NOT IMPOSSIBLE: CHAPTER THREE

C H A P T E R

3

M I S S I O N—A C C E P T E D

I got home from track practice the next afternoon and found the answer-machine beeping. I clicked the button and surprisingly, it was Andy’s voice.

“Hey, Danny! Meet me at my house at four.”

I blinked.

Maybe it’s about the secret.

After showering and changing, I left the house and skateboarded to Andy’s, not even noticing that once again my parents weren’t in sight.

“Andy? You here?” I came inside, after discovering the door was unlocked.

Andy came out from the kitchen, a cup with a straw in hand. “I have come to a decision, Danny.”

“Well, what?”

“We have to send out troops.”

My mouth fell open.

“I mean, spies. We have to spy. To see if there’s any threats.”

I looked skeptical.

“First, we’ll go to Mr. Rodiwro’s house. He’s pretty mysterious right? Who knows what he keeps up in his attics. Maybe he’s helping the government too.”

I nodded, curious where this was going.

“And then—and then we’ll check Mrs. Rosalie’s house.”

I raised my eyebrows. “Mrs. Rosalie’s just a nice old lady. Why would she be helping the government?”

“Who knows why people do things…” Andy looked distantly. “I have a theory.”

“Really?” I came forward. “What is it?”

“I think—” Andy looked around the house, making sure no one was in sight. “That she trains her cats to be assassins. And we’re all going to be ambushed!”

My shoulders dropped and I felt all light in me dim. I almost grew bitter for a second. “Really, Andrew? You don’t believe me? You asked me to come all the way down here just to make fun of me?”

Andy sighed, an amused smile on his face. “What, you didn’t think I’d really believe you, did I? It sounds crazy.”

I stiffened. 

Traitor.

“I’m done here. I have to go.”

Andy stood from his chair quickly, and blocked my way out. “Wait, wait, wait! C’mon, Danny. It’s just a joke. You’re not mad, are you?”

I looked at him blandly. “Why would I be mad?” I responded flatly. But I could barely keep it in. 

How could he? My one friend.

“You’re going to be sorry. But I’m going to figure out what happen and save me and everyone else, if something were to happen.”

“Danny,” Andy sighed. “Listen to yourself. I always knew you had a big imagination, but—you’re seventeen. And you think we’re all about to just randomly die?”

“Andy, I heard them!”

“Maybe you heard wrong…?”

I gave up on trying to convince him. “I’m going to tell Trinity. I know she’ll believe me.” I tried to move past him, but he didn’t listen. 

“Daniel. If you tell her this now, when she barely even knows you—you are going to make her never talk to you again. I’m telling you, she’ll think you’re crazy.”

I pondered this for a moment. “You’re right. I’ll tell her just in time, before they attack.”

NOT IMPOSSIBLE CHAPTER TWO!

C H A P T E R   T W O
W H A T   T H E Y   W A N T   Y O U   T O   B E L I E V E 

I got home and was surprised by all my friends, Mom holding a cake out to me beckoning me to blow out the candles.

“Happy birthday, Danny!” Mom cried, her blue eyes glowing. She still had her computer glasses on, and a pen resting on her ear.

She must have been working on something…

“Well, aren’t you going to make a wish?” My friend Andy nudged me.

I laughed. “Sure,” I took a step forward and in one breath, blew out the seventeen glittery white candles that formed around the cake in a circle. Everyone clapped and embarrassed me, and I dipped my finger in the gooey icing.

“Ooh, chocolate!” I exclaimed, causing more laughter.

That night, me and Andy sat outside in the grass, just as the stars were beginning to appear.

“You like the cake?” He asked me, licking his finger.

“You kidding? It was awesome.”

“What did you like more? The drone or the air-pilot manual?”

“I don’t know, I really liked the dictionary from Aunt Samantha.”

The two of us laughed and laid down on our backs.

“Nights like these—perfecto.” 

I took a deep breath. “You’re right. There’s nothing more normal and perfect than right now,” I tried to sound alright, but my voice held hesitation that I couldn’t control.

Andy looked at me, his brown curls in the grass. “Daniel?”

“Hm?”

“Is something wrong?”

Wrong? What could I say to that?
“Wrong? What do you mean?”

“You seem…quiet. You’re never quiet.”

