Jungle of Creation
Chapter 16

“Let me go!”

“Okay.”

One second I’m pounding away at Cole’s back as he carries me caveman style out of the compound, and the next I land in a heap among the leaves and moss of the jungle floor. I pick myself up from the ground, glaring at Cole with a scowl to match.

He lets out a short laugh, “What? I put you down.” I release a growl of frustration before turning around and stomping my way through the trees. I don’t know where I’m going except that it’s away from him. At least in theory it is. All of a sudden I run right into a solid chest that appeared out of nowhere, sending a shooting pain through my nose.

“Ouch! Don’t do that!” I yell at him as I methodically rub my bruised nose.

Cole’s eyes flash before a smirk spreads across his face, “So sorry, your Highness. I’ll try to be more courteous next time. Though, I did just save your butt.” Another growl escapes my lips but my eyes are busy tracking my surroundings. Cole must have taken us pretty far out because the white walls of the compound are nowhere in sight. All that I can see are brown tree trunks and green foliage. My surroundings are drowned out by the black night, but my feline eyes allow me to see the little details. I must have been out longer than I thought. I can’t be sure, but I’m almost certain that it was light outside when Grant knocked me out.

Grant. I can feel my chest clench and my blood begins to boil at the thought of my former friend. I really liked him. I trusted him. What did I expect, though? I knew him for two weeks and I didn’t even hesitate to fall into the hole I dug. What ever happened to getting out of this place as soon as I could? I got too comfortable. I became too desperate for answers. I can’t trust anyone in this godforsaken place.

I hear a throat clear impatiently before Cole’s deep voice shakes me from my anger, “Kitty, you good over there? It would be best if you didn’t go rogue, considering I don’t need a crazed panther on my hands, and I don’t exactly have another set of clothes for you to wear when you rip those.” I just roll my eyes. How did I end up with him again?

“Yep. All good,” I turn around and give him a tight smile, “Though I am beginning to wonder why the heck you brought me to the middle of the flipping jungle!” My voice rises to beyond calm as I direct my anger from the betrayal of the organization at Cole. Not exactly fair for him, but no one ever said life was fair. Now we’re both scowling at each other. Back to the good ol’ days. I don’t exactly hate him for what he did to me anymore, but I don’t have to hate Cole for him to get under my skin.

“Wow, you sound nothing like the grateful freaking fugitive I expected. I just helped you escape from the government!” Cole’s hands start going every which way as his emotions don’t know what to do, “The government! Do you get how big this is?”

“I think I have an—”

“No! No, Amira! You obviously don’t have a clue, because otherwise you’d understand that we can’t exactly go grocery shopping and book a room at the nearest Hampton Inn! They won’t stop looking for you. In their heads, you’re beyond valuable. If they can’t have your compliance, then they’ll just take your blood. As soon as they realize I’m gone, they’ll suspect me of helping you and I’ll be on their list too. You have to understand. There is no going back. There is no going home. We’re both on their hit-list now.”

I just stare wide-eyed at Cole, speechless. I can’t go home. I can feel tears welling up in my eyes but I can’t let them fall. I won’t let them fall. I plop back down on the forest floor, seeking the comfort it usually gives me, shaking my head in disbelief. No. I have to go back home. I bury my heads in my hands, fear and uncertainty clouding my vision. I vaguely feel a comforting hand on my shoulder and I look up to meet Cole’s concerned eyes. Their crystal blue strikes something in me. Their earnestness and how they compel me to listen. A lone tear slips out as I look down at the dying leaves littering the ground. I can’t go back. If I go to my family, the compound will know. They’ll be waiting. I can’t go back to Dad and Lyla because they’ll be in danger if I do.

My hands claw at the dirt, and I look up to nod at Cole, a new determined feeling settling in my chest. “You’re right. I may not not be able to go home, but that doesn’t change the fact that we’re stuck out here in the middle of the jungle with no food or water.” I can’t help but be the voice of reason, considering that Cole obviously didn’t think this through very well. But then again… neither did I. What was I expecting to do once I escaped? I was screwed from the very beginning.

“I hear you, Kitty. I’m thinking we’ll lay low for tonight. It’s stuffy enough out here that we won’t need a fire. There’s no way we can go into town to get supplies while the compound is running in circles trying to replace us. I say we get a good night’s sleep and then figure out the next step in the morning.”

I nod, though I’m undecided. I still think we have no chance of evading some super complex mega-organization, but there’s not really another choice right now. I do know one thing, though. There is absolutely no way I’m leaving my mom to rot in that plastic prison. “Alright. We’ll stay hidden tonight, but I’m going back tomorrow. My mom doesn’t deserve to be locked in that hell hole for any longer.”

