Flicker of Hope

By Rachel Sankey

After the events in Richmond Victoria, Lindsay returns to District Eighteen, and back under the protection of her uncle. Even though she is surrounded by people, she feels so alone. All she wants is Jason, but nothing can prepare her for what she must do to get him back. This time her journey will take her across the ocean to the fallen country of America. There she will uncover more than she bargained for and come face to face with Henry Gordon, the devil himself. Lindsay will face so much more than she did on the road to Richmond. Things will come for her that seek to tear her apart. Will Lindsay ever find Jason, or will she fall prey to the evil that has consumed the world?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Austin Macauley
• Release date: Dec 14, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370398355

Rachel Sankey

Rachel is an aspiring Australian author. From a young age, she discovered her talents in storytelling. In February 2017, Rachel Sankey released her first published novel, Darkest Before Dawn. It captured a wide audience, including those who hate reading, and those who normally dislike this genre. Many asked for the next installment. Thrilled with the news that her book is loved, Rachel wrote Flicker of Hope. It is part two of the Darkest Before Dawn series, which promises to be just as exciting and gripping as the first. Rachel hopes to write six parts to this series and strives to make each book better than the last.

Book preview

Chapter 1

The field seems to stretch on for miles with no sight of an end. The skirt of my white summer dress blows about in the hot summer breeze as it whistles on by. As the sun shines down on me, a warm feeling rushes through my entire body. There’s a reason I’m here, but I just can’t recall what it is.

Lindsay,

a familiar voice whispers to me. I search around, but cannot locate the owner of the whisper. My heart begins to race, and I feel uneasy.

It is in this moment that a man appears out of thin air. He idles a few feet ahead of me with his face shrouded in shadow.

Lindsay,

he breathes my name again. What? What do you want?

An eerie feeling becomes me as I await an answer.

It’s not a question of what I want, my girl, but what you want. His words create more questions than they actually answer.

Before I ask anything more, the figure takes a step towards me. As he draws closer, the rays of the sun light his face. I gasp as I instantly recognise my late father. His kind brown eyes gaze into mine and a loving smile spreads across his lips. It takes me a mo-

ment to find my voice again, and to pose another question.

What is it that I want?

Only you can answer that, baby girl,

my father states whilst turning away from me.

I watch curiously as he raises his right arm and points to a large stone building only a few meters from us.

Where did that come from?

It is baffling to me that I didn’t notice the structure earlier.

My father doesn’t reply, or turn back to face me. Seeing no reason to delay, I draw a deep breath and begin heading slowly towards the building. The grass tickles my bare feet and ankles as I move through it.

Upon making it to the building, I place both hands against the two large mahogany

doors. With all the strength I possess, I force them open and step inside. Entering the darkened lobby, I find the walls around me morph in an instant. No longer am I inside the structure I had entered only moments ago. Now I am standing inside the old barn, where I first became Walter’s prisoner. I can hear the sounds of the infected closing in, but my body refuses to flee.

They’re coming for you, a frightening hiss divulges.

I snap my head towards the voice.

Who’s coming for me? What’s going on?

This figure doesn’t move into the light. Instead, they remain in the cover of the shad- ows.

They aren’t happy with you, Lindsay. You showing him up wasn’t the best idea,

the voice turns from a hiss into a low and threatening growl. Showing who up? Tell me what the hell you’re talking about!

He knows your greatest weakness now, Lindsay. He will use it against you. The shadowy figure returns to a hiss.

Whoever this is, they seem to be ignoring my questions. I can feel the frustration rising with each passing second.

Oh yeah? And what is my greatest weakness? I spit my words at the unknown.

A menacing growl rises from deep inside their throat. With that the person finally

steps into the light. I gasp once more as I set my eyes upon the young, Steele. His eyes are the colour of blood, and his skin is a ghostly white. His teeth are yellow and stained, and his nails look as though they are growing into sharp claws.

Jason,

Steele snarls at me.

Jason is your greatest weakness.

A shiver runs up my spine as I realise just how right Steele is. I would do anything for Jason now, even die for him.

But, I don’t understand. How did I show him up? Why would he need to use Jason as a weapon against me?

I feel myself beginning to tremble at the thought of the man I love being used as a pawn in some sadistic game.

