Finally, the day came for him to approach Elaine. When she stood before him, fiery and defiant, he’d been so proud, for he felt he knew her now, in a way, and he’d seen her at her most vulnerable. Her strength and fortitude were magnificent. The few weeks he’d spent at the hub somehow felt longer, as Hunter reveled in each conversation they had, each touch they shared. Although he still couldn’t see a scenario where they were married, considering she’d just threatened to put a bullet through his skull, he could still see…possibility.
It was more than he’d ever hoped for, and he was loath to squander it. Only time would tell what the future held, but for now, he was determined to help the snarky physicist accomplish her goal.
Firm with resolve, he straightened his spine and exited the office, ready to discuss the next steps in their clandestine plan.
Chapter 19
Hunter found Lainey, Eli, and Cyrus in the foyer by the hub entrance. Lowering to one of the chairs that lined the sparse room, he addressed Cyrus. “You’ve been updated?”
“Yes,” Cyrus said, murder in his eyes. He was obviously pissed at Hunter’s deception, but their subsequent discussion—or punch in the face, judging by the man’s furious expression—would have to wait until later. Time was of the essence and couldn’t be wasted.
“Here’s what I would like to do,” Eli said, leaning forward, elbows on his thighs. “Hunter revealed his deception outside. I’ll announce he’s aligned with the New Establishment and leave him in charge of the troops I station here.”
“Is that really necessary?” Lainey asked.
“Yes. It must appear we’ve overtaken the hub. I need to leave at least ten men here. It’s believable that I’ll take the rest of the battalion with me to meet up with our troops outside of Solera. The Insurgency forces are strong there, and the New Establishment needs every soldier possible.”
“Along with my twenty men, that will give the appearance of an occupation,” Hunter said. “My men know me well. They’ll understand my alliance is for show, but no one else can know. Eli’s true intentions must be kept secret. They’re essential to our success.”
“I have to tell Claire,” Lainey said, frustration evident in her tone. “And the whole team. They can’t believe I’ve let the hub be seized. It goes against everything they know about my character.”
“No, Lainey, we can’t chance it,” Hunter said.
“Listen, guys, it’s non-negotiable. I’m not lying to my team. Some people here seem very comfortable with being bold-faced liars,”—she shot a glare at Hunter—“but if I lose my integrity, I have nothing. I tell my team, or I tell the New Establishment that Eli’s a spy. I don’t give a crap what can of worms that opens, I won’t leave them in the dark.”
“Lainey,” Hunter pleaded softly.
“Non. Negotiable.” The words were stilted through her clenched teeth.
“Fine,” Eli said, waving his hand. “We don’t have time to argue. Tell your team, but I swear, if they tell another soul, they’ll jeopardize everything. Their silence is imperative.”
“Understood,” Lainey said with a nod.
“I’ll leave my men here, with Hunter in charge along with the captain of the battalion I leave behind. The New Establishment’s primary goal is to seize Solera at the moment. The science of the hub is secondary. There is vague knowledge you’re working to solve time travel, but many believe it’s impossible. Although my father knew of its existence, thanks to him discovering Puss in Boots, he eventually became drunk with power and devolved into a hateful old man. His rantings about time travel were considered by most to be delusions. The regime is more interested in your ability to supply power than solve time travel. This gives us a great advantage. You have the time machine hidden in a bunker, correct?”
“Yes,” Lainey said. “The entrance is inconspicuous to the human eye. Cyrus helped my father build it. Opening the hatch requires several security codes and knowledge of hidden keypads even the best-trained soldier would be hard-pressed to find.”
“Good. Hunter will ensure the compound is occupied while surreptitiously allowing you to continue your work. I’ll instruct the men to stay outside and that you’ll bring them any supplies they need. Their mission will be to keep you sequestered here until we overtake Solera. What is the next step for you, Dr. Randolph?”