“Nuh uh. You’re the loud one.”

“Yeah right,” Andy shifted his one hand behind his head to the other one.

“Actually, there is something.”

“I knew it.” Andy stared at me. “Spill.”

I leaned on my side and twiddled with my fingers. “I think my parents are up to something.” 

“What, like a vacation?”

“No, no—I mean I think we’re in danger. I think…I’m in danger?”

Andy looked at me like I grew a third eye. “How do you figure that? We have a great government system who actually takes care of us. How could anything dangerous be here? Threatening you…?”

I dwelled on his theory about the government. “You really believe that?”

“Believe what?”

“About the government…”

Andy shrugged. “Course. Don’t you?”

I opened my mouth but no words came. “I guess I never really thought about them,” I mumbled, plucking a stem of grass. My eyes rested on nothing, just the grass lit by the deck lights.

“Danny,” Andy tried to look me in the eye and finally I did so. “What’s going on?”

“I saw Mom and Dad in the basement. They were working on something in a secret room I never saw before. And there were these weird neon lights flashing and—”

“Whoa, whoa, whoa. The basement? Not even your Christmas decorations go down there.” Andy hugged himself. “It’s creepy.”

I suddenly came to the conclusion of something. “That’s why we never went downstairs. They might’ve been doing this all along!”

“Doing what?” He snapped.

I looked up at him a little surprised.

“Sorry, it’s just—why would you think anything against them?”

I sighed. “Because my parents. I heard them say, something like, my life depends on it.”

Andy looked at me curiously. “You’re sure you heard that? And it was about you?”

“I’m almost positive. All this—” I motioned my hand around the yard, “this is what they want you to believe. But I don’t think it’s real. I think they’re working backstage.”

“Interesting theory.”

 “Look, I know it sounds crazy. But I think I’m onto something. And I aim to find out what.”

“I’m in,” he shrugged.

I stared at him. “Wait, you believe me? And-and you’re in? For real?”

“What’s wrong with a little adventure every now and then?”

I grinned. “Not a thing.”

NOT IMPOSSIBLE CHAPTER ONE!

NOT

IMPOSSIBLE 

 BOOK ONE

A N   A C T I O N-  T H R I LL E R   B Y   E L E N A   D E N V E R

                    C H A P T E R   O N E

                           N O R M A L?

It was Tuesday. 

Finally, school was out and I could have a little fun. But before that, running errands for Mom came first—and dropping off books at the library too. I had two brown paper bags in my hand, and one blue plastic bag filled with books in the other. The library was just a few blocks away, but I never minded the walking. It was cooler than the last few days and there was the faintest breeze in the air, but I welcomed it. As I walked down the sidewalks, I glanced at the stores on my right, the displays showing in the windows. When I got to a certain store, I paused.

Wedding Gowns and Floral Decor.

I looked in the window, only a few feet away from the glass. Inside, I saw a girl measuring a dress on a mannequin, adding little bits and pieces to the gown, things I didn’t understand.

Trinity.

I smiled. 

Her warm eyes glowed and she smiled, taking a needle from her mouth and pinning it down somewhere.

Just as she went to look my way, I turned and walked briskly onward. I didn’t want to make her think I was staring at her.

Trinity Jane March. That was her name. I had known her since we were small kids, though I never got the chance to say hi to her. Someday, I would.

But not yet.

I had to find out what was going on with Mom and Dad first.

I finally arrived at the Herrington Library and slid my books in the blue book slot. I felt just a tap of rain, but the sky was still a nice warm pink.

I wanted to hurry home, in case it picked up. I walked home, still holding the two brown paper bags in my hand, filled with groceries. I glanced at my watch.

5:37 pm. I wanted to be back in time for my birthday dinner, pizza and ginger-ale—my favorite. My best friend Andy was even coming over. It was going to be fun. 

So, I picked up my pace and just for a mere second, I looked away and plummeted into somebody, dropping my bags and scuffing my already bruised knee.

The apples and onions rolled all over the concrete and some into the road. Those were immediately squashed and turned into mush.
“Oh my goodness, I am so sorry!”

I hadn’t even noticed who I bumped into. I looked up and my eyes were met with deep auburn eyes, with just a hint of sunset orange.

“Tri-Trinity?”

