Lycos (Guardian Security Shadow World Book 3)

by Kris Michaels

  “Ryan?” Ethan looked up at him, his eyes were deadly serious.

  “Yeah, Bud?”

  “I'm really glad I'm not an animal.”

  “Right. Come on, we have a shelter to build and a fire to start.” He stood up and shouldered his pack. Ryan glanced around as Ethan put his pack back on, assaulted by an unfamiliar emotion. Fuck him. He wanted to make sure the kid never saw humanity's underbelly. He wanted to protect him.

  “Ready?” Ethan smiled at him.

  “Ready, willing and able.” He'd never have that opportunity, would he? Ethan wasn't his to protect, and fuck him if that didn't make him feel as if he were being skinned alive.

  Chapter 17

  Lycos glanced at the dead drop message again. He'd been staring at it all morning and fuck him if he didn't want to ignore it. 3-Tiger1100. Their usual time. Eleven hundred hours. He hated check-in day. He shrugged his shoulders and leaned back in his chair. The check-in was routine. Probably the usual update. Or at least he hoped like fuck it was. He had come to dread the weekly calls. Had come to dread the thought this call might sever the ties that held Bethanie and Ethan to him.

  He'd been instructed to call Bengal at eleven hundred hours, his time. He glanced at the clock on his monitor. He leaned over and flipped the switch to activate his satellite dish.

  He spent two minutes steeling himself. The conversation was one he'd hoped to avoid. No doubt Guardian had eliminated the threat to Bethanie and Ethan. He should be happy. He wasn't. He fucking wasn't.

  He lifted the receiver and dialed the number before he keyed in his encryption.

  “Operator Two Seven Four.”

  “Sunset clearance, third operative.” Lycos dropped his head and rubbed his eyes. He did not want to have this conversation.

  “Standby third operative.”

  “How are you surviving?” Bengal inquired as a way of a greeting.

  “Fine.” He kept his words concise, clipped.

  “Ever eloquent, my friend. We have some information about your current situation.”

  He braced himself mentally. “Go ahead.”

  “It would seem the Fates and Stratus are on an all-out campaign to eradicate any connection between the woman we had in custody and any operation she could have provided information about. That would be the why of the deaths of the people associated with Harvey Simmons.”

  Well, that made sense. “Had in custody? Why the past tense?”

  “The facility she was being held in was hit. A small army descended on the building. All but one guard and several inmates were murdered. The guards returned fire and called in backup, but it didn't arrive in time. We can't know for certain the woman we were interrogating was the target, but that is our assumption. The CIA and the FBI are in agreement. The other detainees weren't high enough on anyone's radar to warrant a purge.”

  “Did you get information from the woman that would help Bethanie?”

  There was a pause before Bengal replied. “Not enough.”

  “Where does that leave them?”

  “A couple options.”

  “Which are?”

  “Guardian can enfold them until we eliminate the threat.”

  “Where?”

  “Our facility in the midwest.”

  Lycos closed his eyes. He'd heard about the South Dakota complex. Asp and Anubis lived there. Yes, they'd be safe, but... “The other option?”

  “Federal Protective Custody. Not our preference, but she would need to make that decision.”

  “Your woman said the boy was family.”

  “True, after a fashion, he is.”

  “Where is his family?”

  “At the complex.”

  “Shouldn't someone tell her?”

  “Yes, you should. Ethan has two half brothers. They are willing to take care of both Ethan and his mom. Oh BTW, in case no one gave you the details on that, Moriah is married to one of Ethan's brothers.”

  Lycos dropped his head to the desk. Moriah, Asp, Anubis and a complex full of Guardians. Bethanie'd be safe. Ethan would have opportunities.

  “There is a third option, but I'm not sure...”

  “What?” Lycos' head snapped up.

  “They could stay with you.”

  “That's a pipe dream. Stop smoking chemicals, man.”

  “Straight up tell me you aren't falling for that woman and I'll shut up.”

  “How the fuck? Why would you think that?”

