My dragon perked at this, sending a curl of warmth through my stomach, and I squashed it, and her, down. I didnt know what I was going to do about Riley, but there were other things to focus on. Hopefully, Riley and Wes had come up with a brilliant plan, because other than knowing I couldnt leave Garret with St. George, I didnt have a clue what to do.
When I came out of the bathroom, Riley and Wes were bent over the laptop, talking in the same low, urgent tones. Riley glanced up, and our eyes met once more, making my skin flush. Then Wes snapped his name, and he turned his attention to the computer again.
Edging up behind them, I peered over Rileys shoulder at what looked like an aerial map on the screen. The surrounding area seemed barrendesert and dust and flat, open groundbut in the very center of the map sat a cluster of small buildings. No roads led to it; no other buildings or landmarks stood nearby.
Is that where Garret is? I asked softly. Wes shot me a dirty look. That, he stated, narrowing his eyes, is St. Georges western chapterhouse, and it took me a bloody long time to find it, thank you very much. Its not like the Order advertises where they aretechnically those buildings dont exist on any map or sightseeing brochure. But yes, the bastards that tried to kill us in California have likely returned there, your murderous boyfriend included. He snorted and turned away, and I resisted the urge to slap the back of his head.
I had no idea it was so close, Riley muttered, staring intently at the screen, his face grim. Right on the Arizona/Utah line. Im going to have to relocate a couple safe houses farther east.
Theres nowhere completely safe, mate, Wes said quietly, slumping back in his chair. Not since they caught on that Talon moved a lot of its business to the States. Theyre bloody everywhere now.
Where were they before? I asked.
England, Riley answered without looking at me. St. Georges main headquarters is in London, where its been for hundreds of years. Theyre very traditional, and they dont like change, so it took them a while to spread out. Thats why Talon does a lot of business in the US and other countriesthe Order doesnt have such a strong presence here. Or it didnt for a long time. He leaned over the laptop. This is a fairly new base, he stated, staring at the tiny white squares on the screen. It wasnt here ten years ago. One finger rose to trace the perimeter, his face shadowed in thought. Theres the fence, and thats probably the armory, barracks and mess hall, officer housingso this big one has to be headquarters. He tapped the screen, tightening his jaw. Thats where hell probably be.
Bloody fabulous, Wes muttered. The most heavily guarded building of them all. Tell me again why were doing this? If it was a hatchling we were all getting ourselves killed for, Id understand. I wouldnt like it, but Id understand. Thats more your type of loony. He continued to glower at Riley and ignore me, as if I wasnt standing not three feet away. Well within singeing distance, I thought. Even if we do get this blighter out, what makes you think he wont run straight back to St. George to tell them where we are? Or shoot us in the back himself?
He wont, I snapped, glaring at Wes. I know Garret. Hes not like that.
Wes turned a disgusted sneer in my direction. Really? he drawled. Then answer me this, if you know the blighter so very wellhow long did it take you to figure out he was part of St. George?
I flushed. Id never guessed the truth, never let myself think Garret could be the enemy, not until hed aimed a gun at my head, and even then I hadnt wanted to believe it. Wes gave me a smirk. Yeah, thats what I figured. You only think you know him. But the truth of it is he was lying to you that whole time. He wouldve told you anything to get you to reveal yourself, anything you wanted to hear.
He saved us from Lilith
He shot at a bloody adult dragon, Wes interrupted. Because it was clearly the bigger threat. And when it was over and his squad hadnt arrived to back him up, he told you what was necessary for him to stay alive. He told you exactly what you wanted to hear.
Thats not true! I remembered Garrets face that night, the intense way hed looked at me, the remorse and determination and guilt. Im done, hed told me. No more killing. No more deaths.Im not hunting your people anymore.
Wes snorted. Leopards cant change their spots, he said with maddening self-assurance. St. George will always hate and kill dragons because thats what they do. Its the only thing they know how to do.
I looked to Riley, standing silently beside the desk, hoping he would back me up. To my dismay, his mouth was pressed into a grim line, his jaw set. My heart sank, even as I turned on him, frowning.
