‘Yeah, I’m good.’ I said keeping my eyes on what was going on inside the interrogation room. ‘Bit woozy.’
‘From the shielding?’
‘Yeah, it can be a bit rough sometimes.’
‘Damn, Hart,’ he muttered. ‘You’re a tough one, you know that.’
‘Sometimes.’ I smiled.
Illarion moved over to the table and stood, one hand holding the pouch, the other, lazily resting on the surface of the metal table.
Whiley's eyes traveled up from the pouch to Illarion’s face, he was trying to get a read on him, and I knew, between Illarion’s skill and Whiley’s less than evolved sense of Hearing, he wasn’t a threat. Illarion knew it too.
‘Director Lazarev.’ He muttered. ‘How desperate are you, to come out of you dark hole and get your hands dirty.’
Illarion remained silent.
‘She must be one hell of a fuck to break protocol like this.’
Illarion’s nerves remained even. He trailed his fingertips over the surface, walking closer and closer to Whiley’s side. And when he reached him, Whiley eased back, his eyes darting from Illarion and then the door.
‘You can’t do this.’
Illarion didn’t say a word.
‘I have rights.’
Whiley again, jerked back, and this time, Illarion moved. His hand shot out, wrapping around Whiley’s throat and in one swift move, he slammed his face into the table.
‘Say another word.’ Illarion warned.
Whiley didn’t. Instead, he struggled and yelled under Illarion’s weight but Illarion, as calm as ever, held him down with his knee, pressing one arm into his back while he opened the pouch with the other pulled out the syringe, biting off the plastic cap.
He jabbed the needle into his neck and pressed the plunger all the way down, dispensing the blue liquid.
Releasing him. He stepped back, replacing the needle.
Whiley’s eyes widened, shock rushed through them, and slowly, but surely his features softened until he sat, silent and compliant.
I released a long breath and dropped my gaze, Matt moved beside me, folding his arms.
Illarion moved back to the chair and sat.
‘Who is Burt Davis?’
Whiley’s groggy eyes looked up at Illarion.
‘My contact.’
‘What did he want with Ace Hart?’
‘He wanted her blood.’
‘For what?’
‘A weapon.’
‘What kind of weapon?’ Illarion asked, sliding over a piece of blank paper and a pen. ‘Write it down. Everything you know.’
Whiley nodded and picked it up.
‘Project Adam…’ his words slurred. ‘It’s…it’s powerful.’
‘Keep going.’
Whiley kept writing, on and on it went.
Finally, when he stopped, Illarion took the paper, folded it up and placed it inside his pocket.
Jesus. I shook my head; this whole thing was getting too real. I crossed my arms and shifted in my spot, Matt was as focused as I was, he had loads riding on this too, we all did.
‘What is Project Adam?’ Illarion asked.
We’d all known more or less what we were facing, but they were all pieces of a much larger puzzle we couldn’t possibly comprehend this early in the game.
‘Project Adam takes the Divine Sensitive’s blood, it combines the enzymes, DNA and genetic sequencing, pooling it all together it writes out one, specific code.’
‘What does the code do?’ Illarion asked.
‘If it’s administered into the air supply, the code will attack and destroy anything with the targeted genetics.’
‘Is it only airborne?’
‘At this stage yes.’
My breath caught in my lungs and was cut off when I released a choked laugh.
‘There are plans to develop it further?’
‘The plan is already in place. There have been successful tests.’
‘What tests?’
‘The politician in the pool…. the homeless drunk.’
Matt shifted beside me. Christ. These were all the cases I’d called the Agency in for. Things we couldn’t work out. While Matt turned pale, I grew more restless, Illarion on the other hand, was completely still. He was raging, anger I’d never felt before and fear, coated his insides.
‘How far have they gotten with the coding for the final weapon?’
Whiley trembled but looked up at Illarion.
‘There was a prototype.’
‘Where is it?’
‘Destroyed.’ Whiley looked up, his body swaying. ‘But that’s not what this is about.’