Before Steele has a chance to answer, I hear yet another familiar voice. This one cries out for help. He calls my name and begs me to save him.

Jason!

I scream and pelt towards the barn doors without a second thought.

The snarls of the infected grow louder in my ears, but I can’t stop myself from bar- relling towards them. I throw myself against the doors and force them open. As I burst through the faded red barn doors and back out into the field, a herd of infected surrounds

me.

I shriek in pain as they wrap their hands around my body. Their teeth snap at me, and their nails pierce my flesh.

Jason!

I scream again as my life begins to drain away.

My eyes fly open and I sit up gasping for air. It was just a dream…just a dream.

I try to calm myself, but the nightmare is still fresh in my mind and will not allow my heart to return to a regular pace.

Clover snores softly in the army cot next to mine. I glance over to the far concrete wall. The soft blue light of the moon shines down upon a sleeping Hayley’s face.

The last time I was here, I was with Jason. Even though I now share the cell with

both, Hayley and Clover, I can’t help but feel more alone than ever.

I’m told it’s been, at the very least, a month since we returned from Richmond. To me it feels like only yesterday. I can’t get the last moments of seeing Jason out of my mind. Watching him collapse lifelessly into those officers haunts my every thought. I

have no idea where he is, or if he’s still alive. My biggest fear is that he will become the

newest test subject for Gordon’s morbid trials. I’d rather him dead than to be turned into one of the infected.

Lin, are you okay?

I jerk my head to the doorway and spy my uncle, Alex, leaning up against the frame.

I’m fine. It was just another nightmare.

I run my fingers through my hair, which feels now to be drenched in cold sweat. Another nightmare? This isn’t good, Lin. At this rate, you’ll never get any rest.

I stare at Alex, unable to reply. What does he honestly expect me to do? It’s not as though I can control my dreams.

Do you mind getting me something to drink?

I ask, attempting to change the subject. It might help me to sleep.

How about you come with me instead, Lin? Alex makes the suggestion.

You and I have a few things to discuss.

I note the fact that his voice becomes softer in attempts not to rouse the sleeping Hayley and Clover. This, in turn, deepens my curiosity.

What type of things?

I seek more of an elaboration.

Alex moves his eyes from Hayley to Clover, then back to me. Not here.

O…kay then.

The sternness of Alex’s tone prevents me from pressing him any further. If I want answers, I am just going to have to follow him.

I exhale and slide down to the edge of my cot. Placing my feet on the cold floor, I pull up the legs on my black jeans. As I slide my feet into my black boots, Alex holds

out an object to me.

Here. It’s still a little chilly out there.

He smiles and hands me a thin black jacket.

I stand up and take the jacket from him. He steps back out of the doorway as I pull it over my shoulders and zip it up over my black singlet top.

You ready?

Alex checks softly, still not wanting to wake my companions. Yeah, coming.

I answer, turning my head to check both, Clover and Hayley, one last time. When neither of them makes so much as a sound, I exit the cell and step out onto the metal

walkway.

Alex takes hold of my hand immediately, and leads me down the passage of the dark and eerie prison. I haven’t seen anything on the supernatural side since being here, but it still doesn’t stop me looking over my shoulder to check if something is following us. I don’t understand why the thought of seeing a ghost worries me. Logically, the most hor- rifying beings in this world are the infected. However, it doesn’t stop the paranoia, or fear of being watched by something spirit-like.

Mind your feet, we are at the stairs,

Alex warns as he leads me around a small bend and begins to descend.

I reach my right leg out and find the first step with the tip of my boot. The stairs creak and groan beneath our feet as we make our way down.

Here we are,

Alex pushes on the dark brown cell door to the small makeshift kitchen. As the door begins to open, a soft glow from a gas lantern flows out, and lights the area around both, Alex and I.

So, what shall it be? Powdered milk, water, weak tea, or something stronger? he enquires while stepping over the threshold.

Stronger.

To me there is no choice. Milk, water, and weak tea will not cut it tonight. Scotch it is then.

Alex wanders over to a large metal box, opens the lid and reaches down into it. Don’t tell anyone we had this,

he snickers.

They might not be happy about the fact that we didn’t share a drink with them. My lips are sealed,

I promise with a smirk. Alex motions to the metal box. Well then, take a seat.