You agree with him, I accused, and his eyebrows rose. You think this is a huge mistake, even though you were there. You heard what Garret said.
Firebrand. Riley gave me a half weary, half angry look. Yes, of course I agree with him, he said evenly. Ive seen what St. George does, not only in the war, but to all our kind, everywhere. How many safe houses do you think Ive lost to their cause? How many dragons are murdered by the Order every year? Not just the Vipers or Basilisks or the ones directly involved in the war. His gaze narrowed. Ive seen them slaughter hatchlings, kids younger than you. I once watched a sniper take out an unarmed kid in cold blood. He was on his way to meet me, riding his bike through the park, and the shot came from nowhere. Because I couldnt get to him in time. Rileys eyes flashed gold, the dragon very close to the surface, angry and defiant. So, no, Firebrand, Im not completely thrilled with the idea of rescuing one of the Order, he finished in a near growl. Any excuse for another of the bastards to die is a good one in my book. And dont think your human is innocent just because he fought Lilith and let us go. He has dragon blood on his hands just like the rest of them.
I cringed inside, knowing he was right. But I still raised my chin, staring him down. Im not leaving him to die, I said firmly. He saved our lives, and I wont forget that, no matter what you say. He crossed his arms, and I made a helpless gesture. But you dont have to come, Riley. I can do this alone. If you feel that strongly
Firebrand, shut up, Riley snapped. I blinked, and he gave me a look of supreme exasperation. Of course Im coming with you, he growled. I told you before, I wont let you take on St. George alone. Ill be with you every step of the way, and Ill do my damnedest to keep us alive, but you cant expect me to be happy about it.
I swallowed. Ill make it up to you, Riley, I promise.
Riley sighed, running a hand through his dark hair. Ill hold you to that, he said. When this is over, I fully expect you to do whatever I say, no hesitation, no questions asked. But first, lets concentrate on getting through the next twenty-four hours. Come here. He motioned me forward. Youll need to see this, if youre planning on sneaking into the base with me. You are planning on coming, I assume? No chance of talking you out of it?
You know me better than that.
You know me better than that.
Sadly, I do.
I eased in front of him and gazed down at the screen, suddenly very aware of his presence, his hand on my arm as he peered over my shoulder, the smell of his leather jacket. Wes grumbled under his breath, something that included the words sodding and bollocks, and Riley gave a grim chuckle.
Yeah, he muttered, his deep voice close to my ear, making my skin prickle. Just like old times.
Cobalt
Twelve years ago
1:18 a.m.
I slipped out the second-story window and dropped silently to the ground. Behind me, the office building remained dark, empty, as I leaned against the cement wall and dug my phone out of my pocket.
Its done, I muttered into the speaker. Everything is wired to explode. I just need confirmation that the building is empty before I detonate.
Roger that came the voice on the other end. Building is empty, the only thing left is the security guard outside. You are clear to proceed when ready.
Are you sure? I growled, my voice hard. I dont want a repeat of what happened in Dublin. Are you absolutely certain there are no civilians inside?
Thats an affirmative. The building is clear. Waiting on your signal.
All right. I stepped away from the wall. Leaving the premises now. Ill report in again when its done. Cobalt out.
Lowering the phone, I gazed across the empty parking lot, thinking. It would be easy enough to slip through the fence, cross the street and vanish into the darkness without anyone knowing I was here. In fact, that was what Talon expected, what I was supposed to do. They chose me for these missions because I was damn good at my jobinfiltrate a target, steal or plant whatever I was supposed to and get out again. All without being seen or leaving any evidence behind. I was probably the youngest Basilisk to infiltrate Talons enemies, and I was here only because the last Basilisk sent out on assignment never returned. But I kept completing missions, and the organization kept sending me on more, regardless of danger, time or my personal feelings. I didnt know what this particular company had done to earn Talons wrath, and I didnt want to know. Better not to ask questions; it was easier that way. But Talon required me to finish this assignment, and I knew what I had to do now.
