Sovran: The Gifted Trilogy, #3

Prologue

This is pathetic, Roanna muttered.

We’re in hiding, Nyx pointed out. Her twin sounded as frustrated as she felt. Their father had been far from perfect – at times cruel, violent and controlling – but Saul had also been Sovran of Cortem for several decades, leading their difficult nation as best he could. He deserved a better funeral than five people secretly gathered in a garden at midnight.  

At least Nyx understood the mixed emotions she felt over this farewell.

Or did he? Now she thought about it, he’d been uncharacteristically sullen the last few days. Why? Because they were in hiding, laying low in one of Maverick’s homes to evade Kenan’s Enforcers, who were flooding Silah City searching for them? Because Nyx had handed rule to Roanna, only to have Kenan steal it in a vote he somehow rigged? Or could it be because Aurora still hadn’t returned, even though Nyx was no longer a public figure, rendering her initial reason to stay away from him void?

Or perhaps it was just that he was having as many mixed and turbulent emotions over their father’s death and their mother’s return as she was.

She looked at Selene now. There had been so little time to reconnect with her mother so far. They’d been so busy staying safe, gathering information and supporters covertly, whilst also stealing their father’s body from Enforcer custody so they could have this funeral.

Concentrate!

She was here to farewell her father.

They were in the back garden of Maverick’s home. It was a massive property, a sprawling farmhouse in the countryside, with a rambling, unkempt garden which felt both wild and hidden at the same time. It smelt amazing – like she could actually breathe out here. 

Maverick touched her hand suddenly, startling her. She refocused to find they were waiting for her to speak. She’d tried to prepare something but her mind was too scrambled to do so. She’d decided to let the words just come instead.

Her throat was dry. She cleared it several times, glad the dark night was somewhat hiding her expression as she began. Father, you’ve always been such a large figure in my life. When I was little you seemed like a giant, lifting me onto your shoulders, twirling me around, striding into my bedroom to check on me. You had big ideas, big goals for the country, big opinions. You shaped me, taught me, guided me...

She paused and in the silence, her mother muttered, Unfortunately. It was so quiet, Roanna was certain no one would have heard it but her with her Gifted hearing. She couldn’t tell if her mother had intended that or not. She decided to ignore it regardless, continuing, "You didn’t always get it right but you truly believed that what you were doing was right. I can see now that you were doing the best with what you had, with what you knew, with your past and your values. I’ll seek to do the same."

"God forbid," her mother whispered.

She snuck a glance to see Selene staring at her husband’s wrapped body in the grave they’d dug earlier, seemingly oblivious that Roanna could hear her. The darkness out here didn’t prevent Roanna’s Gift from showing her how tense her mother was. Was she upset? Conflicted? Angry? All those things?

It was so off-putting Roanna had to close her eyes to continue. You were far from perfect Father, but it was incredible to see how your encounter with Jesus changed you in those last few days. I wish I’d had more time to see that transformation and watch you changing. Godspeed Father, I look forward to seeing you again in the next life.

She looked around, wondering if anyone else wanted to speak, but no one did. Although, as they took turns shoveling the dirt in, she thought she saw Nyx and John’s lips moving, perhaps saying private goodbyes.

Selene didn’t do that, nor did she help refill the grave. She was studying her phone and said suddenly, Nyx, Roanna, I think you should see this.

They gathered around her phone to see Kenan smiling out of the screen. The sight of him made Roanna instantly nauseous. How could she have been so fooled by him? Trusted him, fancied him, kissed him?

He was obviously part way into an interview, saying, Because unlike Nyx, I really do plan to marry. Nyx was only ever playing around, trying to win public favor by allowing every color to apply to be chosen. He never actually intended to get married as we saw in the end.

But why would he do that? his interviewer asked. Of course it was Charlotte, the brand new, overly enthusiastic reporter who appeared enamored with Kenan. The moment his father died, Nyx handed rule to Roanna. Why would Nyx bother trying to win his public if he never intended to rule anyway?

