ColorBlind (Book #2 of S.H.A.D.E.) ✔

Whatever it Takes

15.

There are a ton of things to worry about right now.

The fate of Copper's family after Gray gave the instructions to kidnap Sofia. Jade, in general. Finding out where Scarlet and the others are hiding. Micheal Benson, in general. And let's not forget about meeting the notorious orchestrator of S.H.A.D.E., Gold.

We are in the Corolla now, Benson wedged between Copper and Jade, who both have guns pointed at him. Jade's hand shakes, but Copper's is steady.

I drive to Onyx's apartment, on the off chance that S.H.A.D.E. hasn't gotten there yet and the others have remained there.

I go look for myself, but there is no such luck. I see them, trench coats and hats, moving about the apartment through the patio window. I tuck myself back into the shadows and run back to the car.

"Shades," I say, hopping back into the driver's seat. "Do you know where Scarlet would have taken them?"

Copper sighs, thinking for a minute. Suddenly, his cinnamon eyes light up in realization. "Yes, I know. At least I think I do."

"Better than nothing. Where's it at?" I ask, starting the ignition.

"An old boxing gym. She knows the owner, low key."

I pray silently to anything and anyone that they be there.

"Listen," Benson speaks up, his voice nervous, "Maybe we can cut a deal. I really do have a lot of money. I will be generous, and then you could afford a much better hiding place. None of this running around. What do you say?"

We all ignore him.

He sighs woefully, thumping his head repeatedly off the head rest. "It's like talking to apes."

"Not used to higher standards, eh?" Copper chuckles. He just can't help himself from jabbing at Benson any chance he gets.

"...Hey.... Copper?"

I hear him inhale.

"Yes?"

"We don't want to antagonize Benson. He will cooperate more if we remain reserved."

"I know, I know. But he's got the type of face you just want to punch..."

I can't help but snort. Jade looks my way, her brow quizzical.

"... so... does this mean you don't mind me in your head?"

"You're there enough anyways."

I don't dare look back, but I hear him shift in his seat.

"Can we just talk? And I mean talk without you completely shutting down after a second?"

"There's nothing to talk about. I'm happy for you two. And we have bigger fish to fry, don't you think?"

"Bullshit."

I frown at him in the rear-view mirror. "What?"

"Bullshit. You want to talk about it, and us, whatever us is. Why else would your mind reach out to mine?"

"Why are you always so cocky?"

"I'm not, it's just--"

"I thought you said your chips were disabled?" Jade's voice sweeps into our internal dialogue.

A feeling of guilt comes over me, like Copper and I were doing something wrong. "They were," I say.

"But you two were clearly..." she looks between Copper and I.

I don't want her to know. For whatever reason, I feel it's best she not know.

"Don't tell her."

Copper sends me a look, but something must register in my eyes that is more than just pettiness, and he says nothing.

My mind flashes to the window of the basement Jade and I were trapped in, free of any bars. Had she lied to me? I don't know, and that's why I want to keep it a secret from her, any advantage I have.

"Ebony, what was that?"

A chill runs through my body. Did he see my memory? That has never happened before... how far does this mind-syncing go? The thought makes me a little wary. "It was nothing."

I watch Copper's eyes slide to Jade. He looks cautious and heartbroken.

"Copper, maybe she was disoriented? We don't know. She'd have to be the best actress in the world to have pulled off how scared she was in that basement."

We drive on, quiet for a few moments before I hear him again.

"Ebony?"

"Yes?"

"Please don't go. You're one of the few people I know I can trust."

I don't respond. I can't.

As soon as I get this pardon, I will have to decide whether I stay and fight or break off on my own to find my family. And I don't want to get in the way of anything. I've already put a wall up between Copper and Jade.

I look back at her. She looks exhausted and nervous, which makes me feel like an awful person for doubting her. I don't want to feel this way anymore.

"Turn right," Copper instructs, sounding gruffer than usual.

I obey.

The sooner we get the others, the sooner we get the equipment Benson stole, and finally, the sooner we meet Gold.

Although, almost certainly, it's going to take a lot of fighting to get there. But I'll do it, I'll earn my freedom, no matter what it takes.