The Registry (19 page)

Once things calmed down a bit, the bartender yelled toward them. “What can I get you?”

“I have some questions for you,” Grant said.

The worker looked like he didn’t want to waste his time on stupid questions when he could be serving drinks. Grant decided not to wait for the chance to hear an objection.

“We’re looking for three kids. Did you see any new faces around here today?”

“I don’t talk if you don’t drink. Rules are rules.” The bartender walked over with three mugs and plopped them down. “Six dollars, please.”

Grant sneered at the gross liquid in front of him. He had a feeling the main ingredient was muck. He pulled out his wallet and removed a hundred-dollar bill. He was not in the mood for games. He slammed the bill down, drawing the bartender’s attention. The bartender stopped and looked at Grant and his group. His expression changed.

“Sorry, I didn’t realize. RAG agents. I have the utmost respect for you guys. Appreciate what you do; beers are on the house.”

Grant was always amused at what respect a uniform could gain. For all this bartender knew, Leonard and Ross were psycho killers, but with their badges on, they got instant respect. Grant had begun to slide the money back into his wallet when the bartender grabbed it.

“Yours is still two dollars.” He gave a sarcastic smile and grabbed the cash, walking over to the register and changing it out. Grant had a feeling this place wasn’t hurting for money. “I didn’t see any groups of three at all. Can’t tell you the last time that happened. There are groups of one, maybe two.” A man came in from outside and picked up a tray the bartender had prepared, dropping off a stack of cash and a new list. Without missing a beat, the bartender prepared more drinks.

“It is impossible to have a group of one,” Grant said. “If there’s just one person it can’t be a group.”

Neither Leonard nor Ross smiled at his correction. Grant had a feeling the bartender’s compliments were going to their heads.

“What about just a single new kid?” Ross asked, taking a sip of his drink.

“Sure, about two or three of them. I think one is already dead and the other two aren’t fighting until later.”

Leonard beamed at Ross, eager to watch the night’s festivities. Grant knew Andrew wasn’t one of the fighters. If a teenage boy was protecting two runaways, it would be unthinkable that he would enter a fight.

“This young man, he wouldn’t be looking for a fight. He would want real work, or even just a ride,” Grant said.

“None like that, but I work one o’clock to one o’clock. You’ll have to ask the other bartender.”

“Could you call him?” Leonard asked.

Grant noticed Leonard was quick to request this before Grant had the chance. Grant had imagined that the bartender would make another wisecrack and Grant could crack his head open on the bar. Now Leonard had spoiled some of the fun.

“Sorry, sir, but I don’t know his number or nothing like that. I can’t even think of his name. We only see each other in passing. He’ll be here in a few hours though; we have opposite twelve-hour shifts.”

Leonard tried to hide his excitement, but Grant knew that since they’d walked in, all Leonard and Ross had wanted to do was go back out to the fights. They looked to him for approval. Grant knew he was being soft, but there was little else to do in the area. He bit the bullet and took a sip of the stale beer.

“Hey, barkeep! You got a betting book? Looks like we’re trapped here a couple of hours,” Grant said.

Both Leonard and Ross grunted with happiness. The two of them looked at the spread among tonight’s fighters. Grant decided to let them enjoy it, since he had a feeling the rest of the night could be difficult. He thought about how lucky they were that he was such a nice guy.

Chapter 35

A woman should never be in public without her husband. Married life is a gift; if the wife is seen without her mate it will spoil the grand appearances they make together.

—The Registry Guide for Girls

C
lothes were flying out of Alex’s closet. Mia and Whitney dove to pick up the pieces they liked.

“This is perfect for you,” Alex said. He held up a silk button-down and handed it to Whitney. “Go try it on right away.”

Mia knew there was no way that outfit would work. It looked more like women’s clothing. Whitney was relishing the attention and scooped up some more pieces before hopping into the bathroom.

“I haven’t seen a fashion show since the last time Frank let me get him new clothes. That was months ago!” Alex said.

He reached up to the top shelf and pulled down a box of clothes that still had tags. “And he won’t wear what I buy him, anyway.”

