DUSK by Esther Machethe (top books of all time txt) 📕

“Before we enter, please don’t judge me before you hear my story” he commented out of nowhere and opened the door before I could ask what he meant.

“Daddy! You’re home!” two little girls came rushing towards us and hugged Lance’s legs.

“Hi you two. Have you been good girls?” he asked, unable to hide the happiness he radiated as he squatted to get to the girls’ level and give them both hugs. “I want you to meet someone.” He stated before he scooped each of them up and turned them towards me. “This is Chloe, she’s my friend from school.” The girls turned towards me and that’s when I saw their faces. They were beautifully identical.

“She’s vewy pwetty, can we keep her?” one of the girls asked in an adorable baby voice.

“Chloe, these are my girls; Hadley and Isla. I know they look alike but Hadley has ocean blue eyes while Isla has blue-grey and that’s their only difference.” He explained and I couldn’t help but admire the pride in his voice.

“They’re beautiful.” I blurted out and he chuckled. I could tell he was nervous and was anxiously waiting for my reaction.

“Do you wanna play with us Chloe, we can share my pwetty doll.” Isla asked. I wonder how lance can ever say no to these adorable babies.

“Of course I’ll play with you.” I sounded excited and from the corner of my eye I could see Lance relax.

“You talk funny,” Hadley commented as she dragged me up the stairs and Isla dragged Lance as well. Judging from the way Lance kept glancing at me, I could tell I just passed his little test.

“Thank you for not being mean to them.” Lance said and I could tell it meant a lot to him. We had just put the girls down for their nap and we were headed for lunch since it was already half past noon. Lance cooked for us and I had to admit the food was amazing but I wasn’t in the mood considering I was about to offer my life up for the sake of everyone.

“C’mon, let’s get going or you’ll miss your appointment especially if the twins wake up.” Lance tugged my arm gently as he led me to the door. I didn’t feel ready to leave just yet but I knew how true his words were so I followed him. My heart heavier than the statue of liberty.

“Thanks for everything Lance, I’ll see you soon, yeah?” I tried to act casually but I think my nervousness seeped through my words but thankfully, he didn’t notice.

 I sipped my hot cocoa and waited as Dusk kept me up to date with my ‘appointment’ as I waited for them to arrive. My back stilled and I sat up straighter as I watched the woman walk in alone. To any outsider, she looked beautiful with her long golden-brown hair cascading down to mid-back complimenting perfectly with her black body-con that was hidden under a brown trench-coat. She looked elegant yet warm and I would have envied her if her heart wasn’t non-existent.

“Hello mother” I tried but the venom couldn’t be contained.

“Chloe. Are you here to spend time with your dear mother?” her tone was sickly sweet but I caught the sneer underneath. Too bad it didn’t affect me.

“I want to make a deal with you.” I spoke up, watching as surprise flickered through her features but it disappeared just as fast.

“Hmm, you must be very desperate to turn to me” she tapped her chin in mock thought. “Okay, I’m listening.” She conceded after I shot her an unimpressed look. I wasn’t in the mood for her attitude.

“I want you to leave my family and friends alone.” She was about to object when I lifted my finger to silence her. “In exchange, I will turn myself over to you.” I stated calmly but I could see the conflict in her eyes before a smirk took over.

“What makes you so sure that I won’t ambush you here and now?” she asked ever so smugly. I couldn’t help it, I laughed at her.

“You think I was that stupid. Trust me, I know where all your men are at the moment and if you don’t accept the deal then I’ll walk out of here and you’ll never see me again. However, I can’t say the same for you and your little minions.” I said smugly and prayed that she wouldn’t see past my bluff.

“I like you, at least I know you’re as manipulative as I am. Give me a minute to think about this outside.” She mumbled, a frown clearly etched on her features.

“Haven’t I proved to you that I’m not that naïve, if you leave here then the deal is off. You are perfectly able to make your decision now or stop wasting my time.” I sent her a smug smile and watched as annoyance flashed through her features. She thought I would fall for that. “Time’s almost up Ilana and I think my time here is done, goodbye.” I said gingerly as I went to get off my seat.

“Wait! Okay fine, you have a deal.” She mumbled, clearly not impressed with having to be forced to make a decision that fast. I smiled smugly at her. This was going better than planned.      

