Blonde hair at the wheel. A smaller child waving both her arms in the passenger seat. Aries could hear the little girl calling out Mason’s name from across the parking lot. Clementine waved too, but something looked wrong.
“They’re back,” Aries said. “And they have Casey!”
And that’s when the explosion turned the woods into fire.
Mason
The explosion nearly knocked him off his feet. A blast of heat and vibration hit him straight on, leaving his eyes watering and ears ringing. He shouted, but couldn’t even hear his own voice. Aries might have screamed too, her mouth was moving, but no sound came out.
What the hell?
The woods were on fire. Bright orange and yellow flames tore through the dry trees. Shapes moved through the smoke. Mason wasn’t sure if they were Baggers or not. He recognized one of the adults, Marvin, racing through the woods, carrying someone in his arms. He tripped and fell hard. Mason started towards Marvin, but Aries reached out and grabbed his arm. Another explosion tore through the woods, closer this time, and Mason felt the hot wind slam into his back, pushing Aries and him forward and nearly off their feet. When he looked up again, Marvin and the unknown person had disappeared into a wall of flames. Mason stepped towards the fire, trying to figure out what he should do, but Aries pulled him back.
“Don’t,” she mouthed at him.
He could still taste her on his lips.
“Mason!” Although his ears were still ringing, he could hear Casey screaming his name. The little girl already had the door open and was climbing out. A loud crash came from behind as one of the Douglas fir trees toppled beneath the flames. The woods were old and the weather had been particularly dry. The fire wasted no time eating everything in sight. It wouldn’t take long before the entire parking lot was consumed.
“Get them outta here,” he shouted at Clementine who called after the children as they escaped from the SUV. Pointless. No one could hear anyone over all the commotion. Everyone seemed to be screaming at each other. Casey ran towards him, another little boy right on her heels. Another girl, not much older than ten chased after them.
“Mason!”
Casey threw her arms around his waist, hugging him tightly. Mason reached down and scooped her up into his left arm. She squirmed, trying to plant kisses on his cheek while he reached out and grabbed the little boy to keep him from running any further. The air was growing smokier by the second. One or two feet in the wrong direction and Mason might lose one of them.
“Casey. Andrew. Back to the car. Now.” The other little girl reached him and grabbed the boy. She had an intimidating expression of both sheer annoyance and fear on her face. Mason thought he recognized her from the camp, but he couldn’t say for sure. There were a lot of children at the Plaza and he hadn’t been able to remember them all. Only Casey and that’s because she stuck to him like glue.
“Clemmy,” Andrew shouted at Mason. He shook the other girl free and shoved at her with his small hands. “She’s hurted. We have to help her.”
Mason looked up to see Clementine stumble and fall from the driver side. Aries tried to catch her, but she didn’t have the strength. Both girls toppled to the ground. Mason pried Casey’s hands from around his neck, forcing her down towards the other girl.
“What’s your name?”
“Janey.”
He remembered her then. Up on the stage by herself as the Baggers picked and chose which ones would live or die. When a female Bagger had tried touching Janey’s face, the little girl had slapped the Bagger across the cheek. A gutsy move, especially for one so little. Whereas most adults trembled and kept their heads down, Janey looked the Bagger straight in the eyes and refused to cower. Everyone in the audience had held their collective breath, wondering if the little girl had managed to sign her death sentence, but the Bagger only slapped her back and shoved her towards the edge of the stairs where the surviving adults quickly swallowed her up. Mason supposed even a monster had to be impressed at a child who wasn’t afraid to defend her life.
“Casey. I need you to go with Janey.” The more Mason tried to break free, the harder Casey clung to him.
“No. I want you. I’m scared.”
“I need you to be brave, Casey. Come on. I’m not going anywhere. I need to help Clementine. You’ll be safe with Janey. And you’ll be able to see me. I’ll be right here.”
There were more kids piling out of the SUV. Another boy and a girl. They stood close to the doors, their eyes watching the forest burning. Mason swore under his breath. How many more were there?
Where the hell was Michael? They could use a little help right about now.
