Chapter Thirty-Nine
Aidan
Barcelona, Spain, May
“You’re like clockwork, Mr. McBrien,” the security officer waved Aidan through the crowd waiting at the security desk. “Coffee break?”
“Long day.” Aidan smiled. “Can I get you anything, Julian?”
“I’m good, I just topped off a few minutes ago.” Julian held the gate open for him.
Aidan nodded and continued down the familiar corridor beneath the Hall of the Senate. His routine was clockwork for a reason. Aidan’s need for coffee didn’t equal his need for the security guards to see him coming and going frequently. He and the others had done their best to make as many friends in the building as possible. It was looking less and less like Marcus would send them to handle Soma, and more and more like they would have to act on Plan B. The plan would leave them fugitives in Europe and make it nearly impossible for them to reach Atlanta to beg Allie for asylum, but it was likely the only option they would ever have.
Aidan ducked into the break room to make himself a cup of coffee. He’d developed a taste for it over the years. He couldn’t seem to pour the stuff without smiling, thinking of Allie and her caffeine obsession. He frequently wondered if the battle between his mother and his Complement still waged. Knowing both women, he wouldn’t be surprised if neither of them had given up yet.
“Ugh, you always have a smile on your face, McBrien.” Kathy Rhodes rushed into the break room with a stack of documents clutched in her hands. “You’re too damn chipper.” She paused to make herself a cup of coffee. Kathy clerked for Senator Robert Sinclair, AKA, Marcus Servius. Aidan still wasn’t certain if she knew his true identity, but she loathed the Senator and that made her an ally.
“It’s my nature.” Aidan smiled and leaned against the counter. “How’s the Senator treating you today?”
“He’s in a horrible mood.” She sipped from her cup.
“That’s not unusual from what I hear.”
“I swear, one of these days I’m going to quit. Or do something to completely screw him over just for the hell of it.”
“Who knows, maybe that day will come sooner than you think.” Aidan patted her shoulder and made his way back to the courtroom vestibule where he and his fellow Syntrophos spent their days waiting for the Chief Justice to call them upstairs.
Sarah and Charles Madison called their “Special Forces” team into the courtroom several times a day to deal with unruly prisoners. They were glorified bailiffs and it was a complete waste of their time and talent. They lived for the times Sarah sent them out to bring in a reluctant witness or track down important evidence, but that was a rare occurrence these days. If I don’t get out of here soon, I’m going to lose my damn mind.
Aidan continued to wait and watch. Marcus hinted they would be on to bigger and better things once the Senate closed session for the season. He had a feeling Marcus stuck them here to bore them all to tears so they wouldn’t complain when the real assignments finally came their way.
“Aidan, I’m sorry, they just brought her in,” Naomi said as he approached the rest of his team.
Aidan raised his hand to silence her. Not to be a dick, but because his eyes were playing tricks on him.
“Mom?” Aidan watched the line of prisoners waiting with the court bailiffs for their trials. Naeemah stood regally, wearing a magnetic collar around her throat and bands around her wrists. His mother stood with the worst of the criminals. “Mom?” he said louder, crossing the room until she shook her head for him to stop. But Aidan knew his bailiff friends would look the other way, at least for a moment.
“What happened?” Aidan wanted to hug his mother and rest his head on her shoulder like he did when he was little. Just seeing her brought everything raging to the surface.
“It’s a trap,” she whispered, fighting with the cuffs around her wrists. Her eyes filled with longing at the sight of her son. “They arrested me for shielding Allie from the Senate. They have issued a summons for her, but they seem to believe she’s going to come quietly.”
Aidan resisted the urge to fold his mother into his arms and never let go. It wouldn’t do to put that kind of emotion on display here. “That’s probably my fault. I’ve met with the Chief Justice frequently since our visit to Soma. I’ve let them believe she’s not a threat. I figure it’s best they wildly underestimate her.”
“They think she will trade herself for me.” Naeemah took his hand, her eyes bright with tears.
“She wouldn’t be stupid enough to come here. I’ll get you out of this, Mom.” He lifted her hands, pressing a quick kiss against her fingers.