Mia went through the box and wasn’t surprised. There were fitted pants and satin paisley-print tops. Alex had a different outlook on the world than anyone else she’d ever met. Now was a good time to find out more about his unique perspective.

“Do you know why the Registry exists? Why our world is this way?” she asked.

He stopped going through clothes, frowned, and sat down on the enormous bed.

“Sweetie, I wish I did for sure. I know it’s not as old as the government wants you to think. Maybe only a hundred years.”

“Well, then how did the armed services start? Why do people throw away sons? You have to know something.”

“Because people are greedy and sons aren’t worth any money,” he answered.

Mia didn’t understand why no one could answer her questions. The frustration grew inside her.

“Don’t look so sad,” Alex said. “I’ll tell you what I’ve heard.”

The sides of Mia’s mouth curled up a little.

“There was a great war, about a hundred years ago. All able-bodied men were called into action and sent somewhere across the ocean. That’s how mandatory enlistment got its start.”

Alex’s version matched up with Andrew’s. Mia wanted Alex to tell her something new.

“Did women ever serve?” Mia asked.

“I heard they used to have women soldiers, but after the population scare they were needed back here more than on the front lines.” Alex didn’t seem interested in female soldiers. He continued. “See, all the men were away. The women back home were vulnerable. Something happened. I don’t know what. But the home population took a big hit. When the war was over there wasn’t much of a home to come back to. Americans had to build from the ground up again. That’s how the Registry was started.”

Mia thought back to Whitney’s explanation. Alex’s ideas didn’t match up with the population-control story.

“What happened here? That wiped out the women, I mean?” Mia asked.

“I’ve heard so many explanations. Other countries invaded, big bombs, plagues, nuclear explosions. You think of it, I’ve heard it,” Alex commented.

“Why wouldn’t the government want the people to know? I know the Registry saved the country after it almost collapsed. But what caused the war?” Alex looked stunned at Mia’s comments.

“I guess I never thought about it. In military training, they make it clear that we won the war and earned the respect of the world. It would’ve felt . . . unpatriotic to ask. And up till Steffy, I didn’t really question much.”

If this was the version Alex found credible, Mia was curious what other explanations he’d heard. Before she had the opportunity to ask, the bathroom door swung open and Whitney stepped out in her silk shirt.

“This is the most beautiful outfit I’ve ever worn,” she said as she twirled around. “But I don’t think I can pass for a lost boy.”

Mia clapped her hands and laughed. Alex joined in. She let her concerns slip away and went back to sorting through the mess of clothing. The reason for the Registry’s existence, whatever it was, didn’t matter, at least not right now.

Chapter 36

Failure to report for service will result in an immediate death sentence. Reporting is your first act of courage.

—The Boy’s Guide to Service

P
eals of laughter came from upstairs and Andrew was curious what the girls and Alex found so amusing. But he wasn’t curious enough to ask. Frank handed him another stack of blankets to line the back of the van with. It was a long drive to Saint Louis and they were going to keep the girls as comfy as possible. It was approaching midnight and the summer wind produced a slight chill. Andrew threw the bedding down and wished he could travel in the back. It would be nice to lie down, maybe even fall asleep.

Even though the drive would take eight hours, Andrew doubted he would sleep at all. He had never been that far south, and while he had gone to school in a major city, he wasn’t a fan of big-city life. Frank was no help. He was sending them off but had no clue to whom or for how long.

So far, Frank had been a gracious host. Andrew took his first real shower in days and Frank gave him some new clothes. Andrew was happy to have a pair of jeans with a plain white T-shirt on again. He was scared the pants wouldn’t be long enough, but they were a perfect fit. Because they were leaving so soon, there was not enough time to wash their clothing, so Frank gave Andrew some extra items.

He laughed when he thought about the sorry state of the packs the girls had originally brought with them. This time, Andrew got them all ready and made sure they had necessities like clothes, food, and water. He chose hearty food that would be filling and last awhile. Frank thought this was unnecessary and wanted to give him the leftover chicken, but Andrew knew that would hold only for a day at best, and he needed something more reliable.

