“Hold while I transfer an incoming call, Captain,”Kehm Racée, the Chief Communications Officer said. Jared stiffened at the formal tone, switching on the privacy sensors. For the heck of it, he brought up the vid, scrambling for the correct button as he used it so rarely. The last thing he wanted while flying, or fighting and flying, was video chats.
“How is the rest of the world looking, Captain Vries?”
Involuntarily, Jared glanced out the front windscreen of the dactyl. “Burnt, sparse, and pretty depressing actually. But we only arrived last night, Secretary Gerschtein. I hardly expected to land in Carnivale. Is there something I can do for you this morning?”
“Your Chief Communications Officer assured me this line is private?”
“It is.”
“Good. I thought it would be best to contact you while ... you were away from unnecessary oversight. MOTHER has concerns, shall we say, regarding the role of Ms. Arinna Prescot in connection to the Grey Guard,” Miralda said.
Jared wished he hadn’t turned on the video. He kept his features neutral, betraying surprise with a blink. “She has served Europe and the Guard well.”
“Of course! I meant no disrespect. But this new activity with the FLF as well as the lack of contact beyond our borders has us worried. To maintain the peace in Europe, you must acknowledge that the role of leading the Guard has been split. Ms. Prescot is a wonderful figurehead representing all we have won as she leads us forward with rebuilding. While you handle the active fighting and defense, as your rank and duty require.”
Miralda paused. Jared’s numb brain searched over her words for what sort of response she was waiting for. He was not awake enough for conspiracy.
“Are you saying this split has already occurred or that you would like to see it occur?”
Miralda sidled up to her camera, which was amusing enough that Jared smiled. “I think we both know that it hasn’t occurred yet, but that it should. You and the Guard don’t need her.”
“And how does MOTHER plan on telling her that ... or are you leaving it up to me?”
“Oh, we’ll handle it. I have something already in the works. I wanted to assure your cooperation first. Not that I had any doubts. I know you take your duty seriously. You have always served Europe and the Guard beyond reproach.”
Jared hoped that Miralda wouldn’t realize her misstep. He needed to find out what she had afoot. “My duty is to lead the Guard and protect Europe. I had wondered why you advised her to find a suitable civilian residence to go along with the illusion of peace. You’ve been planning this for some time.”
Miralda smirked. “A while. It was just a step to distance her. Other ... matters will soon be arising that will keep her attention focused on maintaining any role in Europe. You needn’t worry about her interfering.”
“She will be safe?”
“Of course,” Miralda said without a pause. “That would be a disaster wouldn’t it? She is too much a hero to the people. The pedestal she sits on would have to be knocked down rather far to have her removed in a permanent manner, at least by us.”
“This will be taken care of before I get back or will you have other means of contacting me?” Jared asked. “I want to be kept as informed as possible.”
“You’ll be gone a week at the most? No, unfortunately, events will need to play out a little longer. Your soldiers will follow your orders, I’m sure. I will contact you again through this same channel if you feel it is safe.”
“It is. I look forward to hearing from you,” Jared said, clicking off the comm line as he released a breath. “Shit, shit, shit! Kehm, please tell me you were sitting there listening to this?”
The line crackled with static long enough that Jared’s stomach clenched. “You aren’t old enough to be allowed to play on this thing without supervision,” Kehm said just when Jared was about to launch the dactyl back to Europe.
“You make a joke now?” Jared croaked, leaning back in the captain’s chair.
“Arinna knew Miralda was up to something. We’ve been monitoring her for weeks. Apparently that should have been years, but her making contact with you is good news.”
“Yeah, now I get to be the pretty bait.” Jared swore, running his fingers through his hair. “I haven’t even had coffee this morning.”
“Yes, that is the tragedy here. Actually, speaking of coffee, why don’t you see if you can scavenge some plants while you are over there? We need new genetics for the European strain.”
“What is this, a shopping run?”
