Uprising: A Collide Novel Part 60

"I do, but that has nothing to do with it. They told Margo it was a trap for us. It would be dumb to just go after her."

"True," Jeff said and looked at me. "But since when do we do the smart thing. I'm with you, brother, all the way. Say the word."

Everyone seemed to be torn. This was Sherry we were talking about. We had to get her back but it was a trap. What were we gonna do?

"Uh, Merrick?" Cain spoke up and detangled himself gently from Lillian, who was clearly stricken, he stepped forward. "I know a way." He glanced over at Billings. "Billings? I still got that job offer?"

Billings looked puzzled. Then brightened and nodded his head.

"It could work. They hire people everyday, on the spot. That Lighter, Daniel, killed all the Lighters who saw me help you so I shouldn't be compromised. I could go with you, be your mentor. We could start in the morning."

"Wait. What are you talking about?" Danny asked.

"They'd take her to an enforcement facility. Containment building. There's a big one in Effingham. I'd bet my last paycheck they took her there. And, h.e.l.lo, I'm an enforcer. Guess who can get in. And guess who gets a nice bonus for bringing in a new recruit."

"So, you're saying you and Cain are gonna just go in there, and walk out with Sherry?"

"What else we got?"

Danny hung his head. Celeste rubbed his back and whispered something in his ear.

I tried not to look at him. I tried not to think. I knew all the things they'd be doing to her. I couldn't imagine waiting around until morning to go after her. I felt nauseas. I felt ill and green and devastated. I needed to do something. I needed to jump in the first vehicle I could find and go after her now, the fact that I'd be killed in the process didn't matter, only the fact that she would too was stopping me.

I didn't know how much longer I could just sit here though, chatting about what to do about it.

"Wait, wait, wait," Piper chimed in again. "This is all a little coincidental, isn't it? Billing comes here the day before Sherry is taken? Seems a little too much coincidence for me."

"Hey. Now hold on a minute-" Billings said looking defensive but it was too late.

I could already see the wheels turning all around me. People were wondering if she could be right. In fact, for a second, I entertained the idea myself, but then I remembered a certain Muse with a knack for figuring out these things.

"Marissa?" I said and when she looked, I nodded my head toward Billings.

She knew what I wanted. She started to cross the room towards him. He of course was wide eyed, not knowing what we were doing, but Marissa looks harmless enough. If he only knew.

"No way!" Piper yelled when Marissa was almost to Billings. "You made the rules. No using our gifts on each other, remember? So she can't touch him, or else she has to leave. Your rules!"

"Shut up, Piper! This is different and you know it," Jeff yelled taking a couple steps forward toward Marissa. "Go ahead, babe. No one's gonna touch you."

She looked to me. I nodded and then she looked at Danny.

"Please," he said softly.

She nodded and started towards him again.

"Nuhuh! I won't stand here while you change the rules to fit the situation! I do it and you throw me to the wolves but you'll let- Hey! Put me down!" she yelled and squealed.

Miguel had picked her up and thrown her over his shoulder, fireman style. He looked back at us and yelled over her screaming.

"Go on then. I'll take this one and find a nice, quiet, locked place for her," he said and then carried her screaming and beating his back down the hall yelling. I heard her say Neanderthal and barbarian but I blocked her out.

Jeff moved forward and spoke loudly at Marissa's side.

"Everyone understands the situation right? Anyone object to Marissa using her gift on Billings to get the truth?"

No one raised their hand and he urged her on with a hand on her back.

"Go ahead, sweetie. All clear."

She stepped in front of Billings.

"This won't hurt, just let it happen. Ok?" He nodded, reluctantly, and she touched his arm. "Are you telling the truth about wanting to help us?"

"Yes," he answered flatly.

She touched his arm again.

"Do you still work for the Lighters, the enforcers?"

"No."

Once more she touched his arm.

"Will you betray us to them, turn us in?"

"No."

"Good enough for me. Let's get cracking," Danny said and crossed his arms, ready for battle.

Cain spoke next, just as fierce and determined.

"Ok, now that we got that out of the way, let's get this all worked out. Billings, you and me got to get ready. We head out to work for evil, first thing in the morning."

Thank you to my G.o.d first of all and my family for supporting me through my endeavors of writing. It was a whim one day that has turned into this thing that I love. Thank you all who have helped me and to the ones who purchase my books, I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Thank you.

You can find me at many avenues and I would be thrilled to answer your questions or take your comments, good or bad.

http://sh.e.l.lycrane.blogspot.com/.

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