The Link

Chapter 26 – Natalie

The house lost its casualness when Douglas Corbett arrived. Eyes weren’t finding eyes and words became commands. Concerns beyond daily existence became paramount. Even the black-shirted guards became stiffer, something I thought impossible. It was almost as if everyone was in awe of him. I had watched him enter the house from a second story window. He was not a tall man, nor impressive looking. His suit looked like it was designed for a larger man, one with more breadth. At least, he didn’t find it necessary to cover the balding patch on the top of his head with a comb-over of his thin graying hair. He moved with an arrogance, without acknowledging those around him. I disliked him even more.

Lunch was brought up to Teegan and I. It was if we weren’t allowed downstairs though I didn’t test the idea. We were happy enough without interruption, playing with a set of rectangle cardboard blocks that were easy for her to maneuver. Teegan was building something only she could envision. I was having fun placing blocks on top of her structure and watching her, without any irritation, move my blocks to a different part of the structure. She had a design I didn’t comprehend, yet didn’t mind that I disturbed it. It was a strange zig-zag wall with upright spires along the way. I would have thought it some sort of fort, but she never attempted to close it off. When it was done, she stood and smiled at me. I gave her my best expression of pride. She laughed and began to knock it all down. I joined her in the giggling demolition.

Teegan began rebuilding, this time letting my contributions stand. I had no idea where her mind was as she placed brick after brick. She was enthralled with the boxy structure we were building, ever anxious to speed up its construction. I moved slowly, letting her direct the construction. It was amazing to watch her work, so determined and fixated on building whatever it was we were building. Suddenly she stopped and looked at me. It was a questioning look, so much more serious than I had ever seen her before. I don’t know how I knew, but she was waiting for me to place another brick. I put another on top of our squarish structure, and she followed with another. It was important to her that we shared in the building, that she wouldn’t place more blocks than me. I smiled as we took turns, building the structure higher. When we ran out of blocks, her joy exploded. I felt Sam join with wonder as Teegan and I happily destroyed our cardboard sculpture. I could feel Sam’s surprised happiness. Teegan jumped into my arms, hugging me tight.

“Da,” Teegan whispered in my ear.

“Yes,” I said, letting Sam flow into me. Somehow I knew he was close. Closer than anyone in the golden prison would have thought possible.

A knock on the door woke us from our blissful reunion. I kissed Teegan’s cheek and set her on her feet and stood. “Yes,” I called.

“Mr. Corbett is ready to see you,” Abigal said when she poked her head in the door. It was a summons. I wondered what would happen if I declined. The punishment would, most likely, not be worth the crime.

“Of course,” I replied and waited for Abigal to enter with white gloves that ran to her elbows. Better than the chemical suit she wore the first day. “I’ll be right back,” I cooed to Teegan, giving her another kiss. Teegan seemed to understand and went back to the blocks. I smiled at my little architect.

“Mr. Corbett is in the library,” Abigal said and sat far enough away from Teegan to not risk accidental touching. I nodded, sighed, and left hoping Teegan didn’t feel less than human around someone who refused to touch her. Especially around someone who felt so little.

The library was aptly named. Victor had shown me the room, and I promised myself I would visit it again to grab a few books for nights when sleep was fleeting. The visible books were leather bound though there were paperbacks in the closed cabinets below the many shelves that lined the walls. Comfy leather chairs, each with a small table and reading lamp close, filled up the interior. Two of the chairs had high backs and were placed on either side of a table that supported a marble chess set.

“Thank you for joining me, Miss Williams.” Douglas Corbett sat on one side of the chess set. His voice was deeper than his scrawny appearance would dictate. The tone held a power that was seldom challenged. One leg crossed over the other and one hand lying comfortably on his knee. His other hand held a rounded glass filled with what looked like an expensive liquor. I thought he meant to impress me.

“Please, call me Natalie, Doug,” I said with a contempt I didn’t know I possessed. Corbett surprised me by laughing. It was a deranged sound that seemed inappropriate for the insult I intended.

“Please sit, Natalie,” Corbett said between chuckles, pointing at the chair opposite the chess set. “would you like some brandy,” he added, holding up his glass, “or perhaps something else?”

“No, I’m fine, Doug,” I replied as I took the offered seat. His smile didn’t match his eyes. His lips found my informality humorous, but his eyes showed a little anger. It pleased me to be an irritant.

“You know your value,” Corbett said, nodding his head, “I have been informed of your intelligence and stubbornness. I find it to be an asset, so please, feel free not to hide your contempt.” He took a moment to savor a sip of his brandy.

“You build a comfortable prison, Doug,” I commented, adding disdain on top of the name.

