We pull up to a tall cement structure that wouldn’t look so threatening if it didn’t have about half a dozen men posted outside dressed all in black, down to their black shades. The machine guns across their chests look as out of place as their 1950s military haircuts.
The man closest to the truck steps forward. He whips off his shades. “T.J., park my baby in her usual space.” He glances at his watch. “Meet me in my study at 1600 for a talk.”
I glance over at T.J. His face is white with fear. “Yes, Father.”
Hank grabs my hand and opens the door. He hops out. “Come on, Amy. Let’s go.”
I climb down out of the truck. I’m incensed at Hank’s hands on my waist, as he lifts me from the seat and lowers me to the ground. I try to step away, but his hand remains in place. He holds tight to my blouse and squeezes my side just enough to let me know I’m not escaping any time soon. I’m worried for Austin and Jenni. I turn to Hank all sugary and sweet. I put my hand on his chest and peer up at him. “Hank. What about my friends? Can we wait for them?”
He searches my face. He frowns a little before raising a finger to my chin. “But of course, Amy.”
Another man in black looks over at the two of us. “Hank. Your father’s waiting for you.”
Hank nods his head, but his eyes stay on me. “Yes. I know, but I have visitors. I need to see them inside.”
Austin creeps up in his Dodge Charger. The men look at it with hungry eyes. He parks it off to the side. Austin and Jenni get out and walk over. Austin’s eyes never leave Hank’s face. “What’s the game plan, soldier?”
Hank doesn’t answer Austin and instead turns back to T.J.’s father. “We’ll just walk in the back entrance.”
Hank drops his hand from my side and turns to walk away. We follow him blindly. My feeling of unease grows by the second as I glance around at these men with their big guns and expressionless faces. Hank strides alongside the building through the grass and I try to pay attention to anything I think I might need to know later, but my mind feels like it’s gone blank. The only coherent thought I have left is the questionable wisdom of my irrational, unfailing loyalty to Aunt Evalina. How is it I have no trouble with book smarts, but my gullibility has no limits?
Hank punches in a code beneath his cupped hand before opening a heavy side door to the building. He turns back to look at us. “Welcome to my home.” My heart sinks at the pride I hear in his voice. He hasn’t meant a single word he’s said until now. I feel so foolish. He totally played me. It was absurd of me to think he’d leave his past behind for me. I’m hardly anyone special. The only question that remains now is if we can escape the house of Hank once we enter. I hover on the threshold of indecision. Austin and Jenni and I could turn around and leave now if we promise to never return. Probably.
Hank grabs my hand and tugs me forward. Our fate is sealed. We are now Children of the Sun. I step inside and see nothing but a dark hallway, save for the running lights on the floor. Austin and Jenni sneak in behind me. Hank shuts the door and enters another code from the inside. The door makes a clicking sound as it locks. Hank turns back to us and smiles a creepy smile. “There. No one can get in now.”
Austin stares back at him. “And no one can get out.”
Hank smiles even bigger, and I hate him at this exact moment. “It works quite well.” He claps his hands joyfully. “Follow me. I believe you said you wanted a tour?”
We walk along the long hallway that goes in a wide circle that seems to lead to nowhere until we turn a corner. There’s a bowling alley? I can’t hide the smile that pops out. “Very cool.”
Hank looks back at me. “We aim to please.”
Austin mutters in answer. “And hold captive.”
I elbow Austin hard before looking back at Hank. “I’d like to see more, please.”
He blinks a few times, as if stunned. “But of course. Come this way.” We walk through the bowling alley and continue our uphill climb. Hank talks as he goes. “This building was purchased by my father five years ago. And in those five years, he’s turned it from an empty pile of rubble to the masterpiece it is today. We have a technology room, a bowling alley that you just saw, a movie theater room, a yoga studio, a laser tag room, and so much more.”
Austin clears his throat. “And just where will we be staying, Hank?”
Hank smiles at him with condescension. “You may bunk in the children’s room, Austin, and so can Jenni. Males and females sleep divided. As for Amy, she’ll stay with me.”
What? No. “I’d be happy to stay where Jenni stays, Hank. That sounds fine to me.”
