Warranted Motion: Squad Treble, #4

By Kay Bennson

War with the enemy is imminent…

The Chi Rho Iota Corporation is holding Brayden against his will and Cassie Routhier will stop at nothing to get him back. With the help of Squad Treble, she prepares to wage war with Owen at his island headquarters to stop his diabolical plans once and for all. 

When teenagers from all over Delaware join the cause, Cassie hopes that she'll have Brayden home by Christmas. But time is running out, and Brayden, Delaware, and the entire world need Cassie to win one more time. In the final book of the Squad Treble series, there is no simulation. War is real.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kay Bennson
• Release date: Aug 1, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201445430

Kay Bennson

Kay Bennson is from Northwestern Connecticut where she lives with her husband and son. She doesn't remember a time where she wasn't writing stories (in fact, some of her best ideas were forged in high school classes and at part time jobs). When she isn't writing, she enjoys video games, figure skating, gymnastics, and fanfiction.

Book preview

Chapter One

Patrick

You sure about this?

I exhaled as I double-checked that my sandy brown hair was covered by the hood of my sweatshirt. I clutched a can of red spray paint in my hand tightly, knowing that desperation had brought me to where I was currently standing.

What are you, afraid? I hissed back. I thought vandalism was just a small part of your repertoire.

Aaron Markinson stood beside me, dressed all in black. He looked mock offended at my words. I’ll have you know that I have been trying to make better choices lately.

I rolled my eyes. Lighting things on fire and breaking and entering are totally things someone virtuous would do.

The boy shrugged. I’m like a comic book character. Vigilante justice.

I smiled. There wasn't much positive in Settontown lately, but I’d made some new friends during this messed-up experience. I considered Aaron to be a great addition.

Seriously though, are you afraid?

Aaron had a can of spray paint that he shook absentmindedly as he replied. Scared? No. Anxious? Absolutely. I don’t like messing with the Chi Rho Iota Corporation. Never ends up good for anyone. He took a step forward. But we have to do this.

I nodded before looking over my shoulder to make sure the coast was clear. We were doing this for Brayden as much as they were for high school kids everywhere. We didn’t want anyone else to become Owen’s slave. I uncapped my spray can and got to work.

The last six days had been a nightmare. I’d left my best friend at a track meet and hadn’t seen him since. His car and his belongings were left behind without explanation. Cassie had just discovered that he was being held hostage by the Chi Rho Iota Corporation, the group that was training teenagers to be weapons for war under the guise of something innocent. There were ulterior motives just like everything else that came along with this mysterious company. They were using Brayden as a bargaining chip, trying to convince his girlfriend to join their cause. This was messed up in a normal situation, but Brayden was a diabetic so it was extra cruel. Every day that passed Brayden was that much closer to permanent damage or death and I could not lose my best friend; thus why I was about to deface private property.

How did you send someone a message without letting them know you were completely on to them? Squad Treble had recently discovered that Owen was murderous in addition to conniving. Cassie had said something about Priya having three brothers that disappeared under mysterious circumstances, but had wound up dead at the hands of the simulation facilitator. I didn’t know the gristly details like Aaron and Cassie, but if the Chi Rho Iota Corporation killed Brayden, I’d probably need therapy. Every free moment I had I found myself thinking about what I could have done differently. If we had left the meet together we could have fought the guys who kidnapped Brayden off, or they could have taken me instead if they really needed someone. I would have been annoying as hell and they’d have given me back within twenty-four hours. Maybe Owen and Meera would’ve been so disgusted by my behavior they’d stop their world takeover plan and never want to deal with kids again.

The squad decided we couldn't go to the police, not yet. We had our proof, but arresting Owen would not be enough. We had to stop things from going further, and prevent the Chi Rho Iota Corporation from implementing War Game XRI nationwide. How exactly we would do that was something we needed to figure out. In the meantime, we were spray painting Give Back Brayden Hamblin onto walls and buildings in places that Owen might frequent. We’d done the wall of the high school, several highway overpasses between Settontown and Rehoboth, and now we were in the marina where the corporation kept their vehicles. It might not stop the Chi Rho Iota Corporation, but it might make them sweat a little if they were constantly reminded of the crime they’d committed.

