Divided (The United Trilogy Book 2) (7 page)

When we get back to the compound, Dex and I go to our separate ways. I told him that I have to check in with Zara and send a few messages but that I will stop by and read Grace a story as soon as I can. We part awkwardly, but right now I have more important things on my mind than our love-hate dysfunctional relationship. I find Zara and after apologizing profusely and letting her know I will not be going off again anytime in the future, I go back to her place to send a few messages.

I then check in with Judy and Wes. I have decided not to send Masters anything in the system, just to be safe. I will give one of the guards a letter for him later. Now it’s time to write Annabelle before I put it off again.

Annabelle,

I’m sorry I haven’t written up until now, but you must know I am very unhappy with the Council. When I met with you that first day, I told you that I would be completely loyal and come to you with anything as long as you are honest with me, and all ten of you looked me in the face, promising to tell me whatever I needed to know. Maybe you felt I didn’t need to know about the OC, but they are people living in the country I am supposed to be leading. I needed to know, Annabelle. Why would the Council lie to me? Why did YOU lie to me? I gave you a chance to be honest with me before I came here and you chose not to take it. You could have talked to me before I came here and it might have solved everything. The only reason I can think of now is that you are trying to get your story straight, and I have no time for dishonesty. I’m going to figure out who these people are and if they are indeed a threat, but from what I’ve seen so far, they are not who you all think they are. I’m here to observe and see how they live and who they are. I spent two weeks in the prisons and I had previous knowledge of how everything worked there, and now it is time for me to spend some time here. I think it is only fair to give the OC double the time. Nobody wants to talk about the Ministry or why they left so I stopped asking. I am doing this and immersing myself in their culture to find a way to make United America deserving of its title once again, and I hope that you and the board will support my decision on this. I will meet with you in a little less than three weeks with the findings; that way, it gives you time to think of whatever excuses you can come up with for me, and I hope they are good.

Roz,

After sending the message, I just continue sitting there, worrying about how they will take it. I may have been forceful and angry, but if I hadn’t done that, they will know that something is up. I have always been upfront with them and I can’t show my hand now. I need surprise on my side if I am going to beat the Council at their own game; surprise and the ace up my sleeve. The only problem is that my ace just happens to be moody, temperamental and too good looking for my liking. I have to write a letter for Masters as well and I need to hurry so I can pass it to Holder before dinner.

Masters,

I have the Council on my back now. I sent Annabelle a message today to let her know that I will be here for 1 month. This is paying off more than I had hoped for, but then again, I’m pretty sure you knew it would. I have some very important information at my fingers tips but I have to bide my time. I think the wait will be completely worth it. Once my month is up, I’d like for you to come out and get me personally. I will let Judy know that I am going to be back in a month and will continue on the tour. I will let you know once I know more, but please free up your schedule for the week after. You will be busy. Thanks!

Roz,

Once I have sealed the message, I start making my way to the gate. I see Holder immediately while patrolling and I ask him to make sure he hands the letter directly to Masters and nobody else because there will be severe repercussions if my wishes are not followed. He nods his understanding and promises that it will be done after the change of shift, and that he will be back in the morning with a response.

From the gate, I move to the dining hall. I assure several people that I am fine and just had a bit of a fright the night before, that’s all. Grace has eaten off my plate again as she’s been doing for the last week and I tuck her in bed, read her a story and sing our nightly song to her. I am going to miss this most off all when I go back to the Ministry. Even if it will take everything I have in me, I am going to find a way to open the gates so that I can visit her more often. I should ease up on these nightly rituals to make it easier for her when I leave, but I’m too selfish for that. I want to spend every minute I can with this sweet angel. I give her a kiss and leave the room. Usually, Dex and I sit on the porch and talk for a while before I head to Zara’s for the night. Tonight, however, there is a different tension in the air. Neither one of us wants to bring it up so I say goodnight and he thanks me for tucking Grace in. then I go back to Zara’s.