“I need to send our human test subject Luke back to 2035. Once there, he will set up a home base for us in an abandoned warehouse my father identified from when he used to live in Washington D.C. before the apocalypse. My father stockpiled currency from 2035, and Luke will use that to purchase supplies. My team will arrive at the warehouse a week later, and we’ll all work to prevent my grandfather’s actions.”
“I’m sure you’ve discussed your grandfather’s security at length,” Eli said. “Getting past the Secret Service alone will be daunting.”
“Yes,” Cyrus said. “But we have all the knowledge Lewis imparted upon us. He knew many of President Randolph’s associates that were embroiled in the apocalypse plan. I’m confident we will find a way past his security.”
“I’m sending Luke back to March 25, 2035,” Lainey said. “There are specific equations that allow us to set the laser frequency to extreme precision and select the date where we open the wormhole portal. I sent Puss in Boots back on March 27. I’ll instruct Luke to observe the portal and hopefully prevent your father from discovering him.”
“You can try,” Eli said, “but it could be a fate paradox that he was supposed to find him.”
Lainey nodded, rubbing her upper arms. “We’ll still try. If Luke thinks he’ll be discovered, I’ll tell him to hold back. The ultimate goal is to prevent my grandfather from destroying the world. He detonated the nukes on September 4, 2035, so arriving in March will give us some time to study him and carry out our plan.”
Eli nodded, and Lainey contemplated him in the staid light of the foyer.
“There’s something you want to ask me,” he said.
“I don’t understand what your ultimate goal is here,” Lainey said. “You want to prevent your father’s actions and stop the New Establishment from forming. Do you want to return with us? I don’t understand what you’re looking for.”
“No,” Eli said, his expression resigned. “I have no love for the life I’ve had to lead to get here. In trying to prevent the maliciousness of my father, I inadvertently became as evil as he. It’s a great incongruity of my life and one I struggle with. It’s prevented me from having things most men crave: family, connection, love. I hate the person I am in this timeline and won’t mourn his demise. My hope is that you can prevent your grandfather’s actions, and I will grow up in the new timeline a very different man. For now, my one purpose is to ensure you continue your work while giving the appearance the hub is seized. My men will never disobey my orders. I’m too feared, and the consequences are too great. You’ll succeed, and I’ll be gone from this wretched timeline. Not a minute too soon, if you ask me.”
Compassion swept over her, and she reached for his hand. “I understand the burden that was placed on you as a child. It’s overwhelming.”
His soft grin was filled with a shared comradery. “Perhaps you’re the only one who can.”
Lainey contemplated the significance of him choosing to live his life for the cause even if it required less than honorable actions. There was a latent nobleness in his choices.
“Okay,” Eli said, standing, “I have to get back outside. I’ll be cruel to you in front of the men. Just know, it’s not personal.”
“Got it,” Lainey said, standing too. “Let’s get on with it then.”
As the four of them headed out, Hunter reached toward Lainey and placed a supportive hand on her lower back so she could exit ahead of him. The scathing look she gave him caused him to drop his arm immediately. Hating that he’d hurt her, he vowed to set things right. Remembering Lewis’s words, he brainstormed ways to appeal to her practicality, because they wouldn’t succeed i
f they weren’t aligned. Sighing with remorse, he headed into the bright sun.
* * * *
Alora understood something was wrong the minute she entered the first thicket of trees surrounding the compound. It was quiet, and quiet meant things were still. Frozen. Devoid of life.
Marie was always buzzing around the commune, singing to herself as she hung the laundry to dry or cooked large vats of stew over the bonfire. Not today. Even the birds seemed to have silenced, their song stuck in their throats—from fear or trepidation, Alora could only wonder.
Riding her horse, back strapped with bags full of supplies, she whispered to her and patted her neck. “Tread softly, Zita,” she said, the lilt of her South American heritage in the words. “Remember, bad men wish to hurt the ones who react the fiercest. Stay calm, and they will let you live.”