“Um…Danny, right?” She awkwardly laughed and bent down to help pick up the food that rolled all over the sidewalk.

I blinked, breaking the daze I was under. “Oh—hi, I…I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking where I was going…”

“No, no, it’s my fault, I wasn’t being careful, and you were carrying a ton of groceries, and now they’re all over the floor!” 

She talked so fast, I barely heard her. But something about the way she riled herself up, brought a smile to my face.

“Um…Danny?”

“Oh, um, yes?”

She laughed again, holding the bags, one ripped. “Here’s your food. I’m sorry, one of the bags is ripped and—”

“It’s okay.”

“Really?”

“Yeah, I mean it. It’s fine.”

She smiled and stood up, wiping off her knee-length skirt. Her skirt was a pale peach color and her shirt was cream with little peach flowers. And around her neck, was a gold necklass with what looked like a rose. A rose-gold rose. Something about that sounded nice. Elegant.

I realized I had been staring at her necklass too long.

“It’s from my mom,” she said, looking down and fingering the flower between her two fingers.

“It’s…it’s really nice.”

“Yeah. It used to be hers. I don’t know what I would do if this thing got lost.”

I nodded and looked down. 

“Well, I’ll let you go.”

As she walked away, I remembered my birthday and called out, “Hey, are you busy?”

She turned around. “Why do you ask?”

“Well, today’s my birthday and we were kind of doing something at the house. Something real simple and maybe you’d like to come?”

She smiled. “Well, happy birthday. But no, I can’t this time. I was going to the animal shelter to help my friend this week. But thanks, anyway.” She turned around and walked down the path. 

I watched her until she turned a corner and left my view.

That was probably the second time I had ever uttered a word to her.

And it felt good. Not just good—but normal. Today was actually normal. I brushed off my feelings about Mom and Dad’s basement thing. It was probably something I had nothing to worry about.

The words, “His life depends on it,” entered my mind for the millionth time today. But this time, I ignored it and made my way on home.

Sneak peek....

 Hi everyone! This here is a sneak peek of the up-coming action story I've been writing. I don't have a title for the book, yet, but  I'll think of one soon. The real chapter one will be coming out next week hopefully! 

I hope you enjoy, and ignore my logical errors, since this is my first action book taking place in present day America!! 

This is the story of how I-Daniel Burton-discovered my parent's secret and then...well you'll just have to find out.

It all started on a normal July Wednesday, in my hometown Ronny Drove Ohio. I had no idea my life would completely alter and turn-upside down just because of one secret. My goal had always been to be the best track-runner in the States. Now it's just staying alive.  

RONNY DR., Ohio. 

Wednesday 

July the 8th,  

5:03pm.

I had just got back from school. 

The weather was near eighty degrees and the air was thick and hot. It had been a slow walk coming home, since the humid air had affected my Asthma and dropped my pace to a more moderate steady one.

I dropped my back-pack on the floor and kicked off my running shoes. The house was eerily quiet.

Too quiet, I thought.

“Mom?” I looked around a corner. The lights seemed to be off in every room. “Dad?” 

No answer.

I closed my eyes and listened real silently, straining my ears to see if I could make out just a whisper. Something that would give me a calm conscious. But the silence didn’t seem natural. It didn’t feel natural.

What’s going on…

Just as I decided maybe going upstairs and getting showered and changed would be best, I heard something. 

Just a mumble. Then, two mumbles. It has to be Mom and Dad, I was thinking. And I was right. I followed the sound to what was the basement. We hadn’t gone down to that basement for ages. But now, voices echoed in the empty space.

I got just a hint of a chill down my spine. I tried to walk cat-like down the rickety steps, but even with my socks, it creaked—three steps down. 

It was dark and muggy down there. I was at the bottom of the steps and peeked my head around the wall, when I gasped. A bright neon light shone from underneath a door farther along. My curiosity grew and I tiptoed closer to the door, trying to make out the words I heard. I was so close—and then I tripped over some hidden object laying out on the floor. I let out a quiet groan and tumbled to the cold concrete floor.

That’s gonna be a bruise later, I thought.

And then—I sat deathly still as I heard a shuffle of footsteps.

“What’s that?” A voice said. And to my surprise, it was my mother.

Who else did I think would it be?

