Chapter 28 – Captain Hodges
“No, Sir,” I responded into to the phone, “we were misinformed. He has combat training, and he didn’t come alone.” I wasn’t sure how to tell the General what I saw.
“He’s not in any military database, Captain,” the General said, “are you sure he’s not just lucky?”
“Not from what I saw, Sir,” I said, hoping the General didn’t think I was losing it, “he did a Spiderman up the wall and ran directly into point-blank fire. Sir, I’ve never seen someone move so fast.” I paused a moment, trying to settle my words. “There were others I didn’t see, snipers who dropped three of the guards as he approached the house. He has tactical knowledge.”
“That’s certainly a new wrinkle. He’s exiting now?” the General asked.
“Yes, Sir, I replied, “He took a beating inside the house. His face is a mess, and he could barely move.” I moved the scope on my rifle from the child to the man. It was a wonder he could walk at all with that kind of blood loss.
“He has the child?”
“And the woman, sir,” I replied, “I can see them moving toward the vehicle now. I have a clean line of fire.” There was silence on the other end. I moved the crosshairs of the scope back to the child. There was a high chance I would drop the woman as well. She was holding the child too close. “Do you wish me to engage?” I asked. I prayed the answer was negative.
“Stand down,” the General said. I re-engaged the safety and started breathing normally again. The relief felt good. “Drop all contact with Corbett and his people. We are going to try a different tactic.”
“Yes, Sir,” I acknowledged.
“Contact Dr. Gunderson,” the General continued, “let’s see if we do this without shooting Americans.” I heard the relief in his voice as well.
“You expect him to cooperate, Sir?” I asked.
“I think we’ve been making deals with the wrong people, Captain,” the General said, “our goals are containment and study. Maybe a simple please will work where force does not.”
“They protect the child, Sir,” I reminded the General, “I’m not sure they will see it as in her best interest.”
“Then the deal will have to be in her best interest,” the General said.
Chapter 29 – Sam
Waking was a delightful experience. The bed, I had no idea how got into, was warm, the pillow soft, and the nibbling on my ear exciting. The light of the day was sneaking through the edges of the curtains, and soft breasts were pushing into my back. Natalie’s hand was roaming freely across my chest and abdomen. I feigned sleep as I absorbed the luxury of it all.
“Welcome back, lover,” Natalie whispered as her hand dropped between my legs. It was evident I was awake. Her hand wrapped around my arousal as I turned toward her.
“I missed our mornings,” I whispered. Natalie’s bruises had a green tinge on the outside. I caressed the side of her face, trying not to put pressure on what looked so sore. I guessed we were at Hank’s house, but I left that discussion for later. I kissed her lightly, trying not to damage her already swollen lips.
“Teegan’s with Betty and Abigal,” Natalie whispered.
“So we have some free time.” I smiled.
“Only if you’re strong enough,” Natalie teased.
“I hear pregnant women are pretty horny,” I countered. My hand found her breast, my finger drawing teasing circles around the nipple. Her hips shifted toward me, encouraging my exploration. I loved when she was amorous. That she crawled into bed naked and woke me, left no question as to her current level of desire.
“This one is,” Natalie verified, her eyes confirming it as well. My hand roamed between her legs. Her smile grew when I found her more than willing. She had no idea what it did to me to find her so desirous. I always found her a thing of beauty, but somewhere deep, there was that stupid feeling that I was merely tolerated. To know that she curled up into my sleeping form and got excited about waking me up shredded that ignorant feeling.
“I love you,” I said as I shifted between her legs. I loved her eyes when I said those words. They shifted back and forth, looking first at my left eye and then the right, finding the truth of my words. I smiled as her hand guided me to her entrance.
“I love you too,” Natalie said. I entered her, sending a shiver through my body. Her body seemed to sigh, accepting all of me as if I belonged nowhere else. I settled deep as her legs wrapped around my thighs.
“I think of you as my wife,” I said, remembering my comment from the day before. Being trapped by her felt so good, I didn’t move. She pulled more of my weight onto her. I found the pressure of her breasts even more wonderful.
“No proposal,” Natalie laughed, “no wife.” She pulled me in deeper and held me there. Her eyes were glued to mine. She squeezed me inside, and I returned an involuntary twitch in response.
“Will you marry me?” I asked.
