If that changed, the cars sensors would know and alert him. More than that, the windows were made of shield armor, and the metal body was impenetrable. He could relax. If only for a little while.
How did yesterdays conversation with Agent Gutierrez go? he asked.
It didnt. He wasnt there. And rather than deal with anyone else, I left.
Good call.
Yeah. She twisted her jeans at the knees. Hey, Blue?
Yes.
Why didnt you tell me you created SHOW?
He stiffened. He didnt like that she knew. Hadnt wanted to alter her opinion of him that way. How did you find out?
You checked the website from my computer and the data streamed to my phone.
So? Im not mentioned on the website.
Maybe I did a little digging.
He forced his body to relax. Its no ones business, Evie.
I know. A suspended pause before she whispered, Im Anita Huginkis, a longtime donor.
He was surprised. He was impressed. He was heart-warmed. His foul mood suddenly lifted. I knew that was a fake name, but I checked Miss Huginkis out, and her background seemed legit.
Yep, Im that good. Preening, Evie fluffed her hair.
Grinning, he admitted, Im Justin Sider.
She snorted. Just inside her? Nice. A few years ago, I was Sherwood Lovett.
Holden Mylode.
Nealanne Licket.
Iva Woody.
She burst into laughter, and he marveled anew at the beauty of her. Eyes bright. Cheeks aglow. She was the epitome of radiance, flooding the dark places inside him with light.
Need to make her laugh every day for the rest of her life.
Rest of her life? Dont be ridiculous.
When she quieted, the tension was so thick, he doubted a knife could cut through it. He was turned on, verging on desperate.
Ever been to No Mans Land? he asked, changing the subject.
No. You?
Yeah. There, the air was sharp from ongoing acid rains, and stung the skin and nostrils. Humans had moved into the city, out of the country lands, decades ago, so several alien races had then moved into the abandoned areas and taken over. I would have guessed youd worked out here with Eden. You guys are close, and Michaels always sending her on the worst jobs . . . Can I ask you something personal?
After a slight pause, she said, Sure. But that doesnt mean Ill answer.
Here goes. What happened to Claire?
Sadness and remorse filled the vehicle. Blue . . .
Still not ready to talk about it?
Im not sure Ill ever be, she admitted.
The wind began to beat against the car, even throwing pieces of gravel into the hood. Grime thickened the air outside as the paved road gave way to dirt.
Unsure why he was so determined to get her to open up to him, especially now that hed decided to keep things friendly, but unwilling to back down, he said, Why did your mom and Michael split?
She used to work for him.
He nearly swallowed his tongue. Michael dated a subordinate?
Yes, and it was quite the scandal in their day. She got pregnant and he refused to marry her. I think deep down she wanted to punish him for it. So she packed up and returned to her family in Westminster.
What about Claires father?
I was a year old when she married him, and Claire came two years after that. He stuck around till just after my sixth birthday. I was devastated by his abandonment. He was a good man, sweet to Claire and me, and our only real source of doting.
He never came around after that?
No.
Then he wasnt a good man, Blue thought darkly. Hed kiboshed his kids. He was a bastard.
Blue had done a lot of shitty things in his life, but ripping out a kids heart wasnt one of them.
And now he hated that hed once called Evie spoiled rotten. She wasnt. Not at all. Shed faced rejection time and time again, and had built a wall around herself. Probably the only way shed been able to survive.
How about you? she asked. What about your parents?
I dont remember my biological parents. I was adopted at the age of four.
Were your adoptive parents good to you?
Hed never talked about this with anyone, not even Solo and John. Still, he found myself saying, They tried to be.
Tried?
I wouldnt let them. He told her about his brothers and sisters, how theyd saved him. I was so broken up about losing them, I shut everyone else out. When my new parents tried to hug me, I threw a tantrum. When they asked me to come eat at the table with them, I turned my back and went silent.