He grabs my hand and pulls me off to the side. He whispers furiously into my ear as one hand strokes my lower back. “I would prefer you stay with me, Amy. I don’t want the other men getting any ideas. As I told you before, you’re mine.”
By the time he gets through talking, my head is seriously muddled. Between his hot breath in my ear and his hand stroking my lower back, I forget we aren’t alone. Hank removes his hand from beneath my shirt; an action that doesn’t escape Austin’s disapproving stare. I fix my gaze on Jenni, whose wrinkled nose looks in my direction is anything but indifferent. Hank walks back over to them, and I follow behind him like a lost puppy.
Austin pins him with another look. “When do we meet the head honcho?”
Laughter comes from around the corner. A tall man waltzes into sight. He lifts his hands out to each side, like he’s Jesus in a picture. “Ask for me, and I appear.”
Hank swallows hard beside me. “Father.” I study the man. I’m thoroughly annoyed with myself when I look into his eyes and the craving for a hug takes over. What in the seven levels of Dante’s Inferno. I shake my head to clear it, but remain unable to speak. Hank lays a hand on my arm. “Father, this is Amy.”
I clear my throat and try to drag my eyes from his mesmerizing stare. There’s something Bradley Cooperish about him. That has to be it. I squeak out a greeting. “Hi.”
Hank takes a deep breath. “And this is Austin and Jenni, Amy’s friends.”
His father steps closer to us while his 4-man entourage hovers behind him. He gives us a thousand-watt smile, and my toes curl. What is wrong with me? “Hello, Amy, and Amy’s friends.”
I look at Jenni, who looks back at me. She seems to be having the same problem as me. She’s unable to look directly at this magnetic man who stands so close. I glance over at Austin, who stares at the man with open contempt.
“It’s Austin.” He growls out. I do a serious self-gut check, and hold in my vomit, as my nerves do a tap dance. How is Austin speaking?
The man ignores Austin and turns back to Hank. “Separate them soon and show them to their rooms, Hank. You and I need to talk.”
Hank nods his head and stares at the floor. “Yes, Father.”
The man passes between us, and we automatically move back. I watch in awe as he and his men continue on. Hank heads in the opposite direction, and we walk behind him, going slow.
Austin starts in again with the whispering. “Divide and conquer. That’s what’s going on here. We’re weaker when we’re apart.”
I smack his hand. “You’re talking crazy.”
He looks back at me. “Am I, Amy? I don’t think they have any intention of letting us go! Just wait ‘til they find out my dad’s a doctor and Jenni’s works for the government! They’ll definitely hold us hostage then. They might even want ransom money.”
I look over at him, feeling stupid. “You’re so right. Why didn’t I think of that?”
He frowns at me. “You’re too distracted getting busy with Caveman Hank.”
Jenni stops midstep to frown at us. “Cut it out, you two. We’re here for Evalina, don’t forget that. We have to work together.”
Hank turns back and looks at us. His face looks surprised, like he forgot we were here. What is going on? “Hurry up, you guys. I’ve got things to do.”
Austin steps up and pastes a friendly smile on his face? “Hey, Hank. I kind of wanted you to finish the tour with us. It was going so well. I bet your dad won’t mind.”
Hank looks at him with confusion. “What are you playing at, Austin? You don’t want to see it all. You’re just trying to trick me.”
Austin shakes his head back and forth. “No, Hank. I’m not. I want to see the technology room. Please. I love computers.”
I nod my head with enthusiasm and feel like a bobble-head doll. “He really does.”
Hank stomps his foot like a little boy. “Don’t take his side, Amy. You’re both trying to trick me.”
Austin leans back on his heels and hugs his arms. “Just as well, Hank. Better run along when your dad calls. I bet you the system you have is outdated. It probably wouldn’t support the online games I play.” Austin’s voice is laced with arrogance. I can’t believe he’s being so obvious. Hank won’t fall for this. He’s not that stupid.
Hank leans in Austin’s face. “You don’t know anything, Austin. Come on. I’ll show you. I can beat you any time at any game. Let’s go.” He turns away and stomps across the floor. Austin raises a fist in victory at Hank’s retreating back. I grab Austin’s hand and yank it down. We rush to catch up with long-legged Hank.