Gene XVIII: The Missing

The Gene

1

Once again, I ignored the hunger pangs as I rummaged through Lily's room. Everything was happening fast. The adrenaline felt intoxicating, and my heart was unable to steady itself. After Kasen decided to keep me alive, he sent me to grab the necessities. Asking me to leave one thing to prove I attended the party. I grabbed my laptop and notes and left the rest.

Outside, Kasen and Ash talked, and their rigid composures relaxed at my arrival. Behind them, a glorified beetle sat with its engine running. Julian and Finnick sat in its black and blue interior with one door open. Ash climbed in, and the door closed behind him, leaving Kasen and me. He led me to his Black Bugatti Chiron, and if I didn't feel poor enough around Lily and Jay, I sure did now.

I limited my movement inside the car for fear of upsetting him. I knew he noticed because he scoffed and turned the ignition.

Something told me I'd be getting many more death threats from him.

"In a few hours after this party hits the news, you and the rest of us will become 'missing.' We should stay off the radar and let them think that. Otherwise, reporters and officers will lock you up and question you for days. Unfortunately, we don't have that type of time."

"But my father, can I tell him I'm okay?" My voice was soft.

My heart ached for how much pain he'd be in hearing this again. At least last time, he was on his medication, this time, he wasn't. I stayed by Lily the previous night because of how dangerous he got. Mixing drugs and alcohol with his disorder created unspeakable violence. Without me there, he would have to take it out on himself. I had no idea how long that would last.

"Sorry, not even him. You have high status because of your mother and can't risk it. In the meantime, we'll stay at one of our safe houses."

"What about the security cameras? They would have caught us this morning?"

"Already checked. All footage got burnt by the smoke."

My skin tingled at the memory, "What is this gene you think I have?"

The lines on his face returned. The prolonged silence gave me a different kind of answer. I knew all about it; I gave it to everyone who asked about my scar. Some things required trust to speak about.

Listening to them blabbering on today, I knew more. Enough to keep me on their leash.

1. According to Kasen, Damian and his cousins were behind the missing people.

2. They did something to Finnick's sister, which is why they're after them.

3. And we all share a similar gene. One that makes our skin burn but tranquilizes others.

The power of observation.

2

An hour of driving passed before I felt like I had become the sun. If it weren't for Kasen, I'd have stripped down into my underwear. I held my water bottle with both hands to control the spasms.

"How long until we reach the house?"

"Another hour," he said, glancing over at me. "You're bleeding."

He spoke with such ease I didn't believe it until I did. Looking down, blood dripped.

"Stop the car."

He pulled a sharp u-turn, flinging me enough to hit my head against the window, and pulled over to the side.

What a gentleman.

I staggered out, reaching out for balance, but the shakes became convulsions. The chills replaced the burning. The sound of Kasen's voice faded when my ears began buzzing.