A strange look passes across Cole’s face. It’s a mixture of irritation, worry, and something else. Something I can’t afford to think about. Cole’s gaze falls to his hands, a depressing look setting his mouth into a thin line. “I’m sorry.”

My eyes shoot to meet his. There’s that darn earnestness again. He looks so sincere it hurts. I scrunch up my eyebrows and ask, “Sorry about what?”

“I knew about her. I knew she was there.” My eyes widen. I should have known. I should have expected it. Of course he would know she was there. There’s no way he could have such high clearance and not know my mom’s been hiding under my nose this whole time.

“You knew.” My voice comes out as barely a whisper. I shouldn’t be so shocked. I know I shouldn’t, but I can’t help it. I speak again, my voice rising, “You knew. Why? Why would you just sit back and let her suffer? She’s like me, like you! Even if she didn’t have powers, she’s still a human being!” The tears I held back earlier are now falling freely, my willpower fading. “I… I thought she was… she was dead. I thought she left me!”

I hate how I sound like a petulant child, but the day’s tolls are finally collapsing my walls. Cole just sits through my fit, the sincerest apology in his glazed eyes. It’s not enough, though. It will never be enough because the one person with me now, the one person helping me, is just another liar.

“I know. I won’t say sorry again, but know that I am. I just thought you deserved to know. I think you’ve had enough secrets in the past two weeks.”

I let out a rueful chuckle and I glance back into Cole’s eyes, “Tell me about it.”

“I’ll help you get her back. It won’t be easy, but you at least deserve that.”

I smile a little at him. He’s trying. It’s still not enough, but he’s trying. I stand back up and search around for piles of leaves to steal from, careful to check for any nasty critters that may not appreciate it. I could climb a tree, but I’m not sure that would be much better, and I doubt Cole is much for sleeping in the air. I can’t exactly say these will be up to luxury standards, but if I can at least make a couple leaf beds then that sounds bearable to me. It’s a really good thing my family likes the great outdoors. I usually have a tent at least, but this is just a little step down from camping. Plus I’m technically part panther. I hope that means creatures will be less inclined to bug me. Gulp.

After about fifteen minutes of Cole and I gathering leaves, we have fairly decent makeshift mattresses. “Looks good enough to me,” I comment as I wipe some sweat off my forehead. Cole was right about not needing a fire.

Cole laughs beside me, “Can’t say I’ve ever slept on a bed of leaves. You better be right about this, Kitty.” I just huff out a sigh, ignoring the idiot beside me. I forgot just how tired I am. Apparently, changing into an animal and back again isn’t that energizing. I lay down, the foliage scratching my back, but otherwise not that uncomfortable. I’m thirsty and hungry, but that’s a problem for another day. Right now, I need sleep. I’ve just closed my eyes when I hear a throat clear beside me. My eyes stay closed until that infuriating noise sounds again followed by an exasperated sigh. Oh no he doesn’t. If anyone deserves to be annoyed it’s me.

I scowl as I turn to look at Cole, “What?”

He just smirks and then says, “Well, if you don’t want to hear what I have to say, then never mind.” He shuts his eyes and even goes as far as to turn away from me.

I let out a growl of frustration, “What. Do. You. Want? You might as well say it now.”

“Jeez, you’re cranky when you’re tired.”

“Cole!”

He turns back to me with a smile playing on his face. Obviously kicking me when I’m down has become his favorite pastime. “Fine. Since you’re so eager to hear what I’m about to say,” He pastes on a mock serious face before continuing, “I just want you to know that this is very serious business, and it needs your full undivided—”

“Cole! Stop the rambling and just tell me!”

He stretches his grin wide before answering, “Well I just so happened to grab my phone when we were running for our lives and—”

“You mean, I was running for my life,” I mutter under my breath, but of course he hears it. It’s true, though. Any running he did was entirely up to him.

“Wow, you are really rude. Maybe I won’t tell you after all.”

I give him a grin of my own, “Sorry. Can’t help it. You’re just really easy to argue with.”

He rolls his eyes before speaking again, watching me to make sure I don’t open my big mouth again. Something about Cole makes arguments so easy, but I actually plan on letting him speak this time. “Anyway… What I was saying was that I have my phone and I know that you haven’t been able to talk to your family, so I figured you could use… Oomph!” I cut off the rest of whatever Cole was going to say as I engulf him in a big hug. I don’t wait for him to react as I jump up onto to my feet and start pacing. I try to think of what I’m going to say to them. What do you say to people who probably think you’re dead?

