so outrageous. They wanted to protect their land, but they’d never go up against the city––it’d be a catastrophic error. The natives would rather migrate to a new location than start a war they’d lose. Faraday’s accusation was ludicrous.

“No way. First of all, how would they even get into the center? They don’t have the technology. Second of all, they’d never do something so stupid.”

“They got in with your help. The entire time you were on the Outside, you were plotting to take down the council. You knew you couldn’t convince the council to keep the city closed. So you did what you do best––broke the law and worked with Outside rebels,” Faraday insisted. “You procured a solar-copter and taught them how to operate it. And you gave them the access codes to enter the city. Then you exposed the child to a virus, thus giving you a reason to return to the city, knowing we’d detain you. You knew there’d be a trial with all twenty members of council. Your plan
almost
worked.”

“This is bullshit and you know it. I’d never attack my own people. Neither would the natives. Not in a million years.”

“Listen to you. Sticking up for them. You, Miss Strader, are a traitor to this city, and to your people.”

“You’re a desperate liar who’d do anything to distract the council from the truth. You’re making this up to keep me locked away so you can get to Christian. I want to speak to someone on the council. I demand that you get President Jordan. You can’t keep me locked in here without the council’s consent!”

Faraday stepped closer, standing inches from Grace. Only the glass panel stood between them. “Your appalling acts have caused unforgivable damage. Terrorists don’t have rights. You don’t get to make demands.”

“I had nothing to do with this alleged attack. I’ve been in containment for days.”

“Like I said, you’ve been planning this for months. Getting caught was part of your strategy. While you were standing trial, the natives executed your plan. And because of you, lives were lost.” Faraday scowled.

“You’re a pathetic old man and you won’t get away with this.”

He chuckled. “If anyone isn’t getting away with something, it’s you. You’re a disgrace.” He laughed some more. “Get it, dis
grace
.”

Maybe it was a mind control tactic Faraday used on his victims. He couldn’t be satisfied with sending her back to Ojai; he had to make sure she’d be out of the picture for good. With her out of the way, Faraday could say or do whatever he wanted. She wondered if anyone else knew she was locked inside a containment cell. The air grew stuffy and she struggled to breathe.

“Nobody will believe these ridiculous allegations. I don’t even believe there was an attack.”

“You’ve already proven that you’re reckless and impulsive. There are ten people in the intensive care unit and four dead. You won’t be in this cell very long. As soon as the remaining council members have recovered, they’ll vote for your termination. Our government doesn’t tolerate terrorist murderers.”

“I’m not a murderer!”

“The attack you plotted took the lives of President Jordan, Councilwoman Conklin, Councilman Sheridan.” He fiddled with a button on his suit jacket. “
And
your father, General Joseph Strader.”

A chill settled in Grace’s bones. “How can you say such horrible lies? I don’t believe a single word. If you don’t get my father in here now, I promise to make you pay the rest of your life.”

Faraday took out his digi-pad and keyed in some instructions. The glass cell illuminated with visual images.

“Call me a liar, but this attack happened. Take a look at the footage.” Faraday stood back, while Grace watched.

High above the Administrative Building, one of the panels of the city center opened and a rope ladder dropped down. A group of people––appearing to be natives, based on their clothing and weapons––descended. As they maneuvered down the ladder to the roof of the Administrative Building, they shot arrows at the guards. They used a knife to jam open the door and barreled into the building. Grace wanted to look away, but she kept watching with an increasing sense of powerlessness.

The footage cut to the conference room, where the council members were in the middle of deliberations. The natives broke into the room and started a full-blown attack, shooting arrows and lodging spears. Grace didn’t recognize any of the men. She couldn’t believe what she was watching. A burly man with tattoos lunged a spear into James’ chest, killing him on the spot. Then he dove on top of Councilwoman Conklin and sliced her neck. She never liked Conklin, but the woman didn’t deserve to die like that. Nobody did. Why was this happening?
How
was this happening? Her heart stopped when she saw her father and Lucas bolt into the room. They took down three of the men, but the tattooed man was too fast. He aimed an arrow at Lucas, but her father––her brave and courageous father––dove in front of Lucas and took the arrow. She cried out as her father dropped to the ground. Then the man swooped down and landed on top of Lucas. He fought back, but the man stabbed Lucas in the eye and slashed his neck. Her father fired off shots into the man’s back, saving Lucas from any further damage. All the air evaporated from Grace’s lungs. She stood paralyzed and unable to breathe. Every cell in her body wanted to leap out. The footage had to be fabricated. Her father and Lucas couldn’t be dead.

Faraday turned off the hologram.

“That was fake,” she whispered.

“Oh, I assure you, it was
very
real. You and your native friends slaughtered four very important people and butchered many others. Fortunately, we were able to contain the situation before they killed everyone in the room. So you see, Miss Strader, you’re in quite a predicament.”

“Even if this did happen, which I still don’t believe it did, why would I ever plan an attack on my own people, let alone my father and my boyfriend?” Tears filled her eyes and she tried to blink them away. She couldn’t show Faraday any signs of weakness.

“Simple. You didn’t think they’d be in the room. Not during deliberations, anyway. They came to assist and ended up being collateral damage. A sad misfortune.”

“You have zero proof that I had anything to do with this. Nobody in their right mind would ever believe I was behind it.”

“But I do have proof. A confession from one of the terrorists just before he died.”

“I don’t believe you!” she yelled.

Faraday typed into his digi-pad again, pulling up more footage.

One of the natives––the burly man with tattoo sleeves––lay on the conference room floor in a pool of blood. Faraday and one of the council members shouted at him to explain the reason for the attack.

“It was the girl. The one from Inside … Grace … She said it was the only way to keep Shiny Green Mountain closed. To keep peace across our sacred lands …”

“I don’t even know him!” Grace screamed, pounding the glass.

The images started glitching out and a blazing shock lobbed through her arms, propelling her backwards. She smacked against the back of the cell and collapsed to the ground. Unable to move or speak, she lay motionless, staring at Faraday.

“You’ll be like that for the next hour or so. I suggest not touching the glass anymore. It’s over, Miss Strader. For your entire family.” He walked off into the dark corridor, leaving Grace on the floor of the cell, her only movement a soft whimper.