Failing Test: Book One of The Shadow Series Page 26

  Test took another look at those that surrounded him. He was overcome with a feeling so unfamiliar to him, that he couldn’t pinpoint its meaning. Acceptance had come, but at a price. The rhythmic beating of helicopter blades could be heard in the distance, not one, but several. In defeat, he turned back to Marcy.

  “They’ll never leave me alone, Marcy.”

  She asked innocently, though she knew the answer. “Who are they?”

  Test then looked across the rubble to see ten or more military vehicles speeding into the parking lot. Pointing to them, he answered. “Some people don’t want to believe that something so different might not be the enemy. I could never be at peace here, and you couldn’t either as long as I am around.” Turning to Mark, he continued. “Please keep an eye on Nicole for me? Tell her I hope that she finds someone who will appreciate the country night sky. She deserves it.” He then turned and walked to Cliff. “I have to leave you, my friend.”

  “I know,” replied the old man.

  “Of course you do,” replied Test, laughing lightly with tears in his eyes.

  Cliff spoke sternly. “You’re gonna see me again someday. I promise you.”

  “If you say so, then I am sure it is so,” replied Test mournfully.

  Behind Cliff, soldiers had begun to spill out from their vehicles and onto the fairgrounds. Test walked back to Nicole and kneeling beside her one last time, he felt her soft black hair between his fingers. He leaned over and took in one last breath of her hair and kissed her softly on the forehead. Slowly, she opened her eyes. As he stroked her cheek, Test spoke passionately.

  “I love you, Nicole Paxton.”

  “I love you, too,” she whispered.

  The couple looked each other in the eyes and felt the sadness that was goodbye. As if closing out the pain, Nicole closed her eyes, forcing tears down her cheeks.

  Test stood and backed away from her. He looked over his left shoulder and nodded to the officer. “Thank you for helping me to feel human again.”

  Before the officer could answer, Test pulsed into the air and was out of sight in a matter of seconds. The helicopters screamed over the crowd and continued to the east until they disappeared over the horizon.

  With the soldiers advancing rapidly, Cliff looked to the officer. “I reckon I’d rather you take me than one of them,” said the old man, pointing in the soldiers’ direction.

  The officer stepped to Cliff and, with reservations, took his handcuffs off his belt. “I wish it could be different, sir,” the officer said sincerely.

  Cliff looked to the officer with a grin and a wisdom-filled look that was beyond the young man’s comprehension. With a wink he replied.

  “It’s okay, son. Life is never set in stone. You never know what tomorrow will bring.”

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