I turn around to look down at Cole. He’s holding onto a shocked expression, but it wipes away as soon as my eyes meet his. I offer a timid smile, realizing that I basically just jumped on top of him, before chuckling nervously. “Uh… Thanks.” He just releases his stupid crooked grin and holds up his smartphone for me to use. I accept it graciously but don’t make a move to use it, instead fumbling with it in my hands. I clear my throat before speaking, “What about our location? Are you sure you want me to call?” As much as I want to talk to Dad and Lyla, I won’t let Cole risk himself for one conversation.

I silently await his answer, palms sweating. Please say it’s okay. Please say it’s okay. “Of course. I wouldn’t have offered otherwise.” Phew. I let out the breath I was holding, allowing myself to get excited again. “There’s a high possibility your family will try to track the phone call. It’s almost certain really. Unfortunately, that can’t happen. If they replace us, then S.C. will replace us. Consider that a burner phone. As soon as you use it, go ahead and destroy it. Even if they manage to catch our location, we’ll be up and out of here as soon as we get your mom.” I nod, indicating I understand. A fresh pang reaches my chest at the reminder of not going back to my family, but I just can’t. I can’t put them in danger. I won’t.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s bound to be a painful conversation. Meeting Cole’s eyes one more time, I smile and say, “Thank you again. It means a lot. Not just for the phone call, but for getting me out. For helping my mom.”

He nods and returns the smile, his eyes holding a hesitancy though I don’t know what for. “Wait until we actually get her to thank me for that one,” He jokes before sobering up and continuing, “You’re welcome, Amira. Anytime.”

With that, I turn around and head deeper into the jungle, wanting some privacy for this phone call. The branches and vines swipe at my arms and legs, but my mind is zoned in on what I’ll say. I don’t want to say goodbye, but isn’t that what this is? A goodbye? A way to tell them everything I didn’t get to before I was shoved into this mess? I don’t watch where I’m going. I don’t track any landmarks to make my way back to camp, instead counting on my senses and instincts to get me back.

Finally, I make it to a dark clearing, filled up only by the sound of cicadas and the smell of dew. I take several deep breaths, calming my racing heart, before gripping the phone in trembling fingers. I turn it on, go to the call button, and ten digits later I’m waiting for Dad to answer. God, what if he doesn’t pick up? I didn’t even think of that before but, now three rings in, it becomes a distinct possibility. He could be asleep, or he could see the unknown number and reject the call. What then?

I don’t have long to fabricate scenarios, though, because the call clicks in on the fourth ring. I hear a loud yawn on the other end and some fumbling before a groggy voice speaks.

“Andrew Denton speaking. Who is this?” Immediately my throat closes up and tears fill my eyes at the sound of my dad’s tired, irritated voice. I’m shaking my head and covering my mouth to hold back the sobs.

“Hello?” I open my mouth to speak, but only a rush of air comes out. With tears streaming down my face, I have to clear my throat before speaking in a hoarse whisper.

“Dad?” A beat passes. Enough time that I almost check to see if he hung up until I hear a croak and a strangled gasp.

“Amira? Mi, honey, is that you?”

I’m nodding even though he can’t see me. “Yes, Dad. It’s me. It’s Amira.”

The next thing I know, we’re both sobbing. Our cries being the only sounds the other hears. We stay like that for at least ten minutes, until we’re both sniffling and wiping our eyes. Dad speaks first after our cry fest.

“Oh, God. Baby, where are you? What happened? Please tell me where you are.”

I almost start crying all over again just at the urgency in his voice. The one thing he wants to know, I can’t tell him. “Dad, I’m so sorry. I’m so, so sorry.”

“Amira, tell me where you are. Now.” His voice is harsher and more demanding. I try to hold them back, but his command just sends more tears skirting across my face.

“I can’t. I’m so sorry, but I can’t. These are bad people. I can’t let them hurt you and Ly.”

“Amira! What are you talking about? Amira Felice Denton, tell me where you are right now!” Gone are the soft whispers back and forth. Now Dad is yelling like his life depends on it. I want so badly to tell him. I need to see him like I need air to breathe, but I can’t. I just can’t. I’m ready to tell him no. I’m ready to tell him goodbye so I don’t have to hear the hurt in his voice anymore. I’m not ready for the tired little whisper in the background, just loud enough for me to hear.

“Daddy, what’s wrong? What’s going on?”

“No,” I sob into the phone at the sound of Lyla’s little voice. She sounds so tired and weak. Nothing like the fierce bundle of energy that is my sister. I know she must just be exhausted, but a part of me can’t help feeling like I did this to her. I’m the one who zapped her energy.

I hear my dad speak away from the phone, his voice muffled. “Nothing’s wrong, sweetheart. Go back to bed.” Please. I’m silently begging. I don’t know if I want to speak to her or if that will just tear me apart more. Of course, Lyla’s curiosity can’t be sated by one little answer.

“Who’s that on the phone?”

