The Underground Palace

Chapter Four - The Lies

'The dream was real!  Why don't you believe me?' cried Alex for the fifth time.  Susan shook her head and flicked the car's windscreen wipers on       

'I hate driving in the snow,' muttered Susan, whilst peering into her rear-view mirror.

'Mum!  Answer me!' screamed Alex.

'Alexandra, it was just a dream-'

'It wasn't a dream!  How many times do I have to tell you?  It was real damn it!  I felt it!  The fear, the flames, the children ... why don't you believe me?'  Susan stayed quiet and focused on the road ahead.  She couldn't answer her daughter; she couldn't let her know the truth.  Alex sighed and looked out of the window.  Streetlights flew past and Alex realised begging her mother for answers wasn't going to get her anywhere.  For years Susan had mastered the art of dodging awkward questions – why her father abandoned her for example.

'We need to go to the police,' stated Alex.

'No,' retorted Susan.

'What?' cried out Alex and she spun back round to face her mother.  'Are you serious?  Glen was kidnapped!  We need to tell them!  Isn't that where we're going?'  She looked outside the car window and realised they were nowhere near the police station.

'The police can't help us,' began Susan.  Alex didn't understand, the police helped everyone.  Then Susan added, 'those men have tried to take you and Glen before.'

'What?'

'You were very young!  It's lucky you don't remember it but the thing is those men who took Glen will be back for you,' explained Susan.  Alex didn't say anything, she was utterly speechless.  How had she not known this?  'Those men have access to government intelligence and that is how they found Linda's address.  We can't trust the government, nor the police.  Fortunately, I do know of someone who can keep you safe.'

'How come you never told us?' screamed Alex, furious. 

'Don't you dare say that!  It was for your own good!'

'This is your fault!  Why did they take Glen?'

'I can't tell you-'

'Yes you can!'

'I don't know, alright?' yelled Susan.  Alex glared at her mother.  She wasn't telling the truth.  Alex's super power always knew when people lied.

'I can't believe you never told us,' whispered Alex.  Susan briefly took her eyes off the road and glance at her daughter.  There were tears falling down her cheek.

'I'm sorry.  I regret it now.  I do.  For some reason I always thought you'd both be safe from him,' answered Susan.  Him...

'Him?  So you believe me, my dream, was it real?' demanded Alex.   

'Alex, I don't know!' cried Susan, breaking down as well.  'This man I know will give us answers.  And this time you deserve all the answers.  And so do I.'  Alex stared out of the window and watched the other cars drive past.  It was way past midnight.  'Get some sleep Alexandra, it's going to be a long drive.'

Alex didn't reply.  She hated her mum right now.  This was all her fault. 

* 

'Alex, darling, we're nearly there.'  Alex opened her eyes and was surprised to find it was still dark.  She glanced at the car's clock and saw that it was just past five am.  Three hours had passed and a glance at her mother told Alex that she was knackered.  Her stubborn mother had driven the whole journey without a break.  Alex stretched and saw a sign ahead reading "Welcome to Glenhue".