Forsaken Harbor

By Laura Kreitzer

The Secret Clock Society has infiltrated every aspect of the government. You can’t hide from them, you can’t out run them—the only choice is to surrender or die fighting. Well, Summer’s found her voice and her confidence. She’ll fight if necessary, but for now she’s on the run. And the only place that can offer her refuge is the one city that’s been devastated with disease and death. Full of savages, Forsaken Harbor holds her life on the edge of a knife. Is there still hope to be found here after all? Or will survival mean savagery?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Laura Kreitzer
• Release date: Feb 12, 2012
• ISBN: 9781937790011

Laura Kreitzer

Laura Kreitzer is a best-selling fantasy and science fiction author who hails from western Kentucky. Represented by Pam van Hylckama Vlieg, partner at Foreword Literary. Laura's full-time 9-5 job used to be working in a lab devoted to water dye-tracing investigations at Western Kentucky University, though her passion was always writing. After seven years of dedicating her life to the environment, she made the tough decision to leave the university to pursue her writing career. Now Laura has several novels published, with several more in the works.

Book preview

PROLOGUE

July 04, 2210

Julian swings a bag over his shoulder as he takes his first steps outside the Secret Clock Society’s headquarters. Excitement and terror mingle together at the sensation of freedom, as fleeting as it is. His dark blue eyes close as he tilts his head toward the cloudless sky. The heat of the day instantly warms him as the rays of the sun seek out his black hair. For a moment he pretends he’s free, but it’s a lie. He doesn’t know what they did to him, but he can’t get her out of his mind. This girl he’s never met—this girl who is just like him. He is more than the Society’s puppet now. He’s fallen in love, and he hates that fact. Love, he mutters aloud. Completely irrational. But he has no idea exactly how irrational the emotion can become.

With the implant in his ear, his identification secured with the help of the Federation, he strides to the red car he’s been assigned. It’s sleek and utterly distinctive compared to any other vehicle he’s ever seen. Since childhood his favorite hobby has been reading magazines about cars and motorcycles. Many days he daydreamed about roaring away on a bike or crawling over rocks in a Jeep—his favorite vehicle—but he’s never had the opportunity to actually ride in one. After Summer disappeared, he’d been locked away from the world, from the simplest things like cars. Now that he is in the future, a whole new type of vehicle intrigues him: hovercars. And he is going to drive one right now. He uses his mind to unlock the door, the neural link another future marvel. It slides open effortlessly, and he slips inside. His hands roam over the steering wheel as he breathes in the scent of the new, black leather. He has never driven before but has passed all the necessary virtual tests. He grins and soaks up the moment. He likes to think he’s alone for this, but he’s not.

The door slides shut, and he’s instantly cloaked in shadow. The car starts up, and the windshield glows with menus. He leans back in the seat and digs his hands through his hair. He’s making a mistake, but he’s afraid there are no other options. His body craves to be near her, but his mind screams to stay away. If he captures her, both their lives may be over. They’ll either be killed or used like objects. They’re basically the same.

What are you doing? he grumbles, disgusted with himself. Maybe he can warn Summer to stay away from him. He’s a trap; a walking, talking tracking device made to love her. Made to covet her to the point he can’t resist the temptation of locating her. The Society is a cruel beast, playing with and manipulating his emotions so thoroughly he can’t trust himself anymore, can’t trust if what he feels is real—but it feels real to him. Feels right. He is so screwed.

As if he’s on autopilot, he starts to drive the car away from the Society’s Canadian headquarters and toward the unknown. He’s afraid that any minute he’ll be stopped and escorted back, like he’s escaping, but the farther he drives, the more he relaxes. The man at the gate waves him ahead as he approaches. A deep breath leaves him in a rush as the pulsing energy inside him ebbs. He still can’t believe they let him leave alone. There’s that word again: alone. He must understand and come to grips that this will never be true. The implant makes sure of that. He may not be a prisoner of body, but he’s a prisoner of mind.

