Through Their Eyes

By Lindsay Luterman

Wendy Austin has escaped from her captivity and the American government. She has everything she could ever want: her family, her brother, her best friend, and a house where she can live safely and not worry about being taken away. Yet, something is drawing her away from Canada and back to America. If there is any chance that Mike is still alive, she has to find out and save him. Through this rescue mission, she will learn what the American government is really capable of and what goes on inside their prisons from a guard's perspective. She may even find more than she came looking for. But even Wendy knows that when it comes to the American government, you only get one shot to make it out alive or end up dead.

• Language: English
• Publisher: AuthorHouse
• Release date: Jan 9, 2012
• ISBN: 9781468539738

Lindsay Luterman

Lindsay Luterman, author of The Escape series, grew up in Baltimore Maryland. She has a passion for writing poetry and novels and is an avid reader. She is fascinated with stories and the voices of characters. Her other hobbies include singing and acting and she has participated in many performances.

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Contents

PROLOGUE

CHAPTER ONE

CHAPTER TWO

CHAPTER THREE

CHAPTER FOUR

CHAPTER FIVE

CHAPTER SIX

CHAPTER SEVEN

CHAPTER EIGHT

CHAPTER NINE

CHAPTER TEN

CHAPTER ELEVEN

CHAPTER TWELVE

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

CHAPTER FOURTEEN

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

CHAPTER SEVENTEEN

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

CHAPTER NINETEEN

CHAPTER TWENTY

CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

PROLOGUE

Somewhere out there—while I was running through the trees with tears streaming down my face; while I was fighting for my life to get away; while my mind was practically shutting down; somewhere—he had just gotten done announcing his surrender. The guards didn’t wait long before surrounding from every side, making sure he couldn’t escape; not again. His eyes were narrowed in anger, hiding all the fear that was present in his mind. His posture was that of a sergeant, straight and tall, untouchable. All emotion was hidden. He didn’t budge—on the outside—when the guards stepped aside to let a certain guard walk through. Michael, Michael. We meet again, now don’t we? said a familiar voice, one that would be forever etched into Mike’s mind.

He grit his teeth, saying nothing else but, I suppose so in a curt, short tone.

The guard frowned, placing a hand over his heart and pouting his lip. Is that any way to greet an old friend Michael? the guard asked, feigning hurt.

It was difficult to bite back the words any longer. "You are no friend of mine!" Mike growled angrily, turning his hands into fists.

This action looked very threatening and his hands were quickly yanked together behind his back. He clenched his teeth in frustration. Now, now. Watch your temper Michael. We wouldn’t want for me to lose mine now would we?

Mike looked up at the guard who smiled evilly back at him. Where are they? he asked suddenly.

Who Michael?

You know who! Mike shouted, earning the guards to yank him back harder.

The guard laughed in shock. You really don’t know? Isn’t it obvious?

I just need to know for sure, Mike said, quieter this time. Please. The desperation was now clear in his voice.

The guard sighed. Let’s just say, I took care of them.

All hope that was left faded. He had always known, just needed the closure. He could feel the pain, could feel the tears rising, but from all the practice that he had, he was able to hide them away. He could hide his feelings from anyone; those who he loved, including the one who he recently fell in love with.

Did you really expect any different Michael?

From you? Of course not, Mike replied bluntly. "Any creature as heartless as you would do the same!"

The guards tightened their grip, one of them twisting his left wrist in warning. He growled under his breath, falling back against the guards who were holding him. Please, Mike begged, the desperation practically leaking from his tone. If you are going to kill me, please just do it!

Really Michael?

The wait is more painful than the blow, Mike said.

How poetic, the guard chuckled. Alright guys, let go of him. He’s become ever more spineless than I remember him. He won’t touch me.

Damian, the woman holding his right hand started. Are you… sure?

The other guard twisted Mike’s left wrist a bit further and he clenched his teeth in pain.

Yes, Damian responded, the sly glint in his eyes shining brightly.