“Not now, you idiot,” Natalie snickered, rotating her hips to grind into me, “I need my lover at the moment. My husband has to wait until we’re done.” It was hard to make love and laugh at the same time. Somehow, love conquered our laughter. We found that rhythm that tantalized us both, sending those fabulous sensations circling through our bodies. I cradled my arms around my love when her back stiffened, and her body spasmed. The beauty of it was too much. I lost myself in her warmth, erupting between her legs. Heaven might as well be hell if it didn’t contain that moment.
“You know I’ll say yes, don’t you?” Natalie asked. She was laying on my chest, her fingers playing with the small hairs that grew on my belly. I don’t know why she found it enticing to pull lightly on them. The attention was welcome, so I never asked her.
“Are you removing the mystery?” I asked in response.
“We’ve been husband and wife for a while,” Natalie replied, “I can’t imagine anyone else naked in my bed, and you are so in love with me.” She pinched some hairs and pulled them hard.
“Ouch!”
“See, I can torture you and still you don’t throw me out of bed,” Natalie said as she caressed the spot she had aggravated. Her lips found the spot as well.
“I didn’t think I was worthy of you before,” I admitted.
“I used to like that,” Natalie said, “it was stupid, but I liked feeling superior.” I ran my fingers through her hair, marveling at what she was admitting. “Love has no rank and to be real; it has to flow both ways. We’re lucky that Teegan allows us to feel each other without interpretation.” I kissed the top of her head. “you own my love and worth has nothing to do with it.”
“I am yours,” I said quietly.
“And I am yours,” Natalie replied. Marriage wasn’t necessary for us. We were already joined with a bond that was more powerful than any piece of paper could provide. I would ask her to marry me, and she would say yes. We would do it for the world and not for us. Our children deserved an unhindered legal connection and social acceptance.
We laid in each other’s arms for a long time. It was so comfortable to hold her after our physical time apart. The discussion turned toward our unborn son. She was throwing names at me, and I vetoed a few. I could tell it was the only power I had in my child’s naming. The final choice would be hers. She would choose a name that embodied the character of the boy she desired. I threw out some comical ones for consideration which earned me a smack in the belly followed by a kiss when she thought she slapped it too hard. A knock on the door stopped our play.
“Teegan is asking for you,” Betty said from behind the door, “you guys decent?” Natalie shushed me when I was about to say we weren’t. She pulled the sheet and blanket over us.
“Send her in,” Natalie called when we were covered. The door cracked and in ran my little girl. I knew instantly what was going on when I heard muted laughter and the door closed quickly.
“Oh! Stinky,” I said, holding my nose. Natalie laughed, lifting our smiling child onto the bed. Teegan ignored the odor and flung herself into my arms, between Natalie and myself. “potty training is my new goal,” I said, kissing Teegan’s cheek. Teegan laughed and wiggled like the bed was the best place in the world. I grabbed her feet and lifted them high and blew raspberries into her belly. She was a ticklish thing, trying desperately to struggle away with a wide mouth laugh.
“We don’t have any clean diapers,” Natalie laughed, trying hard not to breathe through her nose.
“Of all the things to forget,” I said, rolling my eyes, “where’s the bathroom?”
“Just outside the door,” Natalie said. We donned our dirty clothes and took our girl for a bath. It was a gross bath though Teegan found our attempts at getting her grimy butt under the running faucet hilarious. She kept pushing away with her feet thinking it was a game. It took both of us to secure her enough to get her cleaned enough to fill the tub for a real bath.
Natalie took the soiled diaper to a garbage can away from any noses. Teegan and I had fun playing in water while she was away. She thought it would be best if I was as wet as her so we had a small water war. Natalie declared Teegan the winner when she returned.
“Betty and Abigal are out getting diapers,” Natalie said, “Hank and Todd thought the whole thing was hilarious. Todd is the one who dreamt up the idea of sending her into our room.”
“I remember someone else doing the same thing awhile back,” I said with a sly smile. Natalie knelt behind me and kissed the side of my neck.
“But I did that out of love,” Natalie lied, her smiling kisses felt to good to stop and debate. I just chuckled and accepted the caresses. Life with Natalie held no drawbacks.
Natalie and I traded off Teegan and took turns taking showers. When the three of us were clean, we found everyone in a large rec room. Betty and Todd were the only vets that remained. Natalie assured me she had thanked the rest. Hank’s wife was out of town.
“What have I missed?” I asked as I sat down with Teegan in my lap. She was happy for a moment then struggled to be let go. I put her down, and she began exploring the room.