He thought he heard gunshots, but it was hard to tell with all the wood and leaves crackling. Were the Baggers standing on the outside of the tree line, shooting everyone who tried to escape? What if they were watching the scene, getting ready to open fire on the children? A sense of urgency swelled through him and his arms began to shake under the pressure of all those vulnerable children within his grasp. If any of them died, that might be it for Mason. There’d be no coming back from that.
“Come on, Casey, do it for me,” he said and the girl reluctantly let go long enough for Janey to grab her. “Make them stay close and low to the ground. If you see or hear anything, take cover. We’re not sticking around.”
“I’m on it,” Janey said. “Go help.”
He was by Clementine’s side in an instant. Andrew was right. She was hurt badly. Blood soaked through her clothes. Part of her shirt had been torn away, leaving a jagged gash between her shoulder and neck. She’d untangled herself from Aries, who tried to help pull her into a sitting position. Even in the darkness, Clementine looked a deathly shade of white. Her lips were pale, almost blue.
“I’m fine,” Clementine said. “What’s happening?”
“We have to get her to Larissa,” Aries said.
“I can find her,” Mason said. But he wasn’t so sure if he could safely get through the woods. If the flames didn’t get him, the smoke would. And if Larissa was still alive, the chances were slim that she would be able to get out.
“I’m fine,” Clementine repeated. She struggled against Aries, pulling herself up to her feet. But she had to lean against the side of the SUV to keep from falling. Her eyes squinted in pain, but Clementine refused to budge. “Honestly, it’s not so bad. Looks worse than it is. We have to help the others. They’re all going to burn.”
“It’s okay,” Aries said. “A lot of them left earlier. Not many left at camp. So let’s worry about you.”
“Good,” Clementine said. “I’m glad they’re safe.” She started coughing violently, her whole body shaking. If she kept it up, she’d open those wounds again and start bleeding all over the place. From the looks of her shirt, there wasn’t any blood left to spare.
“Where’s Michael?” Aries asked.
Clementine didn’t say anything, but Mason saw her eyes. That was enough for him to know the truth. He wasn’t sure if Aries noticed, but she didn’t ask again.
Some figures emerged from the tree line, clouded in smoke and ash. Mason raised his rifle and prepared to aim. He stepped forward, away from the group, hoping to make himself a target if necessary.
“Get them out of here,” Mason shouted to Aries. “Now!”
He stepped forward, his own throat hoarse and threatening to burst into a coughing fit. Mason swallowed twice, but his mouth was too dry. Like sandpaper. As he approached the group, familiar faces appeared from behind the smoke.
“It’s us.”
Daniel.
He came forward with Larissa by his side. Raj and Jordan followed. The dog kept close to Raj’s heels, her tail between her legs. Beside Mason, two of the kids squealed in delight at the sight of Cleopuptra. Mason had to give Raj credit. Everyone really did love that damn dog.
“Bombs!” Raj shouted. “They must have planted them in the woods. That’s why they didn’t attack us. They wanted a bloody show, th
e bastards.”
“They got the house,” Larissa said. “The guns. Medical supplies. It’s all gone. Everything. Thank god I wasn’t in there. I’d be floating on a cloud right now. Even the lighthouse is on fire.”
“Can’t tell who’s still in there,” Raj said, pointing to the woods. “Can’t see anything. Too much smoke. Not sure who got out. I heard gunshots. They’re killing them as they try and escape.”
“Time to go,” Daniel said. “Now.” He looked at Clementine and then Aries. Then he noticed the SUV. “Can we still drive it?”
“Yes,” Clementine said. She held out the keys and Daniel took them. Mason nodded to Janey who understood and started rounding up all the kids. None of them looked too thrilled to be getting back inside the vehicle. They were drawn to the fire in the woods; none of them could take their eyes off the flames. Mason totally understood. In its own way, the devastation looked mesmerizing. If he didn’t understood how much danger they were in, he’d probably want to stand back and watch a bit himself. He thought back to his old house in Saskatoon. He’d set fire to it before he left. That seemed a million years ago.