Nyx is a vain man, Charlotte. He needs to be popular. He needs to be desired by as many women as possible. I, however, am looking for one faithful wife to stand at my side, to love and support me and become an advocate for all women in our nation.

You would give your wife that kind of power? Charlotte asked in a voice that suggested she would willingly fill that role herself.

Of course. I value the wisdom and discernment of women. They have much to teach us often-oblivious men, Kenan replied, smiling. He sounded so genuine; Roanna shivered. She glanced around to see Maverick was scowling, Selene had her arms folded, unimpressed and Patriarch John – no, not Patriarch anymore, John was frowning like he was confused.

Her brother looked ready to explode. He snarled, "Lies, it’s all lies."

We know, Roanna said, trying to soothe him. He rewarded her with a scowl.

Charlotte was asking, Alright, describe this perfect woman to us; this woman you’re looking for.

Blonde, green eyes, slender, big smile, can impact a crowd and win hearts without even trying. Not too loud or pushy – a quiet strength.

That sounds uncomfortably like you, Selene commented, looking at Roanna.

Not me. Her gaze caught and locked onto Nyx’s. He’s trying to replace Lilibet, his first obsession. His own half-sister. I pity the woman he chooses to try.

He won’t be in power long enough, Selene said firmly. We’ll take him down well before then. Come on, let’s finish burying your father so we can get planning.

Chapter 1

Plotting

Roanna could hear them in the shop. Searching for her and her mother.

They were huddled together behind a fake wall at the back of a cleaning cupboard. There was a window high above them caked in grime but emitting sufficient light to see her mother’s face. It didn’t show the tension and adrenaline filling Roanna. Instead, Selene looked calm as usual.

She’d been oddly calm for most of the two months they’d now been together and in hiding. She hadn’t seemed at all rattled by the times they’d nearly been caught searching for information or rallying support for Roanna. Nor had she lost her cool whenever Roanna or Nyx pushed for answers about what she’d been doing during the nineteen months away from them, when they’d thought she was dead. So far, the only answer their mother had given them was that she’d been helped by sympathetic Reds and Yellows, and most of her time had been spent keeping an eye on them, her children.

Now she smiled at Roanna and whispered, They won’t find us, don’t fret.

They could.

They won’t.

She sounded so certain Roanna asked, How do you know?

Because they’re cruel and stupid.

Some of the Enforcers were definitely cruel but certainly not all of them. And Roanna definitely hadn’t found them to be stupid. Far from it; they’d been a mere step behind her and Nyx the entire two months. Sometimes in front even. Like, how had they known she and her mother would be here tonight, meeting with Hattie?

Hattie worked for Kenan. She also secretly worked for the Reckoners. Miguel normally met with her for information about Kenan, but tonight the Reckoner leader was liaising with a Blue family willing to help them. So here Roanna and Selene were, instead.

A sudden crash made Roanna jump. Selene squeezed her arm reassuringly as footsteps sounded outside their cupboard. What’s in there? a male voice demanded.

Cleaning stuff, Hattie replied. If Roanna wasn’t Gifted to hear the things people were trying to disguise, she would have thought Hattie as calm as Selene. But she was able to pick up the slight taint of fear in Hattie’s voice.

A series of bangs and scrapes indicated the Enforcer was testing Hattie’s claim. Roanna kept her eyes on the hidden door, tensing to spring if it began opening.

It didn’t. The Enforcer said, Roanna and another woman were spotted on this street. Are you certain you haven’t seen them?

No. Have you checked the other shops down here?

Perhaps he nodded. What he said was, You look nervous.

Having a visit from Enforcers would do that to anyone, Hattie returned sharply.

Obviously too sharply, because the man sounded annoyed as he demanded, But it’s more than that, isn’t it?

There was a sudden scuffling sound, then Hattie gasped, Please, let me go!

