by W. J. May
She pulled away, still smiling. “You saw me?”
He brushed his long hair out of his face and sat down on her bed. “I was walking back to my room after some late night training, when this image flashed through my head.” He gave her a once over and smirked. “Covert Barbie hanging from the third story wall.”
Rae snorted sarcastically. “So you came running to my rescue?”
“No,” he picked up the crisps, “I saw I had a little time, so I grabbed a snack.”
She laughed and shook her head. “Very pragmatic.”
Same old Julian. Always there when you needed him, but with a twist.
“So what’s up, Rae?” He watched, his head slightly tilted to the side. “I also saw Devon and Molly hiding out in the bushes, but I decided to come here first.” His eyes lit up with their familiar sparkle as he crumpled the bag and threw it into her trash. “What’s the mission?”
If it were anyone else asking, Rae would have made up an instant excuse. But in many ways, Julian was the person she trusted most in the world. He had never lied to her or blabbed a secret without thinking. He was open and honest. A true friend. She would be as well.
“I found a key at that factory in Stoke,” she said softly. “Turns out it goes to a lock box with some clues about whatever it was that happened to my mom. The box is in London, but I forgot the key back here.” She stared hesitantly up at his face. “It’s not exactly a sanctioned mission.”
He nodded once and smiled. “Understood. So where is it?”
Rae shook her head, baffled by the inherent goodness of Julian. Without saying a word, she cocked her head towards a case of porcelain figurines. He followed her gaze and strode across the room to open it, pausing as he glanced over the miniature army of animals.
“It’s not the schnauzer, is it?”
Rae giggled. “It’s a key. It’s there on the side.”
“Got it.” He took it carefully in his long fingers and dropped it in her hand. “This is so cool, Rae,” he said with sincere excitement. “You can finally get some answers about your mom.”
Rae’s eyes teared automatically and she grabbed him for another quick hug before slipping the key into her pocket. “Thank you,” she said softly.
He chuckled and glanced out the window. “I like making Devon sweat by thinking I’ve got the hots for you. Plus, I couldn’t just let you fall.”
She shook her head. “No,” she traced the outline of the key in her jeans, “for understanding. For being you.”
A soft smile lit his face and he gave her a wink. “Don’t mention it. Now go get ’em champ. I’ll hold down the fort.”
She grinned and clapped him on the shoulder, before they both returned to the window ledge and gazed down. It was hard enough getting up. How on earth was Julian supposed to lower her back down so that she could find a grip? Dangle her by her shoes?
She needn’t have worried. The second they leaned their heads over the frame, they saw Devon hanging there in the dark.
“Told you I’d come in handy.”
Rae could see his dimple even from where she stood. She grinned.
“What did he say?” Julian asked, squinting down towards the grass.
Rae rolled her eyes. “He’s boasting about being useful.”
Julian laughed softly. “Sounds like Devon. Also sounds like…you two might be on again?”
She smacked his shoulder. “What? Did you draw that too?”
“Nope.” He tapped his head. “Just my God-given intuition. It must have been some ball.”
Rae rolled her eyes and jumped up into his arms. “You have no idea. I’ll have to tell you all about it when we get back.”
“Can’t wait.” He held her out the open window. “And before you say anything—I already know. You were never here.” He gave her a wink and then dropped her in mid-air.
She resisted the urge to scream as she fell silent as a stone through the night, landing a second later in Devon’s warm arms.
“Geez,” she whispered, pressing her face into his neck, “next time, how about we make Molly climb?”
Devon grinned. “Sounds like a plan.”
She shifted to hop down, but before she could, he took off sprinting into the night, holding her against his chest like a teddy bear. She could feel his heart pounding through his shirt and smiled to herself as she nestled in, enjoying the brief seconds it took him to return to the woods. After going without it for however long, it was something she would never take for granted again. The beautiful sound of Devon’s rhythmic heart.
Before she’d nearly had her fill, she was back on solid ground.