You were an emotionally traumatized kid. Im sure they understood and hold no grudge.
Youre probably right, but I cant ask them because theyre dead.
She reached over, squeezed his hand. Im sorry.
He breathed a sigh of relief when a town came into view. Were close to the warehouse. He wasnt sure how to respond to this kind, generous side of her.
With spotted fur and catlike movements, the Bree Lians looked like animals stuck on human legs. The Cortaz were far more delicate in appearance, with glittery skin and bright lights seeping from their pores.
Everyone stopped whatever they were doingshopping, selling food from wheeled carts, talking, and laughingto watch as the car passed through. Blue gripped the handle of a pyre-gun, ready, just in case. But no one chased after them as they turned one corner, then another and another, leaving the center of town and entering a deserted area.
Finally, the vehicle stopped at the entrance of a metal building that looked as if it had been beaten by wind and weather, and seemed to bend at several odd angles.
Any other time he would have parked farther away, but he wanted the car as close to his location as possible.
Were here.
You think Stars men are nearby?
No. They were pretty adamant about not coming to the area until dark, because they were afraid to face the otherworlders that live here, as well as Solo himselfif thats who is actually here. But were still going to act as if theyre surrounding the place.
You going to power surge?
No. Too many innocents. Were doing this the old-fashioned way. With guns. He checked his pyres crystal. Here. Put this on. He handed her a black leather mask with clear, malleable plastic in the eyeholes.
After she pulled the thing over her head, he gently untangled her hair from the ear hooks. She went utterly still, as if anticipating his next move, and the moisture in his mouth dried.
He couldnt dare a next move. His arms fell away.
He threw a pair of gloves at her. These, too.
She yanked the material over her hands, and withdrew the pyre from her purse. Dont you need a mask? she asked, dialing the weapon to its hottest setting.
He did, but hed only been able to find the one. Ill be fine.
He held his breath and exited the vehicle in sync with Evie. They raced inside the building together, and in the short time it took, Blues face was pelted with thousands of stinging grains of dirt. As he shut the door to the warehouse, blocking the wind, Evie trained her weapon on the space behind him.
Clear, she said.
He removed her mask for her and set it aside for the return trip. Fresh air is being fed into the vents by an outside source. He wondered who owned the building. Because although the entire structure looked ready to collapse, that was reinforced steel on the walls. The place was probably strong enough to withstand any kind of storm, natural or artificial.
Blue, you bloody wanker! she suddenly belted out.
He blinked in surprise. What?
You lied! She dug through her bag, withdrew a bundle of wet wipes, and cleaned the curve under his eye.
He let her, caught up in the blood-heating, gut-wrenching pleasure of her touch.
I didnt lie. I said Id be fine, and I am. Im already healing, he muttered gruffly.
Well, Im still ticked.
Do you want to rip out my kidneys and stomp on them like youre making wine?
For starters.
Fighting a grin, he led her through a maze of empty halls and rooms. As expected, none of Stars men were here. However, in the far room, they came across a hooded man strapped to a chair. Beside him was a table littered with bloodstained weapons and syringes.
Not Solo. Too small.
Disappointment struck.
Who are you? Evie demanded, giving the guys chair a little kick.
His body jolted in surprise. Evangeline Black?
Her shocked gaze landed on Blue. Agent Gutierrez?
No way.
Blue stalked forward and tore away the crimson-soaked hood to reveal an equally crimson-soaked man.
Swollen ocean-blue eyes took zero time to adjust to the sudden flood of light, lasering in on Blue, then Evie, then back to Blue. Free me. Now.
Uh, I dont think we will, Evie said. Not until youve answered a few questions.
Free me, he insisted, or Ill hurt you in ways you cant even imagine.
Fury wound around Blue as surely as a rope, dragging him into a hissing, snapping pit of malevolence. Dont threaten the girl. You do, and I wont bother with threats of my own. Ill just start cutting.
