Defector: A Variants Novel by Susanne Winnacker

Author:Susanne Winnacker [Winnacker, Susanne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Penguin Group US
Published: 2014-06-26T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 18

“They told my parents that we’d run away and that I wasn’t stable. Why the fuck would they tell my parents something like that after what they’ve gone through in the last few weeks?” He smashed his fist down on the table. His glass toppled over, and tea spilled everywhere. Aunt Celia winced, her hands frozen on her cup as she watched us with wide eyes.

“I’m sorry. They want to make you feel guilty and bait you to come back,” I said softly. “And now Major knows we’re here. They’ll send the closest agent to come get us. We have to leave immediately.”

“So you are in trouble,” Uncle Scott said slowly.

Devon stared at his uncle as if he had only just remembered that we weren’t alone. “It’s complicated. But we aren’t in any trouble. We just need some time off. Everything is going to be fine.”

Devon and I stood up, picked up the sleeping bags and tent, swiped the keys from the table, and hurried out the door. Confusion showed on Uncle Scott’s and Aunt Celia’s faces as they followed us outside. “Where are you going? What’s going on?” Celia asked anxiously, but nobody said anything.

“What am I supposed to tell your parents? They’re worried about you,” Uncle Scott called after us.

Devon stopped in front of the black pickup truck, casting nervous glances back at his aunt and uncle. “I’m sorry for causing you trouble,” he whispered. “But I promise we’ll be fine.” I stood with my hands in my pockets, unsure what to do. I could tell that his aunt and uncle kept glancing at me like I was the one who’d led Devon astray. And it was kind of true. Without me, Devon would be living in headquarters, safe and sound, still blissfully unaware of the lies being spewed by Major and the FEA.

“Thanks for your help and for the iced tea,” I said before I slipped into the passenger seat. The inside of the car smelled of old smoke and wet dog, though I hadn’t seen a dog inside the house.

Devon slipped into the car and started the engine. He waved at his uncle and aunt as we pulled out of their driveway. They were watching us with stunned expressions. How long would it take for the FEA to come here and question them?

“Damn it!” Devon yelled, slamming his fist down on the steering wheel. As soon as we were out of his relatives’ line of sight, he stepped on the gas and we sped down the bumpy road.

Devon’s knuckles were white from his grip around the steering wheel. “Do you think the FEA will do something to my parents?” he asked.

I shook my head immediately. “No,” I said firmly. Devon glanced at me from the corner of his eye like he needed more evidence to believe it. “The FEA isn’t like that. Maybe they manipulate and lie when it’s to their advantage, but they’d never hurt innocents. They’ll probably try to use your parents as

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