‘What is it about?’
‘The final blending of our worlds, that’s where Dalca will meet here and that’s where they’ll come.’
‘Who’s they?’
‘The Legion.’
There it was again, the Legion.
‘Who are the Legion?’
‘I don’t know, I was never told.’
He was fading fast, if Illarion didn’t get everything from him soon, it’d be too late. We had to be so careful and make sure we asked the right questions that would lead to the right answers.
Illarion took his time.
‘By whom?’
‘Simon Dalca.’
My brain refused to get on the same page.
‘When?’
‘At the battle of New York.’
Illarion pressed his palms flat to the table and forced his hold over Whiley, pushing deeper into his mind.
His aura pulsed erratically, struggling against Illarion’s control and Illarion’s body stiffened with each pull.
‘Where is the antidote?’
‘I…I don’t…know …’
‘Focus.’ Illarion ordered, Whiley’s eyes snapped up to his.
‘Where is it?’
‘Gone… the prototype was destroyed.’
‘Shit.’ Illarion slammed his palm against the table.
Whiley swayed, his eyes travelling from Illation to the door and back to the table.
‘Who destroyed it?’ Illarion asked again.
Whiley looked up, a blank and unresponsive man now replaced the asshole who’d been talking big only minutes ago.
‘Fuck.’ I spat, turning from the window.
He was gone, well and truly drained.
Illarion pushed away from the chair, letting it drop loudly against the concrete floor.
Matt stood back. He didn’t need to say a thing. We all knew what this meant. And it was bad news for everyone.
Chapter Twenty
Ace
Bad news was an understatement. The entire event gave me a migraine and watching Illarion and Matt lie, through a bit of compulsion, that Whiley just cracked, was about as bad as it got.
Even with the compulsion from Illarion, Belfort looked skeptical and I was about to crack under the pressure.
Now, two hours later, we were at my apartment, with a few extra people and some new information. Illarion promptly took the lead on this when Alex arrived. Matt, Aurel and I, stood back, watching the heated argument erupt.
Illarion and Alex were talking quietly, hushed voices carried through the hall while we stood back, watching but not daring to intrude.
They looked like they were arguing though we couldn’t make out what the topic of conversation was—Aurel and I tried our best to eavesdrop but Illarion and Alex had their shields up and between the two of them, the shield was strong, even I couldn’t break through it.
‘Should we say something?’ Matt asked.
‘No.’ Aurel and I both said in unison.
‘Okay…’ he leaned back with a huff.
Frowning, I tried again to no avail. Illarion turned his face toward me for a quick moment before looking away, damn, he’d caught me.
‘What do you think they’re arguing about?’ Aurel muttered beside me.
What did I think? What could I really say? That Illarion was let
ting jealousy get the better of him? And the Alex was probably chewing him out for using his abilities in a heavily non-Sensitive agency, risking us all.
‘No idea.’ I said instead.
Matt had already given Aurel the quick version of events that had transpired and I’d even told them both about Peyton’s apology.
‘Two super freak powerhouses, with a mutual interest. Could get interesting.’ Aurel muttered.
Cringing, I shot him a look. ‘Interesting is an understatement.’
‘Illarion won’t take anything from him sitting down, regardless of his approach.’
‘No.’ I agreed. ‘He’s not going to take any shit from Alex.’
A few more minutes of staring at the battle of egos, Matt got restless and straightened. ‘I’m going for a walk. Call me when they’re done. This is giving anxiety.’
‘Will do.’ I nodded, watching until he was gone.
Aurel handed me a bottle of water and leaned back against the counter with a long breath.
‘What?’ I cast him a sideways glance.
‘How are you doing?’
‘With what?’
Aurel scoffed, looking at over at Alex. ‘Seriously, you’re going to make me say it?’
‘I’m fine.’ I lied. ‘Alex was a long time ago.’
‘But it’s got to still hurt.’
