Divided (The United Trilogy Book 2) Read Free

peaceful and honest people, Miss. We don’t hide anything from each other and we strive to always be upfront and honest. We don’t keep secrets from one another, even with the children. With that being said, we will make all those things known to you as well, as long as I have your word that nothing will be used against us. The pact made with Vaughn needs to stand.”
    I completely understand where his unease comes from. Nobody has been here since the community started, and now all of a sudden a new president comes in, and I know that it’s bound to shake people up.
    “Let me assure you, sir, that I bring no harm to you or your people. I’m going to be completely upfront with you about why I am here.” Masters offers me a “be careful” look.
    I give him a slight nod and continue talking. “I’m here because I feel it is my duty as President of United America to know what is happening with all of the people in my country. I have only held this position for a little over a month and I have not been aware of your existence until today.” This makes Malik’s eyebrows shoot up in surprise.
    “You came here as soon as you found out about us?” Malik asks with surprise and approval in his voice.
    “Yes, sir. I have many questions, but mostly I want to understand you and your people. I’m in the dark when it comes to everything that is going on here and I want to do everything in my power to continue the unity and peace that our country is known for.” Again, surprise flashes crossed his face.
    “You want to understand us and bring peace and unity, is that it?” I am not sure why he seems so skeptical, but I’m sure it is founded based on his past encounters, or I guess lack thereof, with the Ministry.
    “Exactly. I promise I don’t intend any harm to your community. I’d like to observe and interact with you and everyone else and get a better idea of how things work here. This trip is unplanned, but if it is alright with all of you, I would like to stay for a while.” My statement elucidates shock from both Malik and Masters. Malik’s look is followed up with approval again, but Masters looks furious.
    “And the Council approves of this adventure?” Malik asks almost skeptically. Now that is odd. Even the people in the Ministry rarely ever ask about the Council, and no one out of the Ministry has ever mentioned them. I study him for a moment, but his face revealed nothing so I decide to answer his question.
    "I find it much easier to ask for forgiveness than permission.” At this, Malik throws his head back and starts laughing.
    “Oh yes, you will do very Well, Miss Rosaline.”
    “Please call me Roz.” I can feel Masters’ intense stare, but I refuse to look back at him.
    Malik picks up on the awkwardness and says, “I need to run it by everyone first to make sure that nobody has any problems with it, and I will let you know. I’m sure everyone will be just as happy to have you as I am, Roz.” He goes off to join the others while I turn to Masters to get what I know was going to be a good old scolding out of the way.
    “Go ahead and yell at me, I know that you want to. “ Masters just glares down at me.
    “Are you honestly thinking of staying here? You know why you can’t, Rosaline. The Council won’t allow it.”
    “Masters, I go around visiting prisons for two weeks. Of course I’m going to do the same with these people. I have to. You know better than most why it is so important that I find the answers. Do you really think the Council is going to give me honest answers? They didn’t even tell me that these people existed. And why do you think that is? They are hiding something, and right now I’m safer here than I am with the Council.” He seems to consider that for a moment, and he knows that I am right. However, knowing Masters, he isn’t just going to give in.
    “You may have a point, Roz, but it isn’t smart to charge in here with a point to prove. You have every right to be