Awakening: The Zoe Dixon Saga, #1

By Poppy Williams

Every Hero Has a Beginning

 

Raised by parents who work deep within the U.S. intelligence agency, Zoe Dixon has picked up a few skills along the way. 

 

When her family moves to a new town, Zoe thinks it's business as usual. But that all changes when a student turns up dead at her new school. Now, after years of keeping a low profile, Zoe has to decide whether she'll step out of the shadows and use her skills for good.

 

As she digs deeper, she'll uncover shocking truths that will change the course of her life forever. 

 

Awakening is book one in the Zoe Dixon Saga. Fans of Marvel's Black Widow, J.J. Abrams Alias, and Hit-Girl from Kick-Ass, will love this young adult action-packed suspense thriller.

 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Poppy Williams
• Release date: Apr 27, 2021
• ISBN: 9798215565872

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Zoe Dixon sat at the dinner table staring into a steaming bowl of roasted potatoes. Her eyes focused on the crispy brown edges while her mind was busy working on a solution to her problem. The issue? She wanted to eat dinner, and then head up to her room to read. But she knew what was coming. It was a Tuesday night, which for the Dixon family meant two things: Meatloaf and game night.

She knew she could try to soften her mom up, so she could ask for a pass. She had several good excuses lined up. The best one being that tomorrow was the first day of school, and a new school at that. It was a great excuse as far as Zoe was concerned. She planned out exactly what she would say in her mind, knowing the words would never leave her lips. There was no canceling game night. Death was the only excuse to miss it, and that might not even work. Zoe took in a deep breath, resigning herself to her fate.

She glanced up as her father continued adding dishes to the dinner table. Scanning the room, she took her family in. They were definitely a unique bunch. There were her parents, Carl and Sofia, and her sister Mia. Born on the same day, she and Mia were known as the twins, even though biologically, they weren’t related. The girls had both been adopted when they were just babies. Zoe glanced down at the rich brown color of her own hands, which contrasted with the pale white of Mia’s. They were sisters, but to the outside world they were different.

Mia was standing next to the kitchen sink, deep in conversation with their dad. Zoe couldn’t hear what they were talking about, but as she observed Mia’s animated gestures, she could tell her sister was trying to get a point across. She was tall and lean, with almost waist-length black hair. Tonight, she wore it gathered to one side in a thick braid that cascaded over her right shoulder. She had large blue eyes that complimented a sculpted face with a pointed chin.

Zoe often wondered what the outside world thought of their family. Her mom, who was taking the meatloaf out of the oven, had pale skin and flaming red hair, which she often wore tied back in a bun. Meanwhile, her dad sported a buzz cut on his salt-and-pepper colored hair, which complimented his tan skin. They were quite the picture. Zoe finished folding the napkins for the table, standing to place them along with silverware at each spot. Once everyone was in their seats, the family moved cohesively as they passed food around the table.

You girls ready for tomorrow? their dad asked.

As ready as I’ll ever be, Zoe answered as she spooned potatoes onto her plate.

School, yay, Mia said unenthusiastically. She glanced over at Zoe, and the two traded quick grins.

Girls, their mom said. With one word, she changed the mood at the table.

Sorry Mom, Mia said. Tomorrow should be good.

Yeah, sorry Mom, Zoe chimed in. I think we’ve both gotten pretty good at the whole ‘first day at a new school’ thing. I’m sure things will be great.

Starting a new school might be tough for some sixteen-year-olds, but Zoe and Mia had done it a lot. This would be their seventeenth new school in five years.

Their dad smiled. You girls have been troopers. I know it’s been tough. Just make sure you stay focused. Understood?

Yes sir, both girls said in unison. Without realizing it, they’d lowered their forks and straightened their backs as they answered him.

When people get comfortable, they get sloppy, Carl continued. That’s not us, is it?

No sir, both girls answered.

I know both of you would rather take some time this evening to get ready for your first day of school, but it’s Tuesday, their mom said. Do we know what that means?

Game night, Mia said.

That’s right, their mom continued. Some parents might let you off tonight. But that’s not how the Dixons do things. We’re going to finish up dinner, and then we’ll meet you both in the family room."

Both girls nodded and returned to eating. Zoe shoveled in a few forkfuls of meatloaf, trying not to let the disappointment show on her face. The rest of dinner was filled with light conversation and even a little laughter as their dad tested out his latest jokes.

That is the definition of a dad joke, Zoe said with a groan.

Exactly, Mia chimed in. Like, you look up dad joke in the dictionary and that joke is there.

With his picture next to it, their mom added, as the girls laughed.

It wasn’t that bad, he said.

Amid their laughter, Zoe forgot all about her desire to miss out on game night. The smiling faces around her reminded her why it was important.

Once they’d finished dinner, they all pulled together to clean the kitchen. It was Mia’s night to load the dishwasher, so once Zoe had helped clear the table, she made a mad dash to her room to grab what she’d need for game night. She had about ten minutes before it was time to head back downstairs.

Both she and Mia had their own rooms that were connected by a shared bathroom. She was walking through her room when she abruptly stopped in her tracks. Her eyes focused on the ornate wooden box that was sitting on her desk. It had been a Christmas present from her dad a few years ago. Zoe could still remember the look on his face when he’d given the girls their boxes. He’d been so proud to give them something he’d made with his own hands.

Zoe had stopped, because inside her box was a worn copy of The Magician’s Nephew. She hadn’t wanted to come upstairs after dinner to read just any old book. Today was the day she could start re-reading her favorite series.