Darren, bring the Nitro, the Enforcer called.

No, please, I work for Kenan, he’s already vetted me, Hattie begged.

This time Roanna caught pain mingling with the fear in Hattie’s voice. She immediately put a hand to the door to push it open and Selene grabbed her wrist in a surprisingly strong grasp and murmured, No, you can’t.

They’ll hurt her!

"If you get caught they’ll keep hurting people. When we take Kenan down, you can help all the women like Hattie," Selene whispered back.

It made sense. Roanna subsided, trying to switch off her Gift, trying not to hear the pain in Hattie’s breathing. Footsteps signaled the arrival of Darren. He asked, How much do you want?

Let’s start with one.

There was a choking noise, presumably because they were forcing something down Hattie’s throat. Roanna got a whiff of something fruity. There was a moment of near silence, broken only by Hattie quietly weeping. You know what this is? Darren asked.

Nitrocodeine, Hattie replied after a moment.

Correct. You know what it does?

It makes you feel good.

That’s why it’s the favorite party drug for Blues. But what happens when you’ve had two? As it starts building in your body?

She sounded reluctant to answer. It gives you fevers and body aches.

Don’t forget nosebleeds and difficulty breathing. Of course, you won’t mind too much at first but when the high wears off, the bleeding and pain and fevers continue. He sounded inordinately pleased about it, like he’d created the drug himself. What about three Nitros?

A long pause then the sound of a hard slap made Hattie answer, That many would kill someone.

"That’s right. Now tell us, where is Roanna? Answer or you get the second pill."

Roanna shot a glance at her mother to find Selene frowning now. She mouthed, Should we...? Selene shook her head firmly.

I told you, she hasn’t come here, Hattie was replying. Her fear was blatantly obvious in her voice now. If she does, I will tell my superiors.

You won’t be coming back to work, the first Enforcer replied sharply. One last chance.

"I don’t know, I swear I don’t know where she is, Hattie cried. If I did I promise I would..."

Her voice was cut off with a gasp and a gurgle, followed by choking sounds and weeping.

That’s two, Darren said loudly over the sounds of her anguish. You’ll feel the euphoria pretty quickly. But not for long. The pain should start kicking in as the high starts wearing off. Now, where’s Roanna?

There was silence. Perhaps Hattie was shaking her head. Abruptly, the first Enforcer yelled, "One more Nitro and you’re dead, so where – is – Roanna?"

"I don’t know where Roanna is, I promise I don’t, Hattie gasped. But I can help you find her. I’ve heard rumors she visits Grace and Glory for disguises. I can watch and tell you when she comes next."

There was a long pause. Roanna started praying the Enforcers wouldn’t see through the lie. Then wondered if that was an appropriate prayer – would God back up a lie even if it was to save them all? Particularly if the lie could bring Enforcer wrath down on the clothing shop five doors down.

At last Darren said, Let’s take her in. Kenan can question her. Their voices began moving away but not before Roanna heard him order someone to tear Grace and Glory apart and bring all the staff in too.

The silence felt heavy with grief after the trio had left the shop. Another layer of grief atop what Roanna was carrying. Grief over the loss of her father, her previous life, the state of Cortem under Kenan – losing the country to a sociopath.

It was exhausting hiding from Kenan’s men. After leaving the farmhouse where they’d buried Roanna’s father, they had shifted to another of Maverick’s many homes. So far they were safe there, but times like this, when they had to leave it for some reason, when they risked run ins with Kenan’s Enforcers, were extremely stressful. Times when the others ventured out made Roanna tense too, anxious they could get caught. Particular Nyx or Maverick – she wasn’t sure how she would cope without her twin or the man she was in love with...

Let’s go, her mother interrupted her musings, touching her arm to get her attention.

Should we send someone after Hattie? Roanna asked as they emerged into the empty shop.

