Ekko’s mouth went dry. Was this what they had come to? What they needed to do?
In the beginning it had all seemed so easy. She’d been a naïve fool. She just hoped Chayan and Silas didn’t pay for her mistake.
SUNDAY. DSS SAFE HOUSE, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Scene break.
Next paragraph here.
DAY. LOCATION, CITY, State.
Pasley tiptoed to the door and peered out on the hall.
It was a ghost town.
The new rotation of DSS operatives should be there soon, but for now it was a skeleton crew. To make it worse, Igney and Pasley had been ordered to stay close to their headquarters. He didn’t know the details, but it sounded like the police knew the stabbing in the park was linked to them.
Nothing would happen. The DSS had carried out enough executions this side of the border. But there was a process they had to follow.
That wasn’t what Pasley was trying to be cautious about.
He eased the door shut and twisted the flimsy lock into place. That done he returned to his bed and dug out the ear buds. He jammed one in his ear and plugged the other end into the phone. The video began playing immediately.
It was the video of Ekko Kaur’s stream earlier that morning.
He peered at the background, noting how light and airy the room looked.
Was she still in Ulaanbaatar? If she was, she’d have been up before the sun to make this video.
What were the chances they were still in that apartment Pasley had seen? Igney had bought Pasley’s story about tracking their quarry to the vacant house across the street. How long would that lie hold?
The video started normal enough. He’d seen a few of Ekko’s streams over the last year to have a feel for them. Not half an hour in things changed. It was the tone of the questions being asked.
Pasley found himself sitting up in bed, hunched over the phone, hanging on every word spoke.
It was like she was telling his story with her answers. He’d been an orphan, made into a monster, given no choice. Everything she said was true. And the only reason he knew it for truth was because he’d seen enough of the outside world to know it wasn’t all poison. There was good in it, too. And a lot less fear.
He watched right up until the end. That was when he noticed that comments were still being posted to the video. Most of them links.
Curious, he clicked one and listened to a boy recount how he’d lost his parents and feared for his future.
Pasley clicked another link, then another.
They were all Daurians, most younger than himself. And their stories were hauntingly familiar.
This wasn’t the world Pasley wanted to live in.
He didn’t want to return to Dauria.
He slapped his hand over his mouth even though he hadn’t said the thought out loud. It was, however, the first time he’d allowed himself to admit the truth. That even he hated what he was.
Did someone like him deserve to leave this nightmare behind? Could he do something for these kids, these boys just like himself?
Pasley didn’t know.
But if there was one person who might, it was Ekko.
Would she help someone like him? Or was salvation only for those that never lifted a hand to do the state’s work?
At the very least he could help Ekko escape. DSS couldn’t get their hands on her or the man. If change was going to happen, they had to survive.
12.
Sunday. Safe House, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia.
Silas frowned at the phone so long the screen went dark.
Was he imagining things, or was Zain dodging his answer? Did they have more possible backup than just two guys?
Silas shook his head. This solo job was screwing with his head. He was too on edge. Too invested. Too bad knowing all that didn’t change his reality.
He slid the phone back in his pocket and turned toward where Ekko and Chayan were pretending to eat.
“Good news.” He clapped his hands together and pasted on a smile. “Our backup will be here tomorrow fairly early. They’ve already picked up your new passports so we should be good to go as soon as they arrive.”
Ekko’s brow furrowed. “What’s the plan? We can’t just walk in there like last time.”
“No, we cannot.” Silas perched on the coffee table facing the two. “Our very rough plan is for us to separate. Chayan will go with our backup on a chartered flight to Kemerovo Airport in Russia. From there the team will take commercial flights under their real names to Moscow then London. If everything goes smoothly we’ll meet up in London for a layover.”
Ekko still didn’t seem convinced. “Where could it go wrong?”
“A lot of places, but most importantly we’ll have the manpower and equipment to handle it. We’ll be prepared.”
She stared up at him. “Worst case scenario?”
“We drive, changing vehicles out at every opportunity. Three cars. A lead and a follow, with you and Chayan in the middle. I’d prefer to not drive. It’s a long way to London.”
“Is this going to work?” she asked, her voice softer now.
“It already has,” Chayan said. His accent was thicker now, no doubt the day had worn on him.
“A bunch of kids risking themselves like that?” She shook her head.
“He’s got a point,” Silas said slowly. “The videos haven’t stopped all day. Your contacts at the news stations ever get back to you about picking those up?”
“No, but some online groups I’m in have begun sharing them and talking about it.”
“A lot of people are looking at Dauria right now. I can’t imagine this will escape notice. None of it would have happened without your crazy plan.”
She shot him a deadly look. “That didn’t work.”
Silas held up his hands.
“But it has worked,” Chayan said. “Maybe not as we’d planned, but people are talking.”
“But are they talking about the right things?” Ekko sighed and pushed her hand through her hair. She had dark circles under her eyes. Between too little sleep and the strain of the day, her exhaustion was showing.
