by T. G. Ayer
Max understood what Les was trying to do but he didn’t agree. He should have at least added more security. “I shouldn’t have let her convince me. I shouldn’t have allowed her to go.”
Les snorted. “I don’t know Allegra very well, but more than her honesty—and even more than her need to help—it is her independence that impresses me the most. I don’t see her taking orders from anyone. I have a feeling whatever you told her, she’d have done what she wanted to do in the end.”
She smirked and took the now empty mug from his hand. He couldn’t recall drinking any of it.
Max laughed. “That’s a little true. She convinced me that she should go. But she’s my responsibility. And with everything that’s happening I should have been more careful.” He turned to study Allegra again, his heart twisting at how vulnerable she looked.
Someone had shot at the Pythia. Someone had tried to assassinate the one person who could save the city from total annihilation. Whoever had hired the sniper had wanted Allegra dead. Yes, they had failed, but Max had to wonder what their end game was. What had they hoped to gain from her death?
Were they so afraid of her power that they would attempt to kill her?
Things in Qusqu were more dangerous than they’d thought.
A knock at the door pulled him out of his thoughts and he watched as Les headed over, her spine a little stiffer, as if she wasn’t expecting anything good. She opened the door for the ambassador who gave Les a strange, slightly suspicious look, as if curious as to what she was doing in the Pythia’s apartment.
Max didn’t particularly care what the man suspected. He was sure McIvor could have easily discovered their past relationship, but Max wondered if that would actually benefit them by sending the man in the wrong direction. If he thought Max and Les were lovers again it would mean Les wouldn’t be in so much danger from the people threatening her.
Max stepped away from Allegra’s room and closed the door softly. The last thing he was going to do was to make a spectacle of the Pythia while she was unconscious. Allegra would have his head if she found out.
“Commander, I came as soon as I heard. I’m so sorry,” McIvor said as he reached a hand out to take Max’s. His grip was firm and hard, as if for some reason he needed to establish his strength and believed a firm handshake would set the scene for the main show.
“Thank you, Ambassador. I’m sure the Pythia will appreciate your visit.” Max nodded slowly, hoping McIvor wasn’t going to stick around for too long. He didn’t have the time or the inclination to put up with the man. Not when his mind was focused on Allegra.
McIvor smiled and nodded, his expression contemplative and sad. And completely false. “Elana sends her wishes. She’d hoped to come with me but she got tied up with work.”
Max didn’t believe that excuse for a second. In fact, he’d been curious as to the absence of the ambassador’s wife. He knew she’d taken interest enough to send Allegra a dress as a welcome gift, and to look after her at the ball. He put Elana’s absence on his list of things to investigate.
Now, he smiled as serenely as he could. “The Pythia will be most grateful.”
McIvor took a step closer. “Commander, I have to be frank. In light of the attack on the Pythia, do you not believe it is in her best interest to return to the States where she will be safer?”
Max laughed. “I don’t believe you know our Pythia very well. She has a mind of her own, Ambassador. She wouldn’t listen to me, so do you really expect that she would listen to you?”
McIvor cleared his throat, shifting his attention away from the view and back to Max. “I’m just concerned, Commander. I do think it will probably be wisest for you to return the States. Perhaps the Pythia would find it better to recuperate where there are doctors at her disposal night and day.” As he spoke his gaze shifted away from Max’s face to focus again on the window and the view outside.
Max found it odd that the man hadn’t asked to see Allegra. It would have been the natural request of someone who cared.
“I understand your concern, Ambassador, but the Pythia isn’t the kind of person to hide herself away when she is needed. We are here for a reason, and I very much doubt the Pythia will leave without having achieved some part of what she’d intended.
“Whoever these people are who think they can intimidate her had better pray hard. Because we will come looking for them. And it won’t only be the NGS that will put their full weight behind the investigation. The Pythia belongs to the world, and the world will want to know how this could have happened. The Qusquan government had better have a good reason for allowing this to happen.”
“Surely you can’t hold them responsible?” His eyes widened, sparking what to Max looked a lot like anger.
“Well, I do. And so will all the other countries who are part of the Treaty. They are already asking for the Qusquan officials to verify what security protocols were in place for her stay.”
“Security protocols?” McIvor laughed. “The last thing the Qusquan government would have when it comes to the Pythia is security protocols. The Pythia isn’t of much concern to General Qhapaq or the rest of the security departments.” He spoke haughtily and Max frowned.
“Why, Ambassador McIvor, you sound defensive. Almost as if you agree with the Qusquan position. Is there any reason for us to question your loyalties to the NGS?”
McIvor paled and Max had to wonder who had decided that a position of diplomacy would be a good career choice for him. The man’s expressions were right there for all to see. A particularly bad choice as a mole.
If that’s what he was.
McIvor cleared his throat. “I don’t appreciate your tone, Commander.”
But Max shook his head. “I don’t particularly care what you appreciate, Ambassador. All I know is someone out there wants the Pythia dead. And the Pythia came to Qusqu to investigate a possible mass destruction event. Now to me, that would make her a threat to those who are instigating—or who have knowledge of—such an event. And now she lies unconscious having come very close to being eliminated as a threat to these people.”