Selene sighed. No, she’s on her own I’m afraid. We’ll need a new spy now she’s compromised. Let’s get back to homebase.

Wait, we should find her notebook.

Notebook?

Miguel told me she writes everything she learns in a notebook.

Well hurry. I’ll watch the door.

It took ten minutes to find Hattie’s notebook. Miguel had mentioned she kept it in the storeroom but the small space was packed with the stationary Hattie’s family sold. Eventually Roanna discovered it in a carton of pens, tucking it into the bodice of her red top before rejoining Selene.

Red was the color worn by those diagnosed as unstable. Because the emotionally and mentally unwell were widely feared, it meant they were generally avoided and ignored. Exactly why that was preoccupied Roanna, as they made their way on foot through the streets of Silah City. Did people fear that poor mental health was contagious? Did they view those wearing Red as dangerous when actually they were just depressed or anxious or in other kinds of emotional pain?

Just depressed. Just anxious. Like it was no big deal to feel that way.

She put her thoughts aside as they turned a corner and reached their hiding place, a large, single-story brick building that wrapped around a central courtyard.

**

There was a constant drip in one corner of the dank room they were meeting in. It kept pulling Maverick’s attention away from the group gathering in the near dark. They were currently milling about making meaningless small talk while they waited for everyone to arrive.

There was Wolf, their best guard and fighter with his supernaturally enhanced strength and speed. He was present because Miguel had requested it, not necessarily because he agreed with what the Reckoner leader was planning.

Galen was there because he had few scruples and would do anything to get Roanna into power so he could stop hiding and start living the life of luxury he appeared to feel entitled to. Not that he’d exactly been sacrificing much; he had no qualms about using Maverick’s money on the best food and clothing and he’d sneaked at least three different women into his room over the last month. Although he had at least apologized for some of his past behavior, Maverick still found him excessively irritating. Particularly the way Galen misused his Gift of imparting emotions, using it to charm every woman he met, even if he had no interest in them. He also seemed to gain a perverse pleasure from trying to sway Maverick’s emotions in some direction or other whenever they spoke.

Of course Miguel was present since he’d arranged the meeting. He didn’t trick or disassemble. He was brutally honest and upfront at all times.

No, not this time. This plan he’d insisted on hiding from Roanna so she couldn’t ever be implicated or blamed for it.

Naturally Vittoria was at her brother’s side, making eyes at Nyx. Maverick couldn’t tell if she genuinely still fancied Nyx or was just bored.

It was amazing Nyx had agreed to be present and to hide it from his twin. Nyx had argued that Roanna could handle whatever Miguel was planning but Miguel’s insistence on protecting Roanna won out of course. They were the two things Maverick had noticed about Nyx lately: he had grown more and more cynical and he constantly deferred to Miguel’s judgement. Of course, he was also still pining for Aurora, who they hadn’t seen or heard from since she urged them to flee two months ago.

John was present too. Though he was no longer a Patriarch, he’d given them valuable insight into the other Patriarchs Kenan had kept in power. John was also humorous and far wiser than Maverick had cynically expected from a Patriarch.

Then there was Esther, Kenan’s sister. She’d come out of her coma a month ago, her body recovering well from the bullets that had nearly killed her, but her mind shrouded in amnesia. Maverick couldn’t tell if it was a blessing or curse for her to completely forget her upbringing with her father, Enforcer Peter. It was definitely a curse for the group though, since she couldn’t recall anything that might help them stop Kenan. She’d decided to stay with them anyway.

She sat beside Wolf now, her body tilted towards him as if to borrow from his strength. Maverick suspected Wolf was the other reason Esther was sticking around. Until Miguel uncovered who had shot Esther, it seemed she felt safest with Wolf.

The last person finally arrived. Harlow, Miguel’s girlfriend. Charlotte had now officially replaced Harlow as reporter for central Silah, probably because Charlotte was so madly in love with Kenan she would say whatever he wanted her to. Harlow had been demoted to assistant, a role she was hating but maintaining for the access to information it still afforded them.