I sit down on top of the lid as he closes the cell door. He hands me the bottle and I eagerly open it up. As the lid drops to the floor, the smell of rich scotch fills the air.

Breathing in the strong smelling liquor fills me with a warm sensation and a sense of

comfort. It reminds me of the days long gone with Wendy. She used to provide me with smuggled liquor as a way to escape the horrors of Fifteen.

I place the bottle to my lips and take a big gulp. The liquid burns my mouth and my throat as it slides down. Fighting back the urge to cough, I gulp as much of the scotch down as I can manage.

"Careful, Lin. People will think me a horrid uncle if I allow my only niece to get

wasted."

Alex chuckles as he pries the bottle from my hand. I’m twenty-six, not twelve, Alex.

I retaliate, finding his statement utterly ridiculous.

Still, Lin, you’re the only family I have. So that means I need to be responsible for you.

His tone becomes more direct. It seems as though he is trying to confirm his status as my authority figure.

I roll my eyes with as much attitude as I can muster and watch him take a swig. As soon as he lowers the bottle from his lips, I reach up and snatch the scotch back.

So,

I croak after swallowing another mouthful.

What are the important things you need to talk to me about?

Alex takes a deep but nervous breath and sits down beside me. Seeing him this nervy spikes my interest greatly. I sit upright and give my uncle my undivided attention.

"Well, Lin, it’s only a couple of things really. But, before I tell you, I want you to promise you won’t get mad. I have good reason to have kept this certain information

from you."

Spiked intrigue immediately turns to apprehension. How bad can it possibly be to grant Alex merit in withholding such information?

I will make no such promise, Alex, I state.

I cannot make a promise to you, when I am not entirely certain I can keep it.

This seems to vex Alex. He looks as though he is about to argue back, but then quickly changes his mind.

Well, you’ve just been so upset about Jason since being back. I thought telling you would only make matters worse.

Enough with trying to reason with me. Whatever it is, Alex, just spit it out.

I begin to feel a little vexed myself.

Please keep the reason in mind though, Lin. Alex pushes his request.

It’s clear he is stalling. I hold out my hand and motion my uncle on. Something tells me I am not going to like what he has to say and I need to hear it before I go mad with trying to predict his words.

He sighs once more and leans back against the wall.

We found Lisa. She was located at least a day after you left.

My heart begins to beat faster. Lisa has been here the whole bloody time and no one thought to tell me!

Where are you keeping her? And why did you feel it was best to keep that a secret? "As I said before, it would have made matters worse. She’s locked in a cell. She tried

to escape when she first got here, so we had to lock her in."

Alex watches me in anticipation of my reaction. I do want to reproach him, but then recall he has more to tell me. Calming myself as best I can, I take on what I already know and prepare for the next part.

Okay, and what’s the other thing?

Alex takes a moment to collect his thoughts. I sit as patiently as I am able.

Well, as you know, my men and I are all for bringing down the system, and liberat- ing those in the districts. Our goal is to free all who exist as Gordon’s prisoners behind the district walls. This, of course, puts a target on us with Gordon and his men.

I furrow my brow.

I do know all of that, Alex. But what does that have to do with me? Gordon knows of your escape from District Fifteen,

Alex elaborates.

He knows you’re here along with Lisa and he isn’t happy about that fact. I have a feeling he also suspects it was you who killed Lacey, at Jackal headquarters.

"So that’s why he’s after me? It’s because of who I am? Because I killed a woman he had a soft spot for? And because I joined my uncle, who just so happens to be one of

the biggest rebels of all time?"

I try to sum it up for my own sake.

It’s not about who you are, Lin, and he certainly didn’t care for Lacey, at least not in that way. How can I put it?

Alex murmurs and taps his chin with his left index finger.

"It’s about what you represent. Lindsay, you are the first person to fight the system on your own and live. You are the only known person to have ever escaped a district and survived the perils of the outside world. You are the first person to find out the Jackal’s

secret, and act against them in such a way. Gordon is going to have a hard time convinc-

ing people you were only working for the rebels, when you are the one who took out their leader. You’ve created a spark amongst the people. Those who were scared to fight back, will now look to you and feel, if a young district woman can do it, so can I. You have become a flicker of hope in an otherwise dark and terrible world."

A flicker of hope?

I burst and jump to my feet.