‘Of course it does.’ I snapped, keeping my voice low. ‘What do you think?’
‘Hey. I’m on your side. I’m just worried about you.’
‘I know. I’m sorry.’ I ran a hand through my hair. ‘It’s… been rough.’
‘You and Illarion?’
Shrugging, I looked over at Aurel showing him the now present ring on my hand again. ‘We’re trying to work through some things, but I, well I don’t know how much is going to be too much. You know?’
His features softened, nodding to my hand. ‘Is this too much?’
‘No.’ I shook my head. ‘No, I’m sure. I want this, I want us. But how much can this relationship take?’
Aurel nodded, giving me a sympathetic smile.
‘Relationships can take a lot, that’s the beauty of love.’
A wide smile filled my face, hearing Aurel talk like that made my insides all mushy.
‘Don’t repeat that to anyone.’ He warned. ‘Or I’ll have to kill you.’
‘Scout’s honor.’ I chuckled. ‘Thank you, I mean it.’
‘No need.’ He looked over at Illarion again. ‘But you’re not cringing because of relationship issues, am I right?’
Lifting my head, I found his eyes. ‘He’s not himself.’
‘Noticed that, huh?’
Looking over at Illarion, I swallowed hard and gave Aurel a small nod.
‘Did I do this to him?’
Aurel shook his head immediately, like he knew without a doubt, that what I asked him was nonsense.
‘He’s been fighting this battle before you left, Ace. I think he was just better at keeping a lid on it then. But after Michael’s death, Elena resigning and his promotion, he was taking on far too much when he didn’t take enough time to heal.’
‘And now me, all of this, the Serum.’
‘You’re helping put him back together. Trust me.’
His eyes found mine and the sincerity in them made me slump back like a breath of relief coming free.
‘You’re helping him.’ He said again, reiterating the fact. ‘I’m glad you’re here with us.’
‘Despite the circumstances?’
He smirked. ‘You kidding? It’s like old times.’
‘Guess it is. Except this time, we’re about to face down an entire species, not just one bad guy.’
‘Keeps it interesting.’ Aurel chuckled, always trying to find something to keep the mood light. ‘Listen, I have to ask you…’
‘Shoot.’
‘I know it’s personal and you can tell me to back off whenever you want, but are you alright? I know you’ve been struggling alone with the Darkness and the power, but is there anything I can do?’
‘No, unfortunately not, it’s something I have to work on.’
‘But you are, working on it, right?’
I smiled, nodding.
We both leaned back looking over at Alex and Illarion. A few minutes passed before Illarion gave him a curt nod and shook hands, signaling the end of the conversation.
‘They’re finally done.’ Aurel gestured. ‘Reckon we’re allowed back in your kitchen now?’
‘I hope so. I’m over this hallway.’
‘Yeah, me too.’ He mused. ‘I think we should go and offer some sort of buffer before they explode.’
Chuckling, I nodded. ‘Should let Matt know too.’
‘I’ll do that, you go.’ He nodded toward Illarion when he came striding toward us. ‘I’ve got to meet Peyton.’
‘No shit?’
‘She found something.’
‘Keep me posted.’
‘Will do.’ He said, waving to Illarion before taking his leave.
‘Sorry about that.’ Illarion’s eyes softened when he reached me.
‘Everything okay?’ I scooted closer to him.
‘It will be.’ He said. ‘We have a plan, now we need to run it by you.’
Alex gave us some space and Illarion walked me over to the couch and sat, motioning for me to join him.
‘You going to tell me what this is about?’
‘We’ve come to an agreement. Obviously, we need to keep you safe at all costs.’
‘Okay.’ I said skeptically.
Illarion was on edge which of course, made me even more uneasy.
‘Why do I feel like I’m going to hate your idea?’
‘It’s the only idea.’ Illarion said quietly, taking my hand. ‘And you are going to hate it, but I need you to listen, really think about it.’
‘Hit me with it.’
‘You and Alex.’
‘What?’