“Only my sister called me Doug,” Corbett said, his smile growing, “she died before her time. One of the few losses which brought me to tears. It’s pleasant to hear it again.” He took another sip of his brandy as his eyes watched me closely. Whatever I thought of him, stupid was not in the equation. It took him only a moment to make sure I never called him Doug again. Bastard.

“Why am I here?” I asked. Putting him on the spot seemed liked a good counter move.

“I own many companies.” Corbett said, settling deeper into the chair, “I’m profitable because I put the right people in the right positions. I am recognized for my financial prowess and business insight when all I have really done is hire the right people.” He chuckled to himself, “It’s funny, all that praise, and in truth, I deserve none of it.” He raised his glass to me, “I hire the skills that make me look like a genius.”

Corbett took another sip but somehow kept the ball in his court. His personality was so strong that I knew he wasn’t finished, and it wasn’t my turn to speak.

“I failed when Esmeralda was born,” Corbett shook his head, waved his hand and corrected himself, “I’m sorry, Teegan. Her welfare is in your hands, and you have a perfect right to name her.” He was a master manipulator. I didn’t think a single word was unplanned. He was giving up her care to me as if it was preordained, not a dictate. A subtle compliment that I could not argue with.

“Teegan’s bonding was not fully understood in the beginning,” Corbett continued, “too many conflicting personalities clashing over what is probably the greatest child ever born. They all saw themselves as her savior when, in fact, she didn’t need saving at all. Her welfare was in my hands and, as you have experienced, my resources are extensive.” He shifted in his chair like he was about to make an important point. “Research was destroyed and people colluded to undo what I had done. A short sided view had become predominant, and Teegan was taken from me. It was the bonding that allowed the cooperation that put Teegan in danger. She was meant for such great things and instead, we found her in a small cabin, a prisoner of some uneducated criminal. I was so thankful to find out that you were there. I don’t want to think of what would have happened if that brigand didn’t have you keeping things in check.” I tried not to react to his misunderstanding of Sam. His veiled compliments held no sway over me, a tactic I had used plenty of time in court.

“This time, I intend to do it right.” Corbett said, once again shifting in his seat. It was a practiced movement that was meant to keep attention on him. “Do you know that all the research into her creation was destroyed? Even the backups were corrupted.” He shook his head and smiled, “I learned a valuable lesson about the bond. It should be limited to those that can deal with its effects and hold onto a semblance of themselves. You, Natalie, are such a woman. Strong, caring, and possessing intelligence that can see the future as it is meant to be.” More useless flattery. My impression of him was dipping lower with every word.

“I am here because you fear allowing others to bond,” I summarized. I had already known it but felt the need to cut through the chaff he was throwing about. “What makes you think I agree with what you’re doing to Teegan?”

“Straight truth,” Corbett said, his sly smile trying to convey some mutual understanding. He wanted me to like him and trust him. That mountain was way to high for him to climb. “I respect that.” He paused a moment and collected his thoughts before he continued.

“You care for Teegan; the bond ensures that. I know this because I care for her as well.” Corbett’s eyes weakened on command like he wished me to see a softer side of him. “I assume you have already concluded that she will be safe here. She would receive the best care and all the advantages that money can buy. You will provide what I will not allow others provide; human contact. You will be her mother, teacher, and friend.”

“You’ll stifle her,” I interrupted, “this world is beautiful, but it’s missing all the problems that a normal life would present. She’ll grow into a weak woman.”

“Then we’ll make it less perfect,” Corbett said, “create the problems you suggest and let her work her way through them. I am not under any impression that I am all knowing about child care. You and the others will see that she grows into what she was meant to be.”

“And what is she meant to be?” I said, trying to get to the heart of the matter. I expected to watch Corbett hem and haw around some vision he wasn’t ready to divulge.

“To be the mother of the children that will lead mankind,” Corbett said without batting an eye, “the world will owe its existence to our children.”

“Our children?” I asked, my eyebrows raised in surprise.

“My DNA ensures inheritance of name and money,” Corbett continued, “Teegan’s DNA will provide the power to go with it.”

“You’re insane,” I said before I could stop my mouth. Corbett laughed, and I knew it to be true. He was a megalomaniac who understood his mortality. He intended his progeny to rule the world in his stead.

“You’ll be their first mother,” Corbett added, “the history books of a thousand years from now will look upon us as the saviors of civilization. Imagine the persuasiveness of the bond used for political ends. Wars and inequitable allocations of resources will end. A new order will be created, and my children’s children will rule over it.” He had no understanding of the bond. It didn’t seek control, only the understanding of reality. His visions frightened me. His resoluteness made him a monster of epic proportions.

“I…I don’t want to take over the world,” I stuttered as my fear began to grow.

