by R. D. Brady
“I believe we are somewhere east of the castle. The water we heard before, I think that tunnel went under the Tiber.”
Laney had examined a map of Rome on the plane, but she had not memorized it. She’d just gotten the basic lay of the land. She frowned. “So we’re heading toward the Trevi Fountain?”
Drake shrugged. “That direction at least. Where did Bas want us to meet him?”
Laney pulled out the piece of paper. “Somewhere in Ludovisi, the address is on Via Belisario. Any ideas?”
“Not a clue.” Drake pulled out his phone. “Mine’s dead.”
Laney checked hers. “Mine’s close, and I can’t get a signal. Let’s head out and see what we can find.”
They made their way through the building to the front door. It seemed to be a home that had been abandoned long ago. They stepped out onto a residential street.
Laney pulled out her phone but still had no signal. “How in this day and age can there be a place in a city without a signal?”
Drake offered her his arm. “Let’s take a stroll, my dear. I’m sure we’ll find a signal soon.”
Laney linked her arm through his, and Drake led her down the street. A few cars went by, none of them looking too closely at Laney or Drake. Pedestrian traffic was also light. A few kids whipped by on bikes, laughing as they called to one another. An older woman with a scarf over her head bustled by, going in the opposite direction pulling a grocery cart on wheels. But other than that, the whole area was quiet. Laney checked her phone again only to find that it too had died.
They crossed one road then another before Drake pulled her to a stop. “Look.” She glanced up at the street sign: Belisario.
A quick glance at the numbers on a few of the buildings let them know they needed to go right. Laney hustled down the street. The buildings became a little larger with more that had been abandoned. Ahead, a large white wall surrounded a three-story building. She frowned, staring at it.
“I think that’s it.”
Drake stopped just down the street from it. “Are you sure?”
Laney double-checked the address, then looked back at the sign hanging next to the gates. 378 was clearly written there, right underneath a sign proclaiming the building to be the School of the Holy Mother and Home for Children.
Bas had sent them to an orphanage.
CHAPTER 36
Washington, D.C.
The A/C wall unit in Senator Shremp’s office was buzzing, distracting him, and it wasn’t the only thing. There’d still been no sightings of McPhearson, her boy toy, or Okafur. He needed to set things in motion before she popped back up. He just needed to make sure his ass was covered before he did so.
Sweat rolled down his back. He glared at the A/C, even as he pulled on his jacket. It wouldn’t do to be seen sweating through his dress shirt.
The senator had to have the air conditioner on because the heating was also broken and would not go below seventy-four degrees. Maintenance had promised to get it fixed. But that had been three weeks ago.
“Senator? He’s here,” Adam called through the intercom.
Finally. Shremp punched the intercom button. “Send him in.”
Shremp glared at the offending wall unit before offering his hand to the tall, well-suited man who had just entered his office. “Edwin, good to see you.”
“You as well, Senator.” Edwin Kincaid III laid his overcoat over the second chair in front of Shremp’s desk while taking a seat in the other one. “First let me say what an honor it is for Rowling, Kincaid, Baxter, and Associates to have received your call last week. We are well versed in national security law and have brought to bear all the resources our office has to offer.”
“Yes, yes. Your firm is well regarded in these halls.”
Edwin smiled, his teeth blindingly white. “Our reputation is very important to us. I hope you will speak just as well of us.”
“That depends on what you have for me.”
Edwin’s smile didn’t dim. “Of course. I think you will be very happy.” Edwin pulled a folder from his briefcase and slid it across the desk toward Shremp. “This is a five-page report detailing our legal interpretation. Would you like me to summarize it for you?”
“Please.” Shremp pushed the folder to the side, resting his hands on his paunch.
“As per your question, the extent of your legal power regarding the Fallen, you are allowed to incarcerate any Fallen, without exception.”
“No crimes need to have been committed?”
“The executive order does not stipulate that, and therefore it is allowed. In addition, the term ‘physical examination’ is not defined and therefore is left at the discretion of the individual issuing the order.”
It was an effort to keep the smile from Shremp’s face at that news.
“I should warn you, however, that six civil suits have been filed contending that the executive order is unconstitutional and seeking an injunction.”
“What are their chances of succeeding?”
“Good. The Fallen as a group have not demonstrated that they are a danger, even though individual members have. Stripping an entire demographic of their civil rights is rarely, if ever, successful.”
“But until those suits are settled?”
“Until then, the executive order stands. The interpretation we just discussed does as well.”
“How long?”
“I would say two days at most.”
Not much time. He’d need to move quickly, but that meant one more issue needed to be addressed. “And the question regarding the autonomy of my position as head of the CEI?”
“As it stands, you are under the auspices of the External Threat Task Force within Homeland Security. The ETF has always enjoyed a great deal of independence. While you are answerable to the head of Homeland, and of course the President, you are not required to notify them of the actions you are going to take, nor ask their permission. You are the sole decision maker regarding the direction and actions of the CEI.”
Well, this just keeps getting better and better.
“Of course, if the President is unhappy with your actions, she can remove you from the position. That removal, however, would need to be approved by Congress.”