“Everyone get in.” Daniel paused. “Where’s Michael?”
“He’s not coming,” Clementine said.
Daniel nodded. Mason wasn’t sure if Daniel understood the meaning behind her words, but he wasn’t going to say anything. Now wasn’t the time and place. They’d get the details later, once everyone was safe.
The SUV started on the first try. Clementine slouched in the passenger seat and Mason couldn’t tell if she was still conscious. He’d climbed into the back with everyone else. It was a tight squeeze with all of them, even with the dog in the very back and the children all sitting on their laps. Casey immediately perched herself on Mason and refused to let go. Andrew, Mason noticed, wasn’t far behind; his tiny hand found Mason’s and clamped down.
Great. Just what Mason needed.
“Hold on,” Daniel shouted and he pounded the gearshift into reverse and pressed hard on the gas. All the bodies in the backseat slammed into one another as Daniel fishtailed out of the parking lot. The gravel crunched beneath the tires and a deep pothole was enough to send Raj’s head straight into the ceiling.
“Easy,” Raj shouted. “I’d like to live through this if you don’t mind.”
They didn’t make it very far before Daniel slammed on the brakes. Cursing, Mason leaned forward between the front seats, squinting through the windshield.
Baggers.
And plenty of them.
They stretched out along the road, blocking the path. All heavily armed, their guns aimed at the SUV. And right off to the side, keeping partly hidden by a group of lackeys was the king himself. Leon. Even from a smoky distance, Mason knew he’d have a smug grin on his face.
“Run them over,” Clementine muttered. Using her hands, she pulled herself up until she was almost sitting straight. Blood had soaked through the driver seat where Daniel sat. She must have bled all the way back from Surrey. What happened at the safe house? Had Michael and her managed to get all the children out or were the five in the SUV the only survivors?
“Kill them.” Clementine weakly slapped at Daniel. “Now.”
Mason might have agreed with her if the Baggers didn’t have hostages. They parted enough in the middle to push people to the front of the line. Three very terrified individuals.
A standoff.
“They’ve got Betsy,” Aries muttered.
“Run them over,” Clementine repeated. Her words were slurred. She was going into shock, if she wasn’t already there. Either way, if they didn’t act now, Clementine might not be around to see the final results.
“I’m not doing that,” Daniel said.
“Why not?” Clementine suddenly screamed. “Oh, of course. You’re one of them. You shouldn’t even be in here. Why aren’t you out there? With your kind?” She spat the last few words out with such animosity that Andrew started to cry.
“That’s not fair,” Aries said. “You know Daniel is one of us.”
“No, he’s not. He’ll never be one of us.”
Aries opened her mouth to argue, but Daniel hushed her. “She’s right,” he said. “I’m not one of you. But that’s the least of our problems.”
“Run them over,” Clementine screamed. “None of them deserve to live.”
“Stop it, Clem,” Mason snapped. “Get over it and look. There are people out there with guns to their heads. You think they deserve to die too?”
“I don’t care.”
“Yeah, you do. Or you will later when they’re haunting your dreams.” Mason opened the back door. “I’m going to go see what they want. The rest of you can stay here.”
Daniel jumped out to join them. “Raj. Get behind the wheel. Drive like hell if something happens. Keep the keys away from Clementine, for god’s sake. Jordan. Make sure that rifle stays on them. Take as many out if you can, if we get into trouble.”
Jordan rolled down the window and opened the door. He jumped out and took cover. “No problem. I can start now if you want. Which one should I go for first?”
“Better wait. Hopefully we won’t need it.”
Mason stepped away from the SUV, raising his hands high so that the Baggers could see he was unarmed. He’d left his own rifle with Jordan. The kid might need the extra shots, and he’d make them count.
“No,” Aries said. “They’ll kill you.”
“They won’t,” Daniel said.
“Mason!” Casey grabbed for him, but he gently pushed her away.
“They can’t hurt me, sweetie,” he said. “Not anymore.”
He sure hoped he was right about that. He stepped around to the front of the SUV and waited for Daniel to join them. With the headlights shining into his back, Mason felt very much in the spotlight as the Baggers turned their weapons on him.