As he races down the highway, hovercars fly overhead in layers. He’s amazed by the sight and has to put the car on auto because his attention wanes from the road. Buildings stretch into the sky like elevators to the gods, holographic signs flicker with advertisements for unbelievable services like the foreign language implant to understand and speak any language, and Leaguers fill the streets in their green and black uniforms. He passes by an Outlander camp with its electric fences and guard posts. He should be behind those barriers, and in essence he might as well be.

He swallows thickly as he imagines Summer being in one of those camps, so close to death. His heart aches for her and everything she’s been through since the Restoration. He’s been fully briefed about her abilities and how she fled the camps. The only thing he doesn’t know is where she was before the Exodus, when two hundred million people vanished. All the Society said was she disappeared. Whatever that means. He was shown photos and videos of her at the Outlander camp. He saw the scars that litter her exposed skin. What or who in her past mutilated her like that? How could anyone hurt someone so innocent?

Heartless, he growls aloud. His knuckles whiten on the steering wheel he isn’t even navigating. He desires to hold and comfort her, and he plans to do just that. If he wasn’t resolved before, he is now.

PART ONE

INFERNO

The most beautiful thing

we can experience is the

mysterious. It is the source of

all true art and science.

Albert Einstein

CHAPTER 1: HOPE

July 03, 2210

It was between the lashes of the dreaded whip that Summer first gave up hope. For years she refused to let the emotion in again, but at this exact moment she has hope. And that scares her because she knows what happens when one hopes. Hope is a demon. It convinces you to believe in something better, persuades you the outcome will be favorable, and whispers eagerly in your ear that the miracle you so desperately need will happen. Then it crushes you. Hope leaves you fallen and bleeding in its aftermath, nothing more than a pile of misery and desolation, but how can she not hope when her mum’s arms provide the comfort she’s so desperately sought since she was a child? Hope is a leeching creature that continues to sink its teeth into her.

Two hours ago Summer was strapped to a table in the Secret Clock Society’s headquarters. They tried to bribe her to work for them, then threatened to hurt her mum, Mindy Waverly, if she refused to cooperate. But it was what happened afterward that changed Summer irrevocably. Her friends rescued her, and in the chaos of fleeing the building, a man held an axe, ready to swing. Gage, a Leaguer with the Canadian Federation and the healer of Summer’s battered soul, didn’t see the man. No one did, except for Summer. She had no choice but to scream out a warning, loud and distinct, to save Gage’s life. That was the first time her voice has been heard in twelve years. Summer’s life will never be the same.

Hovercrafts flank them as they fly over New York. Summer rests in the arms of her mum. Summer knows she can’t stay in her arms forever, but she wishes for it anyway. Instead, reality sets in as they descend. Cameron, piloting the hovercraft, speaks to the security force escorting them, her voice muffled in the cockpit. Though most of her words are lost in the air by the time they reach Summer, a few leak through. Cameron is a Leaguer and Summer’s friend and ally. As always, she communicates with the authority of a warrior. If it wasn’t for the gentle side Summer witnessed at their first meeting, she would fear Cameron.

After the Exodus, people wanted answers, but mostly they wanted someone to blame. For a hundred years, wars were fought around the world. The United States of America, being the super power that they were, was in the center of it all. Fed up, Canada secretly formed a militaristic organization called the Canadian League. They overpowered the U.S. in a matter of days. Americans had been so overworked and underpaid that many of them joined the Leaguers to overthrow their own country. New York was, and is, the only part of the U.S. still holding their ground, which is why Summer and her friends are seeking refuge there.

After they land and the engine shuts off, several men in black suits rush the hovercraft, disarm all those with weapons, and escort Jaden away like a criminal. She glances over her shoulder, and her eyes lock with Summer’s. Jaden’s brown eyes shimmer with unshed tears as they plead for her help. Summer’s heart breaks for her, and she hopes they’ll figure out the truth soon. The thought of Jaden betraying them goes against everything she learned about her as a child. When Summer was four she was kidnapped and taken to a building not unlike a barn, shoved into an enclosed stall, and locked away by a man named Jag. For weeks she was forced to eat garbage shoved through a slit in the door. Every time she cried, she was whipped until she went silent. Jaden helped her stop the whip by explaining silence was the key. They recently found each other again when the Secret Clock Society boarded the Cosmos, the ship on which Summer was enslaved. The Society had found Jaden and was using her to help them locate Summer, who they planned to kill. Instead of helping the Society, Jaden blew up the Cosmos and freed Summer and her best friend Landon. Now Summer will do everything in her power to prove where Jaden’s loyalties lie.