“Did you hear that?”

“Hear what?”

The door opened.

I scooted behind an old trashcan.

The whole room almost lit up with the neon coloring flowing from out the door.

“It’s okay. Danny’s probably home now,” my dad reassured her.

I sat there quietly, anticipating what Mom might say next. I heard the door shut, but when I peeked over the top of the can, I saw that it had accidentally been left open a crack. I leaned my heard farther and strained my ears for more information.

“Liam,” Mom had worry growing in her voice. Her eyes glowed with the bright light. “What are we going to do? They’ve probably already found us out. They’re coming, Liam.”

What?

“I know, Starla. But it’s going to be okay. Danny’s a smart boy. Almost all grown up,” Dad’s voice dropped to a low tone. “If he ever found us…this…”

“But he won’t. They might, but we have to make sure he doesn’t. His life depends on it.”

I couldn’t believe what I was hearing. “His life depends on it?” I decided maybe I should leave. After all, they obviously didn’t want me to find out whatever they were talking about. I slipped upstairs and into my room, slowly and silently, closing the door behind me. I took a seat on my bed and let out a big exhale. 

“His life depends on it…his life…his life depends on it…”

Artemis Breaker Chp. 3

C H A P T E R 

I I I

Runaway 

 A T H E N A  burst through the doors. “Armand, get the food, we need to go!”

“We don’t have any food!”

Athena grabbed a bag and stuffed blankets in. She took every essential they had and out the door they went.  “Where do we go, Artemis?”

“We go to one of those ships. We’ll find in the lower deck and then you can bind my leg.”

“They’ll find us.”

“By the time they do, they’ll probably be out on the sea already, miles from here. We must never come to Jamestown again.”

“Artemis—” Athena cried. “This is our home.”

Artemis looked back but could see nothing but snow. “This was our home. But not anymore.” He saw the distant ships up ahead. “Let’s hurry. That man could be back soon.”

Athena understood. She held little Armand’s hand, while helping Artemis, and to the ships they went.

It was dark and cold. The decks were almost frozen and the railings were blanketed with snow.

“I’m frightened.” Armand peered into the darkness.

“Don’t be. We’ll be safe here. I hear this ship is sailing to Beauport tomorrow. Then we’ll be faraway.”

Artemis pulled a blanket over their laps. They sat in the dark corner of the lowest deck. 

Athena sang until Armand fell asleep. Then she wrapped a white cloth around Artemis’ leg. 

Artemis winced at the pain.

“Artemis…”

“Yes?”

“We’re not going to survive.”

“Of course we will. Papa was a detective along with a philosopher. He was the smartest man that ever lived. I’ll be like that too, someday. Maybe you too.”

“But he’ll find us.”

Artemis sighed. “What do you suggest?”

Athena bit her lip. Then tears escaped her eyes. “I can’t. I couldn’t bear it.”

“What? What is it?”

Athena looked at Artemis. “If we were to split up—we’d be safe.”

Artemis knew she was right. “If we run into that man again, then maybe we should. We’ll meet up somewhere though. I’ll come back and get Armand, and then we’ll all be together.”

Athena agreed. “Yes. Just temporarily. And Armand is a bright boy. I know there is someone out there who will love him.”

Artemis nodded. And then paused. He listened to the faint sound of footsteps. But his mind drifted off and he closed his eyes and slept.

Artemis gasped. He sighed, relieved. It was just a nightmare. A nightmare of Mother, and the horrifying scene Artemis had to witness. He glanced out the small circular window. It must be nearly dawn, he thought. 

Thump! Thump!

Artemis stood very still. Someone was up there.

Athena flinched, when Artemis’ cold hand felt her arm. 

“Stay quiet. Maybe that’s the captain.”

“Do you think he will hurt us?”

Artemis didn’t want to take any chances. “If that’s the killer—we’d better be silent.”

“How could he have known we were here?”

“Maybe he tracked us down. But we’ll stay down here until he know for sure.”

The hours passed. Suddenly, there was a yell.

Artemis listened to the sound.

“To the seas!”

Artemis breathed quickly. The ship was taking off. Soon, he would be someplace very far away. “It’s just a matter of time before he finds us.” He whispered. 

Athena nodded. “I’m scared.”