“It will happen,” Corbett said, taking another slow sip of his brandy, “the world has difficult problems that need strong leaders to sort out. I will give the bond my determination and strength; you will provide the love. Between us, we will steer humankind to greatness. The future will owe us an incredible debt.” Dictatorship from the grave. He was completely convinced his vision would hold through generations. I was equally convinced there wouldn’t be a first generation. Corbett’s mind was broken and saw the bond as a tool, not the blessing that it was. I hardened my resolve. Teegan needed to be removed from his influence.

“Others’ have sought such a cure for human ills,” I said quietly, not wanting to provoke him, “they caused many deaths trying to impose their will and failed in the end.”

“I’m no Hitler,” Corbett said, his voice edging on anger, “he was short-sighted and found enemies where he should have seen resources. I am more of a Gandhi with a much louder voice.” He gave me a crooked smile that seemed as demented as his words. “I am no fool to think it can be done quickly. I will set up a foundation that will carry the vision into the succeeding generations. Once Teegan and our children learn to control the bond, we will begin.”

“And if I disagree?” I asked softly.

“History will find no trace of you,” Corbett said, his eyes firmly holding mine. It was then that my pity for his insanity turned to abhorrence. He intended to turn my daughter into a breeding machine for his future army. I had no idea how the bond was so warped in his mind. That he would even consider it a path to power was unconscionable. That he intended a world takeover brought fear that made my hands shake. I could see that he would allow no one to stand in his way or convince him of the folly of it all. I gripped the arms of the chair tightly so he wouldn’t see my fear.

My heart slowed when I felt Teegan; she didn’t understand my fear. She was so strong in me, as if we were touching. Sam followed, filling me with his strength. My wandering mind solidified, and I looked at Corbett with renewed determination.

“Some would construe that to be a death threat,” I said, no longer fearing such a feeble man.

“If you wished to leave,” Corbett said, “you should have done so when you first arrived. You desired answers, and I gave them to you. There is always a price for information.”

“And you think all your people,” I said, pointing at one of the cameras, “would accept your vision of the future and the costs involved.” Corbett smiled and reached into the inside pocket of his jacket. He pulled out a small black rectangle, the size of a thick credit card. He held it between two fingers and displayed it to me.

“I am never recorded,” Corbett said, “This device disables the recording devices in my vicinity. I tell you only because I need cooperation well beyond what I would ask of other employees. ” A plan developed quickly. I began to rise from my chair. I had no doubt I could disable the man and use the jamming device to recover Teegan. My mind identified vulnerable spots about his body.

“Of course,” Corbett said calmly, “if I flip this switch, the cameras go live and you’ll never Teegan again.” He displayed the tactile switch on the device, his thumb ready to push it forward. Teegan may give me quickness, but not enough to beat his thumb. He set his hand on his lap, holding the device like a weapon. I had no choice, I sat back down as anger I could barely control heated my blood.

I could feel Teegan’s confusion as my hatred of Corbett was mirrored by Sam. It was her innocence that soothed my thoughts. She had no understanding of hatred, and I didn’t want to teach her to hold on to the feeling. I took a deep breath and looked at Corbett. I adjusted to something she could understand. I sorted him in my mind with the two thugs Sam took out at the truck stop and Gerrald from the motel. They were wrong, hopefully Teegan understood wrong.

“Your nose is bleeding,” Corbett said, almost rising to get help. I think he saw his breeding cow getting ill. I let the link fade by calming myself and smiled. I was tired, but not out like the last times. Anger is costly.

“My nasal passages are a little dried out,” I said, “still getting used to the environment.” I wiped my finger absently under my nose, and it came back red. I looked around for a tissue. Corbett produced a handkerchief and handed it to me. “I’ll ruin it,” I said, then proceeded to ruin it without waiting for his response.

“You understand what will be asked of you,” Corbett said, shaking off the return of the handkerchief, “you and Teegan will want for nothing.”

“What if I want freedom?” I sighed.

“There’s no such thing,” Corbett replied, “not even a bum on the street has freedom. You are always dependent on others for something. Most choices are made by default, not desire. At least, you can make history here with me.”

“As a surrogate for your babies,” I added.

“The mother of the future,” Corbett countered, “and in time, we can attempt to bond others. Once control has been guaranteed. I can feel your distaste but you must admit, Teegan will see all of her potential fulfilled here. It can’t be that upsetting to have all the mundane problems of the world handled for you.”

“I have little choice,” I said, hoping Sam could act quickly. Corbett wasn’t one to have his plans derailed. I had no idea what would happen when he bonded and found out Teegan’s true strength. I wouldn’t put it past him to force an abortion when he finds out I’m pregnant. I wish I could send a clear message to Sam. He had to know how sick Corbett was. No wonder Dr. Gunderson’s team destroyed all their work and pulled Teegan out of his reach.

