by T. G. Ayer
Ash winked. “If I tell ya, I’d have to kill ya.”
I snorted. “Let’s see what Horner says about that.” We both laughed, the sound thrown back at us within the metal- and glass-filled lab.
And for a few precious seconds we were a couple of women objectifying a sexy male without a single iota of guilt.
14
As the sounds of mirth died down, I took a breath and said, “Look. I really have to thank you for going above and beyond for me. Even if I don't sound like it too often—because I know I tend to get caught up in what I’m doing and I can be quite…terse. But I need you to know that I do appreciate your help. You’ve had my back many times in the past, and seriously, I owe you big-time. Just…just know that if you ever need me, I’m there with bells on.”
Ash’s eyes shimmered and then she grunted, the sound weird since it managed to be soft and musical at the same time. “You don't have to get so formal on me, tracker. That's what friends are for. And…if I were to be the party-pooper in this love-fest, I’d also mention that helping agents was my job, but I won’t ‘cos I’m nice like that.” She sat back with a smirk.
I laughed. "Well, I've got to go see Horner about something. If he can fit me in on such short notice."
Ash nodded, eyes scanning the monitor of her computer, fingers clicking the mouse. "Horner's got you scheduled in the next five minutes, so he has managed to fit you in."
“Wow, that was quick.” It was, especially since I’d given him such short notice..
Ash was shrugging, the movement bringing my attention back to her as she replied, “The thing with the boss is that he prefers covering all his bases. And come to think about it, his ability…I’ve been wondering about it.” She tapped her lip, staring off into nothing. “I think he may have some kind of premonition-type talent.” Her forehead was scrunched up now as she tried to find the right words.
I laughed softly. “What? You telling me the boss can see the future? I always knew there was something different about him, although High Council Oracle was not exactly what I’d pegged to him to be.”
Ash frowned and shook her head. “I wouldn't necessarily describe it as predictions of the future. Maybe it's just that he likes to be prepared, to tick every possible alternative box in advance—which in the end looks like he’d predicted it but it is probably just his smarts.”
I considered her words, and hesitated. For a moment, I wanted to confess to her my suspicion that he was an Ancient. But something held me back.
It wasn't that I didn't trust Ash, just that if it was a secret the boss wanted to keep and I went about blabbing my suspicions to all and sundry—not that Ash would have counted as all and sundry—and I turned out to be right, I could blow his cover.
For whatever reason, he was keeping his identity a secret from the people who work for him. And maybe that was for his own safety. Or perhaps there was someone else he was protecting.
There could be a million reasons as to why he would hide his identity--if that was the reality of who he truly was. I had to remind myself that this was only a suspicion on my part and an unconfirmed one at that.
And so, instead of spelling out my suspicions to Ash, I said, “Yeah, that's probably it. He's probably been in this business for a long time. He ought to know exactly what to do by now—no matter the circumstances—and can see all the possibilities in the blink of an eye.
Ash lifted an eyebrow and studied my face. Did that look mean she suspected I was holding back? But it was early days yet with our friendship and maybe someday I'll be able to confide such dangerous issues in her.
But not just yet.
Then she smiled, her expression clearing as though she just brushed away her suspicions, and, with a cheeky smile, she said, “Probably.”
With a huff, I said, “Definitely. And Horner’s a godsend compared to Gilfillan.”
“I see you have met Sentinel’s director.”
Her eyes and voice went hard at the mention of the man and I paused. Did Ash have some kind of history with Gilfillan? Again, an answer that required a deeper trust between us before she would divulge personal information.
“Yeah. The man is a frustrating asshole. But hey, I'm all for interagency collaboration, so don't go spreading my opinion.”
I smirked, knowing that my past frustration with him would be clear on my face, but still not caring.
Ash smiled, a look of understanding on her face. “He’s a bit of a hardass with everyone. But for what it’s worth he’s loyal. Maybe give him time?”
My jaw hardened. “Time is the one thing I don't have much of.”
Then she cleared her throat and straightened. “Ok. Right now, you’d better head off down for your appointment with the boss. He's waiting for you.”
My eyes widened. “What? Don't tell me you’re psychic now?”
She snorted, eyes twinkling. “I wish. Unfortunately, as much as I would love to be psychic, the only powers I do possess are a good pair of eyes. Jacob had an appointment with the boss and I just saw him pass my door.”
“And of course you used your amazing supernatural talent to deduce that the boss is ready and waiting for me,” I said, expression dead-sober.
“Yep. So you better skedaddle before he thinks you're a no-show.”
I rolled my eyes, already halfway at the door where I paused only long enough to waggle my fingers in farewell before disappearing into the hallway.
15
I had to double check my email to figure out what I’d said that Horner had managed to fit me in so quickly. Not that I was about to look a gift horse in the mouth, but it was odd because I hadn't mentioned it was urgent.
Was the man really able to tell the future? Or perhaps he did have more of an unusual sense of what was to come? Maybe Ash was right about our boss.