What do you think? Aaron asked, bringing me back to his senses. Do you think we up our game and start writing on the cars?

People made graffiti art on walls and bridges all the time. Tagging someone’s car made it a bit more devious, and expensive if we got caught. I scanned the area for something less luxurious. There were several Jersey barriers around the lot that kept someone from driving off the edge of the marina and into the ocean. We could write our message a million times and not ruin the lavish looking SUVs, even though I really, really wanted to.

Let’s do the barriers, that way they’ll have to read it every time they pull in or back out of a parking spot. I tried to keep my voice even. I didn’t want my partner-in-crime to think I was chickening out. This had been my idea, after all. I felt helpless and had figured this was a way I could make it up to Brayden, not that spray painting stuff even began to cover it.

Aaron continued to shake his can. Works for me.

We set to work, Aaron taking one side of the lot and I took the other. We wrote Give Back Brayden Hamblin over and over until every concrete barrier had been tagged. I was satisfied and hoped that maybe the Chi Rho Iota Corporation would follow our suggestion and that Brayden’s mom would be calling me soon with good news. I was usually pretty good at masking my emotions, but I decided if Brayden was rescued I might actually allow myself to get misty-eyed.

That being said, I knew it would be Brayden’s mom that called, not Brayden himself. It would be a miracle if Brayden didn’t spend Christmas in the hospital from not getting enough insulin for a week, but I vowed that I would go every day to see him, and I’d take Cassie with me if it made my friend happy.

We should go. Aaron was at my side, hissing so we wouldn’t be overheard. The longer you stick around, the more chance to get caught.

Personal experience? I was back to my usual self, or was at least trying to put on the front that I wasn’t losing my mind over Brayden’s disappearance. Joking at other people's expense had gotten the spotlight off all the issues in my life before the Chi Rho Iota Corporation had come to town, like my father dying of cancer and getting adopted by my stepfather. I figured I would just keep going with it.

Aaron threw me a look as he started to walk in the direction of where we’d parked my car. We walked a bit in the darkness to try and not draw as much attention to ourselves. There was a gate to keep unauthorized vehicles out, but we were able to climb over the Jersey barriers with relative ease. Maybe. I mean, I haven’t done anything worthy of serving time or anything. He began to scale one of the concrete blocks as he continued to talk. I’d like for it to stay that way.

As if manifesting bad luck, the sound of a police cruiser made us freeze. The red and blue lights were nothing compared to the bright spot light that was shining in our eyes. I felt my stomach drop down to my boots.

Shit, what do we do? I asked, not factoring for this part of the plan. Should we run?

Aaron gingerly climbed over the side of the Jersey barrier, sitting down and putting his hands in the air. No dude, running does not help in these situations.

I followed suit, wondering what my mom and stepdad were going to think when they got a call from the police. Personal experience? I had no idea why I was still making jokes at a time like this.

That would be a hard no.

***

Aaron

I had been sent to the principal’s office more times than I could remember. I’d been sent to detention, in-school suspension, and forced to stay home for ten days when I got into a fist fight in the eighth grade. I’d had to write apology letters and talk to guidance counselors about my feelings and choices, but I’d never been arrested before.

I currently sat in an interrogation room, Patrick in a metal chair beside me. I had always figured it would be one of my brothers that I’d get busted with, but I also knew now to always expect the unexpected. This had become especially true once Owen and his fatigue-wearing teenagers came to town.

You two have spotless records, lectured the officer who sat across from us. You’re not even local. I don’t understand why you are out here vandalizing a parking lot on a Monday evening.

I kept my head down and let the man speak. If there was anything good I’d learned from my older brothers and all their misbehavior, it was that it’s better to comply, to be seen and not heard. I figured Patrick, who was even less familiar with the life of a delinquent, would do the same, so I was shocked when I heard his voice.