“You have an idea of my limits now,” Corbett said, “that does not mean I can’t be persuaded with intelligent discourse. You see something that needs to be bettered, and I will see that it’s done. Most of what we have discussed will remain between us, and I will give you ample opportunity to express your grievances in the future. Somewhere along the way, we will find a compromise that we can both live with.” His practiced smile was one of victory. I doubt there were many people alive that had gotten the best of him.

“I’m going up to see our girl,” Corbett added in a fatherly tone, “why don’t you wait in your room and I’ll send Abigal in so you can start filling your closets. Sweats just don’t seem to do you justice.” He laughed as if we were old friends. I gave him my best fake smile and left the room. I was halfway down the hall when I realized I had been sent to my room like a child. It was hard not to hate the man.

Abigal met me in my room with a note pad. She seemed excited about what she thought was my final capitulation to the situation. She sat on the bed and crossed her legs like we were teenagers having a sleepover. She enjoyed having a friend that couldn’t leave.

“What should we work on first?” Abigal asked. I sighed and sat down next to her. I doubted she was privy to the whole picture and probably thought Corbett was Superman. I was about to ask for more sweats, knowing that Corbett disliked them, but thought better of it. It would hurt Abigal more than Corbett.

“What do you recommend?” I asked, my fake smile becoming easier to display. Abigal went into a deep discussion of building a wardrobe, and I nodded a lot, not concerned with looking good for her or the rest of Corbett’s employees.

Abigal was deep into the coming winter styles when I felt Teegan. I felt my worry coming from her. My anger warped into wrongness and it was strong. I knew that she was facing Corbett, and he was bonding. I wanted to rush to her side and quell the feelings that were so horribly strange when coming from her. Sam’s confusion and concern were evident in the mix. I did what I could, flooding her with my love, waiting in fear for Corbett to find me in the bond.

“Natalie?” Abigal called and not for the first time. She reached out and grabbed my upper arm. I ignored her as I struggled to level Teegan’s fear. I should have been there. Then it stopped as suddenly as it began. Teegan’s contentment returned, and I never felt Corbett. “Natalie?” Abigal called again. I broke the link and smiled. We heard running down the hall. There was little doubt what had happened, and I would pay for it dearly. Teegan was fully my daughter.

“You have to promise me,” I said quickly to Abigal, “you have to care for her. Don’t let them hurt her. Promise me!” Abigal was in a panic with the lack of context for my words. “Just promise me you’ll take care of Teegan.”

“Yes, of course,” Abigal said, not fully understanding. I hugged her, finding her stiff as if no one had ever hugged her before.

“Then know I love you, Abigal,” I said as the door burst open. I stood apart from Abigal and faced five black-shirted security guards. It took them a moment to wrap my wrists behind my back and secure them with a plastic tie. Abigal watched in shock as I was led away.

I was back in the same chair I found myself when I first woke in the mansion. Victor was watching me with concern, obviously not fully understanding what was happening. There were four black-shirts in the room as if trouble was suspected from a bound woman. Another tie was added to my wrists, securing them to a bar on the back of the chair.

“Your boss is insane,” I told Victor. He looked about to speak but held his tongue. There would be no help from that quarter. Paychecks were a hard thing to give up. I was a little surprised to see two of the black-shirts whispering to each other. They were usually so stiff and all business. Maybe they weren’t sure that tying up a helpless woman was the right thing to do.

Corbett entered the room with his insanity clearly displayed in his eyes. They were wide and unblinking, bathed in an angry red tinge as if he hadn’t slept. I could almost see heat waves of fury steaming from his mind. I was so proud of my daughter; I almost didn’t fear what I suspected would happen next.

“Is she secure?” Corbett demanded. One of the security guards nodded.

“Sir, I’m not comfortable…” Victor started.

“Leave,” Corbett commanded, and looked at the guards, “all of you.” Victor was hesitant, his feet not wanting to comply, but the order was clear.

“Protect her,” I called out when I caught Victor’s eyes.

“Leave!” Corbett demanded again when Victor slowed. The door closed, and I was alone with a madman. No cameras or audio to record what I feared might be my last moments.

“What did you do?” Corbett spat. I almost started to feign ignorance but knew it would only infuriate him more. Teegan trusted me and wouldn’t bond with someone so wrong. She was growing up.

“I’m her mother, and I don’t trust you.” I spoke clearly without hesitation. I couldn’t have been prouder of Teegan. “She defers to my judgement and death threats don’t sit well with me.” For an older man, his hand moved quicker than I had thought possible. I barely had time to close my eyes when his palm seared into the side of my face. I felt the pressure of impact and was surprised when pain didn’t follow. I opened my eyes without uttering a sound. My lack of reaction infuriated him, and his hand returned knuckles first. I could taste the tang of iron as my mouth began to bleed, though all I felt was a little pressure.