  “Because, asshole, every check-in I've had with you, you've been a total douche until you find out they aren't going anywhere, and then it’s like the weight of the world has been lifted off your shoulders. I know you, man. We grew up in this business together. You've never had a problem doing your job, but once your genius fucking mind caught some education, you didn't have to do this job. This life isn't all there is for you. You've paid your debt to society, to Guardian, to whatever ghosts live in your past. Walk away. Find your light. Forget the darkness and the Shadows. You've earned it.”

  Lycos bounced Bengal’s words around for a moment before he shook his head. “I took an oath to Guardian. Whatever it takes.”

  “As long as it takes, brother. I’m telling you, your obligation is paid in full. You don't have to live by that oath any longer. It took until now. This moment in time. You can walk away. No one knows where you are except the two people currently with you, and they don't know your past. You can protect them. You are off the grid. Stay that way.”

  Lycos stared at a vein of mica that ran through the rock he used as his desk and traced it with his finger. “This location is far from perfect. Ethan won't have kids up here. She'll be isolated. Again.”

  “Dude, there is a difference between living in an isolated location and being controlled.”

  “Truth.” Lycos conceded.

  “Can I ask you something?”

  “Since when do you ask?”

  Bengal’s huff turned into a laugh. “I'm turning over a new leaf.”

  “You're full of shit.”

  “I am. I admit it. Seriously, are you going to let them walk away?”

  “What I want doesn't matter.”

  “Not true.”

  “Absolutely true. They deserve to be happy.”

  “And they aren't now?”

  He couldn’t deny the radical change in both Bethanie and Ethan’s behavior. They smiled. They laughed. Yeah… they were happy. Lycos thought back over the last three months. Hell, over the years he'd been preparing to disappear without a trace. “What would it take to walk away?”

  “One thing.”

  “And that is?”

  “You tell me you're out.”

  “It can't be that simple.”

  “It is that simple. You walk. We sever ties. You drift away, and we reminisce about the good old days.”

  “Bengal?”

  “Yeah?”

  “I'm out.”

  Bethanie glanced at the plans rolled out on the kitchen table. The size of the project was almost overwhelming. If Ryan was able to build the hydroponic garden, the mountaintop home could almost be self-sustaining. He had power, water, and with the garden he'd have fresh vegetables. They ate venison that he'd killed. She cringed at the thought of eating Bambi, but as he reminded her, he didn't kill the animals for sport, he killed them to survive. It didn't make it easier, but she understood the rationale, especially since running to the market was, best case, a two-day event.

  “Mom, is there more peanut butter?” Ethan held the cabinet door open as if another container would miraculously appear.

  “Nope. We are out.” In fact, they were out of quite a few things. She'd stretched the staples as far as she could, but they needed flour, yeast, sugar, and obviously peanut butter. She had a list and jotted down items as the supplies dwindled. It was hard to believe they'd been here for three full months. It was almost the first of April. The days warmed into the forties and the snow was melting, although in the shaded areas of the mountaintop
it lingered in frigid stubbornness.

  “I'm going to starve!” Ethan dropped to the floor and put his arm over his eyes. Dog padded over to him and snuffled under his arm until Ethan laughed and rolled to his stomach. Dog kept nosing him around the neck and ears, and Ethan laughed harder.

  “I'm sure you'll survive,” she said over the laughter. She stood on her tiptoes, grabbed the last container of chocolate-hazelnut spread and set it on the counter. “Here you go.”

  Ethan lifted his head and smiled as Dog licked his face. “Cool!” He sprang up and grabbed the container.

  “We need supplies. I'll have to make a run soon.” Ryan walked in and wrapped his arms around her, dropping a kiss on her lips.

  “Gross.” Ethan made his normal choking sound when he saw them kiss.

  “We do, but we can manage for a while.” She glanced at Ethan before she whispered, “What did Guardian say?”

  Ryan slid his eyes to Ethan. “Hey, Bud, I'm going to borrow your mom for a minute. We'll be in my office.”

