The Revelation

It was Sandy who called Florian, giving him a very cryptic message about Wren. He seemed to understand, insisting they get to his home immediately. Both women rode together in Wren’s car, with Spock and Brutus sharing the back seat.

Dogs can sense the emotions of their people. So can a cat, but they aren’t as receptive. Or, they have a funny way of showing it. Brutus panted so loud that Wren rolled down a window for him after feeling the dog breath hitting the back of her neck one too many times. Spock only grumbled in the back seat, getting a nervous chuckle out of Sandy every so often.

The highway was full of cars. Lines of red and pale lights blurred past them. Each one was a signal, warning them someone was watching. A driver no older than seventeen suddenly became an Iron Oath Agent, glaring at Wren as he followed her. In reality, the boy was bopping his head to music and gave the pretty woman in the other car a bright smile.

Sandy craned her neck, watching the cars behind them. One weaved in and out of the lane, getting one or two cars behind them before pulling into an exit lane. Before the exit ramp, the car would get behind them again and repeat the process.

“Someone’s following us.” She said. “I can’t make out the car.”

“It’s a car?” Wren asked.

“Yes. It’s a car.”

Wren frowned. “It’s not an official vehicle. Iron Oath only uses SUV’s and vans.”

“What do you want to do?” Sandy asked.

“Let them follow us to Florian’s. They’ll get a big surprise.” Wren said.

Wren leaned in to the chair across from Florian and Anika, wishing she could close her eyes and be absorbed in the plush fabric. Anika’s love of bright colors wasn’t lost in the house. Pops of jewel toned glass and colorful art broke the neutral palette Florian seemed to prefer.

If it wasn’t for the task at hand, Wren would have looked around the house and appreciated it. The last time she had come in, the two weren’t keen on welcoming her. Since then, she and Anika formed a shaky truce. Florian tried to intimidate her, but it only partially worked.

The mood was changed. Florian and Anika nearly jerked Wren’s arm out when they pulled her inside. Sandy rubbed her shoulder, grumbling at Florian for being so rough. The two were sitting down without Anika’s renowned hospitality, and Wren handed the package of documents over to the couple.

After nearly an hour of silence, Florian crumpled one of the papers in his hand. His fingernails tore through the paper, digging into his skin until blood seeped into the yellow fibers.

“Don’t ruin them!” Wren reached her hand out. “That’s all I’ve got!”

“No, it isn’t. Oliver has copies. He likely has more than that.” Florian spat out the words like they were too bitter to keep in his mouth.

“How do you know that?” Sandy asked.

“I know Oliver Faulkner.” Florian said. “He knows what he’s doing. Otherwise, he would have come here to kill me and killed Isaac when he had the chance.”

Wren pushed herself away from the chair. “He went after Isaac?”

“Calm down.” Anika said. “He spoke to Isaac. No one was hurt. He and Florian fought earlier. In the house.”

“I didn’t want to ask why part of your wall was broken.” Sandy glanced at the cracked plaster. “I was going to leave it alone. Now I understand.”

Florian grumbled, tossing one of the papers on the rug at his feet. “Damn it, Oliver. He’s been planning this since we moved here. I know it. He knew I’d take up the fight again, and he targeted the only person who might give me what I need.”

“Me.” Wren said.

Anika frowned. “What is he playing at? Is he tired of running? Tired of The Others hating him and trying to kill him?”

“I can’t understand it. He wants us to see this. Oliver never was one to go without a fight. But this…” Florian waved a page around. “This will kill him.”

Brutus’ ears perked up and he craned his head toward a window. Anika’s eyes followed the dog’s ears, as if she could track the very sound he was picking up on. Quietly, the woman stood and announced she was going to get something to drink for everyone. Her casual demeanor and abrupt change of subject gave everyone else the hint. They all thanked Anika for the hospitality and allowed her to walk away.

Wren and Sandy remained in their seats, pretending to change the subject and discuss the finer points of Brutus’ bathing. Florian continued to read over the pages, tossing some toward the glass covering the fireplace. He wished the flames were real, and every disturbing detail would turn to ash.

Anika slipped out the back door in total silence. She moved through the darkness like a predator tracking easy prey. This wounded gazelle was so intent on looking through the window that they didn’t notice Anika peering at them from behind a palm frond.

Every scrape of dirt on their shoes and every beat of their heart pulsed in Anika’s ears. The woman was petite and smelled like a delectable pastry to the Vampire. Her fear made it even more tempting, and Anika licked her lips with the thought of biting the woman’s pale neck.

The profile looked familiar to Anika. A small nose and pouty lips. Her cheeks flushed slightly. This woman had been to her house before with Wren. It was the Iron Oath Agent who worked alongside her. Anika smiled through the shadow, waiting for Kerri to make a move.

