by Jami Gray
Muttering a foul curse, Istaqa turned and paced towards the window. Havoc watched his old friend even as rocks settled in his gut. If Mercy was telling the truth, she was unknowingly handing over some missing puzzle pieces to an emerging power struggle. One the Vultures had recently been drawn into. And now it looked like it was Istaqa’s turn.
Istaqa stared down into the canyon, his fists curling and uncurling at his side. Finally he spoke, his voice harsh. ‘And re-containment? Did they have a plan for that?’
Her attention went between Havoc and Istaqa, her answer slow in coming. ‘Not that I found, but doesn’t mean there isn’t something in place.’
‘You came in through Phoenix, right?’ Vex regained Mercy’s attention.
Turning back, Mercy nodded, lines bracketing her mouth. ‘Didn’t see much, I was too busy running and dodging.’ She looked down at the paper in front of her, frowned, erased a line, and redrew it. ‘I think the intent isn’t to claim the water, but to get you out of the way.’
Ugly speculation slithered through Havoc. ‘The way for what?’
‘Whose way?’ Istaqa’s question rode over Havoc’s.
‘Not the who you’re thinking,’ she answered Istaqa while conveniently ignoring Havoc, something he didn’t miss. Before he could call her on it, she stood up, paper in hand and faced Istaqa. ‘The Cartels are sneaky ass bastards, but they aren’t suicidal. Taking out the dam would basically be a declaration of war, and from what I saw while I was down there, that’s the last thing they want. I think this plan belongs to one singular greedy bastard, not the Cartel.’
Like a lock clicking into place, Havoc followed her clues and growled, ‘Felix?’
Her throat bobbed as she swallowed, but she gave him a shallow nod. ‘I’m thinking he’s the one who’s in bed with the mystery partner, without the Cartel’s blessing.’
Havoc fought the urge to shake her because each time she opened her mouth, she managed to add another pebble to the impending mountain of problems threatening to bury them all. Instead he gritted out, ‘But you have no proof.’
‘No.’ Soft though it was, her answer was filled with grim knowledge. ‘Right now it’s all hypothetical.’
Without proof it came down to her word. No matter how much she tempted him, or how much her information aligned with what he already knew, it didn’t change the fact her motives were questionable. She was an unknown player in an already unstable game. The truth was their safest move would be to eliminate her. Not only would it erase whatever threat she posed, but it would eliminate the trouble chasing her. Something Istaqa was well within his rights to demand.
No way in fuck would he let that happen. The realisation that he would stand in his friend’s way for a woman he barely knew ripped through him, rocking his normal dispassionate demeanour. Son of a mangy bitch! His gaze locked with hers as a strange mix of frustration, panic and fury coiled in his gut. Did she understand the ramifications of what her revelations meant? The position she put herself in? Hell, the position she put him and Vex in? If Istaqa wanted, he could demand judgement from the Vultures, the kind of judgement that left Mercy bleeding or worse. Catching the apprehension quivering under her tenacious gaze, he got his answer.
Before he could react, she added, ‘I didn’t put it together until he took out Tavi.’ They both ignored Istaqa’s sharp inhale, but her hands tightened on the paper. ‘He wants Suárez’s seat at the Cartel table, bad.’
‘Bad enough to kill his boss’s son.’ That was Istaqa, who turned from the window and recaptured the conversation.
She handed him the drawing. ‘Yep.’
He took it from her and studied it. Silence descended, everyone’s attention on Istaqa. Finally he looked up, his face unreadable. ‘If this proves true, why are you sharing?’
When she slid a glance his way, Havoc caught the sly spark in her eyes. No doubt the little troublemaker was considering using his earlier words about the goodness of her heart. He gave a sharp shake warning her off. Istaqa was too close to the edge to push. If he was being honest, so was he.
She heaved a tiny sigh and played nice. ‘I need to contact Guillermo Suárez and make him an offer he won’t refuse.’
Istaqa watched her like a hawk. ‘Which is?’
‘Give me time to bring him proof that Felix killed his son and is intending on betraying him, and not just with this attack on you.’ She didn’t stop there. ‘If I’m right, you’ll avoid starting someone else’s war with the Cartel.’
Unmoved, Istaqa’s voice remained rock solid. ‘How do you figure getting that kind of proof?’