Looking at the agent, Evie leaned down and said in a stage whisper, My partner is very good with a knife.
Dallas ignored her. Focused on Blue, he grinned an evil grin; there was blood on his teeth. Well, well. If it isnt the football star that once dated my partners girl, Noelle Tremain. Funny seeing you here.
Yeah. Real hilarious. Now, who tied you up and tortured you?
Dallass grin spread wider. In a silky voice the agent said, You will let me go. You want to let me go.
It took a moment for comprehension to dawn, and when it did, amazement was right there, waiting. The man was human, and yet he had just triedand succeededto use voice compulsion, an Arcadian ability.
Blue threw out his arm to stop Evie from moving, expecting her to try to obey the male.
She didnt. She growled with sudden outrage, obviously immune. You actually thought it was a good move to force us to do stuff we dont want to do? Lets see how I react to that. Her fist slammed into his jaw, and the entire chair skidded to the side.
Thats my girl.
No, not my girl.
I mean it, Dallas said, this time sounding confused and desperate. You want to let me go.
She hit him a second time. Harder. If you arent already brain damaged, youre about to be. Are you sure you want to keep running that road?
Let me try something. Blue decided to get down and dirty and pressed his booted foot between Dallass legs. How are you able to use voice compulsion?
Gritting his teeth against the pain, Dallas said, Your friend asked the same thing. By the way, he used the same methods. Ask me how well they worked. Not that Ill answer that, either.
Friend?
Like you dont know.
I want a name.
Dallas spit blood at him.
Whatever. Blue didnt care about his audience. This was too important. He pushed his power into his hands, and both lit up like rockets. Then he brushed them through the air in front of him, a screen of sorts forming. Colors appeared.
A scene took shape in the center. A scene from ten minutes before.
Blue watched as Soloalive and wellpressed his boot between Dallass legs. What do you know about Gregory Star?
I get that youre a big, bad dude and all, but do you really have to keep me in the hood? the agent said from the screen. I already know who you are. We met at the circus, remember? And dont try to deny it. I recognize your voice.
What the hell is going on? real-time Dallas demanded.
Blue ignored him.
Solo pressed harder, and screen-Dallas hissed. Youre a friend of Kittens, one of my cage mates, and thats the only reason youre still alive. But Im looking for my friend, John No Last Name, and I will maim for information. Maim in ways that will make me a monster, and you a man with a death wish. So, you have
The screen went blank.
Blue almost couldnt contain his joy. Solo was alive and well.
Forget what just happened, Dallas said. Judging by the look on your face, I can tell you werent aware your pal Solo snuck into my home, knocked me around, brought me here, tied me up, beat me up, and asked all kinds of questions I refused to answer.
He couldnt respond. Solo was alive and well.
Solo was alive and well and in New Chicago.
Solo was alive and well and in New Chicago, trying to find John.
Relief bombarded him, nearly buckling his knees.
He couldnt stay still. He turned to Evie and drew her into his arms. Her little body trembled against him, but she didnt hesitate to wrap herself around him, holding on tight. He buried his face in the hollow of her neck, breathing in the honey and almonds that seemed to be infused into her skin.
Maybe he was a pansy, because tears burned the backs of his eyes. He didnt care.
A moment to baskfine.
More than that? No!
He had to force himself to release her, to return to the interrogation. If you know anything about John No Last Name, Agent Gutierrez, I suggest you tell me. Otherwise, I will gut you where you sit and not feel a moment of remorse. Unlike Solo, I wont walk away and leave you for someone else to find.
That wasnt Solos usual MO, either. So . . . was the agent a gift? Had the warrior known Blue would come?
If so, why not stay to greet him?
The corners of Dallass mouth lifted in a parody of a grin. I formally invite you, Solo, and even Miss Black to go screw yourselves.
Evie snorted. You gotta give him credit. Hes quite amusing, isnt he?