The guards released Mike’s hands, giving him an extra push and he stumbled over to the ground, his balance thrown off. Damian made a movement towards his belt and Mike closed his eyes, knowing what was coming. And Michael?

Mike opened his eyes just in time to see the flash from the gun before he felt something pierce through his arm. He growled out loudly in pain. You didn’t think I’d let you get out of this that easily did you? Damian asked, talking to him as if he were a kid. "Any rule that is broken deserves a punishment. If I were to let you just die then you would have it way too easy."

Mike was lying on the ground, clutching his arm, doubled over in pain. His mind was barely able to think of anything but the throbbing ache that seemed to spread throughout his entire arm. But his mind was able to process one thing, something that nobody else seemed to notice or hear.

He could have sworn he heard a scream.

CHAPTER ONE

The room was dark, though my eyes had adjusted to it. I could see the grey shapes of the walls and the objects that lined them: old pictures of my family, art that my mom attempted to decorate with, etc. My eyes had searched the place so many times within the last few hours that I practically knew the room top to bottom with my eyes closed. I would usually be asleep at this hour—which was, by the way, four thirty-two—but sleeping almost seemed impossible. It was funny, really: I couldn’t sleep at all in the T.C. building because all I could think about was leaving America. And now that I had left I couldn’t sleep because all I could think about was going back.

In most cases, I would be highly opposed to this idea. There was nothing there now for me but memories. But in this one case, the one that I thought to be impossible only three days ago, my mind was practically already mapping out a plan. Yes, another plan. I had successfully fully completed the first one—well almost fully actually. The plan had involved getting everyone out of the hands of America’s evil government safely. But one of us had not made it out so safely. In fact, he was believed to be dead for nearly two weeks.

I had heard the gun shot. Why else would they have shot it? Just to scare him? What good would that have done? Plus, would he even still be alive after running with the walky-talky and getting caught again? I had to find out. But he told me not to look for him! What the hell was I supposed to do? Actually listen?

My breathing began to speed up. I stared up at the ceiling, closing one eye and then the other, watching the slight change in my vision, the slight movement that the ceiling fan seemed to make. This was a way to distract my mind, a stupid way, yes. But it made thoughts disappear and allowed my breathing to slow as well as my heartbeat.

Wendy? Peace’s voice sounded out in the dark.

I nearly fell off the bed, still jumpy from the thoughts of where he could be at the moment. I had barely gotten any sleep since the day I got his walky-talky message and my body was physically and mentally exhausted.

Wendy, what are you doing? Peace croaked out in the dark.

I can’t sleep, I whispered, listening to the hoarse and exhausted sound of my own foreign voice.

I saw the movement of the grey figure in the dark as it sat up. She rubbed her eyes and yawned loudly, stretching her arms above her head. I could see her flinch in pain. Your shoulder-

Was dislocated. No duh! Peace grouched, clearly tired and aggravated from the pain.

I huffed. "Just go back to sleep, okay. I’m fine!"

And I don’t believe you. You never sleep if your mind is all… buzzing around or whatever.

My mind is always ‘buzzing around’, I mimicked her, rolling my eyes, though she couldn’t see me doing it. Just go to sleep okay?

Peace’s stubborn side pushed to the front and she crossed her arms. Wendy, she said in a warning tone. What is it that you aren’t telling me?

Nothing! I hissed in a whisper. Be quiet, everyone’s sleeping.

I turned away from her, facing the wall. I could hear her readjusting her position on the other bed. The springs squeaked at her every move. It was silent for a long time, and I almost thought that Peace had fallen asleep. Almost.

You know, this is like some kind of slumber party in a way, Peace giggled, her voice becoming excited.

Slumber party? I mumbled, lazily. Seriously?

I’ve never had a sleepover, Peace whispered and I could hear the sad smile in her tone. Guess I never really had a true friend. She paused for a moment, realizing exactly what I was thinking. Besides you of course.

