Days of Darkness

Chapter 43

Empathy," I replied, "I think she uses ours and seeks those in need." I dropped my eyes to the ground and thought a moment, "I think that's where all the power comes from. It comes from us and channeled through her. She's more the mirror than the source." I looked up to see Hank staring into space as his mind worked.

"It makes sense," Hank agreed, "how could a baby decipher it all without experience. I guess we should be thankful she found such sane parents." I caught myself from spouting out that I was an asshole before I met her. My empathy was wrapped in self-pity before the accident. It was the first bonding that had me looking outward. There was more to it than simple rules could define. Stinky was my angel.

"The government contacted me," Hank said, "specifically a Captain Hodges. They are aware of what happened yesterday." He let that sink in for a moment before he continued. "They want to make a deal, one that I think you can agree to."

"Which part of the government?" I asked.

"The military," Hank said, shrugging his shoulders, "though I think other branches may be involved."

"They know where Teegan is?" Natalie asked with concern.

"I suspect they may have followed you," Hank said.

"They can't have her," I said, trying to lower the anger that was building.

"Da!" Teegan called and ran to me. She had felt my anger rising and didn't like it. I pulled her into my arms, knowing I would risk everything to keep her with Natalie and me.

"They don't fully understand how strong she has become," Hank continued, waving his palms to calm us, "they think you've been combat trained," he said to me, "they want to keep tabs on her, not control her. I think the offer is a good one, but then I get see her more." He smiled at the last part.

"What's the deal?" I asked.

"You agree to a couple of things, and they give you both new identities," Hank said, then looked at Natalie, "your legal license will follow you," he looked back at me, "you'll receive a birth certificate that names you and Natalie as Teegan's biological parents." He looked again at Natalie, "it includes enough cash to let you start over though it won't fund more than a start."

"What do we have to agree too?" I prodded. I was sure it would be something I couldn't accept.

"One, you never speak of her actual origins to others," Hank replied. I nodded. "Two, she doesn't leave the country." It was acceptable until she was an adult. Then again, our agreements aren't hers when she becomes of age. "Three, I see her four times a year and report back to them. Her current location will be part of that report." I waited for part four, but it never came.

"They'll stay away?" I asked with some disbelief.

"I suspect they'll keep better tabs than they claim, but you'll be free to raise her without any direct interference."

"And you'll report what?" Natalie asked.

"Her capabilities and...," Hank stalled for a moment, "a threat assessment. The military uses crude terms but rest assured the analysis will be mine."

"If we refuse?" I asked.

"You'll have to hide again," Hank replied, "which will be a lot more difficult now. I'll help you either way." I looked at Natalie with concern. Hiding would only last so long. Cooperating with the government held its list of problems. Teegan wrapped her arms around my neck, and the bond took hold, pulling Natalie in with me.

If the government knew Corbett had found Teegan, then they had allowed the k********g. They thought Corbett could be controlled by greed. Natalie's thoughts mixed with my own. They and no idea that Corbett had meant to ultimately replace the government with his own. They had no clue he was insane. Our escape meant they were losing what control they thought they possessed. Direct action was difficult given the number of people involved. The mansion's staff and the vets couldn't all be controlled. We were a quantifiable bonded entity. Our concern seemed to rest in Teegan's welfare, something they also desired. Two people who had already bonded were a lower risk than attempting another research lab full of scientists.

The alternative struck Natalie and me simultaneously. They could just remove the risk. We couldn't stop a concerted effort to end Teegan's life. I looked at the girl in my arms and felt Natalie wrapping around the two of us. Teegan, and somehow I knew it was her, pulled in our son. The family must remain intact.

"We agree," Natalie and I said in unison. It would allow an adversary to remain at arm's length, and afford us the autonomy we desired. Teegan would not become a victim of ignorance. Our love was too great for that.

"You don't want more time to consider?" Hank asked with surprise.

"The alternative is too grave," I said and looked at Natalie, who nodded in agreement.