Sam’s entered me in a wave of tremendous force. There was so much anger and hatred I could barely breathe. My eyes welled up to feel him so distorted. I would rather be beaten then to feel what he was becoming.

“You have to stop!” I yelled at Corbett. He hit me again. “Please,” I begged him as I felt Sam lose his humanity.

Chapter 27 – Sam

The first strike caught me by surprise. It stung, and I looked quickly among the vets, trying to decipher who had slapped me. We were just outside of Corbett’s house, or compound as Todd Renault called it, on the street side of the high stone wall. Harry was pointing out the cameras he had identified on a crude drawing. He’d never be an artist, but it did show the few blind spots that existed. His special forces training lead him to believe it would be easier to enter unaccosted during the day. The infrared cameras would light us up if we attempted something at night. The whole goal was to retrieve my family and leave without alerting the world. A diversion was necessary to tie up the bulk of the guards as we maneuvered for retrieval. The plan was being developed for the next morning.

The second strike was more forceful, and I realized it was Natalie. On reflex, I drew Teegan into me as my anger exploded outward. Another strike and reason fled replaced by an awful determination. They were beating Natalie, and death seemed an adequate response.

“They’re beating her,” I said as I moved toward the wall.

“What?” Todd called as I began to climb. The wall was built with large gray rocks. Unclimbable for your average man, but finding fingerholds in the mortar and setting my feet on almost imperceptible ledges seemed child’s play. I knew exactly how to set my weight and hold the necessary tension to ascend. It would have fascinated me if Natalie wasn’t hit again.

“This has to be planned,” Devlin called up to me. Unfathomable hatred swelled in me when I felt the next strike. Plans didn’t matter anymore.

“They’re killing her,” I yelled as I topped the wall.

“Go!,” shouted Betty, “he’s not joking.” I could hear them scrambling as I dropped to the other side. Harry’s grappling hook caught the top of the wall, but I couldn’t wait. I broke out of the trees that edged the wall at a fast jog, straight for the nearest door. My eyes scanning for obstacles.

The first impediment met me halfway to the house. Some linebacker dressed in black. He told me to stop and started to inform me I was trespassing. My rage wasn’t going to be slowed by a single man. He reached into his jacket as I increased my speed. I knew before he drew that a handgun would be pointed toward me. His arms angular momentum, the angle of his shoulders, and his lack of hesitation told me the round would catch me in the left breast.

I shifted as he depressed the trigger, planting my right foot and turning my body sideways for the briefest of moments. I could feel the bullet pass by me as I shifted back. He would over compensate with the next shot, so I planted my left foot and spun around backward, to the left. The round passed by me as I used my momentum to accelerate my foot, catching the side of his face near the temple. I didn’t even slow to see him drop.

An invisible fist caught me in the eye. I could feel that Natalie was immobile as the uncontrolled fury building in my chest became my single focus. The thought of what was happening to her made reality disappear. I drew more of Teegan into me, piling on strength I wasn’t sure my body could hold. I could feel her confusion, but her love let it go to me as she sensed my need. She was so much older.

Three more black clothed guards, two to the left and one from the right, began to converge on me. Guns were being drawn, and I could feel their intent. They had seen me drop their comrade and intended deadly force. The space between them was too great, I could achieve nothing with strength or agility, physically the odds were in their favor. My rage boiled when I thought of being stopped at the door. Something inside me snapped, and I sent my hatred to the three minds bearing down on me. I screamed, never slowing my pace, as part of me seemed to explode outward, shards of anger pierced the unprepared minds and the bodies dropped. I weakened at what I had done, my insides less solid, more liquid. My shoulder dropped, and I drove myself into the door as near the handle as possible. The frame shattered, and I burst into the house, knocking another guard down with me and I landed on top of him. I drove my elbow into the side of his head, just behind his ear and he went limp.

Standing was difficult. My body wasn’t built for such abuse. I sucked in more of Teegan, trading love for the power I needed. I heard my name as a muffled scream from down a hall. I found Natalie’s mind and saw the revulsion of what I had become. I stood on legs that should have collapsed and moved into the hall. A single black-shirted guard stood between me and my love. The terror in his eyes reflected what I must have looked like. I moved toward him, not caring if he had to die. He turned and ran. I let him go.

I entered the room my mind knew contained Natalie. She sat in a chair with tears in her eyes. Her face was bruised, and blood was dripping from her mouth. Her restraints still held. My heart broke at how long it took me to get to her. A scrawny man stood before her with the same terror in his eyes as the guard. There was blood on his hands. He had to die. I wouldn’t let him go.