‘You and Alex are going to go off the grid, he’s got contacts, people who can help you disappear and Aurel and I are going to go back to New York while keeping in touch with the FBI here.’
‘No.’
‘Ace—’
‘No.’
My breath stalled, and my mind started to spin. Part of me was surprised that I hadn’t broken down in hysterical tears. I didn’t even realize I was moving away from Illarion until he was standing in front of me, towering over my shaking body.
‘We were going back, together, you were going to reassign me, and we were, we were going to try...’
‘It won’t be for long, Ace. I swear to you. But this is how it has to be. And once this is over, we can bring you back in.’
‘Why?’
‘I don’t trust anyone more than I trust Alex.’
As much as that must have hurt him to say, he’d meant it. He was determined, not a flicker of uncertainty flowed through his veins.
‘We can do this, stick together, like always Ila.’
‘Not this time, lyubov,’ he brushed my hair behind my ear. ‘We have to separate, I don’t like this any more than you do, believe me. But Alex, he’ll protect you.’
‘What about you? What about the Agency, what about our plan?’
‘I’ll be fine, Aurel and I need to go back, if we don’t show up, people will start to talk, we cannot afford that. Elena’s already called and said a few people have started asking questions following the deaths.’
‘What about Matt and Peyton here?’ I shook.
‘Aurel and Alex have already read them in.’
‘Before telling me?’
‘We had to.’
Oh my God. I didn’t believe this. Everyone was going behind my back, people I trusted, like somehow I couldn’t handle myself.
‘Ace.’ Illarion said softly. ‘You can be mad at me later, but now, we have to get this moving.’
‘God, Ila. This is a mistake.’ I ran a hand over my hair. ‘I don’t like it, and not just because I d
on’t want us to separate, but this doesn’t feel right.’
‘This is our best option. You know that.’
‘Is it though? I don’t know, I can’t help but feeling that this is wrong.’
Illarion scrubbed his jaw and exhaled deeply. ‘When we get back to New York, I’m moving Aurel and Anna into the Agency safehouse.’
‘The apartments?’
‘Yes. I’ll set up a base there too. It’s going to be risky being out in the open alone.’
Defeated, I sat on the edge of the couch and for a moment I contemplated what to say, and when I realized there was nothing else to say, I wet my lips and nodded.
‘Alex will wait for you in the garage, pack only what’s necessary.’
‘When?’
‘Tonight.’
***
Ace
Illarion left, he’d said a brief goodbye which I’d cut short and then he was gone, taking Aurel and Alex with him. And after all that, it took more than twenty minutes for me to get off my ass and start packing.
When I finally opened my wardrobe, I pulled several dresses off the hangers, a pile of t-shirts and jeans, sweaters and sweatpants.
This would have to do, whatever else I needed, I’d be able to buy. I sighed, looking around the apartment. I’d be leaving all this behind, again. I took as much as I could, leaving everything that wasn’t important.
Locking up, I slipped into the hallway, carefully avoiding all the spots I knew cameras were located and moved down toward the service stairwell—my paranoia finally came in handy.
As per Illarion’s instructions earlier, Alex was downstairs waiting by the door of a large Ford. You can do this, Ace, this is just another job, just another day, another mission to complete. I shot my chain of thought down. This wasn’t just another job, this was my life now, and my life depended on staying alive and staying in the shadows, exactly where I fought tooth and nail to avoid being again. But, I could no longer risk myself like I had done in the past.
He took my bags, setting them down in the backseat. ‘Good to go?’
‘Yeah.’ I nodded, giving my building one last look. ‘Ready.’
Alex pulled the truck into the stream of slow traffic and I settled in for the long ride.
When we were out of the city, he spent a few minutes explaining where I fit in to their plan and tried to bring it all back to Illarion’s explanation from earlier.
All he told me was that I’d be off the grid with Alex, out of contact for the better part of our stay while he and Aurel returned to the Agency.
Jack of Hart- Wild Card Page 27