Free Savage Run by E. J. Squires

was doing my job or tell me I had
exceeded his expectations. I savored those words because pleasing
him used to be everything. Although, in time, I came to learn that
whenever he was friendly, he wanted me to do something for him—give
him a back rub, or fetch him something across town, or deliver a
message to one of the people he counseled. It was never just given.
There was always a long string attached.
    Nicholas nudges me with his knee. “You
should get some sleep, too.”
    I’m tired, but I don’t think it will be
possible for me to sleep—too many memories are creeping to the
surface. I sit in silence for a while, but what I really need is
something to distract myself from my thoughts. I try to think of
something to ask Nicholas. I don’t want to give the impression that
I want special treatment, so I stick to safe personal questions.
“So, does anyone ever call you Nick?”
    “ No.”
    What a conversationalist he is. “So…have you
ever participated in an obstacle course?”
    He glares at me for a moment. “I’m sorry,
but I’m not here to be your friend.”
    I feel a flush of blood rise to my
cheeks.
    “ Besides, you really should get some
rest. There won’t be much time for that once the obstacles have
begun.” His lips squeeze into a thin smile.
    “ Fine.” I nod as I turn
toward the window, hoping he won’t notice my red face. But then I
catch myself. I’m just acting as my old Laborer self: a mindless,
obedient sheep. I sit up straight, search through the side pocket
of my seat and find a magazine, leafing through it without really
paying attention.
    After a minute, Nicholas looks over at me.
“What in the world are you doing?”
    “ Reading.” I keep turning
the pages.
    He puffs. “Let me clarify. Why aren’t you
sleeping? You really should be...”
    I interrupt him. “I can’t, so instead, I’m
distracting myself while reading about…” I hold up the page that I
landed on and see the red lingerie on the model, pouting her glossy
red lips, standing in a very uncomfortable pose.
    Nicholas’s eyes widen for a split second,
but then a hearty laugh escapes his lips. “Joseph, I didn’t know
you liked that kind of girl.”
    I quickly close the
magazine and return it to its holder, my face hot. “Not really, but
I hear that you do.” I say accusingly, as a desperate attempt to
have something to
say. Stupid.
    “ Yeah, that’s what most
people believe.” The playfulness in his eyes turns
solemn.
    “ I’ve seen you in the
papers, you know.” I need to stop talking now.
    “ Oh you have, have you?”
His eyes stare me down, but they’re not angry, only
confrontational.
    “ Yes, with different
girls…”
    “ And…your point is?” His
voice is flat and stern, but he smiles like he doesn’t care. “Not
many people know me, and since I’m the president’s son, everyone
has their own opinion of me. You included, it would
seem.”
    I hate to be lumped together with everyone
else.
    “ I’m going to take a nap
now,” he leans in closer and whispers, “Heidi.” Sitting up straight
again, he says, “And if you’d like, you can do the same. Or not.
It’s completely up to you.” He presses the button on the armrest,
transforming his seat to a bed.
    I pull the blanket close up to my head. I
don’t want anyone to notice how flushed my face has become.
     
    * * *
     
    It takes me some time, but I’m finally able
to relax. Somewhere between sleep and consciousness, I hear the
captain announce that we’re on our final descent into Volkov
Village. I bring my seat back up and stretch my arms above my head,
yawning.
    “ Good nap?” Nicholas asks,
already awake.
    I force a smile, not quite sure how to act
toward him after I offended him.
    Mai pulls out her toiletries and freshens up
her make-up again.
    “ Why didn’t you just stay
home, Imp?” Johnny stares at me from his seat.
    “ Imp?”
    “ Yeah, you’re imp…eding us
from focusing on what’s really important about the