    As I walked with Ilana to her car, I felt accomplished and for once I knew I was doing the right thing. Right before I went into the car, I caught a glimpse of a pair of green eyes and I smiled at myself, at least I knew it would surely work.

Dusk kept me on tabs that my family was still trying to find me but I instructed her to send them another coded message since I was sure that Em was able to decode it from them.

“How am I sure that this isn’t a plan to track and capture me?” Ilana asked all of a sudden. I refrained from laughing at how stupid she could be to ask such a question now.

“Do you see anyone following us? Have you seen me talking to anyone when no one can even trace where I am. I ran away from home because it’s time I started making my own decisions.” I recited it like it was from a script and from the look on her face, I could tell she was satisfied with my answer.

We pulled up at a beautiful suburban house that looked great on the outside but thanks to dusk I could already see the whole floor full of hidden weapons and an underground base that stretched over the whole place and had underground tunnels that I assumed were hidden escape routes.

“Welcome to your new home. You should be thrilled to know that we also have a new recruit who was brought in specifically to ensure your safety” she dragged the last word to let me know that I was going to get a babysitter/watcher to make sure I wouldn’t run away. How welcoming.

Once inside, she led me to a room that was the third door on the left side of the first floor and overlooked a very big backyard that had high fences to keep people from getting in or out my mind reminded me. This is what I get to call home for the next who knows how long.

^^^^^

“And you let her do it despite knowing how dangerous it is for her?” he roared and I watched mildly amused despite his murderous look.

“Calm down Leo, going on a rampage right now won’t improve anything” Ash tried to act as the mature one even though we all knew it wasn’t working. “Jared, any reason why you let her go ahead with this absurd idea?” he turned to me and waited expectantly but I shrugged, feigning innocence just so this charade could go on for a bit longer because it was the most fun thing I’ve done apart from hacking things. Who know the next time I get to have this fun?

“As much as this is amusing to watch, I know there is a reason why you called us here and this isn’t it.” Em finally broke the fun-argument and turned to me, efficiently getting everyone’s attention.

“Right,” I led them to the J-room which is smaller than an average room but still big enough to fit everyone and was soundproof. “You guys are her closest friends and even though she won’t be happy, you need to know the truth and help out.” I state in the most serious tone I could muster. Wordlessly, I know I have their full attention and I explain it to them quickly and give everyone places where I know they’ll be most helpful. After they fully understand what they’re supposed to do, I sighed tiredly, knowing how hard this will be. Oh well.

 “Now for the hard part, you need your flu shots.” I teased but they stared at me like I was dumb. I thought I was funny.

“Why? Are we going to an infected place?” Em asked, all innocent and clueless making me sigh, looks like Chloe was the only one who got my jokes.

“No, I was trying to light up the place. Seriously, you all need this shot though.” I said.

“We got that point Einstein, the question is why?” Leo asked impatiently making me frown at him.

“It’s called Swill. It’s a technology that uses nano-induced molecules to change the facial design and DNA temporary to provide a perfect disguise for 170 hours.” I explained in the best non-scientific way I could but they still didn’t understand me. I think their kind should come with a user manual.

“In English please.” Em exclaimed and I almost laughed at her.

“This thing changes your look for a period of 7 days and 2hrs.” I said simply and watched as they took in this information before nodding. Everyone stepped forward and accepted the fast shot to the neck. Naturally, I would have mixed it with their drinks but there was no time.

“Your IDs are on the table but you must move now. You’re expected to be someplace in less than three hours.” I told them and they walked away with a single nod. Now everything was set in motion.

“Wait! I forgot something.” I ran after them and they stop. Whoa! They already look different. “No one should know about this. Even the HQ, if they ask, just tell them you’re still searching for her though it’s hard. I’ll give you more information after three days.” I stated in a serious tone.

“Isn’t that against the HQ laws?” ah, I thought he was over the boy-scout technique, maybe not.

“It’s not if it’ll keep her alive and safe.” I stated which earned me a low growl from Leo. Geez, for a guy who says they hate Chloe, he sure is giving off different vibes. I smirked at myself at the thought. “Calm down tiger, I’m sure she’ll be in able hands.” I wiggled my brows suggestively but he only growled further. I just hope everything goes according to plan.

^^^^^

  It’s been three days and surprisingly everyone has