Dystopia (Dystopia Trilogy Book 1)

Chapter 13

 Note: This is the 13th chapter out of 20. Each Friday a new chapter will be posted. However, if you wish to read it now, it can be purchased on Amazon, B&N, iBookstore, Kobo, and Smashwords. You can also follow me on Twitter (JMRUL) and facebook.

Dana’s already bruised bottom stung even more as men dumped her in a chair. Someone ripped the bag off her head and the gag from her mouth. Her eyes hurt from the bright light that shone in them. Blinking, she waited for them to adjust.

The plastic tie cut deep into her flesh as she attempted to free her wrists. She felt warm blood ooze down her skin as each of her movements made the tie tighter. The throbbing bruise on her face distracted her.

“Dana Ginary,” said a cold voice.

The man it belonged to paced the room. Only his boots were revealed in the light.

“Who are you?” demanded Dana. “What am I doing here?”

“You should already know the answer to that.”

Dana guessed why. President Klens was getting even. She scolded herself for being so stupid.

“Now, you had your little outburst. The president allowed you to see your family. All is well.”

“Then why am I here?” Dana demanded again.

Colonel Fernau stared at Dana. “I think I will let the First Councilman explain that.”

He knocked on the door. Immediately, it opened, and in stepped Seth Michaels in a crisp, pressed suit. Kenny followed behind his father.

Dana watched them through the strands of her hair that remained plastered to her face.

“Dana Ginary,” said Seth Michaels. “My son has told me a lot about you. I expected to meet someone of better repute.”

Dana remained silent. She had no idea where this was going.

“I am willing to sum up your latest outbursts against the state as the mere whim of youth. But I want something in return.” A foreboding tension filled his voice.

“And what would that be?” asked Dana, keeping her voice under control as she struggled against the plastic tie around her wrists.

“Surely we don’t need this, Colonel,” said Seth Michaels.

Colonel Fernau stepped over to Dana and cut the tie loose.

Relieved, Dana rubbed her sore wrists; blood trickled down her fingers. Her eyes darted from one man to the next, unsure of what they wanted.

“As you are aware, the resistance movement has been growing these past several months. President Klens would like to see them eliminated. I am sure you are aware of the lies they spread.”

“I wouldn’t know,” said Dana. “I haven’t met anyone from the resistance.”

“Haven’t you?” Seth Michaels arched an eyebrow at her. “I hear that you are friendly with a man named George Saule.”

“He’s no—” began Dana.

“I’m afraid he is. Though perhaps he did not wish you to know.”

Dana started to realize what this was about.

Seth Michaels continued. “I am offering you a chance to be forgiven for your past transgressions. We know you have been to the underground market and that you went with George. Don’t bother asking how. We know everything.”

Dana glanced at her forearm. She knew she had been implanted with a chip since birth, but it never occurred to her that it could be a tracking device. But if it was, then why couldn’t—