The Alliance (38 page)

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
109

I won't go back. I can't live another moment as someone's property. I will make my way to the ocean tonight and find freedom one way or another.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

As Grant had said it would be, the door at the bottom of the Rook was unlocked. Mia took a breath as she walked inside. There were no lights, but the elevator door was open at the bottom. Mia stepped inside and the small closet doors closed. She thought back to Saint Louis. That was the first time she had ridden in an elevator. Back then she had never heard of such a contraption and was momentarily mesmerized when they moved up and down. Now Mia was prepared. She knew what to expect and the ride took less time than she anticipated.

The door opened and Mia stepped outside onto the small glass platform. She looked down and regretted her decision. But now was not the time for fear. She walked forward toward the open door. Like Grant had explained, there was a set of six wooden steps that led upward. Mia started the climb. She took a breath before using her arms and popping the hatch open. The night air sent a chill down her spine and Mia wished she had taken the time to change out of her formal dress.

“Come up and join us,” Grant said.

“Mia,” Andrew said. “Run. Get away from—­”

She heard a smack and was sure Grant had hurt Andrew again. She ran up the steps. The two were on the roof. Mia made it all the way outside and let the metal opening fall with a loud clang.

There was Andrew on his knees; his hands were behind his back and Grant stood behind him with a gun pointed at his head. This was not the first time she and Grant had faced off against each other in odd attire. His red velvet suit matched her flowing red and gold gown. They looked like a bride and groom.

“Did you bring a weapon?” Grant asked.

“You said not to,” Mia said.

“I've informed Andrew that if he opens his mouth I will put a bullet through yours,” Grant said. “So I recommend not asking him any questions.”

“I don't care if I die,” Mia said. “You promised if I came you would let him go. Kill me and get it over with.”

“No,” Grant said. “I promised if you followed my every instruction I would let him go. If I have to shoot you that means you failed at listening and that means I get to shoot him too. Do you understand?”

“Yes,” Mia said.

“There is that submissive attitude I was hoping to bring out of you,” Grant said. “I would have made you a wonderful wife.”

“The Registry is destroyed,” Mia said. “Women are no longer for sale.”

“So I've heard,” Grant said. “But we were legally married, and the rest of the laws are still in place, so that means you are and will be mine until the day I die.”

“I've heard enough of your speeches,” Mia said. “You said I have to follow your instructions, so instruct.”

“You've proved too difficult to kill,” Grant said. “So I want to see you take your own life. It's simple. Jump.”

Mia looked at Andrew. His eyes were about to bulge out of his head. Even with Grant's gun pointed at his head he continued to struggle. Mia looked away. She walked toward the edge. The higher points of the building came to her chest, while the lower parts were at her waist. She glanced down as she circled the outer edge.

“If I refuse?” Mia asked.

“Then I will shoot Andrew and you next,” Grant said. “Take your pick. Jump or I will kill both of you.”

Mia stopped walking. She turned around to face Grant, trying her hardest not to make eye contact with Andrew.

“I do this and he lives?” Mia asked.

“Yes,” Grant said.

Mia turned away and climbed onto one of the lower ledges.

“No, Mia!” Andrew yelled.

“If you say another word I will shoot her,” Grant said. He cocked his weapon.

“It's okay, Andrew,” Mia said. “I promise.”

She spun back around to face Grant and Andrew again. The wind blew across her and Mia felt her dress rise up again.

“Any last words?” Grant asked.

Mia kept her hands at her sides. She smiled at Andrew before she bent her knees and jumped up in the air, forcing herself back right beyond the ledge.

“
Mia!
” Andrew screamed, his voice echoing in her ears.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
110

Tonight I watched my wife fling her body over a cliff into the ocean. I didn't cry. I didn't even bother to look at her body. I wanted to, but I couldn't. This way of living has left me heartless and for that I am thankful. Otherwise I would have to face the atrocities I have been party to.

—­The journal of Isaac Ryland

The adrenaline from seeing Mia jump off the edge was enough for Andrew to rip free of his ropes. His body fell forward and he caught himself on the stone before pushing his legs up and running toward the edge. The only noise Andrew could hear was the sound of his own heartbeat. He leaned over and thought he might faint. Hanging only a foot down was Riley. She was holding on to the side of the building somehow and grabbing on to her back was Mia, her red dress hanging in the wind. Andrew wanted to reach out a hand for her, but Mia shook her head no.