Ah, but by then it will be too late. I will have all the cards. He stood, extending his hand across the desk. “It has truly been a pleasure, Edwin. I will be providing your name should anyone ask for a reference.”
Standing, Edwin shook his head. “Thank you, Senator. I am glad you are pleased.”
Shremp watched him exit the office. Oh, I am more than pleased.
He picked up the phone on his desk. “Adam, put me through to the CEI Retrieval Force.”
CHAPTER 37
Baltimore, Maryland
Jen jogged from the bomb shelter up to Henry’s house. Through the windows, she could see Henry on the phone in his office. The sight warmed her despite the turmoil surrounding them. She let herself in the front door and stepped into his office just as he was disconnecting the call.
The scowl disappeared from his face as soon as he caught sight of her, replaced by a soft smile. He moved around the desk and pulled her into a hug. “Hey.”
“Hey,” she said, leaning against him. Henry was a billionaire, a powerful Nephilim, and a brilliant man. But none of those characteristics were the reason why she loved him. She loved him because no matter how much the world was falling down around them, he made sure that she knew they were in this together. And that whatever life threw at them, he would be right by her side.
When she’d lost the baby, both of them had been spun out as they dealt with the grief. But instead of it pushing them apart to lick their wounds alone, they’d grieved together. Their baby had brought them closer together. She squeezed him tighter.
“How are the kids?” he asked.
“Scared.” Jen had been organizing everyone for the move, although “move” sounded pleasant. They were sending all the kids into hiding. Th
ey had complied with the law and had each of the kids register. But neither of them planned on allowing anyone to know where the kids were, not until they were certain the kids would be safe.
“Are the hideouts ready?”
“Yeah. That was the last of the arrangements. Mark and Dylan agreed to go with them, along with a handful of others.”
Jen nodded. “Did Yoni and Sascha get to Arizona all right?”
“Yeah. Although Yoni keeps saying he can be back here if we need him.”
“No. Sascha’s due to give birth in a few weeks. He needs to focus on her, Dov, and Max and keep them safe. He can’t be anywhere near this.”
“I know, but he’s struggling a little bit with that order.”
Jen sighed. “I know. He cares about those kids as much as anyone. Standing back when they might be in trouble can’t be easy for him or Sascha, but they need to put their little ones first right now.” A shiver of grief pierced through her chest, picturing a little girl with Henry’s eyes and her own features. Tears pressed against her eyes. These moments of grief seemed to come out of nowhere.
Henry pulled back, tipping her chin up as a tear escaped her lashes. He kissed it away. “I love you, Jen. And we will have a family one day.”
“I know. I just wish . . .” She sighed, leaning back against him.
Henry rested his chin on top of her head. “Me too.”
Jen was content to stay in Henry’s arms as long as the world let them. But it was only a few seconds later when Henry’s phone rang.
“Sorry.” He extricated himself from Jen and reached over to his desk, grabbing his phone. He frowned as he answered it. “Matt?”
Even without her extra abilities, Jen would have been able to hear Matt clearly. “Get them out, Henry. The CEI is coming for them.”
“For who?”
“All of the kids, and for you and Jen as well. You need to run. Run now.”
CHAPTER 38
Jen bolted from Henry’s house before he even had a chance to say anything. She was standing in front of Dom’s first blast door mere seconds later. She punched the code in while pulling out her phone.
Mark Fricano, one of the guards who’d been left with the kids when Jen had headed to Henry’s, answered. “Jen, did you miss us al—”
“The government’s coming for the kids. Get them out the back entrance.”
Mark didn’t even respond to her. “I need everyone to grab their packs and get to the back entrance now!” he yelled before disconnecting the call.
Jen let out a shaky breath. Henry’s staff was all former military. Jen truly appreciated their willingness to follow orders without asking a bunch of useless questions.
Jen sprinted through the halls, but each of the blast doors took a little time to get through. It took three minutes to get downstairs. Jen sprinted into the bomb shelter, nearly crashing into Dylan Jenkins, who was grabbing a pack from the closet in the front hall.
“Report,” Jen said.
“We’re doing a final head count. Then we’ll be out.”
Jen strode past him, her long-legged stride eating up the floor as she made her way to the group of kids at the back of the room. A dozen faces turned to her, all looking too young for this kind of stress. One older face also looked unworthy of this stress. Dom stood anxiously ringing his hands on a dish towel, looking like he didn’t know what to do.
Frowning, Mark turned around as Jen approached.
“What?” Jen asked.
“The count’s off. We’re missing two.”
“Who’s not here?” Jen demanded.
Danny pushed to the front. “Molly and Theresa. They went to their mom’s with Shaun and Joe.”
“I’ll get them.” Jen turned to Dylan. “Get the rest of them out. We’ll catch up.”
Dylan nodded.
Lou, Rolly, and Danny headed for Jen as everyone else made their way to the back entrance.
“What are you guys doing? Get going.”
“We can help,” Lou said.
“You can.” Jen nodded back toward the group in the main room. “Keep them together.”
“What about Nyssa and Cain?” Lou asked.
“What about them?”