Alex, I got lucky many times. I’m not some super woman who took on an army. I’m a girl who ran away. The reason I’m alive is because others fought for, and protected me. How do you know what Gordon thinks about me anyway? He could simply think I’m just some insignificant bug that needs to be squashed. I also don’t understand how other people in the districts and this world know about me. Surely, if I’m some sort of symbol of hope, Gordon would deny my existence and do his best to cover up the events that took place in Fifteen, and at Richmond.

Firstly, he doesn’t think of you as an insignificant bug. He recognises potential when he sees it. He sent us a taped message, and Gordon wouldn’t do that unless he felt absolutely threatened.

Alex rises to his own feet and places his hands upon my shoulders.

Secondly, people in the districts know of your existence because, I had my men send coded messages of your little victories to each district. I have been assured by some of my contacts on the inside, that almost every district here in Australia, and over in America have successfully received my message. I’m sorry to use you like this, Lindsay, but you truly are my greatest weapon against the system.

Hang on.

I feel almost winded as I try to grasp that which Alex is saying. When did you receive this message from Gordon?

Regret instantly becomes him. I don’t think my uncle had meant to let slip that Gor- don had made contact just yet.

When did you receive this message, Alex?

My uncle knows me well enough to know I will not let this rest. He needs to answer me now, or face the outrage that follows.

A couple days ago. We took possession of the message a couple of days ago. Alex averts his eyes, refusing to meet mine.

A couple of days ago!

I raise my voice in shock horror.

Again, why wasn’t I told? Why did no one come and get me? And don’t give me this crap about it making matters worse. Keeping shit like this from me makes matters worse.

I am really beginning to get sick of all the surprises. Lin, you need to calm down.

Alex makes an attempt to extinguish my anger. Just tell me about this damn message, Alex,

I demand furiously.

Alright, alright. The reason we kept it is because Jason is in the message. That’s why I felt I couldn’t tell you straight away.

An agonising pain encloses around my heart, and the world begins to spin. I drop down and slide back up against the wall, trying to stop myself from fainting. Jason must be in a bad way in this message. Alex wouldn’t keep it from me otherwise. What the hell

have they done to him?

I have to see that tape, Alex. Please, can you show it to me?

He gives me a hard stare. It appears as though he’s trying to think of a good argument against my request. Either that, or is attempting to silently deter me.

Please, Alex. I need to see it.

I lift my head and plead with my eyes.

What about Lisa? You told me to find her and I did. Don’t you want to see her first?

There it is. More evidence that whatever is on the tape is horrible. Alex would never

suggest a meeting with my wayward mother, unless the alternative is too much for me to bear.

You said Lisa is locked in a cell. That means she is going nowhere and can wait. If Jas is in the tape, I need to see it.

I persist. Alex tries to remain strong, but soon is unable and relents. Fine. You may want to bring the scotch though.

I follow Alex out of both the makeshift kitchen, and the prison. He leads me into the courtyard and across to the opposite building. The cool night air feels refreshing as it blows softly against my face. Alex stops in front of a heavy metal door and fumbles with the lock.

After you, he insists.

I step through the doorway and into the dark building. It gives me the same spooky feelings as the prison.

This way,

Alex directs me with a rough tone, after yanking the door closed and proceeding around me.

It’s pitch black as I follow him down the corridor. I listen to the sound of each indi- vidual footstep my uncle makes, afraid that I might fall too far behind and become lost in a labyrinth of darkened hallways.

He finally stops walking and opens another door. In front of me is a desk with five

small white wax candles burning brightly upon it. A man stands up from behind the desk and comes over to greet Alex. He looks to be in his fifties, with wavy short grey hair. The candlelight only enhances the appearance of the soft wrinkles beneath his eyes and beside his mouth. He wears the same dark green camouflage as my uncle. I’m starting to think it’s only Hayley, Clover and I that choose to wear plain black in this district.

No one told me you were coming tonight, Firefox.

The man sounds astonished by our unannounced entrance. Sorry, Mark. I assure you that it was a last minute decision, Alex apologises.

It’s quite alright. What has brought you to my post this evening? The man takes an affirmative stance.

Lindsay wishes to see the message from Gordon.