Andrew's hearing returned and the sound of Grant's laughter flowed through the air. Mia had promised him everything would be okay. Andrew had not known her plan, but he had to trust her, and that seemed to mean playing the part.

“I didn't think she had it in her,” Grant said.

Andrew started moving toward Grant. The other man's laughter stopped and he raised his weapon at Andrew.

“I promised to let you live and I will,” Grant said. “If you attack me and I shoot you in self-­defense, that does not mean I did not keep my word.”

Andrew stopped moving and held his hands up. He had to get that weapon away from Grant. Andrew started to act like he would if Mia were actually dead and there was nobody to attack. He dropped to his knees and brought his hands to his eyes, faking tears.

“I hope that you live a long life,” Grant said. “And think about her every day for the rest of your life.”

“It was over,” Andrew said. “You didn't have to kill her.”

“But I wanted to,” Grant said.

“You're a dead man anyway,” Andrew said.

“I don't think so,” Grant said. “The Registry is destroyed, but my reputation is only tarnished. With Mia dead I can explain my side of the story. How I was desperately in love with her and never wished any harm on her. How the grand commander was forcing me to wed his daughter, so I had to kill him to stop the wedding. How I ran out of my wedding to find her and tell her we could lead the new order together. I am the grand commander, after all.”

“Liar,” Andrew said.

“Who cares?” Grant asked.

“You can't lead the ­people,” Andrew said.

“Why not? Mia did tonight, and she was just a stupid little girl.”

The other man walked closer to Andrew. He was going to check out Mia's body. Andrew had to act now. He waited until Grant was right at the edge.

“Mia has something you will never have,” Andrew said.

“What's that?” Grant asked.

Andrew watched as Grant looked over the edge. There was no way he didn't notice Mia hanging there.

Within a second Andrew leapt onto Grant, not giving the man a chance to react. He reached for Grant's wrist and forced him downward.

“Friends,” Mia said.

Andrew watched as she let go of Riley with one hand and used it to grip Grant's shirt, pulling him over. Andrew pushed Grant's legs and looked down as the man let out a scream, plummeting toward the ground.

Without waiting another second, Andrew grabbed on to Mia's free arm. She let go of Riley and Andrew pulled her back up and over the side. They landed on the top of the roof and Mia put her arms around Andrew's neck.

“It's over.”

He wasn't sure if he was asking or telling.

 

UNCORRECTED E-PROOF—NOT FOR SALE

HarperCollins
Publishers

....................................

Chapter
111

I am free. I was ready to end my life rather than turn back to Isaac, but it appeared fate was on my side. I tossed my body over the ocean cliff. The water felt invigorating and I shortly lost consciousness after impact. Someone didn't think it was my time to go. A fishing boat, of all the luck. We are en route to Guatemala, and the Canadian fishermen share my affinity for freedom. I plan to dedicate the rest of my life to stopping the travesties happening in America.

—­The diary of Megan Jean

When Andrew released Mia she realized the rest of her friends had made it onto the roof.

“What happened?” Andrew asked.

“Alex, Carter, and I were at points on the wall,” Riley said. “The rest were waiting with weapons to storm the roof and take Grant out.”

“He told Mia not to come alone,” Carter said. “And naturally she didn't listen.”

“I tried to give you hints,” Mia said.

“Those were the worst five seconds of my life,” Andrew said.

Standing at the top of the Rook, Mia looked around at their faces. Frank and Alex were holding each other, with huge smiles across their faces. Riley, Carter, Trent, and Corinna were laughing and hugging. They had done it. The Registry was destroyed. Corinna held her arms out and Mia went away from Andrew and hugged her sister. In the distance an explosion sounded and Mia broke the embrace.

“What was that?” Mia asked.

“The ­people are rioting,” Frank said. “Some of them in happiness, some in anger.”

Mia could see fires in the distance and hear groups chanting; they were too far away to make out any words. A loud pop came and everyone turned toward the entrance. It was Zack opening the hatch. He used his good arm to climb to the top and join everyone on the roof. He walked over toward Andrew and shook his hand. The two men patted each other on the back.