“So did you find it?” Molly asked the second Rae’s shoes touched dirt.
“Sure did.” Rae rummaged in her pocket and pulled out the key. “Next stop, London.”
* * *
Even though they were only about an hour from the pub, both Rae and Molly took the time in the taxi to get a little sleep. They had purposely left Devon’s car at Heath Hall, hoping that if anyone came by to check on them, it would look like they’d stayed in for the night. Rae had texted Luke before they’d gone, apologizing for the late hour, but asking that he meet her anyway and bring the box. He had eagerly complied—too eagerly for Rae’s taste and she felt guilty. Just a few hours ago he’d risked his whole job just to help her, and then she went and kissed Devon. Not only that, but now she was bringing Devon along with her to the meeting, a fact she’d conveniently left out when making plans with Luke. She wasn’t sure how either boy would react to the other, but it was a thought she’d put off as long as possible.
When the taxi pulled up at the curb, Devon shook her and Molly awake. “We’re here,” he said, pulling out a stack of bills and handing them to the driver.
“Already?” Molly stretched noisily and looked around. “Geez, it’s really dead out here.”
“It’s two in the morning,” Devon reminded her as she crawled outside, followed closely by a yawning Rae.
The brisk night air bit at their faces and Rae pulled her dark jacket tighter around her, secretly glad Molly had insisted on it. A neon light flashed intermittently above their heads, occasionally zapping a fly or mosquito who got too close. Charming, Rae thought. The pub was called Second Sister, a name which she silently pondered as they walked inside.
They were greeted immediately with a strong whiff of stale beer and peanuts. There were only a few patrons and a single bartender. Perfect for the kind of discreet meeting Rae had in mind.
She spotted Luke immediately, playing with an empty beer pint as he waited patiently at the bar. As if by chance, he glanced over his shoulder and spotted her at the same time. He jumped off the stool and moved towards her, a bright smile lighting his face. Before she could stop him, he scooped her up in a tight hug, holding on a second longer than was necessary, his hands lingering on her back. She gasped a little with the strength of it as he set her lightly down on her feet.
“Luke, it’s so good to see you.” She tried to smile as brightly as him, but an ominous sort of guilt had started tugging away at her stomach.
“It’s great seeing you too!” He beamed then took a small step back and gave them all a once-over. “I’m sorry, was I supposed to dress like Jason Bourne too?”
Molly turned to Rae and whispered excitedly. “See! I told you we looked like Bourne!”
Rae shushed her and turned back to Luke. “You’re fine. Thanks again for meeting me so late. I really appreciate it.”
Luke flashed her a warm smile, his blond hair catching the dim light. “It’s no problem.” His eyes wandered over her and Molly and then seemed to register Devon’s presence for the first time. His smile faded slightly. “Who’s this?”
Devon’s face was hard, but he extended a polite hand. “Devon Wardell. Privy Council.”
Luke glanced at the hand but folded his arms across his chest. “Sorry if I don’t shake. Never know what tatù a person is carrying, you know?”
R
ae blanched, her mind flashing back to the bear hug he’d just given her. He sure didn’t seem to have a problem with tatùs then…or touching.
“Wardell?” Luke repeated, looking Devon up and down. “I know all about you.” His lips thinned into a flat smile. “The Xavier Knights keep files on everybody.”
Devon smiled back, but a muscle twitched at his jaw. “That’s right, you’re their file-boy.”
Luke’s eyes flashed. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Just that it seems really…convenient. How you came into Rae’s life the moment she joined up with the PCs.”
“Certainly.” Luke fought to keep his composure. “I always thought it had to be really nice for her. Spending time with someone without worrying about breaking the rules. I know how you tatùs aren’t supposed to mix, and how you are so gung-ho about following the rules.”