The man was flailing when my hands circled his neck. I ignored the scratching on my face as I shoved him against the wall. I relished the gasping as my hatred leaped from my mind, searing into his. I meant to prolong his agony. Watching him die slowly was my gift to the world.

“Sam,” Natalie called softly. I watched the man’s eyes bulge as blood was failing to circulate properly. “Sam,” Natalie said again. Then I felt her; all her love entered me pushing out the hate. Teegan joined her and then that lovely unformed, unconditional love of my son. I tried to hold on to the rage and enact my mindless judgment. It faltered and my hands loosened. My breathing deepened as my family took hold of me, guiding me. I let go, and the man slumped to the floor in a gasping heap. I dropped to my knees as the payment for my anger came due.

“If you ever touch my wife or child again, I’ll boil your brain in your own blood,” I said between heavy breaths. He and I knew it wasn’t an idle threat. The man folded into the fetal position and began to cry. I crawled over to Natalie.

“I’m sorry I took so long,” I mumbled.

“I thought I lost you,” Natalie said, “you were so angry. I couldn’t feel anything else.” I laid my head in her lap trying to build energy so I could figure out how she was secured. I was having trouble keeping my eyes open.

“Shit!” Todd said as he entered the room, “I’ve never seen anyone move so fast.” The other vets came in behind him. It took a moment to release Natalie who immediately joined me on the floor. I pulled Natalie into my arms and held her, not wanting ever to lose her again. She held me upright as I whispered my love into her ear. The words seemed so important to get out. For a moment, I had thought I might not get to say them.

“I loved knowing you were coming,” Natalie whispered, “and you brought help.”

“Betty’s biker group,” I said, trying to smile to the gang. I could see both surprise and pride on their faces. They only half understood what was going on. Finding Natalie tied up and beaten made them feel righteous. Any doubt they were on a rescue mission was gone.

“We have to get Teegan,” Natalie said. I released her, and someone helped me to my feet. Monty and Thomas were now armed with guns from the downed guards. My poor girl, her face a mess, fished a black device out of the pocket of the man I almost killed.

“Jams the cameras,” Natalie said, her words slurred through a fat lip. I smiled at how she always thought ahead. I was more of a bull, charging forward with little planning. She was super mom. “Drag Corbett to the bathroom across the hall,” she added pointing at the prone figure, “No camera’s in there so they won’t find him for awhile,”

The vets seemed to take to Natalie’s leadership quickly. They grabbed Corbett and hauled him bodily across the hall as he drooled. It took them only a moment to secure him inside and muffle his sobbing. I wondered if I broke his mind or had it already been damaged. I decided it didn’t matter.

“Teegan’s upstairs,” Natalie said, motioning down the hall and to the left. An older man stood just outside of the hall when we moved out of the room, his bare palms raised. “Out of the way, Victor,” Natalie warned. Two of the vets were already moving forward to clear the way.

“There’s a contingency plan,” Victor said, stepping to the side, “the helicopter is already on the way. I can’t stop them from taking her.” I could hear the resignation in his voice. Whoever Victor was, he no longer wanted to be part of what was going on.

“Where is she?” Natalie demanded.

“Abigal has her upstairs,” Victor replied, “but not for long. I’m sure they are already trying to move her.” My head was splitting, and my body was failing me, but I forced a quickening in my pace. Harry was close, making sure I didn’t fall over.

The stairs were brutal; I might as well have been climbing Mt. Everest. If I passed out right then, I wouldn’t wake for hours, so I pushed harder. I hated being so weak when Teegan needed me. Had I controlled my anger, I would have had more strength left. A father needed more restraint.

We heard a muffled disagreement ahead behind a door. I could feel Natalie’s fear as she rushed forward. The argument grew, and sounds of a fight commenced. The door was locked and the yelling increased. I could feel no confusion from Teegan, only Natalie’s panic. Todd put his shoulder to the door and the lock burst, swinging the door loudly on its hinges into the wall.

A small woman stood with Teegan in her arms. Her nose was bleeding, and three black-shirted security guards were unconscious on the ground. I could see her hand was against Teegan’s bare belly.

“Everything was wrong,” the woman said as Natalie approached her.

“We’ll make it right, Abigal,” Natalie said. I limped into the room as the vets quickly disarmed the guards.

“Da,” Teegan said, and leaned toward me with her arms outstretched. I found strength and moved into her arms. Abigal loosened her hold, and I collapsed onto my knees with my daughter. She wrapped her hands around me ignoring the blood. Her joy flooded into me mixing with mine. I had missed her smile.