Good, we’re all here, Miguel said. He nodded and Wolf went to lock the door, standing guard beside it. The rest of them settled into silence, leaning against the dank walls or sitting on the rusted furniture littering the basement.

What I want to know is why we couldn’t have just talked at Maverick’s? Galen grumbled. He appeared to be attempting to avoid touching any surfaces at all.

Because here is where we’ll make our preparations. No one can know about this place except us, Miguel replied.

How about the people who own it?

I own it, Maverick said. Through several layers of separation. As long as you’re not followed, no one will ever find us here.

The only other person who will know about this location is Marco, Miguel continued. He arrives from Germany tomorrow.

Marco? Nyx asked.

Marco, my bomb maker. You’ve all been asking what this is about and why we’re not involving Roanna. It’s because we’re going to take a leaf out of Maverick’s book and take down the Central Brain Rehabilitation Centers. All of them at once.

The words didn’t compute at first. For any of them apparently for they were all silent, frowning or blank. Eventually Nyx said, You can’t be serious.

"None of our messages or protests or recruiting is stopping the BRCs. And I’ve promised the people that I will stop them, Miguel replied grimly. Every day they function, more people are ripped from their families and killed in them."

Apart from the ones Kenan’s parading to the public, Galen interjected.

"Yes, thanks Galen, we’re all well aware that Kenan is showing the people a few rehabbed Greens and Blues so they won’t listen to us. So they won’t believe that most rehabs aren’t actually rehabs but murders. It’s past time we put a stop to them."

How? John asked.

Four things. We’ll release the prisoners and destroy all records of them – both paper and computer. That’s where you’ll come in Maverick. We’ll also destroy all their stockpile of the Death Drug and blow up the lobotomy rooms.

With bombs? Maverick asked, though he felt like a hypocrite doing so since he’d blown up an entire BRC himself not so long ago. We’re not murderers and there are dozens of people in them. How would we get everyone out first?

We’ll create enough of a diversion that plenty of Enforcers are relocated elsewhere, then we’ll take the rest with non-lethal force. We’ll release the prisoners then use small charges to contain the blast to the medical suites.

We? You’ll need a lot of people to achieve that with – what, five BRCs?

I have plenty of people willing and able to do this.

You sound like you have it all sorted, Nyx said flatly. So what do you need us for?

There might be fallout so I’d like you all on board. You’ll all have roles.

And what if we say no?

Miguel shrugged. You won’t. But if you did, I would do it anyway.

Nyx scowled, What makes you so sure we won’t say no?

Because we’re getting nowhere. Miguel rose impatiently, pushing himself off the bench he’d been seated on to pace before them. His long fur coat was unbuttoned, shifting around his knees as he moved and turned. I thought we could persuade the people to take a stand against Peter but they wouldn’t. Then I thought for sure they would turn on his son. I thought they would stop wearing the colors they’ve been condemned to. I thought they would stop turning each other in for rehab once we showed them what it really is. But they haven’t.

They’re afraid, Maverick said wryly. Kenan’s increased the rehabs. There’s more Enforcers on the streets and twice as many arrests. One of my informants tells me Kenan is planning to put more glass coffins in Exemplar Square for the relatives of rebels – no one wants to risk ending up in one of those.

Miguel scowled, stopping in front of Maverick. No, I know why they’re really holding back. They don’t believe we can actually stop Kenan! They think we’re weak because we ran and hid when he took power.

We needed to, Maverick pointed out. We were caught off guard. We weren’t ready to stop him.

Miguel carried on as if he hadn’t spoken. They don’t think we can follow through on our promises. Well, I promised to stop the BRCs so I’m going to. And when they’re gone, the people won’t have to fear them anymore.

You’ll get yourself killed, Esther muttered.