The horse carried her through the brush until she entered the clearing outside the entrance of the hub. Several New Establishment soldiers stood firm, rifles in hand, while other men dressed in black blanketed their sides. A man with thick hair the color of midnight and firm, broad shoulders was addressing the group that had gathered. Lainey and Cyrus stood by the entrance, flanked by a man Alora had never seen. He had dark brown hair, with gray at the temples, the same color as his eyes. This man held many secrets—she surmised this immediately—but he didn’t seem to emanate malice. No, he radiated…purpose. Strong and sure, though surrounded by a mysterious air. Alora digested it and decided he posed no immediate threat, but her guard would remain high.
The man addressing the group? Well, he was another matter entirely. Although she couldn’t see his face, Alora would recognize the set of his shoulders and muscular frame anywhere. It was the same as his father’s and just as evil.
Gazes lifted toward her as the men slowly became aware of her arrival. The wicked man’s body tensed, if only slightly. He ceased talking and slowly turned, deep brown irises shifting to stare up at her where she sat atop Zita.
“Hello, Alora,” Eli said.
Her eyes narrowed, and she struggled to remain unaffected. She knew the situation must be handled with great care and she must stay devoid of emotion. Swinging her leg over Zita’s back, Alora hopped to the ground, the sound of guns being cocked emanating through the thick air.
“Halt,” Eli called softly, holding up his fist and signaling them to lower their weapons. Dark eyes flitted back and forth between hers as he contemplated her. “I wondered when you would arrive,” he said, the silken words vibrating in tandem with the blood coursing through her veins.
Alora stayed silent, assessing her surroundings. Lainey seemed to be watching them with her ever-present scientific fascination.
“Yes,” she said, chin tilted up, determined to hold his gaze. “It seems I’ve arrived just in time. I knew it was only a matter of time before you seized the hub.”
He blinked, slow and cautious. Alora, usually a master at reading people, sensed there was something lurking in the depths of the black flecks of his eyes, but she couldn’t place her finger on it. Eli had always been the one person she’d never been able to fully get a read on. It was maddening.
“I have made an arrangement with Dr. Randolph,” he said, his handsome face an indiscernible mask. “We will occupy the hub, and she will provide the men I leave behind with supplies, power, and food. Our primary goal is to overtake Solera. Once we do, they will no longer be able to send soldiers to fight for the Insurgency. Our occupation of the isle will be complete. As long as Dr. Randolph keeps us happy, she and her team have nothing to worry about.”
The fucking bastard. Alora wanted to grab his ears and thrust her knee into his perfect nose. God, that would feel amazing. Instead, her lips curved, though they held no amusement.
“How generous of you, Eli. Will you wait to kill them until they’ve given you all their supplies? Or perhaps just half? I know how hard it is to curb your murderous cravings.”
His eyes narrowed, and he stood silent, refusing to rise to the bait.
“I’m sorry, but it seems like you two know each other?” Lainey chimed in. “That would’ve been really helpful to know, Alora.”
“Oh, I’m sorry,” she said, her gaze remaining locked on Eli’s as she refused to give him the satisfaction of looking away when she uttered her next words. “Didn’t I tell you? Eli’s father is the one who murdered my family all those years ago, on the South American isle. And the prodigal son here just stood by and watched while they were slaughtered.”
His throat bobbed as he swallowed, relaying a small sliver of discomfort only she would notice. Alora imagined plunging her knife into the very spot.
“People who defy the regime will always be made examples of, Alora.”
“Oh, yes,” she said, smirking. “I believe you said those same words to me when they all lay dead and bloodied on the grass. I was only fourteen, and you were barely a man. Eighteen, perhaps? Do you remember what you said to me next, all those years ago?”
Full red lips drew into a thin line as his gaze drilled into her. “I said, ‘We’re leaving you alive so you can spread the word to everyone on the isle. If they resist the New Establishment, their family will die.’”
“You son of a bitch,” she whispered, her restraint vanishing as she recalled the gory images. Clenching her fist, she struggled to contain the urge to strike him.
“Don’t,” he said, the command soft but firm as he closed the distance between them. “I can’t protect you if you strike me.” The words were whispered so only they could hear. “For the sake of your family here at the hub, you need to back down. Now.”
