Page 82 of Desecrated Saints
“You’re saying we have no way of finding him,” I choke out.
Hunter’s voice is solemn. “Our options are very limited.”
Looking around the packed office, I find Seven’s steely gaze burning straight into me. He gives me a stern nod, his balled-up fist twitching at his side. That video was just another reminder of everything Lazlo has to account for, past and present.
“Professor Lazlo worked for Incendia for thirty years.” I step in front of Hunter so he has to look at me. “If anyone can tell us where this video was filmed, it’s him. I will get the information we need.”
“My decision hasn’t changed,” Hunter elucidates.
“Neither has mine. I don’t give a fuck whether or not I have your permission to leave. If we don’t locate Phoenix, I have to hand myself over either way. I won’t let him die for me.”
Seven steps forward. “I will accompany Eight. We can meet Lazlo at an agreed upon location and deliver him to you, safe and sound. This isn’t our first operation together.”
“What makes you think that you’re going and not one of us?” Hudson challenges him. “I still don’t know if we can trust you with Brooklyn’s safety.”
“I’ve kept her alive for a hell of a lot longer than you morons,” Seven argues flatly. “While you gave up on her, I was out there in the real world, protecting her. I’ve proven myself more than enough.”
Kade rests a hand on Hudson’s shoulder. “He’s right. None of us are trained in the field. We have to track down where Phoenix is.” He looks at me sternly. “Get what we need and come back alive. We’re trusting you to do this right.”
Guilt embeds itself beneath my skin. I disregard Seven’s stare, taking the time to look between the guys. Hudson looks furious with this decision. Eli’s eyes are still on Theo’s laptop, even though the video has long since disappeared. His expression is distraught.
“We’ll bring him in,” I answer, wondering if it’s the truth. “For Phoenix.”
Hunter growls his frustration. “You kids are going to get yourselves killed.”
“Let us do this and I’ll give you that sworn evidence,” I concede, hoping to appease him. “Whatever you want, I’ll go on record. Augustus, the Z Wing, everything. It’s all yours.”
Immediately, he perks up.
“Everything?”
“Everything,” I confirm. “Get the other two here and I’ll convince them to testify as well, in exchange for protection. Just give me this one fucking thing. That’s it.”
Lips pursed, Hunter nods once.
“Don’t make me regret this, West. You have a deal.”
CHAPTER 17
BROOKLYN
ME & MY DEMONS - OMIDO AND SILENT CHILD
Mist and darkness cloak the abandoned dockyard. High above us, the moon offers a meagre slice of light, paving the way for our cautious footsteps. There isn’t a single soul in sight this far out of the city. Nothing but ghosts and invisible demons walk these roads.
I tap the comms tucked in my ear. “Do you copy?”
“Check,” Hunter answers. “Eyes up and ears open, West.”
“Copy that, team leader.”
Next to me, Seven strolls with lethal confidence. “Tell the pencil pusher to butt the hell out. This is our score.”
“It’s just to keep in contact in case things go south,” I rationalise.
“Or to control us with. They don’t trust us.”
“Would you? We’re hardly trustworthy.”