“Looks like the party has come to us,” Daniel said.
“Guess we’d better go have ourselves a talk,” Mason agreed.
“Not sure we can talk our way out of this one. We’re good, but not that good.”
“Only one way to find out.”
They’d talked their way out of death before. Of course, Mason knew that Leon hadn’t wanted them dead the last time they were captured. He’d been more interested in information and had been more than happy to torture Mason and Daniel to get it. What sort of stuff could they offer up that might buy some more time? Leon was arrogant enough to think he’d already won. There was always the chance they could use that to their advantage. But as Mason and Daniel stepped forward, closing the gap between the Baggers, he couldn’t think of a single thing.
There were ten in total, including Leon and three hostages. Betsy and two men Mason didn’t recognize.
“Mr. Dowell. What a surprise,” Leon said when they were about five feet away. “I must admit this has put me off guard. I wasn’t aware that you’d flown the coup. And you’ve been reunited with your friend. Even more interesting.” He looked between Daniel and Mason, lips pressed tightly together to try and hide his emotions. “This is almost like a Christmas miracle. I certainly didn’t see this coming. I would have brought cake.”
“I guess it’s just being one of those days,” Mason said. He wondered if Leon recognized the children too. A triple whammy.
“Tell your little watch pup to lower his gun,” Leon said. “I’d like to continue this conversation without incident.”
“Not until you tell yours to do the same,” Daniel said.
“I’m not sure you’re in a position to negotiate,” Leon said. “But I’d like you to feel secure, so yes, I will call mine off too.” He nodded at the men beside him and most of them backed away a few steps. But they didn’t let go of the hostages.
Daniel turned back towards the SUV and motioned for Jordan to lower his gun. The kid nodded and did as requested. He kept his position, ready and waiting. They still weren’t exactly on even grounds now, but at least no one might accidently s
hoot anyone in the next few minutes.
One of the Baggers spoke into a two-way radio. He approached Leon and murmured into his ear. Probably checking to see if anyone else had escaped the Plaza of Nations compound. For a moment, Mason wished they’d broken everyone out. Now that would wipe the haughty look off Leon’s face.
“Tell me, Mr. Dowell,” Leon said. “I’m curious to know why you are here. I thought we had come to an arrangement.”
“I no longer liked the terms,” Mason said.
“I see.” Leon looked Daniel up and down. “And you, Daniel, I never did get your last name so I apologize for the informalities. I didn’t realize you were still in the city. I would have thought you’d be long gone, since you lost favor with all your so-called friends. They are aware of your anomalies. Your peculiar nature.”
“We’re still cool,” Daniel said.
“Still, you’ve been very difficult to trace,” Leon said. “Downright challenging. Off the radar for months. Many of my people believed you were dead. I’m a little curious to know why you’ve made this so easy tonight. I believe that is Aries sitting in the car, is it not? And her other little slippery friends too.” Leon shook his head dramatically. “Nothing comes without a price.”
“Or maybe you just hit the jackpot,” Daniel said.
“No, I don’t believe so,” Leon said. “No one gets that lucky. So let’s get on with it. And when that’s over, you can try and convince me to keep you alive. Not that I want to kill you. At least not yet. I’m more interested in going back downtown and having a little chat. But I’m willing to accept there will be causalities. I don’t expect you’ll come peacefully.”
A few of the Baggers stepped forward, but Leon pushed them back with a wave of his hand. Always the psychopath, Leon wanted to make the show last as long as possible.
“You won’t kill us,” Daniel said. “In fact, you’re going to let us all walk away from here tonight.” He nodded towards the three adults quivering in the Baggers grasp. You’ll let them go too.”
Mason studied Daniel from the corner of his eye, trying to decide if Daniel’s act was out of desperation or if he really did have something. The group of Baggers chuckled amongst themselves, but Leon’s smile grew harder. His face showed almost no emotion. Mason had spent enough time under Leon’s torturous care to know that Leon held back his punches. He wouldn’t jump to conclusions either. No, Leon was too smart for that.