Miguel heard, swinging on her. "Then at least I’ll die having done something. What are you doing Esther; hiding here away from your family? Go back and confront them! Convince your mother to try to stop your brother. Go challenge Kenan...do something..."

Stop it, Wolf snapped. He shifted ever so slightly – the effect was to place a barrier between him and Miguel; a protective shield around Esther. She’d turned white at Miguel’s words. Esther has been through enough. She’ll help us when she’s ready.

Miguel scowled but backed off. He returned to his original seat. Harlow caught his hand on the way past, squeezing it reassuringly. It seemed to calm him. He said roughly, I’m sorry. We were just so close to making changes and then Kenan swoops in and steals rule.

We’re all frustrated, John said. That’s no reason to act foolishly. He held a hand up when Miguel would have spoken. I’m not saying no to your idea. But we do need to discuss it properly and take a vote. Majority rules. We won’t all agree but that’s the beauty of what we have here; we shouldn’t feel the pressure to agree. We can be honest with each other.

Now Miguel sighed. Fair enough. What do you all want to know?

Everything. Start at the beginning.

It took a good hour because they all had questions, comments and many objections. In the end when they voted, only Maverick and John opposed the idea. John because they couldn’t guarantee no one would get hurt, and Maverick because he remembered how sick he’d felt fearing he hadn’t got everyone out before his bomb went off. And, because no matter how he argued, Miguel and Nyx insisted he not tell Roanna the plan. And the last thing he wanted to do was damage their already fragile friendship by hiding this from her.

His and John’s objections weren’t enough to stop the majority, however. I’ll start finalizing teams tomorrow, Miguel announced. Any of you can join if you want to. Marco will do the training then we’ll figure out the perfect diversion.

Chapter 2

Hattie’s notebook

The group arrived back at Maverick’s place to find Roanna and Selene already there. They were seated in the space someone had dubbed the Garden Room for its abundant plants in pots, on low tables and high stands, hanging from the ceiling and framing the large picture windows which looked out onto even more greenery. Selene looked relaxed but Nyx could immediately tell Roanna was shaken by something. What happened? he asked her.

Enforcers happened. They took Hattie away – I’m sorry, Roanna told Miguel.

They were looking for us, Selene interjected. So we have a leak.

How do you know they were looking for you?

We heard them. You’d better find out who knew we were coming.

Are we still safe here? Roanna asked.

We have good surveillance and plenty of warning if someone was coming for us, Maverick replied. He crossed to stand in front of Roanna and say quietly, Are you alright? I’m sorry I wasn’t there to help you.

Where were you? she asked.

Maverick wasn’t a good liar. Nyx could almost see him squirming – and if he could see it, Roanna certainly would. He was helping me with something, Nyx said. Don’t ask him what though Ro, it’s private.

She rolled her eyes and said, Fine. I’m going to find some food.

They all dispersed then, Nyx retreating to the bedroom he was using. He spent a lot of time there at the moment, when he wasn’t out on some mission he’d invented or invited himself onto. He preferred that to being around Wolf and Esther, who weren’t official yet but certainly acted like a couple. Or Harlow and Miguel, who were finally together despite their frequent disagreements over the group’s next steps. Or his sister and Maverick, who may as well be a couple for the way they watched each other and constantly found excuses to talk.

He avoided the couples because he couldn’t stand what it reminded him of; that Aurora was either dead, imprisoned or didn’t want him. It had to be one of the three because her previous objections to being with him were gone. He was no longer going to rule, he wasn’t even part of the ruling family anymore, so it didn’t matter that the people couldn’t see her if he married her. Nyx didn’t matter to the country anymore, not like he used to. And yet she hadn’t come back to him.

For two months! Where had the time gone?

But he knew. It had passed in hiding like cowards. They should have confronted Kenan long ago, before he built up so much power.

He didn’t bother turning the light on in his room, just lay on the bed in the dark and let the emotions roll over him. Frustration, grief, anger, impotence. Fear that this would be his life now. And something he’d never felt before – depression, because he felt trapped and helpless and hopeless.