“You’re the one complaining about breakfast. Your call to Arinna is in two hours. Stick to the schedule in case Miralda has someone monitoring communications. Rhiol is safe, but bouncing the signal into the heart of England isn’t foolproof. The channel will be secure, though.”
“You’re making me tell her about this? Don’t you think you should give her a head’s up now?”
“You’re the conspirator. It is better to confess.” Jared groaned at Kehm’s reply. “Like I said, I’m worried about a break in communications. What we say would come across as garbled, but they could monitor how frequently we talk. Anyone calling Arinna right after that conversation is going to raise suspicions.”
“So stick with the schedule in case anyone can hear more than you’d like to let on and I get to tell Arinna, fly around the old continent for a week, and pick up coffee.” Kehm laughed as Jared shut down the last comm line, which made him feel marginally better. This was hardly the first conspiracy they’d had to take down, but the timing could have been better. And one had never been started directly by MOTHER before.
Arinna took the news of Miralda’s plotting with more seriousness than Kehm. When Jared finished speaking, she sat in thought, staring fixedly. Jared gave her a moment before guessing where her thoughts were heading.
“You’re worried that the Baron Vasquez is involved in this.”
She frowned, so Jared knew he guessed right. “Not involved, but maybe a pawn. If someone knew about our connection before the war ... we used the rumor that we were having an affair to mask my search for information on the USA and the FLF. It was well known.”
“And then if they knew he had a friend in Secretary Gerschtein’s office and the files were left out ...” Jared added.
“Exactly. They send me a person I’ve supposedly had a previous affair with and who is a married Senator.” Arinna swore, sitting back into her chair with arms crossed.
“And you said the earl was making it easier for you to see each other?” Jared asked, worry growing.
“Yes and no. He is using his reputation to screen our time together. I really don’t know where he falls in this, Jared. He invites me to the ball and does his best to confuse all the rumors. He comes along on morning rides, actually being rather conversational this morning. But I don’t know him well enough to know if he has another role in this that is less obvious.”
Jared hesitated. Arinna’s gaze met his as she realized he had something to say. She was his commander no matter the lack of military rank. “I know, knew him. You said his name is Derrick? Derrick Eldridge?” Arinna nodded. “He fought with the Guard. He saved my life, and I his, in Voltzcrag.”
Arinna took a breath rather than answer immediately. Off screen, Jared fidgeted with his armrest. “You tell me this now? Derrick was Guard? And fought in the battle hallmarked as the turning point of the war?”
“Yes. We would have lost the day if he hadn’t been there. He taught me to sword fight after that. We probably stayed in touch for a year ... maybe longer?” Arinna pulled at the short ends of her hair as he paused. “He nor the baron has mentioned that?”
“No, and now that has me more worried than not. Shit. You trusted him, though?” she asked.
“Yes. But it was years ago. I didn’t know who his father was or really why he left the Guard. He was injured, and then I heard his name as a member of parliament, but then nothing. I really wasn’t certain if it were the same man or if it
and the land had passed on to another heir.”
The tight line of Arinna’s shoulders loosened as he finished speaking. Jared felt guilty for that; that he had caused her to doubt him even if only slightly.
“I should have told you or double checked.”
“Yes, you should have. I’ll have Kehm look into it.”
“And for now?”
“Continue your mission. At least Miralda is speaking to you through our channels, which is almost too easy. And I get to decide if I walk away from Derrick and Byran or keep them close to see what Gerschtein is playing at.”
“If Derrick isn’t setting you up by acting as a witness to an affair, he may be useful.”
“If he still honors the Guard, yes.” Arinna agreed. “Keep up the noon reports, Captain. It worries me that Kehm thinks our channels are being monitored. If the FLF is over there, they may pick up your bounced signal too. You are rather alone at the moment. Watch your back and stay alert. And don’t worry about things over here. That is an order,” Arinna said, signing off.