I hurried downstairs and approached Horner's office, finding the sight of the warm red wood and deep burgundy carpets comforting. Maybe I was way past exhausted if furniture and carpets gave me the warm and cozies.
Horner glanced up from his paperwork, eyes crinkling with a smile over the top of his glasses. His head was altogether bald now, no longer straggly strands pasted across the top of his pale shining pate. I'd always thought the habit was a little creepy but the man had been in my corner from day one so any negative associations had no place in my thoughts of him.
For all I knew, he was really an Ancient and then where would I be having judgy thoughts of him while he sat there completely capable of reading my mind?
Horner waved at the armchairs in front of his desk and I chose one, sitting down to the sounds of squeaking leather and soft whooshes of air escaping the ageing foam cushioning. He sat back, his paperwork now forgotten as he studied my face.
"How are you Agent Morgan? Your mission to Mithras didn't tax you too much, I hope?" he asked, head tilted to one side as he watched my face. He was very attentive, as though eager to hear me say that I was taxed too much.
I shook my head slowly, worried now as doubt flitted around my mind. He was the one who had found us the Sharaita, and had encouraged us to use it without fully understanding the extent of the ramifications of its use.
But I couldn't allow suspicions to sidetrack me. I smiled evenly and replied, "Not too much. We're all recovering. To be honest, I'm supposed to be sleeping but instead I ended up having a rough morning."
Horner nodded slowly, as though rough mornings weren't unusual in his corner of the world. "I'm glad the mission was a success. I wanted to say congratulations. You've shown us all here at the Elite what an incredible asset you are. And your team of course."
It was almost as if he'd added the last sentence on as an afterthought. Something was really off about him and it was beginning to bug me. My silence must have made him feel like he needed to fill the vacuum of sound because he shifted in his seat.
His eyes darkened as he said, "I've received a few reports on the mission itself. I have to say that I'm quite in awe of the
progression of events."
That was an understatement. I simply nodded though before asking him my first question. "So, did you have any idea of what was going on with Saleem's father and Division 7? The attempted murder? The kidnapping of the queen?"
Horner began to shake his head then the movement slowed. "I want to say I didn't, and officially, I didn't. But my gut hinted to me that things were adding up too nicely. And when Omega went down in a blaze of suspicion that cast the net a little wide because the agencies are so interconnected. We'd obtained intel at various points that gave us reason to suspect Division 7, but an accusation of that particular agency had to be handled with the utmost care."
"Because of the Supreme High Council's relationship with the US government?" I asked.
Horner nodded. "Not only with the US government. As far as we were concerned, Division 7 was run as a representative of a handful of the most powerful governments worldwide. Any accusations of underhanded dealings had to be accompanied by proof. Not just someone's gut feeling."
I sighed. "I guess they were smart enough to ensure we couldn't get our hands on anything that could bury them." I bit my lip as Horner simply nodded, as though he'd decided he'd already said too much. I hadn't missed the fact that he'd used the word we when I'd asked about the SHC.
Interesting.
I was about to speak when Horner sat forward. "Oh, one other thing. I am quite curious as to the whereabouts of Director Gilfillan and his team."
I stiffened. "What?"
Horner smiled gently, as though speaking to a child. "Director GIlfillan and his squad entered Mithras at the same time as your team. I was of the understanding that their team was being coordinated by a different division of the Mithrasian Rebel Army."
Spine stiff, I swallowed hard as I realised I'd totally forgotten about the Sentinel team. "Has the director not updated you?"
Horner shook his head slowly, eyes narrowing now. "No, Agent Morgan. That's why I was asking. In fact, I was about to message you when I got your email. We haven't yet had word from the director or his team and we're officially concerned. I know your team arrived just yesterday but enough time has passed for us to begin to consider that something has gone awry. When was the last time you had contact with the Sentinel squad?"
I swallowed again. "Well, sir. The last time I heard mention of the director’s team was before our first attempt to enter the palace tunnels."
Heat flooded my face as I realised I'd just confessed to a grave error. I had not ensured that the other teams working in tandem with mine had gotten through the mission safely. Or that they'd arrived home safely in order to debrief their superiors. As director, Gilfillan reported to the SHC which meant no word from him would have alarm bells ringing loudly.
I stared at Horner in silence, unable to say any more that could confirm how badly I'd effed this up. I had to check with Logan first before I said anything else. For all I knew, the dragon shifter had the details that I needed, although if he had, wouldn't he have reported that to Horner or Carter if he'd debriefed either of them? I really needed to touch base with Kai and the rest of the team.
I cleared my throat. "The team hasn't had a chance to regroup and debrief, sir. I believe a few have been hit hard by the mission and the travelling. The Sharaita also managed to take a lot out of us. Can I get back to you with an update later today?"
Horner nodded, though his expression was grave.
But, mention of the Sharaita reminded me that I had another bone to pick with him. He'd helped us obtain the relic and condoned its use even though he ought to have known how dangerous it was.
I straightened in my seat. “I do have a question though."
Horner sat back, eyebrows rising a little, more curious than suspicious. He gave a small nod as if to say, “Ask away.”