“Silence in the news,” Hank said, “then again, I didn’t expect Corbett would allow it publicized.”
“He may not be aware,” I sighed, “I was at the boiling point when I got to him. I projected anger into his mind. I’m not sure how, but I did. If it wasn’t for my son, I think I would have killed him.” Everyone’s eyes widened. Natalie moved closer to me and put her hand in mine.
“We’re pregnant,” Natalie said, smiling.
“And you’re sure it’s a boy?” Hank asked as if he knew how we knew.
“Very sure,” I said, looking in Natalie’s eyes, “we’ve felt him, and he feels us.” I loved how Natalie looked at me. Our looks held secrets only we understood.
“I understand you went Rambo,” Hank said to me. I could almost hear the gears running in his head. He was analyzing everything. It wasn’t to form a judgement; it was purely scientific.
“I could feel Corbett hitting Natalie,” I said, “something snapped and all I could think of was getting to her. I’m not sure if I could have been stopped by anyone but Natalie and the kids.” I paused and squeezed Natalie’s hand and felt her squeeze in return. “I dropped three guards just because they were in my way. It was sheer anger that disabled them.” Hank’s body stopped moving, and he stared back at me. I could tell he wanted me to continue, but I was interrupted.
“I couldn’t feel Corbett hitting me,” Natalie added, “it infuriated him. He started punching me, and I felt Sam become some kind of monster. I was so scared it would ruin him.”
“Your pain was projected?” Hank asked.
“Through Teegan,” Natalie replied, nodding.
“Seems I’m the families pincushion,” I chuckled, “even morning sickness.” Natalie blushed, so I put my arm around her.
“All this without physical contact?” Hank questioned.
“Distance no longer matters,” I replied, “I traveled across the country knowing exactly where they were. Not an address, but more like an unerring compass.”
“That’s because she loves you so much,” Abigal said. Betty nodded in agreement. Hank looked around the room running through some internal calculations.
“People like Corbett will see great power in this bond,” Hank commented, “are you sure you’re not being warped by it as well?” It wasn’t an acquisition. It was simply a question he needed to be answered.
“Corbett is insane,” Natalie replied.
“Surging anger is not something you want to repeat,” I added, “you become useless afterward and have to fight for consciousness. It’s more of a survival thing.”
“A family survival thing,” Natalie clarified, “Teegan refused to bond with Corbett, that’s what made him so angry.”
“She is selective now?” Hank asked with surprise.
“She knew I didn’t trust Corbett, so she didn’t bond with him,” Natalie replied, “she’s getting older and deferred to my judgement.”
“Her mother’s judgement,” I clarified. All eyes turned to Teegan, who was struggling to get her fingers around the handle of a drawer in an end table. She was pulling down on it, instead of out. I moved to her and showed her how it opened. She copied my movement, opening and closing the drawer a few times then moved on, strangely ignoring the contents.
“She’ll grow to control it,” Hank surmised.
“I think she will,” Natalie agreed.
“Right now it’s a cannon. Shooting out strong emotions to those she loves,” I said, “somehow, when we’re in desperate need an all access port opens, fear is abolished, and we know exactly what we need to guarantee our safety, the families safety.” Natalie nodded in agreement.
“He’s right,” Abigal said, “all I could think about was making sure she and I were safe. I knew exactly what it would take to do that, and my body moved without hesitation.”
“Why did she help me then?” Betty asked, “I had never bonded with her, yet she helped get me free of Gerard.”
“Empathy,” I replied, “I think she uses ours and seeks those in need.” I dropped my eyes to the ground and thought a moment, “I think that’s where all the power comes from. It comes from us and channeled through her. She’s more the mirror than the source.” I looked up to see Hank staring into space as his mind worked.
“It makes sense,” Hank agreed, “how could a baby decipher it all without experience. I guess we should be thankful she found such sane parents.” I caught myself from spouting out that I was an asshole before I met her. My empathy was wrapped in self-pity before the accident. It was the first bonding that had me looking outward. There was more to it than simple rules could define. Stinky was my angel.
“The government contacted me,” Hank said, “specifically a Captain Hodges. They are aware of what happened yesterday.” He let that sink in for a moment before he continued. “They want to make a deal, one that I think you can agree to.”
“Which part of the government?” I asked.
“The military,” Hank said, shrugging his shoulders, “though I think other branches may be involved.”