Frustration ate at Blue. Youve been investigating Gregory Star, yet you havent plugged your findings into a single database. Why?
Why dont you guess? Dallas said, refusing to back down.
All right, he replied, lifting a scalpel from the table and testing its weight in his hand. You dont like Gregory Star for some reasonmaybe because of that Kitten chick Solo mentionedand youre planning to punish him old-school. You dont want him going to trial. You want him dead. How am I doing so far?
Dallas paled and tried to cover the tell with a yawn. Im bored.
Shall I question Kitten next? Blue asked.
A mouthful of curses hurtled his way. Leave Kitten out of this. She was horribly abused at that circus, and hasnt recovered.
Blue was the one to yawn this time.
The agent realized he was getting nowhere and tried a different path. Does Noelle know youre black ops, Blue? Wait. Black ops. Blue. Black and Blue. And youre Black, too, he said to Evie. How cute. Anyhoodles. Im having dinner with Noelle and her man tonight. Ill make sure to let them know you said hi.
Blue had kept tabs on Noelle over the years and knew shed joined AIR. Knew shed gotten married. Knew she was pregnant with her first rug rat. He was happy for her, and hoped she wouldnt want to kill him when she learned the truth about him.
He wasnt going to try to stop Dallas from sharing the intel with her. At long last, he wanted her to know. She deserved the truth.
All right, enough of this. I can make him talk without killing him, or even hurting him, Evie said, rooting inside her purse. I hate to do it, because the side effects are so severe, but desperate times and all that. Aha! Smiling, she withdrew a compact of loose white powder.
Gonna make me up? Dallas asked. Make me prettier? No, please, no. Not that. Anything but that.
At least use the flare gun on him, Blue said.
Youll like this better, I promise. Its a truth serum I . . . played with.
Dallas frowned.
Did we forget to tell you Im good with poisons and potions? she asked silkily.
The agent grew a bit uneasy, shifting in his chair. Truth serum doesnt work on me. Solo tried it before you got here, and failed.
Well, Solo didnt use this, now, did he?
Dallas gulped. What kind of severe side effects are we talking about?
Oh, you know. The uze. Growing man boobs. Total hair loss. Penile shrinkage.
Blue thought she was kidding and smothered a laugh.
What! Dallas bellowed.
Evie bent down, puckered her lips, and puffed the white powder in his face.
The agent coughed and hacked until his eyes glazed over and he relaxed in his seat.
So, Agent Gutierrez, Evie said with a bright smile, why dont you tell us what you know about Solo and Gregory Star?
Fourteen
DALLAS TOLD THEM EVERYTHING.
Solo was caged at the circus with my friend Kittenshes AIR, you know, and all messed up now. I think shes hot. Thats prolly why Ive had so many fantasies about her. Real dirty ones, too, but my favorite is the one of us in the shower, because she drops
What happened to Solo after the circus? Blue snapped. Who sold him?
The agent nodded, all eager to please now. Gregory Star sold him. Then, after we torched the circus, Solo disappeared with Vika, the circus owners daughter. A real pretty little blonde Ive had fantasies about. See, Id like to bend her over a
Do you know where Solo is now? Evie asked, her tone dry.
Nope. Didnt see him again until he showed up at my house. He threw his fists of fury around, and when I failed to answer any of his questions, he stomped off and said hed let the owner of the building have me. Thats Gregory Star, in case you didnt know. Ive been following some of his men. Wanted to follow Mr. Star, but hes been holed up in the country, not even leaving for work. His employees have been coming to him.
Why have you been following Stars men? Blue demanded.
Stars the one who sold Kitten and Solo to the circus. And I think hes the one that bombed Mr. Blacks house, because, see, that woman, the one that used to work for him, came to me right before she died and said hed done it and that he was now after her.
That woman. The assistant.
How could she have known about Star unless shed helped set the bomb, as Blue suspected?
When the deed was done, she either experienced remorse, with a need to make things right, or fear, with a need to save her own neck.
