Our Time Bomb

Chapter Nineteen ~ Screwed

"Darling you are so screwed." Erika gazes down at me, her hands resting on my desk.

I groan, "What? Just because some kid saw you means that the Shadow Nation will invade? That's stupid. They haven't so far."

She grins, "But now they know I'm alive. See, we Shadow Nation are a loyal people."

I shrug, unfortunately, she's got a valid point. Invade us is something that they may very well do, if they are strong enough that is. I still don't know their numbers.

Exasperation rushes through my veins, I stand and face her, "Erika... Will they or will they not attack. Please tell me, this isn't for my own interest or for the purpose of keeping you here."

She looks me teasingly in the eye, "How would I know?"

Anger is begging to surface beneath my skin, "this isn't funny. You will tell me."

She has got the same defiant spark in her that Chris does. Must be where he gets it from. She studies my expression and raises her chin higher, the look in her eyes says: take me on.

"You know I never wanted this, won't you just cooperate?" I slam my fist into my desk. "I am responsible for the safety of thousands of people, namely the ones in this area if we are attacked. How am I to know whether or not the Shadow Nation will not only invade the Guild, but surrounding areas as well? I'm demanding that you tell me because there is too much at stake."

She blinks slowly, an unimpressed look on her face. "Jefferson you got yourself into this. I can't help you."

I swallow and walk over to her, standing above her.
She doesn't flinch or turn around.

"I'm sorry what? Erika this is my job. Perhaps you were right, I'm too nice to you." the words sting me saying them, but I can't let her beautiful innocent looks sway me.

She bows her head, "Or perhaps you simply don't have any control over the situation or over me."

I turn her sharply towards me and stare down darkly at her, "You're wrong. I am in control, and you'll tell me what I need to know. Will they attack or not?"

I'm so close to her that she is pinched between me and my desk.

She squints in pain as I press her hand into the edge of the wood. "Jefferson... I am not the..." she groans, "leader anymore. If I were, yes I'd attack this place, but there is a new leader, I wouldn't think he'd be very eager to have his position taken away from him as soon as he assumes it."

I release the pressure on her hand, "Are you certain?"

"no, but you can't expect me to be."

I close my eyes, "How many of you are there?"

She seems to be inwardly struggling, "Telling you that would mean betraying my people. I cannot."

I sigh, "If they are your people, what about me? Have you no loyalty to me at all?"

She cautiously places her hand over my chest, "You know I love you, but this is completely different."

"I see how it is then, you have more loyalty to your huge... Family if you could even can call it that, than to your own husband." I say hotly.

She sighs, avoiding my eyes, "It's not that, but I have sworn oaths to them..."

"you swore an oath to me when when we married."

"But I don't have to protect you, I do owe them secrecy from their enemies."

I am starting to get more than frustrated. Most people couldn't tell, but I am quite violent by nature and although I keep it under control most of the time, it does break through sometimes when I'm angry. I fear that now, if I let this conversation continue, I may become violent. That is a place I try never to get to, I must avoid it at all costs. But I really really need answers from Erika, and fast. For all I know, that Shadow Nation girl could be on her way back to the compound and in a matter of time, come back with an army to crush this place. I have to be prepared.

"Look..." I say, "Let's make a deal. You answer a couple simple questions and I will let you go free."

Her eyes widen, "What?"

I nod, "That's right, you can go back to your jolly criminal life, I will break the law myself and make up some excuse as to why you escaped."

She brings her hand to her face.

I step back and fold my good over the bad one.

Alright Jefferson... I talk to myself, that was probably a rash decision, but I'm desperate. Besides, it's not like the Shadow Nation will be any less hard to defeat if Erika is back with them. All that matters is that I get the answers I need.

I watch her expectantly.

She closes her eyes and fidgets with her fingers, this is obviously a very tough choice for her. What's worth more to her? Her freedom or her loyalty?

At last she speaks, "No. I will not do it. I'd rather suffer here than have them reap the results of my cowardice."

Argh... Why is she so freaking stubborn?

Desperately I run a hand through my hair, "What then can I do to get through to you? You will even sacrifice your own freedom. I've had it with you. I've just had it. I will have you escorted back to your cell."

Her face is expressionless. I ring for one of my men to come take her away. I don't care who it is.

I pace back and forth, I need time to think. I feel like the burden on my shoulders is much too heavy. Am I really doing the right thing? Something feels wrong.

A minute later, Kyle comes into my office and handcuffs Erika. Usually I don't like any men other than me to touch her, but now I can barely care less.

I turn and watch.

"Jefferson..." she says just before they leave, her green eyes seem a little softer, "I'm sorry. Just want you to know that."

I say nothing but stare and watch them leave.

Her words linger in my mind. Her determined demeanor just burns me. How did this happen? Everything was getting to be okay earlier today, and suddenly it all tumbled downhill.

I slump down into my chair and cover my eyes with my hand. So let's think this through. First of all, the Shadow Nation will know in a matter of time that their leader is alive. They may invade, I will have to call backup from another district and double security in the whole city on the other side of the forest and here at the Guild. Even if I do that, I cannot be sure exactly what they will do. I have no information at all. Aside from that, my relationship with Erika is again on thin strings. She was right, I really am screwed.