She grasped the windowsill, standing on her toes to look inside. Wren had her back to the window, and all Kerri could see was Wren’s black hair pulled into a messy bun. She didn’t recognize the other woman, but admired the perfect Grecian nose and a pair of lips Kerri would have paid hundreds to mimic. If it wasn’t for the circumstances, she would approach the lady to ask her if she’d like a drink, but that thought was waved away when Florian shifted his position. Florian stared at something in his lap. He’d been looking at it for a long time, and whatever it was, it upset him.

The phone in her pocket nearly slipped from her sweating palms when she went to snap a picture of the group. Before the camera focused, something flashed in front of her eyes, knocking the phone against the wall. The force shattered the phone, sending small shards of it flying toward Kerri’s face. She yelled, throwing an arm in front of her to defend herself.

“What are you doing, Agent? Spying? I thought the Iron Oath didn’t condone that sort of thing.”

The person who grabbed Kerri’s arm had a voice that flowed with honey. It was a soft and familiar voice. She groaned when Anika’s face came into view and Wren’s dog scrambled to the window, barking an alert that turned every eye on her.

“Won’t you come in and join us?” Anika asked. “I’ve just gotten everyone’s drinks.”

Kerri sat on the couch with her arms crossed, looking like a petulant child who was caught doing something wrong. Wren and the other woman stood in front of her, both of them staring like disappointed parents.

“What are you doing, Kerri?” Wren asked for the third time, looking like she might hit her if she didn’t answer.

“Jacob told me to follow you.” Kerri sighed. “I don’t know why. He called me three hours ago and gave me your address. I was supposed to check in with him when you moved, but I lost you. After driving around half of Hollywood, I saw you and the dog get in the car with her.”

“Does Jacob know where I am?” Wren asked.

“No.” Kerri shook her head. “I didn’t want him to know I lost you for a while.”

Wren shut her eyes, grateful that Kerri’s need to prove herself to the Iron Oath saved them. When Anika dragged her inside, the feeling of nausea welled back up in Wren’s stomach. If Jacob knew where she was and what she had, they were all dead. Including Kerri.

“He’s going to kill you.” Wren said.

“What? Are you nuts?” Kerri grimaced. “I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Florian smirked, leaning in so close that Kerri felt his breath on her neck. He dropped his voice to a whisper, speaking like someone offering satin sheets and champagne to their partner. “Then why do I hear your heart beating so fast? You’re afraid. We all know it. I can remove that fear. If you let me.”

Anika rolled her eyes, pulling Florian away. “Don’t taunt her. Now is not the time.”

“It was fun.” Florian shrugged, grinning when Kerri gulped down a lump in her throat.

“Kerri. Be honest. Does Jacob know where you are?” Wren asked.

“I swear he doesn’t.” Kerri looked from person to person, shrinking back on the couch. “Why? What did you do?”

“What did Oliver do is the better question.” Sandy said, dropping a stack of papers on Kerri’s lap. “Enjoy some light reading.”

Everyone around her disappeared as the documents formed horrible images in Kerri’s mind. She could almost hear the voices of these people the Iron Oath had harmed. Some of them didn’t survive it, and others were never the same. The insanity of their beliefs leaped from the pages, clutching at Kerri’s neck like claws that dug into her windpipe, choking off the air she needed to breathe.

The more she read, the worse it got until Kerri’s heart pounded in her own ears and refused to slow down. Her breathing refused to calm, and a dizziness settled over her. It was like she was suffocating herself, pushing away the weights that pressed on her chest.

“Breathe.” Sandy told her. “Put those down and breathe with me. Nice, deep breaths. Close your eyes and think of something good.”

The woman’s voice walked Kerri through different techniques until she finally calmed down. Tears stung Kerri’s eyes and she pushed the papers away as if they caused the problem. “I have panic attacks.” was her weak reply.

“I noticed.” Sandy said.

“At least it isn’t a kid this time.” Said Wren.

Sandy smiled. “I am happy about that.”

Kerri collapsed on the couch, laying her head on a velvety cushion. “That’s not real. It’s not. There’s no way…”

“It’s true.” Wren answered. “I cross-referenced some of the more recent names. They’re all Others. Missing or dead. Most of them cold cases.”

She squeezed her eyes shut. “Wren, I don’t think Jacob knows you have this. He said something about you and Oliver getting too close. That’s all.”

“That’s enough to raise suspicion.” Florian said.

Kerri looked up at Wren with apologies written all over her face. “I should have told you, but he told me not to again.”

“What?”

“Isaac Carillo and Erin Neason were arrested.” Kerri said.

Wren’s eyes opened wide. “What? Are you serious? On what grounds?”

“I don’t know!” Kerri groaned. “I wasn’t supposed to know it happened, but I fielded an after hours call from her husband. He was screaming at me about her having diabetes and needing insulin.”

“Did you find her?” Wren asked.

Kerri frowned. “No. Because it wasn’t in her record. I thought he was making it up.”

Sandy was already swiping her thumbs across her phone. “I am going to find out.”

“Is there anything else you aren’t supposed to tell Wren?” Anika asked.

“No.” Kerri said. “I don’t know anything else. All I know is they were arrested and transported to some holding facility.”