Chapter Four

Every day for the next week, I spend helping the women with their chores, harvesting, re- planting, washing, drying fruit and meat, cooking, and whatever else that needs to be done. These women work their hands to the bone and by the end of the night I am always exhausted. But every night, I read and sing to Grace before tucking her into bed and leave Dex to his peace. He hasn’t asked me to stay even once. After a week of us acting like strangers, it starts getting old and even if he doesn’t want to tell me his secrets, I miss my friend.

The next week, I followed the men on their hunting excursions, I even get Malik to teach me how to fish and help the men with the irrigating. I am becoming pretty well-rounded, but other than getting glimpses here and there of Dex, I never see much of him. I talked to Malik about the last conversation I had with Dex and how horrible it ended. He has just told me not to worry because Dex will eventually come around, and that he will not let me down. With only a week to go, I am not so sure, though I listen to Malik and bide my time. But today, all of my patience is up. Masters has written me back that something may go down when I return. He tells me that the Council has been holed up for the last week without emerging, something he has never seen in all his years of working for the Ministry. He says that Wes was “debriefed” by Annabelle for an hour the other day and even Aspen has been jittery and not her normal carefree self. My time and patience is up as well. There is one person who has the answers and I intend to get them today.

I march over to the pond where I know Dex will be fishing for tonight’s dinner.

He is standing by what I think of as our tree, shirtless, letting the sun kiss his bare skin. His hair is getting so long now; usually I would think it is feminine, but it fits him. I think about all the ways I can get him to talk to me on the way over here, but the only thing I can think of now is to be as direct and as honest as possible. I know he can feel that I am there but he doesn’t turn. He is not speaking or otherwise acknowledging me. I refuse to let this intimidate me so I walk right up to him from behind and wrap my arms around him. I just stand like that there, hugging him for several minutes, not saying a word. He finally puts his fishing pole down and turns in my arms to embrace me back. After several minutes, I finally raise my head and our eyes meet. I only whisper, “Please. Please Dex, I need to know." but as if he knows exactly what I am talking about, he breaks our embrace and goes to sit by the tree. I take my place in front of him and put my hands on his knees.

“I wouldn’t normally ask you to talk about something that hurt you, Dex, but I need your help. The Council is either setting me up or using me as a puppet, and I can’t let it happen anymore. They don’t want me here, and every day that passes and I don’t come back, the more nervous they get. It’s you, isn’t it? They don’t want me talking to you for some reason, and if I’m going to fight them at their own game I need to know what they know.” He sits there for a moment, thinking, and then as if talking himself into it, he nods his head yes. He looks up at me with the biggest saddest eyes and I just want to take his pain away.

“You’re right. They don’t want you talking to me.”

“Why?”

“Because I used to be one of them.”

What? If he told me he used to be an alien, I may have believed him more, but the look on his face tells me that he is nothing but honest.

“You were on the Council? But how? “

“I wasn’t one of the 10, not yet. I was accepted as Council when I was 16. I did two years of intense training and right before I took the vows, I left. I knew more about the Council than they knew about themselves. I studied all the archives, all the rules, all that they hold dear. They aren't bad, Roz, but I don’t agree with some of the things they enforce. You are right, there is something that they don’t want you to know. I’m the only one who can tell you besides the Council members, and since I never actually have taken the vows, I technically will not be breaking any of the rules they like so much.” A grin shows out on his face at the idea of beating the Council at their game.

“Who were you training to replace?”

“Peter. He was planning on retiring soon. He was getting too tired and done with the politics.” I nod in understanding. Everything is falling into place now.

“So you know what I need to fight them?”

Dex looks at me with an expression I cannot really understand.

“I’m sorry, Roz. I don’t have an easy fix for you. The only thing that can even remotely be helpful to you is knowing what their list of rules say.

“Wait, you know the list that the founders have written for them? What it says?”

“Yes I do, but more importantly, I know the loophole.” I am completely surprised, and then my frustration hits.

“There’s a loophole? I’ve been wracking my brain for weeks to try to think of something and all this time, you’re sitting on a loophole? How can you do that? How can you let me worry over this when you can fix it?”

