No one speaks. That’s odd. “Don’t all say hello at once.” I grin.
Still no reply. The hairs on my neck stand on end. Alarm rattles through my body. Twisting about, I glance at the communications console. The monitors are still dark. My forehead creases. Everything was supposed to be turned on by now.
I gesture to Cissy and Zeke. “What are you two still doing here?”
No one says a word. Tim and Cissy huddle closer, taking a few steps away from the others. Adair scuttles off to a corner and skulks, sitting with her arms wrapped about her knees. At least she isn’t screaming.
My forehead creases a little more. Why is Cissy anywhere near Tim? This is off, way off. The alarm bells in my body ring louder, setting my teeth on edge.
Walker frowns, pointing his long arm toward Tim. “Why haven’t you transported the young quasis?”
Tim’s black eyes flare red, his mouth twists into an evil grin. “Why? You have to ask why?”
A bolt of chilly fear runs down my spine. I never liked that Tim.
Walker bares his teeth. “Answer my question, TIM-29.”
“Because I know who this one really is.” Tim points his bony finger toward Mom. “You’d never accept being a seamstress, Senator. You’re plotting against the ghoul government, you and that witch you call a daughter. I chose to side against my people once, when I decided to work for you. I won’t make that mistake twice.” He tells a good story, but the tremor in his voice hints at a different tale. For Tim, this is about more than being a patriotic ghoul. He still cares for my Mom and he’s pissed she doesn’t like him-like him. He wants revenge.
Tim spins Cissy around. He holds a short spear against her spine. “This weapon’s covered in poison. Make no mistake; one scratch will kill her. None of you move.”
Oh, damn. And here I thought Tim was so adult for helping out even though Mom loved Xavier. My wrath demon spews fire into my veins. What a whiny little loser! I glare at his bony hand on Cissy’s arm. So help me, if he hurts her, I’ll rip his head off. And that’s just for starters.
Lincoln speaks in a low and deliberate voice. “We came from the Arena. The demons attacked everyone, ghouls included. The Oligarchy barely escaped with their lives. We’re on the same side, friend.”
“The demons attacked, eh?” Tim scowls. “And whose fault is that? You forget, I worked with the Senator for years. She’d never give up on the republic. She’s still scheming and fighting, mark my words.”
Mom’s voice is calm and soothing. “Please understand, Tim. I’m not the same–”
“Spare me.” He turns to Mom, eyes blazing. “I’m not sure how you’ve angered Armageddon, but you’ll pay for it. The Oligarchy are coming.”
A new portal opens; through it steps the Oligarchy in their deep red robes. The Scala lies on a stretcher between them, the old thrax’s eyes closed in deep sleep. The portal disappears.
Bands of anxiety bind my shoulders and neck. The Oligarchy are here? The whole reason for this little bunker excursion was so I could hide from power-freaks like them. Once they know who I am, they’ll try to control me. Rage and frustration careen through my body, tension coils through every muscle. Damn, damn, damn!
I grit my teeth, forcing my breathing to slow. Stay calm, it’s only the Oligarchy. These aren’t the scariest monsters in town, by far. It’s not like Armageddon’s here.
Tim’s sneer melts into a look of awe. “Mighty Oligarchy, I bring you a prisoner to appease our invaders.” He gestures to Mom. “Senator Lewis.” Next, he points directly at me. “And that one may pretend to have special powers. Don’t be fooled.”
The Oligarchy set down the Scala’s stretcher. “Excellent work.” Their heads swivel in unison as they survey the room. “And this place is safe from demons?”
“Yes, it’s surrounded in angelfire.” Tim nods his head so vigorously, I’m shocked he doesn’t get whiplash. “It’s the perfect place to conduct your negotiations.”
The Oligarchy nod. “And you’re certain this plan will work?”
Tim’s huge black eyes beam with pride. “Yes, it’s like I told you. Senator Lewis would never really become a seamstress. She’s been planning to restore the old republic. Believe me, this is why Armageddon invaded. Get rid of the Senator, you’ll get rid of him too.”
I sigh. Tim doesn’t know how Mom changed after she lost Xavier. He can’t imagine Senator Lewis doing anything but fight. My mouth droops into a frown as I stare into the Oligarchy’s open, gullible faces. They’re grasping at any straw rather than face the truth about Armageddon.