A tall man with greying hair and matching eyes marches onto the hovercraft and holds his hand out to Gage.

President Montgomery, Gage and Cameron say at once.

The New York President wears a metallic silver suit with dark loafers and the New York flag over his heart. Sunlight reflects off the suit, and Summer raises her hand to deflect it. Surely his outfit makes it difficult for his security to keep an eye on him.

Lieutenant Appleton, President Montgomery greets as he shakes Gage’s hand. Sergeant Steen. He shakes Cameron’s hand. Welcome to New York. And this lovely place behind me is the Sanctuary.

Cameron visibly swallows. We’ll be staying with you? Her voice is tiny, unlike her normal commanding tone.

It’s the most protected place in the entire world. The President raises his bushy grey eyebrows. Even Dash Beaumont doesn’t have our technology. He grins at his political crack on the President of the Canadian Federation.

Of course, says Cameron uncertainly as they exit the hovercraft in a flood of black-suited bodyguards.

Gage leans down and says to Summer, The Sanctuary is the equivalent of the White House.

You’re wrong about that, Lieutenant, corrects President Montgomery. The Sanctuary’s more fortified; it’ll never collapse like the White House.

Summer can’t imagine why they’re being given this special treatment, but she’s grateful nonetheless. But that dreaded hope still lingers.

CHAPTER 2: KEY

July 03, 2210

President Montgomery’s steps are full of energy as he strides into the Sanctuary. They’re led into a massive conference room with an elongated table and mammoth, comfy chairs. Several stern-faced people await them. There’s a seat reserved for Summer next to the President’s at the head of the table. This is an honor; she can tell.

Mr. President?

The President turns towards Gage with raised brows. Lieutenant?

If I may have a word? Gage’s voice is firm, but Summer has been around him enough to know he’s unsure of the President’s reaction.

Of course. What is it?

Hesitation leaks into Gage’s tone. Summer doesn’t speak, he explains, but she can easily communicate with me, if you have any questions.

If she is provided an Astropad, she’ll have no problems with communication, but she’s sure he didn’t mention this on purpose. Probably so he could be near. As new as Gage is in her life, he’s become more protective than Landon. There’s a trust that’s formed between them that can only be explained by emotions Summer is afraid she’ll never understand, even when they’re right in front of her, ready to be grasped. The question is: does she have the strength? She’s not sure.

Doesn’t speak? President Montgomery asks skeptically, pulling Summer from her unwieldy thoughts. As in she has no vocal chords?

Gage gestures for them to speak privately. They step away, and Gage whispers to the President as they both shoot fleeting looks her direction. Several of the glances from President Montgomery show pity. Gage’s show understanding. Summer wants to hide her flaming cheeks, thoroughly embarrassed. The emotion surprises her. Captain Travis always spoke of her silence proudly, boasting about his slave who kept her trap shut. Once she washed up on land, everyone who heard of her silence gawked at her in bewilderment and pity. Just like the President is now. Her silence was once her strength, but now there’s only embarrassment. She doesn’t know what to do to stop the terror that engulfs her at the thought of her voice. She heard the whispers of the other Outlanders; they said it was absurd. Irrational. But have they ever been burned over and over and over again? Have they felt the biting sting of the whip against all the open wounds on their back? She has, and her silence is what kept her alive.

The President nods once, and they approach Summer. Gage is given a seat beside her, and she breathes a sigh of relief that she isn’t going to have to endure this alone. Cameron sits on the other side of the President and across from Summer. Her mother and the rest of her friends are at the other end of the table, which is so long they are out of hearing range of any polite dinner conversation.