The words incited confusion in her furious mind as she attempted to reconcile the notion that the man who’d allowed the massacre of her family had just uttered something about protection. It went against everything she knew about Eli Hernandez and it shocked her into stillness.
He gave her an almost imperceptible nod and turned to address the curious onlookers. “Alora has just returned from a long trip and is quite exhausted. Dr. Randolph, please escort her inside. Soldiers, be ready to depart for Solera in twenty minutes. Captain Parker will remain behind with his battalion and run the occupation here alongside Captain Rhodes. I expect the occupation will be uneventful and peaceful. We will return once we’ve overtaken Solera and work with Dr. Randolph to develop a new power grid, run by the New Establishment and only given to people who conform with our regime.”
The New Establishment soldiers called out a unified, “Yes, sir!” and saluted Eli.
After saluting them back, he addressed Lainey. “Get her inside,” he said, motioning with his head to Alora. “I can’t have her hatred jeopardizing everything.”
Alora opened her mouth to unleash every vile word she’d ever spoken upon the arrogant bastard. Before she could, Lainey rushed to her side, hugging her close.
“Come on, Alora,” she said, a warning in her gaze. “We have a lot to discuss.”
Sparing Eli Hernandez one last glare of revulsion, she let her friend whisk her inside.
* * * *
“That conceited, pompous jackass!” Alora exclaimed once she entered the foyer. “I swear to god, one day, I’ll chop his head off with a dull knife!”
Lainey stared at the gorgeous woman, who was known for her intense control and ability to remain passionless in even the direst situation. Never had Lainey seen her react this vehemently.
“Alora,” she said, rubbing her upper arm, “there’s a lot I need to tell you, and perhaps a lot you need to tell me.” Lainey’s tone softened. “Why didn’t you ever tell me Eli’s father murdered your family? Or that he was there and witnessed the entire thing?”
Alora sighed, slumping into one of the foyer chairs. “I didn’t want to muddle things,” she murmured, running her fingers through her long, silky black hair. “It was in the past and became the driving force for my quest to bring down the New Establishment.” Her almond-shaped eyes lifted to Lainey’s, swimming with anger and pain. “And
it’s my trigger. The one instance of my life that sends me over the edge. Obviously,” she muttered, rolling her eyes and sinking back in the chair. “Goddammit! I hate that I lost my cool in front of the bastard. I let him win.”
“This certainly complicates things,” Lainey said, lowering into the plushy chair across from Alora.
“And why is that?” Alora asked, eyes narrowed.
Lainey sighed. “Because he’s now our ally.”
Alora’s magnificent brown eyes widened, and her nostrils flared as she digested the statement. “Excuse me?”
“I need you to let me explain, from the beginning, when Hunter showed up. It’s a long story, and I don’t want to leave out any details.”
Urged on by her friend’s hesitant nod, Lainey spent the next few minutes bringing her up to speed on Hunter, the progress with the Sphere, and Eli’s true identity. When she was finished, she sat back and regarded Alora.
“I know this is a lot to process. I think it’s best if you unload your supplies and take the day to digest everything. I’m going to instruct the team to meet at the Sphere at midnight. Hopefully, that will be late enough that we’ll go undetected.”
Alora twirled a strand of hair around her finger, an absent habit she often employed. “This is all quite incredible, Lainey,” she said. “I don’t know if I can work with Eli. I hate him with a vitriol I’ve never felt for anyone else.”
“I can understand why,” Lainey said.
“But I will take some time to think. Will the troops leave me alone while I unpack the supplies through the back door?”
“Hunter should keep them relatively in check. We’ll see. He lied to me repeatedly, and I never should’ve let my guard down with him. It’s like Dalton all over again.”
Dark eyebrows arched. “So, you are romantic with him?”
Lainey exhaled a pfft. “He wishes. I wouldn’t touch him with Lucifer’s own hand. Lying bastard.”
A Paradox of Fates Page 14