Jared stayed in the cockpit a few more minutes looking out at the remains of the rainforest. There was hazy smoke in the distance, surprising him. He didn’t think there was anything left to burn. When he stepped into the rear of his sleek plane, Kieren was alone. The back hatch was down, and the other five soldiers stationed outside.
“Problems, Captain?” she asked.
“Always. Get everyone in and let’s get going. We have a continent to cruise over.”
Chapter 14
THE BARON VASQUEZ
DIVERSIONS
“Where were you the last few days?” Byran asked as Arinna joined him and Derrick on the road that ran along both Rhiol and Kesmere.
“I ... really can’t say. I was called away,” Arinna answered. “You got the note I sent to Kesmere, though? I didn’t want you to think I stood you up.”
“Yes,” Byran answered, feeling only slightly consoled. “It didn’t say much.”
Arinna shrugged as she nudged her horse alongside Byran’s, and they started down the lane together. “There wasn’t much I was able to say.”
She was lying or at least holding something back, and it bothered him. There were times he thought they’d been closer when she’d been married. They’d seen more of each other then too. Now the obstacles keeping them apart were surmountable. At least he thought so. Watching her, he wondered what else stood between them.
“Well, at least you are free now and planned an outing for today, one that requires work gloves?” Derrick asked. Arinna smirked. “Let me guess, you aren’t saying what you have planned?”
“I do so enjoy the pleasure of your company. Today I thought we’d put it to some use,” Arinna replied. There was amusement in her reply, which washed away some of the frustration Byran felt.
“If I get to spend the entire day with you, I don’t care what we have to do,” Byran said to her.
“Good,” she said with a wicked twinkle in her eye. “I’ll remind you of that later.”
She led the way along the main roads, the journey spanning a few miles of lighthearted talk. Wherever Arinna had been the last few days remained locked away along with a portion of her that Byran sensed was missing though he could not put his finger on what in her had changed over the years. It was like Derrick, a part of who his friend had been was now kept buried.
Finally, Arinna turned down a long lane. In the distance, the sound of voices rose over claps of lumber striking other boards. A small farmhouse appeared nestled in a sheltered vale and surrounded by azaleas pushing forth pink buds. Beyond the house and next to mooing cattle, two horses, and an assembly of chickens was a group of men and women organizing long, newly sawn beams.
Arinna paused her horse alongside Byran’s where he’d stopped in the laneway.
“Nick Cotter and his wife Gretchen lost their barn in the last big storm,” Arinna said. “The main truss caved in between the wind and rain. Today they are rebuilding ... with a bit of help.”
“We are going to build a barn?” Byran asked incredulously.
Derrick laughed.“I’m game,” he said, smacking Byran on the shoulder as he nudged his horse onward. Byran shook his head, following a little more slowly.
Arinna was quickly in the thick of it, greeting some of the men and women by name.
“Former soldiers from the Guard,” Derrick said in explanation as Byran hesitated next to his horse. “You don’t have to do this. You could go home—”
“No,” Byran answered flatly. “You’re staying.” He nodded to the gloves in Derrick’s hand. “I’m staying. I don’t care if I’ve never so much as built a chicken coop.”
Ignoring everyone, he joined Arinna where she spoke to a man and woman both looking to be in their twenties.
“Byran, Derrick, this is Nick Cotter and his new wife, Gretchen. Nick is Ted’s son. He served with the Guard,” Arinna said, eyes shifting to Derrick when she mentioned the Guard.
Gretchen blushed as she dipped in an attempted curtsey. She had gently curled brown hair and long lashes that framed startling blue-green eyes. “I am honored, my lord earl and my lord baron that you would come in person.”
“Please, there is no need for titles here. Otherwise, I will have to refer to your father-in-law as sir all day,” Derrick said. Arinna glanced at him. “We are happy to help.”
“I’ll show you around,” Arinna said, lacing her arms through both Byran and Derrick’s to lead them forward into the midst of timbers, ropes, and people.
“You could have sent soldiers,” Byran blurted when out of earshot of the Cotters.