“I think that about does it. We’re ready to go.” Frank leaned against the house as Andrew closed the door to the cab, dropping his pack inside. “Before we get the girls down and say our good-byes, why don’t you and I talk?”

Andrew had known this was coming. Frank wanted to talk about the knife incident. Andrew had been hoping to avoid this. He had no intention of apologizing. He felt his actions were appropriate. He had promised Mia he would help her, and that included providing protection whenever necessary.

“Maybe you should part ways with the ladies. You could stay here with us if you want,” Frank said. Andrew was shocked by his suggestion. “You haven’t been identified yet. They’re blaming this whole thing on a trucker, but the deeper you get into it, the harder it will be to pull yourself out.”

Andrew understood Frank’s warning; if he were caught, it would be death, or life in service. Taking into account the whole situation, odds were on the former. The memory of the young fighter he had killed came to mind, as did the image of Mia. He couldn’t seem to get her out of his head. The way she made him feel was unnatural. Like he knew he should stay away from her but couldn’t bring himself to do it. He knew it would be impossible to stop now. He shook his head. Frank nodded in return.

“That’s how I thought you would respond, but I had to tell you anyway. You’re not planning on crossing that border, are you?”

Andrew shook his head again. He knew that was a crazy idea.

“Good boy. You’ll be surprised how fast the four years will go by, and then you can find her. I’m sure she’ll wait for you.”

What was Frank talking about? Andrew asked himself. Who would he be looking for? Mia. No. Frank had the wrong idea. The thought of waiting around for a girl angered Andrew. He was a man; he was entitled to pick his mate. He would earn that right when he finished his service. He would never have to search one out. He could feel the rage bubbling inside of him as Frank continued to talk. He wanted to wring the man’s neck but instead took a deep breath and gritted his teeth before interrupting.

“You are mistaken. I am helping her because she blackmailed me. I have no plans to contact her ever again. I am an American male and I plan on getting a girl through the Registry after I complete my time and am ready to settle down.”

Andrew could tell Frank was surprised by his response, but he also knew the tone in which it was delivered closed the conversation. Frank gave Andrew a meek smile before yelling inside for the girls.

Alex walked down with Mia and Whitney. All three were smiling over their new friendship. Both of the girls had taken showers and changed clothes as well. Whitney’s black eye was starting to heal, and her jeans and plaid shirt hid her gender almost as well as the shiner.

Mia was toned down, too. She wore a pair of black work pants that looked like a tent, belted no doubt. Her new top was a gray mechanic’s shirt. It did a better job of hiding her figure than the T-shirt had. She still looked like a girl, though. Andrew looked her up and down again. Her smile was what did it; it was light and feminine. It almost made him smile, just seeing it. Andrew looked away; he needed to stop thinking about her features. All that mattered was that she pass as a boy, and overall, Andrew was happy with the transformation. He didn’t think he would have to worry as much about their being found out with their new apparel.

Andrew walked up and shook Alex’s hand before heading to the van. He climbed into the driver’s seat and waited. He was taking the first shift on the road, giving Frank the chance to catch some sleep. After all, Frank had to turn around and drive right back.

Andrew glanced back toward the house and noticed the tears in the girls’ eyes. He thought it was ridiculous how upset they were. If they wanted to act like men, they needed to stop it with the tears. But there stood Alex blubbering with them. Andrew wanted to honk the horn and hurry them along. It was crazy how all of them were behaving. They were strangers.

The good-byes were said, and Frank helped the girls into the back. He gave Alex a short hug and slid into the passenger seat. Frank repeated the directions, but Andrew didn’t need him to. If anything, the Midwest Area was predictable, and the entire trip would be mostly on one road.

Andrew backed the van out and took off. He was happy when Frank started to doze; Andrew wanted the quiet. He tried to focus his energy on reciting the military codes he had memorized. His dream was still to make the air force, and he had to study before the placement exam. He had dreamed of piloting planes since he learned of flight. His mind wandered to flying fighter jets across the sky. Yet even in his fantasies, Mia’s face seemed a constant he couldn’t shake. He reminded himself that she was just some pretty girl. There was nothing special about her. He snapped his attention back to the road and focused on his studies again as he drove through the dark.