“I know you are. Just tell yourself you don’t need anybody but yourself. And soon, you’ll realize that, every time you’ve gone to trust someone—they always fail you.”

“You never failed me.”

Artemis caught her glance. “And I will continue to not. But others—you just cane trust them. They’ll always turn. And…” Artemis leaned back his head and sighed. “We will always be in danger. Always afraid someone will find us.”

“I just don’t see why. What did we do?”

“It’s not about what we’ve done. It’s about who we are. They think we know something. We’re bright, and apparently that’s what put us in danger.”

The light shone in through the window brightly. 

Artemis sat upright, rubbing his eyes and licking his lips. He heard voices from up above. Then suddenly—a man climbed down into the small little space. His eyes met his and he stopped still. 

“Runaways!” He shouted.

Artemis sighed hopelessly. He gently nudged Athena and she woke. Armand woke also and gasped.

A tall strong man came down and crossed his arms. “Get upstairs.”

Artemis and the others swiftly obeyed. Upstairs, on the slippery deck, they stood. They wondered if the captain would show mercy.

“What is the meaning of this?” He demanded harshly.

Artemis stammered, “We hid here because…” Will telling them he truth be worse? I have to try. 

“Someone is…” Artemis just couldn’t bring himself to tell him. “I need a job. We need a chance to rebuild our lives. Please, sir.”

The tall man thought for a moment. And then, “You want work, I’ll give you work. Where are you heading, boy?”

Artemis looked at the crew who stared at him fiercely. “Anywhere would be fine.”

The man smiled and stepped forward, extending his hand. “The name’s Smith. Rodney Smith.” He handed him a bucket and mop. “You can begin with scrubbing the decks. They are slimy—haven’t been washed for ages.” 

Artemis and Athen obeyed, while Armand stayed in the corner keeping quiet. 

After a few days onboard, Artemis learned that Rodney’s mission was delivering food and supplies to other places. Wherever the went, it was sure better than their previous home. But Artemis still had the sickening question of, ‘why was Mother killed?’ He seemed to choke on the question. “Why?” He asked aloud. People behind him heard and looked questionably at him. 

She didn’t do anything. I don’t understand. 

Artemis looked back to his work. 

Wow, that went quicker than I thought! I know, I know, I have so many unfinished stories, it's just pitiful. But maybe I'll be urged to write more. 

I've been thinking about quitting blogging for awhile and I think it would be better that way, just so I don't always feel bad.

Thanks for the followers and all your lovely comments everyone!

Bye for now!

Artemis Breaker Chp. 2

C H A P T E R 

I I

A Queer Disappearance 

A S   G O S S I P  spread through town, people began to wonder about the strange artist who had  suddenly disappeared. Word got out, and rumors were spread. Artemis knew that if the townspeople were to find out she was dead, they would ask questions. But Artemis promised himself they would never find out the whole truth. If they knew she was murdered, their entire reputation and honor would be destroyed forever.

Athena burst through the door with a bucket of water in her hand. She set it down on the ground. “I’m going to brew some tea.”

“I don’t want any.”

Athena looked down. “I talked to Armand.”

“I know. He cried.” Artemis put a log on the fire. Times were tough in Jamestown, when winter came. “Don’t say anymore.”

“I thought you wanted him to believe Mother was on a trip.”

“He’s just too smart, he probably already knows. He’s so young. He doesn’t deserve this.”

Athena straightened up. “Artie, get up. It’s been a week. You’ve had your time to grieve. It’s time to get back to life.”

Artemis shot a warning look at her. “Don’t you see? What life is there? We’re orphans. Orphans are useless. You see the beggars that were raised orphans. They’re pathetic.”

“They refuse to get a job, yes. But that’s not your concern. Now get up!” Athen now stood with hands on her hips, angry as a mad hen.

Artemis stood. “You know ‘Thena, every time we’ve tried to talk, it just turns out to be an argument.”

“Dare we try again?”

“No, ‘Thena. You listen to me and do what I bid you. But no more. If Armand sees us fighting…he’ll know.”

Athena scoffed. “So that’s it? Let’s just completely stop talking to each other, for the child’s sake.”

“Yes! It’s bad enough we’ve fallen apart, but I’m not going to let my brother fall apart either!”

