The Unleashed Read online

  “But don’t you have questions for him?”

  “What’s the point? How can I trust anything he says to me now? I wouldn’t believe him anyway.”

  Anna bustled into the room wearing a pristine white apron. “Oh wonderful! Everyone’s here.” She untied the apron from behind her back.

  “Mum, this is Daniel,” Mina said with the same high-pitched excitement in her voice.

  Daniel opened his mouth to speak when Anna cut him off.

  “I can see that, dear,” she said. “Why doesn’t everyone take a seat and I’ll bring us all some drinks.”

  The scraping of chairs disturbed the uncomfortable silence as the guests found their seats. Daniel sat next to Mina and turned to talk to her, when the words disappeared inside his throat. What did you say to the girl whose mother came back from the dead?

  “You all right?” He grimaced. Was that really the best he could do?

  “I’m great,” she said.

  Anna appeared with wine and tin mugs. She took the seat on the other side of Mina and stroked her hair. “This is lovely. Dinner with my daughter at last.”

  They ate a starter of egg salad made with Anna’s fresh salads brought from London, and Mary’s eggs from the farm. Daniel tucked in, pushing aside his worried and enjoying the food. Conversation remained light, with Anna dominating most of it. She asked about backgrounds and giggled over broad accents. Daniel dreaded her questioning him, but somehow her examining eyes never fell on him.

  It was Mina who changed the tone during their main of fried steaks. “Uncle Matthew, I know this is difficult. I just wanted to know what it was like… when you got arrested.”

  Matthew’s fork froze inches from his face, and his expression darkened. He placed the fork back down on his plate and took a moment to compose himself. He seemed older, and his eyes disappeared into the dark circles around them. “They took me to a holding cell at the Enforcer HQ. They have thousands of them there; all horrible and white tiled with fluorescent lights they never switch off. Instead of metal bars like the prisons in the Areas, the doors are these bullet-proof glass panels with shutters for trays of food. Not that you get much. They like to keep you on a starvation diet; keep you weak. You’re easier to crack that way.” Matthew laughed without humour. “And then when they’re done with you they kill you off on Twitching Sundays.”

  Daniel’s breath caught in his throat, and his stomach lurched the same way it did every time he heard the words “Twitching Sunday,” and just like that he was transported back to a kid, watching them place the black bag over his father’s face. Even after all these years every last Sunday of the month he re-lived that moment. He closed his eyes and tried to block out the way his father’s feet danced after they hanged him. He’d never forget.

  “They wanted information from you,” Mina said. Daniel shook his head and opened his eyes, forcing himself back into the present.

  Matthew nodded. “They wanted everything I knew about you. They wanted more information on the Compound, too. I think they were afraid of what lay behind the Scottish border. If they’d had more money and resources I think they would’ve invaded by now.” He turned to Mary. “They’re running too low on cash in the GEM to do anything now. Their treatment of the Blemished has lost funding from Europe and America.”

  “Aye, ah’ve heard that rumour too,” Mary replied.

  Matthew continued. “At first they offered me deals; all sorts of things. They even offered me a job at one point. Then when I refused them all they got nasty.” His eyes dropped to his plate, and his expression darkened. “Hour after hour. The pain.”

  “You’re home now.” Ali took Matthew’s hand. “Nothin’s gunnae hurt ye now, Matty.”

  “I’m so sorry.” Mina had tears in her eyes. “You did all that to protect me. Thank you.”

  “Te protect us,” Mary corrected. “An’ ye have all of our thanks. The Compound is yer home fer as long as ye need.”

  “It was a good job I stepped in when I did,” Anna interrupted. “Poor Matthew. If only I’d known sooner.” She sighed. “Now, let’s not think of these harsh times. I urge you to eat, drink and be merry. Live as though there is no tomorrow and cherish each other.” She lifted her tin cup of wine in Matthew’s direction.

  Daniel spotted Mary look away from Anna and subtly roll her eyes. He suppressed a smirk.

  “So what is it ye dae at the GEM then, eh? Grow little babbies with perfect genes?” Mary asked.

  “I help to create children of the GEM, which means altering genetic code using a DNA sequencing machine.”

