Chapter eight:
"Whoever has taken him have no idea what they have gotten themselves into." Rai, Near's little sister, says.
The Shadows make sounds of agreement.
"We need to begin the search." Rai, Near's sister, says. "We haven't got time to waste."
"Yes ma'am."
The Shadows get to work.
"Whoever has taken brother will pay for it." Rai says. "For they made a big mistake with more than just me and Silver being ready to kill anyone who harms our brother. But the Shadows as well. No fucks with us."
"No one." Anthony agrees, he is the actual leader of the Shadows though Rai has them wrapped around her finger so in a way she is the leader. "Alright people! Let's get going!"
"I hope I'm not late to join the party."
Rai turns then smiles. "Actually. You're early."
…
Near raises his head.
"Do you feel restored enough to set up the connection? We don't need to tell anyone that it is done by using you. I see no reason to let them know that." Mello says quietly so that the cameras can't hear them.
Near nods. He makes sure that the gem is hidden then closes his eyes making it glow softly.
Suddenly the connection is made surprising the rest.
'Act as if nothing is wrong. Don't let those watching the cameras know.' Mello sends his thoughts as Near opens his eyes. 'It's just a little bit of magic that we will be using when we need it. It connects us so we can share our thoughts and speak to each other without actually talking. That way when we need it we have a way to communicate without alerting those evil that are watching us.'
The others start to calm down and the connection channel goes quiet.
'What should we do?' Matt's thoughts float out.
'The channel only can be connected in this room.' Mello's thoughts answer. 'We will need to look for anywhere that might be a way out. We need to start to map out the building to find ways out then devise a plan as we go along.'
'It's safer to keep it to just this room. Can't run the risk of someone evil hearing us. So when you get taken out remember to memorize the building.'
Everyone sends messages of agreement.
….
"They're a little quiet." Jeff says says.
Adam raises his head to the cameras while Jeremy is reading a newspaper.
It is true well as far as they can tell.
Adam shrugs. "Less noise. It's nice to be peaceful right now." He says then leans back to try to see what Jeremy is reading.
…..
'No body forget the plan.' Mello sends his thoughts. 'It is important and don't give away that you are memorizing the building. Don't give any hints.'
The others give one worded responses of agreement to show that they heard.
'Mello I don't think the connection can be held up for much longer.' Near sends his thoughts. 'I think it's getting unstable.'
But the real message to Mello is clear.
I don't think I can hold it up for much longer right now.
Mello feared that Near might not have been strong enough to hold the connection for long and this confirms his fears. 'Ok. We'll cut it off for now.' He thinks as his thoughts are shared.
So Near closes his eyes cutting the connection for now.
….
Rodger wipes the palm of his hand along his face in frustration then pinches the bridge of his nose with a sigh. He lowers his hand to his desk a few moments later and turns to the phone starting at it for a few moments.
There is just a few moments of silence before he reaches over picking up the phone receiver raising his other hand to start dialing.
He lowers his hand he dialed with to his lap as he awaits an answer.
Finally after a few rings there is an answer.
"I have a job I need done." Rodger says. "I want all information you can find on Near's past." He orders. "And don't you dare question it or share this with anyone else or you'll be the one next in line for the tests instead of one of the kids. I don't want any panic when there is no need for it. Now put Adam on the line."
There is some clattering as the person who answered the phone heads to give the phone to Adam then some more rustling as it is passed to Adam before Adam's voice speaks into the phone.
"Hello. What can I do for you?" Adam asks just kind of staring off into space by his lap while listening.
"The next batch of kids are hot and ripe for picking." Rodger says. "We pick up at least two by early tonight no later. Do you understand me?"
"Yes sir loud and clear." Adam responds.
"Good. Now I also am thinking that we get the next batch of test cooking." Rodger adds.
"Our choice?" Adam hums as if liking that thought.
"No." Rodger says making Adam's mood dampen slightly.
"Then who?" Adam says as he perks himself up by telling himself that at least they'll be able to start another test right away.
Rodger can't help but smirk as his mind unfolds the next test. "Matt and I have a specific test in mind."
This raises Adam's interest. "And what test would that be?" He questions raising an eyebrow even though right now Rodger can't see him.
…..
Suddenly the doors to where the kids are being kept is opened.
The kids turn to watch who is next while hoping and praying it isn't them.
Two men, Adam and Jeff, walk over to where Matt is.
"This is your lucky day red head." Jeff says sarcastically.
Matt looks terrified at this.
The two unlock the door then drag Matt out locking the door closed behind them.
Jeff takes Matt out of the room with Adam following behind him.
Matt despite being utterly terrified struggles while scanning the area around himself as planned just a few moments earlier. He maps out the lay out he can see in his head while struggling as he tries to think of that in the midst of this nightmare life he is playing a game that he needs to memorize things.
Noting and storing everything he can catch as he is being led away.
"We are here." Adam says as the pause in front of a closed door. He reaches forward to open the door by typing a code.
Matt watches carefully trying to catch the code.
The door is unlocked and Adam reaches up to grip the door handle opening the door.
Matt is taken inside by Jeff and Adam waits till they are inside before following along making sure to move his one hand to the inside doorknob so he can close the door without turning around as he watches Jeff making sure that Matt doesn't get free before the test can begin.
The door is shut with a slight slam.
Matt stops struggling as he looks around himself trying to figure out what is going to happen to him.