Okay. Moving on. How are you able to use voice compulsion?
Oh, that, Dallas said. The king of the Arcadians fed me blood to save my life, and now were, like, totally bonded. I was happy he did it . . . until I was mad. See, hes married to the current head of AIR, Mia Snow, and she used to be my partner. She wanted me to live and not die, and she didnt understand that Id essentially become the guys slave and that hed know every time I had a fantasy about her.
Evie rolled her eyes. Is there anyone you havent fantasized about?
Prolly not. I dated Pagan long before Bluedid you know that?and Id be into a three-way . . . four-way . . . if anyone in this room was agreeable. And maybe we could have meat loaf, mashed potatoes, and black-eyed peas after. Im kinda hungry. And dirty. I could use a shower. And maybe a new pair of briefs. Wait. Im not actually wearing any underwear right now.
Blue cut the agent loose. Discretion is your friend, Agent Gutierrez. I dont mind you telling Noelle about me, but I would prefer you not tell others. Ill just have to kill them. I also would prefer it if you stayed away from Gregory Star. I think hes the one holding John, and I will massacre anyone who gets in my way.
If I had a dollar for every death threat I received, Id be richer than Miss Hot Pants Black, Dallas said, rubbing his wrists.
What had Evie put in that truth serum? Youre on your own getting home. But I suggest you be quick about it, because Stars men plan to raid the building tonight.
Dallas remained in the chair and tried to catch a dust mote.
Whatever. Blue wrapped an arm around Evies shoulders and led her out of the room. Up next. The meet-and-greet with Tiffany.
She stiffened.
Why such a telltale reaction?
Thought hed sleep with the girl?
He gritted his teeth. Cant be mad this time. I mean, why wouldnt she think that? You havent told her youll be faithful.
But why would he tell her something like that? They werent even in a relationship! And hed decided not to start one.
About that, she said. Tiffs a rich girl and grew up around powerful men. If you go about a meeting the usual way, youre just gonna be more of the same, and easily forgettable.
He stopped at the door to swipe up the mask. Are you saying Im going to strike out?
Was I not clear? I thought I was clear. Yes. Youre going to strike out. Thats why I need to go in first and prep her.
Prep her? Youve got to be kidding me, princess. He tried to fit the mask over her face, but she shook her head.
You wear it this time.
A sharp pang scraped at his chest. She was . . . looking out for him. Putting his safety above her own. No. He anchored the material in place and again tucked away her hair. Returning to Project Tiffany Bang Bang. Madam Prude is actually going to help Himbo score?
Eyes narrowing, she patted his cheek. First, youre not going to score. The job doesnt call for that.
It didnt now, he thought darkly. But later . . .
No. He wouldnt think about that.
Second, your gratitude is humbling.
Well, Im a spectacularly humble guy.
Just before they exited the building he thought he heard Dallas call, Is it too late to get an autograph?
* * *
Evie strode along the busy outdoor shopping strip, hands in her pockets, a bounce in her step. The sun glared hotly, making her sweat, but she didnt care. At a glance, she doubted her own mother would recognize her. Her dark hair was hidden underneath a short red wig, the strands kinky and straining under a ball cap. Dark aviator glasses wrapped around her eyes. Her stained and threadbare clothing had been purchased at a thrift store.
Finding Tiffany Star had been easier than expected, considering the lengths her father had taken to shield himself. But then, Tiffany was an up-and-coming designer, with a website to display her current clothing line. A little hack job, and boom. Evie had access to Tiffanys in-box, and discovered the girl had a meeting with the owner of one of these shops.
Only five minutes ago, Evie watched Tiffany struggle to find a parking space in the lot. A wave of excitement hit her. Excitement she quickly tamped down. Then, when the girl walked past her at the coffee shop, never glancing in her direction, Evie turned and followed.
Now they snaked a corner. Evie had only to wait for
That. Blue.