“They know where Teegan is?” Natalie asked with concern.
“I suspect they may have followed you,” Hank said.
“They can’t have her,” I said, trying to lower the anger that was building.
“Da!” Teegan called and ran to me. She had felt my anger rising and didn’t like it. I pulled her into my arms, knowing I would risk everything to keep her with Natalie and me.
“They don’t fully understand how strong she has become,” Hank continued, waving his palms to calm us, “they think you’ve been combat trained,” he said to me, “they want to keep tabs on her, not control her. I think the offer is a good one, but then I get see her more.” He smiled at the last part.
“What’s the deal?” I asked.
“You agree to a couple of things, and they give you both new identities,” Hank said, then looked at Natalie, “your legal license will follow you,” he looked back at me, “you’ll receive a birth certificate that names you and Natalie as Teegan’s biological parents.” He looked again at Natalie, “it includes enough cash to let you start over though it won’t fund more than a start.”
“What do we have to agree too?” I prodded. I was sure it would be something I couldn’t accept.
“One, you never speak of her actual origins to others,” Hank replied. I nodded. “Two, she doesn’t leave the country.” It was acceptable until she was an adult. Then again, our agreements aren’t hers when she becomes of age. “Three, I see her four times a year and report back to them. Her current location will be part of that report.” I waited for part four, but it never came.
“They’ll stay away?” I asked with some disbelief.
“I suspect they’ll keep better tabs than they claim, but you’ll be free to raise her without any direct interference.”
“And you’ll report what?” Natalie asked.
“Her capabilities and…,” Hank stalled for a moment, “a threat assessment. The military uses crude terms but rest assured the analysis will be mine.”
“If we refuse?” I asked.
“You’ll have to hide again,” Hank replied, “which will be a lot more difficult now. I’ll help you either way.” I looked at Natalie with concern. Hiding would only last so long. Cooperating with the government held its list of problems. Teegan wrapped her arms around my neck, and the bond took hold, pulling Natalie in with me.
If the government knew Corbett had found Teegan, then they had allowed the kidnapping. They thought Corbett could be controlled by greed. Natalie’s thoughts mixed with my own. They and no idea that Corbett had meant to ultimately replace the government with his own. They had no clue he was insane. Our escape meant they were losing what control they thought they possessed. Direct action was difficult given the number of people involved. The mansion’s staff and the vets couldn’t all be controlled. We were a quantifiable bonded entity. Our concern seemed to rest in Teegan’s welfare, something they also desired. Two people who had already bonded were a lower risk than attempting another research lab full of scientists.
The alternative struck Natalie and me simultaneously. They could just remove the risk. We couldn’t stop a concerted effort to end Teegan’s life. I looked at the girl in my arms and felt Natalie wrapping around the two of us. Teegan, and somehow I knew it was her, pulled in our son. The family must remain intact.
“We agree,” Natalie and I said in unison. It would allow an adversary to remain at arm’s length, and afford us the autonomy we desired. Teegan would not become a victim of ignorance. Our love was too great for that.
“You don’t want more time to consider?” Hank asked with surprise.
“The alternative is too grave,” I said and looked at Natalie, who nodded in agreement.
“You used the link,” Hank said, “you two had a discussion and decided.”
“Yep,” I replied, “it’s what families do. I guess this is our Magna Carta.”
“And Portland is your Runnymede,” Hank laughed.
It took some time to explain the humor to the others. Natalie enjoyed hearing her mother’s name. I enjoyed making her remember. After all, it is as much Rose’s legacy as ours. She would have seen the value in the agreement.
Chapter 30 – Sam
Sometimes you can take humor too far. In our case, we used it to pick our new home. Natalie had said that any old town would do as long as we were together. So I hit the internet and found Old Town, Maine. It was far from anyone who would know us and was surrounded by all the nature we could ever want. Our time in the cabin had given us an appreciation of the woods and the changing seasons, something we wanted continue to surround ourselves with. The fact that the University of Maine was only a short drive away sealed the deal. Getting a degree was still on my agenda.
We had acquired a decent sized house that backed up to the woods. Though the house needed work, Natalie and I instantly thought of it as home. Teegan thought it was an excellent place to explore. The first thing I did was put a latch on the basement door so she wouldn’t explore her way down the wooden steps.
