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  “May I take you out to lunch tomorrow to celebrate?” Brody asked.

  “Um, I guess that would be all right. What time?”

  “How about noon? Will you be here?”

  “Yes, I’ll see you at noon then.”

  He nodded once and turned to go. I watched as Brody walked out the front door and into the darkness beyond. Only when he was gone did I return to my conversation with Hisoka. Again, I felt eyes on me. I turned and saw Beatrice Burke scolding her husband.

  An hour later, only a handful of people remained. The caterers were just about done cleaning up, and the artists huddled in a corner near the door, talking amongst themselves.

  Guy hadn’t left Keira’s side since he’d introduced her to his parents. At some point in the evening, Keira had told me he’d graciously offered to drive us home. His parents still lingered, and I remembered they had arrived with him.

  I was gathering my coat and purse from the back room when I heard a slight noise from the doorway. I turned.

  “Would you like to join us?” Hisoka spoke quietly.

  “Us?” I pushed one arm into the sleeve of my white spring jacket. Hisoka stepped forward and helped me with the other. Although he stood close, it wasn’t uncomfortable.

  “Yes.” He never broke eye contact as he tilted his head toward the other artists who waited near the front door. “We’re going out for some dessert before heading home. You should join us. After all, our success tonight is because of you.”

  I smiled shyly. “No, no. It’s because of all of you. Your talent is what brought the people here tonight.”

  “No. Your talents are what brought them here. Hopefully, our talents will keep them coming back. So, will you join us?” He stepped away, leaving the decision entirely up to me.

  I began to shake my head but then looked past him. Guy’s father was once again staring at me. I reached for Hisoka’s arm.

  ***

  “What a success!” Keira said as we entered Art Fantastique the next morning. Her eyes sparkled as she looked around at all of the “sold” signs.

  “Yes, it was.”

  “How does it make you feel?”

  “Really good,” I admitted. In the back room, I set my coat and purse on the table and indicated a pile of flattened cardboard boxes, soft packaging material and thick rolls of tape. “Help me bring all this to the front.”

  I grabbed my black leather folder with the list of addresses, and we set to work on the first painting, a landscape of a meadow in full bloom that was going to the Burke’s.

  “How did it go last night?” I asked. Keira had been asleep by the time I returned home.

  “Good, I guess.”

  “You guess?”

  “It’s just Beatrice. She’s so condescending. And Guy’s father is a patronizing pig!”

  I laughed. “Why don’t you tell me how you really feel?”

  Keira threw some packaging material at me.

  “But you expected that, right?” I continued in a more serious tone.

  “Not exactly, not from Beatrice. How did the two of them ever raise a son as thoughtful and kind as Guy?”

  “Maybe that was his rebellious nature rather than their parenting,” I suggested.

  Keira sighed and looked at me. “Can I do this? Can I really become Elite?”

  I reached for her hand. “You can, and you will because you love him. Besides, you won’t really be Elite, you’ll be somewhere in the middle.”

  “There’s no such thing.”

  “But that doesn’t mean there can’t be.” I paused as it hit me. “There is no Divide in Mediterra.”

  Keira gave me a funny look. “Really? Maybe you just didn’t want to see it.”

  “Well, I’m not saying everybody got along. It wasn’t all ice cream and puppies, but there were a lot of people somewhere in the middle, not rich and not poor.”

  “Somewhere in the middle.”

  “If the Mediterrans can have that, why can’t we?”

  We just stared at each other for a moment. Then Keira reached over and gently squeezed my hand. “So what happened after you left last night?”

  I pulled my hand away. “Nothing. We all went out for dessert, that’s all.” I finished with the protective wrap and slid the painting into a thin box.

  “That’s all?”

  “Well, I learned something.”

  “What?”

  “The man you call a patronizing pig…I don’t know about patronizing, but he is a pig.

  Mr. Burke kept staring at me all evening. It gave me the creeps, at least until I learned it wasn’t just me.”

  “What are you talking about?”

  “Didn’t he stare at you too?”