“You don’t know Allie anymore, Aidan.” Naeemah shook her head. “She is not the girl you left behind.”
“And I’m not the boy who left her.” Aidan hung his head, a sudden sense of shame swept over him in the face of his mother.
“Naeemah?” Naomi approached.
“Naomi, dear, we were so afraid you got caught up in all of this with Aidan. I’m happy to see you both look well enough, but I’d be much happier if we were all at home right now.”
“I’ve missed you, Mom,” Aidan said, fighting back the tears that burned his eyes. The words felt empty, like he couldn’t possibly tell his mother how much she meant to him.
“We’ve both missed you,” Naomi said, clenching her hands, resisting the urge to fling herself at Naeemah.
“Then it’s time for you both to come home. You know your father is going to show up to get me out of this. I’ve told him to leave me to whatever happens.”
“But he’s Dad.” Aidan smiled.
“So you will come with us when whatever happens, happens. Be ready.”
“We’re ready.” He spoke softly, but anger burned in his blood. He wanted to punch something, preferably someone, for putting his mother in this position. Instead, Aidan kissed Naeemah’s forehead and turned, leaving her to face the court on her own. He had work to do.
“It’s time.” He and Naomi returned to their team. “We’re doing this today.”
“Finally,” Ezra leaned forward. “What’s the plan?”
“Gemma, we’re going to need transportation for all of us and I’m guessing quite a few of my family members,” Aidan began. There was no way the McBrien boys wouldn’t show up in full force for Naeemah. “When I give you the signal, you and Spencer leave to get the cars ready.” Gemma acted as their chauffeur. The guards and officers of the court were used to seeing her come and go. They wouldn’t take a second glance at her leaving with Spencer.
When they first started working here, Aidan quickly realized the security teams knew to watch for them in certain pairs. He and Naomi would attract attention together, where he and Neela flew under the radar. Moving around the building without their Syntrophos gave them the freedom to roam farther and explore more. They were ready for this.
“Rowan, I need you to wait outside the court room. When we come out, if anyone tries to stop us, you know what to do. When Gemma gets back, she’s to wait for you.”
“Got it.” She turned to leave for the main entrance.
“Ruthie.” Aidan began.
“I know, stay here with Ace and Lola and keep Gemma informed about what’s going on.” Ruthie could share the things she saw and heard with her Syntrophos, so Gemma would know what was happening in the courtroom and be ready to react when the time was right. Ace and Lola were barely sixteen and still too young to participate at this level.
“And when it’s time, you get Ace and Lola out the back where Spencer is waiting.” Aidan gave Ruthie’s shoulder a gentle squeeze. “Everyone, get your heads on straight and follow my lead.”
In that moment, Aidan knew as sure as if she stood beside him right now, Allie was indeed stupid enough to come here. She was going to trade herself for Naeemah. If he ever got his hands on his Complement again, he was going to kiss her like there was no tomorrow, and then he was going to wring her redheaded neck. She was too important to
sacrifice.
“Gather your weapons, Special Forces, you’re wanted in the main courtroom,” the bailiff announced.
“It’s about time,” Aidan muttered. Hours had passed since he’d seen his mother led like a criminal to the gallows. He was on edge and ready for a fight.
“You’re not going to believe this either,“ the bailiff said, shaking his head with a smile as he unlocked the cabinet behind his desk where their weapons were kept. They were only allowed to arm themselves when the Chief Justice wanted a show of force. “Some redheaded nutcase is up there raking the Chief Justice over the coals. She’s going to get herself locked up for a good long time if she doesn’t shut up.”
Aidan’s heart seemed to want to climb out of his throat. “That’s our cue guys.” Aidan could hear Allie’s voice drifting down the stairs, and he was one hundred percent certain she had lost her mind.
“You don’t know me,” Allie’s words were directed at the Chief Justice. “You accuse me of having questionable abilities, but you don’t know me or my gifts. What right have you to take me into custody based on that alone? What right have you to find Naeemah and Gregg guilty without the benefit of an actual trial?”