Let’s get started, announces President Montgomery, his voice loud and carrying. It immediately commands everyone’s attention. He lowers onto his chair and clasps his hands together on the table. Today we have with us Summer Waverly, the cause of the Exodus. His tone is surprisingly neutral. He indicates Summer with a wave of his hand. Gasps ring out through the room. She guesses he didn’t tell them who she was before they arrived. Heat rises in Summer’s cheeks again, and Gage squeezes her hand under the table in reassurance.

I’ve called this meeting to discuss what our plans are for Summer— the President glances at her —since she’s the creation of the Secret Clock Society. Ripples of whispers flow through the room before they all grow quiet again. I’ve thought about this thoroughly since I found out Summer would be joining us here in New York, and I’ve decided that this is the opportunity we’ve all been waiting for. He turns to Summer and speaks directly to her. You see, Summer, we’ve been in a covert war with the Society since the United States fell. It was actually their technology that helped us hold New York against the Canadians, but they were quick to sell us out to the Federation. We were attacked at all of our weak points, but our scientists were able to fight back against the Federation. We found ways to turn our weaknesses into strengths.

Excuse me, Mr. President? Gage interrupts.

The President nods his permission.

Will you please explain what happened? I’ve only heard rumors.

Of course. I forget this isn’t something they keep in the history e-texts. He clears his throat, eager to divulge the truth. "The Society helped us build a bubble, if you will, to protect us from outside attacks. Even nuclear war. It’s an impenetrable wall of energy, fortified using remarkable technologies. Its weak spots seemed like the most bizarre signs of carelessness by the creators: the Society. But the Society doesn’t do ‘careless.’ It’s obvious that these ‘weak spots’ were intentionally placed there. That’s the last of a long list of incidents with them. That was the unfixable break in our working relationship.

I was actually hoping, Summer, that you’d be willing to work with us in bringing them down?

Summer hastily writes her response in Gage’s palm with the tip of her finger. She discovered his ability to understand this strange form of communication when they first met. She was frightened and didn’t know how to convey her fear, so she used her finger to write it in the palm of his hand. He was able to discern her words without any problems.

She wants to know how she could possibly help? Gage translates when she finishes spelling out the question.

You hold the key to time, the President replies simply, as if that answers everything, when, in fact, it answers nothing.

At this point, though, she’s willing to do anything to bring down the Secret Clock Society. It’s their fault she’s been through so much turmoil. They created her, expecting her to grow up under one of the doctors on the Hourglass Project as their child. They planned to train Summer to be the Society’s personal time machine when she matured to the age of sixteen. Four years after her creation, Dr. Zhar, head of the Hourglass Project, discovered a miscalculation with Summer’s blood that could cause not only her, but others who share the same antigens, to travel time. It was the consensus of those responsible for the Hourglass project that placed Summer on the termination chopping block. Mindy Waverly, Summer’s caretaker and supposed mum, overheard the verdict and attempted to protect her by fleeing Oxford University. Sadly, Summer was captured by a slave trader named Jag who was hired by the Society. Greedy, Jag demanded more money from them. When the Society refused to pay more, Jag sold Summer to a pirate named Captain Travis Jones. Regardless if the Society created her, she wants to be the one to destroy them. However, there’s one thing she wants in return for her help.

She scribbles on Gage’s palm.

Flower? whispers Gage questioningly. You really want me to ask that?

She raps on the table once and nods her head.

A smile stretches across Gage’s face. Summer would like you to give her something in return for her help.

The President raises his bushy eyebrows in question.

She wants you to find her a faerie, Gage continues. The same kind she reads about in her fantasy books.

The President pivots his head to Summer. This is what you truly want, my dear?

She gives a tight nod, and the President laughs jovially.

Well then, we’ll do our best to find you a faerie. Does this mean you’ll help us?

She nods and smiles brightly. She refuses to peer down the table, where she knows Landon is shaking his head at her. She wants to take down the Society anyway; possibly proving to Landon and the others that faeries exist will be like adding chocolate sprinkles on top of a chocolate-frosted cupcake.

Whispers are exchanged for a few seconds before President Montgomery clears his throat and gains their attention again. Before we dismiss for the day, there is one more thing on the agenda.