“They are needed elsewhere. Do you think sending in the Guard for every collapsed barn is a good use of defense?” she asked. There was a bite to her tone though her bright-eyed smile didn’t fade.
“Something is wrong,” Byran said, digging in his heels.
“Later,” Arinna answered, prodding him along. “We are here to work today.”
She led them to the lead carpenter who stood organizing work groups, introducing him as Carson.
“You know how to build something?” Carson asked, eyeing Byran and Derrick.
“I can hold my own,” Derrick answered. “But you might want to keep an eye on Byran. He’s likely to help the young women otherwise.”
“Ha hah,” Byran replied. “I’m not as useless as you think.”
“I’ll keep an eye on both of them,” Arinna offered. “Put them in the same group as me.”
“If you want ta be responsible for them,” he said with a shake of his head and a wink at her. “Over there then,” he added, pointing to the far side. “You get the northern support wall.”
Arinna explained the work as they walked to a small knot of men and women who were laying out a wall on the ground. Large timbers were fitted into matching slots before being pegged. Two women shaved the fitting of one end before sliding the pieces back together.
“We’ll fit the whole wall and then pull it upright with the horses using block and tackle,” she said.
“I think this isn’t the first barn you’ve built,” Derrick said.
“Hmm ... no, I can’t say it is. I like to get my hands dirty, I suppose,” Arinna said with a laugh.
They joined the work team as nothing more than another set of three helping hands and free labor. Carson would yell orders the same to anyone, calling out foolish mistakes equally. Arinna laughed at her share of flubs, her mood easy going and relaxed. This was the woman Byran had expected her to become, confident and light-hearted. Despite the unaccustomed hard work, Byran began to enjoy the time spent by her side, especially when hoisting ropes or beams required close contact.
Arinna glanced at him with laughter in her blue eyes whenever they brushed each other. Without titles or status, no one cared how closely they stood or when she leaned back against his chest as he steadied a timber being hauled upright. By afternoon, he realized how special a day this was. After that, he didn’t miss an opp
ortunity to tease her until she smiled and laughed the way he remembered.
By the end of the day as shadows slipped over the work site, the main frame of the barn stood with the floor set and some of the walls and roof taking shape. It felt like an accomplishment. Tired, few spoke as rye bread and thick soup were handed to each of the laborers. Groups settled in bunches across the workspace.
Byran chose a spot against the small country cottage where the last of the sun’s rays warmed the wood. When Arinna joined him, she nestled against his side so that he put one arm around her. She leaned against him, eating in silence as Derrick joined them. The cooling evening air smelled of fresh lumber and damp soil as the sun dipped below the horizon.
“You did well today,” Arinna said, glancing at Byran.
“I’m trying not to take it personally that you sound surprised,” Byran answered, exhaustion bringing out his Spanish accent. Arinna chuckled, relaxing against him as she put her bowl on the ground. One arm around her waist, Byran used his free hand to rub her shoulder. She sighed in pleasure. Derrick lay back in the grass, swinging his feet onto Byran’s knee.
“I’m waiting for my turn. I want a foot rub,” Derrick said in answer to Byran’s protestations. “I thought we were sharing you?” he asked, injured as Byran dumped his feet from his lap.
It took a few minutes for their laughter to die down. Nearby, someone started a fire. Smoke drifted into the evening air carrying sparks. A violin hummed.
“How do they have the energy for that?” Byran asked, nodding to a trio pulling out instruments.
“You wouldn’t dance with me if I asked?” Arinna said.
“Not well,” Byran admitted with a sigh. He was sore and tired and wanted a shower. Despite the joy of Arinna against his side, the ache in his back was winning. Discomfort made him shift his weight.
“This suits you more than the ball, I think,” Derrick said to Arinna from where he lay in the grass.
“It accomplishes more too,” she answered. Derrick exhaled a quiet laugh.
After the War: Military Dystopian Thriller (Friends of my Enemy Book 2) Page 10