He is adamantly shaking his head now. “No, Roz, it’s not that easy. You don’t understand. I didn’t want to get your hopes up. You see the rules state that the majority of the Council has to win out on a vote. In a situation like this, in order to lift the ban, you have to take a vote of the Council. You are allowed to be present, but your vote doesn’t count. You might have a chance of swaying five if you are lucky, but I don’t think you can pull 6. If it’s a split vote, there is a loophole. Any previous Council members who left by their own will are allowed to come back to vote.”

“So you’re saying that if someone retires and there is a split vote, they can come back and vote and hopefully swing it in my favor?”

“Yes, Roz, but we are talking about a big “if” here. You have to sway at least five of the Council members and that isn’t going to be easy, and then you are going to have to find any of the retired members, but that will be close to impossible too because the names are sealed away.” Not wanting to get Dex any more involved than he already is, I have hindered myself from mentioning Malik’s name.

“Okay, leave that to me. Is that all?”

“No, because once you get the Council to a split vote, you have to find a retired member and get him to swing the vote in your favor; however, you still have to have a counter offer to bring to them. You can’t just tell them that what they are doing isn’t working if you can’t come up with a solution. Once you have a solution, they have to vote again. This is a lot of “ifs”, Roz, and not many are in your favor.” Dex sighs.

“Maybe not, but it’s a chance; I have to grab that chance. I can’t give up without a fight, can I? What they are doing, segregating people who don’t see things their way, it isn’t right, Dex. I haven’t come up with a solution yet, but I will. I have a few ideas in the making, but with your help and Malik’s, I’m sure we can come up with something! I’m so glad that you confided in me just now. You don’t know what this means to me.” I throw my arms around his neck and hug him with all my might.

“Ah, Tink, you’re going to be the death of me, aren’t you, you tiny little thing? You go around and pick fights with people twice your size.”

I smile up at him with my biggest smile, “Yes, but I have something bigger and better than them.”  He shifts his eyebrows at this.

“Oh yea, and what is that?”

“You.” He laughs at my response.

“That you do. You do have me, Roz.” 

“Do I?” With his moods, I never can tell exactly where I stand with Dex.

Instead of answering, he slowly leans down and puts a sweet, gentle kiss on my lips.

“Yes, Tink, you do.”

Chapter Five

For the rest of the week, I have spent less time working with the people and more time in trying to figure out what we need to do to make United America united again. Talking to Malik has really helped me put things into perspective since he feels the same way as I do about deceiving the people. It’s not that we are against the monitoring because it is already proven effective; we just don’t like the fact that the people don’t know about it. We also have to come up with a way to open the OC gates but still let them keep their freedom, and that is the going be the hardest part, and almost impossible to do without getting help with research. I am going to have to somehow find a way to get Wes on board once I get back without telling him why.

Malik and I meet every day, and sometimes Dex joins us as we try to construct a plan. Luckily Malik has an idea of who we can contact if I can really swing a split vote. He tells me about a man from the Council when Malik was still the President had to leave at that time for health reasons. I have nothing but a name to go off, but if I can track him down he is going to be our best bet. The hardest part now is how we can track someone without being monitored. I guess I’m just going to have to do this the old-fashioned way.

Dex and I talk every night after I put Grace to bed, but we make it a rule to not talk about “business”. We save our “business” talks for during the day when we have our get-together with Malik. I always have my notebook with me whenever we have talks, and I have been jotting down anything I think might be useful. Malik has proven himself to be excellent at organization so he is trying to help me organize my thoughts. I have too little time before my meeting with the Council so I have to ascertain that I am fully prepared.

“Ok, Roz, do not focus on how bad their system is; instead, put your focus on why yours is better. You can’t go in there and tell them they are wrong; that will be absurd. You can only improve on a good model. Make sure you are getting across your message well to them that you agree with their reasons, but not with their execution." Malik advises.

“So basically, you want her to go in there and put her nose as far up their butts as she can reach, am I right?” Dex so eloquently paraphrases for him.

“No, that’s not what I meant. I’m just telling her to concentrate on the strengths in her proposal verses the flaws of theirs.”

