In Embers (The Ember Series Book 3)

  “Is she still breathing?” one of the four refugee’s asked. She had wild blue eyes and her hair was a tussle of almost white curls on top of her head. She fidgeted in her stance. Quickly, I checked Asia’s lips with my fingertips. A slight rustle of air tickled the beads of sweat along my palm.

  “She’s fine,” I smiled politely to the young lady.

  “You’re lying,” another girl grumbled.

  “What?” I asked, shocked.

  “I can tell.” She blinked her matching bluish eyes up at me. Her face wore the exhaustion of being a lab rat.

  “How can you tell that?” I asked her, slowly kneeling before her, trying my best to distract her gaze from Asia’s pale body.

  “It’s one of my secrets. We all have a special secret,” she smirked, and pointed to the rest of the girls. “I have a few different ones. I know the truth, or I know when people lie.”

  Rubbing some dirt off her round cheeks, I smiled, “That’s right. You’re one of the special ones. While I was locked up, I think I heard Avery refer to you girls as Project Seven.”

  “Yep,” she chirped, then quickly asked, “What number are you?”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, blankly.

  “What number? We all have them.” She held up her right wrist and tattooed in tiny red writing was the Roman numerals for TWO. “See.”

  “I don’t have a number. They didn’t give me one.”

  Scratching her head she wondered aloud, “They didn’t? Why not?”

  “I’m just not that special, I guess,” I giggled in her ear. She took a moment to digest my words before speaking again. I looked around our quiet room and noticed the other three girls were sitting silently with wide, intent eyes.

  “I think you’re very special,” Number One said, joining the conversation.

  “Why’s that?”

  “Because…” she pointed over to Asia. “She came for you. She saved you. Saved us. She wouldn’t have come for you if you weren’t special.” Slowly, she turned around and walked over to her sisters-in-numbers, and sat next to them.

  “Is she going to live?” Number Three asked. Her eyes watched me with uneasiness.

  “Not if we don’t get her some help soon.” I’m not sure why I admitted the truth to them, I just did. I figured there wasn’t any need to lie to them, especially with little Number Two’s talent.

  A few quiet moments passed with the girls watching Asia and I closely. I figured I should keep things positive until I knew what to do next.

  “Well, I have a special little girl back home too. I think you girls would love her. She’s gifted, just like all of you.”

  “Really? What’s her number?” Number One asked, excitedly.

  “She doesn’t have a number, she has a name…Madison,” I corrected her. All the girls looked around the room at each other in a confused state. “Don’t you have names?” I asked, softly.

  All four girls answered me in unison, “No.”

  “Wow…how long were you girls held captive there?”

  Girl Number One sighed, “We were born there.”

  “Unbelievable…” I said, under my breath. “My name’s Samantha.”

  “Samantha Summers,” Number Two said from behind her bangs.

  “Yes, how did you know that?” I asked, even though I was sure it was one of her other special talents.

  “Because I dreamt of you.”

  “You did?”

  “And Asia,” she smiled, pointing to her. Finally, she added, “And Max.”

  “Max too, huh…” I was dumbfounded.

  “Yes, the boy with the sad eyes who’s made of fire,” she added.

  I was almost speechless, “That’s my Max.”

  Suddenly, fireworks exploded from outside the window of our apartment startling all the girls. They all screamed, clutching one another.

  “Easy, girls…it’s only fireworks,” I announced. With a small yawn I looked over at the clock on the wall. It was midnight. New Year’s had arrived. Realizing they had no idea what I was talking about, I pointed at the flashing balls of wonder in the night sky. The room shook softly with their beautiful detonations.

  “Go to the window. They’re just fake explosions, like painting the sky with lights. They can be quite beautiful. Enjoy them while I try and figure out our next move,” I said, feeling the day’s adventure catching up with me. A vicious headache was upon me. My eyes felt heavy, and I missed my Madison Lee completely. I hoped she was safe. I hoped she was with Max.

  I closed my eyes while the thuds from outside mesmerized the young escapees. Moments later I was awoken by a curious touch. It was Number Two again, and I could hear her thoughts inside my mind.

  “I think I know how to save her.”

  I took a moment to understand what she was doing. “How?” I asked, quietly. She shook her head no, and placed a finger to her lips, instructing me to not speak out loud.

  “I know how to save Asia,” she said again, in my head.

  With my thoughts, I answered her, “All right, I’m listening.”

  “When we arrived here, as we rushed past the other apartments, I read one of the neighbors thoughts. I didn’t hear much, but I think he is a doctor,” Two said, inside my pounding brain. “I bet he could help.”

  “A doctor?” I said aloud, and she grimaced up at me. A couple of the other girls stole a quick glance back at us. I smiled back, and waved for them to turn back around. They did immediately, with a mouthful of nervous giggles.

  Softly, she spoke again in my head, “We need his help.”

  With my thoughts, I asked, “Do you remember which apartment he was in?”

  “Sorry, no.”

