Page 33 of Echos and Empires
“I... I don’t know,” he cleared his throat. “The vitamins come from council meetings now and the seminars are more for the longer term residents to check in.”
Before William could respond, Joe hurried away, leaving him standing alone in the plaza.Something’s not right here,he thought, his brow furrowing.They’re scared, but of what?
As he continued his walk through the community, William noticed a change in the atmosphere. Cameras blinked from every corner, their lenses trained on the streets and the people who walked them. Guards patrolled the perimeter, their postures stiff and their eyes watchful.
When did they increase security?William wondered, a chill crawling up his spine.Why didn’t Chris mention it?Chris wasn’t the security lead, but he had an entire twenty-person team under him. Surely he’d have known if there was an increase.
He paused near a group of guards, pretending to tie his shoelace as he listened to their conversation.
“...need to keep a closer eye on things,” one of them muttered, his hand resting on the butt of his gun. “Victor’s orders.”
“You think someone’s causing trouble?” another asked, his voice low and conspiratorial.
“Maybe. But we’ll find them. We always do.”
He continued his walk, his mind racing with the implications of what he had discovered. The seminars, the increased surveillance, the fear in the islanders’ eyes... it all pointed to a larger, more insidious plan.
I have to find out what Victor’s up to, William vowed, his jaw clenching with determination. He needed to get back to the house and check with Chris about the security, and ask Liam for those maps he thinks no one knows he’s making. If there’s any secret meeting areas on the island, William wouldn’t miss them.
William approachedand saw another neighbor, Simon, who mowed his lawn as if it were the most natural thing in the world—the lawn in the jungle and the need to mow it. The man’s usually friendly demeanor seemed strained as William drew closer.
“Hey, Si,” William called out, keeping his tone casual. “Got a minute?”
Simon straightened, his eyes darting around before landing on William. “What’s up, Will?”
“I was just wondering,” William began, choosing his words carefully, “have you been to any of Victor’s seminars? I know you’ve been here about a year and they’re for people who’ve been here longer, or so I’m told.”
The change in Simon’s expression was immediate. His brows lowered as he glared, and his lips pressed into a thin line. “Why do you ask?”
“Just curious,” William shrugged, trying to appear nonchalant. “I’ve heard some interesting things about them.”
“Listen, Will,” Simon said, his voice taking on a warning edge, “those seminars are private. It’s not something we discuss.”
William raised his hands in a placating gesture. “I didn’t mean to pry. I just thought?—”
“Well, don’t,” Simon snapped, his eyes flashing with anger. “It’s none of your business.”
The tension between them was palpable, and William could feel the hostility radiating from his once-friendly neighbor. He took a step back, surprised by the intensity of Simon’s reaction.
“I’m sorry,” William apologized, trying to diffuse the situation. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
Simon’s gaze softened slightly, but the suspicion remained. “Just drop it, okay? It’s better for everyone if you do.”
Simon turned back to his garden, effectively ending the conversation. William stood there for a moment, stunned by the exchange.
What the hell is going on?
As he walked away, William couldn’t shake the feeling that he was being watched. He glanced over his shoulder, half-expecting to see Jack’s accusing stare, but the man had disappeared inside his house.
If Jack reacted that way, what about the others?William wondered, a sense of isolation creeping over him. He had always felt like a part of this community, but now, he wasn’t so sure.
He decided to try his luck with another neighbor, Sarah, who he often saw at the market. As he approached her, she looked up, her smile fading as she recognized him.
“Sarah, hi,” William greeted her, trying to sound friendly. “I was wondering if you could tell me about?—”
“I’m sorry, William,” Sarah interrupted, her voice trembling slightly, “but I can’t help you.”
“You don’t even know what I was going to ask,” William pointed out, frowning. Had they all called or texted each other somehow?
