Chapter 11 - Tearless Silent End
Evelyn
Something is off. “Just pick up the phone…” The echo of my steps is the only sound breaking the tedious sequence of unanswered rings on the other end of the line.
“Come on, pick—”
“Good timing, I need help…”
“Galen, hang on, I can’t hear you. Let me go outside.”
I should’ve known. As my left hand struggles to turn the key of my balcony’s door, my brain can’t stop thinking it’s my fault. I should have been more cautious.
My fingers slip off the door handle a couple of times, but the lock eventually clicks open, and I step into the refreshing night breeze. “Tell me where you are.”
“The woods…”
I scan the dark silhouette of Libera’s horizon, fooling myself that if I stare long enough, I will spot Galen walking safely towards me. But the disembodied panting and harsh intakes of breath coming from his end kick me out of my reverie. “I’ll be there soon. You keep her awake.”
I run out of my office and down the stairs so quickly I realise I’m in my car only when the small, yellow tree, dangling from the rear-view mirror, sends lemon scent up my nostrils.
I throw my phone on the passenger seat before I start the engine, but it rings again. I pick it up without looking at the screen and activate the speaker before tossing it away again. “Galen, I’m nearly there. Just left my place—”
“Ah, so Amelia was right. And here I was, thinking she was just eager to climb to the top of my esteem.”
When Roden’s voice floods the car, I nearly lose control of the steering wheel, letting it go for a second, as if covered in thorns.
“Roden, sir, I…Amelia should have asked before passing on the wrong details.” I manage a lie.
One I don’t believe. For a long moment, the phone stays silent.
I must remember I’ve been doing this for longer than that silly woman.
Then, “Yes, my dear, I knew there was more to the story. Someone like you would never betray our cause. Not after so many years of trials and errors.”
“Souls. I still like to call them by their real nature, if you don’t mind.” I’ve regained at least some of the confidence that comes with my role.
“Of course. Of course, my dear, but if I remember well, you’re the Silent End, not only thanks to your soft steps.
You are the apotheosis of emotional detachment.
I told Amelia this when she tried to convince me you were working with that rebel, a disgrace to all Harvesters.
What’s her name again? Tabitha-something… ”
I hope he can’t hear my worst fears get stuck in my throat as I push them down, back into my stomach.
One breath in, one goldfish out. A breath out, and the fish is safe in the pond.
I quickly look at my phone, laughing, as though I could make my reaction more credible.
“That’s ridiculous. I was about to tell Amelia the beauty of something called damage control, but she didn’t give me the time.
Why would I risk my position by associating with rebels—”
“Exactly, my dear, why would you?”
Come on, Roden, enough with this game.
“Anyway, someone once taught me that a great leader always recognises his disciples’ mistakes and sets them straight before having to employ extreme punishments. You know how I hate the sight of wounds and blood.” His voice trails off with a cold laugh.
I shiver, even though the windows are all up. “I’m sure Amelia doesn’t deserve—”
“Oh no, dear. Not Amelia. Now, you drive safely and make sure you deliver July to HQ while she’s still breathing. And let’s try to keep young Galen out of this. For everybody’s sake. We will think about something to make him right later.”
And just like that, the call’s over.
I let the phone beep for as long as possible to make sure I’m alone again. His presence lingers in my car like the memory of a nightmare in the minutes after waking.
The sight of the wood shakes something inside me, and I draw back my tears before they roll down.
The Silent End does not cry.