Blind Sky

Blind Sky

By Kerry S. Gordon

About 1986 words

Chapter 1

The entire Australian continent was inaccessible because we were at war, and the dictum killed or be killed was never more prominent and real than now. And though death was not something I tried to mediate on, training with the agency prepared me for life threatening missions, with no room for mistakes.

War was my reality and what I settled into, and any chance of having a regular life again seemed like a mirage of false hopes and dreams.

When Australian Officials reported mom’s murder to dad and I on our front door, dad was beyond himself, and had to be sedated after he hit one of the Official’s. I on the other hand, was frozen. I ached with desire for revenge, retribution, justice, anything, something to ease the uncontrollable maddening desire marinating under my skin, which was boiling over with an insatiable appetite for vengeance.

Anything I ever needed, or yearned for, paled in comparison to the need for my mother to be alive.

My mother’s death, murder, and slaughter was the turning point for the burst of galling urgency saturated inside my body, ready to erupt, and why I had to join Logue agency.

I head to my car after reviewing the information Gram gave me, trying to picture my life before the war, before the agency, and before my mother’s murder.

I drown myself with memories, recalling all the times she gave me advice. I found myself driving to no set destination, and continue driving, deciding to stop outside the grave yard.

I push away the flowers and leafs scattered around the cold gray tombstone, wrapping my body around the tombstone, afraid to unplug my body from her presence, needing her comfort.

The cold stone pressing against my skin isn’t befitting for someone full of life, charisma, and an infectious smile that could light up any room. She was as beautiful as Pocahontas, and as caring as any devoted charity worker. I remain fixed on the tombstone like a branch on a tree, thinking about her well into the night.

It’s late, and I know dad must be worried and livid, noting the various missed calls, voice messages and text messages on my phone.

I pull into the driveway noticing Derek’s car, knowing this was not good.

“Sky,” The voices announce just as I open the door.

“Where have you been?” Dad asks; with a displeased look on his face.

“You had us worried, I was about to start a search party and call Authority Official’s.” He shouts.

“We’ve been trying to call you all evening.” Derek blurts as well.

“I’m fine, no need to worry.”

But the carelessness in my attitude does not please either one. Normally I wouldn’t be so unconcerned, but I am distracted from the events of today.

“Easy for you to say.” Derek voices, his eyes pinning mine.

He’s furious, making an effort to remain calm, but it’s clear from the scowled expression on his face, he’s pissed. Derek and I grew up together, and was one of my best friends, so it’s a face I am familiar with and knew all too well.

“I called several times and sent several text messages, and when I didn’t hear from you, came to your house.” He adds with disdain.

“Don’t you have anything to say?” Dad shouts in a scolding way.

I think of something quick, because they can’t know about my meeting at Logue, and I don’t want to bring up visiting mom’s gravesite.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to cause grieve. You’re right to be mad.”

My apology seems to ease their anger a little, but I know I wasn’t completely off the hook, conveniently switching the conversation.

“You guys hungry?”

“No you don’t young lady.” Dad’s still upset, and he rarely ever speaks to me the way he is, reserving such stern tone for deliberate disobedience. I even try to recall the last time he’s been this upset with me, and can’t.

“Dad.”

“Not now Sky let me finish. I want to know where you’ve been. Do you understand we were seconds from calling the Authority Official’s?”

I sigh, making up a lie. “I was with a friend from work.”

Dad and Derek steal puzzled glances at one another.

“We were talking in the parking lot, and decided to go out to eat and get some drinks.

They both stand silently.

“We got caught up and lost track of time.”

I hate lying to him, but I don’t want to tell him where I was.

Derek remains quiet and motionless, turning his head to the side as to disengage in the conversation.

Not wanting to argue or continue on with the conversation, I try to settle things. “Dad, everything’s fine. I know I should have called and I’m sorry for that.”

“I know, you usually are not this…careless,” he says with unease, though in a much calmer tone.

“I don’t like to be this strict with you, but I need to know you’re safe. It may not be cool to be a worried parent or old fashion, but I couldn’t.”

He’s struggling to hold his speech together, which makes me feel even worse.

“I wouldn’t know what I would do if I lost you.” He takes a long breath, managing to maintain his discomfort.

“Promise never to do this again; my heart can’t take it.”

“Promise.” I embrace him, whispering an apology in his ear.

Derek appears deep in thought as if pondering something. I’m pretty good at reading him, however, it’s been a long day for us all and I’m too tired to inquire.

