ColorBlind (Book #2 of S.H.A.D.E.) ✔

Fences

18.

I hate this car ride.

I hate that we are all jammed together in here, I hate that Benson is pressed up against my arm, I hate that Jade won't stop crying, but most of all, I hate that I can hear Iris' body thumping around in the trunk of the car everytime we make a turn, causing my eyes to flick over to Scarlet.

Her skin is sallow, and her face is drawn. It's as if I am looking at a completely different person, like she died along with Iris. Now and then, I'll hear her say under her breath, "What is the point now?

"How are you holding up?"

"Better than Jade or Scarlet. God, Copper, why is this happening?"

"That's a good question. For power? It's all just so..."

We fall silent for a bit.

"I won't be leaving."

I see him stiffen in his place up in the driver's seat. "Really?"

"Really. I can't leave you guys to fight this on your own. That would be irresponsible and selfish of me. I'm... I'm sorry for the way I've been acting lately. I guess that -- well, I was jealous. I was jealous, so I wanted to run away. God, how juvenile. I can't act that way anymore, I have to remember that this is bigger than me. Than you and I. So I'm staying."

"There she is." His tone is filled with affection.

I smile sadly. "Miss me?"

"Terribly."

We drive into a wooded area, beginning down a forlorn road.

We have decided to continue on to one of Benson's warehouses. Apparently, it is one Indigo says Viridian spoke of, noting that it was left abandoned. Not only does this mean that Benson cannot trick us into walking into an armed warehouse, but it is also there that the Greens suspect Benson and his people have hidden the S.H.A.D.E. technology.

"This is like adding insult to injury," Benson pants from beside me, a layer of beaded sweat shining on his brow, his wound growing ever more serious. That's no surprise, given that I shot a good chunk of it off. I'm happy he's in pain. "You all are just going to trample all over my property."

I elbow him in his hurt arm, wanting to silence him in case he further upsets Scarlet. "Shut up," I growl.

He yelps, struggling not to writhe in pain. "Bitch," he whispers seethingly.

I tear my eyes away form Scarlet's face, devastated that this living corpse was once the strongest woman I know.

We drive on, eventually spotting a turn-off on the road.

Driving down a dirt trail, we come to a towering chain-linked fence, barbed wire poised threateningly over top. On it, a professional looking sign reads:

Attention! This land is the property of Benson Industries. Do not Trespass. Security is active.

"Liars," I grumble as we pull up to the fence. "I'll go over the fence and try to see if I can unlock the gate."

"I'll go with you," Copper says immediately, but Jade clasps his arm tightly.

"No!" she cries, "it's dangerous!"

He opens his mouth to say something, but is interrupted by Scarlet. "I'll go."