by Stone, Piper
“What do you mean more?” Zacon tipped his head, fury riding his face.
“We can’t contact our ships. We’ve tried everything including our private lines. Nothing but static.” Lieutenant Shaka seemed shaken.
As he should be.
“What the hell?” I hissed. They’d thought of everything. “How is this possible?”
“I’m no communications expert, but a simple change in programming of the various satellites could create a signal disrupting every form of communication.” Talyn moved closer to one of the consoles, pressing his fingers against several screens in a frantic manner. “The lieutenant is correct. We have no way of warning Shandar or of obtaining any additional help.”
“Jesus. Fucking. Christ.” I took a deep breath, rubbing my jaw. “Any way to repair this?”
Talyn hesitated before responding. “Maybe one of our engineers can isolate the signal, sending it back in the direction of its origination, but that would take time.”
“Lieutenant Shaka, get every engineer that we have on this ship working on that. I don’t care what it takes, we need to be able to communicate with our people.” Zacon’s orders were met with immediate nods.
“Yes, sir. We’ll figure this out,” the young lieutenant stated, heading toward the door.
“Where is the queen?” I asked, praying to God she was still on board.
The three remaining Cenzans looked even more uncomfortable.
“You will answer our brother or face my wrath,” Zacon snarled. “You forget that Lieutenant Michaelson is one of the reasons that we have a new planet to call our home and have a king that actually gives a damn about his people.”
Talyn smirked, patting Zacon on the back.
I was honestly surprised at Zacon’s outburst, the slender weave of solidarity.
The first young officer stood, facing me and giving a Cenzan salute. “I’m sorry, Lieutenant Michaelson. None of us meant any disrespect. The queen is in her quarters as required by King Drateq.”
I gave the man a Marine salute before glancing from Zacon to Talyn. There was no reason for any additional words to be spoken. We raced through the hallways, remaining quiet as yet another damning realization settled in. We’d misjudged Jonas enough that he might have the ability to pull this off. Without a clear Cenzan ruler and with the potential for several of the other world leaders to die in a war that would be blamed on the Cenzans, not a single human on Earth would deny breaking the treaty.
Or the subsequent deaths surrounding the lie.
Zacon waved his hand across the queen’s door console, requesting entrance. It was denied.
“Why are we being denied access?” Talyn muttered.
I wasted no time, placing my hand directly in front of the scanner. When the door opened, Fiona was standing directly inside. She was dressed for battle, the soldier’s uniform indicating she knew what everyone was facing.
“Queen.” I took long strides inside.
“I don’t want that title used right now. I don’t feel very... connected,” Fiona said, looking away. “Why are you here?”
“To warn Shandar that a trap is being set.” My answer certainly didn’t seem to be a surprise.
“I told him as much,” she snapped then shook her head. “I’m sorry. He forbade me to go with him and the others. I’m just supposed to stand around like some idiot female while all three of my husbands could lose their lives.”
“Shandar has no idea that the American presidential candidate plans on having every world leader who arrives for the special inauguration assassinated.”
She paced the floor, fuming.
“Shandar mentioned that the Cenzan Federation wasn’t invited. Is that the case?” I had a bad feeling I knew the answer.
Laughing, she walked toward a small desk, lifting and pitching what appeared to be a piece of cardboard. “Notice the color of the ink. Nice touch, wouldn’t you say?”
I read the invitation before handing it to the others.
And the color of the ink? Blood red.
“Why would the king be this foolish?” Zacon demanded.
“Because my husband still believes that he can stop this potential war with his words and promises. He has no idea the kind of people he’s dealing with.” She glared directly into my eyes, our connection as strong as it had ever been. She reached into one of the drawers, yanking out a Cenzan weapon and snapping it to her uniform. “Well, I for one am not standing by waiting while the three men I love are murdered in cold blood. I’m coming with you.”
I moved forward quickly, very gently pushing her back and removing the weapon. “While you may be the queen of the Cenzan Federation, right now, I’m the man in charge. You aren’t going.”
“And why the hell not? I’m trained in weaponry and you know I can fight,” she retorted.
I simply placed my hand on her stomach briefly, giving her a slight smile.
Fiona slumped, tears forming in her eyes. “The great Cenzan doctors told me that after the difficult birth before that I likely could never have a child again. This was a surprise.”
“A beautiful surprise. You must keep both you and your child safe. That is what Shandar, Braga, and Kalek would want.” I kept my words as comforting yet commanding as possible.
She bit her lower lip before looking into my eyes. “You were always so strong, Killer. So damn brave. Yet there’s so much compassion in you. That’s one of the reasons that Shandar always admired you so much.”
I took a step away, giving her space. “King Drateq is one of the finest leaders I’ve ever known. I assure you, we will protect him as well as the others. We will bring them back home to you.”
Fiona swallowed before nodding. “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Killer. One thing you aren’t is a liar.”