“Maybe you have. But I haven’t. I’m going to grow up and be the first one to fly to the moon, or the most famous scientist to ever have lived. But I’m not going to sit in that chair and watch life fade away.”

Artemis looked at the fire withering. He poured coffee on it. “I’m going to town. Stay here.”

“What will you do?” 

Artemis shrugged. “I’m sure we need supplies.” He stood up, grabbed his hat, and fled out the door.

The snow began to fall harder but Artemis didn’t seem to notice. And as time went on, the moments turned into hours.

Athena watched by the window, worried sick. Armand tugged on her skirt. 

“What is it?”

“I’m hungry. We haven’t any meal.”

Athena sighed and went to check the cupboards. “I’m sure we have something.” But her confidence was to no avail. For she knew what lay beyond the cupboard doors.

“Why are we always hungry? Why must we be so poor? Now we’re orphans!”

Athena gasped. “Wh-why would you say something like that?”

Little Armand sniffled lightly. “Mama’s gone.”

The house was silent for a moment. And then Athena felt the overwhelming wave of truth wash over her. That, yes. Mama was gone. Gone forever. Just like Papa.

Athena brushed her thoughts passed her. “Artemis will bring home food.” Athena glanced out the window. It looked to be a howling mess outside. “It’s a blizzard.” She whispered. She turned to the eight-year-old boy. “Armand. I need you to stay here. I am going out to find Artemis.”

Athena grabbed her coat and wrap and dashed outside. The strong force of the wind made it almost impossible to stand up straight. But she pressed on.

“Artemis!” Her voice hardly carried over the wind, and she was sure he couldn’t hear her.

Artemis heard the distinct voices inside.

“And you killed her?” A plump man questioned.

The man—the killer who killed Mother, stood there, still bundled up. You could hardly see his face. 

“I did what I thought what best. I couldn’t trust her. She could get us all hanged.”

The plump man sighed and ran his chubby fingers over the smooth sides of the chair. “Do you think they have….allies, perhaps?”

The man shook his head. “They looked secretive. But…”

“Yes?”

The killer hesitated.

“Out with it!”
Artemis gasped. He recognized that voice. “Mr. Beltifar.” He said to himself. He had been his father’s work partner and true friend. He also owned almost everything in Jamestown.

The killer approached quietly. “They have children.”

Beltifar eyed him suspiciously. “You are afraid of children, now?”

“No. But what I’ve heard…their family is strange. Evil, perhaps.”

“What?” Artemis covered his mouth. He spoke loudly than he should have.

“Did you hear that?” Beltifar walked to the window. 

Artemis sat underneath, still as a stone, praying he wouldn’t get caught. Or he would be the next to go..

“They have strange names. Greek names. Some say, they study mythology. The girl gets taught by her brother. She’s smart. He’s…clever.”

Beltifar leaned back in his chair. “What do you propose we do? And also, what shall I call you? I have yet to know your name.”

“Rage. Matthias Rage.”

Beltifar chuckled. “Rage? Oh, well, people don’t get to pick out their names. Anyway, you didn’t answer my first question.”

“I don’t think it’s right to do so…”

“Do what? I haven’t got all day!”

“Kill them.”

“Kill the children?”

“Yes.”

Beltifar shrugged. “Fine. But make it silent and quick. Not too painful. I used to know these children. And yes, very bright.”

Matthias tipped his hat.

Athena walked out in the blizzard, and could hardly see her own hand in front of her face. Then she saw an orange light. It was the light in a window. 

“Artemis!”

Artemis gasped. “No.” He whispered.

Matthias ran outside. “Who’s out there?” He yelled. He saw Athena. He prepared his gun and just as he shot, Artemis sped across the yard and pushed her from the way.

“You’re crazy!” He stumbled to get up but couldn’t.

“What is it? What is it?”

Artemis looked at his hand. Blood dripped down. “I’ve been shot.”

“We’ll get you a doctor!”

“No! They’re going to kill us.” 

The snow got thicker and Matthias couldn’t see them no longer.

That gave them a chance to get away.

“We need to go home.”

“And then we need to leave. They know where we live.”

Athena put her arm under his and helped him walk. The bullet was deep into his leg.

Matthias looked out into the whiteness of the blizzard. “I’ll find you. I’ll find very last one of you.”