The government was more than willing to help settle us. It gave them comfort to know where we were. We took comfort in knowing that they would keep their distance if we cooperated. A legal job miraculously became available in a small firm 20 minutes away in Bangor. They had a sudden influx of government work and needed another associate. It didn’t pay as much as Natalie was used too, but the hours were good, and they were instrumental in getting her licensed in the state. We weren’t sure how much Lawford, Hickens, and Chapman knew. I suspected their curiosity was held in check by the new dollar signs. It was real work, so Natalie was happy. She enjoyed conversing with other lawyers and fighting the good fight.
We were busy cleaning up the house, checking off tasks on a list prepared by Natalie. Teegan was helping by following us around and making things twice as difficult.
My mother was coming, and Natalie was nervous. Throughout all the changes, the two hadn’t met. She got it in her head that she might not measure up. I couldn’t convince her that my mother’s approval wasn’t necessary. Telling her she was already beyond any expectations my mother had for my future was useless. Cleaning seemed the only thing that calmed her nerves.
Our new identities as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, also afforded us secure transfer of my mother. Giving up her trailer in New Mexico was not a hard sell. The snow in Maine almost dissuaded her, but Natalie’s pregnancy sealed the deal. Like us, she had to cut all ties. It wasn’t difficult since all her old friends were drunks and she was now sober. She couldn’t see them anyway.
I found my mom a small apartment half a mile from our house. I was thinking of having her move in with us, but I didn’t want to put that much pressure on Natalie right away. If they hit it off, I would broach the subject. If not, half a mile was close enough.
“I think that’s the doorbell,” I said with a sigh.
“She’s early,” Natalie panicked, “I haven’t had a chance to shower and there’s still dishes in the sink.”
“It will be okay,” I said. I cradled Natalie’s lovely face and kissed her lips softly. I cheated and sent a burst of love through Teegan. I was getting so good at it I didn’t have to think about it.
“I should, at least, be clean when I first meet her,” Natalie commented.
“She’s family,” I said, “we’ll all see each other at our worst, and, right now, you’re as beautiful as ever.”
“Liar,” Natalie said, moving in front of a mirror. The doorbell rang again. “Oh, don’t make her wait,” she added, pushing my off so she could primp a few more seconds. I picked up Teegan and headed toward the door.
My mother was in worse shape than Natalie. I could see the fear in her eyes though her smile was real enough when I opened the door.
“Sam!” mom said as I opened the door fully. She had done something different with her hair. It was shorter than when I last saw her and a bit fuller. It looked less haphazard.
“Come in, Mom,” I said, “this is Teegan.” I bounced Teegan on my arm as if it would help identify who I was talking about. As always, Teegan gave a big smile.
“Oh, she’s lovely,” mom said in a grandmotherly tone I didn’t know she had. She looked around quickly and asked nervously, “where is Natalie?”
“She’ll be down in a minute,” I said, “she’s looking forward to meeting you.” I wondered why we never told the truth in these matters. We throw around white lies thinking everyone would be better off not knowing how nervous everyone is.
“I was thinking,” mom whispered as she leaned close to me, “maybe Natalie doesn’t want me intruding. Maybe my coming here isn’t a good idea.” I was shaking my head, trying to make it look like it was a silly idea with my smile, “she may not want a woman like me near her children. I wasn’t exactly a good mother.”
“Nonsense,” I said.
“I wouldn’t blame her,” my mom continued, “she’s educated and probably thinks I’ll be a bad influence. I don’t want to ruin things for you.”
“Natalie doesn’t…” I started to say.
“She’s a lawyer,” my mother rambled on, “I dropped out of high school.” She put a lot of thought into her argument. “Maybe if I just visit once in awhile and keep my distance.” I could see water forming in her eyes. I wanted her to stop. “No one wants an old drunk around their family.”
“Mom that’s silly…” I started to argue, but my eyes caught Natalie off to the side. Her hand was covering her mouth, and there were tears in her eyes. She must have heard most of it. My mother turned to Natalie, and they both started crying. I had no idea what to do.
The two women faced each other for a moment, then collapsed into each other’s arms crying.
“Children need their grandmothers,” Natalie sobbed.
“You’re so pretty,” my mom cried.
“What just happened?” I whispered to Teegan. My two favorite woman were hugging and crying as if I wasn’t in the room. I could have sworn they were afraid of each other just a moment earlier. In unison, they opened their arms and beckoned me to join the hug. To be honest, I was hesitant to join. Their faces were still distorted with the crying, and I think they expected me to cry also. I was confused, not tearful. It wasn’t as if they gave me a choice, so Teegan and I squeezed in.