  “An’ wha’ exactly dae ye alter?”

  “We mix and match traits from a database. Most of the genes come from the parents, but we remove things like a pre-disposition to addiction or the likelihood of having a large nose. Small things really.”

  “But if you can remove all these predispositions, why do you need to stop the Blemished from having children?” Mike asked.

  Daniel sat up straight, interested to see how Anna dealt with such a direct question. He glanced at Mina to his left. She watched her mother intently.

  “Well, Mike, that was something ordered by the last Minister of the GEM. I can’t speak for his decisions. He felt it was necessary at the time, and I’m not sure I would agree with him. Nevertheless, it has been useful in creating a new generation of human beings. Unfortunately, many people still wanted to breed even with their imperfect genes, and they refused the help of the GEM––”

  “They couldn’t afford the GEM,” Mike interrupted.

  “––meaning that some restrictions had to be put in place. I’m sorry that these restrictions have had an effect on your life, Mike. I truly am. There is nothing harder than making decisions as a leader of a huge community. Sometimes these difficult decisions have to be made for the good of the country. Now, can I offer any strawberries to those who would like dessert? I’ve brought a lot, Mary, you can share them around the camp tomorrow.”

  “That’s very generous of ye, Ms Hart.”

  “Oh, really, Mary. Call me Anna. Can I offer more wine to you all?”

  “I’ll have some,” Hiro said without a hint of sarcasm.

  Anna laughed, tipping her head back. “Oh Hiro, you are funny. Mina, would you like some? I think you’re old enough to have the odd glass.”

  Mina glanced at Daniel before she answered, as though she expected him to disapprove. She surprised him by nodding and holding out her cup. He’d thought the night of the fete had been bad enough for Mina. Yet it seemed she wanted more. Anna moved to pour wine into Daniel’s glass, but he reached out and covered it with his hand.

  “Not for me, thanks,” he said. He wanted to keep a clear head.

  “Can I get you a glass of orange juice? Or water?” Anna asked.

  “No, really, I’m fine,” Daniel said.

  “I insist.”

  Mina shot him a glare. Perhaps it was rude to refuse a drink from the host. “Orange juice would be fine.”

  After they finished their dessert and most of the table drank wine, things began to loosen up. Anna rotated in her seat, so she faced the Freaks. With her chin resting on her fist, and a sickly sweet smile on her face, she began asking questions.

  “Now, Hiro, has anyone told you how cute you are?”

  Hiro glared at her through narrowed eyes.

  “He doesn’t like that,” said Mina. “It puts him in a bad mood for days.”

  “I’m just small for my age,” Hiro replied. “I’m not cute.”

  “Well, okay then. You’re clearly not cute. In fact, I hear you’re the big strong man who’s been taking care of my Mina.”

  “Mina can look after herself,” said Hiro. “She doesn’t need me or anyone. And no, you’re not winning me over.”

  Anna gasped and leaned back away from him. She tipped her head back and laughed too loudly. It seemed over the top and fake like many of Anna’s actions. “That’s such a strange feeling, having someone in your head
like that.” Her voice came out slightly shaky, but it didn’t take her long to recover. “Can you filter the thoughts entering your mind?”

  “Yes,” he said. His face screwed up in thought. “Well, sometimes. Some people talk louder than others. Mina is hard to shut out.” Mina shrugged in apology. “Your thoughts are quiet. People with quiet thoughts are usually trying to hide something.”

  All eyes focussed on Anna, and she giggled nervously. “Oh, how silly. Of course I’m not hiding anything. I’m just more of a private and measured person than most.”

  “They’re the worst.” Hiro rolled his eyes. “Like Dr Woods.”

  “The man who helped Hamish attack the Compound?” Anna said. After a few questioning eyes, she explained, “Mina told me about it this afternoon. Yes, I can see why you’d be wary. But it’s amazing for you all to have someone who can read people so thoroughly. You’re so lucky.”

  This was the final straw for Hiro and Daniel cringed as the little boy looked away in disgust. How could anyone think him lucky? And how could she insinuate he was just a tool for the group? She sensed the atmosphere and moved to Kitty.