“How about we all turn in early?” Silas suggested. “I think as soon as the others arrive everything will move fast, and we want to be as rested as possible.”
Chayan nodded and pushed to his feet. “I could do with another night’s rest.”
Silas patted the man as he walked by. “Get some sleep.”
He leaned forward, elbows on his knees and watched Ekko track Chayan across the room. They both listened to the other man in the hallway until the bathroom door thunked shut. Her gaze leaped back to Silas’ face.
“Do you really think we’re getting out of here?” she asked.
“Yes.” He replied without hesitation. Even if he’d thought chances were slim, he knew that right now he had to be completely confident for the sake of her and Chayan.
Silas reached out and hooked his fingers in hers. They’d wound up with an unexpectedly packed day starting with the stream then monitoring the videos all afternoon. Ekko had done her part to transcribe those not in English. Some had disappeared, but they were doing their best to save and send the videos to a server Zain had set up for them. In all of that, they hadn’t had any time to really talk. Not about last night at least.
“What can I say or do that’ll put your mind at ease?” he asked.
“Nothing.” She sighed and tightened her grip on him.
“Okay, then can I distract you?” He lifted their joined hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles.
“I’m not sure I’m in the mood right now. All of this...” She waved her hand and stared off at the wall.
“Hey.” He leaned into her line of sight. “You’re doing amazing.”
It wasn’t a lie. He’d watched her face as she listened to the videos. She’d experienced a whole range of emotions from grief to joy. Every story they’d hear was amplified for her. He got that even if it wasn’t
the same for him.
“I’m not doing anything. Maybe something stupid I said started this, but... Those kids?” She shook her head, unable to say more.
“Hey.” Silas moved to sit next to her on the sofa and wrapped an arm around her. He kissed her temple and squeezed her. “You inspired them to take a stand just like you’ve taken a stand. I bet they understand the consequences and know what they’re doing.”
“I just want things to be better, you know?”
“Yeah.”
“Every video... I’m just... I want this to change things, and yet, how can it?”
“We don’t know,” he whispered.
The bathroom door creaked open and they both froze like two kids about to get caught.
“Night,” Chayan called out.
“Have a good night, man,” Silas said.
Ekko relaxed against him.
“Come on. Let’s go to bed.”
Her gaze slid up to his face. Her expression was neutral, but that didn’t fool him. “Are you just assuming I’m coming with you?”
“I always assume you’re coming.”
One brow arched at him.
He merely grinned at her. While things were still tense, worrying about what might happen during their travels wasn’t going to pre-fix anything. Ekko needed to be distracted, and he was willing to tease her into sleep.
“Last night was a fluke.” Her gaze dipped then jumped away from him, all while she squirmed in place.
“Was it?” He tightened his arm around her and bent his head to her neck. Maybe it was cocky of him to believe last night wasn’t just a onetime thing. In his experience, kisses like the ones they had weren’t sated with one taste. He didn’t know what this was, but now wasn’t the time to question what worked. They could do that later, after the danger had passed.
Her body betrayed her. She chuckled and relaxed against him.
Silas pressed a kiss to her shoulder.
He’d been right, but he wasn’t going to gloat.
“Come on.” He hooked his fingers in hers.
Together they turned out the lights. He paused at the laptop to look at the feeds then message the team to inform them that they were going to bed.
Counting down the hours to action were always a bit strenuous. The best thing they could do now was distract each other. They didn’t have to have sex, but the truth was he enjoyed her company now. Funny how a few days ago he hadn’t liked anything about her. Now he was learning all the little things about her that fascinated him.
Silas stepped carefully in the hall, bypassing the squeaky board. Ekko let go of him and entered the bathroom, no doubt to do the dozen or so things a woman did before sleep. Silas slipped into his room. The two bedside lamps were on from earlier, Silas didn’t like having darkened rooms if they were awake. If they were attacked, it would be harder for him to see going from a well-lit room to darkness.
He crossed to the windows and peered out on the quiet street.
Whoever had selected this place had given them a gift. The quiet street and lack of foot traffic meant their team catalogued almost every person. So far they’d connected all but a small handful with local residents.
Silas removed his holster, placing it on the nightstand and began his own evening routine. He scheduled a good night text to his mother along with the next good morning one. His family didn’t demand a lot of his time, but he knew the texts helped ease his mother’s mind. Granted, she didn’t know he could schedule texts. That done he did a last glimpse at his sibling’s group chat. His sisters were going on about some event at the park and the weather, if they’d be able to go, what the kids would all wear. It was pleasantly mundane and nothing he needed to respond to. They would see that he’d checked in and be happy to leave him alone while on a job.
He didn’t bother looking to see if Paxton had texted him, sent an email or a smoke signal. Silas really hoped Paxton was having a nice, relaxing week with Coco. They deserved it.
Silas only felt a slight twinge of guilt at that thought. He meant it more than he had a week ago. With time he’d get used to his best friend having other priorities. They all changed, this change was just unexpected.
“Penny for your thoughts?” The bedroom door closed softly behind Ekko as she entered.