  Ethan glanced at him and nodded.

  “Clean up after yourself and then finish your homework,” Bethanie reminded him before she followed Ryan out of the kitchen.

  Dramatics in full swing, Ethan sighed, “Do I have to?”

  She laughed and called back, “Yes, you have to!”

  She headed up the incline after Ryan. He shut the door behind them, enclosing them in the book-lined office.

  “Is it bad news?” She wrapped her arms around herself.

  “It isn't good news.” Ryan leaned against the deep rock ledge that served as his desk.

  “What's that mean?”

  “Guardian has tracked a progression of... deletions.”

  “Deletions? I'm sorry, I'm not following.”

  Ryan sighed and ran his fingers through his hair before his shoulders sagged. “I didn't want to tell you this, but everyone associated with your husband is being systematically eliminated.”

  “Eliminated as in... killed?” A ripple of gooseflesh spread across her body.

  “Yes.”

  She didn't want to know, but she had to ask, “Why?”

  He looked up at the ceiling of his office. “The current theory is Harvey was a small part of a much larger operation. Guardian believes he was a pawn who knew too much. In order to ensure the people he was working with are not exposed in any fashion, they are cleaning house.”

  She clutched at her throat, her breath caught, and she whispered, “But we don't know anything.”

  He reached for her and pulled her into him, spreading his legs so she could stand between them. The immediate warmth and strength of his body against hers became a balm to her fractured nerves. He kissed the top of her head and spoke softly, “I know.”

  “What are we going to do?” Her hands found his chest, the strength of his muscles and the feel of his heart beating under the palm of her hand grounded her.

  “Well, there are a couple options, but no decisions you need to make today. Okay?”

  “Options?”

  “Yes. First, Guardian is willing to relocate you. They have a place in the midwest where they believe you and Ethan would be safe. How long you'd have to stay there is unknown, but if I had to guess, I’d say it would be a permanent move.”

  “Permanent?” She dropped her eyes and focused on the button of his flannel shirt. Leave here. Leave him? Permanently? God, she didn't want that.

  “I also need to let you know that Ethan has two half brothers. They live out there, and they are willing to take you and Ethan in.”

  “Half brothers.” Bethanie closed her eyes. That meant she wasn’t the only woman Harvey had used. The bastard. But, being related didn’t make her and Ethan safe. Not like they were here. She shook her head and spoke to his chest. “But I don't know them. Are they good people?”

  “I would assume so. They are connected to Guardian.”

  She lifted her gaze to his. “You said options. What else?”

  “There is the option of the Federal Witness Protection Program. Again, you'd be relocated, but the US Marshals would make sure you're safe. Nobody, including Guardian, would know where you relocate.”

  Why was it so damn cold in his office? She shivered as she spoke, “Do you trust the Marshals Service?”

  He drew a deep breath and nodded. “They are good, but if I was handed the choice between those two options, I'd go with Guardian. They're better.”

  “Oh.” She dropped her eyes to that button at the middle of his chest again. They'd have to leave. She'd been living in denial, playing house as it were. However, reality had just slapped her out of her fairy tale.

  She drew a breath, but it didn't expand her lungs. The weight crushing her chest wouldn't let her breathe. She needed to face the fact she'd have to leave the mountain, leave Ryan. Desolation's icy embrace froze her from the inside out.

  He closed his eyes and pulled her into his chest. His chin rested on her head, and his chest rumbled under her ear. “There is a third option. You could stay here, with me. Off-grid. I can protect you and Ethan. It isn't perfect. He has no friends here, and we are isolated–”

  She thrust back. “Yes! Yes, I want us to stay here. “She wrapped her arms around his neck and held on to him. He'd become her anchor, her foundation.

  “Are you sure?”

  She nodded against his chest. “Positive.” A sudden, terrifying thought raced through her mind. She pushed back again. “Unless you don't want us?”

  His eyes shone as he looked down at her. “I wouldn't have mentioned it if I didn't want you to stay.”