I sighed, turning to face her. I could see her trying to smile in the dark. You have me, I said. And you have David. And Jamie already loves you; in fact I think he has a crush on you. Peace laughed softly at this new piece of information. "And even though we are pissed off at her for leaving Kyle, you have Gina, and also Kyle. And… Mike considered you as a friend I think… before… listen, my point is that you do have friends. Now. What happened before T.C. is over with. This is post T.C. It can only get better from here."

Peace grinned softly to herself. Thanks Wen, she whispered.

No problem, I responded. And one of these days, we are going to have a real sleepover. Okay?

Okay, Peace giggled. But you have to promise me.

Cross my heart, I whispered. Now go to sleep.

That goes for you too.

I’m trying, I insisted.

Wendy, in order for that to happen, I think you have to close your eyes.

I pondered that for a moment. Yeah… I guess you’re right.

I always am, Peace yawned, and then the room grew silent.

I closed my eyes, tightly at first, but then let them soften, feeling my entire face become relaxed. My ‘buzzing around’ mind grew silent and the sounds of the crickets outside played a melodic tune that began to sing me to sleep. The world faded.

. . .

"Do not come looking for me. Don’t even think about it Got it?"

You were shot!

"It’s dangerous Wendy. I mean it. I can’t talk long! I have to go! They’re coming! I . . . I . . . don’t come looking for me . . .

Mike wait! Where are you?

Don’t come looking for me! Promise me!

Mike! Please!

Wendy promise me!

Wendy!

My eyes shot open and I gasped loudly, my entire body drenched in sweat. My skin felt clammy and disgusting. It took me a moment to realize that that last Wendy wasn’t in my head. My eyes flashed up to find Jamie’s face inches from mine. Whoa! I gasped, throwing my hand over my heart. Jeez! Don’t do that to me!

Jamie sat back a bit. I was just waking you up. It’s already eleven and you never used to sleep that late.

I shut my eyes and mumbled, I barely got sleep last night.

Jamie patted my head. Does that mean that Peace didn’t either?

I slowly forced my eyes open and groaned as I rolled over. I looked at the other bed across the room to see that Peace was snoring quietly, her mouth open and her arm hanging over the side of the bed. Is she okay? Jamie asked hesitantly.

I laughed quietly. This always happens, I explained, grabbing one of my pillows and chucking it at her bed.

The pillow landed right on top of her. Her eyes flickered open and then landed on me, glaring. Good morning sunshine, I greeted.

Jamie chuckled. Hi Peace, he said.

Hi Jamie, she responded, trying to sound nice. Wendy, she greeted coldly, causing me to laugh.

Morning breath much? Jamie teased.

I rolled my eyes and pushed myself out of bed. Peace! I called. Come on, let’s go get some breakfast.

Get me when you’re done brushing your teeth, she grumbled from where she hid her face beneath her pillow.

Jamie chuckled. I’ll be in the kitchen, he said. Mom made pancakes.

Really? Peace mumbled from under her pillow.

Really, really, Jamie responded, turning to me. Love you Wen.

You too little bro.

Now, he always said ‘I love you’ when he left a room. I think he was afraid of losing me again. I could see the fear in his eyes. It was ever present.

I walked out of the room and headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth.

When I caught my reflection in the mirror as I entered the bathroom, I froze, staring for a long moment.

The bruises were fading. The cuts were healing. My hair was a messy bird’s nest of knots that hung around my head, the way it always was when I first woke up. And underneath of all that, I could sense something completely off… something wrong.

I was a normal teenager, waking up late and about to eat pancakes. And yet I didn’t look the slightest bit happy.

. . .

It felt like forever since I had eaten pancakes. The taste of the pure carbs with the sticky, sugary syrup was amazing. But what was even better was the sweet smell that filled the air. I couldn’t help but smile, making my way into the kitchen. Good morning darling, Mom’s comforting voice greeted.

Mornin’ Mom, I yawned, my mind still on the dream from the night before.

How did you sleep Wen? Mom asked.