It’s minutes after 1 a.m., and dad and Derek have been chatting, lounging on the couch like a couple of college buddies as if nothing transpired.

I watch them channel flip between a documentary and some swamp show.

After retiring to bed, feel guilty again for worrying dad and Derek, but once I broke the news to dad that I enrolled in College, all was forgotten and forgiven. I knew he was proud of me no matter what decision I made, but the delight in his eyes made me reconsider possible enrolling on my own after the mission. Derek on the other hand seemed wary and skeptical, but I didn’t need to discuss anything further.

Chapter 2

After my meeting at Logue to discuss my latest mission, pull up to my driveway wondering how many secrets mom hid from dad, or if he knew anything about the danger she was facing.

The house is quiet, and despite’s dad’s lack of organizational skill, must admit, he does a good job maintaining the house well, though with my help of course.

I still have vivid images of the many mornings she spent looking outside the large windows near the kitchen, curled up on the built in bench she requested as a kitchen add-on, sipping on one of her many favorite herbal teas.

I stroll outside pass the kitchen which is modern and mostly white; with beige colored bamboo floors that accents the house beautifully. I head to the patio outback, another one of mom’s beloved oasis.

The patio was always a great place to go unwind. It had a great view of the lake, which is accented with a blue tinted glass fence that spans around the pool. There are also various stones that added a tranquil vibe, accompanied by wood deck flooring, and urban style patio furniture that came in handy for the many parties she threw.

I head back inside finding dad in the kitchen.

"Hey kid, how were classes today?" And he’s in an abnormally chipper mood.

"Pretty decent." I’m feeling awful for not being able to disclose the complete truth. I wanted to share that I was at the agency, and not in class, but I can’t.

"Anything interesting?”

"No, not really, just the usual lectures. Did you eat already?"

"Yeah, picked up a salad today. I brought you back one. I left it in the refrigerator."

"Thanks."

"Should I start something for dinner?"

"No. I am meeting up with Ted and Henry later this evening. I’ll get something to eat while I’ m out. I am sorry to leave you all the time, I feel guilty."

"Don’t worry about me. I have a lot of reading and assignments I want to get a head start on for class."

"Are you sure?" He’s glancing at me with concern.

"Yes, I am good. Don’t worry."

"I’ll probably be late, so don’t wait up."

"Thanks again for the salad," giving him a hug.

"Love you Sky."

"I love you too."

"Sky." He calls.

"Yes." I yell.

"I forgot to give you these," handing me a stack of mail.

"Thanks," waving him out.

I head upstairs to mom’s office deciding to search through some of her boxes, files and documents for some kind of a clue as to who would have wanted her dead. I found nothing substantial, staring at the large shelf of books.

On the shelf was a black and white photo of her wearing a tank top, her holding her exposed pregnant belly, with long flowing hair covering her face.

While staring at the photo, an ice prick of chills travels down my spine. I pick up the small floral box next to the photo, finding a key and note inside.

The key is large and gold, though not sure if it’s real gold or not. I read the handwritten note from my mom addressed to me.

My Beloved Sky.

If you are reading this note, it probably means, I am no longer with you.

It saddens me that I’m not able to be a part of your life, or there to watch you grow into the beautiful woman I know you are. I want you to know, you’re the best and greatest thing that has ever happened to me. And though I can’t be with you, want you to be safe.

I know your dad is doing his best, and I miss both of you dearly, but there are important things you need to know to protect yourself. Behind the bookshelf, is a framed photo on the wall of your dad and I. Remove the photo, and use the gold key you found to unlock the built in safe. Inside the safe, there is a little black book with important information and documentation I need you to look through. You will also find a stack of money. There is $20,000 cash I left for you. I wish I could have given more, but that is all I could manage to get.

Do whatever you want with the money, but make sure no one else sees or finds the little black book. Also, your dad must not know about the book. Since your father and I both worked for Logue agency, he may be tied to things he may not be aware of.

Be safe my love. I miss you so much.

Love Mom.

I quickly head to move the bookshelf. It was heavy and not easy, but I located the framed photo, removed it and found the little black book, along with the cash.

Inside the little black book, mom detailed information about the various research projects she was working on for Logue agency. There were also stamps to Division 19, a division in Australia that no one could access without authorization or clearance from Division 19 leaders. I checked to see a record of the date or year she went, but there was not date, just Division 19 stamps.

It wasn’t clear exactly what mom was involved with or uncovered. But it’s clear that there is information or secretes tied to Logue agency, that I need to find out, and a trip to Division 19 that I have to take.