Devon took a sudden step forward. “I don’t know exactly what you’re insinuating, but—”
“And…that’s enough.” Molly popped up in between them, pushing them apart with crackling, electric hands. “Why don’t we all just calm down before someone accidently gets electrocuted?” She tossed her hair over her shoulders and flashed a lethal, but charming smile. “I believe we all came here for a specific reason. Why don’t we get a booth?”
“No need.” Luke gritted his teeth. “Sorry Rae, but I’m not giving you the box with Wardell here.”
Rae’s mouth fell open. She couldn’t believe he was being so openly hostile. They weren’t dating. They hadn’t even kissed! And this was much, much bigger than any sort of testosterone fueled rivalry. This was about finding her freaking mom! “What?” The word hissed out with more venom than she had intended. “Luke, we’re talking about my mother. It has nothing to do with Devon. Give me the damn box!”
Luke pretended to scoff. “It’s nothing personal, I just don’t feel comfortable revealing Xavier Knight information with a member of the Privy Council around.”
There was a beat of silence before Rae actually stamped her foot in frustration. “I’m a member of the Privy Council.”
Luke nodded calmly. “But I trust you.”
“And I trust Devon. And Molly.”
For a minute the four of them stood there at an impasse—the girls frowning in confusion as the boys stared each other down. Rae honestly didn’t know what to do. She hadn’t expected the boys to like each other, but she certainly hadn’t expected anything like this. There was not an inch of compromise on either of their faces. And the three of them had to be back by morning. They were running out of time.
“Look, this is getting us nowhere,” Molly finally said. “Why don’t Devon and I wait in that booth in the corner, and you can give Rae the box?”
Devon rolled his eyes in disgust, but Rae looked at Luke eagerly—hoping he would find the terms acceptable. What she saw wasn’t encouraging.
“That’s…not quite going to work.” Luke shifted his weight uncomfortably and Rae actually threw up her hands in exasperation.
“Why? Look, you said you trusted me, right? Well, you’re just going to have to trust me now.”
“No, I know, it’s just not that simple. You see, it’s not exactly here…with me.”
Rae put her hands on her hips impatiently. “Well where the hell is it?”
Luke glanced at her apologetically before he turned to Devon with a bright, almost triumphant grin. “It’s at my apartment.”
Chapter 5
“Abso-freaking-not!”
Rae pawed the ground nervously with her shoe. “Devon—”
“There’s no way in hell you’re going to that guy’s apartment with him.” He turned his raging eyes away from her and fixed them on Luke. “Slick move, considering you thought she’d be alone.”
“Just hold up guys.” Molly tried to calm everyone. “I’m sure there’s a reasonable explana—”
“Hey man, I would never do anything to hurt Rae.” A flaming crimson flushed Luke’s cheeks. “I didn’t bring the box here because it contains proprietary Xavier Knights information. Aside from the fact that I didn’t want my boss to find out and lose my job,” he stared down Devon with just as much accusatory venom, “I was worried about it falling into the wrong hands.”
“Whose?” Devon growled “Those hands would be mine?”
Tiny blue flames shot from Rae’s fingers and the three of them fell suddenly quiet. Devon glared at Luke, Luke glared at Devon, and Molly stared back at Rae with wide, supportive eyes.
“This is not about what either of you think.” Rae’s voice had never been so deadly. “It’s not about how you feel. It’s not about who you woke up this morning and decided to trust.” She crossed her arms over her chest and stared both boys square in the eyes as little warning trails of smoke spiraled from her palms. “This is about me and my mother. That’s all there is to it.”
A crumpled man who had to have been a least two hundred years old stared in drunken amazement at her hands and she quickly stuffed them into her pockets. There was no time left to waste here. They only had a few hours before they were supposed to be back at Heath Hall.
“Devon, you and Molly are going to wait here while Luke and I go to his apartment to get the box.” She held up a hand to stop his automatic protest. “If I’m not back in exactly one hour, you can call out the cavalry. Luke’ll give you his address before we go.”