The words hit me hard and I simply gave her a slight bow of respect before heading to the door. I stopped short as Zacon and I shared a moment, the kind that at least allowed us to throw away our differences for a cause that had significant meaning to both of us. To all of us. “I made you a promise, our queen and I intend to keep it.”
As we walked out of the room, I had more conviction rise to the surface than I’d had since the murder of my wife. That last words I whispered, but the meaning was firmly implanted in my mind.
“Even if I have to die trying.”
Chapter Sixteen
Killer
Darkness. Death. Destruction.
I’d faced all of them during my life, but the concept weighed much heavier on my mind. We transported just outside of the cemetery. Before we left the ship, I found as many details about the location as possible, including the most likely areas for Damen to hide. He wouldn’t be the only assassin, but he would be the one taking aim at the Cenzan delegation. I had no doubt he’d be given that honor.
All attempts at making contact to either the ships had indeed proven to be futile, the engineers grim about what they were facing. Our only backup was still at least an hour out and we had no chance of finding out whether or not they’d been ambushed. We would face the wrath of the devil alone.
The original amphitheater within the cemetery remained mostly intact and since it was open from all sides, with surrounding woods nearby, there were far too many locations for the various gunmen to hide. There was also an old administrative building that could be used as a command center, although there were no reports of the current condition.
One way or the other, security would be tight.
Caution was in order. There was no true way of telling who were Cenzan allies, especially within the American ranks. We were outnumbered and outmaneuvered. We moved quietly until we were able to catch a glimpse of the seating area.
“A little over an hour until the inauguration,” Talyn added.
Whether or not Bradford’s opponent bothered to concede didn’t matter any longer. “We have an hour to try and locate Damen and his followers.”
“And Kristina,” Talyn added.
Stated like a true soldier.
I could sense her as well, increasing my anger. Zacon was right. Her life would need to come second, but she would be found, one way or the other. “While I want this fucker caught, we also need to make certain we expose Jonas. If he becomes a victim, thereby a martyr, he’ll gain even more power.”
“Agreed,” Zacon said.
We moved silently to a predetermined vantage point. I’d brought binoculars, another remnant from the past but something that would provide significant usage for this application. We positioned ourselves on a knoll overlooking the amphitheater, searching for any signs of Damen as well as the arrival of important guest members.
“The President of the New Republic of Russia has arrived along with several members from the French Parliament.” I relayed the information with a bitterness in my voice. After counting the number of seats on the recently built platform, it was easy to tell that several guests had been invited. “The King of England as well.”
“Every leader that matters and the ones who are true allies.” Zacon laughed. “Jonas Bradford had more friends than we realized.”
“You were right, Killer. This is the perfect place for a takeover. Shots could be fired from any direction, an escape easy and clean. Any sign of Shandar and the others?” Talyn asked.
I checked the perimeter again. “None yet, but Shandar is a true warrior. He will have a surprise ready for Jonas, something to take the upper hand.”
“Except the king will be outnumbered.” Zacon barely whispered the words.
We were all angry, realizing our chances for success slim. I handed the binoculars to Talyn.
“There are several Cenzan soldiers in the crowd,” he commented then gave me a smile. “The bastards didn’t cut every form of communication.”
I couldn’t help but smile. “You would have made an excellent Marine, my friend.”
Talyn gave me a sly grin. “I prefer the Cenzan way. I’ll warn as many as possible without drawing attention. Find Kristina.”
He was a soldier of another time, another place, but his capabilities were powerful.
“We regroup just over the hill. We’ll have an excellent vantage point. Be careful. Jonas will have security watching for Cenzans with weapons.”
I watched as Talyn moved into the growing crowd.
“She could be anywhere.” Zacon turned in a full circle.
“There is one location that we should check.” The administration building was a short walk from our location. While the building appeared intact, the doors had been bolted with no sign of an attempted break-in.
I was more despondent than ever but along with having the ability to sense Kristina’s presence, I knew in my gut that Damen was close by. He was also hunting, only his methods were far more treacherous. It was time for me to lose my honor, at least for this particular battle. I had to think like him.
Act like him.
Anticipate like him.
And I’d certainly been trained in the same method as him.
To kill in cold blood.
We combed the surrounding area, checking every possibility of where she might be kept as prisoner. There was no sign she’d ever been here and certainly no sudden appearance from Damen.
As the hour quickly approached, we’d begun to accept the fact that Kristina wouldn’t be found, not until after the attempted assassinations.
By then, it could be too late.
My blood ran cold as Zacon and I approached the grassy knoll. A solid one thousand people were waiting for the first words of the new United States president. Four guest chairs remained unoccupied with no sign of Shandar or the others.
When Talyn arrived, he moved quickly to join us.
“Weapons were checked prior to admittance,” Talyn said with no emotion.
“As I suspected they would be. Anything else?” I kept my eyes on the stage.
“Security is very tight.”
Tell me something I didn’t know.
“The guests aren’t allowed to leave the amphitheater until the end of the show.”
I twisted my head in Talyn’s direction. “Anticipating retaliation.”