Dex nods his agreement and says, “That’s fair enough. It doesn’t hurt to stroke their egos, especially Peter’s.”

Dex then starts to pace back and forth. “Your first step is to get at least five people to see things your way. If you can do six, that will be much better, but I think five is even going to be pushing it. After working with all of them, I think your best bet is Samuel. Samuel is easily liked and people listen to him well. He may have that flirty devil-may-care attitude, but it is just a ruse. Samuel and I have a good relationship. Next to Annabelle, I feel closest to him. He channels that energy into straight passion. Get him on your side and the rest are more likely to follow.” I nod at his advice. It sounds very good.

He continues: “If you can convince Samuel, Annabelle will be in as well, and also Amira who most likely follows what Samuel thinks. Aside from Peter, your hardest sell is going to be Seamus. He is a history man and he is afraid of history repeating itself. Even though we are a peaceful group, he thinks there will be an uprising anytime. The only thing you have in your favor is that you have spent time with us, and they haven’t. Take note of that and use it.”

Wow, now I see why they wanted Dex to be a Council member. I’ve never seen this side of him before. He’s completely focused and more observant than I remember. An idea comes to my mind.

“Dex, since you are slotted for Council and technically weren't asked to leave, does that mean you can go back if you want?”

His relaxed demeanor has changed in a heartbeat. “I’m not going back, Roz. You need to understand that. The Ministry will never be my home again.” I knew he felt that way, but the idea of leaving Dex and Grace here makes me feel like I am leaving my heart along with them. I know he can tell I want him with me, and that I will never ask him to do such a thing.

“Roz, we talked about this already. You are doing an amazing job, and I’m so proud of you for taking a stand. Malik and I both are, but this is your stand to take, not ours.”

He is right. They have had their chances and they have chosen to walk away. But this time, I am choosing to fight.

“I know. I just wish I can have you both with me.” He smiles sadly and Dex nods.

“I know, Tink. We will figure something out.”

Thankfully, that’s when Malik decided to steer us back on track. “Remember that the loophole is your Ace. You can’t play it until you absolutely have to. You can’t tell anyone about the retired Council members. If it comes down to where it is a split vote, bring it up as a suggestion. They can’t know that you know anything about the loophole. This is very important, Roz.”

If anything, this is the most important thing. Dex and Malik can both get in so much trouble if the Council realizes that they have been coaching me. They might even be tried for treason. However, I will not give them anything that can fuel their fire.

“So once I tell them what I want, we will vote. If its split, I will make sure to ask if there is any protocol in a split vote and ask if any old members can come forward, but only after I somehow contact this Ed Jones guy to see if he is on our side,” I recite.

Malik is nodding. “Yes, very good. Remember to bide your time, Roz. Get your facts straight and wait it out if you need to. This isn’t a sprint. When you go to them the first time, it’s only to get everything off your chest and lay the ground work. Don’t let them get suspicious. Your best bet to find Ed is to go to the Dying and the homes for the convalescing. If you schedule your next few tours for those departments, it shouldn’t raise any concern and you can still work on finding Ed.” He is right; that is my best shot, so I have added it to the list. After we find Ed I will still have to talk him into coming with me to this meeting, then I have to come up with a solution. That was going to be the hardest part since the people of the OC wanted to be here. Malik and Dex are going to have to help a lot on this end.

“Which reminds me…I found a way to be able to keep in touch with you." I announce.

I can see a light spark in Dex’s eyes. This is one of our biggest concerns: being completely cut off from each other.

“I’m going to have Green transferred down here. He is the second-in-command and he is very trust worthy. It’s time for the patrol guys to switch anyway, so it will not raise eyebrows. Since this is going to be a hot Zone once I bring everything to light and put it on the table, it is only natural to put Green here. He will be able to pass notes to and from us, but don’t give anything or say anything to anyone else but Green, potentially Jeff Adams also.

Malik nods his head and Dex joins him. The excitement in his eyes says that we will have a way to sneak around the watchful eyes of the Council.