  “It’s okay.” I smiled at her, letting her know she had done well. With a small hug, she stood up and rejoined her sisters as the fireworks began to die down. I walked up to Asia and checked her pulse then temperature, with the back of my hand. She was starting to run a fever. I was out of time. We had two options; take her to the hospital and compromise our escape, or we bring the doctor to us. Lightning flickered in the far off distance, filling the night sky with flashing white light. From Asia’s mouth fell one word. It was labored and raspy, but it was clear.

  “Asher.”

  Who the heck was Asher? No time for that now. I had to act fast.

  “All right, girls, Two and I will be right back,” I announced.

  Thirty minutes and five doors later, Two and I had finally found the mysterious man who might be able to help. I was at my wits end. Banging on strange doors in the early hours of the morning, in a foreign country, was not the best way to keep a low profile. We were lucky no one had called the authorities on us already. As the stranger opened his front door just enough to get a good look at us, Two wrapped her hand around mine.

  “Who’s there?” he asked, upset.

  “Hello, I am so sorry to bother you this evening…”

  “Do you understand what time it is?” he grumbled. The door began to close and I reached out as fast as I could.

  “Please. I know it’s late. We need your help. It’s an emergency.”

  “I don’t care. I don't know you, goodnight…”

  “Wait! Someone’s hurt. She may be dying,” I begged.

  “Who? Who is dying?” he asked, opening his door another inch.

  “My friend…she’s been shot…” I swallowed hard. Quickly, I looked down the hall to make sure no one else heard me. He stared at me for a long minute. “Please.”

  “Why me?” he finally asked.

  Without missing a beat, Two chimed in, “Because you’re a doctor.” He looked down at her and frowned.

  “How do you know that?”

  “There’s no time to explain…please, we need your help,” I begged again. Asia had done everything in her power to find me, to save me. I wasn’t going to let that go unanswered. I reached for his hand and he pulled away from me, making me angry in the process. Two stepped forward, squinting her eyes as
if she were deep in thought, and the man froze in place. He stared down at her in bewilderment. She was talking to him with her mind. It was calming him and freaking him out at the same time. It filled me with a queasy fear and I wished I knew what she was telling him. Just then, he wilted.

  “Okay, I’ll come.”

  Gasping a little, I started to tear up. “Thank you.”

  A few minutes later we were all walking into the strange apartment room where a dying Asia was waiting. The doctor pushed inside, offering the other girls a nervous wave before hunkering down next to Asia. I knelt down next to Two and smiled softly.

  “What did you tell him, sweetie?” I asked her.

  She smiled at me and nodded no. “I can’t tell you yet.”

  “Huh?” I wilted.

  “It would only upset you, and I don’t want to do that. I’ve just met you, but I’ve seen that we’ll be the best of friends, in the future. I don’t want to ruin that,” she sighed. “Samantha, I don’t want to hurt you.”

  Her words stung me to my core. I was tired, scared, and an emotional wreck. I had to focus on getting everyone home safe and sound. I had to get back to Madison. Back to my parents, Kai, and Uncle Frank. Back to Max.

  Startling me from my thoughts, the doctor said, “I think I can save her.”

  Number Two slapped her hands together in a bright clap. “See, I was right.”

  Number One walked up to her sister with a smug smile. “You’re always right.”

  Both girls huddled up with the other sisters by the open window. I walked up to the doctor and asked if I could use his cell phone. He politely handed me an older flip phone and I retired into the small bathroom and locked the door behind me. I dialed Max’s number, but only reached his messaging service. I tried his Uncle’s house next, with the same results. Frustrated, I dialed one last number. The voice on the other end was my breaking point.

  “Hello? Who is this?” he asked.

  “Kai!” I sobbed, losing all my strength in one exhausted moment.

  “Sam!” he shouted.

  I cried into the receiver until the doctor was finished with Asia.

  NINE: JUSTICE

  ~ Rise Above This: Seether ~

  Maui Circuit Court Division

  Monday morning - 9:03 a.m. - January 2nd

  Max:

  “Just breathe, Mr. Valentine. Let us handle everything,” the most expensively dressed man I had ever seen said, with a pearly-white grin.

  One of two lawyers that worked for my beautiful but estranged rainmaker, Asia, stood confidently beside me as we entered the courtroom. The second lawyer awaited us at the front of the room with a steel gaze, and cup of steaming coffee. Watching the steam spin into the air reminded me of my once explosive fires that I used to create at will. It also reminded me of the mornings I’d spend laughing with my Uncle Frank. He loved a good cup of java every morning. I hated the taste, but I always drank a small cup with him. I loved his morning jokes. They made me feel comforted and loved. I would guzzle a mug of nails to have that feeling back.

  “The best money can buy,” I mumbled, as I stepped up to my ridiculously rich defensive team.

  One of the lawyers leaned into me with a snort. “What did you say?”

  “The coffee…” I said, covering my tracks. “Smells like the best money can buy. Smells like…Sunday mornings with my uncle.”

  “Oh…” he grunted, and adjusted his suit. “No worries, Mr. Valentine. We’ll have you home by lunch.” He turned to the judge as he strolled into the courtroom. The room was small but full of people. I could feel their judgmental eyes upon me. With an exhale of oxygen, I stood with my dark bangs hiding my face from everyone. Quickly, the judge announced the start of the trial and I sat down, silent and still.

