Lilly

Chapter 28

"Are you sure you're ready to do this?" Mr. Rafferty asked.

"No." She looked even smaller than her actual stature. "I'm scared."

"I know, but you're brave. You've proven that many times, already."

"I'm not brave. I've just done what I had to do when I had to do it."

"That's all bravery is. You do what has to be done, rather than curling into a frightened little ball."

"That's not a bad idea," she said, with a shaky smile.

"You'll be fine," he replied, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder, and squeezing. "And we'll be nearby, I promise."

She looked at him, knowing he was just patronizing her. He'd already told her this plan might not work. Part of the plan involved her having the CIA goons come to get her, once the TV people were there. If it didn't work, they'd have her. There was nothing Mr. Rafferty and Stu could do to help, once this started.

The day before, they'd sent thumb drives, with her name on every envelope, to almost every TV and radio station, along with the few papers in the area. What the Rafferty's didn't know was she'd also sent a copy of the files to the British embassy, along with a letter telling them about this little get together. She'd sent all of the packages by courier, costing a small fortune.

When they got to the mall, she got out and walked into the nearby woods. She'd make a dramatic entrance, one the TVs would play over and over. At least, that was the idea.

It was difficult for her to sit in the trees, watching as the TV vans rolled in. She wanted to do something. For too long, she'd been on the run, and had grown accustomed to almost constant activity. This entire ordeal had only been going on for a few weeks, but it seemed like forever, to her.

Once there were a decent number of TV vans in place, she had no idea what the right number was, she removed her bird cloak. It was time to bring in the goons.

The first white van to arrive, though, was the technicians. Before it came to a complete stop a woman jumped out, heading straight for Lilly, tracking device in hand.

"Don't come any closer," Lilly called out, several water moccasins sitting as sentinels around her.

"Priscilla, I know what you can do. I know you're ability is with animals," the woman said.

"So?"

The girl's response surprised Elyse, and impressed her. It revealed she expected them to figure out her secret at some point, but was taking advantage of the fact they hadn't for as long as it lasted.

"Listen," Elyse started, but Priscilla cut her off.

"No, you listen! I'm tired of being chased, and being bullied, and I'm tired of everyone thinking they can control me! You'll never control me!" Lilly yelled. Elyse knew she'd make no progress with her, but she also didn't like the alternative. She knew what the goons would do, given free reign, which they would be.

"Priscilla, if you come with me, I'll make sure you're taken care of. If the CIA..goons get you...I can't make any promises," Elyse said.

"You can't make any promises if you take me," Lilly replied, and the intensity in her stare was something Elyse had only read about. It was a gaze to invoke fear in enemies, or incredible respect and adulation in followers. Elyse knew, she could not persuade this girl.

"Why are you waiting in the trees? Why not leave while you can?" Elyse asked, and Lilly smiled. As with the penetrating stare she'd just seen, the smile was the thing of nightmares. Elyse didn't know what Priscilla was up to, but she knew she had something planned.