“Oh, it’s just—”

That’s it. I can’t just sit here while Dad tells my baby sister some lie.

“Ly? Lyla, is that you?” I speak out loudly, hoping she can hear me.

I hear a faint gasp on the other end and then I hear Dad reprimanding Lyla, telling her to give him the phone back. Lyla, of course, doesn’t listen.

“Amira! Amira! It’s you! It’s really you!” She sounds so vulnerable, so ecstatically happy that I almost lose it for the third time in less than thirty minutes. A laugh bubble up in my throat, and Lyla follows suit. We’re laughing and giggling into the phone even though the situation isn’t remotely funny. “Amira, we thought we lost you! We thought you were gone! Don’t ever do that again!” She goes from emotional to super stern in the blink of an eye, causing another irrational laugh to come out.

I guess they put the phone on speaker because now Dad’s voice comes through clearly as well. “Amira, you need to tell me where you are. I need to know.” He sounds so serious, so desperate and harsh. So unlike my father. Just that fact alone almost persuades me, but I have to be strong. Knowing I can’t handle much more of this without cracking, I suck it up and begin my goodbyes. No. Not goodbyes. These are 'see you later's.

“I’m sorry, Dad. I can’t tell you. I just wanted you guys to know how much I love you.” Dad begins another tirade, but I don’t listen, instead speaking over him. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Hopefully sooner than later, okay? I love you guys so, so much. Thanks for being the best little sister and dad a girl can ask for. Love you to the moon and stars. Okay. Bye.” I finish it off like I’m just recording a voicemail, cutting off my dad’s angry pleas. I breathe in and out deeply, forcing my calm. I will not cry again. I will not cry. Clamping my eyes shut and swallowing another sob, I allow one lone tear to escape as I throw the phone on the ground and smash it to bits.

My eyes flutter open, taking in the sharp branches and vines, shrouded in darkness. I don’t know what I expected to feel after that phone call. Maybe lighter? Happier? Well, no. I don’t feel anywhere close to those things. I just feel… empty. After a couple more moments of wiping my eyes and composing myself, I traipse my way back through the jungle. The heightened senses I was counting on getting me back, though, are burnt out after today’s adventures. I feel bone tired after shifting for the first time, and that draining conversation didn’t help. I just continue taking deep breaths, trying to guide myself by smell and sound.

I replace myself in another clearing, similar to the one where I took the call. There’s something strangely familiar about it. Morbidly familiar. I take another deep breath when it hits me. In the gut, in the head, in the heart. Jane Doe. My eyes rescan the area, focusing on the ground. There she is. The eerily beautiful body rotting on the ground. There’s a single red rose resting on top of her body. I can’t imagine who would feel the need to give her a rose because she is unidentified, but I’m glad someone did. Unlike Charley, the woman’s carcass is missing limbs, evidence of the ravenous creatures hiding in this jungle. None of the limbs were dragged off, though. They have one bite at most. The horrid concoction that altered the victims’ blood has to act as some type of deterrent.

My eyes flash back to my feet, unable to hold my gaze on her mangled body. Why? Why did I have to come here of all places? Right at my feet are the large sneaker prints I spotted earlier. My feet are only three quarters the size of the footprints, despite me having a decent size myself. Then it hits. Of course. This whole time that I’ve been wrapped up in my family, my mom, and my own imprisonment, Ash has been sitting in a cell awaiting her trial. A trial for a murder that she didn’t commit. Unless she’s working with someone, there’s no way she could have been here when the footprint was left. Her feet aren’t even close to this size. They’re smaller than mine. The only evidence against her is her hair on the body. Hair that easily could’ve been placed there.

It’s speculation. Nothing is certain. The organization has no murder confessions and no witnesses. They could easily be wrong, but I could easily be wrong too. Maybe Ash is working with a partner. It would make sense. Maybe her partner was the person Ash and I tracked down that night in town, so that people wouldn’t suspect her. No. I shake my head fiercely. My instincts say to trust my friend. She’s innocent. She has to be. Which means I need to get her out of there. I’m certain of it now. Tomorrow when we go to get Mom, we’re getting Ash too.

Decision made, I refocus my attention of getting back to Cole’s and my campsite. Scanning the surroundings and breathing deeply, I push all my remaining energy into boosting my senses. Halfway across the clearing, my gaze snaps to something tangled in a bush. It blends with the night. The only reason I spot it at all is my enhanced night vision. Carefully picking my way around the poor body, I tentatively reach my hand out. Someone was in a hurry. Brushing my trembling fingers over the fabric, I remove it from the snares of the sharp thorns. How did I not see this before? Did the killer return to the crime scene?

Any doubt that this was an inside job is gone as I hold up the little bit of fabric. Lying across my palm is a tattered, dirty navy blue bandanna.