There was no sign of our trucks. At this point, our odds were abysmal. During several missions, my battalion had often been faced with horrific odds, claiming several lives, but this was a no-win situation.
Far too many people could die.
“What the hell do we do now?” Talyn crouched beside me.
“We wait.” I slithered onto the ground, keeping the podium directly in my weapon’s line of sight.
“Shandar has arrived,” Zacon said, moving beside me.
The crowd began to cheer, moving to a standing position. I could see Jonas approaching the stage, a solid line of protection surrounding him. He held up his arms, his smile the kind I wanted to wipe off the face of this Earth.
“Be prepared,” I hissed. Shandar and the others took the stage, shaking hands as Jonas approached. The crowd continued to roar, some chanting against the would-be American dictator. I could also see that hired guards quickly surrounded the perimeter, prepared for any sudden disturbances.
Jonas shook every dignitary’s hand, making small talk with him as his supporters chanted.
“Jonas. Jonas. Jonas.”
I was sick to my stomach. The second arrival was the vice president-elect. I knew little about the woman, except for her public outcries initially to the Cenzan colonization. However, since accepting her role, she’d remained quiet, almost never seen on the telescans. She seemed demure in comparison to the larger than life Jonas, taking her seat as if being directed to do so.
The man was a true bastard.
After five minutes, the crowd finally returned to their seats, still clapping until Jonas held up his hand. He tapped the microphone before throwing up both hands.
Let the party begin.
I kept my finger on the trigger, scanning from side to side. There were two preferred vantage points for a shooter. At some point, I’d be able to detect activity.
“Ladies and gentlemen. I want to thank you for your support,” Jonas began, grinning like a kid as the crowd jumped to their feet again, squealing as if the man were a rock star.
Or a god.
After a few innocuous comments, Jonas’ expression changed. “Here we go,” I whispered.
“To my fellow Americans. We have a scourge on this Earth and one I intend to eradicate with your help.”
“The motherfucker,” Zacon said under his breath.
“Just wait,” I chortled.
Although there was nothing funny.
“Get them out!” a call came from the audience.
Several others joined in.
None of the Cenzans reacted in any manner, including Shandar.
“Now, quiet down while I explain,” Jonas continued. “With the help of several of our finest world leaders, the treaty with the Cenzan Federation has been cancelled. I am happy to say that every Cenzan is considered a criminal on this Earth and subject to our laws.”
Time seemed to stand still, his words even more blatant than I had been prepared for. Everyone in the audience was quiet for a few seconds.
Then they rose to their feet.
Out of the corner of my eye—activity.
“Shooter!” I barked as the crowd began to roar.
I got off the shot with ease, clipping the assassin, but I knew in my gut it wasn’t Damen.
Suddenly the King of England was shot. I could tell by the sudden snap of his head. “We have multiple shooters. Time to go. Go. Go!”
As I stood, still in reduced motion, I noticed two things very clearly.
The security detail approached, moving toward the stage as well as into the crowd. And...
The vice-presidential candidate rose from her seat, taking two long strides. Even f
rom where I stood, I was able to see the gun in her hand. Without hesitation, she pointed the barrel at Jonas’ head and with a single shot, the man went down.
Then all hell broke loose, pandemonium sweeping through the crowd.
“Another shooter in the trees!” Talyn barked, taking aim.
“And another.” Zacon caught the third, but I knew there were more.
“Damen. Where the fuck are you?” I said the words out loud, changing to the binoculars. A cold shiver trickled down my spine followed by a heavy adrenaline rush. “There you are, you motherfucker. I’ve got you now.” Taking aim, it was as if he sensed my presence as well, his head tilting in my direction.
The shot missed.
“Get to Shandar! I’m going after him,” I yelled, racing to the edge of the slope. There was no time for second guessing or explanations. If I didn’t manage to find him, all would be lost.
I shoved my way through the various groups of people as they raced for safety, crawling along the banks and trampling over each other. I caught several glimpses as he weaved his way toward the parking area. Nothing was going to stop me.
I heard several other shots, screams blanketing the entire area, and my blood boiled. I heard the rumble of trucks. Our cavalry had arrived. The vehicle stopped, the Cenzan lieutenant hanging out the window. “Get King Drateq to safety. He’s in the amphitheater.”
“Yes, sir!”
The three seconds of talking with him and Damen was out of sight. I turned in a circle, gasping for air. This wasn’t happening. He wasn’t getting away from me. “Where are you?”
Damen stood on the outskirts of the parking lot, turning in my direction.
For a few seconds, we locked eyes.
Then he grinned before jumping into what appeared to be an old muscle car, one with one hell of an engine. He floored the accelerator, skidding over the broken pavement as he attempted to leave the area.
There was no one else in the car.
The motherfucker wanted me to follow him. I headed toward a similar car I’d fucking hotwire if I had to. Sensing a presence, I swung around immediately, prepared to fire off a shot.
“You’re not going anywhere without me,” Zacon said, his offhanded grin something I wasn’t used to.