  Four hours later I was walking down the isle of the courtroom, my head still spinning from the antics my dream team of lawyers had just unleashed upon this island. Most of the people in attendance were stunned as the local police chief undid my handcuffs and nudged me to leave his presence. Officer Fitzsimmons smiled from behind him, excited to see me go home.

  Home. I was going home. Time served. All charges dropped. There were no eyewitnesses to my epic meltdown that killed a dozen men, just Asia and Sam, but they were nowhere to be found. Yes, my victims were all murderers and pieces of human trash, but they were still human. And they were still dead by my burning hands. That didn’t seem to matter though, at least after my twin legal-eagles got done with the judge. I’d say they were good, but after this unbelievable victory, I’d say they were the best.

  “The best…” I mumbled. Asia made sure of that. Even though she was miles away, she was still protecting me. Thunder rumbled outside the courthouse and I quickly inhaled the surrounding air, hoping to smell that familiar scent of cherry blossoms, but there was nothing. I stepped outside the doors and was attacked by the local media. Cameras, microphones, and television reporters slammed into me, stealing my sanity for a few seconds.

  “No questions, no statements!” one of my superhero lawyers ordered. With a polite shove, he pushed me forward. Quickly, we made our way out of the building and into his shiny black Mercedes. As he turned the engine on and revved the gas pedal, he looked over his shoulder at me. A proud smile crept along his lips.

  “You hungry, Mr. Valentine? Lunch is on me.”

  “Thanks, but no thanks. I just want to go home,” I tried to say politely, but I was too numb to care. He shrugged and turned on the radio.

  “Home it is,” he said, and drove off.

  As I pulled into my Uncle Frank’s driveway, everything finally started to hit me. His death, my freedom, my daughter…my unearthed mother. And just like that, she was there.

  “Max.” She smiled, with her arms locked against her chest. I could tell she wanted to offer me a hug as I exited the car, but my sullen scowl scared that idea away, instantly. I quickly shook the hands of my defense team and they handed me a briefcase full of legal documents.

  “Here’s all the odds and ends of everything; the trial, your uncle’s will, and some surprises.”

  “Surprises?” I asked, trying to ignore my mother’s presence.

  “You’ll see. We’ll be in touch soon. Call the number at the top of the first folder if you have any questions. Have a good day, Mr. Valentine.” He smiled.

  “Thank you…I think…” I shrugged. Turning back toward my mother, I let out a long sigh.

  “Welcome home, Son,” she said, softly.

  I pushed past her without a word and stumbled into the living room and tossed the briefcase onto the couch. Immediately, the wind from my lungs was knocked out of me.

  “Sam!”

  “Max,” Sam smiled, with tears welling up in her eyes. Without any warning I slammed into her petite five-foot frame. My arms wrapped around her tightly as I scooped her from the floor with a small spin. She felt wonderful. She felt real. She felt like home. As my nose buried itself into her soft golden curls, I realized she was kissing my neck gently. I pulled from her just enough to lock onto her emerald eyes, and we watched each other letting time slow down to a crawl.

  “You’re here, you’re safe,” I whispered. She nodded and reached for my falling bangs. With a quick flip she slid them behind my ears. I loved when she did that.

  “Yes, I am,” she whispered back. I wanted to kiss her. I wanted to hold her for the rest of the night, but her next words settled my racing heart. “I just got back from the police station. I turned myself in as soon as I got back from Dubai.”

  “Dubai? Police station?”

  “It’s a very long story. I was still a fugitive, Max. I tried to turn myself in, but it seems your lawyers had done a little legal magic for me as well. With no one to press charges or claim any wrong doings, I was let go. No probation, no anything.”

  “Really?”

  “Yes. I guess Asia saved my life…twice.”

  Hearing her name stole all my words and I fell quiet in thought. Asia found
Sam, brought her back safe and sound. But, where was Asia now? My stomach knotted up at the question.

  “Where’s Asia?” I asked.

  Sam looked up at me as if she didn’t want to continue the conversation. Her eyes fought off the extreme exhaustion she was feeling, and she spoke softly.

  “Something happened in Dubai, Max.”

  “What happened?” I asked, holding my breath.

  “She’s fine.”

  “Okay. Where is she?” I asked, in a new panic, but it was obvious Sam wasn’t going to reveal all the details just yet.

  “She’s close, she’s safe. We can talk about everything later. I’m exhausted, and so happy to be home again.” Sam forced a smile onto her lips. “To be with Madison again.”

  “Home…” I mumbled. Why was she being so coy about Asia’s whereabouts? I wrestled with my thoughts while she continued.

  “I’m so happy to see you.” Her eyes fell from me and found another in the room. “Relieved to be with Kai again,” she added, and it shook me a little.

  I looked around the living room and discovered we had an audience. Sam’s parents stood next to each other, both cradling little Madison who was sound asleep. They looked upset that I had been holding their daughter so passionately, but I didn’t care. Then there was my mother. She pretended she wasn’t watching every move I made and it made me furious. Why was she here? Was she staying in my uncle’s house? I searched the room, and then the hallway for any sign of her things. Sticking from my bedroom door was a large black suitcase.