Alex informs him as he holds his arm out and gestures to me. Mark’s eyes shift to my own. His expression emits displeasure. You said it wasn’t a good idea to show her, Firefox.

I’ve changed my mind, Alex retorts sternly.

Mark stares at me for the most uncomfortable amount of time. When he finally speaks, I find myself jumping a little in fright.

"If this is your wish, I will not deny it. Felix, please prepare the tape for Firefox and

his niece."

A teenage boy with wild black hair pops up from behind the desk. His eyes are green with the slightest hint of red.

Sure thing, Uncle Mark, the boy answers politely.

I watch the boy named Felix with interest. He takes hold of one of the candles and

begins down another hallway. Mark follows after him, but Alex hangs back and places his hand on my shoulder to keep me from moving on.

Just a quick note. Don’t ask about Felix’s condition. It really upsets Mark. Condition?

I repeat, feeling confused. It suddenly dawns on me. His eyes have red in them, just

like Clover’s.

He was bitten?

Yes, Lin. Felix was bitten, but hasn’t turned. He’s just like your little friend, Candy. Clover,

I correct Alex, even though I know he calls her something else on purpose.

Alex was never a fan of Clover. I found that out when we returned from Richmond with her. Turns out, Clover took a snap at Alex when we first arrived in District Eighteen. He refused to trust her from that day on. I guess, Felix is the reason he let her live at all.

Clover, Candy, it’s the same thing, Alex shrugs it off.

Is it though?

I can’t help stirring the pot. Alex pretends he doesn’t hear me. Anyway, we really shouldn’t keep Mark waiting.

I nod in agreement and follow Alex down yet another hall, and into a small room.

A small pine table sits in the middle of the room. It has a projector on it, which is attached to what appears to be a small, singular cassette player.

Felix bends down and reaches out to a large black rectangular box on the floor beside the table. He flicks a switch, causing the projection of a blue screen on the white wall in

front of us. Mark slips a small tape into the cassette player and hits play.

The Gordon family crest shows up firstly, which is followed by President Henry Gordon, sitting behind a white and gold marble desk. I haven’t seen his face since the last day I was in Fifteen, with Wendy. He doesn’t appear to have changed much, except for the fact that now, his face is filled with an infuriating anger. An anger I am partly to blame for, I am sure.

I won’t waste time with any pleasantries. I think we are beyond pretending to re- spect one another,

Gordon scowls as he leans his face closer to the camera.

I know all about you, Alexander Foxx. Or is it Firefox now? I know you stole Dis- trict Eighteen from me. Don’t worry, I fully intend to get it back one way or another. I will also punish those who support you and your thieving men. But enough about you, you are not my greatest concern. My greatest concern is your niece, Lindsay Foxx, and her biological mother, Lisa. I know you have both of them there with you. Lisa is of great use to me. I would very much like her back so that she may work with me as she did my father. As for Lindsay, she has become a problem. She has gone from a little itch that needs scratching, to a thorn in my side. She is nothing more than a traitor and a murderer, just like her uncle. She has caused a spark, one that threatens to ignite the fuse and destroy all my father has worked so hard to achieve. She is now first and foremost my greatest enemy, and I need her stopped.

I sneak a glimpse of Alex, trying to get a read on what he is feeling. He holds an emotionless expression. One I am unable to decipher.

Lindsay.

Hearing my name makes me snap my head back to the projection. Clearly Gordon means this next part for me.

"I don’t believe your uncle will let you see this. But, if by some divine miracle he does, I have a message for you. I have someone here I believe to be very special to you.

Does the name, Jason Hunter ring any bells?"

My eyes widen as the camera is turned onto Jason. He is tied to a black office chair, with a blind fold covering his eyes. There are bruises and cuts all over the visible skin on his arms and legs. The rest of his body is covered by a tattered orange prison jumpsuit.

As you can see, we have punished him for his crimes against us.

The camera is returned to Gordon’s face.