After she woke me up, she slept just fine, Peace answered from behind me, limping down the stairs. She laughed awkwardly a few times but the sound died down after Mom didn’t get the joke. Her eyes became downcast towards the ground. I’m sorry Mrs. Austin.

My mom rolled her eyes, wearing a crooked smile. No worries dear. And what did I tell you about calling me Mrs. Austin?

Miriam, right sorry… I mean I’m not sorry… I mean—

Mom cut her off, laughing. Relax dear. Don’t try to please anyone. Make yourself at home, okay?

Okay Miriam. Thank you.

Peace took her seat at the table beside me, smiling cheek to cheek when the stack of pancakes was placed down in front of her. You gotta love being able to choose what you’re having for breakfast.

Yeah, I agreed. It’s pretty great.

But my mind had taken control again, and all I could see was not the pancakes but the tall boy with dirty blond hair and sharp blue eyes; the boy who needed my help whether he wanted it or not. My boy.

Knock, knock.

Come in David, Mom called, automatically knowing who it was.

I heard the front door open and shut, followed by David strutting into the kitchen. Good morning, he said with a huge smile on his face.

Someone is looking chipper this morning, Peace teased.

David shrugged, pulling out a chair from the table. He turned it around so the front was facing us and then dropped down into it, folding his arms over the top of it. Would you like some pancakes? Mom offered.

David pressed his lips together. Well… if you insist, he replied, barely given it a second thought.

The uptight, overprotective David that I had grown used to was now mostly faded away. And in his place was the carefree guy who I had known as my cousin. But that’s just the thing. Back then, I barely knew him. Now he was pretty much one of my closest friends.

Apparently, my mom was a better cook than his was. But I had a better feeling of why he was here. His eyes locked on Peace, but she was too into her pancakes to notice him.

You look a little better, David pointed out.

Peace looked up, raising an eyebrow which had a scar carved above it from the falling incident. Well, I guess it had to happen one of these days, she shrugged.

She shoveled a forkful of pancakes into her mouth and chewed for a moment before swallowing and starting to talk again. You know, she started. I realized something.

I turned in my chair, pushing my plate out of the way completely. Which would be…

"Life is pretty boring when the whole ‘escape plan’ is completed. Don’t you think?"

Not when you’re planning a new one.

Good point, I lied.

Yeah, David agreed. Especially when Jenna isn’t even in the house to keep me company. It’s just me and my parents. Why do you think I’m over here all the time? He chuckled out loud but I could see the saddened look in his eyes.

Hey, I’m not complaining, Peace teased, trying to fight the blush that was threatening to creep onto her cheeks.

David stood up and walked over to her. I bet you’re not.

He kissed her cheek. They were still in that pre-relationship stage. They had ‘hung out’ a bit here, but they really couldn’t go anywhere until Peace was finished healing. That would be a while.

Peace was staring wide-eyed at David, trying to hide the smirk on her lips. David winked and turned to walk away but tripped over Peace’s bad foot. Ah! she squeaked, blowing air through her teeth.

I’m sorry! I’m sorry! David quickly apologized, throwing his hands in the air. What can I do?

Nothing! Peace gasped out. Just don’t touch anything. I’m fine. ‘Little Austin’ stepped on it last night.

Stab, right through the heart. It must have been the nickname that pulled on the memory.

Jamie? David questioned, cocking his head to the side.

Yes.

I closed my eyes as his voice echoed through my head. I could feel his strong arms around me. I was back about three weeks ago, in his arms while he ran us to the hotel, refusing to put me down.

But you didn’t see Ms. ‘Red-head’ and ‘The Joker’s’ little scene before.

‘Red-head’ and ‘The Joker’? I questioned, resting my head against Mike’s built chest. Someone needs to learn names.

Gina and Kyle. Relax, the other names just sound cooler.

Wendy?

Wen, you in there?

Wendy!

I jumped, snapping out of the memory. What? I breathed, nearly falling out of my seat.

Peace shook her head. "We like