McIvor turned away. “I’m not the enemy here, Commander. No matter what you may think, I am loyal to the NGS and I don’t appreciate your . . . accusations.” He looked at Max over his shoulder, his gaze shifting in Les’s direction. “I do what I must, for my family’s safety.”
Max barely heard what the man said. His anger had risen, and simmered too close to the surface. He’d been upset over the shooting but seeing McIvor and seeing all these signs pointing toward the man being involved somehow, was about to put his fury over the edge.
Max snapped his gaze back to the ambassador’s face. “And I do what I must for the safety of the Pythia. If I find even the slightest connection between you and these killers, I swear I will have you before the International Crime Council on charges of attempted murder.”
“The ICC only hears cases against high-profile representatives of the people, like presidents and royalty. Surely you know that Commander?” McIvor smirked, his lips curling, making Max want to shudder.
Max took a step closer to the man. “And what exactly do you think the Pythia is? She and her prophecies belong to the world. Besides, the last time I checked, the Pythia is considered royalty.”
McIvor paled, his eyes darkening as he took a step away from Max. He opened his mouth, hesitating for a moment before saying, “I apologize, Commander. That was out of line.”
Max didn’t say anything. The fury in his eyes would have been enough of a response. At least now McIvor knew where Max stood. “Ambassador, I don’t know what your relationship is to the people who are behind the Pythia’s attempted assassination, but I assure you that should I find you are complicit in any way, I will hold you accountable.”
McIvor shook his head, his face a study of emotion. Whatever his involvement, it was obvious he was conflicted about it. “I assure you that you are mistaken, Commander. The NGS and the safety of all our c
itizens in Qusqu are my highest priority. And I assure you the Pythia is at the top of my list.”
Max gave the man a curt nod. He wasn’t convinced but perhaps he ought to give him the benefit of the doubt.
McIvor headed for the door. Hand on the handle, he turned and looked over his shoulder at Max. “Commander, I know you aren’t going to like my saying it but I would like to reiterate that I do sincerely believe the Pythia will be safer in the NGS. The longer you and the Pythia remain here, the more dangerous it could be.”
“Thank you for your concern, Ambassador. I will convey your opinion when the Pythia awakens.”
Could the ambassador really be involved? And what exactly was his connection to General Qhapaq. That visit to the general’s offices the day before could have been staged to intimidate Max, or perhaps get them away long enough to search their room.
McIvor nodded, then disappeared into the hall, leaving Max staring as Les closed the door, more concerned now than ever.
Still, it made no sense to Max. There was only one thing he knew for sure.
The ambassador’s suggestion had sounded very much like a threat.
Chapter 21
Max checked on Allegra to find her still asleep. He knew he couldn’t expect her to wake up anytime soon, though he could still hope that she would.
Leaving her door ajar he headed to his room to grab his satellite phone. He never liked using it but this time it was necessary. His team back in the Capital would be waiting for him to touch base, especially since the last time he’d checked up on them had been almost a week ago.
He’d attempted to offer Aulus his resignation but the general had refused, insisting Max was capable of running the team from off-shore. Max knew the general was more interested in Max remaining at Allegra’s side in order to maintain some form of influence over her.
He dialed and waited for Marcus—his second-in-command at the FAPA headquarters—to answer. Marcus Asante had taken over Max’s old office, and was running the team in his stead. Max had suggested that he would adjust the roles so Marcus became Commander, but the man had insisted he was happy.
“When the shit hits the fan at least I know I’ll be staying with you,” he’d said.
“Commander,” Marcus called out, his voice a little higher-pitched than normal due to the adjustments the sat phone made to the tones. “Good to hear from you, sir.”
“Marcus, how are things at the Capital?”
The two men chatted about nothing for a few minutes, Max wanting to ensure Marcus was happy in his role as Acting Commander.
At last Marcus said, “You have good timing sir, there is something I need to tell you.”
“Doesn’t sound good,” Max said, walking out of his room to check on Allegra. She was still fast asleep, a living sleeping beauty.
“It isn't. We've been keeping an eye on chatter regarding Allegra Damascus as well as the Pythia, and we've come across a few inquiries made regarding Allegra’s birth and upbringing.”
“Someone's looking into her past,” murmured Max. “Do we have any clue as to who they are?” Max's mind was racing wondering if someone here in Qusqu would be investigating Allegra’s past.
“I have a team investigating, but unless someone has them on tape we have little chance of identifying them. We've had reports from birth registrations offices across the country. Good thing you said to flag her name as well as her family's. Pity the government offices don't have cameras. If we had a photograph of the perpetrators it would be easier, but we don't have much to go on.”
Max considered the man's words. “Any surveillance images from The Britannic police? They would have done in-depth investigations into the members of the cult. Even the ones on this side of the ocean.”
“Good idea, sir. You thinking the High Priest of that Hermes cult may have something to do with this?”