He gestures over Summer’s head, and a door sliding open and closed sounds behind her. Jaden walks into view, her wrists in front of her and bound by a barely-visible line of energy. Security personnel flank her. Jaden’s black hair falls forward as she stares at the ground and refuses to make eye contact. Summer is incredibly uncomfortable being on the other side of punishment and hopes that isn’t what’s about to happen.

CHAPTER 3: SPY

July 03, 2210

Ah, Miss Redleaf, greets the President. Thanks for joining us. He coughs and clears his throat. I’m going to make this quick. I’m starving, and my wife’s cooking her divine chive pasta this evening, so I’d appreciate it if we could get to the bottom of this. His tone is flippant.

Jaden gives a tiny nod.

President Montgomery turns back to the group. This is Jaden Redleaf; she is accused of being a spy for the Society, he announces. Gasps ring out. Normally we’d have the whole judge, jury, and executioner for something as unscrupulous as this, but I can see that you’re young—

Summer waves her hand to stop the President and writes quickly on Gage’s palm, glad he’s able to communicate with her this way.

The President watches as Gage translates. Summer wants you to know that even if Jaden is guilty of her accused crimes— He pauses as Summer speedily writes across his palm. —that she was a slave. Therefore choices aren’t hers to make, and she shouldn’t be held responsible for them.

But she wasn’t a slave when she spied and told the Society where we were, argues Cameron as she scrutinizes Summer. You were taken and tied down because of her. Her voice is full of frustration.

Heat flushes Summer’s features, and she opens her mouth as if to speak, but no words escape. Gage’s gaze flips between the two, his expression torn between hopeful and disillusioned. When Summer doesn’t speak he does.

The mentality doesn’t change that easily, Gage says, his voice slow and patient. Case in point: Summer.

Cameron releases an aggravated, yet resigned sigh.

The President’s eyes narrow in thought. I suppose you’re right. Well . . . there is one way we can clear this up.

A guard rushes to him as if summoned mentally and leans over as the President whispers to him. The guard pulls away, nods at the President, and exits the room in a blur. The President swivels in his chair and faces Jaden. Miss Redleaf, I want your side of the story.

Jaden nods, but she continues to stare at the floor.

As the President of New York, I’ll pardon you for any treasonous crimes as long as you tell me the truth right now, he offers. His eyebrows turn down in a V and wrinkles gather on his forehead. Are you working with the Secret Clock Society?

Jaden’s eyes snap to his, disbelief written all over her troubled face. That’s all you want? Just the truth?

Yes. That, and if you’re working with the Society, I want you to continue.

But . . . Jaden trails off, uncertain.

I won’t offer this again, Miss Redleaf. Don’t lie to me, and we won’t have a problem, the President warns. I will know. Summer doesn’t think he’s bluffing.

The room grows completely silent as everyone waits for Jaden’s answer. Summer grips Gage’s hand with all her strength as her heart flutters anxiously. She catches her mum’s eyes, and they’re shiny with unshed tears as if she already knows the answer and is afraid for Jaden.

Jaden mumbles incoherently.

Louder, please, demands the President.

Yes, says Jaden clearly as she glances up again, tears streaking her face.

Summer’s stomach drops as their eyes meet, though she’s not sure how to feel. Betrayed? Forgiving? Angry? There are too many emotions, none of them distinguishable.

I see, says the President as he rubs his chin in thought.

But I’m also working for Greenhorn, Jaden adds, her voice louder and full of pride. She stands up straight and appears dignified, even with her wrists bound.

Summer stands abruptly as stunned silence greets Jaden’s admission. Greenhorn Project, openly against the Secret Clock Society, is the group that helped them escape. Summer is so surprised her voice rings out like a bell when she asks, What?

All eyes swivel her direction, the sound of her voice just as shock-inducing as Jaden’s admission. Summer stumbles backward, and the back of her knees hit the chair. She involuntarily sits as her hands fly up to cover her mouth, her blue eyes wide. She’s confused as to what the reaction might be and hopes everyone will ignore her voice.