“Dude, your girl is either brilliant or crazy,” Wes said.
“Both. Definitely both.” Aidan shook his head.
“It is the court’s prerogative to punish you for your crimes,” Sarah Madison all but shrieked across the courtroom.
“Crimes worthy of the International Senate’s time?” Allie fired back.
“Let’s go,” Aidan said, charging up the stairs behind the courtroom dais, Naomi right behind him.
He felt her before he saw her. What would she think to find him here, on the wrong side once again?
Allie stared at him as Aidan and his team of armed Syntrophos filed into the room. Aidan’s eyes wouldn’t leave hers, his hand gripping the hilt of his sword. Part of him wanted to charge across the room and kiss her, but the rational part of his mind knew they needed to tread carefully if they were going to get out of this alive.
Allie tore her eyes away from him, returning her attention to the courtroom.
Aidan groaned when he caught sight of his entire family waiting in the witness seats behind Allie. Why did she have to do everything the hard way? This was going to be impossible.
Aidan couldn’t keep her out. Not now. Why did you come, Allie? He opened his mind to hers.
You expect me to leave your mother here, alone?
I had hoped you’d let me handle this.
How was I supposed to know you’d even be here? That you’d even know what was happening?
“Guards, take this young woman into custody immediately,” Sarah ordered.
Aidan moved to stand between Allie and anyone stupid enough to try to take her away from him. Naomi stepped forward with him.
“That won’t be necessary.” Allie marched toward the podium. “You won’t be arresting me today.”
Allie don’t. You don’t know what she’s capable of. Sarah was one of Marcus’s puppets, but she was an evil, power hungry puppet.
I think I do. Please, for once in your life, trust me?
Aidan nodded. He was behind her all the way. But Sarah Madison was going to destroy Allie with her bare hands in front of this courtroom if he didn’t think of a way to get them all out of here soon.
“We should follow her lead,” Naomi whispered. “She knows what she’s doing.”
“Who are you to presume so much?” Sarah demanded of Allie.
“You know exactly who I am, Sarah.” Allie mocked the Chief Justice. “Let’s dispense with the pretenses.”
Yeah, my Complement’s going jail. For a really long time.
“Very well, Alexis Carmichael, by showing yourself here today, you have agreed to the terms outlined in your summons.” Sarah stood. “Your presence is an admission of guilt. We are done.”
“You misunderstand, Sarah. I am not here admitting guilt for anything. I am here to negotiate the release of Naeemah El Sadawii and Greggory McBrien, Governor of the Great Lakes Region of North America.”
Aidan followed Allie’s gaze across the courtroom where his father now sat beside his mother. Both wore magnetic collars. This whole thing was spiraling beyond his control, but Allie seemed to have it well in hand.
“Negotiate?” Sarah smirked. “That is not an option, my dear. We were told you wouldn’t show,” she muttered in irritation. “And if you did, you’d come quietly.”
My bad, Aidan said. At least that part of his plan worked. Sarah had underestimated Allie and wasn’t at all prepared for the spitfire who boldly addressed the full court without an ounce of fear.
“We don’t negotiate with children,” Sarah said. “Besides, their case has been decided. And you will address me as Chief Justice Sarah Madison.”
“Come now, you and my parents were good friends once,” Allie said disdainfully. “Surely, we are all on a first name basis here.”
“I do not know your parents, child. Stop wasting the court’s time,” Sarah said.
Come on, Allie. Don’t give it all away. But Allie exuded confidence. Naomi was right, she knew what she was doing. Aidan relaxed as he watched the way she spoke with such conviction. Allie was definitely not the same girl he remembered. She was so much more.
Alright, babe, I’m with you. Let’s do this together.
“My parents once sat right beside you, ruling as the Senate was meant to be ruled with proper checks and balances.”
“You dare to speak of the dead with such lies?”