“James answered me.” Sandy held up her phone. “He’s one of Isaac’s pack. Erin Neason does have type two diabetes.”

Kerri looked like someone punched her in the gut. “It wasn’t on her record. I swear. If it was, I would have looked into it for him.”

Wren shook her head. “There is no Iron Oath holding facility.”

“I didn’t think so either. But the arrest form said that’s where they were.” Kerri said.

Florian closed his eyes. “We need to find Oliver. Quickly. I would imagine you and Miss…?”

“Fuller. Kerri Fuller.”

“Ah. That’s right. Fuller.” Florian nodded. “Aren’t privileged to know where these holding facilities are.”

“But Oliver does. I think I know where to find him.” Wren shook her head when Sandy went to collect Spock. “I’ll go. No one is going to follow me. They’ll be looking for Kerri first.”

“Oh, she isn’t going anywhere.” Anika smiled. “We have some explaining to do with her. So many wonderful stories to share.”

Kerri frowned. “I don’t want to hear anymore tonight.”

“Wren, I am following you.” Said Florian. “I don’t trust Oliver. Or the Iron Oath.”

“Stay out of sight. Please.” Wren said, walking outside with Brutus on her heels.

This was Wren’s place. Her solace and her sanctuary. In the recent weeks, it had been interrupted by Anika and then by Oliver. The salty ocean air didn’t clear her mind like it normally did, and the sound of the surf didn’t lull her into a sense of comfort. Instead, she went through robotic motions, throwing a piece of driftwood for Brutus to chase before she settled on the sand in her normal spot.

The dog stayed near, as if he knew someone may be coming. He didn’t look for hermit crabs or large shells to play with and didn’t splash in the water as usual. It didn’t take long for a shadow to appear in the distance. The broad shoulders and stocky build told Wren that he’d showed up after all.

Oliver sat in the sand next to her, saying nothing for a few minutes. “I hope Florian enjoys the show.”

“He had to.” Wren said.

“I know. He was smart.” Oliver looked next to him. “This is where we sat before.”

“It is.” Wren nodded. “Oliver, the Iron Oath took Isaac, and Erin Neason. Did you know?”

“I only knew after it happened.” He said.

“Where are they?”

“It doesn’t matter. You’ll be too late.” He said.

Wren sighed. “I have to try. Isaac is my best friend. He…”

“Best friends betray each other.” Oliver raised his voice. “That’s right, isn’t it, Florian?”

There was no answer, but somewhere in the darkness Florian’s eyes narrowed. It was like Oliver could feel the man’s glare on him. He smirked at it, as if he were taking delight in angering Florian so much.

“Stop it.” Wren said. “Stop acting like that.”

“Like what?”

“Like you do. Florian has every right to be mad at you.” She said. “You walk around every Iron Oath office like you’re the biggest cock in there.”

“Because I am.” Oliver grinned. “They’re afraid of me, Wren. I want them to be.”

“I’m not.”

“I know you aren’t.” He said. “You were.”

“Oliver, help us.” Wren pleaded. “Please. You know where they are. You know what happened to them.”

Oliver broke eye contact with Wren, opting to watch his finger draw lines in the sand. Something scraped along his fingertip, sticking out like it wanted to be found. He removed a buried shell, still in pristine shape except for a few small dents on the vanilla-swirled exterior. It was almost perfect.

“Here.” He said, handing her the shell.

Wren touched his fingers when she took the shell, examining it like he had given her a pearl right out of the ocean. She had full lips that spread a little too wide when she smiled. It was the first time he had seen her give a genuine smile. Normally, her lips remained closed, keeping everyone out. Oliver knew how that worked, because he did the same.

“Why this?” She asked.

“A gift.” He said.

There was no breeze blowing that night. Everything remained still. The palm fronds stood like stone statues, watching the two on the shore. Even the surf seemed to be quiet, contemplating what might happen in the nights to come.

A scent like ripe strawberries filled Oliver’s nose. He could almost taste it on his tongue. It was the lifeblood of the woman sitting next to him, so full of energy and emotion that it was difficult for him to resist asking her if it was alright to feed. There was no way Wren would allow him to. Her mind was focused on one thing only. Her friend.

“What’s that have to do with helping us get Isaac and Erin?” She asked.

“I’ll die for this.” He said. “You can keep it to remember me by.”

“Does this mean you’re helping us?” She asked.

“As long as Florian promises we’ll kill each other after we finish this.” Oliver said.

Florian’s voice carried across the wind. “As long as you promise not to kill anyone else!”

Oliver chuckled, dusting the sand off of his dark jeans. He extended a hand to Wren, helping her pull herself up and helped dust more sand off of her. They walked toward Florian’s hiding spot with Brutus trailing behind, jumping on Oliver to remind the man he hadn’t gotten a proper ear scratch yet. But Oliver was too busy hooking one finger over Wren’s, guiding her away from the only solace she had and into the fight of her life.