She was an avid reader, but had strict rules about how often she re-read her favorites. The Chronicles of Narnia had been at the top of her list ever since her 5 th grade teacher, Mrs. Spivey, had read the series aloud to her class. Today marked exactly three years since her last read-through.

Her family had been moving more and more frequently lately. So sometimes, cracking open a familiar story felt like home. She was so excited to read the series again, she almost did her happy dance in the middle of her room. She was tempted to open the box and just read one page, but she pushed herself towards the bathroom. One page would do nothing but fill her with frustration.

Five minutes later, she heard the boom of her father’s voice as it rang up the stairs.

Zoe! Five minutes!

She quickly washed her face and laced up her shoes before heading down the stairs. She turned right, passing the den, and made her way towards the door underneath the stairs. It was made of solid metal. Zoe reached out, and placed her palm against the wood grain to the right side of the door. She could feel the coolness of the hidden scanner that was nestled underneath a thin layer of wood. It scanned her prints, and then a small panel slid open, revealing a keypad. Zoe’s fingers moved quickly as she typed in the eighteen-digit code from memory. The code was random, and her father changed it every three days. She heard the lock click and watched as the door slid open. She stepped in and hurried down the stairs as the door closed behind her.

At the bottom of the stairs was a short hallway that led towards the main room, where the walls and floors were covered in dark gray mats. She found Mia sitting cross-legged in the middle of the room, waiting.

No Mom and Dad yet? Zoe asked as she sat next to her sister.

Still upstairs. Are you ready for this?

Yeah, Zoe sighed. I gotta admit, I was hoping we would get a break tonight.

Wishful thinking, Mia said as she rocked back and forth.

I guess you’re right. Are you ready?

For tonight or tomorrow? Mia asked.

Both.

Mia’s brow furrowed as she pondered for a moment. Yeah, I’m ready for tonight. As far as the school thing goes, I guess so? We’ll see what Crestview High School has to offer.

Zoe nodded. She wouldn’t admit it out loud, but she was tiring of their routine. New town, new school, new faces. No roots. Mia was her best friend, but sometimes Zoe wondered what it would be like to have other friends. She let the thought linger for a moment and then brushed it aside when she heard the click of the door lock. Her parents were coming. She needed to focus if she wanted to do well tonight.

What do you think tonight’s game is going to be? Zoe whispered to Mia.

I don’t know but get ready to lose.

Yeah, right, Zoe sneered back at her. I think it’s going to be all about Cleveland.

We haven’t done that one in a while, Mia said with a nostalgic look.

You gonna be okay? Zoe said with fake concern, her tone full of mocking.

Mia flung out her hand, swatting Zoe’s arm. Ha ha. I’m more than okay.

We’ll see, Zoe said.

Carl and Sofia Dixon entered the room, each carrying a set of thick metal chains. Zoe glanced at Mia as if to say, I told you so, as the girls stood.

Zoe to the right, their mom called out in a no-nonsense voice. Both girls moved towards the one section of wall not covered by mats. It was solid gray brick. Towards the middle of the wall embedded in the brick were several thick steel rings. Zoe sat on the floor directly underneath one of the rings, pressing her back against the icy wall.

Hands up, her mom said. Zoe lifted her hands and waited while her mother chained her to the wall.

CHAPTER TWO

It always surprised her how heavy the chains could be. In no time, her mother had her shackled to the wall by her wrists. Once both girls were restrained, their dad spoke.

I know you both understand what this exercise represents. he said, making eye contact with each girl. This should be a reminder that you are no longer helpless little girls. So show me that.

With those words, both Zoe and Mia snapped into action. They’d done this exercise several times over the years. The goal was for each of the girls to figure out how to escape the shackles on their own. But deep down, they both knew the real goal was to be first. Zoe used the muscles in her legs to press herself against the wall. She slowly slid her body upwards until she could reach her right hand into her hair to find the lock pick she always kept hidden somewhere on her body. If there was one lesson her parents were always pounding into their heads it was this:

Always be prepared.

That was the Dixon family motto. Once, when the girls were ten, Zoe had forgotten to carry her lock pick. She’d washed her hair the night before and had forgotten to replace it. Her parents had left her in the basement, chained to the wall for an entire day. She never forgot again. She pulled the lock pick from its place and went to work.

Closing her eyes, she concentrated. Her fingers skillfully maneuvered the lock pick, and within seconds she heard the satisfying click as the lock on her left wrist opened. She knew the other side would be a little more difficult since she was right-handed, but she’d been practicing. She wanted to glance at Mia to see how she was coming along, but knew that would only waste time. Instead, she jammed the lock pick into the other lock and went to work. Her fingers moved as if they were on autopilot as she searched for the sweet spot. She heard the second click and jumped to her feet as the last shackle fell to the ground. She glanced over to watch as Mia hopped up just a fraction of a second after her.

Good job, their mom said, smiling at them.

Yes, good job, said their dad from across the room. Mia, don’t fall behind. Sometimes a few seconds can make the difference between life or death. Make sure you practice.

Mia nodded.

Have a seat, he said as he motioned the girls to join him and Sofia on the other side of the room. As they made their way across, Zoe could sense the shift in mood from her sister. She knew Mia well, and there was no doubt in her mind that Mia’s change in mood had everything to do with coming in second place. Mia had always been competitive, and Zoe knew the words from their father, even though they’d been light, had struck Mia hard.

Before we start sparring practice, your mother and I want to go over a few things with you. their dad said. "We’ve prepared your files for the school year. I know I don’t have to say it, but I will anyway. The goal is to blend in. Your mother and I know that you girls can take care of yourselves, but remember, we don’t let other people