Allie turned to address the Senate. “How dare you allow this government to become a dictatorship? My parents died eighteen years ago, and you still haven’t elected a Chief Justice to replace them? You all are so careless with time. You see it as an endless commodity. No need to act now, we’ll have another election in a few decades. Yet, how can you not see how much damage can be done in that time? You’ve lost control of our government and in your complacency, you don’t even realize it.”
Allie and her mortal brain. She didn’t think like any Immortal he knew. In her mind, she wasn’t mortal, but she wasn’t entirely Immortal either. She considered both sides in everything. It was one of the many quirks that made her special.
“Who are you, young lady?” a senator seated to Allie’s left asked.
“I am Alexis Carmichael. Don’t I look like my mother, Kassandre?” She turned, smiling with confidence. “It’s the hair.” She brushed her long locks over her shoulder. “But I have my father’s eyes.”
Who is this strong, gorgeous, confident woman? Aidan could hardly focus on what was happening. She was breathtaking, and not because she was the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, but because she was such a complete badass right now. Aidan’s instincts always told him to protect her, but she didn’t need it. He’d sold his soul to the devil to buy her more time, but she hadn’t needed that either.
“Kassandre and Ashar had a natural child more than two centuries ago,” Charles Madison spoke for the first time. “She was the image of her father, with her mother’s eyes. Do you expect us to believe you are their second natural child?” he snarled.
“Yes,” Allie said simply, her gaze drifting through the crowd of senators.
Aidan cringed. Not the prophecy. His eyes swept the room, looking for Marcus, but he was too difficult to find in a crowd. Aidan had no choice but to escape with his Syntrophos now. Allie was about to blow up the lie he’d spent the last several years cultivating. If Marcus was in the room, his cover was blown. Anger surged from that dark place inside Aidan. It was no small thing to realize everything he’d worked for over the last three years no longer mattered. It was all a waste of time and so much energy. He couldn’t help his anger at the way circumstances had played out. It wasn’t anyone’s fault. Allie was on her side doing the best she could and he was over here doing the best he could. The only thing that mattered anymore was getting them all out of this building alive.
As Aidan watched her, he realized Allie was trying to distract the Chief Justice while she searched the crowd for something. Or someone.
“We have heard enough of this nonsense,” Charles said.
“I don’t think we have,” Aidan blurted. “She has done nothing wrong.”
Well we’re in it together now, babe.
A collective gasp swept the courtroom. All eyes turned to Aidan.
“Who are you to question this court?” Sarah said. “I have been told your training is complete, but I will not tolerate this kind of insubordination in my courtroom, young man.”
Aidan opened his mind to Allie once again. I’m stalling here. Keep looking for whatever it is you’re looking for. “See something, say something.” Aidan shrugged. “Our trainers have taught us to seek justice. That is our job as Special Forces to the Chief Justice, isn’t it? I am no one, but I am not seeing justice in this courtroom today.”
With all eyes on Aidan, Allie continued her search of the crowd.
What are you looking for? Aidan asked.
An empty seat that shouldn’t be empty.
She was looking for Marcus. She’d never find him in this crowd. But he must be here somewhere, masquerading as a Senator. The Senators were grouped in twos. Brilliant, Lex. Don’t look for Marcus, look for his wife. Porcia wouldn’t be here to occupy her seat.
“I apologize, Madame,” Aidan said. “Perhaps I have overstepped in my desire to serve this court.” Left center, about midway down. There sat Marcus Servius, smiling at Allie like he’d just won the lottery. He knew who she was now. But he didn’t seem surprised. As Marcus’s gaze turned to Aidan, his smile faded. Rage burned behind his eyes. He would take his revenge for wasting time on the wrong young Immortal. Aidan would have to worry about that later. Right now, they needed to get out of here. And fast.
“I am afraid we agree with the head of your Special Forces.” The Chairman of the Senate stood from his seat on the lower dais. “Has this young woman committed a crime so heinous that she does not deserve a trial? As Chairman of the Senate, we must remind you, once again, to follow protocol.” Chairman Edward Thomas was a decent man. Aidan had observed enough of the Senate to know that he and his Complement frequently reminded the Chief Justice that they must follow the law.
Emerge- The Betrayal Page 37