  “And you’re taste. You track people?”

  “That’s correct.” Kitty fidgeted in her chair and twirled a blonde curl around her finger. Mike sat close to her, still as a statue. “People have a unique taste.” She shrugged. “I can pick up on it pretty easily.” She shifted her legs so that they were underneath her, then changed her mind and crossed one on top of the other. Mike placed a soothing hand on her knee, and she was still.

  “Interesting,” said Anna. Her gaze moved to Mike. “And you smell emotions?”

  “Sure do,” he said with a typical Mike grin.

  “But how do you distinguish them? Do they have distinctive smells?”

  He tilted back on his seat, and ran a hand through his dark hair. “You know, you come off all in control and chilled, but there’s a really nervous vibe in there. I’m getting a hint of blood, because that’s fear. It makes sense when you think about it. Fear is primal. Blood and guts are the things we’re made from. Back to basics – fear equals blood.”

  Anna shuddered and folded her arms tightly against her chest as though to shield herself from Mike. The light faded as evening became night and a shadow fell over Mike’s face. “Interesting. So, you two must find it difficult to be around each other?” She gestured to Mike and Kitty. “Because your senses are so similar.”

  “We don’t emit as much as regular people,” Kitty said. “So it’s actually easier for us to be around each other.”

  Anna’s face lit up. “That’s fascinating.”

  “Is there a reason you want to know all this?” Mike leaned across the table with a smirk on his face. “For someone who’s not seen their daughter for about ten years you sure want to know a lot about us.”

  Anna’s smile froze. “I’m getting to know more about Mina through you. I want to understand her power so I can help her, and part of understanding her power means learning more about you all.”

  Mike wrinkled his nose. “In case you were wondering, anger smells like fermenting chillies. And you reek of it.”

  “Well, I’m not too big to admit that being cross examined about my intentions towards my own daughter makes me rather defensive. It’s a natural response from someone who only has their child’s best interest at heart.”

  “Mike that was really rude.” Mina glared at him.

  Mike gave an over-dramatic shrug. “Just looking out for you, sister.”

  “Sister?” Anna enquired.

  “We’re a family,” said Kitty. “At least we think of ourselves that way. We’re all connected, and we feel safer when we’re together. That’s the definition of family, right? It doesn’t matter about blood.” She grinned and ruffled Hiro’s hair.

  “Do you know when someone is injured?” asked Anna.

  “I know when there’s something wrong with Mina,” Daniel said, drawing the attention of the table. “I just get a weird feeling in my stomach.” He wished he hadn’t mentioned it because then Anna’s eyes probed him. Mina took his hand and squeezed it, which made everything better. “I don’t know if I have a stronger bond with her.” His cheeks warmed, and he knew he was blushing, so he moved swiftly on. “But when Hiro was hurt in the battle we all felt it. We all had a horrible sick feeling.”

  All their smiles dropped in unison. Mina glanced at Hiro, and for the first time he saw the wet sheen of tears over her eyes. Even to remember that moment brought on a painful and sick feeling. He hated thinking about it. The thought of any of them dying… he couldn’t. It was too much to bear.

  Mina’s mother cleared her throat to break the tension. “It’s extraordinary what you can do. Now, let me refresh your glasses.”

  Daniel didn’t mind. The orange juice tasted sweet and delicious. He had to admit, as wary as he was of Anna, she’d put on a good spread for them. He’d not eaten like that in months. Even Mike’s hard glare softened after a second glass of wine. He watched Anna move around the table. She really did look like Mina. She had Mina’s eyes; they just assessed rather than observed. Anna was analytical to Mina’s thoughtfulness. Daniel found her cold and a little unnerving. The vision flooded his mind, and Hiro’s eyes widened in shock. Daniel swore under his breath for not being careful. He’d have to take Hiro away, so he didn’t accidentally blurt something out in front of the group. He pushed his chair back and stood.

  “I’m sorry. I’m tired I have to leave.”

  Mina turned to him, her eyes large and confused. “But… don’t you want to stay and get to know Mum?”

  “I’m sorry, Mina. I have to go. Hiro, it’s getting late, you should come too.”