Picking up on her tension, Gage turns to Jaden. But Greenhorn’s against the Society, so how . . . ? he asks, words trailing away.

Jaden squares her shoulders. I’m a double agent.

Summer breaths a sigh of relief when everyone’s scrutinizing gazes land on Jaden, though Summer’s leg jumps up and down as her heart races. Gage’s hand lands on her knee and squeezes gently. She wants to flinch away—everything in her is telling her to—but she doesn’t. Her will to conquer the irrational need to pull away is stronger than ever.

Interesting, says the President, intrigued. You’re not lying.

Why didn’t you tell us? Cameron demands, rising from her seat and ignoring the President.

I had to keep my cover, Jaden defends. Tipping you off would have tipped them off. The Greenhorns knew and had a rescue plan for Summer all along, but you came to the rescue so I called them off.

Cameron sits, her lips parted in puzzlement. You could have told us.

No, I couldn’t have, Jaden disputes. You’re all so attached to Summer that none of you would have let the Society take her.

Gage’s fingers tighten on Summer’s knee, and his jaw tenses. They might have killed her, he growls. Summer reaches for Gage’s hand, and the tightness in his face relaxes. The President is content to stay silent as he absorbs the conversation, but his lips tip up at Gage’s response.

They wouldn’t have killed her. They wanted her for their own devices, says Jaden with nonchalance. Greenhorn’s spies verified that. Why else would they have agreed to it? They’re just as protective of Summer as the lot of you.

The President finally jumps in. And what does Greenhorn think about working with New York?

I don’t know, admits Jaden. I haven’t been in contact with them since Cameron figured out my relationship with the Society. They probably don’t even know where I am. She pauses before continuing. And for your information, it wasn’t my Astropad, or our neural implants that tracked us. She holds up her wrist where the class schedule for the Outlander camp is tattooed. The Society made sure we had tracking devices embedded when they gave us our class schedule. It was how they planned to work around the Federation.

Gage rubs his eyes in irritation. Why didn’t I know about this?

I didn’t know either, adds Cameron, and their eyes meet. Jaden shrugs.

President Montgomery rubs his neck, and for the first time he looks exhausted. He exhales noisily. Let’s give our guests a break for the day, and we’ll meet again tomorrow. He gestures toward Summer. Get some rest, and we’ll decide what to do about your wrists tomorrow. While you’re in the Sanctuary, the tracking device won’t work. You’re safe.

It’s been a long day, agrees Gage as he stands.

Summer rises on shaky legs with Gage’s help. Jaden’s binds are removed, as promised by the President. Jaden admitted her roles with the

Reviews for Forsaken Harbor

[roses7184_1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Summer's story continues in Forsaken Harbor and this time it sets off at a wild pace. From the very beginning, Kreitzer throws her characters into the fray and there isn't a moment to breathe. Summer, Gage and the rest of the crew all make an appearance in this installment. I think thought that they were more vivid than ever. However the reader is also introduced more in depth to a new character named Julian. Being another Society experiment, Julian adds a very different twist to the book. I won't spoil, but I will say that his story is fascinating and rather sweet as well. I'll admit it, I swooned over him just a bit.

Any unanswered questions that you may have had at the end of Phantom Universe are answered in this book, and so much more about Summer's lost history is unraveled. I loved the way that Society's master plan was slowly unveiled in pieces throughout the overall story. Treachery, love, and despair are just a few of the emotions that fill this book. It's exhausting, in a good way of course, how often the feelings of these characters are elated and then dashed to the ground. I felt for them so much.

In my opinion, the writing in Forsaken Harbor is also much better than the first book. Everything is crisp and clean. The chapters flow into one another beautifully. It's extremely easy to get lost in Summer's manic quest to stay alive. My one gripe, and it's a very small one, is that some of the chapters were a bit wordy in their descriptions. It didn't take away from the overall story, but it did slightly slow down the pace of the action. Small gripe, as I said. Still an amazing book!

To wrap things up, this second book in the Summer Chronicles really impressed me. I was hoping for a lot from Laura Kreitzer this time around, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. I strongly recommend that you give Forsaken Harbor a place on your reading list.