  “What do we need to do? Do we need to tell Guardian?”

  He smiled and shook his head. “I took a gamble and told them I thought you'd stay with me, but we can make it official tonight. I'll arrange a time for you to talk to them.”

  He pulled her into him, and she practically crawled up his body. He laughed and cupped her ass, lifting her up until she could wrap her legs around him. The kiss they shared was liberating and exhilarating.

  She leaned into him and reveled in the warmth and strength that enfolded her. A quiet comfort settled over her. Thoughts of permanence bounced through her mind. What they'd need to do to stay here. Silly things they'd need to get. She needed a hairbrush. The comb she was using was killing her hair, and they'd need more school supplies for Ethan. Oh, they'd need summer clothes. Ethan was growing like a weed. “We'll have to buy some things, and I don't have any money.” She didn't need the brush, she could do without it.

  “Hey.”

  Bethanie looked up.

  “I have money and investments. I can't imagine we will ever need anything I can't afford.”

  “I don't want you to feel obligated.”

  His brow furrowed. “Obligated?”

  She nodded. “To take care of us.”

  He leered at her. “Woman, what I feel has nothing to do with obligation. Absolutely nothing.” He dropped another breath-arresting kiss on her that left her panting and clinging to him for support.

  “I want you here. I want Ethan here.”

  “I’m sure I speak for Ethan when I say we want to be here.”

  “Then it's settled.” He tucked her against his chest again. His hands smoothed a pattern across her back. She didn't know how long they stayed like that, holding each other and lost in their individual thoughts before she realized something. “I still have their car. I haven’t moved it since we got here. Maybe we should take it down the mountain?”

  Ryan squeezed her tightly before he stood. “Details we can handle later. How about we go break the news to the bottomless pit?”

  Bethanie grabbed the hand that was offered and laughed, “He is that, isn't he?”

  Ryan stopped at the door. “You really think he's going to be okay with the decision to stay?”

  Bethanie smiled up at him. “I know he will be. He adores you; he loves the mountain, and I'm sorry, but there is no way he'd ever leave Dog.”


  Ryan threw back his head and laughed. “Well that settles everything, doesn't it?”

  Bethanie smiled as she walked beside him. The decision they'd made tonight did settle almost everything. Almost.

  Chapter 18

  Bethanie tried to pull the covers up to Ethan’s chin and frowned at the foot of the bed. “Okay, buster, since the elephant masquerading as a dog on your bed won't let me pull up your blankets, you need to scrunch down.”

  Ethan laughed and scooched down, dragging his pillow with him. “I'm really glad we get to stay here.”

  “Are you?” Bethanie pushed his mop of blond hair off his forehead. He needed to get his hair cut soon.

  “Uh huh. I like it here.”

  “So do I. What's your favorite thing about living here?”

  “Favorite?”

  “Okay, second favorite, because I know Dog is your first favorite.”

  Ethan sat up and dropped his hand on the animal's snout. He stroked Dog's fur and looked at her. “I love Dog. But...”

  She lifted his chin so she could see his eyes. “But...?”

  “He’s not my first favorite. I like that you’re not sad anymore.”

  Oh, God. How much had her baby actually perceived in New York? “I'm not sad. I'm very happy, but I want you to be happy, too.”

  Ethan looked down and watched his fingers comb Dog's coat. “I'm gonna miss James. He won’t have anyone when his dad gets mad. His mom should leave and take him with her.”

  “I know.” Bethanie felt a cold chill creep through her. Her son knew far too much about what was actually happening around him.

  “Maybe someday we can invite him to come here?”

  Bethanie had to smile at the hopefulness in his eyes. “Maybe, but we'll have to wait until Ryan says it’s okay.” It would never happen. James’ father worked for Harvey. He’d use the knowledge of their whereabouts to his advantage. Somehow.

  Ethan nodded. “He's really cool. Not like Father.” Ethan yawned and lay down, pulling the covers over his shoulder.

  “No, not at all. Hey, you know what I found out today?”