“She loves him so much,” Abigal said, her eyes wide. She plopped down on the bed as her payment took hold. “I should have never been part of this,” she slurred. Natalie quickly went to her side, holding her upright. “Look what he did to you.” Abigal continued with tears while looking at Natalie’s face.

“He’s insane,” Natalie said as she hugged Abigal. “the bond isn’t power, it’s glue that holds people together. We are her family, Sam and me.”

“I want what you have,” Abigal said as her eyes closed. Natalie carefully laid her down on the bed.

“We have to take her with us,” Natalie said to Todd, “I suspect she’s in a bit of trouble for protecting Teegan.”

“How did she…protect her?” Todd asked. I could see he was at his limit. He had followed my rampage, and now a small woman kicked the hell out of three guards. We didn’t have the time, but sometimes information was the key to cooperation. I struggled to stand with Teegan and received some help from Harry. I was going to be out like Abigal if I ever laid down.

“It can only be shown,” I said, taking a deep breath, “if you guys don’t mind holding hands for a moment.” I received some strange looks. “it’s just for a second, you don’t need to marry anyone.” A few weak chuckles met my remark. “Come on, just link up for a second.” A few shrugs fueled by curiosity led to the grasping of hands. I tucked my hand under Teegan’s shirt and took Harry’s hand in mine. The expressions changed like dominos down the linked line.

“Oh,” Todd said, “that’s not what I expected at all.” It was a soft link without anger. I could feel each vet linking in turn, the last being Devlin. His eyes went wide as all our emotions merged with Teegan’s. I had never linked with so many before. Unlike my family, it was hard to sort out the emotions and base thoughts that were flying. Devlin broke the link, and his face went red. I could feel how disconcerted he was before he broke off, but didn’t have the context to know why.

“Damn, man,” Thomas said, “we’ve always known.” Devlin choked up as Thomas hugged him while smacking his back. The others nodded in agreement. The soft link, the one without need, lacked context, so I looked on dumbfounded. I didn’t know Devlin well enough to understand.

“I guess I’ve been in the closet too long,” Devlin said with a weak grin.

“Hell,” Todd added, “we all knew Joseph isn’t just your roommate. We kept it quiet because we thought you didn’t want us to know.”

“So you all don’t give a shit?” Devlin asked, his smile gaining strength.

“Naw,” Monty added, “just pissed you never made a pass at me. I’m not gay, but I have an ego.” That earned him a shot in the arm from Todd, and a few laughs from the others. Teegan once again drew people closer together. I just stood there smiling, trying not to collapse, proud of the real power she possessed.

“Guy’s,” Natalie interrupted, “we have to get out of here.” We could hear a distant helicopter.

“Betty was right, the girl is special,” Todd said, “time to get her out.” The rest grunted their agreement and started to organize. Vets with guns in the front. I handed Teegan over to Natalie. I didn’t trust my strength enough to carry her, much less myself. I got a quick kiss of understanding in trade.

Devlin picked up Abigal in a fireman’s carry, and we moved as a group down the stairs, infinitely easier than the climb. We turned past what looked like the kitchen. A tall black man stood in our way. He wore a white chef jersey and gray pants. He pointed at Natalie, or maybe it was Teegan.

“The child can’t leave,” the man said. He stood defiantly though he was unarmed and outnumbered.

“We’re leaving, Anthony,” Natalie said, “stick to cooking and leave the kidnapping to others.”

“Let them go, Anthony,” Victor said, coming from around the corner, “Corbett isn’t worth it. It’s over.”

“I’ll not let that thing loose in the world,” Anthony spat as he started to move forward, ignoring the armed vets. His expression held an ominous determination that spiked my adrenaline. That he considered Teegan a thing, brought back my anger and it mixed with Natalie’s. “Soulless beast!” he screamed and dove forward. I could see Natalie set herself and Teegan filled us both. As fast as our reactions, Anthony didn’t get past the lead vets. I thought that Monty would shoot him, but he wasn’t given the chance. Thomas clocked Anthony on the back of his head with the pistol. Anthony hit the floor hard and didn’t move. I felt the anger recede and with it, more of my strength.

“He won’t be the last,” Victor said, “some see an angel, other’s a demon.” Natalie turned to me, and I saw her tears. I moved to her, not wanting her to think she was alone. I hated those tears; they had a feeling of defeat in them.

“Quickest way to the front gate?” Todd asked, trying to keep things moving.

“Take the east gate,” Victor said, pointing down the hall, “you’ll be trapped by the helicopter if you go out the front.” Todd signaled for Victor to lead the way, which he did. Thomas pulled out a phone and called Betty to have her meet us with the car at the east gate. Anthony’s limp body was dragged to another bathroom and left on the floor.