  Keira shook her head.

  “Hmm, maybe it’s because you were with Guy. Anyway, he gawked at a lot of the women, not just me. The artists noticed. Hisoka said, ‘If a hen had walked through the front door, Mr. Burke, Sr. would have stared at her breasts and then asked for some stuffing.’” I smiled at the memory.

  Keira stared at me. “Guy’s father made you uncomfortable, and Hisoka made you laugh about it?”

  “Yeah, he did. He’s nice. We talked. We laughed. We had a good time.”

  “Did you talk too, or did he do all the talking?”

  “We both talked. Why don’t you like him? Is it because he’s Elite or because he’s Gov?”

  Keira shook her head. “It may be nothing. It’s just the way he treated me when we first met. Apparently, he doesn’t like it when women talk during business meetings.” She paused. “There’s something else you should know. Hisoka is an informer for the Resistance, but there’s something about him. Just be careful what you say to him, okay?”

  I nodded. “Okay, thanks for letting me know.”

  “Oh, wow!”

  “What is it?”

  “Look where this piece is being sent!” She grinned as she held up the wire and bead sculpture Brody had purchased.

  I looked at the address and felt my cheeks grow warm. He had bought it for me.

  “Two admirers!”

  I busied myself with the next shipment and wondered, would they still want me if they knew who I really was, if they knew what I’d been through? Probably not. Not after what Lance Beckett had done. But what if?

  Hisoka was kind and quiet, as different from Lance Beckett as a man could be. Perhaps his gentle nature was all I needed to drive away the nightmares for good. And he was an informer! If he really believed in the Resistance, then I could trust him with my secrets.

  But if the wrong people ever learned about Nadine…no, I couldn’t risk her safety. Keira was right, I would have to be careful around Hisoka. But maybe…given enough time.

  Now, Brody. Well, I didn’t know anything about him really, only that he was a friend of Keira’s. Just then I remembered his comment from the night before.

  “When were you shot?”

  Keira looked up in alarm. “I didn’t want to worry you. I’m fine.”

  So it was true. “When?”

  “My last night at Brody’s. I’m sorry. I should have said something.”

  “Yes, you should have. Keira, you’ve got to stop protecting me!”

  “You’re right. It won’t happen again. I’ll tell you anything you want to know.”

  “Is there anything else I should know?”

  “Um…the healing process doesn’t work right if the bullet’s still inside.”

  We spent the next couple of hours working in silence. I had nothing to say and plenty to think about. At noon, Brody was a welcome relief. I pulled on my jacket and hurried to the front door.

  He asked, “What are you in the mood for?”

  Anything but chicken, and some honesty on the side, please. “Oh, I’m not a picky eater.

  Anything will be fine.”

  “It’s a beautiful day. How about a walk and a picnic?”

  I smiled. “I know the perfect place.”

  After we
picked up salads and tuna sandwiches from a nearby cafe, I directed Brody to my favorite spot in Liberty Park, a wooden bench near three crooked apple trees.

  I took a bite of the sandwich Brody handed me, then washed it down with a sip of cranberry juice.

  “Thank you for lunch.”

  Sunlight glinted off Brody’s golden brown hair. He was the type of man I’d been looking for a year ago, handsome and wealthy. I tilted my head back, closed my eyes and enjoyed a deep breath of sunshine. My mind finally began to clear until I sensed Brody watching me. My eyelids fluttered open, and I turned.

  “What?”

  “You’re beautiful!”

  I blushed and looked down at my sandwich. A swarm of bees suddenly found their way into my stomach. I shifted away slightly.

  “I’m sorry. Did I say something wrong?”

  “No.” I raised my head and focused on the apple trees. “Thank you, by the way, for the sculpture.” Was Brody anything like Lance Beckett? Hungry with power, hungry with want? I turned and looked him right in the eyes. “What do you know about me?”

  “You want the truth?”

  “Yes.”

  “The whole truth?”

  I nodded.