I cleared my throat, feeling like I was a kid in the principal's office about to accuse him of stealing money from the cash box. "About the Sharaita."
Though I watched my boss's expression, nothing in his features gave his emotions away. Pity. If only I could have read him, I could choose to avoid getting into anything with him that could possibly get me in trouble.
But by now I knew I couldn't back away. He probably wouldn't give me a chance especially since I still had to answer for Gilfillan's strange absence.
I nodded and said, "I appreciate that you were able to source the Sharaita for us, and I understand that you did say there was a price to be paid. But I guess what I want to know is if you really understood what the Shariata was, and what the consequences would be for those of us who were to use us it? Of course, over and above that is the question as to how Director Gilfillan managed to enter Mithras without the use of the Sharaita or anything as deadly as that."
Horner’s eyes narrowed now. "Agent Morgan, correct me if I'm wrong but you were the one who said that you needed a supporting plan because the spell the djinn queen and the demon overlord were creating was possibly not enough to ensure you all entered Mithras without obliterating yourselves in the process?"
I gulp at the hard note to his voice. "Yes, of course. I did ask for help. But was there no other way other than the Sharaita? How did Gilfill--"
Horner lifted a hand to silence me. "The director came to me after you and I spoke regarding the Sharaita and I assured him that there was no need for him and his team to do anything drastic. They were told to wait at the portal entrance and measure the energy waves of the Veil which would have indicated to them the very moment you and your team transitioned. The Sentinel team were meant to piggyback on your entry, using the energy fluctuations to cover their presence."
My head had grown hot during my questioning of Horner but now as he spoke I felt the discomfort and anger releasing somewhat. His tone was reasonable and understanding, and his explanation made perfect sense.
I gave a small nod in acknowledgement, then asked, "So the director was simply waiting for us to pave the way?"
"To be fair, he didn't have much of a choice other than to wait for you,” Horner replied, his smile cool. “There was only one way to enter Mithras and that was by using magic such as you and your team were using."
I let out a soft breath. "Well, I wish there had been another way. We stand to end up with losses that we could possibly not afford. And you knew that." I hadn't meant to sound accusatory but to be honest I was accusing him.
He didn't take the bait. Instead, he simply said, "I did tell you the consequences. That a life would have to be sacrificed."
"But you didn't tell us the how of it. The details of how the Nahra is chosen," I replied, shifting forward on my chair. "What if someone...important ends up dying. There are...ramifications that could be costly not only to our team but to the world."
I stopped speaking then. I'd never been one hundred percent sure that Horner knew I was part of the Ni'amh and I couldn't make any such assumptions right now. And besides, even if he knew, I'd need confirmation from a reliable source first before I spoke about it out loud in this office.
I was all too aware of the skills the shapechangers possessed. I could very well be speaking to a fake Horner.
Now who was going off the rails with crazy paranoia?
16
I left Horner's office a little stunned and befuddled. Yes, I'd realised I'd totally forgotten about the Sentinel team and though my mess up had thrown me for a loop, it wasn't why I felt like throwing up. Something was up with Horner.
He'd answered all my questions, but he'd really told me nothing in the end. Had he known the consequences in their entirety or had he been only well-meaning in his attempt to help us by finding the relic which I had asked him to do after all?
But if Horner had been telling me the truth then why did I feel sick to my guts. I knew this feeling.
Betrayal.
But I had no reason to feel betrayed. So what the hell was wrong with me?
I had a few choices. Go home and rest, then catch up with Kai and the rest of the team,
then get an update on where the hell Gilfillan had gotten to, then see Darcy to have her check if I was still in my right mind. Then figure out who I was supposed to talk to about my issues with the portals to the dead realms and Axiat. Was I chickening out if I left it to Saleem and Nerina to figure this out?
Yes, Mel. You're chickening out.
I really really wanted to go home and rest but I had a better idea on how to get revived quickly, if only to last me until the end of the day. Chloe. I smiled as I sent the mage a quick text to check if she was available for a super fast rejuvenation session. Her response was almost immediate.
Anytime for you, dear.
With Chloe's approval, I jumped to her office at the Centre that used to be where Storm had helped out a bunch of different people before we found out he was the snake in the grass--a god banished to the EarthWorld, tasked with helping mortals.
But in the end, he'd been unable to resist his true nature and had used those he purported to help for his own dark and selfish purposes.
Last I'd heard, he'd met a gory end in one of the many hells of the DarkWorld. I hadn't asked for details and I didn't plan to. To be honest, I wasn't sure how to deal with Storm’s betrayal so I'd tucked it away somewhere deep,labeled it ‘Too Hard,’ and moved on.
But that churning in my gut generated by my conversation with Horner had brought the memory of Storm to the surface because I guess betrayal tasted the same no matter who was doling it out to you. And I'd found it was all the more bitter when the person giving it to you in spadesful was a trusted friend.
I shook away the painful thoughts and knocked on Chloe Murdoch's door. And when I walked in I was greeted by a wide smile and a pair of welcoming arms. The hug was so tender that I would have burst into tears had she not let go of me just in time.