His life had been charmed till now. He’d had money, luxury, power, a purpose, fame and glory. Now he hid and drifted, swept along by Miguel’s dreams but seeing no real progress. Purposeless; that’s what he felt.

He was so caught up in his pain, he didn’t hear the door open or notice the footsteps coming to him. When a hand touched his arm, he jumped and swung for them. His hand connected with soft flesh and Vittoria cried, Nyx, it’s me!

Shoot, sorry. Are you alright?

I’ll be bruised, she said wryly.

He reached over to flick a light on. Vittoria was perched on his bed now, rubbing her arm. She looked tired, long brunette curls disheveled, bags under her big brown eyes suggesting she was having as much trouble sleeping as he was. It pleased him that his first thought was how weary she looked, not how beautiful she was. He asked, What is it Vittoria?

You’ve been upset lately. I wanted to check on you.

I’m fine, he lied.

You’re not. She nodded at his bare arm. He sighed and held it out for her to touch. He tried clearing his mind, not thinking of anything she could pick up. It didn’t work. She concentrated for several long moments, using her Gift to search for his recent emotional memories, then said, I knew it. You’re regretting running. You want to do something.

He pulled his arm free and said, We are doing something. Apparently we’re blowing up rehabs. That’s enough.

It’s not, she said.

He didn’t bother arguing. Couldn’t be bothered.

She was watching him closely, face oddly vulnerable. I still love you, you know, she said suddenly. I know you’re not going to rule anymore but I still love you anyway. I didn’t expect that.

Vittoria...

Don’t. I know you still have a thing for Aurora. I can wait till you give up...and don’t tell me you won’t. Everyone gives up eventually when they can’t stand the pain of waiting any longer and run out of hope. I can wait.

She reached out again, this time for his hand. He let her hold it for a moment then pulled his fingers free and shifted back on his bed, away from her. I need sleep.

She nodded; no sign of frustration evident despite his rejection. She was at the door when she turned to add, Whatever you decide to do, please let us know before you leave.

She was gone before he could tell her off for reading him again. She was right, though. He had just decided to leave because he needed to find something worthy to do on his own.

**

Everyone else had gone to bed when Roanna and Miguel began looking through Hattie’s notebook. Selene and Maverick had both expressed curiosity about it but they were each so obviously exhausted, Roanna offered to mark all the interesting entries for them.

She sat beside the Reckoner leader as they went over the pages. Hattie had been busy. She’d recorded details about Kenan’s main staff, his appointments, his girlfriends and his interactions with his siblings. Learning so much about the man she’d considered marrying just a few months ago, made Roanna’s skin crawl.

A lot of it seemed so ordinary. Meetings with Blues to resolve grievances or bestow favor on them. Family dinners with him at the head of the table, both his parents absent. Being served and waited on by a stream of Browns and a selection of Pink women, the sexual sinners of Cortem – all gorgeous according to Hattie’s notations.

How had Hattie got so much on Kenan? How did she know for example, that he’d interrogated his sister – the one just under Esther – about the man courting her, discovered they’d been kissing and had the man sent to rehab? She could imagine why Kenan had done it; no doubt he enjoyed having that kind of control over his siblings. But how had Hattie known about it?

When she asked that question, Miguel’s look told her everything. Hattie was obviously one of the dozen or so women intimate with Kenan. How could she bear it, she muttered, blushing when Miguel pointed out, I remember a time when you didn’t mind Kenan yourself.

The first thing of real interest was recorded just over a week ago. Hattie had written, ‘I keep wondering how Kenan knows when someone is planning to resist his orders. I think I’ve finally worked it out. One of his constant companions is Jardin. The man isn’t terrible; he’s actually quite polite most of the time. That’s what makes me suspicious. Kenan only keeps beautiful women and unscrupulous, arrogant men close to him, so why is Jardin so often present? I think it’s because he’s Gifted and I suspect his Gift allows him to read people in some way. I think I’ll try getting close enough to him to test my theory.’