Sir, do you ever have a case where you know someone is guilty, but you don’t have enough evidence to convict them?

The cop nodded with a confused look on his face. What does that have to do with you two spray painting private property?

Our friend has been missing for a week. The people whose lot we were in have him as a prisoner. We want to make them sweat a little. Make them think about what they’ve done.

How can you be certain? The man looked skeptical. Don’t you think we would have been tipped off about this? No one has been to that island since there was a suspected arson there.

I hoped my frantic heartbeat and averted gaze weren’t giving away my guilt. I had been the one to light the fire in a moment of panic. It was becoming clear that convincing this man wasn’t going to be easy. I didn’t know if telling this police officer was going to help or hurt the situation, but if it was going to keep me from getting a more serious punishment, and help Brayden at the same time, I was going to try.

If you would like to interview me privately I can give you everything you need to know. Patrick only knows from secondhand account.

The police officer stared at me for a long moment before he asked a coworker to call Patrick’s parents. I rose and followed the cop to a different room, and as soon as the man shut the door, I started talking.

I was on the island late Saturday night. I saw Brayden with my own eyes. We haven’t wanted to come forward because without proof we were worried that the Chi Rho Iota Corporation would find a way to deny everything.

What do you mean you saw him with your own eyes?

Could I get in trouble for that? I swallowed hard before I answered. I was snuck in by someone who works for the corporation. I made sure to leave Cassie out of the conversation, just in case they could get in trouble for some reason.

Kid, you realize if someone is in danger–as you say–the sensible, responsible thing would be to tell us, not spray paint graffiti in their parking lot.

I couldn’t argue there, but this wasn’t a sensible situation. My friend is honestly safer with you guys waiting. If the people who have him know you are on your way they might do something drastic. I met the man’s eye, his expression was a cross between concerned and utterly confused. I wish I could give you a better motive that doesn’t sound so made-up.

Me too, the police officer replied. Because it’s not me you're going to have to convince, but a judge.

***

I had gotten hold of one of my brothers with my one phone call and had been silently happy that both were legal adults. I’d be able to get home without my father knowing a thing. We’d taken Patrick's car so I didn’t have to deal with picking up a vehicle. I’d potentially have to come clean once my court date was set, but if I played my cards right, I might be able to get Matt or Eric to take me to that as well. It wasn’t like they were going to put me away for this, right? I’d probably be picking up trash on the side of the freeway or enrolled in some kind of volunteer program. I thought about how I probably wouldn’t be in a police station after being arrested if I’d been involved in positive groups growing up.

When a door opened and someone called my name, I couldn’t hide my surprise when I saw my father being guided into the room by the same skeptical police officer. My dad worked third shift at a manufacturing plant, and I felt like I might be sick at the thought of my father leaving work to pick me up. It meant he had given up hours and money that were already hard to come by. I wondered if my brothers had ratted me out, or if I could only be released by my legal guardian. I wasn't sure if I could feel any worse as I locked eyes with my father and cringed.

My dad said nothing as he signed paperwork. He said nothing as I was given back my phone and other personal effects. We were silent as we made our way to my father’s classic Ford Mustang. It wasn’t until we were on the highway headed back to Settontown that my father finally said something.

I know I’m not around much... He kept his eyes on the road, and I know your brothers have set the precedent, but I’d hoped for more from you.

I had been looking out the window at the darkness when my father said the words. I shut my eyes as the guilt sank into my soul. My poor father hadn’t asked for any of this. I should have been making his life easier.

I know... I murmured in response.

You have a chance for a better life, my father pleaded. You can go to college, get a decent job. He didn’t sound mad, only disappointed and despondent, which I decided was worse. You’re breaking laws. Drinking. You’re going to throw it away.

I let out a shaky breath. I know.

The inside of the car went silent again. It was only once we took the exit closest to our house that my dad spoke again. When we get home, I’m calling Ed Routhier. I think you need more supervision. I can’t force that on your brothers, but you're still a minor and I think you need some family structure like Cassie and Shane.