Instead, I turned and headed toward the front of the building, following the wall until I found what I was looking for. A pudgy man in a blue-and-black uniform, silver flashlight dangling off his belt, sat in a chair near the front entrance. His arms were crossed, and his large chin rested on his chest as he sat there, eyes closed. I snorted.
Sleeping on the job, Mr. Rent-A-Cop? What would your employers have to say about that?
Bending down, I picked a pebble off the ground, tossed it in one hand and hurled it at the security guard. It struck his forehead and bounced off, and the human jerked up with a snort, nearly falling out of the chair. Flailing his arms, he glared around, then straightened as he spotted me, waiting in the shadows. I grinned at him and waved.
Hey! Stop right there!
I laughed and sprinted away as the guard scrambled after me. I jogged across the parking lot, making sure not to run too fast. Didnt want him to give up the chase just yet. Pulling out my phone, I clicked it on and began dialing a sequence of numbers, the gasping, panting voice of the guard echoing behind me.
You there! Freeze! Im warning you
Sorry, human. I reached the chain-link fence surrounding the property and leaped for the top, hitting the post and vaulting over with one hand. My thumb hovered over the final button as I walked swiftly away, hearing the guard reach the fence and pause, not bothering to pull himself up. This is going to be a bad night for you. But at least youll be alive. Thats the most you can hope for when crossing paths with Talon.
I pressed the button.
A massive fireball rocked the air behind me, blowing out windows, shattering walls, sending pieces of the roof flying as the building erupted in a gout of flame. I felt the blast of energy toss my hair and clothes, and didnt look back. Crossing the street, I slipped the phone into my pocket and melted into the darkness, leaving the structure burning behind me and one dazed rent-a-cop staring in dumbfounded amazement.
* * *
I reached my hotel room less than an hour later. Stripping out of my black work clothes, I changed quickly, then flipped on the news. The image showed the burned, demolished remains of the building Id just left, surrounded by people and flashing lights. The words on the bottom of the television read: Live: Mysterious explosion destroys office complex. I sank onto the bed, watching grimly as a reporters voice filtered from the TV.
happened around 1:00 a.m. this morning, the voice announced, as the image flipped to a birds-eye view of the demolished rooftop, gaping holes crumbling into darkness. Thankfully, all the regular employees were gone, but we are getting reports that the janitorial staff was in the building when it exploded. Rescue teams are on the scene now
No. I clenched a fist on my leg, horror and rage flooding my body. Leaping upright, I snatched my phone from the bed, dialed a number and stood there, shaking, until someone picked up.
Well done, agent, the voice on the other end greeted. We saw the reports. Talon will be
What the hell happened? I snarled, interrupting him. The building was supposed to be empty! They swore to me it was clear. No one was supposed to be inside.
A pause. Talon weighed the information and decided that the assignment would go forward as planned, the voice said in a stiff, flat tone. The loss of civilian life isregrettable, but necessary.
Like hell it was! They told me the building was clear.
It is not your place to question the organization, agent. Now the voice sounded angry. Nor is it your job to know the details. Your job is to obey. Youve performed as Talon wished, and the mission was a success. This conversation is over.
The line went dead.
I lowered the phone, seething. Sinking onto the bed again, I stared at the television, watching humans and rescue dogs paw through the smoldering ruins, listening as a reporter interviewed the guard Id saved. He credited himself with chasing the alleged bomber through the building and across the parking lot and made the pursuit sound much closer than it actually had been. But he did describe me as a young white male with dark hair, dressed all in black, and the police were on the lookout for anyone matching that description. They wouldnt find me, of course. I didnt exist in their systems; as far as the humans could tell, I was a ghost. By the time the authorities even got close to this hotel, Id be on the other side of the country. Back to the war they couldnt see.
Back to Talon.
I ground my teeth, tempted to hurl the phone at the wall, or maybe the television so that I wouldnt have to see the aftermath of what Id caused. Dammit. This wasnt the first time something like this had happened, but it was the first time Talon had outright lied to me. Before, there had been suspicious happenstance, crossed communications, orders that couldve been misinterpreted or reasoned away. Not this time. Talon had assured me that building was clear; I would have never pressed that button if it wasnt.