Damn good question. What did she expect to do, drag Felix down south and deliver him to Suárez, where he would just spill his guts? Yeah, Havoc had a difficult time seeing that one coming to pass. At least the confession part of that, not the spilling of guts. No doubt the Cartel would carve Felix open without batting an eyelash. Of course, Felix would be more likely to slit his own wrists before Mercy could get him in front of the Cartel. Either way, Mercy’s proof was damn near unattainable.
Except none of that seemed to faze Mercy. She calmly replied, ‘I help stop the attack on the dam, then you act as my intermediary with Suárez. Once I have his agreement, I’ll turn the tables on Felix and get the proof Suárez needs.’ When Istaqa continued to watch her without changing expressions, she added, ‘I give you my word, I can do this.’
Endless moments ticked by before Istaqa broke the tension. ‘You don’t ask for much, do you?’ Havoc wasn’t surprised when his friend motioned his guard over and handed over Mercy’s sketch. For the safety of the Free People, Istaqa couldn’t afford not to verify her claims. ‘Send a team to check.’ He got a nod back and waited until the man left before he turned back to Mercy. ‘I suggest you get comfortable, because I’m not done with you.’
Seemingly unconcerned, she shrugged, before walking over to one of the oversized chairs and curling up. Despite her casual demeanour, Havoc had no doubt she was coiled tighter than a spring. So was Istaqa since he began pacing in front of the oversized window, hands clasped behind his back.
Even knowing her answer, Havoc took advantage of the conversational lull to ask one of the questions burning through his gut. Retaking his seat, he sat back and stretched out his legs, crossing his boots at the ankle. ‘Going to share who you’re working for?’
Proving she’d been expecting this, her face remained empty. ‘Nope, sorry.’
‘No, you’re not.’ He didn’t look away and he knew his smile was far from friendly.
Istaqa came to a stop near Havoc, leaned a hip against the chair, and considered her. When he spoke, his voice carried a ruthless chill. ‘I’m sure we can change that.’
Mercy’s laugh hit Havoc hard, scraping over his half-dead heart and slipping lower, the challenge tempting the predator within. ‘I’m sure you could, but it would be a waste of time and energy.’
The darker side of Havoc didn’t agree. ‘I don’t know, it might make me feel better,’ he drawled, trying to brush off his reaction.
Istaqa grunted in agreement.
She quirked a brow. ‘Would it make you two feel better if I promise that my boss has no ulterior motives against Fate’s Vultures or the Free People?’
‘Got proof?’ Vex drawled, her boots hitting the table as she propped up her feet. When everyone looked at her she shrugged. ‘What? Seems to be the currency lately.’
‘If that’s the case, then I’m in debt up to my eyebrows.’ Mercy bit her lower lip, eyeing them for a moment. When she spoke, it was obvious she was navigating some thin internal line. ‘My boss thinks I’m still embedded with the Suárez’s, he has no idea my mission’s been blown to hell. The decision to come to you with this was mine and mine alone.’
A decision she was still struggling with if Havoc considered the worry darkening her gaze or the telling movement as she tugged at her pants. He steepled his fingers, adjusting his perception of her. ‘You’re covering your ass?’
‘Yep.’ There was no hesitation and no shame in her answer. Her restless movement stilled, her few signs of worry wiped away by a sharp, intense focus. ‘I still need to find out who’s stroking whose dick down south, and if I can help avoid a massive cluster by sharing information with Istaqa, all the better.’
Her reasoning revealed a tangled core of ruthless practicality and compassionate honour. Unusual traits, but sound logic, something he could appreciate.
‘How long were you with the Cartel?’ The question came from Istaqa and seemingly out of left field. Except knowing the man as he did, Havoc could probably guess at where this was heading.
‘Two months, give or take a few days.’ Wariness coloured her face.
‘Were they involved with taking my son?’
Her gaze jumped to Havoc’s before going back to Istaqa, her answer coming slowly, ‘The Cartels? No.’
‘Your answer isn’t inspiring confidence, babe,’ Havoc pointed out.
Her shoulders lifted in a shrug, but her tension turned it awkward and stiff. ‘Katori said he was kidnapped by the Raiders.’
‘But you wondered,’ Vex cut in. ‘When you first saw him with us, you wondered.’
Mercy gave her a short nod. ‘The timing fit.’