"Lindsay, I don’t believe you meant to hurt anyone. I think deep down inside, you’re still that scared little orphan girl, who was brought to District Fifteen almost fourteen years ago. I think you were misguided and followed the crazy notions of a woman I now

know to be dead. I’m giving you a chance here, Lindsay. I’m impressed by you and feel you’d make a fine officer. You are more use to me alive than dead, make no mistake about that. This is why I want to make you a deal. I want you to accompany your mother to District One. I want you to make a statement to those silly enough to see you as some sort of rebel leader. You will tell them they are mistaken, and to follow your actions would see them executed for their crimes. You will tell them how forgiving and great I am to allow you to live, and how lucky you are to be given a job serving me, despite your actions against me. Do this, and I will let you and Jason live. I might even look the other way with your uncle and forgive him for his crimes. Fail to do this and I can assure you, Jason will be my next test subject, you will be caught and executed, and District Eight- een, along with any you care for, will cease to exist. I have a plane waiting for you and Lisa at the old airport in the place formerly known as, Melbourne. Because I’m a fair and just man, I’m giving you two months to arrive at the airport and board the plane for District One. I’m giving you two months because I’m sure your uncle will take his time in giving you my message. If, however, my men report that you have failed to arrive, I will hunt you down. I will also kill any man, woman, or child who tries to hide you from me. I like to think of myself as a fair and just man, Lindsay, but I do not grant second chances. You have your instructions and two months to comply. I hope to be seeing you in person soon, Miss Foxx."

The screen suddenly goes black and the Gordon Family crest appears again.

Chapter 2

My eyes refuse to move from the projection. My thoughts whip around inside my head like leaves caught in an up draught.

Lindsay? Sweetheart, speak to me?

Alex shakes me gently, attempting to gain some kind of response. I can hear just how anxious he is to grasp my attention, but as much as I would like to reassure my uncle, I just cannot acknowledge him right now.

I think she’s gone into shock, sir. Mark states his opinion on my silence.

He is wrong. I hadn’t gone into shock at all. Yes, it’s true I can’t take my eyes off of the crest, and it’s true that I cannot find the words to speak. But this isn’t because I feel

fear, or because I have gone into shock as Mark has claimed. I am absolutely seething.

Like his father before him, Henry Gordon has plans to destroy all we have left in his quest for world domination. His message has made it abundantly clear. He is planning to finish what his demonic father started. He wants total control over the world, and wants anyone seen as a threat to be eliminated.

If Henry Gordon wants me to go to District One, then I will go. But I will not bow down to him, or any of his followers. Someone has to put an end to this madness.

I have to get to that airport. I speak my thoughts out loud.

As soon as the words leave my lips, Alex’s hands tighten around my arms. No, Lindsay, not again.

I turn my face to his. His hardened eyes fix upon my own.

Alex, I am…

Forget it, Lindsay Foxx.

My uncle’s interrupting voice bellows over my own. I have no choice but to remain silent and hear him out first.

"I’m not going to let my niece go off alone again to fight a battle that she cannot

win."

Alex greatly resembles my late father in this moment. The expression he holds is exactly identical to the one my father made when he was trying to discipline me.

If you’re referring to what happened in Richmond, I won. I saved Clover and killed Lacey.

I remind my uncle.

You think that ended it, Lin? Sweetheart, all you did was piss them off. I roll my eyes, assuming Alex is just trying to talk me down.

Lacey wasn’t the only Jackal who followed Gordon’s orders. Mark chimes in.

She had a successor waiting to take over if anything happened to her. Now that she’s dead, I can guarantee he has picked up where Lacey left off.

Mark’s shared information leaves me dumbfounded. A successor is not something I had envisioned, and not something that I ever thought I needed to worry about with the

Jackals.

Is this true?

I question Alex, wondering if perhaps it is another scare tactic. I’m afraid so, Lin.

Alex confirms what Mark has stated to be true.

There’s a man Lacey took under her wing. His name is Douglas. Douglas? What makes him so special?

The memories of Richmond return. Lacey had many followers, I don’t know what one must do to rise above the others and become her successor.

Douglas just happens to be Lacey half-brother,

Alex takes on a serious disposition.

He is much harder to take down than his predecessor. I know this for a fact. I’d dare say he now has a personal vendetta against you, Lindsay.

Mark adds.

After all, it was you who shot his only sister. Douglas? Is it possible that I saw him in Richmond?

I begin running through the memory of all the faces over and over. I don’t recall anyone named, Douglas. Although, I was on a mission and didn’t really spare the time

to learn any one person’s name.

Red and black hair. Green eyes and a cocky attitude.

