Fragments - Book One of the Missing

Chapter 22 - Rowan

Taniel fell heavily into an armchair Scooter recently found in one if his apartment pilfering schemes. He closed his eyes, exhausted by the events of the day and started to talk.

Rowan leaned forward, hooked on every word. What did the Underground want with Edie? Why did he need this journal? The false base remind Rowan of her mother. Why were their parents keeping secrets? She couldn't interrupt him though, he'd likely just stop the story altogether. He never strung so many words together. Except when he was nervous. No, better to save these questions for another day.

But it did all sound so familiar. Betrayed by someone you trusted over something you didn't understand.

The three of them were so wrapped up in the retelling that they sat in silence for several moments after Taniel finished, absorbing every detail.

Taniel looked to Scooter. "Should we run?"

"I would guarantee the loft is safe. Though it's probably better for you two to get out of Fenesmere for a bit. Might be better to clear your heads after this past week."

Fair enough.

"But really? Twitch? I can't even list all the ways I want to beat him right now. What did he think he was doing?" Scooter stood up and started to pace. Every word was clipped with barely restrained emotion. His fist pounded against the window.

After all she had heard, all their fond memories, she wasn't prepared for this. Was no one on their side? With how close Taniel and Scooter were, she had imagined Twitch to be their missing limb.

"We will figure it out. He isn't the priority right now."

"No, no he's not." Scooter shouted back at her. "How could you guys attract so much trouble?"

She ignored Scooter. He wasn't angry with her. And besides, what else was there to say? Taniel was so drained he didn't even look up.

Scooter plowed on. "Well, I think you should start asking some tough questions. Maybe pay a visit to the old man you met on the bus."

Taniel's head snapped up at the mention of the old man. "How do you know it's the same guy?"

Scooter held up his fingers to count. "One, because he told me when he picked me up on the side of the road. He offered to help us. Two, he sent me a message the other day. If he got into my network, he is the real deal. Consider absolutely no one, and I do mean no one, is better than me. But call me crazy, but it's a gut instinct he's on our team."

"A gut feeling is what you want to go on?"

"How do you know we can't trust him?" Scooter countered. "Listen, you don't have a lot of options right now. Particularly in the trust department."

Taniel just stared at Scooter, and she couldn't stand watching them bicker without involvement. "I think we should go. How do we get there?"

Scooter pulled out a map and started drawing the directions to this man's off the grid residence. "He keeps a really low profile," Scooter explained. Then said, "I don't know what you guys have gotten yourselves into, but according to this dude there are worst guys out there than the Underground."

Taniel's face paled.

Her eyes narrowed. "Like the Officials."

"Right. So why don't you two borrow one of my cars in the abandoned garage across the street and drive up to see him?"

Well, that solved one question. "In the meantime, I am going to look into Twitch. What a filthy traitor..." He mumbled as he walked away, leaving Taniel and Rowan staring at each other.