‘You said “distract and destroy”.’ There was an obvious struggle between the worried father and the ruthless leader, but Istaqa handled it. ‘You think my son’s kidnapping was the distract part of the plan?’ Tension poured off of Istaqa and settled over Havoc like an itchy blanket.
Mercy sighed, compassion seeping around the edges. ‘Look, the Cartel’s wouldn’t spit on a Raider if their ass was on fire. I can’t see the two working together.’
Her comment made Havoc lean forward, elbows on his knees. ‘But according to you, Felix is behind the dam attack. Would he work with the Raiders to ensure Istaqa was distracted?’
Instead of a quick answer, she took her time thinking it through. A point in her favour. ‘No. Where the Cartel’s would stand back and watch a Raider burn, Felix is the type to light the match.’ Speculation narrowed her eyes proving she knew he was driving towards some point. ‘But he is an opportunistic bastard.’
Havoc shared a long look with Vex, seeing a reflection of grim understanding. ‘You thinking what I’m thinking?’
His partner nodded, a cold rage adding an unearthly light to her amber eyes. ‘Felix’s mystery partner is the same douche nozzle as Reznik’s.’
‘Who’s Reznik?’
Before he could answer Mercy, Istaqa filled her in, his voice flat and hard, the father gone, the leader firmly in place. ‘Reznik hired the Raiders to take my son.’ He took a seat on the couch next to Vex.
Mercy leaned forward in her chair, her confusion clear. ‘Okay, that makes him a top of the line idiot, but doesn’t explain who he is. What the hell does he gain by pissing you off? Better yet, how’d he afford the Raiders? They don’t exactly work cheap.’
Vex held Havoc’s gaze. ‘Might as well share. Who knows, she might come in handy.’ When he frowned, she pushed. ‘That’s why we’re here, yeah?’
She had a point. He turned to Mercy and watched her carefully. ‘He was an up and coming crime lord in New Seattle.’
Something flashed too fast to follow in her eyes, and her brows rose. ‘Was?’
‘Yep.’ Vex didn’t bother hiding her satisfaction. ‘My brother’s woman gutted him.’ She and Istaqa shared a fist bump.
Mercy’s confusion didn’t ease, but deepened. ‘I don’t get it. Why would a New Seattle crime lord target the Free People?’
Time to put a few cards on the table and see where things went. ‘He wouldn’t, not on his own.’ Havoc held her gaze and sweetened the pot. ‘Reznik wasn’t acting alone, he had help. Powerful help.’
Chapter 8
Shock rocketed through Mercy, but years of training kept it hidden from the three individuals eyeing her like a juicy piece of meat. It wasn’t hard to connect the dots they were giving her. ‘You think whoever Felix is working with, was working with Reznik.’
Instead of answering, they simply watched her. If they were right, there weren’t many with enough power to pull such an intricate plan off. But there were two names who could—Michael, head of the Northwest Territories and Lilith, ruling queen of the Rocky Mountain Territories. She stared into three pairs of eyes as their silent implication hit her with stunning force, leaving her stomach pitching with a combination of fury and excitement. She buried the first and reeled in the second. Her heart pounded as one name rose to the front of her mind in a screaming wave. Michael. Not only did he hold the number one spot on her boss’s lethal to-do list, but hers as well.
Before her guess could escape the locked vaults of her heart and race past her lips, she hauled on the reins of her raging emotions, forcing them back. She couldn’t get her hopes up, not yet. Flexing her fingers, she swallowed against her dry throat and finally got out, ‘Do you have a name?’
‘Wrong question,’ Vex chided, but there was nothing gentle in her voice.
‘No, it’s the only question,’ Mercy snapped back, her patience hanging on by the merest thread. ‘If we go with the theory that the Cartel is unaware of Felix’s actions, and the Vultures are working for—’ catching Havoc’s mouth opening, she corrected herself and cut him off, ‘—with Crane, and Istaqa wouldn’t kidnap his own son, that leaves two others with the means and motive to utilise resources like the Raiders and Felix.’
‘We know it’s not Lilith.’
Havoc’s low comment whipped her head around and she narrowed her eyes. ‘How?’
This time it was Istaqa who spoke. ‘Because the Vultures and Lilith have an agreement.’