“Cain’s probably on the recordings from the Fallen prison,” Danny said quietly. “And what if they know about Nyssa? What if Elisabeta told them about her when she told everyone about the Omni?”
Jen’s mouth fell open. Crap. She hadn’t thought about that. But the government couldn’t be interested in them. Of course, if they knew Cain had been at the SIA facility . . . Damn it. She couldn’t take the chance.
“Okay. Rolly and Lou, grab Cain and Nyssa. Tell Molly and Theresa they need to get down here as well. Go.”
With a quick look at Danny, they blurred from the room.
Jen looked at Danny. “You need to get going.”
He nodded but stayed where he was.
“You don’t have to go,” she said softly. “It’s the Fallen and Nephilim they’re after. You can stay with Dom.”
“No. I need to go. I need to run electronic interference and keep everyone hidden.” He paused. “You and Henry will be coming too, though, right?”
Jen nodded. “We’re right behind you. Now go.”
Danny started to go, then turned and threw his arms around Jen. “I love you, Jen.”
Jen wrapped her arms around him. “Love you too. Now go.”
Danny disappeared down the hall. Jen wasted no time sprinting back up the stairs. She’d just stepped outside when her phone beeped, signaling a text.
Government’s at the gate.
CHAPTER 39
Mary Jane ran a hand over Nyssa’s hair and then Susie’s as they slept side by side. Nyssa looked like she could be a McAdams. She looked so much like the rest of the kids—all redheads with blue eyes. Billy’s coloring wasn’t evident in any of them. He used to joke that the redhead gene was simply too strong in the McAdams line. But now she had a feeling he was happy they didn’t look like him, that there was no tie that made their connection obvious. He’d also insisted Mary Jane keep her maiden name and the kids all take hers.
At the time, she’d loved how feminist it made him seem. But now, now she didn’t know what to think.
Laughter drifted up the stairs. Molly, Theresa, and the boys were all downstairs in the kitchen helping Cain pull lunch together. Cain was a really amazing cook.
Tomorrow, Molly was going into hiding along with the rest of the kids from the school. It was tearing Mary Jane up. At the same time, she knew it was the safest option. But it killed her that there were forces out there that looked at her beautiful little girl and saw a monster. Molly had the biggest heart. She’d never even killed a bug. She’d release them outside instead. How could anyone actually think she was a threat?
But if that horrible video was indicative of how the government thought they could treat Fallen, Mary Jane had no choice. But she was not splitting up her family. Molly would go tomorrow, but in a few days she, Joe, Shaun, Susie, and Jake would follow. The boys had actually been the ones to insist. Their little sister might be super-powered, but she was still their little sister. And they were not letting her go anywhere without them.
Mary Jane had been so proud of them. And so terrified. But there were moments in life where there were no good options. Letting her daughter go off alone was unimaginable, as was placing her other children in danger. But that was where they were. No good options.
The floorboard creaked behind her. She turned around, unsurprised to see Jake there. She stepped out of the room, closing the door but leaving it open a crack.
“They asleep?” Jake asked.
Mary Jane nodded. “Yeah. They have no idea all this stuff is swirling around them.”
“How are you?”
“Absolutely terrified.”
Jake hugged her. “It will be all right, Mary Jane. Somehow it will be all right.”
“I hope so, Jake.” She leaned against
him, breaking apart as Joe bounded up the stairs. “Lunch is—” He winced, looking at the girls’ bedroom door, and lowered his voice. “Ready.”
Mary Jane wiped her eyes. “Okay. I’m coming. It smells delicious.”
“It does,” Joe said. “It’s cauliflower pizza.”
Mary Jane looked at Jake with raised eyebrows.
“It’s actually pretty good.”
“O-kay.” She followed her son down the stairs. As she stepped into the kitchen, Cain, with floral oven mitts on, was placing the last of six pizzas on the kitchen island.
He smiled. “Just in time.”
“Wow, this looks great.” Different toppings and different scents mixed together to rival any pizza shop. “You really need to tell me where you learned to cook so well.”
Cain exchanged a quick grin with Jake. “I’ve just picked up a few things through my travels.”
The back door flew open. Jake had his weapon cleared of the holster as Lou and Rolly blurred into the room.
Lou swept the room, her gaze stopping on Molly and Theresa. “We need to go. The government’s coming.”
Jake’s phone beeped. “They’re already at the gates.”
Panic welled through Mary Jane. No, it wasn’t supposed to be like this. She was supposed to have tonight with all her children under one roof.
Rolly stepped forward. “We need to go.” He nodded at Cain. “You and Nyssa need to come too.”
“I’ll grab Nyssa.” Lou disappeared up the stairs before anyone could say anything.
Molly stood, a tremor running through her body. “Mom?”
Mary Jane pulled Molly to her, crushing her to her chest. “Be careful. Stay with the group and do what they say. And remember, no matter what happens, I love you. I love you so much.”
“Mom . . .” Molly’s shoulders shook.
Lou reappeared, both girls in her arms. “In the dark, I couldn’t tell which was Nyssa, so I just grabbed them both.”
Mary Jane turned. Both girls looked almost identical, even in the light. She gasped, floored by the realization of what she had to do.