I give Dex a teasing glare. “No sending love letters either. This is for official business only.” He gives a mock pout.

“Oh come on, how can I not talk about your beauty? It would just be unnatural.” Malik laughs and I hit him on the arm, but I think I hurt my hand more than his arm. He scoops me up and starts tickling me until I squeal in surrender.

Once he puts me down, I sober again. “I can’t believe I only have a few days left here.” Tears start to form in my eyes.

“Hush now,” Malik scolds me. “You are going to be great and so busy that you will hardly miss us.” I smile at him in gratitude, but he is very wrong. I miss them already and I haven’t even left.

We agreed that that’s enough plotting for one day and Malik goes to join the men’s hunting party.

“Would you like to help me fish?” Dex asks innocently. That just means he will fish while I keep him company.

“I’d like nothing more, Sir.”

We head to our spot by the pond where Dex sets up his pole and leans it against the tree. He looks at me and says, “I’m going to miss you so much, you know that?”

“I think I have an idea how much!” I wink at him. I trace the scare on his face with my finger. “This one is my favorite.” He gives me an odd look. “You have favorite scars?” he asks, bewildered.

“Of course I do. This one brings a certain ruggedness to your otherwise beautiful face.” He laughs.

“I can’t tell if that is a complement or an insult. You think I’m beautiful, do you? I bet you say that to all the boys.” I laugh back at him.

“Only to you and Wes, and I think Green is too, but I have never told him.” I don’t know why I am so honest about this. I should be too embarrassed, but I don’t like keeping anything from him.

“Green, huh? Do I have to be jealous of him now? He’s not going to be stepping in on my girl, is he?” he asks challengingly.

“So now I’m your girl?” I ask.

He gives me a stern look.

“You better believe it! And no more climbing in bed with Wes, you hear me?” I laugh at the ridiculousness of him being jealous of Wesley.

“Yes, master.” I say, teasing him.

“Oh yes, that is much better.”

I’m going to miss our light banter when I go back. Sigh.

“Are you sure I can’t talk you and Grace into coming back with me?” I know I shouldn’t bring it up, but I can’t help it. I’ll miss him. His face instantly falls.

“Even if I wanted to, Roz, they won’t let me in because of the ban. I have nothing but bad memories of that place anyway. I don’t want to associate them with you. You are separate from that world to me. Here, you are my President Princess. There, you represent all of the things that were taken from me.”

That is the most he has shared about his life, and as much as I want to demand answers to all the questions, I have to be okay with taking only what he gives me.

“We can make new good memories. If I get the Council to vote the way I want them to, you can take Peter’s place on the Council when he retires.” Dex heaves out a sigh.

“Roz, don’t hold your breath on that. Even if I didn't leave, I don’t think I was ever who the Council wanted. It’s the one area where they have no say in the matter. Let’s not ruin what little time we have together by talking about them. Why don’t you go back to telling me how good looking I am?”

I laugh again and swat at him but he ducked my reach.

“Like your ego can take more. I’m afraid your head is going to float away.” He laughs and traps my arms behind me so I can’t hit him, and then he leans down and kisses me.

“Only you, Roz, can see the beauty in the broken.” The fact that he sees himself as broken breaks my heart. I stroke his face gently and he pushes it into my palm, closing his eyes.

“You were never broken, Dex; you are too strong, and don’t forget that. If you allow them to break you, they will win. You have the scars to hold the pieces together. This right here,” I say, running a finger down the scar on his face, “This proves that you are still whole, held together by the pain of your past experiences that remind you that you made it through.” He smiles at me now. “Are you ever going to tell me how you got them?” I ask him. I can’t bear to ask him directly; I don’t want to bring it up if he isn’t ready, but I do want to know.

His eyes have turned sad. “Yes, one day. When it doesn’t hurt so bad and all this is finally over and we can put it all behind us and be together.” I savor the idea of all this behind us and Dex and I are together. It feels like a dream that will never happen.

“Do you honestly think that will happen, Dex?”

“I hope so, and if anyone can make it happen, it’s you, Roz.”