  “Excellent!” He took a deep breath. “I know your name, and I know that Keira and Scott are your sister and brother. I know about the Resistance.”

  I gaped at him. “Oh, is that all?”

  “No.” He continued in a low voice. “I know that certain people within the Gov are after you.”

  My voice was barely above a whisper. “Why?” Could he even hear me?

  “Because of the Resistance, I imagine. Or, is it because you can regenerate?”

  “What?”

  “Can’t you?”

  I looked away, regretting ever having started this conversation. Warm fingers pressed against my arm. I looked down at Brody’s hand and then up into his pale green eyes.

  “Is that why, April?”

  I froze. My voice turned to steel. “Don’t ever call me that. April is dead.” I looked at the apple trees, picked up my sandwich and took a bite. The bread felt dry on my tongue.

  Brody was quiet. I glanced over. He wasn’t eating. He just stared at me.

  “Aimee, I would never do anything to hurt you.”

  I swallowed and bit my lip. As much as I fought it, one tear escaped. Brody reached out with his thumb and gently wiped it away.

  -Keira-

  The Justice Center

  As soon as Aimee returned I went home, changed into pale blue running shorts and a white t-shirt and grabbed an apple on my way out the door. If Eberhardt was home, maybe we could train together. Otherwise, I would head out on my own. I needed to be outside in the sunshine and fresh air, and Aimee’s silence had made it perfectly clear that she needed a break from me.

  I raised my hand and rapped twice.

  “Hi, Keira!”

  I turned in surprise. Raquelle was dressed for a workout too, only her outfit was red, and her long black hair was back in a ponytail.

  The door swung open. Eberhardt filled the doorway. He wore black shorts, a black tank top and a black cap. “Keira, glad you could join us. Not helping Aimee today?”

  I shook my head and took another bite from my half eaten apple.

  “Well, come on in!”

  He turned, and we followed him inside. “Since you’re both here, I have an idea.” He slapped a sheet of paper on the table. It was a map with multiple courses running throughout Tkaron. The paths were of equal distance and difficulty but wound through different areas of the city.

  “It’s a race.” He grinned. “We’ll each take a different route. Speed is important, of course. However, I’ve added a challenge. We each need to pick up something interesting along the way.”

  “What do you mean by interesting?” Raquelle asked.

  “That, I will leave up to you. I’m taking the blue route.” The door slammed behind him.

  Raquelle and I hurriedly reviewed the map.

  “I’ve got green!” she shouted.

  “Then I’ll take red.” I left my apple core spinning on the table. We exited the building at exactly the same time but turned in opposite directions as soon as we hit the street. I settled into a moderate pace, not wanting to tire too quickly.

  The sun warmed my bare arms while the soles of my shoes slapped against the pavement. Thoughts that had been floating around in my head began to evaporate, and I started to pay closer attention to my surroundings than my worries. In this downtrodden Working Class neighborhood, few cars drove by. Most people walked along or simply sat on their front porches with nothing much to do and nowhere to go.

  “The dragon glided through the moonlight and out over the sea, dipping his tail lightly in the waves.” An elderly woman waved her hand through the air as if it were the dragon she was describing. She continued telling her story to some children on a grey porch, their gaunt faces tilted toward her in wonder. Around here, stories were often used to keep hunger pangs at bay.

  A few minutes later, I passed a man who was walking in the opposite direction. His flamboyant lime green skirt and feathery bright pink boa caught my attention. Definitely interesting, but with those heels, I didn’t think he would agree to join me for a run. I shook my head and smiled at the thought.

  As I pressed onward, taller and cleaner apartment complexes and businesses towered around me. Sunlight reflected off their shiny windows. The people here dressed differently, less colorful, more businesslike. The pace of life beat a slow and steady rhythm in Working Class neighborhoods while the business section of Tkaron hummed with a different sort of energy. I moved onto the sidewalk as cars filled the streets.

  Step, two, three, four, inhale, step, two, three, four, exhale. Impressive Gov buildings surrounded me. People in business suits, men mostly, hurried along the sidewalks. I moved back onto the street to keep out of their way.