“Rae,” Devon’s voice was pleading, “I don’t think this is the best—”
“If you don’t think I can hold my own against one guy.” She glanced at Luke in irritation about his sudden bias towards her world. “Especially a guy who doesn’t even have a tatù, then you clearly don’t know me very well.”
Devon nodded shortly, finally appeased, while Luke’s cheeks flushed a deeper embarrassed red.
“Molly,” Rae continued, “keep your phone on and don’t fall asleep. If there’s any trouble or anything out of the ordinary, I’ll give you a shout.”
She nodded very seriously then grabbed Devon’s arm and pulled him towards a booth in the corner. “Come on, you jealous dork. You’re buying me about a million coffees so I can stay awake.”
Once the two of them were alone, Rae turned to Luke and eyed him warily. “I better not be making a big mistake here,” she warned. “I thought you were going to come with the box.”
Luke nodded apologetically and held open the door as they made their way out into the night. “That was the original plan. But after I got your texts, I got an automated email from the company server saying that because of the specific nature of my search, an inquiry was being sent to corporate headquarters.”
Rae raised her eyebrows. It made the Xavier Knights sound like a Fortune 500. “Let me guess, voice identification and retinal scans?” Luke shot her a strange look and she dropped her eyes to the cement. She must be spending too much time with Molly.
“I imagine it’s something like what you’re used to with the PC.”
Rae stuffed her hands into her pockets and sighed, well aware of the hot-tempered mess she was leaving behind her in the bar. “Maybe it’s best if we just avoid that whole subject right now.”
Luke moved like he was going to put his hand on her shoulder but thought better of it. “I’m sorry.” He sounded sincere. “You know I couldn’t care less whether someone has a tatù or not, I was just frustrated. I didn’t meant to cause trouble for you…and your boyfriend, if that’s what he is now. I just can’t bring myself to trust anyone that associates with the PCs.” He nudged her playfully. “You’re my one exception. Well,” he snorted, “you and Molly. I couldn’t imagine her staying quiet long enough to keep many secrets.”
“You’d be surprised,” Rae admitted. “I think she’s better at this covert spy stuff than anyone gives her credit for.” They walked in silence for another moment before she added, “And he’s not my boyfriend. I mean, not really. It’s…” She sighed. “It’s complicated.”
Luke nodded to himself, shooting her
a sideways grin. “Caught that, did you?”
She couldn’t help but grin. “Yeah, turns out subtlety isn’t one of your strong suits.”
“I’ll have to work on it.” They came to a crossroads and Luke pointed up the street to a row of nice-looking apartments just around the bend. “Right up there. Close enough to run back to the bar if I do anything untoward. It’s a Xavier Knight’s apartment but nobody knows I’m there. I promise. I’m risking everything to bring this to you.”
Rae shook her head and chuckled. “Don’t knock how protective Devon and Molly are. You would be too if you were in their shoes. I’ve had some pretty close calls in the last two years with people I’ve grown to trust. People that ended up betraying me.”
“I am protective.” Luke brought her to a sudden stop and stared down at her in the bright moonlight. “And I’m seriously worried Devon’s one of those people you’ll come to regret.”
Rae’s eyes flashed. “You don’t even know him. You don’t know a thing about him.”
“I know that he’s one of the fastest rising agents the PC has ever seen,” Luke replied. “I know that his father’s the headmaster at your school. I know that he was assigned to be your mentor your first year in. For the last two years, he’s been perfectly positioned to gain your trust.”
Rae’s breath billowed out in a nervous cloud in front of her. How could he possibly know all that information from a Xavier Knight file? Where were they getting all this information? That Devon was her mentor her first year at Guilder—how many people could have even known that? It was a pretty limited pool. And for the Knights to have the information, it had to mean…
“You’ve got a rogue agent,” Luke finished her dark thought.
Panicked, but well aware of their time constraints, Rae took Luke’s arm and forced them to keep moving. If there really was a mole in the PC, it could have been either Lanford or Kraigan. There was no reason to think that someone was currently acting against them.