  “But Daniel––” Mina’s eyes glassed over with disappointment.

  “I’m sorry.” Daniel helped Hiro around the table and made his way back through the kitchen, all the time feeling the glares of those around him. Mina’s eyes haunted him.

  When they finally came out into the open air, he turned to Hiro and said, “Don’t tell anyone.”

  8 ~ Mina ~

  Daniel’s broad back disappeared from sight, and I sighed. I couldn’t believe he’d walked out like that, leaving me with Mum and the others. My cheeks warmed with embarrassment while everyone directed their gaze to me. So much for having a supportive boyfriend.

  “Let me get you another glass of wine,” Mum said.

  I was too lost in my thoughts to protest. The wine made me feel both relaxed and sleepy, and while it was pleasant, there was a faint warning bell ringing in my head. It’d been like that at the summer fete and I’d ignored it. The morning after I’d woken up swearing to never drink ever again – ever.

  Then I remembered how Daniel hated alcohol. Growing up with an alcoholic mother it was no wonder. My muscles unclenched as I realised that was probably the reason why he’d left.

  “Maybe I should go and see if Daniel is okay,” I said, pushing back my chair to rise.

  Mum placed a hand on my shoulder and pushed me back down. “No, sweetheart. I think you should stay here. It’s rude to leave your guests.”

  “Oh, sorry,” I said.

  “Ye all right, love. If ye want te leave––”

  “Thank you, Mary. I’m her mother, though. So I’m sure I can handle this.” Mum tapped her fingers on the table cloth as she spoke. “Young love. It’s so consuming when you’re still a teenager. You know, I wasn’t that much older than you when I first met your father. Did you know that he wasn’t a Professor at all? He had his doctorate, sure, and taught a few classes, but he certainly wasn’t a Professor.”

  “More lies,” I muttered.

  “Yes, well. That’s my point, Mina. You need to be careful. Young love is exciting and passionate…. but it fizzles out as quickly as it begins. I’m sure this tryst with Daniel feels terrifically exciting at the moment; you just need to think about what you want in the long term. Daniel is a lovely boy. You have to decide if he’s right for yo
u. Does he challenge you, intellectually?”

  “He’s not stupid!” I said. “We talk about… lots of things.” What did we talk about? It was a miracle if we had time for a conversation in the world we lived in. We talked about our powers at first. What else? Forthcoming war?

  “Daniel is a great lad,” Mary said. “An’ ah’m sure Mina knows what she’s doin’. She’s got her head screwed on right, that lass.”

  “Thanks, Mary,” I blushed again. Or was it the wine? It did spread something warm and fuzzy around my body. I yawned.

  “Och! Dinnae set me off, lass.” Mary yawned and stretched. “Must be a while since ah had a proper drink. This wine is sendin’ me off te sleep.”

  “I think I’ll just set my head down here,” Kitty said, pressing her cheek to the table cloth. Her eyes closed, and the soft sound of her snoring sent the table into a fit of giggles.

  “I’m going to join my lovely girlfriend,” Mike said, his words slurring. He put his head down on the table and dozed off.

  “Well, this is my cue to leave,” Mary said, trying to stand. Dave the soldier tried to help her up and they both collapsed to the floor, snickering. I laughed so hard tears ran down my cheeks.

  “Not yet, Mary. I have some things to give you from the car,” Mum said.

  “What things. Can’t they wait ‘til morning, eh? Ah need te get up from this damn floor.” She managed to prop up one leg and then collapsed again.

  Ali laughed. “Yer pissed, Mary, ye old fart. Ye cannae hold yer drink.” His chair scraped as he got to his feet. Matthew joined him. “I think it’s time for us to retire.” Ali put on a fake posh voice that made Matthew laugh. “I thank you kindly for your hospitality.”

  “Come on, Al. Let’s go before you embarrass yourself.”

  It made me chuckle to watch them stagger out of the house arm in arm. A warm glow spread across my chest. My mum and my uncle – both safe and happy. If only things could work out with my dad. I shook my head. Not after the way he’d lied to me.

  Dave staggered on to his feet. “I’ll be escorting you if you want to get the stuff from the car.” His words slurred – just like Mike’s.