Victor led us through the house unaccosted, Corbett’s jammer affording us some anonymity. Whoever was monitoring the cameras was probably confused. I wondered why we weren’t at least visually inspected as the cameras dropped and returned as we moved. They knew the house was under siege, that we weren’t visible should have pointed to our being hidden where the camera’s weren’t. Maybe, they feared Corbett’s wrath more.

We moved out of the house, scanning the grounds for trouble. Victor moved ahead, and we followed. I wasn’t sure we should trust him, but I deferred to Natalie, who seemed to have confidence in him. If she trusted him, then I would follow.

“Open the gate, Raphael,” Victor called out to the confused guard. He was alone on the gate, standing near what looked like a control box. The helicopter was landing beyond the trees, in the front of the mansion as Victor had foretold.

“No one is it leave, Mr. Robertson,” Raphael called back. He had an Italian look about him but lacked the confidence you would expect in tall, dark Italians. It may be the number of people coming up on him.

“Orders have changed,” Victor said again, “open the gate.” Raphael reached for a radio that was clipped to his belt. “Don’t,” Victor added, “it’s not worth it.” Thomas raised his gun to emphasize Victor’s words. Raphael raised his palms and stepped away from the controls. Victor sighed and moved forward quickly and engaged the mechanism that pulled the iron gates open.

“Go,” Victor said, shooing the guard away. Raphael looked at us and decided it was best to get out of the way. He took a few steps backward, watching Thomas’ gun, then turned and jogged away.

“Thank you,” Natalie said as she neared Victor. Teegan smiled as always which seemed to brighten Victor’s eyes, “you did the right thing.”

“He shouldn’t have hurt you,” Victor said, then looked at me, “the bond doesn’t require touch?”

“Not for us,” I replied, “family seems to break the rules.” Victor eye’s seemed to laugh.

“You were bonding together all those times,” Victor said to Natalie, “I knew something was wrong. Or maybe something was right.” He looked down at the ground and shook his head. “Corbett never understood.” Teegan leaned forward toward Victor. He was startled and took a step back like she might have a disease.

“She wants you to understand,” Natalie said as she shifted her hold to make sure Teegan didn’t fall.

“May I?” Victor asked, looking at the both of us. Natalie and I nodded. Victor reached up hesitantly and lightly took Teegan’s hands in his. It looked like he thought she might be too hot to touch. I watched his expression change and relax. His apprehension was replaced by a confident smile.

“Angel,” Victor decided, “definitely an angel.” For a moment, I thought he was going to snatch Teegan out of Natalie’s arms and run away with her. Instead, he let go and looked at me. “Why in hell does she love you so much?”

“I have no idea,” I replied, “I suspect she feels sorry for me.”

“No,” Victor said, shaking his head, “she loves you both, but for some reason there is something extra for you, and it has nothing negative about it.”

“It’s what first attracted me to Sam,” Natalie added. I smiled at her and silently thanked Teegan for her matchmaking skills. The gate slid open and rattled to a halt. Betty pulled up in the rented SUV.

“We have to leave,” I said, holding out my hand to Victor, “thank you.” He took my hand and shook it. Natalie moved close and kissed him on the cheek. Teegan kicked her legs like she thought everything was wonderful and she should be allowed to run around. Victor laughed at her antics and whispered something in Natalie’s ear that made her smile.

We left Victor and piled into the SUV. It was cramped, but it was a short trip to where we had left the motorcycles. Abigal was still out, seemingly hugging Devilin while she sat in his lap. I was ready to pass out myself but held on until the SUV emptied.

“Where are we going,” Betty asked, once it was only the five of us. Abigal was laid out in the third row of seats and Natalie, Teegan and I were in the middle row.

“138 North Packard,” I said. Natalie looked at me with surprise. “We need some time and someone who understands. It’s not like they don’t know we’re here anyway.” I added. Betty typed the address into the GPS system, and it calculated a twenty-minute drive. We drove off with the cycles following.

My strength finally faltered and I laid my head in Natalie’s lap. She shifted Teegan to give me room and smiled down at me. She leaned down and kissed my ear with her bruised lips.

“What did Victor say?” I asked as sleep started taking over.

“That you love me as much as Teegan loves you,” Natalie whispered in my ear, “but I already knew that.” Her hand caressed some of my hair off my face. “you called me your wife you know.”

“Sorry, girlfriend didn’t seem right at the time,” I said, remembering my threat to Corbett. I felt her lips near my ear again.

“I want a proper proposal,” Natalie said, “I’ll only say yes if you’re on your knee with a ring.” I could feel her smile as she lightly kissed me again. “hell, you can skip the ring, but the knee is a must.” I drifted into a warm darkness with a smile on my lips. Dreams of Natalie saying yes filled my mind.