Page 89 of Longing for Liberty
There would be an ultimate sacrifice tonight.
My stomach clenched tightly again, and Amos took my hand, saying to Roan, “Well, enjoy.”
“Oh, I will.” He raised his glass, looking me straight in the eye, and I gave him what I hoped was a polite smile and nod before dropping my eyes and letting Amos lead me away.
Over the sound of Michael Jackson’s “Billie Jean,” I heard Amos’s deep, annoyed sigh.
In the crowded kitchen, he pulled down two wine glasses, but I touched his hand and shook my head.
“No wine?” he asked.
I smiled up at him. “It makes me a little sleepy.”
He gave a nod and poured a healthy serving for himself, looking around as he took a swig and mumbled, “Ridiculous.”
“Is this not normal?” I asked him as he led me away from the crowded kitchen to the more open main room.
Amos shook his head. “Even his small gatherings were frowned upon, as you saw. But now…”
He didn’t need to finish. Now there was nobody to stop him. At least, nobody in the OM.
I peered up at Amos as he continued to look disapprovingly at the crowd. The pang of disappointment filled me again at his wasted potential. The only person in his way from changing all of this was Roan, but he wouldn’t do it, wouldn’t challenge his cousin or the bigoted ideas of the OM. This big, masculine man was just a sheep, not the wolf he imagined himself to be.
I scanned the room for the Vice President. My insides wobbled with nerves, and I felt lightheaded. I just needed the three of them in close proximity. I wouldn’t hesitate. I couldn’t.
I hoped the resistance was ready.
“…kick off your Sunday shoes…”Young men and women danced like crazy in a cluster, arms waving. I was pretty sure none of them had ever heard real music or been allowed to dance before, outside of those who’d been to these gatherings, because their movements were jerky and unpracticed. However, their faces were euphoric with the simple joy of moving their bodies freely.
“Are you okay?” Amos asked me, earning him a surprised look. “You’re shaking.”
“Am I?” I gave a breathy laugh. “I guess it’s just, you know, weird. None of this is…allowed. It’s almost overwhelming to hear the music and see people dancing.”
He gave a stiff nod. “I’ll get us out of here soon.”
Oh, no. I didn’t mean to rush him. I put my arm through his and squeezed. “I’ll be okay.”
I needed to calm down.
“Fitz!”
We turned to see Roan waving us toward the hall where I assumed the bedrooms were. My nerves sparked again as Amos walked us over. Roan motioned us down the hall.
Oh my God. Were we going into a room together? Would Walinger be in there too?
I forced myself to try and breathe normally.
You’re fine.
Everything is fine.
Be ready.
When we got to the first door, Roan turned and frowned at Amos. “Another breach.”
Amos stiffened. “Where?”
“Here in C1 at the missile station. And satellites are showing suspicious activity in C5.” Roan opened the door to what appeared to be an office with a laptop open and a State Force man in a video box on the screen. My eyes darted around. No Walinger.
