Nonhuman

Chapter 7- The Prison for Angels and Demons

         In short, the plan didn't work very well. Marilyn and Maxon couldn't make it through the back entrance, Xander and Cecilia couldn't keep the attention of the wards long enough for Kamberly and Noah to get to the long term cells, and Noah ended up in the slammer.      

         But that wasn't the biggest problem. It started when Xander and Cecilia tried to talk to the neutrals.

         "Hello, miss. We're looking for a neutral to talk to for career advice. Is anyone currently available? Specifically wards."  

         Xander spoke with such authority, even Cece had a hard time believing he wasn't lying. The secretary at the front desk looked up, bored.

         "That way. You'll find interview rooms," she gestured down the hall with a pen, "and wards to talk to down there."

         "Thank you, ma'am," Xander replied.

         The two set off down the hall. Cece mentally reviewed their part of the plan. Number one: distract the wards. On it, she thought.

         "Let's go in this room," Xander said, pointing at the interview room at the beginning of the hall, "So they'll have a harder time getting to the cells."

         Cece nodded in response, entering the room as Xander set off to get the wards. Unexpectedly, a wave of nausea swept over. A voice sounded in her head.

         The wards are leaving, and you have an opportunity to break free. I personally suggest you return to your hometown. My precious little deviations wouldn't get hurt there. What do you think Cecilia? Would you fail the resistance for your own safety? Your sister?

 

Cecilia heard his voice before she saw who was talking to her. She shot straight up, arms tingling. Blinking her eyes to clear her vision, she glanced at the people surrounding her. Xander was crouched next to her, his hand on her arm.

         "You passed out. Are you okay?" Concern was laced into his authoritative voice.

         "Yeah, I'm fine. I-I locked my knees while I was waiting for you to come back," Cece lied.

         The wards glanced at each other. An expression she couldn't read was shared.

         What was the expression Xander used earlier? Itchy wings? Broken wings! "Broken wings, I wasn't expecting a fall like that. Let's get to the interview then!" Cece said, faking enthusiasm.

         Xander gave her one last concerned glance before turning to the wards. "How about it? This is the last job we're interviewing for. We have to choose next week."

         One ward spoke up, "Look, kids, we would, but we have to switch for nightshift and no visitors are allowed after 4:30 for safety reasons. Unfortunately you," the ward looked at me, "were passed out for twenty minutes after we found it."

         Another ward spoke up, "It's 4:25, so you'll have to leave now."

         Xander and Cece shared a glance. This was not how the plan was supposed to go. Offering his hand to Cece, he pulled off the ground and spoke again.

         "We'll be back then. Before next week, or we may only have 2 jobs to choose from."

         The group of wards nodded, herding them away from the interview room. As the group walked towards the lobby, Xander whispered out of the side of his mouth.