Felix’s description sparks my recollection of the team that tried to apprehend Hayley and myself at the elevator. The man who spoke to us appears in my mind as clear as day. I see him aiming his gun at both Hayley and I, as I gripped Clover tightly in my arms.

He can’t be all that good. We managed to escape them easily enough. You got away purely because Douglas is good at following orders, Alex retorts.

"Trust me, Lin, I know the boy very well. He’s a hot head, and always out to try and

prove his worth. If Lacey hadn’t given the orders for Clover not to be killed, you wouldn’t have gotten away from him so easily. The fact that you took Lacey out means he’s now in charge. He’s out for blood, your blood."

Great. So two men and all their little followers want me dead. I grumble.

I’m not going to let them get you. Whatever it takes, I will see you safe. Alex pulls me into his chest and kisses the top of my head.

Whatever it takes? A brainwave occurs.

Alex’s grip tightens once more. I think he regrets his choice in words. No, Lin. Whatever you’re planning, just no.

I can’t stand around and do nothing while Jas dies.

I grit my teeth at the returned thoughts of Jason being held prisoner.

If Gordon isn’t stopped, innocent people will either become a slave to a mad man, or become one of the infected. Too many people have suffered because of the Gordon family already. How many more need to suffer before you are willing to take action? Liberating districts is good for now, but at the end of the day, Henry Gordon still holds all the power and the weapons to blow you and your men away.

Alex averts his eyes from mine and stares down at the floor. It appears as though he’s processing everything at once. Either that, or he is trying to think of clever ways to shut me down.

Alright, Lindsay. Let’s hear it then. Let’s hear what it is exactly that you propose we do?

I can tell by his small grin that my uncle believes I have no plan. Obviously this is his method to show me how stupidly impulsive I am being. Alex is soon nonplussed by my quick return of,

Teach me how to fight.

My words appear to stun my uncle into a stupor. I don’t believe he expected me to make such a request. I try to explain myself better.

"I know the basics, but as I said earlier, I got lucky. I’ve had people protecting me and fighting for me from day one. If it comes down to it, I need to know how to defend

myself without anyone’s assistance. He said we had two months. That means there’s time

for you to teach me at least a little of what you know. Then what?"

Alex throws his hands up in anguish.

I send you off with a woman you absolutely despise to District One and hope I have taught you enough to survive?

Not what I was expecting you to do at all, Alex. If this is going to work, I need you and a few of your good men to come with me.

"Okay, smart ass, seeing as you have it all thought out, explain how we would man- age that? Gordon is probably expecting us to try something. I doubt he will lower his

defences enough to allow such a plan to succeed." Alex remains sceptical.

I roll my eyes, frustrated by his continuing arguments.

Since when have you ever worried about what Gordon is expecting? I’m sure he had an idea of your plans to take Eighteen. Yet, you and your men bested all of his officers who guarded the district.

Alex narrows his eyes and turns his face to Mark, probably seeking back up.

We did manage to outsmart Gordon’s men once, Firefox. With a good plan, I’m sure it is not impossible to do it again.

Mark states an undeniable fact.

It’s clear that Alex has no more choices. I can see it in his face, he knows he is outnumbered. He does the only thing he can do, he accedes,

"Ah… fine. As I am the only one to see reason here, I have no other option but to go along with this madness. But it will take a few weeks to organise some sort of a plan,

and it will also take a few weeks to teach you something of the basics. If we are to do this, I will need your total cooperation. No arguing with me, no telling me it’s taking too

long, and no giving up and going after Gordon yourself. Do we have an understanding,

Lindsay?"

My uncle’s conditions might be hard to live up to, but if this gets me what I need to save Jason, then I will do just about anything Alex wants. I bite my lip, attempting to stop the victorious smile from surfacing.

I promise to do whatever you tell me to, uncle. Whether I agree or not. So, do we have a deal?

I extend my right hand to Alex.

Alex chuckles and reaches out with his left hand.

Yes, Miss Foxx. I believe we have something of an accord.

He shakes my hand, then turns away from me and heads for the exit. Where are you going?

I call out, feeling puzzled by his sudden eagerness to leave. I am off to see a woman I’d hoped never to speak to again.

By the tone of his voice I know he must mean Lisa.

Why?

I wonder.

Alex stops where he is and spins back around to face me.

"Why? Because she will be part of this crazy