  That’s when I saw them. The first had what looked like a large pad of paper under his arm. The second hurried to catch up. He wore a simple business suit and carried a black briefcase. When they were shoulder to shoulder, they began to talk.

  I slowed and finally stopped on a patch of grass on the boulevard. Leaning forward, I rested my sweaty palms on my knees and tried to catch my breath. I gazed through wisps of hair that had fallen in front of my eyes. I didn’t want to lose them, but I also didn’t want to be seen, so I bent down to untie and retie my shoelace. When I looked up again, they were gone, and a vid’recorder was shoved into my face.

  “Miss James? Is that you? Yes, this is the young Miss Kendra James! Can you tell us anything about your relationship with Richard Burke? Is he here with you now?”

  I held out my hand, obscuring the shot, but the man pulled back and sidestepped, catching me in the frame once again. He paused to look around. “Are you alone? What are you doing?”

  I stood and composed myself. “I’m running, as you can clearly see.”

  “Yes, but out here? Alone?” He seemed baffled.

  “It’s the latest trend in Vanover, running in the sun and clean summer air. You do have clean summer air here in Tkaron, don’t you? Of course, back home I could smell the sea.”

  I managed what I hoped was a wistful look.

  “Do all single young ladies run alone in Vanover? If so…” He turned and spoke directly to the vid’recorder. “Our eligible young bachelors will want to head out west!”

  “No, of course not.” I changed my tone to one of irritation. “I just haven’t met many people in Tkaron yet. Now, if you’ll excuse me.” I turned and ran away.

  ***

  “You should have come in from the south.” Eberhardt stated the obvious as soon as I reached the park. He and Raquelle sat on a large flat stone, a natural bench. She had a large bird’s feather tucked behind her right ear. Was that from an eagle? Interesting!

  I looked directly at Eberhardt. “Would you get a message to Guy for me?”

  “Sure
, but if it’s so important, why don’t you just call him?”

  “Because we’re being watched closer than ever right now. Who knows if our lines are secure anymore? May I borrow your cap?”

  Eberhardt handed me the baseball cap.

  “Thanks.” I adjusted the band and tucked up my hair.

  “So who are you hiding from?” Raquelle asked.

  “Yeah, what happened?” Eberhardt said.

  “I don’t know what to make of it, maybe it’s nothing, but I saw Hisoka Watanabe and Brody Delaney walking into the Justice Center not 20 minutes ago.”

  “Together?” Eberhardt asked.

  “Not at first. Brody ran to catch up.”

  “Hisoka makes sense. He works there. What else did you notice?”

  “Um, Brody was carrying a briefcase, but that’s not unusual. Hisoka was carrying a large pad of paper, a sketchpad maybe? I wouldn’t have thought anything of it if I’d only seen Hisoka, but what was Brody doing there?”

  Eberhardt shrugged.

  “A few military officers were going in and out too, but I think that’s typical.”

  He nodded.

  “And there is one more thing.” I hung my head.

  “That doesn’t sound good,” said Raquelle.

  “I was captured on vid. Try to keep Guy from seeing it, okay?” Tears welled up in the corners of my eyes.

  Eberhardt stood and pulled me into a sweaty yet welcomed bear hug. He mumbled into my hair. “He’ll need to see it. You know that. Do you know when it will air?”

  I shook my head. “I have no idea.”

  “I can find out for you,” Raquelle said.

  It was even worse than I’d expected. I was the latest feature on Everyday Elite, the show I used to watch to track potential customers. Now, everyone would know my name and think of me as either friend or foe. At least they’d caught me as Kendra and not as Keira. Unfortunately, what should have been in my favor, the lack of footage, was negated by the speculation that followed. It was part pity for the rich young lady whose parents had recently passed away and part scorn as they debated whether or not I was good enough for Richard Burke III. Ugh! I dropped my head into my hands.

  Aimee came home late that night and found me curled up on the couch with a box of tissues.