Redemption (Enigma Black Trilogy Book #3) by Sara Furlong-Burr Page A

“because color coordination is so crucial to the survival of humanity.”
    “Enough, you two,” Chase interceded, ignoring Paige’s wide-eyed glare.
    “ Good morning ,” the woman superhero’s voice came across the television. “ Let me begin by saying that I have been overwhelmed with the amount of concern you have shown for my well-being .”
    The sound of glass shattering on the wooden floor rattled the room, drawing attention away from the message on the television.
    “Chase, what is it?” Paige asked, concerned. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
    “You could say that,” he said, shaking. “I think my blood sugar may be running a little low. Would you mind getting me a glass of juice?”
    “Of course,” Paige replied, running to the kitchen.
    “What’s going on?” Trey asked.
    “Does—does she sound familiar to you?”
    “Not any more familiar than any other girl out there. Seriously, man, you have no color left in your face. Are you feeling all right?”
    “She doesn’t in the slightest way sound like anyone you’ve ever met before? Ever?”
    “Who? You mean, like Celaine?” Trey asked, his eyebrow raised. “First, the mall, now this. Chase, you know you’re like a brother to me, but you really need to get it together. That’s not Celaine behind that mask. You know it’s not. She despised Brooks. There’s no way she would support him in any way, especially after the events that transpired at the address. Plus, she couldn’t do what those superheroes do physically. The girl practically tripped over her own two feet.”
    Chase nodded. “I know. Logically, I know what you’re saying makes sense, but—”
    “You miss her still. It’s okay, I understand.”
    “I’m going crazy, Trey. Certifiably nuts, I think.”
    “Here,” Paige said, returning with a plastic cup, a dishrag and a broom.
    Chase took the cup from her and placed it to his lips, taking in the orange juice. “Thank you.”
    “You look like you’re feeling better already.”
    “I am. The juice seems to have worked wonders.”
    “How can she possibly be defending Brooks?” Trey asked.
    “What? What do you mean?” Chase asked, turning up the volume on the television.
    “ They will stop at nothing to tear us down, and watch our country burn to ashes in the process . Everyone, including your neighbors, educators, friends, and even your own family should be regarded as potential suspects. Watch their behavior. Report them, if you feel as though what you see warrants it. With your help, we will restore order.”
    “It’s her voice, yes, but she’s not saying the words,” Chase said, inching closer to the screen.
    “If you can hear her voice, how is it that she’s not saying the words?” Trey asked, perplexed.
    “Look at her lips. The words you hear don’t match up to the words she’s saying. It’s like they recorded her saying something else and then imposed her voice over it.”
    “So, this isn’t live, then?”
    “I think whether or not this is a live broadcast is the least of our worries. They have used this message, whether her words or not, to rally everyone against the rebellion. The entire country is going to turn on each other, completely forgetting what the real problem is.”
    “So, what you’re saying is, there’s going to be a war—neighbor against neighbor?”
    “That’s exactly what I’m saying. Amidst the chaos, Brooks will rise, more powerful than he’s ever been before, while society as we know it self-destructs.”
    *****
    I was inches away from Victor when I felt Ian’s arms around my body, swiftly pulling me back. “Let me go,” I yelled.
    Ian pulled me to his body. “Calm down, Celaine. Not here, not now,” he whispered into my ear.
    “Yes, Mr. Grant, why don’t you let her finish what she was attempting to start? Perhaps, she’ll then learn a newfound respect for the person responsible for her life, and for who she is today.”
    “The only thing you’re