Absorbing that shocking bit of news, she shot back, ‘What kind of agreement? Like what they have with Crane?’
‘If we tell you, we’ll have to kill you,’ drawled Vex. ‘So please ask again.’
Annoying bitch. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to take Vex up on her offer, if, for no other reason, than to wipe that smirk off her face. Before she could do something epically stupid and screw her chances of getting what she was here for, Istaqa spoke. ‘Perhaps a better term is a partnership, one where we all benefit.’
‘“We”?’ It sounded more like an alliance to her.
His chin lifted and his dark gaze didn’t waver. ‘As they saved my son, I’m considering it.’
‘Ain’t that a relief,’ muttered Vex, rolling her eyes. ‘And here I thought our visit would be a total waste of time.’
Mercy’s mind reeled, spinning through what was said and what wasn’t, but she didn’t miss the frown Havoc shot to Vex. Scrambling to find her balance, she blurted, ‘Since when have the Vultures decided to enter the damn power game? I thought you were all about protecting the little guy and getting justice. Besides, doesn’t Crane keep you busy enough? Last I checked, Lilith and the Free People had no need of the Vultures.’
Havoc turned back to her, his face impassive. ‘Shit changed.’
‘Must have been some serious shit then.’ Havoc’s expression darkened, making Mercy think maybe sarcasm wasn’t the best way to handle this. Since she was trying to keep her head above the flood of bad news, he’d just have to deal.
‘Understatement of the year,’ muttered Vex.
Havoc watched her with an unsettling intensity. ‘After the Raiders killed Crane, we were asked to step in and hold the Central territories until his second was back on his feet.’
Killed Crane? Hold the Central territories? When the hell had she stepped into an alternate universe? It took a second for the impact of his latest bomb to hit. When it did, she sprung from her chair, hands dragging through her hair. ‘Wait! Crane’s dead?’ Without waiting for an answer, she began to pace, trying to reshape the world as she knew it. Her head felt like it was set to implode.
‘Raiders took him out in a blitz attack on Pebble Creek.’ Vex’s answer stopped her in her tracks. She looked to the other woman, noting that Vex ta
pped one metal tipped finger against her knee, her face serious, no trace of her earlier snark.
‘Raiders hit Pebble Creek?’ Mercy knew she sounded like a damn mimic, but the shocks just kept coming. Damn, she missed a shit ton while she was down south.
Vex’s finger picked up speed but continued its rhythmic pattern. ‘Yep, then they tried to take out Simon, but that didn’t end well for them.’
Simon must be Crane’s second and based on the flash of emotion Vex failed to hide, he meant something to her. Mercy tucked that away for later consideration and concentrated on the bigger issue. ‘Pebble Creek is way out of their normal striking range.’
‘It is,’ Havoc confirmed. ‘But they were acting on Reznik’s orders.’
She stopped behind the chair she’d been sitting in and gripped the back. ‘Why?’
‘Revenge.’ Istaqa sat in the corner of the couch, arms outstretched on either side, ankle on his knee, but the air of dark fury hovering over him belied his relaxed pose. ‘Crane intercepted the Raiders and rescued Katori and the other children taken by the Raiders. That screwed with Reznik’s plans, which pissed him off, so he moved his agenda up and sent the Raiders to take Crane out.’
Moved his agenda up? What? Like there was more to killing Crane than a temper tantrum? What would a crime lord out of New Seattle gain by going after Crane? Hell, why team up with the unreliable craziness of Raiders? Slowly the logic came together for her. Raiders were the perfect fodder. Throw them at your problem and their stink would be thick enough to hide the true threat. So why Crane? The supply routes. Crane’s control was as vital to territories’ survival as the water the Free People controlled. Just to be sure she wasn’t off on her assumptions she asked, ‘Then what? This Reznik would sweep in and take control of the supply routes?’
‘Got it in one,’ rumbled Havoc.
Holy shit, what a mess. But it made a sickening sort of sense. Control the supply routes and you kept a stranglehold on the population scattered outside the city’s control. Same deal with the water supply. So if you ruled both supplies and water, you’d be sitting pretty damn high on the power ladder. Her gut cramped. Shitdamnfuck, what a bowel-twisting cluster! It took a few moments to get her brain back on track. Blowing out a shaky breath, she looked to each of them. ‘Do you have proof?’