He glanced at her as he plugged his phone in. She wore a matching pair of shorts and a tank top in some pale pink color with a faint pattern he couldn’t make out.
“You’re beautiful,” he said.
Her smile widened. “What were you really thinking about, hm?”
Silas leaned on the dresser as she crossed to the bed then crawled across it to the far side of the mattress.
He’d already told her about Paxton. Did he have any reason to hide his thoughts?
“I’m...adjusting to the idea that Paxton has more going on now than just me and work,” Silas said slowly. “And you are beautiful.”
She drew her knees up to her chest, the comforter tucked around her up to her waist and smiled at him. “Thank you. Now, Paxton?”
Silas shrugged. “I haven’t heard from him in days.”
“And that’s not normal?”
“It wasn’t before Coco. I mean, I know he’s fine. He’s hanging out with her, unplugging. If I called him or whatever he’d answer, but...” Silas stared at the hardwood floors. “Coco is good for him. I’ve tried, in a lot of ways, to help him. I guess it rubs that she’s done more good for him than I have.”
“I’m guessing it also sucks to be in our situation and not have him here as backup?”
He nodded. “It does. But more than anything I’m glad that Paxton is better.”
“Better how?”
Silas glanced at her. It had taken Paxton years to open up about the extent of the abuse he’d suffered growing up. Silas had always guessed at the brutalities, but hearing Paxton admit it out loud had changed things. Silas had gotten more protective of his partner and friend. In many ways that was his issue.
It was no longer Silas’ job to be the sole person looking out for Paxton. Silas shared that job now, and Coco healed parts of Paxton Silas had never been able to reach.
“Just—better.” Silas shrugged. “Coco understands him in ways I never could.” He couldn’t explain it all to Ekko. It wasn’t Silas’ story to tell. Besides, how long would she be in his life?
Ekko nodded as if his answer made perfect sense. “Bathroom’s all yours.”
Silas took that out and escaped the room for a few moments. After brushing his teeth he returned and found Ekko where he’d left her, staring at the curtains as if she could see out the window at the inky darkness and all those stars.
He stripped out of his clothes, down to his boxers, and joined her between the sheets. He wrapped an arm around her waist and tugged. She folded sideways, tucking herself against him, her head on his shoulder.
Maybe it was time Silas thought about what kind of a future he really wanted. The job stayed the same, for the most part, but the people around him were changing.
If Paxton and Coco didn’t end up married in the next few years, he’d be shocked.
Two of their other roommates had settled down and moved out to start lives with women they’d met. It made a guy think.
“You’re thinking awfully hard,” Ekko mumbled.
“It’s nothing.” He stroked her back.
She tilted her head up. “You dodge bullets and have taken on the responsibility of my crazy plan. I think I owe you an ear if you want to talk.”
Why did he want to talk to her? What was it about this woman that got him opening up? He wasn’t that kind of guy, and yet, with her he was.
“Considering future options. What I should do.”
“And?” She propped her chin on his shoulder.
“A lot of guys my age that we work with are moving on. I just feel...stuck.”
“Stuck? How?”
He blew out a breath. “It’s hard to explain to a civilian.”
&nb
sp; “Try me.”
“When you’re in, you do what your CO tells you. Your life is governed by orders and the promises you made.”
“And leaving all that behind puts you adrift? You have to make your own decisions now.”
He quirked a brow at her. “Are you a mind reader now, princess?”
“No.” She snorted and rolled her eyes. “It’s obvious.”
“Great,” he mumbled.
“Stop.” She chuckled and rose up on her elbow, looking down at him. “It’s sometimes easier to see other people’s problems than your own. Look, I don’t think your issue is with Paxton at all. I think you’re still trying to figure out what your next step is, and the fact that Paxton figured it out first threw you into a tailspin.”
“So, oh wondrous oracle, what is next?” He smiled and something in him eased.
Her words felt right.
Had she just sorted out the last few months of his life in a few sentences?
She smiled and bent her head, pressing a lingering kiss to his lips. His insides warmed. It had been difficult to ignore this, the chemistry sparking between them, but now he didn’t have to. He pushed his fingers through her hair and tugged her down to deepen the kiss, their tongues tangling. Her hand on his shoulder tightened and she lay half on top of him now.
He left her mouth kissing her cheek and neck, listening to her gasps for air.
“I thought you weren’t in the mood,” he mumbled against her skin.
She tilted her head to the side, giving him better access to her neck. “I don’t remember saying that.”
He smiled and pulled her camisole strap aside to continue kissing along the lines of her collar bone. “You did.”
“Did I?”
“Yes.”
“I really don’t remember saying that. Why would I say a silly thing like that?”
“Beats me.” He clutched her to him and rolled until she was under him, her dark hair spread out on the pillows. He picked up a lock of it and rubbed his thumb over the strands. “Is the blue natural?”
She snorted. “As natural as my purple contacts.”
“Oh. I like it.”
“Good to know.” She hooked her arm around his neck and pulled him back down.
Dangerous Connections (Aegis Group Book 9) Page 16