At the end of the newest walkway, a crowd of people surrounded him, each vying for his attention. Tiffany picked up speed, drawing closer to him. . . .
Evie burst into motion, shoving people out of the way. When she reached Tiffanys side, she grabbed the girls briefcase and, as the girl shouted, Wait! Stop! Thats mine! she sprinted into one of the shops.
As she ran, she shed the top layer of her disguisethe ball cap, the red wigand flipped the flannel shirt with half sleeves around, revealing a black business jacket. By the time she stepped through the back door, she looked like a new person entirely.
She walked at a leisurely pace and entered the empty shop at the corner, having already busted the lock. The windows were smoked, not allowing anyone to see inside as she emptied the contents of the briefcase on the floor, searching for anything that might point to John.
Sketches, sketches, and more sketches, but nothing important. Figured. As Evie put the case back together, Blue came through the door. As usual, goose bumps broke out over her skin and her lower belly quivered.
Was she ever going to get used to his power . . . or his appeal?
Anything? he asked.
No. She tossed the case at him with more force than necessary. Though her aim was off, he leaned to the side and caught it without a hitch. Now go be a hero and tell her how badly you roughed me up, just to save the day. Shell be all over you.
He paused, tensed. Im not going to let things go that far. He stood there for several more beats, just staring over at her as if there were something else he wanted to say. Then he was gone, and she had the strangest desire to call him back.
Or, worse, to say thank you.
* * *
Blue gave Tiffany his most charming smile, and she blushed. He almost sighed. Hed never met such a timid little bird, so he wasnt sure how to deal with her.
At five ten, she was taller than the average woman. She had straight blond hair she liked to hide behind, and pretty green eyes she kept mostly downcast. He wasnt sure why she lacked confidence. Unless she was embarrassed by her past? He knew shed been a pretty wild teen, and more than a recreational drug user.
But it looked like shed gotten her life together. Today she wore a yellow summer dress that screamed pedigree, style, and sophistication. There were no track marks in her arms, and a deep tan made her skin glow.
After he returned the briefcase, she was ecstatic and grateful and offered to buy him coffee once she finished with her business meeting. He played the attracted suitor and happily agreed to wait.
Now, an hour later, they were at a little outdoor café, sipping joe and chattingwell, he was chatting, she was listening. In the past fifteen minutes, hed counted thirteen camera phones aimed in their direction, and hed never been more thrilled by the publics obsessive need to know about his love life.
Star would hear about the encounter. Maybe decide to meet with the man whod saved his little girls briefcase.
So, he said.
So.
Awkward. Wow. This might be his first strikeout. And Evie was at home, listening.
Unreadable Evie. He wanted her more than hed ever wanted any woman, and he knew how she felt about this part of the job. It must be throwing his game.
For John. This is for John.
Ive met your father a few times, he said. Hes a fan of the Invaders and used to come to all our victory parties. You attended a few yourself.
Oh. Down went her gaze. She fiddled with the lid on her coffee.
Nice guy.
Y-yes.
Interesting. Was that fear he detected? Whats he up to nowadays? I havent seen him around.
Working. As always.
Uncomfortable silence.
Screw this. Tiffany, Blue said, layering his voice with the barest hint of compulsion. Testing the waters. . . . Pinch my arm.
Her eyes glazed over, and she reached out, pinching him as hed ordered. He almost whooped with relief. She wasnt immune.
Using more compulsion, he said, Im going to ask you a series of questions, Tiffany, and you are going to answer honestly. Do you understand?
Yes.
Good. Have you seen your father with a Rakan?
No.
Have you heard about your father and a Rakan?
Yes.
Have you Yes? Excitement built. He leaned forward, saying in a rush, Tell me everything youve heard.
Utterly monotone, she said, I will be punished for speaking of it.
He increased the amount of compulsion. Tell me everything youve heard about the Rakan, Tiffany. Now.