Rachel Shore's Answers

19: The Guard

I miss Kallen. I really enjoyed watching her wedding, but not greeting her was difficult for me.

I decided to focus instead on what I can do. That is make plans for the future. When this battle is over I will tell Kallen all about it. I will reappear to the world proving that I'm still alive. Maybe I'll even get my home and car back. It got really late I don't think the guys are coming back tonight. I decided to go to bed.

As I drifted off to sleep I could see the gun in my face as vividly as I did when it was real. Screaming I bolted upright. I'm glad Charlie and Will aren't here they are always so worried about me when I scream like that.

I rubbed my forehead as if that alone would rub away the memory. Maybe remembering the rest of my time in that place would help.

I thought back to the moment the guard shot me in the leg. I could still see his face clearly. I thought he would have had better aim.

At the memory of his face something clicked. I had seen that face again, but when? Where?

My mind wandered to the second time I was captured and a guard had me by the ankle then let me go. It was the same guy. The same guard saved me twice. The first time was an accident the second wasn't.

I wonder if he could be an inside man like Timothy was. That would be really cool. I still have both Zantis I think. I stood up to go look and sure enough there they were on top of my dresser where they've been sitting for months.

I wanted to share my idea with Charlie and Will, but they are still off working on building the hidden cabin. I smiled softly. This is going to work isn't it?

...

When the guys got back they had very little time to talk.

"I have an idea to run by you. It would be another way to attack SHADY."

"I would love that Rachel, but we really need to get the cabin ready. It is still very visible from the outside. We should be the only ones able to find it."

"But Chris, I thought you just came back from finishing it?" I asked trying to hide my disappointment.

"No we were running low on supplies so we came back. Temporarily."

I sighed. They are going to drive me completely nuts.

"Don't you want a break for a short time?"

"No. Why?"

"I just think it would be nice to be able to get out of the house once in a while."

"We can get you a motorcycle if that would help."

"Sure." That wasn't really the problem, but at least it would give me more freedom.

"Then it's settled. I'll get you a bike before I head out." He grinned at me as if that little gesture fixed everything.

I smiled back. Can I pretend not to care? Can I pretend not to miss my brother? Apparently I can because there he was satisfied with himself and his solution.

I didn't even get to talk to him about my plan. Maybe I'll get a chance later.

...

I needed another run to clear my head. The boys have been gone for almost a week now. They aren't ready to hear my plan. What can I do to help?

That was when I began to think dangerous thoughts. What if I carry this mission out without even telling them. When they got back and were ready to listen I could tell them about our new advantage. This could be fun. The image of the gun flashed before my eyes again almost breaking my resolve.