“What happens now?” Mia asked.

“A new world,” Alex said.

“Who will lead them?” Mia asked.

Over her entire experience she had never thought of that question. Destroying the Registry was her goal; she hadn't considered the aftermath. Hearing Grant's final words to Andrew made her think of the future. She could not let someone like him step up.

“It will take a few weeks for the ­people to calm down,” Zack said. “I know Affinity would like to set up a new government.”

“The Irish will likely be interested in offering help,” Riley said.

“What about the Americans?” Mia asked. “What will they want?”

“Who knows?” Trent said.

“Our time is done,” Zack said. “Affinity is sending someone to pick us up from Greg's place. We have to get back there.”

Zack started walking back toward the door and the group started to follow.

“I'm staying,” Mia said.

“What for?” Riley asked. “You did your job.”

“When I went on the air tonight I told the ­people the truth,” Mia said. “Something nobody has done in a long time. This is my home; I can't abandon it any longer.”

“You want to lead them?” Zack asked.

“I want to help them,” Mia said. “And I can do that more easily if I stay here.”

“This country is dangerous and volatile,” Riley said. “Not everyone will be happy with what happened tonight.”

“I know,” Mia said. “But that's not enough to make me leave.”

“That's your decision,” Zack said. “But if we're going to make our pickup we need to leave now. Mia, I wish you the best of luck and I hope to see you again soon.”

He started walking toward the door. Riley came up to Mia next.

“You have my number,” Riley said. “Call and I will be here in a heartbeat.”

She gave Mia a hug before following Zack. Frank and Alex walked by next. Mia could see the tears in Alex's eyes. They didn't need another good-­bye. Mia leaned in and gave both of them a hug.

“Thank you,” Mia said. “For everything.”

“Trent, are you coming?” Zack asked. “Affinity could use a man of your caliber.”

The former RAG agent nodded to Mia. He stuck out his hand to Andrew and the two shook.

“What about the rest of you?” Mia asked. “You don't need to stay here.”

“I want to find my son,” Corinna said. “And then I want to help you.”

“Carter, what about your father?” Mia asked. “He's waiting at Greg's house.”

“We'll see each other again,” Carter said. “But I think you're going to need me more than he does.”

Carter walked up to Mia. He wrapped his arms around her and gave her a kiss on the top of the head. There was no romance in his touch. Mia imagined this was what having a brother would feel like.

“We can't stay up here all night,” Carter said. “Corinna and I will see the other group off and wait for you at the bottom.”

Corinna nodded her head at Mia as she walked away with Carter. The door slammed shut and everyone was gone. Everyone but Andrew. Mia turned to face him.

“You can leave too . . .”

“Stop,” Andrew said. “You know my place is wherever you are.”

He put his arm around Mia's shoulders and pulled her next to him. Mia turned her head up to face him. He lifted his free hand and brushed her hair away from her face. Their lips met and Mia was certain she didn't need anything else to tell her this was love. Mia broke away first. Andrew kissed her forehead before they turned around to look out across the landscape again. In a matter of minutes the fires had doubled.

Mia wasn't sure what the future would hold. In the recent past she had been a naïve brat, anxiously awaiting her wedding day, and now she was the figurehead of a revolution. Wherever her life led her, Mia knew it wouldn't be easy, but she thought about the man next to her and the ­people at the bottom of the stairs. Mia was surrounded by love and friendship, and that was enough to keep her going.

“Do you think those ­people out there want to kill me?” Mia asked.

“I'm sure some of them do,” Andrew said. “But you wouldn't be Mia Morrissey if there wasn't someone who wanted you dead.”

Death was a part of life. Mia thought of her fallen friends. Whitney, who taught Mia basic life skills. Flo, who taught Mia to look inside of herself for a power she never knew existed. Her mother, who forced Mia to realize everyone's actions had a motivation and there could be love inside cruelty. The three would be remembered forever. Mia would make sure of that.

Mia had imagined she would feel peace once the Registry fell and Grant was stopped. Instead she felt like there was more to accomplish. Mia had grown so much, but she wasn't finished. The ­people would need a leader, and if they would have her Mia wanted to continue her fight for her home country. After all, the Registry had risen to power from the ashes of a once-­great country. Mia didn't see a reason why that greatness couldn't rise again.