My eyes snapped open. Was the universe messing with me? I’d just gotten arrested trying to help bring Cassie’s boyfriend home and now I might be spending even more time with her? I couldn’t be unhappy–my feelings for Cassie were what kept me from making even worse decisions–but it might make things a bit complicated. You know, kidnapped diabetic boyfriend, among other things.

My father must have expected more of a struggle because he said, You don’t have anything to say? You must have some sort of reaction to what I’m proposing.

I shook my head, attempting to focus. I think spending more time with the Routhiers is probably a good idea.

It would either straighten me out or be the death of me.

Chapter Two

Jared

I walked so quickly that my legs burned. I took the steps two at a time, and practically knocked people out of the way to get to the room at the end of the hallway. I knocked on the wooden door repeatedly, refusing to yield until someone noticed me.

Enter.

I was greeted by a study like something out of a mystery movie. It was all bookshelves and wood paneling with a magnificent view of the ocean and the rocky edge of the small island where the Chi Rho Iota headquarters were located. I would have loved to stare at the dark blue water, to look at the books and collectables on the shelves, but I had a purpose. I had to plead my case to the man that sat at the large desk.

Owen was the leader of this strange group that I had become a part of. As I took in the man’s office I realized that I didn’t even know Owen’s last name. Did he and Meera sleep here? I was so frazzled that I was losing sight of why I had come up here.

Mr. Allen, what can I help you with? Are you adjusting to your new home?

Two days ago, I had made the decision to join the ranks of the Chi Rho Iota Corporation. I’d done it to look like a hero and to show Cassie how much I loved her. That was before I knew what they were doing. That was the reason why I needed to talk to Owen. The plan wasn’t working out like I had envisioned it in my mind.

I want a different job, I sputtered. I will do anything, just get me out of that basement. I had wanted to be in Owen’s shadow, finding out valuable information to help Cassie stop him and his company’s master plans. I hadn’t expected that I’d be forced to stand guard in a dungeon, watching my rival and adversary wither away on the cellar floor. I hated Brayden, but this was a whole new level of messed up if Owen and Meera thought I would want to watch the kid die.

Owen cocked an eyebrow at me. Come now, you must understand my motivations. I need Cassie to join me. I must use any means necessary to get what I want. That boy down there has had every chance to cooperate and he refuses.

He’s still a sixteen-year-old kid! I exclaimed. He’s got parents that are probably worried sick, a kid sister that’s going to be traumatized if she finds out how he’s being tortured. Brayden has nothing to do with your plans to take over the world. Was I defending him? Hadn’t I just said that I’d never help Brayden? I knew that I’d never get Brayden’s death off my conscience if it happened before my eyes. Let him go, or at least give him what he needs to be healthy. Please.

My words must have been making Owen fill with evil glee. You knew what you were signing up for. He narrowed his eyes as if he was being inspired to cause both of us more discomfort. You are about to become something greater than you ever were. Non-compliant weaklings like Mr. Hamblin must be dealt with. You will do it for me. Or you will join him.

Stomach filling with dread, I suddenly wished I had just screamed into my pillow instead of coming up here. I had just made things so much worse. We don’t need him, I whispered, staring blankly at the sea behind my boss so that I wouldn't give away how upset I was. Just let him go. The police could shut this down, they could arrest me for all I cared, but I couldn’t be a murderer. I wasn’t that far gone.

Go down to the basement and get Brayden Hamblin to change his mind, or maybe I send one of your new colleagues to check in on your sister. Kara, was it? Owen smiled at me viciously. You wouldn’t want something to unnecessarily happen to her or Cassie, would you?

I had a feeling that there was nothing but ill will behind those words. Defeated, I left and returned to my post. The cold, dingy basement with the prison cells was now where I spent most of his time. One prisoner sat in his cell, only upright because Priya was sneaking him insulin. Were Owen and Meera stupid? He would have been dead if someone hadn’t been doing this. Were they looking to catch Priya in the act or did they consider this another form