“It's possible. He may be missing but it doesn't mean he’s dead, nor does it mean he's laying so low he'll ignore the Pythia altogether.”
“Agreed. I'll put the team on it.”
“What about our own attempt to suppress any details?”
“We're doing well. We are gathering the data, but I'm making sure it's kept top secret.”
“Not even Aulus,” said Max, his tone hard.
“I wouldn't have it any other way.” Marcus knew all too well the complications of dealing with Aulus.
“He giving you any trouble.”
“The usual.” Marcus was noncommittal, being the type of person to avoid gossip, especially where his superiors were concerned.
“I have another task for you,” said Max, at last coming to the reason for his call.
“Shoot,” Marcus said, his tone curious.
“I need you to pull up whatever you can on Ambassador Liam McIvor and his wife Elana, as well as Celestra Avesta.”
“Les?”
“Yes. She's here in Qusqu. Secretary to the Ambassador.”
“May I ask why we are investigating a friend?” Marcus’ tone bordered on the critical, but Max understood. They’d all spent the better part of their twenties together, Max, Marcus, Celestra and a handful of others, a mix of FAPA agents and diplomatic staff.
“I think she's in over her head here. Possibly involved in something dangerous. In addition, can you investigate the possibility of getting her transferred back to the States ASAP. I'd be happy if she is on the next plane out.”
“I can call in a favor or two. Can I call in a couple of your favors?”
“Absolutely. Whatever you need. You could say it's a matter of life or death.”
“That bad?” Marcus sounded like a man who didn't want to hear this kind of truth even though he himself had asked the question.
“Worse.”
“Very well, then.” Marcus went quiet for a moment and Max imagined him writing notes. Then he asked, “What's the deal with the ambassador?”
“He's connected somehow. We're not entirely sure how, but he seems to be somewhat related to the people responsible for the destruction Allegra saw in her vision.”
“You mean McIvor is a double agent?”
“I'd like to think not, but it's entirely possible. He's been very strange where it comes to our investigations. They're treating Allegra like a leper.”
“Stupid of them,” Marcus said, sounding irritated. “How is the Pythia anyway?”
“Hanging in there. She's asleep. We're hoping she'll come out of it soon.”
“I still can't believe someone tried to kill her.”
Marcus had been shocked when Max had called him earlier with the news of the attempt on her life. It had taken a while for the man to calm down, after which he had sworn that if he found the killers he cannot be held responsible for what he planned on doing to them.
All Max could think at the time was he'd have to get in line because Max himself would want to dispense the punishment,
Max rang off not long after, getting Marcus to go over the open cases the team had on the board. Though Marcus had insisted Max had other better things to think about, Max had still demanded the details.
It would be a good distraction. And it had been. Seeing his team busy and working, keeping his department running so well in his absence was uplifting.
Still, Max had a feeling it wouldn’t last too much longer. At some point, he was going to have to make a choice.
Chapter 22
Nothing.
Allegra opened her eyes and saw nothing.
More terrifying than any other vision she’d seen, more than any other horrific death, the absolute lack of everything was enough to turn her into an hysterical mess.
Breathe. She reminded herself to breathe, inhale, exhale, think. Where was she?
A soughing sound filtered to her, perhaps a soft breeze or a whistling of air through a narrow space. From around her came the echoes of voices in the distance, of the scraping of leather-shod feet against soft floors.
The sounds around her were familia
r, as if she’d only just heard it, as if she heard them every day.
Allegra blinked.
She is back in her dream about Delphi. The dream about the ancient Pythia Cathenna. Allegra blinks again and cast her searching gaze around the room, desperate to find her way through the shadows and out into the light. She would give even her last breath just to see one spark of light.
The nothingness is so much more terrifying than any horror a person could face. No wonder sensory deprivation is used as a form of torture. It will debilitate even the hardest of men.
Slowly her eyes adjust and she manages to make out the shapes of people around her. A blink later and the torchlight almost blinds her. It feels as if she’s been pushed through a tunnel of darkness until she emerges into the light of Delphi.
Again, she seems to be inhabiting Cathenna’s body, this she recognizes from the slim, tanned hands held out before her. Music plays somewhere in the distance, but here within the Oracle’s chamber all occupants are silent as the night.
Around Cathenna, seven priestesses form a circle, as if a protective barrier. Beside Cathenna is an older man, his expression almost harsh as he studies the gathering beyond the circle of light.
An odd scent tickles Allegra’s nose and she twitches her nostrils, suddenly becoming aware of a certain stiffness in the Cathenna’s body. She doesn’t want to assume anything, but she could have sworn the Pythia had felt a rush of emotion, of recognition.
It disappears quickly as the Oracle straightens, her attention moving to a group of men at her side. Their faces are lit by the torchlight, throwing an eerie light onto their features, hollows of eye sockets and cheekbones highlighted by yellow shivering flames.
They sit close by, watching Cathenna with a dangerous intensity, one Allegra had to wonder may pose a danger to the Oracle. Among the men is the doppelgänger of the high priest, his eyes piercing right inside Allegra’s soul.