"You used the link," Hank said, "you two had a discussion and decided."

"Yep," I replied, "it's what families do. I guess this is our Magna Carta."

"And Portland is your Runnymede," Hank laughed.

It took some time to explain the humor to the others. Natalie enjoyed hearing her mother's name. I enjoyed making her remember. After all, it is as much Rose's legacy as ours. She would have seen the value in the agreement.

.30 - Sam

Sometimes you can take humor too far. In our case, we used it to pick our new home. Natalie had said that any old town would do as long as we were together. So I hit the internet and found Old Town, Maine. It was far from anyone who would know us and was surrounded by all the nature we could ever want. Our time in the cabin had given us an appreciation of the woods and the changing seasons, something we wanted continue to surround ourselves with. The fact that the University of Maine was only a short drive away sealed the deal. Getting a degree was still on my agenda.

We had acquired a decent sized house that backed up to the woods. Though the house needed work, Natalie and I instantly thought of it as home. Teegan thought it was an excellent place to explore. The first thing I did was put a latch on the basement door so she wouldn't explore her way down the wooden steps.

The government was more than willing to help settle us. It gave them comfort to know where we were. We took comfort in knowing that they would keep their distance if we cooperated. A legal job miraculously became available in a small firm 20 minutes away in Bangor. They had a sudden influx of government work and needed another associate. It didn't pay as much as Natalie was used too, but the hours were good, and they were instrumental in getting her licensed in the state. We weren't sure how much Lawford, Hickens, and Chapman knew. I suspected their curiosity was held in check by the new dollar signs. It was real work, so Natalie was happy. She enjoyed conversing with other lawyers and fighting the good fight.

We were busy cleaning up the house, checking off tasks on a list prepared by Natalie. Teegan was helping by following us around and making things twice as difficult.

My mother was coming, and Natalie was nervous. Throughout all the changes, the two hadn't met. She got it in her head that she might not measure up. I couldn't convince her that my mother's approval wasn't necessary. Telling her she was already beyond any expectations my mother had for my future was useless. Cleaning seemed the only thing that calmed her nerves.

Our new identities as a married couple, Mr. and Mrs. Fuller, also afforded us secure transfer of my mother. Giving up her trailer in New Mexico was not a hard sell. The snow in Maine almost dissuaded her, but Natalie's pregnancy sealed the deal. Like us, she had to cut all ties. It wasn't difficult since all her old friends were drunks and she was now sober. She couldn't see them anyway.

I found my mom a small apartment half a mile from our house. I was thinking of having her move in with us, but I didn't want to put that much pressure on Natalie right away. If they hit it off, I would broach the subject. If not, half a mile was close enough.

"I think that's the doorbell," I said with a sigh.

"She's early," Natalie panicked, "I haven't had a chance to shower and there's still dishes in the sink."

"It will be okay," I said. I cradled Natalie's lovely face and kissed her lips softly. I cheated and sent a burst of love through Teegan. I was getting so good at it I didn't have to think about it.

"I should, at least, be clean when I first meet her," Natalie commented.

"She's family," I said, "we'll all see each other at our worst, and, right now, you're as beautiful as ever."

"Liar," Natalie said, moving in front of a mirror. The doorbell rang again. "Oh, don't make her wait," she added, pushing my off so she could primp a few more seconds. I picked up Teegan and headed toward the door.

My mother was in worse shape than Natalie. I could see the fear in her eyes though her smile was real enough when I opened the door.

"Sam!" mom said as I opened the door fully. She had done something different with her hair. It was shorter than when I last saw her and a bit fuller. It looked less haphazard.

"Come in, Mom," I said, "this is Teegan." I bounced Teegan on my arm as if it would help identify who I was talking about. As always, Teegan gave a big smile.

"Oh, she's lovely," mom said in a grandmotherly tone I didn't know she had. She looked around quickly and asked nervously, "where is Natalie?"