Their tears had made me forget about Teegan’s new past time. She had gotten into the habit of kissing cheeks, mostly because the affection would make us smile. I didn’t have time to warn my mother when Teegan pressed her lips to mom’s cheek. Mom’s expression changed and her teary eyes widened as the link flowed into her.
“Oh my,” Mom said as her smile appeared. She took a step back, separating from us. “The way you described it, I thought it would be more subtle,” she said to me, “she really is your daughter.”
“She does love him so,” Natalie said, wiping her tears and adding a smile.
“How does she do that?” Mom asked, “for a moment, I could see everything so clearly. The love you two share, the problems I thought I had aren’t problems at all.”
“We don’t know,” I replied, “we just accept it.”
“How come I’m not bleeding like you were?” my mom asked, wiping her nose to make sure.
“Feelings are free,” Natalie said almost laughing.
“It’s anger and forcing the link that takes a toll,” I clarified, “there’s no cost in just loving her.”
“She must be an angel,” Mom said with a big smile. Teegan laughed and reached out for her. Mom took her in her arms without hesitation. Now my eyes teared. Memories from deep in the recesses of my mind awoke. The early years with my mom, before the drinking, when happiness was the order of the day. I saw it on her face again as she held Teegan. Natalie moved next to me and circled her arm around my waist. She sensed my need for closeness, even without Teegan spelling it out. I pulled her close as I enjoyed the mother I remembered.
At that moment, life was perfect.
Chapter 31 – Epilog
The room was cased in old wood paneling that was hand planed 150 years ago by a master craftsman. It had been well preserved with oil keeping its luster, a source of pride for the owner. Shelving, a little darker than the walls, lined the bulk of the perimeter holding leather-bound volumes that may have been as old as the walls. The trim along the top of the shelving displayed hand carved rose blooms that further enhanced the wood.
Four exquisitely detailed reading tables were laid symmetrically in the center of the room, each with two antique green glass shaded lamps. Plush claw foot chairs, four surrounding each table, completed the luxurious functionality.
Seated at the front table on left were two elderly men. Both long in years, but rigid in stature. Before them lay many pictures scattered beneath the lights. One wore an Italian tailored gray suit that seemed to fit the decor. The other, simple jeans and a sweater. Both were waiting patiently in silence with a stilled confidence that extruded power.
The door to the room opened on silent hinges. A middle-aged man in butler livery led in a tall, well dressed, black man. The butler left with the same silence with which he had entered.
“You lost it, Anthony?” The suited man asked the man who had entered. It was plain that he already knew the answer. It was more of an accusation.
“I assumed I had more time, Mr. Blackstone,” Anthony said after he stopped before the table with a small bow. “They recovered her quickly. I was misinformed about the man’s skills. I was led to believe he was uneducated and untrained. That was not the case.”
“You had no opportunities?” The man in the sweater asked.
“I passed on one, thinking another less risky opportunity would arise,” Anthony replied. He bowed his head lower in shame. “Poisoning its food would have identified me immediately. I’m sorry I failed you, Mr. Sabbatini.”
“You failed yourself,” Sabbatini sighed, “and humanity as well.”
“It’s done,” Blackstone added, “and can’t be undone. How was she removed so quickly?”
“The woman, Natalie,” Anthony said, “she turned both of the guardians and somehow impaired Corbett.”
“Or it did,” Sabatini spat, lifting a picture of a small child from the table, “demons can be very tempting. We won’t underestimate it again.”
“I have had hints that General Podgorski may have involved himself,” Blackstone said.
“That Jew!” Sabatini said, waving the picture at Blackstone, “first they stake our Lord to the cross, and now they work for humanity’s ruin.”
“Calm yourself, Nicholas,” Blackstone said, “we will find it again. Then Anthony will redeem himself.” He looked at Anthony as if it were a question.
“I shall, sir,” Anthony said, “even if God calls for my life, I will rid the world of the hooved one.”
“Then find it and kill it,” Sabatini ordered as he ripped the picture in half.
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Preview: The Link 2, Chapter 1 – Teegan
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I am human, mostly. That’s what they tell me though I seldom feel normal. My friend Samantha tells me she doesn’t feel normal either, and she came into the world the old-fashioned way. I guess it is part of high school. I might feel better if I had a date for prom.