That was a dangerous choice, Roanna said, looking up from the notebook. If Jardin reads people, he could have read her. So could Kenan if he’s been stealing Jardin’s Gift.

Maybe he already has. Maybe that’s why those Enforcers were at the shop – Kenan might have sent them to catch you, Miguel said grimly. Which is my fault. She wouldn’t be in trouble right now if she wasn’t helping us.

You forced her to do that?

Of course not. She volunteered.

Then it’s not your fault, is it, she argued. Look at this.

It was the entry four days later. ‘Someone mentioned Miguel and Vittoria three days ago, how curious it was that they were twins considering Vittoria nearly married Nyx but Miguel was so anti Nyx. It was one of the Greens that hang around Kenan all the time that said it; Philip Johnston. I’ve been around Kenan for several months now too and I’ve never seen a reaction like he had. He lost his normal calm, controlled aura and screamed at Philip. He was almost spitting with rage. He declared those names were never to be mentioned, that Miguel and Vittoria were evil and out to destroy him. Weirdly, he also said they were triplets, not twins, but they weren’t worthy of being called that.

‘I’ve been looking for Philip ever since but he’s disappeared. Not just fallen out of favor and left the estate but disappeared. I even contacted his wife this morning and she has no idea where he is. She thought he must have still been with Kenan at a three-day party or something. (What kind of wife is alright with her husband drinking and getting wasted and doing who-knows-what at a three-day orgy?) So my conclusion Miguel (if you’re reading this) is that Kenan really, really hates you.’

Nice to know I’m having an impact, Miguel said wryly.

But his reaction is obviously linked to Lilibet, right? Which doesn’t make sense, Roanna mused. Kenan is a psychopath; he doesn’t seem to have any empathy or guilt. He’s a psychopath and yet he’s still so hung up on your sister that he reacts like this? And all the time and effort he’s spending looking for a replacement for Lilibet...do you think he actually loved her?

Loved? No, more like desired and wanted to control her. He was obsessed with her when they were dating. She used to talk about the attention he gave her like it was flattering. That he was madly in love with her and his protectiveness was proof of that. It used to concern Vitt and I.

I take it she wouldn’t listen to you?

She’d listen because she was kind and open. But Kenan had her so captivated she didn’t believe us when we said he was far too over the top. Of course, I didn’t have any idea how bad he was. I just thought he was smitten and a bit too zealous. I didn’t know he was...well, what he is. He sighed heavily and she gave him a sympathetic look. What’s left? I need to get to bed, I can barely keep my eyes open.

She flicked the page and they kept reading. It was the final entry, dated that very day, that made Roanna gasp in surprise and Miguel rise and move to the window, fists clenched.

‘My suspicions have been confirmed.

‘It’s been occurring to me that Kenan is very strategically building power. Most of his meetings with Blues have certainly been strategic, buying their support. It wouldn’t surprise me if there was plenty of blackmail involved too. In the next few days I’ll try to list all the Blue families who seem willing to support Kenan as well as the ones I think are doing so unwillingly. The latter could be turned.

‘But I digress. Kenan is also building his Enforcer army, recruiting from the Greens as well as Blues. He has the Patriarchs under his thumb. He has the lower colors afraid to stand up to him because of the increase in rehabs. But that’s not what concerns me most. What you need to pay attention to, Miguel, is that Kenan is recruiting the Gifted. I think for some time. I’m certain Jardin is one but I suspect two others that live at the Estate also. There’s...’

Her words finished there. Roanna asked, Do you think the Enforcers turned up before she could finish?

Something interrupted her. We need those names, he said grimly.

Why would a Gifted work with someone like Kenan? Someone supporting the system that rehabs every Gifted that’s found?

"Maybe they’re not. Maybe he’s holding